Guest Post: History and inspiration for a young Leafs team

The Sweater

BY ROBERT HUTT

So, here I am sitting by the fire, sipping a glass of merlot, looking at a moth-eaten, torn and well-worn blue and white sweater. The neckline is frayed, the sleeves shrunk, tatters everywhere. The crest on the front, crisscrossed with tape marks from old sticks.

My father took me to Maple Leaf Gardens in 1942. A kid of seven, I will never forget that experience. This was the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. It didn't say so everywhere; it was just impregnated in the walls, the seats and certainly on the ice.

I wonder if this sweater, the one I now imagine, was around at that time.

Do you suppose it dates back to Conn Smythe, who took control of the team in 1927 and changed the name from the Toronto St. Pats to The Toronto Maple Leafs?

That was when this crest was born – a maple leaf – a sign of a sports franchise that represented much of this country. A powerful logo, saluted near and far.

In those days, you worked hard to wear the Maple Leaf, a crest Conn based on an insignia he wore in World War I.

Or should this sweater belong to someone on the Kid Line – Busher Jackson, Joe Primeau or Charlie Conacher? Or maybe Ace Bailey, almost killed in 1933 when Eddie Shore checked him from behind into the boards, ending his illustrious career.

Perhaps it belonged to Captain Syl Apps or another luminary from that era.

Damn this sweater, I can feel the excitement, the incredible history woven into the fabric.

I can still hear the chants of "Come on, TEEEEDER!" ring down from the greens in 1947 as Kennedy races down the ice. I can see Bill Barilko's Cup-winning goal, feel the excitement, before he disappears in a plane crash on a fishing trip the following summer.

Fast-forward to 1960. Smythe sells most of his shares to son Stafford, John Bassett and Harold Ballard.

Toronto goes on to win three straight Cups from 1962 to 1964. And the names that could be on the back of this sweater – all Hall of Famers – include Frank Mahovlich, Red Kelly, Johnny Bower, Dave Keon, Andy Bathgate and Tim Horton.  

In 1967, Toronto and Montreal meet in the final again. Montreal is a huge favourite. But Bob Pulford scores in double-overtime in Game 3. Jim Pappin nets the winner in Game 6. Keon is named most valuable player. And Bobby Baun finishes the series on a broken ankle.

The Toronto Maple Leafs win the Cup!

The last time those words are spoken.

All the players I mentioned had one thing in common: They wore the Maple Leaf crest with pride. The sweater on their backs was a symbol of the commitment in their hearts.

But in 1970, the decline begins.

Harold Ballard takes control of the team. There are running feuds with several key players, including Keon, Lanny McDonald and Darryl Sittler. The team has some success but they are, at best, inconsistent season over season.

More recent history has this franchise on a rollercoaster ride: Up, down, up, down... with very little significant success, at least not when measured by... the Cup.

And yet Wendel Clark, Grant Fuhr, Doug Gilmour, Dave Andreychuck, Mats Sundin, Curtis Joseph, Ed Belfour, all stars in any era, would don the Maple Leaf sweater over the past quarter century.

There are so many names. There is so much history.

But at this point I am obliged to stop.

I want to pick up this sweater I can see but not touch. I want to hold it and feel the energy, the crowds I remember, the dreams of every player, of every fan, in every part of this staggering enclave known as Leafs Nation.

I guess I am concerned about this sweater.

As I watch the young colts take to the ice this season, I often wonder: Are they the renewal of this historic franchise? Will they fulfill the timeless optimism of every fan, young and old? Do they give everything to the game when they don this jersey? Are they dedicated? Do they know what the sweater... represents?

I don't want them to play well just for themselves. I also want them to play well for me, for you, for all of us. They wear The Sweater for all of us. It is a symbol of our shared past. And the crest will be there if and when the franchise finds a path toward the future glory of yesteryear.

What can we expect from the young colts over the next 19 games and beyond?

Perhaps the pride I feel in this sweater will be transferred to those I shall watch on the ice tomorrow night, just as I did in 1942, when I held my father's hand and entered Maple Leaf Gardens.

I know when the young colts feel this pride, once again, I will too.

 

Robert Hutt (aka Robert), a lifelong Leafs fan, lives up in the hills along south shore Nova Scotia with his wife and their dog. A former cameraman and executive producer with CBC Television, Robert has worked on films with Bobby Orr and Dave Keon.

 

Have an idea for a guest post? Email: vmenon@thestar.ca

 

MAIN PHOTO: FRANK LENNON

Comments

[tml67]

Robert, well done! However, I am reluctant to say that 'Pride' doesn't mean as much now as much as the 'Almighty $$$'. These guys nowadays get paid a heck of a lot more than those in the pre-67 era when paycheques more or less covered the expenses, let you live modestly but not lavishly, and maybe have two cars in the driveway. Back then there were no fancy gym clubs, shiny ergonomic equipment or personal trainers. Haul hay for a summer - now that's a conditioning program. Today, more and more it seems the 'pride' is the flashy car, or flashy clothes or homes. I bleed blue and white through and through, and don't like roller-coasters (you'd think I'd be used to them by now after 40+ years), but I truly believe unless 'absolute fear of losing your job' (especially for the higher paid stiffs) becomes the ipso-facto credo of players of the modern era here in MLSE land, it'll be status-quo here for a very, very long time.

[LeGlorieux]

I really liked this misty-eyed, nostalgic piece. Bravo Robert.

PS: Has Grabovski finally been diagnosed with a concussion, as a lot of us thought?

[TG77]

Robert, that was amazing! Thank you so much for writing this.

@ tml67 - I understand what you are saying to a certain extent but how can other teams win the cup if they too include young, wealthy hockey players? Crosby works harder than any other player in the league despite being so highly paid so do you think if he played on the Leafs he would take the summer off? Do you really think it is players on the Leafs specifically that are only driven by money while no other players in the league are?

The Sabres just scored..dammit.

[moe green]

Wonderful post Robert and thanks. It's much like the way I feel. Unfortunately I was a little too young to enjoy the last Leafs' Cup win but my dad was a lifelong fan and I swear it could have been him writing this post.

The pride in the Jersey I think is still there only not with the players but with the fans. We are the spirit. We wear the Jersey with pride. The players play hard enough to remain with the team, to not get benched, to play well enough to sign that life-changing contract. But it's not the players' fault.

It's the corporations. They have succeeded in doing what they have always wanted to do; to take humanity out of the equation. How much can you care when your life outside of hockey is a fantasy world of decadence and excess. When you make more money in a single season than the average fan makes in a lifetime. It's just too much. It skews things. It changes priorities. It kills the spirit you so eloquently described.

[hoofheartz]

One word Robert - Excellent.

I'll bet you VM really does have a single tear on his cheek after reading this.

[JP]

great guest blog! good call Vindaloo,,, Robert i feel your grief and pain. Alas only since 1975 have i bled blue and white but I agree every player on OUR team is damn lucky to wear the Blue and White and should play like it is a privilege not a job that said I dofeel it will get better after all these years of torture with moments of bliss in between. Robert you are lucky to have all these memories good/bad they are priceless and the sweater !! say no more

[leafland'r]

Hockey dads, aren't they great. My dad brought home a pair of discarded Billy Harris skates. I wore honourably wore them. Grampa brought Bob Goldham ( when defenceman for the Red Wings) to our humble wartime house for dinner. Moments always remembered, even to this day on this blog.

[leafland'r]

Robert, a pleasant read while going down memory lane,. I recall playing in one of those old sweaters that felt like heavy woolen cloth that became even heavier when soaked with melted snow.
I thought it strange that Pal Hal wouldn't put the names of the players on the back of their sweaters 'cause it would cut into the "can't-tell-a-player-without-a- program" sales.
Punch Imlach ( looking like a twin of my dad) rallied a team of OLD guys in the league to capture the cup.
In the "youngest team" of today's League, who would be the match for Stanley Cup winner Allan Stanley, Carl Brewer, Bobby Baun, Dave Keon, Bob Pulford, Red Kelly, Frank Mahovlich,Tim Horton, Johnny Bower, and "the Chief"?

If the "new" Armstrong's words ring amongst the squad, then all will be well.
Paraphrasing, the latest assistant captain stated that he gets excited in putting on the sweater and Leaf that has so much history.
Pride is present.

[Linrafter]

I would add that some of us dig ditches and some of us play hockey. Do those that play hockey dream of digging ditches? I think not but those that dig ditches, do they dream of being hockey player? A lot of us do. And for we who cannot there is you. You play for us. You are gladiators. You are warriors. You fight the hockey battle for us, for you,

for Toronto.

You are a Toronto Maple Leaf. Wear it with pride.

[pinot grigio]

Robert, you really captured it in this piece; I read it several times to savor it. What you captured is the emotional engagement, that which elevates the game of hockey to a nigh spiritual experience for true fans.
It always irks me when I read that - when all is said and done - hockey is just a business. How many fan blogs does IBM have? How much gut wrenching emotion do people feel when the car industry is in the doldrums? (unless they work in the car industry, of course).
I believe there would have been an uproar if MacArthur had been traded - maybe not of Tahrir Square proportions - flowing from a sense of betrayal. Kaberle was much admired but he belonged to the old guard and we could understand his time had come. Mac is one of the young ones, one that works hard, shows he cares and is successful. We are invested in him.
Reading your piece reminded me that the Maple Leafs first became a great success under Smythe; maybe this club somehow thrives when there is a blowhard at the helm. In that case, success must be guaranteed.
Thank you.

[Matt M]

MLSE: making dreams come true since '67.

[hoofheartz]

Good point Matt, except for one minor detail. MLSE hasn't owned the team since 1967. Other than that though, your post has no relevance whatsoever to the guest blog.

[Peter]

great piece, Robert! it made my day. :-)

[We BeLeaf]

Excellent post Robert! You have recanted what it is and what it means to be wear the logo of Canada's team. One cannot stress enough the importance of pride when it comes to donning the Maple Leafs sweater. Credit goes to the people who keep the storied Maple Leaf logo a mainstay on every generation of Leafs jerseys where some teams redesign their jerseys often yearly just to appease the masses. Go Leafs Go!

Cheers,

[Pat_Hirtle]

Enjoyed this tremendously ... one tiny nitpick, Bob Baun's broken ankle was 1964 ... I *think* he finished '67 with a broken toe, but didn't see much playoff action that year ... but that's not really the point and it certianly doesn't detract from the feel or the flavour or the resonance.

And, I have to say, I was more than pleasantly surprised to read, at the end, that this was crafted by someone here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, sharing the same backyard with me.

Cheers and thanks again.
P~

[Dave Hood]

Excellent post! This should be required reading for all of the current players. I think that there are already a number of the players who do, indeed, feel connected to the history of this team and if they all pull together (isn't that the Argos?) amazing things can happen.

[hoofheartz]

Pat, Robert and TimB (and of course all other Maritimers): There has been talk in the past about travelling to Hogtown for a meeting of ALF B contributors. While that may be feasible for those that live in the GTA it is becoming increasingly apparent that Leaf Nation is well represented in the Maritimes. Anyone interested in attending the 1st annual ALF B - Maritime Division get together? We don't have a Leaf game to attend but there is already talk of an NHL exhibition game taking place in Moncton next fall or perhaps Halifax if an exhibition game takes place there. We can even invite most of the Upper Canadians who read or contribute to ALF B. Perhaps VM can work an all expenses paid working vacation into the Star's budget so that he can attend as well.

VM Replies: I'm pretty sure your last sentence contained the keywords necessary to trigger an automated alert to senior management. So now they're probably going to be monitoring this blog for the next week.
Still, this is a great idea. Keep me posted.

[Geoff Read]

@Robert - well done sir. A nice piece of Canadiana.
Harold Ballard as villain works for me. One of the first NHL games I went to as a kid he brought a live tiger onto the ice to promote the Hamilton Tiger Cats who were in the Grey Cup that year (or something). He was certainly a character.

[Sensi-Bill]

Dear Robert (shorter version)
.
What can I say? Absolutely excellent, to put it mildly.
.
Remember the expression "a real keeper." Of course you do. And that is what this fine piece is, a real keeper. Something to be retained, in the head, the heart and I was gonna say "in a drawer full of keepsakes," but I guess these days it would be "on a hard drive and a backup disc or two."
.
Anyway, I'm sure you get what I mean. A fine piece that deserves to be pulled out from time to time and savoured all over again.
.
I also want to pay tribute to your age, something that is too often misunderstood and seen as a negative these days. You truly do speak with the grace and wisdom of great age and experience.
.
Well in the longer version --- possibly even longer than your article --- I went on to write a mini-essay on the too often ignored, great worth of age and experience. All mostly to show that when I say you write with this wisdom of age and experience, not only do I very much get it, but I very much appreciate your sharing this with us.
.
A heartfelt thank you. And I am happy you seem to have found a most pleasant home, physically and spiritually, to spend your well-earned, post-career years.

[Boo Who?]

History is one of the few things I love as much as I love my Leafs. To have them wrapped together in such an eloquent and heart-stirring package is heavenly. Thank you for this Robert.

[TimB]

Robert,I would not,for a moment,diminish your great guest blog with a poor attempt at humour.Thanks,from someone who remembers and a fellow Nova Scotian.

@hoofheartz. Man,that would be a blast.I'm a lot closer to Moncton than other Bluenosers on the blog though.(just had a flashback to watching Rolie Melanson playing midget hockey at the Moncton Coliseum.)

[Boo Who?]

It's game day people! You know what that means -- Leafs are going to play a game!!

I must tip my hat to Robert for rousing my inner warrior with this piece. Because like all true warriors, I immediately began googling videos in an effort to get my motivational on!

Since I have no access to the Leafs' dressing room (totally their loss) to directly impart words of encouragement (and honestly, I have neither the authority nor the experience to mentor anyone) I'll just share these with you guys. Maybe we can collectively will them into feeling a spark.
For your consideration, my top five inspirational sports commercials:

1. I’ll just let the commercial do the talking.
You could probably push ME out onto the ice against the Penguins, Flyers and Hawks if you played this on repeat a few times beforehand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niHSWYE-PLI

2. I grew up watching Jordan, and of all the many, many commercials he’s made, this is perhaps my favourite. Also a good message for the young colts to hear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nJLgKvVzY4

3. One of the few hockey related commercials I’ve found that speaks to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLvvPBKmlYk

4. Jordan again. This one is a little more fiery than the first.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BirIEDYrw0Y

5. Although I think they’ve done a much better job of not making excuses for poor performances in this half of the season, the message bears repeating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obdd31Q9PqA

Honorable mention:
Throwing this in because it features our beloved captain.
Ha. Okay, but seriously though, Phaneuf is really in this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1oi0pHNoPI

GO Leafs GO!

VM Replies: Great idea, Ms. Boo! Thanks.
I'm tied up with non-Leafs work today until 6, at which point I'll put up a new commenting thread for the game.

[Simon]

Boo: Thank you so much. (but my boss now hates you!). Best ones is 1), and personally, I've always loved that Destiny one. But more because of Iginla. I'm a Leafs fan through and through, but I like his style of play.

[Rooney]

Thank you, Robert, poignant thoughts and well written. This brings back great memories of my first visits to the Gardens in the late 70s/early 80s. It also brings back the good times I had with my father. I am calling him now to see if I can catch a game with him soon.

[peduval]

GREAT post Robert, I was 12 ,13,14 for those last 3 cups,we were sent to bed after the 2nd period,we watched from the stairs until the games were over.(dad probably liked to hear us cheer in the back ground.)To night I'll be in the stands thinking of the Gardens and your post.GoLeafsGo!!! PS Vinny I always seem to be thanking you so THANK YOU!!!

[Michelle]

Wow. A very moving piece. Thoroughly enjoyed this. As someone mentioned previously, maybe it should be mandatory reading for the aforementioned young colts.

[Pat_Hirtle]

@hoofheartz

Love the idea of a "LeafsNation East" or a Maritime division of A Leaf Fan Blogs contributors/followers getting together ... we'll have to keep a watchful eye on the NHL exhibition sched when it's released over the summer and see if we can't plan something around it.

P~

[TimB]

@Pat_Hirtle @ hoofheartz. What about Halifax??

[hoofheartz]

ALF B/Leaf Nation - Maritime Division members: another thought is that the Memorial Cup will be awarded to the Q for the 11/12 season and I believe that 3 teams from the Maritimes are in the running to host - Halifax, Moncton and Saint John. I think the 4th team is Saugenay (sp?). Could be another consideration for a hockey related meeting of Leaf Nation. VM, surely you can convince your Lords to send you down to the Maritimes to cover the OHL rep to the Memorial Cup. Do I need to talk to Cox on your behalf to get this approved? Him and I are tight.

VM Replies: Alas, Cox is just a columnist like me. Expense approval would need to come from high above the lowly columnist ranks.
But once you have a date/place in mind, leave it with me to investigate (read: beg).

[hoofheartz]

@TimB - Halifax is doable for me. I'll even go to PEI to talk about hockey while golfing if I have to. Phaneuf has kinfolk there. Maybe if he is there sometime in the summer he can host us. We deserve something for our undying loyalty to the Blue and White.
@Robert - are you monitoring this? What say you?

[Robert]

I think the idea of a get together among us stalwarts is a tremendous idea. Memorial cup, NHL exhibition, it really doesn't matter. What would matter is the meeting of the incredible group of minds harboured in Leaf Nation. Vinnie you must come down, your are our grand leader.
I mean wasn't all of this your idea?

VM Replies: Well, it's about time. The man of the hour arrives for his curtain call.
Great piece, Robert. Thank you.

[hoofheartz]

I was just going over the previous blog "frantic inaction" when suddenly, popping into my head like an epiphany, I finally figured out who Sensi-Bill reminded me of: Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting ALF Bs very own - Cliff Klaven (you may use Google if you aren't old enough to remember this lovable character). Bill, before you respond, I was told today, that I'm just like Walter from Jeff Dunham's stand up comedy act. So without further ado: Jeff and Walter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1LG_Neofn0&feature=related
Bill, if you've been following the action of previous posts, I would consider it an personal honour if you could join us Maritimers if we get together at some future point in time.

[Robert]

Vinnie: Sorry I didn't mean to be late.
Thank you to everyone for your kind and generous remarks. I have been lucky in my life to witness first hand a number of events; from the first Russian National team playing in the gardens, (and their incredible practice skills) to Bobby Orr's overtime goal in Boston to win the cup; to sipping beer with some of the greats,and walking Spring Garden Road in Halifax, chatting with Bobby Hull.
If I am an incurable romantic, it is because I believe. I would some time love to write a blog about going into the gardens back in '42. I remember that like it was yesterday.
I also believe as I have said many times, there are some serious young players in the Maple Leaf organization. I hope they get the opportunity to develop and show their stuff. Once again, thank you all, for taking the time to read 'The Sweater' and for your generous comments.

VM Replies: No need to apologize! I was just teasing.

[Rooney]

Who are three people who've never been in my kitchen?

VM Replies: What?

[TimB]

Great,Hoof. Now every time I read Bill's posts I'll be picturing Cliffy."eh,few people,eh,realize the ancient Mesopotamians,eh,were the first to...."

[TimB]

I'm also not too sure on the golfing idea.I always have a lot of trouble with that windmill hole.

[hoofheartz]

VM - Thats a line from a Cheers epsiode where Cliffy was on Jeopardy and he had to identify 3 stars from their real names but all he could come with is "3 people who've never been in my kitchen.

VM Replies: Ah, right:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=botdmsQilnU&feature=related

[TimB]

I believe a huge game for today's blog is in order.Go Leafs! Go Reimer!

VM Replies: Yes, I don't want to start a new commenting thread. I think we should use Robert's great piece for the game tonight.

[Boo Who?]

*jumps into room, arms raised*
OP-TI-MUS! OP-TI-MUS! OP-TI-MUS!
*jumps back out of room*

Yes, keep us here VM, we need to bask in this a bit longer.

[hoofheartz]

Who is predicting with no Alecia here.? Didn't she designate someone for the task?

VM Replies: She did not. I mean, honestly. What kind of psychic just flies off to Cuba during the most important week of the year and does not hand off paranormal duties.
I should ban her IP.
You worry about the music. I'll find another psychic.

[TG77]

Cheers is my favourite show of all time. I was so excited this summer getting to go to the bar in Boston and buying a pair of Cheers mugs. The offer goes out to Sensi-Bill - we can hang out, drink beer from the Cheers mugs and watch a Leafs-Sens game. I was (mostly) joking about the no emoticon rule! The (wg) is very helpful to know when you are being a smart-ass and to me it seems like it's obvious when you are being a smart-ass but it clears things up for those who take your jabs literally.

I really like how the people here from outside of TO are organizing in-person get togethers. Awesome! The BC crew (which may just be me, Boo Who? and my recently converted to a Leafs fan GF) are hoping to meet up for the Hawks game this weekend. Nice work Vinay on bringing us together.

I have to say again to Robert how much I liked the guest post. My first trip to MLG was likely in around 1982 I think (maybe '83 or '84). I went with my babysitter. He drove like a mad-man down Jarvis and rolled all the windows down and screamed at the top of his lungs to this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYhGi65Lijg

On an unrelated tangent, I honestly thought Twitter was totally ridiculous and didn't get the point (I still don't see myself signing up) but Vinay has some classic lines on his twitter account. Joffrey Lupul, Colby Armstrong, Tim Brent and Tyler Bozak have some good conversation going to. Army's twitter account made me an even bigger fan when he ranks his naps and when he called his dogs a 'pack of losers' for ruining a top 10 all time nap.

VM Replies: As I mentioned before, blog time has severely cut into my Twitter time. But I'm hoping to return to active status soon...
And, yes, there are a few people worth following, the most recent being Charlie Sheen. He is now out of control, 140-characters at a time.
The most interesting Leaf, in my opinion, is Lupul. Using Twitter to find his lost iPhone: sheer genius.

[leafland'r]

@ hoofheartz (re:9:09am)
Now you made me sorry I recently sold my summer house in Blue Rocks, NS.

[TimB]

@TG77. I know it seems I'm always harping on your song choices but I have to go with the Brownsville Station version.And I remember going into Maple Leaf Gardens for the first time back in the 70's and,I don't care how corny it sounds,the feeling that came over me was beyond description.I felt horrible when they moved.Progress?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9zWw0Ru28w

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - what's your twitter name? I set up an account just to follow all things Leaf related. Bozak tweeted he was settling down for a nap before the game tonight. (Where's moe? I want moe to know that even with the game day skates - which the Canucks do as well, for what it's worth - we can rest assured the boys are given time to snuggle up with their favourite blankies before the big show.) Honestly though, tweeting is still kind of a mystery to me. Who really cares what I'm doing/thinking every second of the day (aside from my mom)? I guess I should give it more than two days to grow on me!

Did someone say 'music'? May I be permitted to submit a song? If this doesn't bring a smile to your face AND make you hyper as h3ll, then I can be of no service to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGaVUApDVuY

VM Replies: It's very original: @vinaymenon
Moe is missing today, as is Dr. Waffles. Unless they show up, others may need to jump into the booth to handle play-by-play duties.
My psychic quest continues...

[TG77]

No offense taken cause it wasn't my pick, it was just the song playing in the car going towards the Gardiner after my first Leafs game. Also, I am no Motley Crue fan so I agree that the original is much better. As for the original being much better, I went to MLG a bunch of times and have been to the ACC a few times and I agree there that the original is better too.

I know you like the Who (and specifically good drumming) and it comes from one of the best bands ever (in my opinion) so I will try this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc8ZCCXHymk&feature=related

And a more 'recent' song with amazing drumming provided by Dave Grohl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - I just tried searching for you on twitter. My phone auto-corrected your name to 'Cindy Meningitis'. This is the only way I plan to address you from now on.

VM Replies: Oh, woman. Why couldn't you have put this auto-correct newsflash in a private email instead of a public comment?

[Boo Who?]

Oh lawd, nevermind. There's a link to your Twitter on this same bloody page! I'm such a brainiac today. Sigh.
Go Leafs.

VM Replies: There, now we're Tweeps.

[TG77]

In Alecia's absence, I will go with a 3-2 win for the Leafs.

VM Replies: Thank you, TG77. I'm just on hold with a 1-900 number and they wanted my credit card number before offering a prediction.
I owe you.

[hoofheartz]

I'm feelin' kinda Rockabilly tonight. So here goes. 1st two are kinda long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1LG_Neofn0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np0solnL1XY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnepPZChA5U

[hoofheartz]

Excellent choice of music Boo.

[Simon]

Did you hear the Penguins got a new coach today? His name is Wana Wen-won.

Bad joke of the day...

[hoofheartz]

I was thinking 4-1 Leafs.

VM Replies: So the combined psychic prediction is 3.5-1.5.
Where is Alecia???

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - You can always censor my comments if I say anything that displeases you. But just to be safe...

Everybody listen up!! Don't nobody better call Vinay "Cindy Meningitis" 'cept for me!! That's MY name.

Now I feel pressured to tweet stuff or else all four of my loyal followers (three of whom are, I think, computers) will be disappointed. My 'talk-to-yourself-and-see-if-you-can-figure-out-how-this-all-works' experiment is over. *shakes fist*

TG77 - not to out myself as like a huge nerd or anything, but I'm pretty sure that QOTSA song played over the load screen for an NHL 2007 or 2008 game? So it always makes me think of hockey, good choice!

VM Replies: No censoring except for the occasional profanity. You guys are a joy to moderate.

[hoofheartz]

Hopefully this joke is a little funnier than Simons'.

Due to a power outage, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very dark so the paramedic asked Kathleen, a 4-yr old girl to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could See while he helped deliver the baby...
Very diligently, Kathleen did as she was asked. Heidi pushed And pushed and after a little while, Connor was born.

The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Kathleen for her help and asked the wide-eyed 4-yr old what she thought about what she had just witnessed.. Kathleen quickly responded, 'He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place.....smack his ass again!'

[Boo Who?]

@ VM - So you're saying "Cindy Meningitis" - that's you, btw - is okay to post? Lemme throw in an emoticon while I'm at it.
:D

[TimB]

Good tunes TG. And Boo!! She's more than just another sullen face.OK now to listen to a little pre game southern music.

[Boo Who?]

@ TimB - Moi? Sullen? I think you must mean my blog pic, which featured my patented 'Leafs lost' pouty face. Give me a reason to smile and I'll smile, dammit. (My boss is gone for the day. Puck drops in under an hour. I'm smiling right now.)

[hoofheartz]

Here's an oldie but a goodie with drums galore. Even my dear old Dad was impressed with this song, he of the Glen Miller era.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72NMsRyD-6Q&feature=related

[KWood19]

Fantastic piece.
Whenever my dad talks to me about the leafs from the past, he talks about the players as if they would have given their lives for the team. I really hope that passion and honour of wearing a Leafs jersey returns to this team.

[Princess Mononoke]

A beautiful piece.
Makes me yearn for a true Habs-Leafs rivalry again!

[moe green]

WE need to be the ones who wear the Jersey with pride. WE need to show these overpaid athletes that there is more to this game than money. WE are the last bastion of pride - of what it means to be a Toronto Maple Leaf. We are the spirit that makes this team something special.

As for tonight? Leafs win this obviously, in Alecia's absence ... 5-2 with an empty netter!

VM Replies: Moe!

[TimB]

KWood19 . One of my favourite moments in "The Passion Returns" is Mike Foligno taking about how the Leaf sweaters are either hanging up or on their backs.

[moe green]

Just a note: Leafs are without Crosby and Malkin too.

[moe green]

What a PK!. God that Wilson is a good coach!

[hoofheartz]

I can't help but be nervous every time Komisarek is on the ice, especially during the PK.

[hoofheartz]

Nothing like a game against the Leafs to end a goaling scoring drought.

VM Replies: It's amazing how that happens.

[moe green]

Great feed if needed:

http://www.streamhub.tv/ch/V2.php

[hoofheartz]

Leafs should start turning down PP. They can't even seem to get in the Pens end for crying out loud.

[moe green]

The problem with the Leafs is that "confidence" morphs into over-confidence so quickly. How does that happen? All of a sudden they'll get super casual with the puck. Let's hope that doesn't happen tonight. It would be a killer.

[Simmer]

wow nice shot Kuley!

VM Replies: Simmer!

[Simmer]

moe you are like a hammer - hit the nail on the head with that one

[hoofheartz]

I can't wait till they develop the technology to mute one half of the play-by-play team.

[moe green]

So who is this "monopoly man" Pierre McGuire? What is his 'claim to fame?" WHy are we listening to him? Is it just me or does he have this "I knew it all along" or "I told you so" tone to everything he says? maybe it's me.

[Simmer]

you could mute the tv and listen to ralph and bowen

[wcdixon]

Nice goal. Good work in the corner. Like when Leafs attack but they need to work on reducing own end sloppy. And glad to see Reimer back in net even though he still seems to be going to his knees more than I ever remember.

[hoofheartz]

Weak call on Neal. I hate that the NHL has become about the refs calling penalties. Bettman is going to get his way sooner or later and hockey will be just like basketball except on ice.

[tml67]

@ moe & hoofy - count your blessings...if CBC loses HNIC in upcoming contracts and TSN gets the contract, unless TSN hires Hughson and Simpson, you'll here more of Mr. I Know Everything. Start praying now!

[hoofheartz]

Simmer, I thought it was Beyak and Ralph?

[TimB]

Not a bad period but I'm starting wish I was watching on RDS.

[moe green]

Yeah I am really sick of these baby penalties calls. And "it all evens out" doesn't work for me mostly because it's not true. We simply need better officiating. There ahs to be a way. In this day and age. Come on.

[hoofheartz]

Now theres a pleasant thought tml67. Thanks.

[moe green]

Personally, I'd like to see NHL teams in Quebec, Winnipeg and Ottawa.

[moe green]

It's been a long time since a Leafs fan could legitimately mock a Sens fan. The world is right again.

[Simmer]

hoof - only if bowen is on the telecast i beleaf - bowen on my radio tonight i'm pretty sure

[Simmer]

pretty sure it was bowen givin ralph the gears for droolin over the anthem singer on my way home

[moe green]

Oh oh...

[TimB]

Did Phaneuf look as bad on that goal as I think he did? (annoyed smirk)

[moe green]

This is getting a little ugly. The next goal will likely be the most important goal of the Leafs season. Let's hope it's one of ours.

[hoofheartz]

Its amazing, some no name makes Phaneuf look like he's standing still and goes in to score while one of the Leafs better players doesn't even get a shot on net on a breakaway from the Pens blueline.

VM Replies: Grabbo don't look right.

[Sue]

@ Boo Who - what is your twitter name? I am a tweety too and I follow VM as well. VM - your tweets just make my day like your blogs. The best one is your kids asking why you are crying when you are saying " Go Leafs Go"! Sorry, am late in getting into the game. More comments will follow. I have a feeling there will be overtime involved again this evening.

VM Replies: Sue! See this is the problem with Twitter. I have no way of knowing who is an ALF B person.
@ me so I can follow you as well.

[hoofheartz]

I shudder to think how bad this could be if Crosby and Malkin were playing.

VM Replies: There can be no excuses tonight. Rested. Trade deadline is over. Reimer in net. Six points back, need to win this game on hand to stay within 4 of Carolina.
No excuses for this.

[Mike]

Pens are going to run out of steam 8 mins into the 3rd, Leafs score the tying goal, and win 4-2 with an empty net goal

VM Replies: Wow, see now this is a bold prediction based on what's happening tonight.

[moe green]

Is Reimer "good" or just better than Gustavsson and Giguere? Seems like Fleury would have had both goals Reimer let in tonight. And Fleury is just average, isn't he?

[Simmer]

The average weight of a human head is somewhere between 4.5 - 5 kg what is the over/under on Bob McKenzie's head?

VM Replies: That head is a boulder from Bedrock with a best friend named Barney.

[Boo Who?]

Who is this Mike person? I want to shake his hand!!
I'm not giving up. I ran all the way home to catch the 3rd, and it's going to be a good one.

@ Sue - I'm 'MsBooWho'. Some impostor had my name already so I had to go the 'Ms. Pac-man' route. I have had this account for exactly two days, so bear with me as I learn the ropes. I only figured out today how to tweet AT someone instead of just replying to or retweeting things. It might be the app I'm using, but it's certainly not an intuitive format! But yay, new friend! I'll add you too!

[Sue]

VM, just sent you a tweet! Hopefully I did it correctly. Kind of new at this. The picture is Phineas and Ferb. A cartoon that I believe you would enjoy!

VM Replies: I am now following you.

[pinot grgio]

I'd like to see Phaneuf as more of a stay-at-home D, in the sense he should stay at home and let someone else do the defensing.

VM Replies: Oh, snap. Comment of The Day possibilities here.

[pinot grgio]

Same for Komisarek

[hoofheartz]

Mike, if your prediction comes true I want you to pick my lottery numbers for Friday night.

VM, to bad you can't slip Boo's "no excuses" youtube moment into the Leaf dressing room before they go out for the 3rd.

[moe green]

No this is a do or die game for th Leafs. Do they understand this? Do they care? Is Reimer as good as we think?