The NHL and Stan Lee: Do they hate the Leafs?
How's your vacation going so far? Me, I feel so relaxed after only one day. I can barely remember the 624 missed shots that have taken 1,937 days off my life this season.
And yet, strangely, I also miss those magnificent Leaf bastards.
I know, right? It's an illness. We are all sick in the head.
Anyhow.
You've no doubt heard about this Guardian Project, to be officially unveiled at the All-Star Game this weekend. And you've no doubt thought: Why is a professional sports league collaborating with the creator of Spider-Man to produce a new series of superheroes based on NHL teams but not set in the world of hockey?
Like spam, New Coke, flying cars or Paula Abdul, the Guardian Project just doesn't make much sense. But now that most of the Guardians have been revealed, there is another question we should be asking here in Toronto: Do the NHL and Stan Lee hate the Leafs?
Have we Leaf fans not suffered enough this season? The acute depression caused by losing streaks? The failed comebacks? The ever-shrinking speck along the horizon that is the eighth and final playoff spot? Dion Phaneuf's shooting accuracy?
Is all of this not enough? Now we have to be the laughingstock in a make-believe world?
Look at the other Guardians.
The Avalanche is shooting ice bolts from his fingertips. The Flame is melting enemies with fire surging from his eye sockets. The Bruin has grizzly fangs and the head of a bear, which can only mean he was loosely based on Zdeno Chára.
The Red Wing has "wings that resemble an F-14 fighter jet" and the power to "telekinetically manipulate anything mechanical." The Panther has "razor sharp gold tipped claws that can slash through 6-inch thick metal walls." The Blackhawk has "six wing blades that when deployed extend from his body and allow him to fly like a human dragonfly."
Now look at our Guardian. Look at that monstrosity!
NHL? Stan Lee? Really?
All the other Guardians have ferocious features and dazzling superpowers and you turned us into a... tree?
And don't even try to tell me this is because we are the "Leafs," okay? The Penguin has human legs! The Shark can breathe on land! The Panther walks upright!
Oh, and I bet they're all just thrilled to be fighting evil alongside The Maple Leaf, what with his immobile trunk-legs and gnarly deformities and terrifying photosynthesis.
The other Guardians have sleek metallic torsos and bulging muscles. Our Guardian is "composed entirely of wood." The other Guardians strike menacing poses. Our Guardian looks like he's waiting for a bus, a bus that only picks up harmless tree people with beach ball faces.
The other Guardians fire laser beams or manipulate the weather or ride tsunamis and futuristic motorcycles. Our Guardian plans to obliterate dark forces with "sticky sap bombs" and his ability to "communicate with the plant world."
How is our Guardian supposed to believe in himself when he can be felled by an errant cigarette butt or Asian longhorn beetle or frigging Woody Woodpecker?
I mean, honestly.
We have enough to worry about with our team. Now we have to deal with fans of other teams posting pictures to Google and claiming this is our Guardian? Now we face ridicule for our win-loss record and our superhero?
Shame on you, NHL. And shame on you, Stan Lee.
We Leaf fans deserved better.
Well, the immobile trunk legs could represent some of the Leaf defence. Aw, I'm only kidding. Like Alecia, I think I am going to try and stay away from this until my fingers unfreeze - or perhaps until Kessel scores the winning goal in overtime!
Yeah, that's it.
Alecia, does it really feel better when you stay away for a while? I little like when you stop beating your head against the wall? Although, with OL an HH and some of the other wits, it is fun to hang around isn't it?
VM Replies: You can't leave! Not now.
Posted by: Robert | 01/27/2011 at 12:45 PM
Not too mention the stab at leaf fans with the superpower of "MASS MANIPULATION", is this any mass or just masses of Fans..?????
VM Replies: Good question.
Posted by: Charlie | 01/27/2011 at 01:00 PM
They shoulda just made him a giant Leaf with legs and a mouth .....his power would be that when its windy, he blows around. Actually, like the team he represents, he would just blow in general.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 01:00 PM
Maybe he can summon some of those giant California Redwoods??? Sigh......
Posted by: Darren | 01/27/2011 at 01:03 PM
I was quite pleasantly surprised the other day to find out there are quite a few people posting on this blog that are a bit older. I have been following the Leafs for a long time and I actually recall them winning the SC. Given what has transpired since, I doubt I will be around to witness that again.
During the 70s I worked for the company that owned “Hockey Night In Canada” and I went to many games in the old MLG. The team won no SC during those years but some players were really worth watching. I am still not sure whether I liked Sittler or Salming better but those are only two names from a substantial group of players that regularly put on a show. Player salaries were a lot lower than today; I remember Salming getting a raise so he would make $60,000/year. I know the dollar is worth less today but how many people now get 50 to 75 times what they could have earned then. Maybe there was something else motivating the players. (honour; a good coach; take your pick).
Slowly but surely Harold Ballard destroyed that team and by the time the 80s came along, there was not much left. It was not until Ballard died and the subsequent arrival of Fletcher, Burns, Gilmour and Andreychuk that we could speak of a team renaissance. They fell just short but it was at least very exciting.
Since the start of this century, things have gotten as bad as during the 80s, if not worse. I had therefore high hopes when Brian Burke was hired to built the team from scratch. I now live near Washington DC and I admired the way the Capitals management blew up the team and started with a blank slate. It can be done.
I did not remain hopeful for long once BB took control. A lot of bluster, blarney and bs was what we got. When he went to the draft the first time he told us he was going to find a way to get Tavares, the number 1 draft pick. Well he didn’t and all of a sudden first round draft picks were not very important anymore and he gave away two for a player who has disappointed ever since.
What bothers me most is BlusterBoy’s lack of judgement when it comes to hockey talent. Maybe he is very good with cap issues and contracts but I would watch the games if there was at least a decent quality of play. When we look at the performance of high profile (read high salary) players such as Giguerre, Komisarik, Beauchemin, Phaneuf, Verkerk and Kessel, we see the reason for this trainwreck of a season. These guys sometimes turn it on and then they win a game but most of the time they coast ore make boneheaded plays. The only players acquired by BlusterBoy that provide value for money are the cheapies, MacArthur, Armstrong, Brent, Brown, Sjostrom and Aulie. Orr is an embarrassment; his fights – win or lose – don’t add any value. BlusterBoy went out and recruited Lebda to take the place of Kaberle in case he was going to be traded last summer; some replacement, some judgement. The longer this sad story lasts, the more it looks like the second coming of Pal Hal. I know, Ballard was the owner and not the GM but he ran the team and the GM just did what he was told. We’re back in the 80s boys and girls, like it or not.
To state that this team is a good forward away from being competitive is nonsense. There are a lot of young players that are in need of high quality role models and not of the veteran players who often just mail it in that are now on the team. There is still a need for an overhaul but that should now include most if not all of the high priced players BB brought in.
I am sad and cynical and that, I assume is the perpetual fate of anyone who cares about this club (unless s/he is willing to stick our heads in the sand and believe everything is just peachy).
Posted by: pinot grigio | 01/27/2011 at 01:13 PM
I can't wait for the toy doll to come out! Why is he wearing number 6?
VM Replies: Another good question. Anybody know?
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 01/27/2011 at 01:19 PM
Re: Why is he wearing number 6?
Just a guess, but it could be that the Leafs are an Original 6 team? Or, more cynically, the number of seasons in row that they will have missed the playoffs at the end of this season?
VM Replies: Good one! Kind of heartbreaking, but good.
Posted by: Carlos | 01/27/2011 at 01:42 PM
6 represent the number of games in between wins. One can only assume.
VM Replies: There's no way this is the real Ostrich Lover. Reveal yourself! Don't make me contact the authorities.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 01:42 PM
I don't know Vinay, I thought it was fitting. Our guardian has the power to mass manipulate 19,000 fans into paying upwards of $300 a ticket to watch a struggling team who shows up only half the time.
And they definately throw bombs at us saps all the time!
VM Replies: Oh, man. This is going to be my favourite comment thread of the season. I can feel it.
Posted by: Simmer | 01/27/2011 at 01:43 PM
VM: I can't make you laugh at 6:12 AM when you're struggling to meet a deadline but it's ok for you to make me LOL, in the middle of the work day, in front of my peers and superiors? Easily your funniest blog yet.
VM Replies: So now we're even, hoofheartz.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 01:54 PM
6 is a retired number though! Ace Bailey would be spinning in his grave. Which is made of wood one must assume, so perhaps the Maple Leaf can summon wood coffins too? While we're at it, hordes of wicker and rocking chairs coming over the hills would be a little scary as well.
VM Replies: Actually, that is kind of an unsettling mental image.
Posted by: Brian K | 01/27/2011 at 02:00 PM
As a character, without the leafs connection, it's actually a pretty cool design. With the Leafs reference its god awful terrible and so is the team. The real character they should have gone with is the Ron Wilsonator - he can freeze you in your tracks with his ability to not care about anything at all, standing motionless in a tie that is too thin and too blue for any ones good - does there beat the heart of a man beneath it? No one knows. Just listen in the wind for his trademark call "Let's go boys!" after his superhero team has surrendered something or other. TEAM RON RON! GAHHHHHH!
Posted by: bill the one eyed monkey | 01/27/2011 at 02:07 PM
who cares. it's just another one of Bettman's cheesy manipulative marketing ploys to get more American citizens to buy into the NHL. i bet it lasts as long as that stupid blue puck, red puck garbage from the mid-90's. what a joke!
VM Replies: Good point.
Posted by: Chad | 01/27/2011 at 02:13 PM
Also, ours and Philly are the only cool ones from a design point of view. I'm being serious. The rest are cookie cutter or silly.
Posted by: bill the one eyed monkey | 01/27/2011 at 02:14 PM
If the NHL knew anything about the history of the Leafs, our "Guardian" would be Conn Smythe himself, decked out in the uniform of the First Canadian Division, with a maple leaf on his shoulder and pistol in hand.
Posted by: Brian | 01/27/2011 at 02:15 PM
The number six is for Ace Bailey; quite fitting considering the story of how the All-Star game came to be.
VM Replies: Thanks for the info, Brian.
Posted by: Brian | 01/27/2011 at 02:19 PM
Yet again I am doubled over in laughter with tears streaming from my eyes. Seems your vacation is going well. Your wit is just over the top today. This has to be your funniest post yet. Keep it up!
VM Replies: Thanks, Sue.
Posted by: Sue | 01/27/2011 at 02:20 PM
I dig the character design, it reminds me of the swamp thing.
Posted by: soulpimp | 01/27/2011 at 02:27 PM
Hey Pinot! If you are still around,I too get the feeling we could be entering another Dark Ages.I was rooting for Bowman to land,but we had to F that up too.I do not have faith in BB either.Why would anyone think Brad Richards,or anyone for that matter, wants anything to do with this group?Today I watched the old 1964 Bobby Baun game six with the Wings.Before the NHL became a huge pile of sh........marketing.I really hope we are wrong.
Posted by: TimB | 01/27/2011 at 02:54 PM
Well I'm a little bitter too... BUT at least we don't have the super power "matter ingestion" like the Predators! If that is a super power then congratulations everyone! We ALL have superpowers now!
Posted by: Lindsay | 01/27/2011 at 02:55 PM
OH it is the real OStrich Lover allright. I may be super optimistic about the future of my team, but that doesnt mean I can laught about them. Hmmmm the Allstar break and losing steak seems like a great time for a guest blog defending Brian Burke - even though it is sure to break the internet!!!
VM Replies: I have not forgot about your guest blog. But, remember, hoofheartz must give his blessing on this. And you guys keep fighting, so I don't know what to do.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 02:57 PM
I also want to say that I am not illiterate. I just cant type with any speed on these baby tiny keyboards.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 02:58 PM
Wait a sec... I get it. This particular hero is rendered helpless if there's a drought.
Posted by: Brian | 01/27/2011 at 03:01 PM
Come on, look at the "Canuck", what the hell kind of superpower is "environmental empathy"
VM Replies: Are you trying to tell me Al Gore does not have superpowers? Because I've seen him go 45 minutes without blinking.
Posted by: James | 01/27/2011 at 03:03 PM
Funny thing about the Leaf Guardian, if you cut him in half you'll see no new rings since 1967.
VM Replies: Oh, snap!
Posted by: Andrew | 01/27/2011 at 03:09 PM
The Maple Leaf does have a toned torso just like the others, it's kind of hidden by the arm.
If you look at it this way, the The Maple Leaf is sort of like those trees in The Lord of the Rings. It'll be hard to be blown or washed away.
Since The Maple Leaf can grow to any size, it can crush its opponent with a step. The limbs can grow and perhaps even be used as a sharp object, think of a splinter, but BIGGER....
I don't know.. I'm trying to make The Maple Leaf sound more menacing....
VM Replies: Holy hell. Are you The Maple Leaf? Is that what's happening right now? Am I approving a comment by The Maple Leaf?
Posted by: B | 01/27/2011 at 03:15 PM
I full expect "The Canadian" to be either Bob or Doug MacKenzie
Posted by: Simmer | 01/27/2011 at 03:19 PM
This particular super hero over powers its foe by losing leafs. Ouch that hurts!
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/27/2011 at 03:33 PM
in reply to TimB:
The dark ages descended upon this team several years ago, and there just is no light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, Bowman would have been great or Yzerman (look at what he has done in TB). People that have a solid foundation in the game and don't shoot off their mouth at any and all occasion. How quotable are those two guys? Can't think of anything they ever said that stuck but they both have a long list of achievements.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 01/27/2011 at 03:34 PM
I admit to laughing when I saw this, especially when contrasted with the Canadien, who apparently is: "a ladies' man, culturally refined and quite simply the best at everything he's ever attempted. He expects to win in everything he does and the other Guardians love and respect him." Poor Leafs, can't get any respect.
Posted by: Jules | 01/27/2011 at 03:38 PM
I agree with "soulpimp" in regards to how it brings images of the swamp thing to mind.
As well "bill the one eyed monkey" (...too easy) is correct in saying most of the other guardians are completely stale or cookie cutter. Its very obvious Stan Lee borrowed heavily from his earlier character designs. That being said the Maple Leaf actually is pretty unique as well as kind of bad ass, i wont lie, it has grown (no pun intended) on me.
Just a nerdy thought to end on:
The leafs powers actually make it one of the more menacing guardians. The ability to grow larger allows it to remain invulnerable to even its greatest threat, the flame!. In theory it could just expand outward exponentially as a flat plane then wrap around its enemy as a sphere and join at all points. Essentially depriving the flame of oxygen and snuffing it out, plus crushing it as well I would imagine. yes i know.... I just went there and took you with me.
Cheque from Stan Lee and the NHL please!! (cue from Colbert)
Cheers!
VM Replies: Wow. Nice to have you with us.
Posted by: MrE | 01/27/2011 at 03:57 PM
Okay, I'll give this a try:
He had some better superpowers he was developing but he traded them to the Bruin for Phil Kessel.
-
His biggest weakness is thrown waffles.
-
He doesn't accomplish much, but he still makes the most paper.
-
When this tree falls in a forest it doesn't make a sound. Not because there is no one there to hear it, but because everyone there is corporate and not really paying much attention.
VM Replies: Harsh. But hilarious!
Posted by: The J | 01/27/2011 at 03:59 PM
Wallopin' Websnappers!! It's obviously a throwback to Mark "Trees" LaForest, another name in a long list of Leafs who "starred" for the team briefly in the 80s. Those trunks on that cartoon character look a lot like the 80s' style goalie pads, so I feel I am bang on with this assessment.
Speaking of actual bang-on assessments, Pinot Grigio's "guest blog" above made several very pertinent points relating to this franchise's recent and not-so recent history, Burke blathering on that he was going to get Tavares, Burke blathering on about he was going to sign the Sedin boys, Burke boldly stating this team was going to be known for its truck drivers....I mean truculence.
Well, we're still waiting,
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/27/2011 at 04:01 PM
(Starts with 'B' and rhymes with 'owner'. Read the description again, and tell me that's not what our friend Trunk really is.) Why couldn't they have gone with a killer polar bear or something? Super Carlton. He can fire devastating rounds of t-shirts from a special cannon and snuggle enemies to death with his ferocious bear-hug. That would have still been cooler than Homer the B---- Tree.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 01/27/2011 at 04:10 PM
I don't mind it. I just wish the face didn't look like a Ninja Turtle.
Posted by: Corvo | 01/27/2011 at 04:13 PM
As if it says Mass Manipulation on the logo, Do you think that has anything to do with the branding? I mean really that is wht they do without any superheroes isn't it?
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 01/27/2011 at 04:22 PM
I guess The Maple Leaf is the Aquaman of The Guardians.
Posted by: Cameron | 01/27/2011 at 04:29 PM
@Pinot grigio
Welcome fellow old timer (said with much respect).
And thank you for a well-presented historical overview.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/27/2011 at 04:29 PM
Re. The Maple Leaf
I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, but trying to maple syrup coat things doesn't alter the basic fact that THIS Maple Leaf is a real sap.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/27/2011 at 04:33 PM
I hear you 80s Leafs.Speaking of blathering,how about Ken Dryden?Guess I can stop waiting for his promises to show up.We are so hooped!....must....keep....faith......
Posted by: TimB | 01/27/2011 at 04:35 PM
I do not think it is fair that I require Hoofheartz blessing. Even when I make good points the guy just hates on me. I have even refrained from mocking him in the hopes of earning points for good behaviour. But come on, HIM authorizing me? That is like saying that Barry Melrose has to give Brian Burke his blessing before he can make a trade.
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/27/2011 at 04:42 PM
Every one hates the leafs and Toronto... Deal with it.
Posted by: keep it real | 01/27/2011 at 04:43 PM
I can only assume that if the Guardian's were developed to stop true evil then they are obviously here to rid us of Gary Bettman and how bad can that be?
VM: by all means lets see a guest post by OL, unedited of course, so he can further entertain us.
VM Replies: Sounds like you just received your approval, Ostrich Lover. But, hoof, I do have to edit all guest posts.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 04:44 PM
wow. the NHL has serious attendance problems in a number of markets, the quality of play is declining, the officiating needs serious restructuring (though they won't admit it), there are upcoming CBA negotiations to think about, and they are largely considered a laughingstock in their beloved USA... and this.. THIS???... is supposed to be a positive thing??
Earth to Bettman: you're a HOCKEY league. Make sure the HOCKEY is an amazing product. Sell the league in those backwater US markets based on the merits of how good your HOCKEY is... you know, the actual on-ice product that your league wouldn't exist without? Why are you wasting your money and my time on this garbage???
ps I'm not a Leafs fan but sheesh... you guys deserved better.
Posted by: S.Cle | 01/27/2011 at 05:00 PM
Ok by me VM. I'm sure there will be enough off the wall proclamations from OL that will keep me entertained for a while and with you editing they'll at least be coherent.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 05:01 PM
If my opinion pulled any weight on this blog,I'm just saying,I'm good with the wisdom of hoofheartz deciding guest blogs.I'm sure McKenna's would have never seen the light of day.
VM Replies: I'm sorry.
Posted by: TimB | 01/27/2011 at 05:02 PM
BTW OL, I don't hate you, I pity you.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 05:05 PM
the Guardian kick Sauman's butt in Lord of the Rings.
Posted by: Jon Yeh | 01/27/2011 at 05:06 PM
Frank's blog sure didn't give us much to discuss or even argue about. I'm kind of looking forward to OL's guest blog to change all that.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/27/2011 at 05:24 PM
Regeneration isn't bad and he can talk to plants...take that Wolverine! I was rolling around in my cubicle laughing at "Mass Manipulation"...hahahaha...
Posted by: Jamieson | 01/27/2011 at 05:28 PM
The Number 6 is on all Guardians who were the Original Six teams.
VM Replies: Thank you, Jill.
Posted by: Jill | 01/27/2011 at 05:54 PM
You actually think those other superheroes are cool? o_O;; The art is like the revenge of Leifeld, and the descriptions are like something out of grade school recess. "WELL MY GUY HAS TITANIUM CLAWS AND HE CAN SPIT RADIOACTIVE PLASMA!" "OH YEAH MY GUY CAN SHOOT FIRE OUT OF HIS EYES AND ARMS AND HE HAS FLAMING WINGS AND FIRE STAMPEDES!"
>_>
It's just like the NHL to team up with another entity in Lee that's fading into obscurity in America too (plus an industry and genre that's in serious danger also) xD As if Mosaic and Condor didn't prove he's lost the touch...
on the other hand, there is a really neat story involving animals fighting back against humans in this thing if you look at how many animal heroes the StaNHLee verse has xD it would also explain how the Oiler is supposed to be a superhero xD HE FIGHTS FOR THE CANADIAN NORTH BY SPRAYING OIL!
Oh, and as for why being a giant immovable object makes sense... I think we all know that the Leafs have been going nowhere for 40 years xD
Posted by: Ami Angelwings | 01/27/2011 at 06:02 PM
I am actually surprised the release of the Leafs Guardian today is even garnering any attention after yesterday's fantabulous headline in the Star that said...wait for it...JOHN MITCHELL IS NEARING A RETURN TO THE LINEUP!!!
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/27/2011 at 06:28 PM
Robert... I am here.
Did anyone expect anything different from "the Maple Leaf"? Well, at least we know he is going to outlast the other teams.... trees live longer than sharks and penguins right?
VM Replies: Stop threatening to leave. You're freaking everybody out. *Embrace* the melodrama!
Posted by: Alecia | 01/27/2011 at 07:53 PM
typical clueless leaf fan . . .why is he wearing number 6?!?!?! I'll take a wild stab and say it has to do with Toronto being an original 6 team. As for him being a tree, well what else do you want your symbol is a leaf.
Posted by: Hab Nation | 01/27/2011 at 08:17 PM
did anybody read or watch the 'The Lord of The Rings'? when trees get together they can kick ass.
Posted by: Nuno | 01/27/2011 at 08:33 PM
I have no problem with having the Alan Moore-era SWAMP THING http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp_Thing as our Guardian. He's one with the Green - which must be a representation of all the money we fork out to MLSE. ;-) You wanna see how cool this guy can be? Pick up some back issues.
Seriously, though, this is easily in the Top 5 for cool out of this cast of knock-offs and jokers. Certainly Top 2 among the Canadian teams. The Oiler? The CANUCK? Please.
Posted by: Ohio Jones | 01/27/2011 at 08:35 PM
the sap bombs must be for the waffles
Posted by: KL | 01/27/2011 at 09:47 PM
Good news, they just released the Duck. Apparently Stan Lee also hates Anaheim.
Posted by: Alecia | 01/27/2011 at 09:58 PM
Actually, I think the 6 may represent being an original 6 as originally suggested. Montreal, Boston, NY Rangers and Chicago all have 6s as well. It's oddly missing from the Detroit Guardian though, at least in the posted version.
Posted by: barberofcivil | 01/27/2011 at 10:35 PM
Leaf fans deserve better than this... thing? Why? You yourself said that suffering from leaf withdrawal is an illness. Oh well, at least the hockey being played during the All-Star break will be an improvement over what leaf nation is used to seeing.
Posted by: Bob | 01/27/2011 at 10:43 PM
Does anyone else think that at the very beginning, a Monster Truck voice over should say "The People that brought Chaka Khan to the NHL Awards Assembly proudly present: Gaurdians"
Posted by: Ostrich Lover | 01/28/2011 at 01:13 AM
Great news gang.
The Leafs did NOT get blown out of the rink tonight.
In fact they didn't even lose a close one.
Let's hope the Leafs have at least a couple more no-defeat nights in them.
I know. You never know with these guys but I'm hoping they can get through a Saturday night without shaming themselves or their fans. (fingers crossed)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/28/2011 at 03:56 AM
I see that when asked on TSN tonight by The Duthie who they figured was most likely to be chosen first when the All-Star captains pick sides, both Pierre and Bobby McK said Stamkos.
With Sid out, I can't disagree with them.
They were also unanimous when asked who they felt would be most likely to be picked last. They both chose Kessel.
Once more, I couldn't disagree with them, even if the game seems well suited to one-dimensional offensive players.
What I am curious to see is if Kessel is indeed picked last, will those who routinely knock Kessel suddenly cry foul, simply because he's the only Leaf player in the All-Star game?
BTW, Pierre and Bob noted that not only is Kessel also being projected as the last pick in most other All-Star "Fantasy Drafts," but many have gone on to question whether he should even be there, given that Grabovsky is obviously having a better season, so far.
Food for thought or possible source of indigestion?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 01/28/2011 at 04:10 AM
I see OL made reference to Chaka Khan above. He should get some kind of prize for that! If he can work the Pointer Sisters, or Chico Debarge, into his next post, he definitely should get a guest spot here.
Chico Debarge would definitely get picked after Kessel, there's no way Pierre McGuire could disagree (unless he has all Chico's albums at home).
VM Replies: I am editing OL's guest post right now. Plan is to put it up later this morning, around 10ish.
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 01/28/2011 at 06:20 AM
Hab Nation @8:17 starts off with "clueless leaf fan" and yet the best he could do for a name is Hab Nation. Couldn't you have used le Hab Nation to show the least little bit of originality?
Sensi-Bill @3:56. Remember my friend, people who live in glass houses etc, etc. The same can also be said about the Sens, can't it?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/28/2011 at 06:27 AM
I think this super hero is pretty cool... He uses the power of nature to Pummel his enemys. He beats people up with his Wooden Clubs... sorta like all the Slashing Penalties we have taken...hes an imovable object sorta like Colton Orr and Phanuef...And he can grow all his wood as big as he wants...Comon he probably gets all the girls...Sorry Vinay I disagree I think Stan Lee was right on the money with this one.... And what are the Islanders? A giant Land mass with alot of angry drivers that will rob you when you get to close?
Posted by: A True Leafs Fan | 01/28/2011 at 07:44 AM
It's not like there was much to work with using a Maple Leaf. A leaf from a tree!
Posted by: Sammigami | 01/28/2011 at 08:34 AM
WHat other kind of character do you expect to make from a Maple Leaf? It wouldn't be my top choice to use as a basis for a super hero, so either the other teams are worse than Maple Leaf, or the NHL insisted that the Toronto market needed to be included. What exactly does the writer have against trees? Maybe they should try and be a little more positive and not trying to find problems or complain about everything.
Posted by: Chris | 01/28/2011 at 08:43 AM
Can't wait to see "the Islander".....
Posted by: Alecia | 01/28/2011 at 09:02 AM
@Sammigami Um, perhaps your unimaginative, but a tree character can look much better that. If penguins and oilers can be completely human, why can't a leaf or a tree. Sorry but designing a character that looks like a stump is a pretty lame idea.
Posted by: Dex | 01/28/2011 at 09:29 AM
Why couldn't the actual Maple Leaf Regiment which was the basis for the team name be somehow incorporated? Perhaps the creator of the character wasn't aware of the history behind the name.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 01/28/2011 at 10:31 AM
dear god just shut up. what a conmplete waste of an article, and the time it tok to read it.
Posted by: Craig | 01/28/2011 at 10:45 AM
The 'Sap bombs' are key when it comes to fighting his arch-enemy - The Waffle-ator
Posted by: sob | 01/28/2011 at 10:48 AM
Looking at his powers, he seems a lot like Collossus, who was one of the leaders o the X-men, so that's not terribly bad.
Actually, a lot of them seem based on earlier Marvel archtypes. The Canadien is pretty much Iron Man (with a bit of Rogue thrown in) and the Canuck is the spitting image of Aquaman.
Posted by: Thane | 01/28/2011 at 12:08 PM
@Chris, the writer has a name. I find it hypocritical for a complainer to complain about complainers.
Posted by: Rooney | 01/28/2011 at 03:53 PM
Question for why #6 - just taking a guess that it relates to being an original 6 team...
Posted by: Ange | 01/29/2011 at 12:05 AM
I think it's perfect. Maple Leaf is a giant (as organization), but cannot move.
Posted by: Paul | 04/06/2011 at 10:53 AM