Game 62: Bad goal bonanza
Moments after the shootout loss, another guest at the party yelled: "I'm not getting roped back into this fairy tale!"
The sheer exasperation and sincerity in his voice made me laugh into my beer.
Outside, snowflakes the size of silver dollars cascaded down in the orbital glow of streetlights. Inside the home of Star cartoonist Patrick Corrigan, friends and family gathered to celebrate his 60th birthday.
It was a grand affair – the party, not the game – that included hours of unidentifiable music, gourmet tapas, spirited conversation, rivers of wine and the vaguely unsettling sight of Patrick strolling around in a giant hat that looked suspiciously like a cake.
If not for Alex Kovalev's seeing-eye rocket in the shootout, it could have been a perfect night.
Well, not perfect, but two points instead of one better.
After Patrick's wife, Sue-Ann, wrongly accused me of turning on the game – I think it was the tall guy or maybe the guy with the beard or perhaps the young woman with the Australian accent – I tried to limit my time in the living room, where the muted action played like a silent slapstick comedy of errors.
But every now and again, I'd hear someone groan or sigh or yell or whoop and I'd tiptoe back toward the LCD flat screen to see the Leafs or Penguins celebrating yet another goal in high-definition.
So while I'm not able to provide you with any worthwhile observations the day after, I will simply provide you with 10 random observations, hockey and otherwise, based on what I heard and witnessed at the party:
1. After 18 games, James Reimer had his first shaky performance. Repeat: After 18 games, James Reimer had his first shaky performance. Me, I'm cutting him some slack, thanking him for the previous 17 games that made this race possible and looking forward to No. 19.
2. The exploration industry for precious minerals and metals may, in fact, be overrun with swindlers and pan-global criminal elements.
3. Thinking about buying a Mercedes? No, me neither. But if you do, prepare to pay a small fortune for service, especially after the major parts warranty expires.
4. Joffrey Lupul could be the most important X-factor for the Leafs down the stretch. Also, he is earning high "brooding" points from several female fans.
5. Should Toronto lobby the NHL to bring an immediate end to all Saturday night games next season? Is Hockey Night in Canada laced with bad karma since the opening theme changed? Why do the Leafs struggle on Saturday nights? Why don't people wear wrist watches any more? Who put this balled-up napkin with olive pits inside my blazer pocket? How on earth did I come home with only one sock even though I never took off my shoes?
6. Tender slices of roast beef with polenta on taco chips? Surprisingly delicious. Goat cheese followed immediately by carrot cake? Unsurprisingly disgusting.
7. When the Leafs surrender a goal with less than a minute to play in the first or second periods – or like last night, both – they almost never win.
8. There's a right way and a wrong way to do almost everything. Except panicking, losing your balance and wiping out on an icy porch after inexplicably mistaking an end table for a stray dog. There is no right way to do this.
9. Based on his expression last night, I'm starting to get a sick feeling about Clarke MacArthur's contract negotiations. Based on her expression at 10 p.m., I'm starting to think my wife secretly wants this team to fall short.
10. Watching a shootout loss with a group of charming strangers is like watching the mirror ball suddenly malfunction during its descent on New Year's Eve and get stuck at 11:59 p.m.
Profoundly disappointing.
So let's just be grateful for the point and forget this bad goal bonanza. Weird things happen in the universe when people start wearing cake hats. Sometimes, a seesaw battle ends with the good guys stuck up in the air during a snowstorm.
Onward!
The Most Important Game Of The Season™ is now less than four hours away in Atlanta, ground zero for a previous nine-goal outburst by the Leafs. So by the time we go to sleep tonight, fingers crossed, the magnificent bastards could be three points away from... you know.
How can we not stay roped inside this fairy tale?
MAIN PHOTO: VINCE TALOTTA/TORONTO STAR
A strangely exciting game.When Phaneuf handed Talbot that puck I came off the couch with language I have not used in years.And Reimer was further back in the goal than the "net cam".
VM Replies: Oh, man. Good one. He'll bounce back!
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 01:34 PM
Well, I now feel a little better. Thanks Vinay, even though you made we wait all morning, a mulligan to Reimer is fine by me. He does deserve one, the Leafs can only afford one, or the journey to the word we may not speak, will be off the rails.
Big game, 3 hours. They need a huge effort, no passengers today.
VM Replies: I'm sorry for the wait, Dr. Waffles. The biggest weekend of the year has coincided with 48 hours of long-standing social plans inside ALF B headquarters.
Bring on Atlanta.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 01:43 PM
Yes, Reimer didn’t play well yesterday and it was clear immediately that he wasn’t in a good day.
He had a glove problem, but in OT was strong with two big saves.
Lupul first, second (and third not allowed) goal as a Leaf. And the line with Bozak and Kessel is a great line.
Phaneuf with a bad play, but one minute after…he scores.
Leafs 1 point, Carolina and Buffalo 0, but if you want make playoff you must win this type of game. And the Toronto Maple Leafs deserve playoff.
Posted by: hockeyfan_italy | 02/27/2011 at 01:50 PM
Reimer showed a few cracks and went to his knees faster than Bree Olson trying to distract Charlie Sheen from opening his mouth and speaking aloud... but the Leafs are still undefeated in regulation over their past 6 games. I'm staying postive.
Posted by: wcdixon | 02/27/2011 at 01:57 PM
OK you magnificent bastards, last night is forgotten, got the point, now its time blow the Thrashers out of the water.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw_Lf-JhdSU&feature=related
and this one because its one of the greatest songs of all time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ&feature=related
and post game (referring to the Thrashers of course)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo&feature=related
VM Replies: The YouTube ad right before Bohemian Rhapsody was for mormon.org. What kind of sign is this?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 02:03 PM
It's only fun until someone loses a sock.
And the shootout.
Posted by: emma | 02/27/2011 at 02:05 PM
If the game last night demonstrated anything, it was that the leafs have almost definitely found another piece for a great top line to go along with kessel. Clearly the need for a top-line center still exists, but part of the problem all season long has been finding an opposite winger to play along with Kessel too. It's too early to tell, but the Lupul trade may have been one of the more significant trades in the last couple years.
Posted by: Matt Taylor | 02/27/2011 at 02:16 PM
Yo VM, in an attempt to be sociable to other guests, it sounds like you were doing your best to keep your head and heart out of the game at different times. It seems that the Leafs were following a similar game plan. Let's hope we can get back to some anti-social behaviour today. Time for the Buds to be disrespectful guests and snatch two points. Reimer may have been shaky at times but he shut the door for the last ten minutes of regulation time and the entire overtime period (shots in overtime were 6-1). He gave the Buds the opportunity to win and I think that is all you can ask of your goalie.
Posted by: Rooney | 02/27/2011 at 02:16 PM
Good luck to the Leafs today and enjoy the game my fellow fans. I am buried in my dissertation today and moving deadlines don't help.
Vinay - it does seem like Lupul was the missing ingredient for that line and they have put up some great numbers since the trade so maybe it makes the opposing team's coaches have to adjust their strategy with regards to whether the teams shutdown pairing goes against the Kessel line or the McKuleski line. Holy crap, 2 scoring lines...when was the last time this happened in Leafland?
Sorry TimB, I won't be able to compile a playlist of 'obscure alternative music' for you today. My sincerest apologies! Maybe I can suggest one song, "Won't get fooled again" by the Who as Reimer is not going to have another tough game today and will get us the win.
Actually this one works best since it has to be a stock photo from a thrashers game at the 0:35 point:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAMiPJThOto
Posted by: TG77 | 02/27/2011 at 02:21 PM
I'm pretending that i did not see that word (twice) in hockeyfan_italy's post.
VM Replies: What word? Whatever could you be talking about?
Posted by: palbo | 02/27/2011 at 02:31 PM
I'm wondering if Reimer might be a bit tired. The jump to the NHL is a big one — and Reimer's made it with a schedule that's both tense and intense. He may need a break. We'll see what happens today.
Now, would MLSE please throw money at MacArthur and get him signed?!? This is killing me!!!!!
Posted by: loyal he remains | 02/27/2011 at 02:38 PM
So if you were Wilson would you give Reimer the start or would you give him the day off?
Posted by: Blah Blah | 02/27/2011 at 02:55 PM
@TG77. Not the least bit worried about Reimer and all joking aside "Won't Get Fooled Again" is my all time favourite song from the best album ever!
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 03:16 PM
If it was socially acceptable,I believe I would wear a cake hat.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 03:29 PM
Reimer was fighting the puck last night. He was back in his net - also the Leaf Defence were backing in on him. Not a good sign. Jordan Staal is a large person, but he has to be moved from in front of the net.
Phaneuf was Phanny, although he has taken something off the shot and now on occasion hits the net. Read goal. Don't think he is a $6M player.
Funny game. Played good enough to win and bad enough to lose.
I think the stars are aligned for tonight. We shall overcome.
Vinnie, I think I saw your sock blow by here in last nights gale. What were you doing?
VM Replies: 'Tis a blur, Robert. But I am heartened by your sense of today's celestial alignment.
Posted by: Robert | 02/27/2011 at 03:34 PM
If you can have a porkpie hat, why not a cake hat?
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 02/27/2011 at 03:45 PM
just for the record, VM, this was Optimus Reim's second shaky game. he wasn't very good against Buffalo where he got pulled.
but I'm sure he will bounce back. this is a very young goalie, there will be some bad games down the road.
VM Replies: You are correct, Peter. In my weakened state this morning, I forgot about the Buffalo game. Though in fairness, I didn't think he looked as shaky then as he did last night (I've now had a chance to watch last night's game in its entirety).
About an hour to go until the fairy tale begins a new chapter....
Posted by: Peter | 02/27/2011 at 03:46 PM
Almost time to take out the trash, Booyaka you Thrashers, the Buds are "ready to win, on the hunt tonight...rock you like a hurricane".
Posted by: Rooney | 02/27/2011 at 03:48 PM
Was at the game last night - even though they lost it was a thoroughly enjoyable affair. However, seeing as the Leafs have exactly one win in the games I've attended I think I might stop going until we're a Cup worthy team.
But it did remind me I've been at some memorable games - like the Sundin-mocking fake stick toss by the hated Alfredsson , or the Phoenix comeback from three down that derailed the Leafs playoff hopes in the season following the lockout. Here's to hoping last nights game won't be so infamous.
I'm not sure what I expect out of tonight's game. I'm hoping for a win of course, but the Magnificent Bastards are playing an Atlanta squad looking for redemption. Combine that with our boys coming off a tough loss and overnight travel and I'm not sure we can pull one out tonight.
That said, who knows what will happen? Not me. All I know is a "W" tonight probably makes me a believer in their playoff hopes.
Posted by: Chris Hunt | 02/27/2011 at 03:51 PM
@TimB - I have a framed copy of Who's Next in Vinyl that my gf bought me for Christmas this year. She got the vinyl copy somewhere in Vancouver and then went out and got them framed for me. I have to say that pre-CSI days, Baba O'Reilly was my favourite song all-time. I saw the latest incarnation of the band back at the ACC a few years ago and getting to hear the classics was amazing and Zach Starkey did a good job filling in on drums. Pete Townsend's brother played bass that night I believe.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/27/2011 at 03:59 PM
Stop saying you know what!
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 04:01 PM
Hey Vinay, rockin the house party. Cool.
Do not be afeared.
I expected a game like this. It is hard to know how to take Pittsburgh. They've been losing all month but just acquired Kovalev and Neal. The addition of Kovalev looks like a very smart move for them.
I would play Reimer again today unless he is tired and wants not to play. I don't think he played badly last night. Pittsburgh is just a good team, well coached and a few years removed from winning a Stanley Cup. They know how to win. Reimer was looking through traffic all night. Our D can't quite shut it down yet.
But even though the Leafs were in deep last night I liked seeing Dion Phaneuf step up with a goal on the PP in the third after the mistake that cost the shorthanded marker against. Shows that this team can manufacture goals when they need them. Joffery Lupul has turned out to be a very smart move for us (as should signing MacAurthur). Nice to see him bag a couple. Way to go Lupul!
Take the point and run. But don't forget to watch the game tape. Got them again on Wednesday and I am sure it won't be such a high scoring affair for at least one team.
Go Leafs Go!!!
VM Replies: Very smart observations, as per usual Charlee001.
Posted by: Charlee001 | 02/27/2011 at 04:02 PM
Reimer isn't too worried about how he played, and neither am I.
I've been roped into this fairy tale since Game 1 and there's no backing out now. GLG!!
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/27/2011 at 04:12 PM
I'm with Tim B - just stop already.
Posted by: palbo | 02/27/2011 at 04:14 PM
Tim, are you hearing voices again?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 04:16 PM
Oops, you're talking about the "p" word aren't you.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 04:19 PM
VM, do you hear from PP anymore? Is he totally incommunicado now?
VM Replies: I haven't heard from him in a couple of weeks. Through Google Reader, he's able to read but not post comments, which is a drag for all of us.
We need to get him back here for the stretch run.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 04:28 PM
sure Reimer looked shakey, but then again so did Andre-Fleury. they both allowed the same amount of goals over 65 minutes.
i was a little concerned about the Leafs effort during OT. the Pens were playing like they wanted it more, and comparing the playoff situations each of us are in, i would have thought it would have been the opposite.
what i am enjoying very much though, is the Leafs ability to move the puck and move it well through the neutral zone. good speed, and nice tape to tape passes. it's been a while since i've seen that from this team on a consistent basis. hoping for another solid effort again tonight. GLG!!!
Posted by: Chad | 02/27/2011 at 04:29 PM
The "Absolutely Most Important Game of the Season™" will be the rematch on Wednesday. The learning curve for this team that everyone says is young and still learning will be on display. I can hardly wait because I beleaf! In the meantime, bring on Atlanta, and GO, Leafs!
Posted by: enJoy hockey | 02/27/2011 at 04:37 PM
HEY! Phaneuf scored on the PP for the first time last night. Nice! Hopefully it is a sign of things to come. THIS IS A PLAYOFF GAME!
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 02/27/2011 at 04:38 PM
@TG77. Now there's a Christmas gift.These women we love do the darndest things sometimes.I have my old album from MCA called the "Masterphile Series'. The album was mastered at half speed.I bought the remastered CD also but you can't beat the old vinyl.
@hoofheartz. Yup.That word.As far as the voices go,I've resumed my meds and I'm feeling "much" better now. I am so! Shut up! I can't hear you la la la la..
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 04:49 PM
@Bomber.Yes,Dion got the goal right after forcing me to overflow the swear jar.I'm just not that thrilled with him yet.As it turned out I reviewed your previous singing posts and sure enough,Hooch the pooch was singing along with you in some sort of horrible duet from hell.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 05:01 PM
Shots are 6-1 Atlanta. Score is 1-0 Toronto. Works for me.
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 02/27/2011 at 05:21 PM
Correction 2-0 Toronto. Works for me.
VM Replies: It's just like the last time in Atlanta!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 05:26 PM
Thank you Kessel!
Thank you Kessel!
Thank you Kessel!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 05:28 PM
I should be studying but maybe I can watch a bit and do my work...right? Anyone with a decent link. The ones from myp2p are a bust.
VM Replies: Not sure how many people are along for this one. Sundays are always the slowest day of the week.
So, yes, you need to study LATER.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/27/2011 at 05:29 PM
Early in the season, there was a lot of talk for Craig Ramsey being considered for the Jack Adams award. Not so much lately.
Why didn't we trade for Lupol way earlier. Kessel has been on fire.
VM Replies: What I really like about Lupul is the way he seems to inspire puck control deep in the zone. And how he's always around the net.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 05:30 PM
atdhenet.tv
VM Replies: Thank you, Gavin.
Posted by: Gavin | 02/27/2011 at 05:35 PM
I was feeling a little tired and was going to grab a coffee, but a 2-0 Leafs lead is just as good!
VM Replies: This is the perfect kind of game for our tired eyes.
Posted by: Simon | 02/27/2011 at 05:36 PM
Was that a penalty?
VM Replies: They are all starting to look marginal these days.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 05:37 PM
If you are in the USA this link is awesome.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/hockeynight/2011022728
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 05:41 PM
Finally found a live stream that worked, and it's first intermission. 2-0. How'd Leafs look?
VM Replies: It was all Atlanta for the first seven minutes. Then it was all Toronto. What stream are you using?
Posted by: wcdixon | 02/27/2011 at 05:48 PM
Kadri in a couple of scraps this afternoon!
VM Replies: Seriously? Truculence could be the missing ingredient!
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 05:58 PM
Wow, this is the first hi-def broadcast of a Leafs game I've seen. It's awesome. Two things I want the NHL to correct. 1) Improve penalty calls. 2) Improve ice surfaces.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 05:58 PM
Another rule change: If the puck hit's your players' skate or body in the crease it's no goal.
VM Replies: What?
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 06:02 PM
All Toronto sounds good. I found it on http://www.justin.tv/directory - it's the Ontario Sportsnet feed (all the nhl.com and espn HD ones were listed but not streaming)
Posted by: wcdixon | 02/27/2011 at 06:04 PM
Kessel looks like he is hustling and reading the ice well today. I've also seen him in the corners a couple of times in both ends - great to see considering I think he belived the rink was round on many nights this year keep it up Phil!
VM Replies: Kessel is finally in a zone. Right now, I'm worried about Reimer's health.
Posted by: Simmer | 02/27/2011 at 06:13 PM
The atdhenet.tv is the Atlanta feed but it is kind of nice to hear the anguish in their voices as the leafs score
Posted by: Gavin | 02/27/2011 at 06:20 PM
I think Reimer is fine, shaken but not stirred.
Posted by: Simmer | 02/27/2011 at 06:21 PM
Two big saves by Reimer... I think his head might be ok.
Posted by: Simon | 02/27/2011 at 06:25 PM
oh no .. j.s.
VM Replies: This was my fear.
Posted by: palbo | 02/27/2011 at 06:27 PM
Need the Leafs to put this one out of reach sooner than later so I can watch Sask vs Canada in Scotties women's curling final and live tweet the Oscars. Too much TV!
Posted by: wcdixon | 02/27/2011 at 06:29 PM
well I just ate my words...
Posted by: Simon | 02/27/2011 at 06:30 PM
Should we make a trade for Toskola???
Posted by: Gavin | 02/27/2011 at 06:32 PM
Is it a high-stick if the guy you hit is bending over?
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 06:33 PM
Reimerrrrr! Noooooo!
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 06:34 PM
the hit he took didn't look that bad to me - lets hope its for equipment or precautionary purposes
Posted by: Simmer | 02/27/2011 at 06:35 PM
Hello all!
Anyone find this game to have turned into a bit of a snoozer?
VM Replies: It definitely slowed down during the second.
Posted by: Alecia | 02/27/2011 at 06:36 PM
what happened to Reimer??
VM Replies: His head snapped to the left after a collision with the leg of an Atlanta player.
Posted by: Mike | 02/27/2011 at 06:37 PM
Yes it is a snoozer but so far the good kind.
VM Replies: Two points served atop a pillow is fine by me heading into the trade deadline.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 06:42 PM
Leafs better not try to sit on this lead for twenty minutes.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 06:52 PM
No more snoozefest unfortunately.
VM Replies: Stressfest!
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 06:54 PM
what happened to reimer (i've been watching a thrashers feed and I don't even think the announcers realized he was gone).
...on a side note, atlanta has the biggest homers announcers. Neither of them saw anything wrong with Kane's knee on reimer in the second there.
VM Replies: I think you answered your own question.
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 02/27/2011 at 07:03 PM
Yeah, I don't like this. They had their chance to bury the Thrashers and they chose to make a game of it. They are playing well, but anything can happen.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:04 PM
The Justin TV feed just had an extended sound bite of crickets chirping. Huh? They also played Lily Allen at the commercial break. I am sure there is some way to also stop the guest commenters who can chime in with their 2 cents on the game but I am technologically 'special' at times.
Devils are up 2-0 in the 3rd over the Panthers. Let's hope both games stay this way.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/27/2011 at 07:08 PM
what sloppy coverage on that last goal
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 02/27/2011 at 07:15 PM
So sad
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:15 PM
nothing left to say. you can't let opportunities like this slip away. we did. good luck to us.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:17 PM
At this point I'd be thrilled with the SO loss
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:20 PM
I would be thrilled with a late goal by the grabovski line.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/27/2011 at 07:22 PM
I'm no pro-coach or a specialist at strategy but the leafs are not a team that send one on the forecheck and line up four at the blueline to protect a one goal lead. They have to use footspeed and position to apply pressure in alll three zones in order to eliminate time and space and cause turnovers. Use those turnovers and transition them into scoring chances. God this is frustrating to watch 2 nites in a row. BTW Millen is a moron!
Posted by: Simmer | 02/27/2011 at 07:23 PM
Just got back from my kids hockey game, what happened to Reimer?
VM Replies: No official word. He left a few minutes after taking a knee to the head.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 02/27/2011 at 07:24 PM
A pathetic lack of performance on a critical weekend. No way to sugar-coat this one. If you are a playoff team that is. If not, they played well. Too many missed opportunities this season.
VM Replies: You're freaking me out. It's not over yet. Come on, Moe Green! Stay positive.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:24 PM
Anyone wanna see this go to a shootout?
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:26 PM
Millen is a moron but the Cool Hand Luke line was good.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 07:26 PM
This game was fine Vinay, as long as they win it. This reminds me of the Ottawa game. This game should have been ours. Go Leafs!
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:27 PM
Im a little angry, but most of all I'm disappointed!
Posted by: Simmer | 02/27/2011 at 07:30 PM
ummm yeah, j.s. sorry, but Reimenator needed to play this one.
Posted by: Simon | 02/27/2011 at 07:30 PM
What a sad weekend. Lucky to get two points. Another in a long series of wasted opportunities. A point against Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Ottawa. Sheesh. Oh well, at least we're still in a race. We won't be for long if we play like this.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:32 PM
All this talk about "we should be thankful we're in a race." BS! We should have been home and cooled into the playoffs now. This has been a year of woeful under-performance. Too many games like this. We can't afford one more like this.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:34 PM
Giguere can't move laterally. He is not even a backup anymore. What was he doing on the bench. He is not ready to play.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:36 PM
Well, they finished they weekend where they started. That is the good news. They left 2 points on the table, that is the bad news. They averted disaster but they have a hard week ahead, that is the scary news.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 02/27/2011 at 07:36 PM
How did we blow this game? Unbelievable. Was it the loss of Reimer? They just looked so winded and tired out there. What should have been 4 points, are now 2, guess that's better than none.
I fly out to Cuba tomorrow so this is my last game for a week. Might be a good thing...
VM Replies: Are you allowed to leave the country during the season?
Posted by: Alecia | 02/27/2011 at 07:36 PM
How big is the prayer for Reimer going to be in the game recap blog? I hid in my couch cushion fort from the time he came out of the game. As soon as he left the game, you could feel that game slipping in to the ether. Can they have worse luck with the health of their goalies? Their top 3 goalies all injured or medical problems taking them out of the rotation.
Phaneuf may turn into a franchise defenceman, right now he seems to be lacking something. He makes way too many terrible decisions. No idea where his head is on any given night.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 07:38 PM
Have a great vacation Alecia.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 07:42 PM
I'm afraid we could end up looking back on these games.Bring us some cigars,Alecia.Have a good trip.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 07:42 PM
So is there anyone here who thinks two losses on the weekend against Pittsburgh and Atlanta is an acceptable weekend? Have we lost Reimer? Thank god for the pathetic teams of the East. Guess it's better than just talking about next year.
Posted by: moe green | 02/27/2011 at 07:42 PM
Have a great holiday Alecia.
Gotta go. Talk soon. Bye
Moe you are right but at least they got 2 points.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 02/27/2011 at 07:46 PM
Dang, nab it, I hate to blog after a few merlots, followed by a few rums. I have said before, sorry, I don't like Mr. Burke's defence. Phaneuf is tooooooo slow. Schenn has lots of hits, but, damn, there are too many players from the other team in front of our freaking' net. On one play Phanny and Lebda are coming off the SAME SIDE BOARDS AND the puck is in front of our net. Let us give them time - our forwards play a decent game. It wasn't Giggies fault. It was a team let down. That lets the D off the hook. But they were awful tonight.
Top side, we got a point, we got a chance. We ain't dead, and we goin' ahead!!
Let us all sing, we shall overcome!!!!
Posted by: Robert | 02/27/2011 at 07:47 PM
I agree with @moe green. Giguere looked afraid to move his legs to stop pucks. He was slow and unsure, and unfortunately the team plays that way in front of him when he's in net. They play more open in front of Reimer. It's as if they don't think the Jiggy is going to stop the pucks so unfortunately they end up screening him to try and stop the pucks from getting to him.
Well, we have a break until Wednesday - what Burke does or doesn't do tomorrow will tell us where he thinks this team is heading over the final weeks.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 02/27/2011 at 07:47 PM
Wheres Vinay? Are you on your way to your Oscar party already?
VM Replies: Oscar party? No! I am sitting at my desk thinking about this weekend and what it means.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 07:49 PM
Can't believe I left the game at 2-0 and came home to another disappointing loss. Good news is, it probably saved the life of a remote control. Need someone else to pick the music for the next game. The bastards don't seem to like music that was written before they were born. C'est domage.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 07:50 PM
If I may, I think it means that they are an incomplete hockey team. One that is capable of playing very well, and one that is equally capable of playing badly. They seem to have some pieces that are keepers, and a number that are clearly traders. There are a lot of teams in the East that are in the same boat. Even Montreal, which is higher up the standings, seems very vulnerable, and unlikely to duplicate last years run. Lots of teams seem to have the same problems.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/27/2011 at 08:03 PM
@oakville_girl. Bingo! As soon as play started without James in net I muttered to no one in particular that the team is playing a different game without Reimer.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 08:09 PM
Well thanks for deserting us Hoof.Everything went to hell after you left.
VM Replies: First he puts Bohemian Rhapsody in our heads. Then he leaves. Unbelievable.
Posted by: TimB | 02/27/2011 at 08:11 PM
Sorry people, had my own match de hockey ce soir. If it's any consolation we lost by one goal too.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 08:28 PM
Besides VM, is there a better song to have bouncing around in your cranial cavity than Bohemian Rhapsody?
VM Replies: I suppose not. Freddie Mercury remains, to this day, the best front man ever.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 02/27/2011 at 08:32 PM
VM - Leafs Nation South here; my family and I just made the 6 hour drive to ATL to see our boys lose a 2 nil lead to the lowly talented Reimer Bashers. We were sitting just behind the bench and when Reimer came over and headed down the ramp to the dressing room the Leafs on the bench all had their faces drop as if they lost their best Xmas present. It was all downhill from there - you can't play kiddie bar the door for a period plus in the NHL. Better days ahead - good news is that we don't have a game again until Wednesday! Love your blog!......my wife is addicted.
VM Replies: A six hour drive to Atlanta? This is why I love Leafs Nation.
Thank you for the first-hand reportage, Stuart. Yes, it did seem rather grim once Reimer left. Hopefully, he isn't seriously injured or I suspect vodka sales will spike in March.
Best wishes to you and your wife.
Posted by: Stuart & Jennifer Lund | 02/27/2011 at 08:35 PM
I'm afraid these weekend games mean BB is going to trade Mac. He needs defense and his two most expensive D-men are his worst performing ones. He won't get d--- for just a third round draft choice.
The moment Giguerre took over, you could sense the confidence of the team collaps; the guy is finished; he goes down on his knees once the other team crosses the blue line and then can't get up again. His lateral movement is shot. (It's hard to slide quickly from side to side on your knees). He looks like an over-the-hill catcher.
Let's hope Reimer is OK later this week because he was playing much better than last night and that Goose comes back up in decent game shape.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 02/27/2011 at 08:45 PM
Alecia, that's just not fair! :-)
have a great holiday, eh!
Posted by: Peter | 02/27/2011 at 09:01 PM