Class of 1970 Reunion

Tonight's game between the Sabres and Canucks promises to be an exciting one for two reasons:

1.) It's a matchup between the two members of the NHL Class of 1970 who don't get to see each other very often.

2.) It's a game between my favorite team and my favorite Western Conference team.

My feelings for the Canucks are hard to explain. Back when I decided I needed a Western team to follow, I noticed that I really enjoyed their games when they were on hockey night in Canada. Coupled with the fact that I knew they were "born" the same year as the Sabres, I decided to begin following them as my Western Conference favorites.

There are a lot of things to love about the Canucks. They have an awesome retro jersey:

I just really like the colors for some reason

They have the Sedin twins on their team. I find the idea of twins playing on a line together almost unfair (having twin cousins I do believe in "twin telepathy") but still pretty sweet. I especially love when commentators describe their plays using their first names: "Henrik passed it to Daniel, then back to Henrik..." Yes, I am amused by the smallest things.

They're taking good care of Steve Bernier and Taylor Pyatt, making puckbunnies all over Buffalo sigh with delight.

Oh Big Bear, how we miss you and your adorably broken English.

Finally, the Canucks have given me the star player (so far) on my fantasy hockey team, Alex Burrows. Burrows is my favorite Canuck because he lives up to being a true mucker and grinder. He makes due with what he has, plays solid, two-way hockey, and he's a physical force:

He's not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone, and he's one annoying guy when he gets down to his game. I just hope he doesn't get under Captain Craig's skin; I wouldn't want Alex's pretty face to get destroyed,

In short, I like the Canucks a lot. However, I LOVE the Sabres. I hope we capitalize on how tired they'll be after beating Detroit in OT last night (with the game-winning goal scored by a certain #14). I feel that if we just stick to the game we've been playing, we can beat anyone on any given night.

Also, of course it shakes out that, because I desperately need to see this game for my own personal well-being, I will be unable to see it. I'll be at Shea's, hopefully getting updates on my phone whenever someone can text me them.

3-0 feels great, but 4-0 would be even better. Let's Go Buffalo!

Goodbyes and Hellos

My Fourth of July felt like that of a bipolar schizophrenic:

2:30 p.m.: What?! The Sabres traded Steve Bernier! For DRAFT PICKS?! This is the WORST TRADE EVER! Vancouver totally fleeced us on this one. Poor Big Bear; I'll miss you and your adorable accent so much. I strongly dislike you, Darcy.

6:00 p.m.: What?! The Sabres picked up Craig Rivet in a trade from the Sharks! For DRAFT PICKS?! This is the BEST TRADE EVER! So this is why we traded away Bernier. Oh well, we did what we had to do. Sorry, Big Bear, you were a little slow for our speed demon ways anyway. I knew I always liked you, Darcy.

Anyone else experience these glaring mood swings?

Today, I say goodbye to Steve Bernier. Big Bear, I felt like you could have become a favorite of mine with your hard-hitting ways and affinity for sticking up for little Derek - not to mention your cute broken English. I can only be happy that we traded you to my favorite team in the West, Vancouver. I hope they take good care of you up there.

Au revoir, Big Bear.

As much as I did like Steve Bernier, I am beyond excited to welcome our newest Sabre, Craig Rivet!

Rivet is exactly the kind of defenseman I was hoping for Darcy to bring in. I always say that if I remember a guy from the Western Conference who's not a superstar, he's either really good or really bad. I remember Craig Rivet - in a good way. He's dependable defensively and still manages to chip in offensively as well. Also, he's a righty - something our blueline is lacking.

What most impresses me from what I've seen and heard about Rivet are what he brings off of the scoresheet. He is a veteran leader, the likes of which we sorely need around here. Also, he's not afraid to play with his heart on his sleeve and stand up for any of his teammates (especially his goalie).

Plus, this boy can fight:

I know I've yet to see him play a game in Blue and Gold, but I think Craig Rivet will be a favorite at Muckers and Grinders. In that clip alone, he's everything I love in a hockey player - gritty, angry, and protective of his teammates.

This fight is pretty great as well - all Sabres fans should check it out.