What could be better to cap off a cranky, rainy Sunday than a Devils-Flyers game? No, don’t answer that.
Today’s iteration of the Jekyll and Hyde Devils features no Johnny Oduya or Andy Greene, and the return of Paulie Martin and Mike Rupp. It is never a bad thing to be scratching Oduya, but on the flip side of that coin is that it’s not often a good thing to be dressing Mike Rupp. That said, who are we to question Sutter at this point? Really. A girl could go insane questioning Sutter, so we’re not going to bother.
Doc and Chico kick things off by telling us about how great the Patty/Gio/Zach line is (despite the fact that they don’t appear to be skating together today), and by giving us the terrifying recent numbers for the Richards/Lupul/Umberger line for the Flyers. We are also given the staggeringly depressing news that Biron, our favorite get-well goalie, is not starting. Needless to say, we don’t have a great feeling about this.
FIRST PERIOD
Oh dear heavens. The weather problems in these parts have left us with only three officials for this game. Against the dirtiest team in hockey. Great.
18:35 We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – the Flyers sweaters totally look like they’re wearing little orange shrugs.
18:09 That’s so cool! Chico tells us the Flyers got into town via train! We love the thought of hockey teams enjoying rail travel; it seems so old-fashioned and kind of elementary-school class trip.
17:57 Exhibit A in the “premeditated hockey fights are just plain dumb” is this insipid, one-punch exchange between Cote and Rupp. Pookie: “That was the stupidest fight ever.”
16:59 During a stoppage after a Devils offsides (Gio, natch), Chico talks to us a little bit about Niittymaki. He claims Niittymaki hopes to be able to prove that he can play “as well as Marty Biron”. Schnookie: “No! Not as well as Marty Biron. I can’t even imagine anyone being that good.”
15:45 Niitymaki shows he’s actually better than Biron and stops a point shot that was set up by the good offensive-zone work of a reunited ZZ Pops line. Schnookie, noticing the combination, chirps, “The Poppers are back together!” Pookie, solemnly: “Yeah. Zach likes being a Pop much more than a Peg.”
14:31 Clarkson comes thisclose to getting a third-chance shot over Niitymaki’s outstretched leg after a slippery little toe drag around the defender. What’s with Clarkson and his newfound puck-handling skills?
14:01 Pelley lines a Flyer up for a big hit in the corner and misses. Pookie: “Pelley looks like he’s using…” She trails off, then says, “Well, I want to say something like ‘energy drink’, but what I think I mean is ‘amphetamines’.”
12:49 Asham continues his downward spiral, and takes a roughing penalty after knocking a Flyer’s helmet off on a big hit at the bench.
10:49 Well, we’re encouraged by what was a very nice penalty kill. If we end up not being able to take anything else from this game, at least we’ll have that.
9:23 The Poppers, perhaps pissy that those sorry-assed “Peggers” were getting so much ink for being so great, go out and smack the Flyers around their own zone for a long shift, finally drawing a holding the stick penalty on Kapanen.
7:55 It is an indisputable fact that, right now, the Devils have a spectacularly crappy power play. Doc informs us that the Flyers have a PK that’s gunning at around 70%. Boomer: “Well, we’ll help that.”
7:14 Stan interviews Rob Shick at the sidelines and he gives us a rundown of the travel woes his referee team suffered today. It seems Shick is too old to be taking the ice after spending endless hours on a plane, so his younger partner-in-stripes has filled out our refereeing retinue for this game.
5:25 The living room at stately IPB Manor erupts in roars for a call after Clarkson chases down a loose puck on the wing and gets tripped from behind as he is trying to barrel in on goal. Hilariously, there is a call on the play. We love acting all outraged when there’s no reason for us to be.
3:25 Something else we can take from this game is that, while it didn’t score, that power play at least had about 25 scoring chances on it.
2:32 Asham strips the puck off the Briere at the point and fires a big slapshot at Niitymaki. Since we have terrible depth perception, we think the rebound bouncing high off Niitymaki’s arm is dropping in behind him. It’s not.
0:29 The Flyers gain a bit of offensive-zone pressure after a series of plays by Devils who had the puck, had time to make good decisions with it, and instead turned it over. The sequence concludes with Whitey taking a hooking penalty in front of the net.
0:00 Well, that period was better than the last one we saw the Devils play, so we’re cautiously optimistic.
Stan interviews Clarkson, who doesn’t let us down when he tells us the Devils need to “continue to play hard” in this one. In a new twist, he also thinks they need to “bear down”. He never disappoints, that Clarkson.
FIRST INTERMISSION
During the Steve-and-Dano banter, Steve says, “These teams do not like each other.” Dano cheerfully says, “Does anyone like the Flyers?”
We also get a report about Pando’s injury, which is, as we all know, not healing with any sort of haste. We suddenly find ourselves in a deep, inescapable depression.
SECOND PERIOD
Chico gives us a food review of some weird foodstuff called Molli Coolz (?) or something like that. They seem to be some little pellets of ice cream or something that get served in a teensy little helmet. Chico hams it up for the camera, putting the helmet on his head and striking some model-y poses while voicing over that he’s been eating so much that his helmet doesn’t fit anymore. (This foodstuff is apparently little beads of ice cream, and Chico assures us they just melt in your mouth. “You just put them in your mouth, wait a while, and they disappear!” Like all great foodstuffs do.)
19:20 The puck pinballs to just about every Flyer in front after a point shot gets deflected to the faceoff dots, and Richards pushes it past Marty to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead.
19:02 Doc says to Chico, “Earlier you said that scoring the first goal would be very important. Why?” It seems no one has ever challenged this assertion before, because Chico says, flummoxed, “I don’t know. Because it always is?”
18:30 Somehow Zubrus finds himself all alone in front of Niitymaki with the puck, and he fires a shot that is easily stopped, but the rebound kicks out to Gio on the other side of the net. Carter yanks Gio’s feet out from under him before he can release his shot, giving the Devils yet another chance to pad those Philly PK stats.
17:11 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paulie walks around the Flyers with ease, all the way down behind the net, then feeds the puck out to Clarkson at the halfboards, who then passes to Rachunek up high. Rachunek then fires a cannon shot from the point, and Madden is there to drive home the rebound. 1-1 game, and FSN tells us the entire play happened because of Paulie’s awesomeness. Pookie: “Extra pancakes all around!”
15:45 Niitymaki gloves a shot through traffic, and Zach whacks at his glove with impunity. Not surprisingly, Zach promptly finds himself the center of attention from a handful of Flyers. A shot of Clarkson at the bench makes Pookie crack: “Look how eager he is to go fight for Zach!” Boomer responds dryly, “He’s probably trying to get over the boards, but Sutter is hanging onto the back of his sweater.”
14:53 Doc tells us Derian Hatcher has “water on the knee”. That sounds… really old-fashioned. That sounds like the kind of ailment a team that takes trains to games would have.
12:30 Upshall gets called for slashing after chopping Langer’s stick out of his hands at the Devils blue line. The officials wait several Flyers plays before calling it, though.
12:05 Gio tries to skate into the corner and wipes out in his latest signature move that Schnookie describes thusly: “He goes into the corner without any speed and just sits down.”
12:01 We are treated to the single worst call that has gone against the Devils all season when Richards, spinning to the ice in a cluster of players in the corner, swings his stick high and whacks Hatcher in the nose with it. There are two Devils in the vicinity, both with their sticks on the ice, and the call goes… against Patty. A double-minor. That is inexcusably bad officiating.
10:36 Zubrus darts through the Flyers D, gets in alone on Niitymaki, but the puck rolls off his stick before he can get a shot away.
10:28 Briere mirrors Zubrus’ cut through the D, and gets hooked down, drawing a penalty shot. And the most exciting play in hockey proves to be not even remotely exciting as Briere skates slowly to the crease, shifting the puck weakly back and forth, and then rolls it into Marty. Pookie: “Marty’s like, ‘That was the warm-up, right? Now we do the real penalty shot?’”
9:44 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is justice in this world! The Devils shovel the puck past the point man and Langer and Madden rocket up the ice, Langer getting to the puck on the wing in the offensive zone while Niitymaki bizarrely overcommits to the thought of a Langenbrunner shot. Captain Fuck This Shit instead fires a cross-zone pass to the other man on the two-on-one and Madden drills home the easiest shorthanded goal of his entire career. 2-1 Devils.
8:01 The Flyers and all their future generations will not be cherishing tapes of that power play.
7:14 Marty makes a monster save on an Umberger shot through traffic, and artfully punches the rebound through a lot of Flyers traffic in front.
6:31 The play is finally whistled when Marty freezes the puck after some torrid end-to-end action. We go to commercial with Pookie saying happily, “I love it when this team gets pissed off.”
6:03 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zach and Travis engage in a clever, tricky little bit of back-and-forth behind Niitymaki’s net, and suddenly Zach whips a backhand pass through a defender to a streaking Asham alone in the slot. Asham says, “‘Downward spiral’ this!” and lasers the puck over Niitymaki, making it 3-1 Devils.
3:49 Marty kicks a meaty rebound out to a dangerous spot where a Flyer is almost ready to pounce, but Travis ties him up to save what would be a sure goal. Schnookie says dorkily, “Wow! Did you see that play by Travis? That was good backchecking!” No sooner does she say that than Chico pipes up, “Good backchecking by Travis Zajac there…” Pookie says that Travis was all over the Flyer “like syrup on a pancake,” then decides Travis would prefer “like a cap on an acorn” or “like glue on dried macaroni”.
2:53 BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! After a crazy broken sequence and awesome offensive zone pressure looks like it’s yielded a Gio goal and a 4-1 lead, the goal is waved off and the officials call Zubrus for holding on an exchange in front that replay shows was a legal tangle of sticks and skates. The tirade this sparks from Pookie is unprintably long and convoluted, but ends with “the Flyers are a bunch of fucking whining, pussy, asshole divers.” Boomer adds a “panty-waisted doilymakers” for good measure.
0:53 The Devils are not happy about the penalty and waved-off goal, and simply smother the power play.
0:31 As Chico is praising Mottau for his all-around awesomeness on that PK, Pookie says, “Of course he’s that good. He’s Mike Fucking Mottau.”
0:00 With two tenths of a second left on the clock, an extravagantly pissy Devils team goes back on the power play thanks to some interference by Hartnell behind a Zubrus-led rush.
Do you know what we loved? This period.
SECOND INTERMISSION
When Steve gives us an update about the Coyotes-Rangers game, where the score is 4-0 Phoenix, Dano actually laughs at the Rangers.
THIRD PERIOD
17:48 Exhibit A in the “spontaneous hockey fights are often just plain dumb” argument is this one between Clarkson and Smith. As Niitymaki freezes a shot at the tail end of the power play, Smith and Clarkson find themselves hugging in the crease; suddenly equipment goes flying out of the clinch and the two start trying to whale on each other. For all that this was undeniably pretty lame, we definitely enjoy these kinds of fights more than the ones that Pookie describes as having challenges issued on calling cards delivered on silver salvers: “[So-and-so] requests the pleasure of your company in a fight at 15:22 of the third period tonight.”
17:25 Knuble decides that he’d like for the Devils to get to enjoy the kind of treatment they gave to the Coyotes yesterday, and takes an ass-stupid penalty for something lame that we didn’t notice.
16:15 Paulie goes down while panicking under pressure at the point, and before we know it, Upshall is carrying the puck down on a two-on-one. Marty is cooler than cool on the play, though, and makes the save look easy.
15:02 Carter pokes a stick in on Marty’s glove when he covers a shot, and Rachunek takes offense on his goalie’s behalf. A little shoving match ensues, and Rachunek gets the roughing penalty.
13:16 Rachunek skates out of the box while rolling his eyes, which is a lot like what we’re doing after Briere snaps a good shot over Marty’s glove to cut the lead to 3-2 Devils. Several closeup looks at Briere celebrating his goal and sitting on the bench illustrate to good effect that the orange shrugs really accentuate how poorly the new sweaters seem to fit over the players’ pads.
12:00 Schnookie: “I liked the second period more than this period.” Pookie, weakly: “I know. This period blows.” Zach tries to make us feel better by ripping a shot from above the faceoff dots, but it goes wide. We appreciate the effort.
10:51 Just as we complain that a Flyer is holding Madden as they pursue the puck up the ice into the Flyers zone, Brylin commits the same infraction in an effort to pass two defenders, and gets called for it.
10:33 M.F. Mottau does a great job getting a stick and leg all over Briere’s centering attempt with Marty looking to be down and out.
8:51 The penalty kill looks supremely calm, but PaulieMartinNation is too busy worrying that Paulie hurt his hip again on that Upshall two-on-one earlier in the period.
7:54 To assuage our fears, FSN gives us a good look at Alternate Captain Pancakes before going to commercial.
7:50 After the Flyers win an offensive-zone draw, the puck bounces past Coburn at the point and Gio sprints down on a two-on-one. His shot hits Niitymaki right in the crest.
7:45 The Devils get a quick shot off their own offensive-zone draw, and after Niitymaki freezes the puck again, Clarkson and Smith stand near one another and exchange saucy looks.
6:45 Vish-Dog flattens Kapanen at the benches, and Doc calls the play, “Ohhh! Kapanen didn’t know the Freight Train from the Ukraine was coming through, a little bit ahead of schedule!” Chico then cracks himself up making Kapenan/decapitation jokes.
5:42 Niitymaki is called upon to make a series of tricky shoulder saves thanks to a relentless shift by the Travis line. Pookie: “It’s good to see the Poppers popping again.”
4:01 A three-man rush by Brylin, Madden and Clarkson turns into a near-miss chance for Clarkson crashing the net after Brylin’s rebound. Niitymaki, displeased at having his defender driven into him, swings his stick at Clarkson’s retreating legs.
3:43 Zach drags the puck tantalizingly through a bunch of defenders, but Niitymaki just gets an eensy piece of his wrist shot.
3:28 M.F. Mottau continues his mastery of the Flyers, making another insane defensive stop on the increasingly feverish Flyers attack.
1:53 The Flyers ice the puck, earning a whistle after a crazy stretch of end-to-end action, rife with cold-blooded Devils defense in one zone and whirling, leaping, desperate saves by Niitymaki in the other. Anyone who hates hearing Doc call games on VS should listen to his handling of these last few minutes.
0:49 The Flyers start their rush to get Niitymaki out of the net.
0:32 Langer and Zach get past the Flyers point man and bear down in a two-on-one with the empty net, but Picard defends the rush well, deflecting Zach’s shot out of play.
0:04 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! After Madden makes a great block of the Flyers’ last-ditch point shot, he deftly skates the puck out of the zone, hands off to Langer, and Langer makes no mistake firing into the empty net. 4-2 Devils. Zach does an admirable job of looking happy for Langer and not visibly peeved that he wasn’t able to score on the open net.
0:00 Now that was a great game! Pookie says, “It was worth how awful the Coyotes game was”, and while her sentiment makes a certain amount of sense, it seems a bit extreme. It certainly does go along way to erasing our memories of that one, though. (We sign off the game with Steve telling us about the three stars of the game. Pookie says emphatically, “Mike. Mottau. Mike Motherfucking Mottau. He gets the game puck.”)
Ah, man. You’re an hour behind? Uncool, man.
It is uncool! And seriously, as annoying as a 5:00 start is to my dinner plans, a 6:00 start is even worse.
The Flyers are giving me a headache ><;;
The Flyers are wont to do that, Mags.
Moving from Flyers goons to Islanders goons for a sec – for anyone who hasn’t seen it, here’s what Simon did to Ruutu last night.
Doucherocketry
I hope the Devils win tonight, but more than anything I hope they’re all just safe. I hate that I have to mean that earnestly and not just be kidding around.
here’s what Simon did to Ruutu last night.
Gah, it’s awful. But I think I almost hate the fact that some people are saying it’s ok because he did it to Ruutu more than the act itself. WTF people?
Yeah, Mags, I get that Ruutu crosses lines himself and that lots of guys don’t like him, but I’ve never seen him do anything that comes even close to the level of this. And it doesn’t matter if it was Avery on the receiving end – you just don’t do that crap.
I don’t remember anybody saying McSorley was alright because Brashear’s a thug (and if they did they should be ashamed). It’s so ridiculous.
here’s what Simon did to Ruutu last night.
That made me sick. Who does something like that? I hope Simon gets a long suspension.
Uhoh. Upshall is throwing a fit. Someone is going to get hurt today.
I don’t know how Biron stands being their goalie. I always thought of him as such a nice guy (based on nothing, really, but all else equal I tend to feel that way about Sabres in general).
It’s just disgusting to see someone do that, seriously.
Did you guys see the Coyotes beat the Rangers? I feel less bad (but still pretty awful) about yesterday now.
“No! Not as well as Marty Biron. I can’t even imagine anyone being that good.”
:^:::::::::::::::::
On that note, I’m off to bed. G’night IPB! Have fun watching the game.
Okay, I’m sorry, I know we’re all SO OVER the whole On Frozen Blog business, but I just have to point out that the list of Saber’s fans’ crimes against humanity has now expanded to include wearing shirts that say “Caps fans, shut the PUCK up” and carrying signs that say “Buffalo OWNS DC.” The horror, the horror! Honestly, I don’t know how I live with myself.
Heh… And then they tell us we have thin skins.
And PG, Biron is an exceptionally nice guy, by all accounts. I often feel bad that he has to play for the Flyers, mostly because it seriously screws up my wanting to root for him.
We love the thought of hockey teams enjoying rail travel; it seems so old-fashioned and kind of elementary-school class trip.
….If your elementary school class is full of the kids that beat other kids up for lunch money.
Go Devils, that’s all I have to say.
Ah, that’s me, actually above. I have too many blogs on WordPress now; I forget to log out.
He claims Niittymaki hopes to be able to prove that he can play “as well as Marty Biron”.
Oh dear, its spreading. Stop by a Sabres message board after a loss, and you’ll have denizens of fans claiming that Miller isn’t fit to tie Biron’s skate laces. I see Philly is now going to have the same controversy.
Okay, I’m sorry, I know we’re all SO OVER the whole On Frozen Blog business, but I just have to point out that the list of Saber’s fans’ crimes against humanity has now expanded to include wearing shirts that say “Caps fans, shut the PUCK up” and carrying signs that say “Buffalo OWNS DC.” The horror, the horror! Honestly, I don’t know how I live with myself.
Gambler, my favorite crime against humanity perpetrated by a Buffalonian is the person who complained when people who were not back in their seats disrupted their ability to see the game. Dude, I’ve been to like, six hockey games in my LIFE and I would holler at a grandmother for that. It’s totally BAD MANNERS to wander in and out during play so that you can get more cotton candy or whatever. If the Caps fans don’t understand that, then they DESERVE to have their posters of Ovie stepped on. I can’t believe how concisely the Caps commenters displayed their own stupidity. We didn’t even have to lift a finger. Never mind the fact that NOT ONCE did a Buffalo commenter attempt to argue that we aren’t douches in visiting arenas. Heh.
Oh, I need to let it go! I apologize!
Dano cheerfully says, “Does anyone like the Flyers?”
You speak the truth.
I always thought of him as such a nice guy (based on nothing, really, but all else equal I tend to feel that way about Sabres in general).
I’ll second Gambler in saying that Biron is apparently super nice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything bad about the man (in non-hockey terms). And for the record, Briere can be a pain in the ass on the ice, but he’s also supposed to be extremely nice off it.
Heh, someone has now commented on OFB that their tendancy to comment on other teams’ blogs is actually one of the reasons he dislikes Buffalo fans. Given that we were all polite, I think Caps fans are skyrocketing up toward Carolina fan levels for me (sorry CapsChick)!
Yeah, I would also like to officially exclude CapsChick from all my bitching about this issue.
giving us the terrifying recent numbers for the Richards/Lupul/Umberger line for the Flyers
Ah, that was just padded stats from our game.
Chico tells us the Flyers got into town via train! We love the thought of hockey teams enjoying rail travel; it seems so old-fashioned and kind of elementary-school class trip.
Is Chico sure he read/heard the report right? Maybe they just held up a train on the way in. :P
Dano cheerfully says, “Does anyone like the Flyers?”
Hee! That even makes me like ol’ Ken.
Did you guys see the Coyotes beat the Rangers?
No. Yay!!
Thanks for the Biron confirmation, Gambler and Meg.
someone has now commented on OFB that their tendancy to comment on other teams’ blogs is actually one of the reasons he dislikes Buffalo fans
Personally, Meg, I find it annoying that all you Buffalo fans can even read in the first place to go on other teams’ blogs. I mean, geez!
Personally, Meg, I find it annoying that all you Buffalo fans can even read in the first place to go on other teams’ blogs. I mean, geez!
Hukt on foniks wurkt for us, I guess.
Seriously? Is the blogosphere divided into little quadrants for each team with uncrossable boundaries? I’m not seeing that in my rule book!
When Steve gives us an update about the Coyotes-Rangers game, where the score is 4-0 Phoenix, Dano actually laughs at the Rangers.
I this was so funny that I actually rewound this part and watched it again.
Hukt on foniks wurkt for us, I guess.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
When Steve gives us an update about the Coyotes-Rangers game, where the score is 4-0 Phoenix, Dano actually laughs at the Rangers.
I this was so funny that I actually rewound this part and watched it again.
Argh, I missed all the best parts of the intermissions! How is this possible?
I always thought of him as such a nice guy (based on nothing, really, but all else equal I tend to feel that way about Sabres in general).
My sister-in-law and nephew approached Marty out in public a few years ago when my nephew was 8 or 9ish and Marty was super sweet. Nephew was really shy about saying anything but he was a HUGE hockey fan and Mary knelt down to his level and asked him about his team and what position he played and who his favorite players were. True to his rep, he was very chatty and and friendly. Totally adorable. So Marty’s a good guy in my eyes and I’ve never heard anything to suggest otherwise.
I have to say the OFB thing pisses me off because despite the fact that we all thought, “God, what kind of asshole says stuff like that?!” we were all super polite when we actually commented.
Oh, well. Different strokes and all that.
“Zach and Travis engage in a clever, tricky little bit of back-and-forth behind Niitymaki’s net, and suddenly Zach whips a backhand pass through a defender to a streaking Asham alone in the slot.”
Yay acornbittys!!
Hooray! What a game! What a way to kick off my vacation! What a way to make up for yesterday afternoon! Woo-hoo!
Patty, if you’re around, we got to see a bit of Victorian flesh exposure — and it was Zach’s delightful shapely bicep. Zach, if you’re reading this (and I know you are), why such body image problems? Why such baggy shirts? You’re hiding your light under a bushel!
alix, I’m all about the acornbitties!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re all caught up now! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Happy sigh*
That game was awesome.
Anyway, going back to the point that I have been COMPLETELY UNABLE to let go of today, Gambler, I’m so glad you saw those comments on OFB. I swear, the more examples I hear of the alleged assy behavior of Sabres fans, the more I believe that Caps fans are just ridiculously hypersensitive. Seriously, they have not outlined a single behavior that I wouldn’t willingly engage in if I was in someone else’s building.
Oh, sweet delicious Zach arm. How shapely and handsome you are. Mmmm… nekkid arm. (It should be mentioned that we were fairly confident it was Zach because he seemed to be struggling to get dressed. And since the Devils are probably embarrassed to let him have Boxworthy dress him when the cameras are around, he’s stuck now having to dress himself. And he just doesn’t know how all these complicated clothes items work.)
Do you guys have any idea how hard it was not to comment on all the Flyer-beating goodness? I’m glad you’re all caught up so I can say yay Devils and HAHAHAHAHA, SUCK IT FLYERS!
Enjoy your train ride ya barbarians.
Sigh…I should go…believe it or not I’m working (from home, for now).
You’re welcome to comment on the game during our TiVo delayed game diaries — we avoid the comment thread entirely until we’re caught up. :D
I loved how the Devils TOTALLY got the shaft from the officials tonight and STILL won. HA!
Oh and I should add that I really wanted to point out the further complaints about how terribly boorish Saber’s fans are. I mean, t-shirts that use the word “puck” to slyly infer the word “fuck”? That’s AWFUL! I can’t believe security didn’t immediately put those people in the clink! I still can’t believe how stupidly all of our comments were received. I particularly loved the one blogger sayer pucksandbooks couldn’t respond because he didn’t have time and the other saying “what are you complaining about, he responded a bunch of times!” I really wish I wasn’t so over them so that I could point out, “In the time it took for him to respond the way he did, he could have either said, ‘I stand by my assertion and will back it up when I have time to fully address your concerns’ or he could have said, ‘you’re right, I crossed the line, I apologize’. Basically, he could of done anything but look around to all the other Caps fans in that space and scoff, ‘Who let her in here? Am I right, or am I right?’”
You’re welcome to comment on the game during our TiVo delayed game diaries — we avoid the comment thread entirely until we’re caught up. :D
That’s nice to know, but I wouldn’t want any accidents to happen!
I mean, t-shirts that use the word “puck” to slyly infer the word “fuck”? That’s AWFUL! I can’t believe security didn’t immediately put those people in the clink!
Actually, they probably wouldn’t have been allowed in Camden Yards. My roommate wore a “Yankees Suck” tee to an O’s game once and they told her she had to cover it up. “This is a family ballpark.”
I particularly loved the one blogger sayer pucksandbooks couldn’t respond because he didn’t have time and the other saying “what are you complaining about, he responded a bunch of times!”
Really makes you wonder how they get dressed in the morning, doesn’t it?
Basically, he could of done anything but look around to all the other Caps fans in that space and scoff, ‘Who let her in here? Am I right, or am I right?’”
Well, god, Pookie! If it were possible, blogs could just build a moat and a drawbridge so only the “real” fans could get in.
In every fanbase there is a faction of elitism; it’s not isolated solely to one team. It is disappointing, however, because OFB is so highly regarded in general.
The idea, however, that a Buffalo fan shouldn’t be allowed to come comment on a Caps blog is crazy. And I love how someone threw in something about Brett Hull in there too. No offense, but if anyone should be talking about that Hull goal like that, it’s Stars fans, okay guys? And Stars fans are very “Ehhhh, he got it, let’s move on,” about it.
Oh, and my “work” only took a couple minutes there. But more is supposedly trickling in. This is sooooo fun.
The worst part is, if the bill I just read gets signed into law, it has a provision about my OLD line of work that I would just love to implement. For years Congress toyed with us and didn’t put it in, and now right after I move on it’s there. No fair!
Aw, sweet! I just got the OK to go to sleep. Gotta get up at 5:30 so was really hoping no more work would come through. Whew!
G’night, and congrats Devils!
For years Congress toyed with us and didn’t put it in, and now right after I move on it’s there. No fair!
Geez, Pensgirl! Didn’t they get your memo about that?
Whatever, it’s awesome that you get to work on bills and stuff like that! Me? I’m drowning in appellate court briefs….
*Another happy sigh*
I love it when the Devils play well! They were so adorably angry tonight! (Sorry, I just can’t think about real life right now. Heh.)
One more thing, then I’m gone, I swear.
Didn’t they get your memo about that?
No! Nor did they listen to us about how to make the law useful! Long story short, they’re making people who don’t have certain information get it and give it to the government, but we pushed to make the people who already have it give it to us. I know, crazy talk.
Whatever, it’s awesome that you get to work on bills and stuff like that! Me? I’m drowning in appellate court briefs….
Eh, I like working with legislation but sometimes it makes me want to beat my head against a wall. All the cross-references; you usually need about five different laws in front of you just to understand the implications of one tiny provision!
Appellate briefs can be OK, if they’re not smarmy.
And I love how someone threw in something about Brett Hull in there too.
Yes, I love that in a thread full of Buffalo sympathizers, it was a Caps fan who busted out Brett Hull. That’s the ultimate defensive reaction for any non-Buffalo fan: “Yeah, atleast we’re not still complaining about Brett Hull. Woo-hoooooo! I told YOU!” :::eye roll:::
OH MY GOD. Drew Remenda just asked the Sharks’ assistant coach in this in-game interview, “Is Scott Niedermayer the greatest human being on Earth?”
I love it when the Devils play well! They were so adorably angry tonight!
I love when they get wronged like they did on that 4 minute high sticking debacle. Because, honestly, after that, you secretly knew there was no way the Devils were going to lose.
“Is Scott Niedermayer the greatest human being on Earth?”
No, James Martle is.
OH MY GOD. Drew Remenda just asked the Sharks’ assistant coach in this in-game interview, “Is Scott Niedermayer the greatest human being on Earth?”
Was the question soaked in sarcasm? Because if so, I just might love Drew Remenda.
Patty, if you’re around, we got to see a bit of Victorian flesh exposure — and it was Zach’s delightful shapely bicep.
Ooooh, nice.
Was this in the locker room?
Was the question soaked in sarcasm?
Oh, HUGELY! Drew just admitted he’s on a mission to make the assistant coaches bust a gut on TV.
Ooooh, nice.
Was this in the locker room?
Yup! Langer was being interviewed and every now and then this gorgeous slip of shapely arm flitted into view!
Drew Remenda just asked the Sharks’ assistant coach in this in-game interview, “Is Scott Niedermayer the greatest human being on Earth?”
He was on Open Net with Razor the other night, and Razor owned him and it was fabulous.
I cannot believe he asked that. Jeez, at least wait until Teemu’s back!
Drew just admitted he’s on a mission to make the assistant coaches bust a gut on TV.
Okay, nevermind.
Oh, HUGELY! Drew just admitted he’s on a mission to make the assistant coaches bust a gut on TV.
Gah! Must get Center Ice!
I cannot believe he asked that. Jeez, at least wait until Teemu’s back!
“Who’s the greatest human being on the face of the Earth, Scott or Teemu?”
Because, honestly, after that, you secretly knew there was no way the Devils were going to lose.
It’s so true. It was just undeniable that the Devils weren’t going to give the game up after that bullshit call.
Ooooh, nice.
Was this in the locker room?
It was indeed. The sound was edited so that we couldn’t hear Zach screaming in an increasing state of panic as he wrestled with his shirt, “I say man, how does this damnable thing work? HOW DOES IT WORK??” (Actually, it looked like he was tying himself into a girdle.)
Was the question soaked in sarcasm? Because if so, I just might love Drew Remenda.
Isn’t that the truth?
And I love how someone threw in something about Brett Hull in there too.
And the gratuitous “wide right” reference pucksandbooks made in one of his “responses.” That one never gets old! (Actually, it’s almost 17 years old now and isn’t even the right sport, but hey at least he seemed to get Katebits’ message about trying to be funny with his shots at Buffalo, right?)
I also rather liked the guy who said that those t-shirt wearing, sign-toting Saber’s fans wouldn’t have lasted through a game in New York because of their incendiary behavior. DC fans with their southern hospitality were just too damn nice to give them what’s what, but those Ranger fans sure would have shown ‘em.
That’s the ultimate defensive reaction for any non-Buffalo fan: “Yeah, atleast we’re not still complaining about Brett Hull. Woo-hoooooo! I told YOU!”
And the classic “You can’t even sell out your building when the Leafs come to town! How do you like them apples?” defense, which I was glad to see got represented in that comment thread, too.
(Actually, it looked like he was tying himself into a girdle.)
Gosh.
HA! Go Drew. If I have to hear one more thing about Scott Neidermeyer I think I’ll scream. Yes, I’m sure he’s a very nice guy, and extremely talented but seriously kids let’s move on already.
And the classic “You can’t even sell out your building when the Leafs come to town! How do you like them apples?” defense, which I was glad to see got represented in that comment thread, too.
What gets me about that one was that it came from DCSportsChick who was included in that HNIC piece saying she was some sort of fancy-pants lawyer. Um… ooooh-kay. I guess having lawyer smarts and hockey smarts are very different things. I hope she’s a prosecuting lawyer. “Yes, Your Honor, but my client would like to respectfully point out that their arena should fill up with nasty fans, too!”
DC fans with their southern hospitality were just too damn nice to give them what’s what, but those Ranger fans sure would have shown ‘em.
Having been to DC and the surrounding areas, especially in Virginia, I was shocked to discover that very few people in that area view themselves as Southern. Doubly shocking was watching a Virginian news report where the broadcasters talked about the area of Texas/Louisiana/Georgia as “those crazy Southerners.”
Uh….what?
So there’s no Southern hospitality up there. (Sorry, CapsChick. We know you’re hospitable, and we’ll grandfather you in as Southern, if you’d like.)
I also rather liked the guy who said that those t-shirt wearing, sign-toting Saber’s fans wouldn’t have lasted through a game in New York because of their incendiary behavior. DC fans with their southern hospitality were just too damn nice to give them what’s what, but those Ranger fans sure would have shown ‘em.
What I love about that comment is that I can say from vast experience that Ranger fans wouldn’t even notice those Saber’s fans’ alleged assery.
And the classic “You can’t even sell out your building when the Leafs come to town! How do you like them apples?” defense, which I was glad to see got represented in that comment thread, too.
My favorite part of that is that Caps fans like to sound like they’re the most put-upon fans on earth, that no one has it as bad as they do at the hands of these marauding hordes of Saber’s/Pen’s/Flyer’s fans, and then their “shut up, go away!” shut-down argument is, “At least those asswipes up in Buffalo get it worse than we do from the Leafs fans.” NO SHIT.
DC fans with their southern hospitality were just too damn nice to give them what’s what, but those Ranger fans sure would have shown ‘em.
I’ve lived in New York for years now, so I can say with some authority that New Yorkers wouldn’t be fazed by the behavior described. Handling obnoxious people comes with the territory…and not just at hockey games. And also that I don’t particularly associate DC with Southern hospitality.
What gets me about that one was that it came from DCSportsChick who was included in that HNIC piece saying she was some sort of fancy-pants lawyer. Um… ooooh-kay. I guess having lawyer smarts and hockey smarts are very different things. I hope she’s a prosecuting lawyer.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Bettman’s a lawyer, you know….
Gary Bettman’s a lawyer, you know….
And Brian Burke.
Case closed.
(See what I did just there?)
Yeah, I would also like to officially exclude CapsChick from all my bitching about this issue.
Oh, going back to this a quick second, since we’re all clearly not interested in moving on from this OFB thing yet (it’s just too much fun to complain about!), I think now is a good time to say that of course CapsChick is excluded from this. She didn’t write that post. She was the lone voice of reason from the Caps side in the comments on OFB. She never should have felt compelled to apologize for them on TWC. The fact that they would let her do that and not stand up for themselves only pisses me off more.
(See what I did just there?)
I did! A lawyer, then a legal term! Genius!
(Actually, it looked like he was tying himself into a girdle.)
Gosh.
Seriously. Pookie’s trying to ignore this, but I totally got her GOOD by saying that Zach demands Boxworthy lace him up tighter — “I say! I need my waist to be small enough for father’s hands to span it!”
“I say! I need my waist to be small enough for father’s hands to span it!”
I want it stated for the record that I’ve said a lot of nasty things about Schnookie’s guys over the years. “Travis Lee is a booger farmer.” “Eric Fichaud lives in a garbage can.” “Jay Pandolfo married a raccoon.” Oh wait, Schnookie said that last one. At any rate, I have NEVER said anything that bad! I’m never speaking to her again. Someone tell Schnookie I’m not speaking to her.
“Yes, Your Honor, but my client would like to respectfully point out that their arena should fill up with nasty fans, too!”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What I love about that comment is that I can say from vast experience that Ranger fans wouldn’t even notice those Saber’s fans’ alleged assery.
I figured Rangers fans weren’t that panty-waisted or doilymaking. And I was actually going to say that if Rangers fans were sensitive enough to start clutching their Ranger pearls over a couple of signs and sly references to “fuck,” I’d be very disappointed with the picture you Ookies have painted of them.
“I say! I need my waist to be small enough for father’s hands to span it!”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And then does he pass out from not being able to breathe, leading one of the Ookies to “revive him”?
Sorry. that sentence made no freakin sense. Andrew should banish me for my horrible sentence construction.
And then does he pass out from not being able to breathe, leading one of the Ookies to “revive him”?
Only after dragging him to the nearest cab.
I figured Rangers fans weren’t that panty-waisted or doilymaking. And I was actually going to say that if Rangers fans were sensitive enough to start clutching their Ranger pearls over a couple of signs and sly references to “fuck,” I’d be very disappointed with the picture you Ookies have painted of them.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And really, if Rangers fans even noticed that crap, I’d be disappointed in them.
And then does he pass out from not being able to breathe, leading one of the Ookies to “revive him”?
Are we that transparent?
(And Pookie, I’d like to add to your litany of terrible thing’s you’ve said: “Wade Redden is Mats Sundin’s BITCH.”)
And then does he pass out from not being able to breathe, which gives Pookie the opportunity to “revive” him?
There. Hopefully that was better.
Wait, what? Drew and Randy just told us a poll of players by one of the Canadian players resulted in Wayne Gretzky being voted best-dressed coach. Do they have sweater-vest blindness? Can they not see them? I don’t understand this.
“Only after dragging him to the nearest cab.”
Hee!
Wait, what? Drew and Randy just told us a poll of players by one of the Canadian players resulted in Wayne Gretzky being voted best-dressed coach. Do they have sweater-vest blindness? Can they not see them? I don’t understand this.
In the same poll, they asked the players “If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?” and someone responded, “Ban Sean Avery… for life!”
I read that too! That stunned me! The Great one as a fashion icon? Really? Her?
I may be biased, but I think Coach V is very well dressed for a coach. He rocks the bling, and he’s always got a nice tie on.
“Wade Redden is Mats Sundin’s BITCH.”
Heh.
Heh heh.
Yeah.
*Langer-style smirk*
Is this poll online somewhere? I loved the last big player poll.
“If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?” and someone responded, “Ban Sean Avery… for life!”
Hee! Fantastic!
Oh, and Pookie, don’t get too full of yourself. I mean, you’re the one whose favorite player has a Scarlett O’Hara complex.
Meg, here’s an article about the poll:
http://calsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2007/12/16/4727104-sun.html
“If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?” and someone responded, “Ban Sean Avery… for life!”
Oh, if only they would listen to the players just this once!
Thanks, Heather!
Thanks, Heather!
No problem! :::coughtraitorcough:::
Oh, and Pookie, don’t get too full of yourself. I mean, you’re the one whose favorite player has a Scarlett O’Hara complex.
Um, Pookie said to tell you she’s not speaking to you.
Um, Pookie said to tell you she’s not speaking to you.
Thank you, Patty. Now tell Schnookie Ryan Getzlaf hates playing for the Marauders.
Um, Pookie said to tell you she’s not speaking to you.
Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean she can’t hear me. :P
Now tell Schnookie Ryan Getzlaf hates playing for the Marauders.
YOU TAKE THAT BACK! He LOVES being a Marauder. He might be the only person who does, but he’s THRILLED to be a Marauder for life.
Hey, I’m going to be in Buffalo in less than a week and I’ll buy stuff and support the economy. I swear. I’m going to go down to Elmwood or wherever and get a tattoo right over my heart that says “Benedict Arnold.”
I’m going to go down to Elmwood or wherever and get a tattoo right over my heart that says “Benedict Arnold.”
:^:::::::::::::::::::
How about, “Benedict Arnold… loves sponge candy”.
Thank you, Patty. Now tell Schnookie Ryan Getzlaf hates playing for the Marauders.
Schnookie, Pookie told me to tell you that Getzlaf… oh, never mind. I see you heard.
How about, “Benedict Arnold… loves sponge candy”.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stupid Ducks. Can’t even beat the Sharks right.
How about, “Benedict Arnold… loves sponge candy”.
Yummmm.
I’m going to go down to Elmwood or wherever and get a tattoo right over my heart that says “Benedict Arnold.”
Hee! Well, that’s definitely a good first step. But remember – no cheering for the Sabres until you’re fully in Buffalo city limits.
Meg, here’s an article about the poll:
Thanks for the link, Heather. Hey, what do you know! Marian Gaborik is a pretty good skater!
How about, “Benedict Arnold… loves sponge candy”.
How dare someone who doesn’t live in Buffalo anymore show love for something from Buffalo! There ought to be something written on the internet against that! (Mmmmmmmm sponge candy. I can’t wait to go home.)
Schnookie, Pookie told me to tell you that Getzlaf… oh, never mind. I see you heard.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meg, I think your tattoo sounds like such a great idea! And is a super building-block for the local economy. Buffalo’s fortunes are already looking up just thinking about it!
(Mmmmmmmm sponge candy. I can’t wait to go home.)
I forgot you were a semi-traitor! Am I the only REAL Buffalonian around here? I mean, I moved INTO Buffalo. I think I get bonus points for that. I am UNTOUCHABLE!
PLEASE tell me someone else here was just watching the Sharks feed of the Ducks-Sharks game and saw that commercial for the arena bowl cheerleader tryouts that said, “Show us that you have what it takes to be a Sabrekitten!”
Oh, and now that Nieder’s back, I’ve discovered that I want nothing more than for the Ducks to lose every one of the rest of their games. That makes me normal, right?
Oh, and now that Nieder’s back, I’ve discovered that I want nothing more than for the Ducks to lose every one of the rest of their games. That makes me normal, right?
By my standards, yeah, totally normal.
Of course it does, Schnookie! Because I’m thinking the same thing.
I’m glad I’m not alone in this! :D
Good evening, -ookies. Have you finished watching the game yet? Ok, good.
WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!
I love when the Devils kick Flyer arse. I was so happy that I finally decorated for Christmas. I even hung stockings up by the chimney with wreckless abandon.
Drew and Randy just told us a poll of players by one of the Canadian players resulted in Wayne Gretzky being voted best-dressed coach. Do they have sweater-vest blindness? Can they not see them? I don’t understand this.
Are you serious? Wayne Gretzky…best dressed?
It must be the bad TV feeds. I’m just going to tell myself that, because Wayne Gretzky’s closet must be 2/3rds sweater vests…which is seventy kinds of wrong.
I watched some of this game today (wife was trying to do some schoolwork so I had to shut it off), cos I was thinking ‘Well, Pookie and Schnookie are probably watching it!’
Were there any makeup calls for the blown one against Hatcher’s schnozz? I figured the Devils would go insane, but I guess a shortie is revenge enough. I caught the Smith tussle too – I miss him in Edmonton, but Pitkanen’s doing ok. Even Smith’s worst fight is better than Stortini’s best so far. :(
Aw, thanks for thinking of us, Mike P! Tell your wife no schoolwork was never not made better by being done in front of a hockey game. I speak from experience!
Were there any makeup calls for the blown one against Hatcher’s schnozz? I figured the Devils would go insane, but I guess a shortie is revenge enough.
This was one of those games that the minute that call was made and the Devils didn’t make a fuss I knew the Devils were winning. Sometimes it’s infuriating that they don’t complain enough to ever get make-up calls, but sometimes it’s nice to know that the team is (usually — usually) disciplined enough to direct all their rage into beating the other team.
I love when the Devils kick Flyer arse. I was so happy that I finally decorated for Christmas. I even hung stockings up by the chimney with wreckless abandon.
WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!! That’s just what Clarkson would do! This game ROCKED.
MikeP, I’m glad we were impetus enough for you to turn on the game! :D No, there were not any make-up calls for that blown one against Hatcher’s schnozz, and in fact, the Devils had a goal waved off on a bullshit call against Zubrus. This was a shameful display of crappy officiating, but fortunately the Devils were in “functionally coping with the huge chip on their shoulders” mode.
I miss him in Edmonton, but Pitkanen’s doing ok.
Sigh, me too….. Every time Pitkanen does something good I catch myself thinking “Yeah, but still…..I miss Gator.”
Oh, and Patty, if you’re still around, guess what? We’re watching a TiVoed episode of Mythbusters from last week and they did a MacGyver mini-myth — stopping an acid leak with chocolate. It worked! Wasn’t that the one you wanted to know about? I have a strong suspicion that every McGyver thing they do is going to be proved possible.
they did a MacGyver mini-myth — stopping an acid leak with chocolate.
That’s the one! That’s so cool! (I didn’t watch that show that much, and that’s the only specific one I remember.)
You know, I tried to find that MacGyver episode back when y’all first mentioned it and it wasn’t on the list of upcoming episodes. Is it yet to come?
I know I’m supposed to be wrapping presents and stuff, but I baked a cake instead.
Who wants a piece?
I saw that fight between Gator and Clarkson. I was really afraid Gator was going to break Clarkson’s arm. The way Clarkson had hold of his shirt and Gator was trying to work around it, looked like it was going to hyper-extend the elbow at the very least.
Who wants a piece?
Oooh, chocolate and strawberries. I’m in!
DAY-um, Patty! That’s one fine looking cake!
I have no idea when the MacGyver episode is coming up. I suppose I could look online, couldn’t I? I’m so lazy, though, that I’m kind of like, “Meh — surprise me.”
Oh, and don’t worry about Clarkson’s arms — they’re gumby arms. He’ll be fine!
I thought it looked like Smith was trying to cattily pull Clarkson’s hair.
That cake looks scrumptious and so fancy! I would love a piece! I also really love that cake stand!
And, Pookie, what makes it work? Do you remember?
(Those things always sound hugely simple when they explain them, then when I try to pass that along I can’t remember any of it.)
My niece was telling a story about one of her science classes where they soaked an onion in Gatorade overnight and used it to charge an iPod.
Thanks! I really basically only make one cake, so I thought I’d try something fancy for a change. It’s still from a mix. Personally, I consider that homemade, but some might consider it, well, a mix. :D
That’s okay, Schnookie, I’ll see if I can find it on the schedule. As long as I haven’t missed it, I’m good.
Patty, it was something very science-y. The sugars mixed with the acid and made some sticky substance that clogged up the leak.
I also really love that cake stand!
Thanks! I got it at one of those home parties. Southern Living Home? Something like that?
If you turn it upside down, it can be used as a veggie tray. You just fill the pedestal part with dip and the top with veggies. Clever, eh?
Mmmm, that cake looks delicious! I kind of want to do a world tour of all the IPB irregulars houses so y’all can cook/bake for me :p Everything always looks so good.
The sugars mixed with the acid and made some sticky substance that clogged up the leak.
Are you sure you weren’t watching Good Eats?
Har!
Thanks, alix! If I were the type that did that kind of thing all the time, I wouldn’t have thought to take a picture and show it to everybody. :D
Plus, it’s a big mess in there. Now I probably should clean up. (That’s the main reason I don’t cook much.)
Patty, I can see your green pantry cupboard in that picture! It looks great!
Hey, Devil’s fan’s, are the Sharks coming your way any time soon? I’d really appreciate it if you could beat them.
And don’t give ‘em an extra point.
Stupid Ducks and Sharks. If you’re going to win, Sharks, why can’t you do it in regulation? Is that too much to ask?
Gah!
My niece was telling a story about one of her science classes where they soaked an onion in Gatorade overnight and used it to charge an iPod.
Whoa! I really could’ve used that tip this summer went I accidentally left my iPod charger at home while on vacation.
Thanks, Schookie. That was a pretty lucky find. I was on the verge of settling for something I really didn’t want.
I need to take a new set of pictures. And get the TV area, too, since I never showed anybody that end of the room. I keep waiting until I get the vent hood, but that might be awhile.
So Tuesday I have to cheer AGAINST Acorns and Alternate Captain Pancakes! I’m a tiny bit sad. But not overly. My skanky Swedes still take it.
Patty, that’s an amazing cake and your kitchen looks SO AWESOME. I’m envious! I feel like I need to jump on the crafting bandwagon or something.
So Tuesday I have to cheer AGAINST Acorns and Alternate Captain Pancakes! I’m a tiny bit sad. But not overly. My skanky Swedes still take it.
alix, it is ON. :P
Patty, we’ll do our best against the Shark’s, but I can’t promise anything. The Devil’s pretty much always suck at home against WC teams…
The Devil’s pretty much always suck at home against WC teams…
Is that some kind of a crack? *narrows eyes suspiciously*
It’s on like Donkey Kong!
I’m randomly inspired to bake now too. Maybe I’ll make cupcakes tomorrow with 84 on them (That’s how many goals Matty O has now, that hot record holder :p)
Well guys, I’m exhausted after a tiring day of ranking on OFB, being elated for the Devil’s, and having all manner of anxiety because I’m going back to work tomorrow. Sigh. I hope there isn’t someone else now occupying my office or anything. (Aw, crap. I think I changed my passwords the day before I left, and now I don’t remember them.)
Anyway, good night!
Alright, y’all, I’m exhausted after all the Devils-Flyers excitement tonight. But — I’m on vacation! Woo-hoo! Of course the NHL decided to commemorate my vacation but scheduling crap games tomorrow — boo!
Good night everyone!
Night, Ookies!
I feel like I need to jump on the crafting bandwagon or something.
Probably a better place to start than kitchen remodeling.
The Ookies make me want to take up needlepoint again, but I can’t tear myself away from IPB long enough to get one started.
‘Night Schnookie and Pookie!
Sorry you have to go back to work! And Yay! You’re on vacation!
I could have sworn the Sharks had the best power play in the league. But I just looked at Yahoo stats and it’s Montreal. Am I crazy?
They seem to be some little pellets of ice cream or something that get served in a teensy little helmet.
We have these at the malls around here, only they’re called “Dippin’ Dots.”
My sister loves them, but I find them to be pretty weird.
Probably a better place to start than kitchen remodeling.
The Ookies make me want to take up needlepoint again, but I can’t tear myself away from IPB long enough to get one started.
I used to do cross-stitching. The last major project I took on was taking this really beat up dresser/nightstand set and repainting them and adding new hardware. I did it all in one day and while they’re awesome, I’m in no hurry to tackle something major that soon!
We have these at the malls around here, only they’re called “Dippin’ Dots.”
Ooh, I love the mint chocolate chip kind! I used to work at a waterpark that served them. So good. They are kinda weird though. Perhaps it’s an acquired taste?
mm i haven’t had dippin’ dots in forever
and i’m not surprised you’d like any kind that is chocolate caitlin.
and i’m not surprised you’d like any kind that is chocolate caitlin.
Uh, duh! You know, I like chocolate even when it’s without peanut butter.
I feel like I need to jump on the crafting bandwagon or something.
Dude, word. I will admit, though, I really, really love latch hooking. I buy, like, one kit a year or something, and I think I’ve finished a grand total of ONE of those. Maybe I’ll try to find the last one I was doing (which is definitely this one), and finish it. Or just, you know, buy a new one.
What’s a fun crafty hobby I can take up, you guys? Latch hooking is fun and all, but I can only do it for so long before I get bored. I’d love to learn to knit, but a friend tried to teach me how once, and I couldn’t do it. I tried learning from a book? Still couldn’t do it. I fail at knitting, which sucks because I want to make scarves.
Also, Patty, that cake? Looks absolutely delicious. Want to mail me a slice?
What’s a fun crafty hobby I can take up, you guys? Latch hooking is fun and all, but I can only do it for so long before I get bored.
I like cross-stitch; it’s fun and you get to buy pretty colored thread!
…Or that could be because I’m very easily amused.
Want to mail me a slice?
Sure!
And Cat, maybe Mags can teach you to knit. Not only is she an expert knitter, she’s a good teacher. She taught me how to do links in the comments!
that ok
i love PB without the chocolate.
I got an F in closing italics tags, though. Sheesh!
Stupid Ducks. Can’t even beat the Sharks right.
Word. But hey, I finally got to see (and touch) the Stanley Cup (and the Conn Smythe and the Campbell Bowl) today! :D
Having been to DC and the surrounding areas, especially in Virginia, I was shocked to discover that very few people in that area view themselves as Southern.
Is DC supposed to be southern? I don’t think of it as southern, I think of it as…um, DC. Or maybe eastern, if I really think about it.
And Cat, maybe Mags can teach you to knit. Not only is she an expert knitter, she’s a good teacher. She taught me how to do links in the comments!
Well I wouldn’t say that. I just knit a lot. It helps keep me sane.
Cat, Knitting Help has really good videos, the book Stitch and Bitch by Debbie Stoller has been credited with bringing about the revival of knitting because of the simple patterns and clear explanation, anything Elizabeth Zimmerman ever wrote or said is excellent, Knitty and Magknits have a wealth of free patterns which are pretty fun, and if you’re looking for a community to ask questions to, the Knittyboard and Ravelry (Ravelry is like knitting myspace, except cooler) are really good. Also, knitting is not a cheap hobby. And it’s totally a gateway craft into other things.
I knew it, 5 links were not going to get through Senor Spam.
I’m watching the game! And I got Doc and Chico! Good day :) (exclamation point!!!)
I could have sworn the Sharks had the best power play in the league. But I just looked at Yahoo stats and it’s Montreal. Am I crazy?
For the last couple years Montreal has had an awesome power play and been not so good at even strength. Last year their penalty kill was also great, but it’s pretty bad this year. So that’s a relief.
Am I the only REAL Buffalonian around here? I mean, I moved INTO Buffalo. I think I get bonus points for that.
You and Katebits both moved into Buffalo. That’s definitely bonus point worthy. Regarding your first question, I’ve lived every one of my 26 years here, went to college here, and got a job in my field here. If that doesn’t make me a real Buffalonian, I give up.
I finally got to see (and touch) the Stanley Cup (and the Conn Smythe and the Campbell Bowl) today!
That’s way cool.
I guess having lawyer smarts and hockey smarts are very different things.
They are. What I find funniest about my profession is that people who make a living negotiating, arguing, and persuading are just so flippin’ bad at it outside of the legal setting.
Having been to DC and the surrounding areas, especially in Virginia, I was shocked to discover that very few people in that area view themselves as Southern.
I’m not caught up so this may already be addressed, but D.C., most of Maryland, and northern VA are so very much NOT Southern. There are so many people from other areas who have moved there that they in no way reflect the region.
My great-grandmother was from, generically speaking, near Richmond, and we still have a small property near where she grew up. Not only are DCites and the like not Southern in their own minds, they’re not Southern in the minds of actual Southerners either. People refer to the “Rappahannock Line,” named for a river south of the Potomac, as the demarcation of the South from the non-South in Virginia. Basically, the Mason-Dixon line has moved!
I’ve lived every one of my 26 years here, went to college here, and got a job in my field here. If that doesn’t make me a real Buffalonian, I give up.
Amy, I’m convinced. You may continue to cheer for the Sabres AND the Bill. You may also continue to read and comment at Top Shelf without any jeering from me.
I love when the Devils kick Flyer arse.
I love when ANYBODY kicks Flyer arse!
Actually, we have a great old DJ-written song that sounds like an Irish drinking song and is called We’ll Kick Your Arse. The refrain?
We’ll kick your arse, ya Flyer scum
We’ll kick your arse
And leave ya numb
We’ll drink to you
When the Cup is passed
Ya Flyer scum
We’ll kick your arse
Really, it should be the official song of the NHL. Each team could have its own verses.
But hey, I finally got to see (and touch) the Stanley Cup (and the Conn Smythe and the Campbell Bowl) today! :D
zot, that’s awesome! There’s nothing like quality time with the Cup.
What I find funniest about my profession is that people who make a living negotiating, arguing, and persuading are just so flippin’ bad at it outside of the legal setting.
Hah . . . my father’s take on those three things is I’m right and you’re wrong so do what I say. Then again, my father is a real estate attorney. I believe he’s argued a case in court exactly once in his career: it was in small claims and that was after being a lawyer for about 25 years. So in my experience he does negotiate, argue, and persuade the same way in a legal setting as he does outside one.
my father’s take on those three things is I’m right and you’re wrong so do what I say
My dad’s is too! He’s an engineer though.
Just looked over the poll – alix should be happy that Phaneuf was in the “most overrated” list.
Mags, I wrested your 5-link comment from Senor Spam’s clutches; it’s now restored to it’s rightful place as comment 153. Cat, definitely check it out. Knitting is a ton of fun, it’s great for your health (you stave off arthritis by keeping your fingers nimble, you stave off Alzheimer’s by keeping your brain nimble reading the instructions, and the process of knitting apparently produces the same chemicals used in anti-depressants) and the end result is you make cool stuff. Plus it’s really portable so you can take your projects to hockey games to pass the intermissions in style. If knitting’s not your style, crochet is a little more low-key (although it sort of limits what you can make).
I personally dig the cross-stitch because I prefer the way my finished projects turn out over how my finished sweaters ended up. The problem with cross-stitch is the pickings are slim at places like Michael’s and Joann’s. I have a coworker who’s getting back into it by stitching stuff from SUBVERSIVE CROSS_STITCH (Not work appropriate.) The charts are insanely easy to it’s good for beginning or returning stitchers, but they’re also a lot more fun than the stuff you can buy in kits.
I actually had a classmate at one point who knitted in class. She was an extremely participatory student, too, so she was definitely listening while she did it. I always wondered how she got by without taking notes, though.
I had a co-worker get me hooked on knitting. We had weekly stitch & bitch meetings, where she introduced us to knitting and purling. She taught us how to make i-Pod / cell phone cozies as our little project.
I’ve been working on a blanket for almost two months now, and need to sew the pieces together, which I’m not looking forward too.
I learned to knit in first grade (good old Waldorf!) and can still recall it pretty quickly. I was like the most popular kid in college freshman year (not true) because all of my friends wanted to learn how to knit. I never learned any of the fancy stuff, though, so knitting plain scarves is about all I can do. Knitting my Ravenclaw scarf (in the original blue and bronze colors, natch) on circular needles was about as adventurous as I got.
Heather, I don’t think you’re around anymore, but I am dying about the fact that someone took your awesome post about traitorous Buffalonians seriously! I knew it was bound to happen, but it’s still way too funny!
I took a summer class once in college to fill my science requirement, and I would always get to class early and bring my knitting. On the last lecture of this dreadfully boring class, the professor, in the middle of some random point or other, said, “We have a knitter in our class! And when you’re doing something with your hands your attention is much more piqued. I wish she’d knit during all of my lectures, because that would have been GREAT for her!” I was like, “Thanks ever so much for waiting until the last day of class to tell me I could have been knitting this whole time.”
Heather, I don’t think you’re around anymore, but I am dying about the fact that someone took your awesome post about traitorous Buffalonians seriously! I knew it was bound to happen, but it’s still way too funny!
What?! It says right in the title that it’s SARCASM! I’m going to have to go check this out. (I figured it would happen too.)
Heather, I too thought it was priceless that that person took offense. I mean, you really couldn’t have made it clearer. But I guess it’s a touchy enough subject!
(I know want to end every comment with, “Am I right, or am I right?”)
What?! It says right in the title that it’s SARCASM!
[VOICEOVER/NARRATOR] in a deep voice
Do you take everything literally?
Do you ever laugh at anything, ever?
Does the word ’sarcasm’ have no meaning to you?
If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you may be one of the millions of Americans inflicted with Humor Impairment. Sadly, there is no cure for this condition, no overpriced drug that can treat it. You are doomed to a life where you will be oblivious to the fact that people around you every day are mercilessly making fun of you for your earnest, heartfelt dim-wittedness. HAHAHAHAHAHA you nincowpoop!
Two things I really enjoyed above and beyond last night’s win. First, Clarkson popping Smith one last time in the melon as refs stepped in to pull them apart (completely warranted after Smith twisted Clarkson’s sweater at the neck and slowly trying to choke him). Second, Chico’s whimsical sing-songy heartfelt “Ohhhh, Mar-teeee…” after another skillful save from 30. Further evidence of Chico’s long term crush on his favorite goalie. ANd if I had to throw in a third, its Dano’s trash talking in-between periods. It’s nice to see his blood is still up for the division games.
I feel like Chico, Dano and even Doc are all hitting their strides this season, just at the same time the team is. I think the whole new building, new coach, new captain stuff was wearing on us all.
Agreed. I think everyone is on board with Sutter. I, for one, think Sutter’s leadership from the bench (so many lecture for the refs, with generous amounts of f-bombs) is significant.
Now they just need to figure out how to fix Steve C’s hair. E-GADS! that little guy needs to do something different.
I try so hard to not look too hard at Steve C. Seriously. I think he’s a fine side-line guy, he’s got a good rapport with Dano, and he’s hilariously bad at masking his disdain for Stan. But if I look to hard at him it’s like looking at a mannerist painting.
Oh, and yeah, everyone is on board with Sutter, hugely. At least for now. I think that the Asham Incident is pretty evident of that. Can you imagine reading about a player getting in a shouting match with Claude Julien in which Claude Julien shouted back? And then said, “Hey, players get mad.” Or if not Julien, Larry Robinson? Or Robby Ftorek? (I’m finding myself really nostalgic for Pat Burns. That’s normal, right?) I was concerned that Sutter was going to be treating the guys like Juniors, but I’m pleasantly surprised that he seems to be finding a good balance of treating them like professionals and adults, as well as treating them like bratty little kids when they deserve it.
He does have that not quite natural look about him, as if he’s put together with parts that aren’t the original of themselves but copies made by someone trying to capture the essential nature of those originals. Under flourescent light to boot. Or maybe it has something to do with his fivehead and pinchy chin. Spooky either way.
Yeah, I think he has that Burns fire-in-the-belly quality. Clod didn’t or couldn’t assert himself. Larry always struck me as internalizng alot- but that might be revisionist since he stepped down for health reasons. Lou’s reticence on the bench didn’t bother me b/c I could see the wheels turning all the time.
But Sutter has handled this team pretty well, rotating guys forcing them to play “total football” as it were. I will be interested to see how the WC swing goes.
Stalky, I think you hit the nail on the head! Sutter, meanwhile, looks like if Edward Gorey’s Beastly Baby grew to adulthood.
And on that note, I’m off to enjoy a vacation-day long lunch with Schnookie. Not that I’m going to be able to look at my pizza without seeing Steve C’s and Sutter’s strangely unsettling faces leering up at me from the pepperonis on my slices.
Just quickly before I go:
Lou’s reticence on the bench didn’t bother me b/c I could see the wheels turning all the time.
I loved how Lou was so, “rah rah, boys, you’re the bomb” on the bench. Some guy would do something stupid and, I don’t know, drop his stick, a mistake that would lead directly to a goal, and then Lou would come down to his end of the bench and laugh and be all, “Shake it off, boys!” It was so… surprisingly not what I expected. It made the team seem like some ragtag girls’ middle school softball team.
Alright, now I’m leaving!
Guess who went to the Coyotes game Saturday? Yes, me… Actually me, my wife Liz, and my little dude Max!
Now the Ookies know that this is Max’s second hockey game, and his first was a disaster. Max’s first game was with the Ookies as Liz, Max and I met them at the Meadowlands… for an afternoon game… against Carolina…
The highlights of the game for Max was meeting the Ookies (of course), and getting his bib autographed by Dano. Everything else was lowlight. He was too young (6 months old), the building was too loud and the action was too frenetic. If Max could have sank his head into his checst cavity to make it stop, he would have. Oh yeah, and the Devils lost 6-0. Liz and I were gone by the second period to prevent a total meltdown.
Saturday, was a complete 180. Max loved warmups (they go around and around), the music was not too much for him, he sat through two periods no problem. Max, now a hearty 13 month old also got to use his new found mobility to run around the concourse, and he showed off his one word vocabulary by saying “Hi!” to, well, just about everyone. Max got a youth jersey that he will grow into in about ten years, and Liz and I got $1.00 sodas for youth day!
Oh yeah, and the Devils sucked!
Pictures were taken, and have yet to be downloaded.
Hey, what’s all this hockey crap? Gawd!
Can you imagine reading about a player getting in a shouting match with Claude Julien in which Claude Julien shouted back? And then said, “Hey, players get mad.” Or if not Julien, Larry Robinson?
Larry would have given Arron a hug and asked why he was upset.
I find the idea of having all these coaches with all these different personalities to talk about so unsettling. I can’t keep all the Devil’s coaches straight at all.
Larry would have given Arron a hug and asked why he was upset.
Oh totally. And then he’d have taken him out for ice cream.
I find the idea of having all these coaches with all these different personalities to talk about so unsettling.
Meg, we’re spoiled. I don’t know if I can learn another coach.
I don’t know if I can learn another coach.
It’s not actually as hard as it seems. Though I still miss Badger Bob.
Meg, we’re spoiled. I don’t know if I can learn another coach.
I know, all those different quirks to figure out. ::shudders::
Oh, side note: did you see on the Sabres site, Ruff talking about how visors should be mandatory?
Saturday, was a complete 180.
That’s so cute about Max! It’s amazing how fast they change in the first few years.
It’s good you put him right back up on the horse, instead of just not taking him back until he’s 7. Gotta start ‘em early!
Ruff talking about how visors should be mandatory
Hmmm….isn’t the NHLPA trying to hammer something out where all players now entering the league would be required to wear visors?
I’m pleasantly surprised that he seems to be finding a good balance of treating them like professionals and adults, as well as treating them like bratty little kids when they deserve it.
That sounds like the perfect description of a coach.
Oh, side note: did you see on the Sabres site, Ruff talking about how visors should be mandatory?
I saw that article. When you look at the list of Sabres that don’t wear visors, one name definitely stands out as not fitting in with the rest.
I saw that article. When you look at the list of Sabres that don’t wear visors, one name definitely stands out as not fitting in with the rest.
While I understand the visor thing is a lot to get used to, I personally would want to protect my eyes/cheek areas. You really only get one face, unless you’re Joan Rivers.
When you look at the list of Sabres that don’t wear visors, one name definitely stands out as not fitting in with the rest.
Yeah, Numminen doesn’t wear one either and he’s more in the Connolly mode what with not fighting and all, but I figure that he just doesn’t wear one because he’s old. Connolly doesn’t have any excuse.
Happy Monday IPB!
Wow, looks like I missed quite the hubub this weekend! Although I’m kinda glad I wasn’t around. I’m sure everyone was just dying to hear the opinion of a Sabres fan who’s never even been to Buffalo!
I trust, other than the blogging battle, everyone had a nice weekend?
I trust, other than the blogging battle, everyone had a nice weekend?
Aside from wanting to dropkick children, yes, I had a perfectly lovely weekend!
…Sorry about Saturday, Andrew. In the whole, “It sucks that you lost but WE TOTALLY WON! HA!” kind of way.
I’m sure everyone was just dying to hear the opinion of a Sabres fan who’s never even been to Buffalo!
Clearly, you are just a freak of nature. :P
“…Sorry about Saturday, Andrew. In the whole, “It sucks that you lost but WE TOTALLY WON! HA!” kind of way.”
Yeah, I saw that one coming a mile away. Thanks Caitlin!
In all honesty, I thought the Sharks had that game in the bag after the first period. We we’re owning that game….kudos to the Stars for coming back. Certainly made for good entertainment.
“Clearly, you are just a freak of nature. :P”
Well, yeah. I thought that was a given!
“We we’re owning that game”
Here I go with the apostrophes again. I blame it on lack of sleep.
Certainly made for good entertainment.
These days, a game without thuggery is a good one in my book. Sad but true.
“Just looked over the poll – alix should be happy that Phaneuf was in the “most overrated” list.”
Heh, you know me too well. I really was. I’ll take Edler and Bieksa any day.
Phaneuf can’t even beat up Matty O and Matty O ain’t a fighter. He’s a lover :p
alix, your opinion of Phaneuf is legendary! (Also, understandable, and probably right.)
“These days, a game without thuggery is a good one in my book. Sad but true.”
Well, there was a tiny bit of thuggery. Ott tried to run Joe Thornton, so Craig Rivet (awesome) dropped the gloves and basically made Ott eat his own face for 20 seconds until the refs broke it up. I guess I would call it less thuggery than standing up for your star player.
“Phaneuf can’t even beat up Matty O and Matty O ain’t a fighter. He’s a lover”
So I hear!
Phaneuf can’t even beat up Matty O and Matty O ain’t a fighter. He’s a lover :p
*grin* I watched some Canucks game (I think it was against the Oilers) and they kept showing him and I couldn’t.stop.thinking about the whole affair. I felt like a bad person.
Hey Devils can you really suck on Tuesday? My boys really need a win. Thanks! Love ya!
Hee! That’s funny, Mags.
Hey Devils can you really suck on Tuesday?
No.
My boys really need a win.
So do our boys.
Thanks! Love ya!
Love you too!
Oh, side note: did you see on the Sabres site, Ruff talking about how visors should be mandatory?
I did see that! And I noticed that Lindy conveniently mentioned Timmy in his example. He pretty much said, “Tim should be wearing a visor.” (And he totally should.)
I trust, other than the blogging battle, everyone had a nice weekend?
OTHER than the blogging battle?! That was the best part of my weekend! :D
Oh, btw, I emailed Karen, the non-regular poster on my last blog entry and she assured me that she was totally in on the joke and was trying to be sarcastic in return. I felt SO much better after reading that. I mean, honestly… I practically scream THIS IS SARCASTIC! in the title.
“I felt SO much better after reading that. I mean, honestly… I practically scream THIS IS SARCASTIC! in the title.”
Good to hear. I would honestly feel a little sad for anyone who couldn’t figure out that your post was oozing 10 kinds of sarcasm.
I’m sure everyone was just dying to hear the opinion of a Sabres fan who’s never even been to Buffalo!
Heh. Don’t think you’re getting out of it that easily, andrew. You’re still being held accountable for our economic problems.
Incidentally, has anyone been to BoC today? Rudy wrote a post telling Canadians to stop whining about the state of the franchises in the southern US and how it’s robbing the “real fans” of their deserved entertainment, and it sparked some nice debate in the comments. I think OFB could learn a thing or ten about the way Rudy and Earl are thoughtfully responding to their readers’ opinions and offering up counter-arguments to their points (and in a timely fashion, no less!), instead of checking for “California Fan” ID at the door and being dicks to all the Canadians and other non-assenters. I’m really enjoying reading it. I never anticipated saying this, but seriously BOC, way to bring the class!
OTHER than the blogging battle?! That was the best part of my weekend! :D
Yeah, the blogging battle was pretty fun in the end I think. Ooh, and did you see that it resulted in Leonsis linking to Katebits? Go Kate!
Oh, btw, I emailed Karen, the non-regular poster on my last blog entry and she assured me that she was totally in on the joke and was trying to be sarcastic in return. I felt SO much better after reading that.
That’s good to here. :D
Good to hear. I would honestly feel a little sad for anyone who couldn’t figure out that your post was oozing 10 kinds of sarcasm.
andrew, I’m assuming you stopped reading when I told non-Sabres fans to get lost, right? I mean, you do cheer for two teams and as far as I know, you’ve never set foot in Buffalo.
(You really should’ve been here this weekend. We were absolutely killing ourselves by the time all was said and done. I think we’re the reason people don’t take bloggers seriously.)
That was hilarious, Heather! Well done.
Ooooh, (Not) Gambler, that sounds interesting. I’m going to go check it out right now.
I just finished reading that, Gambler. It was really interesting. I don’t 100% agree with Rudy, but it definitely got a good discussion going.
That was hilarious, Heather! Well done.
Awwww, thanks. (Wait, who do you cheer for again?)
Good job, Heather! I nearly choked on my diet coke because I was laughing so hard, but it was totally worth it. (also, I’d comment on your blog, but blogspot hates me so hard)
did you see that it resulted in Leonsis linking to Katebits? Go Kate!
I hadn’t seen that, but good for her!
That’s good to here. :D
Ouch, “hear” not “here.” Don’t even try it Andrew, I’m going to sit right here and refuse to leave.
I would honestly feel a little sad for anyone who couldn’t figure out that your post was oozing 10 kinds of sarcasm.
Oh man, now I feel lame for no getting that Karen was being sarcastic. (Seriously, how could I not have seen that? Who would actually agree to sit quietly in their seat, staring straight ahead and golf clap for goals? Certainly not a Buffalo fan!)
Ooh, and did you see that it resulted in Leonsis linking to Katebits? Go Kate!
Really? That rules!
Awwww, thanks. (Wait, who do you cheer for again?)
Heh! The Canucks. But umm…both our favorite players are Swedes. Does that get me an in? Can I play with the Sabre fans, please, pretty please?!?!?
I don’t 100% agree with Rudy, but it definitely got a good discussion going.
Yeah, I don’t either, but that’s the beauty of it, right? It’s okay to disagree! I feel so… free!
Don’t even try it Andrew, I’m going to sit right here and refuse to leave.
But… Meg. This is a *whispers* Devil’s blog! We’re not even supposed to be here!
“Heh. Don’t think you’re getting out of it that easily, andrew. You’re still being held accountable for our economic problems.”
Damnit! I buy Sabres stuff! Does that count?
“andrew, I’m assuming you stopped reading when I told non-Sabres fans to get lost, right?”
I was a goner. None of that east coast bias for me, thanks!
“Don’t even try it Andrew, I’m going to sit right here and refuse to leave.”
Hmmm, so it’s a grammar stand-off you want, eh Meg? Well buster, you got it! Go!
Good job, Heather! I nearly choked on my diet coke because I was laughing so hard, but it was totally worth it.
Thanks, Mags!
Gambler, I felt kind of dumb after reading her email too. When I went back to re-read her comment it seemed more obvious. I guess because I wasn’t as familiar with her as you guys, I took it wrong the first time.
“I feel so… free!”
Agreed!
But… Meg. This is a *whispers* Devil’s blog! We’re not even supposed to be here!
I know . . . I’m breaking all the rules!
But umm…both our favorite players are Swedes. Does that get me an in? Can I play with the Sabre fans, please, pretty please?!?!?
Well… I suppose you can comment on Henrik Tallinder. I’ll have to take the rest to the Buffalo Blogging Committee on Buffalo Blogs.
But… Meg. This is a *whispers* Devil’s blog! We’re not even supposed to be here!
Shit, don’t go! I’ll be all alone! *cue Jacques Brel’s “ne me quitte pas”*
“I’ll have to take the rest to the Buffalo Blogging Committee on Buffalo Blogs.”
Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo.
(And congrats Kate! Tell Ted to get some better scouting, y’know, since you have his ear now.)
Meg, we’re spoiled.
Hm, 1 coach, 0 Cups. 9 coaches since ‘95, 3 Cups. Who’s spoiled? :)
(@@@ Couldn’t resist. Schnookie points out this is partially because the Devils, while they don’t have coaching stability over the Sabres, they do have player stability.)
Oh, btw, I emailed Karen
Oh, thank goodness! I was going to be very concerned for that person!
Morgan, I’m so, so, so glad Max liked his second game! I was a little worried for him after the first. I mean, after that game I never wanted to watch the Devils again and I love them more than anything!
Meg, isn’t it awesome that Ted linked to Katebits? Interestingly enough, though, he approved her comment in response, but didn’t approve one Schnookie and I left encouraging him to read what bloggers are blogging about blogs and bloggers in the IPB Questionnaire Project. Someone’s a little afraid about the discussion opening up beyond just DC, eh? :)
Damnit! I buy Sabres stuff! Does that count?
Well, I guess so, since that’s all our economy is. That and chicken wings. You wanna buy some chicken wings?
the Buffalo Blogging Committee on Buffalo Blogs.
Is that under the jurisdiction of the Department of Redundancy Department?
“Hm, 1 coach, 0 Cups. 9 coaches since ‘95, 3 Cups.”
And one relocation to Kansas City. Oh, not yet? Ah well, give it a couple of years.
“Well, I guess so, since that’s all our economy is. That and chicken wings. You wanna buy some chicken wings?”
I’ll buy the shit out of some chicken wings.
So, do people in Buffalo call “Buffalo Wings” just plain “wings”?
And one relocation to Kansas City. Oh, not yet? Ah well, give it a couple of years.
:^:::::::::::::::::::
So anyway, yeah, Rudy’s post and the discussion that followed was so interesting! I loved him standing up to Martle! I wanted to put my two cents in, too, because I agree that most of what I’ve read on the topic (which, admitted is almost nil) has been Canadian writers gleefully reporting on Nashville’s demise. I agree with Rudy that taking glee in their failure seems really out of line. But yeah, it was a very interesting contrast to what we saw from OFB this weekend!
So, do people in Buffalo call “Buffalo Wings” just plain “wings”?
Of course! Or maybe “chicken wings.” If you see “Buffalo wings” on a menu around here, they’re probably not the real thing and they should be avoided at all costs.
“If you see “Buffalo wings” on a menu around here, they’re probably not the real thing and they should be avoided at all costs.”
Hmmm, good to know. When I eventually make my pilgrimage to HSBC for a game, I will undoubtedly be eating lots and lots of these “wings.” Wouldn’t want to get swindled into buying “Buffalo Wings”, which I can easily obtain in California.
Schnookie points out this is partially because the Devils, while they don’t have coaching stability over the Sabres, they do have player stability.
Yup. Devils fans are lucky that they’ve got great management and that’s lead to great on-ice success. But Sabres fans can still feel and be lucky that the Sabres have the coach they do. There are lots of different kinds of luck.
Interestingly enough, though, he approved her comment in response, but didn’t approve one Schnookie and I left encouraging him to read what bloggers are blogging about blogs and bloggers in the IPB Questionnaire Project.
Lame!
That’s really cook that Katebits got linked by Leonsis!
Interestingly enough, though, he approved her comment in response, but didn’t approve one Schnookie and I left encouraging him to read what bloggers are blogging about blogs and bloggers in the IPB Questionnaire Project. Someone’s a little afraid about the discussion opening up beyond just DC, eh? :)
You don’t just expect him to sit at his keyboard waiting to approve comments now, do you? :P
Hey, maybe he’s reading the Questionnaires before he approves the comment.
Or, maybe he’s just a big ol’ chicken. After all, it’s pretty much – gasp – bloggers who don’t want press passes!
I never anticipated saying this, but seriously BOC, way to bring the class!
Crap. Time to get ourselves back in the mind-gutter.
Hey everyone, it’s been a zany weekend of choir-craziness for me, so much so that I haven’t seen a second of Weight or Niedermayer, or even thought very much about the trade that made it happen.
What a great weekend for a Ducks blogger to go internet-and-TV-free, eh?
“What a great weekend for a Ducks blogger to go internet-and-TV-free, eh?”
I know it’s a good thing you missed their first game in the lineup!
Go Sharks! Woo!
What a great weekend for a Ducks blogger to go internet-and-TV-free, eh?
Yup, I think your falling down on the job might just counterbalance the interesting debate going on at BoC. That’s a relief, huh?
What a great weekend for a Ducks blogger to go internet-and-TV-free, eh?
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You know Nieder was just waiting for the perfect moment!
There are lots of different kinds of luck.
I know, I know! @@@@@ I just feel Devils fans take a lot of crap for the coach firings, so I tend to lash out. It’s like the more subtle form of “the Devils are killing hockey”.
Schnookie points out this is partially because the Devils, while they don’t have coaching stability over the Sabres, they do have player stability.
Well, Buffalo’s just a mess of flakes and traitors, why should the players be any different? Am I right, or am I right?
When I eventually make my pilgrimage to HSBC for a game, I will undoubtedly be eating lots and lots of these “wings.”
Oh, do! They’re really one of my most favorite parts about going home. And sponge candy. And beef on weck. And Chef’s! (Juuuuuuust kidding!)
I just feel Devils fans take a lot of crap for the coach firings, so I tend to lash out.
Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t think we were trying to give you crap. @@@ I just think it’s funny how different teams operate in two entirely different manners while still winning a lot of games (I know, I know, no Sabres championships, but they have done quite a bit of winning under Ruff).
Devils fans are lucky that they’ve got great management and that’s lead to great on-ice success. But Sabres fans can still feel and be lucky that the Sabres have the coach they do.
Yeah, Stanley Cups aside (Pookie), if you told me I could keep any player who’s been around since I started watching the Sabres or Lindy, I might pick Lindy. I love him so.
Earl, all you need to know is that Scott Niedermayer is THE GREATEST HUMAN BEING ON THE PLANET.
“so much so that I haven’t seen a second of Weight…”
In all seriousness, Earl, you missed a hell of a game. I hope you tivo’d it. Torrey Mitchell’s shorthanded breakaway was one of the coolest goals I’ve seen all season.
And Corey Perry trying to fight Kyle McLaren was priceless.
Am I right, or am I right?
I think Pookie mentioned this before but I really want to use “am I right or am I right?” in every single thing I write from now on.
“Oh, do! They’re really one of my most favorite parts about going home. And sponge candy. And beef on weck. And Chef’s! (Juuuuuuust kidding!)”
mmmm…beef on weck.
I would totally still go to Chef’s. The meat sauce on chicken parm is simply too intriguing to pass up. It calls to my WT roots.
In all seriousness, Earl, you missed a hell of a game. I hope you tivo’d it.
Yeah, I’ll watch it tonight. I just got home so late that I decided I didn’t have the patience to watch a 2-goal game (so instead, I sorta-watched Ghost Rider–that took much less concentration).
BTW, Rudy tried to apologize to me for the post he put up, but I wouldn’t hear of it. I think that’s the first comment Martle’s left on our site in like a year :)
I would totally still go to Chef’s. The meat sauce on chicken parm is simply too intriguing to pass up.
Something tells me admitting to being a vegetarian while at Chef’s might make the place implode.
And Corey Perry trying to fight Kyle McLaren was priceless.
Oh yeah, that happened too. I’d almost forgot about that.
I think Pookie mentioned this before but I really want to use “am I right or am I right?” in every single thing I write from now on.
:^::::
Are we right, or are we right?! Aw, man, this whole thing was just too, too funny. I love that someone left a comment on TWC about the stomping on pictures of Ovie. It just… funny.
Chef’s? Not funny. Not one bit. OK. Fine. It’s a little bit funny. *shudder*
“Oh yeah, that happened too. I’d almost forgot about that.”
Yeah, too funny. Earl, don’t fast forward through it, Perry gets hit into the bench, then while leaning over said bench, he punches McLaren in the face (who is sitting down!). From that point on, he’s marked and McLaren pummels him all game long until the third when Perry crosschecks him until they drop the gloves (and Moen rushes in to tackle everyone to the ice). It was comical.
I love that someone left a comment on TWC about the stomping on pictures of Ovie. It just… funny.
I had to restrain myself from responding to that comment. “But they took the posters that THEY were given because THEY PAID FOR A TICKET and they – they RIPPED them and THREW THEM ON THE GROUND!” Annnnnnnd….?
Man, side gripe, but I’m still trying to gauge what sort of response there’s been to the McDonald-Weight trade. It’s really sort of crazy, because in just a few conversations I’ve had on the subject, I’ve heard reactions ranging from:
– The Ducks got ripped off; McDonald was an All-Star and Doug has been dead weight.
– A guy is swearing off the Ducks for good now that they’ve traded his favorite player.
– A Kings friend of mine is pissed that the Ducks were able to get a player of Weight’s pedigree in an Andy Mac trade.
Maybe that’s it so far, but it just seems like there’s very little consensus on the trade. Probably that confusion means that the Ducks win the trade (since the implied return is Scotty N.), but it’ll probably be better-judged in a week than it is right now.
Wooohooo! Bieksa’s cast is off and he’s started training. I’ve missed him absolutely destroying guys. And, the baby Canucks back up was sent back down, so it sounds like Louie is good to go. Life is grand.
Hee, Corey Perry is such a little bitch.
I would never even think to consider Weight for McDonald being a good trade for the Ducks if not for the return of Niedermayer. Doug Weight? We’re talking about the same Doug Weight, right?
“I would never even think to consider Weight for McDonald being a good trade for the Ducks if not for the return of Niedermayer.”
I wouldn’t either.
But hey, at least Andy Mac gets to go play for a contender now! (Ouch! Too mean?)
“But they took the posters that THEY were given because THEY PAID FOR A TICKET and they – they RIPPED them and THREW THEM ON THE GROUND!”
THAT was the big problem? That’s IT? I knew I got lost in the comments somewhere, but that was a big thing of me to miss. *dork*
Hee, Corey Perry is such a little bitch.
Hee! I actually kinda of like him (because his name rhymes with my friend Laurie’s, and I’m never going to get tired of saying “Laurie Perry passes the puck to Duck X”)
I don’t know anything about Doug Weight, but it seemed like not a good idea to lose Andy Mac, considering he’s still young and all. But hey, Burkie obviously knows more than I do.
THAT was the big problem? That’s IT? I knew I got lost in the comments somewhere, but that was a big thing of me to miss. *dork*
Mags, people were fixated on these stupid posters! It came up at OFB and TWC. Craziness. (That is, of course, why I went out of my way to deface Ovie with such glee on my own blog. I like to rise above it all, you know? :-))
And I like Corey Perry too. He’s totally a little bitch, but I’d love to have him.
I went out of my way to deface Ovie with such glee on my own blog. I like to rise above it all, you know? :-)
I thought it was pretty good art :D
I thought it was pretty good art :D
Well, I hate to get into the habit of accepting compliments from you, a non-Sabres fan, but thanks!
I didn’t know what to expect from the trade, except that I would miss AndyMac. (Ironic that he just broke the record for consecutive games played as a Duck…) However, I was at last night’s game, and his line (Bertuzzi and Bobby Ryan) were surprisingly good. Hopefully it lasts. And the Perry-
McLaren stuff was fun. I forgot, but I think it was Pahlsson who got shoved into the Sharks bench and then one of the Sharks kept pulling on his jersey. What happened there? Did anybody see properly? (I was in the nosebleeds.)
I hate to get into the habit of accepting compliments from you, a non-Sabres fan
Well then I’ll never do it again. Does that make you feel better?
Teehee, I just caught up on the Sabres-Caps fans brouhaha. Heather and Katebits, great posts. :)
I would never even think to consider Weight for McDonald being a good trade for the Ducks if not for the return of Niedermayer. Doug Weight? We’re talking about the same Doug Weight, right?
Sure, the context of the trade is very important–it’s probably not worth talking about the trade without the presence of Scott.
And personally, I’ve never been a Doug Weight fan, sort of like I wasn’t ever a Pronger fan until it mattered. But if he can become something even close to an ‘03 Adam Oates, that’s a tremendous pick-up, I think. It could be beneficial–I don’t think Weight has to replace Andy Mac by himself (not that Mac’s has terribly strong numbers to this point anyway), and that may prove important.
Besides, it may even be the case where I have to think about this as not even a McDonald-Weight trade, but a McDonald-(Weight + Niedermayer + Schneider + maybe Selanne) trade.
Well then I’ll never do it again. Does that make you feel better?
Hmmmmm…. Oddly enough it doesn’t. I think there might be something wrong with these blogging rules and regulations…
- The Ducks got ripped off; McDonald was an All-Star and Doug has been dead weight.
Hey, I see what you did there…clever.
Besides, it may even be the case where I have to think about this as not even a McDonald-Weight trade, but a McDonald-(Weight + Niedermayer + Schneider + maybe Selanne) trade.
Yeah, I started to respond to this but then I was realized I was totally talking out of my ass. I never watch the WC outside of the playoffs and I haven’t noticed Doug Weight since the ‘05-’06 ECF. I see what you’re saying though, Earl. You can’t look at the trade without factoring in Nidermayer at the least.
Besides, it may even be the case where I have to think about this as not even a McDonald-Weight trade, but a McDonald-(Weight + Niedermayer + Schneider + maybe Selanne) trade.
Exactly. And Perry. Don’t forget the being able to afford Perry.
I think this isn’t a trade that has to wait a week to see how it goes down — I think it needs to wait a year, maybe 2, maybe 5. For me, the question isn’t how the Ducks fare (sorry, Earl) but how much of a precedent Neider has set for other players to go into “semi-retirement” as Greg W. defined it on Fan House.
Oates! Heh, I meant to comment on your post awhile back, Sleek, but I forgot to. :P That was my first season as a serious hockey fan and Oates was definitely my favorite. I was so disappointed for him in those playoffs.
Doug has been dead weight.
Hey, I see what you did there…clever.
Oh it will get better, I think. BoC has a lot of fun with Douglas “don’t call me Doug” Murray on the Sharks’ blueline. I am expecting to regularly refer to our newest Duck as Doug “don’t call me Douglas” Weight.
It’s a name built for puns anyway–when he’s injured, we’re weightless; when he’s a team leader, it’s the weight room; and Deadweight is probably a name that will stick even if he’s not useless.
“I forgot, but I think it was Pahlsson who got shoved into the Sharks bench and then one of the Sharks kept pulling on his jersey. What happened there? Did anybody see properly?”
That may have happened, but it wasn’t the same incident. The one I was talking about was when Perry was pushed into the bench, he swung his stick, smacking (I think) Patzold, then punched McLaren in the gob. I think from that point on, he was a human bullseye. Hilarious.
I forgot, but I think it was Pahlsson who got shoved into the Sharks bench and then one of the Sharks kept pulling on his jersey. What happened there? Did anybody see properly?
Do you remember around what time in the game that happened? I’m watching it right now (God help me, I don’t know why. Nieder made me do it).
Hah! Puns! I’m liking this trade more and more.
So not that anyone really cares, but this past weekend was hockey-tastic! Except for my team losing in the playoffs and the Ducks losing in the shootout, of course. But Stanley Cup! Still pommerdoodling. :D
Do you remember around what time in the game that happened? I’m watching it right now
I’m not exactly sure. Maybe first period? It might have been Perry after all.
Exactly. And Perry. Don’t forget the being able to afford Perry.
I don’t know why WP is making me re-type this comment, but oh well.
I think any Perry rationale is bullshit, myself. I mean, the Ducks aren’t really any closer to re-signing Perry before next summer now. The Ducks needed to clear something like $900k in next-year-salary, and instead used Andy Mac’s $3.33M, but that suggests that Perry would need to re-sign for something in the neighborhood of $2.4M? Ain’t gonna happen.
I’m not too concerned about that, though. The rate Perry’s been scoring, there’s probably not much difference between what Perry would make if he signed a deal today (when tagging matters) or if he signed a deal next summer (when tagging doesn’t matter). But there isn’t room to sign him now.
For me, the question isn’t how the Ducks fare (sorry, Earl) but how much of a precedent Neider has set for other players to go into “semi-retirement” as Greg W. defined it on Fan House.
Well, I obviously am going to write something that’s a little more focused on the here-and-now (idealism be damned!). I understand how you don’t care about this year’s Ducks finish, but I don’t think that approach will fly with me or with BoC.
I’m a terrible fanhouser–I hardly even read what gets put there anymore. But based on the limited part I did read from Gdub, I don’t really think his description is very accurate. I mean, words like “selfish” and “greedy” carry way way more connotation than what should probably describe a guy who’s voluntarily turned down some $2-$3M in salary. I understand we want to condemn the guy, but there are other terms in the dictionary that don’t imply “money hungry”, which is a pretty misleading way to describe Nieder’s situation.
Well, first period just over and nothing involving Pahlsson, just Perry. (Also, Pronger needs to not sit like that in that penalty box. Tom keeps replaying it and it’s not good for my sanity. And hey, Nieds’ black pools of death are still pool-y, black and death-ish. Some things never change)
Thanks for the update, Mags.
Pronger needs to not sit like that in that penalty box
Do I even want to know?
Well, I obviously am going to write something that’s a little more focused on the here-and-now (idealism be damned!). I understand how you don’t care about this year’s Ducks finish, but I don’t think that approach will fly with me or with BoC.
Well, that makes sense what with you being an actual fan of the team. ;)
I mean, words like “selfish” and “greedy” carry way way more connotation than what should probably describe a guy who’s voluntarily turned down some $2-$3M in salary. I understand we want to condemn the guy, but there are other terms in the dictionary that don’t imply “money hungry”, which is a pretty misleading way to describe Nieder’s situation.
Well, I do agree with that, particularly with regard to the latter term. I’m not sure there’s a handy-dandy one-word term to describe what’s wrong with Nieder’s waffling (though I don’t approve of it). If we were German we could just mush a bunch of words together and have a brand-new term to describe it.
Do I even want to know?
No. No, you don’t.
based on the limited part I did read from Gdub, I don’t really think his description is very accurate.
Gdub (if that really is his name) isn’t talking about money, Earl. Devils fans (and that includes Greg) learned the hard way that Neider’s decisions aren’t motivated by money anymore. He’s got a) enough of it to not care and b) enough perspective on life to know he doesn’t need more. In this case, he was selfish for putting the team’s goals above his own (which wouldn’t have been the case if he’d just flat-out retired) and he was greedy for taking that time for himself without intending to retire fully. There’s no question his team has paid the price for his actions; as far as I can tell, Neider isn’t apologizing or admitting what he did was not in the team or the League’s best interests. That’s what my problem with the situation is, and I’m fairly certain that’s pretty much what Greg is arguing too.
And, to be frank, I do care how the Ducks fare this season. We’ve been watching the a lot this season because Getzlaf is just that exciting a player to watch grow into his own. We’re watching the Ducks this season the way we watched the Pens last season — too see one of hte League’s best players play. But if the Ducks win, it’s because Nieder came back. If they lose, it’s because Burke was handcuffed managerially by Neider delaying. I really, really don’t want this semi-retirement thing to become de rigeur (sp?) because I’ve seen it become more and more prominent with negative effects in other sports. I would rather have seen the Ducks not have to deal with this weird non-Neider/non-Teemu limbo. I would rather have seen Burke be able to address the issues fully, and then hand the reigns over to Getzlaf and Perry and Giguere and say, “This is your team. Neider taught you how to lead, now build on what he taught you.” That’s a really naiive way to look at it, I’m sure, but… I just don’t like seeing one player put himself so above the notion of “the team”.
I’m not sure there’s a handy-dandy one-word term to describe what’s wrong with Nieder’s waffling (though I don’t approve of it).
He’s overly cautious in wanting to make the right choice. I don’t know why we need to label it much more than that. Sure, it’s not something you’d want every player doing, but that’s sort of the point: Niedermayer’s a special-enough player that the team will allow him that freedom (once).
OK Pookie, but that took a lot of explaining. We spend enough ink calling players “greedy” and “selfish” for entirely different reasons; there’s plenty of word-choices that aren’t pre-loaded with these assumptive definitions. I mean, we could also try to call his actions “goonish”, but that’s already got a lot of already-established meaning behind it also.
He’s overly cautious in wanting to make the right choice. I don’t know why we need to label it much more than that.
I think that people look for labels because people like labels. They’re easy and zippy. So in the absense of not entirely appropriate labels–if only because one of those labels is associated with money in the hockey sense while the other is most often associated with a style of play–people use somewhat inappropriate labels. I understand your issue with it but I also see why people do it.
Gdub (if that really is his name)
It’s how he’s been signing his FH e-mails.
I would rather have seen the Ducks not have to deal with this weird non-Neider/non-Teemu limbo.
Yeah, if the choice is “deal with it” or “don’t deal with it”, I’m sure it’s a pretty easy call to make. The question isn’t that simple though: is the league a better league with players like Scott Niedermayer in it (with his talent and his indecisiveness) or not in it? Would it have been better for the NHL if Scott had never laced up a pair of skates, or can a player’s talent make up for his off-ice baggage?
But if the Ducks win, it’s because Nieder came back. If they lose, it’s because Burke was handcuffed managerially by Neider delaying.
Not by this blogger. The other guys on the ice are taking credit or blame for the season–if they don’t improve the way they are playing, this team isn’t one Scott Niedermayer away from being good.
We spend enough ink calling players “greedy” and “selfish” for entirely different reasons; there’s plenty of word-choices that aren’t pre-loaded with these assumptive definitions.
For sure. That’s a great point, and I totally understand why you would have jumped to the conclusion that a writer would’ve meant that. However, viewed through the lenses of the context of the situation, a familiarity with Greg’s opinions, and an understanding of Neider’s career as a whole, I think I’m not far off base in how I’m reading that Fan House piece.
Meg, you’re also right about labels being easy. If there isn’t a German word for what Neider did, we should come up with one!
Oh, and Earl, thanks for setting me straight on the Perry front. I had heard so many talking heads toss that point in, I bought it at face value. Me and hockey numbers? Not too good, as I think you’re all aware! :)
“Meg, you’re also right about labels being easy. If there isn’t a German word for what Neider did, we should come up with one!”
Koffegeschlagen!
I’m not saying you’re misreading Greg’s piece. I’m saying he should have chosen less-loaded terms in his description. “You know, the kind of ’selfish’ or ‘greedy’ that is in direct opposition of the other hundred times I call players by those terms.”
Would it have been better for the NHL if Scott had never laced up a pair of skates, or can a player’s talent make up for his off-ice baggage?
The fuck? Did I ever suggest Neider shouldn’t have been in the league just so he wouldn’t dick a team over 15 years later? Did anyone?
The question isn’t that simple though: is the league a better league with players like Scott Niedermayer in it (with his talent and his indecisiveness) or not in it?
Alright, that’s more like it. I think yes, the League is better for having good players, and having had the immense pleasure of seeing Neider play live in his prime, I can say there are few that have ever played that are better. However, I would rather see a League of above-average players buying into the team concept that I buy into as a fan, than see a League where exceptional players put themselves above the team.
I’m saying he should have chosen less-loaded terms in his description.
But what Neider did (in Greg’s opinion) was as bad as what the money greedy and money selfish players he’s usually applying the term to. I think the terms he used should have been as harsh as that. And I think reading his piece with even a modicum of attention would make it clear that money wasn’t in the equation.
Did I ever suggest Neider shouldn’t have been in the league just so he wouldn’t dick a team over 15 years later?
Well, I’m just saying, if you had known that 15 years down the road he was going to “dick a team”, does that 15 years amount for anything? Can a guy ever deserve the right to make his decision at his pace (provided the team is on board)?
I don’t know if that question was totally from left field.
Pookie, maybe I should say this out loud: I know Gdub wasn’t talking about money. Even if it was 100% clear of that, I still wouldn’t use the same words to describe Yashin’s holdout and Niedermayer’s.
I want to throw in an aside: Greg W’s article was probably the furthest thing from an impartial professional blog piece that I have seen in a while. We should all stop arguing semantics and gang up on him for basically writing up a Nieder-flame job.
Professional journalist? huh?
I want to throw in an aside…
That’s quite an aside! Guess I should actually go read this thing, huh?
Koffegeschlagen!
Oh, come on, we can do better than that! Ausländerfeindlichkeit? Geschirrspülmaschine? Vergangenheitsbewältigung?
(None of those words have anything to do with this situation, they’re just the first long German words that popped into my head. German is so fun!)
“Oh, come on, we can do better than that! Ausländerfeindlichkeit? Geschirrspülmaschine? Vergangenheitsbewältigung?”
Oh Gambler, I don’t know any German! I was just quoting ‘Soap Dish’. Ever seen it? It’s pretty funny.
Those are some burly words you got there though. Color me impressed.
Guess I should actually go read this thing, huh?
Yeah, I should too (when I’m off the work network). All I know is he defined ’semi-retirement’ using three terms, two of which were “selfish” and “greedy”.
Greg W’s article was probably the furthest thing from an impartial professional blog piece that I have seen in a while.
I’m finding Fanhouse to be very little about professionalism, and very much like writing for a hockey tabloid. I’m still thinking about trying to develop that voice.
I’ll just add my opinion on Niedermayer, as someone who hasn’t watched his career that closely, and who has heard her whole hockey life about his greatness and his “smooth skating” and all his Cups, and who doesn’t know that much about what he’s normally like in person, and who doesn’t know what the team thought or his teammates about what he was doing…..
I think it’s sorry.
I’m with Pookie on the opinion that he was only thinking about himself, and not his teammates. Especially the anonymous teammate(s) that had to worry if they were the ones that were going to be tossed overboard to make room for him.
He may have had the career that has earned him the right to do it, but it’s still sorry.
Guess I should actually go read this thing, huh?
I was just thinking the same thing–unfortunately I don’t have that much attention to spare because I’m trying to finish work and leave my office sometime tonight, so it’ll have to wait.
By the way, ya’ll, I’m writing from the waiting room of the Toyota dealership! Yay, technology!
I’m so glad I don’t have to listen to Oprah.
Another aside: I think you guys are forgetting the best part about that article. What about that top-end scupting/carving job that Greg W. linked to? :P
“He may have had the career that has earned him the right to do it, but it’s still sorry.”
That may be, but it still stands that the article was loaded with a whole heap of anti-Nieder personal opinion. I don’t think he committed a cardinal sin by wanting to come back. If you want to blame someone, blame Burke. He’s the one who basically said that he would do anything, at any time, when/if Nieder decided to come back. He’s Nieder’s waffling enabler. Bad Burkie!
Oh Gambler, I don’t know any German! I was just quoting ‘Soap Dish’. Ever seen it? It’s pretty funny.
Yeah, I know, I just can’t resist an opportunity to show off what long German words I know. Because I’m a dork. But I love Soap Dish!
I’m with Pookie on the opinion that he was only thinking about himself, and not his teammates.
Perhaps, but we should remember that this delayed decision was more Burke’s doing than Scott’s. It’s not like this was Niedermayer’s scheme or anything. Scott told Burke he wasn’t sure about next year, and Burke essentially said that he’d hold room for him until he could make a definite decision, but not to rush it.
I dunno, I get what everyone’s saying that yes: a decisive Scott would be preferred to an indecisive one, but is what Scott did any less honorable than how Pronger treated his contract? Or Lindros in Quebec? Or Yashin? Or Penner? It certainly deserves some ink and discussion, but the isolated finger-pointing seems a little bit forced.
If you want to blame someone, blame Burke. He’s the one who basically said that he would do anything, at any time, when/if Nieder decided to come back. He’s Nieder’s waffling enabler.
So true! I was at the post-game interview the day they announced Niedermayer was coming back. Burke basically said that Niedermayer told him he was going to retire.
“Yeah, I know, I just can’t resist an opportunity to show off what long German words I know. Because I’m a dork.”
It’s cool, I think so are most of us here.
“But I love Soap Dish!”
It seems that Angelique has a rare case of brake fluid…Bran…fluid. Bran flavor.
What the hell?
Brain fever!
I think that what Neider did is not as dishonorable as what Pronger, Lindros, or Yashin did. Can’t blame Penner for signing an offer sheet (anymore than I blame Vanek for signing one) as they were acting within the bounds of the CBA and maximizing profit as opposed to violating a contract, or being a big douche (Lindros).
…is what Scott did any less honorable than how Pronger treated his contract? Or Lindros in Quebec? Or Yashin? Or Penner?
Not at all. Those are all sorry, too. I wasn’t really comparing him to other sorriness. Just my opinion on what he’s doing now. And I’ll add Burke to it if you want. If whether or not his actions are less than honorable are based on whether he’s allowed to do it, then I’ll lump Burke in there, too.
That may be, but it still stands that the article was loaded with a whole heap of anti-Nieder personal opinion.
Sorry, I wasn’t talking about the article… I haven’t read it.
Yeah, I think Burke is really the one to blame in this whole fiasco. Sure, Neider probably could have decided way faster, but Burke basically told him to take as long as he needed, to hell with the rest of his team. I don’t think that’s fair to the rest of his club at all.
“It certainly deserves some ink and discussion, but the isolated finger-pointing seems a little bit forced.”
I think you hit the nail on the head. He’s not the debil, but writers and bloggers have inches to fill, so guess what? all of the coverage can’t be about Nieder being the greatest human being on the planet. In fact a good chunk of if is going to be pissy and angry. That’s just the way of the world.
Well, sure, he’s not the only one that’s ever done anything to discuss, but do we really need to bring up Yashin and Lindros so many years later?
What about Bobby Hull? He bailed on the NHL just for a million-dollar check! How can we think anybody else is sorry?!
He may have had the career that has earned him the right to do it, but it’s still sorry.
Patty, you and I are coming from the same place on Niedermeyer, and I have to say I totally concur.
Also, this has been just about the longest day ever.
And just because Pronger is worse, doesn’t really negate all argument about Neider, does it?
To be honest, Nieder’s sorriness doesn’t even bother me as much as Pronger’s. And Yashin and Lindros were all before my (hockey) time.
Can’t blame Penner for signing an offer sheet (anymore than I blame Vanek for signing one)
That’s true, but it still does carry some connotation about not considering how the rest of the team will fit in a fixed budget.
but do we really need to bring up Yashin and Lindros so many years later?
I suppose it doesn’t need any perspective, but I fail to see what harm there is in pointing out alternative douches. If we want to paint Niedermayer as the bad guy, though, it’s probably best to omit mentions, though.
Not to derail the Niederbattle but did everyone see that the Islanders and Chris Simon agreed that he needs to take a leave of absence from the team. They said that if he needs to seek counseling, that he should do so. Freakin’ counseling!
I bet $100 that Holmgren has already placed an inquiry call to Garth Snow.
That’s true, but it still does carry some connotation about not considering how the rest of the team will fit in a fixed budget.
I don’t think that Nieder needed to consider his team’s budget nor do I think that Penner and Vanek needed to consider their teams’ respective budgets. For me, it’s about honoring the contract one has signed, not respecting the budget of a team that a player doesn’t have a signed contract with. But then again, while I don’t agree with what Nieder did, I’m hardly saying he’s a villain either, just that I respect him a little less than I did. I never really had any significant opinion on the character of Penner or Vanek so their offer sheet signings didn’t effect my opinion of them.
And with that, I’m done with work for the evening, so have a nice one everyone.
Yeah Meg, I’m with you. I mainly put Penner in there because his signing probably violates what Patty had to say about Niedermayer:
I’m with Pookie on the opinion that he was only thinking about himself, and not his teammates. Especially the anonymous teammate(s) that had to worry if they were the ones that were going to be tossed overboard to make room for him.
One could make the case that if this is Niedermayer’s problem, it probably is (near enough to) Vanek’s and Penner’s, too.
Sorry, I stepped aside to make some Christmas cookies.
A) I didn’t realize Fan House was necessarily intended to be a place for unbiased journalistic pieces. Greg’s are the posts over there I enjoy the most because he writes like a fan, with passion and humor and without regard for what others are saying.
B) The semi-retirement situation doesn’t diminish his career accomplishments, but it does diminish his reputation. Furthermore, his reputation is perhaps trumped up a bit, since his (at least) two lengthy, acrimonious hold-outs while he was in Jersey seem to never be mentioned in favor of lionizing him as the greatest man to ever breathe.
C) In my opinion, no one in team sports earns the right to be above the team. Not Scott Neidermayer, not Brett Favre, not Roger Clemens. NO ONE.
D) What Neider did isn’t less honorable than Pronger, Lindros, and Yasin. But it’s also not more honorable. The reason Nieder’s being singled out here is there is no one else to point to. He’s the only one who’s done this. There’s no comparison (in hockey). That makes it awfully hard to bring other players into the discussion, doesn’t it?
They said that if he needs to seek counseling, that he should do so. Freakin’ counseling!
…This is a joke, right? This man doesn’t need counseling; he needs some sense knocked into his head.
You don’t get much more basic than “Hurting/attempting to hurt people because you are angry is wrong and you should not do this.” Dumbass.
Counseling. GOD. He can get all the counseling he wants while he’s suspended.-
Yeah Meg, I’m with you. I mainly put Penner in there because his signing probably violates what Patty had to say about Niedermayer:
I’m with Pookie on the opinion that he was only thinking about himself, and not his teammates. Especially the anonymous teammate(s) that had to worry if they were the ones that were going to be tossed overboard to make room for him.
One could make the case that if this is Niedermayer’s problem, it probably is (near enough to) Vanek’s and Penner’s, too.
Hey, Earl, we agree on something! I think Vanek, Penner, Sakic and Fedorov (am I forgetting anyone) don’t get nearly enough guff for signing offer sheets. No one ever considers that they are under no obligation to sign the sheet when it’s offered.
“…This is a joke, right? This man doesn’t need counseling; he needs some sense knocked into his head.”
Fer real. He needs something.
Any guesses on the length of the suspension? I say 15 games.
What Neider did isn’t less honorable than Pronger, Lindros, and Yashin. But it’s also not more honorable.
Even with the fact that his non-retirement was essentially team-initiated? I still think that’s a sticking point where I’d say it was more honorable.
I’m not trying to “lionize” Niedermayer here, but (a) the team went into this voluntarily, (b) they only pay Niedermayer for his playing time–there are inherent costs at keeping/creating salary room, but the Ducks aren’t paying any players not to play, (c) I really don’t have any sense that he was being disingenuous about his feelings about retirement (I don’t think he was out to “get” the team or anything), and (d) he has kept Burke apace with all developments as they happened.
Would it have been more honorable for him to play when he didn’t want to? I dunno–it seems like the honest approach would be the honorable thing, but I’m not out to make Scott out as a league-killer.
Any guesses on the length of the suspension? I say 15 games.
Assuming that they look at the actual intent of the action and not the injury (or lack thereof) sustained? 20 – 25 games is my vote. It should be as much as Downey got for McAmmond.
Perhaps even more, since play was stopped and Simon very obviously used an underhanded, sneaky move with every intent to seriously injure another player.
My main problem with Niedermayer, in his current situation, is that he said “maybe” and not yes or no. Penner, Vanek, et. al. said yes. They didn’t say, hmm, I’ll think about it. Y’all go on without me and just undo anything you have to do while I think about it, when I decide.
And, what Meg said about the fact that he’s under contract.
You don’t hear me saying the same thing about Teemu, do you? He’s not under a contract, he can wait as long as he wants. If he decides to sign and they have to get rid of somebody to sign him, it’s not the same thing. It’s like any other free-agent signing.
“Assuming that they look at the actual intent of the action and not the injury (or lack thereof) sustained? 20 – 25 games is my vote. It should be as much as Downey got for McAmmond”
That’s the problem, where we fans can rationally look at the incident and say, “Hmm, Simon’s a psychopath with a history. Maybe he should get a substantial sentence.” The NHL looks at it and says, “Gah…mffgh…bleh….eep (poops self)”
Now that the Isles have kicked his shit to the curb anyway, the NHL will make a showing with a long suspension. Had Wanger not stepped up, I bet the league would have wimped out and given him 10 or less.
Exactly what Patty said. He said, “maybe”. Fine, Burke let him, but honestly, other than saying Burke’s a bad manager, I think by virtue of being the so-great-he-deserves-to-write-the-rules-himself player you say he is, Earl, Neider’s earned the right to have this all placed on his head.
My main problem with Niedermayer, in his current situation, is that he said “maybe” and not yes or no.
Well, it’s probably more accurate to say that Scott said “no” and Burke said “We’ll wait.” Maybe Scott’s a jerk for allowing that, but as it was a team priority, it starts skewing a bit into Scott putting the team’s desires over one’s own (but that wouldn’t sell any Gdub posts).
Thanks for the Simon update, andrew. Bettman should give him a mandatory, permanent “leave of absence” from hockey. SIX previous suspensions, and the Hollweg thing last year! Frankly I thought that one shoulda been it for him.
I haven’t seen the fanhouse piece so I’m staying mum.
When I said I was with Pookie earlier, I’m not sure I’m as worried about the future of the league and how many players will start doing that. I’m just talking about now. Not the big picture, just the small picture of somebody stringing their team along and causing decisions about other players to be made, that wouldn’t have to be made if not for the stringing-along.
And the story that Burke talked him out of retirement when he had decided to retire is news to me. If that’s the case, then maybe it is Burke that’s sorry.
Plus, it only bothers me when we’re arguing about it. In general, I’m indifferent to Scott Niedermayer.
I think by virtue of being the so-great-he-deserves-to-write-the-rules-himself player you say he is, Earl
Let’s not say that. Let’s say that exceptions can be made for exceptional players. If Scott had suggested or demanded that Burke wait half a season, then that would be writing the rules himself.
The NHL looks at it and says, “Gah…mffgh…bleh….eep (poops self)”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I haven’t seen the fanhouse piece so I’m staying mum.
Neither have I, Pensgirl, but I’m not letting it stop me!! :P
Let’s not say that.
I mean, “Let’s not say that and attach my name to it.” Feel free to call it whatever you want.
Speaking of Fan House, Pookie, you said this earlier:
“I didn’t realize Fan House was necessarily intended to be a place for unbiased journalistic pieces. Greg’s are the posts over there I enjoy the most because he writes like a fan, with passion and humor and without regard for what others are saying.”
I thought Fan House, and Greg W in particular were at the forefront of the whole blogging vs. journalism debate (and firmly on the journalism side). Am I right or am I right? Just kidding, but really, am I thinking of someone else?
If all this stuff about Burke being the one that guided Scott to do it the way he’s done it is true, maybe I’ll ease up (although not completely– because if he’s that steerable, then that’s a whole different issue). But up until now I haven’t had that information. Are we sure he’s not just saying that because Scott’s getting flak? Seems revisionist to me, but I’m not following it that closely. Maybe everybody but me knew that Scott tried to do the right thing but was thwarted at every turn.
I should just give up. I don’t even really care, but I can’t stop arguing! :D
Speaking of FanHouse and Earl, what’s up over there? Still enjoying it and just busy?
And I thought FanHouse was just a non-swearing, non-sue-able version of regular blogs. Not necessarily more journalist-y.
If Scott had suggested or demanded that Burke wait half a season, then that would be writing the rules himself.
If the argument from here on out is going to be based on what happened behind the scenes, then I suggest the argument end here. Neither of us know what happened, and we both clearly believe in different scenarios. Since we’re not going to know what actually happened, neither of us is arguing from a standpoint we can completely back up.
Geez, how long does it take to inspect my car??
Oh, well I think Burke’s been pretty clear on the sequence of events. If you think he’s lying to us, I suppose that’s something to consider. I haven’t seen much out of any camp (players or Burke) to suggest that it’s been a sham, though.
Sticking with Simon, I’m reading as Isles’ site (they want to dump Simon for good) and a fan noted in the comments that our game was his 26th since coming back. So he’d just played the same number of games as his last suspension. Short memory, Chris.
Speaking of FanHouse and Earl, what’s up over there? Still enjoying it and just busy?
I am seriously unmotivated to write anything there, though I haven’t confronted anybody about that. I’m also in the middle of possibly changing jobs, but that still wouldn’t be prohibitive to me doing something.
It’s mostly writer’s block, I guess (I don’t want to write anything gossipy), with your touch of Sleek laziness.
“I am seriously unmotivated to write anything there, though I haven’t confronted anybody about that.”
That’s cool Earl, BoC makes us all happy, so just don’t get too lazy over there!
andrew’s right. Cut the FanHouse loose the minute you have to decide between them.
Oh, well I think Burke’s been pretty clear on the sequence of events. If you think he’s lying to us, I suppose that’s something to consider.
Has this been common knowledge all along? I guess I didn’t follow it.
Okay! Sorry! I didn’t mean to kill the thread, be as lazy as you want, Earl!
Earl, seriously, I’m through arguing this because we don’t know what happened. Taking the word of one of the main parties involved doesn’t seem the best approach to take here. I guess I’m just too cynical.
andrew, McErlain was the Fan House-r who spoke so adamantly on the side of journalistic blogs. I believe Greg’s changed his mind on the matter, and seems more inclined to think fan blogging with a bias isn’t necessarily evil. I’m not sure what’s up with the rest of the authors. But I don’t think “unbiased” is something to necessarily expect from every post over there. At least, that’s been my impression.
“But I don’t think “unbiased” is something to necessarily expect from every post over there. At least, that’s been my impression.”
Word. I’ll change my eyes for future readings.
And on that note, I’m outta here. I found a used copy of Red Steel for the Wii this weekend and I can’t wait to jump on that shit!
See you all later.
Guys, Ted Leonsis just commented on Katebits’s blog! (At least it looks legitimately like Ted Leonsis.) That’s so cool!
(Although I think it’s worth mentioning he still didn’t approve the comment about the questionnaire on his blog.)
Not to derail the Niederbattle but did everyone see that the Islanders and Chris Simon agreed that he needs to take a leave of absence from the team. They said that if he needs to seek counseling, that he should do so. Freakin’ counseling!
IIRC, in Sports Illustrated a couple weeks ago, there was an article about Chris Simon, and his “reformation.” The gist of the article was Ted Nolan was finally getting through to him, using their mutual Ojibwa heritage. I guess that didn’t work so well.
Seriously though, if Simon can get counseling and defeat his demons, then more power to him.
Amy, I just saw that yesterday – a commenter posted it on Pensblog.
Honestly, I don’t know what to say about him overall. I believe in things like counseling and fresh starts, but I also see too much evidence that he just can’t (or won’t) follow through. It seems like he traded in alcohol for violence in terms of dealing with his (demons/issues/anger?), and obviously that’s not reform.
What I do know is that it seems like he’s a danger to others, at least playing hockey, and it’s in the best interest of every other player in the league to ban him before he does something even worse. He’s shown enough signs that the next thing he does could bring the league to its knees.
Earl, seriously, I’m through arguing this because we don’t know what happened. Taking the word of one of the main parties involved doesn’t seem the best approach to take here. I guess I’m just too cynical.
Fine, but it’s pretty much Scott’s story, too. Both have attributed the timeline to Burke, so I definitely think it’s unfair to say Scott’s the one re-writing the rules. I think it’s fairer to say they are being bent on his behalf.
That’s so cool about Leonsis commenting on your blog, Katebits!
Go, Katebits! She’s leaving us all in the dust.
She really is, alix. :D
She’s leaving us all in the dust.
I just said it over there, but it bears repeating: she’s on her way to becoming queen!
If it helps to ease some of the tension around the blogosphere lately, I’m cheering for the Capitals right now! (Sorry, Steph!)
Patty, the blogosphere seems so much friendlier now!
Thanks, Pookie. It’s the least I can do.
Dammit! I knew I’d jinx them!
Hey, they’re trying to make a game of it! Give ‘em until the end of the game, at least!
Um… or not. Sorry Patty, and more so, sorry CapsChick!
Wow, Olie the Goalie just got smoked.
Still a pretty good showing against Detroit. We haven’t even played them yet. I’m not looking forward to it.
Still a pretty good showing against Detroit. We haven’t even played them yet. I’m not looking forward to it.
Yeah, I’m dreading it, even though I have tickets to that game.
Speaking of which, are you going to the Habs game on the 23rd?
No, Caitlin. Sorry. Are y’all?
When is the first Detroit game? Soon?
No, Caitlin. Sorry. Are y’all?
Yeah, we are! First Detroit game is on January 5th.