I hope you all enjoyed your day yesterday, whether you celebrate Christmas or Festivus or any other holidays that fell over the past few days.  I know I did.

Santa didn’t bring me as many hockey-related gifts as he did last year, but I did get a Sabres calendar, a fleece blanket in Sabres colors (to go with the fleece blanket in Caps colors I had already gotten), and, of course, my new jersey.

It’s so pretty.  It’s a third jersey, because the slugs are ugly and I don’t want to wear them and supposedly they’ll be gone after this season.  It’s blank.  I’m toying with getting it customized with Tyler’s name and number, because I kind of adore him (and it only made me love him more when he ran into Alex Wednesday night and bounced off), but I might just leave it blank because it’s kind of cool like that too.  Now, I just have to get to a few Sabres games that the Caps aren’t playing in so I can actually wear the thing to HSBC Arena.

Team Russia’s roster was announced late Thursday night.  It was rather exciting.  The original list I saw freaked me out a bit because Alex’s name was the second last, but fear not, it was there.  It also made me laugh because for Varly it said “Semen Varlamov.”  Semen and Jizz, together for the Olympics.  Even if he doesn’t see any ice time, which I doubt he will, it’s still really exciting that Varly made the team and will be able to get invaluable experience for Sochi.  I don’t know too much about the KHL players on the team, but I do know that the offense is really, really scary.  Holy cow.  Watch out, everyone.  These guys are loaded.

Will Lala be starting tonight?  I’m sure the Sabres will lose either way, so they might as well give Ryan the night off.  Especially after he gave up five goals Wednesday.  It seems like we’ve been seeing an awful lot of the Senators lately even though this is only the third game against them this season.  The Senators have been getting a lot of press-time lately, between partaking in poisoning opponents and arson and getting engaged to Carrie Underwood.  (Has everyone seen the rock?  It’s huge.  She’d sink straight to the bottom.) Alfie and Spezza are out and Heatley is gone so the Sabres won’t have to deal with that, but I still have no faith in them against this team.

After the way the Caps manhandled the Sabres and put five past Miller, I’m looking forward to seeing how they handle Marty Brodeur tonight.  If they get swept by the Devils I might cry.

Now, off to go eat all the leftover Christmas cookies.

Quick scheduling note for the blog: There will be no non-NHL wraps up for the three Bears game over the weekend (and the Badgers are still on break). There will also be no after game Weagle scout post on Saturday and Monday. They will pick right back up after that and maybe with some bonus coverage of the World Junior Cup.

Speaking of the WJC, snaps for our John Carlson for making it on the US WJC team. And, super snaps for Caps prospect Johansson for being named captian of team Sweden. If you can get a feed, for US fans, I highly recommend watching a couple of the games particularly Canada versus Sweden. Their exhibition game was intense and Sweden had their sad little Swedish butts handed to them so they’ll be out for retribution when the game is actually on the line.

WJC starts on Saturday (Boxing Day for my Canadian and British buddies). The whole schedule is here: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/61090/la_id/1.htm I found adthe.net (I think that’s the website name) had feeds for pre-comp but I do not know if it will be the same for the actual games.

I found out today I’m not the only one who used to think Neuvy was Asian. YES! Ha I’m not quite the idiot I thought I was. At least I didn’t think he was French Canadian like a person I know thought.

Still speaking of Neuvy, I need my Black and Gold season fans for this analogy that was posed, someone compared Neuvy to young AHL call-up/back-up goalie Brent Johnson. You remember that Johnson the “Groan, oh shit I didn’t realize he was in goal for this game”, bouncy in the goal Johnson. I don’t know if that is very fair to say that but I’m not very unbiased toward Neuvirth so I’d like to see what everyone else thinks about that analogy.

Have a good weekend everybody. I’ll probably be back Wednsday unless there is a Christmas miracle.

According to the High Times editorial office, the Dragpo is “a dragon-hippo hybrid that lives in our minds and eats away our sadness.” That about sums up this week in Sabres.

Good game thingys:

• Dru receiving a penalty for roughing “airing” too many “grievances.”
• Goals by GOOSE and TIMMAY!
• Basically all of the second period.

Thats about it. Mike Green ate my team. I miss Kaleta.

Thank goodness for Drew Stafford interviews! Woo! Not to get all squee-ie on you but I love him. I seriously LOVE him. I freaked out when he waited to the last minute to sign with the Sabres and this is half of the reason why. Can you picture a team without Staffy? Let me answer before you say anything. No, no you can’t picture this team without Staffy. And who else would we yell “Drrruuuuuuu” at?

My three favorite moments from his segment are as follows:

(1) Shirtless Sabres. We NEVER see shirtless Sabres. Also, Adam Mair having tape on his back reading “Mair?” Made me giggle.

(2) “It’s not even a real holiday. It’s like Flag Day or Canadian Thanksgiving.” -Steve Montador

(3) Clarke and Tyler’s faces.

I couldn’t get the gif maker to work. It kept failing on me. I have about 50 billion screen shots of Drew Stafford. SCREW FREE INTERNET SOFTWARE! Instead, I give you Dru’s one-armed power workout in digital short form. You can use this to set the tone.

This post turned out a lot perkier than I intended. I guess the Dragpo is real after all. Uh… umm… boo we lost. I’m sulking and angry and wearing lots of black.

The past three days have been extremely mixed emotion with the Capitals. The many jibjab videos were highly amusing so I was feeling warm and fuzzy but then I found out that not only did the Capitals used to have the rights to the little brother of my absolute favorite defenseman in the NHL and in general favorite NHL player, Brent Seabrook, but I completely missed that out we had him and I found out that we traded him over the summer and I never ever knew about it. I am so angry with myself.

I got over it but, then Japers Rink tried to destroy my perception of Nicki. I won’t have it! I won’t listen; LALALALALALALALA!

And, then we played Buffalo tonight. I was very nervous to have the boys facing Miller again. But, Nicki immediatly scored and in the end four other players tallied goals making it a five goal win to the sabres two. Our defense, our DEFENSE, played really well except on the one goal. It was amazing to see.

Our Weagle Scout is:

Baby face Backstrom- look at him he’s all chess-y…

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.

2 penalties when down by one goal. Craig Rivet, blatant hook. He’s the captain. Really? REALLY MAN?! And then Goose. What the hell? Could he have stuck his leg out any further trying to trip Fleischman. Just not cool, guys. You don’t do that. You can’t do that. Suddenly it’s a five on three and the Caps score. Then a five on four and Ovie comes through with a snipe.

That’s all I’m going to talk about.

Ok. So. Period two has come to a close and the score is now 3-2 in favor of the Capitals. Overall a much, much better period by the Buffalo Sabres. Let’s talk about why:

What we’re doing well:

Shots: Our shots drastically improved this period. Roy set Gaustad up with a great pass and the Goose put it away. Steve Montador took a CLEAN shot from the point and it went in. What can I say? I know my stuff. Kinda. But seriously though. The Sabres went from having 4 shots on goal in the first to taking 20 shots on goal in the second. And what do ya know, we came out with goals. I hate to say it (not really) but I told ya so. Ok, aside from this self congratulatory crap, the Sabres have new found energy because they are getting pucks to the. If they can continue to pepper Nuevirth then they will eventually crack two, maybe three more goals.

What we need to improve:

Defense (still): The Sabres D is still struggling to shut down the high energy offense that is the Washington Capitals. Obviously with guys like Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Greene they are going to have scoring chances but the Sabres can easily shut these guys down with some physical play and by thinking about their passes before making them. Miller was solid yet again only allowing one goal on 14 shots on a play that, quite frankly, wasn’t his fault. Granted, Morrison did pull a nifty through the legs shot (a move which isn’t exactly impossible) but Miller was pretty much hung out to dry. The number of high opportunity scoring chances that the Capitals are getting is a bit too much for my taste. The defense needs to lock it  in in the 3rd and shut ‘em down. I have faith.

The third period comes down to continuing shots and finding an answer to the Caps offense. If I was Lindy, I would be pretty pissed at the lackluster, flatfooted-ness of the Sabres backcheck. We need to shut them down to guarantee a win. I really want to win in regualtion too. Make it happen boys.

See you after the game!

Go Sabres!

So I forgot to write a game preview today. Sue me. Well don’t, actually. That wouldn’t be very nice. To make up for this, I have decided to break down each period after said period has occurred. For the sake of time, let’s get down to business.

What we’re doing well:

Ryan Miller: Millsy has been able to stop 13 out of 15 shots. That’s not bad considering most of those chances were very high opportunity shots. Alex Semin would have at least two goals if it wasn’t for the solid play of Mr. Miller. If he can continue to stay solid, I’m sure the Sabres will be able to put one past Neuvirth.

And that’s really all that went well last period. We kicked it in to damage control after the second goal but that won’t cut it.

What we (really) need to improve:

Shots: We need to take better shots. Not more shots, but better ones. I try to pride myself on not being the guy that yells shoot during every single power play.  A low opportunity shot is likely to get blocked and those usually result in turnovers and odd man rushes back the other way. It’s not a good idea to force the perfect play. The Sabres need  to stop worrying about being fancy and just settle down and get GOOD pucks on the net. When cycling the puck they need to put it through the middle (to the guy in the slot) and try to get some shots closer in. Michael Neuvirth has played 8 career games. 8. We really need to pepper this guy with shots ON goal, not shots AT the goal. The Sabres only had 4 shots hit the net in the entire period. That’s not acceptable. Shots equal goals. It’s basic math.

Defense: The defense just needs to step it up. Plain and simple. Miller can only do so much (and much he has done). If the Sabres can settle down the game and not allow the Capitals to keep their high intensity of play, they will be fine. There is no reason we can’t dominate this team. Especially tonight on the road. If the Defense does their job, we will be fine.

This game provides an opportunity to gain an even greater lead in the Northeast over the Bruins. Only time will tell.

See you after the second period!

Go Sabres!

I don’t have to go to school for almost a week and a half.  That’s…not that much time off.  Whatevs, I’ll deal.

It looks like the game tonight will be Neuvirth versus Miller.   This could be quite interesting as Neuvy gives up lots of goals but the Sabres have no offense, and Miller never lets anything in but as we all know, the Caps certainly have a good handle on putting pucks in the net.  It will be interesting to see which side breaks down first.

I really want to wear my Caps jersey tonight but I don’t want it to appear like I’m favoring one team over the other.  Perhaps if I put on my Miller t-shirt underneath the hockey gods will understand?

These are two really good teams playing tonight.  There, I said it.  The Sabres are a really good team.  That may be due entirely to the fact that Ryan Miller is insane and ridiculous and makes me feel less stupid for having a Ryan Miller poster (hey, it was $.25!!), but they’re still a good team.  The Caps are the Caps.

I kind of want a high-scoring game tonight.  Also, Alex needs to break his contract rules and score a hat trick so he can just freaking regain the lead in the goals race.  I will NOT stand for Gaborik beating him.  I won’t have it!

A few years ago, when Brendan first made the Squirt travel hockey team*, I was a little apprehensive at best. Although our little Blue Ridge Bears team was really only a rag tag group that was little more than a traveling House Select team, it seemed like a big step to me. Still being relatively new to the world of hockey beyond that of NHL-fan, I figured that if my kid was going to love this game and give it his all, I’d better get involved too.

Sitting across from the then coach and resident Hockey Director, I offered my help:

“So, I know I’m new to this and all…and Bren is certainly not a key member of the team this year…but if there’s anything I can help with, please let me know,” said I.

“Well. Now that you mention it, I do need a team manager… I can’t really do the coaching and the manager stuff all myself and my other team manager’s kid just moved up to PeeWee’s…” she responded.

“Um. Hmm. Don’t you think you’d be better served by someone who has some experience with travel hockey at least?”

“No. It’s really not that involved. Basically you just have to send out reminders and directions to the away games.”

Or so she said.

I think she figured that if she got the mom of the 6 year old as TM, she wouldn’t have to recruit for a new one for …oh…say 5 years! Smart lady.

Lesson: Be careful of offering your services without specifying parameters.

I got just what I wanted, really… an education in youth travel hockey, albeit trial by fire, and as involved as this mom could be in her kid’s favorite past time. Three seasons in, I’m still TM of the Squirt Bears, ended up as TM of the All-Stars team by default and look forward to many more years as a travel hockey manager/mom.

I had a bad dream… no a nightmare last night where our beloved beloved Capitals were no longer the Washington Capitals but the Philadelphia Captials! It was awful but it inspired me to do something very very bad with Photoshop:

Imagine if you will your Philly Capitals

And Imagine your Washington Flyers

The worst part is both logos look pretty sharp in those colors!

But, I did something EVEN WORSE! Worse you say? Meghan how could you have done anything worse?! But, I did!

Imagine your Pittsburgh Capitals:

And imagine your… Oh lord I can barely do it… your Washington Penguins

Am I going to hell?

This is a little delayed, but Saturday night the Caps scored four straight goals in the third period to beat the Oilers 4-2.

It was lots of fun.  It made staying up worthwhile.

That’s all.

It wouldn’t be a Monday or any day of the week ending in -day if we couldn’t have fun on Mike Green’s behalf. As of Monday, December 20th, the five-day moratorium on Mike Green heckling is over. This post is pretty epic in length, so that’s why I’m starting it on Sunday. If you’ve been reading this blog you know there are two things I love more than chirping Mike Green. That’s chirping Chris Bourque and watching television. Most good tv shows are on break now so there’s nothing really good on and I’m trying really hard to not think about Chris Bourque being in Hershey again. It’s like the Christmas present that you really don’t want and can’t return. Anyway…

You might be asking me, “you really give Greenie a hard time. Why?” Easy. Because. No. I love Mike Green (in a completely different, non-naughty way than I do Brooks Laich). I really do. But over the past few years Green has got a little too big for his jock strap (ew, gross thought!). He’s changed from a sassy Calgarian into this flamboyant city guy and making fun of him is just fun and easy. Everyone does it. Like picking on the fat kid in elementary school. You know you did it, so why deny it. Anyway, moving on again.

If you remember a few weeks ago, I was bemoaning the fact that Mike Green was Tweeting after a pretty craptacular loss. In his Tweet he was telling everyone to “not hate”. Play on playa hata! Whatever I just said. That same night Meghan from The Hockey Chronicles was yelling at Greener, reminding him he was white.

That got me thinking (yes I know how dangerous that is) about a book (that is also available in web format) called “Stuff White People Like”. As urban as Mike Green thinks he is, he is white. Here’s proof. I would like to thank CapsKat19 and megHamonster for their awesome Google image search skills. Without their help this post would not be possible. I have no idea where they found these, but if the image is yours and you’d like it to be removed, let me know. No copywright infringement intended.

#4. Assists
So this isn’t actually a picture of Mike Green assisting on a goal, but let’s pretend it is. Not only is Mike Green the kind of offensive defenseman that likes to score goals, he also likes to assist. Since his professional ice hockey career began he has assisted on 196 goals (2008 Olympics stats included). This year he is currently ranked 1oth (league-wide) in assists. Our Greener likes to pass. Too bad he doesn’t like to play defense that much anymore.

#40. Apple Products
If you’ve ever seen any Caps-related video you know that Greener loves him some Apple. In his Caps Cribs episode, you see his new Mac in his bedroom, plus the Apple logo he painted in his off time and his Macbook in the living room. He Tweets from an app on his iPhone. Mike Green loves Apple and was contributing to their $4.83 billion net income and 14.88 percent profit margin in FY2008. Stimulate that economy.

#106. Facebook
Greenie is in the digital suburbs with Facebook. I never Facebook stalked Mike Green or even looked to see if he had a personal Facebook page. I do however know he has a fan page. I was a fan and I’m secure enough to say that. Just like I’m okay saying I follow GreenLife52 on Twitter. Look at that picture and I bet you’ll never guess what Mike Green Facebook’s on? That’s right, a Mac. Greenie loves Facebook and Macs. If I still had a Facebook account, I would totally try to Facebook stalk him.

#79. Modern Furniture
Modern furniture is expensive and uncomfortable. Not that I’m condoning a purchase of that crappy, overstuffed Ashley furniture, but who really wants to sit on a chair that looks like an egg or is about as sturdy as a toothpick? Mike Green, that’s who.

#24. Wine
Mike Green’s wine ‘cellar’ or in this case, room because I don’t think his condo would have a cellar. Anyway, he appears to have a nice collection and is quite a wine aficionado. Unless he’s just posing and all those bottles are really Arbor Mist or Boone’s Farm. Just be glad you don’t see any wine in a box. I wonder what his favorite type of wine is? Greenie looks like a white zin kinda guy. He could be a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon fan.

103. Sweaters
That is a cardigan and a damn ugly one at that. Check out what SWPL has to say about cardigans:

young white people think it is very cool to wear clothes that are popular with senior citizens. The most popular example of this is the cardigan sweater, which is essentially a wool jacket with less buttons. An old white person might combine this sweater with a button down shirt to provide himself or herself with valuable warmth in the winter months, but a young white person will combine it with a t-shirt to create a ‘layered look.’ This not only allows them to show others that their personality features as many layers as their clothes, but it’s a chance to show people that you own not one but two cool items of clothing.

Tshirt? Check. Cardigan? Check. Two cool items of clothing.

#111. Pea Coats
Look at that picture and you will without a doubt see that he is wearing a pea coat. I was really wishing I’d find him wearing some type of outdoor performance gear because that would make this post that much more awesome, but I can’t find anything and my Google image masters have already done enough work. I remember in college everyone had a pea coat. Everyone. They were always black too.

As much as I hate to say it, maybe he should have bought that coat in a larger size. I wonder if it’s from the Army/Navy store of if he shelled out $1,000+ for one at Burberry. Either way, the jacket could be a size bigger. I notice a little pulling across the buttons.

#102. Children’s Games as Adults
I have no idea what is going on in this picture, where it came from, if alcohol was involved, why he is wearing sunglasses inside and/or why he is hugging a guy like that, but what I do know is that Mike Green is participating in a rousing game of ….Operation. I would know that game from anywhere. If he can get the spare ribs or the water on the knee, I will be insanely jealous. I could never get the stupid ribs.

Maybe Greenie could have had a career as a surgeon? Paging Dr. Green to OR two. Who knows, he could have even been a TV doctor, like Dr. Drake Ramoray. But let’s hope he wouldn’t fall down an elevator shaft. Poor Joey.

#1. Coffee
White people all need Starbucks, Second Cup or Coffee Bean. They are also fond of saying “you do NOT want to see me before I get my morning coffee.”

It looks like the camera caught him before he got his morning coffee. That appears to be a Starbucks cup in his hand. I wonder if Greenie has a Keurig and is a fan of ‘fair trade’ coffee. That’d be a great interview question (not really) for someone “Mike, how do you take your coffee?” I’m sure the world wants to know!

#97. Scarves
Mike Green is regulating his body temperature the best way everyone knows how…by wearing a scarf indoors. People do this everywhere. I see a lot of it at work and I don’t get it. Turn the heat up or dress warmer. He’s warm enough to not need a long sleeve shirt, but not warm enough so he has to wear a thin, checkered print scarf. With fringes! The scarf isn’t even covering his neck. Who taught you how to tie a scarf Green? It almost looks like it could be an ascot, which is just weird. I understand some scarves are accessories, but those are the 2′ x 2′ squares that women tie around their neck or guys use a pocket squares. Mike Green, your scarf cannot double as a pocket square and you are not a woman!

#84. T-Shirts
Of course all of Green’s t-shirts are either Affliction or Element or that Obey crap you see Spencer (of Speidi fame) wearing. I thought I recalled a time when I saw Greenlife52 was following Threadless t-shirts on Twitter. At least he’s not sporting the “Getting Lucky in Kentucky” shirt. Classic.

#121. (Funny or Ironic) Tattoos
Everyone knows Michael has tattoos. Lots of them. Are any of them funny and/or ironic? No. However, he does have a tribal tattoo and those kind of tattoos are just as bad as tramp stamps and tattoos of children’s/spouses faces. Creep city. I don’t know why I was expecting him to have something like “GREEN LIFE” across his stomach in the thug life scripty font writing.

So there you have it. Again I’d like to than Meghan from The Hockey Chronicles and CapsKat19 for finding me these lovely pictures. I would also like to thank Mike Green for being a good sport about all the things I chirp him about. I love you Greenie, even if you are a tool sometimes.

Now that my wrist has lost all feeling from all this typing, it’s time to go.

Until later my lovelies!

First off the exciting news; Boyd is assigned to a conditioning stint in Hershey! While I’m not sure how long he’ll be down there most guesses are about two games. He was slated to play in tonight’s Hershey game but the snow made his flight canceled so he wasn’t able to make it. I’m kind of hoping he’ll stay down for three games because I am going to see the Bears playing at Norfolk and I would love to see Gordocris on the ice for the Bears.

Also interesting little tid bit; Glen Hanlon is working in the NHL again as a goaltending scout for Canucks. This was after he lost his job coaching in the KHL.

Because, people just can’t control themselves now that we have cap space open Caps are now considered the front runner for landing Kovy if the Thrasher can’t keep him. I’m not crazy about this idea. I think he is really talented but his play style doesn’t strike me as one which would mesh well with the Capitals and Bruce B’s style of run and gun.

Kovy is a real play maker; imagine if you would putting Crosby on the Caps. Don’t kill me for that analogy because it’s about on par. Ignore your like and dislike for Crosby and just imagine him playing on our team. A player like that could implode in our faces. Or it could be something that could make the Caps absolutly terrifying. Question is if the Caps and their front office would be willing to make that gamble. I think we did that with Jagr and we know how that ended. And, the Capitals would probably lose a lot for him. Thrasher would in no way under sell him. We would easily lose Alex Semin, and a couple of our top AHL players.

While I think we should shop around for a good first or second line forward I think maybe a few other players coming up for FA would be wise to look at too. Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks is one I wouldn’t mind at least looking at. Or how about just signing a couple of the Bears to be on the team all year. I mean that Perreault was pretty NHL ready don’t you think?

Or more importantly maybe instead of front loading the Capitals even more than our crazy talented set of forwards now how about we look at strenghting our D-men? I certainly like that idea. Quite a few great defense men are up for UFA this year.

As we are all snowed in today, I’ve  been watching my boys do the typical boyhood snow day activities: making forts, throwing snowballs and attempting to reach mach speed on the sled. It is times like these when I am reminded that, despite the fact that we spend inordinate amounts of time on the road and in strange cities…and in chilly ice parks even in the heat of summer…they really are just typical boys who sometimes have extraordinary experiences.

You may recall that back on October 15th, Brendan competed in the Washington Capitals Youth Hockey shootout during the first intermission of the Caps versus Sharks game. That was one of those extraordinary experiences. I didn’t write about it afterward because, well, sometimes you just need to get a little distance from things to gain some perspective.

Bren and his Virginia goalie/teammate were bested by the Maryland “team” by one goal. I wasn’t really too concerned with the outcome though, and the Caps organization didn’t seem to be either, as they warmly celebrated all four boys equally before and after the competition.

But as a mom, I will never, NEVER forget that moment when Bren took the ice. When his toothless grin was flashed on the jumbotron along with the 3 other competitors. And then hearing our friend, Wes Johnson, call their names and putting “a little extra mustard” on Brendan’s announcement. Seeing my little guy (and on that ice, he’s really little!) glance up at the ‘tron while standing near center ice, the Capitals on-ice logo looming large in the background … it brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face all at the same time.

Crazy, that at 8 years old, wearing a #8 Caps jersey, my kid has already gotten a taste of what fulfilling his ultimate dream will be like… Skating in his home arena, wearing the jersey of his favorite team, in front of thousands of fans and his face on the big screen.

There are lots of things I’ve done in this life of which I am proud. Graduating from college, achieving success in my career, keeping a solid marriage. But there is no emotion, no experience that can compare with being truly, deeply, completely proud of one’s children.

Since there’s a five-day hiatus on Mike Green jokes and since I haven’t been to a hockey game since I saw Greg Amadio that night at Giant, I need to blog about something. What better to blog about than the crazy search terms that people use and hit my blog. I know, I kinda just did this a few days ago, but this is a little different. Now I’m just going to pick out the weird and wacky terms. Onward ho…

Who thought of hockey?
No one really knows who thought of hockey or when, but I’ve heard anything from it being a game natives (as in non-India Indians) played or settlers from the UK. The first recorded hockey games were played by British soldiers stationed in Kingston and Halifax during the mid-1850s. In the 1870s, the first known set of ice hockey rules were drawn up by students at McGill University or, to butcher the French language, “Universitie de McGill”. Pretty bad eh?

Chris Bourque drunk
I’m sure he is drunk a lot. Looking at him would be a whole hell of a lot easier if you were drunk. I know you can get drunk playing the Chris Bourque Drinking Game. However, the rules need to be edited since he is not a Penguin anymore.

Brooks Laich lonely
I’m not sure if Brooks Laich is lonely, but if he is I am more than happy to help him out with that. Drop me a line Brooksy. Ovie thinks he’s the ladies man, but in all reality you know the ladies love Brooks Laich. That’s going to be a new nickname for him “LL Hot Laich”. Get it? LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool J)? Yeah, I know. Work with me people.

Washington Capitals (I also got Washington Capitols) snuggies
Someone is seriously searching for this? They do exist. However I would be very apprehensive to purchase one. Not only is a Snuggie horribly offensive, but one covered with the Washington Capitals Weagle is just tragic.

Kyle Wilson Capitals girlfriend?
Sorry dears, Kyle Wilson is MARRIED. Recently married. There was a write up in one of the Bears programs that followed the Calder Cup on it’s summer vacation. It mentioned the cup was at Wilson’s wedding in the Philly area. I know y’all think he’s cute and whatnot, but move on, he is taken. If you even think about macking on that shit a red warning light and buzzer should go off telling you to leave him alone.

How do hockey player’s travel?
AHL usually by bus and mid-level hotels. If the games are far, far away or if it’s the Calder Cup finals and you’re the rich Hershey Bears, you’ll fly. NHL teams fly and stay in upper-level hotels. ECHL teams charter bus it and stay at like the Holiday Inn (not the Holidae Inn as Chingy would have you believe). I’m sure lower leagues are probably riding the cheese wagon (school bus or something similar) and something horrible like the Red Roof Inn or camping. Euro teams, I think someone told me they bus it and a lot of teams/leagues don’t travel overnight.

Tarik said Kyle Wilson is a scratch tonight. Could he be on his way back to Hershey soon? Since the five-day moratorium is soon over, I’m going to start working on a new post. That way it will be done and perfect when the ban is lifted.

I’m so tired. I had six million tests today and I have forty-three million over the three days of class I have next week. One of those tests is on material we have not ever learned. None of this paragraph is an exaggeration.

I’m really glad the Sabres beat the Leafs because I’m too tired to come up with anything better to say. Toskala makes me L.O.L.

Stupid Vancouver just effing tied it up. And then Lars lost a faceoff, making it even worse. Chris Clark scored while I was in the car. Bless him, he’s shy.

If it turns out Jeff Carter really did sleep Scott Hartnell’s wife, that just might be the best gift I get this holiday season.

If I make it to the Sabres/Caps game (!!!!!!) Wednesday night it will be a Christmas miracle.

Thus ends my scintillating commentary.

“Manifest destiny was the slogan
in the 1800s when the east was all broken.
People sought their riches in a vicious move west.
And, the competition kept ‘em on their toes with no rest.”

With the boys out west today I thought that was song fitting (if you know who it is that sings it I’d think you’re pretty rad). While the Eastern conference is far from broken because the Caps are king our boys go West in search of more wins.

After a tidy 6-1 win of the Avalanche they go forth to play the Canucks tomorrow.

Vancouver is tenth in the league despite their sharp shooter the Sedin twins (the singular is on purpose). However that Luongo is a pretty damn good goalie.

So if you can manage to stay up this late it should be a pretty good game.

And, friends in the DMV/general East coast area; ready for THUNDER snow?(No joke! Trust me if it comes and actually happens, and I’m skeptical, it’s really cool.)

Once again, Colin Campbell failed. The NHL had a chance, with the David Koci and Jarkko Ruutu incidents, to have their cake and eat it too. They had a chance to crack down, with  tough suspensions, on questionable boarding hits while there was no serious injury.

When will the NHL crack down on this, the most serious of offenses? Boarding, as defined by Rule  42

A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who checks an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently in the boards. The severity of the penalty, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee.

There is an enormous amount of judgment involved in the application of this rule by the Referees. The onus is on the player (or goalkeeper) applying the check to ensure his opponent is not in a vulnerable position and if so, he must avoid the contact. However, there is also a responsibility on the player with the puck to avoid placing himself in a dangerous and vulnerable position. This balance must be considered by the Referees when applying this rule.

There is the rub, it’s up to the refs to define what is a “vulnerable position.” Rule 42 continues,

42.2 Minor Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a minor penalty, based on the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, to a player or goalkeeper guilty of boarding an opponent.

42.3 Major Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a major penalty, based on the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, to a player or goalkeeper guilty of boarding an opponent (see 42.5).

42.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player or goalkeeper attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by boarding.

42.5 Game Misconduct Penalty – When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.

42.6 Fines and Suspensions – Any player or goalkeeper who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts under Rule 42and/or Rule 44, in either Regular season or Play-offs, shall be suspended automatically for the next game of his team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

Once again, I pose this question to Colin Campbell, do you not think that if the referee thought the level of violence of the hit warranted a game misconduct, shouldn’t that be suspendable on it own merit?

Koci received a five minute penalty for boarding, so, there is a little wiggle room with him.  However, Ruutu was issued a game misconduct for his actions in Carolina’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

What will it take for the NHL to get serious about boarding? A broken jaw? A broken neck? Someone dying? You tell me, Colin, what’s it going to take to crack down on boarding?

I’m fustrated. Tom Poti is driving me nuts. I know a lot of people love him but I just don’t get him. Bruce loves him. Fans love him. I don’t get it. I’m trying I really am but I am not getting it!

In stats by no means is he our worst defense man. But, in play when I watch him on the ice he’s often screening the goalie and rarely cleaning the crease. He isn’t a small guy so while I know he’s kind of probably catious since he seems beat up all the time he shouldn’t be so cautious to clear the guys out. And, if he’s afraid to clear the crease maybe the coaches need to work it out that the other D-man is keeping the crease clean, he is often paired with Jurcina and Juice is not afraid to push the guys in front of the net around.

Last week Poti was on the ice for SIX of twelve goals. HALF. And, I know from watching that on three of the goals Jose had a real nice view of his backside. I can’t tell you how sick I am of watching Jose and Varly (but mostly Jose) craning their necks to look around Poti (or any of the D-men). If I was them I’d of smacked my own guy out of the way (which is why I never play goalie in any sport).

I’m not getting it. Yeah like I said he isn’t the worst in stats but what I see on the ice isn’t impressing me. Enlighten me to what ever strange voodoo powers he seems to hold over the team and most of the fans. Until then I won’t like him and can’t like him.

I’m also getting fustrated with everyone picking on Jeff Schultz. Where did this hatred even start? Why are fools keeping it going? PLUS FOURTEEN! That’s pretty damn good! Six assists and seven points. Even a (pretty sweet if you recall) goal. So instead of picking on some one when you don’t know anything about it the fools should pick on the D-men that really suck; like (lord forgive me but it’s true) Shamo.

In fact picking on the D-men in general is getting a little old. We’re first in the East. We won SIX-one last night. What can anyone possibly complain about? (though I know plenty of people will/have)

Last night was Kyle Wilson’s NHL debut. It was his birfday and he had two points. What a birthday Kyle! Although BB said he could have had four or five. While Kyle isn’t my favorite Hershey Bear, he’s okay and I’m glad for him. There’s an article about his first game and a short clip at the bottom of CSN Washington about his first shift in the NHL. I tried to link it but apparently I can’t so you’ll have to actually go to the article. Sorry. I know it sucks.

 It took me about half of the interview to remind me that Craig Laughin, the guy interviewing Kyle, sounds a lot like Tennessee Tuxedo. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you obviously watched shitty cartoons when you were younger and not the awesome ones I did (either that or you’re younger than me!). In any case, who would I be to keep you from witnessing the awesomeness that is Tennessee Tuxedo and his sidekick Chumley the Walrus. I would give good money to hear Craig Laughlin say “Tennessee Tuxedo will not fail.” Enjoy.

In other news, Mike Green was delivered a crushing blow last night. Apparently his eye is five different kinds of crazy. This morning I didn’t know what was going on but I saw a video of the hit. While I was watching the video, I noticed this and it made me feel slightly bad about the post I was thinking of doing about Mike Green and the Stuff White People Like (so that’s on hold for a bit. There is a five day moratorium on Mike Green humor.) and for a second, and only a very fleeting second, I wanted to give Greenie a hug. I mean, there he is, everyone’s favorite mess. Shaken and lying along the boards after a blind sided hit by David Koci. Where are most of his teammates? Oh, they’re watching the fight between Erskine and Koci. Oh and Jose is skating around, trying to pass the time. No one comes over to be like “hey are you alright?”. Where is Brooksy? Surely he is beside himself that the other half of the Baby Blue Sound Crew is in this predicament.

I would like to millionth the calls for Brooks Laich as next Washington Capitals captain. I heard the Caps were shorthanded on defensemen last night and Brooksy spent the 3rd period filling in. Way to step it up and be the ultimate team player. Nothing wrong with Clark now, but when he’s put out to pasture, I think Cougar Bait should get the “C”. But please tell all the women 35 and up that “C” does not stand for Cougar. It is not an invitation.

In a short aside, John Erskine’s new nickname is Hot Pocket. You can all thank the Miz over at the Fight For Old DC for that. He couldn’t be more right on about it.

Alright, I will catch you all later. I’ve got to finish up holiday shopping! I’m trying to make plans for my next Hershey Bears adventure (they’re not adventures like they used to be). December 26th vs Syracuse or December 27 vs Norfolk might be the only ones I can make. Actually I would love to go to the December 20th game against the Marlies, just for Ugly Holiday Sweater Night. Oh Mark Wotton, where are you when we need you for this?

The Smithsonian is in contact with the Washington Capitals as they would like to do a case-study on superstar, Alex Ovechkin.

We feel that Mr. Ovechkin is a true pre-historic creature that was frozen in the ice caps in Siberia.  The results could produce ground-breaking news.