Game Five Thank-You Notes

Dear Buffalo Sabres,

Now that is how you play a hockey game! I think I speak for all Sabres fans when I say thank you for showing us that you do have the heart, grit, and character to keep us believing. Thank you for giving us a lot to cheer (and cheer loudly about) last night, and thanks for showing the Bruins that they can't push us around as easily as they would like to think. Keep it up on Monday, and I can't imagine the excitement you'd be coming home to for Game Seven. One win at a time, though - just go out and play in Beantown like you did last night, and it would be tough for anyone to stop you.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

Thanks for setting the tone early and reminding the Bruins often of that physical, relentless tone. I have to admit, my beloved Goose, I was worried about your game before last night. Kudos to you for showing all of us that you hadn't disappeared and showing it with authority. From each hit to the face-off win on Grier's goal to taking on Chara at the end, you made a huge impact last night, and made me proud again to call you my favorite.

Dear Tyler Ennis,

I have a feeling Tyler Myers better get used to having you as a roommate next year - you're never seeing Portland again if you keep playing like this. You remind me of a young Danny Briere, with a heart and enthusiasm twice your size. I've always liked you because us tiny people have to stick together, but I forget how small you are when I watch you play. Your hustle, skill, and love for hockey has impressed not only the fans but Lindy as well, which is no small feat. You deserved everyone of those noogies and facewashes you got last night - that goal was a thing of hard-hustling beauty.

Dear Mike Grier,

What else can be said about you? The team turned around the day you were signed, and your calm, veteran presence has truly led the Sabres to where they are right now. The news of your signing came out on my birthday, and it was honestly my favorite present this year. Blocking that shot with your head is the kind of thing that just shows what a dedicated example you are for all of these young kids on the team. All I can say thank you for today is just for being you - playing hard and with heart.

Dear Ryan Miller,

First of all, long live the "Millerstache!" Thank you for giving us something to talk about with merely your facial hair. Now, onto actual hockey matters, thank you for giving me the biggest thrill of the night when you jumped into that scrum. It wasn't just that you did it - it was that you were grabbing Satan, which made it even better. In that one moment, you showed what has been different about the team this year - it's ability to stand up for itself as a whole and for each other.

Dear Patrick Lalime,

Thanks for the best ice dancing I've seen since the Olympics! I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time, and I wish there was a video of it to share with everyone.

Dear Zdeno Chara,

I really don't like you. I have nothing to thank you for but for being beaten down by three Sabres last night, giving me the most pleasure from this series since I went to Game One.

Dear Sabres fans,

Thank you for showing that we still have faith. The shots of the Plaza last night were amazing, and I could barely hear RJ on my radio because the crowd was so loud. Down 3-1, the fanbase could have easily become less passionate, but the reverse seemed true. Being a Buffalo sports fan is something special, and I love putting myself in a category with all of you.

#28 Turns 28

Today is a very special day around these parts. It has been circled on my calendar, plugged into my phone, and written in my planner.

For most of you, today is an important day in the hockey season because the Sabres face their biggest game in a while - playing the surging Senators at HSBC with the hope of keeping our fiercest rivals safely behind us in the battle for the lead in the Northeast Division.

For me, though, today is about more than just a much-hyped hockey game. It's a day to celebrate the birth of our fearless assistant captain with the ruggedly handsome face.

Happy Birthday, Paul Gaustad!

Today is the day that #28 turns 28, and I would like to celebrate with a brief photo essay on the local treasure that is The Goose.

Not only he is a leader on the ice, Goose is a leader in the community. His work with Camp Good Days has helped to make lives brighter for a lot of sick children in WNY. He is carrying on the tradition of Buffalo Sabres really striving to make a positive impact on the city, and I am always proud to wear his jersey. Not only is his charity work inspiring, it also has led to photos like this:

Say it with me...Awwww...

A guy who does all that Goose does on and off the ice could start to take himself seriously, but that doesn't seem to be the case. It takes someone with a good sense of humor to rock a pair of tennis shorts and a sweatband the way Goose can:
There's not much left I can say after looking at that picture, so I'll just end this with my birthday wish for Goose.

Dearest Birthday Boy,

It is my hope that on this, your 28th birthday, you are given the gift of a sound demolition of the Senators, a team that we all know that you hate with a burning passion. I would wish for a hat trick or even a goal for you, but all I really hope for is that you get to spend your birthday night making Chris Neil cry in a corner.I hope you are given the gift of a victory tonight and an important role in it. It would be the perfect present - not just for you but for all of us waiting for a win against the Sens.

Happy Birthday!
Katie

He's Back!

I know I'm not the only one who has missed Paul Gaustad in the Sabres lineup. He brings to the ice things that I think the team has been sorely missing in his absence (besides good bone structure and nice eyes).

He should help the team dramatically on faceoffs, even if he won't be 100 percent yet. Also, he should help the power play from his position in front of the net. He may not score a ton of power play goals, but his ability to screen goalies should help some more shots to get through (hopefully).

There's something else, too, something that is hard to define about Goose's influence on the team. He's become a definite leader on the ice and in the locker room, and his play this season is really backing that up. He's having a career year, and it makes me so proud to see him having that kind of success. Before this season, Lindy used to say in interviews that Goose had to work on his own game before he could wear a letter. Now that he has his "A," I think it's only made him a better player. He plays with heart and grit every game, but now it's nice to see tangible things like faceoff percentages and goal totals to go along with what I always loved about his play.

This excitement over Goose coming back and the season he's been having was the lead Sabres story in The Buffalo News today. They also mentioned that he's still a possible candidate for the U.S. Olympic team. The idea of my favorite hockey player, my all-guts-no-glory grinder, getting chosen to represent American hockey on the biggest international stage is incredible. To imagine what that would be like for him, someone who never even saw himself in the NHL, makes me so happy. His toughness, faceoff ability, and leadership would really be an asset for Team USA. Plus, it would be great for me personally to just get to look at him on TV for a few extra weeks!

Quick Hits

Some random thoughts as I steel my nerves for the Sabres-Sens game tomorrow night:

*In my last post, I said that Paul Gaustad was challenging Pat Kaleta for his spot in my father's heart. Apparently, Patty took that personally and then went on to have two amazing games with two shorthanded goals. Both were impressive, but I especially liked the one on Lundqvist. It was a shot with a lot of confidence, and it was so unexpected. I always love seeing grinders get recognition, so I am very happy to see him in the spotlight. Plus, I like when other people get to see their underappreciated favorite get some love from people other than them, so I'm happy for my dad!

*Speaking of underappreciated favorites, I am really missing Goose out on the ice. I never noticed how important his face-off skills were until we were without them. At least he's improving, though, so hopefully he'll be back soon. I really wish he was playing tomorrow - he's the only one I trust to give Chris Neil a beating.

*In NFL news, J.P. Losman is reportedly heading to Oakland. I finally get to use my "I don't think you're a failure, J.P." tag again! That's pretty much the extent of how much I care about that news. It's nice to see him back in the NFL, but the Bills this season have drained a lot of my energy in terms of the effort I put into my football fandom. It's hard for me to care about a sport when my team is so irrelevant in it.

*I forgot to say this in my last post, but my thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Grier and his family after the passing of his mother. As someone who lost someone close to her around Christmas, I know that's not easy. Kudos to him for coming back as soon as he did, and I'm sure he's getting all the support he needs from his teammates and coaches. They really are a family, and I hope that comforts him.

*Tomorrow the Sabres play in Ottawa. Just saying that makes me start to shake involuntarily. I have come to dread Ottawa games like I dreaded Calculus class - the feeling of failure just hangs around it. I'm hoping that they prove my exceedingly low expectations ("just don't get embarrassed") wrong, but I'm not planning on a win. You may call that being negative, but I call that being a Sabres fan for the last four years. Again, let's just hope they prove my pessimism wrong.

What I've Learned

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted. I've been a terrible blogger this semester, but it's finally over now. I think I learned some valuable lessons in the past month, too:

* I learned that I cannot balance a senior honors thesis, an internship, being a regular college kid, and having a blog. Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I've been over-my-head in literary analysis for the past few months, but I'm so glad that it's done. It seemed like every time a game was on, I had to use that free time to work on things for school. I've missed so much - especially in the last month, so thank you to all the amazing bloggers that I read who keep me caught up on what's been going on in Sabre-land.

*I learned that my fantasy hockey scouting is unparalleled when it comes to goalies. Who knew Ryan Miller would have this kind of season? Oh yeah...I did. Thanks (almost single-handedly) to Millsie, "Kane's Taxi Co." is going strong. In actuality, I always pick Sabres over most any other player of equal (or sometimes greater) talent, so I can't claim any psychic powers. I really just learned that my admiration of Ryan Miller knows no bounds, and that there are no more words to describe how much he means to this team.

*I learned that I still love Goose as much as ever. My dad got a hat autographed by him for me yesterday, and now my father won't stop gushing over how genuine he was and how personable he seemed. I think Goose is now challenging Pat Kaleta for a spot in my father's heart!

*I learned that I hate missing games, even parts of them. I teach at the dance studio until 8 every Friday, and it kills me to come in after the game has already started. I miss the anticipation, the excitement, and the fact that I could actually go to Friday games when I had the money.

Hopefully I'll be able to find my stride again over this break. I plan on going to at least one morning skate and one game (not sure which yet) before classes start again. I am also making this known on here so you all can help me stick to it: I plan to blog at least five times a week - I have lots of catching up to do and thoughts to share!

Speaking of thoughts - Did anyone else have trouble wiping the smile off of their faces after seeing Lalime get the win in net tonight? He was so happy, the team was so happy, and I am still so happy.

It Took Them Long Enough

The title of this post can refer to a number of things:

• The fact that it seemed to take the Sabres forever to really put the Islanders away tonight - I was honestly feeling scared until there was about a minute left in the third period. It's going to take sometime to get used to the idea that they can actually hold a lead this season.
• The feeling of relief that came from beating a team they were supposed to beat. It took a season, but I hope they're getting the hang of not playing down to their competition. Good teams win on nights when they aren't their best because they still find some way to compensate - and tonight the Sabres played like a good team in that regard.
• The notion that maybe the team is finally understanding that Ryan Miller needs to be defended when people try to push him around. It's nice to know that the lesson learned last season after the Gomez incident has gotten through to them - even if it did seem to take about 82 games too long to get the point last year.

Really, though, this post is talking about how long it took for Lindy and whoever else decides these things to give Paul Gaustad a letter. If there was any doubt about his ability to lead and step up when called upon, it should have disappeared tonight after he demolished Tim Jackman for bowling over Miller:

That was passion, pride, and a sense of responsibility to one's teammate on perfect display. It was everything I want in a leader, and everything this team needs on the ice that it lacked most games last season.

Yes, he's my favorite player, and I am so biased it's ridiculous when it comes to Goose. Still, I think it's obvious that what he did tonight is what a good leader does when his goalie - the heart and soul of his team - is interfered with.

I know most people want to talk about Tyler Myers or Jochen Hecht tonight, but, as it usually is, my attention has been on Goose. He may not have scored a goal, but he did something even more important to exorcise last season's demons from our minds. He saw a chance to stand up for his goalie and didn't back down. He showed character and heart - two things that are becoming more and more present in this group that had seemed to be missing them.

Tonight, he was a leader. He may have earned his "A" earlier, but tonight, he reminded us why it belongs on his chest.

What We Needed (and One Thing We Didn't Need)

After the torture that was Sunday's life-draining Bills game, Buffalo fans needed a lot of things to keep morale up for what was looking to be a long fall and winter for sports lovers in WNY.

Even if tonight was just one game, at least we have the Sabres to thank for giving us some of those things that our fan experience had been lacking recently:

• Offensive production
• Solid coaching and a good game plan
• Team tenacity
• The ability to beat a proven winner (or even a team that maybe wins some games every once in a while)
• Rookies who are actually used effectively and productively on the team
• A leader who makes a big play (or save) when it's called for
• Excitement - Buffalo fans just want to believe in something and feel passionate about something. That's hard to do with the passionless football being played right now, but it was a different story inside HSBC Arena tonight.

Tonight was an important night in my house - as Goose (my favorite) and Pat Kaleta (my dad's favorite) scored their first goals of the season. It's always a good feeling to watch the guy you cheer the hardest for put it in the back of the net, and I honestly thought I was going to have to wait a lot longer for Goose's first goal. Those post-goal high fives always feel the best when it's the guy on your jersey who just put your team up by another goal.

The only negative aspect of tonight's game was the loss of Thomas Vanek. Just as the team was finding its offensive stride, its star scorer goes down. I guess I'm just happy it's now instead of down the home stretch.

I know that this game could have been a fluke, but I was highly impressed with the product put on the ice tonight. It gave Buffalo fans something to really cheer about and thoroughly enjoy watching - which is something we could all use a little more of lately.

Of Freak Goals and Favorites

I'll have more to say tomorrow, but I'm not as disappointed with that loss as I thought I'd be.

It may be because the team played my kind of hockey - tough, strong penalty killing, gritty and chippy.

It may because both goals against were flukes rather than bad plays or softies by Miller.

It may be because Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy looked great. Myers especially looked a lot smoother and stronger than I thought he would. I really like his game.

It may be because we still ended up with a point.

I think, though, that it's because of one little letter:

Paul Gaustad finally has a "A" on his jersey. He is finally being recognized for the true leader that he is for this team. To see it in a regular season game was so special because it proves that others see him as the gift to this team that I have always seen him as.

To watch Goose and Pommer as assistant captains tonight was special. Two close friends, two roommates, my two favorite players - they are the next generation of Sabre leaders, and I am so proud to own their jerseys. Now I have to get an "A" put on my #28 jersey, and I couldn't be happier.

Maybe tomorrow I'll be more upset, but now I'm too excited to have hockey back in my life to wallow in post-loss depression.

Goose Gets a Gordie (or Alliteration is Awesome)

Great things about tonight's 5-3 win over Toronto:

* Goose picking up the Gordie Howe Hat Trick. One assist, one very timely goal, and two fights made me a very happy girl tonight. That goal was the definition of clutch, coming exactly when the Sabres needed some life. Both of those fights proved exactly why Goose has grown into a leader on this team - he sets the tone for how the game will be handled, and tonight he showed that it would be handled with hard work and pride in their ability to defend Ryan Miller.

* The whole team finding its collective "man parts" to make sure nobody so much as looked at Miller the wrong way without being dealt with. Everyone was stepping up physically tonight, from Butler and Lydman to Moore and Hecht. I, personally, was extremely worried about how this aspect of Miller's return would shake out tonight, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the passion and grit displayed on the ice tonight.

* The heat slowly creeping back into the games of Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht, and Jason Pominville. This had to happen for the team to pick things up in these final weeks, and I can only hope that tonight is a springboard rather than a fluke (though Pommer does have a nice point-streak going now).

* Patrick Kaleta. I love everything about his game, and tonight he was exceptional at what he does. He was hitting everything that moved, aggressively killing penalties, and working hard on the forecheck. I especially loved when the camera went to him during the third period after an especially hard body check - even by Kaleta's standards. There he was, laughing and smiling like he has the best job in the world. That's what I love about him; he's just a Buffalo boy getting to live the dream.

Oh, and I love this gem of a quote by Kaleta, courtesy of sabres.com, about tomorrow's game in Montreal:

"I guess call Fuccillo Chevrolet... It’s huge! "

There is no better way to describe it. Tonight was big, but tomorrow is..."HUGE, Buffalo...HUGE!"

Mail Bag

Dear Marshawn Lynch,
I've tried really hard to like you; honestly, you have no idea how hard. Last season, I was willing to forgive the whole "hit-a-random-lady-with-you-car" thing because people don't exactly abide by proper street-crossing etiquette on Chippewa. You play hard and battle for us in every game, which is something I've always admired about you. While it's tough for me to embrace guys who act irresponsibly off the field, I was willing to accept that incident as the accident it was, and you were on the verge of becoming a favorite of mine.

This, though, this I can't excuse. One time, it's an accident. Two offseasons in a row, it's a habit, and it's not what I want in a player that I root for. Faces of franchises should not be getting high in a car where police could pull them over - not to mention faces of franchises should not have loaded guns in their car.

So I guess I just want to say that it's over, Beast Mode. I think we could have had something great together with our player-fan relationship, but you know what I wanted in a favorite player. I'm not shy about it - I like "my guys" to play with heart and to use that heart to help make Buffalo better away from the game, too. "Good players and good people" is an often used tag over here for a reason; there are plenty of role models for you. On your team alone there's Brian Moorman, Poz, and Donte Whitner.

If you want another example of how to act like the Buffalo superstar you could become, look no further than Ryan Miller. There's someone who always represents his team and his city in a positive way. You could have been loved like that here, Marshawn, but I'm not so sure that can happen now.

Sincerely (hoping you won't go to jail),
Katie

Dear Paul Gaustad,
I'm so happy to see you back on the ice tonight. As Ryan so perfectly put it, I just like this team better with you in the lineup. You bring the desire and heart that I felt were lacking against Carolina and will be much needed tonight and from now on. You've shown the ability to change a game with your physical play and sheer will to win, and effort like yours can make a huge difference on a team that likes to take some nights off.

Here's to staying healthy for longer than a few weeks! I can't wait to see the havoc that you and a healthy Rivet can cause.

Love always,
Katie

Dear Nate Gerbe,
I know you were trying very hard to score for me, as in the absence of Goose I latched on to you as my interim favorite, but I'm glad that you're heading back to Portland for a while. You were painfully pressing against Toronto, and some time in the AHL should remind you that you can score regularly like you so desperately want to. The NHL is a different animal, but I have faith that you can really succeed in Buffalo. Just remember, points will come but not if that's all you measure your play by. You have the ability to be a playmaker, but numbers aren't always the most important thing (example: Goose). In the NHL, you can't let anything take away from your effort, and I was afraid that you were getting too distracted by not scoring goals.

See you soon (I'm sure),
Katie

Dear Buffalo Sabres,
Just win. I hate the Flyers. You need the points. It can't get more simple than that.

I'll be watching,
Katie

Who Else Would I Write About with Nothing Going On?

I have nothing of substance to say about Wednesday's debacle in Tampa. The Sabres put forth a strong effort (mainly in the second and third periods), but it seemed like everything that they could do wrong, they did...and then they did those things again. Bad pinches, at least one iffy goal (Tampa's fourth) by Ryan Miller, and an inability to clear the puck did them in. Still, though, a 7-3 January record so far is none to shabby. I just wished they could have entered the All-Star break with a win.

Speaking of the break, I hate that there is nothing to talk about. No football and no "real" hockey makes for a very boring time for bloggers.

What better way to cure that boredom than yet another Paul Gaustad tribute?

I've been fortunate enough to have been sent the January newsletter for Camp Good Days. As most of you are aware, this is Goose's favorite charity, and the work he does with them is one of the reasons I love him as much as I do. I encourage you to go read this short article on his latest cookie baking adventure with them and check out the adorable pictures!

What I love most about Goose's charitable side is that he never makes himself the center of attention or acts self-important in any way. He's willing to have a bag of flour dumped on him if only to see these sick kids smile. I get such a kick out of seeing professional athletes look as happy as the children they're helping when they do work in the community. This is certainly the case with Paul Gaustad; sometimes it's hard to tell whether it's the kids or Goose that's having the best time!

After reading about Goose's latest "culinary endeavor," I found myself on the Camp Good Days website, where there is an excellent piece on exactly what Paul Gaustad has done for these kids since he teamed up with the organization in 2007.

I thought myself an expert on all things Goose-related, but even I didn't know just how involved he is in making the lives of these kids even a little bit better. My favorite part of the article discusses how Goose makes time to contribute to the organization even during the busy season:

"Since then, Paul has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit campers in the hospital, or if he were on the road, he would call some of our Camp Good Days kids who were having a rough time just to chat."

The notion that Goose would take the time to rearrange what we all know is a very structured schedule for hockey players on the road in order to call a little kid struggling with illness just makes him an even better person in my eyes (which is saying something).

I guess all I really wanted to say in this post is that the involvement of hockey players in charitable organizations is one of the things I love most about this sport, and Paul Gaustad has gone above and beyond the call of duty in this involvement. While so many people have already mentioned his growing leadership role on the ice, I love to see that he has become a leader in the community as well.

Tomorrow, I will post my own All-Star roster. Look for some perennial M&G favorites to be included for no reason at all (kind of like the real thing in some ways). Tonight I'm off to see Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet re-unite in Revolutionary Road, which got snubbed by the Oscar nominations committee. We'll see if the slight was deserved (which I somewhat doubt).

Just When You Write Them Off...

...they find a way to make you believe again.


Besides the dismal start, there were so many things to love about that game:

• Winning a game that we had no real business winning even before the puck was dropped - road trip, back-to-back games, etc.
• Getting two points while Carolina got none (I never thought I'd say this, but thanks, Toronto!), giving us sole possession of the 7th spot for the moment
• The passion the guys brought to the game after the aforementioned shaky start. It seemed like once they got their legs under them (which unfortunately took a few goals too many to do) they were winning all the battles they needed to in order to win the game.
• All four lines having a ferocious forecheck. They really embodied Lindy's call to be hard to play against.
• My Unsung Hero of the Game, Derek Roy. While Pommer will get the praise for his shot, it was Derek who kept us in the shootout with his very pretty goal.
• Clarke MacArthur's happy dance:

Most importantly, this was a game that proved just how essential the three pillars that I call "The Trio" really are for this team:

Ryan Miller came up big once again in the shootout. After seeing him struggle through these so painfully last season, I can't help but pinch myself whenever I see him make a strong save in this situation; it seems to good to be true. Once again, he was there when we needed him the most, and I love that I'm beginning to feel once again that I can depend on him to step up in the clutch.

Jason Pominville will obviously be remembered as the hero of this game. My father was talking the whole night about how poor Pommer is just not doing much of anything this season, and I so desperately hoped that he would be proven wrong. That shootout goal was a beautiful thing, and I love when people who are due for success finally find some. He deserved all of the congratulatory facewashes and noogies that he was being showered with, especially by his one and only roommate.

Paul Gaustad had the kind of game that makes me proud to say he's my favorite player. Not only did he score two goals, he got the momentum going in his team's direction with that little fight and his unending physical play. I love it when you can see him get fed up with the direction a game is going in because you know that some great hits will be coming not long after. My father thought he would be getting his first NHL hat trick tonight, but I think being named first star is good enough! Plus, he gets to share the joy with his roomie - that must have been some power nap today with the way they both came up big tonight!

Games like this are so fantastic to me because they provide moments like this:

Sabre-love huddle!

In this picture alone, we find Teppo laughing like a kid, genuinely sweet goalie-love, and Pommer lost somewhere in the middle of all the love. It was great to see them this happy again, to see the joy I felt mirrored in their celebration.

It was a close one, but I for one will take the heart palpitations if it means finishes like this one.

Thomas Vanek is Really Good at Hockey

There's not much that hasn't been said already about Thomas Vanek being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster, so I'll just let Thomas tell you about it himself:


Oh Thomas, how I love you and your annoyingly perfect team-first attitude. Seriously, this is about as individual an honor as you can get in a team sport, and he turns it into a representation of the team as a whole. Sometimes I have to wonder who trained him to say such perfect things.

The great thing about Thomas Vanek, though, is that none of his words ever seem "trained" or untrue. I really do think that he wants to help his team win more than anything, and that scoring goals is just his little (or not so little) way of helping. My favorite part of the interview is when he states that an All-Star appearance means nothing if the Sabres miss the playoffs. In a world where it seems that many athletes care more about personal stats than team success, it's nice to see a star player who genuinely wants to be a teammate first.

Maybe it's just the Carly's Club ski cap that has him looking so earnest, but I love the fact that Thomas Vanek is emerging as not just a good hockey player but a good person as well.

In other All Star news, Sweating Like Soupy (my fantasy hockey team) is well-represented on this year's rosters. Pat Kane, Brian Campbell, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Jay Bouwmeester are all players drafted by me who have made the roster for the game in Montreal.

I know what you're all thinking, and I am just as upset as you are that my Fantasy Hockey All-Star Benchwarmer didn't make the cut. Colby Armstrong is nowhere to be found on the roster. Oh well, I'm sure that it was only because they could pick just one representative from Atlanta, and I suppose it had to be Kovalchuk.

Though with a game-face like this, it is hard to imagine how such a high hockey-IQ could be ignored

To round out my discussion of all things All Star-related, many congratulations to our baby Sabres who have made the AHL All-Star squads! Mark Mancari will represent Canada, while Tim Kennedy and my future husband favorite Pirate Nate Gerbe will represent PlanetUSA.

Since I have made a New Year's Resolution to make sure every post mentions Paul Gaustad at least once, I must end this with a recap of Jason Pominville's latest blog:

*Marley and Me brought a tear to his eye (and anyone who doubted this does not know Jason Pominville)

*The system is finally starting to love him back by rewarding his line with goals.

*Goose made sure he was tucked in by 11:30 on New Year's Eve before they played the Leafs.

*He loves his new linemates, which include roommate Goose (and Matty Ellis). He says that Goose is "fun to play with," which is always nice to hear said about your favorite player. You can tell they're having fun out there, too, with the success they've been having.

Tomorrow Chris Drury comes back to town once again. As Thomas Vanek said so profoundly, he's just another player once the puck drops, but he's another player I'd really like to beat.

Sens Bark Worse than their Bite

Sorry for the lame pun, but Mike Robitaille pretty much stole all the other ones.

Like most games against Ottawa, this one had its fair share of inrtiguing moments. I know that the Sabres gave up two goals to Jason Spezza in the lengthy span of 36 seconds. I know that the second and third periods were anything but pretty. I know some will criticize Miller for those goals or say that this win was not as impressive as it should have been.

I know that I couldn't care less right now. The Buffalo Sabres are winners of three straight games in regulation, games that were won by grit, heart, and patient play. The boys are actually starting to play as a team again, making clean passes and good outlets. They are bringing a new sense of determination to the ice right now, winning battles and sticking up for one another (see Craig Rivet's little scrum in the third when the Sens got too close to Miller).

My Unsung Hero of the Game is Paul Gaustad because Goose sure knows how to set the tone for a gritty effort. With that first hit on the first shift (which led to his assist on the first goal), he let both teams know how this game would be played and let everyone know that the Sabres wanted this win more. It's nice to see that again.

I suppose if I'm going to write anything more about this game, I have to say at least something about the Jarkko Ruutu's little snack break in the first period:

This is just plain embarrassing. I'm sure that Ruutu will not receive any punishment from the league, as we are still waiting for anything to be done about Gautier's sucker punch on Kaleta. This is the same NHL that lets blatant cheap shots go while they throw the book at Sean Avery for being a sexist pig.

Ruutu may have overtaken the title of biggest joke on the Senators from Chris Neil. I mean, really, let's think about it, he bit another man. He bit another hockey player in the hand. I'm sorry for repeating this, but I am still surprised that anyone would even think of doing something like that.

The best thing about this was all of the amazing jokes Roby had about it. From remarks about veterinarians and rabies shots to comments about the Sens being "hungry," you could tell he was having the time of his life with this. My favorite one was when he asked about how a roommate would react if Ruutu came home hungry. He was cracking himself up before he could even get it out.

All in all, this was a game we needed to win and we did, despite the brief period when the Sens took a nice bite out of our momentum (ok, I'm really done now). This was a win at home, against a team that usually has our number, at a time when we could have gotten complacent. I don't know about you, but I am going to enjoy this game for as long as I can.

Why Am I Only 20?

I really don't care much about not turning 21 until August. I'm not much of a drinker or a party girl, so it usually does not bother me that I still have eight months until I reach the legal drinking age.

Except today - today it bothers me a lot.

You see, today Ryan Miller announced the third annual Catwalk for Charity, which you have to be 21 in order to attend.

Look at this video and see exactly why I would want to attend:

There are about a million reasons why I need to go to this, especially this year, but I'll narrow it down to a few:

1.) I'm obsessed with the 1920's. Really, it's a problem. I wrote my first 20-page paper on the influence of flappers in American culture, which I'm thinking of writing my college Honors thesis on as well. My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. Ryan, you couldn't wait one more year for this theme?

2.) According to Sabres Edge, there will be a costume contest for best 1920s look. I was a flapper for Halloween last year and found an even better dress this year (at Target of all places). Maybe I'll just shell out the $35 bucks and wear it around my house pretending to be cool. It wouldn't be the first time...

3.) Also on Sabres Edge is the reveal that all of the guys will be taking part in this dress-up game as well. The image of Goose and Pommer in pinstripes with fedoras is enough to make me feel lightheaded right here. If any of you reading attend, I better see pictures!

Honestly, this event is one of the reasons I am most excited about turning 21 (is that sad or what?). I would love to see all of the guys just goofing off and being themselves, and knowing that the money goes to a great cause doesn't hurt.

I hope some of my fellow bloggers or readers will be attending this year, for the reasons stated above. I expect to hear some stories about Ryan getting his runway diva on and Timmy trying to pick up a scantily-clad girl in fringe.

In other, real news, the Sabres called up Matt Ellis and Chris Butler for tomorrow, with Nate Gerbe being placed on injured reserve. I can't wait to see Butler out there; he could be no worse than Paetsch was last night. Chris was also really nice to my little cousin on the red carpet, joking around with her and taking the time to sign her shirt.

Welcome to the big club, Chris (great hockey hair, by the way)!

Finally, yes, dear readers, I did go to the game last night, but I've decided to put as much effort into my recap as some of the guys put on the ice last night.

*The seats were great - Section 118 Row 13 (thanks again, Uncle Keith), and it was nice to be surprised by seeing so much of my wonderful family there.

*Kaleta scored, my father couldn't have been happier. Then, Goose scored, I couldn't have been happier. That was the first time I've ever seen either of them score in person, so it was pretty cool to see my favorite find the net right in front of me (well, on the other side of the rink...)

*My unsung hero for last night is Goose because he scored, he always looks like he cares, and the seats I had allowed me to see just how much directing he does out there. He really is a leader; he has a great mind for the game (if only his hands and feet could catch up - but I love him anyway!).

Game Day Notes

I really thought that the semester's end would signal an intense revival of the blogging spirit, but I've been so busy Christmas shopping and working extra hours to pay for said shopping that I haven't kept up my part of the bargain. Sorry about that...

Tonight the Sabres face the Devils for the third time this season and the first at HSBC. I will be there tonight, thanks to my fantastic Aunt and Uncle (Uncle Keith, I know you read this, so thanks again!).

I'm taking my dad tonight, and this is the first professional sporting event we've ever seen together in person without the whole family to keep us restrained. I'm actually really looking forward to it.

My dad is insanely excited for this game because his favorite player will be making his return to the ice.

Patty's back!

My dad fully admits to having a "Man Crush" on Patrick Kaleta. He loves everything about what Patty does on the ice. Any time he crushes a guy along the boards or goads someone into taking a dumb penalty, my dad always responds with a loud "I love that kid!"

Patty better bring a ton of energy tonight because he is replacing someone who had a ton of his own. Poor little Nate Gerbe will be sidelined for about two weeks with an upper-body injury following a hit by Jamie Langenbrunner on Saturday. Get well soon, Nate, because I can't wait to see you score your first NHL goal!

I'm really going to miss seeing that tiny #42 jersey shooting up the ice or battling in the corners and usually coming out with the puck. He brought a lot of heart to a team that was lacking it when he got here. I can only hope that someone lets Langenbrunner know that what he did was not cool (I'm taking to you, Mair and Goose).

Speaking of Goose, does anyone else find it somewhat funny that he is "freak-accident boy" on the team. Seriously, if you look at his injuries, the only one who may rival him in absurdity is Timmy. Let's list a sampling, shall we: severed his tendon with his own skate, got hit in the eye so that it swelled enough that he couldn't get a contact in to play, injured his hand while fighting in the preseason, and, finally, got hit in the face with a puck when James Patrick was shooting it in during practice. Oh Goose, you were probably that little kid in school who sprained their ankle tripping on the pavement while walking to the bus (oh wait, that was me...).

In other Goose news, many thanks to my Sabre Sister Dani from Sabre Kallisions for informing me that Goose got into yet another flour fight this year while baking cookies with the kids from Camp Good Days. If anyone can find better pictures or video of this, please email it to me, so I can bask in the sweetness that is Goose helping kids:

Sorry for the terrible quality, I had to scan it from the paper, but I think the cuteness still comes through.

This year, Goose brought along Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville to help out. More Nap Buddy bonding time is always a good thing, and I love that Thomas is getting involved in the community more than ever this season.

Ryan Miller and Pommer were also helping out at the Carly's Club Christmas party this week. It truly does make me happy to see them doing such good things for kids who really need it. We're lucky to have such great additions to the community on this team.

On that note, I hope you all are enjoying getting into the holiday spirit. Yesterday I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas and tomorrow I plan to sit down for the first of probably 5 viewings of It's a Wonderful Life (my favorite Christmas movie).

I'm not sure where I'll be sitting tonight, but if you see a short girl in a Goose jersey with a guy rooting especially hard for #36, that would be my father and I!

Captain Craig = Father of the Year

Today I bring you a random collection of tidbits about what our beloved athletes are doing in their spare time (sorry, I defer all TimmyHo spare time tidbits to MJ):

* One of my best friends just got a job at Toys R Us, and she informed me today that, on her first day, she has already seen more Sabres on the job than have ever come into my library or dance studio (translation - she saw one of them). Apparently Captain Craig decided to take his afternoon to be an awesome dad and go Christmas shopping for his kiddies. For some reason, I find that so awesome. I love the idea that such a tough guy on the ice is a doting dad off the ice.

I wonder if his perfect parenting skills are coming in handy with the big kids commonly known as "the core"?

The idea of Craig Rivet shopping for his kids makes me wonder - Do you think kids of professional athletes know what their dads do for a living and how different that is from other people's dads? Someday, little Blake Vanek is going to tell his classmates on career day that his dad isn't there because he's on a road trip to Calgary getting ready to lead the league in goals (again).

Sorry, that was a really random tangent, but it's something that I found very intriguing.

* Apparently Blue Cross and Blue Shield was the place to be today for Sabre sightings. My father, who works there, called to inform me that Derek Roy and Patrick Kaleta were there signing hats for charity. Patty replaced Goose, who was still nursing a sore hand from last night.

I shall now digress again and mention that Goose was phenomenal in the 4-2 win over the Bolts last night. His hit and subsequent fight made me feel deep pride in knowing that my favorite mucker and grinder helped to spark the team to a win. It also led to the quote of the season (so far), when Ryan Miller referred to him as "a big animal." There are so many ways I could take that quote, but for today, I will say that he's like a Rottweiler, sweet and friendly if he likes you and ferocious if you get on his bad side:

Sick 'em, Goose!

* On Tuesday night, I attended Kissmas Bash at the arena (along with way too many screaming teenyboppers). The concert was decent (especially David Archuleta), except for the part where Flo Rida sprayed champagne on the girls in the front row like he was Pacman Jones in a strip club.

That is not my point, though. My point is that I went mainly to show my love for guest host Paul Posluszny. Let me tell you all, "guest host" apparently means big linebacker that you drag on the stage and speak to like a "special" kid before letting him say four words. He looked almost as awkward as JP Losman playing quarterback...

* Finally, Pommer has a new blog up on sabres.com! It's also a "Mail Bag" blog, which is my favorite of his because I always hope that someone will ask him something which will allow him to talk for no reason about his nap buddy for three paragraphs, but that only happens on this blog.

Today, we learn that Hank and Toni rock at soccer (which Jason does not play before games), he didn't do much for his birthday (somewhere, Brian Campbell is severely disappointed), and he loves Christmas (which very much fits his sweet and innocent little demeanor). I can totally picture Pommer still writing letters to Santa. Also, he informs us that he likes to play Guitar Hero and Rock Band, which means that I'm sure Amy from SOTC was completely right about his birthday. He probably spent it playing Goose in Guitar Hero, and maybe letting his girlfriend in on the drums in Rock Band if she can get between the dynamic duo.

That's all I have for tonight. Now, it's off to study for my last final!

The Good, the Bad, and the Bolts

The Good:

* Winning! It didn't have to be pretty; it just had to be a win, and that's what it was. The offense was clicking for what felt like the first time in a long time. I know not to get too excited with this team, but I also know that it's nice to be happy after a hockey game for once.

* The fact that the Sabres were physical, winning battles and showing that they wouldn't get pushed around. Mair beating on Downie for his hit on Max was nice to see; I love it when guys defend their teammates.

* Goose's first fight of the season. I only got to hear it on the radio, and I know it wasn't much. However, it's still great to see him doing this again:

* Thomas Vanek scoring his 19th of the season. It's nice to see a star develop right before our eyes, and I especially like that he still seems to be flying under the radar. I'm fine with that; he's our little special secret.

* Seeing Nate Gerbe up with the big club. Besides his one penalty at the start, I thought he played to his strengths nicely. He used his feet and was surprisingly difficult to push off the puck for his size (or lack thereof). I wanted him to score so badly, but there will be plenty of time for that. I hope he gets a chance to make it hard for them to send him back to Portland.

No, he's not kneeling behind the net; he really is that much shorter than Drew, but that's why I love him.

* My Unsung Hero of the Game, Jochen Hecht. With a goal and a fight, he was an assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick. I love when guys who don't normally fight do something to spark their team; it shows real leadership. Plus, he helped my fantasy team out a lot tonight in the goals and penalty minutes departments. Thanks, Jochen, and thanks for making Vinny Lecavalier a little less gorgeous by giving him a nice shiner.

The Bad:

* The fact that we were giving away leads like the Sabres were my dad when I was little and wanted everything to be tied so no one felt bad about themselves. Good teams go in for the kill after they score; they put the team away. We open the door back open for them right after we appeared to have slammed it shut. This is not kindergarten where everyone gets a chance to score; this is the NHL, even though the two may be interchangeable at times (see Avery, Sean).

* I have to admit, as much as I was sticking up to Ryan after Lindy called him out, I didn't love his play tonight. I didn't hate it, but it certainly wasn't the "lights out" approach Lindy was looking for. However, he did make stops in the the third when we needed him to.

* Stupid penalties. It's a good thing out PK unit is so hot right now.

The Ugly:

* Those Tampa jerseys. "Bolts"? Really?

Four Things for Four Goals

Four things I loved about last night's 4-3 win over the Penguins:

1. The Sabres beat the Penguins for the first time in over a year. I almost forgot what it was to see Sidney Crosby skate by Ryan Miller and the boys in defeat. It's a beautiful thing.
2. The Sabres overcame a lot of questionable officiating in order to win. The PK looked great and really aggressive, but that may have something to do with how bad the Penguins powerplay was. Seriously, for having all that talent, you would think they would look a little sharper. Oh well, I'm not complaining about that.
3. The excitement our boys showed after the win. That may have been the best Sabre-love huddle of the season. I wish I could find a decent picture of it because it made me feel happy to see them so happy. I especially loved the giant attack that Goose and Pommer unleashed on Ryan that pretty much shoved him into his net. It just showed how much this win meant to them, and I love when they show what a family they are in their celebrations.
4. Paul Gaustad. As I'm sure all of you know, nothing beats seeing your favorite player have a game like that. I'm still trying to wipe the smile off of my face.

I haven't done this in a while (mainly because we weren't winning), but my Unsung Hero of the Game goes to Max Afinogenov. He played a fantastic game last night, and seemed to be out to prove Lindy wrong. For one night, Max, mission accomplished.

Forget the Turkey. I Love the Goose!

Finally!

First star, two goals, and an adorable postgame interview (that part about the 10 cents from his grandpa was too cute).

More to come tomorrow, but now I must continue the happy honking!