Game 66: Trying to stay positive
I think the topsy-turvy, up-and-down ride of 2010-2011 is finally taking a toll. Do I sense an emotional fatigue creeping into Leafs Nation?
Me, I'm hitting the reset button today. I am blocking out the negativity and not opening emails in which the subject line reads: "I told you this would happen!"
Positive thoughts... must stay positive... must not despair.
A friend called this morning to offer his condolences. It felt like I was getting pulled after the second period and he was coming in to finish the game.
"Why is there no recap today?" he asked.
"I've been up all night with a sick kid," I said, which is the truth.
"You sure there's just nothing left to say?"
I could hear his wife giggling in the background.
Well, laugh it up! I'm not giving up!
The Leafs remain four points out of the word we dare not speak. It was the team's first regulation loss since February 12. Despite the setback to the powerhouse Hawks, not much has changed...
... And yet, for some inexplicable reason, it feels like everything changed after that first period. Why is doom and gloom swirling around our fragile psyches once again? One loss and all is lost?
As Ron Wilson noted: "It would be awful idiotic to say that we were going to win every game the rest of the way."
Yes, that would be idiotic. But perhaps idiocy is inevitable when a team surges after losing so many games the middle of the way.
On the one hand, we have faith in the charging horse-drawn carriage. On the other, we have historical reason to fear it may suddenly turn into a pumpkin before midnight on April 9.
The team has 67 points. If the goal is to reach 90 points – a reasonable threshold for post-season qualification – they need to earn 23 points over the remaining 16 games.
So all they need to do is, let's see, win 11 games in regulation time and get another point in overtime or a shootout. All they need to do is, hang on, lose no more than, um, four more games.
This is not a race so much as a tightrope act, an intense foot-over-foot journey across a thin wire that's strapped across two poles at high altitude. There is no room for mistakes, for missteps, no matter how good the opponent, no matter how bad the timing.
We are specks in the blue sky. One slip and we plunge into the abyss.
Positive thoughts... must stay positive... must not despair.
Between the Leafs game, Charlie Sheen's horrendous online show (which I made the mistake of watching in a desperate attempt to forget hockey) and my daughter's all-night-all-morning vomitathon, it's been rather grim inside ALF B headquarters over the past 18 hours.
I hope you're having a much better Sunday. I hope you're trying to stay positive. If not, if you've decided to get off this crazy ride, I thank you for the company thus far. I shall remember you fondly.
Godspeed, Leafs Nation.
I'm avoiding the out-of-town scoreboard today. Instead, I'm just going to rest my head, hit the emotional reset, try to stay positive and perhaps watch a loop of this video:
MAIN PHOTO: DARREN CALABRESE/CANADIAN PRESS
How true, it is idiotic to think that they were going to win every game they played for the rest of the season. Chicago played well, and deserved the win. We are allowed to remain positive, and keep the faith. There is still hope that our magnificent Leaf bastards will continue the run of improbability and bring us some joy by making the 'word we may not speak'.
I am more and more convinced every game that this team is on the way to building something special. This has been a fantastic season for me personally. My faith in the team I love has been restored, almost completely.
Wearers of hair hats and bearers of car flags emblazoned with the Blue and White, will be worn and displayed with pride.
VM Replies: Dr. Waffles, so nice to hear from you this afternoon.
Posted by: waffles2010 | 03/06/2011 at 03:33 PM
I was pretty disappointed after the game last night, so I went out with a couple of friends to the bar and had some drinks. A friend's girlfriend brought her friend and I talked to her a fair bit and took a liking to her. Things were going great and for a while, I felt like the Leafs in the last month. My lack of confidence with the opposite sex was finally being crushed. Then, as we were walking down the stairs to the 1st floor of the bar (with her in front of me), I didn't notice that I was wearing my new shoes with less than stellar grip, that the stairs were wet and that I was pretty inebriated. Just like the Leafs playing the Hawks, I blew it, slipped, and fell on my butt, practically sliding down the stairs to the bottom, creating an amusing scene. It's a miracle I didn't take her with me. Everything was pretty downhill from there.
The game wasn't that bad. We gave away two silly goals early on and in the end we lost by... two goals. The fact that the final score wasn't 5-0 is a testament to how far this team has come this season. The only difference on the ice last night was experience: Stanley Cup Champs playing a team comprised mostly of players that were in the AHL earlier this year. With those odds, I'll gladly take 5-3. Once the Leafs gain more experience, they will truly be a force to be reckoned with.
VM Replies: Fell down stairs? Yikes. Hope you're okay.
Yes, they played pretty well after going down by three. Who knows, a penalty shot there, a PP shot here, and the result might have been different.
Posted by: Adam | 03/06/2011 at 04:00 PM
Sir: You cannot in your wildest nightmares, think for one moment, that any of us would leave you? Up all night with a sick child is difficult. However; rest assured as far as ALFB is concerned, we have your back covered!
Dang. Vinnie, we are only in second gear!
No one in their right mind (foolish observation, who is?) would have ever believed that we could win all the games.
Positively, we have beaten some pretty good teams. We just lost one to the defending Stanley Cup champions.
We have a way to go, but we ain't dead yet. Hang in there Vindaloo.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your daughter.
VM Replies: Thank you, Robert.
Posted by: Robert | 03/06/2011 at 04:12 PM
We can't win every game and despite the loss, it's not like we've suddenly plummeted to 30th in the standings. Although the drubbing Phillie took today against the Rangers didn't help.
My problem is watching the game with a Leaf hater last night, one who had no words but simply laughed uproariously every time Chicago scored. He may drive me to drink before the Leafs do.
Better luck next game, magnificent bastards!
VM Replies: I'm still a little freaked out by our small world. But since I now know the identity of this Leaf hater in your life, here's a dirty little secret: He used to be a Leaf fan.
In fact, when we were kids, he used to paint his face blue and white. During endless games of road hockey, the only thing he would stop to do was decide on which real Leaf he should pretend to be for the next 10 goals.
So I'm baffled by his transformation and this embrace of the dark side. I'm blaming his time in Calgary.
Whatever the reason, Katherine, tell him to knock it off or I'll start posting incriminating photos that reveal his Leaf hatred to be something of a fraud.
Posted by: Katherine | 03/06/2011 at 04:44 PM
Positive?
If there is something positive in the loss it lies with witnessing the victory of the Black Hawks. The Leafs would have seen and felt the rhythm of a contender.
Now, to play copycat.
Hope?
With speculation, the next 10 games of the season gives the best chance of point acquisition to Buffalo, Toronto, Carolina, and Rangers respectively.
Then again, hmmm, New York just blasted Philly out of the frozen water.
VM Replies: leafland'r! One day at a time, I suppose.
Posted by: leafland'r | 03/06/2011 at 04:49 PM
Let's be positive, if we meet that Chicago team again it means we are in the Cup finals and those Leaf bastards will have learned a heck of a lot during this final stretch. (also known as the annual mad dash). The worst we can expect in the East is a bunch of teams that we know can be beaten.
I see Versteeg has been sprinkling his magic pixie dust in the Flyers' dressing room and that team is becoming as hapless as the Leafs were when he was weaving his magic spell in TO. That alone should make you feel better.
Your little girl will be OK in no time and you will get some shuteye again. Everything will look better next week. Chin up old man.
VM Replies: Thank you, pinot. Love the way you think.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 03/06/2011 at 04:53 PM
Ugh, vomitathon....
I remember those days....it always amazed me that such wee little bodies could produce such copious barfageddons.
Please look after your own well-being. Those bugs used to tour the whole family when my kids were sick, and soon I was taking long distance calls on the big white telephone.
It's been quite rough at the Mononoke Palace as well...though I was thrilled with my Habs beating Tampax last night, our school was hit with some very stressful news on Friday and one of my teenagers is crushed to hear that he'll be "deported" to a totally new school in the near future. This news also brings into question my own employment at a school I really love right now and do not want to leave (my kids and I are all at the same school, which has been a blessing since we just moved to the GTA).
Apologies for all the personal info here, but all of this is to say, I feel your pain today, and I'm listening to Youtube loops of "healing music" as I work to plan my lessons for the week. Not sure if I'm being healed....
Keep the faith, my friends. One never knows what can happen. Your Leafs are mere humans, and it's one loss. You know they haven't given up yet, and neither should you.
Peace to all of you.
VM Replies: Hang in there, Princess.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 03/06/2011 at 04:55 PM
I love the way the leafs are battling. even against the hawks they kept on fighting. Having said that however, if wilson can't get the power play on track the dream will fall short. They have to have PP production to maintain this pace over the last 16 games. Also want to add that this blog rocks.
VM Replies: The PP is an enigma wrapped inside a riddle stapled to an Achilles heel.
Posted by: jayleaf | 03/06/2011 at 05:03 PM
Am sorry to hear your kid is sick VM. I hope she's back in fighting form soon.
I'm surprisingly mellow today. I have seen and sensed a change with the Leafs' players of late, one that makes me less likely to question their commitment and heart. I think they care very much about winning, and are giving us their best. And I think they're only going to continue to improve, which is very heartening indeed. They're just such likable little schmoes, dammit. I want them to win, not for me or anyone else, but for themselves.
Can we trade Versteeg to Buffalo? Please?
VM Replies: The poor girl is still a mess. But I'll tell her Ms. Boo says to get better.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/06/2011 at 05:27 PM
i hope your little one gets better soon. Since i hate to see kids sick.
About the leafs. Well i guess you can say this is a learning curve. "What does it take to win a game." Let's be honest here blackhawks were just that good. They are super fast and have the most deadliest line in the NHL. However, i'm glad leafs kept fighting. I am so proud of them. In the end whatever happens i will be standing and give them a round of applause because they deserve it. As should everyone else, they need our support.
VM Replies: Well said, omar. Yes, the Hawks' passing/skating/shooting in the first was a sobering reminder of what that team can do when they are firing on all cylinders, as they are now.
Posted by: omar | 03/06/2011 at 05:53 PM
Could the playing against the Hawks be a lesson to our young Leafs team? A lesson on what a young boys' team can do to become a winning team of men? I saw the Hawks team move around invisibly, passing around the puck, winning battles and capitalizing all of the Leafs' "rookie" mistakes. I was a lesson on how to play the game to win. We may not have first, second or third former draft picks who play better from the get-go but we have passionate learners and I hope last night was a lesson in hockey that our leafs took but the loss came along. I loved the surge but I think this setback might have been important on how to continue to play well.
The only small problem I had with last night was Reimer. He is a young goalie and goalies, at any age, are fragile due to the mental pressures of their jobs but at his age and position its a bit more. I hope someone makes sure he knows the loss was not his fault. I missed his ever so contagious smile in his post-game interview as he sat their blaming himself.
I leave with this thought. One must lose to win as the young Hawks did and the young Penguins did a few years ago.
VM Replies: He struggles on Saturday nights. This is a mystery.
Posted by: TheGo2Girl | 03/06/2011 at 06:18 PM
Sorry to hear about your daughter. My son has been suffering from the flu, too. Mostly a high fever. It's a helpful reminder that there are things in the world aside from the Leafs (on rare occasions, of course!). The point about life with our kids is just like the point of caring for the team: we stick with them through thick and thin. Plus, I'm glad to say that these days the team seems to be sticking with us, also. They keep on trying — and occasional losses are part of the game.
VM Replies: She's sleeping for the first time since midnight now. Sorry to hear about your son. An interesting parallel between kids and Leafs.
Posted by: loyal he remains | 03/06/2011 at 06:22 PM
Wishing your little girl feels better soon. Sleep is a great healer. I was very fortunate that I didn't have barfers.
Tried so hard to not be discouraged watching the game night, and did see brief flashes of team play, so all is not lost.... The Hawks were truly a magnificent team to watch.
Presently saying go Wild go!
Now, let's put last night's game behind us, and bring on the Isles!
VM Replies: oakville_girl! I vowed to not look at the scores today but I just did. The Rangers demolished Philly 7-0. Buffalo is up 1-0 late in the first...
And Jersey beat the Islanders in a shootout, so they are now three points behind the magnificent bastards with a game in hand.
Eesh.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 03/06/2011 at 06:33 PM
Has any one ever thought about this every time Raptors are playing the same night as Leafs loose it sucks but i dont think both not playing at same night will happen for quite a while.
Posted by: cdndsi | 03/06/2011 at 06:47 PM
Hey Vinay. I know exactly how you feel.
So here's what I want to say to The Toronto Maple Leafs right now:
Do not quit.
You can do it.
You have come so far. Beating Philadelphia in Phillie was no small thing. You were nervous in the first period against the Hawks. And somehow you doubted yourselves. But you can beat the Hawks. You just need to believe that you will win every battle. Decide to be that player ever shift.
If there is a puck to get to
GET THERE FIRST.
Just decide to be that player no matter what and no matter who you are facing.
It's hard living up to other people's expectations but this is something only you can do. We see that you are that good and this week you saw that too. But somehow you doubted yourselves.
Game by game. That's how you will do it.
The Islanders are next. You must win. It is just a fact. It is just a job. This is your assignment for next game.
Get two points. I don't care how.
Get two points.
And I would prefer it if you get the two without giving up one.
It's just a job. Put on a hard hat and get to work.
After you do that we can talk about the next two.
Look around you. See where you are. Feel how lucky you are that you get to do somethingt that millions of us would do if we could. But that's not why you'll make the playoffs. You'll do it because this is your dream. Otherwise, why did you come this far?
Find it in yourself. Get it done. You are that good. We all see it. Do you?
Just believe it yourself.
Game by game. Shift by shift.
Two points.
GO!
VM Replies: A rousing declaration, Charlee001. Sometimes I wish you were inside that dressing room.
Posted by: Charlee001 | 03/06/2011 at 07:09 PM
Vinay,
Your daughter will get better, soon. Parenting can be tough, but has its great rewards.
And so will our beloved Leafs.
Every win, every effort in defeat, every belief is a step toward the team we have always been proud of, which will do US proud, and will soon take its place among the great Leafs teams of the past. This team is being built from the ground up, these young guys will continue to support each other, in victory and in defeat, and we will soon taste with them the joy and satisfaction of the next playoff victory, which will take us step by step to the ultimate prize for all Leafs fans, and raise that banner once again from the roof. We WILL get there, and the journey is to be savoured, both the highs and the lows. Keep up the great work, this blog has kept my spirits up numerous time during this strange season.
VM Replies: Now we have two Roberts, which could get confusing. Thanks to you, sir. I appreciate it.
Posted by: Robert | 03/06/2011 at 07:29 PM
Here's a song that always cheers me up (yes, I'm old):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJgt_K2TXSc
VM Replies: That was my favourite song of the summer it was released. I just checked and nearly fell out of my chair: That was 11 years ago (???).
Thanks, Princess. I had never heard that acoustic version before. A balm for my soul this evening.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 03/06/2011 at 08:00 PM
Thing is, it wasn't just the Leafs lost, every team around them won so their odds of making the playoffs fell from about 10% to below 5%. Check out Sportsclubstats.com for the numbers. It's been a brutal weekend for the the Leafs playoff hopes. At 11-5 the rest of the way, they only have a 35% chance of getting, which is probably more likely than them going 11-5.
VM Replies: Three Roberts today! Yes, I don't want to think about probability and odds this evening. But your point is well taken.
Posted by: robert | 03/06/2011 at 08:23 PM
Sabres have officially bumped the Canes out of 8th place. We're 5 points back and they have one game in hand. Gosh darn-diddly-dangit.
Ok, now I'm getting mad.
VM Replies: What happens when Ms. Boo is mad? Details, we need details.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/06/2011 at 08:55 PM
Vm - Went through the same situation as you are going through 2 weeks ago. Not pleasant. For me lasted 5 days.
Leafs Nation will be there to the end! We will never leave you. Scary thought huh?
VM Replies: Sue! Five days, huh? Wow.
Well, life seems to have settled down a bit this evening. One 4-year-old is in bed. The other 4-year-old is asymptomatic (so far). Their mother is exhausted but a rock, as per usual.
We'll see what fresh hell tomorrow delivers.
To Sue and everybody: Thanks. I don't want to get all treacly here but I haven't formally thanked you guys since Christmas, which seems like an unforgivable oversight.
Thank you for the fellowship, for the laughs, for the commiserating, for the understanding. It's been an absolutely wild ride and I know deep down I could not have stayed strapped into my seat 7-days a week without all of you.
Thank you.
Posted by: Sue | 03/06/2011 at 09:05 PM
I blame this loss on you, VM.
Why is that?
For mocking fans of another team during the Leafs game in Philadelphia,which as most everybody knows(well,almost everybody)is VERY bad karma.
Sometimes,very bad karma comes back to bite you on your a--.
For instance,I could point out that in the above photo showing Toews scoring on the Leafs, the number "67" is rather apparent to the right of Toews' hip,and everybody knows what that number signifies in Leaf history.
I could point that out, but I won't.
Because that would be bad karma as well.
VM Replies: If my euphoria the other night led to bad karma, I apologize. But, Phil, you're a Habs fan. So I'm taking this comment with a grain of salt.
Posted by: Phil | 03/06/2011 at 09:37 PM
Vinay, thank YOU for this blog. It has been a beacon during very dark nights in the Leafs Nation, and a source of inspiration and passion on the good days. Your humour, and often your unintentional mindreading, has been a lifesaver for all of us blue-blooded followers.
VM Replies: Thanks, Kat. Looking forward to meeting you and catching up with your turncoat boyfriend sometime soon.
Posted by: Katherine | 03/06/2011 at 09:40 PM
VM - don't ever forget that without you there would be no ALFB. This would have been just another crappy season without you to guide us through both the good and the bad stretches. It continues to be a wild ride and will be until the magnificent bastards are in the PLAYOFFS.
VM Replies: A very good evening to you, hoofheartz. I'm ready for the final 16 games. Let the chips fall where they may. (We'll have reason to drink one way or the other when it's time for the ALF B Maritime Summit.)
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 09:44 PM
Phil, I never noticed it until you brought it up, but #19 scored with 67 on the boards in the background. That has got to be some very bad juju indeed.
VM Replies: I didn't notice that, either. Phil has some good eyes in his head.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 09:47 PM
@ Phil - kicking people when they're down is not only the mark of a coward, it's very bad karma indeed. Just sayin'.
VM Replies: Yeah, Phil!
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/06/2011 at 09:54 PM
Sitting listening to a song called Oh Well by Peter Green of the orginal Fleetwood Mac. What could be better than listening to some awesome music (one man's opinion) while reading the best little blog this side of the Pecos.
VM Replies: I am unfamiliar with this song. I'll need to track it down.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 09:57 PM
I wonder if the picture was taken out of the same camera hole that almost ripped Boyce's nose off. That would just be way too freakish.
VM Replies: A camera hole possessed by evil spirits. You know, there might be something to this...
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 09:59 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN4FMVqq1cg
Here ya go my friend.
VM Replies: Thanks!
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 10:00 PM
Meant to tell you VM, the album cut is the best one to listen to. You may think it's two different songs but rest assured its all one.
VM Replies: 10-4. I have an hour or so of domestic decontamination work ahead of me this evening. Maybe I'll download the entire album.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/06/2011 at 10:02 PM
I wanted to vomit after that Gunnarson "pass" to Hossa, which set the tone for the evening right then and there.
VM Replies: That was one for the ages, no question.
Posted by: 80s Leafs | 03/06/2011 at 10:14 PM
Hope the vomitation virus has vacated the premises. All parents commiserate with you.
Great pep talk, Charlee001!
These Leafs have shown their abilities and we know they can do it. We just have to figure out how to hex/jinx/karma-lize the other teams so the bounces go the right way (instead of up the middle to bloody "skate-in-circles" Hossa).
VM Replies: Good evening, enJoy. Still in lockdown over here. The good bounces, I keep telling myself, will come for this young team.
Posted by: enJoy hockey | 03/06/2011 at 11:00 PM
5-3 waqs the score for the deluded. It wasn't that close, Schenn's tally was meaningless other than for his +/-.
VM Replies: Good evening to you, johnnyk. Every time I see your screen name I think of the Toronto restaurateur.
I spent a good part of my life at a place called Gus on Bay Street.
What? The score? Deluded?
Not tonight, my good man.
Posted by: johnnyk | 03/06/2011 at 11:25 PM
By the way, that giveaway by Gunnarson was complemented by a perfect screen by Schenn. Both players are very young, however, and while disappointing it does not annoy me half as much as when I see Komisarek do something like that (or even the captain).
I found it interesting that MacArthur was compared with the chief in that letter from Smythe's granddaughter. Can we now call him 'the young chief' or 'the new chief'?
I watched some of that game between Buffalo and Minnesota. Those Minnesota players in their home uniforms look like a bunch of rabid shopping mall Christmas elves. Does that have something to do with the Mall of the Americas there? Should it be allowed to look blatantly ridiculous? And then to get beaten by Buffalo? So many existential questions.
VM Replies: There are several lines contained herein that have just contributed to Comment of The Day.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 03/06/2011 at 11:39 PM
So sorry to find out your kid is sick,sure hope she/he has a fast recovery! Ditto to Leafs nation as well !
VM Replies: Thank you, Lisa.
Posted by: Lisa | 03/06/2011 at 11:48 PM
Vinay
.
Glad to hear your daughter is feeling better. As a parent, and now a grandfather, let me point out the silver lining to this situation --- this was (presumably) a nasty bug, but one she should now be better able to resist (or at least better weather) the next time she, or anyone near her, should encounter it.
Sending a twinkly grandfatherly smile her way and giving you a manly pat on the back, gently saying: Great job hanging in there, dad.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/07/2011 at 02:52 AM
Vinay and crew
.
If I had the time, I'd go through and post individual replies full of praise for almost every response here today. Instead, I'll save some time, and wear on my fingers, by offering a collective "JOB WELL DONE!" to all.
.
And though it may be a kind of group hug, that doesn't render it any less respectful, impressed and heartfelt.
.
Leave here? You might as well have suggested some of us might be about to choose to no longer breathe. I can understand from how far down that bit of humility came --- you were tired and feeling perhaps more than a little beaten down by life --- but I like the inadvertent side effect. It has switched things around and, for a change, allowed us an opportunity to be here for you.
.
And as just noted, I am duly impressed with the high quality and human nature of the response.
.
I'd even go as far as to say that what we have witnessed here today, no doubt inspired by your leadership, talent and tremendous camaraderie, is the maturation of your fans and followers here.
.
I do believe the wonderful sense of community you have helped pull together here has raised the quality of responses much higher than in any other hockey blog or forum that I have encountered, to date.
.
You deserve immense credit for this and so does the family of followers who, I believe, continue to exceed their own expectations.
.
A collective "Well done" that is truly well earned.
VM Replies: Thank you, William. The downside of writing from your heart every day is you sometimes leave yourself exposed.
I was feeling rather morose yesterday for a number of reasons beyond the loss.
Back to normal today.
I took a lot of heat for that guest post a few months ago by a Senators fan. But the silver lining was it brought you into the fold, for which I'm very grateful.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/07/2011 at 03:14 AM
I'm not the type to say "I told you so," but . . .
.
You may recall that some time back, while the Leafs were still floundering and hadn't yet embarked on their impressive late-season drive, and rash of victories, I posted a piece on why, as a non-Leaf fan, I was worried about THIS Leafs team.
.
About how there were signs, from perhaps this more-detached observation point, that this team was much better, already, than a lot of its fans realized. And how if this was true ---as I believed at the time, and still do --- then those of us cheering for other teams were going to have to deal with something highly unusual --- a Leafs team that was genuinely good AS A TEAM, and thus a threat to our own success. Genuine competiton from a source we haven't had to worry about for a long, long time.
.
And I confessed I was breaking with the code of Everyone Else But The Leafs, in revealing this secret.
.
But I did so, not just to make my Leaf-loving friends here feel better at the time --- though that was a desired effect --- but because it happened to be true.
.
Results since then have borne me out and showed that I knew what I was talking about. (Who just whispered "For once in his life"?) (fake glower) (g)
.
Now, after the fall in spirits over the weekend, it probably bears repeating.
.
But I won't. *wink*
.
Because that would be saying, "I told you so."
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/07/2011 at 03:38 AM
Hey Big M, we went into the weekend down 3 and came out down 5.This is not good news. Despair is not the word that comes to mind if they fall further back.
VM Replies: Good morning, Bomber.
I hear you. They made up a lot of ground over the past month because other Eastern teams were faltering badly.
But now that Buffalo and New York are on an upswing, the challenge becomes that much more vexing.
Positive thoughts! One game at a time. The magnificent bastards will need a little help from other teams but that's not something we can worry about.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 03/07/2011 at 07:53 AM
They got schooled by a top team. It happens.
VM Replies: Good morning to you, Big Al.
Posted by: Al | 03/07/2011 at 08:02 AM
come on, people! it was just the third regulation loss since the all star break. it was eventually going to happen. and while everybody praises the Hawks to high haven, in the third period the Leafs were the better team. and while Chicago deserved to win, the Leafs made it easy for them. they should have been a lot more hard on their star players. our guys just way too nice sometimes.
and what made Hossa the second star of the game? the one lucky goal he scored?
VM Replies: That's the spirit, Peter.
Posted by: Peter | 03/07/2011 at 08:09 AM
Seni-Bill is right. There is nothing like a 'love in' to realign the stars.
Vinnie, hope as you arise to today you are refreshed and filled with that blue and white passion.
We are in the hunt!
We lost to the Cup champions, we were bound to lose a game on the way. Let us hope the young colts learned something from the loss. It's back to work tomorrow night in Long Island, then back to our barn for two. All games we can win.
We shall over come.
The original Robert!
VM Replies: Good morning, Original Robert.
Ready to rumble. If all goes according to plan this week, Saturday's game against Buffalo will be freighted with heart-pounding significance.
Posted by: Robert | 03/07/2011 at 08:36 AM
The Leafs fate is in their own hands. If they beat the teams they SHOULD (Ottawa, Islanders, Colorado, Florida), win the games they MUST (Buffalo twice, Carolina) and then go .500 against Boston (x2) / Washington / New Jersey / Philly / Montreal / Detroit / Minnesota... They should be in.
Easier said than done, but not insurmountable. However, 4 more losses, or a single loss to Buffalo or Carolina.. and I think we'll see Gustavsson back in for a few starts.
VM Replies: Good morning, TPiddy. I forgot about Goose.
Posted by: TPiddy | 03/07/2011 at 08:56 AM
Vinay,
Your daughter's nausea has a clear cause: being subjected to so much mediocre to awful hockey courtesy of your Leafs. Dude, I know you're loyal to your team, but doesn't your family's well-being have to come first? You are literally making those who love you sick. The cure? A Habs jersey and a signed stick from Hal Gill and she'll be right as rain.
Seriously though, I hope she feels better. My kids seem to have a knack with their vomiting episodes. Daddy has a job interview tomorrow? Cue the barfaganza.
VM Replies: Oh, man. You make me laugh.
But, seriously, what would she do with a signed stick from Hal Gill? Stand it up in the playroom so her Barbie dolls can blow past it and drive to the net? Watch helplessly as the signed stick picks a fight with Tickle Me Elmo, only to be pummeled into next week?
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 09:40 AM
Hey Vinay,
I'll tell you what she'd do with a signed stick from Hal Gill: win hockey games and make the playoffs!
VM Replies: You are relentless. Still, I hope you're giving some thought to your guest piece.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 09:52 AM
Hey VM,
2 out of my 3 kids got the stomach flu 2 weeks ago, it lasted 5 -6 days. Gatorade non-stop and a couple ritz crackers and toast with butter was about all that could be eaten. Best of all, always amplified in the middle of the night (changing sheets and hosing down your kid in the bath at 3 in the morning is something everyone has got to experiece. Better yet, even after washing, sterlizing and pureling our heads off, my wife, the baby and i got it for another 5 days. Good luck to you sir..
Oh and Chicago was just the better team. We will bring it the next game against NYI and the momentum will continue!
VM Replies: Thank you for the tips, Mike! Yes, it was another fraught night.
I'm looking forward to Islanders/Flyers. Though not looking forward to the measure of revenge both teams will no doubt be contemplating.
Posted by: Mike | 03/07/2011 at 09:58 AM
Seriously though, I laughed out loud at your Barbie Dolls and Tickle Me Elmo imagery. Gill does have a certain pylon-like presence out there. Yet... since leaving the Leafs he's played in the finals twice, won a Stanley Cup, and helped the Canadiens to the semis last year, so he's doing something right.
VM Replies: He used to drive me insane when he was here. That said, you make a good point. If surrounded by the right mix of players, you can see why he'd be a valuable pylon on the backend.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 10:01 AM
Geoff, you are quite right. for once the Habs got something right. i always thought Gill was a positionally very sound defenceman. unfortunately, he's speed or lack of is a major weakness.
Posted by: Peter | 03/07/2011 at 10:12 AM
IF the Leafs are going to make the post season then losing has to become a thing that happens to other teams, plain and simple. I am worried about our teams' confidence right now. Beating the Flyers was a huge morale boost but now that the Sabres and Rangers have pummeled them, not so much of a boost anymore. The giveaway game on Saturday really hurt too. That was a game we could have won. We can afford zero losses this week. Okay, we can lose to Philly in OT. No! No losses. No losses or no playoffs!
VM Replies: No room for error. That's the theme this month.
Posted by: moe green | 03/07/2011 at 10:19 AM
At the end of the day it is highly likely, and most probable that the leafs will not make the playoffs. Unless James can shut the door and not allow more that 3-4 losses down the stretch of course. But really, that's a lot to ask from anyone, let alone a rookie. But it's been fun, and that's more than I can say for the last 4 or 5 years. Hopefully next season can be different - something tells me it will be, but even so, we are a good 2-3 seasons away from being a real contender - if all pans out. So there's really little to be negative about.
We don't have a "world beater" on our team, yet, so it's going to take time. Maybe Kuli becomes that player, who knows - but until then we shouldn't get too low over losses or missed playoffs - the negativity is pointless.
Just like Saturday - realistically, this leaf team has no business beating the Hawks right now, or a team like Vancouver etc.
Posted by: fishypete | 03/07/2011 at 10:31 AM
In response to a question about the Leafs 5th worst Power play, Wilson says: "All we can do is keep practicing it." That's the problem with Wilson. It's like that is the only option he sees. He never considers changing pp strategies.
And yet I would submit that a change in strategy is largely responsible for their recent success as a team. He stopped being so aggressive with the defense for one thing. They are playing a much tighter game with fewer giveaways. For Wilson, switching line combinations is the usual answer. That was my main complaint with Pat Quinn.
What does everyone here think about Milbury's fighting comments. For those who didn't hear, he said that "fighting was in the game solely because we like it" and that it didn't serve any purpose beyond that. Ron MacLean gave the usual unsubstantiated response that "fighting somehow protects the games stars?"
Ron MacLean used to be a bright guy. Has a close association with Don Cherry made Ron MacLean a little, well, mental? For the record, I agree with Milbury.
Posted by: moe green | 03/07/2011 at 11:16 AM
Hey, Vinay, sorry to hear about the bout with the Roman flu with your children. Hope they're feeling better soon.
Ya know, after it was all said and done, I really think this game was good for the Leafs, they got a feel for what kind of effort it'll take to play against top-flight teams. Of course, Chi might have let their foot off the gas in the 3rd period, I didn't watch it, I had turned off the game in disgust after the 5th goal. But still, the Leafs didn't completely roll over in the 3rd, and that's a positive.
Much like moving Bozak (Mr. Flyby, Stone Hand Luke) to the 4th line was a positive. He has to learn how to make the Kessel run, keep driving the net instead of gliding away from it and hoping someone else will dig out the puck. He did a great job on the 5 on 3 penalty kill, but offensively he has to get his head around being wolverine-tenacious (the animal, not the cartoon character) around the opposite team's net.
I also think Wilson has to resign himself that only 3 of his forwards block pucks with any consistency: Mike Brown, Colby Armstrong, and Tim Brent. If the rest of them are just going to collapse around the net and run around in a panic, maybe it'd be better to keep the forwards high and pressure the shoots. I swear, if they checked how many times defensemen score on other teams v. how many times they score on the Leafs, it'd show how vulnerable the team is to shots from the point.
Lastly, I still think the Leafs should think about putting Aulie in front of the net, pure screen, nothing else. He'd be impossible to see around, and with any luck a lot easier to dislodge. It always amazes me to see Leaf forwards being casually eased away from the front of the net, whereas a lot of opposing team forwards seem to set up camp fairly easily in front of the Leaf goalies.
VM Replies: Brilliant observations, as per usual ValleyRed.
(I may need to use "Stone Hand Luke" at some point.)
Posted by: ValleyRed | 03/07/2011 at 11:23 AM
Sorry Leafs fans, but I can't resist: have you noticed that those Devils from New Jersey are now only three points back of your boys in the Blue and White?
VM Replies: Sigh. What is wrong with you today?
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 11:24 AM
@Moe - I cringe saying this... but I agree with Milbury too. He's the last person on earth I thought would ever make such an admission, but kudos to him for doing so.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 11:26 AM
@Geoff: I cringe at agreeing with Milbury too.
Posted by: moe green | 03/07/2011 at 11:35 AM
Quelle surprise. We lose ONE game and the Habs fans slither forth from their lairs, writhing in ecstasy. There are a few choice 'P' words I could use to describe this sort of behaviour, but I'm too 'polite'.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/07/2011 at 12:59 PM
I decided to take a break for the weekend after saturday night's loss. To put things in perspective, it was a 5-3 loss to the defending champs, which could have been 5-4 if Grabo made the penalty shot, which could have been 5-5 if it wasn't Brown who intercepted that horrible excuse for a clearing attempt out of the hawks zone. Alas, could'a, should'a, would'a... doesn't matter. The only solace I got was watching the wings that same night crumble in the 3rd period and end up losing in the shootout to Phoenix after they were up 4-1 going into the final frame. So, I'm back on the bandwagon and looking forward to tomorrow's game.
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/07/2011 at 01:13 PM
@ Boo
Those words are probably too complex for a Habs fan to understand, anyway. You'd have to break out the markers and overhead projector to break it down for them, and even then it'd be 50/50 they'd get a grasp on it. Stay serenely above the argument, and we can all have a good laugh when they get beaten like rented mules in the first round of the playoffs.
Posted by: ValleyRed | 03/07/2011 at 01:16 PM
@Geoff, re: your comment at 11:24: are you being a Cox lackey today? Funny how when the Leafs put together a good run they're collectively playing over their heads but when the Devils put together a good run it deserves recognition as a "remarkable accomplishment." Being from Hamilton, I can understand why Cox hates Toronto, but does he have to be so consistently blatant about it?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/07/2011 at 01:19 PM
@hoof - you make a good point especially given the Devils signed Kovalchuk, Volchenkov and have Brodeur in nets, they were expected to be a cup contender not being praised for a late season run towards respectability. They likely would be in the playoffs quite easily if Parise hadn't missed most of the season and if Brodeur hadn't been so bad for long stretches. Anyway, enough Devils talk since I lived in NJ for 5 years.
Vinay - good luck with the household illness and sorry to hear your house is like the pie-eating contest scene in Stand By Me. Boom baba boom baba.
Also you mentioned that some of the Leafs actually check out the blog - any chance of you getting a guest post from any of them?
VM Replies: Not a bad idea. My guess is they're probably too busy this month. But maybe it could be a summer series.
Posted by: TG77 | 03/07/2011 at 01:39 PM
Geoff, i bet you agree with Milbury, after the smurfs were manhandled by the big bad Bruins...
Posted by: Peter | 03/07/2011 at 01:40 PM
Here's a curiosity for the ALF B regulars to consider today... In Saturday night games... the Leafs have gone 1-4-3 since the start of the year, the 1 being the January 1st victory over the Sens. Why can't we win on Saturdays? This does not bode well, as the Sabres come to town this Saturday. To go further, the Leafs are 4-11-4 on Saturday nights this season, including 5 of our 9 shutout performances this season.
VM Replies: I raised this point after the Pittsburgh loss. It's weird. HNIC is a curse!
Posted by: TPiddy | 03/07/2011 at 01:46 PM
@Hoofheartz
I haven't actually read Cox's piece. I actually brought it up because I predicted a few blogs ago that the Devils would pass the Leafs before the season's end. I was being a bit Ostrich Lover, Nik Culoman or Don Cherryish and remarking upon my own genius in other words (granting that the prophecy has yet to come true). Apologies.
@ Peter
Actually, you're right and you're wrong with the smurfs comment. I do think that game was a good illustration of what's wrong with fighting in the game. When you have Gregory Campbell beating Tom Pyatt to a pulp or whoever it was attacking Jaroslav Spacek I just don't see, regardless of the teams involved, what that has to do with hockey. If the Bruins want to intimidate the Habs with strong physical play and so on, that's part of the game. But jumping people who don't want to fight just seems cowardly to me. Imagine a football game where it was considered "manly" for a lineman to walk up to a wide receiver and start throwing punches. It's absurd.
More broadly, like Milbury, I have to think that if 20-25% of the league's concussions are coming from fights, and guys like Taylor Hall (and other good players before him) are getting injured in fights, then the evidence is in and it's time to get rid of fighting. The idea that fighting "polices" the game is ridiculous - did that save Sidney Crosby or Marc Savard? - fighting is what needs to be policed.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 01:53 PM
Oh yeah, off-season works well and I wouldn't expect them to break away from their game-day naps and/or X-Box tourneys to write a blog! We need them focused and happy for the stretch run. They are still in this and one loss can't ruin my confidence in them. 2 games in hand on the Rangers too so it's going to be an exciting ride.
Posted by: TG77 | 03/07/2011 at 02:00 PM
I'm starting to change my stance a little on fighting in hockey as well. On the good side you get tilts like Gleason / Rosehill and Lecavalier / Iginla from the '04 playoffs.... on the bad side you get the incidents that lead to injuries, and in the case of Don Sanderson, death. True enforcers are no longer needed, that is for sure, because it doesn't seem to dissuade these individuals any longer. the threat of a fight didn't stop Matt Cooke, it didn't stop Trevor Gillies. What it does seem to stop lately, is the play after a good hit is delivered; and that is more annoying than anything else.
What the game needs.... is respect. Players need to respect each other again. I'm not sure what caused them to stop doing so in the first place, but start there and figure it out.
Posted by: TPiddy | 03/07/2011 at 02:10 PM
It's funny because in addition to having several pints, Boo, my gf and I had a somewhat spirited chat about fights in hockey. The main thing about fighting is that at the moment, I have to admit I like watching them and you can't really argue with the fact that fans enjoy them. It's sort of a weird thing though to look back and watch a fight and feel like you are being a rational human being enjoying two grown men trying to beat each other to a pulp on ice. It sort of seems like we like fights as long as no one ends up getting badly hurt so the outcome is deciding whether the fight was okay. The recent example of Taylor Hall's season ending prematurely after injuring his ankle, people are upset and questioning why he got into a fight but if he doesn't get hurt, he successfully completes the Gordie Howe hat-trick and his character/reputation would get a huge boost for "standing up and being a man."
If the league did actually stop the ridiculous pre-planned fights for the 4th liners right after a goal or any other stoppage of play then it would be a positive step in my opinion. The scraps that happen following legitimate big hits such as open-ice hits are also getting really annoying.
If you honestly can't trust a player on your team to play even one shift in the 3rd period because they are a liability, then they shouldn't be on the team. Goddard was a healthy scratch throughout the Pens playoff run and the guys who can fight who played for the Hawks ie. Eager, actually scored a few goals in the playoffs but didn't come close to playing every game.
@Geoff - the Bruins-Habs game a few weeks ago was pretty ridiculous and the Bruins tough guys like Thornton jumping Hamrlik was pretty lame on their parts.
Posted by: TG77 | 03/07/2011 at 02:12 PM
Hey, Vinay
I was intrigued to read that some of the Leafs admitted to reading your blog. Have any of them taken serious issue with what's been written about them?
VM Replies: Not that I've heard. But people never tell you the bad stuff in this business.
Posted by: ValleyRed | 03/07/2011 at 02:34 PM
Commented on the Milbury thing yesterday, I agree we don't need the fighting.
And it doesn't protect the stars. MacLean is becoming an air head like his partner.
Posted by: Robert | 03/07/2011 at 02:35 PM
@ Geoff (btw, haven't seen that name spelled in such a way since I left Canada), your comment about Gill being to the finals twice since he left Toronto kinda rings hollow. The "thing" that he did "right" was picking to play for a team that also boasted the likes of a super-streaky Malkin and all-around best player in the world Crosby. By your logic, I could say that (insert any other Pens player that was on the roster through 2008 and 2009) was also doing something "right" cause they made it to the finals twice and won a cup one of those times. I have nothing against you personally, but the bottom line is that Hal Gill IS a PYLON and plays more like a guy who is 5'7" rather than 6'7". I used to cringe every time he would touch the puck (see also: Cory Cross, Aki Berg, and Andrea Eriksson).
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/07/2011 at 03:00 PM
@ Sarko,
You see, based on his play in Toronto, and he was there while I was living in the city so I saw a lot of him back then, I'd agree with you. But he wasn't just a spare part on either the Pittsburgh teams or Montreal last year. He played a regular shift 5 on 5 and was a go-to penalty killer in both cases. Yes, he gets burned to the outside sometimes if he gets caught flatfooted, but otherwise he's very defensively sound. No, he's not physical, but he is one of the best penalty-killing defensemen in the NHL. He and Gorges were Jacques Martin's shutdown pair in the playoffs at times (sometimes it was Spacek and Hamrlik). In Montreal this year they're also applauding his leadership skills in particular for bringing along PK Subban and Yannick Weber. In short, I think he deserves more credit than you're giving him.
All that said, I only used him in the original comment as the prospective signed stick donor because I knew it would elicit a laugh.
VM Replies: And laugh I did.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/07/2011 at 03:50 PM
@gettingcozywithsarkozy
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It has been proven time and time again that teams cannot win championshipd simply by having a couple of "superstars" on their team. It takes many players of different skill levels and skill sets coming together and playing as a team to persevere and win a Cup.
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You may recall even a highly skilled player like Marian Hossa couldn't simply ride the coattails of Crosby and Malkin to win a Cup. And to those who paid close attention when the Penguins finally did win their Cup, it was pretty obvious that there were NO mere passengers on that team, including Todd Gill.
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From the games I've watched Montreal play this season, Gill continues to be a solid contributor, especially when he plays within his game, something he did in Pittsburgh and is continuing to do in Montreal.
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Aside from the evidence right before my eyes, I KNOW he's playing well because announcers have been showing newfound respect by now call him by just two names, his first name and his surname.
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No longer is he Big Hal Gill, as if his size was his only claim to fame. Now he's simply Hal Gill, a sometimes slow but still quite solid and competent D-man.
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Without looking up any stats and simply from what I've seen of them play --- and from the frequently negative comments about certain Leaf D-men expressed here --- I'd suggest he's having every bit as good a season, if not better, than several in the blue and white --- Lebda, Gunnerson, Komaserik and yes, even team captain Dion Phaneuf, come to mind.
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Now that's just my educated (g) opinion, keeping in mind I lack any anti-former-Leaf bias. I confess I find this auto-hate a bit odd. I have nothing but respect and best wishes for most Senator D-men who have gone on to play for other teams --- like Mezaros, Salo, Chara and Volchenkov, to name a few.
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But I notice that with a lot of people in Leafs Nations, it seems almost automatic, almost mandatory to hate any player once he leaves the Leafs.
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The hate on Versteeg that seemed to grow and escalate almost daily once he was traded away was simply amazing. As were many of the reasons given. The most surreal being incredible irritation-turned-hatred of the way he chewed his mouthguard. What a thing to judge a professional athlete on.
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And while Reimer's seemingly happy-go-lucky nature and his near permanent smile were things to be praised to high heavens, the very same on Versteeg were marks of the devil, of someone who didn't care. (Though he was one of the very few ---- management and players alike --- who dared call out his teammates early on their lack of commitment and effort.)
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To me, that showed he really did care about his new team and his new teammates.
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And the nerve of that Gill guy. To not only play well and earn newfound respect in his post-Leafs career, but to actually help win a Cup. Just can't have that. How to strike back? Call him a "pylon" and hope that if you repeat it enough, people will buy into it and start to associate the two --- Gill and pylon.
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Well that might work with other Leaf fans anxious to dismiss him too. But any non-biased hockey fan watching him play is well aware how effective he is, even playing within his limitations. I imagine a few other non-Leaf teams wouldn't mind having this kind of stay-at-home strength back on their blue line. Seeing how well he has been playing, perhaps even some in Leaf Nation might secretly like to have him back in blue and white.
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Might be hard though to explain happiness at resigning a known "pylon."
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/08/2011 at 01:43 AM
Magic Number is 11.
VM Replies: Sigh. And just when I was starting to miss you...
Posted by: Hockey Fan, therefore by Definition Not a Leaf Fan | 03/08/2011 at 08:25 AM
Bill:
Now, I'm a little confused, which Gill are we talking about? Hal or Todd?!? I believe the later retired in the early part of this past decade. On the topic of Hal, my resentment isn't merely because he is an "ex-leaf" but rather because of his underachieving nature. He seems to be a somewhat intelligent player and he has the size to be a force out on the ice, but he plays WAY smaller than he actually is. This year he is a -3 on the season, and last year he was a -10. I admit, his last season in Pittsburgh he was a +11, but I must believe that is because of the Pens offense (I know, I know, no player is merely a "passenger" but, in reality, the Pens put up great offensive numbers, so we must look at it in context). When I look at Gill's size and potential, I would compare him to a Chara, Pronger, or even Rob Blake, but sadly, I don't too many who would take Gill on their team over any of the aforemetnioned (the assumption is that of Rob Blak being in his prime, not now in the twilight of his career). I don't dislike the guy, but to me, he is a big, underachieving softy... oh and slow, forgot to mention, slow.
It seems to me that sometimes you just like to pick fights with fans of the blue and white ;)
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/08/2011 at 12:49 PM
Folks, please....
Hal Gill was one of the most appreciated pillars (as opposed to pylons) of the Habs playoff run last year. He was blocking shots (wears specially designed hard-shell covers on his skates to protect his feet), helping the youngsters, and absolutely crucial to a very effective PK (the special team, as well as the young d-man). Gill helped us shut down the best offence in the league, and though I had often gotten very nervous when he was on the ice, last year I developed a new appreciattion and respect for the guy. Seriously, I'm not sure if you guys have watched him play as regularly as I have, but he is an effective, defensive-minded guy with a killer reach. Not a fast or elegant skater, but he neutralizes the opponent in his own end, and that's what we use him for. He is very much loved in Montreal (we scrubbed the remains of blue-and-white off him and he suddenly became good, smart, classy and hard-working!).
VM Replies: Be this as it may, I still don't think my daughter would want his stick.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 03/08/2011 at 04:58 PM
Your daughter is a smart girl
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/08/2011 at 07:57 PM
ring a ding we're still in it.
VM Replies: peduval!
Posted by: peduval | 03/08/2011 at 08:18 PM