End of season interview with Brian Burke
Brian Burke does not sugarcoat his words when asked about the season.
"It's a failure," he says, as we sit inside a circular booth at e11even, the MLSE-owned bistro on York Street. "You don't make the playoffs, it's a failure. There can be no debate in our sport about that.
"There are a lot of positives. But, overall, it's a failure. The season is a failure."
He pronounces "failure" with such staccato force, my first follow-up is: "So what went wrong?
"You have to win games in months that end with 'r,'" he says. "You can't just win games in months that end with a 'y.' October, November, December – those are critical months for us and we did not produce."
The two biggest "culprits," to use his word, were special teams and goaltending.
"But I think the goaltending, obviously, once that solidified, we've had a marvelous record. But our special teams need to improve."
As of today, the Leafs power play is operating at 16.2 per cent, which ranks 21st in the league. Penalty killing, meanwhile, is 77.9 per cent, which ranks 27th.
Why are special teams still so anemic when the roster was revamped over the past two seasons? Could the problem, at least in part, be related to strategic deficiencies?
There is a pause and a familiar scowl.
"I think the easiest thing to do when your special teams struggle is point to the coaches," says Burke. "That's what everyone says, 'Oh, it's coaching.' And yet the Pittsburgh Penguins have not had a Top 5 power play – not even Top 10, I think – in the last two years. So it can't be just personnel. It can't be just coaching. It's a blend."
He shakes his head and glances out the window behind me.
"This has gone beyond discussion. We've got to sort out our special teams. We've got to be better, there's no two ways about it. If our special teams had operated at a better efficiency rate, we'd be in the playoffs."
Okay. Forget the past. What is the plan for this summer? What "missing pieces," a cryptic term that gets tossed around almost daily, sit high atop his list?
"We intend to be active in free agency and we intend to explore trades."
Meaning what, specifically?
"We need to upgrade at center and we need some size," Burke says. "Size. I'd like to have more bite. I think Mike Brown delivered everything we asked him to. I think Colby Armstrong was exactly what we thought we were getting.
"But I think we need some more bite."
With the exception of Joffrey Lupul and Nikolai Kulemin, Burke says, the Top 6 is too small. In fact: "Even our Bottom 6 is small to play the way I like to play."
Leaving truculence aside, I return to the center position and ask if he regrets not getting a top-line player to feed Phil Kessel.
"Do I regret not getting a center? I haven't been offered one at a price that makes sense. I can overpay and get a center. Would I like to have one? Yes. That's different than do I regret not getting one."
The real issue, he says, has been negotiating power.
"What did we have to give up before this spring? We had no firsts. We had no Joe Colborne, no Jake Gardiner. What did we have to offer teams? I could have traded Kulemin for a center. But then we lose a Top 6 forward."
We move to the draft. The Leafs now have two firsts (Boston and Philadelphia) and one second round pick.
"We want to pick at least twice," says Burke. "So if we can package two of those picks to move up, we would do it. But we're not going to package three of them to move up. We want to pick twice."
Burke has engineered some high-profile deals on trade days past, including in 1993 when he moved up to snag Chris Pronger and 1999, when he landed the Sedin twins.
But as he notes ruefully: "Those were six years apart and I haven't got close since."
What about early scouting reports that suggest this isn't a strong draft year?
"It's not a marquee draft year," corrects Burke. "There's no Ovechkin. The year we drafted Pronger, there were like five big name guys. It's not that kind of draft. We like the players that are right where we are picking, right down to 40. We're happy with the grouping. We think there is quality in this draft."
As for possible free agents, he says, it's still premature to speculate about names: "The list of guys who are free agents now is not the list that will be there on July 1."
What he's not looking for this summer is a starting goalie: That job already belongs to James Reimer.
"The kid took the net away from the other two goalies," says Burke. "Every goalie, at some point in his career, has to grab the net. And the other goalies always fight when you try to grab the net. We had three goalies that were in the hunt and one kid grabbed the net this year.
"The issue is going to be who else is here and how else do we surround him and support him. But, yes, I think he's demonstrated the right to come back as the starter."
Where does this leave Jonas Gustavsson?
"We still haven't given up on the Monster at all. We signed him for a reason. We still believe in him. We have to see how things sort themselves out."
Despite not making the playoffs, despite using the F-word, Burke is quick to praise his team's run in 2011.
"It's a strong finish and it's not a phantom finish. It's not a meaningless last dozen games. It's been a six-week marathon. These guys have put together solid efforts, night in and night out, for basically six, seven weeks now. I like that."
"I like the work ethic of this group. I like the leadership of this group. I like our reserve list now, as far as the assets we've added with the first round picks and Colborne and Gardiner. I really feel like we have some real assets in the pipeline."
So are you satisfied with the progress?
"I'm never where I'd like to be at any point,” he says, just as the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling" strums to life in the speakers above our heads. "I'm not trying to give you an obscure, Zen answer. I'm never happy. We're in a non-playoff spot, I'm not happy. Do I see the progress? Yes. Am I happy with where we are? No. I was born impatient and I'm going to die impatient."
Let's try this again. Are you less unhappy than you were during our December interview?
There is another pause.
"Yes," Burke says, sipping a Diet Coke. "This isn't spin, you know. The general manager can try and spin things when you miss the playoffs. This isn't spin. The first thing I said is, 'It's a failure.' That's the last thing I will say.
"But in between, do I see massive change and improvement? Yes. Do I see cause for optimism? Yes. Do I feel we'll have a lot less work to do this summer than we've had in the past? Yes. Those are all important things."
And so with the last game unfolding Saturday, his message to Leaf fans is simple: "I hope they see the progress like I do. We're going to get there."
PHOTO: VINAY MENON/TORONTO STAR
Hope Grabbo can find twine tonight, and get his 30th. Would be so happy for the guy. My choice for our MVP of the year.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:28 PM
Do I ever feel sorry for John Tortorella, the Rangers and their fans. On the verge of getting knocked outta the playoffs in incredibly painful fashion again this year.
Have a feeling the 'Canes will beat Tampa tonight, and squeak in over them.
Ouch in New York!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:30 PM
Loved the sound of that: Hughson saying, "Joe Colborne's line out there right now." Has a nice ring to it.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:32 PM
WOW! 3-0 Tampa in Raleigh. Fantastic! Love to see hockey towns and Original Six teams get in over NASCAR, basketball, redneck Bud swillin' towns.
Good for the Rangers. Hang on Tampa and KO the 'Canes.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:34 PM
Vinay is not well? Sorry to hear that my friend! Get well soon! I just wanted to say thank you so very much for your blog this year. I have enjoyed your words, and the camaraderie of everyone who came here, game after game. We may not know each others real names, but I feel as though I know you all very well. Here's to a great year next season!
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/09/2011 at 07:36 PM
colborne's line scores! Woot Woot!
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/09/2011 at 07:38 PM
PHILTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
YES YES YES YES YES YES! COLBORNE WITH HIS FIRST POINT. AWESOME!
GO LEAFS GO!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:40 PM
Benoit Pouliot and Scott Gnomez must just drive Canadiens fans mad!
I don't think Pouliot has scored in close to 20 games, and just missed another glorious chance.
And what is there to say about Gnomez? So much money for so little. What a bum. The Anchorage Anchor for Montreal. One of the worst trades in NHL history.
Ryan McDonagh who went the other way for New York scored the winning goal in a huge game for the Rangers today. Gomez does not even have as many goals as Subban if memory serves. Ouch! Higgins also went to New York, and he is slowly getting better bouncing around the league.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:46 PM
3-0 at the end of one in Raleigh. 'Canes fans must be awfully shocked and bummed.
Decent period of hockey, but looks like both teams mostly going thru the motions. Not much passion or hitting. Oh well.
Looking forward to hearing what The Don has to say tonight.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 07:52 PM
Well. Love him or hate him ya gotta LOVE listening to The Don.
Ripped Wilson a new one. WP will love that.
Kadri should have been up all year. Don't know about that but The Don makes a compelling case for that.
Frattin should not be playing while Ziggy Stardust a.k.a. Zigomanis should be. Agreed.
The goaltending. That IS a joke that that Giggy and Gus were allowed to go on as long as they did while Reimer languished down with the Marlies. Just a bloody joke to see Giggy creaking around like an old old man in Jersey on Wednesday night. NOW we hear he needs hernia surgery. I knew he did and I am NOT a doctor.
Would have liked to have heard Brian Burke put a LOT more blame on his own ASS for the failures of this team. Quite illuminating Mr. Cherry, quite illuminating.
And a lot of people irrationally loathe Corey Perry. I hope he wins the Hart and nice to see he already has the Rocket in is pocket. Hope his peers give him the Ted Lindsay too.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 08:07 PM
@Pyramid Power: I second your nomination for Grabovski as team MVP. No other player "brought it" so consistently over the course of the year. No other player worked any harder. No other player was as much of a role model. Tops in plus/minus. Powerplay, Penalty kill and five-on-five. With all due respect to the other worthy nominees: Phaneuf, MacArthur, Reimer - Grabovski gets my vote with no reservations.
@Vinay: Get well soon - I know you will. What an amazing season I experienced thanks to you. The bastards did their part but you sir were the magnificentest bastard of them all. Looking forward to seeing you again at training camp!
Sincerely, thank you Vinay.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 08:09 PM
Better get to my labors.
Adieu Vinay my friend. I hope you feel much better very soon.
Has been a lot of fun this year to say the least despite getting blogged out by Beijing for a few months.
You hooked me up to the blog via Google Reader and I am forever grateful for that and so many other things.
A good man. Am proud to know you.
Hope to see you next autumn lad.
GO LEAFS GO NOW AND FOREVER!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 08:17 PM
Wish the Don would speak up. Can hardly hear what he's shouting.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 08:18 PM
And in cheering for Montreal to go into the playoffs on a high note — GO HABS, GO!!!
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Unless they are thinking of throwing this one in an attempt to get a different dance partner in the first round of the playoffs.
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I really doubt any franchise this rich in hockey history and heritage would ever even think of doing that. Would be such bad karma. And such poor class.
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Nope, can't see this team ever doing anything like that
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 08:24 PM
This lil fella Colborne is looking good. So this brings up an important question: After taking it home next year, for how many years will the Leafs dynasty continue to hold unto the cup. I predict nine years. I predict that the team that steals the cup back from the Leafs will be the North York Parkways. They will narrowly defeat the Winnipeg Coyotes for the cup in a seven game series. The year after that it'll be Hamilton Steelers' turn. Ah, the future.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 08:25 PM
Would Reimer get an invite to the Worlds if Nonis wasn't in charge?
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Pahaneuf?
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Discuss.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 08:41 PM
Will Canadiens' Captain Gionta score 30 goals this season?
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One away with 20 minutes to go in his regular season.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 08:51 PM
Got a break here. 12 minutes to go in our year. See if we can tie this.
GO LEAFS GO!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:15 PM
That is a goal. Come on War Room. Get this right.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:17 PM
Speaking of the end of the season, and before I forget, I have some good news and bad news.
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First the bad news. At least bad news for some people here. The good Lord willing, whenever this blog re-opens, I'll be back.
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The good news is that whenever this blog re-opens, I'll be back. (g)
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Just something for people to look forward to. LOLOL
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Seriously, though, I have thanked Vinay, and now I would like to thank everyone else here for their company and contributions — funny, entertaining, informative, serious and even on occasion irritating (for this sensitive soul). *smile*
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Take care everyone — and I DO mean everyone — over the off season. Have a great spring and summer and I look forward to seeing you all back here when the doors open again.
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And if kept informed, will try to attend any and all get togethers as best I can.
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If anyone needs or wants to get in touch with me, you can contact me, and find my e-mail address, through my blog Surfacing, at http://bill.provick.ca.
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If you forget that address, Vinay has my e-mail address and my permission to distribute if as he sees fit. Ah heck. What the heck, if you haven't already guessed, my primary e-mail address is: bill@provick.ca.
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And if you Google that name, you'll see I DO exist. LOL
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Finally, I may bug the he'll out of some of ya, but I do love ya all.
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Yours truly,
Sensible-SometimesSensitive-SometimesCranky-Bill
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:17 PM
Healy and Hughson want this to not be a goal so badly. Healy especially. Man, do I hate them. Why do THEY call our games? I miss you Bobby Cole!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:18 PM
Rejoice Glen Healy. Rejoice Jim Hughson. Not a goal.
Was a helluva reaction by Price though to give credit where it is due.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:21 PM
Didn't look like a goal from here.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:23 PM
But I did notice all those Canadiens jerseys in the crowd.
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Montréal must be Canada's team after all, just like all those surveys said.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:25 PM
Pierre Gauthier must take Jesus Price out to dinner as often as possible. Walk his dog, do his dishes and wipe his ass. LOL Wow! How grateful he must be towards this masked bandit after trading Halak away for Eller who I don't think will ever amount to much and Little Schultz.
'Canes just about dead. Had their fate in their own hands, and blew it with a vengeance. Gotta hurt a LOT.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:27 PM
Sheesh Dion!
First, you think you are Robert Orr.
Then you make like Aki Berg!
Who ARE you?
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:32 PM
Bob Cole did the Sens-Bruins game this afternoon and seemed nice and relaxed and did a good job during the parts of the game I saw. (Went to an "Easter Bunny" movie (Hop) with my granddaughter, and others, this afternoon.)
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I think they've been keeping Cole away from Leafs games so his homerism doesn't interfere with his job. He seems happy to not have to worry about that kind of criticism.
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And I don't find Hougson anti-anyone. Nor Craig Simpson.
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And we all know Healy is in a class —detention hall? — all to himself.
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Just my opinion, of course.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:33 PM
Oh the horror! The stark horror! Ole ole ole ole in our own barn to end the year?
Does it get any worse than this? Ouch!
You really have to some masochistic blood in ya to be a Leafs fan.
This is sadly one of those times.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:34 PM
WTF????
Posted by: TimB | 04/09/2011 at 09:35 PM
Good laugh with the kid behind Martin.
"Nobody likes the Habs" sign very funny. Good job kid.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:39 PM
2 power play goals and 1 shorty for the habs. Guess Cherry is right about some things after all. Wilson, you blow.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/09/2011 at 09:40 PM
Finish the year on the PP. How fitting somehow.
Get Grabbo his 30th please guys!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:41 PM
Quite a sight watching the girl in the Leafs sweater behind the Montreal bench with the sign saying "Nobody like the Habs" while the ACC is echoing with the Olé, Olé chant.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:41 PM
Congratulation to Jacques Martin on his 600th victory.
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Who do you think will ultimately end up with more victories as a coach — Jacques Martin or Ron Wilson?
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:41 PM
Well, this is it I guess. Have a great summer all who remain: Bill, Pyramid, Oakville, all. It's been awesome and fun and morbidly disappointing. Next year at this time we will be discussing who we are going to be hosting in the first round.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:42 PM
And you TimB, how could I have forgotten you. Happy summer friend.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:43 PM
Mr Bill, why do you feel the necessity to end most of your comments with "just my opinion, of course" or words to that effect. We know it's your opinion. Theoretically you just typed it and posted it, who else's opinion would it be?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/09/2011 at 09:43 PM
Happy summer Hoof. You'll be back. Oh you will be back.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:43 PM
4 to 1 and Kessel gets second star?
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Thanks for coming out Ron.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:43 PM
And so it ends.
Would like to see Burke, Wilson, Nonis, Dion etc..... address the crowd. Would be cool.
Another episode of The Don coming up. Should be fun.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:45 PM
They had some nerve to salute from centre ice after that sad ass show of "who gives a shit".
Posted by: TimB | 04/09/2011 at 09:46 PM
@Sensi-Bill: Jacques Martin. I think Ron Wilson will retire before him.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:47 PM
Be afraid! Be very afraid!
Posted by: TimB | 04/09/2011 at 09:47 PM
I'm hoping there will be one final post from Vinay after he is well. It would be anti-climactic if it ended this way.
@moe - back at you Sir. Hope you and yours have a great summer too.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/09/2011 at 09:48 PM
I'd enjoy a public execution of Wilson. Kidding. Am I?
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:49 PM
Wilson is off to golf the summer away. Wilson LOVES golf. I do not want a coach of my team who LOVES golf.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 09:49 PM
Have a good spring and summer, Hoof.
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*smile*
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:50 PM
Thanks,Moe. Everybody have a great summer! I'll be entering next season holding my breath.
Posted by: TimB | 04/09/2011 at 09:51 PM
You too moe and Pyramid and TimB.
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You guys are three more of my favorites here — yes, including you Pyramid Power. *smile*
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:53 PM
Hey guys sorry I missed the game, I was at my son's playoff game and they lost too. Oh well. Here hoping for a better next year. If this is the last blog I hope you all have a great summer. I hope to see you at the bash.
Vinay you take care of yourself and get better in a hurry. I consider you a friend indeed, along with all of you fine people. I hope this blog has a new beginning next fall.
My lemon squares just won't taste the same ever again.
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 04/09/2011 at 09:53 PM
Night all.
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Be well, Vinay.
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And Leafettes, well, I'll at least see some of you on Twitter. (g)
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Take care and thank you ladies, as well.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/09/2011 at 09:55 PM
Gonna be one helluva playoff ride.
I am picking Boston for the Cup. Not really cheering for any team, but just looking forward to some awesome hockey. I suppose Kabby playing for the Bears makes me like them. I like their chances if Thomas stays hot in nets too.
ABC -Anybody but the Canadiens. Anybody but the Canucks. Hate the Canadiens of course which is my duty as a citizen of Leafs Nation, and the presence of Yappy Lappy on the Canucks, well, just can't root for them for that reason and others. Hope they go up against the Ducks in the first round and get knocked out.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 09:58 PM
While I think you guys are sometimes a little hard on Wilson - he is a convenient scapegoat - I greatly prefer Martin to him. Martin may be bland, but he wins, and he carries himself with some class, which is one department that Wilson is definitely lacking in.
I almost felt sorry for you guys with the Ole Ole... ha. Almost.
C ya next year? Or sooner? Or whatever....
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/09/2011 at 09:59 PM
Have a great summer, folks...
in your deepest darkest, most secret moments, have a thought for the smurfs as they begin the post-season...
or not!
I have loved exchanging hockey thoughts with you folks; it has been an honour and a priviledge.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 04/09/2011 at 09:59 PM
Hoof,I'm pretty sure your right.VM will post something to end this season a little better than this.Talk at you then.
Posted by: TimB | 04/09/2011 at 10:01 PM
Well ... I sat here quietly this evening reading all the comments. I am sad that the season is over. Even though I only joined halfway through the season, I have to say I will miss all of you this summer. Hoof, TimB, PP, KenB, Wandering Penguin, Lainey, Oakville_girl, MissiDeb, Boo, Alecia, Sensi-Bill, and Moe, how could I forget Moe! I know that I have missed a lot of your names and I am sorry. This season was really the most fun I have had watching hockey.
VM - have to thank you the most for making watching hockey this much fun! Will miss all the Leafettes and the Naked Cheerleaders! Will miss TimB and Moe with their pompoms and shaved legs.
TimB - make sure the van is working in the fall! I will definately be on board.
Everyone ... have a great off season. We will be back in force. I am looking forward to next season in a big way!
VM - hope you are feeling better soon and we can discuss the biggest summer event to ever hit Toronto. The first ever ALFB gathering.
Hope everyone has a great summer! Now onto watching the Blue Jays! Have to ... Toronto team!
If anyone is on twitter ... I am suzash123.
Ciao!
Posted by: Sue | 04/09/2011 at 10:06 PM
Late game kind of a lame duck game for both teams too. Flames out, Vancouver has first in the league wrapped.
Can't wait for the playoffs. The Leafs game was not good hockey, was a stinker as Tim B. eloquently put it. Surprised not to see a better effort from some of the guys who will be fighting for jobs next autumn as in almost everyone. Well, not quite. I think we can safely kiss Sjostrom, Brent, Boyce and Crabb goodbye. I don't see them sticking. And Bozak. Hhhmmmmmmmmmmm.
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I don't like this kid and his play. Just don't. Not good enough on any line. He misses too many chances near the net, and that is what he is supposed to do - score. Scorers should score. He doesn't do that enough. Should we cut him some more slack despite the massive salary and bonuses he gets? I don't know. I see Burkie getting rid of him, but we will see.
Have a great spring and summer everyone! I wish you all happy meanderings and only good things. See ya next autumn if this is to be the end. And take care Vinay. Thank you!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/09/2011 at 10:19 PM
@Bomber: Where we're going we won't need any lemon squares. Have a great summer.
@Sue and the Leafettes: Will continue shaving legs. Stay naked and pom-pomed. Have agreat summer all.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/09/2011 at 10:40 PM
Nothing left to say here folks... it's been a great season! Looking forward to next year. I will be keeping an eye on developments within the world of thestar-VM-leafsfanblogs-continuation... cheers!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 04/09/2011 at 11:53 PM
If this posts twice, I apologize. Pretty sure it didn't go through the first time but if it did, Vinay will likely miss the duplication in his condition, so... the fault is mine.
Just got home from the inlaws and, since I knew the score, only watched the last couple of minutes on the PVR to see how the crowd responded to Reimer et al (not very vocal, to say the least). But I did manage to watch enough to catch those asshats in the booth tear Kadri a new one for being "green behind the ears" and actually having the nerve to finish his check on Wisniewski while only down three goals with a couple of minutes left in the SEASON. Meanwhile, on the penalty kill for the Habs which immediately followed that little action, that punk Subban spent most of his time actively trying to run the score up to 5-1 - and the same asshats were giggling like mad because he really "needed" that 15th goal. They were positively giddy about the Habs maybe scoring again - "Put Camalleri out there!!" What a bunch of disgraceful buffoons. And to think I used to prefer Hughson over Cole. He's sure made me regret that opinion the past month or so.
Speaking of that PP....was Grabbo hurt at some point during the game? If not - and I cannot see any site that says he was - why in the HELL did he see not one second of PP time in search of his 30th goal? Shouldn't he had been double-shifted in the third period from start to finish to try to get him to that plateau? Someone asked earlier on this thread if maybe the Leafs were starting to play harder "for Wilson"; if they were (and I doubt it), chicken-poop moves like that one will certainly cause them to rethink his position. Was Grabbo hurt? Did I miss some other reason he would have been off the ice - a misconduct or something? I really hope I did, because I didn't think even Wrong Wilson would be that much of an idiot.
And lastly - for now, until I watch the kids play tomorrow on the PVR (yes, even though I know the score I still want to see how they did) - I guess my friends were all wrong about Clouston. Either they were or Murray was. Actually, come to think of it, I'm betting Murray was. We'll see, but I think the rebuild in the Valley might take a bit longer than it may have looked a few days ago.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 12:21 AM
Oh, sorry, there is one more thing. I came home relaxed with nothing really at stake tonight and all I wanted to do was check on the play of the new kids. So far I have watched only three minutes of action in a nothing game with the Leafs down 4-1 before I even turned on the TV...and in those three minutes I think I said, "F--- off, Healy" 6 or 7 times. Out loud. To the TV.
Man, I can't stand that guy. Who can? How does he keep that job?
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 12:30 AM
Just about to hop into bed and one thought just struck me: the moment the Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs they lost 5 of 5 points available to them. So when the possibility of post-season play didn't motivate them, NOTHING ELSE DID.
Now I ask you: is that not exactly what we have been talking about here? Is that not November and December all over again? Is that not the perfect indication that Wrong Wilson is a lousy coach? It's pretty plain to me that the only reason the players got to the level of intensity that they did was because they were self-motivated by a shot at the post-season. Once that was taken away, they served up two stinkers back-to-back - including against a team that they normally bring the intensity for even when they are at the very bottom of the standings.
I stand by my claim that ANY team should be able to get "up" for a playoff chase or all the players on that team should find something else to do for a living. It's when they need to be prodded that you find out what kind of coach they have. And we found out this week what kind of coach they have.
And he needs to go. Period.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 12:50 AM
Here's an article where the author says it's time for Paul Maurice to go. Of course the author's name is "DeCock." Not sure what that means either.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/09/1119194/decock-time-for-maurice-to-go.html
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 01:02 AM
Obviously other Leaf articles on the Star.com aren't read as much as this blog but I did find this comment interesting on a story entitled Why Leafs have 45 Reasons to Hope:
# 46
A leafs fan blog !! three cheers for Vinay!!
Agree17
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Disagree4
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! Alert a moderator
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 08:12 AM
Just saw that Cory Clouston was fired by the Sens.
Hmmm, team doesn't perform, coach gets fired. Can anyone disagree that the Sens had a far worse club than the Leafs did this year and yet the coach was still held accountable even though I thought the Sens played pretty well with all their call ups. BB, if you truly want to improve this team you'll give Wrongy his walking papers and scoop up Clouston. He is exactly the type of coach most of us having been talking about all season long. Young, new ideas and most importantly, can communicate with all the young guys the Leafs have.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 08:21 AM
I do believe damien cox is reading our posts. No Wilson, or make him earn his contract extension, 2 forwards of first line prominenece and a hard nose defenceman with a bullet shot. We of ALFB have been saying this all year. Cheap column damien, you read it here first.
How many breakaways against the Leaf power play last night? I think the game reflects more the miasmic demeanor of the coaching staff than the players.
Thank you all for being such great friends. I have enjoyed your company and your wit through this season.
Vinnie, my man, get well, enjoy the summer with your family and loved ones and please do come back next fall. You are the greatest!
Posted by: Robert | 04/10/2011 at 09:42 AM
@hoof: um...this blog was reason #46 on a list of top 45 reasons? Not sure how to take that...
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 10:51 AM
Also @hoof: I haven't paid enough attention to the Sens to know whether Clouston is a decent coach - some friends of mine think he is - but I think it is important to notice that the Sens, with nothing to play for, beat the Habs this week in OT and fired their coach. The LEAFS, with nothing to play for, barely showed up for their game against the Habs and lost 4-1...and so far haven't fired THEIR coach. Also, Clouston's career winning percentage - albeit over far fewer games - is almost EXACTLY the same as Wrong Wilson's.
So to sum up: Clouston is fired for coaching perhaps the worst team (talent-wise and accounting for the injuries) in the NHL back from the brink and almost out of a lottery position. Wilson coaches what many here believe to have been a playoff-calilbre squad to 10th in the conference and a lacklustre effort in almost every game that didn't have "must-win" written all over it and apparently keeps his job for another year at least. Not really a good message to send to the fans, is it?
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 11:03 AM
It sure isn't a popular sentiment around here princess but I'd like to see your "smurfs" go all the way to the final versus Vancouver. It's gotta be this year. Just hope those Sabres and Rangers don't spoil it. Philly and Boston are going down. Have a great summer Princess!
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 11:10 AM
@Robert: Maybe he has been reading our posts but I agree with him and it needs to be said. It's all well and good for BB to call this a failure and to get all pseudo-angry and blustery but this was HIS failure as much as it was Wilson's and the players. Boo to another year without the playoffs. A specially loud BOO because this one we could easily have had.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 11:18 AM
@hoof: I just noticed that reason #46 was by a commenter. Sorry I didn't get that distinction in the first place. I wonder which of us that was?
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 11:20 AM
And what is all this BS about Wilson's pending "lame duck" status? He isn't the president of the US. This is hockey and I'm sure he'll be able to function without the extension. He already said as much. An extension for Wilson would be large mistake.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 11:20 AM
Just imagine if you were the president of a corporation and you hired your wife or son or best friend for a senior position? It would not wash with the Board or the shareholders. Why is Burke allowed to extend the contract of his "best man at his wedding" friend? It should not be allowed to happen.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 11:24 AM
@Robert: I think he's reading YOUR posts. But I do agree with you. I am confused though as to where those two forwards would fit. Who would you get rid of? Grabovski, MacArthur? Do we dump Lupul? Bozak might work on the third line, but he's a little too Justin Bieber-ish. I like your thinking especially a stud defenseman with a cannon. I think the biggest positive move would be the subtraction of Wilson.
Posted by: no moe green | 04/10/2011 at 11:49 AM
@WP - not sure who amongst us posted on that other story but I imagine the 4 (so far) "disagrees" were probably from Nostradumbass, Nikki and 2 habitrolls who were made to feel unwelcome here.
On another note, timely article from Cox about Wrongy. I truly have to wonder if Cox does read this blog out of pure jealously of our leader and what he has accomplished with this, dare I say it, institution that is "a Leafs Fan Blogs."
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 12:10 PM
Just in case there are those who think Don Cherry knows what he's talking about . . .
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Last night he heaped derision on the Ottawa Senators franchise for being so heartless as to fire its coach, Cory Clouston, right after the team's final game of the season and in time for the firing to be discussed on HNIC.
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In his favourite stance of high indignation, Cherry proclaimed that the team should have waited a few days and then try to fire him quietly to somehow save him from embarrassment.
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Of course what Cherry obviously didn't know was that it apparently was Clouston himself who asked that his future be declared as soon as possible, so as to not be left dangling in the wind for a few days.
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Clouston, who apparently is quite good working with young players, is also apparently a touch too rigid and stubborn when dealing with older players.
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It was pretty much accepted here in Ottawa for quite some time now that barring some last minute turn around in management's thinking, Clouston's contract, which expired at the end of the season, would not be renewed.
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So contrary to what the uninformed Cherry bellowed about, the team was granting Couston his wish in letting his lack of a future with the club be known right away.
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Which reminds me. There's been a lot of talk here about replacing Wlson with Eakins because the latter apparently works so well with young players. Clouston's fate suggests a young coach needs more than that ability.
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A lot of us here in Ottawa really like Clouston and are sad to see him go. But it's hard to protest his departure when there were so many signs it didn't quite seem to be working out.
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I think it was classy of Clouston to ask that his future with the team — or more accurately, as it turned out, his lack of a future with the team — be dealt with with dispatch and classy of the team to accommodate those wishes.
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I do not think it was classy for Don Cherry to, as he so often does, go off half-cocked and uninformed.
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Good luck with whatever your future holds Cory. It may not have worked out in the end, but we appreciate your efforts.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/10/2011 at 12:41 PM
Game 82?
If there is no VM gem for post game 82, then along with other commenters I add my.....
*Thank you Maple Leafs for a progressive season,
*Thank you commenters for a daily interesting, witty, and entertaining read, and....
* THANK YOU Vinay Menon for being the writer whom I most enjoyed in the Star.
Hoping I somehow hear about any ALFB Chaper gatherings.
Enjoy the off-season all.
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/10/2011 at 01:03 PM
@moe: I guess it is all speculation as we await both the draft and July 1st. I think Cox is saying that a couple of these folks will have to go to create space for a first line. Which will open up space for Grabbo and company against 2nd line defense.
I think we need to take some of the pressure of Phaneuf on the PP and with a hard shooting guy on the left side it would give us more options.
I hate to say it, but last night, both Phaneuf and Schenn looked slow against the smaller Montreal forwards. All grist for the mill.
Moe is has been a pleasure, this 'cyber coaching'! Burke has cap space, and tradable commodities, be fun to see what he does with them.
Regards
Posted by: Robert | 04/10/2011 at 02:09 PM
@Sensi-Bill; Cherry half cocked?? What else is new. He essentially uses Saturday night to deliver news that is usually several days old, and or known throughout the league. He is a blow hard.
I kind of liked Clouston and thought he did a pretty good job given his team was traded away. As for Heatley leaving, who really cared? Don't like the coach - leave.
De Boer has also bought it today down in Florida. Free to go where ever he chooses!!!
I think the Eakins idea, is that he has worked with some of the young players and will over the next year or so, work with more of the prospects. Is he best where he is, or does he get a shot with the big club?
The problems would probably lie with people like Kessel if there were problems.
I think us Leaf Fans are frustrated, because we don't see any improvement in the team that can be attributed to Wilson's coaching. And we have been watching pretty hard all year.
Posted by: Robert | 04/10/2011 at 02:40 PM
Sensi-Bill: Agreed on Cherry. He's just embarrassing. I cross my fingers that he'll retire sooner rather than later.
BTW - I hated that White and Brown fight last night. White threw a good clean bodycheck on Gunnarson... why should that be occasion for a fight? It just ruins the flow of the game.
Hawks are losing... if they lose and the Stars win, the Hawks are out. Wow.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/10/2011 at 02:45 PM
So, we needed nine more points. Four wins and a tie. I'll bet every player can think of a game he would like to have over again. Hope they all remember in the fall, especially the "ber" months. For all the reasons other posters have mentioned, next season should be one to remember and enjoy, especially if Vinay is back with this blog. For right now, good health to you, VM, and a good summer to all. Hanging up the skates and skis and tuning up the kayaks and bikes.
Posted by: enJoy hockey aka grandma goon | 04/10/2011 at 02:50 PM
I also was waiting for another post-game commenting thread, but will take this opportunity to thank you VM for providing me an opportunity to waste a ton of time reading and commenting on this blog. I thoroughly enjoyed your sense of humour, your timely comments and also interacting with all here. I wish you a quick recovery VM and look forward to the Fall.
Time well wasted.
Posted by: palbo | 04/10/2011 at 03:18 PM
Hey Penguino - I wanted to just say that I actually agree with you on Subban's trying to score at the end last night. It was bush league and I hope (and would guess) that someone like Gionta or Gomez took him aside after the game and said as much. Personal goals are nice but you don't try to show up the opposition at the end of the game and season like that.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/10/2011 at 03:24 PM
I think Cox makes a valid point by saying that if "blue-and-white-disease" was supposedly the sense of entitlement that BB was *supposedly* going to eradicate in this team, the coach should not be let off the hook...and while BB and Wilson have been quick to detect and weed it out in the players, BB is fostering precisely this type of problem in his coach if he grants the guy a contract extension after an extremely iffy tenure at the helm. Wilson should have a fire lit under his crusty old behind, IMHO, because he has been reassured as to his own entitled spot behind that bench for way too long. That is just not good management, good ethics, or good sense.
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 04/10/2011 at 03:28 PM
Hawks lost. That blows me away. Dallas plays Minnesota... I think the Hawks are done.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/10/2011 at 03:53 PM
Princess - on the other hand, if you think you've got a good coach - and Burke clearly thinks he does even though many would disagree - there's something to be said for letting the coach get on with the job without the sword of Damocles hanging over his head. The players know he's there to stay and that if they aren't going to play for him, they're going to play somewhere else.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/10/2011 at 04:04 PM
Thanks, Geoff. I appreciate that. Honestly - even though I called him a punk - it wasn't Subban that I was that upset with in my comment, it was the pinheads in the booth. He was looking for a rookie record and I really don't mind that he pressed a bit, there, as long as he doesn't mind it if the Leafs play him a bit rough while he tries to do so. I think all bets are off when you play like crap in the last game of the season and the other team is trying to achieve something. But it was the whining about Kadri (who is ALSO trying to achieve something) merely finishing his check with a couple of minutes left that I took issue with - similar to the Brown/White fight, in a way.
But yes, showing the other team up is never something to be glorified by the announcers, no matter what good reason you might have for doing it. And at least the Habs gave him a chance to get that goal, unlike the Leafs with Grabbo. That is still under my skin.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 05:14 PM
This probably sounds as if I'm looking at reasons to pick at Wrong but at any time this year during a Leaf PP did our assclown coach put his 3 top scores on the ice together to see if they could generate any offence? It got so bad last night that I was betting my son they wouldn't get a shot on net let alone a goal. Then I contemplated betting him that wouldn't get in the hab zone, never mind get a shot on net. Maybe as part of a season finale, we could grade the whole team, top to bottom or is the interest gone?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 05:43 PM
In the first place, let's be sportsmanlike and congratulate the people that post on this blog and are fans of the Canadians. Even they must have worried at times when they suffered many injuries and when their team could not score. They found a way while the Leafs have not. Again!
I am a great deal more confident with regard to the excellence of this blog next year than about the Leafs I am sad to say. The last three games stank. BB has no intention of holding Wilson accountable for the horrible results he has had three years in a row. Clearly, some players are more equal than other players in the opinion of BB and RW. In spite of costing the owners untold millions in playoff income, the executives of the parent club are what? content? It's still a mess.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 04/10/2011 at 05:46 PM
One other thing, even though he isn't part of the team, I would give Healy a flat out F. I didn't think it was possible for me to dislike anyone more than McGuire but I was wrong again. WP - you were swearing at him for but a brief moment in time. I started the first time he opened his piehole last night and didn't stop until I walked away from the TV. I did notice that Chris Simpson seemed to have had enough of him as well when he told him he was being harsh for being overly critical of Kadri. The twerp appears to have issues with the Leafs.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 05:48 PM
@hoof - it's become quite amazing to me that Craig Simpson is the only person for whom I still have any respect in virtually any HNIC crew. I really used to like Jim Hughson a long time ago but something has definitely happened to him over the years. And don't get me wrong: I only was swearing at Healy for a few minutes last night because that's all I watched. I often go to bed still swearing at him on a Saturday night during the winter. He's just such a tool.
BTW, "Chris" Simpson is Craig's sister and...well, let's just say it would be a lot more fun to have her do the on-camera interviews and put Elliotte Friedman between the benches. Not that I have anything against Friedman...but any time Chris Simpson can do anything on camera I am in favour. If you catch my drift.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 06:19 PM
Pinot, I will offer congrats to those hab fans who add thoughtful opinions. Geoff, Nugent, Princess and the uber talented Judith are more than welcome either here or at one of the planned ALFB get togethers. The habitrolls, and they know who they are, can suck swamp water. That being said, there are certain Leaf fan trolls who have appeared here throughtout the season that deserve a Golden Raspberry as well.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 06:20 PM
Oh, and hoof, to answer your other question: if Wrongo ever did put Kessel, Grabbo and Kuli together it must have been a long time ago. He may well have, but I'd wager it wasn't on purpose and I sure don't remember when it was. For some ridiculous reason, Wilson doesn't HAVE a PP unit nor a PK unit. He keep the lines together. I don't think that works for any other team in the NHL. Naturally, it doesn't work here, either.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 06:21 PM
Phil Kessel: "B-"
Way too much floating early on and way too little consistency. He came on late but it wasn't nearly enough. This guy gets a "C" just mailing it in. An elite talent with a sub-par work ethic.
Grabovski: "A" The team MVP. What hasn't this guy done. Top plus/minus, Plays PP and PK. Great work ethic. 100% every shift. Should keep the "A" If this guy can stay injury-free next season - look out.
Kulemin: "B+" Squeezed nearly as much as possible out of his current skill-set. Having said that I do not think 40 goals is an impossibility.
MacArthur: "A" Could we have reasonably asked any more from this $1.1 million steal this season? Only in the sense that his performance dropped off after Burke decided to diminish his achievements publicly. Burke's end of season comments lead us to believe that MacArthur will not be back next season.
Lupul: "B-" Unfair really given the guy's medical issues. Expect much more from him next season. Great shot, incredible release. I'll bet he becomes a 25-plus goal man. Maybe more.
Bozak: "C-" Never has a player given this amount of opportunity delivered less. Hands of stone. Bad decisions with the puck. Crappy plus/minus. Good faceoff man. Probably asked to play above himself. Wouldn't be surprised if he didn't make the team next season. IMO a solid third liner but probably too small and soft for Burke.
Armstrong: "B" Delivered what we expected from him in a defensive role. Injuries likely prevented him from showing a little more offense. A lock to make the team.
Brent: "B" Given his talent level Brent succeeded admirably. Another guy who never took a night off. Solid 4th line centre. Probably gone next season.
Boyce: "B" Played a solid game. Top numbers defensively. A solid 4th liner.
Crabb: "B" See above.
Rosehill: "B" Better than Orr. Just.
Sjostrom: "B-" No hands. Poor offensive skills. Very hard worker. Won't likely be back.
Kadri: "C+" Still young but definitely under-performed. Expect much better next season. Came on late. Makes the team out of training camp next season.
Phaneuf: "B+" Legitimate team leader. Injuries prevented a complete assessment. Expect BIG numbers offensively next season.
Aulie :"A" Performed better than expected and expectations were high. Slipped into the role of top-pairing d-man with ease. Plays great positionally.
Schenn: "B+" Great season. Hits and Blocked shots leader. Smart yet too many give aways. Pronger-potential. Still growing mentally and physically.
Gunnarson: "C" Expect improvement. A solid, not great year. Versatile with some offensive upside not yet realized.
Komisarek: "D" Showed signs late to bring him up from an "F." Will have to be much better.
Wilson and the staff: "C-" Too little too late. Seemingly unable to get his team "up" for games. Poor strategic decisions. Poor line choices. Lacked creativity. Seems more concerned with retirement than hockey. Playoffs not a priority for him. If it was, he didn't show it. Back next season with an extension.
Burke: "B-" Some great moves some mistakes. Lack of urgency regarding the playoffs while paying a lot of lip service to it. Too much ill-advised talk. No action at the deadline that might have put us over the top. The time is now.
Posted by: moe green | 04/10/2011 at 06:23 PM
Moe Green: A+ for the assessment and specifics.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/10/2011 at 07:02 PM
Moeman, I would add a couple more to your grading. I would give Brown an "A" based on work ethic alone. If every player on the Leafs had the same heart and desire that he does they would be a fearsome opponent.
Reimer - liked what I saw "A-"
Other 2 goalies combined "C."
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 07:17 PM
LOL @ WP - must have been a Freudian slip.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/10/2011 at 07:20 PM
Geoff: Just so I am clear, the White hit that drove the Leaf defenceman into the bench was a clean hockey play? What if there had been a stanchion there? Would you have felt the same way?
Posted by: Robert | 04/10/2011 at 08:25 PM
@moe: Wow, you just laid it out for the season - right on man. But, now you can see how those 2 first line players and a D, will fill out the team. Great analysis of what we have in the lineup.
Posted by: Robert | 04/10/2011 at 08:30 PM
@mg
Agree very much with the report card with three exceptions. Brent did such an incredible job in sacrificing himself for the team on a regular basis that he deserves an A-. The second exception is Phaneuf. Even while he improved overall, he kept making too many really bad mistakes. I would give him a B-. Finally, Gunnerson deserves a B in my opinion, but I'll settle for a B-.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 04/10/2011 at 11:07 PM