Sveum riveted by Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

CHICAGO -- Cubs manager Dale Sveum had no trouble staying awake to watch the Blackhawks beat the Bruins, 4-3, in triple overtime on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

"Even without the overtime, it was probably the best hockey game I've ever seen," Sveum said Thursday. "Obviously, both teams came right out, and the Hawks came right out, pounding and hitting. The competition the whole night, the level of the first three periods was just incredible for two teams.

"The opportunities both teams had -- for watching on TV -- it was no doubt the best hockey game I've ever seen."

Sveum used to be a Phoenix Coyotes season ticket holder until the team moved to Glendale, Ariz. He and his son went to many games in Phoenix.

"It's the one sport where nobody on the ice can take one second off, or all [heck] can break loose," Sveum said. "People can do that in other sports. In football, if the play isn't going your way, half the line can take it off. In hockey, it's non-stop, and that's what makes that sport so great. You can't take one second off."