Game 22: Groundhog Day

  

A revelation dawned last night while dining with friends: I don't have to actually watch this Leafs team anymore to write about them.

What's that? They were shutout in Game 22? Okay, let me dig up my notes from Game 9, Game 10, Game 14 or Game 19.

They got a few chances but couldn't convert, right? They repeatedly fired the puck into the goalie's midsection? They gave up a power play goal? They didn't get any power play goals of their own? They missed a few empty nets?

They looked dejected after the first goal and then looked morose, overwhelmed, sad, hopeless, desperate, besieged, glum, resigned, momentarily engaged and then back to dejected?

Great. Done. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.

Something has to give here. Something has to change, assuming it isn't already too late.

Is there any precedent for a coup d'etat in the NHL? Maybe we should remove our jerseys, put on fatigues and storm the ACC tomorrow before sunrise: "That's it! Everybody up against the wall! We are taking control of this godforsaken organization!"

Anyway, now I'm off to buy name badges for our new support group. Where and when should we have our first meeting? All of a sudden, I'm free on Tuesday night.

Comments

[Sarah]

I'm not sure what was so wrong Saturday night — it was one of the best Leafs games I have watched in a long time! Almost, Sens-ational.

VM Replies: Sigh.

[Mark Twain]

What was so wrong ? They lost duh

[Moe Green]

It's groundhog day. It's deja-vu all over again. It's not worth the pixels. What a game we played last night. Kessel missed the net seventeen times. What an amazing talent. Isn't that some kind of "sniping" record. Maybe he's nervous. And what about Bozak. He's obviously developed a cloaking device of some sort. How else can you go an entire game without having your name called by the play-by-play announcer. The Leafs actually had the puck in the Sens' zone for a full two minutes of power play time, with the same power play unit on the ice, without getting a single shot on net. Tell me that's ever happened before in the NHL. Of course it hasn't.

We are a lunch-bucket team. How else do you explain Colton Orr getting the loudest ovation during the player introductions to start the season. Talent, bah, it's all about hard work. Why pay elites when you can have American Leaguers, college players and goons for a fraction of the cost. I'm looking at you Bill Derlago and Tiger Williams. But I could be looking at Christian Hanson, Tyler Bozak, John Mitchell or Luca Caputi. Or Mike Brown, Tim Brent, Colton Orr, Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong - not a superstar among em. This is a Toronto team if there ever was one.

This is a special team, and it's ours and the ride has only just started. We have 60 games left this season. We have 60 more tries to set a whole bunch of NHL records. Most consecutive games without a goal. Most consecutive minutes without a shot on goal. Most consecutive games with a Colton Orr idiotic, ill-advised penalty. Most consecutive games without an assist by Phil Kessel. Most “We've gotta be better” comments from a team dressing room in a single season. It's all about changing the culture. Instead of worrying about winning games, let's just enjoy the crazy ride.

Let's change the culture. Let's hope for a last place overall finish. Let's hope Boston drafts the next Crosby or Ovechkin or whomever. Whom cares. We are Leafs fans. We don't need any stinking overpriced first-line talent. We want stinking, overpriced third-line talent. We like it that way. Let's make it harder for us to win games. Then when we win it's all the sweeter. Let's make winning a single game our playoffs, three in a row our Stanley Cup, five in a row our dynasty. It's all about perception, right? Let's make this the best season in Leafland since Rick Viave was captain, since the Gary Leeman trade. Since hope was a young man with a full head of dyed blue and white hair and his whole life ahead of him.

So go to ACC and instead of booing the team, try and sing the "Canada's Team" song with a straight face during Tuesday's impending humiliation at the hands of Stamkos and the Lightening. Start a chant like they do in Montreal or Boston. Only instead of Monteal's "Goodbye song," or Boston's “Thank you Kessel,” I suggest a rousing rendition of "Thank you Burke, Thank you Wilson." That outta at least get their attention. Sing it loud and sing it strong and sing it for all us fans who can never afford to attend a game in person. Be our voice. It might not be entirely fair to Burke and Wilson. If they don't like it, well tough noogies! After all, even Burke would agree that it's the fans that matter most. And who knows, it might loosen up the players, inspire a victory. At the very least it might do the fans' hearts some good. Bottom line - we all deserve it.

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

Can someone PLEASE explain to me why most of you are Laff fans.
The last time this team was a serious contender was 17 years ago. I am fairly certain many disciples of the Laff's cannot even remember a good team. If you are under 23 or 24, (no way a 6 or 7 year old can appreciate a good or bad team), you don't even remember a serious discussion of the Cup going to Toronto.

So why not cheer for a good organization?
Buffalo in the past 10 years has had more success (just not now) and you can get tickets to the games.
Detroit's record needs no explanation, and a weekend in Detroit to catch a couple games is possible.
If you want to stay Canadian, why not Habs and Ottawa?

Just because you live in an area where the ownership know as much about winning as a Lindsay Lohan knows about discretion, does not mean you have to cheer for them, unless you are some drooling moron.

[JayDubs]

Vinay, I will try making the lemon squares on Tuesday night. I honestly can't think of something better to do. I will let you know how they turn out. I too have been curled up under my stairs crying. The last time was when my uncle told me that the Leafs GM wanted to draft Joe Sakic, but he was overruled by John Brophy and Harold Ballard. Thank you very much Luke Richardson, you had a nice career, but for flip's sake, JOE SAKIC. That one really hurt. I hope you find some nice looking nametags. May I suggest some sort of token handed out, say for 90 days without buying any Leafs merchandise, 30 days since I last watched, sort of thing. It would be a nice measure of how far each of us have come in our recovery, from a terrible, terrible affliction. I was wondering last night as I watched the game, if I took all the time I have spent watching and discussing the Maple Leafs in my life what wonderful thing I could have accomplished instead?. Then I went and got the last cold beer from the fridge, drank it as Ottawa scored again, thinking it could be worse. I could have become an Islanders fan.

[Hoofheartz]

Hockey Fan this why we are Leaf fans - Fanatics - A fan, short for fanatic and sometimes also called aficionado or supporter, is a person with an intense, occasionally overwhelming liking and enthusiasm for a sporting club, person (usually a celebrity), group of persons, company, product, activity, work of art, idea, or trend. ...
True fans don't flip flop because their team is doing poorly (for what seems like forever). We bitch and moan about them, but we don't abandon them. I know, I tried earlier this year but I couldn't do it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to wipe the drool off my chin.

[Moe Green]

Leafs need a twelve-step program:

1. Watch what other teams are doing and copy them. Whether it's the diminuitive in stature Canadians or the talent-challenged Predators - watch what they do and then do what they do.

2. Make players do what you want them to do. You want Kaberle to shoot on the power play - make him shoot. If he doesn't, no more power play time. No more: "Boo-hoo. Kessel doesn't back check. If Kessel doesn't back-check - he doesn't play.

3. Instead of publicly throwing players under the bus, put them on the bus to the Ricoh Coliseum. Make them carry their own luggage and stay in motels instead of the Sheraton. Let them see how the other 99.9% lives.

4. No more huge hero posters of potential future stars, just posters of actual current or past stars around ACC.

5. Tell the fans the truth. We can take it. You think season's ticket holders care about two home playoff games - maybe? If you are gonna rebuild, rebuild. Halfway isn't really working is it.

6. No more stock answers during press conferences.

7. Play the trap. What you think the fans are gonna get bored with a 2-1 win. Maybe the journalists or analysts or pundits, but believe me, the fans will love it.

8. No more sarcasm. Sorry Ron, You've lost purchase in the world of sarcasm. It's humility time.

9. Get the right kind of players. Toronto fans want grit, not staged fights. We want team toughness, not arrogance and stupidity. We want discipline, not foolish penalties.

10. No more catch phrases. We don't need "truculence, testosterone and tenacity" or that "Vatican of Hockey" BS. It's really not an appropriate or timely image given their recent struggles anyway. Like calling us the "Third Reich of Hockey." We need results not words.

11. If you need more time, ask the fans for more time. Don't leave us hanging. If we don't have the talent, we can wait. As long as there is something to wait for. No more short-term fixes.

12. Give the fans something. Lower ticket prices. Lower concession prices. Throw the long-suffering leafs fans a bone for god's sake. You owe it to us. If you can't see that you don't deserve to own the team.

[JayDubs]

Hockey Fan, why are we Leaf Fans? The important or more pertinent question is, why would someone who is not a Leaf Fan want to post on a blog dedicated to those who are?. Are you so insecure that the only way to feel good about yourself is to put others down? Please don't knock down our sandcastle because the one you have built yourself is inadequate. Cheer for another team if you must, and we will cheer for our beloved Maple Leafs.

[Geoff Read]

I'll offer a consoling note to the Leafs' fans: yes, this team will miss the playoffs again... but at least there is some hope here for the future. Kessel is a genuine sniper and he's young. Khadri might be a bonafide top two centre, Aulie looks like a good defensive defenceman whose development appears ahead of schedule, Schenn has improved dramatically this year and can play in the top four for this next decade, Phaneuf... well, no one doubts his talent if he can get his head on straight, Gustavsson looks like he'll be ready for prime time next season... is it perfect? No. But that's a decent nucleus around which to build. First priority: more depth up front. Burke needs to acquire some genuine talent beyond Khadri and Kessel who are on the right side of 25.

[Pyramid Power]

@Hockey Fan It is difficult to take you seriously when you call the Leafs the "Laffs", and write that the last time this city saw a "serious contender" was in 1993.
I assume you have forgotten our conference final run in 2002 that ended against Raleigh, Paul Maurice and the 'Canes?
And 1999 and our conference final run that ended against Buffalo and Lindy Ruff?
And 1994 and our conference final run that ended against Vancouver? Anyway.

@SENSible Bill from the previous blog. Point received about your post about alcoholism, and and the damage done. I think you were indeed being too serious though, but I can handle a mild rebuke and barb about coming across as a 'jerk'. You're an Ottawa fan so you can't possibly understand. LOL

@Kid Delicious from the previous blog too. Well, I am of the feeling that it is not time to let Burke go. It will not happen. MLSE is not going to get rid of him after only two years on the job. Just not going to happen so why discuss that? Analyze the deals he has done, but that has been done to death and I am tired of doing so at this point.

So what are the solutions for this team? Are there any? The rational me says no there are not, and firing Wilson and the entire coaching staff is not the answer either as I advocated and so many many other fellow members of Leaf Nation have been trumpeting.

Keep trading, get rid of Brett Lebda by any means necessary, use our $4 mill in cap space to make a deal if possible and just preach patience, patience, patience. One fan noted that it is outrageous to see Aulie out, and Lebda in. I could not agree more. Lebda is only one player though, and perhaps he will play like he did in Detroit and show his true natural talent and ability.

We have some talent but somehow it does indeed seem to shrivel up so often in Toronto. What could possibly have made that team go out and lose in Buffalo and Ottawa on consecutive nights, and net a grand total of one goal. I realize Ryan Miller is an all-world goalie, and our record in Buffalo is abysmal so that loss did not particularly disturb me. But last night in front of a national TV audience with thousands of members of Leaf Nation out in force we were unable to convert any of our superb seven chances that we had while Ottawa was able to find a way. Three times. And win in a shutout with a guy named Brian Elliott between the pipes. Devastating.

Complete devastation in Leaf Nation now and understandably so.

Moe Green as always make some superb points in his post above about just playing the small game here as in look for tiny victories wherever we can. Celebrate a mere goal as if we had just won a Stanley Cup.

I have no solutions to offer anymore to this team. I think continued culture change is all we can do as fans. Show up to the Air Canada Coffin on Tuesday, and chant as Moe says we should.

I certainly wish I could but I reside on Planet China which often seems like a different galaxy. I am actually happy I am here insofar as being a Leafs fan because heaven help me if I was in Toronto listening to Andy Frost, Leaf radio talk shows etc.... and the utter misery, screaming, frothing masses braying bloody murder which is happening as this post is being typed here in the middle of the night near Shanghai.

Vinay can use his clout with the Star and his diplomatic skills to find out what is wrong with the music at the ACC, and why prices are so high for everything from beer to hot dogs. His blog has been an utter revelation for me, and I think I can say for many esteemed fellow posters here that we all thank you for bringing the funny Vinay and superb writing. Your writing alone is an inspiration to me on a personal note.

Regarding the absurdly high prices for everything at the ACC, I am beyond perplexed at the greed I have read about. I had no idea that it costs almost 15 dollars for a mere beer. That makes me hopping mad so to speak. Is this just simple corporate greed?

MLSE has more money than God himself so do they feel the need to gouge the sufferers in Toronto further? I know not and care not to think why. The why of massive corporate greed is above my intellectual capacity. It is too evil to even contemplate on a rational basis. That is just me speaking as a simple cadre here in China, a member of the proletariat who puts in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay to blast that cliche to death.

Anyway, it is a new day today. Football is coming on soon to take this Leafs fan's mind off of that drinking team with a hockey problem, lol, and move on from here. I thank all the gods I have other hobbies, a wife and family and things to keep me sane in what I can only say must be insanity deep within the borders of Leaf Nation. And of course here at the fringes of Leaf Nation thousands of miles away, but at heart and soul, right in the middle of the roaring inferno that must be Toronto right now.

[Fonziesuncle]

1. fire the coach. gotta do it today.
2. make two trades- Bauch for settagucci. Then bozak, Kaberle, Grabovski, and jussi rynas for Corey Perry.

3. well thats it. My trades are probly stupid, but if Burke doesnt call a press conference today, __________ (insert empty threat here)

[Fonziesuncle]

Umm stop me if this is innapropriate, but considering what happened at Maple Leaf Gardens isnt calling the Leafs (or toronto or the ACC) the "vatican of hockey" a little creepy?

[80s Leafs]

I would have to say Moe Green and I are roughly the same age, therefore, have been stuck supporting this sad-sack organization for the same amount of time, and harbour the same frustrations year after year.
All I can say to what he posted above is, "Amen, brother!"
Let me know when/where the support group is meeting. I'll bring a salad.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

The Vatican oh Hockey? The ACC?? OK...please stop now. I can't take it anymore. The Leafs and the ACC are in big trouble. Their fans don't know whether to cheer or jeer. Burke has no idea what he's doing and the players have all but given up on Wilson. This is the Vatican of Hockey? Ughh!! Give it up!
Hockey started in Montreal. The most Cups have been won by Montreal and the best fans are in Montreal. Anything I forgot?

[leafland'r]

Why, oh, WHY?
Why is Kessel striding in his somewhat backcheck, only to finish with a slow glide to within one last stride of an opponent?
Why are players regulary passing to a teammate who his shoulder to shoulder, only to have it passed back as if to say "I don't want it"?
Why are there often three Leaf forward jersey's at the same hatch marks along the boards in the offensive zone?
Why does Gustavsson seems to have a risky delay with turning his head when following the puck behind his net?
Why, at post game, does my neck hurt? Oh wait, I know the answer to that one: from too frequently throwing my head back and rolling my eyes ( with accompanying groan or ripe word).

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

I must applaud you all for staying true to your team. It seems like most of you are old enough to remember the glory days. Keep it up! Now is when the Leafs need you more than ever. The minute they start winning the bandwagon will be full but it is you guys that will have the VIP seats reserved.
All the best ( a Habs fan).

[Simon]

Hi Vinay, I love this blog, and I think you've captured how I feel. Here's a suggestion for the Tuesday meeting: Go out to some local TO league and blog about that. Give the Leafs players some time in the corner to think about how disappointed they've made us feel. Don't give them time to make excuses, because in the real world, you're not given a chance to make a 1st excuse, or a 2nd, or a 3rd, or an n'th. Let them think about what they've done to us, the true fans, and come back to the rink the next day.

[Hoofheartz]

You know the one thing you forgot kid shredder, you forgot that no know here gives a flying fig what you think. You're a stinking habs fan so do us all a favour and head on over to habs upside/down or inside/out.

[Tom]

@Vinay:

We should meet at Tim Horton's, obviously. :P

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

Hey Hoofheartz....classy! Good thing not all Leaf fans are like you. You must be the type of fan that sits quietly at the games or better yet....doesn't go at all.
Yes, I am a Habs fan and proud of it. I come on here to see what the 'enemy' is writing about. Not much to write about on our website these days...we're winning.
It's the tough times that bring out the character in people. Only through struggle to do we really grow. I guess life is pretty good for you.
Stay classy Hoofer....;)

[Hoofheartz]

Shredder, you are the atypical habs fan. All yap when they're winning and never seen nor heard when they're losing, so what I previously stated still stands, head on over to habs inside/out where you'll be appreciated. BTW, why do you assume that all Leaf fans must live somewhere where they can take in a game in person? Finally, I know of no Leaf fan who frequents another teams blog as much as you frequent this one or comments as much as you do on other Leaf stories, do you need someone to pay more attention to you?

[Pyramid Power]

@Fonziesuncle Your second post above about calling Toronto the 'Vatican of hockey' a little "creepy" is excellent. Had not thought of that before. I'm sticking with Hockeytown or the Mecca of hockey in reference to Toronto. Montreal is the Medina of hockey. These are two sacred cities in Saudi Arabia just in case you did not know. Mecca is the more sacred though of course.

GTA region has more indoor and outdoor rinks than any other region in the world as I have posted here before, and produces more pro hockey talent than any other region in the world. Well, make that southern Ontario as far as producing pro hockey talent goes.

Toronto is the real Hockeytown. Detroit is Motown not Hockeytown. Their PR department came up with a cute little nickname for that city, but most Detroit denizens care more about the Tigers, Pistons and even the Lions than the Wings.

A good hockey city and state no doubt in Michigan, but Detroit is Hockeytown USA perhaps. I think Minnesota could put out a pretty solid argument that that city (tri-city actually) is Hockeytown USA despite losing their North Stars years ago. Excellent high school hockey and NCAA hockey programs in the state of Minnesota.

Love your trade ideas, but don't see those deals happening at all. Beauchemin for Setoguchi just not gonna happen. Doug Wilson, Sharks GM, a very shrewd dude down in San Jose and Setoguchi is a quality hockey player. Would have to package in quite a lot more than Beauch to pry Setoguchi away. I like a lot of those Sharks forwards such as Pavelski, Clowe, Couture and others. Quality talent and hand it to Wilson for icing a superb team for years now. Just can't get over the hump and win it all.

Long time Leaf fans here will certainly remember how close the Sharks came to beating us in 1994 on a crossbar clang by a long forgotten Shark that would have eliminated us in Game 7 at the Gardens. Got through that series, but were eliminated later by Vancouver.

Your second trade proposal is intriguing. Rynnas, Bozak, Grabbo and Kabby for Corey Perry. I love it but I don't think Murray and Carlyle would go for it down in Anaheim. They already have a stellar goalie in Jonas Hiller, and their backup McIlhenney does a great job in general so I don't think they would be interested in Rynnas.

The Ducks were hurting for defencemen before the beginning of the season, and I seriously thought Burkie might make a play for Bobby Ryan who went unsigned all summer haggling over the length of his contract. Thought we might just move Kabby and other defencemen to Anaheim, and speculated that might have been why BB brought in Lebda. Not to be.

I still do not understand why Burke signed Brett Lebda. Just puzzles the hey outta me.

Anyway, I think Burkie has something cooking for sure and a deal is going to get done before Christmas as teams assess needs and become desperate. We have cap space, we have assets with the Marlies, nobody is untouchable on this Leafs team I would assume aside from Burke signings Kessel and Goose. I would think Schenn and Phaneuf are untouchable too. Everybody else? Deal 'em if you think we can get value Brian.

[Pyramid Power]

@Moe Green Love your 12 step program especially steps seven and twelve. Play the freakin' trap Ronnie & Co. If Toronto can't score goals which has been demonstrated fully then it is clearly time to deal with what you have. Wilson is supposed to have this excellent reputation for defensive coaching with the Sharks. He was a d-man during his career if I recall correctly. Trap 'em Ronnie.
And number 12 about throwing us a bone MLSE and the Leafs is excellent. Just do it Brian, Peddie, Tanenbaum and the gang!
@Hoofheartz To be fair to Shredder he did write in a post above that we true fans should be commended. That is the only thing that bears a reply though.

I have made a vow to myself re this blog that I am going to really try to keep, which is, non-citizens of Leaf Nation will be generally ignored unless they come on here and have some positive things to say about the Leafs and not mocking us fans etc..

I think SENS-ible Bill might be one of those types that is worthy of a reply. Others? Nope. Just not worth it.

[Pyramid Power]

Philip Kessel. Softer than butter sitting outside on an African afternoon.
5'11 and 190 but plays like he is 5'5 and 130 with no guts at all.
He is the same size as Mike Richards and Kid Crosby. They get their noses dirty, but he does not.
Boston fans were happy to be rid of him, and called him soft more times than I care to remember during cyberarguments about that trade. Right now they are right.
I had faith in 'Philthy' to have a huge year possibly scoring 50 goals, and seeing his game evolve. It has not. It has regressed.
It would nice of him to become acquainted with the word forecheck and do it like Forsberg, Sakic and Yzerman used to do. And HIT people on the forecheck.
Daniel freakin' Sedin hits more people than Kessel!
Remember you are a hockey player Phil. Skate, hit, repeat. The goals will come.
He was so shockingly soft and a non-factor in the Olympics playing for Wilson. I was stunned to see that. I am losing faith in him fast and furious.
Nice of Sarah the Sens traitor to come on here, and rub our noses in it. Bad, bad, bad girl! You deserve a spanking! Just jesting.

[Al]

Groundhog Day... great movie, and a great analogy not only for this season but for the last decade. I particularly like the scene where Bill Murray kidnaps the groundhog. In my fantasy, though, I kidnap Ron Wilson and force him to bench Komisarek for the rest of the year while Burke gets a full 'redo' on his first two seasons as head Leaf.

[We BeLeaf]

Hey Vinay,

I recall in the movie that Bill Murray commits suicide a few times which bears striking resemblance to the Leafs season and the way I myself have died a little inside watching some these shutout losses. My suggestion is we hold the support group meeting at a Legion hall: the beer is cheap and the coffee is always free. I'll bring the Kleenex tissues....

[prize maple]

I would make a comment, but my thoughts have already been conveyed perfectly in this space by Moe Green and Hockey Fan. Such concise, thoughtful and well-written comments (believe me, I say this without the slightest hint of sarcasm)!! Thanks and keep up the good work. Now if only they would open up the comments section for this morning's laughable article on the progress (or is that regress?) on Burke's "rebuild" of the team.

[Simmer]

@Moe
I'm with you on every suggestion except the trap. I'd rather watch 100 losing seasons than have to suffer through a team playing the trap every night.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

To all of you Leaf Nation followers. I neither require nor expect a response. I am giving my 2 cents worth. I never expected any love from you guys....do you think I am an idiot? I read this for fun and comment the same. You can did all you want....I am on many blogs..not just yours. I am not myopic....I am everywhere commenting on everything.
A typical Habs fan? lol....ouch? Good one Hoofer....you hit me where it hurts.
PP....why does nothing I write deserve a reply? Is it because you don't agree with me or am I wrong? Like I said before...keep Burke. Montreal fans wouldn't have it any other way. :)

[Hoofheartz]

Shredder, here are some definitions of atypical: somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal. Unfortunate that you chose to confuse atypical with a typical - notice the difference? Also unfornuate that you chose to omit my whole quote, you know, the part where I said the atypical habs fan is all yap when they are winning but never heard nor seen when they are losing.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

Sorry Hoofer....I must have been blinded by my love for the Habs...I missed your whole quote.
Would you like cheese with that wine? A typical Leafs fan. Did I use that correctly? ;)
Of all the blogs I read...this one is the most fun. You guys should all be sitting in a room together singing Kumbaya. lol. Keep it up!

VM Replies: Kumbaya? I know you're mocking us, Kid Delicious, but that's actually not a bad idea.

[Hoofheartz]

Someone's yapping Lord, kumbaya. Someone's yapping Lord, kumbaya. Someone's yapping Lord, kumbaya, Ooooh Lord, kumbaya.

[Pyramid Power]

Shredder equals Kathleen Turner in 'War of the Roses.'
Hoofheartz equals Michael Turner in same film.

We certainly know who the wench is from Hags Nation. And we know who the man is from Leaf Nation.

I will henceforth be referring to Shredder as Kathy.

Kid Delicious? Oh my god! Kid Obnoxious. Go play somewhere else kid. You loathe Toronto, you loathe the Leafs, you are a loather. I know this and you know this.

Go sing kumbaya avec les enfants a votre pays et avec Vos Glorieux. Tu comprends?

Au revoir Enfant Delicieux!

[Pyramid Power]

Sorry, I meant to call Hoofheartz Michael Douglas.

Anyway, run along now Kid Delicious and stick to Montreal and your passionate love affair with all things there et Vos Glorieux.

BLOW FLABS BLOW!

[Kid Delicious]

Our song is Ole, Ole. PP. But you know that. Michael Turner? You mean Tina Turner....lol.
I love the Leafs...what are you talking about? Do you think anyone else would do this that doesn't love them?
Go Leafs GO! Yeah!!!

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

Let me set the record straight. I couldn't choose to be a Habs fan any more than you guys chose to be Leaf fans. What I mean is I never sat down one day and decided that the Habs were going to be my team...they just were.
I grew up with 5 uncles that were all hockey fanatics and our Saturday nights revolved around HNIC and Peter Puck. The Habs were it. No other team mattered.
Ken Dryden, Larry Robinson, Guy Lafleur. These are the guys I looked up to.
Back than...it was all about Habs/ Leafs. Sittler, McDonald,Salming, 'Tiger' Williams, Seiling and Hammarstrom. Those were games! I've always had a love/hate relationship with the Leafs. They made Montreal better.
But that was a long time ago. The rivalry these days are mostly between the fans.
The games are fun to watch but without the Leafs contending...the spark just isn't there. I would love nothing more then to see Toronto and Montreal going at it in the playoffs. This is why I am here.........