Rockin' the Wingzzz

So Tuesday I went to my first Sabres game of the (regular) season and it was...well, it was pretty damn awesome. Just a few things I feel like I should mention...

Things that make me happy:

- Me sticking to my main decision about having the Wings game being my first game of the season...a lot of my friends tried to convince me to go to the home opener and forget about the Wings game, since the Sabres always lose to the Wings anyways...

- Being surrounded by cocky Wings fans during a 6-2 Sabres victory

- Patrick Kaleta's first multi-point game of his career.

- The Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta line in general.

- Once again...Tyler Myers. Kaleta's goal was all thanks to Myers, watching him carry the puck into the zone like that was wonderful and I just had a feeling the Sabres were going to score on that play. Still can't believe that it was only his fourth NHL game.

- Vanek's injury isn't as serious as once believed, and he shouldn't be out for WEEKS (WEEKS!!) like Lindy once feared.

- The fact that Lindy has decided to keep the lines intact instead of shuffling them around despite the absence of Vanek...why mess with a good thing? I'm especially glad that means the Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta line will remain. Mair replacing Vanek should be interesting to say the least.

- The guy sitting behind me at the game who kept saying funny remarks about Mike Grier every time he touched the puck.

- The little girl sitting behind me who exclaimed to her dad, "DAD!! Look how big that player is!!!!" when she first saw Tyler Myers on the ice.

- Annoying the hell out of my brother by chanting, "MILLER! MILLER! MILLER!" every 10 seconds while driving to the game and walking to the arena (I get excited, ok?)

- Me being able to chant, "MILLER! MILLER! MILLER!" after he stopped Filppula's penalty shot.

- Where The Wild Things Are comes out tomorrow!! I know you've all read the book, and the movie DOES NOT look like it's going to disappoint!

Things that kind of bum me out:

- I won't be able to watch the game tomorrow because I have to work :(. DVR delay just isn't the same, but I guess I'm going to have to make due. I'm going to get my hockey fix during the day by attending the open practice in the morning.

- I brought the wrong lens to the game yesterday, so my pictures are less than stellar. Despite the fact that I was sitting three rows from the glass. I tried to take some pictures but they all came out kind of "meh." It's a bummer because that's the only game this season where I'm going to be super close to the glass and I could have gotten some real nice shots of the players.

- I didn't turn up in any of the pictures on GettyImages.com...one of my favorite things about looking at pictures from sporting events is the looks on the spectator's faces. One day I wish to be captured in an unflattering way at Sabres game...it's a tough goal but I am determined to fulfill it.

- COLLEGE. Ahh...the stresses of being a college student. I'm in the process of switching majors and even possibly transferring schools and it's just stressing me out big time right now...I'm just trying to keep everything in perspective because if I don't I might give myself a heart attack. Just trying to get through this semester...

- The Fire Dick Jauron billboard on the 190... Look, I get just as upset over a terrible loss as the next Bills fan, but putting up a billboard that reads, "Fire Dick Jauron!" or whatever it's going to say is just tacky... Despite him not being the greatest coach in history, he's also a human being with a family and a life outside of his coaching job. Believe me, I'm sure Dick Jauron is well aware that he's not the most liked Buffalonian at the moment, and he doesn't need a huge billboard that calls for him to be fired to remind him of that. We're classier than that, Buffalo. Just mi dos centavos.

Things that just confuse the hell out of me:

- My professor's accent. I know it's not her fault that she's hard to understand, but it makes Art History so much more difficult when I can't understand what she is saying. And she gets cranky when people ask her to write something on the board more than once. She's all, "I alveady vrote da vord on da board lahst class..."

- SpongeBob and Sandy are getting married?! What the...I always thought SpongeBob was gay...

YAY!

So this is my first attempt ever at updating my blog while under the influence of alcohol...yes I am drunk. And yes tonitght I am very excited because my two favorite players had special nights...Mike Grier scored our only goal and my favorite wonky eyebrowed goalie Ryan Miller got a shutout...yep. That is my post game analysis. I also made a picture to express my feelings...I am impressed because I just made this even though I am pretty drunk. Photooshop and I are friends.




love yaaa boyz.

Let's hear what my favorite goalie had to say about my favorite forward:

"Mike Grier, you are my hero," Miller said.
How [precious...I agree wholeheartedly. Ryan Miller should have said, "I am my own hero too.Because I am awesome." Yes.

Quick Thoughts

As I was watching last night's game, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Here we go again...". It just seems all too familiar for me to be watching the Sabres get chance after chance, yet they fail to convert... The results usually end up with a frustrated squad and another tally in the "L" column. Those games that they let slip away and at the end of the season when they are 2 points out of a playoff spot you can't help but look back to those kind of games and shake your head. The games where the Sabres have all the chances in the world, but then the opposing team scores a goal and the team just gets completely deflated and that's the game...

But last night was different. Obviously I was very happy to see the team win last night...2 points is 2 points no matter how you look at it. But for me it was reassuring because it seems like those were the kind of games that the Sabres would lose last year. But the team didn't get frustrated and as soon as Phoenix scored, the Sabres wasted no time to tie the game up, and then they finally converted on the PP late in the game which proved to be the game-winner. They got it done. Now, let's move onto my favorite players of the game...there won't be any surprises here.

- Tyler Myers... He continues to blow me away. As exciting as it is to see him perfom, I'm trying to be level-headed and I keep reminding myself that he's only a kid and he's bound to have some serious gaffes out there that might lead for some of his supporters to turn on him...but as of now I am just loving watching him out there. I think he might be the real deal...it gets me real excited to not only imagine how he's going to turn out later in the season, but in the upcoming years. It was a pretty scary moment when he was lying on the ice after his assist on MacArthur's goal...good to know that he only got the wind knocked out of him. Welcome to the big leagues, Tyler.

- Mike Grier... Have I mentioned that I'm still pretty excited that he's back? Seriously...it's going to be the last game of the season and I'm still going to be like, "I'm just so glad that he's back!" Sometimes I need to tell myself to get a grip. I don't want to turn all fangirl on Mike, but watching him kill those penalties out there last night really isn't helping my cause. Makes me remember why he was my favorite Sabre before he departed. His presence out there is just what the team needs when its late in the game and things can get pretty chaotic out there in the dying seconds.

- Patrick freakin' Kaleta... He's just so good at what he does. The more he gets under people's skin the more I like him. He's that type of player that you hate but you would welcome with open arms if he were to ever join your team. I do find it laughable how many fans around the league can't stand him. I was browsing through some blogs and message boards and there were so many fans saying how that hit on Prucha was very dirty and he should be suspended. That's real cute...just goes to show you much he agitates people. Hey Prucha, keep your head up next time. Not only is he a great energy player that can fire a game up, but he draws a lot of penalties. Let's just hope he doesn't draw penalties in vain...although Vanek did score the game-winner on the PP, they were only 1 in 7 for the night. I think if they keep at it like they are they'll be just fine, though. The goals will come.

- Ryan Miller... You really didn't think I was going to make an entry and not mention mah main man, right? Seriously though...he had just as much of an impact on the game as the players that I mentioned above. While the Sabres were getting chance after chance but failing to convert, Miller did his part to keep the team in the game by making timely saves. He had about 4 or 5 huge saves that I can remember on the top of my head that shows that Miller is one of the best goaltenders in the league right now. I don't care what anyone says. People say I'm biased because he's my favorite player, but it's only a matter of time before the nay-sayers have to admit that the dude is one of the best. I'm real excited for him this year...it's going to be a big season for him. Can't wait. Now if he would only update his blog then he would be PERFECT. Just kidding...except not really.

I'm also liking what I'm seeing from Hecht so far...last year was a pretty tough year for him, and I know it's still extremely early in the season, but perhaps we'll be seeing a more solid season out of Jochen. LaBarbera was also excellent. It's so frustrating for fans to see your team have all these scoring opportunities but it doesn't show up on the scoreboard, but you have to give credit when the goaltender is playing his heart out. He had a great game.

Looking foward to Saturday...

It IS Time!

...that was supposed to emulate how Rafiki said "It is time!" in The Lion King. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Anyone, anyone?

Okay, Moving on... SABRES HOCKEY STARTS TONIGHT! YAYAYAYAYAYA!!!! Insightful, amirite? It's the finaaaal countdown. Do do do dooooo, do do do do doooooo.

It's beyond exciting just thinking about the game tonight...the fact that we're going to be watching meaningful hockey again. I'm really looking forward to seeing what our new additons can do for our squad...especially Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy. I hope Myers sees a lot of playing time, because I'm real anxious to see how fairs in the big league. He tore it up in the juniors last year and a lot of people have agreed that he's developed enough in the juniors and he's ready for the NHL. Only time will tell. It was easier for Lindy Ruff & co to make a decision on whether to keep Myers up or not due to Lydman's hand injury. I'm willing to bet that Myers will get his 9 game tryout and who knows what will happen from there. Will he go down to the juniors or is he going to remain a permanent member of the Sabres? Obviously it all depends on well he plays and how well our other defenseman perform. It's obvious that Tallinder really needs to step it up this season or else he's going to end up being traded...and I'm sure Myers is aware of that. Players are vying for spots and I hope it makes for some fun and exciting hockey.

I'm also extremely looking forward to seeing Grier back with us. He's one of my favorite players and I think everyone remembers how important he was during our great 05-06 run...I think his hard work and attitude will be influential for some of our young guys, and also for some of our not so young guys that still seem to act immature. I'm not naming names but I think we can all agree that certain diving, whining midgets with questionable fashion decisions players on our team really need to grow up...I wouldn't consider us a young team anymore even though we giving some of our young guys a crack at the roster. We've got plenty of players on this team who have seen both the ups and downs of a full NHL season and there's really no excuse for some of our guys to act so immature at times. So that's why I think it's great that Grier is back with us. I think other hard working players like Ellis, Montador, Kaleta, Gaustad, and Rivet to name a few will also be essential pieces to a successful season...

Anyways, I'm about to head off to the Sabres first open practice of the season...should be fun. I went to several of the training camp sessions which I thoroughly enjoyed...I've been there so much that the arena employees are starting to recognize me. Yes, I am a rink rat... I'm sure the practice this morning will be pretty crowded given that it's a Saturday and it's opening night.

Another important tidbit about the upcoming season that I know all of you are dying to know about...I'm pretty sure Miller is going back to his old mask this season. I mentioned it in a previous post that I heard that through the grapevine...and the other day the news showed some footage of the players practicing and Miller was wearing his old mask again and there are pictures from the morning practices showing Ryan sporting his old mask...


Oh hayyy!

He's got some new pads though...what do you think?


Prettaayy neat.

Speaking of our wonky goalie, it warmed my heart to see him being such a hardass full of wisdom about our team again...ohh it's been too long since we've been graced with his insight and sass. Sabres TV has an interview with Ryan up where Miller says how he's sick of talking about "accountability". (I also liked the part when the reporter said a metaphor about robbing a bank and Ryan was like, "What are you talking about...") He says that it's time for the players to just "shut up about it and do it." Couldn't have said it better myself... Well, maybe I can...

Caro sez...
"DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!!!"


My excitement from the Sabres-Leafs preseason game also represents my excitement for the start of the 2009-2010 season.

Picture Day!

I guess it's my obligation as a Buffalo sports fan to mention the Bills game last night...you can't deny that the Bills looked good all night, which was much to the surprise as most people expected the Pats to inhiliate the Bills...but that fumble by McKelvin was just the quintessential Buffalo Bills. I mean, really... of course that happened.

Okay now that I have said my insightful and groundbreaking remarks about the Bills game, it's time to move onto much more important things at hand... It was picture day over at the HSBC Arena the other day and the shots are IN! The pictures haven't been uploaded onto Sabres.com yet, so we're going to have to make due with the ones over at Getty Images with the annoying NHL/Getty Images watermarks on them. Anyways, without further ado...

Ryan Miller always brings his best of the best smile on picture day.

Drew Stafford has that whole, "I just got inked to a nice new deal" aura about him, don't you think?

This is a good thing to see...a very good thing! I'm still just so happy that he's back. :') When I attended training camp last week it was very exciting for me to see him back out there on the ice with the rest of the boys. More on that in a little bit...

Annndddd I'm just posting this picture because Felix Schutz is probably the most photogenic person in the entire Sabres organization:

That'll be going on Momma Schutz's refrigerator, no question in my mind.

You can find the rest of the pics on Getty Images if you just search "Buffalo Sabres". It's also interesting to note that the players were photographed in the team's third jerseys that sports the original logo...Larry Quinn has gone on record saying that the club is in the process of phasing out the "buffaslug" and that the team will be returning back to the original logo in 2010-2011 (the team's 40th anniversary). I, like most fans have always been partial to the team's original logo and colors...I didn't mind the "raging buffalo" logo, but I missed the blue and gold. It's been obvious that the team has been slowly returning back to the original logo...just take a look at the newly designed official website or center ice. I own a third jersey from 06-07 which was the royal blue & gold with the original logo. I would like to buy a new third jersey or maybe I'll wait until next season to see what the road jersey is going to look like.

As I mentioned earlier I went to Puck Drop last Saturday and I also attended the following day of training camp on Sunday. I met up with some lovely ladies, which included Shelby and Tamara. It was nice just to be back in the arena again and seeing hockey. Although it was mostly just testing and the rookies skating. Apparently the veterans were supposed to scrimmage but I guess they decided they were too cool for that. I'm glad to say that they all reported to the rink on Sunday and I got to watch them scrimmage. I remember Nathan Gerbe had a pretty sick breakaway and scored on Miller. There were a lot of prospects on the ice that I had a hard time recognizing, but the prospect that I'm the most curious about (as I'm sure most fans are) is Tyler Myers. I look forward to going to more of the training camp sessions to watch him skate. I'm pretty sure that I'm going again tomorrow to watch the boys between classes. It'll be nice for me this year because some days I have a break between my classes that's right when the players practice...so I know I'll be attending a fair share of open practices this season. I'm going to become a rink rat. I took some pictures when I went to training camp and I plan on taking more as I attend them, so I'll be sure to upload the pics and share them with you all.

It's still hard to belive that hockey season is right around the corner but it really is. There's only 18 days left until the regular season and the Sabres play a preseason game on Thursday. I'm not sure about the other games, but I belive that the preseason game against Montreal on the 26th is going to be broadcasted on the NHL Network, so that'll be nice.

Oh...and just a little aside, I'm on one of Buff State's computers right now and it's just reminding me how much I HATE PCs... I know everyone has their computer brand of choice but I'm pro-Mac...always have been and always will be. These computers blow.

Helloooo, Mistah Grier

In my last post I said that it would probably be a long time before I could update again discussing any Sabres news. Well color me happily surprised. I've said before that it's a long offseason and that there was still plenty of time for the Sabres' management to make another move...and I think they have successfully made a move that will both be beneficial to the team and very pleasing for the fans.

When I got a text alert from the Sabres last night, I had to re-read it about three times before I finally believed it was true. Grier? No way! I was pretty surprised considering he didn't have a lot of nice things to say about the organization when he departed, but that all appears to be water under the bridge now. Grier was definitely one of my favorite Sabres when he was with us and I was extremely disappointed when he didn't return to the team. I never would have thought that he would have came back to the Sabres...but here he is, crawling back to us begging for us to take him back. That was my attempt at being cocky, ok. I'm not very good at it as you may have just gathered. Anyways, I'm thrilled to see that he's back with us and I'm really liking the direction that the team is headed in the offseason. The team has added more grit and physicality and I am hoping that some of our players matured over the offseason and will be better for it next season.

I feel like I should mention this before I say anything else, but I will not be commenting on Pat Kane's arrest due to personal reasons. I don't really feel like I have much else to contribute to the whole situation anyways, considering the story has made headlines in more places that Pat would like to think about. Everyone's opinion on the arrest is already out there so I don't feel lke mine really matters. So that's that.

In other news, one of my readers, Chris sent me a video of the Goose being interviewed on a local Portland TV station. A highlight in the interview is him talking about his golfing "skills". A big thanks to Chris for giving us a Goose fix!

Speaking of hockey players going all PR on us, Ryan Miller was the Grand Marshal at Watkins-Glen for the Crown Royal 200 where he promoted his Steadfast Foundation and gave details about Catwalk for Charity IV. It's 50s-themed this year...as I have mentioned before on here I'm a sucker for anything vintage (basically anything between the eras of the 20s to the 70s), so I'm pretty excited. I already have a real vintage 1950s cocktail dress that I think I'm going to wear. I wore it to one of my homecoming dances when I was in high school and I did my hair to resemble my homegirl Marilyn and I got many flattering compliments where people were saying I looked like her. I'm definitely going to pay homeage to my favorite lady again and do the Marilyn look again at this year's Catwalk. I'm going to have to pull up my collection of thousands countless pictures I have of Marilyn to get some inspiration on how I'm going to look. I'm sure there will be people there doing the whole Marilyn thing, but I'm going to try and be a little different. There's more to Marilyn than a white billowing dress being blown up by a NYC subway breeze. Even for last year's Catwalk, I was able to get a little bit of Marilyn in my look by wearing a hidden flask in a garter belt to go along with the 1920s speakeasy theme. In one of my favorite Marilyn movies, Some Like It Hot, she wears the same thing since the setting is during the 1920s Prohibition days. So that was my Marilyn inspiration...this time around I'll be able to do even more since the 50s was during Marilyn's prime as a movie star. One thing that got me nervous though was the details on Sabres.com about the event, it said that if all tickets sell through sponsorship sales, then no individual tickets will be available. I would be saahhhh upset if it sells out before individual tickets go onsale...I look forward to this event every year.

Anyways...I just returned to Buffalo after spending some time in Chicago for Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza is a huge 3 day long music festival that Chicago has hosted for the past 5 years and I went for the first time last year and I was hooked. There are always huge headlining music acts along with smaller acts throughout the day. It's a great music festival in a great city. I saw Kings of Leon the first day and I had never seen them live before. They blew me away. I have seen them peform live on TV before, so I knew I was in for a good show, but being there in person is a completely different experience. Along with Kings of Leon, my other favorite acts that I saw were the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bon Iver, Chairlift, and Santigold. I met a lot of really great people from all over while I was there. I'm talking like people from Portugal, Mexico, Spain, and Ireland. It's crazy that they come all the way to a music festival...but it definitely is worth it. My friend who I went to the festival with also had a gift certificate to The Refinery that she won at a previous Catwalk for Charity, so we stopped in East Lansing on our way back and I got a really cute dress and a cardigan. I uploaded some videos I took at Lollapalooza incase anyone is interested. Here is a video of me just walking around the festival, it shows you how big it is and how many people were there. And here is a video of me leaving the festival on the second day. Buckingham Fountain is in the second video and it's amazing...my video of it doesn't do it justice.

So now I'm back home but I leave again in a few days to spend some time up at my cousin's cottage. I'm so excited to hang out on a boat all day...as long as the weather cooperates. This summer has been really sketchy weather-wise...but I guess that's Buffalo for you.