As I predicted, I’m all panicky now because they lost. I know it’s only one game out of nine that they didn’t get a point in. I should still be happy, right? It makes me really nervous. I wish they’d just win the dang Stanley Cup and get it over with so they can cling to the current players until they’re way past their prime and I can stop worrying about who will get traded.
I don’t think they played a bad game. It appeared to me that the New Jersey Devils came out a little slow and the Stars took advantage in the first period. Yes, Marty Brodeur gave up two comical goals, but the Stars were essentially in charge at first.
But in the second and third, while the Devils picked their game up in a big way, the Stars still seemed to think they were playing the first-period Devils. They just swarmed the defense the rest of the game. Zubov got caught being too patient a couple of times, and Ribeiro was attacked behind the net more than he’s used to. I think it was more what the Devils did late in the game than what the Stars didn’t do. I give a lot of credit to New Jersey for taking it over, rather than blame Dallas for coughing it up. There’s a (slight) difference.
Even though Ribs never really got his behind-the-net thing going, he had a pretty good game. He hits quite a bit for a little scrawny guy. Plus, he had a save tonight, just like Boucher did the other night. This time Turco was on the bench for the extra attacker, but it was still a good save.
After the second intermission, Ralph Strangis interviewed Jamie Langenbrunner. I really miss him. I tried to defend Armstrong when he was fired, but the more I was reminded that he traded Jamie and Joe Nieuwendyk the madder at him I got. Ralph and Jamie are still good friends, apparently, and are managing a fantasy football game together in a league with the guys on the Ticket’s BaD Radio.
One of the things I love most about Langer is that the name on his sweater goes halfway down his sleeves.
On a separate note, there’s some bad news from the injury front. Jere Lehtinen will have to have surgery after all. I’m not sure what a “sports hernia” is, but it seems to involve the abdominal muscles and it sounds very painful. Zubov spent the summer recovering from his. Hopefully, Lehtinen will be back by the All-Star Game, although it’ll be close.
Don’t forget to stop by the game diary at Interchangeable Parts.
Up next is Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. That Crosby, he’s a good.
I give a lot of credit to New Jersey for taking it over, rather than blame Dallas for coughing it up. There’s a (slight) difference.
As a fan of a team that routinely beats itself rather than loses to the other team, I totally understand the distinction. And frankly, I’d much, much rather see my team get beat honestly than lose for not trying.
It’s not often that the Devils figure their shit out after playing as putridly as they did in the first here (and it’s even less often that you see Marty give up two stinkers like that and actually recover from them — normally he demands to be left in for two more before allowing the coach to replace him), but I think you’re right that tonight the Devils were just the better team in the last two periods, as shocking as that seems (I mean, really — the Devils? Her?). You really put it perfectly by saying it was like the Stars thought they were still playing their first-period opponent. Your guys were consistent throughout, but the Devils managed to keep kicking things up until they had control of the game.
Damn you, Dallas Stars, for breaking Pando, though! Mark my words — I will not forget!!! :P
Also, we’re not used to starting out well. We like to look lost first, then get it together to win.
Damn you, Dallas Stars, for breaking Pando, though!
I thought he broke himself! The Stars would never hurt a fly!
That Crosby, he’s a good.
I might not get through that game without the help of vodka for all the laughing.
All that stuff from IPB will just continuously run through my head.
I miss Jere already so much. Also, I miss Mittens. No more Finns getting injured, please!
And frankly, I’d much, much rather see my team get beat honestly than lose for not trying.
GOD, YES. That’s what frustrated me so much about earlier this season, especially looking at the Stars NOW. It seems like they weren’t even trying back then, and I would get so, so mad. Now, though, they’re at least trying, and getting beaten when you’re trying is WAY different than getting beaten because you barely bothered to show up to play.
I don’t know. I wonder if losing games where you’re really trying is any better.
As I predicted, I’m all panicky now because they lost.
Patty, the Sabres’ winning streak stopped last night at 5, and I’m in a full blown angst ridden panic about it today. I’m pretty sure they will never win again. Heh.
I wonder if losing games where you’re really trying is any better.
Losing sucks, but I’d rather have a little bit of dignity doing it.
You know what? Sports reporters should stop telling the Stars about franchise records. The last time they informed the players of whatever record, the Stars lost. They told all the players about the streak, and none of the guys had any idea. Stop jinxing us, reporters!
You know what? Sports reporters should stop telling the Stars about franchise records.
Really! I actually had a note to mention that in this post and forgot about it. The minute I read that a player said, “Huh, really?” when asked about the streak, I thought, “Dang it! They’re gonna lose!”
I read that a player said, “Huh, really?” when asked about the streak, I thought, “Dang it! They’re gonna lose!”
I know!!
We came out strong in the first period and I thought to myself, “We look good…normally we suck in the first period. Oh, let’s not reverse this guys, and suck in the third instead.”
*sigh*