Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Western Conference Hotties "Month of Stars" - [Final] Week 5: Loui Eriksson (Dallas Stars)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Crosby Picture of the Week
When I see these kinds of pics, I often wonder where the photographers are located to take them. Interesting to think about.
Make-A-Wish Luncheon
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article posted December 20th:
Just another example of the many charitable ways this team gives back to the community (and how it shows that they genuinely enjoy doing so).Forward Mike Zigomanis stopped by Julie's table to talk about his missing front teeth. Defenseman Philippe Boucher gave Julie — who underwent surgery on a brain tumor last year — a high-five after he learned they were both left-handed.
The Penguins have been hosting the event for 23 years. Every member of the team stopped by the Igloo Club to make small talk, sign autographs and pose for pictures with the children — who all have a life-threatening medical condition.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Cover Boy Once Again!
For the second straight year in a row, Sidney Crosby is #1 among the "100 People of Power and Influence" in the hockey world as ranked by The Hockey News.
Fellow Penguin hottie, Evgeni Malkin, also made the ranking at #91.
The December 29th edition of The Hockey News features Crosby on the cover (pictured in this post).
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thanks - SO MUCH!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Pens!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Western Conference Hotties "Month of Stars" - Week 4: Fabian Brunnström - Revisited (Dallas Stars)
IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: A highly sought after Swedish
"import" (at one time there were 12 NHL teams vying for his services), he was signed to a maximum entry-level contract by the Dallas Stars. It's turned out (so far) to be worth every penny. He's one of the leading goal scorers (3rd) on the team. Notably, he scored a hat trick in his very first game [VIDEO] which puts him in some very impressive company (only the third 1st game hat trick in history). Since the Stars have been riddled with injuries recently, he's been getting TONS more ice time than expected. My opinion is that he's developing into a very good defensive forward. He's been really good at going after pucks, and getting in the “nitty gritty” of banging around on the boards. Personally, I'd like to see him taking more shots, but then that's my thing. I'd like to see them all take more shot s, and go after the rebounds really hard. That's my favorite style of hockey and he'd be pretty good at it. I know his game has a lot of developing to do yet [read], but so far I like what I see.
THE REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Dark blond hair, (YES, again [laughs, honestly I do look at guys who aren't blond, really I do] WHO are you kidding, Kena?!!); pretty aqua blue eyes. 6'2" 203lbs. Always gracious (and from what I've seen, "flirtatious" is a good descriptive term also) with his fans, and a genuinely sweet and outgoing personality. He can wind you around his little finger with a smile. Some of the Stars fans started referring to him by the singularly adorable nickname of “Bunny.” Of course, since I'm the world's most atrocious speller (and wrapping your tongue around all those letters is definitely not easy), I jumped on this
nickname. He possesses a singularly awesome work ethic (I don't need to tell you all what I'm speculating that might transfer to, I'll let you all
come to your own conclusions). He was a “burger stuffer” at Burger King back home in Sweden (while he was in the Swedish minor leagues), while getting up early to go to the rink in the morning for extra practice on his own. Talk about dedication (again, just my speculation, but does that have possibilities, or does that have possibilities?!). As a particular added bonus he's as attractive when he's leaving as he is from the front. I can say this tactfully “he provides an amazing improvement to lower body apparel” or I can just be simply, brutally honest - the guy's got a gorgeous ass!! But either way, it bears mentioning. You should've just saved yourself the trouble and said it the brutally honest way to begin with (which is the Kena we've all come to know and love)!!
In my humble opinion, hockey players in street clothes are a VERY special treat. Just like unwrapping a very special gift on Christmas morning. I know I definitely wouldn't mind finding him under my tree tomorrow. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Sorry, Kena - I may be able to pull off a whole bunch of things, but this isn't one of them -- this post is the best I can do with that wish!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Crosby Picture of the Week
SORRY for the Lack of Updates!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
BAD BOY of Winter: Mike Komisarik (Montreal Canadians)
The million watt smile hides the fact that he's one of the leaders in blocked shots and hits. He's one of if not THE main reason Carey Price looks so good (never hurts to have one of the best D-men in the league, in front of you). His smile also hides the fact that, in true NY style, he's a party boy who has dated the likes of Alecia Cuthbert [Read about it Here (good pics)], and Lindsay Rosen.
PLEASE tell me what female would not want to be in official #92's spot at about 0:22 in this video?????
If you do a little digging, (which I admit I did). You'll find that a surprising (or not) number of Komisarek fights, er. end with him, ah on "top."
As proof I offer this one... Komisarik kicks the stuffings out of Dubinsky...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lancwi6jKUU
and this one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OfTAwpdl2s
That was the last one, I promise...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Western Conference Hotties "Month of Stars" - Week 3: Steve Ott (Dallas Stars)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Crosby Picture of the Week
He's cute even when he's being BAD!! ; )
Penguins Visit Childrens Hospital in Oakland
But our boys are the best on and off the ice!!
And thanks to Lauren for the "heads-up!"
Monday, December 15, 2008
GOOD LORD - Strip Hockey (with Pictures!)!!
As practice wound down, several players engaged in strip hockey -- you don't score on a breakaway from the blue line, you take something off; you score, you get to put something back on. The clear loser was defenseman Kris Letang, who eventually was trying to score on one skate -- his left foot was bare -- and was also without his helmet, gloves, jersey and upper-body pads.And, by golly, we don't even have to wait for pictures -- some kind soul took them and already posted them on LGP message board!! However, these pictures aren't quite as good as the "Shirts vs. Skins" since no one was without a shirt! The all of Tangers (and some including Duper).
Look at all the hockey gear on the ice in a pile to the right!!
Enjoy, ladies AND THANKS A BUNCH, Elizabeth (nice work - I LOVE it!)!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
"Hockey 101" with HftL: The Mystery Men in the Striped Shirts
Each NHL game is officiated by a team of "linesmen" and "referees." This team consists of 2 linesmen and 2 referees.
The Referee's job is overall supervision of the game. He has control of all other officials, including off ice officials (i.e., video/replay judges). He is responsible for determining and announcing all penalties, and identifying and announcing the player scoring the goal or committing the infraction/penalty. He has no responsibility for assigning assists. His decisions are final. Referees may not stop the game in matters of off-side or icing as these are the duty's of the Linesmen. The one exception to this is injury/incapacitation of a Linesman.
The Linesman's job is primarily calling violations for "icing" and "offsides;" he is also responsible for "backing up" the Referee (by reporting his opinions on any incident that may have occurred on the ice). He is also responsible for facing-off the puck in all situations except the start of a game, and the start of each period or after the scoring of a goal (basically, anytime there is a face-off at center ice.
In addition to the players on each team working in harmony with one another, it is important as an official to work in harmony with your "officiating team." This means that you strive for consistency and communication (with your counterparts and also, to some degree, with those you are "overseeing").
Communication with your counterparts is very important because nothing is more frustrating to the players than not knowing exactly what actions are acceptable, and what aren't. Which is why all good officials try to avoid the "well, it's roughing in my zone" type of trap. Good officials will try to keep track of each other, in addition to watching what is happening in the game itself. Good officials want, above all, a safe and fair game.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
BAD BOY of Winter: Jarkko Ruutu (Ottawa Senators)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Western Conference Hotties "Month of Stars" - Week 2: Mike Modano (Dallas Stars)
IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Since I'm writing a blog post and not an encyclopedia, I'm just going to say that his career is EPIC! [VIDEO] [VIDEO] [VIDEO]You can read the details HERE and HERE. In addition to the above records, he's been and continues to be the “face” of American hockey and of the Dallas Stars. The first round (and first overall) draft pick of the Minnesota North Stars (now Dallas Stars) he's one of only 5 Americans to share this distinction in NHL history. He was Captain of the Stars for 4 years straight, [2003 to 2006] Some notable accomplishments (to me anyway) include – Personal best of 50 goals (1993/94), Most points in a game 6 [2-4-6], 7 career Hat Tricks and an Olympic Silver Medal (2002) [I don't know why, but Olympic medals really impress me]. But how does he play, you may ask. SMART! Easily one of the smartest players you will EVER see play. My favorite thing is when he makes 2 or 3 guys “bite” on him on a PP, and then passes it off for a goal or even scores it himself. Simply awesome.
The dish he brings to the “eye candy” table, is the “classic American boy-next-door” look. (Stephanie keeps telling me “vintage,” because hell never go out of style) [Kena was originally offended by my using this word for him; however, it was not intended to be negative. Modano has stood the test of time and I remember him from when I started watching hockey, so he's like a favorite blanket from childhood -- makes me all warm and fuzzy thinking back to such a great time] Unassumingly hot, but absolutely NO assumptions are necessary. Just don't scorch your eyeballs looking ladies. Remember, you're not supposed to look directly at a bright light and he is THE (Dallas) “Star.” [and THIS is darling!! (but you have to ignore Brett Hull)].
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Crosby Picture of the Week
This picture captures only one of the times Sidney decided to play "backup" to Dany Sabourin last Saturday against the Ottawa Senators as I noticed it a few more times throughout the game!!
You gotta give Sid credit -- he's all over the place (I'm just wondering how much Sabourin liked it or whether he gave it any thought at all - it could quite easily give the impression that Sid doesn't trust his net-minder)!
Talbot Video Tribute
Monday, December 8, 2008
Unsung Hottie - Rob Scuderi
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Hockey 101 with HftL: Penalties
- minor
- major
- goaltender's
- coincidental minor / major
- misconduct / game misconduct
- match
MINOR PENALTIES are those that players get two minutes in the penalty box for and forces that player's team to be short one player on the ice (short-handed). If the other team scores a goal within that two minutes, the player is automatically released from the penalty box and that player's team is back to "even strength" (the same number of players on the ice as the opposing team). Some minor penalties include, but are not limited to, boarding; charging; clipping; cross-checking; delay of game; elbowing; high-sticking; holding; roughing; slashing; and tripping.