Confetti Time!

I’m really deflated about updating this, especially with training camp/Puck Drop still about a month away.

So, I go digging for information. And since it was confirmed that Michael Vick is indeed not going to become a Bill, I went a little forward to see exactly who from the Sabres, with the exception of the obvious, is going the Olympics.

Well, I haven’t finished the search yet because it is now official, after speculation that the Finnish camp starting next week will, in fact, contain this man right here!

Ahhhhhhhh!

Nothing says winter Olympics like a rocking out, bad ass Finnish d-man! Wheeee! I am now in the market for a Team Finland shirt…to go with the Team Canada one, that is.

Or this one…

This celebration is brought to you by Starbucks Coffee.

Wait…what?

I was driving on Maple Road today when I got a text from the Sabres that someone had been signed. Thinking it was Drew, I freaked out. Instead, I had to pull into a parking lot with my jaw in my lap to worry people looking in at me.

Apparently this…

which once became this…

and is back to this…

I’m sure even Patrick Kane is a little stunned…in his jail cell.

Apparently, recreating 2006 is going to help us get the cup…because it’s as close as it’s ever came.

Maybe the next time I disappear for a wedding weekend, I’ll go back another few years yet again.

Just maybe…

These Are Made Times We Live In.

I haven’t posted in a few days because my brother got married this weekend, which was so great after all the prelude.

Anyways, the afternoon before the wedding, all the bridesmaids (which I was one of) went to the spa to get our hair and make up done. After we were done, I spent about an hour trying to figure out the tip, and had a huge guilt thing going because I was afraid I’d do too little.

But you know what…

I didn’t punch anyone!

I only just heard about this incident this evening (I’m sure every blog has it, and Facebook is crowded with it) and it makes me so mad, though I shouldn’t care. Yes, athletes are stupid, but in Buffalo we have to hold on tight to our born-in-Blo athletes. And I never minded him! He was alright! And then he freaks out over 20 cents or something like that.

What trash! Do the Blackhawks not pay enough, Patrick?

I think my exhaustion is making me most mad, but still.

Ugh.

At least we still have someone to hold on to for hope…

Make us proud, good Patty.

Holy Early Planning Batman

I made the mistake of taking a nap this afternoon, things seem to go down when that happens.

APPARENTLY the 4th annual Catwalk for Charity is in NOVEMBER instead of FEBRUARY. Not that three months makes a drastic different to me (though it’s less time to save up money for a ticket). It makes sense, February is going to be too crazy in the NHL regardless if Ryan goes to the Olympics.

The tickets go on sale in about 9 weeks…and I honestly feel so rushed now. I’m so weird, sometimes.

Anywho, they jumped ahead 30 years (heh) and the theme is the 1950s. The first thing I thought of was…

So, I’m going to see if my friend Jake will be my Danny…but I want to be Sandy in the first 90% of the movie…leather is just not a good idea.

Such an announcement makes me more anxious for Drew, because we all know we want a repeat of last year.

And yes, you HAD to be there.

OMG!

Ladies and Gents,

Drew Stafford is ALIVE!

Thanks to my constant google-ness, I was directed to the Minnesota Wild site (wtf) to watch a video about a recent reunion hockey game in Minnesota. I watched it strictly for proof that he is indeed alive, not thinking I would get much out of it.

But sure enough, the first person to pop up…

This guy!

He seemed happy and…well, alive.

I got so excited, I threw my shoe…

and since Shelby wasn’t wearing any, I threw my other one for her…

Also making an appearance at this game, fellow talented RFA…

I cannot tell what he’s doing with his face….I want to say he’s…smiling?

I think he is! Very anti-Thomas Vanek, but very nice to see! (Random site note, I LOVE Ryan Malone).

Good to know these boys are in good shape! Now if only SOMEONE would sign a contract. In the meantime, perhaps we can put TMP on hold…no?

I’m in Desperate Need of a Coffee Hangover.

This was on NHL.com as part of their 30 Teams in 30 Days thing

STATE OF THE UNION

The Buffalo Sabres held the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings when goalie Ryan Miller sprained his left ankle Feb. 21 against the New York Rangers and missed 13 games. They fell from the conference’s top-eight teams during his absence and never recovered.

“When Ryan got hurt, we might have been in sixth and on the Rangers’ heels,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. “Ironically, that was the game he got injured. I’m knocking on wood that we have a healthy Ryan Miller for the entire season.”

First-line center Tim Connolly missed 34 games with back and rib injuries but had 47 points in 48 games. Some think Buffalo is a team without a superstar, but if Connolly could maintain that pace over a full season, he’d be on the verge of stardom.

“We’re hoping this is the year he plays a full season,” Regier said. “He really is a top NHL center, close to a point-a-game guy. It’s important for our hockey team to keep Tim and Derek Roy healthy in the center position.”

On top of that, defenseman Craig Rivet was rehabilitating from knee surgery when the 2008-09 season started and he missed 13 games in December and January with a shoulder injury.

“Craig’s healthy. He had minor knee surgery in November and his shoulder didn’t require surgery. He’s strengthening it this summer,” Regier said.

Every team deals with injuries, but when your top player at each position is forced from the lineup and likely plays hurt in a lot of other games, it’s going to take its toll and the results show in the standings.

“I think our fans like watching players like Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller, Patrick Kaleta and Paul Gaustad. The fans appreciate what those players bring. … We’re not a young team but we are continuing to develop this group of players. We’re pushing hard for them to grow together and care for each other, take responsibility for themselves and their teammates.” — Sabres GM Darcy Regier Regier looked at his lineup and prospects, weighed the advantages of signing a free agent and decided this is the season that the core of the Sabres’ lineup defines itself as winners or otherwise. The majority of the players on the roster are in their mid-20s, the prime of their careers. So Regier’s only off-season signing was defenseman Steve Montador, to replace the departed Jaroslav Spacek.

The strategy has been criticized in the media, but Buffalo fans have been gobbling up season and individual-game tickets this summer.

“I think our fans like watching players like Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller, Patrick Kaleta and Paul Gaustad,” Regier said. “The fans appreciate what those players bring. They know we missed the playoffs two years in a row after going to the conference final twice in a row.

“We’re not a young team but we are continuing to develop this group of players. We’re pushing hard for them to grow together and care for each other, take responsibility for themselves and their teammates.

“We didn’t lose players, so we weren’t as active in free agency. If you lose players you have to buy players, so we follow a philosophy that, when possible, we look to build this team rather than look to free agency. Our fresh faces come from development.

“Our fans do see new faces; they just don’t see them on July 1.”

Regier said the plan is to stick with Miller and Patrick Lalime in net. Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman once again form the first defense pairing, supported by Rivet and Chris Butler, the former Denver University star who made the Sabres in his first pro season. Montador might pair with Andrej Sekera, but those two and emerging defensemen Marc-Andre Gragnani, Joe DiPenta and Mike Weber may be pushed aside by Tyler Myers, the 2008 first-round draft pick who stands 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds.

“Myers will push to convince us to keep him here,” Regier said. “Given the year he had in juniors and at the World Juniors, he’s certainly an upper-echelon prospect.”

Up front, look for Connolly to center Vanek and Pominville; Roy to center Jochen Hecht and Drew Stafford; Gaustad between Clarke MacArthur and Kaleta; and Adam Mair centering Dan Paille and Mark Mancari. Defenseman Nathan Paetsch, like Montador, can play forward and defense.

If that forward group doesn’t get the job done, AHL rookie of the year Nathan Gerbe is looking for a job. Tim Kennedy finished second to Mancari in scoring at AHL Portland. Veteran Matt Ellis is strong defensively and can play all three forward positions.

Ignoring the fact that ONCE AGAIN we have to bring up how Patty fucked us over….does this sound like anyone is going anywhere?

Nope.

60 Days and 59 Nights.

So, I’ve never really ever read Kevin Sylvesters blog. I have nothing against the guy, I think he’s awesome actually, but I just never found interest in it (same with Jasons, but we’re not going to get into that).

However, make the picture advertising it on the home page to be Drew, and I’ll read it. He made a list of what needs to be done before opening night which, as you have have already guessed is 60-ish days away. Crazy!

Anywho, here was his list…

–The Coyotes need to find a new owner and one that will make the team a winner. If they win, people will show.

–Drew Stafford needs to agree to a new contract. I have no knowledge on how negotiations are going, but a monster deal is not in order.

–Dany Heatley needs to be traded. He doesn’t need to be, but I think if he moves, more trades will happen around the league.

–Team USA and Team Canada need to get through Olympic camps in August without any injuries. There has been some flap over inappropriate insurance coverage, and you’d hate to see a camp injury ruin Olympic participation in future years.

–I need to clean out the garage.

–We have to find out if Jiri Hudler is playing for the Red Wings or in the KHL next season. I don’t care all that much, but find it odd that he would sign in Russia and then have things done with the Wings. From what I’ve read, it sounds like a mess and could make that league go after more NHL players in the future.

–And someone needs to explain to me how the Flyers will be under the cap this coming season.

Tam’s response…

– I feel like the Coyotes are going to be standing on a street corner with signs that say ‘ will play for food.’ Someone out there must love him. I don’t think they’re actually bad players, I think they just don’t get the love…like when mom and dad don’t show up to your school play, you tend to do worse, don’t you?

– YES! YES! YES! YES! and YES! I heard from a friend today that Darcy plans on doing no trades, which I guess an RFA could still become part of a trade, so it makes me feel better…but Darcy says a lot of things I suppose. Anywho, Kevin not knowing anything (and I feel like if there was something to know, Kevin would know it) makes me feel like Drew and a contract are just hush hush…or non existent…ugh. I think he’s still a little young for a monster deal, but I just want SOMETHING. Thank you!

– I personally want Dany Heatley to stay put. I honestly have no idea what’s going to happen, nor would I really be heart broken if he left Ottawa. Whatever happens, happens. Buffalo needs too much of my concern and attention….I’ll love Dany no matter where he goes (Shut Up).

– I am all for healthy players… Olympics, regular season, whatever. I didn’t get that into the Olympics in 2006, but plan to go hardcore Team Canada next year. I’m Canadian, it’s in Vancouver…it just fits. But, its a fair advantage to all now and later if everyones happy and healthy.

– I need to do a thorough clean of my room. I may email Kevin telling him I’ll help him if he helps me.

– I’ve heard nothing of Hudler…I don’t think one less European is going to hurt the Wings. It’s all part of the KHL’s slow domination over the NHL…when the rejects become underdogs. I’ll work on that one.

– They’re probably going to cut someone, someone good, someone who can play hockey without slaughtering someone, or acting like a bitch for it. I really was getting into the Flyers (kind of because of Marty, kind of not) but they are really turning me away now. They’re becoming the team they’re always seen to be, and they were almost out of that rut. Now, they’re heading right back in and I HATE it.

I suppose there is not much more to stomach ache over (I went looking for trouble when copying Kevins blog).

Oh! Somewhat hockey related news, I got a new car!

This is Toni. Yes, he (he being a very feminne color when my last car, which was red was a girl). I didn’t think I’d get anything new and shiny (I am a Sabres fan after all…) but, yay! It does put a dent in Team Mouse Potatoes…Rivet may have to stay home with Toni…who was on the team and I never mentioned that before.

My dad told me this time around, bumper stickers weren’t allowed. It took under 24 hours to put a decal on there 😉

, r

40.

I had a real post planned, then my dashboard reminded me thatttt this is post number….

40!

the title gave it away, I bet.

Nevertheless…

🙂

Stay tuned for the real post.

Hold on Andrew, Hold On

Apparently stuff goes down on Saturday evenings…if at all, with the Sabres. ‘ Tough guy’ (pfft) Cory McCormick, from Colorado, signed…details are currently unknown.

Don’t worry, Cory, I wouldn’t be too happy either.

The name Corey bothers me…it makes me think of a 12 year old punk…which is kind of what that picture looks like. I think I’m just bitter because they’re not doing what I want.

Petey…well, the best he can do for the time being is to keep his memory alive. And Drew…well, I have this

to look at, knowing there is probably a chance.

– Grunt-

UPDATE!

Cory’s contract is a one year contract, according to

Team Mouse Potatoes.

Ladies and Gents,

I hate to be the one to tell you, but Drew Stafford has gone missing…officially. And since we cannot narrow down any possibilities of his whereabouts (he could have been kidnapped, he could have been brainwashed, he could be trapped under a pile of rubble that fell on him in his basement) nor when he went missing (either after the season or after the Catwalk) Shelby and I are putting together a team of especially qualified to locate him.

This is Phoebe…

My somewhat reliable but always faithful. Due to our lack of…well, Shelby having a car, this is what we are resorting to on our quest. Not to worry, it’s rather spacious and there’s plenty of random junk on the floor to entertain ourselves with.

The team, Team Mouse Potatoes, is as follows….

Shelby (front seat): Coordinator….coordinates possibly Drew locations using her wits as well as the gps in my phone as our guide.

Tamara (drivers seat): Pilot. Driving terribly in foreign cities (like Pittsburgh?) while yelling at anyone else who tries to give me half assed directions (since I have a knack for doing it anyways)

Ronan Tynan (Back Seat): Takes it upon himself to make the best of stressful situations. Things tend to take a positive turn when he sings God Bless America, don’t they? Perfect, happy addition.

James Patrick (Back Seat): Lets face it people, Lindy and Drew will never see eye to eye. On top of that, him being lost/kidnapped/trapped/missing is a stressful situation. Stress that Mr. Ruff does not need right now (or ever, really). And even when/if we locate him, the stress would not be replaced with happiness and joy…he would just smack him for ever disappearing. So, we called in Jeep, to be both an authority figure, and a lover.

Goose (Back Seat, probably in the middle): When he’s not saving the world (and Drew), assisting a family of ducks- and old ladies- in crossing the street, AND putting out the fire in a burning building (while we purchase candy at a nearby gas station…he will be assisting Shelby in turning cookie dough into, get this, cookies in the most green and eco-friendly way possible. When all else fails, you want Goose there. Whether it be a kidnapped teammate, or the third period of a crappy, crappy game.

Rivet (Trunk, the spacious trunk): He was only added about an hour ago. He’s the captain, so it’s almost protocol that he is there. Shelby is calling him the co-leader, and that is very fitting. Though I think of all the above, he may be the one who doesn’t want to be there.

We set out just as soon as I can fill up my gas tank!