Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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
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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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 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!!"
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!!"
Friday, October 24, 2008
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
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.
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.
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
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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?
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?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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
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
Monday, October 20, 2008
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?
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.
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.
Friday, October 17, 2008
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
Thursday, October 16, 2008
"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
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.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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...
- 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...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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.
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...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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