Alrighty, they've cancelled Rockstar this summer, so I have no choice but to entertain myself with Canadian Idol for the next few months. Bear with me as I run through your Top 11 boys.
Jaydee Bixby - First of all, I love that Jaydee has done "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" several times already on the show. When The King sang it on the '68 Comeback Special, I thought it may have been the hottest thing ever. Weird thing is, Jaydee sounds like Elvis, but he looks like Nick Carter's little brother. He promised the judges something different, but ended up singing "Johnny B. Goode", and while I thought he did a pretty good job, I think he's gonna have to step out of the '50s and '60s if he has any hope of progressing on the show.
Clifton Murray - Ever since Clifton auditioned, I've been trying to figure out why he looks so damned familiar. Turns out he played Channing Tatum's buddy in "She's the Man". Now, Clifton's pretty good-looking, and he did have that one amazing note in his performance of Edwin McCain's "I'll Be", but just because he's dabbled in showbiz doesn't mean the judges like him. In fact, I think they're already biased against him.
??? Hoffman maybe? - K, I didn't even get this poor guy's name, but he's your typical punk, and I got all excited when he started to sing one of my favourite songs of the past 6 months, "Move Along" by the All-American Rejects. Unfortunately, he didn't sing it very well. Plus, I hated his tight pants.
Justyn Wesley - The dude annoys me royally. He thinks he's hot, but he's not. I don't like his soulful vibe, not even when he's singing "Some Kind of Wonderful". I just find him too cheesy, and he tries too hard. Bleh.
Dwight D'Eon - Dwight's the rocker of the competition, so he kinda shocked my by not singing a rock song. Then he shocked me again by rockin' it anyway. I didn't know the song he sang, but he made me love it. He was the first guy of the night to "wow" me!
Greg Neufeld - OK, so Greg was sent packing last year after his first performance in the Top 22. After he killed it last night with Maroon 5's "This Love", I don't think there's any chance of that happening this year. His voice totally suited the song selection, he was the best dancer by far, and the boy is smokin' hot. I liked him last year despite his early exit; I love him this year. He's my #1 so far.
Tyler Mullendore - After Tyler sang "Brown Sugar", the judges blew sunshine up his butt by calling him unique and uninhibited. I, on the other hand, think the guy's the biggest poser on the show. Ever. He looks like he walked of the set of "Dazed and Confused", and he's playing it up big time. Plus, he didn't even sing it well. Definitely not my favourite.
Andrew Austin - Andrew sang "Freedom", but unfortunately for him, I think he was a little lost without his guitar. His performance was entirely forgrettable, and I got it when Sass said he was lacking charisma. And it's a real shame, 'cause the guy's probably the best overall musician of the bunch. But he just didn't bring it tonight.
Matt Rapley - I'm not trying to sound stereotypical here, but I think Matt's best suited for a gospel choir. He's got an amazing soulful voice, which he demonstrated nicely on "Isn't She Lovely" - a song that earned him a 98% from his vocal teacher at school. And no doubt, the boy can sing his butt off. But he's just not my style.
Brian Melo - Before Brian stood on stage, and, in response to one of Ben's questions, said, "Jesus," he actually did a pretty good job of The Watchmen's "Stereo". The song was a perfect fit for his voice, althought I did agree with Zack that he kinda blew it on the "one in a million" parts. The judges all granted him a spot in the Top 10, but I'm not entirely convinced he's worthy. After all, he did take the Lord's name in vain on national TV... heh heh heh...
Liam Styles Chang - Remember back in the audition stages I said that all the boys with guitars impressed me, even the skinny oriental boy? Well, Liam's that skinny oriental boy. Liam kinda disappointed me by reprising his performance of "This Magic Moment", especially since I liked it better when he sang it with just his guitar. But the judges lapped up his punky arrangement, and they love his smooth, nicely toned voice. Again, I'm not a fan of the skin-tight pants that these punks seem to be sporting these days, but Liam definitely impressed. He could very well be one of the top contenders.
Who Will Probably Go Home: The guys who's name I can't remember and Andrew Austin.
Who I Would Send Home: Justyn Wesley and Tyler Mullendore
My Top 2 Of the Night: Greg Neufeld and Liam Styles Chang
I'll try to recap the ladies tomorrow night, but Blogging may be difficult in the next few days as my evenings are looking to be jam-packed. I'll do my best though!!
Have a good day everyone!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Oh-So-Close
Last night's game between MVT and Team Pepsi and the Quyon Ball park was a real nail-biter. While Team Pepsi led throughout most of the game, it came down to the 7th inning, and MVT had a real chance to steal the game away from them.
With the score at 19-15 going into the top of the 7th, it was imperative for my team to silence Team Pepsi's strong bats if we had any hope of winning. Somewhat miraculously, they went 3-up, 3-down, giving us a real opportunity to come back. At first, it seemed unlikely, with two quick outs. (I think I was one of 'em...surprise, surprise...) But then we brought two runs in, and with two runners still on base, we had Woermke at bat, and I was already planning my victory dance.
We had two homeruns left, so it seemed only natural that he would be able to hit one of them to end the game. He usually is able to hit homers at will, so things were looking up for MVT! Perhaps there was too much pressure on the poor guy; I'm really not sure. But instead of that glorious homerun we were all dreaming of, he hit a line-drive down third base and whoever was playing third (ya, I was paying attention) caught it to end the inning and deflate our comeback hopes.
Despite the loss, I think our team showed great resiliency in battling back and hanging in there. We kept pace for most of the game, and it easily could have been us winning the game. While my struggles continued, the rest of the girls really stepped up, especially Laura and Sharon, who each had some key hits. I had a little batting practice after the game, so hopefully my hitting will improve next week. But I'm not really counting on it.
At least my scorekeeping skills seem to be coming in handy...Doing my best to help the team! ;)
With the score at 19-15 going into the top of the 7th, it was imperative for my team to silence Team Pepsi's strong bats if we had any hope of winning. Somewhat miraculously, they went 3-up, 3-down, giving us a real opportunity to come back. At first, it seemed unlikely, with two quick outs. (I think I was one of 'em...surprise, surprise...) But then we brought two runs in, and with two runners still on base, we had Woermke at bat, and I was already planning my victory dance.
We had two homeruns left, so it seemed only natural that he would be able to hit one of them to end the game. He usually is able to hit homers at will, so things were looking up for MVT! Perhaps there was too much pressure on the poor guy; I'm really not sure. But instead of that glorious homerun we were all dreaming of, he hit a line-drive down third base and whoever was playing third (ya, I was paying attention) caught it to end the inning and deflate our comeback hopes.
Despite the loss, I think our team showed great resiliency in battling back and hanging in there. We kept pace for most of the game, and it easily could have been us winning the game. While my struggles continued, the rest of the girls really stepped up, especially Laura and Sharon, who each had some key hits. I had a little batting practice after the game, so hopefully my hitting will improve next week. But I'm not really counting on it.
At least my scorekeeping skills seem to be coming in handy...Doing my best to help the team! ;)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Guaranteed Laughs at "Knocked Up"
Last night I went to see "Knocked Up", the new comedy that hit theatres a few weeks ago, from the makers of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin".
For those of you who have already seen it, you know that "Knocked Up" is worth the price of admission. It's even worth the extra $12 for popcorn & a drink. I absolutely loved it. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard during a movie.
Here's the premise: Alison is a beautiful, sophisticated woman who crosses paths with the stoner goof-ball Ben at a club one night, and - badda-bing badda-bang - they get drunk and have sex. The next morning, she wakes up to find his bare ass in her bed, and she realizes she made a big mistake. 8 weeks later, when she starts puking all over the set at her job on E! News, she realizes she made an even bigger mistake. So she sits down with Ben over dinner to tell him the news, and then they decide to make a go of it, at least for the baby's sake.
The movie follows Ben & Alison's relationship throughout her entire pregnancy, right up to the day the baby is born. They have their ups and downs, as Ben tries to fit in with Alison and her sister's family, while she adjusts to the wacky lifestyle that Ben leads with his off-beat roommates.
The thing about the movie is that everything seemed so realistic. It was so relatable. You could imagine these people being your friends, and at times it didn't seem like they were even acting. Katherine Heigl (of Grey's Anatomy fame) did such a good job in the role of Alison. She was so believable as the young woman who is hit with an unexpected pregnancy thanks to an unlikely partner - from fighting tears as she grapples to deal with having Ben's baby, to the hormonal outrage she experiences as they have a blow-up in the doctor's office, right down to the delivery, when she's screaming for drugs after initially deciding to go all-natural.
As for Ben - well, I think everyone knows someone like him. Played by Seth Rogan, he's big and furry and a total slacker who lives with his friends and has absolutely no money and very little ambition, but for some reason, he's got this charm and wit that make him seem adorable. Still, not exactly the kind of guy you want to raise a baby with. But Alison really makes an effort, and eventually she falls in love with him, but she has to decide if love is enough for the the two of them.
Of course, all kinds of hilarity ensues, especially with Ben's friends who are trying to launch a website that gives you exact times when there will be female nudity in a movie. And with Alison's sister's husband, Pete, who gets along great with Ben. (Big thumbs up to Paul Rudd who plays Pete - Rudd doesn't get enough recognition as an actor, and he's demonstrated his comedy chops as Phoebe's husband in the last season or so of Friends, and also in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin". I think he's awesome.) I also give full marks to the two kids who played Alison's nieces - they got some big laughs, and they were just genuine cute little girls who just said things that any kid would say.
There are too many favourite scenes to mention - but I do recommend you go see it if you haven't already. It was funnier than "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", and I guarantee you'll feel a connection with these characters, and you'll split a gut laughing along the way!
For those of you who have already seen it, you know that "Knocked Up" is worth the price of admission. It's even worth the extra $12 for popcorn & a drink. I absolutely loved it. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard during a movie.
Here's the premise: Alison is a beautiful, sophisticated woman who crosses paths with the stoner goof-ball Ben at a club one night, and - badda-bing badda-bang - they get drunk and have sex. The next morning, she wakes up to find his bare ass in her bed, and she realizes she made a big mistake. 8 weeks later, when she starts puking all over the set at her job on E! News, she realizes she made an even bigger mistake. So she sits down with Ben over dinner to tell him the news, and then they decide to make a go of it, at least for the baby's sake.
The movie follows Ben & Alison's relationship throughout her entire pregnancy, right up to the day the baby is born. They have their ups and downs, as Ben tries to fit in with Alison and her sister's family, while she adjusts to the wacky lifestyle that Ben leads with his off-beat roommates.
The thing about the movie is that everything seemed so realistic. It was so relatable. You could imagine these people being your friends, and at times it didn't seem like they were even acting. Katherine Heigl (of Grey's Anatomy fame) did such a good job in the role of Alison. She was so believable as the young woman who is hit with an unexpected pregnancy thanks to an unlikely partner - from fighting tears as she grapples to deal with having Ben's baby, to the hormonal outrage she experiences as they have a blow-up in the doctor's office, right down to the delivery, when she's screaming for drugs after initially deciding to go all-natural.
As for Ben - well, I think everyone knows someone like him. Played by Seth Rogan, he's big and furry and a total slacker who lives with his friends and has absolutely no money and very little ambition, but for some reason, he's got this charm and wit that make him seem adorable. Still, not exactly the kind of guy you want to raise a baby with. But Alison really makes an effort, and eventually she falls in love with him, but she has to decide if love is enough for the the two of them.
Of course, all kinds of hilarity ensues, especially with Ben's friends who are trying to launch a website that gives you exact times when there will be female nudity in a movie. And with Alison's sister's husband, Pete, who gets along great with Ben. (Big thumbs up to Paul Rudd who plays Pete - Rudd doesn't get enough recognition as an actor, and he's demonstrated his comedy chops as Phoebe's husband in the last season or so of Friends, and also in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin". I think he's awesome.) I also give full marks to the two kids who played Alison's nieces - they got some big laughs, and they were just genuine cute little girls who just said things that any kid would say.
There are too many favourite scenes to mention - but I do recommend you go see it if you haven't already. It was funnier than "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", and I guarantee you'll feel a connection with these characters, and you'll split a gut laughing along the way!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Turning Over A New Leaf
I've decided to turn over a new leaf.
I'm 23 years old, and while I believe I have a fairly upbeat, bubbly personality, I'm generally unhappy with how I look, how I feel, and the way things seem to go for me.
However, it has come to my realization that I'm pretty much the one who has to take control and make the changes necessary to improve my appearance and my life.
So this is kind of like my New Years Resolutions in June - just a few steps away from happiness.
(I'll let you know in a few weeks how it's going...)
- I need to smile more. I've got creases in my forehead from scowling so much. And nobody likes a scowler.
- I should be more pleasant at work and not get so pissed off at the little things.
- I have to start eating healthier and exercising more. I used to do this, so I know it's possible. Time to shed that twenty pounds that has been dragging me down!
- I'm going for highlights in my hair in a few weeks, and I think I might even try wearing a little make-up. I've always kind of taken pride in the fact that I'm au naturel...Nothing artificial about me. But apparently boys like artificial, so I'm going to make some slight changes that hopefully get noticed... but nothing drastic.
- I need to be more positive about myself, and quit using myself as the butt of jokes when I'm trying to make people laugh. That's just stupid, I know it, so why do I keep doing it?
- I should try to be more friendly. I think I already am most of the time, but there are times when I feel backward, or awkward, and I admit that I might turn my head to avoid saying hi to someone, just 'cause I don't feel like being sociable. That's gonna change.
- I'm still young, and right now, it should be all about having fun. No need to grow up too quickly!!
- I'm going to try and stop being jealous, 'cause that just enhances a negative attitude. I'm not going to sulk when the pretty girls get the hot boys, or when I try to compare myself to other people my age and realize that I'm wayyyyy behind them in life. I'll get mine someday, when I'm least expecting it...or so they say!!
OK, so that's all I can think of right now. So we'll see how this turning a new leaf thing works out...Before you know it, I might be a new-and-improved Jill!
I'm 23 years old, and while I believe I have a fairly upbeat, bubbly personality, I'm generally unhappy with how I look, how I feel, and the way things seem to go for me.
However, it has come to my realization that I'm pretty much the one who has to take control and make the changes necessary to improve my appearance and my life.
So this is kind of like my New Years Resolutions in June - just a few steps away from happiness.
(I'll let you know in a few weeks how it's going...)
- I need to smile more. I've got creases in my forehead from scowling so much. And nobody likes a scowler.
- I should be more pleasant at work and not get so pissed off at the little things.
- I have to start eating healthier and exercising more. I used to do this, so I know it's possible. Time to shed that twenty pounds that has been dragging me down!
- I'm going for highlights in my hair in a few weeks, and I think I might even try wearing a little make-up. I've always kind of taken pride in the fact that I'm au naturel...Nothing artificial about me. But apparently boys like artificial, so I'm going to make some slight changes that hopefully get noticed... but nothing drastic.
- I need to be more positive about myself, and quit using myself as the butt of jokes when I'm trying to make people laugh. That's just stupid, I know it, so why do I keep doing it?
- I should try to be more friendly. I think I already am most of the time, but there are times when I feel backward, or awkward, and I admit that I might turn my head to avoid saying hi to someone, just 'cause I don't feel like being sociable. That's gonna change.
- I'm still young, and right now, it should be all about having fun. No need to grow up too quickly!!
- I'm going to try and stop being jealous, 'cause that just enhances a negative attitude. I'm not going to sulk when the pretty girls get the hot boys, or when I try to compare myself to other people my age and realize that I'm wayyyyy behind them in life. I'll get mine someday, when I'm least expecting it...or so they say!!
OK, so that's all I can think of right now. So we'll see how this turning a new leaf thing works out...Before you know it, I might be a new-and-improved Jill!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
That's A Wrap for the NHL
OK, I'm not even done watching the 2007 NHL Awards, but I've decided to go ahead and type up my re-cap. There's only twenty minutes left...I'm sure I'm not going to miss much, judging by how it's gone so far. Yeah...It's been pretty lame.
I'm not sure why I've even bothered watching this long, seeing how there were absolutely NO Ottawa Senators nominated. How friggin' ridiculous is that? But I have taken a few notes on the show thus far, and I've created a few of my very own Awards:
Best Moment of the Night (for me): The Ray Emery montage right off the top of the show, displaying his various flamboyant wardrobe changes. What a sexy beast. Even in powder-blue.
Most Annoying Red Carpet Host: Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies. And I love the Barenaked Ladies. But he's really annoying.
Weirdest Moment: Cassie Campbell feeling the beard of one of the members of Finger 11 on the Red Carpet. Ummm...Ok....
Hottest Rocker: Not a whole lotta competition here, but I never knew how handsome the lead singer of Finger 11 was!! (And that is not the one who had Cassie Campbell's fingers running through his facial hair...)
Hottest NHLer Despite Being So Short: Martin St. Louis...I hated him a few years back in the playoffs, but he is a cutie. Even though he's miniature.
Hottest Young Player Who I Used To Think Looked Like A Goose But Is Actually Quite Handsome: Jordan Staal.
Another Player Who I Never Knew Was Hot: Henrik Lundqvist.
Hottest Presenter: George Strombolompoulapamous. Why did I spend all those years lusting after that squirt Rick Campanelli? George was clearly the hottest talent to come out of Much Music!
The Zdeno Chara Award for Ugliest NHLer in Attendance: Roberto Luongo. God, he's ugly.
Greatest Moment as a Sens Fan: Seeing Dany Heatley being named to the First Team All-Stars. Yay, Dany!! Atta get us on the show!!
Most Painful Moment as a Sens Fan: Watching all those clips of the Ducks hoisting the Cup and celebrating in the opening segment. Apparently my wounds are still raw.
Most Touching Moment of the Night: Phil Kessel receiving the Masterton Award for missing only 12 games while battling testicular cancer at the age of 19. It was impossible not to get choked up during the presentation, especially watching his dad fighting back tears and mouthing the words of his speech with him.
Biggest Screw-Up by Scott Oake on the Red Carpet: In an interview with Calder candidate Jordan Staal, Scott asks, "Jordan, you're in some pretty good company for Rookie of the Year, along with your teammate Evgeni Malkin and...uh...uh...ummmmmmm...I'm gonna need you to help me out, here, Jordan, who was the other nominee??" Staal looked embarassed for Scott as he quickly offered, "Paul Statsny." Yep. Just call him Oake The Joke.
The Few-And-Far-Between Funny Lines of the Night:
- On the Red Carpet, Kelly Hrudey asks wrestler Trish Stratus what she's most looking forward to on the night, and she says, "Hanging out with the Leafs, 'cause they're all gonna be here, right? Oh...wait...I guess not..."
- Ron MacLean, after his rambling and highly un-witty opening 'monologue', says, "OK, we gotta get things rolling here, NBC is about to cut to a horserace."
- During Carolina Hurricane Rod Brind'amour's acceptance speech for winning the Selke, he says, "Please, while I'm backstage, could someone explain to my son why I cannot let him wear an Alex Ovechkin jersey to my home games..." Easily, the biggest laugh on the night.
Alrighty, so that's about it...But Because the Sens were completely shut-out of the league-wide awards despite winning the Eastern Conference Championship and making it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in modern history, I've decided to do my own awards, presented solely to Ottawa Senator players. Luke helped me a little with this, but I think I've made the right choices.
Hart Trophy - for MVP: Daniel Alfredsson. He's the heart and soul of this team, hands down. This selection was an easy one.
Lester B. Pearson Award - MVP as selected by the players: OK, I didn't actually poll the Sens, but I would guess they'd pick Alfie again. He's their captain, and they all have the utmost respect for him.
Vezina Trophy - Best Goaltender: Ooooo...Toughie. I guess I'll go with Martin Gerber.
KIDDING!! Of course it's Razor Ray Emery!!!!
Norris Trophy - Best Defenceman: No question, this one goes to Wade Redden. Now, Luke argued that he would've given this award to someone else. Like Anton Volchekov. Or Chris Phillips. Or Tom Preissing, Joe Corvo, Andrej Meszaros, or Christoph Schubert. I think he even mentioned Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. But I love Wade, and these are my awards, so he gets it. Period.
Calder Trophy - Rookie of the Year: I don't think we had any official "rookies", aside from Alexei Kaigorodov, who didn't even survive training camp, and who we eventually traded to Phoneix for Mike Comrie. So I'm gonna give this award to Patrick Eaves, because he's probably one of our youngest guys who played his heart out every night and I think he's super-cute.
Selke Award - Best 2-way Player: I'm presenting this one to Mike Fisher, though Luke fought hard for Chris Kelly. Both great 2-way players, but Mike's got more experience. Plus, he's way hotter.
Lady Byng Award - Most Gentlemanly Player: I really didn't know who to pick for this. While I don't consider any of my boys dirty, none of them are exactly sweethearts on the ice. So I have no clear-cut choice, and I guess that's a good thing, since Luke called this the Fruitcake Award. His pick was Jason Spezza, but I'm giving it to Peter Schaefer. He's all grit and tough along the boards, and from what I can remember, spends very little time in the box. But definintely not a Fruitcake.
Rocket Richard Trophy - Most Goals Scored: This one was pretty easy. Dany Heatly, the only 50-goal scorer on the squad.
Art Ross Trophy - Most Points: I don't know this answer without doing research. My first guess was Heatley, but Luke thought maybe Alfie had caught up by the end of the year. Ah, hell, they can share it.
Bill Masterton Award - Player who overcomes insurmountable odds: None of our players had any huge, insurmountable odds, like major surgery or cancer or any thing drastic like that this season, like Kessel's battle with testicular cancer. But not that long ago, one of our guys was an Atlanta Thrasher who was behind the wheel when he crashed his car and killed his teammate, Dan Snyder. That guy was Dany Heatley. He has since changed addresses by joining the Sens, and thanks to the forgiveness offered to him by the Snyder Family and the NHL, Dany is now a back-to-back 50-goal scorer on an Eastern Conference Champion team. As far as I'm concerned, no player deserves this award more than him. I'm proud to have him in a Sens uniform.
Jack Adams Trophy - Coach of the Year: Hmmm...Guess this one goes to Bryan Murray, the pride of Shawville and my mom's best friend! (hahahaha...) Gotta admit, it was fun to be around Shawville during the Stanley Cup hype. Here's hoping they sign him for another few years, and that the Cup finally makes a stop in the Pontiac!
So that's a wrap on the 2006-2007 NHL Season. OK...Now I'm really done talking about hockey, I swear...
I'm not sure why I've even bothered watching this long, seeing how there were absolutely NO Ottawa Senators nominated. How friggin' ridiculous is that? But I have taken a few notes on the show thus far, and I've created a few of my very own Awards:
Best Moment of the Night (for me): The Ray Emery montage right off the top of the show, displaying his various flamboyant wardrobe changes. What a sexy beast. Even in powder-blue.
Most Annoying Red Carpet Host: Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies. And I love the Barenaked Ladies. But he's really annoying.
Weirdest Moment: Cassie Campbell feeling the beard of one of the members of Finger 11 on the Red Carpet. Ummm...Ok....
Hottest Rocker: Not a whole lotta competition here, but I never knew how handsome the lead singer of Finger 11 was!! (And that is not the one who had Cassie Campbell's fingers running through his facial hair...)
Hottest NHLer Despite Being So Short: Martin St. Louis...I hated him a few years back in the playoffs, but he is a cutie. Even though he's miniature.
Hottest Young Player Who I Used To Think Looked Like A Goose But Is Actually Quite Handsome: Jordan Staal.
Another Player Who I Never Knew Was Hot: Henrik Lundqvist.
Hottest Presenter: George Strombolompoulapamous. Why did I spend all those years lusting after that squirt Rick Campanelli? George was clearly the hottest talent to come out of Much Music!
The Zdeno Chara Award for Ugliest NHLer in Attendance: Roberto Luongo. God, he's ugly.
Greatest Moment as a Sens Fan: Seeing Dany Heatley being named to the First Team All-Stars. Yay, Dany!! Atta get us on the show!!
Most Painful Moment as a Sens Fan: Watching all those clips of the Ducks hoisting the Cup and celebrating in the opening segment. Apparently my wounds are still raw.
Most Touching Moment of the Night: Phil Kessel receiving the Masterton Award for missing only 12 games while battling testicular cancer at the age of 19. It was impossible not to get choked up during the presentation, especially watching his dad fighting back tears and mouthing the words of his speech with him.
Biggest Screw-Up by Scott Oake on the Red Carpet: In an interview with Calder candidate Jordan Staal, Scott asks, "Jordan, you're in some pretty good company for Rookie of the Year, along with your teammate Evgeni Malkin and...uh...uh...ummmmmmm...I'm gonna need you to help me out, here, Jordan, who was the other nominee??" Staal looked embarassed for Scott as he quickly offered, "Paul Statsny." Yep. Just call him Oake The Joke.
The Few-And-Far-Between Funny Lines of the Night:
- On the Red Carpet, Kelly Hrudey asks wrestler Trish Stratus what she's most looking forward to on the night, and she says, "Hanging out with the Leafs, 'cause they're all gonna be here, right? Oh...wait...I guess not..."
- Ron MacLean, after his rambling and highly un-witty opening 'monologue', says, "OK, we gotta get things rolling here, NBC is about to cut to a horserace."
- During Carolina Hurricane Rod Brind'amour's acceptance speech for winning the Selke, he says, "Please, while I'm backstage, could someone explain to my son why I cannot let him wear an Alex Ovechkin jersey to my home games..." Easily, the biggest laugh on the night.
Alrighty, so that's about it...But Because the Sens were completely shut-out of the league-wide awards despite winning the Eastern Conference Championship and making it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in modern history, I've decided to do my own awards, presented solely to Ottawa Senator players. Luke helped me a little with this, but I think I've made the right choices.
Hart Trophy - for MVP: Daniel Alfredsson. He's the heart and soul of this team, hands down. This selection was an easy one.
Lester B. Pearson Award - MVP as selected by the players: OK, I didn't actually poll the Sens, but I would guess they'd pick Alfie again. He's their captain, and they all have the utmost respect for him.
Vezina Trophy - Best Goaltender: Ooooo...Toughie. I guess I'll go with Martin Gerber.
KIDDING!! Of course it's Razor Ray Emery!!!!
Norris Trophy - Best Defenceman: No question, this one goes to Wade Redden. Now, Luke argued that he would've given this award to someone else. Like Anton Volchekov. Or Chris Phillips. Or Tom Preissing, Joe Corvo, Andrej Meszaros, or Christoph Schubert. I think he even mentioned Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. But I love Wade, and these are my awards, so he gets it. Period.
Calder Trophy - Rookie of the Year: I don't think we had any official "rookies", aside from Alexei Kaigorodov, who didn't even survive training camp, and who we eventually traded to Phoneix for Mike Comrie. So I'm gonna give this award to Patrick Eaves, because he's probably one of our youngest guys who played his heart out every night and I think he's super-cute.
Selke Award - Best 2-way Player: I'm presenting this one to Mike Fisher, though Luke fought hard for Chris Kelly. Both great 2-way players, but Mike's got more experience. Plus, he's way hotter.
Lady Byng Award - Most Gentlemanly Player: I really didn't know who to pick for this. While I don't consider any of my boys dirty, none of them are exactly sweethearts on the ice. So I have no clear-cut choice, and I guess that's a good thing, since Luke called this the Fruitcake Award. His pick was Jason Spezza, but I'm giving it to Peter Schaefer. He's all grit and tough along the boards, and from what I can remember, spends very little time in the box. But definintely not a Fruitcake.
Rocket Richard Trophy - Most Goals Scored: This one was pretty easy. Dany Heatly, the only 50-goal scorer on the squad.
Art Ross Trophy - Most Points: I don't know this answer without doing research. My first guess was Heatley, but Luke thought maybe Alfie had caught up by the end of the year. Ah, hell, they can share it.
Bill Masterton Award - Player who overcomes insurmountable odds: None of our players had any huge, insurmountable odds, like major surgery or cancer or any thing drastic like that this season, like Kessel's battle with testicular cancer. But not that long ago, one of our guys was an Atlanta Thrasher who was behind the wheel when he crashed his car and killed his teammate, Dan Snyder. That guy was Dany Heatley. He has since changed addresses by joining the Sens, and thanks to the forgiveness offered to him by the Snyder Family and the NHL, Dany is now a back-to-back 50-goal scorer on an Eastern Conference Champion team. As far as I'm concerned, no player deserves this award more than him. I'm proud to have him in a Sens uniform.
Jack Adams Trophy - Coach of the Year: Hmmm...Guess this one goes to Bryan Murray, the pride of Shawville and my mom's best friend! (hahahaha...) Gotta admit, it was fun to be around Shawville during the Stanley Cup hype. Here's hoping they sign him for another few years, and that the Cup finally makes a stop in the Pontiac!
So that's a wrap on the 2006-2007 NHL Season. OK...Now I'm really done talking about hockey, I swear...
Blame It On My Dad
It was a lovely evening at the ball park last night, as MVT was taking on L&J Towing in the Quyon 3-pitch league. It was a warm one, but a light breeze kept things pleasant weather-wise; however, things were not so pleasant on the field, at least not for my poor team.
Thus far, we've been doing pretty well. Now granted, I've only made it out to a couple of games because for awhile there, ball night clashed with the Sens' Cup Run. Our fearless leader, Ricky, probably wishes I'd stay home more often. Last week I didn't even get a hit, and my fielding skills are pretty limited to say the least. I think it's a fair assessment to say I'm the worst player on the team. But that, I will blame on my father - because he was the one who cut me from his ball team when I was only 10, when I was still young and able to learn and develop my athletic prowess. I think it's too late for that now.
In any case, last night we lost big - I think the final score was 23-6. So while I may have had a few screw-ups, I don't think they can blame the entire shemozzle on me.
In fact, last night I actually did something RIGHT. While I was playing catcher, the batter popped a ball out just a few feet in front of me. I scrambled to grab it, while the great L&J Towing player whom I have labelled "Abs" (those of you who have ever played or been to a game know who I'm talking about) came around third, and then just came charging in home. Now, I'm not sure if he thinks I'm retarded or if my play thus far was really that weak, because even the simplest of minds would now that all I had to do was take a few quick steps back to home plate to get him out. He didn't have a hope in hell. And while I did kind of find it insulting that he even bothered to try, it was nice to hear my team cheering and telling me I did a good job rather than the usual shouts of "Good try, Jill".
So that was my one shining moment; my 15 seconds of fame I guess. Otherwise, it was a rather dull effort by our team. Either that, or the L&J squad are just that good. They seemed to be able to hit the ball wherever they felt like, while the MVT bats were pretty quiet last night. If we'd been able to hit a little better, we might've had a closer score. I actually did hit last night rather than strike out every time, so I was a little proud of myself.
Maybe next week I'll actually get on base. Ya never know.
Thus far, we've been doing pretty well. Now granted, I've only made it out to a couple of games because for awhile there, ball night clashed with the Sens' Cup Run. Our fearless leader, Ricky, probably wishes I'd stay home more often. Last week I didn't even get a hit, and my fielding skills are pretty limited to say the least. I think it's a fair assessment to say I'm the worst player on the team. But that, I will blame on my father - because he was the one who cut me from his ball team when I was only 10, when I was still young and able to learn and develop my athletic prowess. I think it's too late for that now.
In any case, last night we lost big - I think the final score was 23-6. So while I may have had a few screw-ups, I don't think they can blame the entire shemozzle on me.
In fact, last night I actually did something RIGHT. While I was playing catcher, the batter popped a ball out just a few feet in front of me. I scrambled to grab it, while the great L&J Towing player whom I have labelled "Abs" (those of you who have ever played or been to a game know who I'm talking about) came around third, and then just came charging in home. Now, I'm not sure if he thinks I'm retarded or if my play thus far was really that weak, because even the simplest of minds would now that all I had to do was take a few quick steps back to home plate to get him out. He didn't have a hope in hell. And while I did kind of find it insulting that he even bothered to try, it was nice to hear my team cheering and telling me I did a good job rather than the usual shouts of "Good try, Jill".
So that was my one shining moment; my 15 seconds of fame I guess. Otherwise, it was a rather dull effort by our team. Either that, or the L&J squad are just that good. They seemed to be able to hit the ball wherever they felt like, while the MVT bats were pretty quiet last night. If we'd been able to hit a little better, we might've had a closer score. I actually did hit last night rather than strike out every time, so I was a little proud of myself.
Maybe next week I'll actually get on base. Ya never know.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Play a Song For Me
It's a darned good thing I declared the end of hockey talk in yesterday's Blog, because the only stupid NHL news yesterday was that Mats Sundin signed for a year with the Leafs. If there's one thing I hate about the end of the Playoffs, it's that we now have to listen to Leaf Nation rising again...BLECH!!
Last night I watched my first episode of the summer of Canadian Idol. I believe the audition rounds kicked off last week, but I missed the debut. To be honest, I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to the show since the first season, when I fell in love with the underdog Ryan Malcolm from Kingston who went on to win the whole she-bang. The next year, that floopy haired angel-boy won, and I lost interest. Last season, I watched on and off, and was proud that Eva Avila, a Gatineau native, eventually won it all, but I really didn't care.
This season, however, I've discovered a new twist that really boosted my interest in the show. This year, contestants are allowed to bring in instruments to audition with if they wish. And I am a sucker for boys with guitars. Most of the guys who came in with 6-strings slung around their necks...Well, I loved 'em.
There were a few who did not impress, like the guy who called himself "Strings" and sang "Purple Haze" after plugging in his electric guitar and making a lot of racket by running his face up and down the strings. I couldn't have agreed more when Sass begged him to stop.
But there was a young cutie-pie teacher who played "Beast of Burden", and a burly-looking boy who sang "Drift Away". Both made it through to Toronto, and they were two of my favourites on the night. Oh, and the rocker from Saskatoon who they showed playing with his band before his audition - the judges weren't sold on him when he came in and strummed for them, but after Farley asked him to sing the last line of O Canada, they handed him his gold ticket to T.O. And there was also a hot young dad who not only won my heart with his guitar playing, but he had the most adorable little boy...I would've put him through just because the kid was so cute.
These are the parts of the audition process that I love - when someone walks in there, and really knocks your socks off. The rest of it I find contrived, twisted, and painful at times. There are the people who walk in who profess to be stars-in-the-making, but they sing so badly, it'd almost make you want to change the channel. Then there are the people who know they have no talent, but they do something whacky just to get on TV. It's gimmicky, and while it might've made for good TV a few years back, it's all just getting old now.
But I really do think the introduction of instruments in the audition process has breathed a bit of new life into the Idol process. And judging from the snippets they showed of next week's Toronto Round, the boys will be allowed to bring out their guitars again.
Guaranteed, I'll be in love with one of these lads before the summer's out!
Last night I watched my first episode of the summer of Canadian Idol. I believe the audition rounds kicked off last week, but I missed the debut. To be honest, I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to the show since the first season, when I fell in love with the underdog Ryan Malcolm from Kingston who went on to win the whole she-bang. The next year, that floopy haired angel-boy won, and I lost interest. Last season, I watched on and off, and was proud that Eva Avila, a Gatineau native, eventually won it all, but I really didn't care.
This season, however, I've discovered a new twist that really boosted my interest in the show. This year, contestants are allowed to bring in instruments to audition with if they wish. And I am a sucker for boys with guitars. Most of the guys who came in with 6-strings slung around their necks...Well, I loved 'em.
There were a few who did not impress, like the guy who called himself "Strings" and sang "Purple Haze" after plugging in his electric guitar and making a lot of racket by running his face up and down the strings. I couldn't have agreed more when Sass begged him to stop.
But there was a young cutie-pie teacher who played "Beast of Burden", and a burly-looking boy who sang "Drift Away". Both made it through to Toronto, and they were two of my favourites on the night. Oh, and the rocker from Saskatoon who they showed playing with his band before his audition - the judges weren't sold on him when he came in and strummed for them, but after Farley asked him to sing the last line of O Canada, they handed him his gold ticket to T.O. And there was also a hot young dad who not only won my heart with his guitar playing, but he had the most adorable little boy...I would've put him through just because the kid was so cute.
These are the parts of the audition process that I love - when someone walks in there, and really knocks your socks off. The rest of it I find contrived, twisted, and painful at times. There are the people who walk in who profess to be stars-in-the-making, but they sing so badly, it'd almost make you want to change the channel. Then there are the people who know they have no talent, but they do something whacky just to get on TV. It's gimmicky, and while it might've made for good TV a few years back, it's all just getting old now.
But I really do think the introduction of instruments in the audition process has breathed a bit of new life into the Idol process. And judging from the snippets they showed of next week's Toronto Round, the boys will be allowed to bring out their guitars again.
Guaranteed, I'll be in love with one of these lads before the summer's out!
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Blog LIVES...But the Sens Do Not
Hey guys!
My deepest apologies for abandoning my Blog for the past few weeks. For a few days, I was just too busy. But then the Sens lost to the Ducks in the Stanley Cup Finals, and ever since I've been trying to create an appropriate tribute to my team and their glorious season, while also capturing the grief and pain I experienced as a result of the Game 5 loss last Wednesday night.
I went back and read some of my Blogs from last October and November, when I was literally freaking out over this team. They were playing some pretty bad hockey, and not living up to any expectations I had for them in '06-07. I never gave up on them, but I have to admit, by mid-December, I was pretty sure it was going to be my first year as a Sens fan without an appearance in the Playoffs.
Then, all of a sudden, there was this miracle of sorts. A bunch of our guys - including Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher, and Antoine Vermette - got hurt around Christmastime, and somehow, instead of crumbling, the rest of the team blossomed. They started to buy into the coach's system, they began playing like a cohesive unit, and by the time April rolled around, they had one of the best records in the second-half of the season in the NHL.
The playoffs were a blast through three rounds, as we rolled over the likes of the Penguins, Devils, and Sabres. Those were some pretty fun months. I'll never forget how I felt watching Daniel Alfredsson score that OT goal in Buffalo to clinch the title of Eastern Conference Champions and send the modern-day Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time. It was like a dream finally coming true - the sweetest poetic justice, and for once, glory seemed so close, I could almost touch it.
Alas, it wasn't meant to be. As easily as we defeated three of the strongest teams in the East, the Ducks man-handled us, and claimed the Cup in just five games. The only night where it felt like we were even close was Game #3 in Ottawa when the Sens won 5-3. Watching them lose last week was heart-breaking. As time ticked down in the third period, tears streamed down my cheeks, and I cried right through the handshakes, the on-ice interviews, and the presentation of the Cup. I didn't feel happy for the Niedermeyer brothers, or Teemu Selanne, or Chris Pronger. It wasn't special to me in the least. For me, it was like watching someone having their teeth pulled. The only reason I stayed to watch it all was because I never missed one moment of these Stanley Cup playoffs, and I figured I had to see it right through to the bitter end.
In the days since, I've been able to put aside a lot of that hostility and disappointment, and reflect on what an awesome year it has been. People keep trying to put a damper on my spirits, though, by insisting that Wade Redden's going to be traded to Edmonton over the summer. I've got more post-season paranoia than ever before, but at least this off-season will be a short one, and before I know it, the boys will be back (and hopefully Wade will be too).
Can't wait!
And a special thanks to those of you who sent me thoughtful messages of "condolences" in the wake of the loss last week. I know it seems silly, but when the Sens lose, it really does devestate me, and you guys rarealy make fun of me for it - you just seem to understand. So thank you so much for that! Enjoy the next few months of (mostly) hockey-free Blogging, because it'll be back before you know it!
Summer can now officially begin!
My deepest apologies for abandoning my Blog for the past few weeks. For a few days, I was just too busy. But then the Sens lost to the Ducks in the Stanley Cup Finals, and ever since I've been trying to create an appropriate tribute to my team and their glorious season, while also capturing the grief and pain I experienced as a result of the Game 5 loss last Wednesday night.
I went back and read some of my Blogs from last October and November, when I was literally freaking out over this team. They were playing some pretty bad hockey, and not living up to any expectations I had for them in '06-07. I never gave up on them, but I have to admit, by mid-December, I was pretty sure it was going to be my first year as a Sens fan without an appearance in the Playoffs.
Then, all of a sudden, there was this miracle of sorts. A bunch of our guys - including Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher, and Antoine Vermette - got hurt around Christmastime, and somehow, instead of crumbling, the rest of the team blossomed. They started to buy into the coach's system, they began playing like a cohesive unit, and by the time April rolled around, they had one of the best records in the second-half of the season in the NHL.
The playoffs were a blast through three rounds, as we rolled over the likes of the Penguins, Devils, and Sabres. Those were some pretty fun months. I'll never forget how I felt watching Daniel Alfredsson score that OT goal in Buffalo to clinch the title of Eastern Conference Champions and send the modern-day Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time. It was like a dream finally coming true - the sweetest poetic justice, and for once, glory seemed so close, I could almost touch it.
Alas, it wasn't meant to be. As easily as we defeated three of the strongest teams in the East, the Ducks man-handled us, and claimed the Cup in just five games. The only night where it felt like we were even close was Game #3 in Ottawa when the Sens won 5-3. Watching them lose last week was heart-breaking. As time ticked down in the third period, tears streamed down my cheeks, and I cried right through the handshakes, the on-ice interviews, and the presentation of the Cup. I didn't feel happy for the Niedermeyer brothers, or Teemu Selanne, or Chris Pronger. It wasn't special to me in the least. For me, it was like watching someone having their teeth pulled. The only reason I stayed to watch it all was because I never missed one moment of these Stanley Cup playoffs, and I figured I had to see it right through to the bitter end.
In the days since, I've been able to put aside a lot of that hostility and disappointment, and reflect on what an awesome year it has been. People keep trying to put a damper on my spirits, though, by insisting that Wade Redden's going to be traded to Edmonton over the summer. I've got more post-season paranoia than ever before, but at least this off-season will be a short one, and before I know it, the boys will be back (and hopefully Wade will be too).
Can't wait!
And a special thanks to those of you who sent me thoughtful messages of "condolences" in the wake of the loss last week. I know it seems silly, but when the Sens lose, it really does devestate me, and you guys rarealy make fun of me for it - you just seem to understand. So thank you so much for that! Enjoy the next few months of (mostly) hockey-free Blogging, because it'll be back before you know it!
Summer can now officially begin!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Duck Huntin'
OK, so my Sens lost Game #1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday night. You probably think that I went into depression; that I puked and screamed and tore my hair out.
Not so. After all, it was only Game #1. But even more than that, there's this pleasant calmness that has settled over me. It's like no matter what happens now, I'm satisfied. Of course, winning the Cup would be amazing, but even if they don't, I feel like we've accomplished everything this team set out to do this year - they've shaken the label of "choking dogs", they've played out of their reputation of being playoff underachievers, they've transformed into true champions. They've done something that only two teams out of thirty get to do every year, and that's play for a shot at Lord Stanley's Cup.
Now, putting all of that aside, there's nothing more that I would love than to beat those nasty Ducks tonight!! I felt the Sens played probably their worst game of the playoffs on Monday night (why?? I have no idea...) - And they still only lost 3-2! I can't imagine the Ducks playing much better than they did on Monday night, so I'd say if we correct the mistakes we made on Monday and play a little more rough'n'tough, we should be OK.
One thing's for sure. I think I developed the quickest hate that I ever have for a team on Monday night. I knew very little about that team from Anaheim before these Cup finals started, but I can already tell you that I despise Chris Pronger, the Niedermeyers, Getzlaff...They all leave a yucky taste in my mouth.
So tonight, we'll go Duck huntin' again...And hopefully, this time, we'll have something to show for it.
GO SENS GO!!
Not so. After all, it was only Game #1. But even more than that, there's this pleasant calmness that has settled over me. It's like no matter what happens now, I'm satisfied. Of course, winning the Cup would be amazing, but even if they don't, I feel like we've accomplished everything this team set out to do this year - they've shaken the label of "choking dogs", they've played out of their reputation of being playoff underachievers, they've transformed into true champions. They've done something that only two teams out of thirty get to do every year, and that's play for a shot at Lord Stanley's Cup.
Now, putting all of that aside, there's nothing more that I would love than to beat those nasty Ducks tonight!! I felt the Sens played probably their worst game of the playoffs on Monday night (why?? I have no idea...) - And they still only lost 3-2! I can't imagine the Ducks playing much better than they did on Monday night, so I'd say if we correct the mistakes we made on Monday and play a little more rough'n'tough, we should be OK.
One thing's for sure. I think I developed the quickest hate that I ever have for a team on Monday night. I knew very little about that team from Anaheim before these Cup finals started, but I can already tell you that I despise Chris Pronger, the Niedermeyers, Getzlaff...They all leave a yucky taste in my mouth.
So tonight, we'll go Duck huntin' again...And hopefully, this time, we'll have something to show for it.
GO SENS GO!!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Elgin is the Inspiration
Amidst all the hype of the Ottawa Senators making it to the Stanley Cup Finals, there has been one story that has gripped peoples’ hearts and brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
It’s the story of one of the Sens’ biggest fans: Little Elgin-Alexander Fraser.
Like thousands of people, I first was introduced to three-year-old Elgin a few months ago when the Ottawa Citizen featured a story on his participation at a Senators practice. The front-page photo was of an adorable, chubby-cheeked little boy grasped tightly in the arms of one of his heroes, Mike Fisher. Both Elgin and Mike seemed to have a twinkle in their eyes, and huge smiles on their faces.
Getting to practice with Fisher and the Sens was a dream come true for Elgin, who suffered from neuroblastoma, a rare terminal cancer that he was diagnosed with at the tender age of nine months. Elgin was in remission until this past January, when the cancer returned, and his family was told his time was limited.
That was when friends of Elgin’s family who had ties to Sens defenceman Chris Phillips and his wife Erin introduced them, and Elgin was immediately welcomed into the Senators family.
Last Wednesday night, Elgin attended Game 4 at Scotiabank place with his parents and baby sister, even though he was very weak and growing increasingly sick. On Thursday, Mike Fisher visited him at his home in Carleton Place, where they played cars and watched a movie. On Friday, doctors told Elgin’s parents one of his lungs had collapsed and he likely wouldn’t make it through the weekend.
On Saturday, with the Sens on the road in Buffalo and trying to close out the series, Elgin was at home with his family and friends watching the game. According to the story the Citizen ran this week, once Elgin grew too weary to keep his eyes open, his parents whispered the play-by-play in his ears. Several hours after the Sens defeated Buffalo to advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in franchise history, Elgin-Alexander Fraser closed his eyes one last time and peacefully left this Earth.
His parents believe that Elgin fought to stay alive until he was sure that his heroes were going to play for the Cup.
Today, while the City of Ottawa was hosting a pep rally for the Senators at City Hall, both Mike Fisher and Chris Phillips were in Carleton Place acting as pallbearers at little Elgin’s funeral.
Fisher, Phillips, and the rest of the Senators organization have had Elgin’s family in their hearts since the little boy passed away, and one has to think that if they needed any more inspiration to win the Cup, this would be it. Knowing that Elgin will be watching and cheering from above has to give them an even greater desire to win it for him.
I know that I’ll be thinking of Elgin on Monday night when the Sens take the ice for the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks. I’m sure they will be too, and so will many of the fans who have heard Elgin’s story and prayed for him and his family since the Citizen first ran that story several months back.
I’m sure they’ll do him proud.
GO SENS GO!!
It’s the story of one of the Sens’ biggest fans: Little Elgin-Alexander Fraser.
Like thousands of people, I first was introduced to three-year-old Elgin a few months ago when the Ottawa Citizen featured a story on his participation at a Senators practice. The front-page photo was of an adorable, chubby-cheeked little boy grasped tightly in the arms of one of his heroes, Mike Fisher. Both Elgin and Mike seemed to have a twinkle in their eyes, and huge smiles on their faces.
Getting to practice with Fisher and the Sens was a dream come true for Elgin, who suffered from neuroblastoma, a rare terminal cancer that he was diagnosed with at the tender age of nine months. Elgin was in remission until this past January, when the cancer returned, and his family was told his time was limited.
That was when friends of Elgin’s family who had ties to Sens defenceman Chris Phillips and his wife Erin introduced them, and Elgin was immediately welcomed into the Senators family.
Last Wednesday night, Elgin attended Game 4 at Scotiabank place with his parents and baby sister, even though he was very weak and growing increasingly sick. On Thursday, Mike Fisher visited him at his home in Carleton Place, where they played cars and watched a movie. On Friday, doctors told Elgin’s parents one of his lungs had collapsed and he likely wouldn’t make it through the weekend.
On Saturday, with the Sens on the road in Buffalo and trying to close out the series, Elgin was at home with his family and friends watching the game. According to the story the Citizen ran this week, once Elgin grew too weary to keep his eyes open, his parents whispered the play-by-play in his ears. Several hours after the Sens defeated Buffalo to advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in franchise history, Elgin-Alexander Fraser closed his eyes one last time and peacefully left this Earth.
His parents believe that Elgin fought to stay alive until he was sure that his heroes were going to play for the Cup.
Today, while the City of Ottawa was hosting a pep rally for the Senators at City Hall, both Mike Fisher and Chris Phillips were in Carleton Place acting as pallbearers at little Elgin’s funeral.
Fisher, Phillips, and the rest of the Senators organization have had Elgin’s family in their hearts since the little boy passed away, and one has to think that if they needed any more inspiration to win the Cup, this would be it. Knowing that Elgin will be watching and cheering from above has to give them an even greater desire to win it for him.
I know that I’ll be thinking of Elgin on Monday night when the Sens take the ice for the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks. I’m sure they will be too, and so will many of the fans who have heard Elgin’s story and prayed for him and his family since the Citizen first ran that story several months back.
I’m sure they’ll do him proud.
GO SENS GO!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Dance
I'm not sure I can effectively describe how I felt on Saturday, watching that hockey game. I was an absolute train-wreck for most of it. Words can't describe the ups and downs I went through over the course of 3 hours. One minute pissed off, one minute hopeful, one minute in tears of anguish, one minute being completely convinced that I might be the first 23-year-old to suffer a heart attack while watching a hockey game.
Since then, I've heard stories of people who had to leave their TV screens going into OT, because they were just as nervous as I was. They couldn't stand to watch.
For the record, I'm glad I hung in there. When Alfie finally scored the winner at 9:32 of Overtime...Well, I have no idea how to explain that feeling other that absolute EUPHORIA. I jumped. I screamed. I felt tears in my eyes, and I couldn't stop shaking. It was unbelievable. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world, even though there were several times during the game that I almost locked myself in the bathroom and refused to watch.
I haven't gotten married, and I don't have children, so I can honestly say that moment was probably one of the happiest moments of my life, rivalled right up there by the night we received the phone call to tell us Caden had arrived. It was the sweetest, most poetic justice, to have Alfie scoring that goal, after it was he who took the heat last Spring when Jason Pominville went around him in OT of Game 5 vs. Buffalo in the Semis to end our season.
I've heard the stories of what it was like in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon, and part of me really wishes I could have been there to hear the horns blaring, to join the fans on Elgin street to baptize Sens Mile, to even just be one of the hundreds of people on their balconies waving a Sens Flag, cheering, singing, and high-fiving my neighbours. I also would've loved to have been at the airport when the team landed, to join in that celebration and to see their smiles and absorb that elation.
However, the party in Quyon was pretty friggin' awesome, too. Moments after the CBC cut to soccer (boneheads), I hopped in my car and toured around town, meeting several other cars with horns blaring and flags flapping victoriously. I was outside when a huge truck painted in Sens colours and loaded with fans chanting "GO SENS GO" drove by, and I was able to catch it on video tape. People were on the sidewalks proudly wearing Sens colours, whooping and laughing and shouting in excitement.
Then, when we went to Gavan's for Nick & Tammy's Mixed Party, the celebration continued. Many were decked out in Red, Black & Gold, with Sens tatoos on their cheeks and perma-grins on their lips. One of the best moments for me was up on the dancefloor, when the band paused between songs, I shouted, "GO SENS GO", and within seconds, the entire bar was roaring it at the top of their lungs. It gave me goosebumps.
I've been through a lot of highs and lows with this team. I've had a lot to cheer about; a lot to cry about. It hasn't always been easy, but on Saturday, it finally felt like it was all worth it.
Now we're four games away from the Stanley Cup.
Part of me still can't believe it.
The other part of me just can't wait...It's already been such a great ride.
And now we're there. We're at the dance. It's not an opportunity that comes often, so these are the days we have to savour, embrace, and make memborable...It's been a long time coming, and the Sens deserve it. So do their fans.
And now it's time to get ready for the Stanley Cup Finals...If we win that, I might just burst...
GO SENS GO!!
Since then, I've heard stories of people who had to leave their TV screens going into OT, because they were just as nervous as I was. They couldn't stand to watch.
For the record, I'm glad I hung in there. When Alfie finally scored the winner at 9:32 of Overtime...Well, I have no idea how to explain that feeling other that absolute EUPHORIA. I jumped. I screamed. I felt tears in my eyes, and I couldn't stop shaking. It was unbelievable. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world, even though there were several times during the game that I almost locked myself in the bathroom and refused to watch.
I haven't gotten married, and I don't have children, so I can honestly say that moment was probably one of the happiest moments of my life, rivalled right up there by the night we received the phone call to tell us Caden had arrived. It was the sweetest, most poetic justice, to have Alfie scoring that goal, after it was he who took the heat last Spring when Jason Pominville went around him in OT of Game 5 vs. Buffalo in the Semis to end our season.
I've heard the stories of what it was like in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon, and part of me really wishes I could have been there to hear the horns blaring, to join the fans on Elgin street to baptize Sens Mile, to even just be one of the hundreds of people on their balconies waving a Sens Flag, cheering, singing, and high-fiving my neighbours. I also would've loved to have been at the airport when the team landed, to join in that celebration and to see their smiles and absorb that elation.
However, the party in Quyon was pretty friggin' awesome, too. Moments after the CBC cut to soccer (boneheads), I hopped in my car and toured around town, meeting several other cars with horns blaring and flags flapping victoriously. I was outside when a huge truck painted in Sens colours and loaded with fans chanting "GO SENS GO" drove by, and I was able to catch it on video tape. People were on the sidewalks proudly wearing Sens colours, whooping and laughing and shouting in excitement.
Then, when we went to Gavan's for Nick & Tammy's Mixed Party, the celebration continued. Many were decked out in Red, Black & Gold, with Sens tatoos on their cheeks and perma-grins on their lips. One of the best moments for me was up on the dancefloor, when the band paused between songs, I shouted, "GO SENS GO", and within seconds, the entire bar was roaring it at the top of their lungs. It gave me goosebumps.
I've been through a lot of highs and lows with this team. I've had a lot to cheer about; a lot to cry about. It hasn't always been easy, but on Saturday, it finally felt like it was all worth it.
Now we're four games away from the Stanley Cup.
Part of me still can't believe it.
The other part of me just can't wait...It's already been such a great ride.
And now we're there. We're at the dance. It's not an opportunity that comes often, so these are the days we have to savour, embrace, and make memborable...It's been a long time coming, and the Sens deserve it. So do their fans.
And now it's time to get ready for the Stanley Cup Finals...If we win that, I might just burst...
GO SENS GO!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
GO SENS GO!!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, have a good weekend everyone!
Oh...And GO SENS GO!! :)
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO! GO SENS GO!
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, have a good weekend everyone!
Oh...And GO SENS GO!! :)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Ah, Who Wanted a Damned Sweep Anyways??
OK, I'm a little depressed this morning.
Visions of the Stanley Cup Final were dancing in my head, right up until Andrej Meszaros bitched up a couple of seconds into the game and Derek "The Diver" Roy popped one in past Ray Emery. Then all my bad feelings started churning again, and before I knew it, it was 3-0 Buffalo.
I shoulda known that 3-0 series was too good to be true.
The good news is that the Sens fought back, scored two quick goals late in the second, and carried the play in the third, although they were unable to beat Miller again for that crucial tying goal.
The bad news is that the Alfie line didn't score, and while it's necessary for the likes of McAmmond and Schaefer to step up (thanks, boys) - we still need our big guns firing, too.
I don't know what to think this morning. One second, I'm like, "Dude, we're still up 3-1, we got this thing in the bag!!", and the next, I'm all, "Oh shit, we lose the next one and they'll be calling us choking dogs again, and we never do well in afternoon games, and I knew I shouldn't have been all cocky yesterday......AGHHHHHH!!!"
So yeah, I'm kinda psycho today.
Never thought I'd be up 3-1 in the Conference Finals and be all psycho.
They gotta win on Saturday, or I'm going to suicide myself. I just can't take the pressure.
GO SENS GO!!
Visions of the Stanley Cup Final were dancing in my head, right up until Andrej Meszaros bitched up a couple of seconds into the game and Derek "The Diver" Roy popped one in past Ray Emery. Then all my bad feelings started churning again, and before I knew it, it was 3-0 Buffalo.
I shoulda known that 3-0 series was too good to be true.
The good news is that the Sens fought back, scored two quick goals late in the second, and carried the play in the third, although they were unable to beat Miller again for that crucial tying goal.
The bad news is that the Alfie line didn't score, and while it's necessary for the likes of McAmmond and Schaefer to step up (thanks, boys) - we still need our big guns firing, too.
I don't know what to think this morning. One second, I'm like, "Dude, we're still up 3-1, we got this thing in the bag!!", and the next, I'm all, "Oh shit, we lose the next one and they'll be calling us choking dogs again, and we never do well in afternoon games, and I knew I shouldn't have been all cocky yesterday......AGHHHHHH!!!"
So yeah, I'm kinda psycho today.
Never thought I'd be up 3-1 in the Conference Finals and be all psycho.
They gotta win on Saturday, or I'm going to suicide myself. I just can't take the pressure.
GO SENS GO!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Longest Day
Today seriously is going to be the longest day ever. It's 8:45 AM, and I'm already twisted up in knots of anticipation over tonight's game. Most fans are probably feeling care-free, excited about the chance to sweep the Buffalo Sabres tonight in our Eastern Conference Final.
For some reason, I'm envisioning complete disaster. I have no idea why. This 2007 Playoff Edition of the Ottawa Senators has been nothing short of spectacular, giving me no reason to believe they won't come out all guns a-blazin' tonight and do their absolute, utmost best to bring this series to a close on home ice at Scotiabank Place.
Right now, I'm just trying to breathe and relax. This should be a fun day. I should be happy as hell. I should be looking forward to tonight's game like no other. I should be jumping with joy, and oozing with confidence.
So that's my goal for today...the longest day.
I'm going to get Sens Fever - in a good way.
GO SENS GO!!
For some reason, I'm envisioning complete disaster. I have no idea why. This 2007 Playoff Edition of the Ottawa Senators has been nothing short of spectacular, giving me no reason to believe they won't come out all guns a-blazin' tonight and do their absolute, utmost best to bring this series to a close on home ice at Scotiabank Place.
Right now, I'm just trying to breathe and relax. This should be a fun day. I should be happy as hell. I should be looking forward to tonight's game like no other. I should be jumping with joy, and oozing with confidence.
So that's my goal for today...the longest day.
I'm going to get Sens Fever - in a good way.
GO SENS GO!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
1 More Win...
The Sens won last night.
Again.
I can hardly believe it.
I have the utmost faith in my team, but if anyone had told me last week that we would be leading this series against the President's Trophy winners by a count of 3-0, on the verge of a sweep... well, I would have laughed my ass off.
Of course, I've always believed the Senators could take the Sabres in the Eastern Conference Finals, but I never imagined we'd have the stranglehold only 3 games in. And for some reason, I'm still nervous as hell. What if we lose the next game? Then Buffalo will have some momentum back...Then we have to go back into Buffalo, and if they win again...yikes...
Now, if the Sens play as well as they did last night, then I don't think I have much to worry about. They were so sound defensively, it was unbelievable. Buffalo hardly had any decent chances. The Sabres looked like a beaten team last night; they didn't seem to have much left in the tank, with the exception of Ryan Miller, who was the only reason the score wasn't bigger than 1-0. The Sens dominated all over the ice, holding the Sabres to only 15 shots all game, and there were only a few flurries (including one in the dying seconds) that caused my heart to race.
I'm so proud of this team. They're playing like the team people have always wanted them to be. They're ruthless, they're energetic, they're powerful, they're confident...
Dear God, please let them win tomorrow night...'Cause they deserve this opportunity.
GO SENS GO!!
Again.
I can hardly believe it.
I have the utmost faith in my team, but if anyone had told me last week that we would be leading this series against the President's Trophy winners by a count of 3-0, on the verge of a sweep... well, I would have laughed my ass off.
Of course, I've always believed the Senators could take the Sabres in the Eastern Conference Finals, but I never imagined we'd have the stranglehold only 3 games in. And for some reason, I'm still nervous as hell. What if we lose the next game? Then Buffalo will have some momentum back...Then we have to go back into Buffalo, and if they win again...yikes...
Now, if the Sens play as well as they did last night, then I don't think I have much to worry about. They were so sound defensively, it was unbelievable. Buffalo hardly had any decent chances. The Sabres looked like a beaten team last night; they didn't seem to have much left in the tank, with the exception of Ryan Miller, who was the only reason the score wasn't bigger than 1-0. The Sens dominated all over the ice, holding the Sabres to only 15 shots all game, and there were only a few flurries (including one in the dying seconds) that caused my heart to race.
I'm so proud of this team. They're playing like the team people have always wanted them to be. They're ruthless, they're energetic, they're powerful, they're confident...
Dear God, please let them win tomorrow night...'Cause they deserve this opportunity.
GO SENS GO!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Now THAT Was a Great Weekend!
What a weekend!
The Blog would like to wish Sara a Happy Birthday - hope you had a good time Saturday, even though someone broke your camera. (And that someone is still very sorry...)
Mere minutes after Sara left my basement, Joe Corvo scored in Double-OT to allow the Sens to take their first-ever 2-0 lead in a playoff series. You have no idea how excited I was. I think I almost fainted. It was an awesome feeling, especially after the Sabres tied it with 5 seconds to go in the third, causing me to almost puke. Then I started getting bad vibes, so the winning goal restored my confidence and made the victory that much sweeter.
It's a big game tonight, and I sure don't want them to let the Sabres up off the mat. Time to kick 'em when their down...GO SENS GO!!
Also, spent Mother's Day at the ball field, watching the Quyon Flyers take the West Carleton team 4-0 in their home opener. Congrats to the Flyers, and it was so great to have ball at the Quyon diamond again!
Have a great week, everyone!!
The Blog would like to wish Sara a Happy Birthday - hope you had a good time Saturday, even though someone broke your camera. (And that someone is still very sorry...)
Mere minutes after Sara left my basement, Joe Corvo scored in Double-OT to allow the Sens to take their first-ever 2-0 lead in a playoff series. You have no idea how excited I was. I think I almost fainted. It was an awesome feeling, especially after the Sabres tied it with 5 seconds to go in the third, causing me to almost puke. Then I started getting bad vibes, so the winning goal restored my confidence and made the victory that much sweeter.
It's a big game tonight, and I sure don't want them to let the Sabres up off the mat. Time to kick 'em when their down...GO SENS GO!!
Also, spent Mother's Day at the ball field, watching the Quyon Flyers take the West Carleton team 4-0 in their home opener. Congrats to the Flyers, and it was so great to have ball at the Quyon diamond again!
Have a great week, everyone!!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Game #1 Goes to the Sens
Happy Friday to one & all, and a happy Friday it is indeed!! After all, my Sens came up with a big road win in Buffalo last night to open up the Eastern Conference final to steal home ice advantage, and it was great too see the Sens get some secondary scoring beyond the Alfie-Heatley-Spezza line! They chipped in too, of course, with Alfie zinging one by Ryan Miller on the power play and Spezza squeezed one by in the third. But it was Mike Fisher's shorty to open the scoring that really got things rolling, and Oleg Saprykin got the game-winner after Buffalo came back to tie it up, tipping the puck in after Dean McAmmond passed it to him out front.
Must say, I'm lovin' the fourth line. McAmmond is awesome, and he got the empty-netter last night after showing a burst of speed at the last second. The Sens really need those guys who hang in the shadows of the Big 3 to step it up this series, and last night they answered the call.
I was also impressed with how the Sens maintained their composure last night, even after Buffalo erased their 2-goal lead and had them back on their heels a bit in the second period. They didn't scramble or panic - they just kept playing hard and stayed calm. Their confidence is unwavering thus far, and it's great to see.
Now, I'm not so foolish as to think that the Sabres are going to roll over and die just because we won the first game. It was a big win, but after they tied it up, it really could have gone either way. While I thought the Sens played well, I know they can play even better, and I also know that we only saw a glimpse of what the Sabres can bring. There's no way this thing is gonna get done in 4 or 5 games.
But for the Sens, it was big and important and now they only have to win 3 more to get to the Stanley Cup Finals. And with this team, anything is possible.
GO SENS GO!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Must say, I'm lovin' the fourth line. McAmmond is awesome, and he got the empty-netter last night after showing a burst of speed at the last second. The Sens really need those guys who hang in the shadows of the Big 3 to step it up this series, and last night they answered the call.
I was also impressed with how the Sens maintained their composure last night, even after Buffalo erased their 2-goal lead and had them back on their heels a bit in the second period. They didn't scramble or panic - they just kept playing hard and stayed calm. Their confidence is unwavering thus far, and it's great to see.
Now, I'm not so foolish as to think that the Sabres are going to roll over and die just because we won the first game. It was a big win, but after they tied it up, it really could have gone either way. While I thought the Sens played well, I know they can play even better, and I also know that we only saw a glimpse of what the Sabres can bring. There's no way this thing is gonna get done in 4 or 5 games.
But for the Sens, it was big and important and now they only have to win 3 more to get to the Stanley Cup Finals. And with this team, anything is possible.
GO SENS GO!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Treading Water
Ever have one of those days where you kinda feel like you're in over your head?
Like you're drowning... And nobody out there wants to save you.
That's the kind of day I had. I think it's fair to say that I just had my busiest day at work of 2007. And that kinda scares me, because it's only the second week of May. Usually the "busy time" at MVT is in June. So, like, in other words, "Buckle up, Jill". Geez. The phone was ringing like crazy, everyone seemed to be getting on everyone else's nerves...It just wasn't a very good day. And nothing even went catastrophically wrong, it just felt like there was soooo much to do, and not enough time to do it.
Then, on the two-minute lunch break I took (I didn't even go for my walk), I flipped through my agenda and realized things aren't about to let up. I officially nominate May as the busiest month of the year. (So far.) There are mixed parties and showers and Mother's Day and ball games and brunches and golf tournaments and ducks racing down the Quyon River...All coming up in the next three weeks. Oh, and one other thing that I'm not quite accustomed to this time of year (but that I really, really welcome) - SENS GAMES!!
It's crazy. I'm not joking when I say I feel like I'm drowning. I'm literally panicking, trying to figure out when all this stuff is going to get done.
But I'm willing to bet that you're all in the same boat...It's just that crazy-busy time of year.
I guess all we can do is tread water and hope we don't drown.
Oh, and on the Eve of The Eastern Conference Finals - GO SENS GO!!
Like you're drowning... And nobody out there wants to save you.
That's the kind of day I had. I think it's fair to say that I just had my busiest day at work of 2007. And that kinda scares me, because it's only the second week of May. Usually the "busy time" at MVT is in June. So, like, in other words, "Buckle up, Jill". Geez. The phone was ringing like crazy, everyone seemed to be getting on everyone else's nerves...It just wasn't a very good day. And nothing even went catastrophically wrong, it just felt like there was soooo much to do, and not enough time to do it.
Then, on the two-minute lunch break I took (I didn't even go for my walk), I flipped through my agenda and realized things aren't about to let up. I officially nominate May as the busiest month of the year. (So far.) There are mixed parties and showers and Mother's Day and ball games and brunches and golf tournaments and ducks racing down the Quyon River...All coming up in the next three weeks. Oh, and one other thing that I'm not quite accustomed to this time of year (but that I really, really welcome) - SENS GAMES!!
It's crazy. I'm not joking when I say I feel like I'm drowning. I'm literally panicking, trying to figure out when all this stuff is going to get done.
But I'm willing to bet that you're all in the same boat...It's just that crazy-busy time of year.
I guess all we can do is tread water and hope we don't drown.
Oh, and on the Eve of The Eastern Conference Finals - GO SENS GO!!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Can My Heart Make It Through Round 3 ?!?!
OK, folks, here we go...Onto Round 3!!
That's right...The Eastern Conference Final!!!
I'm pumped. I'm psyched. I'm soooooooo excited!!
I was thrilled Saturday night when the Sens finally put the dagger through the hearts of those Devils from New Jersey, beating them 3-2 and taking the series 4 games to 1. You know, looking back, realizing that the Sens have only lost two games thus far in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs through 2 rounds, you'd probably have trouble believing that I've almost suffered about a hundred heart attacks. But I have. The playoffs are very hard on my ticker. On game days, I'm just a bundle of nerves, and by the time the puck drops, I'm shaking all over.
So I'm not sure it's good for my health that the Sens have advanced to the third round, but I'm not going to complain.
However, with the Buffalo Sabres joining us in the Eastern Final, I can be sure that things aren't going to get any easier.
I'm so close to the Stanley Cup, I can taste it. I want it so badly. I can envision the celebrations; I'm already anticipating the sheer ecstacy of being the Champions.
And yet, as Coach Murray reminded after Saturday night's victory, once we laid the Devils to rest, we're still only half-way there. And the mighty Buffalo Sabres are the next big obstacle standing in our way.
I still have nightmares over last year's second-round horror-show, when those "unsinkable Senators" sunk...and sunk bad. And it was those damned Sabres that ran us into the ice berg. I still remember going into OT in Game 5, our very playoff lives hanging in the balance, when Buffalo took a penalty and my spirits soared, because I truly believed we were in the midst of battling back and making history. We were going to be one of those very few, very special teams that clawed back from a 3-0 deficit and won the whole damned thing.
Then, on that Ottawa powerplay, Jason Pominville made a break into the Sens zone with only Captain Daniel Alfredsson back defending, and he walked in around Alfie and deflated all of my dreams with one shot.
It was a heart-breaker.
So now, thinking about the Sabres and the series that awaits, my stomach is already fluttering with butterflies. It's time for revenge. Time to put that miserable series behind us and move forward into glory. It won't be easy, but this team, this year, has given me every reason to believe that they can do it. It's ours for the taking.
And it all gets going on Thursday night...
GO SENS GO!!
That's right...The Eastern Conference Final!!!
I'm pumped. I'm psyched. I'm soooooooo excited!!
I was thrilled Saturday night when the Sens finally put the dagger through the hearts of those Devils from New Jersey, beating them 3-2 and taking the series 4 games to 1. You know, looking back, realizing that the Sens have only lost two games thus far in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs through 2 rounds, you'd probably have trouble believing that I've almost suffered about a hundred heart attacks. But I have. The playoffs are very hard on my ticker. On game days, I'm just a bundle of nerves, and by the time the puck drops, I'm shaking all over.
So I'm not sure it's good for my health that the Sens have advanced to the third round, but I'm not going to complain.
However, with the Buffalo Sabres joining us in the Eastern Final, I can be sure that things aren't going to get any easier.
I'm so close to the Stanley Cup, I can taste it. I want it so badly. I can envision the celebrations; I'm already anticipating the sheer ecstacy of being the Champions.
And yet, as Coach Murray reminded after Saturday night's victory, once we laid the Devils to rest, we're still only half-way there. And the mighty Buffalo Sabres are the next big obstacle standing in our way.
I still have nightmares over last year's second-round horror-show, when those "unsinkable Senators" sunk...and sunk bad. And it was those damned Sabres that ran us into the ice berg. I still remember going into OT in Game 5, our very playoff lives hanging in the balance, when Buffalo took a penalty and my spirits soared, because I truly believed we were in the midst of battling back and making history. We were going to be one of those very few, very special teams that clawed back from a 3-0 deficit and won the whole damned thing.
Then, on that Ottawa powerplay, Jason Pominville made a break into the Sens zone with only Captain Daniel Alfredsson back defending, and he walked in around Alfie and deflated all of my dreams with one shot.
It was a heart-breaker.
So now, thinking about the Sabres and the series that awaits, my stomach is already fluttering with butterflies. It's time for revenge. Time to put that miserable series behind us and move forward into glory. It won't be easy, but this team, this year, has given me every reason to believe that they can do it. It's ours for the taking.
And it all gets going on Thursday night...
GO SENS GO!!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The Stranglehold
I've mentioned before the importance of that one pivotal game in a series. The one where your favourite team is ahead 2 games to 1. The one where they walk that fine line between being tied 2-2 and taking a 3-1 stranglehold.
That's the game my Sens were in tonight.
Yeah, every game is huge. Every game is pivotal. Every game is super-duper-important.
But that one game...You know what I'm talking about. It's just the most nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching, heart-stopping game everrrrr.
And tonight, yet again, the Sens WON IT!!!!
Now, we have that coveted stranglehold, up 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semis over the New Jersey Devils. It was another nail-biter, and my heart still hasn't returned to regular palpitations. It's awesome!!!
Tonight, the glorious, fantastic, miraculous Martin Brodeur (and if you don't believe me, just ask Bob Cole) - well, he kinda looked human. Alfie's goal to kick things off in the first was pretty sweet, but then Heatley's shot in the second came from an impossible angle, and it never should have went in. Somehow, though, it eluded The Golden Marty. And then Fisher's goal to make it 3-1 early in the third was shot from the blueline, and somehow just zinged in over Brodeur's glove - another save that he normally would've made.
Now, I have all the respect in the world for Martin Brodeur. He's a great goaltender, no doubt about it. And he won Canada a gold medal in the Olympics in '02, for which I will forever be grateful. But I'm sooooo sick of hearing the CBC commentators blow sunshine up his butt that I can barely stand it. You'd almost swear at times that Brodeur and the Devils are dominating the series, and that the Sens are getting by on luck alone. At least tonight, they didn't have so much to rave about.
Marty had an off-night.
Guaranteed, he'll be back "on" Saturday night. Winning this series won't be easy, but I think the Sens will come out gunnin' and get this thing done in 5, back in the Swamp, Saturday night.
But until then, I'll just enjoy The Stranglehold.
GO SENS GO!!
That's the game my Sens were in tonight.
Yeah, every game is huge. Every game is pivotal. Every game is super-duper-important.
But that one game...You know what I'm talking about. It's just the most nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching, heart-stopping game everrrrr.
And tonight, yet again, the Sens WON IT!!!!
Now, we have that coveted stranglehold, up 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semis over the New Jersey Devils. It was another nail-biter, and my heart still hasn't returned to regular palpitations. It's awesome!!!
Tonight, the glorious, fantastic, miraculous Martin Brodeur (and if you don't believe me, just ask Bob Cole) - well, he kinda looked human. Alfie's goal to kick things off in the first was pretty sweet, but then Heatley's shot in the second came from an impossible angle, and it never should have went in. Somehow, though, it eluded The Golden Marty. And then Fisher's goal to make it 3-1 early in the third was shot from the blueline, and somehow just zinged in over Brodeur's glove - another save that he normally would've made.
Now, I have all the respect in the world for Martin Brodeur. He's a great goaltender, no doubt about it. And he won Canada a gold medal in the Olympics in '02, for which I will forever be grateful. But I'm sooooo sick of hearing the CBC commentators blow sunshine up his butt that I can barely stand it. You'd almost swear at times that Brodeur and the Devils are dominating the series, and that the Sens are getting by on luck alone. At least tonight, they didn't have so much to rave about.
Marty had an off-night.
Guaranteed, he'll be back "on" Saturday night. Winning this series won't be easy, but I think the Sens will come out gunnin' and get this thing done in 5, back in the Swamp, Saturday night.
But until then, I'll just enjoy The Stranglehold.
GO SENS GO!!
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