Devils @ Bruins, 03/22/09

March 22, 2009 by Pookie

PREGAME

Mood: Psyched! It’s warm and sunny out, we’re watching afternoon hockey (that isn’t on NBC, thank heavens), we’ve got plans to grill for dinner tonight… basically, it feels like playoff season. And our matchup today is a game between first and second place against a team we don’t have a lot of baggage with, so we can just sort of chillax and enjoy this one. This is like playoffs lite, and we appreciate that.

Favorite Devil: How to choose just one? We love them all so much*! For brevity’s sake we’ll pick the recently recurring three stars: Zach, Patty and Marty.

*Don’t get any grand ideas Blobby. That was a rhetorical “we love them all so much”.

Least Favorite Devil: Blobby. It’s just a matter of principle.

Sign of Spring representing our hopes for this game: One of the crocuses blooming in the front yard of stately IPB Manor.

It’s getting to be that time of year again. WOO HOO!

AFTER THE FIRST PERIOD (1-0 Boston)

Mood: Complacent. It’s that time of year for spoiled Devils fans.

Favorite Devil: Travis “Leading the League in Plus/Minus” Zajac. Yeah, yeah, it’s a deeply flawed stat… Until your guy’s leading the way!

Least Favorite Devil: Whoever it is who can’t count to five + a goalie. We’re fairly certain Blobby can’t count that high.

Sign of Spring representing this game so far: A standardized test.

Late-season Devils/Bruins games always remind us of taking AP exams and the like. We actually liked taking standardized tests — there’s something kind of wholesomely boring about them. But for all that it seems like a mundane way to pass a few hours on a Saturday when you’re a teenager, if you fuck them up, that’s your whole future down the drain. Just like this game.

AFTER THE SECOND PERIOD (4-1 Bruins)

Mood: Grumpy. Of course, since it’s just not our Devils if they’re not finding new ways to piss us off, it’s grumpiness laced with a sense of relief. The recent juggernaut version of the Devils was messing with our heads.

Favorite Devil: Andy Greene. WE KNOW! Seriously, her?

Least Favorite Devil: Blobby Fucking Holik. Now and forever.

Sign of Spring representing this game so far: Spring cleaning.

On what planet is this a good thing?

AFTER THE THIRD PERIOD (4-1 Boston Final)

Mood: Moving on. Stupid Devils.

Favorite Devil: Zach. He might never score again, but we’ll let him off the hook today for how the Bruins kept brutalizing him.

Least Favorite Devil: The penalty killers, who have completely forgotten how to play hockey lately, and all the guys who are supposed to keep the Bruins from brutalizing Zach. Blobby.

Sign of Spring representing this game: It’s skunk season again.

This game stunk.

Posted in Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Running Game Diary | 151 Comments

151 Responses

on March 22, 2009 at 3:09 pm Schnookie

Hold on — we’re giving Shanahan a “maintenance day” when we’re playing the first-place team? Um… that doesn’t sound like “maintenance” to me. :P
on March 22, 2009 at 3:10 pm Pookie

Sutter says, “And that doesn’t look like a first place team to me.”
on March 22, 2009 at 3:13 pm Schnookie

Pookie, :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on March 22, 2009 at 3:19 pm EJGRgunner

Rolston did a nice job closing off the passing lane on that Bruins’ breakaway.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:23 pm Mags

Wait, we’re 10 minutes in and no goals yet? Boo.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:26 pm Mags

(I meant that in an ironic way, but have now realised this will likely not come across over the innernets. Pardon me)
on March 22, 2009 at 3:27 pm Schnookie

I got it, Mags! I feel the same way. I’m so spoiled by the Devils this year. I’m totally like, “WE GOT 45 SECONDS INTO THIS GAME AND AREN’T UP 1-0 YET???? WHAT GIVES, DEVILS???”
on March 22, 2009 at 3:32 pm EJGRgunner

1. I’m starting to take a strong dislike to Havelid. He never seems to know what to do with a puck in the offensive end.

2. How could we them fly into the zone like that with 6 men on the ice. This is a game that’s making me miss the hell out of Stevens. He’d hip check Holik for his shitty play.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:33 pm Mags

SHIT.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:33 pm EJGRgunner

Beww. Buuu. Bugh.

I’m out of practice.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:33 pm KG

I hate when teams take too many men on the ice penalties. It’s the stupidest penalty to take. For real you guys don’t know how to count?! I think maybe they need to have a lesson in counting with M and Ms.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:34 pm Schnookie

This suddenly sucks! WHAT THE HELL?

And yeah, EJGRgunner, I agree. Havelid is NOT turning out to be the trade deadline savior I was hoping for. He’s going to lose his “Iron” if he keeps this up, after losing his “Macho” already.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:34 pm Pookie

Beww. Buuu. Bugh.

I’m out of practice.

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

I think maybe they need to have a lesson in counting with M and Ms.

Except Travis. He’s not allowed to handle sugar.

Poor Paulie. He deserves less traitorous skates.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:35 pm Schnookie

I think maybe they need to have a lesson in counting with M and Ms.

Travis is like, “Could it be acorns or macrame instead? Candy makes me nervous.”
on March 22, 2009 at 3:35 pm Pookie

My plan had been to give Havelid some time, but fuck it. He sucks. We want Leach! We want Leach! OK, really, we want Whitey back! We want Whitey back!
on March 22, 2009 at 3:38 pm KG

Okay for Travis’ sake we’ll give out acorns instead of M and Ms.

The whole sugar thing made me think: I imagine Zach’s the one guy at the team parties that is always drinking soda or punch or something and everyone tries to pour some liquor into his drink without him knowing it to try to get him drunk. He’s probably pretty funny drunk…or scary. One of the two.

Okay that’s my story for today.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:41 pm Pookie

Scary. Or weepy.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:41 pm EJGRgunner

You guys see Travis bit in SI this week? Someone needs to teach him that Jessica Simpson = do not touch.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:43 pm Schnookie

Someone needs to teach him that Jessica Simpson = do not touch.

I KNOW! I was horrified when I saw that. And more than that, of all the foxy celebrities in the world, the best he could come up with was Jessica Simpson? What kind of a dullard is he?
on March 22, 2009 at 3:44 pm EJGRgunner

I’ve got the NESN broadcast on Gamecenter. Their locker room reporter is seriously crushing on Marty during this interview.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:45 pm Amy

I love the color of that crocus. It’s so springy!

I imagine Zach’s the one guy at the team parties that is always drinking soda or punch or something and everyone tries to pour some liquor into his drink without him knowing it to try to get him drunk.

Staffy: Welcome to our college years.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:45 pm KG

Well who wouldn’t be crushing on Marty? :P
on March 22, 2009 at 3:46 pm EJGRgunner

In Travis’ defense, it’s better than Daniel Murphy saying Amanda Bynes. I get the whole “blue collar, working stiff, drive a Honda Civic, eat-drink-sleep-hitting thing” but picking the Honda Civic of celebrity crushes is going a bit far.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:48 pm KG

Where is this article on Travis?! :(
on March 22, 2009 at 3:54 pm alix

But Travis is such a pretty dullard! I love how he said he’d move The Bachelor to Winnipeg. And he knows he says you know too much. :) So precious.

So, me and Lui are in a fight after his After Hours interview. Does this sound kind of douchey for your captain to say? Or am I just being over sensitive?

he went off the “We are all Canucks” script when asked whether being captain will influence his decision to sign an extension.

“I don’t think so. That’s not something that’s going to weigh on my decision,” Luongo said.

“I think first and foremost, I want to win the Cup and whichever team is going to give me the best chance to do that is the team I want to be with,” Luongo said. “I love Vancouver, it’s a great city with great fans. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my time there. Obviously, this year and next year are going to be a key role in my decision.”
on March 22, 2009 at 3:54 pm EJGRgunner

He was one of the guys for the Pop Culture Grid. Same page as “Game Plan” and a “Hot Tip From… Jason Segel.”
on March 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm Pookie

KG, the Pop Culture Grid with Zajac is HERE.

alix, that does sound a little douchey. Honesty isn’t always the best policy, Lui! :D

picking the Honda Civic of celebrity crushes is going a bit far.

Heh. Good point.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm alix

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/03/18/pop.culture.grid/index.html

Here you go KG.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm EJGRgunner

You’ve got to give Luongo a break. He’s got Post Florida Panther Syndrome. That s%&* would turn even Steve Yzerman into a Cup-hungry mercenary.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:58 pm EJGRgunner

Boo.

Damnit, this is not a skill I wanted to relearn.
on March 22, 2009 at 3:59 pm KG

Noooo. Travis is going to be a minus now. :(

And thanks for the links. :)
on March 22, 2009 at 3:59 pm Schnookie

but picking the Honda Civic of celebrity crushes is going a bit far.

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

And I’m not very impressed by Luongo with those quotes. That sounds pretty assy to me. I mean, we all know he’s THINKING it, but he doesn’t have to SAY it.

And poop.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:00 pm Schnookie

What a relief that the Devils still know how to be stupid. I was starting to worry that they’d forgotten.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:01 pm EJGRgunner

Sutter needs to send Gionta out to kneecap Chara for that nonsense.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:02 pm Schnookie

Okay, blender + ice + Absolut Citron + limoncello + lemon sorbet = me being HUGELY mellow about this game. Mmmmmm….
on March 22, 2009 at 4:02 pm alix

Oops. Pookie beat me!

Yeah, I think Lui might need some media training. He’s a leeeetle too honest for hockey mad Vancouver. :D

Sigh. It just kind of annoys me because Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler and other guys have talked openly about wanting to take less money here to be part of a Championship team and I know they’re not a top 3 goalie or anything but still. You kind of want your captain and highest paid player to be on board too. *whispers* He hasn’t even been that good this season.

I guess it’s good Gillis hasn’t traded Cory Schneider yet. Just in case.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:03 pm KG

I think Zach should play without his helmet more often…He’s very cute without it on.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:03 pm Schnookie

Sutter needs to send Gionta out to kneecap Chara for that nonsense.

What’s Gio thinking, not going after Chara himself? Why does he need Sutter to tell him to? He never USED to have any problem going after Chara.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:04 pm Amy

Eesh, he might not have meant it how it reads, but Lui’s sounding kind of douchy. It would have been one thing if he made those comments after the drama that was last season, but this year, the Canucks are good. It doesn’t add up.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:05 pm Schnookie

Have I mentioned in the last five minutes how much I hate Blobby?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:05 pm Pookie

OK fine! They look like a first place team! Sheesh!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
on March 22, 2009 at 4:06 pm Schnookie

Sutter’s going to bench Blobby now, right? (And do the Devils even practice the PK anymore?)
on March 22, 2009 at 4:06 pm alix

You’ve got to give Luongo a break. He’s got Post Florida Panther Syndrome. That s%&* would turn even Steve Yzerman into a Cup-hungry mercenary.

HA!

That sounds pretty assy to me. I mean, we all know he’s THINKING it, but he doesn’t have to SAY it.

Thank you! I just…I love Lui. But these comments recently have not impressed me.

Mmmmmm. That drink sounds amazing!
on March 22, 2009 at 4:10 pm alix

Amy, agreed.

It’s nice to hear that I’m not just a crazy insecure Canucks fan. Well…I am. But you know :)
on March 22, 2009 at 4:11 pm Schnookie

What is Chico talking about? He thinks the Devils can come back in this? What, is he expecting the Bruins to start shooting into their own net or something? (That’s the thing about games called by Steve instead of Doc. I would TOTALLY believe the Bruins are capable of blowing this game, since I’ve seen them do it plenty of times recently, but Steve just makes me feel like the team is sleepwalking.)
on March 22, 2009 at 4:13 pm EJGRgunner

Damn Elias looks somebody said something about his mother. And why the hell is Patty the guy who’s stepping up and throwing his body around to fire us up? Isn’t that Rupp/Blobby/Clarkson’s job?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:17 pm Pookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! We want Greene! We want Greene!
on March 22, 2009 at 4:18 pm KG

Andry Greene?! What is this?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:19 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was the response at stately IPB Manor:

[Stunned silence]

Pookie: Was that ANDY GREENE????

Steve: [On the TV, after a loooooong pause] “Andy Greene!???”

AndyGreeneNation, wherever it may be, is feeling very smug right now.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:20 pm Schnookie

Isn’t that Rupp/Blobby/Clarkson’s job?

Well, if the world was being run the way I want it run, Blobby would have his sorry ass stapled to the bench for the rest of the game, so Patty might have to pick up some of the slack. :P
on March 22, 2009 at 4:21 pm EJGRgunner

I was just looking over Luongo’s stats… you realize he’s only ever played in the playoffs once. In ten years. I’m surprised he’s not babbling like a loon.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:23 pm KG

Zach you gotta hit the net. You know the big rectangular shaped thing with a big guy in front trying to cover it?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:24 pm Schnookie

Zach’s never going to score again. :(
on March 22, 2009 at 4:25 pm Schnookie

Oh for FUCK’S SAKE.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm KG

Time to pull Marty?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm EJGRgunner

*cough*soft goal*cough*
on March 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm Schnookie

You know things are bad when Chico doesn’t insist on watching 10,000 replays before admitting Marty just gave up a bad goal.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm KG

Oh my god Zach! NOOOOOO!
on March 22, 2009 at 4:27 pm Pookie

Listen, Milan, you know I love you and all, but really you did NOT need to score a goal today.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:29 pm EJGRgunner

That’s it. I’m ready to scrap trying to win in favor of bloodying the Bruins. That’s twice they’ve taken liberties with Zach. Not even Lyle Odelein would have let that go.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:30 pm KG

Since Zach is never going to score again someone else needs to step up….Paulie? You up for it? Or do we need to go to Travis?
on March 22, 2009 at 4:31 pm Schnookie

I’m ready to scrap trying to win in favor of bloodying the Bruins. That’s twice they’ve taken liberties with Zach.

Yeah, no kidding.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:34 pm Schnookie

Milan seems like such a smart young man. :P
on March 22, 2009 at 4:38 pm EJGRgunner

Man I miss Stevens. He would have Savard counting his teeth after the crap Chara pulled.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:42 pm Schnookie

Watching this intermission, I have to say that I can’t imagine anything more boring than having to listen to Bruce Driver all day.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:43 pm Pookie

Could Driver be writing in smaller font?!
on March 22, 2009 at 4:45 pm alix

Milan seems like such a smart young man. :P

Awww. What did he do? Heh.
on March 22, 2009 at 4:48 pm Schnookie

Awww. What did he do? Heh.

He just sounded earnestly dim in his interview. :D
on March 22, 2009 at 4:50 pm alix

Awwww. What a dear. :D
on March 22, 2009 at 5:00 pm Amy

What did Chara do to Zach?
on March 22, 2009 at 5:04 pm EJGRgunner

What did Chara do to Zach? Let’s just say it’s illegal in 32 states. And it’s illegal to say it out loud in this one.

Side note: that me be the first time all season I’m glad Bobby was out there.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:07 pm Amy

Let’s just say it’s illegal in 32 states. And it’s illegal to say it out loud in this one.

Yikes. Poor Zach!
on March 22, 2009 at 5:08 pm EJGRgunner

Parise. Gionta. Chara always goes after the little-boy-shaped ones. His new name is PedoBruin.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:18 pm Schnookie

Chara always goes after the little-boy-shaped ones. His new name is PedoBruin.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: To be fair to Chara, all of them are little-boy-shaped compared to him.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:19 pm Schnookie

The Bruins fans are singing “Na-Na Goodbye”? Did they learn NOTHING from Habs fans last year?
on March 22, 2009 at 5:20 pm Amy

Maybe Chara thinks that all the little guys will fight back like Derek Roy does?
on March 22, 2009 at 5:22 pm KG

Zach doesn’t look too good….I hope he’s okay.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:22 pm EJGRgunner

It’s been a long time since I’ve had someone to hate as much as Hatcher. For that, PedoBruin, I thank you.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:22 pm alix

Karma’s a bitch, Bruins fans! Careful!
on March 22, 2009 at 5:32 pm Pookie

That game BLEW! Well, here’s hoping they saved their good game for tomorrow night.
on March 22, 2009 at 5:54 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Sorry about the game! I’ve been so obsessed about teams that are fighting with us for 8th in the West, I totally didn’t notice it.

If I had watched it, it probably would have been 10 times worse. I have that effect, it seems.
on March 22, 2009 at 6:00 pm Schnookie

Thanks, Patty. It really wasn’t that bad (I mean it was, but you know what I mean) because there’s no extra baggage. Losing to the Bruins is just a loss. It’s not like losing to the Rangers or anything. Which is kind of my primary focus these days, as we seem to be on a collision course with them in the first round again. Just shoot me now.
on March 22, 2009 at 6:03 pm Mags

If I had watched it, it probably would have been 10 times worse. I have that effect, it seems.

Don’t beat yourself up, I don’t think anyone could have done something about today’s game. Apart from the Devils themselves.

Let’s just see if Phoenix can knock off Anaheim today. Last time they played, Getzlaf tried to re-concuss Mueller. I’m still bitter about that.
on March 22, 2009 at 9:20 pm Douglas

The best thing about today’s game, aside from the play resulting in Greene’s goal, and Clarkson’s toppling a Bruin like a 10 pin, so that he would slide into Thomas, was your picture of the skunks. Nice photo!
on March 22, 2009 at 9:23 pm Schnookie

Thanks, Douglas! We stole it from the interwebs! :D
on March 23, 2009 at 10:00 am Schnookie

Good morning, everyone! How are we all doing on this lovely Monday? I hope better than I am — my office switched over to Outlook during the weekend and I’m now trying to decide how long it’s going to take this dumb calendar system to kill me. I’m giving it a week.

And that’s my story.
on March 23, 2009 at 10:13 am Grrrreg

Sorry about that Schnookie…

How are we all doing on this lovely Monday?

So far so good: the habs are still undefeated this week! WOOOOOOO!

And most importantly, it’s the start of the Superleague semifinals series! Briiing it on, andrew!
on March 23, 2009 at 10:34 am Schnookie

Oooh, right! AmazingLeague semifinals! I can’t check it here at work, but last I looked, it appeared I was going to be bulldozing the Soldering Iron Boars this week. The TinTats are a mighty regular-season champion, ready to start pounding the snot out of opponents in the playoffs too. Those champagne sprinklers in the dressing room are going to get some use yet! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

the habs are still undefeated this week! WOOOOOOO!

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I have a feeling the turnaround starts THIS WEEK. :D
on March 23, 2009 at 10:37 am Meg

my office switched over to Outlook during the weekend and I’m now trying to decide how long it’s going to take this dumb calendar system to kill me. I’m giving it a week

Ouch, that sucks. Outlook is kind of whacky at first but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. If I can do it (sort of) you can do it!
on March 23, 2009 at 10:39 am Amy

So far so good: the habs are still undefeated this week!

So are the Sabres. You know what they say, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. This is the single step. It’s the second one that both teams seem to have trouble with.

And The Little Honkers are playing The Mutinous Peons for 5th place in the Amazing League. The Honkers got their ass kicked last week by Myra’s team (thanks to Marty, no less.)
on March 23, 2009 at 10:48 am Schnookie

Outlook is kind of whacky at first but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. If I can do it (sort of) you can do it!

Quit it with the positive thinking, Meg! :P (Basically what’s going to kill me is that it drops appointments off people’s calendars when they decline the invitation. So now all the recurring meetings I’ve set up for my department for the entire year are all screwed up now that they’ve migrated, and none of them have complete invite lists in them anymore. I am NOT happy about having to reconstruct the last four months of work I’ve done, scheduling-wise.)

This is the single step. It’s the second one that both teams seem to have trouble with.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on March 23, 2009 at 11:22 am Amy

I am NOT happy about having to reconstruct the last four months of work I’ve done, scheduling-wise.

Ick. That’s got to suck.

And TSN is reporting that the owner of the Habs is investigating the idea of selling them.
on March 23, 2009 at 11:38 am Mike in Idaho

Good morning everyone! I am feeling panicky about the Devils now, by my count there were two soft goals allowed yesterday and I had flashbacks to bad goals allowed in playoffs past. Am I alone in saying that Weekes should start tonight (although I’m sure he won’t)?
Also, can I apply to be in your fantasy league next year? I’m sure there are extensive background checks and stuff but I assure you the charges of me spray painting bad words on Gomez’s locker in the MSG locker room are mostly unfounded.
on March 23, 2009 at 11:45 am Patty (in Dallas)

Just like the Stars, the Paddleball Gamers are already thinking about next year. They came in 12th in the regular seasons, and it looks like they’re about to come in 12 in the playoffs. (The Paddlers, not the Stars.)
on March 23, 2009 at 11:46 am Patty (in Dallas)

the charges of me spray painting bad words on Gomez’s locker in the MSG locker room are mostly unfounded.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on March 23, 2009 at 11:54 am Meg

I’m sure there are extensive background checks and stuff but I assure you the charges of me spray painting bad words on Gomez’s locker in the MSG locker room are mostly unfounded.

Ah, too bad.
on March 23, 2009 at 11:55 am Amy

I assure you the charges of me spray painting bad words on Gomez’s locker in the MSG locker room are mostly unfounded.

Nah, that was either Sabres fans po’d about the Crunchy injury, or Sabres fans aiming for Drury’s locker and missing. We’re the classless ones, remember. :)

And Crunchy took a full practice in his very own little net today! Lalime and Tellqvist shared the other net. I’m Crunchydoodling over here.
on March 23, 2009 at 11:59 am Schnookie

Mike, I wouldn’t panic. Marty’s not Clemmer, remember. He normally follows his really crappy games with solid bounce-backs. And he’s ALWAYS up for Philly. :D

If you’re not the one who spray-painted those bad words on Gomer’s locker, then I’m afraid you’re not going to pass the Super/AmazingLeague background checks. We only take on the most unruly of the riff-raff.

Amy, that’s AWESOME news about Crunchy! WOO HOOO!!! *Throws skinny hipster confetti in the air*
on March 23, 2009 at 12:52 pm mcguffers

So far so good: the habs are still undefeated this week! WOOOOOOO!

It’s that kind of optimism that makes me question whether you’re a true Habs fan, Grrrreg!

And speaking of optimism, is it sad that even after losing to the Leafs, and the Rangers, and everyone else, I still have hope that they’ll turn around? Well then I read some headline on WGR that says “Habs for Sale.” Jeebis hockey gods!! WTF?? DID I RUN OVER YOUR EFFING DOG?
on March 23, 2009 at 12:56 pm Schnookie

Jeebis hockey gods!! WTF?? DID I RUN OVER YOUR EFFING DOG?

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I think the problem might just be the hanging out with us. IPB teams seems to ALWAYS do terribly. :P

(And really? You still have hope? That’s hilariously adorable. :P)
on March 23, 2009 at 12:59 pm Mike in Idaho

If you’re not the one who spray-painted those bad words on Gomer’s locker, then I’m afraid you’re not going to pass the Super/AmazingLeague background checks. We only take on the most unruly of the riff-raff.

mostly unfounded.

I may have painted the finishing k on a certain word on his locker. It rhymes with duck.
on March 23, 2009 at 1:01 pm Schnookie

I may have painted the finishing k on a certain word on his locker. It rhymes with duck.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Well, in that case, you’re in!
on March 23, 2009 at 1:09 pm mcguffers

And really? You still have hope? That’s hilariously adorable. :P

I know, right? I’ve GOT to stop going to Pommer’s “pharmacist.”

I may have painted the finishing k on a certain word on his locker. It rhymes with duck.

I just got a mental picture of Gomez coming in to find his locker spray-painted “Chuck the Duck was here.”
on March 23, 2009 at 1:12 pm Schnookie

I just got a mental picture of Gomez coming in to find his locker spray-painted “Chuck the Duck was here.”

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: That would be the worst thing imaginable. Gomez would break down in tears, “Damn the Devils, for becoming fun the instant I left them. DAMN THEM! Life is so cruel!”
on March 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm mcguffers

Gomez would break down in tears, “Damn the Devils, for becoming fun the instant I left them. DAMN THEM! Life is so cruel!”

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

Gomez: “For years I suggested a team curling event. ‘No, Scott, that’s lame! No one curls, Scott. What would we even wear, Scott?’ Well screw them! Screw them to heck!”
on March 23, 2009 at 1:44 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I wonder if it ever occurred to Scott that it might be him.
on March 23, 2009 at 1:52 pm Schnookie

“For years I suggested a team curling event. ‘No, Scott, that’s lame! No one curls, Scott. What would we even wear, Scott?’ Well screw them! Screw them to heck!”

AAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That’s so how it played out.

I wonder if it ever occurred to Scott that it might be him.

Heh. Yeah. All those years he thought he was the one coach-killing. Turns out it was the Devils organization doing the Gomez-killing.
on March 23, 2009 at 2:05 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Remember the other night when I thought Razor was trying to be dirty? The midday dork on the radio noticed it and now they’re playing it!

(He’s the guy that does the Things that Sound Dirty But Probably Weren’t Intended to Be bit.)

I’m so smart.
on March 23, 2009 at 2:35 pm Grrrreg

And speaking of optimism, is it sad that even after losing to the Leafs, and the Rangers, and everyone else, I still have hope that they’ll turn around?

I’m completely lost. Yesterday, I wrote a post proclaiming the death of my last hopes to see the habs salvage their season, and this morning, I inexplicably woke up brimming with optimism. I don’t know what’s wrong with me…
on March 23, 2009 at 2:38 pm alix

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

There’s nothing wrong with you! You’re just a wheaty bitch! Unfortunately you’re in the bad phase of being a wheaty bitch.

Buy the shirt! Comes in large and medium and small.
on March 23, 2009 at 2:46 pm Amy

All those years he thought he was the one coach-killing.

It did take him a year-and-a-half to get Renney canned. He must be losing his touch.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:01 pm Schnookie

Unfortunately you’re in the bad phase of being a wheaty bitch.

At least it’s the phase that proves your wheatiness. I mean, it’s easy to be wheaty when the going’s good… :D

It did take him a year-and-a-half to get Renney canned. He must be losing his touch.

Yeah, I hope he went home every night, stared forlornly into the mirror, and thought to himself, “What’s WRONG with you, man? You’ve killed coaches that were far more man than Renney! Man, how I wish I’d never left the safe, easy-to-coach-kill confines of the Devils organization. It’s a lot harder out here all alone in the world…”
on March 23, 2009 at 3:14 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Maybe we should all meet in Vegas for the NHL Awards! Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

The only problem is, I feel sure I’m not going to like most of the winners. :D
on March 23, 2009 at 3:19 pm Schnookie

The only problem is, I feel sure I’m not going to like most of the winners. :D

My other problem is that I feel sure I’m not going to like Vegas either.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:29 pm mcguffers

The only problem is, I feel sure I’m not going to like most of the winners. :D

I’d be hard pressed to call any NHL player a winner this season :D Except Our Lord and Savior Marty Brodeur of course

My other problem is that I feel sure I’m not going to like Vegas either.

it’s the only place they could find that was flashier and more obnoxious than Ovie.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:29 pm Meg

My other problem is that I feel sure I’m not going to like Vegas either.

Hee, it’s true, isn’t it? I’ve been to Vegas in June before (for about a day, anyway) and once was more than enough for me. I mean, it wouldn’t have been my thing without the heat. But with the heat?
on March 23, 2009 at 3:32 pm Schnookie

Except Our Lord and Savior Marty Brodeur of course

Well, of course. And Zach. Don’t forget Zach! :P

I mean, it wouldn’t have been my thing without the heat. But with the heat?

The heat I can handle, but just the Vegasness of it… *shudder*
on March 23, 2009 at 3:34 pm alix

Well I guess I’m a weirdo. Heh. I’m going to Vegas in October with my family. I’m so excited! I’m going to come back with a crippling gambling addiction and retrace Hunter S. Thompson’s steps in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. (Maybe not with the ether though) It’s going to be great! Maybe I’ll even take a picture with the real Celine Dion and sent it to Calgary Celine Dion.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:35 pm Meg

The heat I can handle, but just the Vegasness of it… *shudder*

It gets over 90 degrees and I’m completely convinced I’m going to melt into a puddle on the sidewalk. And then, of course, places like Vegas everything is air-conditioned so it’s like 60 degrees and I just get all confused.

It’s a good thing I live in the northeast, because I’m incredibly whiney when I’m hot.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:35 pm Amy

I’ve never been to Vegas (heck, I’ve never been on a plane), but I do want to go someday. It’s not so much the gambling, but just to walk around and take in the sights and human freakshow that is Vegas. And maybe take a trip to Hoover Dam.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:36 pm Schnookie

Maybe I’ll even take a picture with the real Celine Dion and sent it to Calgary Celine Dion.

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

And I’m sure you and your family will have a great time, alix! That’s so cute that you’re all going together! Just ignore my aversion to all things Vegasy; I’m a Devils fan — I clearly don’t enjoy having fun. :P
on March 23, 2009 at 3:36 pm alix

I’d be hard pressed to call any NHL player a winner this season :D Except Our Lord and Savior Marty Brodeur of course

And Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler! And Mats Daddy. Imagine that paycheque for 6 months of work. :D
on March 23, 2009 at 3:37 pm Schnookie

It’s a good thing I live in the northeast, because I’m incredibly whiney when I’m hot.

Hee! I’m actually the same way, so it’s really hard for me to figure why I didn’t mind living in the desert. I mean, eventually I got tired of it, but I guess it’s just that I’m whiney when it’s hot and humid. Plain old hot doesn’t bug me as much.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:39 pm Meg

Well I guess I’m a weirdo. Heh. I’m going to Vegas in October with my family. I’m so excited!

I think most people do like Vegas, Alix. So you’re not such a weirdo. And seeing the casinos is interesting (in a kind of appalling conspicuous consumption way). I think my problem is a) gambling makes me totally anxious so I wouldn’t do it b) I’m a snob who lives in New York so the entertainment isn’t really a draw for me and c) I don’t really like shopping.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:43 pm alix

That’s so cute that you’re all going together! Just ignore my aversion to all things Vegasy; I’m a Devils fan — I clearly don’t enjoy having fun. :P

Yeah, my family is pretty rad. :D We’re possibly driving to Palm Spings also and staying at my cousins place down there. Maybe I’ll just hope over to Tampa and stalk Vinny for a while :D “Oooooh hey, Vinny. I’m totes cousins with James Wright. What? You don’t know who that is yet? Oh Vinny. You’re such a tease”

You Devils fans are illergic to fun! I mean you don’t even think Ovie can cure cancer with his goal celebrations! Psssssh.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:46 pm alix

I think my problem is a) gambling makes me totally anxious so I wouldn’t do it b) I’m a snob who lives in New York so the entertainment isn’t really a draw for me and c) I don’t really like shopping.

Ahhhh. That makes sense, Meg. I’m totally a shallow materialistic hoe bag, so I’m sure I’ll love it. :D

But I do think it’s probably going to be one of those places that I enjoy seeing once but wouldn’t want to go back there.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:49 pm Schnookie

“Oooooh hey, Vinny. I’m totes cousins with James Wright. What? You don’t know who that is yet? Oh Vinny. You’re such a tease”

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Vinny’s incorrigible. :P

(I should totally suggest Ovie’s goal celebrations to my coworkers in Oncology, by the way. I can’t believe they haven’t thought of that yet!)

And I have the same aversions to Vegas as Meg does. I went to a casino once when I was out in Arizona, and after about 10 seconds there, I was like, “I can now say I’ve had this life experience. I think we can leave now.” But it’s a good life experience to have, right? :D
on March 23, 2009 at 3:50 pm Amy

I’m totally a shallow materialistic hoe bag,

I’ll join you with that label. I’ve already started looking at what Tiffany silver necklace the ‘rents are going to buy me while they’re in Vegas.

I’d also be excited about Vegas because of all the nice restaurants. Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck and Emeril all have restaurants there.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:51 pm Meg

I once won $35 dollars at Casino Niagara playing blackjack. It was a family trip type thing and my father gave me $50 and told me that he wanted 20% of my winnings and expected at least $30 back. So I was very, very cautious about not losing any money. And that is the sum total of my gambling experience.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:54 pm alix

I’ll join you with that label. I’ve already started looking at what Tiffany silver necklace the ‘rents are going to buy me while they’re in Vegas.

*High Five* Amy!

I’d also be excited about Vegas because of all the nice restaurants. Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck and Emeril all have restaurants there.

Ooooh I hadn’t even thought of resteraunts. Good call.
on March 23, 2009 at 3:58 pm Schnookie

And that is the sum total of my gambling experience.

You did better than I did, Meg! I took a $20 to the casino with me and might as well have just lit it on fire with the cigarette lighter in my car to save myself the trip. It was gone in a blink of an eye. I don’t even remember now what I lost it on. Pookie broke even, though. She’s quite a gifted blackjack player. Or was, until she figured out the rules. :P
on March 23, 2009 at 4:21 pm mcguffers

alix, your trip sounds like it’ll be a blast! Of course any trip sounds awesome when it ends with physically invading Vinny :)

One time, while I was in Niagara Falls, I was playing the slot machines. I promised myself to only play with $20. With $2.50 left I found a machine called “White Lightening” which is one of my 30 knick names. I ended up winning $25.00. I refuse to play anymore cause I’d rather keep my perfect winning record. That’s my story.
on March 23, 2009 at 4:28 pm Schnookie

mcguffers, I am not at all surprised that “White Lightning” paid out. I mean, that was the name of Paulie Martin’s car in college! (Seriously. It was apparently some kind of boat of a grandpa car or something like that. And it was white.)

And I think preserving the lifetime winning streak as a gambler is a really good idea. :D
on March 23, 2009 at 4:31 pm mcguffers

I mean, that was the name of Paulie Martin’s car in college! (Seriously. It was apparently some kind of boat of a grandpa car or something like that. And it was white.)

That rocks my socks!! I think I love Paulie Martin now!

Ooh, I just realized… *sing song* Someone’s on Blersus tonight!
on March 23, 2009 at 4:32 pm Grrrreg

How the hell do you know the name of Paulie’s college car?
on March 23, 2009 at 4:36 pm alix

alix, your trip sounds like it’ll be a blast! Of course any trip sounds awesome when it ends with physically invading Vinny :)

Hee! So true!

Oh my gosh. Paulie and Travis just continue to have a head 2 head duel for alix’s favourite Devil.

How do I chooooose? How?

Wow. Taylor Pyatt is top 10 on Martle’s defensive forward leaders. Huh. He has looked good on the PK recently, but I had no idea he was having such a good season.
on March 23, 2009 at 4:36 pm Schnookie

That rocks my socks!! I think I love Paulie Martin now!

Ooh, I just realized… *sing song* Someone’s on Blersus tonight!

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: You can bask in your newfound connection to Paulie! :D

And how do we know the name of Paulie college car? You have to ask, Grrrreg? Why, because Pookie’s a reference librarian, of course! (Seriously, she uses favorite hockey players as her measure of new search technologies, because she knows a lot about them. So she can tell when a new technology is working if it pulls up new info she didn’t have before. So it’s all work-related, you see… :P)
on March 23, 2009 at 4:37 pm Schnookie

How do I chooooose? How?

Hee! It’s not easy, I know. :D
on March 23, 2009 at 4:37 pm alix

Heh! It`s the Ookies! They know all known silly facts about the Devils. :)
on March 23, 2009 at 4:44 pm Grrrreg

Yeah. It never stops to amaze me!
on March 23, 2009 at 4:50 pm Schnookie

Hey, you need to know stuff like “had a car named ‘White Lightning’ in college” when you’re trying to pick your favorite player/hockey boyfried! I mean, the Devils are stacked right now with all kinds of tasty options. It’s like college admissions — you can’t just have good grades and hope to get in. No, you have to have that extra something special. :P
on March 23, 2009 at 4:58 pm alix

It’s like college admissions — you can’t just have good grades and hope to get in. No, you have to have that extra something special. :P

Hee! Maybe if/when Matty leaves I`ll make the Canucks fill out applications for the Humming Giraffe`s college of Hockey Boyfriends.
on March 23, 2009 at 5:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’m not a huge fan of Vegas, but I did enjoy my first trip there. It’s been so long ago, though, that it’s totally different now.

I once one $300 at the slots in Shreveport and I insisted that machine give it all to me in dollar coins. Then I struggled to carry two cups overflowing with all my winnings all over the casino looking for my friends so that I could show it to them. :D

I did the smart thing and stopped there, then I ended up having to buy everybody breakfast when we left to drive home the next morning, because I was the only one that came out ahead.
on March 23, 2009 at 5:08 pm Patty (in Dallas)

And I’d LOVE to see Hoover Dam. I missed that when I went before.

Hey, alix, don’t forget to ride the roller coaster on top of the 20-story building!
on March 23, 2009 at 5:12 pm alix

Oooooh thanks, Patty! I freakin ADORE roller coasters! The crazier the better!
on March 23, 2009 at 5:21 pm mcguffers

Once my hockey boyfriends started dropping like flies to injuries, I’ve maintained hockey celibacy to insure their health. Of course now everyone sucks, so maybe they were heartbroken from the break up.
on March 23, 2009 at 5:35 pm Pookie

Hey, everyone! I just got back from an all-day training session at Daddy Warbucks’s house! Seriously! It was at the building where Annie was filmed! Wild, right?

Why, because Pookie’s a reference librarian, of course!

I’m going to start including “and you can find out the nickname of your favorite hockey player’s college car” to my hard-sell of the library archived newspapers databases. Your library card holds treasures beyond belief!
on March 23, 2009 at 5:48 pm Mike in Idaho

I’m not a huge fan of Vegas, but I did enjoy my first trip there. It’s been so long ago, though, that it’s totally different now.

I don’t like Vegas anymore either and I have been there several times. I first went back in 1992 and there was still cheap food to be found and it was crowded but not horribly so. I went in ’05 and the cheap food was gone, show tickets had climbed into the $100s (had to spend $150 each to see Cirque Du Soleil’s new show) and it was ridiculously crowded. It’s something everyone should do at least once though, have fun Alix!
on March 23, 2009 at 6:39 pm Sherry

That crocus is gorgeous! Spring has sprung! And I have a new leather jacket to prove it.

Miss you, IPB!
on March 23, 2009 at 6:49 pm Pookie

Oh, suuuuuuuure. Just waltz on through the day you eliminate me from the Superleague Playoffs! :PPPPPPPPPPP
on March 23, 2009 at 6:50 pm mcguffers

It was at the building where Annie was filmed! Wild, right?

I completely would have started singing and dancing up and down the staircase. No doubt I would have been escorted out and most likely fired, but it’d be worth it. Definately.