The Curious Case of Derek Roy.

I've been thinking about Derek Roy a lot the past few days.

As most of you are aware of, I'm not a particularly huge fan of the 5'9" center straight out of Ottawa, Ontario. I nitpick everything he does on the ice and don't give him enough credit, which most people don't seem to be doing anymore. Roy was on a career pace last season in every category across the board before he went down with his injury. It was also Roy who came back for Game 7 of the Flyers/Sabres series last year - not at 100% - because he wanted to try and help his teammates. I was actually extremely excited when he came back and was hoping maybe he could get a point or anything to help the team but to no avail. This year, he is the center of discussion when trade is brought up and hasn't played up to par this year.

Why am I thinking about this so much?

My brother Corey and I had a discussion with Nick Mendola on Saturday evening about the Sabres (mainly general thoughts) and Roy came up. Nick mentioned several of the points I made note of above, and that's when my brain really began churning. Perhaps I tried too hard to look for flaws in his gameplay because I don't respect the type of person he is. My big issue with athletes is that I judge them first on personality, and secondly on hockey skills. I got lucky with my favorite player being kind of good at hockey and from multiple things I've read, he has a good heart too. If you peruse through Roy's Twitter, he kind of comes off as a douchebag for the lack of a better term. I've heard several stories from female friends about how he acts towards women in public. He is clearly a womanizer. We've all seen the drunk photos that are plastered all over Google. I just have no respect for the type of person he comes off as and that's probably why I've disregarded how well he can play for so long.

This season isn't going well for a lot of guys who aren't named Thomas Vanek or Jason Pominville. Roy is third on the team in points with 25 in 49 games. 9 of those points are goals. Last year, he had 10 in 35 games before his season ended shortly. Actually, he was on a point-per-game pace last season. How much of the Sabres disastrous season's blame can you place on him? Not all of it - or at least, he doesn't deserve all of it. As a whole, the team really fell apart after the Lucic hit on Miller which has been discussed a million times by vast amounts of media outlets and even just blogs. Roy is one of the top guns who we should be looking at to score the big goals but he hasn't been doing it. Drew Stafford hasn't been doing much of it either. Before Vanek's injury, he had one goal in ten games. Pominville has been particularly the steadiest out of every player on the team but he's also played every game. We shouldn't be going around pointing fingers because I think everyone on the team has a part to play in this season going down the drain. It's not over yet, though. I have a good feeling that the core players are really going to step into their roles in this post-All Star break if their recent play has anything to show for it. Last night's game, while they lost, was a sign of hope that maybe they believe this season isn't over yet. We have to believe that, too.

So Derek, I'm sorry about being so hard on you these past few years. Go out there and help give this team something to believe in again.

It begins.

I'd like to thank the creator of Twitter for coming up with the idea for it. You see, especially during hockey games, I'm a raving lunatic. I need to express my anger or my complete happiness somewhere and I can't do it outloud at my house because of my mother usually being in bed during hockey games. I swear up a storm, use all caps. I am that type of person when it comes to watching this sport. For all those people who still follow me even after reading my obscene comments, thanks for sticking around. I think I use Twitter to get out all of my frustration and if I want to write a blog post the next day, I'm extremely calm. So thanks for that, creator of Twitter. You had people like me in your mind when you came up with the concept.

The Sabres lost their fifth straight game yesterday, and Phil over at Black & Blue & Gold had mentioned on Twitter if anyone remembered the ten game losing streak. To be honest, that came into my mind after the Devils game. I didn't really think they would lose the next two games after that but it just doesn't seem like ANYTHING is going right for this team right now. Both goaltenders can't seem to steal a W (though Ryan did steal a point for the boys against New Jersey). We can't seem to score more than three goals a game and that's only happened two out of the six games. Thomas Vanek can't get the puck in the net. Most shots on goal but nothing to show for it which is just REALLY, REALLY weird. It isn't like he's not trying, he is but the puck keeps avoiding to go in the net when he shoots it. Our defensive pairings are really screwed up. I don't know what happened to Tyler but I think he is now a minus seven. Guys, that's really bad considering I think he was a plus player last year. I hope this is just a fluke and he doesn't have the dreaded sophomore slump.

It was comforting to see more guys than Derek Roy score last night, that's for sure. Drew, Goose, and Cody all got on the board. Thomas got an assist (WOO HOO) but that could not stop the Hawks. I said it on Twitter, I said it on Facebook - time to get more goal songs. Obviously you're going to love it because it pisses off opposing teams and fans and if you're a Hawks fan, but if you plan on having this song 20+ years into the future then have fun with that disaster. I don't even care about the Hawks in terms of I do not love them or hate them but I HATE that song during the hockey season. It's too bad I'll have to hear it more while watching the Canucks play them this year, ugh.

The Sabres next game is on Wednesday and I think fans deserve a break from this. I wonder if Lindy will be able to light a fire under their butts so they come out flying because the Thrashers have our number badly. It's time to take care of teams who are less talented than we are - or are they?

Go Sabres.

Mark Mancari, you're up.

According to this Sabres Edge article, Mark Mancari has been called up to play with the Sabres since Drew's injured and is playing with Thomas and Derek for tonight's game. Looks like Lindy has a lot of confidence in him tonight to put him on that line and I know with those two guys, he can maybe get something going. I wasn't impressed with him when he was up here earlier in the year (also against the Rangers) but maybe tonight will be different for him.

The Pirates are also playing here today in Buffalo, so best of luck to them so they can defeat Rochester! Go Pirates! Let's go, Buffalo!

That was some good redemption there, boys.

A nice shutout for Ryan and some goals for the offense made tonight turn out to be quite nice for the Sabres. I was over at my brother's house watching this game, and the other time I went over there to watch a game this season, Ryan Miller had his first shutout against Nashville. Maybe I should watch Sabres games with him more often...just kidding, Tamara.

It's about time the Primadonna Cuntnugget scored his first goal of the season. I was really hoping that it tipped off of Thomas' stick, but alas, no. My brother made me incredi bly happy tonight because he was bitching about how people always say that Thomas does absolutely nothing in front of the net. He defended him all night, with the standing in the crease and how he isn't lazy, but he just isn't a fast skater. I don't meet too many people now that defend him quite like I do but I occasionally find people who don't put the guy down so that's always nice.

It was good to see the power play in action tonight. I don't know how many power plays they had, but they scored two goals on it, and it's a start. It's time to get it cranking out. Remember when the Sabres were in the top five last year for the PK AND PP? Insane.

Flyers on Friday. I hate these games against them. Or I just hate their fans...one of the two.

The Sabres can only score in the third period now.

Really, what is with the boys only scoring their goals in the third period? They practically sleep through the first two periods and then they wake up realizing they have to score a few goals. Great job guys.

No seriously, I'm so happy that they beat the Red Wings. Even if it's only the preseason, they beat the RED WINGS! Heck yeah! See, I knew with Ty Conklin not being there, they'd be able to beat them. Good times all around.

Goals were scored by Derek, Thomas, and the Goose. I think Goose scored that goal for his mama who was apparently at the game tonight. Go Mother Goose! I think she should go to Sabres games a lot more often...they should have a plane just for her to fly her in all the time. I think she brings good luck to the team (and to Goose).

The next game is on Monday, against the Caps. Hopefully it isn't a remake of what happened on Thursday. No OT please! I can't even handle that in the preseason. Then again, it gets me ready for what the regular season will bring...

There's our little center.

I'm sort of frightened by this picture because it looks like he's giving me a look of 'I want you.' Sorry Derek, I don't want you.

Why does he look so smug too? Maybe he already knows that there's a small chance he'll make Team Canada with how many other awesome players are there. I'm so pessimistic for him.

Derek Roy lone Sabre invited to Team Canada Orientation Camp.

Oh my God, this is just like my last post except different guy and different team. No way guys.

Derek Roy is one of a million players (46 to be exact) going to the camp for Team Canada in Calgary next month. Team Canada is stacked in talent so I wouldn't be surprised if they won the gold in Vancouver next year. They are my third favorite team on the international level. Damn you Canada for having so many amazing players.

The Sabres actually signed someone yesterday and it wasn't via trade. Welcome to the team, Steve Montador! I'm quite proud of Darcy for doing business on the first day, that sly dog.

Let us not forget that our beloved Jaroslav Spacek has moved on and signed with Montreal yesterday (for more money than he's worth, sorry Spach).
I didn't know you long enough, Jaro! I miss you already! ):

Daniel Paille, you depress me.

First things first, I got an email from Mike, the owner of a new website named NHL Snipers. He has a pretty good idea about how hockey bloggers can become more acquainted with each other. I've put the link to his website on my sidebar too, so if you want, you can check it out whenever you'd like to.

I can't believe that the last we've seen of Sekera was on January 14th, when the Sabres had faced the Blackhawks. That seems like a long time ago. I don't even remember how he was injured, to be honest. Sabres.com is telling me he was tangled up, but how it happened is not fresh within my mind. Lindy thinks that he's not exactly ready to come back yet, but Andrej thinks that he is. Lindy isn't the guy injured, but if he was my coach, I would listen to him and not come back until he said I should be ready to go. Still doesn't mean it wouldn't be awesome to see him back on the ice tomorrow!

I guess Derek is not going to take Thomas' spot next to Timmy and Drew, and I am pretty disappointed. Then again, the Sabres do not have a lot of depth at center as it is. I don't blame Lindy for not keeping Derek on the left side there. We need our centers to be centers and win faceoffs, make the little plays, etc. etc. I just hope Yo-Yo can play well alongside Timmy and Drew. He sure can't take Thomas' place, but he can still try.

Now, I was listening to Daniel Paille's interview from after practice this morning, and I thought it sounded very depressing. Just hearing about how he feels about his play this year wasn't lovely to listen to. He even looked sad and lost, like a lost puppydog. I sure hope that he'll be able to get back on his game...after being scratched for a bit, he deserves to get on some sort of roll. I hate seeing anyone on this team benched/scratched, but sometimes it's needed to light a fire under some butts.

Good times never seemed so good (so good, so good, so good)!

This is something I'm NOT thankful for.

Sabres won 3-2 against the Bruins tonight in a wonderful fashion. They had me quite nervous there in the third after Kessel scored, but managed to hold onto the lead. They are 1-0 so far in these new duds. Luck, I tell you! It brings them good luck.

Good thing Cari went to this game, because I think she brought her boy good luck. He could've totally had at least four goals today if it wasn't for that 'no goal' call and the fact he was tripped up by Charbacca (Chara). Nice to see that he's slowly getting back into his rhythm. Derek, I hate you less now! And stop looking so gosh darn cute in interviews, I can't stand it!

Yo-Yo then made us remember that, hey, we can score shorthanded too and got that game winning goal. I was too busy talking to my mom about how Jason Pominville could be nicknamed 'Wide Load' when Yo-Yo scored, and we were like 'Bzuh?!' Pretty funny actually, haha.

Let me be honest here, I was really scared that something happened to Thomas' shoulder after Lucic nailed him hard into the boards. That's right. I used the term nailed.
Ahem.
Then when I heard 'lower body injury', I thought of his knee. Thanks to the team doctor, that was screwed up during his physical in September. Good thing Lindy said it was only a contusion...then again, that got me scared too. D; Seeing him sitting on the boards before the third period; scoping the ice and placing his mouthguard into his mouth made my heart flutter, and I said outloud 'He's so heroic. *sigh*' That's the 10-year old fangirl in me, by the way. My 17-year old self was saying 'He is a BEAST. You can't contain him!'

So, things I am thankful for after today:
- My friends, family, and my wonderful girlfriend.
- The Buffalo Sabres and the many joys (maybe sorrows) they give me during the season.
- Thomas Vanek, by even exisiting in my life. THANK YOU.
- The education I have received. I cherish it greatly, with all the knowledge I now have.
- I'm especially thankful for being on this Earth. I try to use every minute to the fullest, because you never know when something is going to happen.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it, and a happy belated Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends. (:

Speaking of voting...

I hope those who could vote today, did. (: I couldn't since I'm only 17 but I hope the guy I want to win wins.

In other voting news, the NHL has released who will be on the All Star ballot. Four of the Sabres have made the list:

Ryan MillerHonest to God, how could you not want that on your All Star team roster?

Teppo NumminenThanks to Anne for originally finding this photo. Not so much Bono in this picture, but *whistles* Teppo was and is a fox. Besides, Ye Old Faithful going for his 4th All Star game? Yay!

Derek Roy
Obligatory tongue picture. That tongue could be shown at the All Star game. My girlfriend would be happy. Cari from Sabre Chaser would be happy. The fashion industry would be ecstatic.

Thomas Vanek
Do I even need a reason? At the Youngstars game two years ago, he was the only player to wave to the crowd. ONLY I WOULD NOTICE THINGS LIKE THIS FROM THE MAN HIMSELF. Waving to the crowd = A+.

I think the two that really have a chance of getting in are Ryan and Thomas. If they could only sneak one Sabre in, I would see Thomas getting the nod, but the All Star game is still about two and a half months away. Things could quite possibly change. All four of them getting in would be super sweet - as a Sabres fan, I am urging you to vote vote vote for our boys! Get some write-ins in there too. They need our support for the starting lineup!
Oh, and what's this I hear about Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar still getting on the ballot? I don't even know what to say about that.

Now that's what I call hockey!

I hate sucky quality pictures!!!!

Nice to see the boys slowly get back to how they were at the beginning of the season. They played more defensively sound, and even though there were still a couple of plays that were flimsy, everyone played great tonight. I'm not really mad at how anyone played. It was a team effort and they managed to get a shutout for Ryan, so it's all good.

I'm glad that Derek and Pommers could get goals tonight. Lord knows that they need to step up their productivity, even though it's still early in the season but come on, Clarkie and Thomas can't score every night. That's sort of ridiculous. Also good to see Pie-eh get a nice goal thanks to Patty K. Awesome 2-on-1 opportunity they had and they capitalized on it.

Oh and...Tim Connolly is back, ladies and gentlemen. Everytime he was hit tonight I had to cover my eyes. I was afraid he'd break something again but he lasted throughout the whole game, hurray! He got a point for assisting on Derek's goal too. 70-something points this year if he stays healthy? We can only hope, but then again, speaking of Tim Connolly being healthy is like taboo. Serious taboo.
"The man who's hotter than a firecracker..." <3

Derek Roy, you amuse me!

Toga Day was lame. I was one out of maybe ten other people who actually attempted to wear something toga-ish today. Hardly any of the people in Student Government (who decided this whole thing) wore a toga, either! Ah well, at least I appeared to be different...now it's Twin Day tomorrow, and I don't know if Chelsea (my best friend) and I are doing it. I'll have to ask her later.

I am subscribed to an RSS feed for Yahoo! sports news, and I found a lovely article today that features Thomas Vanek's BFF Derek Roy.
But wait, as I read this...Derek, you smite me!

"1) Who is your all-time favorite roommate on the road?"
Me: Well, obviously, IT'S THOMAS VANEK. I don't know if you two room together, but I think that would be pretty awesome. Max should sleep in the bathtub, or you can rotate so the entire RAV line is in one room.
"I like Andrew Peters, but he’s a little overboard a lot of times. But he’s always fun. He keeps you on your toes. You never know what he’s going to do - beat you down with a pillow or wrestle you. He keeps you on your toes."
Me: Whaaaaaaat? So now we know how Petey practices his fights - on you, Derek! Please stop telling him to dance around like he's in the middle of a ballroom, thank you.

So I scrolled a bit more through the questions, and the last one struck me.
"5) What is the best concert you’ve ever attended?"
Me: I bet it's something classical. TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA. OR MAYBE THE KILLERS, SINCE THEY'RE DEREK'S FAVORITE GROUP!
"An Aerosmith concert (at Darien Lake). I was sitting front row. It was really good."

Me: I don't see you as an Aerosmith type. Do you happen to be any good at Guitar Hero: Aerosmith? How were their clothes when you went? Did you buy a concert t-shirt?

I thought I had gotten full lulz from Sabres today, but then Craig Rivet didn't let me down.

What song are you embarrassed about having in your iPod?
"I don’t really have it in my iPod but I kind of listen to it on XM Radio a lot – it’s that Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whatever.

"My 6-year-old daughter started to get into that stuff and now I’m into it too. I think it’s great."

What the hell? Do you happen to know a Mr. Nolan Pratt, Mr. Rivet? He happens to sort of like Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana too because of his daughter. Maybe you should meet up sometime and discuss Miley's latest scandalous deed. (Oh Pratters, I miss you. ):)

FOUR MORE DAYS!

I've hopped on the awesome blogwagon, woo!

Edit: (Afterthought...disregard the awful grammar/sentences used in this post.)

*gives self a pat on the back to start*

Woo, alrighty then.

If you happen to end up here, then you have stumbled onto the blog of a 17-year old girl who knows most of her facts on the game of hockey, but at the same time, can have her fangirliness unleash at any given moment in time. Don't let that fool you. I would much rather puke on those fug pink jerseys than wear them. Even if my entire life depended on wearing that pink jersey. Hang me, tar and feather me, whatever you please but I'm not putting that damn thing on.

Speaking of pink jerseys, I came upon this gem yesterday while looking through the NHL Shop online:What in the Sam hill is this?!

No lie, that was my exact reaction to that...thing. That object colored in pink and gray. Nice to know that the logo was incorporated into the item, I could barely see it! *squints eyes*

Anyways, I'm totally getting off track here. I've been a Sabres fan ever since I was little; I've been born one practically. I never had the chance to see them play in the Aud, but I did go there once for one of my older brother's hockey games. All I can say is that my young ears did not appreciate the sound of the horn blaring through the arena, and I burst out crying. My poor grandfather had to walk me around the building.
I still remember good ol' '99. My stepfather actually taped all of the games, so if I ever wanted to watch the heartbreak over and over again I could.
I wasn't resurged into a Sabres fan until about two years ago. I was really glad to have found my love for the sport again, and plus, I've learned plenty in these past few years. I've been reading up on the history of the game, checking up on most of the teams, and keeping tabs on what's been going on for the past two summers.

If I may so kindly direct you to the side of my blog (This way ---->), you may notice that I have an infatuation with a certain player who wears the number 26 for the Sabres. I might go back from time to time and mention how 'OMG, I TTLY GOTZ A PIKTURE WIT THOMAS VANEK!!!1111' or say how nervous I was to get my jersey signed by him that my sister-in-law had to say 'Uh, she's really starstruck and speechless right now.' and he laughed. A cute laugh, by the way. So uh...sorry in advance if I go a little overboard with the fangirling, I'm sorry. IT'S HARD WHEN YOU GO TO SCHOOL WITH PEOPLE WHO DO NOT VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE LISPY AUSTRIAN ON THE SABRES.

Look at him! With Roysie! How can you not love a man who so dependently puts his arm around his favorite teammate/linemate's shoulder?! (You know Derek is his favorite. And vice versa. Right Derek? Right?)

I think I may have rambled on too much for my first post on this thing. I NEED CRITERIA FOR TOMORROW...AND THE NEXT DAY...and you know how it goes.
Since it's pretty late and I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow, I will talk about how mad I am at the NHL for refusing to show the first two games of the NHL season on Versus, my thoughts on the upcoming Red Wings/Sabres game tomorrow and why I'm looking forward to spirit week at my school.

I leave you with a video of Thomas...training. With one of his coaches/trainers talking about the training method during the thing. I actually think the videos are highly amusing, if not for the fact that Thomas is wearing a hat during all of this and that he is wearing Under Armour under his shorts.

...I lied, one more video. Simply because Thomas saying that the birth of his son is his most memorable thing is too cute.