For a couple of mornings last week, I was reminded, as the Grateful Dead sings “not a chill to the winter/but a nip to the air” that fall is almost upon us. What does this mean? Football. No wait. Hockey! In around 50 days or so, I will be heading to Prague to watch the beloved Bruins open the season against the Coyotes. It can’t come a moment too soon as I have begun to watch the Red Sox this week, and apparently I haven’t been missing anything. More importantly, I have been absent from blogging for a while, so If I could, here are some random thoughts I have been kicking around, both hockey and non hockey related.

First off, apologies for the absence. I won’t even try to come up with a good excuse. You know, people get busy. Having said that, I saw Hot Tub Time Machine recently, and I highly suggest you watch it too. Not to spoil it for anyone, but after seeing the movie, I feel totally ill prepared for time travel. HTTM turns the time travel theory on its ear, and I guess I wasn’t prepared for it. Ending totally blew my mind the first time I saw it because I felt like it was only half over. Trust me on this. Great movie, but it will make you question how prepared you are for time travel, and make you reexamine everything you thought you knew about the time travel movie genre.

Did you know since the lockout, Marc Savard is 15th in the NHL in points? I didn’t either, and after reading that, it really made me more convinced trading him is the wrong move for the Bruins.

Speaking of the Bruins, what the hell are they going to do if Tyler Seguin isn’t ready for the NHL right now? If they find themselves in a position where they don’t think he can make the team, they are going to be in a very sticky situation. If after the 9th game he looks out of place they’ll have to return him to Junior, and I can only imagine what that will do for his confidence, as well as the PR nightmare it would create here in Boston. One of the nastier side effects of the CBA is getting cheaper, younger talent to the NHL faster, and I hope for Seguin’s sake, he is in fact NHL ready.

DJ King recently signed with the Capitals as protector, and policeman for Ovie and the gang. I am excited to see King in the Eastern Conference as he is a tough kid that will take on all comers. It makes the Eastern Conference even tougher too. AHL fans may remember King from his days as a Worcester Ice Cat. I remember he and Mike Commodore had one of the best fights I have ever seen at any level in the Centrum many moons ago. Good to have Kinger in the East.

In other movie news, get yourself to “The Other Guys” if you are a Will Ferrell fan. MOL, Vanessa and I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and all gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up after.
In music, much to the delight of Dave, I am really into the Tragically Hip these days. I used to give Dave a ton of shit every time he tried to play them for me for a couple of reasons. 1. Its fun to get Dave going, and 2. See number 1. Great band and I owe Dave an apology, and a long uncomfortable hug.

There are still some good tough guys out there looking for work. I wonder if at this point they will have to get camp invited to find work. Note to PC and the Crew, I think Brian McGrattan is still looking for work. He’d look good in black and gold.

I realize this is all over the map, but then again, when isn’t this blog all over the map? I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer. I don’t know about you, but I have grown weary of constant sweating and could use the smell of a hockey glove warmer in my life right now. If only I had a Hot Tub Time Machine.

As I sit here in the office, in what feels like 95% humidity regarding the storm clouds threatening rain and looking at the Scarlet Tanager in my back yard, I can only think of one thing. Hockey. Granted that can be said of pretty much everything I do, but today as I sit and enjoy my day off, I have hockey and metaphors on the brain.

The lack of physical play from the Flyers on Saturday kind of surprised me, and much like the threatening clouds outside, I think there will be a storm inside the Garden tonight like none of have seen in a while. Forget for a second that most of the Goonblog staff will be on hand for said event, that is a storm of a different kind, and let’s focus on the two teams on the ice for a moment.

This is a series that harkens back to the roots of “Old Time Hockey.” The orange and black of the Broad Street Bullies, vs. the black and gold of the Big Bad Bruins. There is a lot of bad blood between these two clubs, and I expected more of a physical tilt on Saturday. What we got instead, was an up and down affair in which the Bruins won a thriller in OT from the stick of Marc Savard. An ending that could have easily been a pitch for a new Disney movie about a plucky young group of hockey players that refuses to go down without a fight. It was a great game to be sure, but the feeling was it shouldn’t have gotten that far, and there was just enough of a physical snarl to it to set up a real slugfest in tonight’s pivotal game 2.

Saturday was not totally without a physical element. Mark Recchi, the Recchasaurus as it were, had his helmet knocked off twice. There were plenty of hits, and plenty of dirty looks, I just expected more scrums after the whistle, and maybe even a fight. Perhaps the flow of the game had something to do with it. Tuukka seemed content to stop play whenever he could, and when the game did get going, Philadelphia spent a good deal of the game trying to claw their way back in. Boston on the other hand, did indeed follow a good bit of their blueprint for success, and got in on the fore-check when they could. Like I said, it wasn’t a bad game, or a non physical game, I just expected a bit more snarl.

Tonight should be a horse of a different color to be sure. For starters, the Goonblog Staff is taking a field trip, so it’s gotta at least be a cool spot to be eh? Secondly, I think Philly may feel like they let one slip away on Saturday, both on the scoreboard, and on the penalty sheet. Thirdly, and this could be the most important, I expect the return of Shawn Thornton tonight. With the Marco Sturm injury, that re-opens a spot for Thornton, and it may give the Flyers an incentive to gain a competitive advantage by starting a fight with the seasoned Boston enforcer. It should be a great tilt tonight in Boston. If you are looking for the Goonblog team, just follow the noise. I’m sure we’ll be around there somewhere.

Thank you to everyone for the comments on my last post. It’s good to know people are still reading the blog. As such, I thought this was a good time to introduce one of my favorite new enforcers. If I may borrow Dave’s Don Cherry impersonation for a moment (Happy 75th Grapes) gotta tell ya. I like this Matt Clackson.

Matt was in Lowell last week with the Philadelphia Phantoms, and had a decent scrap with Pierre-Luc LeBlond in the first period. It looks as if both guys threw and landed a couple of nice punches. I don’t think PLLL liked him throwing the couple he did after they went down. The five minutes Clackson spent in the box wasn’t his only time there either. He got four minutes later for getting put in a head lock by Lowell’s Barry Tallackson and defending himself, then the slew foot on Lowell defenseman Anssi Salmela (called a hook) got him another two. After 54 games played, he has203 PIM, and is second in the league to San Antonio’s Francis Lessard.

What I like about him, is he seems to relish being the pest, and tough guy. I was close enough to him when he was in the box that I could see him smiling at PLLL every time he looked over. I also had a chance to speak with him, and was asking about who the toughest guys in the league were. He told me they were all tough, but did single out Brandon Sugden as one of the toughest he’s fought. When I asked him if he ever fought my other new favorite enforcer, Lowell Devil Matthew Corrente, he said he hadn’t because he likes to fight the bigger guys because it’s more fun that way. This is a very sick man, and I for one love it. I enclosed the Lowell fight from the other night, but do yourself a favor and YouTube the name Matt Clackson. Matt, should you read this blog, e-mail me your address and I’ll send you a T shirt. More importantly, keep up the good work, and don’t forget to stay goony.

Remember when I said I was waiting to get pictures of the Detroit game before I posted on the Thanksgiving weekend at the Garden? Well, you can forget I said anything. The pictures are really shitty, and I deleted them, so you’ll have to go without. Seems to me the new catch phrase is “in this economy”. As in “in this economy we have to learn to live without pictures of a hockey game.” See what I did? “In this economy” has replaced the Big Dig for Bostonians as the excuse du jour. Used to be, “why did the Pats lose? Big Dig.” Now, “in this economy”. Get it? I should hope so. Mr. Obama will fix everything though…fear not……Dave, I’m moving in.

So, Friday morning I arrived at the Hammer’s mother’s place to find the family in various stages of hungover. Hammer being the leader can best be described as looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost on a particularly pale day. I mean, to say he was white is a bit like saying we like fights. A gross understatement to be sure. After getting a bit of a visit in, and some coffee down, we decided it was time to head to the Garden for the game. Hammer however, had to hurl first. With the hurling out of the way, we were off. It was me, Hammer, Mrs. Hammer and John David on our way to meet Dave and the lovely Alize at the Grand Canal at 10:30.

The slight problem in our plan” The Grand Canal doesn’t open until 11, and Dave is perpetually late. As such, 10:30 at the GC turned into 11:15 at the Fours. Not really a big whoop, as Hammer could only get a few sips into his beer before he had to go for air. I was thinking there was no way he was going to make it. Once Dave and Alize showed up, everyone had another round, and we headed over to the game. Obviously, Hammer had to exit slightly before us and was standing out front jacket in hand, sweating like Patrick Ewing trying to read his contract. I guess he got a little on the Pats jacket.

Once in the game, JD and I headed for the balcony, and the Hungry for Hockey section, while the other 4 headed to the lodge. JD and I enjoyed a couple dogs, some nachos, and a spirited discussion on how much Andy Hilbert looks like Booger from Revenge of the Nerds. Good times indeed.

The game was excellent. It started poorly as the Bruins got down early 1-0. It was a good thing the new uniforms are so nice, because there play was looking ugly early. After kicking off the early morning cobwebs, they got to work and handled the Islanders 7-2. The game featured two decent fights, with Milan Lucic squaring off with Brendan Witt after Dennis “Riverboat Gambler” Wideman scored in the third. I am a little surprised Lucic didn’t get the Instigator on this. Looks to me like he started it after the whistle, but maybe they let it slide because of the cross check exchange the two were having in front of the net? Either way, I score it a win for Milan.

Bout 2 of the day featured Tim Jackman of the Islanders, and Boston’s “Sheriff” Shane Hnidy. It started after the play and was right below JD and I. Hnidy gets a very clear early advantage landing a few good right hands, but I feel the rest of the fight was all Tim Jackman. He landed some really hard rights, and cut Hnidy. I score it a win Jackman. Very entertaining fight. Kudos to both men for trying to get the boys going.

After the game ended we agreed to meet back up at the Fours. Apparently every fan in the building, and a couple of people that were not at the game, but at the bar, decided it was the right time to go to the Fours. Holy sardines. Off to the Grand Canal with the lot of us. It was a lot less crowded further down Canal St…..hey I just got that. Grand Canal is on Canal Street…I am an idiot. Anyhow, I was impressed with Hammer’s rally. The man was positively a different person. There was color in his face. He could talk without looking like he was going to hurl. It was like witnessing a miracle. The rest of the evening featured a few beers and Dave explaining to the rest of us whilst giving Alize a wedgie, that in Canada giving someone a wedgie meant, “Hello, I love you. Can I borrow your snowmobile?” Easily the funniest moment of the day, and if it hadn’t of been for Hammer’s remarkable comeback, it would have earned Dave MVP honors. That nod goes to the artist formerly known as Casper. Well played Hammer. You should be proud.

As a footnote to the weekend, I was back in the Garden Saturday evening for the dismantling of the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Detroit Red Wings. George and I were seated in the Sports deck behind the Bruins goal they defend twice. If I may suggest getting your hands on some seats up there? What a good take. The view is really good of the game, plus you get a buffet, as well as a bar right behind you! Excellent times. Plus the Bruins killed Detroit and the guy next to us was a Wings fan. What a baby. He was all bent out of shape, and being a whiner. I am glad they lost. Anyway, hope everyone had a great holiday. MOL had dinner with mother, and it was lovely. Other than that, a little hockey and some relaxing. Excellent times eh?

I am back from my weekend vacation in Portland, ON, and I need a vacation from my vacation. I’m pretty sure my liver is still in the Winchester Arms quivering like a little girl in the corner. My eyes are as dry as can be from being around animals I am allergic to for 4 days, and my bum still hurts from the border crossing on the way into Canada. All in all, I would rate it the best weekend ever!

It all started with me waking up at 4:45 Thursday to get to the airport on time for an International flight. Everyone I spoke to was advising me to be at Logan at least 2 hours early, and having never taken an International flight before, I believed them. Well, thanks for nothing! I walked right in, got my bag checked, walked through security, and was sitting at my gate waiting for my flight by myself a full 2 hours and 30 minutes before the mother fucker took off. I guess I don’t look suspicious. After all, who is going to stop a fat kid wearing a Goonblog T-shirt listening to a pink iPod, and carrying two copies of The Hockey News? My point exactly.

Now, arriving in Ottawa was a bit different. After sitting on the tarmac in Boston for some bullshit, we got airborne, and made the 49 minute trek to the Great White North. As an aside, this seems like a good time to mention this. Almost $600.00 bucks is a little excessive for a 49 minute flight no? Janet says it’s more now too. Yet, I digress. Dave was very specific in the instructions I was to give the Customs Agent upon my arrival…..”I’m visiting a friend I went to High School with…his address is……I will be here for 5 days….I am not going to a Farm….Well, evidently, the Canadians think I look guilty, because these guys grilled me like I was a steak. First I talked with the guy in the booth and he didn’t like what I was selling, so he sent me into the Immigration Office. That guy was very concerned about why the sudden urge to go to Canada and so forth. He was asking me a series of questions about my Passport, and had I ever been to Canada and so forth….”Why now? What are you guys going to do?” After assuring the man I had no other intentions of drinking beer, going for a boat ride, and possibly eating enough Poutine to kill a miniature horse near Dave’s place, I was allowed to proceed.

Dave picked me up, and after a slight delay in getting a digital camera at Best Buy. We were well on our way to Portland. If you’ve never been to Ontario, it looks a lot like Central Indiana. If you’ve never been to Central Indiana, I will describe. Lots of corn fields, and very flat terrain. Very pretty countryside. Dave and I spoke of the plans on the hour and a half drive, and my suspicions were confirmed. We were in for a gasser. Thursday was dinner at the Foley, Jazz night at the cove, and drinks at Ducks. Friday was some plan with Gooch and his peeps, Saturday was “Better than Christmas” Bundy Fest at the Westport Arena, and Sunday was Sunday Funday at the Galley. As he was describing this, I am 99% sure the scream from my liver was audible above Dave’s iPod.

Thursday started at the Foley House where I made a tactical error by ordering wings. The locals both got tenders and fries, but this kid had to go off the reservation and get wings. In the States when you say medium wings, you get medium hot wings. In Ontario, that means you get Wing Dings with a semi spicy barbeque sauce all over them. Live and learn eh? So, after a couple of beers and crappy wings at the Foley, we headed around the corner for Jazz night at the Cove. We met young Spencer there, and to say this guy is a character is an understatement. Picture a young Jack Nicholson when he goes fucking nuts in the Shining, and you’ve got Spencer. Super nice guy, just a little touched upstairs. We also met Amy, and Christa (I think that’s how you spell) and they were all over me because Loonies (a dollar, which looks like a messed up stop sign) and Toonies (2 dollar coin that looks like something you’d redeem at a go kart track for 8 laps of fun) were freaking me out. In between Janet “serving” me (soup for one?) and my jokes about knocking out the center of a bunch of Toonies to make a shower curtain, we managed to put a sizeable dent in their Molson Canadian stock. We weren’t done yet, as it was on to Ducks Roadhouse from Jazz night.

Ducks can best be described as a trailer on the side of a road that someone fixed up and made a sweet little bar out of. It has a jukebox (no Rush?! What’s the deal with that eh?) And a kickass pool table. Plus enough 19-24 year old girls to shake a stick at. When I die, I hope heaven is just like this place. Ducks featured a sweet fried appetizer platter, more Canadian, even more serving, and some of the best bar pictures and videos ever. My first night in Canada could not have gone any better. At the end of the night, we said goodnight, and we’d meet Saturday for Bundy Slam!

Friday could not have been less productive. I got up at 1:15, followed by Dave at 3:15. By the time Dave stumbled awake, I had eaten, and had three beers. I was leveling off, and he was not well. We got a couple of drinks in him, and he bounced right back though. I was impressed actually. Gooch and the gang arrived at 5, or 6? I can’t remember. Too many beers ago. Anyway, it was Gooch, Amy, Jen and Carrie. We enjoyed some burgers, Muddy Mud Skippers, and a rousing game of Cranium. These guys cheated at Cranium though because it was the Canadian version. No I don’t know the time difference between Newfoundland, and Moose Jaw! Also, we learned a synonym for Iron. Smoovie. Great story from Amy, I really can’t do it justice here. You’ll have to trust me.

Saturday I think I was up at 11:30, and had some poutine and 2 beers in me by 12:30. We boated over to the Galley and sat on the deck enjoying the sunshine. Gooch and the gang had to peace out for a tour of the Army Base in Kingston, so Dave, Janet and I were left on our own until Bundy Slam! What we did with that time was watch movies, nap, and have a few beers. Spencer and Todd (wow) dropped by for a couple of beer in the afternoon. Todd was a little primed up for Bundy Slam, as he was having a hard time figuring out the Best of Chris Farley video Dave and I were watching. Todd, it’s the same guy. Not sure he’s invited back.

While Dave was napping after Spencer and Todd left, Janet made dinner, and I helped. That is to say, I drank beer in the kitchen and watched. We needed a good base of food because it was Bundy Slam 2008! Apparently this Bundy guy rents out the Westport Arena every year, has a huge party with a bunch of bands, and all the money goes to the Westport Jr. B team, the Westport Rideaus. I am thinking very seriously about making Bundy Slam an annual event. To quote the kid at the Galley we saw in the afternoon, “Maaaaan…..it’s better than Christmas!” Agreed!

They pack this arena with a shit load of kids, charge 20 bucks a whack to get in, 6 beers for 20 bucks, and party like the sun will not rise the next day. Not sure what it is about Canadian women, but it looked like a hot young girl bomb went off in that arena, and there was shrapnel everywhere. I was on the outside looking in as I am happily married, and I was older than most of the girls in there by at least 5 years. We looked a little out of place, but who cares? We had a blast and the bands weren’t too bad either.

Sunday Funday started with a lovely dip in the lake and some fetch with the puppies, and ended with me on the pullout downstairs pondering my life. In between we had some girly drinks, more poutine, a wicked dance party, and some serious fun. The Galley was our destination for poutine and girly drinks, the dance party was on the boat, and the fun was all around. My hosts were gracious and accommodating, and I met some new friends as well. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in Ontario, and I will be back for Bundy Slam ’09. Hopefully sooner.

P.S. No podcast. I know I promised, but we were without internet and sobriety for the whole weekend. The internet went out courtesy of a lightning strike…..the sobriety was just documented here. Dave will be down in September. We’ll do one then.

I just printed off my boarding pass for tomorrow’s 9 AM flight to the Great White North. I’m looking forward to doing some boating, boozing, a Podcast, and general relaxing. I’ve never been to a part of Canada that wasn’t a city, and I’m looking forward to it immensely. I hope Dave has properly disinfected the house, as well as warned the neighbors as to my arrival. I’m reminded of “Animal House.” “Just keep your hands and feet away from his mouth, and you’ll be fine.” I will miss the release of the AHL schedule tomorrow, but who cares? I can tell you this. My team, The Lowell Devils, is going to play the same 10 teams over and over, and do it in a boring style. Big whoop. If I had anything better to do, they’d be short one more fan. Sadly, I really don’t. Great weekend everyone. I will have a full recap upon my return.

I am coming to you live from the new Goonblog HQ on the other side of Acton! MOL and I moved last weekend, and we finally got cable installed Friday morning. Manny and the boys hooked me up for my plasma with a brand new HDMI cable, so I am now actually getting real HD. It’s awesome. I gave him and his buddy 5o bucks for a great install. I hope they spent it on beer.

With Internet and cable installed, I am typing this on my new HP desktop I scored through our employee purchase plan at work. To say this is a bad ass machine is an understatement. Quick highlights. PD 3.4 gig processor. 2X300 gig hard drives. 4 Gig memory. DVD everything. Here the capper: 21” HDTV LCD monitor. I have it hooked up to the cable box, so I can come in here and watch the games in HD while MOL enjoys Brothers and Crap, or Desperate Housewives or whatever the hell else is on. I am psyched. This machine is bad ass.

Moving on to the business at hand. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This ’07 edition was a bit of a departure from my normative behavior around this time of year. I look forward to the night before Thanksgiving all year. It is by far my favorite holiday. Usually I drink my face off with people I hadn’t seen since the Thanksgiving prior and old friends I hang with all year. There is always someone totally random that shows up (Susan in ’06.) that makes the evening a lot more interesting. This year however, was a bit different. For starters, the only person that may enjoy Thanksgiving more than me, and newly minted US Citizen, Dave, was up in the motherland. To say I missed him around this year was an understatement. He has been the best at keeping in touch with everyone, so he always plans the best events. It was not the same without him around. Secondly, the red house is no more. Jim and James packed it in and moved to Sommerville, so that was out. Thirdly, I went to the Lowell Devils game the night before, and drove to my brother’s in Connecticut Wednesday night. It was an odd Thanksgiving, but at the same time, I liked it. It was nice to be able to actually EAT turkey, and have a normal conversation with people. As well as I got to hang with my Niece and Nephew, which is always a blast. Still though, some traditions must live on, so I am announcing it early. Mark your calendars now. The night before Thanksgiving next year will be right here at Goonblog HQ! Dave, I better see you at 4:30 brew in hand.

Although the Holiday was a bit different, it did afford me a lot of hockey action featuring two Goonblog favorites over the years. Wednesday I was in Lowell for the Pirates tilt. Gordie Dwyer was in the house, but not dressed for the game. I spoke with him for about 20 minutes, and it was great to see him. I would have to say he is the nicest kid I have ever met in hockey. He talked of his chance in Portland, and Sweden last year. He spoke of the family, and they are well. I’m not mental or anything, but it was good to see him and have a few minutes to talk to him. I hope they sign him up there because he deserves the shot.

Friday marked the return of Trevor Gillies, and Tom Rowe to the Paul. Tom has always been very high on Gillies, and signed him this off season. Gillies played about 10 shifts and took a bullshit charging call. I was close enough to hear him screaming at the clock operator, penalty box attendant, and hell anyone that would listen. He was yelling, “How can you guys watch these guys?! What a bunch of pussies! You haven’t had anyone tough here for 6 years since I left!” Everyone got a good chuckle out of it, but sadly, he is right. Later after getting in a fight with Lowell’s Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre with 3 minutes left in the third he chose to stay in the box as opposed to retiring to the dressing room. Gillies was heated because he felt JLGP had jumped him late in a shift as opposed to waiting for a draw. The fight was a good one in which Gillies landed some good hard shots, but JLGP landed some of his own too. I think he may have even cut Gillies on the chin. I would say it was a win for Gillies, but JLGP handled himself nicely. Being back in the box afforded Gillies more time to scream and yell, and when Lowell’s Mark Fraser took two near the end of the game, Trevor took the opportunity to yell over to Fraser. This I could also hear. He said, “He Fraser. Tell your boy to get me off a draw next time, not when I’ve been out there for 2 minutes. He’s a fucking coward!” It was pretty hilarious, and Fraser even managed a dry smile. While I agree it goes against the code to get a guy late like that, I think Trevor would have had more beef if it was one of the leagues real tough guys. Not some wanna be tough guy with two hyphenated names.

Yesterday was game three for me in Lowell, and it featured Gordie Dwyer again. This time he played, and he didn’t look too bad. Gordie is a surprisingly good skater for a rough and tumble winger, and gives an honest effort every shift. He took a crappy minor for elbowing, but other than that, there was no rough stuff from him. Lowell also actually played another hyphenated player, Pierre-Luc LeBlond. It was the first time I’d seen him play for Lowell, and he didn’t look out of place at all. Decent skater, and plays crash and bang. They should take note of the lineup they had yesterday and play it more often, as they finally won a fucking game, and looked interested in playing. Tonight is the Flyers and Bruins in the first tilt since Bergeron was sent into the press box for the rest of the year. I’d like to see an old Broad Street Bullies vs. The Big Bad Bruins type game, but in the new NHL, I am not sure that’s possible. Either way, I’ll be tuned in at the All New Goonblog HQ!

If I may get up on my soap box for a minute, I’d like to get a little Patriotic on everyone. This will have very little to do with fights, so if that’s all you’re into move on. If not read on. There are three important things I want to discuss.

First. I would like to say congratulations to our own Dave. Dave as you know is a proud Ameridan. That’s American and Canadian. Dave is Canadian by birth, but took the time and effort to become an American citizen. In a time when a lot of people are “embarrassed” to say they are American because of some of our policies, Dave has decided to stand among us, and pledge his allegiance to this great nation. I am happy he did it, and very proud of him for doing it. Now, start paying taxes.

How fitting Dave would become an American Citizen this week. By the way, can anyone type Citizen, or say Citizen without hearing Fitzy from the Departed saying “what are you? Fucking retarded?” Me neither. Anyway. Today, November 10th, is the 232nd Birthday of the world’s original enforcers, the Unites States Marine Corps. I plan to celebrate even though I have a wicked cold by getting into my Johnnie Walker Blue. One for me, one for the Corps, and one for the Commandant. Red Thunder and any other Marines out there, Happy Birthday. Semper Fi!

Lastly, Sunday is Veteran’s Day. No matter what uniform you wear or have worn, I am grateful to any and all service men and women everywhere. It is because of people like you defending our freedom that I can open my notebook and spout of the silly ramblings usually found in these posts. If you are in harm’s way, please keep your head down, and come home safe. Should you happen across anyone in uniform this weekend, please take a minute to shake their hand and say thanks. I know I will.

Usually Wednesday night is Hockey Night in Acton, but last night it was Hockey Night in Lowell. I got in my first Lowell Devils game of the year, and here is a quick recap of what me and the other 400 fans saw, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Providence goal, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Providence goal, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……I think you get the idea. I have taken English tests in High School that were more exciting. I do not like the brand of hockey New Jersey plays, and I do not like the trickle down effect to their Minor League systems. They’ve had a decent tough guy on their roster in the form of Pierre Luc Leblond, and he has yet to dress. It’s pretty frustrating to see your team go down 4-0 to a division rival in the first meeting of the year, and have no one do anything. Hell, they didn’t even have anyone dressed that could do anything.

On the other side of the ice, the Bruins fan in me was very impressed with Tuuka Rask. That kid is lightning quick, stays square to the shooter, and has excellent rebound control. I really like him, and was totally impressed. Keep in mind; I also said that about Hannu Toivonen the first time I saw him as well. I hope they are more patient with Rask, than they were with Hannu.

It’s also always fun to see the league’s biggest pussy, Sean Curry, in action. I love his menacing stare and the fear in his eyes because he knows it can’t be backed up. Listen girls have been sending me mixed messages my whole life. I.e. I am not a lesbian, but after being hit on by you, I can learn, so I know one when I see it, and Sean is sending a mixed message. He can’t hide the fear is his eyes, with a fake glare, the Peter Reynolds starter set for a hair cut, and the fake enforcer goatee.

Tonight, MOL and I are off to the Garden for opening night. Our special guest will be newly minted American Citizen, Dave. I am very proud of Dave for becoming a Citizen of this great Nation. In a time when everyone seems to take pleasure in bashing America and our policies at every turn, and Americans are saying they are ashamed to call themselves an American, Dave has decided to become an American Citizen. I think it’s an outstanding move, and I am proud of him for doing it. Cue Lee Greenwood…

This will be my third straight opening night with MOL. The first was the end of the lockout year when they lost to Montreal, and I sat in front of people that thought Colton Orr was Bobby Orr’s son (no relation) and was debating on if Bobby would be mad because Colton wasn’t getting any ice. The verdict? Yes he would be. Last year was the Calgary Flames. I think I may have been “that guy” in the stands that night. Boston won. We got plowed. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning is in town. To say I am excited is putting it mildly. I am pumped to see Lucic in action live for the first time, and I hope number 22 mixes it up with former teammate, and baby faced tough guy Shane O’Brien. We’ll be leaving in about 30 minutes to get to the Fours, and Halftime Pizza. If you see anyone in a Goonblog T shirt, with a girl that won’t stop muttering, “what have I done” stop and say Hi to MOL and I! Go Bruins, and Go Sox!

I just got back from row 15 Loge at the Garden (many thanks to Lynch for sharing his awesome Christmas present with me) where the Canadiens smited the Bruins 2-0. It was a decent game with the Boston actually spending more time on the offensive than Montreal, but to no avail. Perhaps the Samsonov trade was hanging heavy on the hearts of the players. Regardless – I won’t rehash details you can read elsewhere, as the real point of interest tonight was the uncharacteristic thuggery of a Mr. Hal Gill.

Was he lamenting the loss of his old friend and acting out? Perhaps: ”We came in the league together and we grew up a lot together, but it’s the nature of the business. For whatever reason, whether it’s money, or whatever the direction the team is going, he wasn’t in the plan. That’s the way it goes…" Whatever the reasons, Hal had a crosshecking and holding penalty before the game was half over, and with 3:47 left in the second period Boston and Montreal engaged in a 10-player kerfuffle which resulted in multiple game misconducts. The action took place a good distance from my great seats, but I was able to get a few choice fracas snaps.

After a few scuffles cleared in the Canadiens’ zone, Hal Gill and Craig Rivet each received fighting majors, while Nick Boynton picked up a double-minor for spearing and a game misconduct. "We weren’t playing very well," said Boynton. "I was trying to spark the team a little bit and get something going. There’s no place for that in this league anymore. It is what it is." Tell us about it. Well meant, the mess resulted in little more than a fifteen minute pause in the play.

Gill was in the dog house most of the night, and although we give him a lot of crap here on GB, the "giraffe-on-skates" is not afraid to get physical when need be. Frequent commentor Greg ran into him in the North End Wednesday night. He was carrying his daughter to Ray Borque’s restaurant, and is apparently a very pleasant guy. I am going to have to rethink all the negativity. Chris? Hammer? You with me?

I love this picture. It’s like watching the pistol smoke clear at the OK Corral while Wyatt Earp argues with an official in the background. Or something like that. Chris and I have 2 more Bruins games to hit over the next two weeks, as we’re trying to get our fill before season’s end. Hopefully we’ll have a good content spike before the crickets start chirping. I am not looking forward to fucking baseball.