Game 55: When a loss is a step in the right direction

"Niagara Falls continues to be a world leader in coin operated viewing."

I heard a man say this last summer. Outside, the falls roared, misting eyes. Inside a nearby shopping tunnel, where I stood next to a lollipop outlet waiting for my wife and daughters, this guy with a badge was talking to another guy with a badge.

About long-range vision.

I thought about this odd quote while watching last night's 2-1 overtime loss to Jersey. Even as Ilya Kovalchuk activated his $100 million afterburners, rushing end to end and ending it all, Toronto's future clicked into sharper focus.

And you know what? It looked bright.

Consider:

* Keith Aulie, in his first game in his second tour of duty, was a borderline revelation. Aulie was the kind of young defenceman – always in position, reading plays, using his skyscraper size to obliterate opponents – a general manager would trade his liver, summer home and mother to acquire.

* The 2011 Phil Kessel Slump Watch continues. But last night, for the second straight game, he made a beautiful play to set-up new linemate Nikolai Kulemin. Kessel is battling for pucks, using his body more often and – I hope my laptop doesn't explode right now – backchecking. Is the one-dimensional sniper now entering new realms?

* James Reimer, so reliably stellar we are almost taking it for granted, was once again reliably stellar. The Devils of New Jersey – a shockingly different team since Jacques Lemaire resumed all coaching and scowling duties – have been hunting and trapping like The Palins of Alaska. Last night, they put Reimer in the crosshairs, shooting often (39 times) and from lethally close range.

* Joffrey Lupul, wearing his new No. 19 Leafs jersey for the first time, repeatedly did two things we are not accustomed to seeing from players not named MacArthur, Grabovski and Kulemin: 1. He went to the net. 2. He found open ice between the circles. Yes, he botched a perfect pass from MacArthur. And, yes, he apparently was trying to fit in during the first period when he missed the net by a country mile more than once. But if Lupul can recapture his pre-injury scoring touch, the Leafs have a new weapon to deploy, especially on the sputtering power play.

So as I sit here at 7 a.m. on the morning after an overtime loss, I am more hopeful than after many wins. I am encouraged by the slight modifications, the promise of more and the effort we are witnessing with greater consistency.

The game in a nutshell? Neither team won the first period. Toronto won the second period. Jersey won the third period. And Kovalchuk won the overtime. In other words, what you might expect at this precise moment in time.

But this precise moment in time is the least of it. Last night's game was really just a coin in the machine and another turn of the focusing wheel.

Comments

[A True Leafs Fan]

Another great blog Vinay.

Seeing Reimer and Aulie step up makes this OT loss a little bit more bearable.

VM Replies: One point, one more small step, one more hint at what lies ahead.

[Robert]

Good morning Commodore Menon; Request permission to once again rejoin the bobbing flotilla known as The Leafs Fan Blog.

VM Replies: Your papers are in order. Permission granted. Come aboard.

[Joffrey Lupul]

Good morning Mr. M, this team has passed the first plateau, single digits back. The next one though may prove to be formidable in passing Florida. They are only one win and one Florida loss away but it is kind of like losing weight. Getting from 210lbs to 201lbs is far easier than getting from 201lbs to 199lbs. Once there it isn't so bad to get to 191 but getting past the 190 barrier is daunting. If you can manage that losing the last 5 lbs to get to your goal weight is the hardest part of the whole excercise. Once there it is worth it all. The maintenance to stay there is all about staying focussed because it is easy to relax after al the hard work. The distraction at each plateau can be like trying to get through a brick wall. The brick wall for this team comes in the form of the Montreal Canadians on Saturday night.

VM Replies: As per your suggestion last night, I did not mention the word we are not supposed to mention in this post.

[We BeLeaf]

Very well put Vinay,

Although I only managed to catch the 3rd period, I agree with what you've said. If Lupul could have converted that pass by C-Mac, it would have been phenomenal. One game into his second tour with the Leafs and Aulie is the "Monster" of the game as deemed by McGuire, and rightly so. He had 22 minutes of ice time, 8 hits and even had PP time. Reimer played fairly decent in my estimation: he made some big saves, but other times he looked like he didn't know where the puck was. The shot by Kovalchuk, you may argue, could have been saved, however he used the defence as a screen which makes it that much tougher to pick up. With regards to Kessel Vinay, I honestly did not see him backcheck at all in the third, but at least he got an assist on his beautiful setup pass to Kuli.

There are many things regarding the trade to be pleased about. I think that once Lupul and C-Mac can get their timing synched, they could be a force. I am left wondering if Wilson will start line juggling again. Please Ron, don't pair Komi and Lebda together, as it's not working!

Cheers,

[LeafsFanInLondon]

Mr. M, please note this trade to shut up all the bashers of the Kessel trade:

Nashville gave up a first rounder in 2011 and a potential third rounder in 2012 for 30 year old Mike Fisher. Who has a grand total of 14 goals and 10 assists on the season.

Having a 23 year old potential 40 goal scorer locked up for 2 firsts and a second (?) seems a resonable price now, doesn't it.

VM Replies: Duly noted.

[moe green]

Great post Vinay and I agree, this is the first time this season that I felt, well, "good" after a loss. Maybe 'good" is a tad too strong a term.

Aulie was stellar. Reimer was Reimer. And Kessel seems a different player since the "come to Jesus" meeting with Burke and the accompanying line switch.

But what really impressed me last night was the style of game they played. Gone was the risky pinching and "forward as the only possible direction for the puck" game they played so frustratingly poorly all season.. No more rushed bad passes and foolish gambles in the interest of "entertainment." This was a solid defensive effort. It was like Jacques Lemaire was our coach.

A fitting irony that Jacques got his 600th win. If he keeps it up he is gonna pass Wilson on the all-time wins list - this season. Of course that will also mean that they make the playoffs ahead of us. Ouch. Oh the wonders of a mid-season coaching change.

I don't know how, why or when the transformation occurred but I like it. That's the kind of "boring" hockey I was hoping to see most games this season. Too bad it took so long to implement a sensible strategy. Too bad about the loss as well. Now we need two of the next three starting with Montreal in Montreal who have just lost two embarrassing games in a row. I sure don't like our chances Saturday.

[hoofheartz]

"The Devils of New Jersey – a shockingly different team since Jacques Lemaire resumed all coaching and scowling duties – have been hunting and trapping like The Palins of Alaska."

VM: if there isn't a Pulitzer Prize for hockey blogs there should be and it would be yours for the forseeable future. I can't stop grinning about your hunting and trapping line.

VM Replies: Thanks, hoof.

[Simon]

One thing you forgot to mention. All this great play came despite Lebda being dressed instead of Gunnarsson. That's not bad.

[TPiddy]

Vinay, I'm inclined to agree. I like any game where we don't allow 3 goals, we don't allow a power play goal and we don't get shut out. Baby steps....

[RJ]

Vinay - protect your teeth. You are riding the Leaf Fan Roller Coaster too hard and too fast! Other than the Beauchemin/Lupul thing, not much has changed over the past two weeks!!! This game may represent one small step, but perhaps it was sideways or even backwards given the Devils are one of the few teams with a record worse than Toronto. These Leafs gave the Devils 39 shots on a rookie goalie. 39 shots. 39.

If I were Wilson I would put a cap on allowed shots on goal of say 25 per game and for each shot after that in regular time, the players have to pay back in conditioning, money, public service or some other non-monetary currency that will get their attention. And on the flipside for SOG 25 or less, they get a nice non-monetary reward...like hot showers after the game.

VM Replies: The irony is I deliberately got off the roller coaster before writing this post. I got off and tried to gaze down the tracks, far ahead.
But you may be right. Time will tell.

[Alecia]

I am happy to report that Lupul and Aulie get a very warm welcome from the fans last night at the ACC.

Everyone keeps saying it was a really exciting game, but it didn’t seem to be when you watched it live. Not seeing goals go in is not fun when you are watching it live but I was still impressed with a lot of what I saw. Plus the beer helped. Trust me, I would have made you all proud last night. I made it my goal to outcheer the Devils fan a few rows up from me. I wasn’t having it. I did well.

Nice blog today Vinay. I was impressed with Lupul. Considering he had not yet practiced with the team, I felt that he was a good fit with the Leafs and am excited to see him develop some chemistry with Bozak and especially his old team mate, MacArthur. I imagine it can’t be easy to get off a plane, do a physical, and then go into a game with a new team – at the ACC, of all places. Although, if we are going to break up our top producing line for the new guy, I expect big results in return.

Speaking of Aulie, he was great. Not sure why he was ever sent back down, I am assuming roster issues? Doesn’t matter now cause Burkie claims he is here to stay. We have such a bright future here on defence with Schenn and Aulie, and now Gardiner in the system. I can’t help but be excited. Plus got to give Kessel some credit. I don’t know about you guys, but if Kessel continues to play like he is and setting up these beautiful opportunities, I don’t care if he doesn’t score another goal this season. I feel like I am watching a new team lately.

By the way, Carolina lost and so we have inched one point up.

[Alecia]

Oh and one more point... is it weird that I didn't hate Lebda last night? What's happening to me!?

VM Replies: It's that goddamn lemon square. What is wrong with your colleague?

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Well done, as always, another great column VM. What a game by Jamesy Boy Reimer, eh. Although we did not get the win, a valuable point was gained on Carolina. Previously on this blog, I predicted Tyler Bozak would start to bury his opportunities. Man, if he could have put that one into the wide open cage, it would have been game, set and match. He and Kessel are just plain out snake-bitten. Maybe, just maybe, they will both end their streaks on Saturday night against our most hated rivals, the Scabs from Montreal. Aulie proved he belongs in the bigs and as much as I despise McGuire, I have to agree that Aulie was a monster big time. Lupul, had a decent game, but at times he looked a little out of sorts and may I say it, a little out of shape. Hopefully, he can help us out with some big time goals, it certainly is in his DNA. The next 3 games are huge for the team. If we could get 4 out of 6 points in those games, it would put us in good shape for the stretch run. One more thing, is it just me, or does Grabo seem a little less enthused lately?

VM Replies: Thank you, Michael. I think Grabovski may be missing MacArthur.

[A True Leafs Fan]

I know some of you might not get this refrence but as I was once young enough to play Pokemon.(and maybe still do...Don't judge its a fun game) in the past couple of games they have reminded me of a charmander. they always seem to have a lit fire under there behind. Hopefully next year they will evolve into a Charizard, and finally make it to the Elite Four.

[Joffrey Lupul]

Hey Alecia, I don't think it was so much exciting as it was well played and intense. Having said that I won't say I am satisfied because we only got 1 point and needed 2. At least they did not lose ground on the team directly above them. The Leafs started out flat but turned it on and the Devils System disallowed for any major excitement. The Good news was that the Leafs matched the Devils level of play. Say what you want about that team but they are not the same team that started the year comatose. This Jersey team is more like the team everyone expected and have really turned it up 2 notches. I they get Parise back look out.

Sending Aulie back to the minors was a good thing I think because he realized that he could play up in the show and it gave him the confidence to dominate down there and it showed big time last night. He looked like veteran out there

[jordan]

Just started reading this a few weeks ago. Great blog. Enough chit chat, heres what im wondering. Wilson mentioned that he changed the lines about 5 games ago because they knew that lupul might be coming. I wonder if he's playing lebda and not gunnarsson for a similar reason? maybe getting ready for lebda to have to step in when someone goes? (hope not, though i havent seen any glaring mistakes by him in the last two games.)

Again, great stuff!

VM Replies: Welcome to the jungle, Jordan.
You raise an interesting point. After hearing Wilson say he tinkered with lines in advance of the trade, you're right, roster oddities now raise new questions.

[Robert]

Watching the Devils under LeMaire is like watching paint dry. They simply sit back and wait. Then attack. I thought the Toronto defence last night played one of their best positional games all season. I felt the forwards were somewhat discombobulated. That will take some time to come together after yet another series of line combinations. I agree with a posting by Moe Green regarding the defensive pairings and I thought, for the most part, they looked pretty good last night. Aulie as we all know belongs! I don't think in the best sense we lost that game last night, I think we gained quite a lot. And I suspect when the forwards start working as a unit, we will be even better! So There!

[A True Leafs Fan]

@jordan

I never thought of it like that. You may be right, I wouldn't mind seeing gunnarsson go for maybe a 2nd or 3rd line prospect.

[Rooney]

Good Morning, VM. After watching Kovalchuk take off on that rush and just before he beautifully used the defenceman to perfectly bury his shot, the little voice in my head was screaming: This guy is going to score unless (1) the clock runs out; (2) somebody knocks him off balance; or (3) the puck hits some debris on the ice and slips off his stick. After he scored, I was thinking that little voice in my head rarely screams like that and it never screams like that when Kessel has an opportunity to score. I know Kessel in a recent game had a similar opportunity in overtime but the little voice in my head was only screaming: "I sure hope he scores." I am beginning to think my personal expectations of the kid are way too high. Do you think BB did the kid a diservice by selling him as our only true sniper?

VM Replies: That's a good question. Given the price he paid to get Kessel, I think the "sniper" branding was inevitable. But calling him the "only pure goal scorer" is also a way of managing expectations, in my opinion.
If Kessel is flying, he's a "sniper." If he's not, "he's the only pure goal scorer" (i.e. don't blame him).

[Alecia]

@Joffrey Lupul - I may have missed this, but you're Phil Kessel aka Bomber right? What's with all the name changes? Is this a new method of support? should I start spelling my name Elisha?

[Peter]

@Rooney, funny i heard that voice too, but mine was yelling at Aulie "jump him! jump him! Phaneuf has your back!". Unfortunately, he didn't hear it...

[Rooney]

Kovalchuk on Reimer: "He played great, this kid" and "I think we'll see him more often. He's a big guy, covers a lot of space and controls rebounds well."

Now that gives me the warm TGIF feeling I was looking for today!

[Joffrey Lupul]

You are correct fine lady. Originally I was using my name Victor T, but when I started coming down hard on all of the leaf bashers that used to frequent this blog to get rid of them, which for the most part has worked I would say, our blog master/sensei suggested I change my name to Ken Baumgartner, so I did.
Then with Grabovski scoring Sensei thought changing to Grabbo was a fine idea to support the current day team. That failed horribly because Grabbo when into a slump. Back to Bomber.
Then with Kessel getting into a slump and after last week controversy Sensei thought changing to Phil Kessel to help him out was wise desicion. The team went 2 and 0. Of course last nights result meant retiring that name so it was thought that we would welcome the new guy in Joffery Lupul. That is where we are today.

I am just a cameleon adapting to the ever changing environment. I will keep this name as long as the team is winning. After that... well there won't be an after that because they are not going to lose again this year right. RIGHT?

If you wish, you can call me Victor, or Bomber, or Joffery, even Hey You works. Not Grabbo or Phil though they have been retired and deemed unusable. Not Lupey either, it makes me dizzy. Of course with all the changes, I am feeling a little Lupey right now.

VM Replies: I have a good feeling about "Joffrey Lupul." How can you go wrong with a palindrome surname?
Bomber, you're a good man to indulge my superstitions.

[A True Leafs Fan]

Does any one know when Colton Orr is expected to return from his concussion?

Im starting to miss the big guy

VM Replies: I can't get an answer on this, which I suppose is not a good sign.

[Robert]

I think Gunnarson has more upside than Lebda??

[We BeLeaf]

@ Joffrey Lupul

So now that the Leafs lost are you going to change your name again, or are you keeping it for now?

@ Alecia,
Good to read about you doing your part cheering on the team, even if it took some liquid courage!

It seems the pattern lately has the Leafs winning two, then dropping one. If that's the case, then hopefully a victory against the Habs.

Go Leafs Go!!!

[KWood19]

Another great game, albeit a negative result. As you said, Vinay, Aulie was a stud. just simply a stud. good, comfortable, stay at home defenseman who jumped into the rush the odd time to try to spark some offense. he did it at just the right times, and if my memory serves me correct, didnt leave his partner out to dry. I really hope Lupul can get back to form, if he pots even ten goals before the end of the year I'd be ecstatic. This leafs team is starting to get a vibe and a character about it, isn't it? It almost feels like some of them are starting to play with that Macarthur chip on their shoulder, with something to prove. as they should. This game was one of the most entertaining games I've seen them play in a while.

[Pete]

I for one wasn't impressed with the energy in the first, luckily our defensive zone coverage was good enough to not give up many great chances but the way we never had the puck reminded me of the Buffalo game, was nice to see Lebda finally have a good game in a Leaf uniform though I still think his spot should go to Gunnarsson who has worked through a bit of a sophomore slump this year

[hoofheartz]

Robert, I think I have more upside than Lebda.

[TG77]

Robert - I don't think anyone would disagree with you there so I guess there are two ways of looking at the decision to rest the Gunnar and play Lebda. 1) Burke is trying to move Lebda for a late (and I mean late) round pick so he 'suggests nicely' to Ronnie to have him play and in all fairness, he hasn't looked too out of place the last few games and 2) Gunnarson has way more upside than Lebda and a lower salary I would think so for teams in contention who need a 5th or 6th D-man, he would be an ideal addition. If the thinking is Gardiner could be ready for next year or someone else on the Marlies has as much ability to step into the line-up and fill the 8-12 mins i.e. Lashoff. Mijkus (sp?) then Gunnarson is a valuable trade commodity. On a side note, I honestly think the Sabres will be swooping in on that last playoff spot. They have games in hand on the Canes and Thrashers Miller had injury troubles and was looking like he was headed to an off-year by his standards but not lately.

Finally, Sensi-Bill, great summary and nice to hear we are 'getting to you' and have gained a reluctant fan.

[Boo Who?]

I hate to be a drag, but I feel a little blue. And whenever I feel blue, my first instinct is to attack my soft and weepy side with questions in an attempt to hammer home some logic that will dispel the irrational feelings. (Because really, what evolutionary purpose does sadness serve?) I'm very fond of 'Why?' questions. I have so many of them, I won't bore you with them. Just let me ramble a bit, because I'm grumpy.

The whole notion of 'franchise players' irks me a little. I get it if you're a Gretzky or Crosby, but those players are rare. I think it's a bit unreasonable to expect every single team in the league to ride the back of one or two standout players, but that certainly seems to be the trend. I'd prefer to have a strong team, period. Used to annoy me when the Leafs (back in ye goode olde days) would rely so heavily on the likes of Cujo or Sundin. I don't want a saviour. I want a winning team. I think part of our problem today (although it's showing promising signs of change) is that we've pushed too hard to apply that particular format to a team that's really mixed and fairly even in terms of strengths. I don't see a real need or desire on anyone's part to be 'that guy' and that's fine. To illustrate my point in the dorkiest way possible: We don't need an Optimus Prime. A Voltron will do.

[Joffrey Lupul]

I changed it after they lost from Phil Kessel to Joffrey Lupul. I know it is hard to keep track of. And I am easing up on the don't call me Lupey as well, because as I said, It is all making me Lupey.

[Joffrey Lupul]

Gunnerson is not going anywhere. If anything they are showcasing Lebda.

[Sensi-Bill]

@LeafFanInLondon
"Who has a grand total of 14 goals and 10 assists on the season."
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I think the hockey minds in Nashville know better than to judge a player on just recent history.
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Mike Fisher has played hurt (injured) pretty much all year, which has kept him from playing his style of game, especially in terms of his strengths, like speed and solid physical play.
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So he's had an off-year in a season in which the whole team has struggled and failed beyond belief.
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I think the Preds realize that even playing hurt Fisher is a strong TWO-way player, especially down the homestretch and in the playoffs.
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I believe he's still not 100%, but when it comes to heart, grit, savvy and skill, Fisher at less than 100% is still better than a lot of other players at their peak.
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Are you telling me you wouldn't want him on your team?
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As happy as we are for him, we are mighty sorry that he, and we, didn't get to fulfill our wish, that is to have him play his entire career as a Senator.
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While he may yet do tremendous things in a Preds jersey, to us, given all that he has given this team, and this community, he will always be a Senator.
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We are happy for him because with two years to go on his contract, he is free to go to a playoff contending team rather than having to stay and suffer through the upcoming rebuild years.
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And of course we are happy that he and his wife get to set up a home together in one city. It's certainly far easier for him to ply his hockey trade out of Nashville than it is for his wife, Carrie Underwood, to stay on top of her career in Ottawa.
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Given that, we're happy enough with what we got for someone we consider priceless --- as a player, and as a person.

[moe green]

Did someone actually say they were missing Colton Orr. I was just noting at how much I don't miss the guy. When he's on the ice you can guarantee nothing good is gonna happen. I'll take Rosehill and Brown any day of the week. At least they can play the game.

I must be the only one that noticed a different style of play last night because I never read about it anywhere else. It seemed to me that the forwards would circle back into their own zone instead of simply give up the puck. They seemed patient, confident. Correct me if I'm wrong but the Leafs gave up few if any odd-man rushes. There were no inopportune pinches etc.

I guess It wasn't as exciting live Alecia but for me what's the point of scoring if you can't hold a two-goal lead. I can't believe that Aulie instead of Beauchemin made that much difference. This game seemed like a shift in strategy. Why did they wait so long to make this much-needed change?

[Joffrey Lupul]

Fisher is a great hockey player, and a great person. The whole team in Ottawa is underperformimng ,once he get to Nashville and start playing with player who are perfoming he will start to light it up. Good for him and good for Nashville.

VM Replies: Fisher was the one Senator I always wished was a Leaf.

[waffles2010]

This just in, Colby Armstrong is out at least a week with blurry vision.

[moe green]

@Boo: I have always wondered if a $2 million dollar team could win it all. Imagine a team where every player made the same exact salary, say $2 million per. Imagine the camaraderie? You could evern have team-based performance bonuses. I love Harry Neal's old saying: It's not the team with the best players that wins, it's the players with the best team.

[moe green]

@Boo: I have always wondered if a $2 million dollar team could win it all. Imagine a team where every player made the same exact salary, say $2 million per. Imagine the camaraderie? You could even have team-based performance bonuses. I love Harry Neal's old saying: It's not the team with the best players that wins, it's the players with the best team.

[Alecia]

@Loops, I'll bet money that Fisher asked for a trade to be closer to his wifey, Carrie Underwood in Nashville. Could that have worked any more in his favour?

@Moe - I quite agree with you actually. I was impressed with what I saw. All I meant is that when you go to a game, you hope to see your favourite team pot a few goals in. It's really exciting live.

VM Replies: Loops? That's gonna stick.

[Robert]

@Sensi-Bill: When you look around the eastern conference, Ottawa has put a lot of good players into the system. Had they kept them, they would have had a dynasty for years to come. Our present cap system works against that happening. I agree, Fisher is a gem. He gave 100% every night hurt or not.
I am beginning to see that with some of the Toronto colts.
My defence a month ago was Phaneuf and Gunnarson, Schenn and Kaberle, Komisarek and Aulie. With Gardiner finishing NCAA I imagine it will take some time in the AHL before he is ready for the bigs. I am one of the few that always felt Kaberle could be a good mentor on moving the puck for some of the new D coming into the system.
However; it sure looks like we have a goaltender, defence we can count on and some fine forwards. No body talking about Kadri lately.

[Sensi-Bill]

@TG77
Thanks.
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And as I've stated in the past, I sometimes cheer for another team but the temporary support is situational and due to its temporary nature, still doesn't make me a fan.
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But yeah, I guess I've become a fan of this little oasis of mostly reasonable and likable people in an otherwise crazy group known as Leaf Nation.
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I will admit (confess?) that I have visited parts of Leafs Nation to scoff and be amused at some of the ridiculous extremes some Leaf fans will go to. That may even have been part of why I checked out this blog to begin with.
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But I've stayed because first I found Vinay's blog entries well done and both interesting and enjoyable. Also, frequently amusing, in an intentional and positive way.
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And then the non-ridiculous nature of most of the posters did get to me, to the point that I enjoy their company as well. (And hope I've been able to give back in some small way to reward their (perhaps at first reluctant) acceptance.)
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Besides, there are still at least a couple of non-rational self-proclaimed geniuses here to have some fun with. (g)
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But as Leaf-, and Leaf-fan-friendly as I sometimes am, never doubt that my allegiance as a fan lies strictly and solely with the Ottawa "We shall rise again" Senators. (g)

[nugentmania]

I've read all sorts of trade scenarios suggested by Leaf fans for years, always over-valuing the assets on a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2003-04. I mean, crazy ridiculous trades that would have to be a joke. Right? However...if Leaf fans are to believed when they say that the Phaneuf trade was literally a heist, then I can only imagine how much more folklore will be written about that deal now that Keith Aulie has been designated the trade value of a vital organ.

VM Replies: You didn't like the liver line? Come on!

[TimB]

So if we have kind of agreed Phil is a "streaky" scorer.This would in turn mean when he starts to score we are in for a streak that carries us right into the "p" word.Even Nancy Pelosi could figure this one out and she can't form a coherent sentence.

[Alecia]

@Sensi-Bill - spoken like a true Leafs fan. :)

[KD]

Two things. First of all, I like what I see in Reimer. I'm not about to anoint him the saviour of the week, like we did to Gus/Monster/Goose earlier in the season, but he's been impressive. What I like most was that after the Buffalo game, he took responsibility for his play, and came back with two solid outings since. He seems to have the confidence that Gus was lacking before being sent down. The other thing relates to trade rumours. I saw a number of posts here (on TheStar.com, not on this blog) after the Beauchemin trade that had the Leafs going after Tavares. Please tell me there's nothing to those - it would be a mistake, unless we had to give up Komisarek, Lebda, Finger and Mitchell to get him.

VM Replies: I have no reliable information about the Tavares rumours. My guess is they are not true. But you never know.
Before the draft in 2009, Burke did express interest in Tavares. But he was unable to deal his way to a higher drafting position as he did with Pronger or the Sedin twins.

[Sensi-Bill]

@Alecia
"I'll bet money that Fisher asked for a trade to be closer to his wifey, Carrie Underwood in Nashville."
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Granted, it MIGHT have happened that way, but the word here in Ottawa is that Fisher's first preference was to remain in Ottawa and finish his career as a Senator.
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There's never been any doubt as to how much he loves this city and the only NHL team he has ever played for.
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Apparently being this early into their marriage and with both spouses being on the road so much with their careers, BOTH were content to have Mike finish his career here and THEN look to setting up a home in the same city. (I've even heard they were in the process of having a house built here.)
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But the team needs a rebuild which means blowing things up. And nothing confirms that the team means business like trading one of you better, and more popular players who has been one of the central faces of your team.
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There is a suggestion that in case he had to be traded, Fisher may have submitted a short list of places he'd prefer to go to --- Nashville and Los Angeles, for obvious reasons.
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But this was nothing like the (shudder) Heatley affair. Word is Fisher never asked to be traded, let alone demanded to be traded.
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There is the view here that needing to get some building blocks with which to rebuild, GM Murray knows his better players bring the bigger returns. And obviously there was a fair bit of interest in Fisher.
.
And since there was a good offer from Nashville, why not do a good turn for a loyal player and trade him there? (Murray is known to be loyal to his boys, players who have played well, and with heart, for the team, and shown that same dedication and heart to the community.)
.
Of course there are no transcripts or anything like that to confirm all this, but it's what I've been gathering here from many sources.
.
And knowing what a class act Mike Fisher has shown himself to be, it all rings true to me.
.
And with that in mind, one little side note. What's with the "y" added to the word "wife"? Strikes me as a bit of gratuitous, unwarranted, and a touch unseemly snarkiness. But then, that's just the opinion of someone who has come to expect a bit better from this source. (smile)

[TimB]

A True Leafs Fan may not like it but we appear to be in the same camp on at least a couple of points.I have not missed one minute of one game this season and don't recall Orr causing us any great problems.I will welcome him back.And I would trade Gunnarsson for a Pikachu card.

[pinot grigio]

We complain a lot about management and coaches in Toronto but the situation in Ottawa is as bad if not worse. Muckler built a wonderful team with loads of talent but Martin could not get them over the hump. (and he won't be able to do it in Montreal either) So Murray came in as coach and was not able to do any better than Martin. Next thing, he has a few talks with the owner and convinces him he should be GM and the owner agrees. First signing was old cement head Luc Richardson and the team has been going downhill from there. Losing Chara was inexcusable (It's amazing how Boston keeps profiting from these gaffes by Toronto and Ottawa) Sensi-Bill, I am a Leaf fan but I am a hockey fan first and foreall and I hate to see a good team taken to the cleaners like that. I hope they'll start to play entertaining hockey again in the very near future; the playoff series they lost to Toronto were classics.

[Boo Who?]

@ moe - I'm not sure you could get some of these diva-types to agree to a personal salary cap. But that certainly begs the question of which came first - the hyping and inflated costs associated with certain players, or this business model of erecting false idols in an effort to maximize profits? Which choice informed the other? Your more communistic approach to hockey would take some re-programming methinks. Lawd. I clearly need to find new and exciting ways to kill off some of these brain cells of mine. I think too damn much. :)

[Alecia]

@Bill - You're reading too much into the whole "wifeY" thing.

[Geoff Read]

Hey all,

For anyone who was interested in my comment two blogs ago about the Habs/Bruins game, Pat Hickey (he of Leafs fame) felt the same way at the Montreal Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/last+waltz+these+guys/4262744/story.html

With the league doing nothing to send a message about the kind of tactics the Bruins used the door has been opened to a return to the 1970s. It was a total disgrace. Maybe Colton Orr's days aren't numbered after all.

[Vinay Menon]

Okay. I am now caught up on the comments I missed today. Sorry for the delayed replies.

Question: Since you're all stakeholders, what happens to the blog during the off-season? Do we shut it down and board up the windows? Keep it open with off-season hours? Tallk about non-hockey things for a couple of months? Get Brett Lebda to write 142 guest posts?
I had lunch with the managing editor today (technically, yesterday) and he asked about this, to which I unwisely said, "Beats the hell out of me."

Your advice, please and thank you.

T minus 16 hours until Montreal...

[Sensi-Bill]

@Robert
A lot of people look back over the years at the significant number of players Ottawa acquired, helped develop into strong, occasionally even star, players, only to "let" them go.
.
The reality is that instead of being a matter of "had we kept them" it was more a matter of "had we BEEN ABLE to keep them."
.
You don't voluntarily let go of players like Hossa and Havlat and Chara.
.
Don't forget we were a small market team in which all salaries, and a helluva lot of expenses, were paid in U.S. dollars and revenues, as limited as they can sometimes be in a smaller market, were in Canadian dollars.
.
And you may recall that while the U.S. and Canadian dollar currently (no pun intended) flirt and flutter in the parity range, back then it was a much different matter.
.
In fact the substantial weakness of the Canadian dollar was a significant factor in us almost losing our team at one point.
.
And what do you do when one of your players reaches a level of skill and effectiveness that deserves far more money than you are able to pay them?
.
Often times they may have already taken a bit of a home-town type discount along the way, in gratitude for having been given the opportunity to play and develop to their higher standard. But you can't expect them to continue doing that, especially now that they have made themselves worth so much more.
.
So you either trade them to someone who can afford to pay them what they are now worth, for the best less-expensive return you can get. Or you lose them for nothing when they become free agents.
.
I actually have a moment of inner pride when I see former Senators doing well elsewhere in the league.
.
(By the way, not all are big names, but there are a lot of quite solid and serviceable players fashioning decent careers. Chara's name made me think of other defencemen people tend to overlook --- like Salo, and Mazeros, and most recently Volchenkov. To say nothing of all the "rental" players we couldn't afford to keep when the UFA offers came pouring in during the off season.)
.
Now I know many view the Chara case as something different, but aside from quickly noting that they are looking at the situation through hindsight, I'll leave that discussion for another time.
.
I will add one thing and that is again I feel most Leaf fans don't stop to realize, or take or granted if they do, the decided benefits of happening to live at the centre of the country's largest concentration of population, in urban terms (the GTA) and area terms (southern Ontario). So it's logical if they don't understand the challenges that some other Canadian teams face.
.
Are we jealous of these huge-population benefits? No, not really.
.
Are we irritated by how SOME Torontonians, and SOME Leaf fans, mistake the benefits of huge population for some form of greatness and entightlement? You betcha! (g)
.
(Both of these points warrant further discussion at another time. I'm sure I'm plenty long enough, as is, with this post.) (chuckle)

[Sensi-Bill]

@Alecia
.
"Bill - You're reading too much into the whole "wifeY" thing."
.
Actually, as soon as I submitted my post I realized I was no doubt being too
harsh(?) --- Self-righteous? Serious? Concerned? --- over a small matter. Which I tend to do, sometimes.
.
It did strike me as a bit snarky and I was a little surprised at that, coming from you. And while I believe you are better than that, I guess I was simply a touch concerned about perception being everything to some people.
.
But it IS a small matter and if I had a dollar for everyone who has told me over the years that I tend to over-analyze things, then I could afford to go to Starbucks instead of Tim Hortons. (just kidding) (g)

[Sensi-Bill]

FOOD FOR THOUGHT (From the darker side)
.
A friendly warning: I don't imagine Leaf fans will be very happy if the following comes to pass . . .
.
Back here, in Ottawa, where the Senators are just starting their trades (plural) for the rebuild, there is talk of the franchide gaining more draft picks via trades, and then . . .
.
. . . Packaging them with other picks, a prospect, a player, or some combination of two or more of these things, to get a much higher pick than we picked up for Mike Fisher . .
.
(Wait, it gets possibly WORSE for Leaf Fans.)
.
. . . Possibly THE top pick this year. You know, the one Boston obtained from the Leafs in the Kessel deal?
.
Of course if this DOES come to pass, we Sens fans will not only be very happy with a second possibly high pick, but would even be gracious enough to thank our division rivals, the Boston Maple Leafs. (wg)
.
Oh yes, even Mr. Nice Guy can be nasty sometimes. (I AM after all the Devil) *wink*
.
The thing to remember is that I am not evil in terms of making things up to torture Leaf fans. All the above is true in that there is strong speculation here from a number of sources inside and out of the "mainstream" media, that what I have just outlined is very much a part of the Senators' plans going forward.
.
For one thing, it explains the satisfaction in getting a first-round pick from Nashville that I believe is currently 17th, but could go lower as the Preds make their planned run, not just at the playoffs, but, for the first time, past the opening round of the playoffs. (Which is why they got a playoff-strong player in Fisher.)
.
A 20th to 30th first-round pick, as this one may turn out to be, depending on how successful the Preds are, isn't much on it's own. But as something to combine with something else to go after a secong HIGH first-round pick . . .
.
By the way, if the Preds don't make the playoffs, we don't get the additional conditional pick --- but their order of pick in the first round (now ours) remains relatively high (mid-pack-ish).
.
If they make it to the first round of the playoffs, then the conditional pick becomes their third-round pick.
.
If they make it to the second round of the playoffs, the conditional pick becomes their second-round pick.
.
If they make it to the finals and win, then of course their first-round pick becomes the 30th pick.
.
So, as we continue to trade for picks and such, and bring up propects from our AHL club for evaluation as roster spots become open, we'll be watching the standings to see how the Preds are doing.
.
We'll no doubt be watching the Leafs as well, just in case the Sens DO pull off a trade with Boston for Toronto's former first-round pick.
.
But don't hate me. I'm only the messenger and I promise I am taking only a small, teensy-weensy bit of pleasure passing on this news.
.
And besides, it's still only a future possibility --- though wouldn't Phillips look good back with Chara?
.
And at worst you could just look at it as even more incentive to cheer for the Leafs to finish as high in the standings, and thus as low in the draft, as possible.

[Sensi-Bill]

If anyone is doubtful of the desire and determination of the Senatots and their fans for a true rebuild, witness the departure of Mike Fisher, one of the most popular Senators ever.
.
Yes, most Sens fans are truly sad to see him go --- as was Fish himself --- but just about everyone accepts the need for big moves to make this a serious and effective rebuild.
.
Sens fans ARE willing to bite the bullet and suffer and endure through whatever is necessary to make sure that this is not just a token rebuild that ultimately leads us nowhere.
.
There are two Sens jerseys hanging in our hall closet. The first is my wife's, bearing the number 12 and the name Fisher. The second is mine and bears the number 4 and the name Philips.
.
We shall cherish them forever while realizing that sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good of a team, its fans and even a city.
.
This early sign of moving forward is why we believe there IS a plan and we WILL be back. (smile)

[Joffrey Lupul]

GAME DAY!

Tonight, as always, is the most important game of the year.

re: off season blog
It really is a ton of fun, but I imagine it is a ton of work as well. You are probably going to need a break, unless it is a paycheck for you and you are not concerned about a break.
I could be wrong but you seem to enjoy it as much as we do, so maybe we just see where it goes. There is always off season hockey stuff going on.

The questions are , are you going to need the break and if it gets shut down for a couple of months will it get started again at training camp or during off season moves?

VM Replies: Good morning, Loops! I love doing this. Don't need a break. Just need to figure out how to switch gears.
Anyway, I shouldn't have brought it up while there's still so much hockey to play...
Montreal shall be our only focus today.

[hoofheartz]

Good Morning VM: Hard to imagine this blog being about anything except the Leafs and on a lesser note hockey. I'd be surprised if us stakeholders had much in common except our love/hate of the Leafs. It seems that quite a few of us are from outside the GTA, although we may have roots leading us back there. It would be interesting to see what topics could be discussed. Personally, golf is my number 1 passion but I can understand how that topic might possibly induce mass boredom.

VM Replies: Top of the morning, hoofheartz. We'll figure something out.

[Geoff Read]

Hi all,

Further to my previous comment: it turns out the Gazette's Pat Hickey IS NOT the Pat Hickey who played for the Leafs. How many Pat Hickeys can there be, I ask? Apparently, at least two!

VM Replies: I'm apologizing in advance for the crushing loss Montreal will suffer this evening.

[80s Leafs]

Speaking of Montreal reporters, I hope HNIC is resurrecting Dick Irvin in the broadcast booth for tonight's Hockey Day game. It always adds an extra element of Stinkin' Hab hate for me to hear him up there telling stories about when he was in his late 50s back in about 1935 and the Canadiens got some big win that he remembers like it was only yesterday.

[Geoff Read]

Vinay, those are fightin' words! Of course, when it comes to fightin', as I think we've just witnessed, there aren't too many Habs who are good at it these days.

We'll see if the Habs come out like they've got something to prove after losing to the Islanders. If so, it could be a long night for Giguere. If not, it could be time for a shake-up in Montreal. Come on down Chris Neil! (and I'd take Kovalev too for good measure)

PS - Vinay: what were you doing up at 2:40 am?

VM Replies: I'm guessing your team will come out flying to atone for this week. Should be a good game.
I can't believe the Islanders scored 9 goals against Pittsburgh last night. And similar to that Boston-Montreal war, there were 14 fighting majors last night.
Wild days.

[Robert]

Sensi-Bill I think you misread my post. I was in fact in sympathy with Ottawa's plight. While I am a Leaf fan, I followed the Senators because I enjoyed the fast, skilled game they played. The first mistake was letting Chara go and keeping Redden. But then who knew? And of course there was a time when the damn dollar was near 70 cents. Hard to pay in US funded contracts when that happens.
Let's have some fun and trade Alfie to Toronto?? LOL

[hoofheartz]

OMG VM: I can't believe you posted that to Geoff. Isn't that the proverbial "kiss of death." I may be glad that I've been roped into going to a stinking Hallowe, oops sorry, Valentine's Day dance. Bad karma, bad juju.

VM Replies: Uh oh. I am very superstitious about certain things (for example, and ONLY FOR EXAMPLE, predicting a hat trick, wondering aloud about a shutout during a game, etc.).
But I thought generic trash talk was acceptable before noon on a game day. If not, I apologize to Leafs Nation for my impulsive and hasty shot at Mr. Read.

[Alecia]

WHAT!?!? You want us to deal with the loss of hockey AND the loss of this blog at the same time!? Vinay, we are an emotional bunch, don't you know?

We can all write guess blogs. There are always hockey things that happen in the off-season that we will surely want to talk about. Or we can turn this blog into more of a support group until hockey season resumes, as it has kinda been anyway.

There are tons of things we can discuss in the off-season. Here are some examples:

"Where the 2010-2011 Leafs would be if they had not gone through the losing steak"
"Why we miss the Leafs"
"Why we don't miss the Leafs"
"Kidding, why we REALLY do miss the Leafs"
"You know you are a Leafs fans when..."
"July 1st: Hey, Kaberle, where you going?"
"So, what's happening with Wilson's contract?"
"New recipes for the 2011-2012 season"
"Why we have a reason to be excited for next season"
"How many days are left till the hockey returns?"
"Fundraiser: ALFB commentators raise money for an ACC box at game opener"
"Boston upset with 6th round pick, expected 1st"
"Judging Burke's work to date, what worked and what didn't"
"What to get Alecia for her birthday, ironically around the same time as the home opener"

Just a few ideas. But if you close this blog in the off-season, you are going to have to let us know in advance so I can start weening myself off slowly...

VM Replies: Look at you! So helpful, thank you. I now have enough content to get us into July at least.

[Alecia]

Oh and Vinay, I didn't make up "Loops" or "Lupey". That has already been his nickname, though I am sure it was more like "Lupes".

VM Replies: Oh, you mean the real Lupes. I was referring to the fake Loops.

[KD]

Summer? Gotta keep the blog going - it's a long summer for Leaf fans - nearly 6 months!

VM Replies: Oh, man. Good one.

[Alecia]

It's 10am and I am already overly excited for Hockey Night in Canada.

Just to get everyone excited for tonight:
- Jiggy has a lifetime record of 7-2-1 over the Habs.
- Aulie, Aulie, Aulie!
- Habs have lost the last 3, which I guess can work against us, but we will pretend they are slumping right before the playoffs for now.

[hoofheartz]

I just thought of a topic for the after season blog. We can brag about who still has the most snow on the ground in June. Yes, it's snowing here again. :<{

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Good morning VM, and to all of leaf nation. I think a blog during the off-season is a wonderful idea. It would be like summer camp, get away from the rigors of life and escape to leafland. Your columns always bring a smile and sense of comraderie to the most loyal fans in the world. Its too bad the Sens fans do not have one of their own. I can appreciate Sensi-Bill's obvious writing talents, but, they are way to long and boring. I really believe he is a closet leaf fan. Come out Bill, its 2011. Obviously, you enjoy this blog, so go purchase a leaf jersey and maybe you could get a decent night's sleep for once. (You seem to write a lot of blogs late at night, I noticed). Today being hockey day in Canada, Go Leafs Go! To all that don't know, the leafs have the best record among those participating on this fine day.

VM Replies: Good morning to you, Michael. Thanks as always. I didn't know the Leafs had the best Hockey Day in Canada record. I wonder what that means.
We'll turn Bill into a Leafs fan yet.

[moe green]

I am askeered of tonight's game. Habs have been humiliated the last two games. Bad humiliated. We will need Herculean effort tonight by Giggy (I hate the "Jiggy" nickname). Please hockey gods, let's have Kessel and Lupul break out of their slumps tonight!

VM Replies: I hate when you're scared. It makes me scared.

[TimB]

We could talk about times on road trips out west in the 70's,we ended up pounding back Cuervo at the Conroy on Lawrence.Maybe that was just me.

VM Replies: Good times, I'm sure.

[Alecia]

Okay people, get ahold of yourselves!!!
Put down the coffee and baileys, stop shaking, collect your emotions.

No negative energy tonight. NONE!
Leafs are going to sweep this game.

I am trying to get ahold of whatever water the Islanders and Red Wings drank last night and send it down to the Leafs. Where do I get some of that?

VM Replies: The Islanders, I think, were inspired by the goaltender fight that cost them dearly. Revenge. The Red Wings were making a statement about offensive power versus goaltending brilliance.
Never mind the holy water. What's your psychic prediction for the final score?

[moe green]

Hey did anyone else notice a different game by the Leafs last? It seemed that instead of the relentless five forecheckers game they decided to play conservatively. Was I imagining it. Instead of crashing forward at all costs and losing the puck they held onto it. Was that what happened or was that just my failed perception? Anyone?

VM Replies: It was the tightest checking game of the season. But maybe this had more to do with Jersey than the Leafers.

[moe green]

@TimB: By road trips "out West" do you mean West Toronto? Too funny.

[Alecia]

Hmm not sure I can make an accurate prediction. Feels like a different Leafs team. 5-3 Leafs.

Okay that might be inflated a bit. It will probably be a one-goal difference. But I'll stick with 5-3 for good vibes.

[moe green]

Well, that was a different Leafs team I saw last game. I say these guys are gonna score a few tonight. I say *gulp* 6-3 Leafs. No fights. I'm sure glad Colton Orr isn't around. I much prefer Rosehilly and especially Browny. Either one of them are more than adequate to defend the honour of our women-folk. Did I say that?

[moe green]

Made a mistake on my prediction: 6-2 Leafs.

[moe green]

The more I think about it I think you might be right VM.

But the Leafs at least played the way you should play a trap team - by trapping. If they played their usual way, I think they'd have given up a ton of odd-man rushes to Jersey and lost the game in regulation. I don't remember a single one? I did however, miss a good chunk of the game.

Well if they play the same game as usual and they haven't changed their style then all bets are off. I'd really like to see a Leafs team that can hold a two-goal lead at least occasionally.

[Alecia]

I prefer Moe's prediction over mine.

VM Replies: A fickle, second-guessing psychic. This could become a problem down the stretch.

[Rooney]

@VM, I sit here in shock. My wife is suggesting that you keep the blog going through the summer. This is the same lady that normally shows very little interest in hockey unless we are seeing a game live. I have noticed a change in her level of interest because of: (1) ALF B [I have added the RSS feed to the blog to my email, so every time you post a new entry it comes into my Inbox as an email]; (2) she really enjoyed that HBO 24-7 series; and (3) when we met MacArthur last weekend he asked about and showed a lot of interest in our daughters, it was not all hockey talk. She is interested knowing more about off-season charitable activities, interests outside of hockey, things they do to stay in game shape and what, if any, team obligations they have in the off-season. Like I said, I am still in shock.

I know you have won over many hockey fans (belonging to different teams) but I thought you should know that your writing style, humour, sarcasm and fan view has even won over a non-hockey fan. Enough butt-kissing, where's the game day blog?

VM Replies: Thanks to you and your wife, Rooney. Still deciding on what to do for game day set-up...

[TG77]

I know we are all focused on the game against the Habs (rightfully so) but Jonas had a 3rd heart operation yesterday so I hope he is recovering well. I wonder if there is a way the ALF blog could send our regards to the Goose. I feel terrible for this guy - 3 heart operations and no parents to lean on during this tough time. He seems like he truly loves this game but hates to lose which is hurting his performance but is a quality we often point out is lacking in some of our Buds. I still think he could be our future in nets but three heart operations has got to be having him questioning his future in the league.

VM Replies: I shall relay our best wishes.

[Rooney]

Right now (putting aside our team), I would have to say NJD (another win last night, over the West's hot team) and the Sabres are playing like they are interested in the post-season. I wouldn't want to be betting on the Habs, Rangers, Hurricanes or Thrashers.

@Geoff, I would want to see several games without fighting before deciding to agree to ban it. I just can't see it happening soon, did you see the crowd in Boston that night (both Habs and Bruins fans) and the crowd during the Pitt-Isles match? They were just loving every second. I was reading how this UFC/MMA sold-out the Rogers Centre in record time, people seem to love watching fights.

@Bill, I was also surprised with the Sens moving Fisher, actually, not that they moved him but that they chose to move him first. I am biased, because, unlike the rest of the players on that team, I liked him. I figured you could tie one of his arms behind his back and he could still skate and check. I would have thought about moving other aging dead-weight before removing Mike from both the team's short range and long-term plans. I guess the plan is not to compete for a few years. At least now this makes it very easy to cheer against your team.

[Robert]

Vinnie, regarding this blog. You could probably vacillate and have several wonderful lunches with your managing editor. However; I suspect he/she would eventually catch on.
I don't think this blog would be well served by attempting to carry it over the summer. You have displayed a wonderful eclectic mind and a talent for reaching out to all of us. The common denominator to all of this is Our Leafs.
Remove them and I believe you have removed the catalyst. Then what? It might lower our expectations, without the prime focus of the blog for you to build on.
Perhaps you could blog when there is a Leaf story over the summer?? Like when they resign Kaberle to a multi year gazillion dollar contract. Or not.
That might in fact be fun to see what responses come in, from where and what this wonderful complex group of bob skate flashers are doing with their summer

VM Replies: You make a good point, as usual. (Well, except for the part where you accidentally describe several hypothetical lunches with the managing editor as "wonderful" instead of the more accurate "wretched.")

[moe green]

@Rooney: Who cares if the fans "love watching fights." I bet they'd "love" stick fights too. Or perhaps live executions between periods. Or my personal favorite naked girls pole-dancing. Of course none of that has anything to do with hockey and neither does fighting.

And personally I don't care if UFC sells out,: people are bloodthirsty morons. Bush got elected to two terms and Canadians elected Harper. They also have regularly sold out Monster Truck events and Justin Beiber concerts. Adam Sandler has a career!

Look, if you want real fighting go to the UFC matches - at least it's real. Unless you'd prefer watching heavily padded numbskulls on skates clumsily pummel each other to no avail in the middle of a legitimate sporting event.

VM Replies: Did someone mention pole-dancing?

[TimB]

@ moe green.By the way Moe,some old "friends" of mine at Halliburton have turned up your outstanding Canadian warrants.Extradition is on hold right now,but maybe you could agree with me more often.I'm just saying.

[moe green]

I have teh sickening feeling that the Leafs are going to miss the playoffs to the New Jersey Devils. Yuck.

VM Replies: Hey! You're freaking me out today!

[wcdixon]

I hate sounding so end of days but I am calling tonight's game against Montreal a *must win*. I can't explain why but it just feels like a season maker or breaker or definer...or something.

[moe green]

No VM the pole dancing is a personal favourite that IMO is as integral to hockey as is fighting.

@TimB: Have I told you lately how brilliant you are and how great you look in those pants?

[moe green]

No TimB seriously I meant no disrespect regarding you "wild west" journeys just kind of funny how Toronto-centric everything is around here by everyone. Myself included. I am in Texas and I am obsessed with Toronto. I still wish I lived there. I miss the markets and the ethnic foods. Though as I get older I do appreciate the warmer weather.

[TimB]

Thanks Moe.You don't know what that means to me.

[Rooney]

Hey Moe, I am not into boxing or UFC and would much rather watch tough players as opposed to goons and my point was not so much about what people want but what the bean counters think put bums in seats. I just can't see the corporations earning the dollars agreeing to the change even if fans and players think it is time. Most decisions usually revolve around dollars and not necessarily common sense.

[Alecia]

The Devils have a LOT of ground to make up, 12 points I believe. I don't think they are going to make it, and if they do, it will be exactly as Burke described in his press conference. They'll waste all their gas getting there and be eliminated in the first round.

Didn't I say NO NEGATIVE TALK?

[moe green]

I think you are right wcdixon this is a must win. Unless you think we can beat both Boston and Buffalo in their home barns back to back. Even so, we need at least a point tonight.

Do you guys get the feeling that if we would have dumped Wilson a month or two ago we'd be in the playoffs right now? That's what ticks me off. Oh well split milk as usual. I don't mind rebuilding, but who says Wilson is the only guy who can guide us. Entertaining hockey? Winning is all the entertainment I need right now.

That's the one thing Burke is wrong about. He thinks entertaining hockey is more important than winning around these parts. He's dead wrong about that.

It is possible that I am wrong and that Wilson is teaching a system that will eventually give us both winning AND entertaining hockey. I just don't see any signs of it yet. I didn't see it against New Jersey. Against New Jersey I saw tight defensive hockey steal a point for us.

Oh well, maybe tonight will be different.

Just a note on Gustavsson. Maybe they opted to have him undergo a procedure that they would have reserved for the off season in order to keep Reimer up and at the same time get roster relief. I bet that's what happened.

[moe green]

I hear you Rooney and I think you are right about that. Looks like it will have to be legislated out. Funny how the majority in hat poll wanted fighting but also the instigator? Doesn't really make sense.

[Princess Mononoke]

Marital harmony is at stake tonight, my friends...who ever thought to schedule a Leafs/Habs game so close to V-Day?????
In the interest of preserving my marriage, my (Leafs faithful) hubby and I (the stinking Habs fan) are going on a dinner-movie "date" and avoiding the game altogether....yet i know I'll be checking for scores all night and post-date trash-talking could land either one of us on the basement couch.

[moe green]

@Alecia: Blissful winniness is everything tonight. Leafs win tonight 6-2. Thump Boston as Kessel scores three and has a six point night. Next day he's the talk of Beanland. Seguin breaks his coccyx in the Lucic's bathtub. Huh, what's he doing in Lucic's tub? Ugly rumours swirl. Buffalo decides to play their backup against us. Huge mistake.

[TG77]

I know we aren't technically allowed to be negative but I honestly was really disappointed with the Devils game. No Brodeur, Parise or Volchenkov and yes, they have played well since Lemaire took over but the Leafs played tentatively and absolutely sucked on the power play. They fell right into the trap game that the Devils are known for so I don't actually think it was that the Leafs played an overly tight checking game, especially given Reimer faced 39 shots. Yes, Aulie played great and didn't look out of place whatsoever and Reimer helped the Leafs get the point but I want the McArthur-Kulemin-Grabo line back together and Kessel and Lupul can play together.

As for the fighting 'debate' here, to me to give a roster spot to a guy who is simply there to skate around for 4-5 minutes and fight the opposing teams tough guy seems so dumb to me. Given in most instances you would rather have one your coaches or equipment managers on the ice in the last minute of a one goal game than these fighters and they don't tend to play in the playoffs, why waste cap space on this role. The guys on the Islanders, Gillies and Kanopka are total plugs and same can be said for Goddard. How many minutes did Goddard play in the playoffs the year the Pens won the cup?

This negative post is brought to you buy a number of days of pissing rain here in Vancouver! Go leafs go.

VM Replies: You're allowed to be negative!

[Joffrey Lupul]

I was reading earlier and it looked like there was some worry about negative Karma and superstition so I had to take some drastic action. Put the hair hat and went out shopping with it. We are good!

VM Replies: Wow. Your dedication continues to inspire.

[TimB]

@Joffrey Lupul . What will you change your name to for the Bruins game?Just kidding!I'm totally confident.Yup....no doubt 'bout it.Mr. Confidence.Yup....that's me.Yes sir......no doubts here.....

VM Replies: So much free-floating anxiety today. I hope the team doesn't feel the way we do.