Three Cheers for Patty!

Awww here it goes...

Well that was a fun game to be a part of... I have to say I was genuinely surprised to hear Patrick Kane receive so many boo's from the Buffalo crowd. I really wasn't expecting it. I was pretty sure that Soupy was going to get booed, but I didn't think Buffalonians felt so strongly about Kane's lousy tipping and cabbie pummeling. Or maybe they were just booing because he's one of those superstars, and sometimes fans feel obliged to boo other team's superstars. Eh, whateves. I just thought it was interesting. I was sort of sad to see Campbell get booed, although I was pretty sure it was going to happen. I just thought it was pretty cute when he asked fans to not boo him...oh well. A guy sitting near me was like, "Aw come on! He's a good guy!" My sentiments exactly, guy sitting near me. My sentiments exactly.

Anyways... my friend Phil and I were saying how Lalime must have taken some extra sass pointers from Miller, because boy was he SASSY tonight. Making 39 saves against the offensively charged Chicago Blackhawks. Verrry nice. It also seemed as though Patrick Kane took some pointers from Brian Campbell as he tried the fancy schmancy spin-o-rama a few times during the game, but he was d-e-n-i-e-d. Saaah sad.

The Sabres took a few penalties in the beginning of the game to allow the Blackhawks to pepper Lalime with several shots, but the Sabres did a good job killing off the penalty and they were up 2 goals going into the third period. I knew that the Blackhawks would come out hard and they scored within the first minute of the third period, but after that Lalime and the rest of the boys were there to hold down fort to secure a 2-1 victory. Also, kudos to the Blackhawks for taking an inopportune penalty during the final minute and a half of the game...thanks a lot, guys! We owe you one.

When I was leaving the game there was some Blackhawks fan bitching about her team losing. She was saying some nonsense on how the Blackhawks played the better game because they had more shots on goal than the Sabres. Then some guy said, "Yeah...well we had more shots IN goal." Zingggg! She must have been in a bad mood because she had a stupid little temporary tattoo of the Blackhawks logo right underneath her eye that looked like an unfortunate birth mark. What a shame.

So onto New York tomorrow... I just hope the Sabres put forth a better effort than they did the last time they played the disgusting Rangers. I know it's the latter end to back-to-backs and it's another 3 games in 4 nights scenario, but the Sabres must be feeling pretty good about themselves right now after tonight's game, plus Miller is coming off a shutout and he got a nice break tonight. SO. I'm expecting a better performance out of them...please let that be the case because it's an extra stab in my heart when the Sabres lose to the Rangers because I hate them so.

Oh and I'd just like to give my condolences to the Grier family for their loss. When I heard that Mike left the Sabres to be with his ill mother I had a feeling that things probably weren't looking good, but I was hoping for the best and that she would recover from whatever illness she had. Unfortunately that wasn't the case and I was extremely saddened when the announcer at the arena told us to give a moment of silence because of her passing. My thoughts are with the Grier family and I wish them all the strength that they need to get through such a difficult time.

Risking My Life For Pants

So I pratically risked my life today attempting to go shopping for a pair of pants and some jeans, due to the crazy whiteout conditions. Granted, when I pulled out of my driveway the winds weren't gusting, but as soon as we were on the 219 and the 90 it was pretty scary...needless to say I didn't attempt to go any further and we turned around to go home.

I guess it's a stay-at-home-and-blog-about-your-favorite-hockey-team kind of day, wouldn't you say? Let's get to it...

The Devils and the Rangers games were frustrating, and it's those kind of games that seemed to have been pretty familiar for Sabres fans over the past few seasons. Luckily we've been seeing less of those "clunkers", but I think whenever those kind of games happen, some fans can be hasty to make quick judgements about how this is the same old team with the same problems that will keep us out of the postseason. I guess it's understandable after two straight seasons of missing the playoffs, but sometimes I can't help but laugh at some people's reactions after bad games. It's an 82-game season, and as much as we'd want our Sabres to go without any of those clunkers...they're going to happen. I just wish one of those games wasn't against the disgusting New York Rangers...have I mentioned on here how much I loathe the Rangers? My friend works at Guess at the Galleria and he said a bunch of them were shopping there before the game and were acting like a bunch of divas...surprising!

Anywayssss... Last night's game had a little something for everyone. I was happy when Montador scored because I took care of him at work the other day and he was really nice to me so ever since then I've been rooting a little more for him, because who doesn't like nice people? I know I do. We had the little guy Nathan Gerbe score his first NHL goal, and who doesn't love watching someone get their first NHL goal? I know I do. We had Henrik Tallinder score an amazing end to end goal, and I've mentioned on here the last time he scored a goal how I'm always extra happy when Hank scores a goal because people were getting so down on him the past few seasons. And who doesn't like it when someone who had been underacheiving the past few seasons pick it up and score a goal? I know I do. And then there was Ryan Miller being his skillfull, sassy self and he made 35 saves and got himself another shutout. And who doesn't like shutouts? I know I do.

I also love this picture of Sabretooth bowing down to his greatnesss Ryan Miller:


Ah-mazingggg! <-- That was supposed to be in Kelly Kapoor's voice. If you don't who Kelly Kapoor is, then shame on you.

So I was supposed to volunteer tonight at Carly's Club Annual Holiday Party, but due to the crazy weather, it was rescheduled. Which got me thinking, I wonder if the weater is going to impact the Blackhawks game tomorrow. I wonder if the Blackhawks are in town yet? I'm going to the game tomorrow, and I will risk my life to be there....I mean if I risked my life to get a pair of pants today, then I know I'll risk my life to go to a Sabres-Blackhawks match up. It's the return of Soupy....and I really hope no one boos him. I thought it was so cute when he told fans not to boo him when he comes back. Awww, poor guy. I have a feeling he might get booed. :(

I also wonder if the weather is going to continue next week...because that's when all my finals are. Today was my last day of classes but I didn't go to any of them because of the weather. Hmmm...

Speaking of which, I should be spending tonight studying and working on my final projects. But I know I won't... I'm in the mood to watch a movie. Maybe Titanic... Yes, Titanic! When I was in NYC I went to a Titanic Artifact Exhibit and it was amazing... There was a replica of the grand staircase and my cousin and I got our picture on the staircase. If you're my friend on Facebook I posted it on there, but I haven't gotten around to posting it on my Flickr yet. I'll be sure to post that picture and the other pictures from NYC on here once I get them on Flickr.

I hope all of you Buffalonians out there (or anyone else who is dealing with the snow storm) stays safe tonight! And don't go out to get a new pair of pants...it's not worth it.

Playoffs?

So when the playoffs started, I was still pretty bummed about the Sabres missing out yet again, but I was quickly distracted by all the great hockey that was being played. I was really enjoying all the match-ups and I thought it was an exceptionally exciting playoffs. But now we've approached the Conference Finals, and I find myself a little bored to be honest. I think it's because I have zero interest in the Eastern Conference Finals, and I have watched a grand total of 0 seconds of it. I just don't care...and I sort of feel bad. I feel it's almost my duty as a hockey fan to watch the Conference Finals.

Then there's the Wings-'Hawks match-up. I thought the series would be a little more exciting, but so far I am not that blown away. Maybe it's because I am partial to the 'Hawks winning and things haven't gone their way yet. I'm sure there were plenty of Buffalo fans shaking their head at Soupy's gaffe that lead to Detroit's OT game winner. I heard that Sports Center was running a "highlight"-reel all of Soupy's playoff mistakes at crucial moments. I don't think that puck over the glass penalty needs to be reminded to anyone in Buffalo. Poor Brian. I like him okay. I know a lot of fans are all, "Good riddance!" about him...but I will admit that sometimes I miss the way he could cary the puck out of our zone... So it's not as if I'm crying for him to some day return to us, but I wish him well.

I don't really feel like watching another Detroit-Pittsburgh series in the Finals...that's sooo 2008. It would be a pretty disappointing finish to an exciting 2009 playoffs in my opinion. I wish teams like Anaheim and Washington were still in it, but life goes on.

There seems to be a common theme among many of the Sabres blogs as of late...and it's that the fans are missing the Sabres. I'm glad I'm not the only one. All this hockey has been fun over the past month or so, but I want my hockey back. It's a bummer to know that the playoffs aren't even over yet and I'm missing our boys. Can't they help a sister out and throw together a cute little pick up game or something. Make it happen. I will not tolerate these extended offseasons anymore. I am forced to sit at Bidwell Park and watch the hippies dance and play frisbee. It's a sad, sad sight sometimes. I could be watching my favorite professional NHL athletes partaking in the great sport of hockey but instead I am subjected to these barefoot earthy people with questionable personal hygeine. All is NOT right in the world. Just kidding...sort of. I have a soft spot for hippies...they're environmentally conscious and they can be a good source of entertainment. Mad earthy boos.

The only thing remotely close to a "Sabres fix" is that my friend Scott saw a certain wonky eyebrowed goalie in aviators grabbing some coffee the other day. Scott referred to him as "Miller-O" (a la Jackie O and her uncanny ability to always look like she was going incognito) due to the aviators that he was sporting. I hope he's aware that it's pretty impossible for him to be incognito given his body type. Please. I could spot that man in a crowd of 1500 without even trying. Sahh sahry.

Speaking of which, he looked very snazzy tonight presenting awards at the Buffalo Fan Awards, an award show for local high school and college athletes. I'm a former student of Orchard Park high school, and that school is very dedicated to sports. This year was a very special year for the football team because they won State but it was also because they dedicated their season to a friend of mine named Lindsay who sadly died this past November. She was a great person and a great athlete and it was great to see the team and the community support her family during such an awful time. There's a lot that goes into the story, but to make it short a lot of the guys on the team really felt as though Lindsay was there to help them gain control of the game in the second half and win the game to get the title. The team's quarterback, Kyle Hoppy won Boys Athlete of the Year for a large school and his touchdown run at the championship game also won Play of the Year. I know Kyle's family well and he's a good kid so it's neat to see him get this recognition. It's also nice to see Coach Tundo (head coach of the football team) win Boys Coach of the Year. He was my gym teacher for a few years when I was in high school and he also coached my brother when he was on the football team...he's a riot. I'll always have a soft spot for Mr. Tundo. One of these days I should pay him a visit...but I digress.

There was also a professional athlete category and Ryan Miller and Trent Edwards won Athlete of the Year for their respective sports while Pat Kane won WNY Athlete of the Year. Atta boys.

So if that pick up Sabres hockey game doesn't come into fruition and I have a feeling it will not, the closest thing I have to a Sabres fix (besides seeing Miller-O getting his daily intake of a caffeinated beverage), there's a nice interview with Ryan over at the Buffalo Fan Awards website where he discusses what it was like growing up playing hockey, the Sabres, and his Steadfast Foundation. So enjoy that...hopefully a member of the Sabres will contact me about forming a pick-up game...I'll be sure to make a Facebook event and invite everyone to the shindig. It would be a bundle of fun.

I got my grades for the Spring Semester today and I am pretty happy overall with how I did. With that over with, I'm really looking forward to relaxing this summer and enjoying the wonderful weather. I've been working a lot, but when I'm not working I'm usually spending my time outside. Thursday at the Square begins next Thursday and I was glad to see that I'm not working so I'll be able to go to that. Still saving up money so I can attend Lollapalooza in August. I am also excited to see No Doubt in June. I've probably mentioned that several times on here already, but I really can't wait. The closer it approaches the more excited I get. I still can't believe I am seeing them live. I've been such a huge fan since I was a young kid and Gwen Stefani has always been sort of an idol of mine when I was kid. If I were ever to be a rock star I'd want to be like her. She's just so cool. Her hot husband was just in Buffalo a few weeks ago playing a show at the Town Ballroom and unforunately I could not attend. But I'm so excited to see Gwen and the rest of No Doubt and I have sick "seats"...right up against the stage. It's going to be a bitchin' time.

If you don't know by now, I'm talkin' 'bout Chi-Town.

Ah, yes. Chicago. A great city. Now complete with a great hockey team. It's hard for me (and probably a lot of Sabres fans agree) to find much to dislike about the Blackhawks. First of all, they're a Western Conference team so that automatically makes it easier for me to like them and wish them success. Second of all, the most obvious reason is because South Buffalo's Pat Kane is on the team and is quickly becoming one of their franchise players. Also, I think they are reminiscent of what the Sabres were coming out of the lockout. They're young and they're proving themselves to be one of the more respected Clubs in the NHL. They've also inspired a healthy fanbase in the Chicago area. Plus, everyone's favorite red-headed defenseman is now with the team (don't worry Soupy, I won't boo you when you come back to HSBC).

What I am trying to say is that I'm pretty excited for tonight's game. It will be a challenge for the team, for sure. But hey, isn't that what sports is all about? I was pretty excited for the Detroit match-up as well, even though I wasn't expecting us to win...but I was surprised for how long they did hang in Ryan Miller hung in there for. Anyways, it will be interesting to see our boys compete against them. Last year when Chicago came to town it was a lot of fun. It was a perfect scenario for us; our hometown boy scores a goal (the only goal for the 'Hawks) but the Sabres still won and I thought it was a pretty entertaining game. All in all, it was a fun game to be at. We were all Sabres fans, but everyone was there to cheer on Kane as well. I wonder how Brian Campbell will perform against his former team for the first time. Like Ryan Miller said, he's going to have to do better than the spin-o-rama.

Speaking of goalies, Lalime will be between the pipes tonight against his former team. Let's see how he does. Everyone knows that Miller has been phenomenal lately, but if we want him to keep that up then he's going to have to get some rest here and there. Plus, it gives us a chance to get Lalime some action so he doesn't end up getting too rusty. Perhaps having him play against his former team will give him some more incentive to play better and show them how he's doing with his new team.

Continuing with the goalie talk, Puck Daddy has a nice write-up on goalies that come up big when their team is shorthanded and everyone's favorite hippie goaltender came up ontop proving that he's a big difference maker during the PK. I also liked what Miller said the other day about goaltending, how he compared it to a golf swing:

“It’s kind of like a golf swing. That’s how I try to explain things to people. You go to the range and you’re thinking about six different things: Where is the weight on this foot, back hinge, the elbow, all this stuff. Goaltending is a lot like that. My stance, my hand positioning, where I am in the crease, how much I challenge, my glove side not being too low or too high, trying to get dialed in. The last few games I’ve felt good… I’m starting to feel more like where I think I need to be.”

It's a nice analogy because it gives people who probably aren't that familiar with being a goaltender better insight into what goes into being a goalie and all the things that you have to think about at once...pretty interesting. In the words of Mr. Lalime, Miller certainley has been a "treat" to watch. In so many different ways, Patrick, in so many different ways...

In more lineup news, it looks like Chris Butler is scratched tonight with Numminen playing, according to The Buffalo News. It seemed as if Numminen was going to be the one scratched since he was paired with Nathan Paetsch the past few practices, but it appears not so. Butler certainly can use the ice time, and I don't think it would hurt to have Teppo sit out a game or two every now and then considering his age, but what do I know.

And now, my dear readers, I leave you with this stroll down memory lane. How can we ever forget this classic? Brian Campbell is forever immortalized in the Greater Buffalo area thanks to YouTube and excessive sweating:



Thanks for the memories, Soupy.