We’ve been feeling for the last 48 hours somewhat disconnected from our peers in the Diablogosphere because, well, we’re not stunned and horrified by what happened to the Devils in Game 7 against Carolina. Sure, there’s no question it’s a terrible and humiliating loss, but it’s also completely in character for the Devils. If it was at all uncharacteristic, we’d be feeling like we were punched in the gut, but since it’s not, we’re feeling a lot more like it’s something you just shrug your shoulders at and maybe roll your eyes.
Now, we’re sure there aren’t statbits to back this up, but our tra-la-la-feelingsbits about the last three-plus seasons have been that the Devils are simply terrible at closing things out. It is not uncommon to see them give up a late lead. In the seminal “blown late lead” Carolina/Jersey playoff game, Game 2 in 2006, we chorused afterwards, when a national television commentator asked, “Who saw this coming?”, “WE DID!” It is not uncommon to see them wilt down the stretch after a powerhouse January and February. When Claude Julien was fired with three games left in the season in 2007, we weren’t stunned — nope, that’s just the Devils. Not the coach-killing (well, yes the coach-killing), but the late-season craptitude. It is not uncommon in the Sutter Era to see the Devils stop pressing late in a game when they have a one- or two-goal deficit as soon as they pull the goalie for the extra attacker. In the moments when they should have the most advantage in the clutch, they disappear. Basically, the character of the New Jersey Devils over at least the last three seasons is that they are not closers.
So when they couldn’t get a two-goal lead in the third period on Tuesday, we knew, as seasoned Devils-watchers, that every minute that ticked off the clock was just getting us that much closer to a more legendarily colossal collapse. And now that’s back-to-back playoff years that have concluded with Lou saying it’s the worst loss he’s ever seen the franchise suffer. Last year it was a complete failure against our hated rival, this year it was 80 seconds of suck. So what do we need to change all this? What is the key to making this franchise into a finisher, or, better yet, a winner again?
Is it a new coach?
New captain?
New players in the place of departing graybearded free agents?
Or maybe just a motivational speaker? (NSFW)
If this isn’t what the Devils’ exit interviews play out like this year, maybe it’s time to get a new GM, too.
I think what the Devs need is a little fear, fear of the kids in the minors pushing them for roster spots. I remember when Lou traded Odelin. He said Colin White basically played Odelin out of the lineup. We haven’t anybody in the minors do anything like that in years. Sure Corrente was touted, but he never had a shot at a top pairing. We need guys who can scare the vets into working their ass of and proving their worth. Blobby never got his shit together because he didn’t have to for 6 months. You think Gionta ever thought “Man, if I don’t pick it up, they’re gonna give my spot away?” We need a little more competition for every spot, and I think we need to use the kids they keep drafting. I’d much rather watch the Devils screw up because they’re young and don’t know better than watch them fall apart because they know better but don’t seem to muster up enough desperation.
I was hoping that for the Habs exit interviews Gillett and Gainey brought the guys in a room and said, “We were budgeting for you guys to make it to at least the second round. Now Celine Dion’s husband might be your new owner. You want ‘My Heart Will Go On’ as your new goal song? Nice job, ass clowns.”
Couldn’t agree more with sentiment that the loss was to be expected from this group. Leading up to the game I really thought they were going to win, but then sitting in 232 for the final period it was like waiting for the other shoe to drop. That being said, it is a really weird feeling not having another Devils game to watch for the next few months.
Oh my god. I just finished reading comments from TG’s blog on the latest post about Zach saying he’s tired of losing. Some of those comments are just idiotic. I know Zach is tired of losing, but why do people seem to think that he’s going to go to the Rangers because he wants to win? I don’t know about anyone else, but I thoroughly believe Zach wants to remain a Devil, he’s given a shot every year to win and he’s still young with plenty of chances left to win. What are your guys’ thoughts? Think Zach will stay with us when his contracts expires (in what like two years or something like that?)?
Also, I’m appalled with Chelios making the final three finalists in the Masterton Trophy award. It’s getting ridiculous, so what, the guy is old. Teppo came back from heart surgery. Now Zednik deserves this trophy above everyone but Chelios over Teppo? What the hell is up with that?
Oh yeah, and I’m excited about Travis playing for Canada. :)
We need a little more competition for every spot, and I think we need to use the kids they keep drafting.
I agree. Which makes me wonder — what’s the problem with our scouting and with the system in Lowell? When was the last time any guy showed anything when he got brought up? Vrana sucked. PL3′s hardly something to write home about. Pelley wasn’t awful but he had plenty of opportunity to make himself indispensable on the fourth line. Sutter hasn’t been afraid to sit veterans — I think if any of the young kids had tried hard enough or been talented enough, Sutter would have given them a shot at the expense of Rupp or Holik. I don’t have a lot of faith in the guys in Lowell right now.
Think Zach will stay with us when his contracts expires
I think there’s a lot of Brahms to be played between now and then. :D
I know Zach is tired of losing, but why do people seem to think that he’s going to go to the Rangers because he wants to win?
It’s along the same lines as the “Crunchy to Detroit because he’s a good Michigan boy” rumors that were floating around last year. It’s logically illogical, if that makes any sense.
I’m an outsider and I can’t see Zach jumping ship to the Rangers. He has a good system in NJ and is the offensive star of the team. If he went to the Rangers, he’d be playing second banana to a bunch of other garbanzos, and I don’t think he would do as well as he’s doing in NJ. That’s just my two cents.
Yahoo also has photos up of Devils locker cleanout day. Every single picture of Sutter features him making some bizarre face. I have to wonder why Yahoo put those up.
Well, I guess I’m with most other fans because I was stunned. I feared it obviously, because I was nervous as hell. But I don’t think I believed it would actually happen.
You can try to use logic to prepare yourself emotionally for what’s going to happen, but for me it doesn’t work.
Tim, I was also in Section 232! It was horrible. To be fair, it’s a hell of a lot worse to experience crushing defeat in person.
I know Zach is tired of losing, but why do people seem to think that he’s going to go to the Rangers because he wants to win?
Haha! That’s a pretty distant conclusion to leap to. I wouldn’t have the Rangers very high on my Hossa list. :P
Another thing to consider, KG, is that there’s no point putting any stock into the things the crazy commenters say over at Fire & Ice. Honestly.
I’d much rather watch the Devils screw up because they’re young and don’t know better than watch them fall apart because they know better but don’t seem to muster up enough desperation.
Me too. I’m tired of watching the same old guys show the same old complete lack of hunger at the end of the season and in their first round flameout. If we need to be handing the keys over to some of the kids in order to get this team looking hungry again, so be it.
Oh, and as for freaking out about whether Zach is going to become a Ranger, I think I’ll wait until his contract is actually up to start worrying.
I wouldn’t worry too much about prospects coming in and pushing the older guys. It’ll come in a year or two as all of our best prospects are still in college and juniors. We have drafted better as of late, if the talent continues to mature.
The Devils (NJ and Lowell) are getting better every year since the lockout, and it is just gonna take some time.
To be fair, it’s a hell of a lot worse to experience crushing defeat in person.
No, it’s not. It’s equally bad. I’ve been on both sides on many an occasion. Those of us who can’t make the games in person have just as much vested interest in the game as those of you have can go to the arena, thankyouverymuch. It’s just some of us have recognized patterns with this team’s mental make-up and have come to expect defeat. I would have been just as sure the Devils were going to lose to the Canes if I’d been back in my season-ticket seats.
It’ll come in a year or two as all of our best prospects are still in college and juniors. We have drafted better as of late, if the talent continues to mature.
Well as long as these kids coming up are closers, I’m happy. Always Be Closing, Devils! Because next year? First prize gets a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize gets a set of steak knives. And third prize? Gets fired. :P
We have drafted better as of late, if the talent continues to mature.
That’s right! We have Tedenby! He’s going to save the Devils, mark my words! :D
First prize gets a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize gets a set of steak knives. And third prize? Gets fired.
Who gets the lifetime supply of Rice-A-Roni?
First prize gets a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize gets a set of steak knives. And third prize? Gets fired. :P
So Zach is most likely going to get the Cadillac. I wonder who’ll get the steak knives next year. Travis or Paulie?
Who gets the lifetime supply of Rice-A-Roni?
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::: I’m totally imagining Mamet writing Glengarry Glenn Ross — “First prize gets a Cadillac El Dorado, second prize gets
Rice-A-Ronia free dinner at Chuck E. Cheesea point-and-shoot cameraa set of steak knives.”I know Zach is tired of losing, but why do people seem to think that he’s going to go to the Rangers because he wants to win?
I know a lot of Ranger fans who have already signed his name on a contract but I really can’t see it, the Rangers aren’t exactly a winning organization. His contract isn’t up – so the most this could lead to is him being either unhappy enough to play even better or, I guess, demanding a trade if it doesn’t get better? We know the one place he wouldn’t get traded to.
I’d much rather watch the Devils screw up because they’re young and don’t know better than watch them fall apart because they know better but don’t seem to muster up enough desperation.
Yep. ‘They just don’t care anymore’ probably can’t be fixed.
Those of us who can’t make the games in person have just as much vested interest in the game as those of you have can go to the arena
I’m sorry, believe me, I wasn’t trying to play the “I’m their biggest fan” card. (I’m the last person you’ll ever see do that.)
Okay, how about I add this qualifier: “from my perspective” it’s worse to be there in person.
Yep. ‘They just don’t care anymore’ probably can’t be fixed.
Yeah, that’s kinda a big problem. Heh. So I guess it’s a good thing that none of the UFAs made it sound to TG like they want to come back…
“First prize gets a Cadillac El Dorado, second prize gets
Rice-A-Ronia free dinner at Chuck E. Cheesea point-and-shoot cameraa set of steak knives.”:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Totes! He liked the sound of “Chuck E. Cheese”, because it has a certain Mamet rat-a-tat to it, but then when he did some research into what Chuck E. Cheese actually is, he decided to tweak it a bit.
“from my perspective” it’s worse to be there in person.
Thanks for the clarification! I didn’t mean to be a jerk, but with all the bashing the Devils fanbase gets for not going to the arena, this is a really, really touchy issue for me! Sorry! @@@@
He liked the sound of “Chuck E. Cheese”, because it has a certain Mamet rat-a-tat to it
That’s the mouse, that’s the mouse, that’s the mouse I want!
Aw, Pookie, it’s okay, I realized I kinda sounded like a jerk too. (I didn’t mean to!)
*internet hug*
That’s the mouse, that’s the mouse, that’s the mouse I want!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Let mouse be done.
Let mouse be done.
Stop it, Chuckie! You’ll get your fingerprints all over the book! Fingerprints all over the book!
So anyway, are we all excited for the return of Eastern Conference hockey tonight? And the return of Getzi? I know how you all love Getzi… :P
Yay, EC hockey! Mmmmmm, Getzi!
Just a comment about the ‘brass balls’ speech. I work in a law office run entirely on a commission basis. My boss has actually written ‘A.B.C.’ on a white board during a meeting. My boss thinks this speech is a thing of beauty. My co-workers and I have watched it on our computer’s over and over again.
I worship Alec Baldwin and I think this speech is hilarous. Except when it’s directed at me!!
Have we discussed this before on IPB? What are you guys thinking about the East?
Canes in 5
Caps in 6
Erin, that’s HILARIOUS! I used to work in a bank and was good friends with the investment guy at our branch. He had worked previously in a small investment firm sort of thing, and he loved to tell me how “Glengarry Glen Ross” was, like, the Bible for all of his colleagues there. And that it cracked him up how they all fancied themselves Al Pacino, when really they were all Alan Arkin.
Hm, Pam, I’m going to go the opposite from you with my predictions. I think the Bruins are going to have an easy time of it with the Hurricanes, and the Pens are going to obliterate the Caps. (I hope the Pens obliterate the Caps…)
they all fancied themselves Al Pacino, when really they were all Alan Arkin. (look at me!)
At least they weren’t Jack Lemon! That’s a great movie. If you watched that and then the Dustin Hoffman ‘Death of a Salesman’ in a single sitting, you might, legally speaking, have to kill your self. I think there’s a statute that says you must take your own life after that much soul crushing.
Well, whatever happens in the east, I’ve decided to root for whoever wins the Van-Chi series.
(Of course, if the Canuck were able to win a Cup, you guys would have to photoshop Lord Stanley into VE Mats’ hands!)
you watched that and then the Dustin Hoffman ‘Death of a Salesman’ in a single sitting, you might, legally speaking, have to kill your self.
HAHAHAHA! I think you’re right! And yeah, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is a really fantastic movie. I could watch it every day of the week. We were laughing when we decided to write this post that at some point this season Pando approached Sutter and asked, “But… why?” And Sutter just looked at him impassively and answered, “Because I don’t like you.”
Am I the only person that hasn’t seen “Glengarry Glen Ross”?
Amy, I’ve never even heard of it. Feel better?
I would just like to go on record as saying that next season at the Rawk, they need to implement a “you must wear a shirt at all times policy” because there was one thing I can’t unsee from the game that was ABSOLUTELY more horrifying than the end of the game, and Pam, if you know what I’m referring to, I think you can back me up…
If you’re looking for something to do on some boring summer evening, there are definitely worse ways to pass your time than watching “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Apparently when they were trying to cast the movie, the producers said to each other, “Let’s just try to get the greatest living actors. All of them.” And then they did. It’s just a great showcase of some phenomenal performances. And it just Mamet. :D
Am I the only person that hasn’t seen “Glengarry Glen Ross”?
Go Rent it! Excellent acting! And it’s short!
“But… why?” And Sutter just looked at him impassively and answered, “Because I don’t like you.”
He didn’t offer him some steak knives? Or ask what kind of car he drove to work in? “Third place is: You’re fired.”
He didn’t offer him some steak knives? Or ask what kind of car he drove to work in?
Sorry, Pando, but ice time is for closers only. And I am not fucking with you.
Sorry, Pando, but ice time is for closers only. And I am not fucking with you.
Awesome. Why can’t Lindy say something like this? Maybe he could tell Pommer that Gatorade is for closers.
Tim, if you’re referring to our shirtless friend in the first row of 233, then I will back you up. I don’t know how often you attend the games, but I can assure you that he will whip his jersey off as soon as he hears “Macho Man” (for the Devils Flex Cam!) or “Jump Around”. Every. Single. Game.
Sorry, Pando, but ice time is for closers only. And I am not fucking with you.
Maybe he could tell Pommer that Gatorade is for closers.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
BTW Tim, where were you sitting in 232?
Now I have this awesome mental picture of Lindy slapping Gatorade bottles out of players’ hands on the bench.
BTW Tim, where were you sitting in 232?
Pops and I were in Row 7, seats 3 &4…
HOLY Fucking Shit Tim…
Val (my sis) and I were in Row 7 seats 1 and 2! That was you checking the Rangers score on your phone, right next to Val!
My season seats are actually in Row 9, but they wouldn’t let us have those for the playoffs. “They’re reserved for the media for the later rounds, so we don’t sell them in strips for the playoffs” is what we were told.
HOLY Fucking Shit Tim…
Val (my sis) and I were in Row 7 seats 1 and 2! That was you checking the Rangers score on your phone, right next to Val!
THAT’S CRAZY!
Wow, small world! Did you notice that the advertisement for NJ Transit on the playoff towel said “Get your summer on”?
On the way up the escalator, Val says “Great, look at the towel. It’s foreshadowing.”
I haven’t ever seen Glengarry Glen Ross, Amy. I guess I need to add it to my list, after Some Like it Hot. :D
My season seats are actually in Row 9, but they wouldn’t let us have those for the playoffs. “They’re reserved for the media for the later rounds, so we don’t sell them in strips for the playoffs” is what we were told.
That worked out well for them, didn’t it?
Wow, small world! Did you notice that the advertisement for NJ Transit on the playoff towel said “Get your summer on”?
On the way up the escalator, Val says “Great, look at the towel. It’s foreshadowing.”
HAHAHA!!! I did notice that, although my brain functions like that of a 2nd grader and didn’t realize that foreshadowing… Also, next year, I want Mr. Lamoriello to do a video telling me to wave my towel. Until that happens, I ain’t waiving!
Haha Sue, not quite. I got kicked out of my usual seats for nothing!
Tim, Lou urging us to wave our towels would have been great. I thought the Ken Daneyko “cheer videos” were decidedly awkward. But I waved that stupid towel anyway. Ugh.
So, in the spirit of ABC, what would Sutter take away from individual Devils? I know what he could do to Marty. Start sitting him in favor of the back-up. Fine w/me as long as it’s not Clemmer.
He’s already taken the captaincy away from Elias and I really think he needs to stop trying to push Patty’s buttons. Patty actually does better when he doesn’t try to do that. Suggestions?
Should he take cribbage away from Zach?
The Devils young prospects are coming along, honest. Nick Palmieri had a nice WJC, and scored 14 goals in 17 games in the OHL playoffs, Patrice Cormier has been close to a point a game in the “Q”. Corrente should get a look next season, and I think Halischuk has great potential. I would love to Halischuk come up for some fourth line duties and get taken under Langer’s wing.
Sue-
All of Patty’s woes could be solved by a playmaking center. Wouldn’t even have to be a superstar, just a guy who can find the open guy with a pass on a regular basis.
I guess I need to add it to my list, after Some Like it Hot. :D
They’d be a great double-header! :P
Sue, I agree that Patty doesn’t respond well to button-pushing. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens when he’s not skating with Gio anymore. And what happens when Egg Pelley gets to take over for Madden.
I was thinking that Pelley has made Madden obsolete. At least Pelley is dirt cheap.
I was thinking that Pelley has made Madden obsolete. At least Pelley is dirt cheap.
I felt that way about Greene and Rafalski.
I was wrong.
Heh.
Ha!
I think I believed that Oduya was Rafalski’s replacement. I was also wrong, but he’s closer than the Greener.
I think I believed that Oduya was Rafalski’s replacement. I was also wrong, but he’s closer than the Greener.
Yep…of course, Raffy looks better with the Wings than he did in the last years with NJ. Amazing what being on a PP that actually works – and has guys like Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, etc., on it – can do for you.
I felt that way about Greene and Rafalski.
At least none of us actually felt that way about Martin and Neidermayer.
Am I the only person that hasn’t seen “Glengarry Glen Ross”?
Go Rent it! Excellent acting! And it’s short!
Now I’m sold, my attention span is always such a sticking point. I am reminded of the Muppet critics in the Muppet Christmas Carol criticizing a one line speech.
“It was obvious!”
“It was pointless!”
“It was…short!”
“WE LOVED IT!”
Sounds like this movie will actually be good though.
At least none of us actually felt that way about Martin and Neidermayer.
Unfortunately, I think Lou may have.
At least none of us actually felt that way about Martin and Neidermayer.
I wanted to believe that, but I didn’t. Scott Niedermayer is one of the best. Ever. Paulie? Um, well, not quite.
“It was obvious!”
“It was pointless!”
“It was…short!”
“WE LOVED IT!”
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: That’s Glengarry Glen Ross to a T! :P
At least none of us actually felt that way about Martin and Neidermayer.
Heh. I was one of those schmucks, Paulie. I was.
I was one of those schmucks, Paulie.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I mean, @@@@@@@@
“It was…short!”
“WE LOVED IT!”
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unfortunately, I think Lou may have.
I don’t think so. Lou tried to keep Nieds. It’s not like he didn’t offer him the $$$ and the years. It’s my understanding that he looked into getting the brother from Calgary before the Ducks traded for him.
In the end, Nieds took less $$$ to play with his brother, in part because he wanted to play with his brother and in part because his mother made it clear she wanted them both on the same team so that she wouldn’t have the situation she had in 2003, when she was telling one and all she wanted Scott to lose.
It is Lou’s fault that he believed that offering Malakhov $$$ to stop him from retiring was an adequate back-up plan.
in part because his mother made it clear she wanted them both on the same team so that she wouldn’t have the situation she had in 2003, when she was telling one and all she wanted Scott to lose.
Did Mama Niedermayer tell this to the media or just to her sons? I get why she was making the comments, but still…
Did Mama Niedermayer tell this to the media or just to her sons? I get why she was making the comments, but still…
The media. She said it in 2003 – both that she wanted Scott to lose, which you never say, and that she wanted them on the same team in the future so this wouldn’t happen.
She would say that Scott had won enough and it was time for the other kid to win so it was OK if he lost. It was very clear, after the Devs won, that it was ‘his job’ to fix everything.
As annoying as I find the Staal family, I have never heard anything like that one from their parents.
It was very clear, after the Devs won, that it was ‘his job’ to fix everything.
Only a lot less gothic novel-y than this all sounds. :P
The media. She said it in 2003
That’s wrong on so many levels.
And I haven’t heard anything similiar from the Crunchy family either. I think Mama Crunchy’s comment about liking goal scoring better doesn’t mean she wants Ryan to lose. And judging from what’s been said in the media, and comments Crunchy has made on his blog, it sounds like the Crunchy family is extremely tight.
That’s wrong on so many levels.
At the time it sounded to me a lot more like a parent who has one massively gifted child and one less gifted one — that she wanted Rob to get his chance, too. I got a distinct impression that she was getting painted into a corner by the media. But I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Niedermayer family, so I probably shouldn’t project.
I wonder if Rob feels any better knowing that Scott had to come win it for him. :P
I got a distinct impression that she was getting painted into a corner by the media. But I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Niedermayer family, so I probably shouldn’t project.
I agree heartily to both points.
I always feel sorry for the non-famous that get hounded by media. They often don’t realize how just one sentence will be thrashed to death. Boy, especially these days with the UBER media we have online.
At the time it sounded to me a lot more like a parent who has one massively gifted child and one less gifted one — that she wanted Rob to get his chance, too. I got a distinct impression that she was getting painted into a corner by the media.
She could have not said anything at all, or simply said she is happy to see both her children get the opprtunity to do well in the sport they love. When it you make it clear that you are rooting for one child and then say you want them both on the same team – and eveyone knows this means the one with the power – Scott – is going to have to be the one to make this happen, this is a little creepy. Then, the media will keep coming back to you, again and again, to see if you meant it – and, apparently – she did. I didn’t feel particularly sorry for her.
Actually, Rob wasn’t necessarily less gifted. It’s just that as a power forward, he was either going to develop or he wasn’t. Getting clocked by Eric Lindros after he’d already had one concussion in the NHL probably didn’t help him. You don’t get drafted 5th overall for nothing.
I would hesitate to blame Carol Niedermayer quite as vehemently as you are Sue, but again, that’s because I don’t want to project. I have no idea what the Niedermayer family dynamic is, and I think a lot of what she said during the 2003 SCF could also have been interpreted in a fairly benign light. Scott and Rob are both adults, and Scott had a family of his own when he hit free agency. My personal projection on the situation is that there was probably more to the decision than just “Mum told me to.” :P
I always feel sorry for the non-famous that get hounded by media.
Yeah. Also, again, as Schnookie said, we don’t know anything about what goes on behind the scenes. It’s really none of my business what Scott Neidermayer’s mother thinks, nor is it really any of my business to judge her opinion of who she wanted to win a hockey game.
My personal projection on the situation is that there was probably more to the decision than just “Mum told me to.”
I said it was partially wanting to play with his brother and partially the other situation. They both came together. He could do something that made him happy (he enjoyed playing with his brother – he found that out in the WC) and resolve something that made his mother unhappy.
But, I cannot imagine either of my parents deciding to discuss stuff in front of the national media. And my mother, who rarely watches hockey, watched the 2003 series, heard her interviewed, called me and said, “Did she just say what I think she said? She just said she wanted the older one to lose and whatever way it worked out, one of them is supposed to fix it so she doesn’t have to go through this again?” So, I’m not alone – and my mother doesn’t care whether NJ wins or not.
But, I cannot imagine either of my parents deciding to discuss stuff in front of the national media.
If someone tried to interview my mother, I have no doubt that her lack of media savvy would show through. Perhaps Mrs. Niedermayer needed to go through Henry Staal’s media training before that SCF? :P
Yeah. Also, again, as Schnookie said, we don’t know anything about what goes on behind the scenes. It’s really none of my business what Scott Neidermayer’s mother thinks, nor is it really any of my business to judge her opinion of who she wanted to win a hockey game.
OK, maybe I am being unfair. But, if she’s willing to say it in front of the national media and keep saying it, don’t you think her kids have heard it from her? And the last I’ll say about it, partially because I seem to be beating a dead horse and partially becasue I have errands to run.
And the last I’ll say about it, partially because I seem to be beating a dead horse and partially becasue I have errands to run.
Hey, we all have our mythologies (based on varying degrees of factual evidence) about the players who have come and gone through our teams over the years. It just seems that yours includes Carol Niedermayer as the Cup Era Devils’ Yoko Ono. :P
I am tempted to blame the media more on the Neidermayer issue, I think it was ABC in 2003 and I still haven’t forgiven them for Melanie-Cam a couple of years before that. The media always loves to get extra ridiculous during Stanley Cup Finals and it annoys me that they make those games start 20-30 minutes late all the time too.
Also in seeing my previous comment about the Muppet Christmas Carol, I am afraid that it could be interpreted that I didn’t think it was a good movie. To allow no confusion, let me say for the record that the Muppet Christmas Carol is the best Christmas movie ever made!
I remember when Schnookie and I went to the Muppet Christmas Carol in the movie theater. It opened with a preview for “Newsies” — a big panning shot down a huge Nazi banner. We were like, “I don’t think this is the Muppets…”
I blame the media for the Melanie-Cam, too. I have a hard time believing that she did something to cause that, other than allow herself to be found in the stands. I was highly irritated, but by ABC/ESPN, not her.
To allow no confusion, let me say for the record that the Muppet Christmas Carol is the best Christmas movie ever made!
I wasn’t confused! I agree! (Except Christmas Vacation might have something to say about that.)
Ahem.
I can’t think of any good Christmas movies! All I’ve got is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
All I’ve got is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
That one is one of the best, too! I have it memorized, so I can play it in my head any time I want.
I think I’ve actually only seen it once or twice. I guess my family just was never big on Christmas movies. Huh.
damn, i’m always coming late to the game.
was over reading TGs blog, minus the comments, they’ve been going downhill all summer.
I found it interesting that of the players questioned about their futures, only Clemmenson had a well thought out plan, with Weekes a distant second. I guess now we know what the back-ups do with all that extra time sitting on the bench.
heheh
Langenbrunner was wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of the Hindenburg going in flames on it. He said it wasn’t on purpose.
… he said. “I have no idea where this shirt came from.”
I said the same thing when my mom found pot in my room.
when i have my daughter, we always watch some “muppets from space” before bed. She’ll have it completely memorized before she’s 4. It’ll take me longer.
I dont think we’ve watched Muppets Christmas Carol yet. I’ll have to add that to my list. We like the Grinch, and I love A Christmas Story.
Mixed Nuts is another great christmas movie. although Home for the Holidays is my favorite holiday themed movie.
I’m kind of partial to “Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas.”
When I was a kid, way before y’all’s time, The Grinch came on TV once a year. And you had to be there in front of the TV if you wanted to see it. :P
I watched it, rapt, every year until I was probably 15. Then I caught it if I caught it. I mean, I’m not a KID! Sheesh!
I said the same thing when my mom found pot in my room.
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I find it high-larious that Langer was wearing a Hindenberg shirt! I always knew he was cool.
Not that I think that’s necessarily an accurate portrayal of the Devils, just that he thought it would be funny to wear it.
Langenbrunner was wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of the Hindenburg going in flames on it. He said it wasn’t on purpose.
… he said. “I have no idea where this shirt came from.”
AAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love that!
Langenbrunner was wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of the Hindenburg going in flames on it. He said it wasn’t on purpose.
… he said. “I have no idea where this shirt came from.”
There’s an “oh the humanity” joke in there somewhere.
And Clemmer was named to Team USA at the Worlds. I hope this doesn’t lead to more delusions of grandeur on his part.
Go Wings! (Ewww!)
Go Ducks!
WOO! Corey Perry! Corey Perry!
GO DUCKS!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WOO! Corey Perry! Corey Perry!
Even EWW-er! :P
CoreyPerry is sooooo dreamy. :P
Oh, my gosh, Schnookie! Listen to yourself! Somebody help me get her into the car! We’re taking her to rehab! :P
Somebody help me get her into the car! We’re taking her to rehab!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I’ve been way too cranky the last few playoff years — this year I’m just going to embrace what I’m stuck with. :P
CoreyPerry is sooooo dreamy.
Those are words I never thought I’d hear (see?) Schnookie say.
Heh heh. I’m just joshing you guys. Don’t worry! I still hate CoreyPerry!
And it’s a good thing the Wings locked Franzen up to that enormous contract — I mean, I think his free agent value would have just quadrupled with that goal. *Eyeroll*
I have the opposite problem with the Canes/Bruins. I like both of them so I don’t know whom to root for.
I also like both the Canes and Bruins. It’s a nice matchup in that regard.
Dude, the camera on NESN seems IMPOSSIBLY far away from the ice. I can’t even read the guys’ numbers!
Can I woo about something in the other game?
Yeah, we’re kinda flipping between the two. No radio silence here! What’s going on over there? Did Milan knock anyone out with one punch? :P
WOOO JUUUUSSSII!! Jussi got his FOURTH goal in the playoffs. It’s nice to see that he’s doing so well after the way they treated him in Tampa.
BOOOO!
Jussi got his FOURTH goal in the playoffs.
Okay, you can “WOOO!” the ONE tonight, but not the fact that he has three others. :P
You know how the Wing got a goal then bowled into Hiller? How it should be somehow a penalty even though the goal was good?
It happened in the other game. Jussi scored, then a Cane hit TimTom (who was out of his crease) and they counted the goal and gave the guy a penalty. Tripp was trying to explain it and I gave up, but maybe the diff is that the goalie was out of the crease that time.
Okay, you can “WOOO!” the ONE tonight, but not the fact that he has three others. :P
Oh, Woops! Just a Woo for this one!
I keep forgetting Jussi’s number so he might have been the one that hit the goalie.
Who scored for the Wings?
Tsk, tsk, tsk, Parros. If you’re going to take a dumb penalty, at least interfere with somebody!
Oh, Woops! Just a Woo for this one!
*Pertly* Thank you.
:P
It never even crossed our minds to look for the Canes feed of that game! We’re recording the Bruins one. Huh. Is the camera a thousand miles away from the ice on the Carolina feed? (I think, while I don’t dislike the Canes at all, and am not particularly broken up about the Devils losing, I might still need some space between me and the Carolina broadcasters. I think I need to wait until they have a few non-Devils games to be talking about before I can listen to them.)
I keep forgetting Jussi’s number so he might have been the one that hit the goalie.
Bayda hit the goalie, I think.
WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! GO DUCKS!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Pookie! It seemed like it was somebody else, but I don’t have time to rewind when I’m watching two games! :D
Is the camera a thousand miles away from the ice on the Carolina feed?
It’s a fairly normal distance. And they haven’t really talked much about the Devils, if that helps. I can certainly understand that you need some space.
Okay, I really hate the endzone camera for live action, but I’m kind of resigned to the fact that everyone uses it during power plays. So I was all like, “Blersus, your endzone cam is pissing me off, but whatevs,” right up until the Ducks scored on their PP, and the camera was set up just at the wrong angle so you actually couldn’t see the puck go in the net. That sucked!
Bummer! I kind of like the endzone camera for a little of the power play, usually. Should be used sparingly.
It was a magnificently incompetent endzone camera. Very puzzling, because I thought that was a pretty standard stupid angle to use for live action. (I appreciate when the endzone cam is working on a PP, but I hate the automatic reliance on it for the entire man advantage, because you can’t see the play at the points.)
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Go B’s!
Shawn Thornton’s still around?
I don’t think that’s much more than Thornton’s reanimated corpse.
Always be closing!
Hi guys. I’m watching the Bawston game. Good times.
Oooh! We just used that red-button “scorecard” feature — that’s really cool!
Hi Carol! And “always be closing” is really good advice. I’m hoping this is the year the Devils learn to take it. Grumble grumble grumble…
Schnookie, don’t use that scorecard thing to switch channels! I had to reboot my box after I tried the “Watch Now” option to go to Versus. I think it has a bug.
OMG – I’m such a bum, I almost cried watching that I was so scared. I am not a closer.
And it stinks when your team shits the bed. Really sad. Trust me, I know it well. I’m a Canucks fan. Heh.
Oh, well, I won’t! Thanks for the warning!
And I can’t believe Franzen just failed to score on a breakaway. I thought he was the greatest playoff scorer of all time.
I almost cried watching that I was so scared. I am not a closer.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, I’m not a closer either. It’s awfully easy for me to sit here, having never closed anything in my life, and complain about the Devils not closing. :D
So Blersus just showed us the third Boston goal, and Pookie, who is in the dining room cutting fabric right now, said, “Carolina fans are crashing back to earth now!” Heh.
Now, now, Schnookie. You’ve closed some major good gardens in your day, not to mention yummy treats like brownies and perfect hot chocolate with your hot chocolate machine. You don’t need to be so hard on yourself. :-)
Aw, thanks Carol! And if we’re counting stuff like that, then you’re definitely a closer too. Although I suppose that’s not the kind of stuff you need brass balls for…
Evening all. I’m coming out of migraine hibernation and I think I’m delusional.
I’m watching the Wings/Ducks game and all I keep thinking is “I like the way that goalie kid Hiller’s butt sticks up in the air when he is down for a shot.” Then I follow up with “he’s a Duck, Myra, stop it!”
Myra, come over to the dark side! Join us! It’s fuuuuuuun. :D
“Carolina fans are crashing back to earth now!”
So that’s what that thud was.
Although I suppose that’s not the kind of stuff you need brass balls for…
Oh crap. I forgot about the brass balls part.
Is it just me or do you see Hiller as Hitler every time you see his jersey? The Führer is in the net!
And the Detroit/Ducks game seems to be in slow motion for some reason. Weird.
Dammit! I have a pressing engagement with my quilting (read: “I have to go iron some things before I can do the next step”), but this game is all interesting and shit!
Is it just me or do you see Hiller as Hitler every time you see his jersey?
Nope, I just see “cute butt”.
And really don’t care who wins in this one, so it’s all about the eye candy. :)
I got a good chuckle out of the Red Wings arena dude playing “hooked on a feeling” when a Duck was sent off for a hooking penalty.
And who peed in Todd Marchant’s cornflakes during the pre-game? He seems exceptionally feisty tonight.
Nope, I just see “cute butt”.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I love the way you think, Myra! :D
Although I suppose that’s not the kind of stuff you need brass balls for…
I think you need brass balls to take pictures of bunnies that look like bunny slippers! I mean, those bunnies have made mincemeat out of lesser people!
Myra, come to the Duck Side! It’s fun! Remember, this is the playoffs! It doesn’t count! Next season — heck, next round or next game — you can change allegiances! This is the reward for not having your team make it to this round!
Since the Stars didn’t make it, I bet we don’t have any 3OT+ games this season.
This Miller Light commercial is crazy. They are telling us that they add the hops 3 times during the brewing process. Instead of all at once.
Like we’re supposed to think, “EWW! All at once?! That’s disgusting!”
Oh yah, Pookie! Those bunnies were mean! :-)
Like we’re supposed to think, “EWW! All at once?! That’s disgusting!”
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That totally sucked. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wow. Detroit is just a killer team.
Shoot! I wanted it to go to OT!
Yeah, I was hoping for OT too. :(
And for the Ducks to win. :(
Aww, poor Jonas. :(
49.1 seconds? That’s SO much time for a team to score! What’s that? The Wings aren’t the Devils? Oh. Shoot.
What’s that? The Wings aren’t the Devils? Oh. Shoot.
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Wow, Bobby Ryan made Lady Byng Datsyuk mad?!? I didn’t think that was possible.
I was just thinking how I wanted it to go to three overtimes, then Osgood, while making a routine play behind the net, puts the puck into his own net. But I didn’t type it because I didn’t want it to not happen!
Turns out I don’t have any influence on how these things go. Who knew?
49.1 seconds? That’s SO much time for a team to score! What’s that? The Wings aren’t the Devils? Oh. Shoot.
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What’s Razor talking about, saying you can’t score by pushing the goalie into the net with the puck under him? The Rangers were allowed to against the Trannies! :P :(
Sigh. Hockey is the worst. Stupid Wings. :P
Sigh. Hockey is the worst. Stupid Wings. :P
Welcome to life in the WC. :P :(
Sigh. Hockey is the worst. Stupid Wings. :P
Welcome to life in the WC. :P :(
Oops, I meant to add, so true, so true to that.
I don’t want to count my chickens or anything, but I think Boston might just win this one. Just maybe.
I dunno, Carol. You’re really jumping to some outlandish conclusions there. Heh.
I think Boston might just win this one. Just maybe.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::: Shh! Don’t tell Carolina! I’m not sure they know that yet! Wait, what’s that? They know?
I can’t believe the hockey’s over and it’s not even 10. I guess it’ll be another “Medium” marathon for us! (I don’t know how you western time zone people survive. I nearly died when we lived in Arizona, with all the times the hockey was over before the night had even really started.)
Well, shoot. I didn’t like either of those results. Mainly that neither went to OT.
I can see the hockey-less summer looming. And I don’t like it.
Mainly that neither went to OT.
Yeah, is it too much to ask that one of those two games go into 3 OTs?!
I don’t know how you western time zone people survive.
So many of the Stars road games start at 9, it’s kind of nice.
I can’t get home from work in time to see most EC games.
When I was in Ontario last month, I was all, “Oh my God these people stay up late to watch hockey.” It was well after midnight and and the game was in the 3rd period.
I’m stoked for tomorrow’s game – it starts at 9:00 for you guys.
Totally seriously, after three years in the Mountain and Pacific (depending on the time of year) time zones, Pookie and I vowed we were never going to not live in the Eastern time zone ever again. I just can’t deal.
I totally can’t believe there’s no more hockey tonight. It really DOES feel like the long hockeyless summer! :(
I like the Central. Not too early, not too late. :P
Why are 90% of the guys on On the Fly highly annoying? Why is that?
And yet, I still love the show.
Randy Carlisle was all, “I guess they thought it was, I dunno, too vicious or something.” *flip of the hand, eyeroll*
As they guy lay on the ice bleeding from the ears… :P
It is strange how appealing the show is despite the annoyingness of the guys on it.
I like Dave Reid and I like that one guy that used to work for the Stars. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence. :D
(I can’t think of his name…)
I like Dave Reid, too, even though he was on that Colorado team that beat the Devils in the Stanley Cup Final in ’01 (which probably wouldn’t bug me nearly as much as it does had Patrick Roy not been the Avalanche’s goalie – SO ANNNOYING, though what he said to Jeremy Roenick is kind of hilarious).
Is it Craig Button, Patty? The guy with short, curly grey hair who used to be a GM? I think he mentioned having worked for the Stars organization when discussing the whole Sean Avery/sloppy second brouhaha.
Yes! Craig Button! Thanks, Kellyn. That’s the guy.
Hi there
Is everyone ready for the beginning of the historic showdown between the 2 best hockey players in the history of Mankind that is about to change the face of the Earth this afternoon?
Hellz yeah! Bring on the hockey! I’ll open up a new open thread for that game so we don’t have to scroll through all this stuff from last night.