To Get In the Mood....

If Kaner could repeat this today, it would be the single greatest birthday present a girl could have. I was at this game and it was the greatest sporting event I have ever been in attendance for - even beating the Zambrano no-hitter in Milwaukee.

I'll post more later, including about last night's trip to Rockford. In the meantime...

USAUSAUSA!

The Calm Before the Storm

This should be an interesting weekend. But first, some business:

I'm pissed because the only men's hockey games I've been able to watch in its entirety in the medal round are the two Canada blowouts. The 2pm games are over before I get home from work. And since I get up at 5:30 (and at this point in my life I am worthless at work if I don't get at least 5 hours of sleep) I can see maybe the first two periods of the first late game if I have the energy. So all of the exciting games the past several days? Haven't seen them - I mean I missed Kopecky getting the GWG last night - that'll probably be the only worthwhile thing he does all year! And tomorrow *again* the US game is at 2pm. I'd stream it online, but they've been Big Brothering the internets at work lately, plus I have a 3:30 weekly meeting with the brain trust of the organization. Why do you hate me scheduling gods??

I am saddened that the US women lost to the Canadians today. You can't fault them for lack of effort - honestly if the Canadian goalie hadn't stood on her head and the D hadn't been blocking shots like their life depended on it, I think they would have won easy. I didn't watch the medal ceremony - I don't think I could have stood listening to all of those hosers singing. Hopefully. we'll get payback this weekend - I'm sure the men's team losing would hurt the Canadian psyche more anyway. The only good thing about DVRing the game was fast forwarding through Pierre "I stand on a stool so you can see my head over the boards" McGuire. How does that man have a job - he's more annoying that the bitch in front of you in the 10 items or less line with 22 items who thinks we're all dumb and can't count. Oh and the Canadian coach - she looks very scary and mean. Maybe that's why they win because she'll kick your ass if you don't.

So anyway this weekend...

I don't have anything really planned tomorrow except work and more hockey. It'd be nice if I could cut out early and see part of the US game, but that 3:30 meeting fucks me over every Friday. I love the fact that the folks who *don't* start work at 7 am every morning decided that was a great time for a meeting at the end of the week. I'm usually comatose and useless by 10. That's all I say about that because I like to keep work off the blog since you never know who reads this (I love my job! Seriously!)

Unfortunately my Saturday is going to get off to a crappy start because I have to go to the DMV to renew my driver's license. It expires on Sunday - I could have renewed it online but I have my old address on it and I have to get a new picture. Seriously. The last time I went I thought that they would use my previous photo on file and went unshowered and dressed like a hobo. Therefore I look like a serial killer on my license. So I will get up early on weekend to shower and look presentable (for me anyway) in order to make it to the DMV before 8am. After that task is completed, we'll be leaving for Rockford for the Ice Hogs game and Blackhawks autographs. I hope there's not a bazillion people in line. I also hope the US wins tomorrow because it's going to suck if they play for the bronze medal since I'll be missing it. Oops, I guess I should have thought of that before I decided to go to this game. I'll DVR the game regardless of who plays and try to sequester myself from the results the best I can.

Sunday is my birthday and I plan on doing nothing except watching the gold medal game. And maybe get dinner at a restaurant of my choosing. I used to try to get some folks together on my bday for drinks and other assorted fun, but I've lost interest in that since I've turned 30. Birthdays aren't a really big deal for me anymore - although I'll probably change my mind about that as I creep ever so closer to 40 (eek!). Does this make me a loser? Perhaps. But you totally get shit on with a winter birthday because your options are limited. I'm not going to have a pool party, thanks.

Ok, maybe this weekend isn't that exciting. But I hibernate in the winter and I'm a nerd so it's thrilling enough for me. So there :P

Olympic Memories

As the Winter Olympics near its end (not too soon for some) and with all the comparisons of Sunday's US/Canada game to the 1980 Miracle, I thought this might be a good time to share some of my Olympic memories of years past. For the record, I am a little sad the games will be over this weekend - it seems like a nice two week break where everyone is tuned into sports in some way or another. I also think the Miracle on Ice comparisons are way overblown - it was an upset, yes, but no more so than any other game this tournament. Now if Germany beats Canada tonight, that would be an appropriate comparison.

Without further ado, here are my memories of every Winter Olympics in my lifetime:

Obligatory Jingoistic Olympic Hockey Post

Before I get started, let me just say I don't have a "These Colors Don't Run" bumper sticker on my car (I have a peace sign and a Yoda Fish on my back bumper). I generally eschew 4th of July celebrations and have participated in more Anti-War marches than Memorial Day parades. I have been to Canada twice (Toronto & Vancouver - I'm not counting the across the border gambling in Windsor) and greatly enjoyed myself - I would much like to visit again soon. That is if they'll stamp my passport after this post.

Yesterday though, I wore my 1998 USA Hockey jersey with pride and yelled at the TV like it was the Americans vs the Ruskies again - for the record it was a week before my fourth birthday when the Miracle On Ice happened so I don't remember it. Amy wasn't born yet. Hmph.

I started out the day after a late breakfast with some of my friends from high school (I do keep in touch with *some* people), watching the Russia/Czech Republic game. I'll just say this once: why was this game on NBC in glorious HD when the most important game in US Hockey in 30 years was relegated to the "Place for Politics" in non-HD. AnyWAY, I half paid attention to the game as Russia pretty much dominated it, and without any Hawks to root for, I didn't care too much who won. When Ovechkin unloaded on Jagr in the third period which set Malkin up nicely for his second goal, I had to think it was karma for the 1992 Cup Finals (yes I am still bitter). What I DID NOT enjoy was the ten minutes that followed of Penis-Head McGuire, Doc and Edzo all fighting to lick Ovie's boots, err skates. Hello, he's from Russia - in the Olympics he's the enemy! It finally got so nauseating I changed the channel to curling. I was that annoyed.

In my head I knew that it was likely that Canada was going to beat us. But I felt in my heart that this game was going to be special and for once, I was right. When Rafalski scored less than a minute in on Brodeur, it seemed to prove to the US that not only that they deserved to be there, that they deserved to win. I won't rehash the game, but it was excitement I have not felt since last year's playoffs (oh and maybe the 5 goal comeback versus Calgary early this season). The last half of the third period had me on the edge of my seat, wishing I had a paper bag to breathe in. When Kesler scored that amazing empty netter to seal it, I had to thank the gods for the win, at the same time cursing them for making me root and cheer for a member of the Red Wings and the Canucks. I guess I can go back to hating them next week.

I won't lie and say I did not experience schadenfreude at the expense of the Canadian hockey fans looking like they were just told there wouldn't be any more Christmases. I do feel somewhat bad for Toews, Kane & Seabrook as they all played good games - Toews had 2 assists and both Dunc and Seabs had one apiece. Watching Toews during the Olympics makes me marvel even more at how he plays the game and makes me even more thankful that he's a Hawk. Sure, he doesn't have the stats and the name recognition of Crosby, but if I had to choose between one of them to wear the Captain's "C" it would be Toews hands down. I hope Team Canada takes note of his play and in four years in Sochi (if Bettman doesn't screw things up) he at least gets an "A" on his jersey.

I watched part of the Sweden/Finland game, if only to assure myself that the US would get the #1 seed in the medal rounds. Eventually I got tired and went to bed. I did watch the expected 9-1 thrashing courtesy of the American women versus the Swedes this afternoon after I came home from the doctor (I finally got the damn stitches out of my leg!). Not a surprise, but after Torino you could tell the team was a bit cautious in the first period until they scored their first goal. Later tonight is the Canada/Finland match which should set up the USA/Canada gold medal game on Thursday. Unless of course Canada still has some bad karma coming. Maybe it's punishment for Celine Dion.

I gots Tickets!

No not parking tickets *knock on wood*

I finally remembered to buy tickets for the Icehogs game in Rockford on the 27th. That's "Taco Bell Blackhawks Night" and several players will be there for signings and other festivities. I haven't been to an AHL game in several years, and I'll be looking forward to see the future of the team. If memory serves, I actually have been to the Metrocentre before for my cousin's high school graduation, and the arena isn't very big. I was hoping my brother might be able to come with us, but he has other commitments so it will be just myself & Amy. We'll be tasked with getting his Versteeg jersey signed for him. I have to get some pucks for the guys to sign for me, so if anyone in the Chicago area knows of a place to get cheap Hawks pucks, let me know.

Speaking of the Hawks, my brother got notice of playoff ticket prices for season ticket holders. It'll be about $2,400 for two 300 level seats for the 16 games (they have to pay for all of the games up front and get refunded for any games they don't play). That Is Ridiculous - Dollar Bill must be cheering from the grave. I was planning on saving my tax return for tickets, but it looks like I may have to sell a kidney and perform a sacrifice as an offering to get more than one game. I guess it's a good problem to have. Last year we had very little problem scoring 300 level seats for the three playoff games we went to when we bought them the day they went on sale. I worry that won't be the case this year. My brother thinks he may be able to get up to six additional tickets for the playoffs, so maybe I can score a couple that way.

Lastly, as is tradition in mid-February, individual game tickets for the Cubs go on sale tomorrow. Amy and I have bought tickets for four games the last several years. We usually get tickets to two weekend games because Amy's parents will come in from Iowa for the game. This year, I am mighty peeved at the organization for this presale bullshit they've instituted. Basically if you were willing to pay a 20% premium, you could buy tickets for games this week. Apparently all of the good games (Sox, Cardinals) are pretty much gone before the general public gets a chance. Throw in this whole Platnum-Gold-Silver-Bronze ticket pricing (and there are only four Bronze games the whole damn season), and I'm tempted to tell the team to stick it. I think one of the four games we're going to go up to Milwaukee and see the Cubs play instead, which would leave three games at Wrigley. I am not getting bleacher tickets this year because it has the highest ratio of douchbaggery in the park, and it's always 184 degrees and I get sunburned no matter how much sunscreen I put on (last year it was my ears - ow ow ow). I figure if the Cubs do as shitty as I think they will this season, we'll be able to go to games on the cheap late in the season anyway.

God, I'm going to have to get a second job to support my sporting event attendance.

P.S. How about that Canada/Switzerland game? I was beginning to think they'd have to send in troops to hide all of the sharp objects in Canada in the interest of safety.

Hump Day Olympic Roundup

I’m beginning to understand why my mom used to take time off during the Olympics. It’s nearly impossible to watch what you want if you work 8 hour days (or in my case 11-12 hour days if you count travel and unpaid OT – I’m salaried). Then, when you are able to watch, they put hockey on the backburner. I can’t believe they started the Canada/Norway game late on CNBC due to a preliminary Curling match running late (mind you, I do find Curling amusing). They aired the women’s game on MSNBC which I don’t get in HD. I noticed they aired the men’s games without commercials as obviously they have no TV timeouts in International play, but in the women’s games they insist on trying to squeeze commercials during breaks in play. They missed the first minute of the China/Finland game last nite and consistently come back from play well after the faceoff. Which just goes to show you how highly NBC thinks of the sport (to which I say a hearty FUCK YOU). And don’t get me started on the time delay – hello, Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone – this isn’t Beijing! In any case, I should be thankful I own a DVR and can even watch the damn games because NBC is being all Gestapo on online feeds and all they’re showing on the main network is clips of events that happened six hours previous, Figure Skating and Bob Costas’s bad dye job. 

Game 61: Hawks 5, Blue Jackets 4 (SO) - Mel is not going to Cozumel for the break

Although I may go to Columbus for my "spring break" to see the Hawks play the Blue Jackets (I think this is a dumb name for a sports team) on March 25th. I haven't worked out the logistics yet, and I also have to figure out if we can afford it (small detail). Additionally, I'll just have to get over my extreme dislike of Ohio - that wedding several years ago while staying at the Youngstown Days Inn scarred me for life. You try to enjoy your stay when there's mold in the bathroom, hairs on your pillow, no internet and the guys a couple rooms down are mixing Meth in their bathtub. Last spring's trip to Cincinnati made me feel a little better about the Buckeye State, so I'm willing to give it another chance.

Anyway, back to the task on hand, I have only three words: Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Honestly if you switched the first and second periods from Saturday's game, Sunday was almost identical. I'm baffled why Q played Niemi for the fourth game in a row, and on the end of a back-to-back. He said he was playing the "hot hand." Uh, if Niemi's got a hot hand Whitney Houston, we have a problem. He hasn't been terrible - just average (read: Huet-like). I don't see the logic in sitting your supposed #1 Huet for a month - he last played on the 5th versus the 'Yotes and at best he'll play on 3/2 versus the Isle. Are they trying to shop Niemi? Is Huet hurt? Has Q been smoking something? I don't know but they've got two weeks to figure this out.

With Hossa, Sopel & Eager scratched and Madden on IR (insert wife & limo pictures joke here) our boys from Rockford - Bickell & Dowell - each had a goal, with Dowell getting the #3 star (he also had an assist on Bickell's tally). Makes me excited to see them on the 27th - note to self: buy tickets. The other highlights (lowlights?) was Kane getting Ovechkin'ed by Stralman and the resulting beat down by Brouwer:



My god, could the BJ announcers be any more whiney? Later in the period, Torres went inexplicably apeshit and tackled Sharp. Hey Banana-Phone - you might not want to forget what Sharp did to Lidstrom in last year's WCF. So of course, we went to OT and the Shootout (Booooo) and in a case of poetic justice, Kane and Brouwer scored, with Troy's goal being the winner. Enjoy the break boys - and those of you playing for medals, please come home intact.

Oh one last thing, only watched the first period really of yesterday's women's game between the US and China (I had to do laundry and token housework to avoid the wrath of my gf), but for every person who mocks women in sport, watch this:

Damn you NBC for not letting me embed this!

Holy. Shit.

V-Day

I really hate this holiday - you're screwed no matter what your situation is. If you're single, you're made to feel like a loser since you have no one to spend the day with. If you're in a relationship you're made to feel obligated to do something romantic and spend money on things that will either die or be eaten.

I'm thankful Amy thinks that V-Day is as much of a bullshit holiday as I do. I bought flowers for her once when we were first dating and I was told not to do it again as they die and are too expensive. We have our own V-Day tradition - we go out for a pancake dinner. Amy would eat pancakes for every meal if she could. We've done this for the last five years or so - its fun, informal and you don't have to make reservations.

Basically you should be a good partner to your SO every day of the year, not just on the 14th. And after being single for nearly a decade, and being in an relationship for almost six, I don't treat V-Day any different. It's DUMB.

Happy Hallmarks!

Game 60: Hawks 5, Thrashers 4 (SO) - Mel is getting really sick of this

Every time I hear the words "Thrashers" I am transported back to my freshman year of high school and my love of Metallica and all things metal. Those were the days. To think if I tried to bang my head and body slam into the pile like I did then I'd be in traction. Don't mind me waxing poetic - I turn 34 at the end of the month so there'll be some obligatory "how did I get old so quick" moments here and there.

In any case, I had been looking to find a couple tickets to this game on the secondary market all week as I had nothing to do last night. The cheapest I found was for one ticket in the 300 level for $35 about two hours before gametime. I didn't want to go by myself, so I watched from the comfort of my apartment. I have tickets to one more game (versus Vancouver on 3/5) but I'd like to see a couple more before the playoffs start. But if it's going to cost me a kidney I'll just stay home thankyouverymuch.

So the Hawks followed an all too familiar script last night: Come out in the first period like gangbusters and take a multi-goal lead. Look like you drank a gallon of Ny-quil during intermission, and give up said lead. Opposing goalie stands on head and looks like a member of Cirque-du-Soleil but miraculously come back to tie in regulation. Give Mel several heart attacks during OT. Go to the skills competition - flip a coin. Heads you win, tails you lose. Thankfully we got a heads this time and Toews buried his league leading 7th SO goal past goalie-whose-name-is-hard-to-spell-and-I'm-too-lazy-to-look-up and Niemi did the rest. One more game this afteroon before the Olympic break and Mel goes batshit crazy for the US Women's Team.

- Glad to see Bolland score his first goal since the injury. Got to work on that -2 you had though kid.
- The Hawks have been outscored 7-0 in the second period the last five games and 11-5 in the last ten. Whatever these guys are doing in between periods needs to stop. Playing like that is going to see us enjoying golf this spring way earlier than I'd like.
- Hope Sad Panda is ok - he got his bell rung pretty good last night. I doubt he'll play today as a precaution. I hope they don't let him play in the Olympics if he's not ready. Call me selfish, but Slovakia is a bronze medal contender at best and the Cup is much more important.
- Niemi looked average last night - at least one of those goals were soft. Hopefully this will quiet the folks who insist on a goalie controversy. I doubt it though - pretty soon they'll be clamoring for Crawford to be brought up from the Ice Hogs.
- Thought the Hawks/Wild trade on Friday was a good move. Barker has a lot of potential, but with the money we were paying him it didn't make sense to keep him as a third D pairing. His best value is on the PP, and since Q's been playing Buff and Sharp on the point lately, that's all you need to know on his performance this year. Kim "NEW GUY" Johnsson had a goal last night and seemed much more defensively sound, so I think this will be a trade that benefits us immediately. I wish Cam the best in Minny and wouldn't be surprised if he's a top 2 defenseman someday. Poor kid could never live down getting drafted behind Ovechkin and Malkin.

I'll probably be flipping between the Hawks game this afternoon and the end of the US/China game. I expect the US women to duplicate what Canada did to the poor Slovakians last night as China is ranked 7th in the world. Glad to see Cammi Granato in the studio - she'll always be my favorite after winning the gold in '98.

Blogging the Opening Ceremonies: the Mel Way

Before I get into the snark and mockery, I would like to take a moment to mourn the loss of Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. This is a sad and shocking way to begin what is supposed to be a happy and enjoyable two weeks. IMHO they should cancel the Luge competition to prevent further tragedy - we'll see what the IOC decides. In the meantime, thoughts and good karma with Nodar's family and the Georgian people.

Ok...let's begin the show:

Goddammit

It is really, really tempting to call off of work tomorrow to be able to watch this. My boss is off though and my employees would commit mutiny if I don't show up. Yes, this really is that important to me:

Restored 'Metropolis' to stream live

This is my favorite movie of all time, and probably one of the main reasons I have a mostly unused BFA in film. But I'll wax poetic on this at other time. A couple videos for the uninformed:



and:

Metropolis: Homecoming of a Masterpiece (damn you for not letting me embed this!)

It figures they'd have this exhibit six months *after* I visit Berlin. Grumble. If you haven't seen this film please Netflix it yesterday. For god's sake, it's where C-3P0 comes from!

Here's hoping I can find it somewhere online this weekend. I can't wait months until the DVD comes out.

We Interupt This Program to Bring You the Olympics

[Disclaimer: I really didn't intend this to be a sports blog when I started it. But hey, it's winter in Chicago and I hibernate. What the hell else am I supposed to watch and talk about? I cannot help that my father is a man whose favorite book is the sports section of the newspaper and my mom used to take two weeks off of work just to watch the Olympics. See, it's genetic!]

As we approach the 2010 Winter Olympics, I am not ashamed to say I look forward to them every four (two if you count that the Summer & Winter games alternate) years. I know it's commercial as hell, and US media coverage sucks and is highly jingoistic (ice dancing instead of the US/Canada game - are you fucking kidding me?) but I'm suckered into it every time. This will be the first games that I own a DVR for, so I'll be able to watch what I want when I want and fast forward through Bob Costas and those touching tear jerky stories about the athletes they show instead of actual sport.

Game 58: Hawks 4, North Stars 3 (SO) - Mel forgets what a hat trick is

I really wish I didn't have to be at work at 7am (and didn't have actual Important Job Responsibilities) because due to the snow last night (a whole foot - seriously wasn't *that* big of a deal) I could have easily scored tickets to the game at face value (I like to use a lot of parenthesis). My brother didn't get home until after 11:30 so I suppose it was the sensible move on my part. I almost pine for the days I'd be out drinking until 4am and open the bookstore the next morning at 9. Almost.

Anyway, onto the game. I don't know why the Stars have given us so much trouble this year - they really are a crap team (although somehow only 3 points out of the last playoff spot). There's always that one team that shouldn't give you issues but always does. The Stars are that team this year. After Kane's two goals in the first period against Marty "C-3P0" Turco I was hoping that someone would finally get a hat trick this season. I really need to see more of this:Please note Bobby Lou cowering in his net. That was a delicious moment I am proud to have witnessed in person. In any case, it was not to be last night. Nor would an easy win be possible either as the Stars tied the game at 3 with less than 5 minutes in regulation after Brouwer scored earlier in the period. Niemi was not at fault for any of the goals IMHO, as the turnovers in front of the net and spotty defense continues to make me twitch. The Stars got a PP awarded in OT after a weak call for OT on Keith for hooking. Niemi made a couple of big saves but kudos to Sopel for playing the entire PK and basically saving our arses. Both teams hit a post in the OT, so onto the shootout (boooo) we went. Neither team could be bothered to score, as I guess none of them wanted to dig out their cars. Finally in Round Five Versteeg! buried one past 3Po, proving that he does actually still play on this team. So, one more game before the Olympic break - Saturday versus Atlanta. I'm trying to see if I can score tickets, as I have nothing to do that night, but everything is outrageously expensive - like Jem is truly, truly, truly outrageously expensive.

Onto some (somewhat) related personal tidbits:

- I bit the bullet and put a deposit down to be on the waiting list for season tickets - 2 seats in the 300 level. As stated above, getting tickets now is next to impossible unless you want to sacrifice your first born. I got tickets to the four games we bought this season the day they went on sale. Folks on the waiting list do get a first crack on the partial season plans, so I'm hoping I'll be lucky to get one of those for next season. With my luck, by the time my name comes up Kane and Toews will be retired and the Hawks will be playing like back in the ABC line days.
- I'm going to buy tickets to the Rockford Ice Hogs (the Hawks AHL team) game on the 27th. It is "Taco Bell Blackhawks Night" (I fucking hate Taco Bell unless I'm drunk) and Brouwer, Fraser, TOFTBO, Niemi and Versteeg! will be there signing. Oh and Tommy Hawk and the Ice Girls will be there as well (barf). In any case, I haven't been to an AHL game in ages - I used to go to Wolves games frequently as a friend of mine's dad was a season ticket holder from their first inaugural season - and that Sunday is my birthday so it should be a fun way to spend the weekend. It'll probably just me and Amy going as none of my friends are really into sports enough to go to Rockford. Perhaps I could drag my brother away from the bar long enough for him to come with - we'll see.
- OxyClean got the majority of the blood off the jeans I spoiled on Saturday. This is not a paid commercial announcement. God love ya Billy Mays!

Game 57: Hawks 2, Blues 1 - Mel sees red (the extended version with all new ER footage!)

My only question is, since I missed the third period, does this count toward my Hawks viewing in person winning streak?

So, after spending a couple of hours enjoying drinks with the SCH folks (mostly being anti-social - not because I'm an asshole, I'm just extremely neurotic until I know people well. Then good luck shutting me up), we hopped on the $2 shuttle to the Scottrade Center. Before I get into the specifics of the game, a few general thoughts:

- The arena was smallish - at least compared to the UC. I think it was similar to the Rosemont Horizon Allstate Arena in size.
- Security was really a little over the top when we came in. Amy had my camera(s) and was asked what size lens it was. Amy didn't know and the rent a cop didn't either, so they let her through. Good thing he didn't see my zoom lens in the bag. I was going to use it in the third period in case they noticed it. Um yeah, no close up pictures for you.
- Seats were similar to my brother's season tickets - at the side of the net where the Hawks shoot twice. Much closer though, as my brother's seats are the second from the last row.
- I much prefer the Blues' fuzzy mascot over Tommy Hawk. Have I ever told you how I am afraid of birds? Terrified. Guess who's head got nomm-nommed by Tommy Hawk the last game she went to? I have a picture of it, but the look on my face doesn't need to be seen by the general public.
- Much was made about the $9 beers - it was 24oz at least. I drank my $5 bottle of water since I had enough to drink at the bar beforehand.
- The power play dance. Where do I start? Every time the Blues have a power play, everyone is supposed to get up and dance waving their arms while bad 90s dance music plays. I'm not kidding - I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Therefore, when the Hawks went on the PP, we mockingly did the dance to spite everyone.
- The crowd was at least a 50/50 split between Blues & Hawks fans. My brother said you would have thought it was a game at the UC watching it on the TV. The crowd reminded me of the UC during the early to mid 00s when we played the Scum and the stadium would be mostly Red Wings fans.
- They had a RC blimp dropping Dairy Queen coupons in between the first and second periods. Amy was really sad that she didn't get one.

Onto the game...

Again, an excellent start for the Hawks. A really energetic period for both teams - the last sedate game on Wednesday seemed to have been forgotten with two first period scraps - one between Barker and Jackman (Jackman is a total douche) and one between Ladd and Brewer. The Hawks tallied two, the first by Sharp and the second by Toews. Niemi was sharp through two as the Blues outshot the Hawks 25-18. Not without a little help from the Zebras as an apparent goal by Boyes was waived off citing that Niemi had frozen the puck. The Blues got hosed on that call, but I'm not going to cry about it. At the end of two, it was still 2-0 Hawks. This is where the hockey discussion ends and the fun begins.

I had planned to make a pit stop and get some refreshments during the break. Being the polite person that I am, I decided rather than make everyone in my row get up, I would step over to the row ahead of us which had been vacated. I apparently forgot that I am no longer young and nimble (then again, have I ever been nimble?) and on my way down I banged my right shin really hard on what I think was a cupholder. It really stung and as I walked to the washroom, I thought to myself that I was probably going to have to ice it down when I got back to the hotel because surely that was going to leave a big bruise. In line for the john, I looked down. And there was blood on my shoes. And blood soaking through my jeans (my good ones of course). Upon getting in the stall, I pulled up my pant leg to see more blood and a large gaping hole. I pulled my sock up to cover it, stuffed toilet paper in there, and ran to get Amy. Apparently she thought someone had died due to the look of panic on my face and my frantic waving.

I was apparently babbling, because Amy just thought I needed a band-aid, but I kept repeating, "first aid, take me to the first aid station." We made our way down there and the nice folks there pulled up my pant leg, gasped and calmly stated I needed stitches and really should go to the ER as soon as possible. At this point I nearly barfed/fainted as I don't do well with blood, I was overheated and sweating in a panic, and the look on Amy's face pretty much summed up how gross it all was. They offered an ambulance, but since I am not rich, we opted for a taxi to the car which was parked at the bar. Did you know that the asshole "guards" made us walk all the way around to the farthest door to exit even though I was basically on one leg? Amy almost punched them. Anyway got in the car, and the GPS directed us to the nearest hospital. And of course I was ecstatic that WGN faintly came in on the car radio so I could listen to the game I was now missing even as I was bleeding.

The ER was an oh so fun experience. Got there a little after 9 - the nurses checking me in jokingly told me that they couldn't admit a Hawks fan - one of the other nurses told me later she was from Chicago and was happy they were winning when I left. Waited about an hour before I saw a nurse who took my vitals then sent me out to the waiting room again. About another hour went by before I actually got into the treatment center where I had to put on a gown and promptly froze like I was lying on the ice at the Scottrade Center. About another half hour came and went before the doctor came in and started stitching me up. That took probably at least 45 minutes as I needed a ton of Novocaine or whatever it's called to numb my leg up enough (I keep saying, "I can feel that! I can feel that!") Finally I was sewn back together, 5 stitches in all (the cut is about 2 inches long), given prescriptions by the nurse, and Amy and I stumbled out of there about 1am. I have to get the stitches removed in two weeks and I guess I'll have something to show off come summer when I wear shorts. In any case, I ended the night with a dinner of 1.5 donuts that we had bought earlier in the afternoon and passed out.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the cast of characters we encountered in the ER during our visit: the prisoner who ate a bag of chips - literally the chips and the bag (a nurse commented they must have been Lays, since "he couldn't eat just one"). The random homeless folks shuffling around and sleeping. The aspiring "rapper" whom broke into rhyme randomly and tried to con the homeless woman out of change so he could get chips from the vending machine. The drunk chippy who between her and her three friends could barely fill out the admittance form. Apparently she had fallen and hit her head and when her parents arrived later, she swore she only had one drink. Maybe that's why all of the staff was nice to me because I was a) coherent b) polite and c) not drunk.

So, I leave you fine readers with two images. The first being the two pucks I collected prior to the game. They had all pucks on sale for $4 apiece. That was about as lucky as I got that night.
Secondly, weep for my jeans that gave their life for me on this fateful night. They served their owner well.

An interesting and bloody trip to St Louis: the short version

This is a short post, as I am writing this from a Panera (or is it St Louis Bread Co) in Springfield on the way back from the weekend trip to St Louis.

The trip started out fine, but went downhill rather quickly. Friday was a driving day - weather was crappy (snow, sleet and fog) but we left early enough so the roads weren't too bad. We spent the evening in the hotel - mostly watching the feed of the Hawks game, which made me disgruntled for the rest of the night.

Saturday started out good. Waffle House for breakfast, spent the morning and afternoon driving around looking at an assortment of things, taking pictures. Mid afternoon, met the SCH folks at a bar - had a few drinks (does it really only take me three drinks to get me tipsy these days? I am SO OLD.), spent most of the time being socially awkward in the corner. Went to the game, enjoyed two periods of hockey with the Hawks up 2-0 on the Blues. Then, I got up to use the washroom before the third period, proceeded to bash my shin on one of the seats. I thought I had just bruised it, but noticed the blood on my shoe in the washroom. Um yeah, I ended up in the ER, and 4 hours and 5 stitches later, I came to the conclusion I probably just shouldn't leave the house anymore due to my utter clumsiness.

So that definitely took the fun out of the weekend. Poor Amy now has to drive the whole way home, as of course I fucked up my driving foot. It doesn't hurt too bad, but it's gross, and I don't handle blood well, so the healing process should be enjoyable.

I'll put a proper summary up later, including pictures (although not of my leg, unless someone really wants to see it). I plan on just watching the BIG GAME(tm) when I get home and not doing much but feeling sorry for myself until I have to go to work in the morning.

But hey, I didn't bleed on my Toews jersey!

Game 56: Coyotes 2, Hawks 1 (SO) - Mel is annoyed. That is all.

I could post more, but basically it was another painful game to watch. I have to get going (Amy is giving me the stink eye for being on the computer) so we can see some things in St Louis before the night of debauchery that is sure to happen at the Blues game.

I'm off to the Waffle House. Fuck yeah!

On the Road Again...

As I alluded to earlier, we will be heading down tomorrow for the Hawks game in St. Louis on Saturday night. I am very excited - for three reasons:

- I have never been to a Blackhawks away game so this should be fun - especially against a division rival. I have been to a few Cubs away games. I saw them play the Sox at Comisk...The Smel...US Cellular Field shortly after interleague play started. I did not have a very good time because fans on both sides cared more about flinging profanity at each other and booing the other team than actually watching the game. My brother (God love him) is one of those people - I had to drag him away from some Sox fans as we were leaving before I had to explain to my mom why I needed bail money. I went to Miller Park to see Zambrano pitch his no hitter. Technically I guess that doesn't count, since it was a Houston home game (they had to move because of a hurricane) and the crowd was all Cubs fans anyway. I also saw the Cubs play the Giants when we went to San Francisco a few years ago. That was a much better experience - beautiful ballpark, friendly people and if I remember correctly the Cubs actually won. I am not one of those opposing fans who will mock the home crowd if my team does something good because a) I am a nice person and b) I will most likely be outnumbered by a factor in the thousands.

- I am going as part of a group of folks on the Second City Hockey blog. I had been lurking on the blog for about a year before I started contributing (rather badly I might add) in the last month or so. I had looked at the start of the year at ticket availability for this game, but it was pretty much sold out. By a stroke of luck, the guys at SCH had a few extra tickets out of the block they purchased early in the season, and I managed to grab two of them. I met a few folks at the viewing party for the Canucks game, but being somewhat shy, I didn't talk too much. I'll probably be more talkative this weekend, especially if alcohol is involved. In any case, it'll be neat to sit with a group of fellow fans/nerds/alcoholics for the game. Though I will state for the record if anyone gets arrested, I will not supply bail money - unless it is Amy - I think I am morally obligated to do so.

- I am excited to go to the city of St Louis again, even if it is for an abbreviated trip. I visited a couple years ago when Amy had a conference there, and I really enjoyed it - even if it is the home of the Cardinals (BARF). I loved the City Museum, and may try to go again if time permits. We went to a couple nice restaurants and bookstores. And I got to go to a Schnucks! I used to go to one all the time when I was going to school in Urbana so it was a nice bit of nostalgia. My only regret is I don't have time to meander down I-55 so I could seek out a lot of the remnants of Route 66. Oh well, some day.

Well, I have to finish laundry, dishes and packing before the night is through. Maybe I should get some sleep as well.

Oh one last thing. I hope to see something that was missing last night:

Game 55: Blues 3, Blackhawks 2 - Mel wonders if those red jerseys meant anything

I jokingly asked my brother today if he needed a map to remember how to get to the UC. Home Sweet Home!

Eh, not so much.

Things really started out promisingly. The Hawks were all over the place in the first, capped off by a beautiful Kaner goal. But when they missed several odd man rushes and breakaways, and the score was only 1-0 to start the second, I had a bad feeling. I hate when I'm right. The Hawks completely shit the bed in the second, giving three away (I knew I jinxed it when I said the second was their best period a few posts ago) and that was really all she wrote. A Hossa shortie set up by a glorious Toews deke and pass made it interesting, but Mason was just good enough to win it, and the Hawks D stunk it up badly enough to lose it. DO NOT WANT.

- Dunc did not perform well on his bobblehead night, despite the assist. He and Seabrook look off lately - at this point I wish they were staying home during the Olympic break. I worry about them being worn out come playoffs.
- Welcome back Davey Bolland. Sorry about being on a line with worthless Kopecky and bonehead Eager. At least Coach Q resurrected the Hossa-Bolland-Sharp line towards the end of the game in an attempt for offense.
-Speaking of Kopecky, why is he playing? Anyone who neglects to even attempt a shot on a breakaway and instead skates around the net like the ice capades were still in town deserves to be parking it in the 400 level. Put Fraser or Hendry at wing until Burish is back. Hossa's baggage handler plain sucks.
- The Hawks haven't looked good since the start of the road trip. I guess if you're going to go into a funk, better now than April. With the break coming up, I hope that can refresh them. If not, I worry.

On a related note, I finally got the Winter Classic sweatshirt I ordered off eBay. I would have gotten it last week if not for the total crapiness of the USPS. Chicago mail delivery is worst in the country for a reason.

I should really have gone to bed already. I have a lot to do tomorrow night in prep for the trip down to St Louis on Friday. Since I work off of I-55, we'll be leaving from there around lunchtime. I can't wait - hopefully the Hawks will return the favor and win there. If not, I'd better be too drunk to care.

Puck Nut

Seeing as my hockey obsession has reached critical mass proportions not seen since the Blackhawks' season of 1988-89 (the team of Larmer, Graham, Wilson, Manson, the rookie season of Roenick and of one Mr. Alain Chevrier), and I can't be arsed to do anything productive tonight, I decided to dig out my puck collection. I had forgotten I had started collecting them in the 90's, but found the one to the left in my old room at my parents a few weeks back. That was the first puck I ever received, and it is special for many reasons, mostly because it is from the last All Star Game in Chicago, at the old Stadium no less (*sniff*). My brother went to the game and bought me this - because even at the age of 12, he "knew people" and got tickets to the game. Little snot. Of course the game is most remembered for this:


God, I miss Wayne Messmer and the Stadium *wipes eyes* - moving on....

My goal was to collect pucks from all of the NHL cities. I started out pretty good:


I got the Vancouver puck when I visited there in I want to say, 1998. I vaguely remember also buying my brother a Cannucks jersey - I'll have to ask him about that and give him the proper shit for that. The Maple Leaf puck I got in 1999. While I was in Toronto, I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame - somewhere I'm sure I have pictures - I'll have to find them and scan them when I finally buy a scanner. While I was there I bought this:


I also bought the mini Blackhawks stick you see in the right picture. I keep meaning to bring it to a Hawks game when they have someone I like signing, but I'm afraid they'll confiscate it as contraband - I really don't have time to drive to Toronto and get another one. Sadly, that was as far as I got collecting NHL team pucks, but I do have a few other pucks:


I was obsessed with the US Women's Hockey team in 1998 - so much so I have a jersey and the Wheaties box somewhere with their gold medal picture on it. I actually got up at the crack of dawn and skipped my first class to see the Gold Medal game vs. Canada live. I have no shame - I had a thing for Cammi Granato. There, I said it :P


This puck commemorates the Wolves' first of two Turner Cup Championships. Of course now it is the Calder Cup, and the IHL exists no more. I also happened to be at the Calder Cup clinching game in 2002. Somewhere at my parents' are the thunder sticks we got at that game.

Last but not least:

I used to go the the Illini hockey club games when I went to school there from '94-'96. I loved the Saturday night games - they were held in a small ice arena with a capacity of 200-300 people max. They had this huge banner of speedskater Bonnie Blair hanging in the arena as Champaign is her hometown. Oh the traditions - this is where I first heard the "I want to be a Zamboni driver" song, saying "THANK YOU" after the "one minute remaining in the period" announcement, the seats were so close to the ice you could give the Zamboni driver a high five as he drove by if you were in the first row of the balcony. Good times. I should drive down sometime and see a game.


Speaking of Zamboni drivers, I would be remiss not to include this little guy on the left. Seeing as I'll be in St Louis this weekend to catch the Hawks vs. Blues game, I'll just have to start collecting again and get a Blues puck. If anyone wants to barter for pucks from your NHL team let me know - Amy makes yummy cookies I can send you!

Amy has announced that the office has a overwhelming smell of rubber now. Thanks.