Game 31: Dreaming about an island paradise called Consistency

Better late than never, I suppose.

The truth is, I feel queasy today and not just because the Leafs rolled through Calgary last night like harmless tumbleweed. (The unabridged queasy equation may be expressed as follows: Christmas Party + Open Bar + Inconsistent Leafs Play + Nightcap No. 1 + News of Three Flames Goals In Less Than 1 Minute + Perilous Cab Ride To Another Part of Town + Nightcap No. 6 + Confirmation of Leafs 5-2 Loss Via Your Comments + Wandering The Streets Alone at 3 a.m. = Queasy.)

The game wasn't shown at The Star's Christmas party last night. But mounted behind the bar, a flat-screen TV flickered with an endless loop of a burning fireplace log. The flames licked at the edge of the screen as the wood crackled in the heat.

So in a way, we watched the same thing last night.

Did you ever see the movie Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael?

After so much narrative build-up, I recall sitting inside a movie theatre in New York years ago and waiting for something – anything – to happen.

Who was this titular Roxy character? What would happen when she returned to town? How would she be received? What impact would she have?

Would she rescue Winona and take her to a promised land? Would she lead by example?

But when the limo pulls into Clyde, Ohio, where the entire town is gathered with bated breath, Roxy is a frigging no-show.

You know what Winona Ryder's character was named in that film?  Dinky. You know how many shots the Leafs had last night? Nineteen. Also dinky.

Dinky performances all-around.

Welcome Home, Dion Phaneuf.

 

In between projectile vomiting and seeing bright lights this morning, I forced myself to watch the game. Well, I watched most of it.

And if nothing else, at least we now have a good sense of where we are with this team. We are standing at this intersection:

On Tuesday in Edmonton, the Leafs flat-out dominated. Then 48 hours later, they inexplicably fizzle like Winona Ryder's career. This up and down, this back and forth, this binge and purge, it's been happening all season.

I'll feel better tomorrow. Hopefully. But for now, I feel like crawling into a hammock at an island paradise to dream about a time in the future when the Leafs won't force me to stand barefoot under winter clouds and pick between "lost," "confused," "unsure," "unclear," "perplexed," "disoriented," and "bewildered."

As I sit here in my darkened office, with a bandana wrapped tightly around my skull and an open bottle of Advil in my lap, I'm suddenly reminded of this photograph on the right.

The caption in my database says: "Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Jonas Gustavsson looks down after the Calgary Flames scored three quick goals during first period NHL action on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 in Toronto. Gustavsson was pulled shortly after."

The team was blown-up precisely for games like that. And yet...

The final score in that game was – wait for it – 5-2 Flames. The movie poster tagline in Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael was: It's Good To Want Things.

It is good to want things.

So what do the Leafs want? No, really, what does this team want for itself this season? Does it want to make the playoffs? Does it understand time is running out? Does it really want to dominate or will it settle for fizzle?

After 31 games, I truly have no idea. But at this point, all I really want is consistency.

Comments

[Simmer]

Here's the silver lining:

Losing two games in two years to Calgary 5-2 while they were able to score 3 quick goals in each game.

That sounds pretty consistent to me!

VM Replies: You're not allowed to make me laugh when I'm queasy. Those are the rules.

[Andrei]

Good column, but would like to point out that your caption is incorrect. J. S. Jiggly let in the 3 quick goals with Gus starting the 3rd period.

VM Replies: No, the caption is for the 2009 game. That's when Gus (Goose) started and was -- horror of horrors -- replaced by Toskala. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[moe green]

Yeah I know what you're saying, Vinay. It's hard to know what mode to get myself into for Vancouver. Are we still serious about a playoff spot or are we attempting to clamber out of the lottery. Are we inconsistent enough to get thumped by Edmonton then thump Edmonton the get thumped by Calgary then beat Vancouver? Is that the crazy-ass kind of team we're following? Is it inconsistency due to lack of talent or poorly implemented and/or conceived systems? Are we expected to excuse these sorts of things. If so, for how long?

Well said VM and I think I want to know what they want more than anything else. I want to know if tehy care as much as I do. Do they care at all?

VM Replies: "Do they care?" was one of the questions asked last season when efforts were made to cure blue-and-white disease. I'm just saying.

[KWood19]

I was so excited when the leafs scored first. Didn't care much that they got scored on for the game to be tied... but those three goals just killed all my joy for the night. To me, it looked like after they went down 2-1, they just gave up. I mean, they were only down by one! its only a one shot difference! Its almost as if they knew right then and there that for anything to happen they would need another superhuman third period comeback to win this game, instead of tightening up defensively and only being down by one. oh, the joys of inconsistency. Maybe we should give the leafs those leaf putters for christmas to remind them that if they keep playing this way that's what they will be using come April.

[We BeLeaf]

Hi Vinay,
I like what you've posted and agree with you. Glad to see tat even though the Leafs lost last night at least you were able to indulge in a healthy dose of Christmas libations. Those 5 questions at the end...has anyone asked Burke, Wilson, or any of the Leafs those questions?
Cheers!

[RICK AKIN]

Vinay, it is painfully clear that there is no way that this Leaf team, as it is presently configured, has the ability to win on a consistent basis. Because they are not quite godawful, they manage to win on occasion, but for them to go on a ten game run , and only lose twice ...aint gonna happen. We will not make the playoffs, and we will not finish as high as 20th overall. A trade or two may or may not help, but its not like the Leafs are about to land Brad Richards or Malkin , or anyone of that ilk. The hope has to be that enough of the Leafs kids actually develop consistency, but that will take time (ie not this year). It's exasperating. This year...that light at the end of the tunnel ? An oncoming train .

[joe jacobs]

Hi Vinay,

I agree with you that consistency is the key, but I would ask where does that come from in any line of work? In your industry, who are the consistent ones? Is it something that is built over time? Does a sense of professionalism take time to acquire? I think it does.
There are a lot of young players on the Leafs. Hell, most of them are probably just happy to be in the NHL.Think of Kadri; he's probably wondering when he gets sent down again.
The consistent players in the NHL have learned to do this over time, through mentors. I don't see many mentors or mature players on the Leafs, except Giguere perhaps, and he has already expressed frustration.
I think the team would do well to pick-up an older player or two, near the end of their career to show this group what it takes to be a professional NHL hockey player. Until then, this is how it will be. Sad!

[Robert]

But, they are consistent. Game one, they win, consistent with this plan, they lose game two. Consistent with that game plan, they win game three. Its the coach who isn't consistent. Ron, pls tell them to win all the games! Oh, sorry, they don't listen to Ron who slags them when they lose, and praises them when they win. I suppose that's consistent. I mean wouldn't it be boring if they won every game? There would be no suspense. NCAA players, 3rd line wingers, and pretty shoddy defence. Schenn, and Dion are 2nd pair guys, the rest, well down the line or their previous teams would have kept them. Wasn't Wilson the guy who praised Finger when they went after him as a pretty good defenceman? Tells you a lot. I thought the idea was to have patience and build the team over the next three years. That once again is consistent with the past, talk, but never put into practice.

[Hoofheartz]

I just heard on Sportscentre that Aulie had been sent back to the Marlies. Can't say that he was given much of a chance, especially last night when paired with Lebda. I have to assume that Komisarek will be back in the lineup soon. Can't wait for that Gong Show. Hopefully he'll be paired with Beauchemin again and we can see what present day Keystone Kops look like.

[Alecia]

Vinay, being a huge Leaf fan, I feel your pain, I really do.
In this depressing post-loss day, I'm going to attempt to shed a small positive light on things. Like all Leaf fans, I would love to see our boys make the playoffs this year despite the fact that we all know how much of a challenge that is going to be. However for the first time in a few seasons, I find myself suddenly loving hockey like I once used to and I find myself watching every single minute of every single game again... it has been a few years since I've been this much into hockey. Why? because despite all their losses and bad plays where they look like noodles on ice, they still manage to come out some games and come back from ridiculous 4-1 deficits in one period and win, they manage to beat Tim Thomas with less than a minute left, they manage to beat the Crosby and the Pens.... Although riddled with inconsistency, for the first time in a long time, there are sparks of hope in this team and while they probably won't make the playoffs this year, they will still be a team that is worth watching as they (hopefully) develop into cup-contenders. There is a lot of talent on the team (Kessel, Army, Versteeg..) and while we still don't have all the pieces to the puzzle, at least there is hope something is actually happening and things are actually clicking. So while they are inconsistent, let's all be happy that they are not consistently loosing. Who is going to win tomorrow? The leafs who are trailing at the bottom of the league or the Canuks who are way at the top? The beauty with the leafs is that you REALLY can't predict, their unpredictability, although sometimes utterly painful and disappointing, makes every one of their wins feel like a gold-medal moment and for now, I'll take it. It COULD be much worse. We could be the Islanders.

[leafland'r]

Subplot: the score last night was Galgary 3 - Toronto 0.
After all the speculation as to who won in the Galgary/Toronto trade it was finally put into action on the ice stage. The Leaf pickups did not appear on the scoresheet. I know, it's only one game. Maybe next year in will be different in a "consistent" 5-2 loss to that team out west.

[leafland'r]

Oh, I forgot to mention.....Vinay, thanks for hanging tough in getting out your amusing and creative post game blog considering the conditions under which you had to work.

[moe green]

Yeah now I'm miffed. So I read that Giguere is injured, again. And I'm thinking when this happened last time, I thought Wilson was riding him too hard. Giguere has a history of groin issues. That doesn't sound right... how about groin events... problems. A lot of us were wondering why Gustavsson didn't start. And again it happens. A lot of us expected Gustavsson to start against Calgary. Nope, Wilson pushes Giggy and now he's injured again. He did the same thing with Gustavsson. He had started seven straight after Giguere's last injury. Then they get Giguere back and who starts: Gustavsson again! And then Wilson pulls him after two quick goals against. Why? To sap his confidence? Why did he start him in the first place if Giguere was ready? Why? Is Wilson a bad coach. Those were certainly bad moves right? Right?

[moe green]

So they are now benching Kadri? They're sending Aullie down? Bringing Komisarek back up? What is next? I'm never sure why Wilson makes his moves. I thought Aullie was playing well. Lebda is horrible. Why are we carrying Lebda. Why not try Lebda at centre? Why is Mitchell still with the team? I am not kidding: I can't remember him ever completing a pass. And they had Kadri playing with Mitchell? Oh yeah and he's played with Orr and Brown as well. Yeah, great for the kid's development, playing with a soon to be waived underachiever in Mitchell and a talentless goon like Orr. So what now? Ride Gustavsson until his groin pops. Then what? Reimer til he croaks? I'm starting to get a hate on again. It's not just the losing, it's the horrible coaching. Night after night, game after game, year after year. I am sick of it. Wilson's a good coach huh. Then explain some of his idiotic moves to me! Soon after the kid's call up, I remember a reporter asking Burke if the team would try Kadri at centre. Burkes answer was an emphatic "no." So a couple games later, there's Kadri at centre. "?" Is this a management team that's got it together?

[Katherine]

Vinay, I swear you're living in my head with so many of the comments you make. Given the size of your hangover, my head is preferrable to yours right now!

I've been saying for quite a while that the only thing consistent about the Leafs IS their inconsistency. That much we can rely on. There have been moments, such as Tuesday against the Oilers, where I find myself saying "Who are these imposters in Leafs uniforms?" Here's hoping for more moments like those...inconsistent in our favour, because it doesn't seem like they're going to figure out how to be purposely consistent and successful anytime soon. *sigh*

[Hoofheartz]

I think the true anomaly is when the Leafs play a good game such as Tuesday's in Edmonton. The real Leafs are the ones who showed up against the Flames. Aimless, no emotion and certainly didn't appear to be motivated. I'm pretty sure those are all things the coach(es) can influence, if not control.

[Pyramid Power]

Annoying to see the Star giving this blog little to ZERO respect. Headline in the sports section has steered us to Vinay's previous gift blog for two or three days now.
And no links from Damien's blog to this blog. Irritating and disrespectful.

Get yer poop together Toronto Star editors. You have also allowed your Leaf beat reporters to misspell hockey player's NAMES way way too often. Igninla? Really? Nobody sees that? That was before the Christmas bash man! Get it together. It makes the Star look second rate. I can't understand how a hockey beat writer gets a name misspelled though, that is just wild to me. One of the first things one is ever taught at journalism school is get the names right. And these are names of players that well-known and FAMOUS in the hockey world let alone to do someone whose JOB it is to do. Anyway, early morning rant over here over.

Actually happy that Giggy is out for awhile and we get to have a long long consistent look at Goose. I DO hope Giggy's groin issues don't destroy his career, but at this exact moment, I would say it is not looking good considering all of his injury issues in Anaheim before landing in Toronto at the end of last January.

Would like to have a look at Reimer too during this spell. Have never seen him play and it would be interesting to see what he brings, or does not bring, and why he has never played a minute with the Leafs to my knowledge.

See what we can do to bring our horrific streak seven year winless skein in Vancouver to an end tonight. Not optimistic at all, not even a little, but definitely hopeful. We're falling out of the race although the Rangers just lost to Philly so that is good.

Would just like to be able to watch Leafs games for awhile longer with something at stake as in a possible playoff berth. Not looking good now at all, but we will see.

Late where I live and will close now and get a pre-game nap in. :)

@Moe Green "Is this a management team that's got it together?" Darn fine question. I'm near the end of my proverbial rope with this squad. Thursday's loss was obscene to me, three goals in under a minute is just inexcusable to the last place and generally inept underachieving Calgary Flames. But I guess that pretty well describes the Leafs too - last place and generally inept and underachieving.

Sigh. Back to bed. I need a coffee when I wake up, and perhaps something nice in that coffee, to adjust my attitude because right now it is as dark as the night over here regarding this hockey club.

Go hard and you magnificent bastards tonight. You were many things last Thursday night, but magnificent is not an adjective I would ever hang on that performance.

The inglorious bastards would be more like it. VERY inglorious, inept, inconsistent, into my bed I go.

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Please excuse the pathetic writing in my post a few minutes ago. Too tired and too disgusted with Toronto right now.

Should have previewed it and had a good look before posting.

Something like what Toronto Maple Leaf beat reporters should do before filing stories, and editors do before sending said stories to publication. :)

[Pyramid Power]

Jim Hughson so annoying as a Leafs fan. "The Leafs have survived the first ten minutes of the first period." Now calling it Hockey Afternoon in Canada. So pro-Canuck. Loathe his playcalling when the Leafs are in the game.

Nice stretch pass by Phaneuf to Kessel created a good chance. Nice. Kessel hustling very well and looks good. The team looks good more than halfway thru the first.
Komisarek back in and missed the net on a semi-decent shot from inside the point. No surprise there.

Someone on the CBC crew, a goalie, not sure who, called Luongo Vancouver's best player. Are you freakin' kidding me? Hank Sedin only won a Hart and an Art Ross last year! Kesler is miles ahead of Luongo!

Luongo has never done anything significant in his career except play fairly well for Canada last February and get us thru to the gold God bless Kid Crosby. No other important achievements in his career and wildly overrated like he just was by this CBC announcer.

Keep it going Toronto. Go get those Sedin Sisters that Burkie made a play for two summers ago, but was too late. He least he got Goose during that trip to Sweden.

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! Like those chants. Not digging the Leafs suck chants too much. Ugh!

Break the seven year winless streak in 'Couver!

VM Replies: I was hoping you were not still sleeping! And weird -- that Hughson quote is the first thing in my rough notes so far. It's as if everybody is shocked it's not already 3-0. Hilarious.

[Pyramid Power]

WOW! Is Hughson EVER pro-Vancouver. Just listen to him! Amazing.

Tough luck we did not score on our 5 on 3 opportunity. Hope that does not bite us. Great chance for Versteeg.

Nice to see Rosehill back in the lineup. Had a good energy shift with Orr a few minutes ago. Stay outta the box against this Canuck PP. Very, very dangerous.

[Pyramid Power]

Ya gotta hit the net on a 4 on 1 Army! Come on man!

Lucky the Sedin Sisters missed a 3 on 1 coming back from that chance.

Komisarek in the box now for a questionable interference penalty. Gotta kill this. 11 minutes without a shot for Vancouver. The announcers are doing a great job of how poorly Vancouver is playing, how great Luongo is and ........ blech!

Looks like we might slay this penalty.

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Did not take advantage of our chances. Vancouver did. Gunnarsson looked bad on the Burrows goal to open the scoring. Tough goal to give up late. 1-0 Vancouver at the end of one despite being outplayed, outchanced and playing through a few power plays.

Hope we do not regret that badly by the end of this one.

Didn't think Schenn looked good on that goal either.

The Don as in Cherry should be entertaining tonight. Looking forward to hearing what he has to say for the first time in a long time. Wacky little pinko, lol, he has his faults but sure knows his hockey. In general.

[Pyramid Power]

Ain't that the pathetic truth Vinay?! Wild. These guys are bizarre every time the Leafs play the Canucks. So pro-Vancouver. Hughson completely worships the Sedin Sisters, that bothers me the most probably.

And didn't "Kes" do a "GREAT" of not retaliating against the Beauchemin push near the end of the period?

I like this Vancouver team. I do not like the CBC announcers here.

And I will say this: the Canucks simply will never win a Cup with this lineup for two reasons 1) Roberto Luongo cannot take them thru a two month stretch of manic intensity in the spring. 2) The Sedin Sisters are not good enough to sustain offensive greatness thru two months of playoff madness. This club will not win a Cup. I would not mind if they did, but it is not going to happen.

The Don was hilarious in the intermission. Gawd, I miss him. Liked that video that guy put together of him. Can't believe he is still rollin' along strong after all these years. Go down blazin' if ya gotta go down someday Don.

[Pyramid Power]

"Rosehill makes a good hit. No penalty called there." Should there have been one guys??????

I can barely tolerate these announcers Vinay! Absolutely nothing wrong with that hit by Rosehill. Nothing.

I would rather a stream from Slovenia than these clowns.

[Pyramid Power]

Not smart opening yer yap in a 1-0 game and grabbing the extra two Versteeg! Dammit!

"Right now this does not look like the 29th ranked penalty killing unit in the league." Thanx Mr. Hughson.

Hughson also now calling Danny and Hank Sedin by their first names during this extended PP. "Daniel to Henrik, Henrik to Daniel etc....." Disgusting.

What a pity we did not get a slashing penalty on "Kes" eh guys? This is horrible announcing. These guys must live in Vancouver I can only assume.

Shut them up guys and score a couple!

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Tremendous hustle by Tambellini on Schenn beating him, and then getting a nice passing play going to Kesler with good finish by Hansen. 2-0 Vancouver. Tough.

Would be nice to score before the end of the second. One minute to go.

Vancouver crowd has that Loouuuuuuuuu chant going that Moe suggested the ACC get going with Goooooooooooooose. We don't though. End of two. 2-0 Canucks.

We're up against it again with Atlanta thrashing the Devils 4-1. Deep trouble. Dark dank dismal days being a Leafs fan.

VM Replies: Maybe I should change the name of this blog to "Dark Dank Dismal Days." Eesh.

[Vinay Menon]

@PP I think it's just me and you tonight, lad. Leafs Nation is shrinking before my eyes.

[Pyramid Power]

May I suggest Dark, Dank, Dismal, Disappointing, Disgusting, Discombobulating Days of Disillusioned Despair Vinay? That is about where I am with Toronto right now. :)

But there is hope. Gotta strike quickly here in the third, and maybe make a game of this.

[moe green]

Just tuned in... great to have Komisarek back... NOT!

[Pyramid Power]

Mike Komisarek: You make me want to projectile vomit you freakin' total idiot! What the heck have you done for this team since your arrival? NOTHING!

Bad penalties, poor play with the puck, giveaways, ZERO truculence, injuries, pathetic pickup. What a total disappointment. Lebda close on his heels. Outrageous zeroes and Komisarek back in the box with an astoundingly stupid interference penalty, second of the night, on Kesler. Beyond dumb.

We stink again tonight. Very little positive happening here. Goose playing well I suppose.

[moe green]

What a kill on the stupid Komi penalty - still hope!

[moe green]

Komisarek is becoming a truly horrible hockey player.

[Pyramid Power]

"Henrik shoots off the post!" How ya feeling right now you human piece of trash Mike Komisarek? You make me far far far beyond sick!

Canucks so close to salting this away because of you Mike Komisarek! Sit this bum Ronnie! Sit him and make him work, work and work some more on how to handle the puck and every aspect of his play.

Or trade him BB! Trade this trash! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY IN LEAF NATION TRADE THIS STIFF!

[Vinay Menon]

Comeback!

[moe green]

Cue the comeback!

[Pyramid Power]

Three of us now Vinay. Good evening/morning Moe.

I think everyone else is out at X-mas parties VM. I hope so.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!

GRABBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! AWESOME! 2-1!

GO LEAFS GO! LUONGO LOOKED LIKE CRAP ON THAT ONE.

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Nice play by Army getting the puck back to Gunner. Good shot and save by Luongo. Let's tie one up. Shut Hughson up!

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! LOVE THE CHANTS IN VANCOUVER! GO LEAFS GO!

Phil Kessel or Kris Versteeg: please step up now and tie this for us. Anyone will do.

Chants loud and proud now - GO LEAFS GO, GO LEAFS GO. LOVE IT! Hughson hates it as do his cohorts in Leaf hatred. Almost scored there. "Game on now," and aren't you bummed about it Mr. James Hughson?

[moe green]

You guys see that horrible pass through the slot by Beauchemin. Did you see it?

VM Replies: Horrific. But he nearly atoned for it right there.

[Pyramid Power]

Nice hit by Army on Toronto native Manny Malhotra. Saved Beauchemim and Phaneuf's proverbial bacon on a bad giveaway.

GO LEAFS GO! GOTTA SCORE HERE AND GET AT LEAST A POINT.

LOUUUUUUUUU chants still going. So cool. Will never happen at the ACC without a tremendous push by PR people, Damien and others to get that nickname to take hold Moe.

[moe green]

I'm not kidding, the next ten mins tell us what kind of team we have. I'm afraid to look.

[moe green]

I'd have forgiven him too.

[moe green]

Louuuuuuuuu! the tit.

[moe green]

awe.

[Vinay Menon]

Comeback over.

[moe green]

Man Schenn totally screened Goose. C'mon Grabovski!!!

[Pyramid Power]

Nice play by Kesler. Schenn has had a horrific night. Kaberle no help on that goal. 3-1 and this one is done.

Another turnover. This one by Kaberle but Schenn also at fault. And we lost the faceoff.

Toronto not a very good hockey team. Fading fast. Just reality. Sad.

[moe green]

You see Tambellini beat Beauchemin in the corner. So easily. Kabby isn't trying anymore.

[moe green]

I know PP. I was clinging to hope. But I have to ask, with plays like Beachemin and Schenn and Komisarek - is it coaching? If not, do we have a bunch of morons on our team?

[Pyramid Power]

Thank you very much for letting us know that the Vancouver Canucks are the greatest team in the history of professional hockey Jim Hughson. Great play calling tonight.

4-1 loss. Have a joyful merry flight home Toronto knowing you stink, and did not do what you had to do which was win two of three on this trip. A horrible hockey team that is essentially out of the race now.

I'll take that hockey stick/golf putter Vinay. Use it to hit so many of the passengers on this Leafs team. Awful!

Home to the Trashawks on Tuesday. Should be lots and lots of fun. Sigh.

Have a great night gentlemen. Off to work I go.

VM Replies: Godspeed.

[moe green]

I guess we have to face the flippin' facts gents: the playoff dream is over for another long season. Would have been nice to have a meaningful game against Atlanta Monday, but we didn't make it even to Christmas this year. We'll get em next year. Now all there is is to rise out of Lottery-land. Good news, I think we're solidly in 28th place. Ha-Ha! No top-two pick for Boston this year. They'll draft third. I think we can fend off late charges from New Jersey and the Islanders.

VM Replies: There's still a lot of hockey to play! (He says as a single tear rests on his cheek.)

[moe green]

Goodnight PP. You're lucky you are so far away. I dunno what I mean.

[moe green]

I'm listening to whats-his-face Frost on AM640 and he asks: "Do you think Gustavsson can carry this team?" To which we all say: "Carry them where?" To 28th place? Yeah I think he can. Do you guys realize how bad Giguere's save percentage is? Gustavsson is closing in on it. Is this team really, really bad? Please someone help me.

[We BeLeaf]

Sadly Vinay, after this loss I await your next blog to hopefully cheer up the masses along with myself. I hear a few stiff drinks calling my name. Good night to all in the 'Nation.

[moe green]

There IS a lot of hockey to play. As a fan, I can only say that me and my kind will be there to the bitter mathematical end. Did you notice how pissed Burke looked at the end. He's clearly not happy with guys like Beauchemin and Komisarek.

He and Wilson put a stake though Kaberle's heart. They even took away the "A." That was a callous and unnecessary thing to do. They deserve what they are getting from him now. I hope he soars wherever he ends up.

I really hope I am reading this right, but I think you can hang much of this on Wilson. It may work long-term, but it sure isn't working now. Not all obviously, but do many the players just hate him? Seems like several guys look really lost out there. Komisarek springs to mind.