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...

I THINK I HAVE A PROBLEM...

So, I think you can tell by now that I'm pretty much addicted to the Sabres, and the game of hockey in general.

Because, in light of the Sabres' terrible play, I almost abandoned them for my 16-year-old cousin's high school team. They do better, at least, and I have an undying devotion to my Trevor, so... But, when my aunt dropped off Christmas cookies yesterday (!!!! Too bad they're all gone already...), she told me that Trev had a game last night. Too bad I picked up a shift at work because I took this weekend off...

So whatever.

Oooh, now I sound like Ryan Miller...

Anyways, let me get to the point.

This morning, you'd probably think, and that includes myself, that I'd still be disgusted with the Sabres, and that I would want nothing to do with them, and that I'd still want my fake relationship with Derek to be over, but...

I DONT.

First thing (well, actually, not quite, but same difference) that I thought this morning when I woke up? THERE'S A SABRES GAME TONIGHT. Sad thing (maybe not?) is, though, I'm not sure how much of it I'll see. See, the guys are throwing Britt and I a little soiree for our birthdays (hers was the same as Kim's (this past Monday), and mine is a week from this coming Monday), and while they'll probably have the game on, I'm concerned that, if the boys start losing and/or playing like they have as of late, they just might turn it off. AND I DON'T WANT THAT, YA HEAR???

Oh, and while we're talking about my birthday, I have to remind you that Princess D is going to be at Dave and Adam's on Tuesday the 16th. I went and bought tickets for Kim and myself yesterday. Price gouging, for reals. I'm going to have him sign my jersey, and Kim's going to have him sign a birthday card for me.

WE NEED YOUR HELP, THOUGH. What kind of card do you think we should get for me? (A) One with a (half) naked man (Possible issues: He may steal it.), (B) a singing/musical card, or (C) a funny one? I think the naked man card could be interesting...

BUT REALLY...

What am I going to do with myself?? I fear I'm too far gone, and nothing could ever help me..

I think I really do live and die by the outcome of the Sabres games... And that's kind of pathetic.

But it's most definitely alright with me.

And, remember that thing I said about the Pirates yesterday? How they weren't letting me down? Well, that was an attempt to boost their confidence, which apparently didn't work. Since we've taken Marky Mark from them, they won one of their past seven games. Ouch. Sorry, Portland. I still love you, though. Next time I go to Boston, I'm coming up again. Don't you worry.

Ughhh, so like I said, I'm not going to comment on actual hockey at all, so long as it involves the Sabres. That's why I'm leaving you with this:


I WANT TO SEE PLENTY OF THIS TONIGHT, AND NOT JUST AT THE PARTY.

I want the Sabres to join Drew, his father, and their friend... or just Drew... high-five-ing over a few beers at a Pittsburgh bar after tonight's game. NOTICE I SAID HIGH-FIVES. No drinking away your sorrows allowed tonight.

Umm, so, let's go Buffalo???

I'M CALLING YOU OUT

Okay, Sabres. You've had your fun. And by fun, I mean toying with the hearts of countless people throughout Western New York, Southern Ontario, and across the country.

AND WE DON'T APPRECIATE IT.

In fact, it's downright despicable. I really don't care for how you've been playing, at all. Goaltending? Needs to be better. Consistent, but yet, needs to be better. Defense? Don't even get me started. Offense? Ditto.

First of all, DEREK ROY I TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN'T BE FRIENDS WITH ANYONE. Not the coach who led you to the Memorial Cup, no one. Know why? Because he coaches Gregory Campbell. YOU CAN'T BE FRIENDS WITH HIM. Wanna know why? Because he could have single-handedly beat you last night. That's why.

Anyways...

I mean, something is obviously wrong in the locker room. I, for one, don't think it's Lindy Ruff's fault. The guys don't have it in them. I don't know why, but they just don't. Somehow, though, I honestly feel like management might call for Lindy's head. But I don't think Regier would allow Ruff to be axed; they've been together too long, and they were together when this team didn't make the playoffs, what, three seasons in a row? Regier, as we are all too well aware, is not one to jump the gun, so I really believe that Ruff's job is safe, and that's fine by me, because he is an elite coach.

That being said, I'll refer to my comment about the guys just not showing up. What's my solution to that? Make some phone calls to Portland. Get Nathan Gerbe on a plane ASAP. If I were Lindy, I'd stick with the plan of benching guys. I'm still on the Bench Derek Roy Bandwagon. He most definitely needs to play better (and obviously my theory of embarrassing him didn't work as well as I had hoped). But seriously. Rotate Gerbe in for the guys we are very much underachieving this year. Oh, wait... That's pretty much everyone except for Vanek, and I'll throw MacArthur in there (strictly because of his numbers) and Mancari (because he's played pretty well). And like I said, don't even get me started on the D. Seriously, bench them all. Play Paetsch and Weber in Lydman and Tallinder's spots for a few games, and then in Sekera and Spacek's, and then Numminen's. I won't throw Rivet in there because he's been battling injuries all season, but still.

SOMETHING HAS GOT TO GIVE.

We obviously have to find what's wrong with this team, and we have to find it now. Because as it stands, playoff-wise, we're already on the outside. And I'm not so sure I can take another Sabre-less late spring.

Like I said to Anne today, I seriously want to jump a plane to Tampa when I drop my brother off at the airport this morning. I really want to go down there, smack every single Buffalo Sabre across the face, and then proceed to bawl my eyes out and throw a hissy fit to make them see just how much their sucking affects me.



Oh, my God. If I talk about them any more I think I actually might start crying. Either that, or my couch pillows and other household objects may suddenly be able to fly...



So, I think, instead of talking about those men who shall not be named (Sounds like Harry Potter, eh? I think I might use Kim's method: ******.), I think I'm just going to post ridiculous pictures of them, and talk about my boyfriends from the other teams.

Here goes.

So, in last night's game, my Florida boyfriend, the beautiful David Booth did what? Nothing. Oh, that's right, because he didn't play, because he has some shoulder injury.

WHY IS IT THAT THE ONES I LIKE ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS GET HURT????

But Marcus Naslund scored for the Rangers, neither of my goalie BF's played in the Islanders/Caps game, both Staal brothers let me down in their matchup, Shea Weber netted a goal, Todd Fedoruk did as well, and that's it. Well I guess I pretty much got stood up across the board. But thank you, Marcus, Shea, and Todd, for trying to cheer me up. But, alas, it didn't work.

At least Tampa lost... But, wait, I don't think that will matter since they absolutely steamrolled us when they were up here last.

Umm, so a picture...

So I lied. I can't look at my pictures of the ****** without getting all kinds of upset. Well, I'll put up a picture of one of my guys who didn't let me down last night:

The Pirates couldn't possibly let me down last night because they didn't play.



In fact, they only made me love them more.

While the Sabres are out making millions by playing terribly and galavanting on the beach and Chippewa, the most adorable hockey players every (coughTHEPIRATEScough) are doing charity work. Yeah, that's right, and making the days of countless children, grown men, and adoring women.

Three of the four Mikey-Poo's in Portland (Card, Funk, and Kostka), along with Derek Whitmore unveiled the newly remodeled Dorothy Elizabeth room at Gary's House, a Ronald McDonald-esque house, in Portland. They also decorated for Christmas.

And then Tim Kennedy (who looks like a child himself) and Jimmy Bonneau did a signing.

The Pirates are my new hockey loves.

Take that, Sabres. Oh, and Derek Roy? I'm breaking up with you.

NOW WHAT?

Yeah, so I'm sure you all know what's going on with a certain picture of a certain Derek Roy... But I'm not even going to say I'm sorry for the spread of that picture. You know why? First of all, it's his own damn fault, secondly, I did nothing wrong, and thirdly, it was with good intentions the most harmless of intentions possible.

So, Derek, just be glad we took the picture down, although it can be found elsewhere, now, from what I've seen...

Oh well. Next time, don't let your friends violate you in public, let someone else photograph it, and the let them put it on Facebook, where anyone can see it. Namely, me. Because you know I'm giving it to MJ.

Anyways, back to legit hockey blogging.

Toni Lydman is doubtful for tonight, as is Craig Rivet, apparently. So who would get the logical promotion from Portland? Mike Weber, obviously. But I guess he's been iffy, as far as health is concerned, so then who?

(Lindy doesn't seem too, too concerned about those issues, but still...)

Marc-Andre Gragnani, in 20 games, has 1 goal and 10 assists; also, he's a -1 with 16 penalty minutes.

Mike Kostka has 2 goals and 6 assists, also in 20 games, with 6 PIM, and he's a +8.

Chris Butler's points and games are the same as Kostka's, but he is a +2 with 14 penalty minutes.

My Mikey-Poo, Mr. Funk, has been limited to 11 games due to a concussion he suffered the opening day of training camp. But, in those 11 games, he's netted just 1 goal and 3 assists. He's racked up 8 penalty minutes and is a +3.

Paul Baier, whom I'm not sure we have rights to?, has 3 points (1-2) in 18 games, with a -2 and 12 PIM.

Weber has played 19 games, has only 2 assists to put towards his point total, and is a +5 with 51 PIM.

Mike Card has been limited to 13 games, most recently due to taking a puck off of his gorgeous face (please don't need plastic surgery). He's only got 1 assist, so far, on the year, and is an even 0 on +/-, with 16 penalty minutes.

I'm making my choice with the assumption that Weber is unavailable, fyi...

So, based purely on statistics, I'd probably want to call up Gragnani or Kostka. Based on playing style, comparable to Lydman, I'd probably go with Funk, because when I've seen him play in person, he's physical on the puck, and he can skate. Based solely on the fact that I adore him, I'd call Funker, as well.

But I'm kind of mad at him because he still hasn't accepted my friendship on Facebook... Then again, neither have Mancari or Dylan Hunter, so idk... What's with these Portland boys? Don't they check their Facebook 1,978,234,986 times a day like I do?? Well, at least Gerbe Derby does...

Anyways, I've come to the conclusion that blogging purely on the game is kind of boring. I like being ridiculous way, way, way too much.

SO.

I'm throwing this out there:


UMMMM WHAT??

Tommy, what the hell were you thinking when this picture was taken?? I'm not even going to talk about that RIDICULOUS hat.

Um, and what are you doing in that area of Buffalo???

Hmm, well, Shelby, that's for you.

But anyways, the Panthers? Stephen Weiss? Gregory Campbell? Not too intimidated. But Derek, seriously, forget that your friends with the later. Please. No nice guys tonight.

So I guess I'll miss probably half of the game. I've decided that if they're winning, maybe I won't watch the rest of it?? Because, I don't know, maybe it's me. I kind of take it personally when the Sabres are sucking, and get all bummed and mope around the house... I swear, if I slit my wrists, I'd covered in blue and gold goo. So maybe I won't watch/listen, just to see if that works... But I don't know if I can hold out like that. I've never intentionally ignored a game...

We'll see. Go Sabes!

Wow. Just, wow.

Last night, when the Sabres came storming out of the gate, I came up with a really nifty idea for my post-game post. AND THEN DEREK SCORED, and that post became a little bit better.

BUT THEN THOSE IDIOTS FELL APART AGAIN.

So my plan was shot to hell, and my heart shattered, and now I don't even know where to begin.


Well, I'll begin with Tim Connolly, I suppose.



I'm seriously worried about this guy. Like, even though I don't like to talk to my inside-the-Sabres source too, too much, because he really drives me crazy, I'm seriously tempted to call him and find out what's going on. BUT, I don't think he'd be able to tell me, but idk. If I decide it's worth him pestering me all the time, I'll give The Boy a call. Until then, we can speculate.

This is what Lindy had to say:

"Here's what I'll rule out: It has absolutely nothing to do with concussion; it has absolutely nothing to do with vertebrae. It's brand new.

"It's an injury that I don't want to explain. It's a tough one, and I don't want to explain it. I give him a lot of credit for muscling his way through one game. If it was a groin injury, I'd tell you a groin because nobody's going to go after his groin. If it's an injury where I really think somebody could target, you don't say anything."

IS THAT SUPPOSED TO HELP ME COPE, LINDY??? BECAUSE IT'S NOT WORKING. Now, I'll be the first person to rag on Timmy when he gets a stupid injury, or if he misses practice, or if he's found passed out on the floor of the Snooty Fox, but in all actuality, I LOVE HIM TO DEATH. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. It's embarrassing at times, yes, but even Danny Paille admitted that he has NKOTB on his iPod. Close enough.

And he thinks it's that bad, to the point that it's something that would make him a target?? Now, again, I'll be the first person to say that Timmy won't be here come July of 2010, BUT HE'S MY TIMMY. DON'T HURT HIM. Or you'll quickly find yourself on my Hockey Player Hit List. I'll have to tell you about it someday, but most of the people on it are there for knocking Tim into the next season.

Seriously, though, while reviewing a bunch of stuff for my Medical Terminology class, I decided to try to figure out what's really wrong with Tim. The only things "musculoskeletal" that I could come up with, having to deal with the upper body, that could present itself as "a bruised chest," were the following:

- BROKEN OR FRACTURED RIBS. That's any crack or break, anywhere on the bone of a rib. They usually take 1-2 months to completely heal, since there's nothing that can be done by a human to have any effect, really.

- COSTOCHONDRAL SEPARATION. These are a little more touchy. This occurs when the bone of the rib, in the middle ribs, separates from the cartilage attaching it to the sternum. Treatment for this can take up to 12 weeks, possibly more.

- The other possibility I can think of would be a cracked sternum. This would take a ridiculously long time to heal, just because of the thickness and strength of the bones in that area: the manubrium (the flatter, rounder, top portion of the sternum), the sternum, the xiphoid process (the small, pointy, lowest portion of the sternum), the ribs, and the clavicles. They're very strong, and because of their function, it would take them a good amount of time to heal, and to heal properly.

I think the most likely would be the costochondral separation. But, since Tim's injury is presenting as a bruised chest, I want to say that there's at least one break or fracture. The break in a bone and leaking of bone marrow would give the appearance of a bruise.

I don't know, though. It's difficult to say. It really could be a number of things. Plus, I'm not too sure, just because Lindy's scared. And if Lindy's worried, then I definitely am.

Sorry I was boring you with medical talk. It actually allows me to study while I post, which is weird, and I'll never do it again, I promise...


On to the Derek Roy Report.

Derek actually woke up this morning. SHOCKING. Because after that game, if I were him, I would've skipped this week, not last.

- Oh, hey! He's talking about The System!! Another shock!
- He's excited to play the Flyers, because of Marty and that like puke.
- He said that the practices can be short (45 minutes), up to 75-90 minutes.
- They are not allowed to have their cell phones on the ice.
- Has he ever checked out Rivet's six-pack. "Is that serious? Yeah, he's built."
- If he could live forever, what would he live for? "For my family." SUPER CUTE. MAJOR POINTS.
- He gets a Big Extra Meal with a side of chicken nuggets with sweet and sour sauce at McDonald's.
- Derek doesn't know what he'll be wearing to Level on Saturday, and says he won't be dancing.
- Funniest fan story? "I don't know... Let me get back to you on that one."
- How is Kyle? "He's good, he's good." Apparently he wants his own show on Kiss.

THAT WAS LAME, TOO.

BUT WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO WORK WHEN COOL THINGS HAPPEN? KISS IS THROWING A PARTY FOR DEREK AT LEVEL NIGHT CLUB ON SATURDAY. That's bull. I'm pissed. I mean, I suppose I could go after work, but of course my friend would have to be coming home from school on Saturday and she wants our group to go out for midnight pie, since that's a bit of a tradition with us. And I'm not so sure if I said to this friend, "LET'S GO CLUBBING 'CAUSE PRINCESS D IS OUT," she'd be down with it. Sad.

And to the girl who asked D if Craig has a six-pack?? WAY TO MAKE HIM SEEM EVEN MORE GAY. I'm pretty sure all the guys do in the locker room is check each other out. BUT, I do think I should e-mail Janet and include Derek's chunky monkey pic, and have her ask him if he has a six-pack, and when he says "yes," confront him with that gem. Think it would work??

But I'd love to Craig's six-pack any day. Hell, I'd pay to see it.



Yeah, that's right, Craig. Because Derek said that on the air, you're going to be hit on by teenagers and college students across Western New York. And all they'll want to see are your abs. I can't say I blame them, though.


Oh, and hey! While the Sabres can't win, I'M SO GLAD THE PIRATES CAN. Thank God that one of my teams is playing consistantly. And you should definitely go seen the renovations Anne and S(h)ara have done to Sabretooth's House. They're glorious.


Alright, kids. I'm out. And by out, I mean at the dining room table, still studying, instead of going out in the 30-degree, snowy weather. So, stay warm, loves. And if anyone hears anything about Timmy, txt me, please?? Thanks dears!!

a lot to catch up on

Okay, so I believe I owe you a post...

I think it's safe to say that this weekend wasn't everything I had hoped it would be. Don't get me wrong; finding out Derek answered my question, seeing the Pirates win, following Paul, and having Drew sign my subway ticket were fantastic, but a Sabres win and some nicer weather would have made it alllllll better. I'm not complaining, though. I'd live in Boston if I could.

It's kinda hard to tell, because he signed in a very fine pen,
but that's Drew's signature. ON MY SUBWAY TICKET.
Hey, at least I acknowledged that it was lame,
but he found it funny, so I guess it's alright.

I'm not going to talk about the game much, because it upsets me. So we'll talk about things at the game.

(0) This wasn't really at the game, but on the T up to Boston from Norwell, we met six Sabres/Bills fans. It was awesome. They had some balls, too, because they were mostly dressed in Buffalo sports attire. Boston is not the city where I would do that, nor is Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, or Ottawa. Back to the point. Honestly, I don't think we went anywhere in the city on Saturday without seeing the Blue and Gold or the Blue and Red.

(1) Kim was afraid to wear her jersey, so she zipped up her North Face to her throat, and tucked the jersey into the bottom of it. I called her a wuss, and she took it off. So we got dirty, nasty, downright maniacal looks from some of their fans, but let's face it: Which team is better? Exactly.

(2) As we were waiting to go up into the lobby from the train station area of TD Northbank Garden (the arena is on top of North Station, kinda like Madison Square Garden), I saw a group of five guys walk in, one of them in a Golden Gophers Vanek jersey. I looked a little bit closer at the group, poked Kim, and said, "Hey, isn't that Pete and Corey?" She says, "Pete and Corey?" I say, "Yeah, we went to high school with them." Turns out they were Pete and Corey, my German classmate and school's star goalie, respectively. SMALL WORLD? Yeah, I thought so.

(3) These same guys start chanting once we reached the lobby, before going into the actual hallways of the arena. We were all doing the classic Bills' "Let's Go Buffalo" one, and it got damn loud in there. It was really fun, because the Bruins fans weren't even attempting to counter us.

(4) MJ was right... Those pictures around the arena almost make me want to be a Bruins fan... I SAID ALMOST. Don't judge me.

(5) The warmups were fantastic. I've never bothered to go down to the glass and take pictures during warmups, and I have no idea why, because that was stupid. And right now I'm too lazy to put all of my picture from Portland and Boston up on Webshots, but they're on Facebook, so look at them there if we're friends. Or, click the city right here and you can go to them. I'll get Kim's up here somehow, eventually... Oh, and don't judge us based on our stupid-face pictures. We can be extremely immature sometimes, but overall, we're very mature people, believe it or not. =]

(6) Only one Bruins fan really said anything to us, and it was nice. I was kind of disappointed. There's nothing I love more than trash-talking other teams to their fans. It's so exhilarating. This guy only tapped me on the shoulder, asked if we were from Buffalo, and if we had driven up just for the game. How boring and reserved.

(7) This guy's wife, when a Paris Hilton wannabe came strutting down the steps in her thigh-high stiletto boots and sleeveless cotton dress, leaned forward and said to Kim and I, "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Honestly, since she and her boyfriend were in the front row, the three of us were in shock. I kid you not, not even five minutes later, she was wearing his hoodie. Ridiculous. Why do you dress like that if you know you're going to a hockey game? In Boston, in November? Wow. Just, wow.

(8) Have I ever mentioned that I love Boston accents? Well I do. So when the drunk guys a couple rows in front of us decided to start chanting "Miller," they were, in actuality, saying "Millah." Kim and I were waiting for one of them to drop down to their knees and just scream out "STELLA!" instead. We needed to find something amusing about that game after Connolly had scored and Kaleta attempted to take on Chara. Yikes...

(9) There were really belligerent and drunk Bruins fans on the train back to my aunt's house, so I told Kim that we could be wusses now, and then we tucked our jerseys in and zipped our North Faces up to our throats. It was really hot on that train, too, and since my aunt is the last stop, and they were going to the last stop, I almost died. I don't do well with excessive heat when wearing Uggs, a long sleeve shirt, a hockey jersey, and a fleece jacket. No thank you.

(10) Oh, and then my aunt yelled at us because we didn't get Paul's autograph and/or picture. Well, the only way we could've done that, without invading his personal space, would have been to jump out at him, and I have a feeling it would've gone down kinda like this.

Well, I guess that's all I can think of right now in regards to our little trip to Boston. Although, my aunt has expressed our welcomed return, so I have a feeling we'll be up for Round Two next season. BUT, Kim and I were discussing it on the drive home, and we think it would be quite fun to get a room at the Ritz, despite the outrageous price tag, just so we can hit up the bar there while the boys are there. And hotels.com does give quite the discount, so it's a definite possibility. Anybody in??

Oh, and I thoroughly enjoyed this article. At least someone's willing to admit that they were wrong and the Sabres should have been much higher on the end-of-season rankings than 11th.

Also, whatever happened to the doubleheaders they always used to have on Versus, Monday and Tuesday nights? Why is it that they aren't starting up again until the second-last week of the season? They always used to get me through the Mondays and Tuesdays that the Sabres didn't play and my shows weren't on. But now, since the hold-out between Time Warner and Channel 4 and The CW basically made me miss a good deal of my shows for a couple weeks, I'm so far behind with no chance of getting caught up, so now I only have one game to watch for the next two nights. How boring.

I think that's pretty much it. I'll post later if something interesting surfaces...

Adventures in Portland

So, as we sit in the comfy queen bed in my aunt's second master bedroom, looking into the dreary, wet nature preserve that is her backyard, we are going to tell you every ridiculous story we have from the Pirates game last night.

(1) I freaked out because Mike Funk took to the ice for the first time this season.

(2) We swear some of the players (coughcough Mark Mancari) recognized us.  Not a stretch because we did go to, like, five Amerks games last year, and we did go to a bunch of preseason practices, and of course sat right behind the bench for all of them.  So he was probably thinking, "Oh, God, not those girls again."  Whatever, though.

(3) Colton Fretter literally had to dive into the Pirates bench to avoid being assessed a too many men penalty.  He landed face down on the floor, but I think the heart attack he gave Tim Kennedy, who was sitting right there, was worse than any bumps he may have sustained.  Kim laughed about this all night.  No lie.

(4) Speaking of Tim Kennedy, we decided to come up with a new nickname for him.  Since using "The Little One" could be interchangeable between he and Nathan Gerbe, I somehow, for some reason, came up with "Shirley Temple."  So, from now on, in SC, TK will be Shirley Temple.  And since e did score the game winner in the shoot out, props to dear Shirley.

(5) At first, I was going to title this post "The Gerbe Derby got rained out," because, as you probably know, he was held pointless, thus ending his streak.  Sad.  But watching that little maniac one the ice is insane!  He's so darn fast and smart, it's incredible.  When they say he'll be in Buffalo in no time, they're not far off the mark at all.  He did almost die at one time when two Falcons players sandwiched him, and he fell to the ice, and one of them almost stepped on him.  Yikes...  But we did get some interesting pictures of him...

Apparently Mancari has Mair's job in Porland.

He's protecting the Gerbe Derby.

But look how ridiculous they look next to each other...  =]

Can you see Gerbe?  Because I can't...

Actually, look just above the trainer's head and you'll see Nate's.

(6) Mark Mancari scored a nifty little power play goal, deking around the net and putting a Nathan Gerbe pass above the goalie's shoulder.

(7) I love going to games in Portland so much more than games in Rochester for the following reasons:  they pack the house (as opposed to a peppering of fans); despite being 556 miles away from Buffalo, there was a smattering of Sabres apparel in the crowd, including a Drew Stafford jersey (which I thought was a little ironic, because it was the only jersey worn that I saw); their fans know that a goal for the home team means they stand up and scream and act like idiots (in Rochester, they just sat and clapped, and failed to inform us of this, and when we stood up and cheered we got weird looks); THE TEAM ACTUALLY WINS GAMES; the players seem almost jovial at times at the bench, other than downright depressing in Rochester; the crowd cheers when they show the Sabres' score on the Jumbotron and we're winning.  There are more, I just can't think of them.

(8) Speaking of actually winning games, which Rochester didn't really know much about, when we would go there, the Amerks never won.  So, at some point, before the commencement of overtime last night, I said something along the lines of "we better win because I don't want to have driven this far to see them lose."  At that point, I realized what I had just said, so I needed some wood to knock on.  Well, seeing as the floor is concrete, and the seats are plastic, the closet thing to wood I could find would have been Kim's head.  So I knocked on that.  (Oh, it's detrimental to the story to know that we were sitting a couple rows behind Springfield's bench.)  Well, apparently #4 for the Falcons, Taylor Chorney (whom we affectionately renamed Corny), saw, and laughed.  I love amusing the hockey players.  It makes it all worth while to know that they think we're funny.

(9) Along those lines, more laughing by the Falcons at us ensued when the person in charge of the music decided to play Sweet Caroline.  Anyone who's anyone knows you have to sing along to this song, and, apparently it's funny, because this time #18, Colin McDonald, had a laugh.  But he was laughing because Kim decided to reach out, and put her hand on my shoulder as Neil Diamond instructed her to, and somehow that was funny.  I don't know...

(10) And, yet again, they had another laugh, when that song they always play at sporting events came on.  You know the one I'm talking about ("Twilight Zone," by Underground Spell, if you really don't know).  But anyways, we "woo"-ed when you're supposed to, and apparently #25 Derek Bekar and their equipment guy thought this was cute because they laughed too.  Apparently we're just cute, funny girls.  But you'd think they'd take the hint from the Pirates shirts we were wearing.

(11) There was an older guy sitting right behind us, and his friend, or someone he talks too often enough, was sitting in the row in front of us across the aisle, and they were talking about the Sabres at one point.  The old guy said, "I don't know them well enough to talk about them yet, really."  And if they had kept talking about the Sabres, I would've turned around and said, "I'm from Buffalo.  What do you want to know?" just because I could have.

(12) There was a scrum in front of the Springfield bench during the second period, I believe, and someone went after Funk.  BAD IDEA.  Wanna know why?  Because you'll have 215 pounds of this on your ass.  And you did.  Idiot.  And, while skating away, Mark flipped you off.  Yeah, that's right.  He doesn't have to use words.  He's just too damn intimidating.

(13) Jimmy Bonneau also got in a scuff in the Pirates' corner at one point, and we kind of told Jimmy what to do.  Although, I'm not quite sure "use your words, and your inside voice, remember your manners, and say hello to his mother" were quite what he wanted to hear.

There were more ridiculous stories and happenings, but I think that's enough for now.  There's a few more pictures from last night, and there will be plenty more from the Sabres/Bruins game!!!!!!!

So, we're off to shop some more, and maybe (probably) go by the Ritz to see if Paul, Derek, Ryan, or Craig are hanging around.  But don't worry, I'll link up all the pictures Monday morning.  I don't have the time, the patience, or the battery life to do that now.  Sorry!!

But Go Sabres!!

Funny Story...

So this afternoon, while Kim and I were venturing around Boston in the rain, we decided to enjoy a late lunch at Cheer's.

After our waiter (who boasted a slight resemblance to our beloved Paul Gaustad) took our order, I pulled out my phone to check my e-mail.

In my inbox, I saw this:

Kiss985Contest:  "Derek Roy/Vitamin Water"

I'm like, "What's this???"

So I open it up, and I literally gasp like I just saw Tim Connolly get laid out.  This is what I read:

Congratulations Cari!  You have won a case of Vitamin Water for your Derek Roy question.  We just need your contact information for our records.  Please reply with your address, phone number, and date of birth.  You can pick up your prize at 500 Corporate Parkway in Amherst (off of Maple Road) Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

A;LKGHNAKWNGKAWHUETKAJBGKJAH  WHAT!?!?!?!?

I basically threw my phone at Kim and called my mother to tell her, and to have her and my father listen to the Derek Roy Report online, because, being in the middle of downtown Boston, and my computer being about 25 miles south in Norwell, I couldn't very well do that.

PLUS, I HAD FORGOTTEN WHAT I ASKED HIM.

Anyways, my mom listened, and said he thought my question was funny.  SO DEREK THINKS I'M FUNNY.  Which is good, because I am.  Or so I've heard.

You can listen to my question here.  Gaaaa I'm really excited about this.  It pretty much made my life.

And I wonder what flavors my case of Vitamin Water is going to contain...  And I wonder if a Derek Roy autograph is going to accompany my fluid intake for the month...

ANYWAYS.

We scoped out the area around Boston Commons to see where the Ritz (the Sabres' hotel) was, and we kinda sorta found it; it's not too hard, but we only saw the awning.  And since we won't be in Boston too much tomorrow, as we'll be in Portland(!!!!!!!), we at least have an idea of where to find our boys tomorrow.

And I can pretty much guess that Derek will be spending his off time on Newbury Street.  We'll have to meet up so he can buy me that Chanel coat that I want, along with the one from Juicy Couture and that Hermes bag.  Yeah, that'd be good.  I'd give him a fair trade in a case of Vitamin Water...  =]

Pirates pictures tomorrow!!

And it has come to my knowledge that our dear Timmykins is hurt again?  But that he's supposed to play tomorrow?  I'll believe it when I see it.  Seriously though, someone needs to call me tomorrow night and tell me if he's actually playing.  Because I need to know if I can wear my jersey with dignity on Saturday, or if I'm going to be ashamed of the name on my back...

I think I'll go to Boston...

Cari:  I think I'll go to Boston for Saturday's game...

Derek:  What?  YOU'RE LEAVING ME??!!

Cari:  Toots, it's only for four nights; I'll be back on Sunday.

Derek:  But you're going to miss so much!

Cari:  Like what?

Derek:  Like, Friday's game against Atlanta, for starters.

Cari:  But I'm going to be up in Portland watching the Pirates on Friday so I can scope out the hotties future talents.

Derek:  But what about the Derek Roy Report?  How am I supposed to let you know what more we have in common?

Cari:  They post that on the internet.  Besides, I think we need to take a break.

Derek:  WHAT?  Why?

Cari:  Because it's a little bit overwhelming that we're such kindred spirits, you know?  Plus, I think it's best if we spend some time apart.  You know, absence makes the heart grow fonder.  Some bullshit like that.

Derek:  Okay...  Well, you're not going to be able to vote for me in the All-Star game!

Cari:  Derek, we all know how you're going to react if you get the nod.  Besides, what kind of stalkerish fangirl would I be if I didn't vote for you 10,000 times a day?  HMM?  My aunt has wireless internet hooked up in her house, so don't you fret, sweetums, I'll be voting for you.

Derek:  Good.

Cari:  I just have one thing I need you and the boys to do.

Derek:  What's that?

Cari:  WIN ON SATURDAY SO THAT KIM  AND I DON'T DRIVE 8 HOURS TO BOSTON TO SEE YOU LOSE LIKE YOU DID WHEN WE DROVE TO PITTSBURGH.

Derek:  I'll see what I--I mean, we--can do.

Cari:  Thank you.  Okay, I have to go because I have to put gas in my car and then pick up Kim from School so we can get on the road.  I'll see you Saturday!  Or maybe Friday, since we're driving by your hotel late at night on our way back from Maine...  So goodbye, for now, Derek.

Derek:  Bye, Cari.

So if you couldn't tell, Kim and I are venturing up to New England today.  So we'll miss the game Friday because we'll be at the Pirates game!!!!!!! and then we'll be at the Sabres game Saturday.  YAYYYYY!!  So if you hear about two crazy girls at the Boston game who happen to be from Buffalo who get murdered by those insane Bruins fans, that'd be us.

We might be able to post while we're up there, but don't count on it.

Talk to you next week!!

Go Sabres!!

It's Drew's Birthday.

First thing's first:  Happy Birthday, Drew!!

Again, I told Kim that I wanted to bake you a cake for your 23rd Birthday, but she is still of the opinion that baked goods are too stalker-ish, so I caved.  But Drew, understand that if I knew where your doorstep was, there'd have been a cake waiting for you this morning.  I could have even made it paste-flavored.  But anyways, I hope you get lots of ass for your birthday, because that's all any guy wants, oh, and a goal and a win would be nice, too, I suppose.

I still haven't completely forgiven you for the whole "mouse potato" thing yet, though...

But let's get down to business:

THE ANDREW PETERS SHOW, Star 102.5

(1)  Andrew seems to have a bit of a stuttering problem, which is really cute.  I don't really think he does, though; it's early.  I stutter in the morning, too.

(2)  Andrew lets his wife buy the Halloween candy, but she hides it from him.

(3)  Brian Campbell used to plan the Halloween parties for the team.  Petey says they probably aren't having one this year because of their schedule; he doesn't know the plan.  (We'll see what Derek says.)

(4)  Andrew insulted the guy on the radio.  He suggested that he wore a lot of drag for Halloween in his childhood.

(5)  He likes Entourage.  Big surprise.

THE DEREK ROY REPORT. Kiss 98.5

(1)  He was told that Adam Mair was trick-or-treating.

(2)  He refuses to go to HSBC Arena at sunrise.  He admits it probably is nice, but no.

(3)  Derek got the pigeon for his OT goal.

(4)  Would be a golfer if not a hockey player.

(5)  Thinks Petey is the funniest person on the team.  They try not to laugh at his first joke, otherwise he just keeps going, and going, and going...

(6)  He dresses from the left side up.  Crazy.

(7)  He likes brunettes more than blondes.  I have red hair...  Where do I fit in?

I got gipped...  Both shows were only 5 minutes.  Lame.

Oh, and the TBN reports that Timmmmmaaay could be back next week.  Kim and I were talking the other night and we decided that it would be fun to start a pool amongst the Sabres Blogosphere in regards to the next game Tim gets hurt during.  Seriously, that would be amazing.

My mother insists that he needs to have his own hospital wing, with his own little bed, and own private nursing staff.  WAITT!!  That could be a bad idea...  Well, they're all in the hospital, so I guess they could stock up on the needed vaccinations and antibiotics and what not...

And tell me why, every time I watch the Pirates play online they lose?  Granted, yesterday's loss was in overtime, but still.  I fell asleep during the first period (at a 0-0 tie), only to wake up about halfway through the second and find the score to the 2-1 Hartford.  Note to self:  Stay Awake.  But Gerbe tied it up at the end of the third, but they obvs blew that.  Whatever.  As long as they win next Friday while I'm there, that's alright.

Oh, and someone please try to deny the fact that Paul Gaustad is the most adorable grown man in the history of mankind.  Please.  Because I give you Exhibit A for the defense:

From today's Buffalo News:  

Paul Gaustad took a one-timer at the end of practice Wednesday, and it was a rocket.  The puck glanced off the goaltender's arm and continued into the net.

Gaustad raised his stick, smiled broadly and shouted, "I'm back!"

Cute!  You can't deny it.  I dare you to try.  And I'll win because MJ will be my lawyer, and we all know how she feels about Paul.

OH MY GOODNESS, I FORGOT AGAIN.  Two new-ish signings at Dave and Adam's have been posted.  I say new-ish because one is new, the other just got a date.

Tommy will be at their Transit location Tuesday, December 2nd.

DEREK WILL BE AT THEIR SHERIDAN LOCATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16th.

Is it fate that he's going to be there exactly 6 days before my birthday?  Probably not.  It's probably just coincidence, but seeing as how Thursdays are usually Cari + Derek = Fate Day, and all I could garnish from his interview this morning was that we both prefer brunettes, I'll take this.  It's his birthday present to me.  Yay!

That's it for coherent thoughts, so I'm off to Anatomy.  I'll post after the game, while I watch the replay of the Pirates playing in their pink jerseys.  And they're not just pink; they're HOT pink, which makes it even better, but they had to throw the black in there to man them up a bit, I guess...  Anyways, I'm taping it.  For those of you who care, it's on channel 13 at 8:30.

Ugh, and unfortunately, I'm going to miss the first two period of the Sabres game.  I hate having plans during Sabres games.  It does no good for my relationship with them...

I Apologize, But OH. MY. GOODNESS.

FINAL SCORE

Sabres 4

Wild 3

Yikes...

So last night, at the end of overtime, I was trying desperately to post my thoughts at the end of my half-hearted attempt to liveblog, but I was thwarted by three things:  (1) My MacBook had about two minutes of battery life left, (2) Blogger was being impossible and wouldn't provide me with a "Publish Post" button, and (3) I was exhausted, from doing basically nothing all day.  Whatevs.

SO YAY!!!  I just love Drew Stafford, Ryan Miller, Nathan Paetsch, Adam Mair, Thomas Vanek, and Derek Roy!!!!

Okay, so before I get to my little recap/awards for the game, I want to share this ridiculous story with you, just to show your how messed up my actual Sabres-watching life is.

A while back I was decorating the planners that Kim and I bought for this semester.  They're fairly large in size, and I did the front with song lyrics, stars, and flowers, ya know, made it all girly.  But then I wanted to do the back all Sabres.  So I ripped apart the calendar I bought last season, which, mind you, still counts until December of this year, and cut out Paul and glued him to the back of hers.  Well, that just about ruined the entire calendar, and it all fell apart.  To make this long part of the story short, Derek ended up on the refrigerator.  Tuesday night I was complaining that he hadn't scored yet, and my mother points to the picture, and says, "Do you know what I'm going to call Derek now?  Dreck."  So I had to find out what dreck means, and this is what Google reports:

"schlock; merchandise that is shoddy of inferior; trash, junk; worthless merchandise; crap"

Can I just tell you how mad I was at my mother?  (Because, of course, my brother and father just had to overhear, and now Derek will forever be Dreck to them.  These are the guys that, for years, taunted me with Gay Jay McKee.  Not even funny.)  But now whenever the Sabres are playing bad hockey, I call it schlocky hockey.

But then somehow, for some reason, my mother thought it would be funny to turn Derek's name around, so when he scored in OT last night, she goes, "Cari!  Backstrum just got Yorkered!!"  Hahahahahahahah.  He got yorkered.  That's special.

BUT ANYWAYS.

My Three Stars would have to be as such:

(1)  Thomas Vanek.

Yet again, Tommy's a beast.  Coming through in the clutch is what true leaders do (and I'm not going to name names here, but you know exactly to whom I am referring.), and Tommy is definitely our team leader, on the score sheet, at least.  Actually, make that the undisputed league leader.

OH, BY THE WAY, WE'RE FIRST IN THE LEAGUE OVERALL.  YEAH, THAT'S WHAT I SAID.

(2)  Derek Roy.

I have to give him props for scoring the winner.  And while he hasn't been turning up on the score sheet, he must have been doing something right because he's playing with Tommy and D-Money.  Plus he's been putting forth consistent high-energy performances.

(3)  Adam Mair.

Scoring the goal to jump-start our comeback is always a good choice.

MY HONORARY FAVORITE SABRE:

Nathan Paetsch.  He stepped up big-time to fill the skates of Craig.  And while he wasn't perfect, and he didn't quite hit the mark that Craig probably would, he still had a great game.  He had a couple of offensive opportunities himself, and gave Mair the feed for our second goal.  Keep it up, Nate, and they'll be hard-pressed to knock you out when Craig returns.

But Ryan, come on, man...  I don't even have anything to say about that goal you scored, except for that you pulled a Mike Ryan...  At least you've got a decent sense of humor.

OOOH and for those of you who'd like to get a glimpse at the Portland Pirates, but aren't psychotic enough as Kim and I to drive all the way to Maine, check this out.  Can I please just tell you how excited I am???  (That's channel 13 for those of you in the city of Buffalo and the closer 'burbs.  I'm not sure as to the digits when you get farther out...)  And don't let me forget to mention that the Pirates are wearing and auctioning off pink jerseys in tomorrow night's game, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Aw, thanks guys!!

Oh, and speaking of that, has anyone been to Boston or Portland recently?  Have any ideas as to what Kim and I can do while we're up there?  I'd appreciate any tips.  (And I think we might make a stop in Mike Ryan's stomping grounds for MJ and see if he's there at all, which is totally plausible.)

And before I forget, Dave and Adam's Card World posted new signing information:

Andrej Sekera  :  Tuesday, November 25, Sheridan location

Thomas Vanek  :  Date and Location TBA, but sometime in December.

I have a feeling that Tommy's will be at their Transit location, since he lives out that way.

Remember, too, that next week they're having Rivet (Tuesday) and Pominville (Wednesday).

And if you go to Craig's signing, bring him some milk and cookies.  I wanted to bake cookies for Paul and leave them on his doorstep, but Kim thought that that would be crossing the line.  But Paul, just say the word, and I'll break all of my plans to bake you some cookies, and I'll be at your house in 5 minutes flat.  I promise!

I don't necessarily want to go there, but...

Quickly, before I run out the door to go to my Anatomy/Physiology Lab (which, by the way, is 2.5 hours, and the labs literally takes me less than 1; ridiculous), I just want to say a few things that I feel need to be said, some of which could be a bit controversial (I said a bit; that could be a stretch):

JOCHEN HECHT

There is absolutely nothing controversial about this gorgeous German.  Anyways, the Sabres really need to stop giving me bad news while driving at high speeds.  Last night, Kim and I drove up to the outlet mall in Niagara Falls, but then decided to go on a little adventure.  So, whilst driving down the 219 to Boston, I hear my phone vibrate in my door, so I grab it, and seeing "722737" on my screen, I say, "Oh God, what did the Sabres do now?".  Then, while holding the wheel, at about 70 mph, I read:

"BREAKING NEWS--Buffalo Sabres GM Dary Regier announced that Jochen Hecht underwent surgery today on his finger and will miss a couple of weeks.  Txt End 2 quit."

Wow.  Enough said, pretty much.  No, really, though, I'm extremely upset.  Then Kim goes, "Well, just think:  This could mean a call-up for Gerbe!"  And then I thought rationally (why do I always have to do that?), "No, because we have Ellis, and besides, Ruff always calls up whoever had been hot down there, and that's MARK MANCARI!!!"  Which is kinda funny because Ruff said he would be the guy if they do, indeed, decide a filler guy is in order.  But then he'd have to clear waivers again, and I'd be a basketcase for the entire 24-hour waiver period.  

Jochen, ich liebe dich.  That's "I love you" in German, if you can't remember my story about him hearing me say that to him during practice one day.  He literally turned around and looked at me.  Who was mortified?  This girl.

MICHAEL PECA

I'll be the first to admit that when this guy was a free agent, I wanted the Sabres to pick him up again.  I love Mike Peca.

True, his game is a fine line between gritty and dirty, but the guy's smart.  He didn't win the Selke purely by chance, and there was a reason for his being named Captain during his tenure here.  And the guy's just not stupid.

That being said, I don't think whatever happened here (WARNING:  Really bad fan video) is worth a 10-game suspension.  He admittedly grabbed the ref's arm, but there is no way in hell you can convince me that he hit a linesman with his stick, as was perceived.

Now I realize that there's this thing in the NHL where you're not supposed to touch the sacred officials, but (1) they often ignore player's pleas, especially if the person they're coming from has a negative reputation of any sort, and (2) how were they supposed to hear anything remotely sounding like a voice when, HELLO! Dallas just scored and 18,532 people are screaming their heads off because, HEY! the Stars just scored on a 2-man advantage!  So he grabbed your arm.  Big deal.  Give him the three games mandated by the automatic contact clause or whatever it's called and be done with it.  Peca is not so stupid as to use excessive force with an official.

There was something else I had to say too, but I can't remember what it was, and I really need to get going to lab...

Anyways, since I can't provide you with anything good to read, go read THN's article about Nathan Gerbe that appears in the issue my household received yesterday.  Actually, I can't find it, so I'll post about it later, or tomorrow, or something.  But I love it, because the Sabres list him as 5'6", as do the Pirates, by they (THN) say he's 5'5".  WHICH MEANS I AM TALLER THAN HIM!  That's exciting shit right there!

And speaking of the Pirates, they do Bobblehead Nights, so go vote for the guy to have his very own Bobblehead.

Okay, 'til later.  Have a nice day, everyone!  And, oh yeah, Go Sabes!

AND NOW, THE REST OF THE SEASON

Have I mentioned that I really don't like afternoon games?  No?  Well I really don't like afternoon games.  I don't have time to really get much done today, and I wanted to go to MetroPark and return a purse, and Tony Walker to return my North Face, and clean my disgusting bedroom, but I guess I'll only do the first two.  Plus, when the game's over, I feel like I should be getting ready to go to bed.  I'm just so used to games ending at 10, and then I get everything ready for tomorrow, and curl up on the couch and fall asleep watching Law and Order reruns...

And remember how I said I'd try to liveblog this game?  Yeah, I don't think that's going to happen either; I'm pretty sure I'm watching the game at Katie's house, and she just doesn't appreciate hockey blogging.  In fact, she thinks it's quite comical that, while we're at a game, I furiously text throughout it, while barely taking my eye off the ice.

SO!!, this is what you get, for now.  And I just realized that I said I'd write yesterday, but it was just way too nice outside to stay in the house, and when I go outside, I can't read the screen of my MacBook too well, and then I had to go to work.

OOOOH and I love my job... kinda sorta.  I can't remember if I mentioned or not, but I work at a nursing home in a really nice Buffalo suburb.  I'm a nurses' aide on a really cute little unit, which we call households, because there are 12 patients with their own rooms, and then communal living room, dining room, and kitchen.  I doubt I'll get to watch much hockey on the big TV because Fred (one of my residents) likes to steal the remote, change the channel, put the remote in his pocket, and then wander off.  But little Helen Miller (No relation to Ryan; snap.), the second I met her, asks, "Did you see that Sabres game last night?!"  So Helen is basically my new best friend.  And she also watches Hockey Night In Canada, just to watch it.  We're buds.  Sorry Kim, but I've found a replacement for you in your camping absence.

Okay, enough rambling.  Serious hockey talk now.  Maybe.

PORTLAND PIRATES:  They kicked ass Saturday night!  Or, should I say Mark Mancari kicked ass with his hat-trick and 2 assists.  Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy also picked up some points.  Adam Dennis was in net.  Portland beat the Manchester Monarchs by a score of 6-3.  Their next game is Saturday, at home, against the Springfield Falcons.

MY NEW FAVORITES:  Okay, so I realize that I've written about Daniel Paille A LOT in the past few days, but I've just fallen in love with him since the All-Star Break last season.  I think, then, that these guys are in the running for my Top 5:  Derek Roy (a lock for #1), Daniel Paille, Tim Connolly (I said I fall hard), Nathan Paetsch, Jason Pominville, Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta, and Jochen Hecht.  I believe I've decided (wow, that was fast):  (1) Roy; (2) Paille; (3) Kaleta; (4) Paetsch; (5) tie between Pominville and Gaustad.  I think Connolly should get an honorable mention thing, you know, he can be a fave when he's in the lineup.  That works for me.

HENRIK, RICK, AND STEVEN:  The Hockey News had a short interview with Henrik Lundqvist on their website:  Henrik likes comedies, and I honestly have never heard a person ever say that The Calling is one of their favorite bands!  I love The Calling, so now I am forever endeared to Henrik.  Fine by me!  Next up was one with Rick DiPietro.  I love this guy, too.  He loves the Sabres' jerseys, his favorite cereal is Raisin Bran Crunch, and his first job was being a janitor.  Last but not least was Steven Stamkos.

And now I've lost my train of thought, and there isn't a whole lot of Sabres news to write about (except for the fact that Patty K didn't take Brian Campbell's advice to heart, and moved out of his parents' house), so I'll write about our win (knock on wood) when I get home later tonight, while watching more hockey on Versus.

Go Sabres!

Portland Pirates Roster

Okay, so I was kinda right and kinda wrong about with my captaincy predictions.  Oh well.  Whatever.  I accept what's been decided now, even though when Kim texted me during my lab, I wanted to scream initially.  Don't get me wrong; I love Craig, but I wanted Jason.

Moving on (since I don't want to write the 10 millionth Sabres Captain Blog).

The Portland Pirates announced their final roster today, which consists of the following:

# :  Player  :  Position

1  :  Jhonas Enroth  :  G

4  :  Chris Butler  :  D

5  :  Paul Baier  :  D

6  :  Mike Weber  :  D

7  :  Dylan Hunter  :  LW

8  :  Marek Zagrapan  :  C

9  :  Mike Card  :  D

10  :  Tim Kennedy  :  LW

11  :  Colin Murphy  :  LW

12  :  Tyler Bouck  :  LW

15  :  Felix Schutz  :  C

17  :  Marc-Andre Gragnani  :  D

19  :  Nathan Gerbe  :  C

21  :  Mathieu Darche  :  LW

24  :  Jimmy Bonneau  :  LW

25  :  Mark Mancari  :  RW

27  :  Colton Fretter  :  C

28  :  Mike Kostka  :  D

37  :  Derek Whitmore  :  LW

53  :  Adam Dennis  :  G

55  :  Mike Funk  :  D

Sounds like they could be pretty promising!!  Their season starts Saturday, so I'm pretty excited for that.  I didn't really pay attention to our guys in the minors until last year when Kim and I fell in love with Mark Mancari during training camp.  After that, we went to like, 5 games in Rochester, paid attention to every game they played, and then went to some thing they did at some go-kart track.  That was actually really, really fun.

I'll post more tomorrow because I hear that the TBN is having their Sabres Write-Up Extravaganza tomorrow.  I'll be up first thing to get the paper as soon as it's dropped in my door.  And be sure to listen to Kiss 98.5 at 8:05 am because that's when Derek will be on.  I heard him do an ad for it today.  Pretty exciting!!  I made Kim stop talking to me when it came on.  But anyways, if you don't listen, never fear, for I will link it up.

OOOOHHHh and I might be getting to Friday's game after all.  =]

Yayyyy hockey's almost here!!

The Pirates Won, But The Sabres Can't.

Does anybody else think this is a bit ironic?  I mean, I know the Pirates play in the AHL, and the AHL isn't nearly as difficult as the NHL, but come on.

I mean, ALL of these guys were HERE, and the guys that ARE here can't do it, but the guys that are THERE can???  Now I'm not saying we would've won last night if Jhonas Enroth was in net and if we had Marek Zagrapan centering the second line (notice I left Derek his rightful place on the first).**  Whatever though.  I'm still pissed that they took Derek's goal away from him.

Lindy Ruff pretty much sums it up in the TBN:

"It's tough.  Ty Conklin has been tough on us, we get one and it doesn't count."

It just drives me nuts because every time we've played him since he took off the blue and gold, we've lost.  Ice Bowl?  Lost.  The game Kim and I drove down to Pittsburgh for?  Lost.  Last night?  Lost.  Sound familiar?

I've worked myself up enough about a preseason game, so I'm not going to talk about it anymore.

In other news, neither Kim or I mentioned that MARK MANCARI CLEARED WAIVERS!!  I guess it was pretty obvious because neither of us have stopped paying attention to the world, and if he had, trust me, YOU'D KNOW.

**Stats for the Portland Pirates/Albany River Rats preseason game:

Marek Zagrapan:  2 goals, 1 assist

Nathan Gerbe:  1 assist

Jhonas Enroth:  30 minutes (approx.), 1 goal against

Adam Dennis:  30 minutes (approx.), 2 goals against

Fights, waivers and stupid tests...

So because I was doing my duty as a dutiful college student and studying for my test last night, I made a promise to myself that I was not going to listen to the game so that I could concentrate. Needless to say that promise lasted all of 20 minutes and because the draw of the Sabres, damn you Rick Jeanneret why must your voice be like crack, was too great I broke down and listened. But never fear, I was getting updates from Cari the whole time I wasn't listening so that I could be kept up to date on all the goal scoring our boys were doing last night.

How funny was it that Andrew Peters was named alternate captain last night? That's the only time that guy is going to have letters on his jersey that aren't his name. But, nonetheless I have to say that the fight he was involved in was impressive as far as I could tell from the news report last night. HE WAS ACTUALLY HITTING THE OTHER GUY!!! I didn't feel like I was watching a bad rendition of Swan Lake like I used to everytime Petey would spend two minutes dancing around the other guy before pathetically throwing punches and inevitably dragging the other guy to the ice and then being broken up by the officials. We all remember last year's preseason against Columbus with the huge brawl in front of the players' bench and Peters saluting the crowd well if you don't you can watch the video. So here you go Petey, you get cookies today because somehow over the offseason you actually learned how to fight, I'm sure your Bobo the clown punching bag really appreciates all the use he's been getting.

In other news Sabres.com is reporting that the Sabres have sent more players to their AHL affiliate the Portland Pirates. Forwards Mathieu Darche (pending waivers), Mark Mancari (pending waivers), Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, Dylan Hunter and Marek Zagrapan; and defensemen Chris Butler and Michael Funk were all sent back. As previously reported Cari and I have an unhealthy attachment to Mark Mancari and if he were to be claimed you must be informed that this blog will be shutting down for at least a week while Cari and I mourn the loss of a most beloved hockey player. So faithful readers keep your fingers crossed while Cari and I wait with bated breath for any news regarding our dear Mark.

Ramblings, and Ding Dong Ditch Anyone??

So while I should be in my Medical Terminology and Anatomy/Physiology lectures today, I'm posting, shopping, tanning, and not giving a damn.  I just had 2 major exams and I've worked 4 nights in a row with crazy old people.  Literally, they're crazy old people.  Not just the lady at the corner of my street who yelled at us when we were waiting at the bus stop if we put a toe on her lawn, but certifiable old people with Dementia and Alzheimer's.  So, yeah.  I'm taking a day off, especially since this is the only day I'm not working this week.

Topic #1  :  Derek Roy

AHHHHH!  My baby was captain!  So last night I was listening to the game at work on my headphones, not that I'm allowed to or anything, but since when do I care?  And when Rick said that some punk knocked Derek down, I got all offended.  And then someone slashed him or something, and I got even more offended.  The text messages between Kim and I were so frequent that I couldn't tell exactly what happened there, because every time I'd send or receive a message, my reception would go all fuzzy.  You give and you take, I guess.

Topic #2  :  NHL.com

I seem to remember the NHL mandating that all 30 teams in the league reformat and redesign their websites so that they all corresponded in layout and all that jazz with www.NHL.com.  Now, one year later, they've gone and changed their whole website.  That's pretty lame if you ask me, and I, for one, am not crazy about the look of it.  It's sleek, yes, but it's lacking color.  And they don't let you get the real-time scores anymore.  I wanted it last night at work, but all they give you now is the option to watch any game, live, on your computer.  BUT you have to pay.  It's Center Ice online, basically.  There is, however, a free preview on opening weekend.  I think I just might have to check it out; probably won't, though, since I can finally watch Rick and Harry.

Topic #3  :  New NHL Commercials

It was brought to my attention after reading someone's blog (sorry, I can't remember which one) that the NHL has a new campaign this year.  Well, actually, it's still the "Is this the year?" deal, but tweaked.  I'm not crazy about it.  There are the platform league commercials, and then each team has two of their own:  One focuses on the team, and then the other highlights a certain player.  Ours is Miller, obviously.  But they really could've taken the time to actually FILM a commercial, instead of putting a slideshow of pictures together and throwing some little diddy over it.  The one-liners at the end are pretty funny, but I preferred last season's clips which actually featured the players themselves.  Watch them here, but click on "NHL Presents," and they'll be on the menu on the right-hand side.  Miller's is last on Page 3, and the team one (or should I say Derek, Tommy, and Jason's) is first on 4.

Topic #4  :  Matt Ellis

WHO?  Um, can someone please explain to me why we claimed him?  I mean, I realize that he'll end up a Portland guy, but still.  They can snag this guy off of waivers and sign a whole bunch of randoms over the summer, BUT THEY CAN'T CONVINCE MIKE RYAN TO SIGN??  Lame.  No offense, Matt.  I just like Mike.

Topic #5  :  Chris Drury

Before you smack yourself in the face, this isn't another rant about how we let him get away.  Personally, I couldn't care less anymore.  We couldn't win it with him, so who's to say we can't win it without him, am I right, or am I right?  ANYWAYS, the TBN had an article featuring him today.  One, he now plays on the wing.  If Chris Drury is as good as he is at faceoffs, why the hell wouldn't you want him at center?  That's like using Martin Brodeur as your backup goalie when you know he had a 2.17 GAA and a save percentage of .920 through 77 games and 2,089 shots.  Two, he's making a push to be named the Rangers' captain.  Well, obviously.  But the paper says that he has been extremely vocal with the guys lately.  Now that's something I don't remember him being in Buffalo.  I remember him being the one to lead by example, on the ice.  All the talking and the pow-wows were left to Briere, I thought.  I don't know, but maybe the Big City has affected Chris.

Topic #6  :  Heather B

Heather B, the beautiful author of Top Shelf, was featured in the TBN this morning!!!  So exciting!  So go read about her there.

Topic #7  :  Injuries

All I'm going to say is WHY ISN'T PAUL GAUSTAD ON THIS STUPID THING?

Topic #8  :  Portland Pirates

The Pirates open their training camp this morning.  Exciting stuff!  Except for the fact that it's just a continuation of the Sabres camp, but whatever.  It's the first glimpse of our guys for the fans up in Maine, so it's cool.  I just can't wait to go to a game there in November!  Yay!

Topic #9  :  Ding Dong Ditch Proposal

(I feel like that should say Love Potion #9 in honor of Derek's boat)

I had this idea yesterday while Kim and I were out for lunch.  Now, most of my ideas, when they involve the Sabres, can get pretty crazy, but they're always fun.  I came up with this little scheme to play DDD with our boys.  That could get interesting, but I think it would be oodles of fun, don't you?  Who wants in?  Anyone????

That's it for now, I guess.  Maybe some more later after tonight's game, since I'm not working!!  That's exciting.