Game 57: Thank you, Boston

Say what you will about this Leafs team, but when they make us proud, they really make us proud. When they pull it all together, when they take an active interest in writing their own success, it's hard not to be dazzled by the narrative and thankful for the way certain stories end.

Chapter 1: Thank you, Kessel

My guess is he's still sleeping. Good. It's 5 a.m. Let him sleep.

After finding an unmarked exit in the living hell he's inhabited for 14 games, Kessel deserves some shuteye. He exorcised his demons last night in a big way and that's always exhausting.

Kessel scored twice. After both, his broad grin ricocheted around the TD Garden, muting the locals who arrived yet again to watch him stumble into the flames.

It was 17:22 of the first period when Kessel batted the puck out of the air, stunning Tim Thomas and, more important, freeing himself, distancing himself from the past.

Bang. Two shots of redemption with one cathartic swing. At long last, he had "scored against his former team," the bane of his existence. At long last, The 2011 Phil Kessel Slump Watch was no more.

Then at 13:37 of the third, for good measure, Kessel wristed the game-tying goal into the Boston net. Two goals, one busted slump, one homeless back monkey, thousands of baffled spectators with no obvious target to ridicule.

There were no churlish "Thank you, Kessel" chants last night because Kessel shut them up. Even the booing seemed half-hearted and reluctant, as if they feared what might happen.

One game will not change what anybody thinks about The Trade. But for this one game, thank you Phil.

Thank you for picking a brilliant time to shove it in their faces. Thank you for cranking up the dial and finding chemistry with Joffrey Lupul. Thank you for using your body and mucking in the corners, oblivious to tormenting faces on the other side of the glass.

When the Leafs skated away with a 4-3 win, Kessel was smiling again. The Boston fans were scowling. And deep down, we knew the story had changed.

Chapter 2: Thank you, Grabovski

Was Grabovski sent from the future to soothe the jangled nerves of Leafs Nation, one impossibly cool goal at a time? Or is he powered by an alien life force, one that's impervious to the immutable laws of physics?

These seem like the only possible explanations for his story last night.

Twice he was pancaked between an immovable object (the "boards") and a freak of nature (the "Zdeno Chara"). Twice, our man Grabovski crumpled to the ice after getting crushed by 6 feet, 9 inches and 255 pounds of human suffering.

Then like Kessel, he shrugged it off and twice he scored.

What can you say about this magnificent bastard? He probably shouldn't have returned to the ice after that second hit, not after it caused his eyes to temporarily glaze as he slowly tipped over like a damaged cactus in the desert sands.

Mere mortals would've been rushed to the nearest hospital. But, apparently, on the planet from which Grabovski was sent, near death experiences are treated with smelling salts and bursts of inexplicable laughter and plans to bang in another before time runs out.

The guy's face looked lopsided. Yet there he was, busting a gut and sniffing away. Chatting with his linemates on the bench, presumably asking if they could also see the unicorn now singing show tunes at center ice.

Thank you, Mikhail. Thank you for showing up each and every night this season. Thank you for caring. Thank you for last night's game winner with 1 minute and 1 second left in the third, an end-to-end beauty accessorized with skill, determination and remarkable heart given what your head endured only moments before.

Chapter 3: Thank you, Boston

And so on a twitchy, restless night in Boston, with future trade rumours swirling and memories of The Trade still lingering, we witnessed this team turn another page. We read two more stories about personal triumph and gritty courage.

Thank you, Boston.

Thank you for giving this young Leafs team a night to remember. Thank you for giving us another chance to show-off James Reimer, the towering upstart who badly outplayed your Thomas. Thank you for the moments in which your team was totally dominated, lost, confused, hemmed into their own end as the Leafs controlled the play.

Thank you for months of inspiring arrogance. Thank you for believing, perhaps too quickly, that the story on Phil Kessel was carved in stone. Thank you for the poetic justice.

It's been a topsy-turvy season for the Leafs and their fans. But last night, if even for just three hours, the good people of Boston turned up expecting to hear a familiar tale and their silence spoke volumes.

THE END

MAIN PHOTO: BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS

Comments

[Carol905]

Mr. Menon: Love reading your blog, and loved the game last night. When Phil got the first one, I was driving down a deserted street and honking the horn like crazy...There is always hope, right?

VM Replies: Hope springs eternal, Carol905. Thanks for reading and honking.

[A True Leafs Fan]

No. Thank you Vinay.

I also want to thank Tim Brent who relentlessly went after Chara all game. It was like watching David vs Goliath. Good job.

Also I would like to thank Komisarek for scoring. you have confirmed the fact that you need to get traded for a nickel. why are you still wearing an A?

VM Replies: The closest Reimer has come to exhibiting any kind of anger since arriving was on that first Boston goal, when he looked up at Komisarek as if to say, "Come on!"

[Sue]

As always, you start my morning with laughter. Great writing as always. Lupey with 2 assists, no goals (will be making those lemon squares for you tonight). Perhaps tonight.

VM Replies: Good morning, Sue. In all the excitement, I forgot about our bet. We'll have to go double or nothing before tonight's game.

[Sue]

Double or nothing. You are on. I think the Leafs will win again tonight. Lupey will score, perhaps not the winner but one goal would be nice. Leafs Nation would be very proud. (Hmmm .... perhaps I should stop and buy more baking supplies on the way home, just to be safe. And Vodka, can't forget the Vodka)

[TimB]

My dead on mystical vision of the Kessel/Lupul connection,yesterday, was brought on by the perfect combination of vodka,exhaustion from shoveling and Ibuprofen.I will attempt to duplicate that combo for the Sabres game.

VM Replies: You have now replaced Alecia as my most trusted psychic adviser.

[We BeLeaf]

Yes! Thank you Toronto Maple Leafs, one and all! And thank you Vinay, for possessing the expertise to put exactly how I feel into words!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

[Peter]

beutiful! i'm quite amazed when this team shows up and not the on we saw against Montreal.
I remember when we got Grabovski from the Habs and everybody was making funny comments about it. I love the fact that his better than anybody the Habs have as an offensive forward. :-) hey, who would you have Habs fan: Gomez for $7M or Grabo for $3M? lol

[TimB]

I also predicted Joe Bowen,seeing only an 8,would mistake Grabo for Kessel 14 times.Course that's pretty well a gimme.OK,shovel in hand and I am out of here.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Welcome back, Phil Kessel. You silenced some of the most arrogant fans with your outstanding effort offensively and defensively. You even threw some body checks! But, the best part was you incensed Thomas with that sneaky second goal. Priceless! Now for Grabo, all I got to say is, WOW. I looked up the word tough in my Webster's dictionary, and there was a picture of you smiling like a proud new papa. Impressive, very impressive to say the least. Jamesy Boy Reimer's calm and cool save in the waning seconds was as clutch a save this Leaf team has had in a while. Overall great team effort and as entertaining a game any hockey fan could expect. If we can get that type of grit again tonight, we just might be able to shake the jinx the HSBC arena has on these magnificent leaf bastards. VM, although I enjoy all your columns, this one was your finest yet. It hit a home run!

VM Replies: Goodness, thank you Michael.

[leefan]

Bozak played a good game too, he knocked Chara down and set up Lupul in front on one of his better plays. There are no teams with all star lineups anymore, but every good team has some determined role players who know what they are supposed to do. Bozak has turned into a pretty good penalty killer and faceoff man. Great for Kessel to get a couple, just like I texted my buddy just before the game started. I couldn't believe Grabovski came back after that second crunch from Chara, let alone the play he made for the game winner. I always liked Grabovski because all the Montreal fans hated him, probably for roughing up the Kostitsyn sisters. Great game! Plus Ottawa and Montreal both lost, not that I take any joy in that.

[A True Leafs Fan]

who knew that kessel is also a baseball player?

[ostrich _lover]

Actually Bozak plays good nearly every night. He is one of the most unheralded players on the Leafs, if not the league.

Phil Kessel gets two and everyone is happy. He could have had 4, maybe five. However, he has actually played some of the best hockey of his life during his slump and this proves one thing : outside of a fringe group of hockey experts, no one actually cares how you play as long as you score.

As for his being a one dimensional player, I wonder when people will notice that he uses his speed quite effectivley on the backcheck, and that he battled against Chara effectivley all game. With three minutes left in the game he fought against Chara in the corner like a mad man.

Can we save some props for Bergeron? If you love hockey, this guy should be one of your favorite players. His goal was spectacular. Phaneuf couldnt have done more to contain him, he gets a split second and scores.

What else can be said about Big Daddy Rhyme Time? Clutch save at the end, and outplays the best goalie in the league in his own rink.

VM Replies: Dude, come on. Give your head a shake already. Not caring if a goal scorer actually scores is like not caring if you actually get served food at a restaurant.

[leafland'r]

THANK YOUS
Thank you Vinay for your writings, eg, "unicorn".
Thank you Kessel, Grabo, Reimer for what Vinay deservingly wrote about you.
Thank you Marlies for grooming six players from your roster this year who contributed well in last night's Leaf game.
Thank you Leafs and Bruins for an exciting entertaining game. Hmmm, well, maybe not Chara.

VM Replies: Chara is a shaved down Sasquatch.

[ostrich _lover]

One more thing about the game: Christian Hanson was superb. Him and Brent could form a very powerful 3/4 centre combo for years to come. Or maybe there both gone next year, who knows? One thing is though, I think both players bring exactly what Burke wants on bottom six guys. Hanson brings speed and size and played great last night.

[Jon]

Burke is the man isnt he ! It is sooo refreshing to have a gm stick his neck out and make the hard decisions/changes when things are not working ! Lupul seems to be a good fit with Kessel. Thank God they put the MMK line back together. Once our sandpaper(Armstron and Brown) is back in the lineup this team will rock and u know what, Burke is far from done, thats the great part ! Great blog Vinay ! Great game Kessel ! Great effort Graboski ! Its just a GREAT day isnt it !

[Ken Baumgartner]

I want to share in the excitement of last nights victory, I really do, but I was in enemy territory getting beat down and tortured. They tried brain washing me and I am still in a fog.
I was at a symposium on Traumatic Brain Injuries (headshots or TBI) yesterday put on by Algonquin College, on behalf of the Kanata Knights Football Club (I coach). Part of the affair was tickets to the Senators game last night. Please do not construe this as a sign of treason, it was an obligation. If you read the last thread from Vinays' previous post you will see it has been an horrific experience which may have resulted in a TBI for myself. What I can report is that The Sens and the Isldanders realy suck bad.
Please, let's just get to tonights game as fast a possible. The light is too bright for me today.
Curse you Sensi-Bill, curse you man!

[Billy]

Great game all around. I have a nick name for Reimer. How about "The Poet"? I am sure someone has already thought of it, but haven't seen it anywhere yet..

VM Replies: I may be mistaken but I think someone did suggest "The Poet" a while back. (I wish there was some kind of search function with this blog interface.)

[Ken Baumgartner]

@Alecia, I am sorry....I'm sorry.

[Michael]

Please, please, please win tonight in Buffalo. All I hear down here is Sabres making a push to the playoffs. I would take the Leafs not winning another game all year if they can just beat the Sabres and hurt their chances. C'mon guys, please show up tonight!

[Alecia]

Vinay, you really have a talent of capturing the emotions of Leaf fans nationwide. You must keep the blog through the summer. This is Toronto.

I’m glad to read that I wasn’t the only one watching with wide eyes, jaw to the floor and freaking out like Charlie Sheen in Vegas. I knew Kessel was going to break out of his slump soon enough but I have to say, I didn’t think that the sensitive guy had the mental and emotional strength to break out of this slump in Boston out of all places. I was happy with him earning assists and setting up chances like he has done in the last few games, but last night, he just exploded. Goals aside, Kessel battled hard.

Just can’t get over it. Man oh man, were the Leafs all drugged last night with a substance that alters your vision and makes you perceive crazy looking 6’9 beasts as little school girls in plaid skirts? Nobody looked afraid of Chara, not even rookie Tyler Bozak backed down from this ogre-like creature. And Grabovski? Oh man, he was definitely drinking something. Here I was thinking he was out of the game on that first Chara hit but noooooooo, crazy stubborn Russian. Someone give this kid a raise, or an A, or a longer contract (you know, so we can trade him in 10 years’ time when he has proven to be a true Leaf).

They Leafs played a SOLID 60 minute effort against The Chara, Thomas and company. Can’t have a single complaint about this game, none. Maybe it’s just me, but every time these guys win a game, someone usually has to scrap me off the floor as I try to regain feeling in hands and feet. I’m surprised the cops haven’t been called yet to check on the “unusual screams” coming from next door. Perhaps I should put up a sign on the door saying “Leaf game in progress”.

I am telling you, Reimer IS Tim Thomas Jr. but with a brighter future.

[enJoy hockey]

Thank you, Vinay: "homeless back monkey" indeed!
Thank you, Leafs.
Thank you, hockey gods.
Thank you, Leafs.
Thank you, Boston.
Thank you, Leafs.
No thanks to Sensi-Bill. Ottawa play-by-play: YUCK! (Until they lost. :-))
I should be heading to Buffalo. I was there when the Leafs won --probably the last time they did at the HSBC, 6-5 in overtime, I think. It was like an out-of-body experience, being swept along through that lobby and down the stairs into the parking nightmare to the chants of "Go, Leafs, go!" The euphoria even lasted through the two hours it took to get to the border! Kind of like last night.

[Geoff Read]

I hate to be a wet blanket here, but while at a certain level I can appreciate that Grabovski showed some toughness and gutted it out, isn't this exactly the kind of thing NHL teams are no longer supposed to allow? The guy was clearly knocked nearly unconscious - wouldn't the responsible thing be to remove him from the game and get him checked out?

VM Replies: Burke was on the Fan this afternoon and was asked about this. He said the trainer did a preliminary check when Grabovski returned to the bench. He was deemed to be symptom free.

[enJoy hockey]

@VM Whom do we lobby to get you a raise and a job guarantee? You keep us smiling when all around us is gloomy and you show us how to celebrate in the good times. Please don't ever quit. And please don't ever fire any of your awesome contributors, like Boo, alecia, Ken, TimB, Rooney, A True Leafs Fan, etc., etc., even Princess, and maybe SensiBill (but he's borderline :-)).

VM Replies: Oh, enJoy hockey. I appreciate your kind offer. Alas, the only guarantee in this business is that nobody ever gets a raise and change is always inevitable.
Still, this is the most fun I've ever had at the Star over the past 14 years. And that's due exclusively to all of the contributors.

[Gord]

I know it was just one win in February, but damn was that satisfying. Grabo with a beauty end-to-ender for the game winner, and I didn't notice Tyler "next coming of Steve Yzerman" Seguin all night.

Thank you Kessel, for shutting up the most arrogant fans in the NHL.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ Alecia

Hahaha leafs game in progress, thats classic. definitly going to put one of those up. but below it I will have (Pizza guy dont even try to knock come on in)

[Prayin' Since '68]

Dear VM,

My usual routine for the previous 14 Leaf games has been:

1. Have a nice dinner
2. Turn on the television for Leaf's broadcast
3. Do five minutes of neck exercises to get warmed up
4. Then as the game is on, during every Phil Kessel shift, I bang my head against a solid concrete wall.

I've found the banging of my head to be more pleasant than watching Kessel play.

You can imagine my relief last night.

But here's the catch. How does a player who scores two goals (such as Kessel) in a game in which the opposing team scores three goals, still manage to get a plus/minus of -2?

Even if he was on the ice for all the Boston goals 2 minus 3 is -1 isn't it?

I fear in some alternate universe Kessel was on the ice for a fourth Boston goal. I imagine this goal took the form of Kaberle, instead making a pass to Kessel in the Leaf defensive zone, turned around and whipped the puck past Reimer into the Leaf's own net. He then went up to Claude Julien and said,"See, I shoot, who says I no shoot puck enough?"

Alas, the leaf's lost that game in a shoot out.

Help me find another explanation VM.

VM Replies: Sorry for the delayed reply. Plus/minus is calculated only on even-strength goals. Carlos also put up a link down below.

[Carlos]

Great post Vinay. With Kaberle having one foot out the door, the Leafs are one injured defenceman away from playing Lebda and Finger every night. Defensive depth is a luxury that teams like Vancouver would kill for right now. I'd rather wait until the off-season to see what shakes out before trading Komisarek for some prospect defenceman - it's not like his trade value will decrease any further.

Earlier this season, I stated that the Leafs will really have lost the Kessel trade if they don't make the playoffs, because he isn't worth two first rounders without having a decent centreman to set him up. But after the way he's played during the slump and last night, I've realized that I have to - actually, I need to - let it go. To use an analogy (always dangerous), it's like buying a used car and thinking afterwards that you paid too much. Sure, the car still runs well and you enjoy driving it, but in the back of your mind, you think you got fleeced. And then you see the newer model, all shiny and low mileage, and suddenly you have buyer's remorse. But you know what? At some point you just have to enjoy the car you're driving now, and not worry about what could have been or what you paid. You can afford the car, and it's no use worrying about you can't have. And while it may not be the best car on the road right now, it's still a great car, fun to drive, and you have many more years of driving enjoyment ahead. So just enjoy the car on its own merits, and focus on the road ahead.

I call it the Tao of Kessel. Let's enjoy the ride.

VM Replies: Well said, Carlos. Though now I hate my minivan.

[Jon]

Thank you Vinay, u magnificent blog writing bastard !!

VM Replies: You're welcome?

[Alecia]

You want to talk about the most arrogant fans in the NHL?

How about this gem - Boston fans were cheering "USA" at one point of the game (I believe when it was tied) despite the fact that all 3 of their goals were scored by Canadian boys. Now, I am not sure of that’s arrogance or just stupidity. Didn’t they learn during the Olympics?!

[Alecia]

@ A True Leafs Fan - Oh yea good addition, I'll add that to the sign. Will make it tonight.

[KWood19]

what a fantastic game that one was. Reimer's save with some odd 20 seconds to go was pure clutch that made my day. keeps me thinking... is this kid for real? I sure hope he isn't just taunting us with a hint of brilliance that will vanish after this offseason. I do hope Burke is now serisouly considering the kid for the future, along with Goose and Rynnas. now the only tough choice comes down to which one to put on the trade block, if any.

[Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

I am going to start a band and name it Homeless Back Monkey.

Thank you, Vinay.

VM Replies: I'd come see you guys play for sure.

[Carlos]

@Prayin' Since '68: Being on the ice for powerplay goals does not affect a player's +/- stat. Kessel scored two powerplay goals last night, but was on the ice for two even-strength goals by Boston. So the +/- stat is a little misleading that way, and only represents one aspect of a player's (and team's) effectiveness at even-strength. Check this link for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus-minus

VM Replies: Thanks for getting to this before I had a chance to reply.

[Rooney]

"I like play like that," Grabovski said. "I like when defencemen play hard against me. It gives me motivation and I play harder and faster."

Any update if he was checked out after the game? If there are any doubts about this head, they should sit him tonight. The kid gives it his all, he should expect the same from the MLSE.

VM, I was on the Official Leaf shop site (http://shop.canada.nhl.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3176620) Can you ask MLSE why Grabovski and Kulemin are not listed in the players column but Toskala is? I question if sales numbers are a bit skewed because of the jerseys that the Leafs are pushing?

VM Replies: Good point. I'll ask.

[We BeLeaf]

Does anyone know who's getting the start in goal tonight? I heard earlier this morning that Reimer might be getting the call.

You know, I never get tired of hearing Joe Bowen yelling..."Holy Mackinaw!!!"

[Al]

wow what a goal!! and what a night for Kessel! That game left me feeling very happy :)

[ostrich _lover]

VM Replies: Dude, come on. Give your head a shake already. Not caring if a goal scorer actually scores is like not caring if you actually get served food at a restaurant

The point, dude, is that if a player plays well and creates chances, that is all you really care about. You want your scorers to score, I am not saying that you don't. What I am saying - and this is a basic hockey philosophy - is that you want your players to play hard and get chances. If they do that, the goals will come automatically. A coach looks at the players whole game, not just goals. Since the allstar game -with the exception of the Buffalo and Montreal games perhaps - Phil Kessel has been the player Burke expected when he made the trade. The fact that he has not scored had more to do with luck than bad play.

You can get sarcastic on me, but I implore you, since you have connections I dont, take this question to any hockey person, they will agree.

Here is a quote by Geroge Mcphee on Alexander Semin and the critisism he recieved for not scoring in last years playoffs vs. MTL:

'From an interview with McPhee at the start of the season via Japer's Rink, it's clear the GM respects his talent and doesn't blame Semin for the disappearing act he pulled in last postseason:

"No. He played outstanding during the playoffs last season. The fact that the puck didn't make it into the net does not mean that he played poorly. He made 44 shots on goal! I don't think there was a single player in the entire league that made as many shots in a single series of those playoffs. No, he doesn't have to prove us anything."

It is funny because Semin's playoffs were very similar to Kessels slump, and similarly, many people were saying he played terrible b/c he didnt score. These people are just not knowledgable about the game. Ask anyone on the internet and I am a moron who is asked to "give his head a shake" ask any coach though, and they will agree with me.

Vinay, I think your sarcasm was unwarrented since, I am actually right here. I don't know if you have ever played for a real hockey coach, but you can ask one and learn something if you want to.

[Joe Scott]

What more can you say about Grabovski's effort, and the poetic way Kessel broke out of his slump? It was great to watch, and suddenly, just for a game, the Leafs looked like a team that could play with the big boys. Another thing I noticed last night is that Reimer reminds me of Cam Ward in the nets. Laugh if you want, but the same style and calm is there. I think we have our goalie of the future in that one, and once your goaltending is set, the rest of the positions sort themselves out quite nicely.
I am ever hopeful, though guardedly so, after all, I am familiar with this team...

[We BeLeaf]

@ Bomber, I hope this joke will alleviate any pain you may have caused after last night's game......

A new bylaw has been issued by the Ottawa municipality and outlying areas to be enforced by the local police service: if caught driving over the posted speed limit, you will receive a friendly warning and complimentary tickets to a Senators game. If caught a second time, they make you use them.

Cheers!

[Alecia]

@Bomber, please put down the moonshine and smoking whatever you are smoking.

Never in my life have I, or will I, EVER don a Sens jersey.

[Nik Culoman]

I would like to thank Leaf fans who have jumped back on the bandwagon! Those of us who have stayed on this difficult ride were getting cold and lonely....So it is great to have some people to cheer with :D

Thank you Burke, for sticking to your guns and not listening to sour grapes like Kypper, Wilbur, the other clowns on sportsnet and the Fan 590.....You have shown what a true GM is all about, and the professionalism one shows in difficult moments when most have ignored your successful record.

Thank You to the Leafs, for not quiting on themselves when their "fans" had.....You guys have shown great competitive spirit and guts! You guys give us something to look forward to.....

[Emily]

Chapter 4: Thank you, Vinay. Whether the Leafs win or lose, your blogs always manage to put a smile on my face!

Also, I'd just like to say Grabovski's a freaking beast!!!

VM Replies: Thanks, Emily.

[Robert Bates]

Vinay, I must complement you on your great writing ( a fantastic sense of humour). I am a Canadiens fan through and through but part of me wishes that
the leafs could become competitive again and make the playoffs ( such not at the expense of the Habs). That game against Boston really showed some promise for the Leafs - hope they beat Buffalo tonight ( I can't believe I said that LOL). Grabo finally looks like he has thrown off the immaturity that got him bounced from Canadiens ( we always knew he had great skill). I personally think trading Kaberle would be a great mistake. He never gets enough credit from your fans.

VM Replies: Thanks very much, Robert. The Kaberle situation is interesting. I get the sense most fans want him to stay. But I also get the sense this is highly unlikely.

[hoofheartz]

OL - are you now insinuating that you're a real hockey coach? To refresh your memory, you have in the past, on other Leaf stories claimed that scoring chances are more important than goals. The last time I checked you didn't win games because you had 7 scoring chances but only managed 1 goal while the opposition had 6 scoring chances but managed to score 3 goals. I've laid this out in the most basic of terms, hopefully you can follow along.

[Robert]

Ah, what one win in a row will do! But, really, isn't this what we have been saying all along? They have the horses, and with a little effort they can play well against any team in the league. They just don't do it every night.
@OL pull your head out of your hole. Kessel hit the post and crossbar last night, we still don't count those. But, he did play an excellent game.
Nice to see all is well in Leaf land today, hope to see you all in the same frame of mind tomorrow.
Will be out this evening aligning the stars.

[Alecia]

@Robert Bates – Whoa, whoa, whoa…

It’s not the fans who make the trades, nor do we have a say. There is a considerable amount of Leafs fans who cringe at the thought of trading Kaberle, including myself. A lot of us, especially the younger fans, have grown up with Kaberle in the line-up and have come to really love him. I am 100% against trading him. He has shown to be loyal to this city through thick and thin and despite that fact that he might not shoot the puck enough, he is BY FAR our best defenceman, and he has the points to prove it.

I like Burke and what he has done so far, but trading Kaberle would be really hard to forgive. I am sick of the management of this team no valuing the loyalty that Kaberle has shown this city and to the fans. He is a class act off and on the ice and in my opinion, irreplaceable.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ Robert Bates

Do you mind Taking Komisarek back? He has scored more goals against the leafs than he has for them.

[hoofheartz]

I'd like to echo R. Bates. It makes me more than a little apprehensive when I start thinking who will move the puck up the ice as Kaberle does. I'm another one in the "I hope Kaberle stays" camp.

[waffles2010]

@Ostrich Lover All I can say is wow! Vinay gives you an opportunity to publish a guest piece, gain some expereince and a writing credit. Your gratitude for this is to publicly insult him. Suggesting that Vinay could learn something from you is disgusting. Even for you.

[hoofheartz]

Nik, you mentioned in a recent post that you were preparing to send our leader (VM) an email, which I trust is your guest blog. Hopefully if you are submitting a guest blog you have finally discovered the meaning of what a "bandwagon jumper" is. The regular posters here may get disgruntled/frustrated with the Leafs when there is an apparent lack of effort by the Buds but we're all sitting in front of our TVs/computers the very next game to watch. Those that aren't able to watch on TV because of blackouts and such are scrambling to find feeds on the internet. We're still buying Leaf paraphanelia, we're still talking about "the game" at work the next day, in short, we're stilling being fans.

VM Replies: I stop reading now whenever somebody invokes the word "bandwagon" as a smear. As you note, it doesn't make any sense.
Also, Nik, if you sent me an email, I never received it.

[Rooney]

Alecia, those were Brett Lebda's fans chanting "U.S.A."!

[Prahapete]

Awesome. We beat down the pretenders in Boston. Awesome. The Leafs kept the heat on all game. No quit in this squad bodes well for the future. Awesome.

[Robert]

I am pleased others feel the same way about Tomas as I do. Arguably the best puck moving defenceman in the league. Sure he doesn't hit folks, he takes the puck off them. I have watched with interest this year how Schenn's game has improved playing regularly with Kaberle. I have watched Tomas hung out to dry with three on ones when Schenn goes for a hit, rather than the puck.
Wilson has decided he doesn't like Tomas. Simple as that.
With Aulie and maybe next season Gardiner coming up, both play a more offensive style. Tomas would be a great mentor, because there sure as hell isn't anyone behind the bench now that can teach the young players Defence.

[enJoy hockey]

Third the "Kaberle stays" vote. Can someone explain why our marquee players (according to the rest of the hockey world too) such as Kaberle, Sundin, Kessel have to endure such scrutiny and criticism as they are subjected to in Toronto? I can't remember, but did that happen to Mahovolich, Sittler, Clark, Gilmour and the like?

[Rooney]

Mr. Bates, I think you are mistaken about Kaberle's fan base in Toronto. A while ago (when no Leaf defenceman was playing well offensively) I posted a comment about his offensive numbers. One day he will retire as one of the top Leafs offensive d-man of all time and as one of the leagues top offensive d-man of all-time (propbably in the top 30). The numbers do not lie. I hope he retires a Leaf. Leaf uniform or not, Kaberle will always have a big fan in me.

[A True Leafs Fan]

I vote we keep Kabby.

If we trade him im starting an angry mob... Whos coming with me?

[Ken Baumgartner]

@ Nik, The leafs have not met Brian Burke's expectations so far and he has held the team accountable, in particular Kris Versteeg and Francois Beauchemin with more to come. That is what I am talking about. when I say this team as constituted today, last week, is supposed to make the pppppppp..... well, you know. Everything else is according to plan but I salute him for holding the team accountable for their failures today. Lo and behold, since January they are playing like a team that gets it with the exception of a couple of games.

@OL No coach is happy when their goal scorers are supposed to score and are not. They may be ok with the other aspects of the game but when you are supposed to score you should be scoring in any coaches eyes. Especially an NHL coaches eyes.

I'M FEELING MUCH BETTER NOW.!

@Alecia, it was a nightmare and may it never happen again.

[Matt]

Great blog as always.

Kabby needs to stay...and he definitely can't go to Boston if we move him. As Robert said, he is going to be a great mentor to our young D-men.

[Sensi-Bill]

@Ken Baumgartner
.
"Curse you Sensi-Bill, curse you man!"
.
Thank you Ken Baumgartner, thank you.
.
(g)

[Charlee001]

One down. One to go. Go Leafs Go.

[We BeLeaf]

Kaberle needs to stay on the Leafs. He's said he doesn't want to leave. Why all the animosity towards him, I just can't understand. Maybe Burke has devised a trade to let some other team have him for a few months while we get a player/pick/prospect, then resign him again for next season. Who knows?

[Sensi-Bill]

I'm happy for my friends, the good Leaf fans, and like to see them excited and celebrating a win.
.
But again, I can't help but be a bit concerned about them flying so high that they're inevitably setting themselves to suffer more than needed when they, and their team, next come crashing down.
.
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but the arms held high in victory --- \o/ --- remind me of the posture of people on a roller coaster as they put on brave faces during the next sudden plunge downward.
.
So celebrate your well-earned victory my friends. Just promise me --- and yourselves --- that you won't go too far the other way, won't become too despondent, at the next setback (Leaf loss) whenever it comes.
.
(soft smile)

[Tom]

I have this blog as my home page. <3

VM Replies: You know what's weird? My homepage is a link to a flight simulator.

[pinot grigio]

re OL @ 10:59

Man, you are some dumb ass! I started out feeling sorry for you, confusing your loyalties with insight. I even tried to explain something to you. Besides the ignorance it is the arrogance of your posts that bothers me though, your disdain for everybody else, your moronic belief that we would all agree with your nonsense if we only knew something about hockey. Well, let me tell you something about hockey, if this were a game rather than a blog, I would not like to be in your skates because there are a few of us who would like to make you understand what your hockey insight is worth. I would like to be the first to educate you and I am sure there are people here that would like to give you some graduate courses.

[johnnyk]

Late to the blog today. Did they just win the cup?

[Alecia]

How does everyone feel about Gigure getting the start tonight?
I know they like to alternate goalies on back to back games, but Reimer was so spectacular last night, I wish we gave him a shot at redemption against the Sabres. Regardless, I’m sensing a win…or it might be the high from last night. Either or, I expect it to be good.

[Billy]

@OL et al - Jason Blake played hard and got a lot of chances. Still does not make him a good player. So because Kessel slumped, but still got the chances, he was still a good player. It is just bad luck that they weren't going in? With Blake, I guess it was the opposite. One year he was lucky and they all went in.

[ostrich _lover]

@Pinot Gingot, Here is a tip: don't threaten violence against people on the internet. Not only is it lame, but if you attack an Ostrich, PETA will be all over your whino ass.

VM Replies: Okay, time out. I was entombed inside a non-Leafs writing purgatory this morning, so haven't had a chance to respond much. Apologies.
OL! You completely overreacted to my comment, which I should have probably never posted. If you were offended, I apologize. I should have made the same point without the sarcasm.
So this matter is now closed (i.e. no more comments about it, please).

[We BeLeaf]

@ Alecia,
I think it makes sense to start Giggy even though Reimer played well last night. It would be interesting if he did the start just to see how he reacts regarding last night's game, and last week's loss.

On another note, I can't remember when the Leafs had so many back-to-back games in a season. What are they at now, 12? Anyone know if they've played more than this before?

[Go Leafs Go]

OL has all but admitted that he's just a troll, which makes perfect sense since no one can be that delusional while thinking so highly of themselves. Hopefully he'll grow up one day, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[Rooney]

No, johnnyk, no parade today, but we now know that the Bruins do not have a snowballs chance in H-E-double hockey sticks this year. Actually (putting aside my biased opinion for the Buds), no team in the East seems that interested as of late except for the Flyers, Lightning, Sabres and Devils. I would add the Pens but those injuries look to ruin the Pens season.

The nincompoops are sending out some very bad game day karma on this page today.

[Boo Who?]

Looks like all my Leafy brethren in TO did this on the way to work this morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVNgYXFi_Q

I did a similar strut through the streets of Vancouver, but no one else got why. (The Canucks win every damn day, so they're always happy.)

Looking forward to having a second gander and Mr. Ruff and his team tonight. Hope we learned some lessons from last time.

[Sensi-Bill]

Probably not a good time and place to get into this, but what the hey . . .
.
I'm a little cranky today. In addition to the discomfort of too little sleep, the chronic (24/7) pain is a little worse than usual today --- probably due to the fatigue. (I DON'T mention this in a bid for sympathy, just to let people know if a touch of grumpiness creeps in from time to time, there's usually a non-related cause to be blamed.)
.
Anyway, my crankiness has been amplified by having just come from other hockey discussions elsewhere.
.
As usual I'm going through the responses to a non-Leafs story about two teams, neither one the Leafs, on a neutral, non-Leaf sports news site, and I have to wade through pile after pile of the usual garbage from Leaf "fans" hijacking the thread as usual to indulge themselves in their stupid trash talk.
.
Much of which I wouldn't bother repeating here. Though I will give one example of how simple name calling, like calling the Senators the Hens, is far too mild for these . . . well I'd call them childish, but that would be an insult to the budding intelligence of children --- immature boors.
.
"The Leafs have talented tradeable (sic) commodities that every team likes. That's why the trade for 1st rounders just keep on coming.  The Senaturds got a charity 1st rounder from Nashville only because of pressure likely from Mrs. Underwood. Other than that NO BODY wants Last place Senaturd trash." (From someone with the screen name "dapointis".)
.
The talk itself is only mildly irritating. After all, such trash talk is exactly that --- trash, garbage, a stinking mess that reflects poorly on whoever dumps it in the first place.
.
No, what is far more annoying is having to wade through this self-serving sh*t to read the reasonable, worth-reading comments.
.
Some of which come from half-decent Leaf fans, but unfortunately, they tend to be a very small minority. (I'm tempted to note that when posting in these threads, even our own the-bird-banger-I-will-not-name comes across almost credible in comparison.)
.
I should also note that puerile Leaf "fans" are not the only ones to talk trash on these sites, but they often appear to be the most plentiful, as well as the worst.
.
Now HERE is an IMPORTANT POINT: I don't mention this HERE to cast shame on any Leaf fans here, including our token couple of borderline wackos. (g)
.
I mention it here:
.
--- To note how a certain segment of Leafs Nation can inspire annoyance (anger?) towards Leaf fans that decent Leaf fans might feel from time to time and not realize it is their own "brethren" who are bringing it down upon them.
.
--- To once more illustrate why I like this decent, and for the most part respectful, oasis of likable Leaf fans. (And, for the record, I don't imagine it's the only one in existence.)
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--- And to explain in advance that if you stop by such a site (tsn.ca in this case) yes, it is me under a slightly different name --- Sensible-Bill --- posting there and that if I appear far more snarky than usual, it's because of a far different level of provocation found there.
.
So I say be grateful you have this place. You might be surprised at the mean-spirited, immature garbage that is spewed in the name of the Leafs elsewhere, even on neutral sites in threads attached to stories that don't have anything to do with the Leafs to begin with.
.
And thanks for letting me get it off my chest here. I occasionally do vent back on the original sites but of course the trolls there never listen to anyone besides themselves to begin with.

[Go Leafs Go]

Grabovski's skill is only outmatched by his heart and determination. Who says Russians have no heart? Grabovski is one of the few Leafs that hasn't taken a night off all season. If every Leaf put that level of effort into their game (on the ice, off the ice, during the off season, etc), then we wouldn't be where we are right now. He has quickly become my favourite current Leaf player.

Great game by Kessel too. What do both his goals have in common? They both came around the net. He needs to get into the dirty areas and drive to the net more often instead of taking the easy route of going wide and settling for a low-percentage shot from the outside (reminds me of a certain ex-Leaf who rhymes with flake). Here's hoping he keeps it up because you won't see any 14 game goalless streaks if he does.

[Boo Who?]

Sigh. Phone fail. That should be 'at Mr. Ruff and his team tonight' above there. (Sorry, I just hate it when inanimate objects try to argue semantics and syntax with me.)

If we're still rounding up an angry mob to rampage following a Kaberle trade, let me know. I'll bring my pitchfork. I will seriously lose my s**t if he gets traded.

Dreger is talking about Richards and implying that his 'undisclosed injury' is a smokescreen. For what, he won’t exactly say.

[enJoy hockey]

@Sensi-Bill. What difference does it make if we are high on happiness for this (special) win? Our enjoyment will not change the outcome of the next game, so let us rejoice. If you want to dispense Kleenex instead of advice when (and if) the next loss comes, that would be appreciated more. By the way, do you need some tissues?

VM Replies: I'm so glad you're on our side.

[TG77]

@ GLG - he is Belarusian so we can still say Russians have no heart (kidding).

The Canucks used their 12th d-man last night and with Ballard, Hamhuis, Edler, Alberts all out and let's be honest, the "Sami Salo hurt in a freak accident" is a template story just waiting to be published sometime in the next week. So does Burke peddle a d-man out west? I could actually see Chris Phillips heading to the Canucks. Lots of playoff experience and if playing with a more solid team, he could be a good addition.

@ Sensi-Bill. I would just say don't waste your time on boards in which a mandatory IQ score of 30 would cut the comments in half. And I agree, this blog is lots of fun because it does tend to avoid the normal 'your team sucks...LMAO, you got owned" mindless posts.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ Sensi-bill

I know we dont see eye to eye, and I understand your frustration. but your complaining about leaf fans on a leaf fans blog to other leaf fans. I dont necissarily agree with what they said but, come on isn't there a senators blog or soemthing? those idiots on the other site may be arrogant and childish but they are leaf fans after all. and as you probably already know alot of us are probably alcoholics.(baileys, vodka, vodka lemon squares, baileys vodka lemon squares). I am sorry for this disagreement, and I probably look like the bad guy but I do not like seeing fellow leaf fans(doesn't matter if they deserve it) chirped by a Hens fan.

[Peter]

@Sansi-Bill,

i can assure you we are very grateful for this pace. :-)

and this is why sometimes i don't read the comments on the Stars' articles consening the Leafs. there are always a bunch of morons hwo show up there just to call my team names and spew off some smarta$$ comments.

[Nick]

Best part of last night though, goes not to Kessel, Grabovski or Reimer, but to Joe Bowen who ecstatically cheered "WHAT A SAVE BY REIMER!!!!" when the puck clearly went off the post. Thank you Joe Bowen for being comically clueless.

VM Replies: That did make me laugh.

[moe green]

Great clip Booberry! Exactly how I felt this morning. Let's see if we can keep that feeling going for just one more game. Maybe Versteeg was a bit of a downer in the room. Who knows.

Kessel gets it, he really gets it. Hat trick or not, it's telling that he was on the ice in that last minute after the Grabovski scored the winner. Wilson showed respect for Kessel's new-found truculence. It was sure fun watching all of our little forwards take runs at the Big-Z all night.

Vinay thank you for summing it all up so beautifully with your words as usual. Wasn't it inspiring just watching everyone contribute last night. I noticed in the first that the Bruins were giving our guys lessons in pinpoint passing and hard work. By the third it was the other way around. Even the Boston announcers were impressed with "the highly-skilled Toronto forwards." Their words. Sweet!

VM Replies: It was definitely a good night.

[Go Leafs Go]

Lebda and Komisarek to the Canucks for a photo of D. Sedin, signed by H. Sedin.

VM Replies: Oh, man. It's not even 3 and we now have a front-runner for Comment of The Day.

[moe green]

On the Kaberle issue count me amongst the re-signing him group. I really want Kaberle to hoist his first and last Stanley Cup as a Leaf. We will be a diminished team without him on the blue line. I really think that if he is re-signed you will see a resurgent Kaberle.

Alecia, I would love to see Reimer get the start tonight but not because I don't have faith in Giguere. He has been solid since returning. I do think we can expect a little more than "solid" from Reimer, but let's hope we don't need a spectacular performance by whatever goalie we use tonight.

I don't understand why the Sabres give us so much trouble. We ended one curse last night why not end another one tonight.

[moe green]

LOL @ Go Leafs Go!

[Boo Who?]

@ TG77 - When I posted the other day (okay, more like fantasized out loud) about us doing deals out West with a team looking to shore up some defensive depth, Vancouver was one of the teams I was eyeballing. Also, Phoenix. But I don't know if we can afford it, nor do I think they'd be willing to throw a bone our way. It's fun to dream though! I sometimes let my vision get hazy during a Canucks game and imagine certain players are wearing the Blue and White. Not sure if this is an act of infidelity or not? I guess the fact I'm ultimately thinking of the Leafs means I'm still their girl.

VM Replies: "An act of fantasy should never be considered a betrayal." I remember reading that line as a kid. So I think you're good.

[Alecia]

Bill, can I offer a theory as to possibly why I think you come across so many ill-mannered Leaf fans, especially online?

Every team, of every sport, has its share of “immature booers.” The Leafs, being an original 6 team and being the most profitable team in the NHL, likely means, that the leafs have one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, fan base of all 30 teams. Meaning that, the Leafs also have a higher number of intolerant and childish fans who like to do what you described them to do. At the same time, there is also an equal amount of respectable fans like the ones you find here, but I know that you already know that.

I think a lot of that kind of internet trash talk that comes from Leafs fans has to be some sort of a defensive tactic fans use to distract themselves and others from what is really going on with the team. Perhaps, too much pride to really come to terms with the fact that what SHOULD be a really great team, a serious cup contender year to year, has been suffering for a number of years now. It’s like high school when Suzie called Katie fat just so she can feel better about her own weight issues. That kind of thing.

Also, you got to keep in mind the demographic of who is on these boards. Aside from age, TSN is a Canadian channel based out of Toronto (I think), and so its online boards probably attract a large number of Torontonians.

That being said, I don’t approve of that kind of talk or behaviour at all. I like the occasional habs and sens jabs since I am no fan, but I think there’s also a limit. Hockey shouldn’t be about rivalries so strong that they induce hatred among fans who end up fighting one another at games, like the reports we heard from Vancouver earlier this year when the Leafs stopped by. I’d like to think that I can wear my Leafs jersey to any away game and not fear for my life. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t risk doing that without a personal bodyguard.

I digress, point is, there’s no sense in getting upset over childish trash talk over the internet or anywhere else for that matter. Every fan base is guilty of doing their share of trash talking, us Leaf fans are just greater in numbers.

VM Replies: I'm volunteering Bomber to be your personal bodyguard.

[moe green]

Okay, back to work. See you guys at post time or sooner if there is a trade!

Try this:

http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/ryan-miller,8681/

or this:

http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/video/nhl-tries-to-woo-fans-by-increasing-scoring-with-b,14338/

[Ken Baumgartner]

@Sensi - Bill, Living in Ottawa I know what it is like to hear some of the over the top Leaf fans. They can drive me crazy too. In their defence though, and you have to agree, Leaf fans take it on the chin on 24/7. The ridicule is relentless. If there is one thing that you must be, to a Leafs fan, it is thick skinned. Some Leafs fan are less so than others and it results in the kind of thing you speak of. Even the morning radio show in Ottawa picks on no other team but the Leafs, with its Blue team elimination watch, which has been lately quiet given the Sens plight. I get that it is Ottawa and the station is Ottawacentric, it should be. For a Leafs fan though that kind of thing becomes an annoyance when you have to hear over and over again. As I said, and especially if you live outside the GTA, you must have thick skin to be a Leafs fan.

[enJoy hockey]

@ alecia: I am hoping Reimer will get lots of chances at redemption vs. Buffalo in the bright future. I think it makes sense to stick with the plan, which is why I am not a fan of incessant line-juggling either. Just a stick-in-the-mud.

[Alecia]

Further to Bombers point and my own, you don't just have to live outside the GTA to have thick skin, it happens right here in the city too. I get tons of slack in the office for being a Leafs fan… and I work 10 mins away from the ACC.

I was once wearing my Leafs jersey and a guy tried to pick me up with this one liner, "Leafs suck, eh?" He then proceeded to back paddle and get defensive when I told him off. True story
.

[palbo]

VM - just read your post - brought tears to my eyes - may i say an amen.

VM Replies: Thanks, palbo. I'm more excited about tonight's game than I have been for quite some time.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Alecia, I don't think "Leafs suck, eh?" qualifies as a pick up line.

Tell me if my pick up line would work: I've got Platinum seats beside the Leafs bench, wanna go?

[Alecia]

@moe, no more curse talk! Yesterday I had said to a friend of mine that if everyone just lays off Kessel, he will go out there and light it up and he did. We also won in Boston for the first time in 2 years, also the last time we won in Buffalo. So, no curse talking, cause we are breaking it tonight. Good things come in three’s.

[TPiddy]

For once, I started drinking AFTER the game ended!

VM Replies: And now we have a second entry for Comment of The Day.

[Lisa]

Anyone who read VM Blog day in and day out should KNOW what his comment/reply are ABOUT......There is NO other writer could replace the "JOY" that unite Leafs fan together like he does,period !!! The concern today is Grabovski's health......

VM Replies: Thanks, Lisa.

[Adam]

What the heck is Kaberle looking at in that top picture?

VM Replies: Wow. That's a little spooky when you blow up the image. Never noticed his eyes drifting upward like that when I picked the photo.
I wonder if he's looking at Brian Burke.

[Alecia]

@WeBeLeaf – no it was definitely not perceived as a good pick up line but it was definitely intended to be one. It was after a leafs game that we had lost. My point was, you never have to go far to find someone to rip on the Leafs.

[Alecia]

Hmmm, interesting. A picture of me posing with our hero, Grabovski has surfaced on The Score’s website today. I consider this a good luck sign… or blatant disrespect of my privacy... not sure.

Good luck charm it is! Go Grabo go!

VM Replies: Link?

[Boo Who?]

@ Adam and VM - stop it, both of you. You're giving me chills. I'm imagining Kaberle looked up, met eyes with Burke, and watched in dazed horror as Burkie slowly dragged his finger across his throat. Now I can't finish my lunch.

VM Replies: What a great catch by Adam. That picture is really unsettling, especially when you think about the backdoor conversations that are likely running through Kaberle's mind at that precise moment in history.
It's like he's already a ghost in the celebration.

[waffles2010]

Ok this has been bugging me all day. Why would Kaberle only accept a deal to Boston? I thought he loved the Leafs, wanted to retire here? Doesn't he see Burke and JFJ have helped Boston enough? Another trade with Boston, great. Which prospect or pick blossoms into a star in Beantown next?
Oh and Kaberle, STOP staring at me. Yes, I want you to leave town. I hope it happens soon. No need for the death stare.

VM Replies: That picture is going to give me nightmares tonight.