Fanfic Friday
I’ve been unable to blog about the news this week—though you all know the Blackhawks are moving on to the next round, right? :D —but I did manage to read some fan fiction.
In my opinion, the best fic of the week—hands down—is “The Rebel League” by ionthesparrow (Jeff Carter/Mike Richards, 55928 words). It’s the third and final installment of Hockey at the End of the World. This author is very skilled at writing exciting, action-packed plots, but this fic is carefully configured to convey complex, intense feelings, too. This story has some deeply important themes. It’s upsetting at times, but that’s what makes it so powerful.
I also want to recommend “Feel Your Heart Beating as Clearly as I Feel My Own” by nebulia (Patrick Kane/Jonathan Toews, 7095 words). I really like the world of this story. The “rules”—for lack of a better word—of how ghosts work are interesting and unusual. I also like the end of the story; it’s not often an author achieves such a balance of ambiguity.
The third fic I wanted to share with you is “Lying, Waiting, or Dating? (This Is Not a Multiple Choice Exam, It’s Your Life)” by bestliar (Matt Hackett/Marco Scandella, 6110 words). The author of this story has a definite idea about what she wants to do, and I think that’s cool. And the characterization in this piece unfolds in a way that keeps you alert and wondering what comes next.
Announcement - Format Change?
Good news: I have a new job! It starts tomorrow.
Bad news: I work an additional 20 hours per week and have a longer commute. Plus, since my new job will actually require to pay attention, I won’t be able to spend work time reading gossipy hockey blogs.
What this means for the blog: I’m not sure yet. Probably I won’t be able to blog as often? We’ll figure it out. Heads up, though. ;)
The Calmness is Scary Sometimes
News for May 5.
Yesterday’s Games
Anaheim 4 - Detroit 0
This game took a sharp turn late in the second period, when the Red Wings’ Justin made an aggressive hit on the Ducks’ Toni Lydman and was given a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct. Lydman left the game, injured. On the resulting powerplay, Nick Bonino had a goal for the Ducks. Then, in the third period, the Ducks continued to control the game, scoring three more times. Abdelkader has a phone hearing scheduled for today with the disciplinary committee.
(And let me tell you, radio stations in the Detroit area will talk of nothing but that Abdelkader hit.)
New York Rangers 0 - Washington 1 (OT)
The league’s most dramatic goal of the night happened here.
The game went eight minutes into overtime before anyone scored. Finally, Mike Green, keeping his cool, had a powerplay goal and won the game for Washington. “We call him ‘Casual Mike’ every now and then,” said teammate Karl Alzner.
Just in Case They Don’t Know
News for May 4.
Yesterday’s Games
New York Islanders 4 - Pittsburgh 3
Against all expectations, the Islanders had a victory last night. Evgeni Malkin scored—and Sidney Crosby scored twice—for the Penguins in the first period, but by the end of the second, the Islanders had tied the score. Some are crediting the turnaround to a spirited fight by New York’s Kyle Okposo. (He went after Matt Niskanen after Niskanen made a hit on Matt Moulson.) Okposo also made the gamewinning goal at 12:23 of the third period—with an “assist” from Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. D:)
It was the Islanders’ first playoff win in six years. “We just wanted to come out and let them know that we’re not going away,” Okposo said.
Their series is tied at 1-1.
Ottawa 1 - Montreal 3
The Canadiens made up for last night’s loss with a burst of brilliance in the second period. They had three goals (including rookie Brendan Gallagher’s second of the playoffs). Milan Michalek scored Ottawa’s only goal. In the third period, the teams held each other to the status quo, and Montreal won.
The best revenge is always victory, eh? “We saw our teammate, our friend, get hurt,” said Gallagher. “You have to understand how emotional that is for us.”
