Keep it Classy, Philly!

There was an article in The Buffalo News yesterday that had Darcy saying the losing streak would end. First of, duh. We're 1/4 of the way through the season, of course it was going to end. But, that aside, Darcy was actually right about something for the first time since....well, I'm not sure. 

My poor roommate who works overnights, and thus sleeps during the day, was probably rather pissed yesterday afternoon (but is so kind, she won't say anything). The constant screaming of our living room probably had people think we were being killed. But, when you're playing the Flyers, you're not that far off. 

First off, I love that Timmy came off of a little rut. I wasn't worried about his little slump, everyone is clearly going through one and what not, but now he's at seven goals and people will go bug someone else for awhile. 

Drew always seems to score when we need something to happen, which is good. He always seems to score first, or one of the first, but as long as he did it. And Goose! Who isn't excited when he scores. 

I will admit I was really angry with Ryan when he let in two goals in something like thirty seconds (I get confused with the time clock, especially when they keep changing it). But, he redeemed himself and overall I think did very well. 

And nothing gets the full tummies on Black Friday going for Shelby and I like Craigory fighting. Not to mention, Craigory fighting TWICE! The Philadelphia Inquirer says that Carcillo won both fights, and I think that's a load of crap. The second one I am not sure of, but Craig had it going in the first. Surely, Craig is past his PRIME fighting days, and is way above fighting little shits like Carcillo, but kudos none the less!

It's too bad Craig had to go to the penalty box and be a little bitch, spending five minutes complaining like a little five year old, which then got him kicked out. 

Oh wait...that wasn't Craig. 

Unfortunately, as we all know, Mr. Craigory did leave the game early. Ignoring the fact that we're in a bit of a pickle being without our captain and our back-up captain, I'm still rather ticked about what went on when Craig did get hurt. 

It's not the hit that bothered me, though the Philly fans cannot seem to move past that detail. It's that when a player- whether it be our captain or their rookie, it does not matter- is carried off the ice because he cannot even walk, and what do the Philly fans do? They boo!

Don't get me wrong, we all boo the opposing teams. But ANY game I've been to in HSBC, when an opposing player is clearly VERY hurt and can't get up, when he finally does get to the bench, we clap! When Leclaire went down, then got back up (for a bit) in Ottawa, Shelby and I were clapping, and we're the bad guys!

I will admit I liked Philly when Marty was there. When Marty was there, the team had a chance to redeem itself from the reputation of being dirty players and be an actual team (playoffs twice in a row, once making it to the conference finals). But now they're right back to being the scum that everyone knows they are....adding Pronger and Emery did a lot to that. 

And it would appear as those most of the fans have gone the same route. Booing an injured player?! That's just disgusting. But really, what can you expect? I read something about how a Philly player kept trying to egg on Patty K, and he woudn't go for it....but Hank went for something in there! Yeah!

For the sake of all that is good, I really hope Craig and Goose make speedy recoveries. If anything...so Roy doesn't get the C. Ugh. 

Shelby and I are attending tonights game. We found a somewhat good deal on tickets, and are rather disgusted in ourselves for going, haha. We almost bought tickets for Toronto, in Toronto, but then the team was shutout and we said no. Yesterday raised our hopes, so let us hope for the best!

Come on, it's Carolina! 

On that note, how cute are Hank and Patty's daddies? OMG!

Fuckkkkkk Me.

Not Pattys fault, not Patty's fault, not Patty's fault!

I have never been so disgusted with hockey as I was with the Sabres tonight. To literally almost be in tears, and wanting to run away from a game as early as possible is a new feeling for me, and I don't like it. 

Mind you, being awake since 3:30 this morning likely does little to help. 

It was somewhere around their third goal that Shelby and I looked at each other and said ' Patty is going to get the blame for this.' And it wasn't his, MAYBE one out of five goals, but not all of them. Between power plays, and being screened, and just having no help, this was not his battle. 

Not Pattys fault, not Patty's fault, not Patty's fault!

By the last part of the third period, I was bad at everyone...even Monty. Not Staffy and Patches...they were probably hiding under the desk in the press box. 

It was just awful...awful, awful, awful. 

Jason Pominville just sucks. He shouldn't just be over the power play, just off the team. What bugs me is that we killed off what was close to a 2 minute 5 on 3, but we cannot do shit with our power play? If Chris, Craig, and Timmy can do wonders there, why is the power play tainted with Roy and Pominville?

I'll try to do a better post when I'm not exhausted and pissed off. I have some interesting pictures, including a friend I never knew I had (the crappy hotels crappy internet connection won't let me do much)

Not Pattys fault, not Patty's fault, not Patty's fault!

It just made me sick. 

Other than the craptacular team, the experience was not too bad. I wore my Patty jersey, Shelby had her Pommers one, and my friend Sammy wore my Lydman one. We had comments about Buffalo sucking, and the like. But encountering fellow Sabres fans made it better. Thankfully we didn't get much on the way out. 

...could be because we took off our jerseys. Who knows. 

Not Pattys fault, not Patty's fault, not Patty's fault!

I Hate When I Must Choose Between Napping and Blogging.

This just in!  (or maybe it was before my nap)

PATTY CAKE IS BACK!!!!....to sitting on the bench. But BACK NONE THE LESS! Ohhhh there go my high hopes that he'll be playing in Ottawa next week when Shelby and I go. 

But yay!!!!!

Yay!

Kind of perfect timing in a way. Jhonas is going to play on the Pirates tonight then head back with them after the game. I am so excited for tomorrow nights goalie lovin!

PATTY!

Okay! Moving on to my original plan for this post, last nights game (which did not include Patty).

- I'm really afraid that Clarkie's hit last night on Reddox is going to become a big deal when it shouldn't. Though I'm very hopeful that he's going to be okay, it's obvious Clarke meant no harm. It was a tiny hit with a big fall. And p.s- Oilers, when someone is trying to help your teammate, don't smack him in the head! Duh!

Buffalo Sabres left winger Clarke MacArthur(notes), right, checks on Edmonton Oilers left winger Liam Reddox(notes) after checking him hard into the boards during the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Sabres' MacArthur was given a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. Buffalo won 3-1.

See? Even Yahoo! Sports says he wanted to check on him, and Yahoo! Sports hates us. He looked so bummed when he when he was ejected too, which I know I'm sure they all do, but he looked very remorseful...very rare in this sport. 

- Shelby and I are soooo psychic. We called Drew scoring last night, which I admit isn't anything special because it's Edmonton and that's what Drew does when it was Edmonton. Then, we said that Monty and Craig were going to score. 

Well, Craig didn't...

But Steven did!

I'd be lying if Shelby, a friend of ours, and myself did not hug each other and bounce, after the delayed reaction that it was him that scored. I LOVE Monty, and I regret any horrid things that were said about him at the Pepsi Center over the summer. I also love when defensemen score!

Monty's goal takes away from Hecht's goal, I hate to say. Monty, a defenseman, scored against a real goalie. But that's cool. 

- I'm kind of bummed we only scored three goals? With Edmonton, isn't it usually more like...15?

Did I mention Patty was back?!

I Told Myself I Wouldn't Recap on the Catwalk...

But then I got a good night sleep, and I wasn't so (as?) angry. 

So, I'm sure everyone has seen pictures, watched videos, and heard stories. But, I have the advantage of being sober the entire night. I am just that cool, I suppose. 

I went with my two friends Ashley and Morgan, who are twins (in case that becomes relevant later). We all decided to go on Thursday, after promising we wouldn't because it was too much money blah blah blah (and Steadfast still owes me $400...). 

Anywho. We got there for six, and were able to watch Caroline once again get in underage, haha. We wandered around, seeing everyone who was dressed up (I wasn't, I didn't have enough time to make that work) and what not, waiting to see who would be the first Sabre we would see. 

And it was Chris Butler. 

That picture does no justice, none. He had the tape glasses, he had the dorky sweater, he had the untucked shirt underneath. He was ADORABLE, and it was so fitting for him, I couldn't believe it. Granted, I didn't know that Myers would be in the same outfit (they totally planned it) so I thought it was one of a kind, and screamed when I saw him. It was just so fitting. 

We kept wandering, mostly to see all the cardboard cutouts and what not. Then, Morgan was pulling me into the back room where the food was for what she referred to as a ' Lalime sighting.' That room is probably about the size of a small garage, but I couldn't find him. Because what do you look for when you're looking for Patty Lalime? His hair, and he had a hat on! Not to mention he was in a leather jacket, and that is not expected, but appreciated just the same. His wife was dressed as Sandy from Grease, I thought it was cute that even the wives get into it. 

And I actually talked to Patty (once resisting the urge to run at him)! Not that it's ever been a problem for me, but I've always found that approaching them at the Catwalk is weird, I don't know why. But he was standing in this crowd of people, but no one was talking to him, and there was this little space next to him so I ran in there and was like ' YOU LOOK LONELY!' And then, similar to many other Patty Lalime/Tamara encounters...I don't remember anything. 

In one of the trips from the bar to the main ballroom, we saw Toni at the ATM, which is just so awkward that its amusing. AND, he was in the 50s mode as well. And not the leather jacket kind of way (which would seem to be what he would go for) but the regular joe. I thought it was cute. He even had his hair slicked back! Which means, he has enough hair FOR IT to be slicked back!

Good enough!

Then, there was Drew Stafford. 

I remember when the photo shoot pictures came out, and I was like ' oh my god, Ryan Miller should have been a teenager in the 50's' because it just fit so well. 

No, no no no no no no no. 

Drew Stafford should have been a teenager in the 50's. 

And by the looks of this picture, he agrees. 

If it wasn't for the tattoos, I probably would have never recognized him. 

The auction was the same as it was last year, for the most part. Nice things that would cost my tuition to even have a chance at. However, Goose found it necessary to get on stage when they were auctioning a wine tasting event with him and Ryan. 

Yes Goose, those glasses totally work for you. I don't care what Janet Snyder says. 

Oh, and Patty K almost got into a fight with one of the iron chef guys. I would have bid for those two to beat the snot out of each other in my backyard...just saying. 

Then, I was beginning to think that an absent Craig Rivet would mean the fashion show would be missing a little something. But, I'll let you be the judge of that one......

Lets all take a moment to appreciate Steve Montador and Steve Montador's hair...

We didn't stay long afterwards, and not a lot of people did in comparison to the year before. Even a lot of Sabres had left, but we were determined to catch Patty and Hank for pictures, but Patty had gone bye bye and we were going to replace him with Toni, but that's scary. 

We did end up grabbing Hank, and while we were setting up for the picture, we told him to put his 50s glasses back on. He checked his shirt and was like ' I don't have them!' then Ashley, who had them because he gave them to her while on the Catwalk, yanks them out of her purse and is like ' I DO!' and he laughed...really hard. I swear these events would be downsized big time if the adorable Swede wasn't there (not that Jhonas wasn't adorable as well). 

When we thought Drew had left, Ashley was starting to feel a bit better because she knew she wouldn't have to encounter him (similar to when I shoved her into him and he didn't notice). But then we saw him walk by and Morgan went after him to ask him for a picture. I was expecting him to be mean, I don't know why, he kind of sets himself up for that kind of reputation, but he was like ' omg, sure!' So we had to convince a slightly tipsy Ashley to put all her stuff down and go stand next to him. It eventually led to a picture, the one that was posted above. Morgan and I attempted one with him, but Ashley never got the hang of the camera, and Drew was yelling at her haha. 

We had to leave after that...

But, any situation where you can walk away with a paddle ball, a hula hoop, and no hangover...ranks overall pretty good in my book.

Can You Hear Me Now?...Good :)

The minutes that consisted of tonights OT also consisted of Shelby and I fist pumping in our seats going ' Timmy, Timmy, Timmy, Timmy!'

And, he heard us. 

Annnnnnnd he now leads the team with points, having 10, having more than Derek Roy...take THAT diver!

Also, very exciting that Drewseph scored on his birthday. Shelby and I were both hoping it was going to be a big goal, but suddenly doing an ' oh, shit!' scramble and putting a stray puck in the net from the crease will do just fine. 

This is how excited he should have been when he scored that goal.

And TIMMY! 2 goals! Not just one, two! His OT goal of course is amazing, because it saved our behinds from losing to the team that never wins (or, almost losing) but also his first goal was just amazing. Not only did it prove that sometimes Jason Pominville can do something, but also, it was just amazing!

For you, Tim Tim. 

How does that make you feel? 

I'm sure, bud. 

While Timmy may have done well, we did become very close to breaking our streak. Trust me, I know it will break eventually, but to Toronto? That's just mean. While Timmy did phenomenal, I hope the outcome of tonights game serves as a scare tactic to the others. They made it, yes, but letting in a goal in the last 40 seconds of the third period is bad...Ryan. 

Nevertheless, we shall see how tomorrow works out. Sadly, Goose will not be there (and apparently several others are at risk of being sick). It's okay, maybe he'll sit in the press box with some face paint...or at least some cat ears. 

Devil horns?

Clarkie doesn't like that idea...

Consistency is My Lack of Self Control

Maybe this is why I should sleep in...

As soon as I even saw some random article that mentioned the possibility that Patty COULD play tomorrow, I ebayed Islanders tickets. I found two for $50, which is INSANE! I'm now on a site looking for hotels...

But, it's not going to happen. However, I am rather sure I could have convinced Shelby to do it...

Anywho. Before the Devils game started, a thought lingered in my head that was " they're going to have to lose eventually, what if it's this game?!' and then I had a minor panic attack...also in my head. 

As Die By the Blade said...we're off to a good start, but there's 73 games left.  

I think tonight will be a good game, or a really bad one. It's either an ass whopping or an ass kicking with the Leafs. Then tomorrow I will sacrifice a holiday to watch the game. No worries, I get to wear my costume at school today for our radio stations Halloween remote. I'm Peyton Manning :)

One entertaining factor we found in the Devils game, was Patrik Elias being named UNICEF Ambassador at intermission. Scary things happen when you're injured...like Timmy reading to little children. He wasn't injured, but it's amusing just the same. And, he will be eventually. 

" I smile because I love the children."

Since every other blog is mentioning Tyler, I'll let it slide. I had a hunch he was going to stay (didn't we all?) and got several phone calls yesterday around noon at Channel 2 asking about it. 

Woo?

And OMG, its someones BIRTHDAY!

and he is just stoked about that!

And he should be, you don't have to start hating birthdays until you hit 25...he's only 24! Hopefully he'll get a birthday goal, or win, I'm not picky. 

Yay Drewseph!

If I had enough time...I swear...

I'm So Neglecting.

Sorry folks, but yesterday I was death with a Sabres shirt on. I don't have swine flu like poor Jill, but something finally brought me down. Luckily, the worse only lasted a day, now i'm just sore and congested. Oh, and like my grandpa, whenever I laugh, it leads to a coughing fit. 

Anyways!

Shelby and I had loads of fun at the pre-season game. The red carpet was spiffy, except for the lack of Craig Rivet, and Derek Roy still being allowed to dress himself. I think his suit is why GOOSE was Captain, and he was not. But other than that, everyone looked sharp and seemed to be more comfortable with the concept in comparison to last year. Joe Dipenta, who finally came out of the wood work, seemed to be a little confused...which is weird because he played in California, land of this kind of crap. He also had Tim Hortons in hand, very adorable. 

Some things from that evening. 

- Patty didn't bring his daughters, but he had a pink tie (like Hank!). I think Patty K was most hardcore into the signings, and Drew just wanted to make fun of Derek (he said what we were all thinking). 

- I loved that Adam went. But I'm sure he has a lot of time to waste, this along with his new blog. However, I bet he will be right back at the 6 week mark. Afterall, according to Jim Corsi, he's a ' hip guy.' (insert awkward laughing).

- The ONE autograph I wanted was Patty on a Penguins card I recently got. But this skank next to me (not Shelby) pushed me aside to get him to sign her Winter Classic banner. The game HE WASN'T EVEN ON OUR TEAM FOR!

- Security was suspicious of my bag. I love having to say  ' uh, a bobblehead' when he felt it. Thank god he didn't ask me to take out Toni's card, even though it was occupying the most room in that little bag. 

- Shelby and I attempted to get to the 200 level to FINALLY get a picture with Patty and Patty, but apparently even during the preseason they check tickets before you go up. And not until I just read Shelby's blog did I realize we also forgot to do it after the game (darn you, Toni Lydman!). We have time to keep forgetting...

- Goose being captain was the greatest thing since...Craig Rivet being captain. Also, his goal was totally called by Shelby and I...including Mike Grier's assist. 

- Jason Pominville looks ridiculous with the camera on his head. More so, that is. 

- Yelling at Leafs fans will never get old. I never have issues with other opposing fans, so I save it all for them. 

- I called Shelby a 'cunt-nugget' because she filmed me backing up my car in our oh-so-cheap parking lot. 

- Toni loved the bloopers video. Drewseph didn't even budge when they did the air guitar thing.

- Speaking of Drew, they finally put that man in a cage...and denied him his burrito. 

- There's probably some stuff I'm forgetting.

- Toni's mom should be proud with that woman he married. I've always thought Mrs. Lydman was a funny girl, like when she translated my Finnish sign. Wednesday night, Shelby and I gave Toni an early birthday card explaining why his present would be late (hehe). You know those ones that play music? Imagine that 6 times bigger, and thats what we had. He did stop, but we were acting too chicken shit to give it to him. But we figured we had to for it all to fall into place. So, we handed it to him and said blah blah blah it's for your birthday. He smiled and said...something, but the his wife grabbed it from him and said ' oh good, because I was going to forget it!' That's a solid hockey marriage right there!

Also!

- Timmy is going to be on the second line with Clarke opening night, and an unnamed winger. Roy, Thomas, and Drewseph are going to be the starters. I like some parts, but not others, we'll have to wait and see. 

- According to Jhonas's Facebook, he's going to Portland tomorrow. Obviously, we all knew, but still. I wonder who is next...

- Adam Mair was skating today. He had Timmys red jersey on, but he was pretty active, until he fell over. 

- Home opener is 8 days away! 8 days! Goodness gracious, that means 6 days until Shelby explodes. 

Pictures from Wednesday? Of course....    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2222470&id=90400158&l=362c670fdc

Re-Cap the Sequel...Same title, still not funny.

I didn't watch any of the game last night. 

There, I said it. 

But, an unplanned nap and then a quest to buy Honey Nut Cheerios sometimes takes priority, right? 

And it's pre-season, it's hard to follow this stuff. That, and I am still willing to look the other way while they make boo boos. I heard Mike Weber and Goose were on that list last night, but I REALLY look the other way for Goose. He could totally wreck Timmy one night, I'll pretend it never happened. 

I think Katebits put it best. When we lose, its just preseason. When we win, we are beasts who will never lose again. 

ALSO!

(put your hand down, Sean Collins!)

Sometimes I'm not sure if I like the idea of Timmy being captain. With Goose and TV over his shoulder with the A's, maybe, but he is not a balanced man most of the time. 

I heard Patty did well, despite not getting a lot of action. So, this means he won't be playing Wednesday, but I was prepared for this. As long as Craigory and Toni are, for stupid reasons. And Vanek so I don't have to shut Shelby up...

VERY proud of our little goal scorers! And 11 seconds apart...someone was antsy!

Eeep!

Tomorrow is the ever awaited Toronto game. It's going to be good time, folks!

p.s- My radio show starts today! My friend Courtney and I will be broadcasting from 10 to 11 am every Tuesday and Thursday.  We're aiming to make it a Sabres show, since its on the right days, but we shall see. 

To listen online, go to medaille.edu/wmcb.

Listen, folks!

Pregame! Woo!

Alright, folks. Preseason continues tonight!

Our boys are in Detroit, hopefully ready to bounce back against the Red Wings. 

Maybe we should all take a moment to remember what happened last time we played them...

Luckily, Drewseph is not playing tonight. Craigory, however, is. So, in case someone feels like getting out of hand, he shall be there.

Also playing from Thursday night are Vanek, Roy (gah!), Butler, Gerbe, Myers, Pominville (gah!), Weber, Mac, and Kennedy...probably because of his Michigan relations.

SPEAKING OF MICHIGAN! Ryan is playing tonight, the WHOLE game with Jhonas backing him up. Patty didn't get to play the whole game...

...anywho, other new guys in the mix are Goose, TC, Matty Ellis, Patty K, Mike Grier, Peaches, and Toni Bear. I'm excited some ' seasoned' defensemen are going in tonight. They can help out the little ones, even if it's only to kiss the boo boos better.

Shelby and I will be listening to the game at the same time of watching Dirty Dancing...not even kidding.

After tonight, the boys head to Washington to hopefully not re-create Thursday night. Then, they are back here for the second (and final) home preseason game against the Leafs.

It's also going to be Shelby and I's first game together...

...I wonder if they let you blog from a holding cell.

Re-Cap...Get it? Cap? Anyone?

I'm so excited, this is my first post game blog! I've been blogging for months, but started in June so it makes sense. 

Anyways, hockey is back! It almost felt like it never left. Unfortunately, I have to open with a losing game, but they didn't go down without a fight...literally Mike Weber almost killing a guy. 

A few of my observations: 

- The girls behind me were so close to being a scene in a bad horror movie. I saw them at training camp all week, and of course they end up behind me. They screamed at EVERYTHING (including calling Ennis Tennis?) and it really took away from the game. Ugh.

- A few Caps ganged up on Nate. How do you get them off? Why, you put Tyler Myers out there.

- Patty was sans banana hat. Hopefully he's just keeping it fresh until the home opener, but he can't just not do it anymore.

- Shelby, who did not actually view the game, had to tell me what that was on the top of Patty's mask. Apparently, it was a camera. For what? We don't yet know. The refs had one, too, but Jhonas didn't? This could be the beginning of something awesome...or weird. 

-  Derek Roy bugged me. I mean, when doesn't he? But here we are, a fresh new start in the PRE SEASON, and what's he doing? Diving. Not to mention, diving to the point where he almost took out Drew. There are a huge amount of rookies willing to kill the other to make this team, and this jerk, who is having his spot handed to him on a silver platter is still jerking around. As Shelby put it, this was so four years ago!

- He was also captain, I didn't like that. I bet Craigory was in the press box banging his head on the wall/table/Hanks arm. But, TV had one of the A's and that was great. I think he would be good in that role, as long as it doesn't stress him out more. Also, I didn't notice until the second period or so, and proceeded to text STOP THE PRESSES! to Shelby. 

- Jhonas and Patty both did excellent, excellent jobs and are the reasons that game wasn't burying us alive. I don't care that Jhonas got a penalty, it was an innocent one. Both were on their game, and should be proud of themselves. Also, I will take out a bitch who knocked that poor boy down. Even if he did get in the way by standing on the bench.

- At one point towards the end of the game, Tyler Myers dove in front of the net. I think Jhonas is still trying to figure that one out. 

- Two rookies collided when one was leaving the bench and the other was going back. It was kind of cute, but very silly to think they were so into it they didn't see it coming. I hope Lindy doesn't take off points for that.

- I totally forgot Mike Knuble plays for the Caps now. I kind of like him, but not tonight.

- Why does Drew always look so scared during a shift? Is it Thomas? Is it Derek? Does Lindy have a battery secretly hooked up to his nipples. Sorry about the imagery. 

- I should be able to pay more attention at Wednesdays game, because I won't be texting Shelby...because she'll be sitting next to me.

Christ on a Cracker!

- Saturday was Craigory's birthday! The big 3-5 ! Shelby and I celebrated the only way we found necessary...

Why, by giving him a turkey! Not really. Its actually a raspberry cake. As for gifts, he received a teddy bear (complete with fighting tape), a license plate, a card that made noise, and the first part of a top secret superhero story. We'll get back to that another day...

We waited behind the arena until 4pm on Sunday to give it to him, we weren't going to give up. He seemed very...confused, but nevertheless said ' you shouldn't have.' Okay, so maybe he was a little weirded out, but trust me, he got over it. 

- The Puck Drop wasn't all that great, in my opinion. Here's the article I wrote for mybuffalo.com on it.

http://www.mybuffalo.com/_Sabres-Drop-Puck-on-2009-2010-Season/blog/714460/85283.html

The only excitement that came of it was seeing Drew on the ice, though it left us all wondering. 

SPEAKING OF DREW FUCKING STAFFORD!

dear GOD it is FINALLY OVER!

The funny thing is, I got the text from the Sabres Sunday morning, but for the first time ever I didn't check it. However I think God, Geico, and AT&T wanted to keep my safe until I got to Shelbys house where SHE told me. I proceeded to put my head in her lap and go  ' OH MY GOD!' for a good two minutes.

He's shocked that his Google search stats are going to plummet. Then again, I still Google him just to see the headlines (f0r now).

And 2 years, 3.8 million? I was expecting Vanek The Sequel with how long this bad boy took. The money will keep message boards from exploding, that's for sure. I was hoping for more years but obsessive compulsive weirdoes can't be choosers, right? And, I think Shelby and I will need a year off from this craziness. 

If you'll excuse me, I have to go figure out why my life existed prior to his qualifying offer. 

Off Season is Overrrr

Tomorrow is training camp...which means the biggest stomach ache of an offseason is over. 

And, while there is no official announcement (yet)....

1.) He finally came out of the woodwork...

2.) He's on the camp roster

(side note: I love that Goose is the only one listed that has two positions)

He's here, he's ours, its over. Four agonizing months, over two since his initial offer. 

And Blogspot takes a collective sigh of relief. 

Ahhhhhhhh. Phew.

Commitment Issues and Giant Zambonis

I know what you're thinking...what is she dong up this early? Well, my tummy decided that 5 am was as late as I had to go this morning, which was complete shit. I only have class until 9:30 (to which I will then rush to the Pepsi Center one last time) but I can already feel the pain. 

It's okay, naps are becoming regular routine with me. 

So, I'm killing time by painting my fingernails lime green (to match my toenails). I was warned that its a bad idea before going in to such a professional setting on Saturday. But, I don't consider half naked hockey players ' professional' (even when they're clothed, it's a tough call). 

I also spent some time changing the template (haha, again!). Honestly, I don't think I'm ever going to be happy with it, so don't get too comfortable. I just hope this isn't a preview of my married life...though the Sabres likely are. 

Oh! Somewhat fun news. Somewhere in the course of yesterday, one of my teachers made me sign up for the internship class and is now working to get me a sports reporting internship at Channel 2 (he's a hardcore guy, he didn't even know my name before we did all this). I don't watch the news too often, but I only watch Channel 2. I don't know why, I just love them. Our broadcasting class 2-ish years ago took a trip there for the 5 o'clock news and I was on the edge of my seat with bright eyes and all that jazz. 

And sports? Lets face it, five minutes in they'll realize I know about as much as football as Yo-Yo knows about baseball and HOPEFULLY stick me with the Sabres (look at me! I haven't even been interviewed yet!). Either way, I have a thing for Adam Benigni, not like that, he just seems like a cool guy. He kind of reminds me of Adam Mair (seriously, go look at it, he does) so I think that I can be reminded of Mair without being scared is always a perk. 

Speaking of Adam Mair, I am starting to mentally prepare to cover the Puck Drop. For anyone who doesn't know, last year was pretty scary for me, and I tried to dodge the bullet this year. But, part of being an unpaid intern is that no one gives a shit about you. 

Though, looking back on last season, I am going to avoid/do things that I didn't do last September. For example...

- Eat breakfast. I think Natey P and I will both be thankful for that one. 

- When I asked who I want to interview, I won't answer honestly. Last year, I asked for Hank and got Adam. So, this year maybe if I ask for Steve Montador, I'll get Patty (I probably won't, I'll probably get Steve Montador). 

- Avoid Adam Mair all together. He'll likely be there, and not skating so more chances to encounter him. But, post hip surgery, there's a good chance I'm faster than him. 

- NOT peer into the locker room when they stand me in the hallway. In all fairness to them, the chances that a 20-something intern is in the hallway and sees THAT are rather slim, but it can be easily avoided, and thus, should. 

- Smack Drew Stafford. This I did not do last season (I'm not even sure if I saw him) but I think it serves a purpose this year. I learned to love him over this off season, but the love was not returned. Also, I feel like if I do it in front of Toni, Hank, Patty, Craigy...whoever else is up at the end of this coming season, they'll think ' wow, we shouldn't do what he did, she'll get mad.' Yes, she will. 

- Somehow ask Craigy his favorite sweet. Shelby and I are going to spend Saturday night making a birthday treat for Sunday, and it would be nice to go in a direction of something he likes (though everyone like chocolate cake, it'd be nice to do something special). I'm not sure how I could squeeze that in there...asking about the changes to the blue line, an old teammate returning, chocolate vs. vanilla? Maybe this would be easier if they asked HIM that during the ten stupid questions thing. 

Ugh.

On a closing note, I saw this on another blog....

First off, let me just say that is my DREAM...a zamboni get away on a city street (it doesn't have to be Manhattan, and I'm not sure there is such thing as getting away on a zamboni, but in comparison to my old car, it's a good start). I like to think this wasn't staged...he got bored, and went off on it. And when he returned, there were a number of tourists wedged under that bad boy. But, I'm probably not that lucky.

I've always had a soft spot for Ovie (mostly because he's not Crosby). He seems to be an easy going guy, and always up for a joke, or something silly.

Though I'm sure his antics are easily spotlighted because he's Russian and all, and Russians don't do this kind of thing, I think he has some tough competition. 

Ovie, buy some leopard print pants, and we'll talk. 

However, I don't recommend it. 

Few Things.

I'm kind of in a rush. Its my second day of school, I have to beat traffic/parking issues, and only have half my hair straightened. But, since yesterday made me even FORGET blogging, here it is!

- Speaking of hair, my friend and I tried stripping my hair color yesterday to dye over it. I now have blonde/red/copper hair. I also went to sleep with it wet, so when I walked by the mirror half asleep earlier, I thought Brian Campbell was back in Buffalo (and somehow in my room).

- The Finn is BACK! His hair, however, is not. That's okay, we got lucky with the Swede, right?

- Goose is not. Neither is Drew. This is very suspicious...

- Still no contract announcement. 

- I LOVE Chris Butler.

- Last night at Chefs, the hostess purposely sat us at the table next to a bunch of rookies (" they're not sabres, they're just trying" she said). It was a very awkward half an hour. JP Lamoureux (who we thought was Jhonas for a bit) kept staring at Shelby and I....but we didn't know it was him until after. He also forgot his food, and we considered going after him. TJ Brennan was also the only one we recognized at the time. 

- Steph threatened to punch me during that half hour

- I wish there was a way to take chocolate milk to school.

- Patty the Bobblehead is MIA! I thought he was in my car, and he is not! The going suspect is JP, actually. He forgot his food, but took the love of my life! Any information of his whereabouts is greatly appreciated.

- Puck Drop is like the day after tomorrow (or not). And last night I just realized that the first pre-season game is in a WEEK! This is exciting stuff people!

- Today is my first day not going to the Pepsi Center. So, likely, the MIAs will show up.

And if you excuse me, I have to return to playing host to Soupy's hair.

Because I'm Bored at Work

-I meant to mention this last night, but word on the street is Jocelyn TBO is employed. That's right, folks, he has a job! Granted I never ranked him with so many others who are unemployed right now, but it's good to see he has come out of the suspicions that he was dead (if only Nolan Pratt would do the same...)

He's returning to his former team, the Avalanche, to be a (part time) goalie consultant. Not too shabby, buddy. It's a tough world for a goaltender out there anyways...

- I found this picture floating around a few days ago, and have been meaning to mention it...

How is that not the most adorable thing ever? Chris Butler always looks like a kiddo, Nate..well, we all know that story, and Timmy has the most ' I'm six years old, and look, my front teeth have grown back in!' smile. I LOVE it. I also love how Nate is the only one standing...but anyways, I'll be excited to have this happy bunch on the team...when it happens. 

- Why did I think I wanted to report more on this?

- Posting that last video led me to re-discover THIS one that I found ages ago....

I don't exactly want Patty to quit his day job, but just as adorable none the less.

- Dear Drew Stafford,

We all know you freaking did it. Months of agony are so close to becoming an end if you just let them

announce it! For the sake of all bloggers health, do it!

Thank you in advance,

Pookey

Rambles II

The guy I'm sitting with at work right now is actually a huge hockey fan...not of the same pages as me, but it's fun to have new discussions....he actually just told me he hates Marty, things could get ugly. 

Anywho, I think some hockey things need to be covered, aside from Hank's hair (not to say that is not big news). 

- Drew Stafford is signed...pretty much. I'll have the big celebratory blog when its announced, but lets face it, its a done deal. And the week leading up to training camp, nice heart attack, Drew. You beat Ryans record three-ish years ago that left be as just as much of a mangled mess (back when I liked him). 

- I have not actually read Jerry Sullivan's article that has everyone in an uproar, but based on what I heard no one has the right to tell anyone how to be a fan. We buy what the Sabres sell, and they don't see us through to the end (yet). But, it's what keeps them alive, and we all know that even if we were to stop being fans now, we would be back for the finals...when and if that ever happens. 

- I have never been so impressed with a Sabre as I am with Nathan Gerbe right now. Again, still haven't read the article, but the gist of it is that he will play any position called on him, but he is NOT going to Portland this season...

 

You know what this reminds me of...

But in somewhat seriousness, good for you, Nate! There are a number of players that are automatically getting spots that probably don't have the drive that he does. It's the kind of heart we NEED on this team, and it will start with the little guy!

I really don't know how that roster is going to shape out with all things that are up in the air right now, but I hope it works out for him. 

And to all bloggers reading this...you are cordially invite to the ' Drew Stafford Signed a Freaking Contract' Partay....see, we really were going to do it!

We're aiming for Saturday after the Puck Drop...a get together for dinner or what not. Love Drew or hate him...it would be fun to all meet up in person. Let Shelby or I know if you're interested. 

It's September, People!

On the heels of suspecting the return of a certain French Canadian goalie, reading this on the Buffalo News website added an extra spoonful of sugar to my Rice Krispies...

“I spoke with his agent [Tuesday], and we continue to work on it,” Regier said. “It’s cordial, amicable. Everyone is trying to work toward getting an agreement done, and we’ll do everything we can to get him signed prior to training camp. That’s certainly the direction we’re working in.”

That's right, people, it's on the horizon! Shelby and I should start planning our ' Drew Stafford Signed a Freaking Contract!' party. The whole article, however, is just silly. Darcy makes it sound like he's had such a rough off season. Ohhhh the pain of signing a small amount of gritty players that no one else really wanted (no offense). Was Mike Grier really that exhausting, Darcy?

He also claims that no trades are in the works. That's great, because throwing one at us right now would just be cruel with all the other trades that went on in this off season. Oh, wait....

In other NHL news, Jason Smith is going to to retire. That kind of shocked me, as he's only 35, but whatever he wants to do. I loved him when he played for the Flyers, he just seemed so BA as captain. That, and he told off Crosby in the playoffs a year ago. I don't remember exactly what happened, but it wasn't even mean, it was just a ' hey buddy, we're both captains, so lets take off the Pampers and get with it." Or, something like that. 

Taylor Pyatt signed a one year deal with Phoenix...which made the rumours that he was going to Toronto look good. I weakly followed him through the off season, since OTHER people took up my time. Taylor is actually very special to me, he was one of my favorites when I got back into the Sabres, and he led to me loving Timmy (since thy were in the same trade). Not sure if that is something he'd like to be associated with. But, as easy as it is to be a good player between the Sedins, it is to be one in Phoenix. In all seriousness, I hope he does well, the guy deserves a pick me up after the year he had. 

Back to that French Canadian goalie thing, he DID show up today. If I could do non-fatal back flips, I would have done on in the parking lot. We had an epic encounter, but since I am due at the doctors, I shall leave you in suspense! Even though only Shelby reads this, and she was there...

We Can All Ice Skate Tomorrow

because, evidently, hell has frozen over. 

A friend of mine texted me today asking if I wanted to go to the Bills game with her, a free ticket was within my reach. I apologized to her for ever giving off the impression that I liked football, despite our numerous conversations of how the Bills are stinky stink. 

Nevertheless, something caught my attention. I have never been to Ralph Wilson for an actual Bills game, just the Ice Bowl and something in high school when our team was doing well.

Long story short, I'm going to the Bills game tomorrow. Sadly, I am very excited. I went out and bought new jeans and sneakers (which I was overdue for regardless) and, get this, a Bills shirt. Not just any Bills shirt, a Paul Posluszny shirt. Something about those Time Warner commercials back in the day really made me want to choose him as my favorite Bill...or was it Adelphia (that is spelled wrong)? Heck, it was so long ago, who knows. BUT I hear he's a good player, and I haven't seen 51 in a longgggg time. 

Anywho, on to hockey for a quick thing.

The Sabres site is doing the top five shootout goals, and the picture advertising such is actually one of my favorite Sabres pictures of all time.

The top five things I LOVE about this photo are...

5.) Thomas Vanek...and how his love and appreciation for his teammate is there, however, you cannot feel it (like with God, you just have to believe it's there). I'm sure this picture was taken right in his moments of kicking himself because, it wasn't him that did it (it rarely ever is...don't kill my Shelby, you know it's true).

4.) Toni Lydman

3.) The fact that Toni Lydman scored that goal, proving yet again that usually-hated-and-underrated defensemen can pull through when needed. Just...not all the time.

2.) Drew Stafford. Big- and rare- grin, both arms in the air...happy for his idol/buddy. I'm sure many bloggers, who know of his usual grim expressions, are happy to see that. 

1.) HENRIK FREAKING TALLINDER! Look at him! LOOK AT HIM! Not only is he usually the happiest Sabre, but right there he is absolutely thrilled. I don't even think his feet are on the ground. His bff scores, and he is just happy, happy Hank. I love it.

However, I do debate that Toni was not like that when Hank scored last season. But, like with God- and Thomas Vanek- the love is there...you just can't see it.