Less than a year ago the thought of Tim Thomas donning a Leafs jersey would have implanted a CN Tower-sized grin across my face. But then he went from Tim Thomas, hockey god, to Tim Thomas, Tea Partier. This kicks down the mental door that separates two of my unwavering, and usually frustrating, passions; hockey and politics.

No team is this much fun to watch lose. No team is this much fun to watch win. I'm talking of course, about the Washington Capitals.

There is a palpable sense of embarrassment as downtown workers return to the scene of the crime, where the aftermath of last night's riot is evident. The question on everyone's lips is "How could this happen?" The Canucks deserved better than this.

Both winning teams were obviously close-knit and held each other accountable. They sacrificed their bodies, playing through an array of injuries. There was something else, though. The champions played with less hubris and more honour.