Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Crosby Picture of the Week

I've been away for a little bit and I'm trying to get back into the swing of things here.

Even though this picture is a few weeks old, it's still relevant as it's a picture of our Captain with his most prized possession right now.

Look at him, he's content and there's a certain look of relief on his face, don't you think? Kena brought that up when we were talking about seeing the videos and pictures on TV and the internet. He does look like he's happy to have finally won the NHL's most coveted award - the pressure is off!

ENJOY IT SID; you definitely deserve it!!!!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

It's HOT in Miami!

So, it appears that Oksana is good for Malkin's PR (positive or negative is yet to be decided)!! Bottom line is that Malkin continues to be in the news and remains the topic of conversation even after the season end which is 3 weeks past!

Pictures have been popping up everywhere online of Malkin and Oksana's vacation in Miami and even thought things are hot in Miami, they seem to be heating things up even more!!

Take a look at one of the sites featuring these photos at "Lainey Gossip" blog (one of which is below -- HOT STUFF!)!!!


THANKS to Libby for the "heads up" sending me a link to a Finnish article that also features these hot photos!!

"Drawing Our Captain"

Some of you may have already seen some of these drawings already, but if not, let me introduce you to Jan B. Matregrano ("Siddrawer").

Her hobby is drawing (specifically, drawing our Sidney)!!

Jan emailed me a few days ago including a link to her site which features pictures of all the drawings she's done of Sidney along with a few others. I was impressed with her talent and thought I'd share it with all of you.

She has and will be donating some of these drawing to the Mario Lemieux Foundation so they can be auctioned off. I'll post the details once I have them.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Silent Auction for Crosby Mural


Peter Matyas, a "nationally recognized artist" and hockey fan who has painted murals of star athletes for many years, has painted a 7 X 7 foot-square mural of Sidney Crosby that remains at Cole Harbour Place overlooking Crosby's hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Matyas painted the mural during the intermissions of the Penguins Stanley Cup win in order to capture the magic of that event.

Cathy Burgess, general manager of Cole Harbour Place, has been in touch with the Crosby family in order for the mural to be auctioned off when Sidney brings the Cup to Cole Harbour and has requested that he sign the mural as well. The mural will become the prized-possession of the highest bidder of a silent auction during Cole Harbour's celebration of the Penguins Championship win (the date of which is still yet to be determined) and the money raised will be put towards the expansion of Cole Harbour Place.

Bidding is now open and will be closed on the night of the upcoming Cup celebration in the hopes to raise as much as $2,000 - $3,000 (quite honestly, I'm betting on their getting a whole lot more money raised than that especially if Sidney signs it!).
“I have decided to have my work do something for someone else,” he [Matyas] said. “And you have to have a vision and make it mean something. I want Cole Harbour Place to make a lot of money.”
For more information, to place a bid, and / or to keep up-to-date with the Cole Harbour Place expansion, contact / visit the following:

Cathy Burgess
464-5120

Vegas, Baby!!

HftL reader, Lexie H., travelled to Vegas and was in attendance at the 2009 NHL Awards show. She was kind enough to share her experience with us!! THANKS A BUNCH, Lexie!!!!

Enjoy, ladies!!!

Ovechkin is not afraid to be out in the open! i saw him like five times walking around in the Palms Casino, my mom said "Mr.Ovechkin" each time we saw him and he smiled(his ugly little smile) said "hi" and ran away because we had our Penguin Gear haha...he didn't deserve MVP...if it was up to the people in the audience that night it would have sooo been Geno! Soooo many people were screaming "GENO GENO" and maybe one person was saying "OV"! in fact I think that the section i was in were all penguin fans! which was nice! one of the guys screamed "HAL GILL IS MY MVP!" it was too funny! there was definitely a large number of penguin fans there! before it even started on live TV people were chanting "GENO! GENO!" It was nice to see Max and Geno there! but no Sid...that surprised me!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

REASON #27
The respect he has for Pittsburgh and the fans!

At the end of the Stanley Cup celebration parade when he was up on stage at the podium, who does Sid thank first and foremost??? Us, the fans!! He let us know how much he appreciated our support and loyalty throughout the season and that we are "unmatched by no other" and deserve to be the City of Champions and the Stanley Cup. WHAT A GUY!!!

THANKS, Sid!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

HftL HOT Topic


Jarret Stoll of the LA Kings was to marry supermodel Rachel Hunter August 14th - that is, until yesterday.

It was hot gossip at first, but confirmation was made by Hunter's rep later in the day.
"Can Associates Limited regret to inform you that the August wedding of Rachel Hunter and Jarret Stoll has been cancelled and the couple have decided to split," Hunter's rep says in a statement. "We ask you to respect Rachel and her family's privacy during this extremely upsetting time."
Several reports have said that Stoll e-mailed guests to inform them the wedding was off, but failed to inform Hunter who "has been left confused and heartbroken after Jarret failed to give her a reason behind the cancellation."

The couple got engaged last year after dating for two years. They also purchased a $5 million home in Hermosa beach around the same time.

At age 39, Hunter was 12 years Stoll's senior and was previously linked to another infamous hockey player, Sean Avery.

THANKS to Michelle J. for the "heads-up!"

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Malkin's "Ice Queen"

I'm glad someone dared to say what I was thinking!!! theOCD from "BIGLEAGUESCREW" blog wrote a post about Malkin's girlfriend, Oksana Kondakova, on Monday complete with "intel and 35 pictures!" He even cites HftL a few times crediting us for our report on the two getting back together (READ THAT ORIGINAL POST HERE!)!!

And here I thought it was just me when I got the feeling she was a little "icey" and stuck on herself. I can't believe that someone else actually thinks that she looks like a blond Angelina Jolie (the very words I used when talking about her with my husband on Awards night!)!! There is quite a resemblance though, don't you think??

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Pens Diesel Party

Have any of you seen these videos of the Pens party at the Pittsburgh night club, Diesel, or were any of you actually there? I'm pretty sure the "Keeper of the Cup" was having massive coronaries throughout the night from the looks of it (especially the video of the view from outside!)!! I really wish I could've been there - it really looks like a fun time!!

There's a few of them, so I'm only embedding one here and posting links to the rest.



If any of you were there and have any stories / photos you don't mind sharing, please feel free to post a comment or e-mail me!!

More Details, No Pictures!


I have been keeping a close eye out for wedding pictures from Colby and Melissa's wedding, but none to be found (if I ever do, you can be sure they'll be posted here!); however, I did find a few more details on their wedding.

In attendance: Sidney Crosby, Mark Eaton, Ryan Malone, and Scott Upshall.

Congratulations should also go out to Colby's Atlanta Thrashers teammate (and former Pittsburgh Penguin), Chris Thorburn and his girlfriend Sara Rang, who were married last Friday in Michigan.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sid's New LOVE

How ADORABLE is this and HOW can you NOT LOVE this guy????!!!!!!!!!!!! This is how much hockey means to him - he's sleeping with the Stanley Cup (and do I have to tell you that I wish I was that piece of silver hardware right now??? Boy, that bed looks AWFULLY COZY!!!)!!!!

BIG THANKS to "Coram Deo" blog reader for sending him the pic, so it could be posted and shared with all the world!!

GOD, I LOVE SID!!!

Duper's Lasting Tribute

This picture is from last Monday's Pens parade (no, I can't take credit for taking it - I found it browsing the internet).

Dupuis is showing off his newest tattoo and it's a pretty SWEET tribute to his playing on the 2009 Stanley Cup Championship team.

I WANT ONE!!












If anyone saw him "show it off" or if you can take claim to the picture, be sure to post a comment or e-mail HftL!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Colby and Melissa!!

Yesterday, former Penguin Colby Armstrong and his longtime girlfriend, Melissa Lavelle, finally tied the knot in Atlanta. Sid was in attendance, but not in the wedding party from what I gather.

Colby and Melissa's Wedding Page (password protected)

Thursday, June 18, 2009


REASON #26
He's the youngest captain to have won the Stanley Cup

At the age of 21, Sid became the youngest team captain in NHL history to hoist the Stanley Cup on Friday, June 12th.

Cabbie's Journey to the Cup - LEADS TO THE PENS!!

Here is the final episode of Cabbie's videos (including a short special edition video). Do you think he's partial to the Red Wings??? The total time for BOTH videos is around 2 minutes (SAD!)!!

But - ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

SORRY for the Lack of Updates!!!


I apologize for that!!! THE MOST exciting time for the Pens and us fans and I slack off. I figured you'd give me a break since I've been celebrating since last Friday. I even talked John into going to the parade yesterday -- we have some great pictures (most were thanks to John - he's taller!)!!!! I'll be posting them here (with updates) SOON!!!!!!!!

So please bear with me and check back for some pictures and stories / news!!!!

WAY TO GO PENS!!!!!!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Enough Said!!

Illustration created by Rob Ullman courtesy of GUNAXIN.

Crosby Is Itchy (Literally)!!

I think it's safe to say that Sid is "itching" to hoist that Stanley Cup, but recently I've noticed that he hasn't been able to keep from itching his playoff beard / "stache." Since it became distracting enough for me, I decided to count just how many times he did it in the post-practice interview from yesterday (see if you can guess before you watch -I didn't count those first two "face touches" or any nose / face wipes)!! The number seems a little low for how distracting it became especially towards the end of the interview, but I must say it made watching fun!! OK, I know - when is watching Sid NOT FUN?!!! ; )




8

Thursday, June 11, 2009

REASON #25
He's confident without being cocky!

Just look at that face and tell me he doesn't look like he knows what he's doing (like "BRING IT ON!")

Sorry Ladies, Jordan Has "the Girl"

OK - some of you probably already know this, but for those of you who don't, I need to warn you before you watch the new Cabbie interview -- Jordan has a GF (I broke the news to Kena gently, but she seemed to take it pretty well). This video is the first time I've actually "secured confirmation" on it!!

Anyway, Jordan, TK, Scuds -- still adorable, ENJOY!!!

"Damn right I want it!"

HftL Milestone: THANKS (Again!)!!

Recently, HftL attained its 100th follower. Kena and I just want to take the time to once again thank all of the readers / followers for making this such a fun journey and enjoyable experience!!


Thank you ALL so very much.
Stephanie and Kena

And as always, we welcome your comments.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Western Conference Hottie: Douglas Murray (San Jose Sharks)


The only thing I really know about the Sharks is that they play the Stars enough times during the year that I find them annoying. Other than that, I have one other beef with them this year: they didn't knock the Duck(lings) out of the playoffs.

Well, on this fine Wednesday, I'm offering up the adorable Douglas Murray. To be drooled on and admired in all his bone-crunching, hard-hitting hockey glory. I hope I'm not to distracted during the next Stars vs. Sharks game.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: A strapping defenseman at 6'3 240 (yes, not a typo, 240 and he skates too), he led the Sharks in hits in the (08/09) regular season (175) and lead the team in hits in the post season with 21. He fought George Parros in Game 3 of the WCQF at Anaheim on April 21 (and as far as I'm concerned he gets a cookie just for that). He had 38 penalty minutes in 75 games for the Sharks this year and ended the regular season with a +6 which is particularly impressive for a guy who can also do this. OH and THIS -



That video is 5 seconds of pure melting panties. and I don't usually put "melting panties" in the "hockey" section. But, oh never mind, just go watch.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: DO NOT call him "Doug" [or you'll tangle with his mother]. (He prefers to be called "Douglas, because, when pronounced with a Swedish accent, "Doug" sounds like "dog". [I don't blame the guy one bit.]) But besides that... Well look at him. He might try to be a bad-ass hockey player. But look at those cheeks!! Who does he think he's fooling. Ok, I'm done with the "aw, how cute" moments, well probably not. But you all probably don't want to hear it anymore. So I'll move on. He's from Sweden. In fact, for Farmarlaget (his sweedish team) he was named fan favorite two years in a row. Mostly due to his CRUSHING style of play [yea, right, like the women in Sweden don't watch hockey too.]. Which the Czechs were making noise about in this years worlds. Go figure.

A COUPLE FUN FACTS
from the Sharks Website:

  • Nicknamed "Crankshaft"
  • A managing partner of UberTap, a hands-free, three-spouted keg tapping system. Yes, that's beer, people.

Sorry, but pretty much all I want to do is look at his chest. Oh, he plays hockey you say... I guess I was distracted. Yea, I was. I forgot to mention he's blond, pretty bad, huh?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A Good Omen

This was in today's newspaper, The Argyle Sweater comic and I'm not ashamed to say I had a really good laugh and took it as a really good omen for tonight's game!!!!!

PS -- Osgood is the polar bear!!!

Crosby Pictures of the [Playoff] Week

Here's some inspiration -- Sid with a smile (is there anything finer?!)!!! Now THAT'S a look of a champion, ladies -- wouldn't you say?!!!

Get PUMPED for Game 6!!

This is an awesome little tidbit I found on Twitter then looked it up on YouTube. Its a promo for Game 6. It got my heart started again, so I'm hoping it does the same for you guys!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mo!!

OK -- let's forget about the Penguins for one minute!! There are brighter things to think about for today.

One of my ALL-TIME favorite hockey players is Mike Modano and he's having a birthday today, so our die-hard Dallas Stars fan - Kena - dedicated a post to him today on her blog, "Girls ARE Real Sports Fans Too!"

Check it out and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MO!!!!



Some Inspiration Courtesy of "Yinz Luv 'Da Guins!"

This is the closest thing to something uplifting as you'll be getting right now --

THANKS A TON, JIM!!!

ENJOY this episode of "Yinz Luv 'Da Guins!"

Sounds of the Game - Chris Kunitz

Love, love, LOVE how him, Staalsy, and Sykie push each other around the net during warm-ups!!! Boys will be boys, I guess (and one of the reasons we LOVE them!)!!!

ENJOY!!

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Cabbie Talks to Sid

OK -- this is priceless!! I enjoy ANY Cabbie interviews (even though I question his ability to be unbias since he doesn't often feature Penguins players), but an interview with Sid -- GOOD STUFF! Anyone who can get Sid to laugh let alone heartily chuckle is worth their weight in gold!!

ENJOY ladies!!!


Malkin Is Quite the Comedian!

Everyone thinks he's quiet, but all his teammates agree that Malkin has a great sense of humor and here's a taste of it as he addressed the media on Wednesday along with Talbot and Gonch.


Thursday, June 4, 2009

REASON #24
The way he handled Kirk Maltby
(without any apologies)!

I don't know if you caught it at the end of Game 1 (I didn't until they started making a big deal out of it and I saw the replay), but on his way to the locker room he passed Detroit's line of guys heading to celebrate with Osgood and "slashed" Maltby who took exception to it.

I could only find one video and it's not the best because you can barely see it, but there are many Detroit fans who are crying "foul" about it and I just see it as Crosby "taking care of business!"

But before you watch the video, get a load of the answer Sid gave when asked about it - something to the effect of, "because I felt like it," and I find it amusing. I just love getting a glimpse of these sides of Sid that you never knew existed!!

Q. Kirk Maltby spoke after the game about the little incident or maybe run?in that you two had. He gave his side of it. I wondered if you can explain from your side what maybe occurred.

SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, he was doing what he always does. You know, he was giving guys lip service and things like that. And you know, I two handed him on top of the foot there as we were skating by. So he felt like it was necessary to keep talking after the game, and I thought I'd whack him and that was it.

Crosby Made His Mark!!

I would love to get a tattoo like this, but if I did my husband would probably kick me out of the house!

Dawn Harvey is from Herring Cove and has been following Crosby for many years starting when he played for the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

She actually designed the tattoo herself three years ago, but just recently added the number "87" to the design as a tribute to her favorite player.
"I knew I always wanted a hockey tattoo because hockey is a big part of my life. So I just went for it," she said Sunday, just a few hours before Game 2 on the Stanley Cup playoff series between Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings.
Read the rest of the article, "Crosby makes lasting impression," at The Chronicle Heralt METRO.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Western Conference Hottie: Shane O'Brien (Vancouver Canucks)

Yes, I wanted the Vancouver Canucks to make it to the SCF. So this is part of my way of consoling myself.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Drafted in the 8th round, 250th overall by the ANA Duck(lings). O'Brien made his NHL debut with the Ducks playing against the Los Angeles Kings on October 6, 2006, and scored his first NHL goal later that month against Dominik Hasek in a 4-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings on October 18. He completed the night with a Gordie Howe hat trick (Hot damn, does he belong on HftL or what!!!!) by getting an assist and a fight against Brad Norton. On February 24, 2007, at the trade deadline, O'Brien was dealt with a 3rd round draft pick in 2007 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was then traded with forward Michel Ouellet to the Vancouver Canucks. During his first year in Vancouver, O'Brien received a minor fine of $2,500 on January 29, 2009, after taking part in a post-game altercation with Ryan Clowe and Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks nine days earlier on January 20. Pavelski allegedly speared Canucks forward Danny Sedin [Hush Stephanie...(sheepish grin) ] at the end of the game, a 2–1 overtime loss, leading O'Brien and another teammate to intervene. He then garnered significant media attention a couple days later when, after being unexpectedly made a healthy scratch, he claimed that general manager Mike Gillis implied to him in a meeting that he is only interested in him fighting. [Surely not?? I'm shocked... Not.] O'Brien went on to speculate for himself based on that implication whether Vancouver was the right fit for him. After another meeting with Gillis the next day, O'Brien apologized through the media for what he described as "selfish" comments borne of frustration, and that he misunderstood Gillis in their initial meeting.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: With lovely wavy black hair, and blue eyes and one of those mischievous "little boy" smiles we're all hardwired to fall for. Add to the mix impressive stature at 6'3, 224lbs. and we have quite the deadly combination. But that's not all. We've got THIS, and THIS and ESPECIALLY THIS, wherein we learn all those fun little "personality quirks" that make us giggle or say "Aw..." (Seriously, the bassett hound part is SO cute.) Or other fun stuff like "what do you consider the coolest name in sports?" (And just FYI... the answer to the question "What's your most prized possession?" Well, that will just make your heart melt...) In addition to all the above listed qualities. We have to add the stuff that REALLY makes our hearts flutter. Namely THIS VIDEO (He's # 18) and a bit about how he's fitting in with the Canucks in THIS VIDEO (make sure you uncurl your toes after watching).

Seriously though, doesn't that one picture say all that needs to be said? Yup, I thought so.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Crosby Pictures of the [Playoff] Week

We all could use a little inspiration with the way the SCF has been going these last two games and what better inspiration than our very own captain!! He definitely gives me faith!!