It’s down to this.

I was really hoping that the Sabres season wouldn’t come down to this, depending on wins against Detroit, Carolina, and Boston, as well as losses from everyone else, to get us into the post-season.

Call me a Debbie Downer, but let’s be realistic.  I’m just prepping myself for the pain I’m going to feel Sunday morning when I can no longer watch the Sabres until September.

And don’t think this doesn’t kill me, because it does.

Last night, while Kim and I were watching the Blackhawks game over at Clare’s with Emily, I was being all optimistic.  I honestly don’t remember what I said, but it was something along the lines of, “Hey, the Sabres can make it!”  But then I had to go and ruin it for myself by saying that, even if they do make the playoffs, they won’t go further than the first round.  I mean, Boston?  The Boston Bruins?  For serious?  We went 3-2 against them this year (…which is actually a lot better than I had thought; I remembered us getting killed by them basically every single time we played them except for the debut of the third jersey.  Apparently I don’t pay attention enough?).  Yes, that’s not entirely all that bad, but Boston has been atop the East all season, and they’re a damn good team who hasn’t had to kill themselves to *maybe* make the playoffs.  The Sabres would be tired, and probably wouldn’t stand much of a chance against the Bruins.

And I don’t know what’s worse…  Missing the playoffs?  Or the propects of being obliterated in the first round?

Hell, I’m going to be the same old optimistic fan I always have been.

We’re going to the finals.

 

On another note, my new best friend Ashley who lives up in Portland is the love of my life.  Mike Funk news and pictures are two of my favorite things ever, and she knows just how to make me happy.

Anne and I have been swooning for 12 hours straight for many reasons, and it’s not doing our psyches any favors.  We wouldn’t have it any other way, though.

 

And lest I forget, it’s Sparky’s Birthday!!!  Happy 24th Grizz!

Like your typical Doof/Man-Child, Clarke doesn't know how to take a picture properly. And this is why we love him.

Go Sabres!  Let’s make it happen, boys.  I can’t take your tears, so I’d better not see any.  Although, if you’re crying, I’ll be crying, and then I wouldn’t see anything, buy you know what I mean.

WELCOME TO THE SQUIDNEY CROTCHBY SHOW

Once again the NHL got the picture perfect ending to a nationally televised hockey game, Sidney Crosby scoring the game winner in overtime. Does that remind anyone of a certain Ice Bowl where said golden boy scored a shootout goal successfully clinching the game for Pittsburgh also on national television? Even better then Crosby scoring the game winner was that, most likely, the guys on Versus, I was at the game so I didn’t hear what they were saying, turned tonights broadcast into ‘How many times can we say how great Crosby is? All I can say is that I’m grateful to Cari, who bought my ticket for tonight’s game for my birthday, that I was able to miss that because usually the Versus broadcasters make me want to projectile vomit all over my TV, successfully covering Squidney’s reasonably handsome, stupid face. Oh Versus, where the commentators know even less about the game then the nearest puck bunny and that’s saying something.
When Buffalo scored less then a minute in the game I got nervous because usually that translates into a quick goal for the other team. However, when we ended the first period still up by a goal my spirits were temporarily lifted, then when Kotalik scored making it 2-0 I was flying high. But my dreams of conquest slowly started to dissipate and the cartoon cloud of doom started to hover when Pittsburgh scored twice tying the score at 2. But Sparky Clarky who has been on fire lately scored on the power play allowing the Sabres to pull ahead 3-2 at the end of the second. Why do you build me up Buffalo Sabres just to let me down? Then everyone knows what happens next Pittsburgh scores sending the game into overtime, which against Pittsburgh usually never bodes well for us, and Squidney gets the game winner with a VERY questionable goal. I still say that the stick was higher then the crossbar as did all the other Sabres’ fans left in the arena who still had hope that the goal would be disallowed. But once again we were all disappointed which to Buffalo is really nothing new I swear we’re getting battered wife syndrome, they keep beating us down yet we keep coming back for more. Go figure.

And how about Petey’s ‘fight’? Or as I like to call it Bromance on Ice because they were literally hugging each other for a good half a minute before the first punch was thrown which got them both 5 minute majors for fighting. How about 2 minutes for unnecessary hugging? I think that would have been a much more appropriatepenalty. Sorry I’m just a little bitter. Okay, well that was a huge understatement a lot bitter but that’s besides the point. Once again Happy Birthday to the best PIC ever and I guess it’s better luck next time we go to a game together which is Saturday actually. Until then Happy Holidays everyone.

OH, LIFE.

So Saturday night was pretty much awesome.. That is, until about 2 am, at which point Lucas and Jay decided to argue about which anatomical area on the male body fosters more bacteria: The groin, or the hands. And then they were arguing about when they should wash their hands–before or after they use the bathroom. WAY TO KILL A FABULOUS MOOD. They pretty much ruined the party. Oh well.

And then, I was planning on driving home, but since, in that particular area of Amherst we were in, you couldn’t see out the front window of their house, I spent the night at Britt’s, since she lives two minutes from there, and myself 15.

So yesterday morning, I found myself comfy in B’s bed, trying to post from my phone. Alas, since Verizon has what I am sure is the worst mobile internet around, I had written my entire post, and THEN IT WOULDN’T LET ME. And I was too frustrated and tired and hung-over to write it again once I had come home.

But anyways, it mostly consisted of something like this (I’m going purely from memory, here, kids. Bear with me.):

WTF, SABRES. WTF.

See, now, I’m think I’m an extremely devoted person, when I want to be. So when I take the time to be devoted to a flailing hockey team, YOU TAKE IT.

I almost abandoned you, though. See, my 16-year-old cousin Trevor plays hockey for his high school. I almost took up cheering for his team full time instead of you, Sabres. Because his team is actually good. And he’s my cousin, so I have to like his hockey team. But Sabres? You’re making me want to like his team.

THAT IS, UNTIL I DECIDED TO BREAK UP WITH PRINCESS D, AND NOT PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO YOUR GAME, AND INSTEAD GET DRUNK. THEN YOU DECIDE TO WIN.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

But I’m glad you won. And I’m glad Derek scored. We’re broken up until further notice. But just so you know, D, I want you back.

Just to prove that we do, in fact, belong together: At the party we were playing Fuck the Dealer. Now, the first deck of cards that Tom grabbed from somewhere in the house was a deck Luke had received when he went to Aces and Blades a couple years ago. I had never played this game before, so when my turn came around, I had no strategy, or anything. I just picked a number–8–and who was on that card, a winning card, mind you? DEREK ROY. FATE-TASTIC, FOR REALS.

But anyways, I don’t really have much to say in the way of hockey. Nothing’s really happened.

Oh… Wait. My Pirates.

So I’m sad that Marky Mark’s stay in Buffalo has ended. Lindy really didn’t utilize him correctly, but whatever. Moving on. GERBE DERBY!!! AHHHHHHHH. Enough said.

And my poor Mikey Funk… Remember how he had a concussion during camp, that he suffered on, like, the first day? Yeah, well when Kim and I were up in Portland for a game, it just so happened to be my love’s first game back from the head injury. So Saturday night, who gets absolutely obliterated from behind into the boards? MIKE FUNK. Who has another concussion as a result? MIKE FUNK.

I’M SERIOUSLY GOING TO KILL ANSSI SALMELA IF I EVER SEE HIM ON THE STREETS. UGH.

I swear to God, if he becomes the next Tim Connolly/Brett Lindros/Pat LaFontaine in regards to bruised brains, I’LL SERIOUSLY CRY, because I love him.

Okay then. Now that I got that out of my system… I baked cookies last night for a friend, and then I made some special ones for Kim and myself, for our little soiree this evening.

If I could send cookies (the edible kind) through the internet, I’d have a big platter full of them for you all. But, since I can’t do that, here’s something sweet instead:

BACKGROUND INFO IS NECESSARY, THOUGH. Remember that picture that caused quite a ruckus in these parts recently?? Well, remember how we thought that it was one Clarke MacArthur that was grabbing the junk of one Derek Roy??

WELL IT WASN’T THE GENERAL, AND I HAVE THE PROOF.

Here’s a snipet of the picture in question:

Notice the man on the left–supposedly Clarke MacArthur. Notice the writing on D’s shirt. Also, notice the man to the right’s striped green shirt.

Now take a look at this picture, which I got off of another Facebook account:

HMMM… RECOGNIZE ANYONE??

The guy in the green Fox track jacket and the green Von Dutch hat would be D’s younger brother, Scott. Hmm, that other green shirt looks awfully familiar, doesn’t it? And the guy next to Derek–supposedly Sparky–doesn’t appear to look like Sparky at all, actually.

So there you have it, folks. Derek’s sexuality status is still in limbo, but as far as I’m concerned, the second coming of the Man-Child is straight, and as innocent as can be.

LET’S GO BUFFALO!!!

Turkey?? Pfft…. I WANT GOOSE.

Cari: Danny, I missed you tonight.

Dan: Yeah, I wish I could’ve played, but you know how it goes…

Cari: So, why did I see you all sad and lonely up in the press box this evening?

Dan: Well, you know, I got sick somehow. I think Drew might’ve given me some candy off the floor or something… Adam’s always telling me and Clarke not to take stuff from Drew because he’s a weirdo. But Drew always has the best candy and stuff, so I didn’t think it would be a problem…

Cari: Okay, you’re sick… That makes sense, I guess. But why were you all by yourself? How come you weren’t sitting with Timmy?

Dan: First of all, I’m not allowed to hang out with Timmy. Adam says he plays Doctor too much, and that I can’t play with him if he does. Second of all, I was in Time Out.

Cari: Time Out?!? How come?

Dan: Because I threw up in Nathan’s skates…

Cari: So that’s why he wasn’t playing tonight… But why all alone, though?

Dan: Adam said it was punishment for not throwing up in “that little puke Lucic’s” skates. I kinda wish I had after he tried to kill all my friends tonight. I’m going to get him one day for that. And that’s a promise. But Pat already told me that Lucic had better watch out if they’re ever on the ice at the same time.

Cari: Yeah, I don’t care for him much, either, especially after he went after Princess D.

Dan: Yeah. Oh hey! I like that jersey on you, by the way. I’ll tell Derek that you look good in his name. Hey, and maybe that’s why he played so well tonight!!

Cari: Danny, my friend, I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK. And also, tell him that I honestly believe in my heart that he should have had four goals tonight, the last coming on a penalty shot? Thanks much.

Dan: Sure thing.

Cari: And make sure everyone knows that Kim and I, next time we’re in Boston, are going to track Milan Lucic down and beat his ass. Because I hate him.

Dan: I know. Hey, I have to go. It’s past my bedtime.

Cari: Okay, Danny. I’ll talk to you later. Good night, precious.

———————————————-

So, beyond that, I’m soooooo incredibly happy about tonight’s game. But here are the things I’m thankful for:

- The guy behind us at the game tonight who said “I want to call up Gerbe just to see if he could skate through Chara’s legs.”

- The group of four 11-year-old boys who told a Bruins fan that they’d “never seen a girl look hotter in a Boston jersey.”

- The fact that no Sabres died in the making of this victory.

- Derek Roy’s inability to stop finding ways to make me love him, and make fun of him, all at the same time.

- Paul Gaustad and Ryan Miller’s inability to stop raising my expectations of men.

- Thomas Vanek’s ability to continuously light the lamp.

- Patrick Kaleta, Andrew Peters, and Adam Mair’s willingness to beat the crap out of people and sacrifice their bodies for the sake of the game.

- Tim Connolly’s strength of character, combined with his entertaining sex-capades.

- Drew Stafford’s Facebook pictures.

- Henrik Tallinder’s dancing.

- Jaroslav Spacek’s interviews.

- Nathan Paetsch’s smile.

- Mark Mancari’s voice.

- Daniel Paille’s inability to take a normal-looking picture.

- Patrick Lalime’s adoration of his daughters.

- Craig Rivet’s adoration of Buffalo.

- Jason Pominville’s loyalty to The (dreaded) System.

- Maxim Afinogenov’s best game in a long time.

- Jochen Hecht’s shortie, as well as the look on his face when he heard me say “I love you.”

- Ales Kotalik’s admission that he designed a line of hats.

- Clarke MacArthur’s curly hair.

- Toni Lydman’s choice in women.

- Teppo Numminen’s picture from 1985.

- Andrej Sekera’s polo player sweater.

- Lindy Ruff’s ability to inspire these guys, year after year, after year.

- All of the Sabres Bloggers, because they’re all foxy and incredibly intelligent, and probably some of the funniest writers I’ve ever come across.

- The city of Buffalo for being amazing.

- My cat Delilah for being the cutest fat cat around.

- And, lastly, my beautifully sexy friends, especially my dear Kimberly, as well as my mostly awesome family. Without them, I’d be completely lost in life.

So, everyone, have a beautiful holiday with your respective loved ones, and Kim and I will resume posting on Friday. I’m sure I forgot stuff about the game tonight, and I’m equally as sure Kim will let me know about it. So those things will make it up here eventually. But, until then, be safe, eat turkey, and love those Sabres!!

Housekeeping.

The Sabres need to learn how to do it, so they should take a lesson from me.

(1) As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I got bored with our layout/template/thing, so I freshened it up. And can I please tell you how obnoxious it is to mess around with Blogger’s templates? They’re all kinda ugly, or already being used, and since I like to be all cutesy with my stuff, and I don’t like to copy people, I get really annoyed when you’re only given a handful of options. Whatever, though.

(2) MARK MANCARI SCORED HIS FIRST NHL GOAL LAST NIGHT!!!!! I was soooo proud. We (the nurse I work with and myself) were watching the game at work, and she was laughing her ass off when he scored because I was awing, and saying “Aw, Mark, I love you! I’m so proud of you!” She said I looked like a doting mother watching her only daughter get married. BEST ANALOGY EVER.

I LOVE YOU.

(3) Derek scored again, finally. And he couldn’t have done it at a better time, as far as I’m concerned, because, while I was driving to work yesterday, a guy from the Sabres Store called me, and left a message saying that my NEW THIRD JERSEY CAN BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY. YAYYYYYY!! So now I take back saying that I wasn’t too sure if I wanted his jersey anymore, because Princess D is starting to play better.

(4) When D scored yesterday, Kim texted me and said “he doesn’t skinny dip, he chunky dunks.” This is why I love her.

(5) Awesome reader Katie told me that she saw D eating spaghetti at Chef’s yesterday, and that he eats like a pig. Now, I don’t know about you, but I tend to view all the Sabres as perfect people, kinda like every girl’s expectations of Mr. Right. So I never expect any one of them to shovel pasta into their mouth and let the mozzarella cheese that was melted all over it to stick to the plate as they chew a mouthful. So, Katie, as fantastic as that was, I’m going to forget you ever told me that, and go on living in my blissful, delusional world. No offense though. I still love you.

(6) I decided that I’m not going to comment on actual game-play until the Sabres start winning again.

(7) If the playoffs were to start today, we’d be out. That’s depressing, considering the start we had.

(8) I totally called Timmy C’s injury–BROKEN RIB. Called it. And I’m not one to say I told you so… Actually, who the hell am I kidding. I TOLD YOU SO!! =]

(9) I never commented on Paul’s fish story. A-FREAKING-DORABLE. I hate worms too, but that’s mostly because when I was little, my friend Kevin used to (AND I’M NOT KIDDING YOU. I SWEAR.) squirt chocolate syrup on them and eat them like spaghetti. At least Derek doesn’t do that… But I don’t like fish, either. My friend Kristle’s dad used to fish all the time and he’d gut them in the backyard while we were laying out in the sun. Gross.

I leave you with my last comment of this Sunday, as I’m currently watching the Bills, leading the Chiefs. *crossing fingers* …maybe??

(10) My dad made these up last night and sent them to me; they’re absolutely hilarious, and you really should take the time to watch them all: Dance 1, Dance 2, Dance 3, Dance 4

I’ve got nothing.

I have nothing to say about the pitiful loss to the Lightning. Nothing at all. Except this: Drew, maybe I really did need to bake you a cake. Maybe you would’ve had more incentive to play. But I don’t know about the rest of the team… Maybe they expected cupcakes, or something. I guess I’ll have to try again with Jason’s birthday…

Anyways, I have to say that MJ’s post today is fantastic! You should all go read today’s installment of My Safety is Harvard. Now. But then come back, because I have some pictures to show you:

Thomas Vanek. Wow. He does pull Dumb and Dumber off well, though.

I think Paul took my flapper idea too far… Though, the balloons are a nice touch.

Pat looks like he’s trying to be… Well, I don’t know exactly.

Clarke is going as the winner of Pretty, Pretty Princess.

Mark’s friend makes a nice, cute fairy princess, and Mark is Pippy Longstockings.

Stefan is a very sexy hula dancer. The hair is incredible.

Nathan wears that headdress nicely.

Jason’s dressed as a very flamboyant member of Buffalo’s Fire Department.

That’s all I’ve got. And those are all stretches (except for Vanek’s) because they’re actually from the Amerks at Your Service Dinners, but whatever. They serve my purpose. And since you’ve all seen this picture, I couldn’t very well use it:

I do like Vanek’s, um, stance as he impersonates Lance Armstrong, and Paul’s exposure of his legs as John McEnroe. Very nice, boys… Very nice.

And really, if you haven’t read MJ’s post yet like I told you do, do it now. You won’t regret it.

Happy Halloween!!

Hello, Paul? It’s Me, Cari…

Paul: Hello?

Cari: Hey, Paul, it’s me.

Paul: Oh, hey!!  How are you?

Cari: I’m good, but Paul?  Why do you have bunny ears on?

Paul: Oh, Cari, don’t you know that Friday is Halloween?  I have to find my costume still, you know.

Cari: So what are you trying to be with that getup?  A modest cross between a Chippendales dancer and a Playboy Bunny?

Paul: How’d you guess?

Cari: It’s not that difficult…  Anyways, let me get to why I called.  Paul, are you healthy?

Paul: Well, I don’t know.  Ultimately, that’s up to Lindy.

Cari: Well, please decide, because if you or Timmy aren’t ready to play tomorrow night, and Adam does get suspended for his shenanigans–oh my God, I just thought of this, but if Adam does get suspended, who’s going to take care of the Man Children?–but if he does get suspended, we need another guy, and it had better be one of you.

Paul: Cari, we’ll have to cross that bridge when we get to it.  The NHL is quote-unquote investigating is, so…

Cari: Well, I don’t trust the NHL.  I’m hoping at most they’ll slap him with a fine, but Paul, what if?  Who would we get from Portland?  Mark?  So we can risk waiving him again?  No thank you.

Paul: Stop being such a worry wart.  You’re upsetting my aura.  Hey, where are my milk and cookies for being hurt?  I never got them.  I thought you were going to leave them on my doorstep for me?

Cari: Kim wouldn’t let me.  She said that would be crossing the line.

Paul: They’re cookies.  Cookies never cross the line.

Cari: Good to know.  But Paul?

Paul: Yes, Cari?

Cari: Hurry back, please.  And next time don’t punch people too hard.  Oh, and Paul?

Paul: Yes, Cari?

Cari: Can you tell your BFF Ryan that he’s kicking ass in the TSN Power Rankings?  And ESPN’s for that matter?

Paul: Sure.

Cari: And you didn’t tell me who would watch Danny and Clarke in the event of Adam’s absence…

Paul: Um, I don’t know for sure…  Maybe Jaro?

Cari: JARO??!!  He’d probably try to lure them into the shower room with the cookies I’d make for you and then he’d fillet them, or something.  And he’d probably hang Mr. Snuffles on a plaque above his mantle…  No, Jaro; I love you, but no.

Paul: Drew, maybe?

Cari: Are you kidding me?  Drew eats paste.

Paul: Fine.  How about I give the job to the equipment guys?

Cari: They think a taxidermic pigeon is funny.  Let me think, NO.

Paul: Well, who do you suggest then?

Cari: Yourself.  Duh.  So get healthy.

Paul: I’m working on it.

Cari: I’m going to school now.  I’ll talk to you later, okay?  Bye.

Paul: Bye…

Cari: (in a txt to Paul)  Oh, and tell Pommers I won’t see him tonight at Dave and Adam’s because I have trip preparations to commence.  And tell Petey that I’ll be listening to him on Star 102.5 tomorrow at 8:10, but I might have to turn him off for Derek.  Okay?  Thanks Paul!

Dear Drew

Drew is a beast.  And he knows it.

To My Dearest Drew Stafford,

Thank you for rescuing my heart from the depths of despair.  I do not know what I would’ve done if you had not tied up the affair yesterday evening, with the flair of Jason’s goal in the 2006 playoffs.  And then you, again, lifted my spirits in the much-dreaded (by me, at least) shootout.  I cannot thank you enough.

Please pass along my sentiments to Clarke, for scoring the first goal for us (I’m so proud of him); Ryan, for being spectacularly and fabulously incredible in net (I’m in awe of his performance thus far); Thomas, for his jaw-dropping moves (I love the Around-the-World!!); and the rest of the dashing young men who make me smile with a win (and scream, and jump, and dance, and carry-on like I just won a million dollars).

But Drew, I do request that you do two things for me:

(1) Please send my regards to the penalty killing units.  They tried so hard to keep the puck from crossing the line, but alas, it had to at some point.  I was quite impressed that they went five complete games maintaining that standard, and even yet they have still served their purpose for 96.6% of the time when they needed to.  And I thank them profusely for that.

(2) Please inform Derek that if he does not increase his offensive production on this upcoming road trip, I will be very upset.

That being said, Drew, I hope you were not including me in your thoughts last night when you uttered this:

“This game is for all the mouse potatoes out there that don’t think we can stick with it in a 2-1 game and come back.”

Because, Drew, first of all, I am not a “mouse potato;” just because I can take an hour or so and peruse the internet to find something about you beautiful men to write about before I go to school, or whenever I find the time, does not imply that I spend my entire day writing about you.  Yes, it is true that I love and adore all of you, but there are other things that require my time in life.  Don’t be so selfish.

And second, I do not believe I ever said anything of the like.  In fact, I have been nothing but supportive of you all (Okay, except maybe in Tim’s case, but I love Tim, and he knows that, so all is forgiven in that respect.).  And Drew, I never breathed a word of your lack of production until last night, so I do not want to hear it from you.  We’re even now.  Because, just to set the record straight, I love a team that can bounce back from a deficit, and do it with flair.  And the Sabres have a knack for the flashy, flair-filled events, so it’s obvious that I would never count the Sabres out.  Never.

Oh, and Drew?  Can you please mention to Ryan and Derek that I believe you three were the best players for the Sabres yesterday?  I would have placed you as such, though:  (1) Ryan, (2) yourself, and (3) Derek.  But, while he put forth an outstanding effort last night, please don’t forget to tell Derek to get his ass in gear.  Please.

Oh, and Drew?  You get to be my honorary favorite Sabre until puck drop on Thursday, okay?  Just don’t tell Derek about that; he may get upset.  Although, his getting upset might help his name pop up on the score sheet a bit more.  I don’t know, though.  He did seem pretty upset after he failed to score during the shootout, you know, dropping the F-Bomb, and all.

Well, Drew, I’ll see you on Thursday, perhaps.  Keep up the excellent work.

Love,

Cari

THAT WAS A "WILD AND WOOLEY ONE!!" <3 Rick Jeanneret

FINAL SCORE:

Sabres 7

Islanders 1

This little portion of this post has nothing to do with today’s game, but to my delight, when I came home from running errands, I found these on my dining room table:

If you can’t read them, they’re tickets to the November 8th game in Boston.  Kim and I are road-tripping up there, and up to Portland for a game.  =]  11TH ROW!!!  Serious TV possibilities…

PRE-GAME

-  Lalime is in net tonight; Ruff says Miller will play Wednesday in New York (Rangers).  Good.  Ruff’s learning.

-  And Rick DiPietro isn’t playing.  Shucks.

-  Some of the guys were eating spaghetti for breakfast.

-  The Geico gecko is at the game.  (It’s Kid’s Day)

FIRST PERIOD

20:00  Poor Ryan has to sit all by himself in the Zamboni entrance.  I’ll sit with him.  And he’s wearing a beanie.

16:00  I love when Rick’s voice cracks.  And so far, this game has been kinda boring.  =/

13:31  Derek Roy is a beast.  He took on 4 Islanders, dumped the puck in, and recovered it.  Then had a decent shot on goal.  This is why I love him.

9:51  Power play goal by Jochen Hecht!!!!!!!  Nice goal, from the side of the net, using the goalie as a means of banking the puck in. 1-0 Buffalo.

6:22  Mike Comrie is a joke.  Jumping Henrik in retaliation…  I guess it was a little bit of an iffy hit, but that doesn’t warrant cross-checking and slashing him, and then punching him with a glove on.  4 minute power play!!

2:19  ANOTHER blown 4 minute power play.  Lindy needs to do more work with the PP, and yes, I know Jochen just got a PP goal.

0:00  1-0 Buffalo.  Shots:  13-7 in favor of Buffalo

SECOND PERIOD

18:46  Lalime poke check!  I love a good poke check…

17:38  ADAM MAIRRRRR!!!!  Yay!  Way to go to the net!!  2-0 Buffalo.

17:12  Rick just said Jochen went to the dressing room at the last whistle…  And Derek looked pissed off at himself for missing a wide-open net.  I’m pissed too, Derek.

13:00 Daniel Paille (BEAST) and Thomas Vanek are my heroes!!!  Vanek scores shorthanded.  3-0 Buffalo.

11:21  The Population of Pominville is now 1!!!!  4-0 Buffalo.

11:17  FIGHT!!!!  Rivet’s in the middle of it; I couldn’t tell what happened to him but Mair jumped someone because he did something to Rivet (I think).  ”He’s eating him up!” according to Rick.  And Pat just body-slammed Witt!  LOVE!  ”It’s a wild and wooley one!”  And now Lindy is screaming at the Islander’s bench.  Remember what Lindy does when he argues with the other bench?  I do.  That was awesome!  =]  ”There’s room on the bench for Ryan Miller if he wants to go over there.”  PENALTIES:  Rivet get 5 minutes, and 2 game misconducts, Kaleta got a 5 and a 10, and Mair got 5.  Bergenehim got 5 and a game, same with Witt, and Thompson got a 5.  Put it all together?  80 minutes.  From one fight.  Talk about old time hockey.

10:40  Danny Paille beats out an Islander to cancel out an icing for the second time this afternoon.  Again, Beast.

9:28  Another puck banked off MacDonald for Vanek’s second of the night!  And another PPG, at that.  5-0 Buffalo.

8:30  Injury Update:  Jochen Hecht’s return is questionable, due to an upper body injury.  Great.

7:30  Derek jumps over someone to drive to the net with the puck.  Too bad MacDonald managed to stop that one.

3:14  Jaro got a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass.  I despise that penalty.  2:1 rush for Derek and Jason; no results.

2:00  Danny Paille possibly hurt?  Hobbled, in the least…

0:51  5:3 power play coming up!!  Haha, Comrie, you fool.  I love you.  And when I say I love you, I mean I cannot stand you.  And waving a white flag in the penalty box?  Well, there’s no room in the NHL for quitters.  Bye bye.  Haha, they’re playing “SOS” by the Jonas Brothers….

0:00  5-0 Buffalo.  Harry:  ”The Sabres have the Islanders by the throat, and I don’t think they’re going to let up in the third.”  Shots:  26-15 Buffalo.

THIRD PERIOD

20:00  Because Rivet got 2 game misconducts, he may or may not be suspended for a game…  That’s up to the league.  I’ll guess we’ll have to wait and see.

19:02   Big Al, one-timer, on the power play…  6-0 Buffalo.

14:39  Islanders finally get on the board.  2:1 rush, and Hunter buries it; well, it deflected off of Spacek anyways.  6-1 Buffalo.

14:14  Vanek takes a stupid goaltender interference penalty.  Tommy, you should know better.

9:12  Danny sets up Sparky-Clarkey on a give-and-go.  Yay!!!  7-1 Buffalo.

5:20  Lalime pulls a Hasek and comes flying out of the net, up past the faceoff circle to play the puck.

0:00  7-1 Buffalo.  Shots:  35-24, Buffalo.

What.  A.  Game.  I LOVE THE SABRES!!  I don’t have much time to write an elaborate recap because I’m housesitting with Kim, and the house doesn’t have wireless capabilities (well, it does, but they forgot the password), so I have to post before I go over there.  And I’m going over there in about 15 minutes.  SO!  Wow.  We were physical, smart, consistent, solid, and mentally-prepared and aware.  AND OUT POWER PLAY WORKED!!  I’m so proud!  And to top it all off, Mike Comrie made a fool of himself.  It couldn’t be better.  And it truly says something about a team when 14 different players get on the score sheet (see below for details).

1st Star  :  Thomas Vanek / Adam Mair

Tommy makes his case by scoring 2 goals and stepping it up on the special teams, scoring on both the power play and while shorthanded.  Adam kicked ass in that fight, and netted the game winner.

2nd Star  :  Jason Pominville / Ales Kotalik

Both guys had a goal and 2 assists, and Al’s goal on the power play boosted the team.

3rd Star  :  Patrick Lalime

Way to step in and be solid in your first game in the blue and gold.  Keep it up!  Plus, I quote:  ”The guys played a hell of a game!”

Islanders’ Star  :  Rick DiPietro

He’s the only guy on that team that can’t be held accountable for this catastrophe.

Stats

For a complete list, go here, but like I said:  14 guys got on the scoresheet for Buffalo:

Vanek (2-0)

Kotalik (1-2)

Pominville (1-2)

Hecht (1-1)

MacArthur (1-0)

Mair (1-0)

Afinogenov (0-2)

Paille (0-2)

Numminen (0-1)

Rivet (0-1)

Roy (0-1)

Sekera (0-1)

Spacek (0-1)

Tallinder (0-1)

Rivet’s status for Wednesday’s game is up in the air, although the guys seem to think nothing will come of his 2 game misconducts.  Hecht, however, will be out for a little bit of time, according to Ruff, with an upper body injury.  More details to come with that, I’m sure.  Again, a great game.  I love these guys…

YAY WE WON, But There’s No Channel 4..

Okay, so I’m full of mixed emotions today.  SO EXCITED BECAUSE WE COULD FINISH THE PRESEASON ABOVE .500!!!  But totally bummed because Channel 4 has been replaced with CBS College Sports and The CW is MIA.  On that subject, tonight I’m going to be missing the season premier of a show that I sometimes watch (because for some odd reason math intrigues me), Numb3rs, and that also means Sunday afternoon I’ll be missing the first 45 minutes of the Bills game, and I’ll be sad, because I love the Bills.  And on Monday, I’ll be without my teenage angst-driven dramas, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill; Tuesday evening I’ll be missing my dear Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS.  Guys, I’m really upset about this.  Like… well, not nearly as upset as I am when the Sabres lose, but close enough.

On to happier subjects.  Can I PLEASE just express my love for Craig Rivet and Patrick Lalime right now?  They are pretty much two of my favorite people now.  At first I wasn’t so sure I liked that Rivet had The C, but hell, he can have it.  I like any guy who sticks up for his teammates and can actually fight (coughcoughandrewpeters).  And Lalime, you can stop pucks AND you fight?  I love you.  This brings me back to the days of my childhood in which basically every other game I can remember, either Steve Shields, Dwayne Roloson, or Marty Biron were fighting.  LOVE.  Goalie fights are the absolute best.

OH and I basically love Matt Ellis now too.  Watch this and you will appreciate him as well.  First of all, HAHAHAHA because they’re blasting “Promiscuous Girl,”  and then someone came in and turned it down.  But back to Matt:  I mean, how can you not love someone who grew up playing with Danny Paille???  He’s a member of the Man-Child crew now, as far as I’m concerned.  And he was so excited when he got the call saying we claimed him…  Normally, these guys are pissed when they get waived and claimed by a new team, but he was all smiles and giggles.  How cute is he?

And before I talk at all about the game (and by at all, I mean not really at all since I couldn’t see it and therefore don’t really have anything constructive to say), let me get my Derek Roy fix.  Janet and Nick on Kiss 98.5 I believe have the Derek Roy Report, or whatever it’s called, on Thursday mornings, but it could be Friday.  I’m not usually up that early, but if I am, I’m usually listening to my iPod because I LOATHE Janet and Nick.  But whatever.  So they had some snippet of an interview with Derek yesterday which went like this:

Janet:  So what exciting stuff did you do this summer?

Derek:  Uhhh, I went to Cabo for a week.

Janet:  Nice!

Nick:  Didn’t you skates get stuck in the sand?

Derek:  [Chuckles, followed by a dramatic pause, then seriously,]  Um, no.

HAHAA.  Ask Kim; I DO THE SAME THING.  Now, I have to take a page out of MJ’s book right here, because I swear this is fate.  I DESIRE MORE THAN ANYTHING TO GO TO CABO.  That is, if you bump going back to Germany off of the top of my list.  But whatever.  Derek, how could you go to Cabo without me???  And then not take me to your lake house up in Muskoka?  You know I love the ocean, and I love lakes.  That’s just mean.  But, in your favor, our favorite shows do include Entourage, and you can’t go skydiving due to contractual stipulations, and I won’t go skydiving due to a fear of heights, so I mean, look!  It’s totally fate.  And now I’m kind of creeping myself out…

And this video of certain players just BEGS for commentary:

Mark Mancari  :  Yay!  I’m so excited you cut your hair.  Kim probably won’t be too thrilled, but I am, and since I won you in our lame little draft thing we had last year, that’s all that matters.  And honestly,  I’m so glad your parents moved from Italy to Canada, and that you have random family in Buffalo, because then I have a better chance to see you than, say, if you lived in Italy.  Plus, you’re a beast, so play your heart out, and if you don’t make the Sabres, I’ll see you November 7th in Portland.

Mike Weber  :  Is staying out of the penalty box a part of your plan?  Because it should be.

Nathan Paetsch  :  (1) You’re adorable.  (2) That’s the Brotherhood of the Traveling Hoodie hoodie!  Don’t you own any other clothing?  Every time I see you, you’re wearing that hoodie.  It doesn’t look bad or anything, I’m just curious as to if I took it away, if you’d just be walking around with nothing on.  Now THAT’S a win-win situation.  (3) You were injured?  That’s why you weren’t playing?  I wish I knew…  I can’t wait to have complete injury/ailment updates when the regular season starts.  This not knowing is bull.

Sparky Clarkey  :  Your hair’s getting long…  I like the curly poofy thing you had; kinda like old-school Timmy C.

OH!!! I am SO excited that the game will be on TV on SUNDAYYY!!!  That means I’ll actually have something to watch since the Bills game (probably) won’t be on.  But I will have to sync up the radio so I can listen to Rick and Harry.  Hopefully there won’t be too much of a delay.  Whatever though.

Now I’m going to go pamper myself a bit; I’m getting my hair done today which is SO exciting because I haven’t gone in, like, 4 months, and my highlights are so grown out it isn’t even funny, and my ends are so split.  But I’m definitely having Kim (my hairdresser, not the Kim on this thing) thin it, dye it back to my natural dark red, and some sweepy bangs might be in order.  But then because my hair won’t be so strawberry blonde, I definitely have to go tanning, or else my pale, pale skin that’s COVERED in freckles would look freakish.  I’d be a female version of Brian Campbell.  Yuck.  (I think I’m the girliest legit hockey fan ever…)  So I think I’d better go do that.  Then work yet another double.  So I probably won’t be back until Sunday, unless I find something good in the meantime.

Have a nice weekend, loves!