Woolgathering With IPB. Again. « Interchangeable Parts

Woolgathering With IPB. Again.

March 16, 2008 by Schnookie

Another Sunday night, another woolgathering session (now with less wool!).

1. One of the most appealing aspects of watching sports, for us, is that it affords us the chance to see human beings excel in acts of individual and team greatness. We’re not athletic ourselves, so it’s hugely compelling to watch people who are, people who perform feats of amazing physical skill. And in our conscious lifetimes we’ve seen all manner of greatness, on all levels of competition. Nothing we’ve seen before has been on a par with the experience of having Marty Brodeur’s career play out on our team. We are immeasurably lucky to have become Devils fans when we did, and as he — ho-hum — hit the 40-win mark for the seventh time on Saturday, we’ve simply run out of words to describe him. It just… Marty. Thank you, Hockey Gods, for giving him to the Devils, and for bringing the Devils to us when you did.

2. Spring is in the air. Pookie saw forsythias in bloom on her drive to work on Friday, Schnookie put her winter coat in storage a week ago, and we killed time between games today by watching the Indian Wells tennis tournament. Along with these signs of the seasons changing comes the giddiness of knowing the Playoffs are really right around the corner. This time of year, though, that corner helpfully blocks our view of all the nastiness that the playoff drive brings (sweating over possible match-ups, coping with the bitterness of losses, finding new reserves of blinding hatred for teams and players we’d never given two thoughts about before they beat the Devils). No, this time of year is all about the happiness, which is why we took a minute to watch some highlights from the 2000 Cup Finals. We shocked ourselves by remembering a lot (that save on Hull, that Elias pass behind the net to a perfectly placed Sykora, Nieder’s gorgeous goal) and shocked ourselves by forgetting a lot (Brylin scored? Twice? And who’s that guy wearing #7? John Madden and Colin White were once rookies? No way!). Good times, Gentle Reader, good times. We should make a habit of watching those highlights more often.

3. The one thing we really wanted to relive from 2000 was Patrik Elias wearing Petr Sykora’s sweater on the ice, and then Larry doing the same. However, we were unable to unearth any evidence of this. If anyone out there has a picture of that, we’d be eternally grateful if you’d email us at interchangeablepartsblog [at] gmail [dot] com. We might even toss in a few IPBucks to sweeten the “eternally grateful” pot.

4. These next few days are the calm before the storm. We are not excited about this “all division, all the time” crap. In case you were wondering if we’ve softened our stance on that.

Posted in Bully Pulpit, Devils Miscellany, Marty Brodeur, Playoffs | 239 Comments

239 Responses

on March 16, 2008 at 10:09 pm Josh

Spring is in the air. Pookie saw forsythias in bloom on her drive to work on Friday, Schnookie put her winter coat in storage a week ago,

If spring is truly in the air…

…WHY IS IT SUDDENLY SO FUCKIN COLD?!

Seriously, I LOVE cold weather and even I’m sick of this shit. Driving home with the moonroof open the other night was AWESOME. And now it’s like -72 degrees with 2,038 MPH winds. C’mon now.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:17 pm Schnookie

You know what I think is driving me batty? The earlier springing forward. It used to be three weeks warmer when the time changed! And now it’s light at 7:00 but it still feels like it should be dark early. Stupid changing daylight savings time…
on March 16, 2008 at 10:18 pm Pookie

WHY IS IT SUDDENLY SO FUCKIN COLD?!

Not included in this post was the discussion we had a few days ago about Schnookie putting away her winter coat.

Pookie: I’m sick on putting on my winter coat.

Schnookie: I haven’t needed mine in ages! You should ditch yours! I mean, my car’s been nice and warm when I drive to work at 9:15!

Pookie: *death glare* It was 27 when I left the house at 7:30 this morning.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:21 pm Josh

You know what I think is driving me batty? The earlier springing forward.

Wintering forward has totally messed with my head as well. I understand the later falling back, making it after Halloween makes perfect sense…but I don’t get why we have to change the clocks before it’s actually spring.

Next year, I’m going on strike.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:21 pm Schnookie

It should be pointed out that Pookie parks 15 feet from her building at work and I park almost 1/4 mile from mine.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:22 pm SueNJ97

Ladies, I still have the Sports Illustrated from the 2000 Cup victory. On the page with the contents, there is a pictute of Patty, reclining on the ice, with Sykora’s jersey on backwards and talking (I am guessing to Petr) on his cellphone. I can’t find a pic of Larry wearing it. I can scan the page with Patty for you and send it.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:25 pm Schnookie

I will say in favor of the daylight savings changes is that winter seemed RIDICULOUSLY short this year. One second it was fall, and then it was dark early for, like, two weeks, and now it’s light at 7 again. Although last week I got into a state of cooking doldrums because the quality of light at work made me think I should be able to go home and sit under the leafy canopy in our backyard while grilling. It was, um, 40 degrees.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:26 pm Schnookie

On the page with the contents, there is a pictute of Patty, reclining on the ice, with Sykora’s jersey on backwards and talking (I am guessing to Petr) on his cellphone.

SueNJ97, that is EXACTLY the picture Pookie was looking for! Oh my god! I’m so excited!!!

(If anyone has pictorial evidence of Larry with Sykkie’s sweater draped on his shoulders, we’re also still looking for that… :D)
on March 16, 2008 at 10:26 pm Pookie

I can scan the page with Patty for you and send it.

Thanks, Sue! That’s exactly the picture I’m looking for! Sweet!
on March 16, 2008 at 10:36 pm SueNJ97

Scanned and sent. Enjoy!! I knew the stuff I have filed away would come in handy sometime.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:41 pm SueNJ97

BTW, If it’s not exactly the way you want it, I can take the PDF of the page and grab a jpg of just the part with Patty, using Snagit. Let me know.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:53 pm Schnookie

Sue, the email hasn’t come through yet! I’m getting antsy! :P
on March 16, 2008 at 10:56 pm SueNJ97

That’s weird, I sent at 10:35pm. The file wasn’t that big, it should have gone through by now. I’ll try sending via the other email account. That one doesn’t have to go through the mail server in Toronto.
on March 16, 2008 at 10:59 pm Schnookie

Make sure you’re sending it to interchangeablepartsblog[at]gmail[dot]com. People sometimes forget the “blog” part! :D
on March 16, 2008 at 10:59 pm Schnookie

EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We just got it! EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
on March 16, 2008 at 11:00 pm SueNJ97

I sent to interchangeablepartsblog@gmail.com in both sends, but, this one isn’t going through the server in Toronto.

We’ll see if this works any better.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:02 pm SueNJ97

So, I’m guessing this was the optonline one that came through…which means I will have to slap my business partners in Toronto around. Not that I mind doing that.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:05 pm Schnookie

Hee! Sorry to cause trouble for you at work. :P Thanks a million for the picture!
on March 16, 2008 at 11:07 pm SueNJ97

NP. I can point out that, if it’s taking forever for this to go through, what isn’t getting to our clients? Enjoy…I am off to play w/the cats.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:08 pm Pookie

Thank you so miuch, Sue! You’re the best! Patty’s such a goofball.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:10 pm KG

I wanna see the picture!! :)
on March 16, 2008 at 11:18 pm Schnookie

KG, I just emailed it to you!
on March 16, 2008 at 11:20 pm KG

Awe how cute Patty. :) Thanks Schnookie.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:21 pm KG

Oh and I think I found Larry wearing the jersey as well.

http://devilsweapon.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/robinson-larry-cup-061000.jpg
on March 16, 2008 at 11:21 pm Schnookie

Looking at that picture, I find it very difficult to believe that guy ever became our captain. What a fruitcake. (I say that with love, of course. I mean, he’s our fruitcake!)
on March 16, 2008 at 11:25 pm KG

But what a cute fruitcake. I mean it was really sweet of him to do that for Sykora.

And I think I found a pic of Larry in the jersey but you can’t really tell. At least in my opinion.
http://devilsweapon.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/robinson-larry-cup-061000.jpg
on March 16, 2008 at 11:35 pm KG

:/ My post won’t work. I tried twice.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:43 pm Schnookie

Rats! I pulled both comments out of Senor Spam’s evil clutches, but I can’t get the link to work!
on March 16, 2008 at 11:45 pm Schnookie

Oh, I got it to work! EEEEEEEE!!!! Such fruitcakes on that team, and behind the bench! Thanks for finding that, KG!
on March 16, 2008 at 11:49 pm KG

No prob :)

And I also found this:
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080302/i/r3780702310.jpg

Doesn’t Zach look a bit scared of Sutter?
on March 16, 2008 at 11:50 pm Pookie

Thanks so much, KG! You’re the best, too! Aw, Larry! I think the team is coach killing him in reverse this season. He’s there like, “Why didn’t you losers play like this in 2005?” Thus the lingering “sinus infection”.
on March 16, 2008 at 11:51 pm Pookie

Doesn’t Zach look a bit scared of Sutter?

Hee hee! He’s saying, “I say, Coach, did you just suggest that I did something… *gasp*… wrong?! Whatever can I do to make it up to you? Apple? Fresh piece of gum? Shall I cut Travis from the team? Will that help? Because I can do that. Travis — you’re cut!”
on March 16, 2008 at 11:53 pm KG

Awe poor Travis. I think Zach resents Travis for not wanting to be his BFF.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:09 am Meg

That Elias picture sounds hilarious. I want to see!
on March 17, 2008 at 2:42 am Mags

That Elias picture sounds hilarious. I want to see!

Me too!
on March 17, 2008 at 2:55 am mara in pdx

Back from Denver! The game was excellent! There were actually quite a few Devils fans in the arena, and we were high-fiving each other on the concourse whenever we passed each other, after the game.

Elias wearing Sykora jersey, laying on ice, talking on phone

I thought I had the one of Larry in Sykora’s jersey too, but I can’t find it.
on March 17, 2008 at 8:11 am Amy

Good morning!

The one thing we really wanted to relive from 2000 was Patrik Elias wearing Petr Sykora’s sweater on the ice

Why was Elias wearing Sykora’s sweater?
on March 17, 2008 at 9:22 am Pookie

Mara, glad you enjoyed the game and thanks so much for uploading that photo for all to see!

Why was Elias wearing Sykora’s sweater?

Sykora had been concussed by Derian Hatcher mid-way through the game and had been sent to the hospital. So Patty put on his sweater during the celebration so that Sykora would know they were thinking of him (I’m pretty sure he was talking to Sykora on the phone in that picture). A few minutes after that Larry Robinson took the sweater from Patty and put it on over his dress shirt so that Patty could be in the pictures wearing his own sweater. (Also Larry was probably like, “You like kind of like a fruitcake wearing a sweater backwards over your own; let me save you from yourself…”)
on March 17, 2008 at 10:07 am Meg

So Patty put on his sweater during the celebration so that Sykora would know they were thinking of him (I’m pretty sure he was talking to Sykora on the phone in that picture).

Aww, that’s actually really sweet (and funny).

Thanks, Mara. Glad you had a good time!
on March 17, 2008 at 10:34 am Amy

Also Larry was probably like, “You like kind of like a fruitcake wearing a sweater backwards over your own; let me save you from yourself…”

Heh. Most people might have thought that Patty had just started drinking from the keg of glory a little early.

But that is incredibly sweet for both guys to have done.
on March 17, 2008 at 10:42 am Pookie

But that is incredibly sweet for both guys to have done.

It is! It’s just part of the grand persona of Captain Hugs.
on March 17, 2008 at 11:32 am SueNJ97

And to wrap thestory up, after they finished celebrating at the arena in Dallas, at least Larry and Patty took the Cup in a taxi to visit Petr in the hospital. Sykkie drank orange juice out of Stanley, since he was under observation and wasn’t allowed to have anything alcoholic.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:14 pm andrew

Good morning IPB! Happy St. Patty’s Day (for those of you who celebrate it)!

What a weekend for hockey, eh!? Adam Mair with the Gordie Howe Hat Trick!!!!!! That was possibly the greatest thing. of ever.

Heartbreaker in San Jose last night. We had a blast and it was a great game, but seriously, 49 shots and one goal to show for it!?!?! That was the game of Roloson’s career. I was wondering if the Oilers had traded for Luongo without my knowing it.

Everyone else doing well?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:20 pm Pookie

Heartbreaker in San Jose last night.

You’re telling me! I lost to the stinkin’ Marauders thanks to Nobokov! I’m sure there’s foul play in there somewhere. I’m sure Schnookie cheated. I mean, there’s no way she won fair and square. NO WAY! She paid the Sharks to throw that game!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:20 pm Schnookie

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has just been brought to my attention, as I am in a forced separation from my beloved team, that the Marauders valiantly outlasted the PanBoxers to claim the ULTIMATE VICTORY in the AmazingLeague. WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:23 pm Pookie

CHEATER!!!!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:23 pm Pookie

Guys, tell Schnookie I’m never speaking to her again. EVER.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:24 pm andrew

“…the Marauders valiantly outlasted the PanBoxers to claim the ULTIMATE VICTORY in the AmazingLeague. WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Yeah, but now you gotta step up to the big leagues. The Horcoffs are going to come out with six-guns blazing! You’ve been warned!

“You’re telling me! I lost to the stinkin’ Marauders thanks to Nobokov! ”

Seriously, what a drag! 0.97 GAA and he still loses the game! What the shit?

Boy, you two were soooo close. The final tallies were almost all within 1 or 2 points of each other.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:27 pm Schnookie

Boy, you two were soooo close. The final tallies were almost all within 1 or 2 points of each other.

It was a very emotionally trying time for Boomer. It’s always so hard for her to have to pretend she doesn’t like me best.

And please, andrew. You think the Marauders are afraid of the Horcoffs? Dream on!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:29 pm andrew

“It’s always so hard for her to have to pretend she doesn’t like me best.”

HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!

“And please, andrew. You think the Marauders are afraid of the Horcoffs? Dream on!”

Have you SEEN what the SFHs have been doing all week? I think we had like, 7 hat tricks, or something to that effect.

It’s going to be EPIC.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:30 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Heartbreaker in San Jose last night.

It was! For a minute I thought you lost, then I found out you got a point! WAAAAH!

And, you know, congrats and all.

Were you at the game, andrew?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:30 pm Schnookie

Guys, tell Schnookie I’m never speaking to her again. EVER.

Guys, tell Pookie I don’t want to associate with LOSERS anyway, so it’s no skin off my back if she doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. If she wants to miss out on basking in my reflected glory, that’s her problem.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:30 pm Schnookie

Have you SEEN what the SFHs have been doing all week? I think we had like, 7 hat tricks, or something to that effect.

It’s going to be EPIC.

Or you’re going to fall flat on your face the way teams ALWAYS do after being on a hot streak. Too bad you wasted your hot streak for a BYE WEEK. :PPPPP
on March 17, 2008 at 12:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

The Raccoon Wives are still in the hunt for 7th! WOOO!

Wait. Maybe I’m thinking of the Sno Cones. They’re both in the (not much) consolation round.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:32 pm Amy

I lost to the stinkin’ Marauders thanks to Nobokov!

If you’re blaming Nobokov for your defeat, I’m blaming Garon for mine. Why did Roloson have to play? Doesn’t Edmonton know that the fantasy hockey playoffs are here?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:33 pm andrew

“It was! For a minute I thought you lost, then I found out you got a point! WAAAAH!”

I know! I was crying that we didn’t get 2!

“Were you at the game, andrew?”

Yeah, we drove down for it. Very fun. They were doing their St. Patrick’s Day charity fundraiser: they sell mystery pucks that have been autographed for $20 each. I bought one, got Patrick Marleau!

Sat next to a couple who were Oiler fans. They were pretty cool. We all made fun of the Flames fan a few rows down from us.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:34 pm Schnookie

As an aside, I have to say that the Oilers have become one of my secret favorite stories of the season. I love that they’re a team that has no business not being in 30th place (by a mile), but they’ll be damned before they give Anaheim the first overall pick, so they’re playing out of their minds. How adorable!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:35 pm andrew

“Too bad you wasted your hot streak for a BYE WEEK.”

No shit. That’s actually what I’ve been thinking all week. Thanks Kovalchuk, you shitneck.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:35 pm Schnookie

Sat next to a couple who were Oiler fans. They were pretty cool. We all made fun of the Flames fan a few rows down from us.

That sounds like a great time, indeed! And way to get an autographed puck from a guy you’ve heard of. If the Devils did that, I’d probably end up with a puck from some guy who was a 10-minute callup from Lowell.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:36 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Wow, a Marleau! That’s cool. I always meant to buy one of those. Do they do the thing where one is signed in gold or something and that one wins you a meeting with the player?

I love the Oilers! They’re so spunky! Over on CinO, they’ve got up a picture of Burke with devil horns drawn on it with a Sharpie! They’re true fans, those guys.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:37 pm Schnookie

Over on CinO, they’ve got up a picture of Burke with devil horns drawn on it with a Sharpie! They’re true fans, those guys.

Devil horns? With a Sharpie? Don’t you mean “They’re CLASSLESS fans, those guys”?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:37 pm Patty (in Dallas)

If the Devils did that, I’d probably end up with a puck from some guy who was a 10-minute callup from Lowell.

That’s how they keep their callups out of trouble — make ‘em sign pucks all day.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:38 pm Schnookie

That’s how they keep their callups out of trouble — make ‘em sign pucks all day.

They make them sign pucks “Marty Brodeur 30″ all day. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 12:38 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Don’t you mean “They’re CLASSLESS fans, those guys”?

That’s EXACTLY what I mean!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:39 pm andrew

“And way to get an autographed puck from a guy you’ve heard of.”

I know! I was thinking, “C’mon! No Plihal! No Greiss! NoWhammiesNoWhammiesNoWhammies! Stop!”
on March 17, 2008 at 12:39 pm Amy

If the Devils did that, I’d probably end up with a puck from some guy who was a 10-minute callup from Lowell.

I think they only limit those ones to guys on the roster at the time. The Sabres did a pink hat signing for women’s charities, and all 5,000 hats were gone by the middle of the first. Assuming each player signed the same number of hats, that’s over 200 hats each player signed. My hand and wrist hurt just thinking about that.

they’ve got up a picture of Burke with devil horns drawn on it with a Sharpie! They’re true fans, those guys.

I just want to point out that if Buffalo fans did this, we’d be called classless by every team in the league.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:39 pm Patty (in Dallas)

It’s hard to see with my measly monitor, but I think there are also bootprints on that picture! They probably stole it from a 9-year-old Ducks fan!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:40 pm Schnookie

I was thinking, “C’mon! No Plihal! No Greiss! NoWhammiesNoWhammiesNoWhammies! Stop!”

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on March 17, 2008 at 12:40 pm andrew

“Do they do the thing where one is signed in gold or something and that one wins you a meeting with the player?”

Nah, just pay $20, get a signed puck. It is a sweet St. Patrick’s Day puck though, so that’s awesome.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:41 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I just want to point out that if Buffalo fans did this, we’d be called classless by every team in the league.

Haha!

I bet even Buffalo fans would get a pass if your classlessness was directed at the Ducks. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 12:41 pm Meg

If you’re blaming Nobokov for your defeat, I’m blaming Garon for mine.

Well I’m sure as hell blaming Legace for mine. This was probably his worst week of the entire season! I guess I should have known he’d choke in the playoffs.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:42 pm Schnookie

I think they only limit those ones to guys on the roster at the time.

Exactly. And I’d get the guy who was called up on an emergency basis that morning, but who ends up not playing a minute because the player they thought would be out makes a miraculous recovery from his injury/flu. :D

I just want to point out that if Buffalo fans did this, we’d be called classless by every team in the league.

No, you’d be called classless by the idiots down in DC. Everyone else would just laugh.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:42 pm Pookie

I’m glad you had a great time at the game, andrew, and I’m sorry to have insinuated that it was more of a drag for me to lose in fantasy hockey than it was for your team to lose in real life. I mean, fantasy hockey is stupid. It’s for losers. Losers who think they’re soooo cool that they won some stupid luck of the draw fantasy hockey thing. LOSERS!!!!

That said, Amy, you are going DOWN! The PanBoxers needed to lose to win, but now that they’ve lost? Watch out! They’re never going to lose again!
on March 17, 2008 at 12:42 pm andrew

“Well I’m sure as hell blaming Legace for mine. This was probably his worst week of the entire season!”

It was a tough week for both us, Meg. Between the two of us, the team with the first goalie to win a game was gonna take it.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:43 pm Meg

Also, is wordpress weird for everyone or is it a problem with my computer?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:44 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I guess I should have known he’d choke in the playoffs.

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

He realized he wouldn’t be going to actual playoffs, so he used his playoff choke for the fantasy leagues.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:45 pm Amy

i>That said, Amy, you are going DOWN! The PanBoxers needed to lose to win, but now that they’ve lost? Watch out! They’re never going to lose again!

I just want to point out that the PanBoxers are 0-2 against the Mother Puckers this year.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:47 pm andrew

“I’m glad you had a great time at the game, andrew, and I’m sorry to have insinuated that it was more of a drag for me to lose in fantasy hockey than it was for your team to lose in real life.”

No sweat! I was totally and completely prepared for a loss. I was going to the game, how could they not lose!? Jerks.

I knew it was going to a shootout too. I kept yelling atthem “Don’t let it get to a damn shootout!” While it amused the Edmonton fans next to me, it did nothing for the Sharks, who clearly didn’t heed my advice.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:48 pm Amy

Ok, so reading this Timmy article has apparently affected my ability to close tags.
on March 17, 2008 at 12:52 pm Meg

It was a tough week for both us, Meg. Between the two of us, the team with the first goalie to win a game was gonna take it.

You had two wins. TWO. Legace couldn’t even manage one. Also problematic? Fucking role players keep scoring for the Wings. Can’t they just sit there quietly and let their stars get all the points?
on March 17, 2008 at 12:56 pm Mags

Well I’m sure as hell blaming Legace for mine. This was probably his worst week of the entire season!

Wasn’t it though? Fucker. That said, I did win. Well, alix and I tied at 4 each but for some reason I’m now playing Heather in the semis. I lost all the goalie categories though (thanks Turco and Legace! You schmucks!)
on March 17, 2008 at 12:59 pm andrew

“You had two wins. TWO. Legace couldn’t even manage one.”

I hear ya. I had to battle to get those 2! I think Thomas got pulled from 14 games last week before finally winning one.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:05 pm alix

“Well, alix and I tied at 4 each but for some reason I’m now playing Heather in the semis.”

I was actually in a round of the playoffs? WTF? I just assumed I was the Kings of the amazing league and I was cut. I didn’t even move around my roster.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:07 pm Mags

I was actually in a round of the playoffs?

You were. Consolation tourney. I didn’t find out till like, Wednesday and then fired half my team :P
on March 17, 2008 at 1:08 pm Amy

Not to rile anyone up again, but when is a stomp not a stomp? When it’s done by Pronger! Chris Simon’s pitching a fit about the Pronger rules, and this is what Colin Campbell had to say:

“[Simon's] skate drop on the Pittsburgh player was in a totally different context than Chris Pronger’s,” Campbell told the Pioneer-Press in an email.

“Mr. Simon can state his opinion. Our job is to assess what we feel is fair and right. If Chris didn’t do what he has done, he wouldn’t need to complain about how we handle discipline.”

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=232237&hubname=

In other words, Campbell just told Simon to sit down and shut up.

(I’m not defending what Simon did by any means, but seriously this whole situation is becoming a joke.)
on March 17, 2008 at 1:16 pm Pookie

“[Simon’s] skate drop on the Pittsburgh player was in a totally different context than Chris Pronger’s,”

Until Campbell outlines exactly, point for point, he means by this, I say he’s only making himself look worse. I mean, the bottom line is the only context that really matters is that it was done during a hockey game. I don’t care when the whistle blew or any of that crap. It was still an exposed skate blade being used as a weapon on the field of play. If anyone wants to quibble about that… well, I have no idea what to say then.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:16 pm andrew

“I just assumed I was the Kings of the amazing league and I was cut.”

Ha! Poor Kings, they get no respect.

Big game for your boys tonight, alix. You ready for it?

“If Chris didn’t do what he has done, he wouldn’t need to complain about how we handle discipline.”

That is possibly the most assinine retort to a legitimate complaint that I have ever heard.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:17 pm andrew

And I definitely meant ASSinine. I think it makes more sense spelled that way, in this case.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:18 pm Schnookie

(I’m not defending what Simon did by any means, but seriously this whole situation is becoming a joke.)

I agree, Amy. I normally really hate when this sort of thing happens because I want so badly for everyone to just shut up and move on. I’m always the one sitting there going, “Can’t we all agree this sucked, but put up a united front so the hockey haters out in the bigger sports media won’t be able to make fun of us?” I mean, the thing I hate most about being a hockey fan is having to defend the very notion of liking hockey to fans of other sports. But in the case of this latest Pronger suspension, I’ve finally had it with how screwed-up the league’s handling of its own disciplinary system is. I want Simon to get lawyers involved, I want it to be protracted and ugly, and I want the NHL to be as pilloried by non-hockey sportswriters as Bud Selig has been about Steroids in MLB. I hate this so much.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:20 pm Mags

If Chris didn’t do what he has done, he wouldn’t need to complain about how we handle discipline.

If Simon hadn’t done what he did, they wouldn’t have even LOOKED at the Pronger issue. And that bothers me.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:23 pm Amy

It was still an exposed skate blade being used as a weapon on the field of play.

Correct. And Campbell’s comments aren’t doing much to stifle the argument that Pronger got what amounts to a slap on the wrist because he’s Chris Blessed Pronger.

If Simon hadn’t done what he did, they wouldn’t have even LOOKED at the Pronger issue. And that bothers me.

That’s true. It would have been talked about in Vancouver and maybe Anaheim, but not around the rest of the league.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:28 pm Meg

“If Chris didn’t do what he has done, he wouldn’t need to complain about how we handle discipline.”

I was unaware that doing something wrong meant someone forfeited the right to fair punishment. As it happens, I think Simon’s punishment was fair. But if he got more than three times what Pronger got that stikes me as decidedly unfair.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:32 pm alix

“Big game for your boys tonight, alix. You ready for it?”

It is a big game! I’m a little nervous because last time they played Phoenix…it was not pretty. I love Bryz and all but I would prefer if he didn’t get shutouts playing the Canucks. Plus the Sedins spent more time on their backs on the ice than actually in front of the net. But the win in Dallas was a good one, so hopefully they can build off that.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:34 pm Meg

Also, the NHL should, in my opinion, count themselves lucky that nothing has been made of the fact that Simon is Native American. I don’t think it’s related, really, but I could damn well make a case about stereotypes of Native Americans playing a role in Simon’s treatment as opposed to Pronger’s. I would think my case was mostly bullshit, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t make it.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:36 pm Schnookie

Also, the NHL should, in my opinion, count themselves lucky that nothing has been made of the fact that Simon is Native American.

Actually, there was a bit of a racket about that when the Simon suspension first came down, especially considering Campbell made some borderline racist comments about him in the doing.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:37 pm andrew

Not to derail the discussion, but I needed to put this out there before I forget. Mags had mentioned something about a tie in the playoffs last week. I just wanted to post the tiebreaker rules that Yahoo has in place, in case anyone is wondering why they didn’t get to advance to the next round.

In the event that a playoff game ends in a tie, the deadlock is broken using the following system:

Most team goals.
Most team assists.
Lowest team GAA.
Highest team SV%.
Most team wins.
Most team shutouts.
Most team powerplay points.
Most team shots on goal.
Most team penalty minutes.
Most team plus/minus.
Random “coin flip.”
on March 17, 2008 at 1:38 pm Pookie

I would think my case was mostly bullshit, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t make it.

I might have tried to say, “Yeah, that would be bullshit” if Campbell hadn’t made racist implications when he levvied the 30-game suspension in the first place.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:41 pm Meg

Actually, there was a bit of a racket about that when the Simon suspension first came down, especially considering Campbell made some borderline racist comments about him in the doing.

I do remember people talking about the his being Native American then–I more meant that they’re lucky it’s not being talked about now in direct comparison to the Pronger situation–but I had missed or forgotten Campbell’s racist comments earlier. My own fault because I try to avoid anything to do with Campbell generally. I guess my argument would be less bullshit-esque than I had hoped/assumed.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:47 pm Pookie

I guess my argument would be less bullshit-esque than I had hoped/assumed.

Sad, isn’t it?

I believe that Nolan made more of a stink about it than Simon did. I can’t, of course, remember what Campbell said.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:57 pm Meg

I believe that Nolan made more of a stink about it than Simon did.

Well of course he did. I’m sorry, I think that some of the issues Nolan raises are very genuine and I admire his willingness to stand up for his players, but having heard years of “the Sabres fired Nolan, those bastards and then the NHL blacklisted him, those bastards” supported by Nolan and his claims of racism, I find him incredibly obnoxious. I guess in this case I should take deep breaths and separate the complaint from the complainer.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:58 pm Patty (in Dallas)

“If Chris didn’t do what he has done, he wouldn’t need to complain about how we handle discipline.”

So he’s saying only people who haven’t been disciplined have a right to complain about a punishment not matching their own? Because that leaves nobody that can complain.

I just can’t believe that “context” is even a player. When Campbell handed down Simon’s suspension, he had a long quote about how it doesn’t matter what the context is when you’re stomping on somebody’s foot!

And I heard somebody making the point that Pronger’s infractions are always elbow/crosschecking related, but one of them was for kicking. Which is in the same “doesn’t matter why you did it” category as stomping on somebody, in my opinion.
on March 17, 2008 at 1:59 pm Sherry

I can’t, of course, remember what Campbell said.

I believe he said something to the effect that Simon would/should be entering into some sort of rehab clinic basically either insinuating or outright saying (I can’t really remember either) that Simon had a drinking problem. Alcoholism and drug use is a big problem amongst Native Americans living on reserves in Canada.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:00 pm Amy

God bless Wikipedia. Here’s Colie Campbell’s comments from the Simon suspension, as posted on NHL.com

While it was fortunate there was no serious injury to Mr. Ruutu as a result of Simon’s action, the deliberate act of kicking an opponent with an exposed skate blade, especially where the opponent is in a vulnerable position, is and always has been a repugnant and totally unacceptable act in the game of hockey.

“In addition, while the act itself was extremely dangerous, the fact that this is the eighth incident requiring the imposition of supplementary discipline on Simon compelled me to impose a very severe penalty in this case. When a player repeatedly evidences the lack of ability to control his actions and conducts himself in total disregard of the rules, as well the health and safety of other players on the ice, each subsequent incident is deserving of enhanced scrutiny and more severe discipline. This response serves not only the purpose of imposing appropriate punishment for the player involved, but also the purpose of deterring the player and all other players from engaging in similar conduct in the future – hopefully creating a safer long-term work environment for all NHL players.”
on March 17, 2008 at 2:04 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Wow. I had seen the first part recently, but the rest is even more damning.

…the deliberate act of kicking an opponent with an exposed skate blade, especially where the opponent is in a vulnerable position, is and always has been a repugnant and totally unacceptable act in the game of hockey

Unless you play a lot of minutes. (Apparently.)
on March 17, 2008 at 2:04 pm Meg

Alcoholism and drug use is a big problem amongst Native Americans living on reserves in Canada.

And in the US as well. I seem to remember hearing that Simon had a drinking problem, or at least drank a great deal, in junior and that it was something Nolan helped him through. I wonder if Campbell was thinking of Native Americans in general or just bringing up Simon’s own dirty laundry. Either way, unacceptable.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:06 pm Amy

Unless you play a lot of minutes. (Apparently.)

Or are an MVP.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

When a player repeatedly evidences the lack of ability to control his actions and conducts himself in total disregard of the rules, as well the health and safety of other players on the ice, each subsequent incident is deserving of enhanced scrutiny and more severe discipline.

Unless you’re important to your team.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:08 pm Meg

“This response serves not only the purpose of imposing appropriate punishment for the player involved, but also the purpose of deterring the player and all other players from engaging in similar conduct in the future – hopefully creating a safer long-term work environment for all NHL players.”

Perhaps something would serve as a better determent if he didn’t then undermine the example he’d set by showing that there’s one set of rules for Simon and another for more important players in the league.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:10 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I had emailed the DMN beat writer with the new video that day it popped up, and today I got a reply from him. He asked me what I thought of the suspension and I told him this:

“For some reason, the League thinks he’s less of a thug than Chris Simon. But I think he’s every bit of one. I don’t know how he gets away with so regularly. And he has no reason to change. He never gets a punishment that would deter him from doing it again. He’ll be happy to elbow his opponent’s best player in the head in the playoffs, because he’ll only get one game off and the victim will be out for the series. Why wouldn’t he do it? “
on March 17, 2008 at 2:11 pm Frisby

Unless you play a lot of minutes. (Apparently.)

Or you make a lot ofmoney:

“They’re all hockey plays. It’s plays where he plays too tough, plays too hard, gets carried away. The guy had him in a leg lock. Those are factors and I didn’t do this in a vacuum. I consulted a lot of people. Plus, he loses $600,000 in salary.”
on March 17, 2008 at 2:12 pm Patty (in Dallas)

(Dang it, I see a typo. I hate that! Heika’s gonna think I’m an idiot!)
on March 17, 2008 at 2:17 pm Patty (in Dallas)

It’s plays where he plays too tough, plays too hard, gets carried away.

WHAT?!?! That’s OUR point! Somebody needs to do something about the fact that he gets carried away!

In that video, the first three yanks to free his foot were plenty. 99% of the players in the league would skate away and then pick on Kesler later. Pronger’s the only one that would feel justified in stomping on the guy. And Campbell agrees with him. He’s saying that it’s Kesler’s own fault for making Pronger mad. But it wasn’t Hollweg’s own fault for making Simon mad, and we KNOW he did.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:18 pm Caitlin

I want Simon to get lawyers involved, I want it to be protracted and ugly, and I want the NHL to be as pilloried by non-hockey sportswriters as Bud Selig has been about Steroids in MLB. I hate this so much.

I concur. If Simon doesn’t lawyer up to his teeth, I will be totally shocked. And he should.

I would think the league would be interested in maintaining player safety even for purely financial reasons.

The Pandora’s Box that Campbell has now opened is this: people who really obsess over hockey and watch it devotedly know what a joke the league’s disciplinary system is. Casual fans or less hardcore fans may not know as much. All Campbell did was give his arbitrary decisions more light and more press exposure by handing down eight games, and now people are outraged at his decision.

The guy makes the most arbitrary decisions possible, which is why it’s such a bad idea to have one guy deciding all this. The NHL needs to set up some sort of commission or committee to handle this instead of one person, and instead make decisions about lengths of suspensions, etc.

In other words, they need guidelines.

I find nothing more disgusting than saying, “We care about player safety” when your actions tell a very different story. :p
on March 17, 2008 at 2:18 pm Morgan

This stomping thing just depresses me more than I can say. The punishment is just too light. Stomping on another player with a razor sharp skate blade should START at ten games suspended.

When Neider the Elder bopped, ah crud I can’t remeber who, on the head with a stick with ten games to go in the season in 2000, he got ten plus the first game of the playoffs. Neidermayer’s stick swing was the lamest hit to the head you ever saw, but NO ONE, Devils or otherwise, argued the suspension because you don’t hit folks in the head with your stick.

What depresses me is that the wild differences in legnths of suspensions (30 vs. 8 is just an example) just gives more fodder to the national media to ridicule the NHL.

It is especially bad when you can make even the shadiest case for racist or favoritism can be made. It is so tough to support such a great sport when it is run by such low quality people.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:19 pm Pookie

Plus, he loses $600,000 in salary.”

Oooh! That argument makes me so mad! How can Campbell not see that it’s all relative! I don’t care that $600,000 is a ton of money; it’s such a small drop in the bucket for Pronger! The money is like the ice time — the only metric that matters here is games. GAH!

Also in that article (thanks for sending it, Frisby) Colie says: “Does he not care? Does he not think? Can he not control himself?” I’m sorry, but those questions are just as valid about Pronger as Simon.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:19 pm Meg

I fail to see how Chris Pronger’s financial well-being should be a driving concern for Campbell. He’s giving up a smaller percentage of his salary than Simon did, no? I’m not saying that $600,000 is chump change to Pronger, but it’s not exactly going to change his lifestyle or cause him financial hardship either.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:22 pm Meg

It is so tough to support such a great sport when it is run by such low quality people.

No kidding. So very frustrating.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:23 pm Pookie

When Neider the Elder bopped, ah crud I can’t remeber who, on the head with a stick with ten games to go in the season in 2000, he got ten plus the first game of the playoffs.

It was Peter Worrell.

Thanks for brining this up, Morgan! I’m now even more incensed than I was five seconds ago! I had forgotten all about the details of that suspension — other than that he got suspended for the first game of the playoffs. And yes, it was the lamest stick swing ever. The stick bounced so meekly off Worrell’s helmet, I doubt the victim even noticed. (I bet if Neider did that today he’d not even get called for it, nor suspended.)
on March 17, 2008 at 2:24 pm andrew

“The guy makes the most arbitrary decisions possible, which is why it’s such a bad idea to have one guy deciding all this.”

Bingo. I think a 6-8 person panel should be voting on suspension lengths. As opposed to 1 former Maple Leafs goon.

Also, maybe, I don’t know….some frickin’ guidelines?! How about a minimum? 10 games for a stomp, 6 games for a headshot, 1 game for a spearing, etc. Then, depending on the severity of the infraction, start adding on games from there.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:24 pm Caitlin

I’m not saying that $600,000 is chump change to Pronger, but it’s not exactly going to change his lifestyle or cause him financial hardship either.

This is the same argument that I made when Chris Simon was suspended. Sure, it’s a lot of money. But when people believe that it’s alright, it’s acceptable to injure another player, a lot of times I question how much of a factor money is in the equation, especially when you think about how much money some of these guys make.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:24 pm Schnookie

Neidermayer’s stick swing was the lamest hit to the head you ever saw, but NO ONE, Devils or otherwise, argued the suspension because you don’t hit folks in the head with your stick.

I was thinking of that the other day, too, Morgan. And that was Neider’s only offense to that point. So how does a guy with no suspension history get 10 games for an inarguably unacceptable transgression, and a guy with a long history of suspensions gets only 8?

It is so tough to support such a great sport when it is run by such low quality people.

Exactly. The NHL makes it hard enough for us to be fans — making us ashamed of them really isn’t helping.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:25 pm andrew

“I don’t care that $600,000 is a ton of money; it’s such a small drop in the bucket for Pronger!”

Shoot, $600k won’t even cover that new diamond encrusted crib he’s had his eye on. It’s chump change!
on March 17, 2008 at 2:25 pm Morgan

Peter Worrell! Thanks for the assist Pookie!

BTW, the “Stompin’” Chris Pronger has cost one team the playoffs. Mine! He’s gone from the Kool-aid’ers for the entire playoffs.

Oh well, you deal with the devil…
on March 17, 2008 at 2:26 pm Caitlin

Bingo. I think a 6-8 person panel should be voting on suspension lengths. As opposed to 1 former Maple Leafs goon.

I KNEW you were the San Jose Caitlin, andrew! (Or vice versa, I am the Dallas andrew!)

Also, maybe, I don’t know….some frickin’ guidelines?! How about a minimum? 10 games for a stomp, 6 games for a headshot, 1 game for a spearing, etc.

It’s tempting to draw up my own guidelines and send it to Campbell like, “Want to keep players safe? Here you go”.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:26 pm Schnookie

The stick bounced so meekly off Worrell’s helmet, I doubt the victim even noticed.

Oh, come on — don’t you remember Worrell stood there for a second, realized what had just happened, and then (you could see it on the replay) said, “Ow.” It was pretty hilarious (and yes, the suspension levied on it was well deserved).

(I bet if Neider did that today he’d not even get called for it, nor suspended.)

Damn straight.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:27 pm Pookie

Shoot, $600k won’t even cover that new diamond encrusted crib he’s had his eye on. It’s chump change!

He was promised the diamond crust makes it flame-retardant.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:28 pm andrew

“He’s gone from the Kool-aid’ers for the entire playoffs.”

Muwhahahahaha! Just in time. The Pronger-less Kool-aiders have a date with destiny….Statbitty Avenger style.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:28 pm Schnookie

Shoot, $600k won’t even cover that new diamond encrusted crib he’s had his eye on. It’s chump change!

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

Oh well, you deal with the devil…

I knew those of you who willingly turned a blind eye to Pronger’s venal attributes in exchange for some cheap and easy fantasy points would end up paying the price. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 2:28 pm Morgan

“(I bet if Neider did that today he’d not even get called for it, nor suspended.)”

“Damn straight.”

Well, he is a Duck now ;)
on March 17, 2008 at 2:28 pm Amy

I think a 6-8 person panel should be voting on suspension lengths. As opposed to 1 former Maple Leafs goon.

If you’re going to take that tactic, then the committee needs to be balanced between conferences, Canada/US and players/management. It could be really interesting to see what kind of decisions were handed down that way.

The NHL makes it hard enough for us to be fans — making us ashamed of them really isn’t helping.

What’s interesting about this whole thing is that outside of TSN and the blogosphere/message boards, no one has picked up on the stomp story. ESPN didn’t even mention it under Prongy-poo’s suspension was handed down by TPTB. Normally, a vicious hockey story is beaten to death by the good folks in Bristol, CT.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:30 pm andrew

“I KNEW you were the San Jose Caitlin, andrew! (Or vice versa, I am the Dallas andrew!)”

So you agree that Craig Rivet’s hit on Morrow was okay!? Sweet! (Of course, I’m totally kidding, I think Rivet should’ve been tossed for that one.)

Hey, did you ever check out that Zombie Ghost Train video I told you about? I’m telling you, it’s goood!
on March 17, 2008 at 2:31 pm Schnookie

ESPN didn’t even mention it under Prongy-poo’s suspension was handed down by TPTB. Normally, a vicious hockey story is beaten to death by the good folks in Bristol, CT.

I still contend that it would have been beaten to death by ESPN if it had happened in the Eastern time zone. By the time the suspension came down, it was TSN’s story, and that was after a lengthy delay thanks to the game having been aired in Canada on PPV with a late west-coast start time. If ESPN had gotten to it first, there never would have been a delay in the suspension, and the league probably would have been pressured to do more than 8 games. It’s the silver lining of the EC bias. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 2:32 pm Pookie

If you’re going to take that tactic, then the committee needs to be balanced between conferences, Canada/US and players/management. It could be really interesting to see what kind of decisions were handed down that way.

Quick, someone call Captain Coffee Klatch! Shanny saved hockey once, he can do it again!

Seriously though, I’d love to see a panel of people convene and then make a suggestion to the disciplinary czar. And then make their rationales public immediately.

What’s interesting about this whole thing is that outside of TSN and the blogosphere/message boards, no one has picked up on the stomp story.

And for once I’m pissed about this!
on March 17, 2008 at 2:32 pm andrew

“I knew those of you who willingly turned a blind eye to Pronger’s venal attributes in exchange for some cheap and easy fantasy points would end up paying the price. :P”

I just happened to have traded Pronger for Malkin a day or two before the stomp. Unbelievable luck.

best.jettison.evar.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:34 pm Morgan

“I just happened to have traded Pronger for Malkin a day or two before the stomp. Unbelievable luck.

best.jettison.evar.”

I dropped Pronger for Brent Seabrook, uh moving on…
on March 17, 2008 at 2:35 pm andrew

“If you’re going to take that tactic, then the committee needs to be balanced between conferences, Canada/US and players/management.”

I agree, maybe a few members on the media, an owner or two, a referee…who knows! No matter what, it would be better than what we got now.

“Normally, a vicious hockey story is beaten to death by the good folks in Bristol, CT.”

I know! I brought this up on Friday becuase it just blew my mind that ESPN wasn’t shitting all over the NHL. Crazy.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:35 pm Schnookie

Morgan, I’ll have you know that Brent Seabrook was a KEY contributor for the Marauders in their stirring playoff victory over the PanBoxers last week. The guy is clutch. Or, uh, at least better than anyone on the PanBoxers.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:38 pm Caitlin

Hey, did you ever check out that Zombie Ghost Train video I told you about? I’m telling you, it’s goood!

I meant to, and then I came down with the Black Plague, and I can’t remember two or three days of my life, let alone if I watched it or not, so I’ll check it out tonight! Promise!

If ESPN had gotten to it first, there never would have been a delay in the suspension, and the league probably would have been pressured to do more than 8 games. It’s the silver lining of the EC bias.

I wish ESPN would get to it. The NHL needs pressure. They wonder why people are ranking curling above hockey in their favorite sports list, well, this is why. People get sick of being consistently disappointed by the League.

God, now I’m all riled up about the NHL. Stupid League! Can’t you do anything right!?
on March 17, 2008 at 2:38 pm Morgan

“Or, uh, at least better than anyone on the PanBoxers.”

Great…..
on March 17, 2008 at 2:38 pm Pookie

Morgan, I’ll have you know that Brent Seabrook was a KEY contributor for the Marauders in their stirring playoff victory over the PanBoxers last week.

I sent Zetterberg out with instructions to stomp on Seabrook to injure him but apparently someone is too classy to do that. Jerk. I’m fining Zetterberg $600,000 for not following orders.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:39 pm Amy

Just a random thought. If Greg Campbell – Colie’s son – would have been the stompee or the stomper, would Campbell have to recuse himself from the punishment determination?
on March 17, 2008 at 2:40 pm Schnookie

God, now I’m all riled up about the NHL. Stupid League! Can’t you do anything right!?

I also totally don’t understand why they go to such lengths to keep Pronger on the ice. It’s not like anyone LIKES him. I mean, this isn’t Sid or Ovechkin we’re talking about. There isn’t a single fan who goes, “Oooh! I wanna watch Chris Pronger play!” Even the fans who like him at this point admit that they really only like the fact that he’s good at hockey and he happens to be on their team, not that they are willingly cheering for him.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:42 pm andrew

Well, nevermind what I just said about ESPN taking a non-stance. Burnside just posted an article pointing out how incredibly lame the NHL’s disciplinary process is.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:51 pm Caitlin

I also totally don’t understand why they go to such lengths to keep Pronger on the ice. It’s not like anyone LIKES him.

Well, apparently Colin Campbell does? I don’t know. I have no clue what makes everyone in the League heart Pronger so damn much. Maybe they too were the victims of unfortunate crib burnings, I don’t know.

Gah, I’m just all messed up from home-hunting. Stupid NHL does not help.
on March 17, 2008 at 2:59 pm andrew

“Gah, I’m just all messed up from home-hunting. Stupid NHL does not help.”

Buying a house? Great time for it.

I don’t know about TX, but out here, home prices have totally bottomed out. I wish I was buying right now!
on March 17, 2008 at 3:01 pm Stalky

Pronger seems to have descended to Dale Hunter status. A turbo-douche you hate to see if he’s skating against you and one you grudingly appreciate if he’s on your roster.

But I will say he’s different from Avery, who nobody likes (and who I heard backed down from an invitation of fisticuffs from Garth Snow during a “polite” discussion in a hallway @ MSG earlier this season…)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:02 pm Schnookie

I wish I was buying right now!

Tell me about it! We managed to buy at the recent peak of home prices around here. The market started to fall off almost immediately after our closing. Almost like we CAUSED it or something… (Of course, we were also selling our previous house at the same time. I suppose the notion of buying low and selling high doesn’t take into account that if you sell high, you still need somewhere to live.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:02 pm Caitlin

I don’t know about TX, but out here, home prices have totally bottomed out. I wish I was buying right now!

There’s definitely a large selection out there. I’m just trying to find something decent – I find that trying to buy a condo presents itself with a whole new set of worries I didn’t even previously think about. Hmm.

Ah, well, I got a referral today to a (hopefully) decent realtor, so there you go.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm Pookie

A turbo-douche you hate to see if he’s skating against you and one you grudingly appreciate if he’s on your roster.

At this point, I don’t think I would grudingly appreicate having Pronger on my roster.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm Schnookie

I find that trying to buy a condo presents itself with a whole new set of worries I didn’t even previously think about.

Yeah, no matter what kind of property you’re buying, there is always a whole new set of worries lurking around the next corner. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm andrew

“The market started to fall off almost immediately after our closing. Almost like we CAUSED it or something… ”

Oh my god, we did the exact same thing. I start to bitch about it then I think, “Well if we hadn’t bought when we did, then we’d be stuck in the old house, unable to sell it now!”

“Ah, well, I got a referral today to a (hopefully) decent realtor, so there you go.”

Good realtors (as well as lenders) are hard to come by. Hope this one treats you well!
on March 17, 2008 at 3:11 pm Stalky

Yeah, I hate to invoke the tired “I wish we still had a Claude on our team” dream, but I do. A team with a guy not afraid to take a run on someone near the boards or skates with the threat of lacerating an unsuspecting kidney. is as important as having a mongrel midget (or two) on your squad.
I thought Asham could rise to that status, but he just don’t gots it.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:11 pm Schnookie

“Well if we hadn’t bought when we did, then we’d be stuck in the old house, unable to sell it now!”

That’s a really good way of looking at it! (Our dad used to say that he never thought of real estate as an investment. Obviously, plenty of people do, but his theory was that you pay for the privilege of living in that house, and that’s that. If you get lucky and make money off it later, good for you. But if not, was it worth it to live there? That’s my approach to being a landowner. :D)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:12 pm Caitlin

Yeah, no matter what kind of property you’re buying, there is always a whole new set of worries lurking around the next corner.

Hmm, well, I feel better already! :D

Good realtors (as well as lenders) are hard to come by. Hope this one treats you well!

Don’t even get me started on the lenders…

What’s scary is that even with taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees and all of that, it is significantly cheaper for me to buy than to rent an equivalent apartment. What the heck?!
on March 17, 2008 at 3:17 pm Schnookie

What’s scary is that even with taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees and all of that, it is significantly cheaper for me to buy than to rent an equivalent apartment. What the heck?!

When we moved back East, we were living in Princeton, which is, admittedly, not a town known for its cheap rent. But after making out my first-ever rent check, I looked at the dollar amount and was like, “Dude, for that much I could own a MUCH nicer place than this.” And so I was sold on buying my own place. (Isn’t that a wonderful story? :P)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:19 pm andrew

“Our dad used to say that he never thought of real estate as an investment. ”

Your dad was a wise man! I feel (sort of) the same way. I like the investment potential, but I’ll probably never utilize it. (as I sit in my house that has already depreciated by about $150k.)

“What’s scary is that even with taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees and all of that, it is significantly cheaper for me to buy than to rent an equivalent apartment.”

That is awesome. Take advantage…buy! I think you’ll be happier.

I hear on the lender frustration. I used to work in lending…and I even had a tough time finding a decent guy. My broker’s a freakin’ Kings fan! I swear to god I almost turned him away based on that fact alone. How smart could he be?
on March 17, 2008 at 3:21 pm Meg

I suppose the notion of buying low and selling high doesn’t take into account that if you sell high, you still need somewhere to live.

Yeah, I think that probably only works when you buy investment properties. :)

I think your Dad’s attitude is the right one. Of course the only place I’ve ever worked in real estate is Buffalo where, at least according to my real estate attorney father, they aren’t suffering much from a reduced housing market because there was never a housing boom in the first place. Ah the joy of economic stagnation.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:21 pm Frisby

What’s scary is that even with taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees and all of that, it is significantly cheaper for me to buy than to rent an equivalent apartment. What the heck?!

Yeah, that’s pretty much what got me into looking at buying. The monthly rate people are charging to rent a three bedroom home is ridiculous.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:25 pm Caitlin

(Isn’t that a wonderful story? :P)

That is a MAGNIFICENT story, Schnookie! Wanna hear one of mine? (Too bad.) A friend and I were going to rent together, so as to share living expenses. We went to go look at a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. The leasing agent took us around a little bit, and then sat us down and said, “Okay, the model we were just talking about? The smallest? That’ll be $1500 a month in rent.” I think we nearly fell over in utter shock. That’s a freaking mortgage payment down here.

I hear on the lender frustration. I used to work in lending…and I even had a tough time finding a decent guy. My broker’s a freakin’ Kings fan! I swear to god I almost turned him away based on that fact alone. How smart could he be?

Well, we’ll see. I’m still working on saving up the down payment. My goal is 20% down of whatever I’m getting..but we’ll see how that works out, ha ha.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:25 pm Patty (in Dallas)

A turbo-douche you hate to see if he’s skating against you and one you grudingly appreciate if he’s on your roster.

Pronger is one that I would NEVER want on my team. NO MATTER WHAT. I’ve always felt this. There are some douches out there that I would have but Pronger is not one of them.

And we had Claude on our team for a short time and I didn’t appreciate it one bit. :P

(There’s a famous (to Stars fans) Zubie highlight that always delights me when I see it, until Claude Lemieux skates into the picture to congratulate him. It makes me mad all over again.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:26 pm Meg

But after making out my first-ever rent check, I looked at the dollar amount and was like, “Dude, for that much I could own a MUCH nicer place than this.”

I can safely say that’s a thought I never have in NYC. :) I lied earlier…I worked briefly for a real estate attorney here in the city, and the smallest loan I saw was probably for $700,000 to $800,000. You can buy a fucking mansion for that much money in Buffalo. I knew I’d grown up in a cheap area, but that really brought home just how cheap.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:27 pm Frisby

Speaking of which, I’m having a hard time trying to find a home inspector. Not a single one of them answer their phones. After the first five tries I was just going to go with the first one that answered, but now it looks I’m just going to go with the one had the best voice mail message. So far it’s looking like the guy who’s message was,”If I’m not answering my phone right now, it’s probably because I’m trapped in somebody’s attic or crawl space.”
on March 17, 2008 at 3:28 pm andrew

“Well, we’ll see. I’m still working on saving up the down payment. My goal is 20% down of whatever I’m getting..but we’ll see how that works out, ha ha.”

That’s crazy! No one has money to put down anymore. Good for you.

That being said, I sold and signed loans for the past 5 years so if you (or you, Frisby) have any doubts or questions about your paperwork…or just want to know if you’re getting shafted on fees, let me know. I’ll pass any knowledge that I can on to ya!
on March 17, 2008 at 3:29 pm Schnookie

“Okay, the model we were just talking about? The smallest? That’ll be $1500 a month in rent.”

That’s AWFUL! And if you add $750/mo to that, that was where I was. I mean, there were three of us sharing the place, but still. It was a dump, and we weren’t allowed to make any fixes to it! If I’m going to pay that much to live somewhere, I should be allowed to paint it the colors I want and call a plumber myself when the upstairs bathtub is leaking into the dining room below. (And it should be noted that we are now paying less per month to own 900 sq. ft. more interior space, and 1/2 an acre of land. And I am my own slumlord!)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:31 pm Amy

You can buy a fucking mansion for that much money in Buffalo. I knew I’d grown up in a cheap area, but that really brought home just how cheap.

Hell, you could buy two mansions for that price here.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:31 pm Patty (in Dallas)

“Okay, the model we were just talking about? The smallest? That’ll be $1500 a month in rent.”

Wow. That’s more than my mortgage payment! And mine includes the insurance and the taxes for escrow (some people don’t do that, I understand).

Of course, my house is tiny and I spent a lot to make it presentable (in the loosest sense of the word). So if I pro-rated that, I would probably blah blah blah… who cares?

That’s too much for rent, that’s all I’m saying. :D
on March 17, 2008 at 3:32 pm Schnookie

So far it’s looking like the guy who’s message was,”If I’m not answering my phone right now, it’s probably because I’m trapped in somebody’s attic or crawl space.”

I would pick that person, too! Our realtor suggested a few inspectors, and I seem to recall picking the first one to answer the phone, too. I have no idea whether that was a good strategy or not. Our house has so many things wrong with it that it’s hard to blame one guy for not finding them all in a single day. :P
on March 17, 2008 at 3:33 pm andrew

“I can safely say that’s a thought I never have in NYC.”

Same here, Meg. A person can rent a brand new, never lived in, McMansion here for $2,000 a month, but a mortgage payment pretty much starts at least $500 north of there. (unless you get a wacky neg-am loan, of course)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:35 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’ve been told before to find your own inspector and not go with the realtor’s buddy. But sometimes they’re the only ones who can get hold of one.

Oh! I just remembered. My inspector claimed his brother was the guy on the Designer’s Challenge show on HGTV. And he looked a lot like him. Remember that guy? Just did the narration between scenes of people picking the totally wrong designer every time. :D
on March 17, 2008 at 3:35 pm Schnookie

So if I pro-rated that, I would probably blah blah blah… who cares?

Yeah, Patty, that’s when we all have to just stop talking. I don’t even want to THINK about how much we’ve paid for our house in total when you add in the 27 replaced windows, the chimney restoration, the carpenter-ant damage repair, etc, etc… (But we’re paying for the privilege of living in our houses, right? Right??? :P)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:35 pm Caitlin

That being said, I sold and signed loans for the past 5 years so if you (or you, Frisby) have any doubts or questions about your paperwork…or just want to know if you’re getting shafted on fees, let me know. I’ll pass any knowledge that I can on to ya!

Bless your heart, andrew! Thank you! My major experience in real estate is usually lawsuits over property. That’s it, aside from when I worked recording home loans with the county clerks in Texas for a major bank.

I’m trying to save as much money as possible while digging myself out of debt incurred while I was in college. Not easy, but I’ll find a way.

It was a dump, and we weren’t allowed to make any fixes to it!

This is my main concern with buying a condo. I’m not ready to buy a house/house yet, but part of the deal with the devil is that you also have to submit to the HOA a bit, and some of them make certain rules about what you can and cannot modify. It’s jumping the gun a bit, but it makes me cautious a bit.

And Frisby, :^:::::::::::: at the crawlspace bit.

And New York real estate is INSANE, Meg. That’s one city where it’s just easier and more cost-effective to rent.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:36 pm Schnookie

Just did the narration between scenes of people picking the totally wrong designer every time.

Dammit! I can’t think of his name! But I can do a great impression of him. I love that show. (And yes, the people ALWAYS pick the wrong designer.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:36 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Also, I didn’t pay anything down. And I had no points. So it was nice not to have to bring anything to the closing, but now re-financing isn’t as cut-and-dried. Although I haven’t tried in a while. I have a high interest rate, since I didn’t have any money up front.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:38 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Not the kind of high interest rate that brought down the mortgage industry, but higher than if I’d been able to put 20% down.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:39 pm andrew

“Also, I didn’t pay anything down. And I had no points. So it was nice not to have to bring anything to the closing, but now re-financing isn’t as cut-and-dried.”

Yeah, it’s a very dicey game at this point. One of the many reasons I left that industry. All of my friends who are still in the game are struggling, or bouncing from place to place as brokerages keep closing their doors.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:41 pm andrew

“Bless your heart, andrew! Thank you!”

No problem! I have my brother and sister’s friends calling quite often with questions. I keep telling myself, one of these days I’ll just got get a license and do the damn loans myself!
on March 17, 2008 at 3:41 pm Caitlin

Also, I didn’t pay anything down. And I had no points.

Seriously? Wow. I wish I could do that. I’m scared to even look at what I pre-qualify for. I’m in the process of about to check credit reports again and everything and I’m scared. Frightened. I need a hug. (Where’s our maintenance guy? He’ll give me a hug. He’s like Hugs Central.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:44 pm Schnookie

I’m not ready to buy a house/house yet, but part of the deal with the devil is that you also have to submit to the HOA a bit, and some of them make certain rules about what you can and cannot modify.

We owned a townhouse with a VERY strict HOA prior to buying stately IPB Manor. And I’m not gonna lie — I hated it. That said, there was still enough autonomy that it was way nicer than renting! (Part of our thrill at having an eyesore of a front-yard vegetable garden is that we’re reveling in having thrown off the shackles of an HOA.)

Oh, and in a marvelous story about our old HOA, our neighbor was the president of the association, and was also a nice, chatty guy. He did lots of repair work around the house for us, so it wasn’t like he was a complete stranger or anything. So after we moved, the person who bought the place had a nincompoop of a realtor, and they never notified the HOA that they now owned the property. So for almost nine months after we moved, the HOA kept sending us angry letters about how we were behind in our payments, then it was all, “you owe this much in monthly payments, and now we’re adding huge late fees”, and then they were all, “we’re pursuing legal action against you, and you’re going to have to pay our legal fees.” We kept sending them letters explaining we’d moved, and pointing out that the HOA president could vouch for that. Finally we sent them a letter stating all that, and added the contact information for our lawyer. They, uh, stopped sending letters. I would have LOVED to have been a fly on the wall, though, when the person who bought from us discovered how much she owed the HOA.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:46 pm Meg

Same here, Meg. A person can rent a brand new, never lived in, McMansion here for $2,000 a month, but a mortgage payment pretty much starts at least $500 north of there. (unless you get a wacky neg-am loan, of course)

Heh. That’s not exactly the problem here. I have a friend who lives a few blocks from me and her small 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is about 1,500 hundred a month plus utilities. And she’s not getting ripped off. A decent studio in the area is probably around $1000. It’s just that buying an apartment is so expensive (and often comes with mortgage and co-op fees) that it’s still super-expensive.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:47 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’m terrified of HOAs. I’ve never had a house with one.

A work friend got in trouble with his because they didn’t like the bricks that he used as borders in his flower bed. That’s the kind of thing that irks me.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:51 pm Patty (in Dallas)

The last apartment I had was right before this house and it was about 900 sq ft and was $750/month. And I felt I was paying extra because it was new and kind of fancy. But not very.

The one before that was a 1915 four-plex and my quarter of it was 1200 sq. ft. and it was $550 a month and it was overpriced. It’s been a few years since then, it’s probably way more. But I bet it still doesn’t have heating or a/c. (Worst year I ever spent in an apartment.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:52 pm Schnookie

A work friend got in trouble with his because they didn’t like the bricks that he used as borders in his flower bed.

Heh. Yeah ours was like that, too. We got cited for not powerwashing the stucco on the back of our house (facing an exit ramp off I-95). That led to the hilarious escapade where Pookie and I rented a powerwasher, scrubbed about 2% of the dirt off the lower level of the house, and declared the job done enough for our liking. (It should be noted that, despite their bark, some HOA’s have no bite. Apparently some people a block down from us had a complaint that their neighbor had so much trash in their backyard that it was attracting vermin. And yet the HOA did little more than send them frequent, sternly-worded letters. Also, they talk a huge game about not allowing satellite dishes, but apparently it’s illegal for them not to permit them.)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:54 pm andrew

“A decent studio in the area is probably around $1000. It’s just that buying an apartment is so expensive (and often comes with mortgage and co-op fees) that it’s still super-expensive.”

I hear ya. Renting an apartment around here isn’t too bad, $800-$1,500…it’s just that home prices are so high. So the jump to homeownership means paying a lot more, no matter what.

Years ago when we were buying our first house, we were hoping to pay less to own vs. rent, but there was/is just no way.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:56 pm Caitlin

<i.A work friend got in trouble with his because they didn’t like the bricks that he used as borders in his flower bed. That’s the kind of thing that irks me.

Trust me, this is the kind of thing people sue over. It’s a huge inconvenience. Part of your HOA fees go towards maintenance, or in some cases your utilities and trash, so it depends on what kind of trade off you want to make with the HOA.

And Schnookie, I feel bad for that poor lady who owned the townhouse after you. Depending on what your HOA fees were, yikes.
on March 17, 2008 at 3:58 pm Schnookie

And Schnookie, I feel bad for that poor lady who owned the townhouse after you. Depending on what your HOA fees were, yikes.

Meh. She knew going in that she was going to have to pay $200+ a month. It’s her own damn fault for not following up when it became clear that she wasn’t paying it. (They were assy enough to us that I have no sympathy for her. Ninny. :P)
on March 17, 2008 at 3:58 pm Meg

These HOAs sound insane. Not unlike co-op boards which can also be insane. I live in a Mitchell-Lama Co-op which is a kind of bizarre cross between an apartment and a co-op. There are pros, like I can paint my walls neon if I want, but also cons like my flooring is quite literally falling apart and coming up in chunks and my roommate and I can’t afford to fix it in the way we’d like to so we just ignore it.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:00 pm Caitlin

They were assy enough to us that I have no sympathy for her.

Yeah…they can be pretty assy over relatively few things. It cracks me up, because it’s like everything that neighbors normally get pissy about but have no control over, an HOA actually has some measure of control over you, so there you go.

I don’t know if I can actually save 20%, but I figure if I try and fail, I’ll still have a sizable chunk saved up to put down.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:05 pm Stalky

Patty, I appreciate your sentiment on Pronger and Claude, I too have unreserved disdain for several players whatever their situation (the line forms here, Mr Lindros, right behind that midgety Mr Domi). Claude’s mercenary employment strategy in the latter half of NHL season’s was shameless and more self-agrandizement than altruistic. But, you knew what you were paying for when he arrived. Still, I grant you, its no reason to like him.

I can see you might break out into Hextall hives when Pronger’s name is mentioned. Maybe I’m trying obscure some overwhelming anti-Avery-ness in looking for a douchebag-you-can-say-fair-to-neutral-things-about-without-throwing-up-in-your-own-mouth-repeatedly.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:06 pm Schnookie

It cracks me up, because it’s like everything that neighbors normally get pissy about but have no control over, an HOA actually has some measure of control over you, so there you go.

I do get, to a certain extent, the value of HOAs. And don’t get me wrong — while we chafed under ours in our townhouse, they did beautiful, extensive landscaping and obsessive snow removal (like, there would be not a single flake on our driveway or front walk). I ultimately decided they were evil after the way the responded to us moving! :D
on March 17, 2008 at 4:06 pm andrew

“Yeah…they can be pretty assy over relatively few things.”

Our HOA isn’t too bad. They won’t let us paint the exterior of the house, and I can’t put up anything (shed, fence, etc) that can be seen from the street. Other than that, we get the occasional letter about the lawn being unkempt. They haven’t been too bad. Yet!
on March 17, 2008 at 4:07 pm Pookie

The outrageous HOA fees we paid covered the landscaping for the development. The gardeners would spend all day putting in perfect flower arrangements and everything would be gorgeous. Then two weeks later they’d be back tearing it all out and replacing every single plant. Seriously. They never let the plants look even a tiny bit tired. What a waste of our money. (That said, we never had to shovel our driveway or walk.)
on March 17, 2008 at 4:08 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Stalky, Corey Perry has been mentioned in that context. I think he’s a jerk, but I wouldn’t mind if was a jerk on the Stars’ behalf. :D

Yeah, when Claude came to town, I barely knew who he was. Then I caught up fast.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:09 pm Caitlin

I ultimately decided they were evil after the way the responded to us moving! :D

Were they not nice to you? Huh!

This is why I hate nosy neighbors who are too over-involved in everything! Really, I just long to be a hermit.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:10 pm Schnookie

They won’t let us paint the exterior of the house, and I can’t put up anything (shed, fence, etc) that can be seen from the street.

Ours in AZ was like that. I appreciated that they wouldn’t let people park their RVs or boats in their driveways. Of course, when we get pissy about our nosy neighbor across the street in our newer, better, non-HOA life, we joke that we’re going to get her goat by parking an RV on cinderblocks in our front yard.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:10 pm andrew

“…while we chafed under ours in our townhouse, they did beautiful, extensive landscaping and obsessive snow removal…”

At least your HOA did something FOR you. As far as I can tell, the only real service that mine provides is a clubhouse. Granted, it’s an amazing clubhouse…which I’ve been in twice.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:11 pm Sherry

Stalky, Corey Perry has been mentioned in that context. I think he’s a jerk, but I wouldn’t mind if was a jerk on the Stars’ behalf. :D

I don’t think I’d be able to stand it since I’m so used to seeing Corey Perry being a jerk. Had he started being a jerk on our team (See: Chris Neil) than I probably would be more tolerant of it. But he reeks too much of Douche-Rocketness.

This is why I hate nosy neighbors who are too over-involved in everything! Really, I just long to be a hermit.

I kind of would like to get to know my neighbours but not to the extent where they pry into my life! Our neighbours on our block are extra diligent because our neighbourhood has had so many problems with student houses before.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:13 pm andrew

“I appreciated that they wouldn’t let people park their RVs or boats in their driveways.”

See, mine doesn’t even do that. They’ll send a nasty letter and eventually fine you for a messy front lawn, meanwhile your neighbor (read: my neighbor) can have an oil-leaking p.o.s. parked on the street for months on end, and nothing is done about it. Weak.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:15 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I got a ticket from the CITY once, because my lawn was so bad. I think that might be why I fear the HOA. :D
on March 17, 2008 at 4:17 pm Caitlin

I got a ticket from the CITY once, because my lawn was so bad. I think that might be why I fear the HOA. :D

Ha! Yeah, I’m pretty afraid of them. Enough to at least keep houses in mind (because then I can at least rip everything out and start allllll over again! :D).

Weak.

You should send your HOA a memo or something. I think if they can get you for stuff, you should be able to enforce your end of the contract. ;)
on March 17, 2008 at 4:17 pm Meg

I got a ticket from the CITY once, because my lawn was so bad. I think that might be why I fear the HOA. :D

That is an accomplishment, Patty.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:21 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Thank you, Meg. I’m pretty proud of it.

(I was out on the porch once when some kids were walking home from school and one said, “Do you live here?” I said, “Yes.” And she said, “Oh! We didn’t think anybody did!”)

I have since discovered the beauty of the lawn service.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:32 pm Amy

I got a ticket from the CITY once, because my lawn was so bad. I think that might be why I fear the HOA.

Buffalo can allegedly ticket you if you if your sidewalks aren’t shoveled by 9am on the day of a snowfall. They only do a ticketing blitz or so once a year, though.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:34 pm Amy

If you, if you if your. Me talk good English today. Sorry.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:40 pm Caitlin

Buffalo can allegedly ticket you if you if your sidewalks aren’t shoveled by 9am on the day of a snowfall.

Huh. That is something I never would’ve thought about.

I have since discovered the beauty of the lawn service.

Thank god for lawn services. When I was a teenager and my parents got one, I nearly cried with relief at not having to mow grass in 110 degree weather.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:41 pm andrew

“Me talk good English today.”

Yes. Doug can read.

(I got nuthin’)
on March 17, 2008 at 4:42 pm alix

Ewww. Nobody wins when the Wild and Avs play each other. Sorry to just totally go off topic. But I don’t think y’all want to hear about my closet sized dorm room.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:42 pm Meg

Huh. That is something I never would’ve thought about.

It’s a safety thing. They don’t want people walking in the streets because the sidewalks aren’t shoveled. Of course, that’s a much bigger deal on busy roads.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:43 pm Amy

Yes. Doug can read.

Giggle.

I’m proud of myself that I didn’t give in and watch Cutting Edge: 3 last night.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:43 pm Sherry

Buffalo can allegedly ticket you if you if your sidewalks aren’t shoveled by 9am on the day of a snowfall. They only do a ticketing blitz or so once a year, though.

That happens in Hamilton and Mississauga too but they usually push it back if it’s still snowing by the next morning. I find that they’re really inconsistent with how strict they are with it though.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:45 pm andrew

“I’m proud of myself that I didn’t give in and watch Cutting Edge: 3 last night.”

Hell, I’ve never seen 2…let alone 3.

I haven’t even seen the first one in close to 7 or 8 years.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:47 pm andrew

“Nobody wins when the Wild and Avs play each other.”

Who you rooting for (against) tonight, alix? I gotta side with the Wild, all day long. Stinkin’ Avs.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:47 pm Caitlin

Yes! Dallas nominated RUSSIAN for the Masterson Trophy! Woo, one more thing for the man to be uncomfortable and angry about!
on March 17, 2008 at 4:54 pm Sherry

I didn’t even know there was a 3!
on March 17, 2008 at 4:55 pm alix

“Who you rooting for (against) tonight, alix? I gotta side with the Wild, all day long. Stinkin’ Avs.”

This is tough for me, because Matty still gets booed by the Wild fans, and I’m not a fan of Gaborik/Koivu. But then it’s the Avs. And Forsberg. They’re so gross. Yeah I think I have to go with the Wild too. By a hair.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:56 pm andrew

“Yes! Dallas nominated RUSSIAN for the Masterson Trophy!”

San Jose nominated JR. WTF?

Maybe they heard his comments about Tootoo last week. It’s the only reason I can think of.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:56 pm Schnookie

This is tough for me, because Matty still gets booed by the Wild fans, and I’m not a fan of Gaborik/Koivu. But then it’s the Avs. And Forsberg. They’re so gross. Yeah I think I have to go with the Wild too. By a hair.

alix, this sounds to me like the old “Flyers/Rangers” conundrum. I always cheer for a building collapse in those cases.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:57 pm Schnookie

San Jose nominated JR. WTF?

I guess your team hasn’t done a lot of persevering lately, if he’s the best they’ve got. :P

(I loved that they got the pane of glass he scored his 500th off of, though, and engraved it and signed it and everything. That’s pretty damn funny.)
on March 17, 2008 at 4:58 pm Caitlin

San Jose nominated JR. WTF?

Is this a joke?

Ha, ha, San Jose. I’m SO NOT LAUGHING.
on March 17, 2008 at 4:58 pm Amy

San Jose nominated JR. WTF?

And Chelios was nominated as well. So the two of them will cancel out the old fart vote, allowing Goose to win.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:03 pm andrew

“(I loved that they got the pane of glass he scored his 500th off of, though, and engraved it and signed it and everything. That’s pretty damn funny.)”

That is pretty funny.

Last night at the game the fan text-poll question was “What was the best play of the season?” The choices:

a) Thornton’s no-look pass to Marleau (vs. Dallas)
b) Soupy’s spin-o-rama goal against Montreal

or

c) Roenick’s fluke 500th goal.

The crowd was very visibly amused at the inclusion of the Roenick goal as a “play of the year.” Too funny.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:05 pm alix

Chelios?!? Just because he’s so old it’s a miracle he’s still skating?

“alix, this sounds to me like the old “Flyers/Rangers” conundrum. I always cheer for a building collapse in those cases.”

Good call, Schnookie! As soon as I posted that I remembered the Wild beat writer bitching about the Canucks “agitators”, and how we must “Breed them in a factory up there”, and that got my Wild hate flowing even more. So yeah. I think it has to be a building collapse. But Joe Sakic can escape, because I heart him.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:06 pm andrew

“So the two of them will cancel out the old fart vote, allowing Goose to win.”

That would be cool. Goose for the Masterson!

Speaking of the Sabres. I’m almost POSITIVE that I’m getting the Mair throwback sweater for my birthday. I’ve been compiling the evidence. I know it’s coming, I can feel it! The anticipation is killing me.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:10 pm alix

EEEEE! That’s so exciting, Andrew! My Matty sweater has been neglected lately, it feels weird to wear it while he’s a poor injured giraffe.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:11 pm Meg

And Chelios was nominated as well. So the two of them will cancel out the old fart vote, allowing Goose to win.

Hee! If I were betting on the Masterton I’d bet on Fernando Pisani getting it (I assume he’s the Oilers nominee). Watch Jason Blake get it though.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:14 pm andrew

“My Matty sweater has been neglected lately, it feels weird to wear it while he’s a poor injured giraffe.”

Well, I hear ya. I still wear my Curtis Brown sweater to Sharks games even though he’s on IR and also isn’t a very good player. You gotta love your sweaters!

“If I were betting on the Masterton I’d bet on Fernando Pisani getting it (I assume he’s the Oilers nominee).”

I’m voting for Ty Conkiln! Also for the Vezina, of course.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:32 pm andrew

Sorry I killed the thread! No Conklin fans in the house?

Steph! Where are you? I need some back up!
on March 17, 2008 at 5:34 pm Caitlin

If I were betting on the Masterton I’d bet on Fernando Pisani getting it (I assume he’s the Oilers nominee). Watch Jason Blake get it though.

I favor either one to win. Hmm. I don’t know. No one ever wins that I want to win, so … bah.

If I were betting on the Masterton I’d bet on Fernando Pisani getting it (I assume he’s the Oilers nominee). Watch Jason Blake get it though.

Yay, happy early birthday, Andrew! :D
on March 17, 2008 at 5:38 pm alix

“Well, I hear ya. I still wear my Curtis Brown sweater to Sharks games even though he’s on IR and also isn’t a very good player. You gotta love your sweaters!”

That’s a good point. My sweater needs love. And maybe the Hockey Gods will make Matty heal faster if I wear it. Maybe I’ll wear it tomorrow. I’ll probably get abuse hurled at me from the Lamers fans but whatever!
on March 17, 2008 at 5:48 pm Caitlin

alix, I haven’t worn my Zubov jersey in what feels like…forever, really, so I know just how you feel.
on March 17, 2008 at 5:57 pm andrew

“Yay, happy early birthday, Andrew! :D”

Hey thanks! I’m excited! I took the day off tomorrow because work is probably the last place on Earth I want to be for a) the day after St. Patty’s and b) my birthday. Luckily they happen to be the same day, so I’ll likely go get blind-stinkin’ shitfaced tonight and enjoy the sunshine (not in my cube) tomorrow!
on March 17, 2008 at 5:59 pm Caitlin

so I’ll likely go get blind-stinkin’ shitfaced tonight and enjoy the sunshine (not in my cube) tomorrow!

Lucky! Because I got so ill, this kinda cancels my plan to take the day after my birthday off, so that’s sad. :( Ah, oh well, I save a vacation day.

But yay! Yay for getting shitfaced on St. Patrick’s! I personally am envious of you, good sir.
on March 17, 2008 at 6:04 pm andrew

“Because I got so ill, this kinda cancels my plan to take the day after my birthday off, so that’s sad.”

Bummer….nobody likes to see that happen. Hopefully you can squeeze an extra day off in there somehow.

“Yay for getting shitfaced on St. Patrick’s! I personally am envious of you, good sir.”

It’s a tradition. I have to stick to tradition!
on March 17, 2008 at 6:21 pm Caitlin

I have to stick to tradition!

But of course! :D Hooray for tradition!
on March 17, 2008 at 6:23 pm KG

So I don’t know why but I just have a feeling that Zach went around pinching everyone today regardless of whether or not they were wearing green.
on March 17, 2008 at 6:33 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Happy early birthday, andrew! I was going to save it for tomorrow, but it sounds like you might not be in a condition to drop by.
on March 17, 2008 at 6:49 pm andrew

“Happy early birthday, andrew! I was going to save it for tomorrow, but it sounds like you might not be in a condition to drop by.”

Well thanks Patty! I’ll probably stop in tomorrow, hung over or otherwise! I don’t really have anything planned, except for “sleep in”
on March 17, 2008 at 7:02 pm Pookie

Have a fantastic time celebrating tonight, andrew! I’ll save my “Happy Birthday!” on the off-chance that you do drop in tomorrow! :)
on March 17, 2008 at 7:03 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I don’t really have anything planned, except for “sleep in”

That’s the best kind of birthday!
on March 17, 2008 at 7:29 pm andrew

“That’s the best kind of birthday!”

I know! I have high hopes. Well, one high hope…to sleep past 8:00.

Woo Hoo! Is there no greater pleasure than quittin’ time on St. Patty’s?! I’m outta here! You all have a great night. If you’re going out, be safe!