Game 75: The Leafs punch out another crucial victory

Sometimes it's best to not ask questions or think about something for too long.

How are hotdogs made? Never mind. Seriously. Just take this bun, pick your condiments and enjoy. Why was the world recently obsessed with Rebecca Black? Doesn't matter. Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards, that's all you really need to know.

Similarly, there is not much point in scrutinizing the win in Colorado. It was as sloppy as a hobo in a thunderstorm. It was as pretty as Picasso's Guernica. It was as relaxing as a full-body probe from invading space aliens.

Never mind. Doesn't matter. Winning is winning.

The Leafs are three points out this morning. I know. I can't stop laughing. Not because there is anything remotely funny about this insane, gut-churning ride. The stress is killing me. No, the laughter stems more from a mix of pride and disbelief: These magnificent bastards refuse to abandon the improbable dream.

Let the maladjusted shut-ins continue to drone on about probability and statistical projections. Let them tut-tut and insist it's never going to happen.

The Leafs are not listening. They think it can happen and, really, that's the most important variable. They own the third-best record in the NHL since the All-Star break. They are dominating on the road. They are finding new ways to win.

In fact, the 4-3 nail-biter in Denver was important for two reasons: 1. It kept the Leafs in the race and has now set-up The Most Important Weekend Of The Season™. 2. It was one of the few times this season they found a way not to lose against a weaker opponent when fate looked to be conspiring with disappointment yet again.

Columbus, St. Louis, Atlanta, New Jersey, NY Islanders, Florida, Colorado, Ottawa and Edmonton – these are the teams below Toronto in the league standings this morning. Now consider this: The Leafs have lost 12 games to those teams, including seven in regulation, since October 18.

So when Colorado scored a shorthanded goal at 5:55 of the first – actually, Dion Phaneuf scored it for them, making the time somehow feel more like 6:66 – Leaf fans immediately thought, "Uh oh. Not this again."

But then it happened.

The Leafs assumed visitor control of the period. Nikolai Kulemin scored twice, morphing into Mr. Clutch by first jumping on a Mikhail Grabovski rebound and then, with six seconds remaining, banging one past Brian Elliott from a godawful angle.

In the second, repeated thoughts of, "Uh oh. Not this again."

After going up 3-1 on a gorgeous deflection by Tyler Bozak, the Leafs suddenly found themselves on the receiving end of sustained pressure as the Avs decided to do something they haven't done much this season: Impress the tens of fans inside the Pepsi Center.

Since the game started late, and I was already sleep-deprived and running on Red Bull, my notes from this second period now appear to be written by Pierre McGuire:

"I tell you what, this pressure is intense – intense!" "The Leafs need to weather this storm – this is a Colorado avalanche right here." "Oh, wow, look at the Avs cycle down low and muscle their way in the corners. WOW. That's beautiful stuff right there. I tell you what, these guys are snarling like junkyard dogs right now and Toronto better check for bite marks. I tell you what."

But then it happened. Key players assumed key roles.

James Reimer, who could now move to the woods, start his own cult and have 80 per cent of the city follow him, was heroic. He made save after save, most from in close, several of the spectacular variety.

Luke Schenn, solely responsible for the Bozak goal, was a tower of power in both ends. Phaneuf was surly and punishing. Mike Komisarek, back from injury, played possibly his best game of the season. The top two lines buried their chances, including Phil Kessel, who scored the eventual game winner on the power play in the third.

Even when fate seemed determined to hand the Leafs another loss to a weaker opponent – whether it was Nazem Kadri somehow missing an open net in the second or Mike Brown using his leg instead of his stick to score a goal that would not count in the third – the Leafs pushed back and did just enough at just the right time.

After Matt Duchene made it 4-3 at 11:54 of the third, the heart-stopping finish was on.

The Avs pressed. They skated hard. They controlled the play, outshooting Toronto 12-8 over the period, including a deranged blitz of one shot per every 20 seconds in a final minute that really should have been sponsored by Rolaids.

Never mind. Doesn't matter. The good guys prevailed.

So here we are.

Buffalo plays twice this weekend at home, tonight against Florida and tomorrow against Jersey. Carolina faces Tampa this evening. And the Leafs are headed to Motown, for a Hockey Night in Canada battle with the Wings tomorrow.

So by this time on Sunday morning, well, let's not think about it just yet. These guys believe. All we can really do is watch and enjoy.

MAIN PHOTO: RICK WILKING/REUTERS

Comments

[Geoff Read]

Congrats. Sounds like the Leafs played well.

I'm basically just commenting so that those who want to pile on a Canadiens' fan this morning after the team's dreadful performance last night have the opportunity to do so.

Here I am. Fire away.

[Peter]

Hi Geoff, I enjoyed that game thoroughly. was a nice thrashing. liked the singing, too. hope all the Habs fans liked it too.
VM, you should never have to explain a victory.

[Ken Baumgartner]

I will hand it to this team they sure a resillient bunch.
All weask for is for the Sabres and Hurricanes to lose tonight to get right of one of the games in hand they each have. Then we can worry about Saturday.
The stars are aligning for this team again, we just need some of the stars that we have no control of to do their thing.

[Rooney]

Good Morning VM! Hope your non-Leaf deadlines are kept to a minimum this weekend. Another classic post. With "James Reimer, who could now move to the woods, start his own cult and have 80 per cent of the city follow him" and "It was as sloppy as a hobo in a thunderstorm", you continue to own the Comment of Day. All I can say is that good teams find ways to win games like these, yes, this is a good team, the Leafs record since the break speaks for itself. Also, what happened in Boston? Montreal sent an odd message on behalf of Pacioretty, "stick a fork in us, we are done." Someone needs to tell the Habs that they need to score some goals and earn some wins as 87 points is probably not good enough. Can't wait for the showdown in Motown, it seems this ride has not hit high gear as of yet. GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!

[Ken Baumgartner]

I am already nervous about Saturday. I the 2 other teams lose it will be even more so.

[We BeLeaf]

Reimer steals the win again! Vinay, I think this phrase needs to be one of your headlines, if not already. He really saved their bacon last night, and he should have been nominated as the first star of the game in my opinion.

I have reviewed several replays of Bozak's tip in, and I really think that slap pass from Schenn was intended for Kessel. It matters nonetheless, as they scored and got another win. Three points back of Buffalo, keep charging guys!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

VM Replies: Good morning, We BeLeaf and everybody.
Reimer is... I've run out of superlatives. He's a machine. And his .924 SVP is now tied for fourth best in the league.
Big weekend, starting tonight in Buffalo.

[JunK]

long time troller here!
really wish your writing can be posted onto some of the major sports sites (ie. tsn sportsnet) just because your writing is just hundred if not thousand times better than almost all of their contents...combined!

keep up the good work and Go LEAFS GO!!

VM Replies: Thank you, JunK. And welcome to the commenting jungle. (I'm going to assume you're a long-time "lurker" and not a "troller" who may be up to something nefarious.)

[Alecia]

"Buffalo plays twice this weekend at home, tonight against Florida and tomorrow against Jersey."

Does this make anyone else feel as uncomfortable as I do when I read it? Why couldn't the hockey gods be kinder and have them play Vancouver or Philly?!

GO LEAFS GO!!!
Go Miller’s Five Hole Go!!!

By the way, with the embarrassment of the Habs last night, at what point am I supposed to be going to a Habs’ blog and begging them to see the light and all that mumbo jumbo? I’m a leafs fan soooo I’m new at this…

[We BeLeaf]

@ Bomber,

Why so nervous about Saturday? I heard on the radio this morning that Bill Watters is guaranteeing a victory for the Leafs!

On second thought.....

Cheers!

[A True Leafs Fan]

what was Komisarek doing out there? I am supposed to dislike the guy and he goes out and does something against regulation like play a great game. when he hit that guy. I felt that.. I am serious I litterally got a sharp pain in my chest from witnessing such a bonecrushing hit. I don't know if it was my brain just in shock, or my heart instantly got jolted with 10000 wats of electleaficity. either way I felt like I drank a whole keg of redbull in one kegstand... I am not going to lie I liked it

good job you magnificent leaf bastards time to face The Chicken Wings and pull off a 3-0 western swing

[omar]

Vinay!!!!! i said reimer will have a big game last night. And man did he not disappoint. Basically he said:

Optimus reim... maximize!!!!!

Also, sportsnetnews were saying about reimer that burke should renew his contract???? IS he a Free agent this summer??? I am pretty sure he isn't unless they were talking about an extension?

Anyways, let this be the game of their lives this saturday. Motown is going to be buzzing. Nothing better than 2 original 6 teams going against each other on Saturday Hockey Night in Canada. Can't wait and oh ya..........

GO LEAFS GOOOOO!!

VM Replies: You were right, omar. Reimer was a force.
I believe he's an RFA (but have to double-check). He signed a three year entry-level contract in 2008. So, yes, he's up for renewal.
His salary right now is $550K, which means he's basically earning the NHL equivalent of minimum wage. That will change this summer.

[Geoff Read]

I have no defense of Montreal to offer this morning. They were awful, with the exception of Carey Price who was totally hung out to dry by his teammates.

[Geoff Read]

BTW - what did people think of the Komisarek hit (he asks a bunch of Leafs' fans)? I actually think it was OK... but it was one of those hits that's in a kind of gray zone. It was a good bodycheck, but it seems he did hit the kid in the head, and the kid was blindsided in the sense that he didn't see Komisarek coming.

VM Replies: I can only speak for myself. Thought it was a hard, clean and perfectly-timed open ice hit.
You never want to see anybody get hurt. But I didn't see anything wrong with that hit.

[Bryan]

I can honestly say that I haven't loved a Leafs team this much in the post-lockout era. I've been saying it since the beginning of the season, even when they were tanking early on. And now, with this glorious playoff push, I'm considering hanging a framed team photograph over my fireplace. And I'm considering building a shrine to James Reimer.

I don't think they'll make it into the word that can't be mentioned. But we accomplished what I thought was the most important thing this season - we're out of the draft lottery. Boston won't have another top 5 pick. And next season, if we keep playing this way, and with a little bit of luck, perhaps at this time we'll be talking about who we're gonna be facing in the first round.

Now, and forever - Go Leafs Go.

VM Replies: Good morning, Bryan. Always nice to hear from you. You've been consistent since the start of season, this is very true.

[MonsterBrawl]

I've been reading this blog thoroughly since the AllStar break. Very refreshing, always amusing. First time commenter. Regardless of what Buffalo does this weekend, IF the Leafs come away with 2 points against Detroit then I believe the winner of Tuesday's showdown will take the 8th seed in the eastern conference. We're that close. If Buffalo loses tonight I will be lifted into seventh heaven and will need a pacemaker come Saturday night. Let's hope after back-to-back shut-outs against, the Panthers can deliver us.
Two weeks ago I thought the Leafs had two games they could afford to lose, I predicted it would be Detroit and their upcoming game against Washington. After the disenchanting loss to Florida last week I thought their chances were beyond slim, having to now face a 9-1 finish to sneak in with 90 points. This meant they now needed a win against Detroit or Washington (while running the table on the rest). I really think they can do it Saturday, especially with the way Reimer has looked like a pre-grizzled Ed Belfour. Anyway, any loss will be incredibly deflating from here on in, but the one intangible that the stats-sites can't factor is the belief this team has in each other.

VM Replies: Thanks for reading and for your comment, MonsterBrawl (incidentally, my new favourite screen name).
I remember listening to these guys talk last week and they were so incredibly upbeat. At the time, I thought, "Are they deluded? It's totally impossible now after the Florida loss."
But they truly believe.

[jt]

Solid game by the boys in blue!

Suspenseful to the end but it's more fun that way anyway. Now on to detroit...nothing to do but hope for the best!
Excellent post as always.

VM Replies: Thanks, jt.

[Simon]

I know it was a routine win, and I know that it wasn't the best game played, but I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face.

GO LEAFS GO!!

[TPiddy]

I just did up a column dissecting the possibilities going forward.... needless to say, the Southeast division is going to be the straw that stirs the drink for the Leafs. Click my name to read more.

As for Komisarek's hit... it was perfect. It's not Komi's fault that he's 6'4 and the other guy is.... shorter. Komi didn't target the head, didn't lift the elbow, didn't leave his feet. It was the kind of hit you just can't take out of the game. Fix the shoulder and elbow pads first if you want to cut down on injuries.

[Simon]

Regarding the Komi hit. Looking at precedent, the reason it hurt so much was a) it was open-ice and b) the size difference. Komi went in shoulder first, no free arms, no elbows. Chara made a worse hit from behind on Grabbo and no call, and certainly if using your free arm to drive a man's head into a stachon is no suspension, then hitting open ice, when the guy has the puck, is ok. Really, that's one of those passes that should never have been made.

But I should say, I'm massively biased.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

WeBeLeaf: I agree on the Schenn pass. I believe he was looking straight at Kessel for that and Bozak just said "oops, I've got it!" It's okay Kessel got one later on. Btw, isn't it great to think that Kulemin is the second highest russian scorer this season after Ovechkin!?!? Gotta love flying under the radar!

[ValleyRed]

Yes, if that hit's illegal, then pretty much Scott Steven's entire career was illegal. Funny that someone mentioned that Reems reminded them of Eddie Belfour, Try as I might, I can't picture Reems going berserk in a hotel room, wrestling 5 cops, getting pepper sprayed, and offering them a million dollars to let him go. Ah, well, he's still young.

[jp]

Good morning Vin-nation! WOW does a fan sleep well after those two games last night GOLEAFSGO NOHABSNO :) anyways the reimer express was rolling again last night and Vindaloo another awesome read and the blog you run has attracted a great crew of shall i say hockey knowledge?? what i am saying is the comments are great to read as well especially with the running commentary by you.So the line about the hobo reminded of a commercial on tv last night and it turned out that it was hobo with a shotgun!! four goals!! also the 10,000 watts of (classic) Electrileaficity (??) I believe was courtesy of BrucePower. The komiserak hit was a thing of beauty and the reason he is making big dollars and also one of the reasons the canadiens blue line is hurting. That hit sends a message and when we make it to the &#*^-*##% opposing forwards will realize there is a speed trap with komi and phanuef/schenn/aulie patrolling our end!! sounds like BB has delivered with his plan of building from the net out kudos Brian! your success is what LEAFSNATION dreams of. On to "the most important weekend of the season" _giggle and shakes head_ and more of Damien trash talking about our game? The fighting argument I do not agree on with him I do agree with less fighting achieved by the players union and owners discussing respect for one another on the ice in front of millions on tv. Try explaining to a six year girl why they are fighting and obviously yelling profanities when you know there is now reason??? headshots I agree as well with stiffer suspensions but komis hit was ten times the normal hockey play than charas intentional forearm into the stanchion !! Chara needed to be suspended for one game for "Unsportsman like conduct" that would send a message anything blatant and intentional would warrant more.I believe he would have excepted the suspension with the explaination that a new precedant needed to be set regarding injury with-out concequences.Damien goes to far on komis hit imagine the game with no hitting or much less??? if bettman is (to borrow a phrase) wielding a scalpel Damien is swinging an axe! Whats up with that? hockey fans are not agreeing with him are they?

VM Replies: Good morning, jp. The comments here are always better than the posts. In fact, as I was telling an editor the other day, I don't even need to be here next season.
The blog has become self-powered.
Re: the hit. Again, all I can say is I thought it was clean. And, yes, if Komisarek returns to his heat-seeking missile days, he will become a valuable piece of the puzzle and not the victim of an abduction plot led by Ms. Boo and her accomplices.

[Jon]

Vinay u magnificent blog writing bastard !! While the Leafs have a long shot...its still WAY more than what they had last year ! I really beleaf Burke's vision is starting to come together ! I would really like your comment on this but i REALLY feel as STELLAR as Reimer has been i think Burke would be wise to spend some of that 25mil this summer going after Brysgalov. I mean, what a tandem that would be !! Imho if Burke can pick up a centre, a defenseman and a top goalie like Brysgalov i think they can do some REAL damage next year !! You ??

VM Replies: Good morning to you, Jon.
Burke has no interest in Bryz. None. So that's not an option. But Burke will definitely have to sit down this summer and rework the net depth charts given Reimer's remarkable run.
I'm not convinced Reimer is a flash-in-the-pan, or even destined to have a couple of bad years. There is something altogether different about the way he operates (on and off the ice) that makes him already seem like a veteran goalie.
All that said, my personal opinion is it would be wise to devote cap space to other positions this summer. Most of the games the Leafs lost in first-half of season would have been losses even if two goalies were playing at the same time.

[Wandering Penguin]

@Geoff Read: I would never pile on an opponent after a soul-sucking loss such as that.

That would be too much like Russia post-1945.

[Matt Taylor]

@VM, if you're in the office today, can you go down the hall and tell damien cox to try smiling and enjoying life? Seriously, the Leafs keep winning and he keeps writing articles about how we shouldn't trust Reimer and the rebuild isn't going as well as we think it is. And as to his article today, the Komi hit was absolutely clean, at a certain point the player receiving the pass has to be aware of the large defenseman directly in front of him.

Thanks, I'm really happy this morning, but he's such a downer

[Wandering Penguin]

re: Cox' Knocks: I particularly like how Cox goes to great lengths to let all of us know that the Av never, ever, ever, EVER had possession of the puck...and then goes on to say that the hit may have been a bit "late". Um, what? How can anyone determine timing if the opposing player supposedly never touched the puck? If anything, wasn't it EARLY?

Not only that, he spelled "its" wrong in the online version of his story. Twice. And failed to capitalize "in" after a question mark. We're not professional writers in the comments here. He is. Well, "professional" at least.

[Ken Baumgartner]

I heard an interview on the Leafs wecsite with Matt Lashoff. The guy is an accompliched guitar player and is coming out with a blues album.

VM Replies: Bomber, right now might not be the best time to bring up the blues.

[Rooney]

@Wandering Penguin, that requires more than a rim shot (BA-DUM-CRASH), it was more like a KA-BOOM!

[Katherine]

Hi Vinay and everyone,

I haven't been able to watch this week's games and have just gotten around to reading the blog entries. My father, who first directed me to this blog back in the fall, passed away at the end of the Leafs/Boston game Saturday night. He would be so shocked at them inching back close to 8th right now.

At the start of the funeral service yesterday, they played the old Hockey Night in Canada theme song. My father had 74 years as a Leafs fan and the privilege of seeing them win several Cups. I will miss asking him almost daily "Have you read Vinay's blog today?", and our laughter over your words and the ensuing comments. I will miss our banter back and forth about bad plays, bad calls, great goals, and for-the-love-of-God would the goalies get off their knees!

Just wanted to share this with my friends here in the comment section.

Love,
Katherine

VM Replies: Katherine, I am very sorry. I'm sending you a private message right now.

[Waiting for Godot]

The Leaf record since the All-Star break defies be-leaf. Many of those wins have been sloppy. It seems the Wilson has fed them kool-aid. Lots of energy + Reimer + running around = winning. And somehow it works! Why they laid an egg in Florida I don't know. It wasn't JS fault - they just didn't play well. I'm very scared for this team. Maybe they are like Chicago of the last couple of playoffs - they used to say they were too stupid to know when they are beaten. But what a ride!

Somebody (Vinay?) should write up a new Leafs movie (something to take the Love Guru out of my mind please.)

"please keep your arms and legs inside until your ride has come to a complete stop"

[Wandering Penguin]

Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Try the fish.

[Ken Baumgartner]

You know,They need to make it for no other reason that to send the excitment level on this blog over the moon.

On to Detroit first!

[A True Leafs Fan]

I think its the leages own fault for all these concussions.
case and point they abolished the two line pass. which means players are in full stride coming across the nuetral zone. the make the game quicker. and complain when they have to many high speen hits. bring back the two line pass and I am sure the number of concusions will be reduced by half.

[Wandering Penguin]

Katherine, I hope you will accept my sincere condolences as well. Your father sounds like he was a great man.

[Geoff Read]

I feel I've joined an exclusive club: I had a comment get filtered or censored or whatever! Very exciting!

Penguin: Russia piling on Germany you mean, Eastern Europe generally, or Japan? Or all of the aforementioned? Nicely done at any rate.

Katherine - many condolences. My own father is also unwell and hockey plays a similar role in our relationship.

VM Replies: Damn. I was going to put up a comment saying you had joined the club. Yes, alas, what you wrote after "I picture him in a sleazy motel..." could be deemed actionable in a court of law.
You know what's weird? I had to not approve an almost identical comment about someone else from Moe last night. Up until this point, neither of you had been "censored," as you say.
Sorry! Your perfect streak is over.

[Sue]

Excellent blog!!!! Really shouldn't laugh and eat sushi at the same time! The phrases that you come up with are one of a kind!

The pompoms will be out again tomorrow night (perhaps they actually did help last night) or maybe it was TimB's skirt? Who knows?

@VM - ran into our mutual friend again today. He wondered if you would be writing about the word we dare not mention. He is looking for my email with your other contact address.

VM Replies: Oh, Sue. You can pass on my other email address if you like. But I can't do anything this weekend, alas.

[othermark]

Fearless prediction from a fan who never gave up hope and was looking for the Leafs to run the table after the debacle in Florida: Leafs will prevail in Detroit, Sabres will split their games, winning against Florida, losing against the Devils. By Monday morning our Magnificent Bastards will be 1 point behind the Sabres, setting the stage for the most memorable games of the season and a playoff birth for my beloved Bastards! Oh yes, there is a hockey God and he/she is smiling benevolently on Leaf Nation. BeLeaf It. It's so going to happen.

VM Replies: othermark, I have faith in your faith. I always have admired your faith.
But I think there may be a math problem in your comment. If the Sabres split and Leafs win, both teams gain two more points. So the gap would remain the same at the current three points, right?
Or am I missing something?

[Sue]

@Katherine - I am sorry about your loss.

I believe that your father may be the extra man on the ice on the road trip this week giving the Leafs that little push to work even harder.

[maxwelledison]

Questions Without Answers Dept:

And a Good Post-Noon to you, Sir Vinay!

Last night's game Punched Me Out too, oh author of fabulous texts. Seems, I too, have a fiance and daughter who vaguely speak in your 'simple as that' vein!
Only worser. (sic)

After either of them ask a question... each one of the' twinseys' fire-off...
'... just yes, or no.'

"Too bad all questions can't be answered that way," my return fire would say.
"You're not listening... yes or no?"

Just my luck they were sitting there when Big Mike rocked the rink...

"Geez Louise... (Yes. Finance really talks like that) That hit was incredibly disgusting-what do you think? Yes or No?"
Hmm. "Too bad all questions can't be answered that way," I actually said... on purpose.
"You're not listening to us, Dad! Yes or no?"

Today, hockey fans... I'm afraid. For real.

Leafs did their thing. They sorely needed it. Props to King James...among most, once again.
Big Mike? The hit? Allow me to point out, in no way did I even smell bad intent. I played too long, to get caught-up in that nonsense.

Soo, with underscored resolve, maybe I'll just divert attention to Sir Vinay et al with my fears.
Here's Five for Fighting:

~ Blind-sided you say?
~ Could his elbow been up purposefully?
~ Considering Habs' Max ... Will Bettman suddenly do a 180 make-up call?
~ Does intent or lack of, matter?
~ Rest of season, and first round enough punishment or too much?

"... Just yes or no."

VM Replies: Happy post-highnoon to you, sir.
To answer your questions: No. Simple as that.

[Sensi-Bill]

[ Note to Leaf fans: This post is NOT about the Leafs, except in one tangental way --- remember Edmonton? --- so a reminder that, as always, you don't HAVE to read this. ]
.
Geoff, what can I say? I feel for you man.
.
Just remember, excrement happens --- to ALL teams, from time to time.
.
Granted this was an extremely bad time for it to happen to Montreal, especially with all the misguided pre-game suggestions that the Habs should somehow goon it up in some kind of retaliation for the hit on Pacioretty.
.
We're already bemoaning the misguided trend this year of tough guys going after opponents after CLEAN hits and needlessly disrupting and slowing down games.
.
Whether one agrees or not, the league has already shown it considers Chara's hit to not be dirty and thus not punishable by suspension.
.
And yet there were media and fans, mostly fans of other teams, calling for the under-sized and under-manned Habs to some how goon it up, with the mini-giant Chara as the main target, in some kind of throwback to frontier justice.
.
It was obvious that, as Moen said in an on-ice interview just before the game, the Habs were going to concentrate more on the highly important two points (in one of those four-point games).
.
I think Boston expected that and went about playing into their own strength by being very physical on an already weakened team.
.
And we know the results.
.
The Canadiens are not the first team to get whumped by a high, one-sided score this year, and they probably won't be the last.
.
How they bounce back from this is what's really important.
.
And they're still in the playoffs where, as they so gallantly showed last year, anything can happen.
.
And, like last year, I'll be once more cheering for them to go as far as they can. I know that, especially given the injuries this year, it's highly unlikely, but let's take a moment and imagine how crazy and wonderful it would be to have a CC (Canadian Clubs) Stanley Cup Final. An almost impossible dream, I know, but still fun to engage in for at least a few moments.
.
And if on occasion I can say Go Leafs, Go, I should also be able to say Go Habs, Go.
.
*smile*

[Sue]

@VM - No worries about the weekend. They probably won't get in touch until next week or after. We know weekends are your quiet time. But you have to let me know if it is definately going to happen!

VM Replies: No such thing as quiet time during the season, especially this weekend.
But, yes, I will send you an email next week.

[Sensi-Bill]

Dear Katherine
.
A long time ago, some dear online (and eventually offline) friends devised a visual way of giving each other hugs using { and }, which we affectionately dubbed "squirrelly brackets." The more brackets, the bigger the hug.
.
Needless to say, you have my deepest condolences.
.
{{{{{{Katherine}}}}}}
.
From personal experience, I know he'll be forever cherished in your heart. And those wonderful memories will keep him alive in your head. (And thanks for the memories you shared with us, your other, hockey family.)
.
Again, sharing encouragement from personal experience, remember, the depth of the sadness underlines the importance of, and love for, this wonderful man.
.
Whom, by the way, we owe a small debt to as well, as he has given us you.
.
Chin up and let the cleansing, comforting, honour-giving tears flow when they come.
.
Love,
William

[maxwelledison]

@ Sensi-Bill:

Count me in! Choice, choices, choices!

~ Toronto /Vancouver... works for me. Not that far-fetched.
~ Hmm. Twin expansion clubs who-neither-ever-won it, but one would... finally,
also works for me.
~ Vancouver/ Montreal... too hard to pronounce.

[TG77]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzdoOGUsEKg - I'm Amazed by My Morning Jacket.

I am sitting here waiting for the presale to go on for My Morning Jacket and the title sort of fits how I feel about the Leafs turnaround.

VM Replies: Great tune, great Kentucky band. I'm also throwing a link to another one of their songs I love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OMpaFvTOFk

[Sensi-Bill]

Re. The Komisarek hit.
.
I haven't read Cox yet. (Don't yet even for-sure know if I will.)
.
But had an opinion formed even before I got here.
.
My honest to goodness thought when I saw this hit was that Komisarek was damn lucky the guy looked up at the last second. In fact, as the play started, I was already thinking "Oh no, another blind, semi-side hit to the head."
.
I haven't looked at the hit since but I seem to recall that while it wasn't from behind or even strictly from the side, it wasn't directly from the front either.
.
And, as I say, if the player hadn't looked up at the very last second, I'm pretty sure the shoulder WOULD have hit the head and Komisarek would be hearing from the league.
.
Furthermore, I think Komisarek was VERY lucky the guy did look up in that final second, because Komisarek seemed committed to the hit, with no way to abort the hit if the opponent didn't look up.
.
And that's how I felt about the hit, when I saw the replays.
.
BTW, the replays I saw were on TSN (the Toronto Sports Network), which showed it over and over and over again, with even more repeats than a Leafs goal, and far more than the one-quick-look-only some fine goals by other teams received.
.
But hey, they know where their biggest market is and it is a ratings game. (g)

[Ken Baumgartner]

@Katherine, it sounds like you and your dad had a great relationship. I am sure he will be missed.
It is an honour that you consider us your friends firstly , and secondly that you would share that story with us.
This is a special place indeed.

May you find all the peace that you hope for.

NOW KICK DETRIOTS BUTTS YOU MAGNICANT LEAFS BASTARDS!

[palbo]

@Katherine - My dad passed away not too long ago. He was an avid Leaf fan and took me to my first Marlie game (when they played junior) and my first Leaf game. There are days (and nights) I miss him terribly. My empathy and heart goes out to you. It does get better.
Regards
Paul

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

VM: I believe you was you who mentioned up above that you don't believe Reimer is a "flash in the pan". I have to completely agree with you on this one. The reasons behind Reimers success this past half season are skills he possesses that don't just disappear over night or result from flukey behavior. For example, one reason is his excellent positioning. It seems like he is always in the right place at the right time. If you have or can develop good positiioning, that's a strength you carry for your whole career. In this light, yes, Reimer does remind me somewhat of Eddie the Eagle who had excellent positioning his whole career. Now, as the years passed, his reaction time did get worse and speed diminished, but, at 23, I don't believe that's something we have to worry about with Reimer.

Just my thoughts...

anyone else?!?

[TG77]

Nice pick Vinay. Gideon off that album is my favourite but I often play Wordless Chorus when I have friends over and putting together a playlist for the night. I just got 4th row seats to their show here in Vancouver so definitely looking forward to that. Good to see we are in sync with our music selections. My summer concert series is shaping up nicely: Black Keys w/ Cage the Elephant, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes and Mother Mother.

[LaineyTML12]

@ Katherine, so sorry to hear about your loss. I mentioned on an earlier post about a week or so ago how the Leafs needed some kind of "Angels in the Outfield" kind of magic to make it to the 'word we will not mention'... well, that angel just arrived in heaven and I'm sure will be the extra man on the bench that will make it happen. Simple as that! {{{{ hugs }}}}.
love,
your sister Leafette,
Lainey.

[pinot grigio]

I honestly don't believe Reimer is a one season wonder. He appears to have such a lust to compete and determination to beat the other team. Isn't that what the other guys on the team are responding to. And isn't that what has been missing the last few years? No way the Leafs would have won that game last night if any of the goalies who paraded through the Leaf crease since Belfour had been in goal. That was Reimer's desire to win no matter what it would take.
Boy, they need to do something on their defense though; it was good in the first period but then it went south in a hurry. If they are able to extend their season (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) they have to start playing some solid defense or the extra season will be only 4 games long. After all this, that would be a shame.

[Sensi-Bill]

"Toronto/Vancouver"?
.
One too many (hammer) blows to the head, Max?*
.
Just kidding. (VBG)
.
Personally, though, I find THAT scenario so far-stretched, it's liable to snap back on you like the broken waist band on a pair of one-size-fits-all pantyhose worn by a hippo. (Notice I chose to be kind to Kate Smith, Mama Cass and for some Canadian content, Rita McNeil.)
.
Sheesh. I type Mama Cass and move on and when I look back later the weird auto-correct on this iPad has changed it to Mama Cassette. Gotta love Apple. LOL Darn auto-correct certainly keeps me on my toes.
.
Anyway Max, to finish my thought, as far-fetched as I feel your scenario is --- about as far as the physical distance between the two cities --- I will definitely defend your right to dream that big as well. (smile)
.
Go for it man!
.
* "Head" and "Max" brought to mind a fairly old Coke ad campaign that spawned a bit of a cultural phenomenon --- at the time right up there with "Gimme a Bud Light" and "Where's the beef?" And though many here might find it before their time, I think more than a few here might remember.
.
So a touch of cultural trivia:
.
Which Canadian actor played Max Headroom? As in Max . . . Max . . . MaxMaxMaxHeadroom.
.
And which Canadian city did he come from?
.
And no, "Yes" and "No" answers just won't do. LOL

[TG77]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPZKfBubPTs&feature=fvsr - Vinay, you likely already know these guys but Monsters of Folk are fantastic and the album is great in general. Jim James from MMJ is in it. If you have a chance, check out there taping of Austin City Limits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weei4wtsbP8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYVssLSrESk - my favourite off the album, His Master's Voice

@ Katherine - I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I hope in exchange for your willingness to share your sweet sentiments about you and your father's love for the Leafs, that we are able to provide some support in some way.

VM Replies: I will have a listen for sure. Thanks.
Are you familiar with the Internet station, Paradise Radio? My guess is you are. But if not, you would love it.

[Sensi-Bill]

Was up most of the night, reading blog replies, baking and getting caught up on some of my "terrible taste" in TV viewing, so I need another nap. (g)
.
Gotta rest up for the Baby Bingo Sens vs the Ovie-less Caps tonight.

[TG77]

@ Bill, it was Matt Frewer (spelling?) I think.

[Geoff Read]

@ Moe - we are brothers in... I'm not sure what. But we're brothers. The Man is trying to keep us down my friend.

For posterity: I miss Eddie Belfour, and I won't say where I picture him these days or what I picture him doing. But hockey's always had a rich tradition of Eddie Belfour types.

VM Replies: This is true. As is the rich tradition of libel suits against newspapers.

[Geoff Read]

Oh Vinay, you can rationalize it all you want with your fancy talk of lawsuits, dismissals, libel and slander, but the bottom line is you have crossed over to the dark side - you are now an oppressor rather than one of the oppressed, silencing the voice of the people. But we will not be deterred, sir, we will meet your aggression with a quiet, unyielding anger.

Vinay, Vinay, Vinay - how did it come to this?

VM Replies: I think Boston's merciless destruction of your team last night has wreaked havoc on your senses today.

[Boo Who?]

@ Katherine - I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
All my love to you and yours.
And to those here dealing with similar sadness - my thoughts go out to you as well.

[Boo Who?]

Oh man, what the heck did Geoff try and post!? He mussa done lost his mind from all the pwnage. Watching your favourite team get their a$$es handed to them will do that to you. (Yes, we Leafs fans would know.)

Komi is 6'4? Might make it more difficult for the DVAS to take him down, given that we're all hovering around the 5 foot mark. I'm probably the littlest kitty at 5'2, so I'll need to climb him like a curtain. (Rawr.)
That hit was clean by the way.

[Boo Who?]

I'll join the chorus of voices who feel there's something 'different' about Reimer. Have never said that about any other goalie in recent history. But that little smuther-futher is shaping up nicely. I know a Jedi Knight when I see one, the Force is strong with this one, etc. etc. blahblahI'manerd.

[Rooney]

@Katherine - I am sorry to hear about your father's passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time. My very deepest sympathy to you and your family.

[TimB]

@Katherine.Let me say playing the Hockey Night In Canada theme at your dad's funeral is the coolest thing I have heard in a long time.

[Vinay Menon]

This is what Colorado coach Joe Sacco had to say about the Komisarek hit:

"From what I saw, it looked like it was a good hit. Obviously, you have to have ice awareness, when the puck's coming through the middle. He's a smaller guy, remember too, and losing him didn't help because he's been playing very well for us."

From today's Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_17692051?source=commented-

[Robert]

@Katherine: Thank you for sharing your father experience with us - it says a lot about this site that you could do so, and I am sure others appreciate it as much as I do.
This Leaf Nation is widely versed - passionate and caring.

[TG77]

Go Tampa, Go Vancouver, Go Florida and Go Pittsburgh. And I guess Go Ottawa? Oh wait, Bill himself wants them to lose to secure a better draft pick so Go Caps.

[Wandering Penguin]

@Vinay: did you perhaps mean Radio Paradise and not the other way around? If so...outstanding recommendation. Yet another reason I'm thrilled I found my way onto your little site. I must add: I don't think it's a coincidence that they were playing a song by "The Wailin' Jennys" when I first turned it on!

As a long-time supporter of Satellite Radio (in particular Little Steven's Underground Garage) I am very impressed with the playlist on this little gem of a "station".

And if it turns out you meant "Paradise Radio", well...I'll have to look a little harder, I guess.

VM Replies: Yes, sorry. Radio Paradise, not the other way around. The only downside to this great station is that I can't listen for more than an hour without getting tempted to buy something from iTunes.

[wcdixon]

It was as messy as a Hobo With A Shotgun.

VM Replies: Oh, man. You see, this is why you're the big-shot screenwriter.

[Geoff Read]

So it's election-time in Canada again. It's beginning to seem like an annual occurrence, as regular as the Leafs missing the playoffs.

I suggest the following hockey issues quiz we should all ask our local candidates:

1. Which NHL team do you cheer for?

a) The Montreal Canadiens
b) The Toronto Maple Leafs
c) Other

2. Did Zdeno Chara deserve to be suspended for his hit on Max Pacioretty?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Yes, and he should be charged criminally.
d) No, and those Montreal conspirators faked the whole thing.

3. Should Ron Wilson be retained as coach of the Maple Leafs in 2011-2?

a) Yes
b) No
c) I don't know who Ron Wilson is.

4. Is James Reimer the second coming?

a) Yes
b) No
c) No, Carey Price is.
d) That's blasphemous.

5. If Chris Chelios went into the corner with Stephen Harper, what would happen?

a) Harper would cream Chelios and make a nice outlet pass to John Baird.
b) Michael Ignatieff would blow the play dead because proper procedures hadn't been followed.
c) Chelios would knock Harper unconscious with an elbow and Don Cherry would reassure everyone it was a "good hockey play".
d) Chelios and Harper would drop the gloves and Jack Layton would pile on Harper as the third man in.

6. Which Canadian city should the Phoenix Coyotes move to?

a) Quebec City
b) Winnipeg
c) Hamilton
d) Whatever'll get me more votes.

[TimB]

Don't worry about the teams behind us.Don't worry period.Those vibes will transfer to the bastards.This is no place for a nervous person! Concentrate on the Sabres and Hurricanes.I'm seeing a HUGE game coming up on Tuesday.
GO LEAFS GO!!! (Panthers,Lightning...Panthers,Lightning..)

[Geoff Read]

Darn it, I just thought of a good addition to my options for the Chelios/Harper question:

e) Chelios and Harper would drop the gloves and Gilles Duceppe would separate them.

[Wandering Penguin]

"VM Replies: ...The only downside to this great station is that I can't listen for more than an hour without getting tempted to buy something from iTunes."

Oh, man. I feel your pain. I'm not even AT an hour yet...

[TimB]

I'll have to check with Sue to see if it would be appropriate to take out my pompoms for the games tonight.The "last channel" button gets a workout on the remote tonight.

[moe green]

You know, it does sound unlikely to the max, but could Toronto catch Montreal or the Rangers? We're seven behind the Rangers and nine behind Montreal. Unlike Buffalo and Carolina, they have no games in hand. The Rangers have been great but Montreal is struggling. If Montreal loses six of their last seven and the Leafs win all of their remaining seven including the last game of the season versus the Habs? You do the math. Habs face: Washington, Atlanta, Carolina, New Jersey, Chicago, Ottawa and Toronto. Rangers face: Boston (twice), Buffalo, Islanders, Philadelphia, Atlanta and New Jersey. Interesting. It's all about the Leafs winning their last seven straight. What a hot streak on which to enter the playoffs!

[Geoff Read]

@ Moe - it seems unlikely, but then, if Montreal plays anything like they played last night, it could happen.

[maxwelledison]

Back @ Sensi-Bill

Think I'll just borrow LMAO from my youngest!
Good one, Sensi-Bill!

... On SIW's - Research head shots:
What? You never heard... hammered by Labatts? Or, the Labatt Blues?
Not something I made up. Yet, found out real-quick, way back when.

Speaking of Peabody and Sherman:

I Sensi-Bill, am a certifiable 2Mac guy.
Still have/use original Performa, from mid-nineties (neither Mac on Net)

PC means Primed to Corrupt.
Hmm. Maybe that's why I can drop-kick the Dell twenty feet.

[Boo Who?]

Ooooooh, new radio station thingys?? Thank you!! Streaming interwebs radio is blocked at work, so I end up listening to Radio 2 most days. Or stuff on my phone. Hold on, I'm going to take a page out of Mr. Hinrichs book here - I love you, @phone! You make me oh so happy, and whenever I'm near you there are fluffy bunnies and fuzzy duckies and kittens and rainbows all around!
(Except when you report bad news about the Leafs - then I'm tempted to throw you against a wall - but I would never!! You're my precious little schmoopsie-whoopsiekins! Kissy-kissy!)

[Rooney]

@Moe, that's the thinking, never say never, forget the stats and probabilities, Habs may have worn out Price and may never score again....GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! NO HABS NO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! LOSE SABRES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! LOSE CANES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!

[Boo Who?]

@ Geoff - I was going to answer your little quiz until I saw this: "It's beginning to seem like an annual occurrence, as regular as the Leafs missing the playoffs."
Hmmph. Nevermind.
Also, noticed your little survey has only six questions? Thought for sure you'd know how to count higher than that, after last night. *rimshot*
But overall, y'know, for a Habs fan, I feel surprisingly non-violent towards you. Don't let it go to your head.

[TimB]

@Rooney.Love the subliminal messages in your GO LEAFS GO!!!

[Boo Who?]

@ Rooney - You never fail to make my freaking day.

Here, take my pompoms, you've earned them.

[Geoff Read]

@ Miss Boo,

One little joke about the Leafs put you off the whole quiz?

I thought about doing more questions, but I thought people would start to find it tedious, and I'm trying to do some work! I would encourage others to add their own questions though.

[TimB]

Ooh, I feel a breeze,
Ooh, it's in my knees.
Ooh, it's in my hips.
Ooh, it's in my lips.
Bang, bang, choo, choo train,
C'mon Leafs do your thang.
No Reeses pieces, buttercups,
Mess with us, we'll mess you up!

[Boo Who?]

@ Geoff - I'm an uncompromising little wench, what can I say?

[Robert]

I just reread the Cox thingey. Forget him.
As Dorothy said, 'I'm off to see the wizard' and I don't have to go that far.
Vinnie, my man, you are the absolute leader! This blog and the folks you have lured here, makes you the 'Pied Piper of Leaf Land'! What a delightful way to follow our collective passion - to share the delights of a win, and mourn the losses together. To be able to do our own biopsy of the players, argue with intellect and occasionally a little grit with each other and still come out winners!
For folks like Katherine to feel free to share her sorrows with us - and each of us to reflect on our own fathers. Mine took me to my first Leaf game when I was seven.
With all of this energy, faith and fortitude, look out Detroit.
When win there and its lights out!
Go you crazy young colts go!

[Rooney]

@BOO, I tried to make pompoms but it looks more like a salute to the haters...

GO
LEAFS
GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! LOSE SABRES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! LOSE CANES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!
GO LEAFS GO!!! NO HABS NO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! LEAFS!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!!
LEAFS
GO

[Someone with more talent and time than I could probably do this in the form of a Maple Leaf, that would be cool!]

[Judith Fitzgerald]

Katherine, that really up-woke yours truly, truly sorry, hope you 'n' yours take strength and comfort that complete strangers you don't know who know you pray you find your way through this one. It ain't easy. Sorry :(.

Statistics are the leading cause of statistics. We all know that, now. Look no further than Heart-Attack Halak last playoffs, how he stood on his head and made game plays miraculous and magnif. Anything can happen. Just go with it because Reimbo does have that "something else" I ain't saw since Dryden or Sawchuk. Not the same "something else"; but, that "something else" truly lives within him. 'Nuff bled :). Loved the quiz. So much so delicious upon which to snack among the commentariat. Over in IOW, we call 'em the Commentarians. Same diff :).

Cannae believe MY HABS. Butch 'n' got to talkin' and he agreed with me that this push by YOUR LEAFS ought not be happenin' . . . Nobody banked on it (literally, I mean).

We wonder if the Canucks will sip from The Cup? And, we wonder if that perimeter deal carries over into the next leader's party? Gonna be hard to compete with The Game, eh? Hrmm . . .

GO HABS GO!!1!™

[TG77]

Judith - you are the Jack Kerouac of our blog and I find your posts entertaining, dizzying and oftentimes hilarious. Nice how you trademarked the "1" in your Go Habs Go. I think I just had a violent gag reflex just from typing those words, but nonetheless, you are a great addition to here.

[TG77]

Wow, 1-1 4 minutes into the panthers - sabres tilt. Come on Panthers!!

VM Replies: It's looking pretty crazy so far. Two goals on four shots.

[TG77]

Tampa is up 1-0 and Pitts is up on the Devils. I love the fact that Leafs fans get to scoreboard watch this late. Last year was demoralizing! They were practically eliminated in November.

[enJoy hockey]

Sincere condolences to Katherine and thanks for calling up some personal memories. In the future, your own memories will be enriched by your shared interest with your father.

@VM: What was that you said to your editor? NOOOO!!!! We need you. You are the bleeding blue heart of this blog. Mind you, it is extremely entertaining and educational to read all the other comments, too --mostly. (wg)

VM Replies: Good evening, enJoy. Oh, and just realized I never thanked you for contribution to "no regrets." Thank you!
Keep the hexes on maximum for next two hours.

@Boo: What was that smuther word I saw briefly? Smother is what Reimer does at all the right times.

GO LEAFS GO!!! and all the other cheers (hexes).

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - I just want to echo enJoy's belief that this place ain't nuthin without you. I probably should say it more often. But I don't, because I'm insensitive.

I called him a 'smuther-futher' because I felt the word 'mothersmurfer' was likely to earn me my first real censoring.

GO LEAFS GO!!1!

[Boo Who?]

Oh and @ Rooney - pompoms or no pompoms, that was still awesome!!

[TimB]

Friggln' Miller!

[TimB]

Guess everyone has deserted me.Well,third period time.

[80s Leafs]

Arggh! The Sabrays are about to pull ahead by 5 pts again. Tampa not doing the Leafs any favours against Sweet Carolina thus far tonight either.

[Gerhard]

Back to 5 points behind and the Sabres still have a game in hand. Sounds a lot worse than "three points and we're in." Probability has been stacked against the Leafs and still is. They can't afford to drop a point over the 7 games while the Sabres need 10 points in 8 games to make even a 10 game Leafs winning streak not enough. The really sad part is how many people are claiming Reimer is going to be a super-star goalie based upon his great work this season. How many goalies have had a great start and then faded away? Some of them even won trophies yet were never as good again. We simply do not know if Reimer is going to make it or not at this stage: think of how many people predicted great things this season from Bozak because of his good run last year. Playing goal in the NHL is one of the toughest positions in sports. Opponents analyze the minutiae of every move you make and very few keep ahead of the curve over the long run.

[Sensi-Bill]

@TG77
.
"Bill it was Matt Frewer (spelling?) I think."
.
Yes, TG, your spelling is correct, as is your answer.
.
He's been around a long time doing a lot of voice work as well as appearing in a wide range of movies from Honey I Shrunk The Kids to Watchmen.
.
I'd always understood him to be a local boy, but a quick check of Wikipedia reveals he was born in Washington DC --- I assume while his Royal Canadian Navy dad was stationed there --- and raised in Peterborough, Ontario.
.
Wikedia did note that with his dual citizenship, he and his wife divide their time between Malibu and the Gatineau Hills in Quebec. The latter, of course, is just 20 minutes from me, across the river from Ottawa, so I suspect there is still some sort of local connection.
.
He was brought back to mind when I recently caught the 2009 movie Washu Warrior on TV.

[Sensi-Bill]

Le Quiz
.
1. Which NHL team do you cheer for?
......c) Other --- namely "Your Ottawa SENATORS!!!"
.
2. Did Zdeno Chara deserve to be suspended for his hit on Max Pacioretty?
......e) No. He didn't see the stanchion. Those Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em producers/conspirators stole his
..........contact lenses.
.
3. Should Ron Wilson be retained as coach of the Maple Leafs in 2011-2?
......a) Yes
......Oops, No. (I misread the question. I thought it said should Ron Wilson be retrained.)
.
4. Is James Reimer the second coming?
......e) In the NHL? No. More like the 132nd.
.
5. If Chris Chelios went into the corner with Stephen Harper, what would happen?
......e) Harper should remind him that his government, despite the continuing decline in crime rates,
..........is planning to waste millions of tax dollars building new prisons for the expected surge in prisoners
..........due to his government's crackdown, including automatic and stiffer sentences, on EVERYTHING,
..........including clean body checks against the boards ("assault").
.
6. Which Canadian city should the Phoenix Coyotes move to?
......e) All of the above, or, Mississauga.

[moe green]

Sorry for your loss Katherine. I can truly sympathize.

[Princess Mononoke]

@Katherine: sending you my warmest condolences. What a wonderful testament to the relationship you shared do these memories capture!

@all (xcept my co-conspirator Geoff and my classy supporter and Sens fan Bill): all is yet still possible for the Leafs, though I highly doubt they can overtake the Habs or Rangers. They CAN squeak into 8th, and that's really all that matters, as the Habs showed last year...once you're in, even by a point, you can go far!
The advantage of squeaking in this way is that the guys will have been playing very intense, playoff-style hockey for weeks, and will already be in that competitive, do-or-die mindset once the playoffs start, and that gives them an edge.

As for myself, after having terrible visions of a 6-foot-9 goat-faced monster crushing the life out of those I love, I am back in the land of the somewhat normal.