Game 24: I could see my body drifting toward a bright light

During tonight's gruesome 5-0 loss to Edmonton, my extremities went numb.

I could not feel my fingers. My breathing became shallow. My eyes glazed over like two Krispy Kreme doughnuts on a tray of broken dreams in a town called Despair.

Then sitting in the darkness, in the ethereal glow of Leafs TV, an out-of-body experience: I could see myself leaving my chair and hurtling towards a light.

"Come on over," said Bill Barilko. "Don't be afraid."

"It's better here," said Conn Smythe. "You'll never see them get shutout again. Never."

Lord have mercy.

People, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to kill us. There can be no other explanation. They are murdering us with their botched scoring chances. They are suffocating us with their anemic attack. They are choking us with their utterly wretched, confounding, pitiful play.

The Oil was playing its third game in four nights but it was the Leafs that had no gas. No, that's not fair. They had gas. But as per usual, it was not high-octane. You know something? It's not even a liquid! No, the gas in the Leafs' tank at this moment in time is completely inert.

Jonas Gustavsson – one of the few reasons for hope in recent days – let in two goals that Andrea Bocelli could have stopped. I mean, I've heard of the five hole. But until tonight, I never realized there were also six and seven holes.

Anyway, after this painfully familiar beginning, the Leafs slipped into a painfully familiar state of suspended animation in which every mental process – confidence, determination, drive – vanishes without a trace and the other guys are made to look spectacular.

That's it, really. That's the Leaf season thus far: They are killing their fans and making every other team in the NHL look like a collection of superstars.

Jordan Eberle hasn't scored since before Halloween? No worries, son! Come to Toronto and you'll get one. Edmonton enters the game with the worst PK in the league? Well, obviously, this can only mean they'll kill all five Leaf power plays as fans inside the pindrop-silent ACC pelt each other with popcorn to stay awake.

And let's not even get started on opposition goaltending.

Yes, Nikolai Khabibulin had a good game. But at this point, the enemy could strap phone books to Betty White's legs, catapult her into the crease and she'd stone this Leafs team.

Wow, just wow. A 5-0 pounding from Edmonton. A sixth shutout loss. And no sign that anything is going to get better anytime soon.

What can be done? Should the Leafs start shooting at their own net? That way, at least, they'll control the play and ensure the opposition never scores. Should they visit a hypnotist? A witch doctor? Should they just forget about hockey for a few months and start selling wooden trinkets down by the marina?

Goodnight, friends. I think I see that light again.

 

MAIN PHOTO: KEITH BEATY/TORONTO STAR

Comments

[Tom]

Toronto is really paying for that gas price hike today. :P

VM Replies: *Starts slow applause* (Could you just email me a few times each period from now on? That way, I'll at least have something to smile about.)

[TG77]

Dude, I once again commend you for your amazing blog because if nothing else, this performance needs something to laugh about. I was somewhat fortunate in that my internet feed was awful so I missed most of it (but in a cruel twist could still hear Joe Bowen and Greg Millen describing the play with a frozen screen). Do you think the team has frozen the coaching staff out in an effort to get them canned? I guess what I don't quite understand is that the 4 teams the Leafs beat in their first 4 were not pushovers. The Habs, Sens (okay, they aren't looking great, skunked at home tonight too), Rangers, and Pens are all good teams and with one more shootout goal in the 82nd game, they would all be playoff teams last year. Good thing i didn't follow through on a bet I considered with some students that the Leafs would finish ahead of the Canucks this year. Okay, forget the rally I suggested, maybe a mass campout in front of the ACC by all of Saturday's ticket holders instead would work better! Worst part, it's cold in Vancouver tonight and my only toque is a Leafs one...ouch.

VM Replies: Oh, man. Don't remind me about the gambling. There are a lot of people in this newsroom that are going to be considerably richer come April.

[red5]

Unfortunately I witnessed this live and in person. Aside from the "Fire Wilson" chants that really gained traction, the only thing that had brightened my night (before reading this blog) was finding the ONLY Creemore stand at the ACC.

Very disappointed with the game tonight, it took me back to the heady Ballard years, but tomorrow is another day, and Saturday is another game and hopefully, just maybe, we'll have something to cheer about this time Saturday night.

And I've added a new item to my Christmas list - a Leafs' win.

VM Replies: Where is this Creemore stand? As for your Christmas list, I hope you were good this year. You're asking a lot from Santa.

[Emily]

Great blog! The imagery made me laugh... which is odd, because up until tonight I didn't think Leafs fans had anything to smile about anymore. As embarrassing as the team has been this past month, I can't help but tune in every night, thinking they've finally found a solution... or that the "white light" you saw tonight is actually the light at the end of this very, very dark tunnel.

VM Replies: It's so dark, Emily. So very, very dark.

[oakville_girl]

I don't think I have any words tonight. Stunned to silence.

VM Replies: Word.

[Farrukh I]

talk about a free fall. when we started talking about the "goose' here I thought we were giving Gustavsson a new nickname. nobody told me what that really meant was somehow you guys saw the future and were really describing the leafs offence. I have never seen murphy's law being applied so exceptionally well, that it was poetic. the game was set up so much in the leafs favor, no excuses! Great to have this blog to lighten things up, all the more funny comments for Vinay to write up. I nearly had an out of body experience with the unnecessary image of Betty White doing the splits.

VM Replies: Okay, now I'm the one with a horrible image in my head. Why is she winking at you like that?

[Jas]

So at this rate, Seguin's going to score a hat-trick on Saturday, right?

VM Replies: Saturday? Is something happening on Saturday?

[HP]

Vinay, always look forward to your blog.

Boston will play their backup goalie Rask their future star goalie once Thomas
fades away. They'll have Sequin as well as well as the 2nd overall pick waiting in summer 2011. BB must be secretly working for the Bruins organization, his hometown.

VM Replies: Thanks and sigh.

[red5]

On the main level, beside the Tim Horton's near Burkie's Dog House (you know, where most of the team should be sleeping tonight). Unfortunately, the nice gentleman wouldn't let me charge the beer to my cable bill, though. I'll try again on Saturday, around 6:45. Misery loves company.

Random thought - if the supposed Rogers purchase happens, do you think Burke will have to start talking to the Fan 590 again?

[Tom]

At least we can collectively take comfort in the fact that:

1) We still have five more points than the NY Islanders, and,
2) Boston beat Tampa Bay 8-1.

So just remember fellow fans:

It could be a lot more humiliating than it currently is. D:

[Tom]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, we playing a home game against Boston on Saturday.

[Kyle4]

Now that we got Edmonton out of the way, the Leafs can face easier opponents like Boston, Pittsburgh and Washington next week.

In all seriousness, if this game doesn't get Ron Wilson fired, then Burke should be sacked to. Did you know the LA Kings traded three first round picks +$15 mil for Wayne Gretzky? WAYNE F******* GRETZKY! and they also got another player in return if I'm not mistaken. Brian Burke made possibly the worst trade in Leaf history by getting invisible Kessel for two lottery picks to rush the build. The guy only has 5 more points then the 19 year old Boston rookie Seguin.

Teams need their draft picks in the NHL now. Look at Toews & Kane, Crosby & Malkin, Eric Stall and Steven Stamkos. All draft picks, all but the latter cup winners.

Toronto makes the most money of any NHL team, this is a flat out disgrace to hockey and an embarrassment.

[Vince]

Vinay, thanks for this. It was without a doubt, the worst performance I've ever seen of any Leafs team. This is awful.

[johnnyk]

Never mind,I read that Kessel will win the Hart and His Nazness is a shoo-in for the Calder. Heck, maybe he'll win a faceoff or score a goal this year.

[johnnyk]

Vinay, the gas was Hydrogen Sulphide, good ol' H2S

[Lewis McClain]

In all humor there is tradgedy...This team is taking it to the limit....

[vern apars]

hey get rid of wilson/burke NOW its already toooo late

[80s Leafs]

Just glad it was on Leafs TV, which I don't/can't/won't get, and so I only checked in online a couple of times during the game to see what the damage was. I wasn't overly surprised, after having watched the Oilers pick up two great wins against Leaf rivals earlier in the week.
There is nothing for us to do, if Burke will not gas Wilson. We just have to bide our time, ride out this disaster of a season, watch the Bruins get another very high pick in June, and then start fresh next year knowing at least if we suck yet again in '11-12, we at least have light at the end of that tunnel (i.e., a first rounder).
Unless of course, THAT pick is subsequently traded away for Mark Recchi...

[Hoofheartz]

Can't wait to read the spin put on this debacle by the "real" Leaf fans.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Good mornng, This is more like it really. The timing of the Grreat annual Collapse is back on schedule. Last year it happened way too early. Heading into Christmas season is the usual period they like to complete the hole deep enough so that the new year brings the crawl back from dispicable to unrespectability. Then once there they begin to aproach mediocre by season's end only to be on the outside looking in but with the hope of better things to come. They are the youngest team in the league I will give them that, the problem is that the blue and white disease is permeating there flesh at a younger age. I am worried.
Someone please tell me how this is any different than any other year, so I can believe better things are on the horizon.PLEASE! I read somewhere (Rosie I believe) that they need to learn how to lose together before they can start learning how to win together. Sure they have aced that test but it is still a crock. They need to learn how to win together so they can become a championship team together. I am so glad I enjoyed the blue Jays winning the world series way back when because that may be it for us in our lifetime.

[Ingo Siebert]

There is only one way the Maple Leafs organization will pay attention. Stop buying tickets to their games, stop buying anything related to the team and cut off their revenue stream. Kids these days couldn't care less about the team.
Yes, MLSE makes a pile of money, but that's beczuse the fans let them.
Enough is enough. 10,000 empty seats at the ACC should send a message.

[A True Leafs Fan]

As a hopelessly optimistc leafs fan or either a little buzzed from all the baileys in my coffee this morning. heres to the leafs hopefully winning enough games for a playoff spot..Cheers!

[Jack]

A fan tossed their jersey on the ice yesterday, I have never ever seen that happen.

You know it's bad when.......

[Ken Baumgartner]

I wonder what kind exodus there would be if a second team ever came into the market. Can you imagine if it was a good team too? It's no wonder they Leafs will fight tooth and nail to not allow that to happen.

[Al]

To all those "boycott the Leafs" comments... guys, wake up. The organization is TRYING THEIR BEST to win.

And that's why this is just so damn sad. (Venon, I think we need that Wilson picture again)

The silver lining? We ain't Cleveland Cavaliers fans. Their team sucks AND they just got their collective soul ripped out and peed on last night.

[oakville_girl]

Jack, the jersey tossing shocked me as well. That, in and of itself should send a message, but add that to the boos and the "fire Wilson" chants, and hopefully BB and the other suits at MLSE may finally see the light (maybe the light Vinay saw last night?)

[Brian K]

At least the Sens got shut out last night too.

[Michael]

Everyone who makes a post about Seguin versus Kessel just needs to stop. I didn't like the trade much and think Kessel plays more and more like Jason Blake each and every game...BUT Seguin is playing on a team with talent. He is being insulated on a line where he can do what he does well against the other teams third defensive pairing. That team has talent. Remember they were a game away from the Eastern Confernce finals last year! Kessel is all alone out there. He is followed by five guys who know he is the only real option. Anyone who thinks that Seguin would be in Toronto with this team and putting up any kind of numbers is NUTS! Then you would all be complaining about how poor a draft Burke had...if Kessel was back in Boston he would be putting up top notch numbers. Probably double what Seguin has put up op far! Its simply not a fair comparison.

[Steve]

Bill Watters on AM640 made a great--depressing--point this morning: the sooner we accept that the talent depth on the Leafs team just isn't there, the sooner our collective blood pressure will drop. It's not their fault, really. They're young guys trying their best.

For now, they probably just aren't going be a team that can break the Top 20 this season.

[Nik Culoman]

I wasn't going to comment today, but I noticed one poster blamed Burke for Tukka Rask being in Boston?? Really?? Are these the hockey Gods the Leafs organization need to jump when they say??

Tukka Rask was traded by JFJ, Yes John Ferguson Jr. HP if you are going to come on here and whine and have a hissy fit...Please do so with some logic and history behind you! IT WAS NOT BRIAN BURKE!!!

No wonder Burke and most fans of other teams laugh at Leaf fans. FOR STUPID COMMENTS LIKE this...They whine, They have this victim mentality, They have no hockey knowledge of their own team let alone what is going on around the league.....

No one has control over your t.v., if you dont want to watch this team loose...CHANGE THE CHANNEL....If you are of the mentality that this team sucks....THAN FIND A NEW TEAM TO CHEER FOR....Stop the whinning!! Find a new hobby..........Do something else with your time!!

OMG, what insanity after each game.............I have never seen such a sad bunch of Fairweather fans ever...It would only be accepted here in Toronto...Where everyone seems to know everything....Everyone has an opinion......

This goes out to people like HP, VINAY, HOOF, ECT.....An opinion is like a bum, everyone has....BUT MOST US DON'T WANT TO SMELL THE CRAP that with it.

VM Replies: I take back what I said about you yesterday. You're not a sales rep for Advil. No, clearly, "Nik Culoman" is an MLSE bot.

[Glory Daze]

Bring back the passion - bring on a coach who the Leafs will play for - respect and admire. In a nutshell FIRE Wilson, now today... Send Burke packing.... and bring in a coach... Bring Gilmour in - no scratch that Beg Gilmour.
Let's dream big!

[CPH]

Every year it's the same depressing thing. No matter what changes, the result is the same. But one thing hasn't changed, and I'm forced to the conclusion that the one constant in all of this is -- Kaberle. Look in his eyes and you will see defeat. Once he's gone, everything be will better.

[dan arrizza]

First round draft picks that could have been or were Leafs....

Logan Couture (Toskala trade)
Tuukka Rask (Raycroft trade)
Brad Boyes (Nolan trade)
Roberto Luongo (Clark,Schneider trade)
S. Niedermayer (Kurvers trade)
Tyler Seguin (Kessel trade)
1st 2011 (Kessel trade)

The pattern here is amazing...building thru the draft is the only way!!!

A long-suffering Leaf fan.

[Regg]

I love the Leafs but come on folks! This isn't a star studded team. There isn't any Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall on the Leaf roster. When your top line is Bozak and company your going to have major problems. It doesn't matter who you put in has coach , this is a mediocre team with very little relief in sight for the near future. There are no superstars in the Leaf cupboard and fans need to realize this. Kadri wasn't a number one or 2 draft pick, he was number 7 and is 100% unproven. Also you need more than one guy at an elite level. Chicago - Toews, Kane, Hossa etc. Pittsburgh - Crosby, Malkin, Staal etc. Washington - Ovechkin, Green, Semin etc. Philly - Richards, Pronger, Carter etc. and the top 3 Leafs? This team still needs to be built from the ground up and that has not happened.

[Robert]

Leafs get shots - opposition gets goals. You have to shoot from angles that will produce goals. You are a team, pass the damn puck to each other. Goodness, create plays as you go over the blue line. Have a get together before the next game and exchange names and addresses. Ask the coach to help you succeed in your endeavours - like maybe setting up a few breakout plays. I went on line the other day to see about a couple of tickets to the game. Best I could do was $126.00 each to sit up behind some spider webs in the attic, to watch this mess. As for Joe Bowan had Greg Millen, (homers) they pick on Eberly who has not scored in a month, but he has five goals so far; how many Leafs have five goals?
This level of incompetence would not be allowed to continue in any other sport.

[Nik Culoman]

People, Do you think that a new coach will suddenly turn Bozak into Crosby?? Or Kaberle into Pronger??? Do you think a new coach could turn Mitchel into Kesler???

What this team needs is a little more talented players...But the coach can't turn this team around...It has to start with the players...If they can't than some more bodies have to go until we find the right mix. Unless we find a coach that is going to jump over the boards and join the rush....The players must fix this themselves.

Kaberle is an example or all that is wrong with this team over the past couple of years....Sundin for his part is also....No one complained about Sundin, Kaberle, and that team like they do with this current team. At least this team has inexperience as an excuse or reason for their problems...

What did Sundin's teams have?? I was a huge fan of forcing Sundin out, and turning him into some assests..I was excited when I heard Kaberle was destined for Philly....But to see both potentially franchise changing moves blocked...I knew from than that it would take years to fix what SUNDIN, JFJ, Kaberle, ect. HAD CREATED....

We may need to wait one more year....and see what holes BB can fix in this lineup over the course of this year and up coming summer.

[SweetG]

A friend and I were talking this morning and he said that the only thing to look forward to with this Leaf's season is your blog. I concur. Well done, sir!

It's incredibly obvious that these guys don't believe they can win and are at a loss as to how to help dig themselves out of a hole. Perhaps if their coach was less interested in making statements dripping with sarcastic wit while breaking down these young guys' spirits and more interested in building them up and bringing the team together that the Leafs' players may actually learn to rely on one another and maybe win a few come-from-behind games.

[dan]

I don't understand (3 years ago) why Leaf Nation bought in to a 5 year rebuilding plan. Other teams were able to accelarate the process. No team is guaranteed a leaque championship or cup just because of the draft. Boston's formula was to pick-up cast-off high draft picks that never made it. Montreal quietly develops players in the AHL and pick-up key utility players. Ditto the Flyers.
Starting Saturday Leaf Nation should expect the same. What BB is doing is having try-outs for the next Team USA.

[Doug Mowat]

Leafs should open a Tim Hortons since they are so familiar with donuts.

[leafland'r]

Though sadly, I sit still giggling at your response to the game. I now open your blog before my emails in the morning. I think you should be trading your renumeration contract with any one of the Leaf players. This season's entertainment lies in the post game.

[Geoff Read]

Leafs' fans - I feel your pain and the angst is palpable. From Dylan Thomas:

"Do not go gently into that good night,
...
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

Unfortunately, while Leafs fans rage against the dying of the light the-team-that-Burke-built appears content to "go gently." Isn't that the opposite of what "Burkie" promised? Shouldn't this team at least play like it cares?

[Robert Hunt]

The Leafs tend to fold at Chistmas-- looks like they are a bit early this year, same old story each tear - got good talent but----- who do you blame, these guys get well paid to play- maybe too much for the perfomance, as far as I can see the have no respect for the jerseys they wear!!!The Leafs alway fold after Chistmas.
Robbet

[searcher]

At least in the greys at the old MLG (where mountain goats paused to reflect on the steepness of the steps)you could at least take some cold comfort in that you didn't bankrupt yourself to see a bad team.

[Ron Baldwin]

Hey I have to say this...where is the beligerance and truculance the coaching staff was talking about...are you kidding me..? They Leafs do not bodycheck at all..Mike Brown and Orr ( during his 3 shifts a game) are the only two who consistently try to hit. Brown gets hurt and THEY DON'T BRING UP ROSEHILL...???....I watched the Marlie game last week where Rosehill laid out 3 guys on one shift and then had his 2nd fight of the game. He brings a fearlessness and energy that is needed with the Leafs. His forechecking creates offense because he bangs and crashes the D and they panic and give up the puck because they know they are getting hit.
I would bring up Rosehill and Zigomanis and keep Aulie in the lineup...bench Gunnarson,send Bozak down to the farm and play Komasarek a lot less...Beauchemin looks tenative and Kaberle just scares me in his own end...his value as an offensive defenceman has lost it's lustre recently...the team needs a shakeup...I love Kulemin, but he is all alone...Grabovski has skill but needs to slow down a bit and Kessel needs to understand that it is tough to score from the perimiter...just saying....!!

[Ahsan Zaidi]

***********Breaking News************
Rogers lowers their bid to $1.3 MILLION after last nights debacle !

At this point, Im looking more forward to the blogs rather than the event. Kudos Vinay.

[Moe Green]

It is time to fire Ron Wilson. It's really simple mathematics. If Wilson isn't entirely responsible for this mess, then this team is in far more serious trouble than than their record this season indicates - and for the foreseeable future. If Wilson isn't to blame then Burke certainly has quite a challenge ahead of him as well as some serious explaining to do to the fans and to the board of MLSE.

It is unimaginable that a team with even the modest skill level of the Leafs could perform this badly against the level of competition it faced last night. This Oilers team that shutout the Leafs 5-0 tonight played a lackluster, uninspired game. They had obviously won enough on this road trip and were happily, sleepily even, offering the two points to the Leafs on a small decorative pillow. All the Leafs had to do was take it. They were overripe for the picking. They were slack defensively and had barely any sustained offensive zone presence at all. This was a sorry Oilers squad shuffling through it's third game in four nights.

Fortunately for them, the Leafs played like a team that was trying to perform a complex dance routine that they had just seen for the first time earlier in the afternoon. They seemed out of sync. They seemed not to have any idea where to send the puck when they had possession. Every night Kessel is looking more and more like a young Jason Blake but without the toughness. Thomas Kaberle seems to be going through the motions; playing like a short-timer trying not to get his hair mussed before he moves on. Or is it that his team has too many self-satisfied, multimillionaire twenty-somethings who measure their worth not by what the coaching staff, the media or the fans say, but by the size of their contracts? All I know is that if Doug Gilmour were dead today and witnessed this travesty, his corpse would never stop spinning in it's grave.

This is a team that has clearly lost its way. If Wilson hasn't lost the room - and I think after tonight's game that idea is going to gain considerable traction – maybe the room has lost Wilson. When line-shuffling is the only answer your coach can come up with - you have a serious problem. Maybe coaches can't score goals or make saves, but there is no excuse for a coach running out of ideas. That's what a coach is there for. He's there to come up with fresh, new ideas when his old ideas stop working. Sure you want to give your old ideas a fair chance to work, but when is enough enough? When do you abandon a failed strategy? How much losing is too much losing?

I guess that's what the Leafs hired Brian Burke to decide. You can bet he's thinking about that very question right now. I hope he makes a decision soon. I'd like to see this team make a serious run at least at respectability if not the playoffs, and play some meaningful, competitive hockey again this season.

[Hoofheartz]

1st off Nikkie, you started off your 1st post (9:07) with the immortal words "I wasn't going to comment today. If only it were so because you quickly posted again at 9:30 and then to compound that you commented that someone blamed Burke for the Rask trade. My delusional friend, I reread every post on here and could find no such post. Are you sure you are not just coming on here to rant and rave out of habit? If you ever had any credibility on this blog, its disappearing faster than the Leafs playoff chances. If indeed I missed the comment about Burke and Rask, I stand corrected.

[Laura Leduc]

The season starting on such a high. I didnt realize to recently, the Leafs losing and lack of play depresses me. It effects me alot more then I knew.
Its really sad. They have fans in every area, they made a 20% growth in profit last year and they havent been in the playoffs for over 5 years. Where else in the world would this happen? I do not know what the fix is but we have some great talented players. All I can think is it must be the coaching? Are we cursed? What can it be? I think Burke and company are working hard to provide great club but it always falls short. Come on Leafs, you can do it!! or am I just seeing what I want to see. What the heck happened to Phil? Come back Phil we love ya!

[Kolchak]

I stopped watching at 0-3. Typically, I leave the room and go do something else when it gets to 0-2 but I leave the game on and check on it now and then. When it gets to 0-3, though, that's it for me. I know they're not coming back. *click*

[Ryan]

What is killing me is Burke... Killing me softly with his words of "Wilson is not going anywhere"... So if the Leafs are contempt with their product then as a Leafs fan I have to do my due diligence and not attend a game until some major change happens. A new coach would be nice. Dougie seems to be doing alright in Kingston, I wonder what his thoughts are on coaching this train wreck.

[Paul]

Not trying to kill us. They are just waiting out our eventual deaths before they do something. Seriously, I was 3 years old when they last won the Cup. I am 46 today. How is it that a fabled team like the Leafs cannot get it together to win even one more Cup in 43 years. They don't want to win. They just want to make money.

[Nik Culoman]

"Vinay, always look forward to your blog.
Boston will play their backup goalie Rask their future star goalie once Thomas
fades away. They'll have Sequin as well as well as the 2nd overall pick waiting in summer 2011. BB must be secretly working for the Bruins organization, his hometown."

Hey Hoof, what does this comment infer??? My understanding is this poster is blaming Burke for the Rask deal.....I pulled this from one of the earlier...That Venay also gave a sigh.....

This blog, Vinay, and most of the hissy fitting posters have lost credibility. Like I said, I wouldn't react if there wasn't any proof to back me up...Like my other posts, I have stated history and fact to back up my point........

Maybe this blog, Vinay could use some facts to improve its credibility...Hoof....Don't let the bandwagon door hit you while you jump off ;)

[Stephen Grasby]

I heard a youngster sued his parents for brainwashing him into a Leaf fan. It took years of treatment to release him of his constant agony. There is only one thing worst than a Leaf fan....and thats 2 .....Hopefully Rodgers will rebuild and create and empire otherwise I'd rather watch Little House On The Prairie......

[gOogl3pl3x]

Some notes on the game;

Don't ever take your excited finace to a leaf game. It will just break her heart and yours. Worst gift ever.
The leaf fan who threw their jersey on the ice will be looked up to forever. AMEN.
Kulemin is a great young kid. I love his energy.

Everything else was wretched in this game. All the fans wanted to do was have something to cheer about. Every goal scored was a stab to the heart. I should never be able to have a hockey conversation at normal volume while at the game. I can't do it at a bar and shouldn't be able to at the ACC.
The "fire Wilson" chant was the best chant I have taken part in at a leafs game in 5 years.

The best part of the game...

Everyone won a free HARVEY'S burger. Enjoy Leaf fans.

Vinay, I would like to request a blog daily. The days between games I feel lost and don't get a chance to laugh. Sometimes I just have to make lemon squares.

[kneeboard85]

My Family has seasons tickets, I was at the last game at the gardens when I was 13 and I was at Sundins 500th. All that joy has been burried by the pain I feel everytime I turn on the leaf game.

My worst fear is X years from now when Burke is being names GM of a new team, he will say something to the effect of obviously Toronto Didn't work out as well as we had hoped but I am confident I can still build a contender like I did in Anaheim and Vancouver.

The scariest part is that the young core of this team is already here now, Kessel Phaneuf, Gustavson etc. You can almost sense the cornerstones of this team are too weak that any secondary players added in the future will be null and we will just float up to a 7th or 8th place finish a couple years from now before it is time to rebuild once more.

Never thought I would say this but I don't know if I can watch anymore, you can't bleed blue once you've been blead out

[hoofheartz]

You have got to be shitting me Nikkie (sorry Vinay). You took that comment to infer that someone was blaming Burke for the Rask deal? Seriously, SERIOUSLY! Wake the f*** up man. Is it any wonder that fans of other teams think that Leaf Nation is delusional with clowns like you posting your garbage.

[gOogl3pl3x]

Jay Rosehill is on his way up to the bigs!

At least someone will be banging bodies and bringing energy to each shift. I like when Malies come up to the leafs because they at least care!

[Nik Culoman]

Hoof you are the one that is delusional.....Why if he wasn't linking Burke and Rask....Include the line...BB must be working for Boston.......Thank god the delusional fans have you as their mouth piece......Because VM has over stayed his welcome...

You and VM should be co gm's that would be amazing to watch you take this team to the promise land....Always attacking me because I choose to stay by this team no matter what..I don't jumping off the deep end...But like I said earlier......You have an opinion....and an opinion is like a bum, everyone has....BUT MOST US DON'T WANT TO SMELL THE CRAP that comes with it.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Nik GO AWAY NOW, PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. This blog has not lost creditbility, it just has you on it so it looks like it has lost creditbility. Maybe you can go start your own blog somewhere and no-one will follow it and you can live in you own delusional little land.

[OregonLeaf]

Nik get over it... this is a blog for fans, and there are many leaf fans out there. And this may be hard for you to believe but not all fans know everything about the leafs. Not all of us have hours to spend hunched over our computers going over past trades, stats, and other "history and fact" in order to convey our frustrations. I apologize that I only have a few minutes to read a couple of articles, and maybe squeeze in a post.
It seems you are looking for something different than what most of us expect from this blog, I strongly suggest you look into other blogs out there. Maybe there is a hard core leafs fan blog that could accommodate you and your factual insights.
Vinay correct me if I'm wrong please... This blog is for fans of the leafs, people who cheer for leafs- want them to win. And here is the problem they aren't winning, they look like bums out there, and we the fans are pissed! we voice our frustration here with other fans, its a way to release our anger.
I do think we have some great young talent in our system, and BB has done some good moves- but some seem very questionable at this time(we lost 5-0 to edm!) But this team right now deserves to be slapped around by us(again, 5-0 to edm!). Its good to here from Vinay and others that they are mad, at the leafs, the coaches, the GM, hell I'm pissed at my jersey!
And to make this clear, I think your post are super awesome Nik, love reading them, really it gets me going... Even when I'm rushing through I make sure I stop at each one. Some of the things you say are just crazy stupid (like your GMing challenge for VM)
I love being a leafs fan, and love how different we fans are: from the wagon jumpers(not sure we will see them for a while), to the crazed stat happy fans that see no wrong with the current team.
Much love to Leafs Nation

VM Replies: You are correct. This blog is for fans. I am just one fan. That's the reason I asked them to use the stylized Maple Leaf logo as the blog image instead of an author headshot.

[KD]

To Hoof and Nik - you'll have to call it a draw. The post about Rask is ambiguous at best. I read the comment about Burke working for the Bruins as related solely to the draft picks for Kessel, but I can see how it could be interpreted to include Rask as well, since he was traded to Boston.
Anyway, while I agree that firing Wilson is not going to solve all the teams problems, it is a necessary first step. Wilson can't go out and play for them (he couldn't decades ago either, but that's another story), but he needs to do a better job of motivating these slackers. It appears that he has, as others have said, "lost the room".
As for boycotting the team, don't bother. For every fan who refuses to buy a ticket or a sweater, there will be two others to take his place - MLSE has no worries there. P.T. Barnum said it best (supposedly): "There's one born every minute". Sadly, most of them grow up to be Leaf fans.

[oakville_girl]

As blog owner Vinay, surely you must have a way to block Nik? He truly is spoiling what is a great blog.

VM Replies: I really don't want to block anybody. But I also don't want one person to spoil the comments for others. Maybe I need to put this to a vote.

[TG77]

Good to hear about Rosehill coming back up. I just got the Rocky theme song and a mental picture of Rosehill running from the Ricoh to the ACC in full gear and forechecking Kaberle through the end boards in practice. Anyway, while it's not a great sign depth-wise but this team is way different with Armstrong and Phaneuf in the line-up. Yes, Dion was not a plus player and wasn't scoring goals like he did his first few years when he got hurt but the Leafs had the 8th best record in the league from the time he was traded til the end of last season. Further, whether he is scoring goals or not, it limits Komisarek, Gunnarson and either Aulie or Lebda (please just send this guy to pasture) minutes. The Leafs were winning a lot more than losing when Komi was playing 10-14 minutes and when he wasn't setting up Cammalleri for one-times in the slot also but I digress. Armstrong played valuable PK minutes, something the team has struggled with since he got hurt and he just chipped in his first goal of the season beforehand. I would be interested in what fellow posters think the negative turning point was in this season.

Finally, when the Chicago Blackhawks declared "we are having a fire (sale)" it seems like BB was one of the ones who seemed to pay fair-market value (or maybe overpaid) to help them rid of cap space. The thrashers sent Reasoner and I believe 2 picks (I think 1st and 2nd) for Ladd (now their captain), Byufglien, Eager and Sopel. I don't dislike Versteeg but the Thrashers didn't send a guy who is now on the top line, a decent AHL player and a kid lighting it up in the Q. Finally, if anyone got the Arrested Development reference in my fire sale sentence, I want to be your friend.

[fredf]

I don't think the Leafs on ice personnel are that bad. The first few games showed that with speed and energy, this group of kids can play some decent hockey. Not to win the Cup but to play reasonably well.

But when players make the same mistakes over and over and seem never to learn, then the teacher has to share some of the blame---that means Ron Wilson.

I don't blame Burke too much. He has tried. It is a brand new team. He tried out the U.S. college seen (probably because he is American). That may have been a mistake but at least he tried something different.

But I get the sense from this unit that they are afraid to make mistakes. They aren't being creative and they are playing with fear.
I think Ron Wilson has to bear some responsibility for this. He seems always to be ready with negative comments. Young players respond better to positive reinforcement than negative.

I think this unit could make the playoffs (although this year may already be a write off) with proper leadership.

[Nik Culoman]

I will make this my final post for awhile....I find the suggestion that I should be blocked priceless....Because I have and hold ideas and IDEAS for this team that are contrary to most I should be blocked...

One would argue if we take things that far...That I would have the right to block VM's blog, and anyone who differed from my ideas. If you read some of the posters not only from today, but on previous blogs...There are some that hold my opinion...Find my commentary interesting and educational...Even Oregon Leaf who differs from my opinion and may not agree with my form of getting my point across...Sees value in what I write....I respect that.....So good on You Oregon Leaf and PP....

I may not always be the most careful of what I say or even how I say it...But my pride and loyalty for this team has never faultered even when it would be easy to run my mouth about this team when it is struggling.

It takes more to stick by something or someone when they are down.....Than to cut and run...Loyalty doesn't faulter...No matter what...

VM Replies: For the record: 1. You have not been blocked (nobody has). 2. All of your comments are published, even ones that get dangerously close to violating the Star's policy on personal attacks. 3. There is a very simple way to "block" this blog: Don't read it.

[gOogl3pl3x]

TG, I alomst had diet coke coming out of my nose re: the Rosehill comment. Another funny thing I heard about marlies getting to the ACC is Crabb taking the street car over to the game.
I think the turning point in the year was losing a calming presences of Armstrong who could eat minutes on the third line shutting down the other teams best. Also losing Dion on the bench takes away that leadership on ice. Sure he can be in the room before and after the game but it is more significant in the heat of the moment.

[Simmer]

@Jack

That only happened because there is a brand new "Shirt off your back" policy built into the admission of the Leaf games.

[Charles Lloyd]

Wow,all I can say where I work if we were constantly at the bottom in things I had lots of influence on such as the PP and the PK, my customers may not be chanting fire me but my owner would say Warning 1, 2 oh 3rd time good bye and your FRIED! This team why not super talented should not be 28Th and should at least battle for the 7th-9th spot not the 13-15th one. I want to belive in Burke but untill he fires Ron he is making it hard as I have no respect for Ron. Roster big turnover and guess what PP and PK still awful only Goalkeeping is better than last 2 seasons. Ron needs to go and if you agree please join my Group on Facebook FIRE RON WILSON NOW. If it doesn't happen soon my group title may change to inlcude Burke. Thanks.

[80s Leafs]

Suggestion for tonight: Someone on the coaching staff (i.e., whoever is actually giving any pointers to these guys) tell Rosehill to keep the gloves on. They need him out there taking a regular shift, banging, crashing, keeping his teammates pumped up with his play, and the crowd pumped too.
Tell Orr to do the fighting, if there is any to be done. And tell the other bums to also throw some hits! If they let yet another team come into their barn and walk all over them, well, I tell ya, I am going to.... be mad as heck when I come back on here to vent with the rest of you after the game.

[Pyramid Power]

Army back in tonight. Very good.
Rosehill called up for Fu Manchu a.k.a. Mike Brown. Freakin' fantastic! Loved the kid since I saw him beat Byron Bitz of the Bruins to bits last year in an exhibition game.

Fully expect him and Army to bring the energy and fury tonight, and if we go down, at least we go down swinging.

Could be a wild one tonight!

If we can't beat 'em on the ice let's beat 'em in the alley to paraphrase a great founding father of Leaf Nation.

Vinay. Great blog as always. You might want to do your colleague a favour, beat writer for the Leafs, and tell him that there is not a player on the Flyers named John van Riemsdyk. That would be James van Riemsdyk, and if he can't get the spelling correct which of course as you and I know is a cardinal SIN in the journalism game, then Kevin could go with JVR.

GO LEAFS GO! Will sadly miss most of this game, but hope Toronto can finally slay some Bears. Really hoping you do better Mr. Philip Kessel. It is about sweet freakin' time you did something against your former team and for your current team. Hope Giggy has a big game. I think he will need to.

Again, GO LEAFS GO!

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

'Rosebud" being brought up from the farm. Yeah...that'll help. All the Leafs problems will vanish with another tough guy. More truculence is exactly what this team needs. No stopping the Leafs now. Burke...you are a genius!

Incredible!

[bubba]

What on earth do you mean by saying the Leafs are "trying to kill us". Since when can a corpse kill anybody.... except by laughter!!!

[Hoofheartz]

You may be a stinking habs fan shredder but who can argue with your last comment, except maybe Nikkie.

[Pyramid Power]

VERSTEEG! YES! YES! YES! YES!

FINALLY! LET'S GO WIN THIS ONE NOW.

Making Tim Thomas look like Tretiak in his prime. Leafs deserve this one hockey gods. Make it happen please!
GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Shootout time. Amazing display by Tim Thomas. That save on Beauchemin was truly astounding.

Phil Kessel it is your time to pot one in the shootout. It is your team JSG to do it in nets for us. Gotta have this one.

GO LEAFS GO! STAY COOL AND BEAT THOMAS. HE IS VULNERABLE TO THE DEKE.

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

YES! YES! YES! YES!
VICTORY!!!! AWESOME!

KESSEL AND KADRI ON THE DEKES. GREAT JOB BY GIGGY STOPPING KREJCI AND RYDER!

AWESOME WIN. FINALLY BEAT THE BRUINS. GREAT JOB GUYS AND THANK YOU HOCKEY GODS.

LEAFS!

[Pat]

and all is right again in Leafs Nation. (til the next game anways)

so, all of the people who jumped off the band wagon, can now climb back on.

[red5]

That was an entertaining game tonight. Was running late and couldn't get my Creemore, but I didn't miss a minute, though I had to watch the tying goal on the video board. Anyone know anything about the fight on the north-side lower-bowl? Couldn't see it over all the people standing up in front of me.

Thomas played great, the Leafs had some energy this game, Armstrong was a star, and Kessel played some defensive hockey! So glad to have Armstrong back, it's amazing how much he keeps the team honest.