@#$*&)(!!!

Ugh. I missed most of the Canucks game yesterday, but Elise informed me that I didn't miss much. I watched part of the Chicago game tonight, and I have to say, I'm pretty pissed that we lost to the Blackhawks. We have an excellent record against them, partially helped by the fact that they have really sucked in recent years. This is a much improved version of the Blackhawks, but a 3-0 loss is unacceptable. Especially since goaltending was the one area that I am actually owning this week in fantasy hockey. Step it up! I expect you guys to be better than this! You are leading the division in an extremely tough division, holding onto that lead will require some effort! PLAYOFF HUNT! Do those words mean anything? They had better, because when I get home in May, there will be hell to pay if there is no Wild hockey for me to watch.

Now then, on to happier things.
Congrats to Mark Parrish and his wife on the birth of their daughter!
Did anyone see the Habs game yesterday? It was totally sick. They came back from a five goal deficit to win. That's the largest comeback in all of the Habs' storied history. I was SUPER stoked that I chose to spend a little of my precious bandwidth watching them beat the icky Rangers.
Joe Sakic had his first full practice today! I'm so excited for him to come back.
I got an amazing holiday card in the mail today from my HLOG sister Tracy. It has a GIANT Joe Sakic trading card on the cover and shiny, silver stars. I love it! Thanks, Tracy!

Up Next: Calgary. I really dislike Calgary, but they have a couple of awesome fans in HG and Leanne over at Double d(ion) and Open.Ice. Hits., respectively. We need to beat them! This is one of the teams that is creeping up on us in the standings, and we've had trouble against them all season. Someone needs to be assigned to Iginla...hit, kill! Something, anything.

Wild Win and so do I

See, he's happy about it too.

The Wild won in a shootout with Koivu being the hero. His Personal Streak of Shootout Awesomeness has been revived. What is it about Finnish players and their mad skillz in shootouts? Whatever it is, Koivu's back, and vs. the Canucks too. How fitting. Take that and shove it, Ohlund! Too bad he wasn't petty enough to rub it into the Canucks bench again. I suppse in a shootout win he wouldn't have the opportunity, which is a bummer, cause I have to say that was awesome.

It was a good game up until the part where the Canucks tied it up, we didn't win in overtime, and I saw Koivu's name get called. I was nervous since he had been 0-3 this season...but clearly I did him a disservice.

Enough about the game, onto what I'm really making this post about. Teebz sent my prize as promised, and it's really, really, really effing cool. I got a Martin Brodeur mini stick, a Sidney Crosby action figure, a North Stars t-shirt, a Team Canada hat, and two Don Cherry DVDs. This is beyond awesome. A HUGE thank you goes out to Teebz for this generous prize, and for putting up with the highway robbery that the Canadian Postal Service charges these days. Thank you, Teebz!

NHL notes:
The Red Wings lost again!

Ryan Smyth is back two or so weeks early

Jagr is not doing well any more. Is this his last season? TSN wonders the same thing

Zach Parise had two goals tonight.

Random note about life: Honey flavored ice cream is really, really good.

Up next: the Wild play the Preds at home. I will try to watch the game, but I have an econ midterm to study for and an endless supply of French essays to write. Elise of 18,568 Reasons Why will be at the game, and so will my family if they make it back from Wisconsin in time. For those of us without tickets, the game is on at 7PM CT on FSN.

Letter to Wes Walz

Dear Wes,
You sounded very unsure during your retirement speech and subsequent interview about how the fans view you. I just wanted to say a few things to make it clear that we adore and respect you as a player and a person. You have been one of my favorite players if not my favorite player for a long time. I am shocked to say the least, and I believe that you can still play very well in this league, but this is about you, not me.

Everyday you came to the rink and gave it your all. Off the ice you were very giving in the community, friendly with the fans, and always smiling. On the ice your intesity and passion were unmatched, and it showed. Even though many people have expressed thoughts that you still have it, I respect that you feel you are not playing at the level you used to play at, and it is most important that you be happy with your decision, one that only you can make.

I wish you nothing but the best in your life, and I hope you realize just how much you will be missed. Please don't be a stranger at the X or in the community. Take care and good luck. Like someone else said, it's a not goodbye, it's a thank you.

Sincerely,

Kirsten

Things are starting to look good

Well, after their stomping on Tuesday night, the Wild have decided to get it together. Two more wins under their belt, and the kids are starting to get sent down. Much as I like getting to see them play, to me seeing the regulars in the lineup makes me think the season is really getting here.

To celebrate that fact, I made a hockey corner in my room using the pennents for all the NHL teams, and also some posters, pictures, and newspaper clippings. I'll decorate more later, but it's early in the school year and I'm already getting dumped on.

It's not much, and my camera is kind of fuzzy (or maybe I'm the fuzzy one), but it makes me smile.

The picture in the far left corner is of Boogaard looming over Chelios. That is definitely my favorite part of the wall.

Also, I'd like to send a big thank you out to Teebz for sending me a beautiful copy of the Heritage Classic game. I finally got a chance to watch it last night, and it's awesome! Thank you so much, Teebz!