The 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs provided NHL fans one of the most memorable postseasons to date. The remarkable run of the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup made for a compelling story. As the Kings can attest, the playoffs can be a marathon to get to the top.
Sixteen teams are all trying to get to the top, but there can only be one champion. Trying to encapsulate the entire postseason is hard enough in print, but imagine trying to fit all of it on one tattoo? That’s just what tattoo artist Sean Heirigs did for a tattoo based off of a design by Eric Poole.
The end result is this fantastic work of body art…
#StanleyCuptattoo by #seantheboss @LAKings @BaileyLAKings #tattoosafterdark @DustinBrown23 @DemolitionGirl7 pic.twitter.com/bF1zYJBNDW
— House of Ink (@HouseOfInk_Tat) September 1, 2014
That might be one of the finest depictions of the Stanley Cup playoffs I’ve seen. Though the Kings are highlighted, it includes cartoon versions of all 16 playoff teams piled up by order in which they were eliminated with the Kings alone with the Cup at the top.
You can see the original artwork here.
The beauty of it is in the detail. The Statue of Liberty is grasping for the Cup coming so close, but falling just short with the outstretched hand. The Canadiens were Canada’s last best hope at ending the country’s 21-year Stanley Cup drought. The Blackhawks were a goal away from a second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, but had it slip through their hands. Perhaps the most personal detail is that of the San Jose Sharks choking away their 3-0 series lead to the Kings. The Shark is clasping at his throat (gills?) while also swallowing the broken stick from the team’s logo. Ouch.
If you’re going to commemorate your favorite team’s amazing run to the title forever on your own body, you may as well go all the way and this design does. This just might be the tattoo to end all Stanley Cup tattoos.
