Game 77: The Leafs call another time-out on reality
What a wild night.
It's a good thing there are only five games remaining. I don't know what to write anymore. So maybe it's best if I just cut-and-paste a few sentences from recent weeks that, once again, seem applicable.
"This young team is hitting its stride." "The Leafs refuse to quit." "This could go down to the wire." "If the dream is dead, someone forgot to tell them." "Who knows what tomorrow may bring."
That's about it, really. Who the hell knows?
In the real world, the odds remain bleak. But these guys no longer inhabit the real world. They left the real world in January. They are now living on a remote island in a parallel universe where odds and numbers and standings are a mirage.
They are immune to reality. And as such, we are on the outside looking in, forced to make sense of this surreal push and endless loop of stirring, near-death victories.
Last night, just as 17 nights before, they beat Buffalo by a 4-3 score.
The surreal spectacle started at 1:34 of the first when Dion Phaneuf barreled down the left side and unleashed a howitzer from the blueline that made Ryan Miller look like Dennis Miller on sleeping pills.
It's possible the Buffalo goaltender – NHL player of the week and long-time haunter of Toronto dreams – simply forgot the month. I mean, if it was December, his frozen reaction to a Phaneuf wind-up would make sense.
In December, that shot does not catch the far corner, as it did last night. In December, that shot does not even catch the far boards. Instead, it explodes off the captain’s stick and forces spectators in the upper bowl to throw popcorn in the air as they run for cover.
But it's not December. It's March and everything about this team is different. The focus, the determination, the resilience, it's all different. The surreal late-season push is different. The atmosphere inside the ACC is different.
When James Reimer, a religious fellow who does not even swear, begins embellishing contact to draw a penalty, you just know it's all different now.
In December, Nazem Kadri looked like a toddler lost at the mall. In March, he has found his game. He was a force to be reckoned with for two periods, blazing around the ice, carrying the puck with poise and verve.
The second goal, banged in by Darryl Boyce at 18:46 of the first, came after Kadri literally willed his way to the net. The third goal, scored by Clarke MacArthur, came after Kadri made a beautiful cross-ice pass, his weapon of choice during this second tour of duty.
In December, the Leafs would’ve been demoralized by Buffalo’s first goal, which came with 12 seconds left in the opening period. They would’ve collapsed after surrendering two goals in 30 seconds, which allowed the Sabres to knot the game 3-3 in the second.
But it’s March and these guys are in their own deranged universe.
After Mikhail Grabovski corralled a dazzling pass from Phil Kessel and snapped the puck in to restore the lead, the stage was set for another wild finish.
Has anybody checked on Joe Bowen this morning? Should we send over a cup of tea with honey? Does he have laryngitis? My God, as the clock ticked down and Buffalo pressed – creating several harrowing moments – how Bowen did not spit out his tongue and vocal cords is a mystery.
You know something? We were all Joe Bowen last night.
We were reduced to the same guttural sounds – "Gaah!" "Eeya!” "Ooowee!" We were speaking gibberish. We were hoarse with delirium. We were barking repetitive exclamations at the TV – "Kill this penalty! Kill it!" "Stop that shot, Reims! Stop it!" "Clear the puck! Clear it!"
When the final buzzer sounded, I was shocked to find myself in the exact same position as Reimer, with a couple of minor differences. He was kneeling on the ice, looking up and smiling. I was kneeling on the floor, looking at my chest and begging my heart to restart.
So it's Boston tomorrow. Brace yourself for another wild night.
No matter what happens over the next five games, you really have to admire these guys for doing all those things I mentioned in the third paragraph.
Grim reality is rarely this much fun to watch.
MAIN PHOTO: RENE JOHNSTON/TORONTO STAR
Hey Vinay,
When I first found your blog I had all kinds of stuff to say about what I wasn't seeing on the ice from our beloved magnificent bastards. I love hockey. I love the Leafs. And I want to see a Stanley Cup parade in this city while I am young enough to do what I plan to do if the Leafs ever win a Cup... not telling.
Anyway, in the beginning I was browsing newspapers and listening to Watters and other media wags declaring that this team was simply not good enough (Watter's words) to be an NHL team. It was truly disgusting that fans and media would throw their team under the bus the way they accuse Ron Wilson of throwing young players under the bus. Commentary early in this season proved to me that given his job a lot of those crybabies would do the same or worse than Ron Wilson, so loud, so harsh, so judgemental was the commentary. And the team wasn't winning or playing well so I could not refute what people were saying about the team.
I have been somewhat speechless for the final quarter of this season as they manhandled virtually every opponent they have come accross. They have survived the loss of their defensive quarterback. They survived the Beauchemin experiment. They survived the return of Versteeg and risen above if not totally rejected the underwhelming services of one J.S.Giggy. They have not blinked even though they are missing that number one center and a mobile puck moving defenceman. They shrugged off repeated and extended slumps by their sniper and still hey are rolling. It has been breathtaking in a word and perhaps that's where our words have gone.
Personally I am no longer worried. I am content to sacrifice a playoff appearance this year without uttering a word about it because I believe this team has turned a corner in their development. Up until now we have been living the pain that precedes gain and though I can not predict the future I think these Leaf kids are all right. Greatness? I don't know. Depends: Do they spend the summer patting themselves on the back or do they bear down and aim for their best season yet? Will they come out flat between October and January or have they finally learned that every game counts? Will this be a team that next year looks for favours from its competitors to make the playoffs or will they take hold of each game the way we've seen them do so many times in this last quarter season? These are the questions that really perplex me and I have no answers.
I am excited to be a Leaf fan right now (The possibilities... imagine the possibilities...) but I, like you, can't find too much to say about it at the moment. I'm waiting with baited breath for the start of the new season, be that playoffs this year or regular play next year.
Go Leafs Go!!! You magnificent confusing confounding bastards!!!
p.s. Are you still going to be here over the summer or we just gonna hold our breath til the fall. This summer without hockey is just gonna suck!! Peace.
VM Replies: Good evening, Charlee001. Another great comment from you. "Time will tell," as a Leafs fan in Los Angeles often tags her emails.
Not sure yet about the summer. But when news happens, we can definitely reconvene to discuss.
Posted by: Charlee001 | 03/30/2011 at 06:54 PM
@ Boo Who
LOL! UR the best!
But actually, I think it was a scramble- if memory serves- at the net in the 3rd.
Seemed to me a shoulder/collarbone issue, when he finally got up.
Reality is -from any NHL coach now- they are now...uhh... tight-lipped.
But who's to say?
... I'm going with your Gilmore scenario!
Posted by: maxwelledison | 03/30/2011 at 06:59 PM
@WanderingPenguin, Robert & BooWho - thanks for the backup.
@Robert re: Kessel. Couldn't agree more - he's more 5'10", 185 than anything. I think his chubby face throws people off.
Posted by: A Leaf Fan in Lotusland | 03/30/2011 at 07:02 PM
wandering penguin.........not quite. The comment was about the Kardashians. Not about the Leafs.
VM Replies: You know I think you're bloody hilarious, as I've said before. But a joke about plane crashes (fantasy or otherwise) is a no-go. (Especially in light of the past 24 hours.)
Posted by: nugentmania | 03/30/2011 at 07:09 PM
LOL @ "bobbletants". That one made me literally guffaw, sarkozy. :D
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/30/2011 at 07:20 PM
@ Motor City Madman: sorry. My bad. I hadn't seen you before (mostly 'cause I've not been here all that long) and just thought...you know...
Carry on!
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/30/2011 at 07:22 PM
@maxwelledison - I could have sworn I saw Phaneuf drop him like a fly? Ah well, the 3rd period IS kind of a blur...
Picturing Phaneuf as Happy Gilmore kinda makes my day. Who'd be his Shooter McGavin? Or his Chubbs? I've already mentally cast Chara as the giant chasing Shooter off the golf course.
And finally:
"My fingers hurt."
"Well now your back's gonna hurt, because you just pulled landscaping duty."
I also have a a tendency to offer people a "warm glass of shut the hell up".
God I love that movie.
Yes, I am 12.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/30/2011 at 07:34 PM
Sarko and Penguin, sittin' in a tree...
(Hee hee, hee hee, hee hee hee.)
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/30/2011 at 07:36 PM
so I just read the story on Reimer believing that he could be the #1 goalie in TO next season. It says that the only thing that has changed about him is that he's added the "Optimus Reim" logo to his mask. Can we make serious claim to this name; that it started here on this blog?!?!?
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/30/2011 at 08:49 PM
I've been trying to come up with lines 3 and 4 for Boo's song...but it's just not happening. "First come the Leafs, Oilers and Flames...."
Yeah, I got nothin'.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/30/2011 at 10:31 PM
It's starting to look like the Wings should have just let us win the damn game on Saturday if we promised to not sit on their #1 goalie. What a crushing tonight by the Blues. And we knocked Miller out the very next game...but his replacement throws a bunch of zeroes up there. *sigh*
I still haven't completely given up hope of catching the Habs. That would be a collapse of Philliesian proportions.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/30/2011 at 10:52 PM
Fat lady was heard practicing her scales and the embalmer has entered the room ready for work.
Posted by: johnnyk | 03/31/2011 at 12:38 AM
Well, surprise, surprise, another round of attack the messenger and, for the most part, ignore the points raised.
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Fine.
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Tells me all I need to know right there.
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Time to go smiley, don't-make-waves visitor again.
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And because I like and respect YOU Boo --- and happen to think you have more real balls than certain would-be macho types here --- I will take YOUR advice and just let it go.
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I'll even throw in another NON-Leafs-fan GO LEAFS, GO! --- a cheer that gets rescinded by Saturday for obvious reasons. (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 01:36 AM
@TimB, Robert, Hoof and the rest of the Board of Bluenosers
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"Bill,Bill,Bill.Of course I will have to consult with Robert,Hoof and the rest of the Board of Bluenosers,but you may be dangerously close to having our kind invitation to you rescinded. [Posted by: TimB | 03/30/2011 at 05:13 PM]
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I really did appreciate the invite. My wife even started thinking of sending me down East on my own by train, if she couldn't get the time off work.
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Here of course, I thought I was raising some interesting points that might have made for some interesting discussions. But people seemed to take them as personal attacks or insults and attacked me rather than the issues I was trying to raise.
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Fine, I get the message. No saying anything that a Leafs fan might not like to hear. (Just like The Star not publishing anything a Leafs fan might not like to read.)
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But IF in raising issues apparently too unpleasant for Leafs fans to hear, let alone deal with, I have sinned so severely that the invitation is rescinded, then so be it. That is your prerogative.
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I would be disappointed of course --- even though there is no guarantee I would have been able to accept and act upon it. But I guess one bit of silver lining is that I then wouldn't have to risk being physically assaulted by someone I still like, and respect, Robert.
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"Geoff: You are crossing the line when you take shots at OUR Vinnie. Mind your freakin' manners, or I'm coming down to Upper Canada and giving you a cuff upside the ear!"
Posted by: Robert | 03/30/2011 at 04:02 PM
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First off, I saw some joking about alternate blogs but, even in my over-sensitive state, didn't interpret that as someone taking shots at Vinay, who, by the way, I think can take very good care of himself. "OUR Vinnie"? Since when did Vinay become the property of only certain people here?
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Anyway, I chuckled. I guess we outsiders --- Geoff and I --- are the natural targets for physical threats here. Who's next? Princess Mononoke? (g)
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Anyway, the team-I-cannot-name may seem to lack some truculence on the ice but not some of their fans here off the ice. LOL
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p.s. Sorry Boo but the original was addressed to me and on a personal manner, so I replied. I will still try to let everything go --- or as much as I can. However, I can't apologize for standing up for myself, nor can I promise to never do so in the future.
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But I do have the tailor working on a suit made of the finest, imported Thick-R-Skin.
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*smile*
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 02:13 AM
I recently saw a couple of Tweets outlining a scenario showing how the Leafs might make it to Saturday night without being mathematically eliminated.
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The point was that this would raise the possibility of the Ottawa Senators being the ones to officially eliminate the Leafs from the playoffs this season.
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Frankly, in a number of ways, for a number of reasons, I've been kinda hoping it wouldn't come down to that. But if it does, well a fan has to do what a fans has to do, and I WILL be cheering for my team. (Even if a win might hurt us in the draft lottery.)
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Still, I cordially invite any and all Leafs fans to come on up and watch their team in action in the friendly confines of Scotiabank Place.
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Unfortunately, for fiscal reasons, primarily, I would not be able to join you there. We've just had to buy a brand new vehicle, so we are trying to economize.
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And it costs more to go see the game when the Leafs come to town.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 03:20 AM
In the picture, I think Keith Acton is wondering why Coach Wilson is calling a time out during the national anthem.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 03:27 AM
Am I allowed to say I love some of the rules that are made around here? (g)
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"If you don't have a familial or geographic connection to Montreal/New York/ Boston... you lack the ability to claim fanhood when the team is good."
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 03:30 AM
Before I sign off for the night --- I just LOVE insomnia --- I did want to give a shout out and a "Keep well" to my compatriots in the Cardiac Kids Club.
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*smile*
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And to my friend TimB --- whom I sometimes aggravate but hopefully never truly stress out --- good luck on your stress test bud.
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And you know I know how stressful that test can be. And you, and the others, should know that I mean it from my own battered and bruised heart when I say "Take care."
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Said with respect and affection that goes far beyond the minor tiffs. *warm smile*
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 03:38 AM
SENSI-Bill, although your tendency is to write posts of epic proportions, I come on here this morning to catch up and what do I read from you?
"In the picture, I think Keith Acton is wondering why Coach Wilson is calling a time out during the national anthem"
Now I have to explain to my wife what could be so funny at 6:15 in the blessed A.M.
As for you attending the 1st Annual Maritime ALFB conference, I would be royally pissed if you didn't accept although I understand that attending may be an entirely different matter. After all, if we didn't have a Sens fan around to pick on, what would we do for entertainment?
VM Replies: Top of the morning to you, hoofheartz. Bill's crack about the anthem timeout also made me spit coffee on my jeans at this ungodly hour.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 06:23 AM
Oh man.I watched the Rangers pour the pressure on at the end of the game last night.Who is this Enroth character?
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 08:05 AM
Sensi-Bill - I think you already know this but - by OUR Vinnie - I mean the man who publishes this blog. Would you not assume that would be everyone's - open to all who write in? However; the point is, Vinnie is busting his ass to do this. It is without question the best thing on the Leafs in years. He should not have to defend himself against nitpickers - whatever their tribe. (Habs, Sens, Flames etc)
Why would anyone want to take a shot at Vinnie? What has he done except, to repeat myself, given us all a play pen.
BTW if it is up to me, you and your intellect will always be welcome at a maritime soiree.
Posted by: Robert | 03/31/2011 at 08:09 AM
Sorry: Bill, I too love the line 'Wilson calling time out during the national anthem'
not only is it very clever, it could also be true!
Posted by: Robert | 03/31/2011 at 08:11 AM
Yikes Bill, I like your strategy: wait to post until everyone else has gone to bed so nobody will post a rebuttal. Ha haa! I see however, that you didn't address any responses to your question about Joe Bowen. Can you really not see the difference?!? I fear I may have shook the bee-hive in asking you your thoughts, but I may have to wait until 3am again, for a response ;)
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/31/2011 at 08:25 AM
A link in case anyone might need it:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/let+it+go
Also, a fave of mine from 1984:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK3L6ccMQ4U
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 08:43 AM
1st Annual Maritime ALFB Conference
If it's happening near the South Shore of NS in July post it in CAPS ( early morning eyesight). Actually post it in caps if at anytime.
And if a Toronto chapter is meeting at the Detroit Eatery I'll be there in Blue and White to join the crowd waving the TML flag at the front door.
Posted by: leafland'r | 03/31/2011 at 08:47 AM
@leafland'r . You are a summer Nova Scotian?
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 08:52 AM
Excellent Leafland'r (sorry to take literary license and capitalize your name, but I believe all things Leafs should be capitalized). I'm starting to get pumped about this Maritime Conference. VM, TimB, Robert (and any others), how does July sound?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 08:57 AM
Thank you Hoof, thank you Robert.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 09:00 AM
Bill,seems you have dodged a bullet for now.Just remember,we have eyes everywhere.Thanks for your well wishes on my test.
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 09:07 AM
Just wondering if by saying "1st Annual Maritime ALFB Conference", are we leaving out Newfies who would care to be included? Maybe "1st Annual Atlantic ALFB Conference"?
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 09:14 AM
@TimB...summer Nova Scotian? I'm not sure if a similiar title is embraced by many. But, my wife was born and raised in NS, so we owned a 'summer' house in Blue Rocks for a while. After it's sell we now make the annual trip "home" to a selected oasis along the coast from Ship Harbour to Shelburne.
Posted by: leafland'r | 03/31/2011 at 09:14 AM
@hoofheartz....In appreciating your statement about capitalizing the name I would change the 'l', but my anxiety lies with the Star who didn't allow me access to commenting when I altered a name before during pre-ALFB days.
Now, I wouldn't want to be set adrift into Leaf Never-Never-Land.
Posted by: leafland'r | 03/31/2011 at 09:26 AM
GO LEAFS GO! I am in my seat already! Where is everyone?
I know it's early but I am psyched!
Posted by: Sue | 03/31/2011 at 09:26 AM
TimB - as far as I'm concerned if all of Leafs Nation (minus 1) wants to attend thats cool. Of course most non-members of Leafs Nation are also welcome.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 09:32 AM
@leafland'r . Then your wife is welcome and you are not.We came very close to buying a place on Long Island.After the last winter,I'm glad it fell through.
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 09:35 AM
Leafland'r, I've had a similar experience with the Star. Apparently someone doesn't like my comments to Cox so I have to be very careful when responding to his drivel. Now I very rarely even bother to read his junk.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 09:36 AM
Hi Sue. Gotta go to work for awhile,but I'll be back. GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 09:36 AM
Hoof
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July sounds good.
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Even though I can't guarantee anything on my part.
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As is, I have trouble committing to plans on a weekend and all trips are written in pencil.
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Still, one way or another, I'll be there physically or in spirit.
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Unless I DO get excommunicated at some point. (g) (I'll try not to.)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 09:38 AM
Morning Sue.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 09:39 AM
Born in Montreal (gasp) lived in Toronto since I was 5 (with Hab-loving parents double gasp) but will end up in Nova Scotia, of this I am sure. Everyone in my family seems to move out to the 'Times at some point and nobody is really sure why, exactly. Must be something in our blood. I can already feel the pull and my lovely better half and I have been talking over the logistics of a move to Halifax for a couple of years.
If you hold the "Atlantic ALFB Conference" this summer and open it up to us Ontarians, I may come...and never leave. Forewarned is forearmed.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 09:41 AM
Oh oh oh oh I almost forgot:
GO LEAFS GO!!!!
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 09:42 AM
@gettingcozywithsarkozy
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"Yikes Bill, I like your strategy: wait to post until everyone else has gone to bed so nobody will post a rebuttal. Ha haa! I see however, that you didn't address any responses to your question about Joe Bowen. Can you really not see the difference?!? I fear I may have shook the bee-hive in asking you your thoughts, but I may have to wait until 3am again, for a response ;)"
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Now if I was still "oversensitive," I might think you were making fun of health issues --- not just the insomnia --- which, as I've explained in the past, often cause me to be involuntarily awake in the middle of the night and thus choose that time for posting.
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But I'll accept it as a joke --- ;) --- while noting that rather than trying to avoid rebuttal, I've always regretted the lack of on-issue rebuttal when I USED to --- until quite recently --- invite discussion.
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I realize that might seem at odds with not acknowledging the responses to my comments on different standards in broadcasters, which included Joe Bowen as an example. (I also ignored Matt Taylor's response in regard to the Star story.)
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The reason? As I promised Boo, I was trying to let it all go.
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/let+it+go)
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I know I made a couple of exceptions but believe I noted why in my posts.
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But, to save you having to wait up to the wee hours, I will now belatedly respond to the rebuttals regarding Bowen.
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I can see the difference as outlined, BUT of all the other announcers I have heard --- and no, that doesn't include the Wild announcers --- their homerism hasn't been as blatant AND they too offer their insight and analysis, as well as being critical of the home team when deserved.
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So to me, there is no major difference in how each each operates. To me, the big difference is how it seems one is heavily praised and the rest heavily criticized, with the ties to the Leafs, rather than significant differences in style, being the decisive factor.
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THAT was my point. Care to offer an opinion on THAT aspect? :-)
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And I DO ask that with curiosity and a true lack of malice.
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Sorry, again Boo, and others. Again I was asked to respond.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 09:44 AM
Some strange discussions here this morning.
I want to return to the Pacioretty thing briefly (I know, I know, but hear me out). I thought of a good way to explain my logic about why Chara should have been suspend and I'd like to gauge people's reactions.
The NHL agreed, as we know, that Chara deserved a penalty for interference. The logic of many, including Mike Murphy it would seem, is that while it was a penalty for interference, it was not an attempt to injure etc. and therefore didn't deserve a penalty. (I actually would dispute this, but let's leave that aside)
The best analogy I can think of to explain my logic is this. If I'm speeding at 130 km/h on the highway and I get caught, I get a fine and lose some points. So there's a penalty but it's not huge - something equivalent to a 2 minute minor shall we say. On the other hand, if I'm speeding (breaking the rules) and because I'm speeding I cause an accident and someone gets killed, I'm charged with manslaughter. I had no intent to kill anyone, but through my reckless actions, someone was hurt. I don't get charged with murder because there's a lack of intent, but the punishment does increase because as I was breaking the rules someone was killed.
In other words, as Chara was breaking the rules, he injured someone rather seriously. The consequences should've been more than a game ejection, but not as much as if it could be proven he tried to injure Pacioretty. To me, 4-5 games would've been about right.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 09:51 AM
Robert.
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Perhaps you could explain to me the shot you believe Geoff took at Vinay. As I said, I saw the joking about an alternate blog, but I took that as a tribute to Vinay's own sense of humor rather than some kind of knock on him.
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As for the "OUR VInnie" comment, I guess I assumed that since it was aimed at a noted "outsider," it was a further attempt to exclude him.
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I will happily accept your explanation that it wasn't.
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And if I thought someone really WAS attacking Vinay, you know I would be right by your side as we all gathered together to have Vinay's back.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 09:54 AM
Wow, seems like the other teams (ahem, Habs) are not doing us any favours, are they?
Oh well, such is life. When was the last time that we were still mentioning the ‘p’ word this far into the season? While it is technically not over, things are looking grim for the Blue and White. However, I don’t think there is room for disappointment here. This has been one of the most exciting seasons I’ve ever witnessed. Back in November, all I was hoping for was an out of the lottery finish and suddenly here we are still uttering the damn “p” word with 5 games left. If this is a sign of things to come, I am excited. I am ordering my Optimus Reim shirt, buying a new Schenn Jersey, dusting off my car flag (where is it anyway?) and am waiting patiently for next season to start. By the way, parade route maps will be available sometime this summer. Shall we meet for a practice run sometime in August?
By the way, here is an interesting article on the first time the Leafs met Buffalo this season. It’s like a whole other team now.
http://www.640toronto.com/Blogs/EatSleepLeafs/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10220806
Posted by: Alecia | 03/31/2011 at 10:00 AM
Since my Keith Acton comment had such a positive effect, an encore . . .
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What are Dion and his embarrassed teammates thinking?
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"Does the doofus not realize we're already in a TV timeout?"
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 10:00 AM
I didn't think Boo was referring to the topic of Joe Bowen; more so the general topic of cheering for your team/vs hating on another. I guess, I would still have to disagree that Bowen doesn't display this "homerism" (geesh, I feel like this is going to open up a long discussion on the exact definition of that word). Bowen feins excitment even when the other team scores, and rarely does he take jabs at the other team sarcastically. I believe this is also true for the HNIC announcers also. While they obviously are known Leaf fans, they can tell both sides of the story on Saturday night. I will admitt, the sens announcers aren't as bad as some south of the border (i.e. Minnesota).
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I also don't think the praise of Joe Bowen is a result of me being such a huge Leaf fan, and thus, holding a bias. For example, I am also a big Penguins fan, but I will be the first to admit that their announcers are among the biggest homers in the league. They regularly defend plays by the penguins that are obvious penalties, make snide and sarcastic comments about the opposition, and fail to announce the play in the same upbeat manor when its the opposition that scores or is winning. I guess in conclusion, I have nothing with being a "cheerleader" for a team, more so with not being able to call a hockey game as it is.
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/31/2011 at 10:01 AM
In a recent issue of The Hockey News there was an editiorial by Jason Kay with which I took issue. He used the speeding and causing death analogy in what I thought was a backward way (ie, he didn't see how it applied to the Pacioretty hit while I did) and I wrote to him about it. If you will indulge me, here is his very thoughtful reply, verbatim:
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"Thanks for the thoughtful letter. Your point is well made, though I respectfully disagree.
"I don’t believe we can treat the NHL as a microcosm of our legal system. There is an element of consent when it comes to body contact in the NHL, provided it remains within acceptable guidelines. Players enter the league knowing they may suffer serious injuries at any moment — it comes with the territory. Unless we can prove the Chara hit was very clearly beyond those guidelines of acceptability and/or contained an element of malice, I don’t think it would have been just to suspend him. Don’t get me wrong — I’m all for far tougher penalties and suspensions for dangerous and malicious hits, I just don’t believe this was one of them. In my opinion, it was very much borderline — a play we see frequently without catastrophic results. If it happens anywhere else on the ice surface, it’s a minor penalty at worst, or quite possibly nothing.
"Let me give you a couple of examples where your logic may stumble.
"1) Player A is on a breakaway, is tripped by Player B, and falls head-first into the opposing goalie’s skate. Player A has his carotid artery severed and nearly bleeds to death on the ice. (Because I like happy endings, let’s say Player A missed the rest of the season, but plays again the following year). What penalty do you give to Player B? It was an illegal play that resulted in a near-death.
"2) Player C spins around to fire a slapshot and catches Player D in the eye on his follow-through. Player D’s career is ended when his eye can’t be saved. Player C, it could be argued, was acting recklessly with his stick, though not maliciously. Does he get a penalty or suspension?
"Now, I don’t believe I’m going to change your mind, or the scores of others who will disagree with me, but I think it’s an important discussion to have nonetheless. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts."
***********
Personally, I still believe Chara should have been suspended but this reply from Mr. Kay made an awful lot of sense once I wrapped my head around it. Just thought it would be a good time to pass it along.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 10:06 AM
@sarkozy - excellent post. I will repeat: I love Joe Bowen. He approaches every game with enthusiasm and if things are a little bit weird out there on the ice he really lets you know about it. And if the game is boring... well, he stops talking about it for a moment and injects levity into the proceedings. With 44 years' of experience in not even watching my team in the finals, I can really appreciate not only how tough it must be to maintain that enthusiasm, but also how much I really, really need to listen to someone like him while watching a franchise like this.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 10:10 AM
While I was typing that last comment I was listening to Radio Paradise. "The Spinning Jennies" were just on.
Heh heh. Heh. I'll never be able to see "Jennies" in the same way again.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 10:14 AM
Sad night last night for us Leaf fans. We are not getting the help we oh so desperately needed.
But we carry on and hope to finish as high as we can in the standings, AND, pray for some kind of Kessel feeds the masses with one fish and a loaf of bread miracle. That miracle of course would be the playoffs.
If we win out and the Canadiens lose out at least we would finish one point ahead of them. That would make my year to some degree as I have a good friend who has bet a lot of money that Toronto would finish ahead of Montreal in the reg. season standings.
Hope Phil goes wild in Boston tonight. GO LEAFS GO!!!!!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 03/31/2011 at 10:21 AM
Geoff
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I am NOT trying to stir up trouble and I agree that there should better rules and better punishment regarding careless use of the body.
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So with that in mind, what if Pacioretty had the puck and thus no interference call?
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My opinion is that there would be no penalty and no subsequent punishment.
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HOWEVER, I firmly believe that there should be new rules to cover even otherwise legal hits that involve careless use of the body and/or needless endangerment of another player (or official).
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And, might I add, I am also a believer that resultant injury should not be a factor, in that said penalty and punishment should be applied even if the victim is NOT injured. My reasoning there being just putting someone at risk like that should warrant the penalty and any subsequent off-ice punishment.
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Just my humble opinion.
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By the way, though I believe some Montreal fans did overreact, I cannot condemn them for feeling so strongly about one of their players.
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And though this may well be taken the wrong way by some Leafs fans here, I am pretty sure Leaf fans would have been as passionate, and as outraged, had it happened to one of their players.
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And that, my friends, is intended as a compliment rather than a criticism.
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(Oh dear, the old me was tempted to add, "so put away the pitchforks and torches." But I AM trying to be more careful with even my little jokes, as I await the arrival of my new TRS suit.) (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 10:22 AM
after plotting in all the variables. I have come up with these Equations for tonight.
Kessel + Lupul + Bozak(or Kadri)= 2 goals
Macarthur + Kulimen + Grabbovski= 2 goals
Everyone Else = 1 goal
Boston + A cheesy Deflection = 1 goal
Leafs + 5 goals = Winners
Boston + 1 goal = Losers
numbers dont lie, were winning 5-1
Posted by: A True Leafs Fan | 03/31/2011 at 10:38 AM
I really hope the Leafs win tnight and that Joe Bowen-in-the-wind has his voice back and we hace a grate game. and since i've been eatng worms, i wait with baited breath to see see wgat happens tonight. And i was wondering WHAT IF I changed my style, like no longer using line spaces to make things easier to read, and since sources are listed at the end of the post, that leads to someone who had sworn off reading my posts reading one by accident? would that really p*ss them off? But there is also the question of them sticking to their vow. how often have I seen people swear they are going to ignore any and all things I write, only to come back a little later and start quoting something I have since said. Of course they may be monitoring my posts to watch for things they can get all indignant about. Ha haa haaaa. anyway, if there IS anyonie out ktherere who really does manage to ignore what I write, I hope I didn't trick you in to. Reading this.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 10:40 AM
Yes, Montreal fans do tend to overreact to simple hockey plays. Call 911, our player got hurt! Mon Dieu! Tabernak!
Simple basic hockey play by Chara. Pacioretty got hurt. Oh well. Too bad. End of story. La fin.
Great to see Kid Crosby skating again, and hopefully getting himself ready for a playoff run.
Jeff Skinner now has the Calder all but wrapped up imo after yet another remarkable performance last night. Amazing if one checks Google to see what this lad projects to be as an 18-year-old scoring 30 goals+. He is in some rarified air, and we Toronto natives love him for all the success he is enjoying even if it hurt our team's tenuous playoff fortunes this season.
Salutations have to go out this morning to the Buffalo Sabres and Jonas Enroth. Amazing win last night over the Rangers. Better days to come for us Toronto fans we can only hope after watching a performance like that. Hope Reimer, Rynnas, Scrivens or Gustavsson can be that good someday. I think Jimmy is almost already there, but we can only hope he sustains the excellence next October.
Jury out on Jimmy. I hope the jury comes back with a guilty verdict as in you are GUILTY James of grand larceny, theft etc.... in nets over a long season. And seasons in the sun to come.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 03/31/2011 at 10:41 AM
Penguin,
That's an interesting exchange. Thank you for sharing it. In response to the guy from the Hockey News I would say that if player B tripped player A and player A got injured, then player B should be suspended. Same logic as the Chara incident. You're breaking the rules and someone got hurt. There have to be consequences and people have to be held responsible for their actions.
As for Player C, the NHL has a rule (I think) that exempts follow throughs on shots from high-sticking penalties, so the point is moot. But, if that play is deemed "illegal" by the NHL's rules, then player C should be suspended for the same reasons as above.
As for the "everyone consents to a degree of violence" argument, I completely reject that one. If we apply that logic to other circumstances, then we could say that the driver I killed (theoretically) while speeding knew that driving on the highway was dangerous, but chose to do it anyway and therefore consented to a degree of risk. Yes, hockey players know the game is rough just as people who drive on the 401 for example, know that it's a dangerous highway, but that doesn't mean it's a free-for-all where people aren't responsible for their actions.
Or in the NHL, maybe it does. Witness the fact that Todd Bertuzzi wasn't suspended for this hit the other day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEAoCANIdGs
The best part is that the NHL cited the fact that Bertuzzi hadn't been suspended for 5 years to explain their failure to suspend him. Yep. That takes gall. I just can't take these people seriously. Either the NHL is run by complete fools or it's run by people who are so amoral they just don't give a damn about player safety.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 10:42 AM
HI Sensi-Bill,
Well, if Pacioretty had the puck and the hit was legal, then there should be no suspension or even a penalty, I would say (ignoring that in my opinion the hit was a headshot in addition to being interference).
On Joe Bowen: there's no doubt he's a homer. But, as others have said, every market has its homers. The RDS guys who cover Montreal - confident as they are that only the French language market is watching them - are downright comical they're so biased in favour of the Canadiens. The only key difference is that for years and years hockey fans across Canada were given no choice but to watch the Leafs, and so I think announcers like Bowen got increasingly annoying for people over time. In this way, the proliferation of sports channels in the digital age has been an absolute blessing allowing other fans to escape the virtual monopoly on national broadcasts that the Leafs held for so long.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 10:51 AM
Hey gang, I see everyone is in form today as usual. Sorry for my absence the last few days, but I was definitely here in spirit.
Sue, glad to see you're in your seat early, so does that mean someone else is putting your kid to bed tonight?? Sure that won't screw up the karma? I'm just sayin'...
As for the Leafettes and TimB, I hope everyone will be present and accounted for by game-time, and note, any attire is appropriate so long as the pompoms are close at hand (as well as a cold adult beverage).
Must get work done now so I'll be in my seat by game-time. GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: LaineyTML67 | 03/31/2011 at 10:59 AM
"But there is also the question of them sticking to their vow. how often have I seen people swear they are going to ignore any and all things I write, only to come back a little later and start quoting something I have since said"
I imagine it would be a lot like some annoying little pi$$ant promising to "get over it" and then posting 17,000 words doing exactly the opposite.
Yup, I imagine it would be a LOT like that.
Wow, you sure showed ME, boy howdy. Egg on MY face, that's for sure. Odd, though, that you've posted about 20-30 times since I said I was going to just not read your blather and I think I've commented TWICE since then. Do you honestly think that had I actually read even 10% of what you were writing I wouldn't have had more to say about it? Get real. I got as far as your answer to Boo and that's all I needed to read. So it was all I read. End of story. Nothing to see here. Move on.
But you failed in one aspect, Huff'n'Puff: you didn't pi$$ me off. Far from it. All you're accomplishing is making me more sure of my beliefs about you and your posts. So thanks for that, because sometimes I feel badly when I take such an instant dislike to people and start to rethink my position. Did I misjudge them? Misinterpret a post? Wade into an argument I shouldn't have been in? Now that doesn't need to happen in your case and it's a load off of my mind. So, again, thanks for not disappointing me.
And....resume shun.
GO LEAFS GO!!!!
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 11:02 AM
Take charge...
After viewing some of the clips showing "checks" that result in concussions, I reread NHL Rule 42- Charging. If the league has clamped down on hooking by tightly calling the infraction, then maybe the powers should consider tightening up on charging calls. I know that might be oversimplifying a partial solution, yet it's a thought. Seems to me that there more charging penalties decades ago and fewer players crawling off the ice. Again, it just comes to mind.
Posted by: leafland'r | 03/31/2011 at 11:06 AM
@ Geoff: Oh, that Bertuzzi thing was priceless, wasn't it? I haven't taken them seriously in YEARS. I can't WAIT until the magic day we are somehow rid of Count Bettman and can clean house properly. It's always been amusing to me how they keep wondering why nobody treats the NHL with the same reverence afforded, say, the NFL.
And I still maintain the officiating overall in the NHL is the worst of all major professional sports. With bosses like these, though, there's no real impetus to improve the situation and it's not like any of the officials ever have to face disciplinary action for blowing a BIG call, so.... plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose, I guess (apologies for not having a French keyboard there).
I'm not on board with most of Jason Kay's points, by the way, but I thought it was very kind of him to write such an email in response. The very least I could do was share it.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 11:09 AM
leafland'r,
I agree. To some degree if the NHL would just call its existing rules properly it could eliminate some of these dangerous hits. Charging is an obvious one that doesn't get called very often. Boarding is another.
Penguin - yep, the rot, as you say, clearly starts at the top. I think the real problem is that all the league cares about - in a typically shortsighted way of some big businesses - is the bottom line. As long as league revenues are perceived to be good, they don't really care about these issues. I say shortsighted because if they could clean some of this silliness up, their revenues would grow further, so even from a narrowly economic perspective they're shooting themselves in the foot.
And while I agree with you in disagreeing with Kay, he did give you a thoughtful response, no doubt about it.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 11:23 AM
Son's birthday today so taking off early after not getting anything done. Whee!
See you on the game thread. I hope to have no voice left by 10 days from now.
GO LEAFS GO!!!!
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 03/31/2011 at 11:51 AM
Geoff,
Bill and I have been carrying on a conversation about what makes some braodcasters "homers" while others are not. Care to expand on your conclusion that Bowen is a homer? I mean, if being a homer means that you bias for a team, then we are all "homers" aren't we?!?!?
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/31/2011 at 12:12 PM
@Wandering Penguin
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"I imagine it would be a lot like some annoying little pi$$ant promising to "get over it" and then posting 17,000 words doing exactly the opposite."
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With all due resect dude, what IS your problem?
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And if you think I was talking about you --- ""But there is also the question of them sticking to their vow. how often have I seen people swear they are going to ignore any and all things I write, only to come back a little later and start quoting something I have since said" --- then might it not be a case of a shoe fitting?
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But I guess if name calling makes you feel big, you must welcome any chance, real or imagined.
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Oops. Right. I know. One-way streets and all that. And if it's from a Leafs fan, I'm supposed to just shut up and take it. Yeah right. Dream on.
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It's obvious to me that some people just can't take a joke --- as that particular post was --- and sure make moving on a touch difficult.
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(sigh)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 12:16 PM
HI Sarko,
Yes, we're all homers - we're fans. Bowen's a broadcaster - it's different. He's supposed to be a form of journalist and therefore he should be objectively neutral, in theory (granting that no one is without bias of some sort).
Bowen makes an effort to appear neutral at times, but the fact he's rooting for the Leafs comes through loud and clear most of the time. I don't think many of us would disagree with that, would we? That makes him a "homer" in my book.
I'm not saying this to criticize Bowen. I actually don't mind him (although the holy Mackinaw signature is tiresome in my opinion - it seems so contrived to me). And as I said, I don't think he's any worse than the home broadcasters for most other teams. But I would say that others like Jim Hughson or Chris Cuthbert are more successful at maintaining an appearance of neutrality.
VM Replies: Finally finished my non-Leafs work. Can I jump into this discussion?
Bowen is a regional broadcaster. Unlike Hughson or Cuthbert, he *only* does Leaf games. He does not cover other teams. He functions as the president of his own independent company, which is under contract to the broadcaster(s) and he is not an employee of, say, CBC Sports.
A big difference, in my humble opinion.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 12:26 PM
Re. Homerism amongst broadcasters:
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I give up.
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I've stated that homerism ISN'T my point. The double-standard applied to Leaf and non-Leaf announcers is what I have been trying to discuss.
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But as people continue to spin it into something else --- am I allowed to say "as usual" because that has been my experience here? --- I simply give up.
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And if people want to continue misrepresenting what I keep actually saying on various issues, including this one, well go right ahead.
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But without me.
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I will not respond again on this subject, unless unduly provoked, which I think is everyone's right here.
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And being human and thus a little p*ssed off --- and NOT oversensitive --- might I add there is usually a few who will use insults, misrepresentation of my posts, petty name calling and Lord knows what else to try and provoke me into responding so they can shout "Aha! Gotcha! You said you were going to let everything go and blah blah blah . . ."
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Which reminds me, I notice no one else said they would try to let things go and move on.
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Oh well. Such is the plight of the poor "Enemy" poster. LOL
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(Re. The LOL. OK, so I can never stay mad, or even a little p*ssed off, for very long.) (g)
VM Replies: Oh, man. This situation is making my head spin. Anyway, re: Bowen, see the reply I just tacked onto Geoff's note.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 12:32 PM
@wandering Penguin
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Hey, guess what, pal. My TRS suit came in and it came with a bonus item, a little stress-reliever I can't wait to use to shorten certain replies.
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So, I think I will use if on you first, bud. (g)
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YAFMC GASNM
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As my kids used to say, way cool. *smile*
VM Replies: Do I need to know what YAFMC GASNM stands for? This is a family newspaper and all that.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 03/31/2011 at 12:37 PM
I thought all the play-by-play guys were working for the teams they broadcast on a regional basis. Anyone who has ever listened to the Dean Brown/Garry Galley duo that used to do the Sens games on SportsNet East may be able to attest to this. I often thought that Galley's intermission function was to go to the Sens dressing room and "stroke" some egos. Denis Potvin is now the colour guy and he is about 100% better than Galley ever was. Of course, you then have Glen Healy on Saturday who is the exact opposite to the extreme when it comes to critiquing the Leafs. Is it true he might have been in line for the GM job in Toronto but lost out to Burke? If so, it has made him a very bitter little man. BTW, I think Greg Millen is a far worse homer than Joe Bowen.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 12:50 PM
Well I don't know about you guys but I'm watching the game tonight like the playoff race is still on. Magic numbers are bad and it wouldn't hurt to get that black suit out of the closet and give it a good shake. Seems to me that the Habs are in freefall. Trouble is those pesky Canes, Sabres and Rangers. They just won't lose. Still as long as the math is there, so am I.
It irks me to hear that Wilson will return next year. I mean I could be wrong about the guy but someone has to step up and take ownership of the dismal powerplay numbers that almost certainly cost them the post season this year. If they don't make it, that is. Surely you can't blame the players alone for that mess.
Agreed on Bowen. A better homer has never existed in my opinion. When I tune into a Leafs broadcast I want the focus to be Leafs, Leafs and more Leafs. Now I will admit that the guy does seem to find side-splitting humour in the unlikeliest of places but at least he keeps things lively. I dunno if anyone agrees but I really think that Jim Ralph is an awesome colour guy with a great self-deprecating sense of humour. Underrated.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 12:50 PM
Afternoon all,
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Which Bruin team will we see tonight? Hopefully not the one that handily defeated the Hawks a few nights ago. I saw this morning on SportsNet that Burke has stated that Wilson is going to be here for one more year as confirmed here http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=360243 I don't know about anyone else, but this news does not come as a surprise. Feel free to discuss once the non-Leafs fans have concluded their Vagitarian session!
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GO LEAFS GO!!!
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Cheers!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 03/31/2011 at 12:51 PM
I think it means have a nice day.
Posted by: Billy | 03/31/2011 at 12:53 PM
Burke is stubborn as an ox. Let's hope he's smarter than an ox. A couple possibilities re Wilson. 1) That Burke believes Wilson is a great coach or at least the right coach. 2) Burke doesn't think this team is ready to make a serious move so there is no point in ending Wilson's tenure and cost the organization more money for no good reason. 3) Wilson is Burke's best fried and success be damned, friendship comes first. I sure hope it's not the latter. That would be treasonous.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 01:03 PM
Anyone else think that Kaberle is still pining for the Leafs?
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 01:04 PM
Great goobily-goop.
@Bill - I think I need to elaborate a bit on what I meant by 'let it go'. My request was that we turn the discussion back to hockey and not let things devolve into a mud-slinging contest between fans, or worse still, specific individuals.
I know you're trying to be self-deprecating, but making every single post so self-referential is not really 'letting anything go', it's just an indirect way of making the same points about you feeling unwelcome and put upon by the unfriendly Leafs fans. You would take tremendous offense if I named the poster your constant talk about yourself and others opinions of you etc. etc. is beginning to remind me of - and you know very well I have no wish to insult you.
There's defending yourself and then there's picking your battles wisely. I think we both know there are far wiser investments for your precious energy than fighting with strangers on the internet.
Life is short! I want you to be happy! *Big grin!* *Happy smiles!*
I think you need a BIIIIIIIG hug (and a box on the ear because you've been fighting) and some kindness - so here's a GO SENS GO in exchange for your recent chanting.
With this refined and hopefully clearer explanation in mind, my only wish, and one that you very kindly offered to grant me, is that we'd stop talking about we like/dislike/think other people dislike about ourselves, and each other, and start talking hockey again.
Because honestly, if I felt like listening to people bicker a) I'd be posting on another site or b) I'd be married.
VM Replies: Oh, Ms. Boo. You do warm the cockles of my married heart.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/31/2011 at 01:08 PM
Hey Vinay,
Good points on Bowen. Let me ask you this: do you think, regardless of his employer etc., Bowen (or any other broadcaster) has an ethical obligation as a journalist to be "neutral"? Or do you see broadcasters as a different kind of animal, more entertainers than journalists for example?
For me I always think there's a weird (and interesting) tension in "sports journalism" along exactly these lines.
VM Replies: That's a good question. For the most part, I think of announcers as entertainers. But if they're not just doing regional broadcasts, it's probably in their best interest to be as neutral as possible (if for no other reason than to avoid alienating 50 per cent of their potential market).
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 01:25 PM
@ moe - Cox tweeted some interesting points about Wilson and Burkie this morning.
He claims that Wilson may push for more money. And we all know that with Burkie you wait to be offered that kind of thing.
Burke may also try to move out some of Wilson's staff, leading to a tiff. I think we all know that the chances of Wilson walking away from a happy ending to his hockey career to save some minion's neck are practically nil.
And while I don't find these things good for anything beyond a bit of amusement, according to the chart reading I did on Wilson yesterday, May promises to be a very interesting month for him. *Twilight Zone music*
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/31/2011 at 01:34 PM
Geoff,
I don't think it's realistic to expect any broadcaster to truly maintain a neutral position (be they national or regional). I never expected this from any announcer (no matter what team they do commentary for). What I do expect is (as you've stated) a fair play-by-play commentary of the game. Some broadcasters are better at this than others (Joe being one of them). I do think its the lack of experience which leads to the inferior quality in some markets. I mean, last week in Minnesota, the announcers didn't even know half of the Leaf team, even with the data sheet in front of them. How are we supposed to expect anything from a commentator who can't even pronounce a well-known name properly?!?!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/31/2011 at 01:58 PM
For the record Geoff, as much as I can't stand the habs, I don't think their announcers are homers (even if they broadcast in french).
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"C'est le but!"
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 03/31/2011 at 02:01 PM
Sarko,
Yeah, I don't disagree with you. As I hinted above, true objectivity is unattainable.And Vinay makes a good point that national broadcasters have a motivation to appear neutrality that regional ones do not - and a motivation that may not have much to do with "journalistic integrity" or whatever you want to call it. On the subject of guys who couldn't get the names right, that was one thing that as a non-Leaf fan used to drive me crazy about Bob Cole when he did the HNIC Leafs' broadcasts. The call would typically be something like this: "Sundin passes to Mogilny - Mogilny shoots! The goalie saves it, and the defense clears it out." Dude! I'd like to know the other team's players' names too!
Posted by: Geoff Read | 03/31/2011 at 02:14 PM
Wilson's looking for more money? Does he want to get fired?
Posted by: ValleyRed | 03/31/2011 at 02:15 PM
Could we perhaps introduce Chara into a Leaf practice while Wilson is still on the ice? Nah, silly idea.
Joe Bowen is a hockey broadcaster. Not a reporter. He is a homer because it pays! He obviously has a contract with Leafs TV to do Leaf games. Of course he is going to sell the product. Be silly not to.
Frankly, I can't stand him. Some of his outrageous laughs at some inside joke between him a Millen are beyond me and a sign of someone who goes his own merry way with little or no regard for his audience.
That Holy Mackinaw expression is derived from someone else who used to do some games years ago. (Help me here) I am thinking of Norm ?? who did the old Hamilton Red Wing games??
Posted by: Robert | 03/31/2011 at 02:20 PM
At what time should I put up the commenting thread for tonight's game? I'm feeling very superstitious today. Need your input.
Posted by: Vinay Menon | 03/31/2011 at 02:30 PM
More money for being mediocre. Once again a barely .500 season and he wants more money. Where do we sign up for this?
VM Replies: Do we know for sure he's asking for a raise? I haven't heard that.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 02:30 PM
Anytime,VM. Please leave the fighting here,everyone.No need to be superstitious (knock on wood)
VM Replies: Okay, it goes up at 4 p.m. Why 4? There are four letters in "TimB" and four games left after tonight.
Get your song selections in order. And, yes, leave the feuding in this thread.
Posted by: TimB | 03/31/2011 at 02:39 PM
My vote: a new thread please, and no more bickering crap, let's talk about hockey and specifically the LEAFS. If you guys want to continue 'family feud' stay on this thread.
GO LEAFS GO!!!
VM Replies: Lainey! New thread goes up at 4 p.m.
Posted by: LaineyTML67 | 03/31/2011 at 02:44 PM
There was a point earlier on in the season when I had the distinct impression that the way was being paved to make it easy for Wilson to 'retire'. If he leaves, you can bet he'll be allowed to save maximum face.
Neither party has any impetus for taking that kind of step at this point. Burke doesn't want to be stuck looking for a replacement and dealing with all the drama that that entails (and why would he, with the team suddenly playing so well), and Wilson isn't going to quit and forfeit what's probably the last year of employment he intends to endure.
If my much much earlier speculation is correct and Wilson believes himself to be 'surrounded by idiots' then Burkie will send said idiots packing, find new idiots to make Ron happy, and the powerplay will magically be fixed and unicorns and rainbows will follow the Leafs where e'er they may go. Okay, so the last part is maybe a bit of wishful thinking.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/31/2011 at 02:50 PM
Is that 4 p.m. EDT or 4 p.m. ADT. If that time was picked partially in honour of TimB he would be pleased if it was ADT.
VM - I already have some songs selected.
VM Replies: I was thinking EDT. Isn't 4 ADT like 4 minutes from now? Better stick to EDT, with apologies to Maritimes Chapter.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 03/31/2011 at 02:54 PM
Strive for five, VM!
... Leafs play Win5, starting tonight!
And have faith. I do.
Posted by: maxwelledison | 03/31/2011 at 03:00 PM
And sorry, I should clarify that all the talk of Wilson and Burkie going into negotiations would be surrounding a contract extension.
His term is up at the end of next season, and so all speculation falls on whether he'll ask for more money to stay beyond that. If we make it to the dance next year, I'm thinking yes he will. If we go down faster than a Thai--nevermind--in October or November, I hope Burkie throws him a nice retirement party.
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/31/2011 at 03:05 PM
I just got the jolt of my life. A Contract Extension for Wilson?
Cripes!
I await your new thoughts Mr. Menon.
As a young bog jumper in Northern Ontario, we used to have a spring bear hunt.
How about a half dozen bruins on the bar b que -
Or better still, how about 5 to 3 for the Leafs.
That would work for me.
Posted by: Robert | 03/31/2011 at 03:35 PM
Thanks Boo for the interesting info. Burke is gonna say Wilson will be back but does he mean it? Does Wilson actually think he's worth MORE money? I can't see it. He's not that delusional, is he? Fun to see how it plays out. The PP alone is so ridiculously bad that something has to change. Wilson and the gang seem to be bereft of ideas short of shuffling lines.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 03:40 PM
You know how I know it's not over yet? I still get that pre-game tingling in me belly-parts. Anyone else feel that way?
VM Replies: I always tingle on game days.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 03:42 PM
Wilson's probably telling Burke: "Look at my record in San Jose when I had the horses. You get me the horses and I'll perform." You give me the "horses" he had in San Jose and I'll get you a lot of wins. Anyone can coach with excellent players. It takes a good coach to excel with a team like the Sabres or the Leafs.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 03:44 PM
@moe: you gotta wonder what the bejeezuz they (our coaching (?) staff) do during 'practice' time if the PP/PK isn't on the agenda ... Oh Dallas Eakins, you're phone is ringing!!
Posted by: LaineyTML67 | 03/31/2011 at 03:44 PM
I am trying to imagine the unbridled joy at having a hockey fan, let alone a Leafs fan as a gf/wife. Boostress, Oakville, Alecia, Sue, Princess and all you other luscious Leafettes are rare treasures indeed and need to market yourselves as such. If only I wasn't happily married and thousands of miles away I'd lure one or more of you into a rendezvous and do my utmost to seducify you silly. Seasons tickets silly.
VM Replies: What the hell?
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 03:54 PM
@Lainey: I agree. It's like that scene in Swingers where Vince Vaughn says after making Gretzky's head bleed: Promise me you'll practice when I'm not here..." Do they actually "practice" the PP? If so, do they have opposing players on the ice? A goalie? Do they use sticks? A puck?
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 03:57 PM
I believe they practise the PP at every practise, which makes their lack of focus all the more mind-boggling: 4 guys standing around at the opposing team's blue line while the puck carrier tries to beat 3 guys. Greg Millen, I think, talked about it one game, saying he had no idea what the Leafs were trying to accomplish, there seemed to be no system to what they were doing, lacking any real intent other than hoping for the best.
I'd really like to see Wilson take a half hour or so and explain what it is he's trying to get his players to do, and what they're not doing. Most times they seem to have no plan whatsoever.
Posted by: ValleyRed | 03/31/2011 at 03:59 PM
Not sure "tingly Vin" it just came out.
VM Replies: Made me laugh, that's for sure.
New post is up, exactly to the second of 4:00 p.m. EDT.
Posted by: moe green | 03/31/2011 at 04:00 PM
@ moe - you're a smooth talker, you are, you are!
If we're wishing aloud, I'd like for them to legalize polyandry, so that I can finally make honest men out of the darling fellas in my life.
They'll need to keep their existing wives/gfs/spouses to do the cooking and cleaning and keep their beds warm at night. Maybe I'll just start my own cult and move next door to the folks in Bountiful, BC.
There are TONS of women who like hockey. Most guys are dismissive of women when it comes to sporting matters, which makes them upset or turns them shy. What makes someone like me a minority is that I'm mouthy and I ain't afraid of man nor beast. Being smarter than 99.9% of the men I meet, and having a spine of solid steel also helps. ;)
Posted by: Boo Who? | 03/31/2011 at 04:17 PM