Takeshita Wins!

Sure, the Olympics are about great athletes. The struggle they go through for four years just for a few seconds of competition to try to earn gold.
But it's also about some awesome names.

Click on the picture above to see the full bracket and the results (with scores).

The finals were not even close.

By a margin of 19 - 4, Yoshie Takeshita is the undisputed Best Olympics Name Champion!

Take a bow, Takeshita. You deserve it.

Best Olympics Name Bracket - FINAL!

Sure, the Olympics are about great athletes. The struggle they go through for four years just for a few seconds of competition to try to earn gold.
But it's also about some awesome names.

Click on the picture above to see the full bracket, results (with scores), and then vote on the matchups below!

SEMIFINALS HEADLINES:
Tancock Slips By Hooker, Faces Takeshita.

Yoo-Suk No Match For Takeshita.

Vote now on the FINAL so your favorite Olympic name can advance!
You decide who get the Gold!

The Finals will start on 8/10 at 8:01pm and will end at the end of the Olympics Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, August 12th. when I feel like ending it.

Pictures Are Fun

Here's how I feel when I talk to some people about certain topics, like religion:

With NHL Realignment Done, It's Time To Fix A Bigger Problem

With the NHL board of governors approving a realignment for next season, it's time to address a bigger issue that I feel should be changed: The Points System.

Fans seem to be split 50/50 on the new realignment, but I like it. Sure, the Lightning and the Panthers are in a conference where all the other teams are north of Boston, but whatever. It's too warm there for hockey anyway, so make them go to some of the coldest places. That'll learn 'em.

Here are the new conferences:

Conference A: LA, ANA, SJ, VAN, CGY, EDM, COL, PHX.
Conference B: DET, CHI, STL, MIN, WPG, NSH, CBJ, DAL.
Conference C: MTL, TOR, OTT, BOS, BUF, TB, FLA.
Conference D: NJ, PHI, PIT, NYI, NYR, WSH, CAR.

Anyway, the new realignment keeps most current rivalries and creates or expands a few other ones. I am really looking forward to that Winnipeg - Columbus rivalry. And when Phoenix moves to Quebec and is added to Conference C, there will be five Canadian teams (let's face it, Buffalo is a Canadian city), two Florida teams and Boston.

It also cuts down on travel, which cuts down on travel costs for the teams. It should also create extra revenue with the added rivalries. That, in turn, should mean cheaper ticket prices for fans, right? Maybe not...

Each team will play a against every other team in the league, once at home and once on the road.

Now that the realignment is out of the way, I feel something much more important needs to be fixed.

The points system in the NHL is, for lack of a better description, dumb!

A 10-0 domination of your opponent counts the same in the standings as a game where you struggle throughout, get lucky enough to force a skills competition, and your 5th defenseman beats the opposing goalie in the 12th round of a shootout where he had saved everything else.

It just doesn't seem right.

There is no incentive to actually win a game. If you're tied with time winding down, you're better off skating around and regrouping for OT. Same goes for OT...why tire yourself out when you can show off your mad skillz in a one-on-one showdown in the shootout?

So here is my idea for the new points system.

Regulation Win: 3 points
Overtime / Shootout Win: 2 points
Shootout: Both teams get 1 point

This would give teams that win in regulation an advantage... an advantage they deserve. There is absolutely no reason a team that wins in regulation should be awarded the same amount of points that a team that wins in a shootout gets.

There is also no reason a team that beats their opponent in 60 minutes should get the same amount of points that a team that takes 64 minutes to beat their opponent gets.

Some will argue that "a win is a win", but if you need extra time or a skills competition to beat your opponent, there's no reason that win should be weighed the same as a win where you dominate your opponent.

Under the current system, you can be 10-0 with all 10 wins coming in regulation and have the same amount of points as a team that is 10-0 with all of their wins in the shootout, wins that don't count as playoff tiebreakers anymore...therefore making them 0-0 in that tiebreaker.

If shootout wins don't count in the tiebreaker, basically making those games meaningless, why should they be awarded the same amount of points as a regulation win? It just doesn't make sense.

Here are the current standings with my point system total and the difference from current point total at the end in parentheses:

Pittsburgh - 16 - 8 - 4 36 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 3-2 (46 pts +10)
NY Rangers - 15 - 6 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 2 SO: 1-2 (44 pts +11)
Philadelphia - 15 - 7 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 2 SO: 0-1 (44 pts +11)
New Jersey - 13 - 12 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 6 OTW: 2 SO: 5-1 (33 pts +6)
NY Islanders - 9 - 11 - 5 23 pts.....RW: 9 OTW: 0 SO: 0-2 (29 pts +6)

Boston - 17 - 8 - 1 35 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 0 SO: 3-1 (49 pts +14)
Toronto - 15 - 10 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 3-1 (42 pts +9)
Buffalo - 14 - 11 - 1 29 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 2-1 (40 pts +11)
Ottawa - 13 - 11 - 3 29 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 0 SO: 3-1 (37 pts +8)
Montréal - 11 - 11 - 6 28 pts.....RW: 8 OTW: 2 SO: 1-4 (33 pts +5)

Florida - 15 - 8 - 4 34 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (47 pts +13)
Winnipeg - 12 - 11 - 4 28 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 0 SO: 1-1 (36 pts +8)
Washington - 13 - 12 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 5 SO: 1-1 (34 pts +7)
Tampa Bay - 11 - 14 - 2 24 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 3 SO: 1-2 (31 pts +7)
Carolina - 8 - 17 - 4 20 pts.....RW: 8 OTW: 0 SO: 0-2 (26 pts +6)


Chicago - 16 - 8 - 4 36 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 3-3 (47 pts +11)
Detroit - 16 - 9 - 1 33 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 1 SO: 1-0 (46 pts +13)
St Louis - 15 - 9 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 2 SO: 0-3 (46 pts +11)
Nashville - 12 - 11 - 4 28 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 0-1 (36 pts +8)
Columbus - 8 - 16 - 3 19 pts.....RW: 5 OTW: 1 SO: 2-3 (24 pts +5)

Minnesota - 18 - 7 - 3 39 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 1 SO: 4-1 (50 pts +11)
Vancouver - 16 - 10 - 1 33 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 2 SO: 0-1 (47 pts +14)
Edmonton - 13 - 11 - 3 29 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (41 pts +12)
Colorado - 13 - 14 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 2 SO: 4-0 (33 pts +6)
Calgary - 12 - 13 - 2 26 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 0 SO: 0-1 (37 pts +11)

Phoenix - 15 - 9 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 2-2 (44 pts +11)
Dallas - 15 - 10 - 1 31 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 2 SO: 2-1 (42 pts +11)
Los Angeles - 13 - 10 - 4 30 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 2 SO: 1-2 (38 pts +8)
San Jose - 14 - 9 - 1 29 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 1 SO: 3-0 (38 pts +9)
Anaheim - 8 - 14 - 5 21 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (25 pts +4)

As you can see, the only teams that would change their current position in the standings are Colorado and Calgary. Calgary, with all of their 12 wins coming in regulation time, is currently a point behind Colorado, which has only seven regulation wins. The Avs two overtime and four shootout "wins" means they have an extra W in the win column over the Flames... which doesn't make much sense to me.

Here is what the standings would like like with the new point system with the new conference alignment:

Pittsburgh - 16 - 8 - 4 36 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 3-2 (46 pts +10)
NY Rangers - 15 - 6 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 2 SO: 1-2 (44 pts +11)
Philadelphia - 15 - 7 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 2 SO: 0-1 (44 pts +11)
Washington - 13 - 12 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 5 SO: 1-1 (34 pts +7)
New Jersey - 13 - 12 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 6 OTW: 2 SO: 5-1 (33 pts +6)
NY Islanders - 9 - 11 - 5 23 pts.....RW: 9 OTW: 0 SO: 0-2 (29 pts +6)
Carolina - 8 - 17 - 4 20 pts.....RW: 8 OTW: 0 SO: 0-2 (26 pts +6)

Boston - 17 - 8 - 1 35 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 0 SO: 3-1 (49 pts +14)
Florida - 15 - 8 - 4 34 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (47 pts +13)
Toronto - 15 - 10 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 3-1 (42 pts +9)
Buffalo - 14 - 11 - 1 29 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 2-1 (40 pts +11)
Ottawa - 13 - 11 - 3 29 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 0 SO: 3-1 (37 pts +8)
Montréal - 11 - 11 - 6 28 pts.....RW: 8 OTW: 2 SO: 1-4 (33 pts +5)
Tampa Bay - 11 - 14 - 2 24 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 3 SO: 1-2 (31 pts +7)

Minnesota - 18 - 7 - 3 39 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 1 SO: 4-1 (50 pts +11)
Chicago - 16 - 8 - 4 36 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 3-3 (47 pts +11)
Detroit - 16 - 9 - 1 33 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 1 SO: 1-0 (46 pts +13)
St Louis - 15 - 9 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 13 OTW: 2 SO: 0-3 (46 pts +11)
Dallas - 15 - 10 - 1 31 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 2 SO: 2-1 (42 pts +11)
Nashville - 12 - 11 - 4 28 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 1 SO: 0-1 (36 pts +8)
Winnipeg - 12 - 11 - 4 28 pts.....RW: 11 OTW: 0 SO: 1-1 (36 pts +8)
Columbus - 8 - 16 - 3 19 pts.....RW: 5 OTW: 1 SO: 2-3 (24 pts +5)

Vancouver - 16 - 10 - 1 33 pts.....RW: 14 OTW: 2 SO: 0-1 (47 pts +14)
Phoenix - 15 - 9 - 3 33 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 1 SO: 2-2 (44 pts +11)
Edmonton - 13 - 11 - 3 29 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (41 pts +12)
Los Angeles - 13 - 10 - 4 30 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 2 SO: 1-2 (38 pts +8)
San Jose - 14 - 9 - 1 29 pts.....RW: 10 OTW: 1 SO: 3-0 (38 pts +9)
Calgary - 12 - 13 - 2 26 pts.....RW: 12 OTW: 0 SO: 0-1 (37 pts +11)
Colorado - 13 - 14 - 1 27 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 2 SO: 4-0 (33 pts +6)
Anaheim - 8 - 14 - 5 21 pts.....RW: 7 OTW: 0 SO: 1-3 (25 pts +4)

Some might argue that this point system would leave a lot of teams on the outside of the playoff picture much sooner. However, with three points for a win, it would actually make the playoff race even tighter!

Under the current point system, the biggest lead in any division is 23 points (Chicago over Columbus). It would take a +12 wins difference compared to Chicago for Columbus to make up those points.

Under the new points system and realignment, the biggest difference would be 26 points (Minnesota over Columbus) in any conference. However, it would take only nine wins to make up that point difference under the revamped point system. Under the current points system, it would take a +13 win differential to catch up to the Wild.

In the case of a tie in points, the shootout wins wouldn't count for playoff positioning, just like it is now.

This would still allow an overtime or shootout "win" to mean something during the season (while still giving teams that win in regulation an advantage), but the shootout points, which should mean less than the regulation points anyway, would not come into play when figuring playoff positions. The regulation wins and points, and to a lesser extent the OT wins, would take precedent.

Now that the NHL is making drastic changes, I think it's time to correct the points system and reward teams that work hard during the first 60 minutes and get themselves a win in regulation.

What do you think?

Helping A Friend – The Hockey Community Sticks Together

Click the link and help out!

Helping A Friend – The Hockey Community Sticks Together

Overall Standings for All 100 TFHL Teams!

With just about two months remaining in the regular season, it's time to update the overall standings for all 100 teams spread out over the five Twitter Fantasy Hockey Leagues.

There was a lot of movement by some teams, both climbing and falling.

Some teams are pretty much out of it (basically due to lack of moves), but a majority of the teams still have a shot of winning their league and/or finishing in the top 10 overall.

So, if you click this link (or click the "TFHL's" tab up top), you'll get the overall standings, 1 thru 100!

And now, a random video of puppies fighting while Eye of the Tiger plays!

The Art of Seduction

So you want to get into my pants. I don't blame you. But how do you go about it, you ask?

Well, I opened up an email not long ago. It was from a friend who forwarded an email of a forwarded email of a forwarded email... you know the kind. Really, if you want me to read something that bad, make an effort and copy/paste the thing.

Anyway, after scrolling down for 45 minutes to get to the point of this email (my second mistake.. first one being opening the email to begin with), I get to one of these astrological things that spit out random shit that tell you what you want to hear. Sure, some of it makes sense... but only because it speaks in so many generalities that it will make sense for anyone!

Below is what I found after I clicked the link in the email. What I found was some crap about ...blah blah... I can't even tell you for sure what it said. Anyway, something else caught my eye as I was about to punch my monitor. It was titled "How to Seduce an Aquarius Man – Relationship Tips For Women." Interesting. "I'm an Aquarius Man", I thought. "Let's see what the brilliant people of the internet are telling women to do!"

So, I figured I would break it down and let all of you know what I think... and just how accurate these things are. If women are going to be following tips on how to seduce me, I'd like to know what I'm in for.

You'll find the entire entry, with my own thoughts added (in parenthesis).

Here.. We.. Go..

The Aquarius man is unconventional and unpredictable (I suppose). He’s a free spirit who values his independence and always wants to learn about new thing (Who doesn't?). This man will drop everything to help a friend, or even a stranger, but will run at the first sign of a clingy woman (The first part? true. Second part... clingy isn't always bad. There are different types of clingy) . Highly intelligent (hur dur), the Aquarius guy will see through any games that you might play, so there is no point in even trying to play games with him (This depends on the type of game.. amiright?). You’ re also not going to impress him with physical flattery or fancy clothes, because this man isn’t concerned with appearance beyond you being clean and fairly attractive (Most accurate thing so far).

So how do you seduce an Aquarian? First, you have to be yourself (Okay, good start). If you are spending your time with him trying to be someone you are not, he will see that as a lying game (I think this applies to almost everyone, but ok). Aquarians cannot stand liars and he will be gone before you get another chance (1- I'm not aware of anyone who enjoys liars. 2- There are different types of lies. 2nd chances aren't out of the question). An Aquarius male is easy-going and he will love to be your friend, so make sure that you avoid dropping bombshells about marriage or long-term commitments too soon or he’ll think you are pushing for more than he can give (Again, I think this applies to most everyone. We're fading fast here, astrology people...). This is a man you definitely will have to be friends with long before you can hope for anything else (-See last thought. Also.. "friends with", yes. "Long before"? Depends).

The best way to seduce an Aquarius man, other than not playing games and making sure not to tie him down too much, is to be a good communicator (Yes, I am certainly not one of those guys specifically looking for a poor communicator. AstroLOLgy). Aquarians love to talk and they will talk about anything (True. I like cheese!). Nothing is taboo to them, though they are thoughtful enough to avoid subjects that might be painful (True). The biggest turn on with an Aquarius man is your mind (Especially if your mind has huge knockers. I KID, I KID! :) ). He will be mainly concerned with your thoughts and getting to know you as much as possible and the more intellectual you are and the better conversations you two can have, the more he will find you attractive and the easier it is to seduce him (This last line is pretty damn accurate).

So there you have it. Not quite sure how this is a post for the "Aquarius Man." I think it applies to just about any (normal) guy. I mean, unless you're part of The Jersey Shore cast, or a complete moron (I guess those two are pretty much the same...).

I guess these things are set up for the same reasons so many other things are: to give people hope. "Do this, and you'll get this. If it doesn't work, no worries, just give it time!"

And that's fine. Some people need that. Hope is a good thing. But if you're waiting for the moon to be lined up with Saturn in Uranus.. well, whatever.

So, getting into my pants? Be kinda smart, somewhat funny (sense of humor is a must if you're going to deal with me), and have all of your facial features arranged in their proper order on your face. Pretty easy, right? I'm also impressed by anyone who can be around me for more than 15 minutes without wanting to punch me in the throat. You'd be surprised at how difficult it is to find that combination.

As far as the astrology stuff goes...

...what the hell are those people singing about?

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League... (s)!

I love hockey. By default, that means I love fantasy hockey.

As I found out late last night and early this morning, so do a LOT of other people.

You don't have to know much about numbers and stats to enjoy fantasy sports. All you need is some luck, and to enjoy the game you're playing. Of course, it doesn't hurt to know what you're doing.

Late last night, I figured I'd get an early start on the fantasy hockey season by starting a league. I figured I'd get some interest and slowly fill up the league in the next week to 10 days.

Here I am, roughly 15 hours after I put out the first tweet, and 3 leagues have been filled (Now 24 hours later, and the 5th league is just about filled). That's 60 100 teams. 57 95 tweeps answered, quickly, and I was more than happy to keep creating leagues.

There are still a few people who have shown interest, so I'll likely set up a 4th (actually setting it up now...). UPDATE: I hate saying no, especially when it comes to hockey...so I am creating a 5th league... BUT THAT IS ALL. I'M CALLING MERCY!! This makes 100 total teams, all involving the fine folks from Twitter. Newbies, bloggers, experienced players...a fantastic mix of people with one common interest. Hockey.

I've been playing fantasy sports for 20 years. Baseball, Football, Hockey and, yes, even Basketball (although I haven't played fantasy hoops in a while).

I have never...in those 20 years...seen this much interest, this quickly, in a fantasy league being formed. Perhaps it's because of the quickness of the information traveling via Twitter, or maybe...and I think this is more likely...it's that hockey fans just really love all forms of their sport!

Now... if you're in one of the leagues, prepare to be dominated!

Each league has the same rules. Every team will start: 2 C, 2 LW, 2 RW, 4 D, 4 utility players (any position)...and 2 goalies. This will make the drafting strategy a little interesting: Do you take two solid goalies and skip a good skater in a given round, or do you take a top goalie and a 1a, and hope they give you enough combined stats to compete. It's all part of the fun in building a fantasy team. There will also be 5 bench spots, and 2 IR spots for injured players.

To make things even a little more interesting, I'll be posting how the leaders in each league are doing from time to time. Think of it as 5 different divisions...and we can compare who is the best of the best.

If all parties are interested, we can take the top few players in each league and form a playoff league to see who the best Twitter fantasy hockey player is!

Anyway, here are the tweeps who are participating in each league. Follow them if you aren't already for some friendly (and let's keep it friendly) smack talk. If you don't want to follow a bunch of new people, click on the header for each league and it will take you to my Twitter list for that league...you can just follow the list if you'd like.

We'll also be using hashtags for each league (#TFHL1, #TFHL2, #TFHL3, #TFHL4 and #TFHL5) so you can follow along in the trash talk.

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League 1 (#TFHL1)

Commissioner/Team Owner/Great and Powerful Overlord: @SpeakoftheDevs

(Parise Like Sunday Morning)

@dani3boyz (It's Coffee and Bailey O'Clock)

- Oldest3boyz (Long Island Royal Flush)

@NJDevils26 (Alan's Wolfpack)

@rancidradio (Use the Bergfors)

@stlcards4i1983 (Kandy Kaners)

@JillTullo9 (Boston U Terriers)

@KToools (Averys Manicurist)

@sarcasmpucktail (Like Marty Loves Sean)

@kathygc (You're not the Bossy of me)

@w0ndertwin (Thorton hears a who)

@Jeremy1026 (Baltimore Diablos)

@Jillian1104 (Towson Devils)

@Warrior40 (Vanek at the Disco)

@Laurita369 (Tiny's Voltigeurs)

@loucifer (Pipers Pit)

@RSC41 (Just Don't Give a Kovalchuk)

@MxTito (Diablo Puckers)

@jjburnett82 (El Pointy Toasters)

@HockeyBroad (Chicago Machine)

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League 2 (#TFHL2)

Commissioner/Team Owner/Keeper of Good and Evil: @SpeakoftheDevs

(Don't Toews Me, Bro)

@RandallPnkFloyd (Kane's Cab Company)

@Eugene_R (Biz Nasty's Bum Army)

@aibarker25 (The West Coasters)

@DougS_AG6 (I Don't Give A Kovalchuk)

@srosengr (Malkin The Park)

@sarah_connors (Jamaica Plain Tyler Seguins)

@freezethepuck (Sharp Shooter)

@hawknut (Great Staals of Fire)

@alamoth (Williamsburg Hipster Killers)

@JoeDepto (The Crosby Show)

@TromboneTime (The Big Rafalskis)

@StoneDevil (Miracle on Natty Ice)

@ascagnel (A Sanguine Satan)

@westcoastdevfan (California Seals)

@Gags0712 (hartford whalers)

@Green52fan (Mean Green Machine)

@MCARTER82 (Team Carter)

@FightNightatJoe (Oslo Donkey Punches)

@Jay21fire (NJ Fire on Ice)

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League 3 (#TFHL3)

Commissioner/Team Owner/Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams: @SpeakoftheDevs

(Blood Bath and Beyond)

@amf35 (luthen HAUSEN)

@liminutemen (Kaleta Collisions)

@RyanStern33NYR (GoinGoinBackBac ToCallyCally)

@molsin27 (Team McCarrel)

@jlongley (Team Longley)

@jabberwockkie (This Ott to be Good)

@jgreengas (Spitting Llamas)

@KevinJLarocque (Team Larocque)

@augie2005 (Chicago Happy Humans)

@Ronnie131 (Shut Your 5 Hole)

@pjsimmers (Monroeville Zombies)

@honestmoe (Dirty Jersey Doom)

@Vipe29 (Garden Gnomes)

@Joe_Fortunato (Gaborik's Groin)

@sweetbob (Team Roberts)

@AnthonyFuria (Blueshirts United)

@MHCranberry (Rogue Waves)

@emihawk (Team Dumais)

@Bruins22 (Shinny Hero)

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League 4 (#TFHL4)

Commissioner/Team Owner/Runner Outer of Other Names: @SpeakoftheDevs

(I'm Smart, You Arnott)

@TimoniNJD (The Teabaggers)

@howie9416 (Mother Puckers)

@JQuincyKing (Wilkes-Barre Beerdrinkers)

@FrozenNotes (Team Rogers)

@CJRichey121 (Pralines and Dick)

@Tristy (Team Eight)

@IceCreepsMike (Save The Whale!!)

@shmermel (Creme Melts on Tits)

@JimPap (DiPietro's MRI)

@nyr351 (I'll dig your Graves)

@kakakatey (Team Free Candy)

@rawker (Status Quo)

@SteveFaulks28 (Theo McFleury)

@5holeblog (Uncle Daddy)

@cabeckham (Taxicab Kanefessions)

@TigerLily1276 (Kentucky Thoroughblades)

@Mikey_Lombardi (You Ott To Know)

@tangent_man (Drunken Stupors)

@Justinleon (New York Sather$)

Twitter Fantasy Hockey League 5 (#TFHL5)

Commissioner/Team Owner/Creator of Many Leagues: @SpeakoftheDevs

(Malkin in the Middle)

@jps94 (There's No "I" in Teemu)

@Hawgs38 (Milkkrate o'Cheesbuurgers)

@jim_neveau (Don't Step On My Toews)

@Katrina_Doell (Fort Neverlose)

@antheia (Formal Shortshifts)

@TheViewfrom111 (Team Ice Holes)

@hkygrl12 (whatchu knowaboutthaaat)

@Icecreeper (Streit Up Your Alley)

@gimmeapuck (Pepper P-OTTS)

@dohRG (Spirit of 93)

@TheProgramBTR (Rahway Indians)

@fatheaddesign (Hartford FailWhalercanes)

@amanada11 (Victorious Secret)

- Middle & Youngest 3boyz (dani's 2of3boyz)

@cathybytes (Tisza Valley Scourge)

@Ozzy (Team nanaHEY,YOU SUCK)

@Heyitskarla (Team Astrohounds)

@Jenf1 (Rock the RED Jen)

@Burk1 (Slow Icers)

Devils Historical Records... Because I'm a Numbers Nerd

I know you've been sitting there, wondering to yourself.. "Self, I wish some wonderful blogger would do all the work for me and post the Devils record/stats against every team in the league since they began play in '82-'83"

Well, your wish has come true. Most of you (right?) have already seen the first few posts in my "30 in 40" series, but for those of you that haven't, I'm making it even easier for you... A simple list of every team that you can just click on and POOF! ...it'll take you to that team and the Devils stats vs said team. Am I awesome or what? (you don't have to answer that)

This list will also give you a schedule of when each post will be up, so you can plan your days and vacation times accordingly.

Anyway, here is the list (links will be added as each post is put up on the site)

7/19- Anaheim
7/20- Atlanta
7/21- Boston
7/22- Buffalo
7/23- Calgary
7/26- Carolina
7/27- Chicago
7/28- Colorado
7/29- Columbus
7/30- Dallas
8/2- Detroit
8/3- Edmonton
8/4- Florida
8/5- Los Angeles
8/6- Minnesota
8/9- Montreal
8/10- Nashville
8/11- Ottawa
8/12- Phoenix
8/13- San Jose
8/16- St Louis
8/17- Tampa Bay
8/18- Toronto
8/19- Vancouver
8/20- Washington
8/23- NY Islanders
8/24- NY Rangers
8/25- Philadelphia
8/26- Pittsburgh
8/27- Devils (a list of other random, fun stats involving the Devils)

I leave you with this random, yet very informative and important graph...

Exclusive Kovalchuk Hearing Transcript

Being an insider has its privileges.

One of my sources (who will remain nameless, mostly because I haven't made up a name for him/her yet) has emailed me a full transcript of the Kovalchuk hearing. He/she said it was wrapped up pretty quickly.

Here goes:

Arbitrator: Ok, let's get right to it. Is this contract illegal?

NHL: Ummm, no, not really.

Arbitrator: Ok. How is it different from other recently signed contracts?

NHL: It's not, really.

Arbitrator: Fair enough. So why, exactly, is this contract being rejected?

NHL: Becauuuuuuuse! We don't like it and it's not faiiiir! *foot stomp*

Arbitrator: Anything else?

NHL: SIDNEY CROSBY RULES!

Arbitrator: *eyeroll* Of course he does. Anything from the NHLPA?

NHLPA: Do you validate parking?

Arbitrator: See the secretary on the way out.

NHL: Can we get ice cream??!

Arbitrator: Sure. You're paying. Decision to the Devils and Kovalchuk! Let's go to lunch.

There you have it. Go get your Kovalchuk jersey made. He'll be here for a long time.

Hey, Remember Me?

It's been a while since I wrote on this here bloggy thingy.

So, what's new you ask? Well, the Devils have clinched their 13th straight playoff appearance! That's not exactly "new" though...it happens every year. :D
(Which reminds me..you should totally check out my latest post at SpeakingoftheDevils.com : CLICK ME!)

I've also begun "writing" for View From My Seats. That brings the total number of sites I'm blogging for to..four, not including this one. I'm going to try to keep getting away with this writing stuff until somebody notices I'm not that good at it.

MUSIC VIDEO BREAK!

Such an awesome song by an awesome band. Don't argue with me about it.

Quick story about the people I have to deal with on a daily basis: Guy comes in today and asks for a small, regular coffee. Medium.

Right. And you expect me to be normal?

Good.

I've wasted enough of your time. Goodbye.

Watch The Devils Spank The Rags With Little Ol' Me!

I couldn't think of a clever title, but that one pretty much gives you all the info you need.

Before I get into the official rules of this giveaway, let me remind all of you to go here for all the trade deadline deals and how they will impact the Devils.

I will also be participating in the Live Trade Deadline Chat at hockeyindependent.com tomorrow from 9am to 5pm. Lots of cool guests. Be there!

Now, let's get to the reason all of you have come here! Your chance to get a FREE TICKET to watch the New Jersey Devils take on that team from across the river. As an added bonus, you get to sit with me!! Tell me you aren't inappropriately excited now!

Here are the official terms and conditions:

• First, leave a comment here telling me you are interested and why I should pick you. Leave a way for me to know who you are, genius. (twitter ID is fine)
• Winner will be picked at random from all comments that are left.
• Ticket is for the game on March 10th at The Rock.
• No purchase necessary.
• Must be a legal resident of planet Earth.
• Transportation not included.
• Bribes ARE accepted (ex: "I'll buy you 1 beer per period" is a good one.)
• Devils fans are given priority (my contest, my rules)
• If you are a Rags fan and I decide to pick you, you must keep any cheering for your team to a minimum. Failure to follow this rule will disqualify you from future contests.
• Flyers fans not eligible. Ever.
• I'm easily swayed. If you RT me on twitter about this, I'll more than likely move you to the top of the list. I never said this contest was fair.
• Retail value: $79 (Ticket is in section 4, row 23).
• Winner will be chosen on Sunday, March 7th.
• These terms and conditions may change at any time without notice, depending on how I'm feeling at any given moment.

There you have it. How awesome is that? I wish I could enter this contest myself, but I'm not eligible.

The Official (Unofficial) Hashtags for Your NHL Team

Welcome! Enough with the pleasantries...

Okay, so I might have a little too much time on my hands. Most of the time I waste is spent on Twitter. More specifically, it's spent on Twitter talking about hockey. I thought it would be cool to put together an Official, Unofficial list of the proper hashtags used for every team. This will help people find you in all the searches, help you connect with other fans of your team and will ultimately lead to you being rich and famous! ...or maybe you'll finally get to 100 followers. Either way, win!

Each tag is also linked to the Official (officially) Twitter page for each team.

Here goes (remember, this is officially unofficial. If you feel that another tag should be, or is, used on a regular basis, let me know and I will make the unofficial official changes):

#NHLDucks

#Bruins

#Sabres

#Flames

#Canes

#Blackhawks

#Avs

#CBJ

#Stars

#Redwings

#Oilers

#Panthers

#LAKings

#MNWild

#Habs

#Preds

#NJDevils

#Isles

#NYR

#Sens

#Flyers

#Coyotes

#Pens

#SJSharks

#STLBlues

#TBLightning

#Leafs

#Canucks

#Caps

#NHLJets

Remember, using the wrong hashtag is like using no hashtag at all. It also makes everyone who knows better point and laugh at you via DM's. Don't be that person. Use the proper hashtag!

This post is officially done.

This is my new thing. Like, read it ..and stuff.

I sometimes have interesting thoughts that aren't really hockey related...in case you haven't noticed. The limit of 140 on twitter seems to keep some of those thoughts on the short, tame side. I WILL NOT BE CONFINED TO YOUR RESTRICTIONS! ..or something like that.

This will be a place for me to post those other, longer, uncut thoughts. (See what I did there?)

For all of my hockey related shenanigans, you know you can find me at:

Speaking of the Devils

and

Hockey Independent

I strongly suggest you click on the above links because if you don't, a puppy loses its wings.

That's all for now, but I leave you with this: