Stars 3 vs Kings 2 — STARS WIN, I’LL TAKE IT

Sorry, I’m getting a late start.  I had some work I had to finish up.  Turco is back in net tonight.  I’ve missed the first five minutes, bummer.

Looks like we have some serious line juggling. 

Ribs with Ott and Lehts

Mo with Bégin and Conner

B-Mo with Loui and Wandell

Joel with Neal and Fabs

On Defense:

Grossie and Hutch

Nisky with Dan-Jan

Syd with Stafford

Sorry, it’s an obsession, I just like to know who is playing with whom. 

RIBS SCORES OFF THE BACK OF THE GOALIE!  He loves to do that!  1-0, Stars!  We are still not sure how that went in!

Woah.  Turco blew it on that one.  Esh.  That will not work.  1-1.

First Intermission:  Interview with Garrett Stafford, he is from CA and has a large group there to watch him.  I hope he has a great game.  Great line when asked about being 29 and just getting to play in the NHL, “They say twenty-nine is the new nineteen.”  Hah!  Loved the shoutout to his girl.  That was too cute, as was he.

Stars on the Power Play.  B-MO SCORES!!!  2-1, STARS!    I liked that Power Play unit.  Nisky at point  with B-Mo on left side, Neal roaming, Loui down low and I don’t remember who was on the right side.  Oh, well. 

B-Mo is definitely earning his keep.  Razor better be taking good care of him.

Is it me, or are they just playing the puck a little better tonight? 

Bégin is letting Ivanans know he isn’t going let him get away with anything tonight.  Keep it up, Bégin!

Neal to the box and now B-Mo gives a hook to block a scoring chance.  Leaves us with a 5 on 3.  Syd with Nisy and Ribs.  Syd is having a really good night.  I don’t usually notice him too much but he’s been hot tonight.  Whew, killed them both off.  Good work by Marty and the D-men.

Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!  B-Mo strikes again with another POWER PLAY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!  3-1, STARS!!! 

And we go for another power play.

Second Intermission:  Chris Conner interview.  I didn’t get to watch.  Will have to later.

In case you hadn’t noticed or have not read my blogs before, I am a terrible third period blogger.

Under two minutes left and the Kings score.  Sigh.  3-2, Stars.  Please!  I can’t watch.  Whew.  Breath.

THE STARS WIN!!!

Stars 5 vs Coyotes 6 OT — They’ve Still Got Heart

Good evening everyone.  Are we ready for another late night of hockey?  I probably should have taken a nap.  I’m getting too old for these late games.  Currently, we are watching the Devils/Rangers game or more appropriately the Sean Avery show.  I think they have the camera on him every second he is on the ice.  Bleh. 

We are feeling pretty blue here at L2L HQ.  Tomorrow is the Hub’s last day of work at a job he has had for 18+ years.  It’s still hard to believe.  So remember if you hear of any jobs for a chemical engineer who specializes in polymers, particularly in the DFW area, PLEASE email me! 

In the positive category, my laptop is coming off of IR tomorrow and it was all covered under warranty!  I can’t wait to get it back.  Hub and the Kid have been gracious enough to let me use theirs but it’s just not the same. 

Also, in the positive category, I would like to thank Art Middleton over on Stars Scene for giving me a good laugh today.  I must admit that I have never seen Slap Shot, I know what kind of  hockey fan am I.  Anyway, Art has up the original striptease scene from the movie and one performed by Eric Nystrom of the Flames.  It was a good thing I was watching during lunch when no one else was in the office, otherwise, I would have some “splainin to do”.  Thanks, Art, I needed that laugh! 

As you probably already know, we are on Versus tonight.  Interestingly enough, the announcers are supposed to be Razor doing color with the Phoenix play-by-play guy, Dave Strader.  On the radio will be Ralph with Darren Pang (Panger) who is now the Phoenix color guy.  I may have to check them out for a while. 

We are hoping for a good outcome tonight but quite frankly, I’m not holding my breath.  When you read the list of guys that are injured and not playing tonight, well, it ain’t pretty.  Our third pair of d-men were just called up from the AHL.  I still can’t get the image out of my head of Robi hitting ice with his fist in frustration and pain the other night.  And Fisty is always so much fun to watch, we will really miss him.  I guess the biggest news is that Tobias Stephan is supposed to be in goal tonight.  Gees, I hope they can keep it close for him.

Versus is trying to win me over early tonight with an Otter interview! 

Lines begin with Ott-Ribeiro-Eriksson.  2nd line, Neal-Modano-Lehtinen.  3rd line Begin-Morrison-Conner. 

Morrison SCORES!!!   I can live with that!  1-0, Stars.

4th line, Lundqvist-Wandell-Brunnstrom. 

Lame call!  Fabs is knocked into Bryz by another Coyote.  Stars on PK.   Penalty killed. 

The defense looks like this:

Sydor-Niskanen

Grossman-Hutchinson

Dan Jancevski-Garrett Stafford, yep, they are playing the two AHLers together. 

Ribs goes to the box now and we are again on the PK.  This is not a good game plan, boys.

Upshall scores on the power play.  1-1. 

Dangit, another penalty on the Stars, Mo.  Another freakin’ penalty?  What are you doing?

Crap, Tobias goes one way and the puck goes off of Grossman the other way into the net.  2-1, Yotes. 

I think I may just have to watch and not blog, this is making me sick to my stomach.

First Intermission: 

Stars score!  2-2! 

Dangit.  Yotes score.  3-2.  Just when I was thinking about blogging again. 

Loui scores a Power Play goal!!!  WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

******************************************************************************************************

Sorry I wimped out last night and didn’t continue blogging, I just didn’t have the heart to.  The Stars still however continue to try, they do have spunk.  After the Coyotes scored those two goals to make it 5-3, Hub gave into his allergies and went to bed.  I hung in there and was glad I did.  That lovable Elf, Chris Conner, was the recipient of a beautiful steal and pass from Brendan Morrison and went streaking up the middle for a sweet breakaway goal.  He did what Hub had been saying all night, you gotta get your shots up if you are going to beat Bryz.  And that is just what Elf did.  Then in the last minute of the game with Stephan pulled, Sydor of all people, makes the tying goal.  The Stars go into overtime!  I was stunned.  I was also very proud of this team even if they gave up the winning goal pretty quickly.  They really don’t quit.  Razor keeps comparing them to the Black Knight from Monty Python and I really think that is a pretty apt description.  Even as more and more of their members keep getting whacked off, they just keep coming back for more.  I also have to really admire Dave Tippett.  The guy is a rock.  I’d be a total basket case.  Can you imagine what Torts would be acting like by now?  A total whacko.  Anyway, I was proud of the fellas.  Hang in there!

See you this evening.

Stars 3 vs Panthers 6 — The Ship Is Going Down

Well, I’ve been banished to the smaller non-HD TV in the family room tonight.  The Kid bought MarioKart this afternoon, so she and Hub are already firmly ensconced in front of the big screen.  The Kid gets quite loud.  I have no idea where she gets it from. 

Pre-game has started.  Brad Richards is looking mighty fine.  Talk is all about the injuries.  Daley is out so Hutch is in.  I’m not sure but I don’t think Barchie is playing either.  The only bright news about the Stars is their signing of Richard Bachman as our latest goalie prospect.  He’s had an extremely impressive 2 years at Colorado College.  Probably playing in the AHL this next season.  The future does look bright if we can get all these injuries healed. 

The big name player tonight is Jay Boumeester and the forward to watch is Stephen Weiss, who has been playing very well of late.  As to the outcome, that is anyone’s guess.  The Panthers are just a point behind Montreal for the coveted 8th spot in the Eastern Conference.

The April 4th game is going to be Fan Appreciation Night.  Yea!  That is our last set of tickets.  We are hoping to meet up before the game with some of the other bloggers.  Drop me a line at lafs2loud@gmail.com if you are interested.

And wahooo!  The Kid and Hub have graciously given up the big screen for the game! 

And we begin with Mo centering for Lehts and Neal.  Nisky and Sydor on defense.  I’m wondering who Hutch will pair with.  Ribs is with Ott and Loui, while Grossie is with Robi.  So I guess that means Hutch with be with Fisty. 

B-Mo with Wandell and Parrish.  Hmm.  I don’t know about that combo.  4th line is Joel with Begin and Conner. 

Long stick of Boumeester is already making it’s presence known as he breaks up a 4 on 1. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ribs using his abilities to the max!  WOW!  I can’t even describe it.

The Stars go on the power play.  I’m afraid to watch.  McCabe for slashing.  Panthers get shortie attempt.  I’m sorry, I looked.  I’m not watching.  Ok, it’s over.  Just in case you are wondering, that was a power play I was talking about not a penalty kill.  They are all looking the same these days.

I had forgotten what a threat Booth is. 

Shots are 12-3, Dallas.  I hope they can keep up that pace.  Mo just watches as a juicy rebound goes past him.  Ugh.

I cannot believe how they are blowing these odd man rushes.  Oh, wait Razor just said that.  I agree!  This is crazy.  Just battle for the net, guys.

First Intermission:

Sniff.  Blubber.  Sniff.  ARGH.  Fisty is out for the rest of the game.  WAAAILLLL.

Lundy gets called for holding.  Stars on penalty kill.  Whew.  Over.

Gees.  Going on penalty kill again.  Little Tommie Wandell gets called for tripping.  We saw him when we went to practice in Euless and stayed to get autographs.  He is a toothpick.  I like Begin on the PK.  Stillman scores on the rebound.  Aw, Nisky, you should have had that one.  1-1.

OK, I FORGIVE YOU, NISKY!!!  WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!  2-1, STARS!!!

The kid knows how to get it through the crowd.

Woah.  Turco holding on for dear life in that scrum.

Darn, Otter could not get the tip-in then the Panthers streak back and score.  Crap.  2-2. Weiss.  Hub is probably going to be mad at me.  I didn’t want to play Weiss on the Ice Trolls since he is playing the Stars.  So we won’t get that pp assist or this goal. 

Oh man.  What a mess.  Horton scores in the last ten seconds.  3-2, Panthers.  That was a total collapse with all the Stars just standing there.  Ugh. 

Second Intermission:  Mike Ribeiro interview, he really is starting to grow up and sound much more like a mature, team player/leader, at least in his interviews.

I have no words for that second period.  I’m not sure I can handle the third if it goes the same way.

Oh my gosh.  I do not believe this.  Kreps splits Nisky and Syd for one that just goes right past Turco.  4-2, Panthers.

They just called Ribs for diving.  I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Oh, Otter.  I don’t think I can even defend you on that one.  Just claim insanity.  Especially since it’s Campbell.  Especially, when you have to meet with his dad.  Sigh.  Final call is charging on Otter.

WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!  Conner scores!  You go little Elf!!!  4-3, Panthers.

Dangit.  Boumeester scores.  5-3, Panthers.  I.Give.Up. 

The crowd gives Otter a big shout when he comes out of the box.  I love Otter but that one hurt a little too much.

Robi gets tripped and hurt.  ARGH!!!  I do not believe this.  This is so not good.

Then Campbell tries to use his stick like a bat on Otter’s head. 

Empty netter.  6-3, Panthers.

I kinda hope they don’t do any post game interviews.  I don’t think I can handle it.  I might just have to cry.

Ribeiro, please stop dipping or at least stop putting a dip in before you do an interview.

Fistric upper body, Robi lower body, both day to day.  We’ll see.

Stars vs Kings

Well, I’m being a total slacker on the blog this week.  I won’t be home for tonight’s game.  I’ll be over at Patty’s from Penalty Killing.  She is having a Pampered Chef party and since I adore all things related to cooking except actually cooking, I’m heading her way tonight.  I’m not sure if Hub will be around on the blog or not.  He is usually too busy tracking the activities of our fantasy team and it’s opponent these days, now that we are in the playoffs. 

The Kings have been something of an Achilles Heel for the Stars so I have no idea how they will fair tonight.  If they don’t, I hate to see what Otter will look like after the game.  I’m still ticked about that clipping call on Ott from last game.  Especially since the Canucks up ended Bégin and Brunnstrom in the same manner in our last game and no one said anything about it.  They were just considered part of the game.  But because it was Ott, it’s clipping, or he is accused of going after a player’s knees (Boston).  Those kinds of calls just make the Hub crazy.  He played high school football (All-District, both on Offense and Defense).  He always says, “I know how to go for a player’s knees and that was not going for a player’s knees.”  It drives him batty the way they talk about Ott.  I know that is what comes with a reputation but it’s still frustrating.  All of that is to say we here at L2L HQ still support our petulant little ice troll, Steve Ott, 100%.  REGARDLESS OF WHAT OTHER (PERHAPS PREJUDICED) PEOPLE MIGHT SAY. 

Thank you, I feel better now. 

GO STARS!!!

OH and HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY, KRYS BARCH!!!

Stars 2 vs Canucks 5

Stars are playing the Canucks again tonight.  Not really looking forward to it since they got pretty banged up the last time they played the Canucks.  Which was only last week.    Tonight’s my Bunco night and it’s my turn to have it at my house, so no hockey blogging tonight.  It’s probably just as well, I think I could use a break.  But I will miss hanging out with you guys for the game.  Feel free to comment here or you can probably catch the SHR girls, Patty, Teri and Sarah on Twitter.  I’ll be checking in towards the end of the game.

Good Luck to the Stars!

I had a hit on the blog today for “Killing Stars Games”, I think that pretty well sums things up.

Stars 2 vs Sharks 5 — Can They Recover?

Good afternoon everyone!  I’m running a little late today.  The Kid and I have been shopping and just got home.  And what news was awaiting me?  BRAD RICHARDS IS PLAYING!!!  WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  I know he won’t be at full speed but B-rad at all is FABULOUS!  He is wearing a brace on his wrist, so I guess there will be no fighting for B-rad.  Ha.  I’m so funny, aren’t I. 

First line is up with the usual:  Ribs with Ott and Lehts

Second line:  Richards with B-Mo and Loui out there now.

Third line:  Mo with Neal and Conner  with Nealer making a big hit. 

Fourth line:  Lundy with Barch and Fabs

Nealer has been all over it.  The Lundy line gets in a little scrum with Fabs right in there.  Go Fabs!

Razor just said game of INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS!  Shout out to the Ookies!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOUI with a BEAUTIFUL WRAPAROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  1-0, STARS!!!

Robi goes into the box and Thornton scores.  Rats.  1-1. 

And Setoguchi scores with Syd just standing there.  ARGH.  2-1, Sharks.  Two goals 29 seconds apart.  That’s a real momentum squasher.

First Intermission:

First line with some prolonged play in the Sharks zone but can’t get anything in the net. 

Mo gets called for hooking.  Let’s hope the PK can handle it.  I don’t want to watch.  Okay, that was much better.  Let’s keep it going.

Razor just said Fisty has added more armour on his skates because he turns them sideways to block shots.  Hm.

Crap.  Crap.  Crap.  The Sharks just scored two goals back-to-back again.  4-1, Sharks.  Second one off B-rad’s skate. 

Stars get to go on Power Play.  Brad is on point.  Nabokov is stuck on his back like a turtle for several seconds but the Stars can’t take advantage of it. 

Second Intermission:  Loui Eriksson interview.  He is definitely improving with his interview skills.  Wish we had something better for him to talk about.

Can I just say that blogging is much harder when your team is tanking.  I don’t feel like being critical and there is nothing funny about it, so…….

Wow, Turco just made some awesome saves.

YES!  Grossman to Robi and they SCORE!!!  Possibly off Ribeiro.  4-2, Sharks. 

Syd gets a penalty.  PK hangs in there. 

Goc runs into Grossman in a puck battle and hurts his knee.  So far Blake, Setoguchi and now Goc have left the game. 

Delayed penalty.  Stars going on Power Play.  Poor Grossman, I think he is playing hurt as well.  Of course, at this point on this team, who isn’t?  Just said Brad won’t be back to play.  Nothing on Power Play.

Less than five minutes to score two goals to tie. 

Dangit, Thornton took a dive and the refs fell for it.  Otter goes to the box.  Stay with them, PK.  Otter is back.  At least our PK seems to have rebounded from that early goal. 

Stars get another chance on Power Play as Michalek tries to take Ribs head off.  Turco staying on the bench.  The Stars have gone 10 for the last 89 power plays.  That sucks.  And Marleau gets a steal and an empty netter that was a short hander.  Crap.  That’s the end of it.

Things could change, but right now, it doesn’t look like I need to worry about saving up for play-off tickets.  Sigh.

######OMG.  TIPP JUST ANNOUNCED BRAD RICHARDS BROKE HIS OTHER HAND.  I cannot tell you how bad I feel for Brad.  He must think that Dallas is cursed for him. 

I don’t even know what to say, anymore.

Stars 1 vs Flames 2 — Slipping Away?

Well, we are settling in for a another night with the Stars.  Last night was tough.  The Canucks were pretty rough on our guys.  Took a lot of needless penalties, but sadly, the Stars couldn’t capitalize on them.  The Power Play is floundering.  I know everybody loves Ribs and his puck handling ability but I’m not so sure he should be on the Power Play and definitely not on the point.  I know, heresy.  But I just feel we need to be shooting a lot more and driving the net more for some gritty Morrowesque goals.  I understand that the idea is to hold the puck to draw the other players to you but I don’t think that is working.  Time to try something else.  Teri suggested in the comments last night that Zubov should become the Special Units coach next year.  I say bring him in now!  See what he can tell them.  These guys need some serious help NOW. 

Healthy scratch of Mike Modano?  What the?  Did I hear that right?  Not healthy scratch exactly, he has a lower body injury and is day to day.  Gees.  Begin is out as well.  After that hit he took last night, I’m not surprised.  How many more times to we have to play the Canucks this year.  Ugh.  Looks like we have to play them next Tuesday.  That is my Bunco night, I’m kinda glad I don’t have to watch that. 

Steve Ott interview.  He says we are going to be throwing everything we can at Kipper.  I hope so.  I hate seeing him so subdued.  It’s just not Otter. 

Oh and before I forget it, today is Guy Carbonneau’s birthday.  We wish him the best from here at L2L HQ.

I love all the Otter praise.  He has really grown up this year. 

Olli Jokinen scares me in more ways than one.

Things aren’t sounding too great to start off with Mo, Begin and Barch out.  Not good.  Turco, you are going to have to be flawless.  Everyone else will need to really kick it up…again. 

Conner, our little Elf, is starting where he left off last night. 

Otter do not re-break your hand.  CRAP!  You do not need to do that, buddy.  You’re top line now. 

Our lines will have to be juggled once again.

#1 line still the same:  Ribs with Ott and Loui

#2 line is B-Mo with Elf and Lehts

#3 line is Sudsy with Neal and Fabs

#4 line is Joel with Parrish and Wilson

Nealer is not looking too good right now.  Besides the bruise on his chin from that high stick last night, he just looked in pain.  He is right back out there with the top line.  Since Otter is serving five for fighting.  **shakes head at Otter**

Grossman goes to the naughty box.  This is not good.  Our PK is not much better than our Power Play these days.  Sigh.  Whew.  Survived that one.

Aw man, that would have been a great rebound for someone to tap in. 

Poor Elf, hard for him to protect the puck when you are so much smaller.  But he sure has the speed. 

Goal being reviewed, hopefully, Turco’s lucky charms will have saved the day again.  No goal, I didn’t think it would be.

Loui never gets penalties.  Goes for tripping.  Let’s see what the PK can do now.  Good job, Nisky. 

First Intermission:  Nice shot of the Calgary skyline as they went to commercial.

WOW!  B-Mo salvages a broken play and puts one in!  Wahoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

I think the Stars have turned up their intensity level for period two.  Good to see it. 

That was not good to see.  Lundmark  comes back on a broken play.  Syd goes down, as usually, that drives me nuts. 

Score:  1-1   That’s a momentum killer. 

Is someone playing a bass drum in the crowd or is my blood pressure up again?

Whoa, Jokinen gets the puck bounced off his head and then Robi’s stick in the follow through.  (Um, can someone tell me why he has no hair?  Does he shave everything including his eyebrows?  Or does he have some condition?  It worries me everytime I see him.)

Nealer goes to the box for interference, I believe.  I don’t think I can watch. 

Have I mentioned how much I love Fistric?  Well at least not today anyway.  Apparently, Jokinen doesn’t like him very much.  Can’t believe Olli didn’t get a penalty.  I love Fisty.  For some reason I get this image of an angry teddy bear that goes bizerk occasionally. 

Stars finally get to go on the Power Play.  Not that that is a good thing.  They are having to fight off shorties.  Not good.

Hey, Loui is out there on the Power Play!  Go Loui.  Bob Sturm had a post earlier this week about him needing to be on one of the units.  I couldn’t believe he wasn’t.

And Brunnstrom goes to the box for tripping.  Great.  How many penalties have we had?  4 not counting Otter?  Gees.

Second Intermission:  Chris Conner interview.  They need better lighting to show off his blue eyes.  Sorry, I obsess.  Aw.  He doesn’t have his front teeth in.  Have you noticed I rarely actually listen to what they say?

Come back with 1.5 minutes left on PK.  Ott draws Olli into a penalty.  Will go 4-4 briefly.  Now Stars are on the Power Play.  And now they aren’t. 

Can someone strangle the goose/horn honker (it is not someone who knows how to play), please. 

Fisty takes a penalty.  Another PK.  This is getting redundant.

I’m not usually one to complain about the refs, but between the penalties and the face-offs, they are sucking the life out of this game. 

Ok, while you are strangling the horn honker, take out the bass drum, too.  PLEASE.  I think I’m a little cranky tonight.

Otter saves them after Turco loses his stick. 

Nystrom scores on a pretty breakaway.  Great.  2-1, Flames.  Less than eight minutes.  Slipping away?

Somehow I missed Sudsy having to leave the game.  What happened?  How many more centermen can we lose?

I think they just called too many men on Calgary.  Can the Stars make something out of it?  Nope.

Turco is on the bench but the Stars can’t get anywhere.  Final buzzer.  2-1, Flames.

Stars 2 vs Canucks 4 — Love Hurts

Can I just say, I hate playing the Canucks.  I am rather fond of the Canucks and their biggest blogger fan, alix of The Humming Giraffe, so I hate when we have to play.  But not enough to not beat them.  Sorry, alix.  No pregame tonight, so we will be jumping right into the game here pretty quick.  Just a couple head’s up, be sure to check out this post from Bob Sturm’s blog about Loui and the power play and Loui’s interview on the Dallas Stars website under multimedia.  I can’t get it to come up right now to do the link but I will before the night is over.  And I loved this post on Andrew’s Stars Page about Loui as well.  Looks like Loui isn’t going to be our little secret much longer. 

Ott and Burrows are yapping at each other already.  Ha.  Stars go on the power play when Canucks get called for too many men. 

No goal!  “I think he may have made that save with his ‘lucky charms’, Ralph.”  That’s what Razor said.  ‘

Whew, that was too close.  I hope the Canucks have not figured out that the way to bet us is to keep us on the power play.

Turco gets called for tripping.  Turco, let’s not get that started again.  Pooh.  Daniel Sedin bounces one off Robi.  1-0, Canucks.

I sincerely hope Otter didn’t hurt Demitra.  But they seem to be trying to hurt all our players.  Eek. 

I’m ignoring all power plays.  Well, maybe not that one…NEAL SCORES!!!  1-1!!

I’m being way to distracted.  I’ve been trashing talking with the above mentioned alix over on Interchangeable Parts.  They are having an extended celebration there over Marty Brodeur’s record breaking win.  If you didn’t get a chance to see it at the end, you should try to find it on youtube or the Devils website.  It was pretty cool to say the least. 

First Intermission:

Interview with Mats Sundin?  Why?  Oh, never mind.

They showed footage of B-rad practicing.  I really hope he does not come back to soon.  We need him but we need him to not be permanently injured either. 

Ott and Burrows again.  I’m not sure how this is going to work out. 

Hub has been telling me the lines all night but I have not had a chance to list them.

Ribs with Ott and Loui

Mo with B-Mo and Lehts

Sudsy with Neal and Elf

Begin with Barchie and Wilson

Defensive pairs are the same.

Razor says the Canucks are looking flat tonight and then they score.    2-1, Canucks.

Uh Oh, delayed penalty on the Stars.  And the Canucks (that big bald dude) score.  ARGH.  3-1, Canucks.

Does anyone else think the Canucks jersey looks like the universal symbol for hockey? 

I need to make my nightly comment on how much I love the pairing of Fistric and Grossman.  I love watching Fisty and Grossie smack people.  Thank you.

Gees, another power play for the Stars.  And the Canucks make a shortie run and Turco makes one of his classic freeze and fall over in slow-mo saves.  I love it when he does that.  Not such much that he has to do it on a Stars Power Play.  Argh.

I.HATE.OUR.POWER.PLAY. 

I love our elf, he has been quite busy tonight.

Second Intermission:  Nick Grossman interview coming up!  Gees, I love that kid.  I wonder if my niece would be interested… She is gorgeous with long natural blonde hair but she is also really seriously intelligent (Hub’s side of the family), so probably not. 

Otter draws a penalty so we go on the Power Play again.  **whiny voice**  Do we have to???

Not Nealer’s face?!!?  Stars go 5 on 3.  I’m not getting my hopes up.  And you can see why…

I keep thinking, why are they booing?  They’re “Luuuing”.  I miss Stu. 

OTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WITH ELF ON THE ASSIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  BEAUTIFUL!!!  3-2!

Just under six minutes.  PleasePleasePleasePleasePlease!!!

Grossman broke his stick and the Canucks steal it and take it in for a score.  4-2, Canucks. 

So close.  And then it just gets snatched away.  Poor Grossie. 

Well, that was just….

I guess they had heard that they could beat us by keeping us on the Power Play.  The Canucks took some needless penalties, so you have to wonder if they are just that undisciplined or if they thought, what the heck, they won’t score anyway.  Let’s give them a few extra whacks (high sticks on Neal and Loui).  Kinda like if you don’t stick up for the goalie and his space, the other team will start to take advantage of it.  I know I tend to have a simplistic view of things but still you have to wonder. 

All I can think of is the song “Love Hurts” which was a favorite slow dance song when I was in Junior High and High School.  Heavy, heavy sigh.

Calgary tomorrow.  Another team that is on a roll.  Okay.  We’ll catch ya back here then.

Stars 3 vs Wild 2 (OT) — Grossie is a Warrior

Robi gives Grossie game winning hug! (AP)

We will be at the game tonight, so I won’t be hanging out here.  Feel free to use this thread to comment.  The SHR girls have been hanging out on Twitter for the last few games, so you might want to join them there.  So many things to comment on today.  First, congratulations to the Barch family, Kane Kenneth Barch was born at 4 am on Friday the 13th.  The Mighty Sweater Vest has a great post about it.  Next, if you haven’t heard Loui Eriksson’s interview from The Ticket, you should immediately go to Andrew’s Dallas Stars Page to listen to it.  As always, he was adorable.  They asked him if he had ever googled his own name and mentioned that he was named Western Conference Hottie of the Month on some blog.  That was written by our very own “Life As A Redhead” on Hockey for the Ladies!  Good job, Life!  They asked him what foods he missed from home and he said “meatballs”.  I thought I was going to choke laughing.  He is from Sweden, in case you didn’t know. 

In more hockey related news, B-rad was in full gear and practicing on Friday.  Please don’t do anything too soon, Brad!  We want you to heal properly more than we want you back playing.  Which says a lot, since we really want you back playing.  Lehts and Fabs both practiced but are still questionable for tonight.  Same there guys, please be careful. 

I always like it when we play the Wild.  It gives me the chance to be a little squeelike for one of their assistant coaches, Mike Ramsey.  Mike was the youngest member and awesome defenseman for the 1980 US Olympic team (and he also played for like a bazillion years for the Sabres).  But it is his status as a member of that Gold Medal Team that holds a special place in my heart.  Just takes me back to being a junior in high school watching that game against the Soviet Union.  (Must make sure we don’t forget the binocs, tonight!  Ha!)

I’ll probably check in after the game, if it isn’t too late.

GO STARS!!!

Whew!  What a great game.  Well, a little too close for comfort  and wish that the Wild didn’t get a point out of it, but a win is a win and we’ll take it.  Otter was making us love him that much more tonight with his two goals which were both beauties.  Glad to see him get the number one star of the game.  He had an amazing game.  That line had some great plays once again.  Mo, B-Mo and Nealer had some good moments as well.  Looks like B-Mo is starting to feel more acquainted with his teammates and things are starting to gel there.  The other two lines looked solid as well considering that they are all either new to the team or playing well above their heads.  I’m really liking what I see from Sudsy and now from Begin. 

But my favorite player from the night has to be Nicklas Grossman.  I was very worried about him, he was hit hard on his first shift and went straight to the bench, wincing all the way.  He sat on the bench visibly in pain, trying to shake it off with a trainer talking to him the whole time.  About that time Otter scored and I had my attention turned elsewhere.  Next thing I knew, Grossie was back on the ice with Fistric, business as usual.  Then he goes on to score the game winning goal.  Yes!  Grossie with a “twisted wrister” from the point.  My absolute favorite moment was right after that when Robi literally jumps into Grossie’s arms and the rest of the team mobs them.  Ya gotta love it!

Stars 3 vs Hurricanes 2 — THANK GOODNESS!

Good evening all.  I’m more than a little worried about tonight’s game and the team.  Parrish is out along with Lehts and Fabs.  Joel will be back in the lineup.  I’m glad to hear it.  He has been in the dog house apparently.  Hope he gets himself out of it tonight.  No pre or post game shows tonight.  It’s just as well, not sure I can take many more player or coach interviews at this point.

I’m all over the place tonight.  I’ll be here and following the SHR girls on Twitter.  Oh and while I’m thinking about it, Loui Erikkson will be on The Ticket 1310 am, tomorrow afternoon probably at around 2.

Mo and B-Mo playing on a line together.  Hmm.  Looks like we have Sudsy with Wilson and Joel.  Grossman and Fistric back together.  Love to see that.  Have Ribs with Loui and Ott again.  Syd and the Kid, Niskie, still together. 

Oh, I forgot Jussi is playing for the Canes now.  I hope fairs better there than at Tampa Bay but just not tonight.

Penalty coming up on the Canes.  Nice effort by Ott to Loui.  Ruutu goes to the box.  Dallas gives up a shorthanded goal.  Crap.

Razor just mentioned Modano has some hop.  I hope he makes JJT eat his words from Heika’s blog.  Go Fisty!  Great article on the Stars homepage about Fistric. 

Another power play wasted.  Oh!  They are going to interview Jussi! 

First Intermission:

Jussi interview–he looks older.  I will never get used to his voice or Barchie’s.  I just never expect these deep voices from these young dude.  Did you know Jussi’s wife is a doctor back in Finland?  That’s my fun fact for the night.

What?!?  OMG, Ribs pops one off of Gleason’s skate to SCORE!!!  Tied 1-1.

Oh thank goodness, Niskie shaved that stuff off his sweet face.  Ott just stuck his tongue out at the camera. 

BARCHIE AND BEGIN!!!  WAHOO!!!  2-1, STARS!!!

Mo and B-Mo!!!  SCORE!!!  3-1, STARS!!!  Under review.  GOAL!!!  Mo says, “Eat that blog post, JJT.  Who you calling old?” 

Another penalty on the Canes. 

Conner gets sandwiched by a couple of Canes and Bégin gives Ruutu an extra shove over it.  Bégin ends up in the penalty box.  2nd period ends with the Stars on the PK. 

Second Intermission: 

B-Mo interview — he is staying with Razor.  I can’t even imagine.

We start the third with Bégin in the box.  And penalty is killed. 

Ribs to Ott in front of the net.  Would have been a pretty one.  Ribs really can be amazing.

Whoa, we just got a couple lucky hits off the pipes by the Canes. 

Razor describing  James Neal as having swagger.  Confidence in his own abilities.  Somebody on the team needs to be confident! 

Our little Elf is doing really well tonight.  Conner is making things happen everytime he is out there.

Turco is staying focused tonight.  Hope he can finish like that. 

Fisty goes to the box for cross checking.  We didn’t get a replay of the penalty but Hub is calling it a dive.  With 5 seconds left, Daley gets called for delay of game.  And the Canes score on the end of the kill.  Pooh.  3-2, Stars.  Beat Turco on the glove hand side.  Just under 6 minutes to go.  NO MORE PENALTIES AND KEEP CONTROL OF THE PUCK!!!  Just in case you were wondering what the Stars needed to do now.

Please don’t let them tie it.  Please don’t let them tie it.  Please don’t let them tie it.

WHEW!!!  Stars win 3-2!