THERE'S ONLY FOUR SABRES I'M NOT UPSET WITH

Okay, well, actually there are only (wait, let me count on my fingers...) ten Sabres I'm not upset with.

(Oh, and just so you all know, I'm back on the bandwagon. The Bench-Derek-Roy-Bandwagon. I actually never left. I never thought that he was truly himself, even though he did have that hot-streak through the beginning of the month...)

You may ask how I come up with a number like ten, when the whole team played absolutely atrociously yesterday. Well, I reply, only four of those Sabres actually took to the ice last night. The other six are Lalime (who obviously had no control over the game), and the other five had a nice view from the press box: Rivet, Kaleta, Connolly, Peters, and Paetsch.

Now, I'm a little worried about Nate, but honestly, I feel that if he gets in there a couple games, he'll be alright. It's just his first game back that's always terrible, because he's not in game-form; he's in practice-form, and I think Lindy forgets that PRACTICE DOES NOT EQUAL GAME PLAY. Whatever. But you will notice that Maxim Afinogenov (sorry, Kim) is not on my list of forgiven Sabres. Yeah. No explanation necessary there.

But my point today is that Adam Mair, Clarke MacArthur, Matt Ellis, and Paul Gaustad are getting all the love in the world from me today. I just adore them.

Adam's goal was fabulous, and Clarke has just been tearing it up on the stats sheet since he was given a night off, Matty is just working his ass off, and Paul, fresh off a shoulder injury, was hitting everything in sight.

This will be the last thing I'll say today, as I'm trying to be upbeat as I possibly can about last night's debacle, and this is surely going to bring down my mood: And while I'm in a Paul Gaustad loving mood right now, this is why I truly believe that Goose should have been named captain:

(And that's not to bash Craig Rivet; he's been removed from the dressing room for much of the season, so he really didn't have much of a chance to have an effect of this team and their attitude. I love Craig, but this team needs some [gosh-darned] leadership, and they need it fast. And I think that leadership lies in the heart of Paul Gaustad.)



So, Loves, Happy New Year!! Don't do anything too stupid tonight, and be safe! See you all tomorrow after the Winter Classic II!! AHHHHH Brian Campbell time!! =] (I still love him.)

Washington @ Buffalo, "Live" from Kenmore.

So here with go with the AO Show, which I have to say, is much, much better than the Crosby show. At least I can have respect for Ovie and his game.

Like I said earlier, I'm very, very excited about the return of Goose and Gerbe... We'll see how they hold up through the game. I'm also curious to see how Tommy's knee is holding up.

Sad news: Roby's mother-in-law passed away, so there will be no Roby-isms tonight. My condolences to his family.

Miller's getting the nod; Max is out (thank God), as is Petey.


First Period

19:33 That wasn't an outrageous penalty on Derek's part at all. Way to basically amputate the guy's leg. WSH PP.

18:03 Sweeeet. The Sabres have to do a better job of getting in the passing lanes and clearing the zone when shorthanded, or else it's going to be a very, very long night. Derek's going to get a few ear-fulls for that one. 1-0 WSH, PPG.

12:18 What is wrong with Derek Roy? First he takes a really dumb tripping penalty, and then he passes the puck directly to Washington's money man? Oh no. I don't think so. Something's gotta give.

10:58 Miller has got to be better on that play; that rebound was gigantic, and I'll bet I could've scored with that one. I also think Pominville committed too much to his guy at the blue line, playing the body rather than anticipating the pass. Whatever, though. Bottom line is Washington buried it. 2-0 WSH.

10:00 The Caps have 9 SOG, as compared to the Sabres' 3. Yeah...

9:22 I'm just loving this game. Seriously, is Matt Ellis the only player to show up tonight? But, oh, wait... Even when Washington has an obscene amount of skaters on the ice, Danny gets whistled for hooking. WSH PP.

8:50 Okay, I take that back. Pommer showed up too. Nice chance for a shorty; too bad he couldn't convert on the bad-angle rebound.

6:41 Dude, if you "shove" the Gerbe Derby, he's going to go down. It's all in the laws of physics, because look at how little he is, and compare that to how big you are. It's bound to happen. I'm crossing my fingers... BUF PP.

4:41 "BOO" is right.

0:00 Well that period was forgettable. The problems so far? Undisciplined and lackluster play, combined with insufficient battling and huge rebounds. It's got to stop, and it's got to stop now.

AWWW, poor Frostee. Yes, I realize that she's at the game, but she's totally missing Ovie's interview... Her loss.


Second Period

19:17 OH, how I wish Tommy could've pulled a shot off. Well, I suppose it's alright since Schultz is headed to the box... BUF PP.

17:17 Another waste. =[

14:22 Vanek, you doof!! That was a really, really dumb penalty to take. I guess it's fitting that you and D are good friends, eh? WSH PP.

12:22 Penalty killed, thank goodness.

8:46 Sekera penalty. Questionable call, if you ask me. WSH PP.

7:43 Wow. That wasn't predictable or anything. Again, a terrible, terrible rebound given up by Miller, who put himself out of position to stop it. 3-0 WSH, PPG.

6:10 An elbow to the head of Pominville by Clark results in him taking a 2-minute breather in the sin bin. BUF PP.

5:00 Miller stops an Ovechkin breakaway!!! WHAT??? Wow. Nice. I was afraid he was going to go for a poke-check. I'm extremely thankful that he didn't.

4:10 Yet again, another wasted power play. I dare say I want Tim Connolly back to QB our PP. Any seconds?

3:00 Gaustad is getting a little feisty. I like it! Way to take down Ovie.

1:03 YES!! Finally someone besides the Sabres are getting called for too many men!! BUF PP.

0:00 BOOOOO. I really, really wish that the Sabres would just wake up. They're incredibly sloppy, the passes are not connecting, the disciplined play is still not there, the lackluster goaltending is still present, and it has got to change. Simple as that.


Third Period

19:03 Do I have to say we wasted another one again? Yes, I realize that it was a split power play, but still.

15:30 Is anyone else afraid that Gaustad is going to put someone and himself through the boards and up into the 300 level?? Because he looks like the new Patrick Kaleta tonight...

12:19 ADAM MAIR!!! Hahahaa that was a goal scorer's goal, and I'm betting he only got that because he was fired up by what Rob Ray said to him. ("Adam, it seems like you guys are just standing around and watching tonight.") Nice set up by Paul Gaustad. 3-1 WSH.

11:40 NOW they start chanting. It's nice to hear "Let's Go Buffalo" for a change. I have to say, even though we're down 3-1, that goal put the life back in me. I don't know about the Sabres, but I'm definitely back in... Sort of. I'm a bit apprehensive, though.

1:07 Hey... Last I checked it was against the rules to knock a player down if they don't have the puck... BUF PP.

19:17 4-1 WSH, ENG

0:10 Too little, too late, as MacArthur pops a rebound behind Theodore. 4-2 WSH, PPG.


Is the outcome surprising? Yes, but not all that much.

Okay, seriously? I'll tell you what the Sabres' problem is: They're just not desperate enough. They just plain don't want it enough. You can tell by looking at their sloppy, disjointed play, and the fact that no one seems to be on the same page... EVER. I'm not Lindy Ruff, so I don't know what to do to inspire these guys to play as a team, but something needs to be done. There is no way in hell that this team is going to go ANYWHERE if they keep playing the way they have the past couple weeks this whole season, the first six games aside.

It just sickens me to think of the start this team had, and to think of where they were headed, and now to see where we are, and where we're headed. It's truly heartbreaking, and I'm not sure how much more of it I can stomach to watch.

RETURN OF THE GOOSE AND THE DERBY, AND WHY I LOVE DREW STAFFORD

So, is Paul really coming back tonight?? I'm not entirely sure. Yes, I'd like to think so, but since I didn't get to morning skate like I had hoped (Kim, it's not your fault), I have no idea if he was even skating, because no reports have come back yet.

Sad.

Whatever, though. I'm sure we're going to have a difficult enough time with Ovie and the Caps tonight anyways, with or without Goose. Not that I don't want him to come back tonight or anything, because I do. I really, really do. But I'm not sure throwing him into the lineup instead of Matt Ellis is really going to make that much of a difference tonight.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! WHYYYYYYYY!!!!???!?!?!??! I mean, I'm super duper excited that Paul and Gerbe Derby! are going to be back, BUT PATTY K???? SERIOUSLY??? WAAAAAA. Totally ruins my somewhat-decent mood.

And as I'm sure you've all noticed, I've really, really, REALLY gotten away from constructive, objective, and even smart hockey blogging. I'm hoping I can change that tonight, as I will be home with my mother, watching the game, with absolutely NO DISTRACTIONS, except for my cat, meowing for more food, which she will not get. So I'd like to liveblog tonight, but we'll see how that goes, since I have this tendency lately to not do what I set out to do...

But let me get to the point that I've been meaning to for days. (See what I mean?)

DREW STAFFORD. (But really, when is my point something other than he or Derek Roy? BTW, has anyone noticed that there has not been one inkling of juicy Sabres news since those pictures surfaced? Boooooooo!!)


So remember when I was explaining my love for Drew, and how he almost beat out Derek to be my favorite? Yeah, well this explains it all:

As I stated yesterday, I purchased the 2008-2009 Buffalo Sabres Yearbook. Now, I thoroughly enjoyed reading most of the players "Off The Ice" profiles, but some of them were just plain boring and useless.

Drew's, on the other hand, was a masterpiece. A masterpiece which Monet, Picasso, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Michelangelo would become teary-eyed in front of, and would worship for the rest of their now meaningless lives.

Let's read:

Nickname: Staff

What did you do this summer? Took power skating class

Favorite vacation spot: Minnesota

Ehh, nothing too, too interesting, but it says that he's a responsible, home-town boy. I can respect that.

Let's continue:

Pet's name: Dog (Gonzo), frog (Butters)

Ummmmmm... WHAT? Okay, Gonzo is cute and all, but why? And BUTTERS? I don't even want to know the story behind that one... But I think it's cute that he has a frog. I remember when I was little, my mom's friend Penny and her husband Al (who everyone calls Jake... weird) lived out in Arcade, and we used to go out there for bonfires and stuff, and I used to run around and fill these gigantic buckets with frogs and toads. And now that I think about that, that's kind of gross, and I'm sorry, I'm rambling again, and I'll get back to the point. Those names are just.... odd.

Favorite athlete: Brett Farve before his attempt at a comeback

YES!! Cynicism and witt!! My favorites!

Favorite food: Chipotle

Favorite band: Invisible Children

Okay, cocky, conceited, and self-centered? Sure, but at least he's consistent.

Favorite actor/actress: Brad Pitt, Mila Kunis

Favorite TV show: Tim and Eric

AHHHHHHH Adult Swim. Drew, ily.

Favorite movie: Gladiator

First car: 1999 Ford Explorer

Hobbies: Shredding, cooking, calculating breakdowns, hunting and gathering

Um, Drew? Have I ever told you that I love very strange and obscure senses of humor? Oh, I didn't? Well I do. And did I mention that I find those senses of humor to be extremely attractive? NO? Oh... Well...

If I wasn't a hockey player I'd be: an orthopedic surgeon

Okay, as much as I adore you--which is a lot, I don't think I'd be very comfortable with you operating on me... Yeah, no.

Best friend in the NHL: Zach Parise

Favorite book: James Patterson novels

Pet peeves: Toadies, weasels, gremlins, and bad drivers

Oh, Drew... What are we going to do with you?

Most influential person in your life: Myself

Alright, that's either super existential, or you're extremely cocky and arrogant. I'm going to believe the former, because I think that's definitely more interesting and becoming of you.

Best way to describe me: Normal

Yeah.... Right.

Drew, Drew, Drew... Can I dump Derek and marry you instead? Please? You know where to find me...

Anyways... Go Sabres!! xoxo

FAIR WARNING

Somebody please make sure that there is defibrillator on hand if Paul plays tonight because I'm pretty sure that my heart's going to stop beating as soon as I see him in the good old blue and yellow. Word came down that Paul would be evaluated today, after skating on an actual line in practice yesterday, to determine if he would play tonight so everyone please cross your fingers because I could do with a little good news.

Why may you ask am I literally dying for some good news? One we play Washington tonight which means Ovie which is never a good thing (sorry Frostee). Two I'm getting sick which stinks by itself but add to the fact that tomorrow is New Year's Eve and I'm going to start off the New Year sick doesn't make me very happy. Three I just got my book list for next semester and because I have to buy a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff and a whole ton of books for my nursing and regular classes the grand total comes out to be around 700 dollars not really something I'm looking forward to. But enough about my stinky life back to hockey:

To Jay McKee's finger: Hi finger Jay needs you and probably wishes that you would stay attached to his body so please do because we love Jay and want him to continue to be able to play hockey.

To Paul Gaustad's upper-body injury/face injury: Hi injury you know by now that I love Paul and your being around has caused me to not see him play for the last 5 games and therefore undeniable pain. So while I can appreciate that Paul got you while in practice and therefore doing his joby I and mostly everyone else that I know would really like it if you would go away so that Paul could play tonight. Oh and if you have messed up Paul's face in anyway know that I will hunt you down and gut you like a fish. (although it may seem impossible there are ways and just let me have my delusions its usually better this way because if not there are all kinds of medications and maybe some institutionalization in my future)

To Patrick Kaleta's eyes: Hi eyes I know that you took a hit from stupid Denis Gauthier and I know your causing Patrick some problems and while I know none of it is your fault because we all blame that overgrown nancy boy Gauthier it would be really nice if you would allow Patty to see again so that he could play.

To Nathan Gerbe's shoulder? upper body? whatever?: Gerbe Derby I miss you terribly and I want you BAAAAAACCCCCKKKKK. *goes to cry in the corner and curse out injuries*

To Craig Rivet's shoulder: Hi shoulder you suck that's all I have to say. You took away our captain and if how we've been playing lately is any indication we would really like him back so that he can use his amazing captain's powers (which I'm sure he has) to make our guys play well again. These powers include the ability to write inspirational speeches powererful enough to make the manliest man cry, Jaro I'm sure would be blubbering like a baby all the while saying "Jaro sad" over and over and then because no other player wants to see another player cry or they're just embarrassed for him they go out and play the best game of their lives....SEE, see what you have taken from us injury, damn you.

To Tim Connolly's broken rib: Well it seems that you have been but one injury in a long line of injuries and when I heard about you all I could do was sit back and laugh because let's face it you weren't unexpected. Actually I had a countdown on my wall as to how long after Timmy came back it would take for an injury to appear well congratulations you're the winner. I think that because of this latest injury Timmy needs to start being wrapped in bubble wrap before he goes out to play hockey and while this may not seem like the best solution who doesn't love bubble wrap? Seriously I'm sure Man Child I and II (Danny and Clarke) would get the biggest kick out of poking Timmy just to hear the bubbles pop at least it would give them something to do while sitting on the bench. Anyways injury I don't blame you at all Timmy is just very fragile and I believe that we should steal a bunch of those FRAGILE stickers that people but on boxes when they're moving and stick them all over his jersey so that people will have warning that before they hit him they are most likely to cause serious injury.

New Year's Resolution:

To stop swearing so much everyday, but during Sabres game make an exception.

I swear like a trucker most of the time and I really want to stop relying so much on curse words and start expressing myself using my big girl words. I can't hold to that during the Sabres' games though because it's almost impossible not to swear at them repeatedly throughout a game.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that you spend it with the people you love.

SEE YOU IN 2009!!!!!

YEARBOOK SUPERLATIVES

Saturday night, while sitting up in the 300 level watching the Sabres warmup, Kim and I were flipping through this season's issue of the Sabres Yearbook.

Then we got to wondering... (Which you all should know is never a good thing.)

If they were to do superlatives, you know, the ones that read "most likely to...," who would be most likely to?

This is what I came up with last night while having a movie marathon after a depressing Bills game:

(FYI, I got these categories from a bunch of random websites, and thought they were the best ones there. And that's pretty sad. But I'm not feeling all that creative today, so I'm not coming up with my own. If you come up with anything better, let me know!)


Most likely to be a spy? Maxim Afinogenov

Most likely to have a Cleaver-esque family? Chris Butler

Most likely to appear on a reality show? Tim Connolly

Most likely to move around a lot? Matt Ellis

Most likely to cure cancer? Paul Gaustad

Most likely to be caught looking in a mirror? Nathan Gerbe

Most likely to be an evil genius? Jochen Hecht

Most likely to stay in Buffalo? Patrick Kaleta

Most likely to travel the world? Ales Kotalik

Most likely to succeed Katie Couric? Patrick Lalime

Most likely to be a serial killer? Toni Lydman

Most likely to lie about their age? Clarke MacArthur

Most likely to be picked out of a police lineup? Adam Mair

Most likely to be seen selling their art of the streets of Paris? Ryan Miller

Most likely to be elected President? Teppo Numminen

Most likely to ride a mechanical bull? Nathan Paetsch

Most likely to fall asleep on the bench? Daniel Paille

Most likely to be the next Free Hugs guy? Andrew Peters

Most likely to raise a litter of abandoned kittens or puppies by hand? Jason Pominville

Most likely to rule the world? Craig Rivet

Most likely to work for Versace? Derek Roy

Most likely to rival Bill Gates? Andrej Sekera

Most likely to end up living in a cave? Jaroslav Spacek

Most likely to record a platinum record? Drew Stafford

Most likely to have a white picket fence? Henrik Tallinder

Most likely to succeed? Thomas Vanek


Can you tell I was bored?

In the real hockey world, I'm super excited that both Team Canada and Team USA are doing fantastically!! I was at Poster Art in the Boulevard Mall on Saturday, and I was seriously tempted to by one of the I <3 Canadian Hockey shirts. Kim wholeheartedly disapproved, but hey, I'm Canadian, I love Canadians, and I love hockey. What's wrong with that? Absolutely nothing. I think I might go back and buy it...

Alexei Cherepanov was doping? It's still sad that he died, but if this really did have anything to do with his death, what a waste.

Stupid Bills. Stupid nights without Sabres games. Stupid work. Stupid tuition bills... Yeah, I'm just kind of out of it today... I'll be better tomorrow. =]

NECESSARY NOTES

I'm going to take the time this gloomy, windy Sunday afternoon in "wild Western New York" to write thank you notes while watching the Bills game, as well as write a few needed letters to deserving ones across the NHL.



Dear Derek,

I don't know what has gotten into you, but it has got to stop. I mean, it's bad enough that you didn't score on Monday for my birthday, but then you completely forgot to get me a present either for my 20th or Christmas, you don't make up for it against Washington, and then you play as terribly as you did last night to top it off? Puh-lease. Derek, I don't know what to do about you. I figured when Kim saw you across the street from the mall on Tuesday that you were, for sure, going shopping for me, but I guess you were just indulging yourself. But just let me say this: If I find out that you were eating lots and lots of Christmas cookies and turkey, instead of tofu brownies and tofurkey, you're in trouble Mister. And truly, if you refuse to shoot the puck--especially on a two-on-one--on Tuesday, I'm breaking up with you again. And believe me, I'll do it.

Love, Cari

*****

Dear Tommy,

So I see you're now on the third line... That upsets me. Not because you're on the third line due to injury, but because you're hurt. And it's obvious. You weren't taking strides if it wasn't necessary, and you don't seem to have that burst of intensity that you had a couple weeks ago. I'll make you some cookies and leave them on your doorstep. Maybe that will help. But, on second thought, Ashley might not appreciate some random girl baking cookies for her man. I'll leave that up to her, then. But seriously, though, get well soon, Tommy. The Sabres need Atlas.

xoxo, Cari

*****

To Paul and Patty K:

I saw you two last night. Paul, you looked positively smashing in your black suit. Very nice. But Pat? What was with the beanie? I mean, I know that it's cold in the arena, and yeah, you looked cute, but still... It kind of defeats the purpose of wearing a suit and tie if you're going to put a winter hat on indoors. Whatever, though. I still enjoyed knowing that you were sitting directly behind me.

Hoping for you speedy return, Cari

*****

Dear Portland Pirates,

I apologize that the Sabres' injury woes have hurt your position in the standings. Because once we took Mark Mancari from you, I believe in his absence, you only won two games. Sorry. And to make it worse, we now have Nate and Tim, which is only making a difficult situation worse.

Again, sorry. <3 Cari

*****

Dear Timmykins,

To Timmy C, I love and miss you. What's happening? Are you still hurt? Are you dead? Have you taken up residence in Childrens' Hospital, drawing with the children? Because that would be cute. But you could also have taken up residence at the bar at SoHo, drowning your sorrows in bottles of Skyy Vodka or Southern Comfort, and then going home with a different girl each night to disguise the pain... But I'd like to think of you as a really good human being, so I'm going to believe the former. Yeah.

To Timmy K, YAYYY!! I was so excited to read, as Kim pulled into my driveway last night, that you had been called up! And then you were in the starting lineup? Ahhhhh-mazing! I'm so proud of you, Shirley Temple! You played well last night, so we'll see how the rest of your stay with the Sabes goes.

Fondly, Cari

*****

Dear Sidney,

You're an asshole.

Love, Cari

*****

Dear Jay McKee,

I hope your finger can be saved. I don't like to think of amputations, in general, but especially not when they jeopardize the career of one of my all-time favorite hockey players, let alone Sabres. I just can't imagine a McKee-less NHL. And I don't want to see it anytime soon.

Best wishes, Cari

*****

Taylor Pyatt,

Maybe breaking your foot will teach you to not block shots from your teammates. I'll miss you, Bedroom Eyes.

--Cari

*****

To all hockey players,

You'd think you'd learned from Maxim Afinogenov's mishaps... HOCKEY PLAYERS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO WARMUP BY PLAYING SOCCER. It should be banned.

Regards, Cari



I had other letters to write, but I just can't remember them at the moment. I keep getting distracted by the sounds of tree branches snapping and the Bills game. So I'm going to go watch the game, and I'll come back, possibly with a few more letters, tomorrow. Love...

ATLAS SHRUGGED?

AHHHHHH THOMAS VANEK PLEASE DON'T BE DEAD TO ME!!!! Can he please just be alright? I don't think I could take it if Atlas has finally shrugged. (Ahahah, I'm soooo funny. That was sarcastic, by the way.) But even though he came back, scored a goal, and finished out the game, I don't want to be overly optimistic with him, because if you noticed, he was never really putting any unnecessary pressure on his right leg. He hopped up onto the bench, not stepped, and he glided along the ice whenever he could get away with it. That worries me.

But really...

I feel like I've neglected my blog as of late, but then I look back, and realize I've only really missed one day (yesterday). And seriously, I really had intended on posting yesterday, but seeing as I didn't get home from work of Christmas until midnight, then showered, and didn't get to bed until 1. Then I work up at 5 to be at Brittany's by 6, to be at Target by 7. Sheesh. But we had fun. Target --> Pier 1 Imports --> Galleria Mall --> Outlet Mall --> Chili's --> home at 3:45. Then I took a nap for about half an hour, and my parents, aunt, and grandmother dragged me out for a fish fry, when they all know that I don't eat fish. Then by the time I got home, the game was on.

I seriously should have slept through the game. It would've been more worth my time. Actually, the only things that made it worth watching were the following: my aunt and grandmother agreeing that I definitely need to marry Derek, Max's goal (he's now on pace for 5!!!!), and Ovie's goal.

Since there's really nothing new going on on the Sabre scene... I'm just going to ramble about my life.

MY FAMILY IS DRIVING ME ABSOLUTELY CRAZY. I now remember why I cannot stand it when my family stays at my house. They're loud and obnoxious and talk over the Sabres games and my other TV shows, and I just cannot stand it.

Anyways...

I have to go clean up again, because my friend Parker is in town from school/home in Pittsburgh/Baltimore, and we're getting brunch, and then I'm either going out with her for a while or heading over to another friend's house, and eventually the game tonight with Kim.

I will most definitely post after the game tonight, but I just didn't want you all to think that I had forgotten you.

BIRTHDAYS, BICEPS, AND NATHAN GERBE IS NOT A FAN OF SANTA

So if any of you are friends with me on Facebook, you may have noticed that my status as of last night after the game read like such: "Carianne is really sick of Sidney Crosby, the biased referees, and the anti-Buffalo NHL. But thanks for the birthday wishes!"

I think that pretty much sums up my day.

No, really. It does. I had a fairly decent birthday, if you look past the fact that while I was driving home from work (my Monday shift) around midnight, my windshield cracked. And then Kim and I didn't go to the Sabres' practice or Chef's yesterday, because we figured the streets would have been horrendously snow-bogged. So I missed the possibility of having the guys serenade me with the birthday song over some delicious chicken parmesan. Sad.

Instead, we went to visit our friend Karina (who is home from school in Pittsburgh) and her sister Andrea (who is home from school in Chicago) and we played some Guitar Hero, and they're both terrible, but Andrea's singing made it all worthwhile.

Then we sat in the waiting room at the glass place for almost 2 hours, and then it was game time.

Psh. Bullshit. There is no way in hell that the height of Crosby's stick was less than that of the crossbar. No way. Thanks, Sid. You ruined a perfect pretty good birthday.

I was happy with the play of the Sabres (excluding some glaring mishaps by Numminen, Afinogenov, and some other turnovers and such), but the officiating just blew.

And I'm too angry at the refs and the War Zone operators to say anything else.

I'm just glad Patty K doesn't have a concussion.

But since my birthday was pretty shitty hockey-wise, I hope Ales Kotalik's 30th birthday is 1000 times better than my 20th.

SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG AL!!


Aww, shucks. We're nine years and 364 days apart. Ain't that sweet? No, not really.

But, while I'm in the mood to post pictures, here's a beauty for the Christmas lovers in all of us:


That's right, kids. The toddler-version of Nathan Gerbe is tearfully afraid of Santa Claus. Now that is sweet.

And do you know what else is sweet? Tim Connolly's biceps.


To steal a phrase from Caroline, ZANG BABY BOY!!! Hot damn... I knew there was a reason I found you attractive! (Oh, and I stole this picture from the wonderful Shelby Rose's Facebook.)

Hmm... I suppose I should get to cleaning, since I have a ton of it to do, and it has to be done by 2 pm tomorrow when my Aunt's flight lands. If it lands. I hate it when relatives stay at my house, because the houses in my area of Kenmore are not that big, and we have a three bedroom house. I live with my parents and my brother, so obviously all three bedrooms are occupied. But who gets the boot every time someone visits? This girl. Fair? Hardly. So I'm going to take up residence on the futon in my game room until Sunday. I hate futons. This is going to be a really uncomfortable week.

So I probably won't be back until Friday after shopping(!!!), so I hope you, my dear lovelies, have a beautiful holiday season, and if you go out to snow blow your driveway, don't pull a Joe Sakic and stick your hand in the blades, please!! xoxo

WELCOME TO THE SQUIDNEY CROTCHBY SHOW

Once again the NHL got the picture perfect ending to a nationally televised hockey game, Sidney Crosby scoring the game winner in overtime. Does that remind anyone of a certain Ice Bowl where said golden boy scored a shootout goal successfully clinching the game for Pittsburgh also on national television? Even better then Crosby scoring the game winner was that, most likely, the guys on Versus, I was at the game so I didn't hear what they were saying, turned tonights broadcast into 'How many times can we say how great Crosby is? All I can say is that I'm grateful to Cari, who bought my ticket for tonight's game for my birthday, that I was able to miss that because usually the Versus broadcasters make me want to projectile vomit all over my TV, successfully covering Squidney's reasonably handsome, stupid face. Oh Versus, where the commentators know even less about the game then the nearest puck bunny and that's saying something.
When Buffalo scored less then a minute in the game I got nervous because usually that translates into a quick goal for the other team. However, when we ended the first period still up by a goal my spirits were temporarily lifted, then when Kotalik scored making it 2-0 I was flying high. But my dreams of conquest slowly started to dissipate and the cartoon cloud of doom started to hover when Pittsburgh scored twice tying the score at 2. But Sparky Clarky who has been on fire lately scored on the power play allowing the Sabres to pull ahead 3-2 at the end of the second. Why do you build me up Buffalo Sabres just to let me down? Then everyone knows what happens next Pittsburgh scores sending the game into overtime, which against Pittsburgh usually never bodes well for us, and Squidney gets the game winner with a VERY questionable goal. I still say that the stick was higher then the crossbar as did all the other Sabres' fans left in the arena who still had hope that the goal would be disallowed. But once again we were all disappointed which to Buffalo is really nothing new I swear we're getting battered wife syndrome, they keep beating us down yet we keep coming back for more. Go figure.

And how about Petey's 'fight'? Or as I like to call it Bromance on Ice because they were literally hugging each other for a good half a minute before the first punch was thrown which got them both 5 minute majors for fighting. How about 2 minutes for unnecessary hugging? I think that would have been a much more appropriatepenalty. Sorry I'm just a little bitter. Okay, well that was a huge understatement a lot bitter but that's besides the point. Once again Happy Birthday to the best PIC ever and I guess it's better luck next time we go to a game together which is Saturday actually. Until then Happy Holidays everyone.

HAPPY DAY YOU CAME INTO EXISTENCE

SO this is going to be really quick because I'm sitting at Cari's house eating hot pockets and we're going to be picking up our friend Jen and her sister Julie so that we can all go to the game tonight and enjoy some Sabres winning... hopefully. I have prayed to the hockey gods long and hard and if they grant my request Squidney Crotchby will get hurt and will be out the rest of the season and will not be able to break his no goal streak and the Sabres will win by about a bazillion goals so if all goes to plan this should be one hell of a game. Oh yeah and it would be great if Paul played but I know the hope is futile, but hey a girl can dream can't she. 

But ANYWAY, enough of my inane rambling this post is primarily in existence to wish my PIC, or partner in crime a very very happy PAILLE BIRTHDAY. I couldn't embarrass her today like I wanted to because we didn't go to a restaurant where they sing to you obnoxiously about how happy they are that it's your birthday...like they care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CARI, may the hockey gods look favorably down upon you and may they grace us with a win tonight in honor of the day you came into existence.

My Wishlist.

Before I get to today's point, I'm just going to say that game last night was awful. Awful, in that the officiating was terrible, and the was something wrong with our defense. How can you allow almost 90 shots against in two games?? There is something wrong there, and it's obviously not Nathan Paetsch's fault. I say bench someone, and put Nate back in. It couldn't hurt. But thank God we've got Miller, Roy, Butler, and whoever else played halfway decent.

*****

I tend to copy people's random ideas once in a while, and this is one of those occasions.

Since Caroline and Kim both posted their wishlists, I thought that since my birthday and Christmas are both this week, I might do the same.


So here are the things that I want for everyday life:

- Gift certificates to Sephora, MetroPark, Express, and/or Tony Walker.

- Avon chapstick... The sugar cookie flavored kind.

- An extension on my car warranty.

- Updates to my music collection.

- A new printer. Any kind. I'm not picky. Even if it's only $20.

- (Don't judge me for this one.) Tickets to Britney's concert in either Pittsburgh or Toronto.

- My textbooks for next semester.

- A snow blower. Plow servicing.

- Some clothing I will never, ever wear, just to hold to tradition.


And now some things that I really, really, REALLY want:

- Sabres, Bills, and Bandits season tickets.

- The Sabres to win when I go to a road game.

- Derek Roy to say Happy Birthday to me (Oh, wait... That happened already.)

- Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta, and Tim Connolly to return to the lineup on Monday (wishful thinking, I know).

- A really, really, REALLY good game tomorrow night.

- My favorites to stay with the Sabres forever.

- And just one last thing:




xoxo

Itty Bitty Bitching Committee

Maybe that's an understatement because this committee, I'm sure, isn't so itty bitty it's...well I don't have a rhyme for something that is large. But anyways membership is up and includes everyone who is outraged by that suckerpunch on Pat Kaleta is last night's game. It's one thing to go after someone who ran you into the boards purposely it's quite another to go after someone who wasn't even going after you in the first place. Now that's not to say that Kaleta is innocent because as those of us here in Buffalo know he is far from it. Kaleta is not opposed to trash talking, running away from fights and basically being a pest but still that hit was uncalled for and everybody knows it.

If Gauthier had been successful in landing that elbow he tried to hit Kaleta with before suckerpunching him I'm sure the league would have had a thing or two to say about it. But so far not so much as a peep out of the Powers That Be which leads me to wonder if the league even knows what the word consistency means. They claim they're trying to eliminate headshots from the game by enforcing harsher punishments on the perpetrators but a suckerpunch, especially an unwarranted one, well that's apparently a different story. It still remains to be seen if the league will get their heads out of their asses and suspend Gauthier but if they haven't done anything by now I'm not taking that as a good sign.

Anyways, so it seems like Christmas has let me down, if you don't know what I'm talking about see the post titled My Christmas List. I haven't gotten that magical call about my new Sabres jersey so unless they call me Monday I won't have it in time for the game. The Sabres lost to Detroit so they didn't win all of their remaining games and it looks like Paul isn't going to be playing on Monday so he won't be able to score that hat trick I talked about. But there is one piece of good news it looks like my foot isn't broken so I won't be spending my Christmas break in a cast.

I've done my bitching for the day so I'm going to go make some cookies and fall into a Christmas movie coma before watching the Sabres game.

FACEBOOK SHOULD HAVE AN "ADD AS ENEMY" OPTION

SADFACE. =[[[


Anyways, if Facebook did, I would definitely search out the real account for LA's Denis Gauthier, and proceed with that request. Please allow me to indulge myself in sharing the message I would then send to him:

Dear Mr. D. Gauthier, Jr,

Let me, please, take this opportunity to express my disgust with your behavior.

First of all, Mr. Patrick Kaleta was not even attempting to hit you when he crashed into the boards. If you watch the replay of the event, Mr. Kaleta was attempting to hit, I believe, Mr. Jaret Stoll, with a clean hit, NOT YOU. But what do you do upon seeing this? You attempt to hit Mr. Kaleta, but in doing so, bring your elbow up to the level of his head. Luckily, at that time, you missed you check.

What you do at this point, is what infuriates me. Mr. Kaleta skates away, but yes, he turns back towards you. But you have to know that Mr. Kaleta has a reputation for doing such, and that he just came back from a semi-lengthy injury, and that he was going to be up to his usual tricks. But you just can't let it go. For some reason, unbeknownst to any of us viewers, you lose your head, drop the gloves, and instantly punch a defenseless Mr. Kaleta in the face.

Now, I am one to use the expression, "I am going to punch you in the face," quite often, BUT NEVER DO I MEAN IT. What you did classifies you as a "gutless puke," as Mr. Michael Robitaille would say. And I second the sentiments of one Mr. Lindy Ruff when I say that the NHL needs to suspend you immediately for you classless, careless, and hurtful actions. It was a despicable event which I wish was never seen in the great game of hockey.

I have one thing left to say to you; I present you with the wording from the rule-book of the National Hockey League that applies to the matter: An instigator of an altercation shall be a player who by his actions or demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria: distance traveled; gloves off first; first punch thrown; menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats; conduct in retaliation to a prior game (or season) incident; obvious retribution for a previous incident in the game or season..

I have been of the thought all along that the instigator rule has to go, but you obviously fall under its range, and some action needs to be taken. I do not care how long you are out, or how much money you forfeit; only that the NHL does what they say they do, and that you are punished.

Because we all know that even if the NHL does not punish you, you will get your comeuppance because this is nothing new for you. You have a reputation for taking cheap shots and being dirty, so someone will give you a taste of your own medicine, somewhere along the way.

You had just better hope that Mr. Kaleta will recover from the issues with his eyesight, because if this becomes a recurring thing with him, not only will the Sabres remember it, but many of their fans will as well.

And yes, I alluded to Mr. Kaleta's reputation for hitting and turtling, but I do not care about his reputation. If that is what other people know that he does, it is their own fault for falling for his ploy. That is his game, and when people like you fall for it, it becomes effective. Players like you are the reason Mr. Kaleta has said reputation, because he would not have that role if his opponents did not react to his actions in a manner similar to yours.

But that is enough. I am through discussing your ridiculous actions. But if a redhead wearing a Sabres jersey ever slaps you across the face--EVER, you know why.

Good day, Mr. Gauthier.


*******


Alright, well, good game last night. We're fortunate that Ryan Miller and Derek Roy showed up for the entire 60 minutes, before the rest of the team slowly came around. Because if they hadn't, that game could've turned out widely different.

But props to the other goal scorers.

And I am very excited about Chris Butler. You always hear the rookies come up and say, "Oh, I'd like to just keep it simple, blah blah blah," but rarely do you see it actually translate to the ice. Butler actually did just that, and I was quite impressed, because I don't recall hearing his name in a negative way at all. And his post-game interview was adorable. After someone complemented him on the first pass out of the zone plays, he just went, "Aw, thanks," and now I'll always expect him to say "Golly, gee whiz," for some reason...

But anyways, hopefully we can carry that through tonight in Montreal. I'm assuming Patty L will be between the pipes since Crunchy played yesterday, but he did get the shut out, so who knows.

Like I said, hopefully we'll carry it through.

I have to work, unfortunately, so I'll probably only see about half of the game, but I'm going to bust my ass to get everyone in bed by 7 pm. Brittany is working with me, so that's good, and I don't plan on taking a dinner break tonight, just so I can get everyone in bed. I should rephrase that. Everyone who doesn't watch hockey will be in bed by 7 pm. If they watch hockey, they can go to bed whenever they want, because I'll put the game on in their rooms, and they won't mind at all.

I love the way I work. =]

SUNDIN AND THE SEDINS.

My friends, D-Day, as NHL.com has dubbed it, is upon us.

AND MY SECOND-FAVORITE NHL TEAM HAS LET ME DOWN. Vancouver.... WHYYYYY???

If you don't get it by now, Mats Sundin has signed with the Canucks, as and you can tell, I'm not happy about it.


NOT HAPPY AT ALL.

So, moving on, and I only have--literally--five minutes, here's the latest installment of the Derek Roy Report, which I missed this morning, choosing to sleep a little bit more, rather than get stood up again. Turns out he actually showed up. Go figure.

Be back tomorrow, loves.

EL DIABLO.

ETA: I have to say, that while I was watching this game, I was completely blinded by my love for Patty K and just ecstatic about his return. Therefore, I didn't actually blog constructively, and for some reason, felt that the Sabres played a good game. Ummm, what hockey game was I watching, you ask? I have no effing idea. So read this with a grain of salt, and please know that I am really, really, really upset with our defensemen, our forwards, our power play, and more specifically, Clarke MacArthur, Maxim Afinogenov, and a few others. Yikes... You call that hockey? Shesh....


My favorite thing having to deal with the Devils is this.

So, like I promised, I'm liveblogging tonight. For the first time since, like, October something. Sparky's in the lineup!! Yay ManChild II !!!!! Hopefully playing with Derek will help him out a little bit, production-wise. And, like I said, I really, really hope that Patty K runs someone--HARD--tonight. It'd be even better if it were on his first shift. Nothing like jumping right back into the game.


First Period

18:54 left Stupid Devils. Not a terribly bad goal, in my opinion, but the rebound was baaaaad. 0-1

16:30 Derek showed up to work tonight. My mother says he was "inspired by [my] beauty last night."

14:10 ANOTHER GOAL POST?? Seriously, I think we need to start a Monopoly-esque Free Parking for the player who hits the most posts in a season.

13:02 DREW STAFFORD ILY!!!!!!!!! Beautiful tip-in! OMGAH FINALLY WE'RE RUSHING THE NET. "Upon further review, it is a good goal." Yay! 1-1

12:31 That's the Patty K I love!! Way to put us on the power play, dear! <3

11:20 The power play looks impressive, thus far. I like that they're shooting a lot more. EMPHASIS ON A LOT. They're looked really good.

9:20 Okay, if anyone knows the count of 5-on-3's in our opponents' favor this season, please tell me. My curiosity has been peaked.

8:16 Booooo. Drew, you're not allowed to be friends with Parise anymore. 1-2

3:10 Oh, Max... If only you could score fancy goals like you used to be able to do...

2:26 Someone's got a death wish. You don't hit Patty after the play and live to tell the tale, Mr. Rupp (for long, at least).

0:00 Overall, a decent period. I'm pretty pleased with the Sabres thus far. Good enough job on the PK, and good puck movement and opportunities on the PP. It'd only be better if Pat had listened to me and had run someone, but whatever. There's still 40 minutes for that. =]

(Roby just called Tallinder a "wounded puma." What the hell is a wounded pew-ma, and what is it doing on ice?)

(TIMMY'S NOT DEAD!! And he can draw?? WHAAA??? It's too bad that he's such a man-whore. He'd probably be a really good father. That is, if he doesn't have a whole litter of kiddies already... Hmmm.... It almost makes me love him again.)


Second Period

16:30 Okay, this has nothing to do with the game, but I REALLY MISS TIM CONNOLLY. That video only put me back into withdrawal. =[

10:12 Did I mention that I <3 Patrick Kaleta? I did? Well, I did it again. Sue me.

9:08 Wow, that goal wasn't awful, or anything. I realize that it was tipped, but man, was that puck moving slowly. Yuck. 1-3

8:50 PATRICK KALETA, I'VE SAID IT TWICE ALREADY TONIGHT, BUT I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVE YOU. Yayyyyy, you're really cute. 2-3

0:00 Kim called me right after Pat scored (to ask me if I was freaking out, which I was), so I have nothing constructive to say about the rest of the period. Sorry.


Third Period

17:32 Collin White has a dirty mouth. Anyone have any soap??

16:41 Seriously? Seriously? That was a stupid penalty.

14:45 Nice work, Reggie!!! Showing flashes of Timmy with his holding of the puck in the offensive zone on the PK.

13:58 WHAT. THE. HELL. Way to just fall apart there, guys. MacArthur should've had that puck out, and Paetsch should've had him. And Miller? NO MORE POKE-CHECKS. Next time I see you at Wegmans, I'm telling you to stop poke-checking. 2-4

12:06 Paetsch hit someone!! Yay!! (Sidenote: It's pretty pathetic when the only thing that I've cheered about thus far in the third is a mediocre hit...)

10:22 Ummm... What?? For reals? How was Ryan supposed to do anything about that when whatshisface bowls over him?? 2-5

10:10 YAYYYYY PAUL!! 3-5

6:42 Oduya? I wanna kill ya.

4:37 Um, so I really like how, as soon as Clemmensen is touched, the whistle blows, but a Devil can be on top of Millsie, and the Devils can then take possession of the puck, shoot, and score, and no one thinks twice about it. Cool deal.

0:03 Way to get emotional when it's way too late.

0:00 Devils win, 3-5. That's a damn shame.


Honestly though, that wasn't a bad game at all. That is, if you look past the fact that officiating was a little lame, and that we lost.

Patty K should get the pigeon in my opinion.

That's about all I've got to say... =[

...except this: FAIL.

MY CHRISTMAS LIST

So today I made my Christmas list and of course filled it with many Sabre related things.


1. My Paul Gaustad third jersey to come in before Monday so I can wear it to the game. I ordered it 3 weeks ago even though I told myself when they first came out that I wouldn't. Well as soon as I saw how pretty Cari's Derek jersey was I knew that I had to have one. Plus it also helped that my grandmother gave me the money for it for my birthday.

2. A Stanley Cup. I have some pretty high hopes here but I don't think they're unrealistic...much.

3. The Sabres to win all of their remaining games. Once again some pretty high hopes.

4. Paul to score a hat trick. Hey it could happen.

5. Paul to confess his undying love for me so we can get married and have cute energy conscious babies. Enough said.

6. My foot not to be broken. I go to the doctor tomorrow then for an x-ray to hopefully find out I didn't break it.

7. To have a white Christmas. The more I watch the weather the more it seems like it's going to happen.

8. The Bandits to be World Champions for the second year in a row. Being defending champs and all it'll be interesting to see if they can do it again.

9. Derek to be Cari's birthday monkey. The birthday card that I had him sign for her says that she can't resist the birthday monkey so we think we may have called him a birthday monkey.

10. Peace, love and happiness in the New Year.

MY LIFE IS FULL OF HIGHS AND LOWS

So, let's examine the past couple days...

Work? Sucks.
Sleep? Decent Terrible.
Sociology? Don't even go there.
Car Insurance? I'm broke.
Derek Roy? BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Studying, more? Ew.
Sleep? --or lack thereof.
Runny nose? Disgusting.
Sabres news? Aside from Patty K, nothing exciting.
6 inches of snow? Yuck.
Anatomy lab practical? Ehhh.
Nutrition Exam? Ummm, no.
Nap? Sounds good.
Sabres game? THANK GOD.

It's pretty pathetic that the highlights of my week thus far only have to do with the Sabres.

Or, in the least, Derek Roy.

WHO I SAW LAST NIGHT. Seriously, Dave and Adam are my new best friends for allowing me to see Derek for all of probably 60 seconds last night.

Okay, so what to talk about??? First, his fashion, I think. Yeah, that sounds like a good place to start.

Princess D had a camo hoodie on. WHY??? It was green and navy blue. Which perfectly complemented his navy tee and Yankees hat (AHHHHHH he's a Yankees fan!! Love!!). And he had that stupid furry coat that basically eats him alive. But seriously, though, why must he always wear a hat?? It shields his baby blue eyes from view... And deprives pretty much everyone of enjoying his boyish good looks.

Oh, and Kim had him sign a birthday card for me. He was upset that I knew about it. Kim said, "It's her birthday Monday, and you're her favorite, so could you sign a card for her?" or something like that, and he just looked at me and said, "Well that kinda ruins the surprise, doesn't it? Come on!"

And he is adorable with kids. There was a little boy a few people ahead of us, and his mother/father (didn't catch who brought him) wanted to take a picture, and D was behind the table (actually barricaded in), so the kid stood in front. Derek put his hands on the boy's shoulders and swayed him back and forth... I guess you had to be there, because as I write this, it just gives the impression that D likes to partake in afflicting children with something like Shaken Baby Syndrome... Hmm...

That's enough about Derek right now.

The next signings are Patty L (on the 7th?) and Patty K (on the 12th). (Both in January)

And since I don't really have much time (considering I should leave in 30 minutes and there is snow that needs to be shoveled), or attention span (all I can think about right now is Anatomy and Physiology), I'll be back later tonight for the game, probably a live-blog, since I haven't constructively discussed hockey in a very long time. And I apologize for that.

So, someone, please have a real snowball fight for me today. And I'm not talking Facebook snowballs, either.

RANDOM RAMBLINGS

The Sabres haven't played since Saturday and because of this there are some pretty slim pickings when it comes to news to report to the masses. Or in reality the twenty or so people who read this blog on a regular basis. So because of this I had to scour the sports news sites for even the smallest entertaining and/or new information about the Sabres or other teams that I actually care about.


For those of you who have ever set foot in the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport you're aware of what a happy, fun-filled place it is especially the lost luggage counter. Well tell that to Zenon Konopka the AHL player who got called up by Tampa for Wednesday's game. He arrived in Buffalo 30 minutes before the game started to discover that the bag containing his pads and skates didn't arrive with him. So what's a hockey player to do when his skates and pads don't arrive? He has to borrow these essential items. So he borrowed shoulder pads from Ryan Malone, shin guards from Gary Roberts and a pair of skates from Jeff Halpern. But trying to wear someone else's skates proved to be too uncomfortable so after 47 seconds of ice time and a fight Zenon, after the day he had, sat out the rest of the game. Let's hope he at least wore his own jock strap.


I was babysitting yesterday when Cari called me with news about my poor Paul's beautiful face. I almost cried even though scars serve to make a man, in my opinion, more rugged and handsome. But still this was Paul and I don't want my Paul with scars. Paul is my own personal David with the fig leaf for modesty's sake.

My David

Now I'm hearing the Derby Gerbe is hurt and is out for 10 days to 2 weeks with an upper body injury stemming from him being hit by Jamie Langenbrunner in Saturday night's game agains the Devils, my poor Speedy. But on an upbeat note, it looks as if everyone's favorite Boom Boy is going to be back for Wednesday's game, Kaleta's been cleared to play after missing the last few weeks with a neck injury.



So now we have Rivet out for at least two weeks with a shoulder injury, Gerbe out for 10 days to 2 weeks with an upper body injury, Timmy out for who knows how long, Paetsch with a missing tooth after being hit with a puck in the mouth and poor Paul being hit in the chin with a puck at the same practice. Ugh...and the injuries start piling up.

I REALLY SHOULD BE STUDYING

But, at the moment, I really feel that it's more important and vital to my life that I post, instead of study for my three exams in the next three days. That's what tomorrow is for, right??

No, I don't procrastinate or anything...

If you're as ridiculous as I am when it comes to the Sabres, then I'm sure you've already watched this week's installment of the Sabres Show... twice.

And I know I rag on Drew Stafford a lot, but I really, really like him. No, really, I do. Like, when I was deciding who to love instead of Tim Connolly last season, Drew was definitely in the mix. Actually, it was Drew, Derek, Patty K, Danny, Jason, and Nathan. Then I knocked Nate and Jason out, and eventually Danny and Pat, so really, Drew is my second choice.

Now that I think about it, Drew is actually more my type. Derek is too much like me... Whatever, though. I adore them both. But really, I chose Princess D because it's more likely that he'd be here longer. I'm in this for the long haul, you know? Not that Drew won't be, but it's more likely he'd leave before Derek.

Again, I keep telling you things that you probably don't really have all that much interest in. And again, I apologize, but just appease me and let me rant and go on tangents, and the world will be okay.

BUT BACK TO MY POINT... Not that I ever established one. OH WAIT. DREW STAFFORD.

That video... I mean, the part where he's playing drums... OMGAH it just takes me back to the time when my older brother had a band while he was in high school. I fell for every single one of his drummers, which was two. Nick, his once best friend, was the drummer for years. And then Jeff, his now best friend, I guess, came along as the singer, but he's an even better drummer, so there. I have a thing for drummers.

BUT ANYWAYS.

I love a guy who can have fun like that.

Even if he does let his lady friend wear his mustache:


I have some old Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Poison shirts kicking around in the attic somewhere...

DREW I WANNA WEAR YOUR MUSTACHE. =[[[[[

Alright. Now that I've gotten my daily hissy fit out of the way, I'm going to go make some lunch, and go to work, where I will (hopefully) get some studying done.

Peace out, girl (and guy) scouts.

DEAR SEAN AVERY...

OH MY GOD, did the loom throw up on you, because that has got to be by far the ugliest suit that I have ever seen anyone wear, ever. Oh and I'm pretty sure that I have that same pair of sunglasses in my car.

Dear Sean Avery,

I hate you, actually I despise you, you embody evil and I believe that you got exactly what you deserve. I'm quite sure that if one were to strip you out of the that, probably, ridiculously expensive suit (I now need to go brillo pad that off my memory cells) they would find a forked tail. I also believe that you are using those girlie sunglasses to hide the fact that when you go out in daylight your eyes glow red. I hope that you never play in the NHL again even though, when you're not acting like a douchebag, you're a resonably good player. I know this may sound harsh but what can I say it's a cruel world and I am the harbinger of bad news. I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that even your own teammates hate you and with good reason, your attitude sucks. I also hope that you never get hired at one of the magazines that I read because if you did I would have to stop reading it and I would feel compelled to burn every copy that came into my possession.

Sincerely (sarcasm),

Kim

SUNDAY SHENANIGANS.

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THIS IS A RECORD FOR US (IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE)

So for the second time in a row, Cari and I watched a game together and the Sabres won, the first record to be mentioned. Previously, if my memory serves me correctly, we watched many games together on Cari's couch and the Sabres won exactly none of them. Now I believe the Sabres winning probably has something to do with the fact that Cari, the first night, made cookies with all the players nicknames on them for us to enjoy during the game. Tonight we made cookies when I got to her house that had their first names on them. SO I believe that the Sabres winning has something to do with the fact that both Cari and I were extremely sugar high during the games so there is extra shouting and jumping around especially tonight. Even though they're in New Jersey, and while Cari and I have extremely large mouths, there is no way in hell they could hear us, although, we like to believe that they can.

Now you have to understand that earlier today Cari and I went to the Cheesecake Factory where we ate lunch and then brought home two pieces of cheesecake to eat, which we consumed during the game along with the cookies, therefore adding to the sugar high that ensued which we used to annoy Cari's brother who happened to be home for the game. Wow that was a long run on sentence, which I know Cari despises but at this moment I really don't care, but I'm too lazy to fix it so whatever. 

So the Sabres won and by doing so reached a very big milestone, scoring their 10,000th goal in franchise history. I believe it to be very appropriate that the player who is considered, by me at least, to be the face of the franchise was the one to score. T-Van I love you with all of my heart and you deserve cookies so come on over and eat some of the ones that we have left because believe Cari and I don't need anymore, just don't tell Paul I said that I don't want him to be jealous and think that I don't love him anymore. Because, while I love you and every other player on the team, I love Paul more.

While Cari and I were frosting even more cookies for the rest of her family to enjoy we started singing Love Lockdown by Kanye West and getting to the part of the song that says 'system overload', we readily replaced that with 'sugar overload singing oh oh oh oh oh' in a pained voice. I believe it to be very appropriate for the state that we are in right now which includes me writing this while Cari is washing dishes which I should be helping her with but am not so now I feel bad and waiting to play Guitar Hero as soon as her brother gets off the phone with his girlfriend. So faithful readers I leave you with the thoughts of someone who has consumed way to much sugar and is waiting for her heart to stop beating as all the sugar finally overrides her system.

Love Life, Play (Watch) Hockey, Eat Sugar  

I AM THE VENGEANCE IN THE NIGHT; I... AM... GAUSTAD.

We all know that my dear Kim is just smitten with one Paul Gaustad.

So this morning, when I saw that spectacular picture of Goose, I texted her immediately.

This is what communication has transpired between us throughout the day:


Cari, 08:31: Have you seen the Sports section today, dear?

Kim, 08:37: No, I'm out with my momma.

Cari, 08:38: Ohhhh dear. Well... You'll love it.

Cari, 08:39: [Picture message sent, containing the image of Paul and the headline "Sauce from the Goose"]

Kim, 09:12: The picture you sent me didn't come through.

Cari, 09:12: Ughh I'll try it again.

Cari, 12:26: TIM CONNOLLY LOOK-A-LIKE AT BURGER KING!!

Kim, 12:27: Haha Are you sure it wasn't him? Maybe he was eating away his pain...

Cari, 12:38: I'm sure. He had hair and was smoking.

Kim, 12:38: Well, it would've been a great scenario.

Cari, 12:39: I know, right?

Cari, 13:37: Did you ever get that picture?

Kim, 15:01: No, it never came.

Cari, 15:02: Ughh Well, did you see the newspaper?

Kim, 15:02: No, I'm babysitting and they don't get the paper.

Cari, 15:03: Ohhhh I'll try it again because it is vital that you see it stat.

Kim, 15:03: Okay.

Cari, 15:03: [Second attempt to send said picture of Paul]

Kim, 18:52: I saw the picture in the paper. Oh, hot damn, he looks hot!

Cari, 20:58: OMGAH doesn't he??? Ughhh I'd love it if I saw him pummeling someone like that on the street...

Kim, 21:20: Haha Well, see, then he'd probably get arrested for battery.

Cari, 21:21: Yeah, but so what? It'd be hot. And he'd probably just be beating a criminal or defending our honor.

Kim, 21:22: Or saving the world from polluters.

Cari, 21:23: Exactly... So who could throw him in jail for that?

Kim, 21:23: Good point. He'd probably end up with a key to the city.

Cari, 21:34: Oh, most definitely. He's seriously like Batman.


So, basically, I think that's how things should work in Buffalo. Can the BPD get a big searchlight atop 74 Franklin Street, and emblazon a large 28, or maybe a flying goose, or something of the like, upon the dark, winter sky?? I think it would work out quite well.

OH! And I'm pretty much fed up that my picture message didn't send. And since, being the genius that I am, I didn't try to send a picture to anyone else, I don't know if Verizon is to blame, or if it's Kim's phone's fault, and AT&T is to blame. They both suck at the moment, then...

And if you're wondering, we normally text about four times as much as that throughout the day. I was in Canada for part of the day and wasn't texting (I JUST LOVE BEING DETAINED AT THE BORDER), and then I was driving around for a while, and not texting while driving for a change... But yeah, this was a slow day for us...

"WAY TO HIT THE GLASS"

Ugh, so my perfect evening was ruined because of some dumb waitress at Chili's. She took forever to bring us TWO APPETIZERS. Two orders of boneless wings should not take half an hour.

MISS WAITRESS LADY?? I FORGET YOUR NAME, BUT YOU DIDN'T DESERVE YOUR $3 TIP. WE SAW YOU ONCE, AND WHAT'S WORSE, YOU MADE ME MISS WARMUPS. I CAN NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT.

Okay, now that I've got that out of my system...

So I must say, sitting in the front row--in the corner--is very, very exciting, especially when the Sabres win.

Brittany and I weren't prepared for just how nerve-wracking it can be to see two 200-pound men skating quickly towards you, with only a piece of glass to stop them. It's actually downright scary.

Quick hits from the game:

- Pommers got hit right in front of us. WHY JASON? Why couldn't someone flatten Lecavalier right there, or something?

- The delay-of-game call on Miller was COMPLETE bull shit. I was sitting ten feet away from Miller and could clearly see him catch the puck, then proceed to wave his closed glove in the air for the refs to see. I don't care what anyone says, Miller is on the shit list of the refs, along with Roy and Kaleta. Hell, throw everyone wearing blue and gold up on there, as well.

- Ditto for the "boarding" call.

- The guy behind us called Jaro "Space Station." That was pretty good.

- Thomas Vanek is a sexy beast. Enough said.

- Nathan Gerbe is extremely impressive. I've said it before (I think): It's one thing to watch him on TV and say, "Yeah, he's good," or "Yeah, he's really fast," but you have no idea until you've seen him play in person. He's fantastic. I will say this, though: He looked good last night, but this is nothing like what he can play. When I saw him up in Portland, I was completely blown away. And that doesn't happen much...

- Goose and Mair are also sexy beasts. I love the picture of Paul on the front of TBN's Sports section today. Hahaa.... Sauce from the Goose. I love it.

- What's with the no-call when Derek got his lip cut open??

(I love how this is all ADD-ish, and not in order of anything that really happened in the game...)

- Britt's boyfriend texted us at one point and told us that we weren't hitting the glass enough. Mostly because she braced herself every time the players skated towards us, and I guess maybe he watched us, and saw her sit all the way back.

- He then texted us and said that the guy sitting next to us looked like a snowman. Our response? "It's Frosty, duhhhhhh." He did on TV, though. White hat and a white long sleeve T on a big man? Yep.

(Derek is late calling up Kiss again... He's so unreliable...)

- Back to Miller's penalty, I'm really proud of the guys for killing off that two-minute two-man. Kudos.

- Steven Stamkos looks like Luke's friend Nick, so we proceeded to call him that for the rest of the night.

- There was a guy sitting right behind us that looked like he could be our friend Tom's twin.

Ohhhh, well I can't really remember much else. I'm blogging, listening to the radio, and reading the newspaper at the same time right now. Multi-tasking is something I can usually do well, but it's not really working for me this morning. I have to do it, though, because in about an hour, I have to head out for Canada, as I have an interview for my Nexus pass at 11 am.

This was the best picture I found from the night:


I <3 THE GERBE DERBY!!

Oh, and Britt and I were in a couple pictures from Getty, as well:


AHHHH he scored on that one. And then my hand hurt really bad. I usually can take a lot of pain, but I didn't think that hitting plexiglass repeatedly would hurt that much...


I don't like this picture. (A), because I look stupid, and (B) because Pommer had just been smooshed right in front of me, and (C) you don't mess with my Pommer.

Alright, well I don't think Derek's woken up yet. So I'm going to go get ready, and if Derek ever decides to call, I'll update you on his ridiculousness.

THERE'S A HOCKEY GAME ON AND I CAN ACTUALLY WATCH IT

So for the first time in a long time I can actually sit down and watch a game with no interuptions because I'm done with school...well at least until January. I don't have to study or read or look at notes or anything and suddenly because I don't have anything to do I feel empty, it's not a nice feeling. But anyways back to hockey news...

Joe Sakic is out for three months and you want to know why? Because the moron stuck his hand in a SNOWBLOWER, now the powers that be aren't saying that's exactly what he did but when they come out with "He had his hand where he shouldn't have" it doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened. To Joe Sakic: Hello!!!! The light's on but nobody's home, he's a few sandwiches short of a picnic, not the sharpest tool in the shed, a few beers short of a six pack...I got a million of those. Now granted I know that people make mistakes but seriously, you think he said to himself, "oh look I'm going to stick my valuable hockey player hands near the spinning blade of death?" He's lucky he just broke three fingers and had some tendon damage, because it could have been a lot worse, as in amputation of fingers worse, and then he could just say goodbye to what's left of his hockey career. And POOF it's gone.

My mom called Gerbe, Herbe today by accident of course but still I think we should plant Gerbe in the garden and see if he grows any taller. And when he grows up he's going to be a REAL hockey player. Just kidding, I love Gerbe because he's so damn tiny he disappears and he's so damn quick that no one can catch him. He's like Speedy Gonzalez on crack or speed if that's more appropriate, "¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!"

Well off to watch the game, hopefully they win because both Cari and my friend Lynda are there.

Let's Go Buffalo

I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT.

So I've figured out that the Sabres tend to post the night's playlist the day of the game...

I usually like to make fun of the player who's iPod gets shuffled for the game, so I checked it out a few minutes ago. And just for the record, I expected it to be that of Gerbe Derby.

But his taste in music, I didn't expect.


ALL THAT COUNTRY??

Now, I don't have a problem with country at all. I like a good amount of it; I just have to be in the right mood to listen to it.

But really Nate? Taylor Swift?

Well, I suppose I should've expected that much, at least, due to your status on Facebook:


Ahhh, being friends with Sabres on Facebook has it's perks. Like stealing pictures from you and Drew, which is evident from my post earlier today.

Anyways, good luck tonight, Gerbe Derby. I'll be seeing you!

SHORT, LIKE NATHAN GERBE

Okay, so I don't have a ton of time, mostly because I have to leave in about an hour for class, and I just rolled out of bed. But I wanted to post today, and since, after class, I'm crashing on the couch for a couple hours, and then leaving, this is my only opportunity.

Anyways...

I have one thing, and one thing only to say about the whole Ryan Miller getting cussed out by the ref situation: If a player can't say shit to a ref without getting the book thrown at them, no way in hell should a ref be able to say boo to a player. That's like, say, I felt like calling a teacher of mine an effing [w]itch to her face, which prompts her to give me detention, and then she proceeds to call me the same. Nuh uh. I don't think so.

But Jay, on Caroline's last post, brought out something interesting:

(This comes straight from the NHL rule book, mind you.)

If, through misadventure or sickness, the Referees and Linesmen appointed are prevented from appearing, the League will make every attempt to find suitable replacement officials, otherwise,the Managers or Coaches of the two Clubs shall agree on Referee(s) and Linesman(men). If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each side who shall act as Referee and Linesman; the player of the home Club acting as Referee and the player of the visiting Club as Linesman.

Gee, I think I'd want someone awesome to be ref for us. At first, I was thinking Patty K could be ref. But then I decided against that, as if he weren't ref, he could run whoever he wanted on the ice...

So I'm not really too sure... Probably Stafford... He's kinda deviant and seems like he'd be a huge rule-breaker... So I think he'd be a good "slanted" ref, don't you?

I'd pay to ever see that happen. But seriously, what would it take to off the refs minutes before puckdrop?

Alright. That's about all of the hockey commentary you're going to get out of me at 7:45 in the morning.

So here's a beautiful picture, instead:


Drew, just promise me that if you were made ref for a game, you either would call a game your mother would be proud of, or you'll force her not to watch as you'll be completely one-sided and unsportsmanlike throughout. And I'm sure she didn't bring you up like that, so I'm going to prefer the later.

BUT HEY LOOK!!! YOU'RE ACTUALLY SMILING!!

And I'll be smiling tonight, as Britt and I will be sitting here:


We're going to be right behind the Buffalo portion of "Buffalo General Hospital" on the boards behind Paul.

I would've circled it and written all over it, but I don't have Paint on my computer, and I don't have time to figure out which program allows me to do that. Sorry, but you get the gist.

So we'll be behind Miller twice, and then behind, I'm assuming, Mike Smith for the second.

We'd better see some hits in front of us like the one Gaustad threw the other night, and we'd better see some awesome saves and some beautiful goals (I know, I'm asking for a lot). Actually, I just hope they play well and win for the home crowd.

And that you look for us.

Go Sabres!!