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leagueofleaguesff · 1 year

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ILL FL NFL Breakdown 🏈🏉🏈🏉🏈🏉🏈🏉🏈

Las Vegas Raiders

The Rrrrraiders. Jimmy G is now in as Derek Carr was booted out. Will Jimmy G do what he usually do? Westcoast offense methodical plodding, safe play slant throws and slightly above average game manager? Get him on your bench as a back up QB just for the pure fact he has a top pure WR Davante Adam's. Adam's will have to see how he is schemed now with Jimmy Gs skill set. No other WRs will see enough volume to garner fantasy relevance. Jacobs however is a play now that he signed. Z. WHITE is the handcuff (injuries yknow). Special teams have never been well and the defense (aside Maxx Crosby as an IDP) is bad. The good thing with that is you can decider your start sits of your roster against them on weeks they are played against.

Houston Texans

Aside from Pierce (RB) and special team darling kicker Fairbairn, no other Texans should be in your starting slot - unless your in a deep league. Sure Robert Woods and Nico Collins could fill in on bye weeks. The rookie QB will have his woes. In the meantime keep an eye on Schultz as rookie QBs love the TE as a security blanket. The Texans defense is the most intriguing. They have low key been stout against the pass. Shouldn't be too surprising as the former 49ers defensive coordinator now turned head coach is making his mark.

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler ...when will he return? Until then, the Hollywood Browns and Zach Ertz of the world will take a hit in ranking from their usual upside. Connor is the lone sure play based on his role in the run game and passing volume. Are the cards tanking? QB coach drama? This team is in nowhere land.

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen and company don't seem quite right. With thier obvious physical skill traits and team build, they can get by most games. But thier failure to capitalize on a emotionally charged Jets team shows some concerning signs. Ever since Daboll left to coach the Giants, Allen hasn't had the honing of his skills. It shows in the perplexing passing choices that end up in unusually high interception counts which hurts his final point box score at end of games. He is an elite QB but decisions like forcing the ball is taking points off the board. All this can be avoided. Diggs is a sure bet as always but I don't know if low key there is some schism on that team. It's Diggs or bust as Gabe is a non factor. The rookie TE is the story. James Cook now has Singletary out the way. This pass happy offense may not have Cook in best of fantasy pools but it's a clear path to targets. The defense will start hot but let's hope they sustain through the long season. Tyler Bass is a sure bet at Kicker given thier propensity to score.

New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr is there and head coach Payton is out. That match up would have been ideal but Carmichael who is the long standing offensive coordinator is now heading up the team. Taysom Hill will be a factor at QB or RB or be more of a WR/TE role player. Week 1 didn't reveal much regarding him. Shaheed has been the exciting reach play as a boom or bust. Chart topping speed makes him a big play monster. Thomas will either be a key player or an after thought. He's still there. A mish-mash of TE and RB makes things confusing. Sure Kamara after his 3 game suspension should be a thing but he is getting older with tread on the tires. Nonetheless his passing profile lends him to be a starting role. Jamal Williams has the goal line potential but what he did with the lions is gonna be hard to reproduce. They do have a rookie QB that's shown some promise. Just dunno how it melds together with Carr at the helm. Thier defense still has Cam Jordan and company which may make the Saint the team to beat in the division. Did you know Jimmy Graham is still playing on this team 😆

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are struggling to keep pace in the playoff contender category. The addition of Hopkins seems great on paper but with only one true viable WR option, Tannehill will have to force throws in windows against double coverage to feed Dhop. T. BURKS is a prospect at best at this point. The teams identity is still King Henry first. Only problem is the O-line is not as stout as it once was. The defense is competitive but not sure how they translate fantasy wise. Thier coach Vabrel will have them in games. It's just a gumbo of TE and RB heavy game flow with a dash of Dhop. None of it showing signs of being ideal week to week.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers receivers didn't even reach 15 fantasy points as a whole (in regular scoring). The rookie QB has a late injury designation. Theilein and Chark are the starting WRs. Is Chubba Hubbard that much of a factor? There's just too many questions with a team clearly in rebuild. Perhaps Miles Sanders signing will have some attraction as a flex play or RB2 slots in fantasy team rosters. Expect and up and down (mostly down) year.

Indy Colts

Colts Jim Irsay has supplanted his flag in the Anthony Richardson bandwagon. He has obvious physical traits and is a work in progress. That's what he is banking on. He'll be viable until Defenses get Tape and come up with more complex schemes against the rookie. Even still, his size and speed can be the ace in the hole. You either in or out. Pittman scored but it will be a slow return of profits for him. The #2 WR is a down field play at best. Dunno the TE room rollout and Blankenship has been shipped off. The defense should hold some appeal in this division depending on when they aren't playing the Jags. They have a QB whisperer on the sideline...they may show out quicker than fans think.

Chicago Bears

Have a franchise QB on the team. Defensive minded head coach. Not a good combo. Until a true elite offensive coordinator is signed, Justin Fields will never develop correctly to reach his glass ceiling. It's more of them asking him to make plays on the fly. Regardless of his elite talent, if its not mastered, he's just winging it. That's not a winning formula for the team nor the fantasy results. Kmet is a crutch TE to use and Mooney has been regulated to number 2 with DJ Moores arrival. The defense lost key players so you know how that goes. At the end, Moore & Fields were drafted high and expected to produce as such. Without cohesive changes, expect a mix bag for most of the season. Herbert...

LA Chargers

I wanna say San Diego so bad lol. Herbert. With Kellen Moore coming from Cowboys to offense coordinate, many are expecting this team to take another leap (specifically in offense). The defense is the highest paid In the entire NFL. Derwin James and company have Bosa signed to a big deal now and must show results. Chargers are a franchise notorious for not wanting to shell out money for players (multimillionaire as opposed to thier billionaire counterparts). Chargers got scored on bad in week 1 from Tua/Tyreek and Co. Again, offenses are slow to gel and get timing. Defenses typically in recent years have the jump. Allnthat is to say Chargers D better ramp things up quickly. Herbert made the playoffs finally so naturally they want to advance further in a loaded AFC conference. The health of Mike Williams and Kennan is key. Josh Palmer is still the trusted number 3 WR but the drafted Q. Johnson is the longterm bench sit that fantasy managers are hoping will come to fruition at the most critical time of the season vying for the playoffs. Everett should have his role pretty much enact given Kellen Moore history of scheming up Dak to Schultz plays in Dallas. Hopefully the kicking woes are behind them.

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myhockeyworld87 · 4 years

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Bubble Wrapped - Part 1

Word Count: 2,683

POV: Reader

Warnings: Language

Notes: Ok so here is basically our introduction to the Bubble Wrapped story. I have no timeline for this thing or even if it will continue, you guys let me know. As a background, this story will be about life inside Hotel X. In case you don’t know the teams inside Hotel X are the Bruins, Capitals, Flyers, Penguins and Lightning. So here we go, Happy Reading!

You'd been shocked when Hotel X had been picked as one of the hotels for the NHL to stay at when they resumed play in Toronto. Even more so when you were asked if you would take over the management of the place over the next several weeks. "Listen (Y/N) we know we are asking a lot. You'll have to live at the hotel with all the players as the NHL is really trying to keep everyone in this little bubble."

"I understand. I've already talked to Carly about putting different measures in place when the Maple Leafs came to us before submitting their proposal." Carly was another member of the hotel staff, that served as one of their concierges. She knew the ins and outs of the city and could get tickets or dinner reservations on the drop of a dime. That was all before COVID though. Now, some restaurants were still closed and shows hadn't resumed yet. What once was a bustling city, had come to a dead stop over the last several months, though things were starting to get back to normal; well the new normal that is.

"So we heard." You hoped the blush that crept up your cheeks couldn't be seen on the zoom call as that had become their new form of communication with you. "You've dealt with the players before, we know you can handle it. Though this time it'll be completely different with five or six teams staying there." Most of the players had always been super nice to the staff, though there were a few that could be demanding at times. You prayed they'd all push their egos aside, at least while in the hotel, though somehow you doubted that. "I think you're familiar with the NHL's protocol on their reopening, but we'll email you everything once we get it. Start putting together the staff that you want. Just some core people that you'll need."

"I've got the right people in mind, don't worry."

The call went for a bit longer going over specifics. The only benefit out of the whole thing was that they were giving you the Presidential Suite to stay in. Honestly, it was the least they could do; you thought. Of course, the called ending with them saying, "Don't let us down."

As soon as it ended you called Carly making sure she was on board. "I'm just saying Car that many hockey players in the hotel; the testosterone is going to be flying around."

"So what you're telling me is you've already packed an extra-large box of condoms."

"Carly!" You shouted at your friend. "That's not what I was saying at all."

"Come on (Y/N), I know you're one of Seguin's regulars when he's in Toronto."

"I'm one of them because I can keep my mouth shut." It was true that when Tyler was in town during the summer or on a road trip the two of you always hooked up. Sort of a no strings attached relationship, though you did talk from time to time. "Besides he's not even going to be in Toronto. He's in the Edmonton bubble."

"Oh, I didn't realize." Carly despite being from Canada was not a hockey lover, though she did appreciate the men who played the sport. "Well, maybe you should call him and get the scoop. You know find out who we need to be aware of."

It wasn't a bad idea, not that you were going to ask him who to sleep with, but maybe it would help get a handle on who was going to be problematic, as there was no way you wanted to let the owners of the hotel down. You had a lot riding on this and after all, you couldn't put bitter rivals in one hotel and not expect some drama. "You're right. I am going to call him."

"Ooo good, let me know what he says and if we should get more than one box of those condoms."

You shook your head at your friend before hanging up and dialing Tyler's number. "Hey beautiful, long time no talk," Tyler said and you could almost hear the smile in his voice.

"Hey Ty, how's quarantine life going?"

"Ugh, don't get me started. I was not meant to be locked in my house without hockey for this long." Tyler wasn't meant to stay put anywhere too long, including relationships.

"Well, hockey's almost back so there's that."

"Yeah, I'm pumped about it, though I wish I was staying in Toronto instead. I know some fun that we could get up to since I have to stay in the bubble." He paused and you could clearly tell he was running different sex scenarios in his head. "I'm assuming your working at the hotel."

"Yeah, it's kind of why I called. I'm one of the ones trapped in the bubble with you guys."

Tyler groaned. "So, you called to ask me who you should hook up with? Cause babe, I'm not sure I'm willing to share you like that."

"Shut up Ty, you know we're not like that. You couldn't stay faithful to one woman if you tried." Part of the reason the two of you got along so good, was the fact that you called him out on his bullshit.

"I might if I could drag you with me everywhere." You giggled at the insinuation of being taken everywhere just so you could keep him satisfied. "You're definitely gifted with many talents (Y/N)."

"You're not so bad yourself, but we're getting away from why I called."

"You mean you didn't call to have phone sex with me," and you could hear his pout.

"No, I didn't call for that. I was just curious if you had any idea who was going to give me problems while we're in this so-called bubble. I'm trying to be preemptive here."

"Ok, but if I give you some information you at least have to promise to send me a pic of your tits." You mentally rolled your eyes at him; the boy was a horndog.

"Fine, now spill some tea."

"Spill some tea, what is this a gossip blog or something."

"You're avoiding the question Ty, and I'm putting on a sweatshirt." He groaned.

"Alright, don't get your panties in a bunch…or maybe do." It never ended with him. "I don't know a lot about some of the younger guys that are newer in the league, but my guess is they're all horny little bastards. Hell, I was when I first got in the league."

"You still are."

"Touché." He answered before continuing on. "So, like I probably don't have to mention the rivalries to you, but like Caps and Pens hate each other, the Flyers and Pens hate each other. Doesn't everyone just hate the Pens?"

"I think you either love them or hate them."

"That's true," he agreed with your statement. "The Flyers and the Caps hate each other as well and don't get me started with who hates the Bruins. Wow, who really put them all in your hotel?"

"I'd like to know that as well." It seemed like whoever did, had a warped sense of humor and you were now going to be stuck handling the mess that they'd made. "So, basically what you're saying is that it'll be an all-out brawl at times that I'll have to clean up after."

"Sorry babe, but I think it could be. On the bright side, we're supposed to stay on our own floors."

"Like that's going to happen." Maybe you should designate elevators or something because you could just see Alex Ovechkin and Claude Giroux getting in one at the same time and by the time, they got to your lobby they'd both be bloody and beaten. "Anything else I should know?"

"You seriously want me to go there?"

"I mean...if you want to." You certainly weren't going to ask but if he offered the information you'd tuck it away for later that's for sure.

He sighed heavily, "You know I hate this, but like Tom Wilson gets around that's for sure and I've heard that Travis Konecny does as well. If I'm being honest there's maybe been a girl or two that's compared us."

"Really?"

"That doesn't mean you have to be one of them, though if you are…you better tell them I'm better."

"Don't worry Ty, I'll sing your praises. I promise." Obviously, you wouldn't be doing that but it didn't hurt to stroke his ego a bit. "Anyone, to avoid?"

"Marchy!"

"Dude, he was like one of your best friends. Why would you say that?"

"Because I know him. Stay away he's trouble." The fact that you could almost see the look on his face as he was telling you was comical.

"Fine."

"Oh and stay away from Carter Hart." The name sounded familiar.

"The goalie from Philly? Why?"

"Because you'll corrupt him." You burst out laughing and Ty joined you. "He's too innocent for you."

"Dually noted, as I do not want to be known as the corruptor of innocents." You searched your mind thinking of anything else you could ask since you had him on the phone. "What about Crosby?"

"Sid?" and he just couldn't stop laughing; you could even hear him try to catch his breath.

"Why is that so funny? The man is hot Tyler, whether you want to admit it or not."

He got serious as he asked, "Who's hotter him or me?"

Thank god you weren't on FaceTime, so you could answer him without your features giving you away. "You are Ty, of course."

"I thought so, but like the guy is hockey twenty-four seven. There's no way he's going to be thinking about getting laid."

"That's disappointing."

"He's about the only one that I'd give you permission to fuck, only because I know it would be impossible for you to accomplish, even given all your talents." You could hear the mischievous tone in his voice.

"Hmmm, are you willing to bet on that?"

"What? Like bet, you'll fuck Crosby in the bubble?"

"Yeah." Did it really sound like such an unattainable accomplishment?

"What's the wager?"

"Winner flies out when this whole COVID shit is done and is the other's sex slave for twenty-four hours."

"Oh, you are on, baby. I can already see you handcuffed to my bed in some skimpy lingerie." He cackled at the thought and it fueled your resolve to win this bet.

"Don't be so sure about that."

"And how am I to know that you actually slept with him?"

Well, this would be tricky. "Well, it's not like I'm videoing it."

"No, but that gives me ideas for when I win." Maybe you should be rethinking this gamble.

"What do you want his underwear?"

"Nah, you could get that in the laundry. But I'm sure you could sneak a pic of him sleeping." God that sounded creepy but if it meant you had Ty as your slave for a day, it'd be worth it and you'd never show it to anyone else but him and even then you weren't going to send it to him, though he didn't need to know that now.

"Ok, it's a bet then."

"Too bad we can't kiss on it."

"Oh, you'll be doing more than kissing when I win, Seguin." Mentally you started packing sexy outfits to take into the bubble with you while thinking of all the things you'd have Tyler do the next time you saw him. "On that note, I better get my ass to work and make this hotel ready for these guys."

"Fine, I'll let you go as long as you promise to FaceTime me at some point during this bubble thing."

"I'm sure I'll have a night open for you at some point." You teased.

"Woman, you better."

"No worries Ty, you're still my main man; when you're in town."

"That's right baby, good luck."

"Thanks for all the info, Ty. We'll catch up soon and good luck in the playoffs."

You were just about to hang up when you heard him yell. "Don't forget my titty picture."

All you could do was shake your head and click end call, though you being a woman of your word, you snapped a quick pic and sent it off to him; to which he responded with a drool face emoji.

The next couple of weeks were a literal whirlwind as you moved into the hotel's presidential suite and got things ready. Beds were moved out so that some rooms that had two queens now had one king in them. The hotel was disinfected from top to bottom. If felt like you were wearing a hazmat suit all the time during this process. A week before the players arrived the NHL staff did, making sure everything was in order and making sure you had things set up for daily COVID testing. Of course, you had everything well in hand and organized per their instructions, though with a few tweaks that made the process more efficient. Overall, they seemed impressed with everything that you had done.

All that preparation lead up to the big day, July 26th, when the teams moved in. The league had them spread out so that no two teams were checking in at that same time. Tampa Bay was the first in as they traveled the furthest. "You look nervous. Why are you nervous?" Carly's voice came up from behind you as you saw the bus pulling in through the gates.

"There's a lot riding on this Car, and if anything goes wrong; you know it's going to be my head that rolls."

"You're going to do great; this whole thing is going to be smooth like a bubble." She started to giggle. "See what I did there…bubble." You rolled your eyes at your friend but did let out a little snort of laughter at her pun. "Well, here they come."

You straightened your jacket and smoothed down your skirt, before throwing your mask up to go meet your first arrivals. "Gentlemen, welcome to Hotel X." You tried to speak a little louder than normal hoping the mask didn't muffle your words. "We're excited to have you all here. I'm (Y/N) manager here during your stay, anything you need, feel free to call me any time of day." More of the guys filtered in while you spoke to Coach Cooper and a few of the players.

"Anytime huh?" you heard someone mumble in the background and a couple of the guys snickered. It was hard not to roll your eyes as you knew they were focusing on them with your face partially covered. Someone else said, "She can manage me anytime." That was until someone cleared their throat, effectively silencing them.

"Now if you'll follow me, let's get you all checked in." Tables lined with a welcome packet and lanyard with their ID on it, were off to the side and you were able to shuffle them through with pretty good speed, then sent them off to their rooms before they had to head to testing. Your information was inside every packet, in case you were needed at any point during their stay. It seemed like you no sooner got them in and the area disinfected then the next team, the Capitals, were pulling in, and so the day went on until all five teams were safely ensconced in the hotel. Thankfully you made it through that process without any problems, even though the Bruins flight was late and the Flyers were pulling in right as you got the last players through.

It wasn't until dinner, that you encountered your first dilemma, getting a text message from Alexis, who was coordinating the meals. It was a simple message, Get to conference room 3. NOW! As fast as your heels could take you, you headed down to where the Capitals were supposed to be having dinner if you remembered the schedule correctly. You never expected to see what you did though when you entered.

#bubble wrapped series #Pittsburgh Penguins fanfiction #Pittsburgh Penguins imagines #Pittsburgh Penguins imagine #Washington Capitals imagine #Boston Bruins imagine #Boston Bruins imagines #Washington Capitals imagines #Philadephia Flyers imagine #Philadephia Flyers imagines #Tampa Bay Lightning imagine #Tampa Bay Lightning imagines

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needlepcint · 3 years

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INTRODUCING...

HALLE BAILEY, CIS WOMAN, 20, SHE / HER ⟨ ✽ ⟩ hey, you haven’t bumped into nia williams lately, have you ? they have been living here for the past two years ( during the school semester ) and during that time, locals have gotten to know them as quirky & charming. a little birdie told me they can be quite vain & devious though. explains why they’re an architecture major at whitby university. they really remind me of field time at six am and still making your eight am looking flawless, spandex shorts under short skirts paired with high heels you can run in, && impeccably manicured hands handling any power tool with ease. if you’re ever looking for them, i bet you can find them around the retro room.

HIGHLIGHTS...

the daughter raised by a single father, a former nhler, though also with the help of his teammates’ wives and girlfriends — a unique situation that shaped her life ; a lover of beauty, no matter what it may be, but a little obsessed with it when it comes to herself ; tiny but with a nose for scoring, speed, and elusiveness on the field that’s made her a two time women’s soccer mvp and she’s only a junior ; sometimes comes across as a little ditzy and airheaded, but though she has the look of a girly-girl, looks can be deceiving and certainly don’t underestimate her ; has an incredible knack for turning old things into new and desired items, mostly with regards to furniture and knicknacks.

THE STORY...

— cole harbour, nova scotia, the birthplace of sidney crosby the next one, eight years later — nathan mackinnon, and six years after that : nia williams. her birth was unplanned, however ; her mother only twenty and working towards med school. her father a halifax mooseheads player just having fun at her conception, now twenty-two and playing out his dreams in the nhl with the montreal canadians.

— things always work out in the end, though, and at twenty-two her father became her sole guardian and growing up quite a bit in the process, her mother vanishing from her life at that point and never re-entering.

— she was technically raised by a single father, but she was also perhaps raised by the veterans on the team and most importantly, the wives and girlfriends of her father’s teammates whose care she was left in the care of during games. it was them that taught her the things that her father couldn’t, and nia never wanted for her mother, that space happily and willingly filled by almost two dozen women who were older sisters, mothers, aunts... they were family.

— but even with all the make up and fashion advice, nia was very much her father’s daughter as well : crawling around the outdoors, going one-on-one on the ice, swimming in the ocean and still looking flawless while doing it. michael williams was a good father in the end, and grew into the role.

— she play hockey and soccer growing up, seeming to have a nose for offense, as elusive on skates as in cleats. nia could’ve been great at both sports, was great at both sports, but in the middle of high school she made the switch to focus on soccer full time. her passion for the ice remained, but the opportunities in soccer were stronger — and she loved the outdoors, loved the field in the early hours of morning.

— it was in the summer after grade 11 that she was offered a scholarship from whitby university to play women’s soccer ( amongst others ), but whitby fit the bill for what she wanted, and port briar reminded her a lot of home in cole harbour with the chilly sea. so after graduation, she was off to whitby to play soccer.

— on the college scene, it became obvious that nia simply put, was a star. a small but ever elusive forward who had speed that didn’t seem possible with her stature and an ability to score like no one else. the campus loved her, the team loved her, and opposing teams loved to hate her on the field. she was named mvp of the team as a freshman, a feat she would repeat her sophomore year as well. she’s currently gunning for her third.

MISC...

— architecture feels like an odd choice for those who don’t know nia well. she tends to come across as a little bit of an airhead, ditzy, not always the greatest with common sense. but she is actually quite book smart and sometimes, the ditziness is just a bit of an act. she had fostered a bit of FASCINATION with arenas having been in so many growing up, she began to harbor a desire to design one ( and to do it better ). sketching had been something that held her attention when she needed to be seated and still, and that fit in perfectly. after entering whitby undeclared, nia found herself drawn to the architecture department and program, officially declaring at the end of her freshman year.

— nia is hardly ever still : tapping fingers, jumping knees, sitting and then standing. she was diagnosed with adhd when she was seven. she is medicated for it now, but it also still manifests in attention deficient for her, leaving a wake of unfinished projects in her wake. sports had been one of the few things that held her attention, kept her occupied, and one of the few things she worked to hone her skills in.

— because of her tendency to jump from one thing to another, it’s no surprise she had a litany of hobbies that she’s tried : you name it, she’s likely tried it once. everything from yoga, to sewing, to painting, to rock climbing. in some ways it’s made her a bit of a jack of all trades, though she always comes back to soccer in the end.

— however, one of thing did stick, kinda. in high school she took a woodworking class and from that spawned a hobby of furniture upcycling. her father had always been good with his hands and she knew her way around power tools, still does. she takes great pride in being able to fix things to be usable again, and loves to shop around the retro room or drive around port briar looking for things left at the curb. it can’t be a huge project though, like anything, if it’s not done in one go, chances are she may never return to finish the project.

— she lives in an off-campus apartment this year after spending the first two in dorms. she’s looking forward to having her own space and kitchen ( even with roommates ).

— rigid schedules help her to keep organized when her natural tendency is to fall back into messiness and chaos. living with a neat roommate has helped her in some ways, because though messiness is her tendency, she finds that neatness helps her to keep focused and on track. being reminded to clean every week has been good for her.

— her favorite color is red and she has a penchant for red nails and red lipstick.

— her father is now an assistant hockey coach in the ncaa, but not at whitby. she sees him when that school in in town though she’s always rooting for whitby. her summers are spent back in cole harbour and she is still in touch with some of the wives and girlfriends who she’d been so close to.

— she’s an early bird, as odd as it is. she’s always loved sunrises over the atlantic ocean. you can find her either on the field or out for a run in the early hours, and then when the snow flies, likely doing yoga.

PERSONALITY...

— on the surface nia is very much a pretty girl. always looking flawless, a little ditzy, a little shallow. her smile is her weapon and she uses it to get people on her side. she likes people to like her, though one might hesitate to truly classify her as a nice girl or a mean girl. she ends up falling somewhere in the middle as most people do, never mean without cause but not friends with anyone. her enemies aren’t always obvious, something kept under wraps with petty glares and muttered comments. she doesn’t go looking for trouble, but if it crosses her path she meets it head on. her soccer star status has endeared her with some and made her just as many enemies, especially on their rival teams. she’s generally sweet to everyone she meets, but wrong her and she’ll be the first to be shit talking behind your back.

— men and women alike find her charming, something that suits her tastes. she’s been in a fair number of flings, though nothing that she ever saw as longterm. nia in general doesn’t look at the big picture, which has frustrated some who saw something more with her. but people still love her all the same. it’s a power she pretends to not know she has, but she’s more devious than her lipsticked smiles portray her to be.

— she has a thing for looks, rarely looking less than pristine herself, even in the middle of practice on a hot pre-season day. beauty, she’s been told, starts on the inside, and she does believe that, but helping along the outside never hurts either. she likes to feel good about herself, and comfort doesn’t always take precedence.

— nia always has a schedule, but at the same time, she’s almost always late. time management is a thing she’s still working on, and the only advice is to tell her anything is fifteen minutes earlier than it is.

— she’s a pretty girl, but has never felt like she had to stick to that box. instead, she has a way of just looking flawless no matter what that does. people judge her from her appearance and she knows that, but she also relishes in being able to prove people wrong. she knows her way around a math class and almost every power tool there is, she’s not afraid to get dirty --- just looking bad, so she’ll find a way to make mud look flawless. she’s obsessed with beauty, just not always the most conventional forms of it.

APPEARANCE...

— 5′0″, built lithe and fast.

— style : cute and cottagecore on the daily, but isn’t afraid to toe the line into edgy for nights out. a bit of “hardness” can make its way into her outfit in blacks and faux leathers matched with flowy silks and puff sleeves. she can make the switch from “good girl” to “bad girl” as quickly as she wants, depending on how she’s feeling that day.

— jewelry : an absolute sucker for jewelry. often is on esty too often despite her already extensive collection of bracelets, necklaces, and rings. her style is often dainty jewelry, though she doesn’t discriminate.

— tattoos : a small butterfly on the back of her left shoulder

— scars : several small nicks and almost invisible ones

OOC...

hiiii. it’s ollie again ✌️😎... and bc i normally play hockey bois... here’s my self-indulgent tie to hockey via nia whoops.

#briar.intro #( that pic of halle truly just... wow )

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papermoonloveslucy · 3 years

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TIGHT SHOES

April 12, 1942

The Gulf Screen Guild Theater present Damon Runyon’s comedy Tight Shoes, which was a 1941 Universal Pictures success.

Directed and Hosted by: Roger Pryor

Music by: Oscar Bradley

Written by: Damon Runyon

The Screen Guild Theater (aka The Screen Guild Players), was one of the most popular drama anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio. At this point it is being sponsored by Gulf Oil. From its first broadcast in 1939, up to its farewell in 1952, it showcased radio adaptations of popular Hollywood films. Many Hollywood names became part of the show, including Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and many more. The actors’ fees were all donated to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, an organization that provides aid to retired actors. Screen Guild Theater was heard on different radio networks, beginning with CBS from 1939 to 1948, NBC from 1948 to 1950, ABC from 1950 to 1951, and back to CBS until its last episode on June 29, 1952. Throughout its run, a total of 527 episodes were produced.

Tight Shoes was a 1941 comedy film directed by Albert S. Rogell based on the 1936 story of the same name by Damon Runyon. The film was produced by Universal Pictures. It was re-released in November 1947.

The Daily Variety review called the film "...the closest interpretation of the Damon Runyon humor that has yet been brought to the screen."

The story was again broadcast on radio as part of “The Damon Runyon Theater” on October 30, 1949. The cast included Alan Reed, Gerald Mohr, Frank Lovejoy, Herb Vigran, Sheldon Leonard, William Conrad, Jeff Chandler, Lionel Stander, Sidney Miller, Olive Deering, and Joe De Santis.

RADIO CAST

Lucille Ball (Sybil Anderson) plays the role originated in the film by Binnie Barnes. She had just released her film Valley of the Sun, which was her 54th film since coming to Hollywood in 1933.

Sylvia Ash is the self-described “Biggest Star on Broadway”. In the film version, Sybil’s last name is Ash.

Red Skelton (Swifty Miller) plays the role originated in the film by Broderick Crawford. He also starred with Lucille Ball in the films Having Wonderful Time (1938), Thousands Cheer (1943), Du Barry Was A Lady (1943), Ziegfeld Follies (1946), and The Fuller Brush Girl (1950). On TV he appeared on “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” in “Lucy Goes To Alaska” (1958). Ball and Skelton appeared in numerous TV specials together.

In the film version, the character is known as Speedy.

George Tobias (Blooch) plays the role originated in the film by Edward Gargan. He later appeared with Lucille Ball in the film The Magic Carpet (1951).

SYNOPSIS

Shoe store owner Amalfi is forced by crook Swifty Miller to allow the business to be a front for illegal gambling. Jimmy Rupert is a clerk in the store and sells a pair of shoes to Miller that are too small and hurt his feet. Distracted by his pinched feet in the tight shoes, Swifty places a losing bet on the horse named Feet First. A fight ensues with his girlfriend Sybil and she leaves him. He blames his loss on Rupert and gets him fired from the shoe store. In response, Rupert complains about crooked politicians who allow crime to flourish, and successfully runs for office. He is opposed by the newspaper, but supported by Miller's ex-girlfriend Sybil. On the day he wins the election, Rupert and Sybil are engaged to be married.

“TIGHT” TRIVIA

This is not Lucille Ball’s only time appearing in a script by Damon Runyon. She often said her favorite performance of hers was in The Big Street (1946), based on the Runyon story “Little Pinks”. Lucille Ball did another Damon Runyon story, Sorrowful Jones in 1949, based on his 1932 story “Little Miss Marker,” which had previously been filmed in 1934. Damon Runyon also created the source material for the hit Broadway musical Guys and Dolls (1950), which starred Robert Alda, who went on to make several appearances on “The Lucy Show.” When the film version was made by MGM in 1955, Lucy and Desi were also under contract to the studio. A brief clip of the film was inserted into the middle of an episode of “I Love Lucy” called “Lucy and the Dummy” (S5;E3), although the clip was removed after its initial airing.

Because it was wartime, the Gulf commercials stressed using high-grade gas and motor oil to reduce waste and conserve.

The story is told in flashback, starting with Swifty Miller in the Army, giving advice to a soldier who wants to burn his shoes because they are hurting his feet.

“He bet fifty thousand dollars on a nag called Feet First to come in head first, but it was dead first, and carried out feet first.” ~ Sybil

Like most characters in Runyon stories, Swifty and Sybil are gamblers, and like going to the racetrack. Lucy and Desi also were fond of horse racing, and frequently attended racing at Del Mar in California. Several episodes of Lucy sitcoms were modeled around racing and racehorses.

Mr. Amalfi wonders if the government still prints $10,000 bills. He is correct! The bill was last printed in 1934. Even in 1942 there were not many in circulation. Today they are very rare, and the highest value US bill to be accepted for a transaction.

Swifty says he has bought a new victory suit. Sybil wonders if the victory was at Bull Run? The Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the American Civil War. The battle was fought on July 21, 1861. Sylvia is intimating that his suit is woefully out of style.

Swifty says he’d do anything for Sylvia, even tear up his autographed picture of Roger Pryor. Pryor was a leading man of Broadway and Hollywood, doing 50 films between 1930 and 1945. He was married to Lucille Ball’s friend and co-star Ann Sothern, but the couple divorced the same year this radio show aired.

“I’m off my onion for ya, sweet pea. Or maybe it’s just gas pushin’ up under my heart.” ~ Swifty

When Sybil entertains at the political rally, the orchestra plays “My Heart Belongs To Daddy” written by Cole Porter for the 1938 Broadway musical Leave It to Me. Marilyn Monroe would sing it in the 1960 film Let’s Make Love. Lucille Ball sings it on “The Lucy Show” in “Lucy the Gun Moll” (TLS S4;E25) on March 14, 1966. In this radio show, Lucille Ball does not sing, we merely hear the orchestra playing.

A radio reporter talks about the local election using fictional names, but when mentioning the national election, he says “Roosevelt is leading Wilkie.” This places the date of the action on November 5, 1940, when incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt handily defeated Republican challenger Wendell L. Wilkie for President of the United States. Swifty talks back to the radio and says “Yeah, we know that.” Due to the war, Roosevelt sought an unprecedented third term, and very few expected him to be defeated in light of his popularity.

When Jimmy objects to Swifty’s tone around Sybil, Swifty calls him “Emily.” This is a reference to well known authority on etiquette, Emily Post (1872-1960). She was an author, whose newspaper columns and radio broadcasts were very popular in the 1940s.

The show ends with a promotion for next week’s show “A Woman’s Face” starring Bette Davis, Osa Massen, and Conrad Veidt. The 1941 film originally starred Joan Crawford in the role taken by Davis. Massen and Veidt reprise their roles from the MGM film directed by George Cukor.

The announcer says that Lucille Ball will soon be seen on screen in Little Pinks, which was the working title for The Big Street, also by Damon Runyon.

#Lucille Ball #Red Skelton #Damon Runyon #Tight Shoes #George Tobias #Gulf Oil #Screen Guild Theatre #radio #A Woman's Face #Emily Post #My Heart Belongs To Daddy #Wendell Wilkie #Franklin Roosevelt #Roger Pryor #Bull Run

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stars-in-my-universe · 5 years

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Bad Idea: Part 6

Summary: When pop star Trixie can’t get her act together, her team makes a deal with the NHL…one that she can’t turn down. When NHL player Tyler Seguin can’t seem to get himself under control his team decides to thrust a certain Pop star into his life. Can the two play nice?

Warnings: Cussing.

Note: You guys have been so patient and I appreciate you all so much. Feel free to send me your thoughts and any asks, I love answering questions. Hell, even send me prompts! This isn’t much but this chapter did need to happen, so I hope you guys enjoy it!

Tyler had let two full days pass, he was now completely sober, no hangover to distract him from his adult problems and guilt that sat in the lower part of his stomach making him toss and turn for two full nights. Today though, he had woken up early, taken the dogs on a run, and made himself some eggs before getting ready to head over to Trixie’s which wasn’t as far as he thought it was going to be.

It was closer to downtown Dallas probably the same distance his place was from the arena. Grabbing his car keys and locking up, he made his way to his car and typed in the address on his phone. He didn’t know what he was going to do or say but he assumed apologizing would be his best bet. Tyler jumped into his jeep and headed down the road to the freeway, the soft pop music playing in the background was immediately cut off as his blue tooth rang through his car’s speakers.

Glancing at the screen, the name ALI popped up. Sighing he knew it was now or never; without missing a beat he answered the phone.

“Hi, Ali.” He grimaced as she practically screamed his name. She was lucky she was good in bed because after all the bull shit she’s pulled, he was ready to cut her off a long time ago.

“Tyler, come on. I just want to see you and talk.” He rolled his eyes.

“We both know, when we see each other we never talk.” He listened as she rambled on about how they could fix this and where they could go from here. He loved the girl once, but she was a lot and it was always on her terms. She broke up with him and yet here she was still trying to suck him back into the toxic cycle.

“Ali, I can’t do this anymore. You ended it with me, remember that.” He heard her let out a squeak.

“It’s cause of that bitch right?” Tyler groaned, of course of all things she remembered she’d remember Trixie. He also could feel himself get angry at Ali calling her a bitch, when he got so protective of her, hell if he knew.

“No, it’s because my games suffering Ali.” His phone beeped signaling he was arriving soon to the destination.

“Look, I gotta go. I’m sorry but this is done.” He didn’t give her a chance to explain herself as he hit the end button on the steering wheel. Turning into a round about driveway he parked the car and got out. It wasn’t a huge house, but it was bigger than most. Walking up the porch stairs he knocked and then rang the doorbell twice. He waited to hear any noise from beyond the door, rubbing the back of his neck; a habit he had when he was nervous. He shifted from one foot to another and looked up when the door swung open.

“Fucking hell, Cami. You were supposed to be here-” Tyler had to keep himself from letting out an embarrassing moan. Tyler had hooked up with his fair share of girls, hell he even dated a playboy bunny and had a threesome in Mexico, but he had never gotten hard so fast as he stood in the doorway staring at Trixie, who was in fact staring wide eyed back at him.

He was lucky he had sunglasses on because the way his eyes shamelessly raked her body would make him turn fifty shades of red. He always knew she was attractive, you had to be in her world, but this was not what he was expecting. Trixie stood with her hair in a messy bun, her face clear of any make up, standing in the doorway wearing nothing but a black bra with cute little purple stars and moon with bikini underwear to match. All the bra did was give her more cleavage then he was used to seeing and the little string that hugged her hip did nothing to hide her curves. Tyler had never wanted to fuck someone so bad then he did in that moment.

Clearing her throat, Trixie let our a ‘Tyler?’ making him snap out of it. He looked back up at her face and remembered why he was here, all the anger and confusion on her face said it all.

“Do you answer your door like this all the time?” She rolled her eyes and put a hand on her hip.

“What do you want, Seguin?” He watched as she stood there, practically no clothes on, all the confidence in the world and he didn’t think she could become any more attractive.

“I wondered if I could come in and maybe talk...and uh, apologize?” He watched as she rolled her eyes yet again and motioned for him to follow her in. He watched as she took a step back and let him in, closing the door behind him. She pointed toward the hallway that he assumed lead to another room.

“Go ahead and go in the kitchen, I have beers in the fridge. Help yourself to anything, let me just put a shirt on.” He nodded and walked into the kitchen, not really wanting to go through her stuff, he made himself comfortable on a bar stool and waited for her.

Luckily he didn’t have to wait long, Trixie walked behind the counter in an oversized t-shirt that covered the majority of her body minus her legs. Atleast now he wasn’t popping a boner like the fucking teenager he was, apparently. Trixie stood behind the counter, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. Tyler knew it was show time.

“Look, I’m sorry. I was out of line, I shouldn’t have said what I said. I was angry and frustrated which is also no excuse. But if you haven’t noticed yet, I’m not the brightest bulb in the box? Shed? See I don’t even know the right saying.” Trixie shook her head.

“Tyler-”

“I’m sorry I made you look like an idiot with those pictures, you told me it was your reputation too and I would ruin it.” Trixie was watching him, intently now. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the desperation in his voice.

“Everyone says you’re good for me, everyone says we could help each other out, whether or not we see it now, I think on some level they are right, Trixie.”

“Okay but Tyler, you hate me. You want nothing to do with me half the time-”

“I know, I know and that’ll change. We’ll work on this contract for real this time, I won't...I wont be as closed off.” Trixie was now leaning her hip against the counter, she wasn’t as defensive as she first was.

“You helped Crosby, you dated Anderson. I’m not saying we need to fall in love-” Trixie laughed.

“I would prefer if we didn’t” Tyler sent her a smirk.

“But some hot angry sex is still on the table?” Trixie let out a genuine loud laugh making Tyler smile back at her. She was still hurt by the things he said, she was still angry but he did come here to apologize and he was doing a good job. Whether or not they wanted to, they had a contract and she believed this could work.

“You gotta let me in, Tyler. We don’t have to be best friends, we don’t even have to be friends, but I can guarantee it would be a lot easier if we were.” It was Tyler’s turn to sigh, he hated not knowing who he could trust but looking at Trixie, all doe eyed and innocent he knew she knew about his world, the risks, the drama it all came with.

“Then let’s work on it, we’ll keep the contract and work on becoming friends.” Trixie nodded.

“We are in this contract for about a year.” Tyler’s eyes went wide.

“A year?” She nodded.

“Did you not read the papers?” He shrugged.

“I figured it couldn’t be too bad, but alas I was wrong.” Trixie giggled and stared back at him.

“And uh..Ali?” Tyler shifted in his seat.

“I’ll tell you the whole story one day but I ended it with her for good on the way over here, I need to focus on hockey if I ever want to get us a stanley cup.” Trixie didn’t say anything she just continued to stare at him.

“It’s not going to be easy, Trixie. I was on and off with this girl for awhile.”

“Then I’ll help you, get rid of her. Keep you distracted. I really am sorry for what I said in response to you attacking me. It wasn’t fair, I’m also sorry for breaking your sunglasses I’ll buy you a new pair. I was just...angry Tyler, I was hurt. I thought we were making progress. If you really do give me a chance, I’m not as bad as you think I am and we’ll be able to get through this a lot smoother.” Tyler nodded but didn’t say anything, this was all a little much for him but then he felt a hand placed over his making him look up from the counter top. Trixie was looking back at him with a small smile that somehow calmed his nerves. When she wasn’t being Hollywood Princess, she was actually really-

“I smell some sexual tension in here!” Tyler and Trixie both jumped back from each other. Trixie grabbed the nearest thing which happened to be a spatula and hauled it at her best friend. Tyler remember her from the club, the one who warned Tyler not to try to tame Trixie, she was going to do what she wanted either way.

“I guess I should be going, don’t want to crash...whatever this is.” Getting up from the stool he waved over at Cami who in return waved him off and made her way into the living room. Trixie shook her head and lead him back to the front door opening it for him. He shoved his hands in his front pockets and could feel his cheeks warm up as Trixie sent him a small smile.

“I’ll email my team and tell them it's okay.” He nodded and went to make his way back to his jeep.

“Oh and Tyler, you busy on Friday?” He took a second to think.

“ I have practice in the morning and that’s it.” She nodded.

“If I send you an address would you go? I’m doing this thing for spotify and you being there would be good publicity.” Tyler pretended to act shocked.

“Do I get to hear the princess of pop sing...live?” She glared at him.

“I’ll text you, you asshole.” She could hear him laughing as she closed the door.

“Bye Trixie.”

Trixie leaned against the back of the door, surprised at how well and how smooth that went. He was trying and that’s all that mattered. They could get through this contract, she would have her money and both their reputations would be saved.

“I know that look.” Trixie glanced up at her best friend.

“What look?”

“That look, don’t you dare-”

“Cami, I’m not going to fall for him.” She gave Trixie a look making the popstar glare back at her.

“He’s just a contract, another number.” Cami eyed her and shrugged.

“I would at least try to sleep with him before the contracts up.” Trixie didn’t say anything as she sat back down on the couch and turned the TV on. He was just another number, didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends? Her phone dinged from the table in front of her making her pick it up right away. She smiled to herself as she saw a message from Tyler. It was a picture of his radio and on it had a radio, with the artists name which happened to be her latest single. She giggled at the caption: ‘must be a sign.’

“Just another number huh, Trix?” Without thinking she threw a pillow at her best friend.

“Fuck off, Cami.”

#Tyler Seguin #tyler seguin one shot #tyler seguin imagine #tyler seguin smut #tyler seguin x reader #nhl #nhl imagines #dallas stars #dallas stars imagine #dallas stars oneshot #hockey #hockey imagines #hockey imagine #bad idea

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findmeinpops · 5 years

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FindMeInPops’ 12 Days of Christmas: Day Twelve - Southside Archive Secret Santa

Merry Christmas Liz ( @worriestothewind )! Here we have a festive friends-to-lovers oneshot for Female!Reader x Sweet Pea. I hope you enjoy reading this and that you have a wonderful festive season; I wish you all the best for the new year (and decade!). Harry x

P.S. Thank you @southsidearchive for organising the Secret Santa, it’s much appreciated.

Prompt: Friends to lovers

Ship(s): Sweet Pea x Female!Reader

Rating: T

CW(s): Cursing, alcohol

Gifted: Liz ( @worriestothewind )

@riverdalebingo : A Christmas Bet

Reindeer Games: Prancer - Parties

As Y/N was pushing the pins into her hair to hold up her half-up half-down do, she could only think about how little she wanted to go out tonight. Every year the Southside Serpents held a festive party in the Whyte Wyrm - she had no clue how they could even afford the place considering their low budget but it probably did not hurt that FP, the current leader of the Southside gang, was brothers with the owner.

Y/N had joined the Southside Serpents three years ago so there had only been three parties since Y/N had first been permitted to go, and she was rather glad that she had only ever been roped into attending one of them; every other time she had been quite happy to stay at home, curled up in bed. Her best friend Sweet Pea had voluntarily attended each one, unfortunately for her, so she had been left at home alone to entertain herself. But this time he was dragging her along with him.

“I still can’t believe you persuaded me to go to this party,” Y/N complained, casually strolling out of her ensuite bathroom and standing in front of Sweet Pea, hands on her hips in the only act of defiance she could muster right then. He drew his eyes away from his phone, looking up from his position on her bed, not batting an eyelid at her half-clothed state.

It was an almost amusing contrast to see Sweet Pea in the setting of Y/N’s room; the floral pink duvet cover against the fully-black biker look, that Sweet Pea seemed to have had ever since he left the womb, would have been shocking to most. To be fair, his dark attire wasn’t all that different from Y/N’s typical outfits of choice, but she had an affinity for all things pink, pastel, and floral when it came to her decor and belonging, only preferring grayscale when it came to clothes.

Y/N and Sweet Pea had been best friends since birth, or near enough; they were both Serpent legacies, but Y/N’s family was somewhat more stable than Pea’s. When Sweet Pea hit the ripe old age of six months, his father took it upon himself to high-tail out of Riverdale to go and live with his pregnant mistress. A single, working, new-mother, his mom often resorted to leaving Pea with the Y/L/Ns’ and the pair became fast friends. They grew up together and, although they did occasionally venture outside of their partnership, they were each other’s closest friend. And it was for this exact reason that Sweet Pea had no reaction to Y/N standing in front of him in only a black mini skirt, fishnets, and bra.

“We need to leave in half an hour. Are you going like that?” Sweet Pea commented dryly.

“Pea,” She moaned, continuing to complain just in case he would allow her reprieve from their plans.

“It’s up to you, but I think FP may have something to say about your outfit of choice.”

“Pea, please?” She pouted, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

Sweet Pea sighed, dropping his phone between his crossed legs. “I believe we had an agreement, sweetheart.”

“Yes, and I will be forever grateful that you are not forcing me to go to the New Year’s party or any other Serpent festive gathering for the rest of this year, but,” Y/N crouched down, a hand on each of Pea’s knees, “would you not much rather be curled up with yours truly, hot chocolate, and a Christmas comedy on the TV?”

She tried to pull her most enticing puppy-dog face--which nine times out of ten melted Pea into a puddle at her feet, but not this time.

“A deal’s a deal.” He gave her a pointed look which softened slightly when he saw genuine disappointment flicker through Y/N’s eyes. “Hey,” he placed his hands on top of hers, running his thumbs over the back of them, “I’ll be there and I promise we can be back here by one am. I’ll even try to persuade your mom to let me sleep over and we can cuddle with hot chocolate and a comedy then.” The placating smile he offered did nothing as she rolled her eyes, pushing up from her position.

“You don’t need to persuade my mom to do anything.” She wandered over to her dresser, picking up her makeup bag before plopping herself down on the floor in front of the full-length mirror attached to her wardrobe. “She fucking loves you.” And didn’t Y/N know it.

‘Sweet Pea is such a nice boy’, ‘why don’t you date Sweet Pea’, ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful if Sweet Pea was my son-in-law,’ – Y/N never heard the end of how much her mother adored Pea but what her mother (or Pea for that matter) did not know is how much Y/N and her mother were in agreement in wishing that Pea would date her.

For as long as they’d been friends, Y/N had known that she loved Sweet Pea, but it was not until a moment in their teens, when she had had the sudden urge to grab him by the neck and crush his lips to hers, did she realise the love was no longer solely platonic.

Y/N had a crush on her lifelong best friend and he did not have a single fucking clue.

She had briefly entertained the thought of initiating something between them but the potential of losing Pea over such a thing was a devastating concept and so the idea was killed in moments. Regardless, Y/N knew that Sweet Pea had a huge crush on Toni, not that he had told her this, but she had noticed the way he smiled at her - that was the smile of a boy who was crushing on a girl.

Each time Y/N saw that smile, there was always a small twinge in her gut but she was determined to make her best friend happy, no longer caring that it would not be with her. Sweet Pea deserved to be happy.

“But she doesn’t love me as much as I love you.” He sent her a faux sickly-sweet smile in the mirror, forcing her eyes to roll yet again.

Drawing on her eyeliner, Y/N could not stop her mind from imagining him meaning it the way that she secretly hoped he would. No, she had to reprimand herself, Sweet Pea had been with her through thick and thin, spent many evenings soothing her as she sobbed over this and that as well as always having her back. She loved him regardless of context and, because of this, she wanted and needed him to be happy – if Pea wanted to be with Toni then she would make it happen.

“I fucking love you.” Their little phrase left her lips as she finished up the liner on her second eye.

“And I fucking love you,” he replied, as they shared a genuine smile before delving back into their respective tasks – Y/N applying minimal makeup for the forced exertion from her home and Sweet Pea texting whoever.

******

Riding on the back of a motorcycle in a skirt was never really the best of ideas, but it was a dark December evening and no one would see. But what Y/N had not considered was how bad of an idea it was to ride on the back of a motorcycle, in the middle of December, at night, in fishnets and a skirt.

“Holy shit, I’m freezing,” she exclaimed, jumping from the seat as soon as Sweet Pea turned the engine off.

“Yeah, probably not the best of our ideas,” Sweet Pea reasoned, sliding off the seat a lot more smoothly. He placed a hand on either of her arms, rubbing his hands up and down her clothed skin, trying to create a little heat.

“Our idea? Please, I wanted to take the car but no, we were already late so you wanted to freeze my tits off.”

Sweet Pea rolled his eyes at that before gripping her wrist in one hand, pocketing his keys with the other, and all but dragging her towards the bar door.

“I’m freezing, my legs are going to fall off, and I do not want to be here.” Y/N continued to complain and Sweet Pea could only compare her to a toddler having a tantrum.

They stopped just shy of the closed door, muffled music and chattering could be heard on the other side, and the glow of multi-coloured lights could be seen through the frosted panes of the windows. It all looked rather cozy and, if there weren’t fifty other people in there, Y/N would have probably been quite happy to enter.

“Stop being dramatic, we had a deal. These parties normally suck--”

She opened her mouth to interrupt but a slight glare from Sweet Pea stopped the words in their place.

“--but my bestest friend in the whole entire world is here and you’re going to make the experience so much better. Then, we will go home, maybe catch a lift with someone since I quite like your legs being attached,” he spared a glance to her goose-bump covered skin, “and we will drink hot chocolate and watch a movie.”

He took one of her hands in his, neither of their fingers particularly warm, and began to push on the door before stopping and turning back to face Y/N. “Oh, and Toni’s here.”

Ah, how could she forget her plan, although she wasn’t entirely sure why Pea thought that this would be an incentive for her to enter, he had no idea that she was aware of his crush. Y/N was going to somehow get her best friend to ask out Toni by the end of the night, whether she said yes was out of Y/N’s control, but she would be sure to get Sweet Pea to confess... somehow…

With a small smile now gracing her lips, they both pushed through the door into the large bar area, welcoming the overwhelming warmth that hit them as well as the tangy smell of alcohol. Hog Eye, the owner of the Whyte Wyrm, had strung fairylights along the walls and a small Christmas tree sat on the bar, adorned with the same multi-coloured lights and several red shiny baubles. People were scattered all over the large room, drinks in hand, and loudly chatting away as Bing Crosby was crooning out ‘White Christmas’.

Y/N hummed along as she handed her coat to Sweet Pea to hang on the coat stand, nodding a silent thanks as she continued to take in the room. It was whilst doing this that she spotted several bunches of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling, and then she had her plan. Now she just had to lure Toni and Sweet Pea over to one of the many bunches of mistletoe. She began to search for Toni but the latter had already spotted them and was waving them over to where she stood with a small group of her friends.

“Let’s join Toni,” Sweet Pea spoke before Y/N had the chance, sending a nod towards the fellow Serpent.

“Hey guys, cold out isn’t it?” Toni greeted each of them with a hug once they made their way through the crowd. This was not too much of a feat, though, as they tended to part easily for Sweet Pea as he towered over most people.

“Sure is. This idiot decided to ride on the bike wearing fishnets.” Sweet Pea knocked Y/N with his elbow, sending a kind smile to let her know he was only joking.

“Sure, sure, my fault, I know.” Y/N rolled her eyes goodnaturedly, bumping her best friend back with her hip.

“Well, at least it’s warm in here, you’ll be alright in no time,” Toni replied before pulling on the arm of a tall redhead beside her, who turned away from her current conversation. To say Y/N was shocked to see Cheryl Blossom in the Whyte Wyrm would be an understatement. It had been a few years since they had all graduated from Riverdale High, but Cheryl had always been an incredibly preppy individual, to put it kindly, who had deemed herself higher than most others around her. She and her brother, Jason, had practically ruled the school, hardly sparing a glance to others, particularly the transfers from Southside High who were made bottom of the food chain. She had obviously come a long way from her time in high school.

“Sweet Pea, Y/N, I’m sure you remember Cheryl.” Cheryl wiggled her fingers in a small wave and offered a sheepish smile as they were introduced. “She’s a ‘trainee serpent’, so to speak. FP is considering her for the initiation.”

Both Y/N and Sweet Pea’s eyes widened comically. Tonight was full of surprises. It was one thing for the Cheryl they knew to willingly surround herself and be associated with Serpents, but for her to also desire to become a Serpent - perhaps she had hit her head.

Cheryl must have noticed their expressions as she was quick to pull her hands together in a pleading gesture. “I know and I sincerely apologise for the unacceptable and truly horrible way I treated you and your fellow Serpents throughout our time at Riverdale High. I promise that I have changed my ways since graduation and, with the help of TT, I hope to show you how true this transformation is.”

“Of course, I’m sure we’ll see more of each other through Serpent business, but we can always hang out. It’s a regular thing we do with Toni,” Sweet Pea answered for both of them, swinging an arm around Y/N’s shoulders, signalling for her to nod her agreement.

“Brilliant.” Cheryl grinned.

A slightly awkward silence settled around the four of them, something that was most likely due to all of their being unsure how to act with Cheryl around. Y/N’s eyes flitted around the room, not knowing where to land, trying to avoid having to make stilted conversation. Her eyes just happened to catch on a particular bunch of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling above the bar.

Being in such close proximity with Pea heated her skin, something that was putting Y/N off of the whole scheme she had created, but the look that appeared on Pea’s face each time he saw Toni reappeared in her mind; she wanted only the best for him and for him to be happy and, because of that, she would continue forward with her plan.

“I don’t know about you, but I need a drink” Y/N broke the silence, and relief noticeably appeared on Pea and Toni’s faces, Cheryl seemingly oblivious. Pretending to notice Toni’s lack of drink in hand, you added, “Toni, why don’t you join us at the bar.”

Pea’s eyes narrowed slightly, trying to work out why she had intentionally omitted Cheryl from the invitation but seemingly settled on ignoring it for now, he released his arm from around Y/N’s shoulders before chiming in, “yeah, I’ll cover this round.”

“And I’ll stay here and make conversation with my soon-to-be fellow Serpents.” Cheryl did not seem overly bothered about her exclusion, smiling and nodding before making her way across the room to a group of younger Serpents.

Y/N led the three of them over, placing herself at the front of the group so she could strategically lead them over to the right-hand side of the bar where the mistletoe hung. She settled herself at the very far end, resting her arm on the sticky surface so that Toni and Sweet Pea would be forced to stand together at her left.

“Y/N, Sweet Pea, nice to see ya,” Hog Eye greeted, coming directly to the trio, bypassing a few already waiting patrons.

Y/N and Sweet Pea had helped out Hog Eye quite a bit over the last year. The Ghoulies, before they were run out of town, had made an attack on the Whyte Wyrm, destroying half of the bar, and the pair had been a part of a few Serpents who had helped reassemble the place. Veronica had pitched in the money necessary, due to feeling guilty about her father being partially responsible for the attack, so Y/N and Sweet Pea just offered some manpower, as well as occasionally taking up some shifts at the bar while Hog Eye was recovering from injuries he sustained during the ordeal.

Nevertheless, Hog Eye had been incredibly grateful and had no qualms ignoring the already waiting customers to serve them. “Toni too, I see. What can I get you three?”

“I’ll have a bourbon, please, Hog Eye, you know how I like it,” Y/N replied. “Pea’s driving so he’ll just have a coke?” Sweet Pea nodded to her question. “And Toni, what do you want?” Y/N turned to Toni who seemed distracted but requested a Jack and coke at her prompting.

As Hog Eye was pouring the drinks, Toni zoned out again, slowly gaining a mischievous twinkle in her eye paired with a not-so-hidden grin. “Y’know, Y/N, you’re looking hot as hell tonight.”

Y/N turned bright red at Toni’s words, and she wanted nothing more than to hit her head on the bar counter in embarrassment. A similar, but more subtle, pink dusted Sweet Pea’s cheeks. It was also joined by a small smirk.

“Um, thanks I--”

“Yeah, you look amazing, let me take a photo of your outfit. And Sweet Pea! Sweet Pea can be in the photo as well.” She was talking so frantically that neither Y/N or Sweet Pea really understood what was going on so when Toni suddenly gripped Y/N’s arms and spun her around for the picture, Sweet Pea had to grab Y/N by the waist to stop her toppling over.

“Perfect! Just perfect!” Toni exclaimed, pulling her phone out of her jacket pocket. “Now Y/N just move a little closer to Sweet Pea.”

“Do you know what the fuck is going on?” Sweet Pea whispered into Y/N’s ear, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. She shook her head in answer but also to rid herself of the odd sensation, she could use that bourbon now.

“And smile!”

Toni took the photo. The pair began to move apart from the too-close position before Toni stopped them with a hand, that mischievous look taking over her entire face.

“Would you look at that!” She feigned surprise, tilting her head to the ceiling. Y/N and Sweet Pea followed suit, freezing at what they saw. Shit.

“Mistletoe. You know what that means?”

“No, Toni you were--”

“You’re under the mistletoe, you have to kiss.” Toni seemed to be enjoying Y/N’s squirming, but Y/N was more concerned about Sweet Pea unwrapping his arm from around her waist and pulling away, taking it as rejection. Although it was nothing short of what she expected, it still stung.

“No, Toni, I think Y/N wants you to come here.” Sweet Pea stepped back, motioning Toni over. Y/N could almost scream in frustration, this was not going how she had wanted it to go.

“No, it was supposed to be you and Toni under the--”

“Guys, just get on with--” Toni tried to interrupt Y/N, but Sweet Pea stepped in.

“Wait, you were trying to set me up with Toni?” Y/N swung around to face him, now incredibly concerned that he had taken offence. She had not considered Sweet Pea might consider her scheming overstepping.

“Yes, I just wanted to see you happy and I know you have a crush on--”

“Me? Have a crush on Toni?” Sweet Pea’s eyes were almost bugging out his head.

Their outbursts had gained the attention of a few of the nearest Serpents whilst Hog Eye was trying his very hardest to hold in laughter, his face beginning to resemble a tomato.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to--”

“I thought you had a crush on Toni!” His exclamation caused Y/N to freeze, both of them oblivious to the listening ears and the amused smiles of the entire bar.

“You--I--What?” Y/N could not believe a single word that she was hearing. How had he gotten the idea that she liked Toni? Y/N had noticed how he had always smiled when they approached her and whenever she was mentioned in conversation the same look reappeared; how else was Y/N supposed to interpret this?

“As entertaining as this is, we would all appreciate it if you both shut up.” Toni’s words brought their attention to the silence that otherwise filled the room and the fact that every pair of eyes were trained on them. If Y/N had been embarrassed before, it did not compare to how she felt now.

Heat filled her entire body, and not in a good way, her face radiating as she chewed at the skin on her lower lip. Sweet Pea was hiding his embarrassment somewhat better, but pink still tinged his cheeks and the tips of ears.

“You’re under the mistletoe so stop stalling and just kiss!” a shout came from somewhere in the small crowd.

Sweet Pea shot a glare in the heckler’s direction before he took a step closer as Y/N was still frozen in shock, reaching his hand to cup her cheek, gently tilting her head upwards to face him. His thumb smoothed over her warm cheek as he scanned her eyes for any form of protest--there was some hesitation but also a hefty amount of want. The same thumb ran over her lower lip now, his ring cold on her skin as he pulled her slightly bruised lip from between her teeth. Pea’s gaze left her lips, meeting hers and silently asking for her permission. After a nod, so small that only he would have seen, he brought his other hand up to her unoccupied cheek, guiding her face up so they met in the middle.

Sweet Pea wasted no time in pressing his lips to hers, unable to believe that this was happening and savouring the moment. Y/N broke out of a trance, bringing one arm up to wrap around his neck, threading her fingers through the short hairs at the nape of his neck, ensuring he would not pull away quite yet. It was too soon.

Her lips were on fire, but it was the sparks that spread from their connection through all the nerves in her body that racked her with shivers and set her akin alight. Her other arm settled against his chest, clenching the material of his jumper in her fingers as one of Sweet Pea’s found its place at her waist, pressing her against him, trying to get as much contact as possible.

And then Y/N began to move her lips in a gentle caress, Sweet Pea following suit. There was no rush or urgency, they had time but also a passion as they poured their love for one another into this kiss. The pair moved almost in opposites, caressing each other in turn. Y/N took a gasp of air so Pea seized the chance to run the tip of his tongue along her lower lip, not needing to deepen the kiss further, but savouring the feeling, her touch, her taste, when they were no longer connected. Y/N moved to wrap her other arm around his neck but a loud clearing of a throat registered, triggering Y/N to remember just where they were.

She leant her forehead against Sweet Pea’s chest, her cheeks turning even redder whilst her lungs were still trying to catch up, snickers beginning to filter through to her ears. How could she forget where they were? She probably would have allowed them to progress to a full-on makeout session, without intervention, completely oblivious to the audience they had gained.

Sweet Pea pressed a kiss to the top of Y/N’s head, the hand not on her waist smoothing through her hair. The contact of his skin sent a shiver down her spine, her body obviously not registering their audience.

Once she finally caught her breath and calmed down, she pulled away enough for Sweet Pea to press a small kiss to her nose. An involuntary grin took over her lips and stayed in place as she finally twisted her head to look at the Serpents gathered around.

A chorus of cheering and wolf whistles broke out. Toni still stood behind her, only now joined by Cheryl, who had wrapped an arm around her waist; the former wore an incredibly smug expression whilst the latter simply looked thoroughly entertained. Fangs, on the other hand, who stood a few metres from them, had a slightly childish pout on his face aimed solely at Toni.

“Told you I could do it tonight,” Toni simply said in answer to his expression. “You’re going to have to pay up.” She held her hand out, making a ‘gimme’ motion.

“I don’t have the money on me right now! I was so sure…” the last part seemed to only be spoken to himself.

“You bet on us!” Y/N cried indignantly, wrapping her arms around herself, interlocking her fingers with Pea’s at her waist.

“Only last week,” Toni placated, as if that made it any better.

“If it’s any consolation, Y/N,” Hog Eye spoke unexpectedly. He was leant casually against the wall behind the bar, a smug smile that rivalled Toni’s, adorning his face, “me and yer’ mom have had one going for years.”

“My mom!” Y/N was not angry, per se, but more frustrated with the fact that everyone seemed to have been in a secret conspiracy, even her mom.

“Just don’t tell her about all the mistletoe I put everywhere.” Hog Eye began to full-on belly laugh when Y/N’s eyes bugged out of her head. The rest of the bar, still listening, joined in too.

Y/N twisted back around to properly hug Sweet Pea, wanting to fully gauge his reaction. It seemed she was not alone in her embarrassment, but by the chuckles that were beginning to vibrate through his chest, he was finding the humorous side of things. Y/N sighed. She supposed it was all good-natured.

Y/N‘s gaze flickered over Sweet Pea’s face, taking in the small smile, the slight flush to his handsome features and the twinkle in his forest green eyes. He was truly gorgeous.

“I fucking love you,” she whispered to him, smoothing a lock of his hair back from where it had fallen into his face.

“And I fucking love you.”

#southsidearchive #riverdaleevents #prancer: parties #sweet pea x reader #sweet pea #female!reader #findmeinpops 12 days of christmas #harry's creations and additions #harry's word creations

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puckyou-forpuckssake · 6 years

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Drowning (1)—S. Crosby

Requested/dedicated to my homie @pucksandpoutines This is a part of a series; other parts will be found on my blog under #drowningsc. Check out my other imagines and master list on my blog with #hockeyimagine.

Sidney couldn't believe what was happening right now. Zach, a sophomore rookie, was explaining to him, a senior star, how to handle a child during the cancer skate. He’d been doing this for 13 seasons now. He could hear Kris and Geno snickering in the background.

“I’ve got this, ZAR,” he finally snapped. “I’ve done skates with cancer kids before. I should be the one instructing you, not the other way around.”

Zach sighed. “I know but…”

“Zach, quit bothering Sid about Andy,” Jen instructed. “There is a reason Kat didn’t put you with him.” Jen turned to the rest of the team. “The kids are here now. You will be going out into the concourse with signs with your child’s name on it. You’ll help them lace up and then just have fun on the ice. Give them a tour too if they want. The parents are here and will be in the stands. This is a day for them to feel normal and special. Lots of pictures will be taken. Have fun and be nice,” She glanced to some of the younger guys, “And appropriate.”

The guys walked out and saw a group of children ranging from the ages of 4 to 12 waiting for them. Besides the players having signs with the kids’ name, the kids had on jerseys of their respective players.

Sidney could feel Zach’s eyes following him as he approached a boy wearing 87. He looked to be about 8 with darker brown hair and a Penguin’s ball cap. He tightly gripped a hockey stick that was clearly a hand-me-down one. Sidney noticed how all the other children interacted together but this boy just looked around. Setting the sign down, Sid walked over to the boy.

“Hi there. You must me Andrew.”

The boy nodded. “You can call me Andy. Only my doctor calls me Andrew. I know this is skating but can we can practice some hockey, Mr. Crosby? Momma told me I could bring my stick.”

Sid smiled and led the boy towards the locker room. “You can call me Sid, and I’d love to practice hockey with you, Andy. Would you like a tour first? I know most of the other kids are just going to skate and then get a tour.”

“So this way we can have more ice to practice?” Sidney nodded. “Okay.”

“We can start in the locker room so you can drop your stuff off.”

Andy nodded and followed Sidney. He was quite compared to the other kids. “So this is the locker room,” Sid said as they entered. “You can put your stick over there in my spot. The showers are to the left and to the right is the entrance to the ice along with Coach’s office. We can go see the training room next.”

Andy was quiet as the began walking. “Have you ever been here before?”

Andy nodded. “I came here in February for a game. This place isn’t as cool MSG though.”

Sid smirked. “No way. Only a Rangers fan would say that.” Andy was quiet. “No…”

“I was born one. Only since February have momma and I been watching Penguins games regularly. We‘ve been watching hockey forever though. I’m named after Andy Bathgate. He was an awesome Rangers player.”

Sid smiled and pushed the training room door open. “Did you know Andy Bathgate played for Penguins towards the end of his career?”

“Really? That’s cool. Can we play hockey now?”

Sidney nodded. “How long have you been playing? That stick seems pretty rough.”

“I started when I was like 2 or 3. I had to stop playing when I was 6 and got diagnosed with my Wilms tumor. The stick was Uncle Z’s. Momma tries to play pickup with me at home with foam sticks and ball, but the doctor doesn’t like that. Momma just wants me happy though.”

“She sounds like a good mom. Do you need me to help you lace up?” Andy nodded. “You talk a lot about your momma. What about your dad?”

Andy shrugged as he handed Sid his skates. “He’s not around. It’s just me and momma. Uncle Z lives with us too.” Andy stumbled a little before Sid caught him. “Momma always says it’s okay to ask for help even if you don’t want it but need it.”

Sid smiled. “Your momma is a very smart woman.”

“She’s here. You can meet her later.”

Sidney helped Andy onto the ice and led him to an open area away from where the remaining kids were skating. They passed back and forth for a bit. “Why don’t we skate and pass. Standing here is too easy for you,” he commented.

He watched Andy’s technique, which was very good for a kid his age. He had good vision compared to others. Just like he had. “You’re really good.”

For the first time that day, Andy truly smiled. “That means a lot, Sid. Thank you.”

Sid went and grabbed a net and started helping him shoot. Sid spent every second analyzing the boy’s potential. That’s when he noticed the stick. “Your stick is fractured, Andy. It’s going to break soon.”

Andy shrugged. This knowledge must not have been new to him. “I have some extras if you want one.”

“But they’re your sticks. Nobody touches your sticks. Nobody.”

Sidney shrugged. “And nobody should play with a fractured, wooden stick. Yet here we are. I’ll be happy to make the exception for anyone as talented as you.”

“You really think I have talent, Mr. Crosby?”

Sid nodded. “I see a little me in you.”

—————

They were the last ones left, and somehow Sid was not at all surprised to see Zach waiting for them in the locker room. “Hi Uncle Z,” Andy shouted.

Sid froze and glanced between the two. Zach’s earlier reaction made sense now. Sidney felt stupid for not putting two and two together. The thing was though, he had met Zach’s brother and sister, and they had no children.

Zach grinned as he gave Andy a big hug. “You looked like you were having a ton of fun out there. Did you have a good time?”

Andy nodded. “Sid is really nice. He taught me some of his tricks. He even gave me one of his sticks to keep and use,” Andy shoved the stick in Zach’s face. Sid handed him the wooden one. “Sid didn’t want me to break your stick. I agreed with him.”

Zach smiled and handed Andy his bag. “Well that was very nice of him. Your mom is outside the locker room. Tell Sidney bye.”

Andy shook his head. “Sid agreed to meet momma.”

Sidney wanted to say that he had been informed that he was going to be meeting Andy’s mother and that he had not explicitly volunteered to. It didn’t matter though even if Zach’s face said differently. Andy grabbed Sidney’s hand and dragged him out of the locker room. Outside stood a woman that made his mouth drop. The woman was simply beautiful.

“Momma, this is Sidney Crosby.”

Sid shook her hand. “Y/N Reese. Thank you for making my son’s day a good one. He was a tad worried when he found out my cousin was with a different kid. He’s shy and aloof around most.”

Cousins. Close cousins then. Sid smiled. “He’s a great kid, both on the ice and just in general. He talks very highly of you. I’d say you’re his favorite person in the world.”

Y/N chuckled, making Sid soften on the inside. “Well that’s very kind of you, but I believe he looks up to you and Zuccarello more. I was just happy you got him practicing again.”

“Have you thought about getting him lessons or in a league? He has the potential.”

She shrugged. “The doctor tells me no. I know kids with cancer can be fragile but Andy has always been good. The tumor is gone and there hasn’t been any growth for over a year. I don’t know why the doctor is still so stubborn. All he does is hit on me. God that’s probably why,” She paused, realizing what she had just said. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have unloaded all of that on you.”

“It’s okay,” Sid smiled. “Life is hard, and I bet especially as a single parent.”

“He said a lot, didn’t he?”

“Kinda. Once he warmed up to me—“

“—he didn’t stop talking,” Y/N finished. “Andy is like that. Always has been. Today was the first time in a while I saw my son happy and smiling. I really have to thank you for that, Sidney.”

“It was completely my pleasure.”

“I’m hungry, momma,” Andy moaned. Sidney has been so entrapped in his conversation with Y/N that he forgot that Andy and Zach were right there.

Y/N nodded. “Tell Sidney goodbye and thank you.”

Andy hugged Sidney. “Thank you for making today really awesome, Sidney. We should do this again sometime.”

Sidney chuckled. “I’d like that a lot, Andy.”

Y/N helped Andy zip up his coat. “Are you coming with us, Zach?”

Zach nodded. “I’ll be out in a sec. I need to talk to Sid about our game tomorrow against the Rangers.”

“Is it here?” Andy asked. The two players nodded. Andy tugged on his mom’s arm. “Can we go, momma? Can we?”

Sidney watched Y/N hesitate. “I don’t know, Andy. It’s awful last minute to get tickets and you’ve been complaining about your stomach and head hurting and you haven’t been sleeping or eating well.”

“But I did fine today!” he argued.

Sidney spoke up. “Tickets would be no problem. I have a box you guys can sit in. It’s private so you can easily relax in it. Then security can bring you guys down after the game so you can see Zach and meet the rest of the team.”

“You don’t have to do that, Mr. Crosby,” Y/N protested.

“I insist.”

“Take the nice man’s offer, momma,” Andy whispers. “We’d just end up watching the game on TV anyway.”

Y/N was quiet as she thought about Sidney’s offer. “Zach has my number for when ever you make a decision. I don’t want to keep you from your dinner any longer,” He turned to Zach, who had been very quiet since Sid’s offer. “We can discuss the game later or tomorrow. Go have fun with your family.”

They waved goodbye to him one last time before leaving. Moments like this is when Sidney wished his family was close by or he had one of his own. Sometimes he just wanted people who looked forward to him coming home for dinner.

———

“You looked liked having fun today,” Geno said, sitting on the coach with Anna, watching Sid roll a ball to Nikita to shoot. “Andrew good kid?”

Sid nodded. “Andy was the best. Zach was making such a big deal because he is cousins with Andy’s mom and lives with them. I met her this afternoon. She’s very nice.”

“Pretty?”

“Yes. Very.”

“Is his father in life?” Anna asked.

Sid shrugged. “I don’t think so. Andy said he wasn’t around and it was just him, his mom, and Zach. I have no idea how much or if he is involved with them.”

Anna started speaking in Russian to Geno when Sidney’s phone vibrated.

ZAR: Is it okay if I give Y/N your number?

Sid: Yeah. I trust her.

ZAR: Okay.

ZAR: Thanks for being good with Andy today. You made this probably the best day of his life.

ZAR: I knew I should have trust you but he means a lot to me. Andy has had a rough road, and Y/N always gets scared his cancer will come back even though 9 of 10 kids have no complications with his type of cancer. Ever since I started living with them, those became my fears too.

“Everything good?” Anna asked. Sid nodded. “You want pizza for dinner? I think it is pizza night.”

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“Bah,” Geno spat, “We have been friends for over decade. You can’t invade life. Plus, being honest, we not want you eating alone.”

Anna nodded in agreement. Sid sighed in surrender. There was no point in arguing. If he did, who knows what crazy scheme Anna and Evgeni would come up with to get him to stay. They’d probably involve Nikita too. Anna called in the pizza and Geno went to get them drinks.

Sid felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He expected it to be Zach, one of the other guys, or even his parents or sister. Instead, he was greeted by an unknown number.

Unknown: Hi Sidney. It’s Y/N Reese, Zach’s cousin. He gave me your number.

Unknown: I promise I’m not going to sell it or give it out.

Sidney chuckled. He didn’t believe her to be the type of person to be motivated by money. She gave off a warm and humble impression.

Sid: Haha I believe you. Zach told me he gave you my number. I trust you.

Y/N: Thank goodness. I feel like that would’ve otherwise made tomorrow awkward.

Sidney perked up at this. “Special lady friend?” Geno asked, taking over for Sid in the role of playing with Nikita. Sid nodded but didn’t look up from his phone as he scooted towards “his” chair.

Sid: Does this mean you guys are coming tomorrow and are taking me up on my offer?!

Y/N: Yes. It took a lot of convincing from Andy, and Zach too. I just worry a lot with him because of the past, but I need to let him be a kid.

Sid: You’re a single parent. You and Andy have gone through more than anyone should by this point in life. It makes sense to be overprotective. I think you’re doing great though.

After hitting send the thought cake to Sidney that maybe, just maybe, he was flirting in a very weird way with Y/N.

Y/N: That’s so sweet of you. You’re so much nicer than I imagined.

Y/N: Not that I didn’t imagine you being nice. You have always came off as a nice guy and Zach talks highly of you. I just didn’t expect all of this.

Sid: It’s alright. I can’t wait to see you guys tomorrow.

Y/N: Honestly, me either. How do we access the seats?

Sid: Just go to the box office and say you’re the Reese family and are there for box S87C.

Y/N: Wow. I would’ve never guessed that was your box. The number does not give it away at all. Andy and I will see you after the game tomorrow. Good luck. I hope the Rangers win ;)

Sid: Haha. Thanks. I look forward to seeing you guys too.

#sidney crosby #sidney crosby imagine #pittsburgh penguins imagine #pittsburgh penguins #nhl #hockey #hockey imagines #nhl imagines #drowningsc

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bad-beats · 5 years

Text

Bad Beets Ch. 4 (12/2-12/15)

How many bad beets does it take to get to the center of Jonah’s sanity? The world may soon know. Welcome back to another episode of the Bad Beets Blog! For returning readers, you know the drill. If this is your first time stumbling along the Bad Beets Blog: Hello! My name is Jonah and this is a blog about my luck (or lack thereof) when making sports bets. Let’s jump right into it!

12/2/19

League: NCAAB

Bet: Furman vs South Florida 1H Over 61.5 (-110)

Units: 1.25 to win 1.15

College basketball insider Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein on Twitter) often uses the word ‘anarchy’ to describe college hoops, especially during this 2019-2020 season. When betting college basketball, you better have a defibrillator near you because it can be one of the most exhilarating, heart-stopping sports to gamble on. College teams can score 15 points in two-minutes by hitting 5 straight threes, or they can go on 8-minute scoring droughts. Furman and South Florida played a clean 18 minutes of basketball, scoring 61 points with 1:41 left in the first half. Needing just a half of a point with two minutes to go, this bet could, and should, have cashed in my sleep. Instead...

You have got to be freakin’ kidding me! Four missed field goals and two missed free throws and the total sat silently at 61 to close the half. As Jon Rothstein says, Bad Beet #1 of the week was ‘the epitome of brutality.’

Bonus: Bad Beets Hall of Fame

I want to quickly bring up one of the worst beets of all time (that I happened to be on the Hero Win side of). Take a look...

I had about 1 unit on the under in this game, but I can’t imagine how many things I would have punched if I was on the over. This might be a nominee for one of the worst over/under beets of all time, not just 2019. Scoring only 3 total points in five minutes of basketball is unfathomable. Oh, and to top things off, there was a missed free throw with one second left that would have sent the game to overtime and basically guaranteed the over. Thoughts and prayers to anyone who was on the wrong side of that bet.

12/7/19

League: NCAAB

Bet: Illinois ML (+433)

Units: 0.75 to win 3.25

For those of you who don’t know, I graduated from the University of Illinois in May 2019. I’ve been a fan of the Illini my entire life and come from a family of Orange and Blue. When I was a student, Illinois went to 0 bowl games and had 0 NCAA tournament appearances (though we did come in 2nd in the country in Women’s Volleyball when I was a senior). Illinois basketball is finally exciting again. With a backcourt of Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier, and freshman phenom Kofi Cockburn in the middle, Illinois is a force to be reckoned with this season. We were 10-point underdogs heading into Maryland on a fine Saturday afternoon. This spread seemed wildly too big (so, of course, I hammered it) but I also had to sprinkle the Illinois ML +433. Illinois dominated the entire game - leading by double digits for most of it. The score was 57-48 in favor of the Illini with 4:33 left in the game.

Maryland closed the game on an 11-1 run to comeback and stun the Illini. As an Illinois fan, this loss hurt a lot. But as a gambler who took Illinois ML, this obliterated me. How the fuck do you only score 1 point over the last five minutes of a conference game? **Keep this Illinois scoring drought at the top of your mind while you continue reading because unfortunately, an incredibly similar situation happened just one week later.

12/8/19

League: Serie A

Bet: Sassuolo PK (-124)

Units: 1.3 to win 1.1

This brutal push had everything. I was already winning this bet after just 420 seconds (nice). Sassuolo jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the 36th minute of the contest. After conceding in the 51st minute, they had an opportunity to redeem themselves with a penalty kick just 15 minutes later. Berardi confidently stepped up to the spot. And confidently missed the penalty.

No worries though, Mr. Berardi; the bet was still winning with a 2-1 Sassuolo lead. It stayed that way until Sassuolo conceded AGAIN in the 90th minute and the game finished in a draw. Fuck me. BRUTAL PUSH!

12/8/19

League: NFL

Bet: Redskins vs Packers 1H over 21 (-120)

Units: 2.5 to win 2.1

Note to self: never bet an over in a game with Dwayne Haskins as one of the quarterbacks. I was kind of banking on the Packers to score all three TDs in the first half to hit the over by themselves, so I was pleasantly surprised when the Skins found the endzone with just over 5 minutes to play in the first half. The score at that time was 14-0 Packers, so all I needed was a Dustin Hopkins extra point to guarantee a push at the very least.

Notice how the Redskins score only increased by 6 on their touchdown drive? Fucking Dustin Hopkins pulled the XP wide left.

There is very little that is more fun than betting an over on a whole number and sitting at that number, hoping for one more point to win the bet but not being upset with a push if there are no more scores. Unfortunately, I was now in boom or bust territory. Aaron Rodgers quickly drove into field goal range and was trying to get Mason Crosby into a better FG position, but he instead got sacked and lost the ball. Fucking fuck. My bet was riding on Dwayne Haskins to drive into field goal range with one minute left. As I said before, your bet is as dead as a turkey on Thanksgiving when it relies on Dwayne Haskins in crunch time. To my surprise, Dwayne actually drove the ball over midfield, and then unsurprisingly threw an interception. Baaaaaaaaad Beat #3.

12/9/19

League: NHL

Bet: Blue Jackets vs Capitals 1P over 1.5 (-150)

Units: 3.75 to win 2.5

May I introduce to you another type of bet in which you can have a bad beet. The first period over/under 1.5 goals in an NHL game is a thrilling thing to bet. If you read this blog regularly, you know I love betting overs, and 1P overs generally have better value than 2P or 3P (the latter periods’ over 1.5 goals are generally around -180). For some reason, Vegas thinks fewer goals are scored in the first period of a hockey game than the other two (and I am sure there are statistics to back that up), but it is always enticing to bet that 2 or more goals will be scored in the first 20 minutes of a game.

The Blue Jackets scored the first goal of the game with 16:33 left in the 1st period. Amazing fucking start. Nothing like getting that first goal out of the way just minutes into the period.

This was a sick fucking joke. The Blue Jackets put up 20 (!!) shots in the first period alone, the Caps tacked on 6, but only one of them found the net. Absolutely abysmal. Bad Beet #4 of the week made me want to slit my femoral artery with a hockey blade.

Life is too short to bet the under! Say it louder for the people in the back!

The curse of the “Under 2.5 stoppage-time third goal of the game to ruin your bet” strikes again, in classic Europa league fashion.

12/14/19

League: NCAAB

Bet: Illinois team total over 71.5 (-115)

Units: 1.75 to win 1.5

Very surprised that I survived Friday the 13th without any bad beets. I guess Friday the 13th was hungover because the bad luck struck the next afternoon. Illinois was coming off a massive, program-defining win for Coach Brad Underwood at home against #5 Michigan just three days prior to hosting Old Dominion. I bet on Illinois in every way and their mother. I had Illinois 1H -8, the 1H over 65, Illinois 1H team total of 34.5, Illinois -13.5, and finally Illinois team total over 71.5. Illinois played a fantastic first half, jumping out to a 40-25 lead at the end of the twenty minutes (hitting all 3 of my first half bets in the process). They were well on pace to hit their team total of 71.5, along with covering the -13.5. Illinois scored 29 points in the first 15+ minutes of the 2nd half, needing only 3 points in the remaining 4:14 to hit their team total over.

What if I told you that Alan Griffin would hit that jumper that made the lead 25 with four minutes left, and Illinois wouldn’t score another point the rest of the game? Remember that scoring drought that the Illini had just one week earlier against Maryland at the end of the game? Well, this one was nearly identical. ODU went on an 11-0 run to end the game and nearly came up with a backdoor cover for the ages.

Illinois ended up holding on to win by 14, but my goodness was this a Bad Beet. #5 of the week to be exact. At least the Illini are 8-3 and look like they could cause a shakeup in the B1G this year.

Bad Beet Count: 5 (with one Brutal Push)

Unit Swing: 9.5 to win 10.5 (20 unit swing)

That is all for this chapter of the Bad Beets Blog! Please feel free to comment, share with your degenerate gambling friends, or like my page on Facebook here: facebook.com/badbeetsblog

Thanks for reading and see you next week. Happy Holidays and good luck with your College Football Bowl Game betting!

#sports #gambling #badbeat #sports gambling #wagering #casino #blog #entertainment

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penhl · 7 years

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More on the Sidney Crosby concussion situation-- I’m starting to think I actually give more of a damn about his health than the Penguins front office or the fans?

He got a concussion five days ago. They had him in practice yesterday and want to play him tonight. WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK. I can tell you, from personal experience, that that hasn’t healed yet. They usually take months, which is why his previous concussion (one of them, there are multiple) sidelined him for most of a season. But they want to play him tonight because ~playoffs~.

It’s not like the Penguins are hurting in this series, more’s the pity. Let him have the series off. Personally, I’d be happy if he had the rest of the post-season off.

But no. Let’s play him when he’s injured. I’m sure that’ll make the early onset Alzheimers that much better. I’m also sure that if anyone from the Caps touches him tonight, they’re going to be penalized to high hell because he’s still recovering. I fucking bet.

#hockey #nhl playoffs

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nationalfantasyfootballleag-blog · 5 years

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Week 3 Predictions

Well respected members of our fantasy league, it is week three already; and what a crazy start to the season it’s been. Only three of our teams remain undefeated, Team SuperBowl LIV- Eagles, Team Shim Hook, and Team Canada. However, it’s still early and I mean let’s take into consideration that teams like the Buffalo Bills are also undefeated so far as well. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups this week to see if these three can maintain their winning streaks and if other teams can get that win as well.

Our first brawl of the week is between Team Shim Hook and the Doo Doo Browns. Both teams are coming off of week two wins, but only needing some solidly average scores to have beaten their opponent. Team Shim Hook’s X Factor is Saints RB Alvin Kamara will be carrying the workload since QB Drew Brees got hurt. Team Doo Doo Browns X Factor will be Vikings WR Stefon Diggs who’s been MIA the last couple of weeks and looking to show why he is part of one of the best WR duos in the league. This is projected to be a close one ladies and gents, with Team Shim Hook predicted at 125 and the Doo Doo Browns at 119. While we all might be rooting for the upset, we suspect that Team Shim Hook will be able to maintain that winning streak at least another week.

Our next battle this week is a classic Kevin vs. Jenny competition with The Crosby Show vs. The Goatfather. (For those of you who haven’t watched The League and do not get the reference, you are fucking up and need to get on that.) While The Crosby Show has had a pretty decent start to the season with a win and tie, you can bet The Goatfather is hungry for that first W. For Kevin’s X Factor we got Broncos RB Philip Lindsay looking to play like his pro bowl self last year and for team Jenny(who we believe has the pants currently) their X Factor will be RB Aaron Jones going against a tough Broncos D with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb leading the charge. With predictions of 118 for The Crosby Show and 127 for The Goatfather, we are predicting that The Goatfather will be able to secure that first win. However, with both opponents armed for battle with legendary quarterbacks and solid teams, the battle for whose wearing the pants this week should be pretty epic.

Next up on the week three matchup docket is the Black Lagoon Creatures vs. Deep Sleeper. With Deep Sleeper being our league high-scorer for week two, Black Lagoon Creatures will have their work cut out for them if they want to score their first win. Black Lagoon Creature’s X Factor will be Redskins QB Case Keemun who will be facing the dangerous Chicago defense while there are rumors of Rookie QB Dwayne Haskins taking the starting role. Deep Sleeper’s X Factor is Derrick Henry looking to repeat his performance last year against the Jags tonight. Predictions for this matchup have Black Lagoon Creatures at 124 and Deep Sleeper at 133. While we suspect Deep Sleeper to capture the victory flag, will their performance dominate like last week? Or will Black Lagoon Creatures be a deep sleeper themselves and pull off an upset to get that first W?

Our next showdown of week three is between two of our more unconventional teams this season, Mike Ack vs. The Grind Never Stops. With Mike Ack’s lineup not even being completed at this time, he’s got a shit ton of confidence squaring up at 0-2 with The Grind Never Sleeps. While The Grind Never Sleeps had a rough start, their team now is pretty solid and impressive. Mike Ack’s X Factor is Ravens WR Hollywood Brown looking to continue his success against of the best best offenses in the league in Kansas City led by MVP Pat Mahomes. Shane’s X Factor will be Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott against geh Dolphins and who knows how much he will put up. While missing a TE in the lineup is definitely affecting Mike Ack’s low 108 projection, The Grind Never Stops, who is currently projected at 120, will most likely secure the win this week.

Ready to talk about our next tussel of the week? Well buckle up anyways bitches because its Team Cooper vs. JetBlue. With Team Cooper barely pulling off the win last week and JetBlue looking to get their first, it should be a damn good fight. For Team JetBlue they will be looking for Baker Mayfield to have a stellar game against the Rams and Team Cooper will be relying on improving QB Josh Allen. With Team Cooper projected at 123 and JetBlue projected at 120, it should be a close and dirty fight. We suspect that Jetblue will be good and scrapy enough to get their first win of the season. Remember ladies, we want a good fight, but let’s also keep it clean.

Next, the week three competition heats up as Team Fuck Canda and SuperBowl LIV- Eagles duel for top contender. With both teams having pretty good starts to their season, they will be looking to dominate this week and prove their greatness not just for the league, but also as NFL division rivals. Team fuck Canada will rely on WR Keenan Allen against a tough Houston D and Ty’s team will be rooting for RB Dalvin Cook to continue his ways. With Team Fuck Canada projected at 121 and SuperBowl LIV-Eagles projected at 143, we are suspecting the winner of this duel to be SuperBowl LIV-Eagles. Nonetheless, bring your bud light, horse, lance, and armor because this duel will most likely be pretty good.

Last but not… well, I guess in this case it is least, our least notable scuffle of week three is comprised of Team Canada vs. Multiple Scoregasms. After a shitty week two with a QB injury, Multiple Scoregams has only furthered proved Luke Combs song that football will indeed break your heart, and therefore God bless beer. While Multiple Scoregams, as a loyal Jets fan, will be looking to defeat and destroy Patriots fan and owner of Team Canada, she’s gonna need a fuck ton of luck to pull it off. Team Canada’s X Factor will be a hurt James Connor looking to carry the workload after losing QB Ben Roethlisberger for the season and and team Multiple Scoregasms will be looking for anyone that can give her the points because just like her team name states it’s looking like she is looking for both. Currently the predictions for Team Canada lie at 137 and Multiple Scoregasms lie at 127. While we suspect that Team Canada will win or whatever, we all know that everyone is rooting for “orgasms”.

Well that sums up the week three matchup predictions fellow friends and rivals. Good luck this week and may all your combats lead to victory!

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jillmckenzie1 · 5 years

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What the Puck? The Avalanche are Playoff Bound

With a ferocious run at the end of the season, the Colorado Avalanche pulled off the impossible and grabbed the final spot in this year’s NHL playoffs. I doubted them, I wrote them off, and in all honestly, I didn’t write about them at all. The Nuggets battled Golden State for the top seed all season long, the Rockies filled LoDo with big money contracts and aspirations, and the Broncos, well, this is Bronco Country, which is always news. But I’m not apologizing. Instead, I’m embracing playoff hockey, still befuddled about that end-of-the-year finish while jumping on that bandwagon. And unlike our NCAA brackets where #16 Gardner-Webb has no chance against #1 seed Virginia, the Avs have a great shot to pull off the upset. And here are five reasons why.

The Avalanche Are the Hottest Team in the League

Colorado is 10-1-2 over their last Baker’s dozen, and in the last 25 games of the season, they only failed to earn at least one point seven times. In essence, the Avalanche’s playoff run began two months ago, as every game has felt like a must-win on their charge to make the playoffs. Calgary locked up their spot quite early, and casually finished the season going 6-4 in their last ten games.

Goaltending

Anyone that follows hockey knows that there is nothing more important than a hot goalie come playoff time–and Philipp Grubauer is hot. 18-9 with a 2.64 Goals Against Average (GAA), Grubauer’s last true loss was back in early March. And in case Grubauer cools down, Semyon Varlamov has a winning record in over 19 playoff starts with a GAA of 2.57.

The Overtime Playoff Format

The Colorado Avalanche have 14 overtime losses this season. Whether it’s a lack of depth, bad luck, or simply the 3 on 3 format, the Avalanche struggle in OT and shootouts. Playoff hockey is different. Instead of five minutes of overtime then a shootout, Playoff hockey simply plays additional sudden death, 5 on 5 hockey until someone wins the game. I’m not sure if 5 on 5 versus 3 on 3 makes a difference for the Avs, but with 14 overtime losses, it can’t hurt. Besides, the Avs did go 4-2 over their last six OT games, including a playoff clinching overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets. So, maybe things are changing.

These Boys Have Tasted It Before

With an average age below 27, it was impressive that last year’s team won a couple of games in the first round over Nashville. And with most of the squad returning, the young team should have even a better feel for the speed and physicality that ramps up once the playoff season begins; they’ll be ready for it.

Nathan MacKinnon

Big players make big plays on big days. Mackinnon finished the season with 41 goals, 58 assists, and 99 points, tying for seventh in the league just one point behind Sidney Crosby. Hockey greatness is made in the playoffs, and along with Gabriel Landeskog (34 goals, 41 assists) and hopefully, a healthy Mikko Rantanen (31 goals, 56 assists), MacKinnon will have an opportunity to again show the hockey world that he is a marquee name.

The Calgary Flames have to be the betting favorite after leading the Western Conference with 107 points and their roster of guys like Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Mohanan, Elias Lindholm, and Matthew Tkachuk. But playoff hockey isn’t the regular season. In hockey, the 8-seed has upset the 1-seed numerous times, advanced to the Stanley Cup finals more than once, and more recently, even won the Stanley Cup back in 2012 (Los Angeles Kings). A rowdy Pepsi Center crowd, a few good bounces of the puck, a team on a hot streak, and a goalie that stands on his head is plenty to potentially pull the upset. But just in case, let’s avoid too many overtimes.

Images via DenverPost.com, USAtoday.com, SI.com, NHL.com, CalgarySun.com.

from Blog https://ondenver.com/what-the-puck-the-avalanche-are-playoff-bound/

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thrashermaxey · 6 years

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Looking Ahead: A Wild Time

All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule.

Most stats updated through Wednesday, February 14

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Troy Stecher, D, Vancouver Canucks (Available in 99 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – The Vancouver schedule isn’t anything to write home about, but with all the injuries Vancouver’s seen recently – most importantly Alex Edler and Chris Tanev – Troy Stecher has immediate fantasy relevance and should be picked up in every league.

It’s Stecher and not Ben Hutton that’s taken the top spot on the Canucks’ top power play with Edler on the shelf, and in the past five games he’s played 25:45, 22:49, 26:16, 22:14 and a whopping 29:04 (although Tanev got hurt mid-game). That hasn’t translated to much in the way of points yet, but he managed to put up 8G-21A in 43 games in his junior year at North Dakota. Stecher is 16th of qualified defensemen (500+ minutes) in 5v5 Assists/60.

On the year, Stecher has put up only 1G-17A in 54 games, but he’s added two assists in the past five games and his two SOG/game in those games are a huge jump over what he’d been doing previously (1.10 SOG/game). With no fear of getting shipped out, the only concern for Stecher is the status of Edler.

The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Luke Kunin, W, Minnesota Wild (Available in 99 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Over his last five games, Kunin has been a force on the third line for the Wild: 3G-4A with 12 SOG and three hits. This wasn’t *as much* of a surprise given how strong the sophomore looked earlier in the season in his previous call-up, but it’s still surprising given his ice time and lack of power-play production.

Kunin was just over a point-per-game in college with the University of Wisconsin (where he was also the captain) with 70pts in 69 nice games, and his 0.59PPG in the AHL doesn’t scream elite production, but he should be good through the rest of the season at a 0.65-0.7pt/game pace. From a fancy-stats perspective, Kunin is 49th in 5v5 Pts/60, ahead of players like Elias Lindholm, Brendan Gallagher and Mark Stone, and he’s a plus-possession player even alongside Marcus Foligno and Joel Eriksson-Ek.

With Mikko Koivu gone for the year and Eric Staal possibly getting shipped out, Charlie Coyle at centre is a real possibility, which means the possibility of a top-6 spot opening up as well as some power play time. Either way, Kunin is worth picking up and speculating on through the summer for keeper leagues, and worth picking up in one-year leagues thanks to his strong point rates.

The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Bo Horvat, C, Vancouver Canucks (Owned in 64 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Horvat is the perfect example of the difference between fantasy hockey and real-life hockey. In fantasy, Horvat is a decent asset, with 20G-24A on the year with good peripheral stats thrown in. In real life, Horvat is a dream number-one centre who can contribute as much defensively as he can offensively.

Unfortunately, “defensive prowess” isn’t a category for fantasy owners, and Horvat has been suffering thanks to his usage in Vancouver. Consistently matched against top lines at home – which was Brandon Sutter’s role last year – Horvat is taking 40.4% offensive zone faceoffs, 8% less than he was taking last year; playing alongside Antoine Roussel is a far cry from Brock Boeser and Sven Baertschi, who were his linemates last season.

He’s managed to still put up points, but Horvat has only added 3G-7A since Christmas (19 games) with only one of those points coming on the power play. The combination of his role on the team, his recent struggles, and the poor schedule upcoming for Vancouver makes him someone to put on hold for now. With the trade deadline coming up, he could be moved to rebuilding teams in keeper leagues for an upgrade.

The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Patric Hornqvist, W, Pittsburgh Penguins (Owned in 53 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Have I written about how Hornqvist should be dropped already? Probably.)

After suffering multiple concussions this season, Hornqvist has only managed to play in 44 games so far, which is about normal for the gritty winger – he’s only played a full season once, and since coming to Pittsburgh has played 64, 82, 70 and 70 games. On its surface that would be a minor concern as his missed games should be expected, but as the Penguins have built depth up, Hornqvist missing games means he’s also losing his role and getting Wally Pipp’ed.

Hornqvist has been stuck on the third line for most of this season but has recently found himself on the fourth line, even as he does get PP1 time. His average time on ice this season is at 15:19 – a minute and a half less than his average since getting to Pittsburgh – and since February started, he’s topped 15 minutes only once (seven games.)

He’s still a volume shooter – he has 121 shots in 44 games (2.75/gm) – and puts up points on the power play, with six of his 26 points coming with the man advantage, but there are better players available on the waiver wire in most leagues. Shop him around and see if someone who doesn’t pay attention would be interested on the name alone (“he plays with Crosby, right?”), but if you can’t move him, he can be dropped – especially in cap leagues.

Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Minnesota – The Wild have their share of injury problems, but they also have a very enticing upcoming schedule with games against the Devils, Ducks, Rangers and Red Wings as highlights. They’ll also play the Blues twice – which could be good for Wild players if Jake Allen starts either of them – as well as a game in Winnipeg.

Pittsburgh – With six games in this period (Feb 15 – 27), the Penguins don’t have the most games, but they do have some soft competition: the Flames and Rangers at home and the Devils and Flyers on the road should see a ton of goals from the Pittsburgh side of the slate. Beyond that, Pittsburgh also plays Columbus (on the road) and San Jose (at home.)

St. Louis – Is there any team hotter than the Blues right now? Eight wins in a row including the game last night, with 33 goals for in those eight games (4.125/game) while allowing two or less in six of those games. Their nice schedule continues through the rest of February as they jam seven games in: Road games against the Avs, Wild, Stars and Wild (again), and home games against Toronto, Boston and Nashville. While there are some tough matchups in there, the Blues sit fourth in 5v5 GF/60 as a team over the last 25 games, and should continue to score in bunches.

Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

Vancouver – Vancouver gets to finish the month with games against San Jose (in California), at home against Arizona, the Islanders and Anaheim, and then head on the road against Colorado. With scoring only coming from two players (Elias Pettersson and Boeser), you won’t want to take fliers on many other Canucks beyond the previously mentioned Stecher.

Winnipeg – There’s a giant caveat with the Jets being listed as a Leave ‘Em, even with Winnipeg playing only five times during this period: they’re one of the teams that could wind up with Mark Stone. While that would be an obvious plus for Winnipeg and would probably see ownership jump up on Jets’ secondary scoring, the lack of volume when almost every other team plays six times is too much to overcome. Winnipeg plays Ottawa and Minnesota at home, and Colorado, Vegas and Arizona on the road.

Dallas – The Stars have actually been playing well of late – 18 goals in six games in February after just 19 in 10 games in January – but face some tough defensive competition through the end of the month. Dallas will face Nashville, St. Louis and Carolina at home, and Carolina, Chicago and Vegas on the road. The game against Chicago is the second half of a home-road split, which means tired legs in the most fantasy-relevant game.

February 15 to February 21

Best Bets

PHI 4.29 – Away DET MTL- Home DET TBL

EDM 4.29 – Away CAR NYI – Home ARI NYI

CAR 4.2575 – Away FLA- Home EDM DAL NYR

PIT 4.2525 – Away NJD – Home CGY NYR SJS

MIN 4.195 – Away NYR- Home NJD STL ANH

Steer Clear

VAN 2 – Away SJS – Home ARI

WPG 2.1525 – Away COL – Home OTT

WSH 2.66 – Away ANH LAK TOR- Home

NSH 2.84 – Away VGK DAL – Home LAK

TOR 2.845 – Away ARI STL – Home WSH

February 16 to February 22

Best Bets

PHI 4.29 – Away DET MTL – Home DET TBL

PIT 4.2525 – Away NJD – Home CGY NYR SJS

CHI 4.2425 – Away DET – Home CBJ OTT COL

MIN 4.185 – Away NYR DET- Home STL ANH

COL 4.1425 – Away CHI- Home STL VGK WPG

Steer Clear

VAN 2 – Away SJS – Home ARI

WSH 2.66 – Away ANH LAK TOR – Home

BOS 2.7075 – Away LAK SJS VGK – Home

ANH 2.75 – Away MIN CGY- Home WSH

BUF 2.8025 – Away NJD FLA TBL – Home

February 17 to February 23

Best Bets

FLA 4.4625 – – Home MTL BUF CAR LAK

NJD 4.3 – Away NYR- Home BUF PIT OTT

MIN 4.185 – Away NYR DET – Home STL ANH

PIT 4.1525 – Away NJD PHI- Home NYR SJS

CBJ 4.085 – Away MTL OTT – Home TBL SJS

Steer Clear

WPG 1.9475 – Away COL VGK – Home

VAN 2.1525 – Away – Home ARI NYI

SJS 2.7125 – Away PIT CBJ- Home BOS

LAK 2.75 – Away NSH FLA- Home WSH

BOS 2.85 – Away SJS VGK STL- Home

February 18 to February 24

Best Bets

CHI 4.4525 – Away DET – Home OTT COL DAL

DAL 4.3 – Away CHI- Home NSH STL CAR

CGY 4.195 – Away OTT- Home ARI NYI ANH

MIN 4.185 – Away NYR DET – Home ANH STL

CBJ 4.085 – Away MTL OTT – Home TBL SJS

Steer Clear

LAK 2.75 – Away NSH FLA – Home WSH

VAN 2.1525 – Away – Home ARI NYI

ANH 2.755 – Away MIN CGY EDM – Home

BUF 2.75 – Away FLA TBL – Home WSH

BOS 2.85 – Away SJS VGK STL – Home

February 19 to February 25

Best Bets

FLA 4.305 – Away COL- Home BUF CAR LAK

DAL 4.3 – Away CHI – Home NSH STL CAR

TOR 4.205 – Away STL – Home WSH MTL BUF

NJD 4.3 – Away NYR – Home PIT OTT MTL

MIN 4.185 – Away NYR DET – Home ANH STL

Steer Clear

BOS 1.9 – Away VGK STL – Home

VGK 2.0475 – Away – Home BOS WPG

LAK 2.66 – Away NSH FLA TBL- Home

SJS 2.755 – Away PIT CBJ DET – Home

WPG 2.8975 – Away COL VGK ARI – Home

February 20 to February 26

Best Bets

WSH 4.305 – Away TOR BUF – Home NYR OTT

DET 4.305 – Home CHI MIN SJS MTL

DAL 4.305 – Away CHI VGK- Home STL CAR

CGY 4.1425 – Away OTT NYI- Home NYI ANH

FLA 4.1 – Away COL ARI- Home CAR LAK

Steer Clear

TBL 2.0475 – Away – Home BUF LAK

PIT 2.8075 – Away PHI CBJ- Home SJS

CAR 2.84 – Away FLA DAL – Home LAK

NYR 2.9025 – Away WSH – Home MIN NJD

BOS 2.95 – Away VGK STL – Home SJS

February 21 to February 27

Best Bets

NJD 4.405 – Away NYR – Home OTT MTL CGY

WSH 4.305 – Away TOR BUF – Home NYR OTT

TOR 4.305 – Away – Home WSH MTL BUF EDM

DAL 4.305 – Away CHI VGK – Home STL CAR

COL 4.1575 – Away CHI NSH – Home FLA VAN

Steer Clear

BOS 2 – Away STL – Home SJS

VGK 2.1 – Away – Home WPG DAL

PIT 2.8075 – Away PHI CBJ – Home SJS

CAR 2.84 – Away FLA DAL – Home LAK

WPG 2.845 – Away VGK ARI – Home MIN

Follow me on Twitter @adalyfrey

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/looking-ahead-a-wild-time/

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yahoo-puck-daddy-blog · 6 years

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Puck Daddy Bag of Mail: What have the Caps done differently this time around?

yahoo

Could this be it?

Just hours after this article goes live on the worldwide web, the Stanley Cup Final could come to an end. And with that, the hockey season ends.

But hey, there’s still at least 60 more minutes of hockey left, so let’s savor it while we can. We won’t all be back here again until mid-September! So hey, you’ve got Cup Final questions? I’ve got answers to those questions, folks!

Let’s go:

Graham asks: “Why were people getting on the Caps for “humiliating” Vegas and “running up the score?”

Because hockey people are the worst!

The only justification I can find for that talk, within my own understanding of the sport, is that Vegas was getting awful pissed off about getting fed its lunch so consistently throughout the game. You know Ryan Reaves wanted to murder Tom Wilson at some point and the broader the score margin, the more likely that was to happen. That was a chippy third period in no small part because Vegas knew the game was over after the first and wanted to do a little message-sending.

If you’re Washington, it is perhaps arguable that you do not want that message sent to you.

But yeah I mean if you’re arguing it because Vegas doesn’t “deserve” to lose like that or something, you’re a dope. Vegas and every other team in the world deserves to lose by however much they lose by. This is how the sport works. This is how all sports work. Especially professional sports! These guys are millionaire elite athletes. Who cares.

Grunfeld asks: “How much do you think Holtby’s rest all season is helping him now?”

Am I allowed to say, “I don’t think it’s a thing at all?”

Holtby’s problem in the playoffs has arguably been “workload” maybe once ever. And even then, it was one or two bad series so I’m not sitting here going “Holtby taking eight extra games off in January really turned this around for the Caps.”

Braden Holtby has been a beast for the Caps. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

The guy has basically deserved to get this deep (well, maybe not “one win away from a Final” deep) for six or seven years. He finally does it, but it’s probably not because Barry Trotz stopped using him for a little while.

Donald asks: “What has Ovie figured out or put together this time around? Is the pure goal scorer doing more?”

I’m gonna say the same thing about Ovechkin that I just said about Holtby: People want to put post-facto explanations on performance they otherwise don’t want to wrap their heads around.

When Holtby and Ovechkin were losing in the second round every single year because no one else on the team could put the puck in the ocean from the end of a pier, they weren’t at fault. They’re playing great now, to be sure, but do you think Ovechkin at 33 years old was like, “Well, what if I tried backchecking this year?”

There is truly nothing in the numbers to suggest Ovechkin is doing all that much differently. I mentioned this a few weeks ago but not-playing him 24 minutes a night or whatever is probably helping keep the goals against down, if you think Ovechkin is a huge defensive liability.

But the other thing that’s really important to keep in mind here is that this year and last are really the only two times Washington had two real scoring lines. The emergence of Kuznetsov this year as an elite offensive talent (rather than simply being a player with elite skill) is why that line looks so good now. Hope this helps.

Scott asks: “Why is it a “veteran move” when a player skates slower to get an icing called? Do they not call icing until NHL? Seemed to remember doing that when I was 12 years old.”

I can’t find the tweet now but someone on Twitter wondered aloud why it’s incumbent upon the attacking team to hustle to catch up with an iced puck at all. There’s no incentive for it.

I’d never thought about it that way, but yeah it really doesn’t make any sense, so when players do that in an effort to run a few extra seconds off the clock while simultaneously getting a faceoff in the attacking end again. To your point, it’s not some genius move, it’s the only reasonable thing to do.

This is another reason why I think automatic icing is good, but whatever.

Brendan asks: “Which is sweeter: Washington winning in 5 in Vegas to put a great end to the “Vegas is very good actually” talk, or Vegas winning in 7 to keep the Washington curse alive?”

Definitely the second one. If the Caps somehow blow this lead, I might never stop laughing. To get so far, to basically have everyone in hockey call this series over after the Game 4 blowout, and then to fall apart like this? That would be unreal.

I think there’s really not much of a chance of that actually happening, but if it did, boy oh boy.

Bobby asks: “What figure formerly affiliated with the Caps over the past 10 years is most apoplectic watching this run?”

Bruce Boudreau, no question.

His Caps teams were so so so so so much better than this one and he couldn’t get them anywhere close to getting over the hump. Meanwhile, he’s suffered the same fates in Anaheim (which by the way has only gotten worse since he was fired) and Minnesota (which by the way is not really suited to deep playoff runs) that he always did in Washington.

Not that I particularly think he has a lot of blame to bear for almost all of those losses — he’s one of the best coaches alive — but how does this not drive you bonkers?

Chris asks: “Does Vegas sign Carlson in the offseason?”

Well they certainly have the money and the need. Nate Schmidt getting a little bit exposed in this series was, perhaps, to be expected, because he’s just a good No. 2 guy, not a No. 1.

I’m not super convinced that John Carlson is going to have the kind of revelatory run with whatever team gives him $60 million this summer that most might think based on his level of performance this season. Anywhere he goes probably won’t put him in a position to rack up 43 of his 87 points between the regular season and playoffs on the power play, right?

I mean, you’d be nuts to think a 28-year-old defender who just shattered his personal single-season points record is going to keep that up for, what, three more years, let alone seven.

Which is why I like the Erik Karlsson-Bobby Ryan trade for Vegas a lot more than throwing John Carlson this kind of money. On the other hand, Vegas is certainly getting in a lot of “seen him good” time in this Cup Final, so I bet they’re interested.

Mike asks: “Conn Smythe winner?”

Technically it should go to Kuznetsov because he has just been phenomenal throughout the playoffs, then elevated his game in the Cup Final. He’s got points in 12 of his last 13 games in this postseason, and the one he didn’t score in was the one where he got hurt.

Going into the Cup Final he had an impressive 11-13-24 in 19 games. In the Cup Final, he’s already up to 1-6-7 in just four games.

Kuznetsov is one of only five guys in the cap era to clear 30 points in a postseason. Only he, Sid Crosby and Evgeni Malkin — both in 2008-09 — are north of 31 as well. The two guys tied at 30 are 2009-10 Dany Briere and 2015-16 Logan Couture.

You can also argue Holtby and I’m very much for it. He’s been phenomenal and there’s the storyline element of “he didn’t even get a start until Game 3 of the first round.”

But morally, you gotta give it to Ovechkin, right? He’s been really great too, and my man is having the time of his life!

Any of those three guys are perfectly acceptable, especially now that Fleury has completely folded in on himself. But c’mon, it’s Ovechkin’s, right?

—

Ryan Lambert is a Puck Daddy columnist. His email is here and his Twitter is here.

All stats via Corsica unless noted otherwise. Some questions in the mailbag are edited for clarity or to remove swear words, which are illegal to use.

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papermoonloveslucy · 3 years

Text

BACHELOR MOTHER

April 28, 1949

“Bachelor Mother” was sponsored by Camel cigarettes and heard on NBC radio. It was directed by Bill Lawrence.

Bachelor Mother (1939) is an RKO romantic comedy film directed by Garson Kanin, and starring Ginger Rogers, David Niven and Charles Coburn. The screenplay was written by Norman Krasna based on an Academy Award-nominated story by Felix Jackson written for the 1935 Austrian-Hungarian film Little Mother. It was included among the American Film Institute’s 2000 list of the 500 movies nominated for the Top 100 Funniest American Movies. The film featured future “Lucy” actors Barbara Pepper, Irving Bacon, Jack Chefe, Florence Lake, Nestor Paiva, Harold Miller, and Amzie Strickland.

It was remade as Bundle of Joy starring Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher in 1952. The original film was re-released in 1945 and made its television debut in 1964.

RKO disliked the title Little Mother and tried out Nobody’s Wife and She Said I Do before settling on Bachelor Mother. In Denmark it was known as Polly’s Baby.

Bachelor Mother was adapted for radio on nine occasions between 1940 and 1952:

January 22, 1940 ~ “Lux Radio Theater” starring *Ginger Rogers, Frederic March, and *Frank Albertson

February 1, 1942 ~ “Screen Guild Theater” starring Laraine Day, Henry Fonda, and *Charles Coburn

November 23, 1942 ~ “Screen Guild Theater” starring Ann Sothern, Fred MacMurray, and *Charles Coburn

November 21, 1944 ~ “Theatre of Romance” starring Shirley Booth, Richard Kollmar, and Jack McBride

December 24, 1944 ~ “Old Gold Comedy Theater” starring Brenda Marshall, Louis Haywood and Jack McBride

May 6, 1946 ~ “Screen Guild Theater” starring *Ginger Rogers, *David Niven, and Francis X. Bushman

April 28, 1949 ~ “Screen Guild Theater” starring Lucille Ball, Joseph Cotton, and *Charles Coburn

March 8, 1951 - “Screen Director’s Playhouse” starring Lucille Ball, Robert Cummings, and Arthur Q. Bryan

April 20, 1952 ~ “Screen Guild Theater” starring Ann Sothern and Robert Stack

* = original film cast repeating their roles

Synopsis ~ An unemployed woman discovers an abandoned baby on the steps of an orphanage, and accepts an offer to take responsibility for the child in return for a job.

CAST

Lucille Ball (Polly Parrish, Toy Department Clerk at Merlin & Son and Bachelor Mother) later appeared for Screen Directors Playhouse in “Her Husband’s Affairs” (May 22, 1949), “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (May 19, 1950), both films she had appeared in on screen, and “A Foreign Affair” (March 1, 1951), the previous week.

On screen, the role was played by Ginger Rogers.

Joseph Cotten (David Merlin) had worked with Orson Welles on Citizen Kane (1941) and The Magnificent Ambersons (1942). This is his only time acting with Lucille Ball.

On screen, the role was played by David Niven.

Charles Coburn (J.B. Merlin) appeared with Lucille Ball in Lured (1947). He won an Oscar for The More The Merrier in 1943 and was nominated in 1941 and 1946.

Coburn played the same role in the feature film.

The characters of Freddy Miller, Orphanage Matron, Mrs. Weiss, Phillips the Butler, and Jerome Weiss, are played by uncredited and unidentified performers.

EPISODE

After acknowledging their sponsors, Camel Cigarettes, the announcer introduces “Bachelor Mother”.

The day before Christmas, Polly Parrish is let go from her job at Merlin & Son Department Store. Job hunting on her lunch hour, Polly notices an crying baby on the doorstep of the orphanage. When the door opens, the matron assumes that the baby is Polly’s and she was about to leave it with them. She is unable to change the Matron’s assumption. She rushes back to work to finish her last day.

At the store, David Merlin (James Cotten) mysteriously tells her that they have taken pity on her and re-hired her with a $5 a week raise. After she leaves, David tells his secretary that he is anxious to see her face when she gets his real present!

That night, Polly opens the door to a messenger from David Merlin who presents her with the baby from the orphanage. Her boyfriend and co-worker Freddy knocks on the door for their date. Polly tells Freddy that before their date, they are going to bring the baby back to the man who gave it to her - David Merlin!

Freddy and Polly arrive at the Merlin home and drop off the baby with the Phillips, the butler, before going out on their date. When they get back to Polly’s apartment at 2 A.M., David Merlin is there to return the baby to her, believing it is hers and that she is abandoning him. He threatens her with legal action. She decides to go along with his misapprehension of her motherhood, and David agrees to try to help her out.

Mrs. Weiss, the landlady, comes in. She thinks the baby is adorable and tells Polly she will help her take care of the baby so that she can go out to work.

Next day at the store, Freddy notices that Polly is exhausted. He asks her to put in a good word with Mr. Merlin for him regarding a promotion, and she sleepily agrees. Freddy is under the impression that David Merlin is the father of the baby, and he’s going to use the information for his own purposes.

At home Polly is trying to feed a fussy baby on New Year’s Eve when David Merlin shows up to take her out on the town. Freddy calls on the phone, and re-states that Polly better help him get a better job at Merlin and Sons.

~ INTERMISSION ~

Polly and David return from their New Year’s Eve revels. They kiss. Mrs. Weiss tells them that she is excited that her son Jerome is coming home. Polly reveals to David that there is someone who knows who the baby belongs to - Freddy - and warns David to expect a visit from him soon. Just then, David’s father, J.B. Merlin (Charles Coburn) knocks on the door of Polly’s apartment asking to see his son. J.B. asks if he can hold the baby. Polly tells him that the baby’s name is John. B, which pleases Mr. Merlin. David is confused by his father’s behavior. After J.B. leaves, Polly tells David that Freddy has already told J.B. that David is the father.

At home, J.B. is angry at David for not marrying Polly. David insists that it is not his baby! J.B. has gotten a letter that insists it is! As David goes off to find out who the baby’s real father is, J.B. smashes dishes.

Confronting Polly, David reveals that his father want him to marry her, making it sound like an inconvenience. Polly’s feelings are hurt, and she promises David that by tomorrow, the baby will have a new father.

At J.B.’s office, Polly presents Jerome Weiss as her husband. David bursts in with Freddy, who he introduces as the father of Polly’s baby! Freddy and Jerome both contend to be the father! David assumes that Jerome is the REAL dad. They all accuse each other of fatherhood while J.B. asserts his grandparent’s rights!

Back at home, Polly tearfully packs. As she is about to leave, David enters and says he is in love with her. They kiss, not noticing that J.B. has followed him there. David tells him that he is the father of the baby, and J.B. says that when they can come to him as a married couple, they would be welcome in his home. David says he got the license on the way there. They kiss again.

POLLY: “You know something, David? I bet this is the first time in history that a baby gave birth to a mother and father!”

The End

Lucille Ball, Joseph Cotten, and Charles Coburn, thank their sponsor Camels for sending complimentary cigarettes to men in uniform.

LUCILLE BALL: “Happy smoking, fellows!”

The announcer promotes next week’s program, “Undercurrent” starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor.

Taylor recreates his original 1946 film role, with Stanwyck playing the role originated by Katharine Hepburn. It was broadcast on May 5, 1949.

‘BACHELOR’ TRIVIA

The film version of Bachelor Mother (1939), is mentioned in two episodes of “The RKO Story: Tales From Hollywood” as a film Ginger Rogers at first refused to do - until she was taken off payroll for three weeks and finally relented. Although audiences loved it, Rogers continued to loathe the film calling it “a dog.” Coincidentally, Lucille Ball is also interviewed in the same two episodes.

The wind-up ducks in the 1939 film were played by Disney’s Donald Duck, who even gets screen credit, although for this radio version, they are written out completely, likely to avoid the challenge of copyright, and to avoid visual gags. In other radio versions, the ducks are included, but not named.

The original film was set around Christmas and New Years, with several reference to the holidays and a huge New Year’s Eve party scene. Lucille Ball’s 1951 radio version of the script omits any references to the holidays.

The Lucy character worked at a department store in “Lucy Bags a Bargain” (TLS S4;E17) on January 17, 1966. In the original film, Polly works in the toy department, but this adaptation doesn’t mention her position at Merlin and Son.

Lucille Ball had done five films with the original Bachelor Mother Ginger Rogers, all of them before Rogers played Polly Parish for RKO. Ball and Rogers finally reunited on a 1971 episode of “Here’s Lucy” with Rogers playing herself.

An October 1976 episode of “Laverne and Shirley” is titled “Bachelor Mothers” and has the girls looking after a baby. Laverne and Shirley were often compared to Lucy and Ethel on “I Love Lucy.”

#Bachelor Mother #Lucille Ball #Screen Guild Players #Screen Guild Theater #Joseph Cotten #Charles Coburn #radio #1949 #Camel Cigarettes #Ginger Rogers

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