Pirates lose in Lalime's first game

by Anne

Not much going on in hockey tonight. At least not with teams I give a hoot about.

Patrick Lalime started his conditioning stint in Portland and stopped 42 of 44 shots but the Pirates lost 3-2 to the Providence Bruins in a shootout. I obviously didn't watch the game but it sounds like Lalime played well in the loss

Good job, Patty!

Lalime will also play on Saturday when the Pirates will play the Bruins again.

Welcome Aboard, Joe DiPenta...?

by Anne

If one peruses the Sabres roster, one will find that defenseman Joe DiPenta is listed as a Defenseman. I only discovered this when I looked to see this afternoon if The Full Monty had been assigned a number yet. (He hasn't, according to the website).

Anyway, apparently Joey DP has been signed, despite no reports confirming this. I'm not sure what this is supposed to accomplish? Is he an NHL player? He's played a whopping 174 games in the NHL and last season he played in Sweden. Before that, he spent a season largely has a healthy scratch. In spite of that, he was a part of the 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks team.

He has only 23 points in those 174 games (6+17).

I'm going to assume Joe has signed a two way contract and will be spending some time in Portland, considering his less-than-impressive NHL stats. Honestly, this guy had better not be an alternative for Hank or Teppo. Based on his record, I think I'd still rather have Hank.

That's not to say Joe DiPenta isn't a solid defenseman, but it would seem he's not exactly the answer to any of the Sabres woes.

We let a lot of our minor league defensemen go this off season, including Mikes Funk and Card, along with veteran forward Mathieu Darche and Pirates' captain Tyler Bouck. I'm pretty sure Joe will be expected to be playing in Portland this coming season and provide some defense and some experience.

Nevertheless, Welcome Aboard, Joe. I'd make a "welcome" post, but he has his own website, which you can peruse.

Pirates to Make Big Annoucement

by Anne

Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. the Portland Pirates are making a "major announcement."

I wonder whatever it could be?* Whatever it is, I'm sure its going to be super fun.














*Its that they're hosting the All-Star Classic next year which is awesome.

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!!

Playoffs, Kids!

by Anne

The Portland Pirates won tonight 6-5 over the Providence Bruins to clinch a playoff berth!

Mathieu Darche scored his 30th and 31st goalsof the season including his AHL-leading 10th game-winning goal!

The team handed out some awards as well.

Most Valuable Player (as voted by fans): Jhonas Enroth

Fan Favorite (as voted by fans, duh): Nathan Gerbe

Unsung Hero (as voted by fans): Tim Kennedy

Player's Player (as voted by his teammates): Tyler Bouck

Ebright Award (player that best exemplifies what it means to be a Portland Pirate): Paul Baier

Jack Button Award (given to the Pirates' top prospect who is also aging backwards): Jhonas Enroth

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars Award (given to the Pirate who was named a star of the game the most times): Jhonas Enroth

Congrats to the baby Sabres! Maybe some of you will be grown-up big boy Sabres next season?!

Hooray! Playoffs!

Gerbe Wins AHL Rookie of the Year

by Anne

It has been announced that the Sabres' own Nathan Gerbe is the recipient of the 2009 Dudley (Red) Garrett Award!

Here are some articles about how awesome Nathan Gerbe is:

The Maine Hockey Journal's take on things.

The AHL's official announcement.

Congratulations Gerbe!!

Also, Derek Whitmore updated his blog. Check it out.

Kennedy Named Rookie of the Month!

by Anne

In spite of the team's recent ups and downs, our very own Tim Kennedy was named the AHL Rookie of the month for the month of February!

This past month he scored his first pro hat trick and notched 17 points (9+8) in 12 games, including a career high four point (1+3) night against Providence. Before February started he only had five goals on the season and hadn't scored in 28 games. Looks like someone's vying for another shot at the big leagues.

He'll be presented with an award prior to an upcoming Pirate's home game.

Congratulations Tim! Who needs those six teeth anyway?

Bye Gerb

by Anne

Gerbe back to Portland

:(

Why can't he score goals in the NHL?

Sad times. But Goose is most likely coming back.

Taking a Bite Out of the Sadness

by Anne

My friend and fellow vendor Jill and I had this conversation before the game.

Me: I really hope they win tonight.
Jill: They will, the City needs it.

She was right.

I got more excited than usual for each goal. THREE POWER PLAY GOALS?! Yay! And more sad than usual after each Sharks goal.

That was the most profoundly quiet moment of silence I've ever heard.

I know its just a hockey game but this win and the looks on people's faces as they were leaving tonight felt like this:

Sometimes its not just a game.

Pirates Lose But it Was Fun Anyway

by Anne

S(h)ara and I were at the Pirates game, both rocking Kennedy t-shirts

Phew. I'm glad I left my tiny white shorts and knock-off Target uggs at home
Seriously, darling, its not that warm outside


Dougie serenaded us
Why was TK not in the starting line up?

This game is best told in fights:


First Parsley (Jimmy Bonneau) fought some Rat


...as Mike Ryan drifted by listlessly


Then these dudes fought
I think this was Mancari roughing up someone


Then there was a brawl
Someone sucker punched Gerbe and he just curled up into the fetal position
He's 5'5", he's allowed


Then Mike Ryan was a douchebag part 1


Ignore Colton Fretter
look at the super full penalty boxes behind him
There were four players in each box to start the 3rd


Then Mike Ryan (#21) scored a pretty slick goal
He's still a douchebag


Because he crosschecked Kyle Rank after Timmy tied the game at 2
We really liked heckling Mikey
Matt Ellis is better anyway


Salty Pete was there


TOO MANY MEN ON THE ICE!

I've never been to an AHL game before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I will say this, I'll take the NHL. These guys were terrrible. I mean even when they were good, they were only so-so. You could easily pick out the NHLers (Kennedy, Ryan, Gerbe, etc.) Marc-Andre Gragnani showed some excellent puck handling ability on the power play. He might've been getting a little too showy but I certainly was impressed by how he moved the puck.

Although Kyle Rank might not be headed for the NHL anytime soon, his tying goal with 29 seconds left in regulation was a thriller. There was chorus after chorus of "SHOOOOOOOOOOOOT!" and Zach Takir did and Kyle Rank redirected it into the net. S(h)ara and I definitely started a few chants of "Peeeeeeeeeeters, Peeeeeeeeeeeters" to heckle the Rats goalie. Unfortunately not a single Pirate scored in OT or the shootout and the Rats walked away with two points.

I couldn't get a picture of it but Dylan Hunter's facial hair is amazing. From here on out he will be known as "Pornstache"

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's game even more now. NHL hockey > AHL hockey.

I thought Gerbe was hurt because I didn't realize that he didn't just get a misconduct penalty, he got a game misconduct for fighting off of the playing surface with some Rat. He was kicked out of the game according to AHL rule 47.7.

Just to emphasize further the crazy number of fights in this game, here's a screen capture of the penalties summary:

that's a lot of penalties
click to enlarge

So They're Already in Buffalo Anyway...

by Anne

So if, like, between now and Wednesday, if they decide to call-up like Mancari or whoevs to help fill in for TV, how will this work?

The Pirates are already in Buffalo as I type, taking the ice for a practice at 11:00am and the Sabres will practice after. Both teams are playing in HSBC Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Sooooooooo the Pirates have like no defensemen, could we, like, loan them Butler and Weber for Tuesday and then miraculously recall them and Mancari or Gerbe or whoevs on Wednesday morning? I guess so? Will they call them up earlier than that? That would royally screw the Pirates who are already shorthanded and its not like they have travel time to worry about what with getting from HSBC Arena to... HSBC Arena (and not the one in Brazil either).

I'm assuming we won't loan them our defensemen on the off chance they get hurt, but this Mancari/Gerbe/Kennedy situation intrigues me...

This is why the Flyers and Maple Leafs have the right idea, having their AHL team in the same city, the possibilities are ENDLESS.

Mike Weber - Goal Scorer.

by Anne

Not only did Mike Weber play in Friday night's game against Providence, he scored his first goal of the season! Ok, so it wasn't exaaaactly a one-timer from the point on the powerplay or a short-handed dazzler. It was an individual effort goal though! Here's the description of the goal from the game recap:

"Portland added an empty net goal when Mike Weber won a battle for the puck along the boards in his own end of the ice. Weber banked it high off the glass and watched it roll all the way into the empty net at the other end for his first goal of the season at the 18:26 mark of the final period."

I think what they were trying to say was "Weber fiercely and with physical force matchless save for his grit and determination, BLASTED the puck down the ice, through 9 Bruins defensemen and one hapless goaltender and into the net, tearing the netting with the force of his shot."

What? Accuracy shmaccuracy, my version is WAY more dramatic and exciting.

This win gives Portland a tie for the lead in the Atlantic division with the same Providence Bruins they defeated. The Pirates have 53 points in 46 games and the Bruins have 53 in 47. Also with 53 points in 47 games is The Hartford Wolf Pack. Worcester sits just behind them with 52 in 46.

Colton Fretter recorded his 4th multi-goal game of the season. Somehow Felix Schutz was a +3? That's impressive in a 4-2 win. Gerbe still isn't playing :(

Randomly, the Pirates are the least penalized team in their division, are #2 in goals scored, and #1 in goals against. Once you travel outside the Atlantic division, things get a little scarier. The East division boasts the first five spots in the Conference, with Portland, top of their division, coming in 6th. There are only two divisions in each conference.

Good times. I'm really excited for the game on the 10th!!

Maybe a Ray of Hope for the Defense?

by Anne

If the Marc-Andre Gragnani experiment falls through, there may be hope. Looks like Mike Weber is back to practicing at full after his knee surgery a few weeks ago.

Gragnani has been fine (its only been two games). He's a +2 with two shots on goal while logging some short handed time and just over 12 minutes one game and just over 11 in the next. His stats have been roughly the same as Paetsch's over those two games and the two have mostly been paired together. They've been decent, and I'm not blaming either of them for the losses as neither of them have been on the ice when goals were scored. However, Gragnani was in the box when Mike Cammalleri scored in the third to make it 4-2 Flames. But if we're talking penalty minutes, M-A G wins that battle with Mike Weber. Gragnani 34 PIM in 44 games, Weber 80 PIM in 35.

Its just good to see that we don't necessarily have to push the panic button as Weber gets healthier.

Any word on when we'll be getting back Teppo or Hank or Reggie?!

Remember when we had too many defensemen? That was nice.

Everyone Lost Tonight

by Anne

Disney on Ice was so awful and I made so little money and I'm in a foul mood. This is probably not the best time to blog but I'm probably just going to keep going anyway. Maybe after this I'll finish that "All-Star Roster post" I've been working on and forgetting about for the past 5 days or so.

I both hate and enjoy working at the Arena. I hate the way some things are done. Everyone is obsessed with seniority and most everyone there has been working there for like 6-10 years. If I work there past next season (and I might even not work there next season) I'll be completely shocked. Tonight was almost a complete waste of time and I hope my sinuses bothering me means I'm getting a sinus infection so I don't have to go back. I (sort of) see every Sabres game for free and that's (sort of) cool, but so is watching the game at home. There's a lot more that happens during home broadcasts than away and I miss out on all of it. Whatev, I still have my health.

Then both the Pirates and the Sabres lost. The Pirates lost to a lower ranked team but they are completely beset with injuries. Kennedy played tonight but with a face cage and Gerbe did not play tonight as he is still recovering from his bout with the flu. They lost 2-1 after the Lowell Devils scored two first period goals and they were clearly only able to score one in the third period. Awesome.

Then the Sabres lost and I didn't watch much of the game, so I'm not even going to talk about it.

Hank is hurt. I watched that part. Great. Now what do we do? We're already playing Paetsch, Weber is still recovering from knee surgery and the rest of the Pirates defensemen are just not ready or not good enough.

There's still 45 minutes left in today, maybe something good will happen. At least I got to park in the ramp at the Arena tonight.

Danny Briere is still hurt and isn't getting much better any faster. Now he has to have exploratory surgery. Oh man. Maybe I should stop reading articles online that are only going to say things that are slightly to moderately depressing.

Here's my cat in a hamper, unable to figure out either how he got in or how he's going to get out:

Mommy, stop taking pictures and help me.
He's cute.

Injuries and Lightning

by Anne

I hate missing Sabres games. I really hate watching highlights and not getting to watch the game as it happens or recorded in its entirety. Unfortunately I will have to miss tonight's game against the Lightning because I will be at the arena, shilling popcorn to hardcore Disney/figure skating fans. Oh goody. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll be able to set up near a TV and watch some of the game. Hopefully.

I haven't talked about the Pirates recently because the news isn't good. Everyone on the team is hurt. Maine Hockey Journal has a good rundown, but here's the Reader's Digest version:

Mike Funk (concussion, again)
Adam Dennis (hip, requiring surgery)
Colin Murphy (concussion)
Paul Baier (jaw)
Mike Weber (knee)
Nathan Gerbe (flu)

To top it all off, Tim Kennedy took a stick to the mouth the other day, and lost several teeth. He has to miss the All-Star Game because he'll require additional surgery to repair the damage. The attacking player swung the stick at TK's head like a baseball bat. No word from the AHL on any kind of fine or suspension. The biggest irony of all of this? The attacking player's name is Gauthier and he's part of the LA Kings franchise. For those uncertain of what I'm talking about, Pat Kaleta, Dec. 19th game, sucker punch. Wow. At least Gerbe is back from the cold or flu or whatevs and will be back in the line-up when the Pirates take on the Lowell Devils tonight in Lowell, NJ.

Feel better boys!

I wonder what his new teeth will look like? :(

Rivet was cut on his face during practice today, but appears to be OK to go for tonight.

Wouldn't another TV hat trick be great tonight? He had 2 against Tampa last year, and as this is our last time facing them until next season, it would be lovely if he could send them packing with another hatter? However, this is the perfect kind of game for the Sabres to lose. A total momentum killer after beating closer opponents right before the All-Star Break. A win tonight means lots of confidence for the second half. A loss? More questions we don't want to ask or answer.

The Lightning play well with an early lead, but are not good at rallying, so its really important for the Sabres to jump out to an early lead and control this game from the puck drop. We all know how terrible the Lightning are, and the Sabres have had a lot of success against them in recent seasons, so here's hoping for good things to continue.

Don't beat us, please?

When The Sabres Fail, The Pirates Entertain

by Anne

In times of bleak Sabres hockey, I oft turn to our AHL affiliate to give me something to smile about, and the Portland Pirates have come through in the clutch.

Here's the entire press release:

Jimmy Bonneau and Derek Whitmore are COOKIN'

Portland, Maine - On Thursday, January 15th be sure to watch “207” on WCSH-6 for a special cooking segment featuring Pirates forwards Derek Whitmore and Jimmy Bonneau. The show, hosted by Rob Caldwell airs live at 7:00 p.m.

The two players will share the recipe for the official lasagna of the Portland Pirates.

Can't watch it live? Check back for the streaming video at a later date.

THE OFFICIAL LASAGNA OF THE PORTLAND PIRATES?! Minor league hockey is so much more entertaining than the NHL. There's the team that had the Scott Hartnell Glove and Mitten toss to mock Scott Hartnell throwing his glove at Ryan Malone on a breakaway, another team that honored the Lions 0-16 season by allowing free or discounted admission to anyone who had 016 in their driver's license or social security number, and now, official lasagna. I can't wait to watch the video later. Alack and fie, I do not live in Portland Maine and cannot enjoy the video live. CURSES!

But if YOU live in Portland, Maine, you can have your very own glass of Salty Pete Porter at Gritty McDuff's Portland Brew Pub at 396 Fore Street. A beer to honor the team mascot. Where's our Sabretooth Stout, Pearl Street?!

At least we can find solace in Portland.

Prospects Tearin' it Up, All-Star Games and Ruutu Gets Tuu

by Anne

Its been a great couple of days for Sabres' prospects.

First Team Canada, featuring Tylers Ennis and Myers, wins a 5th straight gold medal at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. The Jolly Blonde Giant finished the tournament with 1 goal, 2 PIM and a +5. His smaller teammate, Tyler Ennis finished the tournament with 7 points (3+4), 0 PIM and a +1. Congratulations, Tylers!

Ennis battling for the puck against Kazakhstan


The Jolly Blonde Giant calmly moving the puck against Germany

Also, Mark Mancari has been named to the Canadian All-Star team for the AHL All-Star Game. The AHL All-Star Game is Canada v. Players from Everywhere Else. Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy have been named to the PlanetUSA All-Star team. If y'all remember, last year at the AHL All-Star game, Mancari broke the AHL hardest shot record. Can't wait to see what these guys do! Hooray!

Tim and Nate: Uh, yeah, Mark, weeeee're not on the same team.

In other All-Star news, the Western Conference reserves were announced today and WCBs Rick Nash, Jarome Iginla and Ryan Getzlaf were named to the team. Hooray! Eastern Conference reserves are announced tomorrow and I'm hoping there's at least 1 slug on that roster. I know the All-Star Game is stupid and voting is lame but I enjoy the ridiculousness of the festivities and the feeling I get that I'm having a wild weekend fling with the rest of the NHL while watching the goings on. I'd rather watch this all with at least one Eastern Conference player I won't feel dirty about cheering for (other than Ovechkin).

Also, voting closes soon for our All-Star Rosters. Things are getting close! Don't let your favorites go unappreciated!! Its Wednesday, which is apparently usually the day I update these standings, so here they are:

Eastern Conference Forwards
1. Gaustad
2. Lecavalier
3. Eaves
4. Laich
5. Upshall

Eastern Conference D-Men
1. Ference
2. Schenn
3. Rivet
4. Komisarek

Eastern Conference Goalies
1. DiPietro
2. Lalime
3. Price

Western Conference Forwards
1. Berglund
2. Sharp
3. Nash
4. Toews
5. Cammalleri

Western Conference D-Men
1. O'Brien
2. Liles
3. Souray
4. Weber

Western Conference Goalies
T1. Boucher and Raycroft
3. Huet

There ya have it. Some of these races are extreeeemely close.

Oh yeah, and Ruutu got 2 games for gnawing on Petey, and is now considered a "repeat offender".

I'm convinced no one edits articles on NHL.com. From the above linked article:

It is the second time this season that Ruutu has been suspended this season. On Nov. 12, Ruutu earned a two-game ban for an elbow he delivered to the head of Montreal's Maxim Lapierre in a Nov. 11 game.

Really driving the point home, aren't we "Staff"? I write bad sentences, but I don't write for the NHL.

Good times were had by all.

Post Christmas Bruhaha

by Anne

I'm sick. Blah. Fortunately, I didn't feel all that sick on Christmas, the germs decided to wait til Boxing Day. Thanks.

Ok, so I'm sure you're all DYING to know what sweet presents I got yesterday.

Well, let's begin with the present I got in the mail on the 23rd:

The end of 2008 and 2009 will be all mapped out for me.
No matter how many times I set the date on my camera, its still wrong


Santa Alix from waaaaayyy up North in BC heard my pleas!


THIS is why I can't wait til May
Owwwwww!!!

Big Bear and Co. are hanging in my room, ready to help me plan my year. I also got a Sabres calendar yesterday so I'll have to find room for them as well. Basically, the moral of the story is, Alix rawks hardcore and you all should bow to her greatness.

So there was really only one thing I asked for for Christmas. You'd think since I only asked for ONE THING I would get that ONE THING, right? Well:

I did!
"Santa" brought me a 3rd jersey of my very own!! Hooray!!

I can tell you're all more than little jealous that I got this totally awesome and random Sabretooth hat. Its fine, be jealous, I'll understand.
Its meant for kids so it just fits on my head, but mostly it looks hilarious on anyone that wears it.


Who doesn't need a hockey playing teddy bear?
I love his goofy little skate blades.


Its true.


Feeding my love of both alcohol and hockey. Could it get any better?


FEAST YOUR EYES UPON SUCH BEAUTY.
BIG BEAR.
He touched his pen to this photograph and now its in my bedroom.
Yyyyesssss.
My sister is the queen of random. hahaha


I didn't ask for a Pirates shirt but I was pretty pumped when I got it

The back:

Representin' the home town pride.

I hope all of you had great Christmases!!

Sabres at Caps tonight. 7:00. Wooo!