Game 34: The Perfect Storm

During tonight's 4-1 victory over a team of narcoleptic mimes in New Jersey sweaters, I spent several minutes Googling "tug and pull."

I think it was in the third period. Maybe it was the first. Anyway, a commercial for Gillette's Fusion ProGlide had just aired and I was convinced the copywriter had slipped a sexual euphemism into the ad: "It glides for less tug and pull."

Oh my God, I thought. Are they now using shady massage parlour lingo to sell disposable razors? Really?

Then a few minutes later, I realized my mistake: No, no, no. That "special service" at a massage parlour is called a "rub and tug," right? It's not a "tug and pull."

It was one of those games, you see, where the mind was free to wander.

Outside the Prudential Center, a huge blizzard created wintry chaos. Inside, the "crowd" – official attendance was 5,329, which means they must have accidentally counted everybody's toques, scarves and gloves as separate people – created an atmosphere usually reserved for municipal bylaw hearings.

The narcoleptic mimes, the apocalyptic weather, the empty seats, the post-Christmas sleepy mood, all of this combined to create a perfect storm for the home team.

And if the Leafs ventured into this perfect storm with any silly ideas about freezing up and blowing an easy game, as they have this season, Jersey was simply having none of it.

Nope. Nothing doing. You guys from Toronto, here's the deal: Just find a way to broach the vertical walls of snow and we will give you the two points, no questions asked. You want our skates? You want our sticks? You're welcome to have that stuff as well since we won't be needing it any time soon.

I'm not taking anything away from our magnificent Leaf bastards. All I'm saying is the Fusion ProGlide has five blades and I probably wouldn't have noticed this if we were playing Pittsburgh tonight.

The Leafs started strong. They weathered a few shifts in the second when the narcoleptic mimes awoke briefly to do a so-so impression of a once powerful hockey team. They capitalized on their chances, benefited from steady if unspectacular goaltending, went to the net, got a couple of lucky bounces and deserved to win and smile during their four group hugs.

But, really, you could teach 20 adult baboons to skate, arm them with brooms and they would at least take this Jersey team to a shootout nine times out of ten. I witnessed more intensity in the stores earlier today while attempting to purchase a new camera on Boxing Day.

So let's just be grateful for this late Christmas gift and leave it at that.

Let's tip our hats to Colby Armstrong, who scored the first and last goals for the visitors. Let's nod in the general direction of John Mitchell, who banged in a rebound. Let's give a thumbs-up to Nikolai Kulemin, who wristed a shot past the shaky mime imposter with "BRODEUR" emblazoned on the back of his jersey.

If the Leafs only played the Devils this season, they'd now be a heavenly 34-0. But they don't and so this win, while wonderful and desperately needed, does not amount to very much in the grand scheme of late 2010.

What happens next, when the opposition is made up of professional hockey players and our minds are not free to wander, that's what really matters. I'm happy we won. But this perfect storm had zero tug and pull.

 

 

  Ilya Kovalchuk, trapped in a glass box.

Comments

[Pyramid Power]

Devils fan commenting on that game: "If it's OK with everyone, and nobody objects, I would just like to cut to the playoffs now all right?" LOL I'd love that fan to see this blog. :)

Baboons and mime imposters. You sleigh me Santa Menon! :) Love it!

[Alecia]

Narcoleptic mimes? yes! But the kind of narcoleptic that wakes up ever 5 min only to fall asleep again in 2...

Not sure what to make of that game, by far the most bizarre NHL game I have ever watched. But hey, 2 points is 2 points right?

Whatever happened to the Devils anyway? It was almost sad watching them tonight. Wish Marty retired before the season, he's such a great NHL goalie, he should have left before it got this ugly....

[Account Deleted]

Could you not feel the fan's pain as Kovalchuk launched that satellite into the cheaps.It hurt to see Lemaire behind the bench of that version of the Devils.I'll take the win though.Does anyone out there really think Menon has to Google massage parlour terms?

[oakville_girl]

Good job by the third line, when the 1st and 2nd lines seemed to be mesmerized by the baboons and mimes.

Instead of being distracted by the Gillette commercial, I was distracted by my eyelids closing over my eye balls, and being woken up by an overexcited Joe Bowen and Pierre Maguire. Good thing I have pause and rewind TV.

Thanks for another fabulous post Vinay! I cracked up at Ilya's new promotional picture. Wouldn't that be great on a trading card? LOL I think most of the NJ team had those expressions on their face.

PS - does anyone else think it's time for Martin Brodeur to call it a day? I'd rather have memories of him as the best goalie, than the performances he's had lately.

[We BeLeaf]

Well said Vinay. My wife bought me the Fusion Pro Glide and it works well. I just can't believe how much the refill blades cost! And why do some stores lock up the blades with an audible alarm? But I digress, the Leafs played a good game last night, got contributions from the 3rd line and that's all we needed. To add to our joy and happiness, the Canadian juniors beat the Russians, and the Habs lost.....again.
Cheers!

[Pyramid Power]

@We BeLeaf It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away!

It just doesn't get any better than yesterday does it? Leafs win, Canadiens loss and most importantly Canadian juniors won. Outstanding!

Remember that guy last year who told you to go off yourself on those Leaf threads/boards we used to frequent? Leaffansrideshortbus? Sabres fan?

I don't know if I told you this before, but as you know we got into quite a spirited tussle for a long time after that. What you probably don't know is it appears I have knocked him off those boards. Why?

EVERY time he posted anything about his Sabres I would swiftly thumb it down if I was around. He was quite the hollow man, an empty small man and he would just freak when that happened. He would post after a swift thumbs down, "Who the heck is giving me a thumbs down on that post?' Innocuous post that would never ever warrant a thumbs down but I would do it. LOL He seems to have left those boards now. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

I told him to change his name to something positive like The French Connection that would represent his Sabres in a positive way. I ripped him a new one for telling you to go do the unthinkable. He wouldn't listen. Now he is gone and thank godness sic.

Were you asking for my e-mail address before? If so please feel free to get it off Vinay. Santa Menon would you please give my address to We BeLeaf if he does indeed want it? Thank you kind sir.

The DON was from Etobicoke eh? Amazing. What do you make of her? Do you think she was a foreign student? I seemed to notice some Chinese writing on her profile that you provided us with a few blogs ago here. Did you catch that? I miss The DON! Long live the DON and watch Sierra Leone! Inside joke everyone. Don't mind this ramble. Thank you.

@Oakville Girl Yeah, Brodeur's past due date has come and gone. Lamoriello and the gang overworked the guy in my opinion, or Marty just wanted it that way. He was playing 70 games a year right up to last year. Ridiculous. Price in Montreal has been carrying a ridiculous workload this year and we are starting to see him play somewhat poorly. And he is only 24. Brodeur is 38. Felt sorry for him last year at the Olympics, and getting replaced by Luongo. Trade talk actually out there about him. I can't see that happening, but the Devils desperately need cap relief very soon as some of their injured personnel start to come back.

Actually, I could see Burkie swinging a trade with the Devs in the coming weeks. We shall see what we shall see.

@Tim B. LOL No, I do not believe for a nanosecond that Vinay needs to Google anything to do with massage parlours. Right fearless leader? LOL

[moe green]

I actually missed nearly all of the game but from what I gather, so did Vinay and the whole of the NJ team. Isn't it nice to read a blog that isn't full of standardized hockey jargon. I'd much rather have massage parlour jargon (didn't know there was any - Vinay) and neurological disease references. Refreshing.

So let's see if our beloved blueboys can give 110% against a real team tomorrow night. I wonder who they are playing. Keep the streak alive! Is one win a streak?

PS.: Look down Phil Kessel: Colby Armstrong has already passed Colton Orr's goal total and has Tyler Bozak's squarely in his sights. You could be next!

[Pyramid Power]

Vinay I still don't get why some comments get the blue ink and you can actually read people's names. Most require a magnifying glass to read. Why is this?

And could you kindly please let the Star's IT squad know that e-mailing news stories etc.... is nigh on impossible?

Also, could you possibly get them to find a way for us computer dumb dumbs to e-mail this blog? I have Leaf fan friends who would read it, and perhaps even come on and comment if it were delivered to their inbox.

VM Replies: I will put these questions to our tech gurus and get back to you. I think the blue may have something to do with registering through Typepad. But I'm not sure and will find out.

[Pyramid Power]

Thank you Vinay. I see your editors are still unable or incapable of changing the headline link to your blog in a timely manner. Headline for this blog still pointing to the previous blog. Sigh. When are you going to get some respect at the Star? I am going to begin calling you Rodney if this keeps up.

I hope your overseers have also decided to provide a link to your blog at Damien's blog.

Just caught the highlights of last night's game at nhl.com Some very very encouraging signs. First goal by Army was just gift wrapped by Brian Rolston. Thanks Brian and decent job by Army burying it although he flubbed the shot and fooled Brodeur. A goal is a goal is a goal though.

Second goal was the result of some great work by Kris Versteeg. Really drove to the net nicely and Mitchell picked up the garbage. Excellent. I see Versteeg is still enjoying whatever he is putting on his mouthguard that makes him so enjoy slurping all over it like a dog.

Third Leafs goal was tremendously impressive. MacArthur did some yeoman work on the forecheck beating his man to the puck, digging it out of the corner and laying a very nice pass onto Kulemin's stick for our third goal. Very nice to see.

Fourth goal and second by Army came off a tremendous pass by Kaberle. Beautiful.

Devs only goal was just a good play and pass with Pelley scoring. Could not fault Schenn or Gunnarrsson on that one, or Goose either. Still too bad Goose did not get the goose egg though.

@Moe We play the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night. An old friend in Paul Maurice returns along with Jiri Tlusty if he is healthy. 'Canes lost last night 3-2 to the Caps at home. Lost their previous game to the Canadiens at home. And lost before that although I think that game went into OT.

Will see what the lads have in them tomorrow. Will need an all-out effort tomorrow in what will be a very desperate Carolina squad.

I imagine the Leafs are still locked down in New York with the ongoing snowstorm, and practicing in Jersey today. Good chance for them to bond and enjoy their win last night.

VM Replies: Yikes. I'll tell them the links need to be updated. Thanks for noticing that.

[Pyramid Power]

@Vinay You're welcome. It is not the first time though by a long shot. I well remember one Sports Blog headline went on for DAYS pointing to one of your blogs that had been posted long long before. Take a look daily.

You are a nice guy no doubt, but I well know I would just tear into your editors for that. This is a new blog and is no doubt tremendously successful in getting readers to the Toronto Star. Is that not going recognized by the powers on high at One Yonge? Anyway.

Headline people at the Star just don't seem to have their poop together. Never understand why. Just do your jobs people. Is that too much to ask?

VM Replies: No, my overlords are very happy with the blog. But the entire newsroom is short-staffed these days and our web editors are each doing the work of 10 different people. Also, when I post at 1 a.m. (as with this one) there sometimes isn't anybody around to update the links. At any rate, I'll be more vigilant. Thanks for flagging this, PP.

[Pyramid Power]

Forgot to mention that nhl.com has highlights of the Canadian juniors win over Russia and the American win too for anyone that is interested or was unable to watch those games. I wasn't able to do so and am happy to see how well our Canadian lads did in their first test of this tourney that we have owned for so long.

Gotta win this one though as the Americans got lucky last year and won in OT for the gold over Canada. Our goalkeeping was wretched in that 6-5 loss though.

Where is everyone today btw?

GO CANADA!

VM Replies: I think many people are on holidays this week. We shall return to normal next Monday.

[Pyramid Power]

Aahhhhh thanks for the enlightenment Vinay. I will say as noted before that this was going on well before the holiday season with your blog, and what I certainly perceived as a lack of respect. Anyway.

Just caught the highlights of the Canadian win over Russia yesterday. Wow!
Am I ever proud of southern Ontario hockey fans for making the trek over to Buffalo, and bringing the noise! Absolute madness. Great stuff.

Now if only our fans at the ACC would be half that passionate and loud!

VM Replies: At the end of the day, it's my responsibility to make sure the links are updated in a timely manner. So I'll watch the Sports homepage more closely when posting.

[leafland'r]

@PP (re: 1:41pm) I for one am here. It's just that I've been thinking more about the imagery of the Proguide euphemism quote than reflecting on the storm(s) in NJ last night. Will recover from the near euphoria by the time of the Carolina game.

VM Replies: So in a way, it was a happy ending.

[Pyramid Power]

@leafland'r It glides for less tug and pull.

I think of our defenders not permitting the enemy to glide, and a whole lot more tugging and pulling when I read a line like that.

I see you and Vinay, hmmmmmmm, think of different things. Hhhmmmmmm. I guess minds really were wandering last night. But wandering to very good things so I for one will forgive both of you for your lewd and lascivious ways. lol

[Alecia]

Any dare to predict the Carolina score tomorrow night?

The Canes seen to be struggling as of late so that might work to our benefit especially on home soil.

On another note, think the ACC would ever be that empty, even on a stormy night?

VM Replies: The ACC would be packed even during an earthquake and tornado. I think Moe Green needs to start making predictions before every game.

[Alecia]

I'm going to go ahead and predict 3-2 Leafs.... *gulp*

Moe?

[Pyramid Power]

Yes, we most certainly need Moe's predictions. Certainly brought us luck last night.

I am going to go with Alecia's prediction too: 3-2 Leafs in reg. time.

[Pyramid Power]

That storm is really causing havoc for so many including our somewhat magnificent bastards.

Anybody know if they have arrived home safely yet?

[Pyramid Power]

1-0 since the Christmas break. I like that of course.

Tomorrow's game against Carolina very winnable. Next up is Columbus at the ACC on Thursday. Very good team this year with Toronto native Rick Nash returning to possibly haunt us. Could win that one. Hope so.

Then we travel to the Home of the Hens for a Saturday night game. Then back home to face the Bruins next Monday night.

I think we could win three of those four games. Oh heck let's just win them all! Going to be very very interesting to see where we are in just over one week's time after the Boston home game.

[Hoofheartz]

Anyone read Cox's article on the WJC. He was his usual negative apologetic self and certainly seemed to me to be making excuses as to why our Juniors beat the Russians. Its been a long time since I've read anything by Cox and now I remember why. What a tool.

Alecia/Moe, I was thinking 2-1 Leafs.

[Pyramid Power]

Hoof Nice to see the stinking Habs lose last night. 1-3 on their current road trip, and more misery to come tomorrow night in Washington for them - I hope.

They are free falling fast in the standings and I am loving it. Tune by Tom Petty and his HEARTBREAKERS keeps humming in my head thinking of them. lol

Free fallin'! Beautiful.

One goal win sounds good to me. I think it will happen. Gotta beleaf!

GO LEAFS GO!

[Pyramid Power]

Trade freeze over. I can only imagine Burkie burning up the phones these days although I read that he might see how these first four games go before deciding to make a move. I doubt that though.

I think he will have a nice surprise for us sometime very soon.

[Pyramid Power]

Someone named Mike Santorelli just scored his 10th goal of the year in Miami to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead over the Bruins.

I find that deeply disturbing when considering Phillip Kessel and his output so far this year.

[Alecia]

Accordingly to Paul Hendrick's twitter updates, the team is still stuck in New Jersey and it's currently 9:20pm on Monday night. They were suppose to fly out again at 5pm but the flight was canceled due to strong winds and now they are going to board a bus to Laguardia and fly out of there, hopefully.

Jeez, twitter sure gives stalking a new name huh?

I might have to change my score prediction for tomorrow to reflect a more tired Leafs team...

[Pyramid Power]

Just watched the second half or more of the Boston-Miami game. What a remarkable performance by Mr. Tim Thomas in nets for the Bruins. Ex-Leaf Clemmenson was very good for Miami too.

I can only say after watching that game that Goose needs to do what Thomas did tonight. Steal points for Toronto please Goose! Please!

It was truly amazing what Thomas did. I want to see that with you Goose. It is your time to shine for Toronto.

You know that, Burke & Co. know that, we know that. Do it tomorrow Goose. Steal games for us as Vinay wrote in his previous blog. This club desperately needs performances like what we saw tonight in Miami by Thomas.

Channel your hero Lundqvist. Channel your inner Cat. Channel your inner Cujo. Even channel your inner Belfour when he was good for us.

GOOSE!

[Captain Cornejo]

Haha! Who calls it a massage parlour anymore? And the only reason there is a confusion in jargon, is because there isn't a need for jargon-really, who goes there to talk? The jargon is implied...and applied. Alas, I sway from the subject, and into even more randomness: Pro Glide had to change it's deceiving advertising ways from "lifting and separating each hair" to being easy to glide for less pull. Even blades repent their sins and reform.
On to the game: didn't get to see it. But judging from highlights and this blog post, it seems Jersey in its entirety decided to call it a snow day, as the snow was falling. Let's hope Carolina's mentality is in a snow day, despite the lack of snow.
I guess Santa (sort of) heard the wishes of Leafland, and gave us a win, albeit a lopsided one. In the words of a comedian from Brampton "take it...and go!"
Hopefully Santa isn't a jerk, and thinks that one win will suffice.

VM Replies: Good God. Are they not called massage parlours? Sorry. I actually have never had a massage. This is why I was Googling "tug and pull." Embarrassing.

[Alecia]

So the update is....... the Leafs are staying in Jersey for the night yet again due to dangerous flying conditions.

I guess there's a possibility of the game being canceled tomorrow.

[moe green]

Sorry I'm late... 5-3 Leafs is my prediction. I guess I don't have to add that this is the biggest game of the year, another must win, and other cliches too numerous to mention. I think Kadri is due. What do you think, can he score in the NHL? Stajan has like one goal in fifty games with Calgary, I think. I miss him.

[David Bendeth]

Well I happened to be there too. An ex pat living near the arena. I think it took me 12 minutes to get there, and about 3 hours for everyone else.
Growing up in TO will do that to you. Anyways you couldn't miss me, I was the only guy in section 18 row 5...I mean that. I was wearing a ML hat, Jacket and shirt, I looked like a gift shop at Maple Leaf Garedens sans the toothbrush.
The game was like watching MTHL in the 60's at the Tam O Shanter arena. The only real edge they had was Devil fans yelling NINETEEN SIXTY SEVEN over and over.
Funniest thing about the night was it was the only time in history that the prudential Arena had almost as many Leaf fans there as Devil fans, TOO FUNNY.
Now getting home was different, I was behind the Leaf bus. Go Leafs Go.

[Hoofheartz]

It's 2:48 a.m. here. Can't sleep. Too much hockey, Juniors, Leafs, Spengler Cup. Habs lost again. Who can ask for anything more? BTW, if they aren't called massage parlours, what are they called. VM, if you're ever in Thailand, seek out any place that offers a traditional Thai massage. Had one once in my life and screeched like a little girl.

[Arthur Bailey]

Mr. Menon, I completely understand. The Schick commercials that say their product is "like a blast of hydration to the face"... I take that the wrong way EVERY TIME!

Maybe it's just me, but all my friends of a certain age would think the same thing that I do... and the advertisers know it. I just don't know why they think that is good marketing.

[Pyramid Power]

Thanks for the update Alecia. I wonder if our angry bastards are home now?

Staying two nights in Jersey has to make them a mighty cranky bunch I would guess. Hope they take it out on the Hurricanes tonight. And hope they aren't too tired.

[Pyramid Power]

Moe Kadri has to break out sometime. That chance he missed in Jersey, well, I think I might have cashed there. He has missed so many chances the law of averages and karma says he will break out big sometime very soon.

I hope that will be tonight. "I miss Matt Stajan....." LOL I most certainly don't. Good Mississauga lad but just not much of a scorer.

Sutters taking so much heat for signing him to that ridiculous four year $14 mill contract shortly after he landed in Calgary last January 31st. Rightfully so.

[Pyramid Power]

Finally got the scoop from another Toronto paper.

Leafs should be landing at Pearson anytime now after being able to fly out from Jersey earlier this morning.

They are likely to one very ornery bunch after sitting on the runway awaiting takeoff for five hours yesterday. No go.

Will practice later today. They haven't practiced in over a week now. Ouch! We're up against it tonight, but I hope they take it all out on Raleigh and Cam Ward.

[Pyramid Power]

Amazes me that the Leafs entered the Christmas break with their worst record since 1996-1997. Ouch!

And what we will have to do to just make the playoffs. Almost impossible despite the wretchedness of so many bottom feeders in the Eastern conference. Oh well.

GO LEAFS GO???

[Alecia]

Hey PP - apparently the Leafs just landed in Toronto and are set to practice at 11:30am.

I imagine they are not a happy bunch!

[Pyramid Power]

I hear ya Alecia. Whew! Five hours on the runway yesterday? Four hours to make the 20 minute bus ride to the hotel after the win Sunday night?

Yowsa! Get ready to get rocked Raleigh! Adrenaline and fury alone should be enough to carry us to victory tonight. I am with you - 3-2 Toronto final in reg. time as noted above.

A little worried about that prediction though. :) Maurice and his 'Canes have lost their previous two games by 3-2 scores. Oh well, make it a hat trick Toronto!

[Alecia]

Yea there was a lot of sitting and waiting, on the bus, airport, hotel or plane. I imagine they are not well rested, not sure how that will effect their game but hopefully they will drink their red bull and will come out pumped with adrenaline and ready to take down the canes who are already struggling.

But knowing the leafs, who haven't followed logic on common sense this season... who knows what will happen.

I wish I had tickets to see the game tonight, should be interesting...

[moe green]

So 5-3 Leafs tonight - with an empty netter.

So does anyone else here despise the "Heritage Classic" as much as I do. To me it's just another gimmick to sell hockey. I hate Bettman. This game isn't about Crosby and Ovechkin - at least not for me - it's about their teams. Remember the BS juice-driven Sosa/McGuire BS, homerun derby crap? Is that what the NHL is coming to? How about ice-dancing competitions to determine games instead of shootouts. I hope it pours buckets on the "classic" and they have to cancel it. Or maybe they can play it and get all soaking wet. Or maybe they can decide the game with a little b-ball at half-time. Yeah, halftime. And how is this ridiculous reality show legal and not hurting the game. Maybe during the pre-season but during the regular season.

Cheap scum-sucking, money-munching, soulless bastards. Praying, literally praying for a mushy, gushy, cataclysmic downpour of mythical proportions! I want strippers during games and I want them now! Wet ones.

[Pyramid Power]

Payback time tonight. 'Canes have won their last four in a row at the ACC outscoring us 16-7.

Carolina 4 for 41 on the PP during their past 12 games. Shut them down Sjostrom, Brent & Co.

'Canes dropping out of the playoff race after dropping three straight in reg. time. They will be very very motivated and well rested compared to Toronto.

Gut check time guys. Goose: you know what time it is. It is time for you to establish yourself as a bona fide #1 goalkeeper in this league. Get it done tonight.

[Simmer]

@Alecia

If we've learned anything from the Boys in Blue this seasons so far, its that the longer they have to rest, the more tired they'll be.

I expect those guys to be flying tonight!

[Pyramid Power]

I profoundly love the annual outdoor fun on New Year's Day Moe. It sells the game to Americans and that is nothing but good. And it is awesome to watch. I imagine even Texans might forsake a Bowl game or two on that day to check in.

This year should be great fun at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field with the Caps and Pens. Great way to sell the game. Looks grim re the weather forecast for Saturday, but Sunday looks good apparently. Would be a pity if they don't get that game in especially with the league's two marquee players ready to go: Kid Crosby and Alexander the Great II.

The first Alexander the Great (hockey-wise of course) was Mr. Alexander Mogilny.

[Alecia]

Simmer, hahah, I can only hope.

However they won their first 4 games at the start of the season and the first game from christmas break, so maybe the opposite is true?

[Pyramid Power]

Must see hockey story over at Yahoo NHL and Puck Daddy a.k.a. Greg Wyshynski. 'Top Ten Most Shocking On-Ice Moments of 2010.'

Required reading and viewing the amazing video for all hockey fans. I do not know how to post the link so I leave that to you Vinay.

VM Replies: Here is the link: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Puck-Daddy-s-Top-10-most-shocking-on-ice-moments?urn=nhl-300895

[Alecia]

I managed to get tickets for the game tonight...it better be a good one...

VM Replies: Well, if they win, we will now expect you to attend every future game. Have fun!

[Alecia]

Vinay, don't get too excited. I've already seen 5 games this season at the ACC: 2 wins (Nashville and Jersey), 2 losses (Edmonton and Atlanta) and 1 overtime loss (Tampa Bay).

VM Replies: So if they win, you'll be .500. Not bad.

[Sensi-Bill]

With my Sens having just moved ahead of the Hurricanes in the standings, I'll be cheering for a Leaf win tonight (smile), even if my prediction is 5-1 Carolina. (Sorry about that but they're still a better team with a MUCH better coach.) Still, if the Leafs CAN upset them, maybe even make it 5-1 in their favour, I will NOT be unhappy. (bigger smile) And if the Leafs DO win, I'm predicting a score of 4-3 Leafs in OT or a shoot out. You're welcome. (Happy Holidays-type smile.)

[Sensi-Bill]

@Moe Sorry bud, but in your somewhat over-the-top put down of the "Classic," methinks perhaps thou does't protest too much, perhaps hinting at an underlying jealousy because once again the Leafs are not involved. And despite Toronto's many great assets, the only stadium large enough to host such an event is under a dome, making it an indoor stadium, and thus not suitable. I think you would be hard pressed to NOT change your tune, at least a bit, IF enough Leaf fans to fill the SkyDome (hate the new name for a stadium MY tax money helped build), who don't normally get to do so, got to watch their team LIVE! I know that back here in the Nation's Capital, we'd be happy for you. (happy smile) Meanwhile, have a great new year, bud. You are one of the people who keep me dropping in here to visit.

[bill d]

Moe, you expressed my sentiments exactly with regards to the alleged hockey "classic?" The game is a stunt with crappy seating for the fans and is ridiculously expensive as can be to attend. Really, Peter Puck should make an appearance to dumb this event down some more and maybe blue streaks for passes and red streaks for shots on TV. I've hated this outdoor event since its inception. A good dose of rain is just what is needed in order to help create some respectablility with the NHL's weak product.

[Pyramid Power]

bill d Ridiculous! A stunt? The stunt was done again in Michigan earlier this year and attracted 113,000 fans for the Wolverines and Spartans of Michigan State.

It has been a resounding success for the league since the first one a few years back in Edmonton with the Canadiens. Ratings go through the roof for this event.

And it is old-fashioned outdoor hockey and a wonderful New Year's treat for true hockey fans. Just outlandish that you would call it an overpriced stunt. Obviously you are not a true hockey fan if you do not realize what this "stunt" means to the NHL and hockey in general.

@Alecia Have a great time at the game and please scream Goose as loudly as you can every time he makes a save. Try to get that chant going. And please bring us some luck. Be loud and be proud. Make us proud here at A LFB!

[Simmer]

I'm not sure what the issue is with the Winter Classic, I like it and I'd consider myself a hockey purist.
It is only one out of 1230 games on the schedule, and is a good throwback to the roots of hockey.
I'm not naieve enough to think that that is the reason this has been created, because we all know it is to make money. That said, I find it a pretty creative way to create hype for a game in the U.S.

Honestly though, something has to sell the game to Americans, and this is much better than creating soccer nets or making the puck glow.

[Pyramid Power]

Darryl Sutter's Reign of Error is over in Calgary. Fired today. About sweet time. Just wish he had hung around a little longer so Burkie could have fleeced the man one more tim. The guy almost made Mad Mike Milbury look like a quality GM by comparison.

Thank you very much for Dion Phaneuf, Keith Aulie, and to a lesser extent so far, Freddie Sjostrom Darryl. Happy trails. Flames fans are dancing and rejoicing in the streets I hear.

[Alecia]

PP - I will try my hardest but the ACC tends to be so quiet...it's quite unfortunate actually for the "biggest fanbase" in the NHL.

If I see Waffles tonight, God help me and the person who throws em, seriously.

VM Replies: If you get arrested for roughing up a waffle thrower, I want the exclusive.

[Alecia]

VM - I promise. :)

[Pyramid Power]

@Alecia The Air Canada Coffin is too quiet. You make the noise and scream yourself hoarse, and get that crowd going. We are counting on you.

5-1 Canada after two over the Czechs in Buffalo. Am getting a European stream with a British announcer. The guy is just cracking me up man. Called Olivier Roy 'Ollie'. Calls penalties "sanctions". Just horrified by any kind of physical play and extremely anti-Canadian because of it.

Went on and on and on about the 'stark horror' of that hit by Kassian. Have not seen a good replay to determine whether Kassian deserved a match penalty and ejection. Cameron apparently annoyed the Brit announcer who criticized Cameron for 'inelegantly and vociferously expressing his wrongful displeasure with the official's call,'. Pretty funny but definitely not funny to see the Czech kid taken off on a stretcher. Hope he will be fine.

Schenn, Ellis and everyone looking very good after giving up the opening goal apparently. Did not get to the game until shortly before the Kassian hit.

CANADA!

[moe green]

K guys so maybe there's a little jealousy involved. Grow the game in USA - who cares. Seriously, what is the advantage of growing the game in the US. More teams in the US? So. Believe me I wouldn't advocate going to the original six but growing the game only pays the owners more. It does NOTHING for the game. As for the stunt - yeah, I'm a little jealous that it started in Canada and will never gain involve Canadian teams. Why? Cuz Canadian team are bad for hockey growth south of the border. And guess what. To me hockey has never been about the stars, it's about the teams. For me, a Heritage Classic without a Canadian team involved is utter commecial BS! To hell with the "classic." Why not make the all star game an outdoor event? I'd be in favour of that. It's not fair to have special tv shows or outdoor games or reg season games in Europe. I'm jis agin em is'all. Love hockey, hate gimmicks and an unfair playing field.

[moe green]

Alecia:

If the Leafs are winning and Gustavsson is playing well, try to get a wave of "Gooose" chants going. Ask your seatmates to join in on every great save! Wouldn't it be cool if we could change the nickname! But remember - only if he's playing well, or else...

Have a great time. Go Leafs, Go!

[moe green]

I know Sensi-Bill, "Roger's Centre" my left... hey, what's "indoor" about an open Skydome?

[moe green]

Okay, so we have another absolutely critical game for the Leafs. Imagine if we lose this game. Could we pretend to care anymore? So let's see what a real must-win game inspires in our guys. Should be easy to crush poor old Paul Maurice and his hapless Canes. We'll see White and Tlusty. Remember them? Oh yeah, and no BS "tired" excuses. The team is in its twenties!

[Pyramid Power]

Will just say this Moe. I don't consider the outdoor games a gimmick at all. I think it is great for the game, and lots of fun to watch.

Always hoping that more Americans turn on to the greatest game on Earth, and we see NBC covering more than just the Stanley Cup finals. I miss yesteryear when The Peacock used to televise Saturday afternoon games every week. Hopefully that comes again someday. Maybe these outdoor games will help that process along. Maybe not.

Again, I just enjoy the game. Should be a lot of fun to watch the Pens and Caps do battle in Pittsburgh this weekend. I really don't understand your vociferous opposition to these games, but I guess we will respectfully agree to disagree on this.

Game time in about ten minutes. See what the Leafs can do tonight. Crabb in for an ailing Brent. Hope the guys suck it up and find a way to get it done tonight. Need ya Gooooooooooooooooose!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Hey Moe, there is a Heritage Classic coming between Calgary and Montreal. There is 2 outdoor games this year.

I thought Kassian's earlier hit today was a bogus call.

Go Leafs!

[moe green]

Nice puck whacking ass clowns!

[Pyramid Power]

Toronto lad Jeff Skinner scores. No surprise. They love to get us.

[moe green]

Somebody said Mitchell had "chemistry with Versteeg and Armstrong. Chemistry? Really?

[moe green]

Predictions: How many shots on the four minute pp?

[Pyramid Power]

No surprise to see Komisarek on the ice for that somewhat cheap goal.

See what we can do on this four minute PP to tie it.

[moe green]

Man Phaneuf is looking horrible.

[moe green]

Can't miss with a two-man advantage for 1:44 can we?

VM Replies: Kessel!

[moe green]

About time. A rare one-timer.

[moe green]

Faked shot and a one-timer. Finally!

[moe green]

Is Kadri playing?

VM Replies: Nope. Joey Crabb.

[Pyramid Power]

GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

KESSEL!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful pass by Phaneuf and Kessel makes like Brett Hull with the one time slapshot. One timers. A Star writer recently alluded us needing to get our shots off quickly. It happened. Beautiful.

GO LEAFS GO!

[moe green]

i hate mitchell

VM Replies: He's responsible for both goals.

[Pyramid Power]

Weak coverage by Kaberle and Mitchell on that goal by Staal.

It has to be better than that Goose. You gotta find a way to save that.

VM Replies: Not a great start for him.

[moe green]

Man Mitchell stinks.

[Pyramid Power]

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

KESSEL AGAIN!

Thanks to ex-Leafs defenceman Jay Harrison there. Exciting game.

VM Replies: Barn burner.

[moe green]

If you have no one better than Mitchell in your organization... i dunno. It's Wilson. He is the least creative coach since Quinn. Did you see that Powerplay. Why did Kaberle decide to fake a shot and pass? Doesn't he know he could cause a goal by doing that?

[moe green]

What's the point when you are this bad defensively?

[moe green]

Okay, now the infamous Leaf PK. Please guys, have a heart.

[moe green]

Why not just play without goalies. Or defensemen. This is a badly coached and horrible team.

[moe green]

You can see it in the players' eyes. They want a coach. They need somebody to tell them what to do with the puck. C'mon Burke, buy them a coach. And they are interviewing Mitchell? Please. What is going on? The Bad moments were all his. He said: "... we have to be better and then we'll be fine" He really said it. Sigh.

[moe green]

Why has Goose forgotten how to stop the puck. He should stop one occasionally right? Even Vesa stopped the occasional shot. Remember?

VM Replies: A brutal start for poor Goose. Three goals on EIGHT shots.

[Pyramid Power]

Another one of our Marlies gets called up and makes a 'great' contribution. Did not see the penalty in all fairness to Crabb.

Can't believe we let Staal get loose that late in the period, and not kill that Crabb penalty off.

See what these Leafs are made of this game. The Hurricanes have already scored more goals in one period than they did in their three previous games combined as in they scored two goals in all three of their previous games I believe. Not good.

[moe green]

They should make a trade. here's one: Trade some of our bad players for some good players and then buy a proper coach. Then we can be gooder. And seriously, did we win the Aulie trade? Really. Doesn't it seem to you guys like Phaneuf may be on heroin and sunny-d. Stajan hasn't scored in fifty games, Haggy on pace for 15 goals and I'm not sure we won it. Phaneuf is on every PP and he has five assists this season. FIVE! Oh yeah, and a goal.

[moe green]

I think (and I am not sure) but wasn't Toskala's save percentage better than Gustavsson's? Bye the way, he doesn't deserve a nickname, let alone "the monster" yet. Maybe "monstrous."

[Hoofheartz]

Turned the game on just in time to see Chrissie Versteeg go for the big skate in the corner and then watch as Staal taps in the easy go ahead goal at the end of the period. Do these clowns not realize that the GD period is 20 minutes long? How many more goals can they give up in the last minute of a period?

VM Replies: Late period goals are becoming Goose's hallmark.

[moe green]

Calling Gustavsson "the monster" other than ironically is kinda like calling Toskala "Mr Shutout." It's an utterly preposterous nickname. At least until he earns it. Maybe Tim Thomas can use it.

[moe green]

So seriously guys: Why have the Leafs gotten worse in every respect as the year has gone on. Shouldn't they be improving. Am I imagining it? It seems like they are getting worse at literally everything.

[Pyramid Power]

Gotta bury that Mitchell. Good save by Ward though but I think he was more lucky than good on that one.

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

Let's hear you Alicia! lol

[moe green]

It's like the Leafs forget they are down a goal and another by Canes will sink them.

[moe green]

My 5-3 prediction is still alive. C'mon PP.

[moe green]

nice puck movement!

[Pyramid Power]

GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRABBOOOOOOOOOHHHH!

YES! YES! YES!

3-3. GO LEAFS GO! Just hit the crossbar and the pressure is on.

[moe green]

So here we go... the NEW Maple Leafs!

[Pyramid Power]

I am so impressed by our magnificent Leaf bastards tonight and their energy level. Everyone looking good except Goose.

Goose: it is time for you to shut the door. We need you man.

[moe green]

I love this puck movement on the last three pps. What's up with that?

[Pyramid Power]

What a save by Ward on that one timer by Bozak. Great setup by Versteeg.

Ward the difference in this game so far.

Moe: I surely hope you are a shaman, a seer, a visionary and we somehow win this one 5-3. So close to taking a lead here.

[moe green]

Idea. Maurice likes ex-Leafs. How about we send him Mitchell for that Ward kid?

[Sensi-Bill]

@Moe Do you think they'd really risk opening the SkyDome roof with the possibility of no getting it closed again --- for the rest of the winter? Geeze, can you imagine the kerfuffle and embarrassment if that happened? Might have to call the army back in to shovel snow off the turf, and the stairs and aisles, to say nothing of the thousands of seats suddenly disappearing beneath tons of snow, threatening a sort of indoor avalanche. And if they iced over, might have to bring in the salt crews. And as any car owner in Eastern Canada knows, what salty slush does to metal is definitely not a pretty sight.

[moe green]

Switch goalies and it's 6-1 Leafs.

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