To quote John Winger: “And then, depression set in.” After Screwy and I are done drying our eyes, and the last team member has retired to the dressing room to drink from Lord Stanley that’s when it’s real. I am stuck with stupid baseball until September. Oh and the Celtics are in the finals, which is cool I guess, but I really can’t stand basketball. My Celtics fan friends all want me to pick the Lakers in six, because I had the Penguins in six, so they like the reverse jinx angle. So, there you go. I’m predicting the Lakers in six. They are playing the Lakers right? This really sucks. I am glad I have the NHL Network because the AHL finals are still going. It looks like Chicago is going to handle Wilkes/Barre easily though, and then it’ll all really be over. MOL is happy. I am not.

Overall, I think this hockey season was a good one. I didn’t’ write enough here, and that will change next season. I took a new job at work in October, and that on top of buying the house, figuring out how to be a husband, and my love of being in a gin mill, killed my productivity here. For next season I promise more running diaries of the games, and I recently bought a microphone, so I am going to try a Podcast. I think I am turning into a nerd. So, like I said, the season wasn’t bad. The beloved Bruins surprised me. Milan Lucic is my favorite player EVAH, and Shawn Thornton really had some great bouts in the second half of the season. YouTube continues to be a favorite spot. I love the Gillies/Mirasty tilts out there. It was nice to see Gordie Dwyer on American soil for a little bit. I am telling you, there aren’t many guys as engaging and friendly as him. I’d like the AHL to pay more because Lowell could sure use a guy that can skate and hit like him. Oh, and the Devils? They suck. Bad. Plus they are boring. They could use a guy like Dwyer to add some personality. So that’s it for 07-08. I’m really into birding these days (no kidding) so I’ve got my feeder to keep me occupied. I need some more, and a good bird book to help me identify what I am looking at. So far at my feeder I have seen a squirrel, and a chipmunk. Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal, and a bunch of brown birds. Oh, and the fattest Blue Jay since Frank Thomas! HI OH! Congratulations to the Red Wings have a great summer all. I wish it was September.

After the second game of my illustrious return from lying on the couch quietly watching TV, I feel slightly better. My whole life didn’t flash before my eyes this time out, and I really only thought I was seriously going to puke twice. So, to recap. The first time I thought for sure I was going to die, and wished I had while the puke-o-meter was 4. I didn’t really want to die, or feel like I was going to and the puke-o-meter was a 2. Not bad. As an aside, we got throttled 9-2, and I really suck.

Speaking of sucking, I am pretty sure things are going to be sucking for Penguins Nation in about 27 hours. Last night the Penguins had chance after chance after chance, and just could not beat the high flying Red Wings. I look for a 5-2 Wings victory tomorrow night to clinch the cup.

The news is no better on the farm, as Wilkes-Barre went down 2 love to Chicago in the American League finals this afternoon. These two teams really do not care for each other, and there was even a fight when I was watching. I had to leave for my game, but I am really psyched I talked MOL out of canceling the NHL Network from our cable line up, as they are showing the Calder Cup finals. Get it all in while you can boys, as we are in the final days of the 2007-2008 hockey season. If I still drank, I would….

I happened to be searching Google the other day for some enforcer news. What can I say, I have little life. Anyway, I put in Gordie Dwyer, and up popped this article. I thought it a giant stroke of luck that the very day I go looking for enforcer news is the day this article got posted. It’s like Gordie and I are on some weird wave length. I swear, I’m not mental.

I think the part about him opting to play in Europe over the AHL is interesting. I know in speaking to him a few years ago while with the Lockmonsters, he seemed very apathetic about fighting in the “A”, and it seems now he’s content to make more money and play a less physical style in Europe. Honestly, I can’t say I blame him. He’s got two kids and a wife to think about, plus it’s not like he’s some 19 year old kid trying to prove himself. I got a chance to speak to him in Lowell when he came in with Portland this season, and he was commenting on how much he and the family enjoyed it over in Sweden the previous year. His skating ability and willingness to crash the net helps him out overseas as well. Anyway, I thought the article was a good read, and wanted to wish Gordie Continued success in the future. I’d love to see him back in North America, preferably in a Lowell Devils sweater?

Here is a cool brawl from Gordie’s days with Lowell. He can be seen tryingto keep the peace….to no avail….

This is some fight between Goonblog favorite, Trevor Gillies and Jon Mirasty. This is round two for these guys, and it came after a questionable hit. Reason number 84 million why fighting should not be outlwaed in this game. As an aside, Mirasty was on a PTO with Lowell a few years ago, and played one game. I never got to see him, and that makes me sad. Enjoy this one boys.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Goons and Goonettes! MOL and I are celebrating by doing Irish Car Bombs, and calling each other boy-o, and laddie. I shall call her Sully for the rest of the evening, demanding she call me Fitzy. I think now might be the time to say, we don’t get out much.

I hope my favorite Lowell Devil is able to hoist a cold one or two tonight. Pierre-Luc LeBlond took one of the hardest left hands to the mind I have ever seen Friday night. It was delivered in a cool third jersey by Worcester Shark, Brad Staubitz. LeBlond had asked him no less than 5 times to go, but Staubitz wanted nothing to do with him. Worcester was killing Lowell, and Staubitz was having a super game. In fact, he earned himself second star. Finally near the end of the game, LeBlond finally got Staubitz to oblige his request to have a go, and I am thinking he may be sorry #6 said yes.

The fight started OK with a little wrestling, and the boys trading a few punches. Nothing too heavy, but they weren’t pillow punches either. Then LeBlond got Staubitz bent over to his right, as it looked like he was going for the takedown. Brad Staubitz, who is as strong as an ox, pulled himself upright, and allowed him to regain his balance. As he got his balance, he got his left arm free and cocked. He then proceeded to lower the boom on PLL, and it was lights out from there. LeBlond went down like a man that has just been punched very fucking hard in the face. I think he may have hit his head on the ice as well. It was one of those punches you could see coming, and I could hear the impact from my seat a few rows away. LeBlond was clearly woozy on his way to the bench, and in fact fell through the door. He was helped up, and never returned. Hopefully he’s back soon, as he is the only interesting thing about Lowell Devils games this season. Off for another car bomb! Please try to behave yourselves tonight boys.

P.S. Here is a good tilt between Kip Brennan, and Pierre-Luc LeBlond

The first annual Hockey Week in Acton is over. I did four games in four nights, and watched another three on television. The highlight was obviously Saturday’s tilt against Washington. MOL, my brother and I were there for the old time hockey showing in Boston. I actually called it in Halftime Pizza that they would go right off the hop, and damn I am glad I was right. Lucic is now officially a God in Boston. Some other highlights and low lights of the week.

-The woman in Ray Bourque’s entourage in Lowell last Wednesday. I don’t know if it was Chris’s girlfriend, or his daughter, or who the hell she was, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Jaw droppingly hot.

-Seeing Trevor Gillies wearing the Captain “C” in Worcester Friday night. I don’t think anyone wanted a piece of him. Tom Rowe loves him, and it was cool to see.

-I still can’t get over how disrespectful the Toronto fans were during the National Anthem Thursday.

-Speaking of Thursday. That was the worst game of the week. Here they are in order. Worst to first.
Bruins vs. Toronto
Bruins vs. Washington (Monday)
Bruins vs. Florida
Bruins vs. New York
Albany vs. Worcester
Lowell vs. Hershey
Bruins vs. Washington (Saturday)
Bruins have a lot of games upcoming, and they look out of gas. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be one and done I feel. I am looking forward to the tilt Saturday against Philly. I’d give a lot to be there. Anyone that can hook me up, I’d give them a free Goonblog T-shirt? No?

Hey gang. MOL and I just got back from the Bruins game. I am not as offended by the Bruins play as I am by the Toronto fans behind us. The Leafs KILLED Boston. I have only a slight problem with that. The Bruins’ game has gone to shit at the worst possible time. I wish that was my biggest problem.

When I go to the Bruins, or any event for that matter, I make sure I am there for the National Anthem. Sometimes when it is two American based teams I can maybe stand still in the aisle when Rene belts out The Star Spangled Banner. I always remove my hat, and I do not move until the singer stops the drawn out braaaaaaaaave. It’s what you are supposed to do as a good American. I love our anthem and I love being an American.

When a team from north of the border is in town, I make sure I am in my seat for the anthem. I think the Canadian National Anthem is one of the most beautiful songs. While not Canadian, I sing along to every word, and I do so out of respect. Before the tilt tonight, all the Leafs fans behind us emplored us to stand up and be respectful. They all sang loudly, and proudly as Rene did their Anthem and Country proud. I sang along quietly as I do and had my usual smile on my face as I love the song, and I knew my favorite song was next.

As Rene started into my anthem, the Toronto fans behind me proceeded to talk about the game upcoming through our entire song. I am a well disciplined Marine, so I stood at attention hand over heart and stewed as it kept going on throughout the whole song. Red Thunder can attest to not “Squaring Away” someone being disrespectful to our anthem while standing at attention. MOL was even slightly bothered, and she lives with me so you know it takes her a lot to get going. The song ended and I said, so they could hear me, “What the fuck? We were quiet through their song.” Some ass face said something rude, and I settled in to watch the Bruins get lambasted. There was zero point in saying anything to them, and I was with my wife and her lovely friend, so there was also no point in pressing the issue.

The Goonsquad prides themselves on being Ameridan. We love all hockey playing nations, especially Canada and America. I hear stories about the “Ugly Americans” around the world, and I do not want to turn this into a political blog, but tonight, I was seated with some “Ugly Canadians”. If you guys are on the road in America remember there are two anthems to be played. Try to show some respect for both.

As an aside. The current tally for Hockey Week in Acton is below. I may scrap this event due to poor showing.

Bruins: 0-3. Outscored 19-4. 2 fights (although the Chara Brash fight really wasn’t much)
Devils: 1-0. They won 4-1 after two VERY boring periods last night. 0 fights.

Overall record: 1-3. I’ll be in Worcester tomorrow to see Albany take on the Sharks. I have no rooting interest in this game other than I want to see Trevor Gillies go nuts on someone. You’ll recognize me as the fat kid that didn’t move during our national anthem.

This may very well be the last week I am a married man. MOL is going to be put to the test for hockey week. I think moving forward I will designate the first week in March “Hockey Week.” Canada has Hockey Day, I’m going one better with a whole week. Check the schedule this week. It’s perfect.

Tonight starts the week off with the surging Bruins taking on the new look Washington Capitals. My favorite Capital of all time? Tom Rowe. Followed closely by Randy “Stumpy” Burridge.

Tomorrow the Bruins return home to face the Florida Panthers. Let me just say this about the Panthers. Nathan Horton would look awesome in the Black and Gold. MOL is working until 11. I am unsupervised. I think I may eat a shit load of wings, and do a running diary for you guys.

Wednesday I will be in Lowell as the Devils take on the Hershey Bears. Maybe Ray Bourque will be there, and I can give him a Goonblog shirt. Or, maybe he’ll back his ass into me again.

Thursday MOL and I are going to Boston for the Bruins and Leafs. I love going to Leafs games because all the transplants come out of the woodwork, and it makes me think of the time Janet wondered aloud during a game, “Hey, shouldn’t it be the leaves”? Classic.

Friday will find me in Worcester as the Albany River Rats come to town. I haven’t seen our old pal Trevor Gillies nearly enough this year, so this is a perfect fit. I hope he goes ape shit on someone.

Saturday my brother is coming up for the 1 O’clock tilt against the Capitals. I take him to a Bruins game every year for his birthday. MOL is coming as well. My favorite quote about this game so far.

Me: So, the game is at 1.
Brother: (after a long pause.) 1 huh? Jeez. That’s means I’ll have to leave at like 7 to get to The Fours for 11.

Good times will be had by all.

Sunday the Bruins take on the Rangers, and I see myself unable to sustain verticality with a cold one in Acton. That’s most likely when MOL is going to snap, so please, does anyone have a couch I can watch the rest of the game on? Enjoy your week boys. I know I’ll enjoy mine!

During the lock out season the Lowell Lockmonsters were bringing a wagon. The roster was awesome, and they were a fun group of guys as well. Every one of those guys would say hello and share a minute of their time with you. Guys like Eric Staal, Chuck Kobasew, Matt Lombardi, and Mike Commodore. Oh, the goalie was a future Conn Smythe winner in Mr. Cam Ward. He is the single season record holder for wins, GAA, and shutouts, and a super nice kid to boot. The team had talent and personality, and of all the years I have been going to Lowell, they were my favorite.

The new regime in there is a total 180 from what was there. The New Jersey Devils own all their minor league affiliates, and as such, they run them all like they run their NHL club. I really believe they don’t care about wins and losses at the minor league level as long as when they make a call to the lower ranks they can get a player to plug into the lineup. Ultimately that is what the minor leagues are for; development for the upper levels, but I think there should be a different attitude in the AHL, and below. I realize the Devils are trying to develop a winner, but it was just more fun when you had more access to the team from the front office down.

I mention all this, because yesterday’s game felt like the old days at the Paul. First of all, there were people there. According to the Boxscore, they had 3535 in the house, which for them is a miracle. To say they have been drawing poorly is the understatement of the year. I feel a little like Joe McGrath, “You boys have not been drawing them in like we used to.” The Devils play a very boring style, and coupled with the fact they kind of suck, people stay away from them like girls stay away from me. Yesterday’s 5-1 win, in a game in which there were 2 fights should do plenty to bring them back. Let’s hope.

I also spoke to a Devils player. Yeah, it’s true. I ran into Pierre-Luc LeBlond after the game. He didn’t play, but Lowell sure could have used him. I told him Lowell could have used him, and he said he knew and that he felt Paul Crosty was being an idiot. When I asked him if he had ever fought him before, he said, “No, but I guess I’m going to have to now.” What happened was Crosty was taking out some anger or whatever on Lowell defenseman Jean-Luc Grand Pierre. Hence forth known as Big Peter.

It all started in with about six minutes to go in the first. Big Peter hit Crosty in the corner, and they went back up ice. Big Peter was at the point, when Crosty got back to him, and jumped him. Big Peter got the shirt over Crosty’s head and went to work on him. Crosty did well to fight him off even though he was blind. Nice little fight, I score it a win for Big Peter.

With about 5 minutes to go in the second, Crosty was at it again. He tackled Big Peter in front of the Lowell goal and got him with a high stick in the head. Apparently he cut him as he was given 5 minutes to feel shame, and that’s when Lowell opened it up. Barry “Shooter” Tallackson scored on the PP, and they never looked back.

In the third period, Lowell’s Patrick Davis scored one of the prettiest, if not THE, prettiest goals I have ever seen in Lowell. He scooped the puck up in his own zone, and was off to the races. He went around a couple of Monarch’s players, and put a nifty toe drag on the final Monarch D-man, totally flummoxing him with his trickery. He was then in alone on the goalie, and while skating left, he fired a nice wrister to the right corner. It was beautiful. I think he may be the next guy to get the call to New Jersey. Kid has some sick hands.

Near the end of the third, Paul Crosty was at it again. I am not sure what he has against Big Peter, but it’s safe to say they are off each other’s Christmas list. Again with about 5 minutes to go in the period, Crosty jumped Big Peter again. It was right in front of me this time, so I had a great view. Big Peter threw a couple of very hard right hands once he got his gloves all the way off, and Crosty tried to score a few of his own. He landed a couple, but it was Big Peter again with the win after Crosty go the take down. Now, when they were down I’m not sure if something happened, or if Big Peter was just plain tired of Crosty picking on him all day, but on his way to the box he was heated. It took both Linesmen and the penalty box attendant to hold him back from going into the visitor’s box after Crosty. Paul was getting the gate anyway, for 2, 5, 10, but I think Big Peter was just going to get 5. Well, after he flipped, he got a 10 as well, and was lead off to thunderous applause from the Lowell Faithful. He made kind of a throat slashing motion to the Manchester bench. Not sure if he’s in trouble for that or not. Paul Crosty on the other hand, got a different farewell from the Lowell crowd. He was led off to boos, but to his credit played it up well with a nice wave to the fans thanking them for their time. It was a great game yesterday. One that makes you feel happy to be alive. Here’s hoping it is the start of the all new Lowell Devils.

I’m as frustrated as a person that’s had January 23rd circled on their schedule because Bones is going to be in town, only to find out Bones is out until after the all star break with back spasms. I guess I’ll leave the “I’m as frustrated as” jokes to Larry the Cable Guy. But still, I’m pretty frustrated. Even more so because at about 5 Tweener e-mailed me to let me know Cam Janssen had been sent down for conditioning. There are few things that make me more excited than hearing a tough guy is in town right before I go to the rink. One of the others is me dressed as Little Bo Peep, but that is another blog. Anyway, the night wasn’t a total loss. There was one very scheduled fight between Mark Fraser of Lowell, and a Mohawk wearing Paul Bissonnette. It wasn’t much of a scrap really. Bissonnette landed a few hard rights, and Fraser didn’t do much of anything except get punched in the face. I got to speak to Bissonnette, and he was a very good guy. We talked a bit about the new jerseys, and fighting David Clarkson when he was in Junior. Good guy. Bones was in the house, but I couldn’t track him down to talk to him. I guess I’ll have to go on the road to see the all time AHL penalty minute leader before he skates off into the sunset.

This was a good hockey week for me actually. Thursday found me in the Garden for the Bruins and Islanders tilt. Naturally before I could be found at Halftime Pizza where I bumped into Cato, Mad Dog, Hoddy, and the other guy whose name I always forget. Along with that crew there were 4500 of our closest friends slugging down pizza, and 25oz’s of their favorite brew. I cannot believe how popular the place has become. I was turned onto Halftime last season by Killer. What were great about it were the huge beers, excellent pizza, and the fights on the plasmas. The best part however, was that there weren’t a zillion people in the place, so you could enjoy your pie, brews and fights in relative comfort. Now the place is a fucking zoo. It’s really caught on in a big way. Good for Halftime, bad for you and I. Oh yeah, Bruins won. No fights.