Lockout Bordem

Ok ok … I know. Awful blogger award goes to us here at Hockey’s Finest. We’ve neglected you all in your time of need. But really, we’ve all been so depressed that we’ve just had nothing to say…

…until now.

“Vacation” is over and it’s because of this:

So apparently, Columbus is the place to be…

Stinger, the CBJ mascot, must be super bored because he gathered all of his friends and created this beauty of a video. If this doesn’t put a smile on your sad, depressed, little hockey-deprived faces I don’t know what will. Hell, I think we should keep an eye out … maybe it will catch onto some of the other teams… or players. Now that would be something I’d be willing to see.

Keep an eye out, friends! If you find anything, let us know!

Until then, tonight is “opening night” … and there is still no hockey. But I have a solution that will help (or at least I know it will help S & I) Everyone: grab your alcohol, your re-runs of HBO’s Pens/Caps & Flyers/Rangers, and sit back. No one says we have to spend this lockout in depression. We can at least make it tolerable for ourselves.

Bringing this back:

Happy Thursday, kiddies. Keep a smile on your face. We’ll make it through the drought together.

xoxo,

*L

PS – if you’re still bored tonight even after the alcohol and re-runs… download Gongshow’s Saucer King app! I’m on Level 4 and DETERMINED to be an “All Star” by the time this lockout is over.

What happens in Olympic Village, stays in Olympic Village…

…apparently.

Normally, I wouldn’t post something like this. But it involves some of our beloved hockey players. And to be quite honest, I found it to be absolutely HILARIOUS.

It does deserve a disclaimer, I believe. I’d say anyone under 18 probably shouldn’t read it. But then again….ESPN is the one who posted it. So, do what you will…but don’t say I didn’t warn ya :)

Ever wonder what happens at the Olympics? More specifically in the Olympic Village?? Some Olympians, Bobby Ryan being one of them, opened up about the secrets (or not so secret) of the Olympic Village.

Here’s a little sneak peek:

……no comment…..

Go ahead and read, if you dare… [click here]

So, who wants to go to Russia in 2014? I’m in…

*L

Office Party!

That’s right. We’re throwing an office party.

IT’S S’ BIRTHDAY TOMORROW! HAPPY BIRTHDAY S!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

Of course since everyone in the “office” is in a different part of the country — we’ll just have to make it work somehow. Skype, Phone calls, texts, etc.

I sent S a card on Sunday with SPECIFIC birthday instructions since I’m not in town to celebrate with her. I told her I’d be disappointed if she didn’t follow through. I mean, who wants to sit at home in their apartment by themselves on their birthday? I’d much rather sit at a bar by myself on my birthday. I have to admit, I smiled evily (is that a word?) while writing it. It went a little something like this:

1. Get home from work.

2. Throw on sweats.

3. Walk to Bleachers (a restaurant/bar down the street from her apartment)

4. Order Onion Rings & some form of an adult beverage. (Preferably that drink you had on our pub crawl that got you wasted — I forget what it’s called. I, too, was intoxicated)

5. Watch some sort of sporting event (i.e.- baseball, soccer, tennis, WHATEVER.)

Now, I do realize that her birthday sounds a little lonesome. Much like this:

Peanut Butter & Jelly for one?

But I was hoping it’d transform into something beautiful. Like this:

Pong anyone?

And then this:

Champagne shower!

And maybe this:

The idea is to walk into work hungover the next morning.

S is probably reading this and cursing under her breath. I told her my birthday instructions were harmless …. which they are. But she had no idea what evil thoughts were going through my mind while writing them down.

So. S. If I find out you’re sitting at home in your apartment tomorrow, I will jump on the next plane out to the Windy City. And if that happens — YOU KNOW your birthday party will not end with onion rings & an adult beverage. You’re better off just listening to what I said. :)

Send all your birthday wishes this wayyyy! She deserves them!

Love,

*L

xoxox

We Are The Champions

There you have it:  The Los Angeles Kings are Stanley Cup Champions.

This is the stuff that’s only written in fairy tales.  An eighth-seeded team, with enough heart and determination, knocking off the top 3 seeds in the Western Conference, and taking the last game of the Stanley Cup Finals in a dramatic and dominant fashion.

I can’t even begin to say how happy I am for the LA Kings and their fans, but first we have to acknowledge their opponents:  the New Jersey Devils.  They fought back in an amazing way, coming back from a 3-0 game deficit in the SCFs and gave the Kings a legitimate run for their money.  Honestly, if the Kings hadn’t played the Game 6 that is now etched in the record books, the Devils could have easily taken the series.

But, alas, the hockey gods didn’t want it that way.  The entire hockey world respects the Kings and their organization.  See for yourselves:

The great part about all of the praise for both organizations is that it shows the class of hockey players, officials, and executives.  The exchange between Martin Brodeur and Jonathan Quick, in particular, was great to see, because they have such a mutual respect for each other.  At one point, I could read Brodeur’s lips and he told Quick that he was “incredible”.  I mean, seriously?  That’s a unbelievable compliment coming from a future Hall of Famer like Brodeur, and obviously well-deserved.

Conn-Smythe Trophy

Was anyone surprised?  If Quick hadn’t gotten the Conn Smythe, I think a riot would have broken out in the streets of Los Angeles, Vancouver-style.  No?  Too soon?  Meh, whatever.  But back to the point, Quick’s performance was unreal.  Completely dominant from start to finish, and he never missed a beat.

16 wins, 4 losses.  Only one road loss.  A .946 save percentage.  WHAT THE WHAT?!  He’s amazing.  Can’t even handle it.  So deserving, and he’s got a long career ahead of him.

Mike Richards and Jeff Carter

It’s really almost funny at this point.  The picture says it all.  When both Richie and Carter were traded away to markets that, let’s be honest, weren’t the most desirable for them as players, you had to wonder if they’d ever see the success they deserved.  And now look:  Carter was traded at the deadline from Columbus, the bottom of the NHL food-chain, to the Kings, and reunited with former-Flyer Richards.  It’s a cinderella story if you’ve ever heard one.

Colin Fraser

Frazzle Dazzle, I’m so proud of you.  As a former Chicago Blackhawk and member of the 2010 Championship team, I always root for those players.  Kings fans, keep this in mind:  you can and always should root for the players that are important to you, no matter where they’re playing.  It keeps historic moments like this fresh in your mind, and you’ll never get over it.

Fraser was a key 4th line role player on the Kings this season, and was on the ice when the hole blew to end Game 6.  He’s a classy guy, a classy player, but was the ugly duckling of hockey this season.  No one wanted him.  The Oilers and the Kings went back and forth trying to figure something out for him, and thanks to the Kings organization and coaching staff, Fraz has carved out a nice spot for himself in LA.  Let’s hope he sticks around, because he deserves it.  Plus, he’s the first of the 2010 Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup again.  Git ‘er done, Frazzle Dazzle!

Darryl Sutter

Holy schnikes, talk about a 180 degree turn.  Darryl Sutter, HUGE ups to you, sir.  To take an organization and a team that was completely discombobulated (I must’ve swallowed a dictionary, that word is longgggg) and dysfunctional, to getting them into the playoffs, and winning the Stanley Cup as an eighth-seed is incredible.  And to think he did it without ever cracking a smile.

Oh wait, there it is.

It’s moments like this that make me love hockey.  I just fell in love more and more with the sport, watching history happen, and seeing the relief on the players’ and coaches faces to have achieved the most difficult trophy to win in all of sports.  It’s incredible.

Honestly, I could go on and on about Game 6, the hit on Rob Scuderi, and every “what if” moment imaginable.  But I just want to say one thing to the Kings fans:  ENJOY THIS.  It’s history that you just witnessed, and something that will forever go down as the night that cheers erupted from the Staples Center without Kobe Bryant on the court.  I hope LA becomes more of a hockey town, because this organization deserves it.  It says a lot about the resilience of the players and the front office to continue to play and work for an organization that might not have the greatest presence in its location.  So cheers to you, boys, you deserve it.  Now party like you’re Patrick Kane, but try not to get arrested or let the front office get mad at you.  So basically…..party like it’s 1999.

-M

You would think I would learn…

Every year I say “OMG! It’s the F1 in Montreal this weekend! WHY AM I NOT THERE?!”

And you want to know why I want to go so bad?

…No…not because I LOVE watching cars race (although, F1 is SICK) but because of this…

pure perfection.

Again, I’m missing it.

So right now, I’m putting it in writing.

NEXT YEAR — I will go to the F1 weekend in Montreal. It’s set in stone. I’m going. Who’s in?

*L

PS — A little joke for your Saturday afternoon … maybe it’ll relieve your Game 7 anxiety.

I love the off season…

Not really sure where this came from. But I was creeping on Tumblr when I stumbled upon it.

Uhh… James, you missed a few buttons….

Plaid works for you. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it right…

i love a man in plaid…

Ladies, bring on the facebook/twitter/tumblr/etc creeping. If you find anything good worth sharing…let us know. We’ll post it.

*L

Has it been a year already!?

S & I can’t believe it. Our little baby is 1 years old today!

We feel like it was just yesterday that we birthed her and now she’s almost ready to walk on her own!

For reals, it’s Hockey’s Finest birthday and we’re stoked. When we signed up for this little shindig — we gave it 1 year. If it didn’t survive, we’d pull the plug. But look at us! We’re still here! And with more writers!

It’s all thanks to Y.O.U.

hugs all around.

We know we skip out on a few teams every once and a while and we vow to try harder next season to cover EVERYONE. And while we’re on the topic of improvement…let’s kick the ball into your court. We’re open to suggestions. What would you like to see this next year? More stats? More yummy goodness? Any specific teams/players?

How about this off season? We know how the withdrawls feel, so we want to keep y’all as hydrated as humanly possible. Swimming in a sea of hockey during those hot summer nights. Anything you’d like us to cover specifically? Or a player to be on the look out for?

I feel like this next season should be dedicated to all our loyal readers. So seriously, comment away! Both negative & positive. We can handle it. We don’t cry….that easy.

For serious, we love you guys. And thank you for reading our random thoughts. Stick around. It’s gonna be one hell of a ride the next year :)

Love, 

The Hockey’s Finest Girls 

XOXO

Happy Birthday to us!

Do we have any readers from Montreal?!

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

If we do, this post is for YOU!

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO VISIT TOMORROW NIGHT?!

Yeah, it’s me. FYI: If you see a Mazda 3 with Massachusetts plates who is jumping lanes and is lost…don’t honk. Just show me in the right direction. Also, I’ll gladly take any suggestions of bars/restaurants/etc.

Since I have limited time, I need your help. It’s time for Operation: Find L a French Canadian Husband. I’m not joking around. What else would I be going to Montreal for? To see the sights?! PFFFFT…who does that?!

If you could kindly start lining up the suitable Bachelors outside the Marriott Chateau Champlain this weekend– it would be greatly appreciated. Preferably, anyone who looks like this:

nnnuuuuuggggghhhhh.... *drools*

Ooooor this: 

Requirements: MUST SPEAK FRENCH! 

Heh … ok … enough non-sense. What I really wanted to say is that I will be attending my very first game at the beautiful Bell Centre. *FANGIRL SQUEAL*

CHECK!

And on the best night ever! St. Patty’s Day! HOW EXCITING!

Meh--Isles. But, hey! I'll take it.

All Bostonian readers: you may want to scroll away from this part and stop reading here.

Yes, I will be in Habs gear. **GASP!** Carey Price to be exact. I know. It’s supposed to be forbidden or something. But come on, a game in the Bell Centre deserves the home team apparel! It would be like peanut butter without jelly. It simply wouldn’t be the same. Plus– the Habs are only enemies when they play Boston. Or when they hurt my men. Max Pacioretty– I’m talking to you. (And I hope for your sake I don’t bump into you on the street. If I do, we’ll fer sure be droppin’ the gloves.)

Anyway, we have quite crappy seats…but I hear it doesn’t matter where you are– it’s epic either way. And since I’m still on the family phone plan — my Dad has kindly allowed me to send a few twitpics once inside the Bell Centre so I can share my experience with you all. (Data in Canada is going to cost me an arm & leg) So, say thank you Daddy!

Pretty sure S wants to disown me for going to a game without her, but what she doesn’t know is that I’ll be blowing up her Facebook by tagging her in every single last photo. XOXO ;)

So, this is me signing off for a while. Doubting I’ll have any chance to blog until I’m back Sunday night or Monday.

Peace out, y’all. I’m Canada Bound.

*L

(PS — I won’t be disappointed if you all take Operation: Find L a French Canadian Husband seriously. Like I said, just line ‘em up in front of my hotel and you’ll automatically receive an invitation to the wedding.)

 

#CrosbyWatch2

Today.

This.

Happened.

Can you believe it!? We’re back on the CrosbyWatch train.

Again?

Annnnnnnnnnnnd cue Hockey’s Finest Office dance party. I’ll bring the chips & dip.

So much for a productive day at work. Geez. One thing happens & all of a sudden my focus is completely gone. But for good reason!

This news has EVERYONE excited.

Stop it, Staalsy! I'm ticklish there!

Hugs and kisses for everyone today.

As for the rumor that he could come back as early as Sunday– I pray not. Sunday, the Bruins play the Pens. And if you all remember what happened last time they played each other……..

Yeah. I’d just rather him stay off the ice for that game.

BUT!

Congrats Sid! Glad you’re making progress. We’ve missed your beautiful face.

Smile puuuurty for the camera.

And in other news:

"feeling better"

That’s a good sign, right?! I keep having to remind myself to breathe in & out. I’m waiting to hear the diagnosis. If it says “concussion” … I’ll go into depression. Someone needs to wrap all these boys in bubble wrap. I’m not playin’ around. Line ‘em up. BUBBLE WRAP FOR EVERYONE.

But, Kris has some help on his side:

TEAMWORK!

Good lookin’ out, Sid! Someone’s gotta take care of my man while I’m away.

*L

PS – S & I have cleared our calendars for Nealer’s appearance on NHL36 tomorrow. I pray they show us something we don’t already know. But even if they don’t…it’ll still be the best half hour of television. EVER.

 

LeSCREAM

*SQUEAL*

GUYS!

LOOK!

MY BABYYYYY <3

So I saw that this morning while I was at work– which made my whole day much better. THEN…I’m snuggled up in a zillion blankets watching Jersey Shore and this shows up:

*squeals*

I can’t even begin to share what’s going through my mind right now. So many emotions. November 26th. That was the last game I saw my boy play in — thanks to Max Pacioretty (you’re still dead to me).

Kris is my drug of choice. And it’s been nearly 2 months since my last dose. Talk about wicked withdrawls.

I need some of this. And I need it now.

LeSigh...

And this.

LeDamn!

I’m already planning the Hockey’s Finest Dance Party for the day Tanger straps on his skates for a game. Inquire within for invitations. My jersey is drying right now in preparation for his return.

And when he does glide onto the ice…

KISSES EVERYWHERE!

Let’s all send hug, kisses, and good vibes his way. The Pens need him.