Division Champs

Did the Sabres win their final home game of the regular season while clinching the Northeast Division at the same time? Check.

Did the Sabres beat the disgusting, pathetic, disgraceful New York Rangers which could potentially keep them out of playoff contention? Check.

Well, then. Everything seems to be a-okay with me. And it's always nice to see Ryan Miller get all fiesty and getting himself a roughing penalty when players want to rough him up...yeah, we all know he's got a badass streak underneath that cool and calm personna. Oh, and him making a spectacular save on Marion Gaborik on a 4-on-1 wasn't too shabby either.



Enjoy your ~spa day~, Ryan.

Congratulations to the rest of the boys and bring on the playoffs!!

Étrange Shenanigans

Ahh, so... I'm sure it won't come as a surprise to anyone that I was extremely pleased with the Sabres taking care of bizznazz and beating the Shrangers...largely in part to one Mistah Patrick Kaleta, with his multi-goal game, a shorthanded goal to boot! There's nothing better than scoring a shorthanded goal, the best momentum killer out there. Seems like Kaleta liked the way it felt to score a shorty, so he decided to give it a whirl in Montreal...

I missed most of the Habs game, but I was able to listen to the end of the 2nd period in my car while driving home. I got to hear RJ call the our first two goals, which of course included Kaleta's shorty...ahh, I couldn't think of many things that could have satisfied me more than listening to Rick Jeanneret call a shorthanded goal against Montreal, IN Montreal, scored by one of our Buffalo natives. Magnifique. I went pretty crazy in my car, screaming and cheering and doing some fist pumping. I contemplated honking my horn in celebration, but I opted against it because the weather was pretty bad, and I didn't want to startle anyone on the road causing them to swerve and crash into a ditch or something of that nature. It would have put a damper on Kaleta's goal, no? But if it would have been the Goose that had scored, well my fellow drivers would have been shit out of luck. Because everyone knows if you're out and about, you have to give a honk for the Goose!

Anyways, I came home in time to catch the third period...and it certainly was a bizarre period, wasn't it. Leading 2-1 in a hockey game is never a safe lead, especially when you're up in Montreal's barn...phantom calls and bizarre events are always plentiful there. It certainly makes for interesting nights and often bitter losses. But Montreal's éntrange shenanigans were no match for the Sabres' sass Monday night. Non. The Sabres struggled to hang onto a lead, but thanks to MacArthur's PP goal on a 5-on-3 (a two-man advantage? To the OPPOSING team? In Montreal?! Surely you jest...), the Sabres were able to hang onto the 4-3 lead up until the buzzer sounded time keeper was busted for not starting the clock. Way to go, boyzzzz.

Now it's always fun to crack jokes and speculate...but seriously, why does that kind of sketchy shit always seem to happen in Montreal? That phantom too many men call against us is enough to shake your head at, but I've just come to expect that kind of stuff over the years. I know a lot of games can sometimes have certain issues with the clock, and sometimes they have to stop play to add or take off a few seconds here and there... But in the dying seconds of the third period when the Habs are down by a goal, and up on a 6-on-4 power play with the goalie pulled, and there just so happens to be an issue with starting the clock back up again? Hmmm....interesting to say the least.

Anyways... off to Ottawa. Miller will be in net again, but Ruff has announced that Lalime will start either Friday against the Leafs or Saturday against the Penguins, per WGR 550. I'm guessing Lalime will play on Friday. They're both home games, so that isn't a factor. But maybe Ruff liked starting Lalime during the beginning of back-to-backs, rather than the latter like he did last Friday against the 'Hawks. In theory, the team will be more tired on Saturday since they would have played the night before plus it's another 3-games-in-4-nights scenario, so maybe Ruff is thinking that he would rather have our starter in for that one. Plus it means less time between Lalime's last start, which means he could be getting himself into a little groove. Who knows... all I know it's pretty hard to argue with the results from the last time Lindy started Lalime during the beginning of back-to-backs.

Tomorrow night is huge for us not only because it's another divisional game, but for some damn pride. Our rivalry with Ottawa has been strengthened over the past few years, and that team always seems to have our number. Gotta get that win... And it looks as though Shottawa will be without the services of Jason Spezza for quite some time due to a knee injury. See kids? Christmas miracles do come true! I guess I should feel bad for calling someone's misfortune like an injury a Christmas miracle, but I don't. Guess that goes to show you much I loathe the Sens...just comes with the territory.

Speaking of Christmas, this time of year is just pretty crazy. Between Christmas shopping and preparing for and taking final exams, things can just be a little stressful. I think I can get my shopping finished in one or two more trips, it's just been hard finding the time. But thankfully I'll be getting more time to do that since exam week is almost done. Thank god. The only things I've got left to do is turn in a portfolio tomorrow and then I have my Art History final on Thursday and then the 2009 Fall Semester will officially be in the books. And I think that might be the greatest Christmas present for me this year...for real.

Oh! Look what I found earlier when I was getting out some Christmas decorations. This newspaper was being used to protect some of the decorations:



The date on the paper is January 1st, 2006... Ahh, ~precious memories~

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.

Weekend of Hockey

Well it's going to be a jam-packed weekend for myself and the team...with last night's game, tonight's game in Ottawa, and Catwalk for Charity...it should make for a fun-filled hockey weekend.

So since I updated this thing, a few things have happened. Drew Stafford scored a SIQ GOAL, Ryan Miller made a whopping 15 saves to record his fifth shutout of the season and then he subsequently improved his shutout streak to just around 157 minutes, Thomas Vanek realized that he needed some new hats so he decided the easiest way to get some was by getting a hat-trick, Nathan Paetsch decided that since he was playing forward that he might as well add some more offense to his game by scoring a goal, and Tim Connolly is apparently a self-centered dink. Whatever that means.

So all in all it was a pretty exciting few games, huh? Timmy is looking like the Timmy we've all known to love when he's healthy...and I know I keep reiterating this, but he's really going to be a key component to not only get this team to the playoffs but also to give us a chance at making a deep playoff run as well. I know when he's injured it's very frustrating for everyone and a lot of times people are calling for the Sabres to trade him, waive him, or do whatever possible to get him off our roster. But the truth is, when he is healthy he's one of the best players on the ice night in and night out. He's sparking trade rumors now, and I just have to say that this team needs to keep him for the entire season. I don't think we should deal him at the deadline to see what we can get in return. Not only is he extremely talented, but he's providing great chemistry, and why should we mess with a good thing? If he can stay healthy for the rest of the season, the Sabres should try and sign him to a contract extension. I think a 2-year deal would be ideal. It would give the Sabres a chance to see if he can really stay healthy for an entire season or if he's just going to continue to be injured year in and year out.

Don't look now, but the Sabres are closing in a few teams to move up in the standings. We are tied in points with Philly, but they have 3 games in hand on us. We're only 2 points behind the Rangers... While it's a good idea to see where the Sabres are in the standings, number crunching can make you go nuts. I remember last season I would watch the standings like a hawk and it wasn't fun. I'd be all, "Okay, so if this team wins tonight in regulation against that team, then we will be able to get 8th place, only if we win in regulation as well." I then decided to not look at the standings and just try and enjoy the games that I watched after that. This year I've done that most of the time, but ever since the new year rolled around, I've found myself peeking at the standings more frequently. So while I do pay attention to who's creeping behind us and which teams we can possibly pass in the standings, for the most part I'm just going to watch my team and root for a victory. If the Sabres keep performing like they have been, then things should be okay.

Speaking of teams that we can possibly pass, I don't know about you, but I loathe the Rangers... I don't really have a legitimate answer as to why I do, but I've always extremely disliked that team. I guess it's a combination of a bunch of little things, but anyways, I really enjoyed seeing them getting their asses handed to them by the Stars last night. I didn't necessarily watch it, but I went to NHL.com to see that after 2 periods Dallas was up against the Blueshirts 4-2. Then I checked back a little later to see that they were up 8-2. I thought that NHL.com screwed up the box score or something. But then it was 9-2, and then it was 10-2...and I could only laugh. I think I've mentioned this on here before, but they're a team that I can see just free-falling all the way out of playoff contention. They just haven't been the same team they were in the beginning of the season. We'll see.

And completely unrelated to hockey, I just have to say that you guys should remind me to skip class when it's bitter cold out. I don't know what I was thinking. It's been so cold out. I get out of class and I want to sprint to my car because it's just so damn cold out. Yesterday it was pretty nice out though. I am also really really proud of myself because I purchased a textbook that I needed for school online for only 8 bucks. It was orginally $93 at the bookstore, but I found it online for EIGHT DOLLARS thanks to a tip from one of my classmates. It's a little worn out, but the binding is still intact and there are no pages missing. I'm usually not one to find a good bargain, but hell yes did I hit the jackpot, so to speak.

So between the Hockey gods giving our team some extra loving, and me finding an amazing deal online, I'm pretty happy. Oh and isn't this picture adorable?




LOVE IT. If it didn't have the annoying watermark on it, I'd totally print it out and hang it up on my wall. It's precious.

Ranger Danger

So our favorite Austrian has been chosen to represent the Sabres at the 2009 All-Star games in Montreal. Good for him. I think it was obvious that he was a lock to go. I don't know if I'll watch the actual game, but I'll probably tune in for the skills competition. Pretty funny that only four teams in the NHL will be representing the starting lineup. But with all of the glorious tools that the internet provides us, computer nerds and crazy hockey fans can team up and find ways to overflow the ballots with players that aren't so deserving to be there with cheat codes and whatnot. How special. It doesn't really matter in the longrun...I mean, it's the All-Star games. The only thing I remember from last year's All-Star game is Alex Ovechkin showing off in the shootout skills competition.

I'm sure everyone is aware by now that Tim Connolly is returning to the lineup. We'll see how this goes. At this point I was just convinced that a healthy Tim Connolly was some sort of urban legend, passed down from Sabres fan to Sabres fan. All kidding aside, we can only hope that he'll be an asset. I hope the players don't try to get too fancy with him in the lineup, and I hope his return doesn't mess with any team chemistry. There's always a fear that will happen whenever a player is returning from a long injury. I'm pulling for you, Timmy. But I won't pull too hard, because I know you're pretty fragile. It might cause a groin pull or something.

So tonight's matchup is the New York Rangers. Hmmm. Do we all still hate Chris Drury? Are we going to laugh when Dmitri Kalinin is burned by our offense? Will the Rangers give up 12 short-handed goals tonight? I guess we'll find out. Ryan Miller is in net tonight. I guess it's safe to assume that he'll be in tomorrow night as well, considering they'll be in Michigan. Plus, I think we'll want our #1 goalie in against the big, bad Red Wings.

Ryan Miller's dad e-mailed me the other day. Crazy stuff. "They even bother my poor father cuz he's down with me!" I had to throw in a Run DMC reference in there some how. Tr-tr-tr-trickyyyyyyy.