"That's not good enough."

I recall watching the Leafs skate one morning this summer.

It was late August, around 9:30 a.m. at the MasterCard Centre. Since camp had not started yet, this was an optional skate. In fact, the players each chipped in a few bucks for the ice (as per NHL policy) and as a game of intramural shinny broke out, the only thing on the line was breakfast and bragging rights.

The mood was decidedly upbeat that morning.

There were some nifty moves, some dazzling saves, some over-the-top goal celebrations. There were no coaches on the ice – just young players looking forward to the start of a new season, young players hoping to etch greatness on a clean slate.

So when J.S. Giguere blasted his teammates last night after losing to Tampa, it was more than just a wake-up call. It was a clear sign the room, once relaxed and confident and upbeat, is now teetering on the brink of internecine dysfunction.

Giguere: "We had a big opportunity at the beginning of the game, a 5-on-3. When you get those chances at the beginning of the game, you've got to bury one, you've got to score. You've got to get something going. We couldn't manage. We just weren't ready to compete. We played better in the second and the third, but that's not good enough."

That last phrase seems to surface every decade in Hogtown:

"We're dissatisfied with the number of goals we're giving up. If it keeps up we will be finishing up in the seventh or eighth position in the overall standings and that's not good enough." – Coach Roger Neilson, after a 7-6 loss to Washington in 1978.

 "We're trying our best and if that's not good enough it's up to someone else to do something about it. We're trying our best and that's all we can do. If the fans want to react to it, that's up to them. They paid for their tickets, but I still think it's horseshit." – Borje Salming, after an 8-0 playoff loss to Detroit in 1988 prompted Leaf fans to litter the Gardens ice with debris.

"I was satisfied with our effort but if we're satisfied with going on the road and losing, that's not good enough." – Coach Tom Watt, after the Leafs lost three straight on the road in 1992, fading hopes for a playoff spot.

"Goal slumps don't bother me, never have… We probably had five or six good scoring chances in our last game, we just didn't finish. When you're losing, that's not good enough. We have to find a way to play better." – Shayne Corson in 2001, while in the midst of a 30-game goalless drought.

 

You know what's really not good enough? Some of the dubious numbers this team has "earned" over their first 14 games in a 30-team league: 

• GOALS PER GAME AVERAGE: 2.21 (League Rank 29)
• POWER PLAY: 12.1 per cent (League Rank 23)
• POINTS: 13 (League Rank 25)
• PENALTY KILLING: 78.3 (League Rank 25)
• GOALS SCORED IN FIRST PERIODS: 8 (League Rank 27)
• 5-ON-5 GOALS: 23 (League Rank 21)
• NUMBER OF TIMES SHUTOUT: 3 (League Rank 30)

 

It's hard not to feel a little sorry for Jiggy and The Monster at this point. I mean, they can stand on their heads and juggle Ginsu knives for 60 minutes and it won't matter one damn bit if the team in front of them can't even score a single goal.

And you know what's truly frightening? As the Leafs get ready to take on Florida tonight, as the team struggles to turn around a season that has gone from magic to misery over the past 10 games, nobody seems to possess a blueprint that will fix this crumbling mess.

I know it's still early. But inertia is no way to get out of a vortex.

 PHOTO: CHRIS O'MEARA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Comments

[Cup it Up]

Suggestions:
1. Play Giguere again tonight. Nothing says, "your rant against your teammates was a waste of time" like sitting him on the bench the next night.

2. No more MacArthur or Versteeg in the shootouts. They are garbage men, not nifty-move breakaway guys. In fact, to send a real message to the player and to the team, I wouldn't hesitate to sit Versteeg in the pressbox for a game or two.

3. Remind Kaberle to shoot when he's out in the middle of the ice on the PP, rather than doing that thing where he hesitates, thereby completely making it obvious he is going to pass, which he then does, by dishing it off to someone who is too far off to the side to have any chance of scoring unless they shoot and the puck bounces off six people before trickling through the goalie's legs (That play only seems to work perfectly AGAINST the Leafs).

4. Someone remind Ronnie Wilson HE is the one who is supposed to get these guys going. He had some stupid quote after last night's Tampa game about "you gotta get them going on the PP." No Ronnie, YOU gotta get them going! If not, you gotta GET GOING, as in, out of town.

5. If 4 occurs, then reincarnate Roger Neilson as the new bench boss.

Thank you, goodnight.

[Bobby]

ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!
It is very easy to see what is wrong with the Leafs. Ron Wilson has lost this team!!! Giguere has it right with his comments.Even though the players have heard it publicly that heads will roll before Wilson's does, and yet they still play like the are not interested? Tells me, they would rather be traded or waived if it means getting away from Wilson.Wilson has not made this team any better in any way shape or form. Defensively they are better only because of the goaltending!! End zone coverage is brutal, powerplay sucks! No one goes in the corners or in front of the net!!. This all says this years Leafs do NOT want to play for Wilson.
I hope this is the beginning of the end for Wilson. Time to swallow your pride Burke!!
As much as I want the Leafs to win tonight, I really hope they get their doors blown off! Just to prove to Burke that the players can't stand Wilson and want him GONZO!!!!

[Krakondack]

The failures of the Leafs stem from:

1. Ownership culture of profit-first, hockey second. Sports franchises that succeed are winning first, profit second (and often very profitable).
2. Leadership in the upper offices. A series of disaster GMs, and it now looks like that includes Burke. Never mind Kessel for two lottery picks, how about "no trapping", when Tampa put on a clinic with it last night. How about "top-six bottom six" when the top line ends up playing defense because they can't get the puck down the ice. Successful teams use 3 balanced lines and a checking line. Burke's record is not really that impressive, when one goes back with skeptical eyeglasses on.
3. Consistently losing yet never getting that one lottery pick. See point 2.
4. Always looking for the quick turnaround, rather than a true rebuild. Never once has there been a bottom-up rebuild.
5. Impatience by the fan-media complex of wanting something to cheer.

People often speak of the need for a second team in the area. That would help from the point that it would allow everyone to relax a bit while the Leafs truly rebuild.

[Geoff Read]

Bobby - I don't like Wilson either - he comes across as an arrogant jerk - but suggesting he should be fired misses the point: this team isn't very good. I don't care if Scotty Bowman was the coach, this team wouldn't make the playoffs.

Now maybe he should be fired if the team keeps on playing like it doesn't give a damn like last night, but the Leafs will keep losing more than they win no matter who's behind the bench.

On the other hand, I watched RDS last night and took in an entertaining Montreal/Vancouver tilt. I was (and still am) a big Halak fan but I've got to admit that Price has been great so far this year .

[johnnyk]

S.O.S

[Starvan]

I think the Leafs are shell shocked. At the beginning of the year, with expectations being low, they came out to prove that they could play and win. After four wins in a row, they let up on the intensity (forecheck, body checking, shooting have all but disappeared) and they are now in a rut. With the loss of Armstrong and Phaneuf they have a couple of gaping holes (they are shallow on talent as we all know) and the guys taking their place can't match their ability level out on the ice. This is a culture issue, as Giguere has pointed out. This team is too complacent when they lose, accepting it in stride instead of figuring out how to win. Is this a coaching issue? A player issue? A dressing room issue? Only the Leafs know.

[RobbieD]

Burkey was on air the other night asking what Wilson is doing wrong....

For starters, John Mitchell is all over the place out there. He's a liability....why is he on ice so much.

Also, Wilson has done nothing to take a great mood at the beginning of the season and carry it forward. It's HIS JOB to motivate this guys....

[Al]

I don't agree with letting Wilson off the hook with the "nobody could coach this team" mindset.

We've seen how good they can be when they play together with energy. To say they're "not good enough" isn't logical - they're simply not playing well enough.

I'd like to see Paul Maurice with this team. Look what he did with Carolina. He made the players ENTHUSIASTIC, not despondent, and got them play with energy every night.

[Mike Higgins]

Paul Maurice??? wha??? anyway, moving on....you forget fast blogger---the leafs have been very successful, for a year and a half with Pat Burns, and for many years with Pat Quinn---ownership and fans and the media especially (hi Damien) got down on Quinn for some reason and took his power, and eventually both his jobs rather than doing what Quinn himself wanted, which was hiring a young asst. GM of his choice

[Leaf shredder]

Wilson / Burke have lost the room. This is Burke's baby. If this slide continues he has no one but himself to blame. Canada's team needs a wake up call. You have the resources...the T.V. deals and the 'Nation' behind you so, what is it? Management. Always was and still is today. Burke will not take the Leafs to the next level. Is there any other explanation?

[Pyramid Power]

Toronto in tough tonight against an angry bunch of Panthers. And rested.
Miami furious about the last game between the two in Toronto with the Orr makes like James Harrison goal, and the non-call.
And of course the challenge proposal by Cats GM Dale Tallon that was challenged very publicly by Burke and shot down by the GM's at their recent meetings.
And The Vokoun Factor.

All that said:
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Getting the game on TSN online over here in China, but the audio feed is from a Russian TV station and the commentary is in Russian.
Everytime the Leafs touch the puck the announcer screams, "Nyet, nyet!" Just jesting. Kinda.
Not many chances generated that period. Tough luck on the long distance goal by Allen. Did not see replays, but I think someone gave the puck away to him for that shot.
Kulemin rang one off the post, tough luck.
PP dead and not generating quality chances, and that speaks to the coaching or lack thereof on this team.
Kessel has to learn to take a slapshot once in awhile, he had time to wire one at one point but just let go his patented wrist shot which is often lethal of course but not working lately at all.
Team is snakebitten and not working hard enough to get men in front of Vokoun during PP's. Just not 'good enough'.
Find a way Toronto. Got to have this to stay in the race, and get back to .500.
GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Can't buy a goal. PP not 'good enough'. Nothing working at all.
Dull hockey game, and I really wonder if this team has rolled over on Wilson.
Not enough passion, and it can't all be because of Phaneuf being out. We can't possibly miss Phaneuf and Army that much can we? Maybe we do.
Morning over here, but time to bust out the vodka soon if this keeps up.

[Robert Moses]

I said at the begining of the season, this Leaf team would not make the playoffs. I gave Burkie and Willie 8 years, and they are on year 3. There is just so much rot/complacency in this organization, if Burke cannot pull it off, no one can...

[Pyramid Power]

Have yet to hear a 'Go Leafs Go' chant tonight.
Sad because in years past Leaf loving snowbirdies would be out in force in Miami, and often louder than the deathly quiet Panther fans. All 400 of them.

[Pyramid Power]

What in God's creation is Carl Gunnarsson doing out there trying to kill a penalty after being scratched for Holzer last night?
Pathetic attempt by Gunner to cover his man on the second goal there.
Another failed PK kill by Toronto.
Vodka time.
Leafs chances of coming back against the trappy defensive Panthers pretty well nil.
Cheers from China to all my Leaf loving comrades!

[Pyramid Power]

Well, Toronto scored a goal. Almost ZERO for Florida.

Zero points, one goal so far, zero passion.
Viktor Stalberg has more goals than Grabovski even with that goal, more goals than KRIS VERSTEEG, more goals than Tyler Bozak and almost every Leaf except for Kessel and MacArthur.
Sad.
And Vancouver will be at the Air Canada Coffin on Saturday night in our next game. That could get really ugly. Hope not. Always hope. Sigh.

[Pyramid Power]

It is mercifully over!
Hope the Leafs had time to work on their tans because that is about all the work they did in Florida.
Come on home guys, and don't expect a joyful welcome at Pearson.

[The Merlot Kid]

As I said before, the only way to change the sorry state of the Leafs, and long suffering Leafs Nation, is to boycott the Leafs completely, including purchasing merchandise. Hurt MLSE where it counts, their bottom line. Send a message loud and clear, we've had enough of losers in Toronto. Either vastly improve the product or suffer the (financial) consequences! See how long Peddie, or the others in the MLSE ivory tower, can ignore the red ink!! Then watch how quickly long term improvements are made to the product on the ice in order to win back paying customers. Business 101.

[Bill Provick]

Snakebit? I think the python called Ineptitude has swallowed this team whole.

[Sens-ible Bill]

Pyramid Power: Your call for a boycott of all things Leafs sounds interesting. I've also found it a bit odd how many members of Leaf Nation brag about what great fans they are, along the lines of: "We are true fans. We support our team win or lose."
Funny thing, blind loyalty.
I am one of the millions and millions of people who not only DON'T belong to Leaf Nation but would NEVER even dream --- unless in a nightmare --- of even being remotely associated with Leaf Nation.
Like so many others, I see fan support as part of the relationship --- partnership even --- between a team and its supporters. We stick with them during difficult times. But we make sure they understand lack of effort and/or achievement are NOT tolerated, let alone supported, on a continuing, or heaven forbid, long-term basis.
As a parent, I learned a lesson long ago that translates into everyday life, including sports --- Never reward bad behaviour.
I'm afraid that's what Leaf fans do when they accept underachieving teams not just for years, but for decades.
So perhaps you're right, Pyramid Power. Talk is cheap. Perhaps ACTION to get team management to respond and act accordingly is long overdo.
Empty seats speak louder than routinely nattering away online. We who support teams elsewhere know this. Empty seats are a powerful form of leverage we use to demand improvement --- or at least solid commitment and effort --- from OUR teams.

[Sens-ible Bill]

So it's Saturday night and I'm watching, on TV, my team beat the Montreal Canadiens in their own barn. At the end of the game, HNIC switches to the Sabres-Leafs game which is in overtime.
And once again I see those goofs in the stands in Leaf sweaters turning their back on their team --- who are in a desperate, do-or-die battle to end an embarrassing losing streak --- just so THEY can get some camera time.
Now it happens at most (all?) Leaf home games on TV no matter what the score. Many times, as the camera swings to cover one end or the other, one or more Leaf fans will leap to their feet and wave to Lord knows who --- family? friends? themselves?
So enthusiastic are they, it starts to feel like that may be their MAIN (only?) reason to be there. I've even seen some turn their backs on the crowd-magnet known as hockey fights.
Of course now with cell phones, they seem to be co-ordinating their "live appearances," presumably so someone watching somewhere won't miss them.
No doubt they even record the game on TV so they can watch themselves later.
Frankly, I see a lot of hockey games on TV and I can't recall this narcissistic
behaviour showing up in any other arena.
Probably the worst thing is that most nights these show-offs may actually be slightly more entertaining than their team on the ice. (sigh)

[Will]

Interesting... Team meeting right before the game... And this is the effort they give?
What do you think happened in that meeting? "c'mon guys, let's get this thing on track!" or "Ok, the only way Wilson goes, is if we just keep stinking up the joint". I bet most chose the second.