Salut tout le monde,
It’s been a while since we last spoke! As usual, we’ve been busy with life, but the morale has generally been good. Both of us are so close to having a better work/school-life balance (February 2023, here we come!), and I finally started retaking my iron supplements. Today will be a solo version of Other Thoughts because Gaby is off doing other ~mysterious hockey shit~ as she likes to call it.
Before we start, though, while I was scrolling through Twitter, I noticed that many of you were really going through it. As seasonal (and chronic, lmao) depression girlies, we get it, so I hope that y’all are taking care of yourselves! THWL isn’t as fun without you all :)
The Market Who Loves Drama
Oh, Toronto, where do we even start?
The frustration against the Leafs has been building up as usual, and it hit its (first) peak this past Sunday (Oct. 30) when they lost in Overtime to the Ducks. Ten games into the season, and the whole fandom is already in shambles (or has shambles in their brains) ;).
I won’t show you tweets since we don’t endorse this kind of behavior, but touching grass might not be enough, I fear!
It’s nice to have a passionate fanbase, but when said fanbase loses its cool in such a dramatic fashion, it’s time to take a step back and ask yourselves, why are y’all still here? No one is stopping you from watching.
Hockey is supposed to be entertaining; frustrating at times but mostly diverting. When that frustration becomes toxic to the point you constantly need to remind the world you’re mad in the most unhealthy ways, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities in life. We also kindly recommend starting looking into breathing techniques, meditation and therapy.
It’s never worth getting that mad because, at the end of the day, these people still get paid even after the x-th tweet reminding them they suck.
Side-notes:
Why are you, as a journalist/reporter, asking a player - Jeffrey Dahmer or no Jeffrey Dahmer? We’re talking about a serial killer; let’s have some decency, pls! The cultural relevance of Dahmer is obviously, tied in with the pop culture obsession with serial killers and Hollywood wanting to glamorize horrible people and stories. I didn’t watch the series, and I’m not planning to, but I’m sure there was a different way to ask if he watched that show.
Lastly, a shout-out to our head-empty king! His vibes are always immaculate.
This is how the fire starts!
Another team (& fandom?) who’s in shambles.
I haven’t been investing much energy in them as much as I thought I would, but I’ve been peeking at clips and tweets here and there.
People who were able to watch the game since it was blacked out in my area (what’s up with that, Sportsnet?) watched a catastrophic game where Milan Lucic had *mysteriously* earned the right to play in the top 6. A horrendous decision that led to the Flames’ collapse against the Kraken.
Something does feel off in Calgary, from new players not performing to their standards to questionable coaching decisions.
However, it’s been 8 games. It’s going to take time for the players to find their rhythm. Plus, the rewriting of history is fascinating. When Darryl first arrived during the 2021 season, the team wasn’t playing at their best and missed the playoffs over the Habs. It took some adjustment before witnessing the “magic” we experienced last season, and it might be the same case here.
Like the Leafs, I think it’s too early to panic, and people should just enjoy the ride. If the shit hits the fan, I’ll show myself the exit and turn my attention to my new faves.
On another note, Kadri has been an absolute joy to watch, and just that is a win in my book!
The New Faves On The Block
I am particular about whom I root for (who am I kidding, lmao).
We obviously have been K’andre Miller apologists for a long time now at the THWL headquarters. By the way, congrats to him - he rightfully reclaimed his spot at the top of Sara Civian’s style rankings.
Other than that, I haven’t been fully paying attention to the Rangers. I knew some by names, but that was the extent of my interest. Anyway, the joke is all you need is a mic, a couple of charismatic players (to me!!! - so no need to send me random videos of your fave) hosting an interview-style show for me to fall for your team’s propaganda.
Apparently, Off The Boards with the Ryans (get it, bc they have multiple Ryan on the team, haha) has been happening for a while now. I just caught up on the recent Halloween episodes with Ryan Reaves, and it was so enjoyable - what a fun team! I’m in! Let’s go, Blue Shirts.
Since Gaby is a well-known Chris Kreider enthusiast (Note from Gaby: what a public appropriate way to put it), you might catch us at the MSG sometime soon.
Ok, Arizona, we see you!
Last week, The Coyotes played their first game in their multiyear deal at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat indoor multipurpose arena at Arizona State University. I will admit that we clowned them when they first announced the news. However, I will also give them props for turning an unfortunate situation into something with much potential to be fun. Gaby and I considered buying tickets to watch them play until reality hit us. What are those prices?! Let’s be real.
Yes, Gary Bettman failed with this expansion. But then again, what has he ever truly been good at?
Also, yes, the visitor locker room situation is not ideal, but it’s also temporary. Many teams had more mediocre locker rooms during Winter Classics, so they will be okay with their fate for one night.
They are not the miserable franchise y’all are making them to be, and other NHL players seem to agree too.
Plus, some of y’all are not slick - all the hate in the world won’t change the fact that a specific star player from the area might join their forces next year (my bet is always on the Kings, but he might surprise us!). (Note from Gaby: and I’m the chaotic one??)
I didn’t expect to have this many opinions this week, so I guess I am keeping up more than I thought! I hope that y’all enjoyed this solo version of Other Thoughts or that it at least made some of you mad. We’ll see you again together soon!
With Love,
Perrye