Sens at Land's End

Things have been pretty good between my hockey team and me lately. The last year has had its ups and downs — more downs than ups — but lately, I feel like they’ve been making an effort. They seemed to be trying to make up for all the crap they’ve put me through, and it’s been good. I stopped making excuses for them a long time ago, but now I can even tell people we’re together without having to prepare myself for the inevitable “what are you doing with those guys?” look.

I haven’t seen the team much in the last few days. I’ve been busy. All week, I’d been looking forward to tonight, when I’d actually get to spend the evening with them. Given that I’ve stuck with them through some hard times — it hasn’t been easy dealing with their constant mood swings — I thought they’d want to do something special for me tonight.

Well, after the first period I thought maybe they’d forgotten what day it was. There certainly didn’t seem to be a gift forthcoming. Nope, for a while it looked like we were going back to the same old crap: they shape up for a while, just long enough to make me think we’d be okay, and then bail out again. I need them to think about what I need for a change. I don’t want to go through that again. It’s too much of a rollercoaster.

By the end of the game, though, I knew for sure that they did care about me. I’m not saying everything’s going to be perfect from now on. I’m sure there will be more challenges ahead. But I’m feeling more confident that it will gradually get better. That game, with the comeback, and Alfie giving the team the lead in the third period, and the final screw you Minnesota empty net goal from Heater … that was like getting me a bouquet of roses and a box of hedgehogs (the chocolate kind), taking me for a romantic sunset walk on the beach, and cleaning my apartment all in one.

Oh Sens. You’re the best bunch of large, muscular boyfriends I never get to spend time with or see in person or even meet a girl could ask for.

(Memo to the Blue Jackets: Yes, I noticed that you won too, and rather decisively. Well done and thank you, but my number one guys have my attention tonight.)