My Life is A Drama Free Zone

Could it really be almost over?

Could MLSE really have smartened up a little tiny bit and finally actually gave John Ferguson the axe, as certain reports have been speculating? Could we really be heading towards something productive actually being accomplished with this team? Oh, wait, MLSE's still in controll. Well, at least Ferguson might be gone. That's something. Now taking predictions for next year's GM…

You may be wondering about the lack of Leafs posting.

The simple, yet sad truth? They're dead, and I've accepted that. Plus I've plum run out of ways to say they lost for the billionth time this year plus 1. So, I wash my hands of this season, pray to God John Ferguson gets himself canned, and will start over next year. In the meantime, maybe I'll be motivated this summer to blog the baseball season. Anything's possible.

This is where I check out.

I have no idea why I think of about 3/4 of the things I do. But apparently some random part of me finds it amusing. I will seak help immediately.

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Winter storm warning for: City of Ottawa">
Someone tell me they can see why I seriously thought about the possibility of not going to work today. Although granted, the predictions were worse yesterday. It's still nothing anyone should ever have to be out in, never mind have to go to work in. Bleh.

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I think I'm managing to come down with my first winter cold. And a week before Christmas. Go me. At this rate I should be half dead by new years.

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I thought we were supposed to suck this year? The team I'm beginning to love to hate has started pulling themselves together. And I was just beginning to accept another season of golf…

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Conrad Black officially makes less than me. According to this storry (thank you, CTV), he'll be making 12 cents an hour in prison. See, I'd complain, but what expenses has he got there? His food and housing's paid for. Besides, he made enough money breaking the law, he can afford to lose some following it.

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If anyone ever has to know why it is I absolutely despise vista, just try and set up file/printer sharing. You will pull your hair out. I nearly wanted to… thank god today's my Friday. Oh. My. Lord. Good thing I'm not easy to piss off.

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Another spyware call. Another bloody mac user/windows newbie. Wonder how long I can drag this call out before people start pointing fingers at me. Anyone taking bets?

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And lastly, mother nature, please and thank you kindly, stop it with the freakin' white stuff. It's bad enough I get to freeze my ass off on the way to work. Again, bleh. Nature sucks.

wanted: team that can play.

Because mine apparently sure can't. Granted they *did* make it to a shootout, apparently, but what I saw of last night's game, which ended badly, shootout or no, sure didn't look all too promising of good news. I came home from Trish's place last night and fell on the coutch for the third period. With 5 minutes left in the third, after the team demonstrated all the consistency of wet pasta, I pretty much called it a loss and switched it off. Good choice. Aside from Sundin scoring to tie it up, it sounds like I didn't miss a whole hell of a lot. At least we now know before Christmas they'll be golfing in April, though. Sure makes waiting for the season to be over a whole lot easier.

Could the Leafs be looking at a whole new lineup next year?

It really couldn't hurt. While earlier today I did refer to them rather directly as a steaming pile, there are a few faces I'd love to see stick with the team while the rest of it gets blown to hell. Immediately coming to mind is Sundin, but only because at least as it stands now, he's the best performer this team's got. Who would I most like to see get blown off the roster? Mister good for nothing Ferguson, for starters. Further proof he was a ridiculous choice for GM–he goes out and builds himself a crap team, then tries to fire Paul Maurice because the players he picked are stinking up the place. Sorry Ferg, but… I wouldn't of picked Raycroft or Toskala either. Toronto will officially be known as the place where old fogies go to retire if JFJ has his way. MLSE, do us all a favour please and fire that man. Fire that man now. Before he really gives me a reason to abandon the team I grew up watching.

Who's steaming pile is this?

It's official. We're out of the playoffs. but at least we know this before Christmas so we're not, you know, waiting for the Islanders to squeak out a win in the shootout on the last game of the season. But damn, does that hurt. Now, granted I went through most of the season expecting something like this, but Saturday's complete waste of ice pretty much solidified it. The Maple Leafs suck. And yet, for some odd reason–I'll call it desperation not to have to chear for Ottawa–they're still my hockey team. Tell me exactly how that works, please? Because at the moment, it escapes me.

And so continues the downward spiral.

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?

I missed this one for a Santa Clause parade.

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.

And that's why I didn't turn the game on.

Rant about this morning's hella cold to come later. But first, I slept through this, and I don't regret it–apparently, the stink was bad. Not that there's anything good about being on the 2 end of a 5 2 game, but… oh, my, lord. 19 seconds in and it's already 1 nothing for Boston? I do have to ask, someone who actually watched the game–can you tell me if anyone actually showed up for our team? Anyone? Looking at the end result, I'm slightly inclined to say… um, hell no. And that pisses me off.

I take full responsibility for last night.

Not that it'll teach me anything. A conversation I had with Mike via IM, I thought, might have marked a turning point in my Leafs luck. However, I had no sooner mentioned I thought my luck might be changing than Montreal, as they love to do, went and messed it all up by tying the game at 2. And then 3. And then beat our asses in OT. And me and my being too stubborn to just turn the thing off. Go figure? Possibly. And we were doing so well, too. And by well, I mean not sucking for a change. Oh well, on the bright side, had it been Toskala we may not have made it to overtime. What happened to him, anyway–I thought he was supposed to be good?

At least we didn't suck.

Usually when we lose, even if it's just by a goal, it's due to the fact we completely and totally came apart for pretty much the entire game. Last night, at least, we were able to keep it relatively together–well, except for about a 42 second stretch wherein both goals were scored. Okay, I admit it–I watched that game, in spite of Mike telling me not to, seeing as he was going to be there. That's what I get for pointing out my theory on the corelation between Leafs losses and my having paid attention to any particular aspect of the game. Still, it can't be too bad… I mean, it wasn't 7 1, unlike certain other games I made the unfortunate mistake of sitting partway through. Personally, I'll take a loss in a shootout, if only because it still means we walked away with 3 out of a possible 4 points. And… c'mon, it's the Leafs. I love the team and all, but they've only one back to back games once this year. and never a shootout. At least, never a shootout with Toskala in net. Which begs the question, and it's a question I can't be the only one asking… would the score be any different with Raycroft in net? And, can we find out next time?

Slept through this one, too. Can you tell?

My brilliant plan was to come home, flake out for about half an hour, then order pizza and watch the game. What did I end up doing? Coming home, flaking out for half an hour, getting up at midnight, missing a 3 nothing win, and not ordering pizza. Gotta love it when things work out. Well, on the bright side, it *is* getting a little easier to actually go to work for the shift I'm on now after spending the last… oh… damn near a year on overnights. Apparently I missed a good one, too–the scoring didn't start until the end of the second period, and it was all toronto. Figures. Note to self: tonight, watch the damn game. Which they'll probably lose, because I intend to watch it if it kills me. Although I may pass out in the process. Oh well!

Edit:

Appatently, I get to watch tonight's game after all, thanks to the fact I can grab a couple hours' cat nap should I decide to later. Thank you, OC Transpo–rant to come on that one when it stops irritating the royal hell out of me.

So I can be lazy after all.

They do, it would seem, play tonight. And for the first time since the hockey season started, I'm actually not scheduled to miss a Friday night hockey game. Someone else will be preparing my dinner. Tonight, we dine in Leafdom. Unless they lose. Then we dine in hell.

On the other hand, my theory could just be bunked in the span of a minute.

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?

I'm starting to see a patern here, and I'm not encouraged.

That patern, for the generally curious or generally bored, is that when I figure things will turn out slightly more positive than I'd initially thought, they do a complete 180. So far, that patern has only been proven in the hockey world–I'm still working on the rest of it. Reasoning. I stayed awake during the Washington mess and, well, it was the Washington mess. 'Nuff said. I stayed awake during the game this Friday against everyone's favourite NJ team to mock, and after about the start of the third period, it sucked. Badly. On the other hand, when Saturday's game against the Canadians ended up being 2 1, I ended up being asleep. At which point they somehow managed to pull off a win. Now, I haven't got it down to an exact science yet, but common sense, which I have accused many a person of lacking, is telling me I should already know what the exact science is. In short, the next time the Leafs are scheduled for a huge game, sedate me. I'll read the final score when I wake up.

Toskala and Raycroft score hat tricks, Leafs lose.

Vesa Toskala and Andrew Raycroft lead the team in goals for the season, after another 4 and 3 tonight, respectively, in the Capitals' 7 1 spanking of the Maple Leafs. In a postgame interview, Toskala said of his performance, "well, we sent out the usual wake-up notice that we had a game tonight, but apparently that one got lost in the mail… so we had to get creative. We decided to tag team Ovechkin and the gang Together, we knew we could pull our team's numbers up." Sadly, these were the only two hat tricks recorded tonight by either team, although Ovechkin would have corrected that had they carried a third goalie. In other news, Leafs management is rumored to be looking to bring back Tellqvist from Phoenix. When asked about this, a spokesperson only replied with, "Well, you can never have too many high scoring players. Even if they're all goaltenders."

This attempt at putting a positive spin on a serious ass kicking brought to you by the avoid cheering for Ottawa club. Because really, what're they good for?

The best hockey game I ever slept through.

Of course, any game where the good guys come out and win 4 1 like that is a good game in my books. That it happened to be their second win in a row, though? For the first time this season? Can't go wrong. I mean, granted, it was against New York and, well, if they *didn't* beat that team I'd be supremely pissed, but apparently that doesn't matter. Thank God. Now, they take their 4-4-3 record back to Toronto to get picked apart by Washington. Note to self: try to stay awake for that game. Someone may need to remind me.

Well folks, there's our Stanley cup victory.

After beating up on the Penguins, don't expect all too much more of a good thing to be coming out of Toronto. Knocking out those 5 goals last night took just about everything they had. So now they'll be good and ready to give up another 20+ goals in the next 4 games compared with a collective 1 goal effort on their part. I'm finding it very difficult to remain a loyal Leafs fan. But the alternative is becoming a Senators fan, and just–well, hell no. I'll stick to what I know, thankyaverymuch. Even if what I know isn't exactly going to be all that pretty come about May or so.

Good I didn't miss anything.

Just my team tanking in the stretch again. Not entirely unlike they do for most of their losses. which… are coming way too quickly for it to be painless. If anyone has a cure besides having JFJ shot, simply because I'd rather not make headlines for that reason, fire it at me. Or you could, y'know, start your own discussion. We need more blogging Leafs fans. Or I need to start reading more blogs. One of those.

I didn't wanna see the playoffs anyway.

So apparently mister Tucker's on the sidelines 'til God only knows when with a knee injury. And our two goalies aren't doing a whole lot of stopping shots. And… unless your name's Sundin or Ponikarovsky, you're not doing a whole hell of a lot offensively, either. I didn't expect we'd see the Leafs in the playoffs this year, but 9th place would have been nice…

Ordinarily I'd complain about missing a game, but...

I'm not about to wine about missing one in which, leading going into the third, we tanked. Bad. Not bad as in "Oh well, we'll get 'em next time.". Bad as in 5 goals in 20 minutes to our… wait for it… wait for it… 1. That's right, we got spanked by our own lack of play. Again. I have no problem admitting that. Or admitting we more than likely don't have a chance in hell of making the playoffs this year no matter who's in net. Doesn't mean it still doesn't piss me right the hell off. Just that I have no problem admitting it does. Sometimes, I think I only look forward to the hockey season because I can rant endlessly when my team does its best impression of a wet noodle. But that's just the opinion of one slightly crazy and very left field Canadian. So take it with your usual half shaker of salt.

What a horrible fan am I.

I promised I'd blog more about my hockey team, then promptly fell off the wagon for all of 2 games. I should really make up for that–for the record, they were games in which we both got crushed and did the crushing, so at least I'm missing games on both sides of the equasion. O'course, I'd of probably remembered to write about the thing if I were at home for 'em. Sometimes, I wonder why I ended up working nights. But then, that only lasts long enough for me to catch the morning bus home, at which point I clue in–oh yeah, getting off at 12:30 when the last bus shows up at 12 pisses me off. A moron sometimes, I am. It's what gives me the right to call other people morons. Which anyone who knows me will know I do frequently–and usually with good reason. Just… not necessarily a good reason which I'll admit to. Unless asked. Then all bets are off. Speaking of off… I should be off sleeping. Or something. Other than rambling senselessly. But I'm *good* at rambling senselessly. I have to work tonight–dammit to hell. Sleep wins. At least 'til 2. This random collection of what in creation's inside my head brought to you by way too many calls taken in one night. If I got paid by the call, I could retire in 6 months.

The best defense is, in fact, not a good offense, folks.

The game was close, at least. At least for most of it. At least until the defense didn't show up. For either team. The difference in a 6 4 loss? A captain younger than me and possibly than my brother. I have no idea where the defensive half of either team went, though. Some of those plays tonight *should* have been stopped. Ah well, if I could pick a bright spot out of this game, Sundin's second goal in as many games would have to be it. I think he's upwards of 3 or 4 points in 2 nights, too–there's a reason, folks, why he's now the all-time leading point getter for the team. Unfortunately, at the end of the day that really means squat. But I'll take it just the same. Monday, we shuffle off to Buffalo. Here's hoping the whole team shows up.

It's even sweeter in replay.

Thanks to Mojo 640, I got to watch the third period of Thursday's game. For those who live under a rock, or perhaps don't follow the game of Hockey as closely as I do when I can, that was the period on the day when Mats Sundin became the all-time leader in two categories on one shot. And I have to say, though it would have been better not to be at work when it was happening so I could watch it live, even looking back at it in replay fashion… it still feels good. And now, for the first time since the season started, I can watch a game in my own apartment on TV (go digital cable!). So I shall go do that. Penguins gonna die!

Toronto, we have a problem.

Last week, raycroft stunk up the place and toskala was the thing–not that I agreed with that. This week, Toskala stunk up the place and Raycroft's golden–not that I agree with that, either. Although, admitedly, I can't disagree with a stomping not unlike that handed to us on Tuesday. But, while I find myself… not really liking either prospective goaltender, and yet still wondering exactly which one of them will be considered *the* goalie to start the season, I have to also wonder one thing. where the fuck was the rest of the team on Tuesday? Besides at home? Yeesh… okay, I'm done. Oh, wait… no, hang on a minute. Islanders suck! Hard! Okay, now I'm done.

The unknown element is still unstable.

Vesa Toskala. The man some have pinned their hopes and dreams for this season on. The man who, in spite of the fact he's still not got a whole lot in front of him–we just happened to score more goals on Saturday, that's all–still pretty much proved 2 losses against Ottawa still doesn't mean we're tanking the season. The man who, as of right this very minute, has given me absolutely no reason as yet to actually fall in love with the guy. Not helped in the slightest I'm sure by having been ker-shmucked by a team who, last year, *did* tank the season. And why? Well, I wanna blame the new guy–'cuz that's just what I do. but really, he's the last line of defense here. granted I didn't exactly watch the game tonight–have I mentioned lately I hate, hate, hate that I can't get half these games, even for 10 minutes, from work? But, that being said… what the hell? Why, for the love of God, did we have little to nothing going all night? Defensively, *or* offensively? Can *anyone* explain that to me? I mean, granted I'm going by Yahoo's ever so explanatory description of the game–it's all I have until I plunk myself down in front of a TV, sue me–but really. If the way to the net was as open most of the game as I'm getting the impression? Oh. My. Freaking. God. Just call off the season now. It'd be less painful. And all you Vesa supporters (I'm looking at you, Boonmaster, I challenge you. If you really think he'll do any better than Raycroft, which at this point is doubtful and growing less likely, prove it. Bets are open in the comments. Not that I think Raycroft's the starter of 07-08, but… neither's toskala if we wanna go cup hunting. Or at least make the first round. And that's the opinion of a Leafs fan stuck in Ottawa.

Now that's a hockey game.

So I'm a few days late–blame the thanks giving getaway, a recap of which I'll attempt when I'm brave enough. Easy positive side, though. I got to do something I haven't gotten to do since roughly this time last year–watch Toronto beat down on Montreal in overtime. Sure, it had to go to overtime before they won… but hey, they won. I'll take it. Keeps the food chain from last year in perspective. Y'know, the one where Ottawa walks all over toronto, who in turn walks all over Montreal, who in turn walks all over Ottawa. It's a nice little love triangle. And it works! For the most part. I mean… there's a few kinks that need to work themselves out–we still, after all, have the unknown factor in a goalie named Vesa, but that's at least not entirely impossible to rectify. Now… if they start Raycroft for tonight's game versus Carolina, *then* we'll have issues. Unless he wins. But I don't expect that to happen. Ah well, we beat Montreal. That makes this weekend worth while. Unfortunately, it doesn't make me want to go back to work any more. Stupid me working nights during the hockey season. Again. You'd think I'd of learned after last year…

I promised you a rant, and here it be.

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!

Pick the more depressing situation.

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.

At least it was close.

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.

Hopefully you weren't too excited about Mark Bell.

If you were, you'll be holding onto that excitement for about a month–he's been ruled clean by the professionals, and still has to sit out the first 15 games of the season. I'd feel sorry for him, but… really, he brought that one on himself. And methinks he knows it. Why else would you enter a no contest when you're charged? On the bright side, though–quite possibly the only bright side in this particular occasion, he'll be back in time to get run over by Ottawa. And if the preseason's any indication…

We'll miss ya, Harry!

The first ever Leafs game I remember watching, oddly enough I think I was maybe 5 or 6, was being called by the much respected duo of Harry Neale and Bob Cole. I think it might have been a playoff game, too–can't say for sure, but… hey, it was about that time. Now, nearly 20 years later, the Star's got an article published saying he's leaving us for the Buffaslugs. Well, on the bright side, if he had to go anywhere, at least it's not Ottawa. Hockey Night in Canada won't quite be the same, but thanks just the same for 21 years of awesome broadcasting!

I just want a Leafs game...

I used to have a trick I could pull off last year, near the end of the season, to see just how bad the Leafs actually flopped when it came down to playoff time. I could even manage to do so from work. But, for the life of me, I now can't remember what in the name of everything holy I did to get that. So, I'm putting a general S.O.S to any and all Leafs fans with suggestions for methods and ways I can either catch a game as it's being played (I know about 640toronto.com and leafs.tv, but… um… no), or catch it when I have a minute but have already missed the live broadcast. The first game of the season's on Wednesday, not a Monday, and… I'm working. And it's a training day, so I can't even call in sick either. But I wanna watch the game! Anyone got suggestions? I'm dyin' over here…

Thar be winning seasons... maybe?

Hey, anything's possible. They beat up on Detroit a little, according to the linked article… they couldn't really do that all that much last season. Oh, wait–they only played like, once or twice last season. Well, at least we're still in the race. Officially. But only because the season hasn't actually started yet. A little disenchanted? Possibly. You would be too after Raycroft, who was supposed to somewhat hold our team together, busted. And they played him tonight. But at least they won tonight. Just one problem… the Senators are our first game of the season. Again. What sick and twisted individual dreamed this up? He should be shot.

Why is Telqvist beating us?

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.

My cable versus satelite predicament or: the only truely evil thing about living in ottawa.

When I shoved my entire life into boxes and got the hell outa Pembroke way back in December, I acknowledged then that my hockey watching days, unles I wanted to convert to being a Senators fan, were either over or extremely, extremely numbered. Which, naturally, pissed me right the hell off. But, the job was here, the paycheck was here, and considering my schedule now–hello, night shift–it probably wouldn't make much difference anyway. Still, I had thought I was pretty much S.O.L. because the land lord didn't want us putting up satelites and whatnot. That whole securing things to the building thing, and all that jazze. Then I find out I can, just as soon as I go over to the office and sign some stupid piece of paper or something that basicly says I won't try to stick it on the roof. Not that the thought still won't cross my mind to try anyway. So now, it's not what to do since I can't get satelite–it's do I even want to pay the higher price for it, and which semi-monopoly do I want to support? Although, the second question will probably be answered when I figure out which higher price to pay and subsequently answer the first one. At the moment, my choices–neither of them pretty so far–are to give even more money to mother bell, who already has my landline and internet money (Rogers uses Bell's phone lines anyway and I will *not* get cable internet), or Star Choice, who I had living with my parents, but the nasty rumor mill tries to warn me they're expensive as hell. I dunno–I didn't pay the bill the last time I delt with them. Or, I could always just stick with the other evil empire (read: Rogers), and put up with the fact they refuse to offer the channels I'm looking for in Ottawa, which is IMHO about the most ridiculous thing out there–but that's a rant not suited for this non-ranting entry. My choices, of which there are so precious few, are also at the moment… quite crappy. And… quite dependant on me getting off my lazy ass and signing some "I'll behave myself" document. Heh. The idea of me behaving myself is amusing. No snickering, people who know me. That is, unless you're thinking the exact same thing I am–you will never know, for I will never tell. What I will do, though, is… contemplate maybe actually signing that stupid piece of paper. After I make some phone calls. Which I'll do later. Translation: ain't nothing getting done now on that front. So the point of me writing this entry was… oh yeah, right. There was none. Oh well.

Go Toskala go!

This could become very, very good news. Not that I thought Raycroft sucked, really–okay, so he was no Cujo. Oh well. But… hey, we didn't have much of a backup goalie before either. Now, at least we have that. Don't get me started on the Carlo signing for 3 years… I'm still sellebrating what might actually be something good coming out of San Jose. Yay NHL offseason!

A game worth calling in sick for.

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.

I'm so glad I'm working on a Saturday.

My Leafs, my poor, poor Leafs, are getting their rear ends handed to them. And I'm missing it. Not that I'm complaining about missing it. I love the team, but… um… 6 1 when last I checked, and it's gotta be in the third period by now? Oh lordy lordy if sucking were a crime that game would warrant a life sentence. And All I have to say on this is I still refuse to cheer for Ottawa. Now if I could just have a reason to cheer for Toronto…

You'd turn it off, too.

This was not a hockey game. It wasn't even close. And I made the mistake of watching most of it, at least until about quarter to 9 when I finally just said fuck it and went to bed. And all I can say is oh my god I didn't miss much. It was 5 1 when I turned it off. It was 7 3 when it was actually over. If I didn't have to work today, I'd be drunk by now.

Somebody stop this train wreck; I want off!

I hadn't seen the Leafs play a game in a week. Or… something like it. And now, I find myself feeling sorry I saw this mistake. I won't even call it a hockey game. So what was wrong with this game? Um… let me see.

All 5 Detroit goals were on the power play.
Toronto had 13, count 'em, 13 freaking penalties.
Toronto only managed to score once on their power plays, and sucked the rest of the time.
Once again, they played 40 minutes of good hockey. Not a bad thing usually, except hockey's a 60-minute game.

I could go on, but really, it's way too painful. Though that pain is rather negated by the pain of having lost our 7th game in a row. A smart man would have turned it off after the first period, when they were down 2 nill. But no–not this fool. I thought it might actually show signs of improvement. And for a fraction of a second in the second period, it did. Then, they choked. Then, they rolled over. And then, they gave it up and just died. A month ago this team was awesome. Now, though? I have visions of missing the playoffs again… that's not good. We already traded coaches. Is the GM next?

Buh bye Tellqvist!

Phoenix gets a dud, and we get another 4th-liner. But we no longer have a dud! I already opinionated about it on Mike's blog, but it deserves to be said again. No more Tellqvist can only be a good thing. Which is more than I can probably say for mister Tellqvist…

The back to back problems continue.

The one good thing I can find to take out of tonight's game against Boston? Sundin's back, and scoring. Still. A powerplay goal in the third period, spoiling what would have ultimately been a shutout. Otherwise, though… well, they don't seem to be improving any in the back to back games situation, wherein they've so far lost, I believe, every single one of the game 2's of said back to back nights. But, on the up side, there be a rematch on Tuesday. The two days off will hopefully give the Leafs the room to win. Hopefully.

Another one bites the dust.

I missed the part where they jumped out and snagged a win, but this was still awesome to watch. O'course, there's at least one individual out there who disagrees with me, but eh, I think I'd die of shock if no one did. See, kids–this is what happens when you put your future in the hands of one player. The other 22 or so fall asleep. And even Alexander Ovechkin can't carry your team. Particularly when he's too busy being shut down. By the way… I thought he was good?

It was a loss, but still the best part of the afore mentioned party.

They shouldn't have lost, but that aside, it was still better than sitting in the kitchen while the women (there were, after all, mostly women there) all talked about things I really didn't want to hear about. We're going to ignore the 2 empty net goals at the end of the game and kinda pretend like they didn't exist. And then we're all going to line up and take turns slapping mister Caberle upside the head for being a fool and not clearing the freakin' puck, leaving Raycroft to try it and well, apparently he's not very good at clearing it either because it ended up in the bloody net. The good news, though, the game could have gone either way. The bad news was it didn't go the way it was supposed to. Ah well, there's always Friday, when they gang up on Washington. And now, maybe someone can tell me why they felt the need to extend our beloved GM's contract? At least, this early in the season… could they not wait until we've managed to get into the playoffs? Bleh…

Should we plan the parade yet?

I probably wouldn't, at least just yet–I mean, it was a win, but I wouldn't necessarily be calling it a *good* win. Most of the scoring came in the first period, and come the second and third it was looking more and more like that win would be a loss after all. I never thought I'd say it, but if it was easy enough for even Belak to get a point in the game, even if it was just an assist… then it should have been a hell of a lot easier to pull off a win than it was. I already threw a fit about his being re-signed in the first place. The guy's useless, except maybe as a very minor enforcer type. So if even he can manage to pick up an assist in the game last night, you would think that'd be an indicator for how the game's gonna go. Boy would you have been wrong. I'll never stop being a Leafs fan, but I'll never enter a hockey pool where they're involved, either. Not betting for them, anyway.

Scating in quicksand, anyone?

Take a look at last night's lack of an impressing score, and you'll know very well what I mean. I'm sorry, but we could have, and should have, won that game. Except for the fact we didn't play. We just kinda… sat there and hoped the puck would somehow find the back of the net. Which is not gonna happen when you've got a goalie like that playing for the other team, but that small little factoid didn't seem to stick with them. And they were doing so well, too…

Well. That was embarrassing.

I'd go into detail, but… to tell the honest to god truth, we just plain sucked, end of story. Blarg. But, on a somewhat positive side, I suppose, if you can call it a positive side, we did manage to win 4 in a row before promptly doing our best immitation of the other team. But, we did get at least a point in 5 straight games. And our next game *is* tomorrow, so there is an opportunity to redeem ourselves. Not that I'm holding my breath, but I could wind up surprised. In the meantime, though… I have another entry to write, and then it's off haunting my usual blog hangouts. But first, I update Firefox, and try to get the memory of yesterday's game out of my mind.

Sweet Jesus hell yes.

Not only did we manage to whoop up on the Canadians in an awesome go, but we've done it in style. And, we did it moving our winning streek to 4, which is the best so far we've done all season. And as I watch the highlights of the afore mentioned whooping up on, I only have one thing to say. Habs fans–you need to find yourself a new team. Might I suggest Toronto?

And for the second time, 3 in a row.

After winning 3 in a row earlier this month then promptly getting slapped around the next game, I don't know about anyone else but I was wondering if perhaps that was the best we could do. And it almost was, except they somehow managed to do it again with a win over Boston tonight. Minus Sundin, and Minus Raycroft for just under half the game. On the bright side(s), we know where the scoring will come from, at least for tonight. We know Aubin can handle the pressure of coming in to bail us out, not that we needed bailing out. We know a 4-goal lead is not safe, at least for the moment. But it wouldn't be a Leafs game without at least one black mark on the record. I'd of thought the Raycroft injury would be enough of a black mark, though. Apparently not. Ah well, we still won.

Now I remember why I'm a hockey fanatic.

Sure, the first period didn't reflect the fact the Leafs pretty much walked all over Philadelphia, and sure, the second period didn't reflect the fact the Leafs were extremely lucky Raycroft was playing like he deserved to be named one of last week's stars, but the third period was very much worth suffering through the other two. If only because it showed exactly why the Flyers are in the NHL's basement. Of course, if Toronto hadn't one that one as convincingly as they did, I did say I'd be pulling out the dictionary of 4-letter words. Thankfully it's not required, this time. Besides, we need someone to hold up the rest of the conference, now that Atlanta thinks it's ready to lead its division. Ah well. We proved Buffalo was actually not unbeatable. So Atlanta may yet prove collapseable. But, either way, I'll take the 2 points. Even if it should have been a lot easier than it had to be, as so cleverly pointed out by the king puppet himself. But, that's hockey in Toronto. And I love it.

The difference between hero and hated is a game.

If Raycroft had been in net for the Florida game, in which we soundly got spanked, he probably wouldn't have been named one of this week's 3 stars. But, he wasn't, and he was. Ah, I do love the ins and outs of the hockey world. And now, Raycroft has his own personal 3 game winning streek going on. Will he make it 4 tonight? Will the Leafs make it 2 in a row for the second time this season? Well, if not, I won't be the only one uncovering the dictionary of 4-letter words, I'm sure.

That's the hottest team in the NHL?

Okay, so um… even on an off night, Buffalo's supposed to be good. So why is it that a team that hasn't been all that hot lately was able to take them apart? I mean, not that I'm complaining, but… wow. Me thinks someone's sails are about to lose their good wind. Of course, it helps that there are now 3 points seperating Toronto from the top of the division, and naturally the top of the conference. Hm, that would be nice. Though, for some reason, not *quite* as nice as seeing Ottawa kind of… um… well, so far out of the playoffs it's not even funny. And Buffalo has another game tomorrow, so the chances of them winning that one too are slipping away… thank God. I'd hate to see a 4 1 win go to waste. Oh, wait, what am I saying… we have an easy game on Monday. I hope it's easy, anyway. Or… something. So much for a coherent entry.

I have found it!

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!

This was all a bad dream. Just a bad dream.

We did not actually go out there, stink the place up, then take it soundly on the nose. Nor did we fall asleep for at least half the game, give them a 3 goal lead, and then make it extremely easy to stick a 4th in the net. In short, contrary to popular belief, we did not actually suck last night. And if I tell myself such things long enough, I may actually believe it. Stupid goddamn Florida…

3 in a row. For real this time.

They did it in the preseason, but that was the preseason. Now, they need to do it one more time with feeling. Which they did. Well, kinda. I'm not sure whether to be happy that the defense was actually contributing, or worried that our forwards were kind of asleep at times. Although, to be fair, both sides looked like they were trying desperately to set a new record for the most turnovers in a game. But… hey, it's a win. And they do it again tomorrow. Since they don't seem to like back to back games all that much, I'll take the win. For now. Can we make it 4 in a row? Leaning towards no. Why? Well, avid Leafs fan, meet realism. Realism would like to point out the obvious, which I've already said–they don't really much care for back to back games. So, yeah. There will not be 4 in a row. Now prove me wrong. Please?

There is no cure...

… Quite like that of a Leafs win. Unfortunately, however, it would have been their own undoing if they didn't, since it was against Atlanta, of all teams, and well, let's just say Toronto has had their number, ever since the, like, 1 time they won in… oh… 2003 or so. I only wish I'd watched the game. Ah well, that's what the internet's for. One hockey replay coming up. In the meantime, though, I dare say we had fun–see my last entry. I'll write another one later, probably. If I don't fall asleep.

We outplayed them, and still barely won?

Somehow, that doesn't quite seem all that… uh, well, fair. But, as my brother shockingly put it best, we choked. Again. And a 4 2 lead ended up being 4 4 going into a shootout. Guh. We can't keep doing that and expecting to win… thank the gods we got away with it this time. And even better still, Toronto's season opening record is still safe, if shared. Chew on that notion for a while, Erin!

My Life is A Drama Free Zone

Could it really be almost over?

You may be wondering about the lack of Leafs posting.

This is where I check out.

wanted: team that can play.

Could the Leafs be looking at a whole new lineup next year?

Who's steaming pile is this?

And so continues the downward spiral.

I missed this one for a Santa Clause parade.

And that's why I didn't turn the game on.

I take full responsibility for last night.

At least we didn't suck.

Slept through this one, too. Can you tell?

Edit:

So I can be lazy after all.

On the other hand, my theory could just be bunked in the span of a minute.

I'm starting to see a patern here, and I'm not encouraged.

Toskala and Raycroft score hat tricks, Leafs lose.

The best hockey game I ever slept through.

Well folks, there's our Stanley cup victory.

Good I didn't miss anything.

I didn't wanna see the playoffs anyway.

Ordinarily I'd complain about missing a game, but...

What a horrible fan am I.

The best defense is, in fact, *not* a good offense, folks.

It's even sweeter in replay.

Toronto, we have a problem.

The unknown element is still unstable.

Now that's a hockey game.

I promised you a rant, and here it be.

Pick the more depressing situation.

At least it was close.

Hopefully you weren't too excited about Mark Bell.

We'll miss ya, Harry!

I just want a Leafs game...

Thar be winning seasons... maybe?

Why is Telqvist beating us?

My cable versus satelite predicament or: the only truely evil thing about living in ottawa.

Go Toskala go!

A game worth calling in sick for.

I'm so glad I'm working on a Saturday.

You'd turn it off, too.

Somebody stop this train wreck; I want off!

Buh bye Tellqvist!

The back to back problems continue.

Another one bites the dust.

It was a loss, but still the best part of the afore mentioned party.

Should we plan the parade yet?

Scating in quicksand, anyone?

Well. That was embarrassing.

Sweet Jesus hell yes.

And for the second time, 3 in a row.

Now I remember why I'm a hockey fanatic.

The difference between hero and hated is a game.

That's the hottest team in the NHL?

I have found it!

This was all a bad dream. Just a bad dream.

3 in a row. For real this time.

There is no cure...

We outplayed them, and still barely won?

The best defense is, in fact, not a good offense, folks.