Versus Is Incompetent...Film At Eleven

Just when I begin to feel a little ashamed that I am missing the NHL Awards, I happen upon the following, and give myself a pat on the shoulder...

"It would have been nice for American fans of the NHL to watch these awards and theoretically the broadcast was supposed to be available on Versus at 7pm, buuuuuuuut….in true NHL on TV there was a snafu and Versus game it’s viewers a boxing match between…well, who the hell cares. Here’s a version of what went wrong from James Mirtle who was blogging the awards for AOLfanhouse:

“Here’s what happened. Versus was using the CBC signal from Toronto. However CBC is tape delaying the awards and showing them at 8pm local time. Apparently Versus just got the schedule from the NHL (which had the whole thing starting at 7) and never looked at the CBC schedule. Because the CBC feed from Toronto was delayed that would push the broadcast past 9 o’clock when Versus is scheduled for a live boxing match. Thus the decision was made to push the already taped award show to 11 and air the live sporting event.”

The reason that Food Network can beat the Stanley Cup Finals game one in the ratings? Because when Food Network says that “Build a Better Burger” is on at 7pm, it’s flippin’ on at 7pm. Versus is clearly run by chimps; chimps with a drinking problem."

*sighs* To paraphase one of my most favorite coffee mugs my family had growing up, which featured a bunch of cartoon orange tabby cats making a HUGE mess in a kitchen: "My league, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT."

Obviously, I love it...otherwise, I wouldn't be here blogging about it whenever something postworthy comes along. But man...not only is Versus run by chimps, but so is the NHL, especially in marketing AND considering that SOMEONE at the home office in Toronto agreed to a deal with the aforementioned network.

And as I post this AND am scouraging the Net for more NHL Awards tidbits, my eyes embrace this...

"11:45 and they (*still*) haven't started handing out the hardware."

Yikes!! Thank ye gods for the Internet AND leaks...thanks to those, I have found out the following...

Rod Brind'Amour wins the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the second season in a row. - Yay for Brindy...and one of the few times I am quite glad to be wrong. I had him pegged for his award coffin being nailed shut by not making the playoffs. BUT, leave it to #17 to be mighty in not only muscle power, but also defying the odds AND media.

Lindy Ruff DOES NOT WIN the Jack Adams Award!! - Not totally official yet...but the moment it becomes that at one of my stomping grounds, you bet your sweet bippy I'll update this post.

Current Music: "That's Entertainment" by The Jam

Edit as of June 15th, 1:35 AM: To quoteth the great John Forslund...hey, hey, hey, what do you say?! The rumors were TRUE!!!

Hart Memorial Trophy, MVP - Sidney Crosby.

Vezina Trophy, goaltender - Martin Brodeur.

James Norris Memorial Trophy, defenseman - Nicklas Lidstrom.

Calder Memorial Trophy, rookie - Evgeni Malkin.

Frank J. Selke Trophy, defensive forward - Rod Brind'Amour.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, most gentlemanly - Pavel Datsyuk. (aaah)

Jack Adams Award, coach - Alain Vigneault.

King Clancy Trophy, humanitarian contribution to hockey - Saku Koivu.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, perserverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey - Phil Kessel.

~~~

Art Ross Trophy, points scoring leader - Sidney Crosby.

Maurice Richard Trophy, goal-scoring leader - Vincent Lecavalier.

William M. Jennings Trophy, goalies with fewest goals against, minimum 25 games - Nicklas Backstrom & Manny Fernandez.

---

Lester B. Pearson Award, outstanding player - Sidney Crosby.

All is right with the world...and I'm so happy, I just may not sleep for another couple of hours.

Current Music of the edit: "True" by Spandau Ballet

Odds and Sods

- With this year's NHL awards nominees announced, Rod Brind'Amour finds himself a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for a second year in a row.

Brindy may or may not win this thing again...what I am factoring regarding both aspects of that:

May Not Win:

Not on a playoff team.

Not on the media darling New Joysey Devils.

May Win:

Has the highest +/- of all the Selke nominees, the other two being Samuel Pahlsson and Jay Pandolfo (hence my Devs comment).

Of the three nominees, has the most goals scored.

Interestingly enough, even though the Selke is for defensive play, it more often than not goes to the man with the most goals scored. That said, Brindy should have this thing in spades. But that remains to be seen...especially if (does her best Putty from Seinfeld) THE DEVILS(!!) and Jay Pandolfo continue with their usual playoff reign of terror.

- On the other side of the player spectrum...Anton Babchuk has most likely signed with a Russian club, Avangard OMSK, to be precise.

No surprise at all to me there...Anton was not the Canes' greatest defenseman this past season. AND, there were (thanks to this revelation, I highly suspect more than) rumors that Babs was not thrilled with his use on the team. Not to mention all the talk of him being potential trade bait...at the risk of showing off how un-savvy I am about contracts and such mess, I wonder if the Canes can still trade Anton's butt for either a (hopefully) better defenseman or at least a prospect of sorts, should Anton ever return to the NHL...

- In better Canes news, the Canes announced that 2007-08 season ticket prices will remain unchanged from the 2006-07 season's STH prices. After all the speculation from PLENTY of fans, including myself despite not getting to attend at least one game this past season, about the Canes having the audacity to increase prices after such a rugged season, three cheers and a tiger for the Canes' brass for not doing what would have been a stupid move. Of course, I suppose setting an attendance average record (17,387 fans per game) AND a season sellout game record (NINETEEN!!) *really* helped. Who *still* dares to say hockey doesn't belong in NC? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

- For anyone consuming mass quantities while reading this, I highly recommend that you skip the following couple of paragraphs...

As I was enjoying my lovely breakfast of a Kashi TLC bar, milk, and coffee; the most unnecessarily disgusting ad embraced my television set. It was for the umpteenth new pregnancy test...no big deal, right? Oh, wrong...SO. VERY. WRONG. After the ad got through closing in on the pregnancy test device, it backed away to show URINE SPLASHING ONTO THE DEVICE!!! It's a freakin' miracle that I did not do a spit take with my coffee as my eyes went as wide as dinner plates in a "Did I just see THAT?!" manner. BUT, I did end up having a flashback to when I went and saw Apollo 13 at a theatre, and right when I took my very first bite out of a Reese's cup (Back then, I had a habit of not eating my candy until the movie "started getting *really* good"...in this instance, it was when the astronauts shot up into space.), a nicely sized glob of vomit floated across the movie screen. Um, yeah. o_O

As I've had to make clear here before, I am not a prude. BUT, I like to maintain a sense of decency. I'd love to think that people know what pee is AND how you make such a substance. But then again, such a statement more than likely underestimates the stupidity of this nation. o_O

- And I feel very safe saying that last sentence after reading the following this morning...

"Britney Spears just played live, for the first time in three years, at the House of Blues in San Diego. She performed for about 10 minutes.

SOURCE: It was the top story on the Fox 6 News tonight. And they've had continuing coverage throughout the newscast. *sigh*"

That blurb does not even mention how people actually paid $200 for that "performance". O_O

I don't know what melts my brain more...that, or the fact that the said "performance" was actually considered news to the point that they had CONTINUING COVERAGE OF IT. I would say "Only in California.", but what (almost prevented) me from doing that is keeping in mind that if Clay Aiken were to ever perform in Raleigh for the first time in three, five, ten, whatever years; there is no doubt that WRAL and/or other local TV news outlets down there would have continuing coverage of such an "event".

Between all of that, and Anna Nicole's baby's daddy (say that five times fast), it really, REALLY scares me what counts for actual news, locally AND nationally, these days...

Current Music: "Electric Clouds" - Chrono Trigger OverClocked Remix

Canes Re-Sign Ray Whitney

We interrupt a huge-a** addiction to Adventure Quest to bring you some berry, berry good news...

Turning an uneventful week* into quite an eventful one on the Canes news front, Ray Whitney got re-signed by ze Canes and "G.I. Jimbo"** Rutherford yesterday.

Unlike some fans, I am not at all surprised by Whitney's being re-signed, despite his being an Unrestricted Free Agent, had JR not signed him before July 1st. And it should be no surprise, considering that "The Wizard" was one of the only Canes to have a dynamite season (the other one being Rod Brind'Amour).

If there should be any surprise, it should be at the fact that Jimmy re-signed a major player before June. If that's not a record of some kind, I will eat a Canes cap.

Current "Music": Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel

* - Yeah, yeah, I know that the Stanley Cup Playoffs started and all that, and I'm following them. But, knowing how quite a few of you don't exactly care for the Pittsburgh Penguins, I thought I'd spare you from my fandom of them, save for the occasional and hopeful burst of celebration.

Should the Penguins falter in their quest for Lord Stanley, then GO PREDS!!

** - My loving nickname for the Canes' general manager...hailing from an episode of Rocko's Modern Life.

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

One For the "Oh, This Is RICH!!" Files

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showpost.php?p=169171&postcount=56

"...There's an amusing poll on NHL.com's front page right now. I can't link to it and it'll probably disappear after a certain amount of time, but it reads a little something like this:

Which player will lead the Southeast division in scoring?
Martin St. Louis
Alex Ovechkin
Ron Brind'Amour
Erik Cole
Marian Hossa
Vincent LeCavalier
Erik Cole
Ilya Kovalchuk
(other)"

In addition to making me LMAO, this makes me simply want to point my finger at the person who created the poll, and utter "Bad."...nothing more, nothing less.

And I thought this was bad enough...

Also worth noting is how Erik Cole gets mentioned not once, but TWICE. But hey, at least they spelled his name...one of my bigger pet peeves over the last year or so being all the people who insist on spelling Erik's name with a "c" instead of a "k".

While I'm at it...I think the Canes should forget about Stormy, and make Bruce Campbell their new mascot.

That said, Laviolette should so make Bruce's words in this a locker room speech.

Current Music: "Bad" by Michael Jackson (Believe it or not, that came up on my WinAmp playlist as I was typing what's above... o_O)

January 2nd, 2007 - Canes @ Penguins: Random Musings and Observations

- Ok...I don't know what is more screwy: The Canes' play as of late (especially keeping in mind that this was a team that somehow beat Anaheim...something that's proving to be more and more of a fluke, even after just two more games) OR this whole "Vote For Rory (Fitzpatrick)" (into the All-Star Game/Event) campaign.

What? You're one of the extreme remote few who has not heard about the "Vote For Rory" campaign?! Well, well, well...lemme enlighten you with a wittle something I posted at the Score Boards:

In what I've read/heard about the Rory Fitzpatrick joke, AND it was/is meant to be a joke, it was started by a dude over at a place called SomethingAwful.com. And if you know anything about SA.com like I do, they royally go for "funny stuff" such as a guy like Rory getting into the NHL All-Star Game/Event, despite having almost zip points.

I don't know how to feel about the "joke" overall...on one hand, I like the idea of something showing up the NHL All-Star Game/Event for what it really is: A "contest" based on supposed fan popularity as opposed to talent and/or production for that season. But, on the other hand, I too don't like seeing a more deserving player getting pushed out by someone that started out as a mere message board gag.

And yes, whether some of you like to read it or not, the NHL All-Star Game/Event *IS* a popularity contest AND has been such since at least the beginning of Bettman's reign, if not before it.

- Considering the circumstances AND score of last night's affair, I'm glad that I happen to be a fan of the Penguins in addition to the Canes.

- When it was constantly mentioned that Brindy was losing his face-offs, I knew the Canes were in deep doo-doo.

- Cam Ward was the only reason the score was a semi-respectable 3-0, and not any more worst than it could have been.

- Just like the Bruins and NESN, I am jealous of the fact that the Pens have at least one or two player interaction TV shows on FSN Pitt. Something the Canes (and FSN South) desperately need outside of the in-game entertainment...at least IM(not-so)HO.

- Say what you want about Sid the Kid...but dudeman's already growing up. Sixty points already?! Hot. Damn.

- Eric Staal's younger brother ain't looking too shabby himself, either. Also dug the coverage AND actual attention FSN Pitt gave both siblings.

- As if any of you needed more proof of how easily amused I tend to be: Last night, FSN Pitt had Ryan Malone "mic'ed up"...and these were his golden words...

(Remember, the following was repeated two or three times to a neighboring teammate on the bench.)

"I think this mic is on."

Seriously, who the heck thought it was a great idea to "mic up the players"? When it's not stupid comments like what Malone uttered, it is the typical (I.E. boring) stuff that can actually be allowed on semi-national TV.

I get the feeling that such mess is one of those things we can thank ESPeeN and their coverage of the NBA and/or NFL for. What's next? "Below the Ice" cameras?

This should have been cited in the "What Were They Thinking?!" book about the 100 most dumb TV ideas, which I just finished last night. My only disappointment with it? Jerry Springer didn't make numero uno like he and his pathetic (putting it very, VERY MILDLY) show should have. But, at least the idea of halftime shows, intermissions, stadium names, football bowls, etc. being sponsored did.

Current Music: "Soulfinger" by The Barkays

Edited to add: Oh, and a "Thank you!" to Igloo Dreams for acknowledging my blog AND my newfound Nintendo Wii fandom.

But, to somewhat quote Columbo, just one thing: The next time you acknowledge this here site, please remember that I am a "she", not a "he". Thank ya very much. ;)

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

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

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 7th, 2006 - Canes @ Devils: Random Musings and Observations

- Overall, the game was good, not great but good. Even though to me, nobody *really* stood out, other than Cam Ward...again.

- What is with this team taking stupid and/or blatant penalties, ESPECIALLY when up by one, at five or less minutes before the end of the third period/regulation? At the risk of offending a certain current Captain's worshipers, if it hadn't been for the highly unnecessary penalty Brindy-Boy took with about three minutes left of regulation, the Canes might have gotten out of Joysey with a W AND two points.

- As much as I have a tendency to complain about the officiating, it was actually good for once tonight. So, certainly no blaming that for the Canes' woes.

- In addition to the songs in their respective ads just being flat-out annoying, Toby Keith and John Mellencamp are reminding me of how much I couldn't stand it when the boys in my elementary and middle schools would get into "deep" debates about Ford being better than Chevrolet, and vice-versa. *rolls her eyes*

- Regarding tonight's House MD (Hey, it was on during the game...that counts. >;) ), as much as I love David Morse's acting, damn, his character is getting on my nerves. Cannot wait to see how everyone's favorite medical snarkster puts "Officer Pesky" in his place.

Current Music: "Brick House" by The Commodores

November 2nd, 2006 - Canes vs. Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- I had a *very bad feeling* that the Canes were going to make like Hoovers tonight when Scott Walker was interviewed by Tripp Tracy before the game, and uttered something about his teammates being tough enough AND that what Exelby did to Eric Staal and Cam Ward was no big deal. Gee, I wonder if Scotty-boy sounded like Bill Murray when he said that latter part... (rolls her eyes)

- This is the second time in a month that the Canes have been shutout in the RBC Center...y'know, I had a huge tirade planned, but I think I'll just say this: HOW FREAKIN' PATHETIC CAN YOU GET?!

- At least the night isn't a total waste...thanks to my brother, I now have the Fantastic Four 90's animated series on DVD!! And have been reliving a small part of my adolescence while writing this.

I had almost forgotten how uber-cheesy the first season of the series was...not only in its animation and writing, but also little things like:

- Ms. Forbes, the female version of Mr. Collins, the FF's grumpy landlord in the comic book, at least during the 60's-early 80's.

- The Dick Clark Collegiate Telephon taking place during the very first two episodes with a special guest appearance by Gary Owens!! Y'know, that announcer guy on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In...

- The two "songs"..."It's Clobberin' Time" (done by Green Jelly...who I know better for doing "Anarchy In Bedrock" on The Flintstones movie soundtrack) and "Flame On" (by Brian Austin Green...rumor had it that he was using his brief stint as the Human Torch's voice to spawn a singing career. Why he thought that instead of his role on the highly successful Beverly Hills 90210 would land him in the music world is WAY BEYOND me).

- Speaking of songs...the opening and closing theme songs: "Call the Four! Fantastic Four!" Imagine that and other piece of cheese lyrics about the FF getting their powers and saving the day being sung in a happy sing-along voice...yeah, that screams 'action show'!

Despite all of that, I love the first season in all of its cheese, along with the far superior and cool second season. Best FF cartoon evah.

- Ok, one more Canes related thing...have you seen the ad with the dude in the cubicle pretending he's Brindy kissing Lord Stanley? You know how the computer keeps saying "Brindy! Brindy! Brindy!"? It just dawned on me that the voice on the computer sounds like a combination of Mini-Me and Mogwai (y'know, from the Gremlins movies?)... o_O

Current "Music": The "The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus Part 1" episode of the said cartoon.