Why the Stanley Cup is the Greatest Trophy in Sports

The Stanley Cup Finals begin tonight, and although my dearly loved New York Rangers will not be part of the contest this time, the Cup itself is still majestic and magnificent — and simply the best trophy in all of sports.

The 1993-’94 Rangers’ names on the Cup

It is a thing of beauty (unlike that… object that gets foisted on the winner of the World Cup) and simplicity (unlike the Commissioner’s Trophy in Major League Baseball), and everybody who wins it gets his name engraved on it forever. It’s not just a hunk of metal that gets passed around each year (unlike the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy). It’s a prize that is imbued with the spirit of the victors; every player becomes part of the Cup, literally and figuratively.

It’s the hardest prize to win, but unquestionably worth it.

Click on the link to see a brilliant cartoon infographic from The Nib that distills the Stanley Cup’s riveting history into pictures.

You can watch the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning begin the best-of-seven series tonight.

Peyton & Eli: Rapping Redux

NFL quarterback brothers Peyton and Eli Manning are at it again: shilling for DirecTV with another fun rap performance, this one called “Fantasy Football Fantasy” and promoting a new all-fantasy football channel. The Super Bowl-winning bros are hilarious together:

In case you thought you recognized a few other faces — aside from Hall of Famer Joe Namath, that is — the Mannings are joined by current Giants players Justin Pugh and Will Beatty as well as recent retiree Chris Snee, and current N.Y. Jets running back Chris Johnson. And, of course, there’s a cameo by the legend himself, Archie Manning.

As a reminder, here’s another look at last year’s promo, “F.O.Y.P.” (or “Football On Your Phone”):