When reached for comment, Phil Kessel said: "Pussy."

If you write a hockey blog, you get stuff sent to you from time to time.

So I got this joke today. It's kind of an old one, pretty gross, not that funny, and they got the punchline wrong.

Still, it's nice to be thought of.

Here's the joke:

>Q: What's the difference between Wayne Gretzky and Courtney Love?
>
>A: Wayne takes a shower after three periods.

Can you see the error in the punchline? Here's how it's supposed to go:

>Q: What's the difference between Wayne Gretzky and Courtney Love?
>
>A:Courtney Love has coached an NHL franchise to 13 fewer wins this season.

But that wasn't all I got sent over the past week. The fine folks behind the movie "In the Crease" were good enough to send me a screener of their film. I'll watch it over the next few days and let you know what I think- but the trailer looks really good- Check it out:

A total failure.

I was at the Devils/Sabres game last night, and the only person who chose to participate in the buying me a beer challenge is the one writing this.

To be fair, though- we were pretty far up in the cheap seats, and attendance was, shall we say, light. I'll wait to see how Ben's pictures came out, but the entire lower bowl was terribly, embarrassingly empty.

UPDATE: Check it out:

They were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Devils organization, and apparently felt that the best way to do so was to replicate the turnout from 1987.

Still, the Devils played a heck of a last 60 seconds, it's just a shame the crowd had to sit through the first 59. Buffalo didn't look great, but I'll tell you, when that Briere kid starts skating with the puck, things happen. Ultimately, two systems collided for 3 periods, and unsurprisingly, the Sabres were just a little bit better at taking advantage of their odd-man rushes.

Still, a bad night of NHL hockey still beats a good night of quite a few other activities, and I'm not quite ready to accept that the "Buy me a Beer Challenge" is an unworkable concept. After all, I still enjoy hockey, hockey fans still enjoy this blog, and I still enjoy beer.

Goddamnit, there's got to be a way we can make this work.

I'll be at the Bruins/Habs game on December 23rd.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

OK- here's how it works, people.

Myself, Ben from Unleashed , and Jack from Kukoda.com are attending the Devils/Sabres game this Tuesday December 12th at the Meadowlands. Ben is a Devils fan, Jack is a Sabres fan, and I'm a fan of great hockey and frosty beer.

Seeing as the Devils have just won five straight, ( including a 5-1 manhandling of the Boston Bruins this weekend ,) and the Sabres are one of the top three teams in the NHL this year, it looks like I'll be guaranteed at least one of those things.

It's up to you, dear reader, to provide the other.

You heard me.

If you're a fan of what I do on this blog, well, it's the holiday season, and this is your chance to give back. Remember, I write this blog for free, and present it to you commercial free, intentionally forgoing the literally tens of dollars a year I could be pulling in from Google Ads. Therefore, if you enjoy this blog, and are either attending the Devils-Sabres game or know someone who will be who is willing to act as your representative, read on:

The first fan of this blog (or their representative) to bring a cold draft beer to me, Ritch Duncan, at Section 206, row 11, seats 3-6, (I will be wearing a black Boston Bruins sweatshirt) at any time during the Devils Sabres game on December 12th, 2006 will win the following (optional) prizes:

1) At least one (1) picture with me (that will be published on this blog) .

2) At least one (1) paragraph (published on this blog) of effusive, genuine praise, saluting you (or your business or project) for your courage, good taste and strength of character.

3) The thanks of a grateful nation.

The second fan of this blog (or their representative) who brings a cold draft beer to me at Section 206, row 11, seats 3-6, will win the following prizes:

1) At least one (1) picture with me (that will be published on this blog) .

2) At least one (1) paragraph (published on this blog) of effusive, genuine praise, saluting you (or your business or project) for your courage, good taste and strength of character.

3) The thanks of a grateful nation.

The third fan of this blog (or their representative) who brings a cold draft beer to me at Section 206, row 11, seats 3-6, will win the following prizes:

1) At least one (1) picture with me (that will be published on this blog) .

2) At least one (1) paragraph (published on this blog) of effusive, genuine praise, saluting you (or your business or project) for your courage, good taste and strength of character.

3) The thanks of a grateful nation.

Lather, rinse and repeat, folks.

I'll be there all night.

NOTE: If you are not attending Tuesday's Devils game and do not know anyone who is, the American Hockey Fan "Buy me a Beer Challenge" will be repeated December 23rd at 7:00 PM at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. Seat location will be given out closer to gametime, provided that this potentially wonderful scam bear fruit.

And by fruit, I mean, of course, free beer.

Stop by!

It'll be fun to see you.