Stars 3 vs Ducks 4 — MEDIC!!! We Need Some Help Over Here!!!

Afternoon everyone.  I unfortunately have caught what the Kid had and am feeling like crap at the moment.  I don’t know how much I’ll actually blog.  But even if I stop blogging I’ll still be in the comments.  Of course, we are excited to see what our new player, Steve Begin, will do.  (I’ve got to ask Patty how to get the ` to go on top of the e in his name.)  I like what I have seen and heard about him and Patty and I are in agreement that he is totally foxy.  I’m not sure why, but that is the word like comes to mind every time. 

They did a piece on Brenden Morrow’s rehab and what struck me most was how young he looked.  He just turned 30 but he could pass for much younger.  I really hope they can make the playoffs and he can come back and play some.  He is going to be one disappointed dude, if not. 

Onto today’s game.  The Ducks.  I hate playing the Ducks.  I hate watching the Ducks.  I hope our power play can get it’s act together because they are going to be out there a lot.  The Ducks just can’t help themselves.  Mob mentality?  Thug mentality?  I don’t know.

Looks like Giggy is in goal today.  Ott’s already latched onto Corey Perry.  I hope he drives him nuts.  Ribs with Ott and Lehts, Syd and Nisky  to start.  Grossman blocks a shot and goes to the bench.  Nieder scores on odd man rush.  That was a mess.  1-0, Ducks.

Begin has his first shift and takes a shot on goal.  The Swedish line is out there now Joel with Fabs and Loui.  Sudsy is centering for Barch and Begin.  That leaves Mo with Neal and Parrish.

Daley and Brookbank drop the gloves.  After Brookbank pummels Loui.  Daley gets the boot.  Pooh.  Anaheim scores on the power play.  2-0, Ducks.  Ugh.

Well, they started showing a little more spark there at the end of the first.  Hopefully, they’ll come out for the second, a lot more sparkly. 

First Intermission:

Start the period on the power play from Selanne’s holding call.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Ribs puts it in off a rebound of Syd’s with Otter doing his best in front of the net.  2-1, Stars!!!  Power Play Goal!

Ryan gets called for holding Neal.  That just sounds bad.  Or good depending on your perspective.  Stars go on Power play again.

Hub reports that ESPN is saying that the Stars have placed Avery on waivers.  [Correction:  ESPN is now saying it will happen Monday.  So, never mind.]

Matt NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIskanen!!!!   SCORE!!!  2-2!!!

Daley gets back and gets called for tripping.  Pooh.  Go PK.  I forgot to watch our foxy new dude on the PK. 

Daley?  What the heck are you doing?  Gets called immediately for interference.

Brookbank looked so disappointed that Otter wouldn’t fight.  Sorry, Brookbank, why don’t you ask Barchie.

Second Intermission:

Ribs interview.  Is it just me, or does it seem like he acts much more mature in his interviews these days.  Much more serious and thoughtful.  He acts much more like a leader now.  Good for him.  I know he can still be a punk sometimes when his temper gets the best of him but he has come a long long way.

Razor just said something about the refs not being very consistent today, no kidding. 

That was some fierce defending by the whole team there.

WOW!!  BEAUTIFUL!!  Lovely give and go between Ribs and Ott for Ribs to score.  YES, 3-2, Stars!!!

Parros goes to the penalty box for interference on Grossie.  Power play gets no where. 

I hate Corey Perry.  Pooh.  3-3. 

I hate Teemu Selanne.  Crap.  4-3.  Why does Syd go down so often to block shots?  I don’t understand going down to block a shot, period.   Once you do that, you have no other options.

Stars power play.  Miller gets called for holding.  The Ducks just can’t help themselves.

Final 4-3, Ducks.  I cannot believe the refs did not step in immediately to stop Moen from beating on Ott.  It is my understanding that Otter can get suspended for fighting with that brace on his right hand.  You can see him trying to keep his right hand back and deal with Moen with his left only.  Gees.  The guy looked so beat up already.  I hope he can survive the Penguins tomorrow. 

Otter after.

Well, they are now saying that Ott has been given a match penalty.  So he may not have to survive the game tomorrow.  He may not get to play in the game tomorrow.  I’m not sure what else Ott was supposed to do there.  The refs weren’t breaking it up and Moen was pounding him.  But then, I’m not exactly impartial.

Post game interviews:  First up, Daley, I couldn’t listen but can’t blame him one bit for doing what he did.  Next, Niskie, he sounds hoarse.  I just wonder how many of the players are sick.   There is this one quote.  “I got good wood on it and found the five-hole.”  That’s what he said.  And yes, I can still be juvenile at times. 

Tipp, very subdued.

Otter interview (shirtless, I might add).  Boy, he really looks beat up.  Poor kid.  I don’t know when I’ve seen him this down.  Kept his comments to a minimum on the after game scrum.  Hopefully the league will take everything into consideration.

Ribs interview.  He either has a fat lip or a dip in his lip.  I’m obsessing over that.  Sorry. 

Foreigner is going to be at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Hot Blooded, Jukebox Hero, boy, that brings back some memories.  Sorry, that was from a commercial.  My attention span is severely depleted at this point.

Well, I was pretty sure we would win this one.  Not sure what to think about tomorrow’s game.  The Penguins have struggled a lot this year as well.  I may or may not be on line for tomorrow’s game.  Depends on if I’m not running a fever, I guess.  We’ll see.

GO STARS!!!  WE STILL LOVE YOU!

Stars 1 vs Blues 3 — Poor Power Play + Weak Marty = Loss

Hey all.  It’s been a long week here at L2L HQ.  The Kid woke up sick on Tuesday morning, spending the day running 103 fever and throwing up.  It was pretty brutal for her and not very easy on dear old mom either.  Hub took his turn with her on Wednesday and took her to the doctor.  Turns out she had a throat infection.  For some reason, she tends to throw up a lot with throat infections.  I had asked her about her throat and she had said it wasn’t that bad.  Apparently, she has a high pain tolerance.  Next time I’ll just skip asking and take a look at her throat.  Today I’m home with her again as she is still running a fever.  After missing so much, she is anxious to get back to school, so maybe tomorrow.  All that is to say, our minds haven’t exactly been on hockey lately. 

A check of the Stars website tells us that Chris Conner has been called up again after the loss of Toby Petersen.  And the Tobias Stephan has come back from his training stint in the minors.  The Stars practiced in Farmers Branch on Tuesday.  Would have loved to have seen that.  Most recent news is that they have traded Doug Janik to Montreal for Steve Begin.  Guess what position Steve plays?  If you said center, you win the box of donuts.  Good luck to Doug, I read that he was sent down to Hamilton.  I’m not sure how excited I would be about going to Montreal right now, so Hamilton might not be a bad thing.  I haven’t read anything much on Begin, his head-shot is good.  Not a bad thing.  Head-shots can be notoriously bad.  Wouldn’t want the cuteness quotient for the Stars to be lowered.    I think of this because of a little amusing thing I ran across this week.  Puck Daddy had a link to the new all female fan club for the Washington Capitals, called the Scarlet Club.  It is very amusing, to say the least.  It is particularly amusing that this is what they think female fans want to see.  I guess if you are 20, have never watched a hockey game and are only interested in looking at pictures of pro-athletes(=$).  Frankly, after looking at the players’ glamour shots (complete with circa early 90’s glamour shot poses), I don’t think this is the best approach perhaps for this team.  They run a little short in the looks department.  The Stars and most all the other teams I follow are lightyears ahead of them in that department.  And while I’m glad they are pretty to look at, that is not exactly the reason I follow them.  I’m a little old for beefcake.  Anyway, be thankful we have the Stars and that they have not created the “Starlet Club” for us.  Eek. 

While I’m talking about other teams, I want to wish Marty Brodeur and the Devils well tonight as Marty plays his first game back from injury.  I know the Ookies over at IPB are celebrating.  Sprite and donuts to everyone!

Pre-game show is on.  They just showed Morrow being interviewed by his wife, Anne-Marie.  He was naming off the things he was able to do around the house, like feeding the dog and emptying the dishwasher.  Her response, “Well that’s a big lie.”  As Hub says, I like his wife a little too much.  He is right, I adore Brenden’s wife, she cracks me up everytime.  Morrow’s not getting anything past her.

Onto tonight’s game.  I’m very happy for Brad Winchester and BJ Crombeen.  They have both done quite well after going to St Louis.  I continue to wish them well.  Just not tonight.  Glad to see Mo back.  Hated to see his reign as the Stars’ Iron Man end.  Looks like we are starting with Sudsy centering for Sway (my name for Sawada because I hate typing Sawada, too many ’a’s) and Neal.  Mo is out there with Fabs and Loui.  Looks we have some major line shuffling. 

The Stars are on the power play after some Blues dude with hard name, gets called for delay of game.    Get nothing there.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ribs to Lehts score on a beauty!!!!!!!!!!

Whoa, Winchester goes after Mo after Mo runs into Mason.  DUDE!  What are you doing?  You ran Mo into the goalie and then you come unwound on Mo???  I believe Winnie and Barchie will be having a dance here in a bit.  We go to 4 on 4 for goalie interference on Mo, huh.  And roughing on Winchester.

I didn’t get to celebrate that goal very much.  Excellent example of Ribs being Ribs and Lehts being Lehts.  Lehts gets a nice breakaway. 

Barch and Winchester are at it.  I knew it was coming.

Man, I step away for a minute and the Blues score.  Hub says it was a Turco blooper. 

Razor just told about the situation with Conner’s baby, there were several complications but all are doing well now.  We send our prayers out to Chris and his family.

Boy, Winnie certainly seems to have his panties in a wad tonight.  He gets 2 again for roughing.  Stars power play.  Will go to intermission with a few seconds left on the power play.

First Intermission:

That Mason is a big boy and kinda scary looking.

Okay, who has been beating on my ice troll?  He has a cut above the left eye and several red marks on his face.  I think some people have been taking liberties with him. 

I know we make jokes about Robi’s obilgatory penalty but does it seem like he has been taking an awful lot of penalties lately?  He is called for interference this time.  Usually, it is holding or hooking.  Stars on the penalty kill.  Killed.

I haven’t done an ‘A’ check for tonight.  Any new sightings? 

Penalty coming up against the Stars.  Parrish for hooking

Razor is right, Marty has been giving up a lot of rebounds tonight. 

Perron gets called for holding.  Stars on power play.   Get nothing.

I don’t like what I am seeing from Marty.  He really seems to be scrambling. 

Second Intermission:

Sudsy interview.  Sorry, had to take a phone call so didn’t hear what was said.  Anyone care to share?

How did they not score there?  Argh.  Fistric throwing his weight around and plasters Oshie.  So glad to have you back, Fisty!  Off the posts!  Another, how did they not score there!?!

Oshie scores.  2-1, Blues. 

OMG.  Berglund scores.  CRAP.  CRAP.  CRAP.  3-1, Blues.  I think I’ll just be in the comments until something better happens, folks.

Poor Otter is really getting beat up tonight.  The one above the left eye was from earlier, the one on the check is new.  Double minor for high sticking against McDonald.  4 minute power play, can they do anything with it?  Nope.

Stars get one more power play with Turco going to the bench.  They were going 6 on 4 until Lehts gets called for hooking.  So back to 5 on 4. 

Well, that sucked.  My co-worker in Ottawa is going to be mad at me.  She is in a bet where she has to pick the winners of every game.  I told her to go with the Stars on this one.  Sorry Fiona.  She is averaging 55% right now.  Considering how incredibly bizarre this season has been for so many different teams, I’d say that was pretty good. 

They just showed Steve Begin walking into the building.  Dude, he is a fox.

Stars 0 vs Sharks 1 — Anyone Got Any Centers? Stars Have To Go Fish.

Hello everyone, it’s Monday night!  Are you ready for some football HOCKEY!?!  We are, sort of.  I just heard that Mo is a scratch due to the flu.  He played with it on Saturday, but I guess it got the better of him finally.  Who do we have left at center?  This could be grim.  Plus, we are watching Versus.  Hmmm.

First line out is Sudsy centering for Neal and Parrish.  Now we have Ribs with Ott and Lehts.  Third line is Toby for Loui and Fabs.  Joel with Barchie and Ray.  Your basic fruit basket turnover special.

Oops.  Poor Joel just rammed some Shark and just bounced off him.  Ouch.  And Joel gets called for holding to put the Sharks on the power play.  Penalty kill did pretty well.

San Jose gets called for too many men on the ice.  TIME FOR A DALLLASS SSSTAARS POWER PLAYYYY!!!  I love our in arena announcer. 

Hub asks, “Which power play was worse?”  I think they both kinda stunk.

You punk, Shelley, leave Matt Niskanen alone!

Ugh.  I hate the trade deadline and trade deadline talk, Mr. Versus announcers.  Who have already apparently gotten tired of doing play-by-play.  I think I’ll be looking for a radio during intermission.  Pooh.  I just tried their online feed and it is a full minute behind the play. 

Turco gets called for tripping with Otter serving it.  But the Sharks get no where on the power play. 

Ok, I must say the Stars held their ground way better than I thought they would with Mo being out as well and already facing two power plays.

First Intermission:

Boy, I thought having to see feminine protection products commercials was bad.  These Maxoderm commercials are totally grossing me out.  The women are really really creepy. 

Did anyone just see Razor threaten to throw a water bottle at the back of Edzo’s head during intermission?  I love Razor, I know he is juvenile but I still love him. 

And we are on another power play from Mihalek for high sticking.  The Stars have actually gotten some shots on goal during the power play?

Ah, Fisty.  Another power play from Fisty high sticking some Shark.

And now we go on the power play for goalie interference against Plihal.  I don’t know but I think I’m starting to see a pattern here.   Have I mentioned tonight, how much I hate games filled with power plays/penalties?  Ugh.

Messier frightens me.  What are we supposed to be swaying him for, or to, or about? 

Wow, the Stars are out shooting the Sharks.  That is good to hear.  Now if they could just get some in the net.  These announcers are incredibly boring.  I miss R & R. 

Second Intermission:

OTTER INTERVIEW!!!  Was it me or did his voice sound a little lower and more grown up?  He didn’t have his usual breathy little boy sound.  I wonder if he has a cold. 

We are missing another center.  We are watching for our favorite gnat, Toby Petersen to reappear.  Man, Nabbie is too good tonight. 

I just noticed that Syd has an “A” on his sweater.  Has that been there before and I just missed it?  Or is it the result of Mo being out?

I guess I’m not surprised, Setoguchi has been all over it tonight.  He finally scored.  1-0, Sharks with about 12 minutes left.

Lukowich gets called for interference.  Stars get another chance at the power play.  Heard one bang off the post hard.

How long have we been playing this game?  It seems like forever.  Sigh.

Timeout Dallas. 

And that is all, folks. 

We never saw our favorite Gnat come back into the game. 

Final 1-0, Sharks.

Stars 1 vs Blackhawks 3 – Better, But Not Enough

Evening everyone, before I get into today’s game, I wanted to cover a couple things related to the last game.  First, I cannot believe I missed this.  I call myself an Otter fan and never even noticed the “A” on his sweater the other night.  Patty had to point it out to me the next day.  I’m so ashamed.  I should resign as the president of my Petulant Little Ice Troll Fan Club.  I was so proud for him when I finally did find out.  Patty has a nice post about it on Penalty Killing.  Also, in the same post, Patty clears up a little mystery for me.  Bob Sturm picked the three stars for the Stars v Oilers game.  We were all thinking he had lost his marbles when they were listed:  1. Brunnstrom  2. Souray and  3. Nilsson.  I can see Souray, sort of,  but we couldn’t figure out Nilsson.  I mean really, Nilsson?  It turns out it was supposed to be #12 Raymond Sawada for the Stars.  But somehow the officials got #12 Nilsson for the Oilers.  Oops.  I’m glad.  I was a little concerned about Bob’s sanity.  Plus, it was really sweet of Bob to pick Sawada. 

Well, Stars fans, on to today’s game.   As I mentioned before, the L2L clan headed for the AAC this afternoon to catch the game.  It was a tough loss, but it was a whole lot better than their last game against Chicago.  Unfortunately, the Stars still came nowhere near solving the problem that is the Hawks this season.  The Hawks are a fun team to watch, when they are not playing the Stars. 

I think the biggest issue facing the Stars is filling the gigantic hole that is left by Brad Richards.  Loui is going to miss his center and will need to develop some chemistry with someone else who can hopefully find the holes Loui needs to finish.  Today, Toby Petersen was centering for Loui and Joel.  Now I love Toby but I don’t particularly see him as a top line center.  He is great at fourth line but…  Who can step up to fill that role?  I wish I knew.   

The other hole is in the power play.  Let’s just say, Ribeiro is not my first choice for the power play.  He overthinks things, when he just needs to move the puck.  Niskie is going to be a great power play quarterback someday, but he is not quite there.  He can find some great holes for his slapshot though.  I’m not sure what the answer is there either.  Sorry!  I never claim to be a great hockey analyst. 

Things were getting pretty chippy in the first period when the refs said they had had enough and sent Otter and the Hawks’ Bolland off with 10 minute misconducts.  Hated to see Otter out for 10 minutes and he was sorely missed but I was glad to see the refs get a handle on things. 

During the second, Marty makes an insane save on Toews.  Lying on his stomach, he kicks up his leg and catches the puck with his skate to make the save.  You will be seeing it on every highlight reel. 

Of course my favorite moment from the third was Otter’s career-high 12th goal on a huge pass from Daley. 

That’s about all I’ve got in me for now.  Except that the Stars’  bloggers were well represented at the game.  Saw the Sign Girls at the pregame skate.  Exchanged texts with the SHR Girls and waved across the arena through the binoculars at Patty from Penalty Killing.  Yes, we bring our small binocs and a radio to listen to Ralph and Razor to the games.  We are such hockey nerds. 

Welp, catch ya back here on Monday for the Stars vs Sharks game on Versus.  I think I’ll try the radio for Ralph and Razor. 

Stars 4 vs Oilers 2 – Welcome to Dallas, Sawada!

Evening all!  Well, we are still in mourning here at L2L HQ over the loss of our beloved Brad Richards, out with a broken wrist for 6-8 weeks.  The guy obviously is going to be missed.  We wish him the speediest of recoveries!  We love you, B-rad, and look forward to your return in the playoffs. 

On a happier note, our petulant little ice troll, Steve Ott, is back in the line-up tonight after missing part of the Chicago game and all of the game against Columbus.  We are so glad to have that little ball of energy back.  He seems to be a real mental boost to the team.  Be sure to check out his interview on the Ticket, some very fun stuff.  Otter does a great interview.  Andrew’s Stars Page has it and I believe they have it on the Stars website now, too.  I’ll try to link it here, later. 

Also, on a happy note, though it may not seem like it at first, Chris Conner was sent back down to the AHL after only being up here for a couple days.  Now stay with me, he was sent back to Peoria because his wife went into labor.  That’s right, our little munchkin, Chris is going to be a daddy.  Awwww.  Congratulations and best wishes to the Conner family from all of us here at L2L HQ!

Looks like that swift little gnat, Toby Petersen, will be taking over B-rad’s line tonight.  Not too surprising.  I’m looking for Toby, Sudsy and Joel to come in and pick up the slack left by B-rad’s absence.  Well, tonight we are playing the Oilers which means one thing to me.  Sheldon Souray.  Hellllooo!  Sheldon!  Sorry, leftover reaction from the ASG.  Mr. Souray is quite the fox, so ladies, you have been warned.  They say the one to watch for is Ales Hemsky.  I like to watch Cogliano and Gagner.  Who I don’t like to watch?  Stortini.  I imagine he and Barchie will be having a meeting of some sort tonight.  Be careful, Barchie.

As expected, Toby is centering for Loui and Joel. 

We are on the power play already because of too many men on the ice by the Oilers.  I love watching Neal on the power play.  He is just all over the place at once. 

I’m not sure what all the lines are yet.  On D, Robi & Daley, Fisty & Grossie and Syd & Niskie are together. 

Who is number 12?  It’s Ray Sawada!  Our newest young prospect brought up when Conner had to go home.  And yes, he is celebrating his 24th birthday by playing in his first NHL game.  Pretty cool!  He is on the fourth line with Sudsy and Barchie.  Nice big line. 

Mo is with Nealer and Fabs again.  And they kept the top line together of Ribs with Otter and Lehts.  I like the combos, we’ll just have to see how well they work.

BARCHIE!!!  FABS COMES IN WITH A GREAT FEED AND BARCH FINISHES IT!!!  Fabs can definitely move the puck!  1-0, Stars!

Robi gets called for hooking.  I’m shocked.  Ok, no, not really.  Ouu.  Hellllooo!  Sheldon!!!  Just look pretty and don’t score.

Turco is making me very nervous, coming so far out like that. 

RAY SAWADA SCORES  IN HIS FIRST NHL GAME!!!  LOOK OUT NEALER & FABS!!!   2-0, STARS

Pooh.  Oilers score.  Possibly.  High stick deflection?  Rats, it’s called good.  Reddox.  2-1, Stars.

Oilers get really ugly with Robi and others.  Peckham gets the boot and Hemsky goes to the box. 

Stars power play is pretty peppie. 

First Intermission:

Dang.  Sorry, we got behind some how.  Oilers scored.  2- 2.

Then something happened and Moreau gets called for slashing and roughing but doesn’t go to the box?  Finally, get him in there.  Stars on power play for 4 minutes.

Wahooo!!!  FABS!!!  Mr. Brunnstrom is looking hot tonight!!!  3-2, Stars!! 

Barchie is getting called for something as we go to commercial.  Kneeing.  Really, I haven’t seen that one much.  Oilers on the power play.  But not anymore. 

I like these camera shots from the side behind Marty’s net.  Watching Syd setup to move it down.  Unfortunately, Fabs gets his pocket picked at mid ice. 

Cole gets called for tripping.  Mo played that one well.  Mo and Niskie are playing point on the power play.

Ribs is seriously mad.  Moreau uses Ribs’ face for a punching bag.  Ribs gets sent to the box?  And Lundy?  Can someone explain this to me?  Sarah says Ribs was stick swatting again.  We missed that.  Ok, Joel is serving Ribsy’s unsportsmanlike conduct.  Now that I have figured out why they are on the penalty kill, they are no longer on it.  Sigh.

Second Intermission:

Thank you for that whole series of shots of Otter and Hemsky!  That was hilarious!  Otter’s grin says it all.

Awww, I love Tipp.  He almost catches the puck and then picks it up and throws it over to the fans.

RIBS TO LEHTS AND HE SCORES!!!  4-2, STARS!!! 

Otter was doing the “YEA” with the goal song.

Neal plasters Peckham.  I think he enjoyed that one. 

Let’s not do anything stupid, Ribs. 

Otter clocks Gilbert and then Roloson, yes, the goalie, comes after Ott.  Then Smid and Moreau pile on Otter with Moreau pulling something of a Crosby on Ott.  Then Grossie takes out Moreau and pins him to the ice.  I love Grossie.  He doesn’t mess around.  Ott is in the box for the hit on Gilbert and the refs are still sorting out the rest.  Toby is grinning at Mo’s explanation of the penalties.  I’m not even going to try to figure out who got what.   But we are playing 5 on 3 because Roloson had gone to the bench.  And the Stars hold it down for the WIN!!!

Wow!  What a game.  That did feel like a playoff game. 

We will be at the Stars v Hawks game on Saturday.  Drop me an email if you are going to be a the game!

Stars 3 vs Blue Jackets 2 (SO) – Marty Saves The Day…Again!

I must confess, I am a huge worrier.   And I have been worried ever since the Chicago game, not just because we lost miserably.  But also because L2L’s beloved Ice Troll only played 10 minutes in a game that seriously needed a player with his energy and drive.  I tried to placate myself with the thought that the Hawks were gunning for him because of the hit on Sharpe and so he was being pulled because he was too much of a spark plug for the other team.  Today, after reading the almighty Sweater Vest, I see my fears have been confirmed.  Otter is hurt and will be a game time decision.  ARGH.  To make matters worse, Lehts is trying to play through an injury as well.  These are the very two players whom I feel larger responsible for helping get the team back on course earlier this season.  And now they may be hurt again?!?  NOT GOOD.  Hang in there guys! 

Tonight we play the Blue Jackets once again and unfortunately, we will probably see a lot more of their pretty young wunderkind goalie.  Steve Mason was pulled after the first period in our last game against Columbus.  Shortly after, we found out he had been suffering from mono and sat out for a few games to get back up to speed.  Apparently, he has because they have won their last 4 games, including defeats of Detroit and San Jose.  Ouch.

Tonight’s game is on channel 27 which means no pre or post game shows.  Bummer.  But we do get it in HD.  At least we have that.  I’m in an incredibly pessimistic mood, just so you know.  Yikes.  This picture is terrible.  I don’t think this is HD.  Pooh.

HOLY COW!!!  I hadn’t even looked up yet and Richards scores immediately!!!  WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

GO B-RAD!!!  1-0, Stars.

Sadly, I’m guessing that Otter is not playing because we just had Ribs with Lehts and Fabs. 

Refs called hooking on some Blue Jacket and Stars are on the power play.  Goes no where. 

Looks like another penalty on the Jackets.  Dorsett for goalie interference.  Another power play.  They do seem to have changed things up a bit.  Uh.  Maybe I spoke too soon.

Good save by Turco.  Niskanen makes a nice save/steal in front of Turco. 

Ha!  Dorsett tries to take on Grossie who just puts Dorsett’s head under this arm and bear hugs him.  Dorsett is about a head shorter and was not happy with Grossie.

Sorry, took a pizza break.  Daley got called for hooking but 30th ranked Jackets’ power play got no where. 

First Intermission:

Brent Krahn interview!  He seems like such a positive kid.  He likes history and has Genghis Khan on his goalie mask.  I like this kid!  He does a great interview.  Good job, Brent.

And we are back.  I’m so excited for Mark Fistric to be back on the big team.  Surprisingly they have him paired with Grossie right now.  Syd and Niskie are still together.  Robi with Daley. 

What Nash just tried to do to Marty with his stick should be against the law.  Ouch. 

Barch gets called for holding.  He has a little stare down with Boll.  I love Barchie. 

Stars on penalty kill.  Pooh.  Umberger scores from in front of the net.  Did you hear that Stars?  From in front of the net.  Sigh.  1-1.

Dangit!  Umberger scores again on a rebound.  2-1, Jackets.

Tipp calls a time out.  Ralph just said the shots are 13-0 this period.  Ugh.

CRAP!!!  BRAD RICHARDS IS HURT!!!  THIS IS TURNING INTO A NIGHTMARE!!!

Barch gets called for roughing Boll, but me thinks Boll took a bit of a dive.  Stars on penalty kill.  Marty is holding down the fort but it is not looking good.  Penalty killed.

LOUI, LOUIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  OFF A NICE SET UP BY DALEY!!!  2-2!!!  That was pretty.

Sutherby goes at it with Dorsett.  I think Sudsy gets the better shots in and gets Dorsett halfway out of his sweater.  I think both get 5. 

Tyutin gets called for roughing.  Razor is not thrilled with the reffing tonight.  That is twice he has objected to a call on the other team.  Stars on the power play as the period winds down.

Second Intermission:

FISTRIC INTERVIEW COMING UP!  YAY!  He even sounds like my nephew.  (Sorry, Fisty reminds me of my oldest nephew, a lot.)  Almight Sweater Vest was on with Razor.  You go, Mr. Heika! 

We start back on the power play but get no where, once again. 

Richards is out so lines are being juggled some more.   We’ve been trying to figure out who is playing with whom with three centers and eight wingers.  We give up.  Fisty just went into the boards.  Columbus has 36 hits already.

Razor:  Toby Petersen is spackle.  He fills in where ever he is needed.  Sudsy is back out there.  I was beginning to wonder about him as well.

Gees, Sudsy gets called for holding – marginal call.  Penalty killed. 

Under 4 minutes left.  2-2

Things have gotten insane.  “Playing prison rules.”  according to Razor.  They were really trying to score and win it.  But just couldn’t settle down enough to get it in the net.  Going into overtime.

Stars get a penalty called on them now.  Hooking by Ribs.  It will be 4 on 3.  Let’s get a shortie!  Penalty killed.

Toby has been a good little gnat tonight.  Flitting around everywhere. 

Good job on Fistric moving some Jacket out of Marty’s sight line there.

And we go to the Shootout.

Jason Williams – saved

Ribs – saved

Huselius – saved

Neal – SCORES!

Nash – SAVED!

MARTY SAVES THE DAY…AGAIN!!!  We take over the 5th spot again.

NEWS UPDATE:  BRAD RICHARDS HAS A BROKEN WRIST AND IS OUT INDEFINITELY.  COURTESY TSN.CA

Stars 2 vs Blackhawks 6 – A Whole Lot of Ugly

Hey everybody, we at L2L HQ will not be here for the game tonight.  We are going to some non- hockey loving friends’ house for dinner and then to our church for, sadly, another non-hockey function.    I can’t get away with only doing hockey related events all the time.   But I am very very sad about not being able to watch the game live especially against the Blackhawks.  I will be watching the game on tape delay (that would be DVR delay for you, Damien) but it is just not the same.  So feel free to comment all you want.  I don’t worry about spoilers.  I know me, I won’t be able to not check the score. 

GO STARS!!!

Good evening, everyone!  I’m still feeling a little green around the gills so I begged off eating fajitas for dinner.  Just, no.   Ugh.  Anyway,  Hub and Kid went on without me.  It’s a lot easier to sit like a slug on the sofa typing on my laptop then to try to eat fajitas and be nice to people.    In one way I’m glad I stayed home.  For some reason my DVR did not save it’s settings and was no longer set to record.  I don’t know what happened there because it was set right earlier.  Unfortunately, I missed the pre-game  (I was asleep) and only caught the last five minutes.  So I missed Tracey Myers.  If anyone knows what the story is on Tracey these days, let me know.  I thought she was no longer covering hockey for the Star-Telegram. 

We start with Huet in the net for the Hawks and Ribs line with Syd and Niskie.  Patrick Sharp goes down after Ott hits him.  Otter knocked knees with him.  It really did not look like he was trying to hit Patty’s knee.  I promise!  I love Patrick Sharp and do not want to see him hurt.  But because of Otter rep, I can hear it now.  Knee seeking missile.  Oh, great.

Buffy just pasted Loui.  Not cook. 

Weeee!!  Mark Fistric is playing!  He is in with Robi.  I hope that doesn’t mean Daley is hurt.  I didn’t get here in time to see who were  the scratches for tonight.  The Hawks get called for tripping.  Keith goes to the naughty box.  Stars on the power play.  It gets nowhere.

The Stars get called for something and Tipp is obviously not happy.  Some words are not that hard to lip read.  Barchie gets called for interference on Kaner.  Just saw Mo almost go down, which makes me realize you almost never see him fall.  They are intense on their power play.  Fisty is out on the PK!  And the Stars kill that one!  Lots of scrums around the net over each teams’ goalies.  I do love Huet’s red pads. 

Brouwer gets one in off what I must say was a really nice play.  Hawks, 1-0.

Sudsy and Barch told Eager, “Stop Hitting Robidas!”  Joel goes to the box for slashing.  Argh.  Another power play to kill.  Kaner does have some pretty moves.  Sudsy gets “smoked” in the corner according to Ralph.  Poor Sudsy.  Penalty killed.  But the Stars are still scrambling.  They need to settle it down and get some puck control.  Thank goodness, it’s intermission.  And thank goodness for Turco.

First Intermission:

Hutchison is the one sitting for Fisty to play, by the way. 

Let’s see what the Stars can do this period.  We have Versteeg out there against Nealer.  Two of the top rookies for this year.  So close by Barch and then Sudsy.  But then the Hawks break loose and Havlat scores.  2-0, Hawks.

Stars are getting another penalty called on them.  This is not good.  Petersen gets called for hooking which replay shows was not the case.  Stars kill the penalty.

Crap.  Brouwer takes out Marty.  Big time.  I don’t even want to think about the “what if” of Marty getting hurt.

Ugh.  Mo turns it over.  They are saying Niskie bumps Marty and Havlat scores again.  Hub disagrees and says he doesn’t think Niskie hit Marty.  Anyway, score is now 3-0, Hawks.

I think I know how the Stars feel right now.  I think I’m losing the will to blog.  Ooof. 

Tipp has gone into full fruit basket turnover mode on all of the lines.  Trying to find something.  Can’t say that I blame. 

Second Intermission:  I feel for whoever has to do the interview.

Okay, since I don’t want to talk about the game, I’ll talk about my favorite new toy.  I signed up with Site Meter on my blog and it shows the location of where people are viewing from.  Have no fear it doesn’t tell me any more than the city, so your identities are safe!  It has been fascinating though.  If you have a blog I highly recommend adding it.  Earlier I had a hit from Korea, as in the country.  And someone from Norway drops by fairly often.  Feel free to leave a comment.  I love Norweigians!  (My hometown was the largest Norweigian settlement outside of Minnesota.)    I’ve had a few from all over Canada and several from Florida.  I think most of them are looking for info on Brad Richards.  Man, that guy is popular.  I also had one from Budapest, Hungary.  Pretty cool. 

OH MY GOSH!!!  They are putting in Brent Krahn!!!  Krahn is getting his first start in the NHL.   Guys please step up to the task and help him out.  Ribs blows getting a rebound after Krahn makes a series of stops and Toews scores.  This is so ugly.  Oh my word, poor Krahn.  The guys are leaving him out to dry.  Some other Hawk scores.  5-0.

FABS SCORES!!!  Thank goodness.  Now it is only 5-1.

Joel gets called for slashing.  Our fourth penalty.  And the Hawks have not commented any penalties since early in the first?  At least the penalty kill is holding strong.

Sudsy scores.  5-2.  Sudsy’s temper gets the best of him as some Hawk (Eager, surprise, surprise) sounds off at him after his goal.  They both get game misconducts and are out of the game.

Versteeg just had to get one more.  Poop.  Ends with the final 6-2.

Well, that was really ugly.  I know the offense has not shown a lot of jump in the last few games but, dude, that was pathetic.  I feel so bad for both goalies, Turco and Krahn.  Tipp is understandably upset.  I have a feeling some guys are going to get called out on this one.

Krahn is a good egg.  I hope he gets some more chances.  Post game interview with him, he seems pretty resilient. 

Post game interview with Robi (shirtless, btw).  Robi broke his stick after the Versteeg goal and now there is a very large vein protruding from the side of his temple.  I hope he doesn’t have a stroke.

Fistric Is Recalled To The Stars!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just read on Andrew’s Stars Page that Mark Fistric has been recalled to the big team!  I’m not getting too excited because it may just be temporary to let Janik get some playing time.  As Janik has been sent down to the AHL for just that.  And with the way the defensive pairings have been playing, Fisty might not even get to play.  I’m just so glad to see him possibly get another chance.  I loved watching Fisty play.  For a big guy, he can really move.  He’s supposed to be with the team tonight in Chicago! 

Good Luck, Fisty!!!

Stars 2 vs Canucks 1 – Marty Rules!

Good evening everyone.  I’m a little under the weather tonight and bummed that I missed out on my Valentine’s dinner at my favorite little Italian spot here in town.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow.  Tonight we play the Canucks for the first time since Luo came back from injury but they just announced that he won’t be in goal.  Also, we get our first look at Mats Sundin.  For more about the Canucks check out our friend, alix’s blog The Humming Giraffe.  We have learned alot about the Canucks from alix but especially that they are a very pretty team.  Ha! 

Aw.  It’s Razor’s birthday!  There seems to be a lot of February birthdays on the Stars team.  First there was Parrish and Fabs and Ribs just celebrated his 29th.  I hope it brings them good luck.  They just announced that today is Mats Sundin’s birthday as well.  Hopefully, it won’t bring him luck.

Fabs interview!  I love that shot they always show of him after scoring where he has his arms open and a big grin.  It just says, “I just scored!   Come hug me!”  Speaking of big grins, he had a big one in answer to Razor’s question about if tonight was going to be a big game since they were playing so many Swedes. 

Hub and I have reclaimed our places on the sofa with our laptops and hockey in HD.  I feel better all ready.  They are looking pretty chippy out there already and it’s not Otter at the root of it.  Sudsy and Loui make a run for it. 

Rats, Pyatt scores.  1-0, Canucks. 

How was that hooking?  Robi, this one doesn’t count against you.  Stars kill it off. 

I’ve fell completely behind.  I don’t think my brain is up to speed tonight.  Robi gets called for cross checking and Burrows gets called the same.  We get no where.  Still 1-0, Canucks.

First Intermission:  Best part of first period:  Close ups on B-rad and Pyatt.  Best part of intermission:  Razor referring to Pyatt’s pretty eyes as being a distraction to Turco on that goal. 

And we are back. 

Barch had a juicy rebound but couldn’t get it in. 

Edler gets called for obvious tripping of Neal.  Then Mitchell gets called for cross checking.

Stars are on 5 on 3 but not getting anywhere.  Hub is going very frustrated.  5-3 over.

LOUI!!!!  IT WAS PRETTY!!!  TIPS IN NISKIE’S SHOT!!!  ON THE POWER PLAY!!!  1-1!!!

Otter yapping away at Kesler after making a big hit.  I get the feeling that Kesler doesn’t like Ott.  Hmm.

Canucks take another penalty.  Mitchell boards Daley.  Stars on Power Play.  Also, known as “Duck, Duck, Goose” .  Pooh.  Where did that power play go that we had a couple games ago?  Can someone go find it and bring it back?  Hub may not survive another one like that.

How did Mo not score on that!

Joel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Good job!!!  My favorite identical twin in this game!!!  Well, period, but you know what I mean.  2-1, Stars!!!  Marty’s fourth assist.  Cool.

Daley gets called for hooking.  Great save by Turco at the horn!  We’ll go to the intermission on the PK.  Hmm…2 goals by 2 Swedes so far.  Now if  Fabs and Grossie could get one each.

Second Intermission: 

Robi interview!  If you haven’t had a chance to hear his interview from the Ticket on Thursday, you should go listen.  Andrew Stars Page  has it up over there.

Stars finish killing the Daley penalty. 

I feel for who ever has to wait for Ribs to come off the ice before they can jump on.  He always plays at least an extra half shift or so.  Hub usually starts yelling at him to get off. 

Great work by B-rad and Sudsy but couldn’t get anything.  Ribs line had a great run with Jere almost making it.  ARGH.  Robi gets called for hooking again.  Excellent penalty kill by all those involved.

Nealer goes in on a breakaway but misses and neither he or Mo can get to the rebound.  Nealer has been trying but can’t just seem to get one in. 

Under four minutes to go.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The House Is a Rockin’ once again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the bit they do showing Tipp giving the game puck out in the locker room.  Joel was flashing some serious dimples over getting the game winning goal and game puck.  What a good finish!

Stars 0 vs Coyotes 1 – The Bryzgalov Wall Defeats The Stars

Good evening, everyone!  We are settling in for a night of Stars hockey!  I am making the sacrifice and letting the Kid have the living room with the big screen tonight, as she has a friend over.  Which means no HD for me.    The sacrifices we moms make.  Sigh. 

Wow, suddenly the Stars are all over the media around here.  Well, as much as they can be in Cowboyland.  We’re still being treated to rehashes of the Cowboys’ season.  Ugh.  Anyway, looking forward to tomorrow when Otter is going to be in studio on the Ticket around 2:15.  And Tipp is going to be on around 10 am.  (It’s on my calendar at work.)  Amazing how much attention they can get…once football season is over and they are on a winning streak.  Okay, I’m just saying it is a tough market for them to break but they are. 

Let’s see, my favorite thing I learned about the Stars this week would have to be that Otter calls Sutherby, “Sudsy”.  I love that.  I’m sure it has a to do with a penchant for draft beers and not bubble baths but I still think bubble bath when I see that.  Ha!  Anyway, Sutherby will here after be referred to as Sudsy.   

One of the media blogs asked the other day which player do we feel has had the most impact on the Stars’ turnaround.  I’ve been pondering that question and come down to three different events more so than players.  1.  Turco – getting Marty back up to speed is huge.  2.  The return of Lehts and Ott, two players who have galvinized the number one line.  3.  Getting some solid defensive pairings.  Sydor has been a major factor in settling down Niskie.  Robi and Daley have really clicked and freed Daley up to really show his speed.  Grossie and Hutch are a quiet but solid pairing who get the job done very well without the need for flash. 

Our yummy little Fabs is still out with that ankle.  Pooh.

And we are off.  The Richards line starts with a bang, getting Bryz’s juices going early.  I do not know why I listen to the pre-game info on injuries.  Fabs is out there, after they told me he probably would not be.  Oh!  Thought Nealer had a goal there but apparently it hit the post.  Bummer. 

Pack mentality.  That is how Razor described the Stars right now.  I agree and love it.  Lots of defensive support from the forwards and lots of offensive support from the d-men.  How can you not love it?  The difference between now and the first part of the season is tremendous.  They play like a completely different team.  Makes me want to catch a practice. 

Grossman gets to ride a coyote into the net.  Shot of Gretzky on the bench.  I don’t particularly like watching Gretzky coach.  Fourth line out there.  Barch and Joel get to smash a couple of coyotes behind the net. 

Uh oh.  Sudsy gets called for hooking.  Robi gets great hit.  Yotes keep looking to the refs for more penalty calls.  Sounds like their coach is rubbing off on them.  He does have a tendency to whine/rant/go ballistic about everything.  Wow.  I can’t believe that the Coyotes did not score on those last two attempts.  Whew.  Great saves by Turco and Co.

Otter goes for the breakaway but no luck.  Coyotes are smelling blood and getting after it now.  Thankfully, Turco has hung with them.

Michalek takes a ride on Richie.  Now Carcillo and Barch are going after it.  Ok, I got a phone call and missed everything.  And I’m on the TV that does not have the DVR on it.  Grrr.  Ok, teri or Sara, what did I miss?  What happened to Sudsy?

First Intermission:

Willa Ford interview.  She is in the latest Friday the 13th movie.  Sorry Mandy, won’t be going to see that one.  Ick. 

And we are back.  Richie does seem to be all around it tonight.  Otter got a quick one off but Bryz foils him again.  Curses.  Fabs gets smashed into the boards.  I worry about the fellow getting rehurt. 

Poop.  Lisin gets one past Turco.  I thought Turco usually won in the shootout, that was a classic shootout move by Lisin.  1-0, Coyotes.

Ribs, Ott and Niskie go 3 on 1 but no goal.  Bryz is playing really well.  I love watching Daley when he puts his head down and digs in.  The kid can really move. 

Man, I cannot believe how many good chances we have had that have not gone in.  Gees.  Again.  This is getting crazy.  Ok, finally they are settling down some and actually spending some time in the Coyotes.  WOW!  Jokinen just broke his stick on Joel’s back.  NOT COOL!

Kid’s friend’s mom just came to get her so I’ve missed quite a bit, sorry.

Second Intermission:

Hutch gets called for hooking.  Stars kill the penalty.  Some great breakaways on both ends but no goals and no penalties called.  Good try, Fabs!  Battling in front of the net.  Mo giving a word to his rookie wingers.

Jovanovsky gets called for something.  Stars go on the power play.  Did you see how much space Bryz can cover when he is in a full split?   Yikes.

Turco does the spin-a-rama to get the puck out after coming way out in front.  That was scary. 

This is not good.  Coyotes in full control in the Stars zone.  Ott breaks away but there is no one there to help him.  Where is everyone?  Under two minutes.

Empty net.  And we are done.  1-0, Coyotes.  Bryz was pretty impressive, that for sure.