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A Leafs Fan Blogs is written by one fan for other fans. Vinay Menon, a columnist at the Star, will cast an optimistic eye on the team during the 2010-11 season. Because hope springs eternal in Leafs Nation.
Click here to see the Leafs' schedule.
Since I don't spy any citrus-infused pastries in there, O Fearless Leader, I'd wager it's going to be a good week. (I'll take any sign I can get...)
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 11:23 AM
Short, sweet, and we all sympathize. Crazy bastards.
Posted by: jt | 04/03/2011 at 11:28 AM
Mornin' Vinay!
LOL!
Clipped thoughts, are they?
Posted by: maxwelledison | 04/03/2011 at 11:29 AM
The only thing in my brain this morning is this: Go Flyers!
Oh, and some left over Guiness from last night...
Posted by: Leaf Fan in Lotusland | 04/03/2011 at 11:33 AM
Let's go catch Tortorella's Rangers.
Game time between Philly and New York in one hour.
LET'S GO FLYERS!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 11:36 AM
Oh yes, what a victory. Glad to see we can mostly avoid getting into serious trouble at the hands of Ottaham Senators.
Just what has been up with Lupul these last few games? He has looked dangerous every time he touches the puck.
Kule and Grabbo over the next 3 games will be key, with any luck a goal from each of them will help this team win out and put this team at three 30 goal scorers.
That and the Rangers fold. Here's hoping.
Posted by: The5thlinecentre | 04/03/2011 at 11:39 AM
Even from the place known as off the band wagon, I have really enjoyed the blog this year Vinay. All in all it has been a great read, almost all the time. The reliance on guest posts was the only sour note.
It is really too bad that the Leafs couldn't have bothered to play this hard, or this consistently in October, November, or December. It's quite a shame that those games count in the standings. While the word you may not mention is on life support, wait till next year.
Over and out from the planet disengagement.
Posted by: JayDubs | 04/03/2011 at 11:53 AM
Home to the Caps on Tuesday, in Jersey on Wednesday, at home for the season finale to Montreal next Sat. nite.
Caps are scrapping for seeding and that will probably be a helluva battle. Jersey is out and has nothing to play for. Lost and didn't play very well last night against Montreal.
Canadiens may very well have nothing to play for next Saturday night. All three games very very winnable the way the Leafs have been playing.
One game at a time beginning Tuesday night. And a LOT of help from other teams starting with Philly in 40 minutes.
Johnny Bower said he and his teammates went to Church in 1959 when they caught the Rangers. Anybody religious out there get thee to a house of worship pronto. We need help from all the hockey gods and gods.
FLYERS!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 11:56 AM
Leafs three points back of the Rangers, but New York has a game in hand. Hopefully Philly beats them in reg. time this afternoon.
New York's remaining three games are:
At home to Boston on Monday night. (Good)
At home to Atlanta on Thursday night. (VERY bad)
At home to Jersey on Saturday. (OK)
Am discounting the Hurricanes as irrelevant because, well, that is just how I want to think right now.
Let us pray starting this afternoon.
PHILLY!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 12:10 PM
As long as their odds are, they just keep getting shorter.... The leafs now need 3 more wins... and 5 more losses (3 to either Buffalo or New York, 2 to Carolina)
Hopefully Philly can take down the Rangers tonight while Carolina beats Buffalo in regulation.
Posted by: TPiddy | 04/03/2011 at 12:10 PM
@JayDubs Thanks for your comment, but not appreciated at all. Why don't you wander back to your planet and stay there? Thank you very much.
Rely on guest blogs? What is a glue smelling buzz like?
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 12:17 PM
Go Flyers Go! Can't believe I just said that! Sure could use some help, for once, we deserve it. Man those magnificent leaf bastards are doing their job,so, on the Lord's day, how about you doing your job? Kneel, pray, okay. Also, leaf nation, we should also take a peek at the Marlies game on CBC at 1:00 Eastern to see how our new additions, Colborne, Gardiner, Brenner, Acton?, Collins?, and the rest of the prospects we have. VM, I would like to be added to the list if we could get a box seat. Could catch a flight from Edmonton with enough advance notice, if you would have me.
Posted by: Michael C. Nemirsky | 04/03/2011 at 12:17 PM
Nice late push by the Laffs. Easy to play when there is no pressure. Notice that this happens every year with the Leafs. Rangers will have to totally fold for even a mathematical chance. But Leafs play Washington, New Jersey and the
Canadiens ( all 3 teams much better than the Leafs) -- therefore no chance.
Posted by: Robert Bates | 04/03/2011 at 12:19 PM
The "reliance" on guest posts? Feh. I enjoyed them, myself. Kept things fresh, I thought.
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 12:19 PM
Realistically we can only hope they lose, but I am not counting on Philly to do the Leafs any favours today.
.
By the way Vinay, that watch you've displayed in the pic you have displayed looks real nice. I wouldn't mind having a watch like that. A quick Google search has them at NHL's website, but I couldn't find the one that matches your pic.
.
Go Leafs Go!
VM Replies:
http://www.bargainorama.ca/index.asp?ItemID=661&CategoryID=148
Posted by: We BeLeaf | 04/03/2011 at 12:25 PM
Optimus Reim did another great job last night. If he doesn't gain any hardware in awards, then, at the very least, the Leafs could get him a 1997 Peterbilt 379 truck to commute to work.
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/03/2011 at 12:26 PM
I maintain that Carolina beating Buffalo is not a good thing. That actually drops us to 4 points out of a playoff spot instead of 3 if the Rangers and 'Canes both lose. Since we have to leap over two teams to get in I don't want the two teams closest to us to get ANY more points. I would much rather enter the game on Tuesday night 3 points out of 8th than 4.
However, no matter who wins, if I check the score of CAR-BUF later and the letters "OT" appear anywhere on the box score I will be seriously pissed.
Posted by: Wandering ASS Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 12:27 PM
(breaks out a can of "Troll-B-Gone")
Ah... if only....
Yup, that's it for sure. There has been NO pressure on the Leafs the past, oh... 6 weeks or so. That's surely been reflected in this blog. I imagine that troll is around 12 years old.
That way we could call him "Master....". You work it out from there.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 12:30 PM
@hoofhratz (11:34 am in last night's game thread)
I like your son's prediction of the future. Now, hoping by this this time next week it will become recorded history.
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/03/2011 at 12:31 PM
Can you post those individual pictures sometime? I've been using the pictures you post with the games as my desktop background but there don't seem to be many high-res ones.
VM Replies: Simon! I used a collage creator for that post, so the resolution gets knocked down per component image.
If there's something in particular you want, email me and I'll send you a high-res file: vmenon@thestar.ca
Posted by: Simon | 04/03/2011 at 12:38 PM
no article??
damn i feel cheated after anticipating it all night...
the collage had me in stitches tho....so it was a fair trade off...
let's get a commenting thread going for that rangers game that just started....LET'S GO PHILLYYYYYYY
VM Replies: Sorry! I didn't want to write anything until after the Rangers game, which is now 0-0 after 7 minutes.
Posted by: ezwelchman | 04/03/2011 at 12:45 PM
Rangers lost a playoff spot in the last game of the entire year last season in a shootout to the Flyers. Devastating. Think we will have to devastate them again.
PHILLY! I think the black and orange will win in reg. time today We BeLeaf. They would like to finish first in the conference with Boston and the Caps nipping at their heels. I see them playing very hard at home and beating the desperate Rangers.
VM Replies: No students right now? Excellent.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 12:46 PM
My prediction for Rangers vs Flyers: not sure what final score will be, but game winner will be a bullet by Pronger that hits Avery in the family jewels, mysteriously goes up and hits Versteeg in the mouth shattering a tooth while his mouthguard is haphazardly sitting on his cheek, hits Lundqvist in the shoulder, injuring him for the rest of the season, and drops in.
Posted by: Simon | 04/03/2011 at 12:48 PM
The chillen' are generally asleep at 1 a.m. over here Vinay. lol
Rangers and Flyers locked in combat. Bobrovsky in nets for Philly. Lundqvist for the Rangers. 0-0 with nine minutes to go in the first.
PHILLY!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 12:59 PM
@Simon LOVE that scenario sir. Too funny.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:01 PM
YES YES YES YES!
JVR just scored for the Flyers. 1-0 Philly with a few minutes to go in the first.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:04 PM
"Nice late push by the Laffs. Easy to play when there is no pressure. Notice that this happens every year with the Leafs."
The Leafs' record since the New Year has been 24-13-6. If you looked at the stats from last year you would see that their record was 16-20-5. This year's team is noticeably better than last years, but hey, let's not let facts get in the way.
"But Leafs play Washington, New Jersey and the
Canadiens ( all 3 teams much better than the Leafs) -- therefore no chance."
The Leafs are 1-1-1 when playing against the Capitals this season, 2-0-1 when playing against the Devils, and 3-2-0 against the Habs so I think there is a chance they could pull out the wins if they play well.
Posted by: Blah Blah | 04/03/2011 at 01:07 PM
@ PP ( 12:46 pm) re: Rangers
As a Leaf fan I know the feeling of sitting helplessly in front of the tube.
Oh, the pain when in 2007 the Islanders shot me through the heart with their shootout victory. The end of season single goal dropped the Leafs out of a playoff spot.
Two minutes to go in the first... Flyers up by one !
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/03/2011 at 01:10 PM
SMART MOVE!....write after the rangers game =D...agreed....
1-0 PHILLY right now....rangers on the pp tho....about to be 5 on 3
Posted by: ezwelchman | 04/03/2011 at 01:14 PM
GRRRR - Rangers scored to tie. A former Leaf is trying to kill the leafs - Damn you Brian McCabe!!!!
VM Replies: oakville_girl! Kudos to you for representing the Leafettes on a Sunday afternoon.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 01:16 PM
1-0 at the end of one in Philly. Flyers look good.
Hope Laviolette stresses the importance of winning this one. Flyers one point back of the Caps for the Eastern conference lead. They will want to leapfrog them this afternoon.
PHILLY!
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:18 PM
AAARRRRGGGHHH !
Ex Leaf McCabe scores with a half a second left in the first period !
I gotta' take a walk....
VM Replies: Watching him return to the bench to high-five everyone just took 2 years off my life.
Posted by: leafland'r | 04/03/2011 at 01:18 PM
McCabe ouch! Oh my God. Missed that.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:23 PM
Lol @ masterbates. Stinking habs better than the Leafs? Besides asscrack, what have you been sniffing habitroll?
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/03/2011 at 01:24 PM
@leaflander Remember that Monday morning (Sunday afternoon your time) all too well.
Still pretty fresh in my mind listening at about 4 a.m. over here to a New York radio station, and the Isles winning in that shootout with Wade 'Doobie' Dubliewicz leading a wild charge by the Isles to get by us for the final playoff spot.
And that was after the ecstasy of knocking the Canadiens out of the playoffs the night before beating them 6-5.
Still hate the Devils for that and for not starting Brodeur.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:30 PM
Toronto lad Jason Spezza did his best to destroy us last night. McCabe, ex-Leaf, scoring late today. It's just a Toronto thing I suppose.
Southern Ontario man (Brantford) Mr. Gretzky demolishing us in 1993 and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on. Unfreakinbeleafable!
Ex-Leafs and southern Ontario guys just LOVE killing us.
Why Lord why?
Leafs fans want to know why YOU hate us too?
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 01:36 PM
Loved Simon's post, but I think Pronger would have a tough time holding up his end of the bargain...unless he's back today? I thought he was still out.
Man, I HOPE he's back. They play a couple of teams we may need beaten this week - starting today.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 01:36 PM
Am I the only one hoping Versteeg scores? That always means the Leafs win in the end.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 04/03/2011 at 01:50 PM
@pinot - there is always hope that an ex-leaf player could actually HELP the leafs this year. Go Versteeg! Go Flyers
I will seriously need to rinse my mouth out after this game today. Words never before heard coming out of my mouth... Go Flyers.. *hack* *cough*
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 01:58 PM
DAMN!!!!
Posted by: TimB | 04/03/2011 at 02:00 PM
Fedotenko scored the Rangers. I am going to bed.
Posted by: Pyramid Power | 04/03/2011 at 02:04 PM
Is it just me or do the Flyers look a little afraid of a Leafs-Flyers first round match-up? Come on Philly, time to man-up, don't hand first place to the Caps! NEVER SAY NEVER, GO LEAFS GO!!!
Posted by: Rooney | 04/03/2011 at 02:23 PM
YES!!!!
Posted by: TimB | 04/03/2011 at 02:42 PM
THAT'S better.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 02:43 PM
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man, Giroux is an incredible player. Now the stage is set for a rangers collapse (I hope).
Posted by: TG77 | 04/03/2011 at 02:44 PM
McCabe is looking like a man possessed. Time for Carter to win one for the flyers.
Posted by: TG77 | 04/03/2011 at 02:47 PM
Good lord, the refs seem to be ignoring the rangers trips, crosschecks etc. I suppose the Flyers rep doesn't help them at times with getting the benefit of the doubt. Here we go Richards, put one home to help your home team.
Posted by: TG77 | 04/03/2011 at 02:59 PM
This game is KILLING me!
flyers better hurry up and win, my kids want to go shopping
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 03:08 PM
Seriously... this is the first place team in the conference playing the 8th place team?
I can't stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 03:16 PM
Rangers win. Sorry Leaf fans, but I think it's time to start singing that old Roy Orbinson classic: "It's Over".
Posted by: Phil | 04/03/2011 at 03:21 PM
I'm done.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 03:21 PM
I hate the shootout!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TimB | 04/03/2011 at 03:24 PM
It is actually getting to the point of ridiculous when it comes to the teams we need to help the Leafs out failing miserably! The Caps lost two games in the whole month of March, Ovie comes back and they lose to the Canes the other day. The 2nd goal Neuvirth gave up last night against the Sabres was plain Toskala-esque and the Caps have that kid Holtby in the minors with a couple of shutouts. I know the Leafs left some pretty winnable games on the table early on so I am not complaining but it's getting almost humorous.
I am watching the Jays game and the showed Dion putting back some beers. Nice! Good support for the other pro teams in town.
Posted by: TG77 | 04/03/2011 at 03:28 PM
the philadelphia flyers are a mystery to me....how IN THE WORLD did this team get to first place???....sloppy, slow and disorganized play....i guess all the success was due to danny briere & pronger...leafs should sign them =D
Posted by: ezwelchman | 04/03/2011 at 03:29 PM
No more tingling.
Posted by: moe green | 04/03/2011 at 03:45 PM
In fairness, the Flyers have been stinking it up for a few weeks, so this outcome was to be expected.
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/03/2011 at 03:54 PM
I bet Philly lost that game on purpose.
Posted by: Tom | 04/03/2011 at 03:59 PM
I hated the Flyers, with that goalie they will not pass the first round (talk about we need HELP from them ,they are not up to the task !) I am just so mad at myself for my own efforts that all went to drains: I had to hold on to my mini Leafs goalie-figure for the whole game when the MLB played at Boston; last night I would not allow anyone to touch the hockey puck with HNIC on it ; and today I made myself to throw kisses to players of Flyers .......... Now I have to convince myself : Ron Wilson will retire if the Leafs do not make the playoff .......
Posted by: Lisa | 04/03/2011 at 04:01 PM
Guess that settles that. C'mon Canes!
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 04:03 PM
No help from anyone. Un believable.
VM Replies: As Ron Wilson often says, "What are you gonna do?"
Posted by: Ken Baumgartner | 04/03/2011 at 05:09 PM
VM - sometimes I think that's Wilson's whole coaching philosophy. I now return myself to listening to Echoes, by Pink Floyd.
VM Replies: His philosophy does seem to contain a high dosage of fatalism.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/03/2011 at 05:28 PM
Scotiabank Centre was rockin' with Leaf fans on Saturday night! It was great - we drowned out the Sens fans from the beginning of the game to half way through the 3rd when they went home and left us there to cheer on the team in blue!
Posted by: Stonehedge | 04/03/2011 at 05:56 PM
I have been away this PM. 14 Kilometers back in the bush. I assume from all the above, the Rangers won. Nothing is ever easy.
Did our Ronnie actually say he would retire if the Leafs failed to make the 'p's this year or is that someone's wishful thinking?
There is no question in my mind. If Toronto had developed a power play and scored a goal in only half of the games their PP was shut out, I have a serious suspicion we would be comfortably in the playoffs.
I watched a five minute freakin' blue and white minuet yesterday on the Ottawa ice surface that made me want to barf! Except it would have been a waste of good Merlot. Talk about 'ring around the rosie' Cripes, these guys looked like blue and white fairies dancing around the May Pole.
Get it together folks, its a long road, and its all up hill. But, underneath all those garmets I think you are men, not boys.
We shall overcome!
Posted by: Robert | 04/03/2011 at 06:01 PM
Dammit, philly.
On the plus side, just got back for a marlies game, and I have to say, Colbourne for Kaberle without the draft picks would have been a good trade. Solid player.
Posted by: jt | 04/03/2011 at 06:21 PM
Ah folks, I thought of you guys this afternoon...I was barelling down the 401, heading home to the GTA after a stint in Montreal...as you know my car has a beautiful Habs car flag on the passenger side...and around Belleville a wee silver car passed me, and all of a sudden the passenger window rolled down and an arm came out and a Leafs flag was held out into the wind! I smiled and gave the young men a smile and a thumbs up...couldn't help thinking it was someone from this blog!
I *can't believe Philly found a way to lose this.
They must have done it on purpose.
Grrrr......
Posted by: Princess Mononoke | 04/03/2011 at 07:14 PM
So... we're one foot in the grave, and the other foot is getting it's shoelaces tied?
Oy! Yes... I understood it was a numbers game all along, but what were the chances that every team that needed to win on Sunday to kill off the Buds actually won? (◕︵◕)
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/03/2011 at 07:55 PM
Well, thank goodness Buffalo kept up their end of the bargain today. Let's hope Boston keeps up theirs and crushes NYR tomorrow night.
Posted by: oakville_girl | 04/03/2011 at 07:58 PM
*sigh*.... another weekend of absolutely no help..... Rangers / Sabres both have to lose out in order for us to have any shot...
Posted by: TPiddy | 04/03/2011 at 08:28 PM
The Sabres won. In OT. As far as I am concerned, that's it. The guys in blue did everything they could in 2011, considering they had more than a few handicaps (post-trades, they had no 5th or 6th D and Burke didn't get them any help; Wilson couldn't coach his way out of a piece of cheesecloth; etc. etc. etc.) but managed to overcome a lot of it to give us a few edge-of-the-seat moments that I haven't really had in close to a decade.
But at the end of the day...the ACC will be iceless in a week and next September we get to see Wrongo's smirking countenance at every press conference telling us how Kadri or Colborne or Schenn or Reimer or whomever "are decent kids but just are doing something stupid every game".
There's a chance we can win despite Wilson. Bad coaches have won Cups, that's for sure. But it's still going to be one more obstacle they just don't need to get over.
I'll still be here for the week, but it's really not going to be the same. One more point for the Rangers and Buffalo and we're done, if my math is correct. Or more to the point, an OT loss for the Buds and ditto.
I think it's time to see what Gus can do and send the eligible kids back to the Marlies to help them get into the postseason.
VM Replies: Your math is accurate. Your assessment is sound. But deep down, we always knew this was a long-shot, right?
They never quit despite the grim odds and hopefully that spirit carries them into training camp.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 08:51 PM
Still a chance, because slim is better than none. I've gotta say that if the Leafs aren't going to make it I'll cheer for the next best thing. The Leafs playing the stinking habs next Saturday and beating them to put them out.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/03/2011 at 09:27 PM
@VM, deep down we did. I'm certainly not complaining about having these glorious weeks of excitement. I have to say with 100% conviction the PLAYERS have not let me down. Far from it. They have handled themselves brilliantly against incredible odds. I couldn't agree with your assessment more.
My only real gripe - but it's a big one - is that this push will keep Wilson on for another year. The only way at this point to unload his dead weight would be to lose a whole bunch of games early next year until he is fired. But then we'd miss the playoffs AGAIN and even I am not enough of a masochist to wish for that. So... *sigh*.... it's an untenable situation, as usual.
I think there is a nucleus of real greatness here. I fully expect to have neither of our first-rounders by the time it's our turn at the draft table - either trading them both for one much higher or packaging them for some big-time talent already NHL-ready. Just a hunch, but that's how I feel.
Anyhow, we still can't be mathematically eliminated until about 9:30 Tuesday night. I'll still be on board this train, but I think my stomach might be a little less ornery that night. And that's really too bad.
Posted by: Wandering Penguin | 04/03/2011 at 09:46 PM
Actually Penguin, I believe we can afford the Rangers one more point (I didn't do the math but I believe in the case of a tie-breaker the Leafs would take the cake over the Rangers). As for Carolina, we can afford them one more win, but Buffalo has to lose out from here to the end. So, any combination involving 2 of the above scenarios is welcome (that is, if the Leafs win out the remainder, of course!). Cheers!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 04/03/2011 at 10:31 PM
Penguin... don't expect half the current roster to be around next fall, LOL.
Leafs HQ always is of the mind that they can trade away new talent for 2nd tier, established talent - instead of focusing on what they have and making them better.
Reimer, Phaneuff, Kessel... maybe Lupul, Bozak, and Grabby - those are the ones who'll be rooted here.
The rest... well, they'll be the apple cider vinegar that used to attract flies.
Posted by: Stormcastle | 04/03/2011 at 10:33 PM
The Vancouver chapter of ALFB is expanding and now holding regular meetings! We had a blast last night despite being booed by some Canucks fans at the bar when we all cheered the Leafs goals. I would like to think that it was karma (that they were chirping the Leafs earlier) that lead to their team getting smoked by the Oilers at home. I am a mixed bag of excitement for what will happen next year but at the same time, it's deflating that there is actually more teams that make it than don't and again, we are in the minority situation of looking in on the playoffs. I don't think it's a case of winning when it doesn't matter this year and I really see some hope in Dion's fantastic play down the stretch, the Grabo-Kules-McArthur line, Kadri's improved play in his 2nd call-up and a guy like Rosehill stepping in nicely for Orr on the 4th line. This is all without mentioning Reimer's emergence and Schenn's nice comeback from the sophomore slump. That being said, I don't see how winning a lot since the all-star break will carry over the whole summer but I hope they find a way of making it happen.
I can only imagine how pumped McCabe was for scoring that goal given his rough exit from Toronto and the boos every time he has returned since.
Posted by: TG77 | 04/03/2011 at 10:34 PM
So VM, who do we have to write an email to/lobby/threaten to get the life of this blog extended to next season?!?! I believe this evolved into something pretty neat: A Leaf blog for more than just the mainstream fan; a place where you started the conversations and let them develop into in depth discussions that even transcended hockey. I believe the concept worked out well, and even the introduction of the "guests posts" where fans were able to read stories from the perspective of other fans.
VM Replies: Good morning, Sarkozy! I still need to sit down with my overlords to figure things out.
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 04/03/2011 at 10:36 PM
It was only a long shot because we gave away too much this year.
No real urgency especially from the coach. He knew he was secure all along. For Wilson missing the playoffs meant very little. He made that obvious all year long. For us it meant everything. Maybe the long view (so-called) was the right view. It just seems like we the fans were never part of the "who cares about the playoffs this year" plan.
Posted by: moe green | 04/03/2011 at 10:36 PM
Katherine
.
If by chance you're still here --- perhaps just reading for the time being --- just to let you know: Still thinking about you, still wishing you the best.
Posted by: Sensi-Bill | 04/03/2011 at 10:46 PM
Stormcastle mentioned the odds of everything going against us on Sunday.What about the last few weeks? The odds of us getting as little help as we did had to be astronomical.I could not be any prouder of the Blue & White.That being said,and I know we have flogged this dead horse to no end but,the thought of Ron Wilson coaching next year just harshes any mellow I can muster.I have thought it over a lot and truly believe our guys have not made us proud due to the coach but in spite of the coach.Next season I see us on this blog saying the same damn things about power plays,penalty kills,face-off wins,etc.And now,like Hoof,I'm going to listen to Pink Floyd's Meddle
VM Replies: Good morning, TimB. Looking forward to Vegas.
Posted by: TimB | 04/04/2011 at 08:22 AM
"Danke schoen, darling danke schoen.
Thank you for all the joy and pain."
Kind of fits,does it not?
Posted by: TimB | 04/04/2011 at 08:36 AM
We do have a way of helping each other in our commiseration - that is what has been so neat about this blog. May I suggest an old Yogi Berra axiom 'It ain't over till its over!' Or more commonly, 'you never know!'
Vinnie if our ship is in fact coming into port this week, I have experienced a hockey season like never before. This trip, and this wonderful world wide mixed crew have been my soul mates this season. Through some rocky seas and some smooth sailing I have felt free to speak my mind, and to read other's interpretations of the same events. Not always consistent with how I felt, but, often enlightening to other ways of seeing things.
This blog has had tremendous energy - excitement, intruders, and lovers. We have felt secure enough to talk about our health issues and in Katherine's case the loss of her dear father - a Leaf fan through and through.
I am certain sir, that in the early days, you and the overlords at the Toronto Star could not have imagined anything as grand as what you have conceived.
As I look out from this wheel house, the port is not yet in sight. But, whatever happens, it has been a grand voyage. And well navigated Commodore Menon.
VM Replies: Thank you, Robert. It would have been an impossible journey without you standing on the upper deck with your binoculars.
A grand voyage, to be sure.
Posted by: Robert | 04/04/2011 at 08:41 AM
TimB, if the Maritime Chapter of ALFB doesn't get together it will be a failure of epic proportions on our parts. BTW, when did Wayne Newton become part of Pink Floyd and sing Danke Schoen on Meddle? Was Liberace playing keyboards?
VM Replies: Yes, you guys need to meet and submit a full report with pictures and possibly audio clips of the Floyd singalong.
Still waiting for the Vancouver Chapter report, which may or may not explain Ms. Boo's sudden disappearance.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/04/2011 at 09:10 AM
Hoof.If you play San Tropez backwards Wayne Newton sings Danke Schoen and says "I buried Paul"
Posted by: TimB | 04/04/2011 at 09:19 AM
As many other leaf fans have stated on this wonderful and insightful literary genius, A Leafs Fan's Blog, I too stumbled onto this site. The knowledge of our glorious leader VM, not only has brought an insightful and humorous look at the ups and downs of leaf nation, but the comraderie of so many fine people. This site has given a huge boost to my self esteem and realizing that I am not the only lunatic leaf fan out there.And I thank you so very much for that. I still believe we can make it, but, the window is closing quickly. I have often stated to fans of other teams, you have to be special to be a leaf fan, that's why you not one!
VM Replies: Good morning to you, Michael. I'm glad you found our little club and thank you for so many brilliant comments this season.
Posted by: Michael C. Nemirsky | 04/04/2011 at 09:22 AM
Do I sense a group hug forming here today?
Posted by: TimB | 04/04/2011 at 09:36 AM
Where is the zamboni and the driver? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. How did it come to this?
VM Replies: Are you saying there is an alliance between Rohan and Gondor?
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/04/2011 at 10:00 AM
Morning all,
Throw my name on whatever list/letter/petition to keep this blog around next season too. ;) I don't always comment on it, but I always read it.. and invariably laugh.
The lemon is all queued up in the blender, I just haven't got the heart to push the crush button quite yet...
VM Replies: Good morning, Lil. Don't hit the button just yet.
Posted by: Lil | 04/04/2011 at 10:05 AM
Mostly I just enjoyed quoting Tolkien. But I guess I'm saying Leafs' Nation is confronting its Helm's Deep moment, when the Uruk-hai are at the door and the team is facing annihilation: will the fans despair? To let fear drive you to destroy what hope you have... don't you see? That is madness! The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true.
VM Replies: Interesting. Let me ask you something: Have you been drinking this morning?
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/04/2011 at 10:20 AM
TimB i am all for it.
Also, Robert i had a tear in my eye after that comment. Well said! Furthermore, Vinay thank you for everything. I still believe Leafs has a chance but as Michael said the window is closing fast. Thank you everyone for teaching this young one about what being a true leaf fan is all about.
Now i shall go to class being depressed.
GO LEAFS GO!
VM Replies: Good morning, omar! No depression for you! The future is bright inside Leafs Nation.
Posted by: omar | 04/04/2011 at 10:29 AM
I love it when Geoff gets half cut and posts comments.
Posted by: TimB | 04/04/2011 at 10:35 AM
Good Morning VM! I have to say I am very disappointed with every team in this league except for our Buds. I am fairly confident that none of the top 9 teams in the East wanted to see either of the Leafs or Devils in the post season. While I won't be throwing in any towels and continue to cheer for, though however unlikely, the collapse of two of the three teams we are chasing (BUF, NYR, CAR) and for the Blue and White to continue on this incredible run.
Although this might get me killed with my friends on ALF B. I (as I was since the beginning of the season) continue to be on the fence about Wilson. I am a strong supporter of the theory that if it ain't broke don't fix it. As much as I get on Wilson when we lose, I feel the need to give him some of the credit when we win. I have to give some credit to the coaching, if only partially, to the career years of Grabbo, Kuli and Mac. I know the special teams seem broke but my math says 14 or so more powerplay goals and we would be at 20%. I have to believe that Lupul playing a full year with Kessel and a proper centre could correct this one. Also, we would only need about 5 PK kills to be around 80%, we will probably be way above this percentage with JR playing a full year. I just do not see the point of changing the coaches at this point. That said, I do like the idea of not renewing Wilson's contract this summer (although not sure BB would let him be a lame duck coach) so that he could be let go if the Leafs go in the tank early in the season. I think changing the coach this summer does not necessarily improve the team and could back fire if the new coach is not a good fit. Better the devil you know...
Hoping that the HABS game means something to someone, BOOYAKA, NEVER SAY NEVER, GO LEAFS GO!!!
VM Replies: Good morning to you, Rooney. I admire your unflinching faith.
Posted by: Rooney | 04/04/2011 at 10:55 AM
ahhh... a Leaf Fans Philosophical Blog... really? should I change my handle to John Locke? I don't have enough brain power anymore.
Can we get back to talking about how to fix the special teams?
VM Replies: Billy! If you can find a way to fix the PP, you will be the greatest philosopher of all-time.
Posted by: Billy | 04/04/2011 at 10:59 AM
I just wish there was a guide to understanding some of Geoff's more obscure posts. I guess it's fitting that he is currently quoting from the Lord of the Rings. After all, isn't it full of hobbits and trolls?
VM Replies: Oh, man. Hilarious.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/04/2011 at 11:00 AM
hoofheartz,
lol that was funny. :-)
Posted by: Peter | 04/04/2011 at 11:21 AM
Actually Vin, fixing the PP is quite simple. We all watched, with great dismay, the 5 minute power play in the third period Saturday night. There was not a single instance where one of our beloved Leafs parked himself in front of the net. Two shots on a five minute advantage. Five minutes was a lot of time for Wilson to tell someone to go there. He didn't and no one did. In my eyes, this is a no brainer. If all players on the PP units are scared to pick up the garbage, or get pushed around, put someone there who is not afraid to do it. If I was standing behind the bench, Tim Brent would be my guy. Keep the skilled guys on the perimeter and have Timmy clear our the front. He's the only guy on this team I think can and would do it.
VM Replies: How many times have we said put someone in front of the net? It's insane.
Posted by: Billy | 04/04/2011 at 11:23 AM
I have not been drinking - I've just been marking way too many bad essays and I'm going a bit squirrely. Or hobbity if you prefer.
I'm also shifting the burden from the team to the fans by suggesting that if you can't all maintain "unflinching faith" a la Rooney, it will be the cause of the Leafs' undoing. In turn, this sets me up to blame the Leafs not making the playoffs on you. It's not about Wilson's coaching, Phaneuf's errant slapshot, Bozak's inability to be a #1 centre, or J-S Giguere's wonky groin, it's about your lack of faith, Leafs' fans. IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!! Or it will be, if you can't remain true to your faith.
It's very Christian, actually - the doctrine of salvation through faith. Can your faith save the Leafs from what seems their inevitable doom? If the Leafs fail, is it proof of your lack of faith?
Posted by: Geoff Read | 04/04/2011 at 11:42 AM
ahaaahaaa.. hoof, you've done it again you jester of the courts!!
Posted by: gettingcozywithsarkozy | 04/04/2011 at 11:44 AM
It was a good run but nonetheless we will be reminded that the Leafs just aren't a playoff team! Maybe next year, only one can hope!
Posted by Ryan Dockman
Posted by: Ryan Dockman | 04/04/2011 at 11:47 AM
Did I miss the group hug?????
Should not happen until the last game is done. Still 3 games left! We can only hope the earth's axis shifts and the Sabres and Rangers slip off into the abyss ... not reappearing until next Sunday. It's a dream I have. Pls bear with me.
VM Replies: Sue! How could there be a group hug without you? Come on, now.
Posted by: Sue | 04/04/2011 at 12:04 PM
Man, this is sounding more and more like a funeral. Did somebody die? What did I miss? I don't blame anybody on this blog for anything. It revived my pleasure in watching the bloody blue bastards. It made me happy to be able to share wins with likeminded (well most of them) people and vent when the guys that are paid to put a quality product on the ice clearly screwed us, the fans. Haven't had that experience in years, at least not since 1994 when I left Canada. It may be different for most of you, but hockey ranks after NFL football, basketball, college football, baseball and NASCAR in this part of the world. When you bring up hockey their eyes glaze over. So all I can do is celebrate the fact that I have had several months of unbridled fun in sharing all this with you.
I admire Vinay; obviously he has a gift to make this work. Given his cleverness and the fact he was born in the US, I wish there were a future for him in the White House. Finally somebody who can bring people together, talk and reason things out. Revolutionary!
Btw, nothing is over yet. There are still three games left and nobody can predict what's gonna happen. Nobody, nobody! Let's all stay positive and celebrate our shared enthusiasm.
VM Replies: Good afternoon to you, pinot.
Posted by: pinot grigio | 04/04/2011 at 12:09 PM
Ryan, as Geoff has stated, we have to maintain our faith. We shall not give up yet. As I previously stated, I don't believe this current edition of the Leafs will be a 4 and out 8th place team. No matter who they play it will be a great battle.
Posted by: hoofheartz | 04/04/2011 at 12:16 PM