Is it naive to be cautiously optimistic?

Okay, so a few days ago, I wasn't so impressed with the acquisition of Mr. Perreault. But he appears to be the only guy on the team that can score on something other than a hard slapshot (or that panicky mess in front of the net when the puck is loose and everyone is madly hacking away at its general vicinity hoping to get a piece of it)...and you know, you have to start from somewhere. And he actually made a little move on our shootout on Saturday Friday (oops...had an off brain moment), not like the usual modus operandi of the rest of the team, which seems to involve just skating really fast and trying to blast the puck through the goalie.
I don't think it's so bad that we gave up Brendan Bell. We have a lot of decent young defencemen, and nothing comes for free...although granted, I suppose we could have tried for more.

Anyway...
Here's the list of non-leafy men I cheer for.
Ovechkin -self explanatory, I think. I like to watch people having fun.
Spezza -Because he can score on a regular basis...and maybe because he's sorta cute. Did what's left of my credibility just fly out the window?
Roenick -Not that I see him play that often. But I'd cheer for him in any of his cheesy acting roles.
Anson Carter -A hometown boy. I was hoping he'd sign with the Leafs in the off-season. Maybe it's just as well, since his season hasn't been that spectacular so far. Wait...so he'd fit right in...

Read More......

Broadway Shanny Rose

As an Islanders fan, it is my sworn duty to dislike, nay, hate, any and all Rangers. Jaromir Jagr? Overrated, lazy, diva.
Henrik Lundqvist? Stole my mother's haircut and dentures. Matt Cullen? Get oxygen through your nose already, mouth-breather! Peter Prucha? More like Peter Puke-ah. See, I'm good at the hate. But every once and while, even I let a Ranger slip through the cracks of my brittle little heart. Darius Kasparaitus? His throwback hip checks and Laugh-In era Goldie Hawn haircut are admittedly charming. Marek Malik? Shrek on skates. While I find these chaps charming in their own way, I can't exactly say I root for them. However, Brendan Shanahan may just be the one and only Ranger I'll ever root for.

Shanahan on the ice, is just a completely selfless player. He's willing to do anything for his team. He'll take a puck to the face! He'll complain to the press to make Jagr look better! He'll check someone through the boards! He'll keep the team's mood light by doing a silly interview after a had loss! He'll ram his face into Donald Brashear's fists! He brings all of this grit and determination to this team while having hands as soft as toilet tissue. Because, honestly, if Shanny were a lesser person or player, he could have coasted through his twilight years as a sniper. But he doesn't. It sickens me to admit that there is a lovable Ranger, but even the most virulent Islanders fan must admit that Shanny is great. Maybe the most likable Ranger ever. I have no truck with that Messier character. Although Shanahan earned icon status as both a Blue and a Red Wing, it somehow feels like he's always been a Ranger. Jagr wears the "C", but it's totally Shanahan's team. And it makes hating the Rangers so much harder.

Read More......

Ryan Smyth ruined my lousy life.

What's the matter they say?

The Trade Deadline happened that's what. And when it happened, I had the sensation of being thrown under a bus while a million shards of glass stabbed you ruthlessly in hopes of sticking it home.

And the night before this, I was out with some friends. I span around just as ESPN showed a happy smiling Ryan Smyth in flowing Islanders colours. Something punched me in my stomach and I felt that the only thing that could get rid of it was something priced a little more than free water.

However as I finished, I realised that I had been hit with a rather nasty cold (and in summer too! Who would've thought!?) and that I would be unable to take the cold medicine and treat myself to a good night's rest. I slept badly. And all because of Ryan Smyth.

Damn rat bastard.

While this has been exaggerated greatly to fit within the related topic of this week's hlog, I would like to swallow my pride and say that I still love him. It's not because of that soap opera press conference he gave, (I know it was sad and tears make me sad too but do you think anyone would've pulled him aside and gone "You know Smytty, you're not going to die are you?") but I have to say the whole matter has left my emotions confused. A lot.

Because the whole issue with the trade was that they didn't re-sign him because of an issue with money. I seem to forget that a lot with my players. I don't tell them that each punch they give or each goal they score is because of their salary. Everyone wants to feel it's because of their team. And when I think of what Ryan Smyth did for the Oilers. I want to fall apart and cry.

Because he's Captain Canada, and he's the guy with the golden mullet and you know he was hockey jesus with the extra z. And wherever he goes, I want to see him do it again. I want him to put in the garbage, and I want to see him bring to other teams what he brought to the Oilers. He was that valuable.

Yes I think that Ryan Smyth's departure made me a believer.

With that little maudlin prologue aside, I present to you the other half of my secret pleasures list.

• Alexander Ovechkin
  He can be the big annoying Russian crazy man or he's the fun happy wodka dude. In my dear infant years, they gave me two choices - a man with bright cherry lips with the name of Crosby, or a funny lookin' guy named Ovie. Needless to say I ran to Ovechkin's side. Because here is the side of a man enjoying hockey for hockey, living the dream with no restraints of a PR crew sitting him aside and telling him that red leather pants aren't family friendly. Ovechkin is a man who clearly loves hockey (and dancing) and hockey loves Ovechkin very much as well.
• Georges Laraque
  This should be on the top shouldn't he? I myself have slaved over the thought of Laraque as a Pen. I was very reluctant to swallow the bitter pill and I found myself back in no man's land again. Laraque is one of those guys you have to always mention if you talk about fights. That's all he does right? But you know, to me a sport isn't a sport without passion. And hearing this man's passion, his own individual story and struggles in order to conquer his demons, I fell in love with this player. I will always support him wherever he goes, because he is a man who is going to be told always that he isn't needed. And he will keep trying because he believes in it. Yes, Georges Laraque is a unique kind of secret but I won't try to hide it. Yes he is a Penguin, but damn he's my favourite hockey player.
  
• Jussi Markkanen
  This seems to have fallen into being a very Oil-centric post hasn't it? Nonetheless Juice will be a UFA at the end of this season. Which is why I am declaring my support before anything has happened yet. Jussi Markkanen loves the Oilers, and to see him return would be a godsend. However in all seriousness, I don't think it will happen. And wherever he goes, I will still be his fan.
• Vesa Toskala
  He won me over in the playoffs, his playing style, his cool nerves and his kickass mask. Vesa Toskala has made it all fun whether it's his hot dogs or his funny middle name. I always want to see him win or play hard in any situation. And with my apparent crush with the Sharks, Toskala trumps it all as being the player I watch most.

And let me stop right there. Because this is getting lengthy. What I want to say is that there are many more I want to add. Marty Biron for example can easily sit comfortably there because - oh - his character has become something that I have adored and enjoyed. I have yet to tell everyone about my apparent crush on Markus Naslund. I as well have the biggest soft spot for Donald Brashear who has always exuded a huge aura of cool.

And why? Because these bottom few are people I would not have spared a second glance if it weren't for this hlog. And I wouldn'tve cared about other teams, because I am a selfish fan. It seems that what made these players so appealing to me, so worthwhile and wholesome, was the work everyone put in rounding each and every one of them to me. I have said before that I love Ryan Smyth for his passion and his character. Marty Biron was a goalie with his quirks, and even Olaf Kolzig is amazing not just for his game leadership but as well his contributions to the community.

It is clear to see that everyone has picked their heroes for hockey and it was only a matter of time before we all got the inside scoop on it all. Because there are so many under-appreciated players who have yet to see much value beyond their team's fans.

Read More......

The men I cheer for

I have a ton of players that I like and would cheer for them even when they are playing against my Jackets.

1. Martin Brodeur...I just love him. He is so impressive to me not only the way he plays but also he is such a leader on that team. He just amazes me everytime I watch him play.



2. My Cincinnati Ducks boys...Joffrey Lupul, Dustin Penner, Kurtis Foster, Shane O'Brien, Stanislav Chistov, and Ilya Bryzgalov...these guys in the 04-05 season were unbelievable...and a lot of people in CIncinnati had their hearts broken when they left to Portland...we found out during the playoffs and it was so sad. But, I still love these guys...and probably always will.



3. Phil Kessel...wow. How can you not like him? He has gone through so much his first year playing in the NHL. And, he is still going strong. It makes me feel good everytime he is out on the ice.



4. Dion Phaneuf...I'm a huge fan of his. I love watching him...he is everything you could ever want in a dman.



5. Chris Chelios...the oldest man in the NHL...and he is still going strong. He just continues to impress me...and he is pretty darn good at what he does.



6. Roberto Luongo continues to impress me. He is such an amazing goalie and so determined and I am so happy that he is going to make the playoffs this year so we can see what he is capable of there.



7. Dany Heatley oh my gosh his play this year is just amazing. When Spezza was out he continued doing well and proved he can play with anyone.



8. Alexander Ovechkin...I can't say enough about him. He impresses me on and off the ice. He has been so wonderful with the Caps. I mean at the draft announcing their pick? Come on...that's adorable. He is also doing a lot for the community there and seems like a genuinely great guy.



9. Ryan Suter this one is for sure a secret, because, I hate the Preds but he comes from one of those hockey elite families. I can't help but not cheer for him when he does well.



10. Ty Conklin yeah Edmonton disowned him last year for one bad play. BUT, he is a good goalie. I don't know why I like him so much but I found myself so excited everytime he was in the net for Columbus...and I liked him better than Leclaire.

Read More......

Oh Dany Boy

I could probably get shot for this in Buffalo right now, but the non-Sabre I most enjoy watching is Dany Heatley. The man totally owns us. If the rest of his team played us as well as he does, the Sens would've been playing in the Conference Finals last season. He just amazes me. He comes seemingly out of nowhere and he puts the puck in exactly the right spot to beat the goaltender. Even during last week's brawl I was a little relieved when Henrik Tallinder managed to find Heatley so they could finish out the fight with their arms wrapped harmlessly around each other. (Double bonus since Hank is one of two or three Sabres that I absolutely, positively do NOT want hurt for the playoffs.) I know there are some mixed opinions about his role in Dan Snyder's death and the legal consequences - or lack thereof - he had to deal with so I won't go into that except to say that I'm glad he seems to have found a place to re-settle in Ottawa. It was hard to watch the chemistry between the Dan(n)ys Heatley and Briere during the All-Star game and not salivate over the idea of them on the same regular line. (For us, Senators fans, not for you.)

This season I've also loved watching Vincent Lecavalier. In the past I've always focused more on Martin St. Louis because I'm tickled by how small he is, but this year Vinny has had an awesome fire in his eyes when he's played against us. There have been a few games the Lightning have come close to winning on his will alone, I think. He just seems like a guy willing to put his team on his back if necessary and that kind of player is so much fun to watch.

Over in the Western Conference I enjoy what I manage to see of Scott Niedermayer and Jarome Iginla. I'd love to both of them more often.

Read More......

My Secrets

Who do I secretly cheer for outside my beloved Detroit Red Wings? Well, here's a brief list in no particular order.

1) Joe Sakic (like my man, Steve Yzerman, he's classy and a great player)
2) Mike Modano (ever since I can remember watching hockey, I've liked Modano)
3) Brendan Shanahan (ok so he was a Wing for a loong time, but he's with the NYR now and I miss hearing the Irish Jig at the Joe)
4) Henrik Lundqvist (he's Swedish, already won an Olympic gold medal, & had a great rookie year)
5) Vinny Lecavalier (hot AND a fantastic player, how could you not cheer for him?)
6) Alexander Ovechkin (he's a great overall athlete and seems like he's a fun guy to hang around with)
7) Sidney Crosby (I know, how can I cheer for both Ovie & Crosby? But I love them both)

Read More......

Kipper!

I've been neglecting the HLOG for a little while, but it was for good reason, I promise. I've been working on a hockey-related site here. Just a little shameless plugging. ;) Anway, my favorite non-Lightning player is Miikka Kiprusoff. While it may seem strange to think that I root for the goaltender of the team that my favorite team beat for the Stanley Cup a few years ago, I promise it makes sense. At least in my head. ;) It was very hard to watch the Stanley Cup finals in 2004, for that reason. I always have a soft spot for goaltenders (my boyfriend being one), and I absolutely adore Kipper. I have no valid reason. Other than that he's a goaltender. He was the third string/forgotten goalie in San Jose, and then, once shipped off to Calgary, is leading the NHL in GAA and winning a Vezina one season later. He reminds me of the former quarterback of my all-time favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers (although I would rather Kipper not end up as Maddox did...). Came out of nowhere and led the team to an improbable finish.

Miikka last season was in the top ten for all goalie stats, including winning the Vezina with votes on all ballots. I love his quiet demeanor, and the way he celebrated his second shootout win EVER last night (improving to a grand total of 2-11). He's such a position goalie, so his saves may not look flashy or hard, that's just because he's in the perfect position 95% of the time. He's like the opposite of Dominik Hasek, not really flashy, but there when it matters.

Read More......

Dirty Little Secrets....

Seriously, this weeks challenge challenges me to reveal some seriously dirty little secrets that no Habs fan should ever be forced to reveal. However, since I have been AWAL for several weeks due to moving, a trip home to Saskatchewan (GO WINDCHILLERS, lol) , and general work related stress.

So who do I cheer for even when they are playing my baby Habs? Oh boy, this is going to be a long ass list.

First and foremost, I always cheer for the Saskatchewan boys.

1. Chris Kunitz - Love the Regina boys.
2. Travis Moen - And the Speedy Creek boys.
3. Getzzy - I seriously don't get the Getzzy is hot thing, but he is from Regina, even if he is a NORTH ENDER. Ewww.
4. Nathan Paestch - Word on the street said boy is crazy hung
5. Rhett Warrner - Boy is nice to look at.
6. Regher x 2 - Reghers like to party. I like to party. Its a match made in Saskatchewan.
7. Cam Ward - Boy wore a Saskatchewan Roughriders hat at the Stanley Cup victory parade - that alone deserves mad love from Saskatchewan
8. Brett Clark - HATE the Avs. Love him. Besides he's a former Hab.
9. Brendan Morrow - the poor boy is from CARLYLE. He deserves some love.
10. Stolly - DESPITE the Rachel Hunter thing.
11. Nick Schultz - His family rocks, and his younger brother Jesse is HOT as hell.
12. Redden - He was BORN in Lloyd, but he's from Hillmond. Unless you're from Saskatchewan, you probably don't even know where Hillmond is.
13. Schaeffer x 2 - Awesome family. Awesome. Apart from the fact that Yellow Grass SUCKS.
14. ARMY - Mad love to Army. He's hilarious. Unfortunately, he's from Saskatoon.
15. Jamie Heward - A Regina boy, he's a great guy.

Now I am aware that there are more Saskatchewan boys out there. Those 15 or so get MAD LOVE from me. I always want those boys to have good games, no matter what. That said, there are some other boys out there that I have MAD LOVE for.

1. Pears - He's adorable, and Burkie keeps putting him on the trade wires. No fair.
2. Neidermaynia - Scott and Rob are among the nicest guys I have ever met.
3. Sidney Crosby - He got robbed last year when he didn't get the Calder.
4. Staal x4 - Why are there only 4 of them? Seriously. They are all HOT, even if admitting that could get me arrested.
5. Vinnie - Hot and he played in Wilcox. Damn.
6. Brad - Again, he's fine and he played in Wilcox.
7. The ENTIRE 2005 Team Canada World Junior's Squad - Those boys ended the drought, many were/are hotties, and I mean, they won. Mad love to the boys who ended the drought.
8. Patrick Coulombe - Have you ever seen him? He's adorable.
9. Michael Peca - I know, I know he plays for the Laffs now, but I have always loved his style of play. I can't help myself.
10. All Quebecois Goalies - I can't help myself. I still have a teenage girl crush on Theodore. Biron is hilarious. MAF is adorable. Quebecois goalies are cute, and they have accents. I have to show mad love.

So there it is folks. My long list of players I love and want to do well. I know its a long list, but I love my boys....

Read More......

Zubie-Doobie-Doo...

I fear I have been neglecting my ladies of greatness...so I had every intention of coming on yesterday and posting something witty and urbane. And then the rain came.

I was sitting at work, listening to the NHL Network's deadline show while *ahem* working. Suddenly I heard 'Washington Capitals'. Then I heard 'Dainius Zubrus'. Then 'Buffalo Sabres'. I almost cried. (Almost only because I was sitting at my desk and there was no way to explain why I was crying without sounding like a total lunatic.)

We knew it could happen. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the Caps needed to lock up Zubrus with an extension or trade him in order to get something in return. But in my naivete I thought they would get something done. Even as reports came out that the two sides remained far apart on the terms, I believed Zubie would never leave the team.

I'm not really sure how much people outside of DC know about Zubrus, so I'll give you a quick rundown. Zubie came to DC along with Trevor Linden in a deadline deal back in 2000 that sent Richard Zednik and Jan Bulis to Montreal. He took a while to settle in, but he made a bit of noise and performed reasonably well.

Then came that day back in November of 2005 when Hanlon paired Zubie up with Alex Ovechkin and Chris Clark for the first time. And the rest, as they say, is history. Zubrus switched from wing to center and became the guy responsible for setting up Ovechkin - not a bad gig. He set career marks in goals (23), assists (34), points (57) and PIMs (181...although we don't need to focus on that one). This season he is poised to shatter every single one of those marks, with 52 points in 11 fewer games.

Off the ice his value has arguably been even higher. He has played the role of mentor on the team, first to Ovechkin and more recently to Alexander Semin. Being the only Russian speaking player on the team, he has served as translator and guide for both Alexes as they made the transition from Russia to the NHL and has done an amazing job. His place as a leader on the team was cemented when he was given one of the A's.

*Sigh*. I don't really have a point. I'm just sad. I know we're all in the same boat right now - a lot of us have lost those beloved players to other teams and I've read and sympathized with all of you as you've poured your hearts out here. I doubt I'm alone in hating the trade deadline. I just don't handle change well.

So to Heather B. and Paige, our Buffalo gals, I say this - take good care of my Zubie. Treat him well, make sure he's happy, cheer him on. And most of all, tell him I miss him and love him...and I want him back.

Oh, I guess I should answer this week's discussion topic - well, now that Zubrus plays for Buffalo I guess I can say him, but I'll also throw Vinny Lecavalier in there.

Not that he needs my help...the boy likes to score on the Caps. A lot.

Read More......

Insert Legace/y Pun Here

I needed something to cheer me up, after trade deadline day dragged me through the ringer. I whined a little over Marty Biron, I yelled a little over Todd Bertuzzi (...seriously WHAT?), I giggled a bit over Ty Conklin, I held my tongue over Yanic Perrault and figured I'd wait to see how that panned out. And then they dropped the Ryan Smyth bomb and my day went to hell. It's already been mentioned here, so I'll refrain from going on about it (and I already did at my own blog anyway), but after the daze I wandered around in all afternoon after hearing it, something had to be done to make today better.

And then I noticed the weekly question and realized hey, an excuse to ramble on about my goalie! And what better way to make life suck less. So bear with me while I go on about about something that probably could have been summed up in a quick sentence - I think I need it right now.

So anyway, a player I cheer for even when he's playing my team? Easy. Manny Legace.

Manny was with the Wings from 1999-2006. He was relegated to backup behind CuJo, Hasek, pretty much anyone you could imagine, and yet he stayed there, he took it, and he kept on trying. And then, last year, the guy finally got a break. Along with Chris Osgood he led the team through a ridiculous season in which he ended up 37-8-3. Every time the Wings were mentioned you heard his name - I can't even remember how many dumb "Legace" puns were made (and I still don't understand "October may be over but Manny Legace is a month you never forget"). He was the hero of Hockeytown. He and Martin Brodeur were the only goalies to place in the top ten of every goaltending stat category.

And then we hit the playoffs. And the Edmonton Oilers tossed us on our asses in round one, Manny opened his mouth and (with some admittedly horrible timing) said something to the extent of knowing he was done for because he lost the playoffs for us, followed by "I feel like going out and hanging myself." Maybe not the best attitude - but can you blame him? He knew the fans would demand something be fixed, and he knew goaltending was the easiest thing to change to appease them. And it was.

Ken Holland opted to dump him that summer, and no one wanted him. He was criticized right and left for the way he played the playoffs last year, told he only came up with the record he had because of the Wings amazingly proficient defense, informed yet again that he was too short, not fast enough, hardly an athlete. And he hung on and waited a worrisome amount of time before finally getting an offer from the last place St. Louis Blues. I cried. I couldn't believe Manny, my Manny, was going to a team that was the polar opposite of where he'd come from. Where he'd get stomped on and crushed and never be able to prove that he wasn't what everyone said.

And it started out that way - until the coaching change, and until Manny got nailed in the head. Now, he's got five shutouts on the season, his record has been near impeccable lately, and he just resigned a deal with the Blues for two years. And the most important part is that he's happy. He has the chance to help turn this franchise around, to become one of their cornerstone players and more importantly, to show everyone that he is very much the goalie he proved he could be last year.

He's faced so much adversity - this article does a great job showing exactly why I love him so much. So yeah, I cheer for Manny, I cheer for him to beat us especially. Call me spiteful, but every single time Manny stops a puck a Red Wing shoots in my brain it is a specific message to Ken Holland - I told you so. When it was the Blues who ended our 176 game shutout streak I coudln't do anything but be happy for Manny.

At least one player I love is staying where he (now) belongs and with someone who deserves him - and I'll still be cheering for him against the Wings every time. I am so sorry I rambled so much - but hey, I do feel a little less awful!

Read More......

I'll Miss You Marty!

I know how much everyone here at HLOG loves the sweet, funny, easy-to-like Marty Biron, so I'd thought I'd announce that he has indeed been traded. With out him- *ugh* I no longer have so many things-

• Someone to enjoy watching get into a goalie fight
• Someone to laugh at when ever they are mic'd
• Someone to relax the Sabres
• Someone to make me laugh, even when we lose a terrible game
• Someone to stand between the pipes, and give the ever hardworking Millsy an ever needed break

I now can only hope that the Sabres can find someone who has a personality like his, even though I don't think it can be done, especially among skilled hockey players. Of course, a goalie fight is a memorable way to say goodbye. I'm happy for him b/c he'll now have a chance to finally be a starter, just like he deserves. Yet, I do feel sorry, because after so many years, and now that we will have a best playoff run since forever, he won't be able to finish his legacy with a Stanley Cup. Marty, I'LL MISS YOU! :-( and so will the entire Buffalo area. Kristin- I'm afraid I am now nearly a Philly fan. Count your blessings, and take good care of him.

Along with Biron, the Sabres have also traded Jiri Novotny, but received Timo Helbling and Dainius Zubrus, from the Washington Capitals, even though Zurbus is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Also, to replace Marty, we have acquired Ty Conklin from the Columbus Blue Jackets for our new back-up. We also acquired another d-man from the Predators, Mikko Lehtonen. It's great to add some depth to our defence.

^The above has also been posted on my blog, along with some more.^

Now, since I didn't think I should just write about the trades done on the Sabres, I thought I'd answer the Weekly Challenge- so, who do I secretly cheer for? Let's see... there's a few.

Sidney Crosby- Yes, I have a soft side for this little wonder. Maybe it's because he's nearly my age and hot as hell. Maybe it's that he is the best player in the league. It just seems like he has it all. I'm actually a new semi-fan of the entire Penguins team. I also like Malkin- I love Russians.

Zdeno Chara- I know he a giant, I know he's scary, and I know he's just a little creepy, but I am in total awe. It's amazing someone as monstrous as Chara can be so graceful, and over a hundred mile shot, oh my god. If I was a goalie blocking that shot, I think I'd pee my pants.

Jaromir Jagr- I know everyone hates him, but as a player, I have a lot of respect. He has been through it all, and has the expeirence to prove it.

-Paige

Read More......