You may remember, Gentle Reader, that we took an almost half star-crossed trip to The Rawk in December as a Christmas gift for Boomer. We had such a great time at that game that we immediately decided to get tickets to the next Saturday home game that fit our very busy schedules. That game turned out to be yesterday’s historic 1-0 loss to the Blues. Why was it historic, you wonder? Well, because Chuck the Duck was making his first trip to Newark for it.
Chuck wishes all the interlopers would just get out of his seats already so he can watch skatearound.
We did not have nearly the drama getting to the arena this time that we did last time, but the fact remains that no matter whose directions you follow — the Devils website’s or Google Maps’s — there is still a major disconnect between what the instructions say and what the signage on the actual roads says. GPS people, get your shit in order, okay? Quit it with the using street names when the signs all have route numbers and route numbers when the signs all have street names.
Anyway, we arrived at the arena armed with Chuck, tickets for our second-row seats (!!!), and one of our small camera lenses outfitted with a star filter. The combined awesomeness of those three things would more than compensate for the sucky final outcome of the game.
A star filter is one of the funnest toys on earth. And the Devils’ Stanley Cup banners are one of the prettiest things on earth. Together, they make beautiful flower.
We are fairly confident we’ve talked up the intoxicating deliciousness of the Fire Lounge chicken fingers, right?
Chuck tells us that ducks are not so closely related to chickens that they have ethical issues with eating chicken fingers.
Boomer remarked at one point during the game, while thinking of how we used to have season tickets at the old arena, that she thinks this is a fair tradeoff — seeing fewer games, “but more palatially”. (Seriously, the club seats are so nice. They have HDTVs in the bathrooms, so you don’t miss any action, even during skatearound!)
The highlight of the game (for people who aren’t Blues fans) was the Janssen/Leblond fight. This is how it played out for us:
Oh. Look. A staged fight. Yawn.
Let’s take a bunch of pictures of Chuck watching the fight!
Good grief — they’re still fighting???
Well, while that’s going on, let’s take a while trying to get a picture of Chuck with the Devils bench in the background, as they all watch the fight.
Holy flirking schnitt! That fight just will. not. end!!!
Chuck is no big fan of the fights, either, but even he can’t believe what he just saw. That fight was RIDONK.
The game had a crisp pace, but it never really seemed like the Devils were going to score. This is when Chuck developed his drinking problem.
Mmm… beer.
We took over 290 pictures during this outing, and only one of the action hockey shots was any good.
Pookie loves the wonky angles.
Now, we had season tickets in the fourth row at CAA for four years, but there is a world of difference between fourth-row seats and second-row seats. We’ve had first-row seats a few times in the past, as well, but those were always behind the Devils bench out in Arizona. The experience of watching the game as closely as we did this time was just awesome. The size of the players! The speed! And yowza — the hitting!!
This picture was taken mere moments before Brian Rolston was smushed into the glass right in front of us. There is no shot of the actual hit, because we were so busy cringing and recoiling.
It’s like they were being hit directly — and thunderously loudly — into our laps.
Rolston’s stick left a ghostly condensation outline on the glass after that hit. We took a lot of pictures of it.
And when there wasn’t massive hitting going on in front of us, the star filter gave us a reason to have a mini jumbotron photo challenge.
Pookie liked her shot of the Godzilla leading a rhythmic clap-along best.
Schnookie liked her shot of the flashing red spotlight best.
And while he might not have gotten to see a Devils win, Chuck did get to make new friends. The woman behind us had a Flat Stanley on hand, and wanted to get a shot of them together. Chuck was flattered.
After posing, Chuck and Stanley exchanged BFF lockets. And Zach warned them that BFF lockets are non-binding.
Our one regret during the action was that Rolston spent several TV timeouts skating back and forth across the ice directly in front of us. And when you’re sitting in the second row, you better believe you make eye contact often with the players. But we didn’t even think until it was too late that we should wink at Rolston. Once we decided we were going to do that the next time he skated his back-and-forth in front of us, he never came back. Oh, regrets.
After the game — and the booing the power play, Zach — was over, we headed up into the Fire Lounge to see if we could get Chuck some ink. He’s a tattoo-wearing kind of duck, and we knew just the person to take care of it. Unfortunately, Doc was in Boston for the NBC game, but Gel-O was on hand, and proudly informed us that this was the first time he’d ever signed a duck. (We’ll have more on Chuck’s body art tomorrow.)
Chuck, you don’t need to check the train schedule; we’re driving home.
All in all, it was a brilliant evening. The moral of the story is that it really doesn’t matter what happens in a hockey game when you’re sitting in the second row.
OMG! That ghostly imprint of Rolston’s stick is unbelievable!
And the wonky angle shot looks like all the players are desperately struggling to keep from sliding to the other side of the badly-listing Rawk. I wonder if their pre-game buffet table has rails all around it.
The ghostly stick imprint was, like, the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Heh. It also contributed to the loudness of the hit, what with the totally extraneous clatter of stick on glass. (Of course, our reaction to the hit was, “Hit him harder, Blues player!” Stupid Rolston. :P)
I wonder if their pre-game buffet table has rails all around it.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I hope they didn’t lose any chicken fingers in the capsizing!
Also, I’m so glad Chuck had such a nice time at his first game. It was nice he could meet a friend his own size.
It was nice he could meet a friend his own size.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Yeah, we were very pleased about that. We were afraid he’d feel like he didn’t quite belong, what with everyone being so big. (Gel-O is a lot closer in size to Chuck than you’d expect, too, so really it’s like Chuck met TWO friends his own size.)
(Gel-O is a lot closer in size to Chuck than you’d expect, too, so really it’s like Chuck met TWO friends his own size.)
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man, that Chuck is hardcore, keeping his cigar in his mouth while enjoying his beer.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stick imprint on glass before. That’s a sick shot.
Man, that Chuck is hardcore, keeping his cigar in his mouth while enjoying his beer.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: He’s a very hard-boiled duck.
I just went to my first game at the Rawk last weekend for the Pittsburgh win. So FUN!!! If you ever can’t get 2nd row, I highly recommend section 209. We were cheering mightily every minute.
Wish I had a star filter, though. My banners shots did not come out so well, though I have a great pic of the Stevens and Daneyko retired numbers.
hey I was just wondering how the “free” food works with the club seats, like whats available and how do you get it? I was thinking about picking up 4 from StubHub. Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Rawk, Renee! The retired numbers look so cool from the upper deck; it’s like you could just reach out and touch them.
I love the wonky angle because Marty is the only one that is still perfectly straight in the shot. Which proves my theory that Marty defies gravity.
I’m loving the FurryCanes/Sabres game right now, despite Crunchy assisting on one of the Canes’ goals. I would like to know why they started chanting “U-S-A” in the RBC though. Were those Sabres fans chanting for Miller? Or are North Carolinians just like my ex-school mates who still believe that Buffalo is an annexation of Canada?
I’m so glad to hear you had a great time, Renee! And dude, the banners are SO HARD to get good pictures of! It’s like they think that’s not the first thing we all aim our cameras at or something. :P
Anthony, the food situation in the club seats is awesome. Behind the section is just this big open lounge, with a variety of seating options, a big bar, and a wide variety of food options. We’ve barely even scoped it out, because we’re content with the “help yourself to as many of them as you can eat” chicken fingers. It’s all open to the ice, so you don’t miss any action — you can just mill about, noshing away, while watching the game. It is really, REALLY awesome. I’d been kind of underwhelmed by The Rawk until we discovered the club seats. If it’s within your budget, I think it’s definitely worth it!
Which proves my theory that Marty defies gravity.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Or are North Carolinians just like my ex-school mates who still believe that Buffalo is an annexation of Canada?
I’m sure that’s it. I remember reading their local newspaper coverage way back in the early days of the interwebs during a Devils/Canes playoff series. And they were going on about how obnoxious NY-area people are, because we assume we’re the center of the universe, but really, we’re TOTALLY provincial. I mean, people from the NY are don’t even know what the Triangle is! I was like, “Yeah, you just proved my point.”
I’m gonna go ahead and redact my statement. This game was a lot more fun when it wasn’t a 6 on 4 for 30 minutes.
I mean, people from the NY are don’t even know what the Triangle is! I was like, “Yeah, you just proved my point.”
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Well, I do happen to know what the Triangle is thanks to a James Patterson book, and it has not improved my quality of life what so ever.
Oooh, new update: Crunchy just made a save on Timmy Ho. Yeah. We’re so cocky, we’re shooting on our own goalie now. *eye roll* Awesome. Thank the Lord this game is over.
Well, I do happen to know what the Triangle is thanks to a James Patterson book, and it has not improved my quality of life what so ever.
The only thing I learned from a James Patterson book is that the talking dolphins will testify, so if you’re going to break the law in front of the dolphins, wear a disguise.
The only thing I learned from a James Patterson book is that the talking dolphins will testify, so if you’re going to break the law in front of the dolphins, wear a disguise.
Believe me, that’s not a lesson you want to learn the hard way.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well, I do happen to know what the Triangle is thanks to a James Patterson book, and it has not improved my quality of life what so ever.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I know what it is thanks to working in Pharma, but dude. Honestly. It’s not making my life any better either, nor is it going to stop the dolphins from testifying.
Oooh, fantastic photos, and Chuck is ADORABLE. I’m so glad he (and you girls!) had a great time. However, I CANNOT believe you didn’t think to wink at Rolston till it was too late. For shame. Must’ve been the beers.
Btw, it Chuck’s helmet made out of a eggshell?
However, I CANNOT believe you didn’t think to wink at Rolston till it was too late. For shame. Must’ve been the beers.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: That’s totally our excuse! Or maybe we hadn’t had ENOUGH beer?
Chuck’s helmet is a ping pong ball. Gel-O correctly identified it right away — the first thing he said when he looked at him was, “Is that a ping pong ball?” He’s so astute.
1) I love your star filter
2) I LOVE the Devils-on-the-bench bokeh
3) Mike LOVES Chuck the Duck. He wanted to know why we don’t have a Chuck the Duck. I reminded him we have fin. He wasn’t too happy about that.
Also, I’m sorry to have to ask this, but who is Gel-O? I looked in the glossary and everything. Sorry.
I love Chuck chugging his beer!
Do you guys remember “Lucky Duck,” Chuck’s predecessor? He would appear when Matt and the Maven got their favorite question of their little segement.
Carol, Gel-O: http://www.msg.com/television/steve-cangialosi.html
He’s the host of the pre/post game shows who fills in for Doc when he’s doing NBC.
I thankfully sold my tickets to the Blues game! We were driving home from Toronto on Saturday. Toronto was awesome, and I highly recommend it!
One more thing, have you Ookies ever considered sitting in the Ice Lounge? It’s way cooler (ugh, pun not intended) than the Fire Lounge!
The only thing I learned from a James Patterson book is that the talking dolphins will testify, so if you’re going to break the law in front of the dolphins, wear a disguise.
I’m sorry, but talking dolphins? Is Flipper’s testimony even valid in a court of law?
Thanks, Carol! And you guys shouldn’t be TOO jealous of Chuck, because you probably get all kinds of other coverage of your team. We got nothing but the games… and Chuck. The Devils are not a very fan-friendly organization. :D
Pam, not only do we remember “Lucky Duck” well, we had a bit of a chat with Gel-O on Saturday about him. Apparently they auctioned Lucky Duck off for charity, and someone paid in the neighborhood of $3500 for him. I bet they could easily top that if they auctioned the real Chuck off… :P
We don’t want to sit in the Ice Lounge because it’s on the wrong side of the ice — we like to be across from the bench.
And I’m so glad that Toronto was great!
I’m sorry, but talking dolphins? Is Flipper’s testimony even valid in a court of law?
I’ve only heard about this second-hand from Pookie, and frankly, it sounded like a fever dream/hallucination to me, but apparently yes, Flipper’s testimony is valid in James Patterson books. :P
Wow, who knew stuffed mascot ducks could be so valuable?
Oh I see, your seating is strategic! Well, if you ever need a change of pace, go for it.
I was really surprised by the atmosphere at the Leafs game. The upper deck could have been mistaken for a library. They only cheer when the scoreboard asks them to. And a lot of them didn’t even stand up when the Leafs scored. They didn’t get really excitable until overtime and the shootout.
That was our first road trip OT/SO. Of course they lost.
And the Hockey Hall of Fame is fantastic!
Oh I almost forgot, Food Network in Canada is, um, very different than it is here in the USA.
They have different Food Network in Canada? That’s so bizarre!
Yeah, it’s got different shows and everything. Plus, there are F-bombs and breasts.
We watched “Ramsay’s kitchen nightmares”. It was very entertaining.
Some of it is the same, but some of it, not so much!
I like the “Pookie loves the wonky angles” shot, it is a brilliant commentary on how the Devils were playing uphill this entire game. Is it too much to ask that the annual post-St. Patrick’s Day hangover be over now, these last two games have been rough. Glad you had a good time at the game, I wish the playoffs hadn’t ended so abruptly last year so I could have seen a game at the Rawk when I was in the vicinity but I will have to get there some day, sounds fun!
I’m still trying to figure out how you work “breasts” into a cooking show? Do that many men watch cooking shows for breasts?
I haven’t been around a lot lately. I’ve had to deal with something very difficult. After one month at the hospital, my dad passed away yesterday. I know that may sound a little weird to say something this personal on a hockey blog, but this is no ordinary blog, and so I just thought I’d share this with you.
Myra, the breasts appeared on “Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares”. The idea of the show is Gordon Ramsay shows up to restuarants in distress and tries to save them. He took the owner of this shitty little vegetarian restaurant in Paris to a night club to help her get the idea that Paris is a sexy place, or something like that. There were breasts, and the resturant owner yells out “titties!”
At the end of the show, the restuarant went out of business anyway though.
It was unusual. And funny.
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New Subject
Greg, my condolences. Be strong.
Oh, Greg. I’m so sorry. I know something of how you are feeling. Today is the 3rd anniversary of my dad’s passing.
You must be exhausted and overwhelmed emotionally, especially after a month long battle in the hospital.
My prayers are with you, my friend.
If you need someone to “talk” with, feel free to email me.
lafs2loud@gmail.com
Grrreg, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Oh Grrrreg, how terrible! I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing with us — if you need anyone to talk to, we’re always here. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate this. I’m fortunate enough not to be alone here. I’m with all the family, and my friends are there for me too.
I’m glad you’ve got lots of friends and family with you, Grrrreg! Our dad passed away 16 years ago, and what I remember fondly from that time was how much our community of friends helped. (My one word of advice, though, is if you have a front door that you don’t use much, be sure to check it anyway. Some vague acquaintance of ours left a container of homemade soup for us on our doorstep, without realizing that we always used a side door to get in and out of the house. And because she was only a vague acquaintance, she never mentioned it to us. We didn’t notice the soup until weeks later. So, while it’s wonderful to get outpourings of love and support from your friends, again, be careful to check ALL your doors. You never know.)
be careful to check ALL your doors. You never know.
:)
We live in an apartment with just one entry door, so there’s no way we’ll miss the soup!
Well that’s the best news I’ve heard all day! I wouldn’t want you guys wasting soup! :P
Oh Grrrrrreg, my thoughts are with you and your family. :::hugs:::
so sorry to hear this Grrrreg.
I’m so sorry, Grrrrreg. My deepest sympathies to you. Take good care. I’m thinking all kinds of good thoughts for you today.
Oh, Grrrreg, I’m so sorry to hear that. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ll be thinking about you.
Thanks again. You guys rock.
And I know it’s not easy to change subjects and speak about more frivolous stuff after this, but you know, go ahead. I know I completely dampened the mood here, but well…
Grrrreg, I’m so sorry about your dad. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
And to go along with Schnookie’s soup warning, beware of well intentioned acquaintances who bring food despite a lack of culinary skills. I love my aunt dearly, but you and your lower GI tract don’t need food poisoning right now.
This is very wise, mcguffers… I’ll sneakily use my brother as a taster.
I’ll sneakily use my brother as a taster.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::: Unfortunately my brother learned from growing up with my mother’s cooking to never be the first one to take a bite…
I’ll sneakily use my brother as a taster.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: If only I’d thought to do that with that soup lo those years ago! Dammit! :P
And so! How about that local sports team? :D
And so! How about that local sports team?
The Sabres are in one of the NHL.com’s plays of the week… and it wasn’t AGAINST US!!! Go Yo-yo!!
The Sabres are in one of the NHL.com’s plays of the week… and it wasn’t AGAINST US!!! Go Yo-yo!!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Devils are… well… I was going to suggest we go back to talking about Grrrreg, actually. :P
And so! How about that local sports team? :D
I had to get a chest x-ray today (nothing’s wrong, I’m fine) but when I looked on the report from the radiologist I realized it said:
“Tissue sections unremarkable. Skeletal sections grossly unremarkable.”
I’m pretty sure “grossly unremarkable” is the single most apt description of the Devils this season.
“Tissue sections unremarkable. Skeletal sections grossly unremarkable.”
I’m not sure but I think you may have been insulted.
I’m pretty sure “grossly unremarkable” is the single most apt description of the Devils this season.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Between “grossly unremarkable” and “almost half-fat”, I think our canon of sports insults has been immeasurably enriched this season.
I’m not sure but I think you may have been insulted.
I’m not going to lie — my initial reaction was, “What?! Who says! Shut up, radiologist! My skeleton sections are awesome! Don’t listen to that mean old jerk, ol’ Skelly, o’l pal! We don’t need him!”
Between “grossly unremarkable” and “almost half-fat”, I think our canon of sports insults has been immeasurably enriched this season.
You are so almost half-right on that!