I should blog more

And now back to your regularly scheduled Sam-wanderings and drooling over (pining away over) Derek Roy, etc.

I need to keep up with the blogging. My production has seriously slowed since I started this baby back in 2008- it's been almost 3 whole years!

I don't think it's that I love hockey any less (like that could happen), but my life has gotten progressively busier and I have less to ramble about. Well, that's just silly! So it's one of my not-exactly-but-sorta New Year's Resolutions to blog more- both here and over at my livejournal, which I have had since 2003. I also noticed that my lj-production slacked off a bit when I moved the majority of my hockey rambles to here. Guess my life just isn't that interesting.

So what to babble about today? I didn't watch the Sabres last night- I was going to, but I had a phone call with an old friend of mine- then my sis called from Afghanistan (I LOVE modern technology!) so I was busy. Then I wrote that crazy post about Canada/USA and the World Juniors- see below- please read and review, if you would be so kind!

But it looks like the boys lost.. in overtime. Yick on that. January always seems to be a terrible month for the Sabres. I could look up some stats but I'm feeling lazy. I know we had that painful 10-game losing streak in January a couple of years back, and we always have some mad west-coast trips. Strugglin.

I dunno. That's all I have. My poor fantasy teams are like the Sabres this year- nothing good going on and I've kind of ignored them for large stretches of time. I'm trying to get back into it, but it is most likely too little, too late. Whoops!

Stay tuned.. next I might talk about the stupidity that is the political all-star balloting b.s.

Echo

Helllooo (hello hello hello)

It's a little echo-y in here, isn't it? *looks around* A little dusty too. I should get housekeeping around the place to clean up a bit, eh? It's been a while.

But sadly, the hockey world is a bit quiet at the moment. Or at least hockey news that is relevant to my little corner of madness is pretty quiet. I wrote a hockey song that I need to share but it's not quite ready. Ugh. I really should get on that, but I have been stupidly busy lately with real work. Ha- real work! (You know when I write my best songs? When I'm doing surveys at SUBWAY and no one is in the store.. No joke, I've written 2 songs and a few imaginary conversations while standing around waiting for people to come into the store so I could ask them some questions. Must be the smell of Subway bread inspires me to write about hockey. Or just that's where my mind naturally wanders, and without the distraction of the internet, I have to get creative.)

Wow, that was an odd rant. I don't really know as I have anything constructive to say, but I thought I should update, so you (if any of y'all are still reading) will know that I am still alive, just buried in the madness that is my summer this year.

So I guess I can comment on the (small) moves the Sabres have made.

*I like the Rob Niedermayer acquisition. I will always think of him as Niedermayer (the Lesser), thanks to The Ookies, but that's okay. I like him better than Scott anyway. :) I think he's a solid addition to the group. He's a veteran dude, he's won a Cup and he won't get frazzled. He seems like a hard worker (and Heaven knows, the Sabres could use more of those) and will chip in some points for us here and there. I like it.

*Keeping Patty Lalime- good move. From everything I've heard and read, Patty is the ultimate team player. He and Ryan have a great relationship, and he's actually a decent goalie. (when he gets enough playing time- AHEMLINDYAHEM- and the boys don't hang him out to dry.) Hopefully this will be the year that it all falls into place.

*Shaone Morrisonn- I think I spelled it right. I should look it up but I'm just gonna leave it for now. Until he does something to impress me, I'm not going to bother to learn his name. That's a little rude- let me take it back. I know little about this dude, aside from seeing his name from time to time on the Caps blog I read for info about T-Sloan. He seems competent enough. I guess time will tell if he fits in or not.

EDIT: I did spell his name right! Go me!

*Timmay Kennedy. What a weird scenario that one was. Clearly, it was about money and not appreciating being told by an agent what a player should be making, and then having to fight it out in arbitration. As I just learned in my Hockey GM and Scouting course- (which is really cool, btw), if I understand it correctly, a Club may only buy out a player whose salary is in excess of $1M. So if Kennedy had elected for less money, he might still have a job, whereas he is currently sitting in the limbo of the unsigned. Sad fate for a decent kid. (bad on his agent. Seriously- what was he thinking?) But the Sabres are saving money on a player who wasn't exceptional, just decent, and with others like him (and maybe better) on the way up, he was expendable. Bye Timmay, it's been real. Hope you land somewhere else- far far away, not in our division, please?!

And that is about what I have. When does the season start again?

P.S. I will try to remember my hockey SAB that I've been saving for weeks.. and post them on Wednesday, in keeping with tradition..

CRUNCH TIME

I don't even know what to say about the Sabres. It's all been said, it's all been done. I could spout some platitudes about hey they are the better team and they have the firepower and WHY IN THE HELL HAVE TIM CONNOLLY AND DEREK ROY DECIDED TO DISAPPEAR NOW? but I think we've all exhausted that line to death.

I'm sick of being disappointed, but then again, I chose to be a Sabres fan. It wasn't thrust upon me by some old family traditions or ingrained sense of hometown pride. I'm not from here, I've only lived here for 6 years (and "here" is actually 40 miles south of Buffalo proper) and really been a Sabres fan for about 4 of those years. I chose this, knowing that the Sabres inevitably let us down. So I guess I brought it upon myself. I want to think that THIS is the year that they will manage to put together all those pieces and make them into something sweet. I doubt it but... anything can happen.

I feel like Fox Mulder from "X-Files"-- I WANT TO BELIEVE.

But wanting is not always doing and the rational part of myself is preparing for the (almost) inevitable let down. I will be at the game tonight, cheering my little heart out because playoff hockey LIVE is amazing. I've dealt with much worse heartache than a first round exit but I'm tired of being let down by my hockey teams. I'm ready for some vindication. Wanna play, Sabres?

I guess that's all part and parcel of the sports experience. We want to hope and believe even in the most adverse circumstances and if things go well we rejoice and party like there's nothing better in the world. Luckily, if things go downhill, it IS only a game and we can recover and try again next year. There is always next year. (I just don't want to be 'next year' already.)

Let's Go Buffalo!!!

I don't know if there are words

Guys, I've been a hockey fan for 16 years. I have watched more hockey games on tv that I can count. I have watched the Stanley Cup finals (at least a few games) every year since 1994 except 2007- I was on a cruise and couldn't get the games. I have seen live games in 8 different NHL arenas (and one baseball stadium), 6 AHL arenas, and 9 ECHL arenas. I have been to many ECHL playoff games- even seen the Kelly Cup awarded (to the other team on my ice) twice but before today, had not been to an NHL playoff game.

Today I went to the Sabres game.

It was UNreal. The atmosphere in the arena exceeded my expectations. There was so much energy and feeling in the place that words fail me trying to describe it. It was just a rush of pure adrenaline and magic and I wanted it to go on forever. Sabretooth rappelled down from the rafters to a chorus of cheering and whistles. Doug Allen's (always stirring) renditions of the Anthems almost brought me to tears. The first few minutes of the game felt like a dream, with the chanting of 'Let's Go Buffalo' floating down all around me. (Usually I'm the one trying (in vain) to incite the citizens of section 116 *a rather quiet lot* to cheer on our boys. Then when the Sabres scored, I thought the roof might actually blow off the building.

Things quieted down a bit later, when the game got kinda rough, but wow.

It was moments like today that remind me why I love going to hockey games so much. There is a magical quality about 18,690 people (minus the few Bruins fans in attendance) whose minds are melded to the same purpose. It wasn't enough to propel the boys to a win today, but that did not diminish the incredible feeling that I found at the game. My love of hockey is rooted in THE GAME, but my love of being a hockey fan is rooted in days like today. Imagine if we could harness that feeling and power. We could save the world.

I will break down my actual thoughts on the play later but for tonight I just want to savor the feelings I had today. I love this city and I love this team. Is THIS the year? In a lot of the ways that matter, it already has been for me. Now let's make it even better.

Let's GO BUFFALO!


P.S. Speaking of 'dreams'- The Buffalo News had a really great article about Patrick Kaleta and Tim Kennedy, two Buffalo boys who made it to the Show. It's worth a read if you haven't already. :)

writer's block

I have things I want to say about the Sabres but I can't seem to form them into coherent thoughts for some reason.

I was at the Ottawa (Senateurs of DOOM) game last week and it wasn't the best. The Sabres DID have 42 shots though and played decently for most of the game. At times they looked totally unorganized and Ottawa did not, but it certainly was not the worst game I've seen from them this year. The Pominville/Montador 2-on-0 breakaway goal was particularly sweet.

I want to talk about the playoffs and how exciting they are and how it always brings me back to my first hockey season, which started during the playoffs.. but I just don't know how to say all of it.. yet. It will come. I can't force it and I just post when the mood strikes. I am going to try and watch the last few games just to remember what the Sabres look like-- I was AT the game Friday but haven't watched any others in quite a while- I always seem to be busy when they are playing.. Missed Saturday's romp because I was seeing Our Lady Peace (BEST BAND EVER!) in North Tonawanda, and last night's drubbing of the Panters because I had play practice. I won't see tonight or Saturday's games due to Holy Thursday and then the Easter Vigil church-ing, but GO SABRES and I hope to see the last 4 to get ready for the playoffs. WOOHOO!

So that's all I've got. I do still care about the Sabres, very much, just have been very busy and not able to watch or comment on the games of late. Be sure I will be checking some playoff hockey and following the hunt for seedings because this is when it really gets fun. It really is a relief not to be fighting for a spot till the 13th hour this year. :)

hockey's back

I am still so emotionally wrung out from the Olympics.. man that was fun all around. (except for the end result of the hockey.. that wasn't so fun but it was still great!)

But now our NHL hockey is back. I didn't watch last night's game- was at a girly party but I caught the last 5 mins in the car on the way home. Roy seemed like he was pretty feisty last night. Is it the return of the 'old' Derek? One can only hope.

Today is trade deadline day.. *cue scary music* what will the end result be? Will the Sabres be buyers or sellers? If past experience is any indication, any trades the Sabres make will be light but I guess we'll see. I've got the page up and on refresh to keep up on the latest. So far it's been pretty slow..

I found this amusing article about how Sid's gear has gone missing.. again Seriously, is there a black market for Crosby-used gear? When it's something so major as that game, there's no way you can sell that and not get noticed. Weird. I'd feel bad for him but I don't. I just think it's kinda funny.

I'll be at tonight's game to see the new-look? (or exactly the same) Sabres in action. Should be fun. Our last home game against the Caps was a thrilling 3-0 owning back in December and I was there too. That game rocked and I hope we can do more of that tonight.

Let's go BUFFALO!

There is some more hockey on my tv

YAY I'm watching the Devils and Rangers. It's a decent game.. I do love the Devils so it's nice to see them on tv, even though the Rangers are winning at the moment. It's almost the end of the 2nd period.

So, while I take in this scene, I'll post some randomness.

I hope y'all don't think that since I've been gushing over Sloaner so much during the preseason, I have forgotten about my Sabres. I still love them of course and I'm super happy that hockey is back, but I am just excited about my boy. I mean, I saw his first pro game, ya know? So now that he's in the big leagues, I just can't help but get all excited for him! (and maybe next time he'll LOOK at me during warmups LOL)

Can I just say that the commercials for the powermat wireless charger are *bleeping* obnoxious? I mean, if you can't promote your product without (implied) profanity, it can't really be that bleeping good then, can it? Whatever.

So anyway, back to the Sabres. I watched Saturday's game while reading everyone's opinions of Saturday's game.. on Sunday. So I dunno.. I think the game was decent. I liked the feistiness the boys were showing, and the willingness to step up for each other and lay down some smack, though there were no actual fights. I did LOL when Pommer was grabbing Hal Gill. Good effort! ;)

They clearly need some more goals, (duh) and where was Vanek?, but overall, I think it was a decent start to the year. Remember that hockey is 82 games, and yes, each game and each point counts, and there is much to improve on, but I was good with what I saw.

I'm going to Thursday's game, so hopefully I'll have some comments with a little more depth to them.

I could do without the Celino and Barnes commericals with Derek Roy. EWW. I mean, great on ya, Derek, for donating money to the Diabetes Foundation or whatever exactly it is, but why them? Yick.

Side note, (one of) my dream job is an NHL analyst.

Side note #2-Why is Engblom not wearing any socks? I'm scared.

Oh and may I please just say that Michael Del Zotto is really good looking? Because he IS. He's about a zillion years too young for me (cuz I'm an ancient old hag at 28, LOL) but I can look, eh?

EWW remind me that I don't like Chris Pronger cuz he's a punk and he plays nasty and mean. (but dammit, he's got that gap-toothed smile that makes me melt anywhere else.) I'm just not allowed to see him off the ice because then I forget that I.DON'T.LIKE.HIM and think.. "Ooh he's cute...WAIT EWW That's Pronger!! GROSSSSSSS!"

Sorry, feeling a bit on the girly side. I don't try to hide that I look at players beyond their hockey stats. It is just a way of life. Doesn't mean I know anything less about hockey, but some things just need to be discussed. LOL

I want pizza! But we have no pizza at my home so I guess that's not going to happen.

I slightly love the NHL2K10 commercial with Ryan Kesler. :) He's awesome. Speaking of commercials, I think the dude from the freeCreditreport.com ones is totally cute. LOL does that make me lame? Probably but there.. I said it. Haha

Whoa Rangers Asst Coach Mike Sullivan is kinda scary. He was reaming his boys a new one after that boarding penalty in the 3rd.

C'mon Devils!! Y'all have a power play, do something with it!

Is it me, or is it totally weird to see Rob Neidermayer playing for the Devils?

Really, even on VS, we have to point out that the Hobey Baker is the 'Heisman of Hockey'? WE KNOW THAT! Speaking of Hobey, I really need to read some more books about him.. the guy was pretty fascinating!

UUUUGHH the Devils lost. :(

C'est tout.

draft party usa

The Sabres are having a draft party on Friday. Unfortunately, I have to work ALL day on this insanely huge (we're talking 4000 subs) order for Subway. BUt we will be out of there (there being the Rich products building downtown) by 6pm I guess so I may head over to the Albright-Knox (if I'm not dead tired/Subway-ed out from the madness of the day) and check what's going down with the fellas. I need some hockey-love in my life!

I am leaving you without a Hockey SAB again! Sorry dear readers, but my mind is blank and not having hockey to watch is not helping that. I did greatly enjoy Goose's interview on the Sabres lunch today. He manages to pull off boyish and dead smokin sexy all at the same time. It's pretty amazing but I love it. Haha

That's about what I have for the moment. Is it October yet?

Dave's a killer

Man, sometimes I get a little post-happy.. this seems to be one of those times.

So, we're tied with the icky Hurricanes in points. And according to NHL.com, we are in the 8 spot.. but that's incorrect. We are tied with Carolina in points, but they have more wins *tiebreaker* thus they should have the 8-spot. Although maybe because we have a game in hand? I dunno but if the playoffs were today, the Sabres would be out. :(

All that being said, last night was a decent game. The only real issue I had was that the boys could NOT find the back of the net. That was pretty frustrating (more for them than for me I'm sure). Yeeeesh. major kudos to Patty Lalime for busting his butt last night and keeping us in it. He was better on the rebound control last night, which I think is his weakest point. Once he is back to 100%, and if the fellas keep playing in front of him like they did last night- if we can manage to score some goals, then there is a definite chance the Sabres are in the playoffs. Certainly all is not lost.

In the west, the Blue Jackets are moving up- currently chillin in the 5th spot, I Believe with a few points between them and the next team down. WOOHOOO! :):)

And now for a few public announcements:



-Hey, it worked for Ryan Miller!



-YOU can help! This is like the Amber alert system for Pommer's game..

Miller et al

Okay.. I was at the game last night so I guess it's time to weigh in on that punk Gomez.

It looked pretty intentional to me. If not an "I'm deliberatly trying to take you out" then at least he didn't try to avoid contact.

But I think the Sabres did the right thing. I am of a mind that Gomez would NOT have dropped the gloves like a man.. he would have skated off, leaving his challenger to face at least a 2 minute and possibly worse penalty. This would have been very negative for the Sabres who were already shorthanded when Miller went down and things could have gotten out of hand very easily. Also, it should be examined what in a game, which became closer than we would have liked on that first shot after the injury- who do you want to lose for 5 (or more) minutes of a 3rd period in a game that is very important in the standings? Peters is not dressed. Would you want Goose in the box? Mair? Rivet? I wouldn't. I think all of those guys needed to be on the ice and taking shifts in the last 15 mins of the period and losing one of them for starting a fight could have cost the Sabres the game.

As far as Hamilton's comment about "beating the hell out of" Gomez at the end of the game.. that's all fine and good, but who wants to get suspended?

I am really happy that they used their heads instead of fists and hurt the Rangers in the standings. Discipline will win you games.

I also think there should have at least been a penalty on the play but the refs were not with it last night. It happens.

Everyone was complaining about how the Sabres weren't physical enough in general last night but I saw plenty of hitting out there. There was one late in the 3rd with Gaustad and I think it was Orr- right behind the net- and not only the glass, but literally the boards themselves seemed to lift off the floor. It was huge. I also saw a lot of open ice hitting, and bodies flying all over the place. That seemed pretty physical with me. There were some little scrums behind the play as well.

All in all, aside from Miller's injury, it was a great game. A few other comments on the game last night:
-Derek Roy looked completely LOST during warmups. He was skating aimlessly, looking around like he had never seen a hockey arena before and just seemed.. off. I noticed this and was afraid he was going to have a terrible game. Guess I was wrong. Whatever planet he was on seemed to have rejuvenated him because he had a great showing last night. Whatever zen you were doing last night, Derek, just keep it up baby. ;)
-I don't know if you could hear this on the broadcast or if Harry and RJ mentioned it, but right before Sekera's goal, the entire arena yelled "SHOOT!"- since he had the puck for 34948654 years on the play before that, dipsy-doodled all over creation with it, then lost it. I just found it amusing that he actually scored on that shot. A few folks tried it later, but to no avail. GUess it was a one-time deal.

-They announced another "sell out" but let me tell you there were a TON of empty seats last night. Weird.

-I wasn't totally sold on the new opening video from watching it on the Sabres website. It looks pretty decent in person though. I still liked the "City of Blinding Lights" opener better or the one they used last year. Still, I was happier with it than I thought I'd be.

And I think that's it from me.

Sabres

So... I've just been given tickets to tonight's game against the grossbadguyRangers.

This should be interesting. My track record AT games this year is not all that stellar-
Opening Night: Won in a shootout W
November 15 v. CBJ: Lost miserably L
December 21 v. Devils: Played okay but still lost L
December 30 v. Capitals: Didn't even show up L
January 7 v. Ottawa: Almost gave it away but managed a win W
February 7 v. Ottawa *IN Ottawa*: Lost in a shootout T

So it looks like my record is 2-3-1 which is not horrid but not really great. It is interesting to note that the 2 games I've taken my 5-yr old nephew to have been wins. Maybe he's lucky. I will probably end up taking him with me tonight, not only cuz he seems to be lucky but because my friends who are my own age are all unavailable.

More to come after the game. Let's Go Buffalo!

EDIT I will be at the game with my friend Mary! :) She and I attended a pre-season game together last year, and they won. That's a good sign, right?

Puck drop 7pm. Numminen out, Tallinder back. This could be interesting.

musings

First.. sending some good mojo to Fla:
C'mon Sabres, you can WIN tonight.. do it do it do it! It's the Panthers, for crying out loud. I know they (somehow) beat y'all early this year.. DO NOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN! You are better than that. Right? RIGHT?! That's what I thought..

-Seriously, does YAHOO! have people proofing their updates on Fantasy Hockey? I saw this the other day and it made me cringe:
Columbus rookie goalie sensation Steve Mason said Friday Brodeur was his idle growing up.
Really? C'mon. I'm pretty sure Brodeur wasn't doing too much "idle-ing" when he was growing up.. don't know about Mr. Mason but I doubt he was either..

Tell ya what.. I'll offer you a deal Yahoo! I will come work for you and proof the hockey notes? Just tell me where to apply and I'm in!

Meh. Sorry I'm a bit anal about proper use of words and grammar and such. Just one of those things.

-And Sabres.. my "other" team is playing on VS tonight.. and if you don't play like you want me to watch YOU, I may have to change the channel and stare at the hotness sweet, goal-scoring, hilarious-video-creating machine that is Patrick Sharp and the rest of the 'Hawks. Then you'll be sorry. (Psst.. don't tell the Red Wings, k?)

Enough of that. See y'all after the game!

I'm a blogging fiend!

Read the last 3 or 4 posts if you feel like it.. I've been a little spazzy on the posting here in the last day or 2 but I seem to (suddenly) have a lot to say!

So, Buffalonians, take heart! Remember last year when we were having that (I shudder to remember that) 10 game losing streak.. and then the bustin win over Atlanta (ha) then the immediate return to crappy hockey. Well.. the real turning point for the 2nd half of last season (and Roy's personal season) was the game against Dallas- when Royzie had 2 goals and the boys won a hard-fought, nasty game in Dallas. I would love to see that happen again tonight. Heck, we could blow them out of the water if we want, I just want to see some good, hard-hitting, playing like WE CARE ABOUT WHETHER WE WIN OR LOSE hockey. Is that too much to ask for? Sometimes, with the Sabres, it is. I hope they decide to show up tonight.

and I say again, to the team that has scored 3 goals in 3 gameson behalf of Ryan Miller:


the end.

Thanks Bucky!

Great article about Derek Roy in TBN.

Yeah, what he said. ;) Derek Roy has been quietly going out and getting the job done this year. He started off very slowly but has been consistently producing over the last 25 or so games- and he's really been on fire since the New Year. I like this Derek and I hope he continues. One telling stat is his goals-assists ratio. Like a good centerman, he has more helpers that goals. (16G, 24A)

He is turning into the leader (at least on the ice, even if he doesn't have a letter) that the Sabres knew he could be.. and he showed flashes of in the past. This is the guy who led his OHL team to the Memorial Cup. This is the guy who can lead the Sabres into the post-season again. And as Bucky points, out, he's great "bang for the buck". The Sabres are known for bargain players and I guess our little Royzie is no exception. It's just to see what we knew he could be finally starting to show.

Keep it up, Derek. We like what we see. The rest of them will follow you- and you have a great group around you. Become those plucky guys who gutted out games back in the first 2 seasons after the lockout. Forget Captain America and the little French-Canadian that could. This is now- the boys need to BE in the now and play like they mean it and for Heaven's Sake- SCORE SOME GOALS! (see previous post) If they do it.. they will make the playoffs. Right now they are (precariously, but it's there) clinging to a spot and as everyone knows, it's not which seed you are in the playoffs, but the fact that you are IN that matters. Anything can happen once the second season starts.

But that is still a few months away. The boys need to play each game with desperation (and we are finally seeing signs of that, if you discount Saturday's game in Detroit) and like it's game 7 of the finals, score some goals and let Miller worry about the net behind them.

Okay I dunno if that ramble made any sense at all but there it is. I feel like I haven't seen the Sabres in ages. (I was AT the game a week ago yesterday and one a week before that) I haven't watched them on tv since.. last year? LOL it really was though, the last game I saw on tv was the game in Washington- what was that, Dec. 26? Yeah I miss the boys. I am excited about today's game. I like the Blackhawks to a point- they are pretty plucky themselves ( i think "plucky" is the word of the day), they have lots of young talent and they have turned the team around from the brink of non-existence into a real contender. As a fan of hockey (not just the Sabres), I can appreciate that. However, I really want the Sabres to win tonight because it will be good for them. And I don't like Brian Campbell. I don't particularly have anything against him (except for all those times he got burned on D because he was too busy spin-o-rama-ing or pretending to be a forward) but I'm glad he is not in Buffalo anymore because I think he's pretty overrated and we didn't have to pay too much money for him. Thank goodness.

Now I'm out.

LET's GO BUFFALO!

Ain't I been sayin it?

Derek Roy plays better with a beard.

Seriously- I've said this many times.. for whatever the reason, Royzie plays better when he's scruffy. Whether it's a day or 2 worth of growth for here- he seems like he's going for all out mountain-man action- the hairier Roy's face is, the better he is playing. Hmm.. maybe he gets less attention from the ladies, therefore less distraction? haha I dunno but whatever it is, KEEP DOING IT DEREK! (plus, I think it's kinda hot, I'm not gonna lie. Usually I'm not into guys with beards, but for Derek, the look just works.)

Okay.. enough of that. It's just a trend I have noticed on more than one occasion.

So.. random hockey statbits for you. Chris Osgood has a 3.25 GAA in his last 6 starts.. and yet the Wings are 4-1-1 in those games. DAMN. They can score! Take note Sabres- because Milsie's numbers are better than that I think.. if you would put a few more biscuits in the basket you might be able to scrape up some wins. What happened to our run and gun lead the league in scoring team from parts of last year and the year before? That was fun. Let's SCORE MORE GOALS! Do you think Ryan Miller ever feels like the Chik Fil A Cows? Like, does he stand around during practice with a sign saying:


I dunno.. maybe that would work. The Sabres seem like a bunch of idiots at times..

Now that I have amused myself enough for one night.. it's time to do something else more productive.. like unpack all my crap from the SF trip. Wooo. (or, more likely I'll waste a bunch of time online and then read my book. LOL I know myself too well..)

P.S. Any word on Patrick Kaleta? I miss seeing him on the ice.

Winter Classic II

Wow that was fun.

Possibly not as much fun as any of you had in Buffalo last year but this was a great game in a really neat venue and it was a wonderful time. It was very cold but we didn't get any snow. The game was well played- lots of scoring and lots of scrapping and just general dislike on the part of both teams. It was everything an original 6 rivalry should be. Lots of Red Wings fans, of course tons of the hometown Blackhawks fans- they are great!- and just a fantastic atmosphere. And everywhere I looked were Patrick Kane jerseys.. hehe I always enjoy Kaner since he's from Buffalo and all.

It was just so cool. There was a whole plaza set up outside the ballpark with live music, photo ops, food, drink, free giveaways and facepainting going on. And throughout the whole thing were people walking around taking pictures. Those should be up on this website soon and I'll share them with you..

I have tons of pics, and some videos too that I will be uploading at some point in the next few days.. Just wanted to tell y'all that I am alive and well after today's game.

Oh and I was interviewed by a guy who writes for the Sports and Leisure magazine.. I was wearing a Sabres hat with my Steve Yzerman Team Canada jersey and I got a few comments. So this dude asked about the hat and when I told him I was from Buffalo he asked to interview me.. pretty cool, eh? I will let y'all know when it hits the press. I also had my pic taken for the Wings website... don't know if it made it there either.

Life is good. Still chillin in Chicago until Saturday so I doubt I'll post again before I get back to Buffalo. I hope everyone had a great New Year's eve/day celebration..

And it looks like the Sabres got things started off right today with a 4-1 win. Roy and Pommer each had 2 goals? That's pretty great, really. I guess Lindy's comments after Tuesday night sparked something? Probably not. It is the Leafs after all. ANyway I'll take it as a good sign that they are finally going to start playing well and just leave it at that. (until the next game.)

I am desperately tired so it's bedtime for me. Goodnight!

who are these guys?

I watched about half of last night's game, and I'll be honest, it was kinda sloppy. Not terrible, just not very good. They seemed a little sluggish.. too much turkey? Lalime was pretty on though. The first WSH goal was a rocket and I missed the 2nd one but geeeeezzzum Ovie made everyone in the arena look bad with that 3rd one. Sorry Hank, you maybe shoulda had that, or maybe Tone should have, but really, it's Ovie and he really IS that good.

I know I shouldn't like Ovechkin since he's one of the league's loveboys but man I can't help it, He's FUN to watch! (and he had a goal disallowed..whoa) He's such a strong skater and he has great hands. (sid, however, has soft hands but is not a very good skater) I like me some boys who can move it. So yeah, I love Ovie. (except when he scores on us.. but even then I had to admit it was pretty sick.)

I got to see Sloaner on tv! That was sweet. Only 3 days till I see him IN PERSON! Hmm.. anybody know when the away team does their game day morning skate? I might want to go out on Tues and try to see him there.. maybe I could talk to him for a sec? that would be sick! Just a thought..

Tomorrow my sis and I are going to the Bills game. My brother-in-law has tickets and he offered them to us. Renee' actually likes football but I can't seem to make myself care about it enough. However, it should be fun and even though I dont like football, I know that the Patriots are THE ENEMY and they must go down. LOL I'll let you know how it goes.. Maybe I'll see Derek Roy there. He was spotted at a game earlier this year by a lady I work with. LOL

anyway I'm off to watch some Highlander. (there was a marathon yesterday on sci-fi.. good stuff!) There can be only ONE.

atta boy

I missed ALL of last night's game due to a long play practice. ***hey if y'all want to come out to lovely Yorkshire NY on Friday night to check a bustin production of A Christmas Story featuring YOURS TRULY as Miss Shields, the teacher- just shoot me an e-mail and I'll get ya some details..***

(end Public Service Announcement/Shameless Plug)

back to hockey.. soo.. yeah I missed that badass game last night. Boo on that. Maybe I'll dvr tomorrow's tilt. I want to actually SEE Royzie score a goal. I wish I had seen the look on Sid's face when they lost- everyone keeps telling me how great that is, but I missed the game after Thanksgiving as well because I was in hockeyless Louisiana. I don't think I could have handled listening to the VS idiots talking about the magnificence of the Crosby and Malkin show. I probably would have puked up my guts by about the 2nd minute and who really wants to deal with that? Right. Either that or it would turn into a Winter Classic-like Sid "lovefest" that I had with my friends when we took it to a point so far beyond ridiculousness that it just COULDN'T STOP. (because I was stuck watching it on VS since I was in Ohio= LAME.. not lame being in OH but not having Rick and Harry is lame.. and sad). Yeah did that make sense? Anyway I hate Sid (i know he's good. you don't have to tell me. 38944389057436546 times, if you work for VS. I REALLY hate Malkin. I don't care if he's good.. he's just.. ugh. Yeah no love for either of them.)

Right so I guess what I'm saying is LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

One week from tomorrow I'll be sitting 2nd row slightly to the right of Ryan Miller for 2 periods and NOTMARTYBRODEUR Scott Clemmensen or Kevin Weeks for one. WOOOOOHOOOOOO! It's gonna be grand.

yip to the yie

Yeah so.. it's Wednesday and there is no hockey. But it's all good. There is hockey tomorrow (and the Sabres are starting over, right? 0-0?) and I *think* I've got a hot guy coming over to watch the game with me!!!!! He said he thinks he can do it, he'll let me know tomorrow. Score one for Sam! :)

I do have a hockey SAB in store for you today.. since it's Wednesday and all. This one was inspired by desperation and someone (I can't remember who, it was one of my fellow bloggers) mention of Dion Phaneuf and his "Frankenstein Forehead".. so here ya go. There is a bit of a resemblance there..


-Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames

AND


-"Frankenstein's Creature", as played by Boris Karloff

Separated at Birth? YOU be the judge. LOL

And I just loooved can you taste the sarcasm? all the photos of Phaneuf slutting around with Elisha Cuthbert. Pics of them swimming and hanging all over each other while practically naked? Not necessary people! I don't think she's all that attractive, but what do I know? Clearly she has no taste if she every dated Sean Avery. GROSS.

yick

ya call that hockey? There were about 2 good chances tonight and they couldn't get it done. Guys, if you can't score (on a random rookie goalie) then could you at least fight or something? Blah.

I can finally sit down and watch a whole hockey game and you feed me that garbage. Thanks a lot fellas.

Blah. I just spent an hour and a half uploading pics from my family trip to LA- if we're facebook friends you can see them there. If we aren't facebook friends, then what are you waiting for? Facebook me!

Hehehe.

My back is killing me. (22 hour car rides will do that to you- seriously that was a LOOONG time yesterday to spend folded up in the car and I'm not fully recovered yet..) I think it's beddybye time. G'night y'all!