Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Sean Avery Note

Okay, one more post today. Heard the news about the Ranger's Sean Avery suffering a lacerated spleen. I know in my previous post I said some sarcastic things about the guy, alluding to how some people might think he's a bit on the "obnoxious" side and how he definitely pushes game chatter to a new low. However, first as a hockey mom and then as a hockey fan - I'd like to wish #16 a speedy recovery. The inherent risk and the tough checking in hockey are what adds to the excitement of the game, but I never like to see any player suffer a major injury.

Good Cause

Foil up your knuckles and head to the Ice Works in Maryland this weekend to skate with the legendary Hansen brothers. Hockey Fights Cancer is holding a celebrity skate and a Caps/Flyers Alumni game to raise money for a great cause!


For more information, visit http://www.hockeyfightscancermaryland.com/.


Post-Season Musings Part 2

So I've been so caught up in the playoffs that haven't had time to post. Of course since my last post, AO has been nominated for the Hart Trophy which is a no-brainer. Kudos to the other nominees as well. Iginla is phenomenal and Malkin continues to shine in the Pen's run for the Cup. I can't wait til June 12th to see Ovie accept that trophy! I really think it would be a travesty if Boudreau doesn't get a nod for Coach of the Year - what he's done for the team this year has been nothing short of phenomenal and can't think of anyone who is more deserving!

Back to the playoffs. I am really hoping that the Sharks can come back tonight. After the Caps/Flyers series it IS possible to rebound from 3-1. Not that I have anything against Dallas, but would have really loved to see Roenick and Thornton in the finals. What happened to Evgeni Nabakov? Maybe they played him too much during the season but whatever the case, they need to get the mojo back tonight.

The Pens/Rangers series has been quite a sight to see. Okay, I have to digress here. Does Jaromir Jagr not have a wife or girlfriend? Because anyone who really loved the man would NOT let him out in public with that perversion of a soul patch on his face! Believe me, I just did a poll of the women in my office and they all said the same thing. Jagr, grow a real playoff beard or go beard-free, but that thing you are currently sporting reminds us of Pepe LePew from Bugs Bunny. Back to Game 3, the Rangers have got to watch the penalties going forward. From my vantage point, that Jagr goal was questionable...looked like the net dislodged well before the puck crossed the red line. But there were lots of fireworks so should make Friday night's game another must-see t.v. event! And how about Laraque's goal? I still love to see the big enforcers score!

Flyers/Canadiens Game 4 tonight. It will be interesting to see if Carbonneau goes with Carey Price. I wonder if there's any seller's remorse right about now about dealing Huet? Hopefully he'll be sporting the Caps' red, white and blue permanently VERY soon! Price is a great goalie but that's a hell of a lot of pressure to put on a 20-year old. Flyers get Mike Knuble back tonight. Lots of hitting going on in that series too...although it's the Flyers, whadya expect? Honestly, I was surprised to see Downie in that last game if they're worried about the number of penalties. Maybe, they're not as their PK unit has been great...

Haven't really had a chance to catch Detroit/Colorado. Last game I saw (Saturday), Colorado had one of their rookies that was using the penalty box as a revolving door. Can't do that against a team that good! Franzen was on fire in that game.
I just want to one day throw a big fat octopus on the ice. Will need to purchase a new purse as I would have to imagine the one I sneak the octopi into the arena with would be rendered useless after that! How DO they get those things in and where do you purchase such a thing? Do they come in different sizes? How much does one of those bad boys cost? Has the NHL ever been contacted by PETA? Seriously, I think about this all season long!

So that's it for now. The life of a hockey mom is a busy one with work, driving to and from rink, washing out rank jerseys and jocks, grocery shopping, yada yada yada.
All you hockey guys be sure to go buy your moms something nice for Mothers Day.
P.S. It's next Sunday, May 11! Let me know if you need gift ideas....

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Post-Season Musings

So I've decided to get with the program and join the blogosphere. What I've really wanted to do forever is be a sportswriter/sportscaster. But alas, after several life-changing detours and 2 kids later, that was not to be. So at the age of 43, I'm joining the revolution to dish about one of my most revered passions in this life: hockey. I grew up in Northern Florida where all life revolves around football and went to a major university where all life again revolves around - football. Needless to say, I never even saw an ice rink growing up. My first memory of the cold was of my mom putting sandwich bags over my shoes when it "snowed" a half an inch - don't worry the baggies were secured around the ankles with rubber bands. Talk about resourceful! But several years ago, I attended a Washington Capitals training camp session at my kids' ice rink and from then on, I was a complete and utter goner! I love the speed, the skill, the personalities, the grit - everything about this game. And the addiction just grows stronger with each season. So I will be the first to admit, though I watch a LOT of hockey, I am still learning...

Which brings me to my post-season musings. Of course my favorite team is the Caps. They had a kick-ass year and I can't wait to see what next season brings. I was in attendance the night they won the Southeast Division title and for the next 3 home playoff games. It was quite remarkable the way the came back and never gave up. I use the Caps as a learning example weekly when my kids are whining that they are not "good enough" or the other team has better players. No excuses! The Caps are a force to be reckoned with next year and I can't wait til October~!

Til then, I'll be watching the playoffs and referring to my Hockey News. I do have a few favorites in the dance right now: am pulling for the Sharks (JR rocks) and the Red Wings. Eastern conference, hmmm. Obviously, Philly... not so much. I know it's politically incorrect as a Caps fan to root for Pittsburgh, but I dislike Jagr and Avery more. The Ranger's #16 is an absolute clown - but very interesting to watch the garbage he tries to get away with. The inconsistencies in officiating boggle my mind though. The NHL creates a "Sean Avery" rule but I have seen so many incorrect calls or should I say non-calls on goalie interference in almost all of the post-season games I've seen. Back to Avery for a minute - would like to see him throw down with Jarko Ruutu. That would be a fun dance!

In all seriousness, hockey is a FUN game. Right? RIGHT? So my blog is not going to be dedicated to stats or bashing the other teams. Not bashing the other teams in a mean-spirited way that is - not to say we won't zing a sarcastic comment in here and there!

There are so many new fans to the game, myself included, who want to talk about the unique aspects of this awesome game and its players (who BTW are some of the nicest and most accessible players in pro sports) and maybe we'll all learn something new. Like how to play nice for example - but then again we ARE talking about hockey!