Will Winning the Stanley Cup in 2020 Mean Anything?

I know what you’re thinking-of course winning the cup in any fashion would be considered great. But due to the conditions like players not being able to practice, teams not being able to strategize, and even players getting the virus. Is it truly going to be the same as all the hard work that usually goes into winning the Stanley Cup?

Every year to win the Stanley Cup it is mentally, and physically draining to the point of breaking. Players work hard all regular season, and some barely slip in desperate to prove themselves. But due to COVID-19 teams have not been able to play games, train, workout, and practice. With the announcement of teams out of contention being eliminated, and heading right to the playoffs, it worries me that we will not see that same fire, and compete level we see in the playoffs. I picture teams playing very sloppy, and for the most part, boring hockey. You can’t just pull a team back together, and expect them to pick up where they left off. Although I am excited to see who will prevail as we don’t know which teams are going to come to form the quickest. I really believe that this year the cup is anyone’s for the taking.

Winning the Stanley Cup is an unexplainable feeling quoted by many who have won before. Although, you have to think if this year will be much different winning the beloved cup. What I mean is, the ceremonies, the kissing of the cup, the parties, the fans. Pretty much everything is thrown right out the window. This worries me because I don’t know how the players will take it this year. Also, are we going to see any teams not try as hard, which I doubt very much so that will happen, but you really can’t rule anything out this year. Everything has changed, and sports for the most part, has suffered dramatically. Another thing I’ve thought about is if the team does win, are fans not going to care as much because they can’t celebrate. Are we just going to say, “oh well you guys won it in 2020 which really doesn’t even count.” Because I could definitely see that happening.

In conclusion, with everything surrounding the struggling world of sports right now, can we as fans take this year seriously with all the problems, and lack of preparation going into these playoffs? Give me your thoughts.