As Shi alterted us last night, Stammer (@RealStamkos91) Tweeted a picture of his healing face, because Gator kept asking for one. We all agree: it’s still better than 95% of faces we see everyday.
PS: Hairstyling by Jordan Staal.
Back Nine
Everyone say thanks to Linsday for this video of Jonathan Toews growing out his hair. Oh, and talking about the Winnipeg NHL Redux. He wants them to be called the Jets. I bet he’s got some vintage WPJ sheets for a single bed, complete with matching curtains and trash can.
Attention Chuck: Colin Wilson is playing in this golf tournament. I’m just saying that Lindsay probably needs someone to drive her getaway car(t).
OH HELL YES.
Sidney Crosby met with Dr. Michael Collins, the specialist who’s been monitoring his condition since he sustained a concussion in January, on Tuesday and is starting his summer program of off-ice workouts. Penguins General Manager Ray Shero said Crosby will be joined by his longtime personal trainer for the next 2-3 weeks as he works back into his routine in his hometown of Cole Harbour, N.S. [NHL.com]
Real time photo of Pants & Chuck.
I won’t be fully relieved until Sid is back on the ice in October, but THIS IS FANTASTIC. It’s beyond. I might even rock my 87 jersey in 100 degree weather to celebrate. (Hmm, to the NKOTBSB show at Verizon Center? Bring it, Caps fans.) On Wheel of Fortune the other night, they gave away a trip to Nova Scotia. I about fell off the elliptical runner in excitement.
It just makes me wanna:
I Get Knocked Down…But I Get Up Again…
Last night’s game was the most exhilarating, exciting, intense Stanley Cup Finals game that I have seen in recent memory.
It also happened to be totally crappy and soul-sucking.
My patronus is a fuzzy brown bear.
As the tornado watch loomed over the city of Boston, the thunder boomed, and lightning lit up the sky like a Polish dyskotekya, the Bruins were just 18 seconds from heading into overtime with the Canucks.
But then Johnny Boychuk made a teeny mistake…
Ryan Kessler made a great pass…
Yannick Hansen made an other great pass…
and Raffi Torres slipped the puck past Timmy Thomas.
Canucks win.
The apartment goes silent. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Collapse on the floor like I’ve been ninja kicked in the face.
...hai-YA...
A crushing loss to be sure, but then again aren’t all losses in June, when your team is playing for the biggest, shiniest, purtiest trophy in all of sport?
Thomas and Luongo played out of their craniums and denied both teams numerous scoring chances. At times, the game was chippy and physical and downright bizarre. Alex Burrows going all pre-school and biting Patrice Bergeron? What? Really? No penalty was called but you can be sure that the NHL will review that scrizz.
But the Professor ain’t fazed by it. He’s too smaht for that.
The Professor speaks out...click for video footage...
Despite the imperfect outcome, the Bruins should be very proud of the way that they played. They played a solid, physical game and made the Canucks work for every inch. Bruins d-men did a great job disrupting the SedinBots’ dolphin sonar, as either Henrik or Daniel had any points; Henrik had a big ‘ol fat goose egg with SOG and Daniel only had 8.
Lots of hockey writers, reporters and prognosticators thought that the Bruins wouldn’t stand a chance against the powerhouse Canucks. “They’re too fast.” “They’re too talented.” “The Sedin twins are magical and drink mineral water from goblets made of unicorn horns.” But the Bs proved that they are a team that deserves to have their shot at Lord Stanley’s Cup. They belong with the big boys.
While I wanted to curl up into the fetal position and cry last night, I’m feeling much better today. The series is still young and there is many a game left to play.
And like the Rev. Jesse Jackson said, “Keep Hope Alive!”
Summer Lovin'
We’ll let Chuck talk about the Finals and all these days in between where there’s no hockey at all. For some of us, it’s summertime.
I don’t know why Jon’s wearing a knee brace, but if it were September I would freak out. For now, I’ll just point out that I have a matching one and we can compete in the Three Legged Race at Blackhawks Summer Camp! I’m guessing Kaner won Flip Cup and then barfed on Tazer’s shoes.
from tumblr
Make Way for Ducklings!
Everyone’s got Black and Gold fever in Boston…
Including these little ones…
Quack!
and this guy too!
George Washington makes plans in invade Canada...
Waiting for Tonight…
I’m like a kid on Christmas morning!
Is this really happening? Is the team that I’ve rooted for and cheered for all season really in the Stanley Cup Finals?
Hell ya, they are!
Bruins and Canucks will face off at 8pm EST in Game 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. I’m supposed to have grad class until 8pm but I’m totally planning on having to “go to the bathroom” and racing home (as much as one can race on public transportation) to watch the game. I was invited to a meetup of Canadian ex-pats in Boston to watch the game, but they’ll all be cheering for the Canucks and I don’t know if I can handle that…
There has been a lot of media coverage of the SCF here in Boston (natch) and with that comes some awesome photos and screen caps of our most favorite Bruins players. I only felt is was far to share them with our loyal readers because regardless of your personal hockey affiliation, you understand the magnitude of the Stanley Cup Finals and what it means to the Canucks and Bruins hockey fans everywhere.
Plus their beards and faces are awesome. See evidence below.
You’re welcome.
GO BRUINS!
Hi-fives for everyone!
Click, Click, Click...BOOM!
"I once caught a Canuck aboot this...big..."
Learning about the elusive creature known as the...Power Play Goal.
Still pondering just how in the world he made that save on Steve Downie...
Krecji looking all kinds of Euro
.:love:.
I already got my name on the Stanley Cup...what about you?
Teen Wolf like shiny cup.
Notice who's on the wall behind him. *good omen*
"I am Darth Quaider. You will fear me...and my mullet"
Czech me out, ladies.
Why hello there, Boych. Don't you look foxy. P.S. Your profile is *swoon*
The Professor has tenure with the Bruins. 7 years. He's only 25.
The Day Has Come
It’s time for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. At the end, I will no longer be able say “Defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks” and I’ll be so sad. But maybe Chuck will get to say that about the Bruins!! Is everyone ready?
Tyler Seguin’s all:
While RK17 is like:
And you know those cute animals have crafty ways of winning in the wild. I’m really looking forward to this one, mostly for Chuck’s sake. She’s going to be a mess. I’m going to be cracking up. Nothing like a good Cup Final to get me through 100+ degree weather.
If You Just Smile
Steven’s break-up day interview was less sad than expected [video]. Also on the bright side, his busted face is healing very nicely. Little puffy-eyed shiner action just makes him look tough.
The beard was good while it lasted, eh? One of our favorites this season.
He even had a few smiles for the summertime. Well done, Stammer. We’ll miss you till June 21 when the 2011-2012 schedule is announced and Gator and I plan our lives around your return to DC.
Leaving on a…
Sorry, that’s so cheesy. It’s official, the Atlanta Thrashers are moving to Winnipeg [link]. This is the second time an NHL team will leave Atlanta for Canada – but they’re really broken up this time. They’re not getting back together. Unless they do.
The only way this really affects us is that Chuck and I don’t know anyone in Winnipeg. Well, except Jonathan Toews’ mom and after we stay there all summer, boating on the lake and having derp face contests, we feel a little needy asking to come back in the winter. But we will.
Gratuitous picture of BU alum:
Now, what do you call the Winnipeg team? Dust off the Jets? I can’t think of another instance where that’s happened, as usually relocated teams take their names with or start fresh in their new digs. If they’re getting a new name, what would you call them?
Mikey Monday: Belated
I missed Mikey Monday! It was for Memorial Day and the Caps support the troops so I guess it was okay. Plus, I’m a little mad at Mikey. He could have warned me about summer in DC. No wonder he hit the jets for Calgary so quickly! It was 95 here yesterday and our a/c broke last night… I felt like a lizard baking on a rock in the desert. Let’s not talk about my hair.
When Mike comes back, it’ll be time for scarves and cardigans and all the things he loves best. Like hockey season starting again.
I thought of Mike at the NKOTBSB concert where just about everyone had a tattoo. I mean, Nick Carter? You make Mike look like a bad boy, even wearing moccasins on a Vespa. So maybe I’m okay with the sleeve after all. But what are we going to do all summer? Dawn better learn how to make .gifs or I’m going to run out of stuff to post. [Read: NOT an invitation for Mike to get more tattoos.]
True Story
Chuck (Ron) and Pants (Harry), circa Bruins/Lightning Game 7.
Stamkos gets hit in the face:
The Bruins score to take a 1-0 lead:
The game ends:
Yes Chuck, that really happened!! Congratulations to the Bruins. Make room for me on your wagon because we’re going to Vancouver!
Pick It Up
I have no problem saying that hockey players are tougher than other athletes. Sure each sport has tough guys and heroic stories, but those are exceptions. This is the norm:
Steven Stamkos, you’re a BAMF. He’s also 21 and in his first ever playoff run, and facing his second game 7 elimination situation. What does he do with a slapshot to the face?
1. Fly off the ice. Have you ever seen someone bail so fast? Don’t let Stammer do an Irish exit on you at the tiki bar, you’ll never catch him.
2. Patch it, stuff it, cover it with a cage.
3. Back on the ice minutes later. And not just sitting or skating, but getting in at the net, hustling to the boards and still being an impact player.
Keep in mind that last week, Lebron James played with a head cold. Stop the presses.
We mentioned earlier in these playoffs about St. Louis’ overnight double-root canal. In ’09, Jordan Staal became permanent #1 favorite Staal ever by missing only 1 game with a lacerated tendon in his foot. He paid that price later and big time, but he was back in the game when needed most. What’s your favorite play-through-the-pain hockey story?
Stammer talked to the media post-game [video], then told Gator to buy some glow-in-the-dark Aladdin Band-Aids and meet him in Tampa Bay.
Stamkos will get another chance – hopefully many. I just can’t say enough how NHL players man up like no other group – from the 4th line guys right to the superstars. Sure there’s diving and whining and selling calls; they’re not perfect. But they have this kind of heart, and it’s beautiful. And it’s why, no matter who you root for, you respect when guys like this do things like this for their teams.
And since it’s summer for Stammer now, there’s this. He and Gator are going to get along great. Someone spit-shined his house, but didn’t even straighten the hangers in the closet. Nice Ikea lamp on the patio too. She can show him what the second sink is for. Though based on all the following-up-the-stairs camerawork, she may have already been there.
I can be your hero, baby.
[Bonus: Totally singing “Never Say Never” by the Biebs while writing this.]
What If ..
watch out vancouver, he's lethal with a water bottle
The incident happens at the 1:20 mark. The only film available is on Youtube: (I got it to embed for you – Pants)
Puck Daddy mentions this YESTERDAY before Game 7 :
“Before the 2010-11 season, the NHL made it clear that players spraying fans with water bottles, even when there’s penalty box glass in between them, was outlawed. ”
You may remember, John Tortorella, the coach of the NY Rangers, was suspended for a game for spraying a fan with a water bottle and NOT throwing anything. This was during the 2009 playoffs. But there was a big who-ha about this when it happened. And I am not going to compare this to Rick Rypien of the Canucks because that is silly.
But the NHL did NOT suspend Horton nor provide any disciplinary action for the incident. However, there was a precedent and where is the disciplinary consistency? But if they HAD, would Boston have won game 7 against Tampa Bay since Nathan Horton snagged his second game winning goal? He now has a NHL record of scoring two game winning, game 7 goals in the same playoff year.
I was a little shocked that no media asked either coaches about this nor Versus or the CBC brought this up during the post-game analysis. It seems like everyone wanted to just sweep it under the rug.
I’m not trying to take anything away from Boston or their win tonight, nor Nathan Horton but I certainly hope perhaps the classy Tim Thomas takes him aside, sits him down and has a long talk with him about sportsmanship, being a professional and keeping his emotions in check. Because watching game 7 and then seeing all the interviews with this young man afterward, knowing about his shameful behaviour towards the Tampa Bay fans, made it a little hard to feel good about his achievements. I hope he realized he dodged a huge bullet.
i am master of the universe!
On a lighter note, Tim Thomas gave the BEST QUOTE ever, post-game when Scott Oakes asked him how he planned on handling Vancouver, “Well .. obviously, ah, I just plan on stopping as many pucks as possible!” Good plan Tim. How can you not love this guy?
What's Ovi Been Up To?
Oh pants, you were talking about hands?
Well, not training but at least he’s keeping his clothes on for now. What’s that sound all around the world right now? Sobs and hearts breaking at that announcement? I feel your pain sisters!
ok - really? russian women are better looking than US or Canadian?
At least he could be doing some naked running in the woods like last year – right? Well, these photos will have to suffice for now. Our little lamb was enjoying a boxing match and partying – *SHOCKER*
sorry russia, you lose on this one. one grey goose too many and maybe. i don't mean to be hatin' but we have some hotties here.
So I went to the gym today…
But my spin class was full.
Sid: That’s Pants’ bike.
Bergy: She has to sit by Sid.
TBG Drew: Why?
Bergy: Because he borrowed her capris.
Sid: After she stole Patty’s shoes.
Bergy: Because Sid sings along, but Pants drowns him out.
Sid: You sing too.
Bergy: Only when we go downhill to Lady Gaga.
Down Time
There is NOTHING to do. Last night felt like the first night of summer – even though the Cup final isn’t even set, there was no hockey on and it gave me pre-traumatic stress disorder. Somewhere in Boston, Chuck is *freaking out* right now.
Since I already have the new Lady Gaga album, this is all I could find that was news-worthy. Discuss.
I’m sure it’s the angle, but Mike’s hands look really small here. Well, compared to this…
Oh, and Gator’s wearing blue and white – she thinks she’s so stealthy. I predict that zero work gets done today.
Hey Cassy…
Guy Boucher is confused. He wants to beat the Bruins but he can’t hurt you while wearing this shirt.
This man makes the greatest faces. He’s like Jonathan Toews in 20 years.
Ode To 'The Cup' by D.C.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE.
Hello? Yeah. It’s been while. Not much. How ’bout you?
I’m not sure why I called. I guess I really just wanted to talk to you.
I really DO miss your smile.
I was thinking maybe later on, we could get together for a while.
It’s been such a long time and I really do miss your smile.
a million watt smile!
I’m not talking about moving in. And I don’t want to change your life. But there’s a warm wind blowing and the stars are around and I’d really love to see you tonight.
the best of the best, hottest of the hot.
I won’t ask for promises. So you won’t have to lie. We’ve both played that game before. Say I love you and say good bye.
ok, maybe I will ...
We could walking through a windy park, take a drive along the beach.
baby you can drive my car ...
any one for skinny dipping?
Stay at home and watch TV, you see it really doesn’t matter much to me.
my favorite little devil
hell, making out in the snack isle will work! right seriously pissed?!
I’m not talking about moving in.
your place or mine?
And I don’t want to change your life. But there’s a warm wind blowing and the stars are around and I’d really love to see you tonight.
*sigh* really ... no, really. SRSLY. really.
I’d really love to see you tonight. I’d really love to see you tonight. NO, REALLY, I’D REALLY LOVE TO SEE YOU – TONIGHT. I KNOW YOU’RE NOT DOING ANYTHING.
Stanley Cup Final – Schedule
It’s here, it’s here! And it affirms my math that my wedding is after the last possible game so Chuck and I are not ducking out of the reception to check scores. Not everyone understands us.
Bonus: No conflict with either of the two NKOTBSB shows that Gator and I are going to. Because that would be overload.