Hockey Rhetoric

Whenever I read things I’ve written in the past, I always find some small details I wished I had changed. They’re little mistakes. Maybe I allowed an emotion to be too transparent in what I intended to be a relatively objective statement. Or maybe I let myself stray off topic just to get something off my chest. I hate finding mistakes but I think it’s useful to review old writing, especially the writing that was given the stamp of approval to be published. Acknowledging mistakes can be an effective learning technique. » Read the rest of this entry «

My first thought when staring at this blank Microsoft Word Document is that this entry will surely be the most irrational thing I’ve ever written for public consumption. I was devastated with what I saw from the Sabres when they played against the Senators the other night . This was supposed to be a bounce back game for the Sabres after two strait losses and disappointing efforts. If you were unfortunate enough to be around me during the game, you surely assumed I was bipolar, rapid-cycle. In the course of about three-hours, I felt both great about the Sabres and about as low as a fan could feel about his team. Ottawa brings that out of me. Watching the Ottawa Senators score goals on the Sabres has the potential to bring about a debilitating anxiety attack within me. I’m not kidding. » Read the rest of this entry «

During the semester, I usually go to the same bar to watch the Sabres games whenever they’re playing on Friday or Saturday night. When they win, the bar runs a temporary drink special on Miller lite. I’ve drank more than a couple Millers the past few weeks and that has had a lot to do with the performance of Ryan Miller.

I’ve always been a huge fan of #30. I love how he is able to win games. Miller always seems to be able to rise to the moment. My opinion and expectations of Miller have always been high but ever since the playoffs in the spring of ’06, it seems like all I’ve been doing is making excuses, mostly directed at his inconsistency. » Read the rest of this entry «

I usually find time to read John Buccigross’ column . He has a way of articulating his feelings and observations in sports that is not unlike Bill Simmons’ style of writing. Although I don’t always agree with what Buccigross says, he’s always interesting.

I once read him describe Evgeni Malkin in a way that really made an impression on me. I don’t care enough to look through all the archives and find the specific article. It would just take too long. I also don’t want to paraphrase what he wrote because I simply wouldn’t be able to give his insight proper justice. I just want to acknowledge his words as inspiration for what I’m about to say with regards to Thomas Vanek. » Read the rest of this entry «