Yes, I attended last night's game. It was a last-minute decision on my part. Right now, I'm hoarse and putting together a write-up for any Gentle Readers I might still have. Check back later today.
However, to the row of Leafs fans in section 221 last night: It was nice to have you there last night. Thanks for keeping a good attitude. Way to pitch in on the yelling. Come back any time.
Okay, I'm back a day later than I expected. Sue me.
This is going to be a brief run down of impressions from the game since I no longer take notes at the games.
Thanks, Flyers, for winning another one while I was in attendance. It's a rare sight for me this season, but I truly appreciated.
After an 8-5 final score, once again, I want all talk of increased goal size or smaller goalie equipment banished. Some nights you're going to have a low-scoring game and sometimes you won't. Deal with it, NHL.
How interesting was that first period? I couldn't believe it when I saw tape-to-tape passing. Even I was a little overwhelmed with that 5-0 score at the end of the first. But, as co-workers Brandon and Justin could tell you, I wasn't ready to chirp at the Leafs fans about it because we've blown leads before.
No disrespect meant to the former Darth Gerber, but he looked a little like Swiss cheese on Friday. Somewhat fitting, considering he is Swiss. Personally, I think he's suffering without the flat black helmet.
Jeff Carter's hat trick was awesome. I can't tell you how nice it was to be there for that milestone, especially considering who was in attendance and knowing the smack he talks about Blondie. Peaked my @$$.
In summary, I'm bummed that I can't get 'ritas at the games any more, but glad I attended another game this season and it was a win.
Limiting my online time to enjoy the weekend,
Flyers.Femme
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Showing posts with label danny b. Show all posts
Showing posts with label danny b. Show all posts
Apr 4, 2009
Nov 11, 2008
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
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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
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Apr 30, 2008
4/30 Habs v. Flyers
Once upon a time, I lived in South America, where el fútbol is king. So, Habs fans, I am not ripping this off of you guys...I'm borrowing it from soccer:
Olé, olé, olé, olé.
Olé. Olé.
Guys, have a fun time in the Bell Centre. Best of luck to you. You're going to need it.
Final score: Flyers 4, Habs 2 (¡Híjole!)
Olé, olé, olé, olé.
Olé. Olé.
Guys, have a fun time in the Bell Centre. Best of luck to you. You're going to need it.
Final score: Flyers 4, Habs 2 (¡Híjole!)
Apr 15, 2008
4/15 Caps v. Flyers
Ryan, Fran & Eric:
To quote the title of an Oasis tune, "What's the Story (Morning Glory)?"
Final Score: Flyers 6, Caps 3
And, dudes, it was awesome! See you tomorrow evening for a full report after work!
P.S.: FHF, I knew the Habs could stick it to the Broons for another game in the series! But a win on a Breezer goal? How did that happen?
To quote the title of an Oasis tune, "What's the Story (Morning Glory)?"
Final Score: Flyers 6, Caps 3
And, dudes, it was awesome! See you tomorrow evening for a full report after work!
P.S.: FHF, I knew the Habs could stick it to the Broons for another game in the series! But a win on a Breezer goal? How did that happen?
Mar 25, 2008
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
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
Feb 25, 2008
2/25 Flyers v. Sabres
God Help Us
Bad news: The IR is not fun to look at right now. Plus, Richie joined it last game.
Good news, depending on who you talk to: Steve Downie (Fabric Softener) and Jesse Bowl-of-Rice are returning to the the line-up.
First Period
I'm not surprised. Boulerice v. Peters is a completely predictable scuffle.
Okay, two goals in less than 15 seconds is fun...when your team is the one scoring. This doesn't look good. Marty cannot do it all, and he shouldn't have to either.
There goes a third one for the Buffaslugs. Yikes! (The population of Pominville has grown by another one, argh.)
Score, Blondie! Much love to Knuble and Jonesy for the back-up on that one. Way to turn the momentum.
Fast-forward to just under two minutes later: Score, Hartsie! Thoresen, way to contribute in your second game.
Second Period
Some penalties that we killed successfully. No change in score.
Third Period
Guys, what if you woo us by flirting with your B game? I don't expect to see the A-, A, or A+ game, but B isn't asking for too much, right?
Score, R.J.! (With a little help from his friends Coby and Knuble.) Now, kiddies, hang on to your hats and wait for the ride to come to a full and complete stop.
Over Time
Please! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh! You guys are trying to kill all of us, right?
Shoot Out
Does it even matter?
Connolly...stopped! Timonen...stopped.
Kotalik...argh! Carter...in!
Roy...fanned! Briere...Holy God in Heaven! He did it!
Take that Buffaslugs!
What is this feeling I'm experiencing?
Oh, yes...it's a win and two points that belong to the Philadelphia Flyers!
And In Other News
We picked up some guy named Vinny Prospal. Is he any good? (Insert heavy sarcasm there.)
Bad news: The IR is not fun to look at right now. Plus, Richie joined it last game.
Good news, depending on who you talk to: Steve Downie (Fabric Softener) and Jesse Bowl-of-Rice are returning to the the line-up.
First Period
I'm not surprised. Boulerice v. Peters is a completely predictable scuffle.
Okay, two goals in less than 15 seconds is fun...when your team is the one scoring. This doesn't look good. Marty cannot do it all, and he shouldn't have to either.
There goes a third one for the Buffaslugs. Yikes! (The population of Pominville has grown by another one, argh.)
Score, Blondie! Much love to Knuble and Jonesy for the back-up on that one. Way to turn the momentum.
Fast-forward to just under two minutes later: Score, Hartsie! Thoresen, way to contribute in your second game.
Second Period
Some penalties that we killed successfully. No change in score.
Third Period
Guys, what if you woo us by flirting with your B game? I don't expect to see the A-, A, or A+ game, but B isn't asking for too much, right?
Score, R.J.! (With a little help from his friends Coby and Knuble.) Now, kiddies, hang on to your hats and wait for the ride to come to a full and complete stop.
Over Time
Please! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh! You guys are trying to kill all of us, right?
Shoot Out
Does it even matter?
Connolly...stopped! Timonen...stopped.
Kotalik...argh! Carter...in!
Roy...fanned! Briere...Holy God in Heaven! He did it!
Take that Buffaslugs!
What is this feeling I'm experiencing?
Oh, yes...it's a win and two points that belong to the Philadelphia Flyers!
And In Other News
We picked up some guy named Vinny Prospal. Is he any good? (Insert heavy sarcasm there.)
Feb 23, 2008
2/23 Kitty Cats v. Flyers
First Period
No goals by anyone. We successfully killed two penalties. Overall, the play seems to be waaaay more inspired than Thursday.
By the way, Ollie Jokinen is there tonight but his presence isn't as forceful and all-consuming as usual.
Second Period
Danny Briere scores a goal! (Blondie, thanks for the assist.)
And then we lose focus, earning a too many men on the ice penalty. *eye roll* However, we successfully kill that penalty also and finish out the period with the only goal and lead.
Third Period
Hey, Jay Bouwmeester, like taking out Simon Gagne wasn't enough this season? You had to knock around Richie tonight, too? No, apparently Bouwmeester also wanted to cruelly rob Niitty of a shut-out.
Sound guys waited for it and played GNR's "Welcome to the Jungle" for the mini-intermission before OT. That's when you're supposed play it, not during the third period.
Over Time
Hustle, guys. Be wild.
Jones, love ya, but why the penalty? Apparently, Ollie decided to wake up for OT and he scored.
Dear Guys,
I'm not going to whine much about this one. (Well, I'll curse out the Florida Kitty Cats but that's all.) You played better. You had energy. You created opportunities and took advantage of them.
Stay positive. Work hard but don't think too hard about it. Have fun at the carnival tomorrow.
Side rant: Another ED commercial? AAAAHHHH! My ears are burning! I'm too young to be hearing about this. Always, Kotex, Platex and Stay-Free: help a fangirl out!
No goals by anyone. We successfully killed two penalties. Overall, the play seems to be waaaay more inspired than Thursday.
By the way, Ollie Jokinen is there tonight but his presence isn't as forceful and all-consuming as usual.
Second Period
Danny Briere scores a goal! (Blondie, thanks for the assist.)
And then we lose focus, earning a too many men on the ice penalty. *eye roll* However, we successfully kill that penalty also and finish out the period with the only goal and lead.
Third Period
Hey, Jay Bouwmeester, like taking out Simon Gagne wasn't enough this season? You had to knock around Richie tonight, too? No, apparently Bouwmeester also wanted to cruelly rob Niitty of a shut-out.
Sound guys waited for it and played GNR's "Welcome to the Jungle" for the mini-intermission before OT. That's when you're supposed play it, not during the third period.
Over Time
Hustle, guys. Be wild.
Jones, love ya, but why the penalty? Apparently, Ollie decided to wake up for OT and he scored.
Dear Guys,
I'm not going to whine much about this one. (Well, I'll curse out the Florida Kitty Cats but that's all.) You played better. You had energy. You created opportunities and took advantage of them.
Stay positive. Work hard but don't think too hard about it. Have fun at the carnival tomorrow.
Side rant: Another ED commercial? AAAAHHHH! My ears are burning! I'm too young to be hearing about this. Always, Kotex, Platex and Stay-Free: help a fangirl out!
Feb 21, 2008
2/21 Sharks v. Flyers
Dear Flyers,
Pardon the girlie, PMS-y question here, but I missed my telenovelas for that?!!?
I have some truly snarky comments I could make. I'm not going to do it tonight. (Tomorrow may be a different story.)
As painful as that game was for the fans, it has to have been 100 times worse for all of you and I just don't feel like crapping on you when everyone else will do it. I mean, I even feel sorry for Tiny!Briere right now.
Dear Flyers in-house, in-game promoters,
You should be ashamed of yourselves! You should have stuck that ice girl in any other jersey tonight.
Or are you trying to make the fans believe that you had no idea Briere will be booed harder by us in the Wachovia Center than by the Habs fans in the Bell Centre?
Dear Gentle Readers,
I can't even begin to dissect that game. My frustration level tonight was higher than the Nov. 17th Devils-induced blow-out I witnessed from Row 1 behind the goal.
Oh and I did something I have never done before: I left the game before it was over! If the Flyers weren't going to win, I wasn't going to miss my train home for it. Selfish I know, however, I'm 99.99% certain that my staying wouldn't have positively influenced the game's outcome for us.
Dear Mike Knuble,
Thanks for setting up that play and going for the goal. Loved it! (Way to pitch in Rosie and Richie.)
P.S.: The new haircut looks great on you. Did you go to the same place as Sami, Kimmo and Danny?
Dear God,
Please, help!
Also, please send enough crappy weather to give me a snow day tomorrow. I won't complain about the 5:30 a.m. wake-up call if it means I can go straight back to bed and start my weekend earlier.
Pardon the girlie, PMS-y question here, but I missed my telenovelas for that?!!?
I have some truly snarky comments I could make. I'm not going to do it tonight. (Tomorrow may be a different story.)
As painful as that game was for the fans, it has to have been 100 times worse for all of you and I just don't feel like crapping on you when everyone else will do it. I mean, I even feel sorry for Tiny!Briere right now.
Dear Flyers in-house, in-game promoters,
You should be ashamed of yourselves! You should have stuck that ice girl in any other jersey tonight.
Or are you trying to make the fans believe that you had no idea Briere will be booed harder by us in the Wachovia Center than by the Habs fans in the Bell Centre?
Dear Gentle Readers,
I can't even begin to dissect that game. My frustration level tonight was higher than the Nov. 17th Devils-induced blow-out I witnessed from Row 1 behind the goal.
Oh and I did something I have never done before: I left the game before it was over! If the Flyers weren't going to win, I wasn't going to miss my train home for it. Selfish I know, however, I'm 99.99% certain that my staying wouldn't have positively influenced the game's outcome for us.
Dear Mike Knuble,
Thanks for setting up that play and going for the goal. Loved it! (Way to pitch in Rosie and Richie.)
P.S.: The new haircut looks great on you. Did you go to the same place as Sami, Kimmo and Danny?
Dear God,
Please, help!
Also, please send enough crappy weather to give me a snow day tomorrow. I won't complain about the 5:30 a.m. wake-up call if it means I can go straight back to bed and start my weekend earlier.
Jan 16, 2008
1/16 Panthers v. Flyers
First Intermission
I don't care what happens in the next two periods. Four goals by four different guys (Kimmo, Simon, Danny and Scott) makes me smile three out of four times.
Guys, that being said, please play like you are on fire, 'kay? Thanks!
Second Intermission
Dudes, that wasn't quite the "on fire" I meant. Please check yourselves before you come back on the ice.
After some reflection, here are the keys to the third:
1. No unnecessary penalties against us. (None would be optimal, guys.)
2. No sloppy plays, Hatch. You've been around too long to do that.
3. Act like our blue line is your baby sister's virginity: Post a "No Trespassing" sign and lock it down.
Third Period Reflections
So, no, I'm not a Briere fan. But in a game like tonight's, I really don't mind his empty-net goal. Good on him, because insurance is nice to have.
And it's about time we win at home.
I'm calling Kimmo Timonen as a star of the game (1 G, 2 A). My other two votes go to Niitty and that Vokoun guy - just to show that I can be a good fan of the winning team. However, Richie is awarded the third star, which was the more likely scenario with his two assists.
Shameless Plug: Vote!
Fellow HLOGer Sherry's Scarlett Ice is nominated for "Best Sports Blog" in the Canadian Blog Awards. Congratulations, Sherry!
Now, I don't know if this is allowed. If not, I'll claim ignorance of the process by reason of being from the U.S.A. Anyway, voting is open but you can only vote once. Please consider casting one for Sherry.
I don't care what happens in the next two periods. Four goals by four different guys (Kimmo, Simon, Danny and Scott) makes me smile three out of four times.
Guys, that being said, please play like you are on fire, 'kay? Thanks!
Second Intermission
Dudes, that wasn't quite the "on fire" I meant. Please check yourselves before you come back on the ice.
After some reflection, here are the keys to the third:
1. No unnecessary penalties against us. (None would be optimal, guys.)
2. No sloppy plays, Hatch. You've been around too long to do that.
3. Act like our blue line is your baby sister's virginity: Post a "No Trespassing" sign and lock it down.
Third Period Reflections
So, no, I'm not a Briere fan. But in a game like tonight's, I really don't mind his empty-net goal. Good on him, because insurance is nice to have.
And it's about time we win at home.
I'm calling Kimmo Timonen as a star of the game (1 G, 2 A). My other two votes go to Niitty and that Vokoun guy - just to show that I can be a good fan of the winning team. However, Richie is awarded the third star, which was the more likely scenario with his two assists.
Shameless Plug: Vote!
Fellow HLOGer Sherry's Scarlett Ice is nominated for "Best Sports Blog" in the Canadian Blog Awards. Congratulations, Sherry!
Now, I don't know if this is allowed. If not, I'll claim ignorance of the process by reason of being from the U.S.A. Anyway, voting is open but you can only vote once. Please consider casting one for Sherry.
Dec 15, 2007
12/15 'Canes v. Flyers
Dear Guys,
Please let my return to the WC be a nice one. The last time wasn't so pretty (thanks, Devils). No stress or anything, but it would completely make my Christmas/New Year break if you could win while I'm there.
I'm sure you're all really busy preparing for today, but here's your fun thought for the day:
Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
Dear Gentle Readers,
If any of you are at the game, come and see me low in section 212. I'll be rocking my Kapanen sweater. Also, Whalers sweater guy, hope you're back for tonight's game. Kristin and I loved seeing you there last time!
I'll have my paper along for a proper game perspective some time late tonight or tomorrow.
If you're a new reader that I meet at tonight's game, please note that I hate stats and so this blog doesn't really contain any analysis.
Love yas,
Nadine
The Sweep that Almost Was
Pre-Game
Kristin mentioned the new pre-game video, but tonight was my first time seeing it. These are my two profound reflections on it:
1. Vesa Toskala is a clothes-whore.
2. Gary Roberts is ripped. Forget milk, organic does a body good! (And how funny is it that Gary's trying to teach Recchi to eat right? Who's helping him now that he's in Atlanta? Or is Recchi calling Roberts for tips in the Whole Foods aisle there?)
Note to Ryan: Please come save me from the stupid, seriously bad male hockey fans in Philly! (Not all of them are bad. The guys surrounding my seat on high tonight were great! But the others, pfft!) By the way, Ryan, I'm sending out New Year's cards. If you want one, email me your address.
Warm-up:
Hatch and Kukkie were skating. Please let this mean that Mr. -12 (aka Rory Fitzpatrick) will not be in the line-up!
First Period
From my lovely section 212, row 2, seat 7 placement, I can see the benches across the way and the sin bins below me. (As I suspected, the Pens didn't visit the away sin bin for the decor.)
Scratches: Timonen (Oh no!). Fitzpatrick (Yeah!). Cote (Um, not entirely sure, so, no?)
Starting line-up: Biron, Hatcher, Coburn, Tolpenko, (wait for it) Sami Kapanen, and Carter.
I am so happy about Kapi and Cartsie being back together again, even if it's only for tonight. (Theme song, "Reunited and It Feels So Good.") I remember fondly how they fed each other for goals back when we could win at home. Kapi busts his behind on basically every shift out there and Carter seems to keep up with him. Add Tolpenko into the mix and you've got three skilled, quick guys out there.
Hartsie disappeared from the ice for a brief time during the first. From my vantage point, it looked like he was holding his wrist/arm.
At 9:33, Lupul steals the puck away from a 'Cane (doesn't really matter who), skates into their zone and scores an unassisted goal. The boy's still got jump left after walking all over Pittsburgh and in spite of losing to the Habs on Thursday. "Woo-hoo," to quote Beezer (the band, not the goalie, though John could have said that before.)
The 'Canes do manage to tie it up and score a go-ahead goal. I'm not unhappy with the first, but I also expect better.
Second Period
'Canes score a goal, bumping their lead to two. I'm not really happy about it. Neither was anyone else wearing Flyers gear in section 212. (The random 'Canes fans were giddy.)
On a power play, Hartnell scores a goal at 5:28, assisted by Carter and Coburn. Nice! So glad the refs had to think about this one. My grandmother (may she rest in peace) could have seen it go in before her cataract surgery!
Lups looks around, figures it's time to tie things back up, and slaps one in at 7:32 on the assist from R.J. Umberger.
So, how ready am I for Eager to be the healthy scratch every night? Like, totally! No particular reason for that thought to hit me mid-period, but it did. I've tried to avoid the Eager-bashing, and I pretty much still am, but enough already. Really.
Sami was awesome on his shifts. To me, it seems like he's very underrated. I know he isn't wracking up goals and assists like others, but he's consistently crushing the hopes and dreams of the lines he's sent out to face. (Stevens once said he was pretty sure Kapi could play whichever position he asked him to, including goalie.) It irks me! But, again, I'm biased...he is on my sweater for a reason.
Random 'Cane (okay, Staal) scores another goal for the Dark Side.
Third Period
"We only need one goal to tie it up." That's the only thing that I thought about as the third got underway.
Thirty seconds into the period, Tiny!Briere earns his ridonkculously over-inflated pay check. Making him look good were Hartnell and Coburn.
We're tied a little too early in the period. It's nice, but I wanted w a y more insurance than that.
Sami puts on a one-man clinic at one point during the third. He even put a guy into the boards hard enough for Raleigh to hear the thump. I loved it! Of course, it was also hugely frustrating because no one was in position for any really good set-up to get underway.
Another 'Cane scores a goal...argh!
But the period is not over until it's over. (Thanks, Yogi Bera.) Lups is not content with just one hat-trick this week. Oh, no! At 11:46, on a power play, he tips-in, he scores. The Mikes (Knuble and Richards) are responsible for the assists.
I love these guys but they give me heart failure! The period ends in a 5-5 tie and we head for the standard OT.
Overtime
It's important to note that the officiating really...bit...during the whole game. The zebras made some of the worst calls I've ever seen and kept getting in the way...like "stepping on the puck and making it impossible for the players to get it without attacking them" bad.
With that explanation out of the way, and disregarding my dislike of Tiny!Briere (mandated star of the team, whiner, diver and spearer), what has to happen before a penalty is called when he's shoved to the ice and held down? Right next to the boards?
Do the refs see it? No. They're too busy calling Lups for hooking.
Does this occur so far way from the Briere Incident as to not be see by the refs? No, it's happening right next to it, before the hooking is ever perpetrated. In other words, to see Lups' hooking penalty, you had to already be viewing the Briere Pin-Down.
At any rate, nobody scores in OT and we head for the dreaded shoot out. (Nothing more needs to be written. Flyers + SO = Win for someone else's team.) 'Canes win 6-5.
Official (Unofficial) Points Race Update, Sponsored by Nadine of Flyers.Femme
In spite of Tiny!Briere's goal tonight, he's still behind Richie and his assist. While many consider Danny to be our best player, I'm so not buying into the NHL poster-child syndrome that disseminates his name and number onto most of the Flyers Fan Gear I see.
Richie: 14 G + 22 A = 36 points (+/- is a 9)
Briere: 14 G + 20 A = 34 points (+/- is a -5)
Weirdest moment of the game
Marty Biron is credited with the check of the game. Yep, our goalie may be a funny, well-spoken, very personable guy, but he's not afraid to knock you down in the corner! (Hey Cindy, "I don't cheat and I don't whine.")
Please let my return to the WC be a nice one. The last time wasn't so pretty (thanks, Devils). No stress or anything, but it would completely make my Christmas/New Year break if you could win while I'm there.
I'm sure you're all really busy preparing for today, but here's your fun thought for the day:
Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
Dear Gentle Readers,
If any of you are at the game, come and see me low in section 212. I'll be rocking my Kapanen sweater. Also, Whalers sweater guy, hope you're back for tonight's game. Kristin and I loved seeing you there last time!
I'll have my paper along for a proper game perspective some time late tonight or tomorrow.
If you're a new reader that I meet at tonight's game, please note that I hate stats and so this blog doesn't really contain any analysis.
Love yas,
Nadine
The Sweep that Almost Was
Pre-Game
Kristin mentioned the new pre-game video, but tonight was my first time seeing it. These are my two profound reflections on it:
1. Vesa Toskala is a clothes-whore.
2. Gary Roberts is ripped. Forget milk, organic does a body good! (And how funny is it that Gary's trying to teach Recchi to eat right? Who's helping him now that he's in Atlanta? Or is Recchi calling Roberts for tips in the Whole Foods aisle there?)
Note to Ryan: Please come save me from the stupid, seriously bad male hockey fans in Philly! (Not all of them are bad. The guys surrounding my seat on high tonight were great! But the others, pfft!) By the way, Ryan, I'm sending out New Year's cards. If you want one, email me your address.
Warm-up:
Hatch and Kukkie were skating. Please let this mean that Mr. -12 (aka Rory Fitzpatrick) will not be in the line-up!
First Period
From my lovely section 212, row 2, seat 7 placement, I can see the benches across the way and the sin bins below me. (As I suspected, the Pens didn't visit the away sin bin for the decor.)
Scratches: Timonen (Oh no!). Fitzpatrick (Yeah!). Cote (Um, not entirely sure, so, no?)
Starting line-up: Biron, Hatcher, Coburn, Tolpenko, (wait for it) Sami Kapanen, and Carter.
I am so happy about Kapi and Cartsie being back together again, even if it's only for tonight. (Theme song, "Reunited and It Feels So Good.") I remember fondly how they fed each other for goals back when we could win at home. Kapi busts his behind on basically every shift out there and Carter seems to keep up with him. Add Tolpenko into the mix and you've got three skilled, quick guys out there.
Hartsie disappeared from the ice for a brief time during the first. From my vantage point, it looked like he was holding his wrist/arm.
At 9:33, Lupul steals the puck away from a 'Cane (doesn't really matter who), skates into their zone and scores an unassisted goal. The boy's still got jump left after walking all over Pittsburgh and in spite of losing to the Habs on Thursday. "Woo-hoo," to quote Beezer (the band, not the goalie, though John could have said that before.)
The 'Canes do manage to tie it up and score a go-ahead goal. I'm not unhappy with the first, but I also expect better.
Second Period
'Canes score a goal, bumping their lead to two. I'm not really happy about it. Neither was anyone else wearing Flyers gear in section 212. (The random 'Canes fans were giddy.)
On a power play, Hartnell scores a goal at 5:28, assisted by Carter and Coburn. Nice! So glad the refs had to think about this one. My grandmother (may she rest in peace) could have seen it go in before her cataract surgery!
Lups looks around, figures it's time to tie things back up, and slaps one in at 7:32 on the assist from R.J. Umberger.
So, how ready am I for Eager to be the healthy scratch every night? Like, totally! No particular reason for that thought to hit me mid-period, but it did. I've tried to avoid the Eager-bashing, and I pretty much still am, but enough already. Really.
Sami was awesome on his shifts. To me, it seems like he's very underrated. I know he isn't wracking up goals and assists like others, but he's consistently crushing the hopes and dreams of the lines he's sent out to face. (Stevens once said he was pretty sure Kapi could play whichever position he asked him to, including goalie.) It irks me! But, again, I'm biased...he is on my sweater for a reason.
Random 'Cane (okay, Staal) scores another goal for the Dark Side.
Third Period
"We only need one goal to tie it up." That's the only thing that I thought about as the third got underway.
Thirty seconds into the period, Tiny!Briere earns his ridonkculously over-inflated pay check. Making him look good were Hartnell and Coburn.
We're tied a little too early in the period. It's nice, but I wanted w a y more insurance than that.
Sami puts on a one-man clinic at one point during the third. He even put a guy into the boards hard enough for Raleigh to hear the thump. I loved it! Of course, it was also hugely frustrating because no one was in position for any really good set-up to get underway.
Another 'Cane scores a goal...argh!
But the period is not over until it's over. (Thanks, Yogi Bera.) Lups is not content with just one hat-trick this week. Oh, no! At 11:46, on a power play, he tips-in, he scores. The Mikes (Knuble and Richards) are responsible for the assists.
I love these guys but they give me heart failure! The period ends in a 5-5 tie and we head for the standard OT.
Overtime
It's important to note that the officiating really...bit...during the whole game. The zebras made some of the worst calls I've ever seen and kept getting in the way...like "stepping on the puck and making it impossible for the players to get it without attacking them" bad.
With that explanation out of the way, and disregarding my dislike of Tiny!Briere (mandated star of the team, whiner, diver and spearer), what has to happen before a penalty is called when he's shoved to the ice and held down? Right next to the boards?
Do the refs see it? No. They're too busy calling Lups for hooking.
Does this occur so far way from the Briere Incident as to not be see by the refs? No, it's happening right next to it, before the hooking is ever perpetrated. In other words, to see Lups' hooking penalty, you had to already be viewing the Briere Pin-Down.
At any rate, nobody scores in OT and we head for the dreaded shoot out. (Nothing more needs to be written. Flyers + SO = Win for someone else's team.) 'Canes win 6-5.
Official (Unofficial) Points Race Update, Sponsored by Nadine of Flyers.Femme
In spite of Tiny!Briere's goal tonight, he's still behind Richie and his assist. While many consider Danny to be our best player, I'm so not buying into the NHL poster-child syndrome that disseminates his name and number onto most of the Flyers Fan Gear I see.
Richie: 14 G + 22 A = 36 points (+/- is a 9)
Briere: 14 G + 20 A = 34 points (+/- is a -5)
Weirdest moment of the game
Marty Biron is credited with the check of the game. Yep, our goalie may be a funny, well-spoken, very personable guy, but he's not afraid to knock you down in the corner! (Hey Cindy, "I don't cheat and I don't whine.")
Nov 24, 2007
11/24 Flyers vs. Sens
Sweeeeeeet!
Dear Guys,
I love yas! That was fantastic. Everybody was in there, swinging away. I am just ecstatic!
Dear Guys,
I love yas! That was fantastic. Everybody was in there, swinging away. I am just ecstatic!
- Eager, who lit a fire under you?
- Niitty, hon, I wish I could be on the ice to give you a little helmet-to-helmet tap.
- Kapi, really, there's a reason you're my HH and on my sweater!
- Richie! Woo-hoo!
- Briere, I even enjoyed watching you tonight.
- Hartsie, niiiiiice one. (And the assist was really pretty, too!)
- R.J., the only bad thing I can say about you is that you don't wear your mouth guard correctly (and you really should).
- Jonesy and Kimmo, I love your pairing and nominate yas for Co-Presidents of Defense.
- Kukkie, you are such a sweetie, in a totally "I will crush your dreams of scoring" way.
- Braydon, thank you for diving into the goal (in the good way).
One question I'm dying to have answered: Gator, did you shave right before the game? That's the least stubbly I've seen you all season.
So, Gentle Readers, you'll pardon me for the gushing tone, but hey, we just beat the freakin' Sens! At Scotia Bank Place!
(BTW, I'm sure my neighbors really love me now, since all the screaming and jumping up and down for joy was probably...um...intriguing to them.)
Oh, how I love this game!
Nadine
Nov 15, 2007
OMG: Kill Me Now
So, the free promotional item for the November 26 game against the Bruins is...a Briere bobblehead. I'm almost tempted to skip that game just so I can avoid it. The other half of me wants to go and "Just Say No."
Pre-Game Summary
First, I'm home tonight. Kristin is holding down the Flyers' HLOGer presence on her own tonight.
Our last match-up with the Ranjuhs was described with one succinct word: Blech! As a result, I really don't quite know what to write for tonight's "Dear Guys" letter. Let's try this:
Dear Guys,
Please don't give them a lot of Power Plays. Yeah, our PK is nice, but let's not push our luck.
And Richie, don't let Avery tweak you. Let Gator take a bite out of him. Or Jonesy. Heck, Coburn can laugh in his face. Kimmo and Kukkie could just coast him into the boards and stick him there. You just need to keep playing your game, not his assinine one. You're way better than that.
Good luck to every one of you!
Love yas,
Nadine
First Period
Dude, Jim Dowd beat King Henry at 4:01! Assists were by Cote and Tolpenko. Even if it was ugly, Dowd slid one past him.
Riley, c'mon. Are you ever going to let your perma-black eyes heal? I worry about you.
Darn! The Blue Shirts managed to put one on the board.
On-topic [hockey-wise], but off-topic [Flyers-wise]: The Phantoms are 13-2-1!
Second Period
Stupid Ranjuhs. Another goal...grr.
Score!! Right, so it was a Briere goal, but Richie assisted. (Go Richie!)
Guess what? The boys in the Communications department finally put information about Sami Kapanen back up on the IR. But, he's only missed three games? It feels like more. (Dear Sami, please get well soon. We could really use you back in the line-up.)
Sweater Update: Still no further tracking information. I really wanted to have it for Saturday! Well, maybe tomorrow.
Third Period
Evil Chris Drury.
Yeah Denis Tolpenko! Congrats on your first NHL goal. (Thank you to Gator and Kukkie for the assists.)
OT: We've only done this one other time this year. It was at home. Last time we won it in 48 seconds. That was then, this is now. Now, we don't win in OT and the guys are working hard to give everyone heart failure.
SO: This is what drives me nuts...shoot-outs. We have to contend with Lundqvist keeping things out of the net, and Shanny and Jagr wanting to put them in ours.
Final Score: Flyers 3, Evil Rangers 4 (SO)
Pre-Game Summary
First, I'm home tonight. Kristin is holding down the Flyers' HLOGer presence on her own tonight.
Our last match-up with the Ranjuhs was described with one succinct word: Blech! As a result, I really don't quite know what to write for tonight's "Dear Guys" letter. Let's try this:
Dear Guys,
Please don't give them a lot of Power Plays. Yeah, our PK is nice, but let's not push our luck.
And Richie, don't let Avery tweak you. Let Gator take a bite out of him. Or Jonesy. Heck, Coburn can laugh in his face. Kimmo and Kukkie could just coast him into the boards and stick him there. You just need to keep playing your game, not his assinine one. You're way better than that.
Good luck to every one of you!
Love yas,
Nadine
First Period
Dude, Jim Dowd beat King Henry at 4:01! Assists were by Cote and Tolpenko. Even if it was ugly, Dowd slid one past him.
Riley, c'mon. Are you ever going to let your perma-black eyes heal? I worry about you.
Darn! The Blue Shirts managed to put one on the board.
On-topic [hockey-wise], but off-topic [Flyers-wise]: The Phantoms are 13-2-1!
Second Period
Stupid Ranjuhs. Another goal...grr.
Score!! Right, so it was a Briere goal, but Richie assisted. (Go Richie!)
Guess what? The boys in the Communications department finally put information about Sami Kapanen back up on the IR. But, he's only missed three games? It feels like more. (Dear Sami, please get well soon. We could really use you back in the line-up.)
Sweater Update: Still no further tracking information. I really wanted to have it for Saturday! Well, maybe tomorrow.
Third Period
Evil Chris Drury.
Yeah Denis Tolpenko! Congrats on your first NHL goal. (Thank you to Gator and Kukkie for the assists.)
OT: We've only done this one other time this year. It was at home. Last time we won it in 48 seconds. That was then, this is now. Now, we don't win in OT and the guys are working hard to give everyone heart failure.
SO: This is what drives me nuts...shoot-outs. We have to contend with Lundqvist keeping things out of the net, and Shanny and Jagr wanting to put them in ours.
Final Score: Flyers 3, Evil Rangers 4 (SO)
Nov 11, 2007
Severe case of Whineritis
Summary for the Flyers: Round 2
Summary for the Penguins: Rematch
Cindy Crybaby, er, Crosby brought his show the the Wachovia Center last night. And even though we had to contend with Kerry Fraser's unique reffing style, he didn't fall for Cindy's tricks.
But it was funny to watch.
Pre-Game
HLOGers in attendance: Kristin, Teka and I
Ryan: I had a 'rita just for you. (Kristin and I think you should strongly consider coming to the Devils' game next Saturday. Amtrak runs a lot of times between here and NYC.)
First Period
I was a tiny bit concerned for the guys going into the game, only because they had one day off between games. At the same time, I hoped they'd show more of the hustle we saw when they played the Pens earlier in the week.
Set your tempo. You're at home. Play your man.
And they did! 1:31 is all it took for Kimmo Timonen to score his first Flyers goal on the power play. Assists were by Briere and Lupul. (During the game, this goal was attributed to Knuble at first. Why are the goal judges not behind the goals again?)
Malone and Gator start mouthing at one another. Ryan, don't play with Gator, okay? He has that name for a reason and he might bite off more than you can afford to lose.
At 7:51 Mike Knuble puts the puck in at least twice before the goal is called. (See, this wouldn't happen if the goal judges were sitting in their former seats.) Assists were by Briere and Timonen.
By the way, no offense meant, but watching the post-goal on-ice mini-celebration, I just realized how long Knuble's schnoz is!
At the end of the period, Flyers out-shot the Pens 10-7. We don't seem to make as many shots as others, so I was glad to see we could out-shoot another team.
Second Period
How annoying is the "PECO Power Play?" How about a normal one? I like that much better. Either way, Lups scores 5:40 into the second on one. Assists were by Richie and Timonen.
For most of the night, Marty has Malkin's number. He basically looks right at Malkin every time he snags one of Malkin's shots. But at 8:39, one gets by. My reaction as the Pens fans around me celebrate: Whatev.
I sat back for most of the second and just enjoyed the game.
At the end of the period, Marty and the guys clear the puck into the Pens' zone. Flower sends it back into our end, and Gonchar rips it into the net at 19:59. All of my neighbors are happy. I'm not very worried about it. There's a whole third period to go.
Kristin messages me that the seat next to Teka is empty. I move to Row 5 for the third.
Third Period
How to sum up the period: Both teams settle in for a fast-paced, almost eight-minute game of ping pong before really accomplishing anything. I'm not overly worried about the score, but insurance would be nice.
As if the guys in the sound booth have been reading here, someone kicks Briere in the pants and he scores. That's Danny's first home goal this season. Sadly, no theme song, even though the horn sounded suspiciously longer and louder than for other goals.
At some point well past halfway through the period, Crosby starts acting...really hard. He tries to draw something against Gator. Gator yells at him. Because I'm in Row 5 I can hear him bellow, but not clearly enough to hear what exactly Gator says. Darn!
Play cycles around a little more and Cindy takes the most dramatic, flying, fetal-crumpled, self-induced plow into the boards that I've seen since Dustin Davis crying foul in soccer games as a youth. (I know that most of you Gentle Readers don't understand that frame of reference, but Eli does.)
Thankfully, he hits with his well-padded, um, behind. ;P
Some of the other Pens looked a little miffed about this one. Like it's not accomplishing anything, and it isn't. Cindy drops a few F-bombs when it becomes apparent that no one is going to be sent to the box.
This leads to what could have been the mother-of-all Battle of Pennsylvania smack-downs in the last two minutes of the game. The refs try to break it up and essentially do.
But while everyone is picking up their stuff and preparing to resume play, Braydon Coburn is laughing about this attempt to scrum that the refs denied both teams. Malone, being somewhat stupid, intentionally shoulders into Coburn while he's coasting by. Coburn isn't having it and goes after Malone. Both are tossed with a misconduct at 18:56.
Flower is yanked from the pipes, a little too prematurely as it turns out. Richie intercepts the puck, skates it into the Pens zone, and passes it to Hartnell. Hartnell fires it into the empty net at 19:01. It's Hartnell's first goal as a Flyer, and there's a nice, long, loud horn for him also.
Points Update: Briere and Richie are still tied at 19 for the lead on points earned.
Final Score: Flyers 5, Penguins 2.
Summary for the Penguins: Rematch
Cindy Crybaby, er, Crosby brought his show the the Wachovia Center last night. And even though we had to contend with Kerry Fraser's unique reffing style, he didn't fall for Cindy's tricks.
But it was funny to watch.
Pre-Game
HLOGers in attendance: Kristin, Teka and I
Ryan: I had a 'rita just for you. (Kristin and I think you should strongly consider coming to the Devils' game next Saturday. Amtrak runs a lot of times between here and NYC.)
First Period
I was a tiny bit concerned for the guys going into the game, only because they had one day off between games. At the same time, I hoped they'd show more of the hustle we saw when they played the Pens earlier in the week.
Set your tempo. You're at home. Play your man.
And they did! 1:31 is all it took for Kimmo Timonen to score his first Flyers goal on the power play. Assists were by Briere and Lupul. (During the game, this goal was attributed to Knuble at first. Why are the goal judges not behind the goals again?)
Malone and Gator start mouthing at one another. Ryan, don't play with Gator, okay? He has that name for a reason and he might bite off more than you can afford to lose.
At 7:51 Mike Knuble puts the puck in at least twice before the goal is called. (See, this wouldn't happen if the goal judges were sitting in their former seats.) Assists were by Briere and Timonen.
By the way, no offense meant, but watching the post-goal on-ice mini-celebration, I just realized how long Knuble's schnoz is!
At the end of the period, Flyers out-shot the Pens 10-7. We don't seem to make as many shots as others, so I was glad to see we could out-shoot another team.
Second Period
How annoying is the "PECO Power Play?" How about a normal one? I like that much better. Either way, Lups scores 5:40 into the second on one. Assists were by Richie and Timonen.
For most of the night, Marty has Malkin's number. He basically looks right at Malkin every time he snags one of Malkin's shots. But at 8:39, one gets by. My reaction as the Pens fans around me celebrate: Whatev.
I sat back for most of the second and just enjoyed the game.
At the end of the period, Marty and the guys clear the puck into the Pens' zone. Flower sends it back into our end, and Gonchar rips it into the net at 19:59. All of my neighbors are happy. I'm not very worried about it. There's a whole third period to go.
Kristin messages me that the seat next to Teka is empty. I move to Row 5 for the third.
Third Period
How to sum up the period: Both teams settle in for a fast-paced, almost eight-minute game of ping pong before really accomplishing anything. I'm not overly worried about the score, but insurance would be nice.
As if the guys in the sound booth have been reading here, someone kicks Briere in the pants and he scores. That's Danny's first home goal this season. Sadly, no theme song, even though the horn sounded suspiciously longer and louder than for other goals.
At some point well past halfway through the period, Crosby starts acting...really hard. He tries to draw something against Gator. Gator yells at him. Because I'm in Row 5 I can hear him bellow, but not clearly enough to hear what exactly Gator says. Darn!
Play cycles around a little more and Cindy takes the most dramatic, flying, fetal-crumpled, self-induced plow into the boards that I've seen since Dustin Davis crying foul in soccer games as a youth. (I know that most of you Gentle Readers don't understand that frame of reference, but Eli does.)
Thankfully, he hits with his well-padded, um, behind. ;P
Some of the other Pens looked a little miffed about this one. Like it's not accomplishing anything, and it isn't. Cindy drops a few F-bombs when it becomes apparent that no one is going to be sent to the box.
This leads to what could have been the mother-of-all Battle of Pennsylvania smack-downs in the last two minutes of the game. The refs try to break it up and essentially do.
But while everyone is picking up their stuff and preparing to resume play, Braydon Coburn is laughing about this attempt to scrum that the refs denied both teams. Malone, being somewhat stupid, intentionally shoulders into Coburn while he's coasting by. Coburn isn't having it and goes after Malone. Both are tossed with a misconduct at 18:56.
Flower is yanked from the pipes, a little too prematurely as it turns out. Richie intercepts the puck, skates it into the Pens zone, and passes it to Hartnell. Hartnell fires it into the empty net at 19:01. It's Hartnell's first goal as a Flyer, and there's a nice, long, loud horn for him also.
Points Update: Briere and Richie are still tied at 19 for the lead on points earned.
Final Score: Flyers 5, Penguins 2.
Nov 3, 2007
And the streak ends...
At 22 days. Danny Briere finally scored again last night, in another away game.
Do you people have any idea how nuts the WC will be when he scores before a home crowd for the first time? I wouldn't put it past the guys in the booth to have some appropriate song lined up and their hand on the horns volume control.
Now, Mr. Richards, thank you, thank you, thank you. That's why you have an "A" on your sweater. Whatever lit you on fire this season, keep it with you.
By the way, please take something for the pain today and be careful with those stitches. Yeesh!
R.J., what's that old saying about if at first...? Thanks for assisting Danny onto the board, then following it up with a goal of your own.
Niitty, I saw my favorite kickers on the bar's HD TV...niiiiice. See, I knew you could do it. Keep that positive feeling with you. (And I think you should have had the assist, too!)
Right. Guys, you may be seeing me tomorrow at practice. I won't be earning a restraining order (like Kristin with her StalkerCam 80000000), but it would be nice to have a small tide-me-over until November 12. It's just not right to have to go this many days with no in-person hockey.
[Edit/update material below]
Boys! Barring an unforeseen change to the schedule...I'll be there tomorrow! Yeah!
(And any of you readers out there who will attend, perhaps you will stop by and introduce yourselves. Just look for the 5'1" young lady with long, curly brown hair.)
Do you people have any idea how nuts the WC will be when he scores before a home crowd for the first time? I wouldn't put it past the guys in the booth to have some appropriate song lined up and their hand on the horns volume control.
Now, Mr. Richards, thank you, thank you, thank you. That's why you have an "A" on your sweater. Whatever lit you on fire this season, keep it with you.
By the way, please take something for the pain today and be careful with those stitches. Yeesh!
R.J., what's that old saying about if at first...? Thanks for assisting Danny onto the board, then following it up with a goal of your own.
Niitty, I saw my favorite kickers on the bar's HD TV...niiiiice. See, I knew you could do it. Keep that positive feeling with you. (And I think you should have had the assist, too!)
Right. Guys, you may be seeing me tomorrow at practice. I won't be earning a restraining order (like Kristin with her StalkerCam 80000000), but it would be nice to have a small tide-me-over until November 12. It's just not right to have to go this many days with no in-person hockey.
[Edit/update material below]
Boys! Barring an unforeseen change to the schedule...I'll be there tomorrow! Yeah!
(And any of you readers out there who will attend, perhaps you will stop by and introduce yourselves. Just look for the 5'1" young lady with long, curly brown hair.)
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