Sunday with the Pens

- Posted in Dammit Geno, Newsies, Pants Loves

The Penguins hosted a town hall-style meeting today for the season ticket holders and any woman under the age of dead.

Staal, Fleury, Letang, Malkin, Crosby

You can watch the highlight video [link] and bask in the combined happiness of these guys.  No one bothers to ask Geno why he’s wearing Ovi’s jeans.  Watch Sid take the ice… we see you looking. 😉

Flower’s all self-deprecating and Kris defends his hot workout video after Sid calls it fake.  If that’s the magic of Hollywood, count us in.

Sid wanted to be a firefighter when he was younger.  We’d be burning down the office every week.  And this – better than Christmas:

Classy Dan also spoke to the crowd [link] and so did GM Shero [link].  This was after Sid participated in a controlled scrimmage at practice today [link], and looked pretty damned happy about it [link].  I swear he drinks a gallon of milk a day.  Just looking at him makes me want to take vitamins.

You may recall that Jordan was mad about my Hawks-centric post before their game the other night.  He shut me up with two goals on the way to a 4-1 win.  Well he heard about the Caps Convention yesterday and put me in my place again with this shirt.  We’re buying him one for every day of the week.

The Best NHL Player Work Out Video – EVA! Fu Man Drew – Buffalo Wins!

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Hot Like Fire, Randomness

Drew Stafford of Buffalo wins in the NHL player post of their work out videos. This is why WUYS loves YOUTUBE, HOCKEY, NHL players, their work outs and their sense of humor! Kris Letang – you are hot – no contest. Brooks Laich – you can do it on skates – no contest. But Fu Man Drew – your sense of humor is so sexy, WE LOVE YOU!

Buffalo rarely gets WUYS love. You are now so on our radar – Other-Brother – Drew, I love you for your  PAUL GAUSTAD 28 cut-off shirt baring mid-driff, your All-for-One song and your new Cat-Scratch work-out move! Buffalo Gals, come out tonight, come out tonight! Buffalo gals, come tonight! And beware of Yakub … ! 🙂

Why God Invented Twitter

- Posted in Dammit Geno

Sometimes I talk to myself in Geno-speak.  It only lasts a few minutes because I’m cracking up.

Foxy Friday: Modano Retires

- Posted in Foxy Friday, We Love

The Dallas Stars signed Mike Modano to a one day contract so he could retire as a member of the team he played with for 20 seasons.  CLASS ACT.

Modano will officially announce at 2 PM ET today and you can watch it live on NHL.com.  NHL Network will premiere “Mike Modano: American Icon,” a look back at his career, this Saturday at 6 PM ET.  We hope there’s a clip of his cameo in The Mighty Ducks.

 

From CSNChicago.com:  [Modano’s] 561 goals and 813 assists are records for a U.S.-born player and put him among the NHL’s best.  Patrick Kane needs 459 more goals and 614 more assists to pass Mike Modano as the leader in each category for American-born players. [link]

NHL Preview: ESPN Magazine

- Posted in Newsies, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Finals, We Love

The October 3rd ESPN Magazine comes with this cover:

I think Chuck would approve.

The feature “Why Boston is Better than You” notes that the Bruins (and most NHL teams in general) do not use advanced metrics as a statistical model for designing teams.  My favorite part:

“The Stanley Cup they won last year, while a lovely capstone for Boston fans, is a useful reminder that sometimes sports is about lining your guys up and beating the hell out of the other guys.” [link]

After pieces on Red Sox scouting and how Tom Brady’s fame has changed his relationship with the city [great article: link], the Bruins are featured as “The People’s Champions.”  With beautiful photos, Looch gets a haircut, Ference shops for pasta, Chara rides his bike.  We’ve already discussed on Twitter the style magic of The Professor and Teen Wolf:

Class is in session.

But what really seals the deal for the entire issue is this onephoto.  Tim Thomas eats ice cream LIKE A BOSS.  Tell me you don’t want this guy anchoring your team.

The issue also includes a feature on the NHL concussion problem, a huge picture of Crosby for my office wall, and a scathing piece on “The Roxy Flu” and all the trouble the NHLers have gotten into there over the years.

Finally, there’s the NHL 2011-2012 preview.  The editorial centers around GMGM wooing Brooks Laich into his clutches for a 6-year deal to help shore up the Caps.  But this is the picture:

Oh Mike.

Their computer-ranking system is unique – they rated how the team will do in regular season (yellow) vs. playoffs (orange).  The Caps hit the 100% mark in both categories, predicted to win the Eastern Conf and the Cup.  The Canucks turn it up a little in the post-season and win the West.  The Blackhawks and Flyers play well all year only to fall apart come April.  The Pens struggle but turn it up in the playoffs.

Full size page scans (you can’t access the graphic online): page one/page two

Interestingly, NONE of the six human experts pick the Caps to win, and only one thinks they’ll even make the Final.  Guess the ESPN computer doesn’t save disappointment. One has the Canucks playing for the Cup, and three of their analysts pick the Sharks to win it all.  Three have the Penguins in the Final, two have the Hawks.  No love for the Lightning overall – guess the computer does save GAAs.

All things to consider before next week, when we ask your picks for Conference and Cup champs!

Intern Desk: Dear Diary

- Posted in Intern Jeff Skinner

A bunch of you sent us this link and I’m so sorry that I’m slow in posting.  I was laugh-crying so hard I couldn’t type.

Some gems from this fantastic game show:

Most Uncomfortable: Intern Jeff Skinner’s “short shifts” apparently translate off the ice.  Is he old enough to be making these jokes?

Best Admission of Guilt: “This is awkward.” – Intern Jeff Skinner

Good Will Hunting Award: Tyler Seguin’s fractions – 4.2, 4.3

Best Time to Cheat: “A lot of women watch this.” – Cabbie to Seguin as he grades his own ‘stick handling’

Best Answer That Isn’t Cheating: “Soft mitts off the ice.” – Stammer gives himself a 5 for ‘stick handling’

But the best best best overall part of this video?  James Neal & Steven Stamkos LOVE each other.  Intern Jeff Skinner really knows how to keep his job around here.

Dear Cabbie, please host the NHL Awards.  Dear NHL, you know I’m right.

He's Just Not That Into You

- Posted in Randomness

There was panic in loveland when Patrick Kane moved his locker stall from next to Toews’ to across the room.  Aw, did somebody stay out too late and have to sleep on the couch?  You know Kaner drinks right from the OJ carton too.  Tazer hates that!

"Girls have cooties. Yes, all girls. Always."

Okay, I had a whole post going in my head but I can’t find the picture I wanted.  Until I came across this and everything ended.

Anyway, PK moved away from JT because there’s no room for the media to bask their individual awesomeness when they’re right next to each other.  He left Tazer a Post-It Note explaining the trail separation and Jon filed it in his coupon keeper. Errrrbody relax.

Hey, look who plays tonight!  Good thing I ordered the NHL Network while sitting in traffic this morning.

Jordan thinks this post makes my loyalties unclear.

As always, GO PENS.

Looks Nothing Like a Firefly.

- Posted in Randomness

Wouldn’t it be great if I could do one of these for every team?  Chuck’s in Scotland, Intern Jeff Skinner keeps calling in “hockey” and I am all busy while the Lightning get tan and play cards.  (Actually on a work conference call now, and we’re talking about monkeys.  Seriously.)

Confession: I had to Google this - I thought it was a bee. So confused! Of course it's a lightning bug. Ten points from Gryffindor!

Vinny Lecavalier hosted a Celebrity Poker Tournament to benefit a Children’s Hospital.  Because it’s not enough that he can make that jacket look good.  We’re willing to bet Stamkos isn’t much of a gambler – he can’t stop smiling long enough to place a bet.

This look is getting pretty '80s. Which of course Stammer wouldn't know.

The Lightning look healthy and ready to go.  They are going to score a lot of goals.  The question is: can they stop any shots?  Goal-tending will be key and if they can shut down opponents’ tallies this season, their firepower will be tough to beat.

The Bolts play the Blues tonight in the pre-season opener, and you can listen online [link].  (Still talking about monkeys over here.)  For Gator, here’s a video interview [link].

Are my open pants distracting you?

Deep Dish!

- Posted in Newsies

I know I’ve been slacking!  Lindsay is all over this.

David Toews got swapped to the Blackhawks and has moved into Jonanthan’s apartment.  Sorry ladies, he’s in your spot.  Here’s Jon talking about how you can someday be a better roommate that Little Bro.  He even cracks a joke in this video – it makes him uncomfortable!  Adorkable! [link]

(Is it just me, or does Tazer sweat more than everyone else?  )

Patrick Kane has been practicing and scrimmaging, working on getting that surgically repaired left hand into playing form.  He’s got goals and assists, and looks pretty darned happy about it.  Kaner scored in a just-for-fun shootout and hammed it up for the crowd.  Someone please tell me “Rock You Like a Hurricane” is just on video and not actually playing in the arena. [link]

And Patrick Sharp had an emergency appendectomy on Monday and is expected to be ready in 3-4 weeks.  Applications to nurse him back to health have forced the Chicago Post Office to shut down.  His pregnant wife is probably psyched because now she gets to eat all the ice cream.  Get well, Sharpie!
The Hawks open their pre-season against Edmonton tonight and if you can hack the IP address off your computer (or just live in Chicago), you can watch it on Blackhawks.com.

I Love You, Tomorrow.

- Posted in Randomness

Mr. Pants needs to be on the Food Network so I can retire and just blog all day.  There are so many good things!

You’ve all heard by now that the Crosbot is practicing with the Pens.  He’s not cleared for contact, but aren’t you just glad to see this face?!

Here’s the post-practice interview [link].  This whole thing just makes me want to do the Sidney Crosby dance.  Ask Gator, she’s seen it.

Now I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.   It makes no sense to eat all your Twizzlers before the movie starts, right?  So I’m just going to post this picture and say nothing (muffled incoherent squealing).

Geno had 2 goals in the Black & Gold scrimmage, and said his knee feels as good as new.  I cannot wait to see him skating!   JStaaaaaaal also had two goals, and has been practicing on a line with Kunitz and the Nealmobile.  Man, I am going to freak out if that’s how this season starts. Post-game interview [link].

The Pens have their first pre-season game tomorrow against Detroit.  It’s Pants vs. Gator, Round One.  Check out the website graphic – last game was end of last season.  Get that crap out of here!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to order the NHL Network.

 

 

Mikey Monday: Part II

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Pants Loves

Here at Mike Green World Domination HQ,  we are REALLY excited about there being a hockey game today.  So we had a staff meeting, and said “What could be even better?  Let’s go for the extra dose of awesome.”

Here it is, in the form of Mike pushing a little girl on a swing.  While wearing moccasins.

Thanks washingtoncapitals.tumblr.com!

If you’re not on the Mike Green train, just give in.  It’s gonna be a long and glorious season of hairdos, hugging and hopefully 50 points.

Mikey Monday: Back in Action

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Pants Loves

I’m late again this week, because my Vespa broke down and I had to wait for Brooks to come and fix it (in a suit, in the rain).  No really I was at a wedding this weekend.  Caps training camp started and @spanrows sent us lovely evidence that Mikey sharpened his hair during the off season.

Look at the 3 shadows - it's like Stonehenge on the summer solstice.

Mr. Pants and I had the USA Today NHL Preview issue for our road trip.  Basically they all think the Caps will win the Cup, if they finally stop pretending to be ‘just friends’ and commit to each other.  You don’t hug that much unless it’s true love.  So let the chemistry flow boys.

The Caps pre-season starts tonight in Baltimore with a special game vs. Nashville.  We are not going (Baltimore in traffic? Negative.)  But Gator and I are ready for the Caps Convention on Saturday!  Who else is going?

Here’s something from the way back machine…

С Днем Рождения Александра Овечкина! Happy Birthday Alexander Ovechkin!

- Posted in Birthday Boy, Dawn Loves, Hot Like Fire

our birthday boy

So let’s face it, finding shirtless photos of Alexander Ovechkin is like finding a penny on a street.

he seriously doesn't like clothes but loves hockey so much that he doesn't take his skates off

You feel pretty lucky, a little richer but it’s not completely unusual!

may I join you? it's almost my birthday too ya know?

But you know you’re gonna pick it up and I KNOW you’re gonna look ladies! Try as you might, you can’t resist the magical, magnetic pull that is Alexander Ovechkin – wo-man-magnet- because this is a holy day sisters!

my turn to firebomb the site with shirtlessness

Lo and behold, Ovi turns 26 today!  That makes him a Virgo. He likes eating – which has made him gossip fodder about his weight. As women, we know that can hurt so let’s not slag him for that. He was made like the David and he’s obviously not afraid to share with us – THAT’S WHY WE LOVE HIM! (Hear that Kris Letang – you could learn from your bromance crush – so take it off more!)

he plays other sports - shirtless - who would have guessed?

Some fun facts about our birthday boy:

He lost his front tooth NOT from playing hockey but from playing basketball.  He doesn’t plan on replacing it any time soon. Which means he’s not afraid to be himself and has a sense of humor – dudes’ dig him for that!

yes, this is Ovi ... being silly.

When he saw a hockey game on TV when he was 2 yrs. old, he’d drop all his toys and watch. If his parents tried to turn it off, he’d throw a temper-tantrum! Now, he just pastes players into the boards. Transference people, transference.

or you have to look like this.

So if you’re dating him, probably not a good idea to get between him and the TV if a game is on. You might try dressing up as Peter Puck if you want to get lucky. SCORE! Badda bing! GOAL!

but he can be sexy too with clothes on.

His older brother Sergei introduced him to his first love, hockey but was later killed in a car accident when Ovi was 10 years old – that’s why he kisses his glove after every goal; as a nod to his oldest brother. He’s sensitive, which is why chicks dig him.

Dawn, it's me, don't forget my birthday post. Last year was awesome hahahhhaahhahahahahahahhh. thanks.

He loves animals – all kinds; dogs, cats. He has a pure bred German Sheppard but as a kid, he brought home stray cats. Pants likes to call this something else and we will leave that to your imagination. Think euphemisms here ladies.

how many more shirtless photos can I find? miles o' shirtless photos I can find ... get the movie reference? no ... oh well

His last name means ‘little lamb’ in Russian. Now how cute is that?

i love his little dance on the ice. shake what god gave you, baby!

So little lamb, as I did last year, my birthday wish to you in Russian:

может вы выиграли кубок в 2012 и золото в Сочи. я тебя люблю всем сердцем.

Foxy Friday: Peter Puck!

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Foxy Friday

sometimes he makes it by, but not if you're timmy tomas or martin or patrick roy, he's up here, nice and cozy! how ya doin', say hi to your motha for me

You can’t play hockey with out him! And you gotta admit, he’s a wanted man and ice-ice baby! What’s not sexy about that!

put me down, I'm SUPPOSED to be on the ice - dummy! now go do YOUR job.

Peter Puck is a hockey puck-shaped cartoon character. The puck, whose animated adventures appeared on both NBC’s Hockey Game of the Week and CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada during the 1970s, explained ice hockey rules, equipment and the sport’s history to the home viewing audience. The voice of Peter Puck was provided by Ronnie Schell; the animation was produced by Hanna-Barbera studios. Nine episodes, each approximately three minutes long, were broadcast between periods of NHL hockey games.

and if you're mike green, well, sometimes he ends up here.

but mostly, players are friendly with PP and he doesn't mind a whack are two - Ovi, Sid, Capt. Serious, Stammy et al.

He’s the sexiest beast on the ice if you ask me. Everyone wants him – and I mean EVERYONE. You can’t win Lord Stanley if you can’t put him in the back of the net. Just sayin.

Jonathan Toews has 1 suit.

- Posted in We Love

We here at WUYS admire a guy who can pack light.  Chuck is in Scotland right now, with like 2 pairs of pants and 1 sweatshirt.  Should have asked Tazer for tips.  (Note to Stamkos, at least Tazer knows how to iron!)

At the NHL Store event with Stamkos:

At the Media Tour launch the night before:

Being interviewed on WGN TV [link]:

It’s a nice suit, no complaints. It just makes me laugh, especially since he wore this for Blackhawks Media Day today:

Desperate Times, Require Desperate Measures.

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Hot Like Fire, We're Mental

DDTBG is a no-show at training camp and he is the last hold out in the restricted free agent circle. I don’t think I would need to look far to find him. Anyone, anyone?

Yeah … i went there AND sent a postcard – baby Drew!

While I can appreciate what he wants, what I want is my sweet, sweet back’s bad ass DDTBG on the ice. So I’ve devised a plan. I’m driving to B.C. getting MelTing and we are wearing the below outfits tied with empty Diet coke cans strapped on  and hunting Drew down and running back and forth and then to the LA Kings training camp. Oh, he’ll follow us! How could he resist? Hot chicks, dressed as hamburgers with diet cokes? That trumps a contract any day. The LA Kings just aren’t looking at this right!

Come on Drew, you know you wanna take a bite!

Meanwhile, 2 miles away…

- Posted in Randomness

Right now, right down the street, Mikey and Nicky are building a playground.

SERIOUSLY.

Shorts.

Name tag.

Moccasins.

I should be speeding up Rhode Island Ave NW right now in my dress and heels.  Maybe Nicky has a pair of stripey red shorts I can borrow.  Why do I not know about these things in advance?  Why am I so busy today?  

FML, people.

Pants got the pretty, but Chuck got the gritty.

- Posted in Chuck Loves, Like a Boss, We Love

They might not be pretty as Pants’ team…but Dave’s a KILLER! are pretty boss.

260 goals.  516 assists.  + 210.  615 PIM. 273 PPP.  2,446 SOG. 

Plus I got Lobster (LOBSTAH!), the Lousy Ventriloquist, Darth Quaider, the Professor, and the Tank.

This is gonna be fun.

Not to brag, but…

- Posted in Randomness

While I was busy watching a Hugh Jackman movie last night, the Ghost in the Machine was drawing my fantasy hockey team.  I want this higher power to pick my outfits – look at this beauty!

When I named my team for Mike Green, that automatically meant I wouldn’t get him.  Happened last year with Getzlaf.  Good thing I didn’t name my team HOT DADS or I wouldn’t have gotten EStaal, Squishy, Ryan(e) Clow(e) or Cam Ward.

Pants is a good coach, and she babysits.

I won my fantasy league last year, thanks to a team build around EStaal.  I also had Clowe, Cam and Giordano – we’re just getting the band back together.  We mayneed a second bus for all our trophies: the Hart, Rocket Richard, Lady Byng and Letang’s solid-gold hair dryer.

I’d also like to nominate my team for Best Looking.  Just throwing it out there.  It won’t win us games, but it sure looks good in the handshake line.  Bet you can’t wait till it’s Team Photo day in the program!

Yes, there's a trophy for this too.

So, who wants Brodeur?

Remembering Jack Falla. Writer. Teacher. Backyard Rink Builder.

- Posted in Chuck Loves

3 years ago, the hockey world lost a legend.

Jack Falla wasn’t just a great writer.

He was a father.  A grandfather.   A husband.  A teacher.  A friend.

He was an inspiration to many sports and hockey journalists (including me!), so it is today that we remember his life, his talent, and his humor.

Check out his books, “Home Ice” and “Open Ice”.  They are ones that every true hockey fan should read.

I was extremely lucky to have been a student of Jack’s while a journalism major at Boston University.  He taught me so much about writing that I am forever grateful.

So, thanks Jack.

We miss you.

One more skate around the rink, eh?

Jack, Captain of the Bacon Street Omni