from Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post,

There is a palpable letdown around here when the New York-area hockey teams are done for the summer. With no dog in the fight, it’s hard to garner interest in the national stage as the warmth of summer approaches.

But after all the Memorial Day barbecues and fireworks are done, Monday night brings with it Game 1 of what is an intriguing Stanley Cup final between the Penguins and the Sharks. There are stars and storylines that reach into the fandom of the Rangers, Islanders and Devils, and ones that should grab any sports fans attention.

Here are The Post’s top five reasons to watch:

1) Sidney Crosby

The Penguins captain has reasserted himself as the best player in the world — just in case he ever lost that title. In Game 6 of the East finals against the Lightning, facing elimination, Crosby scored arguably the best goal of the playoffs, just the kind of play that makes you love hockey. Weaving through traffic and finishing a swift snap shot, Crosby gave his team a 3-0 lead in a game they would win, 3-2, to force Game 7.

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