Game 42: When Sharks are attacked by a kid named Reimer
Before tonight's glorious triumph, the Leafs last win in San Jose took place on March 26, 1997. That same month, James Reimer turned 9-years-old.
Nearly 14 years later, the kid from Winnipeg did something no Leaf goalie has managed to do this season: He stole a game.
This was blatant larceny. It was highway robbery inside a Shark Tank. And as grand theft goes, it was also a thing of beauty.
All night, the kid smothered the puck as if he was trying to kill it. He was square to every shot. He controlled rebounds the way a strict nanny controls sugary treats. He directed his teammates with the calm-and-order influence of a traffic cop in a school zone. His movements were spare, sometimes impossible to detect, as if he was actually a state-of-the-art cyborg operating in power-save mode.
It's weird. This kid is freaking me out. He is freaking me the hell out. After only five starts – which now include 4 wins, a .947 save percentage and 1.92 goals against average – Reimer has completely transformed my Leafs-watching experience.
I'm not muttering apocalyptic rants at the cats when the Leafs trail after two periods, as they did tonight. I'm not wincing and watching with one hand pressed over one eye when the other team hems the Leafs into the defensive zone, as occurred several times tonight. I'm not holding my breath when the bad guys toss the puck around on the power play, as San Jose did four times tonight, including once with a two-man advantage.
In short: I no longer expect bad things to happen. But more important, neither do the Leafs.
You want a summary of tonight's game? Here goes: The Leafs trailed 1-0 after 40 minutes. They got into some penalty trouble in the second, thanks mostly to officiating that might charitably be described as "bizarre." They were outshot 42-26 and out-chanced 2-1.
No matter.
As I told the kitties during the second intermission: "Wake up! You guys are going to miss Ron Wilson's 600th career win!"
You could just feel it.
San Jose, you see, could not do what other teams have managed to do this season before we entered the Reimer Era: They could not create a panic. They could not smell Leaf blood because Leaf blood was diluted by the ice water in Reimer's veins and masked by the smoke billowing from the fire inside his belly.
In other words, Game 42 was the exact opposite of so many games we have witnessed this season. Instead of losing but deserving to win, the Leafs won but maybe deserved to lose. (It feels so much better this way, doesn't it?)
Instead of smashing their sticks and staring up at the rafters with gnawing frustration after the opposition goalie contorts through endless heroics, the Leafs smirked and remained cool as Reimer harpooned the Sharks, eventually giving his team a chance to start a feeding frenzy of their own.
And that's exactly what happened.
In the third, the Leafs scored four times on six shots, including a spectacular move by Phil Kessel; a power play backhand for King MacArthur; a nifty deflection by Carl Gunnarsson; and, finally, an-empty-net-breakaway-insurance-marker for the King again.
Throw up your arms to celebrate. This improbable uprising continues. Consider this your warning in advance of Thursday, Phoenix.
These magnificent Leaf bastards now have four wins in a row. Over the past 10 games, they are playing .600. Since the new year started, they are mending our mangled expectations.
They are making this campaign seem less of a disaster and more of a work-in-progress, one that's increasingly steeped in long-term hope.
If there was a downside to tonight's tremendous win, it was the absolutely horrific thought that James Reimer may soon be returned to the minors. I mean, what? WHAT? No. NO! This simply can't happen.
It would be like winning 100 million bucks and then voluntarily living like a hobo. It would be like buying a fancy car with airbags and ABS and then driving around without your seatbelt.
The Leafs have run into many hot goalies this season. Now they have a hot goalie and they're thinking about letting him run away?
Insanity. Pure insanity.
So at this ungodly hour, once again, let me issue a plea, once again, to the powers that be: Do not deprive us of Reimer. Do not take him away from us, not now, not after what we've already endured.
Do not force us to hatch kidnap plots that involve cube vans, duct-tape, abandoned warehouses and Jiggy or Goose. Do not make us form a torch-bearing mob and burn the ACC to the ground in protest.
Do not make us expect bad things to happen again.
This season has suddenly turned into a thrilling ride thanks to a kid from Winnipeg. Don't make it stop. Don't bring a hasty and profoundly unwise end to the Reimer Era just as it's beginning.
GAME PHOTOS: CHAD ZIEMENDORF/REUTERS
Unbeleafable. Truly.
Reimer belongs up here, but at the same time it is hard to picture Burke sending Giggy or Monster to the Marlies.
I think these 3 wins are in part due to playing away from the pressure, and waffle tossers, of the ACC. No Leaf fans there would boo in their rare opportunity to watch the Leafs live, just cheer.
http://5thlinecentre.wordpress.com/
VM Replies: You're up early. Or I'm up late.
Posted by: The 5th Line Centre | 01/12/2011 at 05:36 AM
Last nights game went on a little past my bed time and I had to call it a night after the 1st period with the Leafs trailing 1-0. What a pleasant surprise waking up this morning to see ANOTHER come-from-behind Leafs road WIN. When I woke up yesterday morning and realized the Leafers had beaten the reeling Kings of Los Angeles on Monday night, there was a great deal of excitement and surprise, because as you have noted VM, we have grown to expect the worst. However when I tuned off last night and we were trailing 1-0, I didn't have that same feeling and apparently neither did the TML. Waking up to read a scoreline of 4-2 for the good guys this morning is still exciting, but far less surprising. It's a beauty feeling.
Posted by: Bracken | 01/12/2011 at 07:41 AM
What are we gonna do with Jimmy? He does indeed control rebounds the way a strict nanny controls sugary treats. He freaks me out too. I love Smiley. How do we possibly deal with this?
Does Goose have to go play with the Marlies for awhile? Give Giggy some more time off? I don't know what the hell to think about our goaltending situation now. We know one thing: play Reimer! Play the kid! And don't stop playing the kid. I say stick an A on the kid and make him an assistant captain. Jesting. But he is our leader back there, and we are following you to Phoenix King James.
I move to give Jimmy the nickname King James. Any seconds on that nomination.? LeBron James gets called King James, but that does not count. It's BASKETBALL. Yuck! King James Reimer. I bow to you you regal bastard!
Posted by: Pyramid Power (via email to VM) | 01/12/2011 at 07:43 AM
Leave your hair hat rally caps on everyone, Pheonix is next.
I will tell you what I am liking besides Reimer, it is Phil Kessel and the goals he is scoring. It seems he no longer is only scoring from a rush up the right wing, They are coming from all over the ice. He has listenned to his coach which is awesome. This tells me that he is coachable and that is huge because he is only 23. That goal he scored last night was a beauty of the first order.
5-1 for 2011, this is good. This is very good!
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/12/2011 at 07:48 AM
Vinnie, couldn't agree more. The threat to burn the ACC might be over the top. After all, that is the biggest beer and concession stand in the country! When you can depend on your goaltender, and don't have to look over your shoulder, its amazing what a group of skilled athletes can do. Takes off the pressure and lets the boys play. Speed and finesse come to the fore when your goaltender says, go gettem, I got this end covered! I know your Red Bull account must have exceeded the limit, but,you are a trooper. Mr. Burke, you have met Mr. Menon, now please listen to his counsel. He speaks for the Leaf Nation. Keep King James! This is your last warning.
Posted by: Robert | 01/12/2011 at 08:04 AM
Wow - What great news to wake up too. If this keeps up, I may never watch another Leaf game again. But it would be worth it as long as I get to watch the highlight reels the next day, and celebrate with the peoples afterwards.
And as a note to Ron Wilson: Please for the love of God don't send Reimer back down to the Marlies while he's this hot. Don't go changing up the lines. Keep your winning formula and hold on to it for as long as you possibly can. Pretty please? *gets down on hands and knees and begs*. Their chemistry is obviously great. and on another note, Joey Crabb seems to be what Kessel needed for whatever reason to start producing.
I love it!!! Thanks for another entertaining blog Vinay.
VM Replies: You're welcome, Becky. And thanks for not watching the game again! If you keep not watching, who knows how big this streak will get.
Posted by: Becky | 01/12/2011 at 08:17 AM
I own a van.I'm just saying.
VM Replies: Hmmm. We may have to switch your primary duties away from lemon squares.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01/12/2011 at 08:52 AM
Good stretch, of course the playoffs are a faint hope. But the goal should now be to keep Boston from getting a lottery pick in the draft this June. If they keep playing the way they are, that shouldn't be a problem.
Posted by: Andrew | 01/12/2011 at 08:56 AM
This game was great. I was screaming silently at my computer all through the third so as not to wake up anybody. I'm just happy for the Leafs, and if nothing else, it shows this team has plenty of potential for the future. AND RON WILSON SMILED!! A real smile! That by itself was great!
Also, Vinay, when do you sleep? Or do you?
VM Replies: I haven't slept since Sunday. And, yet, I haven't been happier.
Posted by: Simon | 01/12/2011 at 09:03 AM
I have some duct-tape. I'm just saying.
VM Replies: You, me, TimB -- we should go out for lunch soon. You know, just to "talk" about stuff.
Posted by: palbo | 01/12/2011 at 09:15 AM
Damn! I was a starfish after the 2nd period and missed everything. Another great post Vinay. Further to add to JimB's post I know a guy who's got a cube van and one of my customers happens to be 3M, so I've got the duct tape covered!
I was wondering if someone can confirm this: can Goose be sent down to the minors or does he need to clear waivers?
Cheers to all in Leafs Nation!
VM Replies: Waffles asked the same question last night. I need to check and let you know.
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/12/2011 at 09:15 AM
The leafs had broken my heart for the last time so I went cold turkey and I had been doing pretty well. I havnt watched the past 4 games trying to not get my hopes up but here they come again.
Anywho its been awhile but I checked the standings this morning and they are STILL 11 points out, how does this happen. 2 games below 500 and they are 11 points out???? seems a little unfair somehow.
Lets go Leafs, I need to be serenaded a little longer at my bedroom window before I come back to you and your wicked ways.
Posted by: kneeboard85 | 01/12/2011 at 09:27 AM
Damn, I should have written my faith guest blog before this winning steak.
I even had my points all outlined. But now I would just be rehashing.
I am going to the game Saturday. Could not have picked a better game to go
this season! Standing ovation for Reimer! Is HE married? joking joking...
By the way, I *think* Goose would need to clear waivers. Not 100% sure though. But regardless, Wilson and Burke have got to find a way to keep this kid in.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 09:42 AM
I saw part of the game. Reimer looked great - I think he is going to make it very hard for the Leafs to send him back down when Giguere comes back. Can they send Gustavsson down without him having to clear waivers?
What did you make of the Colton Orr knee? It looked like another in a long line of bush league moves from a bush league player to me. I hope Logan Couture - a very promising young player - is alright.
VM Replies: You never want to see anybody on any team go down after a knee-on-knee collision. I felt a bit queasy watching him limp to the room.
But having watched it a few times, it really seemed accidental to me. I don't think Orr was attempting to make contact with Couture's knee (which could be just as dangerous for him). It looked like Couture turned away at the last second, leaving his leg vulnerable.
I hope he's also okay.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 01/12/2011 at 09:48 AM
and by Kid, I meant Reimer...
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 09:56 AM
Gustavsson would have to clear waivers. My how quickly fans forget. Yes Reimer has been a godsend for us, but Gustavsson's performance in October and November was solid. He was keeping us in a lot of games, we just weren't scoring for him.
Sending a goalie down also means we have to return (likely) Ben Scrivens to the Reading Royals, so it will further hinder his development. I'm sure Burke will try and make a move ASAP, but this is a good problem to have!
VM Replies: Thanks for the info, TPiddy. It is a good problem to have.
Posted by: TPiddy | 01/12/2011 at 10:05 AM
@ Alecia,
I don't want to put pressure on you, but the way the Leafs are playing, this guest blog is going to have to be something that will blow off socks off! Just kidding! Just read another article where Wilson is 'thinking' of keeping Smiley on the roster as they have room for him. Great news all around!
Go Leafs Go!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/12/2011 at 10:08 AM
Those magnificent bastards did it again! Just so you know Vinay, I have endured late nights to sit in front of my TV and watch the game live, just in case Becky is not watching the game. Got to keep the streak alive!
VM Replies: Your selflessness is inspiring.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 01/12/2011 at 10:19 AM
Vinay, can I just make a guest blog packed with fun happy pictures? If the Leafs keep playing like this, there is nothing I can say....
I'm a graphic designer. I could even photoshop Reimer coming down from the heavens above? no?
VM Replies: In all seriousness, I think that's a great idea. Why don't you create a graphic post about faith. I'll even write the captions if you don't want to go beyond the art.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 10:20 AM
The officiating last night was more than bizarre - it was downright horrible. Possibly the worst I've seen this season. More than just one call, it seemed like 60 minutes of ineptitude: a missed high stick on Armstrong, blatant tripping/interference on Bozak, a dangerous trip of Beauchemin by Setoguchi on an icing, and the return of the "make-up-call" that Colin Campbell doesn't like. Also, when did the 1990s grabbing/interference after puck dump-ins become mildly acceptable again? Both teams were guilty of it.
And yet the Leafs still won - a testament to Reimer's great play and, consequently, the Leafs new aggressive and successful penalty kill. Teams can be aggressive on the penalty kill when they have confidence in their goalie, in case they over-commit on an offensive player or on the strong-side of an offensive pass around the boards.
VM Replies: Is it my imagination or is the officiating always a little strange in California?
Posted by: Carlos | 01/12/2011 at 10:47 AM
What a great game. Phil Kessel on pace for 40, Riemer looking great, Dion playing solid, but the unsung hero in my unhumble opinion is Luke Schenn. As good as Riemer has been, the leafs D has also played ten times better than Gus or Gigere ever saw this year. Komiserik has played well the past week, Gunnerson and him are actually looking quite good. But Schenn has been lights out.
Could be a chiken/egg scenerio - is the defence better because of the goalie, or is the goalie better b/c of the D?
both i think.
As for everyone saying we should try to finish high so that Boston doesnt get a good pick, that is just dumb. We dont have a pick, so why does it really matter whether boston gets a lottery pick or a 12th pick? It no longer effects us and just seems like a petty position to take.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/12/2011 at 11:09 AM
Seems that the forehead botox has been leaking into the brains of refs down in California.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 11:13 AM
Good point Carlos! The Leafs were being forechecked hard by the Sharks on the strong side when in their own end in the first 2 periods, but slowly managed to overcome the lock out by the wingers on the boards to put the puck on the glass, and passing up the middle to create a good transition out of the zone.
Will Reimer get the start Thursday? Hard to not start him. Anyone think he could be the second coming of Felix the Cat?
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/12/2011 at 11:14 AM
Wow. The win streak is attracting names I haven't seen here before, and others whom I haven't seen in a while.
Love this upsurge of happiness here. A lot of you even deserve it. ;-)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/12/2011 at 11:16 AM
BB knows nothing about hockey, Ron Wilson should have been fired a long time ago....Kessel, who needs that guy! The leafs haven't drafted well in years!! They have no prospects in their system, they just suck!!! Doom and gloom for this team for years to come you all said..........Did I mention.........Allaire should be fired, he knows nothing about coaching stanley cup winning goalies.....
My, oh my...How a a few wins changes things.......Now which of the following excuses for your ranting will some of you use today:
1) I always knew this team would turn it around, I was just angry..............(Truly just talking out of your emotional bum)
2) Kessel is looking great, I always knew he had it in him.......(By the way he could actually reach 40 goals this year...Not bad for a guy some of you called a bum)
3) Wow, look at that amazing penalty kill...13th in the league...Ron Wilson is so great for salvaging the PK.....
I said it before, and I will say it again....Toronto fans have no balance in their feelings, when this team is winning everyone talks this team up to become hockey gods...When they are loosing you are all asking for a public lynching and all the doom and gloom comes out from all four corners of the city.....
Reimer, Schenn, Kessel are starting to look really good....The future isn't as bad as all of you had predicted..
VM Replies: You are a broken record, Nik Culoman!
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 11:19 AM
Vinay...Really long night watching the game...and a even longer drive into work..Pardon me for not having creativity this morning hahahaha....
I will repost tonight hahahaha
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 11:36 AM
@Sensi-bill - I have to extend you the same amount respect you have shown us during this time and tell you I am sorry about what you had to endure last night. That was a tough one.
@Carlos and @VM - I believe that Kerry Fraser heads the ref training program in California. The reffing was absolutely brutal. On the second Shark goal the play started with Dion crushing Heatley after he had touched the puck. Then 2 Sharks took runs at him, cross checking in the process. No penalty. Instead of retalitating, we attempted to break out of our zone which resulted in Marleau getting the puck and scoring. The play should have been dead the second a Shark player touched the puck. Also Bozak was kneed behind their net which looked almost indentical to Orr's hit but there was no call.
@Geoff Read - I think you need to go watch that play again. Orr had Couture lined up for a huge hit and Couture tried to do a fancy step around. The two of them went knee on knee and there should have been no penalty. It was more of a pity call because I think they know Colton is a goon.
Anyways, GREAT game by the magnificent leaf bastards. I had fun cheering for that game! No too fun no at work today though.
VM Replies: I hear you about the not fun at work today. I'm glad there aren't more Western road trips in a season.
Posted by: gOogl3pl3x | 01/12/2011 at 11:41 AM
The old J.R. kicked the Leafs out of the playoff.The young J.R. of ours will lead us to the playoff again,if not this year.......Suddenly there is HOPE in LEAFS NATION !!! Watching J.R. to keep the puck out of the net is like seeing him fighting with a real SHARK. What a heroic performance by this magnificent young man.All Leafs fans should start a petition to keep J.R. up here !!! I do not care what the management nave to do ......they owe it to the fans !!!
VM Replies: Finding a way to keep him up here does seem like the least they could do for us.
Posted by: Lisa | 01/12/2011 at 11:43 AM
VM, if I may add to your reponse to Nik, "a broken record" and "long winded". I thought you were going to work on that Nik. You could have just said, "I told ya so."
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/12/2011 at 12:08 PM
Hey Nik Culoman, the following is a list of random words and phrases, please turn them into whatever statement or argument you wish:
Brian, patience, good, well, under, over, achieving, not, Burke, Wilson, fire, prospects, none, many, effort, goals, assists, shoot, doesn't, should, truculence, belligerence, Orr, Phaneuf, skating, passing, plays the game the right way, chicken swede, good Canadian boy, having a career year, Lebda, should be in the minors, should be with the big club, Kaberle, thinks the game well, like our effort level, out chanced, patience, loyalty, I told you so, Aulie
I look forward to your take on my position. Please take your time and refute my ideas, try hard to discredit them. I am adamant that my position is the correct one.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 12:09 PM
In honour of HOOF.....I told you all SO!! hahahaha Faith goes a long a way....Especially when you get rewarded with watching a game like last night.
VM Replies: I'm pretty sure this is the shortest comment you have ever left. Now I'm worried about you. Get some rest.
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 12:16 PM
This goalie thing is JUST like in the 80s, when Bester and Wregget were both nursing injuries and they recalled Jeff Reese. Or was it Bester and Mark LaForest were hurt and they brought up Peter Ing? Sorry, all the horrid memories of those years are kind of hazy....
Reimer should not be going anywhere for the time being. Giggy should take ALL THE TIME HE NEEDS nursing that groin back to health...
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/12/2011 at 12:22 PM
can anyone tell me what Reimer is doing that is so outstanding? All he looks like he's doing is taking pucks off the chest and falling on them? Is this what championship goaltending is now? and if so, why cant Giguere and Gus do it?
VM Replies: He is spectacularly unspectacular. For a goalie, that's a real gift.
Posted by: micky | 01/12/2011 at 12:35 PM
Thank God for ABS and airbags, who wears seatbelts in this day and age?!?!?! hee haw... Also, Nik: 4 games does not a season make (and even though it's feeling really good right about now, there are many glaring holes in their game. The saving grace right now is the them of this article: REIMER!)
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 01/12/2011 at 12:57 PM
I'll tell you what Reimer is doing that is so outstanding, it's not his physical play as a goalie but his mental play. He just does not crack under the pressure and that makes alllllllllllll the difference. He always looks confident, no matter what the circumstances. I think Goose is a great goalie, but once the pressure is on, he lets soft goals in. Nothing seems to phase Reimer... I mean, did you see him get pounded last night during all those horribly called penalties we got in the 2nd? I have no doubt in my mind that Goose would have let a few in.
Reimer is probably an emotionless freak, he’s likely not even a human but a robot secretly engineered by MLSE….Whatever he is, we need him.
VM Replies: Calling him an "emotionless freak" may not be the best first step toward marriage. That comes like five years later.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 01:12 PM
@ Micky????? Are you kidding me??? Is that where Leafs' bashing has arrived to??? When a goalie is critized for doing his job at a high level!! Have you seen tapes of Hasek...That guy did wonders in the net with simply no style that I was familar with...But you know what, HE WON CUPS...HE WAS A CHAMPIONSHIP GOALIE....HE WON AWARDS.......
How can you find fault in the play of Reimer.....???? He stopped 40 shots last night, has an above .900 save percentage, so if the puck happens to hit him that is a sign of great positioning!! All I heard last night was how strong this kid's positioning was in the net....When you are in the right position the puck should just hit you...That is an old goalie saying for years......
Some people just make me laugh......Reimer has come and won 5 games....He has a save percentage above .900 and has seemingly changed the fortunes oof this team overnight...That is nothing?????? HMMMMM..........
The pucks not going into that red thing behind him is a great thing...FINALLY How he stops the pucks, I frankly don't care as long as he stops them.........Wow, that has to be one of the most idiotic things I have read on this blog......
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 01:16 PM
@ Sarkozy, I am in full understanding what this latetst streak is.....It could be just another blimp in the season...But I am willing to give this team the benefit of the doubt that they have turned a corner...Them seem more confident, all the bad breaks don't seem to be creeping up....They are getting their legs back and they seem faster and stronger lately....
Their penalty kill is now 13th in the league and improving.....So I am happy and excited with these new developements and even more excited with the play of Reimer...But I will also not be planning playoff dates or Cup parades..Everything in small steps....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 01:21 PM
I wasnt faulting Reimer. I was asking if anyone knows what makes him so good, when it looks like he's not doing much, compared to a goalie like Hasek, who jumped around all over the place, or Tim Thomas, who does acrobat leaps to stop the puck. Maybe Reimer's found the secret formula, just stand in the right place at the right time. Or be mentally tough. whatever works. I'd play him till he shows he doesnt belong, like Kadri.
Posted by: micky | 01/12/2011 at 01:28 PM
@ http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2011/01/11/16852471.html Interesting read for the BB naysayers....For all the people who have jumped on me for touting the Kessel trade as a win for the Leafs...
I told you so...Those that said I was talking out of my bum....Are these same words mine?? Don't they share my opinion...I said them months and months ago......
I am right again!! Thank you to those who have agreed with me...
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 01:32 PM
His save percentage is .947%. Tim Thomas, who has the best percentage in the league is at .946%
Now I know he hasn't played that many games, but he sure has proven himself. Burke, are you looking at these numbers??!?!
Posted by: Alecia | 01/12/2011 at 01:34 PM
@ Micky......When you are a goalie...Positioning is huge!! So if the puck just hits him like you seem to think.....That means he is in the right position at the right time......That is huge! That is what makes him good....He seems to know where the puck is going before it goes there......
None of the goals that have gone by him haven't really been his fault for being out of position.....He seems as solid of a goalie that we have seen in awhile...
Back to a simple answer...WHO CARES HOW HE MAKES THE SAVES, AS LONG AS HE MAKES THEM AND THE TEAM WINS!!
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 01:35 PM
Hey Nik, love it. "It could be just another blimp in the season..." Classic Nik Culoman. Don't loose your edge my friend, we need you here to keep us on the straight and narrow.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 01:37 PM
Oh man I had to go to sleep after the 2nd period but WOW. Reimer SHUT DOWN San Jose in the last half of the second period there.
Also, DREEEEEEEEEEEAM!
Posted by: Tom | 01/12/2011 at 01:47 PM
@ Nik,
Since Reimer is playing well and Giggy is ready to come back, would you put in Giggy back in asap, or let Reimer play until he falters? Seeing that we're approaching the trade deadline, would you think that Burke should trade Reimer in order to better the team in the long run...
for draft picks?
for another player(s)?
keep him and trade someone else?
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/12/2011 at 01:47 PM
@ Ostrich Lover ( 1 or 2) RE: 11:09am)
Petty? Boston gains Toronto's lottery pick ( possibly #1 overall) ?
The way I see it, since Boston is in the same Division and leaders of a Division gain one of the top three spots in the Conference and Toronto would need to climb over Boston, it is therefore NOT petty when seeking all puzzle pieces to drive for the top. Sure, some team will get the #1 pick, but it will somewhat serve the Leafs ultimate goal if it is not Boston in 2011.....and that ain't "a petty position to take".
VM Replies: FYI, your response is to the first Ostrich Lover, the original Ostrich Lover.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/12/2011 at 01:50 PM
Trade Reimer??? @ WEBELEAF....Why would anyone trade Reimer???? He is young, he is playing great!! Reimer could be the goalie for the long run, why would we trade him???????? Only in Toronto would that be even suggested.....
I would trade Giggy, if possible..........Or if we can't keep Reimer up and send the Monster down to improve his game. Reimer shouldn't go anywhere..I would play the hot hand until this well runs dry.....Play him until this guy has nightmares of pucks.........As long as this team keeps winning, why go with a cold goalie???
So let's stop the trade Reimer trade thoughts...........Haven't we seen this happen before?? Steen, Boyes, Sullivan, so on...No more trading our prospects please!! No more even suggesting that....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 01:58 PM
I have to agree with Nik here, we cannot trade ANY of our prospects, or minor league players. Brian Burke has already assembled the Stanley Cup winning squad we all desire. We just have to be loyal and patient while they blossom into the champions that they obviously are. It is a forgone conclusion, the Leafs will never loose again, ever. They are the embodiment of perfection. The hockey version of the Mona Lisa. Do not change them Burkie, ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 02:12 PM
Anyone who would suggest trading our hottest young goalie we have seen in recent history needs to take a step back from their keyboards, and another two steps from suggesting trades to any GM in the NHL....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 02:13 PM
Great game last night. Reimer looked good, but in my opinion, it was more of a team effort than anything.
What amazed me most about the game was the team defense. I would never take anything away from Reimer, he was outstanding, but the Leafs were in just about every shooting lane, they had great pressure on the PK and barely gave the Shark snipers any room to work with.
The offense started slow, but by the second period the cycle was working and they were starting to generate some quality chances. Unfortunately I had to call it for myself after 2 periods, but it was the first time all year I really felt like they were going to win even while they were losing.
@Mickey
The biggest plus about Reimer that I've seen his is puck control. He has a virtual black hole in the middle of his chest, the puck goes in and never comes out. If a goalie looks unspectacular while making 40 saves, he's doing something pretty special because that means he's always in the right place.
I'm not entirely sure he's "Proved" himself yet, but he's definatley on the right track. I'm very wary about getting excited about goalies since J.S. Aubin's run a few years back.
@Nik
Are they 13th in the league on the PK now? I could have sworn the graphic they showed last night had them at 26th.
VM Replies: The PK is 78.5, which is 25th in the league.
Posted by: Simmer | 01/12/2011 at 02:17 PM
@ Waffle....The same people who bashed on the Leafs for not having prospects...Now want to trade them away.....How does a team properly rebuild if we truly don't know what we have in stock?? How do you know what the Leafs have in stock, let them play and see what they can do..
I never for once said things would be perfect ( cough* cough* waffles......How many years did it take for Chicago to win the cup, it took a few steps back but they eventually made it), Toronto could be down the same path....We just don't know, until we play these guys...Reimer is one player, I wouldn't trade....Why, would we?? He is playing amazing, the team is winning again with him in the net.....You would suggest trading him???
Shessh.......It's hoping repeating the errors of the past will bring a different outcome...No more trading prospects until we see what have/ don't have in them....Why trade players only to watch them play great on other teams, why not just keep these guys so they can play great in the blue and white??
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 02:19 PM
The graphic last night and the announcer said it unless I misunderstood when they said they were 13th...........My mistake....Sorry for the error....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 02:35 PM
Nik, I know and I couldn't agree more. We can't afford to loose any of our players, let alone, go to another team and turn into Steve Sullivan. We must do our best to STOP that from happening, AT ALL COSTS. You were on the path all along buddy, those who questioned your methods and analysis, way off base.
Perhaps perfection is a little optimistic on my part, but you must agree that Burkie is the man, the things he has touched are golden. wooooooo hooooooo GO LEAFS GO
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 02:35 PM
@ Nik
I did not suggest to trade Reimer, I only asked. Hypothetically speaking, WOULD you trade him for someone like...Brad Richards, Alex Semin, or (insert name of desired player here) to improve the team? Trying to trade Giggy is going to be hard for Burke unless he's playing at his best, which simply means that Reimer will eventually have to sit or get sent down. I don't like it, or want it to happen anymore than you do, but Burke's phone might be ringing off the hook with talk of Reimer.
How many more games will it take for people to say that Reimer is ready to be a number 1 if he continues his play?
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/12/2011 at 02:37 PM
Reimer could be the new Mr. Kool, like Ken Dryden, who after only 6 games in the NHL started for Montreal in the '71 Playoffs, and won the Stanley Cup - a very gutsy call by coach Al McNeil and GM Pollock. Do Wilson and Burke have the same cojons?
Posted by: micky | 01/12/2011 at 02:44 PM
Just some corrections on some of the previous posts here:
The Leafs PK sits at 25th, not 13th. It's running at 78.5%, but it is improving and has since the addition of players like Phaneuf, Armstrong, Boyce and yes, Reimer.
I also worry that the Leafs, once top 10 in the league in fewest shots against, have allowed an average of 38 SOG when Reimer is in net. I'm not sure the D is playing much better in front of him at the moment.
As for Kessel, he is one half of a tandem. Like Heatley / Spezza, Lemieux / Jagr, Henrik / Daniel, Stamkos / St. Louis.... so we only have one piece of the puzzle. However, before Burke got here we had 0 pieces of that puzzle. Finding that second piece is going to be tough. Heck, finding the first piece was tough.
Posted by: TPiddy | 01/12/2011 at 02:45 PM
Burke's plan has always been to build from the net out....So why would he trade his hottest goalie?? I wouldn't package Reimer because we don't know how the other two goalies will do in the NHl under all that pressure....Do you remember how the Tukka Rask trade worked out for the Leafs?? Where is the guy the Leafs decided to keep???????????
Let's sit back and relax and stay patient.......Reimer seems to be a keeper...So why are we even talking about trading him?
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 02:56 PM
The Leafs are going to trade Giggy, Brown, Lebda, maybe Bozak, and if they can't sign MacAurther ahead of time he is worth a lot, but I think they will sign him.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/12/2011 at 03:32 PM
@Grabbo - I agree with you other than Brown. He is exactly the player Burke likes and I don't think other teams really are pursuing him. I would add Beauchemin to that list though.
@Vinay - is waffles ip the same for those last comments? It just doen't seem right that he is jumping on Nik's bandwagon and they were sounding a bit phoney. Sorry Waffles if it was actually you. I mean no offense.
VM Replies: Same IP. I think (but he'll have to confirm) he is being sarcastic.
Posted by: gOogl3pl3x | 01/12/2011 at 03:55 PM
@Waffles...And what would you do with Reimer....We may have a keeper and you would suggest trading him why?? Haven't we traded enough prospects?? Haven't we learned from the Rask trade not to rush to trade prospects????
I am crazy for seeing the repeating of what could very well be a huge error...I am wrong..Interesting....How can a fanbase who has clamoured for prospects, now want to trade some of them now?? Especially one that has shown glimpses of being a blue chipper. I just don't get it, I don't understand how people could agree or even think trading Reimer, Bozak and so on could be any good, especially if we all use the past as a example....
But you know what, with all these great hockey minds in Toronto's fanbase it is no wonder why this team has won championship after championship each year.....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 04:13 PM
One of my favorite moments from the sharks game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOAljKmxooI
Never mind staged fights, this is what I can truculence! It brought a tear to my eye.
Posted by: moe green | 01/12/2011 at 04:22 PM
Googleplex, I must confirm the rumor. No offense taken. It is me. I have seen the light, I drank the Kool-Aid. All positive all the time, no more questioning these magnificent Leaf bastards. They will never loose again.
They will dominate the league forever. At least until they are the only member of the new super league, they will of course be the only team. People will pay to watch them practice and scrimmage. And they will be revered in all of their awesomeness. If MLSE builds it, "They will come".
I also like seeing movies at the local multiplex, its like a googleplex only not quite as nice. Sorry, positive, positive, positive. The googleplex is way better than the local multiplex.
Can't be a phoney, no!, no!, no!, I am never to question the wisdom of the plan. Burkie is God. They have won 4 games in a row, it will soon be 40. Nik and I can't wait until then, when we can emerge from our self-imposed media blackout, triumphant in the knowledge that we were the only ones with enough faith.
Sarcasm Vinay?, the meaning of that word is loost on me. Jiggy gets traded for a 1st round pick, you heard it here first, Chris Osgood is hurt. I'm just sayin. Holland will bow down before the Burkie and give up whatever is needed to get the Jiggy. Phaneuf is the modern manifestation of Bobby Orr, Bill Barilko, and Scott Stevens all rolled into one.
Nik Culoman, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for leading me into the light. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. If not for you I would still be suckling at the teat of realism, and pessimism tempered with cautious optimism.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 04:24 PM
NIk, we must not trade the Reimer. He is Patrick Roy, the english speaking version. Or the taller, better looking Johnny Bower. Nik, I agree, I agree, I agree. We must not trade him. Are there any pronouncements from Mt. Burkie today? Have we traded the Lebda? Another team is sure to require his versatility. Left winger / defenceman are a most valuable commodity.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 04:31 PM
Brown will be lucky to get in the line up considering the way the call ups have been playing. That is why I am thinking him. This may be a opportunity for Brian Burke to get somethng descent.
I was thinking Beauchemin to but he pays some tough minutes against the top liones all the time. e make some bonehead plays but he must be doing something right to be out there against the top line.
I was just looking at this kid Josh Nicholls of Saskatoon in the WHL. He is tearing it up. 40 games, 49 points and is a +26.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/12/2011 at 04:48 PM
@gOogle3pl3x
Thank for the timely and considerate condolences.
As I said to my wife this morning, it's a bit depressing when you can no longer look forward to watching your team play, live or on television.
An early riser, she often has to go to bed relatively early during a televised game. I record it for her and she watches the rest early in the morning.
At worst, if pressed for time, she'll FF through the game, stopping to check out goals and such. Sometimes I'll even take notes, marking times during the periods when she should check out certain segments, even if no goal is scored.
And if the game is a stinker and too boring or too depressing to watch --- like the recent Boston massacre --- I'll leave her a note recommending she just Erase the game without even bothering to skim through, let alone watch.
Sadly, there have been far too many of those last kind of games this season. (No doubt part of the reason I find myself enjoying my escape to this non-Sens site.)
At least we're saving some money this season by going to fewer live games, thus registering our disappointment and disapproval with our wallets.
So no, it's no fun being robbed of something we so used to look forward to with so much pleasure.
But I'm keeping the faith, adopting the old adage about it being darkest before the dawn. And believing that though we suffer now, we will eventually --- hopefully in the not too distant future --- come out of this reborn and retooled and once more an elite team challenging for the Cup.
In the meantime, your kindness and consideration in our time of suffering is much appreciated.
A sign of the friendly rivalry and mutual respect I so believe in. Thanks.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/12/2011 at 04:49 PM
@ waffles....Your child like response has just amazes me....Just how old are you??? When did I ever mention that this plan was full proof?? When did I say BB was perfect....All I have ever said was patience, keep every prospect we have and see what we have before we trade them away and than look back and wish we had kept them...
Why would we trade our prospects this year?? To what end?? To contend for the cup this year??? To make the playoffs only to be beaten out in the first round?? To what end would we gamble on the future of the franchise??? I just don't understand your point.
By bringing up Phanuef are you telling me and others that this team would be better without him?? So a team consisting of Stajan, Hagman, White, Myers would have a better outcome than the one we find the Leafs in right now???
Reimer, I never said he was Patrick Roy, but who is to say he can't be a Felix Potvin......Who was Feliz Potvin before he came up from the AHL??? Look how far the Leafs went with Potvin in the net in the early year.....Reimer is still unproven...But if we are to take the last 5 games as some form of indication as to what the Leafs have with this guy....Why would you trade him????
How many times have trades with prospects not worked for the Leafs??? I can't even begin to count...But you seem to think that the Leafs are full of prospects so why not start to trade them...When most would say....This is the best situation a team can find themselves in..Being about to have healthy competition, having 4 possible NHL starting goalies in the farm system has never hurt any team by any means.....So if one or more falter you can always lean on the best of the bunch...Having options on the farm system has never been this team's main advantage...But now it can be said that the farm system has improved and will begin to show results more sooner than later.
So waffles....keep up with the childish comments because they are true reflection of the very thing most people hate about Leafs fans....In all there supposed hockey "genius"...How about that for sarcasm....
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/12/2011 at 04:50 PM
OK, ENOUGH ALREADY! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!
To lose (single o): To be defeated. As in: "The Senators lose to the Bruins 6-0"
To be loose (double o): To not be tight. As in: "The gentleman with the initials N I K has a screw loose."
To suffer a loss (single o, double s): What you get when your team is defeated. As in: "I am at a loss to explain the Leafs sudden winning streak." Oops, wrong example. "One more loss by the Senators and I'm going to recommend we trade Gonchar back to Pittsburgh for Crosby, and future considerations."
So please, all guilty parties here, lose the use of loose to mean being defeated.
How best to remember the difference? "The Goose is not loose like Reimer, which is why the magnificent yada yada yada tend to lose when he is in net."
You're welcome.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/12/2011 at 05:04 PM
Has anyone else noticed that no matter whether you agree with the Culoman or not, support his points or not, restate his themes or disagree with them entirely.
That it makes no difference.
He will immediately go off on whatever tangent he wants in order to direct the conversation to whatever end he chooses. How do you have a conversation with someone who will try to argue the same side as yourself, while telling you how wrong you are?
I haven't had conversations this awesome since I last talked to that guy in my bathroom mirror. He never shuts up and listens while I am talking. Then he gets angry that I am not listening to him, and on and on it goes. He is tall and quite the handsome devil though. So perhaps in the future I will try again.
That my friends is sarcasm, I think. What do you think NIk?
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 05:15 PM
Thank you for clarifying that sensi-bill. I didn't think Nik could be wrong about his use of those words along with everything else, but I guess he is.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/12/2011 at 05:23 PM
Hey there Sensi-Bill, Yesterday, the extra math homework, today spelling and grammar. School was out a long time ago, no reason to go back now.
Try a Red Bull and vodka or perhaps a rye and coke. It helps when discussing the Nth degree. Screws that are lose need to be tightened. We can't loose sight of what is important. Restraints, restraints, restraints and perhaps medication in prescribed doses, by a licensed professional, of course.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 05:29 PM
I guess you do have a point about Boston getting better and being in the same division, but still I think it is a petty position. Its like hoping Seguin will suck just so the trade looks better - Its pretty mean to wish ill against a kid who worked his whole life to make it just cause you want the Leafs to look good. Know what IM sayin?
ps You can always tell that its the Original Ostrich Lover because he keeps his feathers clean, doesnt suck, and is super cool at all times.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/12/2011 at 05:45 PM
Hey Waffles, during the annual Great December collapse, back when my handle was still Bomber I got into it with Nik. I agreed with almost everything he said except that it was ok to lose for the sake of development. My agruement was, it was not ok because Brian Burke set expectations of the playoffs for this team, this year and I agreed totally with Brian Burke.
The adage that you have to lose together before you can win together is flawed in my opinion. You need to learn how to win together before you become a champion together is how I look at it. There is nothing wrong with winning from the start. I am certain Brian Burke feels the same, especially with professional athletes. It is still my stance that missing the playoffs is not acceptable. Nor should it be for any fan, considering it is not for the GM of the club. Why would anyone lower their expectation below that of the General Manager? It makes no sense. In fact I argue that by letting the players off the hook like that contributes more to blue and white disease than anything else. You only need to go back as far as the Philidephia Flyers of a couple of years ago to see my point. They retooled in 1 year and now are perennial contenders on the verge of being a champion.
What drives me crazy is he cannot see the forrest for the trees. Nik totally buys into Brian Burkes plan, at least that is his constant arguement, but while I was totally supporting Brian Burke's plan that the expectation of the Toronto Maple Leafs was and still is that they make the playoffs this year, he kept rehashing the same things over and over again, which I already agreed with. He won't acknowledge anyone's point regardless of whether it is germane or not because it means someone knows something before he does. I guess that is why, but I can't be sure because I write from the confines of my home in Ottawa and cannot see from where he treads.
In the end I think his ostinance is fool hardy but I still love him because his heart is in the right place.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/12/2011 at 06:21 PM
Sensi-Bill: Myself, Hoof, PP, Moe, and several others have been attempting for a while now to instruct Nik on the proper use of "lose", "loose", and "loss". I feel he's not catching on, but, I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that he understands and is just doing it now out of spite. Sorry Nik, I never thought I could bash on another fellow leaf fan so much but sometimes the target is just too easy.
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 01/12/2011 at 06:24 PM
Grabbo / the former Ken Baumgartner. I remember you trying in vain to reach the other side and communicate with the life form known as the Culoman. His heart is certainly in the right place, he is a Leaf fan after all. My only suggestion is that we send out a search party for his head.
On an unrelated topic, locations just south of the equator are a great place for a game of hide and seek. You never know what you are going to find up there.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/12/2011 at 06:31 PM
@ Ostrich Lover #1 ( re: 5:45pm)
Thank you for acknowledging "I guess you do have a point", re Boston lottery pick.
Yet, too bad you didn't just leave the recognition as a merit to you.
To answer your, "Know what IM sayin'? " question....yes, unfortunately, something illogical, peculiar, and with an irrelvant analogy.
Why try to twist the point around by coming up with a lame "like" accusation?
You can't be that petty.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/12/2011 at 08:24 PM
waffles, are you suggesting that a proctologist could help in the search?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/12/2011 at 08:48 PM
Why not just shorten in to "Reim-era"? "Reimer era" is hard to say.
VM Replies: Damn. That would have been much better. You're right, "Reimer Era" is clunky. But it was 4 a.m. and I was going on 48 hours without sleep. Next time!
Posted by: Hector Von Smowvitch | 01/12/2011 at 10:22 PM
This is still my first stop after a game (or during). Looking forward to reading about the Phoenix game at some point afterward.
Anyone have a betting line on Reimer starting Saturday? I need to see this kid play.
VM Replies: It's a weird, day-by-day situation for Reimer. The Phoenix game was set as the target return for Jiggy more than a week ago. But after Reimer's game in San Jose, they "huddled" and revamped plans.
If the kid comes up with another gem tonight, my guess is he'll get the nod Saturday.
Posted by: red5 | 01/12/2011 at 10:30 PM
Living in SoCal has its perks: I was at the LA game and got to watch this one without having to stay up late! I loved seeing Wilson smile after the empty netter (he even punched Tim Hunter in the arm). Absolutely inspiring play, and hopefully more to come. They are officially keeping King James in net against the Coyotes so let's hope he can keep it up!
Vinay, great blog as always, it never fails to make me feel at least some hope for the season.
VM Replies: Thanks for reading from SoCal, Matt. I'm jealous of your beautiful surroundings.
That playful arm-punch (which came nanoseconds after Hunter missed Wilson's attempted fist-bump) was one of my favourite moments of this season. A fleeting glimpse of jocular camaraderie that almost felt cathartic.
It was nice to see the coach taking an active interest in his own happiness.
Posted by: Matt | 01/13/2011 at 01:32 AM
@Hoofheartz
"Thank you for clarifying that sensi-bill. I didn't think Nik could be wrong about his use of those words along with everything else, but I guess he is."
Using "loose" for "lose" does seem to be one of Nik's many trademarks, along with the spaceless ellipse (...) --- oops, make that dots (for Mr. "We don't need no education" Waffles).
But I thought I saw it spreading to Comments by others and felt the last thing we needed was for Nik-isms to become contagious. (g)
I haven't gone back to check so I could be wrong. Being wrong doesn't happen very often for me. In fact I can remember being wrong only once. At one point in my life I declared: "Well nobody's perfect." My error, of course, was having forgotten about myself.
LOL
Lord it's been a long time since I've used that hoary old classic. (g)
On a personal note, and please reply ONLY if you feel comfortable doing so, I wonder in which part of New Brunswick you reside. Being a fan of that province, most familiar with the northeast corner, I'm just curious.
For the record, I'm very much an Ottawa Valley boy fortunate to have visited this great country from coast to coast, predominantly and most frequently the East Coast, having had inlaws in the Bathurst-Caraquet area of New Brunswick, spent summer vacations at a cottage on P.E.I. when the kids were little, and poked around and visited all corners of our wonderful Maratimes more than once.
I don't mention this to boast. Merely to encourage others to do so in their lifetimes. They will be highly rewarded for the effort.
Oh my goodness, has this become a Geography lesson? Waffles will kill me. LOL
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/13/2011 at 02:39 AM
I am concerned about the health of all you dedicated Leaf fans on this blog. Please be careful of hernias when lifting the Stanley Cup too many times. Also be aware of dislocated shoulders from patting yourself on the back. And at the end of it all, stay away from anti-depressants, they are very harmful. A better approach might be Red Bull and vodka...deadens the mind and senses.
Posted by: Ken Chevis | 01/13/2011 at 09:03 AM
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA! Your funny Ken Chevis. Go away. Actually it's a hemroid that I have problems with when I am lifting heavy trophies, and did I tell you I named mine when it popped up? That is right, I named it Ken Chevis.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/13/2011 at 10:05 AM
Gotta say, in the joke catagorie, its Ken Chavis 1, Grabbo 0. And to whoever Leaflandr is, hilarious that you would question my authority, point or intelligence. Now THAT is a joke. You win the joke catagorie hands down my frienf, for best attempted use of condescention in an unwarrented situation.
Posted by: ostrich lover | 01/13/2011 at 10:39 AM
Sensi-Bill, I currently reside about 30 kms south of Freddy Beach (Fredericton for you upper Canadians. Beautiful country but PEI is by far and away a hidden jewel. For those bloggers that were talking about golf in past posts, I will say that if you haven't golfed PEI then you are doing yourself a disservice.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/13/2011 at 11:13 AM
OUCH! That felt like a check from behind....
Oh well it game day and I have my rally cap on.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/13/2011 at 11:16 AM
Some Nicknames (guess whose?): Go-go-grabo! Weimer-reimer. Koolio. Prince Arthur. King James. Nuke. Canadian Sheild. Thriller, Big Bird. Chipper. Bruno. Shoe. Surgeon.
With all the Western Canadians on the team: MacArthur, Bozak, Phaneuf, Schenn, Armstrong, Versteeg, Orr, Rosehill, Aulie and of course Reimer - is there any danger of the team relocating to Winnipeg?
Also:
Real truculence isn't an Orr fight but what Schenn and Armstrong do to people who get to cozy with our goalie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOAljKmxooI
This is a different team. I'd be really surprised if they revert to their old ways. This team needs to focus now on tight defensive play. At the start of the season they crashed when faced with a trappy opponent. let's not make the same mistake this time.
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 11:19 AM
Tonight's game should be an interesting test for the Leafs. First, it isn't a must-win game - they played those and they won them. Tonights tilt against the Yotes will determine just how much these guys wanna win. If they lose tonight, they still return home after a successful road trip. No shame. But if they win. Well, if they win then this is a decidedly different team with entirely different aspirations than when the trip began. If they win tonight then this team is a legitimate playoff contender. If they win tonight Reimer becomes the new number one in Toronto. If they win tonight, what a homecoming they're gonna receive from the fans at ACC!
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 11:32 AM
@ Ostrich Lover ( re:10:39am)
Thanks again ( with sardonic smile).
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/13/2011 at 11:38 AM
Hoof, I'll wager it's been a while since any of us have been called "Upper Canadians." I like it!
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 11:39 AM
Hoofheartz, good morning to you sir. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps; is a song by the rock band Cake. They are very good. You may have heard of them, if not please give them a listen.
Sensi-Bill, after you did not respond to my last comment, (previous blog). I didn't think you were interested in continuing our discourse. I am pleased that you would like to continue our good natured back and forth. Let me assure you that any mangling of the English language, with respect to the proper usage of lose and loose, was intentional, and done for effect. It may have also been done to affect a change in another commenter on this blog. 'Sigh', I am afraid my efforts will go unrewarded.
I too am a fan of Pink Floyd, Reimer for instance does not need, " no education". His saves seem to me to be, " ...just another brick in the wall". I hopefully will be " Comfortably Numb", sometime around midnight tonight, after ingesting several Crown and Cokes. Hopefully Mr. Watters will refrain from his references to "Dogs", during tonight's broadcast. Unless of course we are to be subjected to the "Sheep" on Leafs TV. Bob McGill joins us from the Zamboni entrance, priceless.
On a final note for this morning, to some of you, " I Wish You Were Here", to the others, and you know who you are, its obvious that the lights are on but there is, "Nobody Home".
Cheers Leaf fans
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/13/2011 at 11:47 AM
@ Moe tonight's game no matter the outcome doesn't change anything.....They will still be 11 or so points from making the playoffs...Reimer will still be a rookie goalie, and the Leafs will have the same sad sack of a management team they had at the start of the season....
As for most of the posters on this blog...What a bunch of sore loosers....When your team was winning you were all planning police to watch the roads and sidewalks for the Cup parade....Now that your team is loosing......And doing a great job of it......You are all over it like a cheap dirty rug....
I have seen my team go through some pretty bad years......but as angry as I was..I never sat there and thought I some how knew more than the pros running my team. Sports radio has made you all know-it-alls...
As for the bantering around between Waffles and Sensi-Bill about who is better the Leafs or Sens...Who cares which team is better when they both suck....They both just suck....End of debate....
The only thing you should be fighting over is which time should get an earlier tee-time come April.
Posted by: Flyers Fan | 01/13/2011 at 12:08 PM
Hey Moe that hit Schenn gave Heatley was a beauty indeed. More of that please. They have seemed like a different team but they dug themselves such a deep hole ( why do they always do that?) that any kind of playoff talk is premature. I said they need to 8-2 before that conversation should start so 5-1 is a good start.
Hoofheartz, I have had the pleasure of playing Crowbush and I can hoenstly say that it is the most beautiful course I have ever played. The ocean, the fairways, the hills, it was amazing! The fescue was long thick blades of green grass. You could pick it and put in a vase. I would reccomend that golf course to anyone. That is where Mike Weir played his first Skins game and Fred Couples said he was going to be good. He won the Masters a couple of years after that. What a course!
Enough tourism, GO LEAFS GO! I have to disagree with you a bit Moe. Every game is important now. Every loss they move further away and tey just can't afford it anymore. 8-2 and I will entertain thoughts of playoffs.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/13/2011 at 12:14 PM
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA Fylers Fan you are funny too! Hey did you ever find that goalie you have been looking for? I heard Cujo is finally available. Perhaps you won"t drop the ball on that one this time.
Posted by: Grabbo | 01/13/2011 at 12:20 PM
Waffles, I'm not sure what you're alluding to when you asked me about the song Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps but I can assure you that music by this Cake band would NEVER EVER be on my IPod.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/13/2011 at 12:20 PM
@Flyers fan: not know-it-alls, Canadians. We're all born with the innate capacity to run a hockey franchise. It's in our genes. Or is it in our "jeans?" Get it?
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 12:22 PM
Ouch, a flyers fan? Since when have flyers fans been able to boast to and put down Leaf fans? Last I checked, Flyers have won nothing of importance since the late 70s. Are you still bitter about the Domi incident? Here's some advice: if you weren't so heavy, you may not have toppled the glass separating you from the penalty box!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 01/13/2011 at 12:27 PM
Leafs Defence: "The Canadian Shield", Leafs forwards: Thriller (Phil Kessel), Go-Go (Grabovski), Koolio, Prince Arthur and Verbeauty will make mince-meat out of our over-confident competition. Under the radar for a couple more and then it's up against the eastern conference wannabees. Over confident? Me? The Leafs? Right, like the Leafs could ever be "over" anything.
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 12:28 PM
A stinking flyers fan? Christ, we'll let any knob post on this blog won't we? Take your 2 pity cups and hit the bricks.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/13/2011 at 12:37 PM
How does the GM make a move right now with the Leafs? Carefully. What you wouldn't want to do is to trade a popular player for a big-name dud.
I think the safest Leaf to move is Giguere packaged with a prospect. We are too thin to deal any roster players. Maybe Lebda or Brown? I think Beauchemin while a real asset may be too valuable to move. Is Keith Aulie ready to fill his boots. Kaberle would be a good choice but I doubt he's going anywhere.
Wouldn't a team like Montreal like Giguere as a backup? Detroit? What would Burke have to give up to get a guy like Lecavelier? Something tells me a change of scenery could really rejuvenate that guy. But what would it cost us? Anything?
Imagine Lecavelier with Kessel and Kadri as a first line? MacKulebovski (Mac and the USSR) and Bozak, Versteeg and Armstrong as a checking line. Wow. If only. But why not. How's Tampa's goaltending?
Posted by: Moe Green | 01/13/2011 at 12:40 PM
Man, I bet you guys VM's blog has to be the most read/commented upon in whole of the star's website. :P
Posted by: Tom | 01/13/2011 at 12:44 PM
Hoof, sorry for the lack of clarity. Yesterday 8:48pm you asked me a question, I answered it. I like ladies who wear short skirts and long jackets. One of them is named Daria, I think.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/13/2011 at 12:53 PM