The Stanley Cup Final is chocked full of all kinds of emotions. The anticipation of a possible Stanley Cup triumph, the daunting thought of defeat. The fatigue from having won 12 playoff games to earn the spot, and the fast-tracked rivalry with your Cup Final opponent. That’s a lot to take in.
On Monday, the hockey world received an unexpected blow when it was announced that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks had passed away. Kivlenieks, who suffered an injury during a fireworks accident celebrating the 4th of July, was only 24 years old.
There was an outpouring of support from all corners of the hockey world, and ahead of Game 4 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, there was a moment of silence held for Kivlenieks.
The Habs were battling to save their Cinderella season, and the Bolts were trying to secure back-to-back Stanley Cups. It’s nice to see them put that all aside to take a moment and remember.
Some things are bigger than hockey, even hockey in the Stanley Cup Final.
(H/T Montreal Canadiens)
