After their Stanley Cup Game 6 defeat in LA last night, hundreds of Devil fans expressed the same sentiments I did in the last paragraph of my blog about wanting to do something to show the team our appreciation for a great playoff run. A groundswell of internet support eventually led to the info that the Devils' plane would be landing in Newark at about 4 PM, with the players and coaches showing up at the arena to get their cars and drive off. $3 parking at the parking garage, a team poster and discounted merchandise (30% off) at the Devils Den were offered to those who came out and a good number of fans showed up in the rain to greet the team. Not exactly the throng that would have greeted them if the Devils had won the series in Game 6, but in some ways more heartfelt. I was only sorry I couldn't make it, but hey I got my chance to send them off after Game 5 and tons of enjoyment at the Rock this year.
Even the mayor of Newark - who was engaged in a running battle with Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek earlier in the playoffs - was moved by the display:
Cory Booker @CoryBooker
Just watched Devils player's bus returning to The Rock & a large crowd of fans cheering their return. Here is to loyal & committed fans
Maybe over this weekend I'll get around to looking ahead to FA and the many questions ahead for the Devils heading towards next year. For now, this seems like an apropos close to the 2011-12 season.
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