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A Leafs Fan Blogs is written by one fan for other fans. Vinay Menon, a columnist at the Star, will cast an optimistic eye on the team during the 2010-11 season. Because hope springs eternal in Leafs Nation.
Click here to see the Leafs' schedule.
Thank you VM! was worried something was amiss with our fearless leader.. whew!
OK Leafettes and gents..grab your snacks, beverages (nice to see the Merlot has had time to breathe) and your comfy assigned seats. I don't like roller-coasters so lets' get this one in the bag nice and early you magnificent basterds!
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 06:34 PM
Okay folks all together GO LEAFS GO!!!!
The planets are alighned, the earth in proper orbit.
I would really like to see our young colts use the whole pasture tonight. I don't want to win by one goal, I want to see us dominate this game.
There is no reason for a poor start. No reason to step back.
Mr. Wilson, the freakin' bus doesn't stop here anymore. No throwing folks under something you don't have, so get them up, get them ready and -
GO Leafs GO
We shall do more than overcome!
Posted by: Robert | 04/02/2011 at 06:35 PM
One alst time I'm really rallying for this song by Metric as a theme song for this playoff run. Even the lyrics work well. Go Leafs, Go! Let me know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoK63Bk7pgw
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 06:35 PM
shut the 'eff' up healy (re: your comments about how many games the Leafs have won on HNIC)..
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 06:36 PM
You know this is one of those games for which the Leafs came out flat so many times this year. I don't think we'll have a problem tonight.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 06:36 PM
Let's put these guys out of their misery?? Healy is off to a roaring start.
Posted by: TimB | 04/02/2011 at 06:37 PM
Evening All,
It's a great night for a win.
GO LEAFS GO!!
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 06:43 PM
after the last one between these 2 that went the distance scoreless....i'm anticipating the exact opposite out of the boys in blue.....4-2 for the good guys
GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: ezwelchman | 04/02/2011 at 06:52 PM
I have a dream.... okay, maybe stealing from Martin Luther King Jr. is a bit pathetic, but I have just been waiting for sooo long. I see good things for next year, but it would be oh, so sweet to see the Leafs sneak into the playoffs this year!
Posted by: Mur | 04/02/2011 at 06:54 PM
Given what the Sens have turned into this season (and how sweet that is...), anything less than a solid Leafs win will be a huge disappointment!
Posted by: Mur | 04/02/2011 at 06:55 PM
Wow. Oddly....I wasn't really that wound up until now. Ok, time to hunker down, rev it up and KICK SOME ASSSSSSSS.....
GO LEAFS GO!!!!
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/02/2011 at 06:57 PM
It's a great night for a win indeed!
Put the boots to Ottawa early and often as in score, score and score some more.
Wilson should have the guys ready to roll.
I know I am ready rockin' to Metric at almost 7 a.m. in the morning over here.
Memo to old summer shinny hockey friend Jason Spezza: don't burn your local heroes tonight. No heroics by anybody except a Leaf.
GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!
Wins by the Caps, Isles and Devils in reg. time would be appreciated.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:00 PM
Its late but here we go: Can the 1st one be considered as some kinda tribute to the Leafettes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTbFNsBy73I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkwgTBrW78
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfkVGCU_BA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpl6ncyxLGw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LREVZSIcL8
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/02/2011 at 07:02 PM
I see a 5-1 win for Toronto.
GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!
Hope the Kanata Henhouse is jammed with Leafs fans. Let's hear the Go Leafs Go chants tonight.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:02 PM
I think a key for this game is that the Leafs come out like they are playing Boston. Take nothing for granted. These Sens have nothing to lost and are playing for jobs next season. It's up to the leafs to make the effort sufficient to make this game not worth the effort for Ottawa.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:03 PM
@hoof - nice selection, thanks for the tribute LOL!!!
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 07:09 PM
Lots of Leafs sweaters in the house! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LEAFS!!!!!!
VM Replies: The long crowd shots are hilarious. More Leaf sweaters than at the ACC.
Posted by: TimB | 04/02/2011 at 07:14 PM
I agree, Moe. They have to come out fast and hit hard - a full 60 minutes
That is the key
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 07:14 PM
The crowd is really into this. Excellent.
VM Replies: A quick goal for the Leafs would make the atmosphere perfect.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:20 PM
Heyyyyyyyy kids! I'm here and in effect!
VM Replies: {O_O}
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:22 PM
Anderson looks on again.
Good chance for Kool on a nice pass by Schenn.
GO LEAFS GO! Keep that chanting going Toronto fans in the house.
Stay cool Jimmy. We will need you it looks like. Liking Lupul's play.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:23 PM
Philthy, Nasty or Cool Hand Luke goal coming up on the PP.
GO LEAFS GO!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:24 PM
You know... league should make powerplays optional for Leafs so they can say 'no thanks... we'd waste it anyhow' ◔_◔
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:28 PM
Craig Anderson: any chance you could be simply mortal tonight and let in a goal or five? Thank you for your kindness.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:28 PM
On the pp I watched the Leaf defenseman carry the puck slowly to the blue line forcing the forwards to stop and then he lazily dumped it in. Sheesh.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:29 PM
Agreed Vm. It's been a playoff atmos everywhere th Leafs have played lately. C'mon Leafs, score one.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:30 PM
Man, Washington goalies. Wow!
Varlamov just screwed the pooch the other night vs. Raleigh, and now Neuvirth against Buffalo. Ouch!
Get it together Caps. Start Holtby Boudreau!
Pillsbury Dough Boy in Washington, I don't know about him as a coach.
I'm happy with Ronnie compared to Boudreau, and that is saying a lot.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:32 PM
Wow - CBC must really be taking the whining about too much Leaf "homerism" seriously. They've done nothing but talk about the Sens in the booth tonight. It's a bit ridiculous when you hear "and the first power play tonight goes...AGAINST THE SENATORS".
On the plus side, Healy is still an idiot. Just virtually impossible to listen to. I think I'm going to listen to the radio broadcast while watching the game from here on in.
I forgot to mention earlier: this game actually has something riding on it for Ottawa (Battle of Ontario and all that) so I expect Spezza to be pretty invisible again.
C'mon, guys - kick it into gear already. For some reason they're not hitting. They have to change that.
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/02/2011 at 07:33 PM
Leafs need to get the Anderson-monkey off their backs early.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:33 PM
Anderson has now tossed 3.5 periods of shutout hockey against us since coming to Ottawa. Enough already Craig!
GO LEAFS GO!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:34 PM
So far I'm a little uneasy - still tingly - but uneasy.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:35 PM
what a douche Healy is "Jeopardy"!?!??! C'mon!!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 04/02/2011 at 07:37 PM
Bury that shyte Mac!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:38 PM
Hey PP! Good to see you doing the commentary as usual.
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Vinay, I like the pic for this thread....somewhat prophetic.
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GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 04/02/2011 at 07:38 PM
PHILTHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 07:38 PM
PHILTHY!
GO LEAFS GO!
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 07:38 PM
Ohhhh... it's a Timmy's banner behind the Ottawa bench. I was thinking it was an NDP thing and was slightly amused.
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:39 PM
Great hand-eye by Philthy!
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 07:40 PM
I think that goal was worthy of the Nekkid Cheer Squad... but don't see the girls around, LOL
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:40 PM
I'm honest to god surprised Sensi-bill isn't here.
O.O
Posted by: Tom | 04/02/2011 at 07:40 PM
PHILTHY WITH HIS 30TH! YES YES YES YES YES YES!
OUTSTANDING STAYING WITH IT PHILIP. MORE PLEASE.
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:40 PM
Philthy with 30. Grabo next
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 07:42 PM
OK, here at last.
.
Have I missed anything?
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(Guess I should get caught up on the posts so far.)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 07:44 PM
@Stormcastle... looks like it's just me right now (missydeb must be at the refreshment stand) and I don't do solo's. Where are the rest of the ladies???????
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 07:45 PM
I always wonder what the official in the penalty box is doing - always seem to be writing with pens. Is there a special crossword puzzle that has team players as clues?
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:46 PM
Lousy PP, great PK, I suppose I can live with that as long as we...........................................WIN!
GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO!
Another goal before the end of the period please. Not too much stress today please guys.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:48 PM
Poor Kuba. Lucky Kessel.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 07:49 PM
Great save by Jimmy. That would have been devastating.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:50 PM
You know... there's a reason Ottawa is out of contention: they look like a highschool phys ed. class playing floor hockey.
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:51 PM
Nice LATE stick-check to the face, Mr. Truculence (Rosehill).
VM Replies: Are you watching a delayed feed?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 07:51 PM
I just moved to the US, so watching games is no longer n option. Thanks for the play by play all, it's appreciated
VM Replies: Does anybody have a feed/link for Mike?
Posted by: Mike | 04/02/2011 at 07:53 PM
Late as usual but I am here! Where is my seat???
Moe! Get out of my seat!
Lainey, MissyDeb - where's my drink?
Let's go!!!!
VM Replies: Sue!
Posted by: Sue | 04/02/2011 at 07:53 PM
Raleigh and Buffalo tied at the end of one in their games.
Stinkin' Habs up by one in Jersey at the end of one.
Help us please! Good period from Toronto against this NCAA all-star squad.
No letups please guys in the second.
No Leafettes in the house except loyal Lainey. Boo whoooo? Kidding. I am sure they will be here soon enough.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 07:54 PM
Not playing well. Too much individualism. Almost timid.
Go Go go go g ogog goggoogoggogogogogogogogoggooooo
Geez, do something.
Posted by: Robert | 04/02/2011 at 07:55 PM
Go Leafs!
As a Canadiens fan, I'd love to see a dramatic last game of the season... like the one a few years back, with different results.
Na, scratch this, I'd love to see the Leafs in the playoffs. We'd have a worthy opponent in the Conference finals, perhaps!
Yeah, I'm a Habs fan, but for strange reason, since I've been following this blog, the Leafs changed from "hated enemy" to "loveable foes".
You give that dramatic last game of the season, and I foreswear any mention of the "Nipple Leafs"
VM Replies: Always nice to hear from you, LeGlorieux.
Posted by: LeGlorieux | 04/02/2011 at 07:56 PM
Lainey. I'm really in touch with my feminine side tonight if that counts for anything.
Posted by: TimB | 04/02/2011 at 07:56 PM
Leafs vs Sens on a springtime evening....does this feel like it's 'back in the day' to everyone? Let's hope for the usual result.
Posted by: sean | 04/02/2011 at 07:57 PM
but..but.. but... Moe shaved his legs and poofed his pompoms so nice, I said it was okay for him to keep your seat warm while you were busy. He was told he only has it for the first period... right Moe???
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 07:57 PM
Yay! Sue! ٩◔‿◔۶
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 07:57 PM
@mike: cbc.ca, use Hotspot Shield to get around it, or look for a link at myp2p.eu
Posted by: sean | 04/02/2011 at 07:57 PM
Hey all, it's been ages but I've been mostly keeping up my reading. If someone's got a seat beside them, I'll be here for a bit. Rah rah pom-poms, towels, whatever else we're shakin' these days :)
VM Replies: emma!
Posted by: emma | 04/02/2011 at 08:00 PM
Geez, how did I forget
GO LEAFS GO
Posted by: emma | 04/02/2011 at 08:00 PM
atta boy TimB, you're an honorary member don't fret ;o)
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 08:03 PM
@ Mike - lots of US Leaf fans at Mapleleafshotstove site. They always post US links
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 08:05 PM
Cherry says the skill players love the fighters. Of course they are gonna say that. For one thing they make the superstars look better by comparison. Second, saying you don't like fights in the ranks of hockey is akin to saying you don't like girls. It shouldn't be that way but it is.
Don Cherry is now fawning over the blue eyes of a fallen soldier. I wish he'd do more to stop their dying and killing instead of getting all maudlin about their now lifeless blue eyes.
He sure loves to pump himself up. My least favorite type of human.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 08:05 PM
Sorry, I'll bite, Krappy Kuba, Killer Kessel, cross-checking? The NHL needs to bring in a thin skull rule to use in conjunction with the diving rule...NEVER SAY NEVER, GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: Rooney | 04/02/2011 at 08:06 PM
Not only did Healy mess up the Jeopardy line, he stole it to begin with.
.
In fact I was going to post it here earlier in regard to Ottawa having so many college grads on the current roster.
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The line comes from a story in the Ottawa Citizen by sportswriter Allen Panzeri who, in discussing all the college grads, wrote: “Maybe they should forget about hockey and challenge the Leafs to a game of Jeopardy.”
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Roy Macgregor liked it so much he tweeted about it: "As Ottawa Citizen beat writer Allen Panzeri said: “Maybe they should forget about hockey and challenge the Leafs to a game of Jeopardy.”
.
At least Roy knows to give credit where credit is due.
.
Not Healey who not only mangled the line but left the impression it was his to begin with.
.
I liked the line and didn't interpret it as any kind of shot against the Leafs. For the record, Allen and Roy are former colleagues, and I guess you could say Roy and I were friends as well.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:09 PM
Hi Folks!
I'm back in Montreal for a couple of days, but was very impressed with how the Leafs put away the hated Bruins the other night.
It's strange being back in Habsland, where no one wants to rear-end my car at a red light or put a yam in my exhaust for flying the red-white-and-blue....
I'm not sure tonight will be a walk in the park but I think both our teams will win....
Cue the old time rivalry, folks!
VM Replies: I have missed you, Princess. Have fun in Montreal.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 04/02/2011 at 08:10 PM
Leafs need belly-fire for the second.
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 08:11 PM
"You know... there's a reason Ottawa is out of contention: they look like a highschool phys ed. class playing floor hockey."
.
Does this mean *I* get to "analyze" how the Leafs are playing? (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:14 PM
I've decided that I dislike CBC's camera on this side.
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 08:14 PM
Well, as a courtesy, I left my red pom poms in the closet, so I'll stick to . . .
.
GO SENS, GO!!!! (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:16 PM
"the KID is hot tonight" way to go Nasty!!!!!
Posted by: LaineyTML12 | 04/02/2011 at 08:16 PM
Do I detect sour grapes, Bill? LOL (∪ ◡ ∪)
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 08:17 PM
Woo Hoo! Kamakadri makes it 2!
VM Replies: Kamakadri... perfect.
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 08:18 PM
How's that for helping you guys out?
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Nice assist Handy Andy. (g)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:18 PM
By the way, all those Leag sweaters in the lower bowl are why the Sens charge more for tickets --- about $40 more per ticket --- when the Leafs come to town. (wg)
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:20 PM
Love the way our Captain's taking Lashoff under his wing.
Phaneuf/Lashoff - 2
Arena Glass - 0
Keep it going Boys
Posted by: missideb | 04/02/2011 at 08:21 PM
I like "kamikadri" and "nasty" as nicks
Posted by: moe green | 04/02/2011 at 08:22 PM
Gotta run folks, but the boys are looking like they've just turned up the tempo a bit again, so keep on going!
Sensi-Bill - it's nice to see you here again and smiling like your old self
Come on Lupul - is a natural hat-trick too much to ask ;)
GLG
Posted by: emma | 04/02/2011 at 08:23 PM
TimB - nice to see you are in touch with your female side this evening.
Stormcastle - Thanks! Nice to see when I am missed!
Emma - nice to see you! Just so you know, as the periods progress ... some times clothing becomes optional.
VM - don't get nervous yet! Fully clothed right now!
Posted by: Sue | 04/02/2011 at 08:24 PM
When you look at the goalies behind their masks, there's a marked difference: Anderson looks really wigged out... and Reimer is cold as ice - you can see that he's playing the game in his head.
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/02/2011 at 08:24 PM
I'm hoping that what we're seeing from this Leafs squad is a good indication of what will happen next season... though I wouldn't mind seeing the occasional power play goal (scored by our guys, I mean).
Posted by: loyal he remains | 04/02/2011 at 08:24 PM
Optimus...
Switched to another channel during intermission and Optimus Reim was in a movie....a good sign.
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/02/2011 at 08:25 PM
Sour grapes?
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What sour grapes?
.
Huh? I don't get it.
Are you talking about Don? The fur on both cats stood on end as they immediately fled the room the moment he started shouting. Doesn't he know he's miked? LOL
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:25 PM
is that "go leafs go" in the sens arena?
Posted by: Tom | 04/02/2011 at 08:26 PM
Thanks Emma.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:27 PM
Never get tired of hearing Go Leafs Go! chants in opposing arenas. Leafs Nation is worldwide!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 04/02/2011 at 08:28 PM
G'day everyone. The boys are looking pretty good tonight. Reimer!!! Nice save. Go Leafs Go!!!
Posted by: Charlee001 | 04/02/2011 at 08:29 PM
I don't want to make anyone nervous but unlike the broken and demoralized Sens of the first half of the season, these Baby BIngo Sens don't usually give up and heave been known to come back against two-goal leads.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:30 PM
Huge goal by Nasty. Just checking in periodically now as I work.
Canadiens still winning. Buffalo tied in Washington. Isles beating Raleigh.
GO LEAFS GO!
VM Replies: Oh, man. Send your students home!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/02/2011 at 08:30 PM
Oh yes. Having jus watched the replays, I see Svatos DID dive and fake the concussion when Rosehill slammed his stick into his face.
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NOT!
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:32 PM
Not tonight Mr Bill.
Posted by: ken baumgartner | 04/02/2011 at 08:32 PM
As good as Smiling Saint Jimmy is, I Sen-se an Ottawa goal coming. (wg)
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GO SENS, GO!!!!
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:34 PM
You know, Kadri reminds me of Montreal native Mike Ribeiro. Slick, nasty, but sometimes liable to a lazy (selfish?) "prima dona" behaviour... but he's so skilled, he makes up for those faults.
However I would never see him as a saviour. Look at his stats. Then look at the "Smurf" Desharnais. Which player would you rather have?
Posted by: LeGlorieux | 04/02/2011 at 08:36 PM
"I don't want to make anyone nervous but unlike the broken and demoralized Hens of the first half of the season, these Baby Bingo Hens don't usually give up and heave been known to come back against two-goal leads."
.
.
Newsflash: Perhaps you haven't been paying attention to the team wearing Blue & White that's been dominating the league since January 1st.
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Go Leafs Go!
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 04/02/2011 at 08:36 PM
I am in a car on my way home from Syracuse, how are the boys playing
VM Replies: Pretty well. Uh oh. Ottawa just scored to make it 2-1.
Posted by: ken baumgartner | 04/02/2011 at 08:41 PM
SPPPPPPPEZZZZZZAAAAAAAA!
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/02/2011 at 08:43 PM
So....they call icing (even though they blew the call) but let Ottawa MAKE A LINE CHANGE....and Spezza scores. Spezza shouldn't even have been on the ice there. Really nice.
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/02/2011 at 08:44 PM
Applause to Sensi-Bill for being here, tonight. Can't be easy hanging around with Leafs fans when they're facing the Sens. Especially since the Leafs are winning.
Posted by: loyal he remains | 04/02/2011 at 08:45 PM