By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The NFC Championship game in which the Saints narrowly defeated the Vikings is one fans will be talking about for years to come.

To be sure, it had more than its fair share of drama, key plays and maybe a little luck.

Last week L’Observateur asked its readers, “Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings was one of the most exciting games football fans have seen in a while. In a game truly decided by a few key plays, which play do you think was the most crucial?”

Half of all the voters agreed it was Tracey Porter’s interception just before the end of regulation that made the most impact.

Not far behind was Garrett Hartley’s field goal from 40 yards out in overtime – the play that actually won the game for the Saints – that played the most crucial role.

Although it wasn’t technically a play, the coin toss that began overtime was a real nail-biter and garnered enough votes for third place.

A full breakdown of all the voting results follows:

• 32 percent of respondents chose “Garrett Hartley’s game-winning 40-yard fieldgoal.”

• 50 percent of respondents chose “Tracy Porter’s interception in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.”

• 2 percent of respondents chose “Pierre Thomas’ fourth-and-one conversion in overtime.”

• 0 percent of respondents chose “Courtney Roby’s 61-yard return to begin the second half.”

• 16 percent of respondents chose “The Saints winning the coin toss to begin overtime.”

Next week’s question: Where will you be on Super Bowl Sunday?

Visit www.lobservateur.com to vote.