Mikey Monday

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Pants Loves

Fidget has the flu, which kept him out of last night’s spanking by the Rangers.  Dawn always says they can’t play without him.  We volunteer our in-home nursing services and hope Mike is better for Wednesday’s game vs. Anaheim.

Back on Nov 29, the Capitals did a team building day at the FBI training facility at Quantico.  This looks like SO much fun.  Even if Ovi was invited.  (Special shout out to WUYS pal Cassy – there is some prime Brooks Laich in here for ya!)  Mike shows us how to bust in a door, shoot an automatic weapon and wear earplugs. [Video]

Ready or not...

Mike is dressed in red for maximum visibility (inner publicist applause).  Watching this video proves that the Capitals do not need team building.  They are so touchy-feely and Mike is always involved.  This whole team is a big bromance. I can’t picture Bourdreau telling them to “hug it out,” but something is going on here.

Free hugs!

If they keep playing the way they have been, maybe BB can send them to marriage counseling.  Or they can take their frustrations out like this (Dawn’s favorite part of the video), on the Explosives Field:

Oh, you are HILARIOUS.

Feel better, Fidget.  And prepare to get rocked on 12/23 by Crosby and Co. I love ya, but not that day.

Weekend Warriors

- Posted in Newsies

My power to influence the universe continues to impress – I pick Ryane Clowe for Foxy Friday and what happens? He scores 2 goals vs. the Blackhawks on Saturday night and singlehandedly wins the game!  He’s named NHL  First Star of the Week!  I should start gambling.

Thanks Pants! Bet you're sorry now!

Alas, I am mad at Ryane because he made JToews sad. Steph and I only got to cheer 1 Blackhawks goal and spent the rest of the game getting booed.  I am taking it all back, Clowe.  But feel free to score tonight vs. Dallas and I will cheer for you again.

Speaking of Captain Serious, you should definitely go to a Blackhawks road game.  There were about 20 Hawks fans in the place and only 2 of us were girls.  Let’s just say pre-game skate FTW and it’s a good thing we were sitting down.  These guys are not like the Penguins who (while surrounded by fans even on the road) almost never interact with anyone.  The Hawks are not shy.  And Jonathan Toews looking right at you from six inches away… Stephanie practically had to mop me off the floor.

Sorry... what was I saying?

Dawn did not mention that in the Capitals 7-0 loss to the Rangers, Ovi dropped the gloves with Brandon Dubinsky.  The same guy Mike Green fought back in November!  This fight was much more manly, because Ovi is a scary dude. [Video]

How do you say "your mother" in Russian?

The Penguins extended their winning streak to 12 games and Crosby has points in 18 straight.  His career high streak is 19, which he’ll go for Tuesday vs. Philadelphia.  Marc-Andre Fleury is the #2 Star of the Week and Malkin is likely to return this week.  And this is still happening:

Whatever works.

What Else is There To Say …

- Posted in Epic Fail, Hall of Shame, Well OBVIOUSLY.

My Caps are in a 6 game losing streak which hasn’t EVER happen under Coach Boudreau. Ovi even had to resort to fighting tonight to try to get something started. Fidget is nowhere to be found. My fantasy texting keeps telling me that I am scoreless even after I picked Ovi a few games ago and he scored. How does that happen? They are in an Epic Failure … That does not compute. Let’s hope they don’t end up like the clip below. Even though many of you haters hope they do!

I'll Never Stop.

- Posted in Pants Loves, Well OBVIOUSLY.

My brain is like the All-Crosby Channel. Check out this video of Sid practicing his hand-eye coordination and stick handling.  Reebok, you bring us all the best b-roll.

You might think “wow” or “impressive” or even “oo-er.”  I’m thinking, “Why can’t he do this while wearing a tank top?  Come on!”

You may have seen this one – the Pyramid Trick.  Shut the front door. I mean, he probably spends ALL his time doing this by himself in a sad, empty arena but still… WOW.

The guy can’t help it!  I love the end.  He’s thinking, “You know you want it.” He may have a point.

Call me up if you want gangsta.

Most Creative Fans?

- Posted in Newsies

The Toronto Maple Leafs fans are so upset with their team they’re throwing things.  Waffles, to be exact.  Read more.

I can totally explain this.  One year my mom got a new waffle iron and went nuts.  Waffles are a breakfast delight, but she was not so contained.  We had waffles with soup, waffles topped with stew – you name it, it came with a waffle.  A total family intervention was required to end Wafflekrieg 1992.  Whoever brought these waffles to the game just didn’t know how to break it to their mom that you can’t make a tuna sandwich on waffles.

Bonus Nerd Alert: It’s always really bothered me that it’s Maple Leafs not Maple Leaves.

Foxy Friday: Ryane Clowe

- Posted in Foxy Friday

I’m going to 2 Sharks games in the next 4 days, so I’m picking a hometown hottie for Foxy Friday.  Also, you have to give it to Ryane Clowe.  Unless putting an unnecessarily girly-looking “e” on the end of everything is a time-honored Newfoundland tradition, it could be a big overcome for a kid.  Ryane seems to have done just fine.

Ryane has played the last 5 games on a line with rookies Logan Couture and Benn Ferriero (these names!) and they have 15 points collectively.  He’s also age-appropriate (28), since Chuck sometimes worries about me.

Nice guys let fans win at arm-wrestling.

Clowe is a fighter, having tilted against the likes of Parros, Iginla and Shawn Thornton.  He has 6 on the season so far, and according to hockeyfights.com he’s won 5 and had 1 draw.  He’s rocking the Bradley Cooper look, which we love on anyone who seems like they could handle a rough night in Vegas.  He cleans up nicely – I adore the overcoat he’s wearing in this video.  And he loves eggs forbreakfast.

Ryane and his girlfriend had a daughter this summer – we love cute dads!  The Sharks are full of ’em too.  Here’s hoping he continues to lead the rookie sensation line and rack up points for the Sharks.  I’ll let you know how the in-person view is after the game on Monday vs. Dallas.  If you want to find yourself a guy like Ryane, we suggest checking out his hometown.  You can find it here:

East. No, farther east.

2-Month Mark: Western Conf.

- Posted in Newsies

I write something serious and no one cares!  Oh well, I care.  Way out West, where hockey cities are few and far between, I look forward to 4 PM every day because I can get a game on the radio at work.  Not so bad after all, eh?

– 12 Point Spread – Look again.  The entire Western Conference is separated by only 12 points.  First to last, every division.  While it’s true in sports that every game counts, it’s tough to explain that to a baseball fan on May 3 with 148 games left before her.  But with 27 of 82 regular season games played, this tight race is well on pace to be a marathon.

– Phoenix Coyotes – Not a bad team, just an under-appreciated one.  They average 10,189 fans per game – just 58.2% attendance.  By far the worst in the NHL.   Worse than the Islanders who have less than half as many points.  In fact, Phoenix is tied with Los Angeles (18,060, 97.6%), San Jose (17,562, 100.4%) and Anaheim (14,596, 85%).  If that’s not an argument to move a team, I don’t know what is.

– Chicago Blackhawks – Had a rough start but have evened out.  Patrick Kane and Marion Hossa are hopefully expected back next week.  Patrick Sharpe is still hot (and off the ice) with 17 goals.  He had 66 points last season, this year he’s on pace for 81.   And I’ve got a date with Toews on Saturday night in San Jose .  Okay, Stephanie too.  We’ll be in our matching #19 shirts.

– Calgary Flames – Not quite the disaster they were in early November, but the Flames are still struggling to win consistently.  The good news is Iginla (who typically starts the season horribly) is getting on track with 25 points so far.  The better news is that Alex Tanguay is right behind him with 23 points.  The Flames can lose all day long, no one can blame it on Alex!  It’s a sad thing to be happy about but I’m protective like that.  Tanguay gets points when Iginla scores, so let’s hope this continues to gel.

Edge of Seventeen

- Posted in Newsies, Pants Loves

The Penguins winning streak is at 11 games (14 unbeaten counting 1 shootout loss) and Sidney has 200 goals in 3 games.  Or something like that.  All signs point to awesome… except for this.

All these guys are pranksters, right?  Love a good practical joke?  Well this is one.  How many gross superstitions can I adhere to at once before even Pants makes me sleep on the couch?

This is a test of the Emergency Grooming System.

The stache.  The hat.  The answer: Waaaaaay more than this, Crosby.  A 17-game point streak forgives all sins.  Even ones that you insist on wearing on your head.

2-Month Mark: Eastern Conf.

- Posted in Newsies

Let’s talk about something serious for a minute.  The 2010-11 NHL season is officially 2 months old today.  With 60 days of hockey under your skates, what surprises you so far?  What is going exactly as you expected?

– NJ Devils:  Even without beating the dead horse that is Kovalchuk (minus 17!), the Red Cross is about to start handing out tin foil blankets.  The most optimistic of Devils supporters are ready to give up (read this).  They’ve scored 2 goals or less in 20 out of 27 games.  Brodeur will be back in the ice Friday, but unless he’s taking Parise’s spot up front I don’t see how it can help.

– Toronto Maple Leafs – Pretty sure it’s not cool in Toronto to be at the bottom of your division.  Just saying.  They came back from 4-1 down to win vs. Washington last night, so maybe that will give them some momentum.  Phaneuf (say it out loud) is expected back in about a week, he has been out since 11/2 after being cut by a skate blade.  The Leafs have won only 5 of 16 since.

– Atlanta Thrashers – We knew the addition of Byfuglien would be a boost, but putting him back on defense has proven to be a masterstroke.  (My fantasy team FTW!)  Pavalec’s been super in net, 2nd only to Tim Thomas in GAA and Save %.  He’s cut his GAA by 50% from last season.

– Tampa Bay Lightning – If the Bolts put someone in net who could stop the puck, Stamkos might take the whole League by himself. Tampa Bay gives up more goals per game than any team but the Oilers.  They are certainly putting it in the net enough, if only they could keep it out.  Stammers hasn’t scored in 5 games and people are calling it a “drought.”  More like a momentary letup in a downpour.

– NHL Leaders – The Penguins, Flyers and Capitals all have more points than any Western Conference team.  If this keeps up we’ll have a fight on our hands right through till April.  That’s the way I like it.

Sid & Ovi – Vanity Fair Video

- Posted in Newsies, We Love

With friends like these, who needs enemies?  Sid and Ovi will be featured in the January issue of Vanity Fair. They may be dressed like waiters but it doesn’t take much to get us all riled up.  NHL.com posted this behind-the-scenes video of the photoshoot.

I've never wanted to be a chair before.

There’s also this teaser blog from Vanity Fair and this transcript of Sid’s interview.  Sid says nothing interested (story of his life) but the idea of Lil Crosby watching The Mighty Ducks just about keeeeeeeeeeeels me.

You try explaining the "Flying V" play to Malkin.

Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter is Canadian and a big hockey fan, hence his support of the game.  The NHL and VF headquarters in NYC made a nice pairing back in September during the NHL Media Tour when they hosted this party.  Which Ovi attended in a t-shirt.

Blue Steel.

It’s nice to see the NHL getting some mainstream media coverage.  Not that I think the VF readership is particularly sports-oriented, unless you count golf, but you never know who might be reading.

Dawn's kids love Ovi too.

There’s so much goodness here that I’m just going to picspam… you all aren’t listening to me anyway.  Too busy looking at the shiny.

P.I.M.P. "Baby I'm the man, I invented rubber bands."

One neon laser background shy of a Grade 10 school picture.

Sid shows Ovi where Dawn lives in comparison to DC.

Magnum.

On my way!

Old Home Video of Dawn at Christmas

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Well OBVIOUSLY.

As if … When I was little, my mom gave the ubiquitous bowl cut and made me look like a boy so that is the only way I can get away with saying this is an old home video of me. Because honestly, home video wasn’t even around when I was little – HA and Ovi wasn’t even a gleam in his father’s eye when I was little. I don’t even think Gretzky was. Maybe Bobby Orr! LOL. Anyway I can’t believe that Pants hasn’t sent this to me yet and evidently this should be renamed Ovi Monday. 😉 But I LOVE IT!

It's Baaaaaack !!!!!!!!! BOTB – After the Ice Melts

- Posted in Dawn Loves, We Love

After the Ice Melts - this is what's left

All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show. All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show.All talk and no sparkly skating Unicorns make BOTB a dull show.

Shannon, do you like my hat?

Oh … you wanted an actual recap of AFTER THE ICE MELTS? Oh sorry – I was reliving my SHINING flashback. So Ron and Kurt snuggled up against each other and chatted about how great this second season was. Cue video of boot camp AGAIN. Yawn. Then everyone was seated around in a horse shoe and took turns sharing and caring about their triumphs and tribulations. Now I was going to slam the rest of the show until it took a very interesting turn and in light of all the teen suicides, I think it’s worth having a sobering moment here.

Not a sparkly Unicorn

Theo Fluery has had one hell of a life. Being sexually molested and a series of horrible life choices and debilitating alcohol and drug issues stemming from that, he has come forward and shared his story. Props to him. He took time to  tell people to keep going no matter how hard it may seem and what saved him was giving back. In addition to all this, Russ Courtnall – who went out in the first round –  discussed that he lost his father to depression when he committed suicide. They ended having to take an additional break because of the intensity of the segment. PJ Stock went over and gave Theo a hug and it shows the bond between these guys. For that and them sharing their stories with Canada, since they are so looked up to by Canadian youth, it was worth the additional show if it helps one kid out there feel they are not alone. If these tough, successful athletes have gone through it and come out the other side, then they can too.

Now, aside from that, Val looked AWESOME but said pretty much nothing. Ah… the perfect man. 😉

Behind the Scenes w/ Ovi

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Newsies

Christmas has come early for Dawn.  Not only have I found her Christmas card image, but also her new job.  Caps365 posted this behind-the-scenes video of Ovi’s Winter Classic commercial shoot.

Merry Xmas, love Dawn & Ovi

I hate to admit that he looks kinda pimp in that sweatshirt.  Not to fear – he takes his shirt off in the video.  Of course he does.  He’s wearing multiple gold necklaces/charms too, so he gets a lot of mileage out of it.

Dawn's new job!

Who do we have to know to get Dawn hired as “person who soaks Ovi with a water wand“?  She’s over-qualified, I promise.  And she has waterproof mascara.

Rain does not faze him.

There had better be one of these behind-the-scenes videos for Sid’s side of the commercial.  Though I’m willing to bet there’s no footage of shirtless Crosby toweling off his hair because the internet would break.  I’d sneak into the Apple store at night and play it simultaneously on every single screen until the whole system collapsed.  It would look like Die Hard 4 in here.

Mikey Monday

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Pants Loves

I’m trying to think of something witty to say but I can’t stop giggling.  I have a lot of trouble with shows like The Office and movies like Meet the Parents – I get really uncomfortable.  Typically I run out of the room.  But this… it’s awkwardly adorable.

I’ve been saving this for a while – it’s a Caps TV tour of Mike’s old apartment, not the new place featured on MTV Cribs.  I think this is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life (looking through my fingers while cringing).

Stunnas.

Mike did a painting of the Mac logo.  Mike’s room is the size of a closet.  Mike has a teddy bear and those word signs that say “friends” and “live, laugh, love.”  He can’t cook and shops at Target.  Brooks is his Ron Weasley, with the commentary.  It’s freakin’ precious.  I kinda miss this Mike Green. He’s trying to be cool in a very endearing way, like he’s in a John Hughes movie.

Next week I’ll post the MTV one – definitely a sleeker place, for the big money guys, but it lacks the charm of something clearly decorated by his mom.

Winter Classic TV Spot

- Posted in I'm Always Right, Newsies

The NHL debuted the first Winter Classic ’11 commercial during Sunday Night Football [Video].  To quote the greatest movie of all time:

“I know you can be overwhelmed, and I know you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?”  “I think you can in Europe.” – 10 Things I Hate About You

Frankly this gives your average American zero inspiration to wake up at 10 AM (damn you, west coast) after a night of partying to watch what may not even be a hockey game.  It looks like a commercial for a 2-hour delay at my high school.

Rain and snow and Sidney walking all weird at the beginning.  Ovi looks particularly squinty – shouldn’t he be a pro at freezing rain and snow?  Don’t they play pond hockey in Russia?

Sid wears a little Pens lapel logo while they’ve given Ovi the biggest Capitals insignia this side of a game jersey.  I particularly like this screencap because it looks like a boy band music video.  In fact, this commercial feels like an *N Sync vs. BSB staredown and we all know who the Justin Timberlake is.

I’ll be awake of course, texting madly with Dawn or we might just have to Skype for the whole game.  Everyone else will wake to 2011 with the sound of my screaming and not even know what I’m yelling at.  So just like every other day of the hockey season.

Shannon, do you like my hat?

- Posted in Randomness

Somebody scored himself a hattie last night, taking the League lead in points and tying Stamkos for the lead in goals.  And he did it all with a pervy pseudo-mustache.  Oh Sidney… please shave. Even I can’t get past it.  No one is attractive enough to pull this off.

I'm begging you.

Crosby has points in 14 straight games and the Penguins are 10-0-1 in their last 11.  It was Sid’s second hat trick in a week and his first-ever natural hat trick.  Even Mr. Pants commented on Sid’s general awesomeness.  Video

Things a goalie does NOT want to see.

Fleury has won 7 in a row and can’t stop smiling. Neither can I!  With his messy hair, he’s like a 5-year old that just ate a bag of Pixie Sticks.  Video

Goalie Grin

The Penguins are atop their division with 36 points, trailed closely by Philly (grrrrr).  Only Washington has more points in the entire League.  If things keep up, the end of December will be a Pants vs. Dawn showdown: the two teams play 12/23 at Washington and of course on 1/1 in the Winter Classic.  Bring it!

Right column favorite: WON 8

PS: I’ve never seen Far and Away, but Matty D quotes the line, “Shannon, do you like my hat?” to me all the time.  This is definitely what he meant, right?

He's baaaaaaaaaack…well soon maybe…

- Posted in Chuck Loves, We Love
Today is a happy day for me.  Not only is in Thursday and that means free sandwiches in the office (SCORE!), but today is also the day that Marc Savard returned to the ice today for the Boston Bruins.  Like Balki Bartokimous, I do a dance of joy!
Savvy has been sidelined since the end of playoffs last season with post-concussion syndrome after a vicious hit by Matt Cooke.  Since then, he’s been hanging out and meeting with doctors to see when he’ll be able to return to the ice.  After the Bruins traded defenseman Matt Hunwick earlier this week (for former Terrier Colby Cohen, btdubs) to make room under the salary cap for Savard’s return, it seems as if the stage has been set for the B’s star centerman to return to the ice.   He might play tonight but more than likely he’ll return for Saturday’s game vs the Maple Leafs.

In every interview for what seems like the past two weeks, Savard declares that he is fit and ready to play.  You can just tell that he is chomping at the bit to get out there and bury some pucks but I greatly admire the Bruins for their patience at not rushing Marc’s return.  Seems like Peter Chiarelli, Cam Neely, B’s Coach Claude Julien, and the Bruins organization have their player’s best interests at heart.  Marc’s health far out weights the need for him to rush back to playing, risking another setback or worse, a hit that could potentially end his career forever.

Plus, as much as I hate to say it (because of my love of Savvy), they don’t really need him right now.  *gasp* Of course they could use him, because who doesn’t want one of their best forwards on the ice running the power play, but the B’s have been winning games without him.  Tim “The Tank” Thomas has been carrying the team on his shoulders and Horton, Seguin, Bergeron, and LOOOOOCH have been scoring so it isn’t like they are in dire straits. But it will be great to have Savard back on the ice with the spoked “B” on his chest mearly so we can see more of this…

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

And this….

Like House of Pain said...Jump around, jump around, jump up, jump up and get down..."

He’s like a little kid.  And I love it.

~~Chuck

Yes, I'll Shop There

- Posted in Pants Loves

During November, I saw the Penguins play in Anaheim, Atlanta, Buffalo and New York.  Clearly this is the reason Crosby has 26 points in a 13-game streak and was named NHL November Star of the Month.  Such is my power.

To thank me (mostly for the 15 hour roundtrip drive to Buffalo), Crosby happily made this gray t-shirt beg for it’s life.  The universe then conspired to run this on TSN while I was watching a game.  I may have screamed and spilled a giant glass of water.

Sorry the quality isn’t better – the spot isn’t online, so I made a huge pile of DVDs to rest my camera on and taped it.  Ghetto, yes, but so worth it.  Go Pens!

Say It Ain't So… Please! and Other News

- Posted in Dawn Loves, Newsies, Randomness

This is just for Pants

Holy Whining Sidney Crosby! Mr. Cherrie gave me the shock of my life

i am all the capitals defense - it's a tough job

when I got home from work tonight tellingme he heard rumors of a trade between the Washington Capitals and the LA Kings. Pants can attest to the fact that I complain like Sid about the lack of defense on the Caps. The great, fabulous Mr. Green is their Obi-Wan Kenobi. Pants like his hair, I love what he does on the ice. I’m like Princess Leia every game in front of the TV – “Help me Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope!” Repeat and rinse … Also, they need more than one goalie  – Neuvy baby, I’ve been turbo voting for ya for the All-Star Game but can you say, Kiprusoff? Varly will implode – trust me.

repeat after me, i am a wall, nothing get's by me - nothing.

i'll be your huckleberry

Rumor is they are willing to trade Fleishmann, Fehr and Semin for Scuderi. Oh HELL-NO! BUT … if you throw in Drew-Baby, I might consider it then I could have a Ovi-Drew hoagie – can you say YUMMY?
On to my next tib-bit-o-news: the blogs and hockey sites were on fire tonight with captions like, IS SIDNEY A DIRTY PLAYER? LOL! Really? He slew footed some dude in the Rangers game tonight (see video) and it makes the news. What should have been the REAL HIGHLIGHT was Sidney’s slew footing of Sean Avery in the third period of the same game. Since when did Sid get all slew foot happy? I am going to nick name him Slew Foot Sid from now on. He’s got it down pat. But a word of advice from a publicist Sid, don’t whine that you can’t be ‘dirty player’ because you only have 15 penalty minutes. You don’t want to tarnish that halo.
On to the next fabulous video for your viewing pleasure is the Chris Pronger “Sean Avery” penalty. I don’t think this really needs any more explanation. Just watch and learn my friends. Watch and learn
‘nough said.

Mikey Monday

- Posted in Mikey Monday, Pants Loves

Fidget missed a game this week with that “undisclosed upper body injury,” then came back Sunday vs. Carolina only to be helped off the ice after blocking a shot with his knee.  I bet Mikey fell down a lot as a kid.

@wyshynski – Boudreau on Green: “Have you ever blocked a shot? They friggin hurt.”

Apparently Mike is fine and will be back in the lineup next game.  But maybe he should keep away from sharp edges.

This man now owns a Vespa.

I’m still eating pie, so I give you this video of Mikey & Ovi visiting a middle school in ’08.  It does more than I could anyway.  In it:

– Ovi wears seriously Russian jeans.  Bonus: cell phone on the pocket!

– Mike ruins a passing drill.

– Mike stands behind the play to avoid falling on children.

– Mike misses the only defensive play of the day.

– These middle school kids are what, 13? 14?  Why are none of these girls trying to flirt with Mike? He totally looks like he’s in a boy band.  I would have been all over that.