Shanabanned: Everybody

- Posted in Hall of Shame, Newsies

Chicago’s Dan Carcillo has been suspended 7 games for boarding Edmonton’s Tom Gilbert [link].  Gilbert missed the Oiler’s next game and is listed as day-to-day.

Carcillo is a repeat offender (and a goon) – he was suspended 2 games for this hit on Carolina’s Pittkanen on 10/28. Guest Starring Rob Blake!!

Calgary’s Rene Bourque got a 5-game ban [link] and a lifetime spot on my s&%$ list for his elbow to the precious face of Nicklas Backstrom.  You all saw it, and I don’t want to watch it again.  As mentioned yesterday, Bourque is also a repeat offender for this hit on Chicago’s Brent Seabrook in December that got him suspended for two.

Dale Hunter gave no conclusive update on Backstrom yesterday, but his brother posted an update to Twitter:

This was obviously not team-sanctioned news and was quickly taken down.  Silly people with inside info, you are not publicists!  But no worries, because Nicky participated in a full practice this morning and is expected to make the Caps trip to San Jose today, for the game Saturday.

It’s not just elbows and knees getting people into trouble.  The Panthers’ Krys Barch has been suspended 1 game for an alleged racial slur against PK Subban.  The remark was overhead by a linesman during Saturday’s game and Barch was ejected [link].  There are a lot of things we’d like to say to PK Subban, but none of them are that.  And all of them come after, “Can we have Stamkos’ number?”  I’m sure there’s a lot of hearsay in this case, but this argument is looking pretty valid:

And Rangers’ coach John Tortorella was fined by the NHL after some pretty inflammatory comments following Monday’s Winter Classic:

“I’m not sure if NBC got together with the refs or what to turn this into an overtime game,” Tortorella said Monday. “For two good refs, I thought the game was reffed horribly. I’m not sure what happened there.”Maybe they wanted to get into overtime. I’m not sure if they had meetings about that or what. But we stood in there. I don’t want to … because they are good guys. I just thought it was, in that third period, it was disgusting.” [link]

Torts apologized and will fork over $30k for the outburst.  New Yorkers will love him more.

Hey! I'm walking here!

So, anyone else want to have a go today?  Got some leftover 2011 aggro hanging around?  Let it go, it’s a new year.

Don't Mess with Nicky

- Posted in Newsies, Shanabanned

Last night, Rene Bourque elbowed Nicky B in the face.

My neighbors must think I’ve opened a truck stop for the mile-long string of extremely colorful expletives that came out of my mouth.  Bourque got an elbowing minor.  Nicky took two more shifts, then went off for “observation” and did not return to the game.  Coach Dale Hunter says they’ll know more today.

You hurt THIS FACE?! What is wrong with you?!

Shanny’s going to bust out his spray starch today and give Bourque a disciplinary hearing [link].  Bourque has already been suspended once this year – just 18 days ago (12/18)!  He got 2 games for boarding Brent Seabrook [video].  Apparently he’s only after guys with really great hair.

Nicky had 3 assists and was First Star.  Mike played 15 minutes and had 2 penalties – none of them for fighting the guy who decked his boyfriend.  The Caps beat the Flames 3-1 and have won their last 4 in a row.

If Nicky misses games… I can’t. I’m not going to say anything.  Mike just got back!  They need each other!  And I/we need them!  We’ll just play TSwift’s “Nothing I Do Better than Revenge” on a loop today and sharpen our claws.

Humongous Big Problem

- Posted in Epic Fail, Randomness, We're Mental, Well OBVIOUSLY.

And I’m not talking about the Universe….

I’m talking about the Philadelphia Flyers and goaltending.

For years now, the Flyers organization have had issues  finding just the right goalie to lead them to the Stanley Cup.  They came close in 2010 behind the tandem of Brian “Bobby” Boucher and Michael Leighton, but it just wasn’t enough. The team has lacked that netminder who brings consistency to the starting goaltender position and who hold on to the starting position for an extended period of time.

If the Bruins Stanley Cup run has shown us anything, it is that in order to win the Cup, you need to have goaltending. Tim Thomas was otherworldly last season and it is his stellar play along with the play of the entire team that brought them the ultimate hockey prize.

Any hockey fan can recognize that the Flyers are talented.  Claude Gingeroux might be one of the best young players in the NHL.  They have a solid core of young talent mixed in with veterans like Scott Hartnell, Danny Briere, and future NHL Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr.  Coach Peter Laviolette has won a Cup before with the Hurricanes, so he’s proven that he can take a team all the way.  

I truly believe that the Flyers thought that bringing in Ilya Bryzgalov would solve their twine troubles.   He won the Cup in 2007 with the Ducks.  He is a 3-time Olympian, has won numerous international medals, was the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy and a top 5 finalist for the Hart Trophy in 2010.  He is, by all accounts, a top-flight NHL Goalie.

Flyers spend a pretty penny on signing Bryz in the off-season, to a nine-year,$51 million dollar contract.  The team believed in Bryz so much that they even went as far as to pull off two high-profile trades before the signing was announced in order to make room for him under the salary cap – Jeff Carter to Columbus and captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles.  Granted Flyers did receive some great young talent like Jakub Voraceck, Wayne Simmonds, and Brayden Schenn, and a grip of draft picks in return, but was it really all worth it?  Have the Flyers really gotten what they’ve so desperately desired?

Some might say yes, while others will lament that the Flyers made a terrible mistake. At yesterday’s Winter Classic, a marquee NHL event, you expect to see your #1 goalie on the ice.   Bryz rode the bench.   The Flyers’ other netminder, Sergei “Bob” Bobrovsky got the start. Probably not a terrible idea to go with Bob over Byrz since he’s been winless in his last four starts, going 0-3 and giving up 16 goals on 87 shots and Bobrovsky is 3-0 in his last three starts, giving up 6 goals on 88 shots.  

But it really didn’t matter who started.  Flyers lost anyway.

While the season is still a long way from over, it seems that despite the organization’s best efforts, the Flyers’ goaltending conundrum continues. 

Now, by no means, do I actually want the Flyers to win.    As a Bruins fan, it is not in my DNA to allow that.  But I am a hockey fan and I appreciate the struggle and desires of players and fans, and the hope an entire city places in 20 men on their quest to obtain the pinnacle of hockey supremacy.

Mike Green Plays Tonight!

- Posted in Newsies, Pants Loves

QUICK, HUG SOMETHING!!  Mike Green will be in the Caps lineup tonight vs. Calgary.

Careful, Ovi.  He’s very fragile.  We need this to be a long-term committed relationship so don’t go getting it all on the first date.

No word yet from Nicky… he’s busy.

 

Smile for the…

- Posted in Dawn Loves

Someone’s let Dawn into the markers again…

from simplicityismine.tumblr.com

Might be more convincing if she wasn’t wearing a Crosby jersey.  Just sayin’.

Mikey Monday: Classic

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Newsies, Pants Loves

Word on the street is Mike Green may be back in the Caps lineup next week [link].  That could put him on the ice vs. Pittsburgh (Jan 11) and Tampa Bay (Jan 13).  Gator is out of town and I need a date for both games – no, Mike doesn’t count.  Not if he’s playing.  Anyone?

I’m watching last year’s Winter Classic on TV right now, torturing myself with the outcome and every time they say Crosby, Letang or Green.  Later today I might re-watch 24/7 and eat a whole gallon of ice cream.  The only thing that could possibly cheer me up?

Via email, sorry I don't have a photo credit.

This picture of Mike taken at Kettler practice last week.  HE IS WEARING THE BELT.  This might even be the same outfit.  And so all is right with the world, and thanks for the memories.

Foxy Friday: Brian Boyle

- Posted in Chuck Loves, Foxy Friday, We're Mental, Well OBVIOUSLY.

Damn you, HBO.

Damn you to the 7th level of hell with your evil ways and your trickery. Damn you for making me fall in love with NHL players that I should hate.

Take Brian Boyle, for example.

I should hate Brian Boyle.  And by hate, I mean HAAAAAAATE.  Like fire of a thousands suns HATE.

The man is a Ranger AND he played for Boston College (BC Sucks!).  My hatred for this man should be absolute.

Believe me.  I’ve tried to hate him.  I swear.  But I’ve failed.

As much as it pains me to admit it, I have to face the facts.

Brian Boyle is *gulp* Foxy.

He’s 6’7″, 244 lbs and was the 26th overall draft pick in the 2003 NHL Draft. He is a local guy who grew up cheering for the Boston Bruins.  He is the middle of 13 kids (God Bless his dear mother). He has AH-MAH-ZING hair.  His hands make me swoon.  Eddie Cahill (aka Jim Craig) is his doppelgänger.

NOT Brian Boyle.

So he doesn’t put up numbers like some other Ranger forwards. No big deal.  What he lacks in stats, he more than makes up for it with wit and humor.

And THAT, my friends, is just one of the reasons that Brian Boyle is this week’s Foxy Friday honoree.

He’s goofy and funny and undoubtedly one of the most liked guys in the Rangers locker room.  He’s a gem on 24/7 (waking up from nap, Proust helping him get dressed) and comes across as genuine and easy-going.

He can be on my beer pong team any day.

Being around him must be joyful and fun and we can only imagine that playing with him is even more enjoyable.  I really don’t think there would ever be a dull moment with Brian Boyle around.

Brian, you had me at “SANTA! I KNOW HIM.”

Love. 

Last week, I thought Pants was off her rocker for choosing Ryan Callahan as the Foxy Friday.

But now, here I am.

Just as guilty and brainwashed as she is.

Word.

And stay out!

- Posted in Newsies

Tonight’s the night, and it’s not Santa coming to town.  Jaromir Jagr will bring his orange sweater to Pittsburgh for the first time.

Jagr played 11 seasons with the Penguins before being traded to the Capitals, then the Rangers.  After the ’08 season, he returned to the Czech Republic and played three years in their professional league.  Over the summer, he announced his intention to return to the NHL.  Cue the speculation.  Would he come back to finish his Hall of Fame career in the city where he won two Stanley Cups?  Did the bad taste left after his difficult post-Lemiuex captaincy still linger?  Or was it about the money?

Jagr signed a 1-year contract with the Flyers in July, worth $3.3 million.  He said other teams offered more money [link], but he thought Philly had what it takes to win.  He may be right.  So far he has 11 G/19 A playing on the top line.

Less than two hours after signing Jagr, while I was still laughing, the Flyers signed Max Talbot.  No more laughing.

*le sigh*

In 2009, Max scored both goals in Stanley Cup Final Game 7 to seal the Penguins first Cup win since Jagr left.  On paper, that was his claim to fame.  Pens fans know it was more than that – heart, soul and humor all lived in Max.   But how much ice time, and how many more seasons?  He wanted longevity and security; the Pens offered him a three year deal.  He went to Philly for five years and $9 million [link].  Max already has more goals (9) this year than ever before, and his well on his way the scoring more points (15 now) than his career high (26).  We’re glad to see him doing well even if we have to swallow back the bile to say that.

So, tonight.  I’m sure Jagr will get the mega-boo.  Max will get the initial cheer, because you always love your ex-boyfriends just a little even if they break your heart.  After that, it’s the boo for Talbo too, I’m afraid.  I doubt he’ll be telling anybody to “shhhh.”

Game day interviews with Jagr and Talbot here, thanks to PensTV.

The Penguins and Flyers are currently tied with 46 points, behind the Rangers 48 points in the Atlantic Division.   Pittsburgh has so many injuries their locker room has moved to a triage tent in the parking lot.  Philly is without Pronger, likely for the season, but Giroux’s concussion comeback seems to be legit – he leads the NHL with 44 points. (WAIT, CLAUDE GIROUX IS 23 YEARS OLD?  What the eff?!?)

I’m skipping Sherlock Holmes for the fourth night in a row to be home for this one, I’m expecting a big game out of my boys.  We’re having a few banner seasons of our own: Malkin has 42 points, Neal has 21 goals.  It’s not the Two-Headed Monster but it’s still really freaking good.

The Flyers have hit a rough stretch, losing 4 of 5 and philosopher-goalie extraordinaire Ilya Bryzgalov has lost his last 4 starts with a GAA over 4.5 (seriously though, love this guy).  Backup tender Bobrovsky has had the Pens number in past seasons.  No word on who will start in Philly’s net tonight.

While these signs were meant for Caps fans back on 12/13, I think we can agree they apply here as well:

From the hilarity of www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com

GO PENS!

Ready for Chills?

- Posted in Dawn Loves

Thanks to Puck Daddy for this awesome video link … 2012 inspiration for why we love hockey!

And since I missed wishing everyone Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays – I’ll let my man Kris Letang who’s been MIA lately do it for me and a couple of other dudes in santa hats. Enjoy!

Oy! so many penguins ....

shirtless as usual

Two for me, one for you.

- Posted in Hot Like Fire, Newsies

The Lightning beat the Flyers 5-1 last night, which means you’ll get to see Stammer’s flowing locks again on 24/7 next week.  Oh, and his two sick goals.

Tampa Bay is still struggling below .500 and near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but it’s always fun to beat Philly.  Stamkos post-game interview [link] – what he doesn’t mention is staying just one goal ahead of James Neal(.com) for the NHL lead.

Nealmobile got his 21st of the season and it was wacky. It hit his leg, we all yelled “Go in the net!” and so it did.  The puck just wants James to like it, and we totally understand.

As epic as TurBacon Thanksgiving.

Santa brought you a brand new Nealer highlight video, complete with homage to that Hawaiian shirt [link].

Jordan Staal played in his 400th NHL game last night, and scored himself a celebratory goal. Gator and I are hosting an air hockey tournament at work tomorrow and guess who’s on my team?

Team Pants

With just a few days to go till the Winter Classic, even the Empire State Building is getting into the game:

NEW YORK – As the countdown to the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic continues, the Empire State Building will celebrate the much-anticipated outdoor match-up between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers by shining its world-famous tower lights in Rangers and Flyers colors on Wednesday, Dec. 28.  The east/west sides of the building, with west facing Madison Square Garden, will be lit in the Rangers’ Blue, Red and White, while its north/south sides, with south facing the City of Philadelphia, will be lit in the Flyers’ Orange and White. [link]

It’s cool, right?  Or it’s a thousand annoying phone calls informing the building that the blue lights on the south side are broken.

NHL 36: The Professor

- Posted in Chuck Loves, Newsies

Somebody check on Chuck and Cassy because the second episode of NHL 36 is going to profile none other than Patrice Bergeron.

NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL®) and NHL Original Productions today announced Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron as the next NHL player to be profiled in the all-access series NHL 36. 

Air date: Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network (formerly VERSUS). Re-run: Friday, Jan. 6 at 9 a.m. and Sunday, Jan. 8 at 1 a.m, also on NHL Network Saturday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 p.m. ET and Sunday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET. [link]

Somewhere, Chuck is muffling her screams with a pillow.

Mikey Monday: Headline News

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Newsies

While I was not posting on Monday, the Washington Post was doing it for me.

Cover of the Sports Section

Gator didn’t even snicker at the headline. I did.

You can read here about Mike’s Accelerated Recovery Performance treatment for his injured groin.  I’ve had this on my shoulder – it’s an odd sensation, like your muscle is twitching consistently for the duration of the electrical impulses.  I bet it feels much weirder in a more sensitive area.  My shoulder healed, so maybe it helps.  We will take anything at this point.

A lot of physical therapy and chiropractic offices your ARPwave, so it’s assumed Mike saw a groin specialist since he went all the way to Minnesota.  He is not interviewed for the article.  Nicky is, but just to talk about how he bought out all the Mike Green Player Pal plush dolls and filled a room in his house.

Here’s a very official description if you care to read the specifics [link].  I can’t bring myself to talk about last night’s Caps game.  Let’s just hope they can put on a good show when 24/7 comes to town tomorrow night with the Rangers.

Our Kind of Christmas Elf

- Posted in Newsies, We Love

How was everyone’s Christmas?  We couldn’t post this last week or it would have spoiled the surprised that we bought Jonathan Toews a lifetime supply of those red shirts for Christmas. Now that presents are open and you’re either home with your crazy family or at work with nothing to do, enjoy Joey the Junior Reporter!

Joey asking his father Jonathan if he’s been “naughty or nice.”

Why do we look so much alike?

And telling Coach Q that “sometimes when you’re coaching I can read your lips.”

Your mustache is beautiful.

And Kaner, he loves to hug.

Bring it in.

Okay, I’ll stop. You can watch it for yourself.

Bonus: The Blackhawks topped the Blue Jackets 4-1 last night, and Foxy Friday Viktor Stalberg had two goals and was First Star.  We sure know how to pick ’em!  You can see a post-game interview here, and spendit wondering why boys always have the longest eyelashes.

Not fair.

We just want to say…

- Posted in Randomness

Chuck's Christmas

- Posted in Chuck Loves, Hot Like Fire, Newsies

Merry Christmas Eve!  Rudolph had the night off to carbo load but the Boston Bruins scored one goal for each of Santa’s other reindeer.  That’s right, the Bruins scored 8 goals.  The Panthers scored zero.  I know Chuck would want you to see this:

I cannot recall a prettier goal this season.  Marchand had a hat trick and 5 points. “Ho Ho Ho!” There was some sick passing going on last night.

There was also at least one sick wardrobe choice.  Instead of Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Marchand hosted his own “What the Hell is that Shirt?!” night.  Unsurprisingly, he won.

You know Seguin threatened to break up with him over this.

The Bruins love a hot streak.  They’ve won their last six, and that’s not their longest of the season.  They are currently #2 overall in the League, just one point behind Chicago.  For post-game interview, we recommend The Professor because Chuck LOVES him.  [link]

Bergy had 1 G/2 A.  According to Chuck, he does everything right.  Cassy agrees.  The rest of us certainly can’t see anything wrong.

Shanabanned: Deryk Engelland

- Posted in Newsies, Shanabanned

Pittsburgh’s Deryk Engelland has been suspended 3 games for his hit on Chicago’s Marcus Kruger from Tuesday night. [link]  They ruled the hit illegal, plus Kruger was injured (concussion) on the play.  The sentence was mitigated by the fact the Engelland has never been fined or suspended before.

It’s probably in poor taste (since when do we care?), but I was hoping for a Christmas-themed shirt or something from Shanny.  Little embroidered Santas?  Snowman lapel pin?  With all the time he’s spending in NY you think he’d soak up some Lundqvist style.

Eggo’s suspension begins tonight and troubles the already-taxed Penguins defensemen.  Kris Letang is still out with a concussion.  Paul Martin is listed as “questionable” for tonight vs. Winnipeg (leg injury).  The good news is that Ben “Girls Love”joy is back on the blue line and even had an assist Tuesday.   Pittsburgh has recalled Brian Strait from the AHL for reinforcements.  (Strait suffered a dislocated elbow in his only NHL game this season – 10/18 – but we’re not going to say that out loud.)

Video of the hit and ensuing fight with John Scott (if you can call it that) from Wednesday’s post [link].

Foxy Friday: Ryan Callahan

- Posted in Foxy Friday

I’m way behind and just watched the first two episodes of 24/7.  I very nearly had to Foxy Friday every ten seconds of this show.  The Universe and tigers and kids in sleds and every word Tortorella says…

But we went with Ryan Callahan.

Last year I stayed a whole month with NYRFan Stephanie.  She tried to buy a Callahan jersey but shop.NHL.com was all out of As.  Not just for Alternate Captain, but overall.  WHAT?!  I assured her people would understand CLLHN across the back, but what we really needed was Callahan’s grandmother to given them an earful.

Callahan is from Upstate NY (represent!!) and was named captain of the Rangers this season at the ripe old age of 26.  He takes a taxi to the Garden because he’s totally hoping it’s Cash Cab.  (Oh wait, that’s us.)

Bonus sweater points, check.

So far this year, Cally has 12 G/11 A.  The Rangers are 4th overall in the East and right behind Philly in the Atlantic Division.  They’ve won their last 3 games and 7 of 11 in December.  

In your FACE!

Tonight, the Rangers play the Flyers in will undoubtedly be a highlight of the 24/7 series.  After this:

Maybe Ryan will repeat his first hat trick/first 4 goal game/first 5 point night ever, which he had at the end of last season before breaking his ankle blocking a Zdeno Chara shot.

I still hate the Rangers and the Flyers.  But if 24/7 is weakening my defenses, it’s definitely in NY’s favor.  I mean, there’s a reason they don’t interview Briere often (sorry I’m not sorry – people make fun of Sid just for laughing like a girl!).  But I haven’t gotten too soft on them, not yet.

Stop trying to change my mind!

Pass the Mistletoe

- Posted in We Love, Well OBVIOUSLY.

Christmas, I love you.  You are the perfect excuse for madcap hilarity from NHL teams featuring the only singing on Earth that is confirmed worse than mine (thanks Marian Hossa).

Oh my God, it goes on forever!  This is the kind of stuff Gator and I come up with during intermissions at Caps games.  Get it “Wherever it is you’d buy something like this.”

On his way to becoming a creepy mall Santa.

If the Blackhawks wanted us to have a really great Christmas, their bus would break down outside the WUYS office at the very beginning of a snowstorm that trapped us for days.  Obviously we’d be stocked up on Whachamacallits and magically have access to the deli downstairs.  Since the weather is calling for low 50’s, we’ll settle for the CD.

"Hey baby, meet me on the roof."

Don’t forget to check your mail for Christmas cards from the Madhouse this year [all cards here]:

Front Page

- Posted in Newsies

Someone we know once posted this to Facebook:

Thanks, Paul C.

Safe to say that hashtag also applies to:

Biebs skated with the Leafs  [link] in a track suit because they didn’t have any Youth Medium hockey gear laying around.  Look at his pants – I bet they’re rolled at the waist too.  Phaneuf is all, “You said Disney princesses!  I brought my Ariel lunchbox to get signed!”  I don’t think JB’s huge diamond stud earrings would fit under a helmet.

In a totally unrelated story, look which ad is featured on NHL.com today:

This triggered a chorus of “MissyouWhyPhiladelphiaagainSid’sdryerislonely” from my office.  And I haven’t even been watching 24/7!  But I’ll catch up now so as to not miss the triumphant return of Claude Giroux.  He wasn’t concussed, he was just saving up points.

Hahahahaha, NHL.com, you so funny.

Gingeroux had 1 G/3A in the Flyers win over Dallas last night [link].  He missed 4 games and still holds the NHL lead in points scored with 43.  Alright fine, you kinda like him don’t you?  Gross.

As predicted,  Pens’ Deryk Engelland will have a hearing with Shanahan today over his hit on Marcus Kruger [link].  Kruger did not play last night as the Hawks piled up on the Habs.  Corey Crawford, who has been benched in favor of Ray Emery for the last 6 games, was pretty impressive in net for Chicago.  Also applause-worthy is Jonathan Toews tying Stamkos for the NHL goal-scoring lead (it was an empty net but we’ll take it!)

Love everything about this.

Colorado won their 7the straight home game [link], which would be really exciting if they hadn’t also lost their last 9 road games.  But now they’re at .500 and they have 3 home games left before the end of the year.  They could be pulling up into the top 8 in the West pretty quickly.

And if you’re still watching, the Hurricanes blew a 3-1 lead to Phoenix last night in a really hard loss.  They are 2-6-2 under their new coach and are last in the East with just 26 points.  Apparently the fact that I really like the Canes and that their mascot Stormy is “an anthropomorphic ice hog” (Wikipedia gem) doesn’t count for much these days.  I’ll keep writing letters to Santa and maybe he can give EStaal and the boys a break.

 

Your Daily Swede

- Posted in Glamour Shots, Newsies, Pants Loves

I love this picture so much that I have to post it.  It sums up everything about last night and how much fun Gator & I always have at Caps games, especially when they win.

Nicky was First Star with a goal and an assist.  Ovi scored, Sasha Fierce scored, Troy Brouwer scored.  The Mike Knuble 1,000th game tribute was fantastic, although seeing everyone with 22 on their backs during warm up was making it hard for me to focus.  Congratulations all around.

I know a lot of you were there – we have to do a pre-game happy hour one of these days.