Well, it appears that I'm going to be updating here in the evening, since lately at work I've had to actually do, you know, WORK! lol So anyone in the time zones to the right of mine will get to see this when they get up in the morning. Don't all clap at once! *crickets*
Anyway, tonight was the first of two year end parties for the Silvertips with the first at Sporty's. It was nice to see as many boys able to make as did including my good pal Dale Hunt. He's such a great boy; I don't think we had a rotten one in the bunch this year, but I got to know him a little bit more than most of the others this season and I'm glad that PG let him go so we could have him. And the best thing is that he was only 18 at the beginning of the season so he'll be back this next season and hopefully so will everyone else other than the 3 overagers.
And now... on to the videos for today!
First is a clip from a Pittsburgh TV station about the Skates and Plates dinner that I would have loved to be at last night. Ah... hockey boys in tuxes serving me food! Sounds good to me!
Next is an interview with Christian Hanson from the fine folks at ESPN... the son of Dave Hanson, aka one of the Hanson brothers from Slap Shot, has been signed by the Leafs. He's adorable and I love how his dad still sports the same hair as he did in the movie.
And last but, not least is a goodie from Youtube by way of the Windsor Spitfires, who are not only #1 in the Ontario Hockey League, but they are also #2 in the entire Canadian Hockey League. It appears that they're relaxed and ready to take on Plymouth in the second round as is apparent in this video. Man it's funny, and I could so see my boys doing this too.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Whoooooooooo!
I have a feeling that Tay will probably not be joining us tomorrow and for sure Wednesday night, and I'm okay with that... I got my hug two weeks ago! *shakes pom poms* I &hearts you Ellie and I'm so proud of you!!
From the Silvertips website...
Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced Monday that 20 year old defenseman Taylor Ellington will be joining the Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, following the conclusion of his Everett Silvertips career. He is expected to arrive in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
As one of three 20- year-olds retained by the Silvertips this season, Ellington was appointed as an alternate captain prior to the start of the season and contributed with a fine campaign, posting career highs of 69 games played, six goals, 26 assists and 32 points. His efforts made him a deserving co-recipient along with Shane Harper of the Silvertips' Most Valuable Player Award, acknowledging his standout performance in leading the Silvertips to their sixth consecutive playoff appearance.
Through five seasons and a franchise-record 287 games played in a Silvertips uniform, the rugged defenseman finished with 14 goals and 52 assists for 66 points, along with 371 penalty minutes. Standing in at 6'2 and weighing 209 pounds, Ellington received several accolades throughout his junior career, including invitations to the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge and the 2007 Home Hardware CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game.
Ellington was selected in the third round (41st overall) in Everett's renowned 2003 WHL Bantam Draft that produced future first round NHL selections in Zach Hamill (Boston), Peter Mueller (Phoenix) and Leland Irving (Calgary) as well as early NHL selections in Ellington (Vancouver) and Brady Calla (Florida).
A Victoria, BC native, Taylor was selected in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks and signed a three-year entry contract with Vancouver on March 13th.
From the Silvertips website...
Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced Monday that 20 year old defenseman Taylor Ellington will be joining the Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, following the conclusion of his Everett Silvertips career. He is expected to arrive in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
As one of three 20- year-olds retained by the Silvertips this season, Ellington was appointed as an alternate captain prior to the start of the season and contributed with a fine campaign, posting career highs of 69 games played, six goals, 26 assists and 32 points. His efforts made him a deserving co-recipient along with Shane Harper of the Silvertips' Most Valuable Player Award, acknowledging his standout performance in leading the Silvertips to their sixth consecutive playoff appearance.
Through five seasons and a franchise-record 287 games played in a Silvertips uniform, the rugged defenseman finished with 14 goals and 52 assists for 66 points, along with 371 penalty minutes. Standing in at 6'2 and weighing 209 pounds, Ellington received several accolades throughout his junior career, including invitations to the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge and the 2007 Home Hardware CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game.
Ellington was selected in the third round (41st overall) in Everett's renowned 2003 WHL Bantam Draft that produced future first round NHL selections in Zach Hamill (Boston), Peter Mueller (Phoenix) and Leland Irving (Calgary) as well as early NHL selections in Ellington (Vancouver) and Brady Calla (Florida).
A Victoria, BC native, Taylor was selected in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks and signed a three-year entry contract with Vancouver on March 13th.
Another day, another dollar or two...
Good morning friends and neighbours out in the land of Puck. It's Monday, which means nothing other than there is a shitty game on Versus and I rolled into work at 9:30; but only because I have a standing 10:00 meeting. *sighs like Sid playing PSP*
And the party is over here in Tipsville as of about 10pm on Saturday night. The boys gave it a good ride, but just couldn't keep up with Tri-Cities; and so the season has come to an end. Considering a lot of experts picked the boys to finish 9th or 10th in the Western Conference, I think that coming in as 7th and making the playoffs is an achievement. It's just too bad that they had so many injuries and dropped some games that they looked like they had won; otherwise they might have finished higher and with a winning record.
I should have a season end post, but I think I might have to wait a few more days... I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to them, especially the three 20 year olds: Taylor Ellington, Graham Potuer and Daniel Bartek. They're really great guys; and with Tay and Potsie, they've been here 5 years, along with I've gotten to know Taylor a little better than the other two.
I guess the upside is that they will be going on to bigger and better things with either school or professionally; and that is where Taylor will be. He will either be playing in Victoria with the Canucks' ECHL club, the Salmon Kings, which is where another of our good pals Dan Gendur has had a great rookie campaign; or if he has a good camp, he might start the season in Winnipeg with the AHL Manitoba Moose with another former Tip, Shaun Heshka.
So, we're going into the second to the last week of the NHL season, and there are still logjams in both conferences for the last few spots, and I think it's going to come down to that last weekend. Talk about nail biters! I have two teams that are pretty sure of a spot unless they somehow lose all of their remaining games; but the last, aka Les Canards, are playing well but they're dependent on a few teams in front of them losing as well. *sends bad juju to Nashville and St. Louis* I know Lisa is feeling the same way for the Buffaslugs and maybe even the Kitties too since they're 10th and 9th right now, but only by a few points behind. *sends more bad juju to Montreal and the dirty Rangers*
And I also have some video this morning for those of you who also have a case of the Mondays...
Courtesy of the girls from Puckhuffers is a super funny video of Cabbie on the Street from Score Network, that has a few of my favorite boys in it.
I also wanted to share the video from the fabulous line brawl that was surrounded by the Canucks-Blackhawks game last night. The only bad part about this? Ben Eager didn't finish the job and rip Kevin Bieksa's shirt completely off! ;9 And holy shit are the sin bins huge at the Hawks' barn. I know the one at Comcast will fit only three comfortably or maybe 4 if they're the skinnier boys. ;)
Anywho... that's about it from me today. Have a good one youse guys!
And the party is over here in Tipsville as of about 10pm on Saturday night. The boys gave it a good ride, but just couldn't keep up with Tri-Cities; and so the season has come to an end. Considering a lot of experts picked the boys to finish 9th or 10th in the Western Conference, I think that coming in as 7th and making the playoffs is an achievement. It's just too bad that they had so many injuries and dropped some games that they looked like they had won; otherwise they might have finished higher and with a winning record.
I should have a season end post, but I think I might have to wait a few more days... I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to them, especially the three 20 year olds: Taylor Ellington, Graham Potuer and Daniel Bartek. They're really great guys; and with Tay and Potsie, they've been here 5 years, along with I've gotten to know Taylor a little better than the other two.
I guess the upside is that they will be going on to bigger and better things with either school or professionally; and that is where Taylor will be. He will either be playing in Victoria with the Canucks' ECHL club, the Salmon Kings, which is where another of our good pals Dan Gendur has had a great rookie campaign; or if he has a good camp, he might start the season in Winnipeg with the AHL Manitoba Moose with another former Tip, Shaun Heshka.
So, we're going into the second to the last week of the NHL season, and there are still logjams in both conferences for the last few spots, and I think it's going to come down to that last weekend. Talk about nail biters! I have two teams that are pretty sure of a spot unless they somehow lose all of their remaining games; but the last, aka Les Canards, are playing well but they're dependent on a few teams in front of them losing as well. *sends bad juju to Nashville and St. Louis* I know Lisa is feeling the same way for the Buffaslugs and maybe even the Kitties too since they're 10th and 9th right now, but only by a few points behind. *sends more bad juju to Montreal and the dirty Rangers*
And I also have some video this morning for those of you who also have a case of the Mondays...
Courtesy of the girls from Puckhuffers is a super funny video of Cabbie on the Street from Score Network, that has a few of my favorite boys in it.
I also wanted to share the video from the fabulous line brawl that was surrounded by the Canucks-Blackhawks game last night. The only bad part about this? Ben Eager didn't finish the job and rip Kevin Bieksa's shirt completely off! ;9 And holy shit are the sin bins huge at the Hawks' barn. I know the one at Comcast will fit only three comfortably or maybe 4 if they're the skinnier boys. ;)
Anywho... that's about it from me today. Have a good one youse guys!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Do you believe in miracles? YES
It's down to this... it's game 5 back over at the Toyota Center in Richland; and I wonder what my baby boys have left in them to give tonight.
Last night's game was probably the best effort I've seen from them at home in quite some time; and for a little while it looked like they might just pull the rabbit out of the hat and win. Well, after the first period the rabbit gave them the finger before leaving the arena; and the Tips were not able to keep the Amerks under control. I was very proud of them for all the work they put in, especially on the physical play... some of the boys who I know can lay a hit were not doing so very much or at all; and they responded to what Tri was dishing out.
And you can read a very well done and very funny recap written by the lovely Ms. Daily Su who I had the extreme pleasure of meeting and sitting with last night. She graciously posted some of my pictures and I feel sorta famous!
So, that is life in Tipsville tonight... I think I'm gonna go get ready for the game. Go boys go!
Last night's game was probably the best effort I've seen from them at home in quite some time; and for a little while it looked like they might just pull the rabbit out of the hat and win. Well, after the first period the rabbit gave them the finger before leaving the arena; and the Tips were not able to keep the Amerks under control. I was very proud of them for all the work they put in, especially on the physical play... some of the boys who I know can lay a hit were not doing so very much or at all; and they responded to what Tri was dishing out.
And you can read a very well done and very funny recap written by the lovely Ms. Daily Su who I had the extreme pleasure of meeting and sitting with last night. She graciously posted some of my pictures and I feel sorta famous!
So, that is life in Tipsville tonight... I think I'm gonna go get ready for the game. Go boys go!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Despite the rumors....
I am not: dead (clearly); stuck under something heavy (Ryan's skinny after all); giving up the blog for good (again, clearly). Life around these parts has been very busy and honestly, I don't see it changing a whole lot in the next few days. Arg!
But some puck news to talk about:
Bluejackets - ok, dare I say it but this a legit playoff team. They dismantled the Flames last night and I'm not just saying that because the score was 5-0. From the probable rookie of the year on out, everyone had a strong game. They won face-offs, they took the body, they intercepted passes while making crisp passes themselves.... I think the score could have been 1-0; they were just that good.
Sabres - the beloved Crunchy Miller is back in net tonight after a month long absence. He's saying the right things like "I'm not the savior here". Ryan, I just hope you are back in time so your boys in blue aren't sitting out the playoffs again this year (yeah, see that, I did it. He is the savior; even if he doesn't get the support he needs).
Penguins - the flightless birds are in an odd spot. One point up they are in 5th, two points down, they are in 8th. They just need to keep winning.
Lord help me, but I'm rooting for the Blues to make it back into the playoffs. They have been a hard working team all year and they've had some wretched injuries.
I just checked my basketball bracket. I was in last place (out of ten) as recently as yesterday morning; now I'm tied for 2nd. Go fig.
The Frozen Four starts tonight. Read an interesting tidbit over at Puck Daddy that this is the first time since 1968 that neither Boston College, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota or Colorado College are in the tournament. That's a lot of big names out.
I can't decide who to pull for: Denver is a sentimental favorite that has nothing to do with the school and the rest of my family would appreciate some love to Michigan (then again, you gotta feel for Steve Kampfer - this kid has been in some shit situations that are not of his doing this year). Maybe I'll just root on Bemidji ..oh wait,they are playing Notre Dame; forget it. I'll think of someone!
That's all I have time for today - but stay tuned. You never know when I might show up next!
But some puck news to talk about:
Bluejackets - ok, dare I say it but this a legit playoff team. They dismantled the Flames last night and I'm not just saying that because the score was 5-0. From the probable rookie of the year on out, everyone had a strong game. They won face-offs, they took the body, they intercepted passes while making crisp passes themselves.... I think the score could have been 1-0; they were just that good.
Sabres - the beloved Crunchy Miller is back in net tonight after a month long absence. He's saying the right things like "I'm not the savior here". Ryan, I just hope you are back in time so your boys in blue aren't sitting out the playoffs again this year (yeah, see that, I did it. He is the savior; even if he doesn't get the support he needs).
Penguins - the flightless birds are in an odd spot. One point up they are in 5th, two points down, they are in 8th. They just need to keep winning.
Lord help me, but I'm rooting for the Blues to make it back into the playoffs. They have been a hard working team all year and they've had some wretched injuries.
I just checked my basketball bracket. I was in last place (out of ten) as recently as yesterday morning; now I'm tied for 2nd. Go fig.
The Frozen Four starts tonight. Read an interesting tidbit over at Puck Daddy that this is the first time since 1968 that neither Boston College, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota or Colorado College are in the tournament. That's a lot of big names out.
I can't decide who to pull for: Denver is a sentimental favorite that has nothing to do with the school and the rest of my family would appreciate some love to Michigan (then again, you gotta feel for Steve Kampfer - this kid has been in some shit situations that are not of his doing this year). Maybe I'll just root on Bemidji ..oh wait,they are playing Notre Dame; forget it. I'll think of someone!
That's all I have time for today - but stay tuned. You never know when I might show up next!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out!
It's game day here in Hooterville and most Tips fans are pretty confident in our boys after winning game 2 to get a split of the first two on the road; especially with as hard as it was to win over in their barn this season. Last night two of the boys were at Sporty's, a local watering hole that is a huge sponsor of the Tips; and they were in good spirits and sounded ready, but were holding back a little on the enthusiasm. I think that's smart, because Tri-City is a very big and tough and talented team; and it's no fluke that they earned 101 points and won the division. So, I have my big fluffy sweatshirt and my bag of Hall's drops ready as I'm still in the last stages of La Grippe. :)
But, on the pro side, it's a half ways busy night in the NHL and I hope Les Canards can continue on their quest to get back into playoff contention. Last night, Jiggy had his shit together and was able to keep the Preds to one goal; as well shut them out in the shootout. They're now in eighth and hopefully they're gonna stay there.
Wish I had more to expound on other things, but my work calls and I should go see where Lisa has been the last few days. I think she's in Buffalo nursing Crunchy back to health. ;)
But, on the pro side, it's a half ways busy night in the NHL and I hope Les Canards can continue on their quest to get back into playoff contention. Last night, Jiggy had his shit together and was able to keep the Preds to one goal; as well shut them out in the shootout. They're now in eighth and hopefully they're gonna stay there.
Wish I had more to expound on other things, but my work calls and I should go see where Lisa has been the last few days. I think she's in Buffalo nursing Crunchy back to health. ;)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Shake your groove, shake your groove thing, yeah yeah!
This is going to be short and sweet; but I just wanted to give a big shout out to my baby boys, especially Mr. Tyler Maxwell and Thomas Heemskerk, for their great game last night. Tyler got all 3 goals and Heemer was a maniac in goal to give the boys a 3-2 win over Tri-Cities. Yay!!! I admit that I have been a bad bad fan sometimes lately and I wasn't sure they were going to be able to win a game let alone be so close in both over in Richland. That said, I'm sporting my black and white Tips hoodie today and will be sending good luck thoughts for the next 4 days until I see the boys on Wednesday. Whoooooo!
Hopefully Kellen Tochkin and Mike Alexander will be back for game 3, as they were both out last night with the dreaded 'upper body injury'; which could be anything from a hangnail to a level 12 concussion. Meh... just as long as the puppies get better is all I ask.
Anyway, I gotta boogie... hopefully something more exciting will happen today. The Penguins looked a little slow and not too good against the Puppy-Drowning Brigade. I say burn those fucking blue sweaters... they're nothing but bad ju-ju!
Hopefully Kellen Tochkin and Mike Alexander will be back for game 3, as they were both out last night with the dreaded 'upper body injury'; which could be anything from a hangnail to a level 12 concussion. Meh... just as long as the puppies get better is all I ask.
Anyway, I gotta boogie... hopefully something more exciting will happen today. The Penguins looked a little slow and not too good against the Puppy-Drowning Brigade. I say burn those fucking blue sweaters... they're nothing but bad ju-ju!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
*bounce, bounce, bounce... SWISH!*
You'll have to excuse me for being not here yesterday... not only am I fighting Le Grippe, but I spent most of the day on the couch in front of the TV cursing my NCAA bracket. In fact I have the UCLA-Nova game in the background, but that's only because there's no hockey on until 1... yeah, that's it. :)
So, I'm sitting here looking at the schedule for today's games and I'm surprised there are not more afternoon games, but maybe that was because of the basketball. Just looked at the CBC webpage and the guest for After Hours is the captain of the Canucks, Roberto Luongo; and that is good. I like him a lot. Since they're in Phoenix, I was sort of hoping for a Yote, and maybe even that Yote being a candidate for the future captain, aka Peter Mueller. I miss Pete... he's a good kid; and as much as I see of him on line both on and off the ice, he's becoming a wonderful man. But then I've met his mom and dad... they're good people.
But can I tell you how proud I am to be a Canucks fan right now? Two months ago, they were in the middle of an 8 game losing streak, even more at home; and were precariously close to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Since then, they have made some adjustments, the biggest one is that Mats Sundin has become Mats Sundin again; and they're now in 4th and may just get home ice in the playoffs if they can hold on for a few more weeks. *squees like a mofo*
My baby boys, the Silvertips, have started their playoffs against the Tri-City Americans and lost a heartbreaker in game 1 last night in Richland. It looked good in the first with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes; but whatever happens to them when they come out for the 2nd happened again last night, as they gave up 4 goals to T-C. The Tips were able to get another goal, but the Amerks scored again; and it all seemed to be lost.
Then, with just about 3 minutes to go, Shane Harper put one in and after pulling the goalie, our 20yr old Czech Daniel Bartek was able to tie it up with 21 seconds to go. I swear that JR, the radio guy, was going to have a stroke on the air; and I was too! Oh man... I can only imagine what it must have been like in that building, not only in the stands, but in the locker room between periods 3 and 4. Well, the magic was not to continue, as one of the TC boys slipped one past Heemer for the win.
So, they'll come back out tonight, hopefully with the same fire that they ended the game with; and get a split before they come home for game 3 on Wednesday and 4 on Friday. One other good thing is my good pal Dale Hunt was back on the ice last night. He hasn't scored a whole lot; but he shoots a lot, he's fast and he brings so much grit and heart to the game.
Anyway... that is my report for this lovely first Saturday of Spring. Yay for sun! *shakes pom poms*
So, I'm sitting here looking at the schedule for today's games and I'm surprised there are not more afternoon games, but maybe that was because of the basketball. Just looked at the CBC webpage and the guest for After Hours is the captain of the Canucks, Roberto Luongo; and that is good. I like him a lot. Since they're in Phoenix, I was sort of hoping for a Yote, and maybe even that Yote being a candidate for the future captain, aka Peter Mueller. I miss Pete... he's a good kid; and as much as I see of him on line both on and off the ice, he's becoming a wonderful man. But then I've met his mom and dad... they're good people.
But can I tell you how proud I am to be a Canucks fan right now? Two months ago, they were in the middle of an 8 game losing streak, even more at home; and were precariously close to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Since then, they have made some adjustments, the biggest one is that Mats Sundin has become Mats Sundin again; and they're now in 4th and may just get home ice in the playoffs if they can hold on for a few more weeks. *squees like a mofo*
My baby boys, the Silvertips, have started their playoffs against the Tri-City Americans and lost a heartbreaker in game 1 last night in Richland. It looked good in the first with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes; but whatever happens to them when they come out for the 2nd happened again last night, as they gave up 4 goals to T-C. The Tips were able to get another goal, but the Amerks scored again; and it all seemed to be lost.
Then, with just about 3 minutes to go, Shane Harper put one in and after pulling the goalie, our 20yr old Czech Daniel Bartek was able to tie it up with 21 seconds to go. I swear that JR, the radio guy, was going to have a stroke on the air; and I was too! Oh man... I can only imagine what it must have been like in that building, not only in the stands, but in the locker room between periods 3 and 4. Well, the magic was not to continue, as one of the TC boys slipped one past Heemer for the win.
So, they'll come back out tonight, hopefully with the same fire that they ended the game with; and get a split before they come home for game 3 on Wednesday and 4 on Friday. One other good thing is my good pal Dale Hunt was back on the ice last night. He hasn't scored a whole lot; but he shoots a lot, he's fast and he brings so much grit and heart to the game.
Anyway... that is my report for this lovely first Saturday of Spring. Yay for sun! *shakes pom poms*
Thursday, March 19, 2009
What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man...
Yes, I love that song. Not only is it a great song, but it was used as the at-bat song by one of my all time favorite baseball players, catcher Dan Wilson. And I thought it was perfect to use it with a hockey player who I love a whole lot, and that is Teemu Selanne. I have had this love for Teemu for a very long time, which actually started when he was with Anaheim the first time and playing on the opposite side with Paulie Kariya. I still loved him even when he went to San Jose then had a brain cramp and went to the dastardly Avs for a season. I just wish he got as much press as other players because he deserves. Unfortunately since he's not only not played in Canada, but played pretty much his whole career on the West coast, the writers are all asleep before he even steps on the ice.
With his game-winning goal in OT last night, he not only passed Mike Bossy for 18th all-time in goals, but it was point 1200. He's also only the sixth European-born player to reach that plateau along with Jaromir Jagr, Stan Mikita, Jari Kurri, Mats Sundin and Peter Stastny; which is pretty great and fast company.
Anyway, I just wanted to give some love to my favorite Finn and hope Les Canards can somehow make a miracle to get to the playoffs because my favorite Finn may not have too many more chances. But until that time comes when he hangs up the blades, I'm going to be behind him all the way. Oh, and it helps that he's sweet, a former kindergarten teacher and sexy as hell!
With his game-winning goal in OT last night, he not only passed Mike Bossy for 18th all-time in goals, but it was point 1200. He's also only the sixth European-born player to reach that plateau along with Jaromir Jagr, Stan Mikita, Jari Kurri, Mats Sundin and Peter Stastny; which is pretty great and fast company.
Anyway, I just wanted to give some love to my favorite Finn and hope Les Canards can somehow make a miracle to get to the playoffs because my favorite Finn may not have too many more chances. But until that time comes when he hangs up the blades, I'm going to be behind him all the way. Oh, and it helps that he's sweet, a former kindergarten teacher and sexy as hell!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Theories blown to hell
I used to have this theory that teams played better in front of their back up goalie. Well either my theory doesn't count for the backup's backup or it's just flat out wrong. Thanks to the Sabres for proving me wrong in any event. What the frack was THAT last night? But you know what I won't do? I won't bail on them. That really irritates me. The "Oh woe is me my team sucks" stuff is for the birds (and Thrashers fans). I may not like them right now but I do love them. (but those two points they could have had last night might come back to bite them in a few weeks).
Pittsburgh did another happy dance last night - wow, that number 71 can play some pucks no? I only caught the middle to the end of the game (I have it dvr'd so I can watch this weekend) but his two goals were something else. There was an article about 'why people hate Sid' over at Kuklas Korner and one of the comments said something about Geno not playing defense and just looking for points. Ya know? Call me a fool, but I think I'm ok with that.
*points to Philly and laughs* Sorry, had to get that off my chest. The Wings won again and I'm pleased.
I'm not going to mention the goalie happenings from last night. I'm sure that will be covered to DEATH. But it's a very nice accomplishment. I wonder who will be next?
Florida, Colorado, and the Sharks....all losers last night. Not even the extra gimmie we made it to OT point. And because most every team played last night, it's a light schedule tonight. Which is good, because once again, I'm gonna be gone. And my dvr is filling up.
Ok, that's enough stalling on the day. Until next time!
Pittsburgh did another happy dance last night - wow, that number 71 can play some pucks no? I only caught the middle to the end of the game (I have it dvr'd so I can watch this weekend) but his two goals were something else. There was an article about 'why people hate Sid' over at Kuklas Korner and one of the comments said something about Geno not playing defense and just looking for points. Ya know? Call me a fool, but I think I'm ok with that.
*points to Philly and laughs* Sorry, had to get that off my chest. The Wings won again and I'm pleased.
I'm not going to mention the goalie happenings from last night. I'm sure that will be covered to DEATH. But it's a very nice accomplishment. I wonder who will be next?
Florida, Colorado, and the Sharks....all losers last night. Not even the extra gimmie we made it to OT point. And because most every team played last night, it's a light schedule tonight. Which is good, because once again, I'm gonna be gone. And my dvr is filling up.
Ok, that's enough stalling on the day. Until next time!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Patty Party!
Happy St. Patty's to everyone! I'm not Irish or Catholic, but since my baby boys' color is green, I have collected a few green clothes and that just happens to be what I pulled out of the closet this morning.
And speaking of the Tips, I'm still a little mad at them, but I had to mention some good news coming from Hewitt Avenue yesterday afternoon. My good pal Taylor Ellington, who was drafted #33 in 2007 by the Canucks, signed his entry level contract yesterday. Whoooooooooooo!
He's had such a great season and worked so hard. He doubled his point total, doled out so many hard and good hits; and he also won part of the team MVP award. I'm so proud of him... and hopefully I'll get to give him a big bear hug tonight at Sporty's as he and Graham Potuer are going to be doing the weekly radio show.
Also, I thought it would be fun to see just how many boys named Patrick there are in the NHL, and I think I found a few good ones who are not only Patrick, but Patrik and Patrice.
Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins...
Patrick Kaleta and Lalime as well as assistant coach James Patrick from the Sabres...
Patrick Eaves who plays with the Canes...
Patrick Kane and Sharp of the Blackhawks...
A good Irish boy with the Oilers, Patty O'Sullivan...
Another French Patrick, Patrice Brisebois who is back with the Habs...
A Czech Patty, Patrik Elias...
PattyMarleau, captain of the Sharkies...
Swedish sweetie Patrik Berglund...
and of course the great Patty Roy...
Have a good day and don't drink too much beer... it makes the puck go all wonky on tv. :)
And speaking of the Tips, I'm still a little mad at them, but I had to mention some good news coming from Hewitt Avenue yesterday afternoon. My good pal Taylor Ellington, who was drafted #33 in 2007 by the Canucks, signed his entry level contract yesterday. Whoooooooooooo!
He's had such a great season and worked so hard. He doubled his point total, doled out so many hard and good hits; and he also won part of the team MVP award. I'm so proud of him... and hopefully I'll get to give him a big bear hug tonight at Sporty's as he and Graham Potuer are going to be doing the weekly radio show.
Also, I thought it would be fun to see just how many boys named Patrick there are in the NHL, and I think I found a few good ones who are not only Patrick, but Patrik and Patrice.
Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins...
Patrick Kaleta and Lalime as well as assistant coach James Patrick from the Sabres...
Patrick Eaves who plays with the Canes...
Patrick Kane and Sharp of the Blackhawks...
A good Irish boy with the Oilers, Patty O'Sullivan...
Another French Patrick, Patrice Brisebois who is back with the Habs...
A Czech Patty, Patrik Elias...
PattyMarleau, captain of the Sharkies...
Swedish sweetie Patrik Berglund...
and of course the great Patty Roy...
Have a good day and don't drink too much beer... it makes the puck go all wonky on tv. :)
Interesting playoff conversation
On NHL Live yesterday, Eddie O (who I enjoy there much more in studio than in a game setting) raised an interesting question about the playoffs: what if it were the top 16 teams (regardless of the conferences)? It could set up a situation where the final is two teams of the same conference and ya know, there have been times when it's been said that a conference final would be better than the actual final.
They broke it down if the playoffs were a top 16 and some are pretty damn interesting.
1. Detroit v 16. Buffalo
2. San Jose v 15. Florida
3. Boston v 14. Columbus
4. New Jersey v 13. Carolina
5. Washington v 12. NY Rangers
6. Calgary v 11. Montreal
7. Philadelphia v 10. Vancouver
8. Chicago v 9. Pittsburgh
Now, on the face of things, Philly would have the hardest travel (but hello, the West teams do that all year). I'd love to see Detroit v Buffalo...or how about Calgary v Montreal? The young guns of Chicago and Pittsburgh going at each other? I think it's fabulous.
Only two teams (Dallas and Nashville) wouldn't be in (who are currently in) and Buffalo and Florida make it in (who are currently on the outside looking in). I say go for it! It's been frustrating to me to see a team in one conference with fewer points make it in when a team in the other conference with a higher point total is out. Even up the schedule and lets roll with it.
They also talked about 2 points for a win and none for a loss. I still say this is how it should be.
It's St. Patrick's (sadly, not Roy) Day and if you are into this sort of thing, don't drink too much beer and remember to watch some hockey tonight - there are some pretty good games to be seen!
They broke it down if the playoffs were a top 16 and some are pretty damn interesting.
1. Detroit v 16. Buffalo
2. San Jose v 15. Florida
3. Boston v 14. Columbus
4. New Jersey v 13. Carolina
5. Washington v 12. NY Rangers
6. Calgary v 11. Montreal
7. Philadelphia v 10. Vancouver
8. Chicago v 9. Pittsburgh
Now, on the face of things, Philly would have the hardest travel (but hello, the West teams do that all year). I'd love to see Detroit v Buffalo...or how about Calgary v Montreal? The young guns of Chicago and Pittsburgh going at each other? I think it's fabulous.
Only two teams (Dallas and Nashville) wouldn't be in (who are currently in) and Buffalo and Florida make it in (who are currently on the outside looking in). I say go for it! It's been frustrating to me to see a team in one conference with fewer points make it in when a team in the other conference with a higher point total is out. Even up the schedule and lets roll with it.
They also talked about 2 points for a win and none for a loss. I still say this is how it should be.
It's St. Patrick's (sadly, not Roy) Day and if you are into this sort of thing, don't drink too much beer and remember to watch some hockey tonight - there are some pretty good games to be seen!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Les trois étoiles de la semaine!
Starting a blog towards the end of the season means there are a whole bunch of things starting all at once that hopefully will become regular features. One of those is the three stars of the week from the NHL; and I thought I'd add a Chica touch and include visual aids along with my own thoughts.
FIRST STAR -- MARTIN BRODEUR, G, NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Brodeur tied Patrick Roy as the NHL's all-time victories leader and helped the Devils continue their charge up the Eastern Conference standings, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 1.67 goals-against average and .943 save percentage. Brodeur began the week by making 35 saves in a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames Mar. 10, stopped 26 shots in a 5-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Mar. 12 and turned aside 22 shots in a 3-1 decision over the Montreal Canadiens Mar. 14 for his 551st career victory, matching Roy's record total. A winner in seven of eight starts since returning from a torn bicep tendon that required surgery, Brodeur has backstopped the Devils (45-20-3) to within six points of the first-place Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference standings. Brodeur's first chance to pass Roy is Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks at Prudential Center.
The Marty Party, as a few friends of ours call it, started when he came back and will probably go the rest of the season. I was just happy he got the record not only in Montreal, but that Patty was there to see it too.
Oh, and not to be the pot calling the kettle black, but you need to drop a few pounds there Monsieur Roy. It is sexy on Mario, but your face is too round for that.
SECOND STAR -- OLLI JOKINEN, C, CALGARY FLAMES
Jokinen continued his hot play for the Flames since being acquired at the trade deadline, leading the League in scoring with eight points (six goals, two assists) in the final leg of Calgary's season-long, seven-game road trip. Jokinen began the week by notching one goal in a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils Mar. 10, scored two goals in a 6-5 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings Mar. 12 and recorded a season-high five points (three goals, two assists) in an 8-6 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Mar. 14. Jokinen has tallied 10 points (eight goals, two assists) in six games with his new club.
There is a reason that Olli was the captain with the Kitties and the Yotes wanted him when they traded for him. He makes the people around him better. Congrats and good luck up there trying not to kill Satan, I mean your head coach!
THIRD STAR -- SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Crosby notched eight points (two goals, six assists) last week, helping the Penguins earn points in four consecutive games (2-0-2) and improve to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. He notched one goal and one assist in a 4-3 shootout win over the Florida Panthers Mar.10, recorded two assists in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Mar. 12, scored one goal in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators Mar. 14 and tallied three assists in a 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins Mar. 15. Crosby has recorded points in all six games since returning from injury and in the past 10 games in which he has played, climbing to second place in the NHL scoring race with 90 points (27 goals, 63 assists) in 66 games. The Penguins are 10-1-3 under new head coach Dan Bylsma.
What can I say about Steve? Even for a so called off year, he's doing a-okay; and now that he has a couple of really really good wingers to ride shotgun with him, I can't wait to see the rest of the season and the playoffs.
FIRST STAR -- MARTIN BRODEUR, G, NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Brodeur tied Patrick Roy as the NHL's all-time victories leader and helped the Devils continue their charge up the Eastern Conference standings, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 1.67 goals-against average and .943 save percentage. Brodeur began the week by making 35 saves in a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames Mar. 10, stopped 26 shots in a 5-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Mar. 12 and turned aside 22 shots in a 3-1 decision over the Montreal Canadiens Mar. 14 for his 551st career victory, matching Roy's record total. A winner in seven of eight starts since returning from a torn bicep tendon that required surgery, Brodeur has backstopped the Devils (45-20-3) to within six points of the first-place Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference standings. Brodeur's first chance to pass Roy is Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks at Prudential Center.
The Marty Party, as a few friends of ours call it, started when he came back and will probably go the rest of the season. I was just happy he got the record not only in Montreal, but that Patty was there to see it too.
Oh, and not to be the pot calling the kettle black, but you need to drop a few pounds there Monsieur Roy. It is sexy on Mario, but your face is too round for that.
SECOND STAR -- OLLI JOKINEN, C, CALGARY FLAMES
Jokinen continued his hot play for the Flames since being acquired at the trade deadline, leading the League in scoring with eight points (six goals, two assists) in the final leg of Calgary's season-long, seven-game road trip. Jokinen began the week by notching one goal in a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils Mar. 10, scored two goals in a 6-5 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings Mar. 12 and recorded a season-high five points (three goals, two assists) in an 8-6 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Mar. 14. Jokinen has tallied 10 points (eight goals, two assists) in six games with his new club.
There is a reason that Olli was the captain with the Kitties and the Yotes wanted him when they traded for him. He makes the people around him better. Congrats and good luck up there trying not to kill Satan, I mean your head coach!
THIRD STAR -- SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Crosby notched eight points (two goals, six assists) last week, helping the Penguins earn points in four consecutive games (2-0-2) and improve to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. He notched one goal and one assist in a 4-3 shootout win over the Florida Panthers Mar.10, recorded two assists in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Mar. 12, scored one goal in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators Mar. 14 and tallied three assists in a 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins Mar. 15. Crosby has recorded points in all six games since returning from injury and in the past 10 games in which he has played, climbing to second place in the NHL scoring race with 90 points (27 goals, 63 assists) in 66 games. The Penguins are 10-1-3 under new head coach Dan Bylsma.
What can I say about Steve? Even for a so called off year, he's doing a-okay; and now that he has a couple of really really good wingers to ride shotgun with him, I can't wait to see the rest of the season and the playoffs.
It's the most wonderful time of the yeaaaaaaar!
Since Mitten Chica is in a musical mood this morning, I thought I'd add mine in there too. :) For a girl like me who's not only addicted to pucks; but a certifiable sports junkie, March is a wonderful time on the sports year. It's the beginning of baseball season, March Madness has begun; and the hockey season is down to under 20 games left.
Yesterday was a really good day... one of those rare days that had wall to wall hockey and I barely left my chair other then to use the bathroom and get snacks. It started with the Pens and Bruins at noon and ended with my main men taking care of the Avs. The only speed bump in that day of bliss on ice was Les Canards losing to the Sharkies 1-0; and that one goal was scored by Travis Moen who until two weeks ago was a Duck. Isn't it ironic... doncha think? lol
There's only two games tonight with the the Craps and the Thrashers; then the Preds visit Staples Center to play Los Reyes. I don't really care who wins that second game, but it's something to watch this evening. Hopefully JMFJ will give it to Tootoo, the little bastard.
Anyway... I had in mind to talk about my baby boys, do a little end of the regular season wrap-up; but after the kind of pathetic third period at home Saturday night and the disgusting display last night in Kent, they're sleeping on the couch for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys with all my heart, but sometimes... I just want to throttle them. Maybe they'll get a couple of good bag skates in 'em and I'll feel like talking about them. I just hope they win at least one game out of the first 4 so I don't have to see them lose at home. Watching an 18 year old boy sobbing on the bench is not something I want to see for a second year in a row.
So to end today, I leave you with something that makes me laugh like a maniac every time I see it; and it doesn't hurt that JM Liles is cute as a button.
Yesterday was a really good day... one of those rare days that had wall to wall hockey and I barely left my chair other then to use the bathroom and get snacks. It started with the Pens and Bruins at noon and ended with my main men taking care of the Avs. The only speed bump in that day of bliss on ice was Les Canards losing to the Sharkies 1-0; and that one goal was scored by Travis Moen who until two weeks ago was a Duck. Isn't it ironic... doncha think? lol
There's only two games tonight with the the Craps and the Thrashers; then the Preds visit Staples Center to play Los Reyes. I don't really care who wins that second game, but it's something to watch this evening. Hopefully JMFJ will give it to Tootoo, the little bastard.
Anyway... I had in mind to talk about my baby boys, do a little end of the regular season wrap-up; but after the kind of pathetic third period at home Saturday night and the disgusting display last night in Kent, they're sleeping on the couch for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys with all my heart, but sometimes... I just want to throttle them. Maybe they'll get a couple of good bag skates in 'em and I'll feel like talking about them. I just hope they win at least one game out of the first 4 so I don't have to see them lose at home. Watching an 18 year old boy sobbing on the bench is not something I want to see for a second year in a row.
So to end today, I leave you with something that makes me laugh like a maniac every time I see it; and it doesn't hurt that JM Liles is cute as a button.
The Wings are pretty good at hockey
Watching the Wings game against Columbus, the announcers told me several times that with a point from that game, they'd top 100 points. Cool, I thought, it's a nice number. But then the talking heads went on to say that if/when they reach 100 points they will be the first in the history of the league to have 9 straight 100 point seasons. Even better. Wings also clinched a playoff spot (which seemed to be a foregone conclusion since oh about December).
Keep your eyes open for a new feature in these parts that Chica and I were tossing about last night. To give you a tease, I'll just say this:
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
Now try to get that song out of your head :)
Keep your eyes open for a new feature in these parts that Chica and I were tossing about last night. To give you a tease, I'll just say this:
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
Now try to get that song out of your head :)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wait.... what?
I really want to send a letter to the NHL and ask them what is the method of logic that they employ when they set up the schedule for each season. I mean, why is it that there are two games on one night, then the next two will have 11-12 games? I realize that there are folks that only root for one team, and I'm weird (shaddup!), but my thumb gets a cramp when I have to go back and forth between channels. Most Friday nights it's not an issue since I'm at the arena for games with my baby boys; but tonight I'm home and I'll need something to watch before I listen to them on the radio.
At least tonight there is a late game: and that is another thing that irritates me. What I mean by that is a lot of nights there are a bunch of games, which is great; but they all start before 6p Pacific, which is where I happen to reside. What this means is that being out here in Hooterville, if there are no late games, I have find something to watch on cable or something after 8pm. I mean, hello? There are 8 teams in the Pacific/Mountain time zones... can we not have ALL of them either off that night or all on the East coast at the same time??? Besides the fact, when they're on early, I miss at least the first period because I work for a living and don't even get home until 5; and that is not counting the days I have to go to the grocery store or have other errands to do.
Anyway... Tips are headed over the border for an evening at the PNE with the Giants, and hopefully they'll come back with some fuel in the tank for the last game at home tomorrow and the last one on Sunday down in Kent with the T-birds. Looks like we'll have everyone back tonight but one player, and he got to go back on the ice yesterday which is wonderful news. He's been off for about 3 weeks after getting an elbow to the head... fucking TriCities bitch! Grrrr!
I'm sure we'll have something good for the last few weeks of the season, especially with the emergence of a couple of teams that either have never made the playoffs or haven't since most of their roster has been alive. Stay tuned! Have a good one youse guys!
At least tonight there is a late game: and that is another thing that irritates me. What I mean by that is a lot of nights there are a bunch of games, which is great; but they all start before 6p Pacific, which is where I happen to reside. What this means is that being out here in Hooterville, if there are no late games, I have find something to watch on cable or something after 8pm. I mean, hello? There are 8 teams in the Pacific/Mountain time zones... can we not have ALL of them either off that night or all on the East coast at the same time??? Besides the fact, when they're on early, I miss at least the first period because I work for a living and don't even get home until 5; and that is not counting the days I have to go to the grocery store or have other errands to do.
Anyway... Tips are headed over the border for an evening at the PNE with the Giants, and hopefully they'll come back with some fuel in the tank for the last game at home tomorrow and the last one on Sunday down in Kent with the T-birds. Looks like we'll have everyone back tonight but one player, and he got to go back on the ice yesterday which is wonderful news. He's been off for about 3 weeks after getting an elbow to the head... fucking TriCities bitch! Grrrr!
I'm sure we'll have something good for the last few weeks of the season, especially with the emergence of a couple of teams that either have never made the playoffs or haven't since most of their roster has been alive. Stay tuned! Have a good one youse guys!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Nucks, Ducks, and baby pucks...
It's pretty chilly up here in the NW corner of the country too; and yeah, I'm pretty damn sick of it too. We're not built for extremes in weather... we don't do well with temps over 80 and under 40, simply because for the most part it's not normal.
Anyway, yes I did watch the Vancouver-Anaheim game; and yes, they usually are hard for me because I love them both, though the Nucks will always come first. But if I had to watch them play each other, at least it was worth all the strife because it was a great game.
Anaheim scored the first two goals, one at the end of the first then the other in the first half of the second; then Les Canards came storming back with two within a minute of each other. Then in the third, after the Ducks got ahead again, the Canucks scored with five minutes to go; so off to OT they went and who should score the winning goal, but the captain Scottie Niedermayer. For me, this was a fine finish because not only did team #1 get a point to stay in 5th, but team #2 got two points; and now they're only a point out of 8th and 4 out of 6th.
And I really hope that the Ducks can get their collective shit together and get to the playoffs, because after not making it out of the 1st round last season as part of whatever post Cup curse seems to plague teams, they really need this. They need it not only for veterans like Scottie, Bret Hedican and Teemu; but for the younger guys like Bobby Ryan. I have fallen so much in love with Bob this season... he's got the face of an angel on the body of a football player; as well as the distinction of being the 2nd pick after Sid in the '05 draft. He didn't make the big splash that Steve did right away; but after some time back and forth from the A, he's coming into his own and is leading all rookies in goals and is only three points behind the overall rookie leader. Needless to say, I'm so very proud of him, and if he gets screwed out of a Calder nomination like PMueller did last season, I will be most displeased.
But closer to home, I've been slacking on reporting on my baby boys; or maybe it's just been that there hasn't been a lot to report about. They've lost 3 of 4 this month; and even though they have gotten a few of the wounded back, there are still a couple of boys who are still nursing injuries. Hopefully they'll be back by next weekend when they start the playoffs in TriCities. I wish I had more to say other than I can't believe that the season is almost over.
To close this entry, I want to share my boys with you... this is a video from the Everett Herald that they put together at the beginning of the season. Funny thing about it is that some of the boys aren't even with us anymore due to trades or other things, but it's still really cute. I love my boys.
Anyway, yes I did watch the Vancouver-Anaheim game; and yes, they usually are hard for me because I love them both, though the Nucks will always come first. But if I had to watch them play each other, at least it was worth all the strife because it was a great game.
Anaheim scored the first two goals, one at the end of the first then the other in the first half of the second; then Les Canards came storming back with two within a minute of each other. Then in the third, after the Ducks got ahead again, the Canucks scored with five minutes to go; so off to OT they went and who should score the winning goal, but the captain Scottie Niedermayer. For me, this was a fine finish because not only did team #1 get a point to stay in 5th, but team #2 got two points; and now they're only a point out of 8th and 4 out of 6th.
And I really hope that the Ducks can get their collective shit together and get to the playoffs, because after not making it out of the 1st round last season as part of whatever post Cup curse seems to plague teams, they really need this. They need it not only for veterans like Scottie, Bret Hedican and Teemu; but for the younger guys like Bobby Ryan. I have fallen so much in love with Bob this season... he's got the face of an angel on the body of a football player; as well as the distinction of being the 2nd pick after Sid in the '05 draft. He didn't make the big splash that Steve did right away; but after some time back and forth from the A, he's coming into his own and is leading all rookies in goals and is only three points behind the overall rookie leader. Needless to say, I'm so very proud of him, and if he gets screwed out of a Calder nomination like PMueller did last season, I will be most displeased.
But closer to home, I've been slacking on reporting on my baby boys; or maybe it's just been that there hasn't been a lot to report about. They've lost 3 of 4 this month; and even though they have gotten a few of the wounded back, there are still a couple of boys who are still nursing injuries. Hopefully they'll be back by next weekend when they start the playoffs in TriCities. I wish I had more to say other than I can't believe that the season is almost over.
To close this entry, I want to share my boys with you... this is a video from the Everett Herald that they put together at the beginning of the season. Funny thing about it is that some of the boys aren't even with us anymore due to trades or other things, but it's still really cute. I love my boys.
When will this god forsaken season end?
Pop quiz time, who thinks that question in my title this morning? If you say the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders, I'd give partial credit (however if you said Ottawa Senators you'd get no credit, because seeing them have a crap season just warms my heart - despite them sticking it to the Sabres when ever they want, but I digress).
No the correct answer would have been...ME and the season I'm talking about is Winter. It snowed again last night. I realize it's March in the Mitten and I'm ok with that. But seriously, when I told a friend (in North Carolina) it had been 25 she asked f or c? I had to laugh. Sadly the answer there is f. As in fail.
Not a lot of puck action that I paid attention to last night (I'm sure Amy will talk about the Ducks and Nucks game as her heart is being repaired from being torn in 2), but tonight all but two teams play and some good games are to be had for the taking.
Panthers v Buffalo
I'm sure Lindy at some point this week has either called Ryan or stared him in the face and asked about his ankle. When Ryan said no go, I'm also fairly certain Lindy gave him the eyeball and said, "Are you positive?" Man, I think tonight is a tell tale game for the Slugs. They gotta start beating teams ahead of them (and beating teams behind them won't hurt either). I hate to say this but Lindy might be taping up Ryan's ankle and tossing him out there no matter what if they lose this game tonight.
Penguins v BlueJackets
Both teams are in 6th right now and both looking to move up before it's all over. I think they can do it if they keep playing the way they have been (well, not just showing up in the third might help the Pens more). Personally, I'd love to see the Jackets in the playoffs. They can finally shake that 'last team in the league to be in the playoffs' tag and depending on who they get, they could do some damage. I also think the same could be said for the Penguins. How entertaining would a Pens v Craps opening series look?
Carolina v Dallas
Oh gee, who to root against in that one. Can't they just skate to a tie and no one gets any points?
Speaking of points, an interesting thing has come up in the last couple of days on NHL Live (on the NHL network - if you don't have it, try to get it). Yesterday was sort of a continuation of a theory that a win should be two points and the other team gets nothing. No one point for getting it to a tie/shootout, nothing. Jimmy Dowd was all over it yesterday and I gotta say I agree. None of this three point game business. If the league is interested in scoring more, you might see a very different third period of games if its tied and there are two points on the line.
Another idea being tossed about is that for a tie breaker count regulation wins versus total wins. Kenny Holland brought that one to GMs meeting. I like this one as well. Then again I hate the shoot out and ties. There you have that.
Today there is an article in the Buffalo News about Richard Zednik's injury from last season. I saw him playing in the Pittsburgh game the other night and saw he doesn't wear neck protection. I was shocked. But I guess that's how he gets back on the ice - keeping that fear down.
And this is all I have. Until next time!
No the correct answer would have been...ME and the season I'm talking about is Winter. It snowed again last night. I realize it's March in the Mitten and I'm ok with that. But seriously, when I told a friend (in North Carolina) it had been 25 she asked f or c? I had to laugh. Sadly the answer there is f. As in fail.
Not a lot of puck action that I paid attention to last night (I'm sure Amy will talk about the Ducks and Nucks game as her heart is being repaired from being torn in 2), but tonight all but two teams play and some good games are to be had for the taking.
Panthers v Buffalo
I'm sure Lindy at some point this week has either called Ryan or stared him in the face and asked about his ankle. When Ryan said no go, I'm also fairly certain Lindy gave him the eyeball and said, "Are you positive?" Man, I think tonight is a tell tale game for the Slugs. They gotta start beating teams ahead of them (and beating teams behind them won't hurt either). I hate to say this but Lindy might be taping up Ryan's ankle and tossing him out there no matter what if they lose this game tonight.
Penguins v BlueJackets
Both teams are in 6th right now and both looking to move up before it's all over. I think they can do it if they keep playing the way they have been (well, not just showing up in the third might help the Pens more). Personally, I'd love to see the Jackets in the playoffs. They can finally shake that 'last team in the league to be in the playoffs' tag and depending on who they get, they could do some damage. I also think the same could be said for the Penguins. How entertaining would a Pens v Craps opening series look?
Carolina v Dallas
Oh gee, who to root against in that one. Can't they just skate to a tie and no one gets any points?
Speaking of points, an interesting thing has come up in the last couple of days on NHL Live (on the NHL network - if you don't have it, try to get it). Yesterday was sort of a continuation of a theory that a win should be two points and the other team gets nothing. No one point for getting it to a tie/shootout, nothing. Jimmy Dowd was all over it yesterday and I gotta say I agree. None of this three point game business. If the league is interested in scoring more, you might see a very different third period of games if its tied and there are two points on the line.
Another idea being tossed about is that for a tie breaker count regulation wins versus total wins. Kenny Holland brought that one to GMs meeting. I like this one as well. Then again I hate the shoot out and ties. There you have that.
Today there is an article in the Buffalo News about Richard Zednik's injury from last season. I saw him playing in the Pittsburgh game the other night and saw he doesn't wear neck protection. I was shocked. But I guess that's how he gets back on the ice - keeping that fear down.
And this is all I have. Until next time!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The weekend comes and I fall off the planet
With Amy out of town, the blogging ball was in my court and man, did I whiff or what?
Turns out that Vancouver pushed the hardest to get JayBo away from the kitties. From the Sun Sentenital:
Vancouver General Manager Mike Gillis was willing to give up winger Mason Raymond and a first-round pick, the Vancouver Province reported, but when Panthers GM Jacques Martin made it clear he wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Elder, a potential deal was dead.
I gotta say I don't blame Gillis for not trading for him at that price. Again, I ask will Martin have his job if JayBo is in another sweater come fall?
I wonder if the Flames deadline sploosh will make a difference in the long run or not? The west is still a brutal division and it will be tough to get out it without a lot of banged up players. Their trades might make things closer out their way.
Considering I started this post three days ago, I can now toss in some hockey. Pittsburgh got a big two points last night. I watched the third period and it was some damn good hockey. I got the Cats feed and groan are they awful. I'm sure someone likes 'em but I'm not a fan. Granted Steggy and Bob can be a bit much but geeze. When you are scrambling as the Panthers were in the third, you're going to take some penalties. We they all heinous penalties? No. We they callable penalties? Yes.
I'm not gonna talk about the Philly game. I might start to cry. CRUNCHY COME BACK!
The Wings had to go to overtime against the desert dogs. A game I did not see one second of live and caught the highlights on NHL on the Fly this morning over breakfast.
Who is this team from Ohio and what have you done with the real Blue Jackets? Tenth shut out? Seriously? When you are 20th in the league in scoring, I suppose it's a good idea to have someone back in net who can stop the pucks (for the record, they are 8th in goals against). The 6th place Columbus Blue Jackets (that's still cool to say this late in the season) have a real shot at making some playoff noise and I'm just tickled about it. If I'm Rick Nash (I'd be tall, rich and good at hockey), I'm looking forward to the post season and hopeful the Jackets play Detroit - meaning they'd have to fall to 7th or 8th, but still, a first round playoff series is a real possibility for this team. Big win for them against Boston last night. Huge win (as both the Sharks and Wings got two points).
Who else played last night: Colorado? They were on the schedule but apparently forgot to show up. Shut out by Atlanta? Groan. Devils continued to roll and beat the Flames (guess those trades are not helping so much just yet), and in a game of "Who cares" versus "First pick overall or bust", Who cares....er, Toronto beat the Islanders.
That's all for now folks, you've read plenty!
Turns out that Vancouver pushed the hardest to get JayBo away from the kitties. From the Sun Sentenital:
Vancouver General Manager Mike Gillis was willing to give up winger Mason Raymond and a first-round pick, the Vancouver Province reported, but when Panthers GM Jacques Martin made it clear he wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Elder, a potential deal was dead.
I gotta say I don't blame Gillis for not trading for him at that price. Again, I ask will Martin have his job if JayBo is in another sweater come fall?
I wonder if the Flames deadline sploosh will make a difference in the long run or not? The west is still a brutal division and it will be tough to get out it without a lot of banged up players. Their trades might make things closer out their way.
Considering I started this post three days ago, I can now toss in some hockey. Pittsburgh got a big two points last night. I watched the third period and it was some damn good hockey. I got the Cats feed and groan are they awful. I'm sure someone likes 'em but I'm not a fan. Granted Steggy and Bob can be a bit much but geeze. When you are scrambling as the Panthers were in the third, you're going to take some penalties. We they all heinous penalties? No. We they callable penalties? Yes.
I'm not gonna talk about the Philly game. I might start to cry. CRUNCHY COME BACK!
The Wings had to go to overtime against the desert dogs. A game I did not see one second of live and caught the highlights on NHL on the Fly this morning over breakfast.
Who is this team from Ohio and what have you done with the real Blue Jackets? Tenth shut out? Seriously? When you are 20th in the league in scoring, I suppose it's a good idea to have someone back in net who can stop the pucks (for the record, they are 8th in goals against). The 6th place Columbus Blue Jackets (that's still cool to say this late in the season) have a real shot at making some playoff noise and I'm just tickled about it. If I'm Rick Nash (I'd be tall, rich and good at hockey), I'm looking forward to the post season and hopeful the Jackets play Detroit - meaning they'd have to fall to 7th or 8th, but still, a first round playoff series is a real possibility for this team. Big win for them against Boston last night. Huge win (as both the Sharks and Wings got two points).
Who else played last night: Colorado? They were on the schedule but apparently forgot to show up. Shut out by Atlanta? Groan. Devils continued to roll and beat the Flames (guess those trades are not helping so much just yet), and in a game of "Who cares" versus "First pick overall or bust", Who cares....er, Toronto beat the Islanders.
That's all for now folks, you've read plenty!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
That might go down as the most boring trade deadline day in history
Holy snooze, Batman. I kept waiting for something big to happen but gotta admit, the cluster Edmonton-Carolina-Kings deal was the most interesting just because of the WTF factor.
Now the playoff push gets really interesting.
Question of the day: Does Jacques Martin keep his job if the Panthers miss the playoffs AND they lose JayBo?
Also not a question but a comment - the Wings have been slowly moving up closer to San Jose... nicely played taking over the top spot boys. But don't be too happy, SJ will be back at it and some teams in the East are moving fast.
Now the playoff push gets really interesting.
Question of the day: Does Jacques Martin keep his job if the Panthers miss the playoffs AND they lose JayBo?
Also not a question but a comment - the Wings have been slowly moving up closer to San Jose... nicely played taking over the top spot boys. But don't be too happy, SJ will be back at it and some teams in the East are moving fast.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Early contract/trade brewings
See, obsessively refreshing TSN (content minus editorial stolen from TSN.com).
The Ottawa Senators were the first team out of the gate on Deadline Day, trading winger Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round draft pick.
This makes me sad. I don't like the Sens and like Pascal.
In other developments:
- The Senators agreed to a three-year contract worth $3.7 million a season with defenceman Filip Kuba, taking him off the market.
This might turn out to be a very wise move for the leafs.
- Senators GM Bryan Murray has advised Chris Neil's agent Todd Reynolds that he has a deal in place to trade Neil if he is unable to make the fit to keep him.
I'd insert a joke here but that's sorta like kicking a puppy.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have broken off talks with centre Dominic Moore and will try to trade him.
I have a pal that may like this news lots!
- The Buffalo Sabres have finalized a two-year extension at $4.5 million per season to keep forward Tim Connolly in Buffalo.
Wow that seems like a lot for the fragile one.
The Ottawa Senators were the first team out of the gate on Deadline Day, trading winger Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round draft pick.
This makes me sad. I don't like the Sens and like Pascal.
In other developments:
- The Senators agreed to a three-year contract worth $3.7 million a season with defenceman Filip Kuba, taking him off the market.
This might turn out to be a very wise move for the leafs.
- Senators GM Bryan Murray has advised Chris Neil's agent Todd Reynolds that he has a deal in place to trade Neil if he is unable to make the fit to keep him.
I'd insert a joke here but that's sorta like kicking a puppy.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have broken off talks with centre Dominic Moore and will try to trade him.
I have a pal that may like this news lots!
- The Buffalo Sabres have finalized a two-year extension at $4.5 million per season to keep forward Tim Connolly in Buffalo.
Wow that seems like a lot for the fragile one.
A New Day
In my adult life, I've always lived West of my employment destination. Why do I bring this up today? This morning was one of the first in a series of going to work as the sun was rising. The start of a new day. I'm not going to worry about the deadline or who ends up where. I mean in the big picture of things, it's a game that I have no control over or any input. Why should I stress? So I'm not going to.
Oh who am I kidding? After posting this I'm headed over to TSN to obsessively refresh their trade watch page ever five seconds.
Game on!
Oh who am I kidding? After posting this I'm headed over to TSN to obsessively refresh their trade watch page ever five seconds.
Game on!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The LowDownTradeDay Blues
Yeah... so, first off I just want to say WORD to MittenChica's post. That is pretty much what I would say if I were in the Eastern time zone. :) But, after reading this, I started to muse while I was drying my hair; which as Lisa can tell you is where I get a lot of my scathingly brilliant ideas. So... without further adieu, I give you the result of Tylenol PM and styling spray fumes along with my own crazy mind.
'Twas the night before the trade deadline, when all thro' the league
All general managers' eyes burn with fatigue;
The trade bait are poised with their phones near their ears,
In hopes that the deadline soon would be here.
The significant others were pacing, no sleep in their beds,
While visions of moving vans danc'd in their heads,
And Lisa in the Mitten, and I in the West,
We'd been racking our brains about which move would be best —
When out on the Gore there arose such a clatter,
I fired up the compy to see what was the matter.
Away to Puck Daddy, I flew like a flash,
Tore through the entries, looking for Dupuis or Nash.
The names on the ticker, showed where they'd go,
Gave some statistics and a picture below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But rumors of a defenseman whose price tag is quite dear,
With a draft pick or two, that play in the O,
I had a queasy feeling that it might be my boy JayBo.
More rapid than eagles the stories they came,
The bloggers posted, and plotted, and call'd them by name:
"Now! Army, now! Recchi, now! Richards and Kovy,
"On! Guerin, on! Morris, on! Maybe Dandy not Ovie;
"To the Sens of Ottawa! To the Wild in St. Paul!
"Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As the boys and their travel bags to their new homes fly,
their families pack up houses and start to say their goodbye;
So to Canada or Florida or Texas they flew,
With a fresh start and the Cup rattles in their brain too:
And then in a twinkling, I hear from a blog,
The trade with a team whose mascot is a hog.
As I thought in my head, and was surfing around,
That hopefully one of my boys is not New York bound:
They might be dress'd all in black, from his head to his foot,
And looks like a ninja, not with ashes and soot;
The hopes of better days strapped to his back,
And the coach hopes to make playoffs, no getting the sack:
Their eyes — how they twinkle! The dimples: how merry,
But one of these days they'll be jobbed by Don Cherry;
The plays needs be solid, passes crisp and not slow,
It must be very good to keep his place in the Show;
The wad of bubble gum he holds tight in his cheek,
goes through more Bazooka than a school class in a week.
He may have a round face, and a bit of a belly
But that's all the fat he has, his body is not jelly:
Not chubby or plump, but still a bit of an elf,
And I laugh when I see stories in spite of myself;
In the wink of an eye and a twist of your head,
The deadline has passed and they have nothing to dread.
They speak not a word, but go straight to their work,
And fill all the empty seats; then give the finger to Burke,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
He blows a snot rocket, all over an ice whore's clothes.
He springs over the boards, to his team gives a whistle,
And away they all flew, down the ice where there isn't a thistle:
But I heard the league exclaim, as that hour goes out of sight —
Happy Trade deadline to all, and to all a good night!
'Twas the night before the trade deadline, when all thro' the league
All general managers' eyes burn with fatigue;
The trade bait are poised with their phones near their ears,
In hopes that the deadline soon would be here.
The significant others were pacing, no sleep in their beds,
While visions of moving vans danc'd in their heads,
And Lisa in the Mitten, and I in the West,
We'd been racking our brains about which move would be best —
When out on the Gore there arose such a clatter,
I fired up the compy to see what was the matter.
Away to Puck Daddy, I flew like a flash,
Tore through the entries, looking for Dupuis or Nash.
The names on the ticker, showed where they'd go,
Gave some statistics and a picture below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But rumors of a defenseman whose price tag is quite dear,
With a draft pick or two, that play in the O,
I had a queasy feeling that it might be my boy JayBo.
More rapid than eagles the stories they came,
The bloggers posted, and plotted, and call'd them by name:
"Now! Army, now! Recchi, now! Richards and Kovy,
"On! Guerin, on! Morris, on! Maybe Dandy not Ovie;
"To the Sens of Ottawa! To the Wild in St. Paul!
"Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As the boys and their travel bags to their new homes fly,
their families pack up houses and start to say their goodbye;
So to Canada or Florida or Texas they flew,
With a fresh start and the Cup rattles in their brain too:
And then in a twinkling, I hear from a blog,
The trade with a team whose mascot is a hog.
As I thought in my head, and was surfing around,
That hopefully one of my boys is not New York bound:
They might be dress'd all in black, from his head to his foot,
And looks like a ninja, not with ashes and soot;
The hopes of better days strapped to his back,
And the coach hopes to make playoffs, no getting the sack:
Their eyes — how they twinkle! The dimples: how merry,
But one of these days they'll be jobbed by Don Cherry;
The plays needs be solid, passes crisp and not slow,
It must be very good to keep his place in the Show;
The wad of bubble gum he holds tight in his cheek,
goes through more Bazooka than a school class in a week.
He may have a round face, and a bit of a belly
But that's all the fat he has, his body is not jelly:
Not chubby or plump, but still a bit of an elf,
And I laugh when I see stories in spite of myself;
In the wink of an eye and a twist of your head,
The deadline has passed and they have nothing to dread.
They speak not a word, but go straight to their work,
And fill all the empty seats; then give the finger to Burke,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
He blows a snot rocket, all over an ice whore's clothes.
He springs over the boards, to his team gives a whistle,
And away they all flew, down the ice where there isn't a thistle:
But I heard the league exclaim, as that hour goes out of sight —
Happy Trade deadline to all, and to all a good night!
There is a rumor Spring is coming....
Spring means the trade deadline - just a day or so away. I'm not a big fan of the deadline and all the hubbaloo about it. Honestly, I'm worried about some players I like moving and that sorta upsets me. Screw families relocating and friendships, certain players shouldn't move because I said so! Ok, ending my Vercua moment. And for your random thought of the day - verruca is "is part of the hpv viruses with some types causing cervical dysplasia." Thanks Wiki!
Will JayBo go? (hope so) Will the Wings stand pat? (hope not) Will Vinny go to the Habs? (not sure I care one way or the other) I'm sure we'll have more details as the next few days go on. But please for the love of GOD, will someone trade for Billy Guerin? I'm sick to death of hearing the Billy watch. Suicide watch would be more entertaining right now. Ok maybe I'm just sick.
The hockey gods are not smiling much on a few of my teams currently. Sure, the Guins are rocking the win column without The Kid, but the Slugs are not doing so hot. They will get Tommy Vanek back on Wednesday and they might have the services of Max AfinsomethingRussianov if he's not been traded. I'm not saying he should go, but please, a bag of pucks would be worth more than Max right now.
Is there any team sadder than the Colorado Avalanche right now? It is actually painful to watch them (and not just because they were on Versus either). A major shake up is needed but only a few people really know if that's gonna happen. As much as I've enjoyed seeing Raycroft this year, he's not the answer. Their hot mess of a defense hasn't found an identity (are they a shut down D or are they mobile puck carriers - most nights, they can't figure it out.) and their forwards are no where near consistent. Come Thursday morning, that could be a very different team. Hopefully for the better.
Hard to say what Pittsburgh will do. I do like the pick up of Kunitz but think they need just a tweek more. Do I think Armstrong is the answer? Probably not, but if it kicks number 87 into gear, I'm all for it. USSGill is probably gone. Too bad, I like him a lot (but maybe not since Whitney was moved). This is why I'm not a GM; I'd go with my heart more than my head.
Tonight on Versus (barf) the Guins play the Ning. To be honest, I'm sorta glad it's on Versus (barf) because as much as I complain, I really don't like the Tampa announcers and I could use a break from the Pens guys (I wanna put a cork in Bob most nights).
Interesting little bit over at Puck Daddy about the Don Cherry/Ovechkin celebration comments. I'm not a fan of Ovechkin's (nor of Cherry's either) and I think a valid point is being made. Keeping in mind I'm of the old school thought of 'act like you've been there before' Barry Sanders (remember him?) scoring motion, there is nothing wrong with celebrating your goals, but really a little goes a long way. Hug the boys and get to the bench or center ice.
Also on that point, if Steve Ott, Chris Neil, Sean Avery or any other of the leagues douchebags were to take runs at player like Ovechkin does, they would be out games.
Moving on to better things. It appears that Ethan Moreau will not require surgery to repair his damaged eye. While I did not see the game where he was injured, I saw replays of it and part of me gets angry. Even the trainer admits that a visor would have probably prevented this injury. When are the players going to look past the 'only pansies wear visors' theory and start protecting themselves? They wore face protection in juniors or college and they are required to wear certain protective equipment now, so why not visors? I don't understand it (and spare me the argument that they players can't see with them on - many of the top goal scorers in the league wear 'em so that doesn't float).
Just checked - no trades yet. Stay tuned.
Will JayBo go? (hope so) Will the Wings stand pat? (hope not) Will Vinny go to the Habs? (not sure I care one way or the other) I'm sure we'll have more details as the next few days go on. But please for the love of GOD, will someone trade for Billy Guerin? I'm sick to death of hearing the Billy watch. Suicide watch would be more entertaining right now. Ok maybe I'm just sick.
The hockey gods are not smiling much on a few of my teams currently. Sure, the Guins are rocking the win column without The Kid, but the Slugs are not doing so hot. They will get Tommy Vanek back on Wednesday and they might have the services of Max AfinsomethingRussianov if he's not been traded. I'm not saying he should go, but please, a bag of pucks would be worth more than Max right now.
Is there any team sadder than the Colorado Avalanche right now? It is actually painful to watch them (and not just because they were on Versus either). A major shake up is needed but only a few people really know if that's gonna happen. As much as I've enjoyed seeing Raycroft this year, he's not the answer. Their hot mess of a defense hasn't found an identity (are they a shut down D or are they mobile puck carriers - most nights, they can't figure it out.) and their forwards are no where near consistent. Come Thursday morning, that could be a very different team. Hopefully for the better.
Hard to say what Pittsburgh will do. I do like the pick up of Kunitz but think they need just a tweek more. Do I think Armstrong is the answer? Probably not, but if it kicks number 87 into gear, I'm all for it. USSGill is probably gone. Too bad, I like him a lot (but maybe not since Whitney was moved). This is why I'm not a GM; I'd go with my heart more than my head.
Tonight on Versus (barf) the Guins play the Ning. To be honest, I'm sorta glad it's on Versus (barf) because as much as I complain, I really don't like the Tampa announcers and I could use a break from the Pens guys (I wanna put a cork in Bob most nights).
Interesting little bit over at Puck Daddy about the Don Cherry/Ovechkin celebration comments. I'm not a fan of Ovechkin's (nor of Cherry's either) and I think a valid point is being made. Keeping in mind I'm of the old school thought of 'act like you've been there before' Barry Sanders (remember him?) scoring motion, there is nothing wrong with celebrating your goals, but really a little goes a long way. Hug the boys and get to the bench or center ice.
Also on that point, if Steve Ott, Chris Neil, Sean Avery or any other of the leagues douchebags were to take runs at player like Ovechkin does, they would be out games.
Moving on to better things. It appears that Ethan Moreau will not require surgery to repair his damaged eye. While I did not see the game where he was injured, I saw replays of it and part of me gets angry. Even the trainer admits that a visor would have probably prevented this injury. When are the players going to look past the 'only pansies wear visors' theory and start protecting themselves? They wore face protection in juniors or college and they are required to wear certain protective equipment now, so why not visors? I don't understand it (and spare me the argument that they players can't see with them on - many of the top goal scorers in the league wear 'em so that doesn't float).
Just checked - no trades yet. Stay tuned.
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