First Things First: WAY TO GO TWINS! I’ve been saying all season that Jim Thome is The Man and he sure didn’t fail Tuesday night. If I still had working parts I’d want to have his babies, right after having Wes’s, of course. Congratulations on a spectacular come-from-behind win, the Division Title and to Gardy for getting his 800th win as a manager. Can't help but wonder if Vicki and I will be celebrating in the same fashion 7 months from now...
HOCKEY SEASON IS HERE!!
The Season Of Ice is here and along with it come the sounds of the season: skate blades gliding - then scraping as a battle in the corner ensues. Sticks tapping the ice in anticipation of receiving the puck for a run to the net. Bodies slamming onto the ice as Clutterbuck does his job. The ping of frozen vulcanized rubber ricocheting off the pipe. Gloves and helmets hitting the ice as punches are thrown. And my favorite sound of all - the goal horn. Smell that? It's the new sheet of ice ready and waiting for a brand new season to begin at the X. Man, it almost makes up for my feelings of dread with the cooling weather and increasing shadows on my deck. Although, I have to admit it was a georgous evening to be sitting in a certain neighbor’s screen porch while keeping an eye on their dogs while said neighbors were cheering their boys on to a Division title. Now, let’s talk some serious hockey folks! I’ve had the good fortune to attend a couple of practices. Here are the things that stick out in my mind the most:
1. Darby "Fall Down" Hendrickson makes his debut as an assistant coach in spectacular fashion - by falling down within the first mintue after taking the ice on the first day of camp. Looks like nothing's changed since his player day, huh? At least Wes stays on his skates, unless of course he's escorting a puck in his pants while sliding into the net to score a goal. Oops, was that out loud? I'm not bitter about things, really.
2. John Madden is cut from the same work ethic as Wes Walz. Oh, what it would have been like if they could have played together.
2. Matt Cullen is quick, very quick. Like, one second he’s in our end and then you blink and he’s in the offensive zone putting a shot on goal.
3. Nate Prosser is for real. I hate to say it but there are a couple of ‘established’ Dmen who should be afraid, be very afraid…cough, cough…Zhidlitzky…cough, cough.
4. Casey Wellman is almost ready for prime time - and pretty bulked up from last season. Houston is the place for him until there’s a legit spot for him on the team.
5. Cody Almond - or Almond Joy, or Co-Co, or CoCoNuts, or Nutzy as I've already heard him referred to...is another season away, yet sooo close at the same time.
6. Brent Burns looks to be in great form, physically and mentally in the right place.
7. Greg Zanon also looks to be completely healed and running on both of his pistons to start the new season.
8. Seeing Robbie Earl in camp! I love this guy, always have. Sheppard couldn’t have screwed up his own career path at a better time. I’d much rather see Robbie make the team so I’m really pulling for him.
Here’s the link to Russo’s blog heading into Wed’s game: Russo
Here’s the lineup for game one of the preseason:
Forwards
Andrew Brunette-Mikko Koivu-Antti Miettinen: Two Blondes and A Brunette - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Seems like Coach Richards understands that.
Guillaume Latendresse-Matt Cullen-Martin Havlat: S & S Line – Speedy Snipers or Stealth & Speed Line
Chuck Kobasew-John Madden-Cal Clutterbuck: This line will be kicking ass & taking names later. STFU Line - Shut Their Forwards Up
Robbie Earl-Cody Almond-Brad Staubitz: 3 B’s Line – A Badger, A Baby and A Bruiser
Defensemen
Nick Schultz-Brent Burns: Schultz actually showed up for camp in shape, only took five friggin’ seasons.
Clayton Stoner-Cam Barker:
Hopefully Clayton will stay healthy and stay on the team this season. Hopefully the Barker experiment will end early in the season and we’ll be done with him…patience, Nate, patience. You too, Dave.
Marco Scandella-Justin Falk:
Falk over Scandella for a number of reasons but my main one is that Scandella appears to be following in Chris Simon’s skates. Maybe he’s learned his lessons from last season and is ready to grow up.
Goalies
Niklas Backstrom for 2 periods – Steady, Ready and Able
Anton Khudobin for 1 period – The Hobbit’s Here, Hooray!!
This is for Vicki: Game On!
And in case any of you were wondering - I won't be sleeping until after the game. It's fricken' Hockey Season, people! I'm too wound up to sleep.
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