Game 78: Brilliant and glorious, the finest moment so far

When we were kids, every summer included at least one stateside road trip.

Sometimes it was Buffalo or New York City. But usually, the destination was Harrisburg or Akron, the city where I was born.

Sometimes I'd fall asleep in the back of our beat-up station wagon. And when I came to an hour or so later, the vista flashing past my window felt different.

We were on the same highway. But you could feel the destination rumbling closer. The view had changed.

There have been many dazzling moments in this second half.

A 9-3 demolition of Atlanta on January 7. Back-to-back wins in Los Angeles and San Jose the following week. Four wins in the first five games of February. Clutch victories throughout March, as this improbable, electrifying race continued.

But last night was truly special.

It all started at 7:06 of the first with a highly symbolic goal. Luke Schenn, this team's future, fired a shot that deflected off a hapless Tomas Kaberle, this team's past.

The future had officially surpassed the past...

To appreciate the future, all you really need to do is watch Nazem Kadri's shootout winner. In those few brilliant seconds, this team rumbled closer to wherever we are all going.

Kadri crossed the line, deployed a phantom carry, twisted his body, tapped his stick, bobbed his head, lifted his right leg for no apparent reason and then went to the backhand, deking so masterfully it's a small miracle he didn't skate away wearing Tim Thomas' moustache.

Boston was trying to clinch the Northeast Division. The Leafs were just trying to stay alive. But when Kadri scored, the gap in the present standings seemed meaningless.

At that second, it was all about the future.

Put it this way: If I knew nothing about either team and was asked, "Which one would you like to watch again?" the answer would have been, "The guys in white."

The guys who just came from behind to win. Not the guys in black and yellow, clustered on their bench, trying to make sense of what just went wrong.

Zdena Chara may be a walking solar eclipse. He may need to go in and out of the dressing room all night so engineers can recalibrate his center of gravity. But I think I'd rather watch the much smaller Timmy Brent dive like a possessed madman, blocking Chara blasts with a gritty resolve that can't be statistically quantified.

Is Thomas the best goalie in the league? That's nice. But all things considered, I think I'd like to watch more of this James Reimer kid, the one who stopped 35 of 38 shots in regulation and overtime, all three in the shootout and who has now beaten Thomas in three straight games.

Milan Lucic is a hell of a hockey player, no question. But when Jay Rosehill responded to Lucic's thuggish antics by dropping the gloves and giving his team an emotional lift with a long, spirited bout, I don't know, there was just something reassuring about his deadpan expression in the penalty box: "You mess with us and I'll mess with you, Milan. End of story."

You know what else the future includes? It includes a never-say-die attitude. In fact, that may be the biggest difference between the first half and this 2011 watershed.

Boston took over in the second period, scoring three times in 6 minutes and 22 seconds. They outshot the Leafs 18-7. They were basking in the rapture of their demented fans. They had a lead going into the third, which over the previous 76 games has translated into 28 wins and 1 regulation loss.

No matter.

Shift by shift, minute by minute, puck battle by puck battle, the Leafs regained control. They telegraphed no inferiority. They betrayed no surrender. They took the fight to Boston. They turned on the afterburners in the third and created some of the most exciting hockey we've witnessed this season.

And when another sprinkling of pixie dust had settled, when this rousing 4-3 win was in the books, it glittered with all the small things big teams learn to do when they are still young and rebuilding, when they are still on the road to greatness.

The Leafs outhit Boston 23-16. They blocked more shots (23-16) and won more faceoffs (36-29). Up against one of this season's Cup contenders, the Leafs matched the Bruins in confidence, swagger and determination.

Before the shootout started, TD Garden crackled with "Paradise City" by Guns N' Roses. At some point, as this team rumbles toward the destination, we may look back and think of that song as prophetic.

Are you ready for Saturday? You should be. The view is about to change again.

MAIN PHOTO: REUTERS

Comments

[pinot grigio]

@TG77 I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming public defense.
Your advisor won't tell you that, but once you satisfied him/her, the responsibility shifts and the onus is on the advisor to make sure nobody trips you up. Those of us who have been through this are very, very glad it is behind them. I went through it at the end of the 60s and would you believe I still have the occasional dream/nightmare in which I am about to go to my final defense and have forgotten completely what it is I am supposed to talk about. That is more than 40 years ago and the anxiety still is alive in some part of my mind. Break a leg!
Moe, you can live very comfortably in Boston without adopting its teams as your favorites. I did. I must say I still pull for the Pats and I was strangely pleased when the Red Sox finally won. However, here I regularly go to Capitols games not because I am a fan but because I like to see good NHL hockey from time to time and their stadium is a heck of a lot more lively than the Leafs stadium on a run of the mill night.

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@penguin: Downer, but thanks for clarifying before tomorrow afternoon(!) Virtual meeting it is, complete with virtual beer. I will be supplementing the virtuality of it all with actual alcohol and plenty of shouting at the TV.

[Boo Who?]

I'm all verklempt. Need a minute...

Okay, I'm back. Dust. Lots of pollen floating around this time of year. *nudges umbrella out of view*

This was all I wanted. A little bit of effort. A team that looks to be enjoying themselves out there. A team that appreciates their fans, as well as one another. I'm still not 100% sold on ol' Willy-Nilly, but I think maybe he's a work in progress as well. (I'm a soft-hearted little she-beast once you strip away my hard candy shell, let's just indulge me here.)

Having avoided this team for a few years prior to this season, I remember how shocked I was the first time I saw the Leafs salute the fans after a game. Felt like one of those times when you see a person that looks kinda familiar waving at you but have to check over your shoulder to make sure there isn't someone else behind you.
I was all:
*points at self and mouths 'Meeee?'*
*waggles fingers back in greeting*

Love love love. I love the Toronto Maple Leafs. These plucky little bastards...I just want good things to happen for them.

[moe green]

Yeah that Lupul guy was a seventh overall pick. See Nazem Kadri.

Ostrich we've missed you self-congratulatory posts. We are all so disgustingly modest here. You are indeed the Pierre McGuire of the ALFB. You state the bleeding obvious then take credit for originating it. Man you must have a fragile ego. Here's a prognostication: I see a therapist in your future.

[Pyramid Power]

Good luck to our Toronto Blue Jays in their season opener about to get underway.
Not quite ready to closely follow THAT Toronto team just yet though.

[Wandering Penguin]

@ALFiL: man, I am sorry about that. Glad I didn't "stand you up". You should be able to hear me from there, though, shouting at the TV my own self tomorrow night!

[moe green]

Boo I think there is a night and day difference out there. I think the turn-around started with the Phil Kessel Event. I think Burkey delivered a little - to use a Texas expression - "come to Jesus" meeting to both Wilson and Kessel. Since that time and following the trading of a couple of disgruntled souls who shall remain nameless Kaberle and Versteeg the team has really come together.

I get the feeling that this team is playing for us now.

PS: You can't fool us, we all know you are a little softie at heart. You gotta dig a little, but the mushiness is there. Who wants mushiness at the surface. Think Twinkie.

[We BeLeaf]

Link here PP
.
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bruins-8217-Marchand-regrets-mocking-Maple-Lea?urn=nhl-wp1550

[Boo Who?]

Whoa whoa whoa - did we just arrange and then promptly cancel a meetup of the Vancouver chapter?

I am tempted to call the meeting back to order, but I'd need to consult the Oracle about whether it is wise for TG77 and I to return to the Academic. Last time we were there, we lost. My cat actually has the best track record of all my hockey viewing partners, so I've half a mind to say, the hell with humans, I'm curling into a ball a foot away from my TV while an irritable feline paces around me and attempts to pin me beneath her so that she can take a nap. What to do, what to do?? I'm superstitious as can be. No risk taking allowed at this point. Halp!!

[moe green]

Boo you are an articulate little "she-beast" even when soggy, sniffly and verklempt.

These Leafs are certainly plucking at my heart-strings.

[moe green]

Speaking of lively stadiums Pinot, how about that ACC. Since the Leafs started showing that they cared the place has come alive. I dare say it compares with most buildings in he League now. Maybe the fans are just a little more demanding at ACC? Leafs fans, demanding?

[hoofheartz]

@Ms Boo - although this is slightly of topic, you did bring up dust and pollen which implies spring weather, while we here in NB are having the same problem except the dust is snow (severe snowfall warning) with up to 25cm expected before its all said and done. God, I love this place. I take this as a sign though that we are experiencing a faux winter and what better time for the Leafs to be playing hockey than in the winter. Here's hoping for more snow and a long Leaf run to go with it.

[Wandering Penguin]

Miss Boo, I am very sorry but I am not actually a member of the Vancouver chapter. I was just trying to find a way to have ALFiL not break with the new tradition and arrange a "meeting" to help the Leafs win tomorrow. I think, though, you should go ahead without me for sure.

I'm going to have to fly this one solo at home. Damn.

[Tom]

Well VM, I gotta say, whether we make it into the playoffs or not, this season has been just so... god damned absurd and fun. :D

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@Boo: It's my fault for the meeting flip-flop. I missed the all-important quotation marks Penguin had used in the original offer to "meet". That said, I am ready, willing and able to re-convene for Saturday. Keep in mind that, while your mojo says "Watch it with the cat", both Vinay and my mojo say "Must call a meeting". So one way or the other, someone's mojo must be fed. I'm as contorted over the whole thing as you are, and have absolutely no clue as to whether or not a "virtual" meeting will satisfy the Leaf Gods. Where's VM when you need him?

[TG77]

The Academic holds a special place in my heart. I watched Sid the Kid win gold for Canada there so yeah, they lost to the Blackhawks when we watched there but it would be fun to meet up there again...however, I might be out on a hike with the gf and others. I will let you know the plan though and if I can't make it, of course you should still hold the meeting!

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@moe: I couldn't agree more re: the ACC. Having been lucky enough to have seasons tickets in both MLG and the ACC, I can honestly say that when there's a team out there worth cheering for, they rock as loud and hard as any barn on the continent.

[Melissa]

Another note of celebration. Our boy Reims was named NHL rookie of the month! well deserved!!
.
When was the last time that happened? Apparently Sullivan, Potvin, Ing and Steve Thomas.. Ouch.

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@hoofheartz: I'm feeling your April snow-shovelling pain. The only solution is for you to relocate. BC is just like NB except it's a little bigger and the water is on the other side.

[TimB]

Am I the only one who Googled "verklempt" ?

[Wandering Penguin]

It's very kind of ALFiL to take the bullet there, but I should have been more clear when I agreed to a "meeting"...at an actual, physical locale. That's where I should have corrected things. *sigh*

Now I'm going to be really pi$$ed when I watch it alone!

[Robert]

The Reims - rookie of the month!

As we used to say 'Tell It'!!

Tomorrow will be an interesting tilt. One team in total rebuild mode, having sluffed off half this years starters, the other, coming up through the pack, dare I say it, like a race horse heading down the streatch.
You crazy young colts, go for it!

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

Maybe. Doesn't eveyone know that "verklempt" comes right after "schadenfreude"?

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

No big deal, Penguin. You'll just have to yell that much louder.

[Peter]

Tomorrows game is going to be very dangerous. the Sens sold off halft the team but the young players there are palying without real pressure and they surprised a few teams already. i hope our boys will bring their A-game big time.

[TimB]

Am I the only one who Googled "schadenfreude"?

[hoofheartz]

Thanks Leaf Fan in Lotusland. I'm well versed in the annual February flower count in BC having lived in Victoria for 10 years and Chilliwack for 3. Unfortunately it's unlikely I could ever afford to own a house there again.

[Billy]

Speaking of yelling... Anyone ever yelled without making a sound? That was me last night when Reimer stopped the last shooter. I jumped and pumped a fist..almost blew the top of my head off..

Believe it. My wife asked me.. "who won?"

[Wandering Penguin]

Louder, yeah. I guess I could yell louder.

No, I probably can't. I scared the kids skateboarding up the street when Kadri scored last night. After that - even though I play hockey and am in reasonably good shape for my age (if my age is legally dead) - I think I pulled a hammy ever so slightly when I leapt into the air and pumped my fist after the final Optimus save.

But I'll try. Maybe I can find an amp somewhere around here...

[Boo Who?]

@ moe - ha ha, there was a time, not all that long ago, when I thought perhaps I had you masculine types fooled about my not being a giant wuss. And I did everything in my power to be as repellent and ornery as possible.
You have no idea how frustrating it was to have you jerks turn around and basically giggle at me, after I'd done my best to scare you off. I'm not CUTE and FUNNY, dammit!! I'm mean and scary and nasty!! I am woman, hear me roar!
Once I figured out I wasn't fooling anyone, I gave up my pugilistic ways. It was very freeing. Exposing my sweet, chocolate-y centre is more fun than hiding behind the candy shell all the time!! It is well with my soul.
And on that note, seriously, never understood why girls like 'bad boys'. Give me a sweetie pie any day. Unless there's hockey involved. That's the only time I want a cutthroat arrogant A$$hole around.

[moe green]

I know this may be a misplaced sentiment and glorious compensation aside: Wouldn't Tomas Kaberle look good on our blue line right about now? I know he doesn't shoot enough and I know he's loathe to take or make a hit but geez he was a great puck-handler on the point. Not to mention that sweet outlet pass.

It's still probably a little nostalgia talking but I miss his goofy mug and beautiful playmaking and above all his devotion to the Blue and White. Playoffs be damned I bet he'd still like to be suiting up for the Leafs in Saturday's tilt against the Sens. Thank Tomas Kaberle not just Brian Burke for the trade that only happened because he cared so much about the team.

Having said that: Go New and Improved Leafs, Go!

[Boo Who?]

@ ALFiL - Aaaaaaagh!! You're not leaving this up to me, are you??! Lemme think...ack! Halp! Hate thinking!

What the hell is TG77 doing going on a hike when there's hockey being played?! This is precisely why I don't understand Vancouverites. You know what the forecast is for today? Rain. Know what the forecast is for tomorrow? That's right - RAIN. Traipsing up and down a mountain through the mud and drizzle is just...not for me. And these people have to do it within a certain time, like it's a competition or something. After I got dragged up that last mountain by these chicks who were acting like a bunch a St. Bernards on a goddamn rescue mission I said the HELL with mountain climbing - I didn't get to see one goddamn vista or enjoy the scenery one bit. You people are all CRAZY. /rant

@ hoof - I know this is odd, given my Canadianism and all, but I really hate snow. If I could somehow mate the weather in BC with the more sensible approach to outdoor activities that exists in Toronto, I'd have a perfect place to call home.

[CS Bruin]

Great game, very exciting to watch!!!

How much you want to bet Lucic got torn a new @#$ for fighting last night, gotta love it when your top scorer can duke it out like that.

Being a bruins fan since the age of 2 I'm not too pleased with the outcome but I'll say this ... I've lived in T.O. 14 yrs and this is the funnest leafs team to watch hands down, lots of heart and young guys who have something to prove. Look forward to seeing what they can do next year.

[Billy]

@hoof - Really? What better time for the leafs to be playing hockey? Winter? Um... I would personally like them to playing as close to summer as possible. Get my drift? (pun intended)

[TimB]

That's us,Boo. The ALF blog : "All sweetie pies,all the time"

[hoofheartz]

@Billy, I guess the point I was trying to make is, I don't care if it snows into June as long as the Leafs are still playing.

[hoofheartz]

Damn Tim, the 1st time I read your 2:54 post, I thought it said sweatie pies.

[We BeLeaf]

Just remember Hoof,
.
Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things.

[moe green]

The second photo in Vinay's post when enlarged reveals some priceless fan reactions to the Phaneuf hit.

[Chad]

WP: Nonis is the one who insisted to Burke that Aulie be part of the Phaneuff deal. Fletcher may have been the one who built up Sjostrom because I beleive was the one who orginally drafted him in Phoenix when he was the GM there.

It's reasons like these that Burke hired them. The NHL may have put a cap on players salary's, but you can spend as much as you want on your management and scouting team. And if nothing else, MLSE has plenty of cash to spend. I guess Burke convinced them to open the vault a little more. Can't spend it on players, so we'll spend it on the guys who can get us the players.

[Boo Who?]

@ TimB - it is. Why else do you think I'm so enamored of you fellas?

@ Leafs Fan in Lotusland - preliminary signs are pointing to a "yes" for this meeting. Must consult one more source and then I can tell you with 100% certainty.
Please note: if we lose this game, I reserve the right to never ever associate with any of you people, ever again (when the Leafs are playing). No exceptions!

[Robert]

Boo Hoo? TG77 is taking his gf for a hike up the mountain. What is it about this venture that escapes you?
You apparently went with a number of lady friends. First mistake. Secondly, St. Bernards are man's best friend.
Go with a girl's best friend. You probably won't even notice the rain.
I hope this little chat has been helpful.
Your friend from down east.

[Boo Who?]

@ Robert - I'm picking up what you're putting down, my man. I don't have nuthin against a bit of backwoods sport and wouldn't begrudge our friend TG77 that sort of outdoor adventure. But you clearly have never been near a mountain in BC.

Even on a rainy horrible day it's going to be overrun with people. Hundreds of crazy, strange people that charge up to the top with babies strapped to their backs and ski poles in hand, their faces bearing taut expressions of single-minded intensity - like they're expecting some stone tablets to descend from the heavens as soon as they reach the top. And on that note...

@ Leafs Fan in Lotusland - we're on!

[Boo Who?]

@ Robert - wait, did you want me to go on a hike with diamond?

Not saying it's a bad idea, but last time I spent a prolonged stretch around that particular gem stone it got me into some trouble that took a lot more money to get out of than the diamond was worth...ifyoucatchmydrift.
Or did you mean a dog? For the record, I'm not marrying a dog. Been there, done that.

[TimB]

@Robert.You are only saying St.Bernards are man's best friend because they have a little keg of booze around their neck.

[TimB]

Is everyone feelin' the extreme love here today? What's his name even showed up and could not dampen the spirit.....excuse me..."sniff"...I'm sorry..."sniff"...it's just so beautiful when we get along.

[TG77]

I meant to say earlier that Rosehill's quick interview clip about the Lucic scrap was pretty awesome on TSN. He managed to stay so matter-of-fact when talking about the fight and didn't even crack a smile when he was basically making fun of the Lucic shadow boxing moves. Rosey is up there with my favourites on this team.

[hoofheartz]

TimB - who's what's his name? Do you mean Nostradumbass?

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@Boo: I will await your verdict regarding this Saturday. Not to confuse the issue, but we could probably avoid any more needless hand-wringing, hike-ranting and possible excommunicating by simply re-scheduling for the season finale vs. the Habs next Saturday. That way, the entire Vancouver chapter could attend. I'll just schedule tomorrow's meeting with my dog instead (my wife and son evacuate the area when they hear the HNIC theme).
.
@Robert - it seems to me that a good portion of Boo's rant isn't so much the hiking as the hiking *on a Saturday night*. And, while I may not share the same level of vitriolic anti-mountaineerism, I must agree that the mountain biker/kayaker/ultimate frisbeeites out here do get a bit much after a while.

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@Boo: Damn the lag between posts! Ignore my last post. See you at The Academic at 3:30 tomorrow!

[Peter]

yes, TimB, and not even one habitroll showed up. :-)

[Billy]

TimB - A lot of pollen and dust today.

[pinot grigio]

The ACC is really jumping these days but I don't believe it has always been like that. I remember going to games in the old MLG when it felt like you came to view the body. Less fun actually because you could never be sure the sob was quite dead. Has the ACC been this lively all along? If it has, I stand corrected. In that case it should suffice to say I go to the Verizon center in DC because it is a heck of a lot closer than any other rink.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Comment of the day: hoof's last post... raahaaaaaaaa rah rahh, perfect way to end a work day!

[TimB]

One and the same,Hoof.

[Wandering Penguin]

Wow. That's the story of my life. I set up this really cool meeting to watch the game...but I can't attend.

Hmm. Wonder if there are any seat sales with WestJet today...

[Robert]

TimB You see through the plan. Although, it should be brandy, rum would be okay. I suppose Vodka. Gin. Whatever the damn dog brings up the mountain in the rain!

Boo Who? Made a couple of films in the rockies back aways. One on horseback and spend some time in Wells and Barkerville. Lovely country.

Of course only a dumb ass would take his gf out in the rain, when they could stay home on the sofa with a schnibble or two and watch our colts demolish Senators.

[Boo Who?]

Wandering Ass Penguin - I'm sorry, would love to have you join us.
Story of my life goes a little like this:
"No mom, they're just friends. Sure I'll look into joining the Rotary Club, but I don't think -- really-- anyway, I'm in no rush to...yes mom. We're watching hockey. HOC-KEY. Mmmhmm. I don't know why I can't just act like a normal girl either. You're right, it's so unattractive, I'll stop. Oh really? I'll call her to congratulate her, when is she due? Okay gotta go! Loveyoubye!"

Yay for Reimer!!
I'm sorry I took up everyone's time with my ranting today.

In the words of Barry Manilow - I feel sad when (ALF B) is sad, I feel glad when (ALF B) is glad, if (ALF B) only knew what I'm going through (and they do), I just can't smile without (ALF B and the Maple Leafs).
So I paraphrased a little.

[leafland'r]

@ Ken B... re: 11:37 am... re: OL's congrats 11:11am

You heard it here first...yup, the wisdom of my predictions:
* the Leafs will play 82 games,
* Kessel will remain in the NHL for the entire season,
* Wilson will call up a Marlie.
Even though I was close in predicting 20 minutes of hockey played in each period ( one game fell a minute and some seconds shy), I am still great.
Man, I gotta' pat myself on the back...geeeez, I'm good....there's no one better.

(note: apologizes in advance if above interrupts positive pleasant productive posts)

[Wandering Penguin]

Ah, Barry. Singer of perhaps the most ironic ginormous hit in all the annals of pop: "I Write The Songs".

Because he didn't write THAT one. Tee hee.

Your story > my story. Thanks for sharing it! Have a great time tomorrow, Lemonsquarelacking Lotusland Leaflovers.

[Wandering Penguin]

I LOVE that leafland'r was posting such glorious alliteration at virtually the same instant I was posting my Lotusland L-fest. That has to mean something. The stars MUST be aligning!!

[TimB]

@: leafland'r. You're no Nostradumbass but,pretty impressive predictions.And with you and Wandering Ass all the alliterations are alarmingly amazing.

[Robert Bates]

Vinay, I do enjoy your articles even though I am a Canadien fan. Reading the comments though I am amazed that Maple Leaf fans can be satisfied with so
little success. It is really sad in a way and shows how starved Leafs fans are for even a tiny measure of success. Until you get rid of Wilson and Burke, expect to miss the playoffs for the foreseeable future.

[Sensi-Bill]

@TimB
.
"What's his name even showed up and could not dampen the spirit.....excuse me..."sniff"...I'm sorry..."sniff"
.
"What's his name"? Moi?
.
Must be. I didn't notice any other mea culpas posted here today. Though I don't recall having the sniffles. LOL
.
Well guess I can't complain. At least you acknowledged my apology, even if in a backhanded way. Being so oversensitive, I even imagined the presence of a touch too much mocking to regard it as an actual acceptance of my apology.
.
But then I guess that's about all I can expect these days even from my "friends" here, even after a legitimate attempt to apologize. Am I wrong?
.
(Dammit. Just doesn't seem in my nature to NOT stand up for myself. Oh well, guess I now know better than to try to apologize when that is apparently seen *sniff* as a sign *sniff* of *sniff* weakness.)
.
LOL
.
Since I seem unable to please people here, no matter what I do (wg) --- gawd at feels liberating --- here goes . . .
.
GO SENS, GO!
.
LOL

[TimB]

@sensi-bill.No,if you would have read all through the posts it should have been clear,as hoofheartz noted,who I was referring to.It's not all about you,Bill.

[TimB]

@Peter. So much for no habitrolls. (and I don't mean you,Bill)

[hoofheartz]

Mr Bill, TimB wasn't referring to you at all. When have you ever made predictions here? Who continuously sticks his nose in here making dumb claims and predictions and annoys the hell out of everyone? Who do you think would most likely be known as Nostradumbass?

[Gerhard]

The annual excitement in Leafsland over the end of the regular season is absolutely mind boggling. When hard digging is required jumping up and down going "wooo" seems ridiculous. The Leafs probability of making the playoffs, ie a REALISTIC measure of their chance of not golfing after 4 more games, is still so low as to be irrelevant. The Leafs have about as much chance of making the playoffs as Jack Layton has of forming the next government.

[Wandering Penguin]

Lord, give me strength. *shakes head slowly*

And with that, I'm off to watch the Jays' home opener. Yay! Spring!

[moe green]

Boo, my sister could have had the exact conversation with my mom. I think she did minus the hockey part. Such is life.

Oh yeah, my sister is awesome.

[hoofheartz]

And just when we thought there would be no habitrolls, along comes Blowhard and Master Bates.

[TG77]

I am absolutely loving this time of the year for sports. The Dome is rocking in the 1st inning already. It makes me think of the years when the Jays had amazing squads and huge crowds year after year. I really hope they get the support they deserve as a young team playing in a stacked division. I may have to head down to Seattle next week for a game. GO JAYS GO! GO LEAFS GO!

[Boo Who?]

@ moe - Your sister is no doubt awesome.
In all honesty, our conversations don't really go quite like that. That's a very condensed, very exaggerated example. My mom is actually super proud of her (barren, loveless) little girl and supports me on my (empty, fruitless) path through life.
Okay, I have to be serious for a minute - my mom is the fiercest, smartest, most incredible person I know. If she thinks well of me - and she really truly adores me an embarassing amount and is in large part responsible for me turning out *this way* - I'm doing alright!

Ha ha, okay I'm just not feeling serious today. It's Friday!! No more work!!
Here's another happy Leafy WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! just to piss the Habs fans off!
Hooray for mediocrity!!
Always settle!!
Procrastinators unite...next year!!
GO LEAFS GO!!
Exclamation points!!

[Sensi-Bill]

Sorry TimB.
.
Gotta confess I have not been myself of late.
.
Lordy I've been cranky. Maybe I should take a break and up the painkillers and go for goofy.
.
But I've almost always opted for less than originally prescribed because I hate being dopey --- or perhaps more accurately, artificially dopey. (g)
.
Anyway, I AM trying to get out of this cycle. Maybe I should just count to 10 --- or 10-hundred --- before posting while irritable/irritated.
.
As an aside, TV shows and movies always show people taking the heavy duty painkillers I am on as being goofily, deliriously happy. The best I ever get is a temporary neutrality in discomfort, but at the price of mental sharpness.
.
Geeze, come to think of it, life IS unfair. LOLOLOL
.
Again, sorry man. Obviously I misread things. I really was sincere with my mea culpa and just got a little pissed when I thought it was beng mocked.
.
A friend and colleague once brought me a beer cup he'd found in a Florida bar called Cranky Bill's. If I could find it, I should probably dig it out and keep it close as a reminder to be extra careful posting when pai. . . discomfort levels are up.
.
But enough about me. How about those Jays?
.
Seems they are up 10-0 in the bottom of the 5th.
.
Not having a home baseball team in the majors, I don't mind saying . . .
.
LET'S GO, BLUE JAYS!
.
(g)

[Sensi-Bill]

Hoof
.
Thank you as well.
.
What (blush) can I say?
.
Please see my apology, addressed to Tim, above.
.
Now I think I'll go seek some distraction shooting zombies (Left 4 Dead) on my desktop PC. (wg)

[Sensi-Bill]

WOOOOOO sounds like fun, Boo.
.
Could probably use some release myself.
.
Here's a happy Sens WOOOOOOOOOOO! just to piss off some Leaf fans (just a leetle beet) (wg)

[Boo Who?]

@Bill - it's as I suspected...dammit.
I'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough go of it lately. You hang in there!
Small comfort I know, but here's a virtual hug from Boo, just like you taught us the other day ((((((Bill)))))).
Life's a b*tch and then you pop a cap in a couple of zombies and suddenly, she doesn't seem so bad.

[Wandering ASS Penguin]

Jays opened up a whole huge honkin' can o' whoop ASS on the Twinkies tonight. 13-3 - Arrencibia with 2 homers and Bautista starting where he left off with 1. Add one for Lind to make it four total.

The Jays led the majors in homers last year. And they're still leading after 1 game this year.

Yessir, it really is starting to feel like 1990 or 1991 around here. Let's hope the two big teams can feed off of each other's mojo again like all those years ago.

GO LEAFS GO!!!! Let's kick some Senator ASS tomorrow!

[Pyramid Power]

Dear Mr. Craig Anderson:

Please do not ruin another Saturday night for Leafs fans.
You did once already and cost us a crucial point in the standings.
You have already proven yourself to your new fans and your new teammates.
No need to do so tonight as your new squad has long been out of playoff contention.
So a stinker would be appreciated.
Thank you from Leaf Nation.

Sincerely,
A grateful Leafs fan.

[Pyramid Power]

Go Devils, Isles and Caps. All teams at home tonight facing Montreal, Carolina and Buffalo. Reg. time wins would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance from Leaf Nation.

[Sensi-Bill]

Thanks Boo.
.
I appreciate that.
.
And I'd forgotten just how therapeutic putting virtual zombies out of their misery can be. LOL
.
My oldest son introduced me to the game a year or two ago --- I think he's finished the sequel already --- by noting how he thought of me every time he saw the senior member of the zombie-fighting quartet in the game.
.
Fittingly enough the character's name is Bill. However, though he's got the obligatory white beard --- I call mine marble for the mix of grey and white --- the physical resemblance is actually minor. Which my son noted when he first mentioned the guy reminding him of me.
.
Anyway, in my son's honor, I play as the Bill character when I fire up Left 4 Dead and go charging, guns blazing, into wave after wave of the digitally undead.
.
So what's an old coot like me doing playing video and computer games? Throughout the '90s and early 2000s, I wrote a weekly column on electronic gaming, focussing mostly on personal reviews of the video and computer games I test played.
.
By the way, my oldest son, now in his early 30s, has lived and worked in Toronto in the creative side of the high tech industry since graduating from Waterloo. And as much as he loves Toronto, Ottawa remains his hometown and the Senators remain his hockey team.
.
He's on my mind at the moment because the app he and his team created for Global TV was just named Canadian App of the Week on iTunes. And how can a proud father awake and rambling in the middle of the night not mention that? LOL
.
Anyway, thanks again for the hug. I guess I might have been in need of one, cause it sure felt good.
.
{{{{{{BOO}}}}}}

[Sensi-Bill]

Thanks Boo.
.
I appreciate that.
.
And I'd forgotten just how therapeutic putting virtual zombies out of their misery can be. LOL
.
My oldest son introduced me to the game a year or two ago --- I think he's finished the sequel already --- by noting how he thought of me every time he saw the senior member of the zombie-fighting quartet in the game.
.
Fittingly enough the character's name is Bill. However, though he's got the obligatory white beard --- I call mine marble for the mix of grey and white --- the physical resemblance is actually minor. Which my son noted when he first mentioned the guy reminding him of me.
.
Anyway, in my son's honor, I play as the Bill character when I fire up Left 4 Dead and go charging, guns blazing, into wave after wave of the digitally undead.
.
So what's an old coot like me doing playing video and computer games? Throughout the '90s and early 2000s, I wrote a weekly column on electronic gaming, focussing mostly on personal reviews of the video and computer games I test played.
.
By the way, my oldest son, now in his early 30s, has lived and worked in Toronto in the creative side of the high tech industry since graduating from Waterloo. And as much as he loves Toronto, Ottawa remains his hometown and the Senators remain his hockey team.
.
He's on my mind at the moment because the app he and his team created for Global TV was just named Canadian App of the Week on iTunes. And how can a proud father awake and rambling in the middle of the night not mention that? LOL
.
Anyway, thanks again for the hug. I guess I might have been in need of one, cause it sure felt good.
.
{{{{{{BOO}}}}}}

[Sensi-Bill]

Oh boy, I can hardly wait to kick some Penguin ass!
.
Oops. My mistake. We don't play Pittsburgh tonight.
.
Must be some other team's ass we get to kick tonight. (g)
.
GO YOU-KNOW-WHOS, GO!!!
.
(Just trying to get the old competitive juices flowing on both sides.) (bg)

[Sensi-Bill]

[ NOTE: This post is by Sensi-Bill. Feel free to ignore ] (g)
.
TRIVIA: Things learned skimming through the Sens-Panthers game Thursday night on PVR.
.
1 - Which player lead the entire league in points scored (28) during the month of March?
.
2 -The following hockey players, all named Stephen --- Atkinson, Bancroft, Cardwell, Gatzos, Langdon, Stone and Weiss --- were all born in which city?
.
3 - Which team is the last team to have lost to the Florida Panthers?
.
4 - What do the following players have in common?
..............Jason Woolley --- Washington, 1989
..............Dan Boyle --- Florida, 1998
............Chris Kunitz --- Anaheim, 2003
..............Dustin Penner --- Anaheim, 2004
..............Curtis Glencross --- Anaheim, 2004
.
5 - What do the following players have in common?
.............Mike Ramsey --- Buffalo, 1979
.............Pat Flatley --- New York Islanders, 1982
..............Craig Simpson --- Pittsburgh, 1985
..............Joe Murphy --- Detroit, 1986 (1st overall)
..............Paul Kariya ---Anaheim, 1993
.............Dany Heatley ---Atlanta, 2000 (2nd overall)
..............Rick DiPietro --- New York Islanders, 2001 (1st overall)
.............Thomas Vanek --- Buffalo, 2003
.
6 - What do the following players have in common?
..............Martin St. Louis --- Calgary, 1998
..............Dan Boyle --- Florida, 1998
.............Chris Kunitz --- Anaheim, 2003
.............Andy MacDonald --- Anaheim, 2000
.............Ryan Shannon --- Anaheim, 2005
.
Answers later today (Saturday).
.
(For the record, I really doubt I'd have gotten 4, 5 and 6, and would have been guessing on 2. Hint: Two of the answers have something to do with the Toronto Maple Leafs and two have something to do with the Ottawa Senators. And two have nothing to do with either. LOL )

[TimB]

Congrats to Iggy on his 1000th point.Always been at the top of my "Wish he was a Leaf" list.

[hoofheartz]

Glad to see I'm not the only Downhomer that checks this blog the 1st thing in the morning even on the weekend.

VM Replies: Good morning! Apologies for abandoning my station yesterday. I'm just catching up on comments now...

[TimB]

VM,noticing how smoothly the blog flowed along yesterday,it became clear you are more in our way than anything.

VM Replies: It's clear I'm no longer needed here. I've known that for a while.

[hoofheartz]

VM - sometimes I think that we think you don't have a life outside of this blog. You don't, do you?

VM Replies: No, I don't.

[Robert]

We Eastern folks are required to get the ball rolling. Them Western folks are required to pusk it over the top!

VM Replies: Good morning to you, Robert. How are the skies looking for this evening?

[TimB]

Hoof,are we even sure there is a Vinay Menon?

VM Replies: Skynet. That's all I'm permitted to say.

[Wandering ASS Penguin]

"Oh boy, I can hardly wait to kick some Penguin ass!"

Cute. You know, I've held up my end of the bargain since the last thread. Why do you have to be such a douche? Oh, never mind. I know why.

You're a Sens fan. Ready whenever you are, Krusty.

VM Replies: Uh oh. You see? I'm back for an hour and the fighting resumes. Shame on me. Shame!

[Wandering ASS Penguin]

To everyone else: should be a huge win tonight. I can't imagine we'll see another 50-save or so shutout from Anderson. I just hope our heroes don't resume their pattern of playing the strong teams really tough and then just looking past all the really crappy ones.

GO LEAFS GO!!!!! Gotta run and coach hockey - let's get this thread rolling 'cause I think it's going to be a looooong day. ;)

[TimB]

Hoof,I've dropped the internet cone of silence in place so we can discuss what to do about this "situation".

[Pyramid Power]

@We BeLeaf Thank you for posting that link above about Marchand making fun of the Leafs during the Bruins game mocking them with a faux golf swing.
Vinay was too lazy to do it, and I am too ignorant and dumb in the ways of computer to do so. Jesting Vinay.
Not jesting about me though, and of course my wife just thinks I am plain dumb and ignorant in EVERY way. Sigh.

VM Replies: I was away from my primary work station yesterday, alas. I can't embed replies or links from iPhone.
Sorry, PP.

[hoofheartz]

OK, it's April the freaking 2nd. I just spent the last 2 freaking hours cleaning out my driveway from another 20 odd cm's of freaking snow. The good news is, I've picked some oldies but goodies and some not so oldies for tonights music selection. With a little help from my son, I'm starting to get the hang of this Youtube stuff. Ain't technology grand. Here's to a good old fashioned beat down of the Sens.

[hoofheartz]

Two quotes made by Willie Nillie in a story in the Star on Friday.

“Obviously, James is paying well,” said Wilson. “I think the way we’re playing, it wouldn’t matter who’s playing goal, to be honest.”

“You shoot one 10 feet wide and it goes off a guy and in,” Wilson said of Schenn’s goal. “That just shows you that luck has as much to do with it as anything."

Maybe this is just his public persona and behind closed doors he's all touchy/feely when it comes to handing out praise but somehow I doubt it.

What are the odds you'll ever hear him taking the blame for the horrific PP/PK?

[Pyramid Power]

No worries Vinay. We BeLeaf has got your back.
I never noticed Marchand doing that on Thursday btw.
Quite a little punk, and he got quite an earful for doing it from Julien.
We can thank the rook for helping us win that one.
Hopefully we won't need any help at all tonight.
I don't think we will.

Just don't want to see us get 'Andersoned' tonight.
Anybody out there with voodoo skills please work your dark powers on Craig Anderson. He scares me.
Almost singlehandedly got a bad Avalanche team into the playoffs last year, and again, almost singlehandedly upset the Sharks in the first round taking it to seven games. Very off year this year though in Denver from all that I read, and wound up traded to Ottawa.

[Sensi-Bill]

@Wandering ASS Penguin
.
Gee willikers, bud, it was just a small joke.
.
Check your current screen name and see if you can figure it out. OK?
.
As for calling me a douche --- ouch, that really hurt LOL --- all I can say to you man is YAFMC GASNM. (wg)
.
And Vinay, I ain't fighting no more and I ain't apologizing for a wee bit of a joke. (g)
.
By the way Vinay, nothing to worry about with YAFMC GASNM. It's actually a religious phrase* I am using to turn the other cheek as I try to turn over a new, pardon the pun, leaf. *smile*
.
* If I told you how close I came to entering the Catholic priesthood as a young man, people might start to wonder if perhaps I am telling tall tales like a certain bird fancier. But it would be the absolute truth, I swear to God.
.
And I have absolutely no family ties to Pat Quinn, Aidan Quinn, Quinn The Mighty Eskimo or anyone who plays for the Edmonton Eskimos. LOL

[Sensi-Bill]

TRIVIA ANSWERS
.
I don'no know if anyone bothrered to check out the little Trivia Quiz I posted earlier. No matter. It was merely intended as a possible mild diversion as the tension mounts for tonight's showdown. (g)
.
But I did promise to post the answers, so here they are.
.
TRIVIA: Things learned watching, on PVR, parts of the Sens-Panthers game Thursday night.
.
1 - Jason Spezza scored 28 points in March to lead the entire league in points scored last month.
.
2 -These hockey Stevens were all born in Toronto.
.
3 - *whisper* The Toronto Maple Leafs are the last team to have lost to the Florida Panthers.
.
4 - Woolley, Boyle, Kunitz, Penner and Glecross are all undrafted college players acquired by Bryan Murray in his pre-Senators days.
.
5 - Ramsey, Flatley, Simpson, Murphy, Kariya, Heatley, DiPietro and Vanek are all notable NCAA drafts.
.
6 - St. Louis, Boyle, Kunitz, MacDonald, and Shannon are all undrafted college notables.
.
Obviously the focus on college players was due to the Sens signing Frenchman Stephane Da Costa, who is expected to play his first NHL game tonight vs. the Leafs.

[Robert]

Hoofheartz: Wilson has a way of diminishing everything, because he is a 'small' man. I mean calling him an ass**** would be a compliment. It would give him status.
We did not get the snow you did, friends of mine in Florenceville were supposed to come over today, but nixed it because of weather.
As for tonight. The stars are aligned - our young colts will not be denied by any Ottawa goaltender.
We could play ol' Johnie Bower to night and win. But we'll go with Reimer.
We shall overcome.