Open letters continued

by Anne

Dear David Backes,

Hey Buddy!

I see you got my previous letter.

Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks for picking up the pace. You have thirteen points in 30 games this season which is vastly improved over your three in 16 you had before. You now have more points that Matt Greene, truly an accomplishment. You're still not up to the pace I'd like you to be, but I will take this improvement as a victory.

I must give credit where credit is due. Even when you weren't scoring you were still hitting everything in sight and winning  a lot of faceoffs. My fantasy league counts those things too so, thanks for that. I'm glad I didn't drop you from my team. Nine points in your last nine games makes me a happy Fantasy team owner.

Keep on keepin' on.

Love,

Anne

Look how foxy.

Well done.

Also, love the embelleshed hair accessory, earrings and no necklace

Tres chic, Mrs. B

I have a few additional letters to send out.

Dear Los Angeles Kings,

Yesterday I purchased my very first Los Angeles Kings jersey. Yes it's an old CCM jersey and it was on sale at a discount store but it was still a Kings jersey available for sale in BUFFALO (technically Niagara Falls) and I thought that might mean something to you.

Instead you went and lost to the Canucks who used to be my favorite Western Conference team. However, I don't see any CANUCKS logos in this blog's banner, do YOU? (Stop looking so hard, Brad Richardfail, there aren't any there).

Granted, for my fantasy team's sake, I appreciate that Kesler and Raymond scored, HOWEVER, Quickie monster is also one of my fantasy goalies. Granted, I lead our league in wins thanks to Quickie and Bryz but STILL.

Tonight against the Oilers you will be without Stoll, Smyth, Simmonds and Segal. Oh dear. But Corey Elkins is playing tonight? Oh brother.

Just try to hold it together.

Love,

Anne

Dear Terry Murray:

Don't play Quickie tooooo much. Why is he playing against Edmonton tonight in back to backs? Sense this does not make.

Ersberg may not be great but he's won two of the three games he's started. Let Quicker rest.

Love,

Anne

  Can't you see he's tired?

Dear Matt Greene,

Remember that time you scored the game winning goal the night before (American) Thanksgiving and you were in Edmonton and I wasn't watching?

I'll totally be watching tonight if you'd like to score again. I know that's asking a lot but I believe you can do it.

Love,

Anne

Make Papa Greene proud, Matthew

Dear bobby pin I found on my dresser,

Thanks for letting me use you to fix my headphone jack on my Macbook. Without you, I'd be like my sister who didn't have working speakers for two years or something like that because she clearly never googled "Red light, headphone jack, Macbook" which helps you figure out how to fix the problem.

Thanks for holding my hair in place and sacrificing yourself in this endeavor.

Love,

Anne

Today's first star

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Anne

Hey y'all. I'm ridiculously tired from the good times last night, so here's a list.

Things I'm thankful for:

• The Buffalo Sabres, even if they can't score a goal to save their mother-effing lives.
  

• The Los Angeles Kings, who won last night 3-1 over Edmonton
  

• David Backes deciding to be David Backes last night and having an awesome night for my fantasy team. 1G, 1A +2, 10 FOW, 6 SOG, 2 Hits, 1 blocked shot. :)
  

• My girlfriends and guy friends who I went out with last night because I had a totally awesome drunk time.
  

• Matt Greene scoring his first of the season, the game-winner, on the road against his old team. I wish he'd waited until I was watching, but I'll take it.

• All that usual stuff, family and friends. I have both in abundance and it's fantastic
  

• The refs for ejecting Ovechkin for his hit on Patty. They're really touchy about Ovechkin v. the Sabres, huh? Not because I thought he really deserved it, but because maybe they're going to do something about hits to the head/from behind now. Maybe.
  

• This quote:

"For a guy like me, who scores once a year, to say that I was picking my spots, is way more than an overstatement.”

Excuse me Greener, you scored TWICE last year...

• And lastly, for all you people who read this blog and will read the new one (that starts being the only updated blog tomorrow. I hope your team wins, your favorites play well, your families are healthy and happy and you have all that you need in life.
  

• Happy Thanksgiving!!

:)

The Pirates, The Sabres and the Rest

by Anne

• The Pirates game on Thursday was lots of fun. I wasn't feeling too solid about attending, mostly because the Amerks are the best team in the AHL and the Pirates are the worst. Umm, awesome news heading into the game.
  

• Jimmy "Parsley" Bonneau plays for the Amerks now and Kim was unable to contain her sadness, especially when he and Derek "Noodles" Whitmore were on the ice together.
  

• Cody McCormick, who tried REALLY hard at the end of training camp to take Adam Mair or Pat Kaleta's job, was desperately in need of a spice-related nickname. After much consideration, we settled on Dill Weed.
  

• In the first period, I don't think the Pirates had one completed tape to tape pass, the Amerks were constantly lifting sticks and getting in the way; although the Pirates were doing a lot of that themselves.
  

• The second and third periods were more fun, mostly because there was lots more scoring. In the end, the Pirates ended up winning 6-3. Hooray!
  

• The crowd was much smaller than the 11,000+ that attended last year's game and it was more mixed between Amerks and Pirates fans. It was still a really fun game and barring any unforseen circumstances, I'll definitely be attending the second game in March(?)
  

• The Sabres continued to win last night in another close game. They beat Jarome and the Calgary Flames 2-1 in a shootout. 
  

• I think it was on Thursday that someone, maybe Cari, said that it had been a while since there had been any good fights, at least as far as the Sabres are concerned. Last night, the Sabres obliged this lack of punchy hockey. Both Mair and Gaustad had fights and there was lots and lots of pushing and shoving in and around the goal creases.
  

• Royzie scored his fourth of the season (on the powerplay, thank goodness) and Royzie and Pommer, who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn last night, scored in the shootout to give the Sabres the win. 
  

• Hooray!

This picture was on the cover of the Sports section of the Buffalo News

Such joy and elation.

I love Pat Kaleta

• Drew Stafford's thoughts on the victory are here 
  

• Iggy didn't score and he got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Excuse me, but Jarome Iginla is never unsportsmanlike. Pat Kaleta got the same penalty. Him, I might agree with.
  

• The Los Angeles Kings played the Thrashers last night using ministicks, having not slept the night before, with one skate on, wearing blindfolds.
  

• Photographic proof of this is sketchy, but it's the only explanation I can come up with when they lost 7-0.
  

• Of this we shall never speak again.
  

• Geno is back for the Pens! 
  

• But now Chris Kunitz is hurt. OF course he is.
  

• David Backes responded to my strongly worded letter by getting zero points, 17 PIM and 10:31 in ice time. I wasn't clear enough.
  

• Sabres play the Flyers tonight in Philly. Ugh, gross. I predict a 4-1 Phlyers victory, the Kings play the Lightning, the Pens play the Bruins and the Canucks play the Avs. 
  

An Open Letter to David Backes

by Anne

Hey David!

How's it going? How's your wife? Is she still in school? How about all those puppies you two rescued? How are they holding up? Great!

I thought you might like to know some interesting factoids about how my season as a hockey fan has been going.

First off, the Sabres are doing well, thanks for asking. They lost two stinkers over the weekend but finally beat Hotmonton (as Drew Stafford called them) last night. Drew Stafford scored a goal! It was spiff-o-riffic.

Hey! You and Staffy have been teammates at the World Championships the last two seasons. How exciting for you both! You must be so happy for him!

Look! There you both are!

Hooray

Good times.

Hey, also, this season I started my first fantasy team! I know! I'm excited too! I drafted you! Yeah, really! Isn't that great? I had just named you my favorite St. Louis Blue and you were all foxy and swift for team USA at the WCs in May and it was warm happy fuzzies so I picked you up! You had 54 points last season, 31 goals! That's great! Smiles and happiness.

 HappyFunTimes

So here we find ourselves headlong into November. Teams are shaking off that "new season" smell and starting to show their endurance or lack thereof, injuries are piling up, some players are returning and the real muck and grind of the season begins. This season's stars are starting to shine, rosters are being shaken up, all sortsa stuff is going on around the National Hockey League. I'm first place in my fantasy league, but this week's lead is tenuous. I'm playing a tough opponent, I need all my top players to produce!

That leaves me with one question:

HOW DO YOU ONLY HAVE THREE POINTS IN SIXTEEN GAMES?

Are you hurt? BADLY? What is the DEAL? Pick up the PACE, BUDDY BOY. Don't MAKE me drop you or switch to a new favorite St. Louis Blue. Eric Johnson is waiting in the wings, my friend. At least VINNY has twelve assists to go along with his pathetic TWO goals. He has FOURTEEN points in fifteen games. That's just under a point per game pace. SWEET. YOU, sir, are on pace for fifteen points for the ENTIRE SEASON.

MATT GREENE HAS MORE POINTS THAN YOU. MATT. GREENE.

SNAP OUT OF IT, KIDDO.

I took a quick picture of myself while writing this post so you can truly see my displeasure at your lack of production, DAVID:

Fear my wrath

FEAR IT.

Love and smooches,

Anne

Pens Advance; David Backes and some Puppies; Matt Greene's Manhood is Not Threatened by a Sparkly Tiara

by Anne

Cari, Kim, Clare and I got together to watch the Pens take on the Caps in the most highly anticipated game 7 in recent memory. Unnnnfortunately for Caps fans, Sidney Crosby decided to be all "Oh yeah? You can have the Hart, I'll take the Conference Finals." His breakaway goal was pretty beautiful, I cannot tell a lie. I've always gone back and forth between Ovie and Sid but my gut reaction to that was "YAY SID!" So, I think its safe to say that, at least for now, I'm more on team Sid. However, I still think AO is the bomb-diggity.

Also, David Backes has snatched the title of Anne's favorite St. Louis "Blue"(?) from Patrik Berglund's hand and is not giving it back. Just read this article about David and his wife and how they delivered a litter of puppies after saving their sickly mother off of the streets. What NOW, Paul Gaustad? David Backes sees your tree saving and "Blue and Gold Make Green" and raises you representing his nation AND saving puppies with his smart, pretty, edumacated, compassionate wife. I mean, unless you married ME, I don't see how you can top this... Ok I'm lying, Goose, you saw right through me, I still adore you more. But, he and his wife rescued a dog that would've surely died while she was pregnant with TWELVE puppies. That's pretty intense. I love puppies and rescued animals, so that went straight to the heart.

Awwwwwwww

Butter Snaps fan, FrankH, has taken issue with my pimped out picture of Greener, claiming I have emasculated him with my blingee'd tiara. Therefore, for your reading enjoyment, the evidence supporting my claim that Matt Greene's masculinity is not jeopardized by the sparkles with which I adorned his likeness.

Exhibit A and Exhibit B

Matt Greene is a man's man and according to the t-shirt he's wearing, he supported Barack Obama which is pretty sweet and I won't pretend that I don't think that's pretty badass. I love hockey players regardless of their political leanings (Adam Burish voted McCain and I still love him in spite of his freakish resemblance to my sister's ex boyfriend), but it doesn't hurt when our views align.

I'm THIS close to the semester being over. One more written exam today a portfolio and review today and two papers tomorrow. Hooray!

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.

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.

Sometimes Good Things Happen

by Anne

I got a call from my boss today at the arena telling me that I don't have to come in tonight! Woooooooooo! Its just because I'm the lowest ranked vendor and I made like $0.52 last night (figures estimated).

Whatevs, I don't care. After my bad night last night I really needed a pick me up. My BFF Adam and I have resolved to see all of the movies nominated for the Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards so we're going to see Milk tonight. We feel lame picking a winner having only seen one or two of the movies nominated. We've already seen Slumdog Millionaire and will probably see The Reader next, in spite of my irrational dislike of Ralph Fiennes. We're not sure when or where to see Frost/Nixon. Adam's friend's Dad votes as a member of the Academy so he gets the DVDs of all the nominated films and performances, so we're probably going to watch Frost/Nixon on his DVD because its not playing in Buffalo at the moment. We also might see The Wrestler, just to see what all the Mickey Rourke fuss is about.

Hockey: Sidney Crosby is not playing in the All-Star Game after getting a record setting 1.7 million votes in the ridiculous joke of a voting process. He has some concerns about lingering injuries to his knee and forearm and wants to take the time to rest. This is probably a good idea considering the poor situation the Pens find themselves in at the moment. Marty St. Louis will be taking his place on the roster. I'm not sure how I feel about the selection of St. Louis (17-29-46) over players like Phil Kessel (24-17-41) or Derek Roy (18-26-44) who have similar numbers on more successful teams, and Roy averages more ice time than either of the other two players. Whatevs, I just love Royzie. Also, who moves up to the starting line-up? The player who came in fourth in voting? I don't know who that is and I can't find the voting totals past the top three forwards.

Mirtle has released a list of the top defensive defensemen in the league up to this point in the season and WCBs M-E "Pickles" Vlasic (9) Nicklas Lidstrom (11) and Matthew Greene (20) have all made the cut. Woooooooooo! Normally I am all about flashy offense and captains and the like, but this season has gotten me appreciating defensive hockey more and more. I know I was SHOCKED that no Sabres defensemen made the cut.

Speaking of Sabres defensemen... we are royally effed. Trade? MATT GREENE? Let me live this pipe dream, people. But for serious, everyone is hurt. I'm suspicious that Craig Rivet may be playing with a wooden leg and Toni Lydman might actually be seriously concussed, but they can skate backwards, so they're still in. Just point Toni in the right direction and tell him to shoot and we'll be fine.

Danny Briere has "nerve entrapment" and will miss ANOTHER four weeks of the season. Poor Danny. I just tried to look up a little bit about nerve entrapment and it appears that obturator nerve entrapment is a cause of chronic groin pain in athletes and athletes with successful surgery often become symptom free after recovery. Apparently this is a fairly new development in the study of the causes of groin pain and groin injuries which could spell good things for players with chronic injuries. Oh Hasek, if only... if only...

Martin Gerber was put on waivers. That sound you hear is every hockey fan rolling their eyes as the Senators goaltending woes soldier on, this time with Alex Auld and newcomer Brian Elliot. The Senators sound more and more like the LA Kings with each passing day.

While working on our All-Star Roster post (almost finished, I SWEAR) I discovered something.

When did David Backes get so pretty?
Or
Why have I never noticed how pretty David Backes is?