Um, I Don't Get It...

What Really Is Suspension-Worthy in the NHL?

Dude, after this, I've got no clue. Honestly.

I'm trying to find where Sean Avery dissing an ex and the newer flame is covered in the rule book or other agreements.

Or is that exes and new/old flames? It's not like he specifically mentioned Elisha Cuthbert and Dion Phaneuf, nor Mike Komisarek, Rachel Hunter, and Jarrett Stoll. And continuing with the devil's advocate train of thought, couldn't there be other, non-starlet examples, too? Quite possibly.

Look, I've busted a few times on Sean Avery. He's so much fun to not like, he provides really awesome fodder to spur that dislike, and he seems to positively revel in it. Avery is the current, undisputed Instigator Douche Trash-Talker Extraordinaire of the NHL.

Personally, I find this incident just a little funny because it's not like the same thought hasn't occurred to and been voiced by a few hockey fans already.

So would Bettman have hockey fans believe that the use of this one, not-as-vulgar-as-everyone-insists-it-is slang phrase is more deserving of a suspension than Avery's previous, more serious ones? Are we to believe that no league- or team-level management staff has never used "sloppy seconds" or more heinous terminology to refer to an ex in the past?

Besides, it sounds like the Stars organization was prepared to level some hefty punishment on Avery all by itself. Let them reign him in since they're paying his contract and have to deal with that limited no-trade clause.

I think the real issues are this:

• Sean Avery has punched enough buttons verbally this year that this comment - crude and classless as it was - just pushed everyone over the tipping point.
• Sean Avery is freakin' Sean Avery.
  

But that's not the tone of the explanation the league is giving. We'll wait and see what they say with the final decision.

Cat, I'm really tempted to request a "Free Avery" T-shirt if it becomes available and costs less than $10. I can totally PayPal you.

And in Other, Flyers-centric News

We beat the Lightning! Blondie, you are a hot b****. Richie, dear captain, you're a beast.

Mystified,
Flyers.Femme
-

Thanks!

It's a two-for!

Part I: Guys, thanks for winning today. Props to Tiny!Briere, Richie (dear captain) and Timonen (my new favorite Finn).

Part II: Dudes at FlyerFlies.com and FanBunker.com, wow! A little positive peer pressure will keep me working on the blog as my schedule starts to revert back to its normal, crazy pace. (Y'know, as opposed to the abnormal one of late.)


And in other news...

1. If you haven't heard Braydon Coburn's Nov. 4 interview with La Greca and Hradek yet, run over the Flyers website, scroll down to the NHL news links area, and do it. Yes, I'm completely biased about Coby. No, I don't see any problem with that.

Only regret: I wish I could land an interview with him for my podcast when I resurrect it. *Sigh*

2. Watch for an upcoming poll to vote on which game I shall attend next. Unfortunately, it won't be until early December. (Mom has to work Turkey Day, so the family will not be meeting up in my 725 square-foot, two-bedroom apartment. Drat!)

3. There are new HLOGers! The Couch Tarts repping the S.J. Sharks and Kat covering the St. Louis Blues.

¡Hasta la vista!
Flyers.Femme
-

Zzzzzzz

Wake me when the pre-season starts, 'kay?

Troll Alert Level: Red

Dear Gentle Readers,

I love every one of you. Thanks for tuning in here for a hockey blog dedicated to mild analysis and stats, reactions to our favorite sport, and posts filled with snark.

All that being said, a snake has entered the garden and it's come to this: I'm turning on comments moderation due to one hater troll. Absolutely no anonymous comments will be approved.

For more information on the truly annoying (and infantile) affliction being delivered upon the HLOGers, read more on HLOG's August 1 post from the desk of our GM, the ever-fearless Sherry.

All my male readers out there: I don't hold childish examples like this against you guys. Y'know, unless I find out you did it. Then, I'll advertise it like crazy here in really LARGE, really bold, really red letters.

Yoo-hoo, Blogger: Where's my blocked list?

Remix: Flyers 07-08 Soundtrack

It's all there: Hope, love/hate, good times, a black shirt and some torture, a few rockin' Aussies, an annoying pop princess, a little punk, and a feel-good summer song.

1. Shop Around - The Miracles

Homer canabalized the remains of the Bobby Clarke dinosaurish Flyers line-up from the season which shall not be named and went on a shopping spree last summer!

2. Whistle While You Work - Snow White

Coach Stevens decided to hie the boys to a ropes course in Whistler, BC for some team-building. (I was completely envious!)

3. Light My Fire - The Doors

Kick @$$ Western road-trip to start the season, when it looked like that Briere-Gagne thing would piss everyone in the NHL off for 82 games.

4. Welcome to the Jungle - G n R

First six homes games ROCKED! (Note to Wachovia sound guys during Flyers games: The proper place to play this is the intermission between the end of the third and the start of overtime. No other time is acceptable, unless your aim is to make them lose! And, in that case, you should be fired.)

5. Are You Gonna Go My Way? - Lenny Kravitz

The guys just turned horribly, consistently inconsistent for a good part of the season. Sometimes there were good streaks...like leading into the All-Star break. And then...

6. La Tortura - Shakira feat. Alejandro Sanz and La Camisa Negra - Juanes

The whole month of February was so painful...and I wore a lot of black.

7. Back in Black - AC/DC

Somehow we started clawing our way back into the mix.

8. Celebrate - Kool and the Gang

It was a nail-bitter to the end. Thanks to some timely wins - and other teams' timely losses - we actually made the playoffs!?! (See, I'm still a bit blown-over by it.)

9. Are You Gonna Be My Girl? - Jet
Actual video v. Live at Forum Melbourne (their hometown, yo!)

Okay, this one's just for the music. But, yes, I was! I ponied up the $ for a last-minute ticket to Game 3, hung with a bunch of Norwegians in town to see Patrick Thoresen play, saw Sami score another goal, and drank a couple too many 'ritas and beer. But they won! And took the series in 7.

10. Oops!...I Did It Again - Britney Spears

'Cause who'da thunk it? Knock out the Habs? Philly? But we did. We did! Somehow.

11. Basket Case and Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day

And then, the Pens.

12. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

PS track: 'Cause what's a Philly summer without some old skool rap? Drums, please!
(Just for you, Eli!)

Yep, they're on vacation. No hockey. Me, I'm just kicking it until August.

HLOG Creative Challenge

Dear Gentle Readers,

The creative challenge has returned to HLOG! The goal was for each rep to create a soundtrack for her team's past season.

For better or worse, here's mine for the Flyers. Each selection is accompanied by an explanation and links to YouTube so you can see the video. So, go, read, click and view.

Enjoy!

Madness Begins

Dear hockey bloggers, fans and players (?),

The first 07-08 season wrap-up is, well, up! Check the candy column for the podcast player.

Guinea pig fan: Justin
Guinea pig team: Pens

Next customer, please!

Nadine

P.S.: And, yes, I am just that optimistic. Hey, it could happen!

Request: Interest in Off-Season Posts

Attention, hockey bloggers!

If you are:

1. A serious hockey fan,
2. Civilized,
3. Capable of posting under a name other than "Anonymous," and
4. Have interest in providing an 07/08 wrap-up and 08/09 preview

Contact me!

I'm plotting an off-season schedule that includes written interviews, audio and maybe even video posts and podcasts for every NHL team. Ideally, I'd like to spotlight my HLOG sisters and any interested male bloggers for each team.

Happy Summer!

Nadine of Flyers.Femme

Live! Tuesday Night!

Dear Gentle Readers,

First, congratulations to the Biron family.

Second, I'll be visiting section 111 tomorrow night.

Third, I'll be wearing some orange tomorrow night but not a lot. I look like crap in it, so I'm digging out as much BLACK as I can. (Read: I don't want to hear any snide remarks for not playing along with the PR scheme...I may be a fan but I refuse to look awful at the game!)

Ryan: See you there! I'll be at the Pavilion as close to 5 pm as possible for my pre-game 'ritas.

Versus: If that email is for real and you're moving to Philadelphia, how 'bout hiring the female blogger rather than asking me to promote your relocation? Just a thought.

Ciao!
Nadine

Celeb Hockey Bloggers Return

Nhl.com has resurrected the celebrity blogs just in time for the play-offs. Obviously, there was no Flyers coverage last season. (Shocking, I know!)

A few of the Tinseltown celebs blogging for the Western Conference includes the always-esteemed:

• Willa Ford (that's Mrs. Mike Modano to you and two guesses which team she'll be watching),
• Lauren Conrad (Not-So-Mighty Ducks),
• Thorsten Kaye from All My Children (Red Wings), and
  
• brothers Geoff (Red Wings) and George (Avs) Stults of Seventh Heaven fame...so, do the brawls spill over to the Stults family home, too?
  

The Eastern Conference celeb bloggers are a little more, um, fun and real.

• Kevin Smith, who, while I *heart* his movies, is a Devils fan. (How wrong is that?)
  
• Eddie Cahill, aka Jim Craig in Miracle, will follow the Rangers. (Completely predictable, CSI: NY!)
• Thomas Cavanaugh covers the Canadiens (but plays a Leaf in Breakfast with Scot).
• Adam Beach, who I completely *heart* since Smoke Signals, will blog about the Sens.

And Philly? Queue "Another One Bites the Dust."

Local weatherman Dave Roberts' son, David Boreanaz, dumps the BuffaSlugs since the Flyers overcame Last Season to move into the sixth seed in the final games of the season.

The only thing that would be better: Finding out James Marsters is a Flyers fan, too! (But I'm not holding my breath on that one.)

3/25 Flyers v. Rangers

Dudes, I can't look!

We're facing the Evil blue-shirted Rangers again. (God, why won't you make them go away?!?)

Sure, we beat them in a shoot-out last time. I'm still trying to figure out how that happened. Having Richie back and Cartsie still stepping it up does not equal a shoot-out turn-around of that magnitude. Must be all that game sitch practice, perhaps combined with a hex on Valiquette.

But so freakin' what?

I'm once again avoiding tonight's game in hopes that observing an away game superstition will contribute some positivity...so cue up the funky Stevie Wonder track.

Blog Pimpage, Flyers-Style

Ryan, I hope you're tuned in or in attendance. Loved all the posts from my hiatus! Keep up the fun.

Kristin, I agree! Gator, back to the Devils? That's so wrong on so many levels.

Completely, Unapologetically Off-Topic

The Jones Brothers performed A-Ha's classic "Take On Me" on tonight's Dancing with the Stars...someone was seriously off. Kids, please don't mess up my childhood memories like that!

Must go get original Norwegian 80s pop music track now to combat that sound.

Two Points; Richie Promoted

Final Score: Flyers 2, Rangers 1 OT

Is it too late...

To be a fan of the Jets, Nordiques and Whalers?

I'm not dropping the Flyers but I wonder: Is the life of fandom infinite?

In the case of these three hockey teams, I've seen or heard of four different fan responses:

• Conservative Right: Fan dumps NHL hockey - maybe even all of hockey - entirely.
• Moderate Option 1: Shows up to games in the dead team's sweater.
• Moderate Option 2: Remains loyal to the team but adopts the new name, colors, sweater, etc.
• Liberal Left: Relocates to where the team went and adopts the new team name, colors, etc.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the NHL is not the only professional sport to inflict this situation on its fans. Brooklyn Dodgers. Montreal Expos. Houston Oilers. Cleveland Browns. Possibly the Seattle Supersonics.

Yes, Houston and Cleveland experienced a resurrection for their NFL teams. In the case of (my) Browns, we sued Art Modell to keep the name and colors even though we lost the team. On the other hand, Houston has a new name and modified colors.

So, in light of discussions about the potential demise of the Supersonics and the Nashville Predators or Atlanta Thrashers, what are your feelings on the life span of being a fan for a deceased sports team?


P.S.: The Flyers' relationship with the home-and-home series is like our love affair with the shoot-out. It's equal to a win for the other team. Argh!

Here's a thought...

Dear NHL "leadership,"

When you hit a Wednesday that you've designated as that day of the week where you complete the annoying, routine tasks that give you no joy and require absolutely no creativity, your mind wanders.

Weird thoughts occur to you. Most of mine centered on - what else - hockey.

Just in case any of you decide to take advantage of the unfettered opportunity to know what real hockey fans think by wandering through the blogosphere and stumbling on my crazy universe, here's what I want to know today:

1. Why are there no term limits for the NHL commissioner? The Schmuck's closing in on his 15th anniversary with you. Hockey fans will be gnashing their teeth come February 1, okay? Isn't it enough Bettman already? Wouldn't some fresh ideas be nice?

2. If you can pull in an NBA lawyer for the post, would you ever consider a dedicated female fan for it? I'm certain any number of HLOGers or other female fans could do at least as good as him. (I'm sure most could do better, in fact.)

3. Presuming that Canada has its own version of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...and I'm sure they do...is the NHL committed to compliance?

4. What was wrong with the old division and conference names? Did they really have to be changed? If you needed more names due to expansion plans, couldn't you have borrowed a few more from some of those shiny trophies? I personally like Byng and Vezina. (Tip: Those regional names have zero personality to them.)

5. What exactly do you have against bloggers? You can't even get an acceptable TV deal and you want to nitpick about allowing bloggers access to the game? I've got a Philly-ism for that, but it's not fit for public consumption.

6. When does Chelios get his gold watch? He's no Joe Sakic, okay? Enough!

If you don't want to comment on the post so that others can read your answers, feel free to send me an email. (Since you don't seem to have working knowledge of blogs and bloggers, use the little envelope icon to send me a message, 'kay?)

To my Gentle Readers, comment away!

Kindest regards,
Nadine

Mid-season annoyances

Lucifer's Team

Bet you didn't know that Satan lives in Newark, NJ, much less that he has a hockey team? (Margee, I'm not maligning Miro, I promise.)

Jersey Marty and his minions (plus a really short guy named Gionta) will have another go at Philly Marty and the guys tomorrow night.

Positives for this game are:

1. HH Sami recovered sufficiently from the flu to practice today.
2. HBF #2 Randy's sprained knee improved enough to practice today as well.
3. We won our last three games.

Negatives for the contest would be:

a. Timonen wasn't at practice because he's plagued by the flu now. (Get well soon!)
b. Upshall and Gator don't look too likely to play tomorrow. (Ditto x 2!)
c. We won our last three games.

Hire me, please!

Friends, I think the Philadelphia Flyers communications crew needs to hire me.

There's a certain Flyers communications person who's driving me up the wall with his poorly written English. It's bad enough that there are times it seems he knows less about hockey than the average puck bunny.

But cursing me with bad English?

Simon Gagne was injured. He didn't get injured.

Speaking of Gagne

Gagne's return to the game appears to be sooner rather than later. He's done a good job of taking the time to recover from the second concussion. It will be interesting to see which line Simon will be on and how they fare together.

Somewhat Good News

If the season ended today, we'd be in the playoffs. Actually, all of the Atlantic Division teams would be in the mix. Quite nice considering last year, eh?

Niiiiice

For those of you who read my blog fairly regularly, you know that I'm pulling for Richie to bag the most points for the season over Briere. (He is my HBF #3.)

So, here's the latest update for the Official (Unofficial) Points Race brought to you by Nadine of Flyers.Femme:

Richards: 18 G + 25 A = 43 (+/- is 9)
Briere: 16 G + 23 A = 39 (+/- is -7)

I'm ba-ack! Game on!

I have returned from the Virginia wilds. I had a wonderful time with my parents, brothers and Diesel, the family dog, over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I didn't realize how badly I needed a vacation until I was on the train out of Philadelphia.

I hope all of you had a great time with friends, family or even by yourselves. (Hey, sometimes even extroverts like me need to escape it all!)

We now return to the regularly scheduled Flyers' hockey-centric content.

IPB Blogging Questionnaire

The fabulous sisters Ookie over at Interchangeable Parts recently posted on the authority and accountability of bloggers in response to a recent flare-up that originated with a piece by the mainstream media.

In the post, they created and answered a questionnaire on this theme, which is near and dear to my heart.

Just so we're completely clear about where I stand with regard to this blog, here are my answers:

1. What was your motivation for starting blogging? Has that changed at all in the time you've been blogging?

I love hockey in general, I come from a hockey family, and I wanted to share my take on what happens with the team, the NHL, and other hockey fans. My concept is to provide a space to share my perspective while having fun with all those other hockey-mad people out there. That is still the only motivation for my blog.

I was also disappointed that there were so few blogs written from the perspective of female Flyers fans. In most respects, we aren't that different from male fans. We love the sport and our team(s). We don't meet in a pink clubhouse with a sign that says "Girls Only" while talking non-stop about how hot certain players are. (Although that can be fun, too!)

However, sometimes we do have a separate voice to contribute to the discussion. Sadly, it's one that is rarely covered or seriously considered by (mostly male) sports journalists, let alone other members of the mainstream media (MSM).

2. What do you think your blog contributes to the hockey conversation?

I think my blog contributes a not-so-serious voice, but rather the voice of a serious hockey fan.

I'm not heavy into statistics, analysis, etc. I am not trying to steal a "real" journalist's job.

I like watching the game, to watch the game. It's really not anymore complicated than that. I love hockey and I want to share it with others.

(Truthfully, I also want to be on the record so that when Bettman finally asks for my opinion at some point, I can refer him to my post on the matter. Not that it's ever going to happen, but at least I put it out there.)

3. What do you want to get out of the blogs you read?

I read blogs on many topics (i.e., about things other than hockey), but they need to be well-written and give credit where credit is due. In terms of tone, I read blogs that run from the insanely silly and satirical to those that provide in-depth analysis of the subject they cover.

4. What determines which blogs you read and which you don't?

If an author doesn't give credit to sources it quotes or features, I absolutely will not visit them again. There are plenty of bloggers who do it and just as many who do not, but it is a major issue that we all face.

Another big issue for me is the "hate" factor. I take exception to people who are disrespectful of others' opinions and I choose not to waste my valuable Internet connection in that manner.

5. How important is the issue of gaining press access to you as a blogger?

Really, it's not that important to me because it means I would have to strip myself of my hockey fandom just to get the access.

I couldn't stomach going to a hockey game and not being allowed to openly rejoice when my team scores or makes a big play, to complain when the other team pulls a fast one that the zebras miss, or to wear the over-priced fan gear that I was suckered into purchasing.

It might be fun to have access one time. On the other hand, even if it came with the chance to ask questions of Coach Stevens or any of the players, I'd be too deer-in-headlights to make full use of the opportunity. If I wanted to make an impact on the hockey world, the press box is not where it would happen.

6. To what extent do you feel accountable for the content of your blog? How concerned do you think readers should be about the authority and accountability of your blog?

I am very accountable for the content I post on my blog and the two others to which I contribute. I learned early in life that I am the only person accountable for my actions. I strive for complete accuracy. If I do miss something (there was that one fact that got away from me), I fix it immediately and admit the mistake.

So, no, I don't have an editor. Alternatively, I am not paid to do this. I am a lone individual sharing my voice, which is all I ever portray my blog to be. However, I have to be responsible about what I post - even the very obviously silly ones - because if my audience feels I'm not accountable and responsible about my work, they usually won't return.

7. How concerned are you about the authority and accountability of the blogs you read? Do you find it difficult to judge the authority and accountability of the blogs you read?

Since most of the blogs I read are about subjects I know well, I can see which blog authors know what they're talking about and are accountable for what they post. I return to the good ones, and I avoid the bad ones while wearing a crucifix and a garlic necklace.

Of course, this doesn't apply to the silly, sarcastic and satirical ones that I read because accountability is the last thing on their minds. (If those are the blogs that stimulated the recent MSM complaints against bloggers, then, wow, how did you people miss the tone there?)

8. What value, if any, do you think blogging brings to the NHL?

Straight up, hockey blogging brings great value to the NHL because it provides direct access to the voices of the very people who keep you in business.

The blogosphere allows fans the space to share their knowledge of the game and team(s), to learn more about the sport, to interact with other hockey fans that they wouldn't meet under other circumstances, and to have an outlet for their die-hard hockey fandom.

If it didn't work well and wasn't trustworthy, why would so many NHL teams have a blog on their web sites in addition to the articles written by the MSM or in MSM-style by their communications staff ?

Blogger Biron Redux

Run on over to the Flyers web site and watch the always popular goalie Marty Biron video-blogging on the dads' and brother's trip with the guys for last night's 'Canes game.

My favorite highlights:

• Sami as Denis' dad. (Sami, I love the haircut!)
• Marty harrassing Jonesy for eating on the plane.
• Kimmo's (dry) sense of humor during the poker game with Hartsie and his dad.
• The dubbing for the conversation in the hotel lobby.
• "The Price Is Right" in the restaurant.

Today's funny/sarcastic thought for the day:

If it seems like everything's coming your way, you're obviously in the wrong lane.

Love yas,

Nadine

Off-topic: Rocking out

I don't know what it is about the last two months of the year, but each year I say the same thing in November and December:

Somebody...p l e a s e...queue the loud rock music.

There's nothing less seasonally appropriate, but my craving for rock is equal to that of goals by Mike Richards - seemingly never-ending.

The names in heavy rotation on my MP3 player during the train ride into and out of Center City have a severe bent towards the Brits, but it's not an exclusive club. I also don't rule out the other types of music, but maybe I hit the skip button a little more frequently.

If I look at this from a therapist's point of view, I guess it's in counterpoint to all the not-so-cheery holiday cheer I run into on the street. (You know, parents screaming at or begging with small children who are tired and just want to go home! Yeah, kid, me too.)

Instead of falling down crying and kicking my feet, I just turn on, plug in, and rock out.

• Not sure about trekking to the Evil Empire yet again (take your pick: the mall, Macy's, Wal-Mart)? Queue up "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash.
• Ready to scream because the stilleto crew has blocked the sidewalk on your way to the train? A hit of "Go Let It Out" by Oasis should cure all that ails you.
• Just crossed another day off the calendar before you can start your holiday break, but it's not enough? Try a little "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen as you roll out the door. (Freddie Mercury, I still miss you like crazy.)

After 29.5 years of living, one thing I have learned is to indulge those of my cravings that don't endanger myself or others. Dark chocolate. Hockey.

So, here's to my 2007 Rock Fix!

Playing as I finish this post: INXS, "What You Need"

P.S.: I'm an avid reader of Margee's "Sportsquee" blog. In addition to being another one of the HLOGers, Margee has a really...uh, vivid...imagination.

That being said, she has completely out-done herself with two recent posts about some Evil Ranjuhs which I simply must share with you. (And, please, for the love of Pete, bear in mind that the second one is total fiction...so far as anyone knows.)

• This Just In: Punching Sean Avery A Team Effort
• Fly on the Wall: Inside Henrik Lundqvist's Apartment

Flyers PR joins the revolution

Hockey Blogging...Finally

So, forgive me, but wtf? Here's a quote from the Flyers' web site:

On the Fly!
Philadelphia Flyers PR Blog

In the latest endeavor to make philadelphiaflyers.com THE place for all breaking news, updates, and information on the Orange and Black, the club’s public relations department will be keeping a blog right here on the Philadelphia Flyers official team website. We will update this blog with information that may not necessarily make headlines, but is important, interesting or newsworthy nonetheless.

All of the information contained on this page is considered official team news and/or public information.

Maybe I'm just really presumptuous and totally off my rocker, but doesn't that almost sound like at least a few of the independent Flyers' bloggers like me that aren't related to the organization in any official capacity were doing a better job than the PR team?

Yeah, sheer craziness on my part.

On a semi-related note, here's a mini-rant on blogging directed at the Flyers. I'll be quite honest: I have serious envy of CapsChick and Shmee. The Caps have the most blogger-friendly attitude in hockey. Grr!

Fun Flyer Photos

Check out the photo gallery from the meet and greet at Lucky Strike Lanes on the team's site.

• Ben Eager: I love your hat.
• Mike Knuble: I love that you stuck with Orange and Black for yours (the O's).
• Randy and Joffrey: Way to rock those curls!
• Jack Cassidy: Thanks for getting me a shot of each of my boys...I deeply appreciate it!

Note to Kristin

We need to catch up for practice. Let me know when you can go and we'll work something out.

Briere Reprieve

I'm not a Briere fan. I don't passionately dislike him, but I don't actively like him either. However, with the Flyers playing the Habs tonight, I'm give TinyBriere a reprieve. He's going to be annoyed enough by their fans and all of the boos we'll be hearing throughout the game. I hope he scores a goal just to shut them up...but a hat trick would be better.

[Additional material from this point on]

Flyers v. Canadiens

Pros: Richie is still on fire. Marty is still b****ing in goal (in spite of the loss). Scottie had a goal in his first game back. Love it!

Cons: No Hatch, Jonesy, or Gagne. Gator got hurt. Some little pissant hit Sami, then the Habs were surprised when the rest of the team didn't act like last year's Flyers. (Uh, hello? It's this season guys.) We didn't love the second like we normally do. Stupid NHL schedule-makers.

What's the difference?

[Author's note: The Flyers are gearing up for the Florida Kittens...err, Panthers. While they are on the road, my lack of cable and Center Ice Online will curtail personal reviews of the games.]

It's something I've been asked many times. I'm confronted by it when I read hockey blogs, be they about the Flyers or another team. It's probably most noticeable when I attend games.

I'm talking about the shocking difference between female and male hockey fans. Barring the immediate chromosomal differences, and excluding all puck-, rink- and dust-bunnies, I think it boils down to attitude.

So, uh, what's that mean?

Here's what I see on most guys' hockey blogs: B****ing, griping and moaning about freakin' stats. RFA/UFA hits to the CAP-this. PIMs, GAAs, and +/- ratings-that. Here a factoid, there a factoid...

In short, arm-chair GMing and sounding way too pretentious about it.

ENOUGH! Would you guys just sit back and watch the game?

I personally prefer to steer clear of stats because I dislike numbers...unless they're streaks. I'm more interested in the atmosphere of the game, the sights and sounds.

In regards to attending games, I'm deferring to my friend Teka's post on the matter. She's nailed it.

In the end, here's what's most important to me: I watched two teams playing hockey and had a d*** fine time doing it.