America: 50☆Stars (Vol. 1)

Episode 41: First Time in Franchise History

May 21, 2019 ~ Boston, Massachusetts

After destroying North Carolina's hockey prospects in a four-game sweep (oof), Massachusetts patiently waits to see who'll be his opponent in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Like many people, he underestimates the underdogs' tenacity for championship glory. Their unique ability to take down veterans and playoff leaders has shock the National Hockey League, making this year an unpredictable, yet entertaining show to watch. His bet on Dallas is gone. Instead, the Bruins are either going to face the St. Louis Blues or the San Jose Sharks. Both possibilities sound unbelievable. After all, both teams have never won a Stanley Cup. Yet, here he is watching them compete in the Western Conference Finals on his home television.

"... Looks like I'm going to face Missouri in the Stanley Cup Finals," says Massachusetts as the final seconds of the Western Conference Finals tick down to zero.

He gets up from the sofa and walks over to a shelf full of trophies. "It has been a long time since I've won a championship." He makes a dramatic sigh while staring at one of his six Vince Lombardi Trophies, still new and shiny since February. "If history repeats itself," a chortle escapes his lips, "I'll be reliving 1970 all over again."

His chuckle grows into a sinister laugh. "Another sweep! Another championship! Another parade for Boston! The Stanley Cup is mine for the taking!"

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June 12, 2019 ~ Boston, Massachusetts

"Unbelievable!" Massachusetts gapes from behind the glass.

Missouri skates around the ice rink, lifting her first Stanley Cup above her head for the world to see. "Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria? Gloria, don't you think you're fallin'?" she sings the '80s pop song at the top of her lungs. Her fellow Blues fans sing along to the catchy retro tune.

He bangs his forehead against the glass. "I can't believe it! I lost to a dead last team from Nowhere, America! My dreams are ruined!"

"Oh, shut up, you big baby!" Missouri skates past him and continues to sing. "A-ha-ha, a-ha-ha, Gloria, how's it gonna go down? Will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound?"

He scowls. "I guess I have baseball to look forward to..."

~ Gloria! ~

June 13, 2019 ~ Oakland, California

"WE THE NORTH! WE THE NORTH!" Ontario hollers. "WOOOOO! WE THE CHAMPS!" He douses himself in champagne.

Sitting from VIP seats, California, New York and Texas watch the entire celebration unfold, unsure of their feelings at the moment.

"I feel stupid..." Texas grumbles.

"You were always stupid," says New York.

She doesn't make the effort to argue with him. "Normally, I would've been happy seeing California get her ass handed to her. But this was... bittersweet." She groans. "I wonder if it's too late to ask Kawhi to come back to San Antonio..."

New York slumps back in his seat. "How in the world did Linsanity win a championship before Carmelo?" He does his best not to scream.

As they continue to sulk over their poor decisions, both states notice California has yet to say a word since the end of the game. Not a single muscle on her body has moved, her slumped over posture remains still like a statue. Her eyes remain on the floor, covered up by her hands over her forehead.