Well That was Terrible

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.

Anticipaaaaaation

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!!

I think I should have something to say

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:

:D

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:

 

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

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?

Finally!

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.

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?

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

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.

If the Blackhawks win the cup...

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.

School's Out for Summer

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.

Climbing out from under the papers

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.

Friday night

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!

Patricks Patricks Everywhere

by Anne

Dear Patrick Lalime:

Sorry that everyone everywhere was pretty sure that you were going to lose this game for us. Instead, you and your teammates played an outstanding, close game against a really good team.

I hope that you don't take it the wrong way, this is, after all, your first win of the season. But it was a win nonetheless and you did good.

Thanks, Pattycake!

Love, Anne

Ok, I'm coming clean: I don't like the Blackhawks. I don't HATE them, no, far from it, they just annoy me, much like the Washington Capitals do. Here's the best way I can explain how I feel about them:

There's this really cute guy that your friend knows and likes a lot and they think you two would hit it off because you have a lot in common. You meet him at a party and yeah, he's definitely cute and funny and sure, you'll go out with him.

However, once you're on that date you realize all he wants to do is tell you stories about him and his "bros" and laugh at his own jokes and drink pretentious Polish beer he heard about while studying abroad in Finland with the aforementioned "bros" and he also probably is a bad tipper and excessively uses your server's name every time she comes to the table. So, while there's nothing really wrong with him, exactly, and he has some redeeming qualities, he's just a little too immature and self-focused for your tastes.

Maybe some day he'll be your type, but he needs to grow up a little.

Anyway:

I'm not sure if you know this, but they kind of grew up together

In Buffalo

I know, RIGHT?

Sabres beat the Blackhawks 2-1 in a super close game. I'm honestly surprised they played so well with such a good team. Yay Sabres! Vanek and MacArthur both scored their ninth of the season! Woo!

Also: RIP Mama Grier :(

Sabres Defeat Kitties 5-2; Pie's debut

by Anne

The Sabres are the best team everz!

When I walked into Cari's house and the Bruins' game was on, I nearly wept. I spotted Pie on the ice without seeing his number because I know his skating style and I miss it. :(

Anyway, that first period was a doozy and a half. It was all kinds of fun. Especially because each player I told a story about (almost) score while I was telling that story.

It started like this:

Kim: Who has the road A's

All of us: Roy and Hecht

Me: I don't get why Roy wears an "A." Well, really it's more that I don't understand why Mike Grier doesn't have one.

RJ: Scooooooooores! Mike Grier!

At the close of the 2008-2009 season, my list of favorite Sabres went like this: 1. Spacek; 2. Paille; 3. Rivet; 4. Butler; 5. Ellis

With 1 and 2 gone, I guess that bumps everyone up. Matt Ellis responded to his promotion by scoring a goal. Thanks, Matty!

Awwww.

Similar things happened for Myers and Ellis after recently being bumped up the ranks. Also, Derek Roy had a much better night in his own zone and made a particularly big in-the-crease save while I was telling a story about him.

Grizz had an interesting night. From the game recap:

Buffalo LW Clarke MacArthur suffered from flulike symptoms earlier in the week and wore a surgical mask on the team's flight to South Florida, but was in Buffalo's starting lineup Wednesday.

Hokay. I guess whatever works to keep the team healthy?

At the end of the 3rd, Dominic Moore draped himself aaall over Grizz, yet Grizz got a penalty. Perhaps he got a bit mouthy for the ref's taste so he was kicked out of the game. Patty Kaleta was already in the box for this:

Take THAT, Nathan Horton.

That'll teach people to start "Stafford-for-Horton" trade rumors

When Grizz arrived, all pissed off into the box and dramatically hit the door and the penalty box door holder guy with his stick, Patty gave him a reassuring fistbump to the Grizz leg when he got in there which seemed to say "It's ok Grizz, I miss Danny too."

:(

He got an assist!

Also, stop calling him "Daniel." It's Danny. :(

Woo!

Also, Big Bear scored and the Canucks won. Willie Mitchell also nearly killed Jonathan Toews :(

Finally, from the LA Kings trainer Joe Caligiuri's blog Offsides (link in the blog roll):

The most common of the pranks is the tie clipping. Make sure you have a good tie or its gonna get clipped. Last year, Kyle Calder had his tie clipped and as the circle of pranks suggests, someone must pay the dividends. As the team dress code requires, all players and coaches are to wear suits to all home games at Staples Center. With this rule in mind, Kyle Calder raced to Matt Greene’s house one morning after pre-game skate and stole every single piece of dress clothing out of his closet. Upon returning to his house, he had yet nothing in his closet but two dozen swaying hangers. Looking high and low, he managed to find an old suit, one that more closely represented his suit from first communion. Being his only suit, he squeezed himself into the little boys pants and suit coat and walked his way shamelessly through the Staples center corridors. Picture Pee-Wee Herman in a khaki suit – Priceless.

My favorite is the use of "shamlessly." Also, the suit was probably Doughty's, haha.

Shedjwool

by Anne

The schedule comes out today!

Hooray!

I'm trying to make this more exciting than it really is!!

There isn't really much about the schedule that isn't to be expected. We know how many times we'll play each team, with the exception of the three at large games.

Mostly I'm looking for who is coming to HSBC Arena and when. Also, MK and I have kicked around the idea of going to Chicago for a game, and I've been thinking about heading to Pittsburgh for a game maybe.

The DRAMA going down in Chicago this off-season has been fantastic and I can't wait to see the fall-out next year when Kaner, Tazer and Keith(er?) are all going to be coming down the Free Agent conveyor belt.

Speaking of Kaner, MK's boyfriend Cory came back from Chicago and brought me a Kane t-shirt. Not being the world's biggest Blackhawks fan, I suppose if I had to choose a 'Hawk to support individually it would be Kaner.

3 1/2 hours til the schedule!

Woooooooooo.

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 :/

Friday Shenanigans

by Anne

Yesterday it was announced that Steve Bernier was offered a contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks! The deal is reportedly for 2 years at about $2 million per season, which is actually a pay cut for Big Bear. He made $2.5 million this season because of an offer sheet from St. Louis. Yay! Hoooray for job security! Hooray for Vancouver! Hooray for Big Bear!

Big Bear's Big Hair: Playoff Edition
whoa.

I can't believe that the Conference Finals are just now starting. The friggin' semifinals were so intense, it was exhausting. It seems like someone should be hoisting something over their head any day now.

I will, of course, be cheering for the Pens and Blackhawks in their respective Conference finals. Also, for the record, I have been informed/decided that Niklas Hjalmarsson is apparently my Blackhawks man even though I really wanted it to be Seabs; I was told he has already been claimed by a Buffalo blogger. Alas. The Hammer will quickly become my new favorite Blackhawk once I get around to learning anything about him. I don't generally go for the Europeans so this is a whole new world for me. A brief overview seems to indicate he might be one of those big shut-down defensemen I'm so fond of. This could go well for Hammer.

I'm attempting to re-vamp "Anne's Westcern Conference Boyfriends" for 2009-2010. I made some very misguided choices last year. Brett Lebda?! What was I thinking? I was so young and foolish back then. It will be difficult to nail down this list prior to July 1 but I, of course, am getting started on it anyway.

Also, I'm figuring out all the things that must happen for James Wisniewski to become a Sabre next season. What does Anaheim need that we have...? Perchance a three team deal? I'll call Darcy and see what he says.

Enjoy Friday everyone!

Canucks Take Game 1!

by Anne

Woooo! The Vancouver Canucks won Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Semi-finals against the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3, thanks mostly to Kyle Wellwood's face.

Wellwood was high sticked TWICE last night and blood was drawn both times, resulting in a pair of four minute power plays.

Unfortunately, the power play was where you saw the cobwebs in Vancouver's game. They failed to connect on the first four minute man advantage but Duncan Keith took a penalty immediately after and Demitra scored on the following powerplay.

The Canucks dominated the scoreboard for the first 40 minutes and then decided to bake brownies for the after party during the third and the Blackhawks scored three goals to tie the game at three. Whoops. Fortunately Sami Salo tapped in a Big Bear rebound as the trailer on a great odd man rush to re-take the lead. Ryan Johnson and added an empty netter to ice the cake of the first game.

I'm going to enjoy this series, so far so good. Even though the Canucks were on the brink of an Epic Third Period Collapse, they manged to provide the offense to win the game.

This game showed that Roberto Luongo isn't the only Canuck who can win a game. He let in three goals, more (I think) than he let in in any of the four games against St. Louis, but the Canucks also score more goals than they did against the Blues.

Ain't no way this series is going to be a sweep though, I predict it goes at least six.

Big Bear had yet another amazing opportunity in front but Khabby was up to the challenge and swallowed up the puck to make the stop. Although Big Bear's playoff scruff is quite dashing I must say. He had two assists and was a +2. Yay Big Bear!

Sami! Not the face!

Next game Saturday at 9:00 (I'll be working, boooo.)

And the Winner Is...

by Anne

The question was posed in a week long poll in the left sidebar of this blog:

"There's been a lot said about the Sabres' emotionless dressing room. Which of these players from the NHL known to play with emotion would you add to the team?"

The winner, with 17% of the vote was:

Mr. Wiz Wear himself, James Wisniewski

I have to admit I was surprised at the selection of Wiz. I really thought it would be Kesler, but he came in 4th behind Drew Miller and Matt Greene who were tied for 2nd. And I only voted for Greener twice, so others were giving Greener some love as well.

Wiz was a huge fan favorite in Chicago before being traded to Anaheim where, no doubt, he's quite popular. He's a solid defenseman and he gives a great interview, something every team needs more of, I'm sure. Here Wiz discusses his name's pronunciation, Adam Burish in a bar fight and the size of his noggin:

Here he is with Bur, Tazer and Soupy:

Also, Wiz is an RFA this summer. Drat. Let's convince Anaheim to sign him, then trade him and Drew Miller to the Sabres for... a 4th round pick. They'll totally agree to that, right?

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.