Well, it’s been a busy few weeks since I last wrote.  I haven’t abandoned the Stars, I haven’t missed watching a game but I haven’t had time to sit down and really write anything either.  But today, I have my first day off since I don’t when, and I don’t have anything I have to do.  I slept until noon.  I can’t remember when I’ve done that.  And then the three of us settled down in the living room with the big screen for an entire day of hockey watching.  EXCEPT, we have FIOS so we won’t be watching the Stars game on TV.  BOO.  We have watched the Devils and Sabres win and are now watching the Pens v Islanders.  I’m glad the Devils and Sabres won but it didn’t help my fantasy team at all.  I have a lot of Flyers including Emery.  Bleh.  Oh well. 

We had a very nice traditional Thanksgiving at Hub’s cousin’s house in Richardson.  The food was fabulous.  Nothing fancy, just the traditional menu but we love that!  There were 16 of us with the Kid being the youngest, so nothing too wild.  Just a day full of eating, talking and football.  The kids get along really well, so there wasn’t any “when are we going home?” whining either.  So really great day over all.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well! 

The night before we took advantage of the half price sale the Stars were having and bought tickets in the lower bowl for my birthday present.  My b-day was Monday.  I’m not saying how old I am but JFK was assassinated the day before my first birthday if you want to figure it out.    I haven’t looked at the recording of the game yet to see if you could see us.  We were 10 rows up from Marty, so I guess it’s possible.  We’ll see.  It was fun to be so close to the action on the end.  I wouldn’t want to sit there all the time because you can’t see the other end worth a darn but it’s great for getting a feel for the intensity of the battles in the corners.  As for the game, it was kind of like a mini version of the Stars’ season.  It was up, it was down.  They did well, then they didn’t.  The final minutes in regulation were pretty exciting but OT was not.  And I have grown to HATE the Shootout.  I don’t know how many we have seen them loose in person this year.  Eck.  I had a kid sitting next to me who said it wasn’t his first hockey game but that he hadn’t been to one in a long time.  So I chatted with him throughout the game explaining various things.  He was adorable and about the Kid’s age.  I fought the temptation to introduce him to her and say to the Kid, “here, why don’t you sit here and explain it all to him.”    I think she would have killed me.  I don’t think the young man would have minded too much, since the Kid was looking pretty hip.  Oh well. 

Since we lost, I’d say my favorite part of the game was getting my new Stars Calendar for 2010.  Good Golly!  The Stars have out done themselves this time.  If you haven’t checked it out yet here is the link to the Stars Home Page.  I can’t wait to get it signed.  I love having mine up at my office.  All the guys like to give me a hard time about it at first and then it’s always the same, they take a second look and go, “Is that signed?”  For some reason that always impresses them.  I love it! 

Ok, I’ve been avoiding talking about the game itself.  I think this quote from Andrew’s Dallas Stars Page by Brad Richards, pretty well sums the game up. 

“It was a sloppy game. We started out doing what we wanted to do, but for some reason we decided not to do it anymore,” said Stars center Brad Richards, who had two assists in the game. “That’s not how we wanted to play. We started turning pucks over and not doing what we did in the first 10 minutes. We weren’t going to keep them to zero shots for the whole game.” 

So frustrating.  Also, as to the fight between Ott and Brewer, I couldn’t help myself, I had to checkout the SBNation’s St Louis GDT to see what those clowns had said.  It’s like watching a train-wreck over there.  I tell myself I’m not going to look but I still do.  Apparently according to them, Brewer destroyed Ott.  Funny, the fight happened right in front of us and I didn’t see Otter getting destroyed.  He skated off with a grin on his face and as far as I could tell unscathed. **   I was so glad to see Otter responding to Brewer’s crosscheck to the back of Otter’s head.  Most of the time Otter will just take it and skate away with a grin on his face knowing that he was able to draw the other team into a penalty.  This time he gave as good as he got.  No matter what the Blues fans might think.  I think I’m going to have to write a separate post on how to increase the comment count on DBD, SLB GDT style.  It should be fun. 

I thought Barchie had a good fight and a good game overall.  He hasn’t been doing so well at either of late.  We love Barchie at our house as well and feel like he deserves a little love for what he does for this team.  And speaking of players we love, how about our Robi!  Another slam-bang of a goal for him!  So fun!  And he and Otter each had ten hits a piece.  Imagine what Ott could of done if Brewer hadn’t “destroyed” him.    Let’s see what else can I say about the game.  Oh, yes.  Brad Richards.  Hello, B-rad.  I continue to be amazed at what he is doing this season.  After that last game he is now ranked second in the NHL on assists behind Thornton and fourth over in points.  Pretty impressive.  Very impressive indeed.

Ok, I’ve saved the best for last.  The Brett Hull ceremony.  I’m not a very big Hull fan as a GM but as a player he was, well, he was Brett Hull.  I must confess that I was getting all emotional when they started following him from the Stars dressing room where he was being congratulated by Lehts and Modano.  And then as they followed him down the hall being congratulated by various family and friends.  It was pretty cool and then suddenly he stopped at a table, a table which held the one and only Stanley Cup!  Which he then picked up and carried out onto the ice.  I must say I was completely overcome by it and felt totally ridiculous by being so!  It made for an amazing moment.  Hull’s speech was perfect and the crowd was great.  It was awesome to get to experience it.  Thanks to the Stars organization for putting on a great ceremony. 

And since I can’t watch the game tonight, I’ll be hanging out on the great Defending Big D site.  Come and join us!

**UPDATE — Apparently, Brewer suffered an “upper body” injury when he was “destroying” Steve Ott.  HeHeHe.

Spent the day at a funeral, so I’m not sure I’ll be blogging much.  My dad’s youngest brother and best friend passed away this week.  He was a wonderful man and I’m going to miss him very much.  Brought up lots of memories of my dad for my sister and me, so of course we bawled our eyes out.  Still have the headache. 

Anyway, we were in attendance at the game last night and I have to say it was tons of fun!  Nerve-wracking though!  I think I probably drove Patty (in Dallas) crazy with my constant babbling in her ear.  The play of the entire team was soooo much better than any of the other games we have got to see in person this year.  Passing, getting through the neutral zone and special teams were a huge improvement over past games.  That back-to-back penalty kill nearly killed us all but we were very pleased with the effort and outcome.  Skrastins was AMAZING!  Wow.  Just wow. 

We are watching the pre-game show now.  I am not impressed with the chic doing the goalie piece.  Sounds very amateurish, needs some work on diction and elocution, shall we say?  What is up with that?  Someones kid or girlfriend?  Sorry, that was mean. 

Ok, I’ll be popping in from time to time to comment.  Catch ya during the game.

What is it with the delay of game calls?  We start almost immediately on the PK with Fisty in the box.  Then Eriksson gets called for interference.  De ja vus, anyone?   And the PK holds!  Auld playing solid.

Well, Clutterbuck scores a shorthander.  I don’t think I’m up for this one tonight.  Yeesh. 

Sorry, I bailed.  The Stars were able to make a comeback after that horrendous first period but couldn’t keep up the pace and unfortunately the game winner was scored by our sweet Grossman…for the Wild.  He’s had some bad luck of late with that bad call on him in the Calgary game.  Poor kid. 

Auld was solid but the defense in front of him was not.  Mo and Ribs had some injuries.  Morrow gets a ridiculous call for diving and then not so ridiculous call for unsportsmanlike conduct for popping the puck into the open net instead of to the ref.  Then we finally saw Crawford crack a little and he gets a bench minor for saying a wee bit too much to the refs about it. 

I’m not happy about the loss, but I really feel like this team is on the cusp of doing some great things.  What we saw last night was very impressive.  If they can begin to perform like that on regular basis, the sky is the limit. 

We’ll see you back here on Thursday as we play the Sharks.  (I’m watching the Pens/Sharks game now, Sharks are putting the whammy on the Pens, 4-0 and it’s not even halfway over.)

Instead of my usual “Go Stars!” signoff, tonight is a special one for my Uncle Gene, who was one of the biggest Dallas Cowboys fans that there ever was.  We loved you, Uncle Gene, and we’ll miss you very much.

“HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!” 

Well, I had thought I would blog tonight but just as the game started, I got a phone call I had to take.  So I missed the first half of the first period.  From what I’ve seen the Stars seem to be looking a lot more a live than in previous home starts.  The Stars are on the power play for the second time already.  Good puck movement but no goals. 

I like the lines they are rolling tonight. 

Mo with Benn and Ott to start.

Brad with Loui and Neal

Ribs with Capt and Lehts

Wand with Suds and Fab

Those are some solid lines, y’all.

And the Stars go on the power play again.  Hooking by Pardy on Loui.  First unit is… whoa, Bou-me gets called for cross checking Neal.  So the Stars get a 5 on 3.  But it is one ugly mess.  Pardy is back on.  

4 power plays in one period.  The power play units are getting tired out.  Hmm.  48 seconds of 5 on 3 and didn’t get a shot on goal. 

Stars get called for too many men.  Fab in the box.  Calgary on power play as we end the first period. 

Our power play did nothing with 4 opportunities.  That is not good.  Plus the Flames are playing McElhinney (boy, that is hard to spell) in goal because Kipper is sick.

First Intermission:  Can I say how much I’m enjoying having Brent Severyn reporting on the Stars this year.  I love this Breakdown Segments with the guys doing the explaining of each point. 

And we are back.  Ollie Jokinen is one scary looking dude.  We are still on the PK and doing pretty good so far.  I probably just jinxed it by saying that.  Robi takes a puck in the chest and shakes it off.  Robi says, I’m fine.  Otter mouthing at the other bench from the Stars bench.  Gotta love him. 

Nice work by Mo’s line.  Benn is so impressive.  Wandell makes a perfect pass to Sudsy driving toward the net but McEl makes the save.  Pretty play though.

Stars are keeping the pressure on but no goals to show for it.  I say that and now they are turning over the puck a lot.  Turco with two big saves.  Starting to have trouble getting past the neutral zone.  Don’t want to see that get going again.

Sarich gets called for tripping so Stars go on the Power play again.  And Brenden gets tripped and will go on a penalty shot!!!  No goal. 

ARGH.  Iginla scores while Marty gets hypnotized or something.  Yikes.  Tide has definitely turned with that missed penalty shot, failed power play.  Flames are continuing the charge.  Robi and Iggy? 

Second Intermission:  Mike Modano interview.  I love Mo.  I keep wondering what he is going to do after he retires.  Management or commentator or something out of hockey all together? 

Ok, boys, lets see how resilient you can be.  Rats!  Otter just misses one.  Wandell’s line almost gets it.  Then Ribs line.  Man, McEl is not looking like a backup goalie tonight. 

Sustained pressure finally pays off.  Real Deal Neal gets one high and in!  FINALLY!  Score:  1-1

Uh-Oh.  Sudsy gets called for hooking.  Stars on the PK.  Don’t let it kill the momentum!  Penalty killed. 

WOW!  Richards snaps one in to Loui, perfectly!  BEAUTIFUL.  2-1 with 11 minutes to go.  Richie really is amazing.  So glad we are finally getting to see what he can really do. 

Scratch has two assists.  He’s really starting to show what a well-rounded player he is.  Not just a stay at home guy. 

Dang, Richards is good.  Comes streaking down to cut off some Flamie McFlamer.  How does he have that much speed this late in the game? 

OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.  FLAMES SCORE.  CRAP.  Score:  2-2  Nobody in front of the net.  And we go to overtime.  ARGH.

OVERTIME:  BAD CALL ON GROSSMAN FOR DELAY OF GAME.  IGINLA SCORES ALMOST IMMEDIATLEY ON POWER PLAY.  SICKENING.  I CAN’T WRITE ANYMORE.  ARGH.

Sorry for the lack of posts.  I’m still a little under the weather and overworked.  My brain is in a continuous state of fried these days.  So not been up to blogging much.  Plus, all the stuff going on with Steve Ott has got me bummed.  I’ve kept my mouth pretty much shut on everything until now.  And now I have finally had enough.  Let me preface this by saying I am no puckbunny in love with a player.  I am a working suburban mom who is old enough to be the young Mr. Ott’s mom.  I am a fan, pure and simple.  And so is my husband.  In the past few days, it has become apparent that I haven’t been watching hockey long enough to understand what is considered a dirty hit or a legal hit.  I will confess that I really don’t get the whole knee on knee thing at all.  Why would you do that on purpose?  Wouldn’t you risk blowing out your own knee as well?  Anyway, from where I sit, when it comes to deciding if a hit is good or bad, it all just comes down to reputation in the end.  If you have a good rep, then it’s a good hit or if it was bad, it had to be an accident and all is forgiven.  If you have a bad rep then any hard hit is considered bad/illegal.  You had to be doing it with the intent to injure.  If the roles were reversed, and Colawhatever had made the same hip check on Ott, I guarantee we would not be having this conversation right now.  For one, Ott wouldn’t have been so stupid as to jump up, he would have taken the hit straight on.  And for the other, unless he was dead or paralyzed, Ott would have come back into the game.  If he had gone out at all. (He played a period or so last year with a broken hand.)  But because it was Otter, everyone cried foul.  It’s all so prejudiced. 

When it comes to Steve Ott, other teams’ fans can’t understand why we like him so much, they liken him to Sean Avery and just don’t get how we could be supportive of him.  They also think his only purpose is as the team’s agitator and that beyond that he is not a NHL quality player.  They don’t get it because, first they only see him for a few games a year and second, they look at everything he does from a partisan point of view.  We see him every week of the season.  We see him scoring those ugly goals in front of the net and some pretty little breakaways (well to be honest, his breakaways aren’t that pretty because his skating is not that pretty).  We know that he does have great hockey skills, because we see him performing them every week.  I’m not sure why it is so difficult for the other fans to believe that.  I guess they just want to believe he is a good-for-nothing agitator.  Do they remember that he scored 19 goals and 27 assists in 64 games last season and finished at a +3?  Or that he is excellent in the face-off circle and on the penalty kill?  No, they can only remember the Boston game.  The one that got all the publicity. 

They claim he is a coward.  But week after week we see him going toe to toe with the other teams’ best and biggest players.  Egging them on like a rodeo clown with a bull, trying to distract them from their game.  It doesn’t matter that he is only 6′ and 194, according to the roster.  (I’ve met him in person a few times and that might be stretching things a bit.)  If they decide to come unglued on him for it, then so be it.  He feels like he has done his job. 

They say he is a turtler, but do they know how many bones he has broken in fights?  Fights he got into not just as an agitator but for taking up for his teammates?  He missed several games last season with a broken hand from a fight.  Do you get a broken hand turtling in a fight?  Then when he came back, he was forbidden to fight due to the surgery on his hand which included 8 or 9 screws.  The other teams never mentioned that in their reporting.  They just called him a litany of names for not dropping the gloves.  Instead of fighting, he played some great hockey and drew some hot headed players into stupid penalties without getting the usual roughing penalty on himself.  That, my friend, is what an agitator is supposed to do.  They complained about him not really fighting with Crombeen after the knee on knee hit in the St Louis game.  Did anyone mention that he was playing with a pulled oblique muscle?   But still, he was willing to give it a shot, while trying not to make it worse.  I guess he should have just kept his gloves on and been called a coward.  Before that they were complaining that he dropped his gloves against one of their youngsters, when it appeared that the youngster was going to take Ott on for his hit on the Colaiacovo dude.  I guess he should have kept his gloves on and been a coward or a turtler for not fighting.  You see, when you are Steve Ott, you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.  It doesn’t matter what he does.  The other fans are going to only see “dirty”. 

They say he is selfish and that he doesn’t think of his team.  I don’t think his team would say that.  99 out of 100 times, everything he does on the ice, he does for the team.  He is all heart and leaves everything on the ice every shift, as they say.  Yes, there are those times when he goes over the line and no, we don’t approve of that.  When you play all out like he does and with so much emotion, you can get carried away.  I’m not saying that is a good thing, I’m just stating it as a fact.  But still that is only a minuscule part of who he is.  I’ve been to many practices and waited in the autograph line a few times, there is no question that Steve is well liked by his teammates.  (I also sat through some practices when Avery was here.  Let me assure you it was not that way with him.)  I’ve seen many more interviews on TV and in print and the players reactions to being asked about Otter are always the same.  They always laugh and have some sort of story about him.  Their affection for him is genuine.  Their play without him is obviously different…less.  His energy is so infectious and so needed by this team.  He is a team leader both on and off the ice.  It was no fluke when they gave him the “A” last year. 

Then there is the off ice Steve Ott.  It’s hard to explain, but he is the exact opposite of what you would think him to be.  The guy is almost soft spoken but well spoken, does an excellent interview and is probably the best spokesman on the team.  One who always has a laugh and a smile for the fans.   He loves kids and is always picking at those on the glass at practice.  He’s the player who takes his picture with the stick kid every pregame.   Steve is the guy who, when last season had just had surgery on his hand, was asked to make a quick video wishing a fan Merry Christmas.  He turns up the charm, turns on the smile and gladly complies.  (And I have the video to prove it.)

Yes, I know, I have my Good Otter glasses on but I challenge that a lot of you have your Bad Otter glasses on as well, causing the reports of his villainy to be greatly exaggerated.  As for me, I’ll keep my #29 Steve Ott signed jersey and wear it proudly. 

Sorry, I’ve been MIA, lately.  Tons of work and a bit of food poisoning I think.  I went to bed at 6:30 last night and missed my first Stars game in more than a year.  I won’t be blogging tonight but you are welcome to leave comments.  I’ll be over at IPB and DBD. 

Oh, also if you hear of some evil Duck getting food poisoning from a tainted pot roast he received in the mail, I know nothing about it. 

**grumble**grumble**thinks he can slew foot Niskie, does he?**grumble**grumble**

Ok, well, that was just sad. 

Hub and I headed off for the AAC by ourselves last night.  Patty (in Dallas) is (in New Jersey) visiting the Ookies of Interchangeable Parts fame.  The Kid was a little under the weather and had an early morning call today for All-City Band try-outs.  (Which she thinks went all right. We’ll find out on Monday.)  So it was date night for us. 

What can I say about the game?  The Stars were just flat outplayed.  Period.  They were slow, sluggish, unorganized.  Couldn’t get a puck through the neutral zone, much less anywhere close to the net.  Oof.  I told Hub on the way home, I kept waiting for Morrow and Neal to come out and start banging bodies to get some energy going but….they tried here and there, but no go.  NO GO.  I’m not used to seeing the Stars get pushed around and that is what happened last night.  Wandell and Toby were primary targets, it seemed.  Over and over again with no response from the Stars.  I know they can.  Morrow, Neal, Barch, Sutherby, Fistric can all bang heads with the best of them.  I did see Ribs bounce off of Chara a couple of times.  Good for trying.  Hub said many times, they needed someone glued to Chara to solely be there to steal the puck from him.  You don’t have to hit him, just pokecheck.  Lord knows, there is plenty of room to reach in on him.  I don’t know what else to say about the game itself.  It was bad.  Is Otter that big of a difference maker for this team?  It kinda seems that way. 

Personally, we still had a good time.  We had a nice surprise during first intermission when Thomas Arendt stopped by.  Thomas is our ticket guy with the Stars and he does a fabulous job taking care of us.  I know we are small change in his pool of clientele but he is always first rate in his treatment of us.  I’ve been able to email or call him with any kind of question and he is always very quick and helpful with his response.  I highly recommend you call or email him to buy tickets.  (A nice plus is you don’t have to pay the extra fees like you do when you order online.)  His email is tarendt@dallasstars.com or call 214.467.8277 and ask for Thomas.  (Additional plus, he is adorable, even if he is a Longhorn, poor thing.)

Anyway, when Thomas stopped by to say hi, he gave us two tickets for the rest of the game in section 105 on the next to back row.  Choice, if I do day so.  Far enough up to see the whole rink but still close enough to hear more of the action.  I’ve sat in the lower bowl a couple of times and these were the best yet.  If you saw Rhadigan and Ludwig do their intermission reports, we were almost directly behind them.  If I had stood up and yelled, you would have at least heard me if not seen me.  Not that the thought crossed my mind or anything.    The Kid was bummed because she has been chomping at the bit to sit in the lower bowl.  I guess I’ll have to get her some, one of these days.  Personally, I am more comfortable in the upper deck.  You can be loud and people won’t stare at you.    The lower bowl is a whole different world.  More there to see and be seen than to watch a hockey game.  So I don’t see us ever moving down there on a permanent basis.  (Sorry, Thomas, no lower bowl commission coming from us.)  But it was fun to play dress up for one game.  Thanks again, Thomas!

On to tonight.  I won’t be blogging tonight because we have FIOS and therefore won’t be getting the game.  Gees, I hope this is not going to be an ongoing issue.  Is there a service out there that you can see all of the games on?  We got Center Ice for the first time this year, so we thought we were pretty well covered for hockey in general.  (With the exception of needing to bump up to the top line of FIOS to get NHL Network.  I’ve been waiting for Hub to get another job before I did anything else that would add to our monthly bills.)  Now we aren’t going to get several of our local team’s games?  Not cool.  But then again, after last night, I might not want to see tonight’s game.  Oh well.  I will be hanging out at Defending Big D.  See you there. 

GO STARS!!!  (I hope.)

Good evening everyone!  I’ll be attempting a live blog again tonight.  So stick around to comment to your heart’s content.

Pre-game interview with Nicklas Grossman.  He is always very well spoken and he is starting to look a little more grown-up.  His face doesn’t look like he is twelve anymore.  Sixteen maybe. 

I love the purple ties on everyone.  I’m assuming for breast cancer awareness.  Nice long close-up of B-rad.  I hope Sarah saw that.  Brad seems to be taking the opposite approach with his hair this year.  He is letting it grow out and has the beginnings of a beard, not just stubble. 

I’m terribly bummed about Otter being out.  He is sooo missed when he is not on the ice.  I’m hoping Sudsy will be a decent substitute.  The kid can really hit and has pretty decent hands.  I’m also bummed about Otter because we have tickets for Friday’s game.  We will definitely miss cheering on our favorite little ice troll, especially since we are playing the Bruins.  The Bruins fans hate Otter more than any other fan base, it seems.  Whenever Otter is mentioned on other blogs out of this area, there are always at least one or two Bruins fans who have to bad mouth him in the comments.  Letitgo, dudes.

And we are off.  Starting line up is Ribs with Capt & Benny, Robi & Gross on D. 

Wand centering for Barchie and Brunn.  Daley with Skratch.

Oh, and did I mention Turco is in goal.  I’m a little bummed.  I really like Auld.

Pete with Suds and Leths.  Woy with Niskie?

YES!!!  THE CAPTIAN SCORES ON A BEAUTY OF A ONE TIMER!!! 

OMG!!!  RICHARDS SCORES ON PRETTY PASS FROM LOUI!!

Hub says, “I like it better when they score right away instead of getting penalties.”  Yeah.  Me, too.

AND NOW LOUI SCORES!!!  3-0, STARS!

Man, I wish we had gotten our Razor replacement tickets and gone to this one!

Dan Ellis is pulled and……

WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?  MORROW SCORES AGAIN!!!  4-0 on a power play. 

I’ve lost all track of the game.  I’m flabbergasted.

Erat gets called interference so the Stars will start the second on the power play.  Whew.  That was a wild ride.

I think my brain is fried?

I need to regroup.  Thank goodness it’s the first intermission.

Wow, Ralph was just talking about Ott-toberfest and said, “you never know, Ott might be walking around in the lobby.”  He’d get mobbed by adoring fans!

They just showed the Ott-toberfest commercial, I’ve seen it on the website but not on TV!  Ah, Otter, your monkey is indeed very handsome.  IfyouknowwhatImean.

The second starts on a power play and gets crazy immediately with Morrow scoring again for a hattrick but gets it called off because Benny had just been high sticked before Morrow pops in the rebound.  The Stars go on 5-3 and Loui scores.  Yeesh.  5-0, Stars.

Stars are still on the power play and Rinne is flat out scrambling.  Wow.

And we go on another pp.  Legwand for elbowing.  I’m sorry, but I have to feel a little sorry for Rinne.  He is being left out to dry by his team. 

I think Trotz may throw a clotz.

Brunn is feeling left out, he threw a no-look shot between his legs with his back to the goalie.  I guess the feeling is these goalies are letting everything in so might as well give it a shot. 

Nice shot of the lovely Mr. Modano.  Looked like JeffK did an interview with Otter during the intermission that they showed on the big screen.  Come on, I want to see!

What’s with the beards?  Nealer has one as well.

Penalty coming up against Dallas.  Norm drop from The Ticket.

Grossman goes to the penalty box.  We’ll see what the PK can do.  Skratch, Richards, Leths, Robi on PK1.  Turco sure seems far out of his crease.  He makes me sooo nervous.  Skratch the half-goalie per Razor.

PK2 — Ribs, Wand, Niskie, ?

PK3 — Robi, Nealer, Skratch, Pete and they kill it off.  And immediately after, Turco gets caught out of his net.  Scaring me again.

Arnott gets really close to pushing one in along with Turco.  Ouch.  Marty seems to be a little more energized. 

Suds gets called for crosschecking.  I’m so ready for this period to end.  They have been making me a little too nervous. 

Second Intermission:

B-rad interview.  He is looking mighty fine, oh, and he is playing really well, too.

Start on PK.  Penalty killed but ends with Robi getting called so here we go again.  Penalty killed again.  Yes.  Stars have killed all three penalties.  What a relief. 

Can I just say that Shea Weber’s soul patch is not cute.  I like soul patches but not that one.  Hmm. 

Ok, I have hit my third period slump.  Hub and I just want this to wrap up well.  We still remember the LA game from 2 years ago.  Yikes.

Ribs is called for something, it’s the third period.  I don’t really care anymore.  More PK practice.  Excellent save by Turco.  Penalty killed.  Suddenly, the Preds have awakened.  Turco is standing on his head.  The rest of the team better wake up or this could go in a different direction.

Morrow is definitely getting his groove back. 

Why do I have the feeling that this going to be the longest four minutes ever.  Come on, let’s get the puck out of the zone.

Woah!  Skratch gets a goal!  Or is it Toby?  It’s Gnat Petey!  Skratch and Leths get the assists.  6-0, STARS!

And the Stars win this one, 6-0, final!  Yes! 

Three Stars of the Game:

1) Richards  2) Morrow 3) Turco 

I think I agree. 

Favorite moment:  Morrow’s smile after his goals.

Hub and I are out of town celebrating our 18th (wow) anniversary.  So no live game blog tonight.  But I thought y’all might get a kick out of seeing me and Hub on our wedding day, looking every bit of that 18 years younger. 

And yes, it was a really big, foofy dress.  Give me a break, it was 1991.

Good evening everyone.  First off, I have to wish a very happy birthday to my sweet sweet husband!  Happy 49th Birthday, Hub!!!  Love you, Babe!  And just for the record, the dude doesn’t look a day older than 39.  Everyone always thinks I’ve robbed the cradle and he is two years older than me.    We are watching the Stars pregame show after having taken Hub out for dinner.  He’s so hard to please, Chili’s Oldtimer and fries and ice cream later.  I’ve just seen the commercial for NHL ‘10 with the three women.  For some reason, I see myself in that commercial!  Ha.  I’m excited to see that Alex Auld is going to be in goal tonight and Mark Fistric is in tonight as well.  I’m not sure how much of a live blog I’ll be doing tonight.  I’m definitely not in full hockey watching form yet.  So we will just see what develops. 

And we are off. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ribs scores!!!!!!!!!!!  1-0, Stars!  (Robi and Benn with the assists.)

Wow, good hustle by Auld to hold the fort.  Calgary goes on power play for Niskanen holding.  Have Ott, Petersen, Daley and Skrastins on PK.  I really like what I have seen of Skastins (here after referred to as Skratch).  Penalty killed!  Go Stars.

Really like this start!  Stars are moving the puck.  Auld is looking solid.  Good PK.

Wandell nice drive to the net but couldn’t get it past.  Another attack on Auld, he holds solid and Skratch puts some Flame on his back side.

On D tonight we have Fisty and Niskie are back together.  Glad to see that.  Robi with Grossman.  Skratch with Daley.

Lines are B-rad with Nealer and Loui.

Ribs with Morrow & Benn

Wandell with Ott & Bunny

Sudsy with Gnat Pete & Barch

Great defensive play by Loui.  Bouwmeester called for hooking.  Stars on Power Play.  Richards and Niskanen on point. 

Power play over but Stars keeping up the pressure in the Flames end.  6 shots on goal during power play! 

Ooops.  Lost the feed.  Bummer.

Wow.  Great first period.  Amazing what a confident goalie can do for you.  Did I mention that I really really like Auld? 

First intermission:

Ott/Pete/Suds start. 

SUDSY SCORES off a nice pass from Petey.  NICE.  2-0, STARS!

Flames putting some pressure on against B-rad line.

Otter gets called for interference although they never show us it on replay.  Flames Phaneuf scores almost immediately.  2-1.

Flames cranked it up after that second Stars goal.  Stars are going to have to match it.

Wandell blasts one which hits McEl and shoots up and over him to SCORE!!!  3-1, STARS!~!

Auld stops another one on one when a Flamer beats Fistric and Niskie back.

This is the Auld we saw in the pre-season.  Solid, calm, minimum movement. 

Ott pounds one off the pipe. 

Flames pressing again.  Wandell making some good defensive moves. 

Excellent steal by Benn, but didn’t it on goal. 

Scrum at the end of the second.  The young ones doing their best to make a difference.  Wandell really making himself known along with Benn there at the end. 

Second intermission: 

Daley interview.  Razor asks the obvious question of how does he like playing in Crawford’s new system.  I’m thinking he’ll roll his eyes at being asked this like the 100th time.  Instead he breaks into a big ole smile and says he loves it.  Ha!

Hub says Dallas is just under 50% on face-offs, best they have been so far.  Benn draws a penalty.  Regehr is called.

Power play making some good chances in first half of play but get nowhere.  Still looking better.  Wandell/Bunny/Ott are getting ton of ice time.

Brunnstrom gets goal called back with call of goalie interference against Otter.  Otter was pushed by some FlamingMcFlamy (Phaneuf) but his reputation gets the call.  Penalty kill is on.  Hope this doesn’t kill their momentum.

Rene Bourque scores on power play.  Second score on an Otter penalty tonight.  Otter.  Otter.  Otter.  3-2.  It was a double bad call but penalty kill has got to hold up their end.

LOUI, LOUI, LOUI!!!  SCORES HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON!  4-2,  STARS.  Aw, gees, I love Loui!  YEAH!!!

Darn, Jamie Benn gets called for tripping.  Less than five minutes to play.  Big PK time.  At least it isn’t Otter. 

They just called diving on Robi?  Gees.  This is ridiculous.  Bourque gets called for interference so still 5 on 4.  Penalty kill holds. 

Mc El is on the bench, empty net.  About one minute left.  B-rad gets one in the empty net!  5-2, STARS! 

Excellent team effort all around for a much needed win. 

Stars of the Game:

1. Ribs  2. Robi  3. Ott 

Favorite moment:  Loui’s reaction to his goal.

My #1 Star:  Alex Auld –  his calm confidence set the tone of the game. 

Nice birthday present for Hub!  Thank you Stars!

Oh, wait, we did get one point, so I guess it sort of counts in hockey.   Hub, Kid and I set out for our second Stars home opener and unfortunately, left the AAC with the same result.  I hope we are not a home opener jinx.  Sorry, it’s not going to stop me from going to their openers though.  Once again, we have purchased the 10-game season ticket package, but this year we are sitting with Patty (in Dallas).  I really like our seats this year, dead even with the defensive goal line.  I love going to the season opener, the excitement in the air as you walk through the building to your seats.  Getting to see the opener on the big screen for the first time.  Which was excellent, as always.  Hearing Announcer Bill’s booming voice for the first time.  The introduction of the staff.  I loved getting to yell “Stuuuuuuuu!” again for now Coach Stu.  Andy Moog’s smiling face.  Then the introduction of each of the players as they skate out.  The buildup to the assistants– Steve Ott, Brad Richards and Stephane Robidas.  Then the explosion for our all-American hero, Mike Modano, who had the official “A” tonight.  Followed by a wonderful welcome back ovation for our beloved captain, Brenden Morrow.  What can I say.  I love pomp and circumstance.  I love everything about the beginning ceremonies, right down to singing the National Anthem. 

Unfortunately, the beginning half of the game was not so much fun.  The Stars were a little scattered and seemed to have difficulty making passes on the rush.  Passing was a problem all night with way too many ‘no look’ passes to ‘no one’ in a black sweater.  The timing seemed a step or two off.  But it was a vast improvement over what we saw at the one pre-season game we went to.  You have probably already read umpteen game summaries so I’m going to just give a little comment on each of the guys. 

Forwards:

Barch:  Managed not to get into a fight.  Should have spent more time in front of the net. 

Benn:  Had a solid debut, we most noticed him for his take-aways, of which there seemed to be a lot.

Brunnstrom:  Seemed to be in thick of things every time he was on the ice.  Showed good hustle and didn’t seem nearly as “lost” looking as he has been accused of in the past.

Eriksson:  Was noticeably quiet tonight.  Good defensive play but no shots on goal?  But he was a big factor in the second goal in forcing Ellis to make a bad pass.

Modano:  Mo’s ability to turn  and fire on goal no matter where he is or what is going on around him, never ceases to amaze me. 

Morrow:  Seemed to still be struggling to get up to speed.  Not as aggressive, especially in his normally favorite place to hangout, in front of the net.  More game time is probably all that is needed there.

Neal:  Ah, Nealer.  He is still the Real Deal.  His first goal was as he was going after the rebound and still manages to fling it into the goal behind him.  Still would like to have seen him in front of the net fighting for those rebounds a little more. 

Ott:  I most noticed Otter on the penalty kill, he really manages to cover a lot of ice.  But once again, wanted to see him in front of the net more battling for pucks there. 

Petersen:  Was his usual gnat-like self showing up all over the ice in the Preds faces. 

Ribeiro:  Was his usual stud-like self in the shoot-out.  I still do not like him on the power play, takes too much time with the puck. 

Richards:  I think we have only seen the tip of the iceberg that is Brad Richards.  The new system suits him to a tee.  I would love to see a Brad-cam that follows him when he is on the ice.  He does sooo many little things that have big impact.  I feel like I miss most of them.  I like what I’m seeing with him and Niskanen on the power play. 

Defensemen:

Daley:  I like what I see of him in this system–want to see even more.

Grossman:  The kid knows how to use that long stick of his (no, I do not mean that).

Niskanen:  This kid can skate, skate, skate.  I think he should do well in this new system.  He has a great eye for putting the puck through traffic.  I like seeing him on point with Mr. Richards. 

Robidas:  As tough as ever.  He was pretty much the only one throwing any real hits last night.  And I don’t have an opinion on his hit on JP.  I didn’t get that good of a look at it at the game. 

Skrastins:  I admit I was dubious about this signing but I’m very impressed with what I saw last night.  Excellent shot blocking especially at the end and in overtime when we really needed it.  Calm and consistent, should be good balance for our youngsters.  Not a good candidate for the shootout, however, judging from his breakaway attempt at the end of the third. 

Woywitka:  Another signing that I had my doubts about but he can really cover the ice.  Great offensive skills.  Should be interesting to see what he can do in this system as well. 

Marty:  Hmmm.  He wasn’t fabulous, but not horrible either.  Huge improvement from the pre-season game we saw.  As a side note, the second goal the Stars scored was on a very Turco-esk move by Ellis. 

Overall, my one real complaint was not enough traffic in front of the net, battling for rebounds.  But that is my complaint after almost every game. 

Oh, I have to mention that we finally got Center Ice!!!  Of course the first big night we are at the game and don’t get to channel surf amongst all the different games.  And today….no games at all. 

And just in case you were wondering, here are the games we have tickets for…

Oct 3 – Nashville

Oct 16 – Boston (Us only—we want to see Otter annoy the heck out of them)

Oct 28 – Toronto (Patty only – she wants to see Hagman)

Nov 6 – Vancouver

Nov 28 – Tampa Bay

Dec 5 – Edmonton

Dec 29 – Chicago

Jan 16 – Detroit

Feb 6 – Phoenix

Mar 12 – Los Angeles

Mar 16 – San Jose

Apr 8 – Anaheim

Let us know if you are going to be at any of the games.  We always love meeting up with fellow Stars fans!

Catcha back here on Tuesday!