Game 36: Flatliners

Let's begin with some good news for a change: Congratulations to Mikhail Grabovski and his partner Kate on the birth of their daughter.

Lily Grabovski arrived this evening around 8:30 p.m. Mikhail, I hope you cracked a smile in the delivery room. I hope you didn't react to this fantastic life moment the way you normally react to the fantastic goals you've scored this season.

Doctor: "Mr. Grabovski, congratulations! You have a little girl. Everything looks great. Do you want to hold her?"

Grabovski: "Not now. No. Thank you. I happy but now I go to bench in hospital waiting room to quietly think about scoring next baby."

Around the time Lily was entering the world, her father's colleagues were departing it.

Maybe they were tired of trying really, really hard only to lose in the end. Maybe they wanted to demonstrate "sleepwalking" to Mikhail so he's mentally prepared for the next few months of 2 a.m. feedings and diaper changes.

Whatever the reasons, the Leafs did the opposite of trying really, really hard and losing. They didn't try at all.

But in a tragic twist ending, they still lost.

It was just like the 1990 movie, Flatliners. But instead of medical students conducting scary experiments with clinical death, we watched as professional athletes conducted scary experiments with hockey death.

These included (but were not limited to): The Do Not Shoot The Puck For Several Minutes At A Time Experiment. The Do Not Forecheck Experiment. The Do Not Pick Up Your Man In The Defensive Zone Experiment. And even The Daydream About Anything Other Than The Game You Are Currently Playing Experiment.

When I look at the publicity shot above this post, I don't see Julia Roberts, Oliver Platt, Kiefer Sutherland, William Baldwin and Kevin Bacon. I swear to God, I see Kaberle, Beauchemin, Sjostrom, Mitchell and then a second Kaberle!

The Leafs do not play again in 2010. I guess that qualifies as more good news. People, the year is finally, mercifully over. Raise your champagne glasses and nibble on a lemon square. We survived the Leafs' flatlining and can now pray for a resurrection miracle in the weeks and months ahead.

Yes, appropriately, tonight's dismal performance marked the end of a dismal calendar year in which the richest franchise in the NHL showcased a piss-poor record of 29 wins, 39 losses and 9 other setbacks in overtime or a shootout.

You know, even through the gloomiest moments this season, there were positives upon which we could cast an optimistic eye. Not tonight. My guess is even the ultra-positive, super-loyal commenter Nik Culoman watched this game while pressing a butter knife against his jugular.

How can we cast optimistic eyes when our eyes are bloodshot from the relentless giveaways, the lack of break-out plays, the botched passing in the neutral zone, the anemic attack, the miscommunication and, holy bloody hell, the missed shots?

There was a moment tonight in which a few Blue Jackets swarmed Kris Versteeg after a whistle. The play was stopped when he fired a high slapshot off the glass after taking a hand pass. They seemed to think this was an act of provocation.

Honestly, I was tempted to text someone on the Columbus bench: Dudes, chill out! Versteeg was not head-hunting Steve Mason! Don't you idiots know – he always shoots high or wide!

After tonight, the Leafs are now averaging 2.28 goals per game, which is fourth worst in the league. After tonight, the Leafs now have 942 faceoff wins, which is third worst in the league. After tonight, the Leafs now have 288 missed shots at home, which is second worst in the league.

When they are outshot by opponents, as they were tonight, they have a .353 wining percentage, which is also second worst in the league.

More good news: At least we're not the worst in any of these categories?

Thank goodness for baby Lily. Without her, there would be nothing to celebrate as we say good riddance to 2010 and hope for new life in 2011.

 

 

Comments

[Nat]

I stumbled onto this blog a while back when Toronto played Vancouver...... I'm not a Leafs fan (West Coast to the core), but I find myself coming back to this blog frequently. I appreciate the sarcasm/humour that you, Vinay, and the commenters, create out of the frustrating/infuriating play of these Leafs.

Great blog......not so great team.

VM Replies: Thanks for reading, Nat.

[Alecia]

Well Vinay, not an impressive game by any means but at least it wasn't a 7-1 blow out or a shut out. In fact, we haven't seen a shut out in a while (a while in Leaf nation at least) See? positivity!

I try realllllly hard.

VM Replies: I was worried about you after reading the "*sigh*" you left me on Twitter. I'm relieved you're still positive, even if it's now 1:40 a.m. and both of us should be asleep. Happy New Year.

[Josh Binder]

Great post. It's pretty clear this team as it is will be bottom feeding all year. Anyone that doesn't see that, including Burke and MLSE management, are just plain stupid. Thanks for the effort again this year boys...7 years in a row without the playoffs in the biggest and richest hockey market actually takes some effort. Even a monkey could produce playoff births with the resources available to MLSE.

[no moe green]

Yeah I missed this one, no excuses just chose not to partake. There can be no excuses for what you watched tonight Vinay and the gang - none. These are highly-paid premier athletes who have by stoke of luck, won the privilege of representing the Toronto Maple Leafs, my team, to the fans of the National Hockey League. To do so with such little regard for what that means to the fans who are paying their hyper-inflated salaries is, well, inexcusable.

Congratulation to Mikhail and his newly-minted family and I thank him for being among the most dedicated players on the ice night in night out for the Leafs this season. It's mean't a lot. It demonstrates respect. It shows that he gets it. I'll take Grabovski, Kulemin or MacArthur over Kessel any day of the week.

So Burke babbles meaninglessly about his intent to win a playoff berth this year and we the fans see that for what it is - big smoky blustery bull. That's what he does, what he's paid for. Amidst the lies and false hope we the fans have shelled out league-high prices for everything and gotten a sub-standard product and utter disregard in return for our allegiance. Well I may be wrong, but I think the ride is coming to an end for a lot of fans out there.

So go out and make some face-saving pointless mid-season move to make yourself feel good and further set back the course of this rebuild. Or don't, what does it matter. The rink will stay full, and the fans will stay put. Meanwhile the GM, the coach, the players and most importantly the corporation will get obscenely wealthy at our expense no matter how poorly they perform. As Burke says, there's no blueprint, no precedent, so no objective measure for success. How convenient. A crumb to the fans?. Let them eat over-priced cake.

[Randy]

All I have to say about this seasons Leafs (and the Leafs over the last 44 years) is FAIL! Honestly, especially over the last 7 years, the Leafs can't buy a win. This is horrible. I'm not positive anymore. Fire everyone. That includes Burke, Wilson, all assistant coaches, all front office, everyone at ACC, whole Leafs Team, whole AHL team. Actually, ya know what would be the best thing for the Leafs? If they simply no longer existed. Their existence alone is an embarassment. How can anyone put themselves through this garbage? I am sick of it. Bye bye Maple Leafs, it was nice knowing you. I'm taking my allegiance elsewhere. Actually, I'm going out of the sport. I have come to hate hockey, all because of the Leafs. Thanks alot.

Go Tottenham Hotspur!

[palbo]

Pass the butter knife.

[KWood19]

Hey Vinay
You mentioned letting Remier start a game. That doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon, as Wilson appears content to just let Goose attempt to 'claim' the starting job. But what about Jussi Rynnas? He has played rather well in the AHL, and against the wolves he came up huge a number of times in key situations. And, he could be nicknamed 'The Rhino'. Jussi 'The Rhino' Rynnas. Kinda has a ring to it, doesn't it?

[Pyramid Power]

Great column by Rosie on the Leafs. Great recap by Zwolinski on the Leafs. Fantastic blog by Vinay on the Leafs.

We have flatlined. We cannot be brought back to life. We are horrible and it is waffle time!

Two happy moments in 2010: the day we got rid of Vesa Toskala and the day we beat the Rangers in OT to move to 4-0 in October. Those were our moments of joy as Leaf fans this year. Thanks guys. Good job.

Happy New Year!

[Robert]

2010 closes with visiting teams mantra Vini Vidi Vici as they leave the ACC. Now everyone is looking for a 'trade' in 2011 that will erase the doubts, build the confidence and put this team 'over the top'. Brian, that's like Ford Motor Company retooling for the Edsel! One player ain't going to make it. You could put Sydney Crosby in the ACC and he would probably be left standing at centre ice trying to figure out what the hell's going on. As noted before, there are a number of young hustling players on this team, and a young defence corp, the fact they don't play like a team rests with one person. Brian, we are sellers, but not our young talent.
Patching the cracks has gone on for 44 years now. Do something different, like, keep draft picks, trade for youth or prospects. We would be happy to go through the growing pains with you if there was light at the end of the tunnel.

[Account Deleted]

Look at the bright side.The glass is not 31/32 empty,it's 1/32 full.The only thing worse than the game was having to listen to Greg Millen make excuses for two periods.At the start of the season we were considered to be solid in our end with reliable goaltending.We were more than happy to lose one goal games and win a couple of low scoring games.What the hell happened?Anyway,"on the bright side"kind of liked Boyce.I believe as long as there are positive posts by Alecia,Leafs Nation is still intact.

[gOogl3pl3x]

ugh.....

[80s Leafs]

(sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus")
"Oh, the losses for the Leafs keep piling up, piling up, piling up,..."
I'm also working on one to the tune of "She Blinded Me With Science."

I wish Kaberle had Kevin Bacon's hairdo from that Flatliners promo shot!

[Bob Vandam]

good riddance to 2011?!?...do you know something we don't or are you just as inept as the team on the ice?

VM Replies: Uh oh. I don't write the link copy. But thanks for catching and I'll get them to fix.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Yes, the Leafs lost well. In fact they even held a lead for a while. They developing that is for sure..... What do you think, with Grabbo in the line up would they have won this game?

[leafland'r]

Cancel Burke's big buck GM contract. Put him on "merit pay".

[leafland'r]

Monster frustration.....I'm now convinced that the nickname "Monster" was not meant to make reference to a bloated appearance in his goalie equipment, but more for the reason of his monsterous 5-hole !
Oh, on a positive note: the numbers 46 and 47 fits relatively well on the back of a blue sweater.

[TPiddy]

Have to say that I liked the play of Kessel, Kulemin, Boyce and Gustavsson last night. In another positive note, the Leafs PP is creeping up out of the basement, as it stands 18th now. To finish with the positivity, congratulations to Mikhail Grabovski on the birth of his daughter.

Now to the negative. Komisarek makes a suicide pass in the first period that Jared Boll rings off the post, and he's punished with 12 minutes of ice time. Beauchemin blunders a puck along the boards that results in a Huselius goal and he gets over 22 minutes of ice time? Where's the accountability?

This kind of performance against a better team probably would have led to a blow out and more stick smashing from the Goose, but as it was he was able to keep things close, not that it mattered. The instant the Blue Jackets scored the go ahead goal I knew what the result of the game was going to be. You could just sense it on the ice.

How many more games before Burke makes some moves again?

[We BeLeaf]

The positives were outdone by the negatives of last night's game. We got the first goal, but immediately let them tie it. The defence needs work. I am not sure that pairings and line juggling is creating the desired effect anymore. I know that Burke's past tendencies are to load up on defencemen because of the frequent turnover for injuries, but with his surplus of young defence corps that he has available to him in the minors why has he not brought more of them up? Or why hasn't he sent some of the guys he has now to the press box, or down to the Marlies?
@ Ken, with Grabbo in the lineup, we might have outscored them, but I like what I saw in the new kid Boyce. Let's hope we see some more of him and Wilson please put Reimer in net against Ottawa!
By the way Grabbo, congratulations on the birth of your daughter. There are no words that can describe the way you feel after experiencing the birth of your first child.
Cheers,

[Ken Baumgartner]

Ok enough positive from me Alecia. Sorry I tried, then I read a Dion Phaneuf quote. He says," It has been an exciting year."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

How can the play on this team be remotely exciting? Clearly everything that is going on off the ice for him as captain means more than what is going on on the ice. Wearing the Maple Leaf sweater at functions by a far margin is more important than playing hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Can anyone please tell I am wrong, but it just doesn't matter to these guys whether they win or lose because they will be able to tell their grandchildren that they were a member of the Toronto maple leafs?

THE CAPTAIN WHO SAYS THIS HAS BEEN AN EXCITING YEAR! WHAT KIND OF WINNING CULTURE IS THAT? CAN ANYONE PLEASE TELL ME?

Nik, I will even listen to your paitience drivel right now.

[Ken Baumgartner]

An open qestion to Brian Burke.

Mr. Burke, do you think that the fact the your Captain is having an ,"exciting year," his words, is reflective of the fact that that winning does not matter and that there is a systemic problem with the Toronto Maple Leafs in that what goes on around the games are more important than the games themself? If not why not and if so what can you do about it?

If you can, please explain how losing the way this team does can remotely be construed as exciting?

[oakville_girl]

I knew the game was over when Carolina scored their first goal. Gustavsson's reaction said it all. He gave up.

Thank God I didn't watch this live, and was able to fast forward through the game only stopping to see some of the "highlights"(???)

tonight I'm going out to celebrate the New Year. When the old guy with the beard comes by, I'm going to smack him for the leafs season, and hug the baby in the diaper hoping to get some good vibes for those pitiful Leaf bastards.

Wishing everyone here a happy, healthy and prosperous New Years to you and your family. (Let's hope some of that gets to the Leaf families as well)

Thanks Vinay for the smile in the morning, and for expressing exactly how I feel about these boys in blue. Keep up the great work!

[Alecia]

Are the Leafs cursed? Did they make a deal with the devil years and years ago? Can someone please explain to me what in the world is going on here? Seriously?

In my opinion, with the exception of a few specific players, I think that for the most part, we have some good players on our team. But can someone please explain to me why our great-on-paper young players cannot pull it together and put out a solid and consistent effort for a full 60mins? Bad passes, horrible giveaways, can’t finish forechecking or backcheck, take some DECENT shots on net…. What is going on? How is it that some games they come out looking great, full of steam but deflate during 2nd period against mediocre teams like the Blue Jackets or Sabres yet manage to pull out of ridiculous 3-goal deficits and win against a teams like the Caps and the Bruins? Someone PLEASE give me a rational answer but I just can’t comprehend what is going on. Are we to assume that next time we are up against a mediocre team that we will probably lose but when we play the better teams in the league, we will at least get a solid effort?

It’s this inconsistency and unpredictability that makes us Leaf fan such unbalanced people. It’s probably also why we continue to watch game after game after game, after game…. I need some sort of logic behind this and I beg someone here to explain this to me.

Unfortunately for me, I’ll continue to watch and support my damn team because I just don’t know how to give up, not yet at least. I never expected the playoffs this year, but I expected to see some improvement and would still like to see them finish outside of the bottom 3 and not surrender another lotto pick. With the majority of the season left to play, that’s still quite an attainable goal. I’ll finish off my rant here with the few positives for the past weeks that I keep clinging too.

Wilson has finally stopped picking the lines out of hat and we now have SOME sort of consistency among our lines. Although still a loss, losing by one goal is always better than being shut out or losing by three of four goals. Speaking of shut outs – we have 9 goals in the last 3 games which is better than the shut out record we were maintain a few weeks back. Managed to score first goal which has been a challenge all season. Face off percentage is improving, slightly. And finally, our PK has improved since the beginning of the season when every time we took a penalty, it was pretty much a guaranteed goal against. PLEASE feel free to add to this list, no really, I beg you.

Final note on Grabovski, I truly believe that had he been in the line up last night, we would be celebrating a 4-3 win, or maybe at least an OT loss. The kid plays with so much passion and heart that his absence is clearly visible and felt when he is not there. He never seems to give up and always drives at the net with quality shots even when a comeback seems incredibly bleak and impossible. We need more players like him. Hopefully, now that we know what we are like without him, Burke would not risk losing him in a trade. Fingers crossed.

[Alecia]

Ken Baumgartner - Phaneuf is definitely not the brightest crayon in the box. I try to skip all his interviews. Listen to MacArthur, at least he shows frustration and disappoint.

Oh, another positive - there have been scouts at both Leafs games this week now that the Xmas trade freeze is over so I think something is in the works, I hope at least. I'm not religious but I pray that there is.

[leafland'r]

@ Ken Baumgartner ( re: 10:27am) The rest of Captain Phaneuf's statement is just as disturbing, "...we're not where we want to be as a team. I'll evaluate it at the end of the season." At the END of the season ?? Does this imply that we'll ride the surfboard from here and collect our big paychecks along the gentle wave? What's wrong with finding the LEADERSHIP to evaluate and implement corrective measures NOW !? GASP!

[no moe green]

This had better be a coaching problem or what are we going to be in for next year but more of the same. Maybe worse.

[gOogl3pl3x]

@TPiddy, I am not sure if you were watching the right game last night. I saw Gusto as more of a liability than a performer who was able to keep things close. His five hole resembled a great red wood tree in that you could drive a Freightliner through it. I know when I played goal my coach always asked me Where was your stick? when a goal was scored through my five hole. Gusto, where was your stick?

[Alecia]

One more question I need answered:

Why won't management bring up Zigomanis, a face off winner, and Aulie, a good young defensive player with tons of potential. Our vets are letting us down. Please explain, someone, PLEASE!

[Ken Baumgartner]

They don't care. It is that simple. Everything is lovely in the dressing room and off the ice as well. They practice hard and that is good enough. 80% of their professional life is perfect for them, who cares if the most important 20% is a shameful embarrasment. They don't. There are no players in that dressing room who will hold them accountable because they all have it equally comfortable. They justify it by saying it is a business.They put in their work, they get paid, they go home. I may be wrong but that is how it feels to me.

They are trained not to read the newspaper so when they go out and do their community service and the fans are climbing over each other to get a piece of them, so they think that the situation they are in is fine, why should they care. This is the culture they live in. It is still a country club.

Until fans start letting them know just how big a dissapointment they are when they do their public appearances this team will never change. I am convinced of this. What is worse is that if that does start to happen they will get shielded by the PR department so they won't have to be exposed to the true feelings of the fans first hand. How is that for entitlement? Tell me I am wrong?

I also think the coach has to go now and I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because he has a quality track record. I no longer do. He has to be the one that holds them to account, but he benches no-one anymore and he has lost the room.

I am thinking the only type of personallity to get this turned around is a Ken Hitchcock type or a Mike Keenan type.

I want to cheer for this team but they make it so hard to year after year. Thank God it is only hockey and I refuse to loose sleep over it.

Does anyone know who the projected Number 1 overal pick will be for the 2012 entry draft? Who cares about 2011.

[Robert]

Alecia it is inexplicable. There is enough junior talent on this team to waive all the so called experienced players and put together something exciting. Why they don't do this after all the frustration this team has created is beyond all of us. Bottom line, it is the coach's responsibility for how the product on the ice plays. Between the coach and manager they should agree on who they want, to play what position and then Ronnie, whom Rosie thinks is a great coach, needs to put a system into place to make it happen! The Phaneuf quote is exactly what is wrong. Ask any of these guys how they are going to play tonight 'get the puck in deep, forecheck hard, cycle down low'. We teach Atom age players more than that. This is a poor collection of players as a team. There are some very good individual talents on both teams, Leafs and Marlies. I think the job is over Wilson's head. He doesn't know where to start and juggling his line up means no one gets to play long enough with their on ice partners to learn their partners styles which is how you make plays on the fly. Dump the puck deep, forecheck hard and cycle down low. Really!

[waffles2010]

Vinay, I had some time this morning, and thanks to the Crown and Cokes from last nite, a little motivation, but not a lot so this is what I did. I put together a list of songs that I think are appropriate for the Leafs musical interlude. Most of them can be used in game as well. So here goes:

Instead of the We're Canada's Team song, our new theme song is Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. Nothing is crazier than the Leafs and their fans.

As a runner up I chose Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. As long as Jack White records a version for us titled, 1967 Nation Army.

After a loss; Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden. Its loud and rocking, yet sad and melancholy. Just like we feel.

Mike Brown's theme, Hellraiser by Motorhead. Big hit, fight or breaks his finger blocking a shot. Love that guy. Play this one a lot.

The Goose or Giggy, makes a huge save. We play Another Brick in The Wall by Pink Floyd. Probably won't hear this one that much. We can play all three parts or one at a time if we feel lucky.

Colton Orr theme song is Street Fightin Man by the Stones, a little obvious I know, but he doesn't do anything else.

We are behind late and need a big goal, we play Right Now by Van Halen. Very inspirational, its on my personal workout playlist. Maybe I'm not the best example but lets move on.

The Leafs get called for a bogus penalty, F**K YOU, by Cee Lo Green. Nuff said there.

Our Get Loud, Make Noise Songs should be Jump Around by House of Pain, and Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. Its impossible to be quiet when these songs are playing.

The last one I came up with follows a big playoff win, or any playoff win for that matter. I Predict a Riot, by the Kaiser Chiefs.

Thats all I got so far, let me know what you guys think. I couldn't fit (Can't Get No) Satisfaction by the Stones in so lets call them the honourable mention entry.

Cheers everyone, be safe tonight. Please don't drink and drive. But don't call me for a ride because I will NOT be sober. If we all drink enough perhaps the Leafs 2010 will cease to exist. I know Pyramid Power is gonna be on board with this idea.

[Alecia]

waffles2010 - Crazy Train IS the song they play in the ACC before each game.

[TPiddy]

@googleplex - Yes the first goal on Gustavsson was a softie.... but it was also a 2 on 0 break with Huselius and Nash. I'm sure it would have ended up a goal no matter how you slice it. Gustavsson, however, kept the game close in the second and third periods when the defense was tanking it. He stopped two Rick Nash snap shots and several more in-close attempts. Give credit where credit is due.

As far as those complaining about not using the rookies, I too have felt the urge to complain about this, but I then come to the understanding that if we scratch Komisarek or Beauchemin, who is going to want to trade for them then? It's hard enough for Burke to unload these guys now and that would only be harder if they weren't playing. That's why Beauchemin still gets 20 minutes a game.

[Pinot Grigio]

Why does everybody wait for BlusterBoy to make a trade; have you seen the losers he has traded for this far? Compare Phaneuf with Sundin, Clark, Gilmour or Sittler, are they in the same league? At any rate, the players that are going to be traded away are the guys that make up the only line that plays with some fire, the Grabowsky line because those are the only players with some value.

[waffles2010]

Thanks Alecia, I didn't know obviously. Regular people can't afford to go to the games. :(

[Alecia]

Waffles - I'm a very regular person, trust me. I buy really cheap seats...

[We BeLeaf]

OK so to add to Waffles song list I'd like to add...
- For when the Leafs lose: "Bullet In the Head" by Rage Against The Machine, or "Here I Go again" by Whitesnake

- For getting the crowd going: "Wake Up!" by RATM, or any song by Rush (just to see how many air drum solos there are in the audience)

- After a fight: "Fight for Your right" by the Beastie Boys, or "Black and Blue" by Van Halen

- After Kessel scores: "Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter

- When the Leafs win the Cup: "In my time of Dying" by Led Zeppelin

- And finally whenever we play Montreal: "Loser" by 3 Doors Down, and "Burn it to the Ground" by Nickelback

Cheers and Happy New Year to you Vinay, and to all in Leafs Nation!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Trade Phaneuf, we got him for a bag of pucks anyway and so far he has not stepped up to the plate, into the uniform yes, but not up to the plate. How exciting!

[Alecia]

There's apparently rumours of a trade with Boston (yes, again), Beachemin for a power forward. He's generating a lot of interest in the league.

[80s Leafs]

Excellent news, Alecia! But you're probably underestimating the Leafs only getting ONE power forward in return for Beauchemin. I am sure it's probably Lucic, Bergeron and Kreci in return for that imposing, slick play-making stalwart.
I'm sure the Bruins are also hoping to dump Rask back onto the Leafs.
Have I been drinking yet, you ask? Of course! It's New Year's Eve, after all.

[Account Deleted]

Now,I could not agree with young Robert more.It seems like ancient history,but in 2002 Sundin went down in the playoffs and we had other injuries.Anyway,baby Leafs were called up and gave us some off the most exciting hockey of the playoffs.I believe Gary Roberts was still around but those young guys were amazing.I wish I could remember their names but all I know is when Sundin was back we bowed out to Carolina.

[Ken Baumgartner]

And Chara.Captain for captain, it's a good deal.

Happy New year. Thanks for the fun blog everyone!

[Alecia]

So the Winter Classic was moved up till 8pm tomorrow due to warm weather, Leaf game start at 7. Anyone have any idea what CBC will broadcast?

[denial]

Ah, Happy New Year from Planet Disengagement, where the stunning play of Francois Beauchemin conjures up the heady days of Tom Kurvers. Good times.

And speaking of good times: those of you in your mid 30s with children who are slowly becoming Leaf-i-fied through osmosis (you know how kids talk on the playground) can delight in telling your kid: "you know son/daughter, you may think that YOU have it rough, watching these guys lose, but back in my day, we had the likes of Tim Bernhardt in net and the Ihnacak brothers lurking in the offensive zone...so don't tell me that you have it rough...you don't know what rough is...do you know what a Greg Terrion is? Or how about a Dan Daoust? Don't tell me about your Kessel this and your Phaneuf that...I'M TALKING DON FREAKIN' EDWARDS...hey...don't you turn your back on me...hey...come back here..."
But I digress.
I have a new theory, which has come to me while meditating here at Planet Disengagement. I have this strange feeling that Ron Willson and Brian Burke would secretly love it if people stopped going to Leaf games and watching Leaf games and listening to Leaf games. I know the thought is treasonous -- especially to Burke, who is the team's President. But really, don't you think it makes their job SO much harder that nobody seems to care -- at least attendance and support-wise -- that this team is steaming dog sh*t? (next time, I'll move the * -- so in 4 more of these, you'll know the word! No peeking...)
Anyway, believe it or not, but I still hope that the Leafs find an identity here. Right now, they aren't...anything. What are they? Are they a tough team? No. Are they a defensive team? No. Are they an offensive team? Well, yes, but they can't score goals (hey, I'm here till Thursday, try the veal). Are they a gritty team? No. Do they work hard? No -- no harder than the other 29 teams. Do they block a lot of shots? No. Do they take a lot of shots? No. Do they do the hokey pokey and then turn themselves around? No.
And that, my friends, is what it's all about. This team is just ghosts.
Vinay, I have a suggestion for you. I'd like you to take it upon yourself to help the people here adopt another NHL team. I suggest you pick a team not in Canada. But find a team that that the group here can be surrogate fans of, just for the next few years. My vote goes to Atlanta, because they need fans.
Happy New Year.

[Tom]

This blog is so depressing now.

VM Replies: Nooooo!

[no moe]

Read Cox's article about the rebuild. He says it all.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/914350--cox-no-quick-fix-for-leafs-failed-game-plan

[80s Leafs]

Hey Denial! Get off my 80s turf with your "Timber" Bernhardts and your Donnie Edwards's! But while you're at it, don't forget the Sean McKennas and Mike Blaisdell's of Leafs' horrid past. If that's not enough for you, I've got two words: Al Secord.

Tim B. - I know of what you speak with regards to the team playing exciting hockey after Sundin AND TUCKER were hurt against Ottawa in 2002 and they had to bring up Donald MacLean and a couple of other guys, who went out and banged and crashed, then were promptly dispatched from the lineup after Mats and Tucker made their uninspiring returns against Carolina. Forget who else was called up, but they played harder than the regular bums.

Any chance the Leafs could be matched up against the Penguins alumni team for their game Saturday night, rather than against a current NHL opponent? Of course, Mario would likely pick up at least 4 points in that one.

[Account Deleted]

Prediction: Leafs win 3-2 however Komisarek assists on both Senator goals.

[Robert]

Thank you Damien. Precisely what I wrote in a blog this past week. There are enough young players on the Leaf/Marlie teams to play BETTER hockey than we have seen so far this season. It doesn't cost anything to bring them together and use them. Provided Wilson can come up with a system! I would rather watch a group of exciting, hard working young 'kids' even though they will make mistakes, than a collection of 'battle hardened' veterans who are still giving the puck away.
Go for the youth Brian, keep the draft picks, and yes it might take two or three years to get there, but then we would have something to 'write' about. All the best to everyone in 2011 !!

[Denial]

@80s Leafs: I'm sure there's more than enough room for us both as we stumble down bad memory lane. And yes, I remember Al Secord -- but more for the center ice shot that sailed past Allan Bester than his steaming "contribution" as a Leaf.
I think they should make Gord Stellick the next GM. Why not? How can he be worse? Anyone want to start a petition?

[Denial]

@80s Leafs and everyone else who cannot forget the Leafs ("remember" is too gentle of a word) -- there was one moment in the 80s that I will never forget, and it was a GOOD moment. That might be why I can't forget it, because there isn't a lot of other moments to overwrite it.
It was, I think, the 1986 Playoffs -- might have been game 6 or 7, the Leafs were ahead by a goal, Wregget was in net, a couple of minutes left in the 3rd, and Paul Cavillini of the Blues spun around from about 20 feet in front of the net and blasted a shot that was totally going in -- it was a foregone conclusion. But somehow, Wregget stuck out a glove hand and caught it. I remember Bob Cole saying something like: "What a miraculous save by Wregget!"
That save defined street hockey goalie strategy for at least the next two years (where, if you catch with your left hand like I do, you position yourself about two feet to the right of the RIGHT post, so any possible shot on net gives you a chance to make a "oh what a miraculous glove save"-style save).
Does anyone else remember that?
Or even better, does someone have that on tape and can upload it somewhere?

VM Replies: I searched for that save earlier this season. No luck, at least not on YouTube. Somewhere, though God knows where, I have it on VHS.

[Lisa]

First time commenting here, and it happens to be the first day of 2011! First of all I would like to express my sincere gratitude to VM for providing us an incredible blog. His blog is the only thing I would never miss these days not the Leafs/Leave game.... After watching the WJ game between Canada and Sweden, ONE thing come to my mind: ALL LEAFS PLAYERS (except one or two) should TAKE NOTES and they really should feel ashamed of the ways they play the game. One last thing, Go Wilson Go !!!

VM Replies: Thank you, Lisa. And welcome to the commenting jungle! Happy New Year. Let's hope 2011 is better than 2010.

[Pyramid Power]

Hope Reimer starts tonight against the Hens. Always nice to beat Rottawa.

Think a trade will be announced any day now, but we will see. Burkie shocked us with two huge ones last January. I'm betting Beauchemin and others in a blockbuster to gawd knows who.

Hope the weather cooperates tonight in Pittsburgh and we get a spectacle for the ages. I don't know if the NHL can ever beat that Pens-Sabres game in the snow a couple of years ago, but the fact tonight;s game will be at night should be so awesome with 70,000 fans in the stands. Please get colder Pittsburgh and stop raining. Make it happen weather gods.

VM Replies: Happy New Year, PP.

[Pyramid Power]

@Denial Outstanding memory. I well remember that sick save, but do not remember the details as you do. Cheers to you. Can't even remember if we won that game or series. I assume we lost because, well, you know, we're the Leafs and it was the 80's.

The 80's were my 60's, and as they say about the 60's, if you can remember them then you weren't really there. I can say with pride that I forget the vast majority of the 80's and with ZERO regrets.

[Pyramid Power]

Thanks Vinay. Hope 2011 is a great year for you and yours.

The Leafs? Don't think so but there is always the audacity of hope.

GO LEAFS GO TONIGHT!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Question, do you want to watch on CBC, Leafs or the Winter Classic?

VM Replies: Happy New Year, Bomber. You can still watch the Winter Classic on NBC.

[Alecia]

Happy 2011 Vinay and everyone! Let's hope the Leafs can start this year right!

Good news, Grabo is in the line up tonight and probably already "thinking about scoring his next goal." But for those who wanted Reimer to get the start, he isn't, Gusty is in net tonight. Heard an interview with Wilson about this and he said he thinks there will be backlash if he gives Reimer the start and they lose. I want to see Reimer in net too but for the first time, I understand Wilson's point here.

Here is something to get us excited and hopefully we can see more of the same tonight (by the way, when will Kessel play like this again?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci9IIRqwvnY

Oh and an update on the winter classic for those who care, since it was moved up til 8pm and conflicts with the Leafs game, CBC has decided to broadcast the full Leafs game tonight at 7 in Ontario, while the rest of the country will break away at 8pm for the overhyped Pens vs. Caps game. I don't mind the winter classic and would like to watch it, but glad CBC made the right decision. It's an american team vs an american team afterall, and should not take over the battle of Ontario on hockey night in CANADA!

VM Replies: Happy happy to you, Alecia. And thanks for all the breaking news updates.

[Alecia]

Ken - Leafs game!!

I know some people really don't like the idea of the Winter Classic but I don't mind it. It's a ploy to hype up the NHL and make it more popular among American sports fans as the NHL doesn't have the same popularity as the NFL, NBA and the MLB.

But as most Canadians, I already love hockey and would prefer to watch Hockey Night in Canada as I do every Saturday. Had it not been a conflict, I would definitely watch the Classic, but an overhyped Pens. vs Caps game would never take precedence over watching those damn poor Leaf bastards for me.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Thanks VM, you too.

I will watch Leafs probably. How is the weather in Pennsylvania? The ice is going to brutal.

VM Replies: Last I heard, there was still a 30 per cent chance of more rain tonight. And it's currently 53 degrees. Brutal is right. I just hope nobody gets hurt flying around on mush.

[Pyramid Power]

I'd prefer the spectacle of the Pens-Caps game and 70,000 fans at Heinz. I heard the conditions are nasty too, but it just needs to stop raining and things will be fine. If not then of course move the game to tomorrow, but what a bummer for the NHL as the NFL will be in full final weekend swing tomorrow and won't attract near the number of viewers it would tonight when most college football Bowl games are over. Sure hope it happens tonight and hockey fans get a treat for the ages with decent ice conditions.

Like some of the musical suggestions for the ACC above. I will add a few of my own here.

As noted previously Panic in Detroit by Bowie whenever we play the Wings which is not often.

Get the crowd pumped music. Many tunes and will choose a few, but am afraid I am not as current as I would like to be. Way Down by Catherine Wheel. Today by the Smashing Pumpkins. Territorial Pissings by Nirvana. Smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Rock 'n Roll by Led Zeppelin. Panic in Detroit actually would be a good tune to pump up the crowd with its stupendous beginning.

Street Fighting Man by the Stones as noted by a previous poster anytime a scrap erupts. Brown Sugar by the Stones.

Just like Heaven by The Cure at the end of a Leafs win. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves at the end of a Leafs win.

Atmosphere by Joy Divison at the end of a Leafs loss. Plenty of other doom and gloom tunes to add to the list at the end of a Leafs loss, but will stop here.

GO LEAFS GO IN JUST OVER 90.

[Alecia]

Anyone watch the 24/7 HBO Series?
Just started watching the first episode and think its fantastic.

Here's an idea, HBO should considering a series profiling the struggles of the Maple Leafs. Who doesn't want to watch all the behind the dressing room stuff? Plus us Leafs fans, need something interesting to watch.

Plus, it might be HBO's most profitable series, hahahaha.

[80s Leafs]

@Denial and Vinay: Footage of the Wregget save was included in CBC's segment they showed between periods in a game in the next round against Detroit (where the Leafs blew a 3-1 lead and the Wings went on to face Grezzgee the Oiler machine in the conference final).
The segment was a video montage of Wendel's hits/fights/goals that they set to Brian Adams's "Only the Strong Survive." Somebody in my family still has it on a VHS tape somewhere and it may have found its way to Youtube. The Tocchet fight, the Bruce Bell hit, they were all in that montage!

[Pyramid Power]

Cannonball by The Breeders and almost any Breeders or Amps song would be good too for pumping up the crowd. Various tunes by L7.

Anything off the Raw Power album by Iggy and The Stooges.

Motherf.....ka by Beck. Other tunes by Beck but can't remember them now. So much more.

[TG77]

Pyramid -pulling out some serious hits from the grunge era. Nice! How about Kick out the Jams by MC5, five to one by the Doors. Another good song for the warm-ups would be Colossal by Wolfmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAShx8scZe8 or perhaps right after an Orr victory over Carkner tonight. Hysteria by Muse at the start of a period

"Fell on Black Days" after a Leafs loss would work or "How many more times" by Zeppelin. While maybe a bit too "dance" for the ACC, a recent song by Chemical Brothers called "escape velocity" has a pretty good build-up and includes some samples from the Who's Baba O'Reilly. Speaking of the Who, "I can't explain" when the Leafs get a BS penalty call against them. "there she goes" by the La's when say Chris Neill is whining on his way to the penalty box.

Enjoy the game everyone.

VM Replies: Great songs! I heard two last night at a party that seem appropriate: The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" and Arcade Fire's "Half Light I."

[Alecia]

Oooohhh Remier is getting the start tonight!

VM Replies: Awesome.

[no moe green]

High and Happy New Year everyone! The Winter Classic? Don't you mean Washington versus Pittsburgh? Whatever. It's not even cold. So this is in aid of "growing the game" in the US market right. So why is it that we want that again? to what end? Just curious at the point of this excersize. I say make the all-star game the Winter Classic - at least it's fair for everyone. Since when does fairness have anything to do with it right. Well the Leafs are still mathematically in it, so I guess I am too. Cuz you just never know. With Reimer twixt the pipes it's something to pay attention to anyway.

To TG77: great song by the La's - about heroin isn't it, but still appropriate!

VM Replies: You're still with us? It's a New Year's Day Miracle! Glad you're sticking around (at least until Leaf stories start including "magic numbers").

[Vinay Menon]

My heart is already warmed by the "Go Leafs Go" chants in Ottawa.

[waffles2010]

Bob Cole tonight, like a comfy pair of slippers. Reimer in goal, Go Leafs Go!

VM Replies: My excitement ratcheted up after hearing the kid was getting the start.

[no moe green]

I gots me a feeling about the 2nd half VM.

[no moe blue]

Hey that's the kind of goal that's usually scored against us.

[no moe blue]

I know Vinay. I swear the Leafs get better fan support in several visitors rinks than they do at home.. This is clearly one of them.

[Alecia]

My goodness... am I seeing and hearing things correctly?

"Good forechecking by the Leafs", 1-0 within the first 2 mins of the game?

Are our bastards back!?

[no moe blue]

@waffles2010: Love the "comfy pair of slippers" line. The slippers are a little stinky tho and with a hole worn in the toe. And they're a little forgetful.

[waffles2010]

I think its nice that the people of Ottawa hate the Sens as much as we do. : )

[no moe blue]

I predict the biggest blowout of the season for the Leafs! Anyone else?

[waffles2010]

Predicting how this team will play is just as impossible as those damn Lotto Max numbers.

[waffles2010]

Chris Neil is such a pussy cat. Won't drop his gloves with Orr. All talk that guy.

VM Replies: He's definitely 4 inches taller when he's not staring down a true heavyweight.

[no moe blue]

Way to slow the game down Orr!

[Kid Delicious/Leaf Shredder]

What about Roy Orbisons song Crying? You could get KD lang to sing it live.
Y.M.C.A is another good tune. Reminiscing by the Little River Band would seem appropriate also. I don't know...so many good tunes come to mind when I think of the Leafs.

VM Replies: Happy New Year, Kid Delicious. Your Leafs hatred actually fuels my Leafs love.

[waffles2010]

When TV's were smaller, Cole missing players names and such bothered me more than it does now. I can see all the names easily in HD.

[no moe blue]

CBC needs to upgrade it's broadcast teams.

[no moe blue]

I can't believe what I was seeing. What an anemic group. Beauchemin stinks. Sjostrom has no offensive sense at all.

[waffles2010]

Vinay, we always tried to hurt the guys who would talk and not fight. Play however you want, but if you talk it up. You had to drop the gloves, whenever someone challenged you. Booooooooozak, with a goooooooallllll.

[no moe blue]

If I had to guess, I'd say the Sens were on something very relaxing? They look sleepy.

[no moe blue]

I'd like to see the Leafs skate onto the ice to "Enter the Gladiators." Google it. If I was the premier of Russia, I'd have made their new Russian anthem "Popcorn"

[waffles2010]

Agree with no moe blue, update the broadcast teams. Just do not under any circumstances hire Greg Millen. That would be the last straw.

[Alecia]

What a beautiful play and goal by that entire line.... are we turning a new leaf here? Yes, cheesy pun, I know.

[waffles2010]

Nice update on the Winter Classic, gives new meaning to pond hockey. Bozak again. Go Leafs Go

[no moe blue]

What are the Sens "on?" Ecstacy? Heroin? Beer?

[no moe blue]

Cheesey pun nothing. I think ur right Alecia!

[waffles2010]

Vinay, I think that the Sens are playing exactly like the Leafs start every other game. Did they switch sweaters, or did Wilson give Ottawa the pregame speech?

[Kid Delicious/Leaf Shredder]

I actually don't hate the Leafs. I am good friends with some Leaf fans and we have a friendly (most of the time) rivalry going between our two clubs. My New Years wish would be that both our clubs (Montreal and Toronto) would be at the top of their games and we could build a rivalry that is befitting for both teams.
I could never cheer for the Leafs but there are teams I like less.
Happy New Year to you Vinay. Love the blog. Keep it up.

[no moe blue]

way to potentially give the dead sens life boyce!

[no moe blue]

Oh great. If the Leafs let Sens back in this one they must be quitting on Wilson. These Sens are EASY pickings.

[no moe blue]

Does anyone here hate Cherry as much as me. I used to like him but he goes too far. He's our answer to Rush Limbaugh. Only less articulate.

[no moe blue]

I do agree with Cherry about the winter "classic" tho.

[waffles2010]

Don Cherry's only redeeming quality at this point in time, IMHO is that he loves Canada as much as anybody. I respect that.

[no moe blue]

I wonder how the Afghani people view the warm fuzzy celebrations with the troops. It's their country, right? I forget.

[waffles2010]

This is way good, 4-0 Go Leafs Go Boyce with his first.

[Alecia]

Oh.

My.

God.

Do my eyes deceive me?

VM Replies: 5-0 Leafs. Surreal.

[waffles2010]

They sure do hon. 5-0 Go Leafs Go