Sidney Crosby is the Prince of Wales

by Anne

Sidney Crosby has never given me the tingles, but there's something very "rawr!" about this shot
Maybe its because he's being all ballsy and groping that trophy unlike last year when he was kind of afraid of it
Woooo!!

Yay!
Stanley Cup Finals!
Again!
Yes We Can!

I'd comment on the game but I didn't watch any of it because I was at work.

But:

Shmaybe you could do this again?
:)

Oh Wow

by Anne

I'm hijacking the internet at my uncle's house. Yessss!

To recap the weekend in pictures:

Yay! We won 6-2!
Let's Go Pens!



Coach Q: I will shoot mustache lasers of death at that "Babcock" fellow
Ladder: Yo eff this I'm not going back out there.
Steeger: Is that really the score?
Buff: I'm re-evaluating my entire life...
Tazer: This is just the most horrifying thing I've ever seen.

Sad times for Chicago, but it reminds me so, so much of Detroit v Pittsburgh last year; young/old; experienced/inexperienced, etc. Young captain, on top of the world, the sweetheart team of the year, superstars and workhorses, a super young core of players, etc. etc.

The outcome's looking to be the same :/

Life Keeps Bringing Me Back To You

by Anne

Even though my West Coast teams left me with some late nights this season, I still enjoyed them. However, since my interest in the Western Conference is merely a surface "I gotta cheer for someone" interest, I am extremely glad that the two remaining teams play in the middle of the mainland United States so that the latest the games will start is 8:30 when they play in Chicago. Nice. Although, now that I have nowhere to be before 6:00 p.m. most days, I could've handled the late nights, VANCOUVER. Jerks. I just washed my Canucks shirt and now I have to pack it away with my Sabres jerseys. I don't own anything with the Pens logo on it because I think its a pretty darn lame logo.

Ryan Malone is cheering for the Penguins this post season. I should hope so. He's from Pittsburgh originally, probably wishes he was still there and why on Earth would he cheer for Carolina? I suppose the reason this is news is because he's declaring any allegiance at all instead of the usual "I just hope its a good series" blah blah blah boring line so many players use. Ahhh, I remember to a year ago when I was deeply in playoff-love with Ryan Malone. How times have changed, right Gronk?

Adam Hall isn't there to hug his face into your armpit anymore
I loves me some 3rd liners
(Paille, Bernier, Staal, Malone, etc. etc.)


Max still has Iceburgh to hold tight, though

I'm surprised by how easy it is to love the Pittsburgh Penguins again. I didn't really follow them much this season, I was too busy elsewhere. However, I've realized after last night's game that they are still quite enjoyable. It all started in the Caps/Pens series when I realized that I wanted Sidney Crosby to win the battle of Ovie v. Sid, which he most certainly did in Game 7.

I don't know if I ever mentioned this in here, but I was so intense about the Pens last post-season that I wasn't sure if I would be able to fully commit myself to the Sabres this season. That was clearly no problem for me, but, still, that's just a snapshot of how I felt about the Pens last year.

Let's Go Pens!

One Staal Staaled in First InStaalment While Other Staal is Staalwart

by Anne

That title has reached "Staal" critical mass. However, if I could think of another way to put "Staal" in there again, I'd use it.

Jordan defeated Eric in the opening faceoff circle and then his Penguins defeated Eric's Butter Snaps 3-2. Therefore, the Staal who wins the opening faceoff, wins the game, or something like that.

In spite of the bozos on Versus discussing Jordan's superior faceoff skills and Cam Ward's infallible infallibility, Eric won more faceoffs than Jordan and Ward let in some softies. Still, Cammo ended up having to do the lion's share of the work in net. The Hurricanes fired 12 shots on Flower in the first, and only 13 over the second and third. Yet, Flower still came up big and made some snappy glove saves and a few wild flaily "OMG Flower, just lay down on it!" saves. Now, they'll talk up Flower in the next pre-game and Ward will have the best game of his career and Flower will allow 5 goals on 6 shots.

Miro Satan's goal was a perfect example of capitalizing on the 'Canes poor transition game last night, along with Matt Cooke's "I meant to do that" blind dump out to the neutral zone that ended up springing Miro on the breakaway. Toss that in along with just about the niftiest fake we've seen from good ol' Satan since he left Buffalo where, in 2002, someone claimed he was on the verge of becoming an NHL superstar. Yyyeahhh... abouut that..

Anyway, bad news for the 'Canes as Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole both left the game with injuries with, of course, no news forthcoming after the game. The Penguins only injury question mark, Sergei Gonchar, played over twenty-one minutes, so that's that.

Even though both teams scored when they were "a man to the good" as Joe "Crazy Specs" Beninati would say, special teams weren't soo much of a factor. There were four power play opportunities for Pittsburgh versus only two for Carolina. Both teams did a decent job of staying out of the box. That, or the refs are just letting things go.

Now for your obligatory "Jordan STAAL v. Eric STAAL OMG THEY'RE BROTHERS?!" photograph of the game:

'
So much Staal

Game 2 is Thursday at 7:30!
Wooo!
LET'S GO PENS!

Just When I Think I'm Out...

by Anne

My first loves were never in the playoffs, my #2 team is gone, my #3 team has been golfing since February, that leaves the ex-boyfriend of hockey teams left to cheer for:

Max: Gronk, Anne's totally checking us out
Gronk: Hells yeah she is, we're all she's got left
Both (and Sid, behind them on the bench): Awwww yeah

So Pens, its true. I came crawling back. You were right. You always knew I couldn't stay away.

I mean I like the Blackhawks, I really do. I want them to win, definitely. I know they're in different conferences, but I need to start distancing myself now. On the off chance the Pens and Hawks meet in the Finals (highly unlikely but not totally un-possible), I will be cheering for the Penguins, I can't deny their appeal. The Pittsburgh Penguins were thiiiiiis close to being my hometown team, and I can't ignore that almost-love.

When people predict repeat Cup Finals appearances in October I always call them crazy and un-original. Up until, oh, maybe five days ago, I didn't think it was possible for a re-match. Remember how godawful terrible the Pens were for awhile in there? New coach, some roster moves and BLAMMO, here they are, one step away from the big dance.

As far as Game 1 against the Butter Snaps goes, the B-Snaps have Scott Walker's wife's cancer toooootally playing the media on their side. I wish Scott and Julie Walker nothing but the absolute best and a full recovery and health and happiness. However, I'd like Scott's season to end after this series... so he can take care of his recovering wife. See? My reasons for the B-Snaps to lose are toooootally coming from a good place. Totally.

For those of you who've missed the biggest subplot to the playoffs EVER EVER EVER, there are two bros playing each other in this series.

Ok, thanks, we get it.


No, really, we know they're brothers

For those who aren't sure how this whole "Staal brothers playing each other" thing plays out. Here's all you have to know:


Simple math.

LET'S GO PENS!

Canucks Take Series Lead

by Anne

I have a million papers to write and like 20 minutes to write them all in, so time's a tad bit tight. However, I cannot neglect my Canucks.

Yay! The Canucks won 3-1 last night! Big Bear scored his 2nd goal of the playoffs (btw both of them have been the game-winning kind, I'm just sayin'). His goal was the finish to a lot of hard work by his teammates on the powerplay. He parks his big self in front of the net to tap in those rebounds, and that's just what he did:

Owwwww!

The win gives Vancouver the 2-1 series lead. I'm absolutely loving this series so far. It's been very back and forth and fancy. Both goaltenders have looked great and looked terrible. Scoring has been coming from all over the ice, in all situations, lots of hits and lots of foxiness in general.

I wore my Canucks t-shirt all day yesterday but was seeing a friend of mine from college in the national tour of A Chorus Line so I was unable to watch the game. :(

Fortunately, I am not working Thursday night so I will be able to watch game four!!

Taylor Pyatt was back last night! I'm sad I couldn't see his triumphant return. I also scoured the photo galleries for a picture of Pie v. 1.0 with little success. I think he's in the back of one picture but I'm not 100% sure it was him. Regardless, I'm very glad he's back and I'm sure his teammates/coaches/fans/family are all glad he's back too.

Let's Go Canucks!

Also, those pesky Ducks have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Red Wings. That's crazy times. Where was this team all season? I dont' think Ducks fans care, they're just glad they're here now.

My Pens are disappointing me. Sidney Crosby scored a hat trick, and they LOST. Ovie scored a hat trick and they won. Why? Because one more Cap (David Steckel) decided to show up. If the rest of the Pens could please arrive on time for game three, Sid and I would appreciate it.

Weekend O' Pictures

by Anne

I worked about a gajillion hours this weekend so I was a negligent blogger. Here now is a recap in pictures:

NHL:

Sighs.The Canucks lost a bad one to the Blackhawks. They blew a two goal lead and dropped Game 2 by a score of 6-3. Ouch. That one stung. I wasn't watching too closely as I was working and/or at a bar in which the game was on a TV that was very far away and there was no sound. Le sigh. The series is tied 1-1. On the bright side, this was the first loss of the post-season for the Canucks, and no one thought that this series would be a sweep.

Also, we tragically learned that Big Bear has a neck beard:

I think I can get over it.
I think.
Just keep playing physically and I can get over it.
Maybe score a goal.

IIHF Worlds:

Team USA played Russia on Saturday and lost 4-1. Boooo. And Staffy cut his face in the game against France, it would seem (some of the pics from the game against France did not load when I wanted them to the other night):

Ouch.
But NOT a neckbeard.

But don't worry, Staffy and his uber-intense excited eyebrows were still available for Saturday's yicky loss to Russia:

Please don't grow a mustache Drew, those are gross.
Much like that game.

Team USA next faces Switzerland this afternoon at 2:15 ET. Woooo!

Team Austria has done quite well in the Relegation Round. They beat Hungary 6-0 on Friday and Sunday morning at 6:15 am ET they beat Yoyo and Germany 1-0. Vanek had the only assist on the only goal Sunday morning.

Britters is interviewed, probably in German.

Austria next plays Denmark today... oh wait, the game will have already started by the time this is posted. Whoops. I'll edit this to add the score, I'm sure. ETA: Austria lost 5-2 and will be demoted back to Division I. :(

Team Canada defeated Norway 5-1 Sunday afternoon. Team Canada remains undefeated thusfar in the tournament.

Royzie, dangerously close to being a dirty Swiss hooker



Dewey melts hearts internationally with this little Canadian fan
Look! He's holding a stuffed Cooly!
Where can I get a stuffed Cooly?

Team Canada next beats plays Finland at 2:15 today in the final day of Qualification round play. Team USA needs to win today to make it to the Quarterfinals.

Second Round is Almost Here!

by Anne

I still can't believe the way that Butter Snaps/Devils game ended last night. What the hell was happening at the Rock that distracted all the Devils? Did a girl take her top off in the upperbowl and they were all completely flabbergasted?

I hate to say this:

The Butter Snaps are advancing to round two to face the Bruins and the Bruins had better win. I'm looking at you, KESSEL.

Although, the Caps also won and we will all have the playoff match-up Gary Bettman dreams of at night.

I want the Pens to win. It will be a fun series to watch and, in truth, if the Caps win I won't be all that upset about it. Hopefully this much-hyped series will be everything it can be and more. Lots of Russian name-calling and cheesy graphics that try to make it look like Ovie is facing off against Crosby but he won't because Alex is a winger. Unlike the first two games of the Finals last year where Detroit and Pittsburgh were supposed to be INTENSE and evenly matched and Pittsburgh was shut out in the first game. Zzzzzzz....

ALSO. The Canucks and Blackhawks kick things off on Thursday @ 9:00. It feels like MONTHS since the Canucks last played. Hopefully they've been enjoying their rest but haven't gotten too soft without game situations. I ordered me a Canucks long sleeved tshirt the other day, it should be here soon, the USPS is tracking it for me, how thoughtful of them. I hope it gets here on Thursday.

This is a direct quotation of my Facebook status last night, but I just need to say it here too:

This is my new favorite quote. From NY Rangers GM Glen Sather's open letter on how the unfortified glass at the Verizon Center enabled fans to get the better of Rangers head coach John Tortorella:

"According to Rangers trainer Jim Ramsay, one patron was screaming at the team, in graphic language, about whether Dan Girardi and Marc Staal have a sexual relationship."

Wait, Glen, are you saying they don't?

I just love how oddly specific this quotation is. Is it really necessary for you to include the players by name to get your point across? Is the exact nature of these taunts and jeers relevant? We can use our imaginationsto deduce what kind of naughty words were being bandied about back there behind Torts. Also, are Marc Staal and Dan Girardi's psyches so fragile that they can't handle the harmless mudslinging of some drunk dude? I wonder how Staal and Girardi feel about being named. What if they really ARE having a sexual relationship? Or WORSE! What if they're in a relationship still in the early stages and now they have to have that conversation under such high-pressure conditions? Honestly Glen Sather, if you have a crush on Dan Girardi (and trust me I don't blame you), trying to take down his budding romance with Staal #2 just makes you look petty and childish.

Speaking of the IIHF(?), Team Austria's leading scorer(!) Markus Peintner is even crazier looking off the ice:

I always find it amusing when non-native English speakers have English writing on their clothes
Although its kind of like that craze of having Asian lettering on EVERYTHING a few years back

In spite of his unusual personal style and the fact that he looks like he fell out of an episode of Miami Ink, he seems like an interesting gent. Here's the article. Do you think he and Staffy could be the best of friends? I do. Austria v. Latvia is currently underway. Come on, Britney! Try to avoid relegation! Ohhh your teammate took a delay of game penalty 8 seconds into the opening period... ummm... ok you can bounce back from that.

There's a new poll up on the left sidebar. There's not much else to talk about in SabreLand other than whether or not we're going to re-sign Jaro :'( please? So focusing on free agency seems to be the way to go. You can vote as many times as you like, you just have to click "Return to Poll" after you vote.

Team USA v. Sweden this afternoon!

I Could Not Be Multitasking More Right Now

by Anne

Yes, readers, I'm blogging while walking up on the treadmill. Wow. Who AM I?

Oscar seems to have gotten over his fear of the loud noise the treadmill makes and is now merely laying in the hall, eyeing it suspiciously.

Upon perusing the Team USA Media Guide, it would seem the teams definition of "Personal Information" is "NHL Transactions." Basically everyone's is when/if they were drafted, and when/if they were traded and other signings. Interesting. Nothing about wacky antics, nicknames or anything funny. Lame. It also lists date of birth in "Personal" but that is also listed at the header on the top of each player's page in the guide.

Camp Morningwood blows this year. Remember the paintball? The soccer game? Adam Burish explaining that lobstermen were men who caught lobsters for a living and not half-men half-lobster creatures roaming the streets of Portland Maine? They might be having these happyfuntimes but for some reason USA fans are not allowed to hear about them. What, are you traying to be all "Team Canada?" Psh. Lindy Ruff >>>> Ron Wilson.

I thought Zach Bogosian's page was comically short until I got to Alec Richards/ Ryan Shannon's SHARED page. Burrrrn.

I just realized I have no idea who the Captain of Team USA is but I think its Dustin Brown based on this picture:

You have to enlarge it, but I think that's a C beind his teammates helmet.
Also, J-M Liles looks so teeny.

Shane Doan is named captain of Team Canada and its front page news on TSN. In order to learn Team USA's captain I have to scour game photos with a magnifying glass. I know a lot of Americans don't care so much about this stuff, but maybe if there was more coverage, more American hockey fans would care.

A-HA! Jason Blake is rocking an "A":

He's the oldest, he gets a letter.

Team USA/ Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Al Montoya's first name is Alvaro. That is completely awesome. Way better than Albert or Alfred or whatever I thought it was before.


Also:

Feel the Staaly-love, Flower

Hooray! My Playoff Mistress team (2008 edition), the Pittsburgh Penguins, rallied from a 3-0 defecit to beat the philadelphia Flyers and advance to round 2!! Wooo!

Tonight will tip the series advantage in either Calgary or Chicago's way and could see those upstart Anaheim Ducks upset the San Jose Chokemasters. I shall be at a birthday party and will not see these games.

Yeeee-haw! It was almost 80 in Buffalo today and it was hella awesome. Gotta go and actually work out, its hard to type while running. Check ya later.

Really, San Jose? Really.

by Anne

What the HELL is wrong with the San Jose Sharks? I know the long-running comment is that they choke in the post season. This isn't choking, this is imploding. This is throwing yourselves down a flight of stairs bad.

How embarrassing to be a Sharks fan. Do they blow up the team? I bet Patty Marleau would LOVE Buffalo, he and Craigory can be friends.

I guess everything really is different in the playoffs? Still, what the HELL San Jose? They're making Jonas Hiller look like the most incredible goaltender of all time. Now, Hiller is a solid goalie, that's not the debate, but he's putting up Luongo-esque numbers and he's not Roberto Luongo.

Ron Wilson at least got the team into the 2nd round last season, without much trouble, and he lost his job. So, does McClellan survive this? This is just embarrassing. How does a team go 53-18-11, losing only a TOTAL of nine times (0-5-4) on home ice and play this badly in the first round against a team that barely made it into the playoffs? They didn't dominate offensively in the regular season- they barely cracked the top ten in goals for- but they had the 2nd fewest goals against, meaning solid defense and goaltending. That is NOT what this series would lead you to believe.

At least when WE won the President's Trophy we made a go of it all the way to the Conference finals before figuratively throwing ourselves off a 10th floor balcony.

Un-freakin'-believable.

Moving on:

My playoff picks are so far picking the correct winners but I didn't predict any sweeps, nevermind THREE. I definitely thought the Blues and Habs would do better. Apparently they decided to prove me wrong. I think only Corey Perry's mom thought the Ducks would play THIS well against San Jose.

The Pirates lost Game 4 to the Providence Bruins and trail in the series 3-1. Mark Mancari scored first and two quick goals in the end of the second were all Providence needed to slam the door. Booo. The series moves back to Providence for game 5 and, if necessary, game 6 will be back in Portland.

Speaking of Portland and Buffalo and San Jose and Ryan Miller(?) Drew Miller scored an empty net goal last night to slam the door on the Sharks. He's also #3 in our poll so far.

Is is all just setting the Ducks up for a HUGE collapse in the 2nd round against Detroit which is who they will face if they make it through (psh-WHEN they make it). Vancouver will face the winner of Calgary-Chicago. This all changes if the Sharks put together an AMAZING come back and win out the rest of the games, which is not impossible... buuuuut... Ryan Getzlaf brought his game face... or something:

That, my friends is the face of a winner.

The Playoffs Take a Long Time

by Anne

• The Boston Bruins completed a four game sweep of the Habs and advance to the semis. Carey Price made an arm gesture, but its his 100th birthday party, he'll cry if he wants too. The No Habs No mission is complete.

• Calgary won an exciting game at home against the Blackhawks. I'm torn about this series. I really dislike a lot of Flames (Bertuzzi, Jokinen, Kiprusoff, Coach Mike Keenan) but my dislike for them is all outweighed by my love for Jarome Iginla. So I can't decide. I certainly can't cheer against Iggy...

• David Backes and T.J. Oshie have joined Team USA, giving them 13 forwards. Mike Komisarek and Chris Higgins are available now, Team USA. I'm not saying... I'm just saying.

• Shane Doan has been named captain of Team Canada at the World Championships.

• The Washington Capitals are a huge disappointment thusfar this post-season. Varlamov has played well for them but this offense can't get the job done. I'm glad I found the Pens again, the Devils and Caps have not been nearly as stompy and destructive to their opponents as I would've liked them to be.

• S(h)ara and I watched Washington/New York. We were not thrilled at the outcome.
  

• If Mike Green wins the Norris, I quit hockey. I've heard many a writer and fan say he's not the most responsible in his end, and watching our games against the Caps this season, yeah, it would appear his DEFENSE isn't his strongest contribution. He scored a bunch of goals in a row. Woooo! That is not on the list of criteria for selecting a Norris winner.

• The Portland Pirates continue their playoff series against the Providence Bruins tonight after what seems like weeks off (their last game was Sunday). Providence currently leads the series 2-1. Come on Pirates!!!

• Also the Pirates will announce this afternoon that they're hosting the AHL All-Star Classic in 2010. Hooray! That would be more exciting to me if I lived in or around Portland, ME. We'll be whooping it up for you in Buffalo, AHL.

• Pittsburgh and Detroit (!) have the chance to advance to the semifinals tonight with wins over Philly and Columbus respectively. Anyone think that the lessened media attention on the Pens has done them favors during the second half of the season? Its been all Washington-Boston, etc. in the East thusfar, and the Pens are quietly dominating but its not getting as much play from the MSM. This might also be because Buffalo hasn't played Pittsburgh since November.

• Drew Stafford will totally be signed to an offersheet this summer. I've said it before, I'm saying it again.

• The San Jose/Anaheim series is what I feel a Boston/Buffalo series could've been like. Sad times.

• WizWear is pulling away from the pack in our poll to the left. Remember, you can vote as many times as you like.

TODD BERTUZZI IS ERIC NYSTROM'S FATHER?!?
Oh, wait, no.

Tuesday Tidbits

by Anne

• After that article about the silent Sabres lockerroom, some sweet bloggers were chatting and I decided to post a poll for people to select a personality player to add to the roster. The list is a conglomeration of many people's nominations, over on the left sidebar. Its open for a week, until Apirl 27.

• Team USA, seriously lacking the happyfuntimes from last year, have their first exhibition game this afternoon at 2:15 EST against host nation Switzerland in Zurich.

• Team Czech's roster was announced and Big Czech Al will be representin' his country again this year, along with Jaromir Jagr and Ales Hemsky.

• The Caps FINALLY won, and won handily. Simeon Toast Crunch™ got a shut out and managed to casually brush off being punched in the face by Sean Avery.

• I only put ™ there because I just learned how to do it I may do it after all STH nicknames just because I can ™ and its fun ™
  

• The Flames also won and Adam Burish forgot that Jarome Iginla is the manliest man on the planet and the two attempted to engage in fisticuffs. They're almost exactly the same size so it'd be interesting to see who'd take that fight. But clearly it would be Iggy.

• A really great story about a terminally ill Columbus Blue Jackets fan getting to attend the first ever playoff game held in Columbus tonight. God I hope they win for him tonight. This kid got to sign a 1 day NHL contract and as part of a charity event the club was selling his jersey and its the 3rd highest selling jersey behind Rick Nash and Steve Mason. Also, Jason Chimera is now my #2 favorite Blue Jacket. Its one of those rare "More than just a game" moments.

• No! I am totally not tearing up over here after that story... ok maybe a little... *sniff*
  

• Friggin' Hasek is un-retiring... again

• Kevin Divine, Sabres Director of Amateur Scouting hates the draft, or at least he hates the first day of it. So do I, Kevin. It takes like 4 hours to get through round one. There's a video on Sabres.com. I don't like embedding those videos, they slow things down too much.

• This entry needs a picture...

perfect &trade

Sunday Morning Stuff

by Anne

• Not having cable at my own home has really cut into my commitment to the playoffs. I actually fell asleep before the third period of the Canucks game on Friday night. Shame. Shame on me.

• Its hard to commit to yet another season of no Sabres in the playoffs. Everytime I watch a game I think about how much we need that atmosphere and how much we miss it.

• The Pirates lost game 2 to the Bruins by a score of 2-1, tying the best o' seven series at one apiece. Although Bhonas Jhonas set a new Pirates franchise record shut out streak in the playoffs at 82:01.The previous record, held by Ron Tugnutt was 77:53. Congrats MVP! The series moves back to Portland today at 4:00 p.m. Wooo!!

• The Stanley Cup playoff series are going well for me... except for the Rangers/Caps series, that one is NOT ok. Also, Detroit is just beating the snot out of Columbus. I expected Columbus to win at least ONE game. Maybe they'll take one at home. The Blue Jackets fans need that much. They need to see their team win at least ONE playoff game or they really won't be much better off than they were when they never made the playoffs. Come on, Nasher!!

• The Sabres signed T.J. Brennan and Drew Scheistel the other day, both to three year entry-level deals. Welcome Aboard posts forthcoming.

• Check out The Faceoff Boards, just added to the blogroll on the right, or click the link.

• I just started working at Macy's and I trained all day yesterday with a woman who had no teeth in the top of her mouth. There are MANY things about a person's appearance I can disregard and ignore but a lack of chompers is not one of them. We all know how much I love Matt Greene, but I saw a video of him the other day in which he was missing about 5 or 6 teeth in the top of his mouth and I was totally grossed out. I didn't think it was possible.

• The Team USA roster is BALONEY. Ok, not completely. It boasts Jack Johnson (LAK), Dustin Brown (LAK), Patrick O'Sullivan (EDM, formerly LAK), Robert Esche (Somewhere in Russia), Nick Foligno (OTT) and Staffy. However it DOES NOT boast Matt Greene, Paul Gaustad, Peter Mueller, or any of the other still eligible gents. Although, the roster got a SERIOUS boost when Jonathan Quick was indicated as probably joining the team after his groin heals up. THEN J-M Liles was added. Let's take a moment and reflect on why J-M is so popular with this blog.

1. He's Ryan Miller's BFF
2. He's an excellent defenseman who plays a lot of minutes and can really move the puck
Reasons 3. through 56986987. He's pretty...

Let's Do It For Our Country

• I have more training today. Hoo. Ray. Happy Sunday everyone.

• Also, Brett Bucktooth, my favorite Bandit whom I mentioned once a few months ago scored a goal last night and I discovered he wears #26. 26 happens to be my lucky number. Its like it was written in the stars for Brett Bucktooth to be my default favorite Bandit. Oh and that one I thought was cute, Kim, help a sister out here. Scott or Sean Greensomething. Yes, my dedication to him his made obvious by my inability to accurately recall his name.

• Wait, GREENsomething. Perhaps I just have a fixation on players with players who have a color as part of their last name. Although, as of yet I have not fallen for Wade REDden or Andrew BRUNette
  

• If you have a spleen that you are fond of, do not play in the Stanley Cup playoffs. This is the second year in a row that a player has had to have their ruptured spleen removed. Last year it was Avery and just yesterday, the Bruins' Matt Hunwick had to have his spleen removed. In 2007 my dog had his spleen removed but he wasn't playing in the playoffs that year so I'm not sure how its relevant other than I just realized that my cocker spaniel and Sean Avery have something in common.
  

The Games Last Night

by Anne

Last night's games went as follows:

Philadelphia Flyers 1
Pittsburgh Penguins 4


That's what Rob Scuderi thinks of your "physical style" Flyers' Darroll Powe
Pittsburgh leads series 1-0: Good
Next game: April 17 @ Pittsburgh, 7:00 pm


New York Rangers 4
Washington Capitals 3


I blame you
No, not YOU, Nik Antropov,
YOU Joe-zay Tay-uh-door
New York leads series 1-0: Bad
Next game: April 18 @ Washington, 1:00 pm

New Jersey Devils 4
Carolina Butter Snaps 1


I love the enthusiasm, Zachary.
Please don't lose any more teeth this year
New Jersey leads series 1-0: Good
Next game: April 17 @ New Jersey, 7:30 pm


St. Louis Blues 1
Vancouver Canucks 2


Lui doesn't want you in his crease, thanksverymuch Alex Steen
Vancouver leads series 1-0: GREAT
Next game: April 17 @ Vancouver, 10:00 pm


Portland Pirates 3
Providence Bruins 0


Marek Zagrapan with two goals
Jhonas Enroth with the shut-out!
Portland leads series 1-0: TOTALLY AWESOME
Next game: April 17 @ Providence, 7:05 pm

Tonight's games are:

Montreal Canadiens (8) @ Boston Bruins (1) 7:00 pm
Columbus Blue Jackets (7) @ Detroit (1) 7:00 pm
Calgary Flames (5) @ Chicago Blackhawks (4) 8:30 pm
Anaheim Ducks (8) @ San Jose Sharks (1) 10:30 pm

Woooo!!!

Playoffs Start Tonight!!

by Anne

Woooo!!

The 2009 Stanley Cup AND 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs kick off tonight!

MOST importantly, our very own Portland Pirates kick of their Round 1 series against the Providence Bruins tonight @ 7:05 pm at the Dunkin' Donuts Center aka the Greatest Named Sports Arena of All-Time. When you think of donuts, think of Bruins' hockey.

This is the fourth time the Pirates and Bruins have met in the post-season. The Pirates have won the previous three match-ups and are 5-2-0-3 this season against the Bruins. Speaking COMPLETELY from a non-biased perspective, I could see the Pirates being poised for an upset. Their special teams are higher ranked than the Bruins, they've outscored the Bruins 37-31 this season, not including shootout deciding goals. Providence won all three times the games went to the shootout... which is mostly irrelevant in the post season because there is no shootout. Also, for the first time in a long time, the Pirates have eight, count them, EIGHT healthy defensemen with 47-games-in-the-NHL-experienced and recently crowned new King of the hearts of the ladies of the Buffalo Blogosphere, Chris Butler coming back into the fold. I see this Pirates team doing well.

And also the Providence Bruins boast the one and only Wacey Rabbit on their roster, so the more we hear about him, the better.

Lindy, if the only way to make the playoffs if to have your team hoist you over a wall, GET CLIMBIN'

ALSO. The Vancouver Canucks square off against their first round opponents, the St. Louis Blues tonight at 10:00 pm at GM Place in Vancouver. The battle of Backes v. Berglund is still up in the air with both gentlemen making strong statistical and aesthetic cases for themselves. It would seem whomever plays better againt my playoff mistress Canucks would be the winner... just so long as they lose the series to Vancouver, pleaseandthanks. Apparently David played for Team USA last year at the WCs. This had escaped my notice and appeals to me immensely... let's see what happens after you're eliminated in the first round. (RIGHT CANUCKS!?! Wooooo!!!!)

In news that exactly no one is surprised by, the New York Islanders won the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft. The rest of the picks played out in the same order teams finished in the regular season standings, meaning the Kings will pick 5th. The Sabres will be picking 13th overall again this year.

I'm just glad the Tampa Bay Lightning won't have yet another first overall pick to force into the NHL before he's ready. Now they'll have a #2 overall pick to do that to.

In the Hedman v. Tavares battle of the interviews tonight, Hedman gets my vote. It was after 2:00 a.m. in Sweden and Victor was WIDE awake, speaking all articulately in a lovely Swedish accent, and Johnny, rocking an OHL playoff beard sounded like he'd just been pulled off a bar stool after an all day bender... which he isn't allowed to do yet as he's only 18.

The NHL Entry Draft is June 26 and 27, 2009 in Montreal.

Just a few hours 'til puck drop on the playoffs!

Also, don't forget to file your taxes by midnight tonight!!

The Regular Season is Over but There's Lots of Hockey to be Played

by Anne

In the battle of the Russians, its basically a tie. Alexander Ovechkin wins the Rocket Richard for most goals scored during the season with 56 for the second straight year and Evgeni Malkin takes home the Art Ross with the most points on the season with 113 (35+78). Ovechkin had 110 with 54 assists. Congratulations to both, I really hope your teams face each other in the playoffs.
Also, Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez will share the William Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed... although Manny did the duo no favors Saturday in Buffalo, giving up six goals.

And once again, the playoffs begin again without the Buffalo Sabres. Here are the match-ups and my predictions:

#1 Boston Bruins
v.
#8 Montreal Canadiens
Prediction: Boston in 6

#2 Washington Capitals
v.
#7 New York Rangers
Prediction: Washington in 6

#3 New Jersey Devils
v.
#6 Butter Snaps
Prediction: New Jersey in 7

#5 Philadelphia Flyers
v.
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins (really? they made it to #4? Wow.)
Prediction: Hmmmmm Philly, no Pittsburgh...yes Pittsburgh in 6

Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks
v.
#8 Anaheim Ducks
Prediction: San Jose in 6

#2 Detroit Red Wings
v.
#7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Prediction: Detroit in 7

#3 Vancouver Canucks
v.
#6 St. Louis Blues
Prediction: Vancouver in 6

#4 Chicago Blackhawks
v.
#5 Calgary Flames
Prediction: Chicago in 5

I'm ALWAYS wrong about these things and I just realized I didn't predict any upsets... there aren't always upsets but the ones I could see upsetting are the Butter Snaps over the Devils, and Rangers over Caps. We'll see how I do in the first round. I'm thinking "not well."

What are your predictions?

If I can't have Sabres in the playoffs, I can at least have Sabres in the IIHF World Championships.

Lindy has officially been selected as Team Canada's head coach for the 2009 World Championships in Switzerland! Hooray! Dave Tippett of the Dallas Stars and Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators will back Lindy as assistant coaches. Hooray! Congrats Lindy!

Also, congrats to the Women's USA hockey team for defeating Canada and taking home their second straight gold medal! Wooo!

Now that the regular season is officially dunzo, I'm sure we'll hear players names trickle down as they clean out their lockers around the league. :(

ETA: Staffy announced on The Drew Stafford show on 97 Rock this morning that he'll be playing for Team USA in Switzerland! Yay!!

Also the draft lottery is tomorrow! Hooray! Playoffs start Wednesday!! Calder Cup Playoffs start this week as well for our Pirates! Hooray!

The One Where Anne Loses Her Cool

by Anne

Now I'm back to being pissed off. I was sad for a hot minute and wrote my crying emoticon about it but now I'm done. I'm over it. I'm mad again.

You can all go write your "less than-slash-three" broken heart things and I'll be over here acknowledging with full gusto that the Buffalo Sabres organization is pathetic and I'm sad to admit that I'm a fan and even sadder to admit that I write a blog about the S.S. Buffalo FAILShip

When you think about the team as individual people it's hard to rip them apart with full force. Players are supposed to play for the logo on the front and I will treat them as such. I'm a fan of the team and the city the logo represents, the players are just cogs in a very broken-down machine.

We had two stellar seasons between 2005 and 2007. That was fucking great. We won the President's Trophy. That was fucking sweet. Then they crapped the bed against Ottawa and we've been in a pathetic shame spiral of whiny finger-pointing and shoulder shrugging since then.

Those two fantastic seasons from 2005-2007 were the only two seasons we've made the playoffs since 2001. We missed the playoffs in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008 and now, 2009. That's pathetic. How is that ok? Why is ownership okay with this? Why? WHY. Tell me WHY. I demand to know WHY this is apparently OK.

I want change. I'm fed up with this. I'm not sorry they missed the playoffs, hopefully by some act of GOD this means something will change. Will we get change? No, of course not. We'll get more bullshit conservative action from management and be forced to accept basically the exact same team next season and they will be EXACTLY as successful as they were this season.

Where are the excuses this time around, gentlemen? There aren't any? EXACTLY.

In 2007-2008 the stand-by excuses were "No real leadership" "Players filling out new roles." blah blah blah. Well in 2008-2009 we had a captain, a clear-cut leader who perhaps was ineffective. Was Craig Rivet a bad pick-up? I don't think so but he certainly didn't spark this team. These "new roles?" No longer new. Jason Pominville has 20 goals? Jochen Hecht is garbage, he's been AWFUL this season. Patrick Lalime was mostly awful while Miller was out, Tallinder had more terrible giveaways and moments of just pathetic defensive play than I'd care to think about. Toni Lydman took the world's most untimely penalties during several games this season, and they were just soft. There's no grit. I'd rather have that second round pick we gave up for Dominic Moore than have his "contributions" from the last month. One goal. One. He has a decent faceoff % but that's about it. Wow. Effing great. I'm fucking inspired by this team. I adore Teppo but this needs to be his last season. Please retire.

Fuck this attachment Buffalo has with Lindy Ruff too. I think highly of Lindy Ruff as an individual. He's a wonderful human being. You know who else is a great human being? Oprah. But I don't want her to coach my hockey team. I don't understand why Buffalo is all "stay the course" with this crap. This team STILL hasn't recovered from losing Briere and Drury. That is a problem. In my opinion, a coaching problem.

Last night's win sucked. It was the worst 5-1 victory I've ever experienced because it was COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS. Where was this effort last week? Last month? THE LAST TWO SEASONS? For the HOT MINUTE before the Rangers won, it was fun, but every one of those goals felt like a swift kick to the stomach because in the end THEY MEANT NOTHING.

When we missed the playoffs last season I was sad but had hope for this year. I don't have hope for next season. I fully expect us to be a draft lottery team next year and I'm not saying that to be sensationalist, that's how optimistic these last two seasons have made me.

I hate that I've made hockey so damn important to me and this bunch of losers and ne'er-do-wells matters to me so much.

"I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"

Around the League Last Night

by Anne

David Backes, somewhat recently discovered pretty boy of the St. Louis Blues, scored four goals last night. In one game. Against the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit Red Wings 4 - David Backes 4 (plus he allowed Andy McDonald to score as well, he's very thoughtful that way). It was also his first hat trick. Congrats, David! You've definitely tilted the battle of Berglund v. Backes in your favor last night.

Your move, Patrik Berglund


Ah, the black polo.
Well played.
This isn't over yet, sirs.

Between them, the Canucks and Ducks (ha! that rhymes) scored about 47 goals and the Canucks lost in the shootout. BUT! They got the one point they needed to clinch a playoff spot! Hooray! Confetti and balloons!!

Hooray!
Playoffs for the Canucks!!
Good boys!

The Kings lost which all but eliminates them from the playoffs. :(

Clearly Anze Kopitar and I were the only ones who thought they had a chance a few months back.
But still.
:(

Dear Jack Johnson, Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick and Matt Greene:

Join Team USA?! You know you waaaant tooooo.

Love,
Anne

Be honest with me, people. Do any of you care about the World Championships? If the answer is no, I'm fine with that. I just want to know if I'm the only one who loves international sports over here. I get just about as much enjoyment out of the World Championships as I do from the Stanley Cup playoffs, unless the Sabres are in, then the playoffs rule, of course.

Sabres play tonight at Washington. I don't have a good feeling about this. 7:00 puck drop. I don't want to talk about it.

Who To Cheer For Come Playoff Time?

by Anne

My Western Conference playoff team to follow is clearly the Vancouver Canucks, that's all taken care of. Also the Kings if they pull off the surprise of the century and miraculously make the playoffs. This seems unlikely but not completely beyond the realm of possibility.

However, for whom do I cheer in the East? (Yes, yes, I know the Sabres aren't eliminated yet but in my mind they are so I can spare myself the April 11th heartbreak).

Unlike my affection for the Sabres, I require that my playoff mistress team actually be poised to make a strong push toward the finals. Last season with the Pens was pretty exciting. Therefore, I look to the top three teams. Not that finishing in the top three necessarily guarantees success, but its a good place to start for the casual bandwaggon playoff fan.

I immediately eliminated the Bruins because I just can't cheer for them. I love Tim Tom and Andrew Ference was one of our All-Star defensemen this season, but I just can't cheer for a divisional rival. Sorry Beantown. I know my Grandpa was raised in Boston and he went to games at the Boston Garden all the time with Eddie Shore and all that but its not going to happen. You need fans who don't enjoy watching you lose and I need a team that doesn't have Phil Kessel on it, unless that team is Team USA.

That leaves the Caps and the Devils.

Last year I enjoyed the Caps Cinderella story immensely. Nicklas Backstrom, Ovie, Mike Green, Brooks Laich, Matt Bradley, Coach Boudreau coming up from the minors to win the Jack Adams? It was all good and warm fuzzies and happy times.

However, it seems sooo trendy to like the Caps now. I suppose it was trendy to like the Pens last season but that affiliation comes from my parental units' hometown pride and not necessarily from the media telling me to like them. Although, the media lovin' them up didn't hurt their case to be my playoff mistress while Jason Pominville was wearing the red, white and blue in Nova Scotia.

Its hard to ignore the swagger of a record-setting Brodeur-backstopped Devils team with Zach Parise having a career goal scoring year. David Clarkson, Travis Zajac, Paul Martin? Good times to be had by all.

How to choose, how to choose.

The Caps have "Scarlet Caps" which is, in my opinion a check mark in the "Cons" column. Although they boast Ovie and his Eastern Motors commercial which is worth about five checks in the "Pros" column. BUT if there happens to be a Caps/Pens playoff series I will be forced to boycott it. I refuse to be subjected to anymore overblown hype about rivalries between Semin/Ovechkin and Crosby/Malkin. These rivalries and "hatreds" do not exist. They were a few comments made in passing that writers, desperate for a story have jumped on and blown up. Frankly, I blame it all on Alexander Semin running his Russian mouth earlier in the season. I hate you, Alexander Semin. However, it will not be known until playoff time if there will be such a match up, so I can't totally hand the Caps an early playoff rose. They are still in the running to become Anne's Next Top Playoff Team.

Then there's the Devils. Apparently, according to the email I received the other day about the Pirates' 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils' AHL team in Lowell, the Lowell Devils are the Pirates "bitter rivals." I would definitely mark that in the "Cons" column. Also, the possibility of a Rangers/Devils playoff series makes my head hurt almost as much as a Caps/Pens matchup. One of the other "BIGGEST STORIES EVER" of the season was, of course, dearly beloved Sean Avery.

I'm sure we all remember what Sean did last year in the playoffs with Marty Brodeur and that awkward fat-joke-laced rivalry. I don't think I can handle any more of that. But, like the possible Caps/Pens match-up it will not be known to the Devils will face in the playoffs so I still have love for New York Jersey. Can Jame Langenbrunner wear a clock around his neck? That would really push things in the Devils' favor.

I don't have enough of an emotional investment in either the Caps or the Devils to be able to put up with their crap is basically what I've concluded.

The Sabres can shill out the same six stories about Ryan Miller and Paul Gaustad and I'll eat it up. Tell me MORE, NHL Network. I need MORE. Pat Kaleta is from Buffalo!?!? Wow! Craig Rivet didn't want to be traded here? Great! However, that is because I'm apparently a semi-sadist. I can't get enough of Adam Mair giggling at the word "motorboat" in that "10 Stupid Questions" segment earlier in the season. Also, watching him yell at Jarkko Ruutu never gets old. Basically, I'll take whatever Adam Mair is serving up seems to be the point I'm trying to make in this paragraph.

So pretty much I'll have to wait until the playoffs actually start to pick a team to root for. Then again, my allegiance might change.

I can't forgive the Flyers for trading Scottie the Hottie to Phoenix (really, that's the ONLY reason you can't cheer for them?) so that rules them out. The Panthers are just not interesting and the Hurricanes make me feel unclean. The Rangers are still the Rangers even if I do adore John Tortorella and the Canadiens are still in our division. Maybe I'll just rule out the Eastern Conference all together this year and watch the World Championships instead.

I think this is blasphemous to say, but I'm even more ok with the Sabres missing the playoffs as long as some of them play in the World Championships. I absolutely love international sports so this is totally fine with me. This is also why D2 is my favorite Mighty Ducks movie. If none of them opt for the WCs then I'll be sad, but I'll watch anyway. That's how I developed my random and inexplicable affection for Matt Greene, who knows who I'll suddenly love this year? Maybe I'll cheer for a random Swede... probably not.

Perfect Timing

by Anne

The Sabres picked the perfect time to post this on their website:

I looked at the headline and thought "Tickets for what? Next season already?"

Nay, my friends, nay. Playoff tickets. I know we only missed the playoffs once but my goodness does it feel like ages since we were talking about not just the possibility of making the playoffs, but rather how much we'd have to spend to attend the games. Our games. In our Arena. In Buffalo.

My day that started so crummy is winding down on a better note.