What's Up, Ya Sieve

This weekend, the artist formerly known as GAME OVER changed his name to GAME TIED.  And that’s okay with us.

How I looked Saturday night, only with a scream of joy.

On Saturday, after hitting the post earlier in the game, Mike banked one in behind Jhonas Enroth to tie the game with 42 seconds left in the third period.

The Caps later won the game on a shootout goal from Ovi that caused Matty Perreault to have the greatest celebration in history:

Closer?

close up .gifs by cadetsandkings.tumblr.com

 More?

I could/will/have watch(ed) that a thousand times.

Here’s Mike on the post-game… if he were blond, I would be shipping a Dread Pirate Roberts Halloween costume so hard right now.

Mike even got a little sassy on Twitter post-game, calling out someone who called out his early-game play.  While I’m not generally a fan of revenge chirping, it had to feel SO good.  And it earned the rest of us this:

Love you too, Mikey.  But don’t scroll back through my Twitter feed, ‘kay?

Sunday the Caps played again, this time vs. the Flyers.  I might have driven up for the game, but I couldn’t behind my steering wheel after Easter lunch.  Just as well, I would’ve fainted when this happened:

As it was, I launched off the couch for the kicking equivalent of a Matty P Party. Mr. Pants was both alarmed and impressed by my sudden outburst of energy.  Alas, the Caps got back into the game just to let it get away.  They scored 2 more (In 26 seconds! Both on the PP!) early in the 3rd, then gave up 2 and went to OT.

Damn Flyers won it in extra innings.

Someone on Twitter called it an “unacceptable loss” and I have to agree.  With this state of the union, they can’t be letting leads get away and momentum die a terrible death.

The promising news is, the Caps are tied with Carolina.  The two teams play tomorrow in Raleigh.  Please, please, please let the Caps bring their A game.  They need to hopscotch over the Canes then worry about NYI and NYR for that 8th spot, all while setting their sights on the Jets for 1st in the Southeast. The only way in is to win, a lot, from here on out.

What do you think?  Here’s the Caps’ schedule for the rest of the season.  Can they pull it off?

If this little girl could read, I’d swear she was reading our Tweets from last night:

It was a big game for #TeamEbs and the reunited Kid Line in St. Louis!  Jordan had two beautiful goals.  He almost scored his first NHL hat trick on a breakaway, but he and Taylor heard  @amandalitty was having a tough day and let #TeamHall score it on the rebound.  That’s what friends are for.

Remember when Ebs told Cabbie that his To Do List included, “Get in a better fight than Nuge” this year?  THAT WAS A JOKE, RIGHT?

Goals, like drinks, make guys think they can do crazy things. 

The Oilers got all 3 goals on the first 7 shots – they had only 19 in the game, compared to 43 by St. Louis.  YIKES.  That’s why the three stars were:

With so much talent, it’s tough to believe Edmonton ranks 12th in the West and 22nd overall.  The Kid Line has just 19 total goals on the season.  The Oilers are tied (with NYR) for 26th on offense, averaging 2.34 goals per game.  Their defense is middling (18th), giving up 2.75 goals against/game – but the bigger issue is shots.  Edmonton gives up more than any team in the League – 33+ per game.  That’s a lot of reliance on goaltending and a lot of time in the wrong zone.

We need more of this:

.gifs by toewslake.tumblr.com

Throw in some Schultz and Gagne, Yakupov and Hemsky, shake and voila: boyband hockey hugs.

.gif by cali-canuck.tumblr.com

I said it before the season started and I’m saying it again: The Oilers are going to make the playoffs (for the first time since ’06 when they lost in the Cup final to Carolina).

Last night, Mike and the Caps really wanted you to tag your Tweets.

I don’t think “I miss hedgehog, fidgety, Jersey Shore-style Mike Green but at least this guy has a manicure. *P  #CapsNYR” is what they were after.

They could have gone with #CutYourHair or #DontYouMissWhenIWasHot or… I’ll stop.  Mike did have a goal in Friday’s rout of Winnipeg – an old fashioned slapshot from the point reminiscent of his “Game Over” days (at the 2:57 mark).  Remember those?  Aren’t they gorgeous enough?

More please and you can keep the hair!  Too late for this, though:

Sundays should be easy.  Could someone please inform my hockey teams?

Penguins 2, Flyers 1 – OT

The past two seasons, the Flyers have ended big win streaks for the Pens.  Not last night!!  It took a while, until Crosby PPGed so hard he almost fell over.  He is a little back-heavy, after all.

.gif by jordanstaals.tumblr.com

Not for nothing, Sid got all these points without even brushing his hair.

Then everyone including Tyler Kennedy couldn’t believe that Tyler Kennedy scored the OT game-winning goal.  Penguins win streak extended to 12 games!

Let’s love on Matt Niskanen for a minute.  First of all, his middle name is Norman.  It makes me think of the calf from City Slickers every time:

“Seat belts, Norman! Seat belts!”

Secondly, he’s been aces lately.  Check out last night’s highlights [video] –  the puck-drag  around the shot block at 1:34, then the behind-the-back to TK for the winner!  Nisky had the game-winner last week vs. Washington, giving him 4 goals in 25 games. Last year he scored 4 in 75.  He needs a haircut something awful, but look at that smile:

.gif by christkunitz.tumblr.com

Also, last night… Capitals 3, Rangers 2 – SO

WELCOME BACK, PIGLET!  At least we hope so.  Mid-last week, Nicky Backstrom had only 3 goals on the year.  THREE GOALS?

Yes. Horrifying.

But last night, NB19 scored the Caps’ first and last goals – the second being the 4th round shootout winner.

So while the bonus goal won’t count toward the season total, we know it happened.  That’s 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games!  Give us the return of this face and the Caps could give the playoffs a run for their money after all.

I will also grudgingly point out that Ovechkin has 6 goals in 5 straight games.  The Caps have won 4 of those.  Maybe (maybe, maybe) he CAN lead this team, at least on the scoreboard.

There’s no way out for the Caps without Ovi and Backstrom and no more time to wait.  They jumped 3 spots in the standings this weekend, and are now 2 points out of 8th place.  They host the Islanders, Sabres and Flyers this week – all teams just below them in the East.

Please let this elevator keep going up.

Side note: If you’re not following Ovi’s fiancée Maria Kirilenko (@mkirilenko), you are missing the most excited Caps-related Tweets out there.  She might even be enough to make me like him.

When someone talks to me about Steven Stamkos scoring goals:

And Stammer never lets a girl down.  Last night he scored his 200th career goal in the Lightning win over the Flyers.  Bonus yay.

Alone in my car with Game Center Live radio playing on my phone, I yelled, “Hey girl, I’m Steven Stamkos!”

Not the 200th goal.

Stammer is the 4th youngest player to reach the 200 mark (Gretzky, Lemieux and Hawerchuck were younger).  It’s really impressive… now please stop reminding me that he’s 23.  Steven split the Rocket Richard trophy with Crosby in ’10 and won it himself last season.  He could be on his way to another with a League-leading 21 goals.

The Rocket Richard Trophy has only been around since ’99 [link], and no one has won three.  (Selanne got 1 and Bure had 2 – both would have won 3 each if it had been introduced earlier).  Among active players, Iginla and Ovechkin have each won it twice.

Did I mention #200 was an empty-netter?  Who cares?

You could celebrate by buying this limited edition Tissot Steven Stamkos watch in Lightning blue for $460.

Or spend $460 and get tickets to every Lightning game for a year (probably).

This morning, take a moment to applaud Stamkos’ achievement.  And the achievement of the girl who took this picture.

photo by misharoux.tumblr.com

The only way I’d manage this is if “pushing button on camera” were a reflex that still operated after death.

Good news - Mike is traveling with the Caps!  He went to Carolina & Boston, and will make the four game trip that starts today. No word on when Bubble Boy might play, but at least he’s around for photos.

From Ovi’s Twitter:

I love these dorks, though I don’t understand what they’re so happy about (this was before Boston/Carolina, so forgiveness may be granted.).

Other news – these pictures.  Decide for yourself if it’s good or bad because I am in hysterics.  Can I have NO opinion and EVERY opinion all that the same time?

Is this real life?

I presume these are from Mike’s recently-made-public Instagram.  I’d look for more but I’m so afraid of what I’ll find.  It makes me question everything, like what is life?  What is conditioner?  Do you think he uses that WEN dry shampoo from the infomercials?

I flat-out screamed.  Explaining why to my coworkers was on the awkward side of impossible.

I need to coin a phrase for how all this make me feel.  Flail-safe?  It’s somewhere between “fail-safe”  (as in impossible to mess up) and “I spazzed out and tossed my laptop in the sink?”

I need a moment.  It’s so good to see them together though!  Ovi’s really helping out Mikey Monday with his Tweets about Carolina man-dates.

Cardigan.  I have to stop.

 Soundtrack to this post: Flight of the Conchords, “Most Beautiful Girl in the Room.”  Depending on the street, would he definitely be in the top three?

I’m sorry this happened against Chuck’s Bruins, but there is nothing better than a joyous hockey hug.

Bonus Neal’s face. Sid looks the same. I also looked that way, silently freaking out in a hotel lobby.

Update (thanks Alison): Action hug gif.

I love that Crosby is this happy for his guys – especially a new guy who came in on a trade for such a fan favorite, who had so much pressure on him.  Look at these faces.  I love this team.

PS: I almost wrote “I love that my captain…” but that makes even me want to barf.  I still mean it.

The Penguins have won 5 games straight.  In that span:

They won four 1-goal games, including 1 OT and 1 shootout.

Chris Kunitz has 8 goals… three of them on Pittsburgh Penguins Sock Monkey Night, creating officially the most adorable hat trick in NHL history.

Asked how he felt about seeing sock monkeys on the ice, Crosby said:

insert girly laugh

Pascal Dupuis has 4 goals.

I’ve lost my voice from screaming.

James Neal has 4 goals (plus a shootout goal).

I used a 5ive song as the title of this post, just for Chuck.

And Sidney Crosby is a beast.

• 3 goals and 11 assists (plus a shootout goal)
• Voted one of the Three Stars every game
• Lost his helmet on camera just for good, sweaty measure

I’m sorry, were you trying to work?

Sweetie, your prom date is here.

You’re dad’s thinking, “Whew.  My daughter’s safe with this dork.”

Sorry to be late – the Penguins annual Skates & Plates benefit was a few days ago.  You know, the one where they get dressed up and try not to drop food on themselves, people, the floor give us something to blog about.

While I’m generally opposed to jackets with tails (on anyone but Mr. Peanut)…

(and Disney princes)

I can’t resist an event in which the Penguins make Matt Niskanen look like the Mayor of the Munchkin City.

Is ‘corsage pinner’ a job?  Related experience: I can make a poof in the front of my hair with one bobby pin.  Here’s my resume.

Kris: Are you nervous?

Sid: I hope they spaced the tables out far enough for me to fit through.

Kris: Well you look good.

Sid: Thanks.

Kris…

Sid: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh (tugs at collar).

Of course it was all captured on video, again by the Duper Cam and endlessly on Tumblr.  Revel in the awkward.

Next year I think Skates & Plates should have lanes of ice between the tables, so the players can deliver your food like a 1950′s diner – on skates.  They could add paper hats and a choreographed dance routine.  So basically the dinner would be at Johnny Rockets and sound like Grease.  They could pull it off.

(Photos from Penguins Instagram)

When the Penguins aren’t working for tips, they sometimes play hockey.  The first period last night vs. Philly was not one of those times…

Unless you think this is hockey:

Yes, you.  You jerk.

No I won’t take it back. I’m really mad at you.

 I do support this, of course.  Peeking between my hands yelling, “No no no no!” and then “KILL HIM! ROAR!!!”

Good thing I kept an eye on the out-of-town scoreboard.  People at the Caps game gave me stare down for freaking out as these three goals popped up.

My phone could hardly refresh fast enough.  Wore the lady behind me right out.

And when I saw that Neal scored in a somewhat redeeming fashion?  I attacked @raedanda, in her puple pants.  Duck and cover.

I haven’t even watched the game yet, but this is my joy.

Sorry, Sad Ginger.  (NO I’M NOT.)

While I’m at it, CHRIS KUNITZ!  Having a year!  2G/1A last night, he now has 31 points and is behind only Crosby and Stamkos for the NHL lead.  [CBS Sports]  He even tried to save Disco Dan from a flying puck Monday night.

The Pens also got a goal and an assist from Dupuis.  If Sid’s linemates scored 3 times, you know he had 3 assists last night.  From the Pittsburgh Tribune:

Since the beginning of February, Crosby has produced 29 points in 16 games. He has at least one point in 13 of those games. Crosby has recorded seven three-point nights during that span.

Crosby’s career vs. Philly?  13 goals and 20 assists in 21 games.

Yeah, that’s right.

Knowing that Stamkos, Neal and Tavares are friends off the ice, the imaginary chirping that goes on in my head over the NHL goal scoring leaderboard is tremendous.  For anyone who’s ever enjoyed NFL QBs Talkin’ on Facebook, I bring you this.

Stammer –  I’ve got 17 goals in 23 games.  How you guys doing back there?

Nealer – I’ve got 14.  And I’m hot.

John – I’ve got 14 too!

Nealer – And Geno’s back.  I hate being all aloney on my owney.

John – You have a whole team, Nealer.

Carts – Hi guys.

Real picture. I swear.

Nealer – Without Geno, it’s just a hollow, empty shell.

John – You’re calling Crosby a hollow, empty shell?

Excuse me?

Neal – He doesn’t communicate like Geno.

Stammer – You mean he speaks English.

Nealer – Don’t be jealous.

Nealer – So grouchy.  What, get a sunburn at Disney World on your off day?

Stammer – My team’s lost a lot of games lately.

Nealer – Don’t worry, there’s no one in the stands to watch.

John pats Stammer’s arm in sympathy.

Carts – Hello?

Neal – La la la, my boyfriend’s back…

John – Did I mention I’m tied for third in goals?

Neal (loudly) – We heard you!

Stammer – You’ll be fourth when you wake up tomorrow.

John (grumbles) – I’ll still be on Long Island when I wake up tomorrow.

Carts –  HELLO?

Stammer – What the hell are you doing here?

Carts – Being second in goals.

Everyone – What?  From where?!

Carts waves paper.

Stammer – You have 15 goals?

Carts, glares at Steven – I hear blonds have more fun.

Nealer – Ummmmmmmm….

John – Uh, what’s California like?

Carts – All silver and shiny, like you could just drink out of it.

Stammer – We have shiny days…

… sometimes.

Neal – Where’s your boyfriend?

Carts – Please.  I was bromancing when you were living with Brad Richards.

Nealer – We had a bromance!

Carts (scoffs) – There’s only one Richards in this League, and he’s mine.

Stammer – Whatever.  Second place is the first loser.

Carts – Does your name start with a J?  No?  Then shut up.

John – Yeah. Sticks out tongue.

Nealer – Well Pants has a James Neal shirt.

Stammer – She has a Stamkos shirt too.

John – Why do your pants wear shirts?

Stammer – Go eat your ice cream, John.

John – Hmph. Fine.

Carts – Shirts are for losers.

Stammer – Just wait.  We’ll see who takes it home in the end.

Carts – You should know by now… I always take it home.