Sundin Shaping Up and Joseph Gets 450

So Sundin is apparently getting ready back up to par. Went to Vancouver and said that he feels like he's in pre-training camp shape and ready to grind it out with the NHL players and NHL Practises. Hope he gets back up to par shortly, can't wait for a game when he plays in Toronto. Just imagine the line of Sedin/Sundin/Sedin then you can also toss on Ohland on the point.

In addition, last night, Joseph got his milestone 450th win and his 1st of the season. Took a few games, but actually looked pretty good and held them in the game. Stempniak got a little something along with a ridiculous backhand pass for Kulemin from Grabovski. It actually made me say "wow" when I saw the goalie just calmly looking the otherway while they potted the goal with half the net open. Kubina got the game winner early in OT with a slapshot from the point with a 4 on 3 powerplay for the 4-3 OT win.

Hopefully, this will start the crazy run again.
Cheers

Hockey's most valuable players

http://list.canadianbusiness.com/rankings/hockey_salaries/2008/skaters/financials/Default.aspx?sp2=1&d1=d&sc1=3⊂=n1&df=sk

Old school picture of Tie Domi

Ridiculous Blake shootout goal

Leafs are on a 3 game win streak, including a shootout win last night vs. New Jersey.

Etiquette of fighting

Interesting article
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/12/17/etiquette_of_nhl_fighting/

No Toronto locations in Tim Hortons free skating promotion

Tim Hortons is offering a free skating promotion to communities across Canada. Noticeably this promotion will not be available to Torontonains.

http://www.timhortons.com/en/goodwill/1518.html#Ontario

New banner logo

Thanks to J for designing the new banner on Maple Leafs Toronto

Sundin says no to Ottawa

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2008/12/14/7745216-sun.html

...because playing for Ottawa would give him a worse chance to make the playoffs than in Toronto

Also interesting article on Russia's professional hockey league - the KHL
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/553524

Sorry for the absence, but back in action

Ladies and Gentlemen

I apologize for my lack of posting as I went on vacation for 2.5 weeks then had a crazy week on my return. So I'm jus saying Hi to all the people who continue to invest time to read the blog.
First off... I'm happy to hear the Leafs had put a couple of games together and started to rack some points up on the leaderboard. Still indecisive if I think they should go play-off bound or go for the decent pick of the year. Leaning more to the latter.

First time all year as well no game on Saturday... sad thing was, I actually didn't know what to do with myself tonight. But many more games and many more things to critique.
So I'll leave this short and keep coming in and leave some thoughts, comments or whatever you need to say. I'm back in action everyone.

Cheers

NHL team in Hamilton back on track?

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/550589

Sean Avery's NHL career over?

Ottawa Senator's former starting goalie Ray Emery was annoying and where is he now...

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/550618

Leafs drop game to Washington team with 9 regulars out with injuries

The pretty much healthy Leafs could not beat a Washington team consisting of practically one player - Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin's play is clearly the factor in the Capitals re-emergence this season. Its time for the Leafs to go out and get a superstar player, although with their play as of late, they might be able to draft one in the draft next year

Free skate sharpening at SportChek

Free skate sharpening courtesy of SportChek and Scotiabank. Coupon expires in June 2009. Click on the image to print.

Wilson can't beat his old team, lose 5-2

Last night the Leafs got dominated against Ron Wilson's former team - the mighty San Jose Sharks.  The Leafs' top center Antropov is clearly not the answer to the Sharks' top center Joe Thorton, who had 1 goal and 3 assists (compared to Antropov's 1 assist)

In a puzzling move, the Carolina Hurricanes hired fired Leaf coach Paul Maurice for the second time.  It seems like they are playing back to the future like the Leafs - who also have a tendency to re-acquire personnel after they pass their prime (Joseph, Gilmour, Fletcher)

Maple Leaf apparel.. for your pets

If you are looking for clothing.. for your pets, head over to Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique and Spa

http://cosmopawlitanpets.com/

Leafs impressive in snapping winless streak

While ridiculous to give Brian Burke for credit last night's win over the Flyers (he just assumed GM duties earlier in the day) the players were on their best behaviour for their new GM.  You would have to think that all the European players had to be concerned - Burke has a history of discarding Europeans in favour of bigger and slower North American players.   Burke did get down to business quickly though, stating the Mats Sundin would not be returning.  Maple Leafs Toronto is against that decision, as extending the Sundin speculation would give us a lot more things to talk about.

In another twist to the Brian Burke story, Leaf forward Dominic Moore is the brother of former NHLer Steve Moore.  Steve Moore, who was victim of a vicuous assualt by Todd Bertuzzi, is suing Brian Burke and the Vancouver Canucks for millions of dollars over the attack.

Stempniak got his first goal as a Leaf, changing hard to the net, something that every offensively challenged team needs to do more of.

At least it was on Leafs TV

The Leafs dropped an ugly game 6-3 to the Atlanta Thrashers last night. The game was televised on the Leafs' specialty channel - Leafs TV, so fortunately most people were not able to see the sad display. But don't worry, your continued patronage of this site will allow this blog's authors to subscribe to Leafs TV one day.

So while we are on our winless streak, we can also revel in the misfortune of our more successful rivals - the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens were up 3-2 and pulled their goal because of a delayed penalty call on their opponent. Somehow, they managed to score in their own net and lose the game in a shootout.

0-3-1 in the last four...

I went on vacation on the 14th... since then, so far... the Leafs are 0-3-1... I think that they're game has gone on vacation with me... mind u... its not like they aren't scoring... they have 11 goals in those 4 games... I think we all know what the issue is again...
Anyways, hopefully they'll pull off the next couple of games, so at least it'll feel like I missed something...

Burke agrees to be Leaf GM

All indications are that Brian Burke has agreed to join the Leafs as president and general manager. This is the day after the current GM Fletcher pulled off a trade. Maybe Fletcher should trade a couple of more players before Burke is officially signed... just to make things interesting

Leafs deal spare parts for someone who has scored in the past

The Leafs finally parted ways with their fragile Eric Lindros like defenceman Colaiacovo and their poor man's version of Thomas Steen, sending them to St Louis for Buffalo native Lee Stempniak. The 25 year old gives the Leafs some much needed offence, as he scored 27 goals in 2006-2007.

Mustache comparison

Last night was mustache night in honour of former Leaf captain Wendel Clark
Courtesy of Toronto Star

Schenn and Mitchell

And finally Ian White, who is now sporting the mustache for the long term


http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=977875

Picture of Finger getting beat

Courtesy of Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/542021

Finger finger for Leafs' sloppy loss to Blackhawks

On a night where Wendel Clark was being honoured with a banner in the rafters with his name, the Leafs blew 3-0 and 4-2 leads to lose to the Blackhawks in OT.  On 3 of the Blackhawk goals, prized and highly paid defenceman Finger was standing around watching someone next to him score.  He finished the night as a minus 3.  With an excess of defencemen, look for Wilson to sit Finger next game to make room for Colaiacovo's return.

Leaf Fans Are Everywhere...

I'm here in the Gold Coast, Australia, in a suburb of Surfers Paradise where the temperature is in the upper 30's and no snow in sight.
So, I was doing the beach thing with a buddy of mine, checking the meter maids and the girlies in bikinis, pictures to be coming for your enticement and hockey was probably the farthest thing from my mind. But as I was walking along the surf in the white sand, I noticed a couple of guys and one of them happened to be holding a TML beach towel. And then it all came back to me, first off, Leaf fans are everywhere, almost scary, that even in Australia, where I can't find an arena and Surfers Paradise has never seen snow, there are still fans holding on to the hope of one day, watching a play-off contender. Secondly, sorry to rub it into everybody's face, but I am not looking forward to coming home to the snow and all the lovely shit that comes with it.
Finally, while I overlook the beach in my backyard and sitting in my shorts and a t-shirt with no worries, I will leave you with this... go on vacation and we'll talk about the Leafs later.... Full-On.
Cheers

Leafs getting ready to overpay for Burke

Brian Burke could become the new GM of the Leafs in the next few days. The numbers being tossed around range from $1M to $3M per year. While $1M might be standard for a GM, $3M is just ridiculous. Are the Leafs going to overpay for a star GM instead of using the $8M in extra cap room they have to over pay for a star player...The Blue Jays tried this with JP and are still waiting for results after 7 years.

Schenn gets a little roughed up vs. Vancouver

Nonetheless, good job Schenn

Bears playing hockey

I'll leave it for readers to decide on how they feel about the treatment of the bears

Gilmour quits as Marlies assistant, becomes head coach in Kingston

Good career move. People actually watch and care about major junior. The same cannot be said about the AHL farm team of the Leafs. I didn't even remember that Gilmour was an assistant on the Marlies. Don Cherry will be pleased. Gilmour is the "Kingston boy" who he kissed on Coach's Corner.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/JuniorHockey/article/538722

Avalanche ink Stastny to $33M extension

Who? $6.6M per year? He currently makes $700k and has 3G, 12 A. Last year 24G in 66 games. He is the 22 year old son of ex NHL great Peter Stastny. Grabovksi/ "Grabo" is on pace to score at least 24 goals this year. I hope he doesn't expect $6.6M.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/11/17/nhl-avalanche-stastny.html

Highlight reel goal

Leafs can't convert on power play in loss to Vancouver

The Leafs failed to convert on either of their 5 on 3 power plays in their 4-2 loss to Vancouver last night. They are now 0 of 14 on the 5 on 3. They peppered Vancouver with shots early in the game, however Toskala gave up 4 goals on 9 shots, allowing Toronto fans to see former Leafs hero Curtis Joseph. None of the goals were Toskala's fault. For the most part, the goals were of the pretty variety, caused by defensive miscues by the Leafs.

How about former Leaf Kyle Wellwood scoring his 7th goal of the season, to lead the Canucks in goals. The injured Wellwood was deemed to small and too out of shape to play for the Leafs. In fact he didn't even make the opening day Canucks squad. He got called up from the minors when injuries started to hit Vancouver.

Big win for TML

Was an interesting game last night. Leafs showed up to play and still can't believe watching that Grabovski, Hagman, Kumelin line... most exciting line I've seen on the Leafs in a very long time.
Glad they pulled off the middle win on the west coast swing, I thought it would probably be the easiest out of the three.
Would be really nice to pull off the win against Vancouver on Saturday.
Oddly enough, I'm in the Vancouver airport right now waiting fora connecting flight, so won't be posting much about the Leafs in the next 2.5 weeks. But I'll be sure to keep up and figure out what is going on.

So ladies and gentlemen, I expect big things out of the Leafs and out of you, so please keep posting your comments and cheer on those Leafs

Nice effort by Leafs to defeat Oilers

The Leaf's Blake, a one time 40 goals scorer was back in the lineup after being a health scratch for the game against Calgary. Blake, who had already been scratched earlier this season, responded with a strong effort and 2 assists. This leads to the question - should Blake should be made a healthy scratch every other game?

More importantly, the Oilers wore their old school jerseys, a throw back to the Gretzky years and the 5 Stanley cups

Conroy's own goal

From last night's Leafs-Flames game. With the Leafs down 4-2, Calgary's Conroy wins a faceoff into his own net.

Sundin sells Forest Hill home

http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/534500

For some reason this is news..

In case you missed it - new HNIC theme song

Graboski sends message to old teamates with goal, assist

Graboski was clearly the best player for the Leafs last night in their 6-3 victory, mounting a goal, an assist and a lot of other impact that do not go noticed on the scoresheet.

Apparently Graboksi's old Habs' teammates are not fans of him, with both Koivu and Kostitsyn taking runs at him. When asked what Koivu told him on the ice after throwing him to the ground, Ponikarovsky, Graboski's translator said this "He (Koivu) gave him some special advice. He told him it would help him in the future. He (Grabovski) just listened to his advice because he respects him." Meanwhile Montreal coach Carbonneau said this about Graboski, "Listen, I have enough of my own problems. I don't really care about what he thinks or what he says. He's playing well, good for him." Don Cherry got in on the action, calling Graboski a diver, but then this is the same Don Cherry who calls Sidney Crosby and diver as well as any non anglophone Canadian under 6 feet tall.

Sweet Revenge 6-3 Over Montreal

Leafs looked good today... Played hard and was definitely a revenge style game as they outhustled and outworked the Canadiens tonight. Pulled off the 6-3 Win. How about that Grabovski on the dipsy doodle around two guys then the backhand saucer pass over to Hagman for the first goal. I'll give you one thing, that line is dynamic and entertaining...

After getting shamed 6-1 in the home opener this season... Leafs came back hard and I'm interested in hearing what Wilson has to say about this game.

Next game is on Tuesday against the Flames, then Edmonton and Vancouver on a Canadian west coast swing. Think it'll be really interesting to see how the Leafs hold up on Canadian against the hard hitting grinding west coast teams.

After sloppy loss, Leafs in tough against Montreal

The 8-1-1 Montreal Canadiens are in town tomorrow night. The Leafs most exciting player and top goal scorer Grabovski wasn't good enough to play for the Montreal Canadiens, as he was traded to Toronto over the summer for a 2nd round draft choice. The Leafs will need to quickly shore up their defence against a dangerous Montreal offense or face their 4th loss in a row.

Last day to order hockey tickets for Vancouver Olympics

http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/ticketing-information/-/32334/f64b2s/index.html

Last day to enter the lottery for the right to purchase tickets for the gold medal game in hockey at the Vancouver Olympics

Leafs Lose A Sloppy One, 5-2

Was pretty disappointing watching the Leafs today. Seemed like they didn't really want to be in it too much. Moments of greatness, got to see some of the hustle of that great new first line of the Leafs, Grabovski between Hagman and Kulemin. It at least makes it exciting and they got some creativity and hustle. But this was more of what I was expecting of the Leafs, some decent plays, but not quite reaching the cusp of where they should be.
I think Ron Wilson will see a lot of what needs to be done and might have to really re-think a few things after this game. But, its very refreshing to see him not afraid to shake things up.

I'll state it right now, but the Leafs will play impressively for their next game on Saturday. I think there's going to be a few things said tonight and some hard work to be put in and the Leafs are gonna play physical, creative and strong. You heard it here first...

Top ten innovative plays

Downed 6-4 by Carolina

It was an exciting game... just didn't go Leafs way. Got a penalty when they had all the pressure in the last minute or two, and Carolina held on for a 6-4 victory. Disappointing that the Leafs didn't even come out with a point for this game, they battled back but then gave it back right after. Some good things to take out of this game, but some bad. Should be rested up now for the next game.

Ouch... Carolina 4-3 After 2

Now that's depressing... down 4-3 after the 2nd period.
Here's the chance to show the NHL what the Leafs are made of... In the face of Adversity.
Youngsters gotta show some maturity. Same thing as yesterday boys.

Grabovski again... Leafs 3-1

Leafs got another, three shots on a four on three rush. This type of hockey has to make you feel excited. Its not extremely fancy but its hard work, applying pressure and using the speed we desparately needed to make it so Carolina doesn't get a chance to recover. Gotta have a good feeling about this game... Leafs are playing solid.

Hagman's Got Skills

Hagman looked ridiculous on this goal. Deking through 2-3 players gets a shot off and then starts the cycle. Grabovski and Hagman circle roudn and round and Hagman with good eyes get it up to Grabovski and without waiting rips it high for the Goal. Good response by the Leafs, things you want to see.

Carolina's 1st goal, not Joseph's Fault

Not Joseph's fault on the 1st Carolina goal... pad save, off Finger's shin guard in the net... Stajan's drawn a penalty right after... gotta keep up the momentum and not lull back into the old school ways...

After 1 in Carolina, So Far So Good.

Watching the Leafs on Leafstv right now, and they look like they've carried some of the momentum from yesterday into today. The White, Mayers and Colaiacovo line is making nice short passes and grinding it hard to get some chances. Holding the 1-0 lead on the road is a good representation of how the game is going. The crowd doesn't seem to into it as they are playing smarter hard hockey with m ore shots and outplaying the Hurricanes. Let's see them hold it up.

Canadian hockey national team can't use traditional logo at vancouver olympics

http://tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=254449

The IOC is banning national sports federations from displaying their logos at the Olympics. This would include Hockey Canada's logo of the maple leaf with a hockey player. If you ask me, Hockey Canada's logo is ugly anyways. I would much rather prefer a standard maple leafs - sort of like the Toronto Maple Leafs uniform - but in red.

Who made the schedule?

The Leafs play today at 5pm in Carolina, less than 24 hours after finishing a game in Toronto. 5pm start to accommodate non existent American TV audiences?

5 Minutes and 21 Seconds...

Wowwie Wowwie... Leafs are turning out to be quite the force these days. Who would have thought that after putting up 5 goals against a future hall of famer, Martin Brodeur, they could have it in them again. Down 2-0 for most of the game against the Rangers, in five minutes and twenty one seconds, the Leafs storm back in the third with 5 unanswered goals to take the win. But not too many people saw that one coming.

Kudos to Mitchell on his debut in the NHL to get two goals and an assist. Definitely a night to remember for him. Leafs started shooting again too with 17 shots in the third period alone totalling 35. I guess Ron Wilson is finally getting through to the guys... It's like the youngsters are sponges and you gotta make them accept the system and suck it all in. Only two penalties on the night too, leading to success.

Not too much time to celebrate though as the Leafs have their next game in under 24 hours in Carolina for a 5pm start. Let's see if the momentum continues through. Watch it on Leafs TV.
I love the feel you get from Torontonians, I thought the Leafs would do better than expectations, mind you, the expectations were really really low. Four wins in the last five games with the loss against the Lightning as the one I thought we'd pull through with.

Little statistics for you:

Leafs first 6 games - 11 GF vs. 20 GA
Leafs last 5 games - 21 GF vs. 14 GA

Leafs first 5 games - 78 Penalty Minutes
Leafs last 6 games - 47 Penalty Minutes

Correlation?

Jeff Finger slams Zubrus into the bench

Finally - a shoot out victory

The Leafs won in a shootout yesterday against the New Jersey Devils, their first shoot out win of the season. Coach Ron Wilson did not pull Toskala for Joseph for the shootout, despite Toskala playing a sloppy game in which he let in 5 goals during regulation time. The shootout winner was on an unorthodox play by Hagman in which he skated down the ice on his backhand and managed to shovel the puck under Brodeur. Had he missed, it would go down in history as one of the worst shoot out attempts ever, on par with when Robert Reichel took a slap shot on a penalty shot during a third period tie in the playoffs. Brodeur's reaction to the play "I thought it was funny more than anything".

Stajan seemed to have gotten coach Wilson's message about going to the net potting 2 goals. Schenn got his first NHL point, an assist.

The Plane Waits For No One...

Ron Wilson is awesome. He's sarcastic and blunt and jokes, even when he's not trying to be. At least it's a coach who knows the issue straight up and isn't afraid to make the hard call, whether its benching and/or healthy scratching a player, saying what needs to be said or insulting his own players.

After the game last night which the Leafs lost 3-2 to Tampa that should have been theirs pretty easily, Wilson was interviewed and was asked about Matt Stajan. "On the good side, Stajan played well for awhile, and got his first goal. Stuck himself in front of the net and went for the jam play and it worked. But then, what happened... he kept going behind the net and staying there... you'd figure you scoredbefore, so stay in front." Then leaving the interview promptly after that by saying, "I gotta go to the airport and catch a flight, bye" and like that, interview done.

Now, if I was Stajan, I'd plan to work my ass off and park it in front of the net and learn to be a jam goal player for the next while much like a long lost Leaf of last year... Darcy Tucker.

Looks like a tough game tonight vs. the Devils in New Jersey... after this game, it doesn't look to good for the outcome.

Time to trade Kubina?

The Leafs have a wealth of quality defencemen, something not seen in years. With Luke Schenn staying in the NHL for the year, there are a total of 9. In the midst of a redevelopment season and numerous promising youngsters sitting in the press box i.e. Colaiacovo, is it time to trade the veteran 31 year old Kubina? By moving Kubina, the Leafs have a chance to develop the once very promising Colaiacovo. Kubina, who makes $5M a year for the next 2 years, is one of the Leaf's most steady defencemen. In return, the Leafs would be able to acquire a top line forward or some promising youngsters.

Sportscentre top 10

Watch the Leaf's Stajan get smoked in #10. Ottawa goalie Auld looking foolish in #7.

Indecision Leaves Us On The Hook

No doubt I have my opinions of Mr. Sundin. But when I speak of bandwagoner, its not that he shouldn't go to another team for his shot at the cup. It's that he stated he wants to stay with the Leafs before, but then entertained offers for other teams. Granted that's his perogative, and personally, I would do the same. But its the indecision of it all. I respect him and his game and what he's given to the Leafs, but him waiting it out to see what to do is what I find more bandwagonish then what Bourque did. Bourque had dealt with Harry Sinden the GM and inked a deal for the Avalanche for his shot when the Bruins were fading. He requested the trade, Sundin is waiting to see what happens. Everybody's entitled to their own opinions, just thought it was interesting to deal with it in this manner.

Leafs got Tampa on Tuesday and this is a great opportunity for the Leafs to see something they normally would not see very often... a winning streak. TB has been struggling even with the likes of Lecavalier, St.Louis and Stamkos. Currently last in the Southeast division, they've got a -7 goal differential and averaging just over 1.5 goals a game. I'm just waiting for the Stamkos break out... it'll happen soon... just not against the Leafs.

Luke Schenn is also not getting shipped back to Kelowna and will stay with the Leafs... go figure that in seasons past, we have no defense... now we're running 9 and have an abundance.

Btw... Sean Avery a possible Leaf... crazee

Luke Schenn doing a good job again Ottawa tough guy Chris Neil

Can Leafs winning ways convince Mats to come back?

Last night the Leafs  looked good against an Ottawa team that should be much better. The Leafs are shaping up to be an overachieving team of youngsters, much like Montreal team last year. Unfortunately the strong performance puts a damper in the Leaf's chance to get a top draft pick in next year's draft.

Mats Sundin rumours are back in the news, and those on talk radio accuse him of sitting on the fence, waiting to jump on a bandwagon.    To be fair, many professional atheletes near the end of their career try to sign or get traded to a team with championship potential.  Did anyone call Ray Bourque a bandwagon jumper when he went to Colorado?  

Mats is waiting for the opportune moment to join a team which has championship potential.  He is not interested in putting up with the 82 game grind, so look for him to join a team like the Rangers in January.

No OT Means Leaf Victory... Smell A Streak Coming??

Didn't get a chance to write yesterday, but I actually did like the chances for the Leafs last night against Ottawa. Ottawa had a rough go yesterday down 4-0 and came back to make it respectable at 4-3 to Anaheim. You figure with the extra days rest and coming off the win Leafs would hit it up hard... and they did. Not often a rebuilding team makes easy work of a paper heavy Sens team, but besides the last minute or so, Leafs owned them.

Bout time Poni put one in the net and Moore's looking better and better each night. Give him 2 years and he'll be a force in the NHL. I think that Wilson is hitting a good chord with the Leafs and tossed 38 shots at Auld. Guess these younger Leafs hear better too. Also, they got their heads on straight and didn't take many stupid one hand on the stick penalties and had more powerplay opportunities.

Once more I'd like to reiterate the importance of the Leafs not hitting OT. I wonder what the season record for most shootout appearances and most shootout losses in one season is. I think that by the end of the season at least 10 games will go to OT and/or shoot out for us. Maybe Joseph should go ironman and shoot and save on back to back shootout attempts. I think this is unknown territory for TML, could we get a "streak" going in the positive? Not sure if they know what to do.

Sundin... where are you? I guess that we got a lil dog fight in TML, ur coming back... The question is... if Sundin comes back, and doesn't produce, will Wilson bench him too?

After a win though, Leafs looked good and hope they can keep it up. Struggling Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Let's stick with the immortal words of "GO LEAFS GO!!"

Swedish hockey fans and Finger's foot

They did what?
http://www.thelocal.se/15138.html

Injury update. Finger's foot healed, may play Saturday vs. Ottawa

Leafs Get A Win, Now What To Do For Ottawa Saturday?

Kudos to the Leafs for pulling out what normally happens to them, a come from behind victory. As I stated before, the Bruins are hurting and demoralized just as much as the Leafs, but the victory wasn't how I anticipated it. Down 2-0 after the first, the Leafs saw some devastating hits against them like Van Ryn going through the glass or Stajan cutting across the blue line and getting decked by Wideman. Impressive grit and determination, they scored four unanswered to take the victory 4-2. Big key is not to get to OT or a shootout as we have serious issues there.

I would not say so much that the shootout gods weren't on our side, but more leaning towards... hit the damn net. You got no defense or backcheckers on you, you miss the net means you can't score.

So here's a question... Does Wilson continue to make Blake a healthy scratch because they won now? I say why not, you pulled off a victory, he's chatting it up with the bigwigs in the press box, and we got a sloppy Senators team who's 1-3 in their last four with a game against the Ducks tomorrow, why not keep the skates moving and hammer'em home. Maybe Blake should do some play by play with Bowen, and get Stajan's wife to sing the National Anthem.

Some news on Sundin... but do you care? He likes the young look and might want to come back to the Leafs for his 14th season. Sounds like a bandwagoner waiting to see how they'd turn out. He's going to Los Angeles for a two week 'conditioning' camp. I appreciate all Sundin's done for the Leafs, but why is he playing with indecision. Since he doesn't want to jump ship and hit a Cup contender, we need your support to send him the Leaf ring because unless he's willing to stick it out and pull a Chelios, it might be awhile.

Watch Bruin's Lucic hit Leaf's Van Ryn through the glass

Leafs end winless streak, play is much better than record suggests

The Leaf's ended a 5 game winless streak last night with a come from behind victory over the Boston Bruins.  Despite the futility streak, subtract the drubbing against Montreal in the 2nd game of the season, the Leafs have been competitive in every game.  You could argue that they are a much better team than their record shows.  They could easily have 3 extra wins if the shootout gods were on their side

Game notes: Antropov scored again vs the Bruins, making it 4 goals in 3 games

Buy your own Maple Leaf ring

For sale on "bargain orama", you can buy your very own Maple Leaf ring for $299. 24K gold plated with the Maple Leaf logo. If mapleleafstoronto.com can raise $20k in funds from your donations, we will buy a set and attempt to present them to this year's Maple Leafs team the next time they practice at Lakeshore Lions arena. The Maple Leafs, inspired by the rings purchased from you donations, will make sure the next ring they receive will be a Stanley cup ring

Score Dirty and Score Often...

I like the idea of Ron Wilson trying to mix it up with new and innovative ideas to kickstart the Leafs into action. The Leafs are a, for a lack of a better phrase, a grind'em out, pound'em out type of hockey team and the games they should win, don't need to be pretty and on highlight reels. Wilson states "We're trying to find ways to score goals ugly" and I truly believe that that should be the motto of the team. Fans, players and coaches alike want TML to make it to the playoffs and you can't do that without wins. Who cares if you get dirty bouncing pucks that trickle in, it all counts the same on the scoreboard and 2 points is 2 points, take it, and make the playoffs.

One thing I find rather peculiar is Wilson's decision to possibly sit Jason Blake next game. Last night he was playing on the fourth line at times and during his limited ice time the Leafs outshot the Ducks 28-4 in the 2nd and 3rd periods. I can understand Wilson's unhappiness with one of the lowest shots per game average at 28.2 but Jason Blake was 5th in the entire league last year with 334 shots and if you shove some big bodies in front of the net to slam in some rebounds the way Antropov does, you're going to create some decent opportunities.

Got the Bruins coming up tomorrow in Boston. They should be just as frustrated as the Leafs as they lost two hard fought losses in shoot-outs on Monday and Tuesday against the Pens and the Sabres, respectively. This is the chance to hit them when they're down and pot a few goals early to leave them demoralized. Why do I feel the anticipation of another shoot-out? Tune in @ 7pm.

Leafs make gutsy last minute comeback vs Anahiem

Although they lost on the scoreboard, the Leafs managed dominated the opposing Ducks. The Leafs managed to tie the game to force overtime with less than a minute left in the 3rd. Savaging the 1 point, the Leafs now have 5 points in 6 games, on pace to miss the playoffs by worse than last year's 83 point effort.

In an unorthodox coaching move, Ron Wilson yanked the goalie Toskala (who had played all 65 minutes of the game) before the shootout, inserting backup goalie and throwback player Curtis Joseph. The argument - Toskala's dismal shootout record. This begs the question - based on the Leaf's lack of success in the shootout both this season (0-3) and last, is it time to dress a shootout scoring specialist and leave him on the bench for most of the game? Or would any shootout specialist also be an offence specialist which the Leafs surely need during regular time?

Huge chance for Leafs to get their 2nd win tonight

Leafs at home to the 1-5 Ducks, one of the few teams with less points than the Leafs. I think the Leafs are a favourite to win this one, even though the Las Vegas book makers have them as underdogs..

NHL looking to give Toronto their own "LA Clippers"

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081020.shoalts21/BNStory/National/home

A little competition in the Toronto market should improve the Maple Leaf product, however by the time a new franchise finally sets up shop, the Leafs' rebuilding should be complete and they should be a championship team. Therefore any new franchise in Toronto would be a poor cousin of the Leafs, like the Islanders/Devils/ Jets in New York, or worst... like the Clippers in LA

Leafs current winless streak hits 4 games

After a surprising victory in Detriot to open the season, the Leafs have performed to expectations. Winless in 2 games, although they have managed to pick up 2 points in those past few games...

On a non hockey related note, last night the umpire called Boston Red Sox' JD Drew out on a questionable third strike. Boston, down 3-1 in the top of the 8th in game 7 of the ALCS, had the bases loaded and 2 out. Conspiracy theorists must have been baffled at this call. Either than the 15k fans who show up to watch Tampa Bay play in the regular season, who really wants to watch the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in World Series?

chris simon ryan hogwell connection

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/10/sports/hockey/10islanders.html?pagewanted=all

While Chris Simon has never been the NHL's model citizen, interestingly his last suspension came from swinging at Ryan Hogwell's face (Maple Leaf's current reincarnation of Darcy Tucker) with his stick.

Joseph to start in goal Saturday

Toskala will start in goal tonight against the Rangers. Flashback Saturdays will have Joseph in goal vs. the Penguins. Take the over on that game. No word on whether Doug Gilmour will be in the lineup

"Ron Wilson expects Hogwell to clean up act"

Old act: Goon with 4 suspensions in 41 games
New act: Goalscorer...?

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/518331

Blackhawks fire coach after 4 games, on pace for 20 coaches this season

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard after going 1-2-1 to start the season. This is not a horrendous start, especially from an organization that doesn't exactly have a history of excellence - the Blackhawks have been waiting for a Stanley Cup longer than the Leafs. By Blackhawk logic, if the Leafs lose on Friday to the Rangers they will be at 1-2-1 and in coach firing position.

What happened to our "favourite" leafs from last year?

I'm sure you are watching the leafs and wondering where your "favourite" players from last year are. In case you weren't paying attention to leaf news this summer (who was?) then here's an update:

- Andrew Raycroft - the Calder trophy winning goaltender with the Leaf record for wins in a season is now the back up in Colorado. Scouting report says shoot high to his glove side

- Brian McCabe - everyone's favourite $6M defenceman now plays in Miami for the Florida Panthers. Scouting report says he'll produce a point of offence every other game while going minus 2 every game

- Darcy Tucker - is also in Colorado. I like Colorado, but I not sure if they are going in the right direction by picking up players from last season's Leafs...

Friday Oct 17th, 2008 @ N.Y. Rangers

Nice to know that the Leafs are playing their next 5 games against teams that have defeated them on their last meeting with the GF/GA is 7/22. Not very impressive, but that was from year's past and this year is a new younger looking team.
Friday boasts a game against the 5-0 N.Y. Rangers. Amidst the sad result from the death of Alexei Cherepanov, 19, the Rangers will have to put that behind them and steady themselves for this game. The Leafs after another blown lead game will definitely have to play hard and quick to defeat this strong team.
From a statistical point of view, Rangers have the full edge and the Leafs have a 3 game suspension by Ryan Hollweg. My thoughts, Rangers by 2 @ home.

Leafs blow 3-0 lead vs St Louis

Although the season is early, the Leafs have exhibited the tendency to blow large leads in short periods of time. In Monday's shoot out loss to St Louis, a 3-0 lead evaporated within the first 6 minutes of the second period. I came up with a couple of possibilities.. a) large leads make the Leafs in cocky primadonnas who no longer want to be invovled in the game or b) large leads put the Leafs into unknown territory.. making them afraid...

Welcome to Maple Leafs Toronto

gentlemen
this is a test

detroit over toronto tonight