~ What the Hecht, you must be Jochen ~

Yeah baby, look at that face.  Isn't he handsome?  I could look at him all day long!!  Sure he has a few marks on his face, but who cares.  LOL  Jochen has been with the Sabres since 2002.  I adored him immediately.  I tease and have been known to call him Joanne, but it's been in jest and more a term of endearment and no way meant in an insulting manner.  I have nicknames for all the boys :)  He will never be a huge goal scorer but he holds his own and contributes on offense.  I think he is greatly underrated and is one helluva a two way player.  Meaning he plays well defensively too.  You will often find him on the ice defending the opposing teams top line and killing penalties.   When the Sabres changed their jersey logo I wanted to buy a new one with his name & number.  I hesitated because I knew his contract was up at the end of this season and I didn't want to spend the money only to have him be gone.  Unrestricted free agency is a funny thing and allows players to move to where they want.  The Sabres lost two big names over the summer because of this reason.  One was grossly overpaid by Philadelphia and the other wanted to be in New York City, closer to home.   My fears were put to rest today when it was announced he signed a 4 year extension with the Sabres.  This is not a guarantee he will be here 4 years, but it would only be a trade and I don't foresee that happening.   :::giggle:::  Guess what I'm buying? 

 

It's rarely I miss the boys play, but I did miss the majority of last nights game.  I was at the hospital with my sister (continued prayers are appreciated).  We had the game on and when I left the hospital the score was 1-0 in favor of the Leafs.  As I was headed home I did have it on the radio and the Leafs scored again.  Score 2-0, but I had other things on my mind.  I stopped at my other sisters and went in to talk to her.  It's been crazy here and I hadn't really talked to her face to face.  While there my nephew walked in and was stunned I didn't have the game on.  I told him last I knew it was 2-0.  He was on the phone and smiled letting me know the boys tied it up.  He headed into the family room and turned on the TV, the score was 3-2 Leafs.  WTH!?!  It was only a second.  It stayed that way a bit and I finished up and left.  When I pulled into my driveway the score hadn't changed.  I came in the house, flipped on the TV and headed to the bathroom.  When I came out the score was 4-3 Leafs.  Cripes!!  In minutes I missed 2 goals.  About 2 minutes later Jochen scored to tie the game up.  What an exciting few minutes I did get to watch.  The final 4 minutes were rushes and shots, both teams trying to score next to break the tie and take the win.  The final buzzer goes and we're going to overtime!  During the short break I'm hearing how many times the boys hit the post and the puck came flying out.  Beating the goalie but not getting the puck into the net.  Overtime was thrilling.  After coming back from down 2-0 the boys wanted the win!  The fought hard and with 4 seconds left in the game Ales Kotalik banged one off the post.  Brian McCabe tried to help his goalie, but no luck, the puck went into the net and the Sabres win 5-4.  Our back up goalie was in net and really did well despite the 4 goals.  Ryan Miller had spent Sunday in Michigan with his family celebrating the life of his young cousin who passed away.  He was back in town and on the bench ready to play if needed, but the coaches thought it best to give him a break.  Hard fought game and 2 points earned.  Yeah baby!!! 

 

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Things have been crazy here and I've emotionally spent.  Working all day, going to the hospital, coming home late and grabbing a bite to eat.  I know I've been scarce visiting and I'm sorry.   I will catch up.  I do hope everyone has been good.   Thanks for your prayers and good thoughts for my sister.

Hugs

~d

A candle for my sister?

Tags: Jochen Hecht, Buffalo Sabres