Crystal Ball: Should the Leafs consider trading Giguere (and three other questions)?

Good morning and apologies for the radio silence yesterday. I trust you had a nice weekend, despite the 2-0 loss to Montreal.

What else can you do, right? The Habs run a tight defensive ship. They capitalize on mistakes. And they have Carey Price in net, a guy playing with so much poise that even his pencil-thin mustache screams: "I have enough confidence right now to steal your wife."

Next time, Montreal. Next time!

It's hard to believe but the One Quarter point of the season is nearly upon us. So in advance of tonight's home game against Dallas, and in lieu of a more sensible post, here are four questions I've been asking myself since the Montreal game ended:

Question 1: Should the Leafs consider trading J.S. Giguere?

Don't misunderstand. I have enormous respect for Jiggy's accomplishments, talent, work ethic and leadership. He's a great goalie. He has an ideal temperament. If I had a son, I'd want him to be just like this guy.

That said, let's explore this question with cold-blooded reason.

Is Jonas "Goose" Gustavsson ready to be a No. 1 starter in this league? Do the Leafs have long-term depth in net with Goose, James Reimer and Jussi Rynnas? If you answer "yes" to those two questions, even reluctantly, then I think we need to at least ask a third one: Is Giguere expendable?

The Leafs need help scoring. They need a power forward or point-a-game center or both. And in an era of reduced transactions, at a time when player movement hinges on positional desperation and/or cap management, a veteran goaltender is still one of the best currencies in the trade market.

Increasingly, this Leafs' goaltending situation reminds me of the 92-93 season. Like Giguere, that team had a de facto No. 1 vet with a Cup pedigree in Grant Fuhr. Like Goose, they had a promising up-and-comer in Felix Potvin.

But at some point around Christmas, coach Pat Burns told management he believed the promising up-and-comer could get the job done. He believed it was time for The Cat to purr on a nightly basis.

So Fuhr was traded to Buffalo in February 1993 and, as you recall, the Leafs received a fellow by the name of Dave Andreychuk.

In other words: Exactly the kind of player they need today.

Question 2: Should Colton Orr dress for every game?

Again, I need to predicate this with a "don't misunderstand." Enforcing just might be the most thankless job in hockey. You earn a living by trading punches with another man in front of thousands of screaming spectators?

Crazy.

But here's the thing: Fighting isn't what it used to be.

I remember a time when there was at least one scrap per game. Some teams had two, even three policemen. These guys didn't score goals or shut-down opposition stars. They beat the living daylights out of each other.

Those days are mostly gone.

Some teams don't even have a designated tough guy anymore. So, yes, while there will be nights when Orr's muscle and intimidation are surely needed, there will be other nights when his spot in the line-up could go to someone else.

In the new NHL, dressing an enforcer strictly out of antiquated impulse seems more like a bad habit than a good way to pursue a berth in the playoffs. It would be one thing if the Leafs were able to rollout three lines that consistently contributed to the box score. But right now, they simply can't afford to have a skater play six or seven minutes a night when they are in dire need of scoring and improving their special teams.

Question 3: Should Nazem Kadri be considered a playmaker instead of a sniper?

Let's assume Kadri is here to stay for a while. Let's also assume he's going to play somewhere on the top two lines while he's here.

The question becomes this: Would there be considerably less pressure on his 20-year-old shoulders if he stopped fretting about scoring goals himself? That is, would Kadri actually contribute more if the unspoken need to bag highlight reel goals was replaced with a simple focus on, say, passing the puck?

In his four games with the Leafs, Kadri is averaging 19:13 minutes in ice time. But he's only managed an average of 1.5 shots per game. What he is doing quite admirably is finding open men, which is why he has three assists. He's also winning face-offs – on Saturday, he was the only Leaf to not lose a majority of his draws.

What would happen if everybody, including Kadri, stopped casting him in the role of goal scorer? What if his real offensive asset, at this point in time, is not so much burying the puck as it is finding places for his teammates to dig?

Question 4: Should the Leafs start dictating play?

You know what's interesting about the season thus far? With the exception of five or six games, the Leafs have allowed their opponents to set the tone and determine what kind of game gets played.

The problem, of course, is the Leafs are 2-8-1 when the other team scores first. And when their opponents control the play early on, the Leafs tend to get flustered and stop skating or start panicking and misfiring on chances. The 156 shots they've missed at home ranks near the bottom of the league. They've also given the puck away 221 times, which is rock bottom.

This young Leafs squad, possibly more than any other team right now, needs to get off to a good start each night. To do this, they need to stop worrying about what the other team may or may not do and start dictating play.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

 

Comments

[Lance_24]

"Should Colton Orr dress for every game?" That's an excellent question I was asking myself on Saturday. the Habs have no fighters, so there was no point. We could have used a young quick call-up for some badly needed energy though. Great blog, thanks.

[Chad]

a couple of problems with trading Giguere:
1) he has a no trade clause. he'll have to waive it if we are exploring the idea of trading him. and Burke has already expressed his opinions of asking players to waive these clauses.
2) his current salary makes him an unattractive asset to other teams....especially with the way he's playing.

[Rick]

Question 5:

Who came up with "Goose" as a nickname for Jonas? BRUTAL. I loved listening to Bob Cole constantly stumbling and bumbling over his name on Saturday night. He should be retired immediately.

VM Replies: For the full "Goose" explanation, see the comment in this post by Moe Green: http://thestar.blogs.com/leafsfan/2010/11/game-day-the-monsters-turn.html

[Mambosun]

Nice idea with Giguere, but the no-trade and that salary probably put the kibosh on it. Maybe at the deadline depending on where the Leaf's stand. Orr? I'd agree, but who can estimate how much stuff his presence is preventing in terms of teams taking liberties with Kessel, Versteeg, Bozak, Kadri and especially Grabovski who seems to get under 3 or 4 opponents skin every game.

[Dan]

Giguere has a no-trade clause and who would want to take on his ridiculous salary? This is the worst trade idea I've heard in a long time!!

VM Replies: Sorry!

[Dan]

Here's a better idea... let's trade Kessel. It doesn't matter if he scores 40 he isn't going to take this team anywhere. He's not a winner and he doesn't play with heart.. we need a real leader and franchise player not a soft one-way player
who's selfish.

[Nik Culoman]

Giggy, Is someone who seems to carry himself with class and has a great understanding of the game. I think if Burke were to give him a trade option to a contending team, that he would accept the trade. Unlike some Leafs who decided they didn't want to be a rental player than went off to become just that....A rental player.

Giggy could fetch the team a small return, he has given this team a lot and seems to have been the mentor the Monster needed. For that deserves to go out with a bang if that were possible. He is a free agent at the end of the year anyway, so his contract won't be an issue, I can't imagine.

Kadri can score, give him some time to catch his footing. He will come firing and has Kessel to help him along. But he does look good with Bozak, and Kessel.

[johnnyk]

Vnay, thanks for the blog but I have to agree that Giggy is bad currency right now.
1) he's far down the list in save %
2) he's got a ridic salary
3) goalies were being given away 3 months ago. Turco got a bit over $1mil and had to wait for an offer, he's at least as good as JSG
4) are Leafs waiting for Gus to be as old as Johnny Bower was before he got the full-time job? He's not a kid, play him the rest of the way. What;s to lose?

[stephen smith]

First of all, Potvin never got it done. He let in terrible goals from long range. Guigere and Gustavsson are both needed to support and compete with each other. One more thing .... get rid of the "Goose" stuff .... what is that?????????

VM Replies: Okay, I shall now cease and desist with the "Goose" campaign. (Sorry, Moe Green. I tried!)

[Mike]

1) Goose? Memo: Gustavsson's nickname is "The Monster"...
2) Do the homework - JSG has a no-trade, sky-high salary, and the reason he agreed to come to Toronto was because we have medical facilities (Sick Kids Hospital) equipped to deal with his childs health issues; major reason he agreed to waive said no-trade clause to come to Toronto.
3) Kadri just needs to play effectively before trying to define 'what he is'...effective 'NHL player' will do for now.
4) Yes - Orr should only play when he has an actual dance partner on the opposition.

[Nik Culoman]

Dan, why don't the leafs sign you..........That way you can instill all your hockey wisdom and skill to the rest of the team. I am sure you can score 40 goals in the best Hockey league on the planet...I am sure you can bring your "A"game every night even with teams double teaming you because you would be the only scoring threat on this team.

I am sure you can blaze down centre ice and deke around panther's defensemen and pocket a beauty of a goal. I am sure you can do all that and more......

Every team for that matter needs you, have you tried to bring those skills to the NHL??

Now for Reality, most teams have pure scorers pm their team. I have never heard Malkin or some other players being spoken of for their defensive skills. So would you trade Malkin?? Kessel not sure if you knew, is only one player and there are another 20 something players that need to step up as well.

If this team were winning, I am sure all this Kessel talk would be gone. But like I said earlier, You should sign with the Leafs and you can show us how it is done.

VM Replies: After reading Dan's comment, I was waiting for this.

[Geoff Read]

VM - you are taking a beating today. Blogging is a thankless job my friend.

Orr: he should never play, period. And no, he shouldn't be replaced with some other no talent goon. A guy like Mike Brown who can throw punches if he has to but is a good player in his own right is useful. The Colton Orrs of this world should be consigned to the dustbin of history.

I'm not sure the Monster is ready to be a #1. At least not yet - let's see him play a little more before we make that call. Plus: as other posters have said, trading Giguere is not going to be easy - it'll be easier at the trade deadline than it is now (if he waives his no trade clause). And before the angry irrational Leafs fans out there jump all over him for being "selfish" if he doesn't want to waive it let's remember 1) who gave him that no trade clause 2) that he didn't put a gun to anyone's head when his contract was agreed to 3) that he has some pretty pressing personal reasons to want to stay in Toronto 4) that he has come as advertised: a stabilizing influence on a skittish team and providing decent goaltending as opposed to the horrendous work the Leafs were getting from Vesa Toskala: every Leafs fan I know was happy when that trade happened and they should still be happy about it today.

VM Replies: A well-deserved beating. Great points.

[Al]

Awww and I thought there was some momentum building for "Goose"! Keep at it V, ppl just need educatin':

- Gustavsson, depending on pronounciation, begins with "Goose"
- GOOOOOOSE sounds awesome after a save
- Goose Egg = Shutout
- The Monster is stupid

VM Replies: I'm so confused.

[Moe Green]

If you don't mind, the questions in reverse order. First, i thought that Wilson's "puck-pursuit game" was all about dictating play. I do agree that there hasn't been much of it for a while. I think they should come out with guns blazing at least until the other team has scored. Does the missed shots stat include blocked shots? If so the Leafs need to start faking shots, dropping defenders then stepping around the obstacles and shooting high on the goalie. Schenn scored a great goal doing just that he other night. Also, they need to learn that a hard shot is no good if it doesn't get to the net. The defense need to start getting pucks low and to the net, never mind putting it through the goalie. The Leafs also get a lot of shots at the goalies chest. Question: After such a strong start, What is wrong with Kaberle?

Interesting point about Kadri. He sees the ice well and is brimming with confidence. Let's hope a lack of perceived success doesn't diminish that confidence. Let him pass and the goals will come. When they brought him up I had hoped he would become the first or second line centre dropping Bozak to the third line where he belongs. I think Bozak or Versteeg bring some much needed scoring punch to the third line. LInes Like: Grabovski, Kulemin and MacArthur; Kadri, Kessel and Versteeg; Bozak, Sjostrom and Armstrong; Brent, Mitchell and Brown. I think those lines look really good once Armstrong returns.

Notice I don't have Orr in my Lineup. Earlier this year, Orr actually drew a couple penalties with his aggressive play but more often than not he's taking the penalties not drawing them. And the fights he has are almost always of the staged variety and happen simply to justify the existence of he and his dance partner. The kind of fights that mean anything can be adequately handled by people like Komisarek, Beauchemin, Schenn and Brown. Removing Orr from the lineup is an easy decision for me. I think it's Burke, not Wilson who wants him there. Didn't Burke sign him to a six-year deal?

Your last question regarding Jiggy (Giggy?) is interesting. I would say yes, with the following caveat. That Goose maintains a position in the top 15 in save percentage, GAA or both by Christmas. And two, that Rynnas and Reimer maintain their strong play until then. If so then "hell yes." This team needs a power winger and a big strong centre. I'll go further. IMO a big centre and a power winger and this team cruises into the playoffs. They will miss Giggy's veteran presence though.

I have a question too: How many wins would Toronto have with Stamkos in the lineup? And a follow up: Why isn't Tampa better with the lineup they have?

VM Replies: No, that missed shots stat does not include blocks. At home and on the road, the Leafs have 289 blocked shots and 242 missed shots. Kaberle is an enigma, that's for sure.

[Becky]

I'm in Favour of Goose. It sounds better and more like a nickname- Easier to chant then monster.

Besides everytime they said "Gustavsson" is sounded like they were saying goose anyways.

And I agree that while Jiggy is a good goalie, he's overprice for hows he playing now and we could use the offensive player. In my opinion even though we lost on Sarturday I felt more confident with "Goose" in the net then if Jiggy had been there. Goose is playing better right now anyways.

VM Replies: Okay, the Goose campaign lives! (Sorry, stephen smith.)

[Moe Green]

I appreciate the Gooose effort VM. Here's a repost of my previous post regarding if the Goose movement didn't gain traction:

I think “Goose” would be a great nickname but I can understand if it doesn't gain traction with the fans. I bet Jonus Gustavsson probably likes “the Monster” too and maybe in some way he's earned it and anyway who am I to try to take it away from him. And it is sorta cool I guess. Monsters are cool, right? I still prefer Goose.

But if we can't have “Goose,” if it has to be “the Monster” then we need a chant, something to go with “The Monster.” But what? I thought of “grrrrrr” but I just can't see it fly. First, it's a little juvenile and second, I don't think it has the right ring to it. Too tinny. There's the obvious ghosty “booooo” but it sounds a little too much like the derisive “booooo” that the team is probably all too familiar with and anyway, it's ghosts, not monsters that go boo in the night.

So I was thinking: What kind of sound does a monster make? And then it hit me. Count Floyd of SCTV. He was a vampire who lived in a coffin and he howled like a wolf. Yep, just like a wolf, or a werewolf to be exact. Why a vampire howled like a werewolf, I'll never know, and they never explained it, but what I do know is the kind of sound 19,000 rabid fans howling like werewolves at a hockey game would sound like. A an opponent-intimidating symphony of awesomeness for normally tomb-like ACC.

And I can top it too. If the Leafs go on a streak and somehow make the playoffs maybe Joe Flaherty, dressed like Count Floyd could introduce the players or just howl for us. I think he still lives in the area. Or maybe they could get a recording of his howl and play it at the ACC when they announce the starting goaltenders. I'm wetting myself.

So if we can't have Goose then I guess the next best thing would be a crazy-awesome werewolf chant for “the Monster.” Ah-rrrrooooooooooo!

[kneeboard85]

1. From the games I have seen him in I am a big fan of Rynnas and feel that he will be a number 1 for the leafs one day if they don't trade him. Giggy wont be shopped I feel because it flies in the face of Burkies win now pay later attitude (which seems more like lose now pay later)

2. What was wrong with Rosehill? It seems like Orr gets smacked around pretty good prettty often. How much does Rosehill make compared to Orr? I never see Orr push someones face in like I see Rosehill.

3. Nazem Kadri should be considered Nazem Kadri. He is a 7th overall pick not 1st. I think we need to remember that just because he's our best prospect doesnt mean he's a great prospect. Lots of 7th overall picks haven't been able to make it in the NHL, don't get me wrong I like Kadri but lets curve our expectations on what he might bring to the table currently and in the future.

4. The leafs should start dictating something besides post game comments on how they got the chances but they just aren't going in. There are shots and then there are SHOTS. These leafs need to get more quality shots on net and start playing Brian Burke hockey and stop playing Ron Wilson we played better in the 3rd hockey

[Nik Culoman]

Vinay, you have to admit my commect before that one you commented was bang on and I agreed with you. Giggy contract at the trading deadline doesn't hold the same cap weight that most of you think....He would be a steal for a team looking to make a cap run.

But I think Burke has some other ideas we haven't even thought of yet....So let's wait and see what happens. But Giggy would be an ideal candidate to be trade if the right home became available.

VM Replies: We agree today. This is cause for celebration.

[Tom]

Don't let three very loud individuals dissuade you from callling him the Goose. Democracy prevails, dang it!

[Jamie]

Im on the fence about the Giguere comment - I don't think he will bring a top 6 forward to the Leafs because with his $6M cap hit and last year of contract... he is at best a rental (and if a playoff team wants a number one and would give up a Top 6 forward, I would check with Beantown first if Tim Thomas is available). Plus the NTC won't help. I don't think he'll be back next year though so if we aren't in the playoff race and you can get something for him, could be worth it.

If Burke can somehow swing a deal for Brad Richards, no matter who is involved, would be sweet.

Orr has 2 goals this year which is a lot better than other guys on the 4th line so I ain't complaining about that yet.

3 - -I think people are hoping Kadri will be a goal scorer like in the 25-30 range but giving you 40-50 assists a season so I guess thats both a scorer and a playmaker.

4 - Yes it'd be nice if we could dictate the play but that is easier said then done.

[Al]

@ VM: "VM Replies [to Nik]: We agree today. This is cause for celebration."

Or cause to rethink your whole premise :)

VM Replies: I've already punched myself in the face.

[Nik Culoman]

Vinay, very responsible and mature response to my reply. They are really scraping at the bottom of the barrel when they allowed you to blog. I am sure another loss by Giggy, and you will be writting how untradable he will be, and if Kadri god forbid makes a mistake, you will be riding this kid out of town too.....

Rendering what could have been a very constructive article into child's play...But keep up the negative word....I am sure there are still some wagon jumpers who feed off your blogs

VM Replies: I said we agreed! I said this was cause for celebration! How was that irresponsible, immature or negative?

[Baltic Thunder]

...a most humourous read but with some painful truths. Giguere is an awesome goaltender and human being but he's in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gustavsson doesn't seem to need much mentoring. Together with Rhynnas, "The Monster" gives the young Buds all the backstopping they need. The most laughable query was whether the Leafs should dictate the play. Pleez. This team is INCAPABLE of dictating to anyone, including the Marlies. Without Orr this team is castrated. And as for Kadri, forget the sniper and playermaker labels and let him show us what he's got. He's shown us flashes of both but consistency in none.

[Hoofheartz]

Rrrrrriiiinnng

Phone Nik, its your proctologist, he said to tell you he found your head.

[RICK AKIN]

man, talk about a guy being attacked just for posing some thoughts. It does show how passionate many people are about the loveable losers ( I like them too, by the by). Let us hope that somehow Brian Burke is able to bring more resolve to the on ice product. If the players as a group had near the determination of Mr. Burke, they still may not win much, but they would do better in those one on one situations, and there would be far fewer giveaways . Still too many softees on this team, folks.

[Nik Culoman]

I gues Vinay....You forgot about this exchange..:

@ VM: "VM Replies [to Nik]: We agree today. This is cause for celebration."

Or cause to rethink your whole premise :)

VM Replies: I've already punched myself in the face.

But thanks for comming out...

VM Replies: That comment had nothing to do with agreeing with you. It had to do with rethinking my premise. Also, it's Monday and I punch myself in the face on Mondays. My God, man, you are so sensitive. And I really thought we had turned a corner today...

[Fonzie's Uncle]

1) No, considering what you would get for him - ie not very much, at least until march - it would be better to let the Monster (only one nickname is necessary; and btw if you arent Swedish, pronounce his name so it rhymes with Bus) play the majority of games and have Gigure be a mentor/backup. The game has changed - no way you'd get Andreychuck for Furh in this market.

2) Orr - he plays 4 or 5 minutes a game. Who cares? Keep him, hes effective at what he does. The question should be why does Phil Kessel not get 27:00 minutes per game.

3) Kadri. Who said he was only a sniper? He is easily the best passer among forwards on this team, but he is also the second best scorer, so just let him play his game and define himself

4) Ummm the better team dictates the play. Not much you can do here. Armstrong and Phaneuf make us a lot lot lot tougher to play against, and this can be improved on when they return.

Personally I think Wilson is a douche (can you say douche here?) for ripping Kadri in the public after 2 great games by the kid. I dont know, but when Don Cherry is ripping you every single week, maybe its time to look in the mirror, because i can remember very few instances of The Don being wrong.

Finally, why do people keep trying to temper Kadris potential by saying he was only the seventh pick? Sakic, Bure, Phaneuf, Fedorov, Datsyk, Hull, Gilmour, Oates, Getzlaf, Carter, Perry, the list goes on and on of guys who were drafted lower than seventh. Draft position means nothing starting the day after you were drafted: Based on Kadris talent, if he has the work ethic to match it, he will be a superstar in this leauge. Where talking potential Hart trophy one day.

VM Replies: Excellent points. And, yes, you can say "douche" here. Unless I'm overruled by one of my bosses. But until then, "douche," "D-bag," "douche-nozzle," they are all welcome here.

[Fonzie's Uncle]

I like "douch-nozzle" haha never heard that one before.... Here is a question, why isnt there more optimism for a team whose best players are all under 25 and whose best all round player -#3- is injured? If we can stay above water while Dion and Colby are out, wouldnt it stand to reason that when they are back we will be way better? Also, id like to mention that although Phaneuf only had 4 points when he went down, had the forwards been able to score through those first 12 games, he could have had 12 assists, without really changing his game up or doing anything differently.

[Yogi23]

I've been using the nickname 'Goose' ever since we landed the kid! It's far, FAR better than 'The Monster'. C'mon Vinay, don't give in just yet - We'll get that name changed around in no time!
As for Giggy, I think he'll be traded for sure. Of course it'll be a lot closer to the deadline when his cap hit will be manageable, and I can't really see us getting too much in return. But I think we can get a couple of picks for him from a team that wants some good experience in the playoffs. We'd be stupid not to at least try to move him. I think the Goose has got the goods and he's still got at least 3 more months of tutelage under Giggy.

Can you really chant 'Monster'? Isn't "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS" so much sweeter?!? :)

[Yogi23]

Damn. I just read Nik's comment and sadly Jonas' name apparently rhymes with 'bus' when pronounced correctly. That kinda sucks.

[PrinceLH]

I agree that Giguare should be moved, but there is too much cap money to be paid out, at this point of the season. Once the trade deadline appears, the cap hit will be reduced to about $1 Million from $6 Million. That is the time to move him. Burke could have a handshake deal with him, to bring him back next year, to get him to lift the no trade part.

Colton Orr should sit, in games that are up tempo, like Saturday's game. The Habs had no inforcer and we still have Mike Brown for the yappy Lapierre types. We could have used a one dimentional shotter, for the powerplays, to take the shifts, when need be.

Lastly, Kadri is more of a passer than shooter. In the World Juniors, he showed that is where his talents are best suited. That's the reason he played with Taylor Hall, during that Tournament.

[Fonzie's Uncle]

yeah im pretty sure unless your name is Marge and your from Minnesota or Dakota, then its Gus the Bus Gustuvson.

[johnnyk]

"What kind of sound does a monster make?"

He bellows **** when a teammate gifts a goal to the opponents.

[johnnyk]

How is His Nazness the 2nd best scorer? Jr. A doesn't count. Even sniper Orr has two. The Naz has 3 assists but a lot of "bounced over my stick" whiffs.

[Pyramid Power]

Lehtonen in nets for Dallas. Bummer. Was hoping we would get to see Andy Raycroft.
Really surprised is he still in the NHL, but seems to have forged a decent career for himself as a backup.
He even has a shutout in two games played this year.
Hope we can shut down the Stars, and get a few by Lehtonen. He has played well this year for Dallas.
Goose does his job again tonight, and the Leafs come out with a 3-1 win.
Great blog Vinay. You got roasted, but it happens. Trading Giggy ain't gonna happen, but I believe you have heard that before. lol
Other points excellent, and would love to see Rosehill come up and play a few games and sit Orr. Just to see what would happen. Love the kid's energy!
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Music people at the ACC are sooooooo horrible. What age do they live in? What eon?
Just heard an old Zeppelin chestnut, and other songs that are played between play are horrible not that the Zep was horrible but I always seem to hear way way better music than at the ACC. I know others have brought this up before.
Air Canada Coffin just dead right now with too many offsides. Skrastins just got a penalty so let's see if Toronto can get a goal.
No Modano in the lineup for Dallas is just weird.
Happy for him doing well in his home state of Michigan with the Wings though.
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

KULEMIN!!! GOAL!

Great play getting in front of the net on the Schenn shot from the point. Great to see the PP alive and have a reason to cheer here.
Hope the ACC comes alive now.
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

BLASPHEMY! Getting the Dallas stream, and their announcers just said that if Fu Manchu a.k.a. Mike Brown strapped a police uni on he would look like that guy in the Village People.
Hope somebody tells Fu that!

[Pyramid Power]

Wow! Dallas won 8-2 in their last visit to Toronto in 2008 just before Christmas, and are on a five game winning streak against the Leafs.
It ends tonight!

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Aaahhhhh Kevin McGran is covering this game live for the Star.
Cool!
Leafs killed the Orr penalty and Colton got into a scrap. He must have heard you Vinay.

Didn't see that. Woke up too late over here in China.
1-0 at the end of one.
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

KULEMIN!!!
Great play by Grabbo and Kulemin, and now 2-0 Toronto!
Choppy game with no cadence or rhythm, but we're winning ugly. MacArthur got a point on that goal too.
Goose got some help from a post, but has made some good saves. Let's see a monstrous goose egg tonight Goose!
GO LEAFS GO!

Damn, Richards just scored for Dallas. 2-1. Quick counterpunch.

[Moe Green]

This is the quietest building in the NHL. After the second Leaf, it got even quieter. I hate the place. This is how they lose games, they let teams back in the game. And the crowd is of no help at all. Wake up Toronto!!!

[Pyramid Power]

BOZAK! GORGEOUS SNIPE TO THE TOP CORNER.
3-1 Toronto. Shut them down now Goose.
Kadri got his third point of the year I believe assisting on that one.

[Moe Green]

That's better...

[Vinay Menon]

Pyramid Power and Moe Green doing play-by-play and colour. This is like a dream come true.

[Pyramid Power]

3-1 after two. Barch drove the net and hit Goose near the end of the period. Thought Komisarek should have made him pay the price for that instead of just yapping at him.
Asking ACC fans to wake up on a Monday night in a game like this is just too much I suppose Moe. Bummer.
I think Miami has us beat as far as quietest buildings in the league go though. Maybe.
Anyway, going into the third with a two goal lead means this Leafs fan won't have to hold his breath for far toooooooo long. To begin with.
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

I'll be the colour caller Vinay as long as I don't have to pretend I am Greg Millen. Will be Jim Ralph. lol
Moe can do his best Bowen impersonation! Holy mackinaw!

[Moe Green]

You'd think there'd be more noise with a 3-1 lead in the third. Sheesh. Nice semi-fake by Grabovski! Almost another goal.

[Moe Green]

Notice how few bad penalties the Leafs take compared to last season.

[Pyramid Power]

Excellent defensive blanket tossed over the Stars so far about halfway through this period.
This comment will NOT jinx the Leafs. No goals allowed please Toronto. Go get another one Toronto!
Would love to see Kulemin get a....... No jinx! lol
GO LEAFS GO!

[Moe Green]

Goooose!

[Pyramid Power]

Tremendous effort by Toronto this period. Dallas has had maybe one good chance to score at most.
Plenty of blocked shots, and passion and grit showed by every Leaf player that I have seen.
Grabbo line almost sealed the deal.
Five and a half minutes to go and it is 3-1 in a must win game as Moe called it. Gotta have this one to move back to only a game under .500 at 8-9-3.
GO LEAFS GO! WIN THIS!

[Moe Green]

Pyramid, you mean a "First Star?"

[Pyramid Power]

Great effort by Kadri and almost had his first. See if he can get one here.
GO LEAFS GO! Wilson must be loving this defensive play. Outstanding!

[Moe Green]

Kadri nicknames you say... how about dazzle?

[Moe Green]

Really nice shutdown so far by Leafs. No panic. Nice.

[Pyramid Power]

YES! YES! YES! YES!
VERSTEEG WITH THE EMPTY NETTER TO SEAL IT!
Beauchemin robbed of his second goal of the year. lol
LOVE IT!
VICTORY! AWESOME!
4-1 final in a game Toronto had to have. Won it ugly but won it.
Brent was outstanding in the faceoff circle, guys played great and what can you say about Goose except great game!
LEAFS!

[Moe Green]

Great shutdown by Leafs but the fans at ACC should be ashamed of themselves. What a sorry group. This was a great third period and the fans were asleep.

[Pyramid Power]

Montreal lost 3-2 in Philly. Boston losing 3-0 in the third. Perfect night!

Well, almost. Ottawa tied 2-2 in third with L.A. Go Kings! lol

[Moe Green]

Now everyone's saying that Dallas is a bad team. Can't complete passes. That's cuz the Leafs were getting their sticks in the way. Geez. Leafs played a superb 3rd.

[Moe Green]

You know nobody in the media wants to say it but this crowd is a detriment to the team. I think all it does is make the home team nervous - if anything. They got one, maybe two "go Leafs, go" chants going in the third, they didn't last long. That's why I like "Gooose" so much, it might get the fans making a little noise. Maybe they'll loosen up a bit!

[Pyramid Power]

"Dazzle" Kadri. I like it Moe. I never liked the nickname "Nasty" Nazzy because he is not nasty on the ice.

Didn't see who got the three stars. I'm sure Kulemin got one though, he surely deserved one.
Yeah, am hearing criticism of the Stars too. We shut them down, and deserve full credit for that. And full value for the much needed two points.
Ribeiro, Morrow, Neal etc... were practically invisible, did not really notice any Stars do anything especially in the third.
Actually, I don't think Dallas had a shot on goal in the third period until about the midway point. Excellent!

[Pyramid Power]

I like 'Snazzy Nazzy' too Moe. What think you? And everyone? Has that nickname been put forth before?

[Hoofheartz]

As fans we have to realize that no matter how well the Leafs play, the other team is just plain bad when the Leafs win. They're the Rodney Dangerfield of the NHL (for you youngsters, he was a long ago comedian who never got any respect). But as long as we fans realize they've played well, thats all that really matters and it makes it that much sweeter when the haters are silenced.

[Nik Culoman]

Hey hoof....I heard the thunder tonight and than felt a jolt of you jumping back the leafs bandwagon! Good to see you chap, it must have been nice to have been one of the 3 million people to have seen the leafs win their last cup.

Thanks for keeping this board mature and hockey related.....You are def. a class act! Your mother must be proud that you took a hockey msg board right back grade school.

But I guess to each his own.....

oh yeah...this team that I have been preaching patience with has been 3-1 in their last 4 games....Interesting stat to say the least, and are what 2 or 4 points out of a playoff spot and we we are almost in December. Hmmmmm Who never gave up on this team?

Hey Pyramid, good show my friend.....even when you don't always agree with what I say, I always find your posts interesting and very insightful as well.

Vinay, need I say great post......Keep the news positive and it's funny how the energy changes and the support grows for this team. Have a great night, and hope you enjoyed cheering tonight's win.

[Arthur B.]

This comment is a pebble buried in an avalanche.

On, Orr, I agree with you, but you do not go far enough. As I suggested to your esteemed colleague Damian Cox, Orr needs to go. Period. Mike Brown, while not a heavy weight, can drop the gloves on the rare game the Leafs need someone too (for instance, Orr's fight in the opening minutes of the Dallas game was unnecessary). Orr is taking up a valuable place on the Leafs roster, especially since Brown has the willingness to drop the gloves, as do a couple of D-men.

On Giguere, I would wait for one of 2 scenarios. A team gets into goal tending trouble due to injury or under performance, and we dangle Giquere for some draft picks/prospects/someone who can help now as well as a few years or more down the road.

or, we have a legit shot at a playoff berth, and we get some goal scoring insurance help make a run. Possible trade partners would be teams seeking cap relief next season when Giguere's monster contract (Clearly, Gustavsson does not deserve the nickname!!! I am fond of Goose) or like the above, someone who needs goal tending help for the playoffs. There is no point in letting Giguere's contract ride out in Toronto. Trade him and get something for the future.

[mark]

Leafs had to take Giguere to dump Toskala. Nobody would take his contract unless the Leafs took an even worse one. They aren't going to get anything of value...they just have to wait out the end of his contract. In the meantime they don't have to play him.

Good blog but stay focussed on realistic scenarios vs. typical Leafs dreams.

[Sens-ible Bill]

Seems to me the good teams dress tough guys who can actually play and contribute, in addition to being "enforcers" when needed.
Dressing a Neanderthal like Orr IS definitely a throw back.
As for Burke's desire for "truculence," it seems to me that even if you go as far back as the Broad Street Bullies, truculence doesn't work without the talent to go with it.
And talent without ANY trace of truculence, (Kessel?), never wins the tough ones either.
Anybody here who doesn't agree that Sid the Kid showed some definite signs of truculence and toughness (NOT the staged-fight kind) in leading HIS team to a Stanley Cup?
Even the highly talented need to play with an edge to truly succeed. Need an example? Look no further than the defending Cup champions.