Last night, a dynasty was ended before it had a chance to really become one. A dynasty that should have lasted for four years, perhaps even five, but it is now over. Or perhaps not, just a pause, perhaps? In every dynasty, there are its ups and downs. Only time will tell on this one.

 For those that do not know, I am a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings.

 Even after a 5-2 lost (both series and Game 6), I am not angry, nor disappointed for that matter. Disappointment are the losses against San Jose in 1994, the NJ Devils in 1995, and the Western Conference Finals in 1996. Even after all that bitterness, as any faithful fan, I stuck with them, and as their sweat and dedication paid off, so did mine. Rewards of the back-to-back Stanley Cup championships was more than enough to pay back the three previous years.

 A dear friend for Christmas bought me 2 videos commemorating the championship years, and I did not have the chance to view the first year until just two days ago. During the entire video of 60 minutes, I kept on saying "I remember that!"

 But the videos did more to me than just remember those days. It also brought back memories of my own personal life as a Red Wing fan living in New Jersey, which I will get on to sometime during this "unit."

 Back to the game... the elimination. There will be no three-peat. There will be no dynasty. Scotty Bowman, the head coach might not return next season. Nicklas Lidstrom, Defenseman, # 5, may not return next season, even with all that, I am here, not with sad thoughts, but with a feeling of satisfaction.

 Just like how I thought it was fitting that the Red Wings should win the Stanley Cup last year from the automobile accident that injured three Red Wingers (drunk limousine driver), it is only fitting that Colorado should reach at least this far with their dedication to Columbus High School (the school shooting tragedy at Colorado that shocked the nation). Congratulations to the Colorado Avalanche, for they worked hard and deserved it.

 The Red Wings have given me more of a sportsmanlike attitude towards my game, no matter how competitive I really am. Among other things, they've also given me something that's just as intangible but as important, the love of hockey.