This was sharing. The Stanley Cup became everybody’s trophy, public property for a while at the Meadowlands yesterday.
“This is what it’s all about, watching everyone’s faces light up,” said GM Lou Lamoriello.
They spent more than an hour on the ice with the 1893 trophy, taking photos of everyone with the Cup. Then there was a truckload of memorabilia to autograph, and then the outdoor party.
Gov. Jim McGreevey silenced his booing by declaring it “Devils Day” in New Jersey, Lamoriello called this his closest team ever, and Pat Burns wondered where Michael Eisner’s Game 6 Anaheim parade was.
And Ken Daneyko, to chants of “One More Year,” sounded once again like the all-time Devil is about to end his career. “This would be a great way to go out,” he told the thousands. “This is the sweetest one yet.”
This was a Devils party, but it appeared that it was also an ecumenical celebration of hockey. Sources say there were even some closet Ranger fans on hand to congratulate the Devils on their third Stanley Cup.
“That’s great if people enjoy it and recognize the job we’ve been doing here for so many years,” said Vezina Trophy winner Martin Brodeur. “One time, OK, they can be mad. But now it’s been a while.”
The Devils made a point of including New York in their Cup travels, a couple of TV shows, a visit to the Stock Exchange, taking it with them to Yankee Stadium for Roger Clemens’ 300th victory Friday night.
By yesterday, they were all clean-shaven again for their Stanley Cup photo and party.
“They look young today. I didn’t know who they are,” said Burns, who said he’d grow a Fu Manchu this summer.
And there stood Sergei Brylin, the only forward to win three Cups with the Devils.
“That’s kind of strange, being the only forward left from ’95. These have been great teams,” Brylin said.
Brylin hopes to take the Cup to Moscow this summer. Tommy Albelin wants to bring it to Stockholm, Patrik Elias to Prague Castle.
Daneyko, Joe Nieuwendyk and Albelin are all upcoming unrestricted free agents. Each said he has yet to talk seriously with Lamoriello about coming back. Yesterday was the day to celebrate. Business will come soon enough.
