Queen City Sabres

Where to Begin?

2011-05-10T08:15:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I made myself pretty clear on Twitter last night in regards to the biggoted and offensive tweets put out by Uptown Sports, an agency that represents players like the Buffalo Sabres' Cody McCormick, as well as Los Angeles Kings Kyle Clifford and Jonathan Bernier, among others.

I sent a strongly-worded e-mail to the main contact account of Uptown Sports and I don't expect to hear a personal response.

We would all be foolish if we anticipated each and every player represented by this agency to abandon ship because of their antequated and, quite frankly, uncalled for public stance on same-sex marriage. It would be nice to think that the players we support and cheer for share our beliefs and feel as outraged as we do about this lapse in judgment. However, that is more than likely not the case for our beloved NHLers. Paul Bissonette, Sean Avery, and Brent Sopel are more than likely in the minority on this one. The majority of Americans may support same-sex marriage, but I doubt the ratio is the same amongst male professional athletes. To be fair, I'm not sure if Sopel is pro-gay marriage, but his appearance with his family in 2010's Chicago Gay Pride Parade leads me to believe he is probably not strongly opposed to same-sex marriage rights.

I am not a gay-rights activist. The rights of one group should not supersede the rights of others. I believe in equality for everyone. Regardless of my personal opinion on many divisive topics, I believe first and foremost in equality, fairness, and the first amendment of the United States Constitution.

As I tweeted last night: Opinions are allowed, but bigotry and hatred should never be ignored or accepted.

(If you don't follow me on twitter, click the "Follow Me" button on the front page of this blog to hop on the bandwaggon.)

Who'd Have Thought?

2011-05-09T08:13:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I can't access Twitter or Facebook on my work computer but I can update my much-neglected little bloggaroo.

So it seems I've started a new job. Six months of unemployment was plenty, thankyouverymuch. We're fresh into week two right now and no end in sight. I'm temping in downtown Buffalo and it is LAUGH A MINUTE FUN. While this job might be wicked boring, at least it gives me time to update this. AND, if Iwork down here, which is right around the corner from the office I was working in when I started this precious little blog's predecessor, I will be a mere hop, skip, and a jump from HSBC Arena come fall. As it's not likely I'll still be working here then, I won't get my hopes up too high.

It's amazing how my playoff frenzied fervor immediately disappears when each and every team I have actual emotional attachment to is eliminated. First we said good-bye to the Los Angeles Kings, who lost in un-ceremonious overtime fashion at the hands of one Cap'n Joe Thornton. Then we bid adieu to the Buffalo Sabres who, it seems, could not recover from their back-breaking game 6 loss to Danny Briere and Pseudo-Pronger. Then the Penguins, who made it farther than anyone would've predicted without their two-headed scoring monster, were ousted by the bandwaggonable Tampa Bay Lightning.

The second round has almost entirely passed me by. Whoops. During the Bruins/Flyers series, I wasn't so much rooting for the Bruins as I was cheering against the Flyers... and a little bit for TimTom. Because, COME ON. It's Tim Thomas. How can you not love Tim Thomas? He CRAZY. And to think the Bruins almost parted ways with the crochety old net-minder last off-season.

It's hard for me to give a hoot about the Western Conference. The only team I actually WANT to win, is the Predators. However, if the Canucks defeat them, I won't exactly weep into my bowl of Special K the next morning.

The truth is, the reason I don't want the Canucks to win it all has nothing to do with the team or their fans or their city. The real reason is because I hate for the list of "never won"s to get even shorter and my precious little Sabres and Kings are still sitting there, waiting for their turn to eat Special K out of Lord Stanley's cereal bowl.

Alas, if the Canucks win it all, I shall be happy for them and their fans. Totally jealous of course, but happy none the less.

Behbeh Alex Burrows thanks you for your time.

Appreciation

2011-04-15T01:51:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Ryan Miller is all ours.

And he's fucking awesome.

One down.

Fifteen to go.

Let's Go Buff-a-lo!

Bittersweet Symphony

2011-04-13T16:40:00.000-04:00

by Anne

There is no more ambivalent time of year than the NHL playoffs. My first exposure to this phenomenon was the Sabres' unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999. I was 13, emotional, and ridiculous. In the intervening twelve years, a lot about me has changed, but my roller coaster emotions during the playoffs have not, and being a tried and true Buffalonian I'm definitely not alone.

For months, fans scream, cheer, rant, rave, complain, laud, and, in general, prognosticate their team's futures and playoff chances.

Then, the blissful day arrives when your team clinches their coveted spot in the top eight teams of their conference. Hooray! Hockey in Late April! Then hopefully May! Then, hope against hope, in June as well! The sun is shining! Food tastes better! There's a spring in your step and a song in your heart. It's going to be a glorious time for the fans, the players, and the city they represent. What could possibly go wrong?

Then, the playoffs actually begin... and so does the stress.

It's no big secret that everything is magnified during the playoffs. The goals are bigger, the wins are riotous, and the losses are soul-crushing.

Every year (ok, well, every year the Sabres make the playoffs) I go through this. I'm a somewhat emotional person. I tend to take the playoffs a BIT too personally. There are many ways in which I have evolved since the age of 13, but my overt emotional involvement with the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs will never change.

Are there terrible moments during the playoffs? Yes, absolutely. Are there glorious moments? Duh. Would I trade it for anything? Are you new to this blog? Fuck no!

I'M NOT SCARED.

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!!

Europe Bound

2011-04-11T12:23:00.001-04:00

by Anne

It has been announced that the Buffalo Sabres will be starting the 2011 - 2012 NHL season in Europe.

Their opponent (for one game in Germany anyway)?

The Los Angeles Kings.

WHAT?! For real?

The conflicted emotions! The sadness! The joy! The overwhelming urge to listen to "Springtime For Hitler!" I'm all a-flutter!

On the one hand, I'm excited that my two most beloved teams will be together while traveling abroad, instituting the buddy system, sharing beers and weinerschnitzel, and whatnot. BUT ON THE OTHER! These teams only play each other once a year and I was hoping against hope to travel to Los Angeles next season to see them play. Now I'll have to cross international waters for this match-up. They'll be so far away! Europe is so far away! Curse you, continental drift. But at least they'll be together. Hopefully celebrating their fantastical deep playoff runs from a mere few months earlier.

Dear NHL:

Hello. As I'm sure your scheduler has made you all aware, the Los Angeles Kings and Buffalo Sabres have decided to begin their NHL season in Europe. It's a bold move that I hope they cleared with you before they went ahead and planned their photo-ops at the Brandenberg Gate.

I wanted to take this opportunity to offer my services as, um, uh, a fan. I guarantee you there are an EXTREMELY limited number of fans who know as much as I do about BOTH the Los Angeles Kings and the Buffalo Sabres. I think it's really in the best interest of the National Hockey League, NAY, THE FREE WORLD, that I be in attendance at this event. Heck, I'll gladly take up an empty seat on one of the team's charters. My passport is current, I'm a quick study, I can learn German, and Finnish if you'd like me to also accompany my hometown team to the wilds of Finland. Especially considering that none of the current Sabres are Finnish.

I think by not sending me to Germany, you are missing out on a golden opportunity to REALLY make an impression on the people of Europe. Anne + German Beer + Her Favorite Hockey Teams + Bullhorn + German/English Dictionary aka Jochen Hecht has international incident written all over it.

You can't BUY that kind of publicity.

Please respond at your earliest convenience. I shall wait with bated breath.

Love,

Anne

A Royal Playoff Berth

2011-04-07T10:42:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Last night with a shootout win over the Coyotes, the Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff berth.

Woooo! Let's do a little dance:

Playoffs, baby.

This is not unlike my own sick victory dance moves.

With Kopitar and Williams out, the youngin's, specifically Kyle Clifford had to step up, and they did. Clifford scored a HUGE second period game-tying goal that ultimately led to the game-winning shootout. I wouldn't call behbeh Kyle a suitable replacement for Kopi or Willy, but he'll do in a pinch.

There's no way this team goes all the way without Kopi. I adore the Kings fans I follow on Twitter. I love reading their blogs and I love their passion for the game. However, some of them need to see the light and realize that while Kopi isn't the ENTIRE team, the team will never, ever be as good without him as they are with him. Most of them have, but some still cling to 2011 Cup dreams.

I see this playoff berth as an opportunity for the Kings to see players like Clifford in big-game situations. Otherwise, I'm not holding my breath for huge things for the Kings. :(

Because I've been lax, I'm sure you've all missed your daily (ok, weekly...or bi-monthly) love for Matt Greene. Please enjoy that he has been named by his teammates as having the worst car and being the worst dressed. The truth is, he dresses that way and drives that car to make his teammates feel better about themselves when they're around him. He's got to do SOMETHING to ease their stress that he's so much more bad-ass than they are.

Let's Go Kings!

I Need to Listen to Rebecca Black more

2011-04-06T21:56:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Yesterday I said it was Thursday April 5. Ummmm, yeah. Tuesday. Do they make days of the week underwear for adults? Looks like I might need them to keep my days of the week straight.

Anyway.

I almost forgot that I re-committed to blogging.

It's amazing how the roster of a team changes so drastically over the years. It really struck me the other night while watching the beginning of overtime against Toronto. I remember the first season I started this blog, Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera had their first significant call-ups to Buffalo and they were nothing short of awesome down the stretch. Reggie came to the team and floundered around a bit but has come off of a benching hot these last few weeks. Weber went down to the AHL and stayed there, mixing in a significant injury and some not-so-impressive 1 - 2 game call-ups over the last two seasons. However, since he's been here recently, we're seeing the player we caught a glimpse of in 2008. He still hits hard, but he's taking fewer bone-headed penalties, and is playing strong defensive hockey in his own zone.

It brings a tear to the eye.

I have developed a soft spot for stay-at-home defensemen. Bonus points for being American, and bonus points for being a Buffalo Sabre. He and Sir Christopher are going to have to work hard in the playoffs to win the title of "Anne's Favorite Sabres Defeseman."

I really can't believe that I'm not going to the game on Friday. What kind of fan am I? When I worked at HSBC Arena, going to games was no big deal. It took me most of this season to realize that not being able to be at every game blows. BLOWS. If I'm still living in Buffalo come August, I'm re-applying to work at the arena. It was one of my favorite jobs. Even if I didn't always love it, you couldn't beat the perks of random player encounters and, most important: knowing people who can hook me up with free beer on occasion.

However, my former blogging partner in crime, S(h)ara is aging another year on Friday so I will be celebrating the Sabres on their march to the playoffs and her birth.

Good night all.

Back.

2011-04-05T21:53:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Hey!

I'm re-committing to daily blogging starting TODAY, Thursday April 5, 2011.

My first re-born post shall be to re-dub Christopher "Butts" Butler as "Sir Christopher."

By virtue of your re-emerging bodacious defensive play, and your

first goal of the season (took you long enough),

and specifically your totally sexy (and legal) manhandling of

one Mr. Vincent Lecavalier in the dying minutes of tonight's game.

I hereby re-dub you:

Sir Christopher

May you always be the gentleman and bad-ass defenseman we know you can be.

As I tweeted/posted: I will not count my sixth place eggs until they've hatched. However, in the interim I will go all Paas Easter egg dye happy on them.

Game plan for next year: adjust Vanek's visor so every team looks like they're the Tampa Bay Lightning.

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

March Madness

2011-03-16T15:55:00.001-04:00

by Anne

While I wanted to dive back into blogging on a more regular basis, I could not have picked a worse time to do it.

I'm in the middle of directing a high school production of Cinderella that opens the last weekend in March. Therefore, the entire month of March has been dedicated to that.

Unfortunately, the entire month of March is also (at least over the last several years) dedicated to the Buffalo Sabres inching ever closer to 9th in the Eastern Conference. In years past they've been fighting for points to MAKE IT to 9th; this year they happen to be backsliding into the oh-so uncoveted out-of-the-playoffs spot of 9th place.

During most of the last several Sabres games, I have been watching my little darlings act and sing their hearts out... or just stand there and look bored (it depends on the student or the day, or whether or not there was enough pudding in the cafeteria that day or something). I have missed a couple of good ones and a couple of... forgettable attempts.

The Sabres most recent foray into their plan to reach 9th place was a 1-0 loss on home ice to the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course it was. A 1-0 loss on home ice sounds like the worst night of my life. I've been to several of those affairs, but most of the time I was working so I had something to occupy my mind rather than the many expletives I planned to hurl at the Sabres offense for being so impotent.

However, I heard rumblings on Twitter that the effort wasn't ALL bad on the Sabres end. Whatever, how good could it POSSIBLY have been if they managed to score not a single goal in an hour of ice time? I don't mind admiring effort if there's goal scoring to ice the cake of solid defensive play. Yes 40 shots is a lot, no question. Even though I didn't see a single one of these shots, I'd imagine many of them were of the "at the logo on the goalie's chest" type that count as shots but almost never turn into goals.

I need to focus my energies on the show, not on the Sabres. I'd appreciate it if you all could worry about them for me over the next 10 days.

Thanks.

Welcome Aboard, Brad Boyes

2011-02-27T23:50:00.000-05:00

by Anne

I hadn't planned on writing a "Welcome to Buffalo" post until after the deadline tomorrow, but seeing has how the Sabres have BLOWN THE LID off of the NHL late Sunday night, I feel compelled to welcome current newest Sabre, Bradley Boyes, to town.

Some pertinent facts on Bradd-o:

Full name: Bradley Keith Boyes

Born: April 17, 1982

Drafted: 24th overall in 2000 by the Toronto Maple Leafs

His goal scoring is... inconsistent. He scored 43 goals once. Just once. He seems to be more in the Pominville-esque 25 goal range.

He's a center.

He's from Mississauga.

Why, hello there.

WAIT. Is he a center like, filling in for Derek Roy or like replacing Tim Connolly after we trade him tomorrow? I hope it's the latter.

Remember two years ago when we all were like "CONNOLLY IS OOOOUUUUTTA HEEEERE!" and instead Darcy signed him to a new contract?

Here's hoping for there to be a new newest Sabre sometime tomorrow. :D

Well, well, well... at last we meet again

2011-02-27T00:28:00.001-05:00

by Anne

Why hello, people who have not removed this blog from their blogroll.

It has been 2 1/2 months since I last posted in this, what once used to be a daily+ blog.

I'm sure you've all missed my witty banter with myself.

Anywhoozle.

When the All-Star weekend arrived, it occurred to me that I had missed out what has truly been the greatest part of the hockey season for me for the last few years: choosing the All-Star hotties team. Spending what usually totals HOURS pouring over Google Image results pages and NHL "Let's send the players into the real world and take photos of them with babies" galleries, I compiled a list of hot, hotter, and hottest players from each conference.

Reflecting further, given the free-for-all style of team selection this year, I have no clue how I would have selected my nominating pool. It used to be East v. West. What this year? Blondes v. Brunettes? 5'11" and under v. 6'0" and taller? The hockey players of Twitter? Perhaps I dodged a bullet this year.

YET I HAVE RETURNED IN TIME FOR THE MOST SACRED OF ALL HOCKEY DAYS:

Trade.

Deadline.

Day.

My lingering bout of the affliction known as "unemployment" means that I will be 100% available to sit on my duff at my computer, checking the tweets, and hitting "refresh" on various trade tracking websites, tuned in to NHL Live to hear the dulcet tones of EJ Hradek waxing poetic about the careers each player is leaving behind at their former teams, and the "give it to me straight, I can take it" trade reporting style of TSN's James Duthie. Makes you feel alive.

Ah yes, like Christmas morn, my birthday, and the day your tax refund appears in your bank account all rolled into one, trade deadline day is truly a time to appreciate the things you have.

Remember, 'tis far better to give Tim Connolly than to receive him.

Getting Our Money's Worth?

2010-11-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

by Anne

No, this is not going to be an analysis of the cost of tickets plus the cost of nachos and beer at HSBC Arena or Ralph Wilson Stadium in relation to wins/losses/points scored, etc. This is about quantity over quality.

I'm supremely glad that the Bills and Sabres penchant for overtime is coming to a close. Well, the Bills has, the Sabres just can't seem to get enough of playing 65+ minutes. They're just so generous, handing out loser points throughout the NHL. No one can say they aren't givers.

I started to think about this post when I was pretty sure the Lions were going to convert on their last-second two-point conversion attempt to tie the game in the dying seconds. Tragically, they were unable to do so and the Buffalo Bills managed to avoid over time and win their first game of the season. They've decided to kick-off the second half of the season without the goose egg in the "W" column. Tragic. I'm devastated, I was hoping for another HILARIOUS overtime loss to further crush the fans of Western New York. When the game clock ticked down to zeros, I was probably the only person in WNY treating it as though the Bills had just been handed their first loss of the season. Nothing I want ever happens, it seems.

In somewhat related news, Eli Manning was just picked off in the end zone and the Cowboys ran back 100+ yards for a TD. I obviously loathe, hate, and despise the Dallas Cowboys BUT! if they win today, then the Buffalo Bills will STILL have the worst record in the National Football League and will still have a very very high draft pick to totally blow.

I may not be able to get my perfect season, but a girl can dream can't she?

In non-Buffalo news: I love the Los Angeles Kings. I mean, the Sabres have been trying harder to win me back, but it may be too late for them. The season isn't even 25% over yet, but the Kings have made me several offers that I just can't seem to find the strength to refuse. They don't need to take things into overtime, they take care of business in regulation. No loser points for the rest of the NHL being handed out by the Kings. Thanks boys, this might be the real deal.

What is uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup?

2010-11-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

by Anne

Hey howdy hey.

So I got laid off from my job two weeks ago and raking in those interviews has been slowwwwww business.

It makes it tough to do a lot of things when you're preoccupied by finding a job. This blog has become a casualty of that because it hasn't been a scheduled part of my routine for at least 6-7 months at this point.

I have an interview on Friday for a totally lame job but it'll pay decently well and has the hours that I'm looking for so DO IT UP.

Speaking of "DO IT UP," the Kings are doing just that and sometimes, but far less frequently, the Sabres are too.

I'm sure once the world no longer feels like it's dropping blocks on my head, I'll be back in regular game form.

This Sabres/Devils game just has me shaking my head. WTF is with Kovalchuk? All that fanfare for THIS? He just missed the net completely on a breakaway. I love JhoBro but Ilya MFing Kovalchuk should be able to beat him if he can just hit the freakin' net.

Would he have had these struggles as a King with Terry Murray coaching him?

Also, congratulations on game number 1,000 for Lindy Ruff! Let's hope these bozos can find a way to win it for you!

Letters

2010-10-26T10:55:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Dear Kings,

Thank you for winning last night. I know it was in the shootout, which isn't my favorite, but at least you won. I appreciate updating the "W" column in your record. It is very enjoyable. Keep up the good work.

Love, Anne

Wooo! Kings win!

Dear Joe Beninati,

Thanks for developing an awkward man crush on Matt Greene. He is a "big burly beast," I'm sure he'll be glad to know you think so too. I am thrilled he has returned the Kings' line-up as well.

Love, Anne

What he didn't tell us is that this moose is named Matt Greene as well.

Dear Dustin Brown,

I'm sorry you were ejected from the game unnecessarily. Mostly I'm sorry you were ejected because you didn't do anything wrong. Also I'm sorry because you're on one of my fantasy teams and you killed my average time on ice last night. Please keep this in mind as you move forward in the season.

Love, Anne

I think this picture is from last season

HOW HAVE I NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE?

Looks like I found the front of this year's Christmas card.

Dear Drew Doughty,

Please wrap your head in bubble wrap and don't sit in any spinny chairs for the next few days. We'd like your coconut to be fully functional and ready to return to the lineup posthaste. I'm sure Simmer doesn't appreciate all the requests for chicken soup and foot massages. Oh yeah, and the Kings miss you. They're doing fine without you so far but they'll be even better WITH you. I'm sure Greener is trying not to take it personally that the first game you missed was his first game back. Bitterness between former housemates? Is there tension? Greener did saw Simmer's shoe in half once.... it's all coming together now.

Love, Anne

TIMMAH was kind enough to let you borrow it

Dear Sabres,

I have been having a bad few days, last night the Kings did their part by beating the Wild. However, I have no strong feelings about the Wild so that victory wasn't nearly as satisfying as, say, you beating the Philadelphia Flyers, my 2nd least favorite team in the NHL. PLEEEEEEEASE beat the Flyers?! PRETTY Please?!

Love, Anne

Does this come in women's cuts too?

Dear Tyler Myers,

You're -8 these days. Please improve that stat and fast. My fantasy team would appreciate it.

Love, Anne

I see you are composing your thoughtful response.

Many thanks, young JBG

Dear Jason Pominville,

Please come back soon. We might not need you that much, but it's been weird watching games without you playing in them.

Love, Anne

I know what you're thinking, and you're right:

This picture will never be old.

Dear Squeaky desk somewhere in my office,

OMFG, STOP SQUEAKING, IT'S DRIVING ME SLOWLY INSANE. I SWEAR I WILL GO ALL HULK SMASH ON YOU SOON IF A SOLUTION TO YOUR INCESSANT SQUEAKING IS NOT QUICKLY REACHED.

Love, Anne

Trade Talks?

2010-10-25T11:05:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Every time I can, and remember to, I update the records of each team on the upper right and left corners of this blog. I'm much more likely to do it in a timely fashion when one or both of the teams have won, and I can increase that win number rather than the loss number.

I used to be a far more diligent blogger, I used to update every day, 5 days a week, now it's usually more like 2 or 3. Stupid work commitments making me do stuff during the workday. Psh. My old job, the one I was doing when I started this blog, left much more opportunity for blogging. Also, Twitter has made my random pithy thoughts I used to toss in this blog more readily available to the masses, and less likely to end up in here.

Regardless, I read this morning a tweet from @DaveDavisHockey which indicated that there might be (read: probably won't be) a trade between the Ducks and the Sabres. According to Pierre Lebrun of ESPN, the Ducks are interested in a puck-moving defenseman. The Sabres really only have one (maybe 2) of those that they might part with; we're not exactly a hotbed of puck-moving defensemen over here. In the extremely unlikely event that this trade materializes, it seems most likely that the Ducks would not be acquiring a puck-mover from Buffalo. Andrej Sekera is pretty much the only puck-mover we'd part with., and unless the Ducks consider Andrej Sekera - our 6/7 defenseman - a commodity they just can't do without, it's not happening that way. It seems more likely that the Ducks would acquire parts from the Sabres to make a bigger trade with a team that has a more capable puck-mover on their roster. Therefore, I anticipate that if this trade happens (which it won't) the Ducks would be sending some Todd Marchant-type to the Sabres for a draft pick or two, or maybe one of the three of Sekera/Butler/Weber. Darcy Regier just LOVES 30+ veteran career 3rd liners. We can ALWAYS use more, right?

That's my prediction. Mike, my co-worker is hoping for Koivu, as the Sabres tried to make a play for him in the off-season. I find this extremely unlikely. However, anything is possible in the world of trades that will never happen.

GO ABOUT WITH CONFIDENCE, CITIZENS

2010-10-23T20:03:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I have no computer to use other than my parents so I was UNAWARE of this development until almost 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time:

After three months of rehabilitation and countless hours of skating and practicing, Matt Greene will be back in the Kings’ lineup tonight.

WHAT'S THAT YOU HEAR? A CHOIR OF ANGELS SHOUTING OUT WITH JOY?

YES, PEOPLE OF EARTH. IT IS. YOUR EARS DO NOT DECEIVE YOU.

You can now conduct your lives with confidence because this man is BACK IN THE LINEUP:

GROSS.

BUT ALSO AWESOME

Aw, Come on!

2010-10-21T08:18:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The Sabres won! They did all sorts of stuff right! Myers scored! Vanek scored his first of the season! What a weight lifted off his shoulders! They had lots of shots on goal! Miller looked sharp in net! No one got hurt! Pommer is coming back soon! All is well in the land of the Sabres fan this morning. We shall never again mention that five game "slide." It's all "W" from here on out! Woooo!

Then the Kings won too! Hooray! Okay, it wasn't the same type of domination that the Sabres handed the Thrashers last night, but they managed to pull out a 4-3 victory against the Hurricanes with Bernier in net. Woo! Greener has been cleared for full "hockey activities," now that he's recovered from his harrowing ordeal with "lace bite." Oh yeah, and that whole, ya know, shoulder surgery thing, but LACE BITE?! How did he survive?

Things are looking good!

Oh but wait. There's more.

BUT, of COURSE. Just when both of my teams seemed to have a good night, THIS has to happen:

From the LA Kings Insider:

After the game, Terry Murray said Drew Doughty would not accompany the Kings to Phoenix, but left open the possibility that Doughty would join the team later in the trip. Murray did not elaborate on Doughty’s upper-body injury, other than to say that it took place during the first-period collision with Erik Cole. Doughty was not available for comment after the game.

Noooooo! :( :( :(

Careful with his upper-body!

:'(

A Reminder, Please

2010-10-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Next time I decide on a whim to pick up some Sabres tickets on StubHub, remind me of last night's game v. the Devils and promptly seat me back down in my chair. Thanks.

It was boring, frustrating, and mildly hilarious listening to everyone in the arena lose their minds, BEGGING for the Sabres to register their first shot on goal. There's three hours of my life I shall never recover. At least the game went quickly, not being hampered by raucous goal celebrations and whatnot.

The Penguins still haven't won in the Consol Energy Center. I wonder if Sid the Kid is curled up in the fetal position outside of Mellon Arena, rocking back and forth, begging for someone to open the door so he can go back in and play there. He appears to be that obsessive about his routines, this "brand-new-rink" ordeal probably took a lot of counseling and Xanax to ease his transition.

Let's Go Buffalo.... or something.

SHAPE UP, BOYS.

Well That was Terrible

2010-10-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Monday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks started off pretty darn sweet with the Sabres quickly going up 2-0 over the reigning (albeit dismantled) Stanley Cup Champions.

Then it all went to hell in a handbasket. They lost their 2-goal lead then lost one of their key players.

Everyone send happy thoughts to Jason Pominville and suspension thoughts to Colin Campbell as he spins the wheel of justice.

Blindside hit, player didn't have the puck, had to leave the ice on a stretcher. Usually that equals at least a one-game suspension from Overlord Campbell.

They need to get their act together and fast. Pommer's game streak ends at 336. His last missed game was April 7, 2006 when Lindy benched him. :(

Get well soon, Pommer.

It's Here! It's Really Here!

2010-10-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Today, Friday October 8, 2010, the Buffalo Sabres will play their first game of the season! Wooo!

I don't read season previews, but I read people's tweets. So many people have the Sabres barely making the playoffs or missing them entirely. The highest I saw them ranked (by someone other than TSN) was 5th in the East. Most predictions were 8th place or not in it at all.

Figuring out the answer starts tonight! :) :) :) :) :)

Wheeeeeee!

*unfortunately the Kings don't play their first game until Saturday. Boo.

My Wishes and Hopes for 2010-2011

2010-10-04T10:25:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I won't predict this outcomes of this season for any team, but I'll state my 5 wishes and hopes, in no particular order.

I want Ryan Miller and Tyler Myers to be as BOSS as they were last year.

I don't think any Sabres fan would disagree that the continued successes of these two gentlemen are crucial to the Sabres' successes this coming season. I'm not really worried about Miller; he's put in years of work building himself into an elite player. He's combined talent with hard work and dedication to turn himself into an elite goalie. He has the tools to maintain his success with the potential for only slight deviations. Myers on the other hand is just a baby. He, like Miller, has worked hard to get where he is, but where he is is 20 years old with one year of NHL experience. It was one hell of a year, but he was flying high on rookie adrenaline and his (very few) mistakes were justified with "Well, he is a rookie after all." Without his steady partner of last year, he's going to be asked to continue his maturation by being asked to be adaptable to other situations. There's no question that it was Myers that made Tallinder better but the veteran partner consistency was huge for Myers, regardless of who his partner was. I've liked what I 've seen of a Shaonaynay/JBG tandem so far this pre-season.

Love.

I want the 2008-2009 Chris Butler back

I adore Sir Christopher. He was my favorite part of 2008-2009. He made me so sad last year. He's got the potential to be my new Drew Stafford. I loved him, then he made me sad, then he gave me false hope and now I mostly hate him. Don't do it to me, Sir Christopher! Don't be Staffy!

Don't go breaking my heart

I wish Jonathan Bernier would contend for the starting job in LA

The Kings didn't make too many big moves this off-season. Okay, let's be realistic, they didn't make any big moves this off-season. Therefore, most Kings fans are putting their hope for improvement on J. Bernier. I had the joy of watching him shut out the Predators in March and I more than a little bit fell in HockeyLove with him. I want him to kick ass this season and kick the Kings up a notch. Quickie was fine last year, he won a heckuva lot of games but he wasn't phenomenal, and he needed rest down the stretch that he didn't really get. Now that Bernier has been officially named the back-up (!) to Quick, he's poised for a takeover. I have nothing but love for Quickie, but Bernier has loads of potential left and I think we've seen the best of Jonathan Quick. If I'm wrong, I'll be happy to say I was wrong but, let the Bernier Era begin (soon)!

Do it up, Baby Bear

I want a team I really care about to go really far

When the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009 it was pretty awesome. I have lots of family in Pittsburgh and from Pittsburgh. It was my could-have-been hometown team winning it all, the same year the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. It was awesome. It was also great in 2008 when the Pens went all the way to the Finals. It was exciting but it wasn't really for me. If you only cheer for a team in the playoffs, you don't really have the right to be carried away with excitement like diehard fans do. I love two teams, one for much longer than the other. They both have the makings of success in the near future. I don't expect either of them to win it all but I have hopes that they'll both surpass last year's successes. Just for the LOVE OF GOD, don't BOTH go as far as possible. I think I'd stroke out.

I want to visit two new arenas this season

I've only watched games in two NHL arenas: HSBC Arena and Bridgestone Arena (Nashville). I watched a game outside of Mellon Arena, but I'm not sure that that counts. This year I want to hit up Consol and another one. I have friends in New York, relatives in Philly, Denver, Atlanta, and Florida. Those are all possibilities. We shall see what the coming season brings with it.

I hope to see you soon

Even though last night's game was just pre-season it was SUPER AWESOME and I'm itching for the season to START!

Lets Go Buff-a-lo! Lets Go Kings!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TODAY IS?

2010-10-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

by Anne

IT'S OCTOOOOOBERRRRR!

WOOOOOO!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Yay! Yay! Yay!

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

2010-09-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Now that we've shaken off the cobwebs and oiled up the gears, who's ready for the regular season to start? Everyone? Great! We still have more pre-season to get through? Balls.

On Saturday I went to the Sabres pre-season opener against Toronto. It was lots of fun, save for the EPICALLY long lines at the Will Call. It was bonkers. Normally Will Call is like 5 people per line and you wait maybe 5 minutes. These Will Call lines stretched almost back to the front windows of the arena and every window was open. Bananas.

The Leafs fans weren't nearly as obnoxious as they are during the regular season, looks like they still need time to get into mid-season form as well.

You don't want to read too much into pre-season but I liked the zip I was seeing out there. Gerbe, Shaonaynay and Nieds all had some nice hits and all-in-all the team had some jump in their step. After the first 10 minutes they even seemed to remember how to play the game of hockey! For real though, the first few minutes every one of them seemed to be skating around going "WHEEEEE! GET THE PUCK GET THE PUCK OMG I HAVE THE PUCK I'M GONNA PASS IT OVER.....THERE! NO ONE'S THERE! WHO CARES! WHEEEEE!" But they calmed down after getting that out of their systems. I liked what I saw from Kassian and Adam, Scheistel seemd a little lost out there. I don't think any of them will make the team this season, but they're definitely getting closer.

The Leafs didn't give Miller much to work with but he looked his usual self out there, all "Ho-hum, Vezina" and whatnot. Enroth didn't look too bad, the goal he let in seemed to be a re-direct right in front of him. I don't remember clearly and I had just finished my second big beer at that point so things were a little fuzzy.

The vets in general were nothing too exciting, Vanek and Connolly weren't trying all that hard after the first period or so it seemed, but once again, it's pre-season. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that it's just pre-season malaise and this isn't an indicator of their outlook for the season. Royzie put in al little more effort, as did Pommer, but for the most part, the most exciting players were the young ones and the ones new to the team.

But, once again, it was just the pre-season.

The tickets to the Kings game are firmly magentized to my refrigerator. I'm SUPER. PUMPED.

Also, for those who don't follow me on Twitter AND WHY DON'T YOU?! I'm starting to put together a Sabres Tweetup/Watch party for October 29 or October 30. Looking into reserving a space at a bar downtown where we can drink, eat, and watch the game, three things Western New Yorkers excel at. Let me know if you're interested in coming, or just follow me on Twitter!

Anticipaaaaaation

2010-09-24T14:33:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Is there much worse than waking up on what will probably be the last really gorgeous day of the year feeling like dirt? I stayed home from work and slept a few more hours. I feel a little better but not 100%. Listen, self, you best be better by tomorrow. Tomorrow is when we pick apples, drink waaaayyy too much apple cider, and then watch meaningless hockey with very meaningful beer.

On the actually writing about actual hockey actually:

I'm morally opposed to season previews, so I am not going to read any and I'm certainly not writing one. I just have a response to those who have written or tweeted them.

WHY, please tell me WHY is it that every year for the last few years, several hockey writers and insiders pick the previous season's Cup Champion to repeat? Are they just caught up in the post-coital glow of the Cup parade? Specifically related to this year: Have none of them noticed the unmitigated hemorrhaging of players from the Chicago Blackhawks roster? Whenever pressed to respond to the notion that the team might suffer from the loss of players this off-season, their go-to argument is to get smug and superior and say things like "Come on, are you going to bet against a team that has Kane, Toews, Sharp, Keith, and Seabrook?" And my response is: "Yes, yes I am." That group of players is undoubtedly talented and it's unlikely the Blackhawks will be a draft lottery team, but where would the Blackhawks have been last season with out Dustin Byfuglien's post-season play? Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd were no slouches. Ben Eager and Adam Burish might have been offensively useless but they played roles on the team and were a big part of team chemistry, Burish especially. Their goaltending situation hasn't drastically improved. I probably would've taken a young Niemi over a nearly over-the-hill Turco. To make them shoo-ins for a repeat is just ridiculous. The Red Wings didn't repeat despite those predictions, the Penguins didn't despite theirs, and those teams were far more in-tact the year following their win than these Blackhawks.

I refuse to predict who will win the Stanley Cup before the season starts because that's absolutely ridiculous but I won't be betting a lot of money on the Blackhawks.

Attending Saturday night's game and sitting in the first row of the 300 level will be me, MK, her fiancee Cory, and my friend Allison. Good times shall be had by all. I also ordered the tickets to the Kings game on 11/19. Center ice, 300 level, row 1. SO EXCITED!! :D :D If you couldn't tell, first row of the 300 level is my favorite place to sit. Actually it's my 2nd favorite. My favorite would be the last row of the lower bowl. I sat there once and it was awesome. But those tickets are $$$$ so I went with the also expensive 300 level I tickets. Yay!

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!!

Actually going to HSBC Arena for actual hockey!

2010-09-22T10:45:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Because I'm hella lame I have a full time job that, ya know, asks that I be at work during the day, I haven't been able to attend any of the training camp festivities and I think I'm just about ready to break out in hives or start shaking from withdrawal. Therefore I put my foot down and decided to go to this weekend's pre-season game and ogle the red carpet and try not to pass out from the sheer joy of being back in the freezing cold arena smelling the ice, drinking giant beers.

It may only be pre-season but it's still a hockey game! I'm excited. At least one friend and I are going, I'm thinking about buying three tickets and convincing someone else to go with us because the more the merrier, right?

Decisions, decisions. What to do, what to do... Update: I bought three tickets. I hope someone else is free, lol. Update #2: I bought four and they're all spoken for.

Last night I was perusing various NHL ticket websites, starting to develop an eye twitch over the fact that I still don't have tickets to the Kings game on 11/19. I'm trying not to be a pest but, MOM, BIRTHDAY PRESENT. BIRTHDAY WAS IN JULY. SHAKE A LEG. If you know Peg, give her a call and ask where my tickets at.

I've contemplated buying them myself and having her pay me back for them. I almost did last night but I couldn't find tickets worth paying $200 for. I want to get them before the season starts because I have this irrational fear the Kings will be good this year and no one will be re-selling their tickets in October. I've got my eye on a pair on Stubhub that no one best buy before I gets to.

I wish I had more interesting things to write abouuuuuuuuut. I will starting Saturday! WOOOOO!!!

It's Almost HERE!

2010-09-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Players are reporting for fitness testing and physicals and happy fun times because it's TRAINING CAMP! Which means it's almost pre-season which means it's almost October which means it's almost the regular season!!

Wooo!

I had planned to go to Puck Drop at HSBC Arena tomorrow but a friend of mine just moved back home from grad school at Penn State and we're doing breakfast on Saturday morning. I suppose that takes precedence over the Sabres... or at least that's what I'm telling myself. I'm sure I'll see tons of pictures and read tons of tweets from the day so I'll feel like I'm there while I eat some delicious breakfast. :D

Adam Mair has gone the way of our previous most recently departed tough guy. Yes, he's following in Petey's footsteps and going on a PTO with the New Jersey Devils. Farewell, Mairsy, farewell.

Everyone please call or text my Mom and remind her that I still need to be in possession of the tickets to the Kings game on November 19 or I may hyperventilate. Just a possibility. Not a guarantee, but a definite possibility. You don't want that on your collective conscience, DO YOU?

Now that hockey is really back (!!!) I'll have more motivation and inspiration for blogging which makes me happy.

If you aren't already, join in on the Twitter fun, click up on the left and give me a follow. Hilarity is sure to ensue.

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

I just love being hacked (wait that sounds wrong)

2010-09-14T18:29:00.001-04:00

by Anne

My beloved anniebeeswax@gmail.com account I created when I created this blog was hacked today. It's exceptionally annoying because I use this email account for the most random things. All of the weirdos that have emailed me over the years got a spam email from me today. Serves them right. I get at least one email a week from someone who supposedly saw my blog and thinks it's a great example of something or other and they want me to team up and market with them. Yeah, sure. My goofy little Sabres blog is just the thing your company needs to send you into the stratosphere.

Any whoozle. I bought a sweet new camera and I'm beyond pumped to take it to Puck Drop this weekend. I can't stay too long because I have an appointment at 2:30, but I'm excited to try it out there. It's a Nikon Coolpix L110. The only drawback is that it runs on AA batteries. Lame. If you follow me on Twitter, expect to see multiple artistic shots of things around my house including, but not limited to, my cat, my dog, my Mom, my Dad, this sweet blanket on my bed, my piggy bank (it's awesome, don't hate) and general furniture and what not. It's sure to wonder and amaze.

PUCK DROP IS SATURDAY! WOOOOOO!!!!! THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!! :D :D :D

ETA: Just when I was all "oh snap I don't have batteries," I opened up the box and Nikon provided me with some lithium batteries. A+, Nikon, A+++.

Back to Schoooool

2010-09-07T13:15:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Do you think hockey players get excited for the first day of training camp like kids get excited for the first day of school?

Do you think they pick out their outfits the night before? Day before? I'm sure Royzie has been STRESSING about his outfit planning for weeks. Y'all know he's planning his outfits for the next at LEAST three months to avoid the dreaded repeat wearing of a killer outfit.

Does Lindy send out a supply list? Maybe it's Rip's job to make sure everyone has the right skate guards and maybe everyone has to bring a roll of tape like kids have to bring a box of tissues so there's enough to last the whole season.

Locker assignment must be SO STRESSFUL at the beginning. Upperclassmen totes get first dibs. Do you think Miller and Lalime ever get sick of only sitting next to each other? There really aren't many options for them as far as locker assignment goes. It's either this one or that one. Lindy spends hours planning out their locker assignments. He fits it in while he's picking his line combinations. That way he doesn't have to get his darts back out later.

The campaigning for Player Council must be interesting. Will Pommer still stand by his "Hugs for All" platform that cost him so dearly last season? Patrick Kaleta's smear campaign really hit home for Pommer when it was discovered that Pommer didn't specify if it was to be "Bro-Hugs" or Full-on embraces. His campaign was never able to clarify to a level that satisfied his would-be constituents. Steve Montador, aided by his campaign manager, Tim Connolly won with an "undisclosed benefits" platform. Will Monty reign supreme again this year? The race has always favored newcomers, hell, Craig Rivet made it all the way to team Captain in a surprise election result, and Shaonaynaye's connections in DC may work in his favor.

Goose will be collecting everyone's "What I Did on my Summer Vacation" essays and will read the best aloud to the class. I'm sure everyone hopes to avoid last year's disaster caused by the dioramma submitted by Thomas Vanek. This year the criteria was circulated WEEKS in advance to avoid the crippling blow to Vanek's psyche he endured all last season as a result of the "incomplete" Mike Grier was forced to give him on his submission.

Yearbook day, top 5 in best days of the hockey year, will surely be a treat for all.

The slate is clean, and the hope for success is high, just so long as Staffy doesn't miss the bus and has to walk...again.

Comparative Market Analysis of Ilya Kovalchuk

2010-09-01T14:01:00.001-04:00

by Anne

I'm a Realtor by trade, and as part of the job of a Realtor, we do comparative market anaylses for homes we list. This determines what dollar amount a house is likely to sell for in today's market. In different market conditions that dollar amount would be different but we're only looking at the here and now.

I saw a headline debating the market value of Ilya Kovalchuk and it got the wheels turning. Here now is my CMA for Ilya Kovalchuk's annual cap hit.

When doing a CMA, you must find comparable houses (or players in this case). Therefore my criteria shall be this:

Objective Criteria:
Born between 1977 - 1985
Top-six forward
Signed a multi-year UFA contract or contract extension within the last 2 seasons (July 1, 2009 - day of writing September 1, 2010)

Here are our comparables:
Marian Hossa
Rick Nash
Marc Savard
Ryan Kesler
Mikko Koivu

We're basing these stats on the 60+GP seasons they played BEFORE they signed these contracts/extensions.

We're using cost per goal and cost per point to determine where Kovalchuk fits.

Now here's how Kovalchuk fits into this chart:

Based on the cost per goal, Kovalchuk's cap hit should be $10,587,153.00

Based on the cost per point, Kovalchuk's cap hit should be $7,809,064.90

So, based on the CMA, my recommended cap hit for Ilya Kovalchuk should fall between those two numbers. There is subjective criteria such as Nash and Koivu being the Captains of their teams and lifelong membership with their young organizations, Kesler's potential to captain the Canucks and whether or not he's always been a true top-six player, Savard's injury history, and Hossa's potential circumvention of the salary cap rules. Therefore I leave it to your discretion as the GM to choose the potential cap hit you feel the subject player should have. The length of the ~~listing period~~ contract is your decision to make. I recommend several years as this player has shown great consistency and is highly desirable to many.

These are my recommendations as a professional Realtor, the final decision is ultimately yours. Should we disagree strongly in the value of the subject player, we will have the opportunity to walk away from the deal. This must be a mutual decision moving forward.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Try to Remember the kind of September

2010-09-01T09:55:00.000-04:00

by Anne

It's SEPTEMBER! Which means it's almost training camp, which means it's almost pre-season, which means it's almost fantasy draft time, which means it's almost the regular season! Woooo!! The August blahs are over, Ilya Kovalchuk might actually have a contract, Tim Kennedy is a Ranger, Grizzball is a Maple Leaf, Paul Bissonnette is back on Twitter, and Shaone Morrisonn has officially been nick named Shaonayaye.

Life is good.

Stillll Waiting

2010-08-30T10:02:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Every summer during training camp I'm all "EFF YOU, BILLS! YOU WON'T SUCK ME IN THIS YEAR. I'M STAAAAAANDING STRONG!" Then the first few preseason games come and they look not entirely hopeless and then they suck me back in.

I'm sucked back in. Sigh. It's just the way of the Bills fan. Desperate for the glory days of my childhood even though I know Trent Edwards is not Jim Kelly and Chan Gailey is not Marv Levy. Oh well, Trent Edwards is still hot and CJ Spiller will give us at least a few games before we hate him, ala Marshawn. We'll probably win a few games and lose a few and we probably won't make the playoffs... again. But I'll be there regardless. Ugh. Darn hometown pride, gets me every time.

I hope they get creamated by the Lions (not likely) then it'll help to soften the blow when they lose 42-3 in their season opener.

I'd be more willing to hate you after week six if you weren't so pretty.

Curse you, Trent.

In hockey news: blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......................................................................

I tweeted this but now must post it here: Shaonenenenenaede Morrrisonnnne will not be Skippy; he shall be Shenaynay. I'm not sure how to spell it best. I spelled it Shanaynay on Twitter but I'm not crazy about it; first because it looks dumb and second because apparently Shane Dawson spells some character that way and I don't think Shane Dawson is funny. Thoughts on how best to spell his nick name? Shenaenae? Shenaynay?

Since Soupy left we've been looking for a weak-jawed Casanova to troll the blue line... and it looks like we've found him.

Big Wille Style

2010-08-27T15:17:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Willie Mitchell is a Los Angeles King. A foxy stay-at-home defenseman? Providing a stabilizing presence for Doughty/Johnson? High potential for punching people?

These defensive corps just keeps getting better and better. Willie will have to keep me happy for the first month of the season until Greener recovers from his harrowing shoulder ordeal. He's not American, but no one's perfect. I'm just greatful he was saved from the grodiness of the Vancouver Canucks.

I used to LOVE the Canucks. I loved them waaaay more than the Kings about two years ago. Then... something changed. I'm not sure if it was the irritating smugness of a whole bunch of Canucks fans on Twitter (not ALL, just many), the whininess of Roberto Luongo, Big Bear's injury-plagued season, or the ridiculousness of Canucks' writers. Whatever it was, all those things combined to make me keep the Canucks at arm's length. If it weren't for Ryan Kesler or...yeah, pretty much if it weren't for Kes, I would flat out just hate the Canucks. But, as it stands, I like Ryan Kesler, Christian Ehrhoff, the Sedins, and Ryan Johnson and that's about it.

Anyway, Big Willie is a King now, and shall be for the next two seasons. I wonder what number he'll be rocking in SoCal?

Where is hockey? I left it RIGHT. HERE. Who moved it?

2010-08-23T16:41:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Seriously.

Tickets to the Sabres' first ten home games are available as of Saturday 8/21. This is merely a tease because hockey is still SO. FAR. AWAY.

I wonder if Kovalchuk will have a contract by then.

Carry on.

Oops, I forgot a title the first time around

2010-08-20T09:22:00.002-04:00

by Anne

Now it's mid-August which means it's voluntary Pepsi Center workouts which means it's almost September which means it's almost mid-September which means it's almost training camp which means it's almost pre-season which means it's almost regular season which means it's almost happy time.

The Bills (yeah I talk about them roughly three times a year) won their second pre-season game against the Colts. I only watched the fourth quarter and a handful of highlights from the beginning of the game. It's easy to get excited about big plays in the pre-season because it can be easy to forget that it's the pre-season when things are going well. Spiller, Evans, and McGee all had great plays for scores and Trent looked pretty good on a few of his snaps.

Jordan Leopold and Skippy haven't called me yet to procure them some properties for residing in during their tenure in the great City of Buffalo.

Brian Burke has done a lot of juggling with the Leafs' roster over the last few months, yet Tomas Kaberle is still a Toronto Maple Leaf. Whatevs, I don't particularly care. He was on my fantasy team for a while this past season, and I thank him for his meager offensive contribution, zero hits and 12 PIM. He can gather those anywhere. It's not like he's been dealing with fantastic chemistry and a dynamic pairing while wearing the Maple Leaf over the last few years. Ship him out. The Sabres could use the defensive scoring but Kaberle seems like a big whiner. We have enough of those....Derek Roy, I'm looking at you.

I contemplated getting a minipack this year, and then Jarome (my Kia Spectra) needed all new brakes to the tune of $850. There goes my minipack plans. I'm sure I'll still score some sweet online deals for some games, and I'll definitely be at at least one game this year (Woooo! November 19! Woooo!).

Welcome Aboard, Shaeonioenae Morrrrisonnenenannn

2010-08-13T09:25:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Look, my name has superfluous letters. It is pronounced the same way if it's spelled "Ann" or "Anne," my beloved Greener has superfluous letters as well "Greene" or "Green." But Shenaynay Morrisonnnnn takes unnecessary letters to the MAX.

Let's welcome him anyway.

He's from Vancouver, BC.
He was drafted by the Bruins in 2001
He's played most of his career in Washington.
He's been bleeped out while saying it but he's on the record as hating Buffalo.
His complicated name as well as his aversion to Buffalo will make him difficult to love.
I don't like people who don't like Buffalo.
He doesn't score very much. Wasn't defensive scoring something the Sabres hoped to address in this off-season? Hmm, guess not.
He shall have to defend Ryan Miller's honor frequently or be as stellar with JBG as Hank the Tank was. Then maybe by, like, game 3 I'll start liking him. Maybe.

Welcome Aboard, Skippy. I wanted to make a Blingee for him but this computer is a pain the butt.

The dog I love, the man, my judgment is reserved.

Will this Summer never END?

2010-08-13T08:57:00.020-04:00

By Anne

The Sabres are boring.

Lou Lamoriello and Ilya Kovalchuk and Kovalchuk's agent have created a lot of headaches for people.

Mark Mancari is coming back to Portland. Woo.

Someone effed up the Prince of Wales trophy (Eastern Conference Champs) and wrote the Washington Capitals instead of the Flyers. The running excuse is that the engraver is a moron and wrote the Caps because they won the President's trophy. I mean, they both start with P after all.

Ummm, let's see. This guy standing next to my desk has an incredibly deep voice. It's almost hot. I don't know what he looks like though. Maybe I shouldn't look, it might kill the image. Although it's hard to sound sexy with a Great Lakes accent no matter how hot you might appear to be. Oh, he just said "I seen." That's a real mood killer. Even if it was Greener, I'd be grossed out by someone saying "I seen." Proper grammar is wicked sexy.

Exactly how many defensemen do the Sabres have these days? It seems like a lot but it probably isn't.

I'm taking a kickboxing lesson tonight. It's one-on-one with a personal trainer. I've gained a lot of weight over the last year (effing school stress being de-motivating) and I want to be at least somewhat presentable for my sister's wedding next July. I'm pumped to learn how to kick some butt.

I'm typing this on a Gateway Netbook. It is LAME. I want my Macbook back. I'm not an Apple Fangirl by anymeans (I use a Blackberry and have ZERO interest in an iPad) but it cannot be disputed that my Macbook>>>>>>>>>>>>my Netbook.

Anyone in the Western New York area thinking about selling their home in the next few months? I know just the girl to help you out. :)

Too much going on.

2010-08-04T21:50:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I started a new job in Real Estate (I should know by Friday if I passed my test, fingers crossed!)

Tim Kennedy was awarded an arbitration agreement of $1mil. A liiiittle steep but workable. Allegedly proposed to his (infinitely hotter if it's the same chick he was with in college) girlfriend and woo!

Then Tim Kennedy gets waived? Every Sabres fan leaned their head back, tilted it slightly and went "Saayyy whaaaaat?" at that news tidbit.

Then the Sabres signed Shoaoaoane Morrison? Morrisonn? Morrisonne? Eff that. I'm going to call him Skippy.

From here on out I will refer to Shenaenaeo Morrisonnnnnn as Skippy.

I got a new Blackberry. I will be playing with it a lot. I don't know 1/10 of it's features. Don't attempt to call me for anything important any time soon. Wooo!

Stop being hurt.

2010-07-29T17:38:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The LA Kings announced today that ~~my future babydaddy~~ defenseman Matt Greene recently had shoulder surgery and the recovery time is about three months.

They didn't say exactly when he had the surgery but I imagine it was within the past week. That puts the end of those three months at around Halloween.

The Kings play in Buffalo on November 19 which means unless he does something dumb like getting hit by a car (again), he should be good to ~~make me swoon~~ play on the 19th. He only missed time twice last season, both times before games I had a lot of emotion invested in (the Sabres/Kings game in January and the game I attended in Nashville on March 30).

Feel better! Take it easy! Lay on the beach! Have sex with a silicone-based California chick (carefully)! I can totally quit the job I just started to come help you pick up things that require two hands. Whatever it takes for you to get better.

Happy Brithday, Nate Gerbe!

2010-07-24T20:09:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Molly notified on me on twitter (@mollymarts) that our sweet little GerbeDerby turns 23 today.

Therefore, I promise I won't make any short jokes when selecting your cake. So, please enjoy this awesome cake of a chick on a car:

It's a lady sitting on a Mini Coo-

Okay, bad choice of car. How about this for dessert?

Strawberries are in season right now so they're really tasty.

A nice strawberry shor-

Ummmm, okay, back to the drawing board...

ummm.....

I got nothin'...

Oh just forget it:

Nathan Gerbe, you rock.

Hope your birthday has been excellent.

Getcha Popcorn Ready

2010-07-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Watching Kovygate from a distance is awesome. As long as the Kings don't get back into it, I'm enjoying this thoroughly from the comfort of my own home.

Watching people do a happy dance and then suddenly being punched in the face by news of the contract's rejection has been hilaaaaarious. I loved re-reading Dmitri Chesnokov's tweets about Kovalchuk's party and how happy he is AFTER reading about his contract being rejected.

Why Lou Lamoriello would accept such ridiculous terms is beyond me. Why the NHL chose THIS particular ridiculous contract to reject is beyond me as well. However, I'm glad it was rejected because of it's completely blatant circumvention of the rules.

I read a tweet yesterday in which someone said the NBA's collective bargaining agreement has a clause that allows for the rejection of contracts that circumvent the spirit of the cap rules, why doesn't the NHL have this? If it did, Pronger and Hossa's contracts would've been rejected immediately as it takes them both to 42 with a SERIOUS drop off in salary in the last few years of the contract. Lame.

Darcy Regier might be maddeningly cautious but at least he never gets the team into situations like this one. It's not Kovalchuk's fault the team agreed to this ridiculous contract, it's LL's fault for signing off on it.

Happy Birthday, Ryan Miller!

2010-07-17T11:14:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Today our beloved #30 turns the big 3-0!

We don't need to be reminded of his many many accomplishments in the hockey world over the first 30 years of his life, so let's just be sure to take a moment today and wish Ryan a happy birthday. He's an old man entering his thirties. Scary.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

I think I should have something to say

2010-07-12T17:50:00.000-04:00

by Anne

There's been so much going on in the greater world of sports lately that I feel as though there must be something concrete to say about hockey...

......

......

Ummmm, I've got two things: The Blackhawks continue to be effed and Kovalchuk is still playing wishywashy with the Kings

As I'm sure you all know the Sharks signed Niklas Hjalmarsson:

To an offer sheet, four years/ $14 million. The Blackhawks matched and now have 15 players under contract with less than $150,000 in cap space. Now when I say, LOL I really mean it this time. It's SO RIDICULOUS. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?! I mean, even if they get rid of Huet, that'll give them like $5.5 million in cap but they'll only have 14 players under contract. That isn't even enough to dress a full roster for a game. Seriously: hahahahahaha.

There have been rumblings about trading Sharp. I can think of more than a few teams that would like to take him off the Blackhawks hands, the Sabres included. :D

Also, in news that's not really news, Ilya Kovalchuk is hanging out in LA college-recruitment style, it appears he will most likely be working out a contract while he's there, face to face with Dean-o. Everyone's plan is to come up with a contract that won't screw over keeping Dewey, Simmer, and (maybe) Quickie in the coming years. And as long as Matt Greene isn't traded, AMIRITE?

Matt Greene and his tongue thank you for your time:

Welcome Back, Patrick Lalime!

2010-07-07T20:53:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Today, not long after announcing the signing of Rob Niedermayer, Darcy announced that the team has re-signed Patrick Lalime to a one-year deal. I'm okay with this. I would've liked Hedberg, Ellis, or Biron but none of those happened so I think Lalime is a better choice than Enroth this coming season.

Welcome back, Patty! I'm glad I don't have to move your tag down to the next list in the left sidebar of this blog.

Welcome Aboard, Rob Niedermayer!

2010-07-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

by Anne

On Wednesday July 7, the Sabres signed free agent center Rob Niedermayer to a one-year contract worth $1.15 million plus playoff bonuses.

Let's welcome Robbie, shall we?

He was born in Edmonton but grew up in BC
Most famous for being Scott Niedermayer's little brother
He's 35
He won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007
He once scored 26 goals in a season, but usually hovers in the 10-goals per season range
It seems Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo were the three teams who made him offers. Picking Buffalo over Edmonton is understandable, but picking Buffalo over Pittsburgh is surprising. Turns out Robbie has a history with Lindy when he played in Florida and Lindy was an assistant coach. I like it.

Let's welcome Rob to town.

Yes, we're paying Rob in orange slices, tasty, tasty orange slices.

Thus the Rob Niedermayer tag is born.

Welcome Aboard, Jordan Leopold!

2010-07-01T20:20:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Today the Sabres welcomed free agent defenseman Jordan Leopold.

Here's some random facts:

He's from Golden Valley, Minnesota
He was born August 3, 1980
He went to the University of Minnesota
He doesn't score a whole lot, but he usually chips in about 5-9 goals a season.
He's an American defenseman, so he's automatically in my good graces. Instead of him having to earn my favor, he'll have to worry about losing it.
He was hurt a lot last season.

Whatevs, welcome to the FailShip, Jordan.

Personalized Glitter Graphics

And thus the Jordan Leopold tag is born.

Free Agency Liveblog: 2010

2010-07-01T11:08:00.042-04:00

by Anne

In 2009 I did a liveblog of the opening of free agency. It was a lot of fun at the time, and re-reading it was fun a few months later. So I'm gonna do it again if you're so inclined to check in or drop a comment.

11:06 Back from job interview. Went well. Hate job interviews. The person doing the interviewing knows exactly what you're interviewing for and your understanding is usually somewhat vague. Whatevs, it went okay and this guy was 1,000x more pleasant than the douche who interviewed me on Monday. Now I'm hungry.

11:09 I figure something has to happen today or soon. We're losing Lydman and Tallinder and the defensemen free agents are somewhat appealing today. Gonchar, Martin, and Kaberle (oh wait, he's not a free agent, but he is up for grabs) just to name a few. I'm still hungry, and we have $14 million in cap space? Really? Sweet.

12:00 Let the madness begin!

12:01 Marty Biron signs with the Rangers?! :( :(

12:02 Per Darren Dreger, Marty goes to the Rangers for two years at just under 900k per season. :(

12:03 Also from Dreger, Danny Paille signs with Boston in a two-year $2.15 million deal.

12:06 Never got anything to eat. Talking to my sister on the phone. Now I'm going to take the laptop downstairs. I expect 57 signings between now and then.

12:14 I loooves me some Danny Paille but that's a lot of $$$ for him. Also, there were no signings between leaving my bedroom, starting lunch, and now.

12:18 Looks like Gonchar to Ottawa 3 years, $5.5 million per with a NTC.

12:27 In "Meh?" news Alex Tanguay to Calgary for 1 year and the Flyers re-sign Coburn. Whoop-dee-doo!

12:31 GareBear is on NHL Live and sounds like he has a cold. I'm sick of hearing him talk about the same things. Now we're on shootouts. Yawn.

12:34 Mahc Sahvahd is likely being traded today. It's being tossed around Regehr for Savard but it's being reported that Savard won't have his NTC to play in Western Canada... because he wants to come to Buffalo. Right? :D

12:48 Re-signings can be boring, like this one. Alex Steen signs an extension with St. Louis for 4 years. Whatevs. I like the Blues. Mostly because of David Backes, so whatevs.

1:02 Marty St. Louis signs a 4-year extension in Tampa Bay.

1:04 Paul Martin to Pittsburgh? Okay, I guess.

1:11 Now Zbynek Michalek to Pittsburgh as well.

1:13 Never ind about the Paulie Martin to Pittsburgh. That was an incorrectly reported trade. Eric Belanger is on NHL Live. He's cute, I'm not sure if we could use him, but at least he's pretty. Darcy?

1:18 Michalek to Pittsburgh is 5 years for $20 million. I'm not hopeful that Martin would come to Buffalo but it makes me feel better that it's still possible.

1:29 Alex Auld to Montreal for 1 year. Not really a huge deal to fix their situation, to be honest. That's a Darcy-esque signing.

1:35 A little piece of us all dies as Colby Armstrong signs with the Leafs for 3 years and $3 million per. :( Also, Niittymaki signs with the Sharks. Yikes, San Jose's goaltending isn't looking to snazzy.

1:39 I just shrieked and gasped. Sean O'Donnell signed with the Flyers :( I'm as bummed as I was when Sissy went to Montreal. :(

1:48 I'm so bummed out about O'Donnell and Armstrong. I figured O'D was going to stay in LA and Army would be back in Pittsburgh :(

1:50 Manny Malhotra to the Canucks. I suppose he'll do. He and Ballard can ATTEMPT to make up for the pretty lost when Big Bear left BC.

2:00 Derek Morris stays in Phoenix for 4 year, $11 million deal.

2:24 A little late on this because I was giving my dog a bath, but Jody Shelley to Philly (WOW, REALLY?) and someone named Crabb to the Maple Leafs.

2:25 Dan Ellis to Tampa Bay. Good place for him, he can play a lot more than he would in a lot of other cities.

2:29 Okay, now Paul Martin IS a Pittsburgh Penguin. I just tweeted this but I could see Andy Sutton as a Lydman replacement. Blocks a lot of shots and hits quite a bit.

2:38 Derek Boogaard to the Rangers. Wa-hoo. Life-changing signing, really.

2:47 Paul Martin got the elusive 5-for-25 deal. I jokingly tweeted about him getting that earlier, haha. Oh Paulie.

3:01 Toni Lydman to Anaheim. Although it was reported that Tony Lydman was signed there but I'm going to assume they meant Toni.

3:03 Lydman gets $9 million over 3 years in Anaheim. I hope he and Greener have fun pummeling each other into the boards.

3:15 Ray Whitney signs in Phoenix for 2 years, $3 million per. No chance was he coming to Buffalo, I'm not sure why people were pumping that rumor. He's made no secret that he wouldn't want to come here based on what some writers have said about conversations with him.

6:25 I went to see a movie. Whoops. I missed a few things, it seems.

6:27 The Sabres signed Jordan Leopold, Adam Burish to Dallas, Andrew Ladd traded to Atlanta, Chris Mason signs with Atlanta, Dan Hamhuis to Vancouver, Saku Koivu stays in Anaheim, Jeff Tambellini to Vancouver, Tallinder and Volchenkov to New Jersey, Kurtis Foster to Edmonton, and that about covers what I missed since Whitney signed in Phoenix.

6:31 Matt Cullen signs with the Wild.

6:38 Olli Jokinen back to the Flames, because that worked really well the first time... and Vinny Prospal stays with the Rangers.

6:39 Andrew Raycroft signs a 2-year deal with the Stars.

7:02 Edmonton agrees to terms with Collin Fraser who they traded for a few days ago. 2 years.

7:36 We've got 10 minutes until Darcy makes some random announcement. Probably that everyone but Jordan Leopold was too expensive and they might make a trade later.

7:59 Eric Nystrom signs with Minnesota for 3 years, $1.4 million per

Free Agent Day is Going to be SO LAME

2010-06-28T23:20:00.001-04:00

by Anne

With everyone running around trying to find things to prop up the cap ceiling so they can fit in more stuff and trading away all the UFAs, it seems as though the 2nd best day of the year is going to be hella lame.

Although there is serious potential for Nabokov to totally dick over the Flyers, and that I can't wait to see if I'm reading the reports on his trade/not trade/signing/not a signing. Any time the Flyers suffer I count that in my personal "W" column.

The Predators who no one really pays attention to most of the time, have shipped away several of their biggest names and aren't bringing back Dan Ellis meaning the team is one big ol' question mark for next season. But fortunately, it's the Predators so no one is really all that concerned about how they do. I'm not, especially now that Dan Ellis is gone as he is my favorite NHL player to follow on Twitter. Well, I suppose the Preds also have Shea Weber. Yummy, yummy Shea Weber.

Everyone is basically writing it off as a foregone conclusion that Kovalchuk will be a King on Thursday. I mean, I'd be okay with it, so long as he isn't the locker room cancer he's been rumored to be. Do you think Greener can keep him in line?

I'm also pretty tired of all this "BRIAN BURKE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?" Nothing has happened of any significance since that "okay, maybe if we switch out our entire rosters, no one will notice. Aaaaaand GO!" with the Flames a few months ago. I mean, where's this Kaberle deal? Where's the big shake-ups we've been promised. I hope they come soon.

A little sad to see Cheechoo and Kotalik on waivers. Well, Cheech more than Big Czech Al. Cheech was once a 50 goal scorer and now he'll be in the minors? Unreal. Big Czech Al is mostly deadweight. He'll enjoy playing in the KHL, I'm sure.

In all the draft hubbub, I forgot to show my EXTREME DISPLEASURE that Big Bear has been dealt to the Florida Panthers. EW EW EW EW NO. I mean, he'll be closer to me and we'll play him more often but :( :( :(. I'm running out of ties to the Canucks, people. Kes and SOB are about all I've got left.

I miss the Sabres. When will they be coming back to us?

Immediate reaction to Kings' draft pick

2010-06-26T01:19:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The Kings traded up to 15th (giving up only two picks in this year's draft) and drafted American defenseman Derek Forbort.

Already Derek has the scales tipped in his favor as he's an American defenseman. Then you toss in that he's a giant at 6'5" and he plays for the USHL development team and I like him even more. But, these are all surface things, I now quest to find a bit of Mark Pysyk cuff link-style trivia to send him over the edge...

Interview on LA Kings Insider... Thanks his Dad, blah, blah, blah, talks about how he's always been really tall, blah, blah, blah, loved hearing all the fans in the Staples Center, blah, blah, blah, Jack Johnson is a USA hockey defensive demi-god (allegedly), blah, blah, blah, HOLD UP, he's going to North Dakota?! AAAAAND SOLD.

I don't follow college hockey AT ALL. However, I have a soft spot for North Dakota and the players they produce. For example, one Los Angeles Kings defenseman that shall remain nameless...

I'm just kind of "blah" about Kassian, especially after his assault arrest. Brayden Schenn doesn't really excite me all that much, so I'm much more pleased with this year's first round selections. Excellent.

Welcome to the Kings, Derek Forbort.

I find it strange that he was drafted in the throwback jersey but then put on a regular primary logo jersey for the pictures. Whatevs.

Ok so it wasn't who I wanted but...

2010-06-26T00:56:00.003-04:00

by Anne

The Sabres drafted another WHL defenseman (the last one's been working out okay so far) with the 23rd pick in the Entry Draft.

This one is Mark Pysyk of the Edmonton Oil Kings. His last name looks like a typo and he seems on the small side, but other than Victor Hedman, what prospect isn't? I mean, Myers was 6'7" but he was like a string bean at the draft.

Anyway, so even though they didn't draft Riley Sheahan like I wanted them to with my brilliant reasoning capabilities, this bit of trivia about Mark has him a-ok in my books:

"One of his pre-game rituals is wearing his grandfather’s cuff links to every game..."

I'm guessing those are the famous cuff links on his shirt. A+.

How sweet. Hopefully we'll see you after another year in Edmonton, kiddo. Welcome to the Buffalo Sabres.

ETA: I just scrolled down the article on the Sabres website that gave me that bit of cuff link trivia. Apparently his favorite website is Google. Hahahaha. What? Facebook? NHL.com? Twitter? Nope? Good answer, buddy. :)

I wish I was going to be at the Draft/Yo, Chicago, calm down

2010-06-24T16:40:00.000-04:00

by Anne

My #2 team is hosting the NHL entry draft on Friday. I hope to see Dustin Brown there when the Kings announce their pick and the trade that sends Kovalchuk's rights to Dean Lombardi for the negotiatin' of a new contract. Even the NHL schedule is planning on this happening. The Kings' home opener is against the Atlanta Thrashers. Fan crisis moment: Can I really cheer for Ilya Kovalchuk? Once he starts scoring like crazy, I'll have no problem, I'm sure.

While I'm not terribly excited for this year's draft class, it would still be exciting to see the players drafted and be there while some crazy trades are going down on the floor of the Staples Center. Maybe after I get a real job (I have an interview on Monday, fingers crossed) I'll start saving to go to LA for a game this coming season or the season after. There's always the possibility of seeing them play when they head East for a road trip. Maybe back to Nashville? Columbus? We shall see, but I really want to see the Kings in their natural habitat.

Everyone has November 19th circle on their calendars, RIGHT?! :) That's the day that the Kings come to play the Sabres in HSBC Arena :) I'm not sure if I'm going to wear any Kings' gear; I don't want it to look like I'm cheering against the Sabres. What will probably happen is that I'll just wear plain black and cheer all of the goals.

Speaking of trades and such: YO, CHICAGO, CHILL. We all knew that the Blackhawks would be cleaning house, but not necessarily this soon after and not necessarily this many trades at once. Byfuglien, Eager, Sopel and prospect Aliu (whom I have a soft spot for because he served as a Russian translator during the NHL combine interviews) to Atlanta for Marty Reasoner, two picks, and prospect Jeremy Morin. I love Marty Reasoner because he had Greener were BFFs when they played in Edmonton.

In addition, the Blackhawks sent poor adorable little Collin Fraser up to Edmonton for a 6th round pick. Yikes.

I mostly don't care about these trades because they will have limited or no impact on my teams. However, do the Thrashers really need another enforcer with only limited talent in Ben Eager? It'll up the opportunities for Kaleta and Eager to renew their old rivalry, but still, really Thrashers? Really?

Also on the UFA front: I'm glad the Sharks re-signed Patrick Marleau. I was getting a little tired of hearing Sabres fans drool over him, but am sad that Joe Pavelski wasn't dealt to the Sabres. I loves me some Pavelski.

Looking forward to the Draft Party tomorrow night! Who all is going to be there?

Wooo Awards Show!

2010-06-23T21:37:00.000-04:00

by Anne

In moves that surprised exactly no one, Tyler Myers and Ryan Miller won their respective awards last night at the NHL Awards show. They were both adorably excited in their acceptance speeches, Millsy was more nervous than I expected he would be, and both wrote down their speeches. I'm not sure if Tyler got to thank everyone but I hope some day he'll have the chance to thank more people when he wins another NHL award some day. ;) I loved the personalized shoutout to Patty Lalime from Miller at the end of his speech.

Millsy also won the NHL Foundation award which gave him an engraved glass block and $25,000 for the Steadfast Foundation.

Sadly, Drew Doughty did not win the Norris. On the plus side, he looked really good, like maybe he's working out (imagine that!). I'm sure that Dewey will win the Norris at least once, if not many more times in his career, so I'm not worried. He and Tyler can alternate winning it for the next 20 or so years. :)

Props to Marty St. Louis for having his notes on his Blackberry instead of on paper. Props to Duncan Keith for thanking everyone he's ever met and running WAYYYY over time. When Duncs went back to the media room he realized he didn't get a chance to thank Seabrook and he felt bad. Their bromance is unending. Jose Theodore won the Masterton and told people that GM George McPhee told him he wasn't be re-signed. He has all the makings of the Sabres' back-up. Good looking, French Canadian, great starter for a short time in the past, but now stinks. Perfect.

The show itself wasn't as awful as in previous years. That stupid bit with Jamie Kennedy and D.B. Sweeney before the Vezina was announced was unnecessary, but that video with Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf (feat. Scott Niedermayer) was fantastic. It was fine until Jay Mohr started doing impressions, really.

Some of the performances were a bit... unexpected, but that's why God invented the mute button.

So proud! Congrats boys!

Soccer is Bananas

2010-06-23T12:16:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Yeah, yeah the NHL Awards are tonight, the draft is Friday, Free Agency day is practically null and void because rights to UFAs are being traded like Silly Bandz in a fifth grade classroom.

HOWEVER, I have only watched two games of the World Cup but they were both pretty exciting. Well, almost all of the USA v. Slovenia was exciting and the last three or four minutes of USA v. Algeria was exciting.

Landon Donovan is a true American Hero. I've cared way more than I thought I would about these games.

This is way more exciting than the last time the USA represented our country in international competition and no, I'm not referring to the Olympics. I'm referring entirely to the World Championships this past May when the USA was forced to play in the relegation round. RELEGATION? That's atrocious. It's true we sent mostly our C-squad and Jack Johnson was our captain, but jeez louise.

American Heroes v. 2010

Woooo!!!

NHL Awards are Actually Next, Whoops

2010-06-21T13:44:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I said the draft was next, but I was wrong. Up next is actually the NHL Awards from Las Vegas, Nevada. Where, presumably, Patrick Kane will show up, still drunk, and in honor of Jonathan Toews extremely awkward appearance on the MMVAs last night, will be singing how he "Can't Be Tamed" at the top of his lungs while sipping his 85th bottle of Cristal. Maybe we'll be lucky and he'll pull a Kanye on Mike Green if he wins the Norris over Duncan Keith.

I, of course, want Drew Doughty to win the Norris, but a small part of me wants Keith to win it just so he has to give an acceptance speech with the gaping holes in his mouth left by his missing teeth. Hahaha hilarity.

Jay Mohr is hosting? WTF? NHL, there are lots of famous Hollywood-types who like hockey, who LOVE hockey, why is Jay Mohr the best you could do? Hell, I'd rather Jeremy Piven or Vince Vaughn hosted. Hey, Kristen Bell loves hockey, she's super cute/pretty/hot, I'm sure people would tune in to see her! Taylor Swift likes hockey, maybe she could perform? I know she's a terrible performer but at least she's popular. All I'm saying is, Jay Mohr? Really? Really.

I'm sure I'll watch it and I'm sure I'll mute it between award presentations. I'd be more excited, probably, if it wasn't already a foregone conclusion that Miller and Myers are going to take home their trophies. I'll still be SUPER PUMPED when their names are announced and they give adorably awkward self-deprecating acceptance speeches, don't you worry.

Let's make it happen.

Awwwww yeah

Up Next: The Draft

2010-06-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

by Anne

It might just be that I haven't been paying attention but I feel like the 2010 draft class is somewhat lame.

Will we ever again have another 2003 draft class? That first round was unbelievable. M-A Fleury, Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Thomas Vanek, Ryan Suter, Dustin Brown, Brent Seabrook, Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry. I think a lot of people have an association with the draft class that's your age; I know I do. The 2003 NHL entry draft was a few days before I graduated from high school so I have a certain extra affection for the class of 2003 and it was the most amazing draft class EVER.

Nevertheless, I usually pick a random dude that I want the Sabres to draft. They drafted Myers like I wanted them to. However, I really didn't think he'd be available for us, but as you all know, everyone but Tampa, LA, Toronto, and Atlanta was a MORON so we got him. Wooo!!

The three players I've seen the Sabres taking in mock drafts are:

Riley Sheehan, C

Tyler Toffoli, RW

Jared Tinordi, D

I keep calling Tyler Toffoli "Taylor," and his Facebook picture is him riding an ATV, so how can I choose him? Although he is wearing a helmet in the shot.

Jarred Tinordi is a giant, he's like 6'6", but we already have a giant defenseman. Although he is American, and I have a soft spot for American defensemen.

Riley Sheahan goes to Notre Dame and his name couldn't really be more Irish if it was Finnegan O'Toole. I'm Irish and have a soft sport for Irish people and his parents' names are Mike and Peggy.

I think that I shall pull for the Sabres to draft...ummmm...

Riley Sheahan. Why? Because our prospects at center are not too stellar, and he's 6'2", 200 lbs. We need more size in our center prospects coughNathanGerbecough.

Riley Sheahan or bust is my mantra until June 25th at the Draft party.

In speaking of our prospects. 2008 prospects Zack "Mama Said Knock You Out" Kassian and Brayden McNabb have been selected to attend the World Junior prospect camp this year. It would be pretty sweet if they were able to play in Buffalo next season. Kassian might have a chance to play in the blue and gold, or at least in Portland if he can show the proper remorse for his assault arrest last month.

Also, the US is currently losing to Slovenia in the World Cup 2-1. This is the first game I've watched and it's more exciting than I thought it would be. Honestly, I don't even notice the vuvuzelas. I think at this point it would sound weird if the stands were quiet and there was no vuvuzela noise. It's really just background at this point.

Finally!

2010-06-10T19:38:00.001-04:00

by Anne

The playoffs are over, the Chicago Blackhawks are the Stanley Cup champions!

Hometown boy, Patrick Kane scored a weird goal and clinched the trophy for the city with the longest championship drought in the National Hockey League.

Bring it home for a visit, Kaner!

Congratulations!

I may not like the Blackhawks, but watching the celebrations, their enthusiasm as first-time winners was infectious. That, and I hate the Flyers more than words can express.

End these interminable playoffs, please? Etc.

2010-06-08T17:57:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I sincerely hope the Blackhawks win the Cup tomorrow night. Not because of any affection I have for them, but because I'm just tired of trying to care.

Also, looks like my prediction (and what an ASTUTE predictoin it was) about Zack Kassian's contract talks stalling was right.

John Vogl is right about this interview with Dominik Hasek being veeeeeery roughly translated into English. Although, English, Russian, Czech, or Yiddish, why would his teammates call him anything other than by his first name, weirdo reporterman?

My sister is getting married next summer (WA-HOO!) and between that and job hunting, I have very easily been able to distract myself from hockey.

I'm sure I'll go to the draft party but I know so little about this year's crop that it's hard to care. Are they extra weak this year or am I just missing the partay?

In an attempt to find something to be super pumped about, I'm attempting to write a book. I've had this idea in my head for over a year, and I've played it out in my mind so many times that I just need to put it down on paper. It, of course, is somewhat hockey-related. I'll autograph copies for you all when it is published... by me at my printer.

Let's Go 'Hawks! I guess? I suppose I'd like to see Kaner bring the Cup home for a visit.

Um, Blackhawks?

2010-06-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The only reason I felt I didn't need/want to put much effort into watching this series was because I assumed that beating Philly would be no problem for you. I do not like that this series is tied at 2. Do gooder when back in Chicago. NOW. That is all.

My sister will be in Chicago for her final weeks of grad school this summer, it would sweeeeet if when I visited for her graduation in the end of July, I could see all the "Woooo Stanley Cup champs!" banners and carryingson that are likely to occur throughout the summer. I would appreciate not having to see the losers and ne'er-do-wells of Philadelphia (my cousin included, but not his wife or son)* celebrating a cup victory.

Duncan Keith didn't lose 90% of his teeth just to lose in the Final. Brent Seabrook didn't sacrifice his beautiful face and resemble a yeti to give it all up against Philadelphia. Jonathan Toews doesn't look like Wolverine's reject sidekick to NOT hoist the Cup over his head. But for serious, when are we going to have a winning captain with a proper playoff beard? If Nick Lidstrom's is the most "impressive" playoff beard of the last three Cup winners (if Chicago wins, I mean), this will be sad. HOWEVER, that does NOT mean that I want Mike Richards to raise that Cup over his head. NO SIR.

Niedermayer's was by far the best since the lockout:

2006 - no beard

2008 - pittance of stubble, sort of a goatee.

2009 - Does that even count? At least you can see it?

2007- What a captainly face full of hair.

If Jonathan Toews winning keeps this playoff beard drought going for a third year, I can live with that.

* For the record my cousin is neither a loser nor a ne'er-do-well, but don't tell him I said that.

Ron MacLean is a BAMF & other things

2010-06-03T19:49:00.001-04:00

by Anne

First and foremost, we all must pay homage to one Mr. Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada who saved a man from taking his own life by diving into the Delaware River to save him. Read a bit about it here. What a dude.

So the Flyers won last night. I dislike both of these teams in the Final so I appreciate that these three games have been exciting and close. Chris Pronger makes things more entertaining, as always, even if it's because he's a royal d-bag.

Zack Kassian saddens me. I know he has a mean-streak on the ice, but being arrested and charged with assault is not exactly going to endear him to Sabres fans. Darcy Regier had expressed interest in signing him to a pro-contract soon. That will likely be put off until later into the summer, if it happens this summer at all, while he deals with this situation. Idiot. Win the Memorial Cup and get arrested. Well done, Kash.

I'm reading this book:

I'm a big fan of the Roosevelts and I like biographies and I like biographies written by David McCullough, so this should be a good read. Thusfar I've read the first chapter, which focuses on TR's Pops, also named Theodore. He sounds like he was the kind of father any kid would want. Next chapter is about his Mama, Mittie.

It's hard to find things hockey to look forward to. I'm not all that pumped about the draft this year. Neither the Kings nor Sabres have high draft picks, and there's no possibility of going to the draft in LA :(

The Sabres signed Jacob Lagace. This seriously ups the pretty factor in the prospects pool, which is always a plus for development camp. By the by, when is Dev Camp this summer? I love going up there for the scrimmages.

Tumblr is rife with sudden pangs of lust for Dan Carcillo. Ladies, I can get behind loving even the grossest of the gross, but just not Dan Carcillo. I suppose I could understand a latent desire for Sean Avery or Chris Pronger, maybe even Dion Phaneuf, but NOT Dan Carcillo. Gross me out in all ways possible.

Let's Go 'Hawks? I might pay attention to the NBA. The week off before the SCF started had a lot of us on Twitter watching the NBA. I suppose I'll pull for the Lakers? I don't know. I feel like the Celtics and Lakers are ALWAYS in the Final. I know that's not true but they HAVE met 11 times in the Final.

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T09:15:00.000-04:00

by Anne

In between bites of picnic deliciousness today, take a second to say "thanks, dude/dudette" to your friendly neighborhood military personnel.

It's a time to honor all those whose lives are dedicated to protecting our physical and intellectual freedom through service to their country.

And tonight we will honor them by playing hockey. Game 2, here we come. My family is honoring our veterans as we always do: with a picnic as we watch the local parade march down our street. Good times to be had by all.

Happy Memorial Day!

Post #1,000

2010-05-28T11:38:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Holy. Crap.

This is the 1,000th post that I've written. And, no, that number doesn't include the posts that S(h)ara wrote for Sabretooth's House. This is Anne-authored-post #1,000.

That is bananas.

Lots has changed since that first post in January of 2008. I know infinitely more about the sport and the culture of hockey than I did then. So much more now that I'm amazed my brain can hold it all in there. The majority of those 1,000 posts have been typed on this laptop I'm typing on right now. The first hundred or so were typed on my work computer (tee hee).

Back in the days of early 2008 I used to do more fun things related to reviewing and analyzing games. However, I quickly realized that, while I wrote my own thoughts down, they were rarely anything new or revolutionary and usually were WAY TOO EFING LONG. I've written some DOOZIES over the past 2 1/4 years.

When I started getting more into the online world of hockey in 2007/2008-ish, I never would've thought I'd become a Los Angeles Kings fan. What the eff is THAT all about? But those adorable little whippersnappers just charmed me and keep me coming back for more. I just hung my Matt Greene jersey back in my closet while sorting my clothes and laundry. Who would've thought that I'd own a Matt Greene jersey? I had never even heard of Matt Greene when I started this blog.

Back in January of 2008, my favorite Sabres were Drew Stafford and Danny Paille. While I still love Danny Paille to a depth that KNOWS NO BOUNDS, he is, of course, no longer a Sabre, and his buddy Drew may soon be joining him in leaving the organization. If you told me that in January of 2008 that by post #1,000 that'd be the case, I probably wouldn't have been too surprised. That Craig Rivet is our captain? Never could've predicted that one. That the Sabres would play exactly six playoff games over the next three seasons? Probably didn't see that one coming. If you note the date, I started writing this blog in the midst of a 10-game winless streak. What a time to be alive? I'm not sure I'd have been surprised or not that Darcy and Lindy are still around.

Well, how many things have changed and how many things have not changed.

This past semester of school completely drained me emotionally and mentally. I wasn't able to devote as much of my free time to thinking and writing about hockey. This made me sad because i love writing this blog, ven though Twitter has taken over it appears. Whatevs. I still read all the blogs that I used to read before Twitter blew up, so I assume that some people will still read this blog.

Thanks for reading my last 1,000 posts!

If the Blackhawks win the cup...

2010-05-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

by Anne

...I'm taping numbers to my walls and playing whichever ones Oscar knocks to the ground.

A few months back, my cat (who likes to irritate me into getting out of bed every morning) knocked my magnetic standings tracker off of the wall. Several magnets fell off and there were two it took me a while to find; one I still to this day have not found.

Here's the tweet (click to enlarge):

Nostradamus, eat your heart out. You ain't got nothin' on Oscar.

He Likes Us! Hey Mikey!

2010-05-18T14:44:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Mike Grier and the Sabres have reached an agreement for him to stick around next year.

Yay! Yay! Yay!

Hooray!

Good news!

Ok, I never doubted that they'd re-sign him, but it's good to see it made official. He gets a slight raise from $1.2 million to $1.4 million. $200K well spent, Darcy.

School's Out for Summer

2010-05-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

by Anne

My horrendously terrible semester is over! It was basically a disaster and will have to be fixed, but that can't be accomplished until the Fall so I shall simply enjoy my summer and continue my job hunt.

In the mean time, I shall be attempting to give a hoot about the playoffs. The World Championships have been an utter disaster. I mean Team USA playing in the RELEGATION round? Good LORD. I knew they weren't going to win gold, but I thought they'd at LEAST win one of their first three games. Especially since they were up against such juggernauts as Denmark and Germany. Alas. They've won their games against Kazakhstan and France and just have to beat Italy tomorrow morning. Actually, the game will be over by the time this is posted. So, I'm going to go ahead and assume they won.

I don't imagine Jack Johnson will look back on this foray into international captaincy with great relish in years to come.

In Sabres-related shenanigans, I'm looking forward to this summer extra hard. My lifetime of Buffalo sports fandom has done nothing to convince me that I should temper my excitement. Trade Stafford? Trade Connolly? What will happen? Where will they all go? Will Marty Biron be back in Buffalo?! Could my heart TAKE that?! Yes, yes it could.

For the Kings, the only really big question mark is Frolov. I don't think he'll be back. I'd be ok with him staying but I don't think he will so I'm ok if he peaces out.

As far as the current playoffs are concerned I suppose I'm cheering(?) for the Blackhawks. This is a huge surprise to me. I previously abhorred the Blackhawks. They're all annoying and smug and their fans have turned each player's facial tics into a "ZOMG BRB SHAKING AND CRYING" explosion on Twitter. However, they are by far the most palatable team remaining in the playoffs and their few annoying fans (the vast majority I follow on Twitter are funny and entertaining) can be unfollowed, and for the most part have been. Besides. Seabs wants me to cheer for them. Isn't that right Seabs?

Come on, Seabs, open the door.

Look, I'm sorry I called some of your fans annoying.

They all love you.

FINE! I WON'T cheer for your team.

Whatcha gonna do about it?

You make a compelling argument.

Also, at least we're not Cavs fans. AMIRITE? Or if you are, I'm gonna go ahead and assume you're revving up the engine to drive Delonte West straight outta Cleveland. Yikes.

Happy Birthday, Matt Greene

2010-05-13T09:01:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I'm in no mood to be funny or celebratory, especially considering not that many people read this blog and it's rather preposterous to send birthday messages to anyone other than the people I converse with in person or on Twitter. My own personal grumbles aside.

He's my favorite so:

Happy Birthday, Greener!!

Please make Team USA stop sucking

After all the speculation and jokes...

2010-05-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The NHL has a schedule ready just in case they are forced to move the Coyotes from Phoenix. They'd be re-located to the 'Peg and be the Jets again. They'd be in the Northwest Dvision and the Avs would move to the Pacific.

Crazy, crazy times. I'm not sure what the likelihood of this happening is, but isn't it crazy? Read about it more here.

Also, all day on Twitter I've been asking people for their top 3-5 favorite NHL players, tell me yours! I just like knowing these things. I may post about it later.

Climbing out from under the papers

2010-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

by Anne

You guyz. Taking 18 credits of ed-joo-muh-cay-shun classes is a LOT of work, especially at the end of the semester.

I haven't even been watching the second round. I'm fairly confident this is the longest I've gone between blog posts.

Actually, that's a slight lie. I've been watching a little bit of Canucks/Blackhawks.

Which brings me to the entire purpose of this morning's post.

In this series, as in others, I have had trouble choosing between the two teams. It was established that I play a comprehensive game of "Would You Hit That?" with each team's complete roster and the team with more "Yes, I would"s, gets my vote.

Unfortunately my completely non-discriminating palate left me with an even score for Canucks/Blackhawks and I had to go into: "Which player would you hit over all the others?"

This was a torturous and smokin' hot expedition into each team's top gentlemen. After much deliberation, it was determined that there is no Canuck or Blackhawk that makes me feel warm and tingly inside quite like this man:

Brent Seabrook, Blackhawk

Don't hate.

The Conference Finals will commence after my finals, therefore I shall be watching them. I shall use this ultra-scientific method to select the teams to cheer for in that round.

I'll try not to enjoy it too much.

Hey look! Other hockey!

2010-04-29T11:20:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I don't like whining, I don't like bitching. Therefore, when the Sabres lost and that's all I could think to write, I opted to not write at all.

I won't pretend to have any solutions or suggestions for the Sabres moving forward but I'm just sick of nothing. ever. changing. We've been following the same system(barf) in management and on the ice for several years and the product isn't working.

I think Lindy Ruff is a nice guy but I question his effectiveness in this post-lockout, post-Chris Drury era. Change for the sake of change isn't always grand but at least it will be something different. I'm fairly confident I've written something like this before, but doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the very definition of insanity.

***************

Moving on. Now that the first round is over, the Team USA roster for the World Championships will be expanded upon today. There was no one worth mentioning on the first list and I had sincerely hoped to be busy watching the Sabres or Kings in the 2nd round instead of the Worlds. Alas.

To my joy and delight, both Jack Johnson and Matt Greene will be playing for Team USA in Germany. Andy Greene will also be playing for Team USA. I'm not sure, but considering the creativity of most hockey players, I'm guessing they both go by "Greener." Hilarity will undoubtedly ensue, as they are also both defensemen. Perchance they will even be paired together. I also enjoy that Kevin Allen referred to them as "The Greenes" in his blog post. How presh.

Tim Kennedy will play as well, yay! Nick Foligno will allow me a brief respite to like him once again. I am utterly terrified by our goaltending situation. Right now it stands as Scott Clemmensen and Ben Bishop. Good ol' Bish. He'll definitely make things happen... right? Really? Was Robert Esche not available? Conkblock? Fine. World Championship teams in Olympic years are wicked lame.

Round 2 of the playoffs start today and the Worlds start in a week.

Sigh. I think I'm going to check out of the second round and wait until the Conference finals to give a crap about the NHL this season.

It's so much easier to like the playoffs without your team if your team was never in the playoffs to begin with.

So long, Kings

2010-04-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Well, it's over. The Los Angeles Kings are now in the off-season.

It was the first playoff appearance for the Kings since 2002 and the series didn't disappoint. Well, that is until that last game, anyway.

If this series did nothing else, it re-affirmed that while Jonathan Quick is a nice guy, and loves to play hockey, he may not be the answer for the Kings in net for the long term. I don't think any Kings fan thought otherwise. However, let's give the guy the credit he deserves. He played over 70 games and got this team to the playoffs. He was undoubtedly mentally and physically exhausted after the season he had and he couldn't get it done in the playoffs. Hopefully next season the other Jonathan (Bernier) will be up with the big club and ready to make a difference as well.

Now the Kings head into the off-season with their heads held high. There aren't a whole lot of burning questions to answer, not a lot of holes to plug up. The biggest question mark is the enigma that is Alexander Frolov. I'm pretty sure Fro will be departing for a new team. Hell, he didn't score in the playoffs until yesterday. Other than Fro and O'D, there aren't any UFAs I really care about. I don't want Randy Jones back. Ivanans can peace out. I don't feel strongly about Modin or Halpern other than that Modin was a good locker room presence during the playoffs. Without too many contracts to worry about they can just look to get even better. Scary. The rest of the Pacific and the NHL is on notice.

The best news is that the Kings are now finished paying Dan Cloutier. Really.

From my personal experience, this was only my second season as a Kings fan and it was awesome. I've never paid such close attention to another team during the regular season and it was great. I loved traveling to Nashville to see them play (and win). I can't wait until next season and I can't wait until I can get out to LA to see a game!

LET'S GO KINGS!

More Nominations

2010-04-23T12:16:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Adding to the NHL Award nominations, the Norris trophy, given to the league's top defenseman, nominees were announced today.

Clearly none of the Sabres were nominated because when was the last time a rookie d-man was nominated for the Norris? Myers was the best rookie but not the league's best defenseman. I love him anyway.

But! One of these boys was nominated for the Norris: Drew Doughty!

Go get 'em tiger!

Tonight the Sabres hope to stave off elimination and the Kings look to regain the series lead.

Let's Go Buff-a-lo!

Let's Go Kings!

Also, the Devils were the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs, losing 3-0 on home ice in Game 5 to the (ugh) Flyers.

Happier Thoughts

2010-04-22T12:44:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Let's not talk about Wednesday night's games. Instead, let's talk about happier things.

Ryan Miller was nominated for the Vezina! Not that this came as a surprise to anyone, but it's exciting now that it's official. Same goes for Tyler Myers being nominated for the Calder.

They're both pretty much the front runners for the trophies but that doesn't always mean that they will get them. Here's hoping!

Lookin' sharp, boys.

It'll be nice to still have the hopes of bringing some hardware back to Buffalo. :(

Drew Doughty Isn't Impressed

2010-04-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I'm a regular reader of Battle of California. Rudy Kelly is ridiculous in the best ways possible. He posted this video of Dewey from the last game of the Kings/Canucks series which the Kings won 5-3. Enjoy:

Drew Doughty will fucking hipcheck the shit out of you. Keep yapping.

Kings and Sabres game day.

Kings can take a stranglehold on the series and the Sabres could get firmly back into theirs.

Let's Go Buff-a-lo!

Let's Go Kings!

Best playoffs ever.

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I didn't watch the Sabes game on Saturday because of bridal shower festivities and missed much of the Kings' game while out at a bachelorette party in the evening.

The good and the bad:

The Sabres blew a two goal lead and lost 5-3. Jerks.
Thomas Vanek lost the lower half of his leg
Johnny Boychuk is a d-bag
The Kings decided to trail by 2 goals for about half of the game.
Fortunately, Wayne Simmonds decided to tie it up and Kopi decided to win it in OT.
I really think the Sabres will be ok without Vanek for the time being. He was a non-factor most of the season; they won several games when he was playing like garbage.
Stafford is back. He skated with the team this morning after a doctor in Buffalo tightened the nuts and bolts that keep his head on his neck.
Miller was named a finalist for the Vezina. Shocking.
I hate this semester and all the writing I have to do over the next two weeks.
The playoffs are bananas
I love Dan Boyle
I love the San Jose Sharks SO. MUCH.
Where my playoff beards at? I know it's early but: bring 'em on!!

You're Welcome

2010-04-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Raffi Torres clearly saw the grade he earned from my gradebook and decided to make himself useful. Granted, it wasn't on the scoresheet, but everytime there was a scrum, the Baby Beluga picked himself the biggest Bruin and had at it with him.

It's been said plenty but it can't be said enough: Chara is a douchenozzle and should be repeatedly kicked in the groin. Raffi, I'm looking at you. Bro Code be damned.

Craig Rivet was the happiest kid on Christmas morn when he scored that goal. It was completely adorable. In my slightly tipsy stupor I referred to him continuously as a DILF. Why? Because it is completely true... even though he's only like 10 years my senior. WHATEVS.

That game was about 10,000x more energetic and punchy than I expected it to be.

The Kings lost. :( It was a fairly tight game until the 3rd and they lost it in OT.

Also, I don't know why people have a problem with this Sabres hip-hop anthem, I find it completely ridiculous in the best way possible. Can someone explain it to me why they don't like it? I think people just need to chill and enjoy the SabreLove pouring into and out of Buffalo.

Jumping In

2010-04-15T17:59:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I was going to stay reserved but it's not going to happen.

I BELIEVE

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

2009-2010 Regular Season Grades: Goaltenders

2010-04-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Here is my assessment of both teams' goaltenders.

#30 Ryan Miller

Buffalo Sabres

68 starts, 41W, 2.22, .929%, 5SO

I don't need to say much more about this loser. Who needs him?!

Grade: Vezina+

#31 Erik Ersberg

Los Angeles Kings

7 starts, 4W, 2.54, .906%

Ersberg's stats aren't as bad as they might seem when looking at how much he's played. He's an ok back-up.

Grade: B-

#32 Jonathan Quick

Los Angeles Kings

72 starts, 39W, 2.52, .907%, 4SO

If it weren't for Quickie, the Kings would've been much worse off. However, his stats are not earth-shattering. He's a solid goaltender but he's not elite. He stole a few games, but not many. He also played way too many and it started to show at the end of the season.

Grade: B+

#40 Patrick Lalime

Buffalo Sabres

13 starts, 4W, 2.81, .907%

Yeah. Ok. He played better when put in as relief of Miller the three times it might've happened. He's ok. He and the team meshed better towards the end of the season but, meh.

Grade: B-

Also:

#45 Jonathan Bernier

Los Angeles Kings

3 starts, 3 W, 1.30, .957%, 1 SO

Look at the Kings goalies above stats and then look at these. I think the future is clear.

Grade: A+

Sabres goaltending: A-

Kings: (w/o Bernier): B

2009-2010 Regular Season Grades: Forwards (Kings)

2010-04-15T12:35:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Both teams' goaltenders will be in a post together tomorrow because just writing a post about how great Ryan Miller is is a little overdone these days.

Today I bring you the Kings' forwards:

#11 Anze Kopitar

82gm, 34G, 47A, +6, 21:47

Kopi came out of the gates a-blazin' but quickly cooled off. For a brief time he lead the league in scoring but that didn't last once Ryan Smyth and/or Justin Williams were injured. He was still awesome most of the time.

Grade: A-

#14 Justin Williams

49gm, 10G, 19A, +3, 16:22

Big Willy Style was brought in for some veteran Cup-winning experience. When he was in the line-up, it was grand. When he wasn't, well, Kopi struggled without him and Smyttie. He only played half the season and has previously been far more offensively productive.

Grade: B-

#15 Brad Richardson

81gm, 11G, 16A, +1, 12:50

RichardFail was not as bad as his nickname might suggest, I suppose. He was better than I anticipated he'd be. I was shocked to learn he played 81 games to be honest. He was AW-FUL for the first two months of the season, but the Christmas spirit clearly hit him and from December on, he was much better.

Grade: B+

#17 Wayne Simmonds

78gm, 16G, 24A, +22, 14:28

Wayne Simmonds rocks. Plain and simple. He does it all. He scores at a 3rd liner's rate, plays in a defensively responsible way, fights and all does it with a goofy look on his face. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the house he shares with Doughty

Grade: A

#23 Dustin Brown

82gm, 24G, 32A, -6, 19:15

A typical Brownie season but with slightly better +/-. He had his usual 3563098 hits and played decently over all. He's consistent and that's what you need from a captain.

Grade: B

#24 Alexander Frolov

81gm, 19G, 32A, -1, 18:26

Someone recently referred to Fro as the player who invented streaky play. He was really bad at the beginning of the season but certainly turned things around as time went on. He has that typically Russian way of playing "teammates, what teammtes? Look how FAST I am!" that, I'm sure drove Terry Murray insane. Things could've been worse, but things have certainly been better (offensively anyway).

Grade:C+

#26 Michal Handzus

81gm, 20G, 22A, +4, 18:18

Zus is a man of few words and much defensive responsibility. There are no frills to his game. He does his job and he does it well.

Grade: A-

#28 Jarret Stoll

73gm, 16G, 31A, +13, 17:25

He and Simmer are fantastic linemates. This season Stolly's power play prowess showed more in his set-up ability for guys like Doughty and Kopitar. He had the highest % of faceoff wins of any player that took more than 20 faceoffs (he took over 1100 and 3 players took 10-20 and had higher %).

Grade: B+

#41 Raitis Ivanans

61gm, 0G, 0A, -8, 4:53

Hey, he had 136 PIM! And he gets to play in game one tonight. He's pretty much useless.

Grade: D

#63 Scott Parse

59gm, 11G, 13A, +13, 10:31

In his rookie season, Scooter has been reliable. Parse-Stoll-Simmonds is a fun checking line. They play pretty well together, as is evidenced by their strong +/- and solid point production. I loves me some checking line players. Hopefully he'll stick with it and continue to be solid in years to come.

Grade: B

#94 Ryan Smyth

67gm 22G, 31A, +8, 19:40

Smyttie has been a great linemate for Kopitar. It was apparent in Kopi's game when he was not there. When he wasn't there, and when Williams wasn't there either, Kopi tried to do too much and accomplished much less than he did when those two, especially Smyth, were out there. He was the dynamic winger that the Kings had been looking for the past few seasons.

Grade: B+

The rest:

#22 Jeff Halpern

16gm, 0G, 2A, -1, 10:40

Ummm... whatevs.

Grade: C

#33 Fredrik Modin

20gm, 3G, 2A, -2, 14:54

I was expecting more from Halpern and less from Modin. He wasn't a rockstar but he was better than I expected he would be.

Grade: C+

#56 Rich Clune

14gm, 0G, 2A, +1, 7:17

Oh Clunatic. He's alright. He's a slight upgrade from Ivanans. He could turn into a Neil or a Kaleta.

Grade: C+

They were pretty decent this season. Better than last season and certainly better defensively than in previous seasons. They weren't mindblowing but they weren't terrible. Their defensive game was the biggest improvement as well as the veteran presence added at the last two deadlines and over the summer with Smyth.

Forwards overall grade: B+

What a happy line

2009-2010 Regular Season Grades: Defensemen (Kings)

2010-04-14T12:56:00.002-04:00

by Anne

Since I love both teams (almost equally), I have to grade the Kings' season as well. Here are the defensemen up first:

#2 Matt Greene

75gm, 2G, 7A, +4, 17:28

Greener is a stay at home defenseman and he played as one. He and O'D were a consistent shut-down 3rd pairing. Greener dished out 238 hits and blocked 126 shots. And he's my favorite.

Grade: ~~A+++~~ ok, FINE: B+

#3 Jack Johnson

80gm, 8G, 28A, -15, 22:36

Hey, if Jack Johnson was better at even strength hockey, he'd be real good. He contributes a great deal offensively and 13 of his points came on the power play. I know +/- is a nebulous stat but -15 is pretty rank. He can be amazing in the offensive zone but his neutral zone play leaves much to be desired still.

Grade: B

#5 Peter Harrold

39gm, 1G, 1A, -2, 9:14

He played 39 games?! Whatevs, Harry is somewhat useful because he's a magical wizard who can play fourth line winger AND defense. Magic, I tells ya. He was fine. He's good to have in a pinch. He's really good at picking up Ivanans gloves (as seen above).

Grade: C

#6 Sean O'Donnell

78gm, 3G, 12A, +14, 18:44

O'D had a solid but typically O'D season. Although his three goals are three more than he had last season. One he had the courtesy of scoring while I was in the building. He may be 56 (age estimated) and look like the human embodiment of Launchpad McQuack but he was solid.

Grade: A-

#7 Rob Scuderi

73gm, 0G, 11A, +16, 19:16

Scuds, like O'D, had a typically Scuds season. He wasn't brought in to ramp up the Kings' defensive goalscoring, he was brought in to be the responsible defensive defenseman he was in Pittsburgh. He was usually paired with Drew Doughty and look how his season turned out (below).

Grade: A-

#8 Drew Doughty

82gm, 16G, 43A, +20, 24:58

Is there anything he can't do? Nope? Nothing? Yeah that's right. Drew Doughty is awesome and totally knocked it out of the park this season, to mix my sports analogies. His points were almost 50/50 special teams and even strength (31 PP, 28 5-on-5). He even dished out 157 hits, including several beautiful textbook hipchecks. I get a little scared thinking of him and Myers together on Team Canada a few years down the line. Amazing.

Grade: A+

#12 Randy Jones

48gm, 5G, 16, -3, 18:10

Umm, well, he's a 7th defensemen that had like four good games. Mostly he and Jack Johnson made me want to claw my eyes out and drink heavily. He was handy in a pinch when Scuds was hurt earlier in the season but mostly I wish they had left him in Philadelphia because he's creepy.

Grade: C+

#44 Davis Drewiske

42gm, 1G, 7A, -4, 15:14

Drew started the season strong while being paired with Greener but it didn't take long for him to slide into the doghouse. Then he got hurt and rarely made it back into the lineup. It was his first full season with the big club and it showed. I'm not optimistic for him to crack into the top 6 next season.

Grade: C

For the most part, the Kings defense group was solid. To compare, as a group, they were better overall than the Sabres. They're all better in their own zone than they were last season, except for Jack Johnson. They're reliable and confident and that's why we get players with confidence like Drew Doughty.

Overall Defense grade: B+

My preferred Kings defense corps.
Look how happy they all are to be together!

2009-2010 Regular Season Grades: Forwards

2010-04-13T12:51:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Continuing where we left off yesterday: the forwards.

#9 Derek Roy

80gm, 26G, 43A, +9, 19:22

All in all a somewhat typical season for Royzie. He took FOREVER to get his first goal of the season and he didn't amass as many points as he has in previous seasons. However, those previous seasons he and only a small number of other forwards were contributing and this scoring by committee style has knocked his goal totals down a touch. He was good more often than he was awful. He tied for first in GWG and had 3 OT winners.

Grade: B

#13 Tim Kennedy

78gm, 10G, 16A, -3, 12:57

This being his first full season in the NHL, I'm going to go easy on Lil' Timmers. He was ok. He has signs of being better in years to come. Pommer, Royzie and Vanek all had just "meh" rookie seasons. He'll be better next season.

Grade: B-

#19 Tim Connolly

73G, 17G, 48A, +10, 18:37

Aside from his recent injury, Timmah was an iron man this season. He had an epic point-streak in December/January and lead the team in assists. There were several nights when he was the best player on the ice and was frequently the best forward. Remember how we said a healthy Timmah makes the Sabres better? True dat.

Grade: A-

#21 Drew Stafford

71gm, 14G, 20A, +4, 14:28

I think the thing about his stats I found most surprising was that he finished the season a + player. He's been better, he should be better and he's just not. I'm glad to see, though, that we stopped relying on him as a consistently top-6 player because he's not one. He's had a few solid games but not enough.

Grade: C-

#22 Adam Mair

69gm, 6G, 8A, -2, 9:14

Remember when he was put on waivers? Yikes. I'm glad Mairsy is still here. He works hard, he took the waiver wire with professionalism and the Sabres are the better for it. He knows his role and he does it well. As a whole, the team fought less this season and tried to limit penalties as a whole. He did his job.

Grade: B

#25 Mike Grier

73gm, 10G, 12A, -4, 15:47

Mikey had a very Mikey season. He has hands of stone and he's slower than molasses on a cold day but he's consistent! He was topnotch on the PK, a great veteran mentor for Tim Kennedy and just made everything better.

Grade: B+

#26 Thomas Vanek

71gm, 28G, 25A, +9, 16:45

Thomas, Thomas, Thomas. Yet another frustrating season in which you went bananas at the end. He should just always be told it's mid-March/early April. He seems to play really well then. However, his four-goal game could not make up for his endless stretches of goal-lessness. He was a + player, which has been a struggle for him since his +47 season.

Grade: B-

#28 Paul Gaustad

65gm, 12G, 10A, -7, 15:44

Tied a career-high in goals (set last season). His greatest contribution to the team has been faceoff wins, which he produced at 57.4% this season. Goose doesn't get much fanfare and got even less than usual this season. His +/- is a tad unsettling but bottom six players rarely have high +/-. I'm fairly confident that he, Miller, Grier and Rivs were responsible for keeping certain players in line and being held accountable. That topic didn't come up nearly as often this season as it has in the past two (non-playoff) seasons.

Grade: B+

#29 Jason Pominville

82gm 24G, 38A, +13, 18:44

Pommer was the Sabres most consistent forward for most of the season. Once again, he played all 82 games this season. He hasn't missed a regular season game since he was a healthy scratch April 7, 2006. I really don't have much bad to say about his season. Like every other forward, his points total was lower than last season or the season before. It's the new system and I think we all have to accept that.

Grade: B+

#36 Patrick Kaleta

55gm, 10G, 5A, +2, 10:09

One of the only exceptions to the above statement about players scoring less is Pat Kaleta. He more than doubled his career high in goals and lead the team with 2 shorthanded goals. He had 148 hits in only 55 games. He was consistent and did his job as was expected of him. He even had a few fights and drew lots o' penalties.

Grade: A-

#37 Matt Ellis

72gm, 3G, 10A, -1, 9:03

Matty played a career-high in games and set a new career high in assists. Much like Mike Grier, he was consistent and has an incredible no-quit work ethic. I often describe his work ethic as "If I don't play well tonight, they'll feed me to the lions tomorrow." He was responsbile (12 PIM) and won some faceoffs. What more can you really ask?

Grade: B+

#55 Jochen Hecht

79gm, 21G, 21A, +14, 17:11

Lead the team in +/-. Thank goodness he's back in his defensively-responsible mode. We definitely needed that from him this season. He was consistent and consistently solid. I liked seeing him and Pommer occasionally reunited this season. It made my heart all a-flutter. Same thing with Royzie and Vanek. Sometimes the old chemistry worked for them.

Grade: A-

These three players played only 10-20 games in a Sabres uniform (and are still with the team):

#17 Raffi Torres

14gm, 0G, 5A, -3, 13:20

Go away. I don't like you.

Grade: D

#42 Nathan Gerbe

10gm, 2G, 3A, +1, 14:38

I definitely like what I've seen. The 3G Network^TM (Gerbe-Gaustad-Grier) has been clicking. A huge sigh of relief to see him produce at the NHL level. Thank goodness.

Grade: B+

#63 Tyler Ennis

10gm, 3G, 6A, +1, 15:20

He can score in the AHL and in the NHL. Gee, the 2009 AHL rookie of the year (Gerbe) and now the 2010 AHL rookie of the year (Tennis the Menace) actually playing well in their call-ups? Wa-hoo! Here's hoping things stay consistent and they don't suffer Chris Butler-like collapses when they inevitably make the club next season :)

Grade: A-

Overall this "scoring by committee" has diminished most players scoring. Having Ryan Miller in net still made it possible for us to win. Lots of players had scoring bursts at the end of the season which makes me feel little more optimistic about their ability to score in the post season.

Forwards overall grade: B+

Anne's Grossly Inaccurate Playoff Predictions: Round 1

2010-04-12T15:52:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Here I will publicly proclaim my predictions for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. I assure you each selection was ~~a total random prediction based on nothing really~~ deeply researched and analyzed:

Eastern Conference

#1 Washington v. #8 Montreal

Anyone who thinks Montreal is going to win is on drugs; will also be very rich if they're right.

Capitals in 5

#2 New Jersy v. #7 Philadelphia

The Flyers goaltending situation is hiLARiously awful. If Boucher can hold it together they might win one. But just one.

Devils in 5

#3 Buffalo v. #6 Boston

Injuries will be a huge factor and fortunately the Bruins have the worst of it.

Sabres in 6

#4 Pittsburgh v. #5 Ottawa

Anyone who bets against the Pens is outta their mind.

Pens in 6

Western Conference

#1 San Jose v. #8 Colorado

I know the Sharks are lame playoff first rounders but I don't think the Avs have what it takes.

Sharks in 6

#2 Chicago v. #7 Nashville

The Predators have the edge in goaltending btu that's about it.

Blackhawks in 6

#3 Vancouver v. #6 Los Angeles

I just don't know if Quickie has it in him. Luongo hasn't looked great. Both teams are deep.

Canucks in 7 :(

#4 Phoenix v #5 Detroit

As nice as it would be to see the Coyotes progress and the Red Wings lose, I don't see it happening.

Red Wings in 7

2009-2010 Regular Season Grades: Defensemen

2010-04-12T14:46:00.001-04:00

by Anne

I did this last season and it was fun so I'm doing it again. They haven't taken the final exam yet, but here are my grades for the team thusfar, starting with the defense corps.

#4 Steve Montador

75gm, 5G, 18A, Even, 54 hits, 17:05

All-in-all Monty was not a huge factor on defense. His five goals was about two more than I expected he'd get this season. He fell victim to the pressbox on at least one occasion this season. He wasn't great but he wasn't awful. He's a 5/6 defenseman and he played as one. Whatevs.

Grade: C

#5 Toni Lydman

67gm, 4G, 16A, +10, 126 hits, 18:51

Toni's stats are surprisingly similar to his 2006-2007 stats. He's remained consistently average over the last few seasons. He did give us one of the season's most memorable goals, however:

Grade: B

#10 Henrik Tallinder

82gm, 4G, 16A, +13, 63 hits, 20:36

The stats might not be earth shattering, and he may not be up for the Norris anytime soon, but what a season he had. He was healthy and playing with the best rookie in the NHL. He silenced the critics from last season by returning to his earlier career form. Was he the best defensemen in the NHL or on this team? No, but his rebounding has been fantastic to watch.

Grade: A-

#34 Chris Butler

59gm, 1G, 20A, -15, 20:01

What an awful season for Sir Christopher. I'm hoping this is a sophomore slump and he'll be back in better form next season. If he sees ice time in the playoffs, maybe he'll re-focus? I also don't understand how he averaged 20 minutes a game. Were there that many injuries when he played?

Grade: D

#44 Andrej Sekera

49gm, 4G, 7A, -1, 43 hits, 17:26

Reggie didn't play much. He was hurt in October and didn't really find a regular spot again. He inhabited the pressbox a great deal and didn't get back into the line-up much until Paetsch was traded and Butler was rotated into his chair. He improved from last season but didn't exactly blow my hair back.

Grade: C

#52 Craig Rivet
78gm, 1G, 14A, -6, 100 PIM, 18:13

This was one of Craigory's poorest offensive seasons. He was ok. He's been better. He was pretty under the radar most of the season. He wasn't part of many moments of extreme emotion. That would be ok if I said that about, say, Butler or Sekera, but Rivs gets a little extra pressure because he's the captain.

Grade: C+

#57 Tyler Myers

82gm, 11G, 37A, +13, 23:44

He was the 2nd best player on the team all season, he's amazing, he's going to win the Calder and we'll all be super disappointed by his sophomore slump. Whatevs, he's the best thing to happen to this team since Ryan Miller became so Ryan Miller. Myers had a few awful giveaways but always redeemed himself the next shift or the next game. He plays really well with Lindy's philosophy of: "You get a chance to redeem yourself, but just one."

Grade: Is there something higher than A+?

All in all, the defense had a mediocre season, hiding behind our top tandem of Tallinder and Myers. It's been easy to ignore their shortcomings in our Tyler Myers love fest, but it won't be easy to ignore in the playoffs. We haven't seen this defense without Myers and Tallinder. I don't want to start, but the prospect of that scares the daylights out of me.

Defense overall grade: B-

It's the final countdown

2010-04-10T14:37:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Here we are, folks, the final weekend of the regular season. For the first time in two years, the Sabres season will not end after Sunday, and for the first time in 64 years, the Los Angeles Kings season will continue on as well.

Truth be told, I became a Kings fan for the basic purpose that they were toothless and hardly ever won. They were rather harmless and didn't cause me too much anxiety. Well, fast forward two years and they're also hitching a ride to the playoffs.

I'm just not sure if I can take two teams in the playoffs. My blue and gold fingernails clearly indicate where my loyalties lie first and foremost, but this will be a mighty stressful time. When most people's evenings of Sabres playoff hockey stress have ended, mine will be only just beginning.

This weekend I'm going to grade the Sabres regular season stats like I did last season because it was lots o' fun so I'll probably start those tomorrow night after the final game.

Speaking of those blue and gold fingernails, many ladies have said they were going to do it as well, to that I say: YES PLEASE DO!! It's fun and ridiculous but also somewhat socially acceptable, just like a playoff beard.

Two more games for each team, the Kings are at home against Edmonton this afternoon and close out the season with their final game in Colorado on Sunday. The Sabres are in Ottawa (ugh) tonight and finish up tomorrow in Joisey.

Speaking of Ottawa, I get more than a slight sense of excitement over the news that Kovalev will not be playing for the next several months. Not because of anything personal about him, but because anything that screws over Ottawa is gold in my book.

Can you feel the excitement?!!

Question

2010-04-05T19:40:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The Sabres AND Kings have clinched playoff spots within the past few days, so...

WHY HAVEN'T THE PLAYOFFS STARTED YET?!

Controversy time

2010-04-01T15:03:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I want to write a whole write-up of our awesome trip to Nashville but I need a camera cord before I can upload the pictures and I want to edit some of the video before I upload some of them.

Tuesday and Wednesday were some pretty sweet days for hockey. The Sabres welcomed me back to Buffalo with a lovely victory over the Panthers. Pommer leads the team in goal scoring? Gerbe AND Ennis scored? Woooo! Welcome home to me!

However, not everything is coming up roses. There are some awesome "controversies" both my teams are dealing with.

First for the Sabres there's: how do we send Gerbe and Ennis back to the AHL when they've been playing this well in the NHL? Connolly and Vanek weren't playing as well before they were injured, why should Gerbe and Ennis lose their spots just because they come back? Let's see, four players who have proven to be prolific goal-scorers vying for a limited number of roster spots, especially with the playoffs upcoming? Gosh, things are tough.

On the West Coast side of things, the "controversy" a-brewing is a good old fashioned goalie controversy. Jonathan Bernier was called up from Manchester when Erik Ersberg allegedly strained his back. He played the Nashville game I attended a recorded himself a shutout. I don't think it was a surprise to any Kings fan that Bernier is better than Ersberg, but could he be better than Quick? Terry Murray was quick (hah) to put it out there that Quickie is still the #1 goalie, but Bernier is getting the start tonight against Vancouver.

Yeesh, times are tough.

Howdy from Nashville!

2010-03-30T13:25:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Howdy, y'all!

I'm sitting in our hotel room while Moms takes a nap. We'll soon be heading out to explore some of what "Smashville" has to offer us this afternoon. The flight down was uneventful and the weather is gorgeous. It's a little cool but we Buffalo gals can handle it just fine. The hotel is really nice and very close to the Bridgesrone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

I don't have much nice to say about the Kings after last night's game other than to essentially BEG them to win because they never beat the Predators and Bernier needs the wins to earn him a roster spot.

Last night's Sabres game was far more pleasant and for once the Versus broadcast didn't really bother me. I have named the unlikely lone of Gerbe-Grier-Gaustad as the 3G Network. They responded to their new name by combining for a somewhat goofy but awesome Goose goal. A week or so ago I whined a bit about how it had been too long since Goose scored and he responded with his current three game scoring streak. Thank you, Paul.

It was nice but not altogether surprising to see the team's balanced scoring continue without Vanek and Connolly. Hopefully after seeing the zip in Ennis and Gerbe, those two will come back in fighting form.

Time to get ready to head out! Let's go Kings!!

The best part about the playoffs

2010-03-29T14:00:00.002-04:00

by Anne

PLAY. OFF. BEARDS.

Gandalf is a Sabres fan.

Let's get something clear first off: I am a lady who likes her men clean-shaven for the most part. Some men look better with beards or a little stubble, but for the most part, I like my men clean-shaven with short hair. The 1940s and 1950s kind of neat and tidy look really works for me. Three piece suits are also pretty foxy.

But I digress.

There is only one type of facial hair that I enjoy on all men at all times, and that would be playoff beards. NO matter how gross the playoff beard (coughSidcough), it's what that playoff beard represents that makes it foxy. That beard means that your team is IN the playoffs and have at least done something right that season.

Throw those razors away! Aftershave be damned! Let that peach fuzz start to come in, Tyler!

Craig Rivet in a playoff beard? YES PLEASE.

Baby line?

2010-03-29T08:56:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Tyler Ennis is already up in the blue gold, and now Nate Gerbe and Mark Mancari are headed back up here as well.

I'm fairly confident that while Connolly, Vanek and Kaleta really are injured and need time to heal, that they're being extra cautious with the upcoming PLAYOFF run, and are keeping them on the bench. I don't know the details of their injuries obviously, but I'm guessing that's why these three Pirates have been tapped to come on up to the big club.

I'll be interested to see what Gerbe does this time around. The possibility of Gerbe last season was much more exciting than the real thing. I'm sure no one is more frustrated with his sluggish scoring in the NHL than Gerbe himself.

Maybe he'll turn it around this time? Shelby of Puck Over The Glass and now a new blog: Sabres Hockey Central pointed out what a fantastic line Gerbe-Roy-Ennis would be. We play Boston tonight, Chara would never see them coming. Literally. It might be awesome. It also might be hilarious. Let's do this.

I really have no thoughts about Mancari. He played better than anticipated the last time he was called up, so hopefully he can keep that up.

Tonight the Sabres take on the currently eighth place Boston Bruins on the road. A team who is in the unenviable position of grasping onto a bottom playoff position with 6th place only two points ahead, and 9th only two points behind. No thank you. The Sabres were in that mix for the last two seasons and it is NOT pleasant to be there. Clinching weeks before the regular season ends is SO. MUCH. BETTER.

PLAYOFFS DANCE PARTY

2010-03-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Join me and my closest friends as we celebrate last night's victory and consequent PLAYOFF BERTH.

There's lots to say about the remainder of the season and how they'll actually fare in the playoffs but we'll all talk that to DEATH later.

HOWEVER!

FEEL THE RHYTHM, FEEL THE RHYME, GET ON UP, IT'S PLAYOFFS TIME!!

WOOOOOO!!!

Etiquette Question

2010-03-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I have never attended an NHL game in another arena. The closest I've come was watching a game outside Mellon Arena during the 2009 Finals. While I was there, I was, of course, wearing my newly acquired Jordan Staal t-shirt and screaming my head off for the Pens.

This brings me to my question: on Tuesday I will be heading down to Nashville to watch the Kings play the Predators. I have never been a fan of the visiting team in an Arena and I'm not sure of the proper protocol.

I have attended dozens of NHL games at HSBC Arena and encountered MANY visiting fans. There are some extremely obvious rules that I do not intend to break like heckling and taunting the seven Predators fans that will be there, drunkenly screaming, throwing things, etc.

My questions are more along the lines of: if the Kings score, can I jump up and cheer? Should I stay seated? I should probably keep the booing of the Predators to a minimum, right? How many Predators fans do you think will be there? I have no idea what average Tuesday night attendance is like in Tennessee. If they're playing like boneheads, can I yell at the Kings? Should I keep that to a minimum? If there's no one around me, I'm going to just scream my fool head off, k?

Nashville is not a hockey market I know much about. Are there ~~any~~ many diehard fans?

I remember sitting behind a Red Wings fan in Buffalo once who didn't. move. the entire game. The Wings scored five times and she didn't move a muscle. Then at the end, she stood up, gave one irritating and obnoxious "WOOOO!" and left. It was probably more annoying than if she had just cheered for her team the entire time.

Those of you who have been to games in other arenas, help a sister out. Thanks!

omg i'm so surpised....

2010-03-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The Sabres lost to the Senators in frustrating fashion, as per usual. In previous seasons, the Sabres made even the Senators bad goaltenders look passably mediocre and now they're making their mediocre goaltenders look like superstars. Same old, same old.

My old roommate whom I haven't seen in a long time was going to bring me as her date to the game last night but unfortunately (maybe fortunately?) I wimped out because I'm still sick. It is unfortunate that I didn't get to see her and I always love a trip to HSBC Arena, but fortunate that I did not go and become completely exhausted with all the booing I'd have been doing.

PLEASE don't let us meet them in the first round? or ANY round for that matter?

Tonight the Sabres will (hopefully) rebound against the Lightning. I shall be watching the game on DVR delay as I shall be at Chef's celebrating MK's birthday with my parents, her boyfriend and Paul, a friend of hers from Grad School that came up for the weekend. Random. He's from Columbus but I don't think is a Blue Jackets fan. Just to be on the safe side, I think I'll refrain from mentioning anything that sounds like "Meve Stason" when there are sharp objects nearby.

The Kings take on the Stars tonight. Greener will not be playing. I'm going to keep all my fingers and toes crossed that he goes on the upcoming roadtrip and PLAYS IN NASHVILLE, where I will be sitting behind the bench wearing my Greene jersey with my Mama who will be in my blank Kings jersey. I will still enjoy the game immensely even if he doesn't. There's still Dewey, OD, Simmer, Kopi and Terry Murray to swoon over. I'll have so much to do while yelling at Brad Richardfail that I might not have time to miss Greener if he's not playing. Oh let's not lie, I'll definitely be completely bummed out if he doesn't play.

There have only been two games this season that I really really wanted him to play in and he was injured JUST before both of them. He played in the game v. the Sabres, returning way ahead of schedule, maybe he can do it again? :)

If he doesn't play, Darcy Tucker is DEAD to me.

Not that Darcy Tucker meant anything to me before but STILL.

Oh hey

2010-03-26T14:07:00.000-04:00

by Anne

I had every intention of blogging all this week. Unfortunately a bout of tonsillitis has left me bed-ridden and tired until today.

All I have to say is:

Sabres,

Please beat Ottawa tonight. If you win tonight you clinch something that rhymes with "mlayoff shmerth."

Just do it.

Love,
Anne

Kings,

More specifically Greener.

Get better and pleeeeeease play on Tuesday!!!

The rest of you: SHAPE UP.

Love,
Anne

Tucker Suspended for hit on Greene

2010-03-23T23:03:00.001-04:00

by Anne

Last night, long after I had drifted off into Dreamland, Darcy Tucker pulled a classic Tucker douchemove^TM.

Matt Greene was skating down the ice for an icing when he was hit from behind with unnecessary force by Tucker. Granted, while watching the video, you can see Greener's feet start to slide as he and Tucker meet up for the icing. However, Tucker is leaning into Greener, causing him to be unable to regain his balance and Tucker's body weight leaning on Greener pushes him into the boards hard enough to knock his helmet off. A tricky call, but Tucker was paying more attention to the puck than his or the other player's safety that close to the boards and at that speed, which is (typical Tucker) dangerous. Basically, there was no way Tucker was going to be able to make it to the puck before Greener and he should've slowed down. Tucker seemed awfully cavalier about slamming into the boards that hard unless he had planned to use Greene to soften the blow; the slipping just makes it look worse.

In retrospect, I'm somewhat glad I didn't see the hit in person because I probably would've freaked. Also, he barely seemed phased by what happened and immediately turns to Tucker like "WTF is your problem? Why'd you do that?"

Tucker will not be there tomorrow night when the Kings head to Denver to take on the Avs in an immediate re-match.

300!

2010-03-23T11:20:00.000-04:00

by Anne

The post I was working on last night when I fell asleep (literally while I was working on it) was about last night's King's game.

They won 4-3 in OT (thanks to a goal by Drew Doughty) over the Colorado Avalanche to keep some space between them and the bottom of the playoff picture. Woo!

I fell asleep during the first intermission but not before hearing Bob Miller and/or Jim Fox announce that last night's game was Matt Greene's 300th NHL game!

Yay Greener!

Yay!

300 games

35 points (5+30)

That's slightly better than a point per 10 games player

Wooo!

Look! I'm posting!

2010-03-21T23:04:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Just about to head to bed when I realized I haven't posted for today. I'm so good at this.

The Sabres defeated the Hurricanes 5-3 today. The first two periods were all Sabres. They were up 4-0 at one point and allowed the Butter Snaps to sneak back up on them to pull within two goals. There were only flashes of seconds in which I was concerned that the 'Canes were going to pull some kind of crazy upset, but it was enough to make me unhappy.

One of the goals was one of Ryan Miller's annual "Ryan, now do we see why we don't play the puck too much?" moments. It was not pretty.

Jochen Hecht has become a goal-scoring maniac over the last two games. He had two goals today, one on a beautiful rush that started in the Sabres zone and was finished off by a nifty dangle. The second was another Yo-yo classic: the wrap-around. His goal against Florida was a classic "find the three centimeters of space between the goalie's elbow and his knee and use the Force to wiggle that puck behind the goal line. Classic Jochen.

The Baby Beluga is hurt. Awesome. He's looking better and better as the days go on. I'm pretty sure we play better without him, actually. Le sigh.

Paul, you know I love you.

Are you ever going to score again?

Just curious

Tomorrow night the Avs head to the Staples Center to take on the Kings.... at 10:30. Boo. BUT! Just over a week until I'm in Nashville to see the Kings play in person!!! :) :) :) :)

Aren't you excited boys?

Whoops, no one told me it was a costume party.

What exactly is Stolly?

If Greener is Luigi, who's Mario?

Thanks to Katie who found this on that girlfriends message board and sent it to me, haha

Typical Saturday for a single 20-something +hockey

2010-03-20T20:05:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Friday was a nice reprise from hockey that meant anything. As much as I'd like to pretend I get work done during hockey games, it's not really true. I like to have my work open and occasionally will get a little bit of work done while I watch, but for the most part, I just watch the game.

Tonight the Sabres take on the Panthers and the Kings host the Islanders. However, tonight is the first night in a few weeks that I've been able to go out so I'm taking full advantage and subsequently will not be seeing much or any of the Kings' game tonight. Oh well.

Today was a friend's bridal shower and it was lots o' fun as far as bridal showers go. Not enough booze and a lot of gift-wrapped plates and mugs but all in all a good time.

Baby showers make me want to have a baby. However, bridal showers just make me want a KitchenAid stand mixer (does it come in green? If it does then that's the one I want). I've always been ambivalent about marriage but never about children and NEVER about KitchenAid stand mixers. There are just somethings that are essential for a complete life, am I right?

For the record, it does come in green but in an ugly shade of green. I'll settle for "boysenberry."

Oh yeah, hockey. Umm, the Sabres are currently winning 2-0. Woo! Pat Kaleta is a beast. I love him so.

Friday night

2010-03-19T23:06:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Sometimes there are days that both the Sabres and Kings play. When those days are followed by mornings when I don't have to get up early, I love them. The Sabres will usually play sometime between 7-10 and then the Kings will start around 10 (usually). When they both with it's AWESOME. When they both lose it is decidedly less so. However, a split evening is still less than stellar.

As you all know, the Sabres decided to win somewhat handily over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Kings were... less successful.

There are many nights when I curse my inability to stay awake for an entire Kings' game. Apparently I missed out on quite a stinker of a game, as the Kings lost 3-0 to the Chicago Blackhawks who have like four defensemen.

It always sucks when your team loses but not much sucks more than being shutout on home ice. Ouch. Not good, boys.

I can't comment much on anything past the first period because I was in dreamland dreaming about my car being stolen. That was weird.

My previously DOMINANT fantasy team has been far less dominant this week. I have exactly zero points from my defensemen which is impressive considering I have Doughty, Kaberle, Lidstrom and Streit among others on my blue line.

Just over a week till I'm in Nashville to see the Kings! No one get hurt or suspended between now and then, ok? Yay!

Wooo! I'm the best teacher EVARRRR!

2010-03-18T22:15:00.000-04:00

by Anne

Ok, that might be an exaggeration.

However, I taught my first couple of lessons to some real honest-to-goodness students at a local middle school. Did the lessons go well? Yeah, kind of. Was I happy about them? Yeah, kind of. It was a good start I think and helped me to see what I need to work on.

Anyway, having gotten that under my belt, I feel capable of fully enjoying tonight's games knowing that I worked hard today... all while writing my lesson plan for Monday's classes. I like the teacher I'm working with. She's giving me lots of opportunity to teach the same lesson multiple times which is really the best way you learn how to teach effectively: trial and error.

I'm watching a replay of Raffi Torres be tripped by Matt Walker(?) and two thoughts come to mind. The first, of course, is this:

But that is beside the point.

The second is this: "Awesome, yet another totally ineffective #17." However, unlike the trade for Dominic Moore in which we (indirectly) traded Ales Kotalik to obtain a pick for Moore, we didn't really give up much for Torres. Think about it: we got a player who actually has scored some goals for NATHAN PAETSCH. As much as I tolerated Paetsch's existence, he was about 7/10ths useless and was occasionally handy if someone broke their leg in the pre-game warmups. The purchase wasn't all that exciting but it was a great price so I'll take it. Maybe I can use it later for something.

Anyway, the Sabres won 6-2! It was 4-0 for most of the second and into the third. However, the Bolts scored twice to make it a 4-2 game by pulling Nittymaki while on the power play with three minutes left in the game. The tactic worked once to get them their second goal so they tried it again; however, this time Vanek managed somehow to score in an EMPTY NET. Wow. Looky there Thomas! A puck in the back of the net! And YOU put it there! Hooray! Confidence, you has it.

The more exciting news is that Pommer got himself a hat trick!

As Rick said, Pominville welcomed triplets! With hats!

Yay Pommer!

Twenty minutes until the Kings take on the Blackhawks who have like three defensemen these days. Don't hurt them, I don't want any of you to be suspended... Greener...