I graduated highschool for a reason, and it wasn't to go to college.
It started off typical enough. And by typical enough, I of course mean you win one, you lose 6. Bright side: we pasted Ottawa, sucka! I mean, yeah it was 3 nill, but come on. I'm used to Ottawa having the 3. Yay for missing that game–not on purpose! Of course, I'd love to say I missed the next two on purpose as well, but sadly, I watched part of the game versus the Stars last night. At least I stayed awake long enough to see them score the first goal, though. Even… if the next 3 belonged to the wrong bloody freakin' team. And I'm not even gonna touch Boston. That's a whole other rant for a day when I don't work. If anyone can provide me an explanation for our team's sudden bout of suckitude that's apparently lasted about… oh… 3 years too long, I'm open to it. In the meantime, can we start the 'blow Ferguson blow' chant?
Stuck by James at 8:12 AM
But more on the parade later. First, the shocker. We didn't suck. Against Ottawa. Also known as currently the best team in the NHL, and currently the team that's been killing us for the past couple seasons. I know, one win does not a recovery make, but it's still nice to see. Nicer to see still is that Raycroft isn't the only one who can come up with a shutout when we need him to. Jurry's still out on whether or not Toskala's actually worth what we're paying for him, but if he can be relatively consistent we can reach a verdict before Christmas. Of course if he can't, he runs the risk of me ruling summarily against him. But that's deserved by any goaltender who doesn't know if he's coming or going. Still doesn't stop me from hoping he's coming.
Stuck by James at 7:34 AM
After 4 minutes, it was 2 nill Ottawa. That hurt… a *lot*. This, I'll add, after a conversation via IM albeit briefly with Mike regarding the Leafs' current defensive/goaltending situation. Two goals scored less than a minute from each other, and the game was pretty much over at that point. I stuck around to finish the first period, then hit the gym for the rest of the evening–enter in the test that, when I don't actually watch the game, it goes my way. It didn't. For the second time in 2 weeks, Toskala gets shelled, and gets yanked. Now, I'm finding myself thankful I missed that game. Did you perhaps want to reevaluate Toskala's abilities, Mike? I'll say nothing about the guys in front of him–we already know defensively we're shot. Ah well, if we're gonna get killed, it might as well be by the best team in the league. But does the best team in the league right now *really* have to be Ottawa?
Stuck by James at 1:10 AM
Thanks largely to a google search by one apparently overseas Sens fan–poor sucker–that landed him on my wonderful little Senators suck page. Is this what world fame feels like?
Stuck by James at 5:22 AM
Warning: this could get very, very long-winded. Possibly requiring it not be posted until the end of my shift–taking one look at how busy we are right now (35 people currently on hold, just for the record) with about 20 minutes before I have to actually start, it might take me that long. So anyvay. I get on the bus yesterday, same old routine I've been doing since, oh… about the first day I started here. Except this time, there happens to be a Senators game. In Ottawa. No big deal, there'll just be a tiny bit of a delay. Except that tiny bit of a delay turned out to be 20 minutes. Which, for those of us keeping score, chalks up one more reason for me to not rely on other people–I recall saying as much at least once on this here blog. Although being at work, I'm not about to take the time to find exactly where. so, I've pretty much missed the bus I normally catch. Which… again, no big deal. I'd just show up 45 minutes to an hour early for work anyway. except the next bus drops me off right smack at 8:00. Which means by the time I haull ass from the bus stop to the office–for the record, they call the cubicle I'm currently sitting in an office–it's kissinig 20 after. And I still have to fire up all the crapola I need to refer to during the process of taking calls. By the time it comes around to actually start working, I have 10 seconds to breathe. Then I go head first into a pile of anywhere from 23 to 31 calls waiting, and don't really come up to breathe again until my break.
sidenote: I'm so not complaining about the job–I love it. It's the other people interfering with the getting to the job that I'm not entirely a huge fan of. The bus driver and I today actually reached a sort of agreement, something I really think they should make law. Every time the Senators win, they should give us a day off to be used when the Senators next play at home. that way, those of us who're sick enough to actually like that particular team can go watch them, and those of us who hate the team (toronto fan over here) and the sudden massive influx of trafic their games provoke can stay home, watch *our* team, or do… anything else that doesn't involve fighting through that mess to get to work. That's it, I've decided. I'm gonna have a look at the Senators' schedule after about January or so, and every game they play at home, I'm booking vacation time for. Before they make me late. Chew on that, mr. Murphy!
Stuck by James at 8:05 PM
situation 1: I'm working, and thus only actually got to watch a grand total of maybe 5 minutes of play in tonight's hockey game–I'll rant about *why* that is if I have time later on. Or when I get home. Or, situation 2: the game of which I only got to watch 5 minutes, or possibly less, turned into a 3 2 loss. Against Ottawa. Who we owe tow shmackings, now, after rolling over last night, too. I'm not sure whether I should be more irritated I'm now 0 for 2 so far as actually getting to watch these games, or that both of said games have been just barely losses by a goal, in OT. I think it's a little of both. but that's just me. And I'm looking to blame anything on them damn Senators. C'mon, any Leafs fan would. Or you're not a real Leafs fan. And I don't wanna hear anything from ya.
Stuck by James at 5:30 AM
I mean, it could have–okay, should have–gone differently, but… it wasn't. Oh well, 4 3 is still better than some of the *other* scores I've seen toronto get rung up by thanks largely to Ottawa. And we do have a rematch coming up… this time, *in* Ottawa. I likes this. But only because the last time that happened, well, draw your own conclusions. Me, personally, I like our chances. but that's me. And I've always been just a little tiny bit le coocoo. I blame where I came from.
Stuck by James at 12:55 AM
Toskala, I had such high hopes for you. But already, you're making me wonder if perhaps Cujo was our last attempt at an honest to goodness playoff run. Don't do that. But least of all… don't screw us out of a win 3 minutes into the bloody first bloody period. Against a goalie we should have traded 2 years ago, even. Folks, the first game's against the Sens. And if anyone's curious on my feeling about the Sens, stop. That should outline it enough for you. If it doesn't… well… will this? So… yes. We need goaltending. Not soft goals that kill the game before the 5 minute mark. Boy, you had better be godlike when the season starts. Godlike. Rar! Or… something. Okay I'm done.
Stuck by James at 2:38 AM
Ducks win. Season is done. Sens are done. I'm fucking thrilled. Final score: 6 2. The cup will never go to Ottawa. Ducks, I promise you, I will never not cheer for you again. Unless Toronto's playing. Then I hope you choke. But that's just hockey. And hockey is good. The sens are done. So hockey is good.
Stuck by James at 10:46 PM
Yes, I know, I haven't done nearly the hockey/NHL blogging as I'd previously threatened to–a problem that will be corrected next hockey season. But that being said… it's now the end of the second period. Ottawa is losing 4 2. And I, yes me, am fucking extatic. I called in sick to work tonight–I actually *was* sick, so stuff your opinions–and am subsequently watching this game, in spite of the fact I vowed never, ever to subject myself to a Senators game in which Toronto wasn't playing and/or kicking their ass. But… I made an exception for game 4 because there was beer on the line–you owe me by the way, you know who you are. I'm watching game 5 because, well, watching Ottawa lose in the playoffs is an awesome thing indeed. And I live in Ottawa… how messed up is that? Not that it should surprise those who know me–my Maple Leaf fandom is well documented. And would be better documented except, well, again I've been lazy on my hockey/NHL blogging. My early as hell new years resolution: correct that. After I finish watching Ottawa lose. Again, go Ducks go!
Stuck by James at 9:41 PM
Okay, I didn't call in sick to watch the hockey game, but rather because I'd of ended up going home tired today if I didn't. I got in at about 2:00 this morning, and would have had to get up again at 9 or 10 to be ready to leave for work, which starts at 2 in the afternoon. Now, keep in mind I didn't actually end up falling asleep 'til 4 or so, so this morning and most of today would have been rough if I'd actually gone in. So I didn't. And in doing so, I discovered just after calling in that my beloved team would be playing the enemy, and my calling in sick just inadvertently allowed me a golden opportunity to watch them do something I've only ever seen them do maybe once–win in a shootout. And they did. Somehow, by a rather unusual stroke of luck, they did. And suddenly, I don't feel quite so bad for calling in sick today. Of course, that might just be because I've nearly finished this beer sitting on the desk next to me. Oh well. They won, I deserve it.
Stuck by James at 10:06 PM
I used to have this song, then well, the laptop thought it'd be nice to crap out. But, I now have it once again… yay google! And on that note, I'd just like to say right here and now, go Sens go! Why? Well, because it sounds a lot better than golf Sens golf. It's a little outdated, mostly because some of the named players smartened up and moved on… well, okay, so maybe not smartened up. But the message is still the same. Enjoy! 
Stuck by James at 2:43 PM
That makes two games in a row I couldn't watch all the way through. And I didn't even watch the last one from the beginning, either… I did, however, watch enough of it to see both Toronto goals in a less than thrilling losing effort. I'm trying to find something positive, but really, other than Raycroft playing slightly better, well, there ain't much. And, um, any improvement in the goaltending department was cancelled out by the crappyness that was the defensive play. But, on the up side, for a second game in a row there were no Senator-induced injuries. I guess someone finally told mister Dany it's not nice to try to break people's legs. Add to this, the punch in the gut that was goddamn Buffalo tying Toronto's season start record. All I can say… is… son of a bitch.
Stuck by James at 1:33 PM
But I sure turned it off last night. I figure, 30 minutes of absolute brutality is enough for any fan of any team. I can see I was right, because… well, the game didn't really improve much after that. Typical Ottawa/Toronto game from last year. Ottawa does the cheap shot dance, there be at least one fight, and the score ended up lopsided in Ottawa's favour. By the time I couldn't watch anymore it was 5 nothing and they'd all but collapsed. Then apparently they tried to come back and collapsed again, because by the end of it all, 'twas 6 freakin' 2. Much like at least two people, I wait for the eventual beating in retaliation that's sure to result from Thursday's game in Ottawa, if this year's trend of 1 continues. Unlike these two, however, I'm not holding my breath. Why? One word. Raycroft. Enough said? I thought so. I look for Aubin to start Thursday. But if not, then I *really* hope Raycroft is awake… or I'll have to abandon my hockey game for a second night in a row. It's bad enough I'm already gonna miss half of it thanks to previous commitments (see: guitar lessons, taking of). Hey, ironicly, I missed half of it when they won in Ottawa the last time, too. And for the same reason.
Stuck by James at 11:08 AM
Neither team was really awake during the first period and a half or so… but after that, well, again, things started to get interesting. Unfortunately for my Leafs, they were apparently still tired after last night's game (see: Blue Jackets, beating of), and ended up coughing up a lead. Then giving them the lead. Then dying in the shootout. But, I suppose, they got a point, if nothing else. They've played, now, a total of 9 games, and all except the first one, they've managed at least a point. The good thing… we get Ottawa on Tuesday. Ordinarily I'd cringe, particularly after last year–in how many languages can you say "creamed"? But, so far at least, we don't seem to be doing too… uh, well, terribly. Of course, by that, I mean we've managed to come away with a pretty even record against them so far this year. Granted it's only been two games, but… still. That's one more than we won against them last year. And about 6 games earlier than we won it last year. That's promising, if absolutely nothing else. I love that philosophy. Get pissed off we couldn't beat New York, even though we came damn close at times, and take it out on Ottawa. I only wish I could see the game. Hey, anyone wanna toss a couple tickets my way?
Stuck by James at 11:23 PM
Someone obviously thinks we do. It's being circulated that they've come to some kind of an agreement with Boyd Devereaux, who used to play for the Coyotes and before that the Red Wings. Well, I guess we'll find out eventually if we need yet another body plugging the hole at center. Like, say, if someone ends up victimised by another Dany Heatley. In the meantime, though… uh, well, at least the minor league team's got an experienced man. I suppose.
Stuck by James at 4:53 PM
Unless, of course, you wouldn't consider 6 nothing to be a convincing win. Funnily enough, though, I don't find as much satisfaction in that win as I thought I would. I find perhaps a little bit more satisfaction in what the Senators coach said after the game.
"We play Saturday night," Senators coach Bryan Murray said. "That's about all you can say."
Awesome. Absolutely awesome. Now *that* is how you make up for losing your own home opener.
Stuck by James at 10:53 AM
He won't say. But, there be speculation afoot, and his being all smiles when they scored last night is certainly fueling that fire. Can't say it'd surprise me, seeing as he *is* Toronto born, but… the irony of it is just too amusing. I wonder if this will spark the all too familiar Senators crowd's irritation level a little…
Stuck by James at 12:22 PM
But at least this time we didn't just roll over and die. I mean, it sucked royally, including the empty net goal in the last minute of the game which just further goes to show Alfredson can't score with a goalie actually minding the net, but considering I'm used to, you know, 4 0, 8 0, and at least one player ending up injured in the exchanges… that wasn't all too terrible. It's only one game out of 82… and it might have been right after a huge pregame ceremony, but I still think this season might turn out a little differently. Hey, we'll know tonight, when they take the game up the highway to Ottawa. I only wish I had tickets. Anyone wanna volunteer a couple?
Stuck by James at 9:02 AM
Okay, so explain to me this, since it's gone over my head entirely. How is it that, for taking a golf swing at Bell's foot, Ottawa's Dany Heatley gets off pretty much unskathed, while Bell gets to spend the first few games of the preseason on the injured list, yet for an alleged cross check (you show me where there was a cross check) on Jiri Hudler, Kubina gets handed a game's suspension? That's just a little lopsided, if you ask me. And no one ever does, but I really don't give a shit. Making it even more of a pissoff, never mind the severity of the offense, but Bell had to leave the game due to the injury, and he's still out. Hudler, on the other hand, came right back and played on the powerplay that resulted from the major penalty Kubina's supposed chross check drew. I'd bet any money if Kubina took a golf swing at Hudler's foot instead of just supposedly chross checking him, he'd get at least the first 3 games. Let's see some objectivity, here, for crying out freaking loud.
Stuck by James at 7:01 PM
I was forced to watch it last night. Absolutely, absolutely, *brutal*! I mean, not that he got all that much help defensively with the exception of the likes of McCabe and Brown, who I think wants to try and take Domi's place after his retirement, but… still. The preseason's half over now. More than half, actually. You'd think he'd actually start to play like an NHL goaltender by now. But, sadly, his play has gone from good to crappy in the span of a week, whereas at least Aubin is picking up where he left off, and Raycroft is actually hanging in there. The only real questionmark here is Tellqvist, but then again he's only a questionmark in the eyes of the coaching staff… I know where he's supposed to be. And it ain't with the big club. He, and about half the squad that played tonight IMHO, should be on their way to the AHL arena down the road, *today*. Or, if not today, then preferably before they embarrass us against detroit on Saturday and/or Sunday. I like my leafs above .500, thankyaverymuch!
Stuck by James at 7:36 AM
Especially when they end up outplaying my team, as was the case last night. And after they'd been doing so well, too… 8 shots in the third period? What the fuck? And where in the name of all that is good was our defense? I mean, yeah the big names were watching the game instead of playing, but jesus. These kids are supposed to be trying for a spot on the major league roster. They didn't even seem to be trying last night, for anything. With the exception of maybe 2 people, but even they kind of fizzled out after the first period. What. The. FUCK? Okay, I'm done. Until Wednesday. Then we do it all over again. And we'd better damn well do it right.
Stuck by James at 3:30 AM
Leafs 3, Senators 1. 'Nuff said. I know it's only preseason, but damn… after the crappyness of last season's play against them, this feels good. Now we just need to do it again on Sunday and call it a done deal 'til the actual season starts. I said it before, and I'll say it again. Sens are gonna get the stompin'…
Stuck by James at 10:14 PM
A little nod to them there people I like to spy on... I mean read; give 'em a look over. It's good for you.
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