My Favorite Commercial

You must watch it:


I'm sick so not much to say other than I'm glad I a) picked up Brad Stuart on my fantasy team, I had a feeling about him this year, he is playing very well b) Laraque is a douche, but even Habs fans know that and c) Habs fans are classy, at least the ones I know. Quite possibly the classiest fans in hockey. Or maybe it's just that I have a bias toward Original Six teams. Or maybe I just have a bias toward the three out of those six teams I feel are hockey royalty. Maybe I am just on too many cold meds.

Anyway, enjoy that commercial, if you don't have FSD you won't see it.

The Wings and That Call

I'm going to go there, eventually, bear with me.

The Wings played pretty badly last night.

Howard was decent - he continues to surprise me. I was not on Team Howard at all. AT ALL. I was stoked when he was a prospect because he played so well at Maine, but for the Griffins? Yuck. I figured he'd make it ten games and we'd get Larsson. The few games he's played are not enough to evaluate him fully, nor to make an actual decision about how I truly feel or what the future holds, but he's not sucking. I don't think it's quite time to flip out and acquire a veteran. I mean, would Ozzie have played better in those last four games? Who knows?

Now, Jonathan Ericsson might actually think he plays for the other team most nights. How many assists does he have for opposing teams? He has at least one goal. Yes, Ericsson is the new Samuelsson. Hey, tangent! Zac and I had a Samuelsson theory: Every game in which Sammy scored a goal, the Wings would win. I need to do some research. Maybe there should be an Ericsson theory. Only I dislike Johnny. A lot. Your superhuman healing abilities and Swedish good looks do not make up for your mistakes. Mikael "shoots wide" Samuelsson just annoyed me. I know you're young, Johnny, but these are crucial mistakes that cannot keep happening. They can't. When they lead to a goal or more a game, you are a HUGE (figuratively and literally) liability.

Lebda is everyone's favorite whipping boy, but try to look at it more objectively, people. Bertuzzi too. Look, he's kind of a dick, I think we can all agree on that. But he's not as bad as you're all saying. Sorry, but there are NO "gimmes" in hockey. Todd Bertuzzi can't get no love. In a jillion shots on goal, he'll get one in. But he's shooting, playing aggressively, and genuinely seems like he wants to contribute to the team. Will I ever like him? Doubtful. But Jonathan Ericsson has to go. I'm ready to trade him. How about we call up a Griffin, (Kindl maybe?) and send him to the Wild for Robbie Earl? Yeah, I love Badgers and I love Robbie Earl. I am aware we need no forwards. I ramble. You know this.

Another issue I am having is that it really seems that in a lot of games, when the Wings have a lead, even just a one goal lead, they hang out at the half boards and discuss their weekend plans and let Z, Datsyuk, and Homer handle shit. Not good. In Gary's World of parity, all of these games are important boys. Where is the spark?

Now, let's look at the bright side. All of these games haven't been like this. Yes, the Wings have been plagued with injuries, so has everyone else. There have been bright and shining moments where everyone is playing hard. It's awesome. You have what it takes boys, you can do it. I have faith in you. Not every game is going to be a winner. I know the flu is going around, shit happens, whatever. I needed to get the rant out of the way first. This is going to be a tough season, every game is going to have to be fought out for sixty full minutes. I do think it will be a winning season, just not won the way we're used to seeing in the past several years.

But back to last night. Kind of a lackluster performance. Then Z scores and they get some momentum going. A good and actually entertaining fight between May and Barch. And then May scores a goal. Or, wait.



It's no secret that bad refereeing is the gold standard in the NHL. Every game I watch (and I watch most of them), even if I don't care who is playing, at some point, I am probably going to scream at my TV about a bad call. Especially if Brad Watson, Stephane Auger, or Dennis LaRue are involved. Hey, guess what? Dennis LaRue made that call last night. (Yesterday was a sucktacular day for refereeing, in case you missed this one). Nobody is saying that allowing that goal (that clearly WAS a goal) would have led to a victory for the Wings. Would it changed the momentum? Probably. We can't know how the game would have ended. Perhaps it would have been 3-2 anyway. Maybe it would have gone into OT, ended in a shootout, maybe Dats would have scored, who the fuck knows? But that was a goal. Just like this was a goal.

How much of this are we going to see this season? Why even bother reviewing the play and getting on the horn with TO if it doesn't even matter. This is covered here and here please note this part: Rule 78.5 Disallowed Goals: (xii) When the Referee deems the play has been stopped, even if he had not physically had the opportunity to stop play by blowing his whistle. Retarded. Intent to blow. Watch the video again. Unless he was psychic, he did not intend to blow his whistle to end play. Or he decided the play should be stopped while May was shooting. And the INTENT part didn't even come up until today. Last night it was just the whistle was blown. Yeah, WELL after the puck was in the net.

Now I know referees are just human, prone to errors. And I'm not saying this is just against the Wings, not at all. This is a huge problem in this sport. New viewers frequently tell me that the rules are complex and they don't get it. Yeah, dude, me either, and I've been watching hockey for ages. This is just the most glaringly obvious bad call I've seen. I am pretty sure I would have felt that way if it had happened to ANY other team in the league, even that one. This has to be addressed by the league and the players association before nobody even gives a shit anymore. It's a joke.

You Really Did

Make me choose.

I would have made the choice anyway, but don't act like it wasn't a choice. It was all lip service - the "I am not making anyone choose my side in this fight." Well, her behavior was such that I could really not choose her side. She was verbally and physically abusive to you. Not to mention the repulsive things that she had allowed go on in her own home for so long. I had been afraid for her, then lost respect. And when she harmed you, scared you, and scarred you on what was supposed to be a happy occasion - of course I would take your side. A) I do not condone that kind of behavior - the kind she displayed, nor the kind she was allowing him to treat her and us with and B) You were the one who always stood up for her, and him, making it all seem okay, so to turn on YOU was almost unforgivable to me.

So we all made that choice (and it was a choice, let me remind you once again), with the exception of A, who had no choice, due to work conditions. And I was the one who listened to you cry, who held your hand, who helped you gain strength, and figure out who you were. Who heard and understood your fears that everyone would just forgive her like they always did, and you would be left alone.

But that didn't happen. Everyone was a team, rebuilding after so much damage had been done, and it's not like I really had anything against anyone anyway. HIM, yes, I did. He belongs in jail. He belongs away from humans. He will never be okay. Her, because she wasn't taking responsibility for her own choices, for the hurtful things she had done to you, me, all of us. But I was never really that pissed. I mostly just didn't care at all. You were though, and I was pissed for you. And I walked with you, all the way through every emotion. All of it.

Then it was her birthday, and she had broken up with him (though not really, as I learned later). So we all thought it would be shitty to be alone on ones birthday and we surprised her. It was awkward and weird and you were the one who was most worried about it but you were the one who ended up being most okay about it.

And everything went back to the way it was before, just like you worried it would. Only featuring YOU as the star player, and leaving me out in the cold. I would have come to this realization sooner but Zac is much nicer than I am. Making excuses for everyone. They are at this point in their lives, they are doing this, they think we're this and that and the other thing. I say bullshit. Things were okay before. Nobody had problems returning calls or emails before. And I'm not talking about forwards, "You are my bestest friend in the world" crap. Sorry if I send them, I do, I am superstitious. But If I call you 15 times since June and I get one call back in July saying, "Oh I am totally busy, sorry, sucky friend..." I get the hint. And you're not that busy, busy with your drinking, maybe.

I run my mouth and say some shit, sure. But you do too. You said the ONE thing that I just can't get over. Your cameo appearance at my son's birthday party is greatly appreciated, as is all you've done for us, especially with Dante, I will never forget that.

But I don't even know who you are anymore. Do you? Is this what you want for yourself and your life? If it is, awesome, best of luck to you. You won't even read this (and I'm not sure I want you to) but I needed to say it because it is time for me to let it go already. Feeling sad and angry about it is doing me much harm and there is so much more for me to be focusing on instead of the choices YOU make and mourning for something that is already long gone is just an exercise in futility.

I just miss you. And if I had to do it all over again? I would have made the same choice.

Stat Counter

Is so awesome.

This post was going to be about other stuff, and I will get to it, as I have a propensity to ramble about the absurd. However, I am totally procrastinating today (which I'm sure comes as a big shock to you), so for giggles, I clicked on my stat tracker. I usually don't because it's kind of creepy to me, like I'm stalking you. I installed it for something to install. Sometimes I like to see if there are people actually reading it, and it shocks me that there are. Today I clicked on keywords just out of curiosity and this one came up:

Kris Letang

For real? I do think it's quite clear that I am a Red Wings fan and writing about Kris Letang is something I'm pretty sure I've never done. I read back far enough to verify this. But Kris Letang googler, this is for you.

I don't like the Penguins. I have family and good friends in Pittsburgh too (Hey Kelly). That made life sucky during the finals. Even my dad was on the Sidney Crosby train. He's not really much of a hockey fan so he buys into the retarded hype that Crosby is a golden god. He gets pissy when I talk about what a whining, diving, sack puncher I think he is (sorry Kelly). If there is one Penguin I kind of like, it would be Max Talbot. I should hate him with my entire being for game 7. I know this. But he is a leader. He should be sporting the C. I am fond of his inability to dress himself as well. It's almost charming.

But Kris Letang? Who fucking cares? Tyler Kennedy maybe. Stick licking weirdo.


Okay, I will admit I watched when Kris Letang and Tyler Kennedy did the weather. I am a glutton for punishment. I have not and will not watch the Cup shit. You can post it to me fifty billion times. I am not going to watch it. Even Sports Illustrated tried to make me look at it (although props to them for posting this picture as a full page.

I know people love Kris Letang's hair. What the fuck ever. Everybody knows Zetterberg has the best hair (and maybe Eaves might be giving him a run for his money this year). Yes, that might be the lamest, girliest sentence ever typed.

So Kris Letang googler, enjoy. I hate your team and don't even give a shit about him.

Warning

I've been drinking. If we had 24 hour video feed, I think The MacRosties would be the top rated show on television. I really don't think those of you who know us in real life understand what really transpires in this house. I know those of you that do are usually amused by us but for real, yo. We are not right. Especially when you add alcohol.

Here's the post I promised. Here are your Top Five Steves Zac would like to meet:

1) Steve Yzerman Obviously your top Steve. Sixth in career points, THE Captain, the one sports legend you'd like your child to look up to, leader of the Wings, hero of Detroit, no question for top Steve.

2) Steve Zahn Native Minnesotan (bonus points), quirky star of cool movies, enhances pictures (even craptacular ones like Sahara), stellar in Happy, TX, a dude you'd want to hang out with.

3) Stevie Wonder Makes the number three spot due to his really cool guest appearance on The Cosby Show, giving up the catch phrase, "Jammin' on the one."

4) Steven Seagal Hawker of energy drinks, star of movies that were cooler than Jean Claude Van Damme's, martial and recording artist, reincarnated Tulku... Like there is a cooler #4 Steve. Please.

5) Steve Stamkos Let's face it, hockey players are cool. If you read my blog, you know how we roll. Look at the notable mentions and you realize there are really not that many cool Steves out there. What really makes Stamkos cool? His 2009 hat trick against the Hawks.

Other notable Steves
*Steven Jackson
*Steve Young
*Steve Guttenberg

Steves He Made Up
*Steve Me Alone
*Stevil Kinevil

Recap of the Boring

I have been half brain dead this week. For real. That's two great weekends in hockey. That post is inaccurate, I'm retarded. Feb. 6 and March 7 are two different months Jen. Granted, I have been busy and distracted. A couple of days ago I wondered if I had early onset dementia. For real. That is what happens when I get a cold and don't write myself enough sticky notes.

D started his second session of skating and it's good. We went on a mission of getting Zac new skates today as D gets free open skating now. Mine will suffice but I want new ones. I want hockey skates but I need to rent theirs first before I make the ultimate decision. Zac's are cool, they're Eastons and they're low end, but they still look like Zetterberg's. I'm a dork. Aside: Hey Reebok, quit putting Sidney Crosby on shit. I'm not going to buy it. I don't care if it is the most badass stick of all time. I will buy my kid a Forsberg stick before I buy him a Crosby stick. I don't care if it's blue and he is whining for it because it is his favorite color. NOT. GOING. TO. BUY. IT. EVER.

So we were at the mall and we never go there so we thought we'd take the opportunity to look around. What the fuck. Seriously, I could have done my own people of Walmartesque website if my stealth photography skills were better. I saw one chick wearing jean shorts, tights, and boots. People. Carrie Bradshaw is NOT a fashion role model. Also, hot pink makes no one look cute. Especially in denim - it makes you look like a hooker. And I think if the makers of Ugg saw the travesty of footwear at West Towne Mall, they might rethink the whole thing.

We did go to Hot Topic, even though I feel dirty shopping there. Really. Back in the day, we would have kicked everyone's ass at that place. The DIY aspect of punk rock is lost on these people. Another aside: How is your store trendy or goth or whatever if your WHOLE FUCKING STORE is devoted to Twilight? Really? There is another whole story here but it's a) embarrassing what I bought there (I assure you it wasn't Twilight related) b) I should have punched the cashier in the head but I'm devoted to a lifestyle of non violence and c) a story about me buying anything at hot topic and getting pissed off about it shows you that I am totally immature and overly concerned with stupid things.

So. To relax, I'm going to play Hit Me Mick while watching the game and maybe you'll get a drunken blog post about the Top Five Steves Zac would like to meet later.

The Greatest Weekend in Hockey

For me anyway.

I am procrastinating today. Sweet Zombie Jeebus. I have about a million projects due in like three hours. Instead I have updated my status on Facebook, checked Twitter four hundred times, called Julie, made cookies with Deacon, rocked out to The Fresh Beat Band (that is a total commitment to procrastination), etc.

What I really want to tell you about is my upcoming weekend of awesome. It's in the distant future, but I am really excited because dreams really do come true.

The Badgers are hosting The Culvers Camp Randall Hockey Classic, which we were super excited about to begin with. Camp Randall is badass and the perfect place for a Winter Classic. So we thought, hmmm... if enough people go and with enough media coverage, Madison may get a Winter Classic at some point. Also, how kickass is it going to be to watch the women vs. Bemidji State then the men vs Michigan?

THEN yesterday they announced this - check that off my list of things to do. Well, partially. I still want to drink from the Cup.

SO. Friday: The Stanley Cup. Saturday: The Culvers Camp Randall Hockey Classic. Sunday: The Detroit Red Wings vs. The Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. We have crapola tickets but they're tickets nonetheless. Perhaps I will upgrade, I do have time. It is enemy territory, a place where they chant "Detroit Sucks" even when they are not playing Detroit. But if Zac is rocking his new Kimbo Slice look (I SO wish I had a picture of it. He says it was unintentional but he has been catching up on The Ultimate Fighter lately), I think we should be okay.

The greatest hockey weekend EVAH. So far anyway.