Game 80: The End

So that's it. This uneven, teeter-totter of a season has come to an unofficial end.

It happened at precisely 9:26 p.m.

Toronto and Washington were tied 2-2 at the ACC. But the fate of Leafs Nation was settled across the border when Buffalo scored into an empty net, giving them a 4-2 win over Tampa and, more important, giving Leaf fans a sixth consecutive year without postseason action.

To be honest, I'm surprised by how hard it hit me. Even this morning, as I wheeled out the recycling and fed the cats, the feeling of disappointment was wildly out of proportion with reality.

I mean, we knew "mathematical elimination" was all but inevitable. It may have been written in invisible ink but it was in our calendars some time ago. This race was always the longest of long shots. The odds never moved beyond grim. The surge was doomed, likely to run out of space and time.

No matter.

Over the last few weeks, as this young team clawed their way out from the crater they dug during a disastrous first half, it was hard not to admire their own fierce determination, their own faith in the impossible.

At 9:31, as regulation time ended and the cameras showed the bench, I actually winced. The silhouette of those slouched bodies – every face etched with crushed disappointment – showed just how much they believed.

They cared.

The pundits are now free to wag their fingers and conduct armchair postmortems on 2010-2011. The self-appointed experts can make sense of what happened, what should happen and what might possibly happen.

Me, I just want to say thank you to this young team.

Am I delusional? Crazy? A glutton for punishment? Has years of on-ice mediocrity dulled my critical faculties and lowered my expectations to zero? Am I suffering from a godforsaken mix of Stockholm Syndrome and Blind Faith?

Maybe.

All I really know is this: For the first time in a long time, I am bidding farewell to a season with no regrets and no residual anger. History may deem 2010-2011 to be another failure but it sure as hell doesn't feel that way at 8:53 a.m. this morning.

So, thank you.

Having watched every minute of every game this season, I believe my beloved team is finally, at long last, on the right track. The pieces are coming together. The future looks brighter than it has for quite some time.

In my opinion, my proudly biased opinion, this is not The End. It is The Beginning and I can't wait until the fall.

PHOTOS: STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

Comments

[jt]

Well, it was going to happen eventually. Still many improvements that need to be made, but they were a fun group to watch.

Next year!

[TimB]

While on the surface I agree wholeheartedly,somewhere in the corner of my soul is the fear that next year will bring the same old tired cliches.This may sound like the Moe Green School of Leafs Support but can anyone who has gone through these seven years honestly say that feeling does not eat at them a little?

VM Replies: I know exactly what you're saying, TimB. But to me, it just feels different.
Not sure if I ever told you guys this but the Star had asked me to do this sort of a blog last season. I declined. In my heart, the feeling you just described was overwhelming. For a while there, I even vowed to cut the Leafs out of my life entirely.
I suppose faith is irrational by nature. So I don't know how to explain it properly. But I really believe next season will be different.

[ken baumgartner]

Here, here.

[Matt Taylor]

Don't worry, for the next week Damien Cox and others will write nothing but columns and blogs about how this season was no different from the last seven, and that Wilson and Burke haven't delivered on any sort of success, but you know and I know and most real fans know that that just isn't true.

The team that played the second half of the season played well without Kaberle, Versteeg, and Beauchemin. The team discovered/added some key guys like Lupul, Boyce, Aulie, Brent, and Reimer. You need to look no further to Washington's second goal to see why the Leafs have been successful over the last several months. After the puck unfortuantely bounced off of Schenn, Reimer gave him a tap on the leg to let him know that it was OK. See, we watched a group of young players with a new captain and without veteran leadership slowly become a team.

That's really it, and something most of these columns and blogs won't capture, the kids became a team, and good things started to happen. I'm crushed that once again I'll be forced to watch my fiance's Wings play their way through the playoffs without a Leafs game for months, but realistically, it was always going to take several seasons like this to erase the damage done in the 4 years following the lockout.

Here's hoping that the last two games are wins for a positive end to the season!

[TimB]

No,VM,I don't recall you ever telling us that.I guess it's like having a noise in your vehicle for a long time and finally getting it fixed.You expect to hear that noise for a long time after the repair.
One of my biggest problems is the relationship between Brian and Ron.Most of us have at one time or another worked at places where the boss was buddy buddy with an employee.It takes a better person than me to be objective in that situation.

[susan]

Thanks for making the ride even more enjoyable through your astute and most often hilarious commentary.
This season was different and next will be even better, I feel.
Go Leafs Go tonight and Saturday.

VM Replies: Thank you, Susan. And welcome to the comments.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Thank you, Toronto Maple Leafs. What you have done this calender year of 2011, is give leaf nation belief that we DEFINITELY are headed in the right direction. Spring after spring, all the leaf bashers, will take joy in another failed season. This year is different, we have finally rid this team of "blue disease". This young group of men are committed and invested into a total team concept. This, sadly, has been missing for a number of years. This team wants it badly and with their newfound confidence and faith, next fall, they shall be rewarded. I guarantee it! This is just the beginning of many joyous years that all of leaf nation deserve for support that borders on lunacy. This wonderful blog of our appointed leader and gracious host, Vinay Menon, needs to carry this leaf resurgence to its fitting climax, Lord Stanley's Cup. It will happen despite what odds are against us. I am proud to say, I am a leaf fan!

VM Replies: I've always admired your enthusiasm, Michael. Thanks for sharing it with us this season.

[Peter]

This is why I now pity those remaining Leafs Fans. You've got Stockholm Syndrome. You get slapped in the face for six consecutive years and all you can do is say, "May I have another".

[Wade]

Vinay, I think you're bang on the money and have perfectly expressed exactly the same feelings I've had. I was ready to cut the Leafs out, too (I would send you the email I wrote Richard Peddie in 2009 but there's a bunch of legalese at the bottom of his reply threatening to sue me if I forward it). This year was different. It really does feel like something has been created. I haven't felt that since '93. I don't really give a damn about what the non-Leaf fans say. It's okay to look forward again. It's okay to care. We want to win and we will win. Thanks for the blog this year, Vinay. It's just what the city needed.

VM Replies: Earlier this season, I wrote a piece comparing this team to 93 team. There are still a few important pieces to add but I just feel so upbeat about the future.
Thank you, Wade, for making me laugh so many times this season. I really do appreciate it.

[Simon]

Screw this election business. VM for office! You've sold me on a vision that I can't get out of my head.

VM Replies: The future begins now.

[Rooney]

Cheers to Leaf Nation and especially my ALF B friends! The 2011 ride was awesome. I am excited to see what happens this summer and what changes a new season may bring. I am glad I get to support a TEAM this year and not a bunch of guys deciding to try a little harder down the stretch. The Leafs record since the trade deadline speaks for itself. The 2010 team did not have any chemistry and needed to change. I am glad Burke realized it and that Kessel spoke up that Sunday afternoon and our Captain felt with the changes at the deadline that he could lead this ship. It is a very young team and so I do not expect a perfect future but unlike this year, missing the playoffs next year will not be acceptable. With JR in net, I just can't see that being an issue anytime soon. HAPPY HUMP DAY, GO LEAFS GO!!!

VM Replies: Good morning to you, Rooney.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

here's to sitting back and enjoying some playoff hockey (it never is the same w/o the Leafs, even the haters will admit that. And, as for next season... as your catch line goes "hope springs eternal in Leaf nation"

[Zims]

My heart is empty this morning. I'm proud - but I believed.

[Lil]

Morning all,

Peter can keep his pity, I don't need it.. ;) I'm saddened that we're out, but I've had fun watching this team come together over the last few months. We'll have to make room next year for those that jump on the bandwagon when the Leafs are kicking ass, but for now, I'm enjoying the extra elbow room. Makes it much easier to give the guys a pat on the back.

Go Leafs! Well done, boys!

VM Replies: Well said, Lil. I was a little taken aback by Peter's note until I realized it was a different Peter and not our Peter.

[Geoff Read]

As I said last night - condolences on your loss.

I'll be interested to see what moves the Leafs make in the summer. Perhaps we can hope for the occasional blog to sate our Vinsanity.

I've enjoyed being an outsider/insider in this online community -and I've always appreciated what brought me here in the first place: Vinay's knack for humour and insight in his posts.

Now: Go Habs Go!

VM Replies: Oh, Geoff. Thank you for injecting some friendly rivalry into these chambers. I recall a comment you left in the *preseason*, in which you gleefully mocked my inclusion of Boston's "More Than A Feeling" in a suggested playlist for the Leafs' weight room.
At that moment, I liked you immensely.
Good luck to you and your team.

[fishypete]

Thanks for the blog. You know something? You are the ONLY, and I MEAN ONLY, sports reporter/blogger type who has access to a wide Toronto based audience, who isn't a Leaf hater. Seriously. i want to thank you for that. I was born and raised in Toronto, and I have always wondered, sometimes aloud, "how can news people hate so much"? It's one thing to be critical, but it's entirely another thing to be mean and vengeful, just to pander to the masses AND to avoid the snickers of your peers. This world has far too much hate in it already. Do the Leafs need a #1 centre? Sure. Is Bozak the answer? No. But i'm not going to beat anyone up over it. Thank you. thank you for restoring a little faith in the Toronto media scene, which is so so so harsh and so viciously demoralizing, to the point of excess. See ya next season for more of your wonderful blog.

VM Replies: Thank you, fishypete. The pleasure was mine. I look forward to great things from this team and to hearing about your son's reaction to these great things.

[TimB]

Some of us here have been through the Harold Ballard years.We are traumatized! And when I hear Wade say he does not care what non-Leafs fans say it sounds directed at us.I'm bitter and at this moment I refuse to take part in this love-in! You can't come within ten feet of me,look around,and not know I'm a Leafs fan.So let me say: I don't give a damn what Leafs fans say about me.At this moment next year is a put up or shut up year for Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

@Rooney, I agree that the leaf season turned on that Sunday afternoon when Phil Kessel spoke up. It got BB involved, thus, mending fences between Phil and Ron Wilson. As much as this pains me to admit, it somehow made Wilson almost able to stomach. He mellowed and the results thereafter, drastically improved the success rate of this team. One other move that had a marked impact, besides the obvious James Reimer run, the removal of Versteeg from the dressing room. He was the classic case of "blue and white disease".

[Melissa]

Hi, my name is Melissa and I'm a leaf fan. I sometimes have delusional problems and live in my own world with sudden crying spurts...

VM, you expressed everything that ached in me this morning. The ridiculous of feeling heartbroken knowing very well as an intellectual woman we weren't going to make it. I feel the same different hope about next year. (call me a fool...)

But as Matt said, I like the heart and attitude of this team. Example: the minute the goal went in off Schenn's glove and Reims gave him a tap, and Komi standing up for Boyce. I smiled so BIG seeing that! They care for each other and they want to win badly. That, is the first step cause it felt like in previous years they just didn't care enough to win. At least, it seems they know how lucky they are to wear that Leafs crest on their chest. No cancerous cells in the locker room, no free riders allowed. If not, you're gone or in the press box. (bye bye Versteeg!)

Now, it's in Burke we (have to) trust in the off season.

I hope to see a few Leafs on Team Canada

VM Replies: Good morning, Melissa. They do care about winning. That much became obvious over the last half. And Burke is not done yet...

[moe green]

I agree Vinay, it is different. It is not the same as years past except in as much as we face the same fate again this year. I do not think pundits will be saying the same thing guys. Cox isn't. I think what is the same is the fans are once again satisfied with missing the playoffs, albeit with a little more hope in their hearts.

I don't know about you guys but in my heart I know this team was a playoff team this year. So next year I do not think that a mere appearance in the post season will constitute nearly enough of an improvement to satisfy me. If Brian Burke doesn't manage to significantly improve this team in the off season to the point where we have a cup contender, I will be disappointed.

So this year, like every year after the Leafs are eliminated I anxiously await the fall. The playoffs are a mere formality and I am mildly interested in whom other than my Leafs are going to win the cup. A little different this year because there is a decent enough chance that it will come back to Canada hoisted by the Canucks.

The main difference this year is that it's my expectation and not just my hopes that are high. This year we had fans willing to patiently watch another Leaf team fail to even make the playoffs. Next season far fewer fans will be nearly so patient.

VM Replies: Good morning, Moe.

[moe green]

See, this is part of the problem. these guys are leaving the rink to play golf with the feeling that they accomplished something. They didn't. They accomplished nothing. Not even the minimum.

I thank Vinay, this blog and the fans not the Leafs for making this a wild and thrilling ride. The team, once they came to play well too late in the season played hard, most nights. Not so hard on others. And the coaching left much to be desired.

The players, the coaches should only view this year as another lost opportunity. I wan't no players on my team who could view this year as a success. That is so much of the problem with this team and has been for many years.

This year was a miserable failure. Next year, I demand to be much better. How could it be any worse.

VM Replies: I don't think anybody on the team views this season as a success. Burke will tell you it was a failure. But it was a failure with lots of positives.

[Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

As usual, VM, I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on the end of our Leafs' phenomenal second half. In addition to the thanks to the team, though, I want to extend a most heartfelt thanks to you for this blog. In the seven years since I left Toronto for the west coast, I have never felt more connected to my team, and I owe it almost entirely to you, Vinay, and the cadre of other like-minded Leaf fans who admire your work.
.
While your talent undoubtedly makes you a prime candidate for a higher profile with the Star (no surprise there), perhaps you might convince your overlords in your meeting on Friday to at least let you write one blog entry a week next season. I have faith in the various and far-flung ALFB chapters that we can carry the puck the rest of the week, either with guest posts or idle and never-ending positive chatter (habitrolls beware!).
.
Whether ALFB returns or not, this season has been special for a variety of reasons, most notably for the pervasive feeling of rebirth in Leafs land, but aided immesurably by your efforts. Game after game you managed to craft something unique about a game and a team already choking on media coverage. Game after game you amazed me with your ability to strike at the essence of the Leafs' performance and our collective reaction to it.
.
You must have endured many tortuous nights sitting and staring at a blank computer screen, wondering where the words would come from, if they would ever show up, and if they did - would they matter? It's for those nights that I thank you the most, Vinay. Well done, man. Can't wait for next year.
.
Go Leafs Go!

VM Replies: I don't know what to say. Thank you very much, LFiL. You are too kind.
I've had many jobs here over the past 14 years (city reporter, business reporter, feature writer, pop culture writer, TV critic, humour columnist) but none of these were as rewarding or as much fun as writing this blog.
The reason? All of you.

[TimB]

Thanks,Moe.I'm not a coach but how many times do we have to witness two Leaf players go behind the opposing net,only to watch the puck come out front to no one.Time after time after time......

[We BeLeaf]

Thanks Vinay for this piece. It's difficult to accept right now and justified for all of Leafs fans to feel downtrodden at the present time, but I believe that all of us here in ALF B have bonded to become a vast, but close-knit group, much like the team we cheer for. The future is bright, indeed!
.
Cheers to all in Leafs Nation!

VM Replies: Cheers to you, We BeLeaf, for always concluding your comments with a cheers.

[moe green]

And another thing. Ron Wilson is fond of telling us that we have been playing well since January. Me, I seem to remember some pretty horrific efforts in January and February. It's our brilliance in March that have skewed the results so dramatically. We played better, not well, in January. Sorry Ron.

VM Replies: In January, they were 6-6-1. In February, they were 8-2-4.

[enJoy hockey]

I have seen lots of miracles in sports over the years, but I guess the rose-coloured glasses have to be put away for this season! You said it, VM, thanks to this Leafs team for letting us feel the joy of success many times since the break. Still looking forward to the last two games and eagerly anticipating next season. Thanks, too, to you and all the contributors for enhancing the Leaf experience. It's a real pleasure to see such good writing here.

VM Replies: Thanks for all of your comments and positive energy this season, enJoy.

[TPiddy]

I do have to say, that I am in agreement with Mr. Cox this morning. This team has very little left on it that was JFJ's.... it's now Burke's team and next year, the directive is simple. Win. Anything less than playoffs in 2012 will have to be considered a monumental failure and heads should roll if it happens. Burke has to do everything he can to plug the holes in the lineup, but fortunately there are only about 3-4 of them and he has tangible assets to work with. Make your next move very carefully Brian, because it's quite possibly your most critical one to date.

VM Replies: Sensible analysis, as per usual TPiddy.

[Alecia]

The 2011-2012 season is approximately 180 days away and for the first time ever, I am wishing for the summer to pass by quickly. I can’t wait to see what this team does next year. I know the feeling TimB is describing but for the first time in a long time, I truly believe the opposite. I don’t think this season deserves to be considered a failure by any means. This is the season where they turned things around. Take the time to compare the team’s roster and line-ups in October to what they are now. This is not the same team we started out with. Not at all. All the building blocks for the future are there, starting with Reimer. Not only has he given the Leafs new confidence and hope but he has single handedly united Leaf fans. I don’t know how many of you are lucky enough to go to games, but as someone who has gone to games all season, I can tell you that I’ve never seen fans go as crazy as they do when this kid makes a save. The third period of last night’s game, people were on their feet with every save Reimer made, people were chanting his name, wearing Optimus Prime masks, holding signs…. People were excited DESPITE the fact that we all knew Buffalo had won.

By the way Vinay, whats the official verdict on the blog?

I have never been more excited for the next season to start. This season has already been more than I could have asked for. Let’s not forget where we finished last year *cough29thcough* and are currently about to finish a few points out of the playoffs and out of the forsaken lottery. Like I said a loooooooooooooong time ago somewhere on this blog, what goes up must come down… and what goes down, will come back up again.

VM Replies: Alecia! Our trusted psychic! The woman who never stopped believing in this team and, along the way, also found love inside Leafs Nation.
Well said, Leafette. Thanks for all of your comments and final score forecasting.
I should know what is/is not happening with blog on Friday.

[moe green]

I know Vinay, I guess I am still a little angry. The players and management always feign disappointment this time of year whether they really feel it or not. Have seen this in the past. I remember Kyle Wellwood and some other Leafs attending a basketball game while the Isles were playing he Devils to decide our playoff lives. Sundin and many of the others were glued to their TV sets like th rest of us. I hope this group is different. They really seem different.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

Moe, I don't think any of us view this season as success, but as Coach "whats-his-face" (the guy who replaced Gordon Bombay in D3) said "you learn a lot more from a loss..." While the Leafs have experienced failure in the past, this is the first time this group has felt that letdown of the end of the season with no playoffs. So, I say let's see what lessons they take away from this season. You know, it's true what they say "you're not defined by your mistakes, but rather how much you learn from them going forward."

[TPiddy]

@moe - Yeah I seem to remember a 7-0 pasting at the hands of the New York Rangers that happened earlier this year. Not to mention the 5-0-4 stretch.... the countless lost opportunities in games. But... this is what the team had to learn.

This team came from behind to win on many occasions, rocked the power play on many occasions, and lost late in a game on many occasions. They realized how important that first goal is and over the past 10-15 games have come ready to play from the first period on, something that was a big problem for them earlier.

This team found out how important it is to have Phaneuf in the lineup, as they went 5-8-3 in the 16 games he missed. They found out how important it is to get Kessel a better center to play with. Bozak has HALF of Kessel's points... that amazes me.

[moe green]

Thanks for their records in January and February Vinay. It does make my point though. This team hasn't been that good since January as Ron WIlson says. It's February and March. Even Feb they had 8 wins v 6 losses. Ron WIlson is stretching it. Most of the magic happened since Feb 28th.

[Matt Taylor]

I think perhaps what Ron was pointing out was that January was where the team really turned it around and began playing like they have lately, not that there weren't a few stinkers, but that was where the core turnaround occurred

[TimB]

Finally I can have a bit of a problem with a TPiddy comment.I feel team statistics with a certain player out of the lineup are deceiving. Just look at the record with Armstrong out.I love him but,he is not that important to overall success.

[moe green]

I hear you GCWS, I hear you. I want to believe it's different too. And I do. I've just ingested a few too many glasses of Koolaid in the past I guess. But rest assured that I do see the difference. I just do not have the patience left in me for another failed season. That much I know.

As for Optimus Reim - we'll see. I hope he is the saviour I really do but I have seen it all before. He looks like the real thing. Let's seriously hope he is. The guy could go from hero to has-been in a heartbeat.

[David Hamilton]

This blog was the first place I turned to the morning after a Leaf game. It was refreshing to read the previous nights matchup from a fans perspective, instead of the hate filled perspective of most Toronto based columnists.

It was fun and inspiring and with the Leafs play in the latter half of the season, makes me look forward to next season already.
Thank You

VM Replies: Thank you, David.

[TimB]

Just to be clear with my Armstrong statement.The two periods of time he has been out are polar opposites in team record.

[Phil]

As a Habs fan, I will not gloat at the Leafs' demise. They showed a lot of pluck coming down the stretch,a quality symptomatic of a great deal of character. What I will say is this:the difference between a Habs fan and a Leafs fan is this:if the Habs just failed to qualify for the postseason for the seventh year in a row,fans in Montreal would burn down the Bell Centre and run the owners out of town on a rail.Here, the reaction is:I'm proud of these guys and look forward to next year. If you set your sights,your goals low enough,then nothing will change.

[Wandering Penguin]

Here are some stats that aren't deceiving, Tim (reposted from previous thread):

If Kris Versteeg were an NHL franchise he would have 78 points in 81 games right now: 23-27-6 in Toronto, 10-9-6 in Philly. In terms of winning percentage, he would be 25th in the NHL - so just as bad as a team can be and still not be in the lottery for the first overall pick.

Conversely, the Leafs were 14-5-5 after they moved his sulky ass out of the room. I didn't think so at the time, but it turned out to be one of Burke's best (and most gutsy) moves yet.

[Wandering Penguin]

But Phil, you missed another important difference: if the Habs had just won a single playoff round, the fans would also set fire to things and cause some serious damage.

Hab fans are funny that way.

[TPiddy]

I wouldn't say the turnaround truly started in January. They were better, but still a .500 team. I would pinpoint the turnaround to February 15th after they traded off Versteeg. They played Boston and Buffalo on the road and won them both. Kessel broke his drought, the team went into enemy territory and escaped with 4 points. THAT was the start of the turnaround.

[TimB]

Phil coming here with all his ....making sense and stuff.

[TPiddy]

@TimB - I will agree that Armstrong, in his limited 3rd line role, does not have as much of an impact as the records would indicate. However, Phaneuf, and his 24-25 minutes per game against the top opposition forwards, can clearly have an impact, and it showed. They are not the same team without their captain in the lineup. They don't have the depth to make up for that yet.

[TimB]

Blog be warned! For every smiley faced comment I will post an equal and opposite comment.

VM Replies: Hilarious. You are the yin today. Embrace the power. Offset the yang. Bring us into harmonious balance.

[Wandering Penguin]

Vinay, in all seriousness (I feel like Bobby Bittman right now), I have been a Leaf fan for as long as it's possible to be one without enjoying a Cup win (44 years exactly). I think I was starting to just feel numb about this franchise until I came upon this blog back in January. I am not overstating the matter when I tell you that as much as I enjoyed watching the final surge this year, it was this blog that rekindled my PASSION for this team. I can never thank you enough for that.

Here's to a long and fruitful summer for both you and "The Boys in Blue". Not that we're going anywhere just yet; that's in case I forget later. I've been doing that a lot lately...

VM Replies: Thank you, Mr. Penguin. I'm so glad you found us. Your comments are always astute and I've often marveled at the things you notice in a game.

[Wandering Penguin]

@TPiddy: ok, stay outta my brain, would ya?

[TimB]

Do people have no concept of causal and acausal? You could find the Leafs win more when it's not snowing but the snow has bugger all to do with it.

[Becky]

Hi, I'm Becky, long-time reader, first time commenter. I just wanted to echo fishypete and others in thanking you, Vinay, for such a wonderfully well-written blog this season. I live in the U.S. and I don't have a lot of Leafs fans around to commiserate with, so I have really appreciated being able to read, laugh, and lament along with another true-blue fan. Cox and others can scoff and groan all they want, but true Leaf fans aren't going to give up on this team. We simply *can't*. And thanks to my Leafs, for a fantastic end-of-the-season run. It has been heart-stopping and exhilarating to watch you push the points as far as you did. I'll see you in October. I'll be the one wearing blue and white smiling from ear-to-ear.

VM Replies: Thanks for reading stateside, Becky. Welcome to the comments and keep the faith.

[Matt Taylor]

Phil- I actually think that speaks positively on Leafs fans, we don't blindly believe that our team is a Stanley Cup team every year, or even necessarily a playoff team. For the first half of the year the Leafs weren't by any stretch of the imagination. Not rioting over not making the playoffs speaks to the fact that us Leafs fans have a a realistic sense of what the team is capable of.

Granted, next year if they don't make the playoffs, there probably will be some rioting...

[TimB]

TPiddy. You can certainly say the team is better with Dion in the lineup.What you can't do is draw an exact link to their win/lose record.If that were true that win/lose ratio should carry on.It does not.

[Blah Blah]

I agree with TimB and Moe Green here. I feel that the team is different from last year but there is still that nagging doubt.

-

To Vinay: Thanks for writing this blog. I haven't watched the Leafs for a couple of years because they were so disappointing. It was your blog that convinced me to start watching again. I would be kicking myself if I missed all of this.

VM Replies: Thanks for returning to the Nation, Blah Blah (I can't type your screen name without laughing).

[TimB]

@Wandering Penguin. "How are yaaaaaa!" I love Bobby!

[Billy]

Vin - once again, bang on. It didn't quite hit me as hard though. I think it's for two reasons.. First I am not the type to get too high or too low, but second and more importantly and as you said, this the beginning.

Though, I must add, sitting in the ACC last night after Kulemin's goal, it got really dusty in there for me. Or pollen. Not sure, but they should really fix the air conditioning in that place.

On second thought, if these guys do anything next year, I'll probably lose my mind

VM Replies: Good afternoon, Billy.

[TimB]

@Becky.No,no I'm not going to attack a first time poster.Of course a Leafs fan would not give up on the team.But the second I give up I'm no longer a Leafs fan.The term Die Hard Leafs Fan just means we do not Die easily.It does not mean we will put up with this forever.Welcome to ALFB.

[Pyramid Power]

This is the end beautiful friends. Perfect song by Morrison and The Doors to end this year.

Mocking emails flowing into my inbox now from Canadiens loving friends. Misery and mockery is what this Leafs fan has to look forward to for the next year or so at least. Until we make a deep playoff run the pain does not end.
I want to be a respectable Leafs fan again. I am not right now.

I am wallowing in the mire.
I am riding high on a deep depression.
The pain will only be cured by a good snoot of smack followed by an immense hydro doob. And the relief will be temporary.

Well, temporarily enough until the Bears manger les petit Smurfs alive in four straight in the playoffs. That will certainly help.

Woulda, coulda shoulda the story of yet another year.
4-0 start all an illusion. Mystical and magical.
Giggy and Gus did not get it done in nets.
Komisarek, Lebda and others did not get it done on D. Beauchemin pretty weak, Kabby weak all too often, gave up too many goals once again this year. Too many giveaways by Schenn. Gunner had an up and down sophomore year.

Up front we did not get enough out of Philthy although he did make progress. We did not get enough out of Bozak. Versteeg stank and good riddance to bad rubbish. ZERO complaints about the Grabbo line: superb year. Keep them together and get 16 signed Burkie please. Quickly. You already have almost undoubtedly pissed him off calling him a one hit wonder.
Army good but hurt too often. What happened to you Luca Caputi, you Christian Hanson, you Marcel Mueller, you Korbinian Holzer etc.....? Had your chances, did not take advantage of them. And Ziggy Stardust as in Zigomanis?

Crabby, Boyce, Rosehill, Brown solid. Sjostrom. Meh. Aulie awesome. Phaneuf solid after he came back in good health from the leg cut. But we were not good enough to simply finish in the top 16 in a 30 team league since the lockout. We are almost as futile as the freakin' Miami Panthers re a Grapes of Wrath-like playoff drought. The mockery is unbearable.

Who among you Leafs will run with the hunt next year? We shall see.
Nothing but a playoff round win or two next year will stop the pain.
I too see great and glorious glimpses of our team in the very near future possibly as soon as next year with Colborne, Gysbers, a move to improve our top line. Need someone to get the puck to Philthy and work with Lupul as they seem to have developed some chemistry. Bozak ain't makin' it.

Let's indeed proceed with great caution Mr. Burke and Mr. Nonis. Dear prudence, look around, round, round, round, round. Major decisions need to be made starting with who we want to go with in nets. I am torn in two about this.

Trying to be upbeat but only a hollow twisted grin comes to me. So many stupid decisions. Starting Giggy against Miami in that 4-0 loss was quite completely insane. Keeping Giggy around at all when it was clear he is shot was quite completely insane. All the late painful losses. The shootout losses. The first goals given up. Not showing up until the second period.

Poor poor coaching decisions. Wretched special teams particularly the abysmal dismal power play. I give thanks to the Leafs for only this: making the next ten months of my life a living hell as far as hockey goes. And how many devastating Sunday mornings over here did I suffer thru as the Leafs lost game after game after insufferable game in horrible Sat. nite special fashion. I had to teach Chinese children with a very heavy heart. I tried disengaging. It did not work. It will never work as Vinay pointed out in his blog. It can't work out for any true Leafs fan.

I yearn and burn to be a proud peacock of a Leaf fan strutting as I did during the years 1993 to 2004. Make those years come back please Brian, Dave, Dave, Claude, Tim, Ronnie, Rob, Keith and the entire Leafs braintrust. Sign the right people.

Cheers to all here! Was a great pleasure for me to be part and parcel of this blog and enjoy the banter going on. Very proud of the womenfolk for showing up like they did last night and so many nights over the past few months. I salute each and every one of you.

Now let's go win our last two starting tonight in the swamps.

VM Replies: A heartfelt and very special thank you, PP. You were the first "regular" here. I seem to recall those early days when the broadcast booth was made up of you, me and Moe.
I often wonder what it must be like to cheer for a team when you're living on the other side of the planet. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[missideb]

Good Morning All,

The look on their faces last night, in the dying minutes of the game, said it all. This is not a team that will accept mediocrity. I believe that we finally have a talented young core moving forward. Having said that, we do need Burke to move mountains, if necessary, to obtain the missing pieces over the summer. I expect Leafs to make playoffs next year, and not just by the skin of their teeth.

@WangeringPenguin - what you see as "funny that way", I see as batsh*t crazy! lol

VM Replies: Good afternoon, missideb. Thanks for enhancing the ALF B surroundings on so many days.

[A True Leafs Fan]

After last nights game. I went directly to the local sports store and bought a Riemer Jersey... this guy is the real deal. I dont even know how that game was not 10-2. He has definitly moved up in the rankings as my second favourite TML Player.(Behind Colton Orr...of course). If we can sign this guy to a nice 3 year deal and get rid of giguere I think we would be set for not only a #1 goalie but an even larger amount of cap space. Oh and when Riemer stopped that one shot after he dived to the side of the net to absolutely rob the Caps guy. The anouncer yelled out the Rieminister of Defence. I thought that was the funniest thing I have ever heard. I think he is now Rieminister of Leaf Nation. and gets my vote in the upcoming federal election.

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

BTW, I tried skipping a step and added a bottle of vodka directly to the lemon squares. Surprisingly good, but you have to eat it with a spoon.

[missideb]

Who do you think will get the last two starts in net?

[Jon]

Vinay, U MAGNIFICENT BLOG WRITING BASTARD...i mean every word of it Vinay!! I've enjoyed EVERY blog as u have a knack for putting into words what Leaf's nation feels !! I cant wait for the draft!! I cant wait for free agency!! I cant wait for your next blog(btw, after the montreal game, are u done for the summer?)...in short I CANT WAIT !!!! In Burke We Trust !!

VM Replies: Good afternoon, Jon. Yes, the blog will take a break after last game. When it returns is up to my overlords to determine.
It should be an interesting summer for Leaf fans.

[Boo Who?]

Oh Vinay. I will miss your writing so. If Leafs fandom were a religion, this blog would be our Holy Book.
The Gospel according to VM.
1 ALFB 11:80
...to be continued!!
Gospels always have great cliffhangers, so this should be a good read next year.

I was heartbroken yesterday. I didn't actually weep, but I did get some dusting done which irritated my eyes a little. The Leafs players took to twitter within hours of the game to extend their thanks to the fans and talk about how fully they 'believed'. That was when I picked up the feather duster and set to work.
I'm a compulsive hugger, and if I had true Jedi powers, those fellas would have felt an inexplicable crushing sensation encircling their torsos at that precise moment. A 'Force Hug', if you will.
Thank you Leafies. I'm still your Marge.

VM Replies: And I will miss your writing, Ms. Boo. Thanks for adding so much to our discussions.

[A Leaf Fan in Lotusland]

@missideb: Reimer and Reimer, if there's any justice in this world.

[Boo Who?]

Pollen! Clouds of pollen everywhere!! Is my window open?

[TPiddy]

@TimB - Absolutely Dion makes the team better and it is hard to do record comparisons with and without players. Bottom line, Dion in the lineup gives them a better chance to win.... same with Reimer, Aulie, and a host of others, including Armstrong.

We've also seen the opposite, like players who weren't pulling their weight like Versteeg, Kaberle and Beauchemin, can do to a locker room's psyche.

I truly believe this group is now closer and more tight-knit than before, and we've seen that recently in the truculent play of Komisarek and Rosehill, the willingness of Phil Kessel to make a pass now, trusting that his team mates can bury it. Grabovski and Kulemin are starting to develop something that borders on telepathy, as one always seems to know where the other one is. Phaneuf can be himself knowing that Aulie's got his back. Brent and Gunnarsson fearlessly blocking shots on the PK knowing that Reimer's in the blue paint. It's a beautiful thing to see when a team comes together and sticks up for each other.

[Gerhard]

Losing is just that: losing. Getting closer this season than last is meaningless except at the draft table as long as you miss the playoffs. The same optimism has been there each season since the strike with Leafs fans convinced that the team will improve in the off season and become a contender. The problem is that fans don't pay attention to the other 14 teams in the East, except occasionally telling themselves the Habs aren't going to make the playoffs, or are going out in the first round or at some other point. Reality is that the Leafs charge this season is meaningless when the next regular season starts in October.

[Pyramid Power]

Thank YOU for being you Vinay. Was such a revelation for me to discover this blog after dwelling for far too long in the hellish hinterlands of Yahoo NHL commenting madness, and the haughtiness and combativeness of PPP where if you voice a dissenting opinion you had better be prepared to defend yourself with your very life or so often it seemed. Frosty frigid places all too often as WP and We BeLeaf know. Fun to read the Leaf scholarship at PPP though I will say, and not all bad there for sure.

Yes, it was just amazing to me to wander thru the Star back in October, and discover this blog. It has been so much fun, and I can only hope you will be going great guns with it again next autumn. You will be sadly missed if that does not happen.

And yes it was so much fun 'calling' games with you and Moe in the early days. Amazing to me how the blog has grown. Lucky to get 40-50 comments per blog in the early days if memory serves.

[Long Time Listener]

You have summed it up well VM. A great roller coaster ride with a disapponting last loop, but free tickets to the new coaster opening up next year with Burke working the controls. Kessel and Kulemin are sitting in the front car and Phaneuf and Schenn in the back car. Reims will be controlling the brakes. I have really enjoyed this blog and hope it continues next year. To all the Leaf haters out there....keep hating, we love the attention....I'd rather be supporting a hated team than a team threatening to be relocated with no media attention. Can't wait for October.

Go Leafs!!!

VM Replies: Thank you, Long Time Listener. Looking forward to the ride this fall.

[pinot grigio]

I must admit that after many years of terrible disappointments I had given up on the Leafs entirely. So how did I find this blog? Well, not unlike the way you may go on the internet to look up that girl you found so incredibly attractive in grade 8 and see if you can find out what became of her. From time to time, I did look at the Toronto Star sport pages to read about the mess the Leafs were making once again. sigh and move on. Then, one time I clicked on this blog's link and I found the writings of this fellow who had smarts, wit, and knowledge of what he wrote about. (Not as common as one should hope) A fellow by the name of Vinnie or something. I started to read his pieces and then, eventually I read some of the comments. I started to watch Leaf games again, first in bits and pieces and eventually in their entirety. I started to enjoy watching them again because there were people I could discuss them with. Smart people, astute commentators, cynical people, witty people and the occasional wing nut. I haven't had this much fun with the Leafs in years. Thank you Vinay and thank you gang!
Now how about those 2011 Leafs? Yes they are trying harder, about at the level we should expect them to try and win games. Nothing special there except Toskala's mentality appeared to have taken over the Leafs of the past few years. "Hey, that's another goal the wrong guys scored, well, whatever."
That has changed and it was overdue. They have some solid performers but perhaps not yet as many as needed in the longer run. They are young but that is a quality often overvalued. If all you have to offer is your birth certificate, it ain't much. There is a need for a couple of more seasoned players who excel. I am a great believer in role models. Look at what Arnott has done for the Caps. He may be a little over seasoned but the team could reach out and find a 29/30 year old or two. Undoubtedly, we'll discuss all these matters in the months to come.
So, once again, thank you very much all, it has been fun.

VM Replies: pinot! I'm so glad you found us this season. Thanks for your brilliant contributions since arriving. Looking forward to more.

[missideb]

We won the season series vs. Sabres, Sens, Bruins and with a win Sat., Habs as well. GO LEAFS GO!

I think I'd like to see one of Colborne or Gardiner get a call up, in one of the last two games. Now that we're out of the mix, I think Ronnie will give tonight's game to Giggy, since it's a back to back.
Note to Ronnie: Reimer must get last home game. He's earned it and deserves to be sent out with a standing O from the fans.

[TPiddy]

@Blowhard - The Oilers, who were 30th last year, are still 30th this year. Leafs fans understand that a rebuild is a lengthy process and it comes with the valuable experience young players gain. This is the 2nd youngest team in the NHL now and for them to play 0.625 hockey for half the season is tremendous experience and growth for a team. Also, should the Leafs remain in their current 20th spot, the 9 spot improvement over last season would be 2nd best in the NHL behind the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team nowhere near as young.

Yes, we lost. Yes we will not be seeing the post-season for the 6th consecutive year. Was the season meaningless? Absolutely not. Any fan should be able to see that.

[Peter]

guys, just for the record, that note from "Peter" is not this Peter. i swear i did not write that. i also swaer that my faith and beliefe in this team never wavered for a moment. i never gave up on them and never will!
for next year, i have a few worries or wierd feelings. i'm a bit worried that burke won't be able to get the right guys. don't know why but i feel like this. the other that i grew fond of some of the "pluggers" who will become free agents. i would really hate them leave...
VM, you absolutely have to keep this blog going in the off-season! we are going to need something to conterbalance all the crap coming form the media and non-Leafs fans!

VM Replies: The Real Peter! Pay no heed to the impostor. I'll find out about blog's future on Friday.

[KD]

As I watched last night's game go to a shootout, knowing that it didn't matter any more, the first thing I thought was that Wilson should have some fun with it. It would have been great to see shooters like Rosehill, Brown and Brent, for example - reward them for working hard, knowing that winning didn't matter any more. It was only until I realized that the game meant something to the Caps that I realized the Leafs had to at least try to win it, lest Philly complain too much.
.
As for the word we dare not speak, I guess we can speak it now. And for not getting there, somehow, this year's futile push felt different. Until the last few days, I actually thought they had a chance. I didn't expect all 3 of Buffalo, the Rangers and Carolina to falter, but surely one of them would have, right?
.
I really think they're on the right track now - the problem was they started so far behind, that reaching the middle of the pack is somewhat of an accomplishment. I'm not staking out a parade spot for June 2012 yet, but I am looking forward to better things.

VM Replies: Nicely put, KD.

[The J]

@moe - in regards to your earlier comments. Based on what Vinay said:

"VM Replies: In January, they were 6-6-1. In February, they were 8-2-4."

If you were to stretch those records over a season you would get:
*January: 13 points in 13 games equivalent to an 82 point season (or not quite a playoff team, but maybe one working their way to that direction)
*February: 20 points in 14 games equivalent to an 117 point season (or one of the best teams in hockey, maybe even a President's trophy on that many points)
*Blended: 33 points in 27 games or an 100 point season (not competing with the best, but easily a playoff team).

For Ron Wilson to say they were playing well in January is a stretch, but playing well in February would be a fair assessment. You could also argue that despite some stinkers they were findiing themselves in January and finally go there in Feb, and that overall those months are equivalent to "playing well". To say they didn't get hot until Feb. 28 is unfair since February's point rate is very solid (yes an OTL is a loss, but it's also points that can come in handy down the road). At least I know I could live with a team going 47-12-23!

Oh well. Was still a fun season. Hopefully next year we can get back to eating our waffles instead of throwing them.

[Peter]

hey, Gerhard, it's funny to hear this from a Habs fan. what have your team done lately? I mean since accidently winning the cup in '93? (bcasue that was a major fluke) yeah, this late charge is meaningless, as much as the last 20 years was for the Habs.

[no moe green]

Yes thank you Pyramid Power. Your screen name a homage to days gone by that we should never forget lest we repeat them. I would have written a synopsis of the year but you took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't have said it better my self you crazy displaced bastard.

I echo your sentiments and remember the good old days (the bad old days?) of the early season when nothing seemed to go right. And still we were here sharing the pain and relishing the minor achievements together.

Vinay I really can't imagine going through another season without all of the friends (and a few enemies) I have met in here. But none of us really could not have done it without you and your blogging magic. And if you have it in you to return next season and if the overlords deem it so I will be here to doing what I can to make the experience as interesting as possible.

Make it so Vinay. No one could have done what you did here. They'll see that it's true if they try to replace you with a mere mortal.

[PK]

I'm still picking Reimer in my playoff pool. I don't care!

VM Replies: Oh, man. Comment of The Day.

[TheGo2Girl]

They were wonderful the last few months and reminded me why I still root for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They all played their hearts out. The Sabres, Rangers, and the Hurricanes are doing the same it's just that the Leafs' air ran out and they sank not because they couldn't swim anymore but because they were drowned. It was a great season!

VM Replies: Always nice to hear from TheGo2Girl.

[no moe green]

To all the Hab fans in here: I know it's tantamount to treason for some in here but I will be watching and hoping that the Montreal Canadians can work their magic for a second year and somehow find a way out of this conference to meet the Canucks in an all Canadian Stanley Cup final.

Go Habs and Go Princess and Geoff and all the other Habs fans in here. If there's a Habs fan Blog, I'm gonna find it and come and post mercilessly at you and urine.

[Peter]

KD, that's an exelent idea, shame Wilson did do it! would have loved to see those guys have a go at it.

[no moe green]

Agreed "The J" and I really meant after the trades and not Feb 28th. My mistake. February was definitely a month to be proud of.

[TimB]

I was nuts to think I could keep up to all the Shirley Temples on the blog today.
"The sun will come out tomorrow,you can bet your bottom dollar that........"

[no moe green]

Does anyone think Buffalo is as good as they have been recently? If so are they gonna walk away with the east? Their only reasonable competition would be the Rangers.

I think that it's fair to say that teams like the Leafs and Buffalo and even the Rangers played their best hockey because they had to. Teams like Philly and Washington, even Boston may have wanted to finish high in the standings but couldn't match the intensity of the teams who were playing for their playoff lives.

IF that's not the case then I say the Sabres are a lock to be this year's Stanley Cup Champs! What say ye all?

[Eric]

Hello Vinay. Just a deeply heartfelt thank you for your amazing blog. I'm a diehard, cup-starved Leafs fan (born in 67 no less) living in LA, and for too long I've been at the mercy of the pompous and bitter Leafs media.

It's been a tough few years recently, but wow has your blog ever been a revelation! I have been religiously reading since Day One and you and your readers have re-invigorated my sadly waning passion.

It's been a fantastic end to the season for Leafs fans and for me personally, your blog was a huge part of restoring the faith this year.

Thanks for all the great work and continually lifting our spirits. And please come back soon!

VM Replies: Thanks for reading from LA, Eric. Much appreciated.

[Blah Blah]

I want Gustavsson to get the start so we can see if the conditioning stint has helped in any way. I still think he's got what it takes.

[TimB]

@Blah Blah.(VM is right.It's funny typing that) I too still think The Monster could fit into our future.

[missideb]

Although I have posted several times this morning, I have yet to say thank you, Vinay. I think by doing so, I would then have to admit that we may only have a few short days left of this truly wonderful blog space. In past times I was also a lurker at various other Leaf blog spaces - PPP, HF Boards, etc and, on occasion, TSN comment pages ( by and far the most hateful, venom spewing, mental midget Troll gathering place) So imagine my surprise and delight to finally find a Leaf blog that was written by someone who loved the Leafs as much as I do. Not to mention commented on by witty, intelligent, respectful and like minded fans.

Okay, bottom line, I understand all good things must come to an end, but I'm just not ready for this blog to disappear. How about a couple special blogs this summer. One on the draft and one on July 1? Pretty please

VM Replies: Oh, I'm sure a few updates will be needed this summer.

[TimB]

Everyone is on here today like the blog is gone today.I hope not,because I'm expecting a very teary eyed ending Saturday night and like missideb said,it would be great to see Jimmy get the standing O he deserves. (though he got a couple of nice ones last night)

VM Replies: Those ovations he received in the third were pretty remarkable. And, yes! There are still two games to go. Nothing gets shuttered until Sunday morning.

[KD]

Peter, the Habs winning the cup in '93 wasn't a fluke - it was a gift from Kerry Fraser.
.
If the Jersey game goes to a shootout, my shoutout idea might happen. Does it really matter whether Jersey finishes 24th or 25th? As for the Montreal game, if the Habs are locked into their spot by Saturday and the game doesn't mean anything, why not? But if the game means something, they need to uphold the integrity of the game, and try to win it.
.
In response to missideb, I'd give the last two starts to Gus and Jiggy, just so the fans can remember what their uniform numbers are.

[KD]

Vinay - need something to do for the summer? How about "A Jays Fan Blogs"?

VM Replies: You know what's weird? I was just thinking about how much fun the Jays will be this summer. What an exciting team.
Alas, no. If I even mention another sport at this point, my non-sports editors will lock me in the secret dungeon at the base of One Yonge street.

[TimB]

OK. I'm moving on from my bitter grief.Although I don't really see the blog going full time during the summer,with all the first time comments we have had lately,I can see us coming back in the fall even bigger and better.One big dysfunctional ball of synchronicity.

[Peter]

KD, :-)
they absolutely have to win the game against the Habs. Reimer should get that one because he deserves it. he also should get a standing O afterwars.

[missideb]

@ Blah Blah, sadly, I do not see Gus in this team's future. I still think that when things get tough, he is very apt to lose it. I also feel that this team has lost all confidence in him and plays accordingly. Don't get me wrong, I do think Gus is a talented goalie and see bigger things in store for him, but not in this crazy, high pressure Toronto market. I see him eventually traded.

[Norbert Boily]

AllReimer's Syndrome:

symptoms include:
- irrational belef that a hot goalie transforms a
mediocre team into a playoff contendor
- masochistic compulsion to tolerate annual
season ticket increases and thinly-disguised contempt
from the same old gang of underachieving braggarts
and blustering conmen
- deriving satisfaction from a ludicrous "playoff
drive" in which your team was never more than a
marginal afterthought
- putting up with tribute nights for thuggish
neanderthals who once disgraced the Blue and White

I could go on but you Leaf fans will miss your tee
times...

[Peter]

wow, another stupid troll. well done, Norby.

[Robert]

Just got back in, lo and behold, a delightful post mortem for a rather interesting season.
I believe several things happened this year, that were kick ass in turning this franchise around.
I think Burke has made the room accountable! Not Ron, Brian. The old Leaf stigma of a country club is long gone.
Witness the revolving door example of Kris Versteeg. Came, didn't fit, left.
Moving Kaberle, I think, gave Phaneuf the opportunity to come into his own. I think Kaberle's tenure was such, that Dion perhaps felt a little insecure in taking the reins.
I think the boys decided, after the Burke, Nonnis, Kessel discussions, that the people in charge, BB, and Nonnis were going to make this team go, or they were going to get rid of the parts that were not in tune with the long range plan.
I think we need at least two top line players, one a centre. I think we need one more dynamite defenceman.
A back up goalie that can take 15 games or so of Jame's back.
A young aggressive coach to meld the players into a championship calibre team.
Vinnie, this has been the most pleasurable 'losing' season I have ever witnessed. Your stamina, in the face of barfing children, overnight postings,
family responsibilities, columns on political leaders and their photo ops and reading and commenting on our many posted comments has been an inspiration to all of Leaf Nation.
I quickly felt this wasn't just another job for you, but, an endeavour of love and faith, both in your team, and in those of us who were lucky enough to post back and forth. You have made me feel very fortunate to be your friend through this wonderfully enlightening medium.
Please tell the overlords, we would like this to come back next season in time for game one. Please tell them to ensure you have time for the important personal things in your life.
You are sir, one in a million.
Best wishes.

VM Replies: I'm a little disturbed you've been reading my non-Leafs work, Robert.
Thanks for the kind words and for the veteran leadership you provided this season. So much of what you said, even when the team was sputtering and lost, has proven to be entirely on the mark.
Looking forward to next season and your next guest post.

[missideb]

P is for the perfected PP that I'm looking forward to next season.
I is for the improvement we saw in the second half.
S is for season series wins over Sabres, Sens, Bruins
S is for Sat. night and another season series win over Habs

O is for open ice monster hits by our Captain.
F is for fearless
F is fighting strong

T is for truculence
R is for Reimer
O is for outstanding
L is for Leaf fans - the true blue ones
L is for la, la, la, la, I can't hear you ( to all Trolls)

[Blah Blah]

@missideb
If that's true then why did Burke send him down to the Marlies for the conditioning stint? Why didn't he try to trade him at the deadline?

[Boo Who?]

*slow claps for missideb*
That was outstanding! You are a true Leafette and an inspiration to all.

I'm really perplexed. What do to with the Monster? My gut instinct is to shoo him away. Not merely out of favouritism and fondness for Reimer. But because I just don't think he's a fit. And I'm worried like an old mother hen that his ticker might stop ticking and oh man, will I ever be beside myself then. I hope whatever blessings I'm able to impart on distant souls like his will find their way to him and keep him healthy and that no one pushes him too hard, including himself. Oh and while I'm at it, I may as well send up a prayer for Jiggy's groin. Been a while since I've remembered to include his man bits in my daily vespers.

[missideb]

@ Blah Blah - after playing so well for the Marlies, why have they been dressing a back up with a wonky groin? He has no trade value. I see him as an add on to a bigger trade for a centre. Only my opinion but I don't think he has the mental fortitude needed to be successful in a big market like Toronto. Again, not a slight towards Gus, he is talented, but I think he will play his best in a smaller market.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

At Trollbert: "irrational belef that a hot goalie transforms a
mediocre team into a playoff contendor"

...you'd know quite a lot about this kind of belief, eh!??! (see Halak in 2010, and Price in 2011).
.
Of course, I'm assuming you're a hobbit fan, as it's your kind that has mostly come around here over the last 24 hours or so.