Did you hear that? The Stanley Cup was carried out by its Keepers on Monday night at Staples Center. It was ceremoniously walked around the ice and placed on the presentation table to cheers from the capacity crowd. Then, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman continued his speech.
Los Angeles Kings Fans Celebrate Stanley Cup Without Booing Gary Bettman
No boos.
Not. A. Single. Boo. Ah, but maybe we missed them. Were they there when Bettman first took the mic prior to the Conn Smythe Trophy presentation to Jonathan Quick?
Again, not one single boo for Gary Bettman. This is the first time I can really think back and remember the commissioner failing to hear boos upon the start of his speech, but the Los Angeles crowd was pretty easy on him after their win on Monday. Of course, it’s also the first year since 2007 that a Cup has been won by a team on its home ice, so perhaps that plays into it as well -- the fans in the building aren’t nearly as salty.
The best part, though, is that Bettman does seem a little surprised at his welcome. He’s used to talking over the boos by screaming into that microphone, and he starts off his congratulatory speech by screaming, but after a few seconds he seems to tone it back just a bit as he realizes the crowd isn’t ripping him apart.
It’s nice to see from L.A. The focus should be on the team, not the commissioner. And besides, what would Kings fans have against Gary Bettman anyway?
Stick with our StoryStream for complete Stanley Cup Finals Game 6 coverage. For more on the New Jersey Devils, check out Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For more on theLos Angeles Kings, check out Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.
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