Hopefully this won't jinx 'em, but here's hoping Colorado gets their ninth straight divison title (sorry Lisa)! ^_^ They're only 4 points behind the Canucks, and they've got two games in hand, so... =D
Oh, and I filed my tax return on Sunday, so I foresee half a box of UD cards and at least one jersey coming up in my future!! =P I haven't decided if I want to customize my Nordiques jersey first, or if I'd rather get another one though...I'm really tempted to see if that adult small Kaberle away (with the "A" too!) jersey is still at Yonge Sports...Even though adult small is a bit longer than I'd like, the sleeve length is better, and it's already made and it's cheaper... Geh. Now I'm wondering if I should've bought it during Reading Week. I doubt that it'll still be there. =/
For some strange reason I suddenly decided today that I would like to get a Kokudo Bunnies jersey. This is absolutely ridiculous for several reasons, but I'm not going to explain further. Instead, I direct you to the official Kokudo IceHockey Team website. If you look at the photo gallery I'm certain you'll understand right away why I believe I have totally lost my mind. =Þ Hmmm...I actually kind of like their 1974-75 jerseys. Too bad it's probably darn near impossible to find a Vintage Kokudo Bunnies Jersey!
In other news, my mom called me on Tuesday to let me know that a package had arrived! Guess what it was? My NORDIQUES jersey!!!
q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p
At first I was a bit confused by the fleur-de-lis, but then I read up on the silk-screening process and realized that they're supposed to look that way, so it's all good! (^_^) The arms are a bit short, but I knew that'd probably be the case anyway, so it's no big deal. The length is PERFECT!!
My mom and I went to this sports store on Yonge during our lunch break, and I found out that I can get my jersey customized there for $50. I'm very tempted. Sakic!!
Just wanted to let you know I'm not going to be posting next week. You can read my excuse(s) here if you're interested. Basically I'm going to be swamped with work. It's so bad I'm probably not even going to have time to follow hockey.
"It's Called the Todd Bertuzzi" and "Here Comes Nazzy" are so great! Thanks so much Lisa!! I really admire Heavy Eric's talent! If he came out with a cd of all Canucks songs I would probably buy one for myself, and some for friends as well!!
If you want to read the lyrics or hear the song, check out ESPN Mag's article about it from Sept 30, 2002! ^_^
I actually tried to catch all the lyrics while I was listening to the song, but I had trouble with words/names like "Lenarduzzi" and "Larscheid" so I was glad to be able to check my transcription against the actual lyrics. "Here Comes Nazzy" was a lot easier to transcribe, but there was one line in the bridge that I had difficulty with: "The kids all love him/And Nazzy's Swede"? Or is it: "The kids all love him/And knows he's Swede"? Or "sweet"? I really don't know. The line comes up again right at the end of the song, but I still couldn't catch it. Anyone have any ideas?
Anyway, I'll probably post the lyrics on the RHF Main page sometime, but not for a while, since I'm supposed to be slaving away on my essays and whatnot. ^^;;
I swear, they're either cursed with schizophrenia/mulitple personality disorder, or philanthropic natures!! What else could explain the fact that they managed to go from a 2-0 lead in the beginning of the second to losing 4-3 in overtime to the COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS!! Argh!!!
How can they be so good--beating the Canucks 1-0 (sorry, Lisa)--one night and then suck so much a few nights later--blowing a 2-0 lead in the third period against the Islanders for a tie, and then losing to the Blue Jackets last night. Now I know that it would be unreasonable to expect the Leafs to win all the time, but is it too much to ask that they at least have some consistency? By all accounts those two games weren't not-won (fun with multiple negatives! =P) by fluke, but because of defensive breakdowns, unnecessary penalties and general bad play! As Quinn has mentioned before, the Leafs have this incredible (in the most literal, and uncomplimentary way possible) way of being able to change from a solid team into a completely sucky team not just from game to game, but from period to period!!
So either they've got MPD, or they're just so happy that they've clinched their playoff spot that they're being generous, indulging their philanthropic natures, and giving points away to teams left right and centre. Considering the fact that they're still supposedly trying to earn home ice advantage for the playoffs, I guess that one doesn't fly.
Seriously though, making big trades won't accomplish anything if the Leafs can't translate their strength on paper onto the ice on a consistent basis. Stanley Cup? I think they should just concentrate on being able to play 60 minutes without totally sucking for more than a game or two.
Sorry, I'm a bit frustrated by my lack of progress on an essay (due Tuesday), so I guess I've been taking it out on the Leafs. (^^;) Ever the scrapegoats, huh?
Well, the season certainly isn't over yet, and the playoffs are still a month away, but I thought I'd be premature and take stock of Nolan's move to the Leafs thus far.
GP
G
A
P
PIM
PPP
SOG
Tor
1
1.00
0.40
1.40
0.40
0.80
2.20
5
5
2
7
2
4
11
SJ
1
0.36
0.33
0.69
1.49
0.23
3.15
61
22
20
42
91
14
192
In case you can't tell, the first row for each team is the per game average. Looks like the only decreases were in PIM and SOG, but the most significant increases have been in G and PPP. What does this all mean? Nolan's really been coming through for the Leafs!! ^_^ I can't wait to see what happens come playoff time!
Woohoo!! I got my second jersey late last night off of eBay!! (You can see it here for a while, if you'd like.) It's a youth L/XL Nordiques away jersey!!!
I never ever thought I'd find one, considering that all the vintage replicas that they make now aren't really (or at least aren't readily) available in anything smaller than an adult medium!! Yes, this is definitely worth a dance again!!
q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p
It was a pretty good price too. Including shipping it was a bit less than $70 CDN; a lot of regular youth jerseys are at least $85 + tax, unless you know where to look.
Not only am I extremely lucky to have found the thing in the first place, I'm also extremely lucky that I was able to buy it once I found it! This hasn't happened in a LONG time, but after picking up three anime dvds I pretty much wiped out my chequing account, so I had to ask my parents' permission to charge it. I mean, I normally use my credit card via Paypal for stuff anyway, but this is the first time I wanted to do so without actually having the money in my bank account to pay the bill back directly. (^^;)
Anyway, I should check out customization costs. I really wanna get Sakic (who else?) on the jersey! =Þ But yeah, that's going to have to wait quite a while since, as I mentioned, I'm hovering really close to broke right now. (@_@) Ah well, I'm happy anyway!! I can live off of canned food and cereal for a while! (^_~)
Woohoo!! q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p q(^-^q)(p^-^)p Sakic got a hat trick in the first period of the Colorado @ Columbus game!! Tanguay got an assist on Hejduk's goal too. Forsberg hasn't gotten anything yet, but it's still early (maybe a quarter through the second period)! Mwa ha ha! I love my Avs!! (^_^)
This is a bit slow, but I'm really disliking Chelios now--and not just as a Red Wing in general. His calling Bertuzzi was stupid, but it didn't really bug me. Ditto for his calling Kariya a diver, it barely registered--especially since Kariya himself rather admitted to diving. But now that Chelios has taken shots at Francis and Forsberg, I totally have no respect for the guy. Like Bertuzzi said, he's finished. Francis dives "all the time"? And Forsberg looks to officials whenever a stick is laid on him? Hah! With all Chelios' whining it's pretty clear who's "just embarrasing". Acting all high and mighty, talking about playing with honour--bah! He just makes me mad! Grrr.....(-_-#)
Then again, I am being incredibly biased here. I happen to like Francis and Forsberg, but I've never really been fond of Chelios, so it's pretty obvious who I'd think is in the wrong without more proof one way or the other.
I moved the Sakic countdown from the left sidebar to my RHF: Main page because it was just too long. It's under the miscellaneous section--although I doubt that anyone would really be looking for it at this late a date. =Þ
Never would have thought of this one at all! (Anecdote: Apparently Kidd was taken by surprise too, or so he said when asked by SportsNet.) Seems like we're going for a glut of leadership and experience here! =P
And we got another D-man! Thank goodness! Apparently Housley is something of a PP specialist, but at any rate, hopefully this means Lumme and Berg won't have as much ice time--they're kind of scary. (^o^;)
Seems like TO is really making a run for the Cup this year! Only problem is, so are most teams--except maybe the Oilers, from the looks of things. I've half-considered benching Salo for the night all things considering, but I'm hoping that the change will force everyone to be more responsible defensively, if nothing else. Let's hope this pays off! Otherwise I'm going to be running with Luongo for a while!
Uwao...So much activity before the trade deadline! I was very much surprised by the Carter and Pisa (Oilers) and Dvorak and Cross (Rangers) trade. Not that it's that big of a deal to me, but it's interesting to know considering that I have Carter in my hockey pool. But he's basically a permanent bencher, I'm just keeping him in case I have need of a RW, i.e. Nolan's back goes wonky again.
Then there's also the Vrbata (Avalanche) and Battaglia (Hurricanes) trade, which I find exceptionally interesting being an Avs fan, and having admired the 'Canes during their playoff run last year. I'm still fond of them, even though Irbe's play has been, well, mediocre at best, and they haven't done well at all this season. Guess the BBC line is gone for good now.
In other news, I applied to join a Hockey Bloggers Ring, which I thought only made sense since this is a hockey blog. =P
Well, the Leafs got Glen Wesley, no big surprise there. About time that they worked on their defense core! I wish they could dump Lumme or Berg instead of trading away some of their future, but no one would want Lumme or Berg, so I guess it can't be helped. (~_~;) I wonder if they'll be able to get another D-man before the eleventh? Would be interesting to see what they come up with.
I feel kind of sorry for Fleury, being placed on waivers, but I've gotta admit, I'm not exactly a fan, so my sympathy isn't that great. Yes, he's an Olympian and it's sad that he's struggling so much, but there's something about him that just rubs me wrong... (^^;) As crass as it sounds to say this, I'm glad I dropped him early in the pool and picked up (and waited on) Yzerman instead.
Oh, and the Avs picked up Marchment, which will hopefully turn out very well. I really want them to get their ninth division title!! (Sorry Steph, and Lisa!) =Þ They're only four points behind Vancouver now, and with Cloutier not fully recovered yet, they've got a great chance to catch up! Ganbatte!! Do your best, Avs!! (*^3^)/ (Kiss!)
Well, Nolan's a Leaf! Wonder what all the people who've been harping on the Leafs trades (or lack thereof) this season are going to have to say about that?
I hope this'll snap Nolan out of his post-Olympic hangover for good! He's on my team in the hockey pool! =3 But seriously, I hope he has a pretty easy adjustment to the team, and that he'll really help the Leafs out. Who knows, maybe Brophy'll be right, and this will be Toronto's year! (And a certain nether region will freeze over.)
It's a bit strange though, because I really thought that the Leafs would make a push for a good D-man; their defense isn't exactly reliable. *cough*Dump Lumme*cough*or Berg*cough* And considering the types of deals that have been made this season, I can't help but wonder if the Leafs didn't give up too much for him? Well, we'll see what happens!
When I went to watch the Carolina @ Toronto game with my friend, at dinner he asked me to name a player from every team. I did that without too much difficulty, so let's see how I fare on this survey I got from Lisa's blog:
Pick your favourite player from each team:
Anaheim: How about...Dan Bylsma? I remember reading about how he's working to clean up youth hockey in the Hockey News.Okay, seriously, probably Kariya. He's a Canadian Olympian, and I really respected him for the way he went on to play after his father's death. What I don't like is the fact that so many people seem to like him for his looks, and not his skills. (-_-#) Of course, it's not his fault he gets fawned over. I don't see it, personally.
Atlanta: Maybe Heatly. His play during the All-Star game was impressive, plus his lack of teeth was pretty amusing.
Boston: Hackett, I guess. I like goalies, and his attitude during the whole goalie controversy in Quebec gave me some respect for him. After him, probably Thornton, because he seems to be one of those understated guys who just goes out and produces, without a big fuss. Plus he had a really pretty goal that Cherry showed on HNIC, and I like pretty goals.
Buffalo: Satan? Bad reason, but it's partly because of his name; he's the first one I thought of when I thought of Buffalo! Saw him at the All-Star stuff, though, and he wasn't too shabby.
Calgary: Drury? Since he used to be on Colorado and was/is a great clutch scorer. Iginla seems like a good guy too.
Carolina: Francis! I was totally impressed by his skill and attitude during the playoffs last year. My poor Irbe, maybe getting new pads this year wasn't such a good idea. (^^;)
Chicago: Um...Dempsey, since I watched him while he was still a Leaf in the playoffs last year. I like Ds.
Colorado: Who else, but my absolute favourite player, Sakic!!! No ordinary Joe and all! ^_^ Of course I also like Roy, Forsberg, Foote, Blake, Tanguay... What else would you expect of my favourite team?
Columbus: Geez, do I even know anyone on Columbus? How about Nash? Yay for the rookie!
Dallas: Turco! His relaxed attitude is really unique among goaltenders!
Detroit: Yzerman!! So much perseverance and heart, what an inspiration!
Edmonton: Not Salo, that's for sure! =P Probably Smyth, because of the Olympics (watching him with his family on the Gold Rush dvd, actually).
Florida: Luongo, I guess. He does pretty well considering what type of a team he has in front of him. I'm still a bit bitter because I've missed all of his shut-outs, though. =P
Los Angeles: Deadmarsh. He was good until he got injured. Poor guy.
Minnesota: Gaborik? Another talented young'un. If I remember correctly, he's got a good attitude too (might be mixing him up with Heatly?)
Montreal: Koivu. Another guy with heart. Very inspirational.
Nashville: Legwand? He didn't do too badly while I had him in the pool. He wasn't amazing, but he didn't suck either.
New Jersey: Brodeur. Olympian and amazing goalie. He spoke pretty well at the goalie roundtable during the All-Star weekend too.
NY Islanders: Peca, I guess. It's pretty amazing what his leadership has done for the Islanders.
NY Rangers: Maybe Kovalev? I like skilled players.
Ottawa: Chara. It's really impressive how he persevered, despite people discouraging him because of his height. After him, probably Hossa, for his skill.
Philadelphia: Probably Gagne, the Olympian (notice the bias?). Or maybe Roenick, I thought it was cool how he bodychecked people at the All-Star game. =P I like troublemakers.
Phoenix: Um, Doan? He's Christian! I read his testimony in "The Edge".
Pittsburgh: Who else but Lemieux? Olympian, Hall of Famer, and an admirable owner-player.
San Jose: Nolan? He hasn't gotten over his post-Olympic hangover, but I still think he's a good player.
St. Louis: MacInnis! It's cool that he's still got such a hard shot, with his age and all. ^_~ Another Olympian too.
Tampy Bay: St. Louis. Small speedy players are cool.
Toronto: Kaberle!! He's been a Leaf all the way, and he's their most reliable D-man (although the Leafs' D is admittedly porous). After watching him play, I just think he's cool! Al Mo would be my second choice, and Roberts and Sundin are up there too. I'm quite fond of Svehla too--what a warrior.
Vancouver: Naslund? He's a 19, like Sakic and Yzerman. Plus I was most amused by his comments on Bertuzzi's acting debut.
Washington: Jagr's pretty cool.
Whew. That was pretty tough. There were only a few that I could do without thinking too much! Guess this means I need to watch more hockey with different teams! Darn...I want that CentreIce package!
I now know why I feel sorry for Fedorov: it's because his life seems empty. He's got this house full of expensive artworks, entertainment stuff, and clothing, but it doesn't seem to satisfy him; Fedorov talks about needing to sort out personal things, and, most tellingly, how he wants to find "a home" because he hasn't found one yet, despite enjoying living in Detroit.
It might sound kind of goofy, but before I went to sleep last night, I prayed for Fedorov, because I feel that if only he could learn about Jesus' salvation, he would find the fulfilment, the peace, and the sense of "home" that he seems to be missing right now. I also prayed for Hockey Ministries International, because I really believe in their ministry to hockey players, and I want to support them in any way that I can, even if it's "only" through prayer.
This whole thing with Fedorov has reminded me of a thought that once crossed my mind, early in the season: how many professional hockey players are Christian? We think about the impoverished unreached peoples in third world countries, but what about the wealthy and status stars (and not just sports stars) of North America? It seems to me that because of their exalted status in society, it'd be pretty difficult to reach them at all, much less to share the gospel message with them. And I find that very sad.
Since I have a subscription to the Hockey News, I have the full interview with Fedorov which is being quoted in all the various articles about his relationship with Kournikova, and I've gotta say, I feel kind of sorry for the guy. I don't know why exactly, but I do. I'm still not a big fan of Fedorov, though.
Unlike Shanahan--whom I originally didn't like much because he was a Red Wing, but came to admire after reading THN's 10 Questions article--his personality, or as much of it comes through in the interview, isn't enough to overcome my antipathy towards Red Wings. (Yzerman is another exception to my general dislike of Detroit players, but then again, who could not admire Stevie Y?)
In other news, I benched Luongo, out of principle, against the Leafs tonight and he not only won, he won with a really good SV%. (X_X) Just my luck, huh? Argh! I think I've given up on my goalies.
I'm a bit sad that Philly got Yushkevich, and for not a whole lot too! On one of those Slam! Sports polls I voted for Yushkevich as the player I would most like to see the Leafs pursue. From my limited knowledge he really sounded quite ideal: he wanted to come back to Toronto; and the Leafs need to work on their defense. I hear Berg's name come up a lot, but personally I wouldn't mind seeing much less of Lumme. In the Carolina @ Toronto game I watched, I think he was guilty of a couple of giveaways, and it seemed like in the Leafs following games whenever I heard giveaway, it was usually associated with Lumme.
On another topic, Irbe came to Toronto tonight, but I wasn't watching, AND he took a pounding: final score was four to one! (><;) Ouch! Poor poor Irbe! How low he's fallen! I hope he gets back into things soon--if he even gets another chance.
Speaking of unfortunate goaltending, it looks like my decision to play Luongo tonight was most decidely the WRONG one. He made 42 saves, but he also let in 5 goals! D'oh!
Ah well, my Avs all were productive today, so at least there's that. (^_^)
Egad, am I the only one who thinks this whole "fraternizing with the enemy" bit regarding the Leafs is just the teeniest bit idiotic? I mean, I can understand how players from earlier times wouldn't approve of or understand friendship between players among different teams, but really, that was then, this is now. Domi too had it right when he said that the issue is "not worth commenting on". Thank goodness Quinn too demonstrated good sense when he said: "Why wouldn't you have friends? Players change teams so often now".
As for the thing with Sundin and Domi having dinner with Joseph the night before the game, maybe I'm being naive, but I don't see how that should be a concern at all. Sure sometimes your personal life affects your professional one, but I don't see how this could possibly be the case in this situation. It's not like having a good time with friends and former teammates necessarily affects your game negatively; in case people are missing the obvious, Joseph ate with Sundin and Domi too, and he obviously didn't show any ill effects in his game. Not to mention, it was only Sundin and Domi who had dinner with Joseph, but everyone in the Leafs pretty much played poorly.
To digress a little bit, this is exactly the type of faulty logic that I want to try to correct when I'm an English teacher. How anyone can try to draw a direct, causal relationship between Sundin and Domi having dinner with Joseph and the Leafs loss is beyond logical to me. This article is a sign to me that our education system needs to help people learn how to draw proper, logical conclusions from facts and premises.
And if people try to make the case that it's a matter or propriety rather than performance that's being debated over, then I'd have to say, no offense, but get a life! NHL players aren't being paid for every single hour and minute of their life during the season, so unless they (consistently bring) bring their personal lives onto the ice with them, I don't think coaches or teammates would have the right to criticize, much less the general public. Sure, maybe if they were up until 4am with Joseph drinking or something, maybe then fans would have a right to the kind of reaction they're having to something as innocuous as a friendly dinner. But since that obviously wasn't the case, I don't see where fans get off trying to tell players how they should run their lives.
Criticize their performance on ice all you want--goodness knows they deserve it for that horrible excuse for a game--but don't think that being a fan gives a person the right to butt into a player's personal life!! (-_-#) (That's me, with a nerve popping out of my forehead from frustration!)
I gotta wonder though, if the Star purposely published only the opinions of people upset over the whole thing in order to get a rise from readers. Or maybe it was a case that anyone with a basic grasp of logic realized how dumb it is to try to make the thing into a big deal and declined to comment, leaving only the illogical, emotional, outraged/disgusted/upset to respond.
