REASON #18
Crosby NEVER Quits!

(with a "never say 'die'" attitude!)

I think we all realize this and it's something that's quite special about Sid (and a quality not every person posesses which makes it even more special).

The most recent example of this was in Game #6 of the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers last Saturday. The Flyers pulled Biron towards the end of the game. With seconds left, Sid made a breakaway out of the Penguins zone. On his first attempt at the empty-net, he missed then collected his own rebound to wrap around and made sure he scored a goal on the second attempt -- the "Kid" is just UNBELIEVABLE!!

Western Conference Hottie: Dustin Boyd (Calgary Flames)

As you all are aware, we are deep into round 1 of the playoffs. So I'm sure you all as well as myself are struggling a bit, with some of these teams we haven't paid much attention to during the regular season for whatever reason (paying too much attention to your own favorite, etc.). Well, during the CAL-CHI game the other day, I ran across this fine "specimen". Playing for the Flames. [I can ALREADY see why Kena picked this one! LMAO!!]!!

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 3rd round (98th overall) in 2004. He works hard and plays an all-around game typical of the Flames organization. It's always a sign of a good career when you can make the cut and stay with the team who drafted you. Can step up the offense when his team needs it most. Plays center or wing. His game suffers some from a slight lack of height as a smallish forward with a lot of heart. He made his NHL debut for the Flames on November 1, 2006 in a 3–2 away loss to the Detroit Red Wings (in the interest of preventing boring regurgitation, I'm refraining from commenting on my dislike/grudging respect of the Red Wings [excluding that sub-human Hossa, I HATE him.] here, oh, oops, I guess I kind of did anyway). He played two games for the Flames before being returned to Omaha (Alaska, not Nebraska). He scored his first NHL goal on January 6, 2007 on Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars. (which at the time, was QUITE an accomplishment. The Stars didn't give Turco all that money for shits a giggles. At the time, he was earning it, but not making it yet). It was the game-winning goal. On November 11, 2008, Boyd received his first First Star of the Game in scoring two goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 4-3 win. He was also a member of the Canadian gold-medal-winning team in the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: The first thing I noticed about this guy, was his B O D Y. In a word, WOW. For those of you who haven't been watching any CAL-CHI games, I was floored, when they showed him in the locker room, getting his gear on. If you like upper body "attributes", he's the crush for you! Arms, chest and even back, I couldn't look away. I'm not even sure who/what the subject was. I was so focused on looking at him. The blond hair has nothing to do with it either [yeah, RIGHT!] - or the pretty curls - nor do the blue eyes. [hysterical laughter, I shouldn't tell such gargantuan lies, should I.] I have to quite freely admit that the 6'0" 173lbs. has EVERYTHING to do with it. [that's more like our infamous blond-loving Kena!] What a fabulously solid and ascetically pleasing specimen of Hockey Player hotness!! Don't you ladies agree?

Try as I might, I couldn't dig up any dirt on him, not a girlfriend, not family, likes or dislikes. I just was having a bad day I think... [a day without Kena finding "dirt" on a HP is a bad day for ALL OF US!! ; ) ]

Fleury's a "Sneaky Little Bastard" and "Likes It Back Door"

The guy who brought you Crosby laughing about his "knob" is at it again with Marc-Andre Fleury and Jordan Staal -- these interviews are priceless (I ABSOLUTELY LOVE seeing the guys being so laid back and fun!) -- THANKS to Molly for emailing the link!!

Cabbie's Journey to the Cup video series: NHL Goalies

And Molly also took this wonderful screencap to point out that "you see a shirtless Dupuis in the backgroun!" (and is that a tattoo I see?!)!!!

Crosby Pictures of the Week (Playoff Edition)

Nothing is better than seeing Sid with a smile (OR Sid with that serious "I mean business" look OR from the back OR when he's celebrating ... well, you all get the idea)!! There's just so many sides to Sid and I LOVE every last one of them and, of course, the playoffs brings all of it out of him -- SO, needless to say, I have TONS of Sid pics for this week (and have a feeling I will throughout the playoffs / final!)!!!

ENJOY!!!! ; )

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Pavel Kubina (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Pavel Kubina has played for only two NHL teams throughout his career - the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past three seasons after playing for the Bolts since being drafted by them in 1996 (debuted with them in 1997). He's definitely an offensive defenseman as you can tell by the stats listed below.

HOCKEY FACTOR:

• born in Celadna, Czech Republic
• defenseman
• shoots right
• drafted 7th by Tampa Bay in the 1996 draft (179th overall)
• named to WC-A All-Star Team in 1999
• played in the 2004 NHL All-Star game
• helped the Bolts win a Stanley Cup in 2004
• recorded a career-high 38 points during the 2005-2006 season
• won gold medal on Team Czech Republic at the World Championship in 2005
• won bronze medal on Team Czech Republic at the Winter Olymplics in 2006
• he signed a 4 year / $20 million contract in 2006 with the Maple Leafs
• milestones he reached this past season: 700th NHL game played; 200th NHL assist; and 300th NHL point

HOTNESS FACTOR:

Another large defenseman at 6' 4" and 244 pounds (do you think there's a pattern here?!)!! A big defenseman is a real turn-on though and ON TOP of that, he's quite a talented player (see above -- and look at the milestones he reached as a defenseman!)!!

He has a really cute nickname (which doesn't fit the defensman persona) - Kubby! He, too, has a softer side and according to globeandmail.com his family is one of the things that brings it out. His first child with his girlfriend Andrea was born in 2006 (daughter Teresa).

"It was hard for me to leave," Kubina said. "It was an unbelievable feeling to be there. I have to thank the Leafs for their great support in letting me go and my teammates. They told me I shouldn't miss it because it is something great to see. They were right.

PenPics of the [Playoff] Week (Game 6)

REASON #17
He "Comes Through" for the Pens
(and steps up when it truly "counts")

Sid is always aware of what's on the line and the importance of any given situation.

The first goal in last game against the Flyers (Game #4) was all-too-important for the game and the series. It dictated which team would gain and work to keep the momentum. Who scored that important goal? None other than Sid!! Sure it was "questionable" (to the Flyers and HC Stevens), but Crosby was not worried and looked pretty confident that the call was going to remain that it was a goal -- AND IT WAS!!

For anyone who doubts the importance of Crosby to this team, just look at how many times he's come through to create big opportunities at critical times -- you cannot argue that HE IS THE MAN (well, one of them of MANY on this team!), but it's just another reason I LOVE him!!!

Western Conference Hottie: T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues)

I have to "set up" this post with a short explanation. With the untimely demise of the Stars postseason hopes, I was forced to chose another WC team to back (and with the current outlook, I'm going to be forced to chose another). So I decided "what the heck" and became a Blues fan. Much to my delight there's much more studlyness to be found on this team than I might have originally thought (yes, there's 3 different links there. I guess I watch the Blues more than I thought. Oh well.)

[And I have to begin by saying, "HEL - LO, TJ! Me - OW!!" OH- and don't let Kena fool you -- the Blues have been her second, no -- make that third, favorite team this season -- even more than she's letting on now!! She is by no means a "homer," but I never let that get in the way of our friendship!]

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: He played high school hockey for Warroad High School in Warroad, Minn., and joined the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League at the completion of his senior season with the Warriors in 2004-05. He played at the University of North Dakota for three seasons following his time in the USHL, and played seven games with the United States WJC-A team in 2005-06. On May 13, 2008 Oshie opted to forgo his senior season with the Fighting Sioux and sign with the Blues. In October 2008, he started the season with St. Louis as a rookie. He scored his first career goal on October 22, against the Detroit Red Wings. [Yes, this is a recurring theme, in all posts I write. I do NOT like the Red Wings, even while grudgingly admiring them. oh, and having a case of severe "toe curls" for Nik Lidstrom... Anyway.] Oshie played on the same collage team as Jonathan Toews (CHI) So both of the old collage line-mates, are in the playoffs this year, only on different teams. Oshie finished off this regular season, with a +16, which in my book isn't too bad for a rookie.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Look at the pictures, and I'll bet you can guess how he found his way to the Hotties of the WC, list. ESPECIALLY my personal list [I'll let the regular readers, enlighten the newer readers as to my special weakness] a little short for my preferences at 5'11" (There's more than one way to do it though, right ladies?) and I'm guessing he'll fill out a little more than the 170 he currently weighs in at. But in spite of these "attributes" he's quite simply, lovely. His "Ask A Player Q. & A." feature on the Blues Website. is DEFINITELY worth a read, [LINK HERE] but in particular I found the following very... um... "stimulating"

Q: You play with so much energy, what do you do to prepare yourself mentally and physically to go out and play with the best players in the NHL every night? – Jimmy Watt, Columbia, MO
A: I actually don’t really do anything. I don’t have a routine before the game, I obviously think about what I’ve got to do. But I just always want to pride myself on being the hardest worker on the ice. That’s my main goal.

WOW, "hardest worker on the ice" sounds really promising for other "areas"... [care to elaborate, Kena?!!! : P ]

Captain Sid Believes in Us TOO!!

If there was ever a doubt in any of your minds that Sid believes we're capable of becoming a 6th man on the ice and giving the Pens an advantage during home games -- read on!! Yesterday he was asked about playing on the road against Philly at the Wachovia Center and here's what he had to say:

"I’ve played here a lot personally," he said. "As a team, you always expect on the road in the playoffs for it to be more challenging. You expect the other team to have energy. It’s nothing new. It’s always a little more difficult on the road anyway. I don’t think it’s any more challenging because it is here."

When he was asked if Penguins fans will respond to the Flyers in the same manner at Mellon Arena, Crosby replied:"I’m sure they’ll answer it, yeah. I’m not worried about that."

That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside -- gee, THANKS Sid!!

And I'll be one of those fans who get to respond as I was lucky enough to get Game #5 tickets yesterday (YEA!!!)!!!! I won't let you down, Sid!!!!

Crosby Pictures of the Week

Since this is the playoffs, there are an abundance of great Crosby pics to choose from so this week I'm posting a few (because you just can't have too many pictures of Crosby with that doll-face of his!)!!!!!!

ENJOY!!!

PenPics of the Week

There were TONS of good pictures of the Pens this week which is why this post is FILLED with them (I can't even pick a favorite there's so many great ones!)!!!!!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Jassen Cullimore (Florida Panthers)

Jassen Cullimore hasn't let any grass grow under his feet in his 14 seasons in the NHL as he's been part of five different teams since his NHL debut in 1994 with the Vancouver Canucks. This doesn't count the year he was invited to the Detroit Redwings training camp in 2007 during which he was released that same year.

HOCKEY FACTOR:

• born in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
• defenseman
• shoots left
• drafted in 1991 by the Canucks (2nd round, 29th choice overall)
• OHL Second All-Star Team (1992)
• traded to Montreal on November 13, 1996
• claimed on waivers by Tampa Bay on January 22, 1998
• loaned to Providence(AHL) by Tampa Bay on October 1, 1999
• missed majority of 2002-2003 season recovering from elbow injury suffered in game against Vancouver on November 29, 2002
• won Stanley Cup Championship in 1994 with the TB Lightning
• signed as a free agent by Chicago on July 22, 2004
• traded to Montreal on June 16, 2007
• signed as a free agent by Florida on October 26, 2007
  
  

HOTNESS FACTOR:

Cullenmore is your typical, large defenseman at 6' 5" and 235 pounds (that's pretty SOLID!)!! And nothing is sexier than a D-man especially when he's a big guy!!

Extra hot is the fact that he's a guy that doesn't run from committment -- he has a wife (not too sure about any kids). To top it off, he's not afraid to drop the gloves when he feels it's necessary, ladies!! CHECK IT OUT (he's pretty much defending himself here -- didn't like being slammed into the boards / ice too much!)!! NOTE: it's the only fight he was involved in this season, but it still tells me that when he sees it necessary, he's not going to stray from it!!

Staalsy & Fleury Model the New Team Playoff Shirt

Without realizing it, I caught a glimpse of the Pens 2009 players playoff shirts they wear in the locker room (and obviously during post-game interviews).

When the camera got a shot of Staal last Wednesday, I noticed the neat shirt he had on (I'm not ashamed to admit I was basically focusing on those manly "big guns" of his - if I hadn't been, I may not have noticed to begin with) -- since the Pens logo is on one sleeve and a skull on the other.

The skull is from the comic book character, the Punisher and their motto this year is "Are ya hungry?" which is on the back of the shirt.


And after looking through some Pens pictures, I also found Fleury wearing one to (from last Friday).

REASON #16
He's a Captain Who Leads the Way
(and ALWAYS leads by example)!!

Who doesn't love a man who takes charge?!! That's exactly what Sid went out and did last night against the Cryers when he scored the first goal of the first game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs -- a great start that keeps momentum on the Pens side especially with the BIG WIN!!

And here's another look:

It's A Boy!!

Last night prior to the game, Stan Savran announced that Chris Kunitz and his wife, Maureen, welcomed their first child yesterday morning at 9:00 AM. A baby boy named Zachary James.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KUNITZ'S!!

Western Conference Hottie: Antti Miettinen (Minnesota Wild)

Formerly of the Dallas Stars. (Here's another Fin, for elodie [your welcome, grin]).

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: We stars fans already miss him. He was one of our favorites (or at least one of mine). You need a goal late in the game he's one of the guys who'll go try to get one for you. I remember several late game goals that I saw him score. He played 69 games for us (the Stars) last year. With 15 goals, 19 assists and a +4. But I really feel that he is at his best as a situational player. From the little bit of info that I've gotten about how he's doing in Minnesota. Where he's been playing on the top line, and putting up really impressive numbers. I think it's a better fit for him up there than with Dallas. (So far I've been right, since the Wild are tearing things up right now) I still miss him.

THE REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: 6'0” 190lbs. Really, really blond (I mean REALLY). Dark blue (almost navy blue) eyes. Sexy little smile, which morphs into a sexy big grin (with dimples [yes, I'm truly a sucker]) when he's really happy. You find yourself wanting him to be really happy all the time. He can go from looking “cute” to looking “dangerous” in the (literal) blink of an eye. But I've never heard a bad thing about him. His nickname (at least for some of them/us in Dallas) was “Mittens” which is just TOO cute and actually fits him very well. I find myself wanting to snuggle up with him on the couch.

Final note, OK, I admit it. He does look the tiniest bit like an elf. But Elves are cute, right? (OK, everyone can stop laughing now. Really, stop... He's CUTE!!!)