The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Have a big sip New Jersey.

Everyone can talk about how Fisher accidentally clipped Martin Brodeur's foot in the crease and that a penalty should have been called, but the last time I checked, a player has the right to skate outside the crease to make a play. If it interfered with the goaltender's positioning in the blue paint, fine, but you (you being Brodeur, of course) decided to move outside the crease towards a moving player and you risk what contact you get.

In any case, New Jersey was outchanced, outhit, outshot and just plain outplayed. The better team won tonight, and I'm looking forward to Ottawa continuing the momentum Wednesday.

Man do I hate New Jersey. The team that puts hockey to sleep.

Bias aside with my Ottawa Senators, I really hope the Stanley Cup is won by a team in a city that actually cares about the accomplishment.

Carolina, Tampa Bay and New Jersey were the last three teams that won it, and each city yawned. No one cares. So when I look at some of the teams that are currently in contention, there are definitely a few teams that I hope DON'T win it (again, bias aside from my Senators).

The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Mighty Ducks have strong teams that are not where they are by fluke. But certainly a team based in California would rather watch an NFL pre-season game than they would a Stanley Cup Final. Their attendances are atrocious, and it is embarrassing to see the number of empty seats during the playoffs.

In the east, the last thing the league needs is the New Jersey Devils winning it all again. They had their first sellout, and this includes the regular season, last night. Pathetic. And it wasn't really a sellout, there were tons of empty seats visible. These fans definitely take for granted the prestige of winning Lord Stanley. The stupid thing is, ownership thinks moving to a new arena in Newark which had one of the higher murder rates a decade ago will draw more fans. Sure it will.

New York and Detroit are original six franchises and they have a loyal following while Vancouver is based in Canada and of course I have a bias there, but if I were to choose a team that I would be ok with winning it all, it'd be the Buffalo Sabres. Sens fans whine they've been in the league for almost 15 years and have nothing to show for it, but there are other teams that have gone on longer without winning anything. The Sabres have been around since 1970 and they have nothing to show for it. They've made two trips to the finals and lost both times. They've had several ownership problems with allegations of corruption and good management was non-existent after losing in the Cup Final in 1999. Despite all these factors, the fans have shown up. The building sells out and the excitement is clearly visible. This is a team that, if they won the Stanley Cup, the city would care and not take it for granted.

They've paid their dues and their fans deserve it. Of course, if it means going through my Ottawa Senators they can wait another year...but if the Cup isn't going to Canada, my vote is for Buffalo.

If my Ottawa Senators can defy odds and bring home the Stanley Cup to my home town of Ottawa, that would be a dream come true for the entire city and its fans, of which I am one.

I remember the euphoric feeling I had after Team Canada took home the gold medal on February 24, 2002. Everyone was jacked. All my friends that I took that game in with were glowing with excitement. We were hugging each other and I was hugging complete strangers, too. The fans poured out on the streets and headed towards Parliament Hill, and cars where driving back and forth honking their horns while high-fiving people they had just met wearing their red and white Canada jerseys. It was like from day one, when we'd debate who should be on the team, how they can play better, who should play on what line, how are they going to regroup from their slow start...it was sort of like we were all in this together, and our faith and patience paid off and we had won. There wasn't one friend who wasn't cheering on Team Canada, exclaiming how Canada sucks and Team USA is where it's at. We all wanted that gold medal.

The Senators still have ways to go...the playoffs are just barely 1/4 of the way through. But just thinking about how fun & exciting it is when your team comes through is enough to put up with the disappointments most fans deal with year in and year out. There's only one downside to Ottawa's playoff run as opposed to Team Canada's Olympic gold...not all of my friends care for the Sens. As a matter of fact, many HATE the team. They'd rather see Lord Stanley make a trip to Nashville or Anaheim. It's unfortunate for me, because they won't be around cheering with me if Ottawa wins it all.

My other dream, of course, is to overcome the anticipated 2000+ entrants and win a World Series of Poker bracelet this coming June. Mike Caro, noted poker pro and author, sums up your chances in tournaments with this line: "The odds are you aren't going to win". There are so many mine fields to avoid, so much timing, skill and of course the one variable you have no control over, luck, your chances are, well, about 2000-1. But we try anyway.

An unnamed friend said to me what is the likelihood of both of these events happening to me in the exact same year...a Stanley Cup AND a WSOP bracelet? One of these things is already getting greedy, perhaps, but both...how high are your expectations?

They are high, and maybe unrealistic. But it keeps me going, and reliving that same high from 2002 I would give for almost anything. I have dreams, and the only thing left for me is to hope they come true.

And I'll probably naively keep on doing so, until it does.

A lot of people who aren't too familiar with poker think the best players are simply the best bluffers. The truth is, the best players in the world are the ones who make the best decisions and fewest mistakes. Winning poker is not about setting up elaborate traps and making stone cold bluffs.

A lot of the games I've won involved very little bluffing and winning pots based on playing position and betting for value. I don't play junk: I play decent cards and try to avoid tricky decisions with marginal hands. I'm not trying to say I'm a world class player here, but my point is there's much less bluffing than most people think.

Since beginners think poker is non-stop bluffing, they'll enter many pots and make bluffs simply for the sake of making a bluff. There are many variables to consider when you're trying to steal: the size of the pot, the number of players, how dangerous is the flop, the size of the blinds in relation to everyone's stack and your position amongst other things. A beginner tends to just throw chips in the middle without much method to their madness.

If you're new to the game, I suggest you don't bluff. Of course, don't announce this to the table when you play. But the first thing you should learn is how often you can win by simply playing good starting hands and betting when you hit the flop and folding when you don't. When you're up against other players remember this: A bet or raise is usually what it means. If they check, a lot of the times that means they missed the flop and are ready to give up the hand. If they put their chips in, they're telling you they hit their hand (or if it's preflop they have a strong hand if they raise) and you have to react accordingly. Is this person bluffing? Look down at your hand: is it 7-2 offsuit? Guess what...you have nothing, and their nothing is better than your trash hand anyway, so fold it and wait for a better opportunity. There's no sense in trying to figure out what 5% of the time they're trying to take a pot with a stone cold bluff from you if you have nothing but 7 high.

Learning how often you can win by simply putting your cards in with the best of it is the first step to playing a better game. Once your game starts to mature, then make that move to have bluffing a part of your arsenal.

Some may say the one week layoff between games may be a problem for Ottawa to get back into their playoff groove, but Mike Comrie said it best: It doesn't matter how long your off, you're jacked to be in the playoffs and you want to get it going.

Ottawa faced the NHL's best player in Sidney Crosby and now has the task of attempting to dispatch the NHL's best goaltender in Martin Brodeur. Expect low-scoring games and non-stop trapping from New Jersey, but I think Ottawa can emerge on top.

I just look at the way Ottawa played in the first round and they looked fantastic. They played physical, gritty and the players look motivated. You can see it on the ice: they want to win.

I like Ottawa's forwards better in terms of depth (althought the Devils have the best checker in John Madden), and I also feel after Brian Rafalski and Paul Martin, the Devils seem to be lacking on defence. It also doesn't help them their top point getter Patrick Elias will be out for an indeterminate amount of time, either.

Martin Brodeur is the best man between the pipes, while Emery has to prove himself. New Jersey obviously has the better goaltending, but we did see Brodeur falter a little in their series against Tampa Bay. He's human, and he's beatable. The question in the series is can Ottawa's better depth and goal-scoring overcome Brodeur? I think they can.

Senators in six.

Game one hasn't even been played, and I already feel an ulcer coming on. Get the job done boys, that way I can risk getting even more health problems if they play in the Conference Final.

Like last round, I will make predictions for Round 2 for all the series except for the Ottawa-New Jersey matchup, which I will discuss tomorrow. And just for the record, I guessed all eight series correctly (although I only correctly guessed the number of games to decide each series twice).

Where's my prize?

Eastern Conference

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers: The Sabres didn't actually look all that great dispatching the Islanders in five games, and I actually felt bad for the Isles as they took many horrible calls against them and couldn't buy any breaks. Having said that, the better team did win and my guess is Buffalo will get back to their A game and bring it to the Rangers. New York hasn't brought much attention to themselves, but if you look at their record since the new year, they've played some pretty good hockey. Lundqvist can steal games and the tandem of Jagr and Shanahan bring a lot of firepower and experience to the table. Plus everyone is drooling over Sean Avery. They'll give Buffalo many more problems than the Islanders did, but Buffalo should emerge. Sabres in 6.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings vs San Jose Sharks: San Jose are no slouches. They played an excellent series vs Nashville and they have a lot of depth and some decent goaltending. I like their chances much more than Calgary's, but I think the Red Wings have too solid a defensive style and experience for the Sharks to overcome. San Jose is sort of the dark horse of the West, and they don't have a lot of expectations on them like Anaheim and Detroit do but are still very dangerous. Once the Red Wings got out of the first round, they got that monkey off their back and they'll play with more swagger. Add home ice advantage, and I like their chances. Red Wings in 6.

Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks: Don't get me wrong, it was great to see another Canadian team get past the first round (and for Vancouver, this was the first time they've done that since 1996) but if they think Dallas is tough, Anaheim will give them nightmares. The have better forwards, better defence (probably the best in the NHL anchored by Pronger and Niedermayer) and their goaltending is pretty solid, too. Watching Vancouver trying to find the back of the net was extremely painful: they simply can't score. Roberto Luongo is the ace up their sleeve and he can only do so much. I don't like Vancouver's chances at all. Ducks in 5.

Perhaps the biggest marketing blunder in the 20th Century arrived on store shelves: the good people at Coca-Cola decided to change their decades old formula and give people a new, sweeter tasting soft drink (like the old school 280 ml can?).

In three months, they went back to the original.

After reading Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink", Alex offered up a summary of the marketing mishaps that occurred surrounding New Coke:

It was all in a response to the Pepsi Challenge, which was based on a blind taste test with a small amount of cola. Pepsi tended to win because it had that instant sweeter taste, and people responded to that. The Coca-Cola Company, deciding that this proved that the public wanted a sweeter beverage, decided to whip up New Coke to match Pepsi more closely. However, their logic was flawed and didn't take into account the genius of the Pepsi challenge. Turns out, people who responded positively to a gulp of Pepsi couldn't say the same after having a whole can. The prolonged sweetness actually turned some people off of it, which is why those people were Coke drinkers in the first place - it was a little more subtle in flavouring. Pepsi was really crafty in building a marketing ploy around their central weakness: that people responded positively to a little and negatively to a lot. Coke should have done their own homework instead of jumping to conclusions with the Pepsi challenge. Since both companies had been building brand loyalty for so many years, the effect of changing Coke's flavour was disastrous. They failed to persuade the people who like sweet drinks because they were already loyal to Pepsi, and they alienated their own market share by changing the very thing that made them Coke drinkers in the first place. Once they realized the mistake, they brought back their original formulation as Coke Classic, but not after destroying a lot of goodwill and spending a massive amount of money, all because Pepsi did what all good marketers hope to achieve: turning a weakness into a strength.

The funny thing is, I always thought the new Coke actually tasted pretty good, but I'm in the minority. I remember a few trips to the States where a "Coke II" drink was available to purchase several years later and it was indeed the new flavoured Coke. I don't even think that's available anymore. But that's ok...as long as Lift becomes readily available on this side of the planet!

Right in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a mere block away from Parliament Hill. Over 150 shops to visit, many outdoor festivals and events take place throughout the year. The walkways are paved with attractive interlock instead of the usual dull gray concrete and during the day, hundreds upon hundreds of tourists, shoppers and government workers are bristling about, making it one of the more livelier places in Ottawa.

Of course, I'm talking about Sparks Street.

Now come by at 9pm, and it is dead dead dead. There are a couple of bars open in the vicinity, such as Hoops (when was the last time you've been?) but everything is closed. Hardly anyone is in sight. I wouldn't recommend an attractive young lady to be walking by herself at that time of night as it is virtually deserted an no one would know if you were to get kidnapped.

It is really unfortunate that there isn't more night life in this area. Being so close in proximity, I notice this more than the average person. But for such an ideal location, what can be done to bring this place to life?

Ottawa has a reputation of calling it a night early and being a boring place if you're looking to fire it up all night long. Thing is, there are places like Sparks St that SHOULD be alive with people 24 hours, but it isn't.

It's kind of sad. Is anything being done to change it?

I went to Rogers video the other idea. The main intent was to rent Guitar Hero II (which they didn't have, but Alex decided to buy it so all was good), but since I hadn't been to the video store in some time, I thought it would be prudent to see what movies have been released recently.

So there's Flags of our Fathers on the shelves. Great! It's out already! One of the few Best Picture nominees (Wasn't nominated? keep reading...) I hadn't seen yet. So without reading the back cover, I rented it for $6.15 (something like that) and brought it home.

Upon further inspection, something occurred to me. I HAD ALREADY SEEN IT! The movie that I wanted to pick up was Letters from Iwo Jima. So if you're going to get two films mixed up...both World War II movies, both directed by Clint Eastwood and both involving the battle of Iwo Jima, I guess it's not that bad. But still, when I worked at the video store, I couldn't understand how some customers would come back and ask for a different flick because they forgot they already seen it. What's wrong with you!?!

Now I know...

Totally stole this from Scott's blog, but what a great shot. Those kitty-kats breaking out the Street Fighter is all good! That and I'm getting really lazy with my posts lately. What if the Sens weren't playing, what the hell would I talk about? I have too much spare time on my hands.

Enjoy the weather outside, it's really gorgeous.

If you have no idea what you are looking at right now, consider yourself a non-nerd. It is a Master Replicas Luke Skywalker limited edition lightsaber from the film The Empire Strikes Back. I bough this for $325US a little while back, and hoped it would appreciate a little and make a little coin on it.

Well, that didn't happen. I put it up on Ebay and it sold for $305; a bit of a loss but nothing big. Thing is, at the time I bought it, I could have purchased an Obi-Wan Kenobilightsaber from A New Hope for the exact same price, as I have seen it eclipse the $900US mark a few times. I would have made a sweet sweet profit on that!

Some of you may be wondering why a Kenobi saber would be worth more than a Luke one, as who really gives a s*** which one you're getting. Well, if that's your position, you must obviously be a Trekkie...

Absolutely amazing when we compare the predictions and outcomes of a series where many a Sens fans were nervous at what the tandem of Sydney Crosby & Gary Roberts would bring against Ottawa. Many thought, including myself, this was easily a 6 or 7 game series. But Ottawa's domination of Pittsburgh on nearly every facet of the game gave the better team the series win.

The Penguins looked extremely nervous in game 5, similar to their slow start in game 1, and their inexperience to the intensity of the playoffs was exploited. The Sens used their past post-season failures to their advantage, playing a tough, physical style they have learned the playoffs called for that gave them the results they needed.

It seemed when something went wrong or something was questioned, somewhere during the five games it would be corrected. The first three games, you wonder if Ray Emery could make the big save. In game four he was the first star, and tonight he made tremendous stops including facing shots from a pair of 5-on-3 powerplays that afterwards gave all the momentum to Ottawa. You read my post yesterday, and tonight I thought Redden responded to the criticism and played a strong game. Everyone questioned Daniel Alfredsson's leadership and past playoff production and I thought he was the Sens' MVP of the series. Aside from being the top point getter for the Sens, he also played smart defense and played a gritty style that gave his team energy.

I also have to commend GM John Muckler for getting both Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov locked up to 4 and 3 year deals before the series even started. That sent a message to the team that the front office believes in the group and that provided a spark for the rest of the Senators to put in a good effort. Getting Phillips to sign at a discount than what he would have gotten in the free agent market is a tribute to the hockey club as other players (Redden, Alfredsson, Fisher) make staying in Ottawa their first priority, not necessarily the highest contract available.

Other thoughts:

I'm glad I no longer have to listen to CBC and everyone else go on and on about Gary Roberts. Whether he punches Ray Emery in the face or boards Anton Volchenkov, he's a dirty player who gets away with too much...Joe Corvo, where have you been? He was average at best over the regular season, but he played a helluva series and the good news is he's locked up for another three seasons...Hard to believe Jason Spezza was thought of as expendable when he was injured earlier this year. His two-way play has improved tremendously...Dany Heatley got some points, but I still think he can be better...Christoph Schubert's back and forth transition from forward to defence whenever the need called for it made him an invaluable player. He threw big hits and wasn't afraid to get his nose dirty...Shutting down one of the best powerplays as the series wound down gives them nothing but confidence heading forward...Does Muckler's acquisition of Mike Comrie just look that much better? He played some of his best hockey since coming here against Pittsburgh...Loved the Ottawa fans having spontaneous chants of "Ro-berts, Ro-berts" and booing Crosby whenever he touched the puck. The media questioned the booing of Crosby, but quite frankly for a crowd that is usually accused of being asleep, any cheering or booing should not be dissuaded...So who will Ottawa face, The Rangers or Devils? I think NJ will pull it off. At the same time, the series against the Lightning have shown Brodeur is human and can let in some goals. I'll make predictions once the 1st round is finished.

Wade Redden is pretty much hated in Ottawa. He doesn't play a physical style and combine that with his good looks (hey, I'm perfectly secure as a heterosexual male in saying that) with the female fans who squeal in delight when his name is heard over the PA, and you have a player that the majority of fans want shipped out of here.

His selection to the 2004 and 2006 Team Canada rosters are gross errors. Wayne Gretzky is blinded by all the hype as Redden has hardly any playing ability. His point production and strong +/- are proof stats can be misleading.

Having said all that, this is the first time since Redden has started his NHL career that I'm siding with the Redden bashers out there. He has been the weakest player on the Senators team and for the life of me, I can't understand what's wrong.

I've never seen him get outmuscled so much for the puck before. Although he doesn't throw a lot of hits, I give him credit for taking hits to make a play. He's usually quite skillful in stealing the puck and getting it safely out of the zone. This playoff season, he has looked like a ragdoll. He's falling over all the time. He can't take the hits like he usually can. And his one-a-game turnovers have increased to 3 or 4.

Looking at his face, he looks sick. He has a pale white complexion and I'm wonder where his mind is. Is he ill? Bryan Murray hasn't really done much to change the situation. He still gets about 20 minutes of ice time, and he's on the 2nd powerplay unit. Despite the improved play of Joe Corvo, he seems unwilling to label him a 5th defencemen.

The issue is magnified because of his $6.5 million dollar salary. With the drop off in production and one year left on his contract, I can't help but think he'll be gone in the summer. With pay raises to Phillips & Volchenkov and Tom Preissing set to be an unrestricted free agent, the cap room has to come from somewhere, and Redden's contract may be it.

I've appreciated what Redden has brought to the table since he started in Ottawa about 10 years ago. But he isn't the same. This year is perhaps the worst season he's ever played. Whatever's wrong, I hope he snaps out of it, because he'll be needed if Ottawa plans for a long playoff run.

I am so numb by violence these days. There was 'round the clock coverage of yesterday's massacre at Virginia Tech where 33 people, including the shooter, were killed and others injured, but I didn't bother to watch. I wasn't shocked by hearing the story, rather a "Here we go again" thought ran across my mind. When the Columbine Massacre happened back in 1999, that was earth-shattering news. Now, it's just another story added to a long list of tragedies.

The shooter was another loner, who hated the world so much he felt the need to bring a gun to campus and kill everyone he could put his eyes on. And like many killers before him, the shooter ended up killing himself, bringing a gun to his head as police closed in on him. A note was left by Cho Seung-hui, the killer, in his dorm, listing "rich kids", "deceitful charlatans" and debauchery as his enemies.

Virginia Tech is one of the largest if not the largest campus with more than 25,000 students, almost equal to the town where it resides. It's a peaceful place, one where you can leave your car door unlocked and not worry about it getting stolen. But after one bloody afternoon, that has all changed.

I feel guilty for not being more upset at this story. With this much loss of life, it SHOULD affect me greater, even if I don't live in the same town or even the same country. There's just so much violence that we get exposed to every day, even the randomness of the act isn't even surprising to me anymore.

This world needs to find itself again.

I love naps. I love sleep.

My former roommate used to take a nap everyday after work around 4:00pm or so. I used to think he was lazy and should just go to bed earlier. But after a few months of seeing this ritual take place Monday to Friday, I decided to take part. I figured just one day here or there, nothing more, just for that odd occasion where I might feel a little groggy.

Now, yikes, it's almost like I can't live without it. It's couch time almost as soon as I get home. I manage to nap for about 30-45 minutes after work and sometimes feel a little "discomfort" if I don't take it. I'm fine, but it's my body asking me why I'm not schnoozing.

Weeknights I tend to go to sleep later, probably around midnight on average. I get up at about 6:50am, so it's probably not quite enough sleep. I figure this is the main reason I like my nappy time when I get home from work.

My weekends are the worst. If there's nothing going on in the morning, I'll sleep away a few hours and get up on average around 11am. Hitting the hay on a Friday or Saturday night knowing there's nothing to get up for is one of the most relaxing feelings you can have, so much so that even though my body might wake up at a reasonable time, say 9am, feeling refreshed and ready to get out of bed, instead I decide it's back to dreamland complete with a visit to the Sandman (Paul, Steve: Not the one with the Singapore cane) for a couple of extra hours.

SBP and sleep. Gotta have it.

The first three games of the Penguins-Senators series have demonstrated to me Ottawa is the better team and Pittsburgh should be thankful they're not down 3-0.

The Sens seem to have more puck possession, attacking the Penguins zone more often and are outhitting, outshooting and outchancing their opposition. The Pens have been resilient and aren't afraid to get their nose dirty as already they are casualties on both teams (Patrick Eaves for Ottawa and Rob Scuderi for Pittsburgh) demonstrating both teams are willing to pay the price. Ottawa's experience and composure so far seem to eclipse the "nothing to lose" attitude of the many playoff rookies of Pittsburgh.

It was nice to see Ray Emery make a few big saves after playing some average hockey the first two games. You can't lay the blame of the game 2 loss at Emery's feet, at the same time, your goalie does have to make the occasional big save to give your team a chance. Perhaps because a few more shots went through, he had the opportunity to make some good stops and he delivered the goods.

Daniel Alfredsson has probably played his best playoff hockey these last three games in his entire career. We're seeing a little more emotion from him and his team is feeding off of it. I liked his big hit on Gary Roberts in the third period tonight, not to mention his not too subtle check on Colby Armstrong, probably to remind him to keep his head up after his run on Eaves a little earlier.

Laying an egg so far is Wade Redden. His powerplay time has been reduced and he seems to be consistently outmuscled for the puck, including being directly responsible for the Penguins' game-tying goal yesterday. Is this the result of signing for $6.5 million a season? I've seen him play better, so I'm not going to give up on him yet. Maybe he's playing injured?

As an aside, I found it quite hilarious CBC decided to interview Chris Neil about the hit on Eaves by Armstrong. Neil claims it was a late hit and that "when his head his down" he'll get his "payback". Uh, Mr. Neil...Chris Drury incident? And I'm not sure if announcing a player will get some "payback" is grounds for a fine or suspension, but he should be a little more careful with the words he chooses.

Ah, the memories. Dan put this up on his facebook and so I thought I'd put 'er up here as I really don't have too much to say...frickin' Sens stupid can get up 2-0 in a series EVER. Hey Rey, would one big save kill you?! And then frickin' all-in called by King-7 offsuit while I held Ace-Qeen suited. Who plays that junk? Tell me, who plays it!? Boo! I'm done.

You can tell this picture is old, first by seeing the World Trade Center is still up in the background. I believe the year is 1995 during the summer when we visited New York, therefore I'd be a young lad of only 20 years old. You might notice how skinny I am here...6"2 and weighed in at about 170 or so pounds give or take. Now I'm about an inch taller and have an extra 45 pounds. It's all muscle, I assure you :)

No one said the chair of my organization was making a visit to my work today, but luckily I hadn't shaved and was listening to my Ipod at the time. What saved me was that I was actually working. Maybe it's not that funny and you had to be there.

You'd think recycling would be easier as time went on, but not where I live. My apartment building took out all the recycle boxes on each floor, complaining people were piling up too much stuff in the rooms (because no one bothers to collect it on weekends), so now they want everyone to bring their recycling to the main floor garbage room. Hey, I'm on the 3rd so it's no big deal, but is someone on the 25th going to bother to bring their recyclables down or are they just going to shove them down the garbage chute? Screw you environment!

Bunch of movies coming out this summer that I'm looking forward to: Simpsons, Spiderman 3, Sicko, Die Hard 4, Transformers and The Bourne Ultimatum among others. If just 1/2 are decent I'll be happy. Want to see Grindhouse before it exits theatres.

In the last couple of weeks, I finished Black on the Xbox and wanted to see if I could play Doom 3 without getting freaked out. I still jump playing that game.

A lot of my friends are signing up for Facebook at an alarming rate. In a little over two weeks I've discovered I have 45 or so friends. It's addicting but it'll probably subside later.

There's a new big TV I have my eye on:

BIG TV!

Right now, no store seems to have it for sale yet except for Amazon.com, so my credit card is safe for now! I did promise myself to do at LEAST one renovation to my condo, so that will come first before a big TV. Hopefully, my big winnings in Vegas will take care of everything. (I hope!)

I know I'm going to probably upset a lot of traditionalists out there, but after hearing about last night's Vancouver-Dallas tilt where it took four overtimes to decide it (and with less than 2 minutes to go, it was nearly heading for a fifth overtime), you have to ask yourself if the league is better off settling the contest in a quicker fashion so that a game doesn't last until 3am.

It doesn't make any sense that the extra time lasts longer than regulation. If you can't determine a winner after 60 minutes, and an additional 60 minutes is played and there's still no winner, isn't it time to shut 'er down? And really, ask yourself, how many of these multiple OT contests have you actually sat down and watched from start to finish? If a game is on in the west coast like yesterday's game, regulation would have it end around 12:30am EST. With full overtime, this game lasted until around 3:00am. With a full time job, kids, and the fact that it wasn't a weekend, you're not watching the whole thing. It was reported that even many of the 18,000+ in attendance had already left the game before it ended. Think about it: Paying customers decided to leave before a conclusion was reached. It could have been the most exciting 140 minutes of hockey ever played, but if no one is around to watch it, who cares?

The toll on the players isn't exactly fair, either. There will be a day where one of these marathon sessions last until 8am. What if the games are back-to-back, and they're expected back at the rink in less than 12 hours, or worse, they have to hop a plane and play in a different city? How sluggish will the players skate? How good will the hockey be? Traditionalists might say this reveals the true character and endurance of a team, but lousy scheduling isn't their fault. No one expects them to play for so long, and ultimately the oddball marathon overtime game can cost an entire season for a squad that may have taken years to become a legitimate contender.

I propose this: If a game isn't decided in regulation, play a full 20 minute overtime. If no one scores in that, let's play a 10 minute 4-on-4. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to say a bad word, let's go to a SHOOTOUT, and get ourselves a winner. The reasons why:

1. It's already so close, so if the better team can only be determined by the slimmest of margins, let's end it in five minutes instead 500.

2. It's fair to the players. They can still say they played a hard game, but be rested enough to continue to play their best for their upcoming contests.

3. People will watch it. 95% of the audience won't be asleep by the time period five arrives. Like I said, if there's no one watching, there's no point.

4. It's dramatic, exciting hockey. A shootout is a one-on-one performance instead of a team effort, true, but with my suggestion, they've already played 90 minutes as a team and couldn't solve anything. Time to end the game (and in exciting fashion, I can guarantee you no one will be heading for the exits) and move on to the next.

Thoughts?

There's really no point in comparing the strengths and weaknesses of my Sens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. They've finished with the exact same amount of points, Ottawa only getting home ice advantage because of more wins. In four meetings Ottawa has one victory while Pittsburgh has three, but two of those wins were in shootouts.

Murray announces his team as the underdog, while Penguins coach Michel Therrien says the same thing. Everyone points to the Penguins youth, but Ottawa's average age compared to Pittsburgh is only a 1/2 year older.

Ottawa has experience, but Pittsburgh has nothing to lose. Ottawa can score goals, while Pittsburgh has about the same amount. The Pens have the most prolific point getter in the NHL in Sidney Crosby and likely Calder winner Evgeni Malkin, while the Sens have the best goal-scorer in the game, Dany Heatley and one of the best set-up players in Jason Spezza.

You may look at the goaltending and give Ray Emery the edge, but his improvement over the regular season won't be remembered if he can't bring it in the playoffs. Fleury has little experience, but he's hardly outmatched in that area.

It's really close, and that's why it's going to be a stressful time for me this series. Despite my faith in my Sens, this isn't going to be easy. Let's go with Ottawa in seven with that home ice advantage being the difference.

(If they can make it a boring, four game sweep, I wouldn't be complaining for one second.)

The season has passed by so quickly, and it's amazing how an 82 game season that lasts just over six months can quickly be forgotten in less than two weeks. NHL playoffs are an exciting time for hockey fans, but for some (like myself) it can also be stressful and exhausting. So much emotion can be poured into your team, and sometimes I wonder why I get worked up so much over something I have absolutely no control over. The players don't know who I am...Ben who? SB....D?

But I watch anyway.

Alright, I'm going to make some predictions for the 1st round. I'm going to save my Sens & Penguins prediction for tomorrow. Let's go:

Eastern Conference:

1. Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders - This is probably the only series where I can guarantee a winner. The Islanders, Canadiens and Maple Leafs battled hard to try to get that final spot in the playoffs, but it's only for the right to get creamed by the Buffalo Sabres. SABRES IN FOUR.

2. New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning - Larry Robinson said it's 80% goaltending, and the Devils have the best goaltender in the league, while the Lightning have one of the worst heading into the playoffs. I imagine Lecavalier and St Louis will make it somewhat interesting, but it's Marty the Party's show here. DEVILS IN SIX.

3. Atlanta Thrashers vs New York Rangers - Atlanta is just happy they made it. This is the franchise's first time in the playoffs and I think their third seeding in the East is very misleading. Up front, I like the veteran presence of Shanahan and Jagr moreso than Hossa and Kovalchuk. And I believe in Lundqvist more; I think the Rangers can pull it off. RANGERS IN SIX.

Western Conference:

1. Detroit Red Wings vs Calgary Flames - Despite the picks I made in my pool, I do hope the Flames can get by, but I don't think it's going to happen. They've built little momentum in the last few weeks while Detroit seems unstoppable. Hasek is healthy, and they can make it a nightmare for the opposition to score. They only had 4 regulation losses at home all year. This team is going to be scary...unless Datsyuk remembers he already signed his new contract. RED WINGS IN FIVE.

2. Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild: No team works harder perhaps than the Wild under Lemaire's watch. But Anaheim has too much experience and a much better defensive corps that will make it a battle for any team they face this Spring. Minnesota has gotten healthier while rookie goaltender Niklas Backstrom has had an amazing season. Combined with nothing to lose, they could do some damage, but not that much. DUCKS IN SIX.

3. Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars: Both teams seems to have trouble finding a bonafide scorer. Naslund has just come off one of his worst seasons while Mike Modano has been injured for most of the year. It'll come down to goaltending, and Roberto Luongo may be the best in the West. Marty Turco has struggled in past playoffs, but even if he can regain his regular season form, Luongo is the man every team would want between the pipes. CANUCKS IN SEVEN.

4. Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks. I personally think the Predators are the most overrated team in the West. The addition of Forsberg won't mean much when he's scratched due to injury. I like the Sharks: Joe Thornton is the best forward in the West, and their goaltending is solid. SHARKS IN SIX.

Pretty frickin' scary looking bunny there, isn't it? Hope you are all enjoying your long weekend. And for all you Leafs fans, this just might be the best or worst Easter of your lives depending on how Scott Clemmensen (who?)handles his 2nd start of the season.

It was pointed out to me that having a web page with white writing on a black background is a big no no. So, because I'm always looking to please my SBP followers, I've changed the blog template look. Interestingly enough, the blogger people call this new template design "Rounders", which is on a long list of personal favourite movies of mine.

One more thought: At Scott's 35th birthday yesterday, in an effort to get me to see a doctor for my first physical since being a teenager, if I don't get it done before my Vegas trip I have to give Scott $100. There's motivation for me!

Stole this post from John's blog, and I have some time to kill so here goes:

1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING? No. This quiz is already questioning my manhood. But let's continue!

2. LONGEST FRIENDSHIP? Easy: My pal Steve, whom I've known since I was four years old. Amazing we've kept in touch this long, and I look forward to seeing him get married this summer.

3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? I was given an easy $50 play cards last night. :) (Just kidding Stan)

4. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DROPPED YOUR CELL? Don't own one. Used to, lost it, don't miss it.

5. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? If you don't count my Ultimate, yikes, since the summer.

6. THING YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Eating out.

7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? I had a bowl of Life cereal for breakfast, and yes, I realize it's past noon.

8. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX? Their face. Then my eyes wonder...

9. FAVORITE SONG? Def Leppard's PHOTOGRAPH! It goes STRAIGHT TO MY HEAD...

10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Ottawa

11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: Lester B Pearson Catholic High School

12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: Not applicable

13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: St. Laurent

14. LONGEST JOB EVER HAD: Videoland/Videoflicks from 1990-1998. I'll eclipse that this year with my current job

15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE?: Yes, but I can't remember the last time I've used them.

16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: No.

17. LAST WEDDING ATTENDED? Cara & Scott's wedding in the summer of 2005.

** FOLLOW UP ** It was actually Marc and Tracy's wedding in the Fall of 2006. SBP: WORST MEMORY EVER!!!

18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: I'd have to call my mom first, but after that the Bandit would hear from SBP.

19. LAST TIME YOU ATTENDED CHURCH: Unfortunately, it was for a funeral last year.

21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE HEARD? Andrew Raycroft is a solid goaltender.

23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? St Hubert's, mmmm!

24. CAN YOU COOK? If a microwave and a Foreman grill count...well they don't, so I'll say no.

25. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Jeep TJ

26. BEST KISSER? I've only encountered one bad kisser, everyone else was no better or worse than the one before.

27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Damn, yesterday. Well, not really cried but got teary-eyed reading about that 3 year old boy who went to visit the Senators at their practice and he only has 2 months to live. You think your life sucks because your car won't start and it puts things all into perspective.

28. MOST DISLIKED FOOD: Pretentious foreign cuisine.

29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?: One person told me I'm the nicest person they know, and I'm proud of that.

30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I'm terribly sensitive

32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? 14 hours at the 'Flicks. Long enough day but hardly backbreaking work

33. Favorite MOVIE? JFK.

34. CAN YOU SING?: Not very well.

35. LAST CONCERT? Controller Controller at Bluesfest. I was sad to hear of Nirm's departure.

36. LAST KISS? Next question!

37. LAST MOVIE RENTED?: Blood Diamond, although it wasn't paid for.

38. THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?: My wallet.

39. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Australia, hands down.

40. DO YOU LIKE CHINESE FOOD? Yes

42. IS YOUR ROOM CLEAN? Not too shabby, but it could be improved.

43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: Desktop. I can't stand the touchpad thing you use for a mouse on those laptops.

44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: Don't really have one. A long time ago it was Andrew Dice Clay but I grew out of that.

45. DO YOU SMOKE?: If you knew me, you wouldn't ask.

46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? Clothed. I think a lot of people will be happy I wrote that.

47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT? Next question!

48. LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORK? Only if you know when you'll eventually no longer be long distance.

49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? Never

50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? Pancakes. It's a form of cake.

51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE? A truly revolting beverage.

52. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Scrambled

53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY? No, but sometimes I'll read it.

54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: An employee of the World Series of Poker explaining to me my computer doesn't work.

55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Don't recall.

56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?: That assumes you have a cell phone. I guess I must be really behind the times!

57. MCDONALDS OR BURGER KING? Mcdonald's only because of their new deli sandwiches, otherwise I try to avoid them.

58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: Two

59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: Old Navy jeans and a red Chaps short-sleeve shirt. Support the troops!

60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC OR SONG? "POUR SOME SUGAR ON MEEEEEE!"

61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J SANDWICH? Strawberry.

62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: Yes, but not well.

63. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM?: Yes.

64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?: Anything with chocolate or an inclusion of brownie bits.

65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS?: What?!?

66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?: I can flip over my eyelids and keep them there for an extended period of time.

68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: Halloween I suppose, otherwise the theme is drinking.

69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Summer.

70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? When a co-worker claimed to have been hit on by another co-worker. If you knew this person, you'd laugh to!

71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING? Yikes...11:30am

72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER? Hockey season

73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET? Never happened.

75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET? J.B.

76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED? Who overrates a pirate?

77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? Stuff. Mostly, I'm playing by ear, although I have a nice Easter dinner waiting for me on Sunday.

79. WHAT IS THE THIRD LETTER OF YOUR NAME?: Why is this question being asked?

80. HOW OLD ARE YOUR PETS?: None

81. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BACKPACK? Black.

82. ARE YOU SICK?: No

84. IS THE BATHROOM OPEN?: Yes.

87. ARE YOU SMILING?: I stare blankly when I'm on a PC.

88. DO YOU HAVE ON EYELINER?: Like John told me, this questionnaire may be more geared for women.

89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW? Yes. A few people.

90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Love to visit Rome and Athens. And a return trip to Australia must happen.

91. DO YOU HAVE A MYSPACE? DO YOU HAVE A LIVE JOURNAL? No

92. DO YOU WATCH AMERICAN IDOL? I don't watch prime time shows.

93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?: It comes and goes, nothing serious.

94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NICKNAME FOR YOURSELF? SBP. Patrique is OK.

95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: Green and blue.

97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH? No.

98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE? No, would love to one day though.

99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?: A twin sister, actually.

100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: Relative to my apartment building, yes, otherwise, no, my apartment is one floor.

You still awake?

Just got back from winning some poker action tonight after sucking out a Queen on the turn (sorry Stan, I think I was due to put a beat on someone). Usually I like to put some thoughts on a topic to write about but the mind is going blank, so we'll cut if off here. Anyway, I got me a four-day weekend (thank you government) and I'll kick it off by sleeping in tomorrow.

NICE!

No one, outside of their own fans, are talking about the Ottawa Senators as they head to the playoffs.

Ottawa is already assured of a playoff spot, and will place either 4th of 5th in the standings and play the New Jersey Devils or Pittsburgh Penguins. The Sabres have clinched the Eastern Conference and it's all up in the air as to who represent the East in the Stanley Cup finals.

Yawn.

It seemed almost every year prior to this one, great expectations have been placed on Ottawa. Last year they were heavily favoured with a lot of media picking them to win the Stanley Cup. Of course, that didn't happen, and now the Sens have mostly been ignored while teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are heavy favourites heading into the post-season.

Let's look at some excuses why Ottawa has not done that well in their previous playoff appearances:

Pressure: They were often touted as favourites. High expectations were placed upon them, and they did not respond. Early exits followed.

Goaltending: Patrick Lalime. Tom Barrasso. Ron Tugnutt. The one time Ottawa did have a goaltender considered elite was last season in Dominik Hasek, but he fell to injury. Rookie Ray Emery did his best under the circumstances, but was overwhelmed. Playoffs are 80% goaltending according to Larry Robinson, and many cite this position as Ottawa's primary weakness.

Adversity: Things seem to come very easily for Ottawa during the regular season. They would usually beat their opponents convincingly, sometimes by a wide margin of goals. When they were in tight, one goal games, they were in unfamiliar territory.

Things have changed this season. And while perhaps the Senators aren't expected to make a lot of noise this Spring, perhaps this is the best thing to happen to them: to have no expectations.

Pressure: Aside from the hope all of us Sens fans have that they'll go all the way, there isn't that much attention placed on them this year to accomplish this feat. Without these extra distractions, perhaps they can play a more confident, relaxed style. Were the sticks squeezed too tightly last year? Maybe. Without the added pressure of being a favourite, maybe they can just play their game and win.

Goaltending: Ray Emery is having a fantastic year. When put in a big game, I find he plays even better. If he can be as consistent as he's been this season, he can definitely carry his team to some playoff victories and even steal a game or two.

Adversity: Their early season slump has not been forgotten. Their blown leads have been remembered. The players have stepped up when their teammates fell to injury. This is a team that has built a lot more character than in recent years. And for a change, their 2nd half of the season has been better than their start: only six regulation losses in the last 44 games. These experiences should make them more battle-hardened for the playoffs.

Just maybe things can come together for Ottawa to do some serious damage this Spring. And, perhaps quietly, the rest of the league doesn't realize this may be the best team Ottawa has ever put together for the playoffs.

Best that no one knows about it.

- Las Vegas is officially booked baby! Got a sweet deal at Expedia: 6 days at the Stratosphere hotel, flight and all taxes included for $588. Can't get much better. Still trying to get my tournament pre-registration sorted out, left a message at their World Series phone line to help me out as their online registration seems to be screwed up.

- Booked my flight for Steve and Janice's wedding in NFLD and despite being in the same country, costs more than my Vegas ticket and there's no hotel with it! Thanks Air Canada...

- Johnny is back in Ottawa and is my roommate again. He is helping me pay for Vegas!

- Played my final indoor Ultimate game last night and couldn't fall asleep until 2:30am or so. Those 11pm games won't be missed, otherwise it was a fun season despite our won-loss record!

- I didn't order tonight's Sens PPV game.

- I'm spending too much time on Facebook. It's almost like collecting cards except you collect "friends". It's still pretty cool seeing what old pals are up to.

- What are your thoughts on people who post as "anonymous"? Should I delete them? PLEASE be funny and leave an anonymous post with a note along the lines of "I think it's ok!" or "Anonymous posts are the worst!"

- I had a Leafs fan who was so confident they were making the playoffs, he'd only accept a bet for a tall-boy of beer with me if I gave him 3 to 1 odds. Whatever dude, it's 50/50, they'll either make it or they won't!

I'm done with these energy drinks. I'm not sure what my expectations are with these beverages, but for $4.25 a can (at least that's what the little convenience store in my work building is charging) you'd think you can notice some difference in your alertness or whatever they claim.

Red Bull tastes a lot like Rock Star and that's not a complaint, they're both pretty tasty and sweet and go down easy. But the effects are about the equivalent of a can of Coke.

I'd probably buy a few cans and test the effects over a longer time span, or maybe try two cans a day (they say they don't recommend a dose more than two a day!) but for $4.25 forget it.

Coke is it.

I like looking at photos of Jeeps and seeing them on the road, especially when it's summer and they are at their convertible best. But these new "Unlimited" models they've released over the last couple of years just don't do it for me.

The idea of a four door Jeep on a standard sized Wrangler (formerly the TJ) doesn't make any sense, because you can barely fit a couple of people in the back to start with and there's no room to put in an additional door. Jeep decided to make it longer so they could have four doors and more room, but we don't buy Jeeps for convenience. It's really for the fun factor, and looking at these longer Jeep models reminds me of the cheesiness of the Hummer. They just looked warped and boxy. Jeeps already are somewhat boxy, but this is worse. Having four doors is usually reserved for people who regularly have passengers, i.e. families. Would you drive your four and six year-olds in these vehicles? I don't think I would.

Anyway, I'll stick with my 2001 Jeep and I'm only about 4-6 weeks away from putting on the convertible top for the season. Ah...what a Jeep ride is all about...