Guest Post: What Leaf fans should know when visiting Detroit

How To Survive A Trip To Hockeytown

BY GABRIEL D.

For the last twelve years, I've lived behind enemy lines in Detroit.

I've witnessed two Stanley Cup parades. I've also endured endless mockery, heated debates and even a few people offering up a sympathetic, "Oh, I'm sorry" after learning my true identity as a Leafs fan.

I was inside the Joe for a 6-2 trouncing – the Leafs getting trounced – in 2002 when a guy named Corey Schwab stood in for Cujo. On another occasion, I was threatened as I walked across a bridge linking the two sides of Jefferson Avenue at 11:30 p.m. while wearing my Leaf jersey (after yet another 3-2 Leafs loss).

My desks at school and work have been plastered with Red Wing paraphernalia more than once.

While all of this may not qualify me as a Red Wings expert, I believe my first-hand experiences with Detroit can shed some light and help those planning to cross the border for tonight's big game.

Here now, some tips for Leaf fans:

1. Do Not Wander Around After Dark

Several years ago, I was waiting at a gas station in southwest Detroit to pick up my cousin who was coming across the border from Kitchener around midnight. As I stood there, a young woman who looked like she had just stepped out of a 50 Cent video appeared.

Suddenly and without warning, she pinched and twisted my nipples.

Detroit is a very special city but only 50 per cent of downtown is actually safe for sightseeing without an armed guard. After dark, this number drops to about 5 per cent – less if it’s obvious you are in town to cheer for a visiting sports team.

So if the Leafs win tonight, I suggest making a beeline directly from the Joe to Windsor. Pinched nipples is the least of what goes on here.

2. Drive Fast

If you must use a freeway in Detroit, keep something in mind: The posted speed limits are more like suggestions and the signs are strictly ornamental. If you're not exceeding the posted limit, you will probably get rear-ended.

Do you really want to be standing on the shoulder in your Leaf jersey, exchanging license and insurance information with an irate Wing fan? No, you do not.

Michigan is one of the only states to impose no weight limits on road vehicles. As a result, the only real deterrent to speeding is potholes.

During one of the parades I mentioned, my buddies jumped into a random limo that was driving down Woodward Avenue and got a free ride all the way to Hart Plaza. I ran alongside, trying to squeeze in through the window while hoping to not disappear into an asphalt crater.

3. Leave Plenty of Time For Parking

Parking at Joe Louis kind of, well, it kind of SUCKS BIG TIME! There are several parking lots/structures but every single one requires a long, meandering foot journey to reach the arena. 

And exiting these structures after a game is an event in itself. If you're back on the freeway by 1 a.m., consider yourself incredibly lucky.

Out-of-town visitors often choose to park at Hockeytown Café, which offers a shuttle that transports ticket holders to the Joe.  But as a Leaf fan, this ride could be more harrowing than finding a parking spot in the first place.

There's an excellent chance several Wing fans on the shuttle will already be intoxicated. If so, there's also an excellent chance they will notice your blue-and-white clothing.

You know those nature documentaries in which a zebra is brought down and devoured by a pack of hungry hyenas? You will be that zebra.

4. Avoid public restrooms

While the Joe is an arena rich with history, the physical facility is something that makes even die-hard Wing fans cringe. The concourse is crowded. Weird smells are not uncommon. Eyes can quickly get irritated.

Also, beware the flying octopi. Though most Wing fans don't remember where this tradition started, those creatures don't only come out in the playoffs and they aren't limited to the ice surface.

Oh, and try to avoid the bathrooms.

If this is impossible, guys, expect to find one communal trough instead of individual urinals. You may also run into Cam Neely's character (Sea Bass) from Dumb and Dumber.

5. Smuggle in your own food

Although I've never tasted one myself, people spend a lot of time talking about the hot dogs at the Joe. Are they delicious? Expensive? Worth the wait?

These are good questions. One thing to avoid asking, though, is how long have they been sitting and marinating on those creaky rollers?

6. Calibrate your hockey conversation expectations

Before chatting up a Wing fan, ask them to name at least five players on the current roster. You'll be surprised at how many "fans" can't complete this simple task.

If they stammer, just walk away and don't even bother.

The most likely scenario is you have just encountered a "Spring Wing" – a Detroit inhabitant who mysteriously morphs into a hockey fan between March and April. Also, check for swollen ankles; jumping on and off the red bandwagon often leaves physical marks.

7. Trash talk with facts

 When a Red Wing fan says Toronto "hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1867" – yes, to some locals the Leafs' last championship coincided with Canada's independence – and the "Wings have four Cups in a span of 11 years," respond with math.

The number 13 is still greater than the number 11. In 100 years, nobody is going to pay any special attention to who won the most championships between, say, 1997 and 2008. 

When they come back to you after Googling "leafs+Stanley+Cups" and claim Toronto only has 11 championships, not 13, gently remind them of something: there used to be two hockey teams named the Toronto St. Pats and the Toronto Arenas.

If all else fails, change the subject and bring up the Lions. Then get ready to run.

8. Bring a Safe Disguise

Wearing your Leaf gear during the game is fine. There is security. The game is televised. Nobody will try anything.

But once the final buzzer sounds, change out of your jersey. Remove your cap. Try not to stand out. The rest of your stay in Detroit is just getting starting and you don't want to take any chances.

 

Gabriel D. (aka gettingcozywithsarkozy) formed a deep bond with the blue-and-white in 1993. Wayne Gretzky and the Kings had just eliminated the Leafs from the playoffs. As Gabriel walked under a dreary sky, he heard taunts and looked around to see others pointing and laughing. At this precise moment, a special connection was forged with the emblem on the Toronto Maple Leafs lunchbox he was carrying. He was in Grade 2.

 

MAIN PHOTO: PAUL SANCYA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Comments

[Wandering Penguin]

Outstanding post, sarkozy! Having been to Detroit many times (almost always to follow the Jays on the road) I totally concur - and I actually have nothing to add as you nailed it so well. Well, except to say that I was in the Olympia once and as bad as the Joe is, well....(grimace).

Good times.

[Sensi-Bill]

Informative + Amusing = Excellent.
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Really enjoyed your guest post Gabriel.
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Funny how one can develop fairly high expectations from a poster's everyday comments, and then that poster comes through with a guest post that even exceeds those already high expectations.
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I'm not suggesting I was that surprised. Just trying to say well done, indeed.
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Good on you, Gabriel.

[Sensi-Bill]

Because it's crunch time here for my friends and their team, and since I'm quite secure in my own Sens "fandomness," it's another day to be extending helping,
pom-pom-bearing hands . . .
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GO LEAFS, GO!!
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(And before anyone gets mistakenly excited, I am still NOT a secret Leaf fan, nor do I have any desire or need to convert. And please don't take that as any kind of slight against your own Leaf "fandomness.") *smile*

[Princess Mononoke]

Detroit is a shelled-out husk of a ghost town that makes Ishinomaki look hopeful and booming in comparison. The fact that they call themselves "Hockey Town" and refer to Gordie Howe as Mr Hockey is just not ok with the hockey gods.
Great post!

[Phil]

"The number 13 is still greater than the number 11."
What if a Habs Fan interjects into this conversation and says: "The number 24 equals BOTH your TOTAL championships".

[pinot grigio]

Years ago, my wife and I were invited for dinner by a senior colleague of hers who lived in a suburb of Detroit. To get there, we had to cross an urban landscape that I thought only existed in science fiction movies. Terrible, terrible, we were so glad to finally get there. We never went back there but I always felt somewhat guilty for judging the place on the basis of that one trip. When we were moving to Baltimore, people expressed their sympathy with us because Baltimore was such a horrible city. We found it a great deal more pleasant than we expected so reputations and first impressions are not always right. If your post had done nothing more than validate our first impressions of Detroit, it would have been a good read. Your sense of humor, which comes through in reading this piece makes it much more than that. I would not be surprised, however, if you liked the place a little more than one might think reading this. It must have its positive sides.
Those pee troughs (at least in the men's rooms) remind me of Maple Leaf Gardens; it created a type of male bonding that I could have done without.
I will watch the game tonight with all this in mind and admire your dedication to go there in full Leaf costume even more.
May the bloody boys in blue soar!!!
GO LEAFS GO!!!!

[Harry Anderson]

Not to sure about all these comments concerning the arena in Detroit. I live in Kingston and have been to this facility three times this year, mostly because its full of knowledgeable hockey fans which differs big time from the ACC. Now when you talk parking perhaps instead of following your nose try directly across from the rink almost next to the infamous Cobby's Grill. The guys at the parking lot valet park your car for the grand sum of $10. Its a private six story parking lot that is both secure and easy to walk to the rink from. When the game ends you have one hour in which to pick up your vehicle. Again it is brought down directly to you, tipping is optional and has no effect on the service. As for the rink well yes it is an older area, but check out the prices of food, drinks. If ya want a cold beer you can get Labatts lite 18oz plastic bottle for 7 bucks Cnd or American currency. The other complaints are as valid as these two. If you are going to the game tonight just take the tunnel over its faster and enjoy your self. But go to Cobby's Bar and Grill. The bartender blows flames yes flames. A half pound burger and chips is 5.50 with bacon and cheese and all the fixins. Open your eyes everything doesn't have to be Kelsey's, Gretzky's and the like. Have fun and feel safe. You are.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Thanks all! and yes Pinot, while I hated the place when I first moved here 12 years ago, I must admitt that it's grown on me and I now call it "home" and I defend it whenever someone from the outside is ready to knock on it. Alas, I should make it clear that I don't live in Detroit-proper, but in the suburbs. While I still have family and friends in the city, I don't visit all too often anymore.

...Thanks for the touching up VM!

[Jason Thompson]

If you're driving down from Toronto, park in Windsor and take the tunnel bus across. Much much easier than finding a parking spot near the Joe.

[Waiting for Godot]

I too have travelled (quickly) through Detroit. But I love their fans for booing Bettman when he was trying to hand out a cup. It was obvious that they really are a hockey town.
Great post.

thank you Vinay for allowing us to get different fan opinions as well as your own - you are all great.

[Joe Louis]

Leaf fans are hilarious. I live in Windsor and this area is a mixture of Red Wing fans and diehard Leaf fans. The Leafs have not had anything to cheer about in 40 yrs. Being close does not cut it, and not even making the playoffs for close to a decade makes the Leafs indignificant to talk about the Stanley Cup. Detroit is what it is, the city, the arena and the parking. They've had a great ride as an organization for the past 20 yrs and have not missed the playoffs which is a record. Year after year they have been one of the elite teams in hockey. The Leafs have scrapped the bottom of the barrel year after year. With all their high draft positions they should have moved up a long time ago. Yet becuase of poor management, poor trades, and moving first round picks for dubous players they have managed to keep themselves out of the playoffs. Detroit has suffered more than most US cities during this economic downturn and it shows, but its people are resilient and support their 4 major league teams without question. You can find trouble in any city at night. You just need to be careful where you go. PS I'm neither a Wings or Leafs fan.

[moe green]

Great post "Cozy." Clearly you don't work for the Detroit Tourist Bureau. I gotta ask: Were your the nipples "out there" or did she have to search around for them? What happened next? Did it end there? Were you dressed like a "lady" at the time? I don't mean to get too personal but are you sure this happened on "the street." On second thought, I don't want to know.

[tbru81]

I was down at the Joe to see the Habs play this year. More than once we were saved by reminding Wings fans that at least we weren't as bad as Leaf fans. We were actually able to bond over how much we hated you guys.

I would suggest that rather than trying to suggest that your 13 (from over 40 years ago) are better than their 11 just tell them that it could be worse, that you could be Habs fans. Maybe you will even bond over how annoying it is when Habs fans remind you that we have way more Cups than anyone else.

[Wandering Penguin]

@ Harry Anderson (loved you on SNL and Night Court but not so much on Dave's World): "Have fun and feel safe. You are."

Um, not so much, you're really not. Glad you think so and still have REASON to think so after multiple visits, but that's not been the experience of myself nor many of my friends whether in Leaf/Jay colours or not. I've stopped going altogether.

Where the hell are all the Leaf fans right now? This comment thread has been overrun by Hab fans and Wing fans and Sens fans(oh my)! God help us! Let's get this back on the rails - this ain't no "An NHL Fan Blogs" site.

GO LEAFS GO!!! Kick some Dead Thing a$$!

[Wandering Penguin]

And FTR, Detroit fans don't travel particularly well, either. Had more than our fair share of set-tos with them at Exhibition Stadium back when both teams were relevant. Maybe Wings fans are better, but maybe not. Anyhow they seem to like to come up here and "flex their muscles". I know every team has fans like that, but Tiger fans seem to be particularly bad. It might be because they are so close that 1) there are more of them that make the trip; or 2) they feel more "at home".

Whatever, I can't remember ever liking a single Detroit team in any sport, so it's all good.

[adj]

I'm a born a bred Torontonian who's a Red Wings fan (heresy I know!) so I've done the trek to Detroit a few times.

I agree, park in Windsor and take the manifested bus across the tunnel. You call and reserve a spot on the bus, they take your passport information to give to U.S. customs and it is the least painful boarder crossing ever. The same with returning.

Also, I don't know what the men's washroom's are like at the Joe, but I was amazed at how clean and well-staffed the women's washrooms are. Huge line-ups yes, but they always moved quickly.

I've always had a pleasant time at the Joe!

[Tim]

the brush you have painted detroit with is unjust, in fact, it's a joke. mindless, partial, and ripe with lies. detroit (while it is struggling economically) is a very nice city. the area around joe louis arena is safe - the FBI headquarters 2 buildings away.

and the pee troughs are more efficient than urinals.

terrible post.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Actually Moe, What VM left out of that story was that after she pinched my nipples, she asked for my number so we could "hook up later on". I was scarred for life (only 19 at the time).

tbru81: I actually told my buddy that if he wants to go to a hockey game with me where he can be sure that I'll cheer for the wings, to get tickets for when the habs come to town.

[Geoff Read]

Funny stuff Sarko.

Now... you just need to explain why your screen name is a reference to the diminutive French President???

In university, my girlfriend went to Windsor. I have fond memories of crossing the border on Mondays to go to "Canadian money at par nights" in Mexican town. Scenes of burned out cars, bullet holes in walls... ah, it was magical. Oh yeah, and after eating in Mexican town, I usually had to be near a washroom for the next 24 hours or so to be on the safe side.

Leafs' fans will be glad to know, however, and I speak from experience, that "the Joe" is very close to the Windsor tunnel so a quick getaway is possible.

[Geoff Read]

Princess - Ishinomaki! Too soon!

I've been there, BTW. I was there once for the festival where they launch the paper lanterns out to sea.

[Robert]

gettingcozy - I always enjoy reading others contributions. Its been many years since I was in Detroit. Like most NA cities, there are always places you don't go after dark. Metro Toronto included.
Detroit has always been a class organization. They treat their players and personnel very well.
All of which makes no difference. We are exporting 20 young colts to Detroit this afternoon in preparation for this evening's match. In which, as Vinnie once said ' we will slaughter them in their stalls.'
In this case, if you are going to the 'Joe' get out early to avoid the riots.
Go Leafs Go!!!!!!!

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Oh and Tim, you have a right to your opinion, which is fine. I don't get my self worth by how people react to story that was written from a humorous standpoint. Obviously, Detroit it not truly all THAT bad; I said in an earlier post, I defend the city whenever anyone has anything bad to say about it. And as for the "FBI headquarters" being 2 buildings away, is this supposed to be reassuring or something?!??!

[missideb]

Good Day, All

Lebda in, Lashoff out - apparently our boy Ronnie likes to give our players an opportunity to play against their former team. sigh, must not have negative thoughts

Note to Hockey Gods,

Our Boys in Blue have been working their tails off to make that which we dare not speak of. For the love of all that is holy in hockey, please let Lebda have a great game tonight and play Detroit like most of our former players seem to play when facing us. Okay then, thanks

GO LEAFS GO!!

Leafs 3 - 2 while they may not be as skilled on paper, they make up for it in heart

[Wandering Penguin]

Great. Stan and Ollie reunited. I'm going to need more beer.

[missideb]

@Cozy - Great read!
@ Wandering Penguin - I'm going to need more than beer. Stan + Ollie = Rum, and plenty of it!

[palbo]

@Getting Cozy - Great post - funny and informative.

Happy Earth Day to all

Go Leafs Go

[Wandering Penguin]

@missideb: capital idea. I may substitue scotch, though.

[peduval]

Help,will somebody direct me to VM's blog something is amiss.Could it be that it's a City Story and not a RAH RAH get into the game story???GO LEAFS GO!!!!

[Princess Mononoke]

In Montreal, we don't pinch the nipples of visiting Leafs fans, we pierce them...with our teeth....

[Wandering Penguin]

Or substituTe, even. Grr.

[Wandering Penguin]

Just to be clear, palbo, the actual Earth Day is April 22. Tonight is "Earth Hour". I offer no further comment on how I feel about "Earth Hour" for fear of stirring up a hornet's nest on a blog devoted to all thing Maple Leaf and the positive energy directed thereto.

[palbo]

Thx WP - my mistake. Happy earth HOUR to all.

[TimB]

What the deuce???

[Mark Brownstone]

Also please note that when the Leafs last won the cup there were a GRAND TOTAL OF 6 TEAMS in the league! Winning the cup was like winning your division!!

[Wandering Penguin]

@ palbo: THERE ya go. Unfortunately, it coincides with the hockey game. So...

[SG]

I love how leaf fans reference their 13 cups PRE EXPANSION. So yes, when you had a 1/6 chance of winning the cup, you did well. Increase your competitors from 5 to 12 or (gasp) the 29 the Wings went through from 97-08, well, your leafs have won zero.

Please think about that for a moment. Not a single cup since the league expanded past 6 teams.

Please save your flawed ways of skewing history with these ridiculous statements.

[Wandering Penguin]

@SG: Hey GENIUS you had as many chances to win cups PRE EXPANSION as the Leafs did, yet neglected to win as many. If it was as easy as you make it out to be, perhaps you'd like to explain that discrepancy?

Didn't think so.

Also, you might want to check your math: I don't recall a single time when the Dead Things had a balanced schedule against 29 opponents. So there's that, too: saying they had to "go through 29 teams" to win the Cup is a bit ridiculous. The Leafs only had to "go through" 2 teams to win the majority of their Cups. The Wings, only 4 for the most part. Really not quite as different as you would have us believe.

Thanks for playing, though. There's the door. On the other side you will find teh interwebs. Somewhere in that vast array of sites you will find one where people will actually give a good goddam about your opinion w.r.t. the Dead Things. Don't let it hit your a$$ on the way out. Or do, it's up to you.

What do we have for our loser, Johnny?

[Sensi-Bill]

@Princess Mononoke
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"In Montreal, we don't pinch the nipples of visiting Leafs fans, we pierce them...with our teeth...."
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Would you do the same for a visiting Sens fan?
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Please. (wg)

VM Replies: I hadn't pegged you as an S&M enthusiast, William.

[Sensi-Bill]

@VM
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S&Ms? I like the ones with the nuts inside. (g)

[Sensi-Bill]

Besides VM, I'm countng on at least a little letting up before they're actually severed.
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Guess that means I'm into a kindler, gentle brand of S&M. Which probably shouldn't be much of a surprise. (g)

[Wandering Penguin]

Time for me to turn on the game downstairs. Where on earth did all the regulars go? I swear I saw some tumbleweed just blow past.

GO LEAFS GO!!!! I'll be back later to share the joy, I hope.

VM Replies: Hey, yeah. Where are the regulars tonight? Did Buffalo's win last night deflate everybody? Should I even bother keeping the saloon open for this game?

[TimB]

Well it's game time.Don't even know why I bothered to warm up the van.Maybe I'll see what's happening on the Muammar al-Gaddafi Blog.

VM Replies: Stop it! I was out most of the day and approving comments by iPhone.
But, yes, where is hoof? TG77? Ms. Boo? PP? Rooney? Moe? Lainey? Sue? Bomber? Where is everybody?

[Tom]

What, I don't get a mention? I'm hurt. D:

=p

VM Replies: Sorry! I never know if you're in the booth or in a flight simulator.

[Ken Baumgartner]

It is time for hockey! It should be a good one.

Nice post Sarkozy.

VM Replies: Bomber! Welcome.

[TimB]

I saw black helicopters all over the place.Could at least explain what happened to Hoof.

VM Replies: Where is hoof? It's been a few days now.

[Tim]

if toronto ever lands a player like stevie wonder - i'll become a leads fan right away. until that time, i'll follow TFC

[missideb]

Spent the last two hours making black pepper pasta - worked last time.
No lemon squares - GO LEAFS GO!

VM Replies: missideb! I believe you are representing for all the Leafettes this evening.

[moe green]

Hey does anyone have a stream?

VM Replies: Uh oh. Anybody?

[Ken Baumgartner]

No Datsyuk, or Franzen. Thank goodness.

Where's waffles too?

[Wandering Penguin]

Just popped in to vent for a second. Doesn't it seem strange that two guys working together can't move Holmstrom from in front of the net but ONE guy with ONE hand on his stick can somehow flip him through the air and draw a penalty for it? Have the Wings been learning their diving from the Habs? Unbelievable. And look! Of course they scored on that PP.

Ok, back at it.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Sorry Moe, I am lucky tonight Ottawa is not playing so we get the Leafs tonight. You can always listen to it on the radio feed on the Leafs web site.

[Wayne]

Hockeytown - as if. More numbers for 'yall. There are over 1,000 rinks in 850+ arenas in the GTA. More than triple that of Montreal who has the second most in the world. There is only 159 arenas in the entire state of Michigan. 20% of the NHL comes from southern Ontario. Toronto is the centre of the hockey universe.

[moe green]

Thanks Bomber, radio it is.

VM Replies: http://www.vipstand.me/watch/25768/1/nhl:-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-detroit-red-wings.html

[Ken Baumgartner]

I wish Detroit was in our division again. There was a time when that rivalry was Bigger than Montreal

[Ken Baumgartner]

No problem Moe. Actually I enjoy listening to it on the radio. It is not a bad alterantive when TV is unavailable.

VM Replies: I found a feed for Moe. Unless he wants the radio.

[moe green]

thanks for the feed it's a great one.

[moe green]

Those Wings are sure big and red. Still, i think we can beat them. Well, we have no choice really. Unless we are content being losers again. We're lulling them into a false sense of security. If we can just survive til the second.

VM Replies: Sabres already up 2-0 over Jersey.

[wcdixon]

Leafs toughing out against Wings, but the way the Rangers and Sabres and even Carolina keep winning it's starting to feel like it won't matter! Sorry...must keep negativity at bay.

VM Replies: Mr. Dixon!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Kadri NICE!

[moe green]

Excellent, the Sabres are lulling us into a sense of panic. Our target is the Canadians anyway.

[Ken Baumgartner]

What great defencive play by Grabbo.

[moe green]

I like how that period ended. Things are looking up. Sabres need to lose tonight. Montreal at least.

[palbo]

Leafs finished the period pretty good.

VM Replies: palbo!

[TimB]

Bomber,you took the words out of my mouth.Grabbo has obviously worked on all aspects of his game.

[Wandering Penguin]

Avoiding Cherry and his puppet at all costs, so here for a few. Man, is Grabovski ever becoming a great two-way player. He is absolutely tenacious out there at both ends of the ice. Just a joy to watch his progress.

Stan and Ollie seemed to play 1/3 of that period. I just cannot understand for the life of me what on EARTH Wrong Wilson is thinking by 1) pairing them; and 2) PLAYING them.

[Pyramid Power]

Busy today but praying for a win.

Great stuff Sarko.

GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Lebda has to come up big against his old team you would think.

[wcdixon]

I sometimes wish we didn't get ANY powerplay advantages so my expectations for a goal wouldn't keep fluctuating wildly.

[Ken Baumgartner]

They need a goal soon.

[Rooney]

Sorry, I'm late and missed making a pre-game comment. My faith has not been shaken. Still BeLEAF! This season is far from over. Don't worry, Leafs will give the Red Wings a Motown meltdown tonight! 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!!! LOSE SABRES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! LOSE CANES LOSE!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!

[Sue]

Whew! I am here now! Finally able to sit down.

VM - No need to close the saloon just yet!

Evening all! Where are the other Leafettes?

VM Replies: Oh, sure. Everybody begins to show up just as Detroit takes a 2-1 lead.
I didn't order enough lemon squares.

[moe green]

nice screen

[Sensi-Bill]

High guys.
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Looks like I got back here at a bad time.
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*sigh*
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GO LEAFS, GO!!

[moe green]

C'mon Leafettes, mojo time!

[Rooney]

Is that our Captain's third own goal in four games? We didn't lose any of those games so all is good Karma Land.

[moe green]

Stow those lemon squares soldier, we have a game going on!

[Sue]

VM - keep the faith! I am just waiting for the Leafs to score twice in seconds!

You can get the vodka out but hold off on the lemon squares!

Nice to have Sensi-Bill cheering with us tonight!

[moe green]

Okay, o this next goal is the most important of the season. Who will score it? I say... Grabovski!

VM Replies: I'm going with Lupul.

[Wandering Penguin]

I sure hope CBC shows the Holmstrom goal again. I think I missed it THE FIRST FIFTY-TWO TIMES THEY SHOWED IT. Holy crap, get over it. It's ONE goal. Man alive.

[Sue]

@Moe - I'm shaking the pomopoms big time, are you? Perhaps you could try a skirt as well like TimB did the other night?

Where is TimB?

I could be working for most of the Leafettes tonight!

[moe green]

That's called interference and intent to injure.

[Rooney]

LOSE CANES LOSE

[moe green]

Why no instigator?

[Ken Baumgartner]

i am going with Tim Brent.

[palbo]

Leafs should decline the penalty

[moe green]

I never removed the pom-poms. They are my playoff beard!

[moe green]

Have you seen Tim's legs? He can carry it off. Me, I can;'t wear a skirt. Well, not a short one.

[Sue]

Could that penalty have been more obvious? Thank God that the refs are on the ball!

Wonder if the Detroit coach has vodka in that bottle?

[Sensi-Bill]

@Wayne
.
"Hockeytown - as if. More numbers for 'yall. There are over 1,000 rinks in 850+ arenas in the GTA. More than triple that of Montreal who has the second most in the world. There is only 159 arenas in the entire state of Michigan. 20% of the NHL comes from southern Ontario. Toronto is the centre of the hockey universe."
.
Oh dear, here we go again.
.
Frankly Wayne, big whoop.
.
As mentioned before, bragging about the number of rinks and arenas (and teams) in the GTA is like bragging that the largest factory turns out the most widgets.
.
It's merely a matter of population concentration and as such, is nothing to really brag about as if the natural result is some sign of greatness.
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I notice every time people drag up these stats to support some wild claim of being the centre of the hockey universe, they never break it down into per-capita numbers.
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Given the concentration of population in the GTA, and southern Ontario, one can expect a superiority in numbers. There are probably more plumbers, bakers and candlestick makers in the GTA than any other Canadian city.
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Again, I say big whoop.
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And I don't see anyone bragging about the GTA being the centre of the plumber universe --- or even the plumber centre of Canada.
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And it's basically the same thing.
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A superiority in numbers is just that. A superiority in numbers but not a real superiority in anything else.
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Personally, I think people should stop trying to take some kind of credit or fame for the simple fact that a lot of people happen to live in that area.
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By the way, do you have ANY idea how the population of Detroit compares to that of the GTA? How about even Montreal compared to the GTA?
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Now if you somehow had a hand in the GTA having such a large population, then you can perhaps brag. And if so, well, then you've been a very busy boy, indeed. LOL

[TimB]

I'm here Sue but the pompoms went flying on the last Red Wing goal and the dog took off with them.Two stupid penalties or we're leading 1-0.

[Wandering Penguin]

Maybe Healy can do something useful and look up the Leafs' record on 2-minute power plays that start with over 2 minutes left in the second period but carry over to the third. Maybe that would take him the rest of the game and we wouldn't have to hear from him again.

[TimB]

Thanks for noticing,Moe.I've been working out.

[moe green]

Those dirty red bastards are packing HGH most likely. Dirty red buggers. I think we've lulled them into thinking they are far better than we are. Fools. They are only a quite a bit better. Go Leafs! C'mon Devils. Bolts leading Canes 3-2!

[moe green]

Our "safety" the Habs are still down 1-0 after two periods! We really need the Habs to go on a losing streak of coach-firing proportions!

[moe green]

You are a secure-in-your-masculinity legend TimB!

[Wandering Penguin]

Bill, you SERIOUSLY need to give it up. If there are truly 850 arenas in the GTA and only 159 in all of Michigan then I would say it's a pretty safe bet that PER CAPITA there are also more rinks in the GTA than in Michigan. I don't think I even really need to look up those population stats, do you? If those NUMBERS are wrong, then that's a different story. But I notice you didn't attack the actual numbers.

Not sure why you had to wade into a little set-to between Leafs and Wings fans, but you really should fight numbers with numbers and not just conjecture. How many arenas are there in Ottawa for how many people, for example?

Honestly, not EVERYTHING we say is a direct attack on the Sens or Ottawa in general. It truly isn't. Although it certainly could be... in a LEAF forum.

[TimB]

Who is coaching our power play? Foster Brooks? (try that reference on for size)

[Wandering Penguin]

Anyone know the over/under on the Habs' next goal? April 10?

[moe green]

Lupul has an excellent release. I think he is getting better every game. We NEED this PP to click here. CLICK you un-clicking bastards. This pp, this period is IT!

[Sue]

@TimB - pls go ask the dog where the pompoms are. I need some help here in the 3rd.

Moe is on board and Bill but it appears The Leafettes are a small part of the gathering this evening.