Is it the second-to-last game already? Where does the time go? It’s still sunny out as we settle down for tonight’s game, so we guess that means it’s time for the playoffs to be starting. It’s still sad, though.
The intro tonight features Doc and Chico calling the Zubrus/Rupp/Clarkson line the “Paymasters” because “they make people pay.” What, “ZRC Welders” didn’t do it for them? They also try to suggest this line is comparable to the Crash Line, but chortlingly back away from the point after floating it. Don’t go giving us Stanley Cup hope, guys. We’ll fall for anything.
Oh, and we hope Bucky Gleason hasn’t bet his house, car, kids and dog on Briere being a world-beater tonight, because Buffalo’s erstwhile captain and alleged valiant leader is not playing tonight. Philly must be so glad to be paying him all that money.
FIRST PERIOD
19:05 It might be sunny outside, but it’s murky as hell on our TV. We think the black blobs are the Flyers and the white blobs are the Devils, but we might be wrong.
18:54 Marty is ready to go tonight, making an amazing, sliding, stacked-pad save on a two-on-one rush. One minute and six seconds ago we were thinking Weekes should have started. We take that back.
17:29 Does one of these teams have everything to lose and the other nothing? The Flyers are swarming around the crease, hammering at loose pucks, and the Devils are barely hanging on. Through it all, though, Marty looks supremely cool.
17:03 Asham takes a wide, bad-angle shot along the goal line, and it skips off Biron’s glove and just barely misses tipping into the net on its way across the crease. Biron’s luck must be changing – in the last six meetings between these teams, that shot’s gone in.
15:21 Doc drops this bomb on the living room of stately IPB Manor: at Christmas, Johnny Oduya was even. He’s +27 now. Yeah. Just think about that for a few minutes.
14:42 The Devils are as stunned as we are, and spend a bit too long thinking about Oduya’s outrageous +/- and focus a bit too little on their defensive assignments. This is not looking like a period the Devils are going to emerge from with a lead.
14:12 Mottau does the world’s most passive job of “tying up” Hartnell right on Marty’s doorstep, and he is able to easily backhand a shot under Marty off a feed from behind the net. 1-0 Flyers, and frankly, the Devils are lucky it’s only that bad. Only one team has shown up to play tonight.
13:27 We come back from commercial with the Flyers on the PP after an Asham hook, but we don’t see a replay because MSG+ is busy showing us that Hartnell did not, in fact, score on that earlier play. It was Mottau, putting the puck in his own net. Chico: “No wonder Marty looked so surprised.” Us: “Applemotherfuckingsauce.”
13:06 Madden and Pando sprint down the rink on a long, shorthanded two-on-one, and Madden gets around the D and gets two cracks at Biron, but strangely, doesn’t score. Who is this guy, and what did he do with Marty Biron?
11:17 We notice the power play has expired. That was… not a very good one by the Flyers.
8:16 Paulie redeems himself after a sequence of terrible, the-timing-is-off miscues on back-to-back failed rushes by standing up coolly just inside his blue line in the face of some deking, smooth-skating Flyer. He just yoinks the puck away and glides up the ice. Of course, down at the other end he looks out of synch again with the forwards and everything goes offsides.
6:01 Is Clarkson tanking? He is standing just inside the blue line, watching the Flyers cycle, and suddenly the puck squirts loose and comes to rest at his feet. Instead of doing something outrageous like playing it, he lifts his stick to waist height and skates to the bench. A Flyer retrieves the puck and the cycle recommences.
4:33 Pookie: “I am going to believe the Devils are tanking, and all the mistakes they’re making are deliberate. And I’m going to keep believing this in the playoffs.” Boomer: “Greene is skating tonight.” Pookie: “Okay, his mistakes aren’t deliberate.”
3:26 The Devils finally manage to set up in the Flyers zone, and end up with Oduya cranking a point shot that a Flyer goes down to block. As we wait for the puck to bounce of the prone black blob in front of him, nothing happens. It doesn’t really make any sense how there is no rebound here. Oduya must be firing tankishly soft shots or something.
1:16 On an icing stoppage, Doc asks Chico if the Devils have been sluggish tonight. Chico hems and haws, and then mutters as an aside, “The Devils, obviously, they have to play better or they’re not going to come back and win tonight.” Yet somehow, he’s not saying they’re sluggish.
0:09 Apparently the Flyers have postponed Fan Appreciation Night, which was supposed to be tonight, because this is too big a game to be doing that sort of stuff with. That’s actually pretty impressive.
0:00 The period ends with a scrum in the neutral zone, and Whitey and Smith stand nose-to-nose. Pookie: “Future teammates! Woo hoo!” Pause. “I have been promised Jason Smith as a Devil.” (We get an interview with Umberger, and Pookie is stunned to discover he looks like Colm Meaney in Intermission. When Steve asks him what the Flyers need to do to continue winning this game, she says for him, “Well, Steve, we need to be hard as nails cunts.”)
We are not devastatingly upset at how badly outplayed the Devils were in this period. Pookie puts it best when she says, “I feel like they’re playing badly for a reason. But I might be projecting.”
FIRST INTERMISSION
We just want to go on record, for at least the first time, that we hate this “Rock The Red” thing. A red-out might be impressive in person, but on TV it ends up looking recessive. It makes the crowd disappear on TV. We are not into this gimmick.
SECOND PERIOD
Before the period starts, Chico reports that Salvador might be ready to go for the playoffs. To be honest, we’d forgotten all about the Iron Boar. Considering how well he was fitting in with his new teammates, we can’t imagine how he’d be a detriment when he gets back.
19:44 The second period picks right where the first one left off, as Upshall splits the D and gets in alone on Marty. Thank heavens he shoots wide.
18:37 As Patty, Zach and Langer mount a passive bit of down-low pressure, then back off after their first shot attempt, we wonder if the Devils have mustered a single second-chance opportunity in this game yet. Then we remember that they haven’t mustered a single first-chance opportunity, so the point is moot.
16:23 After their latest shift, we have to agree that the ZRC Welders are totally the new Crash Line. If the Crash Line sucked.
15:55 Whitey collides gently with Umberger after Marty freezes the puck, and he skates away doubled-over and shaking his hand/wrist with pain. Replay shows the collision was more a gentle jostle than anything else, and Pookie remarks, “Wow! Umberger really is hard as nails cunts.”
15:25 On a broken play of an odd-man Flyers rush, Marty makes a monster save, and on the rebound, suddenly a Flyer is lying on top of Zach and the two of them are sliding out to the blue line. Pookie: “This game is insane. It’s like they’re all wearing flubber suits.”
15:11 Langer and some Flyer jaw a bit behind Biron’s net and get matching minors for roughing.
13:10 Doc and Chico marvel as the Devils demonstrate how they keep tossing the puck back to the Flyers whenever they get it. Schnookie: “It’s because they’re tanking.”
11:49 With regards to the Devils obviously tanking (shut up! They are! This isn’t because they suck!), Pookie suggests, “The only reason Marty started tonight is because they wanted to start Clemmer and were surprised to find out he isn’t here anymore.”
10:41 The shots are 19-7 Flyers. But it feels more like 10,000-0.
10:02 Mottau is hobbling terribly at the side of the net after getting hit in the leg by a shot, and it looks for just a moment like a bouncing shot attempt is going to deflect in off him, but at the last minute the Hockey Gods take mercy on him, and it goes wide.
9:19 The Devils are now fully overwhelmed, scrambling helplessly around their zone as wave after wave of attacking Flyers washes over them. The latest rush, started on the zillionth failed attempt by the Devils to clear the zone, concludes with Patty taking a hooking penalty. They really look playoff ready right now.
8:40 It’s a trip down memory lane for us, as Oduya, with a week and a day to think about what to do with the puck in the corner, fires it hard over the glass. We probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a Flyers 5-on-3 and the way the two teams have been playing at even strength.
8:18 The Flyers show up for their two-man advantage with a kind of Devils-esque focus. First they fail to step in for the faceoff to Marty’s left, and then Richards gets called for interference when he picks Whitey.
7:17 The wheels completely fall off for the Flyers, when Paulie works the puck back and forth between two Flyers, cutting and buttonhooking, and they finally have to trip him down to the ice, evening the manpower. Chico praises Paulie while watching the replay by saying that he’s become “one of the great escape artists in the league.” PaulieMartinNation swoons.
6:28 It finally looks like the Devils might be gaining some momentum in the Flyers zone on the PP, but then Mottau’s stick breaks on his shot from the top of the slot. The Flyers clear.
4:58 The power play gluts have all been killed off, and the energy in the game is now fantastic. And we have to add, this crowd is amazing tonight.
4:16 Marty makes his bazillionth save, and some defender (we’re too blinded with rage to notice who) completely flubs the clear of the rebound, falling over while he shovels it weakly onto the stick of a Flyer right in front of the net. Pookie: “If the Devils aren’t tanking tonight, I’m getting really worried.”
3:34 The fans are roaring unhappily as the Flyers charge up the ice, because Clarkson and Biron seem to be tangling behind the play. When we come back from commercial MSG+ shows us that Clarkson backed into Biron gently, then did a full Bambi-on-ice falling over to not hit him.
2:32 Well, we might not be having fun right now, but Marty sure is. On a two-on-one, a Flyer shoots wide, and the rebound kicks perfectly off the end boards to set up the other attacker. But Marty spins a complete 360, then, in one fluid motion, just snaps the puck up in his glove from his knees. You can practically see his shit-eating grin on that one.
1:04 If the Devils aren’t tanking, this game is a catastrophe. Greener, under not the slightest bit of pressure, stands flat-footed with the puck on his stick in the high slot, and then decides that the best choice to make is to pass directly into an attacking player. MSG+ makes a point, after the play, of showing Greener on the bench getting some firm instruction from Larry on the basics of playing ice hockey.
0:40 Doc and Chico are reduced to just saying in amazement, “Look at this!” every time the Devils commit another atrocious defensive-zone turnover.
0:00 The period ends with the Devils drawing a penalty, and Paulie sprinting down the slot for a fantastic opportunity on a feed from behind the net. He shoots into Biron, and then, to our delight, does the Elias, where he stands to the side, staring at the ceiling in disgust.
It would be fair to say that this has been the most godawful 40 minutes put in by the Devils all season. Truly, truly awful.
SECOND INTERMISSION
We are so happy to be hearing Dano and Steve talk up how absolutely awesome Paulie is until the conversation veers into Dano essentially calling Paulie a 98-pound weakling. He actually calls him “frail”. Pookie: “Frail? Frail???”
THIRD PERIOD
19:07 The power play kicks things off by not really threatening at all. Pookie: “The Devils are playing possum. That’s what—” She stops in her tracks and then says, “How in the hell are the Flyers only up by one?”
18:27 The Devils gave up 31 shots in the first two periods, and the only one to beat Marty was a shot from Mottau. Schnookie answers Pookie’s question about how the score is the way it is by saying Marty’s the reason the Flyers only have one goal. Pookie: “But Marty’s only good because of the system in front of him.”
17:05 The Flyers are firmly in prevent-defense mode now, taking back-to-back icings. Of course, they could be dressing our cats tonight and would still be able to handle the Devils “forecheck”.
16:08 Mottau successfully manages to clear a puck from Marty’s crease to center ice while falling over backwards and helicoptering his stick madly at the puck. Pookie: “This game is like Mites On Ice.” Schnookie: “But played badly.”
14:08 The Asham/Sarge/Travis line gets a great scoring chance, and Schnookie snaps, “Our fourth line is getting more chances than the top line.” Pookie: “That’s been happening for weeks.” Schnookie: “No, not the ZRC Welders. Travis’s line.” Long pause. Pookie: “If you’re getting outshot by Travis, you’re in trouble.”
12:20 Madden pulls up in the corner above the goal line, then whips a shot at Biron that Pando whacks at a couple of times. But he’s Pando, so nothing happens other than that he falls over, a Flyer sits on him, and Biron whines at the officials.
11:56 Pookie: “I can’t believe Biron hasn’t done something stupid to make us score yet.” Pause. “Maybe he’s saving up, and we’ll get to the final three minutes and score two.” The walls of IPB Manor echo with our peals of hysterical laughter.
10:04 Oduya fires a perfectly tippable shot with Asham in position to perfectly tip it, and Asham decides to stop the shot and pass it back out to the point. As if to say, “FINE! I’ll just have to do this MYSELF, you STUPID, STUPID IDIOTS,” Oduya then decides to walk the puck down the boards and go for a wraparound attempt. He steps on a stick behind the net and wipes out, but still manages to muster a nice feed into the crease, which Asham flubs. Somehow in the middle of all this, though, the Flyers take a penalty.
8:50 Travis breaks his stick slashing at Richards, and the awesome power play comes to an end.
8:44 Immediately off the faceoff in the Devils zone, Oduya loses his check, and a bit of nice passing sets Hartnell off for an easy goal. 2-0 Flyers.
8:07 Lupul tips a puck past Marty on a nice feed from the corner, and it’s 3-0 Flyers. Chico: “Well now the fans here can really get to their feet and let loose.” Pookie: “Great. They can beat their little thunderstix to their cold, black hearts’ content.”
Sutter calls a timeout, and asks Marty if he wants to take the rest of the game off. Marty decides that life is too short to be playing in this pile of puke of a game, and Weekes gets to see some action.
7:29 Chico actually declares that the Devils can’t possibly play worse than this, so it can only get better from here. It is not often that he is willing to be so honest about how craptacular the Devils are, which is really telling. This is craptastic.
5:23 Chico: “As much as you want the team to feel good about the goalie, you want the goalie to feel good about the team.” Yeah, Marty is kind of the early-season Senators to his skaters’ Ray Emery.
3:30 Schnookie: “I think the Devils are trying to send us a message tonight. And that message is ‘Don’t get your hopes up.’” Pookie: “Thanks, guys. They weren’t up, but I appreciate the warning.”
1:00 This is the kind of game at which you have to give a sarcastic cheer when the last minute of play is announced.
0:43 Chico: “Well, the Devils will want to burn the CD of this game, and I don’t mean ‘make copies.’” ZING!
0:00 Please tell us they were tanking tonight.
Every friggin’ year, Doc and Chico come up with a new Crash Line.
Also, I have a question for my fellow gentle readers during tonight’s things: What are things associated with hockey (Players, Teams, Media Members, Things, etc.) that hockey fans universally love?
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
I’m talking the Cup, Steve Yzerman, Hockey Night in Canada, Vintage Jerseys. Stuff like that.
No Drew Barrymore and Jack White’s baby for the McGreevey’s tonight.
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
the Zamboni
mite hockey during intermission
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
Overtime marathons.
I don’t like this, I don’t get to see Zach tonight. :(
GAAASP! Marty is a BADASS!
Marty Christ is in the house tonight.
group hugs as goal celebrations
Ok, I broke down and decided on listening to the game AND recording the reairing at midnight on MSG so that I can watch it tomorrow if I so choose.
When I went to devils.nhl.com I saw something about the Devils Legion. I decided to click on the ‘more…‘ link and the first two sentences sentence were:
There are plenty of you out there.
You paint your face, never miss a game, and can’t stand the trapezoid.
Perhaps the Devils are more in touch with the fans than I previously gave them credit for.
KG, Yahoo.com tonight.
Perhaps the Devils are more in touch with the fans than I previously gave them credit for.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GAAASP! Marty is a BADASS!
He knows, Katebits, that your team let you down and as a good ex-F-Bit, he’s trying to cheer you up.
That is a great Devils marketing idea.
It must be destroyed…
KG, Yahoo.com tonight.
Holy crap, I can watch the game!
Thanks, Steve.
OMFG. I just discovered that the IT Nazi has NOT blocked yahoo video here at work. Basically ALL streaming media is blocked, so this is HUGE for me. (Why it took me until this late in the season to discover it is my own damn fault.)
Damnit.
Boo the Flyers for stealing Anaheim’s goal song.
Steve you are my hero. I didn’t know about that. Thank so much.
Damn you, Steve! I think I was better off not seeing this crap.
I’m just your average hockey blogger…
Damn, for once Maddog does something creative with the 2-on-1.
And now that I just saw that replay, I’m sure I was better off not seeing it.
Why can’t Marty say that Biron is weird, he really does suck.
Frisby, I’m beginning to wish I wasn’t getting this game, too.
Zach looks like he got another haircut.
And yet, Pookie, we just can’t turn it off.
“We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?”
When a totallly unexpected guy gets a goal, like a stay at home defenceman, or a fourth liner, and all the other guys go totally nuts celebrating.
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
- Mascots
- Superstitions and Traditions
By the way everyone, NHL Network is on Free Preview from now ’till April 11th.
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
Inept goalie fights
Steve is there a way to make the game on a bigger screen from yahoo?
The NHL Net is another way to watch tonight’s game, btw.
Steve is there a way to make the game on a bigger screen from yahoo?
The box with an arrow in the corner at the bottom left makes it fullscreen.
Unfortunately I can’t use fullscreen video on dual monitors.
KG, if you can check if your getting NHL Net at the moment.
^ THe button is at the bottom right, sorry.
I don’t get NHL Net. Cox says they don’t offer where I am.
Mara that’s what I thought but I kept clicking it and it didn’t do anything.
When a totallly unexpected guy gets a goal, like a stay at home defenceman, or a fourth liner, and all the other guys go totally nuts celebrating.
Oooh, good one, alix! Also, Schnookie will doubtless be very pleased that you included mascots, Amy!
KG, are you watching in IE or some other browser? It might not work in some. I’m not at home so I can’t test Firefox.
I’m using Safari. I have a Mac.
I have a Mac.
I’ll just assume that’s the problem, then. ;p
Alright thanks. :)
Who the hell are the officials tonight? I guess they were instructed by Toronto not call any penalties on the Flyers.
Steve, I’m thinking about the inclusion of “Hockey Night in Canada” on your list. I think that doesn’t necessarily count as something everyone loves. But, I do think nearly everyone loves “O, Canada”.
How the hell did Zach end up in the net?
Frisby, I think the War Room read our post last night and are challenging themselves to make it become reality.
“We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?”
Hats falling to the ice for hat tricks
Players making ridiculous passes to try and get their teammate a hat trick
A player’s first NHL goal
the Stanley Cup
Playoff beards
Players making ridiculous passes to try and get their teammate a hat trick
Ooh, that’s a good one! And when a guy gets put out for the last extra long shift with an empty net. And when a guy is gunning for a hat trick but passes up on the empty to let another guy who needs the goal more shoot it in!
“Players making ridiculous passes to try and get their teammate a hat trick”
“And when a guy gets put out for the last extra long shift with an empty net. And when a guy is gunning for a hat trick but passes up on the empty to let another guy who needs the goal more shoot it in!”
Ooooh! These are great!
Just so you all know, I have a reason for asking you this, that I really can’t talk about at the moment. But you’ll know soon.
Pookie, what about just a general “Canadian Hockey Coverage”?
“We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?”
Backup goaltenders who go freaking crazy when the #1 wins a big game.
Interviews with rookies who haven’t learned all of the cliches yet.
Players going to training camp without a contract.
Grown men crying over the Stanley Cup.
I’m coming around to this “Rock Your Red/Devils Legion” thing more and more by the second.
I’d definitely agree with “O, Canada.” One of my favorite things about Buffalo is singing “O, Canada” before every game.
The boards rattling from a big hit
5-on-3 penalty kills (unless it’s your team with the dreadful PP of course)
We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?
-Post-series handshakes
-Refusing to touch the Cup before they win it
-The fact that there is an actual, official piece of equipment called a ‘fight strap’
-Players who throw pucks or broken sticks to kids
-The pause before opening faceoff
-Players returning to the game with fresh stitches
- The cold breeze off the ice
The goal scorer immediately pointing to the guy who gave him the perfect pass
Omgosh…they’re selling Claude Lemieux t-shirts at NHL.com.
http://shop.nhl.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3055141&cp=1920305&clickid=body_featitems_img
The playoffs are here, my friends…
A teammate getting the puck out of the net when a guy hits a milestone.
Tribute videos to guys, no matter how cheesy. (Oh gosh! I’m going to lose it on Saturday if they do something for Trev Linden)
It usually ends badly for the Devils, but I still love the visual of the two captains (or alternates) standing patiently side-by-side on the ref’s circle waiting for a decision.
And how players will do almost anything to avoid picking up a teammate’s gear after a fight. They’ll kick it, push it with their stick, pick it up on their stick blade, but god forbid they bend over and actually touch it.
Nazzy barely cracking a smile when he scores, but when a team mate (especially a young guy) does, he goes crazy. *Sigh* Sorry, that was not really a general hockey thing.
A teammate getting the puck out of the net when a guy hits a milestone.
Yes! Jochen Hecht has been trying for years to get to 20 goals and Jason Pominville was so excited that he tried to give him the puck on his 19th goal. Poor little guy lost count but he wanted to make sure Yo-Yo had the puck when it happened.
Pookie, what about just a general “Canadian Hockey Coverage”?
I dunno. I know I’m especially cranky so maybe everyone else will disagree with me, but while the “idea of Canadian hockey coverage” is good, the actuality? Not so much. The Toronto announcers are some of the worst I’ve ever heard. The Senators announcers are even more some of the worst I’ve ever heard. I find the Western SportsNet broadcasts boring. I love Satelitte Hotstove, but I don’t think that being Canadian makes a broadcast better than the good American ones. The Canadian commercials are fun, though!
That is way too freakin adorable. Awww, Pommers.
Canadian hockey coverage does kind of suck actually, unless you’re a Leafs fan. And Don Cherry needs to be tranqualized.
Except for Jim Hughson! I luff Hughson.
Other names they’re selling t-shirts of:
-Stevens
-Neely
-Oates
-Shore
-Hawerchuk
-Perrault
-Bobby Hull
-Tony Esposito
-Mikita
-Howe
-Robitaille
-Maurice Richard
-Richter
-Hextall
-Clarke
-Schultz
-Francis
Rangers tie it at 1.
I love when a player on the other team taps the other goalie on the pads with his stick after a particularly great save.
And I love, love, love players tapping their sticks on the ice in tribute to something or someone. It makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it.
Chico’s got this Homer-istic way of forgetting how to speak sometimes…
Hey, Happy Birthday, Weekes!!!
Awe it’s Weekes’ birthday.
Poor Weeksie not getting to start on his birthday!
Ok, going home, hopefully to arrive in time to watch the 3rd on yahoo. IF my computer will cooperate.
Satan, 2-1 Isles.
Sutter should’ve started Weekes just because it was his birthday. This game doesn’t mean that much, we’re going to lose to the Rangers in four anyway so who cares about home ice.
So i’m listening to the Devs game. Who is this woman who does the color commentary?
Former NY Daily News Devs’ beat Writer Sherry Ross.
It’s gotten to a real breaking point moment for this team.
Anne, that’s Sherry Ross, the first woman to ever do color commentary on an NHL broadcast. She also used to write for one of the local papers here.
She just yammered on for a solid 30 seconds about the fact that the Devils should be playing hard so Sutter can make more money with home ice advantage.
Yeah but she also once described Sergei Brylin as “snack-sized” so she gets a free pass from me! :D
80 second 5-on-3. This is the game folks.
Damn. This sucks.
Nathan Horton, 3-1 Florida.
Actually, I think not being forced to play behind these white blobs was Weekes’ birthday present.
Haha “snack-sized” that’s awesome. Ah, my radio broadcast is way behind, they just went down to the 5-3
Well, at least it’s not a 2-man anymore.
For the record, of all the things mentioned as things we love about hockey I think the only one I particularly disagree with is Canadian Hockey Coverage. I like its comprehensiveness but I don’t necessarily like the coverage itself.
Shut. Up. Flyers. Balances Out! 3 on 3 Hockey!
Can I agree that’s another thing we all love, 3 on 3 hockey?
What a turn of events…
Gotta score on this…
This is a test: How many penalties is it possible to take in 2 minutes?
Of course, we kill part of a 5 on 3 vs. the best PP in the league, and can’t score on one vs. the worst PK.
Wow. This Flyers play-by-play guy is craaaaazy annoying.
Zach get off the ice. I don’t want to see you anymore.
How about towels?
I used to love break-out passes by the goaltender, but it seems like forever since I last saw that (by Marty anyways).
can someone tell me how coburn had the puck “in his sweater?”
Dawes ties it at 2.
i have a great mental image of him hiding it in his underarmor, hoping no one will notice as he skates down the ice toward the net
I like its comprehensiveness but I don’t necessarily like the coverage itself.
Thanks for agreeing with me, Meg! I feel like maybe 15 years ago you could make a blanket statement like “Canadian hockey coverage is great” with an implied “compared to American counterparts” but now? It’s just not true. I feel like the time has come to stop giving elements of hockey a free-ride just for coming out of Canada.
Except for “O Canada” and Canadian commercials. Those are sacred!
Wow. This Flyers play-by-play guy is craaaaazy annoying.
I really like how he’s going crazy about how there should have been a tripping penalty on the Devils but nary said a word about there not being a call on the Flyer who was doing an impression of a cape on Oduya.
Wow. This Flyers play-by-play guy is craaaaazy annoying.
I know, but his mustache! It’s like a Wonder of the World! It looks like a suspension bridge!
Staal makes it 3-2 Florida.
Why must the Devils play so awful today?
Well, it could be a lot worse than down 1-0 after 2 with a Power Play coming to start the 3rd and finishing with their best chance.
“We all hate certain things, what stuff do we all just love?”
Shorthanded goals.
I know, but his mustache! It’s like a Wonder of the World! It looks like a suspension bridge!
Really?! I haven’t seen it! Hmm. I’m willing to forgive a LOT for a fancy mustache.
Richard Park, 3-2 Isles.
Except for “O Canada” and Canadian commercials. Those are sacred!
“Oh Canada” is the best!
I sang the SHIT out of O Canada at the Sabres game the other day. I love that one.
Dubiliewicz just killed off a 5-on-3 on his own.
Radek Dvorak makes it 4-2 after 2.
Chara makes it 1-0 Boston.
“How about towels?”
Like towel power?!?! *Sobs* Stupid Canucks.
Steve are you in some sort of crazy hockey bunker with, like, forty television sets? I feel like I’m hanging out with that scroll-y bar at the bottom of CNN. :P
If Ottawa and the Rangers lose, there is still 1 more possible 1st Round opponent: Boston.
Just go to the NHL.com “Scores” section and click on real time next to every game’s score.
Just go to the NHL.com “Scores” section and click on real time next to every game’s score.
Um… yeah. That’s what we’ve all been doing all year. But if you want to keep being the CNN scrolly-bar, um, that’s cool. :)
Or I could just stop that. I know you and Pookie would love it! ;-).
In the games of less importance, Chicago and Nashville are tied at 1 (Toews for CHI) and Phoenix is up 1-0 on Dallas.
Hey Danny Carcillo scored for the Yotes. :p He had two nice fights last night against Dallas.
Burish, 2-1 Chi-town.
He had two nice fights last night against Dallas.
Those weren’t nice fights! I hated those fights! :P
TRAVIS! I’ve missed you this game.
Haha well for a Dallas fan they weren’t nice but I was at the game and after each of those fights it was the loudest I’ve ever heard it at the Coyotes arena.
Yeah, KG, I can certainly see that. :D
“until the conversation veers into Dano essentially calling Paulie a 98-pound weakling. He actually calls him “frail”. Pookie: “Frail? Frail???”
What?!? I was told Paulie was built and beefy! Are all those late night munchies not making him a solid wall of defence?
Hey, a hockey team showed up in front of Marty to play these Flyers for the third period.
Okay, I was laughing about Carcillo from last night, but that thing were he and Fistric fall and Carcillo tries to jam Fistric’s head into the ice as he gets up is just not cool. Not cool.
Someone forgot to tell the Hawks they’re out of it. Kane, 3-1.
What?!? I was told Paulie was built and beefy! Are all those late night munchies not making him a solid wall of defence?
Schnookie (who’s furiously typing on the diary) says, “He’s like a solid wall of gossamer defense.”
I read an article a while ago from before he was drafted where some scout said, “Would you draft him? Look at his legs! He’s so skinny!”
Was that in the game going on right now? I wasn’t watching it.
I read an article a while ago from before he was drafted where some scout said, “Would you draft him? Look at his legs! He’s so skinny!”
Hee! So Paulie has Crunchy legs?
Someone forgot to tell the Hawks they’re out of it. Kane, 3-1.
No, Nashville is just tanking so they won’t have to play the Sharks in the first round.
“Schnookie (who’s furiously typing on the diary) says, “He’s like a solid wall of gossamer defense.”
HEE!
“I read an article a while ago from before he was drafted where some scout said, “Would you draft him? Look at his legs! He’s so skinny!”
HA! That’s so sad. Good thing the Devils took a chance on the bean pole.
Jagr ties it, 3-3.
Ok, I’m out of my “Sabres are really REALLY out of it now depression” and onto “Let’s keep the Flyers out of the Playoff excitement.” I love the Marty vs. Marty goalie theme we have going tonight
What did Sutter say to these boys at intermission?
There are so many changes at the end of this season, I don’t think my poor little Canucks heart can take it. Trev Linden is (not officially) retiring, Nazzy is (not officially) leaving, AND we’re losing Jim Hughson to evil Leafs love fest CBC. That’s all I’ve known since I’ve been a Canucks fan. It’s very strange.
The fuck happened there?!!?!?!?!?!?
I hate Scottie Upshall.
Oh for crying out loud.
Alright, get Weekesie in there. Now.
Trevor Daley ties it for Dallas.
Really now.
4-3 Florida over Carolina. Samsonov.
Now I really wish I couldn’t see this. Its a good thing we already have a play off spot.
Dear Marty: 36 shots. It’s not your fault. Take a break.
This is gross.
4-3 Florida over Carolina. Samsonov.
Steve, seriously, we are all capable of looking the scores up ourselves. Thanks.
Yay Weekes is going to play.
The Philly radio guys are gloating about “chasing Marty Brodeur.” Um, no, that’s called “no longer giving a fuck.”
This is gross.
Yes, yes it is. I still clinging to my theory that they’re tanking and all these mistakes are entirely deliberate. Or something!
“I still clinging to my theory that they’re tanking and all these mistakes are entirely deliberate. Or something!”
That’s a good explanation. I think I can handle that one if it is deliberate.
Winnipeg 9, Bum-fuck 7 in a floor hockey league game from Manitoba. Bob from the steel mill across the street with a pair in that one.
Winnipeg 9, Bum-fuck 7 in a floor hockey league game from Manitoba. Bob from the steel mill across the street with a pair in that one.
Please, Steve, give it a rest.
Moving on…
Sutter looks more disturbed than just normal-angry.
Oh, and I know that I’m tuning in really late, but one of my favorite (though random) things about hockey is that with all that expensive equipment, jerseys, skates, etc they still use packing tape to keep their socks up.
If the Devils get shut out tonight, is it the 10th or 11th time this season? I’ve lost count now.
Heh, good one, mcguffers!
Zach would probably point out that he uses very expensive packing tape to hold his socks up!
11th, I think, KG.
Wooden sticks.
I LOVE that packing tape. Goose holds his PANTS up with tape, FYI. :D
Man that’s depressing.
Pookie, he uses the high quality stuff they sell to Fed Ex
Goose holds his PANTS up with tape, FYI. :D
This is because he wanted to use an electrical cord but his tin cans don’t have them.
Pookie, he uses the high quality stuff they sell to Fed Ex
Yup, but a special brand that was 24 carat gold flecks in it.
Katebits, his pants??? First the guy doesn’t get a playlist then they won’t even give him pants that fit?! Who negotiates his contracts?!
Goose should use a rope, like Jethro Bodine. :D
Trev Linden uses suspenders.
I’m so sorry, Devils fans. I know what this feels like. It blows.
Anyone going to give blood at The Devils Home Arena tomorrow?
somebody kill us here…
Something I like is when the player has REALLY long ties on his pants and they hang down to his knees. I’m sure they do that for the ladies. ;)
Fuck Philly and their Fruity Thundstersticks.
I’m so sorry, Devils fans. I know what this feels like. It blows.
Thanks, alix. It’s okay. The game has been so awful, it’s sort of comical. Maybe I’m just really in the right mellow frame of mind. The game doesn’t really mean anything. And when the meaningful games start, I have less than zero expectations for the team, so… It’s not really like the heartbreak the Canucks put you through. (I can say that now because I’m not at this moment watching the handshake like with jubilant Rangers…)
Katebits, his pants???
I know!
Sutter should just say nothing after this one. Don’t make them think about it all.
I’m turning on the Rags game now, so my comments from henceforth will be directed at that.
sheesh. Letting the Rangers and the Flyers get into the playoffs while the Sabres didn’t was not the way we were supposed to let Briere and Drury know we don’t need them anymore. I still don’t miss them, but still, it’s the point.
I’m not too upset though because I have a mental picture of Goose holding up his pants with electrical cords plugged into cans
Headed to OT, so that means that at least a regulation win gets them home ice in round one.
I go to the Pookie/Schnookie camp of this series sucking if they get home ice.
Unless Ottawa comes back and wins, Rangers/Devils is a lockdown.
And as these playoffs get even fracking crazier, if Ottawa loses… Philly, Boston and DC all control their destiny against them. If all 3 win, Ottawa is out.
I’m not too upset though because I have a mental picture of Goose holding up his pants with electrical cords plugged into cans
mcguffers, I’ve long thought this was the key to remaining sane as a hockey fan. I mean, not that specifically, of course. I had, in fact, never considered Goose holding up with pants with electrical cords plugging into cans until just now. I will never stop thinking about it. It’s sad though because sometimes the cans bang together too loudy, spooking poor Pommerdoodle.
“The game has been so awful, it’s sort of comical.”
Well that’s good. Those are kind of fun sometimes.
Man Zach was invisible tonight. He didn’t even play after the clock hit eight minutes left.
Sorry about the Devils.
KG’s buddy Carcillo got another one!
Jeeepers Creepers, Carolina loses.
It’s sad though because sometimes the cans bang together too loudy, spooking poor Pommerdoodle.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mah boy BOOOOCHE! A shorthanded goal!
Hoe-mez goes off, Isles Power Play.
The lovely Mr. Boucher scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aw Pookie, I had forgotten about Pommerdoodle and his jumpy nature. Maybe that’s why he’s always mowing down his mouthguard. Kind of like a stress ball
Well that was puketastic, but at least Weekes had a 1.000 save % on his birthday!
Well that was puketastic, but at least Weekes had a 1.000 save % on his birthday!
Aww, it’s not nothing!
To the Skills Comp. at the Garden…
“KG’s buddy Carcillo got another one!”
“Jeeepers Creepers, Carolina loses.”
Dude, the Ookies have said multiple times they don’t need the scores regurgitated here.
YAY BOUCHE!!!! YAY PATTY!!!
Lovely is right, Myra. :D
Time to find out if the 29 minutes and 1 goal we play for Sunday will be enough to take home ice…
Kind of like a stress ball
Or a Kong filled with peanut butter and Pommerdoodle-treats.
WOOO!!! Go Bouche!
but at least Weekes had a 1.000 save % on his birthday!
Oooh, solid silver lining there, Frisby!
I wasn’t going to say anything about Carcillo’s goal, but boo on that. :P
I wasn’t regurgitating scores, I was just referring to something that happened in the past of the thread (KG’s Carcillo enjoyment) and just stating a fact and something relevant.
C’mon Isles, more last game of the season shootout magic…
Yes! Okposo!
Ole! Comeau!
Sorry Steve, I’m just a bitch from my team being eliminated. And hungover. Heh. @@@@@
Did you hear R & R saying that Carcillo has had 10 goals this year and 5 of them have been against the Stars?!?!?
Please let somebody pound him tonight! (Not in a life threatening way though.)
Hungover? At this time?
2-1 in the shootout, Bergenheim for the win…. lost the puck.
Sjostrom to keep it alive? Scores. God dammit.
Park scores! Lundqvist has been terrible in this shootout.
Nooo don’t hurt my baby Danny C. :(
Prucha is stopped by Dubie, and 1 point on Sunday will get us Home Ice.
alix, are they talking like Trevor might retire? Or are people just assuming that?
I know you’re pulling for the Sharks in the playoffs, but you can ride with the Stars for a while if you want to, too. :D
Alix had a really really rough night last night.
And apparently this morning and afternoon, heh…
And you’re not being a bitch, alix. Although you might be hungover. Poor button. :D
“Hungover? At this time?”
Watching your team completely fail in game 81 with their playoff hopes on the line + drinking games in the intermission adds up to a pretty rough day after :D
By the way, if anyone wants to see Washington-Florida Saturday, it’s on HDNet.
I have Usher duty at the Nets game. Uggggggghhhh….
Sorry Steve, I’m just a bitch from my team being eliminated. And hungover. Heh. @@@@@
alix, you don’t need to apologize. You were right, we did ask Steve to stop offering up score updates. He apparently hasn’t listened.
It wasn’t a score update! It was again referring to something that happened in the thread, and just stating a fact for it having happened.
Boy. Turco is sucking tonight. I’m not optimistic about him.
I didn’t drink a drop last night, and I am STILL hungover from yesterday’s hockey.
How has turris looked?
Hanzal scored? Didn’t know he had it in him at this point.
I’m a little late with this, but so sorry Ookies and all the Devils fans.
Ouch! Yotes score again.
This Shanahan speech is as puketastic as the Devs game…
Now that half of our teams aren’t going to make it (or make it very far…), do we have back up teams established yet? Or is it too insensitive to be thinking that way this soon after elimination?
I kinda like San Jose out West.
“alix, are they talking like Trevor might retire? Or are people just assuming that?”
Everybody is assuming he will. But it hasn’t been officially announced yet. *Sniff* Aww, Trev. He could run for mayor if he wanted to.
“I know you’re pulling for the Sharks in the playoffs, but you can ride with the Stars for a while if you want to, too. :D”
Thanks, Patty! I might just do that. The Sharks are who I’m feeling right now, but that could totally change when the playoffs actually start. And if I just ignore Marty Turco…I luff all the other Stars :D
They mentioned Turris a lot more in the last game. Haven’t noticed him too much in this one. But I usually just watch the Stars players. Unless it’s an opposition player I love or hate. Otherwise they’re just Yotie McYotersons.
Patty, that reminds me of that Chris Walken “pranking” sketch from SNL…
“Your being a stiffly stifferson”
“Boy. Turco is sucking tonight.”
Holmer is looking pretty good right now.
It wasn’t a score update!
So what do you call the play-by-play of the Rangers shoot-out? If I wanted to know what was happening, I would watch that game. I think you mean well, but this thread is meant to be a conversation for everyone here, not a platform for you to do play-by-play. If you want to offer that kind of service to readers, I believe you have your own blog to do it.
“alix, you don’t need to apologize. You were right, we did ask Steve to stop offering up score updates. He apparently hasn’t listened.”
Ok! I take my apology back then, Steve! And my @@@@. Heh.
Turris was amazing last night. He got about 20 minutes. He did get a delay of game penalty, I think it was in the second early, and then Dallas scored during that power play. But he had a couple of pretty good scoring opportunities last night. I haven’t watched this Coyotes game much tonight more like bits and pieces so I haven’t noticed him. I felt bad though for him after the game as part of the fan appreciation night each Coyote member gave the jersey off their back to a fan and he had to give his NHL debut jersey to someone. I’m sure he had two made up and wore one for like just the third or something but yeah.
I’m completely flummoxed by secondary teams, mcguffers. I’m cheering for the Devils, but beyond that (in the EC) am kind of at a loss. The season was rough on my relationships with my secondary teams.
And if I just ignore Marty Turco…I luff all the other Stars :D
Loui knocked him out of the playoffs last season, doesn’t that make them even? Or was that little incident this year?
Fair enough, I was just commenting on the game I was watching, as Patty would if someone scored during the Stars game. But I get that it’s different. I’ll cut it.
Patty how come the Stars didn’t play Turco last night?
It’s a distressing showing of how poorly the Devils have marketed in Jersey that half the people getting Ranger jerseys are from NJ.
“Loui knocked him out of the playoffs last season, doesn’t that make them even? Or was that little incident this year?”
It was the whole flap brouhaha. I know I should get over it, but I’m petty :P
I’m a little late with this, but so sorry Ookies and all the Devils fans.
Thanks, Myra! And I’m so sorry for you and all the Stars fans for having to face the Ducks in the first round. That sucks.
Are the Stars locked into that? I mean, if they lose out and Colorado wins in Minnesota on Sunday, who has the tie-breaker there?
I hear that Katebits. The Islanders are my second fav team, and those bastards couldn’t make the playoffs either. I’ve kind of liked the Penguins ever since they traded Jagr (sorry Jagr fans) and I’ve always had a soft spot for the Canadians, shockingly even after last night. So I guess I’ll go with those guys
I was thinking that was last season, alix, but it was this one, wasn’t it?
KG, the Stars have been trying to work Holmqvist in for a while. They figured a back-to-back would be a good time.
Looks as if the Stars have the goal diff. victory. Of course, the Avs could put up a 30 spot on the Wild Sunday.
At this point I’m just glad we are in play-offs! If hadn’t, I would have been afraid I was some kind of jinx since it’s my first season to support them.
“I was thinking that was last season, alix, but it was this one, wasn’t it?”
It was. It kind of feels like it was last season. This season seemed to go by so slowly and so quickly at the same time.
“KG, the Stars have been trying to work Holmqvist in for a while. They figured a back-to-back would be a good time.”
Ah got it. Well he played great last night. But the Coyotes also just kept passing the Stars the puck.
Tippett doesn’t bike with a helmet??? TSK TSK!
But the Coyotes also just kept passing the Stars the puck.
Yeah, they’re not doing that tonight. Stupid Coyotes. Pass us the puck once in a while!
I’ll try to report back tomorrow if the replica jersey I’ve been promised for giving blood is of the “not crappy” quality.
Stars fans, this intermission video feature on Tippett’s motorcycle habit is FANTASTIC! I’m in love with your coach now!
How funny would it be if Washington got Ottawa, I mean, could Ottawa have it any worse, playing a team that ownes them so badly!
Aww…I just made myself sad. :-(
I agree with Schnookie this feature is making me laugh.
I was just going to ask if you were seeing that, Schnookie. Isn’t he adorable?
I hope the Caps don’t make it. I’m tired of the way everyone loves his crazy celebrations. If, say, Patrik celebrated like that, Don Cherry would say “Some good Canadian boy needs to beat that Euro fruit senseless”
Tippett has a motorcycle gang! That is SO AWESOME!
Dude, I love the Stars even more now that I’ve seen that motorcycle clip! That was awesome!
I remember hearing about him designing and building it during the lockout. I got all kinds of fun mental pictures of his wife kicking him out of the house because he was going stir crazy with no team to coach.
He and Marty could form their own gang.
Love it! TSN barely bothered covering the Canucks all year, but now that they’re eliminated, they’ve decided to write about “how the Canucks need to be fixed”. We need scoring? And Nonis probably needs to make some trades?Wow! Thanks TSN! I really had no idea that was our problem until you mentioned it!
I was wrong (For like the 5 Millionth time). If Boston wins in Buffalo tomorrow and we take the Rangers in regulation, we play Boston.
So, do all the Sabres fans feel like taking just one more loss for us? Sorry, you don’t have to, we’ll probably screw it up anyway. :-).
Ew, with the Canes loss, Ottawa clinches a playoff spot. Ew. Could this night get much worse? Wait, the Rangers lost! Woo! Kaner scored!
Listen, I don’t have much anymore, its the little things. When do the World Championships start? MAY? Oh lord.
Hee! I don’t think motorcycle when I look at Dave Tippet. But that’s fantastic!
Is it wrong that I really really really want the Caps to be in the playoffs?
alix, I think that’s what was so fun about that feature. He looked like he was taking a really nerdy approach to motorcycles, not just having a mid-life crisis and buying a crotch rocket, you know?
I got all kinds of fun mental pictures of his wife kicking him out of the house because he was going stir crazy with no team to coach.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We need scoring? And Nonis probably needs to make some trades?Wow! Thanks TSN! I really had no idea that was our problem until you mentioned it!
Hee! That’s so helpful of them.
So, do all the Sabres fans feel like taking just one more loss for us? Sorry, you don’t have to, we’ll probably screw it up anyway.
Yeah, the way the Devils are playing, they could be facing a squad of four-year-olds in Rangers sweaters on Sunday and they’ll still get shut out.
Is it wrong that I really really really want the Caps to be in the playoffs?
Yes.
Hee! Just kidding. (Sort of.)
Sigh.
Just…just sigh.
Even though I know it’s ridiculous to hope anything anymore, has it been mentioned that if we win Sunday in regulation (hah) and Boston does the same against Buffalo, we would play them in the first round?
That’s a good thing, right?
Ookies, you think the motivation of not having to play the Rangers in round one might be enough? heh
He looked like he was taking a really nerdy approach to motorcycles, not just having a mid-life crisis and buying a crotch rocket, you know?
That’s right. He said during the feature that he kind of likes the tinkering part even more than the riding.
I don’t want the Caps to go far, I just like Ovechkin. I’m sorry. I’m coming out of the closet as an Ovenchicken fan. Except Backstrom is fighting Kaner for the scoring title.
Off-topic: But Dear New York Mets: You cannot have a rally towel Night on April 10th.
Signed, every NHL Fan who waved a towel with all their heart during a playoff game.
if we win Sunday in regulation (hah) and Boston does the same against Buffalo, we would play them in the first round?
That’s a good thing, right?
PLEASE, Hockey Gods. Please make this happen.
So Im going out on a limb and assuming it was a shutout. Is Sutter ever gonna change those God-awful lines?
“He looked like he was taking a really nerdy approach to motorcycles, not just having a mid-life crisis and buying a crotch rocket, you know?”
That’s awesome! Patty, the Stars might have gained a point over the Sharks in alix’s bandwagonning trip to the playoffs because of this. Until I see Ron Wilson have some kind of hilarious hobby, the Stars are sneaking ahead.
Schnookie, I’d sell my soul to Hockey Satan if need be to make that happen.
I don’t want the Caps to go far, I just like Ovechkin.
Anne, I’m sorry, but you’re wrong.
(Just kidding! Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, of course.) (But you’re still wrong. :P)
Did anybody hear why Ott left the game? I hope it’s nothing serious. (Of course they won’t say, even if it is.)
Until I see Ron Wilson have some kind of hilarious hobby, the Stars are sneaking ahead.
Ron Wilson probably does something even nerdier. Like building ant farms. “The tinkering is almost more fun that watching the ants wander around!”
Oh man, Otter, my petulant little ice troll is sick with the flu. Bummer.
Motorcycles are really big with the middle-agers here. Can’t go anywhere down here on the weekends without running into gangs of bankers and accountants on motorcycles. My bro-in-law is a Baptist minister/missionary and he rides with a group/gang. Go figure.
Pookie and Schnookie, here’s a TV show you guys would Love just as much as 30 Rock, haha.
“At 7:00 PM, the fellow New Jersey Catholic High School-educated Pierre McGuire gets his annual half-our to name his entire team of “Monsters” for the year.”
So Im going out on a limb and assuming it was a shutout. Is Sutter ever gonna change those God-awful lines?
I am operating under the belief that this was Lou saying, “I don’t want the Caps to make the playoffs,” just the way his shootout lineup against the Islanders last year said, “I don’t want the Leafs to make the playoffs”. I refuse to believe the Devils were really that bad tonight. I can’t handle them being really that bad.
Until I see Ron Wilson have some kind of hilarious hobby, the Stars are sneaking ahead.
Well, the other night against LA, Wilson was dressed like he was attending a Spring wedding. So his ridiculously overdone fashion choices might count as a hobby. Maybe?
I’d sell my soul to Hockey Satan if need be to make that happen.
I am making offerings at my altar in the backyard as we speak.
Schnookie, you make a great point. Usually when we suck offensively, the Defense and Marty save us.
The Defense was fracking atrocious. Every one of them.
“Ron Wilson probably does something even nerdier. Like building ant farms. “The tinkering is almost more fun that watching the ants wander around!”
:^::::::::::::::::::: If Ron Wilson builds ant farms, I might have to buy a Sharks sweater.
Ron Wilson likes to give speeches based on really obscure stuff:
Yes, they are just faking everyone into thinking they’ll be a playoff pushover by sucking now, when in fact they’re really awesome and have great goal scorers combined with airtight defense.
“Well, the other night against LA, Wilson was dressed like he was attending a Spring wedding. So his ridiculously overdone fashion choices might count as a hobby. Maybe?”
HA! That’s pretty good. It would be better if we found out he made all his clothes himself.
Why do I get the feeling we are acting out a scene from “West Side Story”? The Sharks against the Stars and Alix is Maria.
Yes, they are just faking everyone into thinking they’ll be a playoff pushover by sucking now, when in fact they’re really awesome and have great goal scorers combined with airtight defense.
Riiiiiiiight. They’ve just put on an 81-game show of playing possum. :P
Motorcycles are really big with the middle-agers here.
My dad bought a motorcycle last year!
Yes, they are just faking everyone into thinking they’ll be a playoff pushover by sucking now, when in fact they’re really awesome and have great goal scorers combined with airtight defense.
HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! *wipes away a laughter-induced tear* Oh man, that “airtight defense”, so funny!
Remember back when Stan said in 2000 that the Devils were playing possum? And then he turned out to be right? That stupid comment will have me always secretly believing they’re always just playing possum.
“Yes, they are just faking everyone into thinking they’ll be a playoff pushover by sucking now, when in fact they’re really awesome and have great goal scorers combined with airtight defense.”
Wait, that’s the Stars or no the Devils, no wait the Stars, no no the Devils….I’m so confused…………….
Hmm, so you’re not buying it, Schnookie?
Me neither.
The Sharks against the Stars and Alix is Maria.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Ron Wilson likes to give speeches based on really obscure stuff:”
Hee! He sounds like a college stoner. That might have put him over the top if his team hadn’t ended up losing that series. (Unless I’m on crack)
“Why do I get the feeling we are acting out a scene from “West Side Story”? The Sharks against the Stars and Alix is Maria.”
:^:::::::::::::::::
Wait, that’s the Stars or no the Devils, no wait the Stars, no no the Devils….I’m so confused
The similarities are almost scary!
So how do you solve a… oh I won’t sink THAT low.
The Sharks against the Stars and Alix is Maria.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I hope things end a tad less tragically.
Oops, forgot about that ending! I promise we aren’t going to kill you Alix Maria.
11:56 Pookie: “I can’t believe Biron hasn’t done something stupid to make us score yet.” Pause. “Maybe he’s saving up, and we’ll get to the final three minutes and score two.” The walls of IPB Manor echo with our peals of hysterical laughter.
My exact thoughts pretty much any time the Flyers have a lead. Except I don’t usually laugh, I bang my head against the wall instead…
Damn you St. Louis for not beating Nashville. The Hawks could’ve controlled their destiny!
My exact thoughts pretty much any time the Flyers have a lead. Except I don’t usually laugh, I bang my head against the wall instead…
Aw, sorry, Kristin! But your guys looked amazing tonight. They really showed up to play hard. Of course, that might have been kind of like when something looks really, really fast in contrast to a stationary object… :D
(Have you made your trip to Pittsburgh yet? I keep forgetting when you’re going.)
“Oops, forgot about that ending! I promise we aren’t going to kill you Alix Maria.”
I’m so relieved! Hee.
Shit. Stupid Stars. I know you can’t really change your playoff position, but maybe you wanted to win more than 2 effing games since the fucking trade deadline? Huh? Crap!
Arrgghh!!! Carcillo with a hat trick. Ok, they should have given a life-threatening pounding. I’m sure if my ice troll had not been sick he would have.
Hey, Misery! You just got company….
Oh wait, Pittsburgh doesn’t have any more home games this season. Duh. So Kristin, how was the trip to Pittsburgh? :D
Kristin, congratulations on the big win! Your team really did look good. Were you at the game tonight? The building looked rocking. Also, now can we whine before Flyers games that we’re probably going to lose? :D
Stars fans, I am SO SORRY! That SUCKED. At least you’re done with Phoenix, though, right? :(
So, who wants to guess how “replica” the replica jerseys they’ll be giving at The Rock tomorrow are?
Guh. What a stupid game.
We’re done with everybody but the Sharks! That doesn’t make me feel that much better. :P
I was in the burgh Wednesday Schnookie. It was….underwhelming. And it was weird to be in a place where Cindy is worshipped!
And yeah, I’m not sure who those guys in the orange and black were tonight…they certainly weren’t the Flyers I know….
I’m somewhat consoled by the fact that Bouche got not only a goal, not only a shorthanded goal, but a really pretty up close Top Shelf (hey, Heather) corner-picked goal-scorer’s goal.
Sorry, Patty! Losing is the worst.
“At least you’re done with Phoenix, though, right?”
That’s true. No more Gretzky singing Copacabana to the refs.
I’m nostalgic for the pre-trade-deadline days when we were tearing up the league and talking about what a great team it was and how everybody just had that “feeling”. And now they just look terrible.
Pookie, I am not allowed to go to Devils games…I am such a jinx. I watched it from the couch. And maybe you can whine a little bit before the Flyers/Devils games. ;) But just a little!
Damn, I hope we don’t have to play you guys! My boys are gonna have to keep smoking whatever they smoked before tonight’s game, and that can’t be good for their health!
It was….underwhelming. And it was weird to be in a place where Cindy is worshipped!
That must have been quite the shock to the system for you! I’m sorry the trip was underwhelming, though.
No more Gretzky singing Copacabana to the refs.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I’m nostalgic for the pre-trade-deadline days when we were tearing up the league and talking about what a great team it was and how everybody just had that “feeling”. And now they just look terrible.
Awwww… That’s so sad, Patty.
Patty, the lovely Mr. Boucher is looking lovelier every game. At least we have that to look forward to.
“I’m nostalgic for the pre-trade-deadline days when we were tearing up the league and talking about what a great team it was and how everybody just had that “feeling”. And now they just look terrible.”
Awww, rough. Poor button. Stupid trade deadline.
I’m nostalgic for…heh…still thinking…hmmm…geez…when Matty was still playing? September, before the Canucks had even started playing?
“Eric Staal, Sergei Samsonov and Trevor Letowski each scored for the Hurricanes, who would have clinched the division with a victory. They outshot Florida 46-17 and were penalty-free while the Panthers were whistled for nine.”
And the Canes still lost? The Hockey Gods are playing with loaded dice again…
That’s so sad, Patty.
It really is.
Did you see Bouche interviewed in the post-game show?
I’m nostalgic for…heh…still thinking…hmmm…geez…when Matty was still playing? September, before the Canucks had even started playing?
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whoa. Tipp just dissed Bouche. Not cool!
How so, Patty?!? Lame, Tipp!
“I’m nostalgic for the pre-trade-deadline days…”
I can’t think about the “pre-trade” Stars. It’s too depressing.
“Whoa. Tipp just dissed Bouche. Not cool!”
What? What’d he say?
I’m nostalgic for the days when we had Chris Drury, Danny Briere, Jay McKee, JP Dumont, Mike Grier, Brian Campbell, Curtis Brown, Stu Barnes, Dominik Hasek, Brad May, Alexi Zhitnik, Marty Biron, Vaclav Varada, Denis Hamel and Norm Milley. THAT TEAM WOULD HAVE WON A STANLEY CUP!
And the Canes still lost? The Hockey Gods are playing with loaded dice again…
It really is crazy!
Tipp just dissed Bouche.
Scoring a shortie wasn’t good enough? Did Bouche say the dagger wasn’t cute?
I’m totally nostalgic for when Heather and I went to pre-season practices this year. Sigh. I was SUCH an innocent then. :P
Heather, dear, have you been body snatched by the Buffalo News?
I can’t wait til I’m not working so I can hit up pre-season practice. woo!
I’m totally nostalgic for when Heather and I went to pre-season practices this year. Sigh. I was SUCH an innocent then. :P
We all were, Kate. We all were. :P
Heather, dear, have you been body snatched by the Buffalo News?
alix, I apologize. I was being sarcastic which I know didn’t come across well. That team never would’ve won a Stanley Cup. That team would’ve been a mess. Sorry! I’m sorry!
Katebits, I really should say this on your own blog, but I’m lazy and hung over. But anyways, your latest Blobby post made me laugh! A lot! Blobby bearing gifts really tickled my funny bone.
Heather, someone pointed out on your blog today that a team WITH Briere, Drury, McKee, Dumont, and Grier missed the playoffs before the lockout. I was genuinely shocked to read that! It’s amazing that that hasn’t been pointed out more often……good players sometimes make a shitty team. And sometimes those shitty teams aren’t shitty anymore!
Weird, I don’t know why that comment posted twice. WordPress has clearly gotten into Paulie’s pot brownies.
Heather, I figured you were being sarcastic, but just wanted to make sure we didn’t need to get to Buffalo for an intervention :D
But anyways, your latest Blobby post made me laugh! A lot! Blobby bearing gifts really tickled my funny bone.
Oh, I meant to mention, I went to log into IPB the other day and I noticed that one of the avatars on one of the Hot Posts was Blobby! I nearly fell off my chair at work. I was like, “OMG! He really is stalking me! He’s trying to go through me to get to Katebits! Via some weird science blog! Not cook!”
Thanks alix! I’m so glad you like Blobby! (I believe you named him “Blobby”) I’ve had a lot of fun with him. I wanted to give him a little hat to wear with his flowers and champagne, but I couldn’t get it to look right. :D
Kate, that’s why Jerry Sullivan’s last column was so stupid (from what I hear… I didn’t actually read it). The Drury/Briere team did exactly the same thing the current team is doing. They had to grow into roles and they had to find their chemistry and that had to lose a lot before they won a lot. They gave up leads and they looked terrible and they missed the playoffs at the very end of the season. And those guys were in their fifth and sixth seasons (etc.) instead of their second and third. It’s just ridiculous. It’s SO RIDICULOUS.
“I wanted to give him a little hat to wear with his flowers and champagne, but I couldn’t get it to look right. :D”
His blobliness just isn’t made for hats, I guess.
Wait. Someone ELSE is using Blobby as an avatar?! That’s REDONK!
They gave up leads and they looked terrible and they missed the playoffs at the very end of the season. And those guys were in their fifth and sixth seasons (etc.) instead of their second and third. It’s just ridiculous. It’s SO RIDICULOUS.
I think it’s amazing that I didn’t really know that until now! The Sabres really MIGHT get better next year! :P
Kate, I’m really glad you didn’t fall for Blobby’s flowers and champagne. He’s no good.
The Sabres really MIGHT get better next year! :P
Don’t you read my blog?! I keep TELLING you this! :P
Sorry, I wandered off for a minute. Tipp said that Bouche’s shorthanded goal was all well and good, but he allowed a couple of breakaways and needs to get that out of his game. Hmphf.
Yeah, well, I’d like to see Tippett do it better! Harrumph!
Tippett would probably just rev his motorcycle at the other team and expect THAT to stop a breakaway. Pbbbllllt.
Exactly!
Sutter ripped the club a new one post-game. Not so sure he should have…
HA! You know what’s a perfect summing up of a very frustrating, ridonkulous Canucks season? Matt Cooke, the dude AV hated and pretty much everybody couldn’t wait to trade, is the only (former) Canuck actually going to the playoffs. It’s funny but not.
All these weeks of dealing with the Daley & Norstrom debacles and he calls out Boucher? Very odd. Very odd in deed.
Doc, Don Cherry, Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury will be on a Conference Call Monday to discuss the post-season.
A moment of silence for Doc’s patience, everyone.
Tippett would probably just rev his motorcycle at the other team and expect THAT to stop a breakaway. Pbbbllllt.
Well, to be fair, Tippett’s motorcycle shoots daggers at opposing forwards.
Wow! Doc should seriously ask Paulie for some pot brownies or something. Or take some valium. That’s rough. Poor Doc.
Imagine how much worse that’ll be if Boston and Montreal get a 1st Round Series.
Thanks Ookies for another night’s entertainment. Losing is much easier when shared!
Night all.
Night, Myra! I should probably go too. It’s hard work being depressed and hung over all day :p Talk to y’all later this weekend I’m sure!
For those interested, it turned out to be a 03-04, CCM Replica. Not bad, but not great, considering I passed out for 15 minutes.
Yeah, let’s have a big stick-tapping moment for P&S, without whose intervention some of us (Sabres fans) would not have made it!
And I missed it if it happened–did Chico eat anything the last 2 games? I do like to see a man eat–I hate those guys that just nibble…
Yoooo-hooooooooo! Anybody here?
Just some slightly disconsolate Buffalo-watchers, probably. I miss YoMamaWeen already, but it’s nice to see Teppo!
I’m so happy to see Teppo! But what’s with splitting up Toni and Hank? That always feels wrong.
I was not expecting to see Staffy scratched tonight. I was thinking more along the lines of Max as a scratch.
I’m sure it feels wrong to them too–they just go together better than they go with anybody else. Can I just say that I love Kotalik, but I never want to see him again after this season? No more!
gabby, I’ve already packed Al’s bags for him.
Amy, we’ve been debating Staffy’s scratching and whether it was a good call or not. I think I would’ve preferred seeing him get some ice time.
Heather, good to know you’re on the case–if you run into any of the others at Wegman’s, please give them a good talking-to and a finger-wagging for me. I’m trying to talk my husband Dan into moving from Albany to Buffalo just so I can do this myself, but he’s not going for it, sigh
I’m intrigued by the defensive pairings. I wonder if Lindy is pondering breaking up Tallinder/Lydman and Weber/Sekera or he just felt like playing around tonight.
Thanks for the stick tapping, guys! You’re the best!
We’re on the train back from podcasting on location at Stately Morgan Manor. Expect a looooong IPB Hour to be posted later tonight.
Pookie, I had no idea you guys were going to be there ALL DAY! Man! Looking forward to the podcast!
i’m hoping that it isn’t considered bad manners to cheering too too loudly for boston tonite, i so much would rather play them than the rangers in the first round…
don, house rules say you can cheer for whomever you like as long as you aren’t obnoxious about it :-D
yeah….i do feel bad for you and katebits, heather b…
yeah….i do feel bad for you and katebits, heather b…
Thanks, don. I’m bummed but optimistic for next year so I’ll just try to enjoy not really having a horse in the race this year. It’s going to feel like a really long off-season though after playing so deep into the playoffs the last two seasons.
Well Heather, we didn’t record all day. We probably could have but no one wants to hear The IPB 6 Hours. Okay, no I e wants to hear the IPB Actually An Hour either but that’s what you’re getting!
Don, don’t you think that Chara would make a great pope? Just as he hugs & kisses the head of his fellow players when they score, he could reach out & bless many people all at once.
Hnidy I’d like to smite, however.
Amy, we’ve been debating Staffy’s scratching and whether it was a good call or not. I think I would’ve preferred seeing him get some ice time.
My guess would be that Stafford has been playing at less than 100% and Ruff is only playing his healthy players for this game.
Expect a looooong IPB Hour to be posted later tonight.
Yay! Will it be “The IPB Hour: Contents Equal To Or More Than One Hour?”
Don, don’t you think that Chara would make a great pope?
well, gabby he’d be easy enough for everyone to see, that’s for sure…lol
My guess would be that Stafford has been playing at less than 100% and Ruff is only playing his healthy players for this game.
Meg, we thought maybe that was the case too. Staffy is one of Mark’s favorites so we’ve discussed pretty much every possible scenario :-D
Oh, man that razor Zamboni might be one of the best things I’ve ever seen.
Gabby, :/::::::::::::::::::::
(I just found the flaw with the iPhone. There’s no nose! I had
to resort to snorting milk out a beak instead.)
we thought maybe that was the case too. Staffy is one of Mark’s favorites so we’ve discussed pretty much every possible scenario
One of the message boards is hypothesizing that Lindy is trying to send a message to Stafford. He came into this season with pretty much a guaranteed roster spot because of the Briere & Drury losses. If you think about it, he hasn’t hit expectations (but neither has half of the team). This could be Lindy giving him an ego check.
And that Zamboni razor is fricking sweet. Great product placement!
It’s a lovely beak though, Pookie.
Also, NESN is so not my favorite tonight. I mean it never is but I’m particularly disliking it tonight.
Amy, we thought of the ego-check too. I told you we thought of ‘em all :-D I like that one though and even Mark agreed that it might not be a bad idea if it’s the case. A gentle reminder to work your ass off in the off-season could never hurt.
Pookie, your podcasts are fantastic–don’t kill the iphone! And you’ll be insanely jealous (rolls eyes in sarcasm) to know that I have Baby Sutter here in Albany playing hockey, for the River Rats (hate that name) and he’s all the local sports dudes can talk about. We already had Baby Ted Nolan, how lucky are we.
Aw thanks, Gabby!
Alright, the trainride is almost over; catch you all later. Um… GoBruins! Sorry, Sabre fans, but its for the greater good!
Y’all, I don’t think I can handle Trev and Nazzy’s last games tonight! I’m not ready! They’ve always been here since I’ve been a Canucks fan. *Sobs* This is the first time I’ve lost two of my very favourite guys.
Oh and Gabby :^:::::::::::: I LOVE the image of Pope Chara!
Aw, Alix, I’m sorry.
Um… GoBruins! Sorry, Sabre fans, but its for the greater good!
So far the Sabres haven’t gotten the message. Vanek is trying his very best to put lipstick on the pig.
Alix, I’m feeling your pain, as the Nucks are my 2nd team! So–waaaaah!!! Do you have a nice drink ready?
And where was THIS Vanek most of this season? I did feel bad for him for all the reasons Heather laid out at one point, but then I wanted to kill him anyway.
Thanks, Meg. I guess it’s just part of being a fan.
I hate Boston. These guys are so boring. I can’t believe we have to end our season with them.
alix, I think the best plan is to just give in and cry all night. Poor button. That’s what I’d be doing for sure.
I guess it’s just part of being a fan.
Well sure, but it’s a part we’re allowed to complain about. :|
Awww. John Vogl’s reporting that fans got into the press box and asked Kaleta to take a photo with them.
That’s cool, gabby! It’s nice to have another Canucks fan around here. (I’m so pursecuted :P) I don’t have a nice drink ready…I should get on that.
Yeah, they need to hypnotize Vanek into believing every game doesn’t matter before it starts. He’s so much better when he’s relaxed and not trying to force it.
I’m optimistic though. He’s still streaky but he’s had a more productive second half and he’s never chafed under the criticism. He seems to understand what he’s gotten himself into and I wasn’t sure about that coming into the year.
“Well sure, but it’s a part we’re allowed to complain about. :|”
Word.
“alix, I think the best plan is to just give in and cry all night. Poor button. That’s what I’d be doing for sure.”
Yup. That’s probably what I’ll end up doing. Thanks for the sympathy.
Teppo looks pretty good for a guy who hasn’t played in the NHL for a year.
He seems to understand what he’s gotten himself into and I wasn’t sure about that coming into the year.
Yup, I really liked his comments in the Buffalo News after the Montreal game as well.
Meg, if those are the comments they showed before the game I really liked them too. (About needing to be more consistent over the course of the season etc.)
Teppo looks pretty good for a guy who hasn’t played in the NHL for a year.
He does. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t play next year. Just not sure where. But I’ll bet he’s good wherever he is (having a super long offseason could even be good for him–I think the lockout was).
Heather, I think you’re right–Vanek had a lot to adjust to and he did show good signs of doing so after the 1st half. And Derek and Pommerdoodle really stepped up, and if everyone stays healthy…eeee!
This iIS a boring game–maybe Vanek will try to kiss the pig and dance with it, just to liven things up. Or maybe the Buffalo team can grab the giant razor and chase Chara with it and shave him with it if they catch him?
(About needing to be more consistent over the course of the season etc.)
Yeah. Needing to be more consistent and more of a go-to guy who can pick the team up when they aren’t playing well like Briere and Drury were.
These playoff predictions are killing me.
These playoff predictions are killing me.
Because the Sabres aren’t an option or because Kevin picked the Rangers and Rob and Harry picked Soupy? :-D
yeah, and these ads are killing me too. I never get sick of the guy who thinks anything from Middle Earth would make a good roommate, but if I had an erection that lasted 2 hours, let alone 4, I would run screaming to the nearest ER.
Because the Sabres aren’t an option or because Kevin picked the Rangers and Rob and Harry picked Soupy?
Both. Although the Minnesota / NJ “Snoring Cup” did make me laugh.
I was in the kitchen… does Mike Robittaille think the Devils are going to win the cup?
mcguffers, Mike Robitaille does think the Devils will win the Cup.
gabby, I’m not convinced dwarves would make good roommates. But my husband loves that commercial.
I like the commercial where Luongo wants to win the cup for the whole city. It gives me that I love hockey players feeling.
and I’m pretty tall so a dwarf roommate would be nice for getting stuff out of low cabinets.
Oh, and GO T-BO!
Oh, Mike! Please wear a visor!
Mcguffers, I know what you mean about the Luongo ad. And the pond hockey one makes me want to play pond hockey, it looks so fun and and sunny and beery!
There are a lot of Buffalo fans at this game…cool.
Middle Earth dwarves seem kind of grouchy but I see your point, mcguffers!
I like that Luongo commercial too but I think it’s kind of funny since he’s not actually going to be in the playoffs. (Sorry, alix!)
Awww, Lui! Why did you have to be so virile! You could totally tell he was crying in his post game interview. So sad. Poor greasy button.
Beery is now my new favorite adjective :D
Heather, yeah, some ad exec is getting a big ooops for that one! I’m no marketing major, but maybe they should have picked a player from a team that had clinched a playoff spot. (No offense Alix!! Clearly a Sabre wouldn’t have been nominated!)
Oh, and again Yeah T-Bo you beast!
As far as cranky dwarves, I’m kind of cranky in the morning and when I’m hungry, so we might get along if we excused each other’s crankiness.
Awww, Lui! Why did you have to be so virile! You could totally tell he was crying in his post game interview. So sad. Poor greasy button.
Poor Lui. At least now he can spend time with Lil’ Button without having to worry about how its going to affect his play in the postseason.
Alix, you’re killing me, I hate to think of him crying. Just think of him taking care of the button baby, he’ll feel better soon.
Okay, I’m glad we’re winning, but this is not the most exciting game to end the season with.
Was the baby born with a mop of greasy hair? Hopefully she inherited Mama Lui’s hair :-D
Yeah, I know he loves the playoffs so much and wants a Stanley Cup, but I think he probably is a least a little bit happy he gets a long off season to hang out with his hot wife and his little bebeh.
(very quietly) shhh, don’t stare now, but Buffalo’s doing good holding a lead…
mcguffers, I am so with you. The final dagger in this season is having to watch this game.
Awww, look at Roy-Z giving up the emtpy net to give Van the hat trick!
“Was the baby born with a mop of greasy hair? Hopefully she inherited Mama Lui’s hair :-D”
Well…during one interview he mentioned she had his hair. I REALLY hope for her sake he was joking. Heh.
If this is how Boston plays next week I am not putting any money on them.
I think it’s kind of hilarious that T-Bo got a shutout.
And Rob Ray could play Earl’s brother Randy on “My Name is Earl”
Hey, if Buffalo wins and we lose tonight you move past us in the standings, and we could get in on the lottery. Hmmm…I’m sure Trev and Nazzy don’t want to lose their probable last game…but that might be a nice last gift :p
Although it would cheer me up if we beat up on the Flames one last time…hmmm. Tough to decide.
Oh, game’s over. hmph. wow.
I think T-Bo’s shutout was a big F You to the coaching staff.
And Roy, you get two enthusiastic thumbs up for Vanek’s hat trick!
“And Rob Ray could play Earl’s brother Randy on “My Name is Earl”
:^:::::::::::::::::::
So does Buffalo bring Teppo back? And if they want him to does he want to stay here?
holy crappers!! THe washington game was so incredible… I’m in the middle of finals and whoa…worth it though.
Hee I caught some of the Buffalo game though.. I was watching three at once.
Alix, how far are you guys from the lottery? Toronto’s looking to lose tonight, despite Raycroft looking actually not that bad (eep!)..and if the Coyotes win we’re theoretically at 7th :0
So does Buffalo bring Teppo back? And if they want him to does he want to stay here?
I don’t know if they’ll bring him back and I don’t know if he wants to stay after all the mess this year but I do think he’d help the team and they should want him.
I love Lindy. Lindy, I will miss you so much this off-season. Com back soon!
I think I heard we could move up to 7th or 8th, Vinny.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww, Trev’s parents flew into town. That’s so sweet. I think that means he really is retiring.
Fuck, if AV doesn’t just let these guys have fun tonight, I will slap that man around.
I dunno Heather, I like Teppo, but he’s 39. How much longer does he really want to play? Plus, I like how our defense looks going into next year. Spacek, Pratt, and Tallinder are nice stable veterans. Patches looks better having played with Pratt and Sekera and Weber have a bright future. If we could get something for him, I wouldn’t be heartbroken if he didn’t stay
I don’t know if they’ll bring him back and I don’t know if he wants to stay after all the mess this year but I do think he’d help the team and they should want him.
I want him to come back but I’m afraid he won’t want to come back too.
scratch the ‘if we could get something for him” part. That was me thinking about Tim Connolly.
Yeah, I would think Teppo even if he loves all the guys in the room, would not come back. But I don’t know him well at all so I could be totally off base. It’s just what I would do.
Fuck, if AV doesn’t just let these guys have fun tonight, I will slap that man around.
He would have to. What does Vancouver have to lose? It looks like Lindy let the boys have some fun, and it turned out pretty well.
I think a defense that relies on either Paetsch or Pratt in the top six is not a good defense at all. But a much bigger concern than that is the fact that we simply don’t have enough defensemen who can play well on the right. If they don’t sign Teppo they’ve got to bring someone else who is better than Paetsch or Pratt in.
Suddenly I feel bereft. Bye for the season Mike, Rob, Kevin, Lindy, and you too Vanek. Sigh.
“He would have to. What does Vancouver have to lose? It looks like Lindy let the boys have some fun, and it turned out pretty well.”
Nothing to lose for sure. But in his pre game interview he kept talking about “respecting the process” “Sticking to the game plan” Blah, blah, blah. But he is letting Trev play on the top line with the Sedins instead of the fourth line, so maybe I’m drawing the wrong assumptions.
mcguffers, Teppo is a free agent so we can’t get anything for him. He’s either here or he’s not.
I’m still not entirely sold on Paetsch but I’ll cut him a little slack since he’s never really been in the line-up full time for long stretches.
I think Teppo’s age doesn’t affect his game as much as other players because he’s not about speed or strength – he’s about being smart a little sneaky. Plus I think as much as the team has grown this year, it would still be nice to have a veteran in the mix and better a veteran the team already knows in loves.
I don’ t know. I’m torn.
scratch the ‘if we could get something for him” part. That was me thinking about Tim Connolly.
Ignore me commenting on that. I didn’t see this until after I was done :-D
Tim Connolly. I’m even more torn about him.
Hey, Vancouver is HNiC!
Oh god, they’re playing radio highlights of game 6 1994. Trev got hurt at the end and while he was crawling to the bench Messier hit him. Ahhhh. I’ve already got tears in my eyes.
“Hey, Vancouver is HNiC!”
Hooray!
“scratch the ‘if we could get something for him” part. That was me thinking about Tim Connolly.
Ignore me commenting on that. I didn’t see this until after I was done :-D
Tim Connolly. I’m even more torn about him.”
Yeah, after I read my post, I was reminded what I can’t do more than one thing at a time :)
I know I cut Paetsch alot of slack because I think most of the other guys got the chance to spend a few years with the Sabres in the Drury/Briere years, while he was just kind of thrown into a pretty big role his sophomore year in our crazy, disorganized season and paired with some guy who was new to the team to. Add that to the fact that our forwards took half a season to learn to play a two way game, and I’ve given the entire defense a lot of slack this year. Except Campbell. He makes red heads look stupid, and that is inexcusable. We already have to overcome the idiocy that is Carrot Top.
Ookies, I’m so sorry that you have to play the Rangers for the next five games (minimum).
I guess Thomas Vanek didn’t get the memo about you wanting the Devils to play the Bruins.
Trev got hurt at the end and while he was crawling to the bench Messier hit him. Ahhhh. I’ve already got tears in my eyes.
Awww. That’s so sad. (I can’t stand Messier.)
Maybe they’ll make Trevor the new GM.
I meant like the Stars did Brett Hull. Not that I think the GM is going to be fired…. @@@
Oh no need for @@@, Patty! I would love Trev as GM! But I think he would be an amazing coach. He’s so good with the young guys.
Amy, I’m pretty sure all the Sabres got the memo and decided to completely disregard it just like everything else we’ve asked them to do this season. Besides according to Mike Robitaille, the Ookies have nothing to worry about because the Devils are winning the cup this year!
Hi everyone! Just catching up on the thread here after an exhausting day of traveling into the city (it takes us THREE HOURS to get from our house to Morgan’s in Brooklyn!!!) and podcasting… Amy, I appreciate your sympathy about our next five games against the Rangers. With our luck, just to prolong our misery the series will go seven. :(
And Mike Robitaille is picking the Devils to win the Cup? The New Jersey Devils?
And Mike Robitaille is picking the Devils to win the Cup? The New Jersey Devils?
And he’s totally not our dumbest or craziest media guy. :)
And he’s totally not our dumbest or craziest media guy. :)
I know! That’s what was so amazing! He did kind of boil it down to how well Marty plays though.
You guys have some SERIOUSLY dumb and crazy media guys up in Buffalo. (Not that you needed me to tell you that… :P)
Harry Neal’s probably picking the Devils based on how well that Scotty Brodeur plays.
Rob actually made the most sense in that segment which is always a little concerning :-D Robi and Kevin were just determined that the team coming out of the West was going to be beat up and tired because of how the conference is bigger and stronger and Rob finally rolled his eyes and said, “Yeah, Anaheim had a real tough time rolling over Ottawa last year.”
Seriously Schnookie. And Mikey wasn’t even the one who’s been hit eight times this season by out of play pucks in his broadcasting booth. I’m surprised Rob Ray hasn’t sustained any brain damage this year. I’m sorry… I’m surprised Rob Ray hasn’t sustained anyMORE brain damage this year.
“Harry Neal’s probably picking the Devils based on how well that Scotty Brodeur plays.”
That made me laugh and snort. I’m so hot I wish I could date myself.
I’m sorry… I’m surprised Rob Ray hasn’t sustained anyMORE brain damage this year.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Yeah, Anaheim had a real tough time rolling over Ottawa last year.”
Thank god someone’s pointing that out. I get so tired of this “the EC teams only ever win the Cup because the West is TOO GOOD, and the teams get too beat up on their way to the Final” shit. Maybe the teams from the EC that have won the Cup in the last few years are just better than the WC teams that get to the SCF?