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Whether you are a dyed-in-the-wool-sweater-wearing fan, or you just saw a few highlights on Sports Night, you have got to admit that the NHL Conference Semifinals were pretty exciting. Five of the original six teams, long-time rivals, and the last five teams to hoist the Stanley Cup all met on the ice to advance to the Conference Finals. Some did it smoothly (see: Pittsburgh and Boston), and some went the distance, scoring exciting goals when they had to (see: Chicago and Los Angeles). And now the Conference Finals are set.
Normally we would break down the games based on craft beer styles. But that isn’t really possible when we only have 2…so instead, let’s talk about each city and the beer they offer!
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston Bruins (#4) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (#1)
Two of the original six take each other on in the Eastern Conference Finals. Pitt has the better Forwards, Boston the better Defensemen, Boston the better Goalie, and the Penguins the best special teams (power play and penalty kill teams). The Penguins will roll out Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin against the powerhouses of Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg. That will be a battle to watch. I’m imagining that clip from MythBusters when the semis crush the car…
However, the Penguins have the best overall team, and should win this series – albeit not easily. What about the beer? Well, let’s see…you have Harpoon Brewing and Samuel Adams in Boston, Church Brew Works and Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh in…well…Pittsburgh. This is a tough, physical matchup of two blue-collar towns bent on each other’s destruction – through ABV or shots on goal. But this matchup has to go to Pittsburgh. Not because of their selection of beer (because that’s subjective), but because of the beer fan base. Recently seen in a Pitt bar: “Two days left to order any Sam Adams. We will not be serving any Boston beers during the Eastern Conference Finals!”
That’s enough for me.
Western Conference Finals
LA Kings (#5) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (#1)
In 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup with much of the same roster they have now. Some are saying that this is why they were able to battle back from being down 3 games to 1 against Detroit. Well, then how do you think the Kings will play since they are the defending champions? This matchup is going to be amazing: the defending champs versus the current President’s Cup winners. This truly is the best of the west. So, who wins? To harness my inner John Madden: The team that scores the most and gives up the fewest. But we’ll take the Blackhawks’ Forwards Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp over LA Defensemen Drew Doughty and Robyn Regehr, even with the Kings’ Jonathan Quick tending goal.
When it comes to beer, LA is fighting the West Coast stigma: new world, craft beer startup. And Chicago has the Midwest feeling of deep-seeded beer roots. Whether that’s right or not, you be the judge between places like LA’s Golden Road Brewing and Los Angeles Ale Works, or Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Company and Half Acre Beer Company. I would recommend them all. But I have to pick a winner, right? So…I’m going Chicago. Why? Because of the actual matchups, guys. Sheesh.
What to drink while watching: Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale. The similarities are crazy – seven varieties of malt (seven-game series), ABV of 8.5% (will make you feel like you got punched), “dark ruby color” (the color of the bruise from the punch), and the name “Dirty Bastard,” the same thing you’ll be calling the Ref that blows the call. You should do it.
