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IPB Programming Alert: VERSUS All-Star Weekend Edition

Attention Gentle Reader! We are excited to swagfully announce that we are planning a blowout weekend of diarizing all the All-Star programming Versus and NHL Network have to offer. Be here or be square! Please help us in our quest to get a Versus playoff tracker magnet board by being here for our open threads all weekend. What’s in it for you, you ask? A sense of community! Sparkling conversation! The vicarious joy of knowing how dearly we will love that magnet board!



Click Here!

(Note: Pookie is working on Saturday, so anything that gets broadcast before 6 p.m. Eastern on Saturday will be witnessed by us on TiVo delay. Not that that affects the Versus programming, but we have no idea what the NHL Network has in store. They’re not offering swag, so we can’t be bothered to find out what their lineup looks like.)

344 Responses to “IPB Programming Alert: VERSUS All-Star Weekend Edition”

  1. on January 25, 2008 at 12:34 am All-Star Weekend. « Penalty Killing

    [...] probably be hanging out over at IPB’s All-Star Game threads, so come on [...]


  2. on January 25, 2008 at 4:10 am Cat

    Not that that affects the Versus programming, but we have no idea what the NHL Network has in store. They’re not offering swag, so we can’t be bothered to find out what their lineup looks like.

    That made me actually LOL.


  3. on January 25, 2008 at 9:01 am Amy

    I read in an e-newsletter this morning that nhl.com is supposed to have mondo coverage of the ASG, including dressing room access.


  4. on January 25, 2008 at 9:22 am Pookie

    I saw that too, Amy! I can’t wait! I scoffed at the red carpet arrival thing last year, but it turned out be embarrasingly fun. It sounds like at least one hour of behind-the-scenes-ish stuff will be on while I’m still at work, but I suppose it will be better in the long run to be able to fast-forward over icky players like Neidermayer and Alfredsson.


  5. on January 25, 2008 at 9:33 am Amy

    I’m still working my way through last night’s comment thread, so I apologize if this is already mentioned, but did you hear that Sutter was so pissed at the team last night, he made them stay for a closed door workout after the game? If it wasn’t for NHLPA rules, he would have pulled a Herb Brooks and made them skate.


  6. on January 25, 2008 at 9:40 am Pookie

    I hadn’t heard that about Sutter! (I haven’t read my Devils blogs yet today.) That’s awesome! He did that earlier this season, but to do it last night, on the night before the guys all go on vacation?!? HOLY CRAP! I LOVE BRENT SUTTER!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!


  7. on January 25, 2008 at 9:50 am Meg

    Man, Brent Sutter is a total hardass. That’s fantastic.


  8. on January 25, 2008 at 9:53 am Caitlin

    I LOVE BRENT SUTTER!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!

    I like our coach, but right now - I love your coach the mostest.

    I read in an e-newsletter this morning that nhl.com is supposed to have mondo coverage of the ASG, including dressing room access.

    This is why I like the ASG. Lots of cool stuff like this that we never get to see.


  9. on January 25, 2008 at 9:54 am Schnookie

    I am IN LOVE with Sutter right now. Oh. My. God. That is SO AWESOME. I was going to suggest to Pookie that we write a post today about all the things we hoped Sutter had done with them, but which we know he didn’t because they were all on vacation as soon as the game was over (or in many of their cases, before it was over)… and now I found out he beat them into the ground as much as the PA would let him? FANTASTIC!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Stupid fuckers.


  10. on January 25, 2008 at 9:54 am HabsFan29

    Swagtastic!

    I saw some Sutter comments after the game (and after the forced workout). He had some great lines, something about the players thinking about Vegas on the All-Star break


  11. on January 25, 2008 at 10:02 am Schnookie

    He had some great lines, something about the players thinking about Vegas on the All-Star break

    I just saw those, too! I love that he doesn’t pull his punches when he’s taking snarky digs at the team after they tank. It must really confuse the players, though, after post-lockout era of Larry Robinson and Claude Julien just rolling over and accepting their coach-killing ways. They all sit there hearing Sutter say those things and think, “Wait, is he fighting back? That’s not supposed to happen…”

    Swagtastic!

    If need be, this is just the tip of the iceberg! I want that magnet board! :P


  12. on January 25, 2008 at 10:52 am Pookie

    So I just got talking to a Rangers fan, right? I said, “Hey, big night last night, what with that Leetch retirement!” He was all, “Yeah, but what took them so long?! I mean, they should’ve done it after 1994.” I looked at him perplexed and said, “But… he was still playing…” The guy said, “So what?” He had no idea a player had to retire to get his number retired. Rangers fans. *shakes head sadly*


  13. on January 25, 2008 at 10:57 am Schnookie

    Rangers fans. *shakes head sadly*

    Seriously. Poor saps.

    The only hockey fan in my office is a Stars fan. He and I rarely talk hockey, though, because he has a young son and has kind of lost touch with the NHL. So this morning he said to me as we were walking in from the parking lot that he’s excited that next season his son is going to be old enough that he’ll be able to spend some time on watching hockey again, and is planning to get Center Ice. So I said some sort of pleasantry about the Stars in an effort to be all, “Hey! Face-to-face interaction about hockey! It could be fun!” and he snorted that the Stars are never going to win anything until they “scrap Modano”. He thinks he’s holding the team back, “like Gretzky’s teams at the end of his career”. So, Stars fans, do you all feel like Modano is to the Stars as Gretzky was to the Rangers?


  14. on January 25, 2008 at 11:02 am Amy

    He had no idea a player had to retire to get his number retired.

    Wow. Isn’t it kind of common sense to a fan of any sport that numbers are retired only after a player has stopped playing?


  15. on January 25, 2008 at 11:25 am Caitlin

    He thinks he’s holding the team back, “like Gretzky’s teams at the end of his career”. So, Stars fans, do you all feel like Modano is to the Stars as Gretzky was to the Rangers?

    No, I don’t think so at all. While Mo’s production on points isn’t necessarily what it used to be, he’s good on the power play, plays on the PK fairly well and so on and so forth. I have little complaint with Mo. After next season, I believe, Mo’s four year contract extension expires, and he’s flat out said he will take it on a year to year basis and then move into the front office. It’s my understanding there’s already been discussions with the Stars about where he will go in the offices when he’s ready.

    Mo’s not dragging the team down heavily; he’s probably, I would say, in about the middle of the pack, play-wise. (His plus minus this season is pretty ugly, though.) He’s not as great as he used to be, but he’s not terrible, either. He’s just a player getting older.

    What’s really hurting us in my opinion right now is stuff like trading a first round draft pick for Matty Norstrom. Really nice dude, but we’re paying him $4.25 million a year right now to fall over Marty Turco. (Hey, I can do that too!)

    It’s nice to have Mo there. If your friend is looking to place blame somewhere, there’s a lot of people and things to blame, I don’t think Modano’s one of them.


  16. on January 25, 2008 at 11:33 am Schnookie

    It’s nice to have Mo there. If your friend is looking to place blame somewhere, there’s a lot of people and things to blame, I don’t think Modano’s one of them.

    That’s kind of what I thought. This guy is one of those people who, at first, sounds like he really knows what he’s talking about, but the more you discuss hockey with him, the more you realize he really doesn’t. It’s a step above the “I only know the names of the superstar players! Hey, is Patrick Roy still in Colorado?” kind of guy, but almost more frustrating, because for a glorious few moments you think you’ve found a fellow serious fan, but then your hopes are dashed.


  17. on January 25, 2008 at 11:35 am Caitlin

    This guy is one of those people who, at first, sounds like he really knows what he’s talking about, but the more you discuss hockey with him, the more you realize he really doesn’t.

    Oh, yeah. One of my coworkers yesterday told me, “How great is it that Brett Hull got to retire with the Stars?” and I asked her, “…Seriously?”

    I feel terrible for Mo. I’m glad the fans love him so much, because the past couple years, between the injuries and the stupid stress of the records, along with how he got treated by management, made me feel so horrible for him.


  18. on January 25, 2008 at 12:09 pm Gambler

    Whoa! The Sabres won? Weird. How do I deal with this? Sorry Stars fans! This is totally not the way things were supposed to go!

    But the internet hates me. Not only can’t I see Yo-Yo’s sexy, game-saving move everyone’s been talking about, but his post-game interview is available online only as an audio file. I think Yo-Yo arranged this on purpose. He’s still sore about our last phone conversation. I’m sorry! I wish I could be there! Really! (Okay, maybe not really.)

    (And Caitlin, don’t think I didn’t see you trying to make a move on my man without me around last night. BACK OFF! Just kidding… he is quite fetching isn’t he?)


  19. on January 25, 2008 at 12:13 pm Caitlin

    And Caitlin, don’t think I didn’t see you trying to make a move on my man without me around last night. BACK OFF! Just kidding… he is quite fetching isn’t he?)

    I was thinking fondly of you, Gambler, because Yo-Yo is awesome! He is quite fetching! (Sorry about moving in on your man… :D)

    The Yo-Yo liking must remain a secret; I’m afraid Stars fans would stone me to death were they ever to find out.


  20. on January 25, 2008 at 12:22 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    He had no idea a player had to retire to get his number retired. Rangers fans. *shakes head sadly*

    Did he think Leetch would skate around with his jersey just missing the number? With torn stitches hanging off of it? And the area that had been covered with the “2″ slightly less faded than the rest of his shirt?


  21. on January 25, 2008 at 12:25 pm Schnookie

    Did he think Leetch would skate around with his jersey just missing the number? With torn stitches hanging off of it? And the area that had been covered with the “2″ slightly less faded than the rest of his shirt?

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    Yeah, he’d totally have this phantom “2″ outlined in blue, dangling, torn stitches on his white sweater. It’s very poignant when you retire a guy’s number while he’s still playing.


  22. on January 25, 2008 at 12:28 pm alix

    Hee! Supposedly the Panthers are giving away 5 flat screen tvs for every goal Lui lets in when the Canucks play there on Feb 1st. He’s totally going to get a shutout now.


  23. on January 25, 2008 at 12:29 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    It’s nice to have Mo there. If your friend is looking to place blame somewhere, there’s a lot of people and things to blame, I don’t think Modano’s one of them.

    I agree with Caitlin. I still think Modano contributes a lot. I think it’s cool when your fastest and flashiest player is also one of your best checkers. He’s great on the penalty kill and the power play. And I could watch him do that creepy stick-check stuff all day.

    I laugh when non-Stars broadcasters and analysts (Eddie Olczyk) think that the proof that he’s no good is that he’s killing penalties. When that’s really the proof that he is good. And I hear people talk about what a bad idea it is to have a forward on the point for the PP, but Modano is great at it.


  24. on January 25, 2008 at 12:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Hee! Supposedly the Panthers are giving away 5 flat screen tvs for every goal Lui lets in when the Canucks play there on Feb 1st. He’s totally going to get a shutout now.

    Haha! That’s sooooo minor-league promotion-y of them!


  25. on January 25, 2008 at 12:36 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Did y’all email the marketing lady about your posts? If anybody gets two magnet boards, save one for me, because I’m sure I’m doing it wrong.


  26. on January 25, 2008 at 12:40 pm Schnookie

    That’s sooooo minor-league promotion-y of them!

    Well, considering it is the Panthers, just about everything they do is minor-league-y. Am I right or am I right? ZING! BURN! Yeah… sigh.

    I laugh when non-Stars broadcasters and analysts (Eddie Olczyk) think that the proof that he’s no good is that he’s killing penalties.

    I find that really bizarre that anyone would say that, because I thought the ability for a forward to play on the PK was a measure of their all-around game. I have always thought it was sort of a standard belief that if a guy who was vying for “best player on his team” status wasn’t able to play on the PK, there was something wrong with him. Whether he actually played on the PK or not, it’s always seemed to me that it’s meant as a knock against them if they couldn’t. *Cough*Scott Gomez*Cough*


  27. on January 25, 2008 at 12:41 pm Schnookie

    That’s sooooo minor-league promotion-y of them!

    Well, considering it is the Panthers, just about everything they do is minor-league-y. Am I right or am I right? ZING! BURN! Yeah… sigh.

    I laugh when non-Stars broadcasters and analysts (Eddie Olczyk) think that the proof that he’s no good is that he’s killing penalties.

    I find that really bizarre that anyone would say that, because I thought the ability for a forward to play on the PK was a measure of their all-around game. I have always thought it was sort of a standard belief that if a guy who was vying for “best player on his team” status wasn’t able to play on the PK, there was something wrong with him. Whether he actually played on the PK or not, it’s always seemed to me that it’s meant as a knock against them if they couldn’t. *Cough*Scott Gomez*Cough*


  28. on January 25, 2008 at 12:42 pm Schnookie

    Did y’all email the marketing lady about your posts? If anybody gets two magnet boards, save one for me, because I’m sure I’m doing it wrong.

    We totally emailed her. And we will continue emailing her with links to all the posts we write this weekend. And then we’ll continue emailing her until we get our magnet board. (I’m sure you’re doing it right, Patty. I mean, you did exactly what we did, didn’t you?)


  29. on January 25, 2008 at 12:44 pm Pookie

    Did y’all email the marketing lady about your posts?

    Not yet, no. See how optimistically I say, “yet”!


  30. on January 25, 2008 at 12:49 pm Schnookie

    Pookie, I thought we did email her.


  31. on January 25, 2008 at 12:52 pm mara in pdx

    I am loving Sutter more and more. His style isn’t at all unusual in the WHL, where teams are regularly punished with post-game workouts. But I think it’s awesome he didn’t feel the need to adjust that style much, now that he’s coaching millionaires instead of kids.

    I also love that he’s a hardass, demanding coach, but doesn’t freak out about the little things (like when Asham yelled at him during practice a few weeks back). He just yells back. Seems to me that’s actually a sign of respecting his players.


  32. on January 25, 2008 at 12:55 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Whoa… the rare time when the -Ookies say the opposite!
    :D

    I emailed her. I want to add another post, but I don’t want the banner to be lost. I probably should have pointed out that people need to click on it. :D

    Somebody mentioned that the NHL Network is going to be covering it like mad. Now I really can’t wait.


  33. on January 25, 2008 at 1:01 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I’m not an Eklund fan, lemme just say that right now. But back during the lockout I subscribed to his email and I just read the headline without opening it, usually. But the little flyout preview says that his latest claim is that the Turco for St. Louis swap is “close to being a done deal.”

    I just wanna punch that guy.


  34. on January 25, 2008 at 1:02 pm mara in pdx

    I laugh when non-Stars broadcasters and analysts (Eddie Olczyk) think that the proof that he’s no good is that he’s killing penalties.

    Wow, that’s a really stupid thing for Eddie O. to say.

    I find that really bizarre that anyone would say that, because I thought the ability for a forward to play on the PK was a measure of their all-around game. I have always thought it was sort of a standard belief that if a guy who was vying for “best player on his team” status wasn’t able to play on the PK, there was something wrong with him.

    Total agreement. If I were a top-end NHL player, I’d be embarassed if I weren’t at least competent on the PK. If you’re the best player on your team, your coach should be able to throw you out at ANY MOMENT like a secret weapon.

    Not… “damn, it’s 5 minutes left in the 3rd period of Cup FInals, Game Seven…we really need some help right now. I know! I’ll send out Speedy McAwesome, my star player! …as soon as this PK is over, or he’ll lose us the game.”

    IMO, sorta related, a star player should also be at least competent in more than one position, and with assorted linemates. If you have to try seventeen line combos before Speedy McAwesome gets his shit together, he’s not a true franchise player. (*cough*Jagr*cough*)


  35. on January 25, 2008 at 1:02 pm Schnookie

    I think the NHL Network is devoting a sizable chunk of their coverage to a coaches’ roundtable or something stupid like that. I was all excited about the promised coverage, but then Pookie read off what they were talking about, and got less and less excited with each thing she mentioned. Of course, I might be making that up. I’m not a very good listener.


  36. on January 25, 2008 at 1:10 pm Amy

    I find that really bizarre that anyone would say that, because I thought the ability for a forward to play on the PK was a measure of their all-around game.

    I just went and compared the shift report to the box score for last night’s game, and Vanek played less than 20 seconds on the PK. And in the Phoenix game he played less than a minute on the PK. The team is paying him $10 mil and he doesn’t play a lot on the PK?


  37. on January 25, 2008 at 1:11 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Is it that weird old guy on On the Fly?

    Just when I start getting to the point where I think he’s just eccentric and kind of charming, he starts to get on my nerves again. :D


  38. on January 25, 2008 at 1:13 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    The team is paying him $10 mil and he doesn’t play a lot on the PK?

    Poor guy. I feel so sorry for him, for some reason. :D

    Eddie O. said that in a game during a Modano scoring (kind of) slump. I think he was just jumping to conclusions. :D


  39. on January 25, 2008 at 1:14 pm Schnookie

    If you have to try seventeen line combos before Speedy McAwesome gets his shit together, he’s not a true franchise player. (*cough*Jagr*cough*)

    I agree in large part with this, but I agree while admitting that I’m using the idea of “franchise player” when I really mean “franchise player in a vacuum”. I mean, the last two seasons, when he was paired with Nylander, Jagr was a “franchise player”. There are so many mitigating factors when you’re talking about what makes a hockey team work, and especially when you’re looking at what makes a player work. This is not to say that I hold Jagr up as a golden standard of fabulousness, or that I don’t think he deserves to be lambasted for how he’s played this season, but sort of like with the notion of which guys are great captains and which ones aren’t, I think a lot of the perception of the true “franchise player” has to do with time, place and circumstance.


  40. on January 25, 2008 at 1:15 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Hee! Speedy McAwesome!

    Can I use that for Nik Hagman’s new nickname, mara? And I will not be using it sarcastically. Because he’s speedy and he’s McAwesome!


  41. on January 25, 2008 at 1:17 pm Schnookie

    The team is paying him $10 mil and he doesn’t play a lot on the PK?

    Scott Gomez much?


  42. on January 25, 2008 at 1:17 pm Amy

    Poor guy. I feel so sorry for him, for some reason.

    I do too in a way. Sometimes I forget that he’s just 23, has had all this money thrown at him, lives in the Buffalo fishbowl, has a new baby, and is in a scoring slump. If I were him, I’d be a hot mess by now.


  43. on January 25, 2008 at 1:19 pm Meg

    I just went and compared the shift report to the box score for last night’s game, and Vanek played less than 20 seconds on the PK. And in the Phoenix game he played less than a minute on the PK. The team is paying him $10 mil and he doesn’t play a lot on the PK?

    Yeah, Vanek’s really never killed penalties. The only reason he gets the PK time he does is because Ruff likes to get him out at the very end once in a while to try and create a mismatch of sorts. Then again, the Sabres aren’t really short on penalty killing forwards and he might learn to do it as he gets older. Of all the things that bother me about Vanek that’s not really one of them.

    Although I do love how versatile a player like Roy is.


  44. on January 25, 2008 at 1:19 pm mara in pdx

    I think a lot of the perception of the true “franchise player” has to do with time, place and circumstance.

    Oh, I certainly agree with that, too. You’re entirely too reasonable. :)

    But it’s so much fun to rip on Jagr as a shining example of How Superstars Should Not Be. Is there anything likeable about the guy besides his skill (which we so rarely see anyway)?


  45. on January 25, 2008 at 1:20 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Sometimes I forget that he’s just 23

    Hopefully, in future seasons, you can look back and say, “Remember when we all thought he was a big bust? I’m so glad we kept him around because now he’s leading the league.”

    (That’s what Tampa Bay is probably saying about Vinny, eh?)


  46. on January 25, 2008 at 1:20 pm mara in pdx

    Can I use that for Nik Hagman’s new nickname, mara?

    Feel free, Patty! I forfeit my intellectual property rights for you!


  47. on January 25, 2008 at 1:22 pm alix

    Hmmm…Pinky and the Brain don’t penalty kill. Does that mean they suck? :D


  48. on January 25, 2008 at 1:22 pm Schnookie

    You’re entirely too reasonable. :)

    I don’t know what came over me! :D

    But it’s so much fun to rip on Jagr as a shining example of How Superstars Should Not Be.

    Oh my god, is it ever! The thing I like best about the Jagr situation right now is that he’s getting shunted off to the side now because the Rangers made some changes in the offseason looking to the bright, Jagrless future… and those changes are making their giant-money, franchise players Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. I mean, scoff all you want about Jagr, but any way you slice it, that’s a HUGE step down. That Glen Sather. He’s just so fantastic. :P


  49. on January 25, 2008 at 1:24 pm alix

    But Matty O is awesome on the penalty kill ;D


  50. on January 25, 2008 at 1:24 pm Meg

    Hmmm…Pinky and the Brain don’t penalty kill. Does that mean they suck? :D

    Hee. I think there are all different reasons for players not to penalty kill. Some teams have a lot of players who do it well, some coaches like to distribute ice time so their star offensive players don’t get tired killing penalties, etc. Much like franchise players, penalty killers don’t exist in a vacuum. I’m more worried when players don’t play a responsible defensive game 5-on-5.


  51. on January 25, 2008 at 1:24 pm Katebits

    Personally, I’m rooting for Jagr from now until the end of the season. From what I understand, he needs to hit certain quotas in order for his contract to be automatically renewed. The way I see it, the longer Jagr is in NY, the longer Chris Drury is miserable.


  52. on January 25, 2008 at 1:25 pm Schnookie

    Hmmm…Pinky and the Brain don’t penalty kill. Does that mean they suck? :D

    I hate to have to tell you this, alix, but yes. It does mean they suck. :P

    (The Devils are actually a lot like the Sabres in that there are so many forwards who are really good on the PK that the “top line” guys don’t get called on very often to do it. But they all can. The only forward we’ve had in the last few years who got lots of ice time but couldn’t be trusted if he was forced to kill a penalty was Gomez.)


  53. on January 25, 2008 at 1:27 pm Schnookie

    The way I see it, the longer Jagr is in NY, the longer Chris Drury is miserable.

    The thing is, the longer Jagr’s in NY, the longer the media and fans are willing to ignore that Drury is -12 and has, like, 3 points. When Jagr’s gone, and Drury’s suddenly thrust into the big-money, superstar, face-of-the-franchise role his contract demands, he’ll be even more unhappy!


  54. on January 25, 2008 at 1:28 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Hmmm…Pinky and the Brain don’t penalty kill. Does that mean they suck? :D

    I read on that Penalty Killing blog that if you don’t kill penalties, you do suck. So sorry, alix!

    Just kidding! They are probably just down on the depth chart. Ribeiro doesn’t kill penalties as a rule, but I have seen him do it in those games where there are so many penalties that he’s stiffening up on the bench so they put him out so he can keep warm. :D


  55. on January 25, 2008 at 1:28 pm Katebits

    Oooooh. That’s a good point, Schnookie. I hadn’t thought of it that way.


  56. on January 25, 2008 at 1:29 pm mara in pdx

    he’s getting shunted off to the side now because the Rangers made some changes in the offseason looking to the bright, Jagrless future… and those changes are making their giant-money, franchise players Scott Gomez and Chris Drury.

    And Jagr’s got all those quotes out right now about how he’d like nothing better than to re-sign and stay in New York, sounding like he’s trying to reassure the Rangers and their fans, and you can practically hear the Rangers (and their fans) in the background saying “sorry, are you assuming that we want you to re-sign?”

    I don’t think he’s capable of comprehending the fact that he’s just not making that team much better right now, and they MIGHT ACTUALLY NOT WANT HIM.


  57. on January 25, 2008 at 1:29 pm Meg

    But they all can.

    And that right there is where they differ from the Sabres. I don’t think Lindy would let Afinogenov near the PK with a ten foot pole, and Vanek and Stafford probably really can’t penalty kill either at the NHL level. But I think Stafford (and to a lesser extent Vanek) play the kind of game where they could wind up learning how to do it. They’re just so far down the list right now they would never get a chance in the first place.


  58. on January 25, 2008 at 1:30 pm mara in pdx

    The way I see it, the longer Jagr is in NY, the longer Chris Drury is miserable.

    The thing is, the longer Jagr’s in NY, the longer the media and fans are willing to ignore that Drury is -12 and has, like, 3 points. When Jagr’s gone, and Drury’s suddenly thrust into the big-money, superstar, face-of-the-franchise role his contract demands, he’ll be even more unhappy!

    So really, it’s win-win for Devils fans.


  59. on January 25, 2008 at 1:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I don’t think he’s capable of comprehending the fact that he’s just not making that team much better right now, and they MIGHT ACTUALLY NOT WANT HIM.

    He’s probably so used to the Rangers wanting players that don’t make the team better. :D


  60. on January 25, 2008 at 1:32 pm Schnookie

    So really, it’s win-win for Devils fans.

    Yup! :D (Well, it’s a win-win for as long as Renney’s coaching them and Hank doesn’t have a full season of quality goaltending in him. If either of those things change, Devils fans might have reason to be unhappy…)


  61. on January 25, 2008 at 1:38 pm mara in pdx

    Hank doesn’t have a full season of quality goaltending in him.

    I’m certainly more afraid of him finally living up to his hype than of Pretty Ricky ever managing it.


  62. on January 25, 2008 at 1:41 pm Pookie

    Whoa… the rare time when the -Ookies say the opposite!

    Sorry, sorry! @@@ I misread you, Patty! I thought you’d asked if we’d heard back from her yet! Sorry, I was distracted and all day I’ve been wondering why I hadn’t heard back yet about my magnet board, so I read what I wanted to read, not what you said. We did in fact email her. Like Schnookie said. This is a rare istance in which she was right and I was wrong. Don’t get used to it!


  63. on January 25, 2008 at 1:45 pm Katebits

    I have also not heard back about my magnet board and I’m growing concerned.


  64. on January 25, 2008 at 1:47 pm Schnookie

    I have also not heard back about my magnet board and I’m growing concerned.

    I know! Did I go all swag-faced whore for NOTHING? Or were there never any magnet boards? Am I going to be given a travel mug and told I’ll get nothing else and I’ll like it? I’m starting to freak out — selling out is emotionally exhausting!


  65. on January 25, 2008 at 1:48 pm Pookie

    I’m growing gravely concerned. I fear Gene the Wonder Fridge is getting cold with that big bare magent-board-shaped spot on his door.


  66. on January 25, 2008 at 1:50 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I know! Did I go all swag-faced whore for NOTHING?

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::

    I fear Gene the Wonder Fridge is getting cold with that big bare magent-board-shaped spot on his door.

    I think you mean colder.


  67. on January 25, 2008 at 1:51 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    No need for cinnamon rolls, Pookie! Save those for when you really insult me. :D


  68. on January 25, 2008 at 1:52 pm Katebits

    I would kill myself if all this whoring only lead to a travel mug. I already feel hideously violated…..a travel mug would just really send me over the edge.


  69. on January 25, 2008 at 1:53 pm Katebits

    The funny thing is that I actually really like the Vs. banner in my sidebar. It makes me feel fancy.


  70. on January 25, 2008 at 1:54 pm Jen

    I wouldn’t fret yet, one of the women I talked to said they were expecting the shipment from Versus, so I don’t know if they’ve even gotten the stuff to send out yet ;)


  71. on January 25, 2008 at 1:56 pm Schnookie

    The funny thing is that I actually really like the Vs. banner in my sidebar. It makes me feel fancy.

    I felt like I was at NHL.com when I was over at TWC this morning. It does look very professional.


  72. on January 25, 2008 at 1:58 pm Katebits

    I felt like I was at NHL.com when I was over at TWC this morning.

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    Maybe I just like being a whore, and I don’t even need magnet boards as motivation. It’s a lifestyle choice, man.


  73. on January 25, 2008 at 2:00 pm Pookie

    I also was surprised to see how nice and swanky it looked on TWC! IPB’s not prepared for that kind of swank, so only in-posts banners for us.


  74. on January 25, 2008 at 2:00 pm Schnookie

    It’s a lifestyle choice, man.

    Oh, of course! I wouldn’t suggest you’re just in it for the swag. You’re not cheap and easy like some people I know. (I don’t know who I’m suggesting is cheap and easy. Pookie and me, I think.)


  75. on January 25, 2008 at 2:03 pm Katebits

    Well, I’m not going to lie. I got into it for the swag, but I’m staying in the “business” because I enjoy it. :P


  76. on January 25, 2008 at 2:05 pm Pookie

    All in the game*.

    *the swag game that is


  77. on January 25, 2008 at 2:07 pm Schnookie

    All in the game*.

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


  78. on January 25, 2008 at 2:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I’m thinking of putting the banner in my sidebar, too, so it doesn’t get buried on later posts. I don’t want her to not notice it when she visits.


  79. on January 25, 2008 at 2:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    It’s a lifestyle choice, man.

    You never know if you’re gonna like something until you try it.


  80. on January 25, 2008 at 2:08 pm Schnookie

    I’m thinking of putting the banner in my sidebar, too, so it doesn’t get buried on later posts. I don’t want her to not notice it when she visits.

    How many posts are you planning on writing between now and the actual ASG? I mean, there aren’t that many days to be burying the banner, are there?


  81. on January 25, 2008 at 2:08 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    …buried *under* later posts… Sheesh.


  82. on January 25, 2008 at 2:10 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    How many posts are you planning on writing between now and the actual ASG?

    I still have the Sabres post-game (I am always way late with those), and I have a couple more A-SG ideas. But I’m pretty lazy. They might not show up until Sunday night. :D


  83. on January 25, 2008 at 2:17 pm mara in pdx

    Can you post-date a post so it stays on top? I know you can on LJ.


  84. on January 25, 2008 at 2:29 pm Heather B.

    Really nice dude, but we’re paying him $4.25 million a year right now to fall over Marty Turco.

    Yeah, well our fall-over-the-goalie d-man wants 6+ so you guys have a total bargain on your hands :-) (No, I’m not letting it go.)

    Thank goodness for All-Star breaks. I have like, 3 or 4 days to love my team without them ruining it!


  85. on January 25, 2008 at 2:31 pm Meg

    Thank goodness for All-Star breaks. I have like, 3 or 4 days to love my team without them ruining it!

    I know . . . it’s so nice to feel cheery about the team for a change. Of course they’ll probably promptly lose to Tampa immediately after the break thereby squashing those good feelings. But still!


  86. on January 25, 2008 at 2:31 pm Mags

    our fall-over-the-goalie d-man wants 6+

    That better be some damn impressive flailing he’s doing.


  87. on January 25, 2008 at 2:33 pm Heather B.

    That better be some damn impressive flailing he’s doing.

    He’s good at it, I’ll give him that :-)

    Of course they’ll probably promptly lose to Tampa immediately after the break thereby squashing those good feelings. But still!

    Gah! You’re thinking too far ahead, Meg!


  88. on January 25, 2008 at 2:51 pm Heather B.

    All right, all right! I won’t talk about Brian Campbell anymore. Sheesh, I get the message!


  89. on January 25, 2008 at 2:53 pm Schnookie

    Yeah, Heather, you’ve really wrung that topic dry, I think. :P


  90. on January 25, 2008 at 2:54 pm Schnookie

    Actually, the hockey topic on my mind today is that having a long hockey weekend makes me feel like I shouldn’t have to work either. Does anyone else feel this way?


  91. on January 25, 2008 at 2:56 pm Meg

    Schnookie, the weekend can’t come soon enough. I have a bunch of work to do and even less motivation than usual today.


  92. on January 25, 2008 at 2:58 pm Mags

    the hockey topic on my mind today is that having a long hockey weekend makes me feel like I shouldn’t have to work either.

    Agreed! (not that I was doing any work today, but that’s beside the point)


  93. on January 25, 2008 at 2:58 pm Heather B.

    Actually, the hockey topic on my mind today is that having a long hockey weekend makes me feel like I shouldn’t have to work either. Does anyone else feel this way?

    Hmmmm… No, not really :P


  94. on January 25, 2008 at 2:58 pm Schnookie

    This has been the slowest week EVER, and I didn’t even have to work on Monday. I honestly feel like it should have been Friday two days ago. I am just completely drained this week.


  95. on January 25, 2008 at 2:58 pm Amy

    Actually, the hockey topic on my mind today is that having a long hockey weekend makes me feel like I shouldn’t have to work either. Does anyone else feel this way?

    Yes. For about the first half hour after my alarm went off, I thought it was Saturday.


  96. on January 25, 2008 at 3:01 pm Schnookie

    We’re all wrecks today! And we don’t have the warm, comforting embrace of real hockey again until TUESDAY! It’s so AWFUL! :D


  97. on January 25, 2008 at 3:02 pm Meg

    This has been the slowest week EVER, and I didn’t even have to work on Monday. I honestly feel like it should have been Friday two days ago. I am just completely drained this week.

    Tell me about it, I was totally whining to my roommate about this yesterday in between complaining about the totally over the top display of affection taking place in the seats immediately in front of us. I was all, “I can’t wait for this week to be over–and really, what do they think they are, fifteen!–it’s just seemed really endless.”


  98. on January 25, 2008 at 3:03 pm Mags

    This has been the slowest week EVER

    Just abouts, yeah. I haven’t been to school since Tuesday, because of my leg, and getting progressively more ill. Which culminated yesterday morning in 3 spontaneous nosebleeds and my mother deciding (not me, I was all for just waiting for it to go away. So stupid) that maybe that wasn’t healthy and taking me to see the dr. I want this week to end, so that maybe the sick can end too.


  99. on January 25, 2008 at 3:06 pm Schnookie

    “I can’t wait for this week to be over–and really, what do they think they are, fifteen!–it’s just seemed really endless.”

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    That’s awful, Meg! (And really, I feel like I can barely remember a time when it wasn’t this week, you know? I’m looking back like, “Yeah, I think I’ve always, my entire life, been stuck in this week.”)

    And Mags, I’m so sorry you’re sick! Get better soon!


  100. on January 25, 2008 at 3:09 pm Meg

    That’s awful, Meg!

    Hee . . . A few years back my parents went to a Bills game during which a couple got kicked out of the stands for having sex. I feel like this was kind of the ballet equivalent. As in, they were fully clothed and all but it seemed equally inappropriate. So in retrospect, pretty funny, but at the time it was one of several annoying things.


  101. on January 25, 2008 at 3:09 pm Mags

    “I can’t wait for this week to be over–and really, what do they think they are, fifteen!–it’s just seemed really endless.”

    *grin*

    Schnookie, thanks :) I’ll get better. I just want to be better now, y’know.


  102. on January 25, 2008 at 3:10 pm Mags

    A few years back my parents went to a Bills game during which a couple got kicked out of the stands for having sex.

    Are you serious? That’s just… wow.


  103. on January 25, 2008 at 3:13 pm Meg

    Are you serious? That’s just… wow.

    I know, right? I can’t recall but I certainly hope it was before it got cold.


  104. on January 25, 2008 at 3:14 pm Schnookie

    A few years back my parents went to a Bills game during which a couple got kicked out of the stands for having sex.

    Wow! I’m impressed!

    I can’t recall but I certainly hope it was before it got cold.

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


  105. on January 25, 2008 at 3:16 pm mara in pdx

    This week has been so slow, I swear it should be next Friday today.

    But at least it’s Friday now, and payday, which helps even more. And I’m going snowboarding tomorrow.


  106. on January 25, 2008 at 3:17 pm Meg

    And I’m going snowboarding tomorrow.

    Ooh, fun . . . enjoy!


  107. on January 25, 2008 at 3:20 pm Mags

    I’m going snowboarding tomorrow.

    Wheeeee! Have fun!


  108. on January 25, 2008 at 3:23 pm Caitlin

    I just want to be better now, y’know.

    Ugh, I know that feeling!

    This week has gone by so slowly. This day has gone by incredibly slow and I am ready to go home rightnowthanks.

    We’re all wrecks today! And we don’t have the warm, comforting embrace of real hockey again until TUESDAY! It’s so AWFUL! :D

    I, for one, am glad for lack of real hockey until whenever it is the Stars go play the Canucks.


  109. on January 25, 2008 at 3:26 pm mara in pdx

    Thanks, Meg and Mags, I shall try! Just send some good mountain weather vibes my way. :)


  110. on January 25, 2008 at 3:28 pm Mags

    Random: I just found a pattern for a knitted hedgehog, and I feel compelled to make one in red and black and name him Zach…

    And we don’t have the warm, comforting embrace of real hockey again until TUESDAY! It’s so AWFUL! :D

    I’m chalking 50% of the feeling like shit up to “no hockey tonight”. I blame you, hockey. You’re letting me down.


  111. on January 25, 2008 at 3:30 pm Mags

    Mara, if need be, I’ll hop on a plane and personally bring you snow, but I doubt homeland security would let me in.


  112. on January 25, 2008 at 3:33 pm Pookie

    This week has been endless and I still have to work tomorrow! Because of going to New Orleans and working weekends, from Jan 14 to Feb 1 I’ll have a grand total of 2 days that I didn’t/won’t have to wake up early.


  113. on January 25, 2008 at 3:36 pm Amy

    Random: I just found a pattern for a knitted hedgehog, and I feel compelled to make one in red and black and name him Zach…

    That sounds adorable.

    I was reading the descriptions of the events in the skills competition. Is it me, or do the descriptions make everything sound needlessly complicated?


  114. on January 25, 2008 at 3:37 pm Gambler

    I fear Gene the Wonder Fridge is getting cold with that big bare magent-board-shaped spot on his door.

    Okay, I’m a little late, but have you Ookies really named your fridge after Wet Hot American Summer? That’s… beyond awesome! (Christopher Meloni is a small crush of mine.)

    Mags, in the words of Crunchy on Heather’s card: Get well. (The “Or else” is implied.)


  115. on January 25, 2008 at 3:38 pm Heather B.

    Gambler, I’m so sorry you missed the game last night! Jochen was Smokin’ like nothing else!


  116. on January 25, 2008 at 3:40 pm alix

    It’s like Lui said, I finally got a big win and now we have to go on a break? Boo. Although I’m sure he wasn’t really booing because he gets to go down to Florida to see the wifey.

    “I, for one, am glad for lack of real hockey until whenever it is the Stars go play the Canucks.”

    Tuesday! I’m actually really pumped for that game! It seems like we haven’t seen your Stars in forever. Get ready to…shoot Stars…like a shooting star…or burn out Stars…I don’t know! Your team name is hard to work with in that context.


  117. on January 25, 2008 at 3:41 pm Pookie

    Okay, I’m a little late, but have you Ookies really named your fridge after Wet Hot American Summer?

    You better believe it!

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go hump the fridge.


  118. on January 25, 2008 at 3:44 pm Mags

    Get well. (The “Or else” is implied.)

    Or else what, Crunchy? You and your skinny butt are going to make me? :P

    Get ready to…shoot Stars…like a shooting star…or burn out Stars…I don’t know! Your team name is hard to work with in that context.

    Make like a falling star and burn to cinders? I dunno.


  119. on January 25, 2008 at 3:44 pm Schnookie

    Okay, I’m a little late, but have you Ookies really named your fridge after Wet Hot American Summer?

    We were on a “someday we’ll get to remodel the kitchen” fantasy shopping tour of Expo, just looking at high-end appliances and various materials and stuff, and there in the middle of the fridge section was the Leibherr. We were getting kind of tired and spacey and a little bored with being there, and one glance at the Liebherr had me running over to it and saying to Pookie and Boomer, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go hump the fridge.” I mean, how could we not call it Gene?


  120. on January 25, 2008 at 3:46 pm Gambler

    Jochen was Smokin’ like nothing else!

    Yeah, but only where I couldn’t see him! And I saw him making the pretty eyes at Caitlin! He’s forgotten all about me! *weeps*

    Man… I’m going a little nutso without hockey. And here I was thinking the opposite was true.


  121. on January 25, 2008 at 3:48 pm Caitlin

    I’m actually really pumped for that game! It seems like we haven’t seen your Stars in forever. Get ready to…shoot Stars…like a shooting star…or burn out Stars…I don’t know! Your team name is hard to work with in that context.

    Hee! It also makes it hard for us to have a mascot, something for which I am eternally grateful.

    Jen informed me that Razor has taken up calling the guys “the Twinkles” if that’s helpful. ;)


  122. on January 25, 2008 at 3:49 pm Gambler

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go hump the fridge.

    Well I can’t blame you. As I remember, Gene is quite a humpable fridge!


  123. on January 25, 2008 at 3:50 pm alix

    Oooh yum! Taylor Kitsch aka Tim Riggins is one of the celebrity judges for the All Star shoot out thingy. He is fiiiine. One more reason to tune in.


  124. on January 25, 2008 at 3:51 pm Caitlin

    Yeah, but only where I couldn’t see him! And I saw him making the pretty eyes at Caitlin! He’s forgotten all about me! *weeps*

    They showed a bench shot of him and he looked depressingly sad. He was mourning you, Gambler!

    He was too grief-stricken to even notice me. ;D


  125. on January 25, 2008 at 3:52 pm mara in pdx

    Taylor Kitsch aka Tim Riggins is one of the celebrity judges for the All Star shoot out thingy.

    Who?


  126. on January 25, 2008 at 3:53 pm alix

    “Hee! It also makes it hard for us to have a mascot, something for which I am eternally grateful.”

    Hee! You mean you don’t want a big fuzzy star that steals children and makes out with Pam Anderson?

    “Jen informed me that Razor has taken up calling the guys “the Twinkles” if that’s helpful. ;)”

    HA! Razor is my new favourite Non Canucks play by play/color guy.


  127. on January 25, 2008 at 3:53 pm Mags

    Taylor Kitsch aka Tim Riggins is one of the celebrity judges for the All Star shoot out thingy.

    Is he really? Holy cow.


  128. on January 25, 2008 at 3:55 pm Schnookie

    Who?

    I’m with you, Mara. Of course, I stopped paying attention to celebrities sometime around Gary Cooper, so I fully put forth that I’m an old fuddy-dud. :P


  129. on January 25, 2008 at 3:56 pm alix

    “Who?”

    Oh sorry, I forgot not everyone watches Friday Night Lights obsessively. He plays one of the football players and he’s Canadian and apparently plays hockey.


  130. on January 25, 2008 at 3:56 pm mara in pdx

    Jen informed me that Razor has taken up calling the guys “the Twinkles” if that’s helpful. ;)

    Start calling them “the Twinkies” and the crowd demographics might change a little.


  131. on January 25, 2008 at 3:57 pm Caitlin

    Hee! You mean you don’t want a big fuzzy star that steals children and makes out with Pam Anderson?

    Eww, no! And for the record, I’m still highly upset that your mascot seems to have mated and spawned. WRONG.

    Razor is my new favourite Non Canucks play by play/color guy.

    Razor and I are getting married. He just doesn’t know it yet.


  132. on January 25, 2008 at 3:58 pm Mags

    Who?

    I’m with you, Mara.

    I’m looking for a good picture. Gimme a sec (and I suddenly feel less ill! Who knew pretty people could cure disease?)


  133. on January 25, 2008 at 3:59 pm mara in pdx

    I’m with you, Mara. Of course, I stopped paying attention to celebrities sometime around Gary Cooper, so I fully put forth that I’m an old fuddy-dud. :P

    I don’t watch live TV (except for sports), so I’m always behind. IF I happen to like a show (and there are about four I like), I watch it a season late, on DVD.

    —–

    Oh sorry, I forgot not everyone watches Friday Night Lights obsessively. He plays one of the football players and he’s Canadian and apparently plays hockey.

    I didn’t like the movie enough to bother with the show, so I have no idea who’s in it.
    Just googled him…nice body but the face and hair aren’t doin’ it for me.


  134. on January 25, 2008 at 4:00 pm Caitlin

    I stopped paying attention to celebrities sometime around Gary Cooper, so I fully put forth that I’m an old fuddy-dud.

    Whatever, Gary Cooper was the man.

    So was Robert Mitchum.

    I still would rather rewatch a bunch of old movies than watch half the stuff released in theaters.


  135. on January 25, 2008 at 4:01 pm mara in pdx

    Is it bad that I’m sitting at my desk, at work, alternately surfing the web and playing Cooking Mama 2 on my DS?


  136. on January 25, 2008 at 4:01 pm Mags

    nice body but the face and hair aren’t doin’ it for me.

    I’ll give you the hair, but the rest… nah. Pretty man.


  137. on January 25, 2008 at 4:01 pm Mags

    Is it bad that I’m sitting at my desk, at work, alternately surfing the web and playing Cooking Mama 2 on my DS?

    Rhetorical question?


  138. on January 25, 2008 at 4:02 pm mara in pdx

    I’ll give you the hair, but the rest… nah. Pretty man.

    If we all drooled over the same guys, some guys would be very busy and some would be very lonely. :)


  139. on January 25, 2008 at 4:02 pm alix

    “Eww, no! And for the record, I’m still highly upset that your mascot seems to have mated and spawned. WRONG.”

    HA! But baby Fin is so cute! Fin’s doing an all star mascots blog. He’s a very smart orca.


  140. on January 25, 2008 at 4:03 pm Heather B.

    For the record, season one of Friday Night Lights is available on DVD and it is, IMHO, one of the best seasons of TV ever. Seriously.

    Yeah, but only where I couldn’t see him! And I saw him making the pretty eyes at Caitlin! He’s forgotten all about me! *weeps*

    Gambler, Yo-Yo asked me after the game if you were watching. When I said no, he said, “Oh,” very softly and shuffled off. He misses you so much!


  141. on January 25, 2008 at 4:04 pm Mags

    If we all drooled over the same guys, some guys would be very busy and some would be very lonely. :)

    Very true.


  142. on January 25, 2008 at 4:04 pm Caitlin

    He’s a very smart orca.

    ….Wait, the orca is blogging? How is that possible? He doesn’t have fingers! …He doesn’t have HANDS, technically.

    Can Fin type with, well, fins?


  143. on January 25, 2008 at 4:05 pm Heather B.

    I didn’t like the movie enough to bother with the show, so I have no idea who’s in it.

    I was underwhelmed by the movie but the show is awesome. Seriously, people! I’m telling you! (Second season has been a little more uneven. But the first season is TV perfection.)


  144. on January 25, 2008 at 4:07 pm Caitlin

    I was underwhelmed by the movie but the show is awesome. Seriously, people! I’m telling you!

    Loved the movie, loved the book, very meh on the TV show; don’t know why.


  145. on January 25, 2008 at 4:07 pm Heather B.

    Whatever, Gary Cooper was the man.

    So was Robert Mitchum.

    I’ll see your Gary Cooper and Robert Mitchum and raise you one Cary Grant and one Steve McQueen.


  146. on January 25, 2008 at 4:08 pm mara in pdx

    I just finished season 2 of Deadwood, season 1 of The Tudors, and I’m in the middle of season 4 of Las Vegas and season 3 of House.

    Next I want season 3 of Deadwood and season 1 of Rome, so I’m a little busy. :)

    Perhaps Fin dictates his blog through whale noise-recognition software.


  147. on January 25, 2008 at 4:11 pm Amy

    I’ll see your Gary Cooper and Robert Mitchum and raise you one Cary Grant and one Steve McQueen.

    And don’t forget one Paul Newman. Those eyes kill me every time. And he’s been happily married to Joanne Woodward for 50 years. God bless ‘em.