The San Jose Sharks may have lost more than an hour of sleep last night, dropping an elementary NHL game to the the Florida Panthers in Overtime 3-2. All this after they lead the freaking Saturday Matinee game by a score of 2-0 by the 1st Intermission.
But in all the commotion, I couldn't resist this opportunity to check out the smooth hockey radio announcing stlyings of Mr. Randy Moller. As many Fairweather hockey fans may be aware of, Moller has gotten a bit of attention on Youtube of his goal calls compiled by the Dan LeBatard show. Usually after a Florida Panthers' goal, Moller will exclaim a random pop culture reference submitted to him by listeners.
While many in the hockey circles or announcing purists may criticize his style, it is easy to find many of the calls over the top. It's not too often players score in hockey and we basically dissect the broadcasts to include only the definitive moments (which are usually goals).
In addition to the goal calls, I thought the broadcast was top notch, and easily followable through Moller's folksy charm. Not too often you have ex-professional hockey players handling the play by play duties all by themselves. Don't get me wrong, Dan Rusanowsky of your San Jose Sharks is in a class of his own. You have to credit the man working radio for South Florida's only hockey franchise, keeping things interesting and making you wonder what will he say next.
In the video, Moller brings out the Ice Cube and Hangover references in true West Coast form. It really was a good day for the Florida Panthers.
