So long, Kings

by Anne

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET'S GO KINGS!

My Name is Anne and I Like Throwing Money Down the Toilet

by Anne

I want you all to know that I just paid 7 dollars to get WiFi in Midway Airport so I could download the Sabres schedule so I can add it into iCal when I'm on the plane.

And:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN MILLER!!! YAY!!!!


Still thinking about that contract extension?

Our dearly beloved netminder turns 28 today. Yay! Can you sign your contract extension now?!?! Pretty please??!?!?

And I'll be in Michigan for like an hour today for a layover. I mean, uh, cuz I love Ryan Miller so much. Yes. That's why. Not because my flight just happens to connect in Detroit. Nope, Ryan Miller.

I think its interesting that we play Detroit twice next season and so does Pittsburgh. Interesting. I wonder which other Eastern Conference opponent they play twice? Oh, it's Atlanta. SNOOZE. Well, it's Hossa's former team...? Eh, who cares.

The other reason I love July 17 is that its the sample day on iCal so when its closed and when its open the date says the same thing. It's the little things in life, people!

I'm still pommerdoodling over Paille signing too. Pommerdoodling so much that I seriously am considering buying Paille jersey. PIE! YAY!

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night

by Anne

Today we bid farewell to those teams that have departed from the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round.


First, we say good-bye to the Minnesota Wild:

I have nothing against the Minnesota Wild, and in fact, was sort of pulling for them to win this series. I know Minnesotans are great hockey fans so it's too bad they were elimidated. The first three games were quite exciting. I tried really hard to get into them, but the allure of J-Rome pulled me towards the station playing his game. Sidenote: Gabby, um, where were you in this series? You need to earn back your superman roster photo stance.


Faretheewell, New Jersey Devils:

I may think your logo is kind of lame-tastic, and I still remain almost entirely indifferent to your existence, but I really really wanted you to beat the Rangers. Booooooo! Yuck! However, even though you lost, I shall not mock you or your logo. Let's face it, the Buffalo Sabres logo is pretty damn stupid and, inspite of their knack for schooling us in the shootout I like that Saucy Minx, and Zachy P.

Enjoy the golf course, Nashville Predators:

I was going to draw tears or something on your logo to make the tiger look really sad, but then I found your third jerseys and they're so heinously awful that there is no need to deface them further. Yick.

Sleep soundly and train hard (but not too hard) this off-season, Boston Bruins:

I'm torn about the Bruins, they stole our playoff spot, but I don't really hate them. My Grandpa is from Boston...they have Phil Kessel (blech) but they also have Marc Savard (eeee!). I'm not sorry they're out, but I'm not over the moon with excitement that Montreal is still in it.

If you see Jarome Iginla, tell him I'm no longer speaking to him.

I'm really mad at the Flames. JEREMY ROENICK?! Ugh when I opened NHL.com this morning Brian FREAKIN' Campbell's face was looking directly at me from my screen while patting JR on the head. EW! Thanks A LOT!

And also from last night:

:'-(

Bye bye Caps.....no, stay strong, Maloy.....don't let them see you when you're hurting.....hold it together.....aw hell:

WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAHHHHH(gasp)AHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Joffrey Lupul is a Stinky face Stinky head.

And lastly, we bring you last season's Conference Champions...both out in the first round. Yikes.

2007 Western Conference and Stanley Cup Champs:

The Mighty Anaheim Ducks of Mighty Anaheim were mightily elimidated by the Dallas Stars in a 4-1 victory decided by one Mr. Stuart Barnes. The Ducks used to be my favorite Western Conference team. Then they pulled lots of shenangians. Then I became fully apprised of Chris Pronger's douche-itude and then they made him Captain, which annoyed me, then Nieds came back, and then Teemu came back in like February. That's stupid and they didn't deserve to make it farther. There were those who thought they'd repeat as Cup champs....I entertained the thought for a time, but clearly am glad they are going home to golf.

2007 Eastern Conference Buttheads Champions

Everyone's trying to be all "Woe to the Ottawa Senators" wah wah wah, things were so hard, you had a new coach, Ray Emery is a stinky face! TOO BAD YOU HAD BASICALLY THE SAME TEAM AS LAST YEAR! What the HELL Ottawa? Are your ch'is so easily thrown out of wack that Ray Emery showing up late to practice twice has ruined your team? Whoa. That's pretty damn intense. I shouldn't take such glee in their losing but I do!

The only team I'm excited about anymore is Pittsburgh! Go Pens! Ugh, and they're facing the Rangers. Yick.

I really wanted Sid and Ovie to meet in the playoffs. :( There's always next year? I really hate that sentence.