Game 40: In praise of a good, old-fashioned thrashing
Good morning, Leafs Nation. Correction: Great morning.
Actually, what time is it? WHAT? Wow. This recap is late. I've been too busy skipping and smiling and dancing around like that guy from those Viagra commercials.
Good morning, good morning, it’s great to stay up late!
Good morning, good morning, to you!
I just went downstairs to change the settings on my PVR. I usually save a recorded game for a week in case I need to reference a play. But last night's merciless destruction in Atlanta, yeah, that game shall be saved... forever.
Can you do me a favour? Can you put a checkmark in the following boxes to confirm I witnessed what I think I witnessed:
[] 9 goals
[] 9 consecutive goals
[] 5 power play goals
[] 4 goals during one five-minute major
[] 6 goals and 10 points for MacArthur, Kulemin and Grabovski
[] Atlanta goalies changed 143 times by coach Captain Picard
[] Total ass-kicking
That game was beyond surreal. It almost felt fictional, a deranged movie-of-the-week that was written and directed by two intoxicated Leaf fans after a bender:
Fan 1: "Dude, I know. Atlanta should score first, early in the game. That'll set up the narrative tension."
Fan 2: "Cool. Then the good guys go like batshit crazy! They score on almost every shot, as if their sticks have magical powers!"
Fan 1: "Awesome. And let’s write SIX goals into the second period scene!"
Fan 2: "Is that believable?"
Fan 1: "No. But it's our movie. We can do whatever we want."
Fan 2: "Who should play Ben Eager?"
Fan 1: "Who cares. We'll just get some meathead from the local pub."
I apologize if there was a delay in moderating comments last night. Instead of checking frequently, I was standing in front of my TV, numb and drooling, as the good guys ran up the score and shocked the tens of fans inside Philips Arena.
I wanted to pity those small children waving their pathetic, "Let’s Go Thrashers!" placards as the clock ticked down. But I was doubled-over and laughing uncontrollably.
And did you see the expression on Bill Watters’ mug when the second intermission started? Priceless. After predicting a big and easy win for Atlanta, Wilbur looked baffled and in considerable pain, like someone trying to count backwards from one million after getting smacked upside the head with a frying pan.
One million... Nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand... Nine hundred and – I like Grabovski! Really! I change my mind – ninety-nine... where was I?
Will we ever see another game like this one? Statistically speaking, probably not again this season. Or next. Or the one after that.
So I hope you enjoyed a sight and situation that was beautiful and special and rare. Game 40 was like finding a four-leaf clover just as Halley's Comet streaks overhead and Sasquatch wanders into a clearing to reveal next week's winning lottery numbers.
Congratulations on the incredible passing and shooting, gentlemen. Have fun in LA this weekend. Go nuts. You've earned it. No, seriously, I want to write stories next week about how Colby Armstrong got tanked at a Sunset hotspot and then peer-pressured James Reimer into geting a bulletproof vest tattooed on his chest.
And you know how Ron Wilson was explaining skewed numbers for special teams in yesterday's post? Get this: Before the Leafs annihilated Atlanta, the road power play was ranked 29th at 9.5 per cent. It's now at 14.8 per cent.
It catapulted up to 21st spot overnight.
Don't look now but those magnificent Leaf bastards are 3-1 in 2011. With a bit of luck against Boston, they would be 4-0. And over these four games, they have scored 21 goals. To put this in perspective: They scored 19 goals between October 18 and November 13.
Yes, after living by candlelight for most of this season, we are now experiencing a power surge. Sing along, won't you...
PHOTO: JOHN BAZEMORE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
As always Vinay, very funny stuff. I don't listen to Waters much but I had to shake my head last night when he stated during the second intermission that Grabovski doesn't show much imagination. Did Grabbo dump Bill's daughter or something. I've heard before that he's always negative as far as Grabbo is concerned but that seemed to be a little over the top.
VM Replies: He's boxed himself into a corner with Grabbo. Every time he criticizes the poor guy, he scores a goal.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/08/2011 at 02:56 PM
Very nice Vinay, the wait was worth it. Both for the game and the blog. I have another idea for a blog for you. The things you like and don't like about the in game coverage of our magnificent Leaf bastards.
The play by play, the colour, the intermission talking heads. Bill Watters is a big idiot as far as I'm concerned, nothing but how bad the team is and how bad management is. All since he got fired, imagine that, sour grapes.
VM Replies: Great idea. We should actually do a compilation of broadcast peeves (from everyone here). And I can then compile and turn it into a post.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/08/2011 at 03:25 PM
A great idea sir. Just a note, the game is on right now on Leafs TV. Game in an hour, watching to see the 9 consecutive goals. That in and of itself was almost unbelievable last nite. I'm already giggling anticipating the massacre.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/08/2011 at 03:34 PM
Because I am in Ottawa I don't get the game on TV, so before I went to bed I turned on he highlights and the score flashed quickly on the the screen just as I turned to the station and then it flashed to another score. Did I just see what I thought I saw. I had to do a double take. Sure enough 9-3. Wow nice win.
Now I don't want to get too excited because I still think we need an 80% winning ratio the rest of the way, but that is the kind of win that could change a team if they can carry that momentum over to their next game. Confidence indeed breeds confidence so here's hoping, because a win in LA makes them 4-1 or 80% for 2011. I am very pleased with the win however let them go 8-2 and then I will start to get excited. None the less good job boys, keep up the good work.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/08/2011 at 03:54 PM
Whoda thunk it? Again, no dumping deep and cycling down low. Beautiful end to end rushes, setting each other up, one timers, great hockey. Kaberle 5 assists, and if Dion could shoot straight, Tomas would have had even more! Back checking, hitting, passing, I love it. Two sieves in the Thrasher net, but, they all count. Maybe the way to set up Kessel is have him skate like hell for the other end and make the long break away pass. Seems to work, and you don't have to trade for a centre. @waffles and Vinnie, love the idea of a critique on the broadcasters - when we are done, lets set some standards we can send them. After all, it is our team!
Posted by: Robert | 01/08/2011 at 03:56 PM
Since you mentioned some Stats, here are some more goodies:
- Grabo and Kessel are both tied at 17 goals now with only 12 players in the league ahead of them in goals.
- Kaberle has 28 points with only 8 defenseman ahead of him in the league in points. Still wouldn't kill him to shoot more often though...
- I know Reimer hasn't played a lot of games yet, but he has played against 2 elite teams and has a .947 which is 6th in the league.
- The Kuli-Grabo-MacArthur line has collectively produced 44 goals and 94 points. That's got to be somewhere in the top of the league.
Considering the Leafs are currently sitting 4th from the bottom (hey, we moved up!), those are some pretty good stats. I've been maintaining some faith here from the beginning of the season, and although it has wavered from time to time after witnessing games like the Edmonton loss (I had the pleasure of watching that one live), the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be widening with every game, even with some of the recent losses.
Having witnessed the 6-3 defeat at the ACC the first time the Leafs played the Trash, last night's game was beautiful vindication. I am glad that we got to see the Leafs take out revenge and blow out a team that is entrenched in a playoff spot on their home ice.
Let's hope the Leafs can maintain some sort of winning steak, even a short one, throughout this roadtrip.
I will save the rest of my comments for my faith guest blog.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/08/2011 at 04:12 PM
Oh and an interesting update:
Ben Eager got a 4 game suspension for his cowardly and appalling hit on Armstrong last night. Well deserved.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/08/2011 at 04:21 PM
Alecia, you love sports, you are funny, you have an inside scoop, you pay attention to hockey statistics, and you are passionate about the Leafs.
Will you marry me?
VM Replies: Hey! Get in line, Bomber.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/08/2011 at 04:28 PM
Does anyone besides me think that Kaberle will take a pay cut and stay with the Leafs next year? It is genuine that he wants to stay here and at the right price he is still pretty good. I have had this feeling for a while that this will happen.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/08/2011 at 04:38 PM
Vinay!! Love Watters reference. Considering a considerable amount of his job is critisizing the jobs of others , I think it is high time someone critisized him for his: He is without a doubt, the worst, the absolute worst, commentator in the entire business. Watching the games on TSNne night and Sportsnight the next is like night and day. The panel on TSN has Mactavish, Mackenzie, a bevy of rotating ex NHLers and James Duthie (? always for get his exact name) On SN we have the smart but unlikable Dreger and Kyperos and inexplicably employed and totally akward Doug Maclean. To top it off the Bowen vs. TSN guy -again forgetting his name- is like Crosby vs. Jamie Macoun in a skills cometition. TSN is superior in every way. That is without even factoring Bill Waters, who is beyond terrible. Most of the time it is not even appearent that he has been watching the game. His personal grudge against Brian Burke and Phil Kessel notwithstanding, he is completly out to lunch 9/10 times. Last night he suggested that Kessel and Phaneuf were "untradable" and openly mocked Burke for aquiring them. Lets not consider that Kessel has no centre, that he is four years younger than the suddenly blossoming Grabovski or that Phaneuf missed a month. He does not look to the future the way an analyst should. He is stuck in the present and interpreting it like a fool. Nevermind that Burke is clearly building his team around these two and Waters is only and obviously going for a reaction instead of solid analysis. He is ridiculous. I missed his second period expression because as soon as he came on, I said to my wife "I hate this A@@@$$$" and got up to get a beer. Anyways I know I am not the only one who hates Waters, a close friend of mine is related to him by marriage and has known him his whole life but has never once recieved free tickets. One thing I can say about Waters is that his brother Steve is a class guy who looks a lot like Pavoratti.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/08/2011 at 05:15 PM
PS sorry for the spelling errors and the misordered words: Its this damn mini laptop its worse than a Colby Armstrong breakaway!
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/08/2011 at 05:19 PM
Ken, at 25, I am still undecided whether marriage is for me. However, I can easily be swayed if you have Leafs season tickets. I'll even sign a pre-nup.
As for Kaberle, I'd like to see him stay and retire with Toronto. Yes, he has his flaws as a defenseman and doesn't shoot enough, but he has been a relatively solid defenseman for the Leafs since 1998 (correct me if I am wrong here). He has shown a lot of loyalty to this city despite the team's recent troubling seasons and you have to value a player who doesn't turn his back on the team as soon as things head down south. Considering he has the most points for a defenseman on the team, you can't argue that he doesn't want to see this team win. So yes, I wish he was more effective with his shooting, but at 28 points, I can't complain about him when we have other D men who hand the puck to the opponent on silver platters. Can someone please tell me how Lebda managed a -3 on a 9 goal game!?!
I want to see him retire with the team that he has played his entire NHL career with. Loyalty should mean something.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/08/2011 at 05:50 PM
I wouldn't exactly term these as "peeves," per se, just things I notice during the broadcasts. Anyone else notice how Joe Bowen rolls his r's when saying "Mikhail G-r-r-r-r-r-abovski" ? Yet the r in "Kaberle," for example, is not rolled.
And when Gord Miller calls a game and describes someone cutting to the net, he uses the phrase, "walks in" a lot. It's sort of his catch phrase, although it's not as colourful as Danny Gallivan's famous "blistering blasts," "e-NORM-ous saves!" or, "Lafleur... gathering speed through the neutral zone, over the line, centres it RIGHTOUTINFRONT!!..." (where Cournoyer would usually have an easy tap-in on Palmateer....)
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/08/2011 at 05:55 PM
ostrich lover: "...he (Watters) is completly out to lunch 9/10 times."
Reminds me of someone, except said someone is completely out to lunch 11/10 times.
I can understand Watters being critical of Kessel and Phaneuf as they have been underachieving. I can also understand him being critical of Burke as he has not delivered on his promises. But his continued hatred for anything Grabovski is completely baffling considering his play this season. Grabovski is giving his all and delivering night in and night out. He's one of the very few Leafs that actually looks like he cares out there. Mind boggling.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/08/2011 at 06:06 PM
Vinay, you saw exactly what many others including myself saw: The Wilbur Watters classic expression of "Damn! They did it again!" At the beginning of the post game wrap-up, I thought most of his upper lip had been gnawed off and is fingernails stuck in the panel. I have to wonder if he is the Sportsnet version of Don Cherry: paired with Kypreos out there looking for a reaction.
@ Ostrich Lover: it's spelled Pavarotti
@ 80's Leafs: like the reference to Lafleur considering he is/was the Viagra spokesman
Cheers Leafs Nation!
Go you magnificent bastards!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/08/2011 at 06:43 PM
Its funny you say that, 'go leafs go' because everything I say is 100% spot on. It is just the fact that I am 1) able to view the team in a macro, non emotional way and 2) I dont follow the groupthink mentality that you and many others do , that makes you think I am crazy when in fact, I am usually proven right with time. Ridiculous and obvious "guarentees" aside, I am probably the most astute commentator of the Maple Leafs on the internet. In fact, were you so inclinded, you could find posts I made earlier in the year and last year saying that Grabovski had a lot of potential and could become an excellent player. As I remember, I was harshly marked. I said the same thing about Luke Schenn last year -my only guarentee that ever panned out!!!! Now I have been heavily mocked for saying Phil Kessel will acheive greatness and that Nazem Kadri will be a top line centre. Just wait.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/08/2011 at 07:17 PM
OL, a.k.a. Nostrodamus ( re: 7:17pm) 100% ??!! Your real intials must be BM. After reading your reactions to games and other commenters in the past I'm confused by your "non emotional way". So I can say "I told ya' so", I'll state the obvious: Reimer will be the number 1 goalie in the future. Hmmm, now I'm astute too.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/08/2011 at 08:10 PM
@ Alicia.....'Big Bird' Armstrong took it like a ....man? Ben Eager did to Armstrong what about 90 other guys in the NHL want to do to him. We had Yappy Lapierre...you have the Bird Armstrong. Sooner or later they get there just deserts.
For a moment I thought he had a severe concussion....but after he skated off the way he did I realized it wasn't as serious as the commentators thought. And the Academy Award goes to.......
Way to attack Wilbur. Wasn't he an Assistant G.M with the Leafs? Classy. ;)
Posted by: Kid Delicious/Leaf Shredder | 01/08/2011 at 08:11 PM
Gotta tell ya OL, thats some funny shit that OstichCuddler has been posting.
VM - do pet peeves have to cover TV/Radio commentary only? Never mind OL takes enough shots, although stinking hab fans should remain fair game.
I will say though that there is no one more annoying than Pierre McGuire. If there was a Jeopardy category "Useless Facts" he would be unbeatable. He really should give the cut under his nose a chance to heal.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/08/2011 at 08:25 PM
Consider Leafs home ice factor. St. Louis' Backes during an interview in the first internission on Thurdsay night stated what I often thought to be measurable Leaf disadvantage. Paraphrasing, Backes stated that it is not difficult to acquire inspiration when playing in the "house of hockey". The Leafs have a unique challenge to play against many opposing players who get pumped for a game of Toronto ice surface.
It is this, for one reason, why the Altanta "thrashing" was so enjoyable. Not meaning to take away from their effort and skill, it was great to see the Leafs have the opportunity to fly against a squad who wasn't primed for primetime.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/08/2011 at 08:27 PM
Delirious, how come you aren't watching the stinking habs. I would think that with them being on CBC you and all the other stinking hab fans would be glued to your 12 inch black and white TVs and planning your next riot.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/08/2011 at 08:28 PM
Well played hoofheartz. That my friend was awesome. You should have added eating a Molson Export, with a knife and fork while they plan.
OL, sir I would call you stupid, except that I think stupid people would be insulted.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/08/2011 at 09:36 PM
Wow Waffles is insulting me, again. Pretty sure people though Galileo was stupid too. I also doubt he cared very much what people who were obviously not his equals thought. Well, at least up until the end! For the record, Ive gone Meta: I am the Ostrich Cuddler!!! Jokes on you, suckas!
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/08/2011 at 10:01 PM
Gotta agree that Kaberle and his loyalty should be worth something. On my team it would be. Unfortunately, to a corporation, it never is. But Burke is at least part human (he is a lawyer) and so he could choose to treat Kaberle with respect. I'm sure his bosses would advise against it.
Does anyone else here feel that the removal of the "A" from Kaberle's chest was a bit of a crappy thing to do? Given Burke's purported sense of fairness and decency - it really seemed an odd move at best. A little amateur psychology? Who knows. Maybe it was all Wilson.
I don't know about anyone else, but I sensed a different feel early on in the game. They had a confidence that they haven't had since the first four games of the season. I gotta say, I expect some of this magic to carry over into L.A. and beyond. Dare I say "turning point?" I'd better not.
Oh yeah and Lebda is -18 and 8th worst in the League in plus/minus and he's only played 20 games! Wow.
Posted by: moe green | 01/08/2011 at 10:02 PM
Bowen's "Verbeauty" may get a little tiring. How about Hughson's "smeagoling." As in "Grabovski smeagols through Chara" At least he's trying.
Posted by: moe green | 01/08/2011 at 10:08 PM
Alecia" I have been saying all along they should keep Kaberle. Thank you. Game in and game out, he has been there. I understand that Wilson is not keen on him because he isn't goon enough in his own end. But, he sure knows how to get the puck up the ice. Tell me this, why would they take the 'A' from Kaberle and give it to Beauchemin? Perhaps that tells us something about management's perception. Yes?
Posted by: Robert | 01/08/2011 at 10:25 PM
Damn, forgot to mention Danny's 'Cannonading Shot', Truly great hockey expression.
Posted by: Robert | 01/08/2011 at 10:28 PM
I didn't get to see the game but full-marks and huge congratulations to the Toronto Maple Leafs for their amazing 9-3 win over the Atlanta Thrashers last night.
From all I've heard, it was a truly impressive effort.
Good on ya, Leafs.
And Leaf fans, you can't celebrate this win too much. Go for it! (big grin)
Enjoy it to the hilt, because, with your loyalty and support, even in trying times, you've certainly earned it.
And I am VERY happy for you. (Happy smile)
Yours truly,
The Hen-a-me (g)
VM Replies: Sensi-Bill, you need to come over to the dark side. We need you.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/08/2011 at 10:43 PM
Ostrich, I was going to come on here and point out how ridiculous you sound, but I see several people have already beaten me to it (that it was more than one should tell you something). It's funny to hear you say that everything you say is "100% spot on". How convenient that the stuff you get wrong, which by your own admission is almost everything, you just chalk up as obvious "guarantees". P.S. Anyone can make 100 predictions and get one or two right. Even a blind squirrel finds the occasional nut. Now you can continue trolling away.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/08/2011 at 10:44 PM
Delirious - Really? You are finding a way to justify an uncalled for attack by a player, with repeat offenses I might add, to the face that resulted in a scratched cornea?
I generally don't care to respond to the likes of you who get off on sitting behind a computer attacking people anonymously in their spare time for fun and I won't again sink to your level. I urge everyone else here to just ignore this pesky flea from now on.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/08/2011 at 11:06 PM
@Robert
"Savardian spinarama."
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/08/2011 at 11:22 PM
The Dark Side?
[Insert name of last opponent to beat young Mr. Schenn]: "Luke, I'm your daddy."
(wicked grin)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/09/2011 at 01:17 AM
One question for Go Leafs Go then I will retire: How am I the ridiculous one when you wrote a post stating that by MY OWN ADMISSION, ALMOST EVERYTHING I SAY IS WRONG while also berating me for CLAIMING TO BE 100% SPOT ON?
Think about it for a second. I'll wait.
Do you get it?
I am opperating on levels you can't even begin to comprehend, son.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 02:28 AM
OH, and like the creative goaltending of Peter Ing, you will never see the Ostrich Lover use a tired and lame cliche such as the blind squirel, the titanics deck chairs, plannin a parade, or hoping about like a one legged Struthio.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 02:31 AM
@ Alicia....Pesky Flea? Ouch. When all else fails I guess name calling is all you have left. Please...stick to what you know......and when you find out please let the rest of us know....because hockey seems way over your head.
Posted by: Kid Delicious/Leaf Shredder | 01/09/2011 at 08:24 AM
@ Hoofheartz....I watch my Habs on RDS. That's French T.V. Better coverage and a more knowledgeable group of commentators. Poor Hoofy.....jealousy and envy must be a constant companion in your life. Cheer up....you have the Blue Jays and the Raptors.
@Waffles....can you comment on anything without showing your grade 4 writing skills? lol.....you do make for funny reading....but that's it. Go read a comic and expand your mind.
Posted by: Kid Delicious/Leaf Shredder | 01/09/2011 at 08:34 AM
I have seen the light.Your comments have made me realize what a pathetic little,little man I am.I live in my mother's basement for crying out loud.I still play Dungeons and Dragons for Pete's sake.Come to find out the poster on my wall is not even an ostrich.It's a damn emu!I'm sorry!I admit I know nothing about hockey.I get all my opinions from Sun sports comments.Farewell to you all.Except of course Alecia who I hope will become my Facebook friend.Thank you all.
VM Replies: Oh, man. You are making me laugh lately.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 09:03 AM
Whatever you say Ostrich. When you get something right (once every blue moon) you act like you invented the sport. When you get something wrong (99% of the time this is the case) you pass it off as just a joke. When someone calls you out on your obvious trolling, you go on a rant about how you we don't know hockey. When someone makes you look like the fool you really are, you just pass it off as being your gimmick (aka trolling).
.
You're right, you are operating on levels I (or anyone else for that matter) can't comprehend. No one can comprehend you, and it's not because you are operating on a higher level...
.
Now please retire.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/09/2011 at 09:32 AM
OL, please don't leave.......
without taking all the stinking hab fans with you.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/09/2011 at 09:47 AM
Finally even more people see Watters for who he is....He is just that..Sour Grapes...I don't even remember when he has had anything nice or productive to say about this team. I for one have turned his weekly radio show off....The same with that guy "Crystal" on the Fan...
These guys promote this negativity....They haven't been able to let up on the negative comments for the worry they may loose listeners....
I think this team may have turned a corner...I was reading in an article that Versteeg and some of the new players are finally finding their place on this team...We could be seeing the gelling of a team that has seen its entire roster blown up in two years.....
I will stay forever optimistic, I will never loose my faith in BB as I think we are on the right even though today things look down...
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/09/2011 at 10:16 AM
Fun with mathematics:
The Leafs reach the midway point of the season Monday night against he Kings. If they win that game, they'll be 17-20-4 and have 38 points.
I checked and since the lockout, the average number of points needed to qualify for the Eastern Conference playoffs is 91.8. That means the Leafs need 54 points on top of the 38 they already have and they'll be right there.
But here's the good part. They'll have 41 games remaining. If they win 24 of those, and lose 17, as long as four of those losses are in OT or shootout, that'll give them 92 points. And that should be enough to qualify especially considering that last year Montreal and Philadelphia both squeaked in with just 88 points.
So there's hope. Sure it's a tall order, but stranger things have happened. Look at it this way. The Leafs are a team who underperformed through the first half, maybe they can over-achieve in the second.
They don't have to win eight in a row like some analysts say, they just have to win three of five, six of ten, consistently between now and the end of the season. What they can't afford is anymore five game losing streaks.
If the Leafs could win two and lose one form here to the end, they'd likely cruise into the post season. So, let's win versus the Kings and Sharks so we can afford a loss (hopefully in OT) against the Yotes!
Can I get a "Go you magnificent over-achieving Leaf bastards, Go!"
Posted by: moe green | 01/09/2011 at 11:06 AM
Just for clarification - I meant retire for the night - and get a good sleep I did. I just want to say that I love you all, I mean what would I do between game of D and D if I didnt ?
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 11:14 AM
Can't a guy step away from the computer to loofah his mom's feet without some one stealing his name and posting lies.I try to leave the blog but they keep dragging me back in.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 11:25 AM
oops, my math was off by one win - but you get the point.
Posted by: moe | 01/09/2011 at 11:33 AM
I don't know what you'd do between games of D an D OL, but I'm guessing...play with yourself?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/09/2011 at 11:34 AM
yeah good guess, its a natural thing to do, it wont make you blind, and to tell the truth after a 9-3 game I was unusually inspired!
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 12:41 PM
"Go you magnificent over-achieving Leaf bastards, Go!"
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01/09/2011 at 12:44 PM
Robert, I am not sure why the A was ever taken away from Kaberle but there was a rumour that he did not want it because of conflicts with Wilson. I am not sure how true that is though. I don't see Beauchemin as any more deserving of it, and definitely not Komisarek. Even if you took loyalty out of the equation, without a doubt, Kaberle has been the most effective D man for us out of those three...actually, out of all of them. None of it really makes sense.
Can't wait to see if those guys get to keep the A next season, let alone stay on the team....
Posted by: Alecia | 01/09/2011 at 01:11 PM
a measly record of 25-16-4 in the last 41 and we're in the "offs!" That's assuming we beat LA tomorrow. Easy-peasy lemon squeasey.
Posted by: morris greenblatt | 01/09/2011 at 01:21 PM
So who else here senses a turning point?
The Leafs are like Natalie Portman in "Black Swan." They really want the part (the playoffs) but aren't sure they have what it takes to play the evil Black Swan (win enough games). So they imagine having sex with Mila Kunis to unlock their dark side? Uh, no.
Actually it's more like "Scott Pilgrim versus the World." The Leafs (Scott Pilgrim) need to defeat the seven evil exes (teams above them in the standings) to win the hand of Ramona (secure a playoff berth).
It's actually more like "True Grit." Mattie (Brian Burke) wants to avenge the death of her father (make up for the humiliation of five years without the playoffs) so she hires Rooster Cockburn (he trades Giguere and Beauchemin for a pick and a prospect power forward) to help her bring Chaney to justice (make the playoffs).
It's none of that, but does anyone sense a change in the team?
Call me a foolish optimist, but I expect a strong second half and yes, a run at the playoffs.
Posted by: morris greenblatt | 01/09/2011 at 02:08 PM
Goal setting....sure it would be nice to think that the Leafs would make it to the playoffs. But, I'm gonna' enjoy the journey to the fanciful destination. Hopefully within this week the buds will pass Ottawa 'n Florida to get out of the lottery position. Then in late January climb over Buffalo...it's doable. In late February or March bounce the Habs out of the last playoff spot. As an added bonus , if Boston and Montreal continue to run the similar records then the Leafs may end up as Divisional frontrunnes and third (!) in Conference standings.
I'm taking one run of the ladder at a time...one goal at a time.
Hope the journey will be an enjoyable one. The trip starts in sunny southern California.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/09/2011 at 02:30 PM
Go you magnificent over-achieving Leaf bastards, Go!
I BeLEAF!
Posted by: Simon | 01/09/2011 at 03:05 PM
A number of Moe memes have worked their way into posts this season. But finding a way to get "Go you magnificent over-achieving Leaf bastards, Go!" into copy may be the biggest challenge yet...
Also, I miss Pyramid Power. The nerve of those censors! If anybody knows of a way to filter or bypass The Great Firewall of China, drop me a line: vmenon@thestar.ca
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 01/09/2011 at 03:37 PM
Call me a foolish optimist too! I'll be in front off the tube tomorrow 11:30 PM!
"Go you magnificent over-achieving Leaf bastards, Go!"
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01/09/2011 at 05:18 PM
TimB - be there at 10:30 PM!
(Unless you are not in Toronto...)
Posted by: Alecia | 01/09/2011 at 06:21 PM
I just noticed that there is a guy posting as Ostrich Lover in this blog and his name comes up blue for some reason. Folks, do not be taken in by this feathery doppleganger- he is nothing more than a disgruntled member of the flock. (*Pauses to wonder if birds who walk do so in group formation and if so, if it is called a flock?* )
Anyways I just wanted to give you gives a hot trifecta of predictions for the upcoming week: The Leafs make a trade; Phil Kessel scores his first hat trick in a leaf uni and James Riemer gets his first career shutout. You can take these to the bank - preferably Washington Mutual.
VM Replies: There is a second Ostrich Lover among us? This should be interesting.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/09/2011 at 08:41 PM
I'm bored and have nothing to say.
Signed,
Sleepless in Seattle
(OK, it's more like: Insomnia in Ottawa)
;-)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/10/2011 at 01:15 AM
VM, do the "fake" and "real OL have different IP addresses? OL has already claimed that he is also Ostrich Cuddler who has posted some pretty funny stuff on another Star sports story.
VM Replies: Yes, the IP address for the "fake" OL is different. In fact, I'm able to see the "true identity" of this impostor, which I shall keep to myself.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/10/2011 at 06:15 AM
Is the true identity of the impostor Bill Watters?
VM Replies: Well played, Simon. No.
Posted by: Simon | 01/10/2011 at 09:25 AM
After reading the following article something very important comes to mind...
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/918859--rebuilding-a-franchise-if-the-leafs-were-kings
If the Leafs had in fact followed this plan of patience and drafting...How many of the same media that are championing this L.A. team would have torn the Leafs apart for loosing like L.A. has done leading up to this year?? How many fans/ Media in Toronto alike would have continued to bring up the 43 years without a cup, the loosing of the last how many years and so on???
Fans/Media have no patience....We have seen that this year....Great it L.A. has 5 first round picks...But the Leafs have close to 9 on their roster...All of those players if not most are under 27 years old...Interesting....It shouldn't matter how you acquire talent, as long as you acquire it on the rise...Players like Kessel, Schenn, Phanuef, Kadri and so on haven't even hit their prime years yet.....
My point is that in Toronto it is a different monster than in L.A....No one cares what they do....In Toronto the media pressure and scrutny is nuts...24 hours sports coverage on pretty much one team...You have a media who invents stories or bashes this team because they have nothing to write about....There is no patience in Toronto's fanbase or media to do a slow and drawn out rebuild....
So let's be realistic and accept what happens in markets like L.A. , Atlanta, Nashville and so on.....Doesn't apply to Toronto until the media tones down its retoric and the fans stop being so emotional and become more rational.
VM Replies: It's Monday morning and Nik Culoman is attacking the media. All is right in the universe!
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/10/2011 at 10:11 AM
Vinay, I was attacking it...I was just that the pressure to win in Toronto is different than in L.A. I would think that the Kings while they were loosing were being ignored especially when they compete with Lakers, Clippers, than if you throw in the NFL teams as well no one really pays attention to L.A. when they aren't doing well....
In Toronto, the Leafs are the team..Like it or not...They receive the most media scrutny than every other Toronto team. The media and Fans alike have created an environment where patience is at low....Negativity and scrutny is at an all time high....
So for people to say this team should follow the King's way of doing things has no understanding of the market pressure here in Toronto towards this team......Where each win comes with parade routes being planned, and each loss comes with calls for a public lynching of anything Leafs related.
Andrew Crystal, Bill Watters, Kypereos, and so on.....Are championing the doom and gloom and give this team no credit......If you listen to these guys and some of the writters for certain newspapers you would think that this team wasn't slowly turning around.....
Case in point...What does Grabo have to do to get any credit from Watters, Kyper, Crsytal??? The guy has been on a points tear even hotter than Crosby if not close to Crosby...But we all we hear is how bad he is....
Than we hear all doom and gloom on the Leafs prospects..Than Reimer, Schenn, Aulie, Rynnas and so on either get ignored or don't get credit......
I think Leaf fans would do a world of good to themselves by disconnecting to all things media...Because outside of this blog I have unplugged all other forms of media.....Or switch stations between periods and let me tell you...How much more positive and happier my attitude is towards this team :D
VM Replies: I'm just finishing up a post for this morning. It has some outtakes from the Wilson interview. When it comes to the media, he echoes a lot of what you have already said.
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/10/2011 at 11:01 AM
I don't know about that. I was more than ready for a patient rebuild as was every Leafs fan I spoke to. We were tired of watching the Penguins, Capitals, Hawks and now the Kings skyrocket past us in the standings while we scratched and clawed for a playoff spot. Then came the infamous Kessel trade and patience went out the window. If Burke wasn't willing to be patient, then why should we?
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And it does matter how you acquire first round picks. Not all first round picks are equal. Look no further than Komisarek. Both Komisarek and Doughty are high first round picks, but while Doughty has won a gold medal and top defenseman honours as part of Team Canada at these past Olympics (not to mention being named a finalist for the Norris Trophy all at the age of 20), Komisarek is playing 10 minutes a game for the 27th place team. Good luck getting a Doughty via trade or free agency. That's the type of player you can only draft. I understand not every high first round draft pick will be a Doughty, but you'll never know until you try.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/10/2011 at 11:11 AM
Look I am not an insider....I don't make excuses when errors are made...I am like the others on this blog a fan...
But it becomes insane when people compare the Leafs to other teams...Where the media pressure and attention isn't as high as in Toronto...To think Lombardi wouldn't have been ripped into like BB has been here in Toronto is crazy, and to think the players on the Kings get ripped into after each loss like in Toronto is also crazy........
This franchise because especially the current version of it...Doesn't get the credit it deserves....The players right up to the GM get ripped for everything they do......Even a win get's spoke about like a loss...Where errors get pointed out even if they win....
The players get time to develope and chances are given to develope...Rebuild plans don't get ripped into so early on in the plan as they do here in Toronto...The media and fans are to blame......So Lombardi, and the Kings' players should consider themselves lucky not to be playing in such a hot and scrutinized location like Toronto...Because if they were...Lombardi would be a bum for loosing, and the players would have already been chased out like has beens....Instead of True prospects that need time to develope and need to be given breaks when errors occur.
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/10/2011 at 11:25 AM
Every Leaf fan I spoke to was more than ready for a patient rebuild. Like I said, patience went out the window with our lottery picks. Burke made the Kessel trade to speed up the rebuild so we can win now. How's that working out? If we finish in a lottery position again this year (which is looking likely) then this will be the first time in Leafs history that we have back-to-back lottery picks... only problem is Boston owns both of them. That's why everyone is so impatient. Look no further than Edmonton. They are worse than us (for now) and yet Oilers fans are enjoying watching Hall contend for rookie of the year honours. Don't tell me things are different in Edmonton because they are just as hockey crazy as we are. The only difference is they have their first round picks to look forward to, we don't. Hence the impatience.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/10/2011 at 11:45 AM
But the Leafs are just as young as the Oilers....The Leafs have 9 first round picks in their line-up, They have a pretty good farm system if the Marlies play of late is any indication.....
There is no market like Toronto..With Maybe Montreal and the Rangers as well that get written about, talked about...Scrutinized, Critized, etc. Like in Toronto....Don't tell me if Hall had a bad game the media in Toronto wouldn't have ripped into BB for not taking Seguin.....
Don't tell me that if the Leafs had sat Seguin like the Bruins did, that the media and some fans wouldn't have called him a dud....Joining the long list of Rob Pearsons and so on....
That is my point....This team can't win for winning...They can't win no matter what they do..The players get ridden out of town like so many have in the past....The Kings had how many loosing seasons before this year???? How many years are the Current Leafs into BB rebuild??? I would say we are close if not equal in the amount of time...But the Media and Fans in Toronto have characterized it as a fail, where in L.A. when they weren't winning were probably in the fringe pages of each paper....That is truly the difference....
So if you think their is no difference where you play...Ask players like Nash.....Why those not to come to Toronto....Nobody with their right mind would come and play here....The pressure and scrutny is far too great.....That is a reality.....Until the Media and fans stop their emotional rhetoric and get back to some form of rational thought...
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/10/2011 at 12:09 PM
Again, considering Komisarek is one of these amazing first rd picks that you go on about, that's not saying much. Not all first round picks are alike. I thought we went through this already? As for the Leafs being as young as the Oilers, you need to look past the numbers. The Leafs don't have any prospects on the level of a Hall or Eberle who as 19 and 20 year old rookies are only a mere 6 points behind Kessel who is in his 5th year.
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All Canadian hockey teams get written about, talked about, scrutinized and criticized. Stop living in a Toronto bubble. Fans in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver are just as hockey crazy as we are. The media mirrors the fan's feelings. The vast majority of fans are upset with the cost of the Kessel trade (can you blame them?) and the media is feeding off this. Things would not be this way if we had our lottery picks. Like I said, just look at Edmonton (and don't tell me they don't care about hockey as much as we do because that's not true).
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Burke is into the 3rd year of this so called "rebuild". He made the Kessel trade because he wasn't interested in being bad. What do you call this? It's certainly not good and the fact that we don't have anything to look forward to in the form of a lottery pick makes it downright ugly. Again, this is where the frustration and impatience is coming from. Burke brought this on himself thinking he could reinvent the wheel. He has no one to blame but himself. Stop blaming the media and fans.
Posted by: Go Leafs Go | 01/10/2011 at 01:37 PM
Go Leafs Go, Eberle and Hall are benefiting from being on a bad team.........Who else can they ice???? At least with Kessel he has seen first line status and scored with Savard as his center.
The Oilers for one thing, you are right we can't compare....Because while the Leafs were making the playoffs...The Oilers were a fringe team still collecting first round picks....The Oilers have stunk for years, and with all those prospects have done little......The Islanders again, are in a similar situation as the Oilers....They are and have been fringe teams for years....Collected top 5 picks for the past how many years and did nothing with them......
Getting back to the Media...No The Leafs couldn't go through a similar rebuild like the Oilers....The Oilers don't have 43 years always hanging over their head...They don't have the same 24/7 media hungry media environment like they do here in Toronto....
How many major newspapers are there in Edmonton?? How many major sports channels come out of Edmonton??????? In Toronto you have the Star, Sun, Globe and Mail, National Post....You have Canada's largest sports channels out of Toronto TSN/SPORTS NET...Can Edmonton say that????
The environment is different, the media is more aggressive and sometimes creating stories where there are none....Outside of Montreal and maybe Vancouver...The other Canadian teams/ Other NHL teams have a field day in comparison to Toronto.
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/10/2011 at 01:53 PM