Timmy's back, bitches

Dear Delightful Hockey Boys,

What a fun pair of Sunday evening games that I didn’t get to watch at all – I was at work, of course.  But that’s okay, you make work fun to the tune of multiple Snoopy dances (why hello there, security camera, forgot about you).  Unfortunately, my euphoria balloon was popped by an OH MOTHEREFFING EFF moment involving a broken key, and my easy, early-out night ended up being a late one of backtracking my papertrail, rootling around in our giant recycling bin, trying to unlock a drawer on the strength of willpower and a stern look, and freaking out about how much my boss would freak out this morning.  So that’s why I didn’t unload my happy happy joy joy thoughts last night.

I can’t believe that on one night THREE of my teams’ guys put up three points.  It’s so fun that I don’t even mind that one of them was P. Kane, of whom I am not terribly fond.  Lunchpail-y John Madden, whom I do like, got two goals, and feisty TK and lovely Butts both got 2 assists.  Finally, Jochen Hecht gives us a goal worthy of several replays as he tries to rebound before he realizes he actually scored.

Lalime had another solid game with a few nice saves – is Buffalo finally ready to put an end to the “Bring Back Marty” talk?  I love Marty (though honestly, is there anyone that doesn’t love Marty Biron?), but if he was going to come back, the organization would have made it happen over the summer.  Now Lalime is making me feel more and more confident with every game, and the boys have been playing better in front of him too.  I hope Lindy feels the same way.  I think we’re getting to the point where we can stop worrying about the backup and concentrate on Enroth’s development in Portland.

Dear Henrik Tallinder,

Vancouver, baby!  Congratulations!!!!!!

Dear Secret Unofficial Vice Captain Clutch Mike Grier,

That last goal, where you beat the two Blues to the puck, wheeled around, and sent it to Timmyho all easy-peasy was just…

You know how sometimes a player is said to not need a letter on his chest to be a leader?  Of course you do.  Please never leave us again.

p.s.  I don’t like Jerry Sullivan because he’s a killjoy, but I did like the article he wrote about you last week.  I’d no idea your family has such a great athletic tradition, nor did I realize that you were the first African-American to make the NHL.  You mom sounds like she was quite a woman.

Dear Chris Butler,

I am so happy that you were able to return in time to play in your hometown and make a good showing as well.  Your two assists were nice, of course, but you also got past losing the puck to Steen and went on to have a good game.  Your maturity and poise give me a lot of confidence in the future of the Sabres’ defense with a core of you, Myers, and Sekera.

Dear Patrick Kaleta,

Please stop getting injured so damn much.  I’m really liking your play this year.  I know the concussion wasn’t your fault, as the Senators simply can’t resist clobbering our players, but I’m afraid last night is on you.  Oy.

p.s. What the heck was that about with you & Crombeen & Rivet?  Totally confused.

Dear Craig Rivet,

I admit I soured on you for a little while, but I was wrong.  Sometimes I forget that you were never supposed to be our top defenseman and I blame you when the boys play like little pukes; inevitably this ends with you stepping up and reminding me why you’re here.  My apologies.  Thanks for keeping Patty K from re-concussing himself.

Dear Tim Connolly,

First you took over what Pominville started Saturday and put a little more air back in the Sabres powerplay tires.  A bit later, as I was spiraling into a full-blown freakout over OH MY GOD TYLER PLEASE GET BACK UP ARE YOU BROKEN – oh, hello, Timmyho puts one in shorthanded.  Commence my hopping up and down for several moments (um, hey there again, Loss Prevention Specialist) and trying to call a coworker/fellow fan out on the sales floor, because I was so excited I had to tell someone.  (As it turned out, his usual phone was broken, which was probably for the best as he is extremely mild-mannered and I’d have probably alarmed him.)  Oh Timmy, you made me so happy.  When I got home I watched the replay about twenty times.  Props to Myers too for making the play while falling over/sprawled out on the ice (PLEASE TELL ME YOU’RE OKAY) and to Mike for that nice pass.

And by the way – maybe I’m only saying this because I was not actually visually subjected to it – but you go ahead and take off your shirt whenever you want.  You’ve earned it.  (Go another month between goals, though, and your shirtless privileges are revoked.)

Dear Paul Gaustad,

Since I didn’t watch the game I’m not sure what to think – are the Blues just really good at faceoffs or are you broken?  How were you a -2?  I realize that I have unrealistically high expectations for you, but I’m worried.

Dear Drew Stafford,

WTF is wrong with you??  Hopefully the benching shakes things up, but I don’t know.  Blah.

Dear David Clarkson,

I’ve been listening to the Devils game as I’ve been writing and I’m pleased to hear that you’re back with a vengeance.  Also back?  Zach, baby.

Dear Capitals,

Rough night without the captain?  It’s not that I hate you; it’s just that I don’t like you.

Dear Sabres,

I don’t want to talk about it.  Do you want to talk about it?  Let’s just pretend that game never happened.

Dear Drew Stafford,

You are the most ridiculous boy in the NHL. I think I love you a little a lot a completely reasonable amount.

p.s.  Nice sweatband.

Dear Matt Ellis,

Awesome!  I heard you talking to Paul Hamilton before the game about your faceoffs, then you went six draws before you dropped one, and finished 7 for 8.  I definitely love you a completely reasonable amount.  You have not fallen victim to ‘having-a-baby’ syndrome (congrats, btw) a la Vanek and Pommerdoodle.  Yet.  (I love blaming things on babies.)

Dear Steve Montador,

Please wear your teeth.  Your deadpan is pitch perfect, and it deserves better.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

This (and this and this and this and this and this) is why you remain unchallenged as my imaginary hockey husband.

Dear Blackhawks,

Holy smokes, you boys are fun.  You are exactly what I’ve been looking for in a second/Western Conference team – a charming, feisty (but defensively responsible!) bunch of guys to turn to and cheer me up after the Sabres crap out on me.  Mission accomplished.  Oh, and remember that thing I said about you winning too much?  Apparently I’ve over it.  Last night I felt so sad for you losing a good game because Nabokov was awesome while the rest of the Sharks were…  considerably less awesome.  I guess this is how the other team feels when Ryan Miller carries the rest of the Sabres to a win.

Dear Red Wings,

4 days, 2 games, 6 goals, 2 shutouts, 4 goaltenders.  Say what you like about injuries, but those are the numbers that matter.  Now you know how Toronto feels when they play Buffalo.  (Or, um, how Buffalo feels when they play Ottawa.)

p.s.  Haaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahah

Dear Duncan Keith,

Thank you for doing everything you do so very well.  Also, would you mind sending me a recording of yourself reading the Kelowana phone book?  I think I’ve discovered a cure for my insomnia.

Dear Marty Brodeur,

Very belated congratulations.  You are the stud of the week month until future notice.

During the first intermission tonight, we were treated to an interview in which Drew Stafford discusses Festivus.  I was really impressed by this video for two reasons:

1.)  Videos like this are pretty much the norm for a lot of other teams, but one gripe I’ve always had about the Sabres is that after a crappy game or when I’m in the mood for warm and fuzzy Sabre-love, there aren’t any hilarious/ridiculous/cute videos to watch.  I like that we get to see a guy’s personality for once.

2.)  The biceps.  Two tickets for the gun show, please!!

(Lindy didn’t hurt at the end either:  ”I don’t even know why you would ask me such a stupid question.”  Lindy, you’re not so bad.)

On the other side, Alex was dancing along to some techno music at the end of the game.  I sincerely hope someone gets it up on Youtube.

While the intermission was rather enjoyable, the game itself was crap for the Sabres.  They sucked in the first period, they played a great second period, and then they sucked/spent too much time in the box in the third period.  Ryan Miller looked like the Miller of old on the first two goals, and if we’re going to start seeing more of that I will scream.  The penalty killing didn’t hold up when they needed it the most.  The power play continues to suck major ass.  I can’t even articulate how bad it is.  I…..it…..nightmares….

AND they play Ottawa next, so, you know, kicks and giggles, sunshine and lollipops.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Lala start after Miller gave up five goals tonight, and also since December 26 is the most popular day for backups to start.  (That’s one of my favorite statistics, by the way.)

The Caps, on the other hand, played a really great game.  They started quickly, they didn’t lose their heads when the Sabres cut it down to a one-goal lead, and the finally managed to get something going on the two-man advantage.  Their 5-3 was horrible Saturday night and their power play wasn’t much better up in Canada, so to see them get two goals with the advantage when they needed it was nice.  Unfortunate it had to happen against the Sabres, but at least it happened.

I don’t get to see these two teams play each other again until March.  Frowny face.

Neuvy was pretty good last night.  He didn’t see any action in the first period, but he was rather solid in the second.

Lars scoring makes me all warm and fuzzy.

It’s about time Tim Connolly tried to make something happen.  I really like how he’s been working hard and justifying his contract.

I enjoyed all the faceoffs Goosie and David took against each other.  I’d have to check the actual statistics, but I think Paul had the upper hand this time.

Steve Montador is only a little gross without his fake tooth in.

LOL moment of the night:  Mike Green saying he likes blocking shots.  Sure thing, Michael.  Whatever you say.

He’s so cute when he tries to pretend he actually gives a crap about defense.

Have a very safe and happy holidays, everyone, and enjoy Festivus!!  Thanks again for reading.  You’re all the bestest.

Dear Ron Wilson,

Most game days when Buffalo is scheduled to play Ottawa I can’t get past the cold, sinking feeling of dread and futility, but damn do I wish we were playing Ottawa tonight.  Since we’re not, thanks for giving me (and hopefully, the Sabres) another channel for our collective measure of rage.  I’m more than used to hearing superior jackasses from the choosier parts of the continent spit all over Buffalo, but a Fort Erie boy should know better.

Dear Sabres,

Please demonstrate to Brian Burke your excellent levels of pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

I wanted to haul out the fireworks and a marching band too, but weather didn’t allow.  And could anything be better than Burkie & Ron realizing what we in Buffalo have known all along?

So,  do you have any thoughts?

Oh Goose, you always say exactly the right things.

Dear Senators,

First, you poisoned the Sabres, then you let Ruutu try to murder our hottest offensive player (so what if all meanings of the operative word apply), and now this?  Low, Senators, very low.  You’re about two elbowings and a minor scandal away from being called the Ottawadelphia Flenators.

Dear Readership (all four of you plus the stray Patrick Sharp fans who – mortifyingly – constitute 70% of my traffic),

As you can see, I’ve referred but obliquely to the Ruutu-Kaleta hit, the subsequent (non)response from the League, and the abject disregard for accuracy or professionalism of the non-local hockey media in their discussion of the incident.  That’s because too many other blogrollers have already said it better, especially Heather, Ryan, and Kevin.

(Burn Ottawa to the ground!)

First Period

- Oh, the weather outside is frightful…and I hope I have power and internet for the rest of the night. The wind is whipping mightily outside beautiful SOtC Estates, but there is no snow yet. On the positive side, at least my laundry is done so I have clean pants to wear to work tomorrow. I will be 19 kinds of pissed if the power goes off before 11pm. Tonight is the final episode of Glee until April and the Top Chef finale. (On a related Glee note, I think it’s incredible that Barry Manilow is slated to guest star in the spring and Idina Menzel is in talks as well. I’ve been humming “Copacabana” and “Over The Moon” since I read about these two on EW. Talk about an odd juxtaposition. Heh.)

- Per Mike Harrington, Sekera and his wonky ankle are in, Paetsch is again relegated to the origami swan factory in the press box with Goose and Butler. (While we’re on the subject of scratches, has there been any word on Mama Grier? Thoughts and prayers are with her and the entire Grier family.)

- Miller is again starting in goal tonight.

- Montador rips a shot from the point and it gets past Theodore. There is initially some discussion about whether Gerbe tipped it, but the goal is credited to Montador. 1-0, Sabres.

- I love the Honda commercial that shows the dog race in the snow. The dogs look so happy to be out running.

- Per the Sabres Twitter feed, Teppo is in the press box tonight, doing some scouting for the Finnish national team.

- And for the love of pete, Princess Permapout (aka Danica Patrick) hasn’t even raced in NASCAR yet and she’s already been named the second most powerful woman in the sport? Eff me. If I were Delana Harvick or Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, I’d have a thing or six to say about that. I need a “roll eyes” smiley right about now.

- Vanek makes a nice play by going after Ovechkin rather than the puck and manages to distract Ovie into turning over the puck in the Buffalo zone. Very nice play, TV.

Second Period

- A wonderful stat flashes on the screen that the Caps are 2-0 when trailing after 1. Oh goody.

- Pommers fans on a gorgeous scoring opportunity on a wide open net after the puck takes a little hop shortly before it arrives to him from Lydman. Lydman, for his part, did a wonderful little dipsy doodle to keep from turning over the puck.

- I’m cracking up at the photo on Getty showing Ovie and Backstrom sitting on a dumpy old couch in the bowels of HSBC Arena watching their teammates play soccer. These two guys looks like they’re sitting on something that should be found in the basement of Faber College’s Delta House.

- Gerbe deflects the puck off of Theodore. 2-0, Sabres.

- Great8 – or Grape Ape, as he is known in other parts of the internet – is sent off for diving. Roy-Z is sent off for tripping. Oh, the irony, as our sweet little Roy-Z is usually the one sent off for diving.

- Tallinder buries the puck in the net after a coast to coast rush. I’ll give you a moment to let that sink in. Better now? Please note that this is Tallinder’s second goal of the season and it again featured a real live goalie in the net. It’s still not the awesomest goal Tallinder has ever scored, though.

3-0, Sabres.

- As the period ends, Harry Neale is waxing poetic about the Sabres 2-0 lead and how if they hold onto it, they’ll win. RJ just calmly butts in and tells Harry that it’s 3-0, that it’s alright that he goofed up, since the Sabres scored no goals on Monday night.

Third Period

- The Acme Brain Trust known as “The Whip” is debating whether or not Marty Brodeur is the greatest goalie ever. While this is a great discussion topic, it’s  I’m pretty sure that Patrick Roy’s introduction at the Montreal Centennial ceremony made reference to him being the best goalie ever. And you really can’t argue about Hasek’s prowess in net. But, if you boil it down to statbits and records, then you have a compelling argument to name Marty the best goalie ever. It is a matter of opinion and personal preference. While I think Goose may be the heart and soul of the Sabres, there are others out there for whom Goose is not their cup of tea.

- Wow, another fanfuckingtastic save from Miller comes while I’m off reading one of my high school classmate’s articles on nytimes.com. (I’m not bitter. No. I’m. Not.) Miller swept across the crease to grab the puck and ends up sliding onto his back like a turtle that’s been flipped over onto it’s shell.

- I feel like tonight has been a good team effort. While Vanek has missed a couple of quality opportunities, there’s been great goaltending, solid play from the defense and decent play from the forwards.

- In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the annual “Gaustad bakes cookies with the kiddos” video. We do need to have a discussion regarding his choice of headwear. Yankees apparel is unacceptable, unless he is wearing a Yankees hat so that he doesn’t dirty up any of the hats of his favorite team?

- It is now snowing at SOtC Estates.

- The game ends with Miller getting an honest to goodness shutout and not a “Ryan Miller shutout.” I like games that end with a real shutout and not a Crunchy special. It’s a nice rebound from the 3-0 shutout the boys endured the other night.

Now onto the Blackhawks on Friday…

…ish.  My good feelings always end badly.

Dear Chris Drury,

It isn’t that I don’t want you to be happy.  It’s that I don’t (ever) want you to be happy with the Rangers – because the Rangers are a bitch who can’t cultivate a relationship star player like a nice, normal girl team, but instead go and swipe someone else’s fiance captain just because they can.  And because you’re the ass that went along with it, for reasons I cannot fathom lots and lots of money, and then tried to tell us that, oh, you just remembered that maybe you loved the Rangers all along.  Dude, that is not how you handle a breakup.  You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to score on us six times.  I feel sweet, delicious schadenfreude whenever I think about how miserable you must be doing stupid, showy, New York-y Rangers nonsense, like that embarrassing travesty with Madonna and Letterman.  You’re deluding yourself if you think those people care anything about hockey.  Go play for some nice, unassuming Western Conference team like Minnesota, and I think we can be on civil – even friendly – terms again.  But as long as you insist on maintaining this farce of a relationship, all I can do is throw something at you and stomp off.

Dear Sabres,

I know it’s the Christmas season, but all those giveaways went above and beyond the spirit of the holiday.

Dear Lindy Ruff,

For the love of you, please stop making Tim Kennedy take the faceoffs.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

I miss you so much.

Haven’t been on here since the Washington loss. So I have a few things to cover.  I’m very very happy with the way the Sabres have responded after their 4th straight loss..  4 wins in a row. We’ll do a quick recap for the last 4 games.

Philly 4-2.  After their last minute frezny in the1st period, I’ll admit it. I thought, “here we go again.”  It was a very fun and eventful game to watch. It was like they finally woke up and played physical for a change. I love those kinds of Philly games.  This is also the game where Kaleta got suspsended for 2 games following his borderline hit on Ross. I wasn’t a huge fan of the suspension because Ross saw him then turned a second before Kaleta made contact.  There was also that Ovechkin lack of suspension because he’s a star player from the previous game I wasn’t thrilled about.

Carolina 5-1.  Easily could have been a shut out for Miller had Myers not turned the puck over, resulting on a break away for Matt Cullen. After the Tropical Storms were still leading 1-0 after the 2nd period. I was like oh my god, if they lose to the worst team in hockey I’m going to break something. Then they scored 5 unanswered goals in the 3rd. Thanks for waking up again. The Sabres were without Goose and Rivet, who had both been hurt in the Flyers game, and Kaleta serving his 1st game for the suspension.

Toronto 3-0. Miller got his 3rd shutout this season. Kennedy, Tallinder, and Hecht scored. It was Tallinder’s first goal in 76 games. (Yeah, I had no idea it had been that long either.)  Miller certainly gave the Team USA coach quite the show, and Wilson even said “I hope he plays like this in February.”

Before the game it was announced that Lalime was sent down to Portland for a 2 game conditioning assignment. The Sabres, like every other team in the NHL have a treacherous schedule this month, usually playing every other night. They know they can’t play Miller every game, so this is to get Patty ready.  Enroth was brought up to back up Miller.

Montreal 6-2. This was a fun one to watch if you were a Sabres fan. Not so much if you liked Montreal. The Sabres stormed out to a 4-0 lead before Montreal finally put one up on the board on a 2-on-1.For most of the game Montreal looked like they completely forgot what they were doing, and often looked lost. Halak was giving up some juicy rebounds, and the Sabres capitalized on them. Kennedy had another goal, which is nice to see because he works so hard out there. Vanek had 3 assists. It was Rivet and Kaleta’s first game back. Paul Mara obviously can’t give up his grudge against Patty and those two went at it in the 3rd period. Butler left the game with an ankle sprain. No word on how long he’ll be out.  The shots after 2 periods went in the Sabres favor 29-8. Yes, EIGHT. Perhaps their minds were on the Centennial celebration happening the following night. Either way, it was embarrassing. I almost felt bad for them.  Almost. I still don’t like it when Gomez gets anywhere near Miller.

Rangers tonight at 7. Can’t wait. Hopefully they get the streak to 5.

Also before I forget.  Ovechkin.  KAAARRRRMMMAAAAA. Hahahaahaha.

1. What is wrong with the Hurricanes?  I mean, HONESTLY.  If the Sabres had played Lalime instead of Crunchy the score could have been 4-0 going into the third period, but even THAT wouldn’t have been enough for Carolina to overcome their complete and utter third period suckitude.  The third period was breathtaking, especially when you consider the Hurricanes did that last night too.

2. Rick might be right.  We’re not worthy (of Crunchy).

3. Except for Ryan Miller, for the first two periods the Sabres looked T to the E to the R to the R to the I to the B to the L to the E.  That was pukeriffic.

4. I miss Goose already.  *mournful honk*  (Side note: The other day I was hanging out with a percussionist friend and he pulled out his collection of bird calls.  Every once in a while a piece of music requires a bird call of some sort, and as a result all percussionists have a box of odd whistles and honks at the ready.  When my friend pulled out the goose call, I got all wistful imagining a whole arena of people honking away in tribute to Goose.  Now ordinarily I am VERY opposed to noisemakers in the stands, but just once it would be fun.  Especially if we could somehow surprise Goose with a chorus of genuine honks after his next goal.)

5. How drunk was Robi during the postgame report tonight?  Loved it.

6. When you play The Nutcracker you often feel like an animal in a zoo because a lot of parents bring their kids to the edge of the pit to look down at the orchestra. I’m never sure if I should wave at these children, or if I should just ignore them.  Wouldn’t it freak you out if an animal in a zoo made eye contact and then waved?  I don’t want to scare the children.

7. Every time they showed Crunchy during a stoppage of play, he was rooting around in his jersey.  Something about his pads must have been on his nervies tonight.  Did someone forget to add the fabric softener?   You can’t do that to him.  He has sensitive skin.

8. I know that by the time he scored it Vanek’s goal was pretty meaningless, but it was still nice to see.  I miss good Vanek.  I hope he comes back someday.

9. Now look, I loooove NYC, but I am SO INCREDIBLY SICK of the “rah rah New York City” commercials that we have to watch on MSG.  We live in BUFFALO, MSG.  Buff. a. lo.  It’s DIFFERENT than NYC.  Quite.  Stop showing us commercials with a bunch of people beating their chests about The City.  We. Don’t. Care.  If a commercial doesn’t contain Cellino, Barnes, Yancy’s Fancy, Hurt in a Car?, or knotted ropes representing veins IT’S NOT FOR US.

Dear Hockey Gods,

If I ignore the bad things, it’s like they never happened, okay?

What?  You won’t play along?  Well screw you too.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

Okay, Lindy said you’ll be out for “weeks.”  We’re measuring this in Lindy Ruff weeks, right?  You’re missing two games, just like Patty K, right?  Right?? RIGHT?!?!?!?@!@?!@!?!~?@!?@#!?@#$

Ahem.  I’m back.  In the meantime, can I get anything for you?  Painkillers?  Booze? Ps2 games?  Steak? Elaborate desserts? Porn? Die Hard 1-4?  A new worthy cause to champion? Anything?  Anything? (Okay, not quite anything. But damn close.)

I hate the Wachovia Center’s end boards so much.

Dear Lindy Ruff,

Wasn’t yesterday’s game super awesome?  I’m attributing 25% to Tim Connolly remaining in good working order, 25% to Ryan Miller being Crunchytastic, 15% to Drew Stafford playing to his full head-banging potential, 5-15% to someone (you? dads? each other?) lighting a fire under their collective asses & other intangibles, and the remainder to you receiving my mental telegraphs to move up Goose to center the third line and put Kennedy back on the wing.  I love being right!!!!!  I just wish we didn’t have to wait a whole TWO GAMES before we can try that experiment again.

Dear Sabres,

Cookies for everyone!!!  I <3 you guys.  Let’s try doing all that good stuff again, okay?  (Yes, I know it’s just the Furrycanes, but you are not allowed to give me that ‘duh’ look until you can go a month without phoning in a game or taking a second period nap.)

Dear Tim Kennedy,

I love love love love your fearless MO, but you’re giving me panic attacks.  Be careful out there, little one.  You are not indestructible.  (Consult the other Timmy-Irishname for further elaboration.)

Dear Patrick Kaleta,

That was naughty, but you got Ovechkined on Wednesday so you can have a cookie.  (One.)  Please spend your time off studying the difference between legal and illegal checking (Goose can be your tutor!) and practicing being really obnoxious (Royzie can be your tutor!)

Dear Nathan Paetsch,

Hey, they’re letting you out!!  Maybe if you’re very, very good, some nice team will adopt you and you won’t have to live in the attic pressbox anymore.

Brief thoughts after the carnage in Philly today.

- The Sabres played a very physical game today. They matched Philly hit for hit and snarl for snarl.

- At the end of the second period, I was amused by how Miller just stood calmly in his crease and looked on while all blessed hell was breaking out in the corner to his left. With how ornery both sides were today, I was half expecting Miller and Emery to get into it at some point. We know Emery has dropped the gloves before, and I’m genuinely curious about how Miller would do in a fight. We’ve seen his temper flare before, but never escalate to an all out physical fight.

- Nice job by Rivet in engaging in not one, but two fights with that little bastidge Carcillo. It was hysterical how Carcillo was sent to the dressing room to serve out his misconduct penalty because he just would not shut the eff up. I lost track of how many times the refs and his teammates came over and told him to STFU.

- Kaleta’s hit was ugly and will probably get him a suspension, mainly because he has a reputation of being an agitator and a shit-stirrer. Meanwhile, so-called league “superstars” get away scott free for similar-type hits. Reputation or status shouldn’t be a consideration for determining the length or qualifications for a suspension. We’ll have to see how long Colin Campbell drops the hammer for.

- Continuing with the ugly theme, Rivet’s crash into the boards certainly was ugly. Here’s to hoping nothing was seriosuly broken, sprained, injured or wrecked.

- Ugly: Part 3 – way to stay klassy, Philly Phans, booing Rivet as he left the ice. I know you’ve booed Santa in the past, so I should expect nothing less, but seriously. No stick taps for you on that one.

- Who woke up Timmy this game? Did the boys all chip in and get him a present? Was Daddy Timmy along for the ride and offering encouragement? As RJ and Harry both said, when Timmy shoots the puck, good things happen. Goose’s tip-in of Timmy’s shot was also a thing of beauty.

- While I was off picking up my mother from work, I was listening to the postgame show and Paul Hamilton interviewed Timmy. He said that he and Miller discussed Timmy’s accidental tip of the Flyers shot that got past Miller. They both agreed there was nothing that either one of them could have done on that one. I’d like to know at just how loud of a volume this agreement took place at. Heh.

- The Sabres dads were absolutely adorable. You could tell that their sons were a little apprehensive about them being on camera and accidentally revealing something embarassing. There were also a few sons who didn’t fall far from the family tree, if you know what I mean. The resemblance between Myers and his dad and even Pommers and his dad was uncanny. Now will the Sabres take their mommies along on a road trip? That could be priceless and show that the Sabres are equal opportunity experience sharers.

-  Can we just order a bionic lower body for Goose? The Sabres are going to miss his kickass faceoff skills if he’s going to be out for awhile.

- In case anyone is wondering, the Sabres store has Myers t-shirts. I am now the proud owner of one. And that’s my story.

First I was happy when the Sabres scored the first goal.  Then I was concerned when the Flyers scored two quick ones (Dear Sabres, Work on actually playing for twenty full minutes, not nineteen and a half.  With Love, Frostee).  Then I was cautiously optimistic when they came back, and then I was happy again when they won 4-2.  When you start and end happy, consider it a good game.

Score aside, that was one big chippy chipfest.  Wow.  So much fighting and hitting and players writhing on the ice in pain and me having mini panic attacks.  All in all, I think the Sabres alone ended up with 13 3 casualties?  Patty getting kicked out, Goosie hurting one leg and Craigory hurting two?  Then there was Tyler Myers, but thank the merciful and great hockey gods, he came back.

Both Paul and Craig’s injuries looked serious.  The Sabres will miss having their captain around, but Paul Gaustad has been one of the best players for the team aside from Ryan Miller.  They’re going to miss him a lot.

Mayhaps we can call up Tyler Ennis?  If he’s not too busy with other things?

Tim Connolly had a spectacular night afternoon.  Good on ya for finally doing something, Timothy.

Mike Richards is the slimiest of all the slimeballs in the land, and I don’t like him.  He’s so dirty, and he’ll always get away with it because he’s Mike Richards (cue Pierre McGuire).  I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Patty got suspended for his hit, but no one’s going to do anything about Richards.

Ray Emery is not a very good goalie.  I don’t know why everyone kept thinking he’s the reason the team could actually make a deep run this season.

Killing off all the power players against the best power play in the league was pretty spiffy, boys.  Good work.

Stupid Scott Hartnell felt the need to pick on Timmy K, aka someone half his size.  Keep it classy, Scott.

I don’t like Philadelphia.  This win was very satisfying.

It was also an important win to get, because I’m already nervous about tomorrow night and to go into a game against Carolina with a five game losing streak is a recipe for disaster.

Sabres, please don’t completely embarrass yourselves at home against the Hurricanes.  That would be tragic.

Dear Tim Connolly,

Congratulations!  You are my new favorite Sabre, based entirely on the series of hilarious faces you made during your post-practice interview yesterday.  Enjoy it while it lasts, my friend.  I’m very fickle.

In a slightly more important development, tomorrow’s game will be the quarter mark of the Sabres’ season.  And you haven’t missed a single game due to a concussion, contusion, break, bruise, sprain, strain, fracture, tear, infection, virus, STD, or tummy-ache.  This is incredible.  Are you encased in an invisible bubble?  Is there a layer of plastic wrap and cotton balls under your hockey gear?  Did you finally get around to padding every flat surface in your home?  Do you sleep in a cozy bed of packing peanuts?  Have you inexplicably reverted back to the Tim Connolly of old, who never missed a game?

Lets all keep our fingers and toes crossed.

Dear Drew Stafford,

You’re alive!!!! I’m so glad.  But “on accident”?  Come on.  No one’s buying it.

Dear Hockey Gods,

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.  I don’t care about Brent Sopel at all.

Dear Lindy Ruff,

Saturday, when you were short a forward and apparently couldn’t or wouldn’t call up a Baby Sabre (I want to see Tennis again!), why didn’t you play Paetsch?  Apparently, you didn’t even know Sekera had once played forward until later.  Are you trying to test his mental fortitude by seeing how long he can grit his teeth and say he’s glad to be part of a team that has so much depth?  Is his new job entertaining the press with his shadow-puppetry?  Or do you just hate him that much?  I am THISCLOSE to starting a “Free Patches” campaign.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

Do you remember this?

I remember it.  Oh Goose, you’re so dreamy when the fists of fury come out.

HONK HONK

Me

Dear NHL Leader Board,

Ugh. Zero Crunchies and I have to look at Dany Heatley?

Sunday Night Update:  Woohoo!!  We got a Crunchy back!  Thanks, Thrashers!

Dear Jarome Iginla,

How do you feel about your chances of scoring another hat trick tomorrow night? I don’t want to look at Heatley, but I don’t want to look at Ovechkin or a Ranger’s jersey. That sounds doable, right?

Dear Blackhawks,

Who’s got a foxy little streak going now? This road trip has been a delight thus far. The downside is these games finish so late that I’m too sleepy to blog by the time they’re over, and when I’ve had two-Sabres-made-me-do-it cocktails beforehand, I can’t remember all the stuff I meant to tell you. Um. I thought the Edmonton fans (and bench) might riot over that no goal at the end of the first. Pat Quinn is a world class gum-chomper. (At least, I’m hoping it was gum. If not, eww.) Coach Q has a fine mustache. The Oilers’ uniforms look way, way too much like the Islanders’. Why would anyone want to emulate the Islanders? Jonathan Toews had a spectacular game and remains one of the most adorable things on skates. I want him over for cookies and milk and then I’ll read him Harry Potter. I have no recollection of the last ten minutes of that game. Hmm.

My only complaint (other than the late-night games) is that I’m already bored of your road jerseys. I confess, I have a weakness for a foxy red hockey sweater. I’m pretty sure it’s the main reason I kinda like the Habs.

Dear Senators,

Your jerseys are so stupid – even stupider than the Avs, Bolts, and Thrashers. I hate them so much. Screw you.

Dear Bills,

You guys are.. doing well? Fitzpat has thrown for nearly 300 yards (and counting)? You appear to be winning? My brains hurt. Of course, it took me FIVE DAYS to figure out how to make my categories show up in their hierarchical organizations, so let’s assume it’s me, not you. Nice debut, Perry F!

Dear Rob Ray,

At first I was puzzled as to why Paul Gaustad’s faceoff stats had jumped off a cliff, then I watched the mini-clinic you two did, in which you had the audacity to win a draw. Clearly, this humiliation Zambonied every ounce of Goose’s self-confidence and he can’t help but second-guess every draw. Furthermore, there is a direct correlation between Goose’s faceoffs and the Sabres’ success. (Graphical proof forthcoming when I feel like it.)

Rob Ray, this is ALL YOUR FAULT. I hope you’re happy.

Dear Lindy Ruff,

If you want to continue positively reinforcing the boys then fine. But frankly, I think we’ll see better results if you play bad cop-bad cop with me.

Dear Sabres,

Go to your room. We’ll talk Wednesday.

Dear Sabres,

You are all professional hockey players, so I think I can safely assume you’ve all seen the movie Miracle about a thousand times.  Remember that scene when Herb “Kurt Russell” Brooks pops his reel of team USSR footage into the overhead projector?  Scary Jaws music plays while Coach yaps about “constantly circling” bloodthirsty sharks Commie forwards and the boys’ faces fall from giggly awe to ‘we’re dead’ terror.  I get the impression that you guys feel the same way about the Ottawa Senators (and um, I do too).  What I don’t understand is – why?

Like the Russians, the Senators’ main weapon is intimidation (at least when they play the Sabres.)  Unlike the Russians, they don’t know they’re going to win because they often lose – except to Buffalo.  Ottawa was craptacular last year – and they were without the very mean and scary Ray Emery – but did you win even one game to them?  Certainly not when I was watching.  I think this must be a self-esteem issue.

In the spirit of new Lindy Ruff, I am not going to freak out at you over last night.  Let’s focus on the good:

1. It was better than the last time you played the Bruins.

2. You got one point.

3. Even though you had a terrible second period, you came back stronger in the third (and didn’t let the Bruins score 5 more goals on you).  This is an important step forward.

4. Crunchy did pretty well.

5. Goose got a goal.

6. Tyler Myers was very helpful to Crunchy and didn’t make any of those ‘rookie mistakes’ we’ve seen in some of the other loses.

7. Vanek had a bunch of good chances.

8. You remembered that “hitting is everyone’s job.” (TM Goose)

There was some bad stuff too, you know about it better than I do and we’ll leave it at that.  You guys are better than the Senators – now show them that you know it!  As Hurt Brussell would tell you – Attack them!  (I do think you should also play defense though.  Especially if Lalime is in net tonight.  Seriously guys, it’s really mean the way you poop out in front of him and let him get the brunt of the blame.  He’s not Crunchy, but he’s your goalie too, and he’s very nice.)

So have fun with your Dads, do them proud, and attack! attack! attack!

(And yes, guys, I’m scared too.)

Dear Staffy,

I heard your ‘lower body injury’ is a bone bruise and you will be sitting out Hottawa.  Ouch.  AlsopleasetwittermoreIadoreit.

Dear Pommerdoodle,

I’m glad to see you’ve recovered (or at least recovered enough) from that Chara shot you took to the leg.  What a jerk, right?

Dear Andrej Sekera/Steve Montador,

Word on the street (that is, TBN) is one of you will be playing forward tonight.  That sounds like it could be fun.

p.s. to the Sabres – my endless love to whomever takes down Chris Neil tonight.  (Granted,  my money would be on Goose, which is why I feel comfortable making this offer.)

p.p.s.  And at least the Flyers lost-lost last night.  I feel so much better now that we don’t have the same record as Philadelphia.