Game 21: The Leafs Get Iced On Black Friday

Should we even do this tonight? I'm not sure we should bother.

Seriously, I've been sitting here for more than an hour just staring at a blank screen. What can I type? Nothing. What could you possibly want to read after tonight's 3-1 loss to Buffalo? Nothing. It's all just a big cloud of nothing.

And you know what? The Leafs don't deserve our interest tonight. They don't. Not tonight.

After the first period, with Buffalo up by two and the game all but over, I received an email from, guess who, statistician Andrew Bailey:

From: Andrew Bailey
To: Vinay Menon
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2010 8:26 PM
Subject:
good 1st period... eh?
sorry could not resist

I could not muster a return punch. I was too frustrated.

That's the only word for this team: Frustrating.

Another night of zero-for-whatever on the power play. A Kris Versteeg penalty so profoundly stupid I was tempted to jump in my minivan, dash across the QEW and beat him senseless with his ever-dangling mouth guard.

And what's with all the transatlantic solo flights these days? Dudes, this is a TEAM sport! Pass the puck! Control the puck! Hundreds of fans crossed the border to cheer for you and you reward them with endless one-on-three rushes?

The worst part is the Leafs didn't completely suck, at least in terms of shots. And the Sabres didn't dominate. But between not completely sucking and not dominating we somehow ended up with 60 minutes of time-lapsed frustration.

During the second period, the cameras caught Henry Winkler sitting in the stands. Not a muscle in his body seemed to be working. One steamboat, two steamboats, three steamboats – no movement, nothing.

It was as if he'd inexplicably contracted a condition known as Leaf Inertia, the inability to do much of anything when in close proximity to ice. My God, I thought, the Leafs are even killing Fonzie.

"I can't feel my legs after watching this Toronto power play. Ayyyyy."

 

 

 

So on this aptly named Black Friday, the Leafs botched a chance to climb back to .500 and pick-up a critical two points against a struggling divisional rival.

It would be easy to credit Ryan Miller with tonight’s victory. Just back from injury – thanks a bunch, hockey gods – he stopped 35 of 36 shots and added another chapter to a future book titled, I Owned Those Punkass Leafs In My Day.

But Miller didn't look invincible tonight. He looked solid but not invincible.

The thing is, you don't need to be invincible when you're playing against a team that's quite capable of beating itself. The Leafs hit a post, they repeatedly missed the net, they chased bouncing pucks like 4-year-olds at a training camp. They had six power plays but decided to spend this time doing the funky chicken.

On and on and on.

Anyway, it's now after midnight and I'm going to bed. I trust you're already asleep and dreaming about something – anything – other than the frustrating spectacle we witnessed tonight.

Fric·tion (frik-shn), n.: 1. The rubbing of one object or surface against another. 2. Conflict, as between persons having dissimilar ideas or interests; clash. 3. Physics: A force that resists the relative motion or tendency to such motion of two bodies or substances in contact.

MAIN PHOTO: NIGEL RODDIS/REUTERS

Comments

[frf]

Waves of the life

Sioux Indian story ...
My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I was about seven,roll forming machine and he told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone

[Sens-ible Bill]

Vinay and Leaf fans don't despair.
The way my poor Senators have been playing, if they, as has been their habit of late, don't play their best tonight (Saturday) and the Leafs do, well then, the Leafs COULD win.
A possibility to look forward to after basically coming up empty --- except for Kessel's gift set-up --- last night (Friday) in Buffalo.
Besides, you know you guys get up for it when it's the Battle of Ontario in front of Leaf fans who can't get decent seats back home. (g)

[Hockey Fan, therefore by Definition Not a Leaf Fan]

Let's see, assuming you need 90 points to make the playoffs, the Laff's only need 71 points of the remaining 122 available: a .582 winning percentage. So far their winning percentage is .452.

What is truly interesting is that there are adolescents out there now who never remember the Leafs making the playoffs.2004 is a long time ago for a 12 year old.

[Hoofheartz]

I just loved the bald headed twerp constantly spouting off about Versteeg's penalty and whether or not he would be benched for his stupid actions, but not once did he mention the biggest liability Dolton Orr and his triple minor infraction. If Orr's style is supposed to be such a deterent then why did Gaustad even bother running Kessel, he had to know about the "code", didn't he? Let's not forget either about the 3 stooges, Komisarek, Beauchemin and Kaberle. Someone please explain to me why Komisarek was going for the big hit when the Leafs were defending 3 on 5, a hit that directly resulted in a Sabre goal. I feel bad for Gustavson. I thought he played a strong game, every bit as good as Miller. The difference being, Miller never seemed to have anyone standing in his face.

VM Replies: I also felt sorry for Jonas. He made a half-dozen incredible saves when it was 2-0. He was the only guy who started the game with any real focus. And as the seconds ticked down and he was on the bench, well, he looked like a man who was getting sick of the company he's forced to keep. Your last line suddenly reminded me of a picture I came across while looking for images last night. Hang on. I'm going to post it at the end of the post.

[Kid Delicious]

Poor Leafs. No direction and no heart. Surely Burke could do better than this? Ranked 26th in the League as of today and things don't look like they will be getting any better soon. What went wrong?
Colton Orr. What is he doing on the ice against Buffalo? Is he needed? You can directly attribute the first 2 goals to him. Wilson bet sit him down or it's going to be 'ole Ronny boy that is looking for work. Manage your team Ron or they will manage you.
Burke has got to go! This is his mess. I have stated this before and Pyramid Power says "nothing we haven't heard before" like Burke will make all this better?
Do you guys finally get it? He's clueless...maybe a nice guy but a horrible GM. As a Habs fan I say keep him if you want him...I'm loving this, but as a person that has a conscience I must be honest. He's turning out to be worse than JF jr.

[Moe Green]

I couldn't have said it better VM. Nice touch with the final photo. You have a strength. I was so disappointed, I had a function, and couldn't watch the game last night, just the first period. Even so, I was sure they'd come back. They just had to. Such an important game. For the team, for the fans, for the GTA.

Then I saw the "highlights." "." It's what this team does, they come out flat. They come out flat again, and again, and... They come out flat after three days rest, two days rest, one days rest... They... It's gotta be the coaching staff, right? I mean, why else, they, he - i dunno, I just... yeesh.

And Colton Orr? Why? He is six minutes of dangerous stupidity and potential disaster every-single-night. Then Ottawa tonight. And if we (the Leafs - they) win, last night was a lost opportunity. And if we (the Leafs - they) lose - I guess none of this was meant to be. And yet, we'll all continue with our statistically unsupported hope. At least we have each other. Thanks for being there especially after a game like that one.

VM Replies: I'm thinking about changing the name of this blog to, "Leaf Fans Comfort Each Other."

[JayDubs]

I have been a fan my whole life. 39 years this year. I actually believed that a GM who has won the cup, would be the tonic for this club. I was so wrong. The have very little talent, no draft picks coming, and very, very little pugnacity, testosterone or belligerence. I really feel bad for Kulemin, Gustavsson, Brown and Schenn. These four players compete each and every time they are on the ice. Very few of the other players on the team seem to care. At least if you measure that by effort, forecheck, backcheck, etc. Sorry Vinay, I really do like your blog, they Leafs are not going to make the playoffs this year. They won't next year either. Very few top flight centres are available as free agents.

[TG77]

I find myself getting annoyed as well but only at the losses such as last night in a game in which they are playing a team that has been horrible at home and is right with them in the standings. I am trying to stay optimistic that Armstrong will somehow have a steadying influence on the PK (any chance of Andrew Bailey providing some before and after comparison for us about the PK % with Armstrong and without??). He actually battles hard on the wall and kills valuable seconds and he does for the Leafs what Gaustad did last night for the Sabres by hitting other teams skill players, or anyone who is near him for that matter.

I am not going to defend Orr or Versteeg's penalties because they were dumb but no charging on Kaleta and 6 minutes for Orr was ridiculous. If the Leafs could just actually capitalize on early PP's (again, Mr. Bailey, your assistance please with some stats related to the Leafs success rate on penalties in the 1st ten minutes versus early goals the leafs give up while killing penalties) then we all wouldn't be so annoyed. Some urgency out of Mr. Kaberle while on the PP would help too. He looks like he doesn't care and is just riding out his time here which is very different from the first 4 games of the season when he was dancing along the blueline and shooting.

The Leafs losing in Buffalo is becoming another life's guarantee alongside death and taxes. 13 seconds of holding onto the lead at home a few weeks back might have helped get the monkey off their backs but at some point they need a win in Buffalo or that is a 12 point swing based on 3 games each season there.

[oakville_girl]

My Leafs viewing lately has pretty much consisted of having the game on, and then going around the house and doing other things, occasionally running in when the announcer gets excited, (which really doesn't happen much)

I'm not a band wagon jumper, I have been a Leafs fan for my whole life and defended them whenever anyone put them down. Sadly, I don't show my blue and white pride too much anymore. The Leafs won 4 cups in my lifetime, but I was only 8 mos, 1, 2 and 5 years old when they won them, and only have the stories from my father about those runs.

My father always said he wouldn't see the Leafs win a Stanley Cup again before he died, and unfortunately that was a true statement. I'm starting to think the same thing now.

When I watch the highlights of the 93 Leafs under Pat Burns stewardship, I wonder whether we'll ever see that type of team or coach again in Toronto.

It's too bad they didn't bottle the blood, sweat and tears of those players, and figure out how to use it as an elixir for future teams. *sigh*

At least I'm going out tonight, and won't be tempted to watch tonights' tilt....

Vinay, your blog is definitely becoming a Leafs fan support group.

I'll start the meeting first. "My name is Pat, and I'm a Leafs fan....."

VM Replies: I'm going to buy a pack of those "Hello, My Name Is..." lapel stickers for our first official meeting. We can wear our jerseys and eat lemon squares to symbolize last night's game.

[Vinay Menon]

Also, where is Pyramid Power? He didn't do any play-by-play last night. He hasn't commented this morning. I need to send out an APB on his whereabouts. This is almost as upsetting as last night's game.

[Hoofheartz]

Forgot to ask this morning (I was in such a funk) but what could Wilson have possibly been thinking by sitting out Mike Brown, or was he injured and I missed the announcement? Dolton Orr or Mike Brown, seems like a no brainer to me, which come to think of it, is certainly desribing Ron Wilson.

PS - How come Nikki isn't on here defending the indefensible? VM, please include him in the APB for PP, on 2nd thought, don't bother.

PSS - anyone know what the 1st post is about?

VM Replies: According to a piece in Globe, Mike Brown was injured Wednesday at practice. He blocked a Versteeg slapshot -- with his groin. It's not funny, I know, but it does kind of seem like a metaphor for what we fans have endured this season. With respect to your PPS, I had no idea what that was about. I just figured I didn't get it.

[Robert]

It is unfortunate that Colton Orr decided he had to 'send a message' Did Wilson tell him to fight? This unfortunate incident was all that was needed for Toronto to once again leave Buffalo - LOSERS! There is ample talent on this Varsity/3rd line team to make some of these games interesting, and perhaps even exciting. Why then try to pick a ridiculous fight when what you really want to do is start quick, and play hard. You can't do that from the sin bin. I really don't understand the need for the Colton Orrs of this world. Luke did what was needed. Get on with the game. Orr tonight, will probably try Carkson in Ottawa. Another waste of time. Send Orr to the Marlies and bring up a player.

[Kyle4]

Wilson has got to go. Three losing seasons with this team and he's still there. Why? Because he's best buds with Burke. If Burke can't pull the trigger on his pal then he's going to have to go to. The Leafs are simply outcoached every single game. He put John Mitchell on as the extra man! He put Kaberle back on after he iced the puck. He constantly trash talks the players to the media. I'm sick of this guy because despite trades, line changes and new players, the Leafs are still the same.

[Hoofheartz]

Have to agree with you Kyle for the most part except for one thing, Mitchell is probably the best faceoff man the Leafs have right now. Unfortunately, if my memory serves me correctly, Mitchell won a draw as the extra man, but drew the puck right between the 2 Dmen and out of the zone.

[Hoofheartz]

Comments at this link: http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/897460--miller-shuts-down-leafs#comments
are far harsher than most of whats been said here. We need to pick up the slack. Its time for a full frontal assault. Get rid of WILSON now! Now back to your regularily scheduled programming.

[80s Leafs]

I'm in for:
getting rid of Wilson.
and
the name tags.
"Hello, my name is Bill Root."

[Pyramid Power]

Need a resounding win over the Hens tonight. I hope Giggy takes his sweet time coming back. Very happy with Goose in nets right now although he did get scored on on the Sabres first shot last night, and it has to be better than that.

Get untracked tonight Toronto. This really is a must win as much as I loathe that cliche. Need to get to Ottawa early, jump out to a lead and don't let inferior goalies make themselves look like world beaters.

I expect Phil Kessel to put this team on his shoulders tonight, and score a few. Guys that have not been producing need to get it done tonight.

A goal from Kaberle and other defencemen would be nice too. Hope Brown is ready to go too. Need the Fu rolling on all cylinders.

And Sjostrom, Brent and our PK men - get yer poop together man! And of course it would help to not take triple minors, and to score a few on our PP ops.

@Kid Delicious You're a Canadiens fan. You gave Bob Gainey lots of time to assemble a decent squad. Six YEARS! Why do you come on here and trash Brian Burke? First class ignorance. Burkie is not the problem, the players are right now.

GAME TIME! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! Hope Leafs fans in Ottawa bring the noise and support. Toronto needs all the help it can get right now.

[Tom]

wow, leafs and sens falling all over the ice and yet sens have not managed to score on the leafs yet. :O

[Tom]

*eats his words*

VM Replies: Tom, I don't want to alarm you, but you're definitely psychic. Your first game comment *always* precedes an opposition goal by mere minutes!

[Moe Green]

I think we have to acknowledge a problem that isn't roster-related. Something is amiss behind the bench methinks. No team in the league can be THIS bad. This is coaching, right? It's either coaching or we are in possession of some woefully bad professional athletes. Which is it?

[Pyramid Power]

A combo of the two imo Moe. Pathetic display again tonight with Michalek, Kovy and Fisher leading the way on offence. Elliott in nets pitching a shutout. One goal in two games clearly shows we are well beyond wretched.

Toronto desperately needed to show up tonight in every way, and they did not. Can't win if you don't score.

I will say this again as ridiculous as it may sound: give Wilson another job within the organization and punch Burkie behind the bench. Pull a Punch Imlach Brian! I am well aware he has not coached before, but why not? Maybe he can wake the team up with some passionate pre-game oratory etc.... Or how about Kirk Muller, assistant coach of the Canadiens? Can we steal him?

And time to spend the $4 mill in cap space BB! Find some offence to help this dismal bunch out.

Something is clearly needed on this hockey team aside from scoring, penalty killing, a power play, solid defensive work, dedication, passion etc....

Can't fire the players. Time for Ronnie to go!

Oh, and clearly it is time to send a message to some of our forwards by demoting some of them to the Marlies, and bringing up some Marlies. You can't stay the course much longer Brian as much as I loathe that George Bush Jr. cliche. Massive radical changes need to happen NOW!

The Air Canada Coffin should be plenty ugly when local Toronto kid Steve Stamkos rolls into town. I know I would be going to the game, and letting the team have it.

Burke has been here in Toronto for almost precisely two years. That is surely time enough to get rid of the blue and white malaise and out of the cellar or near it. Or is it? I guess it is not.

Basement bottom feeders yet again this year so far and for the foreseeable future. Toronto hockey fans, Hockeytown, deserve so much more than this garbage.

GOLF LEAFS GOLF!

[Hoofheartz]

I'm sure VM will have an appropriate blog for this travesty of a game but I can't wait to comment on the fact Coach Wilson saw fit to make Aulie a healthy scratch despite the fact he plays a simple game of defence that very rarely causes problems in his own end. Apparently it's far more exciting watching the 3 stooges consistently give the puck to opposing forwards. I was especially impressed with Komisarek's little stumble over his own goal line during a Senator line change. Bravo Mike, way to stay on your feet.

[80s Leafs]

Oh my gosh! I just watched the funniest episode of Just for Laughs Gags on CBC! It was hilarious. These guys in white jerseys pretended to be bumbling hockey players losing the puck, giving the puck freely to the other team, falling over for no reason, missing their checks, not getting shots away, watching as the other team completely dismantled their defence to score, Oh, it was comedy at its best! I'm sure an episode like that will be rerun soon, if anyone missed it and really wants to see it.

[Moe Green]

You know Pyramid, they can bench a player but they never have the coach sit out a game or two. Maybe it's the players and maybe it's the coach. We'll never know until we try. Unfortunately, I don't think Burke is the kind of guy to get behind the bench.

Like I have always said, there are game you have to win and games you can afford to lose. The past two games, those were must win games. The Leafs not only lost them, they were pathetic.

When the special teams are the worst in the league in consecutive seasons with entirely different personnel; can it be anything but the coaches responsibility? I don't know Pyramid, but something's gotta give. If it's not the coach, then it must be the GM. If he's made the mistakes then it's time for him to admit it and start all over again. Trade some assets for draft picks. I know it's ugly to think about, but it's either one thing or the other. You can't have it both ways.

Can you imagine the atmosphere at ACC Tuesday. It's horrible to think about how ugly it could get. There actually might be some sort of riot. I am a little afraid.

[Pyramid Power]

@oakville girl and Vinay. Yes, love it man. A Leaf fan support group here at this blog. Gonna be a long brutal winter it would appear. We all need each other to try to get by with a little help from our friends.

"My name is Chris and I am a Leafs fan."

Vinay, Pat and others here at this blog, "Hi Chris!"

"I have been a Leafaholic for 47 years now. I do not see myself changing anytime soon, but with the help of my friends here at this group I think I will turn to alcohol. Is that cool? Does alcohol abuse help you deal with being a Leafs fan?

Leafs support group attendees chorus, "OH YES, CHRIS! INDEED IT HELPS IN MANY MANY WAYS!"

"Good to know everyone and thank you. I find it helps me, but I have not quite yet turned into a full blown drunk. I think I will begin my metamorphosis to alcoholic now. It will be fun! Do you all find it fun?"

"Yes, Chris we certainly do! Cheers!"

I pull my blue and white paper bag with blue and white Leafs flask out of my Leafs coat, and yell into the microphone, "Cheers everyone here and at Leaf Nation! Let's drink and who cares if we never make the playoffs again, or even come close to finishing at .500?! We'll be blasted!"

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!"

"But what about the hangovers everyone?"

"It's OK Chris. Just never stop drinking!"

"Ohhhhhh, I get it. COOL! Thank you all very much for your kind and thoughtful advice. Hiccup"

@Vinay Seriously, any progress on finding out who the Air Canada Coffin clowns are that run the music and entertainment show? Have you asked Richard Peddie why in God's creation MLSE charges the unholy price of $14.25 for a brew yet? Just curious. I think answers to these and many other questions would make an outstanding Monday blues blog in time for our next home game Tuesday against Tampa.

Sorry for the lack of play by play last night, but I was busy teaching the Chinese chillen' yesterday morning, and thankfully missed the game. I was doing the same thing this morning, and thankfully missed a good portion of this horror show too. I bet Ms. Millar, recent guest blogger, hater and Hens fan, is a mighty joyful traitor right now. Ugh! LOL

[Pyramid Power]

@Moe Green Sorry, I did not see your comment before posting my last one above.

Will just say this my fellow Leafs lover: I fully agree with you that Tuesday could get terribly ugly, and anything is a possibility now. I have seldom seen Leaf Nation this furious. Glad we can vent on this blog. A site where I used to comment at is virtually devoid of Leafs fans now, and ones that are coming on are either furious or just disgusted with Toronto.

I also agree with you that the Burke coaching idea is quite far fetched, and unlikely but I am just starting my own push for that to happen for entertainment purposes.

I fully agree with you that our special teams have been crap the last two years because of our coaching staff. I have been cranking that mantra for a long time now.

It is quite possibly time that the whole gang goes as in Zettler, Hunter, Acton and of course RW. Keep Allaire though.

It has to be on our coaches that our special teams are that bad. There don't seem to be any set plays on our PP, no real system in force that the players are buying into. Or they are simply not being told or sold anything as in a system.

You played elite hockey I assume. I well remember having set plays off the faceoffs, set plays on the PP and what my coach in junior called a 'loose attack' PK as in everyone was fully free to attack and quickly quickly go after the puckholder and force a good play. I do not see this happening on our PK.

I see no real designs or systems in play on our PP. We were moving the puck around well, but either the defencemen don't have the talent to get the puck to the net or our opponents are just too good. Obviously it is the former.

And how is the message to get in front of the goalie and truly screen him, and make plays not getting through. Wilson says they are practicing this, but it is not being done. I say it is not being done because the players are tuning him out, and basically forcing Burke to can Wilson and possibly the whole crew.

[Pyramid Power]

Suggested motto for this blog and our support group that I read before but can't remember where.

The Toronto Maple Leafs: a drinking team with a hockey problem.

[Sens-ible Bill]

@Robert
"Orr tonight, will probably try Carkson in Ottawa"
He did. But as often happens, Carkner --- C-a-r-k-n-e-r --- was too busy playing --- and too valuable taking a regular shift on defence --- to indulge this one-trick-pony.
Frankly, I don't know why Burke & Wilson play the guy. He certainly doesn't intimidate anyone with his play. Meanwhile guys like Carkner and Neil continue to contribute --- and look after any nonsense --- while playing regular shifts.
I think Schenn --- in my mind, the only REAL asset the Leafs have --- can take care of protecting your stars --- umm, if they were producing and thus being a threat to opposing teams, and thus worth protecting, I guess.

[Sens-ible Bill]

Sorry guys. We did give you some chances, some wide-open nets and give aways and such. It's really not our fault if your players can't score. Though I do think Elliot had a strong game, as did guys like Yarko Rutuu dropping down to block shots.
As for us scoring, I have to admit it was rather nice to see Mike Fisher actually finally look healthier and stronger, so he can get back to doing what he does so well.
And how about that Kovie? He seems to be getting some post-operation confidence back --- finally --- and starting to be the cagey scorer/playmaker we know he can be.
Anyway, was nice to see so many Leafs fans get great seats for a game. I even saw a father and young son, both wearing Leaf jerseys, right down by the glass, which is cool.
Sure wish I could see some kids, and families, in the Corporate Bowl (Gold and Platinum seats) at the ACC.

[Sens-ible Bill]

OK people. Let's say the last two Leaf games were their two games in hand. Any change in their outlook, playoffs-wise?
Maybe that stats guy shouldn't have been blasted so hard for merely stating an unpopular and depressing truth.
Better luck back home this week.

[Sens-ible Bill]

Pyramid, my friend.
I don't want to come off as some holier-than-thou, or holier-than-anyone, self-righteous puncture* (as with a pin), but I can't help urging a bit of caution.
I know your post on changing (metamorphing) from a Leafaholic to an alcoholic was tongue-in-cheek and meant to be all in fun, but . . .
While I don't personally have a problem with alcoholism, I've seen too many that have and what damage they've done to their loved ones, as well as themselves. So I cringe a bit when seeing it casually used, even in a joke.
I think we all get your point --- which was well made. I just think you might want to rethink using what is a troubling, damaging disease for many in a joking manner.
And if I'm being too serious here, I do apologize. I just feel from reading your posts you're not a jerk and wouldn't want to come across as one, even accidentally.
Again, if I am off base with such comments, I do apologize. I just think it's something to keep in mind. (smile)
* wasn't sure if I wanted to use the word pr*ck here. Ooops. Chickened out again. LOL

[JayDubs]

Well the game against Ottawa was another disaster. When and where can I get my hello my name is, name tag?, I am searching on Google for a nice lemon square recipe. Do any of you know a nice drafty church basement where we can have our support meetings? Vinay, please continue with the blog. We need it to continue, even though it must be very hard to keep going day after day. Thanks for so publicly declaring your support for this team while the rest of us do so anonymously. Cheers everyone.

VM Replies: We shall overcome! Send me the lemon square recipe when you can.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

Did PP write "Put Burke behind the bench"? He has got to be joking. I have a better idea. Get rid of Burke and give Wilson the GM job.
Burke has shown he doesn't have a clue on how to build a team and now you want him to coach? Does that make any sense at all? Ron Wilson has over 1000 games coached. He's a coach...let him coach. Stop ragging on this guy. He can only work with what he has. We've analyzed this to death. What's wrong with the Leafs? It starts and ends with the players. This is Brian Burkes responsibility.
Last night during the 2nd period intermission they talked about the Leafs and their problems. Mike Milbury stated that Burke has hurt this team and it will take at least 5 years to recover. 5 years! Wasn't Brian supposed to right the ship?
PP says give him time...he's only been here 2 years now. How much longer can you guys wait? What's harder....changing the players or the GM? The Leafs have an infinite amount of money...why not spend that on the best GM out there? You have to start at the top and work your way down...it doesn't work the other way.
Look at what Steve Yzerman has done and is doing in Tampa. This is his first job as a GM..but he learned from the best, Ken Holland.
Stop blaming Wilson. The problem is Burke and the team he assembled .

[Hoofheartz]

Vinay where are you? We need your guidance and direction more than ever now.

VM Replies: I am curled up in the fetal position under my basement stairs.