So... the Penguins and the Ducks made a trade yesterday. Ryan Whitney was sent to Anaheim in exchange for Chris Kunitz and baby Duck and OHL forward Eric Tangradi.
As a fan of both teams and someone who has seen lots of Duck games, I think this is a good deal for both teams. Neither one was a salary dump, neither one is a sign that their GM is giving up and no one had to give up a draft pick.
Kunitz is a player that should have no problems playing on Bing's wing, giving him a body guard, and he can help clear space for others or go to the net himself. He's also not afraid to go toe to toe with someone as well as doing his own hitting and dirty work in the corners which they sorely need.
Reading the Pens site, Chris is happy about the trade and wants to help the team with working their way back into the top 8 so they can make the playoffs.
Our friend Whit should fit in well with Les Canards especially with two of the very best on D with Scottie and Pronger. We've seen that Ryan has the talent, I think he just needs someone to help support him in getting back in the program. I mean, as much as I love Brooksie, not having Sarge in the lineup for most of the season hurt them both without a lot of veteran presence on the blueline.
Ryan too sees this as a positive thing, or that is what he's telling the press; but I think it really is good for him. Scott Niedermayer is one of the very best at what he does and if he pays attention, Whit should come back to his old form.
And up here in the NW division, I just got an update from the Canucks that they have claimed Ossi Vaananen off waivers from the Flyers. Hopefully he didn't pick up too many puppy drowning tricks.But it will be good to have a little more backup on the D, except that there are a couple of really good ones down in Manitoba that should be given a chance like our good pal Shaun Heshka. I think if Hesh got called up, I would be so happy; but maybe they wanted to give Sami Salo a Finn teammate since there's so many Swedes. lol
Anyway, that's about it here in the upper left corner of the country. Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 27, 2009
random musings from the resistance
I have a car payment that is just a little less than $250 a month. I like my car, so I will continue to pay it. However, if I lived in the greater Tampa area, I could have season tickets to the Lightening for less than that. Tickets for an ENTIRE SEASON. Color me dumbfounded. I mean good for them citing the national economic spiral, but then again, would you wanna pay to see the 'Ning to play all their home games? Also, if you pay it off before some time in March, you get 3% of your cost back in "Forum dollars" for food and drink. I kid mostly about them being a bad team, and really kudos to ownership realizing that when you put a less than stellar team on the ice, you best lure folks to seats any way you can. This is definitely one way. More information about this can be found here.
Buffalo put up a damn fine fight last night in front of a sickly goal tender. Patty Lala was sick and he still played a heck of a game. Too bad they only walked away with a point.
Big win by the Kitties, BJackets, and Boston last night, but I really think teams in the East should keep an eye on East Rutherford. Marty is back and in apparently top form (granted, they beat up a Colorado team which is akin to kicking a kitten after you pull it's whiskers, but I digress). Not to mention they didn't collapse when he went out way the heck back in the beginning of the season. They are gonna bring a lot to the playoff race.
The Guins made a trade yesterday but I think Amy was gonna write that up so I'll be nice and not steal her thunder.
Just a few more days until the trade deadline. Do I remember this wrong, but wasn't last years deadline in February? Personally, I think it should be around the middle of January. But then again, I think each team should have to put a defenseman in the top three of a shootout.
Happily this month will end tomorrow and hopefully Spring will soon be on our minds instead of snow and ice. Hey, don't mock....a girl can dream!
Buffalo put up a damn fine fight last night in front of a sickly goal tender. Patty Lala was sick and he still played a heck of a game. Too bad they only walked away with a point.
Big win by the Kitties, BJackets, and Boston last night, but I really think teams in the East should keep an eye on East Rutherford. Marty is back and in apparently top form (granted, they beat up a Colorado team which is akin to kicking a kitten after you pull it's whiskers, but I digress). Not to mention they didn't collapse when he went out way the heck back in the beginning of the season. They are gonna bring a lot to the playoff race.
The Guins made a trade yesterday but I think Amy was gonna write that up so I'll be nice and not steal her thunder.
Just a few more days until the trade deadline. Do I remember this wrong, but wasn't last years deadline in February? Personally, I think it should be around the middle of January. But then again, I think each team should have to put a defenseman in the top three of a shootout.
Happily this month will end tomorrow and hopefully Spring will soon be on our minds instead of snow and ice. Hey, don't mock....a girl can dream!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Miss a few days and everything goes to hell
Lately some real life crap has kept me away from the computer, but I think that's all past me now so on we go.
Checking out the scores from last nights games, I see on off ice note of interest but I'll get to that in a few. First up the games of note:
Pittsburgh v Islanders. I hate how the Islanders seem to be showing up now. Why can't they continue to suck and just let teams I want to beat them soundly do it? They played a hell of a game last night (which by the by, DVR are awesome - I got home after the game started so I just started the recording over from the beginning and go to buzz through all the annoying commercials - watched the A&L motors ones though because no matter how bad they are, I still laugh) only to lose it in the last two minutes.... I long for another 9-2 game. Ah well, still a good showing for missing Sid and Whitney (which overall, isn't probably a loss because it 1. got Tanger back in and 2. Whit really isn't all that good right now).
Detroit v fishies: As much as I'd love to see SJ go all the way, it's still good to see the home boys put another dent in the Sharks' armor. Granted it was at the expense of losing Hossa with "concussion like symptoms". Wonderful. Babcock says he's fine but we'll just have to wait and see how the Wings best scorer does in the next few days.
Now, the off ice stuff that made me go WTF. The Craps seem to have this female fan club going. "Dedicated to the Caps' female fanbase" this site gives women a closer look to the players and offers special educational events to help them learn the game. At first blush, this was sorta ok - we need more women as fans of the game to support one another against the crush of male bias. Then I got to thinking about this and it pissed me off. Yes, sometimes it's hard to be taken seriously as a female hockey fan because men sometimes don't get it that we're all about the game. But is this sort of thing really gonna help? Are beefcake shots of the players really going to help educate women to know what a decent power play looks like? This just smacks of glittery "I heart so-and-so" signs and posters offering marriage or other services from bunnies who think they are cute.
Look, I'm all for finding the players attractive, but seriously, that's a book/cover sort of thing. Is Adam Foote any less of a defenseman because he's not OMGHOT? Hell no. I'd take him on my team any day. Does Roddy Brind'Amour win face offs because he's cute? Um yeah, no. He does it because he works his ass off every single day.
I've said for a long time the league needs to showcase the players more - not just in a my what a handsome boy he is, but some of these guys are down right characters and I love that. The NHL Network has a show called "Day in the Life" which shows an average day of certain players. This is a great show because you get to see the players interact with each other and their personalities (not muscles or tattoos) shine.
Teach women how awesome this GAME is and the love for the players will follow. It rarely works the other way around.
/sandbox moment.
That being said, I give you this: after watching the Sabres against the Ducks the other night....damn they need Miller back in a big way. Not that I don't think LaLa is capable, but they are a much different team with Crunchy in net.
Checking out the scores from last nights games, I see on off ice note of interest but I'll get to that in a few. First up the games of note:
Pittsburgh v Islanders. I hate how the Islanders seem to be showing up now. Why can't they continue to suck and just let teams I want to beat them soundly do it? They played a hell of a game last night (which by the by, DVR are awesome - I got home after the game started so I just started the recording over from the beginning and go to buzz through all the annoying commercials - watched the A&L motors ones though because no matter how bad they are, I still laugh) only to lose it in the last two minutes.... I long for another 9-2 game. Ah well, still a good showing for missing Sid and Whitney (which overall, isn't probably a loss because it 1. got Tanger back in and 2. Whit really isn't all that good right now).
Detroit v fishies: As much as I'd love to see SJ go all the way, it's still good to see the home boys put another dent in the Sharks' armor. Granted it was at the expense of losing Hossa with "concussion like symptoms". Wonderful. Babcock says he's fine but we'll just have to wait and see how the Wings best scorer does in the next few days.
Now, the off ice stuff that made me go WTF. The Craps seem to have this female fan club going. "Dedicated to the Caps' female fanbase" this site gives women a closer look to the players and offers special educational events to help them learn the game. At first blush, this was sorta ok - we need more women as fans of the game to support one another against the crush of male bias. Then I got to thinking about this and it pissed me off. Yes, sometimes it's hard to be taken seriously as a female hockey fan because men sometimes don't get it that we're all about the game. But is this sort of thing really gonna help? Are beefcake shots of the players really going to help educate women to know what a decent power play looks like? This just smacks of glittery "I heart so-and-so" signs and posters offering marriage or other services from bunnies who think they are cute.
Look, I'm all for finding the players attractive, but seriously, that's a book/cover sort of thing. Is Adam Foote any less of a defenseman because he's not OMGHOT? Hell no. I'd take him on my team any day. Does Roddy Brind'Amour win face offs because he's cute? Um yeah, no. He does it because he works his ass off every single day.
I've said for a long time the league needs to showcase the players more - not just in a my what a handsome boy he is, but some of these guys are down right characters and I love that. The NHL Network has a show called "Day in the Life" which shows an average day of certain players. This is a great show because you get to see the players interact with each other and their personalities (not muscles or tattoos) shine.
Teach women how awesome this GAME is and the love for the players will follow. It rarely works the other way around.
/sandbox moment.
That being said, I give you this: after watching the Sabres against the Ducks the other night....damn they need Miller back in a big way. Not that I don't think LaLa is capable, but they are a much different team with Crunchy in net.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
You're in Silvertips Country!
I got busy yesterday and didn't get a chance to update things from the WHL world, and so here it is today.
The WHL has 4 teams in the CHL Top 10 Rankings this week with the Calgary Hitmen at 2, Vancouver Giants at 3, Saskatoon Blades at 6 and the Brandon Wheat Kings bringing up the rear at 10.
Also, Drayson Bowman of the Spokane Chiefs was named the CHL player of the week. Drayson is a baby Cane who scored five goals and five assists for 10 points in three wins with a plus-minus rating of plus-6. He was also part of Team USA this last winter in the World Junior Tournament.
The Silvertips went 1-2 this last week, but those two losses were against teams much older and more experienced. However, since they have been fairly close to the .500 mark, they have sewn up a spot in the playoffs for the 6th straight year. Hopefully this will give the boys the support and positive mind space to get through some really tough games coming up, especially since they have 5 games in 7 nights this next week.
We still have four guys on the sidelines and they will probably be there for the weekend: Dale Hunt with a concussion, Paul Van de Velde and his separated shoulder, Daniel Bartek's broken hand and out for the rest of the season doing rehab on his hip flexor is Shayne Brown. The Everett Herald says that Paulie is skating in practice again, but his shoulder is still needs time before it's 100 percent and my good pal Dale is making slow progress with his concussion, but I'm sure they'll make sure his melon is all better. Best of all is our Czech pal Daniel... they might get him a skating cast, which means he's not sitting on the sidelines for the remaining weeks of his WHL career which would suck rocks big!
So, that's what's going on here in Tipsville. We're playing Vancouver tonight and hopefully we'll get out alive. :)
The WHL has 4 teams in the CHL Top 10 Rankings this week with the Calgary Hitmen at 2, Vancouver Giants at 3, Saskatoon Blades at 6 and the Brandon Wheat Kings bringing up the rear at 10.
Also, Drayson Bowman of the Spokane Chiefs was named the CHL player of the week. Drayson is a baby Cane who scored five goals and five assists for 10 points in three wins with a plus-minus rating of plus-6. He was also part of Team USA this last winter in the World Junior Tournament.
The Silvertips went 1-2 this last week, but those two losses were against teams much older and more experienced. However, since they have been fairly close to the .500 mark, they have sewn up a spot in the playoffs for the 6th straight year. Hopefully this will give the boys the support and positive mind space to get through some really tough games coming up, especially since they have 5 games in 7 nights this next week.
We still have four guys on the sidelines and they will probably be there for the weekend: Dale Hunt with a concussion, Paul Van de Velde and his separated shoulder, Daniel Bartek's broken hand and out for the rest of the season doing rehab on his hip flexor is Shayne Brown. The Everett Herald says that Paulie is skating in practice again, but his shoulder is still needs time before it's 100 percent and my good pal Dale is making slow progress with his concussion, but I'm sure they'll make sure his melon is all better. Best of all is our Czech pal Daniel... they might get him a skating cast, which means he's not sitting on the sidelines for the remaining weeks of his WHL career which would suck rocks big!
So, that's what's going on here in Tipsville. We're playing Vancouver tonight and hopefully we'll get out alive. :)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Have another donut, you fat pig!
Lisa is in a training class all day so I am flying solo here today at CaP.
Well, the dirty dirty Rangers have finally canned Tom Renney and one of his assistant coaches. I'm not shocked about it, just that it took this long for them to do it. Over at TSN, they say that John Tortorella could likely take over as the new coach and the New York Post is speculating that Jim Schoenfeld, who works in the Rangers' front office, could be the choice. Personally either would be quite funny to watch up there going head to head with Glen Sather. I love Slats, but you don't fuck with him.
Penguins lost to the Craps yesterday and I don't know why Bylsma started Fleury. He was kind of shaky against Philly the day before and as much as the media blow Richards, Carter and company, they're nothing compared to the firepower of Ovie, Semin and Feds. I do have to say that it was interesting and quite refreshing to see Bing get in Ovie's face; because as much as I love him, Mr. Crosby is way too wooden for his own good sometimes.
Only one NHL game tonight and not only is it an early game, but it's on Versucks. Meh... hopefully there is something on.
But before I sign off for today... there is a nice article over at the AHL site about one of my former Tips boys, Leland Irving, who plays with the QuadCity Flames. He is second among all AHL rookies with a 2.35 GAA, he's a sweet kid from a wonderful family and I know he's gonna make it to the Show some day.
Hopefully y'all get through the day!
Well, the dirty dirty Rangers have finally canned Tom Renney and one of his assistant coaches. I'm not shocked about it, just that it took this long for them to do it. Over at TSN, they say that John Tortorella could likely take over as the new coach and the New York Post is speculating that Jim Schoenfeld, who works in the Rangers' front office, could be the choice. Personally either would be quite funny to watch up there going head to head with Glen Sather. I love Slats, but you don't fuck with him.
Penguins lost to the Craps yesterday and I don't know why Bylsma started Fleury. He was kind of shaky against Philly the day before and as much as the media blow Richards, Carter and company, they're nothing compared to the firepower of Ovie, Semin and Feds. I do have to say that it was interesting and quite refreshing to see Bing get in Ovie's face; because as much as I love him, Mr. Crosby is way too wooden for his own good sometimes.
Only one NHL game tonight and not only is it an early game, but it's on Versucks. Meh... hopefully there is something on.
But before I sign off for today... there is a nice article over at the AHL site about one of my former Tips boys, Leland Irving, who plays with the QuadCity Flames. He is second among all AHL rookies with a 2.35 GAA, he's a sweet kid from a wonderful family and I know he's gonna make it to the Show some day.
Hopefully y'all get through the day!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
File this under "Trouble, huge"
I did not see the game last night (but I better have it on my DVR) so I can't comment on what happened to Ryan Miller. Turns out, I don't have to. The awesomeness that is The Goose's Roost did it for me with more eloquence than I could muster without seeing the game and it being pretty early in the morning. They do a great job covering the Buffalo sports scene and they are one my 'read daily' places on the net.
I also missed the Penguins game yesterday (see above about the DVR) so I missed Bing's two goal game and general good times over beating the Flyers. Today, another early game against the Craps. The Guins are now very very close to sniffing at 8th and sadly, with the Miller Situation, that looks a lot more reachable than it did 24 hours ago.
I missed hockey because I was with family and friends hanging out and laughing my self sore. Don't get me wrong, I love hockey and would have been here otherwise with my rump on the couch knitting and watching the games. But sometimes, you do need to recharge and hang out with people who really get you. That's what I'm doing again today and honestly, that's what DVRs are for (plus I get to fast forward through the annoying intermissions with Pierre and Milbury on NBC).
I also missed the Penguins game yesterday (see above about the DVR) so I missed Bing's two goal game and general good times over beating the Flyers. Today, another early game against the Craps. The Guins are now very very close to sniffing at 8th and sadly, with the Miller Situation, that looks a lot more reachable than it did 24 hours ago.
I missed hockey because I was with family and friends hanging out and laughing my self sore. Don't get me wrong, I love hockey and would have been here otherwise with my rump on the couch knitting and watching the games. But sometimes, you do need to recharge and hang out with people who really get you. That's what I'm doing again today and honestly, that's what DVRs are for (plus I get to fast forward through the annoying intermissions with Pierre and Milbury on NBC).
Saturday, February 21, 2009
my version of the baby boys
While Amy has her junior boys to watch, around these parts, there are more college hockey teams than you can shake a stick at - so the CCHA is where I get my kid hockey fix.
Went to a game last night - watched the MSU Spartans face off against the Falcons of Bowling Green. After watching that game, I can understand why both teams are fighting to get out of last place in the CCHA. Bless them, they try so very hard, but just don't seem to have the talent of say a Michigan or a Notre Dame.
Do you need specifics? At one point in the third State had an almost full two minute 5-3 and didn't score. Just a few minutes after that, they had another lengthy (like a minute 45) 5-3 and yeah, didn't score and gave up a couple really solid short handed chances. But from our vantage point (right behind BG's bench) I got to watch my new favorite college hockey player. His name is Brandon Svendsen. Now from the name on the back, I was slightly disappointed to learn his name is Brandon and not something like Bjorg, but I digress. He played the first 5-3 and didn't leave the ice after it. He was off for a shift while BG racked up two more penalties and then went back out to kill off the second 5-3. Basically, State was facing a guy who was gassed and couldn't get it by him (he was the one with the two shorty chances to boot). I thought they were gonna have to give him oxygen on the bench after that but he only missed a shift. Color me impressed...he was, to me, one of the best players on the ice last night and clearly BGs best player.
Also searching around this morning to see to what team Jeff Lerg had been drafted (Kevin, my buddy who I went with last night, and I were thinking Toronto but didn't have a basis for that fact other than they need goaltending and it sounded right). We were wrong. He's undrafted. Granted, he's short (5.6 Daren Panger size), has asthma, and is a 4.0 student....oh he also has broken all sorts of records and stuff like that. But he remains undrafted. That's gotta be discouraging.
I have honestly no idea what happened in the NHL last night so I won't even bother checking. I did hear something about Chris Osgood being sent home, a la Kovelev, but don't know the details for now (I should go check that out because odds are, Mom will ask about it when I go over there today).
That's all for now. But gotta remember to set the dvr for an early game and a later one too (and now that I just checked the time schedule, I see that both Detroit and Colorado won last night. Hurrah!)
Went to a game last night - watched the MSU Spartans face off against the Falcons of Bowling Green. After watching that game, I can understand why both teams are fighting to get out of last place in the CCHA. Bless them, they try so very hard, but just don't seem to have the talent of say a Michigan or a Notre Dame.
Do you need specifics? At one point in the third State had an almost full two minute 5-3 and didn't score. Just a few minutes after that, they had another lengthy (like a minute 45) 5-3 and yeah, didn't score and gave up a couple really solid short handed chances. But from our vantage point (right behind BG's bench) I got to watch my new favorite college hockey player. His name is Brandon Svendsen. Now from the name on the back, I was slightly disappointed to learn his name is Brandon and not something like Bjorg, but I digress. He played the first 5-3 and didn't leave the ice after it. He was off for a shift while BG racked up two more penalties and then went back out to kill off the second 5-3. Basically, State was facing a guy who was gassed and couldn't get it by him (he was the one with the two shorty chances to boot). I thought they were gonna have to give him oxygen on the bench after that but he only missed a shift. Color me impressed...he was, to me, one of the best players on the ice last night and clearly BGs best player.
Also searching around this morning to see to what team Jeff Lerg had been drafted (Kevin, my buddy who I went with last night, and I were thinking Toronto but didn't have a basis for that fact other than they need goaltending and it sounded right). We were wrong. He's undrafted. Granted, he's short (5.6 Daren Panger size), has asthma, and is a 4.0 student....oh he also has broken all sorts of records and stuff like that. But he remains undrafted. That's gotta be discouraging.
I have honestly no idea what happened in the NHL last night so I won't even bother checking. I did hear something about Chris Osgood being sent home, a la Kovelev, but don't know the details for now (I should go check that out because odds are, Mom will ask about it when I go over there today).
That's all for now. But gotta remember to set the dvr for an early game and a later one too (and now that I just checked the time schedule, I see that both Detroit and Colorado won last night. Hurrah!)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Penguins vs. Wings, Pee-Wee style!
Taylor Crosby and Austin Lemieux played against each other in the Quebec International Pee-wee Tournament Wednesday night. She is a goaltender for the boys' AA Cole Harbour Wings and baby66 plays for the AAA Junior Penguins. She played the second half of a 10-0 exhibition loss to the team her brother's boss helps coaches for his son along with Uncle Alain.
Courtesy of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and
The Pittsburgh Junior Penguins '96 team page.
Baby66 is the little dude with the A on his chest to the right of the Cup...
Taylor is the goalie with the ponytail on the left. Notice how far away she is from it...
And the two families together...
Courtesy of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and
The Pittsburgh Junior Penguins '96 team page.
Baby66 is the little dude with the A on his chest to the right of the Cup...
Taylor is the goalie with the ponytail on the left. Notice how far away she is from it...
And the two families together...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm....
I really don't have a lot to say about the big boys since I wasn't home to watch any games last night; but I did catch the post game show of the Tips game and I heard about a great fight that one of the younger guys had. Cameron Abney is a kid who will hopefully be able to score a few goals in the future, but he's beginning to carve a niche out for himself as a fighter. He's doing okay so far, but he's still got to fill out a little so he doesn't hurt himself; 6'5" and a little less than 200 does not a good balance make. However, he's not 18 for a few more months, so by the time he's 20, I have a feeling he's going to be a bruiser... I've met his very large father. :)
Anyway, here's a clip of the very short tussle Cam had with Taylor Jordan of the Portland Winterhawks. It's not great quality, but it's not bad.
And I also wanted to share a video courtesy of the fine folks at WHL.ca about my baby boys and how the franchise has grown in 5 1/2 years. My favorite part, besides our goal horn is at about 2:00 with one of my favorite boys who is also a baby Canuck, Taylor Ellington.
So, enjoy a bit of the boys and I'll have more after hopefully a successful weekend both on the road Friday and back home Saturday.
Anyway, here's a clip of the very short tussle Cam had with Taylor Jordan of the Portland Winterhawks. It's not great quality, but it's not bad.
And I also wanted to share a video courtesy of the fine folks at WHL.ca about my baby boys and how the franchise has grown in 5 1/2 years. My favorite part, besides our goal horn is at about 2:00 with one of my favorite boys who is also a baby Canuck, Taylor Ellington.
So, enjoy a bit of the boys and I'll have more after hopefully a successful weekend both on the road Friday and back home Saturday.
Number 5 in the program...
My first hockey sweater I ever purchased was a Steve Yzerman sweater. He was the captain of my team and he had been the captain for as long as I had followed hockey at my top sport. He was my captain.
Nick Lidstrom came to Detroit a quiet but steady defenseman in 1991. The Wings were on the rise and they had a world of promise. Lidstrom came to Detroit the same year as Vladimir Konstantinov but they were total opposites. Vladdie went for the booming devastating hits while Nick went for the smart plays, almost at time avoiding the hit to keep the puck alive. In 1992, they were both selected to the all rookie team.
While people didn't talk about his retirement from the game, there was the obligatory "[fill in the blank] will be Detroit's next captain." The 'fill in the blank' was usually Martin LaPointe or Kris Draper and even the occasional Darren McCarty. You really didn't hear Nick's name in the mix.
But Nick went on with his game - the same dependable reliable number 5 on the blue line. He wore an A for several seasons, but it's like the old saying goes, if you didn't notice a defenseman in a game, he was doing his job. Nick did his job with amazing skill.
When he was named the captain of the Wings, people just sort of nodded and said "oh yes, that makes sense. Why didn't we see it?". Mostly because Nick went on his way, playing the same smart capable game he's always played. Shy with the media, not making a scene. You never hear of Nick out on the town drinking with suspected minors (ok you can add him to the list of players from my post of yesterday; him and Sid)
The 6 time Norris trophy winner, the first European player to with the Conn Smythe and lead his team to the Stanley Cup; the 11 time all star.... he's the boy in high school that was always around but you never really paid attention to. Then at your ten year reunion you see him and thing how in the heck did I miss out on that action.
He scored two goals last night in a win against Nashville. Doing what he always does - reading the play well; shooting at the right times; picking his spots.
He's Mr. Dependable. He's a calming force. He's my captain.
Nick Lidstrom came to Detroit a quiet but steady defenseman in 1991. The Wings were on the rise and they had a world of promise. Lidstrom came to Detroit the same year as Vladimir Konstantinov but they were total opposites. Vladdie went for the booming devastating hits while Nick went for the smart plays, almost at time avoiding the hit to keep the puck alive. In 1992, they were both selected to the all rookie team.
While people didn't talk about his retirement from the game, there was the obligatory "[fill in the blank] will be Detroit's next captain." The 'fill in the blank' was usually Martin LaPointe or Kris Draper and even the occasional Darren McCarty. You really didn't hear Nick's name in the mix.
But Nick went on with his game - the same dependable reliable number 5 on the blue line. He wore an A for several seasons, but it's like the old saying goes, if you didn't notice a defenseman in a game, he was doing his job. Nick did his job with amazing skill.
When he was named the captain of the Wings, people just sort of nodded and said "oh yes, that makes sense. Why didn't we see it?". Mostly because Nick went on his way, playing the same smart capable game he's always played. Shy with the media, not making a scene. You never hear of Nick out on the town drinking with suspected minors (ok you can add him to the list of players from my post of yesterday; him and Sid)
The 6 time Norris trophy winner, the first European player to with the Conn Smythe and lead his team to the Stanley Cup; the 11 time all star.... he's the boy in high school that was always around but you never really paid attention to. Then at your ten year reunion you see him and thing how in the heck did I miss out on that action.
He scored two goals last night in a win against Nashville. Doing what he always does - reading the play well; shooting at the right times; picking his spots.
He's Mr. Dependable. He's a calming force. He's my captain.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Random drug induced rambling
Good morning from the Left Coast... well, it's morning anyway and I'm buried under my desk in my cube sucking down OJ and popping Dayquil. :) And Lisa said pretty much what I would have if I were up that early; so insteat I want to give a big ole shoutout to my main men aka the Vancouver Canucks.
I have been a fan of the Canucks ever since I can remember, mostly because of locale as Vancouver is about a 2 hour car ride from here. They weren't that great since when if they did qualify for the playoffs they were promptly ousted by one or the other teams from Alberta; but I loved Steamer and Harold Snepts and even Tiger Williams. Then in the 1988 draft, they had the 2nd pick and they chose a tall skinny kid from Medicine Hat, Alberta; and I was hooked line and sinker.
When the 1988-1989 season started, I watched as many games as they showed in the days before Center Ice and all the cable channels, which weren't that many, even with the start of the double header of HNIC starting that season; but still I believed and finally in 1994 it seemed that the dream of that shiny cup was going to come true. Well, even with a super human effort by the Captain and Pasha Bure and Captain Kirk; it just wasn't in the cards for my boys. I didn't know it at the time, but two men on the other side of the Cup celebration would be responsible for so much unhappiness for me and other Canuck fans a few years later.
You know those days you will always remember no matter how long ago.... you know where you were and how you felt, etc. Well, February 6, 1998 and November 10, 2001 will always be those days since they were the days that Trevor got traded away then traded back. Those almost 4 years without Trevor were so hard for me to be a fan... I was angry at the front office, I elevated my intense dislike for Messier and Keenan to an all out hate; and if it wasn't for Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi showing the signs of the beginnings of the West Coast Express, I would have had to cut a bitch.
But to make a long story even longer, through good times and bad, I have never not loved this team. There have been many times where I have not liked them and felt they needed a kick in the nards; but they will always be my boys and last night was one of those games where I was so proud of them. They were on the road and down late in the 3rd period to a division rival who also needed those two points; and they manned up and got it to OT then won it in the shootout. I guess I was just a little pleasant surprise after the long long slump they were in last month; and I admit that I was on the "Why did we sign Sundin?" list for a while. Obviously, I was very uniformed on how good he could be; but then I could give a rat's ass about the Leafs so I sort of have ignored him forever.
I'm not sure if there was a point to this post other than say to my beloved Canucks that I love you guys and good luck on your road trip this weekend!
I have been a fan of the Canucks ever since I can remember, mostly because of locale as Vancouver is about a 2 hour car ride from here. They weren't that great since when if they did qualify for the playoffs they were promptly ousted by one or the other teams from Alberta; but I loved Steamer and Harold Snepts and even Tiger Williams. Then in the 1988 draft, they had the 2nd pick and they chose a tall skinny kid from Medicine Hat, Alberta; and I was hooked line and sinker.
When the 1988-1989 season started, I watched as many games as they showed in the days before Center Ice and all the cable channels, which weren't that many, even with the start of the double header of HNIC starting that season; but still I believed and finally in 1994 it seemed that the dream of that shiny cup was going to come true. Well, even with a super human effort by the Captain and Pasha Bure and Captain Kirk; it just wasn't in the cards for my boys. I didn't know it at the time, but two men on the other side of the Cup celebration would be responsible for so much unhappiness for me and other Canuck fans a few years later.
You know those days you will always remember no matter how long ago.... you know where you were and how you felt, etc. Well, February 6, 1998 and November 10, 2001 will always be those days since they were the days that Trevor got traded away then traded back. Those almost 4 years without Trevor were so hard for me to be a fan... I was angry at the front office, I elevated my intense dislike for Messier and Keenan to an all out hate; and if it wasn't for Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi showing the signs of the beginnings of the West Coast Express, I would have had to cut a bitch.
But to make a long story even longer, through good times and bad, I have never not loved this team. There have been many times where I have not liked them and felt they needed a kick in the nards; but they will always be my boys and last night was one of those games where I was so proud of them. They were on the road and down late in the 3rd period to a division rival who also needed those two points; and they manned up and got it to OT then won it in the shootout. I guess I was just a little pleasant surprise after the long long slump they were in last month; and I admit that I was on the "Why did we sign Sundin?" list for a while. Obviously, I was very uniformed on how good he could be; but then I could give a rat's ass about the Leafs so I sort of have ignored him forever.
I'm not sure if there was a point to this post other than say to my beloved Canucks that I love you guys and good luck on your road trip this weekend!
one day off, one day on, one day off....
Hopefully Amy is feeling better and back at work today because I'm home. A combination of too little sleep, too much stress, and fighting off the drek for too long has finally caught up with me. So home I sit.
Buffalo won a nice game last night. I missed the first part (hurrah for DVR) but hear that Ryan Miller kept them in it at the start. I'm not shy about admitting how much I've grown to adore him (this is a man who in his blog said Besides, this a blog written by a professional athlete and I don't want to undermine the stereotype that we are all dumb jocks... We worked hard for that stigma so that when people underestimate our intelligence we can make them look really stupid. It is one of the perks... That and naps. We nap a lot. Nap are a big perk. This after saying he'd like to keep politics out of his blog. The fact that he even is AWARE there is a political landscape out there is big. It's also no secret that smart guys are instantly more attractive/interesting to me anyway). I'll have to watch that today and see how well he really did. That and the puck seems to keep finding Stafford. I'm all for that!
Interesting news out of Montreal. When you tell the player who has been one of your top scorers to stay home on your roadtrip without him being injured, that's a big sign of trouble. Calling him ineffective to the press just tosses a whole can of lighter fluid onto the fire. Gotta think he's not long for Montreal. I bet I could think of some takers. Also in the Habs world - the players are partying too much. Like this is a shock to anyone? Find me some young men who make lots of money who don't party (other than Sidney Crosby I mean)? There is a big deal about seeing Carey Price smoking....wasn't there a photo of Kiprusoff chain smoking with some ladies of .... lets just say, most likely, "negotiable affection" a few years back? Chalk that up to saying boys will be boys.
The kitties are at it again. Playing the devils and coming out with two points is big - bigger when the devils don't get any. Nicely played.
Going to dip into the west pool again and talk about two guys. First up, John-Michael Liles. Seems that he's got some sort of hand/wrist injury that will keep him out for the next few days. Man the hits just keep coming for that team. Hopefully he'll be back before we know it.
PattyMarleau (you just gotta say that in a sing song voice PaaaatyMARleau) is on fire. This pleases me a lot. Seeing him damn near broken and talk of trade rumors and hearing how he wasn't a good captain really ..well, hurt. I like Patty a whole bunch and think there are 29 other teams out there who wouldn't drool for a chance to have him on their roster. I'm sorta rooting for them to win it all this year just so I can hear The Count say "Patrick Marleau, come get the Stanley Cup" and know that somewhere Ron Wilson is seething.
Mike Green won't give his record setting stick to the Hall of Fame. A douchebag move? Color me shocked. Reason number 9,862,621 to dislike the Craps? Boudreau, who appeared as an extra in “Slap Shot,” was happy to learn that a studio is planning a remake of the 1977 classic hockey movie. Sorry Bruce, you don't remake that sort of movie. Tool.
Oh one more thing:
Buffalo won a nice game last night. I missed the first part (hurrah for DVR) but hear that Ryan Miller kept them in it at the start. I'm not shy about admitting how much I've grown to adore him (this is a man who in his blog said Besides, this a blog written by a professional athlete and I don't want to undermine the stereotype that we are all dumb jocks... We worked hard for that stigma so that when people underestimate our intelligence we can make them look really stupid. It is one of the perks... That and naps. We nap a lot. Nap are a big perk. This after saying he'd like to keep politics out of his blog. The fact that he even is AWARE there is a political landscape out there is big. It's also no secret that smart guys are instantly more attractive/interesting to me anyway). I'll have to watch that today and see how well he really did. That and the puck seems to keep finding Stafford. I'm all for that!
Interesting news out of Montreal. When you tell the player who has been one of your top scorers to stay home on your roadtrip without him being injured, that's a big sign of trouble. Calling him ineffective to the press just tosses a whole can of lighter fluid onto the fire. Gotta think he's not long for Montreal. I bet I could think of some takers. Also in the Habs world - the players are partying too much. Like this is a shock to anyone? Find me some young men who make lots of money who don't party (other than Sidney Crosby I mean)? There is a big deal about seeing Carey Price smoking....wasn't there a photo of Kiprusoff chain smoking with some ladies of .... lets just say, most likely, "negotiable affection" a few years back? Chalk that up to saying boys will be boys.
The kitties are at it again. Playing the devils and coming out with two points is big - bigger when the devils don't get any. Nicely played.
Going to dip into the west pool again and talk about two guys. First up, John-Michael Liles. Seems that he's got some sort of hand/wrist injury that will keep him out for the next few days. Man the hits just keep coming for that team. Hopefully he'll be back before we know it.
PattyMarleau (you just gotta say that in a sing song voice PaaaatyMARleau) is on fire. This pleases me a lot. Seeing him damn near broken and talk of trade rumors and hearing how he wasn't a good captain really ..well, hurt. I like Patty a whole bunch and think there are 29 other teams out there who wouldn't drool for a chance to have him on their roster. I'm sorta rooting for them to win it all this year just so I can hear The Count say "Patrick Marleau, come get the Stanley Cup" and know that somewhere Ron Wilson is seething.
Mike Green won't give his record setting stick to the Hall of Fame. A douchebag move? Color me shocked. Reason number 9,862,621 to dislike the Craps? Boudreau, who appeared as an extra in “Slap Shot,” was happy to learn that a studio is planning a remake of the 1977 classic hockey movie. Sorry Bruce, you don't remake that sort of movie. Tool.
Oh one more thing:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
*insert witty title here*
Well... Lisa is back to work and I am not at work due to the fun-ness that is having a cold/flu/whatever strain is rampant here in Hooterville this week. Meh.
Because of being under the weather, I missed a great end to the Kings-Thrashers game last night. I turned it off with about 2 minutes to go thinking that it was over. Well, Anze Kopitar decided that it was not, and they went to OT then the shootout, and at least got a point.
Now, as a fan of two other Pacific division teams, I should not be rooting for the Kings, and I'm not really... I'm just tired of seeing them in last. That and I have a little place in my heart for Jack Johnson and Patty O'Sullivan. Having followed them with Team USA U-20 and now to the big show, I think they are poised to be a big part of USA Hockey next year in Vancouver and beyond. Well, that is if JMFJ can avoid being hurt at for the rest of this season and into next.
Funny moment of the night was during the Sens-Preds game on TSN when the camera panned to the suite where Carrie Underwood was; and when she saw she was on TV, she immediately disappeared like she has fallen into a rabbit hole. Hey Carrie? It's not like you there wearing a pink #12 Sens jersey shaking your moneymaker for the crowd. *paging Jessica Simpson*
And now for a little something different...
Major junior hockey is a very important part of my life, and I am hoping to be able to bring you just a little taste of it here; especially since a good portion of the guys who play in the NHL have also spent some time playing for a team in the Canadian Hockey League.
There are three separate leagues under the umbrella of the CHL: The QMJHL, the OHL and the WHL; and my focus is for the most part on the Dub and the Everett Silvertips. They've only been in the league for 5 seasons, this being the 6th; and we've already had 8 boys drafted and one is already playing full time. You might have heard of Peter Mueller? He's a great kid and doing really well so far in his sophomore season.
It's been a crazy sort of season for my boys this year... lots of attrition due to graduation and others leaving have more than half of the squad being rookies and very young. But, even with all of the negatives, they've held their own and are sporting a 2 games under .500 record and clinging on to the 7th spot in the conference. I just hope they don't let Portland catch up and have to play the Vancouver Giants in the playoffs. That would not be fun times at all. :)
I really don't have any actual structure for what I will post each week about the baby boys or even how many times a week, so if you have thoughts on what you'd like to see, please let us know. I'll even post pictures of any boys from your draftees if I have any since I sit right behind the Tips bench at home.
So, to close today's ramblings, I'll leave you with a picture of this week's former CHL Hottie of the week. As much as I still wanna punch him in the nards for giving PMueller a concussion a couple of years ago, there's nothing more that I want to than make him happy he's a man. I give you former assistant captain of the Vancouver Giants. captain of Team Canada for the U-20 Super Series and MVP of the 2007 Memorial Cup... Boston Bruin sophomore Milan Lucic!
Because of being under the weather, I missed a great end to the Kings-Thrashers game last night. I turned it off with about 2 minutes to go thinking that it was over. Well, Anze Kopitar decided that it was not, and they went to OT then the shootout, and at least got a point.
Now, as a fan of two other Pacific division teams, I should not be rooting for the Kings, and I'm not really... I'm just tired of seeing them in last. That and I have a little place in my heart for Jack Johnson and Patty O'Sullivan. Having followed them with Team USA U-20 and now to the big show, I think they are poised to be a big part of USA Hockey next year in Vancouver and beyond. Well, that is if JMFJ can avoid being hurt at for the rest of this season and into next.
Funny moment of the night was during the Sens-Preds game on TSN when the camera panned to the suite where Carrie Underwood was; and when she saw she was on TV, she immediately disappeared like she has fallen into a rabbit hole. Hey Carrie? It's not like you there wearing a pink #12 Sens jersey shaking your moneymaker for the crowd. *paging Jessica Simpson*
And now for a little something different...
Major junior hockey is a very important part of my life, and I am hoping to be able to bring you just a little taste of it here; especially since a good portion of the guys who play in the NHL have also spent some time playing for a team in the Canadian Hockey League.
There are three separate leagues under the umbrella of the CHL: The QMJHL, the OHL and the WHL; and my focus is for the most part on the Dub and the Everett Silvertips. They've only been in the league for 5 seasons, this being the 6th; and we've already had 8 boys drafted and one is already playing full time. You might have heard of Peter Mueller? He's a great kid and doing really well so far in his sophomore season.
It's been a crazy sort of season for my boys this year... lots of attrition due to graduation and others leaving have more than half of the squad being rookies and very young. But, even with all of the negatives, they've held their own and are sporting a 2 games under .500 record and clinging on to the 7th spot in the conference. I just hope they don't let Portland catch up and have to play the Vancouver Giants in the playoffs. That would not be fun times at all. :)
I really don't have any actual structure for what I will post each week about the baby boys or even how many times a week, so if you have thoughts on what you'd like to see, please let us know. I'll even post pictures of any boys from your draftees if I have any since I sit right behind the Tips bench at home.
So, to close today's ramblings, I'll leave you with a picture of this week's former CHL Hottie of the week. As much as I still wanna punch him in the nards for giving PMueller a concussion a couple of years ago, there's nothing more that I want to than make him happy he's a man. I give you former assistant captain of the Vancouver Giants. captain of Team Canada for the U-20 Super Series and MVP of the 2007 Memorial Cup... Boston Bruin sophomore Milan Lucic!
It's really Tuesday
I had yesterday off as I am a government lackey and yesterday was a federal holiday (don't believe me? Did you get mail yesterday? No?) and I'm sorta fubar today thinking that it is Monday again but it's not. It's Tuesday. I'd like to be able to say oooh, it's Tuesday, that means it's _______ around here but honestly, we're sorta new to this blogging thing and haven't thought up any clever du jour things to do (well ok, I haven't, I think Amy has). We're open to suggestions.
The rangers lost to the Blues last night. While I like some of the players on the Blues, lets face it, a good solid high school team against them on any given night could make a game of it. I personally LOVE that they beat the rangers. But I'm like that (Amy is the nice one, trust me).
Welcome to the bigs Dan Bylsma. Getting a point in your first game isn't so bad - it's the same thing your predecessor did....oh, well maybe that's not such a good thing after all. Keep that head up, you've got another chance Thursday against the free-falling Habs.
Yahoo tells me that Paul Stastny could return to the ice soon. This, however, could be a little too late for the Av. Too many injuries, inconsistent goal tending, not enough scoring generally lead to an early summer. Speaking of injuries, who was the mental giant behind this little gem: the Avalanche had their annual brunch fundraiser fashion show and guess who is behind the carving station holding a big knife? Captain Joe. Oh har har. Lets see if he can really lose a finger this time. [and I know that the Avalanche are more of a Western thing but since Amy loathes them, I figured I was save discussing them here]
The Buffaslugs play tonight against Toronto (on versus - blech) and lord knows who Lindy is gonna put in net. My guess is Miller as Lalime had his 40 minutes of play for the month (and actually did really well) Maybe this time they can actually show up and not sleep through the game a la Sunday.
Not much else to talk about so I will bid you a farewell. Skate on kids!
PSA: This post was spell checked and is glitch free for your convenience and protection.
The rangers lost to the Blues last night. While I like some of the players on the Blues, lets face it, a good solid high school team against them on any given night could make a game of it. I personally LOVE that they beat the rangers. But I'm like that (Amy is the nice one, trust me).
Welcome to the bigs Dan Bylsma. Getting a point in your first game isn't so bad - it's the same thing your predecessor did....oh, well maybe that's not such a good thing after all. Keep that head up, you've got another chance Thursday against the free-falling Habs.
Yahoo tells me that Paul Stastny could return to the ice soon. This, however, could be a little too late for the Av. Too many injuries, inconsistent goal tending, not enough scoring generally lead to an early summer. Speaking of injuries, who was the mental giant behind this little gem: the Avalanche had their annual brunch fundraiser fashion show and guess who is behind the carving station holding a big knife? Captain Joe. Oh har har. Lets see if he can really lose a finger this time. [and I know that the Avalanche are more of a Western thing but since Amy loathes them, I figured I was save discussing them here]
The Buffaslugs play tonight against Toronto (on versus - blech) and lord knows who Lindy is gonna put in net. My guess is Miller as Lalime had his 40 minutes of play for the month (and actually did really well) Maybe this time they can actually show up and not sleep through the game a la Sunday.
Not much else to talk about so I will bid you a farewell. Skate on kids!
PSA: This post was spell checked and is glitch free for your convenience and protection.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Greetings from the West!
It's sort of fun to be 3 hours behind Lisa because then I get to see what she has to say and either refute it or say "Rock on!"
The Pens start their new era this morning; and I'm going to have to follow the game via scoreboard since I'm part of the private sector and not able to watch it on TV. I don't know if Bylsma is going to get any better results than HCMT, but hey, it's worth a shot right? Besides, he's kind of hot and he used to be a Duck.
Speaking of Les Canards, what in the fuck was going on with Jiggy last night? I realize that Ilya is a great player, but Jesus....it's the Thrashers! Even with Teemu and some noob getting 3 points each it wasn't enough. I'm worried that if Jiggy doesn't get his shit together or whoever the hell is the GM today doesn't get another goalie, I don't see them getting out of the first round.
Some boys that may just get to round 2 are the Canucks. They've been on fire of late and had a great game against a Habs team that has been having just the opposite luck. The Sundin-Kesler-Demitra line has been crazy sauce, and they, along with the Sedin-Sedin-Burrows line might just be the answer for what ailed them during that horrific slump. They just need to keep this up since Mr. Playoffs aka my hockey husband will not be there for game 7 heroics this season.
I will hopefully get some news from the Major junior leagues tomorrow, especially my boys the Everett Silvertips.
And with the games that Misters Kovalchuk and Ovechkin had last night along with Malkin and some of their comrades, how fucking scary is Team Russia going to be next year in Vancouver??? Yikes!
Oh, and thank you NHL for scheduling a late game on a Monday... it may not be that big of a deal for anyone east of the Rockies, but for someone who doesn't watch a lot of network TV and basketball is on their All Star break, we need something to watch after 8pm! Even then, Mondays are usually crappy. I just don't get it. Why is it that some nights are 10 games and some are two; and then, of those 10, there are 3 that I want to watch and they're inevitably on Wednesday which is always a Tips game night. Bah!
I'm sure I had more to say, but the cold meds are making me all fuzzy. *grins*
Have a good day off if you are fortunate enough to have it off; and a good Monday to the rest of ya.
The Pens start their new era this morning; and I'm going to have to follow the game via scoreboard since I'm part of the private sector and not able to watch it on TV. I don't know if Bylsma is going to get any better results than HCMT, but hey, it's worth a shot right? Besides, he's kind of hot and he used to be a Duck.
Speaking of Les Canards, what in the fuck was going on with Jiggy last night? I realize that Ilya is a great player, but Jesus....it's the Thrashers! Even with Teemu and some noob getting 3 points each it wasn't enough. I'm worried that if Jiggy doesn't get his shit together or whoever the hell is the GM today doesn't get another goalie, I don't see them getting out of the first round.
Some boys that may just get to round 2 are the Canucks. They've been on fire of late and had a great game against a Habs team that has been having just the opposite luck. The Sundin-Kesler-Demitra line has been crazy sauce, and they, along with the Sedin-Sedin-Burrows line might just be the answer for what ailed them during that horrific slump. They just need to keep this up since Mr. Playoffs aka my hockey husband will not be there for game 7 heroics this season.
I will hopefully get some news from the Major junior leagues tomorrow, especially my boys the Everett Silvertips.
And with the games that Misters Kovalchuk and Ovechkin had last night along with Malkin and some of their comrades, how fucking scary is Team Russia going to be next year in Vancouver??? Yikes!
Oh, and thank you NHL for scheduling a late game on a Monday... it may not be that big of a deal for anyone east of the Rockies, but for someone who doesn't watch a lot of network TV and basketball is on their All Star break, we need something to watch after 8pm! Even then, Mondays are usually crappy. I just don't get it. Why is it that some nights are 10 games and some are two; and then, of those 10, there are 3 that I want to watch and they're inevitably on Wednesday which is always a Tips game night. Bah!
I'm sure I had more to say, but the cold meds are making me all fuzzy. *grins*
Have a good day off if you are fortunate enough to have it off; and a good Monday to the rest of ya.
Eastern-ish time zone recap
Lots of hockey happened last night and some of it was even pretty good.
Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo? What are we going to do with you? You are like my dog - faced with what he sees as a bully, he goes nuts, barking his wee brown head off. But then when he sees someone he deems weaker than he is, he rolls over and shows the dog his belly. After a huge emotional and much needed two points against the Sharks on Friday (side note, if you saw the game, have you ever heard a more quiet moment of silence?) and then they choke and give up two very very lazy goals early and make the game almost out of reach in the first period. I'm not being a homer here, but I can't blame Miller for either one - as much as I hate to admit it, Robby (the intermission dude for those not in the Buffalo area or who don't have center ice) was right - you can't stick check a Staal (The Staals are brothers?) and stop him. Lindy called this a distance game (or something like that) but they didn't get any distance on anyone last night. The only possible saving grace is that the Panthers didn't win.
Speaking of the Kitties. They may look on last night and miss those two points. If I'm reading things right, they could have moved into fourth place last night with a win. Sigh. Now they are tied with Buffalo in points (in 7th place with a game in hand)
The Penguins fired their coach yesterday. Color me not surprised. When you have a team that went to the cup final last year and have the top two scores in the league, you shouldn't be in 10th place. I know I know, but what of the injuries? There have been too many games that Gonch or Whit or Rusty would have helped. They very well could be on the outside looking in this year.
Their opponents in the final last year, Redwings for those following at home, started off slow against Colorado, made a push to tie it, then stepped on their collective members in the shootout. As much as it pains me to say it, I don't think they'll come out of the west this year. I don't think they have the goal tending. Then again, San Jose has looked pretty beatable in the last few games so maybe there is hope.
I can't be the only one who really enjoyed the Rangers having their asses handed to them, am I? Oh yeah, Sean Avery will help that club out.
Breakfast and cleaning await (bummer way to spend the day off), so that's it for now. Happy Monday!
Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo? What are we going to do with you? You are like my dog - faced with what he sees as a bully, he goes nuts, barking his wee brown head off. But then when he sees someone he deems weaker than he is, he rolls over and shows the dog his belly. After a huge emotional and much needed two points against the Sharks on Friday (side note, if you saw the game, have you ever heard a more quiet moment of silence?) and then they choke and give up two very very lazy goals early and make the game almost out of reach in the first period. I'm not being a homer here, but I can't blame Miller for either one - as much as I hate to admit it, Robby (the intermission dude for those not in the Buffalo area or who don't have center ice) was right - you can't stick check a Staal (The Staals are brothers?) and stop him. Lindy called this a distance game (or something like that) but they didn't get any distance on anyone last night. The only possible saving grace is that the Panthers didn't win.
Speaking of the Kitties. They may look on last night and miss those two points. If I'm reading things right, they could have moved into fourth place last night with a win. Sigh. Now they are tied with Buffalo in points (in 7th place with a game in hand)
The Penguins fired their coach yesterday. Color me not surprised. When you have a team that went to the cup final last year and have the top two scores in the league, you shouldn't be in 10th place. I know I know, but what of the injuries? There have been too many games that Gonch or Whit or Rusty would have helped. They very well could be on the outside looking in this year.
Their opponents in the final last year, Redwings for those following at home, started off slow against Colorado, made a push to tie it, then stepped on their collective members in the shootout. As much as it pains me to say it, I don't think they'll come out of the west this year. I don't think they have the goal tending. Then again, San Jose has looked pretty beatable in the last few games so maybe there is hope.
I can't be the only one who really enjoyed the Rangers having their asses handed to them, am I? Oh yeah, Sean Avery will help that club out.
Breakfast and cleaning await (bummer way to spend the day off), so that's it for now. Happy Monday!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A little bit about us and why we're here
Amy and Lisa have known each other for roughly five years now and things haven't been the same since. We both share a great love of the hockey (fans for over 60 years combined) and have had on occasion a thing or two to say about the game. From the big boys (NHL) to baby boys (WHL), they love them all - some way more than others. They are also big fans of the theory "love the player, HATE the team". Amy is a fan of the Nucks, Ducks, and Pens. Lisa is a fan of the Wings, Sabres, and Avalanche (don't judge)
Things we like:
When the saying "Hard work will always beat talent when talent doesn't work hard" come true.
Listening to a game called by Dave Strader.
That Ryan Miller drives a hybrid vehicle and that the sabres website let us know this tidbit.
Games that end 1-0.
Bone crushing hits.
Stay at home defenseman (see also: Bouwmeester, Jay; Foote, Adam; Smith, Jason, and Ellington, Taylor)
Trevor Linden & Steve Yzerman
The Everett Silvertips (aka, Amy's Baby Boys)
Sid's Huge Ass
Boys in glasses
Things we dislike:
Puck bunnies (if you are going to the game, please do not wear Dasiy Dukes. It's cold in the arena and you look like an idiot).
We share a hatred for the dirty dirty Rangers. Lisa dislikes, in no particular order, the Capitals, Hawks, Stars, Senators, and on most nights, the Devils. Amy, being the good Northwest girl she is, also hates Colorado.
Refs gone bad (see also Fraser, Kerry)
People who don't believe that you are entitled to your own opinion.
There are others, but this is a good start as to who we are and what we're about. So pull up a chair and stay a while. Pipe in and let us know you are there and tell us what YOU think.
Things we like:
When the saying "Hard work will always beat talent when talent doesn't work hard" come true.
Listening to a game called by Dave Strader.
That Ryan Miller drives a hybrid vehicle and that the sabres website let us know this tidbit.
Games that end 1-0.
Bone crushing hits.
Stay at home defenseman (see also: Bouwmeester, Jay; Foote, Adam; Smith, Jason, and Ellington, Taylor)
Trevor Linden & Steve Yzerman
The Everett Silvertips (aka, Amy's Baby Boys)
Sid's Huge Ass
Boys in glasses
Things we dislike:
Puck bunnies (if you are going to the game, please do not wear Dasiy Dukes. It's cold in the arena and you look like an idiot).
We share a hatred for the dirty dirty Rangers. Lisa dislikes, in no particular order, the Capitals, Hawks, Stars, Senators, and on most nights, the Devils. Amy, being the good Northwest girl she is, also hates Colorado.
Refs gone bad (see also Fraser, Kerry)
People who don't believe that you are entitled to your own opinion.
There are others, but this is a good start as to who we are and what we're about. So pull up a chair and stay a while. Pipe in and let us know you are there and tell us what YOU think.
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