Game Day: Waiting for new puzzle pieces and four ideas for the power play

Good morning, Frazzled Nation.

The magnificent bastards host the Islanders this evening in The Most Important Game Of The Season™. The head honcho says he is working the phones, hoping to land a defender who can help immediately. (You know, much in the way Tomas Kaberle is helping immediately in Boston.)

And so we wait.

In the interim, let's discuss the power play. Let's think about the power play since, clearly, nobody else is thinking about it.

Stonehenge, the Mayan Prophecy, crop circles, the popularity of Justin Bieber – none of this is as mysterious as when the Leafs have the extra man these days.

In the game against Ottawa, my God, it was like watching five heavily sedated shoppers stumble aimlessly through IKEA on a busy Saturday afternoon. There was no sense of direction, no coordination, no plan of attack.

Just a time-lapsed blur of bumbling confusion.

The Leafs have lost 11 games this season by one-goal margins. In each of those games, a botched power play could have made a critical difference.

Last year, the power play ranked dead last in the league. This year, despite a revamped roster that now includes three 20-goal scorers, the PP is only 2.2 per cent more efficient.

It does not make any sense.

The last time Toronto had an elite power play, which is to say, a dangerous one, the year was 2005. The key to success that season was the first unit backend pairing of Kaberle and Bryan McCabe, who led the team with a combined 96 points on the power play.

Meanwhile, the next two leading scorers played centre: Mats Sundin and Jason Allison. And the guy with the most PP goals, Darcy Tucker, was also the guy willing to take the most abuse while parked in front of the net.

So while we wait for trade news about this mysterious defenceman, I have jotted down four radical ideas for the power play. Feel free to mock my stupidity in the comments:

1. Give The Playmaking Ball To Your Leading Sniper

Never mind scoring. On Saturday, the Leafs could not even gain the zone on the power play. So they repeatedly dumped the puck, where it was promptly retrieved by a Senator and dumped back out.

Without Kaberle, the Leafs are in dire need of someone who can carry the puck through the neutral zone with speed and finesse. Someone who can make an unpredictable and crisp outlet pass or stickhandle with confidence, forcing penalty killers into premature box formation instead of allowing them to stand up at the line.

The quarterback should also be able to move the puck left or right with equal verve. And in the absence of a free man, he should be able to shift toward the middle or move toward the top of the circle and blast away.

In short: Move Mikhail Grabovski to the point for power plays.

2. Create A Line Based On Specific Strengths, Not Perceived Chemistry

Tyler Bozak leads the Leafs in winning faceoffs. Darryl Boyce has the best shooting percentage from the left side, while Colby Armstrong leads from the right.

Now that could be an intriguing second unit. If nothing else, it would not be outworked, as is happening far too often right now.

3. Put The Barbarian At The Gate

This one sounds borderline insane but hear me out: What if Jay Rosehill played on a PP line with Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel?

Right now, this team is generating no traffic in front. The opposition goalie tends to see 8 out of every 10 power play shots. The opposition defenders are able to rush and disrupt wingers because they are not otherwise busy moving a hulking body out of the crease.

Rosehill would give the power play something it does not have up front: Size and energy. All he really needs to do is screen, duck incoming shots and plant himself for any trashy rebounds.

His very presence would also give Lupul and Kessel more room to travel from the half-boards to the slot, where they are more likely to score.

4. For Two-Man Advantages, Blitz With Maximum Firepower

In last week's game against Buffalo, the Leafs squandered a great opportunity early in the third when they had a 5-3 power play. Had they scored, they may not have required Joey Crabb's shorthanded heroics minutes later.

So here's the final radical idea: What about combining, even for 30-45 seconds, the top line up front (Clarke MacArthur, Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski) and then loading the backend with Kessel and Lupul?

In short: It could not hurt.

Anyway, with all this talk about territory and power, I leave you with today's game day song, "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" by Arcade Fire:

 

MAIN PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

 

Comments

[Peter]

VM, some really good ideas. i've said it before they should try Orr on the power play with Kessel. The same goes for Rosehill i think. they are not very skilled guys but sure can make some room around the net.

VM Replies: I continue to worry about Mr. Orr.

[Billy]

Kessel and Lupul on the backend? Give your head a shake, man. Yes, Phill has been a little better of late getting back, but you said "It couldn't hurt". I say "it will hurt alot!". It's worse to have a shorthanded goal scored on you, than not scoring on the PP, right? Otherwise, I am buying in to your ideas. Sometimes.

VM Replies: I specifically said for 5-3 situations. Less danger of a shorthanded rush that way.
Nevertheless, I am now giving my head a shake.

[palbo]

A suggestion - put phaneuf in front of the net on the pp. it seemed to work in pre-season. he doesn't seem to do much from the blue-line.

VM Replies: Did it work in the preseason? I don't recall it working. But the preseason is now blacked out of my memory...
Maybe he just needs to not play on the PP for a while.

[TG77]

And to be fair to Rosie, he had 6 goals, 7 assists down on the farm and while he was beating AHL goalies (and AHL goons alike), that would suggest he has some touch around the net. I like the idea but he also goes hard at the net and often gets in on the goalie after the whistle and seems to get some "reputation" calls when I think he does less than players who aren't known for being a scrapper. I guess they would just need to rein him in a little on the PP so he doesn't get any goalie interference calls.

Perfect song for this post! I loved the post Grammy rage on twitter amongst the fans who felt Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were robbed by some band they had never heard of!

[othermark]

VM, I have to give you credit for outside the box thinking. The only one that I think stretches the bounds of credibility is the Lupul/Kessel defensive pairing. Even if it is a 5 on 3... I can't see those 2 playing the blue line at the same time.

VM Replies: Yes, in retrospect, that may have been a little too ridiculous. I'm just getting frustrated with this power play.

[waffles2010]

I like the idea Vinay, besides the power play doesn't really seem to be doing anything but stagnating, so lets change it up. Rosehill, here is your mission, should you choose to accept it, stir up something in front of the net.

[waffles2010]

Armstrong might be a good addition to the PP as well. He will go to the dirty areas in front of the net, and he is good at puck recovery. I think the team is a little soft at getting the puck back after a shoot in. He showed in the shoot out a couple weeks ago that he has some soft hands.

[Ken Baumgartner]

You've Trade marked0 'The most important game of the year'. That is hilarious. Who knows that could make you a rich man in this town.

VM Replies: I have a sneaking suspicion that phrase will be used a lot over the next coupe of weeks. So my children may as well benefit when I start suing other writers.

[We BeLeaf]

Not bad Vinay, they might as well experiment with no puck moving D-man in sight. I don't understand why they haven't called up anyone from the Marlies. Is Matt Lashoff not ready? Is Jeff Finger really worse than Bret Lebda?

If Burke was really serious about getting the D-man for the future, then he should try and push to get Shea Webber, as he is going to be RFA. I wonder if it's safe to say that our attempts to get to the post season are unofficially over, even though Burke has not conceded yet?

VM Replies: The fact he was/is trying to land someone immediately seems to indicate he is not conceding the last spot.
But as we noted after the Ottawa game, tonight will be the true indicator of what the *team* believes.
As measured by regulation losses over the past 10 games, the Leafs are the second hottest team in the East right now behind only Jersey.

[KD]

I had the same thought as Pablo - during the pre-season, Phaneuf was at least willing to go to the net. He may not have scored a lot, but it did cause a bit of a distraction, which I think is the objective. As for forwards on the point, I prefer to have two offensive-minded d-men on the points, but when it comes to scoring, the abilities of most of our d-men are just plain offensive. So, at least on a 5-3 advantage, why not use two forwards? I wouldn't use Kessel though - there's something about the Leafs and the defensive abilities of players who have names beginning with "K" - have they had many defensively capable K-men since Keon and (Red) Kelly?

Related point - I noticed a lot during the OT against Ottawa that the Leafs were using 3 forwards and 1 d-man, probably thining the same way as VM.

[omar]

I like the idea of changing the power play formation. However, i recall an article discussing about how leafs practice and one of them is that wilson always works on the power play in every practice. Now call me ignorant but i think wilson is not doing a very good job. I understand with the leaf talents they are kind of limited but there are other ways to be successful in the power play. I don't know i feel you vinay i use a lot of colourful words seeing them move the puck up with no success.

[Boo Who?]

Another night of sleep wrenched from my grasp by my priapic neighbor. I have no clue what to do on the PP. I think we should try setting it to music and see if that doesn't get them moving. Hee.

Warning: Sleep-deprived rambling ahead.
I'm not trying to change the subject, but did anyone else have a mild panic attack upon hearing BB is thinking of trading MacArthur if he can't re-sign him? Mind you, I think (HOPE) it's just an empty threat. He also mentioned he hadn't begun talks with his agent. Which says to me that he's just being clever. He's a masterful manipulator that BB. He says MacArthur is 'difficult to place a value on' and 'would be traded if they can't reach a deal'. Which sounds like off-handed candor, but is really setting the tone for any discussion to be had. Way to cut the guy off at the knees, Bri. He uses his bluntness and honesty like a tool. People are compromising and conciliatory beings by nature - you strip them of the opportunity for pretense and you automatically make them vulnerable. (I wouldn't be surprised if this is a quality Wilson and other close colleagues try to emulate, albeit with varying degrees of success.) Anyway, my point I suppose, is prepare to be low-balled Clarke. What I just said probably made no sense, but...yeah, sorry. :/

[Peter]

yes, i'm worried about Orr, too. he's one of my favorite on the team for his hard work and because he never complains. besides, he's too expensive to just sit...

[waffles2010]

Our GM has not conceded the season. Here is a paraphrased quote.

'We shall defend our rink, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the boards, we shall fight on the blue line, we shall fight in the corners and in the crease, we shall fight in the stands; we shall never surrender.'

He will do everything to win now and in the future. We love Burkie.

[Geoff Read]

I have the answer for the Leafs' PP woes. Pick up a slick puck-moving defenseman who can carry the puck into the offensive zone... oh wait, they had one of those and they gave him the bum's rush out of town after treating him like a turd. And now they want to trade a draft pick for another (and one would have to assume worse if we're talking about a 3rd round pick) defender? This is a "plan"?

There are five keys to a successful power play. 1) Puck movement. The puck has to move quickly to catch both the penalty killers and the goalie out of position. 2) Player movement. The best power plays have constant motion. The Montreal power play of 2-3 years ago, which was so lethal, was a great example. It's great to have a skilled guy set up on the perimeter, but for him to be effective he has to be a threat to move to the middle and shoot. Kovalev, in his heyday, was a genius at this. When I watch the Leafs I see too much standing still. 3) A willingness to go to the net to create screens and pick up rebounds (I'm not convinced Rosehill's the answer here... what about Kulemin or, as you've already suggested in another capacity, Armstrong?) 4) Someone with a big, and accurate, shot from the point 5) Someone who is adept at "quarterbacking" the power play either from the point or the side boards. This was Kaberle's role.

So if you look at the Leafs' personnel, they might be able to do #1, at least on the first unit. Although... as Vinay's suggestions imply, there is a lack of skill on the back end that might mean you have to employ a forward on the point. #2? Maybe that can be fixed, but it's not there right now. #3: ditto. This might be a personnel issue. #4 Don't see how this one can be fixed without a) Phaneuf suddenly figuring out how to hit the net again or b) Kessel manning the point #5 Maybe Vinay's right, and Grabovski's the guy for this role... but as good as he's been this season, he's more creative off the rush than he is from a standing position, so I'm not sure how he'd do on the point.

VM Replies: So basically you're saying the power play is doomed. Thank you, Geoff. You always find a way to make me feel better.

[Ostrich_Lover]

I do not like the idea of Grabovski at the point on the pp because he is creative down low, he will pay the price to go to the net and he is a below average passer, which would be easily exploitable on the PP.

I have said this many times: in order for the PP to work better, someone with a rocket must line up besides Dion so that he can get open shots.

I would also try Hanson on the PP because he has a huge body, lots of heart and I believe he could be a 20 goal scorer in the right situation i.e a regular shift and so PP time.

For a real outside the box sollution: Call up Kadri, let him centre Lupul and Phil without worry for the rest of the season; tell him that no matter what he does or how he does it , as long as he moves is feet, he gets a regular shift.

Then, since he is unquestionably the best passer in the organization, and has a decent shot, let him man the Qb position with the man advantage.

[A True Leafs Fan]

I never thought Colton Orr could be Concussed..That being said I never thought I would see Justin Biebers name in a hockey blog...I say we all throw some money together and get that big guy some nice flowers, and a nice gift basket with a get well soon card.

[dan wilson]

As someone said, credit for outside the box thinking, but there is a far more obvious answer. As you say, the pp has not worked since 2005, despite many different personnel. Conclusion: the coach is responsible.

[KWood19]

while im not one to be yelling the fire ron wilson chants, maybe just decrease his duties from running the power play for a few games and hire you to run the power play strategy. who knows, we might finally see an inventive idea out on the ice!

[moe green]

@VM: I love the idea of some creativity when it comes to the power play. You'd think given the lack of success that Wilson would have already tried some of your excellent suggestions. I love the idea of moving Kessel to the point. I guarantee he get's some shots through. However, maybe the more defensively-minded Grabovski would be a better choice than Lupul as a partner. Kulemin? He has a leathal shot. Still I subscribe to your "couldn't hurt" philosophy in general.

I'd love to see more movement and less "telegraphing" on the power play. That's why the Leafs suffer so many blocked shots. The other teams know when we are going to shoot. Kaberle as masterful at looking the shot or a pass to the right and then passing to the left. Though he has been less good lately. Watching the last few PPs the Leafs stood still and looked at the guy they were about to pass to. Especially at the point. That just won't work. Fake shots, fake passes and movement is what I'd be preaching if I were Wilson.

We need creativity. We need constant movement. We need guys like Kessel to find open spots and stand in front of the net. We need some goalie disturbers. Armstrong and Brown would seem more likely guys to fill that role on the power play. A little more scoring pop. Rosehill is a little more expendable. Get Grabovski and Kulemin in front and MacArthur behind the net. He's a great passer.

@Boo: Burke is doing exactly that I think. He is trying to diminish MacArthur's perceived value. Having said that, suppose MacArthur wants $4-5 million and a five year deal. Like Kessel's. Do we do it? Is he going to have another career year? I think Burke would be happy to sign him in the $2.5-3 million range for three years.

I am not sure this strategy of Burke's will work though. It will with some people, others may bristle and opt to take their chances. Burke might be better appealing to MacArthur's team spirit without insulting him. Maybe saying how important he is to the team not just how important the team is to him. It is a negotiation though. I dunno, I'd hate to lose him but is he worth Kessel kind of money? Is Kessel worth Kessel money?

He's a master manipulator Boo, but only for the easily manipulated. We see through it so others will too. Not a Darcy Tucker maybe, but MacArthur seems pretty bright. If I was a betting man (and I am) I would say that MacArthur will be re-signed.

[johnnyk]

Kadri on the point as QB? Hahaha.
1) He doesn't yet have the hockey smarts for this job.
2) He would easily get pushed off the puck giving up big scoring chances.

[Ostrich_Lover]

Dan, can't believe you'd come on here and throw your brother under the bus like that.

Here is what the Leafs should actually do: Sign Dave Andreychuck. He couldnt skate when he was 20, so why did he even retire?

[ronellis'helmet]

Arcade Fire is from Montreal.

VM Replies: Yes, and? Oh.

[moe green]

@OL: I'm not sure we need a "rocket" opposite Phaneuf, but how about just a shot. That was Kaberle's problem, he didn't shoot enough. I think too much is made about shot-hardness on the power play. Let's try getting a few pucks through traffic. And some pases on the tape.

Dion "Nuke" Phaneuf is a dangerous player. Maybe not to score but to take someone's head off with his hard inaccurate shot or a body check. Why doesn't Wilson ask Phaneuf to start aiming at opposing players shin pads. Maybe he'll start to hit the net. Maybe he won't hit the net. Maybe as Vinay suggests, Phaneuf needs time away from the power play.

[moe green]

You just have to look at the number of reasonable suggestions from this blog to wonder about our coaching. Why haven't more ideas like this been tried yet?

VM Replies: The other thing I struggle to comprehend is shootout selection. I just assume the coaching staff are aware of nuances from the game or day that we couldn't possibly know.
Still, at least 70 per cent of the time I find myself thinking: "Really? These are the three shooters you've selected to win this game?"

[Ostrich_Lover]

One reason I believe the Leafs were less than reluctant to trade Kaberle is that our PP sucked with him. His lack of shooting really makes him quite over rated as a QB in my opinion.

One thing needs to be said, and no one is talking about it: Phaneuf - if you give him a ten game pass to recover after his injury, has played phenomenal since his return. I believe the goals will come, but even if they dont, Dion looks well on his way to regaining his top ten status and his spot on the Olympic team.

[Boo Who?]

Re: Kadri - I am not in favour of calling him up at the moment, but when he was playing with the big boys earlier this season I do recall being impressed by his passing/play-making skills. If he a) sticks around, b) develops a tougher hide, and c) matures a bit, he could definitely be an asset on the PP.

In an ideal world I'd like our PP to evolve into something like Vancouver's (yes, my team envy is back), where the opposition goalie has to keep his eye on pretty much three players at a time, because the 'QB' is both a passing and a scoring threat. Which goes back to VM's first point of course. :) Is Grabbo that guy? Dunno. Is Supes or Lupul? The guy needs grit as well as vision. Maybe he's still incubating down on the farm, who knows?

@ moe - I think we'll re-sign him, but I can't see him getting more than $3-4 mil. He doesn't strike me as much of an egotist, so the need to match Kessel's salary might be a non-issue. But he's not doing the talking, his agent is. If that guy attempts to play hardball with Burkie, I have a feeling he's going to lose. BB is already digging his heels in. Sneaky, stubborn bugger.

[We BeLeaf]

Something else to add to tonight's game thread...who would like to see Ben Scrivens get the start?

VM Replies: What? This blog is Reimer Country, lad.
It would be interesting to see what the Scrivens kid can do. I remember watching him practice in the summer before the season started. He looked razor-sharp.
But until the word we dare not speak is off the table, I say no time to monkey around in net.
Maybe we could put Scrivens on the power play, though.

[Boo Who?]

I often wonder whether the Leafs practice shooting at all? Thanks to Wilson, I know Kessel gets to 'opt out' of it when he's feeling pouty. But between Bozak, Phaneuf, Kessel (and now possibly Lupul?) this season, I worry whether their Gatorade is spiked with some kind of hallucinogen that makes the net appear to be moving around on the ice.

[palbo]

@OL - i disagree phaneuf is playing 'phenomenal'. For a $ 6.5 mill defenceman to play phenomenal, he has to generate offence. Not happening right now.

[leafland'r]

I just picked up a puzzle piece. The six teams directly above the Leafs in the standings have lost one to three games in a row. The BACK DOOR is being held open for the blue shirts. Tonight, make your move BUDdy. Colorado with ten consecutive loses wants to take your place in the lottery. New Jersey is closing in with seven straight wins. The time is now... RUN !
This isn't puzzling... Just Do it !! Gasp.

[ValleyRed]

Why not put Aulie in front of the goalie as well? He's the biggest guy on the team, he'd be pretty hard to move, and it'd have to be stressed to him to stand in front of the goalie, not off to the side with his stick in front of the goalie, looking for a tip they never get, which is what most forwards seem to do on this team.

[Go Leafs Go]

Ostrich, are you still slagging Kaberle? While we can all agree that the Leafs powerplay sucks, it's hardly Kaberle's fault. He leads the Leafs in power play points by a wide margin with over 4 times more points than "top ten" defenseman, Phaneuf. He is 6th among defenseman in the entire league in that category while Olympic team hopeful, Phaneuf, is 69th! Seems to me like Kaberle was doing his part, but leave it to you to slag on the only player carrying his weight on the power play.

I shouldn't be surprised since this is coming from the same guy who also blames Kaberle for Phaneuf's scoring woes. Great theory... except of course McCabe didn't seem to have a problem with Kaberle setting him up time and time again, and Tobias Enstrom has even less shots than Kaberle (by a wide margin), but that hasn't stopped Byfuglien from potting 18 and counting this season. Here's a crazy idea, maybe Phaneuf's scoring woes has something to do with Phaneuf. I know it sounds crazy, but I think I may be onto something here...

[pinot grigio]

I think Phaneuf in front of the net is a brilliant solution because it removes him from the point and nobody else will go within 40 feet of the net as long as Phaneuf the 'unguided missile launcher' is on the point. But put him on the second unit, I like Rosehill to start the play.
The idea of Kessel on the point gives me the willies; I had been scared all day that BB was looking for a Kessel-type D.
Which assistant coach is responsible for the special teams? Is it that guy who has been there for years, the one that looks like a plucked chicken? What does he have on ownership to maintain that job, he stinks.
I read the statements of BlusterBoy with regard to MacArthur with growing distaste. Here is a guy who signed Kessel, Phaneuf and Komisarek for outrageous amounts of money plus no trade clauses having the temerity to try and cut the legs out from under a kid who has given his best - game in, game out and leading the team in points. None of the three above mentioned Messiah types has even come close to delivering value for money. And that is a GM who expects respect from his players?

[Alecia]

Going to the game tonight with fingers and toes crossed.

[Rooney]

You can't blame the TO PP on entirely on TK. You need five players that click. If all you need is one offensive player to make your PP work, then Washington should be near the top of the NHL and they are not. The Capitals PP is as scary as the Leafs PP. Even both Pitts and Philly sit in the middle of pack, and its not because they lack individuals with talent. I think VM, in his standard funny manner, was right on point. There are certain things you need players to do. You need a QB and it doesn't need to be a d-man (Grabbo seems like a good choice). You need someone who is willing to take a beating in front of the net and get hit by a shot a or two to keep the opposing d-men and goalie near-by and off-balance (Armstrong? Brent? Crabb?). You need two guys playing D that can keep the puck in and either get it to the QB or put it on net (Luke? Kessel? Gunnar? Boyce?). Finally you need a rover (Kulee? MacArthur? Lupul?). If the Buds can't add a d-man, I think both Lupul and Armstrong can play roles to improve the PP.

[Ostrich_Lover]

I am hearing all these Stasney rumours - any names going back the other way?

- Kardi - I see no harm in bringing him back up he is ppg in the ahl and in the nhl there are maybe a dozen ppg players. He played well when he was here. He didnt score, but he could have with a little luck. He's a better fit than Bozak for top line duty in my opinion. I just don't understand the thought process of keeping our -at worst - second best natural offensive talent out of the lineup. BTW unless it is a crazy trade that brings in Paul Stastny, Kadri will not be traded. (if you live outside Colorodo or dont have Centre Ice, you may not be aware how good P.S is - we are talking about possible scoring title good. I would not want to trade Kads for anything, but this might be worth it)

-Kadri, Kessel, Schenn, Riemer, Phanuef - The Untouchables. Plus, you could probably add Coulbourn and Gardiner and Aullie to this list.

- The idea that Macarthur would even ask for Kessel money is a joke. He gets 3 mil max or hes gone. 2.5 is my bet. Also, he may have maxed his value out, why not sell high? Not that I am not a fan, just don't see Mac-A as a perenial 30 goal guy, or a top six player on a good team.

-

[Matt Taylor]

I love the rosehill idea!! With all of the Red Wings games that I watch (not by choice), the reason their powerplay is effective (in addition to having Nicklas Lidstrom...) is that they have guys like holmstrom, cleary, and bertuzzi to plant themselves in front of the net. While I'm not suggesting that Rosehill is nearly as talented as 2 out of 3 of those guys (frankly, a log is more talented than holmstrom) it would give us a guy that can take some abuse in front of the net.

[Rooney]

Another view from Boston about what Kaberle brings to the table:

"The Bruins scored just once on five opportunities with the man advantage in Tomas Kaberle's debut on Friday, but the power play showed immediate improvement. There was better movement and puck possession as the first unit in particular created consistent pressure. Kaberle showed both his knack for keeping the puck in at the point and his slick passing skills. Having a legitimate power-play quarterback like Kaberle not only makes Zdeno Chara a more effective weapon teeing up one-timers from Kaberle, but it also takes Mark Recchi off the point and puts him back down low, where his net-front presence can be used to better advantage."

There is no expectation of Kaberle scoring but he will help increase the opportunities for others to score. That is what he did here in Toronto, you can't blame him if there were others that could not bury the chances. I still think this "QB" role does not have to be a d-man and there are players already here that can step-up with increased time to improve the PP.

[Arthur B]

Don't know about Lupul, but Kessel would be a defensive liability on the back end of a powerplay... Otherwise, love all your ideas.

[Vinay Menon]

Leafs TV is showing highlights from a 2007/08 game against the Islanders. I switched it on to set my PVR for tonight and the first thing I saw was this shorthanded goal by New York on Toskala:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvW4j9ZISfY&feature=fvst

Maybe I shouldn't be complaining about the current power play.

[waffles2010]

Please Vinay, no more Toskala. He was the source of nightmares and broken things in my house.

[LeafFanThereforeDon'tGiveaCrapAboutAnyOtherTeam]

Thanks VM for the reminder just when that nightmare had been purged from the central processor.

VM Replies: I think your screen name just crashed my computer.
That goal deserves to stay in our long-term memory, just for the instant perspective it provides.

[Lasogga]

Vinay my first comment on the Kaberle rumors was on how there will be a hole in the pp when kabby leaves!!!So,touché... ;)apart from that,youre always right!

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - I remember watching that video with both horror and amusement during my hiatus from Leafdom. I have no idea where Toskala is now or what he's doing, but I always picture him a room covered with defaced Islanders logos and 'lucky bounce' scrawled over the walls, a la Ray Finkle (Laces out!!)

VM Replies: It's hard not to feel a bit sorry for that poor bastard.

[TimB]

Glad to see the Leafs blog is back.Can't add much except I'm anxious to see Brown and Armstrong back.

[Princess Mononoke]

Hey folks, checking in from school where I am supervising a Black History festival practise tonight.
VM, as I read your wise and profound advice, it occurs to me that we need to e-mail it, high priority, to Jacques Martin. Just insert the names of random Habs instead of those of your beleaguered Leafs. I'm feeling as though my Habs are somehow doomed to never score again!
Good luck, guys...Habs are playing late (Vancouver), also the Most Important Game etc..

[hoofheartz]

TG77: are you DJing tonight? I have to go out so here is something by the Cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QeJDiDvTEE

[hoofheartz]

Princess, I would hate to think what would happen to the Habs if Carey Price ever got injured for an extended period. Apparently someone knew what they were doing when they traded Halak.

[TG77]

I sent in a post with a bunch of songs earlier. I don't know if it went through but I will try to recreate it if I can remember what I put on there in case it didn't.

@ Princess - only late for you easterners. It's one of the big perks of living here I have to say. 4 pm Leafs games. Good excuse to end the work day a little earlier! As for your Habs, at least you can point to the fanbase of the one team they have been in their last 7! They seem like a team that in spite of key injuries and I think I am being fair in saying a lack of high level talent (i.e. Hal Gill, Spacek) on the back, they find ways to win.

VM Replies: No playlist comment has crossed my screen this afternoon. Not sure why it vanished in the ether...

[TG77]

TimB - you are glad to have it back to all Leafs, all the time and I am happy to report that Moe and I are now BFF's and he has agreed to become my research assistant for all of my dissertation papers (okay, I made up the last part) but he doesn't seem to hate what I do as much as he did yesterday once I explained it more over email! Now to see if I can correct my current 0-for in Tim's roll up contest, followed by a Leafs win and life would be grand. I got the Boston game right with a 4-3 prediction and I am going with 4-2 for our Buds tonight. Lupul, Armstrong, Kulemin and Gunnarson for the goal scorers.

[TimB]

I've never had any trouble with my posts disa

[Rooney]

Looking at the stats again, the Leafs are 19.3% on the PP at home (isn't the magic number 20%? - I recall a coach saying the total for the PP and PK should be 100% - 80% PK and 20%PP) but an awful 13.3% on the road. That road stat can't be a coaching thing, can it? It seems to me that players are not stepping up on the road and are just not doing what they do at home.

For music, how about some Rush or Genesis or The Smiths?

[TimB]

@TG77. Great news about you and Moe.I am obliged to correct you on one point.Quebecers are not Easterners.Now,let the music begin! Go Leafs Go !!!!

[TG77]

Okay, well here it goes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--HaFAtC17U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMWNwHof0kc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hDeEIHlvwI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPj-8_wOZcA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwNdLjqaMLs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnMZQmNtPKE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jySfU10IQu4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QzGvoUMBoA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8zkTOQfW7M

These last ones are for my buddies I made in New Zealand when I lived there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxSQ28b0cAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEkvMR2Zjqo -- features Bret from Flight of the Conchords
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISkvWP4hDf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ol80NVe2Jk&feature=related - drum and bass band from NZ with some vocals; likely not everyone's speed but an uplifting number!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEzgJI4eepo&playnext=1&list=PLAA7618C0653ABF1D

[Rooney]

Booyaka, you Isle landers, "let them knock you around, let the good times roll, let them make you a clown".

[Boo Who?]

Woooo, game in an hour!!

@Rooney - where is the booyaka?! We need a booyaka up in here.

Working my way through the playlist - a little chair dancing is just what I needed to keep me awake at my desk, thanks!

[TG77]

Sorry Tim, I must be picking up the BC view of Canada. I have a ton of students who say "oh you are from the east coast" when I say I was born in Toronto. I counter that I can't wait to go home to Canada when I am flying home to Toronto.

Anyway, I also have found a great warm-up video for the Leafs to try to implement to their pre-game routines. I was sore from laughing the first time I watched this and kinda wished I didn't have 20/20!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGOO8ZhWFR4&feature=related

[Simmer]

The 5 man blitz idea doesn't make a lick of sense. All of your other points have a varying level of validity for sure. The most important thing for the buds to do on the PP has to be create some diversion in the low slot, Rosey, Orr or a monkey that has the nutsack and determination to stand in there to cause some distraction would improve the PP easily and immediately.

VM Replies: Requesting permission to use "Doesn't make a lick of sense" as a subtitle if the blog returns next season.

[43 and Counting]

Some good ideas VM but...

1) Even with TK, gaining the blueline was a 50/50 proposition. Yes, he was a great QB but is it me or do the Leafs have fewer "one-timer" opportunities on the PP than most teams? Is that the fault of the passer or receiver? Or both? It also doesn't help that the guy currently most capable of the one-timer from the point is hockey's version of Nuke Laloosh.

2) and 3) are, on the face of it, coaching decisions. So, do they lack a knowledgeable coach? Or do they lack the ability to execute such plans? Even in the "Golden Era" you refer to, the PP was as equally frustrating as it was dangerous, with the complaint most often being no one was going to the net. Then they had both a good coach and good talent. So maybe its just the hockey gods that enjoy torturing us...

[Boo Who?]

@ Rooney - oops, you beat me to it. Great minds and all that...the site wouldn't load for a few minutes so I didn't know you'd done it! Still, a relief. :) GLG!!

[Simmer]

it's all yours.

[TimB]

TG77,the sad part is of your 15 videos I put "Move Your Boogie Body" at #6. Actually at The Clash I kind of spun off to "I Fought The Law" and then discovered another great cover by Green Day. Here it is if any are interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnuZjQD4C2E

[moe green]

I just heard that Tyler Bozak is pointless in 13 games! I am speechless. What's up with that? That's almost impossible to imagine. And he's still getting first line minutes.

VM Replies: And he was the first one in the shootout Saturday night.

[moe green]

You telling me this team is coached?

[leafland'r]

Kessel...the point.
Kessel's target practice is best from top of the circle. He seems to prefer a snap shot.
His shot from the blueline would be ineffective. If he moves into the circle from the point, then I'd be skipping a heartbeat expecting an opponent to break out with a one-on-o. Kessel might skate after him but he would quite at the top of his defensive circle.

[TG77]

Well TimB, I guess I can't meet your approval! I liked the Green Day cover. They were much better back on early albums but whatever. I threw on a bunch of NZ music in light of the earthquake but I assumed no one would have heard of the bands. Weird that Kanopka and Martin hemmed in the Leafs D there. Oh wait, no, it makes sense, Lebda was on the ice.

[moe green]

I agree Vinay. As you said his shootout choices have been perplexing. He treats the shootout like it's pre-season.

[moe green]

When on a two-on-one, the puck carrier must keep himself in position to shoot. Too many times I watch the Leafs on the two-on-one and the puck carrier puts himself out of position allowing the defense to play the pass. Usually results in a low percentage shot.

[Vinay Menon]

MacArthur continues to make his case for a new contract. 1-0.

[TG77]

I think Bozak was 3 for 3 going into the last game but given his struggles (13 games...had no idea it was that rough going for him), it does make sense to go with someone like Kulemin perhaps? Nice breakout by Kulemin and McArthur! Burke silently curses as McArthur breaks his personal record for pts and goals.

[moe green]

Another "great" NHL penalty call.

[Boo Who?]

Wuh sappa-neeng?! Who scored?! My radio feed keeps dying and my phone is being a bee-yotch, nothing will load.

[Boo Who?]

Wooooo Supes!

[Simmer]

@ moe the other guy, on th 2-1 has to be in position to accept a pass too, the leafs make that mistake too often as well, spread it wider or have the 2nd man drop back fronm the puck carrier to force the dman to make a decision

[moe green]

Kessel is transforming into Jason Blake. He is to predictable. What is wrong with this kid? I agree, make this guy pass more.

[moe green]

The Isles look pretty sad.

[TG77]

Rangers are up 1-0 on the Canes. Go Rangers go!

[moe green]

Was that Aulie call legit? Is Lebda an idiot?

[moe green]

agreed simmer

[moe green]

That pick of Gunnason makes him look 40

[moe green]

Those penalties are lame.

[moe green]

Brent is on the point on the PP.

VM Replies: I have so much time for Timmy Brent. So I shall reserve judgment.

[moe green]

"Enter the Gladiators" was playing in my head during that PP.

[moe green]

You are right VM, I likes him too. Still. At least it something different.

VM Replies: They're trying new things on the PP. For that I'm grateful.

[TimB]

Have I said how much I love Armstrong and Bozak on the PK?And the Isles are using Vinay's advice on the power play!

[Simmer]

here's a big shout out to get it low and get the cycle going in the 2nd, I think it would work well vs the Isles

VM Replies: They certainly don't look like the same team that beat Pittsburgh the other night.

[TimB]

$3M for Mac?

VM Replies: Sounds about right. I just hope negotiations are not hampered by posturing and brinkmanship.

[waffles2010]

Well this has been a nice change so far, not sure if I could have handled them playing like they did on Saturday. If they can't get 3 of 4 points against the Sens and the Isles, they are in worse shape than I think.

VM Replies: Dr. Waffles in the house.

[moe green]

This is like watching two minor league teams

[Simmer]

the Isles look horrible and the buds have some how made them look mediocre, quite frankly it is difficult to watch at his point

[waffles2010]

We can't worry about Burke and MacArthur re: the contract. Burke knows what he is doing and he will not overpay for assets. He has proven that he is able to make good decisions in this regard. It is how he got MacArthur in the first place. Guys like Asham, Nathan Horton and MacArthur were all available in the off season.
Agree with Moe, this hockey while better than the Sens game is still not really freakin good. Lots of turnovers, penalties and other assorted errors.

[moe green]

Arrrgh! I am sick of watching this mess. Fix it Wilson or fall on your sword!

[moe green]

This Islanders team sucks! Unfortunately, so do we.

[Blah Blah]

Does anyone else feel their heart rate pick up whenever they see #23 on the ice?

[moe green]

I am not a hockey expert, but it seems to me that there is no excuse for this level of disorganization at this stage of the season.

[moe green]

If that's not the end of the line for Wilson, we have no integrity. That's impossible. To play like this against this crap team. The Isles are waiting to lose.

[moe green]

Look how weak the isles pp is

VM Replies: I forgot they were on the PP.

[moe green]

I just got an image of someone in the crowd yelling "Go Leafs" and a bespectacled school marm Sshshing him.

[moe green]

I cherish those moments. At least when Lebda's on the ice I am feeling something. This is a horrible effort against a horrible team. It could go either way. The Leafs or the Isles could score a couple and end it. What a sorry affair.