Devils vs. BLOTS! — It Feels Like The Playoff Push

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Devils vs. BLOTS! — It Feels Like The Playoff Push

February 26, 2012 by Schnookie

Whoa, you guys — we were going to have a new post up before today’s game started, but you know what we were doing? GARDENING! So, yeah. A Sunday morning spent playing in the dirt, in glorious sunshine, and taking pictures of baby lettuces and crocuses, and then having a Devils matinee waiting for us on the TV? It feels like April!

Posted in Open Thread | 84 Comments

84 Responses

on February 26, 2012 at 1:30 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Pony Power!
on February 26, 2012 at 2:05 pm Miss M

And to think, I was so mad when he joined the Devils because I didn’t want him :D
on February 26, 2012 at 2:08 pm Schnookie

Yeah, I have to take back all the bad stuff I said about The Pony. He just had so much stink of Leafs on him…

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
on February 26, 2012 at 2:11 pm Miss M

He just had so much stink of Leafs on him…

And Pens stink. And Canes stink. He was pretty smelly.

Stupid Louis. Blergh.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:12 pm Pookie

Let’s trade Janssen for another Pony.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:12 pm suenj97

Bleh. NJ decided to take a second period nap.

Well, Leafs andCanes is just a bad pedigree for a Pony (not to mention a hockey player). You can never be too cautious.

I’m beginning to worry that Lou might have traded for Zidlicky because he thought he had too few Czechs or something. At least he didn’t convince Blobby to unretire.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:21 pm Schnookie

I think trading Janssen for an actual pony would be a fantastic upgrade. Or even just a picture of a pony.

Lou’s totally going to start trying to program Zidlicky to dress like Holik, then talk like Holik, then think like Holik…
on February 26, 2012 at 2:24 pm Schnookie

This game is stupid and awful and I hate it.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:25 pm Miss M

Lou’s totally going to start trying to program Zidlicky to dress like Holik, then talk like Holik, then think like Holik…

“Because that worked out so well the first time”, said NegativeNelly!Mags
on February 26, 2012 at 2:26 pm Miss M

*headdesk* Only 30 minutes till Top Gear, only 30 minutes till Top Gear, only 30 minutes till Top Gear, only 30 minutes till Top Gear.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:32 pm Schnookie

Why is it that the Pens got to play Roloson, but we get this guy who doesn’t suck? Life is so unfair!
on February 26, 2012 at 2:55 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on February 26, 2012 at 2:56 pm Schnookie

What the FUCK?
on February 26, 2012 at 2:57 pm suenj97

Fluck. It had to be Gilroy, didn’t it. You know, I’m sitting here, sick with a horrendous cold, and they are just making me sicker. I am beginning to hate them all. Both teams.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:57 pm Miss M

They’re ALL FIRED.
on February 26, 2012 at 2:59 pm Miss M

It had to be Gilroy, didn’t it.

Get out of my brain. That’s the first thing I thought of. “Oh gross, Saint Gilroy”. (And I’m sorry you’re sick!)
on February 26, 2012 at 3:02 pm Pookie

I had wondered why I hadn’t much about Gilroy this season. Guess that’s why.

Sue, I also have a horrendous cold and you’re so right that this game is NOT helping. (Working all day yesterday instead of staying home and sleeping probably didn’t help much either, but I’d rather blame this game.)
on February 26, 2012 at 3:03 pm Schnookie

I am beginning to hate them all. Both teams.

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

Well, I wasn’t sick before this game started, but I’m sure feeling that way now. :P (I’m sorry so many people here actually are ill. That sucks.)

As for Gilroy, I was like, “Gilroy… Gilroy… That name sounds familiar. Why does it seem like Joe Micheletti should be saying it dreamily?”
on February 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm Schnookie

Well, I’m glad I didn’t put off our gardening fun to watch this game. Because whatever zeal I had for living is gone now.
on February 26, 2012 at 3:09 pm suenj97

Pookie, my congestion and cough say hello to yours. They’ve been here since Wednesday night and, like some guests, don’t know when to leave. Sorry to hear the game is making your cold worse, as well.

“Gilroy… Gilroy… That name sounds familiar. Why does it seem like Joe Micheletti should be saying it dreamily?”

I haven’t watched Ranger games as much this year, so I’m not sure if anyone has replaced St. Gilroy in Joe’s affections. A love like that…well, you know. It’s like asking Chico to love again when Marty retires.

And…bleh. Great. a hat trick for St. Louis. I think it’s time for cold meds.
on February 26, 2012 at 3:11 pm Schnookie

A love like that…well, you know. It’s like asking Chico to love again when Marty retires.

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chico absolutely will never love again when Marty’s gone. They should hang Chico’s heart in the rafters next to number 30.
on February 27, 2012 at 2:51 am Mike in Idaho

If Brodeur starts tomorrow, I am going to eat my hat. To show my faith in DeBoer doing the right thing, I am going to wear a donut hat tomorrow.
on February 27, 2012 at 3:33 pm Morgan

Mike Mottau’s accent returns to it’s native habitat. Hi Ookies! Happy Trade Nap uh Deadline Day!
on February 27, 2012 at 3:39 pm Mike in Idaho

Professional trade analysis right here:
Predators – Mostly good, think they overpaid for Gaustad though. If his brother can keep Andrei away from hookers and blow, they might have made out very well.
Columbus – Good holding on to Nash to ship him out in the summer and getting a lot out of the Carter trade.
Bruins – Good getting Rolston, he might be OK for them.
Devils – Good getting Zidlicky although the Russian pony is stealing the show right now. Bad not shipping out Brodeur for someone who can stop pucks in the playoffs since the Devils will be back.
Blackhawks – Bad, getting Oduya is probably not going to stabilize your defense.

Now can I start getting some Mike Milbury type money? I even promise not to beat up any children.
on February 27, 2012 at 3:45 pm Mike in Idaho

Analysis continued:
Sabres – Terrible, I would have shipped out Roy and Stafford at least and blown this team up. Good getting a first round pick for Gaustad though.
on February 27, 2012 at 6:59 pm suenj97

Chico absolutely will never love again when Marty’s gone. They should hang Chico’s heart in the rafters next to number 30.

Here’s my fear: When Marty retires (OK, when Lou finally tells him there will not be another contract, and Marty suddenly faces reality, retires and pursues his dream of a chain of poutine restaurants in the NY Metro area), Chico will lose what little is left of his mind and sing Dionne Warwick’s “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again” on the air.
on February 27, 2012 at 7:06 pm Amy

Mike, according to GMDR, the offers for Roy were decidedly not as impressive as the first round pick for Goose. I’m sad that he’s leaving Buffalo, but would not be surprised if he came back here on UFA Day. Then again, if Brad May’s source is right, Goose wants $3 million per for 5-6 years. I love Goose, but he’s not worth that.

I’m more shocked about the Hodgson/Kassian deal. That was the one deal NO ONE saw coming.
on February 27, 2012 at 7:42 pm suenj97

Mike, hope your chapeau is tasty.
on February 27, 2012 at 7:44 pm Schnookie

Hey, everyone! Mike, that was some BRILLIANT analysis. We will totally pay you Mike Milbury money, but in IPBucks. They are… worth a lot less, even, than about four years ago. :P

And I hope everyone’s happy with trade deadline day. I had a crazy day at work, and was somewhat pleased to see that not being able to be hanging on every news report second-to-second wasn’t too much of a blow for me.

And WOOOOOOOO! DEVILS/RANGERS! My favorite! Wait, no….
on February 27, 2012 at 7:47 pm Schnookie

Mike, hope your chapeau is tasty.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on February 27, 2012 at 7:53 pm Schnookie

Pierre’s excitement at the possibility of Rupp fighting someone… and then him lining up with Sykora on the faceoff was just almost hilarious. Shut up, Pierre.
on February 27, 2012 at 7:56 pm suenj97

Yes, I know. And after I told Pierre to shut up, I thought, “I know I don’t really like Sykora, but if Rupp decides to injure him, we can’t replace him. That’s not good.”
on February 27, 2012 at 8:01 pm suenj97

Oh, please. A Ranger could have clubbed a Devil in the head and Tortorella wouldn’t be happy with the call.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:06 pm EJGRgunner

Am I crazy or was that Rupp’s stick that hit Fedotenko?
on February 27, 2012 at 8:07 pm EJGRgunner

Funfetti.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm suenj97

Well, that sucked.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm Schnookie

I know I don’t really like Sykora, but if Rupp decides to injure him, we can’t replace him. That’s not good.

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

I couldn’t figure out whose stick was doing what on that play, although I also got the impression it was Rupp’s. But now I’m too disgusted to care. Hmph.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm Pookie

Funfetti indeed.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm EJGRgunner

Jeebus a crikes, Marty. Hug the damn post!
on February 27, 2012 at 8:09 pm suenj97

BTW, The Cutting Edge is on on Lifetime.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:23 pm Schnookie

Aww, Cutting Edge! Unlike this game, that has a happy ending. :P
on February 27, 2012 at 8:24 pm Pookie

The Cutting Edge is always playing in my brain. And my heart.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:27 pm Alix

:*((((((((( @@@@

I’m crying and puking thanks to trade deadline day!
on February 27, 2012 at 8:29 pm Pookie

Alix is puking up Mike’s donut hat! Gross! (Seriously, Alix, sorry about Hodgson. That Kassian kid’s supposed to be good, though, right?)
on February 27, 2012 at 8:38 pm Schnookie

Pookie just wondered whether Pierre had just called Kovalchuk “a huge female”, then asked us, “Do you think he’s the kind of guy who just always refers to women as ‘females’? Like that’s the only word he ever uses about women?”
on February 27, 2012 at 8:38 pm EJGRgunner

What the hell is going on here?
on February 27, 2012 at 8:39 pm suenj97

Well, we didn’t need more proof that Clarkson’s an idiot.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:40 pm Schnookie

I have NO IDEA what’s happening here. Is it just a clusterfuck, or is it that Blersus is doing an exceptionally bad job of explaining it? (I keep thinking they’re showing replays of shit when actually it’s live. Am I the only one who’s finding the presentation of this game almost impossible to follow?)
on February 27, 2012 at 8:40 pm Schnookie

That’s a penalty on Zubrus?
on February 27, 2012 at 8:41 pm EJGRgunner

Know what sucks most about deadline day? When it’s over, you can’t shout “TRADE THE BUM” when someone screws up. You know you’re stuck with this roster until the summer.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:42 pm suenj97

Schnookie, I think Pierre’s been told that ‘females’ exist, but I doubt he knows he’s met one (does he realize his mother was female?)
on February 27, 2012 at 8:45 pm suenj97

Am I the only one who’s finding the presentation of this game almost impossible to follow?

I solved that by shutting off the sound. I just couldn’t take listening to Pierre. I may put the radio feed on. But, I really don’t know why Clarkson got the misconduct, I figured it was for continuing to mouth off. Since he’s a complete idiot, I gave the refs the benefit of the doubt.
on February 27, 2012 at 8:45 pm Schnookie

(does he realize his mother was female?)

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Please. Pierre was found in a cabbage patch. :P

You know you’re stuck with this roster until the summer.

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Yeah, dreams die hard on trade deadline day.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:00 pm Schnookie

I don’t think it’s too early to say that I am not a fan of Zidlicky. SO THERE!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:06 pm Pookie

Right now, I feel like I’m not a fan of anyone or anything affiliated in any way with this game.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:06 pm Schnookie

Clarkson looks like he’s really missing Avery tonight. There’s no boogeyman now to blame his stupidity on.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:08 pm suenj97

He can’t even claim brain farts, there would have to be a brain.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:09 pm EJGRgunner

One or both of these refs must have been taking some learning annex classes on mediation and conflict resolution. Because at this point they aren’t merely trying to stop the chippy play, they seem hell-bent on some sort of amicable reconciliation.

“David. David. David. David. I think what Mike is trying to tell you is that he only keeps hooking you because he wants to feel closer to you.”
on February 27, 2012 at 9:11 pm suenj97

And, he gets out of the box and immediately gets into a fight. Well, if he’s in the box for fighting, he can’t do anything else idiotic for 5 minutes.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:11 pm Pookie

He can’t even claim brain farts, there would have to be a brain.

We were just discussing here whether it would be possible to lobotomize Clarkson.

“David. David. David. David. I think what Mike is trying to tell you is that he only keeps hooking you because he wants to feel closer to you.”

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on February 27, 2012 at 9:11 pm Schnookie

He can’t even claim brain farts, there would have to be a brain.

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Yeah, I was just suggesting that he needed a lobotomy between periods, and Pookie was like, “How would they lobotomize David Clarkson?”

Gunner, :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on February 27, 2012 at 9:12 pm Pookie

he can’t do anything else idiotic for 5 minutes.

We should tell him 5 minutes are up when the small hand is on the 11 and the large hand is on the 12.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:16 pm suenj97

Because at this point they aren’t merely trying to stop the chippy play, they seem hell-bent on some sort of amicable reconciliation.

Forget that. Put Rupp and Clarkson in the ‘Harmony Hut’ from the second Addams family movie and make them watch Disney movies and Brady Bunch episodes non-stop. Not only will it get them both off the ice but it might make them both catatonic.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:29 pm Alix

Thanks Pookie! Yeah, he’s supposed to be like Loochesque or something? That could be good if you’re into not wearing pants!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:33 pm Schnookie

Alix, the Loochier the better!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:34 pm Pookie

With the money the Canucks save on not buying pants for Kassian, they can buy a hundred Hodgsons!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:40 pm Alix

Haha! I knew you two could cheer me up!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:48 pm suenj97

NJ really seems to have a team-wide brain cramp tonight. It does no good to set up and blast away from the point. The Rangers will block anything they attempt tonight. Nothing is going to get through to be tipped in front – if they even manage to get someone there. They need to try something else.
on February 27, 2012 at 9:50 pm Schnookie

Sue, I was just thinking that if the game plan tonight for the Devils was to never be looking for a shot other than fully-covered bombs from the point, they’ve executed to a T. It’s like if they can’t get that zero-percentage point shot, they’re all just sort of meekly looking to keep passing. Well, I suppose if there’s no zero-percentage shot to be had, might as well go for the zero-percentage pass attempt…
on February 27, 2012 at 9:51 pm Schnookie

(This has been a dreadful game all around. I really hope Blersus wasn’t planning to use it as a centerpiece in their new-fan indoctrination program.)
on February 27, 2012 at 10:00 pm Pookie

New fans would come away from this game thinking Brad Watson is Sid Fucking Crosby given how much time Pierre spent talking about him.
on February 27, 2012 at 11:08 pm Nell

This game sucked. Just sayin’.
on February 27, 2012 at 11:11 pm Pookie

Nell, we couldn’t agree more. Sigh.
on February 28, 2012 at 2:39 pm Mike in Idaho

Note to myself: Be busy on future days that have Devils/Rangers games. For the purposes of this note, even doing the dishes shall be considered busy. And my donut hat was very tasty everyone!

And Amy, I think you’re right that I may have judged the Sabres too harshly, I had never really heard of Cody Hodgson but if he’s as good as advertised, it sounds like he could really help them out.
on February 28, 2012 at 3:33 pm Pookie

The relative spunkiness of the Devils this season had made me relax on my “always be busy on Devils/Rangers nights” rule but I think last night might have reinvigorated my commitment to that. ::plans dinner out for next Tuesday::
on February 28, 2012 at 4:16 pm suenj97

There’s a fine line between ‘spunkiness’ and complete stupidity.

I will say this…Dubinsky claiming that Clarkson always turns away from the tougher guys (meaning that he was trying to fight Dubinsky because he won’t fight tough guys) is just ridiculous. Clarkson will stand in there with anyone – and at his size, it’s just another sign of his lack of a functioning brain.
on February 28, 2012 at 4:38 pm suenj97

BTW, Crunchy is unhappy about the Gaustad trade…apparently they are close friends and former roommates. Will Crunchy actually eat to ease his pain?
on February 28, 2012 at 6:48 pm Amy

Crunchy is unhappy about the Gaustad trade…apparently they are close friends and former roommates. Will Crunchy actually eat to ease his pain?

Crunchy and Goose are tight. They live around the corner from each other and have been friends since they cracked the Sabres roster. They even did a madcap tour of Europe together a couple years ago. Sure, he’s upset, but he gets a pass from me for speaking his mind. If he doesn’t answer the question, the media calls him soft and unwilling to take a stand. If he answers the question honestly, he’s roasted over an open fire for daring to question his GM. Also, Cranky Crunchy plays darn good hockey. I’m ok with him being angry and going on a run.

Now if he had been this angry over a Roy-Z trade, I would have a different opinion.
on February 28, 2012 at 8:22 pm Schnookie

Clarkson will stand in there with anyone

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah. He’s definitely a dim bulb, but not a cowardly dim bulb.

As for Crunchy, I certainly appreciate that he apparently has no brain-mouth delay, but man, that guy needs to learn to self-edit when he’s getting himself worked up into a fit of pique. It cracks me up when he gets his dander up and starts whining, because he always sounds so hilariously old-lady cranky. I saw him going on about how no one but Goose is willing to take faceoffs or kill penalties, and I just wanted to take him aside, hand him a little tape recorder, and tell him to listen to what he sounds like during a day. “Oh Crunchy, you blowhard.” Heh.
on February 28, 2012 at 10:29 pm suenj97

I saw him going on about how no one but Goose is willing to take faceoffs or kill penalties

No one else on the whole team…well, that would explain something about the way their season has gone…but otherwise, yeah, just a liiiiiittle over the top.
on February 28, 2012 at 10:51 pm Schnookie

No one else on the whole team…well, that would explain something about the way their season has gone…but otherwise, yeah, just a liiiiiittle over the top.

Yeah, for the Sabres’ sake I really hope that was just Crunchy doing the “I hate you, Mom and Dad, and I hope you DIE!” before flouncing off to his bedroom to text his friends about how cruel life is, rather than an actual statement of fact. Heh heh.
on February 29, 2012 at 9:11 am Amy

If you think about it, by the time Crunchy has kids, the legend of Goose will not only include his PK and faceoff prowess, but also the fact that Goose walked to the arena every day, uphill, both ways, barefoot, in the snow all the while carrying Crunchy and Nathan Gerbe on his back.
on February 29, 2012 at 7:02 pm Schnookie

but also the fact that Goose walked to the arena every day, uphill, both ways, barefoot, in the snow all the while carrying Crunchy and Nathan Gerbe on his back.

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: And his giant blue ox!
on March 1, 2012 at 1:22 pm Mike in Idaho

And his giant blue ox!

Is that Myers’s new nickname?