Dallas Stars Casino Night 2016

This is the third year I've gone to the annual Dallas Stars Casino Night. As always, it was an absolutely amazing night with some great friends. I can't wait until next year (and to pick out next year's dress...)

My captain is prettier than yours

Sharpy makes me thank Chicago constantly 

Did I expect to fall for another goalie? Yeah, I guess I did

Spezza has humor and style and is a beast on the ice, can you ask for anything more?

Yes, I really enjoyed being able to see Oleksiak, he's a doll

Hemsky is just gorgeous, we all know his backup plan is in modeling 

Anyone that tries to say Goose isn't important to this team will answer to me (ง'̀-'́)ง

Demers was heartbroken I was more excited to see Tom than I was to see him... Ooops

It's okay, we made it up to Demers by making him the center of attention

Two jews and a redhead 

Being a female sports fan

Why do guys seem to think females watch sports for attention or to “fit in?”

I don't know about you, but I would not watch my beloved team lose game 7 of the Western Conference Final just to impress a guy. I would not watch them miss playoffs by a single win just to fit in. I would not put my self through the heartbreak of a shootout loss just to stroke your ego. I could not stand watching them slip down in points to the point of never having a chance at playoffs just for the off chance you might be decent in bed.

Guys need to understand that sports were not created just for them.

Why men think they're the only person in this world who can sit on the internet all day and tweet about whatever game you're watching is beyond me. But oh no, god forbid a knowledgeable female sportsfan tweet about it. Obviously “they sound stupid and know nothing.” The only reason a woman would make any sort of post about a sport is to try to garner attention for our fake sports knowledge. Hate to break it to you guys, but we don't watch sports to impress you. We have much better things to do. Like watching sports. Because we love them. And not giving a fuck about what you think about it!

How dare you think I only watch things and find an interest in anything just for you? Do you really think I keep up with the Corsi and the Art Ross for your benefit? Does hockey honestly mean so little to you that it is nothing more than an easy way to get laid? Do you really think I keep tabs on these children in the AHL for your benefit? Would I keep a constant watch on teams I loathe and hope they win just for the slim chance my team could finally make playoffs just to impress you? Isn't it possible I follow offseason trades and free agency for my own enjoyment (also read, heartbreak)?

Are you planning on staying up and keeping tabs with the newest upcoming trends when New York Fashion Week rolls around? Do you plan on going through the latest Spring lines for Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo with me to make sure we're still classy and stylish? Does being with me mean that you're going to take up a keen interest in Ansel Adams? Have you suddenly developed a sudden desire to travel through time and space in THE blue box? Are we going to have heartfelt debates about the injustice towards Slytherins?

No? So what makes you think I'll rearrange my interests to cater to you? If I, the girl that honestly thought someone had scored a touchdown at a baseball game, am interested in a sport, could it possibly be because I'm actually interested in a sport? Maybe, just possibly, I actually do know just as much, or possibly, the horror, maybe more than you.

The number of times when I’ve surprised guys with my knowledge of sports is insane. Whether it’s hockey or soccer I’m perfectly capable of holding a conversation about my teams. I'm more than willing to even rip someone a new one when they dis my sport.

These men are always shocked that I, a girl, am so into hockey and actually knowledgeable about it. These men are just dumbfounded that I have no interest in them, Who knew,

And god save any person, woman or man, that feels they can insult my Stars.

Dallas Stars Casino Night 2015

Wednesday was the Dallas Stars 16th annual Casino Night. I had such an amazing time last year, I knew that I wanted to go again. Not only is it fun to spend the evening dolled up and with the players, Casino Night is a wonderful event that raises thousands for the Dallas Stars Foundation. The people behind Casino Night do an amazing job. Outside of the games themselves, this is probably my favourite event the Stars hold.

Last year, Katie and I met at Casino Night. It was only sensible we spent our friendiversary together. 

Cody Eakin is just a lovely person

Curtis McKenzie and Brett Ritchie opted the Harry and Lloyd look

My favourite Frenchie, Antoine Roussel, is a complete gentleman 

Tyler Seguin didn't really like Katie and I giving him a hard time... I think he'll live

As usual, I make some sarcastic comment, but Ryan Garbutt didn't seem to mind

Our baby Russian Valeri Nichushkin should be back on the ice soon

Jason Spezza, a true gent.

I am a hockey addict

There is no other sport that can make me emotional like hockey does.

Hockey gives me something to believe in. I believe in my team. Even if we’ve lost 9 games in a row I believe in these boys. I believe in my goalie that he can stand on his head. The feeling you get when there’s an unexpected hero. The knowledge that the entire league will stand together in solidarity in the darkest of times will get you through a loss more devastating than that which happens on the ice. 

Hockey is more than just a sport. It is the reason you get through the day. It is the moments in hockey, the ones that take your breath away or keep you on the edge of your seats, that makes you watch every game, makes the chills run through you. It is the final shoot out. It is the Cup being lifted. It is the family you create with other fans, the fellow season ticket holders, the watch parties, the conversations as you all stay up for that West coast game. 

Hockey is the feeling when your team scores a goal or wins in overtime or a heartbreaking loss or they’re on a losing streak. The smile on my face when my boys play a great game or when they advance in the next round of the playoffs. The holiday greetings from players that turn into hashtags and t-shirts. The inside jokes and nicknames within the league, The betrayal when a player is traded to that team. 

I am an addict because there is nothing like when I see the crowd jump up and cheer when we score. When we stand together in a silent arena as a beloved player's number is retired to the rafters. When I listen to the captain speak to the crowd when they clinch that playoff spot after a six season drought. When I hug the strangers next to me when they win that first playoff game at home - because we aren't strangers anymore. 

Yes, sometimes, it hurts to be a fan. Sometimes it doesn't help you escape life. During the playoffs, it becomes your life. A loss for your team is devastating. Watching a favorite player crash into the board and see his leg snap sickens you. When, despite the grit and determination and the fight the players have through the game, and they still get slaughtered, it hurts. When you stay up until one in the morning and know you have to drag yourself to work on only a few hours of sleep, you question your own sanity. When a player with a heart problem goes down on ice, there's nothing to do but cry with the other fans in the arena. 

We are a hockey family. We would prefer to stay in on the weekend because we wouldn't miss any game. We wear our jerseys proudly, even if it is 110 outside. We are the people that are more likely to cry over a playoff elimination than a breakup. We are the family that will watch old games in July because we miss the game. We love the the blaring goal horn and the crack of that slapshot. We love the smell of the ice. We love the chill in the air, even if it is snowing and icy outside. We love the knowledge that this is home. 

There is nothing else like hockey. That is why I love it.

Fall in love with sports

Go fall in love with sports. Any sport. Pick a sport, pick a city, pick a team. Now fall into a deep, passionate, intense, enriching love with it and never let go. Everyone should know what it feels like to be dedicated to something so grand and special in which they have no control. As fans, we have zero say in what happens. We don’t determine the next play, we don’t get to decide that the next pitch should be a fast ball, we don’t construct who is on what line together in order to ensure that the perfect players are on the ice for the game winning goal. All these facts, these extremely key components to any team and sport is beyond us. All we can do is sit on our couches, or buy tickets to sit in an arena seat and pray the game goes our way that day.

There is something so romantic and rewarding about being so invested in a team. It’s a community, it’s a family. There is instant camaraderie among fellow fans. The quickest way I’ve made friends with people is by liking the same sports team as them. You both have this unifying common knowledge, as well as an understanding of the other’s love for the game. It is instantaneous and not needing of words. An important friend has just been made because you can relate to the faithful love that is necessary to be committed to a sports team like that. I've even met some amazing people simply because we like the same sport, but opposing teams.

Jimmy Fallon said it best in his movie “Fever Pitch.” It’s a love story of a man, and a woman, and the Red Sox. He has an undying, overriding passion for the Red Sox, which I completely understand. But it’s in a time when not only had the Red Sox managed to screw up every chance they got to be the best, but his obsession was scaring away all interested women. He meets a smart, beautiful woman and as they get to know each other, he beings to reveal just how strong and committed his obsession is. In a conversation about loving the Red Sox, he says, “I like being part of something that’s bigger than me-than I. It’s good for your soul to invest in something that you can’t control.” And I couldn’t agree more. Even when all circumstances around him, mainly his girlfriend and fellow game goers who felt as if the season is going down the toilet, he triumphantly defends them. “…the Red Sox never let you down…That’s right. I mean – why? Because they haven’t won a World Series in a century or so? So what? They’re here. Every April, they’re here. At 1:05 or at 7:05, there is a game. And if it gets rained out, guess what? They make it up to you. Does anyone else in your life do that? The Red Sox don’t get divorced. This is a real family. This is the family that’s here for you.” I have felt the same way. Even in being awful and having a losing season, where all hope is lost, they are still there. They will always come back in the fall. There will always be another game, another season to look forward to. Even in letting you down, they will never can truly let you down.

Sports bring people together. You all gather around a TV or the computer or in the outfield bleacher seats and you create this unique experience. You’re having a moment with each other, with fellow fans, and with the team. There will be other games with other teams, but this one is yours and that’s so special. Sports move people. There is a palpable anxiety and excitement in the air during a close game, and an uproar of joy when the game winning goal or run or point has been scored. You feel moved to jump and clap and sing and practically kiss the people next to you because you feel as if together you have conquered something, even though you haven’t. When the unfortunate event of a lose occurs, you have each other for support to get through it.

I was raised to be a sports fanatic. My mother grew up in Brazil and was indoctrinated with their love of soccer early in life. A passion that was passed on to me as a child. One of my closest friends would marry Tom Brady if she could, despite that she doesn't even like guys. Every birthday and Christmas since I found the NHL, I’ve asked for Stars tickets. Part of my identity is being a sports lover. My friends know what’s going on when they hear my screams of elation and desperation. I wear my Dallas Stars pride on my sleeve. Coworkers know who to come to with any hockey or Stars related question. So many people think that I’m over the top, and too invested in something that does seem to matter. But it truly matters to me.

Everyone should have that. Everyone should feel the undying, deeply rooted love that comes from putting your whole self into a sport and a team and a community. It is magical, inspiring and moving to sit anonymously in a crowd and know that thousands, even millions share the same love you do. 

I'm not that girl

I’m not that girl who always has her eyebrows perfectly plucked. I try standing in front of a mirror for hours attempting to pull every last determined and stubborn hair. I really do. But my eyes start watering and my tweezers are the cheap kind you buy from a corner store for less than a dollar and after an hour or so I can barely lift my arms. And then I get distracted by my cat on the counter because I'm too ADD to focus for that long on something so boring. They’re bound to be uneven and I’ll just find another wild hair a day or two later and my bangs hide the left one (thankfully) anyway.

I’m not that girl who pays her bills on time. I can’t remember which ones are automatically deducted and which ones I have to call in and which ones will only take a check in the mail. I lose track of days or try to stretch dwindling funds in my bank account over weekends and, honestly, I secretly crave the adrenaline rush that hits when I need to make a payment by 5:00 and it’s 4:45. I can’t afford to go skydiving but I can afford this.

I’m not that girl who wishes for white picket fences. Beautifully placed lawn ornaments and a treasured swing tied to the front tree and two barking dogs excited to welcome me home has never sounded ideal. Weekly calendars and consistent to-do lists and monthly homeowner meetings fill me with dread where a sense of accomplishment should be. When things are positioned perfectly and cleaned exquisitely and sparkling just right, I get nervous.

I’m not that girl who’s always put together. I will say the right things at the wrong time or the wrong things at the right time or nothing at all when I should be saying all the things all the time. I won’t always drink too much but when I do I will be a mess. I won’t always cry but when I do it will be hard for me to stop. When eating dinner on a first date I will likely spill on the shirt I spent  an hour and a half picking out. I’ll laugh and call myself a klutz and consider it a fair warning.

I’m not that girl who knows the simple rules. I will clean up tomato juice with a hand towel and put sharp knives in the dishwasher and wash cold glasses in scorching water. I’ll try and fight oil fires with water and I won’t know that cold water actually boils faster and that the middle rack in the oven is for baking, not broiling. I’ll overshare too early and tell the truth during a job interview and constantly wonder how I missed the handbook to life everyone else seems to have read cover to cover.

No, I’m not that girl.

I’m that girl who knows the top three NHL's’ stars of the week, top scorers, best AHL teams, and alma maters. I’m that girl who knows that Ernest Hemingway preferred to write while standing up and met J.D. Salinger during World War II and had three members of his immediate family commit suicide. I’m that girl who wears two different colored socks and regularly misses a button on her cardigan and prefers to have her hair pulled instead of softly twirled. I’m that girl who forgets birthdays but not a deadline and can’t see the floorboard of her car but keeps her inbox perfectly organized and would rather buy new clothes instead of do her laundry.

I’m that girl who’s opinionated but open minded and stubborn but laid back and fierce but quietly breaking. I’m that girl with a spinning head and a wild mind and a hunger that is never fully satisfied.

I’m that girl who still hasn’t figured out what kind of girl she really is.

I hope I never do. 

Casino Night 2014

Eric Cole was such a sweetheart

Kevin Connauton helped me win my first round of Black Jack

Daley isn't too bad in person

New StarsFam!!

Brendon Dillon is taller than i expected

My favorite Frenchie, Antoine Roussel!!

My ginger ninja, Cody Eakin

Tuesday was the Dallas Stars Foundation's annual Casino Night. Not only is it raising money for a great organization, it's also a lot of fun. You have the chance to meet the players, meet new people and get all dressed up for a fun night out. Having never gone before, I was really looking forward to it and have been eagerly anticipating it for several weeks (and I had a pair of kick ass Jimmy Choo's that I was excited to wear).

It was an amazing night, even though it started off pretty terrible (but that's for another post). I've never gambled so I was pretty sure I would lose everything, but Kevin Connauton did his best to make sure I won as many rounds of Black Jack as possible. What a sweetheart. I did meet someone that I've seen at several games and my #StarsFam just keeps growing. I also realized that my favorite angry Frenchman isn't nearly as tall as I thought he would be. The only downside was when some drunk asshat fell/ran into a sign and me which was pretty awful. I did spend the last half hour getting checked out by paramedics and the cops because they were worried about a concussion. That was pretty crappy and a bit painful. But my favorite ginger ninja kept me company for a little while which was incredibly amazing and very sweet.

All in all, it was absolutely amazing and I had an amazing night. I can't wait to be able to go again next year! 

Weekends with Jess are the best

This weekend was pretty amazing. Not just because I got to see the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special or watch the Stars, but because one of my closest friends, Jessica, was in town. And I got to take her to her first hockey game.

 

She got into town Friday night and she was actually really excited to "go hockey-ing." Despite having no idea what was going on, she was a great sport about the whole experience and got into giving some of the Rangers fans around us a hard time for rooting for the wrong team. Jess might have had absolutely no idea what icing was or why people were "put in time out" or even what the "Standing Cock" was, but she had a great time.

 

And then we met a couple guys that had two extra seats. Behind the Stars bench. So she got to get really close to the action.

Saturday we spent the day at the Kimbell Museum and got to go through their brand new Piano Pavilion (which opens to the public this weekend). We also went through the Picasso and Matisse exhibit that is on loan from the Chicago Museum of Art. Both of us were really excited to see the exhibit but we were totally blown away by the extensiveness of the entire show. It was art that spanned almost a hundred years and at least fifty different artists. If you all haven't seen it, I highly recommend you do because it was just amazing. After a stop at the always amazing Museum of Modern Art, we did end up parting ways so she could spend some time with her family here in Dallas.

It was great to see Jess again and be able to catch up on the past few months. Sometimes, its nice to be able to just spend some time with a friend that has stood by you through so much without judgement and not even have to talk about some of the major changes in your life. Sometimes its nice to just watch movies, drink wine, "go hockey-ing" and look at art.

Its also good to know that the next time she's in town I'll have someone to keep me company when I finally go get my first tattoo.

Whirlwind weekends are actually kinda nice

This past weekend has been insanely busy. Since Austin's birthday was Friday, we spent a lot of time going out and spending time with his parents and actually doing stuff. Maybe it wasn't that busy, but for someone that's recently become quite a homebody, it was.

Friday night, we went out with his dad to Max's Wine Dive. If you haven't been there, you should definitely go. The food was amazing although I was pretty disappointed with the service. How can you be a wine anything and yet your servers can't tell you anything about the wine list? They didn't know prices or even if there were certain wines on the list. I do think that they are actively trying to improve because they know the service is sub-par. After dinner, I actually sent them a tweet in regards to the service and how I was disappointed. Much to my surprise, they actually responded and we had a "twitter-sation" about what I felt like they needed to improve on. It was nice to see that they actually wanted to know what was wrong and how they could fix it. Even though I was disappointed with the service, I really appreciated them coming back to me and trying to figure out what they could do better next.

Saturday after five hours of dance and a nap, I took Austin to see Lucero. We've both been fans of Lucero for a long time, and it is great to see them getting the notoriety they deserve. They're an amazing band and one of the bands that I will always go see if they're in town, no matter where they are playing. I was a bit disappointed with Trees, though. While it is great that Lucero can sell out a 600-person club, it really sucks when the club oversells the concert by about 150. By the end of the night it was way too packed and uncomfortable. Maybe the next time they come through town they'll go somewhere like the Granada where the wont crowd start leaving halfway through their set because they can't stand to be in the club any longer.

I really enjoyed the opening act, J Charles and the Trainrobbers and was interested to hear that they're going to be opening for American Aquarium when they come through town in a few weeks. Prior to this show, I'd never heard of J Charles and the Trainrobbers so I really didn't care about the opening band. But once they started playing... They're amazing. Not only is their music great, but they also put on a great show. Too many opening acts really neglect that aspect, their music may be decent but they don't know how to put on a show and get the audience interested in them. I really think they will work well with American Aquarium, that should be a great show.

Sunday, Austin and I went to our first Stars game of the season.Even though they ended up losing, it was still a lot of fun and we both enjoyed being back at the AAC for hockey. I think I'd really forgotten how much I love being at the game and the atmosphere there. Since it was an almost sold-out game, the energy in the stadium was great. As for the game itself, well... I think its time for Raycroft to sit out and/or head down to the AHL to get his confidence back up. I've also noticed that the defense really takes for granted Kari and let a lot of shots through that Kari can save but Bachman can't. They need to be able to step up their game when KAri is out (like he currently is). And what happened to all of our goal scorers? I feel like Benn and Erikson and Jagr have been all but invisible lately. While I'm thrilled that the fourth line is producing, why does it seem like that is the only line producing? The Stars were lazy and sloppy through the first period, amazing during the second, and played like shit for the third. A little consistency would be nice...

I guess I should really stop before I start ranting too much about the Stars...

All in all, this was a great, albeit busy, weekend. Sometimes its nice to have your schedule shaken up. I've really gotten into the habit of dance and homework on Saturday and homework and cleaning on Sunday and I really haven't been as social as I probably should be. It was nice to be able to go out all weekend (but I'm really looking forward to a much quieter weekend this week).

What is next for the Stars?

A few months ago, I wrote a post about the fact that the Dallas Stars needed to make some changes. Well, it looks like they've started to make some pretty big ones by trading some of the well known players.

Saturday, Ribeiro was traded. Sunday, Souray and Burish got traded. And yesterday, Ott and Pardy got traded. Anyone that has known me for any amount of time can attest to the fact that I love these three players. Ott has been my favorite Stars player since I started following hockey. So, seeing him be traded (and to Buffalo, ugh) is just heart breaking.

But, maybe this could be good.

I'm not sitting in on the Stars' management meetings, so I haven't the faintest clue what the big picture is for the start of the season. I would like to claim that I know the direction the team is going and all of that, but I don't. And unless you're part of the Stars' management, you don't know either. The talk is that the Stars are going for a younger line in order to really develop the team. And, let's be honest, Ribeiro, Souray, Burish, and Ott aren't exactly young anymore. Then again, a few players we acquired aren't exactly young either.... But I'm going to hold judgement on whether or not these were good moves because I haven't seen our new team play together. I don't know what is to come. Maybe this is exactly what the Stars need in order to finally bring the Cup back.

And really, if the Stars can bring the Cup back, who is going to be criticizing these moves? That's right, no one.

Also, last night everyone got all upset when Ott had the absolute audacity to say something along the lines of the fact that he's looking forward to working in Buffalo. Really? Really, people? Just a few hours ago everyone was bemoaning the fact that Ott was leaving and how much we all loved him. Then suddenly, he says that he's looking forward to starting fresh and he's the devil? Really? You've got to be kidding me people. I'm just as upset as everyone else that he was traded, but I'm not going to begrudge the man for doing his job.

Now, can someone please confirm that Benn is getting his contract renewed??? I don't think I could stand it to see him get traded. At least Eriksson has a contract through the 2015-2016 season...

And the End has Come

Well, a few days have passed since it was official that the Stars would not be making it into the playoffs yet again this year and I now feel like I can talk about this with a (fairly) clear head. I've heard several people talk about the fact that they're disappointed in the team because they didn't make the playoffs, but I'm of a different mind. I'm very proud of this team.

When the Dallas Stars opened the season in October, the team was going through the midst of bankruptcy proceedings and had no owner. The complete future of this team was up in the air. There was even talk about the team leaving Dallas altogether. With all of these doubts about the future of the team, it was pretty much a given that the Stars wouldn't do anything of consequence this season.

And yet, amazingly, the team went into November leading the entire NHL in points. This ragtag bunch of no-names managed to lead the entire NHL in points within the first month of the season! All with no owner and still in the midst of bankruptcy and with no future to speak of! How could any fan doubt this team's heart and drive at this point?! As the season progressed, the captain went out of commission for several months and the team lost several very important games. The team lost all of the footing they gained and greatly looked forward to the All Star Break when they could take some time to recoup. During the All Star Games, the entire NHL network was exposed to one of the team's biggest stars, Jamie Benn. After the All Star Games, the team was amazing, winning game after game and landing themselves a solid place leading the division. It seemed certain that the Stars were finally going to make it into the playoffs.

But, sadly, the Stars also have a habit of breaking down in the final weeks of the playoff push. This habit wasn't ready to be broken yet. And it happened. The team crashed and burned out.

Yet, I've grown quite tired of hearing people criticize the team and calling for the resignation of everyone of consequence for the team. Really? The entire coaching staff should be let go because teams that are better staffed beat the Stars? People honestly feel like the management needs to be cleaned out because the team didn't get to the playoffs? Do people just completely disregard the fact that Ryder and Souray and Benn and Fistric and Nystrom have all had amazing seasons like they've never had before. And really, you're going to continue to bitch and moan about this team when they just played their final game of the season and lost against a team that is one of the best teams in the NHL with 6 players that were called up from the AHL and this was a 2-3 loss? You're disappointed with that loss?

Just looking at all of these amazing things this team did this season, I can only watch and wait impatiently and wait for October to roll around. Big things are in store for this amazing Dallas Stars team in the coming team. With dedicated players, an amazing new owner, brilliant leadership, this team is going to do amazing things.

So all of you nay-sayers out there can just shut it.

It's a Birthday Win!

This is going to be a very picture heavy post... Be forewarned. 

On Saturday, Austin and I went to the Stars game. Before the game started, there was a ceremony honoring Karlis Skrastins, a former Stars player who died in the plane crash that killed many players, coaches, and trainers. The ceremony was incredibly touching and made me tear up a bit. It was beautiful. After the game, Austin and I met up with a few friends to celebrate Taylor's birthday! We started off at Stroker's and progressed to the Nodding Donkey and Uptown Bar and Grill. Instead of talking too much about the night, I've decided to put up a few pictures from the night! Enjoy!! 

 

It's Time for Changes in the Stars

Well, the NHL is more than halfway through the season. Tonight, the Stars are scheduled to play game 54 of 82 against the Buffalo Sabres.

The last time I wrote a  piece about the Stars was barely a month into the season. The Stars were leading the NHL in points, they were winning games. There were major goal scorers and the entire team was fighting to prove themselves. Players like Jamie Benn, Loui Eriksson, Brenden Morrow, and Sheldon Souray were making game changing plays. Even though the ownership of the team was still unknown, the team was making huge progress from the season before. Glen Gulutzan, the new Stars head coach, had created great lines and had made this group of players into a real team.

Oh how the times have changed...

The star players for this team have faded into the background lately. While Jamie Benn is great, he hasn't been as good as he was. Even after the boost of the All Star Games, Benn really hasn't been producing for the team like everyone thought (and still thinks) he should.Loui Eriksson has been all but invisible on the ice lately.Does anyone remember the last time Eriksson actually scored a goal? The captain, Brenden Morrow, hasn't even been in most of the games lately due to injuries. And for a while, any game he was in Morrow was getting more penalty minutes than shots. Sheldon Souray went from scoring and having goalies in fear of the Wonderbomb to the fans wondering why he's afraid to touch the puck. And these aren't the only players that have faded, the entire team has become lackluster at best.

Going into tonight's game, I really do worry about the Stars' hopes of making the playoffs. As it stands, the Stars have not won a single back to back game. Currently, the Stars are 0-7-1 in back to backs. That would be a total of 15 points that have been lost in back to backs alone. The Stars have another five back to backs left in the schedule, if things stay the way they are everyone can just count those ten points as lost. The Stars still have a game against the Red Wings, one game against the Blues, four games against the Canucks, and two more games against the Sharks. That's eight more games against the teams that hold the top four places in the Western Conference. If there aren't some major changes soon, the fans can be guaranteed another year of not making the playoffs.

I've heard a lot of different opinions from friends and fellow fans about changes that need to be made to the team. I've heard that the Stars need to trade Morrow, something that can't be done because of his no trade-clause with the Stars. I've heard that the team needs to trade for one of the top players, but if there's any hope of getting a game changer the Stars would need to give up someone like Benn or Eriksson. I've heard that Benn just needs to start scoring more, but he's still young and he's been amazing for a kid that's only 22 he's been amazing. I've heard that Gully needs to start putting the Nystrom line against other teams' top lines, but this really wouldn't work if this line stays the way it is. The  reason the third line was able to score against other teams is because they were up against other teams' third or fourth lines. When this line has been up against first or second lines, they've given up a lot of goals.

It seems to me that there are more reasonable ways to make changes in the Stars and see improvement. Why doesn't Gully actually switch up the players in the lines? It seems like he's picked out who is on which lines and refuses to make changes unless there's an injury. If you were to make big changes (like putting Nystrom with Benn) what would happen? The team needs to make changes and see who could work better with other people. The Stars also rely heavily on the goalies for most of the games they play. If the only factor stopping the other team from scoring a goal is Kari or Bachman, there needs to be a serious talk with the rest of the team. You can't depend on your goalie to stop every shot. There needs to be effort from the rest of the team as well. I've also noticed a heavy tendency for a lot of the players to play defensively instead of offensively. I don't see a lot of shots being taken. It's pretty simple, really, if you don't take a shot, you will never make the goal. So when the Stars are shooting half as much as their opponents, there really isn't much of a chance to win the game.

Every fan saw the potential that the Stars have at the beginning of the season. I know that the Stars could have made the playoffs this year if they had played consistently. Maybe not everyone will agree with me about how to make changes, but we all know that something needs to change. And soon. Even when they are losing, I'll always root for the Stars, they're my team and always will be. I just really hate watching the Stars lose. And this is a sentiment that I know I'm not alone in.

Post-Thanksgiving Wrap Up

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of family and friends. Hopefully, you all had the sense to avoid over eating, but I know most people didn't. One of the great joys of being a vegetarian is that most of the holiday eating is centered around meat dished, so I never really worry about over eating. Yes, I am one of the lucky few to actually lose weight during the holidays!

But, I'm sure none of that really interests you all (although, I'm not sure how exciting most of this will be...).

Thanksgiving with the Sleepers is spent with Austin's dad and his side of the family. We always go over to his uncle's house for a feast that always leaves plenty of leftovers. We spend the day cooking and catching up on the goings on in our lives. And for this family, there's always something new being planned! It's great to be able to spend time catching up with everyone, and it's sad that it only happens a couple times a year. It was great to see everyone, the food was great and most people did end up eating too much. Anyways, here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving!

Isn't this a beautiful setting for fourteen? 

Father-in-law and more family! 

Mary and her parents, she was a fabulous hostess

Even with fourteen, we still had plenty of leftover turkey! 

Friday, Austin and I spent the day holed up inside and I did as much baking as I could get away with. I made a couple loaves of bread, cookies, and pie. I did anything I could to avoid going out in the Black Friday madness. I was smart enough to get my Black Friday shopping done on Thursday, from the comfort of my own couch. The deals are exactly the same, free shipping, no lines, no madness. Why people try to make it through the crowds is beyond me...

Friday night wasn't quite as quiet. We went to the Stars game with a friend of Austin's from high school. And since her dad worked on the bankruptcy case for the Stars, his company owns a suite. A suite from which we all watched the game. We did end up losing in a shoot out, but it was a great game nonetheless. It was also the first sold-out game of the season for the Stars. Also, we were just a suite away from Joe Nieuwendyk and Jere Lehtinen, so that was pretty awesome. It was kind of nice having Adam Burish out of the game due to injuries, but only because we met him as we were walking outside to smoke. It was quite the Star-studded night!

The rest of the weekend really doesn't have too much to talk about. The game Saturday night was horrible and the bias against the Stars is getting a bit ridiculous at this point. We had a couple friends over to watch the game and they couldn't help but agree. And when you have a Sabres fan agreeing that there is a bias, you know something is going on with the refs.

I did hear about the death of the legendary Gary Speed's passing, my thoughts are with his family and friends. For those that don't know, Gary Speed was a legend and a true class act in the world of (European) football. The circumstances of his passing are tragic and it just goes to show that no matter how happy someone seems on the inside, you never truly know what they're going through.