In the second episode of our podcast, The IPB Hour (Contents May Be Less Than An Hour), we address an important paradoxical question about the 07-08 New Jersey Devils: Is the team overachieving or underachieving?
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Ha! I love you guys called Zach an underachiever. :p He’s probably listening to this podcast and crying to himself. “No I disappointed Schnookie and Pookie”.
I love how you guys** forgot the word how
Yeah well, Zach shouldda tried harder this season! We have very high expectations for him! He’s like those super-smart kids in school who get lower grades for doing better work than the dumb kids who get high grades because the teacher expects more of the smart kids. Or something.
Oh, and KG, what do you think? Overachievers or underachievers?
Zach needs to learn that NOTHING is EVER enough for us. :P (I think I have EXTRAVAGANTLY unrealistic expectations for him. But… that’s fair, right?)
Oh, and I only call him an underachiever with regard to the glaring “down” stretches he’s had. For the most part, there’s really nothing to complain about with Zach. :D
I think overall they’re underachievers. But I think I’m slightly jaded from the last few games. They were good pretty well over all the season, except for against the Rangers and the Islanders.
I have high expectations for Zach too. He was supposed to fill Gomez’s place and score a billion goals. Next season he better get 50 or I will mock him relentlessly.
But I think I’m slightly jaded from the last few games.
We should probably revisit this question in a week!
Next season he better get 50 or I will mock him relentlessly.
HAHAHA! Be honest, though. You were going to mock him relentlessly anyway, right? It’s just too much fun not to! :D
But I think I’m slightly jaded from the last few games.
Salient point. If we’d had this conversation two weeks ago we would have been like, “They’re world beaters! WOOOOOO!!!”
Oh yeah of course I was going to mock him anyway. It’s just too easy. Plus it makes losing to the Rangers seven times this season even just a little bit tolerable. Plus anyone really think Zach could get 50 goals next season? I sure don’t. So I think we’re pretty safe to be able to say that.
Yeah, I think he’s a 35 goal tops guy now and forever. But that’s awesome! I still love him dearly and think we’re lucky to have a player as exciting to watch play as him.
Plus anyone really think Zach could get 50 goals next season? I sure don’t. So I think we’re pretty safe to be able to say that.
I wasn’t going to expect 50 from him, but now that you’ve said it, I figure why the hell not? :P (Just kidding. I think he’s going to just keep being what he’s been this year and last. I’d just like to see more consistency from him, with fewer stretches of wondering whether he was in the lineup or not.)
Yeah and I’m happy with 35 goals from him because it’s better than the junk Travis is giving us. But Zach is still by far my favorite player on the team (well behind Marty), I still remember I think it was back in November he had the puck in between the red and the blue line and kind of lost the puck slightly and ended up sliding his stick between his legs and dump the puck into the zone when it was behind him. It was almost as nice as the Malik shoot goal he had a couple of years ago.
Is the guest next week Boxworthy?
I adore Zach, and I really only criticize him out of love. :D I feel like his one flaw this season has been that, as the season’s worn on, he is less and less present in games in which he doesn’t score. But honestly, he’s wonderful, both as a player and as someone we love to laugh at!
And wow, Travis. What a wet, hot mess he’s become. Poor little acorn. I still have hope for him.
Is the guest next week Boxworthy?
Dammit! You guessed! Well, looks like it’s not a surprise anymore. :P
Zach’s my favorite behind Paulie Martin (Marty doesn’t count, really) so all my mocking is done entirely out of love. I just think back to what he did against Tampa last year during the playoffs and think “we’ve got something special in this kid”. I just expected him to set the tone a bit more on his line — when Patty and Langer are skating around with their heads in the clouds, I’d love to see Zach say, “No! I will not do the same!”
“when Patty and Langer are skating around with their heads in the clouds, I’d love to see Zach say, “No! I will not do the same!””
I think Zach sees them skating around with their heads in the clouds and thinks ‘They’re veterans I should do the same as them.”
But yes I mock out of love too. I’ve loved watching this kid play. I remember how excited I was in the draft when we actually managed to pick him. I almost lost it.
“Dammit! You guessed! Well, looks like it’s not a surprise anymore. :P”
Does this mean Zach will follow his little turtle? Will you get Zach on the show too?! Haha
Can you imagine how awful a podcast with us interviewing Zach would be? We’d need Boomer to run point for us. She was the only one of us capable of saying even “Hi” to Eric Lindros when we ended up in an elevator with him for a 13-floor ride. I think talking to Boxworthy would be much easier.
I think Zach sees them skating around with their heads in the clouds and thinks ‘They’re veterans I should do the same as them.”
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And yes, we’re going to kidnap Boxworthy and lure Zach to stately IPB Manor’s recording studio for a forced guest appearance on our podcast. It’s going to be awesome. And while he’s here I’ll say, “Dude, next time you see Langer and Patty with their heads in the clouds? Don’t fall for it.”
And seriously, I think he’s going to be a really fun player to watch for years to come. I loves me some Zach. :D
Haha But see Zach is just amazingly cute, other than that he’s totally approachable. I’d so run up to him on the street and just start talking to him, and probably attack him.
“And yes, we’re going to kidnap Boxworthy and lure Zach to stately IPB Manor’s recording studio for a forced guest appearance on our podcast.”
Just promise not to hurt poor Boxworthy, otherwise Zach will contact PETA.
I’d so run up to him on the street and just start talking to him, and probably attack him.
I love how casually that escalates from how approachable he is to how attackable he is. :D (I am such a wreck whenever I see hockey players in person. I would probably dig a hole wherever I’m standing if I saw Zach, and curl up in it and die. It would be so great! :P)
We would never hurt Boxworthy. He’d find his time at stately IPB Manor to be a wonderful vacation, during which we’d wait on him hand and foot. He’d have all the turtle treats and cocktails his little cold-blooded heart could desire. Plus, the pace here is much slower than at stately Zach Manor, so it’s better suited for a turtle.
“I love how casually that escalates from how approachable he is to how attackable he is. :D (I am such a wreck whenever I see hockey players in person. I would probably dig a hole wherever I’m standing if I saw Zach, and curl up in it and die. It would be so great! :P)”
Well at least now we know if Zach is ever on the streets at the same time as you are we know to send someone out looking for a hole to save you. I think because I’ve grown up around hockey players (Not pros) I understand how the guys act and am rather comfortable around them, but I’d probably still lose it if I ever ran across Zach.
And thank you for promising to not hurt Boxworthy. He’ll probably want to come work for you two after that kind of treatment.
Hey, Zach’s on Inside the NHL this week! Or at least, according to our guide, “Zack Parisi” is. Heh. It’s on HDNet in two minutes!
Wait where??????
NO dammit I have to leave
Don’t worry! They replay it all the time and it’ll be on NHL.com soon! Zach looked adorable…
Zach looked adorable…
I wonder if Boxworthy styled him.
Oh, Boxworthy TOTALLY styled him. He wouldn’t look that put-together on his own. I figure Zach looks like Howard Hughes if he goes more than 6 hours without a Boxworthy primping.
Well looking on the bright side, at least you can seriously discuss whether or not the Devils have over or underachieved. So it could be worse.
I’m, uh, a bit of an optimist about these things though, so my bright side should probably be taken with about a pound of salt.
Yeah, Meg… that’s definitely a silver lining there. :P
I think the future is really bright in Buffalo! It’s a “you have to lose to learn how to win” kind of season this year! What doesn’t kill them will only make them stronger! All that good stuff! Right?
What is WRONG with Carolina that they can’t win tonight?
The future is definitely bright for Buffalo! I keep finding myself thinking “What can the Devils do this summer to solve their problems?” and I end up depressed because I just don’t even know what the solution is. Buffalo’s solution seems to be, “just come back after a summer off and start the season without hysteria”.
I think the future is really bright in Buffalo! It’s a “you have to lose to learn how to win” kind of season this year! What doesn’t kill them will only make them stronger! All that good stuff! Right?
True, true. I cling to the fact that Kevin Sylvester crunched the numbers and discovered that the Sabres get a ridiculous amount of their offense from they’re young guys. Even more so than the teams that are hyped as young teams on the rise.
That said, I’ve kind of been pretending they don’t exist today so the unquestionably underachieving team I was thinking of was the Senators (Sorry Sherry! In a moderately sympathetic way, I swear). I’m sure they have a silver lining too though.
Man, I sometimes it’s really obvious that I’m not a native Buffalonian.
Buffalo’s solution seems to be, “just come back after a summer off and start the season without hysteria”.
We wouldn’t be Buffalo without some form of hysteria.
What is WRONG with Carolina that they can’t win tonight?
I was just thinking that.
I keep finding myself thinking “What can the Devils do this summer to solve their problems?” and I end up depressed because I just don’t even know what the solution is.
I’m sure Lou will think of something, Pookie!
The Sabres lineup does need a bit of tweaking but I think it’s doable. I’m sure the Devils can also be fixed.
so the unquestionably underachieving team I was thinking of was the Senators
Oh my god, yes. What a disaster. Just… ouch. I think Boomer might have mentioned something similar earlier today, actually. If they aren’t the very embodiment of the Curse of Beating Brodeur, I don’t know what is. :P
That’s really cool that Buffalo’s offense is all coming from the kids. Really, other than the missing the playoffs, there’s so much to be happy about in Buffalo!
I may be alone in this sentiment but the new Ryan Getzlaf playoff commercial kind of scares me. I definitely don’t ever want to meet Ryan Getzlaf in a dark alley.
“That’s how THE CUP changes everything.”
Maybe he doesn’t like change or something, but there’s no need to take it out on the cup.
Really, other than the missing the playoffs, there’s so much to be happy about in Buffalo!
I think so too, so I’m not reading any hockey media right now because it’s depressing. I can’t handle the constant complaining about the organization being a joke. I mean, we could be Chicago! Or Atlanta! Or Buffalo could not have a team at all.
I mean, we could be Chicago! Or Atlanta! Or Buffalo could not have a team at all.
Or you could have the Devils’ aging corps of forwards and 29th-ranked farm system! :P
I think that they thought that we think that we thought that they thought we should think that, but that’s not what we thought! :P
Great podcast!!! I so want to do one now. But I’ll need a sound effect of the far-off chirping of crickets to fill in the part where I’m not talking. If there were to be such a part. Which I doubt.
Also, that is the most adorable picture I think I’ve ever seen. And I love your fonts. (If you know what I mean.)
And I think I do, Patty. Know what you mean. Heh.
I think that they thought that we think that we thought that they thought we should think that, but that’s not what we thought! :P
It was all making sense in my head but outside my head? Not so much.
I can’t wait to hear PK: Now In Podcast Form!
I think that they thought that we think that we thought that they thought we should think that, but that’s not what we thought!
Pookie was ON FIRE with that one. I’m not sure she could do that again if she tried. It was like the podcast version of an accidental trick-shot goal.
Patty, I’m fairly confident you could fill a podcast by yourself, even without crickets. :D
I’m glad you like the picture! I found that a few years ago when I was digging though a poorly-archived box of family photos and I thought it was so hilarious how I’m 4, Pookie’s 2, and we’re just sitting there looking like we’re shooting the shit. It’s like we started yakking as soon as she could talk, and haven’t shut up since. (Pookie’s responsible for the fonts, by the way. If you know what I mean.)
Sorry about the Lightning beating the Canes. I didn’t realize we were pulling for the Canes until too late.
Juicy and Halpie both got goals. This is looking like the best trade Tampa ever made. :(
I love Pookie resting her little arm on her little knee.
Pookie: “Yeah, that county sheriff’s a character, all right. But what can ya do?”
Schnookie: “Yup.”
Sorry about the Lightning beating the Canes. I didn’t realize we were pulling for the Canes until too late.
DAMMIT! It’s ALL YOUR FAULT!
(So sorry about the trade. But those guys wouldn’t have been scoring for you! They’re in different roles now!)
Pookie: “Yeah, that county sheriff’s a character, all right. But what can ya do?”
Schnookie: “Yup.”
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Pookie: “Yeah, that county sheriff’s a character, all right. But what can ya do?”
Schnookie: “Yup.”
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It’s all about the way she’s resting her arm on her knee. It’s like she’s got a little bloodhound sitting at her feet and she’s working over a little plug of tobacco. We should have a game of checkers set up on the top of a barrel set between us.
I could also be saying, a la Bart and Lisa on the Simpsons when they’re making small-talk in the background of a scene, “So I says to Mabel, I says…”
Oh, I should also point out in that picture that, to this day, I am always wearing a frilly collar like that. It’s kind of my trademark. :P
“So I says to Mabel, I says…”
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It’s kind of my trademark. :P
Kind of like LaVerne’s giant “L”?
Kind of like LaVerne’s giant “L”?
Yes, but frillier. :P
“I keep finding myself thinking “What can the Devils do this summer to solve their problems?” and I end up depressed because I just don’t even know what the solution is.”
This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about the Canucks today. Fun, fun, fun. I mean sure Nonis has money this year…but have you seen the UFAs left this summer? Eeesh. Vancouver always complains about Nazzy, but he’s one of the best on the list. *Sigh*
Now on to the podcast…
They’re in different roles now!
Oh, I know. I didn’t mean to sound trade-whiny in that particular instance (usually I do, but not that time). I’m just happy for them. I think it’s sad to have to go to bottom-dweller from a fairly good team. But I’m sure they’ll be okay. I just like seeing them do well, so I don’t have to worry so much.
I mean sure Nonis has money this year…but have you seen the UFAs left this summer? Eeesh.
Yeah, it’s… not a great crop this summer. Maybe there will be a lot of trading?
I didn’t mean to sound trade-whiny in that particular instance (usually I do, but not that time).
Oh, I know! I was just doing the “buck up, sad clown” thing anyway. :D
Thanks, Schnookie.
Wait. You callin’ me a clown?!
Here to amuse you?
Yeah, you’re totally our dancing monkey, Patty. :P (When I was in high school I spent a summer doing one of those “pre-college enrichment” programs, where you’re basically being foisted onto some unsuspecting college campus somewhere and taking “classes” taught by college students to bulk up your college applications. I remember we had some end-of-summer shindig and one of the instructors was sitting off to the side kind of spacing out glumly, and another just wandered up and said, “Cheer up, sad clown.” I was 15 and had crushes on both of them [as all the students do on the instructors in those programs] and I thought it was the funniest thing I’d ever heard. It made quite an impression, obviously. And that’s my story.)
“Yeah, it’s… not a great crop this summer. Maybe there will be a lot of trading?”
Yeah, I think this might be the summer of the trade. But now I’m terrified Matty’s going to be traded. He has a NTC, but he could still be asked to waive it. Scary stuff.
He has a NTC, but he could still be asked to waive it. Scary stuff.
But as we’ve seen, he can, if asked to waive the NTC, tell the Canucks to go piss up a rope. :D
I think “sad clown” is inherently funny.
So I had to leave to go to my team’s playoffs. We lost in the quarter finals. :) I’m just glad I don’t have to miss anymore Devils games.
So Zach was adorable? And I can catch this on nhl.com soon? Promise?
“But as we’ve seen, he can, if asked to waive the NTC, tell the Canucks to go piss up a rope. :D”
Hee! Good point. I can just picture him saying that in his classy Swedish accent. Heh. I luff him. And they’d be kind of crazy to ditch Matty. Have you seen our guys play d without him? It ain’t pretty. Plus they kind of have a bad drafting rep. And he was drafted by the Nuckies, so they kind of have to keep him to show people they can actually draft well or something, right?
I think “sad clown” is inherently funny.
It really is. I try to use it as often as possible. :D
KG, I’m sorry your team lost, but glad you don’t have to miss anymore Devils games (all four that are left…)! Zach was adorable looking on Inside The NHL. He was… not adorable sounding. (He made some comments about the artwork at The Rock that made us cringe. Zach seemed toolishly uncomfortable with the concept of painting that isn’t photorealistic. Heh. Boxworthy probably slapped himself on the forehead off-camera and muttered, “All those times I’ve taken him to the MoMA…”) The guy who was hopelessly adorable on this episode was Patty. I just can’t hate him anymore — he’s too damn cute.
alix, there is NO WAY the Canucks get rid of Matty. It just won’t happen. Mark. My. Words. :D
You should listen to her, alix. She told me they wouldn’t trade Bouche. And they haven’t. Yet.
“alix, there is NO WAY the Canucks get rid of Matty. It just won’t happen. Mark. My. Words. :D”
Thanks, Schnookie. I think you’re right. You promise?
Thanks, Patty. Schnookie is pretty wise.
Schnookie is pretty wise.
Wait, only “pretty” wise? What the hell? I’m ALWAYS RIGHT. :P
HA HA HA! Ok, Schnookie is 100%/24/7 wise. Is that better?
By the way, I’ve never found IPB to be like a high school. I found that very bizarre.
Ok, Schnookie is 100%/24/7 wise. Is that better?
Much better. (Oh, and there’s a disclaimer somewhere around here making it clear that I am not, in fact, legally bound by my claim of always being right. :P)
But seriously, I don’t think you’re in any danger of Matty being traded. Nonis would NEVER give up a defenseman. Wouldn’t he be more inclined to trade both the Sedins for, like, five or six extra d-men?
By the way, I’ve never found IPB to be like a high school. I found that very bizarre.
I appreciate hearing that. It was a comment I really wasn’t sure how to react to, so I’m glad to hear that it’s not like that for everyone!
“(Oh, and there’s a disclaimer somewhere around here making it clear that I am not, in fact, legally bound by my claim of always being right. :P)”
If you’re wrong about Matty, I’m coming to get you. Screw that imaginary disclaimer :p
“Wouldn’t he be more inclined to trade both the Sedins for, like, five or six extra d-men?”
HA HA! Yes he probably would. But he’s going to be smacked around by an angry Vancouver mob this summer if he continues his defensive love affair and doesn’t pick up some scorers.
If you’re wrong about Matty, I’m coming to get you. Screw that imaginary disclaimer :p
I think that’s perfectly fair. :D
I wonder how much Nonis really fears an angry Vancouver mob. He probably thinks it won’t happen to him. And really, just ONE more d-man won’t hurt… :P
That’s a good point. Nonis will probably either,
A) hire a body guard
or
B) Just squish them with his considerable girth
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Or he can go with:
C) hire a portly bodyguard who can squish mobs with his considerable girth.
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Yes! He’ll have a whole team of them. So they can squish people in between them.
Maybe he’ll just ask the Sedins to put on a couple hundred pounds each. (Of course, if they do, Charles Wang will try to sign them to be the Islanders newest goalie…)
HA! The Sedins would have to eat a whole lot of meatballs/pickled herring. What? Swedish stereotype? Me? Never!
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I have it on good authority that the Sedins love herring. It’s not a stereotype if it’s true. :P (Just kidding. They probably hate herring. Well, they would hate herring if they had any sense. *Shudder* Herring. Ew.)
I should probably head out. Good night, Schnookie! Loved the podcast! With Kate and Heather doing one now too, I feel like I should jump on the podcast train. But at the moment mine would probably consist of me drunkenly slurring about how I miss Matty and need to find a cab.
But at the moment mine would probably consist of me drunkenly slurring about how I miss Matty and need to find a cab.
HA! Well, when the time’s right, you’ll know. For both the cab and the podcast. :P
Have a good night!
“I have it on good authority that the Sedins love herring. It’s not a stereotype if it’s true. :P”
I’m pretty sure they have a guy in the dressing room that just makes them herring all the time :D
And yes, herring is revolting.
Night!
Holy crap, but it feels like Playoffs today, doesn’t it?! The quality of sunlight in Pittsburgh makes it seem like late first-round! I think, after weeks of not being nearly ready enough for the post-season, today I say, “Bring it on!” (This is probably because I’ve really made peace with the fact that the Devils are going nowhere this season.)
rangers playing pittsburgh two days in a row…now do i want the pens to pick up four points in the hopes that the rangers somehow don’t make the playoffs or do i want the rangers to get four points so that the devils somehow overtake the penguins and win the division?…decisions, decisions….only thing for certain is that these game do not go into overtime…so far the penguins lead 2-1 early in the second period
don, this is a time where I’ve decided I can’t even be trying to consider the points-implications. I’m so terrified of a Rangers/Devils 4-5 matchup that my head is exploding from trying to calculate all the implications of every game. I’m just going with my heart today — I hate the Pens, but I hate the Rangers even more. Go Pens! :P
I hate the Pens, but I hate the Rangers even more. Go Pens! :P
Amen to that! Go Pens, Go!
i agree…i hate the rangers *almost* as much as i like the devils…and i am also terrified of that 4/5 matchup…
i’ve accepted the fact that the devils aren’t going to win the cup this year but losing to the rangers in the first round would be almost more than i could bear…i’m hoping that they somehow meet the flyers in a 4/5 matchup and that for the first round only, the league decrees that shootouts are ok and that the flyers have to use biron…the *wrong* marty…lol
i’m hoping that they somehow meet the flyers in a 4/5 matchup and that for the first round only, the league decrees that shootouts are ok and that the flyers have to use biron
Oh my god! What a GREAT idea! :D
I have to say, if we weren’t trying to build a reputation for being a vaguely relevant Devils blog, I would just flat-out not watch a Devils/Rangers 4/5 matchup. And that’s not even because I wouldn’t want to watch the Devils lose. It’s just that I don’t have any fun anymore watching that matchup. It’s been so damn overdone the last three years that I’m completely burned out on it. It’s the same reason I don’t want to see the Pens (and let’s be honest, the only reason we’d want to see the Flyers is because they’re the only team the Devils can score at will against). The best thing for the league, in this third year of the 8-times-a-season division set-up, is to have all non-divisional first-round matchups like last year. At least, that’s how I feel about it.
Oh, and I’ve also come to terms with the Devils not winning the Cup this year. In fact, I had come to terms with that in September. :P
Is Zach’s thing up yet on nhl.com? :(
KG, I’ve been told it takes about a week! Hold yer horses!
:) I’m very impatient.
Zach’s probably sitting in front of his computer right now hitting F5 and saying, “Dammit, Boxworthy! It’s not up yet!” So you guys have that in common. :D
Zach’s probably sitting in front of his computer right now hitting F5 and saying, “Dammit, Boxworthy! It’s not up yet!” So you guys have that in common. :D
That makes 3 of us then :)
I have to say, I feel SO playoffy today. We just spent about an hour and a half out on our deck, transplanting tomatoes in the warm sunshine, after watching hockey on NBC. I’m like “Is it May already?”
You know how I was saying a couple of days ago that I’ve accepted the Canucks aren’t making the playoffs and I’m fine with it? I’m not! I love playoffs in Vancouver! I love how the weather is starting to get so nice. I love walking through downtown to some bar to watch the game with everybody doing the same thing. I love almost spilling my 8 dollar drink when a goal is scored. I love having my apartment window open and hearing people go crazy when the guys get the go ahead goal. And I love not being able to sleep when they win because everybody is honking their horn. Ahhhhh! Now I’m so pissed these losers didn’t get their acts together!
“Zach’s probably sitting in front of his computer right now hitting F5 and saying, “Dammit, Boxworthy! It’s not up yet!” So you guys have that in common. :D”
And Boxworthy is probably sitting next to the computer messing with cords trying to get it up for Master Zach but he knows its no use. Unfortunately Boxworthy doesn’t sound too tech savvy.
alix, I’m so, so, so, so sorry! It will just be that much sweeter next year when the Canucks are awesome, right? Right?? Sigh. I’m sorry.
Boxworthy is probably trying to distract Zach by reminding him all about his plastic star and how happy that plastic star makes him. I bet he’s pretty tech-savvy, though — I mean, he’s an elite turtle-of-affairs. In this technological age we live in, that means he has to be adept at things like online banking and whatnot, and he probably uses spreadsheets to manage the household. He’s probably better with computers than Zach is. :P
Thanks, Schnookie. Just had to have a massive whine :D
Boxworthy is very in demand because of his computer savvy. His only drawback is he’s a slow typer.
Very true Schnookie. Plus I imagine all Zach knows how to do is access nhl.com.
His only drawback is he’s a slow typer.
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It really is excruciating back-seat typing with Boxworthy. Or IMing with him.
Oh yeah. People have taken to doing a second activity while waiting in front of the computer for Boxworthy’s IM responses.
“Boxworthy is typing… typing… typing… typing… still typing… typing… typing…”
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The sun is setting…Boxworthy is still typing…the moon is out…Boxworthy is typing…still typing.
“Boxworthy is typing… typing… typing… typing… still typing… typing… typing…”
The sun is setting…Boxworthy is still typing…the moon is out…Boxworthy is typing…still typing.
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The sun is setting…Boxworthy is still typing…the moon is out…Boxworthy is typing…still typing.
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BAH! Stupid Wings just HAD to give Nashville a point. Boo urns. But right…my team isn’t making the playoffs.
alix, come sit by me. I’m optimistic about the Sabres chances to come back strong next year but I’m kind of pissed at them for making me go through this season and robbing me of playoff hockey. That’s not right.
Word, Heather. I don’t want them to get run over by the Wings in four games, but it still sucks that after sitting through this insane season, they are just coming up short. Wheaty fans deserve playoff hockey.
Wheaty fans totally deserve playoff hockey. (I had no idea that when I made an off-handed remark about us being the wheat of the fanbase that we’d all be calling ourselves “wheaty” months later.)
I kind of hate Buffalo in general right now. People are crazy, yo.
“(I had no idea that when I made an off-handed remark about us being the wheat of the fanbase that we’d all be calling ourselves “wheaty” months later.)”
Hee! It stuck. Clearly you’re awesome.
I kind of feel the same way about Vancouver right now. At least the hockey crazy part of it.
Clearly you’re awesome.
Clearly :-D
Oh, good lord. I should just turn off the TV right now.
Oh, good lord. I should just turn off the TV right now.
What gets me about that goal was that Max did exactly what Bucky said he does. Stop reading your own press, Max.
Sorry, Heather. I’ve been saying that to myself all week. I was going to pull that game up on my lap top actually. But maybe I shouldn’t.
alix, pull it up just be prepared for a not very exciting game.
Amy, what exactly did Bucky say about Max? I’ve been avoiding him like the plague.
And I’ve pretty much had my fill of Kotalik taking lazy, poorly timed penalties.
Heather, alix, I’ve added “wheaty” to the Glossary; hope you don’t mind!
Amy, what exactly did Bucky say about Max? I’ve been avoiding him like the plague.
Most overrated player on the team, only kept around because he sells jerseys and entertains the kiddies. Makes bad decisions and dipsy-doodles too much, not worth the money the team is paying him. That’s it in a nutshell.
Pookie, your definition is delightful. Thank you!
GOOOOOOSE! Or LYYYYYYYYYYYDMAN! One of those!
HOOOONK! HOOOONK! HOOOOOONK!
Heather, no, thank you for coining the term. It’s really perfect. I think, like “shot out of a canon like a fucking ballerina”, needs to be part of the entire sports lexicon.
I have to say, I really didn’t anticipate the separation of wheaty from chaffy being a season-long process for me or alix.
I kind of hate Buffalo in general right now. People are crazy, yo.
I’m pretty much always glad I live in New York City, but I have to admit I’m particularly glad right now.
And on a side note, Miller really needs to be able to stop a 2-on-1 when his defenseman plays it correctly and takes the damn pass away.
Most overrated player on the team, only kept around because he sells jerseys and entertains the kiddies. Makes bad decisions and dipsy-doodles too much, not worth the money the team is paying him. That’s it in a nutshell.
Well, that about covers it. Except for the massive case of hindsight which ignores that when Max was given his deal he was producing and pretty reasonably priced. Last year he was one of the best bargains in the league. (Shut up, Bucky.) But yeah, I could live without him.
Meg, I think I’m doing a pretty good job of avoiding the really bad places (message boards, anything having to do with TBN) and I still feel like I’m being crushed under an unbearable weight of negativity. Some of it is definitely understandable – I didn’t ENJOY this season – but geez, lighten up, folks.
Last year he was one of the best bargains in the league.
Well he was enigmatic and all so Bucky hated him then too,
This has definitely been a disastrous year for Max though.
“Heather, alix, I’ve added “wheaty” to the Glossary; hope you don’t mind!”
Mind! Are you kidding? Getting added to the IPB Glossary is like being famous :D And thank you! It’s a lovely entry.
And on a side note, Miller really needs to be able to stop a 2-on-1 when his defenseman plays it correctly and takes the damn pass away.
I’m so cranky with Miller these days.
“alix, pull it up just be prepared for a not very exciting game.”
Don’t worry, Heather. I’m a Canucks fan. Boring games are kind of common. Heh.
I’m so cranky with Miller these days.
Me too. I know he’s tired and needed to play less frequently but it’s tough to ignore the fact that his substandard play in the stretch run of the season is a big reason the Sabres will be missing the playoffs.
I think the defense is also taking a lot of crap for his mistakes. The defense has not been great but there have been plenty of times in the last few games where the d-man has played the opposition just right (taking away the pass, keeping the shooter to the outside) and Miller has muffed a totally stoppable shot.
I kind of wish Roy-Z had responded to Rob’s “Taking a short-handed goal early in the period wasn’t part of your game-plan” with “Actually, Rayzor, it totally was.”
I still feel like I’m being crushed under an unbearable weight of negativity.
I found a positive (I think). The World Championships start in May. There’s a good portion of the Sabres sqaud that could be chosen to go play for their respective countries. These guys get a month off to get their heads screwed on straight, and then get to play for their country.
The defense has not been great but there have been plenty of times in the last few games where the d-man has played the opposition just right (taking away the pass, keeping the shooter to the outside) and Miller has muffed a totally stoppable shot.
I think so too. Yes, the defense has been mediocre, but Miller has made their job a lot harder.
As a side note, my mother just called me to tell me she was at the game, so now I really hope it doesn’t suck. She almost never goes to games (she’s a highly casual hockey fan) so I’d like her to actually have a fun time. Although if there’s anyone who could have a good time at an absolutely wretched game it’s probably my mother. :)
On a totally unrelated to the Sabres note, Meg, I meant to tell you that there was a discussion on Pensblog a few days ago about whether it was true that Petr Sykora had a chinchilla. One of the commenters over there linked to the picture you hunted down this summer over in the Glossary! Your trip to the NY Public Library and your dogged newspaper research really paid off! Thanks!
One of the commenters over there linked to the picture you hunted down this summer over in the Glossary!
That is awesome! The IPB Glossary has clearly become an important resource.
On a totally unrelated to the Sabres note…
How dare you try to change the subject! If you don’t want to talk about the Sabres why are you reading a – oh. Oh, right. Sorry.
If you don’t want to talk about the Sabres why are you reading a – oh. Oh, right. Sorry.
You classless beeyatch! :P
Hee.
Hey, I said I was sorry! Bitch! :P
Settle down. You’re both beeyotches.
Kate, I have to say… I find Blobby to be VERY disturbing.
Hmm . . . Kaleta definitely just got 2 for checking there. I mean, I’m not exactly laissez-faire about elbowing but his elbows just weren’t up.
I thought I changed him back to Crunchy. Are you still seeing Blobby?
Meg, that was a terrible call.
Kate, yeah, I’m still seeing Blobby. I don’t know about everyone else.
Heather, I’m glad you said something. I was going to ask if we could have Crunchy In Showercap back; Blobby is leering at me. He makes me uncomfortable.
I love Blobby! I’m choked Kate got to him first!
I think I might try my first ever live blog tonight. My season ending despair and hopefully slight drunkeness might make it rather poetic. Or something.
I thought I changed him back to Crunchy. Are you still seeing Blobby?
Blobby is still reporting for duty.
I still see Blobby as well, Kate, but it probably just means my internet cache needs to clear out.
But I can see Crunchy! I don’t know why you still see Blobby!
I also find Blobby very disturbing. But then, I also know that he’s not a good boyfriend. Seriously, he’s still married to that chick he claims is his ex, and he’s got kids with at least two other women, both of them strippers. I’m pretty sure one of those women has charged him with domestic abuse, and he’s behind in his child support payments. He’s going to spend a few months sitting on your couch, watching daytime TV and smoking pot, and then you’ll wake up one day and find out he’s left with your car and your ATM card. He’s no good for you, Katebits.
alix, good luck with the live-blog! I hope it’s the greatest game ever! You wheaty fans deserve it.
I swear I’m looking at happy ice cream factory Crunchy right now.
Blobby’s going to pawn your viola for beer money.
I swear I’m looking at happy ice cream factory Crunchy right now.
Well good for you. I’m looking at Mr. Drunken Loutish Lousy Boyfriend.
He’s no good for you, Katebits.
You’re absolutely right, Schnookie. I was so despondent after the first Ottawa game that I lowered my standard too far. I was vulnerable, and Blobby took advantage of the situation.
Kate, I just cleaned my cookies out and refreshed IPB and Blobby is still there.
Pookie, Schnookie I’m :^::::::::: at Blobby’s adventures with Kate.
I was vulnerable, and Blobby took advantage of the situation.
It’s okay — you’re hardly the first girl to fall for his charms in a time of emotional need.
I don’t know how to make Blobbly go away.
I cleared my data and Blobby is still there. He’s trying to insinuate himself into the lives of your friends, Kate, so that we’ll all side with him when you come to us to ask if you should maybe move on. It won’t work, Blobby! It won’t work! Wait, did you bring chocolates? Oh, well, um… Come on in, Blobby! You’re so thoughtful!
I don’t know how to make Blobbly go away.
First, demand he get a job. Then, ask him to finally fix that leaky sink. Next up, promise the kids he’ll take them to that ballgame.
Why was Harry Neale just talking about washing giraffe’s necks at the zoo?
Wait, did you bring chocolates? Oh, well, um… Come on in, Blobby! You’re so thoughtful!
He seems SUPER nice at first, Pookie! He’s trouble!
First, demand he get a job. Then, ask him to finally fix that leaky sink. Next up, promise the kids he’ll take them to that ballgame.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I don’t know how to make Blobbly go away.
We did try to tell you that he was only SAYING he was okay with being the rebound boyfriend.
Is he STILL there?! I’ve rebooted Crunchy TWICE!
First, demand he get a job. Then, ask him to finally fix that leaky sink. Next up, promise the kids he’ll take them to that ballgame.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blobby’s surprisingly easy to manipulate.
Is he STILL there?! I’ve rebooted Crunchy TWICE!
That’s Crunchy — Mr. Invisible lately. In real life and as an avatar.
Kate, Crunchy’s returned.
That’s Crunchy — Mr. Invisible lately.
That’s how I got tangled up with Blobby in the first place.
Kate, Crunchy’s returned.
Speak for yourself!
That’s how I got tangled up with Blobby in the first place.
Crunchy’s breaking all of our hearts, isn’t he?
Speak for yourself!
Sorry.
I love that Roby just called Kaleta “Magilla Gorilla.”
My head hurts at these “how the Sabres will make the playoffs scenarios” that Sylvester just ran through. Earth has a better shot of rotating off its axis than those combinations have of coming true.
I LOVE Mike Robitaille. He just told Kevin Sylvester that his “here’s what the Sabres need to happen to make the playoffs” segment was going to make the fans drink Drano. Heh.
The scenarios needed for the Sabres to make the playoffs that MSG brought the house down here. That was some entertaining stuff.
That “scenarios to make the playoffs” segment was HILARIOUS!
That segment was intense!
Crunchy finally vanquished Blobby! Huzzah!
Yay! Crunchy’s back! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Katebits kicked Blobby to the curb! It’s about time.
If I were in charge of the Sabres broadcasts I TOTALLY would have snuck in a joke-y “earth rotates off it’s axis” scenario to that list of “playoff scenarios”.
Kate, it’s too bad we didn’t think of that for the podcast! We could have come up with some GREAT “what has to happen for the Sabres to win the playoffs” scenarios.
Crunchy shows up when you really really REALLY need him, and not a moment sooner.
Look at how NOT HIDEOUS Mike Weber is! I don’t understand what happened on his roster photo picture day.
Crunchy shows up when you really really REALLY need him, and not a moment sooner.
Real Crunchy didn’t get that memo apparently.
Kate, Weber is just not photogenic. There’s no other explanation. I scoured the internet for a not hideous picture and they were all pretty bad.
But he looks okay on television. It makes no sense.
But I think there’s a difference between still photography and in-motion video. It’s like how some actors don’t look great in photos but seem much more handsome and charismatic on screen.
Are you saying Mike Weber is like Russell Crowe?
It’s like how some actors don’t look great in photos but seem much more handsome and charismatic on screen.
Blobby is like that. I swear, in real life, he’s not that bad looking.
Are you saying Mike Weber is like Russell Crowe?
Pookie, that is EXACTLY who I was thinking of! Creepy! Russell Crowe and Ewan McGregor.
I like it when Crunchy looks like a cat pouncing on the puck.
Blobby is like that. I swear, in real life, he’s not that bad looking.
Katebits, are we going to have to stage a carefrontation to help you break things off with Blobby?
I like it when Crunchy looks like a cat pouncing on the puck.
I love that! He gets his raisins extra dipped for that.
Russell Crowe, Ewan McGregor, and Colin Farrell.
And this paddleball game.
Russell Crowe, Ewan McGregor, and Colin Farrell.
And this paddleball game.
:^:::::::::
And yes!
Katebits, are we going to have to stage a carefrontation to help you break things off with Blobby?
Well, if Crunchy keeps up with the cat/frog moves, I’ll forget all about Blobby. Crunchy is the one I really want. It’s always been Crunchy. He had me at “Meh”.
If this game goes into OT I’m shooting myself and then turning the TV off. Or maybe the other way around.
This game is sooooo going into OT. And then I think the earth really DOES have to rotate off its axis in order for us to make the playoffs.
Don’t Boston games always go to overtime? It sure seems that way.
I feel like Boston’s entire roster was just on the ice and in front of their net.
Well, that was fairly exciting.
I feel like Boston’s entire roster was just on the ice and in front of their net.
They were trying to employ “The Stack”.
I feel like this season can be summed up with, “At least they tried…mostly.” It feels like there have been so many games (in that 10 game losing streak, now, etc.) where the effort was there and it just didn’t get anything done.
Is Rob Ray trying to play Mr. Mary Sunshine right now? He’s way to optimistic for his own good about this game.
Rob Ray is trying so hard to be optimistic and Harry just keeps throwing daggers.
WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
I LOVE Sekera! LOVE HIM!
THE SEASON IS SAVED!
And a Top Shelf shout-out!
Weber and Sekera just saved the day!
The season is saved by our new underaged boyfriends!
Weber and Sekera just saved the day!
Way to go, Baby D!
Yay! We live to fail another day!
And Toni scored the first goal! Our defense SAVED THE SEASON!
THE SEASON IS SAVED! By our Soupy-less defense! :D
We’re only MOSTLY dead!
Look at how cute Andrej Sekera is in his baseball cap! He’s adorable.
Kate, I swear, Mark just said, “He looks like a 40-year-old man!” about Sekera.
We’re only MOSTLY dead!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Why was Harry Neale just talking about washing giraffe’s necks at the zoo?”
So THAT’S who has been helping Matty with his rehab!
Tell Mark that I think Sekera really IS a 40 year-old-man.
We’re only MOSTLY dead!
Heh. So this is item #1 on the checklist of 337 that needs to be done, right?
Look at how cute Andrej Sekera is in his baseball cap! He’s adorable.
And his accent is great too. Its a weird mix of Spacek and Afinogenov.
What’s with Weber’s Rudolph nose?
Why is Weber’s nose bright red?
Kate, I swear, Mark just said, “He looks like a 40-year-old man!” about Sekera.
It’s true!
Meg, it’s totally true. I was cracking up because Kate said exactly the same thing in exactly the same tone of voice when I was at her house last week. “He looks like a 40-year-old man!”
Is it just me or did Pommerdoodle just sound a touch pissed with Jerry Sullivan?
Is it just me or did Pommerdoodle just sound a touch pissed with Jerry Sullivan?
Just a smidge. Pommers went from proud and confident to slightly pissy once Sullivan started speaking.
Every once in awhile Pommers get crazy, swirly-eyes. The get all extra blue and flashy.
Just a smidge. Pommers went from proud and confident to slightly pissy once Sullivan started speaking.
Good. I’d get pissy with Sully too :P
I’d get pissy with Sully too
I’m surprised Sully didn’t get pissy back. That seems to be his MO when confronted with pissiness.
I quit reading Sully’s blog but for a while he was cracking me up because he’d purposely throw out things he knew was going to incite the masses and then get all pissy about people making rude comments in response. He even wrote a post called something like “You Guys Aren’t Funny!” I’m not sure he knows how to handle a blog.
Doesn’t he know he should just call the people he disagrees with “classless”?
Yay SABRES!! WOOOO!!!