Game 49: We're heading into an all-star break? Praise the Lord
Let's begin with some fantastic news: The Leafs do not play again until February 1.
I never thought the day would come when a week without these magnificent deranged bastards could feel like a blessing from high above. But that's exactly how it feels.
Lord, I salute you for this temporary reprieve! I am down on bended knees, hands clasped, thanking you for the all-star break!
I can't wait to do normal things for the next six nights. Read magazines, go to a restaurant, tuck my kids into bed... not wander the streets alone after midnight, muttering like a madman about botched power plays and hot opposition goalies.
You know? Just normal, healthy activities. Quite unlike the abnormal, unhealthy activity that is watching the 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs suck our souls into a jagged vortex of swirling misery and compounding grief.
Should we even bother talking about tonight's shutout loss in Tampa? I mean, what's the point? It'll just cut into our vacation time and delay the healing before the hurting begins again next week.
The thing is, even if you didn't watch tonight – by the way, congratulations on that wise decision – you can probably guess what happened. No, seriously, close your eyes and try.
The puck has just dropped in Tampa. What do you see?
That’s right. There are no Leafs on the ice! It's so weird! NO LEAFS!
Now what do you see?
That’s right. Tampa is dominating the first period because there are... no Leafs on the ice. NO LEAFS!
Where are they? What happened to them?
Tampa is blitzing poor James Reimer and sashaying around his non-existent teammates. They are drawing penalties and giggling on the bench and flying in alone on breakaways and odd-man rushes.
They are even doing TV interviews DURING the period!
It's inexplicable, really. Or maybe it's not. I don't know anymore. Do you? Is there any logical explanation for any of this? Do the Leafs even care? More important, why do we?
Once again, this Leafs team failed to report for the first period. Once again, the opposition was forced to embarrass a mirage of harmless ghosts in phantom jerseys as frantic NHL execs called the cops to report 25 missing people.
COPS: "What do these missing people look like?"
EXECS: "We're not sure. They keep changing!"
The shots after the first were 17-4 for Tampa. If not for the sensational play of Reimer, the score would have been 7-0 instead of 2-0. In fact, the most miraculous part about this hauntingly familiar evening was Reimer's questionable decision to remain a Toronto goalie and not escape through a fire exit during the first intermission, fleeing into the Florida shadows to live under an assumed identity as a wrangler of dangerous snakes.
God knows he would be safer in that line of work. God knows he would get more support. God knows he deserves better.
Close your eyes again. What happened next? Think.
That's right! The Leafs suddenly arrived from their parallel universe, where time is elastic and exertion means inertia. They climbed into their corporeal bodies, 20 minutes late. They started to compete and took the game to Tampa. They tried hard, real hard, and played pretty darn well. Or Tampa got bored and decided to start their all-star break a little early. Tough to say, really.
Then what happened? Yes, yes, go on...
That's also right! The Leafs ran out of time. They came up short. They couldn't "solve" the other guy in net. They looked like they may climb back on the score sheet, they looked like they kind of, sort of, maybe wanted to win but then... oh no... yes... they lost.
So here we are, heading into the all-star break. I'm not sure this team deserves a break but, holy hell, we sure do.
Enjoy it! Breathe! Be normal and healthy! Sleep! Eat well! Laugh! Socialize! Live!
No more Leafs for a week? Take it away, k.d. lang...
Hard to type with both thumbs up for another job well done with this blog.
VM Replies: Thank you, Sensi-Bill. And sorry about your team's loss in overtime tonight. Guess we can all use a break.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/26/2011 at 12:30 AM
Thanks Vin, that's true.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/26/2011 at 01:26 AM
CUP WINS ROLL CALL
I was making passing reference to my age --- "old enough to have seen the Leafs win a Cup --- elsewhere online (Cox on Sucker Punch, yes/no?).
And it dawned in me that I was, as usual, referring to their 1967 win, when I was a young man of 19, just prior to heading out west in search of fame, and fortune, and true love. (But those are other stories.)
But that was just their LAST win, the one we all seem to focus on.
But of course I have witnessed others.
Mind you, not the four game sweep of the Detroit Red Wings the year of my birth, or another 4-0 sweep of the Wings the following year.
And we still didn't have TV two years later when the beat Montreal four games to one.
No, it wasn't until their next win in 1962 --- 4-2 over my Chicago Blackhawks --- that I actually saw them win, on TV, never live.
They repeated in '63 (4-1 over Wings), and '64 (4-3 over Wings) and I watched those games with my family as well.
And of course the final Cup in '67 (4-2 over Montreal).
So I have in effect witnessed four Stanley Cup wins in my lifetime.
So I thought I'd do a quick roll call and see how many Leaf Cup wins people here have actually witnessed.
And don't be embarrassed if your answer --- like no doubt the majority here --- is 0. It HAS been a long time and none of that has been your fault.
And to give the "not in my lifetime" fans here some incentive to reply anyway, I pose this additional question: The Leafs haven't even played in a Stanley Cup final since the expansion of "the original six." How do you feel expansion may have affected their record ever since?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/26/2011 at 01:58 AM
So right Vinay. Easy to visualize the game without even having seen it. Except I think that you are right; that Tampa just didn't try that hard - they didn't have to.
Thanks, I have always loved her version of that song.
VM Replies: I tried to find her performance at the Olympics. Guess that version is not available (or at least it's been effectively scrubbed from the universe by the ICC).
Posted by: moe green | 01/26/2011 at 02:10 AM
To steal a strategy from those TV attack ads against Grit leader Iggy, I am strategically quoting from your 5th paragraph above:
"... the 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs suck..."
VM Replies: Nicely done.
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/26/2011 at 06:14 AM
I really do not want to do this anymore.
VM Replies: You have to hang in there for a few more weeks! Come on, now. You can't leave me alone.
Posted by: TimB | 01/26/2011 at 07:20 AM
The Leafs are cursed. Bottom line. It's the only explanation that keeps me somewhat sane. I couldn't stand to watch last night's game, I predicted the outcome and was right. Cheers to Komi and Versteeg who mentioned that these last 5 games were paramount in making up ground on the other playoffs teams. 1-4 over that stretch, Well done team! Poor Reimer...... It will be interesting to see who wins a championship first, the hapless leafs or baseballs Chicago Cubs! My money is on the latter
VM Replies: Sigh.
Posted by: Robert G | 01/26/2011 at 07:34 AM
It's uncanny how similar all these games are. What's worse is that I still watch every single one! At least Phaneuf is starting to throw the body around again, which is excellent because he becomes more involved when he does. Reimer was excellent as usual, and I'm thinking Kessel would score more goals if he would shoot high. Everything is always low and the goalies know that!
I guess I should stop writing before people in my office hear me mashing the keyboard! Enjoy the break Vinay, us fans have earned it (and Reimer too)
VM Replies: I'm hoping Kessel picks up a few pointers at the all-star game.
Posted by: Darren | 01/26/2011 at 07:46 AM
I know we always say "must win" but I really considered these two 4 point road games MUST WIN.The Cubs of hockey?? Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Posted by: TimB | 01/26/2011 at 07:51 AM
Not even half way through your blog and the tears are rolling down my face (due to laughter, not agony over another loss). The only thing I look forward to when the Leafs return on Feb. 1st is your blog the next day.
VM Replies: Thanks, Sue! I'm going to keep at it through the break (damn Star editors). But no games until Tuesday does feel a bit like Christmas.
Posted by: Sue | 01/26/2011 at 07:54 AM
It was quite apparent last night the difference between a well coached team and this herd of cattle from Toronto. Geez boys, what does it take? Three of you guys in one corner of the ice fighting to get the puck? If you are successful, who the hell are you going to give it to? What happened to all the hockey you have been taught since your formative years? I loved you challenging St. Louis to score, giving him three clear cut breakaways, then laughing your collective asses off when Reimer stopped him. But, fellas, you are supposed to get the puck too, its okay, really, to shoot it at the other teams net. Screen their goal tender to make it more challenging for him to stop the puck. The other guys in white are your friends, don't be afraid to pass the puck to them as well. You have some time off, take all of Vinnie's great columns home and read them. When you return on February 1st, there will be a test!
VM Replies: "Herd of cattle" is a good description of this season thus far.
Posted by: Robert | 01/26/2011 at 08:05 AM
Good morning Vinay,
I think the time off might be a welcome break for all as it seems that nerves are getting just a little frayed after this loss. I had a strange realization last night while I was driving to Home Depot while listening to the game on the radio, I suddenly found that the goals scored by Tampa were not all that hard to swallow. Maybe it was because for once, I did not have great expectations for them last night, or possibly because I could hear the disappointment in Joe Bowen's voice and I just felt sorry for him.
VM Replies: Good morning to you, We BeLeaf. Home Depot? So you got an early start on the break? Smart.
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/26/2011 at 08:09 AM
As usual, another great column VM. That first period last night was as bad a period we played all year. Thanks James Reimer for keeping the game within reach till your teammates showed up! Awesome performance and this should solidify your deserved stay with the Leafs. Are you listening, BB and RW? Also, has anyone else noticed how Roloson has stoned us the past few years? He definitely saves his best games for the boys in blue. Nice to see our captain finally get involved with some big hits the past few games.One more observation, Tyler Bozak seems to be getting alot of chances the past few games, but, can't bury them. This is eerilly similar to the way Grabo started the year. I boldly predict that Bozak after the break will be our top scorer (points). This will also directly increase Phil the thrill's goal scoring. I would not be surprised to see Phil end up with 40 goals. Enjoy the time off all leaf fans, the next portion of the schedule is gonna make us proud to be as faithful and loyal as any fans on this planet! ENJOY.
VM Replies: That is a bold prediction. And, yes, our loyalty deserves reward. Hopefully, soon.
Posted by: Michael C. Nemirsky | 01/26/2011 at 09:34 AM
I missed the game last night because (thankfully) my girlfriend wanted to have dinner. One of the best decisions I've made this week (besides the two hours of playing shinny on Sunday at the Pitts).
Anyway, I've got a good idea for you Vinay. I read elsewhere in the Star that some group will give you $1,000 if you have an Awesome idea. No questions asked. You should submit a proposal to turn your blog into a book chronicling this season's Leafs.
That would be Awesome.
VM Replies: Your girlfriend is a wise woman. I read that story this morning, wondering if James Reimer is going to apply.
Posted by: Simon | 01/26/2011 at 09:46 AM
Well, herd of cattle may have been a little strong, but, it seemed they were all milling about in the first period. Its the same old refrain, I just don't see any cohesive team play. On another note, Mr. Melnyk in Ottawa has give Bryan the okay to disassemble the Senators and rebuild. Are you listening Mr. Burke? Although I have to feel sorry for Sensi-Bill, any team that would take on Kovalek and Gonchar is in serious trouble. Back to my refrain. Toronto has the nucleus of a good start with the two teams. Aulie is on the AHL all star team! I think with a judicious trade or two, for young prospects or draft picks, a system put in place that uses the talents available to the coach, we could have some fun as we build toward the 2012 season when we 'should' have a first round pick.
Posted by: Robert | 01/26/2011 at 09:48 AM
Damn funny.... but also, saddly true! I had an old-timers game of my own, so couldn't watch the game. But, with your excellent blog Vinay, I felt like I didn't miss a thing and I got the same churning in my stomach I always get watching the Buds. Thanks (I think...).
VM Replies: You're welcome (I hope).
Posted by: othermark | 01/26/2011 at 09:48 AM
Hey Vinay,
Good post as usual. A sense of humour is necessary when suffering through a season like this one.
I have a confession. When I read this line the first time, "Read magazines, go to a restaurant, tuck my...," I misread one letter and expected the next word to be "wife."I was shocked, confused, and disoriented until I went back and reread the passage! That misreading made me laugh out loud - no doubt my neighbors are wondering what's going on in office A217.... Anyway, I guess that tells you where my head is at this morning.
Enjoy the break! (Go team Staal!)
VM Replies: Oh, God. Can you imagine? That would have been my last piece for The Star. Now I'm tempted to go back into the post to try a different phrase.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 01/26/2011 at 09:54 AM
VM...great blog...exceptional writing. Without doubt the best column about the Leafs out there today...and some of the best sports-writing period. I love it. I've only discovered this site in the past few days and can't stop talking about it.
Don't lose faith. Or if you do, please don't stop writing about it.
VM Replies: Hey, thanks for finding us! Leaf fans never lose faith. It is our curse.
Posted by: d. | 01/26/2011 at 10:03 AM
Hey Othermark! Thanks for calling them "The Buds".I have not heard that for a while.Brings back good memories.
Posted by: TimB | 01/26/2011 at 10:25 AM
VM, I can do nothing but agree with any comment that includes "exceptional writing", and "best column about the Leafs". It has been truly a breath of fresh air to read a column that reflects the way I feel about our Leafs - frustrated, confused, disheartened, a little bitter, but never apathetic and always willing to laugh (well, what else can you do?).
Now, if you feel the way you do and live in the great city of Toronto, just imagine how your Leaf pride would suffer if you lived in Vancouver like I do.
Lonely is not the word.
VM Replies: Thanks for your kind words, Chris. We should start a Vancouver chapter of ALF B with you, TG77 and Boo-berry.
Hang in there.
Posted by: Chris | 01/26/2011 at 10:31 AM
What's that old saying, 'It's always darkest before the dawn?'
Not in Leafs Nation. It's always darkest before it gets darkest-er.
Gosh, I miss Dougie and The Cat. Can it rally be 18 years since the Great Almost of '93?
Posted by: Gman | 01/26/2011 at 10:32 AM
For all the heat he takes, I have to mention that Phaneuf has put together a string of 5-6 solid games in a row, and it seems to start with his physical play. He and Reimer were the only Leafs worth watching last night. I keep waiting for the name tag on Reimer's jersey to magically transform into 'Pogge' but it hasn't happened yet. I wonder how much longer it will be before he contracts Blue and White disease as well. How many games until the trade deadline now?
Posted by: TPiddy | 01/26/2011 at 10:35 AM
BLUE VAlENTINE?
As of February 1, the Leafs enter a pre-preliminary best of seven playoff round. In the first six games they will go up against teams below them in the standfings or teams they will need to climb over to reach the last spot reserved for Conference playoff squads. The seventh game will be the classic Toronto/Montreal contest. By Valentine's Day the Leafs, with their acquired points ( likely will need all 14) will hand their loving fans a RED or BLUE Valentine. If I received the one that is the same colour as their sweater ( less than the series win of 8 points), then it's "splitzville" 'til turkey time in October.
I'm loyal, but I need to think about my health too.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/26/2011 at 10:38 AM
It's funny after last night's loss, I came away from it with the following positives:
1) Reimer has emerged as a real goalie prospect for next year (but one must also be aware of the sophmore jinx, than he may stumble next year).
2) Our Pk over the past couple of games has emerged to have some scoring threath and bite to it. I think having Bozak, Brent, Brown, Freddie seems to be a really good mix.
3) Phanuef of old is coming back one thundering body check after another, I am confident as he finds his game, the scoring will return as well. Defense, I was told is one of the hardest positions to learn, so I am willing to give him more time.
4) Schenn, McArthur, Grabo, Kulemin, Brown, Bozak seem to be keepers for next season.
If anyone else has anymore observations and glimmers of hope for next year..Add on to my list...
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/26/2011 at 10:42 AM
Semsi-Bill ( re: 1:58 am ) ...Leafs Cup victories?
I've been around for 8, but technology ( when we finally got a TV) has allowed me to witness 4. The high school years and early university were a riot as a Leaf fan. I'm lucky enough to have flanked a "parade".
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/26/2011 at 10:44 AM
Ugh, why am I back here? I promised myself I wouldn't....
VM Replies: You can't stay away from us. In a way, we're like the Leafs!
Posted by: Alecia | 01/26/2011 at 10:45 AM
Please, someone, anyone....tell me why you invest so much emotional capital into such a fail organization.
We are not talking about some team with a proud winning tradition. We are talking about a team that has NEVER made it even to the finals in the past 43 years. Since expansion, they have NEVER won.
The youngest people who can realistically remember them winning a Cup are people in their mid/late 50's.
We are talking about two generations of people who have chosen to be a fan of this organization for reasons I cannot fathom. Hell, consider someone in their 20's. Their father might remember them being competitive and exciting, but the person in their 20's has no first hand knowledge.
Why would such a person chose to boost the MLSE money machine?
Cheer for Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal, anyone else. You have just as good a chance of getting tickets to their home games as a Laff game, and those teams will give you more gratification long-term.
Posted by: Hockey Fan, therefore by Definition Not a Leaf Fan | 01/26/2011 at 10:49 AM
Is it just me, or is this blog starting to feel like an AA meeting every morning just with better reading material and lemon squares?
Posted by: Simmer | 01/26/2011 at 10:59 AM
Perhaps if they were paid only for those periods when they showed up to play, that might make a difference... Or if MLSE had to refund a third of the ticket price to each person in attendance for each period the Leafs didn't show up for... even if it's an away game. (I thought of this while watching my own parents sitting half a dozen rows up behind Reimer last night.) It is infuriating when these guys show up for 20 minutes or 40 minutes of a 60-minute game. So tired of yelling "Too little, too late!" at my TV.
Posted by: Kolchak | 01/26/2011 at 11:08 AM
Great post as always, Vinay. I don't know how you do it.
Remember yesterday, when I commented that no one seems to notice Toronto is a killer of goalie careers?
Exhibit A: Last night's first period. Toronto net-minders never get the support they need, nay, deserve, from a team with as much priviledge as the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Reimer's a couple more lopsided periods away from either a) demanding a trade, b) demanding a raise, or c) demanding a whooooole lot of therapy.
*sigh*
Posted by: MAO239ca | 01/26/2011 at 11:19 AM
HFTBDNALF: Good post. I especially liked the part where you substituted Laff game for Leaf game. Very original. The next time you post perhaps you could work in the Make Me Laffs, or even better, the Make Believes. I never tire of reading those (half)witicisms.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/26/2011 at 11:32 AM
I see the "Hockey Fan" is advising us to "[c]heer for Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal, anyone else."
Vinay, isn't that logic like someone telling us "send a Mother's Day card to a supermodel, a desperate-looking homeless woman or the overbearing, annoying neighbour who really should not be dressing the way she does anymore, but for the love of God, don't send a Mother's Day card to your own mother because we all know she'll just keep on nagging you?"
Posted by: Sparky | 01/26/2011 at 11:39 AM
VM: Do you think BB or RW would write a guest blog to explain to the great unwashed masses (Leaf Nation) what the actual plan is or what it is they are trying to acomplish? Perhaps they can shed some light on why the team never seems to play a full 60 minutes, even if they happen to win. Maybe RW could explain to us fans who are far less knowledgeable why the PP/PK generally sucks.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/26/2011 at 11:46 AM
So Leaf fans. 33 games until next year. I am waiting with breathless anticipation the trades and signings we receive from the Burke.
It is finally the all-star break. Leaf fans can watch the dedicated, dare I say talented hockey players, play the game we love. It will be interesting to see what those players look like. Does anyone know how Kessel got the invite? It seems like a pity invite to me. Payback for Burke supporting NHL positions of late, me thinks. Grabbo and MacArthur seem far more deserving.
Ah, the glorious feelings of hope are returning. Next year if we are again at the bottom of the standings, we will have a first round draft pick that we can look forward to. Unless Burke trades it of course. Would we kill him if he does? I think we might. Just kidding lawyers, no threats here. Just artistic license.
So the season is over. I am a little sad, a little angry. All the crap about the recent games being the most important of the season, then they play like that. Reminds me of other pronouncements that were not to be believed. The check is in the mail, the Maple Leafs will compete for a playoff spot this year, don't worry honey I won't **** in your *****. All lies.
Is it just me or do we seem to care far more whether the Leafs win or lose, than a good number of the players do? If someone laid out my teammate with a questionable punch, I would rearrange his brain matter. I wouldn't ask him what he was doing. Or I would pound the crap out of one of his unsuspecting teammates. Our Leafs, nothing, not even anger.
Why are they never angry when they get beat, or beat up? They just take it. I hope this passive bunch of weenies get with the program by next October. You have to compete to win. In the alley or on the ice.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/26/2011 at 11:53 AM
Well said Waffles. I wonder if after the break will the Leafs go on a tear because the so-called pressure to make the playoffs is over, thereby giving us fans the "We're not mathematically eliminated yet!" stance, or will they continue to be up and down for the remainder of the season? Past history has shown it to be the former and I remember saying last March that if we could keep our core players we would have a better chance next year. Then look what happened...I guess we will have to wait and see if history repeats itself.
Cheers,
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/26/2011 at 12:31 PM
great idea hoofheartz - would love to hear from BB especially. what about it VM?
Posted by: palbo | 01/26/2011 at 12:32 PM
Nik, are you saying trade Kessel and Phaneuf since they are not on your keeper list? Interesting.
@Alecia, it is because you love us, admit it.You hopeless romantic.
Actually it is probably because this is the Leafs fans version of AA. There is an idea for a story Vinay. The 12 step program for Leafs fans.
Step1 - delusional optimism.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/26/2011 at 01:29 PM
I gave up on the leafs a long time ago! Our team sucks and the high ticket prices and regular losses makes watching the leafs get raped an unjustified way to spend my money.
Maybe we should watch the Marlies instead. The leafs are still years away from becoming a contender for the cup, I'll wait.
Posted by: Kevin C | 01/26/2011 at 01:49 PM
I'm glad I missed this one. At least it sounded like there was one positive from the game, and that was Mr. James Reimer. hopefully he gets a couple more games... I'd sure as heck like to get out of a lottery position!
Posted by: KWood19 | 01/26/2011 at 01:50 PM
@ Ken.....No I was mentioning the youth on this team, I should have included Phanuef and Kessel as well. But for all the doom and gloom there seems to be some bright lights going forward.
@we be leaf..If the team strings long a streak could shed some light on next year. The team as has been exploded and imploded and than some...So the current team needed time to gel, Phanuef seems to be showing signs of the old Phanuef...The grab line has been a bright spot all year.....
Reimer, may I say..Could be the real deal......With more pro experience who knows what this team may do. For Kessel, we need to find him a center...Once that happens this team could have some explosive offense next year.
With Kaberle going, and maybe beauchmin, so of the kids in the AHL like Lashoff. Aulie, Holzer could make the jump and turn things around.
We have waited 43 years...What is a couple more if that is what it takes?
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 01/26/2011 at 01:56 PM
Ken, I mentioned a 12 step program earlier this week. Maybe we can make it a collaborative effort. Your Step 1 seems to be an excellent start.
Step 2 - undeserved loyalty.
Anyone else?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/26/2011 at 02:00 PM
I do, I love everyone here and I love the damn Leafs. It’s a love/hate relationship.
There I said it. What's the next step? Do I need to stop sleeping in my jersery?
Posted by: Alecia | 01/26/2011 at 02:09 PM
I've got numbers 3 and 4
3. Take inventory of the team and jettison the dead weight, again.
4. Make amends to the fans. Lower beer prices, merchandise, anything actually.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/26/2011 at 02:28 PM
Phaneuff is throwing more big hits, which is great. but i'm finding that he's still slow and out of position a lot in the defensive zone.
what was with all the passing during the last minute of play? extra attacker....down by 2 goals...no shots? that's ridiculous.
and what's happened to Garbo the last few games? its like he's turned into the player he was at the beginning of the season.
i think the Leafs are the only team that can go on the road, win 3 out of 4 games against tougher better teams, and then automatically turn that into losing 6 out of the next 7. did they learn nothing???
Posted by: Chad | 01/26/2011 at 02:35 PM
You gotta tell me why this was such a melancholly post. Why be so caught up in the outcome of a meaninless game? The fact is, this team cannont possibly make the playoffs and therefore what we watch for is to see our young players develop. Phaneuf played another solid game. Kessel had six shots and looke dangerous. Bozak continued his solid play and of course, Riemer. Thats four reasons to be happy with the game, and really there were a lot of promising things from last nights game. Plus you gotta give it to Rolston, he absoulutey owns the Leafs. The scores from here on out are arbitrary. If we can watch our guys learn and gain experiance for the future, then the team will have done well.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/26/2011 at 02:40 PM
Heres a quote "Kessel going to the all star game because of -insert preposterous and absolutley asinine conspiricy theory here- and Grabbo and Mcarthur seem more deserving"
Now, can somebody please explain why those guys are more deserving than Kessel when they all have roughly the same goals and points , but with Kessel doing it alone AND facing the oppositions best Defensemen and Centre night in and night out? seems to me Kessel's points were twice as hard to come by, also, he is for the most part doing it alone.
I am not being sarcastic, I would really like to know why you think this.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/26/2011 at 02:46 PM
Hey OL, what exactly does Brian Rolston have to do with last nights game? Or Riemer, for that matter?. Sir your posts are by all accounts meaningless. Or as you would write meaninless. Scores that were indeed arbitrary would no doubt favour the boys in Blue and White. That way a moral victory would be helpful in the standings.
Sorry Hoof, beat you to it this time. haha
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/26/2011 at 02:54 PM
@OL Grabbo and MacArthur are more deserving of an all-star nod because they, unlike Kessel, are not in the bottom ten of the leagues plus/minus stats. I think that is a legitimate reason to prefer their inclusion over Kessel, since as you point out their point totals are similar.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/26/2011 at 02:59 PM
@OL Last thing before I go attend to other business. Your arguments would have more weight if you could spell, or properly use your devices' spell check feature.
I'll even help you one time, conspiracy. There you go emu petter.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 01/26/2011 at 03:02 PM
@hoofheartz and palbo: Sorry for the delayed reply. I had a lunch meeting and can't attach notes to comments on my stupid iPhone. To answer your question: My guess is both BB and RW would not be interested in writing a guest post. But it never hurts to ask, which I will do.
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 01/26/2011 at 03:33 PM
@OL... Garbo and MacArthur over Kessel because too often Kessel floats in a bubble. He simply waits for someone to feed him the puck and when near an opponent with the puck he'll usually stay a stick length away from him. I'll give him credit for coming back to defensive zone to hang out.
Keep Kessel, but he hasn't earned his four star rating yet. He still needs to play a complete game.
Posted by: leafland'r | 01/26/2011 at 03:49 PM
True story: Last week a Habs fan asked me out. I said no. Then about a day later, a Canucks fan asked me out. I said yes. Because he cheers for a team that actually has a hope in hell of winning a cup. Maybe time for you to ditch that zero and get with a hero, HFTBDNALF. Have a lovely day.
Guys, show some respect. Ostrich Lover is clearly the online presence of Don Cherry. Smarten up!!
VM Replies: I hope I never do anything to annoy you.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 01/26/2011 at 04:13 PM
Come on Boo Who Don Cherry can't express two consecutive thoughts.
Posted by: Robert | 01/26/2011 at 04:47 PM
Robert, doesn't that sound like OL as well?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/26/2011 at 04:55 PM
OL.....why does everyone have to just sit back and accept everything as meaningless and part of a bigger "development?" I've been told numerous times on this papers website by Leaf enthusiasts before the season began that this team already has the best 6-Deep blue-line. That the tandem of Giguere and the Monster were top 5 in the league......that Kessel has 60 goal potential.....more truculence than I know what to do with.......etc, etc.......what's changed?
Posted by: nugentmania | 01/26/2011 at 05:17 PM
So sick of hearing about Kessels plus/Minus. Its even more lame than attacking a guy for his spelling on the internet. Unless you understand that that statistic is meaningless without context I dont think you could consider yourself a knowledgable hockey fan.
Here is some context for you: Kessel has a bad plus minus but plays the most minutes on a team that loses most of its games. Therefore it is almost impossible for him to be a plus player. Add to that the fact that often times he is lined up against the top scoring lines of the other team and also the right winger has the least defensive responsibility on the team. There are four other guys on the ice, the defense is consitantly bad and the team has no defensive system to speak of.
Oh and the goalies suck.
In conclusion, Kessels plus minus stats mean nothing.
BTW there are a few knowledgable posters here, and none of them have ever said one word against the Ostrich Lover. I am sure Hoofheartz and Waffles are decent fans, but guys, if you have ever say one mature interesting thing, I must have missed it. Spelling? Come on dude, you clearly have run out of ways to hate on the Kessel trade.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/26/2011 at 08:03 PM
Vinay: KD Lang? Seriously? You could have went with Leonard coen. You could have went with Jeff Buckley. You went KD LANG. I am a bit scared.
VM Replies: Oh, man. If nothing else, I thought you were with me on the musical selections here.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/26/2011 at 09:50 PM
Vin.
C'mon, what more proof do you need that you made the right choice, than having OL disagree with your choice? (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/27/2011 at 02:11 AM
@ Ostich Lovr
You cant tell me that a posster dusnt loose credability when they show they cant spell proparly.
I no the readers opinnion automatacly drops when they see such poorly spelt words.
Peraps its not write, but they see it as a commbonation of sloppiniss and laziniss.
Now if the persson just had never gotten an educasion, it would b unkind to corect them. But when the persson uses big words some of them spelt rightly, then its usualy a sign that they couldnot be botherd trying to get things write.
And if they clame their doing it on purposs as a joke just to anoy people, they are'nt foolling any won.
So its not laim for people to corect them. Its laim for people to not at leest try to get the words write in the furst place.
Hope this helps you in sum way.
(BTW, yesterday I saw someone refer to the sophomore jinx as the "soft-more" jinx. I guess I'd give them some marks for effort but the word sophomore turns up here fairly often in reference to the so-called second-year jinx and if they really didn't know how to spell it, they should educate themselves, and save themselves some embarrassment by simply taking a moment to look it up.
And if one doesn't have a dictionary next to their computer, there are plenty of dictionaries online --- including www.dictionary.com.)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/27/2011 at 03:04 AM
Let me guess OL, all the experts say that the right winger has the least amount of defensive responsibility on the team? Are you kidding me? I know I called you an idiot savant the other day but clearly you are no savant of any sort. BTW, what type of a gang would name one of their members Ostrich Lover, except a bunch of pissed off ornithologists. Hope my old gang of cat lovers never has to take them on. BTW, my gang name was Pussy Galore, but it isn't something I'm proud of.
VM Replies: You're not allowed to make me laugh at 6:22 a.m. when I'm frantically trying to finish a non-Leafs story.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 06:14 AM
Love the blog---thanks. I have a comment not directly related to the post, but closely related to the general theme of Leaf dysfunctionality. I try to watch all games live, but frequently have conflicts that prevent watching in real time. Thankfully, the game-in-an-hour broadcast on LeafsTV runs several times the following day (sometimes the entire game is re-broadcast). Starting about a month ago, the wise powers that be that run Leafs TV decided to put a scrolling information bar at the bottom of the screen announcing, over and over and over again, the final score of the game in question!!!???!!! Worse, they actually freeze the bar so that viewers have all the time in the world to gaze at the final score of the game they are currently in the middle of watching. If one's eye wanders, even for a fraction of a second, during the game, all suspense is ruined. How can they announce the results of a game currently being broadcast? No one should have to explain the idiocy of that decision. I've written to LeafsTV about this, more than once, but they don't reply. I was wondering if you might be willing or able to use your much admired pulpit here to shame those fools into witholding the final score until the rebroadcast is actually over. Your blog is already a force for good at the emotional level, but by helping me shame them, it could be yet more!!!
VM Replies: A public shaming? Let me see what I can do.
Posted by: Mark Jurdjevic | 01/27/2011 at 09:50 AM
Good luck with the public shaming VM. If it works maybe you can try it on OL.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 10:44 AM
Vinnay: Re music. Youre selections are usually pretty good. I have been listening to Beach House non-stop since your reccomendation..
As to the right winger having the least amount of defensive responsibility: That is a fact. It is indisputable, and if you have ever played hockey you would know this. Think about it: The goalie, centre and defenseman obviously have more. That leaves it between the two wingers and the Left winger lines up against the right winger. Unless you are playing Washington or New Jersey, 90% of scoring wingers are right wingers therefore, the right winger has the least defensive responsibility.
And it is also indisputable that plus/minus is a useless stat. Just ask Don Cherry.
To the guy watching Leafs TV game in a hour: Get a PVR dude, Rogers will give you a free one if you aks nicely.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 10:57 AM
For Pete's sake if Leaf's TV aren't ashamed of their friggin' broadcast with Screaming Joe Bowan (hahahahahahahahaha!) and dull Greg Millen (and I mean dull) and the exciting pre game and post game babble of Paul Hendricks, something like posting the final score of the game they are replaying will go straight over their heads!
VM Replies: You make a good point, Robert.
Posted by: Robert | 01/27/2011 at 11:13 AM
I have to say I really like Gustavsson. He may be struggling but he sure says the right things. Even though Reimer looks like the real deal right now I would not right Gustavo off just yet. This could be one of those situations that if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger.
Oh and Ostrich Lover, you would not be so sick of hear about Kessels plus/minus if that number were a plus.
Happy allstar break everybody!
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/27/2011 at 11:54 AM
I don't know how to respond to your post OL. It's just so stupid that I'm left speechless. Please tell me old noble and wise one at what level of hockey did or do you play where defence isn't everyones responsibility to the same degree?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 03:09 PM
We were at the game! Along with drenched but enthusiastic Leaf fans.
There was an ominous omen...it was raining with bolts of lightning.
I jumped up and down in the stands...just 8 seats up...waving a huge, furry Leaf blanket during the warm up skate. Would you youngster millionaires notice that we had paid for the privilege of seeing them skate?
The usual story...1st period...we shot ourselves in the foot by being in the penalty box. Second and Third periods gave us a little hope, but the same-o result, a loss.
Brian, do something!
Posted by: Pauline and Trish | 01/27/2011 at 03:13 PM