October 24th, 2007 - Canes vs. Sabres: Random Musings and Observations

- It's taken almost two years, but I think somebody at DirecTV finally, FINALLY heard my cries of "Dual feels like Dish Network has...PLEASE!!!". Tonight (and really, on various nights with various games since the season started), DirecTV provided both teams' broadcasting feeds for this game AND the Lightning/Capitals game. And a better Canes game couldn't have been picked...if I had to put up with Rick "GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!" Jeanerette tonight, something would have been destroyed or killed during the game.

- Great, GREAT game from the Canes all-around...a couple of iffy moments in the first and second periods, but overall, I would say there was fifty to fifty-five minutes of damn good hockey played, which is the minimum you need to stick it to those Swords.

- John and Tripp are an absolute comedy team and don't realize it...especially with lines like this:

Tripp: "You sound like you could have been a rock star in a different life!"

John: "A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT life..."

I swear, these two could play an American version of Jeeves and Wooster...with John being the crafty butler, and Tripp being the goofy rich bachelor...

- I think Lindy Ruff and that guy in the Ameriprise retirement ads (y'know...the ones abusing the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'"?) were separated at birth.

Current Music: "Neurotica" by King Crimson

October 11th, 2007 - Canes @ Senators: Random Musings and Observations

- Holy crap...we DirecTV Center Icers got the John and Tripp Show tonight?! WOOT!!! As someone fully expecting to get TSN or Rogers Sportsnet, this already made my night. Not that TSN and Rogers are horrible, but I do prefer John and Tripp when it comes to Canes game coverage...I just cannot help but be a homer like that.

- As I said over at Canes Country, this game was, IMO, going to be very tell-tale of what's to come this season. Well, apart from the wittle comeback put on by the Sens in the last five or so minutes of the game, me likey what I saw...A LOT. Very, VERY 2005-06esque. And IIRC, the Canes ended up being the first team to defeat a very hot Ottawa team at the beginning of that season...

- The Senators' new clothes are buttugly. And that 'new logo' (it's really an update of the third jersey logo) gives me the creeps in that "I think it's staring at me!!" sort of way...not helped by how gigundo they made him on the ice compared to the old logo. o_O Maybe he can somehow get together with the Burger King king and the guy on the oatmeal box...

- Speaking of all things commercial, it took a little while, but I have finally found a couple of regular ads during FSN South Canes broadcasts to hate on...

1. That stupid, STUPID Hardee's ad with the surfer dude ogling the hula bobble-doll. Come to think of it, I don't think there is a Hardee's/Carl's Jr. commercial that I have really liked in the last couple of years. Maybe, MAYBE that one where they said they had milkshakes with that weirdo looking like he was going to tip a cow but ended up shaking it. But I think it was because that was how I found out about Sean Paul's "Get Busy" song.

2. I cannot believe I am getting ready to say this, but an ad for Canes game tickets. Specifically, the one with the two kids talking about being Caniacs. I know I am supposed to find them cute, but I really don't. And one minute is way too long for that ad...not to mention way too much time for my eyes to embrace that pink Canes jersey the girl is wearing. Even if I was her age, I still wouldn't wear that thing...but then again, I am a tomboy and have practically always been.

- Last, but certainly not least, while everyone played GREAT tonight, got to get in a special mention for Chad LaRose...certainly a whole lot outta Rosie tonight. If there is anyone who could be deemed the little engine that could for not only now, but really, the last couple of seasons, it's him.

Current Music: "Fiesta" by The Pogues

October 3rd, 2007 - Canes vs. Habs: Random Musings and Observations

- Even though I understand that it had something to do with a VS. contract of sorts, I STILL say that FSN South not covering this game ROYALLY SUCKED. As someone who actually wanted to see the 10th Anniversary banner hanging, I knew darn good and well that the only chance of that happening would be if FSN South covered the game. As I predicted, the RDS (the Quebec/French TSN) feed did not show a lick of the ceremony...and while VS., if they had chosen to cover this particular game instead of Ducks/Wings, would have probably been a little better, I highly doubt they would have given the banner hanging the coverage that FSN South would have given it.

Not to mention that the RDS feed was just horrible tonight anyway...cameras and computer graphics out of focus during the entire game (and we're talking so bad that it got to where I started to worry that I needed a new glasses prescription) and even the sound got rather fuzzy and staticky in parts. Ugh...

Oh, and I have saved the best for last about this...the RDS announcers kept getting the players' names wrong. No, I am not talking about pulling a Gary Thorne and mispronouncing the names out the wazoo...I mean getting the players wrong. Some examples:

John Cullen = Matt Cullen

Ryan Whitney = Ray Whitney

One of the announcers also said that we got Jeff Hamilton from the L.A. Kings for Jack Johnson...certainly would have been a much better trade than it really was if that's how it had panned out.

- The first period was not bad, IMHO. Certainly where we saw the best playing out of the Canes in this particular game.

- But, what happened in the second and third periods?! I lost count of all the stupid penalties the Canes took, the times they were in their own zone, AND when they could have hit someone BUT decided to not do that!! Way, WAY too reminiscent of last season...and it's only the first game!

- Best player of the game was definitely Cam Ward...with Scott Walker and Andrew Ladd following right behind to the point of almost toppling upon the dude.

- Worst player? Definitely Nicky Wallin...two stupid penalties are enough of a no-no by themselves. But when those penalties lead to game-tying AND game-winning goals for the opposition, those penalties become a big fat hairy no-no.

- This Friday, the Canes that take to the ice better be the ones who started with two rather nicely played power plays at the beginning of this hockey game. Be it through power plays or otherwise, they'll going to need some goals against those Penguins and their mighty offense...

Current Music: "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" by Metallica

March 17th, 2007 - Canes @ Devils: Random Musings and Observations

- The Canes should play on St. Patrick's Day more often...heck, every day should be St. Patrick's Day if it means the Canes blowing teams like the Devils out, 7-2.

- If Grahame keeps having games like the one he had yesterday, my fears of the Canes missing the playoffs without Wardo being able to play will be quite dumbfounded.

- Not to mention if the offense keeps on cranking out goal after goal.

- Got the Joysey feed, as expected with it being an away game, on Center Ice...which was no big deal thanks to the wonders of the Mute button AND my Gigabeat/"Stanley".

- Unlike a few people, I am not quick to jump on this game as "the turning point" for the Canes. I've seen it happen at least two or three other times this season: The Canes have a dynamite blowout game, which gets deemed their "turning point", and then they go and royally stink it up the next two or three or four games.

If the Canes would give me (and the rest of the Caniac Nation) at least two or three solidly decent games after this one, then I will be more than inclined to agree with others that yesterday's affair is a turning point. BUT, until I see those games, I have to play Angry Carolina Hurricanes Nerd...

- There's nothing like a Canes victory, corned beef, potatoes, Italian herb bread, Irish Cream, the Tar Heels advancing to the Sweet Sixteen, and a FREE (1980's era) KING CRIMSON CONCERT to complete an overall quite satisfying St. Patty's Day.

Current Music: "I'm Your Boogie Man" by White Zombie

February 8th, 2007 - Canes @ Bruins: Random Musings and Observations

- Scary to think that if it had not been for just Scott Walker's throwdown and Ray Whitney's natural hat trick in under two minutes*, the Canes might have fallen to the (pathetic) Teddybears once again. Before those two special events, the Canes were looking like they had reverted back to their good ol' mediocre selves once again.

- FSN South's new Hurricanes Live! thirty minute pregame show made its grand debut last night. Overall, I thought they did a pretty good job...even though John Forslund appeared to be channeling the spirit of Allen Ludden with his new spectacles. o_O

- Remember how I said the NESN guys are not all that bad afterall? Ha. Ha. HA. Between this game and the last game vs. the Poohins, I have heard more Whalers/Hartford and college basketball cracks about the Canes than I have read from still bitter Hartforders online.

Heck, last night, in the first five minutes of the game, the NESN guys immediately resorted to incredibly stupid and quite possibly offensive jokes about Bret Hedican and his highly famous figure skating wife, Kristi Yamaguchi. As the NESN "announcers" did such crap, they were sounding and laughing like thoroughly drunk ninnies, and I let out a "BZUH?!".

The only difference between those dorks and two slobs making fun of Sean Hill's wife, whom I had the misfortune of being behind me at the March 2nd, 2004 Canes game vs. Columbus, is that the NESN guys had to keep the Yamaguchi "jokes" "PG", 'cause afterall, they were on the tee-vee. *rolls her eyes*

- Speaking of drunk ninnies, if I did not know better, I'd swear some Buffalo fans did not take that left turn at Albuquerque and were in attendance at the TD BankNorth Garden (what an awful, AWFUL arena name...even though FleetCenter was a corporate-as-all-get-out name too, at least it was more catchy and rolled off the tongue a lot better than the current monstrosity) according to one Ronnie Franchise at the Score Boards Canes MB...

"Fuller than it was the last couple times I was there, but still well shy of a sellout. Like I predicted yesterday, the Massholes stayed home and it was allllllll college kids for student night. Which meant a crowd completely disinterested in the game or any firm rooting interest. Students arriving in packs up to an hour into the game already pre-drunk, most of them with dates in-tow. And most of them turned around looking and shouting at their friends in other sections for blocs on end without even glancing at the ice, or taking pictures of each other with their camera phones. And their @#$% cell phones...like I care about who broke up or hooked up with so and so and who's having a party tomorrow night. And I especially don't like it when the fast-talker in the BC sweatshirt behind me spits beer droplets all over the place (and on my head) while he's jabbering with his friend back on campus about snowboarding this weekend and about how his "killer" 8-hour-a-week part-time job doesn't allow him to go out enough. I may have also been the only guy in my section wearing an authentic jersey, with cap turned forward instead of backward, sitting quietly with laser-like focus on the game...you know, like a real fan. Not to mention I wasn't sporting the same spiky chia-pet facial hair as the other 37 guys in my section who had the same generic man-child goatee with turned-back baseball cap. And I didn't drag a date wearing three gallons of perfume, makeup, and hairspray out to the game...since nobody cares what you look like if you're spending the whole time staring at the ice like you're supposed to. Would you morons do this if Valentine's Day were a student night, too? And I definitely didn't scream at the Mighty Mites "Hey, kid, I your mom last night, and she was "...and certainly not as the only interest taken all night in what was going on on the ice.

Gah! I'm still a couple years from 30 and I've already moved to "Get off my damn lawn" phase with today's youth. I feel so old. The ignoramus behind me (beer-spitter's friend) was trying to impress his date with his extensive hockey acumen by shouting "Fight!" every time there was an offsides whistle, thinking he could will something into erupting (he of course dissapeared for like an hour when the ACTUAL fight happened, and had no idea it had taken place when he came back). "Dude, last time I was here I saw the Islanders...and there was this wicked brawl with 20 guys pairing off at once...say, is Thornton still on the team? No? When did that happen?" His girlfriend, who did know some hockey, was then telling him about a friend she had who played a season in Canadian juniors, and was talking about the real fighting that goes on there. Not to be upstaged by a girl, Know-It-All cut her off and said..."You mean, like the Providence Bruins junior team...man, those guys fight all the time 'cause they're so pissed they got rejected by the NHL.

"

Yes, a bit long and wordy (is that anything like white and nerdy? sure sounds similar, which just dawned on me o_O)...but quite wonderful how it brings up how stupid A LOT of my peers and younger people are. *sighs and rolls her eyes*

- Uno Chicago Pizzaria and Grill looks a darn great place to eat...even if their one commercial almost made me check the DirecTV program guide to make sure the Canes weren't taking on the Blackhawks instead of the Bruins.

Current Music: "Mother Sky" by Skye Klad (Live Can Cover)

* - For those of you who don't read message boards and/or media guides/yearbooks, Ray Whitney's natural hat trick was not a record breaker for the fastest natural hat trick in NHL history...that honor going to a former Chicago Blackhawk named Bill Mosienko, who potted three goals in twenty-one seconds on March 23rd, 1952. *does her best Ben Stein* Wow.

February 6th, 2007 - Canes @ Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- At the risk of getting my hopes up a little early*, that "Fix the Canes" contest the Raleigh News and Observer started today/yesterday is going to get dated rather quickly if the Canes further extend the play they displayed in the Bell Centre tonight.

- I am more than convinced that hockey broadcasts are so much more fun when done in French. Just as long as Bobby Granger isn't doing the translating...or the announcing.

- Even seeing the commercials done in Francais was a hoot...even though it was rather interesting in an ad or two to hear French being spoken, but also the background song's lyrics being in English. The ad *really* coming to mind in that regard being for a show/concert called "Piano Men" taking place somewhere in Montreal...the background song naturally being Billy Joel's** "Piano Man".

- The way Frankie Kaberle played tonight reminds me that I need to take him off of IR in a couple of a Fantasy Leagues.

- Well, if I am to believe this, it sounds like I missed a good episode of House MD tonight, dagnabit.

Never fails...I get suckered into watching a rotten episode AND the Canes lose in the process. And then, I watch the Canes win AND miss a decent House in the process...I almost just can't win. ;)

Current Music: "First We Take Manhattan" by Leonard Cohen

* - The Canes taught me the hard way to not officially say they're back until they have won at least two-three games in a row...remember that successful Anaheim Duck hunt, AND THEN that New Year's buttkickin' by the Philly Flyboys? Um, yeah...

** - On YouTube, I recently discovered an awesome Billy Joel concert that should SO come to DVD...especially considering that it has some of the best damn songs in the pianist/keyboardist's catalogue...

"My Life"

"The Stranger"

"Movin' Out"

"Only The Good Die Young"

"Just The Way You Are"

And, saving the absolute best (IMnot-soHO) for last...

"Prelude/Angry Young Man"

"Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"

The only disappointment is that the concert doesn't feature "New York State of Mind", my new Billy Joel favorite over the past few weeks. But overall, very, VERY SWEET show...especially with "Prelude/Angry Young Man" and "Scenes...". Also, what a GREAT band Joel had then.

January 13th, 2007 - Canes vs. Thrashers: Random Musings and Observations

Better late than never, right?

- Like quite a few people, what stood out to me the most about this affair was Erik Cole's attitude and idiotic decision making in the last five minutes of regulation. Such crap reminds me of a quote I read from the one, the only Ron Francis in one of many articles I've scanned about the man.

"(Terry Crisp, former Soo Greyhounds coach) told me to keep my eyes and ears open in Hartford, and my mouth shut."

Ronnie went on to say that Crisp's advice was some of the best, if not THE best, he ever received in his playing career.

It *is* good advice. So good, that I think most, if not all NHLers could benefit from it. Especially this year's Carolina Hurricanes, AND ESPECIALLY Colesey. If anyone could and should benefit by the bolded part of Ronnie's quote/Crisp's advice, it would be Cole. His tendency to shoot off his mouth is why I say that while I respect Erik for all he has done and still does, he will never quite be the favorite for me that he is for others.

Just think, if Erik had kept his eyes and ears open, he could have kept his mouth shut, AND been able to hopefully help out with the shootout...

- ...That said, I would have hoped that if Erik did participate, his attempt would have been better than his "penalty shot" a week or two ago. Ugh.

- Come to think of it, I'm not sure Colesey would have been able to help out with the shootout. Forget offense, forget defense...the shootout is where the Canes are ROYALLY struggling. I am glad, as all get out, that the NHL All-Stars were not determined by shootout performance...though, I think Eric Staal and Justin Williams were pretty danged lucky to get in like they did. Erik Cole, attitude and all, and Rod Brind'Amour should have definitely gotten in over those two.

Anyways, losing Matt Cullen to the Ranjerks is looking more and more dumb with each shootout the Canes get themselves into. *sighs*

- Where was SportSouth last year? This feed and its broadcasting crew are WAY BETTER than the Turner South dribble Center Icers had to put up with during certain games last season. Thanks to SportSouth, all of the Southeast opponent feeds are now at least tolerable or better when the John and Tripp Show is not available.

- It never fails...I do a post about Sir Bob of Hartley and my concerns over how he gets his boys revved up, and practically nothing happens in that regard.

But, something did happen...that post got acknowledged by somebody over at The NHL Arena.

That mentioned, I hope the Thrash afficionados got a jolly good laugh...I'd like to think that unlike Monty Python's colonel, they can enjoy such a thing.

Current Music: "Clues" by Robert Palmer

January 11th, 2007 - Canes vs. Panthers: Random Musings and Observations

- Games like this one can be tricky to write about...on one hand, I could lambast this Canes team on the gawdawful first two thirds they played last night. But on the other hand, I could practically worship this team over the FANTASTIC third period they somehow managed last night. That would have been a bet I would have lost big time.

That said, one could argue that with that last sentence, I was breaking my cardinal hockey fandom rule of a game ain't over until it's over. Bet'cha a lot of people who left the RBC during the second intermission wish they followed that rule...even with all of my complaining, (cat-calls) I wouldn't have left! I wouldn't have left! :P

And trust me people, with all of the Canes games I got to attend when I was a Raleigh native, I had ample opportunity to leave early, but I never did. And I never will, cross my heart and hope to die.

- After reading the game thread at The Score Boards, I guess I'm the only one...I just don't find the Florider* Puddytat announcers to be that bad. Yes, that includes Denis Potvin. Who I *did* find annoying during the First Round of the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs. But, I think a lot of that was because John Forslund was Potvin's play-by-play partner, and I somehow missed Tripp Tracy's inanity.

- Dennis Seidenberg has proven to be a lot better than I thought he'd be...and I was/am one of the rare few who thought he would be not too bad AND an overall slight improvement over Kevyn Adams.

- 'Cause Jes Golbez ranted about it regarding the Wild/Canucks game last night, I cannot help but bring up the aspect of stupid "anthems" being played at NHL games. AND, you know one of these had to have been played at last night's rumble with the Cats. So it shouldn't be completely off-topic...if it is, well, it's my blog, tough noogies. ;P

What he said: "Anyone who partakes in the “Day-O” chant. Yeah, there are people who actually dig that crap. Do us all a favour and commit suicide, would you please."

What she said: "How the absolute hell did "Day-O" become one of those "anthems" that you almost always hear at NHL games? I can understand "Who Let the Dogs Out", as stupid as it is. But "Day-O", "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", AND in *very rare* instances, the Spongebob Squarepants theme?!

Obviously, we've got bigger fish to fry than the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. o_O"

Really AND truly, the Spongebob Squarepants theme has gotten quite a bit of leverage in sportsdom the last few years. The first time I ever heard it at a sporting event was at the only Durham Bulls game I've ever attended, in June of 2004. And boy, it was hot crap then...everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY joined in the sing-along to it. I'll admit that I joined in because...

1. I did not want to come across as a fuddy-duddy.

and

2. I don't know if it was the vapors from the beer and Red Man, or what, but I did not realize that I was contributing to the rise of a phenomenon that wasn't for the better.

Seriously, at the time, I didn't think that I would hear a cartoon theme, that makes the presence of Tripp Tracy seem intellectual, be played at NHL games. But, thanks to the Wonderful World of Center Ice, I have heard about "who lives in a pineapple under the sea" during at least two or three, if not four NHL games this season. And probably a few times last season too. I never thought I'd say this, but such stuff makes me practically clamour for "Cotton-Eyed Joe", "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", "Day-O", and even the Vengaboys!!

Well, so much for not coming across as a fuddy-duddy... :P

Current Music: "What I Am Is What I Am" by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

* - There's more to speaking Southern than saying "y'all" and "Git R Done"...to really master such an art, replace the "a" with "er" in words and names ending with "a". Examples: "Florider" (as you may have heard in the Florida's Natural orange juice TV ads), "Caroliner", "Atlanter", "Ottawer", "Bates Battaglier", etceterer.

January 9th, 2007 - Canes @ Leafs: Random Musings and Observations

- Whether it is CBC, Rogers Sportsnet, or TSN, the latter being received last night, I LOVE Canadian feeds. And it can never be repeated enough: I really, REALLY wish there was a way to get such feeds 24/7 instead of just during games featured via Center Ice. As entertaining and interesting as Canadian shows seem from just the (WONDERFUL) ads alone, I just don't see how a "CBC America" wouldn't work here in the States. If pulled off right, I know I'd watch such a channel more than BBC America...which, really has been going downhill the last couple of years. They need to bring back that AWESOME remake of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), dagummit.

- While we're on the subject, Canadian ads absolutely rock too. Particularly the Pro Line ads (this one I saw a few months ago)...unfortunately, I couldn't find the one I saw last night about the hockey team forced to wear very, VERY OLD throwback uniforms AND gear. But, when it finally gets posted to YouTube or Google, you can bet your sweet bippy it will get mentioned again here.

Another ad I saw last night AND LOVED that's not on YouTube or Google, unfortunately: Sidney Crosby's Timbits Hockey ad. Folks, it takes a lot to make me go "Awwwwwww!!" like a teenybopper...and that commercial did it. THAT is how precious the promo is. Again, like the Pro Line hockey ad, the Timbits commercial will get mentioned again here when a video is up somewhere. But, in the meantime, you can read about Cros' Timbits endorsing here, there, and in between.

- Not only did the Canes' visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame yesterday apparently pump them up enough to win over the Leafs last night, it reminded me of how much I *really* wish to be in attendance for a certain absolute favorite ever former player of mine's Hall of Fame induction, quite possibly this year, IIRC. But, thanks to passports being a royal pain to get now, among other things, one of my dream trips there is looking to be a bit out of reach. *sighs*

- Admittingly, I did not watch at least half of the game because of the "grand" return of House MD...grand being used loosely 'cause of House's going back into Limbo for three weeks because of the WAY OVERBLOWN Star Search a.k.a. American Idol a.k.a. what should have been only fifteen minutes of fame for Simon Cowell and his (former) honey. I would include Randy Jackson in there...but after reading his Wikipedia entry, I think he is way too talented to have somehow gotten involved with such a music corrupting machine, especially considering who he's done session work for.

Very needless to say, if there is anything I actually don't miss about living in Raleigh, it's how you could/can never escape the frickin' Clay Aiken hype, even after at least two years (at the time I moved) since he placed second on AI. Not helped by the fact that WRAL thinks anything involving AI is actually news. Did Star Search ever get acknowledged by news outlets during its heyday?! I could be offbase here, but I honestly don't think it did. Simply ridiculous.

Speaking of stuff being that...I *am* glad that House MD finally wrapped up the highly annoying Officer Tritter storyline. As much as I dig David Morse and his acting, that is officially the role of his I highly dislike the most. Good riddence.

- I hope the Penguins really, REALLY wear out the Kitties down in Florida tonight...not only for the Guins' chances of finally snatching a win, but also the Canes' getting to continue their win streak tomorrow night.

Current Music: "Voices" by Russ Ballard

December 28th and 29th, 2006 - Canes @ Sabres AND vs. Ducks: Random Musings and Observations

When this season is all said and done, and people ask me why was I so frustrated with my Canes at times during it, I will simply point towards these past couple of weeks and say "That's why.".

As delighted as I've been with the Canes' five game winning streak and saving Festivus and Christmas in the process, I have found it a little hard to be enthused, because, well, it's not like the Canes beat a Buffalo or an Anaheim during all of that. They played the dismal Flyers, and the mediocre Lightning, Islanders, and Panthers (twice). Ok, I realize that the Islanders have been a little more than mediocre as of late, BUT they are still highly beatable...as proven by the Canes finally beating them 5-1, making for the best game during the streak AND quite possibly the best game of the season.

That said, if there was anyone the Canes should have pulverized, it's the Flyers. It pains me to see the rest of the League killing the orange and black ones, AND the Canes barely eek out a 2-1 win. So yeah, as evidenced by the above rant, I'm still bitter about that.

BUT ANYWAY, regarding these past two games...the Canes can't beat the second League-best Buffalo, but they can run/skate with AND beat the League-best Anaheim?! I wouldn't go as far as saying that's wacked...BUT, I will go as far as saying that if the Canes had played the game they played against the (Mighty) Ducks, they may not have been swept by the Swords and/or could have at least made Thursday's game score a little more respectable than it was.

- Admittedly, I didn't really watch a whole lot of the Canes @ Sabres game, because DirecTV gave me the Sabres MSG feed, as predicted, thanks to it being an away game.

Thanks to Turner South no longer existing, the MSG Buffalo crew is now officially my pick for the most excruciatingly annoying broadcast team, at least for this season. I can't decide who grates on my nerves more: The play-by-play announcer who makes Howard Cosell and Brent Musburger sound rather tolerable, even if combined together in some mad scientist's experiment; OR Rob Ray, who immediately makes me clamour for Tripp Tracy and his prattlings about food and groins.

Note to the Canes: Don't give the/a color commentating job to an ex-goon. At least an ex-goon like RR, anyway.

- After last night's game, it's actually funny AND ironic that I compare Rob Ray and Tripp...y'see, RR is the ice level color commentator for the Sabres, and Tripp got a taste of the same position last night while the Canes bouted with the Ducks. Things that make you go hmmmmm...could it be that John Forslund is getting a new partner in the booth soon? Guess we'll find out on a future episode of "As the Storm Turns".

- Don't worry Brindy worshipers, I have not forgotten about your golden boy's big night...

Last night was Rod Brind'Amour Night, during which, Brindy was honored for reaching the 1,000 point mark a few games ago. Many congrats to the guv'nor.

That led to a nitpick that, really, will be no different from my gripings about the beginning of the second and third period interviews with Laviolette and McCarthy, respectfully...so, you've been warned.

John, Tripp, and FSN South, ever since 2002, everybody, their brother, sister, and cousin throughout the Caniac Nation had Brindy pegged to be the next Captain after Ronnie Francis, and therefore practically knew he would eventually be Captain. There was absolutely no need to make it sound like Rod had to win a freakin' lottery to get the position.

I swear I lost count of how many times I uttered "(Brindy) was SLATED to be Captain!!" to the TV during that moment.

And hey, what do I know? Especially since I was not in Lavy's head when he made the decision in 2005. BUT, if Brindy still wasn't a gimme for the Captainancy by then, color me highly surprised.

- It *still* scares me that the two absolute best teams in the League are the ones already wearing Reebok's proposed buttugly jerseys for the remainder of the League, which are supposed to make their grand debut at the All-Star Game/Event later next month.

Then again, what we are seeing the Sabres and Ducks wearing are apparently mere prototypes. 'Cause even though the jerseys have that form-fitting look to them (at least they do to me), the Ducks and Sabres look comfortable wearing them. That cannot be said for one of the Ducks' neighbors to the north, who got to try out the new duds recently.

I was getting ready to post a quote or two from that article, but there are too many good ones in there...making me prompt you to read the article ASAP. It's nice to know that we fans aren't the only ones who feel the new streamlined and form-fitting "jerseys" are going to be crap. Unfortunately, a player made it clear that he thought the new "jerseys" are ok...hint: He used to be a Teddybear. That said, when I read his comment, I was not surprised. But other than him, I don't think his teammates know what to think overall.

I will conclude by saying what gives me hope about the new "jerseys" not having a long life is remembering how the "Cooperalls" a.k.a. hockey pants in the early 80's were promoted as THE new look for NHLers, only to barely last a season.

Current Music: "Fiesta" by The Pogues

December 19th, 2006 - Canes @ Flyers: Random Musings and Observations

- Y'know, the Grinch in me *really* wants to gripe about how the Canes should have pulverized the Eastern Conference worst Flyboys. BUT, on the other hand, the angel in me wants to just say that hey, the Canes got two points, and that's better than no points at all.

- John and Tripp AND FSN South...I may not get your feed all the time, no thanks to DirecTV and their version of Center Ice. But I've watched your feed enough over the last season and a third to know that it is absolutely no shock what-so-ever when you get Peter Laviolette to take two-three minutes out for his beginning of the second period "fireside chat". So that said, stop acting like you barely got Pete to stop and address us Caniacs on the current issues he (supposedly) went over with the Canes in the locker room.

And let's not even get into why the heck Kevin "Kato" McCarthy is doing "fireside chats" at the beginning of the third period... o_O

- Did John and Tripp switch bodies? Here I was all ready to hear Tripp drool over Philly's finest steak and cheese...and instead, it was John doing that!! o_O

I *had* to make sure Rod Serling didn't magically appear in my room or on the TV screen...

- Speaking of the Canes staffers...very, VERY GLAD to see Chris Huffine and his day with Lord Stanley get acknowledged during tonight's game. As I have noted somewhat constantly, I somewhat knew Chris when I lived in Raleigh/Wake Forest, thanks to his wife(!! It's VERY belated, but CONGRATULATIONS on the marriage, Chris!!) who work(ed?) as a receptionist for my family chiropractor. And he is every bit the wonderful person they make him out to be whenever he gets mentioned during a broadcast. Once again, and it can never be said enough, CONGRATULATIONS to Chris on being the first ever native North Carolinian to get their name on the Stanley Cup.

Because of that, I just may have to keep this game on tape.

- I'm starting to feel like the FSN South feed is teasing me with that damned creepy Gizmo-voiced "Brindy! Brindy! Brindy!" commercial...tonight's game was the third or fourth one in a row where they waited until the last five minutes to play that thing.

Current Music: "Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)" by The Ramones

November 6th, 2006 - Canes @ Oilers: Random Musings and Observations

(Skipped last night's game 'cause to quoteth William Shakespeare...all the world is indeed a stage, AND THE CANES PLAYED LIKE CRAP!!

And, I was practically a zombie due to having get up really, REALLY early because of renovation work being done on my family and I's house.)

- I'm cutting to the chase on one thing made VERY BLATANT throughout this game...Mick McGeough ROYALLY SUCKS as a ref. Forget Mike Hasenfratz, I got a new numero uno most hated ref.

Unfortunately, I am not surprised that Magoo called things the way he did tonight...highly considering how he did not want to anger up the Oil faithful's blood more than he already did in a certain incident earlier this season. But geez Louise...was trying to make nice with the Oil more important than blowing a VERY OBVIOUS high sticking call (which should have been four minute of PP time for the Canes...as indicated by a very bloody Mike Commodore)? Then again, what the heck am I saying? We are talking about a ref who is so dramatic when he is criticized that he might as well don a Cowardly Lion costume or something similar, and belt out that horrible "King of the Forest" song.

- At first, I was highly enthralled to get The John and Tripp Show tonight, especially after having to put up with ESPeeN Full Court/Radio for about thirty-forty minutes into the game. But then, the thrill started going when John and Tripp constantly sang the praises of the Oilers. It can never be said enough: John and Tripp, I do admire how, unlike a certain Buffalo announcer with his team, you two try not to be complete Canes homers in your coverage. BUT, when the 60-70% bias starts leaning more in favor of the team playing other than the Canes, that's where I start to get a little annoyed.

Of course, I guess I'll give John and Tripp a free pass tonight, considering how it was/still is hard to overly compliment the Canes right now.

- Speaking of that, I couldn't help but be easily amused by how the "Bold Move of the Game" (fancy term du jour for the best highlight of the game, for those of you not in Canesland one way or another) was a move by Justin Williams that resulted in an Oil goal. While I think the "Bold Move" should have been Craig Adams' goal...usually, team broadcasts try to put on a positive spin one way or another...at the same time, I think Willy's "bold move" beautifully sums up tonight's affair in a concise manner.

- As if tonight wasn't already horrid enough, Rod Brind'Amour did not even play in the third period. To quote J. Forslund: "Rod did not report to Coach Laviolette."...and later, it was revealed that a lower body injury is what's keeping #17 hampered. More will be revealed here tomorrow or in a couple of days...

- Speaking of El Capitan, just when I thought a certain Canes commercial had finally been pulled...Gizmo's cries of "Brindy! Brindy! Brindy!" came back with a vengeance in the remaining five minutes of the "game", resulting in yours truly making a noise similar to this.

Current Music: "I Believe In Father Christmas" by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer

December 2nd, 2006 - Canes vs. Bruins: Random Musings and Observations

- I may dislike Nickelback with the passion of ten suns, but hey, if they give Cam Ward the luck and confidence to win games via his helmet/mask, then I certainly cannot complain about that much.

- Perhaps Eric Staal reads this here place...I make one crack about him (seemingly) having more penalty minutes than points as of the game vs. Montreal, and he goes and gets two goals tonight. That's much more like it Staalsy...see what happens when you keep your a** out of the box? ;)

- The NESN guys set themselves up for Justin Williams' shorthanded goal...it was quite easy to see coming, as much as they kept flashing the graphic about AND mentioning the top shorthanded scoring teams in the NHL.

- Speaking of NESN, who were not at all bad or annoying tonight, much to my delight...I cannot help but be jealous of the fact that they do fun TV programs with both present and past Bruin players. I think the Canes could take a cue or two from that...and while I'm at it, they need to bring back that Saturday/Sunday morning show that ran through the 2001-02 season. But obviously, it would feature Peter Laviolette instead of Paul Maurice...

Current Music: "Run Run Rudolph" by Bryan Adams (Live)

November 30th, 2006 - Canes vs. Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- Ok, 'cause many of you are expecting it, I'll go ahead and make it official: Ron Francis needs to make more special guest appearances on FSN South when his now very, VERY BUSY schedule can allow it.

In all seriousness, it really seemed like the Canes got an extra spark or two in their engines when Ronnie took to the booth during the second period.

And for the record, when John said a special guest was coming on, something told me it would be Mr. Francis. Figured it would be either him, or Mike Commodore's dad, as much as they talked about Commie's day with Lord Stanley.

- Speaking of Mikey-Boy, you know he is really, truly a party dude when just his mere presence in a photo makes him look like he is fresh out of a college fraternity movie, with or without the enchanted afro.

- Too bad Erik Cole did not get the hat trick...but at least he got much needed points for both the Canes and my Fantasy teams. Something that cannot be said about Staalsy as of late...never thought I'd see the day where the boy would benefit moi more in the PIM column, where that's good anyway, than the goals or assist one.

- Ladies and gentlemen, Wardo is back. And even though I'm not sure I could agree with his taste in music shown off through it, Cam's new Nickleback helmet/mask is rather nifty looking. But, being a mythology nut, I still say Marc Denis has the best current helmet/mask in the NHL.

- What is with FSN South not wanting to cover the games against the Boston Bruins? First this past Friday's game, and now Saturday's game...well, at least NESN has not been obnoxious...yet.

- A thought just dawned on me...I did not see the infamous "Gizmo loves Brindy" ad at all tonight. You mean someone's actually listened to me? Wow...what a novel concept!

It's funny I bring that ad up considering I just bought Gremlins for my so-far tiny DVD collection... :D

Current Music: "My Will" - Inuyasha's First AND Last Closing Theme

November 28th, 2006 - Canes vs. Senators: Random Musings and Observations

There are only three good things that can be said about this particular affair...

1. Thank god somebody on the Canes, Andrew Ladd to be precise, got a goal.

2. Whether it is CBC, TSN, or Rogers Sportsnet, the latter being tonight's feed, getting the Canadian feeds absolutely rocks.

3. What would I ever do without House MD to save me from watching sixty hockey minutes of the crap the Canes try to push as hockey?!

As for the rest...quite obviously, the Canes did not heed my advice to drink (more) coffee.

And...well, what the HELL happened to the Canes who played in Boston Friday? I know the Bruins are not the world's greatest team...but STILL. If the Canes used an ounce of the energy from that game in tonight's game, they could have at least given the Spartacus' a run for their money.

It may be hard to tell from some of my posts as of late...I love the Canes, really and truly, I do. But I swear, they have been (and still are) more frustrating than a Rubik's Cube.

Current Music: "Dancing Madly Backwards" by Captain Beyond

November 18th, 2006 - Canes vs. Stars: Random Musings and Observations

- While my Ron Francis calendar still hasn't arrived (stupid Media Mail...oh well, as that semi-cliche goes, you get what you pay for), I *did* get my King Crimson Discipline shirt today. AND, tonight alone has convinced me that if I wear that thing during Canes games, the Canes may very well take on the very word the shirt says and talks about:

"Discipline is a vehicle for joy."

No truer words could be said, especially regarding tonight's affair.

Seriously, despite what the score says, this was easily the most disciplined I have seen the Canes be this season. And I would absolutely, really, truly love to see them keep that up.

- My biggest beef with this game...you knew one was coming, admit it...was how the Canes didn't take advantage of all the power plays Da Starz were practically handing them. But, at the same time, the Canes' fantastic penalty kill, ESPECIALLY on the 5-on-3, cancels out that mess.

- Correction about something I said in last night's Canes/Caps RM&O: Rod Brind'Amour is behind (if not having already surpassed, as of tonight) Jaromir Jagr for season assists, NOT points. Instead, Brindy is behind (again, if not having already surpassed) Marian Hossa for season points.

I *still* wish I had made Brindy's weightlifting a** first priority in my Fantasy drafts instead of Eric Staal...even if Staalsy got his third career hat trick tonight. Congrats to ya, guv'nor.

- What I said about the Caps broadcasting crew in the said previous RM&O can also be said about the Stars crew. And even more fun about tonight's broadcast? It was one of those infamous literally commercial free broadcasts!!! You know, where you get to see the camera crew setting up for the return from the ads AND hear the announcers off the camera? Ever since I saw a Wings/Sharks game without commercials during a Center Ice preview way back at the beginning of the 2002-03 season, I have been clamouring for the golden night/day when I get the John and Tripp Show in one of those commercial free broadcasts.

Yes, I have practically no life, what-so-ever. And hey, at least I admit to that...

Current Music: "Groove Is In the Heart" by Dee-Lite (Featuring Bootsy Collins)

November 17th, 2006 - Canes @ Capitals: Random Musings and Observations

Despite having more company and another steak dinner that couldn't be beat (this time at the Sagebrush outside of Wytheville, VA), I did manage to catch the third period of tonight's game...

- Got the Comcast/Capitals feed tonight. And after reading some of the comments in the Score Boards' game thread, I don't get the overall beef with the Caps broadcasting crew. Sure, I would choose the John and Tripp Show if I had my choice of them or the Caps guys. But, the Caps guys are ok in my book...I'll take them over quite a few feeds, even the Pittsburgh one (no thanks to Mike Lange now being on the radio). Gotta give them credit where it is due...they know when to give the Canes their kudos, and tonight was certainly no exception.

- Didn't even realize that Grahame was in net until he got scored on...but despite that, he clocked in his first good game and win as a Cane.

- Speaking of him, I think I just read the best funny player nickname yet...

"Grahame Cracka"

The only way that can become funnier than it already is would be if John Forslund and/or Tripp Tracy somehow uttered it during a broadcast.

- If I had known that Rod Brind'Amour would be right behind Jaromir Jagr for the overall NHL points lead, I would have made his weightlifting a**, NOT Eric Staal, number one priority in all of my Fantasy Hockey leagues' drafts.

- Well, based on this year and last year's results, this "Room With the Dads" thing has been a capital idea on Laviolette's part...pun intended.

*does her best vocal impersonation of those darned Paine Webber ads a few years ago* Thank you Gomez Addams.

Current Music: "Hands Up" by the Black Eyed Peas

November 13th, 2006 - Canes vs. Sabres: Random Musings and Observations

- Right now, I hate DirecTV...they screwed me out of the John and Tripp show AND gave me the Buffoon crew on MSG. Grrrrrrrr...

- That said, that feed managed to get on my nerves despite being muted...where the heck did all the Sword fans come from, and how did they get into the RBC Center? o_O

- If the 2nd Period Canes had played all sixty minutes, the Slugs would have finally had two losses under their belt.

- As if tonight's loss was bad enough, I just read five minutes ago that Mark "Media Whore" Messier is getting to give out a leadership award...not once, not twice, but EVERY MONTH of the NHL season. Please excuse me while I go barf...

Y'know, this calls for a re-posting of a rather notorious pic of his baldness...

As John sometimes responds to Tripp, um, yeah... o_O

Current Music: "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" by The Hollies

November 4th, 2006 - Canes @ Senators: Random Musing and Observation

'Cause it can never said enough, I LOVE when the Canes play well enough to the point that I don't have to write a ton nor do I have to be in a hurry to write.

Though, for mojo purposes, I will not officially declare the Canes to be on a winning streak until they officially have another one or two games under their belts. Unlike some people in ye olde Caniac Nation...you know who you are.

BTW, I could not believe it...DirecTV showed the John and Tripp Show last night, despite the Canes not being in Raleigh. And, with all due respect to those two, I hafta admit that I was looking forward to Hockey Night In Canada. They're one of the few non-Cane feeds I LOVE, AND I very much agree with the following, posted at The Score Boards.

"Am I the only person who found Tripp's commentary terrible and ridiculous (more than usual) last night? He was carping at Gerber the entire game. He tried to get Williams to rip on Gerber in the pregame and when he wouldn't , Tripp was off and running. Poor positioning, leaves the short side open, not as calm as Cam Ward--not just once, but again and again.

When Phillips took the extra penalty for arguing the call Tripp was talking about the officials as if they're saints. Paraphrasing --"They quietly do their jobs and if you have a problem with their calls you must respect them and say nothing"

Chad Larose blocked a shot and Tripp went on for three minutes with a Larose lovefest.

He kept talking about crescendos and climaxes during the Canes power play, I wondered if he was watching a different feed in the press box.

I can almost feel Forslund cringing in the pressbox. One of these days he's going to give Tripp an elbow to the side of the head to shut him up."

Current Music: "Remind Me" by Royksopp