Hello NY and everywhere else, you're in the Birdcage at Hockeybird.com.

It's not just missing the NHL for me.

I miss the game itself. As some of you know, I used to be a goaltender. Now that I can't watch playoff hockey this spring I miss playing even more than before. The following is just a random list of things I miss about playing.

Game day: I miss waking up and suddenly feeling a twinge in my stomach. Even more for a playoff game or a big game against a hated rival. Of course I had a regular job but the whole day became a ritual. I had to stretch, eat certain things (nothing after lunch) listen to certain music and of course get in a pre-game nap. The level of excitement would increase as the day went on. Sometimes I would pop in a tape of Mike Richter backstopping the USA in 1996. Man he was great in that.

The Drive: Yeah....the drive to the rink. The minute I'd leave the house a different feeling would overtake me. It was a combination of relief that I could now think only about the game (no more crap from the wife or work) and a sensation I can hardly describe. It was kind of like slipping into a zone. I would visualize game situations and picture in my mind exactly how I would move to stop a certain shooter.

In-between Periods: More often than not I'd glide to the other side of the rink and prepare the crease for the upcoming period. However, sometimes I'd go to the bench. Usually I'd go to the bench when we were up by a bunch of goals to remind the team that they should not let up and treat the score as if it was tied. I'll never forget one night we were up like 10-1 and the guys were all laughing and joking. I of course thought that this was bad and began my little speech. Pete, one of the forwards took the queue and said, "Yeah, Bird's right. Ten more shots and these guys are right back in it".

Funny Pete, very funny.

That Look: Nothing is more satisfying to a goaltender than to see that look on a shooters face just after you have absolutely robbed him of a goal. I miss seeing that look that says, "Ok, I can't beat you tonight".

The Handshake: I have always idolized Billy Smith. I tried to emulate his aggressive style with the small amount of talent I had. Like Smitty, I refused to shake hands at the end of a game with one exception. I would shake hands if your team eliminated mine in the playoffs. Thankfully I didn't have to do that often.

Ref Didn't See It, I Didn't Do It: Again, like Smitty I loved to "own" the area around my net. Opposing players entered my area at their own risk. I would trip, slash and sometimes even punch opponents who dared enter my domain. Sure, I got called for it at times.....but usually I didn't. I loved pissing off the other team and it was almost always to my advantage. Some teams would just avoid the area making it easier to see the puck while others would get really pissed and end up shooting at me (for an easy stop) rather than trying to score. God I miss that. I also miss guys from the other team crying to the ref about me.

The Fights: Of course I wasn't an enforcer but as a keeper I enjoyed scrapping and not just with opposing keepers, anyone I could grab. Sometimes after the game we'd invite the opposing team to the bar and I'd have a shot with the same guy I was fighting just an hour before. Good times fer sure.

Howie Rose: When we'd score the goal that I thought put the game out of reach I say out loud (but not loud enough for the other team to hear) the Howie Rose call from game four of the opening round of the 1994 playoffs. "And that my friends will BURY the Islanders".

Two A Days: I enjoyed practice almost as much as a game. I'm one of the few who loved two a days.

Overtime: I could be wrong but I don't ever remember losing in OT. I have lost in shootouts but I don't think I lost in OT. One team I played for, The Falcons had a knack of popping OT goals with regularity.

Being The Badguy: I loved it when other teams had fans that would try and get to me by yelling stuff. In a close game I'd ignore 'em but it would drive me to play well. Even better was when we'd be winning, I'd engage them in a little chatter. That was always fun.

The Refs: They hated me, I hated them. Well, not always. There were a few who I respected a lot.

The Locker Room: Before a game I'd try to work myself into the zone but after a game, especially a win the locker room was a fun place. Having the guys razz me for one I let in from outside the blueline was a blast.

Before The Face-Off: Before the beginning of each period I went to one knee facing the net and would tap the post while talking to my mom who passed away in '93. No, she never saw me play but she was with me every second of every game I ever played. Thanks Mom.

The Playoffs: The only thing better than watching playoff hockey in playing in it. Several rounds of pins and needles, 24 hours a day. Man, that's living eh?

The Championships: I can recall almost every detail of the first one. 3-2 was the final of the last game of the series and I had to make some big stops with everything on the line during the last five minutes or so. It took weeks to wipe the smile off my face after that win. Each of the other three championships were great but nothing compared to that first one. Coming back and beating the hated Tomcats after losing to them in the finals the previous season was sweet but that first one was still the sweetest.

The Bar Or Parking Lot: The Falcons liked to celebrate wins in the parking lot with coolers of beer. Another team I played for was sponsored by a bar so we'd go there, win or lose. Both were great times. The night before my wedding I played and instead of having a bachelor party we all went to the bar and ordered a few pizza's along with some adult beverages. To have my dad, brother and childhood friend there along with my teammates was just wonderful.

Doctors And Dentists: I had my share of injuries.....but I can't say I really miss the pain. In fact, some stuff still hurts today.

Breakaways And Penalty Shots: I wasn't the best one on one, But I was pretty good. It was always a great feeling to make that big save to get your team out of a jam.

Here Kid: Occasionally there would be a few kids hanging out where we'd exit the ice. I enjoyed giving away a stick, puck and once even a jersey. The look on a kids face was priceless.

The Call Up: I used to get a call at home to come to the rink and practice with the NY Islanders. Playing with real NHLers is something I will always be very proud of.

The Guys: I'm not one of those dudes that has a night out with the guys. I prefer to stay home (and watch games) with my wife and kids. So I did enjoy being out with the guys and downing a few after the game. I have been very lucky to have played with so many good dudes and I admit, I do miss those wonderful nights trading stories and sampling the finest brews. As my buddy Paul would say, win or lose....we drink the booze. There was a bond there that you get with a team and I think fondly of most of my former teammates.

NHL Ice: One league I played in began to schedule games at the Nassau Coliseum. I had already kinda retired so it was way cool of the guys to call me and ask if I'd back up the kid goalie that had replaced me. Taking the team through warm ups was great and just walking out of the same runway as all those great pros over the years was a great feeling.

It's this time of year when the big playoff games took place. I'm jonesing for a fix. Not only do I miss watching the NHL playoffs.....I miss playing. To all those I played with or against I thank you for the great memories.

----}- Bird

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