Another 12 months gone by - where does the time go? There are lessons learned with each passing year. Some of them are fun lessons, some not so much. But everything is worth getting through in the end. How else are you going to be able to look back on your life and shake your head, wondering how hell you got this far without serious injury.
Nothing philosophical here just some smiles and chuckles to wrap up good old 2010
Since I'm into music: Top 10 Music Videos 2010 and Top 50 Songs 2010. See how many you've actually seen, heard, understood or enjoyed.
Movies I saw and didn't hate in 2010 (in no particular order):
The A-Team, Alice In Wonderland, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, The Town, Toy Story 3, Despicable Me, Inception, IronMan2, Tron-Legacy, The Fighter, True Grit, Shutter Island, Black Swan, Red, Tangled, The Kids Are Alright, Paranormal Activity 2.
Movies I saw and wished I hadn't:
Prince Of Persia - Sands of Time
Some Commercials We Laughed At: Funny Ha-Ha
Some Commercials That Annoyed Us: Change The Channel - Quick!
2010 Sports I Followed:
Thanks to Randy and Connie, Ginny, Nan and Benj I am an official Twins fan again. When I wasn't in the garden or on the deck I spent some of my best spring and summer hours at Target Field. I still want to have Jim Thome's babies...if only the Twins will bring him back ;) If only the Twins can find a way to stay in the play off race beyond the first round...
The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup after an amazing array of division and conference title runs by teams that poured their hearts and souls into every game along the way. Well, all except for my Washington Capitals who thought, for the second year in a row, that they'd get by on pretty offensive plays alone. Silly boys.
The Wild continue on their never-ending search for consistency and an identity. I hate how they're playing since last season. If I never hear the word Compete again as long as I live it will be too soon. I don't believe Todd Richards is the coach for this team. I don't believe our team will be a contender for another two seasons - thanks mostly to crippling contracts currently in place and the cap limit. I do believe in the healing power of simply being in the arena for each home game so yes, these days it's more about me than it is about believing in my team's ability to pull their heads out of their asses. And on those rare occasions when the team deigns to show up for all three periods and make a real game of it - a thing of absolute beauty to behold. Because you just never know when that will happen - Vicki and I will continue to make the trek to the arena each game in hopes that 'tonight will be the night'. Eternal Optimists, yeah - that's us :)
Have a safe and festive New Year's Eve celebration my friends! Get those resolutions in order for 2011, it's just around the corner. I'll be back after the Wild/Preds game, probably more likely after the Winter Classic game on Saturday. Sally and I will be throwing down since it's her Penguins against my Capitals for bragging rights.
Coldplay - Clocks Seems fitting for the count down to a new year:
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Coach Tired of Boos, Inflated Numbers, BOGO Shootout Goalies
Boo Birds Piss off Todd Richards
Coach Richards is "sick and tired of being booed by the home crowd." And what, pray tell us, are you going to do about it, Todd??
That was my question going into tonight's game at home - you know, the place where the Wild have played like crap for the better part of the season so far. Well, I don't know what else he said in the locker room but Holy Grit and Grind - the team responded with one of their top five games to date for this season. It's hard not to burst with pride when your team plays the way they did tonight. These kind of games are far and few between so I'll take them for what they are - a gift, that cool drink of water in the middle of the desert. Russo's Coverage
Not that we didn't have our less than stellar moments:
Backstrom looking lost on two of the goals against and the team pissing away 3 power plays, including the 4 minute penalty that Mikko took stitches for.
All in all, the team played with determination and pride. Man, it's such a beautiful thing - it gives me chills! I'll be taking the sleeping pill tonight otherwise I'll be too jazzed to catch more than 2 hours after watching the game on DVR. I love feeling like this coming out of the arena! When you need both hands to count the players who left it all out on the ice you know you've seen a great game.
Why - oh - why can't they do this 9 out of 10 games? Why can't tonight be the norm instead of the laziness and lack of effort which has defined the last season and a half? Why must we endure game after game like the beat down by the Red Wings and that sad effort in Columbus? I'm greedy, I want more games like tonight!
Key To Wild Attendance
It's amusing to me that nobody, not the Wild or the media, is pointing out the real reason for the higher attendance numbers for these last few home games... free tickets were given to the 10 Year Season Ticket Holders. Each 10Y STH was given free tickets for a game - our choice from the home games between November 26 through January 2.
The 12.26 game, hosting the Red Wings, was one of those games and it showed. In addition to the extra hometown butts in seats from those free tickets, there were more Wings jerseys in the arena than I think I've ever seen before. Those Wing Nuts drive and fly into Minnesota in droves...curse them.
Tonight's game was missing the huge traveling fan base from California but just about everybody I talked to from the upper deck and the lower bowl was there by the grace of 'courtesy' or free tickets. Some folks had received them from family members or friends as a gift but most said they bought them from a ticket holder. So tonight's 19,131 announced attendance was tainted. But hey, at least everyone was treated to some great hockey!
Two Sieves In Shootouts
Going into the shootout in Columbus I was comforted by the fact that it was Jose in net and not Backstrom. Nik's struggled with the one-on-one since last season and that's no secret. Evidently I was lulled into a false sense of confidence by having anyone but Nik in the net after overtime. Jose proceeded to let in the pucks like he wasn't even there and my heart just sank, thinking that we've got some serious issues in net if both goalies can't stand the heat in the shootout. Imagine my surprise the next morning to see this headline from Russo: Wild Fires Mason... I immediately thought he was saying the Wild's goalie coach, Bob Mason, had been fired. Evidently, the editor needs some help creating headlines that are grammatically correct.
Must See TV
Archer is coming back for the next season on January 27.
Burn Notice - catch up on missed episodes with the marathon of episodes 12.30
Fairly Legal - new show on USA Network. I've liked Sarah Shahi since her role on NBC's defunct series Life, where she had the hots for my man Donal Logue's character.
The Good Guys - This Fox show just gets funnier with each episode!
For Bobbi - You'll know what this is for :)
Coach Richards is "sick and tired of being booed by the home crowd." And what, pray tell us, are you going to do about it, Todd??
That was my question going into tonight's game at home - you know, the place where the Wild have played like crap for the better part of the season so far. Well, I don't know what else he said in the locker room but Holy Grit and Grind - the team responded with one of their top five games to date for this season. It's hard not to burst with pride when your team plays the way they did tonight. These kind of games are far and few between so I'll take them for what they are - a gift, that cool drink of water in the middle of the desert. Russo's Coverage
Not that we didn't have our less than stellar moments:
Backstrom looking lost on two of the goals against and the team pissing away 3 power plays, including the 4 minute penalty that Mikko took stitches for.
All in all, the team played with determination and pride. Man, it's such a beautiful thing - it gives me chills! I'll be taking the sleeping pill tonight otherwise I'll be too jazzed to catch more than 2 hours after watching the game on DVR. I love feeling like this coming out of the arena! When you need both hands to count the players who left it all out on the ice you know you've seen a great game.
Why - oh - why can't they do this 9 out of 10 games? Why can't tonight be the norm instead of the laziness and lack of effort which has defined the last season and a half? Why must we endure game after game like the beat down by the Red Wings and that sad effort in Columbus? I'm greedy, I want more games like tonight!
Key To Wild Attendance
It's amusing to me that nobody, not the Wild or the media, is pointing out the real reason for the higher attendance numbers for these last few home games... free tickets were given to the 10 Year Season Ticket Holders. Each 10Y STH was given free tickets for a game - our choice from the home games between November 26 through January 2.
The 12.26 game, hosting the Red Wings, was one of those games and it showed. In addition to the extra hometown butts in seats from those free tickets, there were more Wings jerseys in the arena than I think I've ever seen before. Those Wing Nuts drive and fly into Minnesota in droves...curse them.
Tonight's game was missing the huge traveling fan base from California but just about everybody I talked to from the upper deck and the lower bowl was there by the grace of 'courtesy' or free tickets. Some folks had received them from family members or friends as a gift but most said they bought them from a ticket holder. So tonight's 19,131 announced attendance was tainted. But hey, at least everyone was treated to some great hockey!
Two Sieves In Shootouts
Going into the shootout in Columbus I was comforted by the fact that it was Jose in net and not Backstrom. Nik's struggled with the one-on-one since last season and that's no secret. Evidently I was lulled into a false sense of confidence by having anyone but Nik in the net after overtime. Jose proceeded to let in the pucks like he wasn't even there and my heart just sank, thinking that we've got some serious issues in net if both goalies can't stand the heat in the shootout. Imagine my surprise the next morning to see this headline from Russo: Wild Fires Mason... I immediately thought he was saying the Wild's goalie coach, Bob Mason, had been fired. Evidently, the editor needs some help creating headlines that are grammatically correct.
Must See TV
Archer is coming back for the next season on January 27.
Burn Notice - catch up on missed episodes with the marathon of episodes 12.30
Fairly Legal - new show on USA Network. I've liked Sarah Shahi since her role on NBC's defunct series Life, where she had the hots for my man Donal Logue's character.
The Good Guys - This Fox show just gets funnier with each episode!
For Bobbi - You'll know what this is for :)
Monday, December 27, 2010
A Win for the Wings - A Lump of Coal for Wild Fans
Actually, a lump of coal would imply there's a diamond in there just waiting to shine through. Load of crap is what we found under the Wild Christmas tree. Youngblood summed up the game well, with the exception of how MAGICALLY AWESOME everyone thinks Backstrom is. He's not. If Backstrom was so spectacular then the score would have been a much closer 2-1...at least on the score board. Did he make some great saves in the game? YES. Did his teammates clearly made a conscious effort to ditch him from the get-go? YES. Did Backstrom give away juicy rebounds to the Wings all game long? YES - something he's been doing all season long. Did Nik look completely lost more often than not when pucks whizzed by him that he never saw coming? YES. He faced under 30 shots and gave up 4 goals. I'm not saying Nik performed any worse than the rest of the team, including the coach. They all turned in a Grinch of a performance: STINK, STANK, STUNK. Fourteen minutes of penalty time, only 17 shots on goal for the whole game, 15 players with minus ratings for the game and a clueless coach.
The Wild's multimedia team did put together a fun pre-game video teaser. It was the highlight of the night. Maybe it will keep you all warm and fuzzy until tonight's game in Columbus.
The Wild's multimedia team did put together a fun pre-game video teaser. It was the highlight of the night. Maybe it will keep you all warm and fuzzy until tonight's game in Columbus.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Glad Tidings!
M is for the memories of another year almost gone by
E is for everyone in my life, whom I'm thankful for
R is for the rarest of things - best friends in multiples
R is for rest - needed after all the snow shoveling in December alone
Y is for all of you who continue to lift me up when I'm down
C is for the canine in my life - Buster Brown as he's known
H is for having the only thing I really need - the freedom to live my life at will
R is for remembering loved ones lost but never forgotten
I is for ice on which the Wild play hockey
S is for season seats with the best hockey partner EVER
T is for tomorrow and all the hope it holds
M is for margaritas from my blender - I give credit where it's due when writing this...
A is for appreciate - what I have, who I am and all who touch my life
S is for the Season and the reason we're all celebrating!
Here's Hoping You All Got Hula Hoops :)
E is for everyone in my life, whom I'm thankful for
R is for the rarest of things - best friends in multiples
R is for rest - needed after all the snow shoveling in December alone
Y is for all of you who continue to lift me up when I'm down
C is for the canine in my life - Buster Brown as he's known
H is for having the only thing I really need - the freedom to live my life at will
R is for remembering loved ones lost but never forgotten
I is for ice on which the Wild play hockey
S is for season seats with the best hockey partner EVER
T is for tomorrow and all the hope it holds
M is for margaritas from my blender - I give credit where it's due when writing this...
A is for appreciate - what I have, who I am and all who touch my life
S is for the Season and the reason we're all celebrating!
Here's Hoping You All Got Hula Hoops :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Skill vs Braun, Where It Doesn't Pay To Play Hockey
Too Young For Bad Habits
I've been hanging around the local arenas lately catching some great youth hockey games. I love talking with the parents about the game, their kids progress and their take on how the sport is played (and how is should be played) at this level. We're talking about squirt, pee-wee and girls high school hockey just so that we're all on the same page going into this discussion. At these levels it's clear to me the intent is to teach skill: skating, stick handling, puck possession, shooting and following through on a play (or as I like to call it: teamwork).
There is no checking allowed in grils hockey, at least those are the rules. There is no checking allowed at the Squirt level, but once you get into the PeeWee and up it's allowed. I understand that USA Hockey is considering removing checking from PeeWee but that hasn't happened as of yet. However, I've yet to attend a game, at any these levels, where a kid hasn't been taken down by a blindside hit, an outright boarding move or a blatant cross-check. One kid had to be helped off the ice by the coaching staff. For each incident the parents in the stands were very vocal about the penalty that should be assigned to the offending player and there were loud grousings about how that kind of play isn't allowed.
But what I didn't hear were calls for the offending player's coach to be sidelined or suspended from coaching when he clearly advocates that kind of unsportsmanlike conduct. Where do you think the kid learned the crosscheck from? How would the kid know to when to perform such an infraction? One could easily argue 'from a parent' or perhaps from watching an NHL game . I've seen enough of these youth games to know that a coach is ultimately responsible for how his team plays - clean or dirty. And behind that coach is a parent, or set of parents, who need to reinforce the rules of fair play, let alone the rules of the league their son and/or daughter play in.
At the risk of getting more than I bargained for I asked some parents if they wouldn't mind weighing on the subject of holding coaches and parents more responsible for how the kids played and behaved while on the ice. My question: Skill vs Brawn, Finesse vs Body Count at the pee-wee and bantam level.
Here's what I got back in an email from one hockey parent who definitely took the time to think about it:
So, I’ve started to ponder … what type of hockey game would I prefer to watch … a hard-hitting game where players take every opportunity to remove their opponent from the puck OR a game of fast skating, lots of passes, creativity all over the ice ?? Oh, by the way, this is a youth hockey game – PeeWee and Bantam."
Over the past weeks as I have pondered on this question, I have kept a keen eye on youth games. And, I’ve gotta be honest … I don’t like what I see. A couple of years ago, USA Hockey instituted a ‘New Standard of Play Initiative’ … trying to bring speed and finesse back to the game. Has it worked ? Oh sure, to a degree. But …
Recently, I was watching a Bantam B2 game as well as a PeeWee game. I couldn’t believe the number of players who actually take themselves out of the play by trying to make Dad and the Coach happy with the ‘big hit’. Well, since when was ‘checking’ about putting your opponent into the first row of the bleachers ?? I thought checking was about separating a player from the puck or shielding the puck from someone else. Far too many Coaches and ‘mobile-coaches’ (i.e. Dad as you are driving home from a game) are looking for the big hits. These hits are becoming more and more dangerous.
Come on coaches and players, get back to the skating, passing, and creativity that makes hockey the great game that it is !!
It would seem that I'm not the only one who's alarmed by the misconduct I'm witnessing. My thanks go out to this particular hockey dad for taking a step back in order to give the question due process. I'm sure it's not easy when you're knee pad deep in the sport.
KHL - Konvict Hockey League
Many of you have already read the articles and seen the videos of the debacle of last week's "hockey" game in the KHL between Vityaz (The Muggers) and Avangard (The Unsuspecting Muggees). Here's the follow up article by Dmitry Chesnokov on PuckDaddy.com KHL BRAWL. As you'll read and view, Marty Skoula, who plays for Avangard, got blindsided by Josh Gratton, a Vityaz player. Josh, "I-Couldn't-Cut-It-In-The-NHL", Gratton decided to pull a Bertuzzi move while Marty was already squaring off with one of Josh's team mates. Marty and another Avangard team mate were hospitalized with broken bones when all was said and done. This kind of thing happens quite frequently in the KHL since that's how they role over there. That makes sense, since Chris Simon plays there - in fact, he's currently on the Vityaz player roster...shocking, I know. And their team is coached by Andrei Nazarov, former NHL player with 1409 penalty minutes. And yes, under Doug Risebrough's management we had both Chris and Andrei on our team, albeit ever so briefly.
Here's the video of the fight - it's not the worst I've seen but it's pretty brutal.
I can't leave this post on that kind of a note. So here are some cute Buster pictures, cuz I can - it's my blog ;)
I've been hanging around the local arenas lately catching some great youth hockey games. I love talking with the parents about the game, their kids progress and their take on how the sport is played (and how is should be played) at this level. We're talking about squirt, pee-wee and girls high school hockey just so that we're all on the same page going into this discussion. At these levels it's clear to me the intent is to teach skill: skating, stick handling, puck possession, shooting and following through on a play (or as I like to call it: teamwork).
There is no checking allowed in grils hockey, at least those are the rules. There is no checking allowed at the Squirt level, but once you get into the PeeWee and up it's allowed. I understand that USA Hockey is considering removing checking from PeeWee but that hasn't happened as of yet. However, I've yet to attend a game, at any these levels, where a kid hasn't been taken down by a blindside hit, an outright boarding move or a blatant cross-check. One kid had to be helped off the ice by the coaching staff. For each incident the parents in the stands were very vocal about the penalty that should be assigned to the offending player and there were loud grousings about how that kind of play isn't allowed.
But what I didn't hear were calls for the offending player's coach to be sidelined or suspended from coaching when he clearly advocates that kind of unsportsmanlike conduct. Where do you think the kid learned the crosscheck from? How would the kid know to when to perform such an infraction? One could easily argue 'from a parent' or perhaps from watching an NHL game . I've seen enough of these youth games to know that a coach is ultimately responsible for how his team plays - clean or dirty. And behind that coach is a parent, or set of parents, who need to reinforce the rules of fair play, let alone the rules of the league their son and/or daughter play in.
At the risk of getting more than I bargained for I asked some parents if they wouldn't mind weighing on the subject of holding coaches and parents more responsible for how the kids played and behaved while on the ice. My question: Skill vs Brawn, Finesse vs Body Count at the pee-wee and bantam level.
Here's what I got back in an email from one hockey parent who definitely took the time to think about it:
So, I’ve started to ponder … what type of hockey game would I prefer to watch … a hard-hitting game where players take every opportunity to remove their opponent from the puck OR a game of fast skating, lots of passes, creativity all over the ice ?? Oh, by the way, this is a youth hockey game – PeeWee and Bantam."
Over the past weeks as I have pondered on this question, I have kept a keen eye on youth games. And, I’ve gotta be honest … I don’t like what I see. A couple of years ago, USA Hockey instituted a ‘New Standard of Play Initiative’ … trying to bring speed and finesse back to the game. Has it worked ? Oh sure, to a degree. But …
Recently, I was watching a Bantam B2 game as well as a PeeWee game. I couldn’t believe the number of players who actually take themselves out of the play by trying to make Dad and the Coach happy with the ‘big hit’. Well, since when was ‘checking’ about putting your opponent into the first row of the bleachers ?? I thought checking was about separating a player from the puck or shielding the puck from someone else. Far too many Coaches and ‘mobile-coaches’ (i.e. Dad as you are driving home from a game) are looking for the big hits. These hits are becoming more and more dangerous.
Come on coaches and players, get back to the skating, passing, and creativity that makes hockey the great game that it is !!
It would seem that I'm not the only one who's alarmed by the misconduct I'm witnessing. My thanks go out to this particular hockey dad for taking a step back in order to give the question due process. I'm sure it's not easy when you're knee pad deep in the sport.
KHL - Konvict Hockey League
Many of you have already read the articles and seen the videos of the debacle of last week's "hockey" game in the KHL between Vityaz (The Muggers) and Avangard (The Unsuspecting Muggees). Here's the follow up article by Dmitry Chesnokov on PuckDaddy.com KHL BRAWL. As you'll read and view, Marty Skoula, who plays for Avangard, got blindsided by Josh Gratton, a Vityaz player. Josh, "I-Couldn't-Cut-It-In-The-NHL", Gratton decided to pull a Bertuzzi move while Marty was already squaring off with one of Josh's team mates. Marty and another Avangard team mate were hospitalized with broken bones when all was said and done. This kind of thing happens quite frequently in the KHL since that's how they role over there. That makes sense, since Chris Simon plays there - in fact, he's currently on the Vityaz player roster...shocking, I know. And their team is coached by Andrei Nazarov, former NHL player with 1409 penalty minutes. And yes, under Doug Risebrough's management we had both Chris and Andrei on our team, albeit ever so briefly.
Here's the video of the fight - it's not the worst I've seen but it's pretty brutal.
I can't leave this post on that kind of a note. So here are some cute Buster pictures, cuz I can - it's my blog ;)
 |
| Where Did It Go?? |
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| Found It!! |
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| Dashing Through The Snow |
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| Handsome, Ain't He? |
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| Buster, The Abominable Snow Dog! Hey - if you've got cute pet pictures you'd like to have posted, feel free to send them my way and I'll be happy to share them here. But I warn you, send me pictures of animals in clothing and I can't be responsible for the captioning...you know who you are ;) |
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What Game Were You Watching, Coach???
This is the question I screamed at the radio while waiting to get out of St. Paul after the game tonight. Coach Todd Richards said in his post-game presser that he felt Nik Backstrom was spectacular tonight. I would have loved to have had Richards sitting next to us tonight. You see, Coach, I sit in the upper deck end - just over Nik's right shoulder. When you sit up high, over your goalie for the first and third period, you tend to see things a little differently than those folks who spend the game looking to their left from the players bench.
- Backstrom was so lost, so daze and confused during the first period. He didn't have a clue where the puck was. He reached for pucks that had already sailed by him. He flopped to one side of the net, leaving the other side so WIDE OPEN that his defensemen and forwards had to make sprawling spread-eagle saves on his behalf while he struggled to get upright again. When he did make a stick or kick save he just stopped playing, like he needed to savor the moment instead. In the meantime Calgary was in possession of the rebound and once again his team mates had to come to his rescue.
- In the second period he was much better. His team mates did their usual disappearing act though and left him to face 13 shots on goal, including one short handed breakaway which Nik...actually...stopped...wow! He did give up a wrister from Jokinen but thankfully, that would be their only goal.
- In the third period he was still giving up rebounds like they were on sale after Christmas. For some unknown reason Nik found it necessary to come way out of the net when there was no reason to - other than to trip a Calgary player and get the penalty for it. He did finally settle in but there is no way you can say this game was all about Nik tonight, despite what Todd Richards saw from his vantage point.
Okay - Backstrom Rant Over. Moving On...
Wild Bakery Open For Business!
The Wild were operating a bakery business during tonight's game. They ran a special during the second period - turnovers with lots of icing. Stoner was good for three turnovers IN ONE SHIFT... yet the Coach praised his play after the game! Then there were the five turnovers during the Wild's only power play, including the short handed breakaway that Backstrom stopped - which was the second breakaway given up by the Wild tonight. Zhidlicky produced a turnover, then Mikko, then Brunette. Burns, not to be outdone, followed up with two of his own turnovers. Not quite a baker's dozen but still plenty to go around.
Power Play Goal - First One At X since November 2nd!
If you needed a reminder of how badly the Wild have played at home this season this is it. Havlat, who is either bucking for the C or trying to spur Mikko on, gets the job done in the third period when the Flames took an interference penalty. John Madden followed that up with his own power play goal just under four minutes later after a high sticking call on the Flames. And I was beginning to wonder what Madden had done for us lately...
Empty Netter - Fourth Time's A Charm!
With Kipper sitting on the Flames bench the Wild defended their zone in the waning moments of the game. Once, twice, three times they threw the puck down the ice in the direction of the empty Flames net. Finally, at the 19:14 mark, Cal Clutterbuck managed to zing the puck down the ice and it hit the back of the net with authority!
Players of the Game
In my opinion - Havlat is the number one player tonight. When he's hot he's hot: 23 points in the last 21 games.
Scandella was a very close second. He was everywhere he was supposed to be and looked great out there with Burns even when Burns didn't look so good himself. Marco got an assist and picked up some souvenirs on his upper lip for his efforts tonight. Barker should just say 'uncle' now since I don't want to wait until next season to see Marco here full time.
I'd have to say that Backstrom is tied with Marco for the second player of the game based on his second period performance alone. His team mates may have bailed him out in the first period but they bailed on him in the second and Nik stood up to the challenge.
Best Moment Of The Game
Came in the second period when Kostopoulos (we really hate him) got called for a penalty and then skated right into the Wild's penalty box without realizing it. Hilarious!!
I drove to the arena tonight listening to Christmas tunes on my iPod. I figured, why fight it? The weather sucked, the traffic sucked and there was no way around it if I was going to the game. Lorie Line is one of my favorite piano players and she's a home girl to boot. I have a number of her CD's but my all time favorite one is The Silver Album. I highly suggest it for your holiday humming pleasure. On the way home from the game I began to sink further and further into that numbing vortex known as Minnesota winter. Once again I turned to my iPod for some relief and spent the drive home in a sunny place called 'Summer On The Deck' - the playlist I listened to while basking in the sun this last summer.
As I pulled into my driveway covered in 7 inches of snow this tune was on full volume:
But first, the driveway needs to be done. Then I can have that lovely liquid to warm me up!
- Backstrom was so lost, so daze and confused during the first period. He didn't have a clue where the puck was. He reached for pucks that had already sailed by him. He flopped to one side of the net, leaving the other side so WIDE OPEN that his defensemen and forwards had to make sprawling spread-eagle saves on his behalf while he struggled to get upright again. When he did make a stick or kick save he just stopped playing, like he needed to savor the moment instead. In the meantime Calgary was in possession of the rebound and once again his team mates had to come to his rescue.
- In the second period he was much better. His team mates did their usual disappearing act though and left him to face 13 shots on goal, including one short handed breakaway which Nik...actually...stopped...wow! He did give up a wrister from Jokinen but thankfully, that would be their only goal.
- In the third period he was still giving up rebounds like they were on sale after Christmas. For some unknown reason Nik found it necessary to come way out of the net when there was no reason to - other than to trip a Calgary player and get the penalty for it. He did finally settle in but there is no way you can say this game was all about Nik tonight, despite what Todd Richards saw from his vantage point.
Okay - Backstrom Rant Over. Moving On...
Wild Bakery Open For Business!
The Wild were operating a bakery business during tonight's game. They ran a special during the second period - turnovers with lots of icing. Stoner was good for three turnovers IN ONE SHIFT... yet the Coach praised his play after the game! Then there were the five turnovers during the Wild's only power play, including the short handed breakaway that Backstrom stopped - which was the second breakaway given up by the Wild tonight. Zhidlicky produced a turnover, then Mikko, then Brunette. Burns, not to be outdone, followed up with two of his own turnovers. Not quite a baker's dozen but still plenty to go around.
Power Play Goal - First One At X since November 2nd!
If you needed a reminder of how badly the Wild have played at home this season this is it. Havlat, who is either bucking for the C or trying to spur Mikko on, gets the job done in the third period when the Flames took an interference penalty. John Madden followed that up with his own power play goal just under four minutes later after a high sticking call on the Flames. And I was beginning to wonder what Madden had done for us lately...
Empty Netter - Fourth Time's A Charm!
With Kipper sitting on the Flames bench the Wild defended their zone in the waning moments of the game. Once, twice, three times they threw the puck down the ice in the direction of the empty Flames net. Finally, at the 19:14 mark, Cal Clutterbuck managed to zing the puck down the ice and it hit the back of the net with authority!
Players of the Game
In my opinion - Havlat is the number one player tonight. When he's hot he's hot: 23 points in the last 21 games.
Scandella was a very close second. He was everywhere he was supposed to be and looked great out there with Burns even when Burns didn't look so good himself. Marco got an assist and picked up some souvenirs on his upper lip for his efforts tonight. Barker should just say 'uncle' now since I don't want to wait until next season to see Marco here full time.
I'd have to say that Backstrom is tied with Marco for the second player of the game based on his second period performance alone. His team mates may have bailed him out in the first period but they bailed on him in the second and Nik stood up to the challenge.
Best Moment Of The Game
Came in the second period when Kostopoulos (we really hate him) got called for a penalty and then skated right into the Wild's penalty box without realizing it. Hilarious!!
I drove to the arena tonight listening to Christmas tunes on my iPod. I figured, why fight it? The weather sucked, the traffic sucked and there was no way around it if I was going to the game. Lorie Line is one of my favorite piano players and she's a home girl to boot. I have a number of her CD's but my all time favorite one is The Silver Album. I highly suggest it for your holiday humming pleasure. On the way home from the game I began to sink further and further into that numbing vortex known as Minnesota winter. Once again I turned to my iPod for some relief and spent the drive home in a sunny place called 'Summer On The Deck' - the playlist I listened to while basking in the sun this last summer.
As I pulled into my driveway covered in 7 inches of snow this tune was on full volume:
But first, the driveway needs to be done. Then I can have that lovely liquid to warm me up!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Short Takes: Poinsettias, Happy Feet, Movie Review, Cute Videos
Tis The Season To Debunk A Myth
I love the color red. I'm partial to what I call "real red" so none of that burgundy or blue-tinged red. Fire Engine Red - that's the ticket for me. The winter season and holidays are a great backdrop from the color red. My favorite bird, the cardinal, looks best popping out in blazing red glory against the white snow covered pine trees. One of my favorite flowers, the poinsettia, is in bloom and on display everywhere this time of year. Sadly, the poinsettia has gotten a bad reputation over the years and I'm sick of it. There are too many folks out there who won't bring one of these glorious plants into their homes because they're too lazy to do the research for themselves.
I'm here to bring justice to this regal plant, once and for all - Poinsettias Are Not Poisonous!! Here's the fact of the matter:
According to the Poison Control Center in Madison, Wisconsin, "most of the fear originated from the death of one child in Hawaii in 1918 who was believed to have eaten a poinsettia plant. However, experts are no longer sure this death really had anything to do with the ornamental plant.
In fact, a research study conducted at Ohio State University in more recent years reveals that poinsettias are not truly poisonous at all. The study conclusively proved that all parts of the plant are non-toxic.
Today the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC and poison control centers across the country list the poinsettia as a non-poisonous plant."
Will your cat or dog throw up if they munch on the plant - very likely. But that's the same outcome as when they munch on a patch of grass, the Boston fern hanging in your bathroom or the potted philodendron in your living room. Your kids will probably get a tummy ache out of the ordeal as well, but again - no sinister plant plotting to harm your kids or pets. Google it and read for yourselves. Then go out and bring home your favorite color poinsettia - you'll be happy you did!
A New Start For Bobbi!
Most folks who visit this blog knew that Bobbi was laid off this last summer. She really made the most of her time off by applying for positions, heading back to school and taking some cross country trips that were long over due. She even started a blog of her own...whether or not she'll ever publish it for the rest of the world remains to be seen...hint-hint. Anyhow, Bobbi called the other day to share the great news of having accepted a job starting shortly after the new year begins! She's very excited and feels great about the position and what she'll be doing.
She was so thrilled about it she sent along this video to express the happy dance she was doing:
Congratulations to Bobbi! I'm sure I speak for all of us when I wish you the very best in your new position! I'm telling you - 2011 looks to the year for new beginnings and happy endings.
Movie Review - The Fighter
Premise: Insight into the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him before Micky went pro in the mid 1980s.
Who's In It:
Mark Wahlberg - BEST. ACTING. PERFORMANCE. OF. HIS. LIFE. And that's before I get all gushy **cue up the burlesque music** over his amazing body...OMFG! He is completely off-the-charts ripped for this movie. Mark was already in better shape than any guy has a right to be (sorry Matthew Mcconaughey) but for this movie he is so defined and chiseled. I felt myself blushing in the dark theater. I'm not really one for sports story movies but I'll tell you what - in terms of capturing a dysfunctional family at it's collective worst, this movie does it best. And I ought to know, having come from Dysfunction Junction myself. The dynamics of a family destined to tear each other apart from within is the real story of this movie, along with Micky's decision to leave the toxic poisons of his family behind.
Amy Adams - Clearly a break out role for her as well. All I had ever seen her in before this were ditzy chick flicks or family oriented movies. KUDOS to learning how to swear like a real Irishwoman and then letting it rip like it's her first language. Her entire performance was memorable and believable. I hope this role leads to many more serious parts.
Christian Bale - I was never a fan of this guy. Until this movie. Holy crap, this guy's actually got some talent in him. Makes me wonder if he comes from a dysfunctional family since he certainly plays his role with spot-on accuracy.
There are a number of other really strong actors in this movie, far too many to list here but suffice to say that my vote (as if it counts) would for this movie to get the picture of the year award. Mark, Amy and Christian should all get nods in Best Of categories as well.
Cute Videos Ahead - Hope You're On The Blog Site...
A few folks have sent this video to me thinking it was new. It's 3 years old with well over 5 million views but it's just as cute and fabulous today as it was when it was originally posted. In fact, you'll find a link to this video on my blog site. And very appropriate given the weather lately here in Minnesnowta:
For The Cat Lovers - This One Never Gets Old:
This One Should Set The Tone For Christmas Week - Dave, Hope You Got Your Xmas Lights Up!
Yes, this song is on my iPod - found on the 'Tis The Season' playlist :)
I'll post after the game tonight - that is assuming I make it there and back in one piece. Tell me again why I'm still living in this God-Forsaken state?
I love the color red. I'm partial to what I call "real red" so none of that burgundy or blue-tinged red. Fire Engine Red - that's the ticket for me. The winter season and holidays are a great backdrop from the color red. My favorite bird, the cardinal, looks best popping out in blazing red glory against the white snow covered pine trees. One of my favorite flowers, the poinsettia, is in bloom and on display everywhere this time of year. Sadly, the poinsettia has gotten a bad reputation over the years and I'm sick of it. There are too many folks out there who won't bring one of these glorious plants into their homes because they're too lazy to do the research for themselves.
I'm here to bring justice to this regal plant, once and for all - Poinsettias Are Not Poisonous!! Here's the fact of the matter:
According to the Poison Control Center in Madison, Wisconsin, "most of the fear originated from the death of one child in Hawaii in 1918 who was believed to have eaten a poinsettia plant. However, experts are no longer sure this death really had anything to do with the ornamental plant.
In fact, a research study conducted at Ohio State University in more recent years reveals that poinsettias are not truly poisonous at all. The study conclusively proved that all parts of the plant are non-toxic.
Today the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC and poison control centers across the country list the poinsettia as a non-poisonous plant."
Will your cat or dog throw up if they munch on the plant - very likely. But that's the same outcome as when they munch on a patch of grass, the Boston fern hanging in your bathroom or the potted philodendron in your living room. Your kids will probably get a tummy ache out of the ordeal as well, but again - no sinister plant plotting to harm your kids or pets. Google it and read for yourselves. Then go out and bring home your favorite color poinsettia - you'll be happy you did!
A New Start For Bobbi!
Most folks who visit this blog knew that Bobbi was laid off this last summer. She really made the most of her time off by applying for positions, heading back to school and taking some cross country trips that were long over due. She even started a blog of her own...whether or not she'll ever publish it for the rest of the world remains to be seen...hint-hint. Anyhow, Bobbi called the other day to share the great news of having accepted a job starting shortly after the new year begins! She's very excited and feels great about the position and what she'll be doing.
She was so thrilled about it she sent along this video to express the happy dance she was doing:
Congratulations to Bobbi! I'm sure I speak for all of us when I wish you the very best in your new position! I'm telling you - 2011 looks to the year for new beginnings and happy endings.
Movie Review - The Fighter
Premise: Insight into the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him before Micky went pro in the mid 1980s.
Who's In It:
Mark Wahlberg - BEST. ACTING. PERFORMANCE. OF. HIS. LIFE. And that's before I get all gushy **cue up the burlesque music** over his amazing body...OMFG! He is completely off-the-charts ripped for this movie. Mark was already in better shape than any guy has a right to be (sorry Matthew Mcconaughey) but for this movie he is so defined and chiseled. I felt myself blushing in the dark theater. I'm not really one for sports story movies but I'll tell you what - in terms of capturing a dysfunctional family at it's collective worst, this movie does it best. And I ought to know, having come from Dysfunction Junction myself. The dynamics of a family destined to tear each other apart from within is the real story of this movie, along with Micky's decision to leave the toxic poisons of his family behind.
Amy Adams - Clearly a break out role for her as well. All I had ever seen her in before this were ditzy chick flicks or family oriented movies. KUDOS to learning how to swear like a real Irishwoman and then letting it rip like it's her first language. Her entire performance was memorable and believable. I hope this role leads to many more serious parts.
Christian Bale - I was never a fan of this guy. Until this movie. Holy crap, this guy's actually got some talent in him. Makes me wonder if he comes from a dysfunctional family since he certainly plays his role with spot-on accuracy.
There are a number of other really strong actors in this movie, far too many to list here but suffice to say that my vote (as if it counts) would for this movie to get the picture of the year award. Mark, Amy and Christian should all get nods in Best Of categories as well.
Cute Videos Ahead - Hope You're On The Blog Site...
A few folks have sent this video to me thinking it was new. It's 3 years old with well over 5 million views but it's just as cute and fabulous today as it was when it was originally posted. In fact, you'll find a link to this video on my blog site. And very appropriate given the weather lately here in Minnesnowta:
For The Cat Lovers - This One Never Gets Old:
This One Should Set The Tone For Christmas Week - Dave, Hope You Got Your Xmas Lights Up!
Yes, this song is on my iPod - found on the 'Tis The Season' playlist :)
I'll post after the game tonight - that is assuming I make it there and back in one piece. Tell me again why I'm still living in this God-Forsaken state?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Two Great Wild Games Saturday Night
Wild History
My heart was pounding. I was on my feet nervously pacing. I was so PROUD of the Wild's play. No, I wasn't dreaming during my nap time prior to the late starting game in Calgary. I was watching a replay of game 6 of the 2003 NHL Western Conference semi-finals between the Wild and Vancouver.
What a magnificent group of guys playing hockey back then. They wore their hearts on their sleeves. They played with Determination, Pride, Integrity, Guts and just plain WANTED that game more than the Canucks did. The team didn't have the "big name" talent on the team back then - remember that Gaborik was still very much a puppy. Yet, they found what it took from wihtin to win this game for themselves and for the State Of Hockey. These guys battled endlessly in corners and along the boards to come out with the puck. There was no waiting to see if they could win the puck back in the other zone while the opponent went to the bench for a line change.
I was grinning from ear to ear watching Brad Brown and Jason Marshall giving it 100% on the blue line. My favorite Wild Elf of all time - Cliff Ronning - driving to the net time and time again despite being all of 5'4" on blades. Dwayne Roloson performing miracles in the net while Manny Fernandez kept things lively on the bench with the guys in between their shifts. Andrew Brunette in his office behind the net and Jim Dowd circling and circling and circling the net waiting for Bruno's pass. There were tears slipping down my cheeks before I realized it while watching Sergei Zholtok. Antti Laaksonen - who had been benched for a couple of games prior to this one - came out blazing, ready to prove to Jacques that he wouldn't be slacking off again. And Jacques behind the bench - constantly talking to his players. Patting them on the shoulder, pointing to how a play was progressing on the ice. A real coach in action. God, help me for saying this, but I think Filip Kuba actually took more shots on goal in this game than Nick Schultz has taken in his entire career. How's that for irony?
And of course, there was Wes. Man, talk about make my heart beat faster. The sheer determination on his face alone was enough to make his linemates step up and give 100% on their shifts. The guy was the ultimate workhorse, never letting up, never giving up. He was there to make something happen: separate the opponent from the puck, make the pass that started the rush, defend his zone, score a goal - whatever it took. Making Todd Bertuzzi eat his words was icing on the cake as the Wild won this game and then game 7 in Vancouver to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Wow, all that emotion from a fan watching a replay of a game from 7 years ago. I wonder what Wes felt while watching it - if he watched it.
Wild Present Day
Sally and I settled in to watch last night's game in Calgary. We were prepared with a bottle of wine to help take the edge off - cuz let's face it - the Wild suck more often than they don't these last two seasons. I had the movie Inception ready in the DVD player just in case the game and/or Dumb & Dumberer got to be too hard to watch and listen to.
We drank the bottle of wine, needless to say. But we were using to wet our whistles after cheering and whistling the boys on during a game in which they didn't totally suck. It wasn't a flashy game the Wild played last night. In fact there were times when I thought for sure they were on the edge of returning to the 'dial-it-in' approach they've become so fond of. But they stuck to their basic game (you know, the one they all learned under Lemaire) for ALL. THREE. PERIODS.
Let's give credit where it's due - Mikko Koivu. He pulled on his big boy breezers for the game and led by example, as the captain of the team should. He battled hard for puck possession, he separated the puck from his opponent - with his own stick, he made passes that were beautiful and he was almost always in position. He gave 100% effort for the entire game. I don't know what coach Todd Richards said to Mikko during their one-on-one meeting the day before the game, but I certainly hope that conversation gets played over and over again to Mikko going forward. Lead by example Mikko, and they will follow you.
Best Picture Award goes to the Calgary Herald for this Picture of Mikko Koivu
Backstrom had a great game in net! Let's face it, he HAD to. Anyone thinking that his performance in last night's game wasn't going to be a deciding factor heading into the second half of the season is sorely lacking in hockey sense. I don't care what 'message' Todd Richards made in the newspaper about Nik being THE guy. Any goalie who's consistently giving up 4 or more goals per game is going to see his starts diminish, regardless of the size of his contract. Someone pointed out to me, in all fairness to Nik, that he's at .500 right now out of his last 10 games in terms of wins/losses. Here's my reply: those 5 losses...Nik gave up 5, 5, 6, 7 and 6 goals. Stats are what you manipulate them to be...Tim will be smiling to hear me say that. I'm guessing Backstrom will get the start back here in town Monday night to see if he can string another two good performances together. That's something he hasn't done since Nov 14th and 17th - just sayin'. But then, I'm not an NHL coach so take all of my ramblings with a grain of salt, or whatever seasoning you prefer.
Clayton Stoner had a great game and young whippersnapper Jared Spurgeon had a good outing as well. To quote Sally from last night: "Jared's 21??? He looks all of 12 years old for crying out loud!" Of course, this is coming from the lady who kick boxes with teenage boys for shits and grins on the weekends. Young is a state of mind :)
This video has absolutely nothing to do with hockey. It's a tune that's been in my head for a few days so it's best that I play it out loud as a means of exorcism.
I'm pretty bummed reading that this series may not be picked up for a second season. I loved the show and am particularly enamored of Donal Logue. Go figure: 1. Canadian born, eh. 2. Irish, like me. 3. He's a twin (sister)...I'm a Gemini. Now, if I could just get him to give up soccer for hockey...sigh.
My heart was pounding. I was on my feet nervously pacing. I was so PROUD of the Wild's play. No, I wasn't dreaming during my nap time prior to the late starting game in Calgary. I was watching a replay of game 6 of the 2003 NHL Western Conference semi-finals between the Wild and Vancouver.
What a magnificent group of guys playing hockey back then. They wore their hearts on their sleeves. They played with Determination, Pride, Integrity, Guts and just plain WANTED that game more than the Canucks did. The team didn't have the "big name" talent on the team back then - remember that Gaborik was still very much a puppy. Yet, they found what it took from wihtin to win this game for themselves and for the State Of Hockey. These guys battled endlessly in corners and along the boards to come out with the puck. There was no waiting to see if they could win the puck back in the other zone while the opponent went to the bench for a line change.
I was grinning from ear to ear watching Brad Brown and Jason Marshall giving it 100% on the blue line. My favorite Wild Elf of all time - Cliff Ronning - driving to the net time and time again despite being all of 5'4" on blades. Dwayne Roloson performing miracles in the net while Manny Fernandez kept things lively on the bench with the guys in between their shifts. Andrew Brunette in his office behind the net and Jim Dowd circling and circling and circling the net waiting for Bruno's pass. There were tears slipping down my cheeks before I realized it while watching Sergei Zholtok. Antti Laaksonen - who had been benched for a couple of games prior to this one - came out blazing, ready to prove to Jacques that he wouldn't be slacking off again. And Jacques behind the bench - constantly talking to his players. Patting them on the shoulder, pointing to how a play was progressing on the ice. A real coach in action. God, help me for saying this, but I think Filip Kuba actually took more shots on goal in this game than Nick Schultz has taken in his entire career. How's that for irony?
And of course, there was Wes. Man, talk about make my heart beat faster. The sheer determination on his face alone was enough to make his linemates step up and give 100% on their shifts. The guy was the ultimate workhorse, never letting up, never giving up. He was there to make something happen: separate the opponent from the puck, make the pass that started the rush, defend his zone, score a goal - whatever it took. Making Todd Bertuzzi eat his words was icing on the cake as the Wild won this game and then game 7 in Vancouver to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Wow, all that emotion from a fan watching a replay of a game from 7 years ago. I wonder what Wes felt while watching it - if he watched it.
Wild Present Day
Sally and I settled in to watch last night's game in Calgary. We were prepared with a bottle of wine to help take the edge off - cuz let's face it - the Wild suck more often than they don't these last two seasons. I had the movie Inception ready in the DVD player just in case the game and/or Dumb & Dumberer got to be too hard to watch and listen to.
We drank the bottle of wine, needless to say. But we were using to wet our whistles after cheering and whistling the boys on during a game in which they didn't totally suck. It wasn't a flashy game the Wild played last night. In fact there were times when I thought for sure they were on the edge of returning to the 'dial-it-in' approach they've become so fond of. But they stuck to their basic game (you know, the one they all learned under Lemaire) for ALL. THREE. PERIODS.
Let's give credit where it's due - Mikko Koivu. He pulled on his big boy breezers for the game and led by example, as the captain of the team should. He battled hard for puck possession, he separated the puck from his opponent - with his own stick, he made passes that were beautiful and he was almost always in position. He gave 100% effort for the entire game. I don't know what coach Todd Richards said to Mikko during their one-on-one meeting the day before the game, but I certainly hope that conversation gets played over and over again to Mikko going forward. Lead by example Mikko, and they will follow you.
Best Picture Award goes to the Calgary Herald for this Picture of Mikko Koivu
Backstrom had a great game in net! Let's face it, he HAD to. Anyone thinking that his performance in last night's game wasn't going to be a deciding factor heading into the second half of the season is sorely lacking in hockey sense. I don't care what 'message' Todd Richards made in the newspaper about Nik being THE guy. Any goalie who's consistently giving up 4 or more goals per game is going to see his starts diminish, regardless of the size of his contract. Someone pointed out to me, in all fairness to Nik, that he's at .500 right now out of his last 10 games in terms of wins/losses. Here's my reply: those 5 losses...Nik gave up 5, 5, 6, 7 and 6 goals. Stats are what you manipulate them to be...Tim will be smiling to hear me say that. I'm guessing Backstrom will get the start back here in town Monday night to see if he can string another two good performances together. That's something he hasn't done since Nov 14th and 17th - just sayin'. But then, I'm not an NHL coach so take all of my ramblings with a grain of salt, or whatever seasoning you prefer.
Clayton Stoner had a great game and young whippersnapper Jared Spurgeon had a good outing as well. To quote Sally from last night: "Jared's 21??? He looks all of 12 years old for crying out loud!" Of course, this is coming from the lady who kick boxes with teenage boys for shits and grins on the weekends. Young is a state of mind :)
This video has absolutely nothing to do with hockey. It's a tune that's been in my head for a few days so it's best that I play it out loud as a means of exorcism.
I'm pretty bummed reading that this series may not be picked up for a second season. I loved the show and am particularly enamored of Donal Logue. Go figure: 1. Canadian born, eh. 2. Irish, like me. 3. He's a twin (sister)...I'm a Gemini. Now, if I could just get him to give up soccer for hockey...sigh.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Meeting Dino, Ten Minutes
Hockey Hall of Famer - Dino Ciccarelli.
That's got a nice ring to it, don't you think? What a treat it was to meet Dino tonight before the game. He's a down to earth, humble, "just so thrilled to be remembered here" kind of guy. He was genuinely surprised by the turnout for the meet and greet event and thanked everyone as we went through the line for autographs. He posed for pictures with an ear to ear grin each time and shook hands with all of us. He was completely amazed at the memorabilia that some of the people brought for him to sign. There were a couple of girls who had Dino's shower scene poster from way back in the day to be signed by him tonight. I say girls, because there wasn't one of us females in attendance who didn't giggle like a high school sophomore when we met him tonight.
Wild vs Ottawa Senators Recap
Ten minutes of beautifully played hockey in the first period followed by a 45 minute collective brain fart by the team followed by 5 minutes of too-little-too-late so let's pull the goalie and make it a total disaster to end the third period. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. After a fairly impressive road trip the guys came home to take a dump. The power play was once again powerless and the penalty kill proved to be the death of them.
The bright spots of the night: Bouchard - who knew he'd hit the ice running at top speed, including some gutsy shot blocks in the last couple of games. Havlat - when he wants to play he is on fire. Greg Zanon - that's Zanon The Warrior to you... nuff said.
Santa visited Vicki at the game tonight, bringing her a new Mikko Koivu jersey complete with the C on the front to make her crush on the Wild captain official . Gee, it only took her 7 seasons to commit ;) That's okay though - it only took the Hockey Lodge staff two times to get the size of the jersey right before they hand delivered it to her seat in the third period. Never underestimate the power of Vicki when she wants something done right.
That's got a nice ring to it, don't you think? What a treat it was to meet Dino tonight before the game. He's a down to earth, humble, "just so thrilled to be remembered here" kind of guy. He was genuinely surprised by the turnout for the meet and greet event and thanked everyone as we went through the line for autographs. He posed for pictures with an ear to ear grin each time and shook hands with all of us. He was completely amazed at the memorabilia that some of the people brought for him to sign. There were a couple of girls who had Dino's shower scene poster from way back in the day to be signed by him tonight. I say girls, because there wasn't one of us females in attendance who didn't giggle like a high school sophomore when we met him tonight.
Wild vs Ottawa Senators Recap
Ten minutes of beautifully played hockey in the first period followed by a 45 minute collective brain fart by the team followed by 5 minutes of too-little-too-late so let's pull the goalie and make it a total disaster to end the third period. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. After a fairly impressive road trip the guys came home to take a dump. The power play was once again powerless and the penalty kill proved to be the death of them.
The bright spots of the night: Bouchard - who knew he'd hit the ice running at top speed, including some gutsy shot blocks in the last couple of games. Havlat - when he wants to play he is on fire. Greg Zanon - that's Zanon The Warrior to you... nuff said.
Santa visited Vicki at the game tonight, bringing her a new Mikko Koivu jersey complete with the C on the front to make her crush on the Wild captain official . Gee, it only took her 7 seasons to commit ;) That's okay though - it only took the Hockey Lodge staff two times to get the size of the jersey right before they hand delivered it to her seat in the third period. Never underestimate the power of Vicki when she wants something done right.
Snow Thoughts (explicit lyrics) & Puppy Prozac
An Ode to the Blizzard of 2010 (sung to the tune of Let It Snow)
Oh the weather outside is frightfulI
They expect two feet by nightfall
Is blue a color for a toe?
God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow!
It doesn't show signs of slowing
My driveway, for the third time, I'm blowing
Watching as my neighbor's car gets towed
God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow!
When the plows make the final pass tonight
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But the bastards just blocked my drive
Can't I please stay inside where it's warm?
I really do feel like crying
Why can't the 'CCO weather guy be lying?
To the South I just want to go
Fucking Snow! Fucking Snow! Fucking Snow!
I realize that it's only December but after having cleared the driveway again today, I'm so OVER this winter shit.
Dogs On Drugs... or, Someone Call The Dog Whisperer!
My dog, Buster, has spent a good portion of his life to this point in the car with me. Sometimes he's riding shotgun in the front seat. Other times he's stretched out on the back seat sleeping his way through entire states on long hauls. Then there are the times he rides in the 'way back' of the truck where his muddy paws and slobbery mouth won't do any harm. About a year or so ago, he started to get anxious about getting into the truck - mostly at the park when it was time to go home. Lately he's been having full blown anxiety attacks whenever he thinks he's going to have to get in the truck and go somewhere, even to the park where it's all about the fun. Buster is now a quivering mass of trepidation. Of course, this is breaking my heart as well as making me scratch my head trying to figure out where this fear and loathing comes from.
After a month spent working on the basics of training he's still a total wreck in the truck. The only thing I've yet to try is to have someone else do the driving while I sit with Buster in the back in order to work with him during the ride. So, I got on the phone with the vet and he suggests anti-anxiety medication to use in conjunction with the training. That's right, Puppy Prozac.
First time on the meds: I really didn't give the pill to Buster early enough prior to leaving the house so it wasn't a fair trial. He didn't do well at all - but no worse - than he has been doing.
Second time on the meds: Buster took his pill 45 minutes before we left the house and he was still a wreck getting into the truck and all during the ride. He was fine at the park and got back into the truck without hesitation but he shook and trembled the whole way home. He bolted out of the truck, paying no need to my command, and damn near gave himself a concussion when he hit the foyer door head first trying to get away from the truck.
Third time on the meds: After a progress report call to the vet, I increased Buster's dosage to two pills and again waited 45 minutes before leaving the house. He was uneasy walking to the truck and I had to coax him into getting in but didn't have to literally load him in. He quivered and panted the whole way to the park but he was good once we got there. He was off leash as we walked the paths and he played in the snow like he always does. After a full hour of me freezing while Buster was in snow drift heaven he actually got back into the truck without issue! I got in, started up the car with a victory smile on my face and then looked in the rearview mirror to find him trembling and quivering - a total mess. And I'm back to square one.
I'm open to suggestions at this point folks. Let me know what you think I could be doing differently or what I need to adjust in my approach to this issue. I don't feel medication is the answer, even if it's in conjunction with training and even if it's short term based. I'm a huge proponent of understanding where the source of the anxiety is coming from and from my taking the lead to work through it, but clearly I'm failing Buster on this one and need some outside perspective.
While Buster sleeps off his double dose of Lorazepam tonight, I'll be meeting Dino Ciccarelli before the Wild game tonight. I'm probably more excited about that than watching the Wild implode upon themselves on the ice during the game against Ottowa. It's been four days since they last played a game. Historically that means the Wild will be asleep at the wheel. At least Jose will be in net tonight...I just smiled and let out a heavy sigh before realizing it.
Oh the weather outside is frightfulI
They expect two feet by nightfall
Is blue a color for a toe?
God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow!
It doesn't show signs of slowing
My driveway, for the third time, I'm blowing
Watching as my neighbor's car gets towed
God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow! God Damned Snow!
When the plows make the final pass tonight
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But the bastards just blocked my drive
Can't I please stay inside where it's warm?
I really do feel like crying
Why can't the 'CCO weather guy be lying?
To the South I just want to go
Fucking Snow! Fucking Snow! Fucking Snow!
I realize that it's only December but after having cleared the driveway again today, I'm so OVER this winter shit.
Dogs On Drugs... or, Someone Call The Dog Whisperer!
My dog, Buster, has spent a good portion of his life to this point in the car with me. Sometimes he's riding shotgun in the front seat. Other times he's stretched out on the back seat sleeping his way through entire states on long hauls. Then there are the times he rides in the 'way back' of the truck where his muddy paws and slobbery mouth won't do any harm. About a year or so ago, he started to get anxious about getting into the truck - mostly at the park when it was time to go home. Lately he's been having full blown anxiety attacks whenever he thinks he's going to have to get in the truck and go somewhere, even to the park where it's all about the fun. Buster is now a quivering mass of trepidation. Of course, this is breaking my heart as well as making me scratch my head trying to figure out where this fear and loathing comes from.
After a month spent working on the basics of training he's still a total wreck in the truck. The only thing I've yet to try is to have someone else do the driving while I sit with Buster in the back in order to work with him during the ride. So, I got on the phone with the vet and he suggests anti-anxiety medication to use in conjunction with the training. That's right, Puppy Prozac.
First time on the meds: I really didn't give the pill to Buster early enough prior to leaving the house so it wasn't a fair trial. He didn't do well at all - but no worse - than he has been doing.
Second time on the meds: Buster took his pill 45 minutes before we left the house and he was still a wreck getting into the truck and all during the ride. He was fine at the park and got back into the truck without hesitation but he shook and trembled the whole way home. He bolted out of the truck, paying no need to my command, and damn near gave himself a concussion when he hit the foyer door head first trying to get away from the truck.
Third time on the meds: After a progress report call to the vet, I increased Buster's dosage to two pills and again waited 45 minutes before leaving the house. He was uneasy walking to the truck and I had to coax him into getting in but didn't have to literally load him in. He quivered and panted the whole way to the park but he was good once we got there. He was off leash as we walked the paths and he played in the snow like he always does. After a full hour of me freezing while Buster was in snow drift heaven he actually got back into the truck without issue! I got in, started up the car with a victory smile on my face and then looked in the rearview mirror to find him trembling and quivering - a total mess. And I'm back to square one.
I'm open to suggestions at this point folks. Let me know what you think I could be doing differently or what I need to adjust in my approach to this issue. I don't feel medication is the answer, even if it's in conjunction with training and even if it's short term based. I'm a huge proponent of understanding where the source of the anxiety is coming from and from my taking the lead to work through it, but clearly I'm failing Buster on this one and need some outside perspective.
While Buster sleeps off his double dose of Lorazepam tonight, I'll be meeting Dino Ciccarelli before the Wild game tonight. I'm probably more excited about that than watching the Wild implode upon themselves on the ice during the game against Ottowa. It's been four days since they last played a game. Historically that means the Wild will be asleep at the wheel. At least Jose will be in net tonight...I just smiled and let out a heavy sigh before realizing it.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Hockey Notes Covered In Almond Buttercream
So, I'm up to my elbows in almond buttercream frosting while watching an incredibly exciting Wild team play the Coyotes - which exlplains why my elbows are covered in almond buttercream. What a rollercoaster of a game filled with mostly great efforts by guys who so desperately needed to be great. I'll let Russo gush over the team, although I'm not sure that's such a good idea considering their track record after particularly good wins. I'm not saying this wasn't a good game - it was. After all, I do have frosting in my hair after waving the pastry bag about on several occasions, especially after Zanon's ironman shift late in the game. **Anybody else note that Greg's now wearing an A on his sweater?** The game was, by this season's standards, outstanding. This was a moral win even more so than the two points garnered for the standings. Sometimes that's way more important than recognizing some very glaring issues...
Way too many turnovers - in front of our net! (Barker)
Bad Line Changes - (Barker)
Backstrom Shaky Early On - Totally owned on the Pyatt goal
2nd Period Issues Continue - Backstrom faced 10 continual shots when the Wild spent a huge chunk of the period in their own zone.
Because I so LOATHE the FSN team of Dumber and Dumberest I've learned to mute the t.v. and just turn on WCCO 830 AM radio. Granted there's a 3 second delay from the action on the t.v. to hearing the play by play calls on the radio, but I've adjusted to that. I'd like to start a petition to have Tom Reid and Bob Kurtz be the game commentators for FSN. At least these guys tell it like it is when the Wild do really stupid things. Like that idiotic line change Barker did, leaving Backstrom totally vulnerable, facing a one-on-one situation, which we all know is the death sentence for Nik. The morons at FSN can't tell the difference between offsides and a penalty whistle, let alone who's actually on the ice.
Note to Matt Cullen - rest your groins, buddy - we need you back to your speedy self soon!
Note to self - Zanon, definitely Zanon...
And now, back to getting frosting on the Fairy Drops, not all over me...
Way too many turnovers - in front of our net! (Barker)
Bad Line Changes - (Barker)
Backstrom Shaky Early On - Totally owned on the Pyatt goal
2nd Period Issues Continue - Backstrom faced 10 continual shots when the Wild spent a huge chunk of the period in their own zone.
Because I so LOATHE the FSN team of Dumber and Dumberest I've learned to mute the t.v. and just turn on WCCO 830 AM radio. Granted there's a 3 second delay from the action on the t.v. to hearing the play by play calls on the radio, but I've adjusted to that. I'd like to start a petition to have Tom Reid and Bob Kurtz be the game commentators for FSN. At least these guys tell it like it is when the Wild do really stupid things. Like that idiotic line change Barker did, leaving Backstrom totally vulnerable, facing a one-on-one situation, which we all know is the death sentence for Nik. The morons at FSN can't tell the difference between offsides and a penalty whistle, let alone who's actually on the ice.
Note to Matt Cullen - rest your groins, buddy - we need you back to your speedy self soon!
Note to self - Zanon, definitely Zanon...
And now, back to getting frosting on the Fairy Drops, not all over me...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Vids & Pics To Bring You Cheer
I'm busy channeling Rachael Ray, prepping for Saturday, but still wanted to post some videos and pictures I've been promising for awhile now.
Something Wild for Bobbi -
Showing our diversity - Flyer's Fans Welcome:
Section 225 Representin'!
For Rich - Spoon!
Animaniacs and Bond Movies - It's tradition in my kitchen this time of year:
Sean or Roger: which is your favorite for THE all time Bond? Daniel Craig is the future of Bond - YUMMY!
And lastly- for the person who keeps pestering me about this (and you know who you are):
Herradura, either Reposado or Anejo if you insist. I believe you'll find it at MGM for a very good price this week. The Selección Suprema would require an armored guard so don't even go there ;)
Something Wild for Bobbi -
Showing our diversity - Flyer's Fans Welcome:
 |
| Jon's a Wild STH, right behind Vicki & me, but he's a Flyer's fan at heart. |
 |
| The Plagge family representing the Flyers...Dave will pay for that, later - oh yes - he will ;) For Vicki - She'd never ask for it but I know she'll just melt - |
Section 225 Representin'!
 |
| Jon and A Gorgeous Young Lady...his daughter :) |
 |
| Hockey Mom Daggett with Josh & Ryan At A Game. Alex Dagget in action with her team!  |
Animaniacs and Bond Movies - It's tradition in my kitchen this time of year:
Sean or Roger: which is your favorite for THE all time Bond? Daniel Craig is the future of Bond - YUMMY!
And lastly- for the person who keeps pestering me about this (and you know who you are):
Herradura, either Reposado or Anejo if you insist. I believe you'll find it at MGM for a very good price this week. The Selección Suprema would require an armored guard so don't even go there ;)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ah, Youth...No I In Team...Holiday Smells
Where the hell you been, girlfriend?
I know...slacking here on the bloggy a bit lately. It's not that I haven't wanted to write, rant and curse - cuz I have. I gots tons-o-stuff just bubblin' up and ready to spill out onto a white, pristine new blog post. Life's just been gettin' in the way these days. And I've come to realize that being out in it (life, that is) is infinitely better than parking my wide load in front of a computer screen all the time.
Youth Hockey
OMFG, I'd let myself forget how much fun it is to watch youth hockey games. Especially now that there's legitimate chicks with sticks programs. Although, I'm a huge fan of letting the talented girls play on the boys' teams but I won't get all political on your ass here. I've been pestering Coach Daggett to let me attend his kids' games. I just wanted to practice with my camera and evaluate the need for the tele-photo lens of my dreams.
What I got was an instant transformation back to my youth and a huge smile in my heart. Yeah, the arenas are cold - you need a blanket to keep your bum from going numb. Yeah, there's little kids running around all over the place cuz there's NOTHIN-TO-DO while waiting for big brothers or sisters to finish their games out on the ice. Hockey moms and dads, huddled in tight sections, clearly separated by the blue line - indicating territory between conference or division foes. And the cheers - lots of heart felt cheers. There are Oooooohs!! for that so-close-how-could-that-puck-not-have-gone-in move. And the Whistles, Cheers and Howls when the puck does go in lets you know these kids don't have one set of parents, they have dozens. Each kid coming out of the locker room to join family members on the bleachers is greeted by the 'tribe' and commended on his/her great play with mentions of a particularly good shift or move with the puck. And summarily, each kid greets his team mates much the same way, with a recap of their favorite play of the game.
What a difference from the lack of heart and soul down at the Xcel
Hockey Dad (Fletcher) said he's counting to three and if everyone's not behaving there will be Hell To Pay. He really showed this team, his coach and the paying fans he meant business when he told the team to "start winning or else."
The team promptly lost the next two games. The players disappeared for 21 minutes in a game where the coach gave praise to the Hockey Gods about the 39 minutes of effort he did see. Mikko, pouting and petulant, whined some more (this time to the St. Paul Pioneer Press) "When things are going well, everybody's your friend," he noted, not smiling. "When things are not going the way you want, people turn their backs on you. But whatever happens, it's up to us in this room, and that's all we can do."
Mikko needs to be grounded to the press box and the C taken off his sweater. Captains don't act like babies when they're not being adored by fans who know the difference between solid hockey effort and the crap the Wild have putting out there on the ice. Perhaps big brother Saku could give him some advice on how to behave like an adult first and secondly as an adult NHL player. Maybe Saku could remind his little bro that it's not smart to antagonize the hands that will be feeding you, starting next season, $5.4 million with bonuses of $1.89 million paid every other year and a double installment to raise the figure to $9.18 million in the final season. I wonder if Saku would be able to translate this into Finnish so that Mikko will understand completely when I say: There's no I in TEAM, but there are three U's in SHUT THE FUCK UP!
It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Peace On Earth
With only four days left until the big event, my kitchen is in full production mode and the house smells like almond. My clothes smell like almond, my hair smells like almond and I swear to God - Buster smells like almond. You people and your addiction to Fairy Drops - it's almost like a Meth thing, huh? At least there's no potential for my house to blow up during the 'cooking' process. At worst, all you 'FairyHeads' will suffer a mild sugar-induced coma from consuming them by the dozens. I guess there are more tragic things in life, huh?
That's enough for now - the timer is about to go off and another batch of cookies is due to come out of the oven. Then it's off to the store to pick up the last of the food stuffs for Saturday's Soiree. It will be good to get some fresh air - that doesn't smell like almond...
Speaking of Sugar Plum Fairies
I know...slacking here on the bloggy a bit lately. It's not that I haven't wanted to write, rant and curse - cuz I have. I gots tons-o-stuff just bubblin' up and ready to spill out onto a white, pristine new blog post. Life's just been gettin' in the way these days. And I've come to realize that being out in it (life, that is) is infinitely better than parking my wide load in front of a computer screen all the time.
Youth Hockey
OMFG, I'd let myself forget how much fun it is to watch youth hockey games. Especially now that there's legitimate chicks with sticks programs. Although, I'm a huge fan of letting the talented girls play on the boys' teams but I won't get all political on your ass here. I've been pestering Coach Daggett to let me attend his kids' games. I just wanted to practice with my camera and evaluate the need for the tele-photo lens of my dreams.
What I got was an instant transformation back to my youth and a huge smile in my heart. Yeah, the arenas are cold - you need a blanket to keep your bum from going numb. Yeah, there's little kids running around all over the place cuz there's NOTHIN-TO-DO while waiting for big brothers or sisters to finish their games out on the ice. Hockey moms and dads, huddled in tight sections, clearly separated by the blue line - indicating territory between conference or division foes. And the cheers - lots of heart felt cheers. There are Oooooohs!! for that so-close-how-could-that-puck-not-have-gone-in move. And the Whistles, Cheers and Howls when the puck does go in lets you know these kids don't have one set of parents, they have dozens. Each kid coming out of the locker room to join family members on the bleachers is greeted by the 'tribe' and commended on his/her great play with mentions of a particularly good shift or move with the puck. And summarily, each kid greets his team mates much the same way, with a recap of their favorite play of the game.
What a difference from the lack of heart and soul down at the Xcel
Hockey Dad (Fletcher) said he's counting to three and if everyone's not behaving there will be Hell To Pay. He really showed this team, his coach and the paying fans he meant business when he told the team to "start winning or else."
The team promptly lost the next two games. The players disappeared for 21 minutes in a game where the coach gave praise to the Hockey Gods about the 39 minutes of effort he did see. Mikko, pouting and petulant, whined some more (this time to the St. Paul Pioneer Press) "When things are going well, everybody's your friend," he noted, not smiling. "When things are not going the way you want, people turn their backs on you. But whatever happens, it's up to us in this room, and that's all we can do."
Mikko needs to be grounded to the press box and the C taken off his sweater. Captains don't act like babies when they're not being adored by fans who know the difference between solid hockey effort and the crap the Wild have putting out there on the ice. Perhaps big brother Saku could give him some advice on how to behave like an adult first and secondly as an adult NHL player. Maybe Saku could remind his little bro that it's not smart to antagonize the hands that will be feeding you, starting next season, $5.4 million with bonuses of $1.89 million paid every other year and a double installment to raise the figure to $9.18 million in the final season. I wonder if Saku would be able to translate this into Finnish so that Mikko will understand completely when I say: There's no I in TEAM, but there are three U's in SHUT THE FUCK UP!
It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Peace On Earth
With only four days left until the big event, my kitchen is in full production mode and the house smells like almond. My clothes smell like almond, my hair smells like almond and I swear to God - Buster smells like almond. You people and your addiction to Fairy Drops - it's almost like a Meth thing, huh? At least there's no potential for my house to blow up during the 'cooking' process. At worst, all you 'FairyHeads' will suffer a mild sugar-induced coma from consuming them by the dozens. I guess there are more tragic things in life, huh?
That's enough for now - the timer is about to go off and another batch of cookies is due to come out of the oven. Then it's off to the store to pick up the last of the food stuffs for Saturday's Soiree. It will be good to get some fresh air - that doesn't smell like almond...
Speaking of Sugar Plum Fairies
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Mr. Pissy Publicly Pouts
Captian Koivu Gets Pissy...
And apparently wants us all to feel sorry for him and the rest of the team. After all:
"I think we're creating, but nobody remembers that though. You've got to find a way to score," captain Mikko Koivu said.
Dear Mikko -
Stop snivelling, Nancy Boy. My God, you want to be praised and rewarded for the 20 frickin' minutes you deign to play each game? You want to be lauded for the one time you battled in a corner and came up with a puck? You want to be the Number 1 Player Of The Game because, for once, you didn't turn over a puck in your own zone? Good luck with getting any sympathy out of your fans, pal.
Koivu didn't want to hear that the Wild is digging itself a hole.
"I don't think you have to tell us that," Koivu snapped. "We're trying as hard as we can. We just couldn't win tonight. You don't have to tell us what we have to do. That's not going to help us. We know what it takes."
Seven years ago I was 'just happy to have hockey back'. I then endured a post-traumatic syndrome season, a locked out season and several really poorly played seasons - all the while continuing to believe in the future of this team. Pssst - Mikko, that's you - in case you were wondering where you fit into this rant.
This season, the new owner of the Wild raised my ticket prices. He did so in a crumbling economy and after a season in which you didn't even make the playoffs. He did so after you and your team mates embarrassed The State Of Hockey for three straight post seasons. He tagged me with the highest percentage of ticket price increase in the entire arena. He did all of this while promising me a much improved product on the ice as a reward for my ten years of loyalty, dedication and trust in this team.
Mikko, given all of this and you're horrendous play, do you really think that you have any right to come back to Russo with the response you gave? The answer is no.
Here's what Russo should have come back with: Don't Like My Opinion...
And just in case you think I can't take what I dish out - here's my favorite from despair.com:
I have Melody Gardot all over my iPod. Her voice transports me to a smoky dive where you drown your sorrows in rail gin while tapping your toes along to the bass player.
And apparently wants us all to feel sorry for him and the rest of the team. After all:
"I think we're creating, but nobody remembers that though. You've got to find a way to score," captain Mikko Koivu said.
Dear Mikko -
Stop snivelling, Nancy Boy. My God, you want to be praised and rewarded for the 20 frickin' minutes you deign to play each game? You want to be lauded for the one time you battled in a corner and came up with a puck? You want to be the Number 1 Player Of The Game because, for once, you didn't turn over a puck in your own zone? Good luck with getting any sympathy out of your fans, pal.
Koivu didn't want to hear that the Wild is digging itself a hole.
"I don't think you have to tell us that," Koivu snapped. "We're trying as hard as we can. We just couldn't win tonight. You don't have to tell us what we have to do. That's not going to help us. We know what it takes."
Let's dissect this piece by piece, shall we?
- "I don't think you have to tell us that," Oh, but we do. You're not listening to your coach so yes, we do have to tell you that.
- "We're trying as hard as we can." No, you're not. You're not coming anywhere close. Consistency
- "We just couldn't win tonight." Not when you only show up for 20-28 minutes. There are 60 minutes in a game, count them down with me: 60, 59, 58...
- "You don't have to tell us what we have to do. That's not going to help us." See bold red comment from first bullet point above...apparently you're not receiving the message since you're not doing anything to fix it.
- "We know what it takes." Then why, for the love of Gordie Howe, aren't you doing it??? Don't give me your little temper tantrum, give me a united team playing 60 minutes of hockey GAME IN & GAME OUT!! Fan Disservice
Seven years ago I was 'just happy to have hockey back'. I then endured a post-traumatic syndrome season, a locked out season and several really poorly played seasons - all the while continuing to believe in the future of this team. Pssst - Mikko, that's you - in case you were wondering where you fit into this rant.
This season, the new owner of the Wild raised my ticket prices. He did so in a crumbling economy and after a season in which you didn't even make the playoffs. He did so after you and your team mates embarrassed The State Of Hockey for three straight post seasons. He tagged me with the highest percentage of ticket price increase in the entire arena. He did all of this while promising me a much improved product on the ice as a reward for my ten years of loyalty, dedication and trust in this team.
Mikko, given all of this and you're horrendous play, do you really think that you have any right to come back to Russo with the response you gave? The answer is no.
Here's what Russo should have come back with: Don't Like My Opinion...
And just in case you think I can't take what I dish out - here's my favorite from despair.com:
BLOGGING
Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few
For the Wild - Who Seem To Have The Weight of The World On Their Shoulders:
I have Melody Gardot all over my iPod. Her voice transports me to a smoky dive where you drown your sorrows in rail gin while tapping your toes along to the bass player.
Chalk Talk Overview - Wes Is Back!!
Chalk Talk with Wes Walz 11.24.10
This is a new event the Wild are promoting this season with Wes Walz at the helm. That's right folks, the Wild finally got smart and put him on the payroll. This was a 'working' session with Wes drawing out offensive and defensive plays on the dry erase board. He talked about how the Wild should play the Flyers, the best team in the NHL right now. Wes was very much in his element and really didn't even need to be mic'd up once he got rolling. He was worried about boring his audience of just about 100 of us. He needn't have worried - we were eating it all up and eagerly wanting more. I was desperately wishing for a notebook and pen to take notes. Gotta get me a book on NHL plays...Coach Daggett, any suggestions?
After Wes ran through 4 or 5 plays on the board he took questions that ranged from how his family is doing to what he felt is the reason behind the Wild's nasty case of absenteeism night and night out. Wes is obviously very new to speaking on behalf of a corporation and this was clearly demonstrated by his completely honest and open answer: core team leaders not stepping up and making sure the rest of the team is on the same page. He referenced the Red Wings who gut it out from the first puck drop to the last player in the shootout. That's why they are a perennial play off team, because they all work towards the same end result. Wes also acknowledged that this has been an issue for the Wild for a number of seasons, not just since Todd Richards came on board. One thing Wes pointed out was that yelling at the team ("peeling the paint off the walls") isn't always the answer and can actually be very ineffective if used too often. But he also admitted there are times when letting your team mates have it full force is needed. The point Wes really drove home on this issue is that it's ultimately up the core team leaders to get themselves, and the rest of the team back on track. Hmmm, so everything Vicki and I have been saying for how many years is confirmed? This Walz guy must be a genius!
I do have to respectfully disagree with Wes on the dump and chase question. Wes didn't really think the Wild 1. rely on it too much and 2. fail at it miserably. I humbly refer Mr. Walz to the ensuing game the Wild played against the Flyers in order to prove my point, along with the STH who actually asked this question.
After the session Wes signed autographs, took pictures with everyone who asked and just chatted it up with folks. Vicki and I were totally jazzed, ready to put our new found education into play from our seats where we can see the whole sheet of ice, just like on the play board. We were ready to see the Wild force the face offs to the right of the net in our zone to counter the Flyers overabundance in left handed shooters. We couldn't wait to see the Wild control the Flyers offensive rushes by cutting of their East to West passes coming into our zone. We were excited to see our guys drive to the Flyers net and keep our shots low and hard. We needed a win in order to soothe our open wounds from that Rangers whoopin'.
Too bad the Wild didn't attend Wes's Chalk Talk.
They hit the ice and promptly hit rock bottom in a 6-1 routing by the Flyers. I would have to say this game rates up there in the top five most horrendous games in the 10 year history for the Wild. It probably is tied with the game they played in Atlanta two weeks prior...I'm still waiting for a refund on my airfare, Mr. Leipold.
After a reaffirming win at home against Nashville the Wild completely collapsed in Colorado. Backstrom should have been pulled in the middle of the second period but Richards (who even questioned himself afterwards) left him hanging out there to dry behind a team that clearly didn't give a crap. Don't be fooled by the 7-4 score. The Wild were never in the game after taking a 2-1 lead in the first period. Shocking, I know.
Now we're in Calgary and guess what? It's the same shit, different day for the Wild. Good first period and then comes the 2nd period meltdown. The Flames out shot us 10-7 in the second, getting two goals just 18 seconds apart off of Jose. Eight of the Wild players with a -minus 1 or 2 and there's still one whole period to go. Kipper is playing in his place of zen and peace, truly spot-on with his game. Third period has the Wild figuring out they need to show some effort. We out shot the Flames in this period but once again, too little too late. Kipper is just that good, regardless of the Wild's attempts to throw everything but the kitchen sink his way. Note to Backstrom: Review the game at the 10:20 mark of the 3rd period to see how to handle a 1-on-0 breakaway. Nice save Jose!
Here are some pictures from the Chalk Talk:
This is a new event the Wild are promoting this season with Wes Walz at the helm. That's right folks, the Wild finally got smart and put him on the payroll. This was a 'working' session with Wes drawing out offensive and defensive plays on the dry erase board. He talked about how the Wild should play the Flyers, the best team in the NHL right now. Wes was very much in his element and really didn't even need to be mic'd up once he got rolling. He was worried about boring his audience of just about 100 of us. He needn't have worried - we were eating it all up and eagerly wanting more. I was desperately wishing for a notebook and pen to take notes. Gotta get me a book on NHL plays...Coach Daggett, any suggestions?
After Wes ran through 4 or 5 plays on the board he took questions that ranged from how his family is doing to what he felt is the reason behind the Wild's nasty case of absenteeism night and night out. Wes is obviously very new to speaking on behalf of a corporation and this was clearly demonstrated by his completely honest and open answer: core team leaders not stepping up and making sure the rest of the team is on the same page. He referenced the Red Wings who gut it out from the first puck drop to the last player in the shootout. That's why they are a perennial play off team, because they all work towards the same end result. Wes also acknowledged that this has been an issue for the Wild for a number of seasons, not just since Todd Richards came on board. One thing Wes pointed out was that yelling at the team ("peeling the paint off the walls") isn't always the answer and can actually be very ineffective if used too often. But he also admitted there are times when letting your team mates have it full force is needed. The point Wes really drove home on this issue is that it's ultimately up the core team leaders to get themselves, and the rest of the team back on track. Hmmm, so everything Vicki and I have been saying for how many years is confirmed? This Walz guy must be a genius!
I do have to respectfully disagree with Wes on the dump and chase question. Wes didn't really think the Wild 1. rely on it too much and 2. fail at it miserably. I humbly refer Mr. Walz to the ensuing game the Wild played against the Flyers in order to prove my point, along with the STH who actually asked this question.
After the session Wes signed autographs, took pictures with everyone who asked and just chatted it up with folks. Vicki and I were totally jazzed, ready to put our new found education into play from our seats where we can see the whole sheet of ice, just like on the play board. We were ready to see the Wild force the face offs to the right of the net in our zone to counter the Flyers overabundance in left handed shooters. We couldn't wait to see the Wild control the Flyers offensive rushes by cutting of their East to West passes coming into our zone. We were excited to see our guys drive to the Flyers net and keep our shots low and hard. We needed a win in order to soothe our open wounds from that Rangers whoopin'.
Too bad the Wild didn't attend Wes's Chalk Talk.
They hit the ice and promptly hit rock bottom in a 6-1 routing by the Flyers. I would have to say this game rates up there in the top five most horrendous games in the 10 year history for the Wild. It probably is tied with the game they played in Atlanta two weeks prior...I'm still waiting for a refund on my airfare, Mr. Leipold.
After a reaffirming win at home against Nashville the Wild completely collapsed in Colorado. Backstrom should have been pulled in the middle of the second period but Richards (who even questioned himself afterwards) left him hanging out there to dry behind a team that clearly didn't give a crap. Don't be fooled by the 7-4 score. The Wild were never in the game after taking a 2-1 lead in the first period. Shocking, I know.
Now we're in Calgary and guess what? It's the same shit, different day for the Wild. Good first period and then comes the 2nd period meltdown. The Flames out shot us 10-7 in the second, getting two goals just 18 seconds apart off of Jose. Eight of the Wild players with a -minus 1 or 2 and there's still one whole period to go. Kipper is playing in his place of zen and peace, truly spot-on with his game. Third period has the Wild figuring out they need to show some effort. We out shot the Flames in this period but once again, too little too late. Kipper is just that good, regardless of the Wild's attempts to throw everything but the kitchen sink his way. Note to Backstrom: Review the game at the 10:20 mark of the 3rd period to see how to handle a 1-on-0 breakaway. Nice save Jose!
Here are some pictures from the Chalk Talk:
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| Wes In Action |
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| Wes totally in his element here |
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| Hoping Coach Daggett can figure this next play out... |
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| Wes indicating how high off the ice the Wild will need to shoot on Flyer's goalie |
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| From the Wild's Movember attempt to break the Guinness world record for most mustached men in one place for 10 minutes. Nick and Brent Joining In...Note the cool shower slippers ;) |
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| Old record of 151 mustached men shattered completey! |
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