Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Another Reason to Move to Colorado
I have been watching the Avs lately. My attitude towards them has always been "meh," but now I am all =D Mostly I am in love with Mike and Peter (they deserve their own tag now). The team is actually pretty fun to watch too. And there is something about their rink that I like so much... Now not only do I find myself saying [loudly], "Peeeeterrrr Buuudaj" in empty rooms (eventually I'll get that video off my phone), but I am not finding myself shouting, "Numbah fowa!". Hey wait, speaking of Budaj, I am glad I kept him on my fantasy team! He has been great since taking over as starter since Anderson's injury.
Not so great? Johan Hedburg. I clearly was not thinking things through when I picked him because he is on the same team as Martin Brodeur. Um, hello? If you're on the same team as Brody you pretty much know you are going to get paid to sit on the bench. He was injured for a day or two and Moose didn't win any games :(
I'll have to post my stats because they are pretty decent. I'm 11th out of 17, but I made it as high as second place when the season started!
It seems the teams I like most are not playing so hot. Blackhawks have been sub-par, Thrashers have been so-so (same-same!), and Oilers... oh my goodness Oilers. I was certain their stellar preseason would carry over to the regular season. I WAS WRONG.
Oh yeah, and the Wolves? They aren't winning either. In fact, they just lost 8-2 vs. Texas last night.
So much to talk about, so little... motivation.
Not so great? Johan Hedburg. I clearly was not thinking things through when I picked him because he is on the same team as Martin Brodeur. Um, hello? If you're on the same team as Brody you pretty much know you are going to get paid to sit on the bench. He was injured for a day or two and Moose didn't win any games :(
I'll have to post my stats because they are pretty decent. I'm 11th out of 17, but I made it as high as second place when the season started!
It seems the teams I like most are not playing so hot. Blackhawks have been sub-par, Thrashers have been so-so (same-same!), and Oilers... oh my goodness Oilers. I was certain their stellar preseason would carry over to the regular season. I WAS WRONG.
Oh yeah, and the Wolves? They aren't winning either. In fact, they just lost 8-2 vs. Texas last night.
So much to talk about, so little... motivation.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It Feels Like an Inside Joke
Sometimes the dumbest things are the funniest. Or maybe when it's past midnight I find it easy to laugh at anything. A little behind, but here it is:
***CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!***
In reference to the Canuck player that grabbed the Wild fan in the stands. I was lucky enough to have a free preview of Center Ice that night & got to watch it live!! Woohoo for me.
In the video all the kids did snow angels when they scored a goal. It actually was kind of adorable.
In reference to the Canuck player that grabbed the Wild fan in the stands. I was lucky enough to have a free preview of Center Ice that night & got to watch it live!! Woohoo for me.
In the video all the kids did snow angels when they scored a goal. It actually was kind of adorable.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Waivers
I should have known it wouldn't last forever, but I chose to ignore the obvious. The Oilers had three goaltenders, so somebody had to go. Well, that somebody was Big D and it makes me saaaad! I like Little D too, and I would probably be just as sad if it was him being put on waivers, but... I don't know. Maybe it's because Big D is older that I think he should stay and Dubes should be sent to the minors. Yeah yeah, it's not about age, it's about how well they play...
Tied in with the next bit of news, both he and Valabik are on re-entry waivers I guess? I heard something about Valabik maybe having better luck in a European league. I like him and would hate to not see him again. Let's hope that doesn't happen. And I have my doubts about an NHL team picking up D and keeping him at that level. If he can stay in OKC, I could actually see him a couple times!
Tied in with the next bit of news, both he and Valabik are on re-entry waivers I guess? I heard something about Valabik maybe having better luck in a European league. I like him and would hate to not see him again. Let's hope that doesn't happen. And I have my doubts about an NHL team picking up D and keeping him at that level. If he can stay in OKC, I could actually see him a couple times!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Shafted!
Last night was the Wolves/Stars game. I had been looking forward to it all summer since finding out at their last game in May that you can talk to the players after the game. I'll get to that later.
For starters, we had SEATS ON THE GLASS. SEATS. on the GLASS. Best seats everrrrr. I just bought a camera, one that doesn't suck, so I got a couple "good" pictures. Definitely need to practice with it before I take it along to another game.
Krahn didn't play and I was so disappointed! I thought for sure he would. With the Stars at our end twice and having seats ON THE GLASS, I could have gotten some tight pictures.
The game was a let-down too. They scored, then we scored, then they scored and it repeated this way until we lost 4-3. Far beit from me to speculate what the problem is, but it seems like the team isn't getting the rebounds they should, sometimes they hold on to the puck too long, and... I don't know... they need to try a little harder? What do I know.
Anyway, after the game we waited for the players to come out because I wanted BK to sign my puck. I bought paint markers and a case for the occassion because I was serious about this! We waited there for an hour before getting kicked outside where it was like, 30s/40s. He never came out. I was like, Seriously? I waited 5 months for this?
But so is my luck...
Wednesday was the Wolves/Barons game which I decided to go to because I had nothing else to do. I could have gone to work, but uh, no thanks. OKC is a new team and affliated with the Oilers, so I wanted to see them. We sat in the 200 level right behind the net. Since there was nobody there the usher said we could sit anywhere; could even move down to the lower level if we so pleased. We wanted to see what it was like up there because we've never done that before, so we stayed put! Awesome seats, but not great for picture taking.
Guess who was there! Pavs!! Our little group of 100 fans gave him the biggest ovation. Unfortunately we did not do much cheering after he let in 3 goals and we only scored once. The Barons won 4-1 with an empty netter.
Sadly that was his only game (conditioning) and he is back in the NHL now. It would be nice to see him play again, but let's hope he does not have to be sent back for obvious reasons!
If I had known I wasn't going to see Krahn I would have had Pavelec sign my puck. He is not my favorite, but I still like him, especially since he did so well for us in 2008 :D
For starters, we had SEATS ON THE GLASS. SEATS. on the GLASS. Best seats everrrrr. I just bought a camera, one that doesn't suck, so I got a couple "good" pictures. Definitely need to practice with it before I take it along to another game.
Krahn didn't play and I was so disappointed! I thought for sure he would. With the Stars at our end twice and having seats ON THE GLASS, I could have gotten some tight pictures.
The game was a let-down too. They scored, then we scored, then they scored and it repeated this way until we lost 4-3. Far beit from me to speculate what the problem is, but it seems like the team isn't getting the rebounds they should, sometimes they hold on to the puck too long, and... I don't know... they need to try a little harder? What do I know.
Anyway, after the game we waited for the players to come out because I wanted BK to sign my puck. I bought paint markers and a case for the occassion because I was serious about this! We waited there for an hour before getting kicked outside where it was like, 30s/40s. He never came out. I was like, Seriously? I waited 5 months for this?
But so is my luck...
Wednesday was the Wolves/Barons game which I decided to go to because I had nothing else to do. I could have gone to work, but uh, no thanks. OKC is a new team and affliated with the Oilers, so I wanted to see them. We sat in the 200 level right behind the net. Since there was nobody there the usher said we could sit anywhere; could even move down to the lower level if we so pleased. We wanted to see what it was like up there because we've never done that before, so we stayed put! Awesome seats, but not great for picture taking.
Guess who was there! Pavs!! Our little group of 100 fans gave him the biggest ovation. Unfortunately we did not do much cheering after he let in 3 goals and we only scored once. The Barons won 4-1 with an empty netter.
Sadly that was his only game (conditioning) and he is back in the NHL now. It would be nice to see him play again, but let's hope he does not have to be sent back for obvious reasons!
If I had known I wasn't going to see Krahn I would have had Pavelec sign my puck. He is not my favorite, but I still like him, especially since he did so well for us in 2008 :D
Friday, October 15, 2010
:) and :|
Glad to see the Oilers keeping two back-up goalies at the moment.
Not glad to see Valabik on waivers.
Not glad to see Valabik on waivers.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
193 Penalty Minutes
Thanks again to Scott Laughlin for news I wouldn't otherwise know about:
Over in the CHL, the Colorado Eagles and the Odessa Jackalopes had quite a night.
That sounds like a boring, scary! game. I don't mind seeing a fight every now and again, but this sounded ridiculous. And that thing with MacMillen... geez. Guy needs to GTFO of hockey & into boxing.
Over in the CHL, the Colorado Eagles and the Odessa Jackalopes had quite a night.
4 fighting majors handed out in the first 1:39 (third period), then the big one at 9:26 which resulted in Odessa captain Dave Van Drunen getting sucker punched by Brad MacMillen. The punch resulted in Van Drunen needing 5 plates and 18 screws to repair the damage.
MacMillen received 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting, 10 minutes and a game for instigating and another 10 for intent to injure.
Paul Gillis, coach of the Odessa Jackelopes, sent his team to the locker room, then informed the officials that they had forfeited the game.
Jackelopes owner Rick Gasser had this to say:
“I’m asking the league for a lifetime ban for MacMillan, at least 20 games for Mario and a season-long suspension for (Eagles assistant coach Greg) Pankewicz, because he was the one running the team that night while their coach, Chris Stewart, was watching the game from the stands to evaluate.”
That sounds like a boring, scary! game. I don't mind seeing a fight every now and again, but this sounded ridiculous. And that thing with MacMillen... geez. Guy needs to GTFO of hockey & into boxing.
Fantasy Hockey
Going into night one, there were many that were concerned about Nikolai Khabibulin. His pre-season performances left a little to be desired and many weren’t sure how his game would translate back to his regular season form of a year ago.
Khabibulin stepped up. Big time. A shutout performance on opening night made him the most valuable player on the ice and he followed it up with another impressive performance on Sunday against Florida.
While Khabibulin’s cap hit means he’s a greater investment for your lineup, his early season success indicates he’s ready to perform on a nightly basis. The first two games saw plenty of inconsistency from the team and certain players, but the one constant was Khabibulin’s brilliant play. There’s no reason to stray from him at this point, so definitely get him into your lineup for Wednesday’s Northwest Division battle against the Wild.
I really don't plan on moving any of my players ;) I was in second place a few days ago but have since moved to... SEVENTH?! That's news to me! Only three of my players have games tonight
Friday, October 8, 2010
Trouble in Blueland!
Shit. No wonder it seemed like the game was taking so long when I texted Google for the Thrashers/Caps score and it was still the first period when it should have been, like, the middle of the second. Pavs blacked out! What a way to start the season, eh? That sucks... I blacked out once. It was summer band camp (which lasted 3 days before I said "Fuck this, I'm done." haha) and we had to stand under the hot sun and on the asphalt and me + heat + pop tart for breakfast = WORST ENEMIES. I collapsed into the people in front of me & holy shit, how awkward. I couldn't imagine passing out in front of thousands of people :\ Sounds like he's doing alright now, so that's very good! Better luck next time :D
By the way, they won 4-2! I knew they were saving their A game for the first game against the Capitals.
By the way, they won 4-2! I knew they were saving their A game for the first game against the Capitals.
Good Start!
Sweet! My dear Oil babies shut out the Flames in their first game (4-0)! I am beaming with pride :D
Oh, but wait. The Blackhawks lost to the Avalanche 3-4. Not such a good start, but they'll get it. I'm not worried! From what I saw it wasn't a bad game.
Oh, but wait. The Blackhawks lost to the Avalanche 3-4. Not such a good start, but they'll get it. I'm not worried! From what I saw it wasn't a bad game.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Retirement
I am genuinely sad that Ian Laperriere is being told to retire due to the seriousness of his injury in the spring. It sounds like he's had a good enough run, but still. He's being told to retire! I would hate to be told I had to find another way to make a living, giving up the job I love. It sounds like he understands it would be best for him to leave hockey, but you know it's not going to be easy to fully accept it.
You know who's not retiring? Cheechoo. He returned to the Sharks where they sent him to Worcester. Or something like that.
Speaking of the Sharks, Lilja didn't make the team. Ok, whatever, but his visa expires in 3 days! If he doesn't find a job in 3 days he'll be sent back to Sweden! I heard Scott Laughlin talking about this on PowerPlay yesterday & that made me sad too! He tugged at the heartstrings by metioning the fact his kids are enrolled in school here. Poor babies!
You know who's not retiring? Cheechoo. He returned to the Sharks where they sent him to Worcester. Or something like that.
Speaking of the Sharks, Lilja didn't make the team. Ok, whatever, but his visa expires in 3 days! If he doesn't find a job in 3 days he'll be sent back to Sweden! I heard Scott Laughlin talking about this on PowerPlay yesterday & that made me sad too! He tugged at the heartstrings by metioning the fact his kids are enrolled in school here. Poor babies!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Days Later, Months Later, Whatever (And So Much More)
A trip to McDonalds and two trips to Starbucks (today being nearly a 4 hour sitting, good lord) later and my download of Game 6 in the SCF is finally finished! Took long enough!! I skipped ahead to the last few minutes of OT & still get as giddy as ever when the Blackhawks win. "I'm just so happy they won!" seems to be all I can say. If I could leave home with only a handful of possessions, the DVD I'm about to burn would be one of those things I wouldn't want to leave without.
The Blackhawks won the last game they played, which was against the Red Wings on Friday. Pisani is growing on me, Skille needs to make the team, and I wish Paradis could have made it this far. He has such beautiful hair and I never got to see it in action!
OILERSSS! They beat the Canucks 8-2 last night! I was gone for the first six minutes of play and already they were ahead 2-0. Oh my little Oil babies, I am sensing good things are to come this season. They have already won more games than they did in two months in last season's run! In February I remember saying, "Oilers won 2 games IN A ROW! They've won 2 games in 2010! Maybe things are finally looking up?" hahaha Oh! And Khabibulin played the whole 60 minutes!!! And he looked good!
It kills me that none of the Stars games are being broadcasted & the highlights online are weak. I want to see BK & Burish, dammit. And apparently Cheechoo was on the team and let go already. What?! I am so sad he has lost his touch. I didn't know him when he was good, it was mostly a "I like his name" thing last year or the year before, whenever I heard about him, but I hope he finds a home somewhere in the NHL! Move him to Atlanta, or better yet - Minnesota. He could find his game there ;) I wish they were showing Thrashers games too!
haha On the War Room this morning, Peter and Mick were talking about how a lot of the guys shouldn't even be on the ice when the Stanley Cup banner is raised in the UC and they recieve their rings (which might not actually happen during the ceremony) because they weren't a part of the team last year! Mick joked that their first game should have been against the Thrashers. HA! Good thinking!
I am somewhat disappointed and not surprised that Mannino, MacIntyre, Machacek, Holzapfel, Postma, etc. are back in Chicago, but selfish me is also happy that I'll get to see them in person some more. I plan on going to a lot more Wolves games this year and I don't care if I have to go alone. It sucks that they (& the Blackhawks) have all their games on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays/Saturdays when those are the days that I work! I told April I could work Thursdays now, (and I could work Tuesdays in all honesty but don't want to for reasons I won't delve into here), so I'm hoping I'll get some Wednesdays or Saturdays off because of that, enabling me to go to lots of games.
Oh goodness, I just realized if Krahn makes it in Dallas I will have no interest in seeing the Texas Stars play anymore. Oh no! It also means I won't get to meet him :( Again, my selfishness wants him to stay in the AHL, but I should really be hoping he makes it into the NHL. If he does make it into the NHL I'll regret not picking him for my fantasy team!
Then there's Sterling who, in my humble & biased opinion, has a good chance of making it into the Pens organization. I've come to terms with this & would be happy to see him play in the National League.
To end this novella, the NHL commercials are drastically different from last year's & when I see the commercial for NHL 11 I wish Duncan Keith would record books-on-tape.
[EDIT] If Joey Crabb doesn't get picked up on waivers he'll be sent to the Marlies! THE MARLIES!! >:O
The Blackhawks won the last game they played, which was against the Red Wings on Friday. Pisani is growing on me, Skille needs to make the team, and I wish Paradis could have made it this far. He has such beautiful hair and I never got to see it in action!
OILERSSS! They beat the Canucks 8-2 last night! I was gone for the first six minutes of play and already they were ahead 2-0. Oh my little Oil babies, I am sensing good things are to come this season. They have already won more games than they did in two months in last season's run! In February I remember saying, "Oilers won 2 games IN A ROW! They've won 2 games in 2010! Maybe things are finally looking up?" hahaha Oh! And Khabibulin played the whole 60 minutes!!! And he looked good!
It kills me that none of the Stars games are being broadcasted & the highlights online are weak. I want to see BK & Burish, dammit. And apparently Cheechoo was on the team and let go already. What?! I am so sad he has lost his touch. I didn't know him when he was good, it was mostly a "I like his name" thing last year or the year before, whenever I heard about him, but I hope he finds a home somewhere in the NHL! Move him to Atlanta, or better yet - Minnesota. He could find his game there ;) I wish they were showing Thrashers games too!
haha On the War Room this morning, Peter and Mick were talking about how a lot of the guys shouldn't even be on the ice when the Stanley Cup banner is raised in the UC and they recieve their rings (which might not actually happen during the ceremony) because they weren't a part of the team last year! Mick joked that their first game should have been against the Thrashers. HA! Good thinking!
I am somewhat disappointed and not surprised that Mannino, MacIntyre, Machacek, Holzapfel, Postma, etc. are back in Chicago, but selfish me is also happy that I'll get to see them in person some more. I plan on going to a lot more Wolves games this year and I don't care if I have to go alone. It sucks that they (& the Blackhawks) have all their games on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays/Saturdays when those are the days that I work! I told April I could work Thursdays now, (and I could work Tuesdays in all honesty but don't want to for reasons I won't delve into here), so I'm hoping I'll get some Wednesdays or Saturdays off because of that, enabling me to go to lots of games.
Oh goodness, I just realized if Krahn makes it in Dallas I will have no interest in seeing the Texas Stars play anymore. Oh no! It also means I won't get to meet him :( Again, my selfishness wants him to stay in the AHL, but I should really be hoping he makes it into the NHL. If he does make it into the NHL I'll regret not picking him for my fantasy team!
Then there's Sterling who, in my humble & biased opinion, has a good chance of making it into the Pens organization. I've come to terms with this & would be happy to see him play in the National League.
To end this novella, the NHL commercials are drastically different from last year's & when I see the commercial for NHL 11 I wish Duncan Keith would record books-on-tape.
[EDIT] If Joey Crabb doesn't get picked up on waivers he'll be sent to the Marlies! THE MARLIES!! >:O
Friday, September 24, 2010
Oilers! etc.
It is so good to see the Oilers winning games (2 for 2!), I don't even care that it's only preseason! Paajarvi had a hattrick and one assist & Hall had one goal. Pretty darn impressive and I would love to see both of them make the team. Dubnyk only allowed one goal and so did Deslauriers. I really wish both of them could stay when Khabibulin comes back because they grew on my fast last season.
I don't care that the Blackhawks lost their first game either. I was just so happy to see them again, even though it seems like half the team is gone! Turco's aggressive puck handling made me extremely nervous and I really hope that won't get them into trouble. However, I was extremely happy to see Toews score in Winnipeg and throw one of his sticks into the crowd after the game was over. None of the new guys really stood out to me, but I will pay close attention tonight when they play the Red Wings and take note of the good and bad attributes of each.
Monday the Maple Leafs played the Senators and somewhere in the third period a beach ball made its way onto the ice. It was quite comical the way the commentators shouted "AND THERE'S A BEACH BALL ON THE ICE! BEACH BALL OFF THE ICE!" (not a direct quote, mind you!) because they had been loud about a delayed penalty already. It was a fine hockey moment. The Sens goalie knocked it over the glass... it's unfortunate I cannot find a video.
I don't care that the Blackhawks lost their first game either. I was just so happy to see them again, even though it seems like half the team is gone! Turco's aggressive puck handling made me extremely nervous and I really hope that won't get them into trouble. However, I was extremely happy to see Toews score in Winnipeg and throw one of his sticks into the crowd after the game was over. None of the new guys really stood out to me, but I will pay close attention tonight when they play the Red Wings and take note of the good and bad attributes of each.
Monday the Maple Leafs played the Senators and somewhere in the third period a beach ball made its way onto the ice. It was quite comical the way the commentators shouted "AND THERE'S A BEACH BALL ON THE ICE! BEACH BALL OFF THE ICE!" (not a direct quote, mind you!) because they had been loud about a delayed penalty already. It was a fine hockey moment. The Sens goalie knocked it over the glass... it's unfortunate I cannot find a video.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Going Back In Time - Part 3
Some texts I felt I needed to save because I have a hard time letting things go for some sad reason.
3/25
4/4
4/6
4/18
5/3
5/7
5/23
6/9 @ 10:20
6/23
3/25
Blackhawks clinch berth in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the team's first consecutive postseason appearance since 1996-1997.
4/4
Blackhawks top Calgary 4-1; goals by Kopecky, Brouwer, Kane & Byfuglien. Hawks clinch 1st division title since '92-93.
4/6
Blackhawks win in Dallas 5-2; Fraser (2G), Hossa (G,A) with 2 points each. Hawks set franchise record with 50th win.
4/18
Hawks top Nashville 2-0; Kane with 2 points (G,A). Niemi earns Hawks' 1st playoff shutout since '96. Series tied 1-1.
5/3
Hawks edge Canucks 4-2, take Game 2 of the conference semifinals. Versteeg scores game-winner with 90 seconds left in regulation. Series tied 1-1.
5/7
Blackhawks beat Canucks 7-4; Toews nets his 1st career playoff hat trick, Niemi makes 26 saves. CHI leads series 3-1.
5/23
Blackhawks advance to Stanley Cup Final with 4-2 win over San Jose! Byfuglien nets game-winner with 5:55 left. Hawks' first SCF appearance since '92.
6/9 @ 10:20
Blackhawks win 2010 Stanley Cup with 4-3 OT win! Patrick Kane scores series-winner in OT, Jonathan Toews wins Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP.
6/23
Duncan Keith wins 2010 Norris Trophy, given to NHL's top defenseman. 1st Blackhawk to win since C. Chelios (1996).
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Pens Would Be Crazy NOT to Take Sterling
[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."
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."
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.
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