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.

They're Back...

I never thought I'd say this...

Thank God Patrick Lalime is in goal tonight.

No offense to Jhonas Enroth, who I'm sure is a great kid, but we need someone who has at least, at some point, proven that they can handle tending goal in a game as big as this one is for our team. Even though he may not be the ideal goalie for us, Lalime has experience, which Enroth simply can't supply.

This is what I like to see - Lalime by the net with the puck not in it

In other news of the joyous variety, it seems that Thomas Vanek is not only back skating but skating well enough to move his timetable up for his return. What was recently deemed another two weeks has been moved to one.

Next Wednesday. I don't know about you, but I got a little emotional just thinking about seeing that Austrian face (behind his cage) mercilessly screening goalies again. I'll give you a second to wipe your misty eyes.

Still no word on Ryan's ankle, but it should make the situation even a little bit better having Vanek back out there. We counted on him so much at the beginning of the season, and I have faith that he could really help this team just when it needs help the most.

Quick Hits

• I apologize for being a terrible blogger lately. Between school and trying to choreograph dances for the studio, I've pretty much been eaten by work for the last week or so. I promise to be returning to my (semi) regular posting this week because my late class is cancelled and my dances are coming along smoothly.


• I have nothing to say about the 6-1 loss to Columbus last night, mainly because I didn't see any of it. I went down to Chippewa for the first time for my best friend's 21st birthday (by the way, I highly recommend The Chocolate Bar for all of your sweet-tooth fulfilling needs). The most I got out of the game was that when Pommer scored our lone goal, you could hear the cheers from every bar on the street. We thought that meant we were doing well, but the bartender informed us when we walked in that everyone was just happy that we actually got a puck in the net.


• The only other information I got about the game came from repeated text messages sent by Ryan from the Roost informing me that he wanted to shank Derek Roy.


• Speaking of everyone's favorite metrosexual center, there was a sign at Bayou on Chippewa for an appearance Royzie's doing there after the Isles game next weekend. This is the exact wording: "Get Behind Number Nine." Do what you wish with this statement; I know I had too much fun with it already(yes, I do have the mind of a teenage boy)...


• I know Patty Lalime had a bad showing last night, but I think we all need to remember just how adorable he truly is (or else we'll go insane). Check out around 2:12 of this video and just bask in how adorable he is talking about his daughters:
  
• I'm not really in the mood to talk about the Bills either besides saying that Monday night has the power to keep us alive or kill our dreams for another year (I'm so positive, aren't I?).


• However, I will say that Matt Cassel from the Pats looks like Woody from Toy Story:

I have no idea as to the significance of this, but I think it's funny

• Tonight, the Sabres play the Pens, which means we get to see Sid the Kid for the first time this season. Sid, normally I never root against you, but tonight I hope that you get Kaleta'ed on your tush.
  
• Finally, have you voted for your Sabres today?