As the officer approached the men, Belfour got into a fighting position, and the
two got into a scuffle, which forced the officer to taser Belfour.
What? There was someone else involved? Who cares?
No word on how much the bribe was.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Once Again, Stories Writing Themselves
Ed. Belfour. Disorderly. Intoxication. Plus taser.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
King Henrik Does Not Like Attractive Women
Henrik Lunqvist got himself in a little hubbub with some Long Island women...don't you know a goalie's got to defend his crease? Especially after the Simon incident, King Henrik was probably fearing his life when someone in Islanders garb came somewhere near him."[T]eams of three Ice Girls clean loose ice known as "snow" in the goal and the blue-painted goaltender's crease in front of the goal line. But Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist declined to move and used his stick to whack the squeegee Kelli Higgins, 23, was using to push the snow into a pile during the first TV timeout, knocking the butt end of the squeegee stick into her stomach. "I said 'Excuse me' maybe two or three times," Higgins said Wednesday. "He didn't move and didn't say anything, so I gave up and went around him. "The tip of my squeegee kind of hit the tip of his stick. I don't know if he thought I did that on purpose or whatever, but he took a big windup and slashed the squeegee pretty good. "
Emphasis by me. Damn, the jokes just keep writing themselves.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
DWI on a Zamboni? Ludicrous!
And apparently the NJ courts agree...
"A judge ruled the four-ton ice rink-grooming machines aren't motor vehicles because they aren't useable on highways and can't carry passengers. Zamboni operator John Peragallo had been charged with drunken driving in 2005 after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown told police the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards."
Does that absolve the Zamboni drivers in Idaho who took theirs for a late-night Burger King run?? IT SHOULD! But that's not the best part of the story....
"Peragallo, 64, testified at his trial that he did drink beer and vodka, but not until after he had groomed the ice. However, he told police he had a shot of Sambuca with his breakfast coffee and two Valium-pills before work."
Zamboni drivers on Valium = awesome.
"A judge ruled the four-ton ice rink-grooming machines aren't motor vehicles because they aren't useable on highways and can't carry passengers. Zamboni operator John Peragallo had been charged with drunken driving in 2005 after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown told police the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards."
Does that absolve the Zamboni drivers in Idaho who took theirs for a late-night Burger King run?? IT SHOULD! But that's not the best part of the story....
"Peragallo, 64, testified at his trial that he did drink beer and vodka, but not until after he had groomed the ice. However, he told police he had a shot of Sambuca with his breakfast coffee and two Valium-pills before work."
Zamboni drivers on Valium = awesome.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Jailbreak
You can't deny it anymore. Go ahead, try to lock him up again.
Buffalo 7:25, Daniel Paille 3 (Adam Mair, Teppo Numminen)
Buffalo 7:25, Daniel Paille 3 (Adam Mair, Teppo Numminen)
Thank God Almighty, Free at Last!!
Sorry Dr. King, but someone more important has been freed from the clutches of oppressive injury.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Injury Report
- Al Kotalik will return tomorrow against the Devils, skating on the left wing with center Chris Drury and right wing Dainius Zubrus in practice yesterday. Michael Ryan had been skating there, but Kotalik’s return will force Ryan back to Rochester because of a rule regarding emergency injury call-ups. Ryan won’t leave town until the Sabres are sure Kotalik can return.
Lindy Ruff sees potential in a Kotalik- Zubrus pairing.
- Injured forwards Tim Connolly and Daniel Paille also practiced. Paille, out since breaking his left index finger Feb. 20, is "very close.”
- Connolly still is without a timetable for a return. He's been joining the team for morning skates, but still isn't cleared for contact and was understandably sore after his first practice in a month.
- Toni Lydman, who has missed five games with an upper-body injury, did not practice. Ruff said that “he wants to try skating the first part of practice with the team".
Sabres >>> Everyone Else.
http://www.buffalonews.com/101/story/40716.html
ESPN the Magazine has just rated the Sabres at the top of all 122 major pro sports franchises in North America. This is the 5th year they've rolled out the "Ultimate Standings", and it's something I've always paid attention to, mainly because the Packers were always in the top 5.
ESPN the Magazine has just rated the Sabres at the top of all 122 major pro sports franchises in North America. This is the 5th year they've rolled out the "Ultimate Standings", and it's something I've always paid attention to, mainly because the Packers were always in the top 5.
The Sabres finished in the top 10 in four of those eight categories: first in “Bang for the Buck” (converting fan dollars into wins), second in “Affordability” and fourth in both “Fan Relations” and “Coaching.”The team’s other rankings were 11th in “Players,” 13th in “Ownership,” 25th in “Stadium Experience” and 53rd in “Title Track” (championship prospects). “I would say thank you to the fans,” owner B. Thomas Golisano said Monday, after learning about the rankings and the methodology. “Obviously, if they did the survey and rated us No. 1, we say thank you. “And we’ll keep trying.”
The man, the myth, the legend.
The bottom teams?
122. Detroit Lions
121. Oakland Raiders
120. NY Knicks
119. Minnesota Vikings
118. Chicago Blackhawks
117. Boston Bruins
Other top teams? Anaheim ranked 6th and Nashville 8th. I refuse to acknowledge the NBA as a sport, so their teams don't count, especially the one that rated 2nd overall. The Indy Colts were 4th, the highest NFL team, and the LA Angels of Anaheim, the Pacific Ocean, and Japan were 7th, highest for MLB. Odd that Anaheim places two teams in the top 7.
Can't say I disagree one bit. Oh, and the Canes are 10th. Just thought I'd throw that out there so CG doesn't hurt me.
It's all good in the "Land of the Wings".
Site News
So how about I just realized that I haven't posted in a week and a half??
Life and work (wait, we actually WORK at work??) gets in the way sometimes......
I promise a bevy of posts in the next few days, I'd promise a live blog tomorrow night too, but then I realize we're playing the Devils. That's probably not a good idea considering what happened LAST time.....
Life and work (wait, we actually WORK at work??) gets in the way sometimes......
I promise a bevy of posts in the next few days, I'd promise a live blog tomorrow night too, but then I realize we're playing the Devils. That's probably not a good idea considering what happened LAST time.....
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sabre Notes
Sorry for the lack of updating lately...
- So how about that Ty Conklin? 42 saves in a 5-3 win last night in Florida! Two of the goals weren't his fault either, so basically it's more like 1 goal on 43 shots. I'd say that's pretty good. He even LOOKS like Ryan Miller out there....not like I'm comparing the two. Goalie controversy, anyone??
(and if you can't detect the sarcasm...please go get some fresh air)
- Apparently Toni Lydman has an upper-body injury. Not surprisingly, Lindy Ruff was not very forthcoming with information about it. Who stepped up last night? Brian Campbell played 28 minutes, had 3 assists and was a +3. Soupy always seems to be the one defenseman who steps up and plays incredibly well when injuries hit the rest of the defense. Lydman most likely won't be playing tonight either.
- Teppo needs to be benched when we have 7 healthy d-men. That will be all.
Update 1:34pm: Speaking of healthy defenseman, the Buffalo News reports that Spacek will be back in the lineup tonight. Lydman probably won't be.
Andrew Peters is also the "Who am I" on NHL.com today. What happened? Did they run out of the other 700+ players in the NHL?
- So how about that Ty Conklin? 42 saves in a 5-3 win last night in Florida! Two of the goals weren't his fault either, so basically it's more like 1 goal on 43 shots. I'd say that's pretty good. He even LOOKS like Ryan Miller out there....not like I'm comparing the two. Goalie controversy, anyone??
(and if you can't detect the sarcasm...please go get some fresh air)
- Apparently Toni Lydman has an upper-body injury. Not surprisingly, Lindy Ruff was not very forthcoming with information about it. Who stepped up last night? Brian Campbell played 28 minutes, had 3 assists and was a +3. Soupy always seems to be the one defenseman who steps up and plays incredibly well when injuries hit the rest of the defense. Lydman most likely won't be playing tonight either.
- Teppo needs to be benched when we have 7 healthy d-men. That will be all.
Update 1:34pm: Speaking of healthy defenseman, the Buffalo News reports that Spacek will be back in the lineup tonight. Lydman probably won't be.
Andrew Peters is also the "Who am I" on NHL.com today. What happened? Did they run out of the other 700+ players in the NHL?
Reverse the Curse!!
“We’re on a mission.” – Lindy Ruff
On NHL.com today is Buffalo’s entry into the continuing “Countdown to the Quest” series, describing the hopes and dreams of the playoff contenders and their storied (or in our case, not so storied) histories.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=290546
Most of it focuses on how the fans (well, most of them anyways) stood by the team through heartbreak after heartbreak, through bankruptcy, changes in ownership, and years of mediocrity.
But is there really a “curse” that’s the cause of these last 35 championship-less years??
Bills legend Thurman Thomas points back to the sale of the NBA’s Buffalo Braves as the beginning of the hex. It would eventually lead to the relocation of the Braves to San Diego, who are now the Los Angeles Clippers.
Buffalo being the Red Sox of the NHL??? Please God, no. Well, at least we have a “curse” and truckloads of bandwagon fans. That’s about where the similarities end.
All I know is that if this isn’t our year, then it may NEVER happen. And I need some Cup pictures of my own so I’m not subjected to CG’s Canes pictures the rest of my life.
Please Sabres, reverse the curse.
On NHL.com today is Buffalo’s entry into the continuing “Countdown to the Quest” series, describing the hopes and dreams of the playoff contenders and their storied (or in our case, not so storied) histories.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=290546
Most of it focuses on how the fans (well, most of them anyways) stood by the team through heartbreak after heartbreak, through bankruptcy, changes in ownership, and years of mediocrity.
“A Stanley Cup championship would make a world of difference for the Buffalo and
Western New York area. It’s amazing what a sports championship can do to the
morale and outlook of the area. If there is a city that could use a
championship, it is Buffalo.” – Marcel Dionne
But is there really a “curse” that’s the cause of these last 35 championship-less years??
Bills legend Thurman Thomas points back to the sale of the NBA’s Buffalo Braves as the beginning of the hex. It would eventually lead to the relocation of the Braves to San Diego, who are now the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I mean, how much bad luck can one city take,” Thomas asked in an article in the
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. “Ever since that guy (Snyder) sold the Buffalo
Braves….Buffalo’s been cursed, like the Bambino.”
Buffalo being the Red Sox of the NHL??? Please God, no. Well, at least we have a “curse” and truckloads of bandwagon fans. That’s about where the similarities end.
All I know is that if this isn’t our year, then it may NEVER happen. And I need some Cup pictures of my own so I’m not subjected to CG’s Canes pictures the rest of my life.
Please Sabres, reverse the curse.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Way to go NandO
Ok. Where to begin...
I'm still a little angry with the Hurricanes, but I have found something else to take my frustrations out on.
No, it’s not Afino.
The Raleigh News and Observer (http://www.newsandobserver.com/) has long been the main source of "unbiased" and in-depth information about my beloved Carolina Hurricanes. Its not always been fantastic and its always had a sense of "Oh crap the Canes played last night, better write a review!". Its never been the most put together or well educated editorial of games, players or the NHL in general. In fact, it helped feed the uneducated southerners fire during the 06 playoffs when they ran a term of the day in the paper. Fans of other teams *coughSabrescough* enjoyed pointing out that we had to have "icing", "kick save" and "offside" explained to us.
Sunday night and yesterday, the stupidity of the NandO really came to a head.
I'm still a little angry with the Hurricanes, but I have found something else to take my frustrations out on.
No, it’s not Afino.
The Raleigh News and Observer (http://www.newsandobserver.com/) has long been the main source of "unbiased" and in-depth information about my beloved Carolina Hurricanes. Its not always been fantastic and its always had a sense of "Oh crap the Canes played last night, better write a review!". Its never been the most put together or well educated editorial of games, players or the NHL in general. In fact, it helped feed the uneducated southerners fire during the 06 playoffs when they ran a term of the day in the paper. Fans of other teams *coughSabrescough* enjoyed pointing out that we had to have "icing", "kick save" and "offside" explained to us.
Sunday night and yesterday, the stupidity of the NandO really came to a head.
On just one article, the heading changed approximately 4 times. It was the recap of the Rangers game, where the Canes lost in a SO. Cam Ward was forced to leave the game with a "severe" cut to his knee. The NandO was the soul source of all the Canes fans freaking out about how severe this cut was. Over the course of about 12 hours the article titles changed like this (forgive me if I miss one, I couldn't possibly keep track of them all):
"Cam Ward out for the season" - not true, as we would later to come find out. When this title was read there was mass uproar between all 15 Canes fans and yells of "Our season is done! No playoffs for us!"
"Cam Ward out indefinitely" - pretty common sensical when someone has a "severe" injury and the extent of the injury is not yet known.
"Canes miss playoffs" - What? The game against the Rangers had us mathematically eliminated? DeCock checks his math and comes up with this one....
"Nagging issues hurt Canes" - Pretty safe bet with that one.
DeCock hits another one out of the park.
The real problem with Wardo? 5-7 days out until he is able to get his stitches out.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Live Blog: Devils @ Sabres
This may be the only thing that keeps me awake. I reserve the right to stop doing this if I'm fed up with the game too.
Periodic updates until 7, then I'll be at it all game long.
6:22pm - Miller and Brodeur likely between the pipes tonight. The only way Brodeur wouldn't be playing is if he was dead or dying.
(Marty Brodeur 80 years from now.....still wanting to play goal.)
6:46pm - Damn. Knew I should have picked up some Red Bull.
6:57pm - You know what? I'm glad this game isn't in Jersey. A loss sucks enough as is, at least we don't have to lose in a mallrat-infested swamp.
7:00pm - "Big 12 Showcase" on MSG before the Sabres game??? Umm...searching for programming, much?
7:05pm - It really bothers me that they don't play the anthems. I WANT MY DOUG ALLEN!
7:08pm - Kaleta was sent down??? That's some bullshit....
Game on.
1st Period
17:07 - Peters and Janssen!!! Holy crap, what a fight. Longest one I've seen this year. And I was about to point out Peters was back in the lineup....I guess he is. Janssen's back from suspension, apparently.
16:45 - Oh, good start from both teams, neither one really coming out flat.
16:32 - SCORE!!! Dainius Zubrus!!! First as a Sabre! Killer wrist shot.
15:33 - Millar robs Elias on a breakaway!! Great defensive breakdown, boys.
14:22 - Langenbrunner floats one to the front and Zajac taps it in. Tie game. Nothing Miller can do.
14:10 - The linesman just got checked into the Devils bench by Eric Rasmussen. Good to see Rasmussen's still useless. No standby officials in the regular season, awesome. So watch out for more blown calls....
13:45 - And Rasmussen officially is a waste of space. Rafalski just hit him in the face with a clearing attempt.
12:55 - Did they just say the Devils have cap problems and are playing a man short?? How did Lou let this happen? His hit men not do the job?
8:00 - Red hot end-to-end action. Devils thinking the net's a soccer net. Not a surprise since their scores are like soccer games.
4:45 - Turnover city for the Sabres. Luckily, Miller seems to be playing well tonight.
1-1 after 1.
Intermission
Did Rob Ray just say "you want to touch yourself???"
Doc Emrick on!
-Taking on the "trap".....basically saying the Devils took it from everyone else and just perfected it.
-The game was "sanitized" too much after the lockout.
-HE JUST USED THE WORD GRIT!!
-Pimps his NBC gig. Good segment though.
2nd Period
19:27 - Elias (not the Sports Bureau) scores...wasn't tied up in front of the net and scoops the rebound. Trap time!!! *grabs pillow*
17:20 - Vanek still doesn't look right out there. He's a step behind and not aggressive.
15:00 - Wow. The Sabres have to keep dumping it into the no-goalie zone. Brodeur doesn't know what the hell to do with himself.
13:50 - Campbell's gotta stop that spin-o-rama crap. Sooner or later, he's going to get lit up.
12:30 - Strong play by Mike Ryan in the corner to get that dump in. The Sabres need more of that.
9:45 - Remember when NHL games had referees??? Yeah, another game without a power play in the middle of the 2nd. Two nights in a row.
5:45 - This looks like a lot like last night. Lots of chances for Buffalo, no finishing.
3:42 - Nathan Paestch throws it to the front, Briere tips in!!! Tie game!!! SUCK FAILURE, TRAP!!
1:39 - Roy cut with Brylin's high stick. That's a 4 minuter. First penalty of the game other than the fight.
:30 - Shorty by Rafalski. 3-2 Devils. This blows. We really need to start declining power plays. When their pressure is better than ours, it's a problem.
3rd period
16:36 Our power play blows. But we're on another one. Hopefully this one won't involve a shorthanded goal.
13:25 - Power play Devils. If they score here, I'm turning out the lights on this. Hope you don't mind.
13:07 - 4 on 4 as Rupp runs into Roy at the line.
Live blog over. Sabres get called for a penalty after a Devil does the same thing at the other end without a call. This is f-ing ridiculous. F you Lou Lamoriello.
Periodic updates until 7, then I'll be at it all game long.
6:22pm - Miller and Brodeur likely between the pipes tonight. The only way Brodeur wouldn't be playing is if he was dead or dying.
(Marty Brodeur 80 years from now.....still wanting to play goal.)6:46pm - Damn. Knew I should have picked up some Red Bull.
6:57pm - You know what? I'm glad this game isn't in Jersey. A loss sucks enough as is, at least we don't have to lose in a mallrat-infested swamp.
7:00pm - "Big 12 Showcase" on MSG before the Sabres game??? Umm...searching for programming, much?
7:05pm - It really bothers me that they don't play the anthems. I WANT MY DOUG ALLEN!
7:08pm - Kaleta was sent down??? That's some bullshit....
Game on.
1st Period
17:07 - Peters and Janssen!!! Holy crap, what a fight. Longest one I've seen this year. And I was about to point out Peters was back in the lineup....I guess he is. Janssen's back from suspension, apparently.
16:45 - Oh, good start from both teams, neither one really coming out flat.
16:32 - SCORE!!! Dainius Zubrus!!! First as a Sabre! Killer wrist shot.
15:33 - Millar robs Elias on a breakaway!! Great defensive breakdown, boys.
14:22 - Langenbrunner floats one to the front and Zajac taps it in. Tie game. Nothing Miller can do.
14:10 - The linesman just got checked into the Devils bench by Eric Rasmussen. Good to see Rasmussen's still useless. No standby officials in the regular season, awesome. So watch out for more blown calls....
13:45 - And Rasmussen officially is a waste of space. Rafalski just hit him in the face with a clearing attempt.
12:55 - Did they just say the Devils have cap problems and are playing a man short?? How did Lou let this happen? His hit men not do the job?
8:00 - Red hot end-to-end action. Devils thinking the net's a soccer net. Not a surprise since their scores are like soccer games.
4:45 - Turnover city for the Sabres. Luckily, Miller seems to be playing well tonight.
1-1 after 1.
Intermission
Did Rob Ray just say "you want to touch yourself???"
Doc Emrick on!
-Taking on the "trap".....basically saying the Devils took it from everyone else and just perfected it.
-The game was "sanitized" too much after the lockout.
-HE JUST USED THE WORD GRIT!!
-Pimps his NBC gig. Good segment though.
2nd Period
19:27 - Elias (not the Sports Bureau) scores...wasn't tied up in front of the net and scoops the rebound. Trap time!!! *grabs pillow*
17:20 - Vanek still doesn't look right out there. He's a step behind and not aggressive.
15:00 - Wow. The Sabres have to keep dumping it into the no-goalie zone. Brodeur doesn't know what the hell to do with himself.
13:50 - Campbell's gotta stop that spin-o-rama crap. Sooner or later, he's going to get lit up.
12:30 - Strong play by Mike Ryan in the corner to get that dump in. The Sabres need more of that.
9:45 - Remember when NHL games had referees??? Yeah, another game without a power play in the middle of the 2nd. Two nights in a row.
5:45 - This looks like a lot like last night. Lots of chances for Buffalo, no finishing.
3:42 - Nathan Paestch throws it to the front, Briere tips in!!! Tie game!!! SUCK FAILURE, TRAP!!
1:39 - Roy cut with Brylin's high stick. That's a 4 minuter. First penalty of the game other than the fight.
:30 - Shorty by Rafalski. 3-2 Devils. This blows. We really need to start declining power plays. When their pressure is better than ours, it's a problem.
3rd period
16:36 Our power play blows. But we're on another one. Hopefully this one won't involve a shorthanded goal.
13:25 - Power play Devils. If they score here, I'm turning out the lights on this. Hope you don't mind.
13:07 - 4 on 4 as Rupp runs into Roy at the line.
Live blog over. Sabres get called for a penalty after a Devil does the same thing at the other end without a call. This is f-ing ridiculous. F you Lou Lamoriello.
Gamenight: Devils @ Sabres 03.10.07
New Jersey (41-19-8, 90 pts, 1st Atlantic, 2nd East)
@
Buffalo (44-18-5, 93 pts, 1st NE, 1st East)
March 10, 2007
7:00pm
HSBC Arena
Season Series: Tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Feb 3rd, Devils won 3-2.
Tonight, the Sabres feel the breath on the back of their necks. After another loss last night against Minnesota, the Sabres remain 3 points ahead of Jersey going into tonight's game, and in all honesty, will be 1 point ahead after tonight.
New Jersey has been struggling as well, only going 1-3-0 in their last four games.
If the Sabres don't come out with a purpose tonight after getting run out of their building the last two home games, I really won't know what to think.
Puck drops at 7:10pm. This may be live-blogged.
@
Buffalo (44-18-5, 93 pts, 1st NE, 1st East)
March 10, 2007
7:00pm
HSBC Arena
Season Series: Tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Feb 3rd, Devils won 3-2.
Tonight, the Sabres feel the breath on the back of their necks. After another loss last night against Minnesota, the Sabres remain 3 points ahead of Jersey going into tonight's game, and in all honesty, will be 1 point ahead after tonight.
New Jersey has been struggling as well, only going 1-3-0 in their last four games.
If the Sabres don't come out with a purpose tonight after getting run out of their building the last two home games, I really won't know what to think.
Puck drops at 7:10pm. This may be live-blogged.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
An Effortless Wrap-Up for an Effortless Game
So...really great game last night, boys.
(This may or may not have been me)
- It was such a solid effort, that I fell asleep during the 3rd period. That’s right, ASLEEP! Which is pretty much the way you guys played last night. You know what? I don’t even blame Colorado trapping for a boring game (I’ll save that for this weekend when we play Minnesota and Jersey), even though it was pointed out on the telecast that it was an obvious trap.
- But maybe I shouldn’t complain. The AHL’ers played like AHL’ers (all of them), and Teppo played like he really is (old). This has probably been a few games coming.
- It wasn’t all bad though, the first ten minutes were solid, and then Jochen Hecht turned into the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man after he tried to defend Briere. After that, it was all downhill. The Sabres got scared once the Avalanche started playing them physically, and their game went south. They skated around wondering what this newfangled “trap” was, and mailed the game in.
- Vanek, Roy, and Stafford? That line played last night?? Completely honest, I did not even hear Vanek’s name until late in the second period. I hadn’t noticed that he was even dressed and playing before then.
- I couldn’t even be happy about Sakic scoring the game-winning goal…they took it away from him and gave it to Wolski!
- The Stastny family has been killing Buffalo for the last 25 years. The tradition continues…
- Two points wasted, plain and simple. I know a team can’t give 110% effort every night, but they can at least try, damnit! That being said, we still only lost by one goal. But now we have two weekend snoozefests, of which Ty Conklin will be playing one of them. Give Minnesota or Jersey the two points now and save me 2 ½ hours of boredom. I might live blog one of them just to keep me awake.
(This may or may not have been me)- It was such a solid effort, that I fell asleep during the 3rd period. That’s right, ASLEEP! Which is pretty much the way you guys played last night. You know what? I don’t even blame Colorado trapping for a boring game (I’ll save that for this weekend when we play Minnesota and Jersey), even though it was pointed out on the telecast that it was an obvious trap.
- But maybe I shouldn’t complain. The AHL’ers played like AHL’ers (all of them), and Teppo played like he really is (old). This has probably been a few games coming.
- It wasn’t all bad though, the first ten minutes were solid, and then Jochen Hecht turned into the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man after he tried to defend Briere. After that, it was all downhill. The Sabres got scared once the Avalanche started playing them physically, and their game went south. They skated around wondering what this newfangled “trap” was, and mailed the game in.
- Vanek, Roy, and Stafford? That line played last night?? Completely honest, I did not even hear Vanek’s name until late in the second period. I hadn’t noticed that he was even dressed and playing before then.
- I couldn’t even be happy about Sakic scoring the game-winning goal…they took it away from him and gave it to Wolski!
- The Stastny family has been killing Buffalo for the last 25 years. The tradition continues…
- Two points wasted, plain and simple. I know a team can’t give 110% effort every night, but they can at least try, damnit! That being said, we still only lost by one goal. But now we have two weekend snoozefests, of which Ty Conklin will be playing one of them. Give Minnesota or Jersey the two points now and save me 2 ½ hours of boredom. I might live blog one of them just to keep me awake.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Gamenight: Avs @ Sabres 3/7/07
Colorado (33-29-5, 71 points, 4th NW, 9th West)
@
Buffalo (44-16-5, 93 points, 1st NE, 1st East)
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
7:00pm
HSBC Arena
Season Series: Of course, there isn’t one. But the Sabres have won three straight meetings with the Avalanche, and six of the last eight games in the series. Their last meeting was Dec 4, 2005, a 6-4 Sabres victory. Marty Biron was the winning goalie that night.
The world famous Divealanche circus comes to town tonight. You know what that means???
That’s right. My favorite NHL player of all time is in the building tonight. I’ll probably spend more time watching him than my own team. Sakic is still the heart and soul of that franchise, which means he’ll probably be traded soon. Other than that, there’s not much to worry about on Colorado. They are on a 3 game winning streak, but still 8 points out of the final playoff spot in the West even after beating Boston last night on the strength of a Peter BOO-DIE shutout. Paul Stastny is on a 16-game point streak, tying the rookie franchise record set by his own father Peter, and has 63 points on the season.
More importantly for the Sabres, we get former Av Chris Drury back tonight after missing 4 games due to a concussion. Drury skated at practice Tuesday on a line with fellow New England native Mike Ryan and Dainius Zubrus. The streaking Amerks….sorry, Sabres….have been led recently by Drew Stafford, who has 12 points in the last 7 games. I’m quickly growing quite the affinity for this guy, and he may be next on the jersey list.
I’m praying that Ryan Miller will be between the pipes tonight, and after last night, I’d expect Budai in there too. I’m sure that Conklin (ugh) will get a start this weekend when the Sabres play the trap-a-licious Wild and Devils on consecutive nights. Looks like I’ll be able to catch up on some sleep.
The puck drops at 7:10pm.
Update 3:08pm - Fixed Stastny's streak. I had forgotten about last night for some silly reason.
@
Buffalo (44-16-5, 93 points, 1st NE, 1st East)
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
7:00pm
HSBC Arena
Season Series: Of course, there isn’t one. But the Sabres have won three straight meetings with the Avalanche, and six of the last eight games in the series. Their last meeting was Dec 4, 2005, a 6-4 Sabres victory. Marty Biron was the winning goalie that night.
The world famous Divealanche circus comes to town tonight. You know what that means???
That’s right. My favorite NHL player of all time is in the building tonight. I’ll probably spend more time watching him than my own team. Sakic is still the heart and soul of that franchise, which means he’ll probably be traded soon. Other than that, there’s not much to worry about on Colorado. They are on a 3 game winning streak, but still 8 points out of the final playoff spot in the West even after beating Boston last night on the strength of a Peter BOO-DIE shutout. Paul Stastny is on a 16-game point streak, tying the rookie franchise record set by his own father Peter, and has 63 points on the season.
More importantly for the Sabres, we get former Av Chris Drury back tonight after missing 4 games due to a concussion. Drury skated at practice Tuesday on a line with fellow New England native Mike Ryan and Dainius Zubrus. The streaking Amerks….sorry, Sabres….have been led recently by Drew Stafford, who has 12 points in the last 7 games. I’m quickly growing quite the affinity for this guy, and he may be next on the jersey list.
I’m praying that Ryan Miller will be between the pipes tonight, and after last night, I’d expect Budai in there too. I’m sure that Conklin (ugh) will get a start this weekend when the Sabres play the trap-a-licious Wild and Devils on consecutive nights. Looks like I’ll be able to catch up on some sleep.
The puck drops at 7:10pm.
Update 3:08pm - Fixed Stastny's streak. I had forgotten about last night for some silly reason.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Right now, in this moment, I hate you.
I'm glad Afino has kept things updated with the goings on in the hockey world.
I have been busy with...being angry at the Hurricanes.
Dropping an important game with Atlanta was not the outcome I was expecting after a hard fought win over Pittsburgh Friday night.
I'm frustrated with people at my office asking me "CG, whats going on with the Canes?". Well idiot in cubicle #3, I believe if you were actually a fan you would be watching the games yourself...thus you would know!
I kinda feel like this right now: (from one of our favorite movies)
Hey, you like hockey?
Hey, you like hockey?
This is a big important game.
This is a big important game.
Hey, you like hockey?
This is a big important game.
This is a big important game.
I'm being serious. Don't do that
I'm being serious. Don't do that.
Howmuchwoodcouldawoodchuckchuckifawoodchuckcouldchuckwood?
Howmuchwoodcouldawoodchuckchuckifawoodchuckcouldchuckwood?
*silence*
Yeah, that's what I thought. Shut up!
So basically, if you see me around (or online), my advice to you is to steer clear of any Canes related discussions.
And for those that actually care:
+ Anton Babchuk has been recalled from Albany. After a temper tantrum and some time to "think about" him being sent down to the AHL he has netted 1 goal and 6 assists in 9 games.
+ This means the injury to Bret Hedican is worse than they are saying. Doesn't suprise me, Bret Hedican is made of eggs and held together with scotch tape this season.
+ The Canes have 4 days of no games, 2 of which are complete vacation days for them. Tomorrow they begin intensive work on the PP and PK. Thank you jesus.
+ The Hurricanes are in the 8th spot in the EC, with a ton of teams breathing down their necks. Yee haw.
+ Anson Carter is slated to play Friday night's game against Washington.
Wait...he has been playing all along? Are you serious??
Some ramblings on an off day....
Some general NHL ramblings while both our teams are enjoying some needed time off to rest injuries….and well, I’m bored.
- The Pittsburgh situation sucks, and there’s no other way to describe it. There is no other city in the US or Canada that will be able to support a team the way Pittsburgh has. Period. Not Kansas City, not Las Vegas (God help us if they go there), not Winnipeg, not Houston, not Portland. Although if they have to go SOMEWHERE, put the team in Canada where the fans will actually give a crap about them. It will be a sad day if and when the Penguins leave Pittsburgh, that much is certain. Even if they get the “Cleveland Browns deal” and are promised an expansion franchise with the Penguins name if the NHL ever decides to expand again, it still wouldn’t be right.
- Rick DiPietro earned 80,000 and change per save (all 56 of them) last night. Too bad he couldn’t stop one more. But he did play an excellent game in a playoff-like atmosphere. I bet it makes the Islanders wish they signed him long term. Oh wait…….
- I watched the Ryan Smyth farewell conference yesterday. By God, he’s the ugliest man in the NHL. A lot of other (read: more important) people have said this too, but things need to be done to curb this rent-a-player deal at the deadline. It’s a joke for a team to give up multiple players and picks for 2 months of a guy, and then see them sign long-term with their original team. See Doug Weight last year….
- Speaking of Weight, I wonder if he still doesn’t know who Jason Pominville is.
Some playoff race-related notes….
- Is anyone scared that the Rangers or Boston will take the 8th spot in the East with all their games in hand on Montreal and Carolina? (Okay, other than CG…) The Sabres have owned New York and Boston since the lockout, and I believe the Sabres are 4-0-0 against NYR and 4-1-2 against Boston this year after going 7-1 last year. Yeah, I’m not worried.
- Has anyone noticed Florida suddenly is 7-1-2 in their last 10 games and are only SIX points out of a spot themselves?? In the immortal words of Vince Lombardi, “What the hell is going on out there??”
- According to James Mirtle, the Sabres have already clinched a playoff spot…. http://mirtle.blogspot.com/2007/02/playoff-push-95-points-or-bust.html#comments
Monday, March 5, 2007
This one's for you, Jaime
Completely un-sports related, this was on the front page of the Rochester paper.
Story about one man "sharing his tale of grit".
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/LIVING/703050303/1032&GID=5gg94YbAVx1W04jcAUzufmT4Mozxyjyp2xllWUd7bU0%3D
Story about one man "sharing his tale of grit".
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/LIVING/703050303/1032&GID=5gg94YbAVx1W04jcAUzufmT4Mozxyjyp2xllWUd7bU0%3D
Forbes ranks the best GM's....
http://www.forbes.com/2007/03/02/sports-greatest-gms-biz-cz_jg_0302gms_2.html
......and the best NHL GM??
Let's just say there's not a lot of people who agree. Not even fans of his own team would agree.
Darcy Regier ranks 63rd among 98 pro sports GM's. Jim Rutherford, 17th.
Ken Holland ranks dead last among NHL GM's and 90th overall.....this list has absolutely no credibility.
The list was based on years as the GM, winning "improvement" (whatever that means), and "payroll containment"....
......and the best NHL GM??
Let's just say there's not a lot of people who agree. Not even fans of his own team would agree.
Darcy Regier ranks 63rd among 98 pro sports GM's. Jim Rutherford, 17th.
Ken Holland ranks dead last among NHL GM's and 90th overall.....this list has absolutely no credibility.
The list was based on years as the GM, winning "improvement" (whatever that means), and "payroll containment"....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)