Word.

Today was especially cold, and with winds whipping in your face along with snow, it didn't make for ideal outdoor walking conditions. But needless to say, I did a whole lot of outdoor walking today seeing as though my day was packed full of classes. To add insult to injury, the parking accomodations at Buff State are pathetically atrocious. Many times I have described the parking situations as "a joke", but I think I'm going to refrain from using that expression from now on considering it's so bad that it's not even a laughing matter anymore. Sometimes I get so enraged about it that I'm convinced that it's the last day that I'm going to put up with this shit and I'm just going to drop out of this god forsaken school and tell everyone over at Parking Services (who have the audacity to charge me $70 a year for the "privilege" of having to put up with this bullshit and then they go out and hand out bogus parking tickets every chance they can) to collectively go fuck themselves. But then I calm down and come back down to reality and go about my day.

So after I walked from my car that was parked in a sketchy factory's parking lot in the West Side, I was in Buff State's Study Quad trying to regain the feeling in my fingers and in my face again. I decided to pursue Google Analytics to see the recent activity that has taken place on my blog over the past few weeks, when I stumbled across this gem while looking at the top search queries:

"holy shit buffalo is cold"

Just about sums it up, I'd say. Seems pretty fitting that today would be so bitter cold considering it's the 33rd anniversary of the Blizzard of '77. Looks like Old Man Winter just wanted to pay homeage to that infamous storm.

And just so everyone's clear: Over the past few seasons, Rick Jeanneret has taken a vacation that usually takes place during the team's West coast trip, which is why he hasn't been calling the games lately. I've been getting a ton of hits from people who have searched for that, so there...that's your answer. I'm also still getting a lot of search queries that have to do with Ryan Miller being Jesus. Hey, I've never been the one to make comparisons here...but if the shoe sandal skate fits. Someone searched, "ryan jesus miller". I'm pretty positive that's not his middle name, but if he were to ever change it to that, let's just say I'd fully endorse his decision. Just saying.

Miller's Olympic Mask

Continuing on with my last post discussing how Miller is going to be wearing number 39 for the Olympics, which is pretty awesome... Now let's move onto something a little more personal to a goalie than the number on his jersey...his goalie mask:



Vurry nice. The Irish in me especially appreciates the little four leaf clover near the cage. I'm interested to see what's on the other side.

Here's the article discussing the mask with Ray Bishop, the man who makes all of Miller's masks.


I don't have much to say about the Vancouver game... Kerry Fraiser wanted in on the action and tried to make another erroneous game changing call, what else is new? But the Sabres were able to cancel it out by scoring another goal, but then they made some mistakes of their own and lost the game. I'm just happy that the long road trip is behind them and they're back in the Buff for a bit. Aside from a few more games on the road here and there, the team is going to be home for the majority of the time before the Olympics.

39er

So with the recent heat wave going around Buffalo and the first day of the Spring semester starting tomorrow (which I have mixed feelings about), I could swear that it's not January, but perhaps maybe March or April. But of course I was reminded that it was in fact late January considering I celebrated a birthday on the 23rd...

For as long as I can remember my grandfather has made personalized cards for my family...for my younger brother it usually shows him playing football, for my older brother it usually has to do with him making music or writing, and for me, it's usually something that pertains to either the Sabres/Ryan Miller, Marilyn Monroe, or photography. Well apparently he caught wind of me being apart of the blogosphere...



You probably can't tell from that picture...but if you look closely, Ryan Miller was drawn with a wonky eyebrow. Perfection.

So the Western road trip always seems to be a worry for Sabres fans, and it seems as though that worrisome feeling is starting to creep in after the loss to the Sharks. Although the Sabres lost to Anaheim and the Kings, I'd still consider them "character" games... The comeback against Anaheim was pretty amazing and the Sabres played one hell of a game against the Kings and it was unfortunate that they couldn't take the second point in the shootout. But after the Sharks loss it seems as though the fans are looking at our record so far on this road swing and it's not as successful as one would hope. If we do win against Vancouver, the highest amount of points we can get is 8 out of 14. Still above .500, but not spectacular. The schedule isn't going to get any easier, although at least there won't be another two week road trip. I think fans will feel a whole lot better about the road trip if the Sabres can get a win in Vancouver.

Speaking of Vancouver...the Olympics are going to be upon us soon and I'm getting pretty excited. And it looks like Miller is going back to his college days and wearing number 39 for the games. Some fans were wondering what number he was going to be wearing since he and Tim Thomas both wear number 30, and I pondered the idea of him going back to 39, I think it's pretty cool just because it reminds me of his days as a Spartan, you know, ~vintage Ryan~. Team USA's jerseys look pretty snazzy, too... You know I'm going to have to pick me up one of those, with Miller's name and number donning the back, of course.


gourjusss


NOT Photoshopped

Can't wait to get my hands on one of those sexy jerseys.

Unfair

So Lalime allows 4 goals yet this man is credited with the loss against Anaheim:




This is basically how I feel about that:



I blame you, Jochen Hecht. Actually I'm totally kidding. But seriously... Screw you, Pominville.

Thoughts Re: Za Isle

Just some quick thoughts regarding the game on Gilligan's the Island...

- The Game:
It's games like these where pessimistic fans (or ~*~realists~*~) get to relish in the team's performance to all of the optimistic fans (or ~*~dreamers~*~) out there and say how the team really isn't that good and it's all just an illusion. It's games like these where optimistic fans are left feeling a little confused and maybe just a tad concerned. The Sabres took a lot of penalties and I thought that maybe the officiating gave them some breaks here and there, yet it seemed as though the team was still trying to find ways to lose. But for some reason that hockey gods only know, the Sabres found a way to take the game into a shootout to get a point. Mostly in part to Ryan Miller playing his skinny ass off in regulation to keep the game close, seems like this is a recurring theme.

Is it just me or does it seem like whenever our goalies are really sharp in the shootout our players can't score, yet when our goalies aren't able to lock it down we get an abundance of goals from our skaters? What's the deal, misturrz?

- Broadcasting:
For the past few years, Rick Jeanneret has deked out on the West coast trip, and we've had to listen to guest announcers and other team's broadcasts. I guess I'm stating the obvious here, but things just aren't the same without RJ. I guess it's not really fair to knock Kevin Sylvester, it's not like he was terrible...you have to take into account that he's new at calling games, and it's hard to follow Rick Jeanneret. RJ's shoes are something that can never be filled and whomever ends up taking his place is just going to be a disappointment. Hockey is just more exciting when Rick is calling the game.

I have to say that I was enjoying how the Isles broadcast had Doug Weight mic'd up for the game. It's always really interesting for the fans to hear the players communicate on the ice, because that's something that we don't get to experience. I wish the Sabres mic'd up their players more often.

- Questions...
I guess this goes back to what I said in the first bullet, but after the team puts up a performance like this it leaves a lot of fans with a lot of questions. When you look at the standings, you see that we're in a 10 point lead for first in our division. We're 1 point from being 1st in the East. Some people are saying that we aren't deserving of our record because of these performances that we put up or when we win certain games, they are from 3rd period rallies after the team had very poor showings in the first two periods. I guess what I have to say is, a win is a win...and while there is always room for improvement, the Sabres earned the 64 points that they have so far, and it's hard to diminish a win in my eyes.

It's fair to say that we need several of our guys to step up and play the role that they're supposed to be in, but until it happens, the team is still finding ways to win and there are still players on this team that are "filling in" for those players, if you will. I also believe that strong goaltending is the most important thing for a hockey team's success, and it's not like we have some slouch in net for us...

- Completely random but I bet you're glad that I mentioned it:
Patrick Lalime's wife and kids came into work today and his little girls are the cuuuutesttt! So precious. While I was taking care of his wife I knew she looked really familiar (I've seen her at Catwalk for Charity a few times), and then her thick French accent gave it away. And then I saw her cute little girls and I remembered people telling me that Lalime had the cutest little kids.

I guess I was being kind of short with people at work today, and my manager was like, "Caroline's in a bad mood... Why haven't any of the Sabres come in lately? Where's Drew Stafford?!" (He seems to come in the most), and then I told her that they are going to be on the road for the next two weeks. See? I'm not the only one that has noticed that it's been a little more lonely without the boys.

Analyze This

I <3 Google Analytics. It's the best tool to use to check on how people view your blog. It's a way for me to creep on the creepers. The most amusing part of Google Analytics has to be the top search queries. Here are a few of my favorites that I got over the past few weeks... Maybe you'll recognize some as your own.

"all i want for christmas is a stick"
...A stick that won't break, right Jason?

"hi sabres"
Hi. Let's hope that wasn't a mispelling of the word "high", just saying.

"how could i say hi to paul gaustad?"
Gee, I don't know. You should probably just honk at him or something.

"how many games has ryan miller been pulled"
WHAT?! Miller getting pulled?! BLASPHEMY. Clearly the answer is NONE, ZIP, NADA. Next question please...

"what is the best definition for sassy"
I'm glad you asked. Look no further than right here.

"miller dislikes maple leafs"
I know, isn't it great?

"ryan miller jesus"
You don't have to tell me twice.

"ryan miller stabbing gomez"
There's a whole lot of win going on with this.

"playoffs you kiddin me"
No, no I'm not kidding.

"man with hair all over his face"
Hmm...you couldn't be referring to this man, could you?




shlovezzz it.

All By Myselfffff

Well, jesus... This four day break from Sabres hockey has been the longest four day break that I have ever experienced. Well maybe not, but it's been pretty long and I can't even remember the last game. Actually, that's a lie...it was a nice rally against the Avs that ended in an 11-round shootout loss. But you understand what I'm trying to say.

These few weeks are going to lonely times because our beloved Sabres are going to be on the road, leaving their devoted fanbase back in the Buff which is now going through a balmy heat wave with temperatures reaching up to a scorching 38˚F. So instead of basking in our little slice of paradise that is Buffalo in mid-January, they are going to be hanging out on the West Siiidee of the country. Whatever. Can't you just hear the song "All By Myself" playing through out the lonely, dark, empty locker room of the HSBC Arena? Maybe I'm just the only weirdo out there that always relates certain situations to certain songs, but I bet if the walls of the Sabres locker room could cry, it would be shedding some tears right about now. Sometimes I feel so insecure, and love's so distant and obscure...

I guess I don't have to worry about risking my job for a few weeks, now that I know there won't be any Sabres strolling in together on bro dates or with their lady friends. Livin' alone, I think of all the friends I've known... So sad. I also won't be able to hear any funny stories from my friends who also work at the mall about them being on the phone with certain wonky eyebrowed goalies looking to place an article of clothing on hold for himself...and then when asked what his name is he gives an awkward, "Errr, the last name is M-I-L-L-E-R...first name, Ryan." response. When I dial the telephone, nobody's home... All by myselfffff.

So during this four day break, it's been kind of hard updating my blog considering there hasn't been any news, plus I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that the Sabres are going to out of town for two weeks. I suppose I could have commented on Lindy going all Soviet Russia on us and trying this new 5-man unit technique or about how Alex Burrows and the Vancouver Canucks got shafted during a game because Burrows apparently hurt a ref's feelings in a previous game. But, nah... I think I want to address more pressing issues at hand:



The other day I was watching the news and they were showing footage of the Sabres practicing during the sports report, and Miller was sporting the mask pictured above. Not sure if they were using old footage, or if he is going back to wearing the mask (for the second half of the season? For the West Coast trip? For-ev-uhrr?)...or maybe my eyes were deceiving me and he wasn't even wearing it. I tend to get a little crazy if I don't get my Sabres hockey fix... You guys should see me in the summer. I get violent shakes and chills, it's pretty gross. I guess we'll have to wait and see until the Thrashers game before we can be sure. But until then, this issue is going to keep me up at night.

On a completely unrelated note, tonight I saw the cutest French band at Spot Coffee! They had clarinets and accordians and everything. A kazoo even made an appearence. And then I got invited to a pot luck tomorrow where they will be performing. It's my first pot luck ever and I'm pretty excited. What does one exactly bring to a pot luck? For some reason I picture a lot of casseroles and potato salad.

Like A Man

Oooh, what a man...



There's really nothing much better than hearing Ryan Miller saying how much he dislikes the Maple Leafs. What's better? Well, maybe seeing him throw a punch at one of them is nice. I love how the little bitch laid on the ice writhing in pain and the camera showed Miller shouting at him, and you know the word "pussy" was used at least once.

Gotta love Myers scoring 2 goals and Miller being his total badass, sassy self against the Lady Leafs. I used to love going to Leafs games so I could wish them a nice trip home back to the T.O. Honestly the only reason I dislike that team as much as I do is because of their cocky fans which is pretty priceless considering how pathetic their team is.

So it's pretty easy to tell how amused I was to see my favorite player getting all sassy on them and throwing a few punches their way and then being his badass self in his post-game interview. Ahhh, gotta love it.

Anyways, while this post isn't full of in depth hockey analysis, it shows how much I enjoy a Sabres victory over the Maple Leafs because it ensures that there are some bitter Leafs fans driving home on the QEW tonight....warms my heart. And I apologize if this post is all over the place because I'm still quite intoxicated from a little get together I participated in tonight after the Sabres' lovely win over the Lady Leafs.

Streak's Still Alive

Woooo, so the Sabres are having themselves a nice little winning streak going on, the longest winning streak since 07.

I always get to the games about an hour early, to avoid traffic, to get a nice spot in the parking ramp, and so I can get some nice shots of the players warming up. I get pretty anxious when I'm running late for a game, and tonight was the one and only time that I was late to a game. And of course the Sabres decided that tonight would be the night that they would score the quickest 3 goals in franchise history... Go figure. I was freaking out while I was stuck in traffic and then I literally had to park on the roof of the parking ramp which took like another 15 minutes. As my brother and I were walking up to the arena, we heard the Sabres scored and I was pissed that I missed it.

So we were rushing to our seats and as we were, I hear my brother say, "Uh oh..." and I say, "What's wrong?" and he was like, "...Nothing." Then a few minutes later he was like, "Caroline, I don't know how to break this to you...but look at the scoreboard." and I look at the scoreboard and I see that we're up 3-0. At first I thought it was some kind of joke...I didn't even realize that we missed 6 minutes of the game. Obviously I was really happy that we were up 3-0 on the Lightning, but I was pissed that I missed so much of the game already. Although I do admit that I did find it funny how my brother didn't want to break the news to me. Here I thought we just missed the opening goal, but nah, we missed 3. Cool.

All in all it was a pretty good game, I thought the Sabres seemed a little shaky here and there, but they did a good job to maintain the lead when Tampa was pressing hard to get themselves back in the game. There was a really adorable baby sitting behind me that I was enjoying the entire night. He was about 1 and a half or 2...and he was really loving the game. He was dancing whenever songs would come on and he would walk over near me every now and then to say hi...he was precious.

Oh and not to brag or anything, but I find it interesting that both Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur scored goals the night after I gave them free tickets to the movies... Coincidence? I think not. As a fan, I try to do my part in making sure that my team has the most success that it possibly can.

While the Sabres are enjoying their 5-game winning streak, I'm enjoying a little streak of my own as well. I've been to four games so far this season, and they've all been wins. I'm 4-0 at the arena and it feels pretty damn good. I've seen the Sabres beat Detroit, Calgary, Chicago, and Tampa Bay so far. I think my favorite games so far have been Detroit and Calgary.

So the Sabres play the Leafs on Friday and the Avs on Saturday and then their off to their big road trip to the West. First they'll make some stops on Atlanta and Long Island, and then it's off to the big, bad Western Conference. It's going to be a tough schedule, with the back-to-backs and time zone differences...should be interesting. Let's hope I can stay awake during those pesky 10 and 10:30 game time starts. It's going to be lonely in the Buff without our boys...but I'm sure they're looking forward to getting a little sun sans the snow. Let's just hope they don't have too much fun and they can get down to bizznazz.

This Is Why I'm Hot

Before I get into real hockey stuff... I have a story to tell!

Today it was like a Sabres get together at work today, I swear... First Andrej Sekera came in, then Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur came in, and finally Nathan Paetsch stopped in. Anyways, my manager had two tickets to a special pre-screening of the movie The Lovely Bones, and she asked me if I wanted them. She told me that if I got 15 people to sign up for our loyalty card, she'd give me the tickets... So when Stafford and MacArthur came in, I told them the deal and asked if they could help a sister out... and Stafford was like, "Yeah I'll help you out!" We were also talking about what would happen if I gave them free tickets and MacArthur was like, "I don't want to get you fired!" and I was like, "Yeah I'll give you free tickets and then the next time you're going to come in with the whole team and I'll have to give everyone free tickets." So they signed up for the loyalty card (and I got 15 people, so I got the tickets...yay!), and that was that. Then a few minutes later Paetsch came in. A few hours later I was working and I look up and there's some guy frantically waving at me while he's walking out the door...and it was Drew Stafford. Gotta love it.

Anywayssss... I wasn't able to watch the WJC gold medal came tonight, but I have to say how stoked I am for Team USA's upset over Team Canada. Mostly because I'm American, but also because upsets are always fun...being a Buffalonian I'm just always partial to the underdogs. Got me all excited for the Olympics in February... Team USA would definitely be considered the underdogs, but when you have a hot goaltender you never know what can happen. And Team USA definitely has that... Speaking of which, it looks like Ron Wilson wants to ride the one hot goalie during the Games. Wonder which goalie it will be... Gotta love the old school picture of Miller they used in that article. Ahh, simplier days!

Well I hope you enjoyed my story. I'm going to the game tomorrow so I'm pretty excited about that. Right now I'm just enjoying some Late Night and eating a waffle for dinner. Yes, I eat dinner at 1 am and it also happens to be a waffle... I'm classy like that.

USA! USA! USA!

Ladies and gentlemen... I give you Team USA's goaltender for the 2010 Winter Olympics:



I'm so excited! I know Ryan was pretty much a shoe-in, but it's still exciting when it's official. I'm so proud of him and it's going to be so much fun watching him compete in such a big spotlight. The Olympics are a special time, and it's always fun to tune in, even if you're not a sports fan. I think people get caught up in it regardless because it gives people a sense of unity, and I think the Olympics are one of those times where people can put aside their differences for a few weeks and just have fun with it. I really got involved with the 2008 Summer Games and I'm pretty stoked for February, especially now that we know that our beloved wonky eyebrowed goalie is going to be there representing the stars and stripes.

I don't know if this was Ryan's expression when he first got news that he was named to the roster, but this was basically my reaction when I got the text message:



So congratulations, Ryan! You've really earned it and I'm vurrry excited and proud to know that you'll be representing USA...I'm sure you'll do us proud!

This post would be nothing without the official seal of approval...