Aeros v. Milwaukee Admirals - Game 28

The Aeros are to that point on defense where you don't really sweat the PKs anymore. These guys are penalty killing machines, particularly with a red hot Brusty manning the net.

Offense, on the other hand... still inconsistent, but the shots in this game, while limited to 18 (vs. Milwaukee's 27), were mostly quality opportunities. Often on nights when the boys can't seem to get the offense going, the shots are all right into the waiting chest or leg pad of the goalie, but these were shots that just needed an inch or two go in. (That's what she said.)

Just no luck, no good bounces rather than no/inappropriate effort. Both teams were held to just one goal each in regulation and it was a fairly even effort from everything I saw.

Though, in the overtime frame the Aeros seemed to have difficulty making any headway in the offensive zone. It looked at times like a 5 minute penalty kill, which with this team is manageable but not too good for avoiding the shootout.

Yeah, the shootout. This time, Constantine puts Schaef in cold, which I think was pretty well foreshadowed last Wednesday. And he played well, stopping 3 of 5 shots, but only Locke was able to convert. Though to the credit of both Lammers and Milwaukee goalie Drew MacIntyre, that particular shot was excellent, but the save was that much better. Dramatic stuff for sure.

And that's the game.

Barry was fantastic in his 65 minutes, but the unsung hero of the game for me was Peter Olvecky, who has come alive in the last few games. He made his presence known with several good chances in Milwaukee.

Also, high five to Mike "The Other" Hamilton who has made it neigh on impossible to send him back to Vegas. Don't leave me hanging, Mikey.

Scratches were the still-injured Hamilton and Lundbohm, as well as Love and Kassian.

Friday and Saturday night, the boys face last season's playoff opponents, the Rockford Icehogs, for the first time this season. Any leftover ill will there? I know I have a little...

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Quick Hits: Cal on the top line & Love on the interwebz

So, last night in the Wild game, Lemaire had Cal playing on the first line with Mikko and Gaby. Said it was to add some physicality because they were getting run a little bit, and to create some space. Okay, that's nice. Figure it's a one time thing, right?

Nope.

Apparently Jock has bought himself a parcel of land here in Clutterbuck Nation and is planning on building.

From Stanzel's blog:

On the ice, Lemaire had Cal Clutterbuck alongside Mikko Koivu and Marian Gaborik, and mentioned that Clutterbuck not only drives to the net, but he is physical enough to create space for the other two.

From Russo's blog:

[Lemaire] praised Cal Clutterbuck bigtime, saying the plan is to play him against with Mikko Koivu and Marian Gaborik because Clutterbuck will go to the net, take defenders with him to the net and open up ice for his talented linemates.

How about them apples? Dude is living the freaking dream. I love it! (Here's the video of Jock's presser... he's animated!)

Also, it turns out Belanger has the crud of some sort. And the bad news for the Aeros is that, according to Russo, Kolanos may get called up. Great for him, assuming he gets some ice time, but baaaaad for the Aeros on this grueling 3-in-3 weekend.

Lemme just say, Jock, if you're gonna call him up, USE HIM. If you're calling him up just to play Gillies instead... well, I'll be very, very upset.

So let's all take a sec to send Mr. Belanger some get well vibes.

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As mentioned in the post about Mitch Love, he's started blogging for King5, a news station in Seattle, near Everett where he wooed thousands of Everett Silvertip fans.

Because his posts are getting dumped into a general sports blog on their site, and because probably most of us aren't all that interested in the Seattle sports scene, I'm taking one for the team and subscribing to the blog and keeping a list of links to his specific posts over in the right column here.

Now, I've lived in bloggerdom long enough to know that often, these blogs start and then sort of peter out as the athlete loses interest or doesn't have time or didn't really want to do it in the first place, so I'm not expecting a lot. I'll make a post when there's a new entry, so you can go check it out.

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I promise I'll get to that Aeros game report this evening. Stay tuned.

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Go to bed. We'll talk about it tomorrow.

I watched the Wild game solo tonight, instead of trying to watch it AND the Aeros game online, so I'll watch the archive of the game tomorrow. I know the outcome. And my only thought is that if I need to ship the scoring sticks up to Illinois, just holler.

I'll put them in the car and drive them there myself if I need to.

I'll sprinkle them with magic goal scoring dust made from Groin of Gaborik and Kolanos Hair Trimmings mixed with Sweat of Backstrom. (ETA: It occurs to me after the fact that this would make a paste rather than a dust. I'm not sure how I feel about that.)

I'll get my silver Sharpie and write little motivational phrases on the sticks, like, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SHOOOT!" (What? That's not motivational?)

Whatever needs to happen, let's just get it done.

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Prezzies for the Boys

To continue the holiday theme:

Even though I'm not a Hockey Ladies of Greatness (HLoG) member, it's a great site full of gals who love hockey and love their teams, so I keep a close eye on things there. They do a monthly Creative Challenge and this month it's to name the Christmas gifts you'd give the players on your team. That sounds like a totally stealable idea to me!

To Brusty, I'd give a blocker that matches the rest of his new gear, a trip to Worcester, and a shootout win.

To Stoner, I'd give the C permanently, a trip to Worcester, and some bubble wrap to encase himself in so he can have a healthy season.

To Alby, I'm just gonna skip the bubble wrap and go right to full on goalie gear for my favorite shot-blocker.

To Kolanos, an NHL call-up where he actually gets to play. And more wins so we can see more smiles like this (photo courtesy of Fred Trask). He reminds me of the "two face" on Seinfeld. When the Aeros lose and he's grumpy... yikes. But when they win and he's rocking the ear to ear grin and feeling like the sun never sets on his empire... wow! I guarantee the Aerodynamics are sucking in their guts when that skates by.

To Schaefer, I'd give some starts. Great goalie but he's been sitting for a while. Would be nice for him to have some good numbers since this is a contract year.

To Kassian, a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

To Scotty, some kind of anti-penalty protection shield so he can play all out without worry about stupid penalties getting called on him all the time just because his enormity magnifies everything he does.

To Schultzie, Morty and Olvecky, points. Lots of goals and assists.

To Love, a few more years in an Aeros jersey. I'm sold on Mitch and feel like the guy deserves a stable spot in the league.

To Rogers, last year's incredibly solid game. I think he's getting there but I feel for him that he's struggled so much the first quarter of the season. I want him to have call-up potential next season.

To Noreau, a picture of those eyes. Oh wait, that's what *I* want. Man, he's got some piercing peepers. Seriously, I want him to win some kind of offensive-defenseman award this season. I'm not even sure what the choices are in the AHL, but that's what I want.

To R. Hamilton, the ability to lay an open ice check without knocking yourself out for 2 weeks. Dude. You scared me. Stop that. Get better soon.

To Rosy, last year's confidence and strength on the puck and willingness to shoot. And then when that comes around consistently, he deserves appropriate recognition for that contribution. I felt he was a bit underappreciated last season.

To Locker, same as Kolanos... a cup of coffee or two. Just to see what happens. Plenty of smaller guys play in the NHL and he's proven that he's pretty durable.

To Mojzis, the gift of patience. I'm keeping my yap shut through the all-star break to give you time to adjust to this system and then this gift turns into a lump of coal.

To Deitsch, a permanent ticket to the AHL. You're rocking it out and deserve to be at this level.

To Ryznar, POINTS. Okay, even just A point. I'm not even upset about it... I just feel bad for the guy (who is getting razzed about it, I feel sure). Who plays that many minutes, and plays pretty well, too, and doesn't at least get an assist? Do we need to burn some sage in your locker and put a drop of holy water in your stick? Whatever we need to do, let's get it done.

And to some of my non-Aeros:

To Cal, this photo of Gretz, signed, "Hey tough guy, take off your f**king helmet. Merry Christmas, 99"

To Mikko, the friggin' C back!

To Avery, a roster spot with the Manitoba Moose (even though they've already said they don't want him). Might as well sink a ship that would help the Aeros come playoff time, yet we don't have to see them again all season.

The rest of you fellas, just because I don't mention you doesn't mean you aren't deserving. You're just harder to shop for. But since points are the currency of hockey, goals and assists for everyone! What else? Santa's always listening, despite what I said before.

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Cal Unplugged

Hockey Unplugged with Clutterbuck and Weller

Cal vehemently denies his extensive grooming ritual as portrayed by Reitz. We in Clutterbuck Nation believe Cal. Sorry Reitzy.

Actually really good questions tonight. Normally they're not all that good, though My Hero Kevin Falness draws good stuff out of the guys anyway. Kudos to the attendees for asking some pretty thoughtful questions.

Hope everyone got home okay. Sounds like the roads are crap in the cities tonight.

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A little holiday break from hockey blogging

A couple of my pals who aren't obsessed with hockey did their versions of this today. I'm a sucker for an opportunity to talk about myself even more than I already do, so here goes. What are the odds I don't mention hockey somewhere in here? Yeah, pretty bad.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate. In fact, I just made some from scratch tonight. Oh, man that was good. But didn't cure my headache. Dammit.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa isn't real.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No. Germs!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
We did them early this year, around mid-November. It's just a tree though. I'm not a fan of themey stuff all over my house. If you need reminding that it's Christmas, the tree will have to suffice.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Gravy. Okay, maybe dressing, too. Starches. Love the starch.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
I loved going to this old man's house who did all this crazy decorating every year and let people tour it. It's long gone but I always enjoyed that. It was a delightful bit of weirdness in a sea of mediocrity.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't ever remember believing in Santa, to tell the truth.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Nope. Christmas Eve is for eating. Christmas is for presents.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
It's pre-lit so I just hang a few ornaments. We don't have many because I'm just not one to spend money on that sort of thing. The topper is an Aeros Santa cap though. That's my favorite part.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
I love to watch it fall. I do not like it impeding my driving. Don't really have to worry about it here though, usually.

12. Can you ice skate?
If hockey skates count, yes.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My first normal car (i.e. that wasn't a clunker hand-me-down from grandma)

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Spending time with family, kind of taking a break from the ordinary to do special things.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I haven't met one yet that I didn't like. Well... I'm not crazy about fruitcake.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Putting the tree up.

17. What tops your tree?
Aeros Santa cap. Pay attention.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Um... Oh gifts! I like giving when I KNOW the person will like what I got them. I hate it when I'm not sure. I always like receiving. Always.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Not crazy about Christmas music. Geez. I'm really not as bitchy as I'm sounding here. I don't actively dislike it, but most of it's overplayed, too sentimental, too corny, etc. Just not my bag, baby.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Meh. Good for stirring the hot chocolate but peppermint is usually reserved for sore throats in my world.

21. What do you want for Christmas?
Already got it. Goalie gear.

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged.

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Super Bowl Bound!

I haven't reported on my fantasy teams lately because even I'm bored by the level of suckitude going on. Lost in all 3 of my hockey leagues this week. Suck!

However, I am delighted to report that I am going to the Super Bowl in my fantasy football league! Nearly everyone on my team overachieved by at least a little this week, though Vincent Jackson from San Diego doubled his projected points. Woot! Go Chargers!

I've looked at my opponent's roster for the big game this week and it is freaking stacked. I'd bet against me if I were you...

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Also, just a quick reminder to go vote for the boys in the AHL All Star Game balloting. I decided not to reveal my vote after all. Didn't seem right. But I will say that I gave some sway to guys who are likely in their last year here and have not been to an ASG and have been team leaders during their time here.

And I'll also say, my Canadian goalie was Brusty. I know. Knock you over with a feather. But Nolan went last year and Brust finished last year so strong and seems to have basically won the #1 job here to start the season. I like his chances. Plus, he seems to really hate being in the spotlight and I enjoy watching him squirm a bit. ;)

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