A 7-game playoff series is a unique animal. It's a roller coaster ride with potential mood swings after each game. It reminds me a lot of investing actually.
As I sit here with my Canucks jersey on, I feel like the boring realist. I've celebrated each victory and got pissed off after each loss, but in between, I’ve refused to get too caught up in the hyperbole.
I've found myself in a few conversations that go something like this.
After Game 2 – Canucks lead the series 2-0:
Freddie: This is awesome. The ‘Nucks don’t have any weaknesses. I don’t see how the Bruins have a chance.
Steady: Fred, let’s not get carried away. We won two games ... at home ... by a total of 2 goals – one with 19 seconds left and the other in overtime. Canucks are in great shape and I think they’re the better team, but against Boston they’re going to have to fight and claw for everything they get.
Freddie: But it’s our destiny. It’s the Canucks’ year.
Steady: It does feel that way, but guess what, the Bruins are having a storybook season too. Their fans feel the same way.
Two days later:
Steady: How are you feeling about the series Freddie?
Freddie: Geez, I don’t know. They blew us out last night. We weren’t able to get any clear shots on Thomas, while Louie looked shaky again. I’m worried. What do you think?
Steady: It was ugly, but that happens sometimes. In games like that, the score doesn’t mean much. After the first few goals, it’s not a normal game. We’ll bounce back.
Freddie: But 8-1? I think the Bruins have our number now. We’re going to need some luck to win this.
Steady: Luck would be good, but remember Freddie, you and I watched the Patriots rout the Jets on Monday Night Football in December - the score was forty-something to 3. And guess what, the Jets beat the Patriots a few weeks later in the playoffs.
Freddie: That’s ancient history. I hope it makes you feel better.
Steady: It’s not about feeling better, it’s about assessing the ‘Nucks chances. They are leading the series 2-to-1 and still have home ice advantage. They are deeper and faster than the Bruins ... by a mile. And they’ve been good all year at not letting a bad loss ruffle their feathers.
Freddie: I don’t know Steady. I think it’s ‘do or die’ tonight. If they don’t win, the Canucks are toast. I’m so nervous.
Steady: Freddie, you are so full of it. If we lose tonite, we’ll be coming home with the series tied 2-2. I like our chances more at 3-1, but 2-2 is just fine.
Freddie: Geez Steady, you never seem to swing too far in either direction. You know what? I need someone like you to manage my money. How about it?
Steady: I’ll think about it.