Tampa Bay the New Philly?

So the Tampa Bay Lightning inked a 7-year deal with Penguin's forward Ryan Malone and a 1-year deal with Pen's veteran Gary Roberts. The Bolts now have their sights set on Minnesota Wild winger Brian Rolston. It will be interesting to see how their final roster shakes out for next season and the team is trying to strengthen said roster using the same strategies that the Flyers used in last year's free agency period. As we all know, the Flyers went from being one of the last place teams in the NHL to a second round contender in this year's Stanley Cup race. The Southeast Division may much more fun to watch next season - not withstanding the Caps who are always thrilling to watch - was referring to the rest of the division (deemed by some hockey snobs as the South"least" division)!

Crazy Fortune Teller Makes No 2009 Stanley Cup Predictions...

So as you all know, not a whole lot going on in the hockey world right now. So not having hockey on t.v. or a beach in my backyard, a friend and I ventured out to Georgetown for a little shopping yesterday. I must warn you, this has absolutely nothing to do with hockey but was quite humorous so wanted to share. So I've never had my fortune told or palm read (actually think it's a bunch of malarkey but something everyone should do at least once). We walk by one of these fortune teller places and decide to go in just for giggles. This wacky lady buzzes us in upstairs and directs us to sit down. I plop down my money and wait for her to regale me with my fortune of great wealth, good health, a winning season for my twin boys' teams and last but certainly not least, the - 2009 Stanley Cup to my beloved Washington Capitals!

So this was like something out of a comedy - she sits down, lights a cigarette, grabs her scotch and water (or whatever alchoholic beverage she was imbibing in) and tells me my "fortune" while blowing smoke in my face the entire time - nice. Although I don't believe most of it... she did mention the good health and possible wealth (better start playing the lottery now) but didn't say word one about hockey! So proves my point that it's pretty bogus - but still makes for a fabulous story!

There is some other news floating around today in the NHL. One snippet is old news, but new to me (as my subscription to The Hockey News is normally about 2 weeks late - I think they deliver it via moose!). Uber angry-man Chris Simon is headed to Russia to play in the Russian league. For you new fans, Simon is a former New York Islander whose out-of-control retaliation on other players has earned him eight league suspensions throughout his volatile career. One of the most recent cheap Simon plays can be viewed below and earned him a record 25-game suspension. I'll be curious to see if he learned anything in his league-mandated anger management classes when he steps on the ice for his Russian squad.



Another noteworthy happening is the talk that the Tampa Bay Lightning is talking to Pittsburgh Penguins' forwards Ryan Malone and veteran Gary Roberts and their deals may be wrapped up by early next week. I am a big Ryan Malone fan, especially after the SFC final game in which he took a puck to face, plugged up his bloody already-broken shnozz and went back out on the ice to fight for the win. Of course, that still takes a backseat to our own OV's game against Montreal where he broke his nose, got stitches in his cheek and then went out to score 4 goals!

So stay tuned next week, with the deadline looming there should be lots of good hockey buzz to report...we'll just keep crazy fortune-teller lady out of it next time!

Brash Blogs....

In doing some research yesterday, Hockey Mom stumbled upon the Cap's own Donald Brashear's blog. I'm sure I'm a day late and a dollar short (as my late mother would say), but who knew? Recognized by hockey fans world-wide as one of the greatest enforcers in the game, Brashear's blog offers a detailed look into some other sports franchises in the D.C. area including the Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins and Washington Wizards. And of course, what would a Brashear blog be without a best fights highlight reel? He also shares his childhood which wasn't always the happiest along with how he got into playing hockey. He didn't start on the ice until he was 8 years old, which is pretty late for a Canadian. Thanks Brash for giving this hockey mom hope that I didn't start my own guys in hockey too late and for sharing your personal story and unique sports insights! Look forward to seeing you in September....

And as I know how much hockey-loving female fans love to shop, make sure to put these on your back-to-school list! Reebok has come out with these rocking NHL skate-style tennis shoes that you can customize with your own team and colors. Being the ultimate shoe fanatic, I can't think of a better way to sport your team's colors - for guys or girls! I've already added 2 kid pairs to my own back-to-school list...along with a pair for me to go with my cool Capitals jersey purse and my sparkly new Caps t-shirt. I am so excited to see more fan gear specifically design for the ladies - thanks NHL!

Things Looking Up in Tampa Bay....

So things are looking a little brighter today for fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning. They've got new owners, the number one draft pick in Steve Stamkos and a new coach who sports one of the most highly-recognized mullets in sports history. Of course I'm referring to former coach and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose. I heard Barry's press conference today and he drew a lot of laughs when he stated "there's nowhere to go from here but up," as the Bolts were one of last teams in the National Hockey League last season despite their talented and young lineup, which includes Vincent LeCavalier and Martin St. Louis. I had the pleasure of watching my beloved Caps play the Bolts from a fabulous vantage point this past season and I have to admit that despite his short stature (he's 5'9"), Martin St. Louis is one of the fastest skaters I've ever seen. Every time the guy gets the puck, it's like watching the doggone Roadrunner from Bugs Bunny - beep beep, lookout!

So best of luck to you all - I'll personally miss hearing the "Mullet" on ESPN though!

As you all know, there hasn't been much Caps news the past few days. We're still counting down until Training Camp and waiting for the news that Mike Green and Christobal Huet have been signed. The good thing is that the team won't have to go second-hand shopping during the free agency period, as the roster has already shaped up quite nicely. I'm keeping my ear to ground for any good gossip (hockey moms always get the best gossip first)! And I love discussing rumors that have absolutely nothing to do with the Hollywood wastoid set of Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears or Lindsay Lohan!

Wheelin' and Dealin' in Ottawa

So of course the big news of yesterday and today is the 2008 NHL Draft. To no one's surprise, the number 1 pick was Steve Stamkos, who will be headed to the land of sunshine and bikinis as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Another deal that brings a smile to the newly buzz-cut Tampa Bay star Vincent LeCavalier, is that his bud Vinny Prospal is coming back to the Bolts after a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. And while the Barry Melrose rumor regarding his possible new deal as the new coach of the Lightning is still floating around, I found an awesome Melrose-themed hockey blog. The theme of this blog is "nothing says hockey like a greased mullet" - awesome!

The Capitals have made several moves of their own. One of the most notable is the drafting of Swedish player Anton Gustafsson, son of former Caps phenom Bengt Gustafsson. Unfortunately, the Caps will have to part ways with d-man Steve Eminger, who was traded to Philadelphia. I really like Eminger and personally will be sad to see him go...especially to the team I love to hate most in the NHL. But I hope this is a good deal for him and he gets a lot of playing time in the City of Brotherly Love. In another deal, the Flyers lose a big player in R.J. Umberger, who's off to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

So the NHL GM's will doing more wheeling and dealing this weekend than a blue-haired retiree at the craps table in Vegas! Stay tuned - I'm sure there will be more wacky trades to come!

The Champions...OK, So I AM A True Hockey Mom

Okay, so I HAD to. Being a true hockey mom, had to post the photo of my hopefully future Sedins or Kostitsyns displaying their newly-won bling (the Pee Wee Championship trophies)! P.S. - Note the Capitals ROCK THE RED T-shirt!

And also wanted to pass on this post on HockeyBuzz.com regarding the Caps draft picks and UFAs. I think he's right with the no-Ray Emery prediction - but that's kind of a fun rumor to spread!

Rumors and Hockey Gossip

This is the time of year (right before free agency deadline) that hockey gossip spreads as quickly among NHL devotees as it would on a Saturday afternoon at Betty's Beauty Shop! I've read and heard some crazy and juicy rumors these past few days regarding the movement of players from one team to another. Like Evgeni Malkin to L.A. - WHaat?! And even better, that the Caps have an interest in bad boy Ottawa goalie Ray Emery - WHHAAT?!! Hockey mom thinks big Ray needs to spend some more time in the time-out chair...
Just an example of the wacky rumors floating around while fans wait to see what next year's roster will look like.

Speaking of next year's roster, I just heard an interview with Washington Capitals GM George McPhee about where the Caps stand in resigning Christobal Huet, Mike Green, Matt Cooke and Sergei Fedorov. Honestly, if George wasn't such a successful General Manager, he could have probably had a nice run as a CIA agent. This guy gives up no secrets! Can't say I blame him when you're trying to wheel and deal and get the best guys for your team! Hockey mom personally knows several female fans who might need an extra box of tissues for the tears in the event that Feds doesn't resign as a Cap. GM did give some good news on the status of Michael Nylander (who missed the latter part of last season due to shoulder surgery); he's been cleared to play and we hope to see him back soon! A big hockey mom shout out to his wife, Camilla Nylander, who is the ultimate hockey mom of six beautiful kids!

One of the rumors I've heard which has the most credence is that Barry (the Mullet) Melrose will most likely become head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. I can totally see Barry down in sunny Florida, sporting his hair-product-enhanced mullet and a tacky Hawaiian shirt. Classic!

So I'll keep my ear to ground for any more juicy gossip - this is much more fun than Betty's Beauty Shop!

Happy Father's Day!

So a belated Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there! There were lots of hockey dads at the rink today where our guys played the spring league championship game (and won the Pee Wee division, I have to to add)! Kudos to all you dads who coach, cart kids from rink to rink, work long hours to pay for ice time and equipment and tie the skates just the right way! One of the most touching dad movies I've seen lately (pertaining to hockey of course) was Waking Up Wally - the true story of Wayne Gretzky's dad's painful struggle to recover from a stroke that erased his memory. Wally is an example of the ultimate hockey dad!

Speaking of cheers, the guys over at OFB (for you hockey newbies, that's On Frozen Blog) had a great post today about the Ovechkin bash! Sounds like everyone in attendance had a smashing time - how could anyone not have a great time at an OV party? Just one look at that gap-toothed smile would put anyone in a good mood!Free-flowing cocktails make for a pretty good time too!

So hockey mom is going to drink a cold beer in honor of all you dads out there and start marking off the days on my calendar until Caps training camp. Stay tuned for news on NHL moves and trades in the meantime and feel free to send me your questions, rants or raves about this great game that we all love!

Oooops, almost forgot. We did get the news tonight that both of my guys (they're twins you know) made the travel team. Very tense 24 hours in this house! I was hoping they'd either take both of them or none of them! Looks like my Canucks' buds, the Sedins never had that problem. Now that was a lucky hockey mom....

He's Not Only MVP, He's Funny Too!

So all the folks in Caps Land know that Alex Ovechkin recieved the key to the city yesterday in a celebration to honor him as MVP of the NHL. Check out this video of the ceremony.

Not only is he the best player on the planet, he also has a wicked sense of humor for a guy who's only been in this country a few years! After recieving the key, he noted that this award makes him "president for the day" and then told all the fans to "Have fun - there's no speed limit today!" Thanks OV and again, many many congrats! Enjoy your vacation to Russia and see you in about a month and a half!

A Sad Day for Washingtonians and The Nation....

As Caps fans gather to celebrate Alex Ovechkin's win as MVP, many are just starting to hear the stunning and sad news that fellow Washingtonian and famed political journalist, Tim Russert has died of a heart attack at the age of 58.

Veteran anchor Tom Brokaw remembered Russert as "one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time.” In addition to his notoriety as NBC's Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of Meet The Press, he wrote a NY Times best-selling book honoring his father titled Big Russ and Me. He also wrote another best-selling book titled Wisdom of Our Fathers.

I will never forget Tim waving the Capitals flag at the end of his Meet The Press broadcast when the team made the playoffs and I have always admired him for his passion for journalism, his down-to-earth demeanor and his ability to remain neutral during heated political interviews. This year's presidential campaign coverage will certainly not be the same without him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Russert family and all of his present and former colleagues...we will miss you Tim.

Cheers to Ovie, Bruce & Nick!

As Hockey Mom predicted, Alex Ovechkin walked away with the Lester B. Pearson award and the Hart Trophy as the National Hockey League's Most Valuable Player. Being the ever humble guy that he is, he thanked his team mates first, then Ted Leonsis, GM George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, the fans and of course his mom, like a good hockey son! You could tell he was so nervous but he delivered a great thank you speech. Time to build the "bling wing" OV - I have a feeling that this will be the first of many awards, not withstanding several Stanley Cups along the way, that you'll see in your career!

Also thrilling was hearing Bruce Boudreau's name announced as Coach of the Year! I almost started crying I was so excited for him. This award was so well-deserved - cheers to you Bruce! And to Nick Backstrom as runner up in the Rookie of the Year voting! Makes me wish the season started tomorrow though you guys deserve your much needed R&R.....

Also a toast to Caps owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee for the fantastic job they've done in building the talent of the Caps organization. Ted Leonsis is truly one of the nicest and most involved owners in the country ...he sincerely cares about the fans and that is rare in the cut-throat world of professional sports.

One of the biggest highlights of the awards show was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Hockey - Gordie Howe. Other winners included Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Kane, Martin Brodeur, Pavel Datsyuk and Vincent Lecavelier for his dedicated community service work. The presenters were all youth hockey players from Canada, representing all levels of hockey from mite to Juniors. It was so cool to see those young players get to present the different awards to their hockey idols! They all did such a great job....

So a big Capitals toast to Ovechkin who will receive the keys to the District of Columbia tomorrow. I know the fans and the team will be waiting to welcome Alex, Bruce and Nick with smiles and hugs. You've all made Caps fans all over very happy and very proud....

Alex Ovechkin - The New King of Bling?

So as you know, today is HUGE day in Caps land with Caps coach Bruce Boudreau up for NHL Coach of the Year, Caps forward Nicklas Backstrom up for Rookie of the Year and of course, Alex Ovechkin up for both the Most Valuable Player (Hart Trophy) and Lester B. Pearson award for Most Outstanding Player. The Pearson award is given to the most outstanding player as voted on by his fellow players in the league - which is an especially cool honor. Hockey Mom predicts that OV will become the new "King of Bling" by the end of this evening and walk away with both awards in addition to the Rocket Richard and Art Ross trophies he won earlier. At this rate, OV will definitely have to add a new wing to his house to accomodate all the bling - the "bling wing"! So tonight I'll have one eye on the television and one eye on my kids' travel tryouts. It's a good thing hockey moms have eyes in the back of their heads!

I will jump for joy if Coach Boudreau wins tonight; he is so deserving! What a nice guy too - met him at the Caps Meet the Team party last year. I personally am thrilled that he'll be the Caps coach for the foreseeable future! Good luck Bruce - you've got lots of people cheering for you...

Of course Nick Backstrom had a great rookie year and a great run in the playoffs. And he's only 21! He does face a little competition in the Rookie of the Year category from fellow nominees Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks so it will be exciting to see who walks away with this one. Good luck Nick, you're awesome....

And ladies, it's hard to believe but there is actually an award for being a "perfect gentleman of the sport of hockey" - the Lady Byng Trophy. I don't have a hard time believing it, I think pro hockey players are some of the nicest guys around and are definitely more accessible to their fans than other pro athletes! So congrats to this year's nominees for the Lady Byng trophy: Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay), Jason Pominville (Buffalo) and Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit). Well done!

If (I mean, when) OV wins the Hart trophy for MVP, he is tentatively scheduled to be given a key to the city of D.C. tomorrow in a ceremony complete with a marching band. I say give him a parade, but this is D.C. and the traffic is already heinous! Hockey Mom hopes to be on the scene for the historic event if it occurs!

So tune in to the NHL Awards Show on Versus tonight at 7 p.m. ET to see which NHL players score some hardware!

NHL Comings and Goings and uh...Pedicures

So we're approaching the time of year that NHL players and coaches move faster than a pair of Jimmy Choos at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale! Of course I'm talking about the upcoming NHL draft and free agency where team GMs wheel and deal to make sure they have the best line up for the upcoming season and future talent for years to come! July 1st is when the free agency period begins, meaning that players whose contracts have expired are up for grabs by another team or can renogiate to be resigned by their current team. In my opinion, they should ALL get a big fat raise - they play a longer season than most other North American pro sports and a hell of a lot tougher too! Sorry Mr. Bettman, I know no one asked me but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So there have already been a few moves to talk about. Of course, big news is the announcement that one of the league's most outstanding goalies, Dominik Hasek (AKA the Dominator) is hanging up his skates in retirement as a Detroit Red Wing. He will go down in NHL history as a true sportsman and tremendous competitor. Dom won 6 Vezina trophies (for the new fans, that's the award given to the league's best goalie of the year) and will surely be considered for a future spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. So best of luck to Dominik Hasek - we'll miss seeing you between the pipes! There's also pending news that Vancouver Canuck's Trevor Linden will be retiring after 21 seasons in the NHL. I know that true Canucks fan Lisa Ovens of Hockey & High Heels fame will be sad with that news...

The news from behind the bench is that former Caps and most recently, San Jose Sharks, coach Ron Wilson is the new head man for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I love that guy - he has an amazing sense of humor! And I have to say that Toronto has some fabulous, die-hard hockey fans! Good luck to you all this year - will be interesting to see if Mats Sundin stays in Toronto...

So to the pedicure reference. This weekend I was having a relaxing full spa pedicure (ladies you know the one - exfoliation, parrafin foot wax, to-die-for leg massage) when three large men invaded the peaceful inner sanctum of the salon to get their own pedicures. So as my mind is often focused on hockey, I was thinking how NHL players should somehow negotiate several spa pedicures into their contracts, especially after a playoff run like the Pens and Wings just had! I can't even imagine how funky their feet must look after almost 8 months of being confined to stinky skates. And they can even have their toes painted in the team colors...in the Capitals' case - rock those red piggies! Okay, just a thought...

So stay tuned as next time I'll be talking about the NHL Awards which will be broadcast this Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on Versus. Best of luck to all the fantastic nominees...

Ooops - Keep Your Hands on That Cup!

Okay you wild Red Wings party animals - you'd better keep both hands on that Cup! Apparently the legendary hardware suffered a ding in the hands of some Red Wings players while they were visiting Chris Chelio's restaurant, Cheli's Chili Bar! That looks like a totally fun place and it will definitely be on my itinerary should I ever pass through Detroit! The NHL must have called in the trophy trainers as they were able to "smooth the dent out" and Stanley is back to normal....

On another note, the NHL made a little "oops" when T-shirts honoring Alex Ovehckin as the Hart Trophy winner accidently went up for sale on the NHL Web site. The "oops" factor is due to the fact that the award-winner isn't officially announced until the NHL Awards in Toronto next Thursday. Now of course all of us in Caps Land know that Alex is a shoe-in and it shouldn't be a big surprise to any hockey fan when he does stroll up to the podium for his speech on Thursday. Kudos to the other nominees as well: Jerome Iginla of the Calgary Flames (who totally rocks) and Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins.

Wings' Parade Today...

The celebration will continue in Detroit today as the fans honor the Stanley Cup-winning Red Wings with a parade in Detroit. I'd expect the guys to look completely different from the Grizzly Adams/Sasquatch look they were all sporting with the playoff beards during the series. I heard an interview with the Wing's Kris Draper where he said he can't wait to shave that thing off - he said it was a total pain and he kept getting food and toothpaste in it - yuck! But it was a very cool hue of red Kris...everyone said he looked like Chuck Norris during the playoffs but I was thinking more like Kris Kringle! We all love Kris Kringle (AKA Santa Claus)! I think I'm on the naughty list though because I keep asking Mr. Claus for my very own Fedorov or Ovechkin signed jersey and he still hasn't brought it...

This was a very cool article on the Red Wings - they are quite a close-knit clan and have so much history to celebrate. So party on Wings and enjoy the parade!

Lord Stanley's Cup Belongs to Detroit!

After another exciting game, the Detroit Red Wings held the Penguins off in the final seconds of Game 6 to win the Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh. Marian Hossa almost made a wrap around goal in the final seconds that would have tied the game but Wings goalie Chris Osgood turned him away. The Penguins made a magnificent run and have been a shining example of heart, strength and determination and for that, they should be incredibly proud. I was happy to see Evgeni Malkin break his dry spell and score one tonight - way to go Geno!

But alas, as they have been all season, Detroit was truly the dominant team. I actually predicted that they would win the Cup this year at the beginning of the season - too bad I don't play the lottery. They are so deep in talent with Zetterberg, Franzen (the Mule), Datsyuk, Hudler... the list goes on. I felt a little sorry for the old guy, Chris Chelios (oh wait, he's only a little bit older than me - who am I calling old?). At least they let the vet skate the Cup as third in line. I was wondering why he didn't play this series... this guy is never going to retire. I think he's trying to break Gordie Howe's record of playing til he's 52! So cheers to the Wings and to their fans...I'm sure Superior Fish House sold out of octopi tonight!

The thing about the last game of the Cup Finals is kind of like the letdown you get after Christmas. There's so much buildup and the games are so thrilling, and then it's over and you realize there's nothing to watch on t.v. until October (I'd rather watch paint dry than watch golf or baseball - especially after this phenomenal series!). So this hockey mom will be counting the days until training camp starts and in the meantime will try to keep up with the revolving door that is NHL free agency and the upcoming draft.

So party hard Red Wings and be sure to post your pictures of your many travels with the Cup!

Holy Cr#%&p! What a Game.....

Geno (Evgeni) Malkin finally woke up somewhere in the third overtime after midnight last night and provided the critical assist to Petr Sykora to give the Penguins a 4-3win in a thrilling 3 OT victory over Detroit. In a game that some of the talking heads of sports predicted as a mere formality for the young Pens, they mustered the will and the fight to force one more game, ensuring that the dominant Wings didn't take home the Cup last night. Even though they were outshot for most of night and suffered several injuries resulting from the intense physical play, this team hung in there for more than 4 hours in what was one of the most exciting games I've seen in a long time! It was way past my bedtime, but had I not been so tired, trust me there would have been Pinot Noir all over the couch after that last goal...

I was hearing Patrick Roy comparisons this morning on the radio when describing Marc-Andre Fleury's un-freaking real performance last night. For all the new fans, Roy is a legendary former NHL goalie who was an incredible player with a hot temper. Easy on the eyes too! Back to Fleury, who was an absolute rock star stopping 55 goals during the course of the game...cheers to you for a fabulous game!

Apparently the Pens sport T-shirts under their jerseys that display the word "sacrifice" in several different languages. And sacrifice they did! One of my favorite Pens, Ryan Malone, took a shot to the face (he already has a broken nose from a previous game), went back to the bench to plug up said profusely-bleeding nose and returned to the game promptly to continue delivering body checks as if nothing ever happened. And former Capital Sergei Gonchar was also playing injured after sliding into the boards late in the game. Even if the Pens don't win the Cup, their performance last night was a valuable lesson for hockey moms, young players and coaches alike. Even when the chips are down, your opponent is bigger or smarter than you and you think you have no more fuel in the tank, you never give up trying! That's a lesson I've learned in my "middle" age from the "school of hard knocks" and I think that sports gives young players so many opportunities to learn some of these key life lessons earlier in the "game."

So a big fat toast to the Penguins for keeping it alive for another day and bringing it home to Pittsburgh for Game 6 on Wednesday. I wish I could toast with an adult beverage but considering I was up watching until 1 a.m., I think a double shot of espresso is more like it! Should the Pens win on Wednesday, the series is tied and is anybody's game. I hope that all the players on both teams get some much-deserved rest and kudos to all of you for such an exciting and hard-fought contest!

True Hockey Fan

Now this is the sign of a true Detroit Red Wings fan. I love this guy's chutzpah, plus it answers my nagging question of how on earth you sneak a slimy marine animal into a crowded sports arena....

Wings Soar in Game 4

The quest for Lord Stanley's Cup could be decided tomorrow in Hockeytown as the Detroit Red Wings won against the Penguins 2-1 last night at the Igloo. It's the first time since February that the Pens have lost on their home ice but they put up a heck of a fight. Marian Hossa scored the Pen's first and only goal but the defensive efforts by Detroit proved too much for the Pens to handle. The Wings took a few bonehead penalties but even at 5 on 3 (for the newbies, that's 3 defensive players defending 5 skaters from the other team - not pretty), the Penguins were unable to score. Henrik Zetterberg made as Ovechkin would say: some "sick" blocks last night! By the way Hank Zetterberg, you may have some competition for your clothing line as the word on the street is that Alex Ovechkin is developing his own cool clothing line! Ovie, if those clothes can give a hockey mom superpowers like you (or at least a little more energy), make sure you design some pieces for the ladies!~

One thing I noticed about last night's game is the number of broken sticks all over the ice. It seemed like there were more twigs on the ice at points than in the players' hands. Thank goodness my two guys don't have the kind of wicked slapshot that breaks a stick in half, because if we had to replace those at the rate the pros go through them, you'd be saying "Egg McMuffin" to me every day at my third job at Mc'D's drive-thru window. And a hockey mom serving coffee at 5:30 in the morning might not be very pleasant. P.S., to all you hockey moms out there, I found a great T-shirt from Cafepress.com that proudly displays the slogan "Hockey Mom from Hell." They actually have an entire line of items featuring that slogan so you can choose from anything from happy thong undies to a handy mouse pad for your office! One more thing to add to my shopping extravaganza list...

So the countdown is on until 8 p.m. tomorrow night to see if the Detroit Red Wings skate the Stanley Cup at their home arena. If they win tomorrow, Nick Lidstrom will be the first European captain to win a Stanley Cup. I hope the Pens get lots of rest and wake up Evgeni Malkin so we can see a good contest. And Wings, if you do win tomorrow, I expect to see a Beluga whale-sized octopus thrown onto the ice! Til tomorrow!