I'm moving to a much more easier site-
NEEDSMOREMIKEFOLIGNO.blogspot.com
SOOOOOOOOOO FOLLOW ME THERE
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!
I worked last night.
The Sabres beat the bejesus out of Montreal, 6-2. We had three goals before they had three shots. Grier scored, Pominville scored, Roy scored, Kennedy scored, Clarkie scored, and SEKERA EVEN SCORED.
Oh, and Lalime was sent to Portland for a conditioning assignment.
Life is pretty sweet. That's it.
The Sabres beat the bejesus out of Montreal, 6-2. We had three goals before they had three shots. Grier scored, Pominville scored, Roy scored, Kennedy scored, Clarkie scored, and SEKERA EVEN SCORED.
Oh, and Lalime was sent to Portland for a conditioning assignment.
Life is pretty sweet. That's it.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ryan Miller- LIKE A BOSS.
Hey! Sorry I've been kind of slacking the last week and a half. I had off all Thanksgiving weekend and thus, was out and about laying down the boom. Whatever the hell that means. I DID get to watch a bunch of hockey, and the Sabres played a few games in there! We didn't quite win against Washington- got shut out, 2-0 actually. That game was kind of rough to watch- especially after Ovie got more board on Kaleta than Tony Hawk (Of note- I once had an argument with Katy about the Ottawa/Buffalo brawl. I was 110% certain that it was Adam Mair who had talked shit to Dany Heatley and NOT Patty Kaleta, because I remember Mair apologized after the game. I was looking for a picture of the brawl online when I stumbled upon this- http://artvoice.com/issues/v8n46/adam_mair#SlideFrame_0 THANK YOU. That's a win).
The Philly game started off wonderfully! Drew Stafford scored a goal and we killed a 5 minute penalty (because Kaleta must've been pissed he was taken out, he decided to follow suit and got kicked out Friday) and then about eight milliseconds later, we let in two goals to end the period. Thanks, guys. Luckily, those would be the only two goals Miller let in- and also lucky for us, we remembered how to score goals. Or rather, Paul Gaustad and Tim Connolly remembered- which is good, because TC needed to remember, as he was in a little bit of a slump. And remember he did, since he had two goals and two assists. Miller played spectacular to end the game and the Sabres won 4-2. Time to go back home and play Carolina.
Boy, what a freaking game that was.
The game started off a goaltending duel. Minus a craptastic Tyler Myers turnover that led to Matt Cullen roofing the puck over the shoulder of Miller, the two goalies were dictating play. By now everyone and their grandmother and their grandmother's bridge club has seen Miller's wonderful save on Brind'Amour, so I'm only going to say this- it was MUCH better in person. I can honestly say I haven't seen a standing ovation for a save and heard cheering that loud for that long for a save since the days of Hasek. It was insane. And then the game itself pretty much changed in the favor of Buffalo. Mike Grier scored the tying goal two minutes into the third, and after that it was all Buffalo. The Sabres made Michael Leighton look like Kathleen Leighton in the third period, and after Grier scored, Clarkie, Roy, Hecht, and Vanek all scored. For the second time in two days, two things happened. We won, meaning we won our second back-to-back. I think we might've won two all last year, come to think of it. And for the second time in two nights, Carolina let in five in the third period. I'm thinking that's some sort of record.
Toronto Monday was next. Toronto was coming off of two wins (against Tampa and Florida, but you take what you can get), and was supposedly hot from what Versus tried telling me. And for the first 30-something minutes, it looked like it. And then we realized who we were playing and Tim Kennedy scored, and then Hank opened up the third (read: twenty seconds in) with a goal and Jochen scored AGAIN. And Miller... yeah, he let in zero goals. This is always good if you want to win games, not letting the opponent score, and he ACTUALLY GOT ANOTHER SHUTOUT. Actually, he leads the league in SO. And goals against average. And save percentage. And he's third in wins.
This leads me to my next point- while Miller is THA BOSS, I really wish we had a competent back-up for him. I do NOT think Lalime is the answer at all. He's been absolutely brutal since we signed him- and come to think of it, he was brutal between his Ottawa stint and his fluke year in Chicago the year before we signed him. I've gone over a million times- I like the guy, I dislike the player. He's a great guy, but Jesus. We can do better. Call up Jhonas, claim Valiquette from waivers, do whatever the hell you can. But PLEASE DO SOMETHING. If we make the playoffs (there's that Buffalo optimism shining through- IF), I don't want Miller to burn out. I like long playoff runs. No, I LOVE long playoff runs.
And that's it.
The Philly game started off wonderfully! Drew Stafford scored a goal and we killed a 5 minute penalty (because Kaleta must've been pissed he was taken out, he decided to follow suit and got kicked out Friday) and then about eight milliseconds later, we let in two goals to end the period. Thanks, guys. Luckily, those would be the only two goals Miller let in- and also lucky for us, we remembered how to score goals. Or rather, Paul Gaustad and Tim Connolly remembered- which is good, because TC needed to remember, as he was in a little bit of a slump. And remember he did, since he had two goals and two assists. Miller played spectacular to end the game and the Sabres won 4-2. Time to go back home and play Carolina.
Boy, what a freaking game that was.
The game started off a goaltending duel. Minus a craptastic Tyler Myers turnover that led to Matt Cullen roofing the puck over the shoulder of Miller, the two goalies were dictating play. By now everyone and their grandmother and their grandmother's bridge club has seen Miller's wonderful save on Brind'Amour, so I'm only going to say this- it was MUCH better in person. I can honestly say I haven't seen a standing ovation for a save and heard cheering that loud for that long for a save since the days of Hasek. It was insane. And then the game itself pretty much changed in the favor of Buffalo. Mike Grier scored the tying goal two minutes into the third, and after that it was all Buffalo. The Sabres made Michael Leighton look like Kathleen Leighton in the third period, and after Grier scored, Clarkie, Roy, Hecht, and Vanek all scored. For the second time in two days, two things happened. We won, meaning we won our second back-to-back. I think we might've won two all last year, come to think of it. And for the second time in two nights, Carolina let in five in the third period. I'm thinking that's some sort of record.
Toronto Monday was next. Toronto was coming off of two wins (against Tampa and Florida, but you take what you can get), and was supposedly hot from what Versus tried telling me. And for the first 30-something minutes, it looked like it. And then we realized who we were playing and Tim Kennedy scored, and then Hank opened up the third (read: twenty seconds in) with a goal and Jochen scored AGAIN. And Miller... yeah, he let in zero goals. This is always good if you want to win games, not letting the opponent score, and he ACTUALLY GOT ANOTHER SHUTOUT. Actually, he leads the league in SO. And goals against average. And save percentage. And he's third in wins.
This leads me to my next point- while Miller is THA BOSS, I really wish we had a competent back-up for him. I do NOT think Lalime is the answer at all. He's been absolutely brutal since we signed him- and come to think of it, he was brutal between his Ottawa stint and his fluke year in Chicago the year before we signed him. I've gone over a million times- I like the guy, I dislike the player. He's a great guy, but Jesus. We can do better. Call up Jhonas, claim Valiquette from waivers, do whatever the hell you can. But PLEASE DO SOMETHING. If we make the playoffs (there's that Buffalo optimism shining through- IF), I don't want Miller to burn out. I like long playoff runs. No, I LOVE long playoff runs.
And that's it.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
My, My, Mister Danny Pie
Yeah, I'm pretty clever when I need to be.
So tonight, I went with my friend Kristina to the Sabres/Bruins game. It was Daniel Paille's first game back in Buffalo after being traded from the Sabres to the Bruins a few weeks back. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to go to this game. But surprisingly, in what can only be described as insanely ironic, guess who was pictured on tonight's ticket?
WEEEEIRD.
Lo and behold, much like numerous other Sabres/Bruins games I've been to before, we lost. Come to think of it, we are something like 1-6-2 with a tie or two thrown in when I've seen them play, but the LAST one I went to we won in OT (on a Clarke MacArthur goal, if memory serves me correctly). No such luck, as we lost this one in OT 2-1. Had to be that jackass ginormous oaf Chara scoring the goal (Sorry Zdeno, but I'd like you much more if you weren't constantly playing for teams I despise) in OT. But FAHHHKIN LOOCH (aka Milan Lucic) scored the Bruins regulation goal, and anyone who knows me knows how I love the Looch. And Goose scored for the Sabres! I think it was just Bad Asses Scoring Night at HSBC Arena. I also was pretty disappointed with both the large number of Bruins fans in our section and the fact that during the second period we took a bunch of crap penalties and decided we'd take a whole THREE SHOTS. I think in the third, we had three shots in the first two minutes. No joke. Anyway, we play Ottawa tomorrow night. I'm praying Lalime doesn't play but at this point, I think we should let him play A game, because then we can have fresh things to bitch about. :)
The Canes won AGAIN. They took a SO win against Toronto last night, which really isn't too much considering Toronto is the only team that sucks worse than the Canes right now. But for those who didn't hear about it, here's what happened (via highlights I watched of the beginning- since I was at work, and watching the rest online)- Canes go down 3-0 after one. At this point I check the score and want to put my head through the wall. Score two in the second. I get excited. I get home, and it's 4-2 and I'm thinking, great. A freaking loss to Bore-onto. Then Tim Gleason comes out like a freight train (I saw from here on) and scored two in roughly four minutes and bam, tie game. So it's 4-4 and there's about forty-five seconds left, and I go upstairs for A MINUTE so I don't burn the house down making dinner. I come back, and it's OT. At 5-5. I am puzzled. Ian White had scored with exactly 30 seconds left to make it 5-4 Toronto, and then Erik Cole scored with three effin' seconds left to make it 5-5. Then shootout, with goals by Ruutu and Jokinen, and another win. I think this is going to do wonders for their confidence- hopefully they can overtake the Islanders soon.
And the Flames... uh... got killed last night. I got home and they were losing by about four so I just went back out. haha
And that's it. Sabres play the Caps, Flyers and Canes next week. Sabres/Canes should be interesting- you can find me in Section 109 with my friend Stephanie in my Lindy Ruff jersey. Should you be there, say hello!
To cap this off, I must state this for the good of the blog. This week, I went to my new favorite sports memorabilia purchasing center, First And Goal on Niagara Falls Blvd. I bought many a neat item- a newspaper from Gilbert Perreault's retirement, a Sabres "Crunch Towel" from god knows how long aback, and the highlight- in tribute to the blog- this poster.
That's the man himself, Mike Foligno, on the left. My wall = HAS MORE MIKE FOLIGNO. And add in some Dave Andreychuk and John Tucker and you've got the BUFFALO SABRES TOP GUNS (circa 1986 when this poster was made, apparently haha).
Now that this blog has more Mike Foligno, I'm out. Later!
So tonight, I went with my friend Kristina to the Sabres/Bruins game. It was Daniel Paille's first game back in Buffalo after being traded from the Sabres to the Bruins a few weeks back. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to go to this game. But surprisingly, in what can only be described as insanely ironic, guess who was pictured on tonight's ticket?
WEEEEIRD.
Lo and behold, much like numerous other Sabres/Bruins games I've been to before, we lost. Come to think of it, we are something like 1-6-2 with a tie or two thrown in when I've seen them play, but the LAST one I went to we won in OT (on a Clarke MacArthur goal, if memory serves me correctly). No such luck, as we lost this one in OT 2-1. Had to be that jackass ginormous oaf Chara scoring the goal (Sorry Zdeno, but I'd like you much more if you weren't constantly playing for teams I despise) in OT. But FAHHHKIN LOOCH (aka Milan Lucic) scored the Bruins regulation goal, and anyone who knows me knows how I love the Looch. And Goose scored for the Sabres! I think it was just Bad Asses Scoring Night at HSBC Arena. I also was pretty disappointed with both the large number of Bruins fans in our section and the fact that during the second period we took a bunch of crap penalties and decided we'd take a whole THREE SHOTS. I think in the third, we had three shots in the first two minutes. No joke. Anyway, we play Ottawa tomorrow night. I'm praying Lalime doesn't play but at this point, I think we should let him play A game, because then we can have fresh things to bitch about. :)
The Canes won AGAIN. They took a SO win against Toronto last night, which really isn't too much considering Toronto is the only team that sucks worse than the Canes right now. But for those who didn't hear about it, here's what happened (via highlights I watched of the beginning- since I was at work, and watching the rest online)- Canes go down 3-0 after one. At this point I check the score and want to put my head through the wall. Score two in the second. I get excited. I get home, and it's 4-2 and I'm thinking, great. A freaking loss to Bore-onto. Then Tim Gleason comes out like a freight train (I saw from here on) and scored two in roughly four minutes and bam, tie game. So it's 4-4 and there's about forty-five seconds left, and I go upstairs for A MINUTE so I don't burn the house down making dinner. I come back, and it's OT. At 5-5. I am puzzled. Ian White had scored with exactly 30 seconds left to make it 5-4 Toronto, and then Erik Cole scored with three effin' seconds left to make it 5-5. Then shootout, with goals by Ruutu and Jokinen, and another win. I think this is going to do wonders for their confidence- hopefully they can overtake the Islanders soon.
And the Flames... uh... got killed last night. I got home and they were losing by about four so I just went back out. haha
And that's it. Sabres play the Caps, Flyers and Canes next week. Sabres/Canes should be interesting- you can find me in Section 109 with my friend Stephanie in my Lindy Ruff jersey. Should you be there, say hello!
To cap this off, I must state this for the good of the blog. This week, I went to my new favorite sports memorabilia purchasing center, First And Goal on Niagara Falls Blvd. I bought many a neat item- a newspaper from Gilbert Perreault's retirement, a Sabres "Crunch Towel" from god knows how long aback, and the highlight- in tribute to the blog- this poster.
That's the man himself, Mike Foligno, on the left. My wall = HAS MORE MIKE FOLIGNO. And add in some Dave Andreychuk and John Tucker and you've got the BUFFALO SABRES TOP GUNS (circa 1986 when this poster was made, apparently haha).
Now that this blog has more Mike Foligno, I'm out. Later!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sabres Post-Game- v. Florida, 11/18/09
Here's my recap.
Sabres score. Panthers score three.
Sabres score again. Panthers score three again.
Simple recap. We looked like crap, but it isn't the end of the world because HEY GUYS WE LOSE SOMETIMES. I'd rather not lose to Florida. By Four. But hey, maybe this will be good motivation for Boston, and we can level the boom... I hope. Please?
Also, the Canes kept it close but *gasp* *shockedness* LOST IN A SHOOTOUT. WHAAAAAAAAT? An OT loss? Go figure. And Calgary last night didn't even make it to OT, they just lost 3-2. But they're still sick, and that was their first regulation loss of the month, so whatever I'll take it. These things happen. Just hopefully not often, please. I like wins. :)
Sabres play Boston and Ottawa this weekend, then play Washington, Philly, and Carolina next week. I will be at the Carolina game because SOMEHOW, by some act of God, I am not working Black Friday or the day after. Don't ask me how I got those off because yes, I work in retail, but thou shalt not complain when thou art bestowed a gift. If we can come out with four of six points I'll be pleased. Six for six? Sexy time.
Done!
Sabres score. Panthers score three.
Sabres score again. Panthers score three again.
Simple recap. We looked like crap, but it isn't the end of the world because HEY GUYS WE LOSE SOMETIMES. I'd rather not lose to Florida. By Four. But hey, maybe this will be good motivation for Boston, and we can level the boom... I hope. Please?
Also, the Canes kept it close but *gasp* *shockedness* LOST IN A SHOOTOUT. WHAAAAAAAAT? An OT loss? Go figure. And Calgary last night didn't even make it to OT, they just lost 3-2. But they're still sick, and that was their first regulation loss of the month, so whatever I'll take it. These things happen. Just hopefully not often, please. I like wins. :)
Sabres play Boston and Ottawa this weekend, then play Washington, Philly, and Carolina next week. I will be at the Carolina game because SOMEHOW, by some act of God, I am not working Black Friday or the day after. Don't ask me how I got those off because yes, I work in retail, but thou shalt not complain when thou art bestowed a gift. If we can come out with four of six points I'll be pleased. Six for six? Sexy time.
Done!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thank you Jesus.
The Canes won a game. Albeit, they blew two three goal leads. And allowed two goals in less than 20 seconds. And even though more than halfway through the second they were up 4-1, twenty minutes later it was tied. And it took them until a shootout to win.
But a win is a win, and this one was WELL NEEDED. Because let's face it- fifteen games would've been unacceptable. I'd still like to think that they won solely because of Rachel's birthday. That's why Brandon Sutter scored, anyway, and without his goal it's a 4-3 loss. Just sayin'.
Also, the Sabres swept a back-to-back. Against Calgary and Philly, nevertheless! Friday's game was tough, a real back-and-forth battle. Calgary struck first, with Langkow getting a goal just over a minute in. At that point I feared the worst, but Miller (as he usually is 85% of the time) was on his game and was solid from then out. Roy even got a goal. ON THE POWER PLAY. What are the odds? We took it all the way to the shootout at 1-1, and then Pominville and Roy scored in the shootout and Miller stopped three of four shooters and laid the boom on Rene Bourque, settling the score at 2-1.
Much to the chagrin of a certain blogger who shall remain unnamed, the Sabres decided not to go to Lalime for the second game of the back-to-back. Now, I'm all for the backup goalie- with the exception of the Sabres' last two- but seriously, I don't think Lalime would've fared good at all. With the way the Flyers play, and the way they played last time we played them (and yeah, I know Miller was in net), we needed to ride that hot game by Miller on Friday into Hotladephia. It was a risk that paid off handsomely. Drew "Sicktastic City" Stafford was out with a hip flexor, so the Sabres called up Tyler Ennis. And that move also paid off, since Tennis The Menace scored his 1st NHL goal in the second to give us a 2-0 lead. Miller played sicktastic himself, gaining the first star of the game and making some saves that brought severe levels of thrash in the process. Goose even scored, which pretty much spelled to me EPIC WIN even though we gave up another goal on OUR PP, and we won 3-2. All in all, a wonderful weekend.
We play the Panthers, Bruins, and Sens this weekend. Hopefully we can pick it up and get four points at the least (I'd like six, but I'll settle for four).
Also, while reading the blog of the blogger who shall remain unnamed, she mentions this quote-
"...you must have forgotten that this is the Buffalo Sabres. We don't use our back ups until someone gets hurt, and THEN you play them and THEN you yell at them for being rusty."
Last I checked- and I could be wrong here, as I have before- Marty Brodeur has been doing that for a large amount of years. Miikka Kiprusoff too, as well as most goaltenders who are completely awesome without having long streaks of sucktitude.
Part of being a backup goaltender is that you can come into a situation where your starter either needs a rest or is not faring so well and you can hold the fort down. Lalime was a pretty good starter, sure, but his time is gone. She usually ALWAYS uses the excuse that he was the best goaltender in Sens history (which is not saying much when your goaltenders include Tom Barrasso in his twilight, Ron Tugnutt, Damian Rhodes, and Don Beaupre). That's grand, but what happened AFTER he left Ottawa?
(Key note- this blogger in question has also told me that stats are useless. Okay, sure. They just keep track of things like goals, assists, goals against, and WINS just for kicks. Stats are sometimes useless, but definitely not when you see these!)
4-18-8 for St. Louis. Sent to the AHL where he finished 6-6-1 for Peoria.
4-6-1 for Chicago in 06-07. Played also in the AHL for Norfolk, 3-1-0.
16-12-2 for Chicago in 07-08, which is why I didn't mind us picking him up at first, but then again I hadn't seen his previous stats.
5-13-3 last season in Buffalo.
That makes him, in the NHL the last four years, 29-49-14. Take away Chicago in 07-08 and he's 13-37-12. That is unacceptable for a backup either way. But yeah, we should start him in an important game against the hated Flyers. Good luck explaining that one when we get absolutely effing hammered to oblivion.
And I'm done.
LET'S GO HOCKEY!
But a win is a win, and this one was WELL NEEDED. Because let's face it- fifteen games would've been unacceptable. I'd still like to think that they won solely because of Rachel's birthday. That's why Brandon Sutter scored, anyway, and without his goal it's a 4-3 loss. Just sayin'.
Also, the Sabres swept a back-to-back. Against Calgary and Philly, nevertheless! Friday's game was tough, a real back-and-forth battle. Calgary struck first, with Langkow getting a goal just over a minute in. At that point I feared the worst, but Miller (as he usually is 85% of the time) was on his game and was solid from then out. Roy even got a goal. ON THE POWER PLAY. What are the odds? We took it all the way to the shootout at 1-1, and then Pominville and Roy scored in the shootout and Miller stopped three of four shooters and laid the boom on Rene Bourque, settling the score at 2-1.
Much to the chagrin of a certain blogger who shall remain unnamed, the Sabres decided not to go to Lalime for the second game of the back-to-back. Now, I'm all for the backup goalie- with the exception of the Sabres' last two- but seriously, I don't think Lalime would've fared good at all. With the way the Flyers play, and the way they played last time we played them (and yeah, I know Miller was in net), we needed to ride that hot game by Miller on Friday into Hotladephia. It was a risk that paid off handsomely. Drew "Sicktastic City" Stafford was out with a hip flexor, so the Sabres called up Tyler Ennis. And that move also paid off, since Tennis The Menace scored his 1st NHL goal in the second to give us a 2-0 lead. Miller played sicktastic himself, gaining the first star of the game and making some saves that brought severe levels of thrash in the process. Goose even scored, which pretty much spelled to me EPIC WIN even though we gave up another goal on OUR PP, and we won 3-2. All in all, a wonderful weekend.
We play the Panthers, Bruins, and Sens this weekend. Hopefully we can pick it up and get four points at the least (I'd like six, but I'll settle for four).
Also, while reading the blog of the blogger who shall remain unnamed, she mentions this quote-
"...you must have forgotten that this is the Buffalo Sabres. We don't use our back ups until someone gets hurt, and THEN you play them and THEN you yell at them for being rusty."
Last I checked- and I could be wrong here, as I have before- Marty Brodeur has been doing that for a large amount of years. Miikka Kiprusoff too, as well as most goaltenders who are completely awesome without having long streaks of sucktitude.
Part of being a backup goaltender is that you can come into a situation where your starter either needs a rest or is not faring so well and you can hold the fort down. Lalime was a pretty good starter, sure, but his time is gone. She usually ALWAYS uses the excuse that he was the best goaltender in Sens history (which is not saying much when your goaltenders include Tom Barrasso in his twilight, Ron Tugnutt, Damian Rhodes, and Don Beaupre). That's grand, but what happened AFTER he left Ottawa?
(Key note- this blogger in question has also told me that stats are useless. Okay, sure. They just keep track of things like goals, assists, goals against, and WINS just for kicks. Stats are sometimes useless, but definitely not when you see these!)
4-18-8 for St. Louis. Sent to the AHL where he finished 6-6-1 for Peoria.
4-6-1 for Chicago in 06-07. Played also in the AHL for Norfolk, 3-1-0.
16-12-2 for Chicago in 07-08, which is why I didn't mind us picking him up at first, but then again I hadn't seen his previous stats.
5-13-3 last season in Buffalo.
That makes him, in the NHL the last four years, 29-49-14. Take away Chicago in 07-08 and he's 13-37-12. That is unacceptable for a backup either way. But yeah, we should start him in an important game against the hated Flyers. Good luck explaining that one when we get absolutely effing hammered to oblivion.
And I'm done.
LET'S GO HOCKEY!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
OMGBLOGOSPHERE
Hey guys! So it's been a few days. Let's recap!
The Sabres won, beating Edmonton 3-1. This game was pretty sweet, actually, since most of you know already that I absolutely HATE the Edmonton Failures, being the Flames fan that I am. Even sweeter was that former Flame Steve Montador scored the GWG. Thanks, guys!
In not so sweet news, Carolina is still losing games. AND Manny-Fucking-Legace (Pardon my language. I have to say it like that because when I picked up on the Blues a while back he was their starter, and the last year he played he was so bad that that was automatically what I called him) is their goalie now, so God save us all. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, we can beat the Islanders tomorrow? Please?
Calgary is doing pretty fantastic. Missed the game against Montreal because I have had a lot of family insanity going on, but I caught most of the replay on NHL Network. Holy crap, Miikka. I'm really excited for tomorrow night's game- Flames/Sabres. THIRD ROW. That's going to be a goaltending duel to the max (I hope, but as long as the Sabres win since my loyalties ALWAYS lie with them).
People need to stop crying about hip checks.
Saw the Portland Pirates tonight with my friends Stephanie and Kristina. Sick game, 6-3 Portland win. My older brother Matthew this past summer at training camp would always say to me, "Check out this Paul Byron kid. Next big thing, I think." and ironically enough, he scored tonight. I laughed. But then a lot of people scored tonight, the Italian Stallion included. SICK. And Rochester has some pretty annoying fans- the girl behind us spouted some "hockey knowledge" that apparently we only beat them because they played all weekend blahblahblahblahblah. Yeah toots, you played no games the rest of the week besides Friday/Saturday/Tuesday (note the two days off) and tonight, and all the games were close so there was no travel really involved. Teams in the NHL do that, actually. Quite often. Get a clue.
I don't know. That just bothered me (and Stephanie as well, so I wasn't the only one at least).
Well, I have a very early morning tomorrow, so I shall bid you all farewells! Sorry this is kind of out there and choppy, I'll save my later work for after the Flames game. I shall be sitting third row in my Lindy Ruff jersey, so feel free to come down and say hello even though the only person I know of who reads this is at Clemson and thus, will not be watching. I actually think she's going to the Canes game for her birthday, which is Sunday, so IF BY ANY CHANCE someone else reads my blog, go to thehurricanesiren.blogspot.com and wish my lovely friend Rachel a Happy Birthday on Sunday. She's gonna be the big 2-1!
Please, Canes. Win one for Rachel's birthday, if nothing else because losing to the Islanders is unacceptable. As is losing to the Wild after you've lost to the Islanders. PLEASE. PLEEEEEEASE.
Done!
The Sabres won, beating Edmonton 3-1. This game was pretty sweet, actually, since most of you know already that I absolutely HATE the Edmonton Failures, being the Flames fan that I am. Even sweeter was that former Flame Steve Montador scored the GWG. Thanks, guys!
In not so sweet news, Carolina is still losing games. AND Manny-Fucking-Legace (Pardon my language. I have to say it like that because when I picked up on the Blues a while back he was their starter, and the last year he played he was so bad that that was automatically what I called him) is their goalie now, so God save us all. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, we can beat the Islanders tomorrow? Please?
Calgary is doing pretty fantastic. Missed the game against Montreal because I have had a lot of family insanity going on, but I caught most of the replay on NHL Network. Holy crap, Miikka. I'm really excited for tomorrow night's game- Flames/Sabres. THIRD ROW. That's going to be a goaltending duel to the max (I hope, but as long as the Sabres win since my loyalties ALWAYS lie with them).
People need to stop crying about hip checks.
Saw the Portland Pirates tonight with my friends Stephanie and Kristina. Sick game, 6-3 Portland win. My older brother Matthew this past summer at training camp would always say to me, "Check out this Paul Byron kid. Next big thing, I think." and ironically enough, he scored tonight. I laughed. But then a lot of people scored tonight, the Italian Stallion included. SICK. And Rochester has some pretty annoying fans- the girl behind us spouted some "hockey knowledge" that apparently we only beat them because they played all weekend blahblahblahblahblah. Yeah toots, you played no games the rest of the week besides Friday/Saturday/Tuesday (note the two days off) and tonight, and all the games were close so there was no travel really involved. Teams in the NHL do that, actually. Quite often. Get a clue.
I don't know. That just bothered me (and Stephanie as well, so I wasn't the only one at least).
Well, I have a very early morning tomorrow, so I shall bid you all farewells! Sorry this is kind of out there and choppy, I'll save my later work for after the Flames game. I shall be sitting third row in my Lindy Ruff jersey, so feel free to come down and say hello even though the only person I know of who reads this is at Clemson and thus, will not be watching. I actually think she's going to the Canes game for her birthday, which is Sunday, so IF BY ANY CHANCE someone else reads my blog, go to thehurricanesiren.blogspot.com and wish my lovely friend Rachel a Happy Birthday on Sunday. She's gonna be the big 2-1!
Please, Canes. Win one for Rachel's birthday, if nothing else because losing to the Islanders is unacceptable. As is losing to the Wild after you've lost to the Islanders. PLEASE. PLEEEEEEASE.
Done!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Dirty Dozen
So guys, here's a joke-
Q- What's worse than losing your twelfth game in a row?
A- Losing your twelfth in a row. TO COLUMBUS. After your starting goaltender gets his thigh sliced.
Cam Ward is out a month it looks like according to reports. Could be more.
CROWN ROYAL, COMMENCE!
Q- What's worse than losing your twelfth game in a row?
A- Losing your twelfth in a row. TO COLUMBUS. After your starting goaltender gets his thigh sliced.
Cam Ward is out a month it looks like according to reports. Could be more.
CROWN ROYAL, COMMENCE!
Friday, November 6, 2009
The most epic of fails- 11.6.09
So here's the recap-
The Sabres lost to the Flyers. 5-2. Tyler Myers scored, and hell Derek Roy scored AGAIN. But this time, we just looked like shit all across the board. But our losses have been only a few, so I'm not going to bitch this evening about the Sabres.
Which is great, because the fucking Leafs ended up beating the Canes.
I checked the score two times. 2-0 Canes after one, 2-2 tie after two. I didn't even want to know what happened after that, because I pretty much knew what the hell was about to happen- and that, what was about to happen was a completely epic fail. I guess normally one would say, "Well, Canes, looks like there's nowhere to go here but up."
Except that's a true fact when- oh, yeah- YOU ARE IN LAST PLACE.
I just... really, guys? I mean, that's great you played the first 20 minutes. Here's the problem- there's sixty. That's right, three periods make a game. This might be hard to comprehend since it seems these days you're only interested in playing a period (or sometimes, even less) but seriously, if you stop playing hard and scoring goals, the other team will catch up to you. No no, it's true! I mean, you have to be attentive and alert the whole shift. No turning over the puck, no practically gift-wrapping goals by passing directly to the other team, no more weak glove side PLEASE.
I'm not going to sugarcoat this- this team looks like crap right now. And all the Boychuks and Sutters in the world (and there's a ton of Sutters, believe you me- they'll even take Bruce at this point) aren't going to do a damn thing when you aren't playing the game of hockey correctly. So whether it be by trade, waiver wire (Jussi Jokinen anyone?), Tom Barrasso beating the shit out of everyone on the team with nunchucks, I don't care. DO SOMETHING. PLEASE.
And make that SOMETHING winning a game. Because Jesus, 11 in a row? Your fans deserve better.
/rant.
The Sabres lost to the Flyers. 5-2. Tyler Myers scored, and hell Derek Roy scored AGAIN. But this time, we just looked like shit all across the board. But our losses have been only a few, so I'm not going to bitch this evening about the Sabres.
Which is great, because the fucking Leafs ended up beating the Canes.
I checked the score two times. 2-0 Canes after one, 2-2 tie after two. I didn't even want to know what happened after that, because I pretty much knew what the hell was about to happen- and that, what was about to happen was a completely epic fail. I guess normally one would say, "Well, Canes, looks like there's nowhere to go here but up."
Except that's a true fact when- oh, yeah- YOU ARE IN LAST PLACE.
I just... really, guys? I mean, that's great you played the first 20 minutes. Here's the problem- there's sixty. That's right, three periods make a game. This might be hard to comprehend since it seems these days you're only interested in playing a period (or sometimes, even less) but seriously, if you stop playing hard and scoring goals, the other team will catch up to you. No no, it's true! I mean, you have to be attentive and alert the whole shift. No turning over the puck, no practically gift-wrapping goals by passing directly to the other team, no more weak glove side PLEASE.
I'm not going to sugarcoat this- this team looks like crap right now. And all the Boychuks and Sutters in the world (and there's a ton of Sutters, believe you me- they'll even take Bruce at this point) aren't going to do a damn thing when you aren't playing the game of hockey correctly. So whether it be by trade, waiver wire (Jussi Jokinen anyone?), Tom Barrasso beating the shit out of everyone on the team with nunchucks, I don't care. DO SOMETHING. PLEASE.
And make that SOMETHING winning a game. Because Jesus, 11 in a row? Your fans deserve better.
/rant.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Blogospherical rambling II- Carolina Hurricanes
Dear Hurricanes,
What can I say about you that hasn't already been said about cheap hookers? You're a cheap form of entertainment, but you underperform, and people leave afterwards feeling disgusted and unsatisfied most of the time. This season started pretty damn bad, but after losing your first two you came out and won the next two. After that Florida win, I thought, "This is just what they need to pick things up!"
But YOU thought, "Okay guys, we won two games. Wait... how did we do that? What are fundamentals? Disc in net? I no get. How do I play this crazy game? Uhhh... let's see..." I mean, that's what it feels like. You lost to Tampa, and that sucked enough. A 5-2 loss to Tampa is unacceptable. But no, why stop there! Why stop at one! You had a THRILLING LOSS to Pittsburgh, then lost a heartbreaker to the Devils, then lost to the Islanders (who were put here to hate on my teams) in a game you should've won twice over, then Colorado, Minnesota, St. Louis, Philly, San Jose, and Wednesday's 3-0 blanking by the Florida fucking Cat Turds. Really, guys? Really? I mean, I'm not one to jump ship on a team. I am going to stick with a team thick or thin (see: Buffalo Bills). I fell in love with you last season. I still love you guys this season, but you're not giving any sort of effort, and that makes me sad. You're like the Ike to my Tina Turner- you're just going to abuse me until I leave, crying and bloody. I'm pretty sure of it. Ten losses in a row is bad. Where do you even start? Without Cam I'd like to think there would be some pretty ugly double digit scores. The Defense is... oh wait, there's defensemen? WHAT ARE THEY DEFENDING?! Some of these games have been downright sad to watch. The offense... they're pretty offensive, so I guess they're there. It's just altogether bad. I just think that, when you outshoot the FLORIDA PANTHERS 21-4 IN THE FIRST PERIOD YOU SHOULD GET A GOAL FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! COME ON NOW!
I mean, seriously. If you guys lose to the Leafs... well, I guess the positive here is that I'll be working. And then I'll be too drunk to care after that. And there's a girl at Duff's who "feels the pain".
-Mikey
What can I say about you that hasn't already been said about cheap hookers? You're a cheap form of entertainment, but you underperform, and people leave afterwards feeling disgusted and unsatisfied most of the time. This season started pretty damn bad, but after losing your first two you came out and won the next two. After that Florida win, I thought, "This is just what they need to pick things up!"
But YOU thought, "Okay guys, we won two games. Wait... how did we do that? What are fundamentals? Disc in net? I no get. How do I play this crazy game? Uhhh... let's see..." I mean, that's what it feels like. You lost to Tampa, and that sucked enough. A 5-2 loss to Tampa is unacceptable. But no, why stop there! Why stop at one! You had a THRILLING LOSS to Pittsburgh, then lost a heartbreaker to the Devils, then lost to the Islanders (who were put here to hate on my teams) in a game you should've won twice over, then Colorado, Minnesota, St. Louis, Philly, San Jose, and Wednesday's 3-0 blanking by the Florida fucking Cat Turds. Really, guys? Really? I mean, I'm not one to jump ship on a team. I am going to stick with a team thick or thin (see: Buffalo Bills). I fell in love with you last season. I still love you guys this season, but you're not giving any sort of effort, and that makes me sad. You're like the Ike to my Tina Turner- you're just going to abuse me until I leave, crying and bloody. I'm pretty sure of it. Ten losses in a row is bad. Where do you even start? Without Cam I'd like to think there would be some pretty ugly double digit scores. The Defense is... oh wait, there's defensemen? WHAT ARE THEY DEFENDING?! Some of these games have been downright sad to watch. The offense... they're pretty offensive, so I guess they're there. It's just altogether bad. I just think that, when you outshoot the FLORIDA PANTHERS 21-4 IN THE FIRST PERIOD YOU SHOULD GET A GOAL FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! COME ON NOW!
I mean, seriously. If you guys lose to the Leafs... well, I guess the positive here is that I'll be working. And then I'll be too drunk to care after that. And there's a girl at Duff's who "feels the pain".
-Mikey
Blog Pt. I- The Sabres.
Dear Buffalo Sabres,
I was really kind of sad/pissed off/in need of mass alcoholic consumption after Saturday night's... I don't even know how to describe that. Spectacle? Vulgar display of failure? I don't know. It was fucking bad. To recap, you lost by fucking FIVE GOALS to the Isles. Oh wait, I dedicated part of the below blog to it. Read that shit.
So you might understand, Sabres, that I was a little hesitant going into Wednesday's matchup. I was stuck working the mall AGAIN like I was Saturday, you were playing the Islanders again, Doug Allen didn't sing the National Anthem (I forgot he didn't sing it on Wednesday, which made me sad, but I sang the Canadian anthem out loud at work anyway whilst up on a ladder sizing dress pants). The odds were- oh wait, the Islanders. You guys FINALLY REMEMBERED you were playing the Islanders. Something clicked. And once Derek Roy finally added a number in the G column, I knew. I just knew we had to win. And then Tom scored- surprise there, he did that quite a few times last year- and then Goose scored, and if I had to pick one way to seal a win, I'd choose that. But you shut out the Islanders, Ryan. You said, "Hey guys, remember last time? Savor that, because I'm coming in here like fucking Patrick Swayze in 'Roadhouse' and I'm gonna mess you up something fierce." And then, he did.
So yeah, it's just a win. And they're just the Islanders. But I'm really proud of the way you guys played last night, not letting the epically large fucking failure that was Saturday weigh you down.
Love, Michael.
P.S.- Thank you so much, Hockey Gods, for allowing J-Ho to come up to (possibly) play this weekend. Very much appreciated. :)
I was really kind of sad/pissed off/in need of mass alcoholic consumption after Saturday night's... I don't even know how to describe that. Spectacle? Vulgar display of failure? I don't know. It was fucking bad. To recap, you lost by fucking FIVE GOALS to the Isles. Oh wait, I dedicated part of the below blog to it. Read that shit.
So you might understand, Sabres, that I was a little hesitant going into Wednesday's matchup. I was stuck working the mall AGAIN like I was Saturday, you were playing the Islanders again, Doug Allen didn't sing the National Anthem (I forgot he didn't sing it on Wednesday, which made me sad, but I sang the Canadian anthem out loud at work anyway whilst up on a ladder sizing dress pants). The odds were- oh wait, the Islanders. You guys FINALLY REMEMBERED you were playing the Islanders. Something clicked. And once Derek Roy finally added a number in the G column, I knew. I just knew we had to win. And then Tom scored- surprise there, he did that quite a few times last year- and then Goose scored, and if I had to pick one way to seal a win, I'd choose that. But you shut out the Islanders, Ryan. You said, "Hey guys, remember last time? Savor that, because I'm coming in here like fucking Patrick Swayze in 'Roadhouse' and I'm gonna mess you up something fierce." And then, he did.
So yeah, it's just a win. And they're just the Islanders. But I'm really proud of the way you guys played last night, not letting the epically large fucking failure that was Saturday weigh you down.
Love, Michael.
P.S.- Thank you so much, Hockey Gods, for allowing J-Ho to come up to (possibly) play this weekend. Very much appreciated. :)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween hockey = super scary.
Hello hello, folks! Happy Halloween to everyone, first off. I might as well open with something positive sooo... let's start by saying first that I haven't drank myself into a coma yet! SOLID.
So today, I worked. Ten hours. At the mall. Which was dead. Needless to say, there was hockey on ALL DAY. That I missed.
Oh, wait, apparently I didn't miss ANYTHING.
See, there are four teams I follow semi-religiously to insanely. They are, as follows- St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres. The Blues and Canes are the newest additions. I started picking the Blues up after Jay McKee signed with them a couple years back and it stuck- so hard, in fact, that I have their third jersey. It's the coolest jersey that isn't the Sabres third (or the Canes third, because that is pretty badass) and that team is freaking awesome. The Canes I explained earlier- thank you, Rachel and Chad LaRose. The Flames I've stuck by for the last thirteen years- ever since the Winnipeg Jets left. You know how I picked them? I wanted another west team that wasn't in the desert. Theo Fleury's photo that I ripped out of a magazine was on my wall. Sold. Simple. And the Sabres... I mean, I live in Buffalo. I'm from Buffalo. It only makes sense. I've loved the team since I knew what the heck hockey was.
So today, all four teams played. And the results were downright spooktacular (I'm using this as a bad adjective here). Blues and Sabres were both shut out. The Blues were shut out by the Panthers, 4-0. 34 shots by St. Louis, and approximately zero percent of them reached past the goal line. The Sabres were blanked by the Islanders. I don't really understand what it is with the Sabres and the Islanders (minus earlier this year when we effed up Dwayne RoliePolieGoalieson something fierce. But that's usually how it goes- the first game of the year we played them last year I think it was 7-1 or something like that, then we lost the next three times. Nice to see that isn't changing thus far. A 5-0 loss isn't easy to digest in any spectrum, but the Islanders? We couldn't get ONE GOAL ON THE ISLANDERS? Oh well, at least Biron got his 200th win. I guess I can pretend to be happy for a second.
Oh wait, that second is gone.
The Flames... well they looked pretty bad against Detroit. Thankfully it was only 3-1, but to give up a goal less than a minute after scoring the first goal of the game, then give one up shortly thereafter? Ridiculous. Thank you, D. Brent Sutter was not pleased, you could see it in his face that he probably wanted to go out there and sock Mark Giordano right in the kisser. Thank God he didn't, because Detroit wouldn't have had a pylon to weave around! And who needs defense when you have... just standing there?
And that brings me to the Canes. Ohhhhhhhhh boy, the Canes. Where do you even start?
I guess I will start by saying that I am watching the replay of that game now. And good Lord, this is really, really, really bad. I mean, I already watched the highlights, and I thought THAT was bad- since they lost by five and all. But when you actually WATCH the game... wow. First off, Aaron Ward... I don't know what that guy is thinking half the time he is on the ice this year. I don't know if Scotty needs to sock him in the other side of his face to even things out, or if maybe he's a Boston Bruins mole who is trying to sabotage the team on purpose, but he just looks like he doesn't know where he is. The rest of the D doesn't look all that much better, so it's not like there's much to compare to. Thank God Timmayyyyyyy is back soon because sweet Jesus, if the D isn't gonna do anything at least beat the crap out of peoples faces. Leighton looked kinda.. bad, but I can't blame too much on him- unlike Tripp (Tracy, the color analyst on FS-Carolinas, who I'm pretty sure has some sort of awkward obsessive man-crush on Staal and Cam), who seems to be ready to burn Leights at the stake. True, six goals IS a lot, but it's not like they (being really anyone on the team) played any better the other seven losses before. It's all a team effort. I don't know what more Mo can do with the team besides staging fights to the death at Center Ice for who stays on the team. This is bad. Brandon Sutter scored a goal tonight- the ONLY goal for the Canes in their 6-1 loss to Philly- which was his first in the NHL (Edit- The lovely Rachel has let me know that this was actually his second goal. This is why I keep her around because her vast knowledge of all things Caniac have helped me much the past year. THANKS RACHEL!). They're talking about him staying in the NHL, which would be awesome because I like they guy- I have his helmet, and he's a Sutter so I gotta show some love. At this point though, I don't think he'd be too worried about going back to Albany. Ugh. Hopefully I'm celebrating a win tomorrow against San Jose, because if not I'm sure someone is getting fed to the lions.
So yeah, Halloween's been pretty beat. At least the candy is free! Right?
When in Rome.
So today, I worked. Ten hours. At the mall. Which was dead. Needless to say, there was hockey on ALL DAY. That I missed.
Oh, wait, apparently I didn't miss ANYTHING.
See, there are four teams I follow semi-religiously to insanely. They are, as follows- St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres. The Blues and Canes are the newest additions. I started picking the Blues up after Jay McKee signed with them a couple years back and it stuck- so hard, in fact, that I have their third jersey. It's the coolest jersey that isn't the Sabres third (or the Canes third, because that is pretty badass) and that team is freaking awesome. The Canes I explained earlier- thank you, Rachel and Chad LaRose. The Flames I've stuck by for the last thirteen years- ever since the Winnipeg Jets left. You know how I picked them? I wanted another west team that wasn't in the desert. Theo Fleury's photo that I ripped out of a magazine was on my wall. Sold. Simple. And the Sabres... I mean, I live in Buffalo. I'm from Buffalo. It only makes sense. I've loved the team since I knew what the heck hockey was.
So today, all four teams played. And the results were downright spooktacular (I'm using this as a bad adjective here). Blues and Sabres were both shut out. The Blues were shut out by the Panthers, 4-0. 34 shots by St. Louis, and approximately zero percent of them reached past the goal line. The Sabres were blanked by the Islanders. I don't really understand what it is with the Sabres and the Islanders (minus earlier this year when we effed up Dwayne RoliePolieGoalieson something fierce. But that's usually how it goes- the first game of the year we played them last year I think it was 7-1 or something like that, then we lost the next three times. Nice to see that isn't changing thus far. A 5-0 loss isn't easy to digest in any spectrum, but the Islanders? We couldn't get ONE GOAL ON THE ISLANDERS? Oh well, at least Biron got his 200th win. I guess I can pretend to be happy for a second.
Oh wait, that second is gone.
The Flames... well they looked pretty bad against Detroit. Thankfully it was only 3-1, but to give up a goal less than a minute after scoring the first goal of the game, then give one up shortly thereafter? Ridiculous. Thank you, D. Brent Sutter was not pleased, you could see it in his face that he probably wanted to go out there and sock Mark Giordano right in the kisser. Thank God he didn't, because Detroit wouldn't have had a pylon to weave around! And who needs defense when you have... just standing there?
And that brings me to the Canes. Ohhhhhhhhh boy, the Canes. Where do you even start?
I guess I will start by saying that I am watching the replay of that game now. And good Lord, this is really, really, really bad. I mean, I already watched the highlights, and I thought THAT was bad- since they lost by five and all. But when you actually WATCH the game... wow. First off, Aaron Ward... I don't know what that guy is thinking half the time he is on the ice this year. I don't know if Scotty needs to sock him in the other side of his face to even things out, or if maybe he's a Boston Bruins mole who is trying to sabotage the team on purpose, but he just looks like he doesn't know where he is. The rest of the D doesn't look all that much better, so it's not like there's much to compare to. Thank God Timmayyyyyyy is back soon because sweet Jesus, if the D isn't gonna do anything at least beat the crap out of peoples faces. Leighton looked kinda.. bad, but I can't blame too much on him- unlike Tripp (Tracy, the color analyst on FS-Carolinas, who I'm pretty sure has some sort of awkward obsessive man-crush on Staal and Cam), who seems to be ready to burn Leights at the stake. True, six goals IS a lot, but it's not like they (being really anyone on the team) played any better the other seven losses before. It's all a team effort. I don't know what more Mo can do with the team besides staging fights to the death at Center Ice for who stays on the team. This is bad. Brandon Sutter scored a goal tonight- the ONLY goal for the Canes in their 6-1 loss to Philly- which was his first in the NHL (Edit- The lovely Rachel has let me know that this was actually his second goal. This is why I keep her around because her vast knowledge of all things Caniac have helped me much the past year. THANKS RACHEL!). They're talking about him staying in the NHL, which would be awesome because I like they guy- I have his helmet, and he's a Sutter so I gotta show some love. At this point though, I don't think he'd be too worried about going back to Albany. Ugh. Hopefully I'm celebrating a win tomorrow against San Jose, because if not I'm sure someone is getting fed to the lions.
So yeah, Halloween's been pretty beat. At least the candy is free! Right?
When in Rome.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Major in the "things that suck" category- I just got knocked the fuck out.
So, I have what amounts to a sick fantasy hockey team. Miller, Doughty, Kopitar (AKA my reasons for caring about the Kings this year since their individual success = my success), Myers, Wolski, and some other folks have kept this year interesting. Last year at this time, my fantasy team was struggling because... oh yeah, EVERYONE was getting hurt. But I was actually first in the league!
That is, until this morning.
It was bad enough the Canes lost (I lost feed a couple of times, so I couldn't watch the whole game but got score updates). But to add insult to injury, David Perron- who the second place fellow in my league has- scored three points. Also, he has Fleury, who let in a goal in a 6-1 win where- you guessed it, he has Crosby too. And Crosby got a hat trick. And while Miller had a great game, and Wolski had a goal, none of my other players did much of anything- and I am now #2.
At least my guys are healthy. Knock on wood. Poor Rachel has had a smorgasbord of problems with her fantasy team (see: Marc Savard and David Booth), and I fear every morning that Wolski will get the swine flu or Kopitar will break a leg. Oh well, it's just a game, right? RIGHT?
Later, kids.
That is, until this morning.
It was bad enough the Canes lost (I lost feed a couple of times, so I couldn't watch the whole game but got score updates). But to add insult to injury, David Perron- who the second place fellow in my league has- scored three points. Also, he has Fleury, who let in a goal in a 6-1 win where- you guessed it, he has Crosby too. And Crosby got a hat trick. And while Miller had a great game, and Wolski had a goal, none of my other players did much of anything- and I am now #2.
At least my guys are healthy. Knock on wood. Poor Rachel has had a smorgasbord of problems with her fantasy team (see: Marc Savard and David Booth), and I fear every morning that Wolski will get the swine flu or Kopitar will break a leg. Oh well, it's just a game, right? RIGHT?
Later, kids.
Use just once and destroy OR Bringing back THE HAT TRICK.
When I had my old blog (which may or may not still be in circulation but I don't remember the address) and when I was on NHL Connect for a hot minute, I had a segment I did called THE HAT TRICK. Pretty much what I did was pick three things I thought were interesting to me in the hockey world and babble on about it for a paragraph or three. Thus, I think I'm going to bring that back. Maybe make it a Wednesday or Thursday thing, since I usually have a ton of time on my hands.
So, ladies and gents, without further ado- THE HAT TRICK!
Chapeau 1- How sick are the Colorado Avalanche?
The answer- really sick. Sometimes, the folks in the hockey world get surprised by a team really early in the season. Last year, it was the Rangers. A few years back, it was the Sabres. This year, it looks like the Avalanche. Where did this team come from, I don't know. But whoever helped assemble this team, from the GM's and scouts on down, deserves a pat on the back. The big names aren't there, but the team is solidly built. From the goaltending of Craig Anderson, who really started to show his skills last year in Florida but is blossoming into a top-tier goaltender in Colorado. The play of young guys such as Matt Duchene and 18-year-old Ryan O'Reilly, a 2nd round pick this past year (from the Erie Otters- represent!) who is quietly making a name for himself in the NHL. The veteran leadership of Milan Hejduk, Darcy Tucker (who I hate a lot, but still- the guy is a presence) and Paul Stastny- who I list despite the fact that he is 23, he's still played three years. And Wojtek Wolski, a guy I used to trade for in NHL07 because he had a cool name. Wolski has been a pest to opponents all year- grinding his way to eight goals, five assists and a phenomenal +9. For a team that was slated to finish somewhere between 26th and 30th in the league, I'd say they are doing a great job at shutting their critics up something fierce. Let's hope this continues- but not at the expense of the Flames again, thank you very much.
Sombrero 2- The Sabres are playing pretty good.
One thing I don't like doing is getting excited about one of my teams having a hot start in the beginning of the season. I'll do it all day for the Avalanche, because they're hot but what do I care? The Sabres did the same thing last year, and we didn't even make the playoffs. But this year... hot damn. I watch this team, and I see resilience, toughness, and grit that I haven't seen in a while. I see all the lines playing hard, from the top to the bottom. We have nine guys with at least two goals this year, and that means that we don't have to rely on one person to score goals like we did at times with TomVanek last year. When guys like Roy and Vanek don't produce, you instead see guys like Gaustad, Myers, and MacArthur getting their names in the box score. You see guys standing up for their teammates more. This team makes me proud. I didn't really want to say anything, and I've kinda been hesitant because we're only nine games in, and you don't get any awards for having a great nine game record. But to say I'm excited for this team- that would be an understatement. Miller- what more can I say about Miller that I haven't said before? The guy must've been watching a TON of "Breakin' And Poppin'" this summer because he has made some pretty solid saves in net this season. He's on top of his game a little more than last year and I'd be a fool if I didn't mention that he's probably one of the big reasons we've started as hot as we have.
3, or Pop! Goes The Hat Trick. My Stanley Cup picks for this season.
I realized that I never put up my picks for this year, and like last year, I'd like to look at my picks and realize, "Boy. I really fucked this year up something fierce." So, from the lovely piece of paper I wrote it on at the end of September, here are my ECF/WCF and SCF picks.
Eastern Conference Finals- Pittsburgh vs. Washington
Western Conference Finals- San Jose vs. Calgary
Stanley Cup Finals- San Jose vs. Washington
Winner- San Jose Sharks.
Do you know how hard it was to pick AGAINST Calgary? Very. I just like the Sharks to win the West. I think this is FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY their year. But, I said something like that last year, and the Ducks harpooned them out in the first round. This is why I'm not an expert, and am writing on blogger.com instead of nhl.com.
And that's about it. Also, Paul Maurice- if you decide you're going to motivate the team extra hard at practice tomorrow, please let Scotty punch Aaron Ward in the other eye. Maybe that'll balance his brain out and make him play better. Thanks, Mo.
I've got nothing really left to report. I work all weekend minus Sunday so if I don't get around to updating beforehand, you all out there in the Blogosphere have a wonderfully Happy Halloween! :)
So, ladies and gents, without further ado- THE HAT TRICK!
Chapeau 1- How sick are the Colorado Avalanche?
The answer- really sick. Sometimes, the folks in the hockey world get surprised by a team really early in the season. Last year, it was the Rangers. A few years back, it was the Sabres. This year, it looks like the Avalanche. Where did this team come from, I don't know. But whoever helped assemble this team, from the GM's and scouts on down, deserves a pat on the back. The big names aren't there, but the team is solidly built. From the goaltending of Craig Anderson, who really started to show his skills last year in Florida but is blossoming into a top-tier goaltender in Colorado. The play of young guys such as Matt Duchene and 18-year-old Ryan O'Reilly, a 2nd round pick this past year (from the Erie Otters- represent!) who is quietly making a name for himself in the NHL. The veteran leadership of Milan Hejduk, Darcy Tucker (who I hate a lot, but still- the guy is a presence) and Paul Stastny- who I list despite the fact that he is 23, he's still played three years. And Wojtek Wolski, a guy I used to trade for in NHL07 because he had a cool name. Wolski has been a pest to opponents all year- grinding his way to eight goals, five assists and a phenomenal +9. For a team that was slated to finish somewhere between 26th and 30th in the league, I'd say they are doing a great job at shutting their critics up something fierce. Let's hope this continues- but not at the expense of the Flames again, thank you very much.
Sombrero 2- The Sabres are playing pretty good.
One thing I don't like doing is getting excited about one of my teams having a hot start in the beginning of the season. I'll do it all day for the Avalanche, because they're hot but what do I care? The Sabres did the same thing last year, and we didn't even make the playoffs. But this year... hot damn. I watch this team, and I see resilience, toughness, and grit that I haven't seen in a while. I see all the lines playing hard, from the top to the bottom. We have nine guys with at least two goals this year, and that means that we don't have to rely on one person to score goals like we did at times with TomVanek last year. When guys like Roy and Vanek don't produce, you instead see guys like Gaustad, Myers, and MacArthur getting their names in the box score. You see guys standing up for their teammates more. This team makes me proud. I didn't really want to say anything, and I've kinda been hesitant because we're only nine games in, and you don't get any awards for having a great nine game record. But to say I'm excited for this team- that would be an understatement. Miller- what more can I say about Miller that I haven't said before? The guy must've been watching a TON of "Breakin' And Poppin'" this summer because he has made some pretty solid saves in net this season. He's on top of his game a little more than last year and I'd be a fool if I didn't mention that he's probably one of the big reasons we've started as hot as we have.
3, or Pop! Goes The Hat Trick. My Stanley Cup picks for this season.
I realized that I never put up my picks for this year, and like last year, I'd like to look at my picks and realize, "Boy. I really fucked this year up something fierce." So, from the lovely piece of paper I wrote it on at the end of September, here are my ECF/WCF and SCF picks.
Eastern Conference Finals- Pittsburgh vs. Washington
Western Conference Finals- San Jose vs. Calgary
Stanley Cup Finals- San Jose vs. Washington
Winner- San Jose Sharks.
Do you know how hard it was to pick AGAINST Calgary? Very. I just like the Sharks to win the West. I think this is FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY their year. But, I said something like that last year, and the Ducks harpooned them out in the first round. This is why I'm not an expert, and am writing on blogger.com instead of nhl.com.
And that's about it. Also, Paul Maurice- if you decide you're going to motivate the team extra hard at practice tomorrow, please let Scotty punch Aaron Ward in the other eye. Maybe that'll balance his brain out and make him play better. Thanks, Mo.
I've got nothing really left to report. I work all weekend minus Sunday so if I don't get around to updating beforehand, you all out there in the Blogosphere have a wonderfully Happy Halloween! :)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Epic Raleigh Adventure Pt. 1 of Many/other hockey notables. Or "Hey, I finally motivated myself enough to write stuff!"
Hey guys! Long time no type. And now it's HOCKEY TIME.
First, Raleigh. Let me tell you, this was an adventure. Now, flying to Raleigh from Buffalo is usually a nice, short trip. Oh wait... I took a fucking bus. Thus, I stopped EVERYWHERE from Erie to Akron to Charleston to Winston-Salem to Raleigh. It was a 19.5 hour bus adventure, but the scenery was so rad so it was worth it-and I slept twenty minutes combined (that's not an exaggeration, either, that's fact) so I got to see a ton of it. I was met at theairport Greyhound Station by epically beautiful hostess number one of the weekend, Katy, where we then drove to CANES PRACTICE! We met up with Arielle at practice and watched the players do *gasp* drills. Like you do at practice, you know. But it was awesome- RBC Center is pretty sick. We stopped at The Eye, the gift store, after and I got my brother a Stormy doll and a foam finger and got myself a Jussi shirt. Stormy, for those who are unaware, is the mascot of the Hurricanes (since a hurricane is, coincidentally, a storm- go figure) and he is an Ice Hog- that is, a pig on skates. I think he's a great mascot except there's a lot of BBQ pork places around the Arena, and how can you go out and do your job knowing your brothers and sisters are getting chomped on around the Arena? What a brave Ice Hog.
Anyway, after eating some smuggled Mighty Taco with Katy and epically beautiful hostess number two, Heather (FYI- if you have to do it, ask them to double wrap it in the paper and then when you get home, double wrap it in foil and pop it in the ol' freezybox- it'll work, i'm living proof- and no sour cream on it or you'll ruin everything), we went to the CANES GAME. Holy damn, that's all I can say. That arena is awesome. The Canes lost the game, but the experience was awesome. It reminded me of the Aud- it's a little smaller than HSBC, but not by much, but BOY is it loud! It wasn't sold out by any means- I mean, it was the Preds- but it sure sounded like it. I'm not even saying that being biased. I had probably the best BBQ pulled pork sandwich I've ever had in my entire life, and during the game they have an auction for game used and autographed merchandise. They had a Brandon Sutter helmet, autographed AND game used. Needless to say, $230 later, I had my helmet. SICK. Go to a game, leave with a helmet. It also helped that my lovely hostesses kept me amused the whole game with chants of "SHOOT IT CAM!" and kept me enthusiastic the entire game. At one point, Cam turned his head after the "SHOOT IT!" chant haha. Oh, the perks of third row seating. hahaha Anyway, yeah, good times. Sunday we went to the Caniac Carnival, which was pretty sick. I'm not going to write too much on that, but some highlights-
-Arielle is a huge Joni Pitkanen fan. I got an hour and a half of sleep Saturday night and while she, Bryan (sorry Bryan for making you wait through that charade hahaha), and I waited in line, I spent the entire like, 25-35 minutes in line for the Staal/Pitkanen line making up fun facts about Joni. Like how he's actually "Jon I. Pitkanenczak" (the I stands for Ichabod) from Finlandia, Wisconsin. Or calling him Joni Mitchell and Joan Rivers. Then I finally get up there and he gives me the most insane signature- TO MIKE!! JONI PITKANEN #25. He also couldn't spell Mike. There are two Mike's on his team. Juuuuuuust saying.
-Aaron Ward was in our line, and I swear to God the kid in front of us had a photo of Scotty Walker punching him in the face from the playoffs for him to sign. He did it though, which I thought was crazy because I was hoping A-Ward would just punch him all the way into next week.
-Chatting with Stormy. I got my picture with him but I have no idea who actually took it... I need to track that down.
-I purchased a Mike Grier Starting Lineup from some random vendor which was AWESOME, because then the next Friday at practice I had him sign it.
-Meeting Chad LaRose! That was awesome. And oh yeah, Eric Staal, Cam Ward (who is seriously ridiculously nice-Katy had her Leighton jersey on and he asked her if she found him to sign her jersey even!), and various other fun players like MATT CULLENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN. OH EM GEE.
Needless to say, Raleigh was sick awesome. Big thanks to my awesome hostesses, and all my new friends I met down there- Ashley and Bryan, Arrrrr, Kerri, Joey, and the random lady I talked to who helped me find the trash receptacle where Heather and Katy live was solid too. OH and Stormy, how can I forget my little Ice Hog? My little brother might've won out the most on the getting presents part. He got a Stormy doll, foam finger, Canes schedule, and a Sabres Conference Champs 99 Banner and Matthew Barnaby jersey that one of Heather's relatives or friends gave her. And I've already planned a trip back November 13-15/16th (I don't know exactly what day I'll have to go back to work but it'll be another SICK BUS ADVENTURE because I am CHEEEEEEEAP) and there's TWO games that weekend. Mega rad.
Now that you read all that awesome, it's time for HOCKEYS. with Mikey.
Let's play a game called Hat Trick where I name three things currently I want to talk about.
1. Dany Heatley. Now, for those who read my last post and know me one iota, this is going to come as a shock, so bear with me. Grab a seat, sit down, and grab a paper bag to hyperventilate and/or vomit into. Here goes.
I don't hate Dany Heatley now that he isn't a Senator anymore.
I don't know how this could've happened myself. I mean, he was just so easy to hate! Scoring goals and stuff against us all the time, the Speed Racer jokes... so simple. But you know what? Once he was off the team I despise ALMOST as much as Philly or Toronto or *shudders* Edmonton, I came to realize that he is actually a pretty sick hockey player, because I wasn't watching the stupid Sens kick our ass (or really even just them playing upsets my brain) but instead I was watching him deke his way up the ice to net a hat trick. I started watching him after someone talked some (also see:tons of, multiple) sense into me by showing me that like a Jeff Carter, who I love but plays for a team I really don't love one millimeters worth, Dany Heatley was just a good player I could root for who just happened to play for a team I want to punch in the taint. Oh San Jose Sharks, you ruined EVERYTHING
2. As long as Ryan Miller is the only real reason we're winning more games than the Buffalo Bills, Patrick Lalime will never start. And that is fucking awesome, and not so at the same time. I do not want our team's top goaltender (player, even? will we dispute that, peanut gallery?) getting tired as hell after he plays all the beginning of the year and then in the Olympics (for how long is uncertain, but he'll probably play a few games) because he started like, 58 out of 62 games, but come on. Do we as a team REALLY have a chance with Lalime in net? This season thus far we have four freaking goals in three games. We had 42 shots on net against Nashville before a goal with three minutes left won it for us. 42. Miller is going to be relied upon heavy. Lalime's record last year- 5-13-3. Anyone who wants to argue the offense wasn't there, great. Do it, since it really wasn't. But it's not here now, and we're 2-0-1. When you miss the playoffs by two points (we would've won tiebreakers with Florida and Montreal as well), those 29 points you didn't pick up start to weigh on your mind. Juuuuust saying.
3. Calgary's loss tonight was depressing, but not as depressing as the Bills loss yesterday. Can we fire a team? Is that possible?
Ummmmmmmmmm... that's about it. Going to my first Sabres game of the regular season Saturday with Stephanie against the Thrashers. I'm not gonna lie, I'm probably going to spend a good portion of time hurling insults at Max. But he'll probably score a goal out of spite and we'll lose. 1-0.
Much love to you all and think positive. Later.
My lovely hostesses, with cameo from Arielle! From left- Katy, Arielle, Heather. <3
Cam Ward is pretty sick, you guys. I WAS SO CLOSE TO HIM...and then really close when he signed my gamecard Sunday haha.
Because I loved Ray on the Sharks when I was little. This turned out to be my favorite photo of any of the Canes. Solid.
First, Raleigh. Let me tell you, this was an adventure. Now, flying to Raleigh from Buffalo is usually a nice, short trip. Oh wait... I took a fucking bus. Thus, I stopped EVERYWHERE from Erie to Akron to Charleston to Winston-Salem to Raleigh. It was a 19.5 hour bus adventure, but the scenery was so rad so it was worth it-and I slept twenty minutes combined (that's not an exaggeration, either, that's fact) so I got to see a ton of it. I was met at the
Anyway, after eating some smuggled Mighty Taco with Katy and epically beautiful hostess number two, Heather (FYI- if you have to do it, ask them to double wrap it in the paper and then when you get home, double wrap it in foil and pop it in the ol' freezybox- it'll work, i'm living proof- and no sour cream on it or you'll ruin everything), we went to the CANES GAME. Holy damn, that's all I can say. That arena is awesome. The Canes lost the game, but the experience was awesome. It reminded me of the Aud- it's a little smaller than HSBC, but not by much, but BOY is it loud! It wasn't sold out by any means- I mean, it was the Preds- but it sure sounded like it. I'm not even saying that being biased. I had probably the best BBQ pulled pork sandwich I've ever had in my entire life, and during the game they have an auction for game used and autographed merchandise. They had a Brandon Sutter helmet, autographed AND game used. Needless to say, $230 later, I had my helmet. SICK. Go to a game, leave with a helmet. It also helped that my lovely hostesses kept me amused the whole game with chants of "SHOOT IT CAM!" and kept me enthusiastic the entire game. At one point, Cam turned his head after the "SHOOT IT!" chant haha. Oh, the perks of third row seating. hahaha Anyway, yeah, good times. Sunday we went to the Caniac Carnival, which was pretty sick. I'm not going to write too much on that, but some highlights-
-Arielle is a huge Joni Pitkanen fan. I got an hour and a half of sleep Saturday night and while she, Bryan (sorry Bryan for making you wait through that charade hahaha), and I waited in line, I spent the entire like, 25-35 minutes in line for the Staal/Pitkanen line making up fun facts about Joni. Like how he's actually "Jon I. Pitkanenczak" (the I stands for Ichabod) from Finlandia, Wisconsin. Or calling him Joni Mitchell and Joan Rivers. Then I finally get up there and he gives me the most insane signature- TO MIKE!! JONI PITKANEN #25. He also couldn't spell Mike. There are two Mike's on his team. Juuuuuuust saying.
-Aaron Ward was in our line, and I swear to God the kid in front of us had a photo of Scotty Walker punching him in the face from the playoffs for him to sign. He did it though, which I thought was crazy because I was hoping A-Ward would just punch him all the way into next week.
-Chatting with Stormy. I got my picture with him but I have no idea who actually took it... I need to track that down.
-I purchased a Mike Grier Starting Lineup from some random vendor which was AWESOME, because then the next Friday at practice I had him sign it.
-Meeting Chad LaRose! That was awesome. And oh yeah, Eric Staal, Cam Ward (who is seriously ridiculously nice-Katy had her Leighton jersey on and he asked her if she found him to sign her jersey even!), and various other fun players like MATT CULLENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN. OH EM GEE.
Needless to say, Raleigh was sick awesome. Big thanks to my awesome hostesses, and all my new friends I met down there- Ashley and Bryan, Arrrrr, Kerri, Joey, and the random lady I talked to who helped me find the trash receptacle where Heather and Katy live was solid too. OH and Stormy, how can I forget my little Ice Hog? My little brother might've won out the most on the getting presents part. He got a Stormy doll, foam finger, Canes schedule, and a Sabres Conference Champs 99 Banner and Matthew Barnaby jersey that one of Heather's relatives or friends gave her. And I've already planned a trip back November 13-15/16th (I don't know exactly what day I'll have to go back to work but it'll be another SICK BUS ADVENTURE because I am CHEEEEEEEAP) and there's TWO games that weekend. Mega rad.
Now that you read all that awesome, it's time for HOCKEYS. with Mikey.
Let's play a game called Hat Trick where I name three things currently I want to talk about.
1. Dany Heatley. Now, for those who read my last post and know me one iota, this is going to come as a shock, so bear with me. Grab a seat, sit down, and grab a paper bag to hyperventilate and/or vomit into. Here goes.
I don't hate Dany Heatley now that he isn't a Senator anymore.
I don't know how this could've happened myself. I mean, he was just so easy to hate! Scoring goals and stuff against us all the time, the Speed Racer jokes... so simple. But you know what? Once he was off the team I despise ALMOST as much as Philly or Toronto or *shudders* Edmonton, I came to realize that he is actually a pretty sick hockey player, because I wasn't watching the stupid Sens kick our ass (or really even just them playing upsets my brain) but instead I was watching him deke his way up the ice to net a hat trick. I started watching him after someone talked some (also see:tons of, multiple) sense into me by showing me that like a Jeff Carter, who I love but plays for a team I really don't love one millimeters worth, Dany Heatley was just a good player I could root for who just happened to play for a team I want to punch in the taint. Oh San Jose Sharks, you ruined EVERYTHING
2. As long as Ryan Miller is the only real reason we're winning more games than the Buffalo Bills, Patrick Lalime will never start. And that is fucking awesome, and not so at the same time. I do not want our team's top goaltender (player, even? will we dispute that, peanut gallery?) getting tired as hell after he plays all the beginning of the year and then in the Olympics (for how long is uncertain, but he'll probably play a few games) because he started like, 58 out of 62 games, but come on. Do we as a team REALLY have a chance with Lalime in net? This season thus far we have four freaking goals in three games. We had 42 shots on net against Nashville before a goal with three minutes left won it for us. 42. Miller is going to be relied upon heavy. Lalime's record last year- 5-13-3. Anyone who wants to argue the offense wasn't there, great. Do it, since it really wasn't. But it's not here now, and we're 2-0-1. When you miss the playoffs by two points (we would've won tiebreakers with Florida and Montreal as well), those 29 points you didn't pick up start to weigh on your mind. Juuuuust saying.
3. Calgary's loss tonight was depressing, but not as depressing as the Bills loss yesterday. Can we fire a team? Is that possible?
Ummmmmmmmmm... that's about it. Going to my first Sabres game of the regular season Saturday with Stephanie against the Thrashers. I'm not gonna lie, I'm probably going to spend a good portion of time hurling insults at Max. But he'll probably score a goal out of spite and we'll lose. 1-0.
Much love to you all and think positive. Later.
My lovely hostesses, with cameo from Arielle! From left- Katy, Arielle, Heather. <3
Cam Ward is pretty sick, you guys. I WAS SO CLOSE TO HIM...and then really close when he signed my gamecard Sunday haha.
Because I loved Ray on the Sharks when I was little. This turned out to be my favorite photo of any of the Canes. Solid.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
NOW that it's official, I hate the Sharks.
So, the trade I refused to comment on has now finally come to fruition, minus Los Angeles.
Ottawa Senators trade:
Speed Racer Dany Heatley
Fifth round pick in 2010
to San Jose Sharks for:
Milan Michalek
Jonathan Cheechoo
2nd round pick in 2010
Now, on paper this looks like a win for the Sharks. I think this will end up working better for Ottawa, though. Cheechoo, I believe, will benefit from a change of scenery- and working with Alfie and Spezza won't hurt either. I think that Michalek though will thrive in Ottawa-not that he needs any help, he has three straight 20+ goal seasons and is merely 25. He's a very consistent player, and I think he's going to do well with the players around him like he did in San Jose. I'm a lot more worried to play Ottawa this season now, I'll tell you that much. Though I can only hurl insults at Heatley once this year, which is kind of depressing in a way. Oh well, that's a benefit of NHL Center Ice, and being a Flames fan. I get to yell at him as much as possible! YAY!
The Sabres held their PuckDrop today. I didn't go since I have to make money for North Carolina and was working, but from what I hear TimCo looks pretty good this year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he stays healthy-while I don't like him, I do like his point production. And I think anyone would agree that points do help you win games, right? Correct.
I actually hope this year that the Habs end up like the early 2000's Rangers, where they sign all these awesome players and suck ridiculously. I'm almost excited thinking of it right now, and game one hasn't been played! Sorry, Steve, I just hate the Canadiens.
Hmmmmmm... I can't think of much else. Six days until my first hockey of the year. I am getting antsy. I'll probably update again Monday after I get up ridiculously early to watch practice. My one day off this week and they have to practice at 7:30 in the AM? Thanks, guys.
DONE.
Ottawa Senators trade:
Fifth round pick in 2010
to San Jose Sharks for:
Milan Michalek
Jonathan Cheechoo
2nd round pick in 2010
Now, on paper this looks like a win for the Sharks. I think this will end up working better for Ottawa, though. Cheechoo, I believe, will benefit from a change of scenery- and working with Alfie and Spezza won't hurt either. I think that Michalek though will thrive in Ottawa-not that he needs any help, he has three straight 20+ goal seasons and is merely 25. He's a very consistent player, and I think he's going to do well with the players around him like he did in San Jose. I'm a lot more worried to play Ottawa this season now, I'll tell you that much. Though I can only hurl insults at Heatley once this year, which is kind of depressing in a way. Oh well, that's a benefit of NHL Center Ice, and being a Flames fan. I get to yell at him as much as possible! YAY!
The Sabres held their PuckDrop today. I didn't go since I have to make money for North Carolina and was working, but from what I hear TimCo looks pretty good this year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he stays healthy-while I don't like him, I do like his point production. And I think anyone would agree that points do help you win games, right? Correct.
I actually hope this year that the Habs end up like the early 2000's Rangers, where they sign all these awesome players and suck ridiculously. I'm almost excited thinking of it right now, and game one hasn't been played! Sorry, Steve, I just hate the Canadiens.
Hmmmmmm... I can't think of much else. Six days until my first hockey of the year. I am getting antsy. I'll probably update again Monday after I get up ridiculously early to watch practice. My one day off this week and they have to practice at 7:30 in the AM? Thanks, guys.
DONE.
Failed to mention
I left out the fact before whence speaking of the Sabres that Jeff Cowan- or, as Canuckleheads would call him, "Cowan the Bra-barian", after a young lass flung her bra on the ice after he scored- has signed with the team this offseason. AND that Cody McCormick signed as well! Now Cowan, he's a fighter, scrappy kid. Doesn't score too much, but neither did Petey, and we did just fine without him in the lineup. McCormick has 30 points in 190 NHL games (Petey played ten more games and only has 7 NHL points), so hey, he's like SUPER PETEY (minus three hundred penalty minutes, but he'll learn)! And he likes kicking the crap out of people!
PROOF
Add to that Grier and Montador, and Goose, Ellis, Kaleta, Mair when he gets healthy... ohhhhhhhhh boy, we can hit people again!
Can we just sign Darren McCarty and get it overwith? Seriously?
aaaand done.
PROOF
Add to that Grier and Montador, and Goose, Ellis, Kaleta, Mair when he gets healthy... ohhhhhhhhh boy, we can hit people again!
Can we just sign Darren McCarty and get it overwith? Seriously?
aaaand done.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage
Seven days until I get to see my first hockey of the season... in North Carolina! It's going to be weird opening up the season watching a game down there, since in my 24 years that has never happened, but it should be fun nonetheless. The gameplan-
Thursday 9/17
Sabres practice- 10AM- 12:30PM. Then taking the rail to the Greyhound station. Sitting on a bus for NINETEEN AND A HALF HOURS.
Friday 9/18
Arrive in NC at 9:30 AM. Practice at 10 (that was my idea, don't worry). Sleep for a few hours because the odds of me sleeping on a bus ride of that length are pretty damn bad. Hurricanes/Predators at 7.
I'm pretty pumped. And I get to see the Sabres before I leave, so that serves to be a good time. And I get to see two different practices in two days, so that's... interesting? I don't know how awake I will be for Canes practice, because of the lack of sleep and the fact I have three transfers after midnight, but I'm gonna suck it up.
This season is going to kick some major ass.
Also, Dany Heatley to the Sharks is NOT A TRADE YET. ESPN, NHL.com, the blogosphere, please get your panties and tighty whites out of the bunch they're in because it hasn't happened. And why would you trust ESPN anyway with hockey? I mean, my guess is that if it came out of ESPN, it's a rumor created due to the fact that Barry Melrose and Matthew Barnaby were bored. I dunno. When it happens, I will comment, just like with the Drew Stafford business. But it hasn't. So I won't. End.
Lots of work the next few days before I leave, so I might not be able to do much writing. But I'll let you know how NC is. Later!
Thursday 9/17
Sabres practice- 10AM- 12:30PM. Then taking the rail to the Greyhound station. Sitting on a bus for NINETEEN AND A HALF HOURS.
Friday 9/18
Arrive in NC at 9:30 AM. Practice at 10 (that was my idea, don't worry). Sleep for a few hours because the odds of me sleeping on a bus ride of that length are pretty damn bad. Hurricanes/Predators at 7.
I'm pretty pumped. And I get to see the Sabres before I leave, so that serves to be a good time. And I get to see two different practices in two days, so that's... interesting? I don't know how awake I will be for Canes practice, because of the lack of sleep and the fact I have three transfers after midnight, but I'm gonna suck it up.
This season is going to kick some major ass.
Also, Dany Heatley to the Sharks is NOT A TRADE YET. ESPN, NHL.com, the blogosphere, please get your panties and tighty whites out of the bunch they're in because it hasn't happened. And why would you trust ESPN anyway with hockey? I mean, my guess is that if it came out of ESPN, it's a rumor created due to the fact that Barry Melrose and Matthew Barnaby were bored. I dunno. When it happens, I will comment, just like with the Drew Stafford business. But it hasn't. So I won't. End.
Lots of work the next few days before I leave, so I might not be able to do much writing. But I'll let you know how NC is. Later!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Wake up and smell the coffee.
Many things to report, none of which are really all too important.
First, I am very excited about Calgary's chances this season. Adding Bouwmeester to an already solid group of Defensemen led by Robyn Regehr and Dion "That's About Phaneuf Outta You" was great, but coupled with the fact that Olli Jokinen is STILL with the team (and producing!) and I'm pretty thrilled. Yeah, we lost Camo, and that sucks, but at the same time with the team we have (we still have Iginla, Langkow, Glencross, et cetera so I'm not worried) and the players we got in the offseason (McGrattan to beat people's faces in, Nigel Dawes to... sound British and get some goals) and the fact that Brent Sutter is now behind the bench, and you have one solid team. Pretty exciting stuff. I hope that Backlund comes up and plays with the team this year, or Brett Sutter- though, if Brett Sutter plays, the Flames would just have a monopoly on Sutters in the NHL. We just have to find a way to get Brendan now.
Speaking of Carolina, I'm fairly excited to get down there for my first game at the RBC Center. I have heard many wonderful things about it, but at the same time, it will be nothing comparable to seeing it for myself. Even though it is preseason, I am very pumped- I don't think I've been this excited for preseason in a few years. I'll be sure to blog all about it since that's what the youth of America is doing nowadays, you know!
And speaking of blogs, it is best not to take the word on a contract signing from merely a blog. The Drew Stafford signing news that appeared on numerous blogs the past month was mere bullocks, starting with a post to a Sabres board from a San Jose Mercury-News article... from three years ago. Guys, Drew is not signed. Let us refrain from the chatter until a deal gets done (hopefully with another team, I hate that guy- but that's for another day).
Speaking of the Sabres, Sabres fans, how frickin' pumped are you for next season? Now granted, we didn't get any high scoring offense this year. Also Lalime is still our backup, so should Miller get a Scott Gomez ankle beatdown this year, we are still screwed. But we have guys that can hit, Tim Connolly looks like he's going to be healthy from what I've heard from those at the Pepsi Center, and our D actually looks good and gritty! Can you believe it? Sabres and gritty in the same sentence? It's been a few. I'd like to see us trade a D-man (Henrik Tallinder, I'm looking in YOUR direction) and maybe sign a scoring veteran like Petr Sykora, who is SOMEHOW still available at the time of this posting. I think if we did that, we would be heading into the right direction. Not only is Sykora a solid winger, but he's a proven goal scorer (25 goals last season- again, how is this guy NOT signed?!) on a consistent basis, gives his all on a consistent basis, and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals five times in his thirteen NHL seasons, winning twice- once with New Jersey, once last season with Pittsburgh. I don't really think this would happen, but if by some chance in hell Darcy Regier randomly peeks at my blog (I'm pretty sure he doesn't, but let's dare to dream) I think he should make this happen.
Man, I can write up a storm when I feel like it! I'll be sure to do more updating when I'm able- more than likely, from North Carolina. Wow, hard to believe I will be seeing hockey in just a week and a half.
It's a beautiful world.
Take care, all! Cheers!
First, I am very excited about Calgary's chances this season. Adding Bouwmeester to an already solid group of Defensemen led by Robyn Regehr and Dion "That's About Phaneuf Outta You" was great, but coupled with the fact that Olli Jokinen is STILL with the team (and producing!) and I'm pretty thrilled. Yeah, we lost Camo, and that sucks, but at the same time with the team we have (we still have Iginla, Langkow, Glencross, et cetera so I'm not worried) and the players we got in the offseason (McGrattan to beat people's faces in, Nigel Dawes to... sound British and get some goals) and the fact that Brent Sutter is now behind the bench, and you have one solid team. Pretty exciting stuff. I hope that Backlund comes up and plays with the team this year, or Brett Sutter- though, if Brett Sutter plays, the Flames would just have a monopoly on Sutters in the NHL. We just have to find a way to get Brendan now.
Speaking of Carolina, I'm fairly excited to get down there for my first game at the RBC Center. I have heard many wonderful things about it, but at the same time, it will be nothing comparable to seeing it for myself. Even though it is preseason, I am very pumped- I don't think I've been this excited for preseason in a few years. I'll be sure to blog all about it since that's what the youth of America is doing nowadays, you know!
And speaking of blogs, it is best not to take the word on a contract signing from merely a blog. The Drew Stafford signing news that appeared on numerous blogs the past month was mere bullocks, starting with a post to a Sabres board from a San Jose Mercury-News article... from three years ago. Guys, Drew is not signed. Let us refrain from the chatter until a deal gets done (hopefully with another team, I hate that guy- but that's for another day).
Speaking of the Sabres, Sabres fans, how frickin' pumped are you for next season? Now granted, we didn't get any high scoring offense this year. Also Lalime is still our backup, so should Miller get a Scott Gomez ankle beatdown this year, we are still screwed. But we have guys that can hit, Tim Connolly looks like he's going to be healthy from what I've heard from those at the Pepsi Center, and our D actually looks good and gritty! Can you believe it? Sabres and gritty in the same sentence? It's been a few. I'd like to see us trade a D-man (Henrik Tallinder, I'm looking in YOUR direction) and maybe sign a scoring veteran like Petr Sykora, who is SOMEHOW still available at the time of this posting. I think if we did that, we would be heading into the right direction. Not only is Sykora a solid winger, but he's a proven goal scorer (25 goals last season- again, how is this guy NOT signed?!) on a consistent basis, gives his all on a consistent basis, and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals five times in his thirteen NHL seasons, winning twice- once with New Jersey, once last season with Pittsburgh. I don't really think this would happen, but if by some chance in hell Darcy Regier randomly peeks at my blog (I'm pretty sure he doesn't, but let's dare to dream) I think he should make this happen.
Man, I can write up a storm when I feel like it! I'll be sure to do more updating when I'm able- more than likely, from North Carolina. Wow, hard to believe I will be seeing hockey in just a week and a half.
It's a beautiful world.
Take care, all! Cheers!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
BRAND SPANKING NEW!
Oh hey, boys and girls. This is my new blog now, since NHL Connect turned into some sort of NHL Facebook now (without the Hockey Tycoon application- go figure) and it bugs me to even look at it. So, I guess this is the time I should tell you stuff about me.
Nope.
All you need to know is I like hockey. Specifically, three teams- Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and... oh, get ready for this one, folks...
...The Carolina Hurricanes.
Now most of you by now are like, "Hey, buddy. How in Gord's name could you ever like the Sabres AND the Canes?" Which is why I'm going to tell you right now, obviously. Back when I was a young man of... well, it was February really, but I was but 23 then... I made friends on NHL Connect with two young ladies, Kate and Rachel. And we went back and forth since Canes fans and Sabres fans can sometimes do that from time to time, but Rachel told me about a young lad named Chad LaRose, who she dubbed "The Chuck Norris of Hockey". Why he got that nickname, I can't understand- I'm blaming facebook- but I was intrigued. And since Time Warner Cable was VERY kind to me this past year, I had NHL Center Ice for FREE until the beginning of March (yeah, almost all season), so I decided I'd check this guy out. The first game I watched, I don't even remember who they played. No, the only thing I remember is number 59 in red chugging down the ice, finishing checks (all 5'8" of him) and completing passes and playing every shift like he was in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. Much like my favorite Sabre, Paul Gaustad, he showed heart, grit, and determination- well, except Goose is like, 6'3"- and the rest they say is history. I do take a lot of heat for this, don't get me wrong. I've gotten used to my friends not understanding, and calling me a traitor, but I still love the hell out of my Sabres and could never EVER turn my back on them. I think the playoff run of the Canes this past season pretty much sealed the deal, since they had a crazy series against the Devils which included a Game Seven to remember (down 3-2 with less than ninety seconds to play, the Canes scored twice in less than a minute to win 4-3 and take the series- it is now called "Shock At The Rock") and an equally mind-blowing series against top-seed Boston (that game seven is known as "That time Scotty Walker punched the Bruins in the soul") before bowing out to the eventual Cup Champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Anyway, I'm rambling. So, I like the Canes, and the Sabres, and the Flames. But I love hockey. I pay attention at least to every team, and when none of mine are on, I will watch any and every game I can. Other than hockey, I love baseball (the Cardinals and Red Sox, specifically), basketball (Boston Celtics! WOO!), and Buffalo Bills football, as much as they piss me off every damn year. I work in retail, but oddly enough I really love my job. Not because my boss might eventually see this, or because it funds my insane hockey trip adventures, but because I like helping people look damn snazzy. Obviously. And... other than that, I got nothing.
I dunno. If you have any questions, feel free to comment! I appreciate you reading this long ramble of nonsense, and hope you get a chance to check me out ALL SEASON LONG. BWAH NA NA!
Later. -MH
Nope.
All you need to know is I like hockey. Specifically, three teams- Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and... oh, get ready for this one, folks...
...The Carolina Hurricanes.
Now most of you by now are like, "Hey, buddy. How in Gord's name could you ever like the Sabres AND the Canes?" Which is why I'm going to tell you right now, obviously. Back when I was a young man of... well, it was February really, but I was but 23 then... I made friends on NHL Connect with two young ladies, Kate and Rachel. And we went back and forth since Canes fans and Sabres fans can sometimes do that from time to time, but Rachel told me about a young lad named Chad LaRose, who she dubbed "The Chuck Norris of Hockey". Why he got that nickname, I can't understand- I'm blaming facebook- but I was intrigued. And since Time Warner Cable was VERY kind to me this past year, I had NHL Center Ice for FREE until the beginning of March (yeah, almost all season), so I decided I'd check this guy out. The first game I watched, I don't even remember who they played. No, the only thing I remember is number 59 in red chugging down the ice, finishing checks (all 5'8" of him) and completing passes and playing every shift like he was in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. Much like my favorite Sabre, Paul Gaustad, he showed heart, grit, and determination- well, except Goose is like, 6'3"- and the rest they say is history. I do take a lot of heat for this, don't get me wrong. I've gotten used to my friends not understanding, and calling me a traitor, but I still love the hell out of my Sabres and could never EVER turn my back on them. I think the playoff run of the Canes this past season pretty much sealed the deal, since they had a crazy series against the Devils which included a Game Seven to remember (down 3-2 with less than ninety seconds to play, the Canes scored twice in less than a minute to win 4-3 and take the series- it is now called "Shock At The Rock") and an equally mind-blowing series against top-seed Boston (that game seven is known as "That time Scotty Walker punched the Bruins in the soul") before bowing out to the eventual Cup Champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Anyway, I'm rambling. So, I like the Canes, and the Sabres, and the Flames. But I love hockey. I pay attention at least to every team, and when none of mine are on, I will watch any and every game I can. Other than hockey, I love baseball (the Cardinals and Red Sox, specifically), basketball (Boston Celtics! WOO!), and Buffalo Bills football, as much as they piss me off every damn year. I work in retail, but oddly enough I really love my job. Not because my boss might eventually see this, or because it funds my insane hockey trip adventures, but because I like helping people look damn snazzy. Obviously. And... other than that, I got nothing.
I dunno. If you have any questions, feel free to comment! I appreciate you reading this long ramble of nonsense, and hope you get a chance to check me out ALL SEASON LONG. BWAH NA NA!
Later. -MH
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
