Stars 4 vs Devils 2: Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone!  We are finishing up our annual NYE chili and settling in for a night of hockey and hopefully, revelry.  We are wondering what is up with the Stars since they have called up Ivan Vishnevskiy, a very young offensive defenseman.  I don’t get it and apparently neither does the Sweater Vest.  They just put two forwards on IR and they are bringing up a very young defenseman that is not Fistric?  We’ll see. 

Pre-game starts with Brendan Morrow looking damn fine.  Sorry, that just slipped out.  We know a little more about the Devils than most other Eastern teams due to the fact that we spend way too much time hanging out on Interchangeable Parts with the Ookies from New Jersey.  Razor looks like a combination of Troy Dungan and Dale Hansen (local media guys).  Scary outfit.  Sorry, that just took me by surprise.  The Devil to watch tonight is definitely Zach Parise, who is 5th in the league in scoring right, I believe.  They are playing their second backup goalie Clemmensen due to their premier goalie, Marty Brodeur, being out long term. 

And Parise starts off with streak down to Turco.  Looks like Tipp has juggled lines a little so we’ll see who is playing with whom.  Wait a minute, Razor just said the Devils don’t do morning skates, they just have a little “Shooters Club” that goes out.  I thought the Ookies were making that one up.  Modano gets called for tripping. 

The Devils are pressing hard and the Stars not so much.  Yipes!  Whew, no goal.  PK over.  Marty is trying to give me a headache.  Hub is my spotter and he just said Langenbrunner, Modano and Neal.  I think he is having flashbacks.

LOUI SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL!!!!  FIRST ONE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!  WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, this penalty kill unit cannot be ours?  Who are these guys?  Toby gets another chance at scoring and they keep the puck out of the other end for most of the power play. 

Looks like our lines are not that juggled.  They moved Toby back to center for the fourth line.   Which I like.  Moved Sutherby up to Richards and Eriksson line.   We’ll have to see on that one.  Just as long as they don’t split up Richards and Eriksson.

Darn, Devils’ Motteau scores.  Who is he?  The Ookies never talk about him.  Have they been holding out on me? 

Robi gets called for hooking.  Clarkson scores on rebound for a power play goal.  Pooh.  Clarkson looks like the lovely Mr. Boucher.  That is the end of the first period.  2-1 Devils.

First Intermission:  As usual, too much Ric Renner.  Have I mentioned how much I love shorthanded goals?  They are just about my most favorite thing to see in hockey.  Makes me miss Hagman though.    And that would be why this was the first one this season, perhaps.  That plus the absence of Ulf coaching the special units.  Sigh.  I really shouldn’t think about last season.

Second period begins with Razor salivating over Parise.  Razor really likes Zach.  Zach in HD is not hard on the eyes, to say the least.  Oh, and he’s an excellent player, too.

Otter is 5 for 5 on face-offs.  Good job, Ice Troll. 

I love to say Oduya.  Just saying.  Ok, Razor loves the Devils.  I don’t think I have ever heard him go on and on about a team like this before.  No homer calling here.  Oh, my gosh.  Elias has a red and white mouthpiece that is one of the coolest ones I’ve seen!

WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  Finally!  After some hard work, Wilson scores his second of the season.  2-2!!!

The Stars are going on their first power play of the night after Holik gets called for hooking.  I’ve heard quite a lot about Bobby Holik on IPB but nothing that I can repeat here.   

I’ve been saying Parrish go to the net and he finally heard me.  I don’t know why these guys don’t listen to me more!  SCORE!!!  3-2.  Stars!!

Stars are on the power play again as Greene is called for hooking.  Nothing.

Rupp please don’t hurt Otter.   He can’t fight with his broken hand.  Otter is never silent, even when he might should be. 

Clarkson gets called for goalie interference and now Paulie Martin gets called for cross checking James Neal from behind.  Oh, no you didn’t.  Leave Nealer alone, dude.  We’ll go to intermission with a 5 on 3.

Second Intermission:  Interview with Mike Modano.  Ric Renner is so scary. 

And we get nothing from the 5 on 3.  I find it very hard to blog in the third periods.  We are almost five minutes in and I’ve got nothing.  I swear I think all our guys except Ribs are afraid to hang onto the puck.  Do we have no puck control abilities what.so.ever?  Daley and Langer get into an extended hugging session.  Hutchinson gets called for holding.  Rupp and Otter are still at it.  Otter always has to pick on the big guys.  Sigh.

Devils are on the power play.  Langer and Mo had to say hi to each other.   Nice penalty kill, boys.

How many hits did Otter just get on that one shift?  I have a feeling that Rupp is going to kill Ott before the game is over.  Broken hand or no.  Nice takeaway by Sutherby.

Tonight’s Impact Player:  Steve Ott  –  Nobody can annoy better.

Loui gets an empty-netter.  Stars win 4-2!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The House Is A Rockin’!!!

Postgame:  Ric Renner is getting really annoying and Luddy is going to kill him.  That is about it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU ON THE EAST COAST!!!

Big D NYE:  What is with all the black gangster striped suits?  First Razor and now the Mayor.  Really bad fashion trend.

COMING TO YOU LIVE FROM L2L HQ — HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!!

Stars 1 vs Sharks 3: Dangit

Well, our little L2L trio headed off for the AAC  last night to catch all the action.  Unfortunately, I forgot to record the game so I won’t be doing any in depth analysis here.  Not that I ever really do that anyway.  Despite the final score, it really was a pretty good game.  Way better than some of the ones we’ve sat through earlier this year. 

We started the night off by heading for the ticket office to pick up some tickets at the Will-Call desk.  But not for that night’s game.  Somehow I managed to get my boss to agree to getting tickets for the Detroit game on the 12th for our sales group.  They are coming into town for their annual meeting.  One of our salespeople is a Senators fan.  Although she says she is not claiming them at the moment because they are playing so bad.  I may have to have a discussion with her about being a fair weather fan.  Anyway, I told her about the game and asked if she wanted to go.  I checked with the boss and one thing lead to another and now the whole group is going.  One of the guys is a Bruins fan and is giving me grief.  Bruins fans, the bane of my existence as a blogger.  I’ve already had to defend Steve Ott to him.  But we were in agreement about Sean Avery.  We have excellent seats, I have to give a shoutout to my favorite Stars ticket guy, Thomas Arendt (tarendt@dallasstars.com) .  He helped me pick out my season tickets and was able to find us some great seats for our group.  Thank you, Thomas!  So for the second time in my career as a Stars fan, I’m going to get to sit in the lower bowl.  The Kid is not happy with me.  I guess I’ll have to make it up to her one of these days. 

On our way to pick up the tickets, a young man, wearing a suit, happened to walk past us.  Being the ever vigilant fan, I recognized him immediately as Joel Lundqvist.  Hub, not being as obsess..I mean vigilant as me did not recognize him and thought his wife was a little nutty when she called out “Good luck with that shoulder, Joel.”  So he was a little surprised when Joel turned around and said thank you.  I saw where they have put him back on IR.  I hope he is back up to speed soon.  We really miss seeing him play and, obviously, the team needs him.  After our Star sighting, we made it to our seats in time for the skate around.  I love watching the skate around.  The skating the guys do just amazes me, but then, skating in general amazes me.  It just seems to defy logic to me.  JeffK, as always, did a fantastic job with the music and getting things fired up.  I’ve never been to another arena but from what I have seen/heard on TV, I don’t think there is anyone better at what he does. 

As for the game, the Stars had two problems.  First, they couldn’t get anywhere on their power play.  San Jose has a great PK but the biggest issue was also the Stars’ second problem.  Nabokov.  He was hot, spot on, a rock, a wall, whatever you can come up with, he was.  And no freakin rebounds.  Could’ve given us a nibble.  The Stars were solid and played a much cleaner game but just couldn’t get the puck in past Nabokov. 

Except for one.  Mr. Matt Niskanen’s goal was bizarre.  Slapshot from the point, deflected off the glove of one of the Sharks.  They had to review it because they first thought Loui Eriksson had hit it with his glove.  We got to hear just a bit of the “Banana Phone” song, Patty!  The crowd went nuts when they announced it was good.  Niskie looked pretty happy, too.  He seems to be gaining confidence.  The kid has awesome puck handling skills and an amazing slapshot, I think he just needs more confidence.  Syd has obviously helped his game.  Keep it up, Niskie! 

I thought for sure we were going to come back and win at that point but Nabokov thought otherwise.  Turco did great on the penalty shot from Marleau.  I kinda understand why Robi hooked him.  I think Turco is pretty sound on breakaways but he is rock solid on penalty shots.  13-1, I believe.  Plus, we got to continue on the power play we were on.  Not that it did any good but it wasn’t for James Neal not trying.  In those last few minutes he was all over the place.  If they could have won on his will alone, they would have.  He was so determined.  Very Morrowesque, that kid.  I can’t imagine what things will be like when we get Morrow back and have both of them out there for other teams to deal with. 

Ott played a great hard hitting game, as well, but Thornton never came unwound on him as he usually does.  It wasn’t because Otter wasn’t trying either.  In the last minute or so, Otter was hanging over the boards yapping away at the Sharks’ bench.  I suspect he was hoping to incite a riot.  Gotta love him.

Oh and don’t tell me that guys don’t talk as much as girls.  The guys sitting behind us last night could out talk just about any female I know.  It was all I could do to not turn around and say, “I really don’t care about all your skiing plans, will you just shut up and watch the game.”  Argh.  FYI, if you ever find yourself sitting by a couple where the wife is short&wide wearing an Ott sweater, the husband looks like an older Pavel Datsuyk with glasses in a Robidas jersey and a pretty young girl in a Barnes jersey, just stay in your seat, watch the game and be quiet and we will get along just fine.

I’ll be back tomorrow to blog the Devil’s game and the ringing in of the New Year.  If last year is any indication, it could be pretty fun since both Turco and Morrow were a little shnockered for the New Year’s Eve show last year.

Stars 4 vs Ducks 3 OT

Ah, after all the holiday festivities, it’s nice to settle in for a night of hockey.  I’ve got my pjs on and am ready to go.  Kid and I spent the day walking two different malls, shopping like crazy.  We took a break in the middle of the day to go see Twilight.  It was pretty much what we expected, teenage romance.  Edward is pretty but I find it pretty creepy that all these middle-age moms have a thing for him.  That would be like me having a thing for one of our young Stars and that is just wrong.  Now Tipp is another story.  Hee, just kidding, Hubbie!

I’m watching the pre-game show, can we not find someone better than Ric Renner?  I guess that is the price we pay for having such great game announcers, can’t have everything.  Yay, Steve Ott interview!  He’s playing with Ribs again, yes!  He says he likes to challenge the biggest guy on the ice.  Otter is so nuts.  Just don’t let Pronger make you hurt your hand again, young man!

We start with B-rad centering for Toby and Loui with Daley and Robi on D.  Then we go with Ribs centering for Ott and Brunnstrom with Syd and Niskie on D.  Followed by the third line of Modano with Leths and Neal and Grossman and Hutchison on D.  Fourth line is Sutherby with Barchie and Wilson.   Niskanen just did some nice stick work down the center.  So glad to see him being more agressive.

Ouch, Kunitz scores on rebound that probably actually bounced off one of the Stars skates in.  Ugh.  Robi is called for interference.  Let’s go PK.  Mo does a fine job of pestering to keep them out of the Stars end.  He’s out there with Niskie, Otter and Syd.  And the second team comes in and finishes killing it off.  Ribs with Loui, but not sure who else on that second unit.

Now we are on the PP after some Duck gets called for hooking.  Mo, Ott, Ribs, Robi and Leths?  Popped one off the pipes but no score.  Now Perry is called for tripping on Loui.  Another PP.  Nothing.  I hate games with lots of penalties it just kills the flow of the game.  Both teams seem to be doing a lot of fumbling around with the puck.  And the Stars go on another PP.  Maybe that is the Ducks strategy, just keep us on the power play.  And so we end the first period.  That was pretty yucky.  Our power play is not looking too hot right now.  0 for 3 on PP and 0-1, Ducks.

First Intermission:  Tampa Bay is ahead 3-1 with Smitty in goal and Jussi getting 2 assists.  The Devils lead the Rangers 3-1 as well.  If this next period doesn’t get more interesting, I may resort to reading the Kid’s copy of Twilight.

They start off on the power play from the last few seconds of Festerling’s delay of game call.  Boy, I thought my last name was kinda lame but “Festerling” that just sounds icky.  Nice drive by Barch but Sutherby is tripped up on his way to the net.  No call.  Oh well, we probably are better off not going on the power play again.

WOW!!!!  GORGEOUS PLAY BY PETERSEN TO RICHARDS!!!  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Love seeing Toby use his speed and Brad use his smarts to get that shot off so fast.  1-1  Yes!!!

Whoa, Corey Perry tries to saw Turco in half, as Razor said.  I can’t believe the Ducks didn’t score on that.  Perry and Daley are in the naughty box.  We are 4 on 4.  Nothing.

Bunny is out there without a helmet.  That always worries me.  Toby gets hit head first into the boards.  Did not look good.  He headed straight to the bench.  No call on that but then Getzlaf gets called for something.  We’ll end the second on the power play.

Second Intermission:  Interview with Brian Sutherby coming up.  Um.  Not a lot of personality there.  Hmm.  Wow, with five left in the first, the Avs are leading the Red Wings 3-0?  Buffalo and the Isles are going to the shootout, may have to go check that out.

Start the third on power play, again. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Power Play goal on rebound by Neal!!!  “Almost like Giggy laid an egg and Neal wiped his fanny”–courtesy of Razor.

Otter gets called for interference.  PK do your stuff.  Or maybe not.  Morrison scores after Turco comes way too far out on a stop and Morrison puts in the rebound.  Turco, that was not good.  2-2.

That was odd.  Long review about who should still be on the ice after Dallas gets called for icing and Leths gets shaken up on the play so he went to the bench.  Whatever.

Morrison scores again.  I must admit it was a nice goal feed from behind the net by Bobby Ryan.  This does not look good.  3-2 Ducks with less than 3 minutes to go. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Cow!  Ribs scores!  I can’t believe it.  I don’t think I have ever seen a six man play actually work.  That sixth man being Ott by the way. 

Overtime: 

Eriksson has a great breakaway off a lovely center pass from B-rad.  But no score.  Getzlaf gets called for slashing.  Four forwards out there for the Stars. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Modano scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

35 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY WON THAT GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOOOOOOOO  STARSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve Just Settled Down For A Long Winter’s Nap

Happy Christmas, one day late, everyone!  We have been busy with the usual holiday festivities.  I found out rather late that my in-laws were staying with us instead of Hub’s sister.  I should have realized this but somehow it just had not occurred to me.  The problem?  You could not even walk into my guest room.  So on top of last minute shopping, cooking and, oh, that little thing called work, I had to figure out how to dig out my guest room.  Some how we managed to get everything done.  We spent a quiet Christmas Eve at home.  I always make a big pot of vegetable beef soup and cornbread.  Usually, we go to our 6 pm church service and then look at a few Christmas lights on our way home.  But since we have had some crazy busy last few days, we decided not to try to kill ourselves to get everything done and still be presentable for church, too.  It was nice to be able to relax a little before the next day’s activities.

The next day started a little before 7:30 am when we were awakened by the Kid.  It’s nice to know she is not too old to get excited about what Santa has under the tree for her.  We had agreed that we were getting the Wii from Santa for the whole family, so the Kid was anticipating that but Santa was able to surprise her with an iHome for her iPod and her own copy of “Twilight”.  I’m not sure what Santa was thinking on that one.  Anyway, everything was a hit.  The rest of the morning was spent cooking.  Big surprise.  Head’s up to all you young unmarrieds out there.  Once you are married and especially after you have kids, the holidays become nothing but a marathon cooking session.  I have managed to streamline it as much as possible, but it’s still a lot of kitchen time.  Hub actually stirred together the pumpkin pie for me and fried up the bacon for breakfast.  He is a fabulous bacon fryer, just FYI.  We had Christmas dinner at Hub’s sister’s house, so I did not have turkey and dressing duty this year.  Neither are hard to do but since I have a pretty small kitchen and only one oven, the logistics can be pretty tricky.  The sister-in-law has 2 ovens and 2 frigs of which I am extremely jealous!    Plus, she makes the best turkey.  So didn’t mind having at her house one bit!  I only had to bring the aforementioned pumpkin pie, a marinated broccoli salad that I do every year and is very festive looking and a sweet potato casserole that is made with baked sweet potatoes, lots of eggs and butter and whipped before you bake it.  Then it is topped with a heavy layer of big marshmallows.  It is a sweet gooey mess but we love it.

We spent the rest of the day at the sister-in-law’s.  It was one of the easiest days for me because her husband is very hands on in the kitchen and she has a 19-year-old son, 21-year-old daughter and about to be 23-year-old son who are all very helpful and starting to learn the ropes as well.  We had a total of 18 for lunch including the 3 of us; the sis-in-law’s 5; Hub’s parents; Hub’s cousin, the lawyer from Richardson with his wife, son, daughter and mother-in-law; Hub’s other cousin, the NASA scientist from Virginia; his uncle, the retired Baylor chemistry professor and the bro-in-law’s great aunt.  Basically, if you have family who don’t have plans to spend Christmas with someone else, you bring them to our family celebration.  I love that. 

The amount and variety of food we have is crazy, too.  Besides the obligatory turkey, dressing (not stuffing) and gravy, sweet potato casserole and broccoli salad previously mentioned, there were a couple of congealed salads; corn, green bean,  and broccoli rice casseroles; rolls; apple pie; poppy-seed pound cake; fruit bread (unidentified); candied orange slice cookies; chilicheese logs; chex mix and I’m probably forgetting something but you get the idea.  After that, we all went into a coma.

The Kid spent the afternoon playing on the Wii with the two cousins from Richardson.  I spent most of the afternoon talking with my niece and nephews (all currently at Baylor, my sis-in-law and my alma mater).  They are great kids.  My niece is beautiful and extremely bright, she has to intimidate the heck out of most guys.    (Not to mention the fact that she has two very tall brothers to get past.)  The boys are a couple of sweethearts and quite handsome as well.  They are going to make great husbands for some lucky girls someday.  I pity the girl who has to pass their sister and Aunt Myra’s inspection.  I love spending time with Hub’s family.  While they are extremely quiet and conservative compared to my family, they are amazingly intelligent and interesting to talk with.  Every single one of them.  Great day.

This morning started off with biscuits and sausage.  Then Hub’s parents headed out for their long drive home, 5 hours to a tiny town in west Texas.  We wanted to get over to the Stars practice this morning but I wasn’t going to tell my in-laws, “Do you mind hurrying up so we can go to practice?”  I’m not quite that bad.  We did get there in time to get one of the new calendars for my office and wait in line to get it signed.  We met up with the SHR girls there and had a good time waiting and signing with them.  Today is Chelsea’s birthday, so Happy Birthday!  Chelsea!  Kristine got Matt Niskanen to sign a card for Chels and asked him to draw a picture.  He laughed and did quite well with a stick figure with an upraised hockey stick.  Pretty good for spur-of-the-moment.  I also asked him what ever happened to his car, I knew they were supposed to be auctioning it off for charity but I missed where it finally ended up.  He said a lady in Alabama bought it.  What the heck?  From Alabama?  Just how did that happen?  As always, the guys were all smiles and very sweet about signing.  Got Mr. February, Steve Ott, to sign my calendar and my Otter t-shirt.  I got the calendar all signed except for the big guns, Modano, Richards, Morrow and Zubov.  We finally got Hub’s Robi sweater signed.  We were beginning to wonder on that because we have had such a hard time catching Robi and he was the last one out today.  But we finally got it!!!  Plus he had his little boy with him, who is absolutely adorable.  Oh, and I also got to shake hands with James Neal and congratulate him on his hat trick.  And I shook hands with Toby Petersen and told him how much I enjoyed watching him play.  Both seemed genuinely appreciative and broke into big smiles.  They all seem like such nice young men.  Also, in that vain, Nicklas Grossman has to be one of the sweetest.  On the last Stars Insider, they interviewed players about their favorite Christmas and his was so sincere about the last time all his family was together and his blog entry from training camp was my all time favorite.  Again, so sincere.  I think whatever young lady lands him is going to be very very lucky.  And she had better be worth him.   

Oh, and if you were wondering, the new calendar is gorgeous and totally worth the ribbing I am going to get from the guys at the office.  Speaking of the office, I have somehow managed to finagle my boss into taking all the sales group to see the Stars/Red Wings game on the 12th.  We are having all our sales group in for their annual sales meeting on the 12th thru the 14th.  One of the sales people is a fellow hockey fan from Ottawa.  I had emailed her to see if she would like to go to the game with me.  Which of course she did and after I checked with my boss, he was like why don’t you see if any of the other guys want to come.  It turns out one of them is a big Bruins fan.  If I had only known before.  Oh well.  Anyway, he tried to get me to do a bet on who would win the most games between now and the 12th.  If I lost I would have to wear a Lucic sweater and serve the beer and if he lost he would have to wear an Ott sweater and serve me.  The thought of possibly having to wear a Lucic sweater was more than I could handle, plus, I compared our schedules and told him, “No FreakinWay!”  Sorry Stars, I’m just not a betting woman.  The Boss is springing for some nice tickets, so I really didn’t want anything taking away from the game.  I’ve already warned all the sales guys not to be a distraction or they will feel my wrath.  Anyway, it should be lots of fun. 

We have tickets for Monday’s game against the Sharks and I’ll probably be blogging here tomorrow night for the Stars/Ducks, so come on by and join me.  Right now, I’m heading off for a much needed long winter’s nap.

Oh, I forgot, I got the NHL 2K9 for our Wii and the funniest thing to happen at the Stars Center today was getting to see someone returning their Avery jersey that they got for Christmas.  Hee.

Stars 4 vs Sens 5 OT: Stars Blogger Christmas Party

Well, it is Dallas Stars blogger night here at L2L HQ.  We had The SHR Girls, Kristine and Chelsea, Jen from The Shootout, Cat and Caitlin from The Untypical Girls  all here in attendance.  We were having a little Stars watching/Christmas party.  There was some concern about watching the game since we weren’t getting the feed at first.  So we had a little Norman Rockwell moment with us all sitting around the living room listening to the transmission.  Luckily, we did not have to see the first goal made by Alfredsson.  Thankfully, our feed came on shortly after that. 

What can I say about the game.  It was a roller coaster like so much of this season.  It was my favorite players night in the scoring department.  Always glad to see our little Niskie score and that gnat Toby zipping in for one was great.  Brad and Loui, Tipp better not break up that pair.  Now if Ott could of scored it would have been a complete score card for me.  And if Turco could have stopped a lot more, well you know what I mean. 

We were all continually grossed out by the nasty 70’s facial hair on display by the Senators.  According to Sherry at Scarlett Ice, it’s some sort of team bonding thing, to all grow mustaches.  I was having flash backs.  It was so scary.  Also scary, the officiating.  I’m not one to complain too much about officiating usually.  You know, you get what you get, but that slashing call on Barch was a complete and total joke.  Anyway, I’m going to take the point and leave it at that. 

On to the fun stuff.  We had a little Secret Santa exchange.  Lots of fun player signed stuff all around but I have to say mine was the best.  Kristine from The SHR Girls, gave me a Christmas card signed by James Neal, which I thought was pretty cool.  But she also gave me a dvd of clips of Steve Ott.  What’s that you say?  What’s so great?  On it she got a recording of Steve Ott wishing me a Merry Christmas!  OH.  MY.  GOD.  I thought I was going to wet my pants.  We were all watching it, going, oh that’s so fun, when suddenly it cuts to Steve.  I’m sure the neighbors thought I was dying by how much I screamed.  I can’t thank you enough, Kristine!  What a great surprise!  And to Otter, my favorite petulant little ice troll, thank you for taking the time to send a shout out to one of your biggest fans.  Kristine said it had been a rough practice for him since he was still only able to skate because of his broken hand.  But when she asked him, he was all smiles and said he would be glad to do it.  That’s my Otter.  I thought I might cry. 

Anyway, despite the final score to the game, we had a fun time talking hockey.  To all my fellow Stars Blogger ladies, thanks for a great night!

Stars vs Jackets

Well, this certainly does not bode well.  I haven’t started typing and the Blue-Jackets have scored.  Nash scored but I wasn’t even paying attention enough to know what happened.  I was too excited to see that Robi, Lundy and my favorite little ice troll, Steve Ott, are back in the line-up.   And Ott is already in the penalty box along with Commodore.  4 on 4.

LOUI!!!!!!!  Loui scores off a nice feed from B-rad behind the net.  Loui breaks his personal high for goals in a season already.  What a great year he is having.  Aw, they are playing his song.

Otter, that was not very nice.  Major elbow to Boll and he gets put in the naughty box.  And Brassard makes a pretty piece of work out of it and scores.  Sigh.  2-1, Jackets.

Stars go on the power play over a hooking call on Modin.  Ah!  Please don’t hurt Loui!  Power play still sucks.  Otter is chirping away just like always. 

As we go to commercial, let me just say, I was very sad to see Sergei Zubov is going to have to have another hip surgery.  I feel so bad for him.  I know he is probably seething with frustration.  My sympathies go out to our friend, Caitlin, who’s favorite player is Zubov. 

Wow!  James Neal just made mincemeat out of Brassard.  Whoa.  Okay, not only is he a fabulous scorer, the kid can fight.  Dude.  Alpha Male.  I loved the “Yeah, you’re done.” comment he gave Brassard.  HeHeHe.

Barch and Boll go after it but Barchie falls down.  Aw, Barchie, nice try.  We have gained a whole new appreciation of Barch around here lately.  Nice guy. 

Feisty group tonight.  Otter influence?

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOUI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loui scores a second goal off some nice work by B-rad and Lundy.  Loved the pass from Lundy!  We finish the period tied, 2-2!  YES!!!

FIRST INTERMISSION: 

Boring intermission.  I could comment on the fact that Sundin finally signed with a team but I could really care less.  Except that it is with the Canucks.  I hope he does well for them and doesn’t disappoint their ace blogger, alix, over at The Humming Giraffe. 

I’m sorry, but I am still reeling from that pounding Neal gave Brassard and Loui getting two more goals.  That was one action packed first period.

HAT TRICK FOR LOUI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NISKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  POWER PLAY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!   WAIT CAN THAT BE???????????  TWO POWER PLAY GOALS?!?!?

Sorry, I can’t keep up!  We got a 5-3 right off the start of the second period and Loui scores.  Then Niskie makes a great shot on the rest of the power play and scores. 

Dangit, don’t the Jackets know they are supposed to give up now.  Nash scores again.  4-3 Stars.

Mo gets called for hooking.  And successfully killed off.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

B-RADDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  4 POINTS SO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are a hot headed bunch tonight.  Barch goes at it with Commodore.  Then some evil dude goes after our little Niskie.  DO I NEED TO WRITE ANOTHER POST?  NO HITTING MATT NISKANEN.  ARGH.

I can’t keep up.  Lundy gets called for roughing and we kill off the penalty.  Then some Jacky McJacket scores and it is 5-4, Stars.  That was an ugly one, Turco.

Some where in there Boll got a 10 minute misconduct, which we totally missed.  Gees, I need a break. 

Stars are on a power play from a roughing call on Methot.  Finally, the second period ends.

SECOND INTERMISSION:  Otter interview!!!  It is nice to see him back.  Always does a great interview. 

They mentioned that Brassard has not been back since his little throwdown with Neal.  I bet he is wishing he had left Neal alone.  Other intermission news.  The lovely Mr. Boucher scored another goal for the Pens tonight and Jeff Halpern is back in the line up for Tampa Bay and scored a goal.  Glad to hear that for both guys.  Unfortunately for Tampa Bay and Smitty, they lose in the shootout when Smitty gets called for throwing his stick to make a stop.  Poor Smitty can’t seem to catch a break.

Been a much more quiet period.  Neal is called for high sticking with only 5 minutes left in the game.  I don’t know if I can watch.  Tell me when it is over.  Robi freezes the puck.  I didn’t know you could do that.  I thought that was a “goalie only” thing.  Hmm.

Trevor Daly has not been back.  I hope it is nothing too serious. 

Dangit.  Jackets tie it.  Crap.  I can’t believe this.  What a blown opportunity.

OVERTIME:

Wow.  We dodged a bullet there.  Jackets score right away and get it called no goal because it was kicked by his skate. 

I . can’t . watch .

Well, we are headed for the shootout.  I used to not mind the shootout because we almost always won.  Now, not so much.

Brad Richards — GOAL

Huselius — Goal

Brunnstrom — NO GOAL

Nash — NO GOAL

Ribeiro — GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!

STARS WIN!!!

What a great night for Loui and Brad.  Number 1 and 3 Stars of the game.

While I am thrilled to see Otter back in the game, I must say my favorite moments were Neal’s beatdown on Brassard, “Yeah, you’re done.”   And of course Loui’s Hat Trick.  And I’m just really glad to see Brad Richards having such a great game. 

Post game interview with Otter.  “My mouth ain’t broken.”  Gees, I love that little troll.

Crombeen Hat Trick

Yes, B. J. Crombeen scored a hat trick in the Blues game versus the Preds last night, including the game winner.  Let’s see that is a total of five goals this season for B. J.  and, if you ask me, STRIKE TWO this season for HullJack.

 

Stars Euless Practice

Hub, the Kid and I headed out after church today for Euless and after a little misque found the Dr Pepper Stars Center for Stars practice today.  A word of caution to anyone trying to find the Euless rink, mapquest it.  It is not easy to find.  There was a really, really big crowd there.  We have never gone to one of these promoted practices before, so I was surprised at the number of people there.  Do you not know that the Stars practices are always open to the public and that the players mostly come out for autographs after every practice?  Let this be your notification, just go to the Stars website and click on Schedules.  Then click on Practice Schedule in the pull down menu.  It is easy and free.  Plus, you get to see the action right up close and personal.  We met up with fellow Stars fans and lady bloggers:  Caitlin and Jen (The Shootout) and Chelsea and Kristine (The SHR Girls).  They really know their hockey and they are very fun for this old chic to get to hang out with. 

Most of the veterans had the day off, except for Marty who had to be in goal.  We got our first look at Tom Wandell, you could tell he was very excited to be there, showed tons of energy.  Which I thought was pretty good since he had to have just flown in from Sweden.  Everybody seemed up beat and moving at a fast clip, come to think of it.  Like a weight had been lifted.  Could it be just getting a string of wins going or could there be something else?  Hmmm.   Love to watch James Neal.  Such a complete player and still so young.  Can’t wait to see what he is like as time goes on. 

We went outside to wait in the autograph line.  This was a first for us.  We have only stayed once at Frisco just after a regular practice.  There was a huge crowd lined up.  Marty was the first one out.  The guy knows how to work the line.  Stu just thought he could get by without going down the line as did Mark Parrish, but the crowd made a point of calling them back.  We almost missed Toby Petersen as there was a bit of a back up in our part of the line.  But big mouth Myra had no problem calling him back.  Much to the Kid’s chagrin.  They all seemed to be a nice bunch of young men (I almost said boys, sorry), very gracious and chatty when chatted to.  Krys Barch went around at about the same time as Toby but made a point of coming back.  (I was impressed.)  It was also good since I figured the Kid would die of mortification if I bellowed a second time.  One of my favorite moments was when Caitlin got her copy of a Whalers’ Yearbook signed by Tippett.  I think it amused him.  And let me just say that Dave Tippett is a very attractive man.    But my favorite thing was watching the boys sign for and take pictures with the little kids.  They were so great with them, each and every one.  And they took their time, too.  Apparently, one more so than the rest.  Fabian Brunnstrom took quite a while to get through the line, as all the other players passed him up and then his ride, Nicklas Grossman, showed he was growing impatient and that he has a good sense of humor by laying on his horn repeatedly.  And I mean repeatedly.  Ah.  No posturing, no posing, just a bunch of guys having a good time.  This is one of the reasons I love hockey.  Would you get that at a Mavericks practice or the Cowboys?  Yeah, right. 

As usual, when doing most things related to the Stars, we had a great time.

Ok, My Final Word on Avery and Hull is Delusional

It’s been a busy week and I have only had time to read my usual Dallas blogs.  But this morning I’ve been perusing a few other sights.  Then I had to stop because I was finding it too annoying.  Is it any wonder that I have blood pressure problem.  Maybe I need anger management counseling.  Anyway, first I have my final summation on how I feel about Avery.

I know I am definitely in the minority in the blogosphere but I agree with the suspension on every level.  He was acting as a representative of the team in the team’s locker room.  He deliberately called over the media for a rehearsed statement only minutes after telling the coach and Stars PR people that he would not be making any comments to the media. (Insubordination)  And, finally, I don’t care how many ways you want to excuse it his statement was vulgar and inappropriate.  Some things are still vulgar and inappropriate no matter how “accepted” they are by society.  I feel the league had to set a precedent and draw the proverbial line in the sand.  You can say what you want on the ice but when you are representing your team, the NHL and hockey to the world, there is a limit to what you can say.  To me this falls in a completely different category from on ice action, as in terrible injurious hits that this has been compared to.  I know I am not going to win any popularity contests by agreeing with Bettman but I agree that it is apples to oranges.  Off ice activity in the media versus on ice activity. 

As far as the Stars go, besides dealing with the cancer that he had become in the locker room, they also must think about their fanbase.  The Stars fanbase (as in the ones who buy the upperbowl tickets) are largely families.  Try explaining to your kid what “sloppy seconds” means.  It’s a tight market as it is here in “football is the only sport worth following land”, you just can’t afford to alienate such a large market segment.  Here in Dallas it is one of the few sports teams you feel good about taking your kids to see because the players seem like geniunely good role models.

I knew he wasn’t going to be a good fit for this team or community from the get-go, but apparently Hullie couldn’t see this and apparently he still doesn’t quite get it.  I was checking out Andrew’s Dallas Stars Page as I do daily and found this gem from Hull.   Be sure to read the comments.  I couldn’t agree more with “giveandgo”.  I have not heard any players specifically blame Avery for their teams’ play.  But what I found particularly worrisome was his comment that Avery played very hard on ice for them.  In one game, maybe?  Is he blind?  Just when I was starting to feel sorry for Hull.    Gah!  Can he really be that dense?

Stars 2 vs Avs 1 (SO): WAHOO!!!

Well, well, well, it has been quite a week for the Stars organization.  I took the night off the other night for the Stars/Oilers game and apparently they missed me.  No, I think the Stars had the same problem I was having.  They were exhausted, both physically and mentally.  Luckily for me, I could put my pj’s on and go to bed early.  Unfortunately for them they had to play a hockey game.

Let’s see what they can do tonight. 

Looks like Tipp has shuffled the lines again.  I know you are shocked.  I think Janik is actually playing forward but Hub and I aren’t for sure.  Conner has a nice breakaway attempt and draws a tripping call on Salei.  I’m not watching the power play.  Someone tell me when it is over.  Hub said Daley did a “Soupy” which is what we will forever call a spina-roma.  Ok, I can watch again.  At least it wasn’t scary.  Razor says they were going for the “ugly”. 

Another penalty against Colorado (holding against Clark).  Hey, I told you I was ignoring all special teams until further notice, so don’t ask what happened.  I checked Tracey Myers and she shows Janik as playing wing on the Gnat’s line along with Barch.  Looks like they are skating 4 lines.  Gees, I’m having a hard time telling who everybody is.  I did read on Andrew’s Stars Page that the Stars are bringing back Tom Wandell from Sweden. 

Another power play, tripping by one of those Finnish names, I don’t want to even try to type.  Hmm.  Hutchison seems like a pretty big dude.  Gees, Robi is in the penalty box for hooking.  Did I mention I hate our special teams.  I’m not watching.  I’m not watching.  I’m not watching.  I don’t care how many penalties you call, refs.  You can’t make me.  And that is the end of the first period.

First Intermission:  Heika!  We almost didn’t recognize you, you’re sweater vest was almost covered up by your jacket.  Guess what they are talking about.  I’m not going there.  I love Mike Heika.  I hate that his blog has been taken completely over by a bunch of goons whose only goal in life is to put down everyone else who comments and has a different opinion than theirs.  I’ve had to limit my reading to mainly just scanning.  I just get too annoyed.

They were showing highlights from the first period, both Hub and my response.  What highlights?

And the second period begins with the Stars on the penalty kill from Robi’s hooking penalty.  And Robi is back.  Razor just pointed out that this is first time this year that the Stars have gone through the first period without someone scoring.  Daley gets called for interference.  Modano is without his stick.  Yikes.  Niskanen is making some great plays.  Hub and I love that kid and are really hoping they hang onto him.  Yes, he is slumping but he is still so young.  We both think he will mature into a great defenseman some day.  I’m sorry, I seem to be awfully chatty tonight.  It’s all these darn penalties. 

THE GNAT SCORES!!!  Yes!  Yay Toby!!!  Happy Dance!!!  TOBY TOBY TOBY TOBY TOBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

The Gnat Celebrates! (Yahoo)

AND WHERE DID HE SCORE THE GOAL FROM?  EVERYONE TOGETHER NOW…IN FRONT OF THE NET!!!

Aw, my Gentle Ben gets the penalty.  Grossie is in the box.  What to talk about now?  James Neal, thank you Razor.  That kid is such a well rounded player.  He is not afraid to play defense.  Ok, I did watch a little of that one.  They did a great job of keeping it out of the Avs zone. 

Niskie gets a steal.  Oh, and Niskie got an assist for the Petersen goal.  Then Conner goes offsides.  Hutchinson is really getting in there, had a great chance on a rebound, taking shots from the point.  Like what I’m seeing.  Stars are really pressing, not just hanging back defending.  And that is the end of the second.  The Stars are winning 1-0.  Two periods with no goals scored against them!  Wow! 

Second Intermission:  Trevor Daley interview.

We are five minutes in and I’ve got nothing.  They wer spending way to much time in the Avs zone for my liking.  What was I saying about the Stars pressing and not just defending?  Hello?  I meant that as it was a good thing.  Don’t stop now.   Whoa.  Man, Marty just made a fabulous save.  Not pretty but effective non the less. 

I will be so glad when they stop advertising for the Dallas Mavericks Dancers Calendars.  Ugh.  Tasteful is not the word I would use to describe it.  What is the opposite of tasteful?  Yeah.  A lot of words I’d prefer not to use.

Turco has been making some great saves.  Solid team effort.  With the extra attacker on the Avs score.  Dangit.  Svatos.  So much for a shutout. 

Overtime.  I don’t know if I can watch this. 

Now we are headed for the shootout. 

Richards is first.   No goal

Holy Cow, I can see why Wolski is 4 for 4.  Dang, that was good.

Yes, Ribeiro keeps us alive!  Ok, Marty.  SAVE!

Modano is up.  GOAL!! 

YES!!!  TURCO SAVES THE DAY!!!  STARS WIN!!!

Wilson had his Rally Cap on.  I haven’t seen that in a while.

Turco was the Number One Star of the Game to me.  But I certainly don’t mind Toby Petersen being named the actual Number One Star.  Hub says if Toby “the Gnat” Petersen scores then we win the game.  I’ve had my eye on Toby from the get go, saying he was one to watch.  Thank you very much.  Interview with Toby, yay!  They show Tipp giving Toby the game puck.  We catch a glimpse of our favorite ice troll in the locker room.  Good for you, Otter, being there for your team.  Interview with shirtless Modano, darn towel.  Great interview with Turco.  Maybe “the one who shall not be named” may have actually done something good for the team by giving them a rallying point.  I still think he is a gross vile disgusting self-centered jerk but part of me (a very small part of me) feels a little bad for him.  He obviously needs help, but sadly, I’m not sure how much he will allow to be helped. 

Hopefully, we will make it to practice on Sunday in Euless.  We have to teach first then head over, so we will see.  The Stars play the Coyotes on Wednesday.  They are a young tough team, so we’ll see.  We have tickets for the Red Wings game on Friday and then we’ll be heading over to Patty’s (in Dallas) to watch the Preds game at her house. 

So glad to see the team looking happy for a change.  Go Stars!