GAME FOURRAH SHENANIGANS

So I'm all frazzled and excited by tonight's win, so instead of attempting to write a cohesive, fluid blog entry, I'm going to try and seperate my thoughts in categories.

First off (should you be surprised?)...

Ryan Miller:

How amazing was he?! Just solid all around and he made some superb saves, especially the one on Briere. And that means ANOTHER shutout! I love shutouts. Who doesn't right? I know Miller has had is doubters all season long, but time and time again he shows that he is a world class goalie, and yes, world class goalies can play sub-par or just bad games sometimes. But that wasn't the case tonight.

I loved at one point it sounded like Rick Jeanneret was going to say, "OH MY GOD!" over a Miller save, but instead he said, "OH MY RYAN MILLER." Fitting.

Speaking of quotes, I loved what Miller had to say when he was asked about his critics as of late:

"I don't need to listen to all the BS that's out there from people who don't know how to play goalie. I really don't give a [expletive]."

Preach it, Ryan.

And how about his mustache and sideburns? I'd like to think it's a tribute to Rick Martin.


Behold the power of the stache and sideburns.

And have you seen his new mask?


Photo taken from Ray Bishop's Facebook fan page.

Love the "Buffalo" that's been inserted on the chin!

Patrick Kaleta:

I just loved him tonight. Except for when he lost an edge and dislodged the net late in the 3rd... But other than that. He was just being himself tonight. He drew a 5 minute penalty when Richards dangerously elbowed him when Kaleta was going in to hit him. I doubt Richards will get anything beyond that 5 minute major, but I'm glad it was called. May have not been an intent to injure but he saw Kaleta coming and lead with his elbow. Dangerous play.

Also, did anyone notice that when Zherdev pinned up against the Sabres bench, Kaleta opened the door which caused Zherdev to fall in? Hilarious. Classic Patty K.

Superstitions in the playoffs:

I'm definitely not a superstitious person, but I can't help but be in the playoffs. Just a little bit... I'll change where I sit in my living room, I'll take off/put on my jersey, small things like that. My brother stayed in and watched the game with us during Game 1, but went out and watched Games 2 and 3 with his friends. So he decided he'd stay in and watch the game tonight since we won the last time he did that, and well...we won 1-0. Coincidence? I think NOT.

Hating players and loving it:

The hatred that a seven-game playoff series can bring out is pretty awesome if you think about it. Seeing all the players boil over after the buzzer in the 3rd really showed how much these teams are growing to hate each other. It will be interesting to how Game 5 will start off...

So far, the players that I hate the most this series is Carcillo and Hartnell. I mean, just look at them, how can you NOT hate them? They're gross and I hate them.



Well that was my attempt at organizing my random thoughts somehow, I don't know how it worked out...but that's my post game analysis. See ya after Game 5.

Game One

I'd like to think that I'm a pretty even-keeled fan. I feel like I can see the bigger picture of things and I don't panic very easily. But that goes out the window during the playoffs. I toss and turn at night, and I'm antsy during the day prior to puck drop. During pregame I'm jittery and I make weird noises and I can't sit still. And several times throughout the game I say to myself, "This can't be good for my heart." Oh yes, it certainly is a new season.

I got a huge rush and immediate chills when I heard the Sabres being greeted with deafening boos from Flyers fans when they first stepped onto the ice. In a way, it pumped me up more than if they were being greeted with loud cheers by Sabres fans. Hearing the disdain from the Flyers fans just makes you realize how big these games are. I can only imagine that the team must feed off that.

Overall, I thought the Sabres played a pretty good first period. A lot of fans were saying that we were lucky to come out of that period scoreless, and that may be true, but it's Game One of the first round and they were on the road and they kept up with the Flyers pretty well. By the second period, it was apparent that this was going to be a low-scoring game, and that every mistake made could be very critical.

I think we took some stupid penalties, although some were pretty questionable. I saw Flyers diving all over the place, which is to be expected because you want to draw a penalty any time you can, and I know I've said this several times, but I wish that refs would call dives more often. The penalty kill was really one of the difference-makers in the game, killing of that 5-on-3 was huge.

The Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta line was probably my favorite line of the night and I was glad to see Kaleta get our goal. It was funny because very early in the game my brother predicted that either Gerbe or Kaleta would score our first goal and it turned out to be true. After Kaleta scored I was on even more of an edge than when it was 0-0, but when the Sabres were on the penalty kill late in the period, my confidence surged. Seeing them completely smother Philly and not let them get a chance on the PK really made me feel that we were going to win. I could tell that the Sabres weren't going to let anything get by them.

Ryan Miller was excellent, I was very curious to see how he would play after getting extended rest during the regular season. It didn't even register to me at first that he got a shutout, I was just so excited that we won that it took me a minute to realize that Miller also earned a shutout in the process. I was so proud of him! He was certainly on and that's exactly that type of game we're going to need from Ryan in the postseason. It's why I thought it was so ridiculous that people on the radio were even considering starting Enroth. Jhonas played great and he was exactly what we needed after Miller got hurt late in the season, but come on, Ryan Miller is Ryan Miller. He's as rested as he has ever been entering the postseason, and he's such a fierce competitor so it's always fun watching him play.

So the Sabres are up 1-0 in the series and it would awesome if they could come back to Buffalo with a 2-0 lead. There really is nothing like the playoffs and the emotional rollercoaster that it takes you on is something that you can't really control even if you wanted to. Once you're on, you're on. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Not Looking Back

Well...it feels weird (but a very GOOD weird) to say this, but I am in playoff mode! It's been two years, two very long years since I've seen my favorite hockey team in the postseason, and dammit, I'm excited that it's about that time of year again. I've never been one to make predictions, so I never predict at the beginning of the season where the Sabres are going to be standing at the end of the regular season. Obviously, I hope for the playoffs every year, so I just sit back and try to enjoy the ride and hope that they will make it.

After the Sabres' impressive road trip I've been asked if I was feeling the "playoff fever" yet, and to be honest with you, I wasn't. That's not to say that I thought that the Sabres weren't going to make it. I mean, come on let's be serious...despite the fact that they struggled for a bit before the Olympic break, the Sabres just started off too strong to fall out of playoff contention. And it's also not to say that I wasn't optimistic that the Sabres could do some damage in the postseason. But for some reason...the playoff fever just hadn't taken over on me at that point.

Then I went to the Sabres-Habs game last night. Funny how quick the mood can change at a hockey game. It went from one of the more frustrating games I've attended to one of the most thrilling. When the Sabres finally scored on the power play with 2 minutes left, I was very relieved that they scored, but I honestly I thought in my head, "Nice...now let's watch them dick around for the next two minutes." But as soon as they scored again, with about 49 seconds left in regulation, I think it's safe to say I was overcome by playoff fever. I couldn't believe it! You just never know with this team...they honestly can find any way to win. And that's the kind of team you need when competiting in the playoffs. They find ways. Some people said they didn't deserve to win that one, and I can understand that sentiment, but good teams find ways to win.

The final 2 minutes, 5 minutes of overtime, and the shootout made those previous frustrating 58 minutes totally worth it, from a fan's perspective. I had to deal with cocky Habs fans for 58 minutes taunting Sabres fans in our own barn and acting as if Carey Price was "Jesus Price"...they went from the most jubilant fans in the world to the most upset fans in the world in a matter of minutes...and it was awesome! I tried to get an "Olé!" chant going after the win, but no one in my section complied, but I made sure to sing it every time I walked past Habs fans on my way out.

I can't remember the last time I cheered so much after the Sabre scored their 2nd goal to tie it up. It was awesome, and it was a playoff atmosphere in the arena, despite the fact that half of the fans had already bailed and left early (which by the way, was kind of nice...because it made for a much faster exit out of the parking ramp). It's always fun to be stuck in game night traffic after a win, because you get to honk your horn to the tune of the "Let's Go Buffalo!" chant (beep-beep-beepbeepbeep) and you've got your windows rolled down as you cheer with the rest of the Sabres faithful who are roaming the streets.

You have to give props to Lindy for pulling Miller when the Sabres went on the power play with 3 minutes left to go. Balls to the walls, baby! You could tell that Ryan was ready to get off the ice, he kept banging his stick on the ice to get Lindy's attention and he seemed a little annoyed when Lindy told him to wait for his signal, it seemed as though he wanted to get off so the Sabres could get the extra attacker ASAP. It certainly worked, and I was glad to see that Lindy didn't waste any time pulling Miller again as soon as the Sabres scored. The ball was in their court, and I'm glad Lindy didn't wait to put the extra attacker on once again.

I was also happy to come home to another gem courtesy of Rob Ray and Patrick Kaleta. I had the game recorded, and right before they went to a commercial break, they talked to Rob Ray who down by the ice and his mic picked up Patrick Kaleta shouting, "Fucking geek!" to Dominic Moore. Rob Ray's reaction was priceless. It wasn't quite as comical as this, but it was still pretty damn funny.

So the Sabres have another chance at getting a win against the Sens before the regular season is over, and it's certainly going to be interesting. I think I speak for most Sabres fans when I say that the Senators scare me, and I'm just hoping that last night's win against the Habs coupled with their winning streak will give the Sabres the extra confidence that they'll need. A win tomorrow night would also clinch a playoff spot for them (yes...seriously!), so there's added incentive.

My sights are set on the playoffs and I'm not looking back...it's been awhile and I'm just hoping that the Sabres can enter the postseason on a hot streak, because a hot team in the playoffs (along with a superstar, wonderful, spectacular goalie...Hi, Ryan!) can really make things interesting.

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~

Brrrr!

It's a cold day, bitches! Ahh yes, and here I thought it was only a myth that the Sabres could win back-to-backs...

Tonight was pretty awesome, but was not without the ups and downs of a hockey game. A bb Sabre scored his first NHL goal, Ryan Miller continues to be LIKE A BOSS (that was for you, Phil), the Goose continues to honk, Patrick Kaleta shows that he has hockey skillz, and Chris Pronger looks like a big toe.


dream team

I'll post a recap of the Flames-Sabres game later... I had an amazing time and I got my picture with Sabretooth! I also took some pretty awesome pictures because I was cool and I remembered to bring the correct lens to the game with me. Until then...

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

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...

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...

Schedule's Out

Before I dive into the plethora of hockey news that I'm about to get into (because when I have more than 2 hockey-related things to talk about in July, it's considered a "plethora" of hockey news), I first want to mention that my cat of several years passed away yesterday. It's never easy to lose a pet, and Hershey was my beloved kitty since I was a little kid. He had been sick for a little while and yesterday he took a turn for the worst. He was a very sweet cat who just loved to cuddle with us. I'll miss him.



His eyes look pretty scary in that picture and the picture is out of focus, but it's the most recent picture I have of him. He's standing next to one of my three dogs, Toby.


- Anyways...as all of you already know, the schedule for the 2009-2012 NHL season was released yesterday! As excited as I was about the schedule being released, just when I hear the word "schedule" makes me remember that I still need to figure out my schedule for next semester and...eeesh. But anyways...I'm glad to see that Chicago is coming to town. I'm definitely going to go to that one. I was thinking about also taking a road trip and going to an away game. I've never been to a Sabres game on the road before. I was thinking about maybe going to the Detroit game in March. We'll see. I'm also looking forward to the Calgary game. I like going to games where the Sabres are playing opponents that you don't usually see very often. I would also like to go to a Sharks, Caps, and Rangers game too. I fucking hate the Rangers so I go in hopes that we beat their ass. But then there's a chance that we lose and it pisses me off even more because I hate the team so much...but hey it's a gamble! That's what sports is about. I wonder when mini-pack forms will be mailed out. Hmm...

- Patrick Kaleta accepted his qualifying offer from the Sabres yesterday. I don't think many people had any doubts whether or not he'd return to the team next season, given he's a hometown boy and all, but it's still good to see that we have one of our RFAs signed. Now we have to see if management can strike a deal with MacArthur before he heads to arbitration. Then of course there's Stafford and Sekera. We'll see...

- Lastly, someone on the Sabres forums posted some cool videos of Thomas Vanek training with the hockey strength and conditioning coach from the University of Minnesota. They're pretty interesting videos to watch and it gives us a little peek into some of the training that the hockey players do in the offseason. Here's a link to a clip of Vanek doing 180 reverse bench jumps...intense stuff. If you look to the lower left of the screen under "Related Clips" there are a bunch of other clips of Vanek doing different exercises and some interviews.

PS: This is my 100th post...crazy! Now I'm off to my cousin's cottage in Ontario to have some drinks and spend some time on the beach. I think I deserve it after putting in so many hours of blogging, amirite?!

Kaleta's Busted Hand & Some Slow Motion Hockey

So now that the offseason is in full swing, I really don't have much to say, but I will try. Right now I'm feeling pretty restless with a lot of things so maybe updating this will help. I found a few links and I have a few tidbits that I thought some of you might be interested in.

- First off, here is a really great story about a bunch of men in their 70s and 80s who still get together to play some shinny hockey. They call it "slow motion hockey". It's great stuff. How refreshing is it to see these guys have such a positive and youthful outlook on life at their age. I hope when I get to be that age I have their perspective.

- Secondly, while I was going about my routine of checking the various blogs that I like to read, I found a story about two women in Buffalo. Dwell is a catolog that focuses on modern architecture and it usually features homes and people who live in trendy and thriving metropolises, so it was both neat and surprising to see a story about Buffalo. The story is about two women who have created their own workshop to teach people skills and techniques to fix up their homes and give them more "green" to make their homes a little more environmentally friendly. So check it out. I've always been proud of the unique and beautiful architecture Buffalo has and it's always been one of the reasons why I enjoy going to the city to just take a walk or a bike ride. During school, sometimes I will just walk around the Elmwood Village between classes to get a nice look at the scenery. I think Cleveland (near Spot Coffee) and Chapin Parkway are some of my favorite streets in the entire city that have some of my favorite homes is. I also love the block on Franklin between Allen and Virginia. I would love to live in one of those houses.

- Also, it seems as though our dear Patrick Kaleta has broke his hand. He was at a fundraising event recently and I've seen some pictures on Facebook and he's got a cast on his right hand. I saw him at work the other day but I just saw him in passing so I didn't notice his hand.

- I went to the Allentown Art Festival this past weekend and it was a great time. I remember previous years it was extremely hot out, and while the weather was nice and sunny this year, it wasn't too hot. It was fun walking around with all the people and seeing what the vendors had on display. I especially took an interest to all the photography and it was inspiring for me. One photographer had pictures from Europe, and it reminded me how eager I am to travel. One of the biggest reasons why I want to travel is so I can capture the world around me through my lens. I really want to go all over Europe in the near future and I also want to go to India and Japan. One of these days... I also enjoyed all photography from Western New York that I saw as well. As much as I want to travel and see the world, I am proud of where I come from and I know that Buffalo is always going to be my home. I don't think I could ever leave this place permanently. So although it's eating away at me to travel, I also appreciate where I live and what it has to offer. Buffalo really is a great place to photograph!

After the festival, we went to Cecilia's on Elmwood to get some drinks and appetizers. Apparently my breasts thought I was hot because they took the liberty to spill my glass of water in my lap. I was sitting up to pull in my chair and as I sat back down, the ladies bumped my water. Fortunately I was wearing a dark dress so it wasn't that noticeable and I was sitting in the sun so it dried pretty fast.

- This upcoming weekend is going to be an exciting one. First of all I'm starting the weekend off right by going downtown tonight with some friends and maybe to the Square if the weather decides to cooperate. Then on Friday I'll be at Darien Lake to see NO DOUBT!! It still really hasn't hit me that I am finally seeing them live after all these years of being a huge fan. I think it will finally hit me right when they are about to come onstage. Then I might burst into "fangirl" mode. It won't be a pretty sight, but dammit, I won't care. Then on Saturday I'm doing some volunteering with Carly's Club so I look forward to that.

I'll be sure to take pictures of all the festivities and I already have a few that I need to share that I took at the festival and when I went to the waterfront a few weeks ago. I'll make a picture post in the upcoming days.

The Injury Bug bites, man.

So it appears that the Injury Bug has hit the Sabres yet again, but what else is new. Our little Nathan Gerbe took quite a hit against New Jersey that will have him sidelined for two weeks. Craig Rivet is also out for at least two weeks, which really sucks. But I really wasn't surprised when he said his knee wasn't 100%. You could tell he wasn't playing the way he likes to play, and I suspected it was because of his knee. Knee injuries suck and they usually take awhile to heal. I hope when he does return he's 100% and he can play his game again because I was very impressed with him and what he brought to the team. Poor Goose and Patches also took a beating in practice the other day. Hockey is such a rough and tumble sport, your teeth aren't even safe in practice. Let that be a lesson to all of you kids out there. In better news, Patrick Kaleta has been cleared to play, that'll be nice for the team to have him back again.

Isn't it strange how three days off seems like two weeks in hockey? I can't wait to see them play again. It seems like it's been so long since they played against New Jersey...good thing tomorrow night they'll be playing against....New Jersey. My question of whether or not Ryan Miller has shaved will finally be answered. I've been left hanging for three days! I'm guessing he has, but it would be pretty badass if he hadn't. These are the questions that keep me awake at night. Only kidding. But I love me some Jesus-looking goaltenders.

Um, so uh...speaking of Jesus, I decorated my Christmas tree last night! Here are some peekturessss:


The flash kind of ruins it, but the lighting was poor so without the flash made it pretty blurry...you get the idea though.


My Saves for Cancer ornament I bought when Ryan Miller was at Rotary Rink lighting the Christmas tree.



I strategically placed this ornament near the Ryan Miller one...oh yeah I'm clever.

So tomorrow I want to do some window shopping on Elmwood to get some ideas on what to get my friends and family. I'm thinking maybe I'll head on over to the arena beforehand to watch the boys practice at the morning skate. I haven't been to a morning skate in a long time and I figured it's probably best to go during the week because not that many people will be there. We'll see...

Something HAD to Give

The Sabres looked sexy in their new jerseys and it reflected in their play.

So the past few games the Sabres have looked much better and played more responsible, yet they still came out on the losing end. There were chances that we didn't capitalize on, and a few lucky bounces for the opposing team made for frustrating losses. Something had to give, right? Well tonight was our night.

Not only did our boys look very sharp in their third jerseys, but they played just the type of game they needed to win. The physicality was there. It was great seeing Roy getting two goals like that, especially since he's been criticized this season for his lack of production. Kaleta played his game, and I thought those two calls against him were very questionable. Especially the goalie interference one. Yeah, you can't bump the goalie but sometimes you can't prevent it. Especially when Miller was getting a lot of contact the entire game with no calls. It was great seeing Hecht score. It's always exciting for the fans to see your team score a shorthanded goal, and it sure puts a damper on the team who's up a man. I thought our defense was responsible for the most part, although I thought there was some dicking around in our zone during our two goals against. It looked like a whole lot of standing around and not a lot of playing the man and trying to clear the crease. Miller looked solid and had a few nice, timely saves. I thought Max and Tallinder both responded well for being benched the past two games.

I thought the officiating was bad. Inconsistent, as always. I guess we can say they are consistently inconsistent. Chara should have been penalized for tripping up Roy, but I'm sure they didn't call it a trip because Roy has a reputation for diving. So even though the officiating wasn't on our side tonight, our boys still stuck to their game plan and pulled out a much-needed win. It's good for them to finally get a win, because the last few games were extremely frustrating so it's nice for a team's confidence to have things finally go their way. When the Sabres play like this it's very reassuring to me because I think when they play this type of game they can really go into any game and they have a chance to beat any team.

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving for us Americans. Thanksgiving is pretty low-key for me. It's just at my house with my immediate family. We have a lot of good food, watch some football, and just relax. We save seeing the entire family for Christmas. I could go on and say all the things I'm thankful for; my health, my wonderful friends and family, yadda yadda yadda. You know. Well I am also thankful for this picture:



So presh! Look how cute that picture is, seriously. That baby is awesome. She's posing and everything. She's awesome and she wants you to know it. Plus look at how cute Ryan is holding a baby. What's better than a man knowing how to be around kids? Total turn on. Am I right ladies, am I right?! All together now, ladies....awwww. Loves it. I am also thankful for a friendship pairing as cool and as attractive as THIS. Total BFFs.

After enjoying my Thanksgiving I'll be going to the game on Friday against the Penguins. The Sabres will be sporting their sassy third jerseys and I can't wait to see how hot they all look in them in person. Hopefully I'll have some nice photos to share with you all. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and happy Sabres victory!

The Nation Has Spoken (and some hockey players too)

So the Sabres don't play until Friday, so I figured I'd talk a little bit about that tiny little election that went down.


Ryan Miller cares about his country. More on him in a second...

Well, November 4th, 2008 came and went. And we have our new President-Elect. I just want to say, whoever you voted for, I hope you felt great voting and taking part in such a historic election. Just to see how the nation reacted and how involved everyone was. Watching the celebrations after Obama was announced the winner was surreal. Just to see people of various backgrounds and demographics coming together and celebrating what is to believed a much needed change. I guess it was just refreshing to see so many people caring so much about such an important issue. You see that type of celebration on city streets when a sports championship is won, or after a huge music festival. But an election? I am proud. This election has moved people, and I hope it doesn't fade. As I grow older I realize how important it is to stay involved. People can become so jaded with society and politcs, and that's understandable. But I just think it's ignorant to totally ignore it all together and act like it doesn't affect you. Because it does. You should care. You should want to be involved. I hope this election will help move this nation into the right direction, in so many different ways.

Anyways, since this is a hockey blog, I guess I should tie in a Sabres reference in here somehow. Well, thanks to Amy over at Shots Off The Crossbar, she pointed me to where some of our favorite (American) Sabres weighed in on the election. Poor Kaleta. Not too impressed with his answer. Sigh. Not much to comment on except that he didn't vote. I won't hold it against you, Patty. But I wish you would have voted.

But I have to tip my hat to Mr. Miller. I am impressed by his comments. Not only is he incredibly articulate and smart when it comes to talking about hockey, but he's pretty damn intellectual when he's talking about politics. Well, he didn't really talk much about the politics per se, but his thoughts on the election were pretty spot on, in my opinion. Seems like he saw it the way I did, and obviously that means he's basically a genius. Only kidding, but not really. I think it's safe to say that Ryan Miller is a very smart man, and not when it just comes to analyzing hockey. Good for you, Ryan! You scholar athlete, you! Maybe you could take little Patrick Kaleta under your wing and guide him so he can be more involved? Yes? You're always giving back to the community, so I think you should help a brotha out.

Anyways...enough of that serious election stuff. Just wanted to have some final thoughts on it before we return back to simplier, happier things like the great game of hockey. I don't think hockey (or sports in general) and politics should mix, but in a historic election like this, I think it's okay to make an exception.

Miller Time

My favorite hippie goalie got ANOTHER shutout! Back to back! Talk about a rebound from that Tampa game. All you Miller nay-sayers can bite me. You had your way with me last year always hounding me about his play, but right now I can say, "I was right, so sorry." Some people actually suggested we trade Miller for Huet last year....yeah. Laughable, I know. Who's overrated? Who's average? NOT Ryan Miller, that's for sure!


Ryan knows what's up.

Anyways, more on the game and less of my Miller lovefest. The Sabres were just perfect. Very smart. And our captain was back! So good to see. I was glad to see the Sabres get one past Weekes in the first, because it might have been frustrating for the team to come out of that period scoreless after all of those chances. The PK was strong. I liked seeing players block shots, especially Kaleta at the end of the game. And did I see Tim Connolly blocking a shot? I'm all for blocking shots, but it just makes me a tad nervous seeing Timmy doing the deed. The past two games the boys have played smart and as a team. Everything was clicking. So many scoring chances (if it wasn't for Weekes' phenomenal play we would have been up by 4 or so goals), great defense, fantastic goaltending, and the PK was great. It looked like the officials were really trying to help out the Devils by giving them power plays, but the Sabres stayed strong and focused and killed off all the penalties. I especially liked Miller remaining focused after he got that delay of game penalty that he disagreed with. Ain't nothin' getting past Ryan when he feels he's been screwed.


Now, I know that this is a hockey blog and everything around here should be all about HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY; but I just have to say that tomorrow all of my fellow Americans better get your asses out and VOTE! Please. I'm so excited to vote. This will be my first election where I'm eligble to vote, and it's a pretty damn historical one to boot. I'll feel accomplished going out there and making sure that my voice is heard. So please, if you don't want to take my word for it, take it from these sexy A-list celebrities and DON'T VOTE!

Sweet, Sweet Victory.

My favorite hippie goaltender earned his first shutout of the season tonight! And that means...



Guess who's back? Back again. Shady's Miller's back. Tell a friend...
(Not like he was really gone, everyone has an off night. But I had to fit in an Eminem reference somewhere.)

Yes yes yes. Our boys sure turned it around tonight. I'm proud of them. They played as a team and they all worked for that win. I really enjoyed all the shot blocking and seeing Roy and Pominville scoring tonight. What a great play by Paille and Kaleta for that goal too. It's great seeing those type of players putting up points. And of course Thomas Vanek was on fire tonight. Scoring goals and being defensively responsible. I liked his backchecking effort tonight.

Kudos to Lindy Ruff and the coaching staff for straightening the kids out. I'm glad they took the meeting and the practice to heart and they really did work for that win. They played great in the first and kind of hung back in the second, but Miller was right there stopping the shots and keeping his team in the game.

The power play still needs work. Maybe if/when Connolly gets more back into stride he can help improve it. Monday night will be a test for them, for sure. The Devils can be a tough team to beat, and the Sabres struggle against them. Let's see how they'll do...