The Devils Went Down To Georgia: Atlanta vs New Jersey

Friday was a very special day that I’ve been anxiously waiting for since December 18…return of the Moose! This was a very special night for me, made special by some good friends. First off, Randy got us tickets THREE rows back from the glass! On top of that, Sandy was able to get me a special hookup. Her daughter, Sarah, is a supreme Moose fan. She pulled some strings and was able to call in a favor and get into the arena early, hoping her daughter would be able to get some one-on-one Moose time. She invited me along! I was excited to possibly see the Moose up close, but also excited about the chance to scout out the best place to put my 381 (six) signs.


We went into the arena about 5:45, doors opened at 6:30. Sarah had a letter for Moose. It had several adorable pictures of them together and it said, written in the unmistakable penmanship of a 6 year old, “You are still my favorite. I miss you. I am glad to see you again.” Collective “awwwwwww.” The person who was on the Devil’s bench very generously agreed to take it to Johan. A few minutes later…out pops the Moose. *faint* Sarah didn’t recognize him. I guess he doesn’t look the same not wearing pads and a mask. I knew he was there immediately because my Moose senses were tingling. He told Sarah thank you for the letter and thank you for coming to see him. He talked with her a little more then was gracious enough to take a picture. Then gracious enough to take ANOTHER picture because I’m too stupid (smitten) to work my own camera. I told him thank you very much for seeing us and that we missed him. He said thank you. *swoon*

Time for signapalooza! I brought six signs with me. I had my favorite sign, the icon, the autographed “I believe in Moose” sign. I also brought the “Welcome Home” and “This is still Moose Country.” Also on the glass was an old “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” sign. New for the night was a “Casino Night: not as fun without Moose” and an “I miss Moose.” Overboard? No way!!!!! There were a few other Moose fans with signs, he loved it. He skated by and I got “the wink.” *sigh* Mr. Fred was awesome enough to get a picture of Moose under my signs.

Oh yeah, some guy named Brodeur was there. Maybe you've heard of him. Clarkson is in the background.

Moose stretching.

Marty glaring at my signs. He is very jealous...at least in my delusions. I brought you lots of signs Marty and you never looked at them!

A bunch of Devils I don't know line up for shots. With injuries, trades and call ups, I barely know my 2nd favorite team anymore.

Marty in the crease being awesome.

Marty showing off his wicked glove abilities.

Moooooooose!

Marty chatting with the very nice guy who took Sarah's letter to Moose.

There was another ex-Thrasher there, too.

David Clarkson, "Clarktard" on the Devil's HF Boards.

Moose looking up in the rafters. Wonder what he is looking at?

Maybe he's looking at Doc and Chico getting ready to call the game. Hey, that's not Doc! Doc must have one of his fancy NBC or Versus gigs coming up. Chico is hanging out with Steve Cangialosi tonight.

Lithuanian favorite, Zubrusaurs (Dainus Zubrus)

Moose tracking the puck in the precious few seconds Marty lets him in the net.

Swarming the Moose.

I forgot Steckel was a Devil now.

It was Boulton night at the game. Eric Boulton had his two boys on the ice as the junior players of the game. So cute! I thought I got a picture, but I didn't. I snagged this one from Loren. Thanks!

As you might have read in my previous post, Blueland lost one of it's favorite sons this week as the Kiss Cam gentleman, T.R. Benning passed away. Surprisingly his wife was there! She was in her usual spot and in the spot next to her were Mr. Benning usually sits was his hat. Heart breaking. They had a nice tribute to the them at the beginning of the game. There was a moment of silence for him and the people of Japan.

I spoke to her before the game and told her how very sorry I was for her loss and how good it was to see her. I almost lost it.

One cool thing about the seats...I got a good shot of the kiss! Marty has the initials of all of his children on the back of his mask and he kisses each one before every game.

Wheeler is getting up close and personal with Marty.

Good to see Adorable Russian back in the line up.

Some action in front of Marty.

Since the Boulton boys were included in tonight's festivities, you couldn't leave out Baby Girl Boulton! Boultsie's baby girl rides the zamboni. Can you imagine showing up at the Boulton house to take this cutie out on a date and meeting papa?

The only problem with great seats? DOUCHEBAGS. These were some of the worst ever. You know I have extensive douchebag experience. These guys were in the front two rows, they had buddies over in a suite. Up and down..up and down. Then some of them had kids with them. At least I can see over the kids. They were actually pretty good.

You can see they are douchebags in training though. The little red headed kid was the cutest, sweetest little well behaved thing. The same couldn't be said for his dad. While puck was in play, he's standing up and shuffling kids around. Then he's standing up getting his phone. Someone a few rows back yelled "Sit down, douche bag." (bless you sir). Finally I yelled "SIT DOWN." He turned looked at me and said "okay" and started telling the kids "sit down guys." I said " YOU TOO." JEEZ I can see over the kids YOU sit down. Finally he did. Some more of their buddies were sitting behind them. They kept talking about how “dude, we need some more margaritas.” Then they were talking about “I don’t understand how they change like that every few minutes.” Against my better judgement I turned around and said “Well they aren’t pounding margaritas, that helps.” They were silent for a while, then left. I’m sure they went in search of more margaritas. Randy then concurred with an earlier statement made by my husband and said that indeed I was the meanest woman he’d ever met and that he was glad I wasn’t his real wife.

Speaking of douche bags...actually after a recent article, I have more love for Kovy. I never really hate him, I just really enjoyed booing.

Some chaos in front of Pavs, Zach is keeping an eye on Patrick Elias.

Kiss Cam will NEVER be the same. I kind of wish they'd retire it or give the Bennings a banner or something.

Indeed we do!

Thrash is locked and loaded and ready to blast Tshirts to the moon.

Marty does some stretches.

I love how Marty looks like he absolutely hates anything that isn't Marty Brodeur.

Kane is looking cocky! He and Clarkson were jawing quite a bit with each other.

Wheeler in the face off.

I love this because Marty is smiling!

In a disturbing trend, the Thrashers failed to win in regulation and the game went to OT. We lost 3-2. Boo.