I went to the Stanley Cup Game 7!

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith gives you his renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, you'll hear his LIVE unfiltered opinions on the day's biggest headlines as well as straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across the societal arena.
The Stephen A. Smith Show is sure to entertain, inform, and motivate anyone who tunes in.

[@MidnightScout]

Stephen A going from laughing off hockey to talking stats about the sport is something I wasn’t expecting but loving to see

[@quincee3376]

True but he has to. The money he gets paid and the fact that ESPN has the rights to hockey. But it's cool that he went to a game and seems more open minded.

[@INMATEofARKHAM]

Anyone can prattle of stats... the fact that he mentioned how much he enjoyed the game and needs to go to more games/or watch more games is what I liked.

[@davidmello5258]

@@quincee3376he doesn’t have to. This is his podcast. ESPN has no rights here

[@Canuck.Collector]

rare W from the man but we gotta acknowledge it

[@joewasrippedoff8152]

He was told to do so or else. He hates hockey it’s to white for his liking

[@Krobscorner2006]

As a black kid in the 90's, I was self-educated on the game by this network, EA Sports, 989 Sports, and Sega Sports; learned teams, players, coaches, strategies, logos, uniform history, the rules, and so on; nobody to teach me anything. I want more people who look like me, to love this game, and end the perpetuation that "we don't."

[@xXlyricaljewelXx]

Agreed!!

[@doodlebob2023]

as a white guy i agree. see how ridiculous that sounds? stop making ur skin color ur identity. ur a human being. but im blackkkkkk stfu

[@Motleymick]

That's great! But why do looks matter? Let's just do what we enjoy no matter what we look like. Game on!!

[@FindingFlorida24]

because you actually grew up and dont see everything through race baiting lines... cough cough.. like some people here ^

[@doodlebob2023]

@@FindingFlorida24 r u black

[@Krobscorner2006]

Been a panthers fan since I was 8, the year the 96 finals run happened; this was so gratifying to finally see; also, if SAS attends more games, ingratiates himself into the game, learns it, and loves it, it will love him back. That's what hockey does.

[@justinaycock6652]

Waited my whole life to see this team finally get this done.... It's so great

[@ckendall67]

I remember that '96 playoff run as well & have been a hockey fan for a long time, for the longest time that was the Panthers' only glorious moment in their early history, they fell into a malaise for a long period of time afterward, they were often the butt of jokes from fans in more 'traditional' hockey markets, there was even whispers about whether the Panthers would wind up leaving South Florida for another hockey city. They played in the shadow of the Tampa Bay Lightning who have already established themselves as perhaps the most successful '90s-era expansion team, having won 3 Stanley Cups & appearing in the Finals on 5 occasions, including three straight Cup Final appearances just prior to the Panthers' last two Cup Final playoff runs. Even last year when the Panthers stunned everyone with their 'Cinderella' run, I don't know if a lot of us even imagined they'd make it back to the Cup Final again. Well they have, and despite the Oilers almost coming from behind down 0-3, & when a lot of people thought the Panthers were once again going to end up a laughingstock on an entirely whole different level, the Panthers FINALLY got it done at home in Game 7. It was awesome not just seeing them win their 1st Stanley Cup but doing it in front of their fans who've been through a lot of lean years & heard all the chirping from their detractors but now the Panthers can finally say THEY are Stanley Cup Champions and NOBODY will be laughing at them now anymore. Way to go Panthers!!

[@markusbetts]

As a Bruins fan, I’m genuinely happy for you, now please go away 🙃

[@Canuck.Collector]

heck ya brother Hockey is dying for more attention. the most exciting sport since football imo. im a Canucks fan so ive always had a soft spot in my heart for the Panthers pretty much half of all the Canucks greats have played for both organizations. so happy for Luongo to hoist the cup

[@finnishline]

Hockey is one of the very best sports to see live.

[@boltonious]

&/or on tv

[@A350Airways]

And then you have crazy hits and saves, and sometimes breakaways...

[@noot6230]

I mean going from “the only thing I know is the puck is black” to actually talking stats and specific players, is a big step and it’s cool to see

[@MateMagyar88]

Somebody should ask him if he knows what “icing” is? 😂

[@Peabodyout]

Bud black cause ice is white. Easy to see. Fav player is Jarome Iginla. Next hoping is his son on my team. Character not race.

[@orbakun]

LGI

[@Peabodyout]

@@orbakun like you

[@nxdr4]

As a black kid growing up in the early 2000s, I learned about the game of hockey watching D2 & D3 the Mighty Ducks. Good to see SAS talk some hockey. Hopefully we can see more hockey analysts give their opinion and breakdown plays.

[@donaldleider7382]

About time Stephen A woke up to hockey!

[@tyballin321reel]

My left ear is celebrating game 7

[@kevinb2844]

having Steven A Smith do in person stanley cup coverage and breaking down Conn Smythe criteria is priceless.

[@wilseph1]

Mans does Pokemon and Ratatoolay breakdowns. You think breaking down the Conn Smythe criteria is going to shake Stephen A.?!?!?!?!?

[@user-st8sp3fw8h]

as in fuckn ridiculous right?

[@playblox7508]

It only takes going one game to make a hockey fan for life.

[@kellenc_]

As a lifelong panthers fan it pains me how someone who’s asked to enjoy hockey witnessed this moment live instead of me lol

[@jason3285]

Should have went then

[@mrsuarez430]

​@@jason3285it was so much money cheapest was 8n3 the thousands and you are not going alone it's tough

[@bencarter8423]

I’ve never seen someone actually watch a hockey game, and not love it. I’m glad Stephen A had a good time. I think hockey is starting to grow again in the US.

[@larry2281]

Game 7 delivered in every way. Probably the most hyped game 7 in recent NHL memory. Sad for McDavid but McDavid and Leon will get theirs soon.

[@canada1966]

Nah

[@BlueShoeMagoo]

We need more Stephen A. at hockey games!

[@howsyamotha7252]

No we don’t…

[@BlueShoeMagoo]

@@howsyamotha7252 yes we do………….

[@BlueShoeMagoo]

@@howsyamotha7252yes we do. Keep yer pipe shut.

[@JHockeyFan]

Thank you for giving some attention to the Cup Final & hockey!

[@adeltoral]

I’m a South Florida guy who has followed the Panthers since Day 1 and suffered through 30 seasons of letdowns. The Miami Herald has published so many frustrated photos of me at Panthers games in the past. Not going to lie - Monday night was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life! So proud of my Cats right now! Can’t wait for the parade on Sunday! 🐆

[@emmodog]

I feel your pain and now overwhelming joy. We had tickets in Miami Arena but not since they moved to Broward. We go occasionally and watch every game possible on TV. This is the greatest feeling. Maybe I'll see ya Sunday.

[@adeltoral]

@@emmodog Remember Beezer, Mellanby, Jovanovski, Skrudland, Gord Murphy, Bill Lindsay, Paul Laus, Rob Niedermayer and all those guys back in the Miami Arena days? I used to go to games there with my Pops, both hockey and b-ball. Remember the homeless folks that would spray your front windshield against your wishes, wipe it once, and then try to charge you $20 outside the arena? Boy, they used to get mad when you didn’t pay them! LOL! Downtown Miami was so different back then. And even though I live in Broward now, I still work down there in Miami - about a block south of where that arena used to be. Can’t say I miss the arena, but I do miss the memories there. I once sat in the nosebleeds during a Heat/Bulls game and watched Jordan light us up for 53 points. Never seen a basketball player like him ever again. I hated him when he used to play us, but that guy was amazing! Steve Smith, Grant Long, Glen Rice, etc., just never seemed to have an answer for him. Anyway, have fun at the parade! Heaven knows South Florida deserves one!

[@shawn4white]

Stephen a taking photos with all the hockey fans pretty cool

[@dafunkdafunk]

Respect talking hockey 💪🏾

[@bojingly6759]

Glad you had a great time at amerant, beautiful stadium filled with amazing panthers fans! As an iconic journalist for sports I’m sure I can speak on the behalf of all hockey fans that you are always welcome to talk about the sport, anything to support & grow the game of hockey!

[@C.P.]

My friends tell me that I should go to a hockey game, I won’t regret it they say and Stephen A pretty much summed it up.

[@nelsonlynch2598]

What SAS did not mention is that McDavid did not come out to accept the trophy. There is a lot of controversy about this in terms of that it was poor sportsmanship not to come out to accept the trophy, against showing his priorities in staying with his teammates. He was the last Oiler off the ice and waited to greet each teammate and encourage them when they were rightfully disappointed in losing. I think not coming out was respectful to the Panthers fans - to not take away from their celebration of winning and he showed his teammates that he was not going to leave them for a trophy celebrating his personal excellence.

[@waterboy417]

It’s only controversial to people who are fucking idiots

[@jg8464]

He was probably in the locker room crying. I was rooting for Florida, but when Edmonton stormed back to even the series up after being down 0-3, I wasn't going to be disappointed if they won.

[@emmodog]

As a 31 yr Panther fan I didn't notice he didn't come out to accept it. Just how they boo'ed when it was announced which I'm sure McDavid didn't want to hear. I was way too excited by the big prize. I was pissed in the moment but after thinking about it; he was a deserving winner. Plus games 4-6 prevented voters voting for Bob. I'm fine with the way it turned out.

[@hendersongalbreath1072]

Stephen A is a hockey fan now?! It's the future! We're here, and I'm here for it!

[@mars856]

Always interesting to hear your insight S.A.S. As a Canadian watching this series and seeing the Oilers take it to a 7th. game. You really have to give the Panthers credit with the way they kept their poise and took care of business. Great credit to their Coach and leadership from their Captain to keep them grounded and focused on the task at hand. Like their Coach said, This is a special group. What they did is special and now they're a part of history. Congrats Florida, how sweet it is.

[@hedreccochoufi9531]

Love SAS talking hockey!!! He knows his shit,, need more hockey talk from you SAS

[@OG.Bobby.Johnson.412]

As a black kid in Pittsburgh in the 90s, I grew up on Lemieux & Jagr hoisting the Cup twice, and EA sports NHL game 🔥. Graduated to Crosby & Malkin, Letang and Fleury in my 20s hoisting the Cup three more times so I've been spoiled in terms of hockey fandom. Wouldn't trade it for anything 💯

[@Bigredfitnessmoshe]

I wish I could have seen Mario live. More then any other player in history

[@OG.Bobby.Johnson.412]

@@Bigredfitnessmoshe Absolutely effortless dominance... only a debilitating back injury and cancer slowed him

[@danielguglielmo5613]

Connor McDavid is only 27. Plenty of great years left to cement his legacy. It's not like he's 37 and can be labeled a "choker."

[@michaelauckland9333]

Yeah but he's compared with gretzky. Wayne started winning cups 5 years in. Mcdavid is going into year 10 with a conn smythe. It's so hard to get back.

[@kwaty]

@@michaelauckland9333Gretzky had 6 other hall of fame teammates on that 80s Oilers team. McDavid has 1 who is a lock.

[@danielguglielmo5613]

@michaelauckland9333 That same Oilers team won another cup without Gretzky, and again with basically the same core but on the 94 Rangers. Gretzky alone couldn't will the Kings to a cup. Not saying McDavid is as good as Gretzky, but if he were on that Oilers team, they probably win just as many cups.

[@tenningale]

The salary cap also didn't exist when Gretzky played so winning 1 or 2 would be a success for McDavid's career. The Oilers are a lot like the 49ers. Won 5 titles in an era with no cap, a lot of legendary players from those teams, with a few painful losses since, but still haven't won anything in 30+ years now.

[@waterskier91]

@@kwatyalso a HOF coach and GM as well.

[@philtorrez4198]

I love watching Stephen slowly fall in love with hockey.

[@ryanc9888]

Never judge the NHL until you go to a playoff game. TV doesn’t do it justice and the regular season like the NBA and MLB can be boring at times. But there’s nothing like watching playoff hockey live especially a game 7.

[@xAechQuinn-Samuel]

As an Oilers Fan Edmonton was completely Silent afterwards

[@markgaudreau8053]

You always have the Elks lol

[@joshuaco8247]

At least you guys didnt riot like we did in Vancouver TWICE 🤣

[@smk3390]

@@joshuaco8247 yep the people here were chill. i think they said there were 5 arrests after the game for minor stuff, but no one went bonkers and rioted.

[@rickd438]

We need the Leafs in it next year. Oilers aren't good enough.

[@xAechQuinn-Samuel]

@@rickd438 Ya Were Good Thanks

[@MightySquatch79]

Talk that hockey baby!!

[@musicclassic5938]

During the Oilers vs Florida series both McDavid and Bobrovsky were stellar in some games and lackluster in others, but at the crucial moment Bob shined while Connor faded in Game 7. Just facts.

[@davemccaig2235]

It’s an award for the entire playoffs. Bob was great but McDavid was historic

[@braddyboy82]

I don't know if I agree... each of games 4, 5, and 6 were crucial moments where Florida could have taken the cup, but they didn't. They were on the cusp of winning the Stanley Cup but then needed four more shots at it to finally get it.

[@musicclassic5938]

@@davemccaig2235 The difference between McDavid and Bob is that in crucial games Bob delivered while Connor did not.

[@davemccaig2235]

And I’m not saying Bob doesn’t deserve consideration, he is amazing. If McDavid hadn’t been breaking records over the entire playoffs then Bob or even Barkov would have been my choices too

[@josephferrara6309]

@@davemccaig2235 until game 4, Bob had the lowest goals against in the history of the playoffs. Had 2 or less goals in 12 of the previous 13 games. MCDavid has a bad game and his points total stays the same. Bob has a bad game and his stats go backwards.

[@thegreatone9923]

As a life long hockey fan thank you Stephen A for taking some time to cover the sport. You have the power to get non traditional hockey fans to try the game

[@NSUCarlos]

I just appreciate that you're giving the sport a chance and its props, unlike your competitor on the other network that can only talk Cowboys

[@user-by8du2cr8u]

"Arena is cold as hell" lolol hockey on the Rise in the US

[@blackoutgang09]

S.A.S a man of the people even out if his element.💯

[@garymauk2963]

I'm a hockey guy. (Coach/player) I'm impressed with Steven A's analysis, and respect given to the game. Thank you.

[@larrycopeland2413]

Fun fact: both Reggie Leach and Ron Hextall wore #27 for the Flyers when each won the Conn Smythe in a losing effort.

[@PAVEL-JAKL]

good to see Steven talking about hockey..you have a new subscriber.

[@romanfrederick2240]

Good on u for giving hockey a chance atleast

[@paulgarcia9181]

I was born in Mercy Hospital in Miami and was the only Puerto Rican kid in a predominantly hispanic neighborhood to play hockey. I saw the Panthers both in Miami and Sunrise, saw Mellanby, Niedermayer, Zvorak, Luongo, Weeksy, Jovocop, both Bure bros, and my most memorable childhood memory was when this huge bald black dude walks up to me, smiles, and gives me a fist bump. Turned out to be Peter Worrell. Momma they did it! #FLAPanthers #StanleyCupChampd

[@DBest-nm9cl]

A hockey game 🏑 game is so exciting. SAS is exactly right about the temp drop, but we need it in South Florida. It's so hot. Go, Panthers... I think if more African americans experience one game, they'll love it as much as football and basketball. Go Panthers, baby. Let's party.

[@VGKDean]

I’m so glad you finally went to a hockey game. It’s a fantastic sport to watch live.

[@nbarealtalker]

It’s the greatest playoff sport there is.

[@FailedBard]

As an Oilers fan who's seen every game McDavid has played in his professional career, he didn't deserve the MVP. Bobrovsky was average games 4-6 and the Panthers got blown out. He was great again in game 7 and they won. When you need your goalie to be great to win, your goalie is more valuable than the guy that got a third his points in garbage time and in blowouts.

[@ClasherSports]

out of all the 4 major North American team games.... hockey games are by far the most exciting to view live. NHL > NFL > NBA > MLB

[@JeremyIngram-w1m]

I'm about halfway through this video before putting down my comment here. Stephen admits hockey not one of his core sports... admits he doesn't even like hockey, but this take inline with educated hockey fans and hockey purists. Clearly its not everyday someone can put together the offensive numbers that are comparable to 99 and 66, we need to stop and recognize that we are seeing something rare and special... greatness. Florida fans, you don't boo that man after your team has gone to war with him for 7 games, and he has compiled the playoff stats he has... you applaud him. More to that, this is the Stanley Cup Final, the competitive pinnacle of the sport. We say the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in sports, but I would argue that the Conn Smythe is the harder trophy to win, and 97s playoff stats are at the same level as the all time playoff performances, and he did it with a broken finger and a torn oblique muscle... this is greatness.

[@kxngdavid]

Good for you, Stephen A. We're all happy that you could go to the Stanley Cup Game 7.

[@Sevendust82]

Iove this!!! Wild fan from London since 2000.. and SAS covering hockey is fantastic!! Love that he wants to go to more games and actually enjoyed watching the game. Being open to trying something new is growth 👌🏾

[@davidweitzer3618]

Best SAS video i have ever seen

[@HandShakeLineRespect]

Just subscribed! Keep up the great hockey content.

[@davemccaig2235]

I’m a goalie too so I understand that the stats sometimes are unfair for us, but if you can plug in the goalie from the losing team with almost identical stats who plays for a vastly inferior defensive team and still probably come up with the same result you have to give it to the guy who did things that have never been done in the entire history of the NHL

[@A350Airways]

Let's not forget about hockey romance books! Even though the Kraken had major PR issues because of hockey romance books, even when hockey romance books often gloss over the actual hockey, or get stuff wrong about hockey, there's no denying that hockey romance books helped the NHL stay afloat.

[@vicdamon3551]

He keeps earning my respect more and more each year.

[@dougw7804]

Welcome to the hockey ecosphere Steven, longtime fan of yours, there is nothing in professional sports like the NHL Playoffs. Former NYG season ticket holder for 35 years, former NYY ticket holder, longtime NYK and college hoops fan. The stuff that NHL players endure during a season and playoff run blows away any other sport. The speed, the fury, the toughness, the resolve. These guys don't go on the DL for a hangnail.

[@user-tr9rl3jz2j]

Love to see you enjoyed game 7. NHL playoffs are amazingly entertaining and I hope you come and watch more games

[@chrisr631]

This is freaking blowing my mind. Stephen is calling out stats of individual hockey players. Props. Shout out from Winnipeg MB Canada

[@justink2874]

Him getting double and triple teamed all night and no one else on the team can step up 🤷 he's the clear MVP. He took that team to within a few goals of winning the cup 🤯

[@thepromise7894]

Oh God I just love Steve - you were COLD HAHA … It’s very refreshing to hear him talk @ our game 🏒

[@julienwood577]

I don’t think I’ve ever agreed with Stephen A as much as I did in this video. Wtf did I just watch? This man just became an actual fan of hockey? Love that. Love to see the great sport of hockey grow and bring in more eyes

[@Narkkarihampuusi]

Nice to see as a Finn that Stephen is interested of hockey. Sasha Barkov is great leader to be able to get the team together when it mattered most.

[@carlbenson6412]

Hey...I don't remember you being an NHL fan but we never talked about that stuff. Good Stephen A.

[@user-wd4zc3py4w]

Respect to SAS for going to the game and knowing a lot about hockey. I wish this was daily on ESPN. But I’m impressed about his hockey knowledge.

[@cm14un]

Hey, Hey, Hey! How's it goin', Stephen Eh? Glad to see you had a good time watching some NHL. Re McDavid: He has been THE dude on his team forever. Also, check w some inside hockey folks re: how much punishment a star player takes reg season and how it maximizes in playoffs. McDavid prob takes the most. Dude was gassed last two games--that's a team mngmt prob, not a McDavid prob. (I personally hate McDavid-- but only cause he's an Oiler, a team that hasn't really deserved him til maybe this last half-year when they finally got their act together). NHL, SA! Keep watching, I think you're gonna like it. **Also, I'm a Leafs fan. Don't get me started and I won't get you started (cc Cowboys fans)

[@deonal]

Well, this surprised me. I hope to see and hear more from Mr. Smith. Great analysis!

[@JianoJoel]

Respect for taking pictures with the fans 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 much love!

[@TheLirJEt86]

Florida had so much puck luck game 7. You’re a novice to say McDavid didn’t do anything in game 7. Absolute joke. Dude was skating circles around them. Created big scoring chances, half net empty. And 10 seconds before Florida scored to make it 2-1, Edmonton missed by 4 inches to make it 2-1 other way. Nothing to hang their heads about. Hockey is the craziest sport to have a dynasty. I never see any sport have more teams built to win 😂. Add rangers and Dallas to that list. Avs. Winnipeg was built amazing but fizzled out. And Carolina was loaded. 7-8 teams that had legit chance this year. Incredible season.

[@elpusegato]

Thank you for representing for the Panthers and hockey at large, Stephen A. You're a real one. You showed up, and I respect the hell outta that.

[@ADL21]

Playoff Hockey is what gets new fans into it. You should start following Alex Ovechkin's chase for the All time goals record SAS. Watch some of his goals and just appreciate the volume he puts the puck in the net in the hardest era to score goals in.

[@skylarwilliams5514]

PANTHERS BABY 🐀🏆

[@imagine9265]

I WAS A BIG HOCKEY FAN AS A KID BUT AFTER I STOPPED PLAYING IT IN MY EARLY TEENS I STOPED FOLLOWING THE SPORT I RECENTLY WATCHED THIS 2024 STANLEY CUP FINALS 🏒 I LIKE WATCHING ALL THE NETHERLANDS SWEDES AND FINS ect THEY PLAY WITH HEART CANT SAY THE SAME ABOUT BASEBALL & FOOTBALL PLAYERS ⚾️ 🏈

[@danielrutstein2316]

As a Panthers fan, McDavid was amazing in this series and the reason they lost was the difference between the philosophy of Maurice and Knoblauch, not him. Knoublach wanted McDavid and Drai to carry his team, whereas Maurice coaches the Panthers to play as a whole. Even our stars like Barkov and Tkachuk play hard and scrappy on defense, and no one is above the whole. In game 7, Knoublach played McDavid 25:47 TOI, which tired him out too early and could show. For a baseball analogy, that’s like asking your ace to throw a complete game 7: he’s not going to be his full self as his pitch count goes up. Some of the sprawl plays at the end of the 3rd demonstrates the difference in ohilosophy and conditioning between the two coaches. When one Panther couldn’t stop the puck, another would give up their body to clog the net, whereas the oilers were too tired to push those fine margins. In high pressure sports situations, the more detail-oriented team usually comes out on top, and I think that showed even if McDavid was the clear best player throughout the series.

[@AxelShifter]

Black man and Sharks fan, will be back with Smith and Macklin! Grew up on Thornton and Marleau. Started playing roller in CenCal and then moved on to Ice hockey in high school and college

[@nielsonlars]

Glad to hear that he had fun. I hope he goes to more NHL games

[@kevinborchers3522]

The issue with the championship thing is that one player just doesnt have enough effect on the game. The best players still play less than half the game. Lebron or Kobe can play every minute and effect every possession. Hockey is 30 second shifts and then you sit for 90 seconds. You need depth

[@highvoltagemedia7150]

As a Panthers fan I’ll admit I’m biased but Bob should’ve won the conn smythe. If it’s truly representative of the entire playoffs then it’s his. Game 4 8-1 was enough to take it away from him? Then McDavid shouldn’t have won it considering his no-shows in Games 6 & 7.

[@michaelmaniloff9297]

Who cares. We don't play for individual awards.

[@pizzacrust43]

Sorry, but you’re wrong and you’re not giving your team enough credit. It wasn’t that McDavid didn’t show up, it’s that Florida shut him down, like everyone is saying. He deserved the Conn Smythe, breaking Gretzky records and setting new ones is worthy of that.

[@eonkim-kj4xo]

i loved that outside weather 90 degree and inside the arena dropping to 30 lol !!

[@sjfsr]

I remember the 90's cup for the Panthers, I thought the beeze (Vanbiesbrouk), Niedermayer, Straka, and Barnes (among others) had it. The Panthers didn't finish on top for the season but as I remember, were at another level during their cup run.

[@drewrobertson5951]

Mad respect Stephen A! Been a hockey player my entire life and it’s great to see more Black sports analysts and celebrities giving it attention🙌

[@RickAP]

New found appreciation for Mr. Stephen A. Smith, props to you sir!

[@jeffparcels2410]

What sounds like an admission that hockey is great: "I don't follow the sport ... but, it was one of the most exciting times that I've ever had..."

[@tyraelhermosa]

Considering Connor was nursing a major abdominal injury that requires surgery, it is impressive. Still, congrats to the Panthers. You guys deserved it.

[@zippyspring]

I like this! Thanks for reporting on the hockey finals, Stephen.

[@thepromise7894]

DAN MARINO WAS A TWO TIME MVP AND WAS SO GOOD - dude didn’t need to win a Championship!

[@urboihaz]

Thanks Stephen A, we need to get more eyes from everyone on the sport...its a great sport to watch

[@GinV74]

Hockey is so much of a team sport that one player can only affect a game so much. The argument of championships in hockey is a hard one to discuss when talking about greatness.

[@kigasixtyfive]

Bob didnt give up 18 goals in 3 games btw, he was pulled in the game that they lost 8-1, when the score was 4-1 or 5-1, and he was pulled in the game they lost 5-1, when it was 3-1

[@boblansonfig3972]

Lakers in 6

[@Unapproachable_Light]

31 years? Pssh! Piece of cake! I've been a Leaf fan since 1968. They last won the cup in 1967. groan

[@tomzaner5255]

Yeah Steven A talkin hockey. Too very cool. Gotta love it. Max respect to u Steven A.

[@Lcngopher]

This was also not the first time the conn smythe trophy went to a player on the team that lost the stanley cup finals. He is the sixth player and second skater (non-goalie) to win it. The last time was in 2003 when jean sebastian giguere won for the anaheim mighty ducks but the new jersey devils won their third cup

[@alexkatsanos8475]

Great that you are a fan now Stephen A. You see how they stay out on the ice going up to 22 mph for 1 and a half minutes then they get off because they are out of breath. At this level it's incredible.

[@BrendonBrooks]

Shout out to Stephen A for bringing that energy to this coverage.

[@MagnusOffical]

Cheers from Edmonton Nothing but respect for you Peace out

[@dvan7117]

This is the same guy who once said the NHL is not a major sport, dismissing hockey as a sport to be taken seriously. Change of heart, maybe?

[@nascardadd]

This is awesome! Glad to see talking hockey. Welcome to the greatest sport!

[@Diesel_Beast_X15]

If you knew anything, gary bettman wanted to avenge the 1984 New york series because the Oilers destroyed their 3 year cup streak, and oilers went to a 5 year cup streak. Bettman just wanted to insult the Oilers and not just the Oilers the wayne gretsky of our time connnor mc david. There was well over 60 penalties not called through all of the 2024 playoffs but 2006 bettman said officials not calling penalties in the playoffs will sit on the side lines and that didn't happen it's not a conspiracy it's hard fact that gary bettman filled Florida with his NYU law school buddies for the chance to avenge New york. Cold hard fact, not conspiracy.

[@handconstructed]

Not bad, Steven A. Huge fan, so fun to hear you talking about hockey. Kinda surreal

[@Buckshot99]

McDavid did deserve the Conn Smythe. He broke one of Gretzky’s records. Bob would have probably won it if the Panthers won it in 4 or 5.

[@patrickbrooks2743]

I guess we can play hockey anywhere because hell just froze over. I am thankful that SAS is a true professional. He may not know anything about hockey other than “the puck is black” but he will do the research and give a fact filled, persuasive argument on something he knows little about. I do hope SAS starts to watch more hockey. It’s a great sport to watch that needs more people talking about it.

[@howsyamotha7252]

“I went to a hockey game and the puck is black. Sheeeeit.” -Stephen A. Smith

[@fractaljack210]

Love to see you covering hockey! Welcome!