[F]or 26-year-old winger Brett Sterling, scoring twice to help Malkin's team beat Crosby's team, 2-1, Monday morning in Pittsburgh was kind of important for a couple of reasons.
First, Sterling is new to the organization, and goals are never a bad way to make a first impression.
Second, Sterling's scoring touch is his ticket to the NHL. He netted 144 goals for the AHL's Chicago Wolves in the first four years of his career, and his objective is to prove he could do the same if given a chance in Pittsburgh.
"Hopefully I was able to do that a little bit today, but there's a lot more camp to go," Sterling said. "When you're fighting for a spot with this many great guys on the team, it's a tough situation."
Sterling's calling card is his shot. He showed it off Monday when he took a pass from Tim Wallace and wired a shot short side on goalie Brad Thiessen from the top of the left faceoff circle.
"If you need another shooter, hopefully I can fill that role," Sterling said.
For now, Sterling's short-term goal is to earn a spot alongside some top-six NHL forwards in one or two of the six exhibition games on Pittsburgh's schedule.
"You look at these centers. You look at the wings you can play with. Top to bottom, it's one of the best teams in the league," he said. "That's why they're consistently good and that's what you want to come to. You have to fight for your chance, but once you get it, you're with great guys."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Going Back In Time - Part 2
Nearly six months later I am getting around to discussing the end of the regular season. haha Why bother? Because I fear these thoughts won't leave my head until I type 'em out. But, what is left to remember?
The last week or two was... nice. We all said farewell to Mike Modano with a tear in our eye and later found out he will be playing with the Red Wings. I guess if you wanna keep playing it shouldn't matter that you've been with the same club for basically 20 years and now there's something irregular at the bottom of the list. No matter, it was really sweet to see the love raining down on him.
There was also another "IS THIS THE END?!" moment for Teemu Selanne. It is not the end. He also scored his 600th goal on March 21st, beginning of the 2nd period against the Avalanche. The whole team jumped off the bench to congratulate him & apparently they had to ok that in advance so they wouldn't get in trouble. He ended with 606 goals!
One weekend afternoon I "watched" the Thrashers at nhl.com's little, um, player tracker thing. The name escapes me, but it highlighted who was on the ice (plus on-ice time!), when a shot was taken & what kind it was, who scored, who got penalized, etc. It was surprisingly entertaining!
Speaking of Thrashers, they ended their season with a 1-0 shutout against the Penguins. If they hadn't lost the rest of their April games they might have made it into the playoffs. But, what are ya gonna do?
There was also that game in April when the Oilers were playing the Avalanche and Peter Budaj made a pretty impressive acrobatic save. He was up, he was down, he did the splits & jumped all over the place. Ever since then I occasionally find myself saying, "Peeeeterrrr Budaajjj." I love those Avs commentators.
Nothing memorable sticks out in my mind when it comes to the Blackhawks, but eventually I'll get around to gushing about their playoff games :D
The last week or two was... nice. We all said farewell to Mike Modano with a tear in our eye and later found out he will be playing with the Red Wings. I guess if you wanna keep playing it shouldn't matter that you've been with the same club for basically 20 years and now there's something irregular at the bottom of the list. No matter, it was really sweet to see the love raining down on him.
There was also another "IS THIS THE END?!" moment for Teemu Selanne. It is not the end. He also scored his 600th goal on March 21st, beginning of the 2nd period against the Avalanche. The whole team jumped off the bench to congratulate him & apparently they had to ok that in advance so they wouldn't get in trouble. He ended with 606 goals!
One weekend afternoon I "watched" the Thrashers at nhl.com's little, um, player tracker thing. The name escapes me, but it highlighted who was on the ice (plus on-ice time!), when a shot was taken & what kind it was, who scored, who got penalized, etc. It was surprisingly entertaining!
Speaking of Thrashers, they ended their season with a 1-0 shutout against the Penguins. If they hadn't lost the rest of their April games they might have made it into the playoffs. But, what are ya gonna do?
There was also that game in April when the Oilers were playing the Avalanche and Peter Budaj made a pretty impressive acrobatic save. He was up, he was down, he did the splits & jumped all over the place. Ever since then I occasionally find myself saying, "Peeeeterrrr Budaajjj." I love those Avs commentators.
Nothing memorable sticks out in my mind when it comes to the Blackhawks, but eventually I'll get around to gushing about their playoff games :D
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
BYE
Looks like Huet is leaving, too. So let's see, that's Burish, Byfuglien, Eager, Fraser, Huet, (Johnsson), Ladd, Madden, Niemi, Sopel, and Versteeg. Am I forgetting anybody? Not to mention the players that came and went during the summer (Reasoner, Crabb, why?!).
I am assuming Crawford is coming up to be a full-time NHL player? He's in the roster, so... We should have snagged Hedberg. If he had become a Blackhawk... I would have plotz, cried, died.
The Blackhawks now have Fernando "I have UC" Pisani. Dammit. Every time I see him I think about his commercial... This could be a trying season.
Did I mention Nabby is gone from the NHL too? :| Yeah, KHL - St. Pete'. There was a prediction that Niemi might be bought by the Sharks. That'd be fine by me, I suppose... I don't really know. It'd be weird.
I am assuming Crawford is coming up to be a full-time NHL player? He's in the roster, so... We should have snagged Hedberg. If he had become a Blackhawk... I would have plotz, cried, died.
The Blackhawks now have Fernando "I have UC" Pisani. Dammit. Every time I see him I think about his commercial... This could be a trying season.
Did I mention Nabby is gone from the NHL too? :| Yeah, KHL - St. Pete'. There was a prediction that Niemi might be bought by the Sharks. That'd be fine by me, I suppose... I don't really know. It'd be weird.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Bleh
Antti Niemi is no longer a Blackhawk; I no longer have anything to live for. I just. don't. get it.
But hey! I am going to a Canes/Thrashers game in March! I have my beer money saved up & ready to go :)
But hey! I am going to a Canes/Thrashers game in March! I have my beer money saved up & ready to go :)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
WHEN WILL IT END?!!
I guess Joey Crabb moved to the Maple Leafs two days ago? I am sad and confused. I was really looking forward to watching him play for the Blackhawks.
If only I could find his jersey when I go to Toronto :( I would so buy one, but woefully that won't happen in the next month!
If only I could find his jersey when I go to Toronto :( I would so buy one, but woefully that won't happen in the next month!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
You Say What Now?
Reading a recent article in the Dallas News, I found two things I did not like:
Backup? BACKUP? No, I think they meant to say starter. Or maybe the keyword here is "chance," as in, if he decides to play horribly he will exercise that chance of becoming a backup.
This goes back to the first quote. If he's ready for a big year, why are they speculating he'll become a backup? Because they only believe he's healthy? Do they think he'll have more problems once the season gets under way?
What's happenin'?
Veteran goalie Brent Krahn should get a chance to become the Stars' backup goalie next season after signing a one-year, two-way contract Tuesday.
Backup? BACKUP? No, I think they meant to say starter. Or maybe the keyword here is "chance," as in, if he decides to play horribly he will exercise that chance of becoming a backup.
"The concussion was just a fluke, and we believe his knees are healthy, so we think he's ready for a big year."
This goes back to the first quote. If he's ready for a big year, why are they speculating he'll become a backup? Because they only believe he's healthy? Do they think he'll have more problems once the season gets under way?
What's happenin'?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
It All Happened So Fast
Getting news left and right about trades all over the place.
Byfuglien, Eager, Sopel, AND Fraser are gone. The first three are now a part of the Thrashers organization (so, not as bad as it could be), and Fraser is going to the Oilers. (Again, not so bad. He'll be reunited with Nikolaiii!)
Reasoner is playing for the Blackhawks as part of the trade; Crabb is now a Blackhawk, which is rad. I can't wait to see him ALL THE TIME. But... Sterling? I heard it from the man himself that his contract was up, but I hoped so hard that I misheard... He's moved on to the Sharks. :*( Closer to home, which is nice, but... but... I just bought his jersey :( I got some good use out of it as the 09-10 season ended, but I was hoping... Well, I guess the name on the back doesn't matter. I'm just really sad to see my favorite player go. SO SAD!! I am glad he's going to be in the NHL though (full time, right?). He's been in the AHL for so long.
I almost forgot! Torchetti is now with the Thrashers as well. :*(
Geez, why don't we just get a whole new team for cryin' out loud?!
Byfuglien, Eager, Sopel, AND Fraser are gone. The first three are now a part of the Thrashers organization (so, not as bad as it could be), and Fraser is going to the Oilers. (Again, not so bad. He'll be reunited with Nikolaiii!)
Reasoner is playing for the Blackhawks as part of the trade; Crabb is now a Blackhawk, which is rad. I can't wait to see him ALL THE TIME. But... Sterling? I heard it from the man himself that his contract was up, but I hoped so hard that I misheard... He's moved on to the Sharks. :*( Closer to home, which is nice, but... but... I just bought his jersey :( I got some good use out of it as the 09-10 season ended, but I was hoping... Well, I guess the name on the back doesn't matter. I'm just really sad to see my favorite player go. SO SAD!! I am glad he's going to be in the NHL though (full time, right?). He's been in the AHL for so long.
I almost forgot! Torchetti is now with the Thrashers as well. :*(
Geez, why don't we just get a whole new team for cryin' out loud?!
Dammit, Mother Nature
I knew this would happen. A big storm blew in, knocking out the satellite in the middle of the awards show. One time it was just out for a commercial, another time I missed a whole hell of a lot. When the show came back on, Jose Theodore was giving a speech. I didn't know what the heck was happening... [Just read he won the Masterson trophy. Good for him.] The speech ended with him giving a shoutout to his wife and daughter. It was touching and he seemed pretty choked up. D'aw. I can't even imagine what he was thinking. In other news, Duncan Keith won the Norris trophy! It even looked like he had teeth! Very cool.
I'm real glad I didn't miss the Getzlaf/Ryan video. It was hilarious! And I don't care what anyone says, Jay Mohr is funny. I don't believe half those people when they say they're "big hockey fans," but whatever. I don't really care. It's like a band saying "This is the best place on earth!" at every venue they play. Anyway...
I'm real glad I didn't miss the Getzlaf/Ryan video. It was hilarious! And I don't care what anyone says, Jay Mohr is funny. I don't believe half those people when they say they're "big hockey fans," but whatever. I don't really care. It's like a band saying "This is the best place on earth!" at every venue they play. Anyway...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Don't Make Me Laugh!
Home openers have been posted. Someone in the Thrashers organization asked who people would like to see play against them in the home opener. It's going to be the Capitals October 8th. Suddenly someone's suggestion of "St. Mary's School for the Blind" doesn't sound half bad for game #1.
Don't you know, the Blackhawks are going to be playing the Red Wings October 9th, but their first game is against the Avalance October 7th.
Poor Bruins don't play at home until the 21st! For the love of god... They are playing the Caps too.
Don't you know, the Blackhawks are going to be playing the Red Wings October 9th, but their first game is against the Avalance October 7th.
Poor Bruins don't play at home until the 21st! For the love of god... They are playing the Caps too.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Going Back In Time - Part 1
Here were the predictions I made before each playoff round.
Bold is who I chose.
Slate is who won.
Round 1
SJ 4-2
CHI 4-2
VAN 4-2
DET 4-3
MTL 4-3
PHI 4-1
BOS 4-2
PIT 4-2
I was being really optimistic about the Coyotes, and I thought the Kings would be the spoiler in the west. I figured the Caps, Pens, and Devils would win FOR SURE. Wow, silly me.
Round 2
SJ 4-1
CHI 4-2
MTL 4-3
PHI 4-3
I wanted the Sharks to win, but I just thought the Red Wings had a better chance of not choking. Yeah, sorry. I wanted the Canadiens and the Bruins to win, but I figured the Pens were going to defend their Stanley Cup. I think the only reason I chose the Flyers to win was because I thought they would get more physical and take the Habs down. I also thought they sacrificed their bodies (i.e. blocked shots) more than Habs players. When the Sharks and the Habs won, oh. my. god.
Round 3
CHI 4-0
PHI 4-1
I thought the Habs had this one. Upset of the east, right? Nope, they blew it. I was SO mad. In a way they were the upset of the east! Know what made me feel a little better? The Blackhawks swept the Sharks. Unbelievable. The Sharks had played so well up 'til this round, what the hell happened?
I didn't predict who would win the Final because I didn't want to jinx it. Of course I wanted the Blackhawks to win. OF COURSE! They won the series 4-2!! IN OVERTIME!! The craziest overtime ever.
Bold is who I chose.
Slate is who won.
Round 1
| West | East |
| SJ vs COL | WSH vs MTL |
| CHI vs NSH | NJ vs PHI |
| VAN vs LAK | BUF vs BOS |
| PHX vs DET | PIT vs OTT |
SJ 4-2
CHI 4-2
VAN 4-2
DET 4-3
MTL 4-3
PHI 4-1
BOS 4-2
PIT 4-2
I was being really optimistic about the Coyotes, and I thought the Kings would be the spoiler in the west. I figured the Caps, Pens, and Devils would win FOR SURE. Wow, silly me.
Round 2
| West | East |
| SJ vs DET | MTL vs PIT |
| CHI vs VAN | PHI vs BOS |
SJ 4-1
CHI 4-2
MTL 4-3
PHI 4-3
I wanted the Sharks to win, but I just thought the Red Wings had a better chance of not choking. Yeah, sorry. I wanted the Canadiens and the Bruins to win, but I figured the Pens were going to defend their Stanley Cup. I think the only reason I chose the Flyers to win was because I thought they would get more physical and take the Habs down. I also thought they sacrificed their bodies (i.e. blocked shots) more than Habs players. When the Sharks and the Habs won, oh. my. god.
Round 3
| West | East |
| CHI vs SJ | MTL vs PHI |
CHI 4-0
PHI 4-1
I thought the Habs had this one. Upset of the east, right? Nope, they blew it. I was SO mad. In a way they were the upset of the east! Know what made me feel a little better? The Blackhawks swept the Sharks. Unbelievable. The Sharks had played so well up 'til this round, what the hell happened?
I didn't predict who would win the Final because I didn't want to jinx it. Of course I wanted the Blackhawks to win. OF COURSE! They won the series 4-2!! IN OVERTIME!! The craziest overtime ever.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
... Yep, Disappointment
As soon as I got into my car after work Monday night and started it up, I got the news over the radio that Texas had lost. I buried my face in my hands and hoped Jen didn't look over and see me because I don't want her asking about it the next time we meet. I wasn't going to watch my tape, but then I saw Krahn was playing so I sorta feel like I have to. I mean, I really want to... despite the shutout that was NOT in his favor. Oh boo hoo. I shed a tear, I did. But life will go on. I can continue to dislike them I guess. Wait, no I can't. Krahn just signed a one-year contract extension with the Stars. Um, fml maybe?
I was so mad listening to the Bears players saying they didn't know what to say because this was such a "once in a lifetime experience" or something. I kept shouting, "YOU WON LAST YEAR! JUST REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID THEN!" Then I realized some might be repeating what they said, so I corrected myself, "SAY WHAT YOU SAID THE DAY AFTER YOU HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT SOMETHING TO SAY!"
Clearly I was being an irrational jerk and probably made up the story that someone said something like "once in a lifetime...", but I was just so mad. I know it's dumb, but it makes me feel like the Wolves lost to a losing team, you know? Like, there was no sense in them losing to this second place team. But then I am reminded that this is the first year for the franchise that is the Stars and I think that is absolutely wonderful for the team and the community. Heck, it is good for hockey in general.
I was so mad listening to the Bears players saying they didn't know what to say because this was such a "once in a lifetime experience" or something. I kept shouting, "YOU WON LAST YEAR! JUST REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID THEN!" Then I realized some might be repeating what they said, so I corrected myself, "SAY WHAT YOU SAID THE DAY AFTER YOU HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT SOMETHING TO SAY!"
Clearly I was being an irrational jerk and probably made up the story that someone said something like "once in a lifetime...", but I was just so mad. I know it's dumb, but it makes me feel like the Wolves lost to a losing team, you know? Like, there was no sense in them losing to this second place team. But then I am reminded that this is the first year for the franchise that is the Stars and I think that is absolutely wonderful for the team and the community. Heck, it is good for hockey in general.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Is That... Disappointment I Am Feeling?
The Stars lost to the Bears 1-2 in overtime tonight. I actually got to watch it instead of listen to it in the car. Ugh, I hate sitting out there.
I was actually hoping for DOT so I had a "good" excuse as to why I wasn't finishing my homework, but Giroux managed to score with... 6 some minutes left? Yeah, I smacked my forehead and groaned when that happened. This could be ok though. The road teams have won every game this series. The last two games are in Hershey, so... yeah, you get it? Riiiight.
NOT disappointing was today's parade in Chicago. I still can't believe the Blackhawks are the Stanley Cup champions :O
I had gotten up at 7 to be awake enough to call WGN before 8 to try and win Cubs tickets. My dumb fingers were too slow when dialing that I got a busy signal right away. The girl that got through didn't even know that she had to be listening yesterday for the answer to the question that was asked! I was peeved... but I found out Fox had been covering the pre-parade happenings all morning, so for three hours I watched the news. Ha, never thought I'd say that!
The parade got a little wild when people rushed the last bus, but things still ran "smoothly" and everybody made it to the stage ok. I was happy to see Skille and Crawford when they were introduced, and I thought it was nice/strange that they introduced Rockford players that have yet to play for Chicago.
I liked the speeches, especially when Kane poked fun at himself about keeping his shirt on and telling the cabbies he loves 'em. I didn't so much like Versteeg's rap... I didn't really understand what the lyrics had to do with... anything. haha Good times though. Good times.
On a more personal note, I think Chicago sports might hold me back from moving farther north as were my plans for the longest time :/ It actually makes me want to move into the city, which is an outrageous idea! Mostly I'd just like to have the ability of walking places and having more things to do. Other than that, unless I could find a well-paying job and an apartment that accepts large dogs, it is out of the question!
I was actually hoping for DOT so I had a "good" excuse as to why I wasn't finishing my homework, but Giroux managed to score with... 6 some minutes left? Yeah, I smacked my forehead and groaned when that happened. This could be ok though. The road teams have won every game this series. The last two games are in Hershey, so... yeah, you get it? Riiiight.
NOT disappointing was today's parade in Chicago. I still can't believe the Blackhawks are the Stanley Cup champions :O
I had gotten up at 7 to be awake enough to call WGN before 8 to try and win Cubs tickets. My dumb fingers were too slow when dialing that I got a busy signal right away. The girl that got through didn't even know that she had to be listening yesterday for the answer to the question that was asked! I was peeved... but I found out Fox had been covering the pre-parade happenings all morning, so for three hours I watched the news. Ha, never thought I'd say that!
The parade got a little wild when people rushed the last bus, but things still ran "smoothly" and everybody made it to the stage ok. I was happy to see Skille and Crawford when they were introduced, and I thought it was nice/strange that they introduced Rockford players that have yet to play for Chicago.
I liked the speeches, especially when Kane poked fun at himself about keeping his shirt on and telling the cabbies he loves 'em. I didn't so much like Versteeg's rap... I didn't really understand what the lyrics had to do with... anything. haha Good times though. Good times.
On a more personal note, I think Chicago sports might hold me back from moving farther north as were my plans for the longest time :/ It actually makes me want to move into the city, which is an outrageous idea! Mostly I'd just like to have the ability of walking places and having more things to do. Other than that, unless I could find a well-paying job and an apartment that accepts large dogs, it is out of the question!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
One Goal - Stanley Cup Champions
It happened. It finally happened. I have waited 49 years for this. Wait, no I haven't. Um... hmm. I don't know where to begin! So, here's some random thoughts in CAPS:
THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS WON THE STANLEY CUP!
4-3 OVERTIME WIN!
KANE HAD THE GAME WINNER & WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE PUCK WAS IN THE NET!
THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS LOST THE SERIES 4-2!
THERE IS A PARADE TOMORROW!
The 300 some epic pictures on the Blackhawks' site are too much for my computer to handle. I can't wait to see what each player does on their day with the cup. I can't wait to see the parade tomorrow. For a split second I thought about going, but naah, I'd rather be safe at home seeing everything on the television.
Ok, so let's recap. To begin, I was able to switch both my Wednesday and Friday shifts to Saturday and Sunday. Wow, I know. I was all ready for a game 7.
I was so anxious for 7 o'clock, Wednesday night. The Blackhawks had lost the first two games in Philly, so I thought the trend might continue. When I saw them win the first face-off, I was like, Yeah, they got this. Seeing Byfuglien score first, on a power play nonetheless, only gave me more hope.
It seemed the Blackhawks were very much in control throughout the whole game. Not to say the Flyers didn't play well; I thought they were a force to be reckoned with.
There were no ugly goals, no "that shouldn't have happened" goals, nothing like that.
For the longest time the score was 3-2 in favor of the Hawks. Hartnell scored in the third with 4 minutes left. 3:59 if you want to be exact. Both Dad and I just said, "Oh no." I couldn't take it. I was on the edge of the couch biting my nails, begging for the intermission to be over and done with so we could get this over with. My wish was their command and overtime began.
Four minutes and ten seconds into this heart-stopping OT (Philly almost scored as Niemi went down and, oh I can't think of who it was, but a player in orange fired a shot but luckily it was not high enough), Patrick Kane scored a magical game winner. I saw him begin to celebrate as the air was sucked out of the arena and everybody was silent, and my heart fluttered, but nobody had known the puck was in the net because it had vanished. Then everybody flew off the bench and all I could say was, "Oh my god. I didn't even see what happened! This is... this is crazy!!"
Oh man, to see 20+ dreams come true in that one moment was wonderful. I was elated. I couldn't stop smiling :D
Finally they showed the replay and clearly the net gobbled up that puck. Normally I feel sorrow for the losing team, but not so much last night. This was "my" team that won and they deserved to win. Had Philly won last night and in game 7, I would have died. But I don't want to hear this, "The Blackhawks wanted it more" crap. Wanting it more is never the case in any situation. (Ok, maybe like 99% of the time) Both teams wanted to win just the same, it's just that the Hawks, well... you can't even say they were the better team, really. I thought they played equally well, so perhaps it was just... luck. Good fortune. Whatever. They freaking won the Stanley Cup!!
When I gather my thoughts I will write a more coherent post.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Long Time No Post
Last night I listened to the Stars/Bears Calder Cup Finals Game 1 in the car. I was thrilled when the Stars won 2-1 in regulation, so I guess I'm coming to terms with them beating the Wolves.
The Blackhawks, oh baby. I desperately want them to win the series 4-1. That would mean I could be at home to see them win on Sunday. If they go 6 or 7, I'll either have to tape the games or switch shifts at work (God help me). I'd rather see them win "live" instead of being behind everybody else because I'd be watching the game at 11 o'clock after the fact...
I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to discuss the end of the regular season,and actually I am thinking about just forgetting about the whole thing. Wish I would have been keeping tabs on the Playoffs, too. I've been enjoying watching the games rather than talking about them I guess.
The Blackhawks, oh baby. I desperately want them to win the series 4-1. That would mean I could be at home to see them win on Sunday. If they go 6 or 7, I'll either have to tape the games or switch shifts at work (God help me). I'd rather see them win "live" instead of being behind everybody else because I'd be watching the game at 11 o'clock after the fact...
I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to discuss the end of the regular season,
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
OT Oh No
Can't even put my thoughts in to words. All I have is Shit. This season's over. *sob sob*
My stomach dropped so hard when Benn scored that OT GWG. (Ugh, I'm tearing up for reals...) But luckily Mom sped over those tracks on Belshaw and that put my stomach back into place. I mean, I was hoping for a review that would show it was kicked in or something, but I guess it was a clean goal. I saw that red light and just... wanted to cry. Or rip off my Jesus necklace & throw it down in disgust. (Yes, I wore it.) Couldn't even clap for the two stars of the game that were Stars. I usually clap half-heartedly out of respect, but I couldn't move. I think Machacek had the second star of the game and I cheered for him the best I could.
. . .
Maybe I'll discuss the game tomorrow. I will tell that I got Sterling and Mannino's autograph. Ok, so the game ended at 10:07, but Mom wanted to stay and watch the players come out. For some reason we waited outside in the 50 degree weather that felt more like 20 degrees for 75 minutes. I identified most of the players, but some I honestly wasn't sure about. John Anderson was the first guy I saw. Pft, I didn't go running up to him, that's for sure. Mostly Stars players came out first. I should have stopped one to ask how Krahn is doing. Ah well. I think MacIntyre was the first Wolves player to come out. I don't remember though... Ok, so point of my story is, I got Mom's ticket signed by Brett (& I think he was talking to some guy about how is contract is up[!] Also, if I hadn't just gotten my player's card, I would have had him sign my ticket too), she asked if we were ready to go, and I said, "Hmm, no. I'm gonna have Peter sign my ticket." So I ran back and-
My stomach dropped so hard when Benn scored that OT GWG. (Ugh, I'm tearing up for reals...) But luckily Mom sped over those tracks on Belshaw and that put my stomach back into place. I mean, I was hoping for a review that would show it was kicked in or something, but I guess it was a clean goal. I saw that red light and just... wanted to cry. Or rip off my Jesus necklace & throw it down in disgust. (Yes, I wore it.) Couldn't even clap for the two stars of the game that were Stars. I usually clap half-heartedly out of respect, but I couldn't move. I think Machacek had the second star of the game and I cheered for him the best I could.
Maybe I'll discuss the game tomorrow. I will tell that I got Sterling and Mannino's autograph. Ok, so the game ended at 10:07, but Mom wanted to stay and watch the players come out. For some reason we waited outside in the 50 degree weather that felt more like 20 degrees for 75 minutes. I identified most of the players, but some I honestly wasn't sure about. John Anderson was the first guy I saw. Pft, I didn't go running up to him, that's for sure. Mostly Stars players came out first. I should have stopped one to ask how Krahn is doing. Ah well. I think MacIntyre was the first Wolves player to come out. I don't remember though... Ok, so point of my story is, I got Mom's ticket signed by Brett (& I think he was talking to some guy about how is contract is up[!] Also, if I hadn't just gotten my player's card, I would have had him sign my ticket too), she asked if we were ready to go, and I said, "Hmm, no. I'm gonna have Peter sign my ticket." So I ran back and-
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
*Fingers Crossed*
[Edit]Ok, here it is. Straight up. The Wolves have to win tomorrow's game. They have no other choice. The Bulldogs won their series against the Heat today, meaning the Wolves will play them with a win tomorrow.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Look Who's Still Playing Hockey!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Hallelujah
I am not a religious person by any means. In fact, I'm one of those people that doesn't get into discussions involving religion because I don't want to offend anyone. When it comes to sports though, I can become crazy religious. So, today I put on my Jesus necklace and got to my knees and prayed to everybody that the Wolves win tonight's game. I said something like, "Please please please let the Wolves win tonight's game so I can see them Tuesday. And please please please help them win that game so they can hopefully play against the Bulldogs!"
I had to work at 4, and Mom and Dad were kind enough to drop by and have a Mother's Day dinner with me ;) I asked Dad to text me the score when he got home because I was dying to know what went down while I was working! Never got a text. I thought maybe their loss was so horrible that Dad wanted to spare me the agony.
As soon as I got home I went to the computer, checked my email, and saw the Wolves GOT A SHUTOUT!!!!! I ran to Mom and said, "We're going to a hockey game on Tuesday!! [Eeek!]"
There is a God!
[EDIT, MAJOR EDIT!] It's unclear whether or not my FGF will be playing Tuesday D: He was injured in the first period of tonight's game DD: Not sure on the det's, but... asdfgh!@#
I had to work at 4, and Mom and Dad were kind enough to drop by and have a Mother's Day dinner with me ;) I asked Dad to text me the score when he got home because I was dying to know what went down while I was working! Never got a text. I thought maybe their loss was so horrible that Dad wanted to spare me the agony.
As soon as I got home I went to the computer, checked my email, and saw the Wolves GOT A SHUTOUT!!!!! I ran to Mom and said, "We're going to a hockey game on Tuesday!! [Eeek!]"
There is a God!
[EDIT, MAJOR EDIT!] It's unclear whether or not my FGF will be playing Tuesday D: He was injured in the first period of tonight's game DD: Not sure on the det's, but... asdfgh!@#
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Adventure!
I did the unthinkable and drove to Rosemont by myself today. Parentals were out of town and they took Brenda, so I had to rely on Yahoo! directions. Since I am horrible with directions, I left at noon for a 3 o'clock game. It takes a little less than 2 hours to get there, so I figured if when I got lost I wouldn't panic about being late to the game. I had obviously taken a wrong exit somewhere because I ended up in Chinatown. Now I know where it is though, so that's nice. Ever since Ryan told me about going there I have wanted to go. I called Becky for some help but I ended up helping myself because I found the sign pointing to I90. Then I kept seeing signs for Wisconsin, plus I was on the Kennedy and I was supposed to be on the Dan Ryan (I see now they are the same thing...), so I called Troy to make sure I was going the right way. Turns out if I had just kept driving several more miles I would have found my O'Hare exit.
Arrived around 2:40, got my tickets, and praised the Lloyd I had actually made it in one piece. Got section 104 (by request), seat E14. Why did I request that? So I could see my FGF twice, of course. Well, three times :D Got to see
many times. In all fairness, it was also because I wanted a better chance of seeing the Wolves score on my end than the other end since they "attack the west in first and third periods."
Pre-game: The intro video seemed a little different today... longer maybe? Got my wish & heard Mannino and Machacek's name announced.
First period: Kulda was credited with the first goal, but that was later changed to Machacek's goal. That was the only goal and it was made at 8:36. So far so good!
Second period: Krog scored to make it 2-0 just under 4 minutes in. Then Gagnon from Texas scored with about 2 minutes left. Whatever. Still looking good for us.
Third period: Stewart scored a lovely powerplay goal a minute and a half into the game. 3-1. Y'know what happened? Texas came back with two more to tie it 3-3. 54 seconds left and Peter scored. Boo.
Overtime: Oooooh, oh oh boy. THIS was interesting. Wolves scroed 25 seconds in, but it was declared no-goal as it was kicked in. Everybody was in an uproar because we thought we had won the game! Oh, but wait. Later the puck went behind the net, Chelios went after it, and Peters jumped on his back and brought him down to the ice. Peters was called for holding, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Chelios was called for DIVING. Diving?! What the hell were the refs thinking?! I normally don't hassel the refs because they have a tough job, but that was the most ridiculous call I've ever heard/seen! Aw man, the crowd went berzerk. Had Texas scored during their powerplay, I think there might have been some 911 calls being made... for numerous reasons. Wow, that still blows my mind.
Double overtime: I was close to shouting, "HURRY UP! I NEED TO GET HOME BEFORE DARK!" (Not that driving in the light would prevent me from getting lost.) Even though I wanted it to end, I was enjoying the game. Enjoying getting my money's worth :) I mean, I didn't enjoy them giving up a 2 goal lead, as they seem to be doing a lot of lately, but you know... At 12:21 Stewart scored to win the game 4-3. Pretty sure [Anthony] won the last game I went to. And I don't think I mentioned this, but Sterling is back and has been back for a little while. Saw him at the last game :)
Throughout the game, whenever Stafford had the puck (sometimes when he didn't), the crowd would chant, "Staaafford. Staaafford. Staaafford. You suck!" It was pretty funny. They weren't Krahn fans either. They would do the same thing and follow up with, "[two] times! All the time!" I did see two Stars jerseys and one... Avs jersey? haha I am strongly against wearing jerseys to a game that doesn't involve the team your representing on your chest, arms, and back. Like, I don't even like seeing Blackhawks jerseys at Wolves games because they aren't affiliates.
Video highlights! Without commentary :(
Arrived around 2:40, got my tickets, and praised the Lloyd I had actually made it in one piece. Got section 104 (by request), seat E14. Why did I request that? So I could see my FGF twice, of course. Well, three times :D Got to see
many times. In all fairness, it was also because I wanted a better chance of seeing the Wolves score on my end than the other end since they "attack the west in first and third periods." Pre-game: The intro video seemed a little different today... longer maybe? Got my wish & heard Mannino and Machacek's name announced.
First period: Kulda was credited with the first goal, but that was later changed to Machacek's goal. That was the only goal and it was made at 8:36. So far so good!
Second period: Krog scored to make it 2-0 just under 4 minutes in. Then Gagnon from Texas scored with about 2 minutes left. Whatever. Still looking good for us.
Third period: Stewart scored a lovely powerplay goal a minute and a half into the game. 3-1. Y'know what happened? Texas came back with two more to tie it 3-3. 54 seconds left and Peter scored. Boo.
Overtime: Oooooh, oh oh boy. THIS was interesting. Wolves scroed 25 seconds in, but it was declared no-goal as it was kicked in. Everybody was in an uproar because we thought we had won the game! Oh, but wait. Later the puck went behind the net, Chelios went after it, and Peters jumped on his back and brought him down to the ice. Peters was called for holding, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Chelios was called for DIVING. Diving?! What the hell were the refs thinking?! I normally don't hassel the refs because they have a tough job, but that was the most ridiculous call I've ever heard/seen! Aw man, the crowd went berzerk. Had Texas scored during their powerplay, I think there might have been some 911 calls being made... for numerous reasons. Wow, that still blows my mind.
Double overtime: I was close to shouting, "HURRY UP! I NEED TO GET HOME BEFORE DARK!" (Not that driving in the light would prevent me from getting lost.) Even though I wanted it to end, I was enjoying the game. Enjoying getting my money's worth :) I mean, I didn't enjoy them giving up a 2 goal lead, as they seem to be doing a lot of lately, but you know... At 12:21 Stewart scored to win the game 4-3. Pretty sure [Anthony] won the last game I went to. And I don't think I mentioned this, but Sterling is back and has been back for a little while. Saw him at the last game :)
Throughout the game, whenever Stafford had the puck (sometimes when he didn't), the crowd would chant, "Staaafford. Staaafford. Staaafford. You suck!" It was pretty funny. They weren't Krahn fans either. They would do the same thing and follow up with, "[two] times! All the time!" I did see two Stars jerseys and one... Avs jersey? haha I am strongly against wearing jerseys to a game that doesn't involve the team your representing on your chest, arms, and back. Like, I don't even like seeing Blackhawks jerseys at Wolves games because they aren't affiliates.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Illinois - State of Winners
Let us nevermind Rockford was whitewashed by Texas...
Tonight two IL teams moved on in the playoffs. Yes, yes, Blackhawks beat the Predators 5-3 tonight in game 6 and will face Vancouver next, but more(?) importantly - WOLVES BEAT THE ADMIRALS IN GAME SEVEN TONIGHT!
AND I WAS
THERE!!
Alrighty, so last night I asked the 'rents if they wanted to go to today's game. Mom said, "Yeah, let's go!" but she says that a lot, so I wasn't sure if she really meant it. I expected a note from her this morning saying something like Hey, get us some tix, but there was nothing. I had gotten up at noon and did homework for four hours straight, so I was a little... somber when Dad called. He asked what I wanted for supper then basically told me what we were having. While I was checking the pantry for some Chinese vegetable mix, he said, "Mom and I are going to the movies tonight. What are you going to do... watch the hockey game?" I didn't mean to, and I hate myself for saying it, but I said, "...Well, since we're not going to a game..." Dad said, "You really want to go to that game? I could cancel with Mom, she'd be glad if I took you to the game."
"No! Don't do that! I don't want to go," I said.
We went on arguing, we let it go, and he said he'd stop by the grocery store to get some vegetable mix. When he got home he dashed to the den and said he was getting tickets for us. I said, "I want you to go to the movies with mom." He said, "She wants to go to the game too." I said, "You called her?" and he said, "She called me!" So anyway, he decided not to order online because we'd be paying a total of $18 extra dollars for handling fees. We raced to Hammond to get Mom, Dad actually got lost in Rosemont, but we eventually found someone that didn't say, "Sorry, I am not from around here," when asked about directions to the Allstate Arena and got there having only missed about 3 or 4 minutes.
Because we were late, I missed Spencer and Peter's introductions (if Spencer even got one), which are my two favorite names to hear. Oh well, the good thing is the score was 0-0 when we got there.
We had upper level A 20s seats, but we were having a hell of a time getting through the people that looked confused as to why we were asking them to get up (come on, it's not that complicated), so we ended up in C. I had C 17 to be exact. Whatever, they were good seats.
Shortly after we arrived, Stapleton took a penalty and for the first time I paid attention to what he was doing right before he came out of the box. There was a lot of pointing Am I coming over or am I gonna play? I dunno why I like seeing these things... Then Anthony Stewart scored the first goal. Doell then scored what happened to be the game winner. Murray from the Admirals scored the only goal for them in the second period on a power play.
Pretty sure this was the period where it looked like the Wolves should have gotten goal #3, but the referee didn't call it. Later the replay clearly showed the puck squeezed under that pad of Dekanich and crossed the line. Not sure if that happened before the whistle, but judging by the boos and "Fuck you!"s, it was a bad call.
Nothing happened in the third period. No goals. No penalties.
At some point, a voice in the crowd asked, "Have you accepted Chelios as your lord and savior?" That would make a nice t-shirt slogan, eh?
Unfortunately I didn't catch/win anything, but not for lack of trying. Mom was whistling like crazy and seemed to be the only one doing so. I told her I would have been whistling if I could, but instead I just waved my arms around shouting, "HEY, UP HERE!!"
I am excited they are playing the Stars. I want to go because A) I still need to get some use out of my jersey before the season ends, and B) I have decided Krahn is my all-time favorite player since I am pretty sure I deemed him "my favorite" when I first saw him play. So even though he is playing for a team I have no interest in following, I still like him an awful lot and want to see him play.
Game 1 – Fri., April 30 – Texas at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2 - Sun., May 2 – Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Game 3 - Tue., May 4 – Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Wed., May 5 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 5 - Fri., May 7 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m. - X
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m. - X
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 – Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X
Tonight two IL teams moved on in the playoffs. Yes, yes, Blackhawks beat the Predators 5-3 tonight in game 6 and will face Vancouver next, but more(?) importantly - WOLVES BEAT THE ADMIRALS IN GAME SEVEN TONIGHT!
THERE!!
Alrighty, so last night I asked the 'rents if they wanted to go to today's game. Mom said, "Yeah, let's go!" but she says that a lot, so I wasn't sure if she really meant it. I expected a note from her this morning saying something like Hey, get us some tix, but there was nothing. I had gotten up at noon and did homework for four hours straight, so I was a little... somber when Dad called. He asked what I wanted for supper then basically told me what we were having. While I was checking the pantry for some Chinese vegetable mix, he said, "Mom and I are going to the movies tonight. What are you going to do... watch the hockey game?" I didn't mean to, and I hate myself for saying it, but I said, "...Well, since we're not going to a game..." Dad said, "You really want to go to that game? I could cancel with Mom, she'd be glad if I took you to the game."
"No! Don't do that! I don't want to go," I said.
We went on arguing, we let it go, and he said he'd stop by the grocery store to get some vegetable mix. When he got home he dashed to the den and said he was getting tickets for us. I said, "I want you to go to the movies with mom." He said, "She wants to go to the game too." I said, "You called her?" and he said, "She called me!" So anyway, he decided not to order online because we'd be paying a total of $18 extra dollars for handling fees. We raced to Hammond to get Mom, Dad actually got lost in Rosemont, but we eventually found someone that didn't say, "Sorry, I am not from around here," when asked about directions to the Allstate Arena and got there having only missed about 3 or 4 minutes.
Because we were late, I missed Spencer and Peter's introductions (if Spencer even got one), which are my two favorite names to hear. Oh well, the good thing is the score was 0-0 when we got there.
We had upper level A 20s seats, but we were having a hell of a time getting through the people that looked confused as to why we were asking them to get up (come on, it's not that complicated), so we ended up in C. I had C 17 to be exact. Whatever, they were good seats.
Shortly after we arrived, Stapleton took a penalty and for the first time I paid attention to what he was doing right before he came out of the box. There was a lot of pointing Am I coming over or am I gonna play? I dunno why I like seeing these things... Then Anthony Stewart scored the first goal. Doell then scored what happened to be the game winner. Murray from the Admirals scored the only goal for them in the second period on a power play.
Pretty sure this was the period where it looked like the Wolves should have gotten goal #3, but the referee didn't call it. Later the replay clearly showed the puck squeezed under that pad of Dekanich and crossed the line. Not sure if that happened before the whistle, but judging by the boos and "Fuck you!"s, it was a bad call.
Nothing happened in the third period. No goals. No penalties.
At some point, a voice in the crowd asked, "Have you accepted Chelios as your lord and savior?" That would make a nice t-shirt slogan, eh?
Unfortunately I didn't catch/win anything, but not for lack of trying. Mom was whistling like crazy and seemed to be the only one doing so. I told her I would have been whistling if I could, but instead I just waved my arms around shouting, "HEY, UP HERE!!"
I am excited they are playing the Stars. I want to go because A) I still need to get some use out of my jersey before the season ends, and B) I have decided Krahn is my all-time favorite player since I am pretty sure I deemed him "my favorite" when I first saw him play. So even though he is playing for a team I have no interest in following, I still like him an awful lot and want to see him play.
Game 1 – Fri., April 30 – Texas at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2 - Sun., May 2 – Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Game 3 - Tue., May 4 – Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Wed., May 5 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 5 - Fri., May 7 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m. - X
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m. - X
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 – Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Game Over
Oilers lost to the Ducks tonight, 2-7. That pretty much sums up their season.
I started a post on Thursday 'cause it was such a great night for hockey, but I'm gonna have to go over the whole week because it was pretty fucking exciting.
I started a post on Thursday 'cause it was such a great night for hockey, but I'm gonna have to go over the whole week because it was pretty fucking exciting.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Heart-shattering
Done! They're done! Thrashers are officially out of play-off contention!
Erm, idk.
So, the Devils beat them 3-0 and Martin Brodeur had his 600th win and what, his 598th shutout? As was expected, Kovalchuk got booed even after he said, "I hope they won't boo me." I would have booed him after what I heard from Matt McConnell today. He said Kovy wanted to be on a winning team and do what was best for his family (money-wise). Some of us don't even make $20,000 a year, ok? But we still provide for our families. (Not saying I fall in to that category (yet...)) I think the millions he was making with the Thrashers was enough for him to pop out several more babies and still send them all to a private college in Ferarris.
Gah, I can't believe they missed 8th spot by just a couple of points. It makes me think What if they hadn't lost that one game? What if they didn't give up that soft goal, or had that stupid penalty? All those "what if?"s came flooding to my mind when I saw the final score of tonight's game and heard Matt say they were officially out of the play-offs. I'm sad. So fucking sad.
Still have my Blackhawks and Coyotes. Blackhawks broke all sorts of records tonight! Maybe I'll find the time to talk about their game against the Stars tomorrow. Maybe.
So, the Devils beat them 3-0 and Martin Brodeur had his 600th win and what, his 598th shutout? As was expected, Kovalchuk got booed even after he said, "I hope they won't boo me." I would have booed him after what I heard from Matt McConnell today. He said Kovy wanted to be on a winning team and do what was best for his family (money-wise). Some of us don't even make $20,000 a year, ok? But we still provide for our families. (Not saying I fall in to that category (yet...)) I think the millions he was making with the Thrashers was enough for him to pop out several more babies and still send them all to a private college in Ferarris.
Gah, I can't believe they missed 8th spot by just a couple of points. It makes me think What if they hadn't lost that one game? What if they didn't give up that soft goal, or had that stupid penalty? All those "what if?"s came flooding to my mind when I saw the final score of tonight's game and heard Matt say they were officially out of the play-offs. I'm sad. So fucking sad.
Still have my Blackhawks and Coyotes. Blackhawks broke all sorts of records tonight! Maybe I'll find the time to talk about their game against the Stars tomorrow. Maybe.
Monday, April 5, 2010
NHL Standings
Chicago 49-22-7 (3rd in league, 2nd in west)
Edmonton 24-46-8 (LAST, LAST)
Atlanta 34-32-13 (23rd in league, 10th in east)
Phoenix 48-25-6 (4th in league, 3rd in west)
Not too many regular season games left... bad news for Atlanta D: I have given up hope, so I will have to enjoy these last few games.
The Caps have won the Presidents Trophy with 114 points at the moment. They are currently playing the Bruins and I am rootin' hard for the Bs!!
Edmonton 24-46-8 (LAST, LAST)
Atlanta 34-32-13 (23rd in league, 10th in east)
Phoenix 48-25-6 (4th in league, 3rd in west)
Not too many regular season games left... bad news for Atlanta D: I have given up hope, so I will have to enjoy these last few games.
The Caps have won the Presidents Trophy with 114 points at the moment. They are currently playing the Bruins and I am rootin' hard for the Bs!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Foley Saves the Day
It never fails - Pat starts repeating "shutout" and the Blackhawks score to prevent such from occuring.
Blackhawks were in New Jersey Friday night and it was not looking good for them. 0-1 for most of the game, but then Pat came to the rescue and talked about how many shutouts Brodeur would have if he shut out the Hawks,how many he would have throughout his career, etc. Shortly after, with 26 seconds left in the 3rd, Versteeg scored! Could. Not. Believe. It went to a shootout and Toews was the only one to score. So really, Foley, Steeg, Toews, and Niemi saved the day.
I think it's pretty obvious who's going to be starting in net when the playoffs begin...
There was a poll question in the postgame asking if Brodeur would go down as the greatest goaltender of all-time. 49% said no. Pft, I say YES.
Final score 2-1
Blackhawks were in New Jersey Friday night and it was not looking good for them. 0-1 for most of the game, but then Pat came to the rescue and talked about how many shutouts Brodeur would have if he shut out the Hawks,how many he would have throughout his career, etc. Shortly after, with 26 seconds left in the 3rd, Versteeg scored! Could. Not. Believe. It went to a shootout and Toews was the only one to score. So really, Foley, Steeg, Toews, and Niemi saved the day.
I think it's pretty obvious who's going to be starting in net when the playoffs begin...
There was a poll question in the postgame asking if Brodeur would go down as the greatest goaltender of all-time. 49% said no. Pft, I say YES.
Final score 2-1
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wishful Thinking is Never Enough
It was so good to see Timmy Stapleton score his first NHL goal. Even better to see it 3 times. haha I watched it on Versus, then again on Sports South because Darren and Matt obviously were not commentating on Vs (& I like to hear them! Plus, Vs. was focused more on the Caps), and I just turned it on as the 2nd period was winding down and they talked to Stapleton during the intermission and showed the replay. He had the biggest smile and it was oh-so sweet.
Too bad they lost the game. They played really well though, only allowing Washington to score twice when everybody knows they have the potential to score way more than that. I thought the Thrashers had a lot of good chances because Varlamov seemed to be showing off his rookie side. That's just my opinion. It looked to me like he wasn't making himself big in the net and didn't stray too far from the blue. Luck just wasn't on their side, s'pose. Bruins have been losing games to keep the Thrashers within two points of them, as if to say, "Come on, we're giving you a chance!" but they just aren't taking. It is so stressful seeing they have 4 games left and are facing the best of the best in the east. I swear, the Thrashers are going to be the death of me.
Too bad they lost the game. They played really well though, only allowing Washington to score twice when everybody knows they have the potential to score way more than that. I thought the Thrashers had a lot of good chances because Varlamov seemed to be showing off his rookie side. That's just my opinion. It looked to me like he wasn't making himself big in the net and didn't stray too far from the blue. Luck just wasn't on their side, s'pose. Bruins have been losing games to keep the Thrashers within two points of them, as if to say, "Come on, we're giving you a chance!" but they just aren't taking. It is so stressful seeing they have 4 games left and are facing the best of the best in the east. I swear, the Thrashers are going to be the death of me.
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