Game 32: Throw a paper bag over your head and get ready to jump

Nobody expected the Leafs to beat Vancouver tonight. So for once, at least our expectations were met. That's something, right?

Right?

Oh, these magnificent poor Leaf bastards.

I won't lie to you. It is not looking good. It is really not looking good.

Yes, there are 50 games left to play. Yes, there are 100 points up for grabs. Yes, mathematically speaking, this team could engineer a spectacular second-half and bridge the 10-point chasm that now separates them from a final playoff spot.

Yes, we could get a taste of postseason play for the first time since 2004.

Then again, I could wake up tomorrow and suddenly be fluent in Swahili. You could learn to fly. We could sit down over lemon squares and tequila shots and come up with a scientific answer to this paranormal question: Are the Leafs cursed? Are the vultures already circling?

More important: Are we cursed?

Are we doomed to make feeble excuses and search for silver linings even as the grim reaper gives us wedgies twice a week under storm clouds? Are we wasting our time? Was commenter Denial on to something when he left us weeks ago for Planet Disengagement?

People keep talking about patience and loyalty. People keep patting me on the shoulder while preaching about "rebuilding," a process that could take three, four, five – God knows how many years.

Okay. Fine. For the sake of argument, for the sake of our splintered sanity, let's say the rebuild is proceeding exactly as planned.

All these gritty but demoralizing losses – that's just part of the learning curve. This is the youngest team in the league and they are absorbing painful but valuable lessons that will shape their experiences and game instincts.

Okay. Fine. This should be super-awesome. Really.

But until this super-awesomeness dawns, what are we supposed to do? Are we supposed to cling to the hypothetical pledge of a better tomorrow and ignore the concrete reality of a bleak today? Should we just shake our heads and fake our smiles and punch ourselves in the genitals to help lessen the pain? Should we just accept short-term failure with a promise note scrawled on the back of a dirty napkin that says something about future glory?

Or should we throw paper bags over our heads and get ready to jump?

I recall once spending more than a day in the Italian port city of Brindisi. This was supposed to be a brief stopover. Brindisi was a blip on our journey. It was never our destination.

The plan was simple: We'd take the train to Brindisi and leave just enough time to board a ferry that would slice across the Adriatic and drop us in Corfu.

Alas, the captain refused to depart until his ship was full. Scheduled departure? Get real. Now run along. Go wander our desolate streets and come back later. How much later? Not sure. Just later. Come back later. We'll know when it's time. Later.

So we waited. And we wandered. And we waited and wandered some more.

By the time we left Brindisi, the mood on that ship was decidedly somber. Travelers from all over were exhausted from touring an unremarkable city they never planned to endure. Their giddy exuberance was crushed by the simple act of killing time.

Did Toronto deserve to lose 4-1 tonight? Probably not. Was the game closer than the final score indicates? I suppose. Can we take some positives away from tonight's loss? Sure. Does it matter? No.

What matters: Their learning curve feels like a noose around our necks. Their missed shots are hitting us in the heads. Their giveaways are taking away our resolve. Their confusion is forcing too many inside Leafs Nation to think decisively about leaving.

Maybe they'll return when the ship is ready to sail. Maybe they won't.

The Leafs may be learning to win by losing. But I fear we are learning not to care about either.

***

PHOTO: DARRYL DYCK/CANADIAN PRESS

Comments

[Hoofheartz]

Everyone keeps saying that the Leafs are the youngest team in the league and I'm prepared to accept that there will be nights like Thursday or last night when they may have deserved a better fate. What I'm not prepared to accept is the constant terrible play of the so called veterans. How many puck battles does Kaberle have to lose, often to smaller players. How many times does Beauchemin have to make a terrible pass up the middle to the opposition. If you want to find a silver lining look no further that Grabovski. At least he looks like he gives a crap on most nights or maybe he's just playing that way to increase his trade value in the hopes of escaping Leaf purgatory. I wish I had the same testicular fortitude as Denial, but this is one tough Maple Leaf monkey to get off my back.

VM Replies: Grabovski is a beast, no question. And you're not going anywhere.

[Hoofheartz]

There was another silver lining that I almost forgot about until my son brought them up. Those 2 green dudes sitting beside the penalty box were hilarious. I think Versteeg was in the box when they opened up a case of Eggo waffles and started tossing them and I think it was Komisarek in the box when they held up Santa's naughty list wtih all the Leaf names on it. I guess if you can't laugh at the Leafs, who can you laugh at?

VM Replies: The Green Men are truly hilarious. I didn't get my post up until after midnight because I spent 30 minutes trying to find a picture of them taunting Tim Brent with the waffles.

[Robert Bates]

Remember that Grabovski ( your only player of any worth at all) is a Montreal
Canadiens discard ( and rightly so). This only goes to prove that the Maple Laffs would have great difficulty in defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs in a seven game series. Why not join the American Hockey League as most of your players might be better suited for that level of play.
Go Habs Go.

[moe green]

All I can say is that I've had enough of the excuses as far as veterans are invoved. Is Komisarek TRYING to look bad? Beauchemin? I understand Kaberle's uninspired play, his soul is dead. But these other guys. Time to send Nazem Kadri back to the Marlies and away from all the losing. You cannot absolve Wilson of his share of the blame. What is Wilson's share? To hear Burke talk you would say zero percentage. That's a whole heap of hooey! Say a lot of things about this "team" but well-coached certainly doesn't leap to the lips. Or is it just that Burke has assembled a woeful group of overpaid losers for us to rid ourselves of over the next few years. Look at the bright side: we only have three more years of Kessel and Kominsarek to endure. And there's a first round pick with our name on it if we can finish last next season! I can honestly say that I don't care if they win their next game. Thanks for killing my enthusiasm Leafs. And again before Christmas this season.

[Hoofheartz]

One last thing Vinay. When will it be appropriate to start singing this song which I parapharased from a Pink Floyd song:
Goodbye cruel Maple Leafs, I'm leaving you today, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.
Goodbye all you Maple Leafs, there's nothing you can say to make me change my mind, goodbye.

[Hoofheartz]

Good one Master Robert Bates.

[We BeLeaf]

Well said Vinay, the team is in a situation where the historical trend is to call it a day at the end of December and then magically turn it on after the all star break. I for one though, will not jump ship even under the persecution of others who bandwagon other teams. I understand that this many years of futility will breed disloyalty to the home team for some people, but I will not be one of them. I still appreciate watching good hockey teams and their respective players. To the others who I have enjoyed reading on here who are questioning their loyalty, all I can say is stay, because the victories will be that much sweeter in the end.

VM Replies: Well said, as usual. We're in this together.

[moe green]

I am furious. I know I have a life and it's Christmas and all but I'm stuck here in Texas and I no longer have the Leafs to care about and the hockey season isn't half over and the Leafs are out of it again and Ron Wilson still has a job and...

It's not the losing. Losing is what bad teams, "rebuilding" teams do. It's the lack of any measurable improvement and the horrible coaching. We're gonna finish near bottom in special teams AGAIN. Our goalies are near the bottom of the league in save percentage. I mean they're not quite Toskala bad, no one was, but they're getting pretty close. Our Goalies are going to both be in the bottom five in the league by all measures. Is that good enough? Aren't great goalies supposed to lift their teams not fall to the team's level?

Did anyone notice Komisarek, Beauchemin and Kaberle last night. Are you kidding me! Is Kessel that inept? How small is Versteeg. Sometimes I couldn't even see him out there. And what about Boozak? Is he NHL-ready?

I guess we are bad, but aren't good coaches supposed to make bad teams respectable and good teams contenders. Is that what Wilson is doing. Are we getting respectable? Thank god for the MacKulebovski line, especially the "bovski" part. You could dump all of: Brent, Sjostrom, Orr, Rosehill, Mitchell (especially Mitchell. A "Mitchell hat trick" is completing two passes in one night) with literally ANY NHL/AHL players and it would be an improvement. Once again: Bozak, Kessel and Versteeg. Is that the best we've got? K, that's enough. See you all after the next three-game winning streak - sometime in 2012!

VM Replies: No! You can't leave!

[leafland'r]

Vinay, I like your choice of room in "The Plan". There are parallels such as "to the showers", take a powder", "down the toilet". Guess the Plan is unfolding as designed.

[leafland'r]

Brindisi...wife and I did the same outing to Corfu. In our wait 'n wait we spent out last coin on something to eat. It was the cheapest thing on the menu; tripe.
The dish of cow's stomach lining left me a disappointed ( not what I expected), frustrated (I was truly hungry), and nauseous ( had to digest what I was given).
Kinda' sounds like this season's Leaf platter.
Hope the ship sails soon.

VM Replies: Leafs Nation should book some kind of group rate and head to Corfu this winter.

[Macky]

What a hoot - after the game last night Andy Frost was whinning about how the CBC producers of HNIC were biased against the Leafs,,,,,ah ah ah. Try being a HABs fan......it would make him weep.

[Vinay Menon]

@Hoofheartz: I just updated the post to add a video of Green Men antics from last night. As absurdist theatre goes, that short video more or less sums up the season.

[Alecia]

The only reason that these recent losses are so painful was because of the great loosing streak of November. Had it not been for all those consecutive losses, then two back to back losses AFTER two back to back wins wouldn't seem so bad. I felt more depressed about the Calgary loss than the loss last night. They definitely put in a better effort last night. But you're right, did we really expect a win against Vancouver? not really. So why are people getting so depressed after a loss that was already expected? The reality is that we DON'T have enough talent on our team. I love our leafs (with the exception of a few guys (*coughLebdacough), but there is no denying that we are in need of a trade or two (can we trade coaches?). For now, I'll be happy if the Leafs learn to put in an effort like the one last night at all their games, then we might even see a better record, and definitely wins against teams like Calgary.

Burke is here to rebuilt, however he wants to do it (apparently, not with draft picks, we all know that), so all we can do is sit back and hope that calls are being made and talks are being had for whats the next step in making this team better in finding the missing pieces to the puzzle that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Maybe I am in denial, but I don't think things are so horrible. When they pull off unexpected wins like Washington and Boston, it makes me believe that there's a little shinning light at the end of the tunnel.

I don't expect the playoffs this year but I will watch and support my team because that is what being a fan is all about. I won't stray and come back as soon as the win the next game. You gotta take the bad, even the really bad, if you want to be there for the good because the sweet just ain't sweet without the bitter. For now, I'll take one game at a time because that is all us Leaf fans can do. And I hope, I hope that the leafs of 2010-2011 are like the Blackhawks of 2006-2007, who finished at the bottom of the league that year but with a young team that showed some promise and went on to win the Cup only 3 years later when all their puzzle pieced were complete.

[moe green]

I missed most of the game so I missed the green men. They were hilarious. Thanks for posting it!

[Alecia]

I'm with We BeLeaf!

Except if "fans" want to jump ship, let them. We will all remember who they are when they come back, and come back they will.

[Pyramid Power]

Hilarious recap by the Star writer and the headline "gritty" Leafs. I would substitute two other letters to start off that word gritty. I can only assume the writer knew he would be beaten on the plane home by the Leafs if he had given this lame bunch poor reviews of that game last night. To call that performance 'gritty' and 'hard-nosed' is eminently laughable.

You think you have it bad Moe? At least you have the Cowboys and Texans! Oops! Check that. lol At least you have the Dallas Stars. Ooops, heresy! And the Rockets and the Mavericks if basketball is something you are into.

I have a life too over here in Shanghai, but what the heck am I supposed to do with this team again? I have received over ten e-mails from gloating stinking Habs fans already laughing at the 'Reafs' tonight over here.

I am just going to take savage dumps on every player that comes within my radar during the next little while. I genuinely do not care anymore, and will almost be laughing hysterically and bitterly, VERY bitterly, if and when they lose to the Thrashers in their next game at home.

I am not going to be very analytical about rebuilds, what trades we should do or anything. Just unload and vent on Loafs that make me puke.

Like last night and trashing Mike Komisarek. That felt GREAT! I loved that. Very very therapeutic. So I too will be not going anywhere, and will simply be viciously venting on this group.

John Mitchell I would not want you playing on the freakin' Marlies if I was BB. You are a total dirtbag and waste of time and money. I don't know what BB or the organization owes you, and what in holy hannah you are doing on this team but you DO NOT BELONG!

Kris Versteeg. Yo, Mouthguard Boy! I hate you. I loathe you. Play better and live up to expectations. Don't take dumb penalties and please try to score more. Just play better and make me not miss Viktor Stalberg one iota. And why the heck do you suddenly want everyone to call you Kristopher? I have a much better name for you, but it is not suitable for a family newspaper. I'll just call you Kris Kringle for now to be nice in the spirit of XXXX-mas OK you overrated overhyped turnover machine?

Francois Beauchemin. What happened to you down Anaheim way before BB signed you? I lauded you as one of The Big Three in Anaheim that helped lead the Ducks to a Cup in 2007 along with Pronger and Niedermayer. What happened buddy? Yeah, I know you had ACL or MCL surgery but I was told you were fully healed and signing you would be great for the team. You have not been great for the team AT ALL. Just very mediocre. Oh, I don't hate you - yet. Give me a little more time OK? I am sure I will.

Brett Lebda. I defended you mildly on Yahoo threads last summer with Wings fan friends, but would not dare do so now. I also hate your freakin' guts, and can only assume you were signed because BB thought he would deal the soulless Tomas Kaberle before his August 15th trade window of opportunity expired last summer. You are worth nothing, and how you won a Cup with the Red Wings is beyond my limited powers of comprehension. You smell from here in Shanghai sir.

Aahhhhhhh that feels slightly better. As soon as this team starts to bother me a little more I will come back to this therapy group to crap on other players. But I just woke up so give me time, I am just warming up. It will get better or worse. Thank you Vinay.

GOLF LEAFS GOLF!

[Hoofheartz]

Macky, you must have heard Joe Bowen and Greg Millen or the ultimate homers Dennis Beyak and Jim Ralph. For those that complained about Jim Hughson's play-by-play, he used to do Canuck radio broadcasts and filled in for Jim Robson for Canuck telecasts before signing on with CBC and I'm pretty sure he's from BC so maybe he does tend to favour the Canucks but he can also be pretty pro-Leaf. As for you being a stinking habs fan, I can see why that would make you weep.

[Macky]

Let's start a Leaf/Hab trade rumor. Subban & Gomez straight-up for Schenn & Armstrong.

[Hoofheartz]

PP, sometimes we just need to vent with profanity. It may be considered juvenile but my _______(insert preferred deity here) it feels good. Maybe we can send profanity laced tirades to Vinay and he can decide what to do with them.

[Hoofheartz]

I wouldn't take Gomez on a bet but throw in Gionta and Hal "the thrill" Gill and you gotta a deal. Oh yeah, you HAVE to take Komisarek back and you might as well take Blowchemin. We'll toss a bag of pucks your way for those 2.

[Pyramid Power]

@Hoofheartz Great idea! Send all profanity laced tirades to Vinay's e-mail, he can edit them and away we go. Does that sound good Vinay? lol

No, I like it this way. Just put freakin' in instead of other words and all groovy.

Good points about Hughson, and I knew he was from B.C. but didn't know he was their colour boy years back. I have noticed his pro-Canuck bias for a LONG time on CBC, and it makes me puke every freakin' time. Your tax dollars pay to listen to him so if he does not bother you then so be it.

He bothers the crap outta me as you saw last night, and hey man, I LOVE Ralphie, Beyak, Bowen and our gang. They are supposed to be homers, they work for the home radio and TV crowd. Not paid with public tax dollars to the almighty CBC. Anyway.

NOTHING would make me take Gnomez from Montreal. He would kill me in blue and white. And I LOVE making fun of him with my stinking Flab fan friends.

How about Subban and Gill for Blowchemin, Komisarek, Lebda, Giggy and Kadri? Aaahhhh what the heck sour the pot and toss in Mitchell! Think Gauthier would go for it? I know BB would.

[Hoofheartz]

LMFAO, listenting to a little Zep on Q107 and reread your post about Gnomez. Glad I wasn't drinking anything or it would have shot out my nose. Gnomez! I love it.

[moe green]

I know PP the Lebda smell is a smelly smell. And the Mitchell thing. How has he hung on so long. What does he know. Again, this isn't hyperbole: Has he ever completed a pass? He was tapping his stick on the ice but no one wanted to waste an opportunity by passing it to him. The Marlies are too good for this guy. You mean we have no one in the organization better than him to bring up. We truly are in a sorry state.

And I have to blame Burke and especially Wilson for the demise of Kaberle as a once decent offensively minded "puck-moving" defenseman. To me it is abundantly clear that Kaberle for one (and I'm sure there are others) hate Ron Wilson. They certainly don't respect him. Anyone agree that removing the "A" from his shirt was a classless move on the part of whomever is responsible? Yeah, they hung it on Komisarek and Beauchemin instead. Right.

And Kessel. Please. He's clearly operating on a different wavelength. Do you think that all the young guys know that they are going to outlast Wilson. We know Kessel will. I can just imagine them all laughing at him under their breath between tweets. I think the only players who are truly playing for him are Grabovski, Kulemin and MacArthur. Maybe because he can't insult them in Russian and MacArthur has been to solid to criticize.

There are a core of guys on this team: Kessel, Versteeg, Komisarrek, Bozak who all make way, way too much money. When you are 23 and making 5 million a year, who's smarter than you are? Nobody, that's who. How did that happen? I know how. Because no one wants to play for Wilson. They will have trouble signing free-agents until he has gone. That has always been and continues to be a real problem for the Leafs. I thought BB would rectify it, he hasn't.

And to the Goalies. Are Gustavsson and Giguere serious NHL-calibre goalies? Save percentage says no. GA says no. Record says no. Soft goals says no. Look, ALL NHL goalies make brilliant saves, it's making them always and rarely letting in bad ones that makes you an NHL goalie. It's the strongest position in the League. They are the best 60 at their position in the world. Do we have NHL-calibre goalies? By what measure? What say you all?

And damn it Wilson, stop pushing goalies to injury. He's done it twice now to Giguere and once last eyar to Gustavsson. Alternate goalies you pin-head bastard! You waiting for Gustavson's groin to pop too? God I really hate that man!

[moe green]

As someone in one of the forums once said: Go Leafs, just go.

[moe green]

Yeah I love "gnomez" too. It's like totally appropriate. Cuz he's gnome-like and from alaska. I love it.

[moe green]

K so maybe they don't hate Wilson (seven or eight players aside) but do they respect him? How could they? What's to respect. Do you respect his systems? Yeah, they're working out great. How about his cup rings. Oh right, he doesn't have any. I hate when people tell me how great he is because he guided team America to the silver medal. I could have done that. Anyone can coach a talented, fast team with Miller twixt the twine. Look at Quinn and the under 18s. You think HE is a good coach too?

We need a coach that can bring this team up not take them down. Wilson is killing the confidence of the younger players. HE has lost the room in the sense that his system is just not working. All he can do is juggle lines and throw guys under the bus. Only never the guys who really deserve it. He benches Kadri - why? Isn't he just a kid? Shouldn't he be developing in the minors. And why why why is Komisarek still getting a regular shift out there. And why does Colton Orr never miss a game? Why why why.

He says players don't do what they're told. BS. I'll get them to do what they're told or maybe they want to practice hard every day and then sit on the bench the whole game. Or better still, maybe they need conditioning with the Marlies. Yeah, I'll get them to stand in front of the net. He's killing our goalies. He's ruining our prospects. Wilson is a big loud mouthed gasbag know-it-all failure.. It is time for him to go before someone dumps beer on his head. I can't sugar-coat it anymore. No wait, I am sugar-coating it.

[moe green]

Here's the thing, no one's talking trash like this about the Oilers cuz no one expects much from the oilers cuz they're rebuilding. They also have Eberle, Hall, and Plackus-punjabi (or something like that) and draft picks a-plenty.. We have the oft-invisiable jason-blakian "Phil the overpaid, underachieving tit" Kessel. But still, what a smooth skating team the Oil have. Who do you think gets respectable first the Oil or the Leaf? Exactly.

[moe green]

if you haven't alrady:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfJ6oCdjY9Y

oldie but goodie

[Robert]

What is wrong with Leaf Nation - it ain't just the team. Its the collection of misguided nuts who are their fans. This daily hand wringing, bashing of heads against walls, constant high pitched screaming at your television sets is not going to make an average American League (Leafs) hockey team a winner. They are not front line calibre players. (okay maybe one or two) They still don't have a crisp break out from their own end and they are burdened with a coach who continues to juggle for effect rather than stabilize and work out systems. Everyone says in the cap age, you don't trade away your draft picks!!! That Kessel deal alone just added another three years to the torture. Leaf Fans Unite. Demand redemption, Wilson out, Burke on a short tether and no more giving away the farm. Thank you. And finally thank goodness for Vinay he is the only Toronto sports writer who is making any sense of this mess.

[Pyramid Power]

Hope they played "Dazed and Confused" for you on the Mighty Q. Hoof. That Zep tune would be appropriate these days in Leaf Nation.

Moe The goalies. I will stick to them for the purposes of this particular post. I was VERY worried about Giggy and Goose coming into this year.

STRANGELY enough I was NOT worried about Losskalol and Goose last year. I stupidly and naively thought Toskala would do a job for us under Allaire, and if he could not or injury woes came up again, Goose would come in and play great. That was not the case.

Who knows where Vesa Toskala is now? I know not and care not although I did read, and I laughed very very hard when I read it, he actually turned down an offer of NHL employment this year! Can you freakin' beleaf that? I am sure I read that somewhere.

Anybody know what brain surgeon offered Vesa Toskala an NHL job this year? Whoever did that is madder than Mad Mike Milbury.

We have been spoiled for soooo long with The Cat, Cujo and Belfour as our goalies over the past decade or two.

I guess Andy Raycroft and then the sieves we have had since then are some sort of karmic payback for all the excellence we enjoyed at by far the most important position in hockey.

I am happy to see Rask not doing so well in Boston, and oh yeah, did I say I am a bitter Leaf fan? Yeah, I am bitter. Reduced to rooting against guys like Seguin and Rask so we don't look even worse than we are. How pathetic is that?

When we unloaded Shake 'n Blake and Toskalol on the Quacks last January for Giggy I was overjoyed. Truly overjoyed. Great to see some trash headed off to southern California. BUT the $7 mill cap hit coming our way kind of tempered my frenzied joy upon further reflection.

BUT once again like Toskala I thought, hey man, Allaire will fix him up. We will treat him properly with great medical care, doing a great thing for his ill child and Sick Kid's Hospital, Giggy will come thru for us this year and re-establish himself as a superstar goalie in the NHL.

BUT then I was reminded that he never really and truly was a star. He won his hardware when goalies had to be wheeled out to the games because they wore more equipment and padding than a bomb disposal specialist or astronaut.

OK, well still, he will be fine. And if he is not, well, we have Rynnas down with the Marlies and the biggie, The Monster now known as Goose.

I thought Goose would step up this year, and win some games by himself. Outplay Price in Montreal and many other young goalies except for the small matter that Goose is not really that young at age 26. I can say now that I am not happy with Goose at all. BUT I have still not given up on him. I don't hate him yet. I say the jury is still out on Goose. Let's give him a little more time I say.

Giggy? I think he is almost done as an NHL goalie. The gang has not been smart handling him, and I was stunned when I read recently that he was coming back early from his perennial groin issues. He's old enough to know better himself and has to take a lot of the blame I say.

I suspect he is looking at a hernia operation, and this year being over for him. I really hope it is. I do not know if we could save his $7 mill cap hit if he went on the long term DL, I think we do and others can check if they like at capgeek.com but I think we would.

So if he does have that operation and is done in Toronto we are left with Goose, Reimer and Rynnas with another guy or two in the pipe. I say let's go with Goose for almost the rest of the year. Give him a tremendous chance to show Leafs fans once and for all if he is the guy. Give Reimer a shot once in awhile on back to backs, and if Reimer stinks then bring up Rynnas and let us take a look at him.

OK, it is football time. I have more to say about the goalies but in the interest of not writing a novella I will conclude here. Here's to hoping Goose can do a job for us and justify BB's faith in him and our 'victory' getting The Monster over Dallas, Denver and one other team when he was a very hot commodity. I still have hope for Goose. Let us pray for him and for all of us on this Sabbath buddy Sabbath.

[moe green]

Thanks for the responses all especially PP. Here's the rub. It isn't really over yet. If Burke can release some of his stubbornness and dispense with Wilson after Christmas, I think we can go on a run. I really think this team is tanking to get rid of Wilson. There is only one way to find out. One thing's sure: If you hate the guy, you're certainly not going to make him look good by playing for him right.

[Hoofheartz]

I can't even take exception to Robert's post. Everything he says is true, especially the part about the fans. Say what you want the stinking habs but when they suck the fans let them and ownership know about it. What do the Maple Sheeps do, sell out, sell out and sell out some more. For Christ sake I've got a small Leaf shrine set up at work. How pathetic is that? What will it take for the fans to say enough is enough. Its time for the Nation to stand up and be counted. Repeat after me, I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.

[Tom]

Just roll with it, VM. The pain will heal with time. D:

VM Replies: I was wondering where you had gone.

[80s Leafs]

It's a pretty sad commentary on the state of the team that it is now regularly receiving moral-victory praise despite stinkin' the joint out on most nights.
Ron MacLean stated several times last night how the Leafs were the Flames' equal in the Thursday loss, and then this "Gritty Leafs" headline in the Star after the Vancouver game. If they are equal to their opponent and are truly gritty, why are they getting humbled on the scoreboard all the time???
Let's have some true comment after these debacles.
"Leafs Lose Despite Errant-Pass, Missed-Net Totals Far Outnumbering Canucks' Gaffes"

[Alecia]

Hey, people, cheer up. We could be the Islanders.

[moe green]

like almost every Leaf team in recent memory, this team looks un-coached. Leaf team have always been undisciplined free-for-all barn-burner teams. Pat Burns' squads excepted. Well guys, the barn is smoldering dust.

[moe green]

Imagine how much better this team would be with Claude Julien behind the bench. I could name others. Wilson has to go. Please Brian, even if it's not entirely his fault, you gotta fire him for the fans.

[j-rock]

I didn't expect them to make the playoffs this, year, but I certainly didn't figure that they would have been virtually eliminated before Christmas. At least we'll get a high draft pick this year - wait, oops...Oh yeah, that's Boston.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

Scouts? You guys have heard of them? Yeah....you know the guys. They help the GM decide who is worth making a move on. I'd say the problems with the Leafs go far deeper than the players or coach. The organization as a whole needs a face lift.
Why is it that through all the years of mediocrity we haven't heard of anyone 'taking the fall' in T.O. No cleaning house. Burke rewards loyalty. Great! Does he accept failure also? He must because everyone is still there.

You guys are worse than the Islanders! You are supposed to be the LEAFS!! Unlimited amount of money....blah..blah...blah...At least we're not the Islanders...sheesh. The bar has been officially dropped to the floor.

[Hoofheartz]

It's a sad day indeed when stinking hab fans make at least a small amount of sense. I'm sure VM said it before, could this be the "end of days?"

[Ken Baumgartner]

HHHHHHHHHAAAAAACHHOOOOOO! Blue and white disease.

I hear your Texas pain Moe. I have to endure the Ottawa fans finding solice in the fact that the leafs are even crappier than they are.

This is ridiculous. I say start booing them when they get on the ice. Maybe they will get a tatse of what life can be like.

[Leaf shredder / Kid Delicious]

I say the complete opposite. For such a large fan base I am always surprised when I watch a Leafs game how quiet it is in the ACC. That place should be rockin'! I watched the Leafs / Flames game the other night. Aside from Montreal I have never seen or heard such mayhem then I did at the Saddledome. Absolute madness!!. Red lights flashing....sirens going off and the crowd going nuts. What a lift it must give to the team. The killer is the Flames are roughly in the same spot as the Leafs. But you wouldn't know it from the fan reactions.

[TG77]

Not a great day to be a Leafs fan in Vancouver and apparently even worse for a fan at the game. Word is 6 Canucks fans pummeled a Leafs fan at the game. My buddy was shoved on numerous occasions at the arena for wearing his Leafs jersey last night and last year several people challenged him to fights. I find it weird that Canucks fans hate the Leafs so much and I am sure people watching the CBC feed showed the Canucks fans chanting that the leafs suck on their way out (truer words perhaps haven't been uttered I guess) but I would just be happy they have a good and very deep team this year and the Hawks don't have Byufglien to ruin Luongo's focus.

The hate for the Leafs here is also present in the local media. A BC newspaper held an auction for the right to demolish a car with the Leafs insignia on it and it had the number 67 painted on it. Further, the local press absolutely rips on the Leafs at every chance they get including the local Sportsnet jacka$$ Don Taylor. I would have thought that hate would be directed towards NW division rivals. As for the green guys, I can't stand them and I don't think they are funny in any way and they just need to move on. The eggo thing was somewhat witty but they are just tools and ripped off a fans routine from another city (can't remember who).

If the braintrust of the Leafs were to make moves, put some veterans like Komisarek, Lebda and Mitchell (is he a veteran or he has just had 18 opportunities to prove himself so it just seems like he has been here) on waivers and call up some kids. Send a consistent message that it truly is a youth movement because as rightly pointed out earlier by a number of you, the guys we don't expect to have growing pains are the ones making blind backhand passes up the middle to the streaking forwards (on the other team). Cut them loose because if they are a young team learning, do we need them to learn from guys who are utterly hopeless (yes, Lebda I am looking at you) and screwing up their confidence by making Gunnarson and Aulie play with plugs. Further, Kadri passing to Tim Brent or John Mitchell, yeah, that will pad his stats and make him a better player.

Let Kadri play with Mueller and D'Amigo in the New Year and start developing lines from the AHL. I truly don't get the point of shuffling all of the lines every other shift. Not that I think I would endure a hit better than Kessel but as soon as he got hit hard last night, his level of play went south and fast. Is there a team with a "franchise player" who is worse than Kessel?

As for last night's game specifically, In addition to not scoring on the 5 on 3, Armstrong missing the net when the Leafs had a 4 on 1 was a huge turning point and the first goal of the game was actually a bad bounce but like others here, I am getting sick of rationalizing losses and being optimistic when the Leafs moved up to 10th place in the East earlier this week. I want to be optimistic but it's growing harder.

[Angelo]

this team is terrible, there is no curse. Brian Burke has built a crappy team plain and simple. Every single piece he's brought in has been terrible, he is an over rated blow hard and the Leafs will suck til he's in charge.

[Alecia]

TG77 - Reading your account of what is going on in Vancouver and how the media perpetrates Leaf hate even further is kind of sickening. Very sickening. What is wrong with people?

I've been to tons of Leaf games where there were other fans, include Habs and Sens, and never have I seen that kind of violence and disrespect.

Vancouver used to be one of my favourite teams but after reading that, it's hard to respect any team with that kind of following.

Please hold on, we will prevail.

[moe]

Man Grabovski is smart. I heard them talking to Acton and he says Grabovski watches guys like Dhatsuk taking draws and tries to learn from them. I bet he's studying OV for his shot. We need more of this. If you're gonna copy, copy OV. I suspect he's watching Kessel too.

[moe green]

If we want to pretend to have a hope at a playoff spot, Monday against the Thrashers is a real "must-win" game. As in, "if we lose it we're done for the year." I know it's dumb but for real it's a game that we must win. I guess I'm all for hope for the holidays. Once final chance to make it Leafs. At least give us hope though Christmas.

[moe green]

Though we're down 13 points to NYR and ATL I think they are the most likely targets for us. Plus we have games in hand with both of them.

[TG77]

@ Alecia - don't get me wrong, there are cool people out here and begrudgingly the team has my respect (outside of the hair pulling Burrows) as even Kesler has grown up and doesn't chirp after every whistle and pretend he is going to hit people after the whistle and pull up. I do have to say though, there are a lot of fans who are just downright brutal and there was a story about an Avs fan being attacked with a broken beer bottle last year. I couldn't find it online just now but I promise you, I read it last year when it happened. I like the city, love the surrounding area but last year my buddy spent well over $100 for a ticket to the leafs/canucks and people in the row in front of him all purposely leaned forward on the balcony so he couldn't see and then looked back and shi*t-talked the whole time. I wore my Leafs jersey when Sundin signed with them and I got sworn at and lipped-off a lot until I pointed at the back of the jersey and even then they still said some pretty nasty things. I am not suggesting that Leafs fans are angels but I don't remember fans being threatened (am I wrong here?). I also had a full beer bottle thrown at me in the NJ Devils parking lot during the playoffs (ahh....the playoffs, such sweet memories) so bad stuff happens in the name of sports but it seems like a lot of misplaced hate given the Canuckles have won 8 games in a row against our Leafs. The most painful was Sundin winning with his patented backhander in the shootout. Everyone in the world knew that move was coming except Vesa!

Moe - I agree, the Rangers are playing above their heads but ATL looks like they deserve a post-season berth but maybe we just have to count on them keeping with tradition and starting to lose. Byufglien and Ladd have done a lot of good things for that team and even Antropov is doing alright. Close to a point per game last year. Ugh.

VM Replies: It's 3:26 a.m. in Toronto as I approve this. (Couldn't sleep.) Just wanted to thank you for keeping us in the loop from Vancouver. Disgusting stuff. There was a wire picture that moved after the game Saturday that showed a Canucks fan punching a Leafs fan. I thought it was some kind of anomaly until reading your posts.

[TG77]

Well Vinay, a) get some sleep and b) no problem. I don't want to paint the fans out here with broad strokes because that's just a lazy approach and I watched the last game between the leafs and canucks out here with fans of the canucks and they actually felt bad that Jiggy let in that 60 foot slapper by Raymond and I had shots bought for me to numb the pain! Anyway, a lot of fan bases have the odd "problem child" but there are some pretty bad stories I have heard and it was part of the reason why I didn't take my buddy's offer to go watch the game in person last night. There was also a rumour floating of a US flag burned during the Olympics last year and some pretty nasty taunting going on which bugged me to hear. I don't get too positive of a response when I say I am from Toronto in general out here to be honest. Some people like "the East coast" which makes me laugh when they refer to Toronto as being the east coast but I get a lot of "how could you possibly have lived there, it's such a gross city."

VM Replies: I will go to my grave never understanding the hate for Toronto. It has its fair share of problems, to be sure. But overall, it's a charming place full of strangely considerate people. Oh well. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

VM: reading through this post, it makes me remember a quote (I believe you posted a few years ago): "I hate being a Leafs fan, but I wouldn't have it any other way." Doesn't this just about sum it up? It's something I printed in big bold letters and hung on my cubicle wall for the last 2.5 years. Yes, it does garner many snickers and much mockery (mixed in with a few sad head shakes) from my co-workers (most of which cheer for the team with a wheel and wing on their sweater), but like you said, I guess losing builds character (boy, do leaf fans have great character by now). And your summary here pretty much sums up my whole discussion with another fan over the last few articles this past week: do we accept failure today for promis of a [potentially] successful future? Emphasis on POTENTIALLY...

VM Replies: Good morning to you in Detroit. "Potential" is the best we've got right now. It's funny you mention the word "character." I was chatting with a friend this weekend when the "c" word was raised. She snickered, disagreed and said we're all masochists. She may be right.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Masochist. How ironic; it's the exact phrase that came to mind when reading your "winona ryder" post. What's funny is that a lot of my fellow men around me are perpetually trying to lure me away from the glorious blue and white and to the [hated] red and white. They promise me wins, a solid defense, a steady developmental system, playoffs, and yes, even the probably of a Stanley Cup parade down woodward avenue year in and year out. My ever-clinging hope that the blue and white will one day reign in triumph once again perplexes them. The closest parallel I can draw for them is the lions, but even so, it's a far-fetched comparison as they only have 15 games per season and there are many a TV blackout because they fail to sell out even those games. So yes, I believe "masochist" describes us quite well (On a side, I don't know if you saw it but I think yahoo ran an article with the "Top 10 sports fans in all sports" earlier this year, Leaf fans came in at #2 across all sports leagues because of their undying loyalty to the team. I thought this was a good bit of recognition coming from an american media outlet -- the fact that a hockey team was even mentioned. btw, incase your wondering Cleveland brown fans took the number 1 spot for supporting several losing franchises throughout history).

[Hoofheartz]

Oh sugar, I'm a Browns fan and a Leafs fan. HELP ME!

VM Replies: We'll have to start a second therapy group just for you.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Sorry to come back but, upon checking my sources, the list was the "Most Stubborn Sports Fans of All-time." Sorry Hoof, I guess this just isn't your century. Google the title, you'll get a laugh.
VM: I must commend you on your repeatedly punctual and early posts on the blog. I must admit that when I think "blogger" I imagine some guy hitting the "snooze" button at 10am and cursing in his head that he has to wake up "so early" as he puts on his fuzzy pink slippers, extravagent bath-robe, and heads downstairs to the office to crack open his laptop while sipping his morning latte. Your dedication impresses me.

VM Replies: Thank you. The dedication of a masochist.

[Hoofheartz]

LOL @ Vinay. I notice you didn't correct the fuzzy pink slipper image. I know it'll be in my head for awhile.

[moe green]

@gettingcozywithsarcozy - I shudder to think of the genesis of your name... I sometimes forget that there are other teams in the league - and those teams have fans too. Lucky bastards.

[Ports]

I feel sorry for Leafs fans and I have been one for almost 50 years. I feel sorry for the Players too as it's not their fault - they're being asked to do more than they're capable of. I feel sorry for Ron Wilson, he's been given a bad hand to play.
Who don't I feel sorry for?
Brian Burke - a lot of bold promises and short term ego based decisions when he had a 6 year contract and a patient, captive market. He discarded the plan in favour of trying to win now. He obviously hadn't studied Leaf history and seen the litany of bad short term moves which sacrificed our future for mediocre results.
Leafs ownership who would rather build condos and "The Brand" than an on ice product that will compete year in / year out and be something to be proud of.

Yes the people above are all making millions, but some more than others must be held responsible for their failures. Clean house and sell the team to Basille, hire a GM like Ken Holland who doesn't think he's the show and start all over again.

Those are my wishes for this holiday season. Merry Christmans everyone. Let's hope Santa is good to us all. God knows we deserve it.

[Nik Culoman]

I watched this past game against the Canucks, I was impressed with the penalty killing, and Grabo seems to see the ice with great vision. His line in general seems to have built some chemistry....Not an ideal first line by no means, but if we can ever get a bonafide number centre to play with Kessel and open some ice for him...We may have a great 1-2 punch.

I will hold back comment on the status and my feelings on this team...As I was misunderstood the last time I posted.....But I will stress patience, and allow this team to completely rebuild properly.....Patience is the key, I will continue to stand by BB because I think the changes he has made to the complete franchise will begin to show signs of success as time progresses...

[oakville_girl]

Hello everyone. For the past 4 days, I have been living my life away from the pain and suffering of Leafs Nation. You know what? It's good over here. The sun shines, and you wake up in the morning full of expectations of the day, instead of the acidic taste in your mouth of what that night's game may be.

As I promised a few days ago, I didn't watch any games live, but it appears that I am not the problem. The curse is because of something or someone else. The Leafs still lost.

Saturday night for me was a wonderful night full of friends, family and neighbours all having drinks and having a good time. (as opposed to having drinks to banish the gut wrenching, soul destroying pain of the blue and white)

I have decided that since the Leafs have decided to take their Christmas break early, so too will I. I will not listen to or watch tonight's game.

Starting on Sunday I will watch GOOD hockey - the WJ's. I will sit and dream of the strong, young, unspoiled players on this years WJ team, who might some day, play for my beloved leafs.

Yes, Santa, that is my wish this year. I have been a good girl. I hope I am not asking too much?

To everyone here, happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

VM Replies: I can't believe you abandoned us. For shame! (But it does sound kind of nice over there.)

[Nik Culoman]

@ Ports...What short term moves are refering to?? The leafs are on the youngest teams in the league....No longer one of the oldest....They have a solid and still improving farm system......If you are going to argue with me the Kessel trade please look at how old Kessel is...Compare it to the moves of the GMS before him....The GMS before him would have brought in an aging vet, whereas Kessel..I feel still hasn't hit his full potential yet.

You speak of cleaning house...The leafs have 25 new players on their roster....If you think making as many moves as Burke has made doesn't require time for this roster to come together. If you think for a second that there aren't moves Burke is working on without our knowledge.....Let me remind you of last January....Who saw those two trades comming?

How quickly the patience has gone on a fan base that wanted and stated they wanted a complete rebuild...Yes, we are witnessing a rebuild....Yes, there is still work that needs to be done.......No, the draft isn't the key...Look at teams like the Islanders, Edmonton, ect...They have sat in the bottom of the league for years, and nothing of significance has happened.

I like the mix of young players BB has brought in, from Europe to College, to the late round draft picks......There is signs that point to a positive outcome....Even if it isn't happening at the pace the so called "rebuild" fans require or want...

[moe green]

There is something about the "strangely" part regarding Toronto. We got the monacher "Toronto the good" not for nothing. We have the most reserved sports crowds on the planet - especially for hockey. We are one of the most diverse and socially liberal cities in the world and yet we (I've been away for 12 years and I still say "we") just elected an ultraconservative Rush Limbaugh-esque cartoon-character mayor. Yeah, what's up with that. And I know it's off the subject, but since I've left Canada has become a lite version of America with bad weather. Just wait til I get back there. Heads (particularly conservative ones) are gonna roll. I expect no response to this y'all.

[moe green]

What's next for us, cheerleaders at hockey games? Understand this: Without the compassion and the social safety net, Canada IS nothing more than America with bad weather. Bring back Jean Cretien and Pierre Trudeau. At least they stood for something. At least they had color. Don't let Harper's piano playing fool you. He's a condescending Straussian with delusions of grandeur. He is a neo-con with the soulless eyes of a boy from Brazil. Don't stare into those gray eyes too long or you'll diversify your portfolio. Heed me fair Canadians, rid yourselves of him before it's too late. You can bet he's salivating at the possibility of knocking out a uninspired yet technically sound piano solo for President Palin at the White house. Maybe he'll get to dance with Ann Coulter. Yik.

[Simmer]

Well, you know things are bleak when the Lemon Squares make an appearance in the blog.

If we truly are cursed, we might as well go for the record. We're half way to the curse of the Bambino for futility, only 43 more years to go!

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Poor Moe, I guess that's what years of socialist brainwashing does to a person.

[Valentino Assenza]

I don't know if it's a matter of being cursed exactly. I think it has more to do with chemistry and inspiration. There are no inspiring players on the Leafs. I think Grabovski is about the most exciting player on the Leafs who seems to be giving it his all every shift, other than that this band is uninspired. Ron Wilson cannot inspire this team, and Brian Burke isn't concerned with scouting a team that plays well together, just going for watered down rookies and players that were former stars. Add all that up I don't know what that means, but what has happened to one of the most antique teams in hockey is just plain sad. This city doesn't deserve this....but of course who cares, fans still show up paying $300.00 a ticket, eating sushi in the platinums, and showing up ten minutes into the period....quite honestly we deserve all the ridicule in the world and then some.

[moe green]

Now I understand the genesis of the name. You gotta admit though, all the best people are liberal. At least all the one's you'd wanna "date." So if you're in the contradictory mood, what is Canada without the compassion and the social safety net? Go on... I'm listening.

[moe green]

I just read that Lebda will be playing wing tonight. Finally! We've been suggesting that (or centre) for weeks now. Why does it take Wilson so long? Is he slow? It's very frustrating. A better coach may have had us in the playoffs. Watch him push Gustavsson until he injures his groin too.

[moe green]

Oh and @gettingcozywithsarkozy, I understand the confusion, but what you call "brainwashing" is actually called "rational thought." You heard of that right? Oh I forgot, conservatives frown on that sort of thing.

[Hoofheartz]

Moe, I hate to say this about our illustrious leader (the PM, not Vinay) but he impresses me as nothing more than a tall Dubya. Like you Moe, I left Toronto for greener pastures back in 1977 but I can honestly say that I don't miss it at all. I lived there again briefly in 2005 but couldn't wait to leave and get back to what I now consider "home." Strange that the only thing I still miss about the Big Smoke is their sports franchises and in particular as you may have guessed the Leafs. What is it about this team that sucks the life out of me but keeps drawing me back? Kinda like watching a horrible car accident, I just have to look.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Ha ha, yes thank you for the enlightenment. I forgot that our political, social, and economic leaders should be based on who is the most date-able (like those fine specimens ala Cretien, Alexa McDonough, michael moore, and nancy pelosi). As to your question, "what would Canada be w/o the social safety net?" Not a well-researched answer, but off the top of my head: Switzerland (the simliraties are stark... although a small population and with little to offer in the form of export (save for hockey players and respectable pop bands every now and then in Canada's case), they could be a major economical and political influence when using their resources and the "free-market" system to their advantage). I've lived on both sides of the fence Moe, and I'm telling you, it really is greener on this side!

[TG77]

Lebda at the wing? Why bother? Surely someone else deserves a chance and really, what's the point because if he plays with Orr and Mitchell he will get about 6 or 7 shifts the whole night and then when Mitchell is inexplicably moved to the 1st line to "generate offense" once the leafs have been skunked the 1st 2 periods, he will sit there and not play. Aulie had one bad game and is sent back to the Marlies and Lebda and Mitchell play on. Is there something us fans are missing about these guys? Also, is there a rule against politics being discussed on this board? Let's stick to how bad our beloved Leafs are :)

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

TG77: I willingly submit to this "rule" even if it was/is being created on an adhoc basis (like Colin Campbell's standards when dishing out fines and suspensions to questionable hits). I too, am perplexed at how guys like Mitchell and Komisarek (Beauchamin and Lebda are getting there too) remain on the team when they repeatedly perform so poorly game in and game out. All I can reason is that they hold major blackmail material over BB and co.

[A True Leafs Fan]

Listen...The Pengiuns can win the cup.. thats cool....the capitials could win the cup..... that would be ok. the canucks could win the cup...whatever....BUT THE DAY THE LEAFS WIN THE CUP....THE WORLD WILL KNOW.....THERE WILL BE ANARCHY IN THE STREETS COP CARS WOULD BURN...LEAFS FANS WOULD STORM PARLIMENT AND CANADA WILL BE CALLED LEAFS NATION!!!!!!

[Nik Culoman]

@gettingcozywithsarkozy these vetrans are the team because they are being paid huge money.....If all accounst are true than Francois Beauchimin will be gone by trading deadline......Mitchell this is probably his last kick at the can, and I believe they may be trying to showcase him for a possible trade (low pick)....

Every team has players they feel aren't playing well, Seguin in Boston was benched, and plenty of players on other teams sit and we just do hear about it. Who knows, Komi might even submit a list of teams he may accept a trade too as well...

Next year's team will include a few new faces, the team will only get more and more competitive for it. If BB could trade Blake...I am sure there is a home for mitchell, komi, beauch, Lebda somewhere in the league.

[Pyramid Power]

An old friend returns tonight in Nik Antropov. Should be nice to see him, but certainly not his team.

11-2-2 in their past 15 games. Thrashed the Devils 7-1 Saturday night. This is our only game of the week so I hope to see some serious hustle, and perhaps more than a goal or two. Maybe even a W? Nah. That would be too much to expect. Jesting. Kinda.

Ladd, Kane and Byfuglien up front with 11 goals each. Pavelec a very good solid goalie. This team seems to finally be doing something.

How HORRIBLE must Ilya Kovalchuk have felt on Saturday night losing to his former team and losing badly? Wonder what the freak is going on in that Devils dressing room with Kovalchuk, MacLean the coach etc....? Awful.

What a steal of a trade for Atlanta over Chicago. So far. Lots of chatter about other hockey trade thefts, but this one certainly deserves consideration: Ladd, Sopel, Eager and Byfuglien for Vishnevky and Morin. And one first round pick and two second round picks. Bowman better hope those picks work out for his team.

Well, does it matter? I think the Hawks are going to have a hard time even making the playoffs this year let alone winning another Cup in the next five decades.

Hawks are an interesting parallel to Toronto though with a wretched owner who died (Dollar Bill Wirtz) and his son Rocky taking over and doing everything to turn around the organization which he most certainly did. Long Cup drought. Passionate fans at one point until their owner just demolished their passion and the old Madhouse on Madison was torn down. Were having trouble drawing flies at the United Centre until a couple of years ago.

Wish Toronto would sell the team to a guy like Balsillie as one poster notes above. Not going to happen of course with Rogers in play now but one can dream.

Lebda up front. See if he is somewhat useful there, would rather have Rosehill in and Lebda banished to the press box but oh well. Hopefully Lebda finds a home with Orr, and if he does not play well, Orr gives him a wakeup shot on the bench.

Sitting Kadri again is idiotic. Let's scratch the kid instead of having him play major minutes with the Marlies. Desperation and fear reek Ronnie. Stop trying so hard. The season is lost. Just do what is right for this team for the future.

I write this with utterly ZERO enthusiasm:

go leafs go

[Pyramid Power]

@hoofheartz and that annoying Flabs fan

Toronto and BB DID revamp and dramatically expand our scouting department just fyi. Was done shortly after Burke arrived.

Nice to see the Scabs lose last night in Denver. Hope they keep it up against Dallas tomorrow. Too bad they traded O'Byrne just before Markov went down for the year. Aaahhhhh what a freakin' pity. LOL

Hope Ribeiro goes WILD for the Stars tomorrow against the Hags. I think they have lost three of their past four games since we beat them a week ago Saturday. Wonderful! Habs misery is my unmitigated joy.

This relatively new term 'hater' is interesting. I notice it being used all the time now in the literary landscape of the West. lol I think I will become a hater too. A lover of hatred.

And what is with this word 'loose'? Can anyone enlighten someone who has been away from North America for a long time why I see people writing 'loose' instead of 'lose' all the time? Is this a trend? Is there something I am missing?

Another Leaf fan joins Planet Disengagement. Goodbye Oakville Girl. There is a whole other world out there. Enjoy it.

Many of us are stuck and trapped forever on Planet Leaf, and there is no way out except in a body bag. I am one of those apparently as are many others here I see and have seen.

OK, on that note:

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[We BeLeaf]

Hey PP! I understand that most fans on here would be skeptical about the team and the moves they are making, or not making for that matter. Regarding placing Lebda on the wing my first reactionary thought was 'this guy is better than most of the guys on the 4th line because...?' and then I thought well at least if he screws up in the offensive zone at least there will hopefully be a defenceman to cover.

I'm sure many will recall a certain player who wore number 23 (yes, Todd 'The Putz' Gill) who absolutely baffled any Leafs fan who watched him play in his early years. Then comes along Pat Burns and magically he was transformed into a stalwart defenceman and a tough guy to boot! But I digress of the glory years, but the point I'm trying to make here is that maybe, just maybe Lebda might find the spark he needs by moving up to forward. Ok, it's Christmas and I just want them to play better, so please Santa, bring us a victory tonight!
Cheers!

[moe green]

Yeah no kidding PP it's awfully hard to get up for this game. This is a must. Lemme make this perfectly clear: a MUST WIN game. As far as I'm concerned, the time to move lebda to centre, not the wing, was several weeks ago. And not onto the forth line either. Heck play him with Kessel, Versteeg, Kadri! Who cares about him on the forth line. What's that going to do. Wilson is a poor and uncreative coach. Leafs need more dynamism behind the bench. On the ice wouldn't hurt either. Leafs better pull this one out or there's no hope for any of them. Leafs can easily beat the Thrashers. Who cares about Bufflin. Yeah, that's how I'm spelling it. Or maybe I'll start spelling Grabovski: F-U- Thrashers. Time for a big win. Tonight is the first night of the break before Christmas. Don't disappoint us again Leafs! This is your last chance. Remember, it's one thing to lose for that dufus Wilson, quite another to lose for the fans.

[Hoofheartz]

PP, buck up little camper. Just when it seems the bleakest something good is bound to happen. Oh wait, these are the Leafs we're talking about. When you ask Ronnie to do what is right for this team can I assume you mean he should quit? That would be the honourable thing to do and it would let his buddy off the hook.

[Pyramid Power]

Hhhmmmmmmmm just past 5 a.m. where I reside. Seriously debating whether or not to bust out some Ballantyne's scotch.
Wonder if my wife would be upset to wake up to see me hammered wearing my Leafs jersey and gearing up for this game? I am thinking yes.
Enjoy the silence and comfortable numbness now, and endure the pain later? Hhmmmmmmmmmmmm. Raging internal debate.

What to do, what to do? Hhhmmmmmmmmmmm. Will I be able to stay awake for the Leafs game if I do that? I believe I could especially with a coffee in me before the game. Hhhmmmmmmmmmmm.

@Moe I fear the very worst when you wrote about President Palin dancing a jig to a passionless Harper. BUT I don't care.

I am a hard-core leftist Communist. Continuity of leadership is one of the many reasons why China is slowly but very surely moving to the top of the world heap of 193 nations. Will this happen in our lifetime? I suspect it just might. We shall see.

Don't hate me for writing that anyone. That is just reality. I am just the messenger and emissary of this stark reality. lol

[Vinay Menon]

You guys are flying today. Should we start a new discussion thread for tonight's game? Sort of an open thread with live updates instead of a recap? What do you think?

[moe green]

Agreed Hoofhertz. I dunno where you are but there sure is a lot south of the border. I really wish I could live in Europe. Maybe someday. It's getting harder and harder to defend Canada. Everything's degrading and there is just so much more country to explore in the USA. Canada's way bigger on paper, but the US is so much larger in reality. So many more better places to live: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fransisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, New York, Boston, Santa Fe, Denver, etc. So many more great places. Let's face it, if you aren't living in Montreal, Toronto, Victoria or Vancouver, Canada's not a great place to be. Especially considering the weather. Furthermore, with the conservatives in power Canada has devolved so much, especially on the world stage that it's embarrassing to admit I'm Canadian anymore. Wars instead of peacekeeping, lapdogs instead of an independent voice of reason. What has happened to my country. If the US ever gets Universal Healthcare there will literally be no reason to call myself Canadian anymore. Sad. And this from a guy who was as fiercely patriotic as anyone a few short years ago. That's what the hideous pustule that is the Conservative party can do to a once honorable nation. Legalized Pot, free education, free healthcare, progressive thought - not if the conservatives can help it.

[moe green]

Sounds great Vinay-monster! You-dee-boss!

[We BeLeaf]

I'm open to a new thread Vinay, but whatever you decide is cool with me.

[Vinay Menon]

Okay. Let's do it. This is the last game before Christmas. It warrants something different, even if "different" means "a hasty experiment."

[moe green]

Only love for in here for you PP, only love! Viva le Chinois! (or something like that) Oh by the way, Vinay Pyramid, Hoof et al. If you haven't seen Steven Colbert's White House Correspondent's Dinner Roast of a couple years ago it's truly a must see. Here is a link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa-4E8ZDj9s&feature=&p=997DA9ABE44C22CC&index=0&playnext=1

After this he will forever be my hero.

[Hoofheartz]

Can't participate in a new thread right now Vinay. Teaching my granddaughter how to say go Leafs go (her father is a Wings fan). She's being stubborn but I think I'm wearing her down.

VM Replies: I admire and endorse your priorities. Come back later if you can.

[Hoofheartz]

Lived all over this great nation of ours Moe as well as Europe and I can state without reservation that Canada is the only place for me. Americans are great people who essentially want the same things we do as Canadians but for me Canada is the place to be. Even when my Lotto Max retirement plan kicks in I'll still live in Canada.

[Pyramid Power]

I say just let it roll like this Vinay. It is your party though.

I am really disappointed in one Lord Damien Cox btw. I think I will be forced to boycott him too We BeLeaf. You know I boycott that clown at Yahoo, or I think you know that after his Olympic American flag waving crap last February.

Now I read that Damien, when asked which team he supports, says no team. He does not support a team, and did not even write Go Hockey Go.

How am I supposed to take his writing about the Leafs seriously now? I know he is a columnist in Hockeytown, and should not reveal his allegiance as it would compromise him and his hockey views for Canada's finest newspaper. But still DC. Come on man. I know he is not supposed to wave pompoms saying he loves the Leafs, but I get the feeling reading his material and calling the first Leafs loss of the year against the Islanders that too much exposure to blue and white disease has left him mildly mad. What a pity because he is a good man, and a kind man in general.

And he never replies to anyone's comments on his blog. So I am boycotting you Damien. You will not be read by this Leafs fan anymore. Nor will I comment at The Spin anymore. You annoy me but I will never hate you you will be happy to know.

Frank Orr was right when he told a friend of mine who worked for The Gazette: "Damien is a great guy and knows his hockey. Too bad he thinks he invented the sport." True quote from ex-Star legend Mr. Frank Orr. Come down off that pedestal of yours Damien. LOL

Todd Gill???? Ha ha ha! Very good We BeLeaf. Yes, Lebda can magically transform himself into Todd Gill tonight. That is classic. Love it. I'll take him transforming into Mark Streit for a win tonight though.

So Moe we refer to Grabbo tonight as FU Thrashers? LOL

And I shall certainly buck up Hoof. Wait for it: I am going to take such a massive smelly liquidacious dump on Ronnie Wilson and his time in Toronto it will take 20 minutes for you to read it and slog thru it. Beleaf me: I am preparing that magnum opus in my mind as this is being written. That freakin' dufus. LOL

[Vinay Menon]

PP, I think you're right. Better not try to start something new at 4:40, especially when I should probably be using the Star's Liveblogging software for such an exercise. We can keep rolling here and I'll worry about the recap when the game is over and Brett Lebda is coming out for his first star selection after scoring a hat-trick and setting up two other goals by Colton Orr.

[Pyramid Power]

VIVRE LA CHINE LIBRE MOE! LONG LIVE CHAIRMAN MAO! LOL

Just jesting with all that sludge. Can't even watch that Colbert link piece you posted because YouTube and Facebook are banned here for reasons I don't feel like getting into now.

Will just say censorship is very alive and very well in the PRC.

Teach your granddaughter well Hoof. Good on you, but your soon should be punished with fire. No, Wings fans are fine by me. I am one too. My second fave team easily. Lots of Ontario connections past and present to the glorious winged wheel of Motown.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

"Oh and @gettingcozywithsarkozy, I understand the confusion, but what you call "brainwashing" is actually called "rational thought." You heard of that right? Oh I forgot, conservatives frown on that sort of thing."

Definition of a Liberal elitist: labeling anyone with a differing opinion as IRRATIONAL and CONFUSED.

...but of course, your posts clearly show how tolerant you are of others...

[moe green]

LOL so here we'll reside. Love the jinx-free five point prediction for Lebda, Vinay! It's time for a Leafs mega-win. The kind of win that's so big and blustery that the league brass have to award the Leafs extra points for it. A nine-point super win!

[Pyramid Power]

HILARIOUS VINAY!! A hattie for Lebda has got me giddy with laughter. And Colton matching his offensive output for the year tonight would be too beautiful. How about Johnny Mitchell, or should we just start calling him Joni Mitchell? Does he bust out with a goal or two too?

The LOM Line. (Lebda, Orr, Mitchell) LOTS OF MISTAKES! LOL LOL LOL

[moe green]

Yeah I know. Brave Ronnie inserting Lebda on the forth line: Just the tonic huh. I have never seen a more conservative profession as NHL coaching. They try nothing new ever. Why not try a different strategy instead of line-juggling. They do have different strategies in hockey don't they. Why not play him on the first line. Worried you might destroy the chemistry? And Kessel. Try him on the forth line. Maybe the fifth line. And why is Kadri benched for a second game? Is the kid that much of a douche? How about benching Komisarek? Why is he bench-proof. Isn't it time we either coloured in the "a" on his sweater or at least added a couple letters. Geeze. No wonder Kabby's pissed.

PS @gettingcozywithsarkozy: I stopped being considerate with conservatives a few years ago. Their opinions are unworthy. They don't deserve being treated with respect. Sorry, did the research. They just aren't smart enough. It's science. Nothing to do with me.

[Pyramid Power]

Sarko l'Americaine est fache avec toi Monsieur Moe Green.

Carla Bruni a.k.a. gettingcozywithsarkozy is bummed out. lol Don't sweat it dudes.

This is a left wing liberal elitist newspaper Sarko. You know that.

You're not really a conservative Republican are you? Please say no you are not. S'il vous plait monsieur I beseech you to say it ain't so Sarko!

VM Replies: TG77 was wise earlier today when saying we should stick to hockey. No more politics. And no religion, either. Not unless you're a Branch Davidian with a Ken Wregget jersey. Or a member of Heaven's Gate who can recite the stats for every member of the '92 Leafs. People, we can't let ideology or theology distract us from our central mission, which is to answer the following philosophical question: Why Do The Leafs Hate Us So Much?

[Pyramid Power]

@Moe "They just aren't smart enough. It's science. Nothing to do with me." Classic. Outstanding.

Now how do comments like that go over with yer Texan pals down deep in the heart of the Lone Star state?

Can I assume that Austin is really a mecca of bohemia as I think I once read, and you are part of that crowd in that town? I stress I think I read it was Austin that was a bohemian artsy city in Texas which I did not think could plausibly exist in that region of the world. Lots of writers, painters, artists etc.... Please advise. Quite curious.

[TG77]

This thread is making another gross, dark day in Vancouver tolerable. In all seriousness, there are some funny, funny people on this board and it's fun to check in each day. That being said, my productivity has gone down sharply since this blog started! Any thoughts on Team Canada's chances in the juniors? I watched Jared Cowen from Spokane basically destroy Vancouver Giants without even trying to hit them and he has learned to skate really well compared to last year and is playing a ton of minutes. However, he is a goofy looking mouth breather and his bottom jaw is always dragging on the ice, and even worse he is a Sens prospect so after the tourney, I hope that he sucks (kidding). Add in Ryan Ellis who has won a few memorial cups, little Schenn and young Foligno looked great in camp. Tough game against the Russians to start the tournament. I love this tournament and I can't wait to get out my green Team Canada jersey from last year's edition in Saskatchewan! I paid my buddy way too much money to pick me up one while he was there. Any of you going to take the trek to Buffalo for some games?

[moe green]

Yeah PP I remember when Damien said that. "Not a fan of any team." Is that even possible? What a horrible job he must have. Covering the Leafs and not being a fan would be like attending some other guy's kid's piano recital. And then having to write about it. I feel sorry for him.

[moe green]

Yes Austin is a complete oasis in the ocean of rednecks that is central Texas. I twice lived beside mega-churches - the kind that have thousands in attendance on a Sunday. It's still the bible belt. It's not what it was when my wife moved here in the late eighties but it's certainly progressive by Texas standards. It used to be a real bohemian paradise. You used to be able to walk downtown between bars on 6th street and carry your beer with you. Alas, no more. Honestly though, it's nowhere near as liberal as any of the Canadian or American larger cities. Can't speak for Europe (or anywhere else for that matter) because I've never left North America. It's a small sprawling town full of strip malls and refugees from California and the north east. IMO California with all it's warts is still the best state to live in.

VM Replies: JUST FYI: This is the 100th comment in the thread. So you have to click on those two tiny blue forward arrows just below this note to scroll to the next page of comments. Ridiculous design. Sorry. I'll see if we can make the arrows larger.