Well, here it is. The Greatest Hockey Event Of The Year (and yes, it might only be January 1, but no other game need apply for the rest of 2008, okay?). We got ourselves warmed up for the Big Game by watching yesterday’s pregame drivel – wait, no, “programming” (sorry) on NHL Network, and now we’re kind of confused about what to expect. On the one hand, everyone seems to think we’re going to be seeing a bunch of pros getting to just cut loose and shinny things up, playing under the open sky just like they did as kids (and, um, playing in an NFL stadium just like they did as kids?), goofin’ off, havin’ fun and doin’ it for the love of the game. On the other hand, this is a Very Important Game, as Bill Clement reminded us when he discussed the last OUTDOOR GAME. He seems to think that losing that game cost Edmonton a playoff berth. That really blows that they lost just that one game all year, huh? But seriously, this is a regular-season game, with regular-season implications, and regular-season points on the line. The league doesn’t want us to lose sight of that, but they also want us to believe this is just a big round of pond hockey in a football stadium. In other words, the NHL wants to have its cake and eat it too. Let’s see how that works out!
Finally, the live programming on NBC kicks in. Nicely done, Mother Nature, giving us some picturesque snow. After an intro that makes us want to throw up for its schlockiness, we then cut to Blob Costas inside the stadium, prompting Pookie to say, “This is why I moved back East: Blob Costas standing on a dirty pile of snow.” Thinking back to the bitter, bitter cold of the last OUTDOOR GAME, we are confident the NHL is every which kind of pissy that it’s not so cold that guys aren’t suffering immediate, gruesome frostbite on any exposed skin. Every time we see someone who isn’t a mummy of outdoor gear, we shout, “Oh no! His [body part] is going to fall off.” So far the body count is at Mike Milbury’s hands, and Blob Costas’ head.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, Crunchy is dead to Schnookie now, after he lamely tries the “toque over goalie mask” thing that Jose Theodore rocked so hard in the last OUTDOOR GAME. Only instead of looking cute, Crunchy’s got a floppy, ill-fitting Sabres hat that frankly, make him look like a tool. (Shocking, we know.) When Crunchy agrees to a pregame interview with Panger (which is, actually, very cool of him, and probably required months of extra work with his sports psychologists), we see that his toque looks like a hockey sock that’s been precariously stuck to the top of his mask and adorned with a Steadfast button.
Blob and Mike then try to do a little chit-chat about what to expect, and as Mike gets going Blob suddenly yanks the microphone away from him and starts shouting something about a truck that apparently was trying to run him over. Wait, we were complaining about this game? This is awesome!
We leave Blob and Mike behind and join up with Doc and Eddie, who are not extravagantly bundled up. Pookie adds to the body count, “Oh no! Eddie’s hand just fell off! And half of his head. The half with the headphones on it is fine, but the other half? No way.” Unperturbed by the carnage dropping off his broadcast partner, Doc happily tells us that Buffalo fans arrived early at the stadium and hurled snowballs at the Penguins’ bus. Nicely done, Sabres fans! We bet they also stomped on pictures of Sid and drew mustaches on photos of Malkin. They’re nasty brutes, those Buffalo fans.
The teams take the ice, and we are now gravely concerned for our favorite member of the Sabres squad; as Pookie says, “Sabretooth is going to completely fall apart. His entire body is going to fall off. He is wearing nothing but his shirt.”
Panger interviews Sid and asks him whether he feels even more like a kid than he normally does at his tender age thanks to the OUTDOORness of this event. Schnookie, as Sid: “I’ve never felt like a kid, Panger. Who are you shitting?”
Doug Allen, the Sabres anthem guy, is our favorite anthem guy in the league, and we love him even more for the fact that he is hatless, gloveless and jacketless. That’s right – he’s braving these terrible elements in just his tuxedo. It might be his last anthem performance, since this cold will surely kill him, but it will be worth going out as Pookie’s new “favorite man alive”.
Hold on. Is there no actual American anthem being sung today? We get “Oh Canada”, but then cut to Ronan Tynan for “God Bless America”. That is… not the American national anthem.
FIRST PERIOD
19:40 The Sabres don’t seem to notice the game has started, and Sid skates easily through the weak stickcheck of Soupy, driving to the net and leaving the puck in a snowpile. CheeseTed is there to punch the puck in over Crunchy and it’s 1-0 Penguins.
18:38 Thanks to the snow on the ice, the NHL is getting something very retro out of this game: the guys look really slow. This looks not at all unlike a game from the early ‘80s!
17:17 Soupy tries to make up for his mad defensive skillz by showing off his much better offensive skillz. He holds the puck behind Crunchy’s net for ages and ages, looking for his super-dynamic outlet, and finally decides to unleash a long bomb of a breakaway pass. The ice, however, sucks, so the pass is about a mile from its intended recipient and goes to the Penguins D instead. With every play he makes, Soupy’s value on the free agent market goes up exponentially.
16:42 The Sabres finally put together a decent bit of offensive pressure, but a toqueless Conklin calmly shuts down the flurry of shots. He’s probably able to do that because he’s not distracted by the hockey sock on his head.
16:08 The teams sluggishly mishandle the puck repeatedly at center ice, prompting Pookie to grumble, “This is the sloppiest. Hockey. Ever. I would be so pissed if this was the Devils playing and it was counting as a regular-season game.”
15:38 Connolly gets called for hooking.
14:44 Perhaps realizing this ice is too shitty to deal with, Sid flips the puck into the air and dribbles the puck with his stick through the Sabres D. Pookie: “It’s like Sid’s the only guy in this game who’s good enough to overcome the awful conditions.” And really, if anyone’s left grousing that Sid’s not worth the hype he gets, they should just watch that play a few more times.
12:45 We go to commercial with Max getting called for holding Malone. This particular commercial break includes a spot for some energy drink that features Crunchy in an insult-off. It goes without saying that if the toolish toque was enough to make Crunchy dead to Schnookie, this commercial is staggeringly painful for her.
We come back from commercial with Pookie saying, “The snow that’s on the ice? It’s killing hockey.”
10:45 The Sabres fans finally have something to cheer about, as the PK looks really solid.
9:45 We get a whistle when Conklin freezes a Goose shot, and we go to commercial. Pookie asks Schnookie how the game diary is going, and Schnookie says disconsolately, “Not well. I’m reeling from that Crunchy commercial.” Pookie commiserates, and Boomer says, “Really, they should have given us warning before putting that on.”
We come back from commercial and they are zamboniing. The snow is also relenting a bit, so maybe the quality of this game will increase a bit now. Doc and Eddie ask Panger if the wind is going to affect the teams, and Panger is very “meh” about that. The NHL is probably furious that Panger’s not playing up the adverse weather conditions.
The zamboni break continues. Pookie: “Nothing is less fun than sitting in a regular arena watching the zambonis. This must be super awesome to get to see it happen extra times.”
It should be mentioned that this game would be a million times better if Staffy was playing.
9:16 Doc gives us a Sid update, for those who are witnessing His Sidness for the first time. And really, if anyone’s left grousing that Sid’s not worth the hype he gets, they should try not to listen to Doc’s reverential tone right now and just go back and watch that puck-juggling thing from earlier.
7:44 The Zamboniing may have improved the ice surface, but it can’t make Vanek less of a bust. He takes a lazy, stupid, awful holding penalty behind Conklin’s net.
We get a delay in which the new fan gets to see Sid’s awesomeness overseeing the ice guys patching a huge hole in the ice. Perhaps the NHL should be spending some time trying to reel in new viewers by pointing out that normal NHL games are actually played on good ice surfaces. That’s right, newbies – the NHL isn’t an amateurish outlet, as much as this ice-patching delay would make you think. Doc tries very hard to sound like he’s super-happy to be here, but is not fooling us.
The delay stretches on, and we get to see an overhead of Crunchy’s toque. It turns out it looks like a hockey sock because it is a hockey sock. A hockey sock complete with equipment-trainer labeling on it “R. Miller 1 01/01/08”. Because that sock is going straight to the Hall of Fame when this one’s over.
The delay continues. Pookie: “This is the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen.”
7:26 Crunchy makes a great save right after seizing up during that epic delay. And it doesn’t look like his legs fall off after making the super-quick adjustment on a surprising, changing-directions shot, so we guess he’s none the worse for the delay.
6:56 CheeseTed cuts across the crease and gets a piece of Crunchy’s legs. Crunchy goes down like Bambi on ice, and the Pens find themselves going off the PP.
5:10 The Sabres show off, in rapid succession, all the things that can go wrong when you set up point shots on the PP. First Kotalik flat-out whiffs on a one-timer from the left point, and then Spacek’s stick explodes on his attempt from the right point.
4:45 The Pens dart up the ice back at even strength and Malkin clangs a huge shot off the crossbar. Crunchy hunches in his crease, motionless, waiting for the puck to land, and Pookie says, “Crunchy looks overwhelmed.” Schnookie begins, “He always does when…” and Pookie finishes for her, “he’s the center of attention.” Schnookie: “No, when he doesn’t know where the puck is.”
4:37 Roy-Z gets a great point-blank shot in the slot, but doesn’t score. Schnookie, unsure of what happened, shouts, “How did that not go in?” Pookie, explaining in a tone suggesting she thinks Schnookie’s stupid: “Because that was Derek Roy.”
3:43 We come back from a commercial after the first good stretch of end-to-end action, but instead of picking up where we left off, we’ve got another ice-patching delay. This is great, great stuff.
2:53 Andrew Peters is on the ice right now, and Doc hopefully discusses how Peters and Laraque could, very well, fight in this one. Eddie deflates him a bit by saying Laraque told him he didn’t want to drop his gloves today because it’s too cold. Pookie: “See? He doesn’t want his hands to fall off.”
0:30 Soupy throws a hit at center ice, and Eddie blathers on about what a great momentum-shifter it is for a guy who isn’t huge to be throwing the body like that. Schnookie: “I know. The momentum change has been amazing. Look at the Sabres now – they just can’t stop scoring.”
0:00 We go to intermission and are promised a feature about Ogie Ogilthorpe. Pookie: “They are trying to use this event to attract new fans, and the league finally has tons of good young players to talk about, and they’re giving us a feature about Ogie Ogilthorpe?” Boomer: “I don’t understand. But then, I don’t understand much about what’s going on today.”
FIRST INTERMISSION
If that reminiscence by Blob of his old Ogie Ogilthorpe days doesn’t reel in the new fans, nothing will.
As we wait for the promised profile on Crunchy that doesn’t seem to be coming, Pookie looks over at Schnookie, who is dazed from diarizing. She tries to bolster her flagging spirits by saying, “You’re getting a huge gold star, Schnookie, for doing this.” Schnookie, weakly: “No, no. It’s fine. I’m having fun.” Pookie: “Yeah right. Like any of us are having fun.”
SECOND PERIOD
We start this period with an update from Doc about Sid’s family. We are so relieved to hear that his parents and sister are here. We wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the rest of this game without that news.
18:56 The Sabres come out for this period like Lindy forcefully reminded them during the intermission that this is a real game with real points that really count. It also helps that it no longer looks like rink is playing like a snowy, uneven sidewalk.
18:35 WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Penguins come out for this period like they spent their intermission reminiscing about Ogie Ogilthorpe, and don’t even bother getting all of their players into the defensive zone when the Sabres are setting up. Connolly finds Soupy up high, and Soupy beats Conklin easily when Conklin goes down in his butterfly too early. 1-1 game.
17:04 Panger’s shiny pate is apparently serving to demonstrate well how sleety it is. Panger also mentions that the sky is darkening, and the stadium lights are now illuminating the rink. “It’s not the sun!” he says in his chirpy Panger way. Boomer has been bitching since the players first emerged from the tunnel that Kotalik looks like an idiot in his eyeblack, so we add a pointed “Kotalik” to the end of Panger’s proclamation.
14:45 Panger interjects into Doc’s call (which right now involves him waiting to decide whether an icing is being waved off) to tell us the hit by Soupy at the end of the first shifted the momentum of this game. We think that perhaps the intermission had more to do with the shift in momentum, but far be it from us to point that out to Panger. Or to the people who are thinking that hit provides one more exponential increase in Soupy’s free agent value.
13:46 Boomer: “Soupy just gave the puck up there.” Pookie: “You sound surprised.”
13:17 A nice bit of pressure by the Sabres, kicked off by Pommers’ one-man rush and missed shot, ends with Conklin swallowing up a puck that we though had gone into the net. Damn these weather conditions! Now they’re messing with our depth perception!
11:57 The Sabres lumber up the ice on a four-man rush on which Soupy is the leading forward. No, wait, he’s the leading defenseman-jumping-up-on-the-play.
10:38 Peters is getting a lot more ice time than we would be giving him if we were Lindy Ruff. Is this indicative that the ice conditions are so bad that everyone’s skating as badly as he normally does?
8:40 Woo hoo! It’s zamboni time again! This allows us to spend a few moments rinkside with Panger and Michel Therrien. They do not reminisce about Ogie Ogilthorpe, and we can hear millions of casual sports fans changing channels to turn off this boring crap.
NBC takes this opportunity to unleash the Crunchy feature they promised during intermission. Pookie excitedly says, “Schnookie! Look! It’s the close-up with Crunchy!” The feature starts with Crunchy, in HD, in tight, tight focus. Schnookie: ‘AH! Not so close-up! Not so close-up!” He talks in this feature about having played in an OUTDOOR GAME in college, and he says, in that Crunchy way of his, that the noise of 100,000 fans was something that was all awesome because “the noise filled, you know, your ears.” Pookie: “I really expected him to say the noise filled his eyeballs, because all I can see right now is his eyeballs. I’m just like, ‘Eyeball, eyeball, eyeball, eyeball.’”
8:37 We get a shot of Lindy at the bench, and he looks cooly-cool in his white shirt, red-striped tie and Sabres varsity jacket. Therrien was all bundled up in a goofy parka, and any reader of Gregg Easterbrook knows right now that the Sabres are going to win this game.
7:11 The Penguins complete their first shift in the Sabres zone this period (nothing really good comes of it), and Eddie informs us the weather is now dropping “snow grains” on the game.
5:26 We realize the play is sort of meandering up and down the rink, but we’re not really noticing much because this is an NBC feed, and the play-by-play on NBC is never actually about the game. Doc and Eddie are rambling on about something, and we just can’t even really hear it because it’s too difficult to focus on them and the play.
4:51 A goofy, broken play that involves Vanek actually working hard to stick with a puck that got hung up in the slot in some snow turns into a Lydman shot from the point that just cannons wide.
3:53 Pookie: “I bet Sabretooth’s costume is going to be pretty nasty by the end of the day.” Schnookie: “Costume?”
1:11 Panger draws our attention into the non-play-related conversation our broadcast team is having by talking about how he didn’t play goalie when he played outdoor shinny, and he is, in fact, wearing forward skates today — Staffy’s skates. Pookie, aghast: “Take those off right now! Take those off!”
0:00 The buzzer sounds on what was a thoroughly unremarkable period of hockey. It would have been more remarkable if the Pens had managed to finish the twenty minutes without a shot, but it turns out they squeezed off two shots (although that sounds like some dubious scorekeeping there).
SECOND INTERMISSION
Sid is the center of attention in this intermission, which is a marked improvement over Ogie Ogilthorpe. Although we stick to the Slap Shot mentality as Blob and Mike rave about how Sid fought “Albert” Ference and now he’s a real man. Or something. That’s right, possible new fans — it’s still all about the fighting, so let’s take a look back at Milbury’s foray into the stands during his playing days. The NBA can’t live down the Ron Artest thing fast enough, and here’s the NHL in its showcase event being all, “Ha ha! How hilarious! Players used to go into the stands and beat guys up with their own shoes!”
THIRD PERIOD
We come back from intermission to the reassuring news that the Penguins did not, in fact, manage a shot in the second. Poor Crunchy. He’s probably seizing up back there.
We also come back to hear from Panger about how there seems to be a 90-second window in each period in which we can expect goals to be scored. Possible new fans, this isn’t how it normally works. Just in case you’re wondering.
Oh, and this is the period that will stop halfway through so the weather conditions will be negated when the teams switch ends. Because the driving winds are clearly messing up the way this one’s being played.
18:55 After a tepid bit of Sabres pressure to open things up, Kennedy wheels up the other way and gets two half-decent cracks at Crunchy. Crunchy is better-equipped to deal with an early shot in this period than he was in the first.
18:29 Well, we guess this one’s going to overtime, since no one’s scored yet.
16:34 There is a collision at center ice that prompts Pookie to say, “I hope Sid and that Sabre both get credited for hits even though they ran into each other because they weren’t looking where they were going.”
15:13 It is now dropping fat snowflakes, prompting NBC to go with a terrible-angle camera perched high behind Crunchy’s net that shows off the flakes to great effect. Eddie tells us how to spell “grain” as he remarks on how it’s no longer snow graining.
14:13 The Sabres are cycling relentlessly in the Pens zone, but we’re watching from the “behind Crunchy’s net” cam, so it’s hard to get a sense of where the shots are going.
12:52 Yo-yo has a long shift with the puck behind Conklin’s net, during which he tries no fewer than four times to sneak the puck in on some sort of deflection play. It doesn’t work on any of the attempts. By the fourth one, we expect everyone in front to just roll their eyes and say, “Yo-yo, do you think we’re stupid or something?”
12:42 Sid does a totally unnecessary spinarama on an offensive thrust, and now we’re worried Soupy’s going to feel compelled to try to top it.
12:08 Despite having been skating on this shitty ice for almost two and a half periods, Malone decides to add another pass on a three-on-two instead of just shooting. It’s not rocket surgery, Ryan.
11:13 You know what this game has not featured yet? Clips of Staffy and Crunchy performing at the BPO.
10:47 The video cuts out, and now we’re getting a blimp’s-eye view of the stadium and the play-by-play sounds like a ’40’s-era radio feed. NBC is really committed to making this a super-retro game, aren’t they?
10:00 The buzzer sounds on the “this is not how hockey is actually paced, possible new fans” stoppage in the third period. Now the teams will switch sides, so they can have an extra stretch of the long change, and so neither team gets too much of an advantage from playing in the “high-offense” zone.
The possible new fans should be reminded there aren’t three mid-game zamboni breaks during regular games. The pace on this event today is positively torrid!
Panger tells us during this interminable zamboni break that Soupy has been wondering aloud why there’s only one zamboni. We are delighted by the thought of him suddenly blurting, “Heeeey… This doesn’t look quite right.” Anyway, apparently the other one broke. Sigh. This is the Ice Bowl, NHL, not Junior Pairs ’82.
9:26 With his value as a free agent rising with every second, Soupy starts the puck out of his own zone and decides to pass from the faceoff dot directly to Kennedy at the center of the blue line. He was probably just wistfully passing to the number 48.
7:24 After a bit of free-wheeling play that doesn’t yield much in the line of good scoring chances, we get to calm down with another ice-patching delay.
6:54 Pommers is just not quite fast enough to get to a skittering rebound off a Goose shot.
6:18 Just as Panger is discussing how the players are tired at the tail end of a shift, a puck bounces in front of Malkin, who is facing the wrong way at the point in the Sabres zone, and Malkin just flat-footedly stares at it as it bounces around his feet.
5:36 The puck ricochets over the glass and almost hits a guy who’s standing on the sidelines holding Sabretooth’s drum.
There is another ice-patching delay, this time during which Panger reassures us this is “not because of the players – it’s because this is a football field.” Really? Ya think?
5:25 Sid motors down the center of the rink and decides to fall over when he cuts between Hank and Lydman, but the officials don’t bite.
4:12 It looks for a moment that Hank is going to spend the final 4+ minutes just sitting behind Crunchy. But after ten seconds of standing still, he finally carries out to the side, and then lofts an “outlet pass” that ricochets off the glass.
3:47 The players all look terribly sluggish and slow to respond, kind of like a playoff triple overtime. So we guess this really is how hockey is meant to be played, since there really is nothing we love more than unlimited playoff overtime. Who ever would have guessed they could recreate those conditions just by having an OUTDOOR GAME?
3:24 Malkin finds Sid in front for what should be a tap-in, but which ultimately skips wide.
2:21 Panger tries to tell us which team is being favored by the wind right now, but he doesn’t sound very convincing when he says, “I think… it’s going against… Buffalo?”
0:58 Vanek suddenly gets a swath of open ice and whips a snappy wraparound shot, but the Sabre at the other side of the net isn’t heads-up enough to tap the rebound into the open net. Pookie nearly loses her mind shouting, “Who the hell was that? That person sucks!” Then she calms down when she realizes it was Roy, of course.
0:00 The Sabres get a last, feverish little bit of pressure, and Pommers succeeds in drawing a hooking call against CheeseTed at the buzzer. Eddie tells us it looks like Pommers just lost his edge, while CheeseTed coincidentally had his stick and arms all over him. We’ll agree with him that the going down was not a result of the hook, but we’ll disagree with him saying there shouldn’t have been a call at all – CheeseTed definitely kept Pommers from getting to the rebound by holding him up with his stick.
And so we go to overtime with the Sabres on the PP. But first – zambonis. Again.
OVERTIME
Before the drop of the puck in the OT NBC tries to get in touch with the weather guy again. Because we need him to tell us it’s snowing right now.
3:46 The Pens PKers are able to clear the zone after the Sabres put together some nice passing to set up Kotalik for a few big chances that can’t get through Conklin.
3:21 The Pens get kind of pissy when Vanek pokes at a loose puck next to Conklin’s pads after the officials lose sight of the puck and blow the whistle. Doc explains to us before the faceoff that there will be 30 seconds after the power play expires before the switching of the ends. We hope they’ll zamboni again.
2:30 The pace! The action! The awesomeness! The horn sounds on a weak Sabres offensive-zone foray and we Switch Ends again. Pookie: “I’m someone who believes hockey is the greatest thing ever, and this has me thinking this game is the most excruciatingly dull sport on earth.”
1:15 Connolly has us thinking he’s just won the game, but his shot after a great drive to the net sticks up in some snow and doesn’t sneak in around Conklin.
0:00 Hey! This game is ending just how hockey is meant to – in a tie! Nicely done, boys. Way to get back to the roots of the game, playing it under the snowy skies the way the Hockey Gods intended and all. Oh wait, sorry. This is going to a shootout.
We really hope they stop to zamboni between every shooter.
During the delay we are given a “Dodge Action Line” graphic highlighting the star players in this one, the goal scorers. Soupy’s stats include his impressive TOI, and CheeseTed’s show his shots and PIM. Schnookie: “Yeah, those four penalty minutes. What a power player.”
SHOOTOUT
As Kotalik steps up for his shot, Pookie says, “Oh no! He’s not wearing his eyeblack! How will he score?” Well, he easily beats Conklin five-hole, so maybe if he’d not bothered with the eyeblack in the first, we wouldn’t be suffering through this bastardization of hockey here to “decide” the game.
They didn’t seem to zamboni at all before this. Christensen looks like he’s carrying the puck over slushy gravel when he misses on his shot.
Connolly hits Conklin in the crest. Oh the passion and intensity.
Letang beats Crunchy easily on a backhander over his leg. What could be better than the Showcase Event of the NHL season featuring a shootout specialist as one of the heroes? Possible new fan, this is not hockey at its finest.
Max misses.
Sid skates slowly in and beats Crunchy between the legs on such a crappy shot that it looks like Crunchy was asked to take a dive so Sid could be the guy to actually win the showcase event of the season. Sid celebrates as if that was a real hockey play or something.
Hilariously, we cut to Panger trying to interview Sid immediately afterwards, and the mic cuts out. Well played, NBC!
Awww, feeeeeel the icy love of the Ice Bowl. Feel it!
Actually, I believe it was the “Fucking Stupid Ice Bowl”;) and while I’m getting set to go watch in a minute, I have to believe the Pens have no chance in this.
So I’m just gonna enjoy! (And maybe be happily surprised, who knows.)
I feel the love! I feel it! Because I’m watching an endless loop of yesterday’s interviews on NHL network! (Seriously, is there live pre-game programming anywhere that I’m too stupid to find?)
Yeah, what’s with the lack of new pregame? I heard rumors there was some 15 minute show on MSG but now that it’s actually pre-game time that’s not on anymore. Is the NHL stupid? Don’t answer that.
DS, have a fantastic time! And remember, this is all about the spectacle. Just don’t pay any attention to the fact that there are two actual points in the actual standings on the line. This is fun. For the fans. It’s for you. :D
I have to admit that I’m super stoked for the Winter Classic/Stupid Fucking Ice Bowl. I’d be more stoked if Merv Griffith’s Crossword wasn’t on NBC right now. WTF?
I’d be more stoked if Merv Griffith’s Crossword wasn’t on NBC right now. WTF?
Yeah, my NBC is showing Access Hollywood. It’s ridiculous. If not for NHLN I’d be flipping out right now.
I’m so excited you’d think I was playing! I love skating outside so I’m living vicariously, I guess. Re-watching yesterday’s practice, I really dig hearing the echo of the on-ice sounds. That’ll be stifled somewhat today because of the crowd, but there’s enough space between the rink and the stands that I’m hoping we’ll still get a little echo anyway.
Hey, there’s Katebits! And Meg! And Gambler!
MIKE MILBURY? BOOOOOOOOO
Is that guy really comparing hockey players to gladiators? I’m unsure of that analogy.
Cat, you didn’t hear about how they’re going to release lions in the second period?
Yeah, Cat, I was a little unsure too, but this is Mad Mike; he’s all set to go out at center ice with his trident, net and shoe to do some battle royale.
Wow, it’s really snowing. If that were Dallas, the game would be interrupted by reports on every channel of THE BLIZZARD OF ‘08!!!
I’m treating the game like we used to do the bowl games when I was a kid. We cared nothing about college football, but on New Years Day we had dips chips and cheeseballs and crackers and mini-sausages and just junk food all day while we watched games.
They’ve spread today’s schedule out just right.
Would it be wrong for me to hope the game gets canceled? Too bitter? Because not only am I not there, I woke up this morning with one ear completely clogged up and can barely hear the TV. God hates me.
Heather, that sucks!
Oh, no, Heather.
I don’t think they’re gonna cancel it, but maybe it’ll blow.
Aw, Heather, you’re a wreck!
Patty, that’s the approach we’re taking too! Schnookie got cheese doodles (a rare treat here) and has plans for some sort of cocktail. I’m all ready to watch hockey literally ALL DAY. Life is good!
Ooh, Patty, can I come over for junk food? Although really, all I want is soup. I’ve been sick for the past couple of days, and although I’m recovering fairly nicely, I still feel a little gross. I want Chick-Fil-A’s chicken soup, but obviously Chick-Fil-A is closed. BOO ON YOU, CHICK-FIL-A.
Cat, you didn’t hear about how they’re going to release lions in the second period?
YES! I KNEW I was watching this for a reason!
The melted snow on the camera is really distracting. Fix it, NBC camera guys.
I don’t think they’re gonna cancel it, but maybe it’ll blow.
Stupid fucking Ice Bowl.
I’ve got chips and dip ready to go as well! Mark didn’t seem to really want to go out but I made him.
Cat, I want Chick-fil-a soooooo bad but it does not exist in Buffalo!
Cat, I want Chick-fil-a soooooo bad but it does not exist in Buffalo!
Oh my god. That sucks, man. I found out the other day that there is only one Taco Bell in the entirety of Boston, Massachusetts. I don’t know how those Bostonians get by!
Man, it looks cold.
Where I grew up (Birmingham, AL) there’s a CFA on every corner so that was definitely a tough adjustment. There’s one in Pittsburgh that I hit up when we visit family but that’s usually only once a year.
Man, it looks cold.
Yes. My God. As Texans, we aren’t used to that kind of weather. That looks like a blizzard to me.
Man, it looks cold.
And yet, I so wish I was there!
Shouldn’t they be singing the Star-Spangled Banner? Also, I’m ashamed to say that I really don’t know this song that well.
Ooh, Patty, can I come over for junk food?
Sure! Although I’m not going that far out. Just a pepper-jack cheeseball and some Hidden Valley ranch dip. And Diet Coke after Diet Coke. :D
Shouldn’t they be singing the Star-Spangled Banner? Also, I’m ashamed to say that I really don’t know this song that well.
1. Yes. 2. No
Patty, I can bring…Um…I have half a bag of pretzels.
Ronan Tyne always sings God Bless America. It’s his thing.
I think this is fun.
I’m just glad they didn’t say “Mick McGeough” in the list of referees. Dude, that would RUIN this game for me.
Shouldn’t they be singing the Star-Spangled Banner? Also, I’m ashamed to say that I really don’t know this song that well.
This is covered in the game diary, but yes, yes they should of sung the Star Spangled Banner. And you shouldn’t be ashamed to not know “God Bless America” because it is NOT our national anthem. I feel very, very strongly about this so I will stop talking just after I take a moment to say that Doug Allen does a really mean “Star Spangled Banner” and I’m really bummed that we didn’t get to hear it.
ALREADY?! Kudos to you, Pens.
WOW!!!! YES!!
Sorry Sabres folks.
Sign that Brian Campbell for millions!
Ladies and gentlemen, our “number one defensive pairing!”
As long as you don’t bring your cold, Cat. :P
Bah, I just got a telling off from my dad for yelling at the TV (wow, Pens, 21 seconds? Soupy, are you serious?), so I’m upstairs behind the computer listening to the game instead. Apparently I was scaring the kids.
I cannot believe Kotalik is wearing eye black.
As long as you don’t bring your cold, Cat. :P
I’ll be sure to leave that at home. ;)
Also, a half inch of snow on the ice? I cannot even begin to imagine skating on that at the speed these guys are going.
Bah, I just got a telling off from my dad for yelling at the TV (wow, Pens, 21 seconds? Soupy, are you serious?), so I’m upstairs behind the computer listening to the game instead. Apparently I was scaring the kids.
What?? Yelling at the TV is like, what you’re SUPPOSED to do during sporting events!
I cannot believe Kotalik is wearing eye black.
A bunch of them were wearing it at the skate yesterday, but Al’s the only one I’ve seen in it so far today. It does seem kind of weird but I guess it does help with any glare.
What a play by Sid.
Yelling at the TV is like, what you’re SUPPOSED to do during sporting events!
I know right! My cousins get away with running around screaming during the Outback Bowl and I don’t get to yell at Sidney during the Winter Classic. Boo!
I hate that they used the Edge template with the rounded bottoms (makes the stripes look weird) but those are some gorgeous jerseys if I do say so myself. I so wish we were still wearing them.
What a play by Sid.
No kidding! This game blows, but Sid is sure putting on a show. He’s toying with everyone — including his teammates!
those are some gorgeous jerseys if I do say so myself. I so wish we were still wearing them.
Word.
When we were at the NHL store I seriously considered buying one of the Penguins ones (it looks a lot like my old team’s sweater, but we didn’t have any yellow in them) because they’re so pretty. And expensive. *sigh*
He’s toying with everyone — including his teammates!
Big Cat Sid!
Oh my word, I’ve been so wrapped up in hockey lately that I’ve totally forgotten about football. I’m hoping for greatness for my Cowboys.
Did y’all see the Verizon commercial at the beginning? Hilarious.
those are some gorgeous jerseys if I do say so myself.
I want one of the Penguins ones REALLY badly. I think they’re adorable.
Not many of them are wearing the hoodie things today, either. Probably just seeing how they feel and maybe add it later.
Mags, I don’t know if you saw my comment in one of the threads yesterday, but apparently the Pens organization is thinking of making the blues a third uniform.
The Sabres should do the same thing – I miss that old non-Barney-Rubble logo.
I want one of the Penguins ones REALLY badly. I think they’re adorable.
You guuu-uuuuys! I wasn’t talking about the Penguins jerseys! (They are pretty awesome though.)
I want one of the Penguins ones REALLY badly. I think they’re adorable.
If I lived closer I’d timeshare one with you :P
Downstairs is complaining about snow. Radio has no snow. Is it still snowing? (Mom just went “Mags plays in the snow sometimes” and my aunt was all “But she’s not cool like the Sabres”. Thanks auntie. Thanks so much)
I’m hoping for greatness for my Cowboys.
Mfmph mfmph. (That’s me trying to keep my mouth shut about the Cowboys.) :P
The Sabres should do the same thing – I miss that old non-Barney-Rubble logo.
The blue vintage was their third last year and as far as I know, will continue to be. I thought I liked them better than the vintage white but now I’m not sure. It’s just so… pretty!
The Edge system dictates no third jerseys, no?
You guuu-uuuuys! I wasn’t talking about the Penguins jerseys!
If I had money I’d buy them both. But y’know, the way I wear jerseys (usually instead of a coat), a white one would just get super dirty.
You guuu-uuuuys! I wasn’t talking about the Penguins jerseys! (They are pretty awesome though.)
I like the Sabres jersey too!! I just think that shade of blue flatters me more than any color on the Sabres jerseys. ;)
Mags, you’re cooler than the Sabres (and the Pens).
I’m hoping for greatness for my Cowboys.
PAAAATRIIIIOOOOOOTS. (that is all. I promise I will never mention NFL again in this forum if I can help it)
The Edge system dictates no third jerseys, no?
Last I heard that was just for this season for I don’t know, clarity’s sake? As far as I know, thirds are supposed to return next season.
One thing is certain – there will be no third Devils jersey :)
Mags, you are way cooler than the Sabres and the Pens, and your aunt is obviously not.
Part of me is like “Man, it would be awesome to be there.” The other part of me is like “GOD, IT LOOKS SO COLD.”
The Edge system dictates no third jerseys, no?
I think just this, its first, year. Next year teams can add them.
I think.
One thing is certain – there will be no third Devils jersey :)
One of the many, many, many reasons I’m proud to be a Devils fan!
Thank you, Pensgirl :)
thirds are supposed to return next season.
That’s what I heard.
I managed to sneak my red jersey onto the front of a prominent astronomy blog – such pride!
Q: With the release of the throwback jerseys for the Winter Classic and the success of third jerseys in the past, will these become third jerseys for the Pens?
MOLINARI: The thinking among Penguins officials seems to be that the sweaters they will wear in tomorrow’s outdoor game in Buffalo are a clear favorite to be the team’s next third jersey, although there is no word on the season in which they would be introduced. Part of the reason for that uncertainty might be that they don’t know whether the league will require them to go through the same procedure that’s employed when a team is doing a start-from-scratch uniform change.
When that happens, the league requires a year’s notice — with July 15 the key date — before a club can begin using a new jersey. That’s presumably done for the benefits of retailers, so they have 12 months to unload merchandise before it becomes outdated. Because the uniforms the Penguins will wear tomorrow already will have debuted and would be a third jersey rather than replacing one currently in use, it’s conceivable that the league would waive, or at least relax, its usual procedures.
The NHL, by the way, barred teams from using third jerseys this season because it issued every club new uniforms a few months back.
One thing is certain – there will be no third Devils jersey :)
As it should be.
I love that they just said “Some of you may be seeing Sidney Crosby play for the first time blah blah blah Sidneycakes”. It never occurred to me that non-hockey fans might be watching this.
The lack of 3rd jerseys was the ONE positive I was taking out of the new uniforms.
I managed to sneak my red jersey onto the front of a prominent astronomy blog – such pride!
Oooh! That’s awesome! How’d you swing that?
Part of me is like “Man, it would be awesome to be there.” The other part of me is like “GOD, IT LOOKS SO COLD.”
That’s actually part of WHY I want to be there. In college, there was only one cold football game that I didn’t enjoy being at. Freezing with thousands of other people brings you all together for a fun shared experience.
It never occurred to me that non-hockey fans might be watching this.
Me neither. We’re (ok, I’m not) watching it with the whole family, and all of them know hockey, but some of the kids are really little and have never heard of any teams other than the Habs or the Sabres. So Sidney Crosby was a complete stranger (and then their minds were blown. My 6 year old cousin wants to skate cool like he does and the 8 year old hates his guts)
(and thank you Cat, youse superduper cool too. As is Pensgirl)
The lack of 3rd jerseys was the ONE positive I was taking out of the new uniforms.
Well, that’s fine for those of you have you don’t have puketastic first jerseys. Some of us have to live for the thirds.
I love that they just said “Some of you may be seeing Sidney Crosby play for the first time blah blah blah Sidneycakes”. It never occurred to me that non-hockey fans might be watching this.
I told my sister in Tulsa the game is on and she tuned in just in time for that…
She texted me: “Did you see that about his birthday? Crazy! ”
Maybe it’s working!
The author was looking for photos of his book in odd places – Edinburgh’s royal observatory seemed to fit the bill!
http://www.badastronomy.com/bablog/2007/12/19/where-has-the-ba-book-been-part-iv/
But I’m a Texan!! We get about an inch of snow every five years. That looks FREEZING up there.
Well, that’s fine for those of you have you don’t have puketastic first jerseys. Some of us have to live for the thirds.
I know, I know. I’m happy for you that you’ll get to see nice sweaters a few times a year next season, but I find 3rd jerseys to be so insulting in concept.
Poor ice guy.
CBC seems to be doing a prety good job :0 they’re showing a lot of the fans’ signs and jerseys in the crowd :D while the ice is being fixed…that hole in the ice is hilarious XD
the sabres are taking a lot of penalties =( that first one seemed kind of borderline…
I told my sister in Tulsa the game is on and she tuned in just in time for that…
She texted me: “Did you see that about his birthday? Crazy! ”
Maybe it’s working!
Hee, I just got a phone call from one of my friends and she basically said the same thing. “He’s CAPTAIN? And he’s TWENTY?!”
I told my sister in Tulsa the game is on and she tuned in just in time for that…
She texted me: “Did you see that about his birthday? Crazy! ”
Maybe it’s working!
That’s so cute of your sister! Sidney Crosby…bringing families together.
some of the kids are really little and have never heard of any teams other than the Habs or the Sabres. So Sidney Crosby was a complete stranger (and then their minds were blown. My 6 year old cousin wants to skate cool like he does and the 8 year old hates his guts
Sidney Crosby…tearing families apart.
(and by the way, Mags, I assume the 8YO is crazy. :P)
Iain wins.
Speaking of snow, I think I’m going to build a snowman in the intermission and put my mom’s Winter Classic hat on it.
I love that they just said “Some of you may be seeing Sidney Crosby play for the first time blah blah blah Sidneycakes”.
Our sister, Kate the Great, was here at Stately IPB Manor for some of the playoffs last year and got to see Sid play. She’s not a big sports fan but was completely entranced by his play. She’s since reported that whenever the topic of sports or hockey comes up with non-hockey fans, she gives them a lecture about how one of the best athletes of our generation is playing now and no one knows because he plays hockey. So it’s definitely working!
I know, I know. I’m happy for you that you’ll get to see nice sweaters a few times a year next season, but I find 3rd jerseys to be so insulting in concept.
Pookie, I’m with you in theory. I would be much more adamant however if our third jersey wasn’t the best.
the sabres are taking a lot of penalties =(
That’s our thing lately.
Hank laughs at the idea that this is cold:
http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hankaticebowlbk0.jpg
I really wish this game was on over here. We don’t get to see it until tomorrow evening. I tried streaming it through the CBC website, but my usually dependable proxies aren’t letting the video through. It’s not fair!
the sabres are taking a lot of penalties =(
I noticed that. Some control might help with the winning.
Sidney Crosby…tearing families apart.
(and by the way, Mags, I assume the 8YO is crazy. :P)
And the Flutter threw out the “we used to know him” bomb and now I have a kid sitting on my lap wishing for stories (“game? what game? Tell me about Mr Sidney!”).
Marieke typed this. (sorry, she had to)
(the 8YO is a BIG BIG BIG Crunchy fan. He hates all scorers)
Wow, these announcers get REALLY excited.
Iain, that’s SO COOL!
Nice pic, Heather! Have either of the goalies emulated Theodore’s toque from last time?
That’s a heartwarming winter wonderland type picture Heather :D
Iain do you have sopcast?
as an aside, I really don’t think players should be trying slapshots on this ice!
she gives them a lecture about how one of the best athletes of our generation is playing now and no one knows because he plays hockey
I’ve gotten so used to my hockey city that I forget someone might not know who Sidney Crosby is. I can’t even imagine! When my mom and brother came up for the summer and we visited Pittsburgh I was shocked they didn’t know who Sid was.
Hank laughs at the idea that this is cold:
I <3 laughing Hank. Smile Hank! Smile!
Iain, Miller is wearing a toque on top of his helmet.
@Vinny – no – is it quick & easy to set up? (downloading in background as we speak)
I tried streaming it through the CBC website, but my usually dependable proxies aren’t letting the video through. It’s not fair!
Iain, this game was been… um… well, let’s just say the play is super sloppy and there’s been lengthy ice delays. You’ll be better off watching it on tape delay, trust me.
And the Flutter threw out the “we used to know him” bomb and now I have a kid sitting on my lap wishing for stories (”game? what game? Tell me about Mr Sidney!”).
Hee! Cute.
(the 8YO is a BIG BIG BIG Crunchy fan. He hates all scorers)
Well, OK. He can like sister Crosby. :)
It’s gotta be more entertaining than the alternative – in the absence of hockey, Natalie is now firing up her Alias DVDs. Bugger.
@Heather – kudos to Mr Miller, then :)
I haven’t decided who I want to win, but I want a Buffalo goal at least, just to hear the crowd.
It’s gotta be more entertaining than the alternative
Salient, salient point! Thanks for reminding me it is hockey and hockey is better that not-hockey!
I want a Buffalo goal at least, just to hear the crowd.
Yes. I suspect the noise would rock. their. world.
Iain, Miller is wearing a toque on top of his helmet.
Not just any toque – one made out of a hockey sock!
Miller’s Hat
the toque on top of the helmet is adorkable :D i remeber theodore did it too.
Iain – yes it is, it’s easy to install. and then you can click here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhl-hockey
:) it should open sopcast =/ that’s a CBC stream, but if it doesn’t work, i can get a NBC feed for you :0
I haven’t decided who I want to win, but I want a Buffalo goal at least, just to hear the crowd.
ME TOO! I was just telling Mags I don’t know who to cheer for! I find myself subconsciously cheering for the Sabres, which is strange bc theoretically I’m supposed to not like divisional rivals. I love Jordan Staal, but the rest of the Penguins team… :x
Sorry Iain, I meant this one:
sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/22668 :)
Vinny – installed and ready to go, but that stream is showing as Off Air. Any chance of that NBC stream?
I was just telling Mags I don’t know who to cheer for! I find myself subconsciously cheering for the Sabres, which is strange bc theoretically I’m supposed to not like divisional rivals.
And I was saying that I was having the same problem. Guess I’m not having a feud with the Penguins anymore eh? (happy now, Pensgirl? :P)
Ah – a slightly better result this time! It’s connected through sopcast, but is just a black screen. D’oh!
Doug Allen, the Sabres anthem guy, is our favorite anthem guy in the league, and we love him even more for the fact that he is hatless, gloveless and jacketless.
Awww, that makes me so happy! I love Doug Allen and I was so glad they let him sing something instead of letting Ronan Tynan do everything. I’d much rather hear Dougie sing.
Not just any toque – one made out of a hockey sock!
I miss the old socks. The new ones are all shiny and never look neat.
happy now, Pensgirl? :P
Yes! I need an ally!
:x would this one be better?
sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/36000?
I miss the old socks.
Me too!
Heather, Doug Allen is totally the best! I wish he could sign the anthem before every game for every team!
:0 Mags! What happened to divisional rivalry :P?
let’s try again: sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/36000
i tried on my sopcast, and it works… it’s supposed to be channel 36000 ohio sports :x
What happened to divisional rivalry :P?
I tried! Their jerseys are so pretty!
I miss the old socks.
Me three (four? five? number)
Awwww, Hank’s so cute! It turns out I’m cheering for Buffalo. I did the old first goal scored test.
I LOVE Jim Hughson. I would seriously marry that dude. Don Cherry on the other hand can go take a slapshot to the head.
…the guys look really slow. This looks not at all unlike a game from the early ‘80s!
Wait! Don’t you mean the Golden Age? That we’re all so desperately trying to recreate?
Heather, Doug Allen is totally the best! I wish he could sign the anthem before every game for every team!
I felt kind of dumb because everyone in Buffalo was hysterical about Ronan Tynan possibly singing and I kept saying to Mark over and over, “But what about Dougie? Does Dougie get to sing?!” I’m so glad you guys like him.
We’re watching CBC so I totally missed this Ryan Miller commercial. Somebody better YouTube that baby.
IT LOOKS SO COLD THERE, YOU GUYS.
i don’t know alix, sometimes the guy can be pretty damn funny.
me too I think. maybe just for today I’ll cheer for the Sabres… i found myself cheering for them to kill all their PKs =/
Uh-oh, Soupy’s price just went a million.
i’m so officially cheering for the Sabres.
YAY BUFFALO :D
what a crowddd :000
Ah, I forgot to check back here! Eek! I blame my horrid New Years illness (not a hangover) that causes everything to look shiny and sparkly and dizzy when I stand.
Anyhow, I am not sure if someone else said this, but the CBC had a great live pregame on for about 45 minutes. They went to the old Sabres arena, spoke much about Buffalo, and hardly mentioned the Penguins.
Damn it, I get up and the frickin’ Sabres score. That’s it, I’m sitting down until the end of the 3rd.
Yay Buffalo!! I seriously think I’m neutral on this game. I said a halfhearted “yay” when the Penguins scored, and I said a halfhearted “yay” when Buffalo scored. It could also be the cold medicine.
WHY SOUPY?
Heather, you know you’re in trouble when instead of a hearty “WOOOO!” you give a “fucking contract”!
YAY SOUPY :D
i mean. i dunno. i’m kind of indifferent as to who scored. but yay buffalo :D
Vinny – result! Thanks!
Heather, you know you’re in trouble when instead of a hearty “WOOOO!” you give a “fucking contract”!
:-D Soupy and I are broken up right now so it’s tough. I’m going to focus on Timmy’s perfect pass. Who couldn’t score off that pass really?
Ookies, I’m sure the name/dated hockey sock toque will be auctioned off for Steadfast if that makes you feel any better about it. I know that’s where the helmet is going.
I seriously think I’m neutral on this game.
That’s OK. Of course I’m biased, but it’s not like either of these teams is inherently evil or anything. One thing that’s nice about this game, I think, is that people can choose who to root for, rather than against (although I realize that there are people who hate us just because of Sid, but they are stupid and don’t count).
I’m sure the name/dated hockey sock toque will be auctioned off for Steadfast
I believe he did say that on the NHLN show yesterday.
I think the Crosby hate stems from media overhype and forcefeeding him down our throats… :( which is really unfortunate.
wow..:0 the sabres really have a lot of energy…it’s a better pace now.
Of course I’m biased, but it’s not like either of these teams is inherently evil or anything.
Uh… Ask any Atlantic Division rival about the Pens or any Northeast Division rival about the Sabres. :)
I think I’m slightly in favor of Buffalo, just to take advantage of the crowd.
But I’m okay if Sid scores all he wants.
Pookie – good point, well made :)
On that standard every team is evil. I’m talking Rangers/Wings evil, or Flyer-thuggism evil.
I think the Crosby hate stems from media overhype and forcefeeding him down our throats… :( which is really unfortunate.
I think that’s definitely it. It was the case at our house for a while until we realized, wait a second! Sidney Crosby is really, really good! And a nice kid! You do have to get through all the media noise though.
No offense to ER fans, but is that show still on??
On that standard every team is evil. I’m talking Rangers/Wings evil, or Flyer-thuggism evil.
Evil is the eye of the beholder. In my experience, Caps fans find your team Rangers/Wings evil, and Canes and Leafs fans find the Sabres Ranger/Wings evil. It’s an awful lot to assume that since you don’t have a problem with the Sabres and Pens that no one does. Personally, as a Devils fan, I find the Pens (Sid aside) evil because, among other reasons, I really don’t like Mario.
No offense to ER fans, but is that show still on??
I know! I have a friend who still watches it and I’m like, “Wait, you refuse sports but you’ll watch ER do the same thing season after season?!? WTF?”
Hmmmm, I was kind of hoping Pommers or Goose would score instead of Soupy but meh. It was a nice play.
Oh and I randomly love Nathan Paestch. What a nice poke check a few minutes ago. I know nothing about him though. He might normally be ghastly.
Okay, I’m ready for this game to be over now. My head hurts and I want to go back to bed.
My Pens beef is more along an Armstrong & Ruutu line. Every team is evil to someone…
alix, Paestch is awesome because his nickname is “Patches”. How awesome is that? Patches! I want to call all my favorite players “Patches”.
Oh my god, I want that Zamboni Crossing sign. I’d hang it in my living room.
Every team is evil to someone…
Yup! Except the Devils, right Iain? Our team is perfect! :)
Caps fans find your team Rangers/Wings evil, and Canes and Leafs fans find the Sabres Ranger/Wings evil.
actually, i think Leaf fans don’t really have an “evil” rivalry with the Sabres… i mean, obviously it’s there, but it’s not evil so much as the Sens or the Habs.
or it could be bc i’m trying to rationalize why i’m cheering for the Sabres right now. :P
Oh and I randomly love Nathan Paestch. What a nice poke check a few minutes ago. I know nothing about him though. He might normally be ghastly.
Let’s just say I did a double-take when I heard “A great defensive play by Nathan Paetsch!” Doesn’t happen often :D
And word on ER. I’ve heard it got pretty good again a few seasons ago but I can’t even imagine watching a show after every single person who started out on it is gone.
Absolutely! Who could possibly have any reason to dislike any of our lot? Why, I was surprised that Cam didn’t get a write-in start for the All Star game!
actually, i think Leaf fans don’t really have an “evil” rivalry with the Sabres… i mean, obviously it’s there, but it’s not evil so much as the Sens or the Habs.
Ha! Ha! Even the Leafs fan loves the Sabres! Just because everyone hates your team for killing hockey, it doesn’t mean everyone else is hated too! :PPPP
I want that Zamboni Crossing sign.
Like this one?
Oh my god, I want that Zamboni Crossing sign.
Me too! I love it! It even has little Zambonis following the big one.
Why, I was surprised that Cam didn’t get a write-in start for the All Star game!
:^::::::::::::::::::::
Just because everyone hates your team for killing hockey, it doesn’t mean everyone else is hated too! :PPPP
Touche!
>:E
Someone want to show the Pens where the Sabres goal is?
It’s an awful lot to assume that since you don’t have a problem with the Sabres and Pens that no one does.
I never said anything remotely like that. But the divisions they play in, and the couple of teams who have rivalries or perceived rivalries, are not the league as a whole. Neither of these teams equates to league-wide hate, and that’s a fact rather than an opinion. They aren’t treated by fans across the league the way the Rangers or the Wings are as a whole. That is the point. If you’re looking for a team that nobody hates, you’re going to be searching an awful long time.
Every team is evil to someone…
I certainly don’t dispute that, Ian. My point, in saying “neither of these teams is inherently evil,” is that neither of them is viewed as such by the majority of fans in the sport. In the context of (regular, not-American) football, I’m basically just saying that neither of these teams is the Manchester United.
I think a good strategy would be to wing the puck down the ice, because it never gets all the way to the end for icing.
And no whistles to clear it.
I think a good strategy would be to wing the puck down the ice, because it never gets all the way to the end for icing.
Depends. Conks just did it.
Conks just did it.
Well, except for him. :D
That Zamboni sign you found is similar, Mags, but the one they have at the game has a family of Zambonis crossing. :D
I never said anything remotely like that.
You didn’t think you said anything remotely like that. But your original comment did not convey what you ultimately meant. If you want to be speaking as hockey fans as a whole, you better make sure we’re all on the same page first.
Well, I figured using the word “inherently” did convey my meaning without taking up an entire page of text. From now on, I’ll be sure to spell out what I’m saying.
the one they have at the game has a family of Zambonis crossing
Clearly that is MUCH cooler than the sign I found.
I’m falling asleep. Hey Penguins and Sabres, BE MORE EXCITING.
I like Bob Costas. He is about as well-spoken as they come.
I certainly don’t dispute that, Ian.
Sorry, Iain, my fingers did not cooperate when I went to type your name. My bad! @@@@
No worries, not the first time and certainly won’t be the last! :)
Yuck, Jordan Staal closeup on camera triggers my gag reflex.
And there’s a guy named Albert Ference on the Bruins, who knew?
I thought I imagined that! He should change his name to Albert – it’s somehow funnier.
the second period was infinitely more exciting than the first i think :0 faster pace?
hahaha i love CBC is showing the second period show? two-thirds show? x.x no idea. NBC’s doing commentary. XD
I’m sure! I also have a name that is frequently misspelled, and I appreciate it when people notice their mistake and make the correction. Just practicin’ what I preach. :)
Jordan Staal closeup on camera triggers my gag reflex.
I bet Vinny does not agree :P
Yuck, Jordan Staal closeup on camera triggers my gag reflex.
wow Mara, we’re so in a fight >( that’s my SPW you’re talking about.
I told you.
not the first time and certainly won’t be the last!
I feel your pain.
My parents were watching this with me before they ran to the grocery store, and I have to say, they were horrified that the national anthem was not sung.
As fifth-generation Texans/Southerners, they find all this suitably hilarious.
Mom: “Oh my god. 73,000 people? In the snow?”
Dad: “That’s 73,000 Yankees.”
Mom & Dad: *shudder*
In the span of an hour or so, I’ve been quizzed about power plays, Slap Shot, why they dump the puck, who Sidney Crosby is, what a toque is, and my mom keeps laughing at the Canadian accents.
Also, I figured IPB would like to know that my mother thinks Crunchy is totally adorable and wants them to rerun his AMP commercial over and over again. And she loves his little hat too.
I need to see this commercial! If anyone comes across it online somewhere, please send it my way!
wow Mara, we’re so in a fight >( that’s my SPW you’re talking about.
*g* I like the Penguins (minus Mario) just fine, but the Staals and their butt-chins creep me out. And I didn’t have my contacts in and was kinda squinting at the TV and Sid’s face switched to Jordan. I urped on my oatmeal.
Boomer has been bitching since the players first emerged from the tunnel that Kotalik looks like an idiot in his eyeblack…
True confession time: I think they look kind of adorable in their eyeblack. Especially Derek. It might be a throwback to my baseball days though.
my mother thinks Crunchy is totally adorable and wants them to rerun his AMP commercial over and over again.
Aww, I love your mom! Your mom and I can bond over Crunchy’s adorableness. I think Crunchy is just PRECIOUS. But then…He’s a goalie, and you know me.
Dad: “That’s 73,000 Yankees.”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::
Well, I figured using the word “inherently” did convey my meaning without taking up an entire page of text. From now on, I’ll be sure to spell out what I’m saying.
Pensgirl, I’m going to take a quick time out here to remind you that Schnookie and I have endeavored to make the conversation that occurs here on our blog operate like a dinner party. We’re all here to converse, not debate. If you attempt to make a point but are misunderstood, that’s your cue to back up for a minute and reconsider how to get your idea across. We have received lots of feedback from readers that what people appreciate the most about this space is the high level of civility. Retorting that someone is too stupid to have gotten your point does not uphold that dinner party civility. Please respect this in the future. If you have any questions about this or concerns, email us offlist.
I need to see this commercial! If anyone comes across it online somewhere, please send it my way!
It’s not on Youtube (yet), but a google search shows someone promising to have it up by the 3rd.
HUGS ALL AROUND (had to be done)
aww Pookie, i’m sure it’s all good among us. We’re an easygoing bunch. A little debate makes for lively conversation :D [/group hug]
I haven’t seen the miller commercial either :0 i’ve had NBC on PIP the whole time to see if i can see it again. XD
It’s not on Youtube (yet), but a google search shows someone promising to have it up by the 3rd.
Yay! I hope so! Thanks, PG!
Just got my gameworn Paulie (excuse me, GOOSE) jersey out of the closet for the first time this season. I’m wearing it over my jammies. :)
Aw, Mags, it’s all cool. Schnookie and I just care very deeply about the tone that the conversations take here on IPB!
holy crap… that’s some snowfall.
Wait, Mike Ryan’s wearing eye black too? I wonder if it’s real eye black or those weird little synthetic eye black strips…
my gameworn Paulie (excuse me, GOOSE) jersey
I am so jealous.
Pookie, my bad, I just have confrontation issues. I’m all, HUG IT OUT.
I’m all, HUG IT OUT.
Mags, you’re like IPB’s own Captain Hugs!
my gameworn Paulie (excuse me, GOOSE) jersey
I am so jealous.
Pookie, my bad, I just have confrontation issues. I’m all, HUG IT OUT.
I’d hug you wearing it, to get some of awesome on you. :)
I got him to sign it in person, too.
(And I haven’t forgotten about your curly-haired baby goalie photos!)
Sorry, Mags, you weren’t aiming your confrontational issues in my direction. Got confused there. That’s what I get for not reading the whole thread.
I wonder if it’s real eye black or those weird little synthetic eye black strips…
Eye black > eyeblack strips. (unless they’re cool customized ones, but then drawn on custom eyeblack is still cooler)
holy crap…. i hope the snow stops, so we get ten more minutes of third period instead of a shootout =(
My sister just texted that it’s hard to follow the puck with all the snowflakes. We’re easily distracted by snow in these parts. :D
Oooh, Sid vs. Hank!
A bit off-topic, but… having just watched an advert for Dodge, I’d like to observe that all of their vehicles look like they want a fight. This is possibly because I’m a Euro-wus.
That is all.
Retorting that someone is too stupid to have gotten your point does not uphold that dinner party civility.
That is so very much not what I said. In my original comment, I trusted that everyone here knows that I’m intelligent enough to realize that there are people who hate these teams. I find it surprising and rather insulting that anyone would honestly think otherwise. So I was saying that I will no longer presume that my own intelligence is presumed. If it came off as an insult, I apologize, but the likely cause is that I was feeling pretty insulted myself.
I don’t think I’ve ever said anything mean or rude here – it’s not me, and furthermore I have no reason to – but if you disagree you have my email address. My original intention was to make an observation, not to kick of any sort of back-and-forth about it. I certainly don’t want anyone to misunderstand anything I’ve said here. My only intention in coming here is to have fun and contribute to others’ fun.
I got him to sign it in person, too.
More with the jealous.
(And I haven’t forgotten about your curly-haired baby goalie photos!)
YAY!!!
Instead of a shootout, they should have a snowball fight.
holy crap, did NBC show the four crazy guys that are shirtless!?
Instead of a shootout, they should have a snowball fight.
That is an excellent idea!
Question is… who would win?
<i.A bit off-topic, but… having just watched an advert for Dodge, I’d like to observe that all of their vehicles look like they want a fight. This is possibly because I’m a Euro-wus.
No, it’s because Dodge is forever compensating for the inferiority of their products with “aggressive” styling. If it were legal to mount phallic antipersonnel weapons on top of civilian vehicles, Dodge would have them.
Instead of a shootout, they should have a snowball fight.
It’s almost as arbitrary!
Instead of a shootout, they should have a snowball fight.
Who do I have to talk to to make this happen (alternatively, as my sister put it, “who do I have to sleep with to make this happen?”)
four crazy guys that are shirtless!?
That is hardcore.
Oooh, Sid vs. Hank!
Hank FTW!
four crazy guys that are shirtless!?
It’s now officially a winter sporting event in Buffalo!
If it were legal to mount phallic antipersonnel weapons on top of civilian vehicles, Dodge would have them.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh, totally!
I have seen many shirtless people at snowy football (or “soccer”, if you must!) games – I think that stupefying amounts of beer help with this.
Hank vs. Sid :0? when!? (hank, btw. XD)
this snowfall is CRAZY.
wow, so buffalo as the home team gets to choose what to do after the third period first half? i didn’t catch their decision, did anyone?
I think that stupefying amounts of beer help with this.
Yup. I had friends in college who tackled our American-football games (get it? “tackled?” rim shot) by making use of their friends Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. The only reason they didn’t end up shirtless was we were in the band and had to stay in uniform (and these are females I’m talking about!).
I so want to see a shootout in 40-mile-an-hour wind. I want to see the shooters struggle into the headwind like Marcel Marceau.
I have seen many shirtless people at snowy football (or “soccer”, if you must!) games – I think that stupefying amounts of beer help with this.
Ain’t that the truth. (from personal experience, it can be done without, I suspect alcohol would have made it easier to bear)
wow, so buffalo as the home team gets to choose what to do after the third period first half?
I think they change ends. Nobody gets to override that.
wow, so buffalo as the home team gets to choose what to do after the third period first half? i didn’t catch their decision, did anyone?
I think they only thing they got to decide was which end they wanted to be defending at the end of the game. I hate this mid-period switcheroo by the way. So what if the Pens end up having to skate into the snow/wind? It’s a Buffalo home game!
Patches? HEE! He sounds like a Shetland pony. A snowball fight would be the cutest thing ever! I heart snow.
Patches? HEE! He sounds like a Shetland pony.
Hee hee! He totally does! I love him that much more now!
I FOUND A RBK 6100 SERIES BLANK WHITE DEVILS JERSEY!!!!!
I just have to decide between a size 52 and 56. OH, THE PRESSURE.
I have some other jerseys that are 54s and 58s, so I’ll have to try them on over various combinations of clothing. If this is my last NHL jersey EVER (barring a switch back to real jerseys), I want it to be perfect!
So what if the Pens end up having to skate into the snow/wind? It’s a Buffalo home game!
But what if the Sabres did? :P
Actually, I agree that it’s silly. Dealing with the elements is part of the game, and yes, one team can get an advantage. And then there’s the whole “the wind direction changes” thing that means all this extra changing doesn’t actually guarantee elemental neutrality.
*surfaces from her feverish, hallucinagenic game watching* Pookie, you don’t like Mario? I don’t think I can talk to you anymore! ;)
Anyone else just enjoying the heck out of the falling snow during this? Very pretty. A snowball fight would make my world.
But what if the Sabres did? :P
I still don’t really care :P
Seriously, the game had finally gotten some momentum so let’s bring the whole thing to a complete a total stop halfway through the third period of a tied game. That’ll really sell the game. Let the Sabres pick the end they want to end in and give them that end for the 1st and 3rd, weather be damned.
Anyone else just enjoying the heck out of the falling snow during this?
Yes! I still wish I was there.
Pookie, you don’t like Mario? I don’t think I can talk to you anymore! ;)
What? The power of the side pony-tail sisterhood doesn’t overpower something like that? :)
I FOUND A RBK 6100 SERIES BLANK WHITE DEVILS JERSEY!!!!!
!!!!! YAY!!!!!
My mom is agreeing to foot the bill for my choice of a Winter Classic jersey, and I can have it customized if I want. Sabres… Penguins… Sabres. Penguins. Sabres. Penguins.
Dealing with the elements is part of the game, and yes, one team can get an advantage.
Thems the rules. Thems always been the rules of an outside game. Even if there is no weather at all, it’s what’s supposed to happen.
What gets me, Heather, is that the switching was supposed to be about the wind, which doesn’t seem to be a factor at all!
I am so ridiculously into Jochen Hecht into this picture, it may not be quite normal…
Gah, proofreading, it is not my strong suit.
CBC has actually just said the wind’s picked up and is blowing the snow sideways…and the buffalo weather is predicting a heavier snowfall by the end of the (predicted) third period… so it might give them the advantage later.
THe goalies also get to choose which end they want to be in for the shootout :D
Mmmmm, Mr.Gambler looks very fetching.
My mom is agreeing to foot the bill for my choice of a Winter Classic jersey, and I can have it customized if I want. Sabres… Penguins… Sabres. Penguins. Sabres. Penguins.
Here’s what you do: flip a coin. Not to let the coin choose, but because it’s a great way to figure out what you really want. When the coin comes down, you’ll either be happy or disappointed, and then you’ll know which jersey to get.
Dealing with the elements is part of the game, and yes, one team can get an advantage.
Thems the rules. Thems always been the rules of an outside game. Even if there is no weather at all, it’s what’s supposed to happen.
Exactly!
Mags, I knew before even clicking on the link that that was the picture I was going to see. He looks totally bad-ass in the photo.
Wow Eric Lindros has a really ugly hat :0 (he’s in the stands somewhere)
71 317 in the crowd :0 TAKE THAT FOOTBALL.
Here’s what you do: flip a coin. Not to let the coin choose, but because it’s a great way to figure out what you really want. When the coin comes down, you’ll either be happy or disappointed, and then you’ll know which jersey to get.
Penguins win.
Heather, he is so badass. I’m now sort of sad he’s Gamblers’.
He looks totally bad-ass in the photo.
He looks like he smells something nasty.
Penguins win.
The Penguin’s Winter Classic jersey is more unique, right? The Sabres are wearing their retro jersey that is not hard to find.
He looks like he’s going to singlehandly kick Penguin ass.
Pookie, I have short hair, remember? ;) I was left with Steph, sad and alone, in our short-haired corner.
Hmm…sisterhood of the pink death?
Also, why are he coaches not wearing hats? Didn’t their mothers ever tell them to wear hats outside?
Penguins win.
Yaaaaay!!! There’s nothing like a coin flip to unmask your inner desires. :)
holy crap, what are they spraying on the ice?
Hmm…sisterhood of the pink death?
How could I have forgotten about that? Oh wait, don’t answer that. :)
Also, why are he coaches not wearing hats? Didn’t their mothers ever tell them to wear hats outside?
They read Gregg Easterbrook, so they know: the team with the less-bundled up coaches/cheerleaders always wins.
Also, why are he coaches not wearing hats? Didn’t their mothers ever tell them to wear hats outside?
I don’t know but Lindy looks suh-weet in his little old-school varsity jacket.
Sid fails to draw a penalty vs. Hank and Toni! Ha!
There’s nothing like a coin flip to unmask your inner desires. :)
There were inner desires that were not in need of unmasking (like, I really want CONKS to win this game. No one else. Ty Conklin people. Seriously)
That pic is pretty cool. But it looks like he’s in front of a mural of a football crowd. :D
Never mind Conks. I want Goose to score a goal.
Fantasy team FTW!
Fantasy team FTW!
If you’re looking at it that way, I should want Conks to lose, since I’m playing Steph and she added him this weekend.
I only have 3 guys playing on my fantasy team today, and they’re all playing in 10:30 games. And yet I’ve still had my Yahoo live-stats page up since noon and I still refresh it every so often just to make sure I’m not missing anything. I can’t believe fantasy hockey has taken over my life! :)
There were inner desires that were not in need of unmasking (like, I really want CONKS to win this game. No one else. Ty Conklin people. Seriously)
Fine by me!
Fine by me!
That’s only because I didn’t tell you the other stuff I didn’t need to know about myself :P
I’m in a 16-team league based in the Devils Usenet group, and I’m currently 10th – which is about the best I’ve managed so far this year.
My team? Sucks.
That’s only because I didn’t tell you the other stuff I didn’t need to know about myself :P
Oh, dear. :)
The snow is drawing cross-hatches in the closeups.
I think the only player i have playing in the game is Hecht in my non IPB team :x… except Andrew has crosby, vanek AND pommerdoodle so =/
Holy CRAP.
Wow. Hardly any penalties all game, and they call one for the OT. Bush-league.
Looked like interference to me, actually. I think it’s a good call.
Holy overtime, Acorns.
At least all those new fans are getting an immediate introduction to the OT format. Let’s see if they also learn about the shootout.
hahahaha although i have to say, I think the ref-ing has been generally quite good.
shootout would be a perfect ‘NHL’ ending according to Bettman and his bunch :D
I would so love this to end in a tie. That way when one team makes the playoffs and the other misses by one point they can’t say, “Wah, the Ice Bowl!” Yet another reason the shoot-out conspires to ruin my life! :)
I think the ref-ing has been pretty good. But I haven’t noticed it much. (Which is probably why.)
Looked like interference to me, actually. I think it’s a good call.
Probably. But I thought it was a hooking call. My attention to games is much less fine when it’s not the Stars.
shootout would be a perfect ‘NHL’ ending according to Bettman and his bunch :D
But I don’t WANT and NHL ending! I want a tie! A good old-fashion ed tie! *stomping feet* Like dark-blue silk with little light blue patterns. That’d be a nice tie.
unless they win in overtime (whichever team)
i love this whole switching process and how it pisses off Therrien XD it’s an amusing spectacle to watch.
Probably. But I thought it was a hooking call. My attention to games is much less fine when it’s not the Stars.
yes :) it was offically called a hooking call.
Probably. But I thought it was a hooking call. My attention to games is much less fine when it’s not the Stars.
Oh, me too (only insert Devils instead of Stars, of course). When the TV guys got all upset about that call I actually said, sincerely, “I thought that was a good call. Am I stupid?”
There’s no such thing as a “nice tie”.
/wears t-shirt to work
I don’t care who wins, I’ve decided. But I don’t want it to be on the PP/PK.
But I thought it was a hooking call.
Oh, sorry, I should have said that it was a hooking call, but that I thought if nothing else, it looked like CheeseTed interfered with Pommerdoodle. Sorry! Should have made myself clearer! I delirous from the Zamboni delays!
There’s no such thing as a “nice tie”.
I beg to differ. Ties can be very nice.
/wears t-shirt to work
Respect to you, sir. I want your job.
change in ends! overtime halftime -dies-
Oh, lord another stoppage in play. Can we lose this for the next OUTDOOR GAME?
change in ends! overtime halftime -dies-
Fricking BS.
The joys of being an IT geek :)
Oh, sorry, I should have said that it was a hooking call,
That’s okay. I just meant that I didn’t think it was hooking, then failed to watch any replays or look at the bigger picture. :D
I agree that it was interference-y.
Come on now, folks. Everyone needs a rest after two and a half minutes of effort.
i think new hockey fans would enjoy this overtime period =D it’s some intense pressure.
wow the reffing seems kind of penguins-skewed… it’s overall good but… =/
I just meant that I didn’t think it was hooking, then failed to watch any replays or look at the bigger picture. :D
I surprised myself by attempting to be the best professional hockey blogger I could be and actually rewound to watch it in real-time! Only the best for our Gentle Readers! ;)
Wow. We are trying really hard to lose this.
I bet Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) will somehow get the next outdoor game at his new stadium. The way the local sports dorks slurp him and his new stadium, you’d think every single event will eventually be there.
I wish I’d had the sense to pursue IT instead of medicine.
Everyone needs a rest after two and a half minutes of effort.
I could not agree more! I’m going to go to my boss tomorrow and request a 2 minute break for every 2 1/2 minutes of work!
the penguins…are damn lucky to get out of this in a tie i think.
as such….we come to the perfect NHL ending folks!
the perfect NHL ending\
Do not want.
My money on Letang getting another shootout goal :x
Have to say Mags – one of these careers is of significantly more use to the human race than the other! :)
Christensen. He KILLS Miller.
When you’re in the stand on a day like this, does the fact that you’re surrounded by people help heat you a little?
So after eleventy billion stoppages in play we’re not going to Zamboni the ice when it actually makes sense to? Okay.
woooooo
nice shot kotalik!!
that was some sped :0
From my experience at football matches, I’m going to have to say “no”.
I was just wondering that, too, Heather! They even do a scrape in real life!
Kotalik is usually shootout gold. As pissed as I get with him about other things, he’s very, very good here.
NOPE :D
Christensen didn’t even get a shot off
When you’re in the stand on a day like this, does the fact that you’re surrounded by people help heat you a little?
Depends on the stadium. The more sardinish you are, the more it helps. But if you have an amount of space that you’d find enjoyable under normal circumstances, then all the people don’t help much.
Why is it as Erik started skating I knew he wouldn’t put it in this time?
….what’d i say? Letang’s amazing.
From my experience at football matches, I’m going to have to say “no”.
It certainly works at Ikea on a Saturday afternoon. :D
Oh, shootouts, how I hate thee. (I’ve sat through a 12-round shootout that my team WON, in person. And I still hate them.)
BETTMAN
UR DOIN IT WRONG.
….so Sid gets to be NHL’s golden boy.
=/ i’m kind of bitter bc the pens had no business winning this hockey game in my opinion, after the first period.
That. Sucked.
I hope Meg, Gambler and Katebits had a good time, anyway! Heather, I’m still really sorry that you weren’t able to go.
Yay!
Sabres fans, you can’t see it, but I’m shaking your hands. Good game. And I mean that; I really enjoyed it. Even the OT PK.
Although Sid winning it like that makes it seem totally fixed. Yeah, I’ll admit it.
yeah :D i hope everybody had fun too watching at home :D
Although Sid winning it like that makes it seem totally fixed. Yeah, I’ll admit it.
Yeah, Sid the Kid in the shootout? Fiiiiix!
:-P
ICK! Sid is a doll, but that was just gross. Buffalo deserved to win.
Hahahaha to add on the conspiracy, it totally was a goal crunchy could’ve saved. XD
Yeah, that does seem a little suspicious :)
Anyone got any sugar for my sour grapes?
ICK! Sid is a doll, but that was just gross. Buffalo deserved to win.
agreed.
SID KNOWS THE GLADIATOR MOVIES :D he watches movies? :D he was grinning…but now he’s back to mediatrained ._.
I thought it was a fun game. All those things happen in real games*. It was as even as it could be.
If they miss the playoffs by one point, I’m sure they’ll have other shootout losses to point to.
(*except for the switching ends in the middle of periods.)
Mags got buried in small children after the win (also, I called it, and won $50), but yay Pens.
Yes! Whoooo! Miller was pretty awesome, I have to admit.
Pookie: I won’t say anything about the amnesia inspired by pink death. I just would have liked to forget the morning after. Urgh.
The Penguins huddle at the end with the face washing was adorable. Reminds me of a bunch of 10 year old boys.
Bah! Ah well, it’s been a hoot, folks. And thanks again to Vinny for the Sopcast help!
Oh, and Happy New Year to one and all!
Hmmm… switch to another game or watch ice skating to Seal music? Tough choice.
HAHAHAHA yay for mags :D (we’re in the fight).
Glad you could watch the game, Iain!
SID KNOWS THE GLADIATOR MOVIES :D he watches movies? :D
Actually, in a couple interviews he has indicated that he’s a pretty big movie buff. Kidding about his being a hockey robot aside, I get the impression that’s what he does to unwind.
Iain, thanks for dropping by and Happy New Year to you, too!
Hmmm… switch to another game or watch ice skating to Seal music? Tough choice.
Thank goodness we had the wherewithal to TiVo the Sens-Caps game so we can watch it in it’s entirely on delay! Woo-hoo, hockey all day! Wow, I guess that Ice Bowl didn’t kill all my love for the sport! :)
Aww I’m glad it worked out in the end Iain… if you ever end up wanting to watch other hockey games, the feeds on myp2p eu are usually pretty good, if not you can find some on team-specific hockey forums.
*pats vinny* (FEUDING)
Actually, in a couple interviews he has indicated that he’s a pretty big movie buff. Kidding about his being a hockey robot aside, I get the impression that’s what he does to unwind.
That wouldn’t surprise me at all.
I thought it was a fun game. All those things happen in real games*. It was as even as it could be.
I did too, and would have even if we lost. I guess I’m just a sucker for the outdoor thing. And our games with Buffalo usually are pretty even, both within the games and in the results (i.e., I’d expect our head-to-head records to be close to .500).
The Penguins huddle at the end with the face washing was adorable. Reminds me of a bunch of 10 year old boys.
That’s what I love most about having a young team.
So now that I’ve emerged out from under the game diary, I have to say that once again, NBC has totally underwhelmed me with their presentation of hockey. Seriously, they did so little to showcase the players. Was anyone mic’d up? Could they have spent more of the downtime showing us the video features we know they produced? The entire lead-up to this game was the NHL promoting the technical aspects of how the rink was constructed and the weather and the blah blah blah, but when it came down to it, instead of actually trying to put together a game that could appeal to new fans, they spent the frequent, interminable delays chattering about the good old days, or apologizing to the possible new fans about how crappy the ice was. It was, as all NBC feeds are, ultimately kind of depressing.
Cool – thanks, Vinny!
It was, as all NBC feeds are, ultimately kind of depressing.
Agreed. The real gem though, was the remark about Conks’ puck-handling.
Ok folks, I’m going to help out with kid-wrangling (because I am a responsible semi-adult who likes children. Yeah right). Have a good rest of the day!
Bye, Mags!
NBC missed a lot of chances, that’s for sure. Even in regular games in the second half of the season, they spend a lot of time talking about stuff that doesn’t relate to the game at hand. I think I might be spoiled by getting to watch so many local feeds of games.
Ewwww. NHL.com’s headline “The perfect ending to the perfect game” Ummm…what? Maybe I’m a grouchy cynical fan but just no.
C ya Mags!
It was, as all NBC feeds are, ultimately kind of depressing.
Too true. It kind of made me sad, since my parents were watching and they’re not really that into hockey. At one point, my younger sister and I both swore they called Conklin “Todd Conklin”. We were both staring at the TV like, “FAIL, NBC.”
Also, I’m sure Emerick & Co. are fine announcers on a regular basis, but this made me glad for Ralph & Razor, for sure.
Yeah, yeah, I’ll just show myself out.
Also, I guess I can’t complain about the powdered-sugar-coated Edmontong ice surface. :D
….ewww NHL.com has no common sense. :(
The CBC feed wasn’t too bad, really. I liked it.
Bye Mags :D
Bye, Mags! Have fun with all the kids, and thanks for spending the Ice Bowl with us! :D
It’s cool, Caitlin. We’re used to people coming here and telling us Doc sucks! I’ll just say what I always say — don’t judge him on the national feeds; don’t form an opinion on Doc until you get a chance to hear him call the Devils.
I was thinking about my next cocktail and ice tongs, I guess….
I meant EdmontON, not Edmontong.
Booo…why doesn’t tsn wanna give me Sens/Caps? I get Leafs/Lightning. Although I love Vinny so I guess I should shut up and like it.
See you later Mags, and Happy New Year!
Oh, and Caitlin, don’t worry about complaining about how Doc calls games on NBC. We were just grousing here about the way that NBC likes to do its play-by-play as a sort of conversation happening in spite of the play, not to support it. So if you’re watching with other people and talking amongst yourself during the game, it’s like there are then two conversations in the room that are going on in spite of the play. It’s hugely distracting and makes the game seem really remote. I always feel, after NBC feeds, like I didn’t actually just watch a game.
Edmontong. Hee, I like it.
I didn’t Tivo the start of the Caps game and I wish I had. But no spoilers for the Ookies!
it’s like there are then two conversations in the room that are going on in spite of the play.
Hee. That’s so true. I find myself saying, Hey! Keep it down! I’m trying to watch the game! Oh, it is the game.
Did anybody see Gambler’s sign? I didn’t see to many shots of the crowd, unless it was that first row.
don’t form an opinion on Doc until you get a chance to hear him call the Devils.
Oh, I haven’t. I’m sure he’s perfectly lovely on Devils broadcasts! All the announcers were disappointing today. I’d like to think that Doc was dragged down by their collective suck. After all the talk you ladies do about Doc & Chico, I was fairly convinced NBC was conspiring to make all the announcers as bland and boring as possible.
Also, I have Center Ice worked into next year’s budget. Hooray! At the beginning of hockey season next year, I will be able to catch Devils games. Or Devil’s games, as it were.
It’s hugely distracting and makes the game seem really remote.
No kidding. Does NBC just live to suck the life out of a hockey game like some sort of sports vampire?
God.
I can’t believe NBC just made me appreciate Versus, of all channels.
Every sign that was shown I thought, “Gambler? Is that you?” But none of the people holding them looked like the pictures she sent!
“The perfect ending to the perfect game”
Because the whole world was cheering for Sid! I mean, I know it was the perfect ending from the NHL’s POV but do they really have to impose their will on the rest of us?
Pensgirl: Yes! It’s so nice to see them so happy to win. Not that the rest of us aren’t, mind, but yeah. :)
Schnookie: A friend of mine that was watching the NBC feed just called me and said that they showed Crosby highlights during the frequent rink fixes and had no side commentary. How disappointing! CBC told us how they were fixing the rink, what they were using on it, and spoke about both Buffalo and the Pens, although yes, they were very Sidney-oriented. I’m so sorry that NBC was such a drag!
i also didn’t see it on the CBC feed, and they were showing A LOT of signs :0
hee heather, i’m sure it wasn’t the whole world. There were boo’s. XD
and alix, i’m sure you could watch it somewhere! I love how the Caps seem to totally have the Sens’ number.
CBC told us how they were fixing the rink, what they were using on it, and spoke about both Buffalo and the Pens, although yes, they were very Sidney-oriented.
I thought CBC’s coverage was pretty good as far as Sid went. He was definitely there but not overly lauded. And their pregame show had plenty of Buffalo with the lovely piece about the Aud.
I’m getting the feeling that I won’t rest until there is an outdoor game in Dallas. Today would have been perfect. Bright blue sky, 45 degrees, light breeze…
I need to call the Stars real quick.
“Because the whole world was cheering for Sid! I mean, I know it was the perfect ending from the NHL’s POV but do they really have to impose their will on the rest of us?”
Exactly. And apparently yes they do.
hee heather, i’m sure it wasn’t the whole world. There were boo’s. XD
I was being sarcastic, vinny :-D The game was in Buffalo! I’m sure there were a few people who didn’t like the way it ended.
didn’t they have one in LA? or Phoenix? Or somewhere. Damn, I wish i paid attention…they did a clip on it in the first CBC intermission. talked about grasshoppers being a problem. i’m sure it’s do-able Patty!
Does NBC just live to suck the life out of a hockey game like some sort of sports vampire?
I have perfected the self-saving technique of pretending announcers aren’t there. I’m so good at it that I even mistakenly do it when I want to hear something (seriously). I’ll get bits and pieces but that’s it.
I still don’t like it when I get the non-Pens broadcasts on Center Ice, but mostly because it takes me some adjustment time to tune out an unfamiliar voice.
Because the whole world was cheering for Sid!
It’s so funny that you say that, because I feel like it’s just Pens fans and the media that like him, and everybody else hates him (present company notwithstanding). I was nothing short of shocked when the fans treated him so warmly in Edmonton.
Heather B: I really enjoyed their pregame show! I was also impressed that they focused on Buffalo during it, the CBC is usually really good about their announcing.
I was being sarcastic, vinny :-D The game was in Buffalo! I’m sure there were a few people who didn’t like the way it ended.
oops :D. I love the internet.
I also saw a lot of other jerseys..wings, leafs :0
I love how the Caps seem to totally have the Sens’ number.
Oh. Well. Can I request no more spoilers, or should I log off for a while? We’re watching this on TiVo on a lengthy delay.
Elly, NBC told us about how they were fixing the rink. The only point where it seemed like they were overhyping Sid was that they kept showing him knocking the puck into the air, which was admittedly, really fucking cool. There weren’t many highlights to show other than that! What struck me was that they spent most of the time talking about the weather when they could have been talking about the players on both teams.
I think that was Vegas, Vinny. They mentioned something about it yesterday on the preview show.
I heard they had set up an ice rink downtown this year, like the one at Rockefeller Center in NYC. Haven’t seen it, though.
Maybe I’ll go flip through my channels, Vinny. I also love it that Washington owns Ottawa. Awesome.
didn’t they have one in LA? or Phoenix? Or somewhere.
You may not believe me given what I just said in my last comment about listening, but I’m pretty sure that they talked about this during the NHLN’s Ice Bowl Eve show, and that someone said they set up an outdoor rink for a figure skating show “near the pyramids.” So…apparently it can be done in warm-weather places. Maybe. If I heard right, and the people talking were, y’know, sane.
It’s so funny that you say that, because I feel like it’s just Pens fans and the media that like him, and everybody else hates him (present company notwithstanding).
I think for some fanbases this is true and I think that NHL.com headline is exactly why. Woo-hoo, we’re all really glad that the Pens won and Sid scored the game-winner except that no, some of us didn’t really want the game to end that way. I totally understand why the NHL would consider that a great ending, but it’s kind of ignorant to assume that we’re all thrilled by it.
Elly, I was gobsmacked when they started the piece about the Aud and I thought it was really well done. I love the Rob Ray has the door to the penalty box in his office.
I won’t give you any more spoilers, Pookie! Except to say that it’s very clear and nobody’s wearing eye-black.
Too much?
I won’t give you any more spoilers, Pookie! Except to say that it’s very clear and nobody’s wearing eye-black.
Too much?
Gah! Patty, now you’ve RUINED it for me!
Heather B: I loved that too, lol.
Pookie: Ahh, I misunderstood, sorry. Yes, I agree on that, I would have liked to hear more about the players and what they thought about the rink and playing outside, although CBC did give us interspersed stories and such (like the Staal brothers and Jared apparently throwing his stick and storming off one day because Marc, apparently, had been making trouble, heh), but the weather definitely was the highlight of the day. I hear the parking lot is a big mud pit right now.
Oh, and I feel like such an old-school hockey fan, following up the OUTDOOR GAME with a new (for us) cocktail: an English Rose. It sounded suitably manly. (Actually, it’s en homage to Paulie, who has the complexion of a delicate English Rose.) We’re talking gin, dry vermouth, apricot brandy, lemon juice and a splash of grenadine in a sugar-rimmed glass. It’s putting hair on our chests, I’m tellin’ ya! :D
I won’t give you any more spoilers, Pookie! Except to say that it’s very clear and nobody’s wearing eye-black.
Aw, man! Sheesh. Fine. I’ll just turn on that ER marathon now! :)
an English Rose
Wow. That sounds de-lish.
While the English Rose isn’t exactly something any guy would order in a bar, it’s at least not as noxiously sweet as the Zach Sombrero was!
I look for drinks that require a sugar-rimmed glass. If I weren’t so shy, I’d ask bartenders to make my margaritas that way.
Hee. I can just picture a big manly hockey player ordering it at a bar, but saying it really quietly under his breath because he’s all embarassed.
Something I love about Sid is that he works on what he considers to be his weaknesses. He doesn’t just stick to his considerable strengths. Last season, and I think in his rookie season, too, he sucked at shootouts. And I think they said he was 5 for 5 this season before this one.
I also love sugar-rimmed drinks, Patty. I think a sugar-rimmed margarita would be AWESOME. (Especially a sugar-rimmed Chambord margarita…)
alix, I totally love the mental image of a hockey player ordering this drink. I’m sure Alternate Captain Pancakes did (because it is, after all, his signature drink), but now that he’s just Average Guy Pancakes, he can’t anymore.
Last season, and I think in his rookie season, too, he sucked at shootouts. And I think they said he was 5 for 5 this season before this one.
OK, whoever said that is a LI-AR.
He wasn’t good at shootouts, and then in the second half of last season he got loads better. And this year he’s not been so good. He is definitely NOT perfect – he didn’t score in the Vancouver shootout, nor in the Montreal one (and I was AT that one). I’m sure there are others, ’cause I feel like he’s missed a bunch this year.
Well, I’m back, and all I gots to say is FUCK YOU BRIAN CAMPBELL!! :D, and yes I *did* click “Pens win by 1″ on the NHL poll – and Sid has definitely not been 5-for-5 whatever in the shootout, but apparently everybody has forgotten our last SO against Buffalo. ;)
Oh, and Mags, you know you want a Conkblock Classic Jersey.
Mmmm, sugar rimmed drinks are SO awesome!
Hee. Poor Pancakes. He shouldn’t have to be average. Have they announced what Devil’s are wearing the A(s) for January?
i think the 5 for 5 is Letang :) or 4 for 4 or something. But he’s got a perfect record.
i like how i’m totally underage in both countries, but i’d have to jump in on this sugar rimmed drinks are awesome mentality :D
OK, whoever said that is a LI-AR.
I might have heard it wrong. But I heard it from Edzo. Probably heard it wrong.
Oh, and I didn’t hear that he sucked today. I thought that was a running jab at him, that he didn’t do well in shootouts at first.
I just thought I heard he was 5 for 5 this year. Maybe he said 5 AND 5.
Patty, no worries. Edzo’s an idiot. He probably said what you thought he did. :D
Patty, I think Sid told Edzo he’s 5 for 5. Sid’s been looking weary and run down this year. It’s forcing him to lie about his accomplishments!
Patty, in a battle of your ears and a sports announcer’s mouth, do not think the fault lies in your ears. :)
You heard right before that he really wasn’t good. It seemed like that changed during the second half of last season, but this year he hasn’t sustained it. I’m sure he’s still working on it.
Maybe he said 5 AND 5.
That could be, although now I’m wondering have we had 10 shootouts? Huh. I’ve got to investigate.
No. Counting today, we’ve had seven.
It’s kind of funny how many people were ready to pitch a fit with the ’sacrilege’ of Conklin wearing 35 for the Pens, but maybe it’s helped him, who knows. ;)
(Okay, thinking about Barrasso being a help to any other goalie is even funnier.)
I hate shootouts. Hate them.
Maybe it has, DS. Tommy was a hell of a goalie, that’s for sure.
Okay, thinking about Barrasso being a help to any other goalie is even funnier.
Actually I can picture it now that he’s not playing anymore. Since his own personal pride comes out of another goalie playing well (so he can be praised as a good and successful goalie coach), he would be invested in being a good teacher.
Sid is not 5 for 5. Just ask Louie hehehehe. Sorry. It just came out.
Meg, I’m so, so, so, sorry! Other than that, how was it? Was it awesome to be there?
Awww, Meg. Did you have fun except for the freakin shoot out?
i think the 5 for 5 is Letang :) or 4 for 4 or something. But he’s got a perfect record.
I missed this ’til now, but you’re right: Letang is perfect in the shootout. Totally earned Pensblog calling him Legame. :D
It was (look away, Heather) totally awesome. I had a really great time despite the shootout. We could see well, we weren’t cold, and it was a great experience. I think pretty much everyone there had a wonderful time despite the outcome.
And now I have to run to dinner (seeing friends before I head home to New York at 5:50 AM tomorrow) so have a lovely evening everyone. :D
Was it cold, Meg? It looked cold!
Glad you had a great time, Meg!
I loooooooooooooove the shootout! Sorry, all you haters.
Buffalo, I’m sorry we disappointed you and the amazing crowd, but I’m glad it was a three-point game.
And Lindy totally looked like a football coach out there! (If football coaches dressed better.)
Bye, Meg! Glad you had a good time!
awww i’m glad you had fun Meg :D did you take a lot of pictures (despite snow)? The kids CBC showed pregame seemed to have fun :D
PG: yeah, Letang is one heck of a specialist :D and i guess the 5 for 5 isn’t him either, bc in the news reports they all say he’s 4 for 4 =/
Was it cold, Meg? It looked cold!
I think it was about 30 but it was a bit wet because of the snow but wasn’t windy where we were sitting and we were dressed for the weather. I had my snowboarding gear on, basically. Only my toes were cold and they weren’t too bad.
did you take a lot of pictures (despite snow)?
I didn’t really take lots (too far away to take pictures of players and such) but I did take some. Hopefully they look good!
And now I really do have to go. Yikes!
Meg, I’m glad you had fun! I need to live vicariously. ;)
Buffalo, I’m sorry we disappointed you and the amazing crowd, but I’m glad it was a three-point game.
Yup. It would suck to go to all the work to put on that show and get nothing out of it.
I’m neutral about the shootout. They’re here and it doesn’t really bug me, but it wouldn’t really bug me if they did away with ‘em either. (But if any moron ever tried to use them in the playoffs I’d go ballistic.)
Ookies, thank you for diarizing this game.
I love your concern for Sabretooth. Hopefully a paw, tail or snout did not fall off during the game.
What gets me about Sabretooth’s presence at the game is that he was also supposed to be at the viewing party at HSBC Arena. I can see some poor child seeing Sabretooth on the TV broadcast and at the Arena at the same time, and being traumatized.
Oh, and here’s the Crunchy commercial. Gotta love Google.
I can see some poor child seeing Sabretooth on the TV broadcast and at the Arena at the same time, and being traumatized.
You should see Schnookie on the couch next to me! Talk about traumatized!
Sorry your boys, lost Amy. But the high of the concert is still there to carry you through it, right? Were you there today? For some reason I feel like you weren’t one of lucky ones to get tickets. If you were, @@@@@@ for not listing you in amongst those there! @@@@
Amy, I hope to never have to see that Crunchy commercial again. Thanks ever so much for giving a link to it here. :P
For some reason I feel like you weren’t one of lucky ones to get tickets.
I wasn’t. I spent the game on the couch, knitting.
I’m actually not that upset the team lost. I mean, a loss is a loss, but somehow a shootout loss isn’t as bad as a regular loss. Its hard to explain.
I mean, a loss is a loss, but somehow a shootout loss isn’t as bad as a regular loss. Its hard to explain.
No, it’s pretty easy to explain: you still got a point! :D (Seriously, I appreciate that everyone hates three-point games, but it would be very interesting to see what the people who currently don’t have issues with the shootout would say if there wasn’t a guaranteed point for losing one.)
Oh, good! I’ll take those @@@ back then! :)
What are you knitting? Anything interesting?
Amy, I hope to never have to see that Crunchy commercial again.
I wasn’t going to say anything about that commercial, but now that it’s clear I’m not the only one that thought it was lame, I’ll pipe up: It was lame.
Now, the hockey fan in the hospital nursery, that was hilarious! (Not being sarcastic, either.)
Patty, Crunchy’s commercial nearly derailed my ability to diarize. I was CRUSHED by that. It was that bad. I’m still reeling.
It was that bad. I’m still reeling.
Is that why you were so hard on NBC’s presentation? :D
No, that’s why I was much softer on NBC’s presentation than I normally would have been. :D
What are you knitting? Anything interesting?
I started a new blanket. Purple and grey.
Am I the only one that kind of liked the Miller commercial, if only because he’s showing personality?
:^::::::::::::::::::::::, Schnookie!
Aw, not a black-and-red blanket? Come on, Amy! Don’t you love the Devils? (Just kidding! A purple-and-gray blanket sounds lovely! What kind of pattern is it?)
I did appreciate Crunchy’s commercial having “personality” to it. I did not appreciate that it was lame. :P
By the way, do you want to know what the -Ookies’ New Years Resolution is this year? Yeah, we’ve resolved to drink less Diet Coke…
…
…
… and more alcohol. We’re so brilliant!
Hold the phone. We just turned on the Leafs-Lightning game, and the Leafs are starting Scott Clemmensen????? Is this some kind of triple-emergency situation? Seriously. Are there two injuries ahead of him on the depth chart? Because there is literally not a single other explanation for going with Scott Clemmensen as your starter in the NHL.
… and more alcohol. We’re so brilliant!
That is brilliant! I think I might try that!
And now that everybody’s Jack requires H2o, it should be much easier.
Okay, gotta play Devil’s Advocate here again and say that I wasn’t initially thrilled with the commercial, but Crunchy whipping out the Chinese stole it for me. ;) (And uh, yeah, they couldn’t find anybody besides Aubin? Really? Her? -You know if that were any Marty in there, you would’ve gone for it.)
Also, am glad that they changed the headline to “Crosby’s Goal Makes It A Classic”. That’s better, NHL.
And the Caps continuing to pwn the Sens amuses me. Karma, thy name is parity!
Y’know, Ookies, I actually had a Scott Clemmensen story for you from the Marlies game a couple of weeks ago, where I saw him on the bench and *kinda* wanted to yell, “Hey Clemmensen! D’you feel like you’re in the NHL now?!” :D
But:
Toskala is hurt
Raycroft has been officially dubbed “Redlight” by the TSM
and they’re not bringing Pogge up to subject him to the trauma.
So, yeah, Scott Clemmensen!
“Even Jesus wouldn’t play goal for the Maple Leafs.” -P-blog
Am I the only one that kind of liked the Miller commercial, if only because he’s showing personality?
You’re not alone, though I have to wonder why they went with J.S. Aubin as his “sparring” partner. Ran-dom!
A purple-and-gray blanket sounds lovely! What kind of pattern is it?
Its a simple stripe. Nothing fancy.
You know if that were any Marty in there, you would’ve gone for it.
I’m giggling imagining Crunchy and Marty Biron.
Am I the only one that kind of liked the Miller commercial, if only because he’s showing personality?
I totally loved it, I have to admit. I have it favorited on YouTube and everything.
I love the Miller commercial unashamedly. I just… somewhat funny Ryan! How adorable!
If anyone comes across the hockey fan in the maternity ward, please post it! I’m not sure what company it was for so I can’t look it up.
Late back to the party to say that I loved the Miller commercial too. I thought he was surprisingly good in it.
I thought he was surprisingly good in it.
Yeah, I thought so too. Compared to some of the guys’ commercials he was pretty animated. He managed to sound like he wasn’t reading every syllable off of cue cards.
I don’t think Crunchy did a bad job in the commercial — I just think the commercial’s dumb. :D
Hi Heather! Did they show the Sabres’ New Year’s greetings on NBC or CBC? Because Hank had one which was totally worthy of your adoration.
I, completely unexpectedly, LOVE Crunchy’s commercial! When it came on at the stadium, Meghan immediately went into her “I’m about to be mortified by my hockey boyfriend” mode, burrying her face in her hands, and I went into my “I’m about to mercilessly ridicule your hockey boyfriend” mode, pointing and grinning at the jumbotron screen. And then, suddenly, the commercial was AWESOME, and I was laughing in earnest, not in irony. They showed that one and the maternity ward one about ten times during the game, and neither one of them ever got unfunny. I laughed every single time. Maybe it’s the fact that I firmly believe that lame is the new cool, or maybe the Sweaty Soupy commercials have lowered my standards, but I thought it was great, and will now go out of my way to reference “Yomamaween.”
Did they show the Sabres’ New Year’s greetings on NBC or CBC? Because Hank had one which was totally worthy of your adoration.
Hank’s New Year’s greeting was totally sweet! I became a major Tally-Ho in that moment. It was kind of embarrassing.
Hi Heather! Did they show the Sabres’ New Year’s greetings on NBC or CBC? Because Hank had one which was totally worthy of your adoration.
:::crying:::: That’s the deal-breaker! God hates me and I hate the Ice Bowl!
(No, they didn’t them on CBC atleast. I’m going to close my eyes and pretend I saw it. I’m sure it was totally adorable.)
Hank’s New Year’s greeting was totally sweet! I became a major Tally-Ho in that moment. It was kind of embarrassing.
It was! Between that and Crunchy kissing Peters (although really, Peters?) that was an excellent segment, I thought.
(No, they didn’t them on CBC atleast. I’m going to close my eyes and pretend I saw it. I’m sure it was totally adorable.)
Heather, I memorized it in great detail for you, in case you didn’t get to see it. He was totally cute, smiley, and dimply, and made a big point of introducing himself as “Hank Talliiiiiiiiiiiinder” and then wishing us all a happy New Year in both English and Swedish. And then he said “Heather B., I miss you terribly today, and wish you a speedy recovery.” (Wait, am I the only one who heard that last part? Odd.)
It’s so weird, I totally blanked on the fact that watching NBC here meant that it would be coming from Buffalo! Missed the Sabre greetings, though.
Meg, Gambler, are you totally deaf from “Let’s Go Buff-a-lo!”? :P (“More cowbell!”)
If anybody wants to watch the CBC version, it is or will be on the website. Woo HNIC.
Crunchy kissing Peters (although really, Peters?)
Wait, what?
Between that and Crunchy kissing Peters (although really, Peters?)
Meg, did you catch what Crunchy said before he kissed Peters? I couldn’t hear very well, and he’s a major mumbler. (Also, I don’t think my brain could cope with the idea that Crunchy was doing/saying something intentionally silly and it went into shock.)
And then he said “Heather B., I miss you terribly today, and wish you a speedy recovery.”
I knew it! I knew he’d miss me! I’m so sorry, Hank!
:::crying:::: That’s the deal-breaker! God hates me and I hate the Ice Bowl!
He said his name all funny, like, “Talliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinder” and then wished everyone a happy new year in Swedish. I just wanted you to know that your guy was justifying your love.
I just wanted you to know that your guy was justifying your love.
That is good to know. As long as everyone remembers he’s my guy :-D I’m going to email the Sabres webmaster and see if we can get this on the Sabres TV.
Oops, my father distracted me while I was typing that last comment and I was tooooo slow.
Meg, did you catch what Crunchy said before he kissed Peters? I couldn’t hear very well, and he’s a major mumbler.
I didn’t. I was distracted looking at his gangly arm, and by the fact that his current haircut makes him rather better looking in a weird way than he used to be. And then I too was in shock at the silliness.
I was distracted looking at his gangly arm, and by the fact that his current haircut makes him rather better looking in a weird way than he used to be.
He is looking much cuter these days, but man, the skinniness! A shot from behind of his legs kind of grossed me out.
I’m glad you guys had fun, by the way! (Really!)
All right, I’ve emailed the Sabres. I’m sure we can expect to see Hank’s video up by the end of the night.
By the by, that bad-ass Yo-Yo picture from way back is incredible! (Although he and I aren’t speaking right now. Not after he had that chance to put it away in OT and be the hero, but instead he… shot it at the goaltender. Sigh.)
his current haircut makes him rather better looking in a weird way than he used to be
Weird, I was thinking the same thing. His new hair both attracts and unsettles me.
Meg, Gambler, are you totally deaf from “Let’s Go Buff-a-lo!”?
I’m definitely hoarse from it! “Let’s Go Buff-a-lo” is the funnest chant ever!
Hee I really liked the Crunchy commercial :D
I feel really bad for Raycroft…that first game, he was decent you know? =( just that we had atrocious D and atrocious offense and it just all sucked. Then Leafs Nation used him as a scapegoat and =(.
He’s lost all three starts bc the team as a whole just sucks. Today PM switched up all the lines :x they seem to have improved. slightly. Clemmenson has been shaky, but he’s there. ah well. I’m just praying Toskala comes back tomorrow.
as an aside, (bc i know how many of you hate Tucker :P), both he and Sundin (later) had a 2 on 1, same angle, same distance, and Sundin scored on his beautifully, and Tucker didn’t. Bad shot too :X.
Not after he had that chance to put it away in OT and be the hero, but instead he… shot it at the goaltender. Sigh.
Gambler, did you really expect anything else? Classic Yo-Yo. There was an adorable shot of him on CBC yanking the puck out of the photographer’s hole in the glass at one point during play. He pulled it out and tried to continue with play and got a sheepish grin on his face when it didn’t work.
I’m definitely hoarse from it! “Let’s Go Buff-a-lo” is the funnest chant ever!
It sounded great over the TV broadcast. You guys were really audible.
It is the best chant ever. I’m not much of a yeller, but my mother is so I think I have ringing in my left ear.
What?! Crunchy kissed Peters!? What?
as an aside, (bc i know how many of you hate Tucker :P), both he and Sundin (later) had a 2 on 1, same angle, same distance, and Sundin scored on his beautifully, and Tucker didn’t. Bad shot too :X.
Some of us hate Sundin too. ;) Great player, but always cheapshotting Sabres. That’s totally funny that Tucker messed up the shot and he got it though.
What?! Crunchy kissed Peters!? What?
‘Tis true.
Some of us hate Sundin too. ;) Great player, but always cheapshotting Sabres. That’s totally funny that Tucker messed up the shot and he got it though.
Yeah, honestly I’d rather see Tucker score than Sundin! But I’m down with any Leaf missing at the end of the day so I won’t complain too hard :D
they’ve just given up a lead with under a minute left in the 3rd again so I’ve pretty much given up on this team, hoping they just tank it and trade for half a billion first rounders and nab guys like Stamkos and Tavares.
I think I’ll go look for the remainder of the NY wine….
I’m glad you guys had fun, by the way! (Really!)
Fun? Who said anything about fun? It was awful! :P
Vinny, I think you win a gold star for today, what with your cheering for the Sabres. (I’m, um, not sure I could manage to do the same for the Leafs. Sorry.) And did I hear (read?) you mention you have Hecht on your non IPB fantasy team? Love! You’re my new favorite Leafs fan! (Not that there was an old favorite, really, but you get my meaning.)
So I’m not the only one who noticed the new Crunchy haircut?
That shot of him with the short hair from 2001 wasn’t bad either. What happened in between? :P
Okay, and because I have to be the first one to do this,
“Would a GAY MAN kiss Andrew Peters?”
*HIDES!!* (hey, at least Petey’s kinda a cute bag of cement…)
Okay, and because I have to be the first one to do this,
“Would a GAY MAN kiss Andrew Peters?”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hey, Meg or Gambler, either of you care to explain what was going on in this Crunchy/Peters clip? They weren’t broadcast on TV and aren’t on the Sabres site (although Heather seems to think they will be later :P).
They weren’t broadcast on TV and aren’t on the Sabres site (although Heather seems to think they will be later :P).
You sound skeptical. When a Top Blogger speaks, the Sabres jump!
Right, Heather! No, I believe you, honest! I do!
Crunchy kissing Peters definitely trumps Staffy in shorts, which is what I was coming on here to post. (During a feature on the equipment managers on CBC, he was exercising in the locker room with the rest of the players.)
Right, Heather! No, I believe you, honest! I do!
:-D
Listen, if I have to hobble to Hank’s house myself, I will hear him wish me a happy New Year in Swedish. Surely, somebody around here knows where he lives.
this can’t be happening…Clemmenson…SHOOTOUT?!
great. absolutely fantastic. :( we already suck.
Hee and thanks for the Gold Star Heather… you should really try cheering for the Leafs sometime you know? XD and yes, I picked up Hecht off waivers for my team.. :D
Canadian audiences got Staffy in shorts and us US folks got Blob Costas talking about Ogie Oglethorpe? Canadians who mock US hockey fans have no idea. No fucking idea.
(Staffy’s shorts were skin-tight leopard print, right? Right?)
Hey, Meg or Gambler, either of you care to explain what was going on in this Crunchy/Peters clip? They weren’t broadcast on TV and aren’t on the Sabres site (although Heather seems to think they will be later :P).
They were showing videos of various Sabres wishing everyone a happy new year. There was one of Crunchy and Peters and Crunchy was sitting there with his arm around Peters shoulders and at the end he kissed Peters on the cheek and Peters made an eww, gross face like a 10 year old boy.
I am shocked — shocked — that Vincent Lecavalier can make it look like he doesn’t even have to try when taking a shootout shot against Clemmer.
(Staffy’s shorts were skin-tight leopard print, right? Right?)
Of course. They showed them doing those lunges and stuff so the skin-tight leopard print really showed off Drew’s thighs.
Vinny, it was actually Gambler who gave you the gold star. But hey, you’re cool in my book too!
Gold stars all around for Vinny. I certainly couldn’t cheer for the Leafs, so I’m totally impressed by your cross-rivalry cheering, Vinny.
Staffy’s thighs are such that a muumuu could show them off!
Gambler, did you really expect anything else? Classic Yo-Yo.
I don’t know, I’ve been kind of getting used to this new Yo-Yo. You know, the one who’s tied for goal-scoring leader. I almost expect him to score, now. Well, he went and showed me, didn’t he?
I’m not actually that angry with him, I just happened to yell, right after he took that shot, “That’s it, Yo-Yo, we’re not speaking anymore!” And I figure I should at least finish out the day before reneging on that promise. I don’t want to be known for my empty threats.
“Would a GAY MAN kiss Andrew Peters?”
Hee! That’s actually the first thing I thought of when I saw it! (And then the question quickly morphed into “Would ANYONE kiss Andrew Peters?” and “WHY would anyone kiss Andrew Peters?”)
and yes, I picked up Hecht off waivers for my team.. :D
He’s not a very compelling fantasy player, but he’s on track for career numbers this year. I hope he treats you well!
I am shocked — shocked — that Vincent Lecavalier can make it look like he doesn’t even have to try when taking a shootout shot against Clemmer.
My dad, who doesnt’ even watch hockey normally, cringed and asked why I watched the Leafs. But I’m just glad Clemmenson made the second and third saves :D
and :( I’m sorry Gambler/Heather. the Leafs messed with my brain. What can I say? I think I’m going to have a soft spot for the Sabres (relative to the other divisional rivals)!
Vinny, have the Leafs beaten the Sabres in the playoffs? :P
Just curious.
I don’t know, I’ve been kind of getting used to this new Yo-Yo. You know, the one who’s tied for goal-scoring leader. I almost expect him to score, now. Well, he went and showed me, didn’t he?
Yo-Yo, keeping your expectations down a bit. Maybe even he realizes he’s been kind of crazy lately.
I think I’m going to have a soft spot for the Sabres (relative to the other divisional rivals
See, Pookie! Not even Leaf fans hate the Sabres! Ha! :D
Vinny, have the Leafs beaten the Sabres in the playoffs? :P
DS, that would require the Leafs getting TO the playoffs! (Sorry, Vinny! :-)
LOL wait wait, that does need a correction. This particular leaf fan doesn’t hate the Sabres…ahhh…just a strong dislike :P
Vinny, have the Leafs beaten the Sabres in the playoffs? :P
I think we’ve only met them once in the last eight years… ‘99 ECF we lost to them. We did, however, defeat the Penguins :P
I don’t know Heather :P we’ve made it more times than the Sabres in the past ten years :D
Okay, that ROCKED! For me, at least.
It sounded great over the TV broadcast. You guys were really audible.
I wondered about that. Could you hear the booing, too? Us Buffalonians, we’re such boors.
Unrelated, I have the Sugar Bowl playing in the background right now, and one of the QBs (Hawaii’s?) is named Stafford. It’s totally freaking me out, listening to the call. Staffy! Football is not an acceptable activity to help you recover from Addled Brains Disease!
Canadians who mock US hockey fans have no idea. No fucking idea.
Exactly! It’s like mocking a street urchin for selling pencils!
Exactly! It’s like mocking a street urchin for selling pencils!
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And I’m so glad to hear from all the Irregulars who were in attendance that it was a good time!
I don’t know Heather :P we’ve made it more times than the Sabres in the past ten years :D
But the Sabres have made the Conference Finals more than all but one team (not the Leafs) in the past decade so I guess it depends on whether you prefer quality or quantity :-) We’ll call it mostly even!
I’m watching the Campbell/Miller postgame conference and Ryan is adorable. Between the hair in his eyes and the scarf and the huge coat he looks like a little kid dressed up in his dad’s clothes.
Okay, that ROCKED! For me, at least.
Yay!
I was just looking at HFBoards, and it seems like a lot of non-Sabres, non-Pens fans watching on TV also thought it rocked. And apparently there have been non-hockey fans commenting on ESPN about how fun it was to watch and it’s been getting good press coverage in other markets. While I don’t care much about the longterm implications, I’m so happy that this game seemed to give a lot of people hockey-related happiness and to represent Buffalo in a great light. It totally feels like this was a wonderful day to be a Buffalonian.
I can’t believe you didn’t like Crunchy’s “Your mommas so ugly” commercial, Ookies! I thought that was the most Crunchy personality that has ever been captured on film!
Heather, Crunchy and I are so fighting. Between the sock on his mask, his stupid energy drink commercial (I know, I know — Patty and I are in the minority on that one) and his hair looking like that in the post-game, I’m just terribly disappointed. :P
Meg, I am just SO PROUD of Buffalo today!
They showed them doing those lunges and stuff so the skin-tight leopard print really showed off Drew’s thighs.
Way back, when Razor’s Q&A thing was actually about hockey, somebody asked about the players’ fitness routines. They showed video of various players on gym equipment and the only one I remember is little Jamie Langenbrunner on the leg-lift thingie.
He was sitting there in a t-shirt and bike shorts and doing the leg lift and he pulled up the hem of the leg of his shorts!
So we could all see his thigh better!
He also had a look in his eye as if there were people behind the camera making fun of him. It is seared into my memory.
I thought that was the most Crunchy personality that has ever been captured on film!
I was just saying to Schnookie a few minutes ago that this is exactly why I didn’t like the commercial! I like my Crunchy weird, freaky and awkward. This commercial Crunchy is totally foreign to me.
I’m glad you had a great time, Katebits!
Heather, Crunchy and I are so fighting.
Schnookie, you’re crazy! I think everything you mentioned – the commerical, the stupid sock hats, the postgame – is a positive in Crunchy’s column. Great day for him! I’m in love with him right now!
Can I just one more time publicly thank Heather for her Ice Bowl tickets. She could have sold them for millions of dollars, but she didn’t!
…his stupid energy drink commercial (I know, I know — Patty and I are in the minority on that one)
I’m not backing off my “lame” opinion or anything, but I didn’t think Crunchy was that bad in it. Just that it wasn’t that funny. It didn’t crush me, though. But he’s not my boyfriend so that might be why I took it so well. :D
Meg, I am just SO PROUD of Buffalo today!
The lady sitting next to my family today turned to people behind her and said, “Where on Earth would you want to be more than here? Nowhere!” I think (maybe because the scarcity of the tickets, etc.) that people just felt really lucky to be there and it showed.
I didn’t love the sock, but I loved the commercial and his current hair. (He wasn’t sporting the Lundkvist forward blow, was he?)
Can I just one more time publicly thank Heather for her Ice Bowl tickets. She could have sold them for millions of dollars, but she didn’t!
I hope you enjoyed the adorable Hank holiday greeting on my behalf, Kate.
I do like his current hair. He looked good in the concert pictures.
I’m watching the Campbell/Miller postgame conference and Ryan is adorable.
I agree. The adorableness started when he took a photo of the press corps before his interview began.
I hope you enjoyed the adorable Hank holiday greeting on my behalf, Kate.
Heather, you have GOT to see that clip. I held my Tally-Ho sign up really high during that clip.
I agree. The adorableness started when he took a photo of the press corps before his interview began.
Yes! I forgot about that! Also adorable.
Where are y’all seeing the press conference?
I was just saying to Schnookie a few minutes ago that this is exactly why I didn’t like the commercial! I like my Crunchy weird, freaky and awkward.
Pookie, I think you can take comfort in the fact that that commercial was all precisely scripted. I mean, in real life Crunchy would be all, “Your momma’s so not being the best professional momma she can be”.
Oh, I love Crunchy’s new haircut! But I think it was doing a bit of the Lundqvist forward-blow in the post-game. It was looking distressingly bangs-ish.
Kate, that’s awesome! I’m so impressed that you HELD UP a Tally-Ho sign! I emailed the Sabres webmaster and begged for that clip to be posted on the internet. (webmaster@sabres.com if anyone wants to help a poor, pathetic fellow blogger/hockey lover out…)
Katebits, you are the ho-iest Tally-Ho of them all!
Way back, when Razor’s Q&A thing was actually about hockey, somebody asked about the players’ fitness routines.
Razor? Hockey? Together? NEVER!
And OMG Langer! I’m suddenly so, so sad that I missed out on that. I wish Langer would come back. Devils, you know you want Matty Norstrom. Come on. He’s rockin’! He’s so friendly! He’s Swedish AND bald! Just give us Langer! Please?!?!
Patty, you might have died at the New Year’s Eve game because they showed two parts (yes, two) of Sixty Seconds With Razor. Yeah, Razor got two full minutes on the Jumbotron.
Where are y’all seeing the press conference?
Patty, I watched it on the Sabres website.
“Your momma’s so not being the best professional momma she can be”
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Great day for him! I’m in love with him right now!
Me too! Crunchy is so high up my good list at present.
I’m not backing off my “lame” opinion or anything, but I didn’t think Crunchy was that bad in it. Just that it wasn’t that funny.
See, that’s exactly how I feel about it. Crunchy was perfectly adequate with his performance, and he looked delicious as always, but the commercial itself, the concept behind it, was lame. And as Boomer just said, because the commercial was so lame, I ended up feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable for Crunchy.
I wish Langer would come back. Devils, you know you want Matty Norstrom.
Nope, sorry! You got your Arnott and McKay for Langer (and Nieuwy). No backsies! (Patty, are you still sorry that Armstrong got fired? :P)
Me too! Crunchy is so high up my good list at present.
I’m so impressed that he managed to kind of shrug off the shootout loss – which you know is killing him – and still seem to enjoy the day. It would’ve been nice to get the two points but they didn’t and I’m glad they could still understand the awesomeness of the event.
Thanks, Heather! I might have to check that out tomorrow. I’m trying to go to bed at a decent hour, since I have to go to work tomorrow (starting the long boring road back to December where I’m off more often than on). :D
Nah… I may just go watch it real quick.
I’m so impressed that he managed to kind of shrug off the shootout loss – which you know is killing him – and still seem to enjoy the day.
Crunchy must be doing two-a-days with Dr. Kroger! :D
Nope, sorry! You got your Arnott and McKay for Langer (and Nieuwy). No backsies! (Patty, are you still sorry that Armstrong got fired? :P)
It’s happened before! We got back Sydor!
Oh, Langer. *sob*
Now I don’t miss Army for sure. (I don’t know about Patty, though.) Sorry, Army.
(Patty, are you still sorry that Armstrong got fired? :P)
Not as much, no. I hate to be mean, though, so I’ll point out that he did get some other players for nothing (Ribeiro and Hagman, for example). But it doesn’t really make up for trading Nieuwy. And Langer, of course.
Crunchy must be doing two-a-days with Dr. Kroger! :D
True! They’re probably on the phone right now. “Did you see the NHL.com headline? The Perfect Ending to the Perfect Game? They hate me! No one wanted me to win! MY MOM was probably cheering for Sid because SHE LOVES GOALS!”
MY MOM was probably cheering for Sid because SHE LOVES GOALS!”
You know it! Then he remembered to look at that suitcase stuffed with unmarked bills that Gary Bettman had sent to him this morning and he’s like, “Oh right, nevermind.”
“Did you see the NHL.com headline? The Perfect Ending to the Perfect Game? They hate me! No one wanted me to win! MY MOM was probably cheering for Sid because SHE LOVES GOALS!”
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Then Dr. Kroger reminds Crunchy of the large sum of money the NHL wired into his Swiss bank account to let Sid score on that shot, and Crunchy remembers why he’s totally fine with the outcome.
I do like big companies doing hockey-themed commercials, so don’t discourage them too much. :D
You know it! Then he remembered to look at that suitcase stuffed with unmarked bills that Gary Bettman had sent to him this morning and he’s like, “Oh right, nevermind.”
It’s the only explanation. I still can’t see how that lame shot went in the net. Ryan, if you make a bunch of sick kids happy with that dough, fine. If I see you tooling around on Buffalo on a snazzy new recumbent bike, I will chase you down and beat you.
HAHAHA! Oh, can anyone guess what the consensus on this afternoon’s outcome was at IPB Manor? :P
Ryan, if you make a bunch of sick kids happy with that dough, fine. If I see you tooling around on Buffalo on a snazzy new recumbent bike, I will chase you down and beat you.
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He wants more gold plating on his condor-eggshell recumbent-bike path.
The lady sitting next to my family today turned to people behind her and said, “Where on Earth would you want to be more than here? Nowhere!”
My sister originally suggested we make a sign that said “Where else would you rather be than right here right now?” as kind of a shoutout to Marv Levy (which would actually might be a touchy subject right now, given his retirement), and now I almost wish we had, because that’s how I felt all day. I was standing in one place for the better part of four hours, clutching various blankets and bags and cameras in my arms, getting snow in my face and wind in my eyes, freezing the tips of my fingers off, and it was WONDERFUL. I’d do it all again tomorrow, if I could.
Ryan, if you make a bunch of sick kids happy with that dough, fine. If I see you tooling around on Buffalo on a snazzy new recumbent bike, I will chase you down and beat you.
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He’s going to force all those pencil-selling urchins to working on his bike path.
(Just watching the presser and I’m not that happy with the bangs on Crunchy. Not terrible, but I liked it better last night.)
“Where else would you rather be than right here right now?”
Awwww! Even with Marv’s resignation, that makes me a little teary-eyed!
(Just watching the presser and I’m not that happy with the bangs on Crunchy. Not terrible, but I liked it better last night.)
Patty, you and I are totally twinsies today! :D
Almost more distressing than blown forward bangs is the idea that Crunchy has multiple “looks”, depending on his mood and the occasion.
Well, Crunchy obviously thought better of it and didn’t pay Army and/or Pommerdoodle NEARLY enough for that 2 min 4-on-3, so yeah….Money well spent, clearly!!
Just watching the presser and I’m not that happy with the bangs on Crunchy. Not terrible, but I liked it better last night.
I didn’t love them but I thought it worked with the whole “I’m wearing my dad’s sport coat” look he had going on. And let’s face it, anything looks good next to Soupy’s drowned rat look. Soupy, you looked pretty good otherwise! Wash that crap out of your hair!
Almost more distressing than blown forward bangs is the idea that Crunchy has multiple “looks”, depending on his mood and the occasion.
And more distressing than Crunchy having multiple “looks” is that he has multiple “moods”, too. I like my Crunchy cranky and death-glaring. And a little neurotic. Nothing else. So consequently, he should only have one look, the one that most becomes the “coming at you with a rope or a knife” face.
Oh GOD Crunchy’s hair is TERRIBLE in that press conference. His bangs look freaking CURLED UNDER.
Soupy is SO stupid. Really.
Oh GOD Crunchy’s hair is TERRIBLE in that press conference. His bangs look freaking CURLED UNDER.
Thank you! I was so worried that I was being overly cranky today or something and was missing some beauteous Crunchy after the way everyone (*coughHeathercough*) seemed to think he was so adorable in that press conference. We had it on for about two seconds before I wailed at Pookie to turn it off. SO HORRIBLE.
Dear hockey players,
We understand that you spend a lot of time on your hair, but it’s supposed to look like you don’t. And as a group, you are generally failing.
Please get some help.
Love always,
Patty (in Dallas)
Soupy is SO stupid. Really.
Word. Let the red head fly, baby! It’s one of your best features!
One of the Ookies pointed out that I’m clearly in a bad spot with Soupy when I responded to his goal with “Shit, now everyone will want to pay him loads of money” instead of with “WOOOOOOO!” :-)
I do think his outfit and his demeanor is fairly adorable (but I am currently in love with Crunchy just in general), but the bangs are unacceptable. Totally unacceptable.
(*coughHeathercough*)
I can’t believe that after the craptacular haircut he’s sported for the past two years, you’re all up in arms about his bangs today. It’s adorable! Adorable I tell you!
I can’t believe that after the craptacular haircut he’s sported for the past two years, you’re all up in arms about his bangs today.
Wait! Heather might have a point!
Actually, that IS a really good point. At least he doesn’t have the Jesus hair anymore.
“Where else would you rather be than right here right now?”
Awwww! Even with Marv’s resignation, that makes me a little teary-eyed!
Yeah, it’s just a great quote for sports.
And I agree with the bang hate. Crunchy was adorable but the bangs need to go.
I can’t believe that after the craptacular haircut he’s sported for the past two years, you’re all up in arms about his bangs today. It’s adorable! Adorable I tell you!
I LIKE his “craptacular” homeless/Jesus hair. And there is NO EXCUSE for the sausage-curled bangs. NONE. I don’t care what his previous hairdos looked like. NOTHING justifies the way it looked in that press conference. AND I WILL NOT BUDGE ON THIS! :P
Yeah, his bangs were curled under. That is a lot worse than Jesus hair.
By the way, I saw you guys wondering about where me and my sign were hiding today, and we just didn’t get on TV or the Jumbotron. Partially because Meghan and I weren’t too smart with the weatherproofing thing, but mostly because NBC wasn’t showing too many signs, and CBC wouldn’t show it (I imagine) because it had a huge NBC right in the middle of it. But if anyone wants to see it, there’s a picture on my blog.
Soupy is SO stupid. Really.
Soupy’s been really getting on my nerves lately. It’s been a gradual process, but recently I’ve started hating him because he’s my sister’s roommate’s favorite player, and she’s kind of insufferable. I’m just passing that hate right on down the line. It’s weird, I’ve gone from being desperate to keep him, to not being able to wait until we get rid of him. Either stay for cheap or go away, Soupy! You’re annoying!
I LIKE his “craptacular” homeless/Jesus hair.
Oh, geez, well there’s the problem. I think we’ve reached a fundamental difference in opinion here, Schnookie :-)
Crunchy looked like a toadstool dressed as a Beatle on Ed Sullivan for Halloween.
I’ve gone from being desperate to keep him, to not being able to wait until we get rid of him. Either stay for cheap or go away, Soupy! You’re annoying!
Me too, Gambler. Unless he is willing to give us a genuine hometown discount (like, $8.50 an hour), I don’t want him.
Either stay for cheap or go away, Soupy! You’re annoying!
Pretty much sums up how I’m feeling these days. And I like Soupy in theory! I was secretly a little thrilled he was on the ice when Sid scored and also a little disappointed that he scored our goal.
Crunchy looked like a toadstool dressed as a Beatle on Ed Sullivan for Halloween.
Don’t you mean “Yomommaween”? I’m sorry! I can’t help it, it makes me giggle!
Oh, and :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Me too, Gambler. Unless he is willing to give us a genuine hometown discount (like, $8.50 an hour), I don’t want him.
But you guys, Bucky Gleason says his price is over $5 million per now! That means he’s awesome! Just like Sheldon Souray!
Crunchy looked like a toadstool dressed as a Beatle on Ed Sullivan for Halloween.
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Either stay for cheap or go away, Soupy! You’re annoying!
I’m so glad to be gaining company on this . . . he just really grates my nerves.
Okay, unsolicited (unbiased?) opinion on Crunchy’s hair…it’s not bad in the press conference. The scarf, however…
And what is he taking pictures of?
Okay, unsolicited (unbiased?) opinion on Crunchy’s hair…it’s not bad in the press conference.
kristin, are you on drugs? :P
That means he’s awesome! Just like Sheldon Souray!
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I was secretly a little thrilled he was on the ice when Sid scored and also a little disappointed that he scored our goal.
This is how I tend to feel. And then I get I’m-a-bad-fan guilt.
I’m so glad to be gaining company on this . . . he just really grates my nerves.
I like him and he’s good at some things… but anything over 5 million is ridiculous and even that makes me nervous. And I am annoyed at his, “Gee, negotiations are taking soooo looooong” complaints. And there is the whole “Campbell and Spacek are our number one pairing now!” things which drives me batty. Yeah.
Okay, unsolicited (unbiased?) opinion on Crunchy’s hair…it’s not bad in the press conference. The scarf, however…
I love the scarf too! So there!
I’d guess he’s taking pictures of what was alledgely a HUGE media horde.
And what is he taking pictures of?
The press. He’s really big on photography. And apparently quite good.
Schnookie…I wish!!
Is it really that bad? Can you direct me to good pictures of his hair for comparison purposes?
I was secretly a little thrilled he was on the ice when Sid scored and also a little disappointed that he scored our goal.
That’s how I used to feel about Gomez there at the end before his free agency. And look how that turned out! :D
Oh, and I bet Crunchy will try to explain away the bangs by saying it’s just hockey-sock head.
Oh, and I bet Crunchy will try to explain away the bangs by saying it’s just hockey-sock head.
Dude. Crunchy had to get out a curling iron to get those bangs. No one is buying hocky-sock head, Crunchy. No one.
Dude. Crunchy had to get out a curling iron to get those bangs. No one is buying hocky-sock head, Crunchy. No one.
Maybe it was a signal to the world that he took a dive. He obviously forfeits all that money if he outright says it, but the curled bangs are the universal sign for “I tanked the game today at the behest of the league officials”.
That’s how I used to feel about Gomez there at the end before his free agency. And look how that turned out! :D
The Drury/Briere talk is one thing. If I have to listen to fans complain about how much Soupy’s loss is affecting the team next year, I’ll stab somebody in the eyeballs.
I really didn’t notice any curl in his bangs. I’ve been so firm in my “adorable!” stance that I’m kind of scared to go back and look again. So I’m just going to continued insisting that he’s merely adorably tousled.
Was Sid’s shot that bad? I couldn’t see the goal at that side of the rink and I haven’t had the heart for the replays.
And there is the whole “Campbell and Spacek are our number one pairing now!” things which drives me batty.
Lydman and Tallinder got more ice time than they did in this game and it quite honestly fills me with joy.
And there is the whole “Campbell and Spacek are our number one pairing now!” things which drives me batty..
As soon as I noticed they were starting against Sid, I thought, “Uh oh, here we go.” Notice how Tallinder and Lydman were glued to Sid’s line after that. But they’re not our top defensive pairing anymore? Ooooookay.
That said, I have nothing against Spacho. I’m really happy with his play and his new captain status, and I was thrilled to be welcomed to the Ralph today by his voice being played over the PA system, “This is Jaroslav Spacek, wishing you a happy New Year!” Also, there’s no way to hate this face. There’s just no way.
but the curled bangs are the universal sign for “I tanked the game today at the behest of the league officials”.
That and the shifty eyes!
Was Sid’s shot that bad?
Yes.
My father was convinced that all sporting events were fixed and it’s sort of the one thing I refused to be cynical about. But today?…
Yes. It was just that bad.
So I’m just going to continued insisting that he’s merely adorably tousled.
So you’re the one on drugs here, then! :P (Seriously, this is the vicodin talking, right? Right?)
Was Sid’s shot that bad?
Crunchy missed the puck on a lame pokecheck on some lame stickhandling by Sid. It all looked really pathetic. I mean, I’ve seen goalies beat on worse plays, but still. I will go to my grave believing he took a dive. :D
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! That picture is PRICELESS, Gambler! I agree that hating Sissy is wrong. (Apparently they called Jaro “Sissy” in Edmonton and I’m trying it out. What do you think?)
That and the shifty eyes!
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Was Sid’s shot that bad? I couldn’t see the goal at that side of the rink and I haven’t had the heart for the replays.
I’m still not sure how it went in. It seemed like Ryan had it and it just kind of floated in between his legs. It really looked like it disappeared in snow and popped up behind him. On TV atleast it looked terrible.
That said, I have nothing against Spacho. I’m really happy with his play and his new captain status, and I was thrilled to be welcomed to the Ralph today by his voice being played over the PA system, “This is Jaroslav Spacek, wishing you a happy New Year!”
That’s awesome! And part of what bothers me about the Campbell/Spacek talk is that so much of the credit seems to be going to Soupy when Jaro is busting his ass out there. He totally deserves that C.
Gambler, that photo of Spacek is adorable!
It looks like it was taken right after Lindy told him he was the new captain. “Really?! Me?!”
For any “Quiz Show” fans out there, the Sid shootout goal was basically just Crunchy standing there saying, “On The Waterfront?” while the puck went through him.
Hmm. I haven’t seen the play, but I find it very hard to believe that Crunchy would actually take a dive. Don’t forget, he can totally suck sometimes.
For any “Quiz Show” fans out there
I’m sorry, did you say… Emily Dickinson?!
Hmm. I haven’t seen the play, but I find it very hard to believe that Crunchy would actually take a dive. Don’t forget, he can totally suck sometimes.
He’s lucky I know he hates to lose because it really did look that bad.
Wow. That’s so upsetting.
=/ it looked bad bc Miller didn’t look bad on the previous two shots. I just thought it was weird how he suddenly sucked.
or i dunno :D
but that’s an adorkable Spacek picture :D i like!
He’s lucky I know he hates to lose because it really did look that bad.
Yeah, and considering he’s capable of looking really sucky, but doesn’t often look sucky in shootouts… Tsk, tsk Crunchy. Your curled bangs give you away.
Apparently they called Jaro “Sissy” in Edmonton and I’m trying it out. What do you think?
Eh. I’m assuming it’s after Sissy Spacek so while I know it’s affectionate, it sounds insulting. It makes me all defensive of poor Jaro. (Or as Mike Robatille called him during a postgame interview a few games ago, “Euro.” They’re not interchangeable, Mike!)
Was Sid’s shot that bad?
I haven’t seen replays, either, but from my vantage point in the stadium, it looked like a “shot” that Crunchy easily should have saved. Easily. I was downright shocked that it went in.
That picture is PRICELESS, Gambler!
Isn’t it? I think I was giddy for hours after finding that one. And I totally approve of Sissy! I’m trying to work it into my vocabulary, but I’m kind of attached to Spacho.
And while we’re on the topic of Dmen I love, my irrational crush on Patches really paid off today. When he made that neat reach-around poke-check to stop a potential breakaway, I wanted to run down on the ice and make out with him. My Patches-loving heart was rejoicing! (I still don’t really buy that it was him. I think Hank surreptitiously put on a #38 jersey while the whole stadium was napping during a zamboni break.)
And what is he taking pictures of?
The press. He’s really big on photography. And apparently quite good.
Did you see Soupy tap him on the arm when he took the picture? He was about to say, “Dude, take my picture at the press conference!”
And Crunchy was all, “I’m not going to hold the camera out and take a picture of us together. I’m an artist.”
:D
My Patches-loving heart was rejoicing! (I still don’t really buy that it was him.
Yeah, I said to Mark, “Wait, was that PAETSCH!” and the TV immediately said, “Great defensive play by Paetsch!” We both did a double-take. (It was a nice play though!)
Or as Mike Robatille called him during a postgame interview a few games ago, “Euro.”
I’m expecting it’s only a matter of time before he moves on to “Gyro,” then. Mmmmmm. Gyros.
Speaking of Roby, Katebits, do you know who that crazy obnoxious bald dude was that was hanging out with Kevin Sylvester today? No one around me had any idea who he was or what he was doing there. I was getting a little defensive of my Mr. Dimples, though, since he was so obviously peeved by that guy.
And Crunchy was all, “I’m not going to hold the camera out and take a picture of us together. I’m an artist.”
Hee! Patty, you perfectly nailed both personalities. Well done!
That bald guy was HORRIBLE, and Kevin Sylvester was SO CUTE (as usual). I thought Mr. Dimples was wonderful and I was nearly offended by the bald guy- on so many levels. Do you think he was drunk?
Do you think he was drunk?
I don’t know, but someone needed to explain to him that “Go Buffalo Go” is not a viable chant. I felt SO bad for that little kid he was dragging around with him. And Mr. Dimples. For his sake, I hope he was drunk, because I hate to think he’s that obnoxious sober. I cheered extra-hard when Ray kicked him. (By the way, I know he’s not a popular figure around here, but Matthew Barnaby? FOXY.)
Gambler, I always had a mad, dirty crush on Matthew Barnaby. I think he’s crazy cute.
Awww, Patches! I’ve only seen the Sabres play like 3 or 4 times, but he’s my new Sabres crush. Cutest Shetland pony defenceman ever :D
alix, I love how free you with your crushes! Your willingness to have “team you’ve never seen” crushes is so wonderful! :D
Hee! Thanks, Schnookie. I’m a bit of a hockey player crush ho :D
Hee but that was a totally sweet play he made to boot.
:D it’s okay alix, crush away!
(By the way, I know he’s not a popular figure around here, but Matthew Barnaby? FOXY.)
I totally agree.
How funny is it that the Ice Bowl ended 1-1 with a SO and the three other games today have been filled with absolutely zany scoring?
Is anybody watching the LA/CHI game?
The question about whether Matthew Barnaby is FOXY was answered when he had the Sabres logo (NOT the nice old one — the shitty red old one) put in his silver front teeth. NOT FOXY. EVER.
Jinx, Pookie!
Is anybody watching the LA/CHI game?
We are! Between this and the Ottawa/DC game, it’s like the Hockey Gods are like, “No, no, really! When you play indoors, you actually have good ice and can make plays and shit! Don’t get too entranced by this outdoor crap!” :P
Jinx, indeed, Patty! We’re watching it and I’m stunned – STUNNED – that Pan Boxer Dustin Brown has managed to get only one measly assist. Not cook, Dustin, not cook.
I don’t get the Barnaby stuff, either. But I only saw him way late in his career when he stopped at the Stars for a cup of coffee.
Nagy has a hat trick!
Dogs and cats are living together!
Listen, I didn’t see any weirdo fake teeth. I’ll I’m saying is that the dude looked good in a winter parka. That’s all.
That’s more like it, Brown!
Listen, I didn’t see any weirdo fake teeth. I’ll I’m saying is that the dude looked good in a winter parka. That’s all.
Hey, that’s fine — I just don’t want anyone expecting me to go and forget the fake teeth (and general douchiness) just because he looks good in his retirement. :D
You should have said something earlier, Pookie!
I know! I was trying to trust him to figure it out himself that he’s supposed to be scoring, but I should have guessed he needed a more bad-cop coach.
[...] From IPB: Therrien was all bundled up in a goofy parka, and any reader of Gregg Easterbrook knows right now that the Sabres are going to win this game. (link) [...]
Wow. That Hawk guy is trying to crush Preissing’s head. That’s gotta be against a rule or two.
I don’t get the Barnaby stuff, either. But I only saw him way late in his career when he stopped at the Stars for a cup of coffee.
Well, the only thing I can offer up on Barnaby is that he’s actually a very, very nice man.
Barnaby did one of those On The Ice With… videos last season and he talked constantly and cracked everybody up.
They don’t have last season’s videos up any more. Boo.
Can they get ten?
This game is insane! I can’t believe there are still 12 minutes left! MADNESS!
You know, I didn’t even associate the score with the fact that Lalime is the goalie. I thought he was with the Kings.
Barnaby did one of those On The Ice With… videos last season and he talked constantly and cracked everybody up.
That’s because they know no one’s can top the greatness that is Brenden Morrow’s On The Ice!
It will never cease to crack me up that Jen wrote a note on the back of the envelope for Morrow’s Christmas card (which he read as he was walking away, and promptly cracked up) that was essentially like, “Please do more On The Ice videos because you are hilarious.”
So Brenden knows what the people want!
Y’all, I’m sorry. But that nursery commercial is still hilarious, the hundredth time.
That is cool, Caitlin. Especially that he read it while he was still there where you could see him.
Dammit! Habby started this game! His GAA for this game is 15.93!!!
SHIT!
But that nursery commercial is still hilarious, the hundredth time.
I still laugh! Even my mother thought it was hilarious!
Y’all, I’m sorry. But that nursery commercial is still hilarious, the hundredth time.
Patty, I’m right there with you. They showed it about six or seven times in the Ralph today, and I never stopped laughing. And then I just tried to explain it to my boyfriend over the phone, and started cracking up just talking about it. “Loser! Loser! Best baby in the world!”
That is cool, Caitlin. Especially that he read it while he was still there where you could see him.
Oh, I wasn’t there; it was when Jen & Cat were collecting my Christmas present.
I might have to get Jen to e-mail you her picture with Russian. It is bar none the most hilarious picture I have ever seen, simply because of the look of absolute terror on Jen’s face.
His GAA for this game is 15.93!!!
Okay, I definitely need to go check THIS score.
Come on, Kings! One more!
I might have to get Jen to e-mail you her picture with Russian.
Please do! (Although I’ll understand if she’d rather not. I promise I won’t post it on any nefarious sites.)
Schnookie, did you do a search on “doug armstrong job offers”?
Patty, :^:::::::::::::::
Alright, everyone, it’s back to work for realz for me tomorrow, so I suppose I should call it a night! Happy New Year, everyone!
Schnookie, did you do a search on “doug armstrong job offers”?
Hee! But no, that wasn’t me. Sorry!
And sheesh — it’s 1:15. Where DOES the time go? I have an actual, real workday tomorrow. I guess it’s time for me to drag my curmudgeonly, cranky ass to bed. See you all tomorrow!
Night, Pookie! Happy New Year.
Nine goals?!?!? I have GOT to get center ice. All I got was the stupid fucking ice bowl :p
Night, Schnookie!
Good night everybody! I’m going to bed now, too. I have to go back to work, and everybody else will be there too.
See you tomorrow!
Night Patty!
I might have to get Jen to e-mail you her picture with Russian. It is bar none the most hilarious picture I have ever seen, simply because of the look of absolute terror on Jen’s face.
Don’t lie Caitlin, you would be frightened too if Russian had the look he did when I GAVE him the card. I swear he thinks I’m trying to kill him.
And I must agree the nursery commercial is hysterical.
Good morning, IPB!
I’m catching up on a lot of comments. Crunchy postgame looked like a cross between Milo Ventimiglia and the guy that played Jim Craig in Miracle. And that’s not a bad thing, especially since some of Crunchy’s photos recently made him look scary.
Matthew Barnaby is adorable. Bad Sabres logo teeth aside. Supposedly him and Rob Ray have a construction business together.
Awww, Patches! I’ve only seen the Sabres play like 3 or 4 times, but he’s my new Sabres crush. Cutest Shetland pony defenceman ever
Alix, remind me to send you the picture of Patches that I took at an autograph session. He’s so pretty in it.
I love Matty – he’s cute in a weird geeky-punky fusion sort of way. And his trash talk was hilarious – he should teach a class on it.
The lady sitting next to my family today turned to people behind her and said, “Where on Earth would you want to be more than here? Nowhere!” I think (maybe because the scarcity of the tickets, etc.) that people just felt really lucky to be there and it showed.
That’s awesome that people were so appreciative of being there. I’ve done a lot of cool stuff thanks to being in band, and with the travel and the keeping to the itinerary and all the practice and the lack of sleep, sometimes in the middle of it things were just too blurry to step back and go “whoa am I ever lucky.” I appreciate all of it now, of course, but there’s nothing quite as good as savoring the moment.
Guys, 5:50 am flights totally suck. Particularly when you have to go to work that morning.
I have to chime in with the fondness for Barnaby. It probably doesn’t hurt that people in Buffalo definitely consider him to be in the “one of us” category.
Also, despite Khabibulin 15.93 GAA last night, I’m still beating Earl in the goaltending categories. Emery is so not a good goalie.
Guys, 5:50 am flights totally suck. Particularly when you have to go to work that morning.
That’s AWFUL! And to think I was feeling sorry for myself having to get out of bed at 9:10 this morning! :D
Emery is so not a good goalie.
I’m telling you — we did not make up the Curse of Beating Brodeur.
That’s AWFUL! And to think I was feeling sorry for myself having to get out of bed at 9:10 this morning! :D
I’m making myself feel slightly better by thinking of how much it must have sucked for my mother to get out of bed at 4:15 so she could drive me to the airport–she’s probably all, “I knew there was something I didn’t miss about having my kids at home.”
I’m telling you — we did not make up the Curse of Beating Brodeur.
Emery sucked before then too, so beating Brodeur must have been the final straw.
“I knew there was something I didn’t miss about having my kids at home.”
Hee! Your poor mom! :D
Emery sucked before then too, so beating Brodeur must have been the final straw.
Oh, well, the curse only applies to the bad goalies who beat him. I mean, nothing happened to Patrick Roy after he beat Marty. But Emery’s fallen so far so fast since the playoffs last year, and so operatically; while I’m fairly confident he could have come about that on his own, his downfall was definitely hastened by the curse. :P
Aw, Meg, I’m so sorry! That’s inhuman having to take such an early flight and then having to go to work! Awful! (But it was worth it, right? :P)
The curse of Brodeur absolutely requires the goalie suck first. Imagine what would have happened it the Sens had won. Emery would have been playing in the Spengler Cup this year! By the way, did anyone here watch the Leafs/Lightning game on the TSN feed last night? How funny was Bobby Clarke asking, “Since when did Cujo get so good?” HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Imagine what would have happened it the Sens had won. Emery would have been playing in the Spengler Cup this year!
No, he would have been the third-stringer on the Spengler Cup team. :D
Right! Hee hee!
How funny was Bobby Clarke asking, “Since when did Cujo get so good?”
Bobby Clarke was quite the catty revelation during that game. I was so impressed, as the studio guys were falling all over themselves to talk up how Cujo is the answer to the Sens’ and Leafs’ prayers, with the way Clarkie just smacked them all down by reminding them that Cujo sucks. FANTASTIC!
(But it was worth it, right? :P)
Oh, definitely.
No, he would have been the third-stringer on the Spengler Cup team. :D
It’s only a matter of time, right?
Imagine what would have happened it the Sens had won.
What a horrid dream to have. Happy new year, IPB! Back from vacation, though my head is all over the place.
Hey Earl, Happy New Year to you, too!
Hey Sleek! Happy New Year! (and to everyone else too. I sorta forgot to do that yesterday…) How was vacation?
We still have a lot of residual ice bowl excitement at Casa Mags’ Famille. We’re going skating this afternoon! Yay! (I do not share the -Ookies fear of outdoor ice :P)
Someone mentioned outdoor rinks in warm locations, there is actually a sort of plastic which behaves very similarly to ice that they use for that. I never knew until I went skating at the outdoor rink near where my parents live. It’s not quite the same (I didn’t stop complaining about it until they told me it was not frozen water, but oil-residue :P), but it’s pretty awesome.
Hey Earl! Happy New Year, indeed!
Mags, just be careful out there in the open-air skating. That shit’s dangerous, you know! :P
Someone mentioned outdoor rinks in warm locations, there is actually a sort of plastic which behaves very similarly to ice that they use for that.
Glice? I’ve skated on Glice! On Long Island, which seems sort of bizarre to me now, since Long Island isn’t exactly a warm-weather locale. Maybe it was summer time… I can’t remember. But I distinctly remember being excited to be skating on Glice.
Pookie, when the hell did you skate on Glice? That’s so bizarre! I have no memory of this at all. Have I also skated on it, and just don’t know it? Because that’s a very scary thought. *Shudder*
Some friend of mine from Friends had an ice skating birthday party on Glice somewhere on the Island, I don’t remember where. So, no, you have not been skating on fake ice without knowing it. You’re safe.
How was vacation?
Oh, it was pretty sweet–hung out a ton with the family, and no major fights to report!
Also, today’s very weird–during the break my employer decided to switch locations–today we are in the 34th floor of a very swanky downtown L.A. building. I had no idea that L.A. had this many helipads…weird.
Glice? I’ve skated on Glice!
Yup, that’s what it is! Thanks for reminding me, Pookie!
It’s not quite as smooth as ice, and stopping is way more abrupt (not so much lovely spray to scare people with either)
Mags, just be careful out there in the open-air skating. That shit’s dangerous, you know! :P
I’ll try not to catch my blades on anything nasty. (I was just standing on the pond in the backyard and freaked the 8 and 10YO’s out by jumping up and down on the ice. The only reason I did it was that I knew if I fell through, I would only be waist deep in water, and if it held me, it would definitely hold them. But I didn’t tell them that. I’m totally cruel like your dad :P)
I’m glad to hear your vacation was relatively fight-free, Earl. That’s up there on the short list of things that contribute to a good vacation. :D
Also, today’s very weird–during the break my employer decided to switch locations–today we are in the 34th floor of a very swanky downtown L.A. building.
That’s INSANE! But kind of awesome. Way to have a swanky new office!
I’ll try not to catch my blades on anything nasty.
Oh, I was more concerned about the man-eating ice turtles, but yeah, watch your blades too, okay? :P
I was more concerned about the man-eating ice turtles,
But I have Boxworthy! He can fend them off with his flawless logic and brilliant rhetoric!
Guys, 5:50 am flights totally suck. Particularly when you have to go to work that morning.
Ick. You win. Or is that lose?
MOPG just told me that some local yokel out in the Lehigh Valley did a radio blurb about the ice bowl and called Sid “the young face of the NFL.” Clearly, despite the media hype, we have all been severely underestimating him.
The NFL killed IPB. Stupid NFL.
MOPG just told me that some local yokel out in the Lehigh Valley did a radio blurb about the ice bowl and called Sid “the young face of the NFL.”
NFL / NHL its all the same, except not.
Hey Sleek! Nice to “see” you!
Also, today’s very weird–during the break my employer decided to switch locations–today we are in the 34th floor of a very swanky downtown L.A. building.
At least they gave you the new address. :D
Very impressive, the 34th floor. Take some pictures out your window for us to see.
NFL / NHL its all the same, except not.
Ha! A former supervisor of mine loved saying “It’s exactly the same, except that it’s totally different.”
I mean, fine, nobody knows anything about hockey, but really shouldn’t the guy realize that he’s never before heard this “Crosby” name in all the news and info relating to the behemoth, omipresent NFL?
Happy New Year Everybody!
I enjoyed the Ice Bowl, mostly because I Tivo’d it and came in an hour and a half late. I got to fast forward through all the ice repair, well most of it. OK, the first period’s worth…
I attended the Devs/Sabres game in person, and I watched the Ice Bowl and that is the most Sabres I’ve seen since the spring of yesteryear. And all I know about that is both games featured Derek Roy looking skyard in disbelief as he failed to score, and bad things just seem to happen to Ryan Miller don’t they? With the Devils down 1-0 going into the third, I knew we were all right, because the Devils always trail the Sabres going into the third, and then bad things always happen to Ryan Miller.
Last thing: I got a huge chuckle over on the comments of the fire and Ice blog. Someone suggested this trade:
Zajac + Martin + Zubrus + a prospect + draft pick for Jokinen + Boumeester + Stumpel
How would that phone call go?
“Can I get your best scorer, best defenseman and a proven veteran for- hello? Hello???
Mags, just be careful out there in the open-air skating. That shit’s dangerous, you know! :P
Ookies, I forgot to tell you that I was very happy to see that Dodge sponsored one of the zambonis yesterday. I figured, good, so if the Sabres get cornered by it, all they have to do is read the side and they’ll know how to get out of the way. I’m sure it saved someone’s life.
Hey IPB! Happy new year!
Hell of a spectacle yesterday, not so much the game, but the crowd and the atmosphere. Awesome.
“Can I get your best scorer, best defenseman and a proven veteran for- hello? Hello???
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Happy New Year to you and the fam, Morgan!
And yeah, Ryan Miller is always good for letting in that last minute goal. Heh.
Sabres get cornered by it, all they have to do is read the side and they’ll know how to get out of the way. I’m sure it saved someone’s life.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I think the Sabres were okay with the Zambonis. The media were the ones that almost kept getting run over.
Hi andrew! Happy new year to you.
Yesterday was great. And how about this picture:
POP!
Soupy should compete in the high jump if he can get up that far in those conditions.
“Soupy should compete in the high jump if he can get up that far in those conditions.”
Say whatchya will about Soupy, but that hit was pretty damn sweet.
And seriously, Mair’s hit on Orpik was a thing of beauty. As if I couldn’t love Adam Mair anymore than I already did.
I can enjoy that picture more knowing Malone didn’t suffer a left-leg knee injury, given the positioning of his lower leg. But having attempted to shoot hockey pictures for two seasons now, I know how difficult a good catch like that is (even though the professionals have much faster shutters than I do, it’s still hard). :)
And even I could appreciate Mair’s hit. Good thing Brooks knows to tuck his chin in a backwards somersault. :P
And even I could appreciate Mair’s hit. Good thing Brooks knows to tuck his chin in a backwards somersault.
No kidding!
Hey andrew, Happy New Year! Well, Happy New Year to everyone!
And Pensgirl, Soupy is like magic in that picture. It’s like he’s floating! But not!
And Pensgirl, Soupy is like magic in that picture. It’s like he’s floating! But not!
Yeah, I can see it – sort of like he’s in a “flying” belt like those used for stage productions. My initial thought was that it looked like he was popped out of an ejector seat (which is why I went with POP as the pic title).
“Good thing Brooks knows to tuck his chin in a backwards somersault.”
I thought he was going to separate a shoulder on that landing. Looked a little painful. btw, the next sweater I buy is going to be a blue throwback with Mair on the nameplate. I can’t hold back any longer.
“Hey andrew, Happy New Year!”
Happy new year to you too, Caitlin!
Looked a little painful.
It probably was, but I’m sure he can take it. :D
(Although suffering yet another injury this month would have been painful for me.)
the next sweater I buy is going to be a blue throwback with Mair on the nameplate. I can’t hold back any longer.
Oh god, I know the feeling. You just wait until I get my hands on my authentic Stars Zubov home jersey. It’ll happen. Eventually.
I really want a blue throwback sweater, period. So good on you for going for Mair! Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this, since we’re divisional rivals and everything, but could you guys PLEASE beat the Flames? It would be awesome.
P.S.: I went to check out the upcoming Sharks schedule on the SJ site, and lo and behold, Zubov’s in the background of the picture for the Cheechoo feature on page 1. It is just my day to have Sergei Zubov following me all. day. long, I suppose.
Heh . . . the Pensblog guys think Buffalo fans are classless. Some of the commenters are complaining about being called fags (which, for the record, I do think is terrible, although I doubt their concern is the same as mine). Still, I feel like that’s the smell of irony wafting through the air.
It is just my day to have Sergei Zubov following me all. day. long, I suppose.
He just really wants you to buy that jersey.
“Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this, since we’re divisional rivals and everything, but could you guys PLEASE beat the Flames? It would be awesome.”
Sorry, no can do. They’re playing in SJ, which pretty much ensures a Sharks defeat…at least it does this season.
I’m seriously going to sell my tickets for the rest of the season and buy tickets to the rest of their LA and ANA games down south. At least then I’ll get to see a F’ing win.
He just really wants you to buy that jersey.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Show of solidarity and team spirit, right? He probably is just angry and looking for sympathy and/or vodka, since he injured his hand and is unable to play against the Red Wings or the Wild, at the very least.
Sorry, no can do. They’re playing in SJ, which pretty much ensures a Sharks defeat…at least it does this season.
The Sharks can totally turn it around….for one game! I know they can!
That is the weirdest thing, andrew. I keep wondering why in the world they’re so good on the road and so terrible at home. It’s usually the reverse.
Hmmmm.
Heh . . . the Pensblog guys think Buffalo fans are classless.
Yeah, that is ironic.
I’m seriously going to sell my tickets for the rest of the season and buy tickets to the rest of their LA and ANA games down south.
Hmm, a BoC ticket exchange for teams unwilling to win in front of the home fans? Who’d have thought?
“I keep wondering why in the world they’re so good on the road and so terrible at home. It’s usually the reverse.”
10 in a row on the road. They’re unbelievable.
Also, they’re unbelievable at home too. Just in a really really different way.
“Hmm, a BoC ticket exchange for teams unwilling to win in front of the home fans? Who’d have thought?”
Let’s talk about this Earl. Hell, I’m in LA once a month for work anyway, might as well make good use of my time.
10 in a row on the road. They’re unbelievable.
Also, they’re unbelievable at home too. Just in a really really different way.
At least they’re winning somewhere? Man, though, it just doesn’t make any sense.
I’m seriously going to sell my tickets for the rest of the season and buy tickets to the rest of their LA and ANA games down south. At least then I’ll get to see a F’ing win.
:(
He probably is just angry and looking for sympathy and/or vodka, since he injured his hand and is unable to play against the Red Wings or the Wild, at the very least.
He is Russian. He is ALWAYS looking for sympathy and/or vodka, injuries be damned :P
“At least they’re winning somewhere? Man, though, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
Worst stat in the world:
In November, the Kings won just as many games at the Tank as the Sharks did.
Digest that one for a minute. Ouch.
That’s craziness, Andrew.
Oh, and western conference fans . . . Niklas Hagman, ok fantasy pickup while my left wings are injured?
And seriously, Mair’s hit on Orpik was a thing of beauty. As if I couldn’t love Adam Mair anymore than I already did.
I know andrew! That hit was pretty much the unanimous winner over the Soupy hit when they asked the fans to vote on the hit of the day. It was awesome! And I’m so happy for you and your Mair jersey! He was one of the few Sabres I didn’t see represented in the crowd yesterday, and that’s just not right.
Heh . . . the Pensblog guys think Buffalo fans are classless.
Of course we are, Meg! We were booing Sidney Crosby! I’m so glad I wasn’t around any of the douchebag fans yesterday, because that would have ruined things for me a little bit.
Also, they’re unbelievable at home too. Just in a really really different way.
In the way of, “Thank God they don’t give us real glass beer bottles at games or I’d break the bottle and twist it into my face” kind of unbelievable?
He is Russian. He is ALWAYS looking for sympathy and/or vodka, injuries be damned :P
Well, I have lots of sympathy and I can put some vodka on ice. Poor Russian. (You know, one of my resolutions was not to talk up this man so much, and here I am already breaking it. 2008 is off to a fabulous start!)
In November, the Kings won just as many games at the Tank as the Sharks did.
Digest that one for a minute. Ouch.
Oh, god! How has no one been fired yet?!
In November, the Kings won just as many games at the Tank as the Sharks did.
Digest that one for a minute. Ouch.
So Ron Wilson will be fired and replaced by Marc Crawford? That would be precious.
Niklas Hagman, ok fantasy pickup while my left wings are injured?
I’m biased, but yes. He hasn’t scored nearly as much as anyone on the Ribeiro-Morrow-Miettinen line, but he’s still getting some points.
Plus he’s rad. They just did an article on him and his dad in one of the local papers recently:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/hockey/stars/stories/123107dnspostarslede.2355c5f.html
(Sorry, I don’t know how to do those fancy text links. I’m special.)
I don’t do fantasy hockey, so take my biased opinion for what it’s worth. ;)
You know, one of my resolutions was not to talk up this man so much, and here I am already breaking it. 2008 is off to a fabulous start!
Boo! Talk about Russian! I wanna hear about Russian! I made the resolution to be less “OMGHOCKEY” in 2007, and it didn’t work, so for 2008 I was going to try to be less obvious about my “OMGHOCKEY”. By 13:30 1-1-2008 I had failed. New Year’s resolutions are doomed anyway.
In November, the Kings won just as many games at the Tank as the Sharks did.
Digest that one for a minute. Ouch.
And no one has died yet? Cripes.
(Sorry, I don’t know how to do those fancy text links. I’m special.)
<a href="http://url.com"> link text </a>
Heh . . . the Pensblog guys think Buffalo fans are classless. Some of the commenters are complaining
I saw that and it really surprised me. Have they put up the details yet? I always assumed they (the “staff”) could handle a lot given the nature of their blog, so either I was wrong or they ran into some seriously bad people (which I guess every team has). Still, in a crowd of over 70K, you shouldn’t go expecting not to run into any assholes.
I guess for me, everything is measured against West Virginia Univeristy football fans, who, when I was there as a member of VT’s band, made us honestly fear for our safety. They threw metal garbage cans at people’s heads. They physically attacked our professor. They (and by “they” I mean big dudes) physically attacked a tiny waif of a girl who played trombone for us, and she had to defend herself with the instrument until others could come to her aid. They threw huge rocks at the bus windows. And they had already won the game in question – in fact, they obliterated us.
I can’t begin to imagine anyone in Buffalo ever being remotely close to that.
Boo! Talk about Russian! I wanna hear about Russian! I made the resolution to be less “OMGHOCKEY” in 2007, and it didn’t work, so for 2008 I was going to try to be less obvious about my “OMGHOCKEY”. By 13:30 1-1-2008 I had failed. New Year’s resolutions are doomed anyway.
At some point this year, I will quit smoking. I hope. I wish. I think that and the “eating healthier” one are the only two I’ll stick to. I hardly ever make resolutions, but this felt like a good year to do that. Especially the quit smoking one.
And THANK you for the link thing. I feel better now, ha!
“He was one of the few Sabres I didn’t see represented in the crowd yesterday, and that’s just not right.”
That’s a travesty. Honestly. It’s Adam Mair, people! He’s an ass kicker AND he loves puppies! How can you go wrong?
“Oh, god! How has no one been fired yet?!”
Because they won like, every road game that month. Seriously though, Doug Wilson has gone on record saying that he would be much more worried if they were winning at home and losing every road game. (aka “Being The Flames”)
I can’t begin to imagine anyone in Buffalo ever being remotely close to that.
I have a hard time imagining that too, considering that everything I’ve heard about the Ice Bowl was that everyone seemed to be overjoyed to be there and the fans were getting along pretty well. Maybe they just sat in a bad section? I don’t know.
Considering the abuse I’ve experienced, seen and heard about at Texas high school football games, hockey games (here, at least) are relatively tame!
I’m so glad I wasn’t around any of the douchebag fans yesterday, because that would have ruined things for me a little bit.
Same. I honestly didn’t see even one Pens fan being harassed in any way. Not even good-naturedly. And the Pens fans in my section were extremely outnumbered so you’d think it would have happened there. Granted, the Sabres fans were probably too busy yelling, “do something, you fucking $10 million man,” to harass Pens fans. Still though, I was in a very nice, friendly section and I’m glad of it.
I can’t begin to imagine anyone in Buffalo ever being remotely close to that.
I can’t imagine that I would have missed that. The authorities have said that they had surprisingly few problems (less than at most football games) so I have to wonder how bad it really could have been.
I’m biased, but yes. He hasn’t scored nearly as much as anyone on the Ribeiro-Morrow-Miettinen line, but he’s still getting some points.
Plus he’s rad.
Great! I’ll read that article now. I’m sure he’ll be an excellent team player.
At some point this year, I will quit smoking.
You WILL. My other NYR were “be nicer” and “appreciate what you don’t have as much as what you have”. I have already tormented my cousins and whined so much my mom is paying for my Pens jersey, so I guess I fail. But you will not! Caitlin will succeed!
You’re welcome about the link thing. I taught Patty, so wth, maybe I can teach you too.
NYR
And by that I mean, New Year’s Resolutions, and not New York Rangers *gag*
I can’t wait to read the Pensblog account of the Ice Bowl. Part of me is hoping they don’t have any legitimately bad stories to report, and another part of me is going to be so disappointed in them if they whine about being booed.
What’s really strange about the Pensblog comments is that the Buffalo media hasn’t reported any douchebaggery. The cops (NY Sherrif, EC Sheriff and the local yokel) have a hotline into the TV/radio/newspaper to report that X number of fans were arrested after a Bills game, and for what charges. The newspaper has even run the names and hometowns of the people that have been arrested.
What’s also strange is that the Sabres message boards aren’t stating any reports of douchebaggery. They were in fact complaining that the crowd was too quiet.
I know every crowd has its assholes, but I might get really angry if an entire city is thrown under the bus because of a few idiots.
I know every crowd has its assholes, but I might get really angry if an entire city is thrown under the bus because of a few idiots.
Well, I think it’s to be expected that Pensblog is going to rip Buffalo. That’s kind of their thing….but unlike some bloggers I know (coughOnFrozenBlogcough), they will most likely be funny about it.
Hey, ookies! Where you at?
You WILL. My other NYR were “be nicer” and “appreciate what you don’t have as much as what you have”.
Yeah, I know it’s gross, but I look at my cigarettes and I think, “Oh nicotine. I love you. I lurrrrve you. How could I ever give you up?” And then I go to buy a new pack of cigarettes and the clerk tells me it’s $5.80 and I’m like, “Did I say I love you, nicotine? Because I totally hate you right now.”
I know that $5.50-$5.80 a pack is way cheaper compared to some parts of the U.S. but when I first started smoking six years ago, I used to buy a pack for $2.75 of the same brand.
And by that I mean, New Year’s Resolutions, and not New York Rangers
I knew what you meant! And if you had meant the Rangers, we would have just had a little intervention for you and fixed that problem right there!
I know every crowd has its assholes, but I might get really angry if an entire city is thrown under the bus because of a few idiots.
I don’t know what to think about Buffalo’s low idiot-tolerance. :)
I have no problem with Pensblog ripping Buffalo. I pretty much only read it if I’m following a link (from BfloBlog for example) and I don’t particularly care what they think. And besides, it’s what they do and I’m cool with that. I just found the irony of them calling people classless to be amusing. And the irony of their commenters complaining about the whole fag thing to be particularly priceless.
For the record, out of 71,000 people I’m sure there were plenty of thoroughly trashy folks there. And probably a few on the Pens side as well.
I know that $5.50-$5.80 a pack is way cheaper compared to some parts of the U.S. but when I first started smoking six years ago, I used to buy a pack for $2.75 of the same brand.
Hee . . . before I read this I was going to suggest that visiting New York would help you quit. :) The cigarettes cost way more and we make you stand outside in the cold to smoke them. And it’s reasonably cold at present.
I don’t know what to think about Buffalo’s low idiot-tolerance. :)
I’m just a little cranky today, my idiot tolerance is usually somehwhat moderate.
The carpets were cleaned while our office was closed, and I walked in to find that anything that wasn’t my desk, chairs or filing cabinets was piled on my desk. There was a lot of stuff stacked up that I had to put back in its place.
“For the record, out of 71,000 people I’m sure there were plenty of thoroughly trashy folks there.”
Speaking of…
I know the Ralph holds 74,000 and the announced attendance was 71,127. Were there just a ton of blocked off seats? Because there is no way hell that wasn’t a sellout.
The cigarettes cost way more and we make you stand outside in the cold to smoke them. And it’s reasonably cold at present.
Texas is getting that way on the prices – we just had a cigarette tax hike of $1.00 per pack and we’ll probably see another one this year, I think.
Also, everywhere in Dallas save for bars is non-smoking, so you can’t smoke in any restaraunt anywhere, and most of the suburbs have followed suit. You pretty much have to stand outside to smoke, too (hot or cold!). They’ve been kicking around the idea of making it illegal to smoke in your car as well.
Although I imagine smoking in the middle of January up north would suck…a lot.
I know the Ralph holds 74,000 and the announced attendance was 71,127. Were there just a ton of blocked off seats? Because there is no way hell that wasn’t a sellout.
There were a bunch of seats blocked off because they were completely obstructed.
I don’t know what to think about Buffalo’s low idiot-tolerance. :)
Heh. Earl, I think we have an extremely high idiot tolerance….so high that we never know what people are even talking about when they call us idiots.
I just found the irony of them calling people classless to be amusing.
Totally!…which is why I’m so curious to hear what happened to them at the game. It better be pretty bad, or their street cred is going to take a serious hit in my estimation. (On the other hand, I’ll be sad if they actually do have a legitimately hideous story. It’s lose-lose, really. I like Pensblog.)
I know that $5.50-$5.80 a pack is way cheaper compared to some parts of the U.S. but when I first started smoking six years ago, I used to buy a pack for $2.75 of the same brand.
$5.50 to $5.80?! Try more like $7.00 in Holland. I knew people in highschool who’d said “when it get to 10 Guilders I’ll quit”. 10 Guilders is about $7.00. And they didn’t quit. O well, you’re paving your way to Heaven in tar I guess.
I just found the irony of them calling people classless to be amusing. And the irony of their commenters complaining about the whole fag thing to be particularly priceless.
Ain’t that the truth.
Also, everywhere in Dallas save for bars is non-smoking, so you can’t smoke in any restaraunt anywhere, and most of the suburbs have followed suit. You pretty much have to stand outside to smoke, too (hot or cold!). They’ve been kicking around the idea of making it illegal to smoke in your car as well.
Bars are out in New State (nowhere indoors except for private homes, basically), much to my delight. Not being allowed to smoke in one’s car seems very, I don’t know, violation of privacy to me though.
New State
New York State, that is.
Not being allowed to smoke in one’s car seems very, I don’t know, violation of privacy to me though.
You’ll probably will be allowed to smoke in your car if it’s parked in your living room, I’d think.
$5.50 to $5.80?! Try more like $7.00 in Holland. I knew people in highschool who’d said “when it get to 10 Guilders I’ll quit”. 10 Guilders is about $7.00. And they didn’t quit. O well, you’re paving your way to Heaven in tar I guess.
Essentially, yes. Add tar and cyanide, that’s what you’re getting!
Mmmm. And I still smoke a pack a day! I’m wholeheartedly addicted. I really wish I had not started smoking. However, I’d like to quit at a really nice time that’s much less stressful than right after the holidays, since Caitlin without nicotine is scary.
Not being allowed to smoke in one’s car seems very, I don’t know, violation of privacy to me though.
It smacks of it to me as well. I think people down here were saying it would keep people from smoking around children in cars, and would decrease litter/road fires here as well. However, it walks a fine line, and considering my car is about the only place I can go smoke that’s NOT illegal, I’m like, “Please don’t take that away from me. *sob*”
I actually don’t mind not being able to smoke in public places, as I do realize that it is a health hazard, that secondhand smoke is dangerous, and that most people do NOT want to smell cigarette smoke. However, when I do manage to cram myself in some alleyway to go smoke, it always surprises me how many non-smokers you get who actively seek you out to tell you about your bad life decisions. :D
What if I live in my car?
Is it legal to drive your car into your living room?
Bars are out in New State (nowhere indoors except for private homes, basically), much to my delight.
I know, I loved that! We were at Gallagher’s for pre-NYE dinner on the 28th and I was so surprised there was no one smoking. So I figured it was just NYC. But when I went out for Chinese in Buffalo on the 30th there was no smoking there either. I love New York State.
it always surprises me how many non-smokers you get who actively seek you out to tell you about your bad life decisions. :D
My brother does that. But he has Down Syndrome so he can get away with it. We’re not sure where he picked it up from since it’s not something anyone else in my family would do. He must have gained his harassment skills from the television.
And I still smoke a pack a day! I’m wholeheartedly addicted.
Bad Caitlin! (I’ll stop now)
Is it legal to drive your car into your living room?
I figure as long as no damage is done to property that does not wholly belong to you, sure.
My brother does that. But he has Down Syndrome so he can get away with it.
Ha! That’s awesome. I dated a guy who’s aunt had down syndrome (I was a smoker at the time), and she did the same thing! She was totally judgey about my habit. :D
“However, when I do manage to cram myself in some alleyway to go smoke, it always surprises me how many non-smokers you get who actively seek you out to tell you about your bad life decisions.”
Y’know the part of me that’s a non-smoker loves that they’re not allowed in restaurants, etc. It’s nice, not having to smell smoke while enjoying my food.
But the rest of me hates all the anti-smoking rhetoric that floods every tv, magazine, and newspaper ever. It gotten to the point of being completely obnoxious, in fact those “The Truth” commercials, and the “NY Quits” commercials make me want to go start.
My brother does that. But he has Down Syndrome so he can get away with it.
Oh, see, that gets a pass from me. That’s different!
My favorite was where I was at an outdoor concert with two or three friends and we spent the afternoon getting followed around by the Truth people – the people who run the anti-smoking commercials on TV where they’re harrassing tobacco companies, etc. – after they figured out we were smokers.
They finally started like, yelling at us while we were standing in a clearly designated smoker’s area. Big signs and everything with little barricades so the smokers could stay separate and the non-smokers could avoid the 1,000 foot area around it. I’m like, “What do you want me to do? I can smoke here! The sign SAYS so! If you’re against secondhand smoke, why are you leaning over that metal railing inhaling it?”
She was totally judgey about my habit. :D
Yeah. Unfortunately Cody is even more judgey about people being overweight, which is far more awkward and embarrassing than the smoking thing. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried to apologize to whatever lovely lady your brother has ordered to exercise more.
“They finally started like, yelling at us while we were standing in a clearly designated smoker’s area.”
That’s just insane. What a bunch of tool bags. I think I would have lost my shit.
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried to apologize to whatever lovely lady your brother has ordered to exercise more.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh, NO! I’m sorry to laugh, but that’s hilarious. I’m not sure Cody would approve of me!
It gotten to the point of being completely obnoxious, in fact those “The Truth” commercials, and the “NY Quits” commercials make me want to go start.
Seriously. The commercials with the guy with one leg and the autopsy are probably the most annoying ones ever. The amputee saying that he just “ignored the smell” of his rotting leg is the worst. Who ignores the smell of their own rotting body part?
Y’know the part of me that’s a non-smoker loves that they’re not allowed in restaurants, etc. It’s nice, not having to smell smoke while enjoying my food.
Now that I understand. Non-smoking restaraunts don’t bother me now that I’m used to them. I can understand that smokers are now in the serious minority and that even if we make bad decisions regarding our health, it is the responsible and right thing to do to respect that other people have made quite frankly, better choices regarding their health.
The smell, also, while not that noticeable to a smoker, is noticeable to a non-smoker.
So I get being kind of respectful about it. I don’t mind not smoking in the restaraunt or even outside. But when I get in my car and light up and crack the window half an inch and get ready to drive off, please don’t come bang on my window and tell me how that cancerstick is sending me to hell, crazy people of Planet Earth.
I’m not sure Cody would approve of me!
The number of people Cody doesn’t approve of is large. Very large. And it must be said that the weight thing totally is my family’s fault, since my father and sister are fairly fitness obsessed. My poor put upon mother gets bothered about what she’s eating and whether or not she’s working out constantly. Whenever she visits me I’m like, “let’s go get chocolate cake! Our secret.”
“The amputee saying that he just “ignored the smell” of his rotting leg is the worst. Who ignores the smell of their own rotting body part”
Stupid and freakin’ gross. That’s what I’m talking about though….can’t show a couple having sex (or whatever) on t.v. but you can show that shit (diseased organs, lovely.). I think it’s absurd.
Who ignores the smell of their own rotting body part?
The kind that deserves what they get? Too mean?
They finally started like, yelling at us while we were standing in a clearly designated smoker’s area.
Invasive and offensive and stupid. Gah.
In Holland and Germany they have these commercials and accompanying billboards of “Smoking causes Terrible Illness X” with pictures of the people who have said illness. I don’t smoke, and I never will, so I know they weren’t aimed at me, but all I could thing was “they’re really nice pictures!” (as in, well taken shots. Gross subjects, but pleasing composition). Which I’m sure isn’t the point.
Where are the -Ookies today?
Where are the -Ookies today?
Looking at this comment thread and wondering what kind of monster they have created?
Seriously, no clue. Come back, -Ookies!
Where are the -Ookies today?
Avoiding the smell of cigarette smoke that’s practically wafting from my comments?
Just kidding. I have no clue, the -Ookies haven’t been around recently. Hmmm.
Looking at this comment thread and wondering what kind of monster they have created?
That’s what I was afraid of.
We miss you Pookie and Schnookie! Come baaaaaaack *eyes filling* *lip wobbles* *sniff* much with the -Ookie missing, yes.
Where are the -Ookies today?
They’ve resolved to be less comment-y this new year.
“Where are the -Ookies today?”
Out on the patio, having a smoke?
Where are the -Ookies today?
I bet they’re trying to get their Prius into their living room.
It better be pretty bad, or their street cred is going to take a serious hit in my estimation.
Agreed. But by the same token I don’t wanna hear anything bad because I’ve always sort of thought of our teams and cities and fanbases as kindred spirits (maybe it’s a rust belt thing?). I guess we all have some hideous jerks in our fanbases, though – even if they did encounter some truly horrible situation, it’s not like it’s reflective of Buffalo or Sabres fans as a whole. Not by a long stretch.
I bet they’re trying to get their Prius into their living room.
Hmm . . . I think they really need a car with more pick-up for that. Might take them awhile.
I bet they’re trying to get their Prius into their living room.
:^:::::::::::::
I guess we all have some hideous jerks in our fanbases, though – even if they did encounter some truly horrible situation, it’s not like it’s reflective of Buffalo or Sabres fans as a whole. Not by a long stretch.
Pensgirl, Pensblog has the recap up and from what I can tell they both complimented Buffalo and Sabres fans and called out the douche-y fans from Buffalo too. I skimmed, so I could’ve missed something.
Hey, ookies! Where you at?
I’m sorry! I’m here, honest! The computers went haywire and then I had two meetings in a row (totally unlike me). But I’m here now! And I’ll be here pretty much all night, now!
As for the anti-smoking/drinking rhetoric, it always makes me think of the Super Bowl ad from when I was in college. The one where the Backstreet Boys were going door to door to tell kids not to drink? But then the dad says the daughter’s busy. Later he says, “These guys were here but I said you were busy.” And the daughter’s like, “The Backstreet Boys were here?!?!” My friend was like, “Great, now she’s going to go get shit-faced because her dad ruined her life.”
Agreed. But by the same token I don’t wanna hear anything bad because I’ve always sort of thought of our teams and cities and fanbases as kindred spirits (maybe it’s a rust belt thing?). I guess we all have some hideous jerks in our fanbases, though – even if they did encounter some truly horrible situation, it’s not like it’s reflective of Buffalo or Sabres fans as a whole. Not by a long stretch.
Eh, they commented on BfloBlog and sounded pretty blase about it and the fact that both fanbases have bad apples. So I assume they’re just going to insult us as opposed to whining about our behavior. I’m down with that.
I’ll have you know the Eco-Twinkies, my lovely Prius, has fantastic pick-up! It just won’t fit through the damn door!
I’ve actually never smoked in my life but that was just because I wasn’t cool enough. I think I’ve told the story about my last day at college when I resolved to try pot for the first time? My friends were all passing around the joint and when it got to the person next to me, he really politely and friendly-like passed it to the person on the other side of me. It was like the cool stoner version of the opposite of peer pressure. I felt bad saying anything so I just let it go, and thus have never had a cigarrette or drugs. So sad! I make up for it by joining Schnookie in the New Years Resolution to drink less Diet Coke and more alcohol!
Eh, they commented on BfloBlog and sounded pretty blase about it and the fact that both fanbases have bad apples.
Their post was pretty blase too. Someone jostled one of them at the urinal and it sounds like they felt a certain degree of physical intimidation all day and wanted a bigger security presence. Nothing too harsh about Buffalonians and they even qualified their statements with a “I’m sure their were asshole Pens fans too”.
The overnight ratings for the game are out:
National: 2.6 (not bad!)
Buffalo: 38.1 (peaked at 43 during the shootout)
Pittsburgh: 17.7 (only other market to reach double digits)
Minneapolis 5.1 (number three market after the two above)
I meant “I’m sure THERE were asshole Pens fans too.” Meh.
Nothing too harsh about Buffalonians and they even qualified their statements with a “I’m sure their were asshole Pens fans too”.
Yup, I am now shocked at how pleasant they were. I was expecting to be trashed. Where’s my trashing?
They pulled their punches, Meg! It must have been that sweet as candy email I sent them this morning! :P
I’ve actually never smoked in my life but that was just because I wasn’t cool enough.
Oh, I’m not cool and I smoke. In fact, Pookie, I probably smoke enough for you and me. So someone is making up those “smoking days” for you. Just think of it that way.
I guess. Or not! Either way.
I forget, are there any Red Wings fans here? Stars fans are pre-emptively throwing in the towel now that we’ve lost Russian on the day of the Red Wings game. One guy was seriously like, “I change my prediction. I didn’t realize we didn’t have Zubov. We’re going to suck REALLY HARD.”
*sniff* I have faith in you, Stars players.
“My friend was like, “Great, now she’s going to go get shit-faced because her dad ruined her life.””
HA! Nice one.
Among the many things I’d like to see happen this year in the NHL is that fans gain some perspective in dealing with opponents’ fans. We need to set ground rules for what can be fairly considered boorish, or nasty, or rude, or theatening, or panty-waisted doily-makerish (see: getting upset at stomping on pictures).
I’ve seen the post now, and yeah it’s more in line with what I’d expect them to say than the initial comment was. But in retrospect I think that the commenters’ whining influenced my take on that post. The guys themselves were vague in their “classless” comment, but some of the commenters were complaining about all the “Let’s Go Buffalo” chants. o_O That’s just weak. Why would you even go to a game elsewhere if you get bent about the home crowd cheering for its team?
Yup, I am now shocked at how pleasant they were. I was expecting to be trashed. Where’s my trashing?
I’m sure if you ask real nice they’ll give you one. ;)
But in retrospect I think that the commenters’ whining influenced my take on that post.
Yeah, I think that’s what happened for me too.
I’m sure if you ask real nice they’ll give you one. ;)
I’ll pass, thanks. I’m actually overly polite at these sorts of things so it would be thoroughly undeserved in my case anyway. :)
off topic :D but does anyone know if any of these goalies are actually playing tonight: Jiggy (Columbus), Turco (Det), Budaj (Phoenix)? Any suggestions as to which two of the three I should play? Andrew is going to kick my ass with his pretty goalie records this week.
What is kind of funny about the entire conversation about the fan behavior at the Ice Bowl is that I think Buffalonians are comparing the day to a typical Bills game. Bills games are pretty universally recognized as unfit for children and literally unsafe for fans of visiting teams. So, you see, our standard of behavior is pretty low when it comes to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Buffalonians in attendance yesterday were like, “This is a fucking lovefest with Pittsburgh compared to a Bills/Steelers game.” That being said, personally, I only saw genuinely good natured interaction between the fanbases.
“Andrew is going to kick my ass with his pretty goalie records this week.”
For the first time this season. I swear, it’s been a bumpy ride, as proven by Martin Gerber’s lights-out 23.79 GAA for the SFHs this week. Thanks Gerber, way to stonewall ‘em.
I don’t have time to add anything to the conversation here, but let me just state for the record that while it seems like I’ve spent this afternoon trying to drive my Prius into my living room, I was actually spending TWO HOURS in an exam room waiting for a 3-minute consult with a doctor. It was delightful.
I think driving the Prius into Stately IPB Manor would have been far more enjoyable than that.
You know Andrew, he has the Caps to thank for it :P particularly OV I think.
If I didn’t love the Caps already, I’d totally love them now, for their complete spanking of the Sens this season.
“If I didn’t love the Caps already, I’d totally love them now, for their complete spanking of the Sens this season.”
Yeah, I gotta say….it pleases me as well. But I need to start paying attention and parking Gerbers ass on the bench when the two teams play.
Does Detroit have a team like that? Like no team has beaten the Sens more than once except the Caps (3)..do the Red Wings have a nemesis?
What I find really odd is that Schnookie and I went to a game in Pittsburgh, wearing Devils jerseys, on a night when fans were throwing shit on the ice because they thought their team was being jobbed hardcore, and yet not one fan (and we walked a block in a huge crowd of hometown fans) said anything remotely mean. And I’ve seen Sabres fans interacting with Leafs fans in their building, and it was all cool. I find it shocking that there would be anything happening at the Ice Bowl that could be classified as anythign worse than, “Annoying”.
does anyone know if any of these goalies are actually playing tonight: Jiggy (Columbus), Turco (Det), Budaj (Phoenix)?
I assume Turco is in against Detroit tonight. (As if it matters.)
But Khabibulin’s 15.93 GAA from last night has made me lose interest in goalies. I guess I should be glad I don’t have Gerber, though.
“Does Detroit have a team like that? Like no team has beaten the Sens more than once except the Caps (3)..do the Red Wings have a nemesis?”
The Blackhawks. Red Wings have yet to beat them this year.
do the Red Wings have a nemesis?
I think the Blackhawks give them a lot of trouble. I think the ‘Hawks have won at least 3 against them, if not 4.
I find it shocking that there would be anything happening at the Ice Bowl that could be classified as anythign worse than, “Annoying”.
clapclapclapclap
I think it shoud be expected that in any situation where you are outnumbered by the opposing teams fans, “annoying” shit is going to happen. You should expect annoying shit to happen, and if you are a member of the larger fanbase, you are expected to annoy the other fans. That’s how sports work. Every time the Pens fans got a good “Let’s Go Pens!” chant going, I booed along with the rest of the Sabres fans. It’s our building, and we were on national television. We had to represent.
“I think the ‘Hawks have won at least 3 against them, if not 4.”
All 4 games so far. Poor Steph.
but does anyone know if any of these goalies are actually playing tonight: Jiggy (Columbus), Turco (Det), Budaj (Phoenix)?
I’m fairly sure that Turco’s in net tonight. Mike Heika, the guy who covers the Stars locally for the Dallas Morning News, gave the indication that Turco’s in net. Not 100% sure, but fairly.
The Red Wings are scary. We’re missing one of our best defensemen. Marty’s record against the Wings is scaring me too: 1-8-5 against the Wings in his career, if Heika is to be trusted.
I love the Stars, but I’m going to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I’ll let you use the information I just gave you accordingly. ;D
nahh…Steph’s gotta take solace in the fact her team sits pretty on top of the whole league!
But Khabibulin’s 15.93 GAA from last night has made me lose interest in goalies.
Fucker. I knew I shouldn’t have started him. (yeah, I’m genuinely pissed off with him for killing my team’s GAA. It was the KINGS, Habby. The KINGS)
Jinx, andrew!
Unfortunately, Detroit is our nemesis. And Phoenix.
(Schnookie, I used your “they’re so far into their heads they’re looking out their eyes” line. I hope you don’t mind. It still makes me chuckle.)
Pookie, I think what you describe was the experience of most of us Ice Bowl attendees as well. But it’s a big stadium and I certainly didn’t see everything so I’m sure there were a wretched few bothering some of the Pens fans. I think it’s always the case that those who get treated badly are more vocal than those that get treated well. And also that women are far less likely to get harassed, particularly in the restrooms.
I’m actually overly polite at these sorts of things so it would be thoroughly undeserved in my case anyway. :)
I have no doubt, Meg. :)
I don’t know if I’d call what I do “polite” just because I don’t really interact at all. If someone says something to me, I shrug, and I certainly don’t initiate any engagement. I just want to see my team and go home, no big.
There were a couple of Caps fans in the row behind me at the game last week, and I didn’t even realize it until the second period when the woman, pretty much to herself, said “Go David!” and I thought “who the hell is David?” They left us alone, and we left them alone. That’s pretty much standard issue for my personal NHL-game experience.
The worst I ever saw hockeywise was during one of my brother’s games, when the refs threw out the entire section of the stands occupied by the other team’s people. And we’re talking youth hockey parents and siblings. They were a classy bunch (but all of ‘em Pittsburghers, so there you go).
(Schnookie, I used your “they’re so far into their heads they’re looking out their eyes” line. I hope you don’t mind. It still makes me chuckle.)
Patty, I was glad to see you using it! And I got it from “Tigerland”, so I can hardly claim it as my own. :D
I think the Blackhawks give them a lot of trouble. I think the ‘Hawks have won at least 3 against them, if not 4.
Patty, thank god you’re around! I shouldn’t let the Wings get me down like this, but…..MAN.
And also that women are far less likely to get harassed, particularly in the restrooms.
Exactly. I’ve never been jostled at a urinal. :D
That’s what I’m saying, Patty! Women respect the right of other women to pee peaceful in their own private stalls. It’s a wonderful thing.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::
(and btw, 1-8-5?! jeebeezles! :0)
Patty, thank god you’re around! I shouldn’t let the Wings get me down like this, but…..MAN.
Oh, Caitlin, don’t take it as encouragement. We are gonna LOSE.
I hate the Red Wings (not sorry, Steph!).
(When they start sucking, I’ll take it easier on you. :D )
Women respect the right of other women to pee peaceful in their own private stalls. It’s a wonderful thing.
I think that Ralph Wilson Stadium has trough urinals, which is the first problem…..
“Exactly. I’ve never been jostled at a urinal. :D”
How can they complain? Urinal jostling is the very definition of fandom!
Just kidding, I have no idea what I’m talking about. Or even what “urinal jostling” even means. Isn’t it something that gets Senators arrested?
Just kidding, I have no idea what I’m talking about. Or even what “urinal jostling” even means. Isn’t it something that gets Senators arrested?
Mike Fisher got a gold medal in urinal jostling at the 1988 Olympics.
And also that women are far less likely to get harassed,
Which is part of what made that Sens-game story (was that just last year?) so bad.
particularly in the restrooms.
Thank goodness for stalls!
Hey, my worst fan-on-fan interaction happened in the ladies room at a Devils game. Of course, it was when X famously had her “You have no idea what Petr Sykora means to me!” meltdown, and the fight started on our way from our seats to the ladies room, but still. I will never consider the restroom at a hockey game a safe place EVER AGAIN.
A while back I tried to track down a particular made-up stat to defend Tippett and his record against Detroit.
The local radio dorks always point out that Hitch had a much better record than Tipp against them, but Hitch has a LOT more games played. So I wondered how Hitch was doing at this point in his record, but I couldn’t find game-by-game stats that far back.
Tonight, I’m going to make a note of their records (and if it isn’t mentioned, I’ll give everybody a dollar [metaphorically]).
Maybe I’ll set Sleek on that project. :D
I think that Ralph Wilson Stadium has trough urinals, which is the first problem…..
In the Ladies’??? No wonder! ;P
Well I’m leaving work and heading home. Bye all!
does anyone know if any of these goalies are actually playing tonight: Jiggy (Columbus), Turco (Det), Budaj (Phoenix)?
Giguere should get the start tonight. Hiller played their last game in Vancouver, so he’s probably shelved for the next couple of weeks.
I’m no “insider”, though. If I’m wrong here, it’s just because Carlyle refuses to consult or inform me.
Bye Meg!
Isn’t it fun to be back at work, everybody? *eyeroll*
In the Ladies’??? No wonder! ;P
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You should see it Patty! It’s a train wreck!
Carlyle refuses to consult or inform me.
I think that might be part of the problem the Ducks are having. Hopefully he sticks to that.
Oh! And Caitlin! Shame on you, encouraging the Sharks to win! I don’t care if they’re playing the Wings, they need to lose a few and drop back. Then we can like them again.
(Sorry, andrew.)
Thank goodness for stalls!
In showers and in bathrooms!
Thank goodness for stalls!
In showers and in bathrooms!
Don’t forget to thank the Staals for bachelor parties, too!
Don’t forget to thank the Staals for bachelor parties, too!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And Sod!
Shame on you, encouraging the Sharks to win! I don’t care if they’re playing the Wings, they need to lose a few and drop back. Then we can like them again.
Yes ma’am!
I don’t want to say we’re going to lose tonight, because I like to think there’s always hope. You know, like some cheesy scene in a movie.
But when you’re dealing with the army of Satan, a/k/a the Detroit Red Wings (sorry, Steph!), screw it. We’re probably going to lose.
In showers and in bathrooms!
Hee! (And I totally missed that Meg had beat me to that punch.)
Don’t forget to thank the Staals for bachelor parties, too!
One down, three to go. :P
And Sod!
Always!
Caitlin, you don’t have to be as pessimistic as I am — nobody should be. :D
But just don’t help the Sharks. That’s all I’m askin’.
(And I am not totally convinced we’re going to lose tonight, I’m just bracing myself. Hey, we used to lose to LA, too. The pendulum will always eventually swing the other way.)
“Shame on you, encouraging the Sharks to win! I don’t care if they’re playing the Wings, they need to lose a few and drop back. Then we can like them again.”
Patty! You let Caitlin cheer! She knows a good team when she sees it.
And as for the standings, don’t worry. I’m sure you read my sad sad comments about the Sharks at home. Well, as luck would have it, their next 4 games are at home.
But just don’t help the Sharks. That’s all I’m askin’.
Oh, no. I had forgotten how close they were to us! I thought they were further back, what with all that home-losing! Forget you, Sharks! ;)
Caitlin, you don’t have to be as pessimistic as I am — nobody should be.
I think that the combination of a not very good day, getting over being sick, playing the Red Wings and losing Zubov to IR all in one day has kind of sucked all the happy feelings out of me. Lack of nicotine has not helped either.
There’s so many disheartening movie moments I can compare this to, but I always live in fear of spoiling people. Meh.
Patty! You let Caitlin cheer! She knows a good team when she sees it.
I’d be more on board with the Sharks if they’d drop Roenick.
A-ha! That’s it, andrew! Jeremy Roenick is the reason you guys suck at home! There’s got to be something involving Roenick going on! …It always goes back to Jeremy Roenick!
You know guys, maybe this will cheer you up – but I was just telling Mags earlier, no division is more woeful than the SE. Bc even though the Hurricanes sit in 3rd, they’re technically 7th, and the next four teams (Isles, Philly, Boston, Buffalo) all have a number of games in hand. Which basically means the entire SE division should sit outside of 10th place.
Hell, if my Leafs can top your SE division, even though we’re dead last in the NE, there’s a problem =|
I’m glad the Southleast lives again. I was having a hard time dealing with them doing well last season. Having to drop that extra “l” was a hard habit to break.
and yet they’ve brought home more cups than the other divisions lately :(
“Jeremy Roenick is the reason you guys suck at home!”
Probably! But then again, I’m willing to believe anything at this point. I’m hoping this win streak that they’re on will translate to a couple of victories at home. At least one! Cripes.
Well, as luck would have it, their next 4 games are at home.
Fingers crossed!
I’m sure when we come out of our Red Wings trench and y’all come out of your homestand trench, we’ll still be neck and neck. :D
“Fingers crossed!”
Dangit Patty! You uncross those fingers, right now!
“I’m sure when we come out of our Red Wings trench and y’all come out of your homestand trench, we’ll still be neck and neck.”
If they can just win next Saturday, I’ll be happy. It’s the final game of the 4 game stand, and it’s against the Leafs. We’re gonna be there! And they haven’t won a game that I’ve been to yet this year! A-holes!
I dunno Andrew, if Vesa’s not back, and our forwards are this bad still, you just might get your winning wish =|
all these trenches, where’s no-man’s land? :P
Maybe it’s you, andrew! Maybe just being in town is jinxing their home games.
They’re probably halfway through a game where they’re inexplicably handing the game to the opponent and then start wondering, “You think that andrew guy is in town? Maybe that’s why we’re losing!”
Just kidding, of course. We have no effect on whether our team wins or loses. Wehavenoeffectonwhetherourteamwinsorloses. Wehavenoeffectonwhetherourteamwinsorloses. Wehavenoeffectonwhetherourteamwinsorloses.
Ohmmmmmm.
all these trenches, where’s no-man’s land? :P
I would say L.A., but they put up nine goals last night.
I would say L.A., but they put up nine goals last night.
And don’t forget that Nagy hat trick!
It’s like the world has gone upside down and inside out.
Wehavenoeffectonwhetherourteamwinsorloses.
Ohmmmmmm.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::
After the last Devils loss Schnookie said, “Guys, I’m wearing my new Devils shirt. This is bad.” We’re both making an effort to try to be less superstitious but I found myself saying, “I’d like to tell you that’s not why they lost but…. I really can’t. I’m sorry.”
“Maybe it’s you, andrew! Maybe just being in town is jinxing their home games.”
I would love to believe it, but I’ve only been to 3 games this year so far! (they’ve only won 6) I think they’re just protesting.
I would love to believe it, but I’ve only been to 3 games this year so far!
No, I mean your being in town is jinxing them. Not just the ones you attend, but also the ones that you are near.
My new Devils shirt (which isn’t THAT new) is, like, 1-6 this season. My resolution this year is to never wear it on game days. I almost put it on when I got home and then remembered at the last minute not to. That was a near miss! (Yeah, in previous years I’ve resolved to decrease my carbon footprint and to know more at the end of the year than I did at the beginning [which sounds like a self-bettering resolution, but which is just a really stupid way to get out of making one at all], and this year I’m resolving not to wear that shirt on Devil’s game days and to drink more alcohol. I love how I’m getting wiser as I get older.)
We’re both making an effort to try to be less superstitious
It’s so hard! I know it’s crazy, especially after my sister pointed that out to me… that they’re not in their locker room after a loss saying, Dammit! Somebody out there forgot to wear their shirt!
they’re not in their locker room after a loss saying, Dammit! Somebody out there forgot to wear their shirt!
Well just because they don’t know it’s what caused them to lose doesn’t mean it wasn’t what caused it. :P
…this year I’m resolving not to wear that shirt on Devil’s game days and to drink more alcohol.
Sounds like you do know more than you did at the beginning of last year. :D
“and this year I’m resolving not to wear that shirt on Devil’s game days and to drink more alcohol.”
Now those are resolutions that I can get behind!
“Not just the ones you attend, but also the ones that you are near.”
Damnit! I’m 3 hours away! Oh Sharks, why must you drive me further away?!
Somebody out there forgot to wear their shirt!
Yeah, it sounds silly but I can’t wear my Boucher shirt on game days anymore. When I wore it to games, the Stars went on that losing streak and then I wore it on the night of the Kings game where the Kings got 4 goals on us in like, one period. And won in overtime.
So it doesn’t come out on game days anymore, which breaks my heart, because I heart Bouche. (Not like Patty hearts Bouche, though.)
Good point, Patty!
I just overheard someone here chipperly saying “I resolve to lose 10 pounds, exercize more and give more hugs!” I was like, “WTF? That’s lame.”
Well just because they don’t know it’s what caused them to lose doesn’t mean it wasn’t what caused it. :P
Oh my gosh! You’re right!
Then it is possible that I’m causing trouble when I pause my TiVo!
Then it is possible that I’m causing trouble when I pause my TiVo!
Pfft. Pausing TiVos doesn’t cause teams to lose. Puh-lease! It’s just wearing unlucky clothes, or eating unlucky food, or doing some other mundane, everyday routine wrong that causes losses. NEVER the pausing!
The Sabres 1-5 record with me in attendance (five losses in a row!), has me pretty convinced that I am bad luck for them, but frankly, I don’t care. They are just going to have to learn how to overcome their nervousness in my presence, because I refuse to stop attending game. Get over it, Sabres. Get. Over. It.
They are just going to have to learn how to overcome their nervousness in my presence, because I refuse to stop attending game. Get over it, Sabres. Get. Over. It.
I agree with that attitude, and think andrew would be well-advised not to listen to everyone telling him he’s bad luck for the Sharks. Our presence at games isn’t the problem. It might be something you’re wearing, though, Katebits. Or perhaps you took the wrong route on your drive to work that day. Or didn’t eat the right breakfast? These are the sorts of things I consider valid concerns when trying to suss out one’s own responsibility for a team’s losing. :D
“I agree with that attitude, and think andrew would be well-advised not to listen to everyone telling him he’s bad luck for the Sharks.”
haha…thanks Schnookie. I appreciate it.
To be honest though, I’m not really a superstitious sports fan. Weird, I know….there’s not too many of us around. However, if I were superstitious, I would be FREAKING out right now, because prior to this year, and I’m dead serious, the Sharks had only lost one game that I had been in attendance for. It’s not like I’m a season ticket holder or anything, but I’ve been to at least 25-30 games over the years. It was quite the magical run.
Oh and also, I just read this on MSNBC:
“The Buffalo and Pittsburgh markets led the ratings, at 38.2/58 and 17.7/30, respectively. But markets such as Sacramento, Calif., St. Louis and Denver also drew strong ratings, even though the game went up against a number of college football bowl games, including an intriguing Capital One Bowl between Florida and Michigan.”
Sacramento?!?!?! WTF!?!?! Seriously.
I can see how not being superstitious is probably a good thing when as solid a winning streak as you’d been on dries up, andrew. That’s awesome that you saw so many wins, and totally sucky that now the guys have forgotten how to play in front of you.
And Sacramento? Her? (Quick, let’s give them an expansion team!)
“That’s awesome that you saw so many wins, and totally sucky that now the guys have forgotten how to play in front of you.”
I was spoiled! We would even beat the Stars and Red Wings when I was in the house (not a common occurance at the Tank). Now I’m reeling from 3 losses in a row (including the 7-1 ass-raping by Buffalo, but hey, it’s the Sabres!). I don’t know how to deal with it.
“And Sacramento? Her?”
That’s what I said. I didn’t know there was anybody here who had ever even heard of the NHL. Except for the lady who lives in my neighborhood and drives the Range Rover with I(HEART)SHARKZ on the license plate. She’s cool.
Maybe you were the only person watching TV in Sacramento yesterday? And that’s why the percentages were so high?
Our presence at games isn’t the problem. It might be something you’re wearing, though
The Sabres are 1-4 with me there in the past two seasons, but I will never believe my family when they try to tell me that I’m bad luck. But that Sabres sweatshirt that has never seen a win? Totally cursed. I won’t wear it on game days anymore. Here’s hoping my new Yo-Yo jersey has some serious win juice in it when we are (eventually) united, because right now I don’t have any Sabres attire that’s suitable to wear to games.
And Sacramento? Her?
I think that figure is misleading. Sacramentoans were probably just scanning through the channels, when they caught sight of all the snow and passed out from shock. Sure, their TVs were on and tuned to NBC, but no one was actually watching.
It was really a bad decision to leave the country two days after the Ice Bowl. I’m still on a hockey high, there’s no way I can concentrate on packing enough for six months! I’m a mess.
“Maybe you were the only person watching TV in Sacramento yesterday? And that’s why the percentages were so high?”
This could be the case, except that I watched the game on a 2 hour tivo delay. hmmm…I should seek out these other hockey fans.
Come to think of it, Arco Arena used to host a Kings/Sharks preseason game every year and it would draw 10,000-12,000 people. I guess that’s not bad.
“Sacramentoans were probably just scanning through the channels, when they caught sight of all the snow and passed out from shock.”
It was 55 degrees here yesterday! I thought I was gonna freeze my nips off!
It was really a bad decision to leave the country two days after the Ice Bowl. I’m still on a hockey high, there’s no way I can concentrate on packing enough for six months! I’m a mess.
I’m so sorry! I’d offer some advice, but I’m a terrible packer and I hate doing it. I’m just sitting here thinking, “Better you than me.”
I’m sure the Yo-yo sweater will be fine. I know my Pando Tent was really lucky for a number of years, but has recently run dry. It’s got a few weeks to kick-start its good mojo, though, because we’re making our first trip to the Rock next month…
Oh, and in case anyone is watching the Devils right now, NO SPOILERS! We’re on tivo delay tonight.
I’m still on a hockey high, there’s no way I can concentrate on packing enough for six months! I’m a mess.
I’m so sorry! I’d offer some advice, but I’m a terrible packer and I hate doing it.
I’ve got nothing either. Just pack what you normally wear the most. It’s not mega-cold there, it’s not super hot. But Europe has very strange local climates (as illustrated by the fact that where I live it’s currently -15C and snowing, and where my parents live it’s -3C with fog. They’re 1.5 hours drive apart.), so I can’t really give you any concrete advise.
we’re making our first trip to the Rock next month…
Oooooh!
Whoa, Gambler, you leave tomorrow, right? Wow! Have a great flight!
“It was really a bad decision to leave the country two days after the Ice Bowl.”
The day is already here?! That’s crazy!
Do they even have IPB in Germany?
Do they even have IPB in Germany?
Dude, we don’t even have a license to blog in this country!
When, exactly, do you leave, Gambler?
Our presence at games isn’t the problem. It might be something you’re wearing, though, Katebits. Or perhaps you took the wrong route on your drive to work that day. Or didn’t eat the right breakfast?
Now, THIS is an angle I never thought about before. Hmm. I own exactly zero Sabres gear. Perhaps I need to suck it up and buy myself that jersey I’ve been wanting. I do have to admit that Mair and Goose have been climbing up in my estimation again, and I am less certain that I want a Lydman jersey. After watching a team with a whole crowd of underachieving offensive “dynamos” (meh), I’m starting to really appreciate the scrappy, hard working guys. My whole Goose fixation has definitely changed into a legitimate appreciation for how he plays, not just a wild chrush because he’s so hot. I still LOVE Toni Lydman, though.
Gambler! I assume that in this internet day and age, we will be in just as regular contact with you when you are in Germany as we are when you are in Buffalo/Minnesota, but I still want to wish you a great flight and a wonderful trip. You’re leaving tomorrow? That is so exciting!
“Alix, remind me to send you the picture of Patches that I took at an autograph session. He’s so pretty in it.”
Ooooooh! Please do. I had no idea he was actually pretty :D I just kind of fell in love with that hot defensive play and the fact that his nickname is Patches.
Gambler, have a fabulous time! We’ll miss “seeing” you, but hopefully you can get on from time to time. Enjoy the land of Yo-Yo.
I think there is no shame at all in getting a Goose sweater. Your love for him has proved itself to be based in hockey as well as hottness, and his love for you is pretty apparent to anyone with eyes. It would be wrong for you to get anyone else’s sweater!
Oh and I finally saw the press conference. I am fully on board the Crunchy is adorable with his new hair train. SO much better than his old cut.
I totally agree with getting a Goose sweater. I mean you’ve already had an encounter in the grocery store! It was fate telling you to pick his sweater.
alix, I can’t believe we have to revisit this discussion, but are you saying you like the curled bangs?
And really, Gambler, being overseas is no excuse for being a stranger! I mean, I hope you have a great time and all, but you’ve got to drop by every now and again! :D
Katebits, I agree with Schnookie (shocking, I know) that Goose sweater is totally the way to go. You can wear it while Goose Stepping your way to another bottle of wine and a cupcake!
Hee. I guess I do, Schnookie. Or maybe I didn’t have my contacts in and couldn’t see the curl clearly.
Or maybe I didn’t have my contacts in and couldn’t see the curl clearly.
I’m going to assume, for your sake, that that’s the case. >:|
Everyone’s probably gone or in the other thread, but in case you see this, have a great time in Germany, Gambler! I’m sure it will be wonderful.
Is there something I should be eating for this Stars game? Because it’s not going well right now. Although they’re not sucking, which is good. It’s like an exhibition game where we’re supposed to be happy if we’re not routed.
What?! Gambler’s gone by tomorrow :0? Have a safe trip, and a good time in Germany Gambler! [/wave]
:0 and alix, when you get the Patches picture, can you send it my way too? :D i have to admit his play was pretty sweet. who knows? maybe i’ll find someone on the sabres team that i’ll actually really like, and justify my soft spot!
Is there something I should be eating for this Stars game?
Lucky Charms? It’s got stars! :P
Or maybe eating stars would be a bad thing. Hm…
Gambler, have a safe trip tomorrow! Auf Wiedersehen!
Is there something I should be eating for this Stars game? Because it’s not going well right now. Although they’re not sucking, which is good. It’s like an exhibition game where we’re supposed to be happy if we’re not routed.
If I weren’t practically crying, I’d be laughing. Considering I liveblogged this thing, it’s causing me large amounts of pain.
Sorry, I missed Gambler!
Have a good time Gambler! We want lots of updates.
Sorry, guys, I’ve been running around most definitely NOT doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is packing. I am SO not ready for this. AH!
But thanks so much for all your well-wishes! I’m not sure exactly what my internet situation will be like over there, but I’ll definitely try to stop in here as much as possible. I don’t think I’m quite ready for this hockey withdrawal business.
I’m going to start a travel blog to document all my travels, though, and I’ll drop a link over here once it’s all set up, in case anyone’s interested in checking it out.
(By the way, one of the radio guys today said he met a couple from Berlin and their 9-year-old son at the Ice Bowl who flew in specifically to root for Yo-Yo!!! I thought I was going to pommerdoodle out of my skin! Also, I’m convinced that these people are going to be on the same plane to Berlin as me tomorrow. Downright convinced! I wonder if they have an in with him.)
Hee, probably Gambler, and you’ll meet them on the plane bc they’re going to sit right next to you and on the flight you’ll talk all about it :D
and they can teach you yomamma phrases in german :P
and a travel blog’s an awesome idea, good luck with it!
I can for sure send it your way, Vinny, whenever I get it. He better be chewing on some hay :P He he.
I’m excited to check out my new Sabres crush! I have to occupy my time while Matty O’s out. *Sob*
That is SO cute about Yo-Yo’s well traveled fans!