Four Days Until HOCKEY!

I have never been more glad to be included in the "Toronto Region" than last night. I have no idea how 2 1/2 hours away counts as in the region, but I got to witness the ridiculousness that was last night's Sabres/Leafs game. I'm really glad we eventually managed to hang onto a lead for more than a minute or so! If my heart was racing that much during a preseason game, I can't wait for the actual season to start. It feels like I've been tweeting "#isitOctoberyet?" for years now. hehe.

There's an interesting article about Patrick Kaleta in the Buffalo News today Not only is he getting involved in charity work (ps - HITS is the most aptly named foundation ever), but it has the following quote in it:

"He's got good skill," Ruff said. "He's on penalty killing, which tells you he's a smart player. He's a great skater. I want him to think hockey.

"He's had to survive and probably got here because he had to think, "I've got one crack at it. I've got to antagonize and I've got to hit people.' I still want that, but I want him to be able to play, too.

Kaleta is my kind of player. If he can manage to keep his game on the rougher side and start playing smarter? I will love him forever. Seriously. Plus he's got better fashion sense than a lot of players. *cough* Roy *cough* Here's a pic I took at the Red Carpet before last Wednesday's game as proof.



Also? I absolutely cannot wait for hockey on my tv. I have Center Ice ordered. My fridge will soon be re-stocked with Molson. I'm ready to bounce around on my couch and yell like an idiot. Bring it.

My Kingdom For A Video Feed

There's nothing quite as sad as having to listen to the games on WGR instead of watching them on tv. I know this, because it's how I spent my time at college in Utica. hehe. Tonight's game sounds ridiculous - right from MacArthur's goal in the first minute - and I wish I could watch it. The Kaleta fight would have been exciting to watch, too.

Can we talk about Kaleta for a minute? Why does it seem like the entire league hates him? I know half of you are thinking "What? The league cares about the Sabres?!?" but the refs seem to have it out for him. Hits that other players could make no problem result in a ton of penalties for him. I just don't get it. Yeah...he's a rougher player, but give the kid a break!

Here are a few key thing to realize about this blog:

1. Hockey and beer go hand in hand for me. This is mostly my dad's fault (thank god for Dad!). I accept full responsibility if this blog dissolves into a bunch of drunken rambling.

2. I like my players rough. There's a certain beauty in a hard hit or someone mucking around in front of the net. Yeah, the pretty plays are fun to watch, but this is where my heart is. Needless to say, Paul Gaustad is one of my favorites. If Gerbe makes the team (please, make the team!) he'll be right up my alley.

3. I un-ironically love Ryan Miller. I may yell at him; I may blame losses on him; I may make fun of his ragged, uneven eyebrows. But I adore him.

4. I like other teams, too. *Gasp* I get a lot of shit for it at work and from my family, but whatever. So there will be no Penguins or Capitals hatred here. I do reserve the right to whine when they outplay my boys, though.

5. Fuck Ottawa. No seriously. FUCK OTTAWA.

Now that we have the guidelines down, I'll leave you with the most fantastic image I've ever seen: