Camp Morningwood releases Camp Roster

by Anne

Team USA released their invitees to this summer's orientation camp.

From the Sabres, only Ryan Miller was invited. I thought Pommer and Goose were a long shot but I thought Stafford would have been tapped. He's played for Team USA at least three times before, including winning the United States only gold medal at the World Juniors in 2004.

Alas.

Other players of note:

Hometown boys Pat Kane and Brooks Orpik were given invitations.

Jack Johnson, Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick were given invitations. Quickie has no chance of getting either the starting or first back-up job, but its great to see him included. In four years, Tim Tom might not be able to play and he'd have a strong chance of being named the back-up behind Millsy.

Phil Kessel was given an invitation even though he will not be able to participate. He just had surgery that will keep him out of action for at least three more months. (The camp is in mid-August).

All in all, the lists are pretty good. Are they as good as Team Canada... weeell, that' remains to be seen, but especially on defense, things are looking big and mean, which doesn't surprise me considering Brian Burke made this list. I'm surprised JM Liles wasn't given a nod. He'd bring some much needed offensive zip from the blue line, but so can guys like Gilbert and Johnson, both of whom are bigger than JM Liles.

In keeping with the question of size, is that why Team USA staple Jason Blake was not invited? That'll be an awkward conversation in the hallways of the Air Canada Centre.

My new-found beloved David Backes was also invited. Yesss. I mean, I want the team to win, but I'd like them to look good doing it.

Oldie but goodie Mike Modano was invited to camp. Mikey is the last of the era goneby to be invited to camp.

With the exceptions of Modano, Drury, Gomez, Thomas, and Malone the rest of the invitees are in their 20s. The old guard of the '06 Olympics have all but retired and its time to start breeding a new era of American hockey.

I'm a little annoyed at Burkey for some of the ommissions, but, as he said, we'd be surprised by some of the names left off the list, and he's right. Dustin Byfuglien but not Stafford? Makes little sense to me.

You can read the whole annoucementand download the roster here.

Heyyyy there, Hedman

by Anne

I was trying to find a picture of Tim Connolly with hair to show my mom. Then I found this picture and Tim Connolly became the furthest thing from my mind:

Ladies and gentlemen (but mostly ladies)
I present to you our most popular search terms.
Shirtless hockey players.
Victor Hedman shirtless.
En.Joy.
Sorry ladies, he already has a gal.
However, he can still be some tasty eye candy
So he's only like 18,
But as Peg and I say:
A good looking man is a good looking man.

Draft in Review

by Anne

I was at rehearsal, where I've been a lot for the last few days and will continue to be for the rest of the summer.

I wasn't able to learn anything about any of the prospects until I returned home last night.

Here are my pithy insights:

HOLY CRAP! Everyone we drafted was at least 6'0" tall!

Round 1:

Zack Kassian -Windsor, ON. 6'3", 210 lbs, RW.

He seems adorably dim and he started out as a figure skater. Amazing. He said his favorite team was Toronto growing up but when asked about this situation now he said: "Now its the Buffalo Sabres...Toronto, I don't like them at all." Well done, Mr. Kassian. He's big, he hits a lot, he scores a lot. Buffalo will like him. He already works out with and knows Mike Weber and knows of Patty Kaleta

ETA: Love for Mr. Kassian from Maine Hockey Blog: “My brother really stepped in there to be a father figure,” Kassian said to the NHL.com. “I have to give a lot of credit to my mom and my brother. They drove me everywhere, got me where I needed and made me the man I am today. They deserve a lot of credit and I thank them a lot.”

Round 2: Nothing doin'

Round 3:

Brayden McNabb - Sasktatoon, SK. 6'4" 200lbs, D

Well we got a Brayden from Saskatoon. Granted, the Brayden I would've hoped for was Schenn, but McNabb works as well. There wasn't much to report from him at the draft, I don't think he was there, so there were no interviews. He's a defenseman. He was tied for the team lead in goals scored by a defenseman this year.

Round 4:

Marcus Foligno - Buffalo, NY - 6'2" 200lbs - LW

Son of Mike. Born in Buffalo when his dad played here. The better looking but perhaps less talented brother of Nick. He had better do the leap if/when he scores his first NHL goal. Do it for Dad, and for the fans, Marky Mark.

Round 5:

Mark Adams - Massachusetts (?) 6'2" 187 lbs

I can't find much of anything out about this kid other than he plays high school hockey and he's committed to play college hockey in Providence. He played for Malden Catholic high school in Massachusetts. He was taken #134 but was not ranked among the 210 North American skaters. Ho-kay?

Round 6:

Connor Knapp - Harrell, NY. 6'5" 215 lbs - G

He's super tall. Built like Millsy but bigger. Plays for Miami of Ohio. Played for Boston of the EJHL. Uhh, he was hella good when he played there. He posted a record of 22-1-0 in 2006-07 with three shutouts and a 1.66 goals-against average. Yeesh.

Round 7:

Maxime Legault - Mont Tremblant, QC. 6'2" 195 lbs - RW

Um, he has the same birthday as my sister, so I'm down.

In other team news: The Kings took Brayden Schenn 5th over all, the Pens took Simon Despres. I'd seen a few mock drafts that had the Sabres taking Despres but, if he fell to 30th overall, I wonder the validity of those drafts. The Canucks got Jordan Schroeder who most people feel was a steal at #22 and most analysts thought he'd go at least in the top 20.

All in all, yet another exciting(?) draft.

Also, Chris Pronger as a Phlyer? Barf.

The Flames acquiring Bouwmeester (or his negotiating rights anyway) is pretty sweet and helps keep them in the running to be a team I enjoy next season. However, if JBo walks away from the Flames, they'll be back to square 1. The Kings traded Brian Boyle to the Rangers. I'm not losing sleep over this.

Free Agency on Wednesday!

If any of you who read this blog cheer for the team that Jaroslav Spacek signs with (sob) on Wednesday... treat him well!! :'(

Oh Lindy

by Anne

Lindy Ruff was officially introduced as an associate coach for the 2010 Canadian Olympic team. Team Canada executive director, Steve Yzerman, introduced the coaching staff in Montreal. Mike Babcock of the Detroit Red Wings is the head coach and will work with Jacques Lemaire, Ken Hitchcock of the Columbus Blue Jackets and our very own Lindy Ruff. Each member of the team was introduced, presented with a jersey and spoke very briefly with the press. Lindy's comments probably excited Canadians, but gave pause to Sabres fans. He said something to the effect of "let's skip the season and get started."

Uhhhh... how about we don't?

Canada, like Buffalo, likes it Ruff

I Can't Talk About it

by Anne

The Sabres have made an offer to Sissy, yet Darcy feels that normally when a deal is not struck by now, the player is going to try their luck on July 1.

Here is what I have to say about that:

Do. Not. Want.
:'(
I wants mah Sissy tah stay.



Please?

Ryan Miller: Level-headed Dude

by Anne

TSN has a lengthy article up about Gary Bettman speaking at the NHLPA players meeting in front of 110 NHL players on Saturday morning in Las Vegas, including Buffalo's own Ryan Miller.

The article discusses the man issues touched upon by Bettman such as fighting, the TV contracts with NBC and Versus and the future of PED testing. It was Bettman's first time speaking to the NHLPA in his sixteen years as commissioner and his comments seemed to be well-received and productive.

They interviewed several players about Gare-bear's appearance and most of them seemed to be glad he came but there was a definite "Its about damn time" tone to the aricle from most people involved.

Not surprisingly, Ryan Miller's closing comments in the article were articulate and thoughtful. Here they are:

"A lot of criticism flies towards Gary, but you can't knock him for being a bad businessman," said Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. "He's a very strong businessman, he's a smart man.

"It's good for guys to sit there and listen to his opinions and to learn. Of course, he has the interests of the NHL in mind and we have to have our best interests at heart.

"He's trying to get the best deal for his owners and we're trying to get the best deal for us. But guys being able to hear his opinion first-hand and being able to ask him some questions was definitely beneficial."

He's so adorably diplomatic and smart and what not. Like how I tried to make him sound all legit and then I called his intelligent comments "adorable?"

Its amazing how sometimes he can look 72
I'm fascinated by how atypical he seems to be
love
Have fun in Vegas!

My Choice for our #13 Pick

by Anne

David Rundblad.

Why? Because he seems a decent young Swede and he already lists the Sabres as his favorite team.

I KNOW! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT EITHER!

The truth is he probably accidentally left that part blank and they just tossed in the team with the least representation on the list.

Think of all the time that'll be saved wondering if he's going to bolt the second he can!

He's ranked 6th among European skaters, according to Central Scouting. He's a right-handed shot and draws comparisons to Mike Green. I'm down. Also, he and my dog (now deceased) have the same birthday. So far birthdays seem to be the thing drawing me to prospects. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Ryan Miller share a b-day. Now David Rundblad and my long deceased cocker spaniel. Good GOD, I have such great GM skillz.

He's supposedly snappy offensively and most mock drafts have him going in the mid-teens. I formerly had my heart set on Simon Despres, but I suppose David Rundblad will be just as bad-ass, if he can be more physical. Lord knows we need tougher d-men, Henrik Tallinder. Toni and Craigory can't do it all, and Sir Christopher is still testing out his wobbly newborn NHL legs. Besides, Simon Despres lists his favorite website as "Fulltiltpoker.com." Please, Simon, everyone knows the NHL poker website of choice is Pokerstars.net.

Hold up, Rundblad has a teammate named Tim Erixon who's a "European" skater but he was born in Portchester, NY. He's got an American flag next to his name but he's listed as a European skater. How often does that happen?

Expect serious OUTRAGE if we don't draft one of these gents. Oh, but if we get another "He's a small, speedy scorer," I'm going to punch something.

ETA… thanks to Alix at Canuck's Hockey Blog for bringing David to my attention

Guest Bloggers

by Ellie

Hi strange peoples, my name is Ellie and I am Annie's awesome cousin. I think Clarke MacArthur is cute. Just so you know, I'm not that into hockey but its awesome. Ok, its been a couple minutes and I'm waaaaaaaay over Clarke MacArthur. The photo I just saw captured his bad side and, trust me, that changed everything. Anyway, I saw this really funny photo of Patrick Eaves and Annie wouldn't let me put it in this blog. But it is sooooooooooooooooooooo funny.sometimes the sabres are so boring I cant sit thrugh one hour of their horrible playing.
PEACE OUT AND SAVE THE EARTH. THAT MEANS RECYCLE, PAUL GAUSTAD.

by Jimmy

Jimmy's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. What's up bloggers? I have 100 hockey cards. Unfortunately only two of them are Sabres: Afinogenov and Vanek. I also have a Zdeno Chara card. I have about half the Maple Leafs hockey cards and three Mike Modano cards, anyone want one?

I can't believe the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. Good job, Sidney Crosby! Youngest NHL captain to win a Stanley Cup. (Editors note: Jimmy knew that all on his own, I did not have to tell him. ::sniff:: I'm so proud).

Annie said I have hockey player hair which she said means I need a haircut. She also said my hair looks like Sidney Crosby's. (I'll take that as a compliment).

I have to go to bed now so I'll say: Good try, Sabres, see you next year (hopefully).

by Anne

I'm babysitting all weekend and I realized today that the summer of '99 was the Summer of "No Goal" for Buffalo, but the Summer of '99 was the Summer Jimmy and Ellie were adopted from the same town Nik Antropov was born in. Therefore, they managed to make that Summer the Summer of Jimmy and Ellie instead of the Summer of Disappointment.

Also, Jimmy is pretending to call Sabretooth and ask him to shoot me with the t-shirt cannon for mentioning him and his sister in the same sentence.

Also, Jimmy just pretended to punch himself in the face and randomly said: "Stupid Kobe Bryant!"

Now they're singing a song from Family Guy but the only line they keep repeating is about lighting a fire and then peeing it out and something about doing the bump. And Ellie is giggling like crazy because she thought "Guest Bloggers" said "Guest Boogers."

This is just a snapshot of my life, people.

Ok Fine

by Anne

Its the 10th Anniversary of "No Goal."

There. I've acknowledged it.

It still makes my stomach turn. It was a terrible moment for a 13 year old to experience, staying up until 1:30 a.m.

Barf.

Here's a frontrunner for one of my new favorite Stanley Cup pictures ever. My question is: Who is taking the picture?

Snuggle up with Stanley
If I were his girlfriend, I would totally be ok with his choice of sleeping companion

TWO Winter Classics?

by Anne

In my usual nightly perusal of TSN's website, I came across a picture of Jarome Iginla, which always captures my attention. The ensuing article indicated that there might be TWO outdoor games on New Year's Day. The first yet-to-be-officially-announced at Fenway Park in Boston and the other presumably in Calgary's McMahon Stadium, home of the CFL's Stampeders. The other opponent will be another Canadian opponent. I'm guessing the Canucks, just because the last two games have featured teams from the same conferences and Edmonton has already been in on the outdoor game action.

My initial reaction: Whaaaaaat?

I'm really not sure how to feel about this. I'm sure there are lots of teams who want in on the Winter Classic bank, but two Winter Classics seems a little strange.

Let's just make everyone happy by turning the Winter Classic into the All-Star Game and that way everyone gets to participate.

I'm down, are you down?

Anne's Review of the 2009 NHL Awards Show

by Anne

I didn't watch any of the Awards show so my entire experience is from the perspective of Twitter and the photo gallery:

I told you Iggy won the award for being badass and bald

Hey Steve!
Congrats!
Love the stripes

Oh Kes.
Oh goodness.
A comb, my love, a comb.

In case you'd forgotten how badass and bald he is

My Oilers WCB won the King Clancy!
Yay!
Captain, badass, charitable, adorable children?
Perfection

My Mom and I just had this conversation:

Me: I thought Sid was at the Awards? There's no pictures of him.

Mom: He was busy tracking down Lidstrom to shake his hand.

Spot on, Peg. Spot. On.

Steve Mason: Blogger

by Anne

Steve Mason, the Columbus Blue Jackets wunderkind and Calder Trophy nominated goaltender is experiencing a lot of firsts this year. First NHL stint, first Blue Jackets playoff series, first trip to Vegas, first NHL awards show, and, most importantly to me, first time blogger.

You can read all of Steven's exploits over the last two days in Vegas here at the Blue Jacket's website. The highlights include him listing everyone traveling with him, which is how we learned his girlfriend has the rare and complicated name of Amberleigh, which sounds like a beer to me; the limo driver sort of locked the keys to the limo in the trunk; there was no movie on the five hour flight, Steven was rather indignant and passed the time reading his "girlfriend's" gossip magazines (whatev, Steve, we see your mailing address and name on the front. You can admit to reading Star magazine, its ok); also the usual "Vegas is crazy, yo." that first timers often experience. Steven just turned 21 on May 29 which is quite a relief because he wasn't sure they'd allow him into the Palms if he was only 20. I think they'd make an exception, Steve, but its cute that you were concerned.

I wasn't aiming to find a picture of Steve Mason shirtless but I found one
Our readers rejoice
Also, interesting tattoo, Steven.
He's from Oakville which you drive through/past to get to Toronto from Buffalo.
Sweet
The dude on the other table is Kyle Turris, btw

Insomnia, You Win

by Anne

Here is a list of things I think about when I can't fall asleep at night, which is quite often:

• If Herbie Hancock married Nathan Gerbe, his name would be Herbie Gerbe

• Why has Chris Butler still not accepted or rejected my Facebook friend request? I assumed he had denied our friendship but, several weeks after I last checked, it is still "pending." I also learned that you cannot remove a pending friend request

• I would not be surprised to find out that Sidney Crosby is really terrible on a first date

• Do you think it really annoys Marc Staal that his little brother entered the NHL before him?

• Speaking of Sidney Crosby, did his parents just try to cover their bases and pick unisex names for both their kids? Taylor and Sidney could be male or female names.

• Would I be more or less grossed out by Tim Connolly if he still had hair?

• If Joch Hecht married Olli/Jussi Jokinen his named would be Jochen Jokinen (if you don't know how to pronounce those names, the joke is lost on you).

• I think being married to an NHL player would have more downsides than upsides.

• Why do people get so worked up about the draft? After Tavares, Hedman and maybe Duchene, the likelihood that any of these boys will see serious NHL time this coming season is not good

• Even if the Sabres tanked with the hopes of getting the #1 pick, I still think they would lose the lottery, because that's how the Sabres roll.

• I don't care about the NHL Awards because no Sabres or any of "Anne's Top 10 Favorite non-Sabres" are nominated for anything. Unless you can guarantee me shots of Vinny in a well-fitted suit, I'm not watching. Wait, I just remembered Iggy is nominated for something about being totally badass and bald or something like that. I will watch

• I desperately need rehearsals to start. I'm going out of my skull with boredom.

• Why do I bother choosing favorite non-Sabres? The list changes drastically every year or so. Its very hard for me to keep on loving a player if his team is annoying. The notable exception being Jarome Iginla and his Lames.

• Why does Bucky Gleason still have a job?

• What will it take for Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier to be fired? Can I help speed along this process in any way? Let me know.

I love this picture so much

• Sometimes I think about moving to New York or Chicago or Pittsburgh or Boston but then I realize that it would be tough because I know I'd always want to come back to the B-lo

• It really drives me crazy when people try to out do each other by proving they were fans of a musical artist for SUCH A LONG TIME. No one is impressed. "I WAS A FAN OF LADY GAGA BEFORE SHE EVEN HAD AN ALBUM." Whoa. Ok, calm down there, captain.

• Katy Perry can't sing, yet she's a recording artist. Honestly, have you ever listened to her "sing" her song "Thinking of You?" She sounds like a goat choking on its own saliva

• I miss these fools:
  

I miss them :(
I don't like the playoffs without them
Or the offseason
Also, I'd really appreciate it we re-signed Jaro :( Pretty please? :)

Its Getting Drafty In Here

by Anne

Paul Hamilton discussed on WGR that the Sabres are decidedly anti-European, and its hard to disagree with that sentiment. There are precious few Sabres draft prospects that do not hail from this continent. The majority of our highest ranked prospects are Canadian and American, with the exceptions of Dennis Persson and Jhonas Enroth, among others. But, is this really a significant parameter for discussing the potential for success within the Sabres prospects?

It would seem that the argument for drafting European players is the luck and skill that has mixed together to form the Detroit Red Wings drafting in the last decade. Players like Zetterburg and Datsyuk were drafted very late in the draft (179th and 210th overall respectively) and have become NHL superstars. Detroit struck gold with these two, among many others they've drafted and, when looking at their track record, its hard to disagree that Europeans are the way to go when drafting.

BUT! (There's always a BUT) The 2007 Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks were helmed by one Mr. Brian Burke who has developed a reputation as being anti-European and pro-North American. When reviewing the 2007 Stanley Cup winning team roster we find three European players: Ilya Bryzgalov, Teemu Selanne and Sammy Pahlsson. The entire defense corps was Canadian, the Forwards consisted of four Americans, Selanne, Pahlsson and the rest were Canadian. There's no doubt that Teemu Selanne is and was a huge part of their offense, but, as we can see, clearly the European factor was almost non-existent, even with The Finnish Flash at the helm.

This year's Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins' heritage breakdown goes as follows: Europeans - 5, Americans - 4, Canadians - 13.

The point I'm trying to make is that, just because Detroit happens to have a helluva lot of Europeans and they're good, doesn't mean that one MUST have a Euro-centric team in order to win a Stanley Cup. Talent, skill, leadership, grit and heart can be found around the world, not just in Sweden.

When a team finds these diamonds in the rough, it is to be commended. However, Datsyuk and Zetterberg are most certainly rare players that flew well under the radar and Detroit got a huge return on their investment.

There have been attempts by other NHL teams to capture the same success with less thrilling results. (See: Brunnstrom, Fabian).

So, when the Sabres choose their 13th overall pick if its Simon Despres (D - Canada - St. John Sea Dogs) or Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D - Sweden - Leksand) I hope they choose the better player. Oliver gets my vote because he and Ryan Miller have the same birthday. This is my extremely scientific drafting process, I hope you enjoy it.

Buffalove

by Anne

On Sunday I went to the Allentown Art Festival with Jimmy. My entire purpose for going was to buy this shirt:

It really does.
Especially down by the Arena when they're putting sugar on the cereal
Mmmmm

I don't think its much of a secret that I'm a huge fan of the City of Buffalo and Western New York in general. Therefore, I had no problem trucking down to Allentown and then weaving my way through the throngs of people to track down this tiny stand way off the beaten path.

Support your local businesses!

BorninBuffalo.net

They, of course, have at least one hockey t-shirt on there, because, let's face it, Buffalo is a hockey town. Maybe one day it'll be a football town again.

We ate the largest order of curly fries I've ever seen, drank some tasty lemonade and tried to go to the Wilcox Mansion/Teddy Roosevelt Historical Site but the house is closed until next week. Boo. They have a nice exhibit about the Pan-Am exposition and for our $2 we got a coupon for $2 off admission to the mansion itself when it opens back up next week. I went there a few times when I was a kid and I think its pretty neat to show the youth of WNY that our city and region have some historical significance, as sad as a Presidential assassination is.

107 days til the season starts.

I just discovered they have it in yellow for toddlers:

Love it.
Love my city.

Stanley's Surprise Night On the Town

by Anne

There's a photo gallery up of the Pens surprising fans and taking the Cup around Pittsburgh this weekend. I, of course, decided to steal pics of my favorite Penguin acting goofy with the Cup:

As Mirtle said: "Don't drop the Cup, Jordan."


Friends! Pittsburghers! Non-countrymen!
Lend me your ears!
I come to drink from Stanley, not to drop him!
The evil that the Red Wings do lives after them
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Crosby. The noble Lidstrom
Hath told you Crobsy was ambitious
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Crosby answer'd it.
....

Ok, maybe that's just what I think he was saying because I'm currently working on a production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and I'm a huge nerd. Also that speech would imply that Nick Lidstrom killed Sidney Crosby. Maybe that doesn't so much apply here.

However, if the Pittsburgh Penguins were the play Julius Casear, Jordan Staal would definitely be Marc Antony. Which makes Sidney Crosby Julius Caesar and I think that makes Nick Lidstrom Brutus and Chris Osgood, Cassius.

Most importantly: What the hell am I talking about?

While I feel I am safe in assuming Mr. Staal is under the influence of something a little more potent than adrenaline, in the entire gallery, he is not seen consuming alcohol. Also, Jordan appears to be holding the Cup in just about every group photo. Whatevs, I'm ok with it.

Yay! Enjoy it boys, you earned it.

I Love Jhonas Enroth

by Anne

Jhonas Enroth and I are friends on Facebook, as I'm sure many of you are also his friend on Facebook.

Those of you on Facebook are more than likely aware of the "Suggestions" box in the top right corner of the Facebook homepage. In this "Suggestion" box we are often prompted to become fans of things such as "Hugs," "Lost" and "Not Being On Fire." When a friend or friends of yours are also fans of something, it lists it as such. When only one friend is a fan of something, that persons name appears instead of "1 friend is a fan."

Here is what I saw when I was flipping through these fan page suggestions:

Brilliant.
I like a goalie with a little self-assurance

Only 108 days until next season

Also, if you're not friends with Jhonas yet, I recommend it, he's quite entertaining. Especially a few days ago when he was drafted(?!) by the KHL team that Ray Emery just left.

The Cup Comes to Buffalo?

by Anne

Since we in Buffalo are obsessed with Buffalo and all things and people Buffalo-related, I am eagerly anticipating if/when Brooks Orpik brings the Cup to Buffalo for his day with the cup.

I didn't visit the Cup when Todd Marchant brought it to town because, while I was glad Anaheim won, I didn't feel nearly the attachment to them that I feel to the Penguins.

For some reason in all my years of hockey fandom living near Toronto, I have never been to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Therefore, I have never seen the Stanley Cup in person. My only hope is that if Orpik brings the Cup to Buffalo its not on one of the days I will be busy all day and won't be able to see it.

Hooray for Pittsburgh!

Bring it on home, Brooksy

PITTSBURGH WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Anne

I'm too tired to be coherent.

That game probably took a year off of my life. I was just sitting there pulling at my hair and covering my eyes and trying not to be sick at the end.

I like Sidney Crosby and I'm glad he's won his first Stanley Cup. Anyone would've been a fool to say that he wasn't going to win it at least once (or more) during his career.

Woooo!!!

Oh hey, whatcha got there, Staalsy?
It all changed with his short-handed goal.
No question.



I got a little choked up when they showed Billy w/ the cup
What a good guy
"Let's Go Daddy #13!"
Adorable

I really didn't think they would win. Things were really stacked against them. They hadn't won in Detroit the entire series. But I kept going back to November, to that OT victory. It can be done, they have won in Detroit in the past, and they did when it mattered most.

If they gave out the Conn Smythe just for Game 7, Marc-Andre Fleury would have that thing wrapped up. Also, the crossbar in the third period. Detroit came (literally) within inches of tying the game more than once. When that shot rang off the crossbar late in the game, I actually started to put my head down on the bar in despair before I realized it actually hadn't gone in. I don't think I breathed for the last 16 seconds of the game, certainly not during Lidstrom's last-second desperation shot and Flower's last second desperation save.

I did plenty of mocking of Marian Hossa when they showed him leaving the ice, but I have to say this was probably the worst possible way this season could've ended for him. Not only does he not win the Cup with the team he believed would give him the best shot at it, he lost to the very team he gave the proverbial middle finger to on July 1. Losing the Cup to Pittsburgh has probably flashed in his mind at least once since signing that contract and the sight of it probably will be burned in his memory forever.

My Staal shirt ends the playoffs 3-0.

I'm sorry our love affair will only last a few precious months. The Pens are just my hockey mistress team and the Sabres are my true loves. Its been an enjoyable affair, boys. I'll still love you.

And, with that, the 2008-2009 NHL season is over and we've crowned a new champion.

One last time:

LET'S GO PENS!!

Game 7

by Anne

Someone's raising this bad boy over his head tonight

Game 7, 8:00pm

Welcome Aboard, Paul Byron

by Anne

Ok, so I've clearly reached critical mass of boredom, I'm finally welcoming Paul Byron aboard the SS Buffalo FailShip.

Here is all the pertinent information I could Google or Wikipedia or Youtube about Paul Byron:

• Born April 27, 1989 in Ottawa (Booo and/or he and Royzie can swap hometown stories)

• Drafted by the Sabres in the 6th round, 179th overall in 2007

• Center, shoots left

• Played in Junior hockey for the Gatineau Olympiques

• This season he finished 4th in the entire QMJHL with 99 points (33+66) in 64 games

• He's a tad on the wee side (great, another one) at his latest physical it appears Pauly was 5'9" 165 lbs. I think when he was drafted he was 5'8" 135 lbs. I don't know about you, but those stats just scream "NHL" to me

• I thought I'd never find him on Facebook but we have 6 mutual friends so he popped up first when I searched his name. Phew?

• I found some strange quote about his bacteria-ridden, smelly equipment. Here's the link I laughed fairly hard when I read it - first because its totally random and second because I'm really tired. Apparently Paul's gear no longer being bacteria-filled and smelly is what lead the Olympiques to win the Memorial Cup or something

• He was the Boston Pizza CHL player of the week for the week of January 27, 2009. I'm sure this was his proudest achievement and I hope he got a golden pizza for his troubles

• Seriously, I'm sure Paul Byron is a great hockey player, but I really could handle reading an article about how beastly and huge and muscular a Sabres prospect is. I could do without reading another article about our tiny prospects. Whatevs, good on, ya Paul.

• According to that article, he seems to have been cut from like every team he has tried out for before Gatineau. Uhhh...?

• I'm just going to pretend he's the next Royzie and call it a day.

• You can listen to him do a smack-talk style radio ad for something called Greco's here

Here's Paul in his peroxide phase, and
Welcome Aboard!

GAH! SHUT UP!

by Anne

I am just about sick enough of hearing about how Hamilton so god damn deserving of an NHL team.

Hamilton, Ontario deserves an NHL team. HOWEVER, the city is no more deserving of an NHL team that Quebec, Winnipeg, Kansas City, Halifax, Saskatoon or any other city where people watch hockey. Hamilton is also not more deserving than Buffalo or Toronto, in spite of what their elected officials might have you think.

Hamilton councilman Sam "Desperate" Merulla wants a statement from the Sabres, supporting a team in Hamilton... OR ELSE! The "or else" is that he will urge Hamiltonians to boycott the Sabres until they give him what he wants.

The citizens of the City of Hamilton, regardless of if they want this new NHL team, regardless of if they would break their allegiance to the Sabres or Maple Leafs, are supposed to "band together" and boycott the Sabres and Maple Leafs if the two teams do not issue statements supporting a team in Hamilton. That's what Mr. Merulla apparently thinks is the best tactical maneuver. Otherwise, he'll go with childish pouting and tantrum-throwing if he doesn't get what he wants.

Hamilton falls right in between Toronto and Buffalo geographically, and therefore, both teams have some claim to the fans and potential revenue in that city. I'm sure there are fans of both teams currently residing in Hamilton, living as outsiders, cast away by Sam Merulla's iron fist of justice.

By bringing in a new team, both the Sabres and Maple Leafs would feel some kind of repercussion. Would it be to the level that the Sabres would fold and relocate? I'm not an expert on the economics of the NHL, but I don't think so. Reportedly only 20% of the Sabres season ticket holders are Canadian, not necessarily from Hamilton.

There are ways in which a team in Hamilton could be helpful to the Sabres. Maybe it would force the team to start treating their fans better, give their fans more of what they're looking for, enter the 21st century in terms of the kind of technology that's used and the kind of features that we're given. Maybe by some act of GOD it will make the Sabres create a SCOUTING department again. I'm not sure how the two are related but maybe, just maybe, it will make an impact on their thick skulls.

However, Mr. Merulla, this is a BUSINESS. ADDITIONAL COMPETITION IS NOT NECESSARILY GOOD FOR A BUSINESS. I know we'd all like to sit around and pretend that players, management, coaches and owners are all just in it for the love of the sport but that would be completely naive to assume that. A team in Hamilton will infringe upon some of the Sabres and Maple Leafs' revenue possibilities, possibly costing the teams millions of dollars in lost revenue. Therefore, regardless of a love of rivalry or gamesmanship, there is no way, even if the Sabres actually issue a statement, that they want a team that close to them that will take away some of their revenue.

Mr. Merulla appears to just be attempting to stir the waters to fuel his own agenda. This team and this boycott seem to just be a tool Mr. Merulla is using to further some agenda. He is a self-proclaimed "crusader" who appears to verbally abuse his fellow council members in the name of the people of Hamilton. He even calls himself "the Shark." Wow, just buy a Hummer and call it a day, sir.

People of Hamilton, our cities have always gotten along, many of your citizens are life-long Sabres fans and we know that won't change with a new NHL team. For those of you searching for a hometown NHL team, I hope, for your sake that you get a team. Its not your fault that Jim Balsillie is (allegedly) attempting to illegally circumvent the NHL's rules to move a team to your city. You deserve this team, you don't deserve this firestorm of childishness and boys who need to just get out a ruler and stop trying to push each other around to see who's more of a man.

Also, Ward 4, don't re-elect Sam Merulla, he's making you look bad.

How can you trust a man with that hair?

Perez Hilton Discusses the Sabres

by Anne

Sort of.

It must be a slow news day at Perez and he must be behind the times because its been fairly common knowledge in Buffalo for months that B. Tom Golly* is dating Monica Seles. Anyway, Perez discussed it on his site tonight and after two glasses of wine, I found it hysterical at the time.

Here's the link.

Good times. The Sabres have been mentioned twice now on Perez, once when Ruutu made a snack out of Petey and this time. Sweet. We just need a celeb girlfriend and we'll be all set.

*B. Thomas Golisano for those who have never been inside my wine-soaked head and don't know my nicknames

Its Official (almost)

by Anne

It has been announced by the Philadelphia Flyers that they have agreed to a one-year contract with Ray Emery, formerly of our *favorite* Ottawa Senators.

I thought they'd wait until Raymond could officially sign on the dotted line on July 1, but they decided to jump the gun and announce it today.

Greeeeaaaaat. At least Heatley has said he wants to go to Edmonton, far, far away where he'll only bother us a maximum of twice next year if Edmonton is one of our three "at large" games. Peace out, Heater.

I can't wait for the "Emmmmmeryyyyy! Emmmmmeryyyyy!" chants to rain down from HSBC Arena, though, that will be fun to have back. Just as long as the Sabres are winning.

My best friend is moving to Harlem in August, my only solace is that I can have a place to stay when I get dirt cheap tickets to see John Tavares play next season. Nevermind that it'll take two hours one way to get from Harlem to Nassau Coliseum by public transportation and just over one hour driving. Whatevs.

I fell off my treadmill yesterday. Now I have a bruise on my knee. I'm one slick kid.

Still only Wednesday. Still 55 hours and 40 minutes until Game 7.

Hockey is Bad for My Health

by Anne

I have documented proof that intense Stanley Cup Finals games are bad for my health.

Just as a test, before the game I took my pulse and BP (cuz my mom as a machine that can do it at the push of a button). Before it was 113/67 pulse 61. All low to normal readings. At the end of the game it was 139/88, pulse 96. Goodness gracious.

Pens win Game 6 by a score of 2-1!!

Lookityou!
Jordan gobbled up his own rebound on a 2 on 1 with Cookie Monster and opened the scoring!


Yay!!!


GRONK RAWR!

Rob Scuderi was the hero of the game, by far, literally diving into the play and preventing the puck from going into a wide open net not once but twice. He even made a nifty kick save in the game's dying seconds to preserve the win for his team. Tyler Kennedy scored about 5 minutes into the third and upped the score to 2-0. Kris Draper added his first point of the series and brought the Wings within one but that's as close as they got, thanks mostly to Rob Scuderi's heroics.

I'll be calling in sick to work on Friday.

As crazed as this series has made me, this is nothing compared to what it would be like if this were the Sabres. I would literally be unable to sleep or function normally until Friday. Godspeed, diehard Pittsburghers. I feel for you. Try to make it to Friday in one piece.

Game 7.

LET'S GO PENS!!!!!!!!!

Sidenote: I'm watching Trent Edwards' press conference and he's wearing a Sabres t-shirt. Awww. Feel the city unity. Also, the Bisons are horrendous. Ed Kilgore can't get over it on Channel 2.

Bye Heater!

by Anne

Dany Heatley wants out of Ottawa. Woooooooooo!!!

The only way this could be bad is if he goes to Philly. Emery and Heatley back together again... ugh. The horror! The HORROR!

Regardless, watching the Senators slowly jettison the top players that defeated the Sabres in '07 is quite satisfactory. All we need now is the Sabres to get better, and Ottawa looks a little less scary than they have for the last three years.

Its going to be difficult for a team to take on his salary which is 5 years and a $7.5 million cap hit. As I always say, Tampa will take him. The Islanders probably would too. Just as long as its not LA... I know they need scoring wingers and... oh LORD what if he goes to LA?! Crap.

Game 6 or Anne Doesn't Want to Talk About It

by Anne

• Game 6 is tonight and that's all I can say about it

• I'm really excited about the two Portland Pirates games that will be played in Buffalo. I've already circled November 12 on my calendar

• Slick Rick will be on the Lunch Express this week. Wooo! Loves me some Rick Jeanneret

• The world would be a better place if everyone did what they were best at and only that. Leave the other things to the people who are best at those things

• "smithfield nc welcome to KKK" was what someone searched and found our blog.. Also, whomever it was that searched "Sabretooth emoticon" and found our blog, can you tell me where I can find one as well?

• After the United States and Canada, the country that came in 3rd with the most hits in the entire history of our blog is Malaysia

• Let's go Pens.
  

Discussion Topics

by Anne

• Ray Emery really actually will be the Phlyers new goaltender. The rumor inches closer to reality. Nothing can be made official until July 1 so it still remains just scuttlebutt... but, come on. We all know its going to happen
  

• Should we start a "Bring Biron Back to Buffalo" campaign? Cari makes great t-shirts, I'm sure she'd love to contribute to the cause

• "Hey Liiindyyyy..."
  

Why, Hello There.

by Anne

• There's really not much to report these days really. I suppose I should welcome Paul Byron as I am wont to do to new recruits but, meh, I'll get around to it sooner or later.

• I don't want to talk about Saturday night's game as it was indescribably uncomfortable.

• However, I would love to discuss at great length the delicious Greek delicacies S(h)ara and I along with our friend Allison enjoyed at the Greek Heritage Festival in downtown Buffalo. Greek food is my favorite so I was pretty much enjoying the hell out of my evening...until the hockey game started. If I had been a Red Wings fan, it would've been one of the best nights of my life. Ok, maybe that's going a little far, but had I been a Red Wings fan, it would've been sweet.
  

• I'm still wearing my Jordan Staal shirt. Well, I've changed since Thursday, but I've been sleeping in it, hoping it'll bring him luck. So far, not so much.

• I found a new style of jeans that I love and any girl reading this knows how much buying and trying on jeans sucks so to have a good jeans experience is quite rare. As rare as a Penguins goal on Saturday night.

• I like that one of the top stories on Sabres.com is GP's 500th goal because my Mom loves mentioning that she was at the game when he scored it. And why wasn't I invited, Mother? I was a grand total of 8 months and fifteen days old! I would've TOTES appreciated the significance. Whatevs, I was probably at home with a sitter or my aunt, drooling on myself and eating Cheerios.

• My cousins and Aunt came to visit me at work today. Jimmy took my break with me. He had an animated argument with my Sabres keychains about how mad he was at the Sabres. He called them a disgrace. It was quite hilarious. He's a goofball. He was also wearing the Miller shirt I gave him for Christmas. He also thinks its funny that he's the shortest kid in his class.

This flipped picture totally messed with my brain today.
The Buffalo is charging the wrong way and the C is backwards and on his right shoulder.
What are they, the Red Wings?

• Is it the draft yet?

Let's Go Pens!!

by Anne

Best roadtrip ever. I bought a Staal shirt and he repaid the love. Pens win 4-2 and tie the series at two!

So. Much. Fun.

Ohhhh we're halfway theeeeere!!

Road Trip

by Anne

See you in a few hours, Pittsburgh!

If its before 2pm, can be found somewhere along this route.

Let's Go Pens!

Also, did the Bruins know about this when David Krejci signed his contract extension? I assume yes, but the timing is very odd.

Pens Win!!

by Anne

Hooooooray! I really wasn't sure if they'd be able to do it, but the Pittsburgh Penguins managed to win Game 3 by a score of 4-2!

Max Talbot scored, as did Kris Letang and Sergei Gonchar, before Talbot added his second of the night- an empty netter in the final minute of the third period.

I and some other bloggers have a mini road-trip planned for Game 4 and I was reallly not looking forward to the possibility of watching the Red Wings being awarded the cup in Mellon Arena from outside on the lawn. Fortunately, the Penguins won a hard-fought victory in Game 3 and live to play at least a few more games.

I don't really have much else to say about the game other than: Let's Go Pens!

_______

In non-playoff news, on Tuesday, my cousins and I completely cleaned out my car and washed it and now Jarome is sparkling and shiny (well, sort of). As a reward, I took Jimmy to buy some more hockey cards. He found a Thomas Vanek card and he was really excited about it. He didn't seem to be too thrilled by the multitude of Toronto Maple Leafs cards he's been accumulating, however. He also has three Mike Modano cards and I don't think he knows how to feel about that. He's also fascinated by Zdeno Chara and constantly discusses his height. Also, he still calls the Canucks the "Cankles" which makes me giggle. Its a long story I'm sure I wrote about when it happend a year or so ago.

_______

Team USA gets to be all fancy. They will be part of a big-deal opening game to the 2010 IIHF World Championships in Germany which will take place in a football stadium. It will be like the Winter Classic but indoors and in Gelsenkirchen, Germany and there won't be any Sabres involved because THEY'LL BE IN THE PLAYOFFS. The game is expected to set a new world record for attendance at a hockey game at over 75,000. The Cold War between Michigan State and the University of Michigan is the current record holder at just over 74,000. Team USA will most likely win. They've moved up from sixth to fifth place in the world rankings after finishing 4th at the IIHF World Championships this year. U-S-A! U-S-A!

_______

Sidney Crosby, Zdeno Chara and Jarome Iginla are nominated for the Messier Leadership Award. Here's an article that tells you all about each gentleman's contributions to the world of hockey and their communities.

He gets my vote

Peace Out, Zagrapan

by Anne

Marek Zagrapan will be playing in Russia next year.

One fewer underachieving center to worry about next season.

See ya later, Marzipan.

Bad Blogger

by Anne

• I haven't blogged since Thursday?!

• Well, there hasn't been a whole lot to report, to be honest. The Pens dropped both games 1 and 2 to Detroit by identical scores of 3-1.

• Evgeni Malkin and Henrik Zetterberg were all pissy at the end of Game 2. Or as all sports announcers will say the "emotions were getting to them" or "The tension of the situation, knowing his team was going to lose Game 2 caused Geno to snap like a dry twig." Whatevs, deep down I knew this would be basically a repeat of last year, but it just sucks watching it again. Especially since the Red Wings are even playing with out Datsyuk. Ouch.

• Fortunately, Geno won't be suspended for his antics

• I was depressed that it was June because Big Bear was May. Then I discovered Kevin Bieksa was June and the coping was easier.

• I hate job interviews and I went on one today. I typed 82 words a minute and I hadn't even had any coffee yet. I'm just that feisty.

• If Pittsburgh loses Game 3, I might reconsider driving down for Game 4...

• Woooo. Jacques Martin is the new head coach of the Montreal Canadiens

• The people of Dallas rejoice as Brett Hull is proverbially shoved into a dark corner where he can't eff things up and Joe Nieuwendyk is named GM. Never once in all the years he played have I been able to spell his name without double checking it.

• In Sabres news, not much is going on.

• Everyone's favorite Sloppy Seconds posed for Men's Health magazine. Ha.
  

• The Stanley Cup Finals are not much fun for shirttail fans