Game 72: Leafs change mind, dive into coffin

What a difference a day makes. It's a cliché but that is truly the subtext of this up-and-down, topsy-turvy, love-hate season.

One day: Euphoria. The next: Facepalm. One day, we believe. The next, we are muttering profanities and shaking our heads with disbelief.

And so, in the grand scheme of things, last night's 4-0 spine-cracking loss in Florida was not really a shock. Instead, it was more proof we've been watching two teams all year long. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Good Leafs and The Bad Leafs. The Guys Who Care and The Guys Who Do Not.

As such, Game 72 was Exhibit 72 in the Leafs Nation v. Toronto Maple Leafs class-action lawsuit that should go to trial this summer. We should be awarded punitive damages for mental suffering.

On Wednesday night against Carolina, it was The Good Leafs. They played with intensity and focus. They created a playoff atmosphere. They hustled and battled and clearly gave a damn.

Last night, by contrast, The Bad Leafs emerged from the Florida swamplands, stumbling around with groggy indifference and blurred vision. They created a preseason atmosphere. They proceeded to sleepwalk through a game they could not afford to lose.

Was James Reimer injured? Was he exposed to Ebola at the airport? Was there an abduction plot? Did the Leafs receive an anonymous tip that morning saying an assassin was en route to the BankAtlantic Center and they should protect Reimer by keeping him off the ice and even off the bench?

I have no idea.

All I know is a day after Ron Wilson said he'd have to be an "idiot" to not start Reimer, a day after he said the kid was not tired, there was no sign of the goalie who stopped 36 of 37 shots against Carolina.

Instead, this critical game was casually tossed into the hands and wonky groin belonging to one J.S. Giguere. Given how the team plays in front of Reimer, given the momentum and emotional high created on Wednesday, this decision was beyond baffling.

Don't misunderstand. Giguere was not solely or strictly responsible for what happened. The poor guy was left on his own. He tended net as his teammates downed warm glasses of milk and snoozed under a blanket.

They didn't score a single goal. They didn't even threaten to score a single goal. So even if Giguere stopped every shot, we'd still be in a shootout this morning.

But here's the thing: By not starting Reimer, Wilson inadvertently sent a very dangerous message to all involved.

To Florida, the message was: "We're looking past this one and giving our guy a rest. You guys are already out of the race and you're decimated with injuries and 50 per cent of your roster is still wearing AHL underwear. So we think this should be a relatively easy game."

To his players, the message was: "I know you guys have momentum and are on an emotional high. I know you play so much better in front of Reims. I know he gives you confidence. But let's just stick to our long-standing plan of giving Jiggy a start on this road trip and hope for the best, okay?"

To fans, the message was: "Whatever."

As I say, beyond baffling.

So it's 10 games to go. That's about it, really.

Once again, from everyone here at ALF B headquarters, thank you for joining us this season. Soon, the lights will be turned on and you will find marked exits to your left and to your right. Feel free to grab a lemon square and bottle of vodka on your way out. Doctors will be on hand to examine you for concussion symptoms caused by so many kicks to the head.

Please watch your step and enjoy the springtime sunshine.

You know, with just over five minutes left in the third last night, they started playing "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult. It was the most appropriate song at the most appropriate time this entire season.

 

 

Comments

[A True Leafs Fan]

Leafs--> (7X.X)7Q--('.'Q) <--Panthers

[Katherine]

I think back to your blog entry a mere week ago "Too sad to recap...". That's where I am this morning "Too sad to comment".

VM Replies: Oh, no. I'm guessing your "friend" is loving this, though.

[Peter]

VM, you hit the nail on the head, again. i can not understand why they had to sit Reimer. it's not like they have 72 games to go. it's like 10 or so. so what if he has to play another 12 games in a row? he's 23, i'm sure he could have handled it. Wilson just proved he's an idiot, even he himself said so.
actually, i feel a bit sorry for Giguere. he wasn't bad at all but was hung out to dry by his teammates. it must be a pretty awful feeling when they put you in and you know they gonna fail you. this is a really sad situation.

VM Replies: I actually checked with the team half-way through the game to see if Reimer was injured or if there was any logical explanation. The response: No, he's just getting a day off.
Insanity.
And, yes, I also feel sorry for Giguere. He's a class-act and deserved better.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Alas, like I said before, this is the latest we've actually held out hope for the p---- in a few years. Nonetheless, it is still painful at this point.

[Robert]

It has been said all year long, do any of us understand this coach or his methods?
Reimer is one thing, Guss was on the bench as backup - so James had the night off.
Florida score 2 power play goals. We have 5 chances and we stink the joint out!
Florida continually had 2 men in front of Giggy, we couldn't get inside their perimeter.
Was there a party after the Carolina game that hung over into Florida?
To play so well one night against an equally desperate team and then so poorly the following night against an AHL group of call-ups - how does this happen?
I thought by now, most of the questions this season would be answered, but no, now, there are more questions than ever.
Something mysterious lurks in the Leaf dressing room.

[John]

You need to have confidence in your goalie and Giguere just didnt have it
Its unlikely he will be there next year so Wilson if for some unknown reason
you didnt want to play Reimer why not the Monster? From your comments
can we now assume you are an idiot? Bring in Dallas Eakins please

[Geoff Read]

Listen to that cowbell... magnificent.

I would respectfully disagree with what seems to be the universal sentiment that going to Giguere was equivalent to throwing in the towel on this game for the following reasons.

1. If the Leafs are a playoff team, they should be able to beat the trade-depleted Panthers with just about anyone in net.

2. Maybe James Reimer really needed the break. He's certainly looked very tired in a few games of late.

3. Protecting Reimer is more important, in the big picture, than pushing for the playoffs when making those playoffs is already a near impossibility.

4. Maybe the Leafs were just plain tired. It happens a lot in back to back games.

Anyway, Leafs fans - Don't Fear the Reaper: he'll be gentle.

VM Replies: I don't think it was throwing in the towel so much as a dangerous gamble that backfired spectacularly. The tired excuse (for Reimer or the team) doesn't wash. Every team fighting for a spot is tired at this time of year.
Your last line made me laugh, though.

[Ken]

It is so hard for me to listen to all the gibberish about all this Leaf Nation chatter and the playoffs when you have a team batting.500...there is no team in any professional sport that thinks about the playoffs with that average..only the leafs....at .500..your only thought should be golf and rebuilding the team properly.
Mediocrity seems to be ingrained in this organization...boggles the mind and it is time for the fans to stop supporting a loosing team!!

[Alecia]

Vinay, can I send through an empty comment?

I'd like people to know I'm still around but, there's nothing to say.

VM Replies: You've been missed, Alecia. But Ms. Boo says you are in love, so you are forgiven.

[jt]

Aha, when I looked last night to see if you'd posted I had a feeling the title would be something along these lines

Forgive me, but I'd already given up hope after the loss to tampa..I think the "p-word" is well and truly out of reach now. Great idea for the "next year" jerseys haha (from comments on another post, don't think I replied)

Although, at the rate these leafs are going, they'll beat Boston, which will be some sort of consolation

[jt]

Oh - and @giguere comments: I think they needed to play another goalie (reimer has looked tired and he deserves a night off) but I would have much prefered it to be gustavsson. Why?

Well, we can be pretty sure how giguere will play - he'll be OK. Just ok. Not great, nor terrible...just mediocre.

With Gustavsson, he's either going to be awful or excellent...I think we should have played him on the chance that he'd be excellent (plus I want to see if that marlies stint helped him at all)

[Wandering Penguin]

@Ken @ 8:30AM; then DON'T listen to all the "gibberish". Nobody is holding a gun to your head. Find something else to do with your time. If you truly don't like it and yet you continue to read about it, then I don't know what to tell you. Clearly you're not "master of your own domain".

And just FYI: there are frequently a couple of MLB teams at the end of the year that are realistically close to winning their division with a record not much above .500. And last season Seattle won the NFC West with a record of 7-9. So you're not even correct THERE.

[Peter]

thanks Ken for stopping by. Really? if it is SO hard for you to listen then what the hell are you doing in here, on a blog by Leafs fans? now you can pucker off!

[TimB]

The "check engine" light on the van is lit.I think we have serious internal problems.
And I don't know how old you are Ken,but teams below .500 have indeed made the post season.

[Peter]

Geoff, i would have found your last line funny, too if it wasn't coming from a Habs fan. just don't forget, what goes around, comes around...

[We BeLeaf]

While I found it difficult to accept such a lopsided defeat at the hands of the Panthers, I have to wonder why is playing against teams with worse records than our own such an enigma? Perhaps that will never be answered, but on the radio this morning the discussion is whether Burke is to blame just as much as Wilson for putting Giggy in net.

Shrug this loss off guys, the Bruins are up next tomorrow night. My feeling is it's going to be a great game with Kaberle's return.

Cheers to all in Leafs Nation,

[leafland'r]

Abuse...
The beloved Leafs get you excited, pump up the blood cells, then walk away.
A loyal fan is left to find his own area of satisfaction before he completely peters out.
I think I now understand the meaning of Ostrid Lover.

[leafland'r]

Again, the spelling of "Ostrid" is to Ostrich.
It's been a long post game night.

[Alecia]

No Vinay, I am still around daily. I just…ran out of words about this team.

The only excitement that’s left in me is for tomorrow’s game. I will be in attendance for Kaberle’s return.

By the way, have we figured out if this blog will remain up over the summer yet?

VM Replies: The return of Kaberle will be special, no matter what happens. I hope he's greeted with a thundering ovation.
Still need to figure out future of blog...

[Geoff Read]

JT/Vinay (and others):

I agree that it's a bit weird how they refuse to use Gustavsson. This guy was being hailed as being the franchise goalie of the future as recently as the fall. Have they completely given up on him? What must it be doing to his confidence that the team prefers to go to a sore-groin hampered Giguere, in front of whom the team has a tendency to play like... well like they played last night, rather than him? I will say that if I was Wilson Gustavsson would get any future starts that don't feature Reimer, and he would be my back up goalie from here on in. I know it's probably a respect thing for Giguere - but the organization will surely be cutting ties with him this summer and it's time to give the keys to the bus to the young guys.

[Chuck Norris]

The players do not respond to Ron Wilson. Some critics wanted to give Ron Wilson credit for this past stretch of wins, but its looking more and more like the credit should be 100% Reimer's. The players want to play in front of Reimer, it motivates them, maybe Reimer has some sort of pheromone that spouts from the pores of his goalie pads.

Here's an idea, if Reimer needs a rest, then he should be behind the bench coaching the team.

And if Ron Wilson puts in Giguerre in net again, or even as back up with his groin when there's a healthy Gustavsson then I'm going to buy scalped tickets and bring a box of waffles.

[hoofheartz]

@ Geoff - Disagree completely with your post. Anyone who has played any organized hockey knows that confidence in a goaltender is critical and the Leafs as a whole seem to only have confidence in Reimer at this point. While I agree that the 1st 2 goals where not Gigueres fault, the 3rd goal was definitely stoppable. The assertion that a professional athlete would be tired just doesn't hold water. All they do for viturally 12 months of the year is train and play. It seems to me it's more a matter of motivation than anything else. How can they possibly play that badly after playing so well the night before. It certainly isn't like it's the 1st time this has happened this year.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Bang on column, VM, was a very tough loss for all of leaf nation. Besides the obvious Ron Wilson gaffe in not playing our savior, James Reimer, how does a team in a battle for post season play come up so flat? There was absolutely no emotions shown on the leaf bench from either the coaches or players. This is not acceptable at this crucial time for a team in desperation mode. The team, by my estimation, only had two good chances the whole night! Totally unacceptable and embarassing to all the leaf fans who traveled to Florida to cheer these uninspired group of players and coaches. They played like a bunch of hungover millionaires who partied to hearty after their terrific effort the night before. Demoralizing, to say the least. Hope the Reaper is precise with his scythe, so to limit the pain.

[Wandering Penguin]

It's no wonder Chuck Norris is universally revered. That post brought a tear to my eye with its brilliance. Plus the use of the word "pheromone". It made my morning.

[TPiddy]

Forget about starting Reimer or not starting Reimer. Bottom line, if this team only wins with Reimer in goal, and still loses 30% of those games.... we're not a playoff team. This team has to learn to play as well without Reimer in net as they do with him. Is Giguere the answer? Is Gustavsson the answer? I don't know... but what I do know is that we need a proper tandem next year... a tandem that the Leafs can feel confident in. Bottom line, there was no effort last night and there was no excuse for that lack of effort.

[hoofheartz]

Here's a thought for the conspiracy theorists amongst us. If Wilson quits I'm pretty sure he doesn't get paid the rest of his contract and he definitely won't be able to collect EI. However, if he continues to make totally incomprehensible decisions which may or may not cost the team games then even BB has to seriously consider firing him which equals being paid for the rest of his contract plus some EI benefits. Maybe Wilson isn't that dumb after all.

[othermark]

Ken, you are a troll. Leaf Nation, did anyone catch the Buffalo or Carolina scores last night? No. Because they didn't play. So.. let's wait an see if they both lose their next games before totally throwing in the towel. As long as the Magnificent / Poor Bastards aren't mathematically eliminated, I'm holding out hope. I believe the majic number is now 5.... not 1.

[moe green]

This team didn't deserve a recap this morning. Still well done Vinay. Kaberle will get a rousing tear-inducing ovation from the fans because he was a great Leaf and he is still missed. And no, we are not better without him. That's patently ridiculous.

It's so sad that the loss last night rendered what should have been a thrilling game against the Bruins virtually meaningless. To the point that I'll actually be disappointed if we win. It'll just put an exclamation point on what could have been. What irks me is that that pompous ass Wilson will probably go with Reimer now that it's too late. Did he babble about us being a young team again in the post game? idiot.

@Robert: I think you are right, there is something seriously amiss in that dressing room.

@Alecia: Give Kaberle an extra loud cheer for me. I know he'd still rather be a Leaf.

[PK]

These Leafs are like your first love who repeatedly rip your heart out, keep it beating with their own hands all the while smiling at you contently, while you lie there curled up in agony in the fetal position praying for the bitter end.

[Wandering Penguin]

Not too sure I agree with your assessment, TPiddy. If they win 70% of the games they play with Reimer in net and Reimer is the number one goalie and, as such, can be reasonably expected to play in 60 games minimum then that would gain the Leafs 84 points in just those victories alone. Add to that the fact that the 30% he loses are likely not all in regulation time, plus the obvious point that the other 22 games NOT started by Reimer would similarly not ALL be regulation losses....and it's clear the Leafs would have WELL over 90 points at the end of the year and most likely nearing or clearing 100.

I would submit that not only is that a "playoff team" but one that could well win the division. Are the stats correct? We can't project them onto next year just yet but as you laid them out, very definitely a "playoff team".

[We BeLeaf]

If Chuck Norris were playing for the Leafs, there would be no need for a goalie, the pucks would melt with fear before they got near the net.

[Phil]

VM:Why all the negativity? Support your team man!
As far as Saturday's game against Boston is concerned:
GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[hoofheartz]

And yet another habitroll is heard from. Whats the matter Phil, aren't they saying enough stupid things at habs upside down for you?

[Rob Janssens]

As a Leaf-hater and as one who enjoys trolling the comments (it makes me feel superior) of the fans of Canada's most culturally significant team (that song by the Glass Tiger singer equating the Leafs with Canada literally has made me wretch), this is one of the final times I'll be able to comment. With just 10 games left in yet another fufilling season (1 playoff round victory in 9 years!!!) and your team presenting as basically the Florida Panthers without the media attention, it's always sad this time of year when Leaf fans slowly disperse for another 5 month summer (ironically being owned by Teachers, another group with loooong summers!!) while real hockey fans gird their loins for the 2 month playoff ride. Maybe next year, ha ha!!

VM Replies: That song is wretch-inducing, I will give you that. Troll on, good sir.

[pinot grigio]

@hoof Do you really belief Wilson has the mental ability to be so calculated? This was just another sign of the man's arrogance; he really believes he and not Reimer is the reason the team played so much better lately. This was his p*ss poor effort to show that. He picked a discombobulated team to make his point and said team then rubbed his face in it.

[pinot grigio]

Can somebody give me the recipe for lemon squares? I all of a sudden have a craving for them.

VM Replies: TimB has the recipe. But I think he's tied up with jumper cables and a portable tank of gasoline at the moment.

[Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

I made a mistake and grabbed a bottle of vodka on the way in. Last thing I remember it was still tied 0-0. Who won?

VM Replies: Don't ask questions. Just keep drinking and don't open your eyes.
.

[Wandering Penguin]

If Chuck Norris was carrying the puck there'd be no blindside headshots because he can see in all directions at the same time and his head is beyond the leap of mortal men.

[othermark]

Right on Phil! I know it defies logic... but who said sport is logical. They play the games for a reason... nobody knows what's going to happen. There may still be some majic in the Leaf's Kingdom. They may run the table. The Sabres and Cains could stumble. Chin up Leaf Nation! All is not lost. Get back on board the Crazy Magnificent/Poor Bastard Roller Coaster Ride and enjoy the ride. Don't let Wilson's latest brain cramp spoil the fun.

[Peter]

funny, how the habitrolls show up here when the Leafs lose a game. wonder how long it will take for the rest to write their stupid comments.

[Brian K]

Clemmensen drives me nuts. He's been involved in dashing Leaf dreams on more than one occasion, playing for a number of teams including the Leafs.

We never should have let him go, just bury him in the ECHL so he can have no role in our fortune/misfortune. He's just a jinx.

[TimB]

I threw the booster cables out into the woods,came in and there was othermark's comment.As a tear forms in the corner of my eye,I'm heading back outside.I'm getting that damn van going!There will be no lemon square recipes handed out today!

[Billy]

Anyone now think Wilson wants to be fired? He set himself up as we all know. We all know what he said two days ago, then did exactly what he said to confirm it. I know I'd like to get paid for not working.

I think the interesting thing here is that if Reimer started last night and the result was the same, it wouldn't be anybody's fault. Just "can't win 'em all". The fallout from the Tampa game was limited.. No one blamed Reimer, and I don't think anyone would have blamed Reimer for last night.

Just looking for answers where there probably are none. I would like to join Lotusland please.

[maxwelledison]

Hab Fans are rather a stuffy lot.
Their home games are somewhat akin to watching somebody read.

Chunks of fans show-up festooned in garb that screams-out 'What Not To Wear.'
Really ... seal and mink? That just doesn't cut it anymore or anywhere.

I do not speak French. But I can keenly detect a frown after they mutter 'Yank.'

Reason presupposes if they're boring, unfriendly, and speechless there...
why do they even bother being here?

Do I have to go to Answers.com?

[harbourkev]

Spot on Vinay, I can't understand the decision of not even dressing your no.1 goaltender. Isn't a rest on the bench just as effective as one in the press box?The overall lack of intensity is a mystery. Maybe on the flight from Carolina the pilot had to swing over the Atlantic for approach, while briefly over the Bermuda triangle the team was abducted by The Blue Oyster Cult. They met the "gente" reaper where he convinced tem it was a good time to dive into their caskets! Nothing logical can explain it!
Hopefully they will rise again for the Bruins!

[Bill]

So Wilson thinks Reimer was tired, he only played 1 hour of hockey and had 1 1/2 days to rest, it wasn't like he went and dug a grave with a shovel. What gives, isn't he a young pro athlete and at 22 years couldn't they play him down this critical stretch. Perhaps the whole leaf team needs a day off, just cancel the next game and forfeit the 2 points then they will be rested for the next game.

[Robert]

To all you Trolls.
Listen up, I am only going to say this ONCE!
I am a Leaf fan. Fannatic. That is a fact. Therefore I cheer for my team, and weep for my team because I am a FAN. I curse management and the coach when they lose, I love the team when they win. That is what true fans do.
Now for the confusing part.
I like Pittsburgh, because I like to watch Crosby and Malkin play. I like Detroit because Datsuk is an incredible puck handler. And on. I am a fan of the game of hockey because I love the speed and finesse of the world's greatest game!
I am a fan of the Leafs because I love the team whether they win or lose. Of course I want them to win, but, I don't desert them when they lose.
Got it now?

[5th Line Centre]

Starting Giggy out of respect makes sense if you are 100% out of the playoff race.
Putting Optimus Reim in the press box makes sense only if he is injured.
At least if you played Monster you could say it is a test game for him, build experience for the future and so on.
But Giggy? He hasn't played good since early February, hasn't played since confidence since the new year and the team hasn't looked comfotable with him in net since November.
Bad, bad call.

[Carol905]

I think the whole problem with the inconsistency of play can be blamed on Wilson. Don't you believe, in all honesty, that this group of professional hockey players has the burning desire to win? For the most part, they are still a bunch of kids who can remember their first goals back in Novice, their Pee Wee tournaments, their nervous energy in the all important Midget Minor draft year. They have dreamed about playing in the NHL for their entire lives, and none of these guys ever envisioned themselves playing so poorly that criticism of their play would appear far more often than praise. But still, so often, we see the team fall apart, from game to game, or from period to period. Sure, individuals are going to have off nights (can you imagine your own work effort being under so much scrutiny??). But when I see the Leafs failing as a team, the only common denominator is the coaching staff. I don't think Wilson has the level of passion that his role demands, I surely don't think he has the "people skills" to lead this group of newbies, and I really don't think he cares about the results all that much anymore...Over the past year, there are been a lot of exciting changes on the team, but not behind the bench. If Mr. Burke has the same passion that these players have (and I believe he does), he will address this issue next.

[Wade]

@ Brian K. Clemmensen really is our Newman. "What? We're getting blanked by Florida? Clemmensen! I knew it!".

[TPiddy]

@Wandering - From a purely statistical perspective it may be possible to be a playoff team, certainly if Reimer is the starter. However, my point is that the team cannot throw a fit every time the backup plays. Playoff teams, good teams, still play well with their backup in net. Philly's been a revolving door of goalies for the past 3 years and yet they're playoff contenders. If you subscribe to the system in place the goaltender is not as much of a factor. I'd rather be a team that plays smart hockey instead of relying on a goalie to bail them out all the time.

[Mambosun]

A couple of things:

1) I can't get over the sense that since he first went down with it, Giguere's groin problem has been a whole lot worse than he's letting on and the only reason he hasn't shut it down for the season is that he's looking for one more contract somewhere...anywhere. There were times last night when he looked like he needed to pull himself up with the crossbar to get up off his knees. A goalie that uses his style can't play with that injury and he shouldn't have been dressed. If it couldn't be Reimer it should have been Gus. Giguere trying to play through that groin injury has cost us how many points this season?

2) A message to the Leafs from a fan who has been pretty damn proud of this team the past six weeks--Please don't allow yourselves to go out this way. You've got 10 games left--do whatever it takes to go 10-0 or die trying. It might not even wind up being enough but it's going to feel a whole lot better than this morning does.

[missideb]

@othermark

Sport definitely is not logical. Come on, folks, chin up. This is the only Leafs site that doesn't lose faith and hope in our Magnificent Leaf Bastards. We are not mathematically out of it yet. Devils also lost last night. Who knows, maybe the Boys in Blue needed last night's game to kick them into overdrive for the remaining games. Stranger things have and do happen in sports. GO LEAFS GO
Note to Ron Wilson: you made a mistake last night, please learn from it. For the love of all that is holy, James Reimer must start all remaining games.

[moe green]

This loss had nothing to do with Giguere. This Leafs team had the talent to beat Florida regardless of the goaltender. That said the team quit on Wilson - again. Maybe starting Giguere was the final straw in a season of brutal coaching. Notice how vigorously Reimer defended Allaire when there was a hint of criticism. No one has defended Wilson like that all season. The team doesn't believe in him anymore. Why should they? I sure don't. I don't think they were too happy about Burke reneging on his promise to add at the deadline either. That and his reluctance to sign MacArthur probably had a negative effect on the team. MacArthur hasn't been the same player since. Burke is loyal only to those whom he is loyal to. His reasons are a mystery.

[hoofheartz]

@othermark @10:34. I'm not sure if you were responding to habitroll Phils' comment @10:11 but if you were, that was his failed attempt at humour, for you see he IS a habitroll and his sarcastic Go Leafs Go was for no other reason than the Leafs beating Boston would aid the stinking habs.

[palbo]

If Chuck Norris was on the Leafs and the other team scored a goal, he'd make them take it back.

[Rooney]

OUCH, not sure if it was the green beer or the game that is making my head pound. I think I'll save my discontent until it is officially over and then I can yell at my lemon squares, which will, without a doubt, be heavily saturated with the Golden Goose (Grey Goose with Goldschläger). Until such time, screw all other teams and GO LEAFS GO!

[moe green]

@Carol905: You are right. A young player taking a night off so to speak is an understandable event. When the whole team takes the night off there is a deeper, more systemic problem. I think it has to be the coach. Let's hope Burke can rise above his friendship with Wilson. He has a more important responsibility.

[80s Leafs]

Guys, c'mon, give the Leafs a break! They were up against a desperate team who knew that, if THEY had lost last night, they woulda been a full 11 points out of the final playoff spot today. Instead, the Panthers are now only 9 points back of 8th place with 10 games to go. No wonder they played so well and the high-flying Leaf juggernaut just couldn't contain them.

[Boo Who?]

A new day has dawned over the westernmost outpost of Palookaville. I can see from my window that the plumes of smoke rising from the East have thinned into a haze. It is now safe to emerge with the other war widows and pick over the bodies of our men.

Morning Habs fans. Good to see you're behaving yourselves (sorta). There are a few complete psychos among your ranks that I'm hoping don't rear their ugly heads and harass our sick leader. Because I promised my momma no killin' before Easter. Iffin' you do show up, *cocks pistol* Sherriff Boo has a special welcome for ya.

@ Carol905 - amen sister. I'm feeling protective of our boys in blue this morning. I think they wanted a win. If I'm being rational and fair, I haven't seen much coming from the players lately to suggest that they are anything but invested and eager to win. (Goddamn lovable little shmucks.) And I count Jiggy in that group.

That said, in any team environment the culture and tone starts at the top of the heap. 'Poop' rolls downhill, as they like to say. So with all the inconsistency coming from their purported leaders, it's no wonder they can't find their butts with both hands half the time. And because I'm going soft and trying to be fair, this may not be 100% Wilson's fault or his choice? Lots of fingers in a pie this size, and even coaches do not have ultimate authority in all decisions. The MLSE is a very strange animal indeed.

And seeing as how I think Jiggy is pretty much done, and he's better off in Toronto for the sake of his family, my happy ending would be to have him retire and stay on in a coaching capacity for the Leafs. He seems like a great mentor, and my spirit just takes to him. I wish him well.

[Mith]

I'm going to miss these blogs. :(

[Boo Who?]

P.S. So gottdang happy Chuck Norris is a Leafs fan.
Now if only the Most Interesting Man in the World would start posting, my life would be complete.

[Charlee001]

Hey Vinay,

It's true what you say about the messaging surrounding this decision to play Giggy tonight. This is all part of the mental problem this team has. I think if I were to put a name on it I'd have to say it is over confidence: they assume the result before the game is played. Not only that but they are transparent about it giving their opposition reason to play harder. Very dangerous indeed.

Pinot Grigio: interesting take on Wilson's arrogance. Never considered that.

TPiddy:

"From a purely statistical perspective it may be possible to be a playoff team, certainly if Reimer is the starter. However, my point is that the team cannot throw a fit every time the backup plays. Playoff teams, good teams, still play well with their backup in net. Philly's been a revolving door of goalies for the past 3 years and yet they're playoff contenders. If you subscribe to the system in place the goaltender is not as much of a factor. I'd rather be a team that plays smart hockey instead of relying on a goalie to bail them out all the time."

Amen. I have been thinking the same thing since the team blew the 2-0 lead in Atlanta after Reimer got run over. J.S. will be gone this summer and the second goalie situation will be solved in training camp or sooner so next year this situation shouldn't be such a sore spot.

Consider this my vote for keeping this blog going over the summer. Whatever happens here down the stretch we can't let these guys. It would truly be a shame if we have to watch the same kind of season again next year. Maybe having this blog would be a good place for us to support this team in staying focused on the mission at hand which I expect for next year is to be in the playoffs.

[moe green]

Who is the tumbling doofus in here that always talks about Wilson for coach of the year? Maybe best coach in the GTA. Maybe. I can safely say that this season was blown by a bunch of people who really didn't care about the post season. I include players in this group as well as coaches and management. This team could have easily made the playoffs if there was the will to do so. As usual with this franchise it's the fans who get the short end. Crap effort and a crap end to a crap season. And they even ruined Kaberle's return to ACC for us. It could have been so much fun. Bah again.

[Adam]

I have been losing faith in Wilson for a few months now, and this game just seals the deal. To be in a do or die situation with 11 games left to the playoffs and not even DRESS you're hot goaltender is beyond stupid. I don't care what the reason is: a tired Reimer will be way better than an injured Giguere.

If I was Leaf player, I don't think I would be confident on the ice when my coach was making such silly decisions behind the bench.

[Geoff Read]

@ Hoofheartz
You're free to disagree with me of course. So long as you understand that that makes you wrong.

[hoofheartz]

To quote Boo "Now if only the Most Interesting Man in the World would start posting, my life would be complete"

But Boo, I already am posting here.

[Joe Scott]

I was going to leave this one alone, but i can't help but comment when all the Leaf haters show up here after every loss to gloat, but are strangely absent whenever the Leafs win. If the team does well, be a man, step up and admit they played well, don't just show your face to chortle when they lose.
As for Ken's comment about rebuilding properly... how is this not a proper rebuild? Do the Leafs have to tank for years to get high draft picks, subjecting the fans to countless seasons of futility? Because that's worked so well for Columbus, hasn't it? Look at what Burke has accomplished since he's been here. A once empy cupboard of prospects is starting to look promising, we actually have a decent blueline now, and most of the players haven't even hit their prime yet. We have 4 skaters with 20 goals or more, two of which should hit the 30 goal mark this year. We have a goaltender who is starting to look like he could be a mainstay for years to come, and give us our most consistent stopper since Belfour.
So don't sit there and badmouth the job Burke has done just because they aren't in the playoffs yet. Trust me, they are a lot closer now than they would be if they did the rebuild "properly."

[hoofheartz]

Thanks for your kind response Ostrich.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

grrr... on a side note, my alma matter (oakland) just got booted from the tourney by texas... I know you canucks probably don't care, but thought I'd point out that one of Texas' stars today (Thompson) is from Brampton.

What still sparks my interest in the last 10 games this season for the blue and white is watching the player development. I'm excited for Aulie and Schenn (and lets not forget Gardiner), Reimer, and the forwards too (Colburne, Kadri). I definitely think there should be no doubt now as to who won the Phaneuf trade (I heard Hagman's doing okay, barely clinging to a roster spot).

[Sensi-Bill]

Vinay
.
I know that like all Leaf fans you are suffering emotionally today.
.
I just hope that on the physical side, you are feeling better.

VM Replies: I am on the mend, yes. Thanks for asking, William. And a big thanks to your team for winning last night, even if the Leafs couldn't do their part.

[Wandering Penguin]

@TPiddy @11:43: So would I, but an awful lot of Cups have been won by an awful lot of only semi-smart teams with a ridiculously hot goalie. My point was that having your first-string goalie win 70% of the games he appears in usually if not always will make you a playoff team. And if he continues this trend THROUGH the playoffs, not only will you win a Cup but you won't be seriously threatened in any series for as long as that goalie is healthy. It really doesn't matter at that point how you play in front of anybody else - or how they play behind you, for that matter.

[Wandering Penguin]

@moe @ 1:36: sorry to burst your bubble but *I* am the greatest coach in the GTA. Ask any of my Peewees. Wrong Wilson will have to find another jungle of which to be king.

[Boo Who?]

Okay, now they done gone and made me mad.

Quotes from the Twitterverse:

Wilson on 'goaltending fuss': "Is there a fuss? I'm not aware of it. We had a plan and we stuck with it."
Boo says: Think on your feet for once you dingbat.

Reimer: "It's ridiculous for people to say it was a mistake to play Jiggy. The rest was good for me."
Boo says: No! I know you're getting defensive because you like Jiggy (and I truly dig that about you kid, because I'm protective of people I like too) but in the words of Toni Braxton - love should have brought you home last night. You're 23. If I can coast on fumes for weeks as almost ten years your senior, you can get through two games back to back.

Sjostrom: "Some nights, you're just not going to have it, no matter how obvious the situation seems."
Boo says: Now this is an interesting quote. What situation? And what's so obvious? Because it sounds to me like you're making excuses, AND using double-speak. And both those things really really piss me off.

[Wandering Penguin]

If Chuck Norris were coach of the Leafs they would win every game 42-0 because nobody would dare come back to the bench without scoring a goal and allowing none.

[Sensi-Bill]

Having played numerous team sports, including hockey, I know about the frustrating phenomenon of coming up flat --- as an individual and as a team.
.
I'm too tired to go into a long discourse on the subject. (Is that rampant cheering I hear in the background?) But one factor perhaps most applicable to today is that if is not a conscious decision. And it can often be downright impossible to shake.
.
In fact, often times the harder you try to snap yourself and/or your team out of it, the harder it is to escape the mysterious lethargy.
.
It's more than just waking up one morning and for no real reason feeling totally bleh --- though there is considerable similarity to that phenomenon. As there is with the phenomenon of just having one of those days where you just can't seem to do anything right.
.
And as with other involuntary, out-of-the-blue afflictions, like insomnia, it usually pops up at the worst possible time. And the size of one's paycheck is no protection.
.
But again, the point I'd like to stress is that it is NOT by choice. And can't simply be shaken off by choice.
.
Just my five cents worth. *smile*

[palbo]

If Chuck Norris played for the Leafs, they would win every game by default: the opposing team would be too scared to come out of their dressing room.

[hoofheartz]

Here is a quote from our man Ronnie

“Shame on me for playing a Stanley Cup winner, for playing a Conn Smythe winner,” Wilson said after Leafs practice Friday.

No doofus, shame on you for living in the past with so much on the line. What an arrogant puke.

[othermark]

@hoofheart... gadzooks! I've been hoodwinked by a troll! And yet, I did not see the sacasm in @Phil's comment. Oh well, if he be a troll..so be it. I'm a fan. If this ship be a sinkin' I be goin' down wit her! We pirates have soul... unlike trolls.

[hoofheartz]

Palbo, thats quite the little crush you've got on the old Chuckster. You know he's been legally dead for 13 years but like Bob Barker he just refuses to lie down.

[ValleyRed]

le Sigh... how this team toys with our emotions. If they win tomorrow night the love will be back in full force... I have to say, as frustrating as the constant emotional turmoil is, it's still better than being done for the season and scuffling around just to kill off the balance of the schedule.

@ The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad: Methinks it would be better to take out the head of the beast. Get your tire irons ready and meet Mr. Wilson in a parking lot of your choice. He's a grandfather, so you don't have to worry about him procreating, in the case that might stay your hands.

[Wandering Penguin]

@hoof: By that reasoning might we expect the imminent signing of our new #1 goalie Bill Ranford sometime this summer?

[ValleyRed]

Here's a little something for all to mull over while waiting for Saturday's game. Enjoy, Habs trolls, enjoy.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/are-the-canadiens-the-nhls-most-hated-team/article1947315/

[Robert]

@hoofheartz - haven't we come to expect this from Ronnie? He's obviously feeling the heat and he doesn't deal with it well. Which is what makes him such a poor choice for a coach. He gets so irate that his ego gets in the way of him making smart coaching decisions - so on the bench he just goes numbfaced.

[hoofheartz]

Sorry Palbo, I didn't realize there were others sharing the same fascination with the Chuckster.

[Lainey (omitting the TML67, may change to TML12)]

@hoofheartz...I totally agree with his arrogance! Cripes! Jiggy was younger and had tighter Jennie strings when he won those cups. He may just as well have put Johnny Bower between the pipes who was also a Stanley Cup winner for the results it brought us.

[hoofheartz]

othermark, I'm suitably impressed. I don't often get to see gadzooks and hoodwinked in the same sentence.

[TG77]

@gettingcozy - I feel your pain re the NCAA tourney. My alma mater, Seton Hall didn't even get an invite to the NIT. Ouch. I ordered some Seton Hall gear about 8 weeks ago to get into the spirit hoping they would make it to the NCAA's. It all arrived yesterday (repeat ouch).

Someone mentioned how awesome it would be to have the "most interesting man" from the Dos Equis commercials here. I think we have the equivalent already: Robert (the original) whose guest post was truly incredible, the cowboy hat he wore for his picture signifies "kick ass, take names" plus the Captain Morgan and Merlot drinking stories certainly qualify him for that title.

[Lainey (omitting the TML67, may change to TML12)]

@ Boo - what about the Old Spice guy... let's not be picky!!

[hoofheartz]

Oh damn TG77, and here I thought it was me.

[Boo Who?]

@ Bill - appreciate you trying to inject some compassion into our shrivelled hearts, I really do. But here's my beef - I get ultimatums and 'must-dos' all the time at my job. You know how I deal with it? I show up every day, prepared. And I can do that in large part because I have a boss that helps to prepare me, and a team of people that I give direction/support and vice versa. But then, I'm fortunate to work with a bunch of highly skilled communicators and self-starters. Can't imagine how any of these guys got to the level they're currently at without some kind of inner drive, so once again, I have to conclude that there's a communication breakdown happening somewhere.

As to them having an 'off day'...what kind of environment are these guys working in that they can go from feeling on top of the world one minute to barely having the energy to drag their feet behind them the next? Is it a lack of discipline? Is it arrogance? Or just plain old ineptitude? Maybe all of the above.

[Boo Who?]

@ Lainey - I thought about him right after I hit 'post'. I knew one of you good people would correct my error. God bless you all. I am so at home among you.

Love your amended screenname!!

[hoofheartz]

Lainey, if you ladies weren't so picky there'd be a lot less slightly balding, chubby, myopic guys moping around hockey blogs.

[Boo Who?]

@ ValleyRed - interesting link. I think the author's tone is a bit sensationalist, and his 'argument' poorly supported however. I even went to the trouble of reading the French article he linked to and while my French may be a little rusty, I'm failing to see what was said that was contemptuous towards the Montreal fans. If anything, it sounds like he was given a leading question and the quote was taken slightly out of context? Perhaps a native French speaker can correct me. I can only assume their eyes are all still glued to us with rapt attention? (Hi!)

[pinot grigio]

Lainey, what a great idea! Let's bring back Johnny B. I cannot believe his condition has gotten worse over the past 40 odd years because it was not very good to start with but the guy is chipper. If nothing else it would connect us magically with 1967 and give all the young pups a rest. How can MagicWilson object, he did win more than one Stanley Cup (Johnny that is, Ronnie never got one).

[Boo Who?]

Oooookay. I think that's enough slicing and dicing for one day. Only...three more hours for me to go without eviscerating someone. And then I'm gonna rest harder than a 23 yr old. Later dudes.

VM Replies: Godspeed, Ms. Boo. Get some rest.

[TimB]

Thought I stumbled onto the Walker Texas Ranger blog for a minute there.And obviously Hoof has seen my post office photo.Anyway the van is running minus a few cylinders.I see a couple of you are still with me,so let's drive her until the rods come through the hood.

VM Replies: Once again, I call shotgun.

[Jamieson]

So I was at the game last night, super large leafs crowd came out to watch one of the worst hockey games I have ever seen.

They didn't win a single race to the puck, and looked short-handed most of the time in their own end, unable to do anything but watch florida pass around them. I don't understand Toronto's power play plan at all...if you watched the panthers, they had a system, someone always right in front of the goalie (our defense really love to watch players screen our goalie don't they?), and the one winger right down near the post. The leafs by contrast never have anyone in front of the net, and the wingers seem to always be behind it (can't really score from there).

And who is this Lashoff guy, what a slacker. Is this a tryout for this guy, cause he sure wasn't playing like it.

VM Replies: I feel so sorry for all the great fans who went to that game on March break.

[TimB]

Missideb said something about Dion I had thought also.I now think he may have been hurting and I don't remember him ever using it as an excuse.And I softened up on Wrong W. for a bit there but I dislike that arrogant tool more than I can express.Anyway,until mathematics tells me differently,Go Leafs Go!

[TG77]

Sorry Hoof - you could be co-Most Interesting Man in the World?? Please submit your application for the title!

Here are my musical offerings for the afternoon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKL2prSqDQI -I Know what I am by Band of Skulls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KGCAffvGIw - Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekdq1jbZLFU&feature=relmfu - Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups