Captain's Logue Commentary Archives - Season 3:
INDEX:
| 17.04.02 | 29.04.02 | 09.05.02 | 24.05.02 | 10.06.02 |
| 19.04.02 | 30.04.02 | 13.05.02 | 28.05.02 | 17.06.02 |
| 22.04.02 | 01.05.02 | 14.05.02 | 29.05.02 | |
| 24.04.02 | 03.05.02 | 17.05.02 | 31.05.02 | |
| 26.04.02 | 06.05.02 | 22.05.02 | 05.06.02 |
Esteemed teamates, contest participants, special guests, and
everyone
else, it is my great honor and privilege to welcome S.F. Deisig to the
exclusive gentleman's club that is the HoH Grand Champions circle of
honor.
Instructions for the secret handshake are in the mail. However,
as
you'll soon discover, joining the club isn't all its purported to be -
at least not immediately. You see, it's a lot like joining a
Greek
fraternity - for newbies (or "probies") such as yourself, there is a
long,
ardouous, and frankly, violent period of hazing and performing tasks
for
the elder brothers (Blaser and myself). Enjoy!
|
|
|
Heroes of Hockey Hall of Fame Most Honoured Members of the Hamburg Kings' Organization |
| 1989
- Brown, Michael #17 Team MVP, Season 2000
- Latona, James #9, Captain 2001
- Blaser, Kristofer #17, Alternate CCaptain
2002
- Deisig, Steven #15 |
Even with two new teams in the mix, record lows (for both the first and the last place finisher) were achieved all around. Suffice it to say gentlemen, this was a sad showing for people who credit themselves as hockey heroes. I am overjoyed at least, that Jim Kelley did not win. I can't reiterate that enough. Talk about heart attack, Team Deisig barely eaked out that win over Teams Kelly and Blaser. It don't get any closer than that. Embarrassingly, Team Loonie proved that sometimes its better for a hero to just trust a coin.
And what an anti-climax the Finals were - The Wings doing just what they were expected to do - quite easily bringing the 10th Cup to Hockeytown, and third in the last six years. Coach Robert S. Bowman will now return to Amherst as a year-round resident, probably to join his twin brother on the links at Transit Valley. Along the way, the former Sabres coach claimed his record ninth cup behind the bench, to surpass another former Sabres coach, Hector "Toe" Blake. (By the way, has anyone ever wondered exactly how one get gets a nickname like "Toe"?)
And how it hurts to come to grips with the realization that the Dominator was right. The path to success apparently doesn't lead anywhere near Buffalo, NY. Damn him. But according to Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, it does run down the parade route in the Motor City, today at 11.30am...
Thankfully, the mantra, "there's always next year" rings true. But what about for the Sabres? How long will that actually apply? How embarrasing would it be for the Rochester Americans and/or Buffalo Destroyers to bail out the team, as has been recently reported. My opinions on this supposed "local group of investors"? Even in the unlikely event that they could scrape enough money to outbid someone wealthier (you can just hear Paul Allen now: "Oh well, that Robert Rich and Mark Hamister are just too savvy for me!), what kind of team do you think that would leave us? One that can just about cover its payroll by raising ticket prices? One that can't even remotely afford any big-ticket free agents, much less be able to pay for one of its own after a break-out season? It won't be pretty. Besides, who invests in something guaranteed to lose you at least $10 million a year? It's mind-boggling.
Funny how John Rigas appeared on the scene as such a white knight, and who will now go down as the man who hostily tookover the team from the founding Knoxes, and then ran it to bankruptcy and was forced to sell it out of town. Buffalonians should beware for the future. Things that seem to be too good, are.
Well, what else can be said? With these final clauses, this 2002 contest, the Heroes of Hockey Season Three is now officially ended. Barring any monumental turn of events or a brainstorm by your Captain, his page should stay static until April 2003. Like last year, we'll move things over to the Offseason News Page. Bookmark the main page, and the links'll always keep you on top of things. (And don't forget that the discussion boards will stay open year-round as well.) Keep commenting, and we'll keep minding the store.
And so with that, I look forward to when next we cross paths, for
then, and only then, will the dissemination of our triple treat of
prizes
be awarded, circa 2000 through present. Gentleman, as always, a
pleasure.
- James Latona, #9
League Commissioner, Heroes of Hockey
Webmaster, Heroes of Hockey Home Page
Team Captain/President/CEO/Co-Founder/Center, Hamburg
Kings Hockey Club
Lieutentant, Bravo Co.
Hero (of Hockey)
Greetings, fellow officers. Then again, I suppose in truth, you're all enlisted men, so allow me to revise that by saying only, greetings and salutations. Tonight I find myself down to the "business" aspect of my trip, and a new vehicle (Daimler-Chrysler Sebring XL1 Convertible - sa-weet!) and new lodging in downtown Los Angeles. My girlfriend has returned home to the East Coast, while I now am with two male co-workers our age, with the alcoholic stamina of Matt Damstetter, and the eye for the fairer sex of Steven Deisig. Boystown, to say the least. Last night we honored the gentleman's establishment known as "The Spearmint Rhino" (don't bother asking), and lemme just say this - Cali ain't got nuttin' on Fort Erie!
|
|
|
|
| Juwanna
Mann (2002) MacArthur Park (2001) Flossin (2000) Intimate Portrait: Robin Givens (2000) TV Series Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) If You Only Knew (2000) Life (1999) Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998) For Richer or Poorer (1997) "Homeboys in Outer Space" (1996) TV Series (writer/producer only) "Sparks" (1996) TV Series Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996) Thin Line Between Love and Hate, A (1996) "Faculty, The" (1996) TV Series "My Wildest Dreams" (1995) TV Series Slam Dunk Ernest (1995) W.E.I.R.D. World (1995) TV Series Carnosaur 2 (1995) Street Fighter (1994) Hard Vice (1994) There Goes My Baby (1993) Round Trip to Heaven (1992) "Rhythm & Blues" (1992) Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) Secrets (1992/II) (TV) Shadowzone (1990) Harlem Nights (1989) Action Jackson (1988) "Tour of Duty" (1987) TV Series Dangerously Close (1986) Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986) Return of the Living Dead, The (1985) Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985) Joy of Sex (1984) |
Anyhow, down to business - that was some game last night in Raleigh. A triple overtime that ended sour, in my opinion. Larionov should've just quit and married Anna the K. years ago. You really gotta hand it to the 'Canes though, they are truly underdogs in every sense of the word, and invoke memories of everything the Sabres used to be and should have been: a bunch of no-name talent with a sprinkle of neo-superstars, a highly defensive system, an excitable but inexperienced coach, four lines of equal talent (take that as you will), and foremost, an all-world goaltender that can steal games. If they manage to pull this out, it will be proven that Buffalo could've done the same a few years ago, and not played such a scared version of hockey. (Hey, if the Patriots could beat the Rams, anything can happen in 2002).
As for our contest, it all boils down to this: if Carolina wins, as painful and pitiful as it is to say, Jim Kelley will become the newest, and oldest hero of hockey. However, should the one & only get his dirty, foreign hands on Stanley's bowl, then it will come down to the number of games and between Messers. Kelley, Deisig, and Blaser. I'm pulling for 2 of the 3, and those odds ain't bad...
Any opinions on the new Bills uniforms? Kinda collegiate, huh?
Finally in the sporting world, the much-anticipated Lewis/Tyson
bout went down in Memphis last night, and it was a sound thumping for
the
manimal from Brooklyn. In a way it was sad to see him lose like
that,
and potentially end his career of big paydays and hype. Deny it
if
you will, but "Iron" Mike Tyson was really a defining piece of our
youth,
even harkening back to the days on Court 'A', with one Cedric Smith
channelling
the pugilist with the proclamation, "I'm Mike Tyson!", before someone
moved
him to tears. Ah well, I digress, we're in the 21st century now,
and things have certainly changed.
Finally, I'll be on the West Coast until Thursday, and hope to fit in another digital screening of Episode II at Graumann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood before I go. I'll let you know. Speaking of movies has anyone noticed the lead actor in the upcoming ethnic comedy "Juwanna Mann"? None other than a certain Miguel A. Nunez, Jr. And you thought he was typecast simply as a buffoon. Shame on you all....
Until next, I remain...
- LT
INCOMING COMMUNIQUE:
FROM: LT
TO: BRAVO CO. PLATOON
TIME: 9.26AM
Taking heavy fire in the trenches... Don't know how long this connection will hold... They're using a bounty hunter named "Jango Fett" to create a clone army... wait...
Coming to you live from the West Coast, this is a special installment for those of you who just can't get enough of the Heroes of Hockey.
|
|
|
|
| Game
1 - Tuesday June 4th, Joe Louis Arena, 8pm ET Game 2 - Thursday June 6th, Joe Louis Arena, 8pm ET Game 3 - Saturday June 8th, Entertainment & Sports Arena, 8pm ET Game 4 - Monday June 10th, Entertainment & Sports Arena, 8pm ET Game 5 - Thursday June 13th, Joe Louis Arena, 8pm ET* Game 6 - Saturday June 15th, Entertainment & Sports Arena, 8pm ET* Game 7 - Monday June17th, Joe Louis Arena, 8pm ET* *if necessary |
Anyhow, going back a few days to colder climes, who would've believed that the Wings would be so dominant in Game 7, chasing Patrick from the nets and recording a 7-0 shutout? Well, that solidified the matchup we were pretty much expecting, and leads us to the Cup Finals...
Last night, shocking the sports world, the Hurricanes go one-up on the heavily favored Wings, in OT. Good for them. I'm happy to see a fanbase develop in Raleigh.
And I was shocked to see that Bryan Trottier crossed the line and will coach the crosstown Rangers. MSG fans hate him, and all other things Long Island. Funny that I name dropped him and virtually broke this story, a few days before the rest of the world (see "Past Captains Logues" for confirmation). This just in, Trottier has named his starting first-line centerman... himself....
And two final points to make before I break off formation: 1. Congrats to K. Blaser on his winning an Oldies 104 Beatle-related radio trivia contest. His knowledge continues to do us all proud. Won't you all join him in enjoying the fruits of his labor... a "Tim Horton's Prize Pack", whatever that may be. It should also be noted that your Alternate Captain has, on more than one occasion, voiced his distaste for Tim Horton's donuts...
And finally, I'm sorry to admit, but better late than never, that the auditors have finished their review of the statistics, and have made 2 corrections in this year's scoring from the Conference Semis - Team Damstetter has been awarded an extra 3 points that were never included in their total score, bringing his current total to 24 points, and making this race much closer than before. Also, sadly, Team Loonie has had 2 points deducted that were incorrected added during that round, to bring them down to their current 16 points. We apologize for any inconvenience these omissions may have caused.
And so for me, that's all. I hope to update again in the
future...
- LT
Here we are, hours to June, and Game 7, the final opening faceoff
of the Conference Finals, and virtually ready to begin challenging for
Lord Stanley's prize, and the 2002 HoH Grand Championship. As the
scriptwriters expected, top-seeded Detroit goes toe-to-toe and the
distance
with #2 seeded Colorado for the opportunity to bulldog the idle
Hurricanes,
waiting off in the wings.
|
|
|
than Anna Kournikova (According to K. Blaser) |
| 6.
Martina Hingis 5. Olga Barabanschikova 4. Barbara Schett 3. Amanda Coetzer 2. Andre Agassi 1. Jennifer Capriati |
Well boys, this is it for me. I'm off tomorrow to Hollywood to stake my claim, er, take vacation. What this means is that, other than some form of Father's Day Walk-out, Raleigh black-out, or gross scheduling mishap, the Cup Finals will come and go before I'm back. But the show must go on. I haven't found a schedule yet, but rumor is that the next and last round will begin on Tuesday. Regardless, try to get your picks e-mailed (or voicemailed) as soon as tonight's game is over and the matchup is set. I should be able to steal some time (maybe) and get an update or two through cyberspace in the coming weeks. Just because this forum is static, doesn't mean it's obsolete.
I hope to send regards from the road. Until, keep your guard up and watch the skies...
- LT
Quite a game last night in the Greater Ontario region as the
'Canes
shock the sporting world by winning the Prince of Wales trophy and
advancing
to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in the franchise's
well-travelled
career. Carolina becomes the 28th team in history to challenge
for
the Cup since its ownership has been up for grabs beginning in 1918.
|
|
|
|
| Miami
lawyer Reed Stomberg has filed a class- action lawsuit against
Penthouse
Magazine, on behalf of himself and every other man who bought last
month's
now-recalled issue claiming to feature topless picts of tennis stunner
Anna Kournikova, but instead was of Judith Soltesz-Benetton; she of
similiarly-sized
nipples.
"The sole reason I paid the $8.99 was for the alleged Anna pictorial," Stomberg told the Miami Herald. "I bought it for a friend of mine... not to say I didn't take a quick peek at the pictures." |
Finally, on a more serious note, for those keeping score, and I
can't
imagine there are many, you will see by the updated statistics that
despite
years of slamming and personal attacks as to his credibility and mental
awareness, Jim Kelley is leaving the pack in the dust. It's mind
boggling at best, and painfully humbling at worst, to actually witness
this unfold before our eyes. Gentlemen, as your Captain, the
sorrowful
duty once again befalls me to motivate you in order for you to begin
achieving
at expected levels:
You losers, are truly pitiful. As soon as it was apparent that my team was out of contention (about 3 series in), it should have been clear to you that this contest was truly up for grabs for the first time in its 3 year history. Yet, you all embarrased yourself, this platoon, and the code that we're supposed to be holding so dearly, by allowing some Viagra-chomping geriatric and a friggin' coin to run the show. I don't know which one of you is most pathetic: The ugly one, the uglier one, or the homosexual. Then again, I guess it really doesn't even matter. You're all losers.
Now, I will say this one last time: Beat the Coin. Beat the old man. There is no Plan 'B'.
I hate to throw this word around, but if one of you schlubs doesn't win this year, there is a serious threat of a lock-out next season for this league of ours. I will not allow it to be soiled in this manner. Understand?
Let me put it another way: I don't think any of you could live with yourselves to have to look at the championship banners of honor (below), and see the name "Kelly" or "Loonie", instead of one of you lame names.
Now, will one of you, whoever's worthy, please stand up?
- LT
What a difference a weekend makes. For those of you who
thought
this round was over and done with, here we have the makings a playoff
coup.
Hockey fever has spread to the Carolinas (see mine & Team Kelley's
picks), and Colorado is hell-bent on relocating Hockeytown, USA to the
Rocky Mountains. We're not done yet, but getting ever closer.
|
|
|
97 Rock 'N' Roll 500 (2002) |
| 10.
ZZ Top - "La Grange" (9) 9. Aerosmith - "Sweet Emotion" (3) 8. AC/DC - "You Shook Me (All Night Long)" (5) 7. Aerosmith - "Dream On" (8) 6. Pink Floyd - "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" (2) 5. The Beatles - "Hey Jude" (did not finish in top 500) 4. The Eagles - "Hotel California" (4) 3. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - "Turn the Page" (18) 2. Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird" (6) 1. Led Zeppelin - "Stairway to Heaven" (1) *Number in parenthesis indicates last year's placement |
From then on, everyone will have to e-mail in picks for the Western Finals (assuming of course, that they Wing-Avs go to Game 7). The East will be wrapped up tonight (or Thursday by the latest), so picks would have to be in my Hotmail inbox or on my voicemail before the next and final round begins (probably Sunday or Monday). If anyone would like to volunteer to help keep the page going (or post some Alternate Captain's Logues) in my absence, let me know and we can work something out.
Finally in hockey news, the NY Post reported that the Rangers short list for new head coaches has only one name left on it: Adams winner Teddy Nolan. Now in full panic mode (duh), president and general manager Glen Sather has hinted that he will take a page out of the Bryan Trottier player-coach handbook, and possibly coach the team himself next year. Amazing. Nolan can't dance his way back into the National Hockey League yet again...
Anyhow, I hope everyone's Memorial Day was memorable, and that you honored, in some small way, the veterans who have fallen in past conflicts. As for me, I went to Long Island (Amityville) to see a rock show (no one anyone here would know), and saw "Insomnia". I didn't think it was bad, but hardly memorable and too convenient. Being forced to chose, I would have to recommend it (rather than dis-recommend it), but not by much. I trust your weekends were as good or better.
All for today.
- LT
Not much to add today. Its a Friday of a holiday weekend in late May, and thoughts seem to turn to things other than ice hockey. But I'll try. Carolina put Toronto into a stranglehold last night going up 3 games to 1. They can get their first-ever ticket to the Finals punched with a win Saturday night back in Raleigh. Go Whale! <cue "Brass Bonanza">
Also tomorrow, on the afternoon ABC game of the week that you've
all been waiting for, the Wings look to follow the 'Canes' lead,
already
up on Colorado, 2 games to 1.
|
|
|
21st Annual 97 Rock 'N' Roll 500 (2001) |
| 10.
Rush - "Tom Sawyer" 9. ZZ Top - "La Grange" 8. Aerosmith - "Dream On" 7. Derek & The Dominoes - "Layla" 6. Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird" 5. AC/DC - "You Shook Me (All Night Long)" 4. The Eagles - "Hotel California" 3. Aerosmith - "Sweet Emotion" 2. Pink Floyd - "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" 1. Led Zeppelin - "Stairway to Heaven" |
Finally, as you'll see below, the Alternate Captain already beat me to a topic that I was purposfully holding off discussing (to prevent the dreaded "jinx"), about the crimson-wearing Hurricanes potentially facing the similarly red-sweatered Wings. But has anyone taken notice that Carolina has already had to faceoff against the ruby Devils and the scarlet Canadiens? In fact, breaking the trend, the only other Eastern team to boast the burgundy didn't make it to the show - why yes, your own, hometown third-jersey wearing Buffalo Sabres... (of course, I'm not counting Calgary and Chicago out West, nor abysmal Florida or Ottawa, who already had their shot...) Destiny, my friends, the colors never lie.
So anybody got any plans for the holiday? Other than defending freedom and warding off local terrorist threats, I'm pretty open. Enjoy the furlough. Next week'll be my last in NYC before my vacation/business trip to the Left Coast. See you then!
- LT
Opening weekend, $80 million, third-best all-time.
First six days (through yesterday), $128.3M.
Already the the 135th highest-grossing picture
of all-time (behind "Lethal Weapon 4"
and vaulting over "The Nutty Professor").
Yes, boys, you've been waiting for it, and its finally here:
No, not the damn Star Wars movie, but more importantly...
CAPTAIN LATONA'S
STAR WARS: EPISODE II -
ATTACK OF THE CLONES
POST-SCREENING REVIEW...
Well, its a week after the dust has settled and I have begun
formulating
thoughts about "Clones". It's hard to do justice to something
that
you had been anticipating for so long and had so many preconceptions
about.
After viewing AOTC, my first reaction was that I had just taken in a
LOT
of movie that requred a LOT of digestion. Stunted reaction to
follow.
It is finally dawning on me not to attempt to compare these films to the original trilogy. They are simply different. While obvious themes continue to wind through the story, stylistically and from a storytelling standpoint, these are different movies. Lucas has aged, and the relative thinness of the first 3 films (think about it) has given way to a slower, more paced means of unravelling this first half. Its not better or worse, just different. And once that initial understanding is realized (2/3 of the way through this trilogy), its easier to sit back and enjoy what's on screen.
Not that that would be a hard assignment anyway. Plain and simple, I really enjoyed this film. Four to four-and-a-half stars, easy. A great improvement on Episode I simply because the part of the story being told is more interesting and more exciting. The visuals are amazing, and the pace of this one, unlike "Phantom Menace", seems more hurried and with a greater desire to move the story along. The soundtrack was wonderfully typical John Williams and particularly noticable while supporting the story well. And who didn't grin whenever the "Imperial March" played - Anakin's scenes on Tatooine and behind the armies of the clonetroopers at the end, especially. Classic stuff. I even loved the whole color scheme with all the blues and oranges. People go to Star Wars films for action sequences and images/locales that are unreal, yet real. They often sift through and take only what they want to of the lore, and as much as I hate to say it, the plot, and little else. They couldn't care less about the deeper meanings of the Force and the imbalance with the Sith and with kids and beginnings and all of that. But what can I say? It's Star Wars. Enjoy it. And I did.
As my co-screener commented, "There's a lot left to be covered in
Episode III": The mystery of how Sidious overthrows the Republic
is not much closer to resolution, what's with Master Sifo-Dyas?, most
of
the Jedi are still around and need to be "hunted down and destroyed",
Clonetroopers
must become Stormtroopers, Anakin has only one foot on the darkside,
twins
must be concieved, born, and hidden, and a Vader has to come near
death,
be reborn as half machine, and have enough screen time to make an
impact.
That's a tall order. But appetite-whetting, nonetheless.
|
|
|
|
| Legend
Davey Boy Smith - 1/2 of the team "The British Bulldogs" with
countryman
"Dynamite Kid" Tom Billington - has died of a suspected heart attack at
age 39.
The 18-stone muscleman, with a 56in chest, 21in biceps and a 19in neck, who once swept the world of TV wrestling draped in Union Jacks and wearing beaded dreadlocks, was on the verge of a comeback. His shock death on Saturday May 18th came only days before a crunch meeting with Vince McMahon, who runs the powerful World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Davey was on holiday in British Columbia, Canada, when he collapsed shortly after playing with one of his girlfriend, Andrea Hart’s five children. Doctors were not sure if a heart attack killed him or if he choked to death. Millions of kids followed his WWE TV exploits throughout the '80s and early '90s. His career earned him millions and fans screamed for his trademark “Running Bulldog Powerslam” move. His career peaked as his wrestling bouts became entangled with his personal life. He married Diana Hart - sister of American fighter Bret "The Hitman" Hart. A bitter rivalry ensued between the two men which culminated in "The Battle of The Brothers-In-Law" at Wembley Stadium in 1992. In 1998 he moved to rival TV group, World Championship Wrestling, but a freak fall left him injured and suffering from a severe spinal infection which doctors feared would paralyse him. But he fought his way back to fitness and was on the point of rejoining the WWE. His tangled life took another twist when he divorced Diana and set up home with Andrea, 42 — ex-wife of Bret’s brother Bruce. A post mortem examination (autopsy) into Davey’s death is being carried out.
|
The characters were good, and like any serial, its nice to see familiar faces again (another problem people had with "Menace" was the introduction to completely new characters - even the ones that sounded familiar like Obi-Wan and Anakin were really only known by name, and not deed). The new characters, while in the typical Star Wars fashion of little screen time, were still pretty compelling. You could just hear the cash registers from Toys 'R' Us across the street ringing up Jango Fett merchandise. The much ballyhooed Yoda duel was tastefully executed too.
I also noticed that the editing of the story seemed very tight and well paced. Perhaps this was due to the enormity of the story that needed to be told in 2 and a quarter hours, but whatever the case, it was impressive. Also, there were some unusual camera techniques that I cannot remember ever being employed in the original trilogy - some bird's eye overheads and some lightening-fast documentary-style camera zooms (4 to be exact). They didn't serve much purpose, but seemed as though he was going for a soldiers-on-the-battlefield style, akin to Vietnam documentaries. Interesting.
I saw the film in the largest theater in the City of New York, packed to the walls, and DLP digitally projected. Unfortuantely I was sitting second row right, and was too close to really enjoy, much less notice any major upgrade from film. I intend to see the movie again tonight and am looking forward to what a second viewing will reveal. I am also hoping it will be relatively empty, as the collective groans and cheers definitely influenced my viewing. Some borderline cheesy lines that I would have perhaps let slide, I was now all too aware of with the hollaring coming from the theater.
As for criticisms, well its easy to say that the Padme-Anakin relationship progressed to quickly, but I'm hesitant to take this overused pot-shot. Yes it was a fast stream of lust from Anakin, and seemed an abrupt outcome when Padme was professing her love in the corridors of the arena. Ah well, its forgiveable. Who can resist Portman, anyhow? Any criticism for "wooden acting" should be posed at the Director. People must realize that that's the style (as he says, from the '40s and '50s) he's going for. Just look at the dialogue with its formal lack of contractions. Also, they could do 20 takes, 19 of them with much emotion, and Lucas selects the "wooden" one. I don't see this as a problem so much as a style.
I had more of an issue with Obi-Wan and Anakin's relationship. I wasn't convinced that they were particularly good friends, which is necessary in the context of the plot. It seemed more to be constant bickering and admonishment from master to pupil. Also, I was craving more ship-to-ship space battles. The jaunt through the asteroid ring was painfully short. The quick sequence of Slave 1 paving a path with short-range blasters, trying to mow down the Jedi Starfighter was just wonderful. Finally, was it just me, or did it seem like all of the lightsaber duels were really short? Think about them: You have Dooku/Kenobi - nothing too memorable, Dooku/Skywalker -- had the makings of a classic but cut too short, and finally Yoda/Dooku - reeaaally short.
I guess that part of my critique of "Clones" is that while it makes sense to want to end it partly happily - a secret forbidden wedding - more of the story still needs to unfold in only one more, final chapter. In a way Lucas has painted himself in a corner by telling a backstory that needs to dove-tail into a legacy that we all know too well. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that there's room for an Episode III and III.v. But maybe that's half the fun and half the problem - people are dying to see how WHAT THEY ALLREADY KNOW HAPPENS actually gets told/shown. It's too easy to take shots at this trilogy. But what's the point?
Time will reveal it to be a great addition to the Star Wars canon (and 12-disc DVD boxed set), and by default, forces a real challenge for the storytellers and effects crew of Episode III to end the first half with an exclamation point, rather than a question mark.
Just wondering:
- As Obi-Wan and Anakin pursue Dooku on his speeder bike, the
clonetrooper
piloting the gunship says he can't shoot Dooku down because they are
"out
of missiles", however doesn't the ship have external laser-globes with
individual clone troopers seated inside? Why couldn't they blast
Dooku?
- During the same chase, after Padme gets thrown from the ship and revived by the clonetrooper (and gets up a little too quickly), she says something like "we have to get to the hangar". How did she know that's where Dooku went?
- We see the Clones boarding the ships on Kamino. If the Republic had no army, why would they have an enormous amount of Gunships and Transports on standby? Did the Kaminoans build all the ships, and gunships necessary to accomodate the clones? When the clones were ordered, was an entire fleet full of starships and attack ships part of the deal to? Who could afford something like this since it didn't come from the Republic (though was supposedly for the Republic)?
- During Obi-Wan's message while on Kamino to Yoda and Mace, Yoda
tells him to bring Jango Fett back to them, but in what? His
one-man
Jedi Starfighter?
Anyhow, as for business, Carolina contines their magical run, with another overtime win to take the lead in the series. As I type, the Avs lead the Wings by a goal in the second.
Peca out till January from ACL surgery? Nolan hoping for a second interview (says the NY Post)? What is this world coming to? At least they don't have clones...
- LT
Hey hey. I'm back from the bowels of New Jersey, a couple
hundred
richer, and in serious need of sleep. I had gone down for a
global
sales conference that was posh, and annoying. You'll also be
happy
to know that your Captain completed his first full round of golf in
almost
11 years. Suffice it to say, contrary to what the NHLPA would
have
you believe, being a good hockey player doesn't automatically make you
a good golfer. Or then again, maybe I should re-evaluate the
logic
in that last statement...
|
|
|
Was Premiered by Bravo Co.: |
| Clearview
Ziegfeld Theatre, New York, NY* AMC 1000 Van Ness Theatres, San Francisco, CA* Regal Quaker Crossing 18, Orchard Park, NY *DLP
Digital Projection
|
Anyhow, the Semis are history, and the final four remain: the top two teams in the West (and by virtue of points, in the entire NHL), and the surprising 3 and 4 seeds in the East. Most journalists would lead you to believe that the real Cup finals are between the Wings and Avs, and that coveted Hasek-Waaaaa matchup that you've all been pining for, though I'll stick to the rules and award the Cup at the conclusion of the next round.
On a more bureaucratic note, I'm happy to report that all teams had submitted their picks before the deadline - a first for this year's contest. You can see the fruits of those below, and amazingly, another first: No two picks in the East were the same (though for those of you counting, the other series consensus was pretty popular).
Another first: Team Latona has been statistically eliminated from winning this tournament, with 2 rounds still to go. This is upsetting to you all, that I'm sure of, but please find that place somewhere deep inside of yourselves to carry on with this contest. This is now officially a 4-horse race. Also in the bad news department, I'm sorry to announce that expert Jim Kelley has now vaulted into the lead. Shows what he knows.
Anyhow, I must cut this short for this week. I'm off to welcome K. Blaser to New York City for a summit and a screening. Enjoy the Attack. See you after the weekend.
- LT
Mother nature is angry. The natural disasters rocked the
NHL
playoffs last night as Killer & Co. were unceremoniously blown out
by the Hurricanes on the eastern seaboard, and an hour later, natural
disasters
in the form of a 5.2 Richter scale quake and an Avalanche from Denver
rocked
the Sharks on the west coast.
|
|
|
Issued to Bravo Co. Platoon: |
| Assorted
Fountain Magical Roman Candle (8-shot) Smoke Balls (colored) Battle Tank Black Cat Thunderbombs Ladyfingers M-60 Popper Jasmine Gun Jumping Jacks Shooting Stars repeater Whistling Jacks Whistling SAM |
This sets up a game 7 between San Jose and Colorado tomorrow night for all the marbles, and creates an interesting scenario in our contest.
Tonight the Leafs host the Senators to see which team from Ontario gets to travel to the Carolinas to play hockey, and which team heads down there merely to play golf.
Last night's Eastern Conference game further confused all parties, as once again like last round, no points were awarded to any team at the close of the series. Don't feel so bad though, because even the loonie got it wrong, so at least you're in good company. However, as this contest progresses, it seems more and more likely that last year's record total of 49 points will be completely out of reach, much less broken. Don't worry K, you seem to be safe, for this year at least.
Finally, don't be daunted by the fact that yesterday's Captain's Logue and alternate Captain's logs were suspiciously similar in topic. I assure you that we are two distinct individuals, and not merely alter-egos of one another. We just have top-notch sources.
Anyhow, that's it for me. I'm off to Atlantic City until late Thursday night. I hope to have time to check in on the site, but you never can tell. Watch the skies for the AOTC premiere...
- LT
This past weekend yielded much in terms of posturings in the Semifinal races, though woefully little in terms of answers. As expected, only one series is in the books, the mighty Wings of Detroit easily overcoming the bruised Blues, and advancing the President's Trophy winners into the conference finals yet again. The loss of captain Chris Pronger combined with an overall lack of desire (or as the Canadians say, "heart") appeared to signal the death knell. Honestly though, no real surprises here, just pain in the ongoing realization that the Dominator probably is smarter than we'd like to collectively give him credit for. (Wanting his children to grow up with Czech culture... please, I can't believe we all fell for it.)
Speaking of banged up, the Leafs continue to fall as irritant
Darcy
Tucker joins captain Mats Sundin (wrist), Mikael Renberg (hamstring),
Dmitry
Yushkevich (leg), Tom Barrasso (hand), Jyrki Lumme (concussion), and a
host of others that are injured and supposedly not returing to the ice
this postseason. Tucker proved to be Toronto's equivalent to
Vaclav
Varada, and proved for those in doubt, that he's no John Tucker.
Islander Captain's wife, Kristin Peca was seen in the service of
Senator's
captain Daniel Alfredsson, who delivered the dubious hit to Tucker,
following
game 5... It should be of no surprise that this provincial
battle of Ontario is going 7, and is forging temporary alliances and
bringing
out the worst in Canadians from the maritimes clear to Vancouver island.
|
|
|
Learning from Experience -- The Ongoing Story of the Outer Harbor at 325 Fuhrmann Blvd.: |
| 1.
Shooters Waterfront Cafe May 1989 - November 1990 2. Breakers on the Waterfront May 1991 - November 1991 3. The Pier May 1992 - April 2001 4. Festival Grounds at the Pier June 2002 - ? |
Finally, the last series in this round could also be over tonight, as the surprising Sharks hold 3 of 4 cards in their series with the defending champs. Tonight's game at Compaq Center, has everything riding on it for the Avs. San Jose's balanced attack has been coming from all 3 lines - sort of like Buffalo, only with scoring. Nabokov has outplayed Patrick, who for the first time this season is beginning to show his age. It would be a real coup for the Sharks to advance, and would once again set up a battle with the Wings, which has always been entertaining in the past. I have only two questions left about this series, and thusly, I defer to our correspondent on the left coast: What's it feel like to still have a local team alive in mid-May? And how have the locals taken to the bandwagon?
Also, anybody else wondering why Barnaby has been sitting in and offering his generic "analysis" on nhl2night? Is it just me, or are the few paragraphs above just as inciteful? And also, I don't remember him being blond. I guess all that moving has been rough on his teeth and hair...
And as a testament to how utterly unpredictable the games have been this round, witness my winning percentage continue to nosedive like a Tomcat out to sea. This is beyond painful. Nay, its becoming downright embarrassing. I just pray to get out of this round in double-digits, which could easily not be happening. I'm virtually ready to concede defeat and begin plotting for next year. Otherwise, its a real contest as the rest of the field, and I mean field, dukes it out with a mere 4 points separating the men from my basement.
Finally, this week officially begins one that you've all been waiting for since 1999. In a scant 2 days and 9 hours, the Attack will commence. Enjoy the week and the anticipation associated with it. I'm off to Atlantic City for business on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't know if the beginning of the next round will coincide, so we may have to go e-mail based with our picks during that time, if necessary, but we'll see. This week also holds the travels of 1/2 of Bravo Co.: Purcell to Boston, Mass. & Taylor right here to NYC. No word on the itinerary of S. Deisig, but we're sure he's got something brewing.
Until...
- LT
Well, it's been a little while I guess, but I've been pretty
busy.
Tonight's games pit the Blues trying to even up the series after their
magnanimous performance the other night, depositing 6 goals behind the
Dominator and chasing him to the bench. The final five goals came
on only 16 shots (a 31% save percentage). I picked the Blues for
one reason and one reason only - not that I thought/think they are
going
to win, but because of Dom. Like our actions following 9-11,
voting
any other way would make him, like the terrorists, win. And as an
American, there are just some things that I cannot do.
|
|
|
|
| It's
hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
No matter how good she looks, some other guy is sick and tired of putting up with her shit. Beauty Is In The Eye of The Beerholder The best way to a woman's heart is to saw her breast plate open. The only way to watch a Shania Twain video is with the sound, and your pants, down. Beauty is only a light switch away. You're either part of the problem or part of the dissent. And remember: There's only one way to console a widow. |
As for the other games, the Habs are beating up on the 'Canes after 2 and look to take a commanding lead in the series. The other two series are all knotted and are now best of 3. This is still anybody's round, and subsequently, anybody's contest.
What's in the news these days? Anybody planning on seeing the Stones as their new world tour kicks off in September. This is their first time back since... well, '99. Yeah, I thought so.
Was anybody else baffled by the fact that as of 3 days ago, there is no longer a World Wrestling Federation or a WWF? (Easy Kris, I'll explain...) After losing a British court decision to the World Wildlife Fund, they have now changed their name to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., or the catchy "WWE". Is it just me, or is it odd that for the first time in our lives there's no longer a WWF?
Their press release (abridged) kinds of glosses over the whole thing:
"To further capture a greater share of the global marketplace and to represent the growing diversity of its entertainment properties, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment today announced it is changing its name... to put the emphasis on the “E” for entertainment."
The new logo is pretty lame (not too clever), and anyone who was planning a trip to the WWF New York entertainment complex in Times Square, will now have to settle for eating at "The World".
Finally we're now a scant 6 days from the worldwide release of Episode II. No Bravo gathering this year, just the Megapowers coming together with the Madness in NYC (trans. Kris is coming up to visit). We'll be headed to the largest theater in the City for one of the rare digital projections of the movie. Tension is building...
Lastly, I was beginning to wonder if I was the only loser among us who has purchased the new Star Wars action figures. Thankfully, Kris revealed that he as also acquiesced. I'm now wondering, anybody else?
- LT
After a weekend that began with a screening of the number one
film
in America, a trip to the city of brotherly love, and the long ride
home,
I'm rather nonplussed to dutifully review the hockey standings.
But
I'd be remiss to ignore my bread and butter, so without further
ado...
Yeah, yeah, the Wings won again. Great. I know, I know,
Hasek
was right all along. Wonderful. He continues to dominate
and
make Buffalonians everywhere look like morons and the team look like
losers
that were propped up all those years by their goaltender.
Fantastic.
And as for the other series, well they're all tied at one apiece.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*Funds
contributed in part, by J.Latona
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Suffice it to say, the "Attack of the Clones" premiere has its work cut out for it. I've already done my part, and have purchased 3 tickets for opening weeked... in 9 days. Wow, you'll never be able to say that again. I'm kinda partial to these days when there are still 2 more Star Wars flicks on the horizon. Before you know it, the calendar will read 2005 and the official end of Star Wars will be upon us, forever. Like they always say, the anticipation is usually better than the event, and I'm enjoying these times of waiting. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have a job and/or life, and was maybe a few years younger, I'd be one of those morons sitting in a line outside of Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, or the Ziegfeld Theater on 54th Street, counting the ticks off the clock with a nap or an occasional lightsaber duel. Ah, to be young again, or a relative facsimile of such...
Because I suspect most of you have already seen the webslinger this past weekend, I'll keep my review relatively short. The film was a fine adaption, and I key on the word "adaption" of the 40-year old comic book. They portrayed the Peter Parker character as a real loser who allows his personality to emerge so long as he's hidden behind a mask. The action was pretty much non-stop, and for the most part, well done. However, there was a definite problem with the computer graphics when it was time to fight or to leap or to swing. It was so overdone that it was clear you were no longer watching an actor, and instead a series of pixels. The lack of weight and thus, realism, to the character was so over the top that I almost suspect that it was intentional, to heighten the point that this was "comic book" violence. If not, Sony dropped the ball on the effects. Even things like leaping across rooftops - they were able to pull it off more crediibly in "The Matrix", so it can be done. With a budget nearing $130M, you would've thought they could've contacted ILM for some work.
Like many previous reviewers, I agree that it was unusual but true, that the Peter Parker story was more interesting to watch than the Spider-Man scenes. Raimi told a good arc of what it was like for a teenager to secretly harbor powers, and the difficulty to conceal them.
Some problems other than the aforementioned CGI work: Maguire was too sad-sack of an actor. However, they chose to portray him that badly, so in the grand scheme of things, it worked. Dunst was no Mary Jane. MJ was not supposed to be "the girl next door" - neither figuratively nor literally (the latter of which makes no sense in the context of their relationship). MJ was supposed to be a model, not just a cheerleader-type. I hate to say it, but she was too plain. Also, the romantic angle was just poorly done, and her monologue at the end was cringe-worthy. For cripe's sake, she was the town doorknob, if you know what I mean.
Also, I don't think they dwelled long enough on Peter initially reacting to his changing body/world. There should have been a longer exam of the fear and loathing he felt. Also, that costume came together pretty quickly and offscreen. Anybody believe that kid coulda done that? Although I must give it up to the filmmakers in acknowledging that that's a hard character/suit to pull off (see The Amazing Spider-Man '77 TV movie to see how ridulous it can be if done poorly), and they did an admirable job. My last gripe is, what's with killing off the villian? The Batman franchise has rid itself of all their marquee adversaries. At least the Superman films did it right by banishing or vanishing or imprisioning their bad guys. Villians aren't supposed to die, then they can't return. Duh.
All in all, comic book purists may be offended by certain aspects (organic web shooters?!). Feel free to file your comments with the Spidey Hotline: (716)648-0513.
However, there were many positives, don't get me wrong. Rereading the above sounds kind of hardsh. It really was a good, enjoyable film and a lot of fun, and one of the best comic adaptions there is (similar to X-Men in a way, and superior in my opinion to the original Batman ['89]). I do recommend it, despite my qualms, and feel its a great way to start this summer movie experience (and it'll tide you over well for at least the next 9 days...). Go see it. 4 stars.
Oh, and one last thing - how could I forget the triumphant return of the unsung star, Randy "Macho Man" Savage as Bonesaw! Despite some wrinkles that I don't recall and a lumberjack beard, his performance should make the academy stand up and take notice next Spring...
And finally, indulge us for a moment by removing your hands from your pants and instead putting them together and thanking our Alternate Captain for filing his first contribution of this playoff year, with a spiteful -yet inciteful- premiere edition of his 'Breakdown'. He once again clearly illustrates why we brought him on board in this forum, and proves that he's got more smarts in his little finger than... well, other parts of his anatomy, at least. Or so I hear.
Later,
- LT
Hockey fans all along the Windsor, Ontario border last night were
faced with decisions and mixed feelings: which team to
support?
Perhaps one of the provincial squads, Ottawa or Toronto. Then
again,
maybe the heavily favoured neighbors across the channel of Lake
Michigan
in Detriot. That's a pretty good team, eh? By 10:30pm last
night, many loyalties were being newly forged, I'm sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| -
John Kosich (Noon Anchor) & Stacey Frey (Reporter) -
Aaron Mentkowski (Meteorologist) -
John Murphy (Sports Anchor) |
|
Down in the Southwest, Phoenix forward Brad May pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct charges following a fight with a nightclub manager and two sheriff's deputies a few weeks ago. He was sentenced to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Like I've always said, you can take the man out of Buffalo, but you can't take the Buffalo out of the man...
Anyhow, I'm off to the premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Spider-Man" tonight, you can expect my full review on Monday. Enjoy the weekend pass.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo, lechones.
- LT
With AlMo's 2 goals last night, as the Leafs eliminated the Isles, this bloodbath that was the Conference Quarterfinals has thankfully come to an end. In the worst collective showing in the history of our contest, crippled totals emerged which threaten to give us a champion with the fewest points on record. The historic bull-market like trends that seemed to harvest more robust point totals with each ensuing year has slapped a sense of reality and dire urgency upon us like never before.
Slipping into one of my roles, as captain, it is my job to berate
and, thus to motivate you all:
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
You are sad, and I'd weep for your children, except I can't imagine any of you actually having the opportunity to procreate. Not with scores like that."
End of rant.
Well, as you can see by the lack of red on the grid below, no one except your Captain scored any points in the East. Incredible. Though I hasten to mention that I didn't get much color out West, either. Looking at the projected scores for this contest reveals how low we're probably going to be at the end - record lows for total wins, as well as points. Remember, more than half of the available points were up for grabs in the first round, and by the looks of it, no one bothered to grab very many.
This year marks probably the best chance for Canada to field a team in the Cup finals in almost a decade. If you think about the last decade, post Rangers '94, its been pretty dull: New Jersey, Detroit, Colorado, and dare I add, Dallas, have been the only teams in legitmate contention year in, year out. Enough is enough.
And finally, most of you have submitted your picks on time. The league office is still awaiting a call back from Team Damstetter. And Team Kelley has promised to round out the other half of their coin tosses tomorrow.
And so with that, I welcome you all to the second round, and hope for some miracles.
- LT
And there was one. ...game left in the first round that is. And my, oh my, what a sad state of affairs we find ourselves in. The joke of tossing a coin is no longer funny.
Out West, the chips fell pretty much as expected, as the 1-2-3-4 seeds did their part and advanced. Here in the Eastern Conference, its been virtually the opposite as the underdogs have managed to reach down below and knock off the higher seeds. (And yes, I consider Carolina, with 91 pts. and 35 wins to be an underdog to Jersey's 95 pt./41-win season). Should any kind of pattern exist, then look for the Peca-less / Jonsson-less (another trend) Isles to knock off the Leafs. But I wouldn't count on it. Easy money's on the Leafs, though it should be a bloody affair. Anybody care for a side bet?
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Barry
Melrose - New Jersey Devils* Bill Clement - Philadelphia Flyers* Darren Pang - Boston Bruins* Brian Engblom - Boston Bruins* Gary Thorne - New Jersey Devils* Steve Levy - Boston Bruins* John Buccigross - Boston Bruins* *Team has been eliminated |
|
Random thoughts:
Anybody see those Anna pix in Penthouse? They look nothing
like her. How would I know? Never mind.
Is it just me, or is Peca being a baby complaining about Darcy's
low-blow?
Shayne Corson is a chick.
Should I password-protect this site, so people at the library (or
worse) don't start hitting the 'back' button or eyeballing the history?
Anybody going to see "Spider-Man" on Friday?
Am I the only one among us who remembers the "P.A.R.P." mysterty
at Union Pleasant, circa 1983, that shamefully culminated in Spidey's
visit
to the Auditorium?
How well can reports of Debo sightings be believed?
Do we all have our plans set for "Attack of the Clones"?
All for now,
- LT
Monday already? Late in the first round and things are
shaping
up nicely. Not too many surprises, other than our collective
relative
inabiltity to pick consistantly. The west will be sealed up
tonight
with the Kings-Avs series, and the Habs have a chance to do likewise,
with
a game back at Le Centre du Molson. My money's on the home teams.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1. Monday, 29 April 2002 | |
Tomorrow is the final game of the first round, as the Peca-less Isles try to pull off the impossible and sneak into the semis. Go Canada! The entire architecture of my picks hinges on these 3 series.
Anyhow, start formulating your picks for the Semifinals, as the deadline is creeping in. I'm sufficiently exhausted and have little of creative value to add.
Good day to you, sirs.
- LT
Old time hockey returns to the NHL (for a night, at least). Hopefully some of you caught that slugfest in Montreal last night, as the Bruins evened the series, and the Habs now look to settle the score.
With 77 seconds left in the game and the B's in command 5-2, defenseman Kyle McLaren leveled Habs forward Richard Zednik with a flying elbow, and sent him down like Pat LaFontaine. Zednik, who coincidentally is the Hab's leading scorer and got both Montreal goals, is now done for the remainder of the playoffs with a broken jaw, nose, and concussion.
McLaren was assessed a match. The remainder of the game was marked by various fights and cheap shots - like I said, old time hockey. Montreal coach Michel Therrien remarked post-game, "If they try to go after our best players, if that's part of Ftorek's strategy, we have no choice -- we'll go after their's". Saturdayy aternoon's rematch at Fleet Center should be interesting.
|
|
|
|
Pro Wrestling Attendence: |
|
| 1.
NJPW - April 29, 1995, Pyongyang, North Korea: 170,000
2. NJPW - April 28, 1995, Pyongyang, North Korea: 150,000 3. WWF - March 29, 1987, Pontiac, MI: 93,173 4. WWF - August 29, 1992, London, England: 75,000 5. WWF - August 28, 1986, Toronto, Ontario: 69,300 |
|
Also of note, Leafs captain and leading scorer Mats Sundin is now officially out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken left wrist that he sustained from being hit by a puck in Game 1. Despite freezing it and trying to play the next few games, the injury was reaggravated by a hit from Michael Peca. This deals a serious blow to the Leafs, and my picks...
Out west, the Kings claw back with a controversial OT winner off a foot. Pete Forsberg was manhandled, and the Avs are looking to regroup. Because they're our namesake, I gotta give it up to them...
Finally, the Hasek gambit is beginning to pay off when it counts most, as the Wings take lead for the first time in the series, after being down two games to none. In other news, Darcy Regier has gone missing...
And for those still paying attention, we have our first team advancing to the Conference Semis... Won't you all welcome the St. Louis Blues to the second round...
Finally, I will say only that this site is slowing coming along, mostly behind the scenes stuff, and will not be evident to you, the viewer, for a little bit. We have some tweaking to do which entails learning more HTML, but our crack staff is on the job and up to the task, I assure you. You all can do your part by continuing to populate the discussion boards. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. As always, thank you for your input and your patience.
One thing of note is that you will finally see that ALL of the competitors are now listed on the tables below. And for those of you that like stats, well, we've added a new category for this year's contest, and included lifetime numbers as well. The saddest part of this whole endeavor of adding new contestants would truly be to be defeated by the inanimate object. Or the Canadian dollar coin...
I have little else to add at this time, other than wondering when Blaser will begin to break things down for us. If anybody knows, drop us a line. I'm in a rush to publish this page to cyberspace, so I'll end here.
Talk more on Monday.
- LT
Stop.
Gaze up 4 lines and memorize the date.
Because the Drew Bledsoe era officially kicked off today in Orchard Park. Sixteen years after similar fanfare for its previous franchise quarterback, the grounds of Ralph Wilson Stadium swelled and cracked under the weight of the welcome (to your one-and-only) rally for its new favorite son.
Bledsoe was flown into town from his home in Montana on Ralph's
private
jet, received a police escort to the stadium, and was received by,
quote,
"hundreds" of fans. All of this of course, to clearer heads, begs
the 1-word question: Overkill?
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The most infamous airline passenger since Mohammad Atta. |
|
The media is making him out to be the second coming and the solution to all of Buffalo's economic, spiritual, and emotional problems. Of yes, and football problems too. Suffice it to say, I'm not envious of the weight precariously balancing on his shoulders. Time, and touchdowns, will tell...
In other news, the NY Rangers are flying in former NHL coach Ted Nolan from parts unknown (who knew Ojibwa even even had a landing strip?) to interview for the vacant head-coaching job. In perhaps the saddest quote of the year, Nolan remarked, "I called (GM Glen Sather) when the job became open." "We're going to meet. He asked me my thoughts on certain things and asked me to prepare something for him. I've done that. I'm ready to go." Ready to go indeed. My God, he's worse than a lawyer chasing an ambulance. The second a coaching job opens up, that guy is running down to the arena, resume and boxed Adams trophy in hand. And I'm sure Slats's relationship with Mux won't even enter into the picture... When will he ever learn?
Also, former Sabres executive Doug Moss, 48, president and CEO of the IHL since 1998, was hired by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim as a senior vice president. Calling Jenny Smith...
One more thing: Donnie Audette and Dougie Gilmour coming through for Habs last night. Argh. I can't take it anymore.
And lastly for sports, last weekend's ESPN's coverage of the 2002
NFL Draft drew a 2.7 cable rating. Last season's NHL Stanley Cup
Finals managed a 4.2 Nielsen rating. Do the math...
From NYC...
- LT
In the news today: Super Bowl fever grips Orchard Park, as
overzealous fans overload the Bills' box office for 2002 season
tickets.
Ralph Wilson begins to sell playoff tickets in advance, in the
aftermath
of the acquistion of Quarterback Drew Bledsoe from division rivals, New
England Patriots, in swap for a first-round pick in next year's
|
|
|
|
Doesn't Belong in the Carolinas: |
|
| From
Sept '97: Team mascot hospitalized after seizure in Zamboni GREENSBORO - The Carolina Hurricanes' mascot had a seeizure inside an ice-resurfacing machine before his scheduled debut Tuesday night. Phil Madren, 32, dressed in a hog costume, went into seizure while waiting inside the Zamboni machine for his entrance before the NHL team's exhibition game against Detroit. The lights dimmed in the Greensboro Coliseum as the mascot was about to be unveiled. As the Zamboni's front opened, Madren kicked his legs and then laid motionless. The crowd of 7,079 thought it was part of the act and hooted and hollered. After several minutes, the Zamboni driver got off his seat and went to see what was wrong with Madren. He quickly hopped back on his seat and backed the Zamboni off the ice and behind a black curtain. The announcer said it was a sneak preview and that the mascot would be back as the crowd booed. That never happened as Madren was taken to the Wesley Long Hospital emergency room. |
|
Meanwhile, those Jim Kelly comeback rumors refuse to die...
So what's happening in these games of ours? The 'Nucks and
'Canes came out storming and put a scare into the favored Wings and
Devils,
respectively, and gave us the makings of a series. But as far as
I can see, my picks are right on the money and shaping up just as I
commanded.
Otherwise, its business-as-usual, and I'm starting to understand other
people's love affairs with other sports and not the NHL playoffs...
In other goings on, the media is doing its best to trump up the "Trial of the Century II," starring actor Robert Blake, who was arraigned on murder and conspiracy charges in Los Angeles today, for the slaying of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, outside a north Hollywood restaurant last May. Does anybody care about this?
And I appreciate everyone's patience while this site rises once again from the ashes. I know the links are a mess, and many of the new things I wanted to implement are still a little while away. Thanks for bearing with us.
And finally, which one of you has the Penthouse subscription?
Anyway, onward and, you know the rest...
- LT
After the first battery of games in these conference quarters, I can't say I'm not particularly surprised. The level of parity is abundant. Then again, I confess I have yet to sit through two consecutive periods of any game. The desire and required level of dedication just isn't there. What's that, Tie Domi scored a game winner? Donnie Audette bagged a hat trick? Miro Satan shot a 7-under? See what I mean?
In other news, as most are aware, Spring is in full bloom in New
York City, and I just returned from Midtown outside CBS headquarters at
the Trump building to watch a free outdoor lunchtime performance by
Elvis
Costello & The Imposters. The new album comes out next
Tuesday,
and I highly recommend it. Gorgeous weather, nice sound, and like
I already said, Spring is definitely in the air. There was quite
a view to be taken in, if you know what I mean. And I trust that
you scumbags understand what I'm talking about... (To quote
a certain person with the initials MD: "Oooh yeah. That's
classy!")
|
|
|
|
(since 1890): |
|
| 1.
37.9" Dec. 9-10, 1995 2. 29.8" Dec. 26-27, 2001 3. 25.3" Jan. 10-11, 1982 4. 25.2" Dec. 24-25, 2001 5. 24.9" Nov. 20-21, 2000 6. 24.3" Dec. 15-16, 1945 7. 20.1" Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 1979 8. 19.9" Nov. 28-29, 1955 9. 19.4" Feb. 27-28, 1984 10.(tie) 19" Nov. 30, 1976 10.(tie) 19" March 17, 1936 |
|
Secondly, I propose that instead of our typical "all expense-paid night out with the boys" (which never seems to be redeemable, much less paid for), we opt for the more attainable, cash prize. (OK, stop the snickering). I'm leaning towards $40 / $30 / $20, paid out by the 4th place finisher, the 3rd place finisher, and the runner-up, respectively. Then again, maybe we should all throw in $25 apiece now, and divvy up the funds to the winner at the end. Regardless, unless you have a better idea (or a life-size replica Stanley Cup), post a message on the boards and let me know what you think.
Well, anyhow, it's Friday and a new weekend's upon us. Hope at least one of you has got plans...
Talk to you on Monday...
- LT
The Sport of Kings in the Springtime: Season 3 of our contest.
There's little left to be said, other than
"welcome back, it's been a while". I'm sorry to add, that there's
definitely something missing. As we all know, for the first time
in our 3-year ongoing history, this contest of ours is lacking any kind
of personal connection. The locker room at 1 Seymour Knox Plaza
is
empty, and the last loud cheers were for
'N Sync. This is sad.
But like a wayward platoon in a rice paddie, we will carry on, nonetheless.
During their previous 31 seasons of play, the Sabres have always had a "name" player. From the early days of Gilbert Perreault to Pat LaFontaine to Dominik Hasek, the Sabres always seemed to have a player to identify with or to hang the hopes of a small community on. Stu Barnes or Chris Gratton just ain't the same. What went wrong?
Well, first off, the team and local media elevated Martin Biron
in
our collective minds to false levels. They had us all believing
that
he could seamlessly replace the 1994-98 era Dominik Hasek.
Marty's
competant, but he's no all-star. And though his numbers were
respectible
in some regards, the most important stat is in the "W" column.
'Nuff
said. Next, the front office didn't help. They only
subtracted
players from the roster, and the hands they brought in (one Bob Corkum)
wasn't even a gesture. Kozlov had potential, the kids &
Amerks
had flashes, but if they didn't play on a local team, and instead for,
say Phoenix, you never would've heard of 'em. Darcy didn't even
bother
with the whole "rent-a-player" facade this year. Maybe he knew
more
than he was letting on. Maybe it was for the best. Finally
Lindy just seemed plain angry this year. He tended to adopt a
Mike
Keenan-like stance that seemed to only alienate the players. The
majority of the words from his mouth were criticisms and
confidence-breaking.
And his rotisserie goalie-of-the-month style didn't help.
|
|
|
|
Heroes of Hockey 2K2 NHL Playoff Competition: |
|
|
Blaser, Kristofer #17, Sporting Goods Retail Grand Champion 2001 Canadian Dollar Coin, Virtually worthless Damstetter, Matthew #11, Construction Laborer Deisig, Steven #15, Online DayTrader Kelley, James, Feature Writer, Foxsports.com Latona, James #9, Financial Ratings, Client Services, Grand Champion 2000 |
|
Add to all of this the fact that the Amerks were eliminated six
days
ago by the Philadelphia Phantoms (2 games to none), from the 1st round
of the AHL playoffs, and you're left with, not a hearbroken, but an
indifferent
half of New York State, when it comes to hockey.
In other news, more than 60 people are already camping outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, 2 men have been forming a line in Seattle since January 1st, and we have absolutely no plans for the premiere of the upcoming "Episode II". The sadness goes on and on...
Finally, I'm happy to say that all our picks were submitted just before the 1st Round deadline. Team Damstetter would like to go on record by adding that their picks were assisted by a 1999 Canadian quarter-dollar coin. And as you'll see, they don't differ all that much from the rest of ours...
And lastly, it should be noted that in these times that we are living in, it is suddenly unfashionable to overuse or misuse, or in many cases, use, the term "heroes", when it doesn't apply to firefighters, police, or rescue workers, and certainly, one would not have the audacity to dare apply it to veteran hockey players. Well, to that I can say only that we've been using it much longer and with more passion, and am proud to mandate that we will continue to do so in these times of ours, and in the future. Otherwise, the terrorists will have won. (Besides, I refuse to do another re-design of that damn logo again because of Bin Laden!)
Gentlemen, welcome the return of the Heroes... of Hockey.
- James Latona, #9
Team Captain
President,
CEO, Co-Founder, Center, Hamburg Kings Hockey Club
League
Commissioner
Webmaster,
Heroes of Hockey Home Page
Lieutenant,
Bravo Company
Hero (of Hockey)
*End of Season 3 / NHL 2K1 - 2K2*
Captain's
Logue Commentary Archives - Second Season:
INDEX:
Today marks a significant day in our collective histories. The end. No, not the end of the Allentown Art Fest, or the end of Timothy McVeigh, Starpoint Central graduate and almost-brother-in-law of a Hero near you; the end I'm talking about dwarfs those. For I'm talking about something that's always bittersweet. Gentlemen of Bravo and wayward surfers, I present for your consideration, the end of the Second Season...
You always knew it was coming, sooner or later.
On June 12th in the year two-thousand, I was crowned as your Grand Champion. I have strived long hours to uphold that title with dignity, class, honour, and in secret. Women adored me, and men wanted to be me. OK, so not a lot has changed since then, but nonetheless, the past 364 days of my reign have been spectacular. (Except for the little side note of never actually ever receiving my prize...). But as all good things, this one had to come to a conclusion. There will be no repeat.
For those of you brave or bored enough to watch the exciting Game 7 (unfortunately I cannot include myself among their ranks), you saw Ray Bourque annointed under the chalice, Pat Roy hoist his third Conn "St. John" Smythe trophy, and Aleks Mogilny for the last time in a Devils uniform. The end of an era, and a season.
Next year at this time, who knows where our collective interests may lie. With the Salt Lake Games, the playoffs are sure to still be alive beyond mid-June, and as well, Season 3 of our contest.
|
|
|
|
Heroes of Hockey Hall of Fame Most Honoured Members of the Hamburg Kings' Organization |
|
| Brown,
Michael #17 Team MVP, Season (1989) Latona,
James #9, Captain Blaser,
Kristofer #17, Alternate Captain |
|
And so in this contest year full of coin flipping and random chance blowing the doors off of the time-tested practice of solid hockey knowledge and analysis, let me officially acknowledge and award the mantle of winner of the Second Season Heroes of Hockey Competition and Grand Champion title, for the first time, to our Alternate Captain, Kristofer M. Blaser. Due to his hard work and dedication, he will lead us into the 2001-2002 season. Congratulations Dr. K, your numbers and contributions surely earned it. We all should show him our deepest respect (if you know what I mean) on the Discussion Boards.
A celebration headed by Parade Marshall (Mayor) John Thomas is scheduled for this Friday in Hamburg, New York, commencing at the site of the former National Fuel Gas Supply Corp. (301 Union St.), terminating at the Hamburg Village Parking Lot (behind Helthco). See you there.
Also, I cannot end this without also giving
out a special achievement award and honorable mention to the Canadian
Treasury
Department, for minting the one-dollar coin. Without whose
"loonie",
as its affectionately known, this contest would have been much, much
less
competitive.
And finally esteemed members of Bravo
Company:
Private Damstetter, Staff Sergeant Blaser, and the rank-classified
Deisig,
thank you all for making this season so memorable. Like its been
uttered before, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its
parts.
Thank you for bringing me back to a team that uh, struggled so
valiently
twelve years ago, to truly grow into a respected corps. and a team that
I'd lace up for in a heartbeat. Thanks to the contribution and
energy
from each and all of you, for making this "Dirty Dozen" anniversary
what
it was. See you next time for Lucky 13....
And so as I was heard to say 364 calendar squares ago, "the one constant and definite is that Time, formerly of the essence, has just run out." And who knew that nary a year later, history would be repeating itself.
And so it goes boys... and there it went.
Until...(fill in the blank)....
At ease.
- James Latona, #9
Team Captain
President,
CEO, Co-Founder, Center, Hamburg Kings Hockey Club
League
Commissioner
Webmaster,
Heroes of Hockey Home Page
Lieutenant,
Bravo Company
Hero (of Hockey)
Roll the clichès...
Best of one. Winner take all. Cup for grabs. Sudden death. Sudden Champions.
So this is what it all comes down to: Top seeds in both Conferences squaring off for all the marbles; the Stanley Cup, in a do-or-die make-it-or-go-home Game 7. The NHL brass couldn't be happier. Well, maybe a little, but still, a Championship Finals Game 7 is still a game 7.
But what a dramatic sidebar with #77 in the
hunt. Raymond Bourque, a player I can remember watching ever
since
I can remember watching hockey, playing in 22 seasons, this one most
likely
his last, and it's come down to one final game, one last gasp at
claiming
the ultimate prize. Chill inspiring, right? Or, at least
for
those who can be bothered to care, much less watch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Raymond Bourque, D 2. Pierre Turgeon, C 3. Chris Gratton, C 4. Ron Duguay, RW 5. Paul Coffey, D 6. Adam Oates, C 6. Jim Jeffcoat, DE |
|
Be sure to tune in to ABC at 5pm Pacific,
tomorrow
night, be it from a local tavern, the confines of your living room, or
through the airwaves to a transistor. You owe it to yourself, and
to the sport that's been so good to you...
And finally, as "Lord" Alfred Hayes would say, don't you dare miss Ali-Frazer IV, live tonight from the palacial Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY. Come one, come two, Rain or Shine, in the West parking lot, under the tent. Cassius would be proud, if only he knew what the hell was going on...
Saturday night: Go Devils!! Go Ray! Viva la NHL.
- LT
...3....2....1.....
"Welcome back to our forum..."
It's been a while, and for whatever its worth, I'm putting text to page for someone's amusement; though whom exactly remains largely in question.
The final game or games of this NHL campaign loom or looms in the immediate future. Tomorrow night's Game 6 could be the last matchup of the season, and a Champion could repeat as Grand Master of this contest of ours. Either that, or the "doin' it for Ray" drive could come through, tighten up the Avs sloppy play as of late, and force a seventh and deciding game back in Denver on Saturday night. Either way, we'll know who gets a free night or nights across the border by the end of this weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1999-2000...............................17 2000-2001...............................21 |
|
So, what's everyone been up to? Ever since returning to this great state of New York, I have been attempting to get back into my rhythm, but admittedly, its been difficult finding my groove. What's been happening in WNY? Is PFCDP still even with us? Did KB ever subscribe and then immediately cancel Adelphia cable? Has SFD seen "Pearl Harbor" in its entirety yet (you had to be at the AMC Mercado to understand)?
I got little left in the tank. And as
much as it sickens me to type for the second year in a
row...
Goooo Devils!!
- LT
Good afternoon gentlemen. Here's the latest status update. As I begin, I sit in Terminal 3 of LAX, doing exhaustive analysis on our Stanley Cup Finals picks (see below). The lines are pretty clearly drawn. As most should recall, by the time the tournament gets to this point, the bets are typically no longer done by running line analyses, researching statistics, or playing out computer-assisted A.I. game simulations between the teams. No, sir. By this point, you make your picks based on the leaderboard - whose in front of you and whose nipping at your heels, all the while keeping one eye on how the bonus points are stacked. Then, assuming you can assume what the other three are going to go with, you strike: hard, fast, and accordingly.
That said, we have some interesting scenarios for this last matchup for Stanley's prize. Oddly, Team Deisig went against the grain and against his bonus picks, by going with New Jersey. Teams Blaser and Latona both -wisely- (for now) played the percentages by front and backloading their picks by simply going for where the points are and loading up by putting all their pucks in one basket. Lastly, and perhaps most tellingly, Team Damstetter is nowhere to be found. No picks appeared to have been submitted, and none where received. Perhaps they felt that deferring to the majik and lucky loonie that worked so well for them in Round 1 was the best option once again. Whose to argue? That damn coin has a better winning percentage than the Buffalo Sabres/Bills/Bisons/Bandits/Destroyers combined.
Here is how it all breaks down:
- If Colorado wins, Team Blaser will
be annointed Second Season champions, as painful as that is to say.
- If New Jersey wins and Joe
Sakic is awarded the Conn Smythe, Team Deisig will sip from the grail.
- If New Jersey wins and anyone other
than Joe Sakic wins MVP, Team Latona will repeat as league icons,
setting
an unprecedented standard of back-to-back championships.
- If, and only if, neither NJ nor
Colorado
wins, and Chris Gratton wins the Conn Smythe based on his
stellar
play in rounds 1 and 2, then Team Damstetter will win bragging rights
until
Spring 2002.
And that gentlemen, is how the deck is stacked. Time to see how the chips fall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Player
Points (Year)
1. Latona,
James...........................41
(2000) *Denotes
Player is
still Active
|
|
Though is anyone else sick of hearing about how Ray Bourque is still chasing cup no. 1? Who cares? I seriously don't want to see him win it. I've lived in Buffalo most of my life and I've never seen a cup! What about me? Screw Ray. "He played 21 years and no cup." Well, what about every Sabre that never won it? Rammer, Perrault, Turgeon, LaFontaine, Sauve, Foligno, Gare, Schoenfeld, Mogiln- oops. Anyhow, you get the picture. I guess the Sabres must've just been doin' it for Ray this year....
As for my Left Coast adventure, rest assured that its been going very, very well. Apparently some R&R in the warm California sun was just what I needed. Today I find myself securely stationed on the shores of the Pacific Rim, in bustling San Jose. Mr. "S.F." Deisig has been hospitable enough to extend his home and his invaluable time to my attention. Suffice it to say, this page just cannot get updated fast enough.
Southern California appeared just as we left it two years ago. Some of you will be happy to know that the Pac Sho Ho is still glistening on Ocean Avenue, still soiled from her former tenants. It brought a smile to my face. Finally, spent some time in Thousand Oaks, where the Gretzkys call home. No sightings of them, and for some reason. they refused to answer their door. Odd....
Lastly, only three celebrity sightings, and they're modest at best: I stayed in the "fabulous" Beverly Hilton, owned by preeminent singer and game show creator, Merv Griffin. Upon checking in, Kathleen Turner, who has seen better days, was waiting in line behind me, upset to be, waiting in line behind me. Later in the week, we spotted Merv himself, lounging poolside, his stable of willing young men surely not far behind. Finally, and most depressingly, while shopping Melrose Avenue (between Fairfax and La Brea), I pointed out a dejected-looking Andy Dick, basically holding up a wall. He didn't look too good. Well, that just about does it. Sorry for the unusually-low caliber of celebrity quality. We'll do better next time.
Until then, from Pacific shores,
- LT
Greetings. To be perfectly frank, the
energy required for updating this page, ever since the end of the
Buffalo
Sabres' 2000-01 NHL campaign, has been difficult in obtaining.
I'm
in a real crunch for time today so I'll have to be brief.
Conference
finals in full swing, and I have yet to watch 2 full consecutive
periods
in any of the six games played. Telling, to the last.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| South
Shore Golf Club Restaurant, Hamburg NY John & Mary's, Hamburg NY Perkins, Hamburg NY Super Pizza N.Y. Style, Orchard Park NY Super Chicken, Boston NY Santora's, Depew NY (didn't D also have food-service work at BGSU?) |
|
I am planning on a rare feat never before attempted: updating this page sometime next week, from a remote location in California. Based on the debacle that was last year's transfer of Captaincy and Webmaster duties, no subsequent shifts in the mantle of power will occur this year. Knowing is half the battle.
However, if time and circumstance does not allow that, and since I anticipate that the Cup Finals will commence prior to my return to the Tri-State area, know that all Stanley Cup Finals picks (Colorado or St. Louis vs. NJ or Pittsburgh) will, as always, be due in written e-mail form, prior to first face-off.
So I guess that's it. I'm off to warmer climes affording me changes in latitude and attitude, as they say. I need a rest. I suggest you all do similar.
Until.
- LT
|
|
|
|
State of the Roster |
|
| Dave
Andreychuk (Contract Option Year) Donald Audette (Unrestricted Free Agent) Stu Barnes (Contract Option Year) J.P. Dumont (Restricted Free Agent) Doug Gilmour ("Retired", but under contract) Denis Hamel (Contract Option Year) Dominik Hasek (Contract Option Year) Steve Heinze (Unrestricted Free Agent) James Patrick (Unrestricted Free Agent) Michael Peca (Restricted Free Agent) Erik Rasmussen (Restricted Free Agent) Rob Ray (Unrestricted Free Agent) Miroslav Satan (Restricted Free Agent) Richard Smehlik (Contract Option Year) Vladimir Tsyplakov (Unrestricted Free Agent) Vaclav Varada (Contract Option Year) Rhett Warrener (Restricted Free Agent) Alexei Zhitnik (Restricted Free Agent) Maxim Afinogenov (Under Contract) Martin Biron (Under Contract) Eric Boulton (Under Contract) Curtis Brown (Under Contract) Chris Gratton (Under Contract) Dmitri Kalinin (Under Contract) Jay McKee (Under Contract) Chris Taylor (Under Contract) Jason Woolley (Under Contract) |
|
So once again, its proven that my expert analysis is no better than the flip of a worthless hunk of foreign alloy.
Just got back from Boston yesterday (hence the non-updated page). Strictly business. And for those of you who haven't figured it out, I'm heading out West to the Pacific Rim this Friday. More business, this time in Century City. From there, some pleasure, and finally on Memorial Day, in the Bravo tradition of getting together to honour our fallen, I will be heading up to San Jose to see the Man, himself. Hot dogs and an XFL pigskin are somewhere on the radar...
Hard to believe it'll be exactly two (2) years since we were over in the City of Angels as a corps unit. One thing though, next May, roughly 365 from now, maybe we should call another off-site meeting of sorts; a Bravo Reunion, if you will, in time for the "Episode II" premiere. What major comsopolitan city gets to host this time? Salt Lake? Reno? Vegas Baby, Vegas? San Francisco? New York? Hotlanta? Ah, of course... Miami....
I'm sure you'd all agree with me that a lot
has transpired since the Summer of '99. And you'd probably concur
too, that not so much has changed, either. I hasten to get into
any
of it now, as this is hardly the time, or place, or forum.
I suppose this melancholy is only normal,
as I'm still in disbelief that the hockey season is, for all intents
and
purposes, over.
Why, I'm wondering, have all you guys been so relatively quiet lately? PFCDP - where'd you go? What's happening? Doctor K, what's the word with your preoccupations as of late? D - How's the weather in San Jose? How's the ladies? What's the story?
New York City's been much of the same as of late. And that ain't necessarily a bad thing. Summer's nearly upon us, and with the change in season brings the change in attitude, and the sense that life's about to change as a whole. Enjoy it, while you remember you still can. And don't be stupid to think you're above anything.
What comes around... is coming around...
And in other news, I just put my fist through my vinyl copy of "We're Gonna Win That Cup"....
- LT
In honor of the end of the playoff lives of
our beloved Buffalo Sabres Hockey Club, I would like everyone to
observe
a moment of silence, paying homage through gratitude and respect for
the
deceased....
.
.
.
. . .
Obviously, it's a rough day all
around.
First Buffalo, now the XFL. I, like yourselves, am simply
devastated.
|
|
|
|
Since Inception |
|
| 1973
lost to Montreal, 4-2, quarterfinals 1974 Did Not Qualify 1975 lost to Philadelphia, 4-2, Stanley Cup Finals 1976 lost to N.Y. Islanders, 4-2, quarterfinals 1977 lost to N.Y. Islanders, 4-0, quarterfinals 1978 lost to Philadelphia, 4-1, quarterfinals 1979 lost to Pittsburgh, 2-1, preliminary round 1980 lost to NY Islanders, 4-2, semifinals 1981 lost to Minnesota, 4-1, second round 1982 lost to Boston, 3-1, Adams Division semifinals 1983 lost to Boston, 4-3, Adams Division finals 1984 lost to Quebec, 3-0, Adams Division semifinals 1985 lost to Quebec, 3-2, Adams Division semifinals 1986 DNQ 1987 DNQ 1988 lost to Boston, 4-2, Adams Division semifinals 1989 lost to Boston, 4-1, Adams Division semifinals 1990 lost to Montreal, 4-2, Adams Division semifinals 1991 lost to Montreal, 4-2, Adams Division semifinals 1992 lost to Boston, 4-3, Adams Division semifinals 1993 lost to Montreal, 4-0, Adams Division finals 1994 lost to New Jersey, 4-3, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals 1995 lost to Philadelphia, 4-1, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals 1996 DNQ 1997 lost to Philadelphia, 4-1, Eastern Conf. semifinals 1998 lost to Washington, 4-2, Eastern Conf. finals 1999 lost to Dallas, 4-2, Stanley Cup Finals 2000 lost to Philadelphia, 4-1, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals 2001 lost to Pittsburgh, 4-3, Eastern Conf. semifinals |
|
It was so close for a while. After Heinze57's goal early in the third, I, like the team, got overconfident and thought it was all wrapped up. My non-literal bags were packed for East Rutherford. Then something happened, and that overtime period came as no surprise. Honestly, it should have been over long before Kaspar's goal, anyway. The Pens owned period 4.
And what becomes of several key players next year, who are no longer under contract? The team holds the 1-year $9M option on Hasek, but is he worth it (these last two seasons have not been particularly Vezina-calibre)? Or will he make it "easy" on us, and retire back to his palace in Pardubice? Biron's coming along well, and is suppossed to be a very good goalie in this league for a long time. How much longer can we afford to hold him back? (e.g. only playing 18 games this season; not even enough to qualify to get his name on the Jennings).
It looks like a forlorn conclusion that Dougie "don't call me 'Dougie'" Gilmour has played his last professional National Hockey League game, save for the occasional so-called "Heroes of Hockey" contests (lawsuit pending). He didn't exactly take us to the promised land, but overall, out of that trade for Grosek, we did get JayPee D....
What of "Diamond" Dave Andreychuk? He did bag twenty pucks in mesh last season, and this year did kinda make you forget about his pathetic final years when he still had #25 on his back.
I don't think Donald "Please don't send me back to Buffalo" Audette will be back, either. Rent-a-player to the last.
Three vital players that, in my important opinion, we have to keep (and probably won't) are Rob "I'm happy just to wear a suit on the bench" Ray, Steve "<nickname pending>" Heinze, and Stu "pid" Barnes. The latter two provided much of our scoring punch that would be sorely missed. Oh, and what about Michael "Mike" "Glass body" Peca? If not him in fact, something, anything, in his stead will be better than this.
Did anyone else see the story about how the Sabres painted the Stanley Cup logos in the neutral zone for last night's game, in anticipation of advancing to the next round? The logos aren't allowed to be on the ice until the Conference Finals, but because of an important (ha!) Destroyers game tonight, they wouldn't otherwise have had the time to paint. Remeniscent of the Bills re-painting the SuperBowl logos on the back of the Ralph's scoreboard four years in a row, and then finally, the last year, thinking they were smart and leaving extra room for a fifth logo.... which remained blank until they whitewashed the whole damn thing a couple years ago. Talk about the Buffalo paint jinx...
I have no other insight to add. I'm disgusted, and not that enthused about the Frozen Four that begins tomorrow. Maybe next week, with the help of this competition of ours, my interest can be re-kindled.
Enjoy the weekend, boys. I'm outta
here,
like the Buffalo Sabres....
Just Announced:
Finalists for the NHL Awards were released
today. "A Celebration of Excellence" to be aired live on 14 June
from the Air Canada Center in Toronto (CBC/ESPN2, 8pm ET), this year
with
special guest host, Hockey Night in Canada's own Ron McLean (as Alex
Trebek,
Alan Thicke, Michael J. Fox, Jason Preistlay, the Barenaked Ladies,
Dave
Coulier, Mike Myers, Doug Flutie, and John Candy were all unavailable).
And so without further ado, here are
this year's honorees:
(my picks in RED
-
who wants some of this betting action?)
Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP to his team)
- Mario Lemieeux
(Penguins), Jaromir Jagr (Penguins), Joe Sakic (Avalanche)
Frank J. Selke Trophy (Outstanding
defensive forward) - John Madden
(Devils), Mike Modano (Stars), Joe Sakic (Avalanche)
Calder Memorial Trophy (Outstanding
rookie) - Martin Havlat (Senators), Evgeni
Nabokov (Sharks), Brad Richards (Lightning)
James Norris Memorial Trophy (Outstanding
defenseman) - Ray Bourque (Avalanche), Nicklas Lidstrom (Red Wings), Scott
Stevens (Devils)
Vezina Trophy (Outstanding goaltender)
- Martin Brodeur (Devils), Roman Cechmanek
(Flyers), Dominik Hasek (Sabres)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Sportsmanship
and gentlemanly conduct) - Nicklas Lidstrom (Red Wings), Adam Oates
(Capitals),
Joe
Sakic (Avalanche)
Jack Adams Award (Outstanding coach)
- Bill Barber (Flyers), Scotty Bowman (Redd Wings), Jacques
Martin (Senators)
Maurice Richard Trophy (Most Goals)
- Pavel Bure (Panthers) (59 Goals)<
Art Ross Trophy (Most Points) -
Jaromir
Jagr (Penguins) (52-69-121 pts.)
William M. Jennings Trophy (Fewest
Goals Against) - Dominik Hasek (Sabres) (184 GA)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (Perseverance,
Sportsmanship, and Dedication) - TBA
King Clancy Memorial Trophy (Leadership
and Humanitarian contribution to his community) - TBA
Emory Edge Award (Best Plus/Minus)
- Joe Sakic (Avalanche) and Patrik Elias ((Devils) (tied at +45)
[The Professional Hockey
Writers'
Association votes for the Hart, Norris, Selke, Calder, and Lady Byng
Trophies.
Voting for the Adams Award is conducted by the NHL Broadcasters'
Association,
while the Vezina Trophy is voted upon by NHL General Managers.]
- LT
"I don't think there's
anything
to be proud of.
No one remembers the losing
teams."
- Mats Sundin, 9 May 2001
Game 7 of this series, and Game 13 of the playoffs so far for our esteemed club du hockey looms on the horizon, right above the scenic waterfront of the Buffalo Inner Harbor district. While I was hoping that by the time we reached our thirteenth game of the playoffs, that we would be playing in Game 1 of the Cup Finals, I'm happy just to still be alive. But as is the way of the stick & the puck, someone's 2001 hockey life will end in a few short hours.
So where does that leave us right now? Well, there are five teams left with a shot at Lord Stanley's amateur bowl, and because of the stupid "rules", that's one too many. I'm sure the NHL, officials, and every other hockey fan outside a (domestic) 90-mile radius of Erie County are pulling for the Pens. It makes for better press, Pittsburgh is a bigger, and arguably more hockey-centric city (i.e. HotSauceBleuCheese couldn't even sell out), and the Mario Comeback has been the best media story in hockey this year.
Imagine.... the player-owner-hall-of-famer comes out of early retirement to lead the league in points-per-game average and takes them on a playoff run as if he never left... SI cover story coming up....
Contrast that with... "struggling
winger
Vaclav Varada hacks and dives his way with his nameless, captainless
team,
up through the ranks of hockey immortality..." or "the
retiring-not-retiring-retiring-to-be-traded-maybe-million-dollar
-local-donor-Czech-Olympian-goaltender Domminik Hasek has his worst
season
in years, but backs his team on their last gasp run with some veterans:
Dougie "where'd I go this round" "I'm glad no one remembers me sexually
abusing my kids' babysitter back in Calgary" Gilmour, Davey "remember
when
I scored five goals in one game" "hands rivaling only those of Pete
Metzelaars"
Andreychuk, and James "Who?" Patrick.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Sad to see both teams lose last night (and 5-to-1 at that!) that I was hoping would advance. That was a big blow to the Leafs and to their nation, as yet again for another year, the Cup will make its home south of the border. Canada is fascinating in that they have so much pride. And aside from beer, strip joints, hockey players, second-rate actors, and the finest massage therapists in the world, they ain't got a whole lot to be proud of. (Then again, after re-reading that, I'm starting to understand their patriotism...)
And last night ESPN pissed me off (for the hundredth time this week) by keeping with their coverage of that blowout, meaningless baseball game (Mariners at BoSox), instead of the beginning of Game 7 between LA-Colorado. And then, when the ball game ended, instead of going directly to the live feed from Pepsi Center, they put on some bullshit ESPN Classic college football game from '92! They play just enough of this so that the ENTIRE first period ends, then awkwardly cut away to the intermission show with Buchigross and Hollywood! I was livid. I strongly contemplated driving over to Conneticut to punch somebody in the head.
Anyhow, we've got better things to think about now. So grab a friend (or a "friend"), some cold ones, pull up a comfortable vantage point, and get ready. Tonight at 7:30pm ET live from Buffalo via 7-second delay: Destiny, for the better team.
Anything less than a Buffalo win tonight, and this playoff season will get a lot lonlier and harder to watch. Pens defenseman Darius Kasparaitis said it best: "A Game 7 is like going to a casino." Only this time, don't bet on black.
- LT
This should not be a surprising turn of events.
Last night's Game 6 from the Mellon was hardly a battle, and two lazy teams showed up in what was touted as the most important game of the series (to date), though you could hardly tell. The Sabres did not play like champions, if that's a goal of theirs. They needed to play a more consistant game and keep the pressure applied game-long. That said, the Penguins did not play like a desperate team strugging to stay alive. Some ridiculous bounces, and some ridiculous goals (that gift for Afinogenov, that rainbow pass to the crease on Lemieux's tying goal) didn't really make one team stand out.
The Sabres, despite their lack of killer
instincts,
should've finished them off, and by all rights, should have won the
game,
and series. They outplayed the Pens for most of the game, and
usually
when it mattered (except for the last minute and a half of regulation
and
at the end of overtime).
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The
Bangles "Everything" Mötley Crüe "Girls, Girls, Girls" Bryan Adams "into the Fire" Bon Jovi "Slippery When Wet" |
|
So this round is really making us go the distance before we can see how the points in our tourney stack up. Three series to go, and all have taken the most amount of time to be decided. Well, after tonight we should have a better idea of where we stand. The Jersey-Toronto series has been a knock-down-drag-out affair. Be sure to tune in at least for the end, as the last 3 games have all had major events occur with under 30 seconds left in regulation. The winner of this should make for a nice counterpart to the winner of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh series, though any team may be outclassed to face the winner out west...
The Avs-Kings series has proven that LA are grinders to the last. However, even if the Kings can pull off the greatest upset since the '93 Cup run, honestly, they're probably outmatched to face the very well-rested Blues. The LA wins have just scraped by, and that kind of style isn't going to hold up in the long-run.
But don't forget, that just as the teams in the Playoffs are only playing for one thing: Stanley's chalice, we too, are only playing for one thing: bragging rights to the lofty mantle of Grand Champion of our fair tourney. Some might even say that that's a higher honor than the Cup itself. Then again, people say a lot of crap, too (see the Discussion Boards for example...)
Perhaps we should commission the immediate
construction of a replica Stanley Cup for our annual competition here,
with its possession to be determined yearly by winning this prestigious
contest. What do you all think? Anybody know a good
silversmith
(aside from J.C. Collins)?
- LT
Quick recap: We have our first Game 7
out west, as St. Louis will get a prolonged rest as they wait to see
whose
coming to Savvis Center this weekend. Those pesky Kings taking
the
favorites down to the wire and down to the mat. They have
something
the Hamburg Kings never had. OK, sure I can name about six dozen
things they have that we never did, but what's the point of that?
They're a good squad, and it would be nice to see them play up the
underdog
role. Afterall, if the NHL had their way, its in the best
interest
of the league, television market-wise, that they get the
|
|
|
|
|
|
| "Now
the world don't move to the beat of just one drum
What might be right for you, may not be right for some A man is born, he's a man of means Then along come two, they got nothin' but their jeans But they got Diff'rent Strokes It takes Diff'rent Strokes It takes Diff'rent Strokes to move the world" Words & Music by: Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton |
|
And tonight the Leafs look to knock off the champs. Only someone with mystic powers well beyond that of mortal men could've predicted that. Hey, whadya know....
Today I was on the phone with a client trying to fill dead air while my system was connecting. Space filling, I realized she was a Pittsburger and floated the bait: "Uh, you wouldn't be a hockey fan, would you?...." Was sure to stand up for truth, justice, and the Buffalo way and lay down the smack talk. Harsher words about her team's owner had never entered her ears....
Did anybody else hear Darren Pang soiling himself while discussing the Queen City's Partay District, Chippewa Street? I relish the night I run into that midget walking out of McMonkeez. Domi's elbow to the head won't compare....
(Now isn't that what this site is all
about?
Making harrasing threats to television personalities? Bob Barker
- you're next)
- LT
What a turn of events just culminated from the finest ice arena in these United States. Whether you were at a bar watching through a small black & white, in the comfort of your own home with your entertainment center, in the plastic seats with impeccable sight-lines at the stadium, or hobnobing with the elite of Western New York State on the railing at Headline(r)s, the rumblings from the ice surface at the crossroads of Illinois and Main Street were impossible to deny. The Buffalo Sabres didn't play a complete 68 minutes. They didn't redeem themselves for their performance in Games 1 & 2. They
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Latona vs. Damstetter (circa 1981) 2. Latona vs. Deisig (c. 1984) 3. Blaser vs. Latona (sucker-punch only) (1985) 4. Blaser vs. Damstetter (c. 1987) 4. Deisig vs. Blaser (c. 1989) 6. Damstetter vs. Deisig (various) |
|
I really appreciate the work that the Pens' coach has done with his team. When your owner, President, CEO, and Chairman of the board are sitting right next to you, looking over your shoulder, dictating what IS going to happen next, and dangling your pay voucher in front of your face night in night out, its an unenviable situation to say the least. But so far, not good enough. Maybe Mario should just pull a Trottier, and become the next player-coach for the damn team. It would solve a few problems.
These final 3 series just continue to plug away, and we're treated to some good extended hockey. How can you not love hockey in the Spring? As I type, the Leaf and Devils are battling away, with one eye on the out of town scoreboard. To be continued...
Game 12 of the City of Buffalo versus the
Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania this Tuesday night at 7pm ET, live from downtown
Pittsburgh.
Coming soon to a television near you....
- LT
Fuck Christmas. THIS is the
most
wonderful time of the year. Its in the high 80's outside (well,
at
least for us on the Atlantic Coast), Spring fever's in full bloom,
skirts
are aplenty, and on any given evening, you can tune your television to
Entertainment & Sports Programming Network or its sister station,
and
catch some exciting NHL Playoffs action. Its truly the only time
of the season where you can watch any game, regarless of the teams, and
enjoy the high level of play, that as a Hero of Hockey, you can really
relate to. Plus, the huge bonus of having the Kings still alive
out
west means that on certain late nights, you can relax in bed with a
bowl
of popcorn after midnight, and enjoy live hockey from the West
Coast.
For some reason, that means the world to me, and that thrill pretty
much
sums up Playoff time. (Not to disregard or discredit the fact
that
our boys are still alive, which makes things twice as nice....).
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
"Where can I get these greenbacks exchanged for Canadian?"
2. "Gentlemen, I want to see some backs on the stage!" 3. "It's coming up! 4. "Cleanup in the Men's Room - again" 5. "These sweatshorts were a great idea!" 6. "Ah - my back hurts!" 7. "Hey Steve, can I borrow some money - I'll pay you back as soon as we get back over the border" 8. "Don't touch the 'cookie'" 9. "Uh, No thanks" 10. "You ready to go?" |
|
So, with one series history in the Semis, our leader, K. Blaser pulls even further into the lead with that gutsy guess of the St. Louis victory. He continues to prove that he belongs in this year's tournament, and that his dismal showing of a year ago, while not forgotten, was perhaps just due to the competition, rather than a commentary on his skills.
Tonight in Denver, the Avs look to shut down the L.A. dream, and there's no question that while the win would help me stat-wise, my heart's with the Kings. Tomorrow, is a huge day, as the 3-game series of WNY vs. WPA kicks off in the afternoon. I'm mulling over the notion of watching it on the big screen at ESPNZone, Times Square, as my high school-college connection, Greg Claus is stopping by for a visit. Anybody wanna come along?
Finally, I'm sure you've all seen Tie Domi's elbow to Niedermayer's head by now. Breaking news is that he's been suspended for the remainder of the playoffs. Ouch. If I was the Commish, I'd give him 5-8 games max. Come on, this is Old Time Hockey at its best. Just keep him away from the team down the Queen E.....
Go Sabres!!
- LT
Off to a bad start. Tonight, Game 7, er, Game 3 from the Mellon. Might as well be Game 7, the implications are about the same. The misery that was Game 2 is still fresh on the brain. The boys from our fair city played by Canadian Ballet Rules: No penetration in the slot. And the Pens did the opposite: Used a tight box. Excuse the tasteless metaphors, but seriously, how many rebounds did the Sabs have? And those "power plays" - there was never a white jersey within 15 feet of the crease, that is, when the puck wasn't having to be corraled by Dom.
Forget this "left-wing lock" nonsense, the
Pens are just playing solid defense and the Sabres are not getting,
nay,
making enough quailty scoring chances. The only decent shots they
get land solidly on the futuristic penguin logo emblazoned on Moose's
chest.
And last time I checked, that was the hard way to light the red lamp....
|
|
|
|
Battles of 'Nam |
|
| 1.
Crosman Z-77 "Uzi" CO2 Semi-Automatic Air Rifle
2. Crosman 760B Pneumatic 10-pump .177 Caliber Air Rifle 3. Crosman 66BX Pneumatic 10-pump .177 Caliber Air Rifle 4. Crosman 357 series 8-Chamber CO2 Semi-Automatic Revolver Pistol 5. Daisy Model 1938 Red Ryder .177 Caliber Pneumatic Air Rifle 6. Marksman 1010 Pneumatic "Plinker" Pistol 7. Daisy AR-17 CO2 Semi-Automatic Air Rifle |
|
And tonight,big hits are predicted to resound around the Steel City. That McKee-on-Lemieux-face-first-to-the-ice hit was so embarrasing. What would've been a great body check turned into McKee looking like a clown and basically summing up the state of his teammates' play. Luckily that didn't occur in Pittsburgh, or the arena would've been engulfed in laughter, not solemn worry.
If I had one wish for tonight, I'd like to see a very physical game where Buffalo is dominant and mean. If I had two wishes, I'd hope for a blowout to bring this series toward a more even score. And if I had 3 wishes, I pray we don't draw the Levy-Pang tandem. I can't stand those morons and their hack attempt at a broadcast.
Perhaps the most telling summation comes
from
the team themselves. The newest Sabre, Donald Audette, on Game 2:
"We played the best we can."
Uh-oh.
- LT
Some bad bounces. Failure to make the
most of the few opportunities they had. Failure to keep the puck
out of their own slot. Failure to skate and not fall down (on
your
own ice rink!). Failure.
|
|
|
|
Weapon of Choice |
|
| 1.
Lion-o / Sword of Omens 2. Panthro / battle-sticks 3. Tygra / exploding bolo-whip 4. Cheetara / bo-staff 5. WilyKit / "bag of tricks" 6. WilyKat / annoying 7. Snarf / Stupidity |
|
Good news is that Jagr is suffering from a mystery charley horse. Maybe it'll keep him out for a while. Bad news is they still played well without him. Wayne Primeau exacting his revenge. Who knew he'd be a bigger threat than his brother?
And you gotta tip your hat to Dougie Gilmour, easily the best Sabre on the ice. Which may not be a good sign....
All in all, until the end, a very entertaining game. If we can solve Cechmanek, "the Moose" shouldn't be any different. Though he did hand us a shutout....
As you can tell, I have nothing
entertaining
to add today. Game 2 tomorrow. The weekend's upon us.
Enjoy.
- LT
<Cue annoying hillbilly music>
"Are you ready for some Haaa-Keeeyyyy???"
Hope the R&R satisfied because its
nearing
time to strap the skates back on and climb right back into the line of
fire. Skaters to your foxholes - Round 2 begins tonight.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Bonecrusher 2. Hook 3. Long Haul 4. Mixmaster 5. Scavenger 6. Scrapper |
|
Below, you'll notice that all of Bravo's picks are in as of 3:35pm EDT this afternoon. Thankfully, these didn't have to go down to the line right before faceoff. Interestingly, with only 4 series in play, we have some unique picks, though with the remaining powerhouses still going strong, its difficult to bet against the pack. I think we'll in for a tight contest and close shave.
In other site news, our man on the Pac Sho' and your Captain have successfully tested and have been the first 2 members of the platoon to take a load off and enjoy the pleasures of the VIP Champagne Chat room. Ahhhh. Heavenly. If you get the opportunity, I suggest you come along. Maybe we'll set up a time in the near future to get a private party going.
All for now, pull up a comfortable piece of
real estate and a cool drink for tonight's game, and cross your
fingers.
This is what its all about.
- LT
At 2.45am this morning in the Maritimes (that's 1.45am EDT for most of us, or for the big man out west, 10.45pm Pacific Time, Monday Night), in a little $375M sports arena on the southern edge of downtown Los Angeles, the first round of the 2000-2001 NHL Playoffs came to a thundering end at Staples Center, as the seventh-seeded Kings upset the mighty Detroit Red Wings for the first time in either teams' collective histories. Yes, my friends, hockey season is alive and well in Southern California.
Hours earlier in Buffalo, the freshly
painted
Greyhound Cruisers began mapping out their route to their games 3 &
4 destination: This will be Pittsburgh. So there it is, the
cards have been drawn. For the Sabres to advance closer to
Stanley,
they must first complete the Pennsylvania circuit. Let's call
them
the Commonwealth Games, Rounds 1 & 2. And that's quite a
gauntlet
to have to run. But now that all is said and done, I actually
prefer
playing the Pens instead of the Caps. Though HSBC is gonna be
filled
with Black & Yellow....
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Los Angeles over Detroit in 6 2. New Jersey over Carolina in 6 3. Buffalo over Philadelphia in 6 4. Colorado over Vancouver in 4 |
|
Very odd playoff season so far. A new record for most overtimes in a round (15), though none of them went past four periods. Also, no exciting seventh -and deciding- games were necessary. If you break it down, 6 of the series went exactly 6 games, and the remaining 2 were both 4-game sweeps. Out West, L.A. had the only upset, being seeded 7th and knocking off the #2 seed. Here in the East, it was all upsets, save for the heavily-favored Devils.
And if you take a look at our stats, most of the picks were so close that everyone rose & fell alike. Like the one that eluded us all - Leafs over Sens. But I'm happy to report that a strong showing last night (and that Kings pick - pure genius - how'd you guys miss that one?!) has tightened this race and brought reason and logic back to the table. With only five points seperating the men and the boys (and 5 points can be had in only 1 series), we're in for some XFL-like excitement.
Blaser's first round showing really dazzled the pundits, by grabbing 24 of 24 base points. Seeing as though the first round accounts for such a large chunk of the points, he's off to a good start by anyone's standards. The upstart Team Damstetter continues to amaze with a legendary freshman effort. And Team Deisig, as expected, reaffirms and embodies the adage, "slow and steady wins the race." Indeed, my friend, indeed.
And my current last-place showing? No worries. Don't forget, last year this contest was won and lost in the Semis. I intended to keep that tradition alive. For the fans. That's what heroes are all about.
- LT
Well, with 6 of 8 series in the history books, I can say we can perform some analysis on our contest so far: Teams Blaser and Team Deisig, considering the unfortunate similiarity of their picks, are duking it out with nearly identical results. Maybe things would've been different if Blaser didn't e-mail his picks to Deisig like he did... Only the predicted St. Louis ousting of the Sharks has made the difference. Perhaps most surprisingly, however, is the expansion team, Team Damstetter, hovering in second place, and number-wise, doing damn well. It really hurts the most that the defending champs, Team Latona, are taking such a drubbing so far. Not overlooking the fact that I'm losing -badly- to a team that got its picks from coin flips! Next round, I'm considering tossing darts...
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Team
_____
No. Pct. 1. Team Deisig....................0 0.00% 2. Team Blaser....................0 0.00% 3. Team Damstetter.............0 0.00% 4. Team Latona..................1 1.000% |
|
Well, tonight, big matchup from Staples Center, as the Kings go in for the kill. I'd really like to see our namesake move to the next round. And also the early game as Super Mario and the Penguins look to close out the Caps from the Igloo. This is obviously an important matchup since the winner goes on to face Buffalo, with home ice at stake. Given the choice, I think I'd rather see Pittsburgh than Washington. This year is too much like the past, and those Caps are too much like the '98 team that stopped us short of going to the dance.
Speaking of flashbacks, I'm getting the feeling that these Sabres are like the early-90's Bills. Very talented, perennially going to the playoffs, and with such high expectations every year. But are they champions? Were the Bills? Those teams in the West are just so loaded, its like a different sport. And the Bills these days, are like the 80's Sabres. Mediocre at the very best where playoffs are a word to describe other teams. Good lord, this city needs a major-league national champion. And all due respect to the Bandits, but LaCrosse just don't cut it...
Anybody see the Lennox Lewis fight over the weekend? Whatever. 10-4.
- LT
 8 0 |
! |
Whoo-hoo! You can forget about going
0-4 against them in the regular series. You can forget the fact
that
you only bounced 2 pucks past them in four games. You can
begin
calculating the Conference Semifinal schedules. And you can select your
starting goaltender for the the Czech Olympic team in Salt Lake City
'02.
The student is still the student. And the master remains the
master.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Andreychuk 2. Audette 3. Gratton (2) 4. Dumont (2) 5. Gilmour 6. Heinze |
|
Get your Semifinals wristbands Sabrefans! Don't drive that bandwagon away just yet! For the first time since the Cup run of '99, your Buffalo Sabres have advanced to the next round.
With a resounding drubbing of the Broad St. Bullies, you couldn't ask for much more. Well, other than ABC's national game telecast deciding not to switch to the Washington-Pittsburgh halfway through the game. Assholes. I was tempted to head up to West 57th Street and give them a piece of my mind, Buffalo-style.
Whatever, a win's a win, whether I see it or have to listen to it on the 'net. Its amazing how little it takes to make it a good day. The boys look like champions and Mr. Regier looks like a Rhodes Scholar. Not one of goal scorers was on the team until last March. Brilliant.
That is all. I just wanted to chime in. Enjoy the remainder of the weekend. God Bless the Buffalo Sabres.
- LT
20 April 01: "A Tale of 3 Teams"
Ouch. As I'm sure you all witnessed last night, only one team came to play Game 5. To the dismay of the dwindling fan base in the Queen City, that team was wearing orange sweaters. Strangely they were playing a new team. A third team. It wasn't the Buffalo Sabres that were on the roster sheet.
While their uniforms looked familiar (predominantly black with white, red, and grey; evil goat lord crest on the front), they were not the same team that we've come to know, love, and be annually disappointed by, from a fair city on the shores of Lake Erie in the Niagara frontier that had been playing in the first 4 games of the series . No, this team was was slow, lazy, couldn't pass the puck, couldn't carry the puck, and was more content to fake like they were backchecking than to have to skate all they way out of their own end, through the neutral zone, to that very foreign territory nearly 200 feet away. It just wasn't worth all the effort.
Now, before you get all over me for getting all over them, remember, we (yes, that's the royal "we") were brethren teammates on a little-known floor hockey club about a dozen years ago. I can certainly relate to the notion of weighing 2 options during a "hockey" game - should I bother to get all tired out, run down to the other end of the rink, probably only to cough up the ball/puck, or would it be more prudent just to stay here, try to look like I'm playing defense, and not get all tired out? No one reading this last paragraph has the right to disagree...
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Sgt. Bosco A. Baracus 2. Lt. Templeton Arthur Peck 3. Col. John Smith |
|
State of the site: I'm starting to think about a complete overhaul of this site. It's largely unchanged from a year ago, and new visuals are always a plus. As you can see, I've dumped most of the graphics at the bottom of this page. I was getting the feeling that once you've seen them, they don't add much value going forward. Besides, I felt like they were only needlessly slowing down the loading time for this page. Here at work, where I do most of the site maintenance and have a rocket T-1 connection, I still found myself waiting for this silly page to load. I can only imagine its much, much worse for you guys with dial-in connections through telephone modems. I think you'll find that this page now loads much faster. Pictures will be back someday, but on a seperate page where you can choose to look at them at your own discression.
Secondly, I'm enjoying this new poll feature of ours. I have about 7 other polls ready and waiting to be activated, once the current one runs it course. I'm happy to report the first one ("First Sabre you'd draft for a new start-up team") was a smashing success, with former Captain Mike Foligno (#17 to the uninitiated) grabbing a whopping 57 votes (not percentage of the votes, mind you), far and away, head and shoulders above the number 2 vote-getter, Goaltender Dominik Hasek. I guess that half-whiffle ball helmet of his really made an impact. Well, that or his celebratory leap (Canadian patent pending) following a rare goal... To see the final stats for yourself, this and all future archived polls can be accessed by choosing the "View Archive" link after you vote.
The current poll, about wager burden payout is a tricky one, politically speaking. While I like Deisig's idea of the losers in third and fourth place subsidizing the first place winner entirely, I still have some reservations about this kind of arrangement. Mostly because I'm not thrilled with the idea of the second place finisher (i.e another of the "losers") getting off scot-free. Like has always been our adage, I can't help but repeat, "there's no points for second place". Based on that school of thought, I can't help but feel like the second place finisher should therefore bear some of the fiscal burden.
Finally, Purcell - You must e-mail me your picks for: Stanley Cup Champions, and Playoff MVP. These are due by Monday morning 23 April, 9am EDT, otherwise the bonus points will be unavailable to you for this contest.
That is all. Enjoy your weekend boys. I'll be at home for Game 6 if anyone is around....
- LT
Big night upon the city of Brotherly Love. Where nary a year ago, Lindy was pounded in the head with a cup of beer, and his team faring only slightly worse in the general humiliation category. Payback time, and my, is it sweet.
In other news 'round the robin, two series wrapped up early, with the unlikely Leafs doing the sweeping of their provincial countrymen, and the more predictable (apparently) Avs ending the Canucks' pain rather quickly, also in four. Some points were earned, though all were fooled by the Senators' dazzle. After only 2 series' completions, I think (and I'm sure K would agree), this contest is still too close to call.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Shooters Waterfront Cafe May 1989 - November 1990 2. Breakers on the Waterfront May 1991 - November 1991 3. The Pier May 1992 - April 2001 |
|
Beyond the world of the rinks, I'd like to be the first to welcom PFC DP to the proverbial and perennial fray. Now if only SS Taylor would do the same...
What's the word on the stakes of the wager? Vote in the poll below and we'll probably go with the winner. Please go to the boards and suggest what we should be playing for. The question has been raised: Is a dinner simply enough anymore? The gauntlet has been thrown down.
And on a final note, I'd like to raise a plastic cup and bid a fond adieu to The Pier, possibly the finest drinking, dancing, and libation emporium ever to be located on Fuhrmann Boulevard. Sad never I got the chance to actually go there. Not in this life at least.
- LT
And Curtis Brown goes home a happy man. And an overflow crowd goes home quite the same. What a Game 4...
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Danny Gare, #18 2. Rob Ray, #32 3. Alexander Mogilny, #89 4. Denis Hamel, #55 5. J.P. Dumont, #17 6. Steve Heinze, #57 |
What fan couldn't enjoy that one? I guess games that make me nervous are the best ones. I've said it before, but it looks as though Regier's trades are pulling through - a year late, but combine the G+G boyz with this year's deadline-beaters, we're gettings some pucks in the net.
Speaking of net, I wonder if Biron would be as effective as the One & Only? Dom's been good, but not like days of old. I don't know if you caught it, but his best move last night was not stopping a puck, but when CuBro won it and sprinted back into the Buffalo end, Dom was out at the Blue line sliding past him on his back for some unknown reason. It was really funny.
And we finally have a new home for this
site,
one that I hope lends itself to some degree of permanancy. Please
excuse the relatively unobtrusive banner in the top right of the pages,
but its the best we could do without having to pay for this
monstrosity.
Once that got settled, most of the links and graphics are now
back.
Let me know if I missed anything. And also, I hope you're
enjoying
the poll below. I figure I'll rotate them every few days.
Be
sure to Vote! And vote often! Your voice can
make
a difference.
- LT
A few bad bounces...
The game of the day was of course, Eastern Quarters, Game 3 from the HSBC Arena in the scenic downtown Buffalo Waterfront "district". On the two-year anniversary of Wayne Gretzky's retirement. Make it or break it. And if it ain't broken, for God's sake, don't break it.
Crash.
Oh, well. Not to get too downtrodden, as the Sabs are in still in the enviable position of two-games-to-one, but you know the clichè - win Game 3, grab a paralyzing 3-0 lead; lose, and bring the series to a more interesting and uncomfortable 2-1. Bingo.
For those who watched, it was a first period to behold. Then something happened over the next two sessions and the fire was gone. Like someone's sure to repeat, the next game is now the most pivotal one of the series.
Tonight. Buffalo.
Sabres-Flyers.
Make it or - ah, you know the rest.
|
|
|
|
as per NHL Rulebook Section 2: Rule 13(b) |
|
| 1.
The Number "00" 2. Fractions (e.g. "1/2) 3. Decimals (e.g. ".05" 4. Three-digit Numbers (e.g. "101") 5. League Retired Number "99" |
State of the Site:
Slowly but rock steadily, our homepage is
coming along. I'm still in negotiations for a more permanent host
of this site as I have no faith in our current Homestead. Once
that's
shored up, I'll be able to get all the links and graphics back, before
I can even begin to start thinking about new enhancements.
Finally, easy as it is to lose sight of, we've got a wager going on. I still have not heard from PFC Purcell, who is listed as MIA somewhere in FLA, doing who know what. God bless that boy. Nonetheless, "Horne" & I have taken it upon ourselves to randomly select his First Round picks via a complex system of maximized statistical probablity via a scientific series of coin flips. And don't worry, of course it was a Loonie... His randomly generated picks have been added to the tablature below. They are binding.
A quick analysis of the picks shows the similiarities of the 4 competitors. Wonder why? We got ourselves a horse race, gentlemen. And it's tight. Be aware that 53% of the total points available in this contest are up for grabs in this first round.
And again - I still need you all (except Team Deisig) to pick a logo for the Playoff Tree diagram. It can be anything, or of course, the same as last year. If anyone wants to pick Matt's for him, be my guest...
Finally, the Discussion Boards are up and running. You all know the rules - leave a message each time you visit the page. The playoff season is short.
Over & out.
- LT
End Hiatus. Begin Second Season. <cue music>
Genltlemen, welcome back to the Second
Season
for the second season. I had my doubts, but look where we seem to
be. For some, this is new, for others its old hat. First
off,
I don't seem to have much time to expouse right now, but I've learned
of
a new kink in the plan. It seems winger Matt Damstetter is on
vacation
in Daytona as we speak, so his first round picks will have to be
delayed
an/or pro-rated should he want to participate.
|
|
|
|
Heroes of Hockey Competition |
|
| 1.
Latona, James L. #9, Center, Captain Grand Champion, Heroes of Hockey NHL Playoffs Competition (2000) 2. Deisig, Steven Franklin #15, Defence 3. Blaser, Kristofer Michael #TBA, Alternate Captain, Right Wing 4. Damstetter, Matthew Phillip #11, Winger |
Oh, one other administrative thing - I need you all to pick a logo for the Playoff Tree diagram (e.g. last year D was the hammer/sickle, K was the old Sabs logo, etc.). It can be anything, or of course, the same as last year. If anyone wants to pick Matt's for him, be my guest...
Second, after almost a year's storage in
mothballs,
I have to admit, this site is a mess. For that, I
apologize.
I've still got most of the pieces floating around here somewhere, but
the
graphics and links are a mess. Further, as you can tell, Hotbot
closed
down its servers in January, and as the former host of this site, our
league
was forced to relocate. Hopefully, the kind folks at Homestead
will
offer a nice replacement, but I've still got some things to work out,
and
between you and me, I'm already unhappy with this place. We'll
probably
end up moving... And worst of all, I've lost my ID with
Bravenet
and FreeGbook, who host our old Discussion Forum/Talkback. So I'm
undecided as to how to handle that. Bottom line is, I don't want
to lose our old words of whimsy and wisdom.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Latona, James L. #9, Center, Captain Grand Champion, Heroes of Hockey NHL Playoffs Competition (2000) 2. Deisig, Steven Franklin #15, Defence 3. Atkinson, Jack Daniel #Unassigned, First Alternate |
And so with that, here we are with another four rounds of exciting hockey and wagering action. Much has changed since last June. Our Central New York connection has become our man on the West Coast. And hopefully, we soon will welcome the fourth horseman to our little competition. Welcome. And what matchups this first round provides. Should be excellent hockey, though last night's Sabres victory was in all honesty, a bit of a snoozer. But what do you expect when most of the matchups are the same as last year? I'll leave the hockey nitty-gritty to my partner's column below. Enjoy.
Gents, good luck, and I look forward to a second stellar season and a stellar Second Season... (Oh, and the guestbook does work...)
- LT
*End of Second Season / NHL 2K - 2K1*
Captain's
Logue Commentary Archive - Season 1:
INDEX:
| 20APR2K | 2MAY2K | 10MAY2K | 26MAY2K | 6JUN2K |
| 24APR2K | 3MAY2K | 17MAY2K | 30MAY2K | 8JUN2K |
| 26APR2K | 5MAY2K | 22MAY2K | 31MAY2K | 12JUN2K |
| 28APR2K | 8MAY2K | 23MAY2K | 2JUN2K | |
| 1MAY2K | 9MAY2K | 24MAY2K | 5JUN2K |
20APR2K:
Well boys, looks like the second season is
rolling along quite quickly thus far. Our hometown heroes hanging
on by a thread while we can only watch helplessly, hoping to still have
an interest come June. As our page, which is coming
along
slowly but surely, plainly shows, NHL conference quarterfinal series H
comes to an end in a timely fashion as Detroit sweeps the L.A. in their
first-ever playoff meeting. Hockeytown is beginning the
festivities
in style. The Wings outscored the our namesakes 15-6 (including
two
shutouts) in the four games. They certainly seem well poised to
see
that none of our Stanley Cup winners comes through with the bonus
points.
(Coincidentally, Wayne Gretzky's first game in the silver & black
came
against a visiting Red Wings club, scoring on his first shot of his
first
shift, way back in October '88. Ah the memories...)
With the conclusion of series H, your narrator jumps into an early lead, as he so accurately and effortlessly nailed the Motown sweep. The other nameless participants also grabbed 3 easy points, never believing Robitaille & Co. ever stood much of a chance, in this post-McNall (nee McCall) era.
Anyway, looking forward to tonight's
featured
nationally televised matchup in the FU Center. I know you all are
too. Gut-check time, boys. Now we get to see who the real heroes
are.
24APR2K:
"Hmm, so what hockey team do we root for now?!"
Wise words spoken by a wise man, just as dismayed and confused as your Captain. Quite a letdown of a season that really should have primed us for the exact resolution that happened. Is it safe to hang one's hopes on a sub-.500 team? They never managed to shake the Stanely hangover from last June, scrambled through a mediocre season, and alas, the only cup Lindy gets this year is the plastic one full of cheap Philly brew that smacked him in the head.
So what happened? Gilmour and his mysterious virus never decided to show up. Special teams were more like special ed. The G+G boys were uninspiring to say the least. If not for Satan or Ward, we would have been embarrased worse. (possible?)
And now as we watch Mr. Rigas' $40M investment swing 9 irons until August (at locations far removed from WNY), we must focus on the here and now. Most of the Quartfinal action, fast and furhious as it is, is wrapping up with only 2 series still alive. Arguably the most entertaining series thus far has been the "Battle for Ontario". Don't know if anyone saw the Overtime Saturday night, but it was well worth it; virtually 15 minutes of uninteruppted, high-paced action, despite someone like Steve Thomas bringing it home. But don't count out the Senators just yet, you can't ignore the Juneau factor - come on, for the last two seasons, the guy has played in the Stanley Cup finals with two different teams, and now he's vying for his third trip in another uniform. And so much for that surprising 3-1 lead the Sharks took into game 5. The Presidents' Trophy winners have forced a seventh - and deciding - game, bringing out all off the pundits.
There are some things to look forward
to:
The high-octane "Battle for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" should be
a fine matchup, with a red-hot Jagr going up against the seemingly
unbeatable
Flyers (that we all know too well). Seeding out West is still up
in the air, but with the talent on those teams, a faulty Sabres offense
would've been hard pressed to match up anyway.
In other news, I need your Conn Smythe
Winner
picks by tomorrow (Wednesday). In addition, all four Semifinal
selections
are due in written e-mail format, and must be received by myself prior
to the first face-off of the earliest Semifinal game. Although
the
sooner the better though, please. Note that late entries will be
penalized.
26APR2K:
End of Round One. Intermission.
Round Two coming up next. Right after Coach's Corner...
So, how did the participants fare? Let's see. "Most Clairvoyant" hands down is Dr. K. Blaser, winning 3 games of 4 in each conference (his clean sweep only spoiled by the big San Jose surprise and his unfaltering dedication to the Buffalo Sabres). However, his stark inability to correctly guess even a single series' number of games has left him in a literal dead heat with your Captain. While I was able only to nail 4 of the 8 contests, I was able to correctly ascertain the exact number of games in 3 of them. Bonus points, gentleman. Learn them, live them, love them.
And what happened to Mr. Deisig, the impetus and driving force behind this whole endeavor? Well, surprisingly he barely made it out of the Eastern Conference alive, and was able to save (some) face by grabbing as many of those easy Western Conference points as possible. And now he sits four points behind the leaders, and yet only in second place. (Is anyone else beginning to fear that we need a tie-breaker? Like total goals or plus/minus or some kind of physical challenge or something?)
Well, looking ahead in the next week and a
half, we should have some good hockey in store for the Semis, despite
the lack of any team really close to our
hearts.
If I was a betting man (which I obviously ain't), I would wager that
K. Blaser is pulling for the Sharks to go
for the chalice. (Am I wrong?)
The high-octane "Battle for the Commonwealth", Philly versus Pitt, looks pretty good, though one cannot too quickly discount the seeds of discord & disharmony that Roger Nielson just brought into their locker room with this latest turn of events. Let that be a lesson to you - don't fuck with Craig Ramsay. Unfortunately, we're finding this out fifteen years too late.
And who among us isn't looking forward to the Denver-Detroit rematch? Even though I've been diametrically opposed to him for the last 20 years (for obvious reasons), there's a little part in all of us that would like to see Raymond Bourque get his grubby mitts on Stanley, just once. Hell, I've touched the Cup (in two visits to the HHoF) more than Ray!
Anyhow, I hope everyone's enjoying the new directions that this little website has taken on. It's been time consuming for me, though worth it in terms of learning HTML programming and, honestly, just for the laughs (to myself). Any suggestions/corrections/praise are more than welcome. Put it in the bulletin board... (And Steve, I know the 1989 Hamburg Kings stats are all wrong - but the official records are, sadly, still in archive in Western New York. Corrections, while forthcoming, must be delayed for some time...)
Gentlemen, take note: All Semifinal
picks are due in written e-mail format, by tomorrow (Thursday
April
27th), preferably in the afternoon, otherwise they must be received
in the headquarters here in New York City, time-stamped prior to the
7:05pm
EDT faceoff time of Series J (New Jersey at Toronto). Selections
received after this date/time will be penalized (minus 3 points per
day).
28APR2K:
While playing around recently with (and
subsequently
re-titling) the page you're presently reading, I thought that the logo
graphic above needed some re-tooling; after all, heroes should have a
majestic
logo, if nothing else. After doing so to editorial satifaction, I
sat back, peered at my handiwork, shook my head and pondered the total
idiocy of the situation. Just the fact that we called/continue to
call ourselves "heroes" (of HOCKEY, no less!), when the fact of
the situation is that our deeds of heroism are limited at best (much
less,
that our hockey accomplishments are painfully fabricated). Funny
how the actual heroes, before we nicked the name from them, are washed
up old men, hanging on too long, playing agonyzingly brutal hockey,
merely
used as a preliminary entertainment device before people get to tune
into
the real all-stars of today, all the while just trying for one last
taste
of "glory", despite the hurting and the humility, both of which are
painfully
abundant.
Then again, maybe the name does fit, afterall...
(K, I know you'll appreciate this, no sooner did I finish typing the last sentence, than did George's "All Those Years Ago" begin playing on CBS 101.1, "NY's oldies station". Fitting.)
OK, the Semifinals are underway, and after last night's results, I took a pounding. As you can see, everyone got their pix in before the buzzer (and before I was able to penalty shave accrued points). Blaser taking the low road and deviating his selections from that of conventional wisdom (aka Mine & Steve's choices), which in the end, will probably make or break this whole thing wide open. There aren't many points left up for grabs in this tournament (with 53% of the total possible points accounted for in the first round), and with the tight race that it is, he who chooses differently, not necessarily wisely, may end up with the twisted grin when all is said and done. Then again, if wisdom ever was a factor, none of us would probably have gotten involved in this to begin with...)
Gentlemen, there's still a lot of hockey left to be played. At least for some...
Enjoy the weekend R&R, boys.
1MAY2K:
Mayday! We've hit the fifth month of
the year already which means that this hockey season only has about a
month
left in it. I was thinking that this dinner bounty should be paid
up the next time we're conveniently all together, which by my math
means
that it should therefore be consummated during the weekend of "The
O'Brien
Affair," in late July. Any resistance?
When I think of May Day, I unfortunately can only equate it with positive memories of our hometown heroes, especially the one at the bottom of this page. Instead, I sit here because of this bet, trying to drum up interest for a hockey season that by our accounts, has already ended. Bisons' baseball, anyone?
A relatively uneventful weekend doesn't
lend
itself to writing too much here. At least not today.
Instead
check out our other new features below...
2MAY2K:
All hockey today:
Last night in the world of Semifinal hockey,
out in the Midwest, the Wings, while struggling, manage to pull out
their
first win of the series - at the Joe - over
the Avs. Raymond Bourque, with his best chance in the playoffs
since
the turn
of the last decade, injured his foot, though
they're only claiming it to be "bruised". Which as we all know in
playoff
parlance, probably means he'll never walk
again. For all you celebrity watchers, Joe C., the Kid Rock
midget,
was
spotted in attendance.
Over in East Rutherford, the Devils had a
relatively
easy night, lighting up CuJo for five and leaping a game ahead in
the series. And I should also mention
that with that win, Blaser becomes ineligible for the no. of games
bonus.
And its now official, as of yesterday, The
Minnesota Wild have received full NHL franchise status, bringing the
league
to an all time high, albeit temporary, of
29 team franchises. And with the addition of the Columbus Blue
Jackets
in the
coming months, it becomes official - the
average
talent level of the NHL has dipped below that of Canadian Junior 'B'
hockey (but rest assured, it remains superior
to any form of hockey played with a stick and ball in Western New York).
Anybody still out there?
3MAY2K:
Well boys, the Semis are tightening up a bit,
with all four series now set at 2-1, eliminating any possiblities of
second
round sweeps. And to demonstrate the conferential contrasts, in
the
East the lower seeds are in the lead, while out West, its the higher
seeds.
So, how 'bout them Sharks? Pulling out a must-win game last
night.
Come on, you gotta like San Jose (if for not other reason than you hate
all things Dallas...)
And what about this this whole Yashin
debacle?
As far as I'm concerned, I blame his holdout on Carol Alt. She's
a horrible influence, not to mention being old enough to be his
American
aunt. Just look what she did to Gresch...
Just another of many instances of Russian
men so attracted to pseudo high-class American women.
(see also: The Bure Brothers/Candace
Cameron-Bure/Anna
Kournikova, Sergei Federov/Anna Kournikova,
Aleksandr Mogilny/Gerry Meehan's daughters)
Anybody see Wayne at the Dodger's game last
night? Isn't baseball his self-proclaimed favorite sport, anyway?
I thought the Gretzkys were going to make
Westchester their home, not L.A. - what happened?
And so Darcy (no, the other one), says management will protect both Dom & Biro, thereby protecting their future, their star player, and and only at the expense of exposing the other, less important players... like defensemen and forwards. Hmmm...
Whatever. Does anybody even care
about
my observations?
| The
Longest Overtimes in History & GW-goal Scorer |
|
| March 24, 1936: Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0, semifinal, 116 minutes, 30 seconds, Mud Bruneteau. April 3, 1933: Toronto 1, Boston 0, semifinal, 104:46, Ken Doraty. May 4, 2000: Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1, semifinal, 92:01, Keith Primeau. April 24, 1996: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2, conference quarterfinal, 79:15, Petr Nedved. March 23, 1943: Toronto 3, Detroit 2, semifinal, 70:18, Jack McLean. March 28, 1930: Montreal Canadiens 2, N.Y. Rangers 1, semifinal, 68:52, Gus Rivers. April 18, 1987: N.Y. Islanders 3, Washington 2, first round, 68:47, Pat LaFontaine. April 27, 1994: Buffalo 1, New Jersey 0, first round, 65:43, DAVE HANNAN!!! March 27, 1951: Montreal Canadiens 3, Detroit 2, semifinal, 61:09, Maurice Richard. March 27, 1938: N.Y. Americans 3, N.Y. Rangers 2, quarterfinal, Lorne Carr, 60:40. July 27, 1989: Hamburg Kings 1, Suttel's Sabres 0, finals, James Latona (unassisted), 00:18. |
To politely larcen the words of ESPN's premiere color man, Darren "Panger" Pang, in reaction to the epic saga waged last night at the Mellon. I hope at least one of you was able to catch some of it, particularly the third OT, which was by far the most entertaining. I was a bit dismayed when it surpassed the "Dave Hannan Game" of '94, though by becoming the longest game in the modern era, coupled with my viewership, I couldn't help but feel like I had something to do with the making of history. But five extra overtime periods? That's pretty significant. It was kinda a shame that it even had to come to an end.
And with the even-ing up of that series, I should mention that I still have the ability to nail all five points (winner & no. of games) for every series, unlike the rest of you.
Let it be known that these ridiculous
Captain's
Logs are getting harder & harder to write. As there's really
no significant Kings-related activity to speak of, other than my own
efforts
of course, it seems a fruitless exercise. Let it also be known
that
I'm disappointed with the lack of feedback on the site, particularly
the
guestbook/talkback forum. Therefore I'm enacting a new rule - if
you visit the site, at least one out of two times, you must leave
a message (Steve - this means you). Otherwise, I'd hate to have
to
password-protect this entire Heroes of Hockey site and reserve it only
for those who find it important to turn this into a dialog. It
only
costs you a fraction of the time & effort that I spend, and it'll
vastly
improve our site.
8MAY2K:
Welcome to another week, and as goes the
progression
of the '99/2K NHL Playoffs, so does the stalwart progress ofthis
page.
We've had some early conclusions of the Western serieses, with little
surprise,
I might add. In an unprecedented occurrence we've hit the
trifecta,
as all 3 participants easily nailed the Stars-Sharks matchup in the
correct
number of games (though was pretty much a no-brainer). As for
that
vaulted Denver-Detroit pairing, it never really lived up to its marquee
billing and the Avs rolled over the winged wheels with relative
ease.
Wouldn't it be something if Raymond's really hurt, and the Avs go all
the
way and he can't be a part of it after all of this.
| Original
Hamburg Kings, in unofficial Draft Selection order |
|
| 69 Latona, James............Center 44 Blaser, Kris...........Right Wing 11 Damstetter, Matt.....Left Wing 15 Deisig, Steve.............Defense 01 Duggan, Chris................Goal 27 Barthold, Mike........Left Wing 24 Kulp, Brian...............Defense xx Kulp, Chris...............Defense 19 Redmond, John....Right Wing 2 Atkinson, Jack..First Alternate (All corrections welcome) |
The Starz, er, Stars-Avs rematch of a year ago (that went 7) should be a nice one. And both should provide considerable opponents to whomever the East can field in its narrowing field of 4. Back east, if I was a betting man, I'd say that these other two matchups are about to wind down, rather quickly. Philly showing some life after that 8-period trainwreck of a hockey game (so Mr. Bettman, scoring is up you say?), and putting the ailing Pens where the pundits always believed them to be - behind. And the last Canadian club clinging to life at the hands of a solid New Jersey squad ("paging AlMo, where the hell are you?"). Only stellar play by CuJo and Wendell have kept the Leafs in contention.
And as plainly (or should I say,
"scientifically")
evidenced below, the battle for ice hockey knowledge supremacy
(aka this "bet") is shaping up quite
interestingly
(and dare I add, surprisingly?). KB continues to show that his
streak
of good fortune might just be more than luck, as he keeps abreast of
his
Captain. While disappointingly to his fans, SD dips further
behind
the leaders, with precious few points remaining up for grabs. By
no means is he out of it yet, but the sand is slipping quickly from the
hourglass.
As many of you know, I will be taking a leave of absence later this week, for some much needed (though questionably deserved) R'n'R R&R down in the self-proclaimed "sunshine state". This will obviously preclude my regular, self-imposed I might add, duties of logging the Captain's commentary and updating the statistics of this -rather heated- contest. As I have demonstrated time and time and time again in the past, I will with reckless abandon, and considerable eagerness, strip myself of the shackles of captaincy, and annoit the next "chosen one" to wear the crest (the "C" of command) of ultimate power and authority in all the land, albeit temporarily. I'm not saying this is going to happen, but am just sending out a feeler... is there any individual or individuals who might want to (and more importantly, be able to) take over the perilous duties of webmaster while I'm away (and only while I'm away)? Applications will be reviewed... Let me know, otherwise, after Wednesday this page will remain static until May 17th.
Finally, particularly to Steve, the last
edition
of this log was certainly not intended to be a rant or any enfilade
type
of attack. I fully enjoy our daily discourse on borrowed phone
lines;
its just that I wanted your comments to be part of the historical
record
that is this website. By no means did I intend for it to come off
as spiteful or offensive. For that,
I offer the Captain's royal apology.
We regret any hard feelings. Thank you. That is all.
9MAY2K:
With the not-so-surprising (for some) turn
of events last night in East Rutherford, the field begins to take shape.
New Jersey advances to the final four, joining
Denver and Dallas, awaiting its Pennsylvania rival, whomever that
maybe.
What a drubbing. With their backs up against the wall, the Maple
Leafs could only muster an all-time NHL low six (6) shots on
goal.
And so it goes, another year (a record 7th consecutive) will
pass without a Canadian team
| Top 5 Pro Wrestling Quotes: | |
| 1.
"Sometimes I amaze even myself. I feel like Ihave TWO brilliant minds." -Bobby "The Brain" Heenan 2. "Win if you can. Lose if you must. But ALWAYS cheat." -Jesse "The Body" Ventura 3. During the Bret Hart/Yokozuna match at Wrestlemania IX: Crowd: USA! USA! USA! Macho: No, they're saying 'USA' is what they're saying. Brain: See how bright they are? One guy's from Canada and the other guy's from Japan. 4. Hulk Hogan's famous confusion of `hanging' and `banging': "I've hung, and I've bung..." 5. During a plug for the WWF's 1-900 hotline: Gorilla: Kids, ask your parent's permission before calling. Brain: And if they don't give you permission, just take a baseball bat, sneak up behind them, and BAM! |
And by knowing the correct number of games ahead of time, your captain, for the first time in weeks, reclaims sole possession of the lead. Those points, combined with the no. of game bonus, assures J. Latona of first place, at least until the Third Round. Meanwhile SF Deisig makes a last ditch saving throw to make this a real contest, and vaults to within four points of second position (of which we know, there are actually no points awarded at all). And based on his pick for tonight's game, should the Flyers be able to close out the possibly Jagr-impaired Penguins, he could do the unthinkable: vault into second place, past the once mighty K. "I nailed 6 out of 8 in the first round" Blaser. Gentlemen, need I even add that this is shaping up to be a quite a footrace?
And because of the circumstances I mentioned yesterday (i.e. my vacation furlough), I'm going to make an immediate request: I need your Third Round Picks by tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10th), as that's my last day that I'll be able to play the role of webmaster. And by the time I get back, the Conference Finals will already be underway. So, they must be e-mailed (or called in) to me before 4pm EDT (hopefully earlier), otherwise you will forfeit the entire round. My picks will be posted online by 6pm tomorrow. Should the Flyers not be able to close out the series tonight and Pittsburgh forces a seventh -and deciding- game, then you should send me two picks for the EAST Final - New Jersey at Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh at New Jersey. Obviously only the relevant series will be applied. Thank you for your attention, and we apologize for the unusual inconvenience.
And finally I'd like to mention, interestingly, that no one has stepped forward as of yet, and volunteered to accept the heavy and thankless mantle of the captaincy in my absence. Its nice to know that some things don't change...
That is all.
10MAY2K:
And then there were four.
With the conclusion of the Conference
Semis,
I'm seeing red. And the red I'm talking about is the crimson
brilliance
eminating from my column on the tournament table below.
Bam!
4-for-4. Bam! Exact number of games in three of the series
and missing the fourth by a mere fraction. If I wasn't the
commissioner,
I wouldn't believe it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| "We're
Gonna Win That Cup '75" (Calandra) by Donna McDaniel 'A' Side single Public Affairs Records "We're
Gonna Win That Cup '84" "We're
Gonna Win That Cup '97" "We're
Gonna Win That Cup '99" |
A quick glance downward will reveal to anyone that this little page of ours is encroaching the century mark of hits. Wow, rolling the odometer out to another digit. We've come a long way in less than 3 weeks...
And with that lead in, as most of you know by now, I will be, once again, relinquishing my titles as Captain and Commissioner for the duration of my vacation. Thus, active from 18.00hrs tonight until 23.59hrs on Monday, May 15th, I'm pleased to announce that Steven Franklin Deisig, esq. will assume the multiple statuses of acting team Captain of the Hamburg Kings Hockey Club, LLP., 1999-2000 Heroes of Hockey Tournament/NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Interim League Commissioner, and Bravo Company's Heroes of Hockey Home Page Webmaster pro tempore. I know that that's a lot to take in and that the duties are enormous, but I think if he reaches back into that place deep within, Steven might, just might, be able to breathe life into all that you see around you.
These, Sir, are the keys to the
kingdom.
Do with it as you will; and more importantly, as I would.
(K, keep an eye on him...)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Orlando,
Florida Tampa, Florida Clearwater, Florida Sand Key, Florida St. Petersburg, Florida |
|
|
Will Play Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker: |
|
| Jake
Lloyd - Episode I Hayden Christensen - Episodes II-III David Prowse - Episodes IV-VI Sebastian Shaw - Episode VI James Earl Jones - Episodes III-VI |
Seriously folks, as you can plainly see, I've safely and securely returned from the sun 'n' fun that is the Floridian coastline and reclaimed all of my titles, foremost that of the team Captaincy, and secondarily, as the league Commissioner. Third round is just begun and both series are in knots, which sheds absolutely no light on the race, which stands at 36-27-26, which is rather proportional, I should think.
Suffice it to say, I'm overly tan, tired,
and
time-constrained. I'll be shuffling off to Houston in 24 hours
for
(monkey) business, and therefore, have little to add at this
point.
Did I miss anything while I was gone?
22MAY2K:
Just back from the balmy climes of "Stone
Cold Steve" Houston and with plenty of time on my hands, I was able to
make a few candid observations. Suffice it to say, now I know
where
all of the beautiful people migrated to: Texas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1. Titanic (1998) $600.8m 2. Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) $460.9m 3. Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) $431.1m 4. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) $399.8m 5. Jurassic Park (1993) $356.8m 6. Forrest Gump (1994) $329.7m 7. The Lion King (1994) $312.9m 8. Star Wars - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) $309.1m 9. Independence Day (1996) $306.1m 10. The Sixth Sense (1999) $293.2m |
|
Following a conversation this afternoon between your Captain and your deadbeat Interim Captain, it was made painfully clear the importance of tonight's Eastern Final matchup between Philly & Jersey. Should the Flyers somehow be able to close it out early tonight in 5, then statistically speaking, K. Blaser would no longer be in the running for first-place contention. See how fast those points stack up and fade away? And based on the scoring system we have for the second-place finisher, well, you know how that goes...
But of course, I'm getting ahead of myself now. No jinx. And of course we wish all of our competitors the very best...
In other news, um, is there any other news? "M:I-2" opens in about 30 hours, flooding back memories of seeing the other one, way back when. Anybody see "Gladiator" yet?
And finally, what's the word on M:I-3 Bravo/NYC2K (with or without the bride-to-be?). Has anyone even mentioned this to Phil?
Anyhow, I'm under the influenza and should
really be going. More tomorrow...
23MAY2K:
Well to all you hockey fanatics in the great
state of New Jersey, or those in WNY just clinging on for other
unscrupulous
reasons, last night the Devs decided to follow the X's on Larry's
chalkboard
for a change, and managed to win in style over its turnpike
rivals.
The net results are these: Devils force a game 6 at the CAA,
Captain
Latona is robbed of his bonus points, S. Deisig grins as his so-called
"plan" continues to come together, and K. Blaser lives to play for -at
least- another day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| His
way or the highway: 1. Never underestimate your opponent. 2. Take it outside. 3. Be nice. |
|
And finally, because those morons at freegbook.com, who host our "discussion forum" page (aka guestbook) apparently find it fine to just shut off service for an extended period of time, I've moved our discussion forum to a new hosting site, the usually-dependable Bravenet.com (who hosts our hit counter). The new forum is much nicer, and I'm sure you'll agree, and I plan on migrating our old commentary to this new site, once freegbook.com releases it back to me. Check it out - New Heroes of Hockey Discussion Forum...
Oh, and one last thing - I've been toying with the idea of adding a live chat room to this site so that visitors (i.e. us), should they be on the page at the same (or at some predetermined) time, would be able to communicate in real-time. As there's so few of us, I'm not sure its worth it. What do you guys think? Do you want a live chat room? Lemme know.
'Later boys.
24MAY2K:
First off, quite a coup last night at
Reunion.
For the life of me, and despite my utter hatred of Dallas sports
franchises,
I cannot fathom why the Stars aren't getting beaten consistantly and
thoroughly
by the Avs. Did anyone catch the first period? I haven't
seen
such total game domination by one team (Colorado) since the days of
floor
hockey. And they still managed to lose. The way I see it,
with
unpredictable outcomes like last night, this contest is still up for
grabs.
|
|
|
|
(who makes the all-star team?): |
|
|
Wayne Presley Dave Snuggerud Bob Halkidis Paul Cyr Gilles Hamel Danny Gare Paul Terbenche Kevin O'Shea |
|
K, you didn't miss much on Sunday night. CBS's "The Linda McCartney Story" was laughable at worst and virtually unwatchable at best. Too bad that the same could be said for NBC's Sunday night movie, "Growing Up Brady" (based on the biography by Chris Kreski with help from Barry Williams). Ugh. I'm sure that "Hazzard in Hollywood" feature made a nice addition to your video library...
I thought the most interesting ESPN stat the other night was listing the top 10 players who have played the most games without getting near Stanley. Of course Raymond tops the list, but I thought the #2 and #3 were most interesting (the number 2 having played in exactly one more game than number 3). Both first round picks in the vaulted class of '83. Their names? Philip Matthew Housley and David Xavier Andreychuk...
And I'm sure everyone is pleased to see Gretz back in the NHL, though "director of hockey ops"?. What the hell is that? Wasn't Mux made the D.o.H.O. in Buffalo before Dudley got the ax? In other news, Coyote paraphernalia has suddenly begun flying off the shelves. K, grab me a hat...
Big game tonight. Be sure to tune in.
26MAY2K:
Game 007. Correction, make that 2 Game
007s.
Ho hum, Game 007 back at First Union. Yawn. Saturday night West Game 007. NHL Playoffs in late May. Winner take all. Do or die. What more could you ask for? I don't even have to get into statistics now, do I? OK, I will. Its this simple. Win and continue, lose and suffer the long, hot summer. Or else its this simple: Flyers win, then K. Blaser sorry but you don't. Stars lose, then Mr. Deisig, I'm afraid you do too. There will be no bonus points awarded this round. This is what we call crunch time. There is no Plan B. There are no points for...
Is Raymond for real or what? Is Boucher? There's been some good hockey, and the series out west has been stellar. Let's hope this Western Final isn't superior to the Cup Finals.
|
|
|
|
Top 007 James Bond Films: |
|
| 001.
Goldfinger (1964) 002. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) 003. The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) 004. From Russia With Love (1963) 005. A View to A Kill (1985) 006. For Your Eyes Only (1981) 007. The Living Daylights (1987) |
|
I felt like I had so much to say, now I can't remember any of it and just want to go home. It's been a helluva week, so to speak. Any word from Matt, Kris? Anyhow, it not just a weekend, its a long weekend. Memorial Day. Start of Summer, Rock 'n' Roll, dogs on the grill. Wouldn't miss it. Oops, seems I am. Hope you guys don't waste it like me.
Hope you remember the vets and also that we've just eclipsed our first year without one Owen "The Blue Blaser" Hart. We hardly knew ye.
Enjoy the weekend.
Ouch. And the Third Round begat the
Fourth.
And the three-horse race comes down to two. And the battle for
supremacy
becomes a battle of attrition. And so on and so forth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AS
CALLED BY PHIL RIZZUTO: OK, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here, Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth, There's the windup, and there it is, a line shot up the middle, Look at him go. This boy can really fly! He's rounding first and really turning it on now, he's not letting up at all, he's gonna try for second; the ball is bobbled out in center, and here comes the throw, and what a throw! He's gonna slide in head first, here he comes, he's out! No, wait, safe-safe at second base, this kid really makes things happen out there. Batter steps up to the plate, here's the pitch-he's going, and what a jump he's got, he's trying for third, here's the throw, it's in the dirt-safe at third! Holy cow, stolen base! He's taking a pretty big lead out there, almost daring him to try and pick him off. The pitcher glances over, winds up, and it's bunted, bunted down the third base line, the suicide squeeze is on! Here he comes, squeeze play, it's gonna be close, holy cow, I think he's gonna make it!... |
|
Where your Captain once sat so mighty, after a horrific showing in the Conference Finals when the taste of blood was just too easy to simply go in for the kill, now we sit unbelievably, at the mercy of S. Deisig and the Dallas Stars. Incredible. What a turn of events. Add to that, (say it with me Howard Finkel - ) "K. Blaser has been eliminated!" from the seat (or booth, or stool, or ugh, dare I say, stage) of honor at the Heroes Victory Dinner 2K ("the VD"). And unfortunately, after his curious pick today, he has guaranteed himself of third place and picking up the dinner tab. Why did he pick Dallas, knowing S. Deisig would also? (Had he picked N.J., he still would've had a shot at moving up into the second position and having S. Deisig foot the bill - curious choice, indeed).
And so with the pressure of a third place finish now out of the picture, S. Deisig squares off with his Captain and mentor, J. Latona, in a two-way battle for a free meal.
In many ways I'm glad that the Sabs didn't make it to the finals again. I mean facing Dallas 2 years in a row, probably to identical results... Superbowls XXVII & XXVIII, anyone? Could you imagine the media fallout? There's no way in hell I could ever support a team from Texas, especially Dallas.
So while conventional wisdom certainly
dictates
that I go with the "odds", pick the Stars and pray (1)I hit the
number of games and (2)that Brett "The Hitman"
Hull blows out a knee, all in the hope that I would be able to TIE
Mr. S. Franklin Deisig, well, I've never been
accused of having "conventional wisdom". No, Sir, I don't want a
tie.
I play to win. Go Devils. (Ah,
it'll be more fun this way down the stretch - Devils win, I win.
Starz win, D orders a second dessert. Have I ever told you what a
great town New Jersey is?) (Of couse, I'm 0-for-2 when I pick
against
the field, but what the hell - Blaser's buying!)
See you boys in the buffet line...
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
 |
|
I can say without hesitiation, that it was one of the most serious poundings I've witnessed in a while, the likes of which rarely ever seen in a Stanley Cup Finals match. Am wondering though, if this is what Mr. Bettman really wants to see? More scoring, sure, but hardly a display of hockey worth giving out to the masses.
Now, contrary to what a certain Mr. Deisig would want you to believe, this was all in the master plan. Fine, if blowouts are the design, I'm here for the ride, and to add the championship trophy to my already over flowing display case.
Can you hear that dinner bell ringing us
home
yet?
|
|
|
|
Preferred Jacko Tracks: |
|
| 1.
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" [Thriller LP 1982] 2. You Are Not Alone [HIStory - Past, Present, Future 1995] 3. In The Closet [Dangerous 1991] 4. Billie Jean [Thriller 1982] 5. (tie) The Girl Is Mine/Say Say Say [Thriller 1982] /[Pipes of Peace1983] |
|
I still refuse to believe that S. Deisig's hair-brained 'plan' is truly coming together and will see to it that it is not, and does not. Its still too soon to begin thinking that "This can't be happening"...
So, anybody got any plans for the weekend? I thought so.
And in other news, in a pre-emptive strike for a lost wager, K. Blaser has just been re-hired at Super Pizza. Stay tuned...
Go Devils!!
5JUN2K:
The rubber match out west bounces back the
other way as New Jersey continues to accomplish the previously held
un-accomplishable,
and actually
win
games against the highly-favoured Stars.
Before this series began, I'll admit that it seemed like a given:
Dallas would win, and in style. Jersey, an "East" team, stood no
chance against the Dallas-Denver winner. Lo and behold, three
games
into the finals, and look whose taken 67% of the games? 'nuff
said.
|
|
|
|
Top Cadets, Class of 2000: |
|
| 1.
Iceman/Slider 2. Wolfman/Hollywood 3. Maverick/Goose 4. Merlin/Stinger 5. Chipper/Sundown |
|
The News had an interesting article on Playoff hockey by historian Budd Bailey. Inside, there was a quote attributed to Coach Lindy, explaining how the second season brings a different mentality to the players. It pretty much sums up why the Sabs got bounced in a handful of games:
"You don't have guys daydreaming in the locker room.
Typically you've got guys sitting there like puppy dogs.
You just open the door to the kennel and let them out."
Woof. Prophetic words from the architect himself.
Go Devils!!!
6JUN2K:
D-Day. D for 'Devils'. "dee
dee-dee-dee,
dee-dee-dee, dee-dee-dee..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs d. Detroit Red Wings, 1942 (Detroit had previously led series 3-0) [note: The 7-game format has been in effect since 1938-39, and since then only 10 series have gone the distance in the Stanley Cup Finals.] |
|
Wow, another convincing win on the road last night for the Red-White-and-Black and it certainly looks as though dinner's almost ready. (Main course to be a helping of Stars, who are just about finished). It came down to a matter of desire, and it really looked as though Jersey had another gear to kick it into, and win the loose-puck battles, and stymie "the Eagle", whom by the way appeared as though he must've downed another quart of Robitussin prior to face-off. Now, based on the expert analysis offered up in Barry's Breakdown, Pang's Perspective, and J.D.'s ABC's, everyone's lauding the Devs whilst already counting the defending "champs" well out of the battle. Now, I'm not gonna necessarily agree so quickly, but I am becoming increasingly happier with my selection.
All too easy.
And in other news, there is some business to get down to: As reigning commissioner, part of my duty is to arbitrate league disputes. Currently on the table is the complaint filed by Team Blaser. In said grievance, the argument is made that the team's selection for the Stanley Cup Finals was actually supposed to be New Jersey victorious in 5 games, rather than the officially listed, Dallas in 6. The problem apparently stemmed from an anonymous -and incorrect- e-mail transmission, not originating from Blaser Headquarters.
The league has agreed to a summary hearing in order for Team Knight Rider, er, Blaser to amend their selection. According to league bylaws, in order for a selection to be changed, at least two-thirds (2/3) of the active owners in the league must vote in agreement to the amendment. This can of course be overridden by an official Commissioner's veto.
Therefore, in accord with league mandate, all of the owners are instructed to submit their votes, yea or nay, on the discussion forum, to "Proposition 4: Application of Team Blaser to Amend Selection 15, Stanley Cup Finals - Switching Dallas Stars in 6 games to New Jersey Devils in 5 games." Results TBA.
What's going to happen after hockey ends? Will the team owners also offer up suggestions for the course of this website after the season ends? (And "porno heaven" has already been submitted.)
This season's rocketing to a close.
The
end is in sight, and baby, it's just about here...
Go Devils!!!!
|
|
|
|
(and then some)... |
|
| 1.
Barbara Bach as "Major Anya Amasova" (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977).
2. Claudine Auger as "Domino" (Thunderball, 1965). 3. Britt Ekland as "Mary Goodnight" (The Man With the Golden Gun, 1974). 4. Maryam d'Abo as "Kara Milovy" (The Living Daylights, 1987). 5. Maud Adams as "Octopussy" (Octopussy, 1983, although she may be best seen in her role as "Andrea Anders", Scaramanga's mistress in 1974's The Man With the Golden Gun!). And five more for honorable measure, uh, mention: 2. Lana Wood as "Plenty O'Toole" (Diamonds are Forever, 1971). 3. Caroline Bliss as "Moneypenny" (The Living Daylights, 1987; Licence To Kill 1989; more?). 4. Grace Jones as "May Day" (A View To A Kill, 1985). 5. And the lovely Dame Judi Dench as "M"!!! Gentlemen (?), your comments are welcome! |
|
Sad as it is to admit, I'll be a bit sorry to see this season come to a close, though in truth it is June, and no team that I've had any vested interest in (save for this silly bet) has been playing in recent memory. Well, at least minicamp's right around the corner...
What can be said that hasn't already? More importantly, perhaps, than the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals, is what will become of the Heroes of Hockey Home Page? Will it fade into obscurity, frozen with the entries of June 9th, until next April? Will everything change around, the hockey theme disappear, and a new form emerge? (Yeah, that might happen...)
Well, boys if I know anything, its that you should never count your birds before they're in hand, and you should never start a website without a plan. Beyond that, I'm stumped. Again, I implore you, to please proffer up suggestions; and perhaps, a plan. This page as a monologue will not continue for too long...
Are you ready for some hockey?
Go Devils!!!! End our pain.
12JUN2K:
And so with the flick of a wristshot, the
1999-2000 NHL campaign comes to a close, with a most surprising (though
not that surprising) team standing atop the heap supporting
Stanley.
Congratulations Aleks Mogilny on your first Stanley Cup. Goodbye
Dr. McMullen, thanks for the memories. Congrats Scott Stevens on
your new Conn Smythe trophy. Sorry Robbie Ftorek, but this one
got
away. And way to go New Jersey Devils for winning your
franchise's
second world championship. Dallas Stars, you never deserved the
Cup
in the first place, and we're glad its no longer being held in the Lone
Star State.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.
Latona, James #9, Captain Grand Champion, Heroes of Hockey NHL Playoffs Competition (2000) 2. Brown, Michael #17 Team MVP, 1989 Season (1989) |
|
Ouch! Expansion rosters were due today and Buffalo is hurting. As much as I hate to say it, Hasek really screwed the team. For a pretty good home-spun article, go HERE. What do you do?
And in a day that sees not just the NHL season come to a close, but also the great career of San Francisco 49ers' Quarterback Steve Young, it is indeed a bittersweet feeling. We've been through the hell that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs. From the first faceoff at the First Union Center, to the last at Reunion, we've seen some pretty good hockey. And not to gloat, though I must, I think I did pretty damn well.
OK, so break down the stats: We all won 9 series (out of the 15 played). Sounds pretty even, right? Well, yes and no. While anyone can simply flip a coin, not anyone can also ascertain in *precisely* how many games any given team will actually win. And of the nine (9) series I got right, seven (7), yes, seven, were exact. I'll take that any day of the week. And I know it hurts to say, but I just can't resist thinking that if K. Blaser only had said "Devs in 6" instead of "Stars in 6", well, while he would have received no accolades for his station, he would've defeated S. Deisig in the real battle.
You see the true ground rules in this contest, from the very beginning, were very apparent. While everyone likes to win, though few are competant enough to actually do so, the real contest was spelled out from day 1. The key words "there's no points for second place" are really the crux of the situation: for you see, the real battle in this contest of ours was not to win, but merely, not to lose.
I'm glad it came down to the Finals to decide the winner. Had the Avs advanced past Dallas in the Conference Finals, this whole last round would've been moot, and our attention surely would have waned elsewhere. Which segues us into the next obvious question. The Playoffs are over. Your Captain is basking in the glow of victory and secure in the knowledge that dinner is awaiting at a table near you (or maybe not so near). So what becomes of the Heroes of Hockey Home Page? As I haven't gotten any documented responses, we're still weighing the possibilities. Maybe this page'll just take a sabbatical till next year. Maybe it'll become the Heroes of Football Home Page. Who knows?
But the one constant and definite is that Time, formerly of the essence, has just run out.
And with that so will I.
Thanks, boys, we did it again.
- LT
*End of Season 1 / NHL 1999-2000*
