Hey Rangers ..

Alexei Cherepanov - great pick!!

This was fun

This was a fun year with the Knit-Along. I wasn't sure if we'd get any members other than me, Jonesy, Barb and Dipsy. I was pleasantly surprised to see more and more folks signing up as the season went along.

See ya in October!

Stanley Cup Champs.

Since we didn't get the team pix with the cup, here it is.

Quack Quack!!

Stanley '07

Congrats to the
ANAHEIM DUCKS!
First Western Stanley Cup champs!



(I would have given you the big team picture, but it's not online yet... so instead, appreciate the emotional Finn, as he is awesome.)

Isle be seeing you.......

Ok this just makes me happy!!!!

It's a ton of money that's out of the cap, and a little bit of dead weight gone, so let the housecleaning begin!!!

Calder Cup!

Now, I know you're all probably excited for the Stanley, but we have to remember Stanley's bastard younger sibling, Calder. As a new resident of Hershey, PA, it's hard not to.... because the HERSHEY BEARS (formerly the Hershey B'ars, no joke) are IN THE PLAYOFFS. Woohoo! That means live hockey in my backyard! (almost literally!)

For someone from the West Coast, the concept of semi-big name live hockey within a normal day's drive (or for me now, a fifteen minute drive, sans traffic!)is sort of exciting. There IS no AHL team in the Portland, OR area, (or in Seattle) and NHL wise, you'd be going to see the Canucks and driving through all of Washington State to get there.

But I'm not exciteably camping on the Giant Center website ofr them to open Bears playoff tickets...

Not at all. :-)

Have any of you read this?

This article made me cry so hard. I couldn't help it.
Go Senators.

Not This Year

*sigh* They played well, those Sabre boys. I can't complain, especially not about Ryan Miller who made some awesome saves.

Now, just have to make the calendar -- hmmm, 4 1/2 months till next season opens!

Jonesy

PS I'm still anti-Hasek, read anti-Detroit. Skate you Ducks, skate!

The fat lady sang

She just stepped off the stage after singing a rousing aria called "Overtime", and she's carrying large bouquets of red, black and white flowers with a Senators logo on them ;) Sorry Buffalo fans *g*

It's a New Day

One game at a time, one game at a time. Granted, I am an optimist, but stranger things have happened!

Pronger Hit

Any of you guys see this? I mean, suspend the bastard. I'm not a huge Red Wings fan by any means (I still have a Hasek aftertaste), but that hit was ridiculous.

That Duck needs his wings clipped.

She's warming up ....

Tonight's Game

Keep those fingers crossed, Sabres fans!

Ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

IF ONLY ....

....the Rangers and Sabres could have played one another for The Cup rather than this early in the playoffs. (since my Avs and Leafs decided to play in the early bird golf tournament rather than the hockey post season that is).

What I mean is Twig, Jonesy, and Zarzuela what a well played rivalry, both on the ice and on the KAL. It was a lot of fun for me to sit back and watch you guys play together. I wish it could have lasted longer.

Jonesy and Zarzuela I guess you know I'll be rooting your team on now.

Only 8 Wins Away!

... for Buffalo, of course!

Congrats Sabres Fans

I'm pretty disappointed that the Rangers are out of the play-offs. I think a couple of the games we lost should have been ours, but I guess those are the breaks. Buffalo outplayed us soundly in the first and last games -- in the rest, I think we gave them a much harder time than anyone expected so I'm glad of that. I also think that overall the Rangers gave all they could and it just wasn't enough. We'll do it next year.

In the meantime, GO REDWINGS!

See you at the Garden

Oh, boy what a game. Too bad we came up on the short end of the stick. All I can say to Buffalo fans is See you at the Garden!

Seeing Eye Dogs

Yes, that's exactly what those boys in Toronto doing the video review need. It was a goal. It WAS a goal. Everyone in the bar (okay, maybe we'd all had a few beers, maybe) saw it. Come on, then we would have had overtime!

*sigh*
hating Jagr,
Jonesy

I bleed blue!

Just thought I would take the time to introduce myself. My name is graymama. I grew up in St. Louis, so I am a Blues fan, of course! I did live in Minneapolis for 4 years, and the Wild also have my heart. (Too bad they have disappeared from the playoffs already!) Everyone has to have a team they despise too, and mine is the Red Wings. Remember I am a Blues fan.

Pronger was my favorite player, but who leaves Edmonton for Anaheim?! Honestly!
Go Canucks!!!!

I am working on a blanket for Project Linus while watching the playoff action.

Happy needles and hockey sticks everyone!

EEK!

I'm here in Florida, my hockey life rising as high and low as the tide! I could feel the vibrations in the sand when Twig was jumping up and down yesterday; I feared a tsunami!

Good game. Both teams.

No fingernails left.

Send beer ....

For Jonesy and Jess

Here's a wonderful video

But since Jonesy was so nice to post a picture, I suppose I should, too.

What a game!!!

Oh. My. God. Guess those guys are crawling back home tonight! GO RANGERS!!! Twig, how ya feelin'? ;)))

Quack, quack

Just wanted to introduce myself - I've been let into the Hockey knitters Knitalong, despite the fact that my underdog Canucks team is going to get badly beaten by the "Quack quacks". Wow, they looked bad yesterday - there's wasn't even any point in screaming at the television screen.

But, I have the best knitting project to keep me entertained whilst my boys take a beating - I'm working on this project: http://knittingnutter.com/2007/03/wips_galore.html

Game One

Need I say more?

Tomorrow

Your boys will be in our house tomorrow night, Twig! Upstate v. Downstate NY. Who will win? Who will be crying in Massachusetts, hmmmm?

Okay, altogether .... Let's Go Buffalo!

(C'mon. It's Buffalo! City of No Illusions. It's time for us to have The Cup. Think of the parties!)

NHL on Austrian TV!

YIKES!!! Starting tomorrow night, Austrian TV will broadcast ALL remaining NHL-PO-games - LIVE! Hallelujah! No more pressing my nose to the PC-screen trying to get these bad-quality-videos on Google or wherever! These will be some long nights - it's 1 am here when the games start - but man, who needs sleep when there's NHL on TV?

Added to that the Hockey World Championship in Russia begins on - Friday I think, so there'll be some heavy, very heavy game-watching in the next weeks! I'm back in hockey heaven!
Just sayin' ;)))

Way to go Luongo and the Sedin Twins!

Be still my heart - hooray for the Canucks - and Roberto - first playoffs for him (since the World Juniors here in Winnipeg in '99 - and my DS and I were there to see him!! He's finally got a team to back him up - woohoo!

Let the second round begin!

En garde!

I just checked the score, and it appears that NJ took the series... IIRC, this means that the Sabres and Rangers meet each other in the next round *g* Jonesy, Twig - "let's get ready to rumble!" ;)

Whew!

Round 1 is over!!! I can breathe again. Until next week. Until, perhaps, the Twigster and I are locked in mortal combat.

En garde, mon ami!

Mme. Jonsey

Congrats Sabres

Congrats Jonesy and Zarzuela. You guys need to start worrying. If New Jersey wins, the Rangers are coming after you! And it won't be pretty!

One thing is for sure in your series, the Islanders played admirably up the homestretch. I know that Bubukiti is probably pretty disappointed, but her guys really rallied in a way that was pretty unbelievable.

Sniff Sniff.

I am so bummed out. Tears have been shed. Yah done good kids. Next year, when you're all growed up youngins, you will show them all what's up.
Love you Pens. I look forward to next season with yah.

'nuff said

please forgive me

for going off topic but in times of sorrow, sometimes it is necessary.

my family is organizing a knit project for the families of the Blacksburg victims. i invite you to join us in this effort.

Rangers Win!

I just joined thanks to Lesley. And I am a big Ranger's Fan. Tonight's game was awesome.

Rangers Lead Series 3-0

Tonight's game was -- well, it was -- A MASSACRE! Jonesy's second favorite team (the Thrashers) never quite started playing tonight. The Rangers won 7-0!!!

INSANE! And I loved every minute of it (except that 5 minutes that I let myself feel a bit bad for Atlanta).

OH man.

I just felt like I watched a slowly developing train wreck... and what a bloody mess it ended in.
Way to go, Pens. Way to go.

Television Rant

Once again, the play-offs are being broadcast on a different station. That means two things -- I'll be paying an extra $10 a month to get them, and, more importantly, I won't be able to hear the team announcers. And that sucks.

Team rivalries aside, I love Rick Jeanneret and anyone who's every heard him yell "Top Shelf where Mama hides the cookies!" after we score, would agree with me. I can turn on the radio, but there'll be a few second delay.

Why oh why do the owners do this? I know, more money for them with the Versus and TSN contracts.

But it sucks for the fans.

That aside (y'all know I can't help myself) GO SABRES!

Go Team Canada

Canada is playing Finland tonight here in Winnipeg - winner plays Team USA tomorrow for Gold. No tickets left and I couldn't even win one on a call in show - darn! So, while we wait for the playoffs to start - go Canucks - I am cheering on the women in the Worlds.

I used to like Peter Forsberg

But after last night Forsberg and Kariya played a large role in keeping my Avalanche out of the playoffs in about 10 years. Avalanche play the Flames tonight in their last game of the season - incidentally Calgary is who the Avs were trying to catch to get into the playoffs. Joe Sakic needs 3 points tonight to reach 100 on the season, which would be his sixth 100 point season.

Congratulations to Michigan State the NCAA Frozen Four Champions. After the Penn State Hockey season was over MFB was asked to broadcast Notre Dame Hockey's post season. He found himself at the Joe Louis arena where Notre Dame won the CCHA championship which sent them to the Midwest Regionals in Grand Rapids. Notre Dame lost that championship game to Michigan State.

MFB's personal hockey season came to a close yesterday. The dreaded home improvement scenario of husband on ladder, then husband suddenly on ground with broken ankle requiring surgery to insert pin has placed his hockey equipment bag in storage for the foreseeable future. We hope to get an appointment with the team orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morning and I'm saying prayers that the surgery can be done no later than Wednesday.

And just now the Islanders winning over the Devils in a shoot out has ended his Maple Leafs playoff hopes. Sigh...whose team to cheer on now? I'm sure Twig or Jonesy have a suggestion -snerk-

Rangers Finish in 6th Place

WHEW! For a while there it looked like we weren't going to be in the play-offs at all. But the boys played hard over the past month or so and here we are.

Actually holding onto 6th place was no thanks to the Rangers tonight. They lost against Pittsburgh. The only thing that saved 6th place for the Rangers is that the Thrashers beat the Lightning so they were unable to catch up to us in the point.

Super Sabres!

Okay, can I gloat? A little?

Top o' the Eastern Conference!!!!!!!!

I love those boys. (Yes Twig, I am old enough to be their mother. But the coach is a different matter!)

So, if Hasek pulls a groin muscle (I am down on my knees as we speak, hands clasped), we might be Top o' the League. *sigh*

Play-Off Challenge

Okay, we know that Buffalo will be in the first round. Anyone up for some wagering? I was thinking we could either do a charity-knit exchange, or local goodies -- for example, I live in wine country, or maybe some local yarn goodies ....

Who's in?

Since...

my Rangers fell so badly to Montreal Tuesday night I don't want to talk about that. *laugh*

But on the other hand, I want to make a hockey post. So here's my computer's desktop. Ain't that enough to make your heart go pitter patter?

Let me tell you why I hate the Islander's Organization.

Tell me if you think this makes any sense to you....it makes no sense to me.

Why would you start a goalie in a game that starts at 11:00am in Hartford, when you just sent him back to the AHL from the NHL after playing last night on Long Island?

Ok so he didn't start the game on the Island last night, but he played the 3rd period....ok almost the 3rd period. But it was a 730pm game, it was over around 10pm. So what that means...is he either didn't get home to CT from Long Island until close to 1am, then had to be on the bus to Hartford at 7am this morning.

Now tell me would you be upset that he let in 6 goals......NO!!! You really can't fault him for that. He was tired, and not ready to play. If they were goning to call someone up from the ECHL to be a back up, why didn't they just start our backup?

They wanted to put Dubie in because he normally plays better against Hartford.....obviously today this was not the case. I feel bad for him, and there really wasn't anything that he could do. He looked tired, he looked awful. And now he has to live with that terrible lose.

They are fighting for a playoff spot, and this wasn't going to help them losing this game today, because now they have dropped out of position......yet again.

11 games left in the season, and we need to win most of them and Albany to lose most of theirs. Let's go TIGER'S!!!!

UUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Holy Crap I just spent MONEY

Well a lot of money to me. The husband is going to Florida for a business trip so I'm going to be all alone this weekend with the dogs. What's a girl to do? Go online to Ticketmaster, and get a killer seat for the Bruins/Rangers game this weekend in Boston. I'll either be right behind the benches or right across the ice from them. I don't know which side they're on, but I'll be in the 4th row of the lower level.

Last time I went to Boston to watch them (the Rangers) play was before the strike. They lost but I got to breathe the same air as Messier. I'm hoping this time they'll win.

But here's the big question. My jersey is a Messier jersey. Can I wear it to the game even though Mark's number has been retired?

*laugh* Yep, a hockey fashion question.

GO ISLANDERS!

This is, indeed, a rare event. I'm rooting for the Islanders to win tonight over the Lightning. I don't have anything against Tampa it's just that if Tampa loses tonight and the Rangers win against the Flyers tomorrow night, that will put the Rangers into 6th place.

Two weeks ago I wouldn't have even thought that I would be thinking about play offs. We just may stay in the play off line up. There are only 9 games to go. Knowing the Rangers, it's totally possibly they'll tank and fall out of the play offs but my hopes that won't happen are high.

So GO ISLANDERS!

We're In, We're Out

Sunday the Rangers had made it to the 8th spot for the play offs. As of today we're in 10th place and not in play off contention (is that the right word?).

I'm relatively sure it's not going to happen for us this year. The only good thing about that is that I'll be able to suspend DirecTV a month early (I only have our account active during hockey season) and save some money. Truth be told, I'd rather have the Rangers in the play offs.

The Penguins Made a Deal.

The Penguins are not only doing well they signed a deal that will get them a new arena

For the first time I actually have hockey knitting to do. I am going to start teaching men's knitting classes at Knit 1 in Pittsburgh. The begining class will be a black and gold scarf.

I'm so glad

that I'm not an Islander's fan. I would have been mightly ticked off after last night's game. The Rangers were ahead by one goal and there was 20.4 seconds left and there was what appeared to many folks a goal by the Islanders. It was immediately waved off but the tape went to Toronto for review. I will admit that it sure as hell looked like a goal to me but the ref was right behind the goal and I'm guessing he had a pretty good view and he's the one who waved it off. The folks in Toronto deemed it no goal because it was inconclusive that the puck fully crossed the goal line.

As a Rangers fan (and we need the points), I was happy with the outcome. But I can't help but think the Islanders were robbed.

Points, glorious points

Firstly, hi. I am new to the blog- one of the people who couldn't join till after the Blogger switch. It is good to finally be 'here'.

Obviously it is too soon to consider a streak, though we desperately need one to stay in the running for the playoffs, but it was nice to see the Avs win so decisively last night. For me, it was a perfect Avs-style game- Budaj in net, Sakic making an unselfish pass instead of scoring his record-breaking point himself, and poor Lappy getting a point in spite of the denial against the empty net.

Now if only they can find a way not to implode against Detroit...

What Fabulous Fans!

The Evil Gary Bettman (evil since 1999 - the year of "no goal") fined our beloved coach $10,000 for telling the players to go out and show the Ottawa Senators that we won't put up with bad hits. I'm sure Lindy can afford it, but lo and behold, Buffalo fines have told him to put away his checkbook -- they're fundraising and will pay the fine for him! What a town.

And as far as the hit and the resulting brawl -- why wasn't Ottawa fined? Why wasn't the player who made the hit suspended? Is it open season on players after they pass the puck? I mean, we're turning into a Hansen-Brothers League!

venting venting ....

A historic hockey game and number 8

Today was a great day for Islander hockey fans everywhere. Today 2 things happend. Well actually three, but I'm not really going to count going to Long Island to see this all happen.

Today was the Islander's vs Canadien's in Nassau Coliseum, so we took the drive to New York for a 1pm game, and got to see a little history in the making.

It was a great game, the Isle's won 3-2 and Frans Nielsen scored his 1st NHL goal, a little earlier in the game he got his 1st NHL point with an assist from yet another Soundtiger (Jeff Tambellini) WOOHOO!!!

Ok Frans is the 1st born and raised Dane to play in the NHL so that in itself is some big news, but then to actually be at the game when he scores his 1st goal, that's just cool. I love historic hockey games. (God know's I've been to enough of them)

But that wasn't the only thing that happned today, with the win of Montreal, the Isle's overtake them in the standings putting them in the 8th seed which is a good thing, that means we have officially made it into playoff contention, I know it probably won't stay that way for long, but hey, its a start. If they keep chipping away they might actually make it up to 5th or 6th, and that would be just cool. Hey a girl can dream can't she

Best Game Ever!!!

What a game! What fights! BOTH goalies skating to center ice and dropping the gloves! 4 Sabres in the box. Game misconducts! And Lindy --- I thought he was going to go over the glass and nail Ottawa's coach for sure.

God I love hockey!

ps We won, too -- but that was just a bonus. And the same teams play on Saturday night. Stay tuned!

Bye Bye Play Offs!

Le sigh.
Tonight the nightmare happened that we possibly knew would happen, from the beginning of the season. Tonight HCI played at home against the Vienna Capitals, and it was a "direct game", meaning we desperately needed to win to get into the Play Offs. And oh, I was so sure we'd win, my bet was 8:2 - thanks God I don't bet for money... Yeah, right on - they lost 4:6. Even worse - all through the game, though they fought like mad, it was so very obvious that they just aren't good enough for the POs, they don't have the strength, the power, the depth of the team - nothing, they just don't deserve to get into the POs. And now they won't - they'd have to win the next, like, 5 or 6 games, and that's a thing that just won't happen.
Duh.
We got the 2 best players of the league, one more who's absolutely fantastic (3 Canadians, what else...) - but the rest of the team is just crap, friggin' crap. And as if this wouldn't be enough, our goalie is a §$&%!§%&§) loser.
I'm frustrated and hope this season will be over very, very soon ;(

Wow

The Rangers lost Saturday against the Flyers. It was a scary game. Lundqvist (the goalie) was hurt (not seriously) and taken out (The regular back up goalie, Kevin Weekes is out on Injured Reserve. So Valiquette was called up from Hartford. From what I saw of him, he's a cutie, too. *laugh*). Malik was injured and probably won't play for a few games. Ward was injured (he hurt his hand in a fight) but he'll probably be back for Sunday's game.

The scary part was Brendan Shanahan. He collided with the Flyers' Knuble -- both players were down for the count. Well sort of. Knuble was ok enough to leave the ice of his own accord (I have no update on his condition). Shanahan, though, was knocked out. It was probably only for a minute but it seemed like hours. They took him off the ice in a neck brace and body board on a stretcher. As they were taking him out, he was talking to Ramsey, the trainer and we'd seen him move his legs so we were hopeful that the injury wasn't debilitating. We got an update just as the game was over that he was alert, moving and talking at the hospital. I hadn't realized how attached I'd become to him.

Chicago fan, checking in!

Hellooooo Knitting Hockey Fans!

I tried joining before and with the Blogger transitioning and such i was unable to get in. Well, no more! I'm so glad that i kept you all linked in my sidebar and popped over from time to time. Whew!

I'm Suz, originally from the Chicagoland area, which would make me a Blackhawks fan( i know, don't say it!). We can all see and agree that the Chicago Blackhawks needed some representation. I'm also a fan of the Chicago Wolves of the AHL...and at least one of these Chicago teams has a bit of a successful history. We won't discuss the losing ways of the other so much, now...will we? ;)

Being transplanted to Maryland, i very rarely have a chance to catch any Chicago Hockey on TV, so i mostly keep up with newsletters, email reports and phone calls with Dad. To cure my hockey craving, i've been known to watch some Capital games and even some Penguins, Flyers...oh, ok, fine...any hockey will do, ok?!!

I've been a hockey fan as long as i can remember. I think i might have been around five when i saw my first live game at the old "Barn" in Chicago. The Chicago Stadium is long gone, but those memories are still alive. Dad and i spent many times in front of the 9" black & white TV in the bedroom watching games, when the OR-gan-EYE-zation, used to actually televise games and not be such a bunch of tightwads...but i digress.

On the needles i've currently got two different pairs of "Socks For Soldiers" and some personal knitting...a lace shawl and am about to cast on for a vest.

Anyway, Hello again. Happy Knitting and Game On!

~Suz~

Hockey Housekeeping

Any other hockey fans do this? On game night, instead of trying to get everything done before the game starts I do housework in spurts during commercial breaks.

Dishes to go in the dishwasher? No problem! I run down the stairs and pop a few in the dishwasher. Laundry? Run down the stairs to pop it in the washer or dryer. Bathrooms? I am living proof that you can clean the sink, toilet or mirror during a commercial break! Not all of them, but even one is pretty good. Wipe down the light switches and telephones? A breeze during commercials! Put together treat bags for the spawn's classmates? Heck I can do that during the game!

Vacuuming, cleaning the tub and making some food must wait for intermission but I'm amazed at how much I can get done during the games now.

My husband thinks this is hilarious but it breaks up the drudgery since the work is done a little bit at a time. Hey at least it gets done!

GO LEAFS GO!

Go Av's!

Hi everyone, I'm new to this blog and I'm so happy that I could sign in this morning! It must be due to the switch that it finally worked! Even better news, the Av's won in OT last night! Woo hoo! There were some very LOUD moments in my house last night! Not to mention I get so anxious in a close game, I managed to knit 2 washcloths (for a gift) during the game last night. Keeping my hands busy keeps me from yelling at the TV too much and waking up my 3 1/2 year old! Well, that's all for now. Off to take my little guy to his skating class! :)

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole

OMG....Sakic to Stastny, Stastny to Sakic, Sakic Scores. In Overtime.

I think Twig probably just heard my yelling. Sorry Twig.

Avalanche into overtime

Le Sigh. I am currently watching said Avalanche team trying to come from behind in the 3rd (after they were leading mind you)against Florida.

MFB's Leafs won their game tonight so y'know he's just going to laugh if my team loses. Again. At Home.

Our Penn State Icers had a rematch against URI (I try not to say Rhode Island) at home this weekend. And won both games. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole. This is the tame that we lost the National Championship to last year. We're 4 for 4 this year against them.

Must go - the Av's just tied up the game and are going into overtime on a power play.

I feel better now

Last night I watched my Rangers blow a 3-1 lead against the Red Wings to end up losing 4-3. That was annoying but...

What made me feel better was to look at the teams playing tonight and what their wins and losses are.

I am very happy with the Colorado Avalanche because they mean that the Rangers aren't alone in playing only so-so. They have a 25-23 record. The Rangers have played one more game than they and have a 25-24 record. (Sorry Barb!)

The Rangers are playing again tonight, but this time against New Jersey. They, like the Red Wings, have a much better record than the Rangers, so I'm not super hopeful, but at least I'll have time to knit without nail biting excitement.

How is your team doing?

WARNING!

When I tried to log in I found that next time I do, I will have to switch over the blog. I can't put it off any longer. I'll switch it over either tonight or tomorrow.

moving the blog

I've been reading about this ...

We've had two requests to join in the past week and they can't join because of the Blogger issues. Apparently, it's ok to post to the blogs on the old Blogger if you're already a member, but it seems you can't join an old Blogger blog anymore. If I switch over the blog, folks with Blogger blogs on the old server will not be able to access the new blog unless they (A) switch over their blogs/accounts OR (B) they create a new account just for this blog and they can keep their old Blogger account for their own blog.

If option B is chosen I will need to re-invite you to the KAL.

Give me some feedback please. I know several of you use Blogger -- I feel better knowing that our switching over won't adversely affect your current blog, but would people be willing to be re-invited after creating a new account?

This is the link to the information about the switch. (We're a team blog, of course)

This is annoying!

I've had a request from someone to join the Hockey Knitter's Knitalong. You know what? She can't. Nope I'm not being a controlling witch. Blogger won't let her.

Turns out that all new blogs and blog members can only be on the new Blogger software. So no one can join existing blogs that haven't switched over and all new blogs are going to automatically be on the new server.

The way I understand it, I could switch the blog over to the new server now (since I never log in at the main screen I've not seen the notice myself) but that would require that the admin and probably all the team members have a gmail address.

I went down the list of members and it seems like most of us don't have one so we won't be switching over until we have to. And probably at that point it will be during the off season so I'll just change blog hosting if we do this again next year.

So...if you have a Blogger blog or are a member on any Blogger blog, you might want to check into this farther to make sure I have my information right. Since my main blog isn't on Blogger I haven't been paying a whole lot of attention to this. Perhaps I should have.

MVP

Briere! Rhymes with beer! I love that boy.

A couple things

Wow where has the time gone. I end up seeing so many hockey games in a week that I forget the particulars.

Penn State won both their games against Pitt this past weekend. Penn State is ranked #2 right now and I think Pitt was unranked which wasn't surprising. This was their first year D1 in the ACHA. Our Penn State team is doing well especially as at least 3 of our top players are at the World University Games in Torino Italy. How's Team USA doing? I believe they are 0-3. Wouldn't you know it the first team they lost to was Team Canada. Sigh. MFB is Canadian. So this is kind of like the Olympics at Chez Accident - y'know me: "USA - USA- USA" Him: "Go Canada Go".

His Leafs lost a couple times this past week, and my Avalanche won! Woo Hoo. I don't remember who either team played it's been a blur - wait, did the Av's defeat the Red Wings. I think so. Oh yeah, I almost forgot Leafs lost to the Penguins. What I saw was not pretty.

Here's something MFB and I have been talking about. What made Bet..... the NHL schedule the All Stars on a week night? There's no NFL this weekend. Wouldn't it make more sense for the All Stars to be on the weekend, they'd have more viewers with people looking to replace the football. Oh well.

And now for something different. Taking the lead from Dipsy's post on her blog I offer you a link to a quick hockey video which I think has been out for a while. WARNING: VERRRRRY STRONG LANGUAGE CONTENT I'm not putting this out there to offend anyone. On second thought, I'm new to this blogging thing and don't know the appropriate protocol for this. It's a video with Kevin Stevens & Brian Trottier of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs Brian Bellows of the North Stars. If you'd like me to send you the link send me an email.

You Win Some ....

Well, the boys were off their game. Too many turnovers in the neutral zone, and I don't mean cherry or blueberry.

But our seats were incredible -- 7 rows from the ice, just to the right of the players' bench. I could even see that little vein that throbs in Lindy's temple (the coach) when he's angry, as well as the sweat pouring off Ryan Miller.

*sigh* It made me miss living in Buffalo for the first time since moving to the Finger Lakes. Now I'm thinking of buying a 10-pack of tickets next year when my sister moves back, and making the drive (2 hours each way) for the sake of the game. The game, yes. Not me and my obsession, but the game! That's it. The game needs us loyal fans!

So back to couch knitting -- my chemo cap is almost done; I'll post a photo next time.

PS The Labatt's wasn't half bad either!

Jason Krog - NYR

Jason Krog to the Rangers? Jason Krog???!!! *Breaks down crying* Man... Once, just once, to see these guys play in the Garden... Oh yes, I will!!!

Now THIS is Hockey!

Is anyone watching the Flyers/Penguins game? Wow, is it exciting.
My team, the MN Wild finally broke their on the road losing streak this week. Maybe it has something with Gaborik returning after a long injury break? Hopefully they'll keep it up!
I'm just about finished with my red scarf and I'm excited to send it off. I know someone will really appreciate it.
The pattern I'm using is My So Called Scarf by Stacey of Sheep in the City.

Off to see the Boys

Oh yeah! My good friend Anna has an extra ticket to tonight's game against the Lightening. Guess who's going to Buffalo!!!!

I'll try not to get arrested -- for having too much fun!

We lost to Toronto (did I hear rejoicing coming up from the Pennsylvania border, Barb?), but that was the second game in two nights, after a day of travel. So, I hope the boys will be on for tonight's game.

Dinner first at my favorite Buffalo restaurant -- Chef's -- for spaghetti parm, their specialty -- then on to the game.

No knitting at the game -- too hard to balance the beverage of choice (Labatt's), peanuts, nachos, etc., but I'm almost done with a chemo cap from watching the televised games. Full report tomorrow!

Too Much Hockey?

Is there such a thing?

Friday night was listening to MFB 's broadcast of Notre Dame's win over Robert Morris at the Mellon, while watching (without sound) my Avalanche defeat Tampa Bay 4-2. Then I found the Denver University Pioneers game on CSTV.

Last night was watching two hockey games (picture in picture). #1 MFB's Leafs aginst Jonesy's and Zarzeula's Bees. What is it with these guys? I mean they lost to the Penguinis (that sooo cracked me up - see Jonesys previous post) and yet the team from the city which is home to the NHL Hall of Fame couldn't pull out a win last night. They should have kept a couple of those goals they scored Thursday night. #2 Was my Avalanche besting Minnesota, sorry Carrie, in a shootout. I'm biased but my team looked pretty good last night. We have several weapons scoring this season, and Sakic still has the deadliest wrist shot.

What's on CSTV right now? Ferris State against Northern Michigan. I think it's an encore presentation. Later today, listening to MFB's broadcast of Notre Dame against Robert Morris from South Bend for their home and home weekend. Neither the Leafs or the Avalanche are skating today so I may get some knitting done.

WAIT - No. Hockey. Tonight? What will I do? What will become of me?

Good game Jonesy and Zarzuela - if this keeps up I'm going to put that on a recording. LOL

A Good Thing

We lost power last night, so I was spared the frustration of seeing my boys lose to the Pittsburg Penguinis. After losing to Ottawa. Hopefully, this is just a glitch in their quest for the "you know what" -- the trophy that shall remain nameless until my team's name is on it.

But tonight ---- Barb's Leafs meet the Bees! Let's hope the lights stay on!

Leafs win, again!

Holy cow, the Leafs just defeated the Bruins 10-2!! That included one hat trick and one in the making. The Bruins pulled their goaltender - too late and to no avail. It wasn't just the goalies fault. And of course what always happens when a team gets spanked that badly, things got a little chippy. A funny thing happened on the way to the win though, Belak got tossed from the game when he was in the penalty box and for some reason told the linesman something like "you think it's that easy, you try it" and handed the linesman his stick.

The Icers are still on holiday break. MFB and I were in South Bend at Notre Dame over New Years weekend where MFB did play by play for their hockey team - they won both their games over Northern Michigan. On the way home we listened to Penn State win their bowl game, and then listened to the Avalanche win their game (thank goodness for XM radio). We got home in time to watch the Leafs win their game. Then last night a good friend took us and some others to the Penn State basketball game for their Big Ten Conference opener against Northwestern and we actually won.

MFB is back with Notre Dame this weekend for a game Friday in Pittsburgh and then Sunday in South Bend for a two game series against Robert Morris. I have Yarn Crawl 2007 scheduled with some friends on Saturday because when it comes to stash size, I am a rank amateur.

With our travels I was able to get some knitting done but look what I found in my skein of Trekking. Yep, Knot very happy. Lucky I'm making a scarf with this, can you imagine that in your socks? KNOT. !!

Please remove me

Hockey is keeping me pretty dang busy, so I'm cutting down on the groups I belong to so I can have more time knitting & spending with the kids ....
Take care!

How 'Tweet It Is!

My team finally beat those little brown birds! What a relief -- I thought we'd never do it -- the boys were giving away pucks in their own zone, Lindy was yelling on the bench, Ryan Miller was better than good.

But now I can hold my head up and say to Atlanta ---- :P you skaters from a state without snow!

I'm not dead and gone, just injured

I've been AWOL for awhile. I've been suffering from a back injury, so sitting at a desk has been torturous. Blogging has been last on the list, since bill paying and other nasty little computer jobs have to come first. But I'm still watching the Wild and knitting up a storm.

The game last night was a crazy one, with an eventual overtime win against the Blue Jackets. I've never heard of a hockey player carrying the puck into the net in his breezers but we'll take 'em however we get 'em. What a finish!

Now that Christmas knitting is over, I'm back to charity knitting again, as well. I just need to get well enough to deliver the goods. Send some prayers/warm thoughts for my back healing soon, since watching my own DS play hockey isn't possible until I'm better.

Can we do it?

Can we make it SEVEN in a row tonight when the Rangers play the Senators?

News at 11.

Get the Brooms!

We swept the regular season series with the 'Canes. Just goes to show you how a little 'B can withstand hurricane force winds. Take that, Brind'Amour, you chimpanzee-minkee! Sorry Angelrae and Celia, but after the play-offs last season, this mini-victory is as sweet as the Christmas cookie dough still in my refrigerator waiting to be baked.

And the game before? The Capitals? Did we show Ovenchik or what? The bruiser.

Well, my charity knitting has stalled, as I recover from my pre-Christmas over-knitting -- yes, I wrapped one sock for my son-in-law. *sigh* But starting the first of the year, I'm back to chemo caps for the local cancer center.

Anyone have new suggestions for charities?

NYR - Florida

Rangers lose, but Isbister scores - buuuhuhh! *breaks down crying* *wipes tears from her face*
Really, it's too frustrating - not necessarily the loss, these guys will win again big time - but the fact that Izzy's come out from hiding (aka the farm team) and scores - how could he ever come back to Innsbruck when he scores for the Rangers? Buuuuhhhuuuh!
GO IZZY! GO RANGERS!

Bzzzzz

The 'Bees pummeled Nashville. Serves 'em right for having a hockey team in Memphis. Memphis? Should have named the team "The Skating Elvises" and they could all wear fringe!

Anyone else going out Xmas shopping today?

Avalanche game cancelled

My Avalanche game tonight was canceled due to not just snow, but SNOW. I keep asking myself wouldn't an Avalanche want to play in the snow?

Yes, I'm hanging up now.

No knitting news here just hockey

The Maple Leafs game last night was like watching one of your favorite teams getting their arses kicked. Oh yeah, they did get their arses kicked.

The Avalanche game was of course more to my liking. The game was up and down put they pulled off the win over the Oilers. Whew.

The husband has been asked to do some fill in play by play for Notre Dame Fighting Irish Ice Hockey for a couple weekends after Christmas. They're a NCAA D1 team and they're currently ranked third in the nation. He's pretty excited about the opportunity and I can't say as I blame him. It means he'll be away over the New Years weekend and the weekend after. This could be filed under "why my life is full of surprises".

I'm not sure if my work schedule will allow me to go along with him yet as I have a road trip arranged with some of my favorite hockey travel girlfriends to Scranton PA and Newark DE a couple weekends later and am dreaming about a trip to Arizona in Feb to visit my family.

The Holy Grail

It truly is the Holy Grail of Hockey.

So there we were, two Buffalo hockey 'hos, celebrating my sister's birthday, decked out in jerseys and antlers. Did anyone look at us strangely? Crap no! We were in Toronto, land of Caribou and Moose. Land of .... hockey!

So off we went, first thing Thursday morning, fueled on Tim Horton's coffee and donuts. (Trivia question: What is Tim Horton's real name? -- answer below)

The Hockey Hall of Fame is in an old Toronto Bank, which you enter through the basement. There’s exhibit after exhibit of player and team memorabilia, a chance to play virtual hockey – goalie and forward, a replica of a locker room, where you can try on the goalie leg pads
(damn are they heavy!),

and then … up two flights of stairs to a vaulted room with a stained glass dome,











past the Vezina trophy, the Calder Cup, the Lady Bing ..., to ...

The Cup!!!!




sigh








My sister and I did not touch it. We could have. We were, in fact, encouraged to. We didn’t even get our pictures taken with it. No sir, not us. No way are we going to be the two fans who jinx it for Buffalo this year. Nope. Told the guy we’d be back after Buffalo wins, and then would rub ourselves ALL over the Cup. Nekkid. (kidding)

Bottom line: It exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high to begin with. Lots of good exhibits, a movie about the history of the Cup, friendly staff, nice layout, reasonable price ($10).

And just to prove that knitting and hockey do co-exist, and have for a long time, here’s a shot of an old cardigan hand knit for some lucky member of the Canadiens in the ‘20s.











Bonus shot: For Twig, who I know must be crushed about last night’s game, here’s a close up of the Rangers on the Cup. Oh, and Twig -- one of the virtual players who was shooting goals at me? Messier. Yup.

We also did yarn stores, including Lettuce Knit, the next day, and the Bata Shoe Museum, which I'll post about on my regular blog.

All in all, a great trip. And next year ???? Let's Go Buffalo!

Answer: T'Ho's real name is Miles Gilbert Horton. Who knew? The "Tim" was in quotes.

Did you see that?

Nine to Two? For the Leafs? Against the Rangers? Holy c&@% and we missed it as we were at a party. I don't want to see that it's tough being a Rangers fan or anything, but wow it's good to be a Leafs fan for a change.

Oh.My.G-d.

'nuff said.

New Forward!

Innsbrucks team's management finally got out of their ignorance and reacted to the HCI's losing streak - they kicked forward Christian Sbrocca, our "singing hockey player". This guy's obviously released 3 CDs in Canada so far - good for him, and after seeing him on the ice I'd say he'd better stick to singing, hockey is so NOT for him...
Now, who to get to replace him? Let's see: #1 is still in Sweden, though they want to kick him there. #2 and #3 were stolen by Twig - or the Rangers - or Twig and the Rangers, grrrrr ;), and #4 and #5 are unfortunately out of the rink by now. Duh.

So we got him: Pierre Dagenais, ex-Montreal Canadiens, though the "ex" is really ex as that's quite a while ago. He played in Helsinki this season and didn't do well there... Well, they don't have a lot of good things to say about him on that page, but he's told to be a sniper and an enforcer, shooting from every angle and usually hitting the goal - and that's exactly what we need - who needs skating skills as long as they can score? Looking forward to that guy, we needed some new blood here, so to say ;)

Finally

Finally MFB's Leafs broke their losing streak Tuesday night against Tampa Bay and right after that my Avalanche won one against the Hurricanes. They really poured it on in the third and so I HAD to watch to the end. The game ended after midnight, why do I do that to myself? Oh yeah, I'm a hockey fan.

Last night the Av's downed St Louis, as well they should. So finally they've won the first two games of a 3 game home stand. The standings in the Northwest are really tight and when last I looked my Av's were at the bottom. But we all know they're a better team than that, right? And we all want them to do better, right? Anyone want to help me cheer them on if they aren't playing against your team? Pretty please? LOL

I finally finished two hats for our local charity that our knitting group was knitting for. We had a pot luck tonight where we left them with our organizer and she will deliver them this week. We were having so much fun tonight I forgot to take pictures of everything being donated and of our party.

A present

Hi everyone,

I know I haven't posted here much, but it seems like I haven't had much time to watch hockey or do much in the way of charity knitting. I hope to remedy the later after the holidays, but the former got fixed tonight while I watched the Sabres beat my Dad's Devils!! What a game!! It was so tight during most of the first two periods, but once the Sabres blew it open, it was all over. Jonsey and I will sleep with smiles tonight. :)

So as I just mentioned, my Dad is a Devils fan and I got him a special present for Christmas this year:

That's right! I managed to get Devils vs. the Rangers tickets (that thud you just heard was probably Twig hitting the floor ;) )! While neither of them are *my* team, I really can't wait to go to this game. The best part? We're also taking an 70+ year old friend of ours to the game. She's a total Rangers fan and has never been to a professional hockey game. I think I'll sit between them to keep the fighting to a minimum. ;) Happy Holidays to all and may your team always score the last goal.... unless they're playing my Sabres, of course! ;)

Not again!

Another Sabres game on the Versus network, which I don't get. Arghhh. I know there's only a few this year, but it really bugs me. So I'll be on the computer .... rooting against Carissa's Devils!

But I do have some good news: A field trip!!!! My sister (also a hockey fan) and I are leaving for Toronto tomorrow -- taking the train from Niagara Falls, staying 2 nights and 3 fun-filled days. First on the agenda -- why a visit to the HOCKEY HALL OF FAME!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you fellow bloggers are green with envy and so you should be! I'll be taking photos, and will post them. Of course, we will be all decked out in our Sabres regalia, and will be take on any Leafs fan that dares cross our paths! (note: sister and I are both about 5 feet tall, but wiry!)

We're also going to hit some yarn stores. I'm taking an empty backpack for just that purpose.

I'll update after I'm back; sooner if I'm in the penalty box and need bail money.

Disappointment

DU Pioneers have canceled the game they invited the Icers to play in October 2007. They just found out that the game had to count toward their regular season and could not be an exhibition game. DU's regular season schedule for 2007-2008 was already set.

A lot of us here will be disappointed for different reasons.

Nous sommes victorious!!!

Another shoot out, but boy was it a good game on Saturday. Les Habitants put up an amazing fight, skating fast and shooting hard. But the BISON ( not Bumblebee, Twig) was victorious.

And speaking of Ms. Twig, she sent the warmest hat as a result of our wager, along with a bonus hand-made Lavendar soap! Even my daughter told me I smelled good, with no prompting. (not that I generally smell bad, at least I don't think so!).

The Devils tomorrow. grrrrrrrrrrrr says Sabretooth.

Cap Done!

Oy - we're knitting here too, don't we? ;)) Here you go, a lil' Noro-cap for the chemo-charity - it's a bit rough in its texture, perhaps a tad too rough for someone with no hair, but I'll do my best and soak it in a bit of conditioner - should do the trick, no?

Zero Tolerance? Grrrr...

After a lil' break in which I seriously thought about quitting hockey-watching for good and becoming a... what? Golf-fan perhaps (no excitement, no emotions as I see it), I'm back with a question - what do you gals think about the Zero Tolerance Rules?

I don't know when refs started it over there in the NHL - here it was a change that began, like, in December of last year. Before that, Austria's league was pretty hard, and with getting foreign players, especially defensemen, our teams tried to get at least one or two of these heavily built enforcers that know how to swoosh the enemy away in front of the goal. Of course they didn't kill each other and of course there were enough penalties back then too, just not *that* much.

Then Zero Tolerance started right in the middle of last season, and the teams found themselves with enforcers that already had a lot of penalty minutes, but now basically sat in the penalty box all the time - defensemen who used to be good players didn't have a chance to play anymore, as soon as they stepped on the ice, they got their 2 mins, whether they had done something or not. Yeah, great.

This year things got even worse, refs have the order to penalize "every foul". And yes, I'm all for that, real fouls have to be penalized. I hate these high-sticking-actions that are really dangerous, and the holding and grabbing and whatever sucks too. But: Our refs are so stupid that they penalize fouls that aren't even there! When I watch NHL-games, I see that it happens over there as well, but definitely not to the amount as over here - is that correct?

For ex, last night HC Innsbruck played against the Red Bulls Salzburg, our best team here so far - and that &%$§§§%%&%! ref managed 82 penalty minutes in the first period! For heaven's sake - I read our forum today and found out that not only I didn't see a hard game or a foul game or bad fouls or such - there weren't any! 2 guys battle for the puck at the edge of the rink - woosh, 2 mins each. A stupid look on one of the players faces - 10 mins. For heaven's sake, could there be a hockey game without 2 guys fighting for the puck at the edge? They didn't even hold each other!

That show was continued throughout the game, in the end we had seen dozens and dozens of powerplays - don't these refs (or the ones that introduced the Zero Tolerance rules to us) realize that they completely damage the game? How could a game start to flow as it should when there's no playing 5:5? You could see it so well, as soon as there were 5 guys of each team on the ice, a really fast, but clean hockey game would have started - until 1 second later that ref swallowed his whistle-thing again. I mean, come on - if we want to see hockey without any check whatsoever, shouldn't we go to watch a swimming competition instead? Even the girl's teams here are allowed to play harder! Brrrr... That's not my hockey anymore, and definitely not a hockey that I'd enjoy to see!

How's that overseas, how does the NHL handle this Zero-Tolerance-idiocy?

Some College Hockey News

My Penn State Icers split their two game series this weekend against Windsor/St Clair Saints. The Saints are in the OHA Senior AAA Major League while the Icers are an ACHA D1 team. Friday night we lost 4-0. But if my memory serves we rang the cross bar/post 4 times. I'm starting to hate that sound. Saints are a big team and they are TOUGH. Their league is very different from the ACHA and they even have someone on their roster who is 32 years old! Grad Student???

Do they ever like to mix it up and for those of you who follow college hockey you know you don't just get 5 for fighting, you get tossed. The Icers are tough as well and generally dominate the ACHA teams but compared to the Saints I think Penn State has more finesse. A player on each team got tossed on Friday and things were a bit chippy.

On Saturday the Icers won 5-3. It was a battle of skill and it was a tough fight. I'm pretty sure this puts the record between the teams over the last two years at 5-5-1. From the record I would say this is definitely two well matched teams.

OK for the big news that has me totally JAZZED. Penn State has accepted an invitation to play Denver University Pioneers. This is the team that has won the Frozen Four the last two out of three years. gulp ..ahem GULP. True they have a D2 and a D1 team. We're playing the D1 team in October '07. I'm from Colorado living in PA. MFB does not go on this trip and think I'm not going. No sir. Saving pennies. ACHA team playing Frozen Four National Champs - if my team wins it will be one of the biggest upsets ever. Simms Landing here I come.

Overactive Knitting

Well this has nothing really to do with hockey. Still. It is something that you do ot see everyday in knitting. My Clown Brigaide {troop} is making a long scarf. We are making it with a braided pattern and figure that it will be 102 feet long. The really neat thing about it is that it can be knit by more than one person at a time. In this picture there are three people knitting on it at once.



Be safe out there and keep you stick on the ice. Oh and go Pens.

Life just ain't fair

Nothing fancy, but it should help keep a head warm. It's waiting outside for the mailman to pick it up.

Tonight we take on the Penguins. Hopefully, we'll kill 'em.
My Rangers lost to that evil team yet again. The payoff? A hat for Jonesy's charity.

What a Ride ...

From the shoot out victory over the Rangers, to that game with the Caps ...up and down just like my stomach this weekend. The boys need a rest, that's all (she says, with fingers crossed).

Believe it or not, no knitting to report. Anyone else getting attacked by flu bugs out there? The worst part is the dizziness. And the feeling that my body has somehow betrayed me. It's not that I don't wash my hands (especially after going to family court and dealing with the masses of humanity), or stay away from the obviously sick ... sometimes I feel like we need to go back to the Victorian style of wearing gloves and veils.

Oh well, I'll just try to keep my stick on the ice today and not let any pucks through the crease.

What's with my NHL teams?

Our Penn State Icers won their two game series over Delaware this weekend but the first game wasn't pretty. Friday nights game we could tell that the team had off over Thanksgiving. Sluggish and at times it seemed like they were tripping over the puck and the blue line. Dangerous thing that blue line. *heh* Saturday was certainly more like our team with a final score of 10-3. Two of the players Moms are knitters. One was at the games this weekend and we were admiring each others projects. I see more knitters knitting at the games too. We're taking over ladies.

We were home in time to catch the Leafs against Montreal and the Avs against Vancouver. The Leafs lost in a shootout and my Avalanche just lost. Sigh.

Dum-Dee-Dum-Dum ...

It's over. The Sabres-Rangers series, that is. Jessica and I know which team won...ahem...SWEPT the series 4-0.

Upstate NY rules!

PS I must confess, these shoot-out wins are extremely nerve-wracking. Is it just my team or something about the new rules that causes more OTs and shoot-outs?

And, do we like the new rules? I'm all for a faster game (not as many off-sides calls and endless face-offs), but to have two great teams, with great players, really duke it out and give it their all for 60 minutes and have it all be decided by a shoot-out ... well, it seems somehow anti-climatic. And maybe unfair? I mean, hockey is all about skill and speed, passing and team work. Shoot-outs are 1 on 1, all or nothing.

What do the rest of you think?