March Madness

by Anne

While I wanted to dive back into blogging on a more regular basis, I could not have picked a worse time to do it.

I'm in the middle of directing a high school production of Cinderella that opens the last weekend in March. Therefore, the entire month of March has been dedicated to that.

Unfortunately, the entire month of March is also (at least over the last several years) dedicated to the Buffalo Sabres inching ever closer to 9th in the Eastern Conference. In years past they've been fighting for points to MAKE IT to 9th; this year they happen to be backsliding into the oh-so uncoveted out-of-the-playoffs spot of 9th place.

During most of the last several Sabres games, I have been watching my little darlings act and sing their hearts out... or just stand there and look bored (it depends on the student or the day, or whether or not there was enough pudding in the cafeteria that day or something). I have missed a couple of good ones and a couple of... forgettable attempts.

The Sabres most recent foray into their plan to reach 9th place was a 1-0 loss on home ice to the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course it was. A 1-0 loss on home ice sounds like the worst night of my life. I've been to several of those affairs, but most of the time I was working so I had something to occupy my mind rather than the many expletives I planned to hurl at the Sabres offense for being so impotent.

However, I heard rumblings on Twitter that the effort wasn't ALL bad on the Sabres end. Whatever, how good could it POSSIBLY have been if they managed to score not a single goal in an hour of ice time? I don't mind admiring effort if there's goal scoring to ice the cake of solid defensive play. Yes 40 shots is a lot, no question. Even though I didn't see a single one of these shots, I'd imagine many of them were of the "at the logo on the goalie's chest" type that count as shots but almost never turn into goals.

I need to focus my energies on the show, not on the Sabres. I'd appreciate it if you all could worry about them for me over the next 10 days.

Thanks.

A Reminder, Please

by Anne

Next time I decide on a whim to pick up some Sabres tickets on StubHub, remind me of last night's game v. the Devils and promptly seat me back down in my chair. Thanks.

It was boring, frustrating, and mildly hilarious listening to everyone in the arena lose their minds, BEGGING for the Sabres to register their first shot on goal. There's three hours of my life I shall never recover. At least the game went quickly, not being hampered by raucous goal celebrations and whatnot.

The Penguins still haven't won in the Consol Energy Center. I wonder if Sid the Kid is curled up in the fetal position outside of Mellon Arena, rocking back and forth, begging for someone to open the door so he can go back in and play there. He appears to be that obsessive about his routines, this "brand-new-rink" ordeal probably took a lot of counseling and Xanax to ease his transition. 

Let's Go Buffalo.... or something.

SHAPE UP, BOYS.

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.

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!

Best playoffs ever.

by Anne

I didn't watch the Sabes game on Saturday because of bridal shower festivities and missed much of the Kings' game while out at a bachelorette party in the evening.

The good and the bad:

• The Sabres blew a two goal lead and lost 5-3. Jerks.
• Thomas Vanek lost the lower half of his leg
• Johnny Boychuk is a d-bag
• The Kings decided to trail by 2 goals for about half of the game.
• Fortunately, Wayne Simmonds decided to tie it up and Kopi decided to win it in OT.
• I really think the Sabres will be ok without Vanek for the time being. He was a non-factor most of the season; they won several games when he was playing like garbage.
• Stafford is back. He skated with the team this morning after a doctor in Buffalo tightened the nuts and bolts that keep his head on his neck.
• Miller was named a finalist for the Vezina. Shocking.
• I hate this semester and all the writing I have to do over the next two weeks.
• The playoffs are bananas
• I love Dan Boyle
• I love the San Jose Sharks SO. MUCH.
• Where my playoff beards at? I know it's early but: bring 'em on!!

omg i'm so surpised....

by Anne

The Sabres lost to the Senators in frustrating fashion, as per usual. In previous seasons, the Sabres made even the Senators bad goaltenders look passably mediocre and now they're making their mediocre goaltenders look like superstars. Same old, same old.

My old roommate whom I haven't seen in a long time was going to bring me as her date to the game last night but unfortunately (maybe fortunately?) I wimped out because I'm still sick. It is unfortunate that I didn't get to see her and I always love a trip to HSBC Arena, but fortunate that I did not go and become completely exhausted with all the booing I'd have been doing.

PLEASE don't let us meet them in the first round? or ANY round for that matter?

Tonight the Sabres will (hopefully) rebound against the Lightning. I shall be watching the game on DVR delay as I shall be at Chef's celebrating MK's birthday with my parents, her boyfriend and Paul, a friend of hers from Grad School that came up for the weekend. Random. He's from Columbus but I don't think is a Blue Jackets fan. Just to be on the safe side, I think I'll refrain from mentioning anything that sounds like "Meve Stason" when there are sharp objects nearby.

The Kings take on the Stars tonight. Greener will not be playing. I'm going to keep all my fingers and toes crossed that he goes on the upcoming roadtrip and PLAYS IN NASHVILLE, where I will be sitting behind the bench wearing my Greene jersey with my Mama who will be in my blank Kings jersey. I will still enjoy the game immensely even if he doesn't. There's still Dewey, OD, Simmer, Kopi and Terry Murray to swoon over. I'll have so much to do while yelling at Brad Richardfail that I might not have time to miss Greener if he's not playing. Oh let's not lie, I'll definitely be completely bummed out if he doesn't play.

There have only been two games this season that I really really wanted him to play in and he was injured JUST before both of them. He played in the game v. the Sabres, returning way ahead of schedule, maybe he can do it again? :)

If he doesn't play, Darcy Tucker is DEAD to me.

Not that Darcy Tucker meant anything to me before but STILL.

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!

It's before midnight, it totally counts

by Anne

Wednesdays are my longest days and I just realized during my last class (at around 9:00 p.m.) that I hadn't blogged for today. Day two and I'm already almost messing it up.

Last night's game was an unpleasant adventure. Watching the Thrashers score three goals that fast was bad enough, then you add on that Miller was pulled after only five shots (including  hose three goals, omg) and many Sabres fans were already changing the channel.

Why does Lalime play best when Miller is pulled? Maybe that's the secret to Patty's troubles. Maybe he psyches himself up all day to play and then when he gets in net he hits panic mode and suddenly can barely control his own bodily functions and can't be bothered to tend goal. 

From here on out I vote that Miller starts every game but about every sixth game he suddenly returns to the bench claiming a mysterious non-visible and certainly short-lived nondescript injury so Lalime has to go in spur of the moment. The Lime played pretty well and only allowed one goal. Unfortunately it was the game winning goal so he takes the loss. :(

 It's gonna be a loooooooong night

The Sabres normally have a January meltdown, it just seems to have come to town a bit later this year. 

Redemption tomorrow night in Tampa? Here's hoping.

Oh yeah, Tyler broke his nose? It was his own fault, but keep your head up, kiddo.

Timmah: Srsly, JBG, take it from me. 

School is kicking my behind

by Anne

Since I'm sick of being busy all the time, I decided to stay home and celebrate Pi day/ Daylight Savings Time Day by myself while my family goes to my sister's boyfriend's musical. He is not in it, he directs the pit orchestra.

Anyway. I haven't updated since Tuesday and since then the Sabres have had three games and the Kings have had two. I didn't watch any of them. :(

Here are some random uninteresting thoughts

• Tyler Myers had himself a four point night against Dallas (1+3). Woooo!
• Then against Minnesota only Thomas Vanek decided to score (twice). Is it that time of year already, Thomas? The time when you suddenly decide you like scoring goals and do it? Can every month be March/April in ThomasVanekLand? He scores a lot in those months, it seems.
• Then on Saturday against the Red Wings, only Yoyo scored (twice). At least this time the game went to overtime and we still managed a point.
• I appreciate the multi-goal games, boys, but you can allow the rest of your teammates to score.
• This Torres trade is looking Moore-esque from my standpoint. Awesome.
• Then the Canucks beat the Sens pretty handily to keep the Senators off of our heels for the time being.
• Jonathan Quick became a daddy the other day so Jonathan Bernier (No relation to Big Bear) was recalled and started over Erik Ersberg. Can someone explain to me why Ersberg is even in Los Angeles?
• Bernier won a 2-1 shootout game. Winning an NHL game on  a call-up is always exciting but what made it extra exciting is that it was a shootout game. Bernier is winless in five shootout games in the AHL.
• Today the Kings play the Predators. Of course they will lose. I love these previews for the game there on the 30th. If they don't win another game all season, can they win that one, please?!?

Surprisingly, the bulk of my major projects for school will be over after Wednesday, so I'll have a little more time to become reacquainted with my sanity. 

Wooo! Thanks for still reading this thing! I promise this is all just a phase and my regularly scheduled hilarity will resume soon!

Yay!

I take it back

by Anne

Dear Sabres: I didn't miss any of you, please leave again.

Sabres lose 3-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins and looked generally craptastic for the few minutes I saw.

At least now that Paul Gaustad is a moron and apparently hurt his hand, I might get my Nathan Gerbe recall wish fulfilled.

Ryan Miller, you clearly are not dead to me, please stay.

The rest of you can easily be traded for your Team USA counterparts. Tomorrow the role of Steve Montador will be played by Tim Gleason. The role of Paul Gaustad will be played by Ryan Kesler.

Now, be gone.

The Kings are currently winning 4-0. How 'bout THEM, apples, SABRES.

Tomorrow is the trade deadline and I will be in a middle school all day. I hope for tons of frantic texts and Twitter DMs to scroll through at 3:00 when I get out.

Woo! Let's Go Kings!

Stop losing, pretty please?

by Anne

Ok boys, now I've asked nicely. Please stop losing. I would greatly appreciate it. 

I've changed my Facebook picture to show my adorable and completely nonthreatening wrath I have previously shown the Los Angeles Kings.

It worked for them, don't make me punch you in da face, Sabres.

 

My wrath.

Fear it.

Pie is in SO. MUCH. TROUBLE. First he scores two goals then almost has a hattrick and then hits Tyler in the throat and everyone in Buffalo screamed "Nooooo!!! THE FUTURE!" when he was lying on the ice all in pain and stuff. 

Bad, Danny. BAD.

Ok Danny, I'm sorry.

I know you did your best and you didn't mean to hurt Tyler.

I still love you.

Parallel Universe

by Anne

The Sabres are supposed to be better than the Kings. This is unfamiliar territory. 

Thank goodness I was distracted by getting ready to go out during Saturday's Sabres game.

What is WRONG with them? They lose 4-3 to the Hurricanes and then 4-0 to the Blue Jackets? Come ON, boys. Miller looked really off-kilter on Friday. At one point after letting in a softie under his arm he looked at his glove as though checking for holes. No Ryan, you just let in a softie.

Words can't even begin to describe the Blue Jackets first goal. I mean, the puck did take an unexpected bounce off the boards back at Lalime but good LORD. That was just painful. Worst goal of the year candidate, right up there with Lydman's goal on Toskala. If you've been paying attention this season, you know which one I'm talking about. It's not fun to be on this side of those kinds of goals.

They haven't been the same since the West coast roadtrip slump. I think Lindy's tried the "rest" angle for recovering after multiple bad games in  a short span of time. Based on the sloppy passing and putrid transition game we've seen over the last few fiascos, I'm hoping they're getting solid "this is the system. the system is your friend. love the system and the system will love you." practice time in. They look like they desperately need it. 

Far more pleasant to discuss is the Kings current situation. After a horrrrrible first period on Saturday afternoon, the Kings rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Red Wings 4-3 in regulation.

It isn't as impressive as the Caps current 89 game win streak, but Saturday's victory over the Red Wings set a Kings franchise record for consecutive wins. Bailey wanted to celebrate in Bailey style:

Yay!

I never thought I'd say this but:

Sabres, you could learn something from the Kings about winning hockey games.

Also, yay Saints!!

Another "also:" A few months ago we were all debating whether or not the Maple Leafs would ever win a game, now we're playing the waiting game of "will they ever been scored on again?" Good on ya Jiggy. Maybe being back with Francois Allaire is really that crucial to your success as a goaltender? Whatevs.

Didn't happen

by Anne

There was a time when I had a normal person's work schedule: 9-5, weekends off, didn't take my work home with me. One of the top benefits to that lifestyle was that I had precious few things to interrupt my viewing of Sabres games. It became quite a routine.

I'd get annoyed if someone wanted to do something on a Wednesday night because I had pasta and wine and the Sabres game waiting for me.

Then it was back to college and all that that entails. Homework, reading and, this semester, night classes. I have three night classes, two of which are on Wednesdays. I initially thought that I would find this to be irritating, but after my first Wednesday night of missing the Sabres came and went, I don't feel too bad about missing that poopshow.

I checked the score on my phone so I'm relatively aware of how quickly the game went from 2-2 to 4-2. Having not watched the game, I don't feel I can comment on it. I could do what a lot of people do is pull from the recaps and other bloggers' writings but that's not fair. This isn't a news outlet, this is my personal ramblings.

When will the madness end?

I realized when I saw the final score that I don't hate the Senators. 

Don't misunderstand me, I certainly don't like them, but what I REALLY hate is the way the Sabres play against them. It's gotten to the point where I no longer hate the Senators because of Alfredsson, Spezza and Neil, to name those that are still around from the 2007 brawl game. I hate them because the Sabres can't play against them. Do they put too much pressure on themselves?

I submit to you all that I don't really care that they lost to the SENATORS, I care that they lost at all. They've lost two in a row by allowing 4+ goals. Maybe if we as fans stop caring so much about them playing the Senators, they will too.

Do we HAVE to play them again?

by Anne

Grad school blows. I read constantly. Except, this time it isn't novels and fun stuff and, oh yeah, I'm not even technically in grad school yet.

There's really not much to say except the Kings have more wins and both teams have 71 points. Grated, the Sabres have to games in hand over the Kings but STILL. 

The bloggers get togethers are now 0-3 after many of us convened on Casa di Pizza in Buffalo to witness the mayhem that was the Pittsburgh game. Maybe we should reconsider these get togethers...? haha. They're lots of fun but the Sabres just can't handle the pressure of us all together at one bar. Although, for the record, Casa di Pizza has delicious barbecue wings. Delicious. That was the highlight of my evening (well, #2 after having fun in-person blogger conversations that is).

I only made it through the first two periods of last night's Kings' game (which they won 2-1, btw). They're now a perfect 21-0-0 when leading after two. That stat is no joke. No Sabres 08-09 patented Epic Third Period Collapses for the Los Angeles Kings.... yet. (think I just undid the jinx?)

There have been countless rumors swirling around about Kovalchuck going to the Kings. It could happen, but I don't see Dean Lombardi giving up the future for one player that may or may not be a rental. Although I did salivate a little at the thought of Kopi centering a line with Kovalchuk as a winger. That could be badass.

Whatchu got up your sleeve, Dean-o?

 

You think I'm going to trade for Kovalchuk?

Maybe, we'll see.

Tonight the Sabres take on the Senators at home. Fortunately I have class until 10:00pm on Wednesday nights so I will be spared the devastation of watching the Sabres lose to the Senators on home ice once again. Aw shucks.

For the record, you all know that their logo is actually a Roman gladiator and not a Roman senator, right? Just making sure. Of course, out logo is a slug turd with a buffalo head, so we can't really complain about theirs, now can we?

 

See? 

They're not so scary!

Let's go Buff-a-lo!

Early Semester blogging drought

by Anne

Hey there.

I'm about to embark on the most challenging semester of my college education to date. Not to be outdone, next semester will be worse. However, that is next semester and we shall only address the current se-mess-ter.

I'm taking lots of ultra important classes that will undoubtedly stress me out beyond recognition. Tim Hortons and Starbucks should be counting their lucky stars that I'm an addict that will need their sweet caffenated love very soon and very often. Awwww yeah....

Therefore I will either be blogging ALL THE TIME or never. It remains to be seen.

The Sabres lost to the Canucks, Kerry Fraser or however you spell his name is a douchestack and might've cost us the game but who knows. I'm disappointed in only picking up six points on that trip :(

The Kings just beat up the Leafs 5-3. While that does nothing for my fantasy team's GAA, the Kings' wins are all that matters!

Soooo sleepy. 8am classes are the devil incarnate, for the record.

BUT I'M GOING TO THE GAME TONIGHT AND I'M SO PUMPED. I remember when going to a Sabres game was such a big deal. I guess this doesn't feel like a big deal because I've been to every Sabres home game in the last two seasons with precious few exceptions. Whatevs, I haven't been there as a fan since March 2008, a 5-3 loss to the Red Wings. Yes. I remember it exactly.  They're totally going to lose tomorrow.

I got a Flip Ultra HD camera earlier in the month to document my last year before becoming a real person. Do you guys have any interest in seeing anything I'm doing? I rarely, if ever, post anything really personal on here, but if it's hockey related, maybe I'll post it? Who knows.

Epic Game

by Anne

If you have ever glanced at this blog, you could proooobably figure out that while I am a Buffalo Sabres fan (the veil of mystery has been lifted) in addition to being a Los Angeles Kings fan (once again, big shockeroo). So last night, the game I circled on my calendar in July finally arrived after much anticipation.

It's easy to keep the Kings and Sabres successes and failures entirely separate on this blog and in my mind because, frankly, they almost never play each other. A Sabres victory rarely affects the Kings and vice versa. So when these two teams collide, I'm totally conflicted.

Last night's game was the first in which I didn't mind not having RJ doing the play by play. I've become accustomed to Bob Miller and Jim Fox and I knew they'd be even keeled, well-informed and respectful, no matter how the game unfolded, and they were.

Frankly, on a personal level, that game couldn't have been more perfect. And yes, I am including the final score in that. It was a close game, some nice hits, both teams scoring some big goals, huge saves, great chances and a pace that just didn't seem to quit. There were precious few moments where the crowd could sit back and relax. They were trading tough play in the offensive zone at both ends of the ice. It is true, as Bob Miller mentioned, that the Sabres are a much faster team, but the Kings stayed right with them the whole 65 minutes.

I wanted a Kings OT victory and I got a Kings SO victory. It's not that I love the Kings more. No, far from it, but the Kings just plainly needed that extra point more. The Sabres are not really being threatened by anyone else in the Northeast at the moment and the Kings are battling for a playoff spot. That extra point moved them from ninth to holding sole possession of seventh in the West.

It's such a downer when games that you've hyped up don't live up to your expectations, but that one definitely did.

They didn't hurt each other! Greener played! Woooo!

On an individual level, Myers and Tallinder were both -3. Umm, that is shameful, boys. You're supposed to be our top defesive tandem. What gives?

Sean O'Donnell and Craig Rivet scoring goals in the same game? What kind of wacky parallel universe did we find ourselves in? OD scored his first of the season December 15, 2009 but before that he hadn't scored since December 22, 2007! That's a span of 158 games, btw. Craigory hadn't scored since March 25, a paltry 56 game drought. Psh.

Vanek's power play goal was a beauty. It could not have been more textbook. He had a questionable cross-check of Dewey in front of the net, but he did what he needed to do.

Good old TIMMAH

It was a battle of the Team USA goalies as well, and Quickie came out on top. There is no secret in saying that Ryan Miller is the better goaltender, but Quickie is also five years younger than Millsy and this is only his first full season as a starting goaltender. They're very different goaltenders but I know that Quickie will only get better as he moves up, and he played very well last night.

He'll be out 4-6 weeks after twisting his knee off of his leg making this save.

Ok, no not really but hot damn.

Now I get to wait until next year to see them play again! :(

But that game was so great, I really didn't want it to end. I would've stayed up all night to watch them play.

Lame Tuesday

by Anne

Normally to re-cap a game I'll take my thoughts from the game and combine them with some photos  and toss in a chuckle or two for good measure.

I'm bored and tired so I'll just say this.

The Sabres came thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis close to tying the game after trailing 4-0 and then Jason Pominville was a bonehead and sent a pass right in front of Miller and someone I've never heard of scored to give the Ducks a 5-3 lead. Yoyo attempted to continue the comeback but the Sabres efforts were thwarted.

I like to call the window "Patrick Lalime with a hint of Pominville"

Then the Kings lost 5-1 to the Sharks. I didn't really watch but basically what I gathered was their special teams sucked donkey butt. They were 0-5 on the powerplay and 0-3 on the penalty kill. Please come back soon Matt Greene? TOMORROW?!?!

Pleeeeeeeeeez?

Both teams play tomorrow but I'm not sure who they're playing...........

Extra Innings, Extra points?

by Anne

I assume that one day the Sabres will not get a point out of  a game and will just lose in regulation like everyone else does. However, for the last nine games, that has not been the case. They're 7-0-3 in their last ten games. Their last regulation loss came to Washington on December 23! Isn't that bananas? I feel confident they will lose in regulation on this upcoming swing through the Pacific division with that one sidestep into the Northwest to play Big Bear.

Anyway, once again the Sabres were far too polite and kindly allowed the Islanders to score the first two goals before tying the game. They then went on to have yet another lengthy shootout that they lost. I never even think about Ales Kotalik until wer'e at shooter number seven and I think "if we had Big Czech Al, this would've been over by now..." but then I remember his other shortcomings and glance at his stats in New York and I don't miss him quite so much.

Mike Grier and Drew Stafford scored and the shootout went (I think) eight or so rounds. Pat Kaleta? Really, Lindy? Whatevs, we still got a point.

Why hello there, you foxy Captain-y gentlemen

;)

And Darryl Strawberry and that kid with Autism
They're no Darth Vader, right Craigory?

Mike Grier, your mouth is enormous, sir.

The afternoon prior to the Sabres game, the Los Angeles Kings played host to the Boston Bruins.  It would do both of my teams immense good if the Kings were to win Saturday afternoon's tilt in LA.  Unfortunately, things did not start out too spiffy as the Kings, once again were down by two headed into the third.

Then Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown said "yo, eff this losing in regulation business. Stolly started us off, let's finish this and get at least a point." They both scored in the third to tie the game at three. This was a welcome balm after the Bruins scored twice in eleven seconds in the second period. This blogger was about ready to turn the game off. But we all know I'm a pansy and won't really turn the game off until it's over.

Jarret Stoll is a close-talker

But he seems to be sharing some juicy gossip with Brownie

 Maybe they're checking out a hot chick in the stands

Then things went to overtime and nothing happened. Then it was time for a shootout. Kopi scored and neither of the Bruins did in the first two rounds so Brownie scored the clinching goal in the third round of the shootout and the Kings won 4-3!

Tim Tom was not happy about it.

LOOK OUT, BROWNIE!

Three out of a possible four points for those two teams on Saturday was pretty good.

Tonight the Sabres play in Phoenix at 7:00 which is nice because it's Martin Luther King Day. As I typed that I wrote "Kings" instead of "King." Whoops.

We are slowly reaching January 21; A day that has been circled on my calendar since the schedule was released. A day in which I will be tormented to no end watching these two teams play each other. Needless to say, I hope it will end in overtime at least.

Punch you in da face

by Anne

Kings.... you best watch your backs. Anne is NOT happy with you.

You are 3-7-0 in your last 10 games.

You have actually outscored your opponents in that time 25-24 but that was thanks to one 6 goal game and one 5 goal game. The REST have been ONE-goal games which you apparently are NO GOOD at because you won ONE of those eight games. GRRRRRRR!!!

You are 3-7-0 in your last 10 one-goal games TOO. Get your acts together, butt heads. Goaltenders, you play gooder too.

Berg played well tonight and didn't get much help from anyone in front of him.

Jack Johnson is fired 67 times over.

Kings lose 2-1 to the San Jose Sharks. GREAT.

Fear my wrath

Adorable though it may be

Delinquency

by Anne

I haven't updated since Thursday cuz I have the sniffles. True story. Also because I been supa dupa busy these last few days.

Let's recap Thursday night through Saturday night, shall we?

Thursday: Kings fired 4298672356 shots on Jimmy Howard but still lost 2-1. Blahhhhh. It was a very unpleasant game. However, Greener bounced back from this sore back and delivered some hits that night. Thank you, Greene Beane.

Friday: The Sabres host the Maple Leafs and, big shockeroo, beat them 3-2. Ryan Miller got all feisty and punched Matt Stajan in the face with his blocker and it was hilarious and awesome except he got a penalty but we killed that penalty off.

He went down like a ton of bricks

Tyler Myers is real tall. He also scored some sweet goals that were of the "Sooooo I'm right here... no one's gonna stop me ok- goal."

In the net.

Three powerplays. Three shots. Three goals. Good night for the PP.... to play against the Maple Leafs abyssmal penalty kill.

Saturday: The Sabres snapped their six-game winning streak but still mustered a point after an unending shootout v. the Colorado Avalanche.

Lalime started sloppy but had some huge saves to keep the Sabres in it until the end.

I called Vanek using his around the world move in the shootout and it totally worked. Hopefully he's turning a corner? Maybe? Pleeeease? :)

He did his best.

Then the Kings lost 4-3 after the Blues scored a goal 14 seconds into the game. Oy. It was not one of Jonathan Quick's best nights as he was pulled after allowing four goals on 23 shots. The last goal he let in was the definition of a softie.

Ok, well that Lydman goal on Ves-HA! Toskalol was the definition of a softie but this one wasn't much better.

They attempted to make a comeback. Brownie and Kopi scored to make it 4-3 but that's how it ended. Lame.

But, congrats to Brandon Segal who scored his first NHL goal tonight! Good job!

Woo!

The Kings need to get their butts in gear. This chick is none too thrilled with them. >:-[

Also, Greener had two fights tonight.

I haven't watched the replay of this fight. I wasn't home yet when it happened.

Why, Greener, why?

Although scanning his teammates' faces is pretty hilarious.

Zus, shave that goatee, it's like a hedge

I love Smyttie's face.

Oscar is really fascinated down there on the left.

Tonight was my last Sabres game working at HSBC Arena :( I have tickets to go to the next home game as a regular old patron. Wooo!

That is, of course, after the Sabres have their lengthy West Coast roadtrip when they'll play the Kings on the 21st and I'll be totally tormented.