Game 58: Pure and utter joy

When the final buzzer sounded, I strolled into the office and removed my Leafs schedule from the wall. Then I picked up a pen, crossed-out the month of November and wrote: "Ah, forget about it you guys. All is forgiven."

So this is what pure and utter joy feels like.

From Boston to Buffalo, 48 hours of pure and utter joy. Back-to-back bliss. Two divisional wins and four symbolic points in which old ghosts were doused with kerosene and set ablaze, hard work was gilded with golden rewards, new chemical formulas were discovered and confidence was renewed.

Make no mistake: The rollercoaster is now thundering down the tracks at thrilling speed, blowing our hair and rattling our teeth as we grin like we've never grinned before this season.

This team is rolling. They are 6-3-1 over the last 10 games. They have inched to within six points of the word we dare not speak. The interlocking pieces are starting to snap together.

I deliberately did not write last night because of this pure and utter joy. But after returning this morning from a long walk in the predawn darkness, perspective remains elusive; it's impossible to stay grounded when you're on cloud nine.

Wow, just wow.

When Timmy Brent kicked the puck past the blueline and Joey Crabb – his name alone is the epitome of magnificent bastardry! – bolted down the ice on a shorthanded rush, somehow fighting off two Sabres while flying through the air and swatting the puck past a hapless Ryan Miller, I jumped out of my seat and screamed.

Screamed.

That goal was the eventual game winner. But what it really felt like was a game changer for all of us. It felt like another small step in the right direction, another lunge away from the bubbling quicksand.

The goal ended a horrible streak of cross-border misfortune – this was the Leafs first win in Buffalo since December 12, 2008 – while also hinting at what lies ahead for a young team that seems to have stumbled upon a secret recipe after burning dozens of pots and pans.

Then when James Reimer preserved the 2-1 victory by slamming the door in the final minutes – controlling rebounds, suffocating plays, calmly directing his defencemen – I gave him a one-man standing ovation.

Pure and utter joy.

As a sidenote, I will also say this to the entire organization: Please hire a detail of armed guards, psychics, bouncers, personal assistants and medical specialists to flank Reimer. Now that J.S. Giguere looks to be injured again and Goose is dealing with heart issues, Reimer needs round-the-clock protection.

I am not joking. This kid is not to walk across wet floors. He is not to cut his own damn vegetables. I don't want him using revolving doors or crossing busy streets or even tying his own shoes. James Reimer needs to be kept under lock and key in a climate-controlled room inside a heavily-barricaded fortress that is blessed by witch-doctors and watched by radar.

Sorry. But that needed to be said.

You know, what's most amazing about the last two games is the work ethic. These guys are fighting for the puck the way lions and hyenas fight over a mangled carcass. They are focused and energized. On the bench, everybody is leaning forward, everybody is itching to jump over the boards and engage.

It seems a couple of relatively small trades can make a huge difference.

Joffrey Lupul brings an intensity that was often lacking this season. He goes to the net and mixes it up in the corners and takes hits to make plays. And you know what? All of this must be contagious because now linemate Phil Kessel is doing it and playing his best hockey in months.

Then you throw in the chemical reaction created by adding Christian Hanson and Keith Aulie, a newfound commitment in the defensive zone, line stability (thank you, Mr. Wilson), shorter and smarter shifts, fewer giveaways, escalating shot totals period-over-period, puck possession that's sometimes lasting two, three, four sustained minutes...

... and now you add this: Brian Burke is not done yet.

People, I don't know. I'm having trouble thinking this morning. Maybe it's all this smiling I can't stop doing. Maybe I need to go for another walk.

Here's the thing: It really does feel like something incredible has happened over the past 48 hours. And now as we look ahead, the pure and utter joy is impossible to ignore.

MAIN PHOTO: DOUG BENZ/REUTERS

Comments

[Al]

vinay, great blog as always! Kessel is really starting to look like a Hockey Player, vs. just a goal-scorer. And Grabovski, Crabb (at some point they need to skate on the same line... being able to say Crabb Grab repeatedly is just too fun), Lupul, Kuleiman, Brent are starting to click... hell, even Komisarek is starting to come around.

Reimer and Aulie... wow. Great. Young. Talent.

Great win boys! Keep it up!

VM Replies: Big Al! Crabb Grab! I can't stop smiling!

[A True Leafs Fan]

Did Joey Crabb really do what I thought he did? or was that a figment of my imagination?

VM Replies: I got out of bed at 4 this morning and the first thing I did was replay that goal. Not a figment of our imaginations. It happened.

[ostrich _lover]

Lupel : As I have been saying all year, one of the problems for Phil kessel is that when he is on the ice, the other teams focus on him 100%. His best spurt of the season was when Grabovsi was on fire, b/c teams started to put their top pairing vs. Grabbo. When Grabbo cooled down, Kessel was back to full coverage.. Guys could cheat of Bozak and Crabb and Phil was smothered. Playing with Dr. Palindrome opens up the ice considerably for Kessel, he isnt smothered as much because teams know Lupul will burn them.

This same problem affects Dion Phaneuf. Kaberle will not shoot the puck. Teams cheat off him and Dion cant get a shot off. The number one priority for Burke should be to aquire a defensemen with a cannon for a shot. If he does, that defensemen will score a bunch until teams adjust and then Dion will be open way more. Hamrlik is UFA, and Burke should definatley try aquiring him from MTL. Mark Streitt would be another good option.

VM Replies: Dr. Palindrome is maybe the best nickname anybody has come up with this season.

[Peter]

Thank you VM!
You are, again, on the spot and speaking the words I was thinking of.
This is not the same team we saw only a couple of games ago. I know they are probably not the most skilled one, but what they may lack in skills they make up for it with hard work and determination. This is the part I like in a hockey team the most: hard work.
The only problem is, they gave us hope now, and if they fall short it will hurt even more.
One guestion, last night on Sportcenter they were talking about wether the Leafs should trade players like Grabovski and MacArthur. why on earth would they do that? Even if you are rebuilding, don't you want to keep your young, good players?

VM Replies: Good morning to you, Peter. I suppose the idea those pundits are putting forth is: Nobody is untouchable on a -.500 team and market value for your greatest assets is highest at this time of year.
But I'm with you. Leave the nucleus alone and focus on the orbiting electrons.

[Jon]

Vinay, u magnificent blog writing bastard !! U seem to always hit the nail on the head !! I remember your blog many months ago about Versteeg and his apparent willingness to accept losing or at the very least, shrug it off as if to say, "oh well". Imho, after the trades and Lupul's comments about the team's lack of effort in Montreal the Leafs seem to be playing with purpose...i dont know, more focused u know ?

VM Replies: Considerably more focus and considerably less apathy with the incoming/outgoing switch of just those two players...
Let's hope it remains and let's hope Lupul stays healthy because I think he adds an array of intangibles to this young team.

[We BeLeaf]

Vinay, my daughter and I were jumping up and down on the Crabb goal. The picture you have is reminiscent of Bobby Orr's goal against the Blues! Very fitting! OK, so the Leafs got another moral victory last night, but suffice to say it is bitter sweet after losing Giggy to a "lower body injury". Where once we had a surplus of goalies, now we're left with one and no callups available. It couldn't have come at a worse time. Looks like Kessel is back to Phil the Thrill with this play. It appears with Lupul on the off wing gives Kessel a little room to manuever to empty space on the ice, not to mention that he's going to net more. The team will be that much better once we get Army, and Brown back, for certain. On to Ottawa! Go Leafs Go!!!

Cheers to Leaf Nation!

VM Replies: Isn't it strange? From carrying three goalies to now having Reimer and (presumably) Scrivens as the backup for the next game.
You're right. The timing is horrible. But the important thing, I think, is we still have Reimer and now he gets a chance to climb into the pilot seat.

[Alecia]

Vinay, great blog this morning, really.

But could you not find a photo where the only player's name that we see is the one we usually don't want to see?

VM Replies: Your contempt for poor Komo is a little unsettling.

[Peter]

Is Komisarek really seems better lately? Or am I just imagining?

VM Replies: I think he is playing better. His confidence with the puck still seems in tatters. But he's definitely more positionally.
Hopefully, he can use the stretch to turn this season around for himself.

[Alecia]

....Although in retrospect, Miller's face and posture is quite appropriate. I retract my previous statement.

[A True Leafs Fan]

Any word on Colby coming back for saturday?

VM Replies: No word as of yet.

[moe green]

Thanks for bringing that smile right back to my face Vinay. It is such a pleasure watching concerted, inspired effort - all we ever wanted from these guys - two nights in a row in two critical games.

In the top photo is Kaberle an "orbiting electron?"

VM Replies: Hard work is all that we've ever asked.
Kaberle is a neutron who is often mistaken for an electron.

[Bryan]

Vinay, every morning following a game, I stumble into work, eyes burning from fatigue, and the first thing I do is call up your latest blog. And with this blog, once again, you don't disappoint.
This team may not make it to the word we dare not say. I've accepted this, but man, is it ever exciting to see them playing with this much intensity, this much fire, and having this much fun. At this point, I'd say that finishing out of the lottery is what we should look forward to. But who knows? After these two games, it's clear that miracles happen. Kessel is back to form. Grabovski makes me weep with joy whenever he's on the ice. Reimer is a god among goalies. And in a season that's had a few ups and an incredible amount of downs, I've never had so much fun watching my beloved Leafs.

VM Replies: I think there must be an inverse correlation between team effort and fan expectations.
When they were playing lousy, I found myself fiddling with numbers and thinking about the word we dare not speak *more* than right now. Almost as if I my (then) pipe dreams were overcompensating for their (then) mediocrity.
But now they are rolling and, like you, I feel oddly serene, almost philosophical about what may or may not happen.
I'm just grateful for the progress, the compete level and the promise of better days.
Thanks for reading, Bryan.

[leafland'r]

Vinay's winning streak sits at 58.
Another great read, Vinay. I'd like to say that you took the words right out of my mouth, but no hockey blog can put the words and phrases together better than yours.
Great game. Sure wish there was another one tonight. I'm already suffering from withdrawal.

VM Replies: Thank you, once again, for the kind words.

[TPiddy]

Vinay, admit it... your late night stumbling around and cloud nine feeling were really induced by celebratory vodka and lemon squares!

I was totally in awe, both Tuesday night and last night, of how the Leafs were able to maintain puck possession through stellar board play. Since when can we use the words "Leafs" and "stellar board play" in the same sentence?

VM Replies: An incredible transformation.
No vodka, no lemon squares lately. If the Leafs keep playing like this, the real loser will be the LCBO.

[Matt Taylor]

To reference a classic movie, "They're not dead yet" I think I would have slapped somebody if they had told me the leafs would only be missing 6 points from the word I refuse to say in mid-February back in November... seriously, who'd have even dreamed of it?

VM Replies: I think all of this has even surprised the team.

[Lasogga]

@ostich_lover Mark Streit would be a dream!Taking the load off Phaneuf is exactly what we need!Experienced two way defenseman who is a natural leader...Too bad the Islanders want to build partly around him, since they rejected trading him for Kovalchuk a year ago.Would have to see what they think of him after his shoulder injury.

I must agree though i stand corrected that Dr Palindrome(its catching on) has chemistry with Kessel,which i didnt expect.Imagine youd have Richards centering them!

And Vinay, dont you find it surprising that Reimer's name(Optimus Reim) has not yet been mentioned as a calder candidate?Maybe Im biased, but i think hes definately one of the best rookies this year!

VM Replies: He just hasn't played in enough games yet.

[We BeLeaf]

@ moe, I was just thinking to myself about the picture Vinay posted. Symbolically it looks like Kaberle is leaving the team while looking back, kind of like the way Orpheus was warned not to look back.

VM Replies: It was a bit of a scramble this morning so once again I didn't closely examine the photos (was just looking for the right "mood").
So that's now two straight days in which the lead photo on a post shows Kaberle doing something that's slightly jarring, slightly different from everybody else captured in the image.
It's gotta be a sign of some kind.

[Go Leafs Go]

Back-to-back wins are nice.
Back-to-back road wins are great.
Back-to-back road wins against Boston and Buffalo are amazing!

Sens and Isles are up next and both are must-win games if we hope to keep our P hopes alive. I'm a bit nervous because we have a tendency to beat the teams we have no business beating, and losing to the teams we should be beating. We're still a long-shot to make the P, but it'll be a fun ride if they can keep this up.

VM Replies: Buckle up.

[Ken Baumgartner]

No vegetables, do not let him cut his own vegetables. That is classic. A Leafs fan with a talent to wax peotically about his team. You are hilarious Vinay. The best part is that it is so obvious that it comes from the mind, via the heart. I know I appreciate that and probably most everyone else does too.

I am not going to get too far ahead of myself though in the short term, because while you are letting them off the hook for November I am not. I don't want Blue and white disease to give them the sniffles. It seems to be dormant and we don't want to wake the giant. I will however enjoy each victory on its own merit and should the unlikely happen I will be pleased with the turn around. Make no mistake, there is a turn around taking place, it is just are they turning enough to meet expectations to are they turning into a brick wall? We will find out and we will have to enjoy the ride or agonize in their shortcomings since that is all we can do. If nothing else these Magificant Leafs Bastards are making it interesting and that is so much more fun then what November brought us

Keep up the good work Leafs and one day in the future Vinay, maybe 2 years or 5 years, maybe 10 years, hopefully you will get to write the blog following a stanley cup victory. Now wouldn't that be a fun one to write.

VM Replies: Thank you, Bomber. Win or lose, it's been great having you aboard for the ride thus far.

[Matt Taylor]

@Lasogga: Optimus Reim may be even better than Dr. Palindrome (though that is pretty awesome too)!!

[80s Leafs]

Hey, I got ripped off! I used the Lupul-palindrome reference in here the day he was acquired. OL is stealing my thunder!
Okay, fine. But If I ever come up with one using "Komisarek" and "onomatopeia," I expect to be given some props.

VM Replies: What? I am sorry! I usually have a pretty good memory. I must have missed your reference to Dr. Palindrome.
Nickname credit now shifts to you.
OL, don't steal 80s Leafs thunder any more.

[Alecia]

While watching the game last in total shock, I turned to my dog and said “please let us win this one”. He then proceeded to chew in his leg, but I am pretty sure he had a hand in that Crabb goal.

Does everyone have their travel buddy!? Buckle up people

Leafs fans – crazy, crazy people.

VM Replies: Your dog should write a guest post for us.

[Simon]

The team is really looking like a blue collar team again, which is how we are winning. It seems the Blue and White disease is exactly that: sometimes the hard-working blue collar team shows up, and sometimes the make-everyone-else do the work while we still make money white collar team is playing.

[Alecia]

@Bomber – you’re crazy if you think that any of us would have the ability to read or write after a Stanly Cup Leafs win. I imagine majority of us will blow a fuse in our brains and would be frozen in a moment of glory on the couch/floor/standing in front of the tv for days.

[Ken Baumgartner]

For James Reimer "Optimus Reim" is ok but it is just his name cut short. I think I like "The Poet" because it more of a play on his name and a play on his play.

[Manatee]

Goodmorning to Leafs Nation,

A Nation with a giddy smile that just seems unwashable from our faces. No matter the effort to grasp the realization of a road filled with games against post season bound teams, a brief pocker face is the best we manage to mask the giddy smile. It is as if we are coming out of the basement closet in our parent's basement to the sound of everyone cheering for our "seven minutes of heaven". However, ours have been more to the tone of "120 minutes of heaven" as we have witnessed a Leafs team win face-offs, block shots, secure rebounds, drive the net, forecheck, backcheck and pretty much check any player into the boards that dared to bring the puck over our blueline.

This feeling that we are feeling even seems to mask the blown 5 on 3, the slowmode power play passing, the penalty at the worst possible time and the moments when Toskala manages to embody our goalies from where ever he sits playing NHL Hockey on his Wii.

Vinay, thank you for always taking what we are thinking and feeling and putting in your words so that many more can share and "beleaf"!!!!

VM Replies: Always a pleasure, Manatee.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

As always, another fine column VM. Like you, I can't seem to get this smile off my face. In a previous blog, I stated that the leafs needed to win 2 of 3 on this road trip through some of our hardest places to achieve success. Well, slap my face, those glorious leaf bastards did it. It makes me proud to be a leaf fan. The effort and savvy the leafs have put in these past two nights, is really, all as a fan you can hope for. Earlier in the season, some said that the leafs won some moral victories, but ended up with no points. Now, those earlier efforts have been rewarded. I have often been an advocate for the firing of Ron Wilson and his staff, but, these last 2 games, I tip my hat to the coaches who seem to have the leafs playing inspired hockey. Lupul has been outstanding and it won't be long before he starts to bury some of those great chances he's been getting. As far as "Jamesy Boy" Reimer, agreed, we need to keep him as healthy as possible. I checked the leafs schedule, of the 24 games remaining, we only have on 3 occasions, back to back games. This should not be too much of a burden on such an enthusiastic and energetic keeper as Reimer.

VM Replies: Good morning, Michael.
I think if we administered truth serum to Jamesy Boy and asked about the 24 remaining games, he would say he wants all of them.

[Rooney]

Great blog, VM. Most of the regulars on this blog have supported this team through every game this year. All we asked was that the team put in a honest games effort. I was only critical when they played with a lackadaisical approach to the game. The other night when Boston took the lead in the third, my only reaction was that I felt bad for the Buds considering how well they were playing. There was no despair or anger towards inanimate objects. If they can keep up the effort, the remainder of the ride should be fantastic. I am sure the Devils are just as shocked as the Leafs that only a few teams in the East seem interested in taking their games to the next level down the stretch. The GMs in the West are probably working the phones like crazy, one right move and you could get third place, one mistake and you could end up in 13th...yikes.

VM Replies: Another profession to be hurt if the Leafs keep this up: Repair and service technicians.

[Peter]

hm, a defenceman with a big shot? isn't McCabe available out of Florida? :-) Just kidding, but i think we didn't have a pair like him an Kaberle since he left.

[The 5th Line Centre]

Perfect time to go hot as the next 2 games are vs Ottawa and the Islanders.
Think they can keep the hope alive?

VM Replies: The game against Ottawa will be very interesting and very telling.

[Rooney]

"We started well, but as the game went on, we lacked energy," coach Lindy Ruff said. "Sometimes you drain energy from an emotional game."

Mr. Ruff, the Leafs could have used the same excuse after the mental and physical win in Beantown, but they didn't. Way to go Buds!

[TPiddy]

I was partial to "Reimbo", but after seeing this:

http://puckinghilarious.spreadshirt.com/optimus-reim-I11028128

I am now sold on the "Optimus Reim" nickname... it's going to stick.

[KWood19]

who woulda thunk it at the beginning of the year that aulie would be a stud, and Reimer would be leading the way with some absolutely confidence-building play? not this guy! but I certainly cannot complain. too soon to consider picking up Reimer in my hockey pools?

[Ken Baumgartner]

@ Alecia, That is funny. Vinay would probably have to use some voice to text software and it would probably be completely undecipherable and it would probably be the best blog post he ever wrote.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@Tpiddy

I dont know James "Rambo" Riemer sounds pretty bad ass. Optimus prime is awesome but Rambo is a one man army... Its a tough choice.

[Simon]

I just went to say sorry to my Habs fan friend. I had refused to speak more than a few words to him since Saturday for obvious reasons. Right now it looks like that lose along with the Steeg trade was exactly what we needed.

[80s Leafs]

@VM, sorry for the confusion in the 10:15 post. To clarify, I didn't coin the "Dr. Palindrome" nickname, that was OL's work alone. I made a comment that day along the lines of "Lupul" possibly being the first palindrome to ever grace a Leaf jersey.
(I have no evidence that former Leaf D-man Bill Root ever changed his name from "Toot" prior to making it in pro-hockey.)

VM Replies: Oh, man. Okay. But now your Root line is the front-runner for Comment of The Day.

[TPiddy]

@A True Leafs Fan - Yeah I really like "Reimbo" as a nickname but it seems "Optimus Reim" has more marketing potential, especially with a third Transformers movie on the way :)

VM Replies: "Transformers" would be a good title for the last few days.

[Tom]

Miller looks absolutely miserable.

:D

VM Replies: Almost as if he just crashed and burned while operating a F/A-18 Hornet Simulator.

[Nik Culoman]

Funny....Look at all the compliments this team is getting now....Look at where the contributions are coming from lately....Before when BB was signing and trading for these guys everyone complained that he did nothing for the big club. Now everyone who once bashed these guys that BB brought, now love them.

So one for point for BB, Zero for knee jerking Fans...Funny, since BB has arrived are farm system has come up big at producing these guys who come up and bring energy and effort. Most of you have asked for BB'S head, when I and others preached patience you were ready to throw all these guys under the bus, and now this team is 6 points out of "P" and they have a game against Ottawa which if the effort continues could be an easy 2 points.

Games, and results like these that we have seen should be a moment of reflection for those fans that clobber this team after every win, bash every move BB makes or has made.....Begin to accept the reality, THANK GOD BB IS RUNNING THE SHOW AND NOT YOU :D

VM Replies: Oh, God. There goes my smile...
Can't you be magnanimous for once, Nik? Can't you just enjoy yourself without feeling the need to bludgeon us with your puritanical and steadfast loyalty?
I don't recall anybody calling for BB's head after his recent trade activity. People were upset when they felt *nothing* was happening in November and December.
And these people were right.
Patience in a vacuum is not terribly helpful, or even sensible. If nobody ever got upset, nothing would ever get done. Trust me on this.
I recall you praising Versteeg more than once and even questioning the deal when it happened. You thought it was part of another trade, which it was not. You also said this season was a "wash" and the playoffs would never happen.
So don't even try to jump on the bandwagon now, mister.

[Alecia]

@Simon, you are a much bigger person than me when it comes to hockey. While you were apologizing to your Habs fan friend, I came up to mine and said “hmmm, what do you know? We beat both the teams you couldn’t, you’re welcome.”

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ TPiddy

Is "Optimus Riembo" to bold?

[Go Leafs Go]

It's funny how Kaberle is being blamed for Phaneuf's shortcomings. Kaberle is 7th in points and 4th in assists among defenseman in the entire league, but it's his fault our Captain isn't scoring. He seems to be setting everyone else up. Maybe the problem is that Phaneuf can't hit the net on a regular basis, or maybe our forwards aren't willing to pay the price to screen the goalie. No, let's blame Kaberle instead and completely ignore the fact that he has the same amount of points as the next 3 defenseman on our team combined.

McCabe didn't seem to have a problem with Kaberle setting him up time and time again. Tobias Enstrom has even less shots than Kaberle (by a wide margin) and that hasn't stopped Byfuglien from potting 17 and counting this season. Phaneuf's scoring troubles are Pheneuf's alone and that will become all the more apparent once Kaberle leaves town. I still can't believe we are going to let one of the premier puck-moving defenseman in the entire league fall from our grasp.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ Alecia/Simon

you are both alot bigger people. I was watching the game with my habs friend at the local pub. after the buzzer I endured quite alot of insults.(dont get me wrong I would have done the same). but as 30 minutes went by he took it way to far so when he left to go to the washroom I bought Random leaf fans drinks put it on our tab and left. when he came back. the cheque was on the table, and I was already halfway home. he was not impressed to say the least .. Montreal may have won the game, but I had won the war.

[TPiddy]

@True Leafs Fan - The jury is still out on that one.... Maybe if he gets another shutout... preferably against Ottawa on Saturday?

[Alecia]

Oh man, Kaberle rumours are resurfacing again. According to Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger, if there is a trade, its’ likely to happen tomorrow.

I can’t believe we are going to send this guy packing. I just don’t understand it. He is a solid defence man, he is 7th in the league for Dman points, he is a great puck mover, great passer, he is loyal, he is our longest serving Leaf and most importantly he loves this city and wants to stay here. Why, WHY are we pushing this man out of town!? He is IRREPLACABLE, plain and simple. Whatever high I was on from the last two wins is gone. This is devastating to me.

[Nik Culoman]

@ Vinay, I never left the bandwagon, but all the way through when others were bashing BB back in December and November...What were my posts talking about??? Patience, and time, and let this team grow together. I never questioned Versteeg trade, as I felt that he never wanted to be here....I agreed with you when you mentioned that he was a goner back in December.

Like I said back than, BB couldn't make any trades because of the cap, and to expect trades in the new year once the cap hits were lowered......

The playoffs are probably still a wash for this year, If they make it great....But I would be just as happy if they could end the year playing hockey like they have lately........

If there was one person who has preached patience and loyalty...Staying by your team even in defeat it has been me and a few others. I haven't been the one writting blogs taking shots on a team while they were down...I have never jumped ship and even when others took their shots for standing by BB, I never changed sides.

I have always stood by the GM, COACH and players....that can't be said by a lot of people here

VM Replies: What? You never questioned the Versteeg trade? Allow me to quote Nik Culoman from three days ago: "I don't like nor do I support this trade."
Good God, that's not even questioning. That's coming out *against* what Burke was doing. Are you now saying you were right and Burke was wrong? Is that what you are telling us?
Nik, I like you. All I'm saying, once again, is that patience is not a virtue if it results in inertia. Period.

[Simon]

@Alecia, Oh I intend to do that later this afternoon. If my work is going well I'm calling that a little pick-me-up.

[Go Leafs Go]

Nik, you still don't get it. We fans have every right to be unhappy with Burke. He himself said that he's not interested in a 5 year rebuild, he wanted to fast-track it. Hence the Kessel trade. This team failed in his eyes because they were expected (by Burke himself) to be a playoff team, not a lottery team. We fans have every right to be critical of Burke because his fast-track rebuild has not yielded the intended results, and he's the first to admit it.

[ValleyRed]

Hey, Vinay

Love your blog, I gotta admit, after watching the Leafs win last night, one of my first thoughts was "I can't wait to see what Vinay writes about this!"

Keep up the good work, it's greatly appreciated

VM Replies: Thank you very much, ValleyRed.

[Nik Culoman]

@ Alecia...These are the reason Kabby is gone
1) His age, we are in a rebuild process and by the time this team get's truly competitive again Kaberle will be too old and ineffective. He is taking a place for young dman to come up and gain valuable experience and gel with this young group.

2) He is a free agent at the end of the year, and will probably walk away for nothing..So from a Leafs standpoint it is better to get something for him than to have him walk away for nothing. I would rather have Wheeler and pick or prospect than nothing....

These are reasonable reasons, and from all account he isn't a guy BB wants to keep around going forward, he has been in a loosing environment for far too long, and he needs to resurrect his career by playing for a competitive team.

[Peter]

Alecia, I second you on Kaberle. They should keep him. Just don't know what the price is gonna be...
i don't think they should change the defence corps from now on.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Alecia, we all agree about having Kaberle stay as a Leaf, but the fear is if he is not traded by the deadline, then he will leave at the end of the year and the Leafs will have gotten nothing for him because BB will not resign him to the deal he wants.

@ Nik, do you really think that the BB detractors are going away anytime soon? See how fast things change if he makes another trade, or if the Leafs go another losing streak.

[Nik Culoman]

But if the results as of late prove anything...Than most of his decisions have been great ones.....This team is far more competitive today than when he arrived. This is far more younger, far faster than before he arrived. Our farm system, as per Damian Cox has been producing with great results, that has never happened in the past and wouldn't of if BB hadn't arrived.

Most of the impact players on this team are BB's guys, Armstrong, McArthur, Kessel, Brown, Aulie, Bozak, Freddy S, and so on. Look at the Marlies, how great do they look???? You don't think that success wouldn't trickle up to the big team, isn't that were a successful get's their talent???

All of these changes he has made have been successful, surely BB probably misread the mess the people before him left behind, but in short order has corrected most of the holes. 43 years of mismanagement isn't going to be fixed overnight, patience is in order.....Give the man credit for squeezing blood out of rocks (trading away Stajan, Blake, Myers, Hagman, White, Versteeg, Beauchmin, and more) and transformed them into Aulie, Phanuef, Freddy S, Lupul, Gardiner, and 3 or 4 draft picks.

We are enjoying the fruit of a progressive rebuild, with more changes to come as Alecia has pointed out in her last post. Just check out Edmonton, Islanders who have been bottom of the barral for more than 5 years with plenty of top 5 picks on the their teams in their system..Where did that get them???

VM Replies: We agree, Nik. We agree.
Now pour yourself a lemon drop martini and enjoy the day.

[Simon]

@TrueLeafsFan, clearly your mistake was to watch a game with a Habs fan. Doing that means that YOU are the bigger person. The rest just shows that they aren't too smart to go to the washroom.

[Rooney]

Nik, it doesn't make sense for you to jump ship when you are alone in a dingy.

I went back and watched the ending of both previous games. Kaberle (in my personal opinion) appears to be looking around and taking it all in, almost like he knows this chapter will be ending soon. Moving our best offensive d-man will hurt the Leafs now. It might be the right thing to do for the long range plans but it is going hurt watching the team that lands him get instantly better down the stretch.

[Alecia]

Nik, I understand both of those points very well. However, I can sit here and argue why I think he is a great defenceman and how he has the points to back it up and how he mentored young Schenn but really, my biggest problem with trading Kaberle is the lack of respect and honour for his loyalty.

He has played his entire NHL career with the Leafs and has been solid through thick and thin. He didn’t go knocking on the door out when the Leafs plummeted post lock out as he could have done. He has stated numerous times that he wants to be on the team and in the city and after 12 years of being a reliable solid player, he deserves his NTC and to retire here. Right now, he is being pushed out by Burke and his new plan, but he doesn’t want to go. This is how we thank him for 12 years? It hurts me that we are forcing him out of here when his heart is set to stay. Yes Burke is bringing tons of new talent but that doesn’t mean there is no more room on this team for a veteran like Kaberle. If anything, he has proven to be a great mentor. Point is, he deserves to retire here, in Toronto, where he belongs.

[moe green]

I am so impressed with the transformation of this team. And to think it all might have started with the "Kessel Kerfuffle,” which gave cause for Burke to quickly consummate transactions on a couple of key components.

The "Beauchemin Bump" was addition by both addition and subtraction: Added Aulie has stepped up to adequately fill Beauchemin's shoes but the addition of Lupul's scoring punch has subtracted some of the attention from the Kessel both from the media and from opposing defenders.

The "Versteeg Vamoose" or verily the "Versteeg Vivisection" was both vigilant and vital to remove the villainous and venal vibe that had vested itself within the remaining vestiges of team vitality and playoff viability.

So I say a heartfelt goodbye and wish only good fortune to Francois Beauchemin and hope that his playoffs are sound and fruitful until such a time that he would encounter his old team (our Leafs) face-to-face in the Stanley Cup finals. What a series that would be.

To Kris Versteeg: Via con Dios and "Vive La Différence!" Your departure has paved the way for a new vitality on this team. New stars are emerging. Old ones are shining more brightly. I don't know how you did what you did but I am sure glad you stopped doing it.

And thank you Kessel for your leadership albeit through unintentional kerfuffle. We likely have you to at least partially thank for this abrupt and timely transformation.

Phil Kessel: our leastest, littlest, most Hobbity leader.

[Robert]

Forgetting that it was Tomas' neat little pass to Kessel that got us the first goal I wonder what the poor boy has to do?
Last night was the perfect test.
Goals hard to come by..
Buffalo rushes - we back check
Puck in their end,
We forecheck
When we do get the first goal, the work ethic continues to protect the lead
Lost a chance with the horrible 5 on 3 but
Regained it with a rather spectacular goal short handed!
For the most part, we kept their shooters to the outside.
The goal on Reimer was unfortunate - probably would stop it next time.
BUT NOBODY LET UP!
We came back harder than ever, and in a one goal game, we showed what most of us on this blog have felt all along,
WE HAVE THE COLTS TO MAKE THIS WORK BETWEEN THE AHL AND NHL WE HAVE THE STABLE
The coach even started to leave the lines alone.
Lupul had several good chances, (which don't count, I know) but you can see the chemistry developing between he and Kessel.
60 minutes of intensity and speed, and pressure on Buffalo spells two points.

[Alecia]

Oh and before I get jumped on, I know that he is a free agent come July 1st. Point is, he is the best defenceman we have and has proven to consistent year in and year out. Burke said that players with NTC have earned their clause and will not be asked to waive it. How come Kaberle is not extended that same honour? He is being kicked out of here because he is not a fit here anymore? Sorry, but Kaberle will ALWAYS be a true leaf.

Burke should be sitting down with him to figure out how he can remain a Leaf, cause guaranteed, they could work it out. If we can afford to pay Komisarek, Lebda, and Phanuef, we can find a way to keep our one link to the glory days.

[Nik Culoman]

@ We Beleaf, my response would be this...No matter what BB does he will always have detractors...This is Toronto may I remind you...His team could go 81-1 and people would complain about that one loss....The Leafs could win a Stanley Cup series in 7 but get hated on for not doing it in 4, 5 , or even 6 games. That is what has become of this city and the fans, the media has become tabloid fodder and negative because it sells.

The Leafs even Kaberle is traded won't just stop playing, they will bring up another kid from the minors and that player will have edge and the need to play hard because if he wants to stay with the big club he will need to play... Accountability is an amazing thing...

The Leafs are going through a real rebuild, a progressive one yes....But a rebuild nonetheless....One that has started to bear fruit even with key injuries and players having some tough times.

[ValleyRed]

I'd like Kaberle to retire a Leaf, but then, I'd also like him to play defense like that frisky young colt we saw a couple of weeks ago (forget which game) rather than the Matador style defense we've seen a lot of the last few years.

I also think Reimer's nickname should be The Wolf, after Harvey Keitel's character in Pulp Fiction. Reimer has the same business-like, no nonsense efficency of The Wolf, he just get things done in an economical, simple fashion.

[Peter]

Alecia, I don't think Burke pushes him out. He never asked him to waive his NTC, he said that many times. If anybody, Burke respects loyalty. and outside of some of the sport channels and papers, nobody said anything about any trade yet...
whatever happens, I hope Burke will have more class than to do what they did with Sundin.

[Robert]

As regards Kaberle, (I was going to leave this alone today) he is a set up man. A passer, rather than a shooter, the other team still has to cover him. If Phaneuf stands still like a statue in a city park, he will never have a shooting lane.
I don't know what is the matter with some of you folks, one of the highest scoring players on your team and you want to throw him under the bus? Why because he isn't mean enough?
Ask Kessel who helped him get out of his slump.
Schenn is twice the defenceman this year that he was last.
Do you suppose playing with Tomas might have something to do with that?
Schenn is free to attack incoming players because Tomas has his back.
Let Phaneuf learn to hit the net when he shoots, and Tomas will feed him the puck every time. Right in the wheel house!

Every team needs a setup man, I don't know why some of you can't appreciate we have one of the best, and one of the top two puck moving defencemen in the league.

[Chad]

the two E's....Effort and Energy! that is what Burke wants to see on the ice. no more lolleygagging like the game against Montreal, or the many others we've seen this season. recent transactions seem to have, for now, changed that. bring in Lupul, and he automatically adds more E and E to the top line. ship out Versteeg, promote Hanson, and once again you add more E and E to the 3rd line.
can/will they play like that every night? doubtful, but then again no team does. every team has off nights.
can they consistently compete against the top teams right now? again, doubtful. for one night perhaps. but in a 7-game playoff series. i'm guessing not.
we're still missing some key peices, mainly a bona-fide top line center. but while Burke continues to build this team, let's hope that they can consistently bring this effort for the rest of the season.

DAMN THAT WAS A GOOD GAME LAST NIGHT!!!! GLG!!!

[Nik Culoman]

@ Alecia...If you understood my point about Kaberle....Than he needs to go.....This man is covered with 5 years of loosing and with a young team...He isn't the guy you want around...He is leaving at the end of the year, like it or not...So why not get something for him before he just simply walks away??

Case in point SUNDIN...That is why we have BB in a GM roll and not some of us....We would never have made any of the hard decisions that needed to be made to start the rebuild, get rid of dead weight and sadly Kaberle has become just that when you are trying to build a young team and having them grow together.

It isn't about money BB doesn't like Kaberle, it is because he is going to walk away in the summer......and it is better to get something than nothing....We will be better for it once we get the assets for him....

REMIND YOURSELF.....SUNDIN SUNDIN SUNDIN SUNDIN SUNDIN....His refusal to be traded set this team back years in its rebuild.....ONE WORD Alecia,,,SUNDIN....

[Simon]

One of the greatest sights I saw last night was the celebration after the Kessel goal. Not only did Kessel scream like a madman, but it was Lupul that impressed me most. He was on the other side of the ice and so got there last, a few seconds after everyone else had congrated Kessel. But as he got there you could see him stick his arms out and scream in happiness. It looked like he prolonged the celebration and he was genuinely happy for his team-mate. If for no other reason, that reaction convinced me that Lupul has a bright future on this team.

[Boo Who?]

Oh for crying out loud!! Oh for Pete's sake! I was all deliriously happy and Vinay wrote this great happy blog, and then everyone started talking about trading Kaberle and now I'm all weepy and despondent. Why did I look?

[Nik Culoman]

Alecia more to your point...If we keep Kaberle because he should retire a Leaf, Than guys like Antropov, Poni, Stajan, Steen, Ian White, Toskola, and the others BB has managed to rid our team of, should all have stayed and retired Leafs....

WHERE MAY I ASK DO YOU THINK THIS TEAM WOULD FIND ITSELF TODAY??? Come on people, you hate on BB for trading away aged vets to bring young prospects with potential to affect the future of this team...Than you ask him to keep the players that got us in this mess to begin with.....

How are we ever to turn around a franchise who has struggled if we keep with the same loosing plan?????? Yes, BBs plan may have had some glitches..But this team is further ahead today than we were before he got here....

[Simon]

At about the 23 second mark of this video you can see what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSovfdnTgOQ . Its a short reaction, but I think you can guess how happy he is from it.

[We BeLeaf]

I know most people do not normally agree with Pierre McGuire when he does his on ice commentary, but he did nail a few points last night such as when the Leafs defence were stifling Buffalo from cycling the puck, and you couldn't argue that Crabb was the "Monster" of the game.

Probably most of what he says is geared towards the casual fan, hence the reason why I've seen him on various US broadcasts, but he does often times bring a certain energy to the game which makes the game more exciting. Of course there are other times when I wish he'd take a puck in the mouth!

Cheers!

[moe green]

Count me among the voices that really don't want to see Kaberle leave. It may have more to do with loyalty and continuity of team than good sense but I really don't want to see him go ESPECIALLY to a division rival. Plus I just like classy, soft-spoken Kabs. That said I didn't like the Versteeg deal until I had some time to adjust to it. Maybe Burke knows better than me. Ya think!

[PK]

I feel bad for Kaberle, he has been mistreated and has been waved around as a tradeable asset for years now. All the while he has remained under the stance that he likes Toronto and wants to play here.

He may not fall under the themes of toughness and truculence that BB has wanted to build his team around, but at the same time you arent going to build a winning club with only these attributes.

I think he has the skillset that makes you want to keep him on your club. Its alot harder to find a good puck moving defenseman than the dime a dozen stay at home defensemen.

I would be trying to deal Komi, but with his bad contract that might be quite a feat to achieve.

[moe green]

@ Nik Culomin: There is a huge difference between Sundin and Kaberle. Sundin was at the end of his career, Kaberle is at the peak. Re-signing Kaberle to a medium-term deal (4-years) is a viable option for the Leafs. It wasn't with Sundin.

[moe green]

If the trade doesn't happen before Saturday someone go to ACC and start a roaring "Ka-bee, Ka-bee, Ka-bee!" chant. It'll be on you Alecia!

[A True Leafs Fan]

@ Nik

Sundin was awesome. maybe i dont really have my facts straight but why did the rebuild get delayed with having him as captain? in my mind he was a great leader a great goal scorer and over all a great player.

[moe green]

Stay happy Boo, Kaberle isn't gone yet. It always takes two to tango. Maybe Kaberle will revise his contract demands and take a sufficient haircut to satisfy Burke that re-signing him is the best offer. Besides, do you really want to screw hugely with current team chemistry? There is no deal yet, fingers crossed.

[We BeLeaf]

***JOKE OF THE DAY***

A Kindergarten teacher tells her class she's a big Habs fan. She's really excited about it and asks the kids if they're Habs fans too. Everyone wants to impress the teacher and say they are too, except one kid named Dougie...the teacher looks at Dougie and says, "Doug, you're not a Habs fan?"
He says, "Nope, I'm a Leafs fan!"
She says, "Well why are you a Leafs fan and not a Habs fan?" to which Dougie replies, "Well, my mom is a Leafs fan, and my dad is a Leafs fan, so I'm a Leafs fan."
The teacher is not real happy,in fact she's a little hot under the collar with his reply. She says, "Well, if your moms an idiot, and your dads a moron, then what would you be?!"

Dougie says, "Then I'd be a Habs fan!"

Go Leafs Go!

[Farrukh I]

Loved the effort last night. I haven't smiled this much in a while after a game. V man you nailed exactly what im feeling. But good god man, this is not like you. You have been so high these last couple of blogs, and not a single mention of lemon squares. I won't ask if this is a natural high or induced by other means, but go get some sleep, we need you well for the next couple of blogs. I think its safe to say Lupul is officially Kessel's best friend. take care.

VM Replies: Never mind the sleep. You just reminded me of something. I have a social engagement on Saturday that's binding. Now I'm depressed.

[moe green]

@ValleyRed: I don't mind "the Wolf" or "Winston Wolf" or a host of others but I have to admit that "Optimus Reim" is starting to grow on me.

[TG77]

I am probably not the right person to raise this point given my 7 deadly sins of the Leafs past post the other day but...I know the cup drought is 43 years but I don't think this club has been mismanaged for 43 years was it? The reason I ask is because Nik suggested in his post that Burke is undoing 43 years of bad management and I am pretty sure even Sensi-Bill wouldn't have been draft eligible 43 years ago. Can I get some feedback from others who have been fans for much longer? There was mention of the Al Strachan book pointing out some big mistakes made in the 80's and I remember all of the paper bags over heads when I went to my 1st game at MLG during the Ballard years. I think at least when Fletcher was running the team the first time around (he did as much damage as JFJ did during his 2nd go around), it would suggest they were a pretty solidly run team but I guess one issue might be that when the Leafs were consistently in the playoffs they tended to buy veterans i.e. Nolan, Leetch, Phil Housley etc for prospects and picks with no regards to the future. I probably should have made this more clear before in the post, the 43 years cloud isn't something the current crop should be burdened with but it's impossible for it not to be the focus when things go badly.

Vinay - I mentioned the rally I held during the Olympics last year, it would be close to a year ago to the day of the Leafs/Sens game. How about a similar idea at ML square with the members of the ALF blog? 6 weeks, 6 points, 1 Goal (stole it from Wilson's post game where he mentioned they need one point per week). Make the t-shirts, rally the troops. Pour the vodka, bake the squares.

[Go Leafs Go]

The results of late? You mean the last 3 weeks? What about last season or the last 4 months? 10 games does not a season make. This team has pulled this stunt (late season run when the pressure is off) time and time again so I’ll reserve judgment until next season. This same scenario played out last season and we’re still on the outside looking in this season.

Most of the impact players aren’t Burke’s. 2/3rd's of our first line, our best offensive and best defensive defenseman, and our rookie goalie were all in place before Burke arrived.

That’s not the point though. The point is Burke misread the team and that is a BIG boo boo when your next two 1st rd picks are on the line. I’m just saying you should stop criticizing us fans for being critical of Burke because in his own eyes, his rebuild has been a failure thus far and he has admitted as much several times.

P.S. The Oilers have a better record than the Leafs since the lockout.

[Robert]

@Nik. Tomas would be a great mentor for a young defence. He reads the ice beautifully coming out of his own end, the passes are always on the tape and he is a great set up man.
His age comes from the fact that he has devoted himself to the Leafs year in and year out. He wants to remain a Leaf. All Burke has to do is talk to Kaberle's agent and a deal will get done. It won't cost an arm and a leg, I am certain BB can get a home town discount.
Tomas may only have a year or two left where he can compete, I think the upside is far greater than any downside in the Leafs keeping him.
Having said all that, my instincts are, he does not like Wilson and Wilson does not like him. Anyone who loses and regains the 'A' under the circumstance has to be a true LEAF to come back and play the way Tomas has done. In spite of the public insult!

[Boo Who?]

Nik - we will have to agree to disagree about Kaberle being 'dead weight'. I think you only qualify as such if you can be shown to bring the overall performance of the team down. Kaberle's play this year (as in previous years) has shown incredible consistency. Which is a valuable and easily overlooked quality, especially with so much chaos swirling all around him. I won't rehash the facts about his skill, I think others have covered those arguments quite well above. There is a reason he is consistently bandied about as trade bait, and it's not because he's a 'looser'.

If he plays out the season and then walks, I won't be mad at him. If he asks to be traded, I won't be mad at him. However, I reserve the right to think far less of BB and Co. if they allow either of those things to happen. Loyalty is one thing, but recognizing a valuable asset and treating it like one is another. I'm a borderline fan of Burke's and how he handles this particular player will cement my opinion of him quite decisively.

[We BeLeaf]

@ TG77, you're correct about the damage Fletch did, but everyone turned a blind eye because they were winning. Ask yourself this....would anyone have cared about the future of the franchise so much if the Leafs had won back-to-back Cups for those 2 seasons back in 90's?

Go Leafs Go!

[Boo Who?]

@ moe-ses supposes his toeses are roses - thank you for trying to boost my spirits. I'm trying to stay positive, because I feel like I'm about to get dumped after 15 years of sweet sweet lovin'. :(

But that Habs joke definitely made me smile! As did the video of Lupul and Kessel. Hope we see a lot more of that going forward!

[Rooney]

I have no control on what happens with this team but I have to agree that Kaberle deserves more respect and Alecia is bang on with all of her points. Nik, please do not compare him to Antropov, Poni, Stajan, Steen, White or Toskola. Did you know he caught Tim Horton on the all-time Leaf defenceman points list when he recently scored against the Islanders? He passed Ian Turnbull earlier this year. He now stands alone behind Salming. He is probably on his way out of town but the numbers just do not lie and he will remain in that number 2 all-time spot for a long time.

[Alecia]

@Boo berry took the words right out of my mouth, but more eloquently than I would have put it. Agree on every word.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Boo Who, Just trying to do my part to keep up the enthusiasm around here.

Cheers,

VM Replies: And bless you for that.

[Nik Culoman]

@ Moe Green...Kaberle is at his peak???? What moot hill are you comparing that to?? His peak was with McCabe, and those days are long gone. Kaberle's play has steadily gone down since he took that hit in the playoffs...Hasn't been as effective since.

Kaberle isn't resigning here, no way no how...He knows his career is on the down swing and this could be his chance to play for competitive team and play in the playoffs....BB doesn't want him back, why can't some of you see that....We are in a rebuild and we should be giving the young guys a chance to prove themselves, much like Kaberle was given when he came up.

@ TG77 The Leafs had no farm system, no prospects that is what I met by mismanaged. They were always filling in the cracks with aged vets and trading away prospects and picks.....We traded away Brad Boyes and a pick or pics for Owen Nolan for pete's sake....Have you seen any of those types of trades since BB has come?? If you point out Kessel, he is 23 years old and just starting to hit his prime...Not like Nolan and other patch work that was done in the past.

@ Everyone who thinks Kaberle should retire a leaf...Let's get Antropov back, Darcy Tucker, McCabe, Poni, Stajan, Steen, Myers, Toskola, Kubina, and so...If Kaberle is too stay, why not get these other guys back?? Why stop only at Kaberle??? We were loosing with these guys, Kaberle was part of that loosing culture...He is too old for this team who is rebuilding, he isn't going to resign no matter how sentimental you all are....

SO WE TRADE HIM AND GET SOMETHING OF VALUE FOR HIM....BECAUSE AS SUNDIN HAS PROVEN.....WE WILL GET NOTHING IF WE LET HIM WALK AWAY...BECAUSE AND I REPEAT....HE ISN'T GOING TO RESIGN HERE...STOP BUYING INTO HIS PR GAME...and let's move on and let's go forward instead of staying in a spot that didn't work for 43 years!

[Go Leafs Go]

Nik, Kaberle is "dead weight"? In case you missed it, he's 7th in points and 4th in assists out of 200+ defenseman. Let me remind you that he is just 1 point behind Kessel and 23 points ahead of our Captain in scoring. If Kaberle is "dead weight", than what does that make the rest of our defenseman???

[Alecia]

@moe – get me tickets and I’ll be the first one there. I will be at the following game which is Tuesday against the Islanders. If Kaberle is still a Leaf, or even if he is not, I will start the chant.

[Robert]

Watched the video, it looks to me the first guy Kessel is pointing to when he turns from the net is good ol' Tomas.

[Boo Who?]

Nik, you might want to lay off the caps-lock, because we can all read perfectly well. And yes, Kaberle is an evil mastermind that only wants to stay in Toronto out of spite for us all, muahahahaha. /crazy talk

Ooookay, happy thoughts, happy thoughts. Miller looks like he's saying 'You want me to do WHAT? Fine. Make it quick.' in that picture up there. And I always get a smile out of the fact his mask makes it look like his head is being swallowed whole by a rabid sheep.

[Nik Culoman]

I am not infering he is dead weight...He will do great in Boston with Chara and his career needs a jolt...My concern and my feelings are he isn't going to sign here, why miss out on receiving something for him. How would you feel if he blocks this trade to Boston for Wheeler and pick or prospect...Only to sign there and we get nothing??? How foolish would you feel??? We have seen that happen with Sundin, Bosh (Basketball)....When does this madness stop??

That is why BB is here, to do the messy work. He is strong willed and it's going to bend. He has a plan and he is sticking to it if we fans like it or not. Understand it or not, enjoy it or not...It doesn't matter because he is doing it to better the team.

Sweet feelings of bunny rabbits and sunnyshine towards an aging vet dman...doesn't win championships. Having an asset and turning it into a appreciating asset makes great business and hockey sense.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Nik, I agree with you up to a point, but please tell us the immediate benefit to our defence corps if he is traded, as you can plainly see that the offensive potential would be severely degraded. We all know that we need a younger d-man who can give us this, but we simply do not have him now, and there's nothing on the Marlies fill that need. The only way Kaberle can be replaced is if BB signs, or trades for a better replacement. The only one I would make a strong push for is Shea Webber, as he is RFA this year.

On another note, did you at least enjoy the joke?

[ValleyRed]

I have to admit, I have a bias here, Transformers to me represents bloated excess. I still think Winston Wolf is a fantastic name for Reimer, because his teammates react to him being in goal like Sam Jackson reacted when he heard the Wolf was coming in to clean things up: instant relaxation, because he knew stuff would get handled.

Also, from what I've read, Reimer is pretty clean-cut, so the image of him casually dropping f-bombs in the Wolf's inimitable manner kills me.

[Go Leafs Go]

Nik, Kaberle's play has steadily gone down? Kaberle had his 4th best season last year (out of 12), and is on pace for his 3rd best season so far this year. But why let a silly thing like facts get in the way of your argument?

Kind of like how you said the Oilers have finished "bottom of the barral for more than 5 years with plenty of top 5 picks on the their team," when in fact they only have 1 top 5 pick (Hall) and have a better record than the Leafs since the lockout. Facts are so annoying.

[kneeboard85]

Hey Vinay, remember writing you hate the phrase can't buy a goal? well here my pet peeves. What is with the credit giving on TV, "Give Toronto credit for their third period rally" "Give a lot of credit too Joey Crabb" "Give Phanuef Credit, he came to play tonight.

Also why is everything in Hockey a Dept? "The leafs rank 29th in that Department" "Toronto has added size up front to help in that department"

The only tacky broadcasting I enjoy is hearing Bowen announce the goalies which is brought to you by the letter T "The Tenders of the Tangled Twine"

Am I right or am I wrong??

VM Replies: You're right! I think. I never really thought about this "credit" or "department" thing before.

[hoofheartz]

Nik, maybe Kaberle just isn't ready to jump off the bandwagon yet.