Intro:

New Yorkers marked the beginning of the NHL playoffs in unusual fashion on Wednesday.

Script:

A giant replica of NHL's prestigious Stanley Cup was unveiled in Times Square on Wednesday. The 21-foot, 3000kg statue marks the beginning of the NHL playoffs.

In a long-established Stanley Cup tradition, visitors to Times Square will be able to drink from the cup, which doubles up as a water fountain.

Present at the New York ceremony, attended by thousands of hockey fans, were NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus and NYC DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland.

Three former Stanley Cup stars were also on hand at the unveiling. Clark Gillies of the Islanders, Grant Marshall of the Devils and Adam Graves of the Rangers have all tasted play off success and lifted the cup.