The five most popular Leafs by jersey sales
Wait a minute – there's a game tonight? But we're already emotionally drained.
The trades, the P-word we dare not speak, the troubling injuries... draining. I mean, if Boston fans start their obnoxious Thank you, Kessel chants tonight, I will have a mental breakdown no lemon square or even lemon drop martini can fix.
Enough already. Leave the poor bastard alone.
So I am forgoing a traditional preview again. Screw it. We need to rest our brains and hearts for the next two hours. Instead of a preview, may I present... The Five Most Popular Leafs By Jersey Sales*:
1. Dion Phaneuf
(No. 3)
2. Phil Kessel
(No. 81)
3. Luke Schenn (No. 2)
4. Kris Versteeg
(No. 32)
4. Jonas Gustavsson
(No. 50)
5. Colby Armstrong (No. 9)
(*FOR SALES BETWEEN JULY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2010)
I know, right? What a strange gauge of popularity.
The guy who just got traded was the fourth most popular Leaf when it comes to apparel? Have you ever seen someone wearing a Versteeg sweater? Me neither. And hang on, the new number four is... the guy on a conditioning stint in the minors who just had a heart procedure?
This can't be good.
You know what else is weird? Francois Beauchemin was traded last week and he wore No. 22. But while searching for pictures to embed atop this post, look at Exhibit A and Exhibit B below:
Did they deliberately give poor Francois a number used for awkward photo-ops involving celebrities and random platitudes?
Did he get traded because they needed the No. 22 for an upcoming event or famous person?
This feels like a conspiracy.
And have you ever wondered why there is no player on the current team who wears No. 1, No. 62 or No. 86? Well, pretend you've wondered it.
I now present... Exhibit C, Exhibit D and Exhibit E:
EXHIBIT C: "You know, this would look damn fine on a cocktail waitress."
EXHIBIT D: "What is this ice hockey you speak of? I am here to talk about the Middle East. Where is your leader?"
EXHIBIT E: "Do they really play a sport in one of these? Look what it did to my hair. Savages."
What does the jersey sales data mean? Probably nothing. I'm drained. The only reason I put up this entire post was to start a fresh thread for game commenting. But my guess is we're going to see a revamped Top 5 of jersey sales by this time next year, with lots of MacArthurs, Grabovskis and Reimers among us.
Until game commenting begins, I leave you with the soothing sights of Exhibit F:
MAIN PHOTO: RICK MADONIK/TORONTO STAR
Not near as soothing as your pic of Alyssa Milano.
VM Replies: Do you want me to dig up that picture and put it in the post? I will do that for you.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 05:34 PM
Exhibit G?
VM Replies: Okay. Hang on...
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 05:50 PM
Man I forgot how much JFJ looked like a personal injury lawyer.
VM Replies: Oh, man. This is definitely Comment of The Day.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 05:54 PM
Where are all the predictions for tonights game against the Beantowners? I need some convincing. The game feels ominous.
VM Replies: Psychic Alecia has not graced us yet with a prediction.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 05:55 PM
You cracked me up,Moe.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 05:59 PM
Schenn # 3 ?????
VM Replies: Yes. But I should point something out: MLSE would only give me ranking info of top sellers. They did not provide any dollar/unit sales (because they're not a publicly traded company).
It would be interesting to see the *number* of jerseys sold for each of the Top 5. I begged. They politely told me to piss off.
Posted by: KD | 02/15/2011 at 06:00 PM
VM, you kill me. You give the guys Milano and Twain, and you give the ladies Woods and Austin Powers. Nice.
I got a feeling that Reimer and Lupul play big tonight. Booyaka you big bad Bruins, sucks to be you.
VM Replies: Rooney, I can only offer both men and women what is in the Star's photo database.
Posted by: Rooney | 02/15/2011 at 06:12 PM
Nice one Moe. That being said, he should really have been the defendant in a class action suit brought by Leafs fans for the pain and suffering endured under his reign.
Trial notes read as follows:"Would the defendant please rise and explain why you traded Tuuka Rask for one Andrew Raycroft?"
Defendant: Uhhhhh (defendant than buries heads and weeps).
I have a funny anecdote from my travels today. I was chatting with a woman at a local coffee shop and she told me that Canadians seem to accept "mediocrocity" (and I didn't have the heart to say it was mediocrity given how well it supported her point) but it made me wonder, do Leaf fans support "mediocricity"? It seems to be the case because I am personally just hoping they climb out of a lottery pick by season's end and a win tonight against the Bruins is a big step. Kessel has scored against the Bruins this year when he shot the puck and Tim Thomas into the net during a shootout. It would be great if he could do it tonight in the game and then we can all join hands and sing the chorus of Cee Lo Green's non radio-friendly recent hit to the TD Garden faithful in response to those "Thank You Kessel" chants.
4-3 Leafs is my prediction. Rosehill and Thornton with a spirited bout in the 1st period.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 06:14 PM
No kidding,Rooney,I feel great about the game tonight and see Phil clicking with Lupul.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 06:19 PM
I HAVE to make a prediction on this game? Sooo emotionally drained, I don't even know what team I am watching anymore. Ugh fine, 5-1, Leafs.... Miracles do happen right? FINE, stop your yelling....3-2. I ALWAYS predict a leafs win, don't give up till the clock hits 60:00.
By the way, has anyone ever noticed the similarities between Reimer and Thomas? Reimer is like Thomas Jr., Both great goalies, steady, composed, and never stop smiling. How long before we trade away another great goalie to be?
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 06:24 PM
By the way Vinay, I can't believe you posted a photo of a sparkly Leafs jersey, even if Twain is wearing it. Unacceptable.
VM Replies: Not now, Alecia. Not now. I'm frantically trying to find Alyssa for TimB.
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 06:27 PM
http://img3.prosperent.com/images/250x250/images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_454000/ff_454635_xl.jpg
Or me and Boo can just send our photos in.
VM Replies: Boo has a guest post, which will likely run sometime soon with her picture.
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 06:34 PM
I don't trust The Boo-Berry to send in her real picture.
VM Replies: You raise a good point.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 06:47 PM
Go Leafs Go!
Bring on the Boo Berry and Alecia pictures!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 07:05 PM
Vinay, I believe KD was referring to you listing Schenn's jersey number as #3 when he should be #2.
VM Replies: Good lord. Thanks. Typo fixed now.
Posted by: Cameron | 02/15/2011 at 07:08 PM
No feed available on atdhe.me so I wondered if any others are working out there for those of you watching on laptops.
Cheers,
Todd
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 07:14 PM
Vinay!! He knows quite well the picture is really me, cheeky monkey. Anyway, I thought you loved me for my brains!!?? I feel so used. *sobs*
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 07:18 PM
yeah todd, myp2p has several
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 07:20 PM
Ah Vinay you never fail to make the blog eclectic, enlightening, exceedingly brilliant. And you invariably find humour, even if the Leafs aren't really providing any reason to smile.
And to all the regular posters who make the blog mandatory reading, all 130-something comments - love you too :)
3 cheers for Lupul tonight. He's had a few more days to get used to his teammates - he's bound to be on the scoreboard!!
VM Replies: Thank you, Emma.
The good news is Komisarek just scored. The bad news is it was on Reimer.
Posted by: emma | 02/15/2011 at 07:21 PM
Man, turned it on right as the goal went in and its the NESN feed. Those announcers are vomit inducing!
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 07:24 PM
I thought of this weeks ago and keep forgetting to actually post....
How about 'Good Time-r Reimer'? I worry that it might not come out sounding right for a married kid from small town Canada - but he's always having a good time on the ice, right?
Posted by: emma | 02/15/2011 at 07:27 PM
What's that you say phone? Leafs getting out-muscled, out-shot and letting the other team draw first blood? I see. Well, I hope you like being locked in my purse for the next hour. I hope it gives you time to think about what you did.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 07:29 PM
The NESN guy just said Bozak is offensively talented but has questionable defensive abilities. Really? He is becoming a better PK than I ever imagined and panged one of the post with in open net against the Devils. The one guy also can't pronounce Komisarek or Gunnarson.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 07:30 PM
@ TG77 - I'm pretty sure I ended up on a US feed not long ago where the guy kept referring to Grabbo as Gunnarson. It's on the freaking back of his jersey dude. Shouldn't literacy be a prerequisite for broadcasting jobs?
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 07:34 PM
Literacy?, Literacy? What pray tell do we do with all the unemployed former goons and goalies then?
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 07:40 PM
Thank you Kessel!, Thank you Kessel!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 07:42 PM
K.E.S.S.E.L.
1-1
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 02/15/2011 at 07:43 PM
Well Boo, to be fair, before we point south for bad examples, Bob Cole tends to get the name wrong, the team wrong, the call i.e. it's an off-side, no it's a penalty etc. I think my funniest experience in a US rink was in New Jersey when nearly half the crowd left before the start of OT to avoid traffic on the NJ Interstate. It's tied up but my feed froze as it happened. Must be a bruins feed! Yes Kessel! Should be a huge monkey off his back.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 07:44 PM
Did I call that one or not? Keep it going Kessel & Lupul.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 07:49 PM
We tend to put a lot of focus on the worst annoucers out there (my vote goes to Glen "who pissed on your wheaties" Healy) and Mike Milbury could be close in 2nd. So who do you think the best announcers are out there?
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 07:49 PM
Assist for Lupul!
Oh, and brilliant hand-eye coordination from Kessel - so says my stream commentators
Posted by: emma | 02/15/2011 at 07:52 PM
Why couldn't the fools at acc get a "thank you boston" chant going when the bruins visit acc?
VM Replies: On most nights, even "Go Leafs Go!" is a challenge. You may be expecting too much.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 07:56 PM
Start selling you Kabby jerseys! I have a feeling this trade could pass tonight after the game. Kaberle, and maybe that pick we received from Philly...... You heard it from me...
VM Replies: Wow, an in-game comment from Mr. Culoman. This is a first.
Posted by: Nik Culoman | 02/15/2011 at 08:04 PM
@TG77: I was surprised how much I liked the New Jersey crew.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:05 PM
Thank you? Meh, much too civilized Moe.
VM Replies: I've always liked the Islanders' guy, Howie Rose.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 08:07 PM
I love how Grabbo just put that in so calmly. As if saying "yeah, I got a goal coming. No big deal".
Oh, and I think people outside my house think somebody was just stabbed.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 08:11 PM
That Grabovski is as cool as a cucumber that was doused with liquid nitrogen.
2-1 Leafers.
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 02/15/2011 at 08:11 PM
I like the Rangers guy Davidson actually (his out of control giggling when Malik put the shootout attempt between his legs is classic) and when I lived in NJ, the guy who called my alma mater's hoops games was the guy who does the Devils, "Doc" Emrick and he is great.
VM Replies: He is good. Though the chemistry between Doc and Chico leaves something to be desired.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 08:13 PM
Bobby Butler SCORES!!!
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Sens leads Isles 1-0, two minutes to go in first period.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 08:14 PM
Boston doesn't like the MacKulebovski line.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:15 PM
Blade breaks off Karlasson's stick.
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Two-minute penalty for not dropping broken stick right away.
VM Replies: Oh, man. Are we now doing simultaneous Sens and Leaf games here?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 08:16 PM
I've never heard the Isles broadcast. I hate the Boston guys.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:19 PM
Sometimes I wonder why Dion can't skate. Moreover, what the F* is he doing???
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 08:19 PM
Re. Rumored trade between Toronto and Boston, involving Kaberle, supposedly to be announced after the game.
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Isn't it standard practice to hold players out of games if they are in the process of being traded?
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Find it highly unusual and unlikely that two teams would trade players immediately after playing each other.
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Am I missing something about this rumour?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 08:22 PM
And as hard to handle as a nitrogen doused cuke Vinay!
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:23 PM
Phaneuf blasts it wide. Classic.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:25 PM
Where do u guys get your rumours?
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:26 PM
I'll be quiet now so as to not confuse people. (g)
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But first, just had some great hockey memories revisited with Sens colour guy Denis Potvin reminiscing with Islanders colour guy Butch Goring about their four Stanley Cups together playing for the Islanders.
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BTW, Habs 1-0 over Sabres so far.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 08:31 PM
Kessel is really throwing his body around and its really effective. Boston isn't expecting to be hit back.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 08:31 PM
Does it seem to you guys that Phaneuf might be drinking during the game. Or maybe he's very mildly retarded?
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:31 PM
Looks like we have found ourselves two solid lines now. Let's leave 'em the way they are *coughWilsoncough*
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 08:33 PM
I know what you mean about Dion. A perfect example there is having 10 seconds to shoot the puck down the ice and the penalty would be over and instead it gets deflected to not even centre ice because he took his time.
I think I just saw Kessel working hard down low and a nice piece of forechecking. I would love Gary Roberts to take Phil the Thrill under his wing instead of helping out the Bolts!
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 08:33 PM
Wow. If they kill this one I will really be impressed.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:34 PM
So people have been calling for Phil to change up his all-too-predictable play when attacking the net.
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Well, batting the puck out of mid-air is definitely something new. (g)
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Happy for Phil that he finally scored one and can now start a NEW scoreless streak. LOL (just kidding)
VM Replies: I was actually waiting for you to make a crack about a new slump.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 08:34 PM
How is it that Colin Campbell isn't in a compromised position. It has to be a conflict of interest. Anyway too bad. Leafs were doing very well.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:40 PM
Bill, there is no denying that you are a closeted Leafs fan. Just come out, we'll all embrace you with open arms. :)
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 08:43 PM
Moe you raise a great point given his son pounded on Tom Pyatt with his elbow or wrist guard and got no disciplinary review. No one on the Bruins did and Thornton was running around trying to fight Hamrlik, Spacek got pounded on etc so not too different from the Islanders approach to the game. It was pretty ridiculous.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 08:43 PM
Where do these rumours come from?. Is Nonis tweeting his relatives? Seriously.
VM Replies: The Kaberle/Boston rumours?
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:45 PM
Kessel line best for the Leafs tonight.He's working the boards a bit too.Freakin' me out.Burke confirmed trade talks with Bruins.
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 08:46 PM
Yes, I mean how can they come out with all the secrecy by all sides?
VM Replies: You never know who is leaking and to what end. When a deal reaches a certain stage of development, there could be some advantage for one side to get out word.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:47 PM
Funny, Kabs to Montreal seems like a better fit to me.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:50 PM
A lot of the rumours are tweeted by the TSN reporters on twitter.
Posted by: Alecia | 02/15/2011 at 08:51 PM
What would we get in the deal? Wheeler maybe?
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 08:51 PM
Maybe Kaberle will start the third as a Bruin. That would be cool.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:51 PM
The best NESN commentating duo of all time was Fred Cusick and Derek Sanderson back in the 80s. No bias there (eye roll)!
The Bruins never lost a fight, and no power forward in the league was ever at the same level of greatness as Cam Neely (that latter point was mostly true, actually).
Their best name screwups were "Damp-House" on the Leafs and 'Beuk-a-BOMB" on the Oilers.
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 02/15/2011 at 08:52 PM
@TG77: I know. This league can be so Micky Mouse sometimes. Often.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:53 PM
Kessel scored a PP GOAL? Oh my stars and garters...
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 08:53 PM
I agree about Roberts too. Even as a conditioning consultant. I think this young team could have used his leadership.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 08:55 PM
Thanks Cameron - you caught that before I had a chance to see the reply. I see it's been fixed.
VM Replies: Yes, fixed.
Posted by: KD | 02/15/2011 at 08:58 PM
I have a feeling that Lupey will score the winner in the third. Bet you some lemon squares on it Vinay!
VM Replies: Game 57 - The Point In The Season Where We Started Gambling With Baked Goods.
Posted by: Sue | 02/15/2011 at 08:58 PM
It is now 0-0 apparently. Interesting.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 08:59 PM
Neil hit by puck deep in Islanders' end.
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Down on ice, writhing in pain.
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Refs hold off blowing whistle, waiting for Isles to lose possession of puck.
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Isles take time moving puck down the ice.
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Neil still down. Islander goaltender shows concern, bends over to check on him.
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Meanwhile Isles finally score; whistle finally blown; trainer FINALLY gets to come out to assist Neil.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 09:00 PM
Somebody with all the rumours please tell me Grabbo is sitting the rest of the game. We can't afford to have him out for an extended period.
VM Replies: Just watching him has made me pop a couple of Advil.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 09:08 PM
I will even throw in some vodka if it actually happens! Not in the lemon squares but something to wash them down!
VM Replies: Well, Sue, you now have a bet.
Posted by: Sue | 02/15/2011 at 09:09 PM
As if it wasn't hilarious enough listening to this announcer guy say things like 'Kahmasarek' and 'the bahx', now he calls them the Blue Jays...
VM Replies: Oh, man. I think I'm going to recap a game soon while watching one of these deranged feeds.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 09:10 PM
Uh oh. Grabbo's back. I hope he got some extra padding put in his helmet.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 09:11 PM
Speaking of the Jays, Vinay I hope that you are going to blog about the Jays when the season starts. Please don't disappear once the Leafs fall into the abyss!! My life will be incomplete!
VM Replies: You are very kind. Still need to figure out what'll happen after the season.
Posted by: Sue | 02/15/2011 at 09:16 PM
I am not trying to be negative but Schenn seems like he has gone back to guiding his shot from the point instead of taking slappers like he was at the beginning of the year. When did we get a guy named Goonnarson on the Leafs?
VM Replies: These feeds sound like comedy gold!
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 09:17 PM
Why are we pulling Reimer out of the net? Do they want me to have a heart attack here?
VM Replies: Phil Kessel ties it up!
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 09:21 PM
Sens game updates followed by yawns and crickets chirping...(wg)
I am still standing by my 4-3 for the Leafs prediction. They have hit the post and/or crossbar 4 times now and The McArthur-Grabo-Kules line is all over them.
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 09:21 PM
These guys are goofy. Bruins announcer like to say: "He passes to space or He's heading to space." Also he announced "the Cam Neely foundation for children fighting cancer and their families." You'd think the families would leave these poor kids alone already.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 09:22 PM
Wait for it... Wait for it...
THANK YOU KESSEL!!!!!!!
VM Replies: If they can pull this out, I think that needs to be the title of recap.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 09:22 PM
Thank-you Kessel! Thank-you Kessel!
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 09:22 PM
Dear Alecia
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Even the embrace of your fair arms can't lure me over to the dark blue+white side. (smile)
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BTW, Butler sets up Shannon for marvelous one-timer. Sens 2, Isles 1, after two periods.
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Injury updates: Neil back but Campoli gone for the rest of the night. Some questions as well regarding Gonchar's status.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 09:22 PM
Oh thank God it was just the moronic announcer talking crap. PHIL!!!
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 09:23 PM
Either that or "Thank you Boston!"
VM Replies: Hmm. You might be right.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 09:25 PM
Impressive goal! Now it's Lupey's turn! I can taste those lemon squares now! Next game, perhaps some homemade brownies to mix things up!
Posted by: Sue | 02/15/2011 at 09:26 PM
Well TG, I at least give the updated score each time.
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Have lost track of score in Leafs-Bruins waltz. (g)
VM Replies: 3-3, 4 minutes left in the third.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 02/15/2011 at 09:26 PM
VM do you know if the Leafs read this blog and the comments? They really should. I think it would boost their confidence. Tell Burkie the next time you see him.
VM Replies: My guess is they do not read this blog.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 09:30 PM
At least I think he's put the "thank You Kessel" to bed for good.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 09:30 PM
@Sensi-Bill I see that Booby Butler has 2 points tonight. He was the young man you were touting in the AHL all-star game correct?
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 09:30 PM
I take it all back. I'm really glad they didn't pull him. His brain appears to be absolutely fine.
Posted by: Simon | 02/15/2011 at 09:32 PM
Goal!!!
Posted by: Mike | 02/15/2011 at 09:32 PM
Yesssssssss! 4-3 for the good guys. Grabbbooooooooo you magnificent Leaf bastard.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 02/15/2011 at 09:33 PM
My God! I just saw Grabo actually smile! Okay Vinay, it wasn't Lupey. Where do I send the baked goods and alcohol?
Posted by: Sue | 02/15/2011 at 09:33 PM
A better team without that creampuff Versteeg in the lineup. Grabovski. That liquid nitrogen soaked cucumber!
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 09:33 PM
Oh man, even Grabbo can't help but smile at that one!! Wooooo!!!
Posted by: Boo Who? | 02/15/2011 at 09:34 PM
C'mon Phil get the empty netter to get the hattie!!
Posted by: TG77 | 02/15/2011 at 09:35 PM
I can't believe how happy I am.
VM Replies: The joy of poetic justice.
Posted by: moe green | 02/15/2011 at 09:36 PM
"Holy Mackinaw"!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TimB | 02/15/2011 at 09:36 PM