Stars Repeat As Stanley Cup Champs

MONTREAL – The only thing missing was Bill Murray in this version of Groundhog Day. For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Stars have won the Stanley Cup on the road, winning the series 4-2, riding a series clinching shutout by their Conn Smythe winning goaltender Carey Price. Price made 29 saves for his 5th shutout of the playoffs, while the stagnant power play scored twice in three attempts in the 4-0 series clincher over the Montreal Canadiens.

After captain Zach Parise took the cup for its initial turn, he turned to find line-mate Marian Hossa and added the now 37 year old the cup for his second dance with the chalice. The Stars roster made its way around the rink passing the cup around until everyone had their moment.

Two time winner Carey Price: “There are so many deserving Conn Smythe winners on this team. I don’t know the numbers, but the team gave up very few shots over the course of these playoffs, and very few of those were quality chances. I really didn’t have to do much in goal this year!”

An on ice reporter called over captain Zach Parise. “Zach, last year you had some glowing words to say after the cup win about your goaltender Carey Price after he won the Conn Smythe – would you care to elaborate now that he’s won it in consecutive years?”

“Pricey is a selfish jerk!” Parise laughed along with the reporter. “No, what can I say. He’s incredible. The best goaltender in the world and we’re fortunate to be part of the same team as him. Of course, it’s all we’re going to hear about for the next year though!”

GM Bob McGugan on the cup win. “When the Stars hired me, the expectation was to win the cup again. The team was set up nicely and all I really had to do was not mess it up. I suspect fans were sceptical after my first moves, but I had a vision that required a few moves that needed to be made for this year AND long term team health. This team was special all year and I’m extremely proud of them all to a man.”

“I’d like to congratulate GM Duran Size and the Montreal Canadiens on an incredible season, and thank the Commissioner, Jerry, for pronouncing my name correctly during the Cup presentation!”