Blackhawks Woes and Tyler Too

The Blackhawks have dropped to first 2 games in their series against the Canucks. And it kills me to say that I'm not too surprised. The Canucks have watched the Hawks end their season the last 2 years and really really want to get that monkey off their backs. They're the top team in hockey (record-wise) while the Hawks snuck in the playoffs on the final day. But those issues aren't the key factor in the 2 losses. In my opinion things have been very close in all aspects of the game. The teams are well matched in terms of raw skill, experience, and goaltending. The Canucks, however, have something that the Hawks lack this year. A player or 2 that makes the game uncomfortable for the other team. For all their skill, the Hawks just don't have that pest this year that gets under peoples' skin as well as forcing them to always look over their shoulder. Last year we had guys like Versteeg, Byfuglien, Bolland, Eager, Burish, Ladd. They all...most of them...had good skill and were threats to score key goals, but most importantly they knew how to take the ice and get teams out of their game. Crushing hits, poking, proding, yapping, tough physical play, they just wore you out physically and mentally until you just didn't want to play any more. You couldn't focus on what you wanted to do in the game because you had to spend so much time and effort worrying about them. That not only keeps teams from getting into a groove against you but also frees up your top skill guys to get their work done.
This year it's the Canucks that have those guys. Guys like Elder that just keep coming at you all game long. That really strong forecheck that throws your break-outs off by just enough. That presence in front of the net to distract the goalie and get some cheap rebound goals. The Hawks don't have anyone that can get down low and piss off Luongo this year. Guys try, but it's too easy to move them out and they just don't have that instinct to piss people off.
Game 2 was much better than game 1 and we finally had some things working. Luckily Corey Crawford is proving to be the real deal and has made several monster saves. Newbie Ben Smith has really come on and is playing incredible hockey (for a rookie in the playoffs) right now. Hopefully a trip home is what they need to get the energy back and right the ship. This team has the skill to go as far as their heart wants to take them. Here's to hoping that's at least to the second round, sending the f'n Canucks home to clean their panties for a third straight year.

Hayley has officially begun her Jamaican vacation with her mom today. So far it just feels odd to have the house to myself for this long. I don't remember the last time that happened. I'm also realizing that talking to Tyler is actually more rewarding than talking to Hayley most nights. On most nights she's too buys and exhausted to even hear what I'm saying, let alone act like she cares. Quite often she doesn't even realize I'm talking to her. Tyler, on the other hand, acts like I'm unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Ears perk up, stops whatever he's doing, listens intently. So even though the comprehension is roughly the same, it just feels better. And if I'm talking details/strategy for hockey or baseball the comprehension is really about equal. Actually, Tyler might win this round. Anything new things Hayley does learn probably pushes something else out. Most of what's left in her head has to do with doctoring. So if she is able to absorb something hockey-related that I'm talking about she's probably walking away with a net drop in IQ. Since Tyler's head is only full of strategies on how to make the insides of all his toys end up on the outside and which of the dozen holes in the yard his good kong ball is currently in, he's not losing anything.
Okay, time to get back to my full night of Cubs and playoff hockey. Tyler is in his usual spot on the couch inches away from me. Apparently he can't nap unless he can touch me. I think he's trying to soak up my wealth of knowledge through doggie osmosis. That, or he knows that's a great place to lie in wait for food scraps.
PEACE!

Don't beat up the Ignorant

So I've been watching alot of Californication recently. Really great show. I've been pleasantly surprised by the writing. Definitely not something I'd want my parents watching. Or something I'd watch with them if they did decide to watch. Or even something I want to think about them watching. But that's all besides the point.
A few times the main character, Hank Moody (David Duchovny), who is quite the ladies man, has found himself in more than his share of infidelity situations. Usually through no fault of his own. That naturally doesn't stop the scorned man from trying to take out his anger/frustration on Hank. This, I feel, is completely inappropriate. Especially in real-life situations. I know you're pissed and need some outlet, but before you throw down with some stranger for defiling your betroved, make sure he's done something wrong. If your girl picked him up at some bar without mentioning her boyfriend he's not wrong and doesn't deserve a beating.
I've actually been on the first half of this situation. Luckily not the 2nd half. Before I continue I'd like to mention that this all happens prior to any more-than-friends conversation with Hayley. Many years ago I was attending the fall party at a local brewery. Big outdoor event with good beer, bands, food, extra. As the night wore on our small band of merry makers ended up mingling with a group of female merry makers. Things between myself and a young lady started to head in a non-friendly direction. Flirting and...what not. A gentleman never kisses and tells. That seems like a safe policy so I will also adopt it. However, once the party was over and we were all exiting, things seemed to change. Didn't seem so eager to continue hang out, not really interested in getting together later, nothing. After consulting with her friend as to what was going on, it turned out she actually has a boyfriend. Obviously with some issues, but a boyfriend none the less. And while nothing really happened, had he showed up in the middle of the night and saw some of the events, he would have been none too pleased. And naturally I would have likely been the target of his displeasure. All's well that ends well and no one was hurt.
Obviously no one ever wants to discover that their one and only doesn't feel the same. And doesn't act the same. But take 30 seconds and find out what the real story is before you do something unjust. One of the very few morals I try to live by is never punishing the innocent. I've been punished as an innocent and it just sucks.
And now it's time to put this week, and myself, to bed. Tyler successfully stayed home all day by himself, with a lunchtime walk courtesy of Tail Waggerz, and didn't wreck the house. Encouraging sign for the next week when he needs to do this every day until his face gash heals up completely. He just walked himself upstairs for bed time and I shall follow.
PEACE!!