Happy Saturday

dammit, we miss Nate Farley...

not sure where this pic came from, but we'd love to give proper credit to whomever (thanks NB for finding it)

I believe he's saying...

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

X at the Rex Theatre

Eluded to this show we saw last Friday, but we've been a little too preoccupied with hockey the last couple months. Actually, John Doe acknowledged the Stanley Cup Finals (which started a day later), and was jokingly thankful it didn't start the same night of the show.

Incredible! Absolutely incredible punk rawkin times. As I said, Jess called it the best non-GBV show she'd ever seen. I'd have to think long and hard about that...but it may not be too far off.

The entire original line-up...Exene, John Doe, Billy Zoom, and DJ Bonebrake in all their glory. I literally got goose bumps.

The lights had come on at the end of the show, and they graciously came back for a second encore as half the people in attendance were already filing out of the Rex.

Seems like more often than not, when going to one of these reunion-type tours, the band appears to be going through the motions (Gang of Four at Mr. Small's rings a bell). But these guys were having a lot of fun (well...Billy Zoom always looks like he's having fun). Just an observation that seemed refreshing.

Pretty decent crowd on hand, but dammit I wish the Rex would advertise their shows a bit better.

Pix are tough to come by at the Rex...it's a rather dark place, and we started the night fairly far back from the stage. But as the night progressed, we made our way a bit closer and snapped off a few...







A few more here

by the end of the night, it was time to clog some arteries with a Yinzer from Southside Steaks. Highly recommended.

And I swear...this was not a lame ass attempt to be cool, but a simple wardrobe malfunction on my part to start the night. Exhausting Stanley Cup preps really got the best of me this week...


Here's some X video from the 1981 documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, doing "We're Desperate"...



Here's a classic, perhaps the 1st X tune I remember air-bassing to as a kid...

(left click to play; right click to download)

:: X - Los Angeles ::

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enough of the Detroit dominance talk, already. Like I said after games 1 & 2...

We're still winning this thing in 6 games. Reasons for optimism:

They're still the more talented team. Man-to-man, the Pens simply have better players. Detroit was the better team at the Joe, I give you. But the better talent will eventually rise to the top as the series goes, as it did last night.

The Pens don't lose at the Igloo. After Saturday, it'll be tied at 2 games apiece. The collective experienced bunghole of the Red Wing will begin to pucker going into game 5. With renewed confidence, the Pens will steal one in Detroit before coming back to the Burgh and winning it in 6.

Sid dominated last night. He's the best player in the world. The Zetterberg's and the Datsyuk's of the world are great players. But they're not Sid. They're not even Malkin...who albeit was left off the score sheet last night, started to show signs of life. It's only a matter of time before Geno Machino begins to light the lamp.

Detroit is a great team. They're difficult to score on, and as Therrien says, they're great at obstruction. Eventually, the power play opportunities will begin to even out, and the obstruction through the neutral zone will be called. It wasn't last night, and the Pens still found a way around it.

The longer the series goes, all this fantastic experience we keep hearing about will give way to the youthful legs of the Penguins.

Gary Roberts...



Other misc...

I'd rather the Pirates left town than Mark Madden. There. I said it.

If you want to call ESPN 1250 Radio GM Mike Thompson and vent your thoughts about the Madden firing, here is his digits: (412) 244-4549. Here is his cell: (917) 733-9938. Theses were given out my Thompson himself, yesterday. He called the move a "business decision." I call bullshit.

A fellow Pens fan had a sign at Joe Louis Arena Monday, which read: "We've sold out 64 Straight Games in Pittsburgh. And helped you sell out the last 2 in Detroit."

PLEASE PLAY CHRIS CHELIOS!!!

Mark Madden Fired

Very sad day, I say.

Madden was not liked by all, which is completely understandable. His shtick was more shock-jock-ish on the radio personality pendulum, than say...lame ass Mike Tirico. Of course his constant self-proclaimed "genius" remarks were meant to get under your skin. But if you took Madden too serious, that's where he got you. That's where he struck a nerve. Lighten up, I say. He'd often poke fun of the white trash yinzer contingent, and if you take a step back from the Black & Gold Kool-aid, even a die hard can admit that group is an easy target.

I love the Steelers, and I grew up on Pittsburgh sports. But once and awhile, you need to sit back and laugh at yourself. It's therapeutic. I can laugh at the fact that I'm a huge dork come game day (sometimes, a boozed-up dork). But at the end of the day, I don't take myself too seriously.

So what if he made fun of Hines Ward. I like Hines Ward on my Steeler team. And I'll be sad the day he's no longer a Steeler. But was Madden wrong when he said Hines whines for attention at times? Of course he does. I can take off my Black & Gold colored sunglasses for a while to see that. Like when Hines insists he was never given a shot by the experts, that he had to fight and scrap his entire career, or when he took offense at Ben's "tall WR" comments. Dude...you were a 3rd round draft pick. You didn't come outta "nowhere."

And so what if he didn't like Jerome Bettis. Personally, without the pads, I didn't like Jerome Bettis. Is anyone going to tell me that Jerome Bettis was never self-serving? Jerome served a purpose...he was a great RB on some great Steeler teams, and I'm glad he was here because he made my team better. But I'd never take offense to someone who suggests he wasn't the best of dudes.

My viewpoint of ESPN has completely changed over the last 5 years. Airing on a station where the national personalities always pucker the collective athlete's ass, Madden was in the minority. And it was refreshing. But at least Madden talked hockey. He made fun of the NBA and the Suckos, which I also enjoyed. And providing you didn't take personal offense to his jabs, he was highly entertaining, hilarious at times, and unquestionably talented. At least that's my opinion. I didn't always agree with his opinions, like his insistent defense of his friend Ryan Whitney, but at least he was passionate about the Penguins and the game of hockey.

Madden will be missed, especially here. And judging from his ratings, which were consistently the best in the Burgh, apparently there were more people who "got it" than "didn't get it."

Click here to read Dork-on-a-Mission Bob Smizik's column a day following his remarks regarding Senator Kennedy, which ultimately led to his firing. It is people like Smizik that keep Pittsburgh the old-fashioned (stressing the "old") city that it is. In the words of Iggy...NO FUN...



He's also a huge Liverpool fan...so major props for that.

You'll never walk alone, Mr. Madden. You'll never walk alone.

We're still winning this thing in 6 games...

Provided we can score a goal or two. Ok...so maybe I underestimated Detroit. They're very solid defensively, and if they win 2 more games, I'll concede they're the better team. But will the real Penguins come out to play? Dammit already. This sucks.

A few thoughts...

Pens have been totally outplayed in the first 2 at Joe Louis. That may be an understatement.

My goal lamp is bored.

With how good he has played, there's no reason for Chris Osgood to completely embarrass himself. Time to change those goalie pads in for a scuba suit, Ozzie.

Johan Franzen's effort as best supporting actor was kinda comical as well...



I'm sorry. But when you have trouble selling out your playoff games, the title "Hockeytown" has to be somewhat questioned.

I know that blaming the defensemen in a series where you've yet to score a goal may sound crazy, but JHC we can't get the puck up the ice. Where have all our great "puck moving defensemen" gone?

Hal Gill has resorted back to the cement shoes in lieu of skates.

Can we get a little mustard on the passes, boys? Everything coming off our sticks is just way too soft. Or, as Therrien may say..."sof."

I predict Darryl Sydor will make an appearance next game. Or at least the D-pairings need to be changed, perhaps back to the pairings we had pre-Rangers. But something on the blue line needs to change.

If this series ends up being a flop, it would hurt the NHL's popularity with the mainstream. And I could give a rat's ass.

GENO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE THE F#*K UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're still winning this thing in 6 games...

more tomorrow, as yes I've been quite busy getting ready for these Finals, but I just wanted to get that out there on record.

It's really rather simple, actually. We're the best team in hockey. As good as the Red Wings are, we're simply better. Nice effort by Detroit Saturday...now it's our turn.

Oh...

and experience doesn't score goals. Marian Hossa scores goals.

lots more stuff Tuesday after the series is tied at 1's...pics, stuff, sesquentials. And we saw X at the Rex Theatre Friday. Good times ("best non-GBV show ever," Jess proclaimed).

Derian Hatcher, Gutless Coward

Nothing sums up the Pens ass kicking of the Flyers in Game 5 more than the image of Derian Hatcher skating away in fear from Big Georges, again. Only 3 nights earlier, Hatcher had no problem trading punches with Ryan Malone, a player he outweighs by 20 pounds. Now he had a chance to energize his team when they needed it most, and take on BGL (a player equal his size).

As expected, Hatcher skates away with purse intact, but not before he uses his stick to cheapshot BGL a couple of times. Prototypical Flyer behavior, and the reason they are loathed. Anytime they have a chance to man up, they bring the sticks and the visors, and run away when it's convenient. Cowardly turds pretending to be tough guys.

Crosby whines, Malkin dives, the refs sucked, wha, wha, wha. 6-0. Later, ass bags.

This hurts...

actually, it's quite funny. Thanks to Tony over at RandoMango for that.

The Official Philadelphia Flyer Excuse Portfolio

big thanks to the Pensblog for above

As Flyers fans prepare for the inevitable, here's a little handy-dandy guide to help yinz out:

Rule #1 as a Flyers fan: never, under any circumstance, admit you were beat by a superior opponent. The following is a list which may be used by all Flyers fans, young and old. Whether you're a whiner, a neanderthal, John Stevens, a conspiracy theorist, the confused, or simply delusional...there is sure to be an excuse below that will suit your particular personality.

• Crosby dives.
• Malkin cherry picks.
• The refs sucked (may be followed up with "we have stars, too").
• The linesmen sucked.
• The Penguins cheated.
• Spygate!!

• Simon Gagne was out.
• Kimmo Timonen was out.
• Braydon Coburn got hurt.
• Donovan McNabb was out.

• The puck just didn't bounce our way (or, to be more definitive, exclude "just").
• Ice conditions were not conducive to the Flyers style of play (may be followed up with "we have stars, too").
• The new style NHL isn't conducive to the Flyer style of play. Long live the Broad Street Bullies!! (a true Flyers fan will play with themselves any time the "Bullies" are mentioned).
• The Penguins wore higher-than-normal skate blades, causing our cheapshot elbows and cross checks to land lower than normal, missing their heads.

• The NHL wants the Penguins in the Finals.
• Versus wants the Penguins in the Finals.
• NBC wants the Penguins in the Finals.
• Gary Bettman wants the Penguins in the Finals.
• Colin Campbell wants the Penguins in the Finals.
• Everybody outside of Philly and Detroit wants the Penguins in the Final.

• The humidity level at the Wachovia Center was not properly set, causing Scott Hartnell's shield to fog up, blurring his vision, and making it more difficult for him to take cheapish runs at players after the whistle and hack at people with his stick. - insert 'Mellon Arena' for 'Wachovia Center', when applicable.
• NHL Officials in Toronto lost the Zapruder film. I swear we saw some dude on the grassy knoll.

• John Stevens should've dressed Riley Cote. He would've beat everybody up because he's tough. The Flyers need more players like him. Long live the Broad Street Bullies!! (again, playing with yourself is not only permissible, it's encouraged).
• Steve Downie was confused with the puck on his stick. He's a much better player without the puck.
• That Penguins goal on Sunday should've counted (this one's good for "the confused").
• That whole Rocky statue scandal distracted us.

• If the Penguins wouldn't have been so bad prior to the 2005 draft, they would've never had a chance to draft Crosby.
• Crosby dives.
• Too much weight is placed on the playoffs. We beat the Penguins 5 games to 3 in the regular season. That's what really counts.
• That last game of the season...the Penguins lost to us on purpose. (Can not be used in conjunction with the previous excuse, unless you're "the confused").

• IT'S JUST ONE BIG CONSPIRACY.

This list is definitely not all-inclusive. I'm sure we're missing some, so feel free to add as necessary. Remember, the shorter the series goes...the more excuses that will be needed.

Yinz Luv 'Da Guins

Appears that last video is temporarily unavailable. I'm blaming the refs. Meanwhile...this is absolutely hilarious...



"your captain's getting stitches, all over his face...just because."

from Deckofjack on YouTube. Good stuff.

Dancing With Danny

Opening faceoff, Game 3, Eastern Conference Finals...at the intimidating and scary Wachovia Center...home of the intimidating and scary Philadelphia Flyers...



Not long afterwards, Briere was overheard asking himself...

What would Gary Roberts do?

Derian Hatcher Finds Blouse

...one to match his skirt...

quote from BGL after Sunday's game:

"Last night I went after (Flyers defenceman Derian) Hatcher when it was 4-2 near the end," said Laraque. "I said, 'Listen, you wanted to be tough against Malkin? Show me how tough you are. You're 6-5, 230? I said let's go.' I wanted to fight him because I can't let a big guy like that go after our star players and not do anything about it. At least I let my message through to him."

note to Georges: don't hurt him too bad. We're better off the more ice time Hatcher gets.

Beat Down

Told ya this was gonna be fun...



The Flyers perspective of the fight was that Upshall won because he blocked all of TK's punches with his face. Hockeyfights.com gives TK the win at 88%. 8% had it a draw, and 4% Flyers fans chimed in.

After Friday's game, Upshall was quoted as saying the Malkin breakaway shorty that lit up Biron's man boobs was residue of Geno being "lazy." Ok.

At one point during yesterday's game, Malkin's broken stick that laid on the ice blocked 2 Pens shots...which was more than all of the Flyers defensemen had combined. Malkin's stick will be a free agent at the end of the season, and rumor is that Paul Holmgren will try to sign it as a free agent to replace Derian Hatcher.

I love the fact this was called No Goal...


I also love the fact that Jarkko Ruutu gets punched in the face after the whistle, and Ruutu gets 2 minutes for having his face in the way. You get our worst game, and we still beat your lame ass. I want to play short handed the rest of the series. I want every penalty to be called on the Pens. I wish Crosby and Malkin would play with one hand tied behind their back, because nothing can save this series for the scumbag Flyers.

The pumpkin colored jerseys won't help you back at the Wachovia Center, either. This series, and the Flyers season, is OVER. Pack the clubs, boys. Thanks for coming.

btw...did Chris Osgood get shot Saturday night?

Kimmo Timonen, OUT

Too bad, so sad. Any other team, I may feel sympathy for. But the Flyers faithful can take solace in the fact that they'll have another excuse to lean on after their man-teets are peeled.

So John Stevens wasn't kidding when he said he planned on using Derian Hatcher to check Sidney Crosby (Ok, stop laughing, please continue...)


What's the difference between Derian Hatcher and a lamp post?

The lamp.

Ok...very similar to the oldie but goodie...

What's the difference between Steve Downie and a bucket of crap?

The bucket.

Gets me every time. In a related story...

Our good pal Chris Henry was back in the news. Henry, contemplating his future in the NFL, recently said:

"I think it would be better to move on to another city, a fresh start, new team, new environment," Henry told Sporting News Radio. "I'm really a good guy. Just got caught up in a few bad situations. ..."

Shortly after Henry said this, the reporter started to chuckle. Henry proceeded by waving his gun, raping his girlfriend, and throwing a bottle at his car.

My Official Pens / Flyers Series Prediction:

Penguins in 3. Therrien finds a way.

Fun for the whole family....

Phillysucks.com

Only 2 things good to come out of Philly...our pal Steve and Jim's Steaks.

If Gary Roberts were Apollo Creed, Rocky II would've been impossible.