Saturday, March 29, 2008

Bertuzzi-Moore saga a tragedy, not a soap opera



Once again, Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi are in the media spotlight.

Bertuzzi is arguing that Marc Crawford should be named by Moore in his lawsuit (and thus contribute to any damages Moore might eventually be awarded) because he told his players, in the locker room on March 8, 2004, that Moore "should pay the price" for his hit on Marcus Naslund.

Double check that date in the above paragraph. March 8, 2004. Four years have passed since the tragic events occurred. Why is this still dragging on?

I could resurrect the arguments on whether Bertuzzi’s punch or the ensuing dog pile actually caused Moore’s injury, but I won’t. I tired of that argument three years ago, as most of you did.

To most of us, the issue is long settled, and we really don’t want to hear anything more about it. That was my initial thought when I started reading the headlines this week.

The more I looked into it, though, the more I realized what a tragedy this actually has become. In a soap opera, someone will eventually be punished, the victor moving on to the next story in the sub-plot. That isn’t going to happen here.

Two men have had the course of their lives changed by a single moment of stupidity.

One man continues to play the game he loves, but with a marred reputation and a sub-par skill level.

The other man has never been able to return to the game, and must watch the man responsible continue his life, making millions while he struggles through rehabilitation. Can you imagine how that must feel?

I don’t need Joni Mitchell to look at both sides now, and realize that this is a no-win situation. Not for Bertuzzi, for Moore, or for the.

This lawsuit is still in the discovery phase. I’m sorry, but if a criminal had to wait four years from charges to trial, the entire world would be crying about due process and timely justice. Did Crawford tell his players to make Moore pay? Possibly. He wouldn’t need to, however, because that was the thought running through every player’s minds anyway. That’s the mentality of the. Had the instigator penalty not existed, Moore probably would have been jumped immediately after the hit, and that would have been the end of it. (Let’s not get into the instigator argument here, though. Perhaps later.)

I’m not saying I agree or disagree with the lawsuit. What I’m arguing for is resolution to this issue, once and for all. No more dragging in other people, looking for others to blame.

Resolution, so two men might get on with their lives. One playing the game he loves, and the other finding a new path in the world. Until this lawsuit is finished, both men and their families will be forced to live in the past.

Therein lies the tragedy of it all.


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Friday, March 28, 2008

Horrible Times for Hockey



Todd Bertuzzi is a horrible person, flat out horrible. You screwed up and got yourself in a heap of trouble. Man up and be accountable for it. You can’t blame it on your coach and say "he made me do it". Be a man and take responsibility for what you’ve done. You ruined your career and another persons career, Marc Crawford did not.

Big Bert tried to start a fight with Steve Moore. Moore had already had one earlier with Matt Cooke. Bertuzzi grabbed his jersey and punched him in the side of the head. He pushed him to the ground and took him for a bull ride.

Steve Moore’s lawsuit is a little shady in my eyes. He’s suing for $15 million for loss of income. He would have never made $15 million in his career. He had 12 points in 69 career games. His game is no different than Dominic Moore (his brother) and all he’s getting is $700 000 a year. To get $15 million he would have to play just over 21 season in the. I don’t think he would have lasted 21 years in the. The rest of his damage claims are pretty reasonable. His parents are suing for negligent infliction of nervous shock and mental distress and hope to receive $1.5 million. The problem is they filed their lawsuits just a day before the statute of limitations, 2 years after the incident. They may have been disturbed by the incident, but they should have filed this lawsuit much earlier. Bettman tried to arrange for an out-of-court settlement. Bertuzzi offered $350 000 to settle a $19.5 million lawsuit. Which is ridiculous. Now today, Bert is suing Crawford because Bertuzzi is contractually obliged to obey Crawford.

Bertuzzi is not accepting how horrible of a thing he did that night. He ruined a man’s career, he offered him change compared to what he should actually play, and now he’s blaming it on his coach. MAN UP!!!! PLEASE!!!

Now we have another issue at bay. Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Quebec Minister of Education, Sports, and Leisure are planning to work together to make rules to remove on-ice fighting. This is all after the Roy duo had done their damage in the QMJHL. I just don’t understand how you can completely remove fighting from a hockey game. Not only have people made their careers out of fighting, it is used strategically. Players fight to build up the momentum and drive to win in their teammates. Now the QMJHL and Quebec government is trying to remove people from developing an education of how to fight the right way before they make it in to the. They are destroying careers and a great game. Shame on you! If you really want to set an example, punish players and coaches much heavier in these kinds of situations.

The government needs to stay out of hockey in my opinion. Criminal charges against Bertuzzi and Quebec government making up laws to destroy fighting is completely absurd. These kinds of incidents are bound to happen in hockey. Other incidents happen in many other sports. NBA had the Pistons and Pacers brawl that included fans. MLB has its steroid problems which Congress should stay out of also. Government’s, get out and keep out, your ruining the sport for everyone.

Check out my blog at http://dildeepsingh.wordpress.com


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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Regular Season Wrap-up: Awards



While Evgeni Nabokov is likely the only Shark who has a legitimate shot at taking home any hardware at the awards ceremony in June, this San Jose squad is certainly not one devoid of hometown heroes.

From the unexpected contributions that off-season bargain Jeremy Roenick has brough night in and night out, to the steadfast consistency of Joe Thornton's offensive domination, the Sharks owe the majority of their success to big contributions from a few key sources.

In the spirit of the awards ceremony, here is a breakdown of which post-season awards would go to each Shark if the season ended today.

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP): Though the Sharks would likely be on the outside looking in without Evgeni Nabokov in net, it's hard not to give the nod to big Joe Thornton, who has taken the reins offensively since the moment he pulled on a teal sweater. He has nearly 40 more points than second leading scorer Milan Michalek *(Brian Campbell excluded), the largest descrepancy between the first and second leading scorers on any squad. Nabokov's effort in net may have kept the Sharks in quite a few games that they didn't deserve to win, but it was up to Jumbo Joe to make sure those efforts did not go to waste. His numbers have suffered, though not due to any lack of effort on his part, but rather a combination of unproductive linemates and a blueline that, until the addition of Campbell, lacked creativity, and required a great deal of defensive help from their forwards.

Vezina Trophy (Oustanding goaltender): No explination is needed for Evgeni Nabokov, who should probably win the ACTUAL Vezina at the end of the season. He has had the most dominant season of his career, while leading the entire league in minutes played behind a suspect defense and receiving patchy offensive support. Honorable mention goes to Patrick Marleau and Sandis Ozolinsh, for their respective game-saving goal-line sweep-aways, Ozolinsh in an eventual shootout loss to Anaheim and Marleau in an eventual shootout win over Minnesota.

Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year): No disrespect to Devin Setoguchi, who has made tremendous strides on both sides of the puck and is partially responsible for the all-important rejuvenation of Marleau, but there is only one man who deserves this award. Torrey Mitchell surprised fans, coaches, and, according to an interview with FSN's John Schrader, his parents, by making the team out of training camp and finding himself on the opening night roster. He hasn't disappointed, giving the Sharks depth at the center position that they quite frankly haven't had since the departure of Mike Ricci. A smart, tenacious forward with electrifying speed, Mitchell has solidified the league's second best penalty kill while providing the added element of being a legitimate offense threat while down a man. Though it may be unrealistic to expect Mitchell to evolve in to a top-six forward, every team needs a Torrey Mitchell to compete in May and June.

Norris Trophy (Best defenseman): Brian Campbell has absolutely altered the face of the team and added a dimension that the Sharks have never had. He's transformed the power play, and his slick moves will no doubt help sell more than a few tickets to the fans that his patented spin-o-rama has left speechless. However, this award has to go to Craig Rivet, who has been asked to do just about everything for the Sharks, and who has embraced the fact that his role had to change literally every night in order for his team to remain in the hunt. He's been asked not only to fill the defensive shoes left by Scott Hannan, but to utilize his big right-hand shot on the power play. He's been asked to kill penalties, and isn't afraid to drop the gloves in defense of a teammate. Rivet has been a rock on the San Jose blueline all season, and showed surprisingly little fatigue despite being over used for long stretches.

Frank J. Selke (Top defensive forward): One forward aside from Thornton who seems to have had a consistent impact game in and game out is Joe Pavelski. Pavelski has recently turned it up offensively, flanked by speedsters Setoguchi and Marleau, helping Ron Wilson finally find a second-line combination that provides consistent pressure. Early in the season, Pavelski was relegated mostly to the fourth line, picking up the majority of his quality offensive minutes by taking on some power play time. Instead of bemoaning his own absence on one of the top two offensive units, Pavelski took advantage of the extra ice he was given in unfamilair situations, especially when Wilson began using him as a penalty killer. Not the fleetest of foot, but blessed with good vision and an acute understanding of the game, Pavelski quickly became an important penalty killer by getting himself in to shooting lanes and anticipating the opposition. His 17 goals also make him an important offensive contributor, and his willingness to work hard and explore different aspects of the game with passion have made him San Jose's Jack-(or Joe)-of-all-trades.

Lady Byng (Gentlemanly conduct): Despite playing just over half a season, Devin Setoguchi is one of six Sharks ito hit double digits in the goal column. His 17 points and +8 rating are made all the more impressive by the miniscule eight penalty minutes he's racked up through 42 games. It is tough for teams to win with their most talented players in the box, but Setoguchi has stayed out of it while maintaining a high level of play and, especially recently, seems to always be involved. Setoguchi's development on both sides of the puck allowed Doug Wilson to confidently offer Steve Bernier for Brian Campbell, a move that has greatly benefited both the Sharks and Setoguchi's new linemates.

Masterton Trophy: (Sportsmanship and perseverance): Wthout a doubt, Jeremy Roenick has been the most pleasant surprise of San Jose's season, if not the best comeback story in the this year. Roenick went from being a healthy scratch on a struggling Phoenix team to a major contributor, a leader, a mentor and, as always, a resident comedian for the San Jose Sharks. An immediate fan favorite, Roenick became the first player in Sharks history to register his 500th career goal, and did it in dramatic, zany fashion against his old squad. He has been the picture of professionalism and class, a great ambassador for the game, and has undoubtedly helped bridge the gap between a frustrated coaching staff and a very young group of professional athletes. Always outspoken, JR's play has finally caught back up with his mouth, as the 19-year veteran has posted 13 goals and 29 points. Most impressively, nine of his 13 tallies have been game winners, and he's turned the Sharks' shootout fortunes around with three deciding markers after overtime. A proven leader looking for a Stanley Cup on a Stanley Cup contender that has been searching for a leader, "Styles" and San Jose seems to be a match made in heaven so far.

To conclude, a quick mention of two players who deserve a bit of praise. Doug Murray, who has embraced his strengths as well as his limitations to solidify his spot in the top-six and pick up a lot of the slack for an oft-injured Kyle McLaren, who is clearly on the down swing of his career. And Captain Patrick Marleau, who hasn't caught a break from fans, his coach, or the media since last year's playoff exit, and who has picked up his game just in time. Fans are quick to forget that Marleau is tied with Jarome Iginla for the most playoff goals in hockey's past four post seasons. As much as the Sharks ride Joe Thornton through the regular season, they'll have to count on Patrick Marleau to be the man if they're going to make it out of the West. Luckily, the Captain appears ready to pick it up again when it matters most.


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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Lord Stanley would be proud: the British Playoff finals come round again



To our cousins across the pond, playoff time means sold out arenas, best-of-sevens, and general hockey mania. Over here in Britain, it’s not quite so extravagant.

A far cry from the format of the playoffs, the Elite League culminates in one weekend of 3 (meaningful – sometimes there’s a 3rd/4th place game that’s largely pointless) games – semifinals on the Saturday, final on the Sunday – in Nottingham, a city in the midlands. It’s not quite the postseason climax that you kids get.

Of course, a league that’s comprised of Brits and Europeans as much as North Americans is never going to be as skilled as the Show, and accordingly will never command the same media attention. Add this to the fact that the majority of Brits will never be dragged away from their Saturday afternoons on the ‘soccer’ terraces and the subsequent evening’s binge-drinking and casual violence in the pub, and the future looks pretty bleak for British ice hockey. Teams are slowly but surely moving to smaller (but newer) venues, and the rise of the sport in the nineties has been followed by a definite slump in the noughties.

And yet, for the rare breed, the British hockey fanatic, playoff weekend is something to look forward to as much as gathering round the TV to watch the finals series on NASN, or watching Manchester United lose, and that’s because not only is the quality of hockey the best we get all year, but the hockey community is brought together for 2 glorious days.

Unlike the finals in the US and Canada, the very nature of the Elite league playoffs means fans from each of the ten teams (yes, just ten) buy their tickets in advance, hoping that their team will make it – and if they don’t, the fans go along for the banter, the drinking, and to cheer for whichever team is playing their biggest rivals. With every single team in the league – and several from lower leagues – represented, the city is turned into a veritable hockey town, with every other person sporting a jersey from somewhere and the local Hooters packed to the rafters.

However, British hockey differs from soccer in that this doesn’t necessitate a heavy police presence, or forced division of fans in the stands. On the contrary, one of the biggest pulls to this weekend is the opportunity to mingle with fans from all over the country – and this usually means drinking with, not fighting with.

Sure, Sheffield fans and Nottingham fans might hate each other with all the intensity of a Leafs-Habs rivalry when the game is on, but after the match the abuse melts into a gentle chiding over a pint. Yes, there's banter aimed at each group – Belfast fans being the typical Irish drinkers, Sheffield being the arrogant ones, Coventry’s fanbase being 90% ‘chav’ – but its all taken in a light hearted manner and given back in the same way. Even the players join in the occasion, with those knocked out on the Saturday often partying that evening, and the winners on Sunday painting the town their team’s colours (metaphorically of course) on the closing night.

The next morning, everyone goes home, goes to work, and the rest of the country can go back to not even realising the sport exists in this country. Sure, there’s no real media coverage, no 20,000 seater arenas and certainly no Don Cherry, but there’s the best of British hockey and a damn good party, and that’s just about enough to tide us over til the playoffs begin.

It’s all very British, very understated, and very good fun. Lord Stanley would be proud, I’m sure.


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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Shattered Dreams Litter Bay Street as the Toronto Maple Leafs Continue to Dodge the Playoffs



Well, that was disheartening.

Have you ever built something up in your mind to make it seem to be the be-all-end-all of excellence? That there's no possible way that this could go wrong? That it almost seems like, because you're so confident in what could happen, you overlook the fact that things could go the exact opposite way that you'd want it to?

That was tonight for me.

I had this epic image in me head: The Toronto Maple Leafs come out on home ice, and stage a display of dominance over the Boston Bruins to prove that they're the real deal—to prove that they wanted that eighth and final playoff spot. To prove that they belonged with the's elite.

I started to think as every other member of Leafs Nation does when we get high on our team: We can't be beaten. There's no one that can beat us. Screw overtime and shootouts, screw single points. We'll dominate in regulation, and come out on top. And Big.

Boy was I wrong.

Looking back now, I'd gladly welcome a win in overtime or a shootout. Hell, I'd take a single point.

But not this...anything but this.

Boyd Devereaux came came, and he couldn't make a difference. Alex Ponikarovsky continued to show some flare in the offensive end of the ice and it didn't make a difference. Pavel Kubina kept up his hot play, and that didn't even make a difference.

For all the talent that this team has shown over the past few weeks, this was a sloppy game. There were turnovers, there was weak defensive coverage, and for a team that needed to win these next two games, there was a lack of urgency.

I don't need to go through every single goal. But the fourth goal stands out in my mind: Tomas Kaberle fails to keep the puck in on a promising stretch of play in the Boston end, and it's cleared back into the Toronto zone. Vesa Toskala comes out to play the puck in behind the net, but it caroms out infront. It's cleared pitifully, and is played back across the crease by Glen Metropolit to Phil Kessel, to cement the Bruins lead at 5-2.

And that was it. Sure there was an empty-net goal, but who really cares about those?

All that empty-netter meant was that the game was over. No Mats Sundin, no Nik Antropov, no two-point separation between the Leafs and the playoffs.

Just like every other year: Close, but no cigar. I guess that's a good thing seeing as I don't smoke.

We were talking about this in class today: The Leafs have never had a chance like this to get to the playoffs. Yes last season they had to win and then have a little faith, but this season they could have done it. Just beat the Bruins twice, and they've got their hands on eighth.

I may have passed my exam today, but the Leafs failed their test.

If I wanted to be naive, then I could sit here and say that with a win on Thursday, they're back to within four. Now while that is reassuring to a point, I'm much more realistic than that.

They did exactly what I hoped they wouldn't: Play themselves out of the playoffs while playing themselves out of a high draft pick.

Will I stop watching? Not at all. Will I still hope that they finish strongly? You better believe it.

Do I still sit and pray that Mats Sundin is able to come back and will this team back into a playoff run (whether it's brief or not)?

Damn right.

And if I have to sit and bide my time through the summer months until next year? Then that's what I'll do.

I just hope Mats doesn't go the way of Reed Johnson, Vince Carter, Carlos Delgado, or Doug Gilmour and we get that one last year.

The great thing about being a Leafs fan? We sure as hell ain't realists.

Or English Majors for that matter.


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Monday, March 24, 2008

Maple Leafs Notes: Sundin Not Ready To Play Against B's



Sundin Not Ready To Play

Both Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov skated by themselves today for about 15 minutes, however neither are expected to play tomorrow night when the Leafs open a home-and-home with the Bruins in Toronto.

Sundin skated hard on Saturday morning and looked close to a return, but today was a different story as the Leafs captain took a very light skate. Paul Maurice said following practice that there is no pressure on Sundin or Antropov and that when they are ready, they will tell him, and he will them insert them back into the lineup.

injured forwards John Pohl and Boyd Devereaux both skated today, and Devereaux appears to be poised to return for the opening game of the back-to-back tomorrow night. Pohl is still a little bit away from a return. The American born centre is still suffering from the effects of the ankle injury he suffered when he took an awful fall in a game against Carolina. It has also been a tough time for Pohl, whos younger brother recently underwent emergency brain surgery after being checked head first into the boards during a U.S college game. He is in good shape now though, and is expected to recover fully.

Is This It?

It has been said many times throughout the course of this trying Toronto Maple Leafs season, but can we truly, finally believe that this week is the Maple Leafs season? Are we finally set to get (one way or another) some clarity on whether this team is post season bound.

After a real good week that featured a couple of real gutsy wins in Buffalo and Ottawa, Toronto is just four points back of the 8th and final playoff spot, which is currently being held by the Boston Bruins. But the plot thickens.

The Leafs and Bruins play each other this week, twice, in a home-and-home series that begins in Toronto on Tuesday and ends in Boston Thursday night.

So, if the Maple Leafs sweep this back-to-back with the Bruins, they will be tied for the 8th and final playoff spot (of course barring what the other teams ahead of them do as well.)

They will also be tied in wins with 37 if Toronto can take both games. In such a scenario, the uses goals for in the tie break. Going into tomorrow's game Boston has 193 goals for, while Toronto has 217.

There is a chance that the Leafs could get away with earning three of a possible four points, but for all intensive purposes, the Leafs need all four points this week, which will bring them into a share of the 8th spot going into Saturday's tilt with Montreal.

Toskala Named Second Star

Toronto goalie Vesa Toskala has been named the's Second Star of the week. The Finnish netminder went 3-0-0 with a GAA of 2.00, and a save percentage of .940.

Despite letting in possibly the longest goal in history, that was actually shot on net while it was being tended to by a goalie, Toskala rebounded from the blunder nicely and helped Toronto to big wins over New York, Buffalo, and Ottawa.

Toronto Maple Leafs Community Leader

I just quickly wanted to let everyone know that I have been named the Toronto Maple Leafs community leader here on Bleacher Report.

I look forward to the job, and will take it seriously. I Know that there are plenty of talented writers here on the site, specifically in the Maple Leafs section and I look forward to working with all of you to build this section of the site.

I will be in touch with all of you, and you can feel free to contact me via my bulletin board


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Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Art of Boo-ing.



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About Elisha
My name is Elisha Cuthbert, born in Calgary, Alberta, but raised in Montreal, Quebec. Growing up in Canada opened my eyes to the world of hockey. My brother plays on two teams -- his school and city. My mother plays on a team as well. I, on the other hand, am just an actress who loves the sport and does not play -- but that doesn't mean I can't talk about it!
Recent Posts
The Art Of Booing
Very Superstitious
The Canadian dream
Hockey is back!


Monday, Nov. 21, 2005

The Art Of Booing

Last night was one of the best games I've been to in a really long time. Not to mention, the Kings have been away for a while too! They played Colorado Avalanche and took the game, 4-3.

It's always great to see two teams with equal strengths go at it. Joe Sakic is a legend! I remember watching him and just thinking what a player he was -- not bad looking either -- but LA just really stepped up their game and played great defense when it mattered most. Mathieu Garon was making some strong saves and Sean Avery scored our second goal of the night. Somehow I feel like that might change things a little for him in the games to come. Watch out for Avery.

Last but not least, Pavol Demitra and his amazing hat trick won the game.

Now, here's where it gets even better: It just so happens the Staple Center was giving away free Kings hats that game and what does 38 do? He gets a hat trick and what do the LA fans do? We throw every hat onto the ice in the most triumphant way!

It was magical. I had never seen anything like it! At that point screaming just didn't feel good enough! Unfortunately, there were a few Colorado fans out there that threw food instead, but they got kicked out in the most enjoyable way. To top it all off, this little boy sitting in front of me went on to stick bubble gum on the seat of an Avalanche fan. Every time he got up it just got uglier. He was obnoxious so I didn't feel all that bad.

I'm telling you that was a game and a half!!

Now on to more complicated stuff like "The art of booing".

I'm going to be really honest, I boo, and I'm not going to lie about it. If another team scores and I'm not happy about it, you bet I'm going to start booing! If a penalty is called that I don't think is fair or if someone hits one of our guys, and it was dirty, again, I'm going to boo.

Although, recently I've been noticing some interesting booing going on and maybe you guys have too. How about when a player leaves a team and everyone's upset about it? Here's an example and a reason why I'm not sure if I'm all in to it! Last night against Colorado we remembered Ian Laperriere and his amazing years with the LA Kings, the fans cheered, and we let him play his game. In contrast, we see a player like Rob Blake, who also played for the Kings. Yet, we boo him every time he gets the puck. I understand why, their situations are very different. I just think we should boo when he comes out, let him know we're there, how we feel and let him play his game. Just a little modification that's all.

Now I was planning to write an entire blog on the subject of Todd Bertuzzi and who knows maybe I will. It's just that this whole situation has been really bothering me, but I know what a touchy subject it is. So, I write with my ideas and feelings because that's all I can do.

I'm just tired of the booing and I'm going to be really blunt about it. I think it needs to STOP. I know what Bertuzzi did was extremely tragic and that his actions changed the life of an innocent player. It's just that I'm sure he too has been hurt by this whole ordeal. He has to live with these events in his career that he can't change and I personally feel like he's paid enough.

Have we forgotten this player in the midst of all this drama? The player who was 23rd overall in the Entry Draft or that in 2000 he scored 25 goals for the Canucks and went on in '01 to score 36 and in '02 scored 46. I just don't want people to forget and stop appreciating this player for who he really is. If he's a monster, so is Tie Domi, George Parros, Dustin Brown or Jody Shelley. We know this not to be true.

It just pains me to see him have to deal with the non-stop harassment and of course the booing. I know not everyone feels this way and who knows maybe I'm the only one. Mind you, my mother feels that way and so do my friends.

If anything, maybe somehow Todd will see this and know that there are people out there that still see the great player and understand that fate can be an unfortunate thing sometimes. I wish I could receive blogs in response to mine, especially on subjects like these. Maybe I could learn more. All I can say is booing can be so monumental at times and yet so innocent at others, but our voices make an impact. Our cheers are carried. I just hope our minds aren't made up.

P.S. -- I encourage everyone to throw hats on the ice after any hat trick. LOL

Love,
Elisha


Posted by Elisha @ 10:27 a.m.


Monday, Nov. 14, 2005

Very Superstitious

When do you stop and say "enough is enough"? How are we supposed to know when to let tradition continue or let fate be our guide? I personally don't let habit or superstitions get in the way of my everyday life. Yet, somehow when it comes to hockey, I am constantly bombarded with thoughts that maybe if I continue doing this or that, my single actions will affect the game and I'll make the guys win!! I'm insane ... or am I?

Let me continue by giving everyone some examples:

1) I've been having a hard time watching away games just because this one time I was working and couldn't pull myself away, we won. Ever since then, I'm afraid if I watch we're going to lose. The crazy and highly unusual thing is that so far so good.

2) OK, now that I think of it, that might be my only particular one, but somehow I've also found myself sucked into other people's rituals. Like eating at certain places before games and going to certain places afterward (depending on if we win or lose). I find this whole process very stressful.

At the same time, I am constantly amazed by the players and what they individually go through in order to play each game of the season. It's not just a routine, but a way of life for some of these guys. I thought I was bad and I'm not even playing!!!

Where along the way did they discover these habits? Like putting their left side equipment on first or not shaving or showering. I would not be surprised if it went even beyond that. I guarantee they're dragging their wives into this whole thing too. I'm going to ask them the next time I see them!!!

Look at me I'm slowly turning into a reporter! LOL

Really though, sometimes there's that player who will go for a stretch and then something will change. A GOAL. Then what? They have to remember everything they did that day and start all over. Like getting a coffee at Starbucks before the game and not just any Starbucks, but the one on the corner next to Riteaid, just 'cause they scored.

Who knows? Maybe there's a ton of players out there that just don't even bother with all that. Maybe all they think about is playing the best they can, remembering what the coach told them and just letting fate take its course.

It's amazing, how as little boys, they grow up on the ice and for the most part that's all that really matters to them. Driving to the games, suiting up, sitting on the bench, playing, winning or losing, showering (thank God) and then the drive back home. Until the next game that is.

I suppose that's a routine in itself. Acting was always different for me. New projects, new call times, new directors, actors, crew and always a new character. So it was hard to stay the same. The one thing though, whether it be hockey, acting, whatever, there's always room to grow and be better.

I can say this: I never really enjoyed watching my own work. Going back and reviewing it. Not that I thought anything of it, it's just that I was there and lived it. It's almost a weird feeling to explain, but I can imagine for players it would be important.

Superstitions are an amazing thing, but what's even more amazing is that in writing this blog I think I realized something. Whether these guys have them or not, hockey isn't just a physical sport, it's mental. If their minds aren't in the game, in some ways or another, their bodies can't be.

Maybe this is what it comes down to. Maybe this is where the hockey superstition was born. Hey, if me not watching the away games makes us win, I'm all for it!!! (Great, now that I just said that, everything is going to change!) LOL

Until the next one, keep up all those superstitions!!!

P.S. The Kings better get home soon, I'm dying to watch a hockey game!!!!!


Posted by Elisha @ 10:46 a.m.


Friday, Nov. 11, 2005

The Canadian dream

For most Canadian kids you've got one option, if you're a girl you figure skate and if you're a boy in Canada you play hockey. At least in my house you did, as well as all the other families growing up around me. You do it as far as you can take it. To the best of your ability and in the middle of the night you dream of that perfect triple axel in the Olympic arena. Or becoming the next Great One!!

I gave up on that dream when I was 9 just because I had other plans in mind. My ideas of figure skating were a little different, they also included a film crew and craft services. Aside from that though, everywhere you turn, someone's on the ice.

I think about my life growing up and the path that I took, and I'm constantly amazed at how little I was, when I knew what I wanted to do in life. I wonder if that happened for most pro players out there. I asked a friend not to long ago how and when he thought he knew he was going to play pro? His answer, "always."

It's funny how life works, and that all those young Canadian boys out there are playing, hoping and dreaming that maybe one day they'll be playing in the.nhl. Along with all those girls and their figure skates. Sometimes you have to imagine it's more than that, and whether you make it that far or not, it was worth the time and energy you put into it.

Why does my mother play? She's in her mid 40's (don't worry mom, I won't tell everyone how old exactly). But her answer, "Keeps me busy, keeps me healthy and I just have fun." If I were to sit down right now and break down all the reasons why I do what I do, sure there would be a lot of them, but the one that makes it all worthwhile: FUN. It's just a hell of a lot of fun.

Maybe in my next life I'll come back as a hockey player. LOL.

Or maybe not!!!

Maybe my 14-year-old brother will go pro one day and I'll get free season tickets!! You never know. Maybe the L.A. Kings will make it to the playoffs. We'll see!! And just so everyone knows, I am following the Kings this year!

I live in L.A., but I love hockey as a sport! I follow players. The Habs are where my family is and I think Calgary is pretty strong -- hey, I was born there! I've got a friend who plays for Vancouver, and one who plays for the Blue Jackets and another in Phoenix. So I guess you could say I'm all over the place. I'm going to stick to L.A. though. Just to go back to all that other stuff, though, whether Canadians like it or not, we're making some damn-good hockey players. Not to mention actors too!!! What can I say, "It's the Canadian dream."


Posted by Elisha @ 11:43 a.m.


Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005

Hockey is back!

Well I guess you could say I'm a little late on that statement, considering the season is already in full effect. Although I can't stop thinking of how I ever got by while it was gone. As the year went on, my 14 year old brother continued playing for his city team and school. My mother continued on her women's team as if it had never left.

I suppose if you weren't playing pro, you never felt it get taken away without saying so. I can't imagine Hollywood packing up their bags and leaving! What would i do? I guess I'd do some local plays, anything to fill the void that is my passion.

I'm proud to say in some ways that's exactly what most pro players did. Overseas and in other leagues. Good for them!!! But some didn't. I'm fortunate enough to have a handful of friends who do play pro, and I won't name names but I'll tell you this, they were getting antsy! I kept thinking, 'Someone get these guys back on the ice!!!'

I guess everything at some point needs to grow and hockey is no exception. The rules are a little different, the game's a little quicker, not to mention all that new blood. Hockey as we know it is back!! And I have no problem with that. he he

I'm also proud to say I have purchased my season tickets, along with all the many die hard hockey fans out there. Now everyone knows were my hard earned dollars go. Along with the merchandise, hotdogs, candy corn, hats, parking, McDonald's, flags, beer, bottled water ... mmmm ... candy corn I could go for some (lets not talk about that right now)!! he he. No, really I need to start slowing down on the food. I have a whole season ahead of me!

I try really hard after the games not to make too many comments about how I thought the guys preformed. I mean I don't know how I'd feel if one them came up to me after a scene and said, "I don't know if that was believable enough." Then again, who am I kidding? I sneak in comments all the time, for example: "Nice game, not so much, why did you fight him? That wasn't right, if I were you I would of knocked him out, too!!!" Then there's the little pep talks like, "Your nose doesn't look that bad dude, the girls won't notice" and "Who needs that tooth anyway?"

I'm just kidding.

Really though, hockey is back, and that's all that matters!

P.S. -- Is it just me or am I really hearing the refs? LOL
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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Down To The Wire: Flames Face Divisional Foes



The road to the post-season will have to be paved with blood, sweat and tears if the Flames want to contend for the Stanley Cup this Spring. Following Tuesday night’s 3-0 loss to the nearly non-contender Blue Jackets, Calgary faces nine final games down the stretch, all against divisional rivals. While the Minnesota Wild (87 points) hold first place in the Northwest right now, Calgary, Vancouver and Colorado (84 points each) are all tangled up chasing what promises to be the only home-ice advantage available in their Division. These top four NW teams all carry an equal opportunity into the next few weeks, but with a constant stream of four-point games, one club will step up and steal enough points for the Division title.

Calgary’s near future is very much up in the air. The last thing the Flames want is to have their fate floating in the clouds until Game 82. Recent losses against Washington, Atlanta and Columbus have been wasted opportunities to solidify a top standing. Two games apiece remain versus the Avs, Wild and Oil, three against Vancouver, and there is no more time and no margin for error. Even the Edmonton Oilers, who have been considered out of playoff contention for ages have pulled within sight of the target, winning 9 of their last 11 games. While they may not qualify, they will have two more chances to rob the Flames of much-needed points.

The other teams will be equally eager to limit Calgary by winning games and wearing down the Flames in the run up to April. The Flames will need to find consistently high intensity over the last weeks to find advantage over four other desperate teams fighting for the same points. The roster should be up to the challenge with players of all strengths on board. That being said, they have wavered before despite having one of the top line-ups in the Division and the West. At this point they cannot afford lapses of discipline. They not only have to make it to the post-season, but they have to be ready to play four rounds and Calgary needs to find a way to sustain the bursts of brilliance as seen throughout the year.

Success will mean utilising the impressive arsenal at Calgary’s disposal and digging deep to find the drive that all four lines will need to play consistently. Scoring is not the main concern, although Jarome Iginla has a chance to record his second 50-goal season. The Flames play some of the best hockey in the League when they put together a full 60-minute effort, play positional hockey and work their style of game. From the goal-line forward this roster is built to win, but when they allow themselves to be taken out of their game-plan they tend to stop playing as a cohesive unit. Plays are sloppy, mistakes occur, and they no longer bear any resemblance to the squad the learned to fear only a short time ago. They are capable of reaching the top, but they will have to break some poor habits first if they want to actually accomplish that and go on to have a fruitful post-season.

If they can’t get it together, all the issues will rise to the surface once more, this time with a vengeance. Three coaches in three years. A beefed up roster with the most talented team Calgary has seen in years. More goals for, but more goals against. More wins on the road, fewer at home. Major players signed to long-term contracts. A Jekyll and Hyde team that can present any face at any time. When they look good they look very, very good, but when they look bad they look horrid!

There is no reason known outside Saddledome walls as to why a squad like this has so much difficulty. Whether it is a lack of focus or a lack of discipline, folks within the Flames organisation insist the players are driven to play well and win the Cup. It is time to realise that there is nothing left to be taken for granted; from here on out it’s got to be good hard graft by the lads in red, because no one out there is in any mood to be charitable. They will have to show up on the ice soon, because all the positive chatter in world won’t get you into the playoffs for free.


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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

spring starts soon



Currently, I'm not feeling well and am still trying to get over the effects of my sickness. I'll be fine and all. It's a good thing it happened over my spring break and not at any other week in the semester.

Spring starts tomorrow. The winter has gone by sort of fast at time and slow at other times. For the most part, it feels like the winter just came and went, and I feel that way about the school year. Usually, the last year goes by faster than the others. This one has been no exception. Spring should bring the sun out more as well as the flowers and plants. It's also a very good time in sports as the NBA, and college basketball championships are decided in this season. Best of all, my time in college is coming to its end. Between tomorrow and when the summer starts on June 21, a lot of things will become clear to me. I'll know what law school I'll go to (Emory sent me a rejection letter two days ago), I'll now be able to say that I'm a college graduate, I'll be able to say that I'm in good health (pending a physical), and perhaps I'll be able to start looking into finding my future wife.

In any event, it should be a fun and defining three months.
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Keeping it Karmic: Up and Down Game for the Toronto Maple Leafs



I guess it was just a strange night all around: Daniel Briere tried to start a fight in Philadelphia, now-Celtics star Kevin Garnett was accused of tanking his last season in Minnesota by T-wolves owner Glen Taylor, and Vesa Toskala let in a goal from 197.5 feet away.

Yup, you read that correctly: Rob Davison, a defenseman for the New York Islanders scored—with a goalie in the net—from his own goal line, shorthanded no less.

You could blame it on the fact that the puck was bouncing all night (prompting Joe Bowen to wonder if the game should be played with a tennis ball just so that they could follow the play), you could say that things like this are bound to happen over the course of a season—that this isn't the first, or the last time a play like this will happen.

Me? I just blame it on karma. Hell, the entire game had a karmic feel about it.

If you look up the word karma, it's defined as "bringing inevitable results—good or bad—unto oneself", and when you think about it, this game showcased exactly what the Leafs have been displaying post-lockout.

For the past three seasons, fans have endured peaks and valleys brought on by a team that can't decide how high—or how low—in the standings it wants to go. Leafs Nation has been forced to grab on for dear life to this team that may as well be featured at Canada's Wonderland or Six Flags Darien Lake as a seasonal ride.

The literal "cross-ice" goal gave the Leafs a taste of what they've been showcasing the past few years—something that's oh so tantalizing, yet devastating. Something that shouldn't happen for their own good (*cough* the late-season playoff runs of the past three seasons), and eventually kills them (having to settle for a mid-1st round draft pick).

The question is, did they get the message?

The Philadelphia Flyers certainly did as they won their game against the Atlanta Thrashers to keep their hold on the 8th spot in the East.

The Leafs however? Let's just say you better grab some q-tips because they aren't listening.

Even in the face of a disallowed goal by Darcy Tucker (on a goaltender interference call that had me less than convinced) as well as the fact they were without their top two scoreres (Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov) the Leafs pulled it off.

Not only did they give themselves the gift of false hope on this night, but until Friday night Leafs Nation will continue to strut as the playoffs appear to be squarely in the Buds headlights.

Besides, what's a six point deficit?

But while seemingly playing their way into the playoff race, the Leafs have dropped from 2nd to 7th in the Surge for Stamkos, and if they keep it up? There's a very strong chance that this team could finish out of the playoffs and out of the top-ten in the draft for the third straight year.

Screw good things, everything seems to come in threes.

But in regards to the playoff runs; you can call them luck or fate, getting hot at the right time, or you can even call them false hope—but what we can all agree on though, is that at least the Leafs are dependable.

Whether that's a good or bad thing however is up to you.


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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Shootout Debate: A Crummy Marketing Ploy



I think I just witnessed one of the best goalie duels today - thus far - this season. And like most great games that go into overtime, the hard work and effort of the players and teams during the previous 65 minutes is decided by foolish shootout.

Alex Auld of the Boston Bruins faced 33 shots today, in a 2-1 SO Loss to the Washington Capitals. Caps net-minder Cristobal Huet got peppered with 40. Both played brilliantly. They both single-handedly kept their teams in the game - standing on their heads at times.

But, Washington and Huet get the "W" and 2-points.

Boston and Auld get the "L" and 1-point.

Oh wait a second. No they don't. They get the "OTL." Well, even though it's a loss, you get a sympathy point for going beyond the 60-plus minutes - and losing.

Sense the sarcasm? (I hope so)

Now, I'm not expressing my opinions on the shootout just because my hometown team lost today. Lets get that cleared-up right now. I'm not coming across as a "homer" in my absolute hatred for this pathetic marketing tool, that they call part of the game.

Before the 1983-84 season, all overtime games were as a regular 20-minute period. Since then, regular season overtime games have become a five minute, 4-on-4 style of play - to open up the ice for the players, and to ensure a five-hard- fought-minutes to get that all needed point, and leaving the loser with a big fat zero.

Then in 1999, the decided to implement the "OTL" (overtime loss) and award the losing team one-point. And from there-on-out, players went from playing to win, to playing to tie and hopefully not lose in regulation

In the 2005-06 season, the got even worse by trying to market its non-hockey fans, and deciding the fate of the game with an asinine shootout.

Sure, it was pretty exciting to see the first shootout. But, that's all that I could handle.

Hockey is not a one-on-one game. It's a team effort. And having six penalty shots (or more) is not a team game, and it's sure as heck not hockey. Like in today's game, Alex Auld played like a stud. Two minutes later he's the loser because he let in more free breakaway goals?

Bogus.

I certainly miss the old-time hockey, now more than ever, during times like these. When a win was a win, a loss was a loss, and a tie was a tie.

The new is a mere novelty. Nothing more. A poor gimmick with this shootout stuff. It's starting to get old with hockey-heads like myself, who feel deceived by this addition to the game.



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Saturday, March 15, 2008

I know a meme that'll get on your nerves!



Mostly because I haven't posted in awhile. I've been a little out-of-fandom lately--getting cranky with the animated series, which is probably unfair to it. I'm hardly the target demographic! Anyway, not got much to report, so I present to you the longest meme in the world!



Name: Sarah
Nicknames: I either dislike them or they're too mushy to put here.
Location: Norfolk, VA
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue-grey
Height: 5'2"
Birthday: December 18
Year Born In: 1977

Fallen down the stairs?: Not a full-on fall from top to bottom.
Fallen off the balcony?: Nope!
Broke a bone?: Not that I know of.
Fainted?: Yes. In the breakfast line back at boarding school, which caused quite the excitement!
Got cheated on?: Well, I can't swear it's a 'no' but I have faith that it is.
Kissed someone?: Yes
Lied to someone?: Well, duh.
Been in a fist fight?: Not really. I had a full on catfight with another girl when I was 11.
Fallen for your bestfriend?: Well, technically he became my best friend when I fell for him? And he was my housemate, so that's a bit of a no-no right there. Good thing it worked out.
Been in love?: Last I checked. :)
Cheated on someone?: No.
Burned yourself?: Yes, several minor ones. The most memorable time was a chemistry lesson which gave me the imprint of a nail (the metal kind) on my thumb for a week.
Caught something on fire?: I remember we set fire to the grass in the field where we were camping in Girl Guides once. Fortunately, like good little guides, we had our fire bucket to hand, so it didn't end in tragedy.
Made out?: Yes
Snuck out?: No. I was a tame teenager.
Pulled an all nighter?: Yes.
Been to jail?: Only on a school trip.
Skipped school?: I know I once pretended to be more sick than I was.
walked alone at night?: Yes, still do, if I know the area's safe.
Smoked a cigar?: No.
Stolen a car?: No
Seen someone die?: No
Shoplifted?: I stole some tinsel from a shop decoration once. Does that count?
Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back?: Not serious feelings.
Been arrested?: No.
Had a crush on a teacher?: Good lord, no. We had a very dull selection.
Been on a plane?: Yes
Purposely set a part of yourself on fire?: Er.... no.... (who wrote this?)
Been snowboarding?: No.
Taken painkillers?: Yes.
Laid on your back and watched the clouds go by?: Yes. Sometimes I watch the ceiling go by.
Questioned your heart?: I suppose so. I gave it some thought before getting married, after all.
Been obsessed with post-it notes?: Erm, I get obsessed about a lot of things, but I don't think post-it notes come under the fascination category.
Squished barefoot through the mud?: Probably.
Been lost?: Oh, all the time. I have no sense of direction.
Been to the opposite side of the country?: Yes. And assuming that the original meme'er meant the USA, I've been to both sides of that country (and both sides of Canada, for that matter).
Swam in the ocean?: Pacific, Atlantic and Indian! In that order.
Felt like dying?: Frequently. If you mean seriously suicidal or thinking that I'm dying... no.
Cried yourself to sleep?: Of course!
Played cops and robbers?: Probably.
Recently colored with crayons/coloured pencils/markers?: No. But I spend a lot of time writing the names on the kids' creations at school.
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't do?: Started going out with my housemate.
Made prank phone calls?: Not really. When I was seven, I dialed a random number just to try the phone out, but I just said 'sorry, wrong number' and hung up.
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose?: No.
Caught a snowflake on your tongue?: Yes.
Danced in the rain?: Yes.
Written a letter to Santa Claus?: Don't remember.
Been kissed underneath a mistletoe?: Don't think so.
Watched the sun rise with someone you care about?: Yes.
Blown bubbles?: Of course!
Made a bonfire on the beach?: Made a campfire on a beach, but not a bonfire.
Crashed a party?: No.
Gone roller skating?: Had roller skates as a child, but it wasn't exactly something I did as an outing.
Thrown a party?: Yes
Had a wish come true?: Yes. Quite a few.
Jumped off a bridge?: Sounds like something I would do, but I don't recall ever doing it.
Ate dog/cat food?: No.
Told a complete stranger you love them?: No. Not even the drunken or I-love-you-as-a-friend kind.
Kissed a mirror?: No.
Sang in the shower?: Yes.
Have a little black dress?: No. I prefer long dresses. And red.
Had a dream that you married someone?: Yes. In the dream, it was my wedding day and I was panicking because I couldn't remember who I was marrying. I figured that if I couldn't remember him, then I probably shouldn't marry him--only I'd better find him quickly to explain that. Of note, my actual future husband was invited to the dream-wedding as a guest.
Glued your hand to something?: No.
Got your tongue stuck to a popsicle?: Yes.
Kissed a fish?: No.
Worn the opposite sex's clothes?: Yes.
Been a cheerleader?: No. We don't do cheerleading in the UK.
Sat on a roof top?: Yes.
Screamed at the top of your lungs?: Yes.
Done a one-handed cartwheel?: I was never good at two-handed ones.
Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours?: No. I'm not a phone person.
Picked and ate an apple?: Yes. We had apple trees when I was growing up.
Climbed a tree?: Yes. Several.
Had a tree house?: I think 'tree-house' is too glamourous a word for what we had, but we had a few boards up there.
Been scared to watch scary movies alone?: I can't even watch scary movies with other people there.
Believe(d) in ghosts?: Yes and no.
Worn a really ugly outfit to school just to see what the others would say?: Not for that reason.
Gone streaking?: I'm far too shy.
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?: It's possible, but I can't recall.
Been told you're hot by a complete stranger?: Not exactly, although an Italian guy made it very clear that he found me attractive one night.
Been easily amused?: All the time.
Caught a butterfly?: Yes.
Laughed so hard you cried?: Frequently.
Laughed so hard you peed in your pants?: No.
Mooned/Flashed someone?: Not unless my husband counts.
Had someone moon/flash you?: Yes.
Cheated on a test?: Once in Italian when the teacher went out of the room.
Forgotten someone's name?: I'm good with names, it's faces that I'm terrible with.
French braided someone's hair?: Only a barbie doll's.
Gone skinny dipping?: Not since I was three.
Gone out in public in your pajama's?: Yes. Boarding school, fire drills.... It was normal behaviour.
Kept a secret from everyone?: Yes.
Cried during a movie?: I'm getting worse at that as I get older.
Ever at anytime owned new kids on the block?: No.
Planned your week based on the TV Guide?: As a teenager, yes. These days, not so much.
Been on stage?: School play count?
Been to New York?: Yes.
Been to California?: Yes.
London?: Yes.
Canada?: Yes.
Tokyo?: No. Darn... I was having a good run there.
Been slapped?: Probably. See above mentioned catfight.
Been so depressed you just sat at home just eating and sleeping for days?: Well, not for days, but there was a time of my life when I didn't get dressed at the weekends.
Had a normal manicure?: No.
Had a french manicure?: No.
Been camping?: Yes.
Been backstabbed?: I don't tend to think of my life in such dramatic terms. Well... not in those dramatic terms anyway.
Lost a friend?: Yes.
Bungee jumped?: No.
Had someone you loved die?: Yes. But nothing really tragic, fortunately.
What did you want to be when you were younger?: I was going to be either an artist, a poet or a writer. Before that, it was a princess.
What's your favorite type of music?: Musicals. I like stories with my music.
What do you spend most your time doing?: Thinking.
Would you rather stay at home or go out?: I should go out more. I'm a homebird.
Which is your favorite 'fast food' restaurant?: Cheesecake factory count? I quite like Chick Fil-a.
What is your favorite restaurant?: Cheesecake Factory. Or the late, lamented Nello's in Wallingford.
Are you a farmer?: No.
If you could marry anyone who would it be?: I'll stick with my husband, thanks.
How much do you think about the opposite sex?: Generally speaking, I don't, except on an individual basis.
What's your favorite toothpaste?: Aquafresh Mild'n'Minty.
What kind of grades do you make?: Depends on the age. I tended to be on the A side before high school. By the time I graduated University, I was a solid B.
If you could go anywhere where would you go?: Cornwall. But replace 'go' with 'live'.
How many people do you live with?: One and two cats.
What are your favorite sports?: To do? Swimming. To watch? Tennis... F1... but I need to be doing something else while I watch.
How many kids do you want?: Er.. some?
What would you name them?: Well, when we get to that point, I'll probably want to consult my husband first.
Do you want to be married in the future?: Yes. Until death do us part, and all.
Want to marry anyone you know right now?: Already did.
Is your goal to be rich later in life?: No, although financial security is among the many plans for 'later in life'.
What color lipfloss/lipstick do you usually wear?: Lip floss. Now there's an image. I don't wear makeup, but on the rare occasions I do, it's the browny-reds I go for.
Coke or Pepsi?: I'm not fond of either, but coke's easier to get down.
Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi?: Same as above only less so.
What's the last thing you bought from a Pharmacy?: Contraceptive pills.
Have you ever been in a wreck?: Yes, but everybody walked away from it.
When do you usually go to bed?: Shortly after 10.
What's the worst thing you ever did?: I'm hesitant to name a 'worst' but I feel particularly uncomfortable over bullying a girl until she left the school when I was seven. At the time, I didn't understand that bullying was mental as well as physical, and I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. In my view, she was a bad person, so I shouldn't be nice to her. This is probably why I'm not a big fan of cartoon-style villains.
Do you attend church?: No.
How many friends do you have?: Lots, but few who live close to me.
What's your greatest acomplishment?: Probably getting a job and moving into my first place as soon as I left university. I made a lot of mistakes, but I'd been scared of going out on my own since the age of about 13 when I realised it was inevitable. Discovering I could do it was amazing.
What do you want to be when you're older?: Alive? Wise and happy.
What's your favorite PJ's?: Nightshirt.
What's your favorite thing to do?: Cuddle.
What color hair do you have?: Still brown (were they expecting it to grey during the course of the meme?)
Do you wear wigs/extensions?: No.
Do you sing well?: No, but that doesn't stop me when I'm on my own.
Would you eat a cockroach for $500/£500?: Maybe. I'd rather do it for £500 than $500 though.
Are you afraid of the dark?: Sometimes, but I love the dark.
Are you bored?: Not often.
Where's the last place you've been?: The beach, with the child I was babysitting.
Do you wear alot of black?: trousers and socks... I prefer colours.
Do you get along with your parents?: Yes.
Would you consider yourself 'popular'?: Most people tend to like me when they get to know me, but I was never part of the in-crowd (unless you count an online in-crowd).
Do you live in the country, burbs or city?: It's technically a city, but it's pretty darned suburban.
Most painful experience?: None that I care to think about.
Most happy experience?: I don't know... it's hard to pin down just one thing. I think the first kiss my husband gave me on our second attempt at a relationship was a good one. We'd been pretending we were purely platonic for weeks, and then he kissed me without thinking one night.
Have you ever been stalked?: Don't think so.
Have you ever egged a house?: No.
Do you go hunting (deer, duck, etc.)?: No. I don't even like fishing. I'm squeamish about death.
Do you support PETA?: The RSPCA.
Do people think you're crazy/insane?: I've been told so, although I don't think they meant clinically.
How many people on your AIM buddy list?: I don't do IM.
How many people on your MSN buddy list?: see above.
NHL or NFL?: Neither.
Do you ever scream into a pillow/cushion?: No.
Have you ever drowned a fish?: No.
How many songs do you know all the words to?: A lot. I need half-an-hour's worth of nursery rhymes for my repertoire at work, and I memorise most of the songs I like.
Do you listen to The Beatles?: Yes.
Do you listen to Eminem?: No.
Do you know anyone who thinks they're Eminem?: No.
Do you read books often?: Not as often as I used to...
Do you strive to fit in?: No.
Fave gum?: Not a gum person.
Do you snore?: Yes, but not every night.
Are you afraid of thunderstorms?: No, but they're danged annoying in the middle of the night.
DO you care what you look like?: I'm vain enough, but I don't go in much for beauty treatments--too time-consuming.
Is your hair color fake?: No.
Whatcha wearing?: Jeans and a short sleeved top.
When's the last time you talked to anyone?: About two minutes ago to my husband.
Do you 'fall in love' easily?: No.
What's your best physical feature?: My hair.
What's your worst physical feature?: My body hair. ;)
What attracts you most to the opposite sex?: Someone who isn't judgmental.
Are you picky about who you date?: I was. Well, I suppose these days, I'm even more picky. If you're not my husband, no dice.
Are you fussy about your foods?: Fairly, but not as much as I used to be.
What's your favorite perfume?: I don't wear perfume.
What's the best perfume for men?: I have a terrible sense of smell, so I have no idea.
What's the best perfume for women?: See above.
Do you like Roller Coasters?: Yes. But I prefer the twists to the drops.
Have you ever flown in an aeroplane?: Yes. Is this different to the plane mentioned above?
Do you have big feet?: Only in width.
Do you have small feet?: Yes.
What size feet are you?: 4 in UK size, which I think is 6 in US size (I should know this by now).
Do you wear make-up?: Only for really formal occasions.
If so, what?: Foundation, concealer, lipstick, blush, and maybe eyeshadow.
Ever been to Paris?: No.
Do you believe in Vampires?: No.
If you could become a Vampire, would you?: Of course not!
Would you call yourself normal?: No.
Have you ever stolen anything?: Oh, we're back to the tinsel thing.
Do you eat Sushi?: Well, I've tried it. Will not be making a habit out of it.
Have you ever been drunk, high or both?: Drunk, although not often. I usually get a headache first which kind of kills the mood. Plus, I'm easily excited, so it's cheaper to get high on the adrenaline.
Ever drove while drunk?: I can't drive while sober.
Do you drink alot or rarely?: Rarely.
How many people do you trust with your life?: Well, I doubt that's ever going to be something I have a choice in, but I think most people I know would try and keep me from dying.
Are you considered intelligent?: Yes and no. Like most people, I'm smart in some areas and stupid in others, so opinions of me depend on how the holder knows me.
Are you considered a nerd?: Probably.
Do you talk on the phone alot?: See the previous phone question.
How often do you take a shower?: Every other day unless there's a particular need for it. Yeah, I know that's hideously dirty by modern standards, but I really don't see that it's necessary. I tried showering every day once, but I find it physically impossible to take a quick shower and the time waste of it drove me mad.
What kind of body wash do you use?: Some Olay thing at the moment... I'm having dry skin problems.
What's your favorite candy bar?: Bournville. Or a curly wurly.
Ever got detention?: Yes.
If so, what for?: Not doing my homework, usually.
Ever been suspended?: No.
What for?: n/a
Which is better: Punk or Prep?: I've never been quite sure what 'prep' is. At school, it was homework.
Ever blown a beverage out your nose?: No.
Do you like jawbreakers?: I've had them, but not interested now.
What color mostly is in your room?: White. We rent so we don't have a choice.
What do you say alot?: 'like'. It's embarrassing, since it's looked down on, but I actually think it's a useful little word that doesn't deserve its reputation.
What's your best personality trait?: Compassion.
What's your worst personality trait?: Selfishness.
Do you have any medical problems?: Of course. Quite a few things--and probably more that I've never bothered getting officially diagnosed.
How many years have you had that?: All my life, for most of them. Some of them might have kicked in later.
Is it bad?: Nothing life-threatening or debilitating.
Can people get it from you?: Not unless some of them are genetic--I've no idea.
Can you die from it?: No.
Can you cure it?: Most of them are the treatable rather than curable kind.
Are you listening to anything?: My husband's music--I think it's Texas.
What's the last movie you've watched in Theaters?: I can't remember... Spiderman 3? Pirates 3? Transformers? Last summer anyway.
Who is your favorite friend?: My husband.
Who do you get along with the best?: My husband (it's boring, but that's the questions' fault).
Who do you fight with alot?: My parents, although we get along pretty well mostly.
Who is your funniest friend?: Don't know.
Do you talk too much?: Sometimes too much, sometimes not enough.
Did you ever fall asleep in class?: Not completely.
Sneakers/Heels/Flats?: Flats.
Can you do a cartwheel?: Not a good one.
Shorts/Jeans/Skirts?: Skirts. To quote one of JK Rowling's wizards: I like a nice breeze around my privates.
Double dates or just the two of you?: Just two.
Do you go to camp?: Not any more.
What's the last time your parents spanked you?: I imagine about twenty years ago.
Can you rhyme well?: I don't exactly practise.
Have you ever belonged to a gang?: No.
Know people who belong to a gang?: No.
Do you smoke cigars?: No
Do you know people who smoke cigars?: No.
Are you against smoking?: Yes. I accept that it's a personal choice, but as somebody who suffers from hay fever and similar allergies, it's hideously distasteful as a habit.
Ever known someone who had a heart attack from smoking and lived?: Not that I know of.
Ever known a person who had a heart attack because of smoking that died?: Again, not that I know of.
Indoors or outdoors?: Outdoors.
Have you ever gotten beaten up?: No.
Do you know how to cook?: No, but I get by.
How many dishes can you cook?: Without a cookbook? Three or four.
Any dishes that you made up by yourself?: Yes, but they're technically put together from various recipes.
How many?: Two or three?
Do you know how to do laundry?: Yes. Duh.
When you get a pizza, how many slices do you eat?: Depends on the size of the pizza. Three on average.
Do you consider yourself too fat/skinny?: Actually, I'm pretty happy with my weight at the moment. I'm not fit enough, but I'm neither fat nor skinny.
What's your least favorite color?: Brown. Colour of my school uniform.
Have you ever faked being sick?: When I was ten.
Ever done something illegal?: Yes, but nothing against my morals.
What's the longest you've stayed up for?: A little over 24 hours, at which point I was so grumpy I was close to tears.
Are you afraid of dying?: Well, I wouldn't like to die in the near future, but it's not something I lose sleep over.
What's your biggest regret?: This ties into the 'worst thing you ever did' question.
Ever picked up a hitch hiker?: No.
Is your name on any bathroom walls?: I'd be surprised.
What's the naughiest thing you've ever done?: Well, that's going to be very subjective, isn't it? Private too.
What's the worst present you've ever gotten?: A child's first quilt kit.
When was your worst day, and what happened?: I don't remember worst days.
When was your most perfect day, and what happened?: Oh I don't know. Probably the honeymoon days. Just myself and my husband and a tropical island.
Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?: A husband.
What annoys you most?: People passing judgment on others.
Favorite 'scary' movie?: Battle Royale.
Favorite 'action' movie?: Pirates of the Caribbean.
Favorite 'romantic' movie?: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite 'cartoon' movie?: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite 'comedy' movie?: Princess Bride
Favorite 'drama' movie?: La Vita e Bella
What's the most depressing movie?: Andre the Seal--dear god, I was desperate for that film to end, but I was taking my cousins so I couldn't walk out.
What's your favorite movie of all time?: Beauty and the Beast.
Do you have an accent?: Received Pronunciation English.
Who is your role model?: I don't have a single one. Several people have traits that inspire me.
Who looks up to you?: The kids at school? I know a few people have done in one online community (not TF-related). I think that's a demonstration of how luck and circumstances play in your reputation, but I'm egotistical enough to hope that I had a positive influence.
Do you like suprises?: Yes, although I'm more of a planned than spontaneous person.
What's the ideal age to die?: That's not something I feel comfortable answering.
Do you like to dance?: Yes. Not saying I can, but I love trying!
Ever took ballet?: Yes--but only when I was five.
Bold or pastel colors?: Rich ones.
Do you still wear Tommy Hilfiger?: Don't think I ever have done.
What brand do you wear most?: Target clearance. ;)
What do you normally watch on TV?: At the moment, Lost, Cheers, Survivor and TF:Animated. And, of course, the Daily Show.
Do you have any 'special' talents?: My memory's pretty good.
Can you swim?: Yes.
Can you play a musical instrument?: Piano but not well.
What star sign are you?: Sagittarius
Do you prefer public or private schools?: I have a soft spot for boarding schools, but I don't think that would ever be one of my criteria.
Do you care what people think about you?: Yes. It's a bad habit of mine.
Have you ever shot a gun?: No.
What's your biggest fear?: Don't know.
How many hours of sleep do you normally get?: 7 and something if the cats aren't being too annoying.
Regular or crushed ice?: Regular, although I usually prefer without.
Blue or black ink?: Whatever's in the nearest pen.
Are your clothes mostly loose or tight fit?: Comfortable, so loose.
Have any peircings?: Ears--after I realised I never bothered with earrings, it seemed pointless to pierce anywhere else.
Gold or silver?: Gold--I like warmer colours.
What kind of shampoo/conditioner do you use?: Selsun Plus. I have bad dandruff.
Do you blow-dry your hair?: Never.
What do you sleep in?: A bed. And a nightshirt.
What's the last book you've read?: The Island (about a leper colony). It was a huge disappointment... I should find something good to read to make up for it.
Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera?: Well, neither, but I'll go for Christina since we share a birthday.
Spiderman or Dare Devil?: Spiderman.
Fractured a bone?: No.
Shower or Bath?: Bath.
Do you have any cavities?: Yes.
Have you ever worn braces?: Yes.
What do you live in?: A 3-bedroomed rented house. We own a 3-bed semi-detached (duplex) back in England.
Would you choose true love or to be rich?: Well, I already have love, so does that mean I can opt for wealth? ;) I'll stick with love.
Do you have Dial-Up or Broadband?: Broadband.
Do you play any computer games?: Yes.
What kind?: Simulation games--mostly Sims 2.
How long did it take you to finish this?: About an hour and a half? I took a few breaks.
What attracts you mostly to the opposite sex?: We've done this one.
What do you mostly look in a guy/girl?: I'm not answering variations on a theme.
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend on the computer?: No.
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend in real life?: No. Just the husband.
Do you fancy anyone in real life?: Yes.
Do you fancy anyone in the computer?: Not unless my husband's abroad and on Skype.
Do you believe in internet relationships?: My brother met his wife of seven years on the internet, so yes.
How old were you when you first had your bf/gf?: 19
How old were you when you first kissed?: 19
First made out?: What do you mean by 'made out'? Probably 19.

And there, at last, we've come to the end. Dear god.

Friday, March 14, 2008

More games, and some art to be uploaded...



Well, I got three new Gamecube games today: Wave Race Blue Strom 2003, and Madden 2003. I love 2K3, and it's brought back a lot of memories of when I played the old games for SNES and N64. Speaking of which, if I get a chance, I should pick one of the SNES games. Anyway, Wave Race 64 was the first game I ever bought for the N64, and I loved it back then. It's held up pretty well in Blue Storm, but I can't wait to see if they have something in mind for the Wii. As for Madden... Well, it's not Tecmo Super Bowl, but it works, and it's football for the NGC.

What else... *looks at title* Oh, right. I haven't got it scanned in yet, but I'll soon have some of my little doodles from my sketchbook uploaded to my DeviantArt account. I'll post links when I get them up.

Anything else... Well, as soon as I get done with Mission 10 of my fanfic, I'll post them all up. Well, I've still got to go through as do a final spelling\grammar check, but other than that, they're ready. The reason I'm waiting is because Missions 1-10 sort of set the foundation for much of the next 25 Missions, and everything builds up from there.

BTW, Nintendo, you should have made the "Smiles and Tears" track unlockable in SSBB. That would have made up for not including Earthbound in the Masterpieces section.
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Thursday, March 13, 2008

All-Time Utah Jazz player elimination game



We have done this on the game board with All-Time PG's, All-Time NFL Wide Receivers and All-Time NHL goalkeepr. The rules are simple. You give (-1) point for the worst Jazz player on this list and give (+1) for the person the person you want to keep on the list. One by one the other options are eliminated and you get down to one who becomes the winner.

Scoring will be +1/-1 until we get down to five, where it will then be +1/-2.

No votes allowed with the same hour of previous timestamp.
(ie previous vote: 4:13, then next eligible vote is 5:00 - more legitimate, fair, etc)
(other rules, such as no responding to yourself are still in place)

Karl Malone 10
John Stockton 10
Adrian Dantley 10
Darrell Griffith 10
Thurl Bailey 10
Pete Maravich 10
Rickey Green 10
Jeff Hornacek 10
Andrei Kirilenko 10
Bryon Russell 10
Matt Harpring 10
Mark Eaton 10
Jeff Malone 10
Mehmet Okur 10
Carlos Boozer 10
Rich Kelly 10
Bobby Hansen 10
Jeff Wilkins 10
Deron Williams 10
Greg Ostertag 10
David Benoit 10
Howard Eisley 10
Blue Edwards 10
Antoine Carr 10
Mike Brown 10
Tyrone Corbin 10
Adam Keefe 10
Shandon Anderson 10
DeShawn Stevenson 10
Paul Millsap 10
Scott Padgett 10
John Crotty 10
Marc Iavaroni 10
Jacque Vaughn 10


I could list more but I probably have too many but it will be fun still! So I will start!


Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Just a general post



Somehow the days are going faster to the ponit that when I'm about to post an entry of somesort, it's already late and I would become tired. Go figure. However, just a couple of things which are on the mind and are awaiting to be put up here.

Tonight was the start of the mini-series against Philly for hte Leafs. They needed four points from these games. Thus far, 2, but have given up 1 due to the game going into overtime. Being down 3-0 in the 3rd, coming all the way back to tie it then winning in OT....I guess it's a good feeling for the Leafs' players but the overall goal of winning in regulation was missed. So a definite must-win will be tomorrow night in Philadelphia.

The outdoor game looks to be a staple on the's schedule for basically for the foreceable future. New York, Chicago or Detroit are good destinations, but in baseball stadiums rather then NFL football stadiums.

If it's Detroit:
Play it at Comerica Park. That'll draw plenty of fans. Involve Toronto and Detroit. Common rivals from the Original Six in an Outdoor Game? Why not! Windsor's divided 50/50 between Wings and Leafs fans to begin with. It'll be a huge success!

If it's in New York:
Rangers, Islanders, Devils. PLay it in Yankee Stadium, which is being talked about. Not a bad idea, yet a funny way to send off Yankee Stadium in 2009. To be the last sporting event there before demolition. A hockey game? You'd think it was baseball!

I'm concerned about Gustavo Chacin. Last year, surgery. Year before that, more surgery. How about this year? If he's still injured, I don't know what the Jays will do, but offer Jesse Litsch the 5th spot in the rotation.

The Jays rotation:
1) Roy Halladay
2) A.J. Burnett
3) Dustin McGowan
4) Shaun Marccum
5) Jesse Litsch

The only drawback that I see is that there isn't a lefty in this rotation. In a key series, having a lefty in there would make the opposition's batting lineup sometimes weaker and less powerful. J.P, might as well look for a lefthanded starter.

More Jays news that I heard from today was Cassey Janssen, a big cog in the bullpen from last year, was experiencing shoulder pain when throwing in the bullpen. Uh-oh. We'll just hope for the best.
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Sunday, March 9, 2008

Sharks-Wild: Sharks Franchise-Best in Shootout Win



In order to understand why I'm so strict on defensemen is because of the fact that I used to be a defense...woman. I played soccer for about six years, playing a role of a shut-down defensewoman. I've got to admit, I was pretty mean. I had a hell of a kick, and it was hard for other girls to get past me when I was on the field. I've also got a good stare. However, school came calling and I had to stop due to my busy schedule.

So, if you read my articles on a daily basis, you know why I notice that type of stuff.

The Sharks won 3-2 in a shootout against the Wild, extending their win streak to a franchise-best nine games, despite losing a 2-0 lead.

Just because they won the game, however, doesn't necessarily mean that the win came easily. Oh, no. My Sharks never make it easy for the fans, especially with some of the defensive errors that happened during the game.

Before the game, the Minnesota Wild was on a two-game losing streak and had the pleasure of dealing with a hectic schedule; this game was the Wild's third game in four days.

I was also a little pessimistic going into this game, knowing how good of a hockey club the Wild is.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Sharks have been the hottest team in the, winning nine straight since February 21. But I'll get to that later.

The Sharks scored inside the first minute of the game from Milan Michalek, with assists from Brian Campbell and Christian Ehrhoff. Michalek just shot the puck, which skipped a little, and went over Niklas Backstrom's pad. The goal was kind of bizarre, but it was good that the Sharks were able to set the tone of the game with the first goal. The goal was Michalek's twenty-first goal of the season.

The surprise of the game has to go to Plihal's second goal of his rookie year from a penalty shot. The puck just came up over Backstrom's blocker, and that was a big moment of the game.

Kurtis Foster scored a goal around four minutes into the second period, and the Sharks were horrible defensively on the goal. They should have taken away the shooting lane and put more pressure on the Wild instead of just standing around.

Even though I am strict on the defensive mistakes, I also notice some good things. Christian Ehrhoff, one of the most-improved defensemen, made a good play along the boards during the penalty kill, drawing a little hook to create some four-on-four play.

What I really started to notice at the end of the second period was that the Wild is so good on the trap. The Sharks had some trouble in the neutral zone because of it. However, Campbell did help out a lot because he was able to open up more ice because of his strong skating.

Back to what I said before, the Sharks never make it easy for their fans. Brian Rolston scored in the final minute of regulation, forcing overtime.

The whole reason why the Wild were able to score was on a bad defensive play by Mitchell, something you'll never catch me say very often. Mitchell had time and room to skate with the puck, but decided to ice it. Next thing you know, the Wild win off the draw. Rolston's shot deflected off of Marc-Edouard Vlasic two times, some bad luck for the Sharks. Like I've said in previous articles, the Sharks don't catch any breaks.

Patrick Marleau was the the Sharks' saving grace in overtime, who knocked Marian Gaborik's shot out of harm's way to force a shootout.

The shootout is always suspenseful, but for some reason, I knew the Sharks would pull through. Before the All Star game, I was convinced that Nabby was a horrible one-on-one goaltender. Post-All Star game, Nabby's been almost perfect in the shootout.

Joe Pavelski is absolute money for the Sharks, just using his amazing release on an amazing shot on Backstrom. I swear, he never misses.

Jonathan Cheechoo's shootout attempt was a little weak, missing on the back-hand. He had Backstrom down on the ice, and had him fooled, but Cheechoo just lost control of the puck.

Patrick Marleau's goal in the shootout was awesome, just slapping the puck under Backstrom's arm.

Now, I think the reason why the Sharks have been playing so well as of late has to be due to four people: Brian Campbell, Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Ron Wilson.

Brian Campbell has been playing as one of the best defenseman on the Sharks. He can skate, and helps out a lot on the power play that needed some re-vamping before the deadline. Once he gets the puck when he's on the blue line, he wastes no time with the puck. Doug Wilson certainly did his job on the trade deadline.

Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo can certainly be clumped together as two players that started off the season a little slow (to say the least), but have improved considerably.

Marleau had one of his best games almost all season, scoring the game-winning goal in the shootout and stopping a shot that almost went in the net towards the end of overtime.

Cheechoo finally got healthy, recovering from his hernia surgery, and has been more aggressive offensively.

I think coach Ron Wilson said it best when he said, "I've said all along we'd be fine as soon as Cheech and Patty Marleau started scoring. Now they're scoring and you see a huge difference in our team."

Speaking of Ron Wilson, he has had a part in the Sharks' improvement. Because he hasn't been juggling the lines every game, there is no disconnect between the lines anymore. Then again, Wilson has no reason to change the lines now that the second line has finally found its identity.

The Sharks will play on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, closing out their three-game road trip.


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Friday, March 7, 2008

Sharks-Blackhawks: Sharks Extend Win Streak to Eight



I hate listening to the radio. In my car, I plug in my iPod and set it to shuffle. At work, I turn on the XM radio to the 7890 or '80s Hits station. So, you can imagine why I was a little apprehensive to listen to the game tonight.

I really could have gone to my local sports bar and watched the game, but with astronomical gas prices and my tips disproportionately lower, I was forced to remain on my couch listening to Jamie Baker flaunt his Canadian accent.

My pain was rewarded with a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Before the game, I was trying to imagine how the Sharks would fare, since all meetings between Sharks and Blackhawks have been close, one-goal games. I was a little worried, to be honest. There's only so long until the Sharks break their winning streak, and I had the feeling that with the Blackhawks on a roll, going 8-4-0 in their last twelve games, the Sharks would have some trouble. I'm really optimistic, right?

Sure enough, the Blackhawks managed to score around three minutes into the game on the power play because of a roughing penalty from McLaren. Seabrook managed to score backdoor by shoving the puck in the net.

Before I even finished typing my last sentence, Cheechoo scored his twenty-second goal of the year in the slot and chipped it in the net. Michalek deserves a lot of credit for helping out with this goal because of his excellent fore checking and ability to win battles along the boards, an area the Sharks as a whole excel in.

Here's the surprise of the game: McLaren's fourth goal of the season. McLaren's not my favorite defenseman, but I was glad that he was able to contribute offensively. He made his goal from the point with a pass from Thornton. McLaren was coming down the slot and was wide open to receive the pass. The funny thing was that two guys were on Cheechoo, yet the Blackhawks failed to notice McLaren. Heck, even I fail to notice McLaren. Joe made a nifty spin move, made a pass to McLaren, and that was all she wrote.

The next goal was from Jonathan Toews, one of my favorite players in the (go Sioux!). He tipped a goal on Nabby. Duncan Keith took wrist shot with a minute and fifteen seconds left in the first period, and Toews tipped it in.

With five minutes left in the second period, Patrick Marleau scored his fourteenth goal of the season. The Sharks captain has scored four goals in last three games. Marleau went down the ice, chipped the puck past Brent Seabrook, and scored short side under Lalime's blocker. I'm glad that Marleau's picked up his play, not because I'm a fan, but because it's helping the team.

The Sharks were lucky tonight. Rene Bourque almost scored with thirty seconds left in the third period, but the goal was disallowed because he re-directed it in the net with his glove. Once I heard they didn't count the goal, I was a little surprised because the Sharks never catch any breaks.

Tonight was another great game for the Sharks. The players were all very supportive of one another and controlled the neutral zone very well. They managed to regulate an offensively talented Blackhawks team to only seventeen shots, an impressive achievement.The game was just a great team effort overall.

Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, they faced one of the hottest teams in the and came out unsuccessful.

Even though they managed to come out with a win, the Sharks were just horrific on the face-off circle. Thornton was only twenty-two percent tonight, which was a little unusual.

The Sharks are now three points ahead of the Ducks and one point behind the Stars with two games at hand on both teams.

The Sharks will play on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild, their second out of three road games.


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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Why People Should Lay Off Jarret Stoll



The grumblings grew louder as trade deadline day neared:

"GET RID OF JARRET STOLL!"

This was the chorus many Oilers fans were singing to GM Kevin Lowe. People said he was a terrible player and should be traded for whatever we can get. They said that he isn't as good as he seems, and that one 68 point season in 2005-06 was a fluke. If Pronger wasn't there, he wouldn't have done as good.

The next season, Stoll notched 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points in 51 games. What most people don't realize is that he was on pace for 21 goals and 42 assists for 63 points in an 82 game season. That's not too shabby when the team was on a steep decline.

The only problem was he got injured. He sustained a concussion after a hit from Andy Sutton of the Atlanta Thrashers, and was out for the season. He trained hard over the off-season so that he could come back this year and play at the level he knew he could.

At least, that's what everybody thought.

Stoll started the year slowly, scoring only 4 goals and 15 points in the first 39 games. It seemed he still hadn't completely recovered from the concussion, and was probably still a little scared to get his hands dirty in the game again.

He seemed turned it around in the new year, however, scoring 4 goals and 8 points in 12 January games before the all-star break. He declined again, though, in February, only scoring 6 points in 12 games.

While his scoring may be down, his work in the face-off circle is still absolutely amazing. He has only had les than 50% in the face-off circle in 24 games out of his 65, and only 8 of those were below 40%, the average face-off percentage in the.

What people also don't recognize is his special teams contributions. The Oilers are ranked 4th in the in penalty killing percentage, and Stoll is a huge part of that. He is also a big reason the Oilers powerplay has been rejuvenated. Out of the Oilers 44 power play goals, Stoll has scored 6 of them, good for 2nd on the team behind Dustin Penner. He gives the Oilers a legitimate shooter from the point, which they lost when Sheldon Souray went down with injury, who can also move the puck around and be creative, something Souray is not.

So while Stoll is not having the best of seasons points wise, he is still a major part of the Edmonton Oilers. And Oilers fans should not be so quick to throw him under the bus. Everyone has their bad seasons, and Stoll is no different. What people forget is that he is only 25 years old, and this is his 4th season. Give him a couple of years, and I promise, you will not be dissappointed.


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Monday, March 3, 2008

Bruins-Capitals: Boston get Cap-sized in Washington



Everyone's entitled to a night off.

The Boston Bruins, one of the hottest teams in the, got run over by a Russian train in Washington on Monday night.

Alexander Ovechkin scored a hat trick during a six-goal first period explosion as the Capitals blasted the visiting Bruins 10-2 at the MCI Center.

Despite the loss, the Boston Bruins have been one of the pleasant surprises in the 2007-2008 season.

Boston has won six of their past seven games and are solidly in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Bruins overcame a huge setback earlier this season when they lost the services of sniper Patrice Bergeron.

Bergeron was leveled from behind by Flyers' defenseman Randy Jones and went head first into the boards. He suffered a serious concussion and broken nose and has been absent from the Bruins lineup since late October.

Bergeron has begun skating again without the headaches, but his strength and conditioning still remain an issue; he has not ruled out the possibility of playing in the post season.

Boston has also played nearly the entire year without free agent goalie acquisition Manny Fernandez, who underwent knee surgery in December after hurting it during a Bruins practice. The former Minnesota Wild was expected to be the team's number one netminder.

Fernandez's backup, Tim Thomas, has been nothing short of brilliant. He is second only to Pittsburgh's Ty Conklin in save percentage and ranks in the top 20 in goalie wins with 23

To their credit, the B's have gotten help from some unexpected sources as well. Namely, Milan Lucic, David Krejci and Chuck Kobasew.

Lucic has provided the B's with energy and physicality, even surviving two broken noses in the process. Meanwhile, Krejci and Kobasew have responded with some timely goals to offset the loss of Bergeron.

Boston center Marc Savard has blossomed into one of the top playmakers in the. Going into their game against Washington, Savard led the league in assists with 59, two ahead of San Jose's Joe Thornton, the former Bruin.

Defenseman Zdeno Chara should be a candidate for the Norris Trophy. The 6' 9" blueliner has been a tower of power at the Bruins backend, scored 15 times and is a plus ten on the season.

Having said all this, you can forgive the Bruins for taking a night off in the nation's capital.


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