Congressmen do mock ‘face-off’ on Capitol steps to mark Stanley Cup

Two congressmen who are fans of the teams participating in pro hockey’s Stanley Cup Finals took part in a mock face-off outside the Capitol on Friday.

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), who roots for the Chicago Blackhawks, and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), a Philadelphia Flyers fan, participated in the unconventional ceremony on the Capitol steps.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who said she had been pulling for the eliminated San Jose Sharks, dropped the puck while both men donned their favorite teams’ jerseys.

The two lawmakers participated in some verbal jousting over the seven-game series. Quigley picked the ‘Hawks to win in five games and Murphy picked the underdog Flyers in six games.

Three other Illinois lawmakers, Reps. Melissa Bean (D), Mark Kirk (R), Daniel Lipinski (D), and Peter Roskam (R) stood by Quigley, while Rep. Robert Brady (D-Pa.) also attended, representing the Flyers.

A lengthy, playful release from Quigley’s office referred to the two lawmakers as “Mike Quigley (D-Chicago Blackhawks) and Patrick Murphy (D-Philadelphia Flyers).”

What would the event be without a little old-time hockey? According to the release, Brady attempted to pull Quigley’s jersey over his face. “No penalty was called,” Quigley’s office said.

Quigley, an avid hockey player, will attend all Stanley Cup Finals games in Chicago, according to the release.

Here is a video of the puck drop:

And here is one of the verbal potshots: