Perhaps I am a Jinx and a Look at Other Strange Leaf Injuries

No sooner than I heap praise on the unexpected team leader in Matt Stajan, he goes down with a strange non-hockey related injury.

Toronto has had it's fair share of strange and/or ill-timed injuries or other maladies over the years. Here's a look a few:

Doug Gilmour
In his first game back after being traded to Toronto at the deadline in 2003, Gilmour had a career ending knee injury in the second period versus Calgary. Gimlour was clearly in the twilight of his career, however, he had scored 11 goals and added 19 assists in 61 games. Now I'm not saying he would have been the difference maker, but that series against Philadelphia was dreadful and Gilmour certainly could have provided a veteran and leadership presence on a team that managed to lose those traits as soon as the post season began.

Karel Pilar
Once a promising young defenseman, Pilar was well on his way to a solid NHL career. He wasn't a tower like Pronger, or as naturally gifted as Lidstrom, but he had all the tools to be a great player for many years. Unfortunately, in 2002, Pilar was diagnosed with a viral heart infection that was the undoing of his career. He missed too many games in some of the most important years in a defenseman's development. He managed to fight through the infection, recover and return to the AHL in an attempt to recover his career. He may have done it, if it wasn't for a relapse of the same virus that ultimately put an end to his efforts.

Luca Cereda
A player drafted 24th overall by Toronto in the 1999 entry draft, Cereda was touted as one of the smartest players in the draft and could have been a fantastic grab at 24th. But much like Pilar, Cereda succumb to a heart infection that eventually ended his career. He missed an entire season in 2000-01 recovering from heart surgery. He was added to the list of 'what could have been' when he went back to europe in 2004 before retiring in 2007.

Mikael Renberg
December 28th, 2002, while getting ready for a game, Renberg was tying his skates just as he did every game when a small blister on his hand broke. The next day he had a raging infection, high fever and his hand swelling dramatically. Quick work by the team doctors and hospital staff controlled the infection and Renberg recovered within a two weeks. Staphylococcocus Aureus is the medical term for a staph infection. Renberg was lucky. If he waited much longer, it's likely his hand would have been amputated, and at worst, he could have died.

Ed Belfour
Belfour had a simliar, yet not quite as serious infection as Renberg, earlier in the year when he cut his finger on his skate eyelet.

Mark Bell
Just when Mark Bell was beginning to show limited signs of returning to his Chicago Blackhawks form, he got into a fight with Ryan Malone and had his orbital bone shattered. Three months later Bell returned with a full face shield protecting his surgically repaired face and he proceeded to destroy Alfredsson in the hit that I had been waiting for ever since Alfredsson hit Darcy Tucker from behind in the playoffs, separated his shoulder, then scored the tie-breaking goal. See the hit here.

Bryan Berard
Marian Hossa managed to change the face of the Toronto defense corps for years to come when he proceeded to scoop out Berard's eye with an uncontrolled follow through. Careless use of the stick they call it. Thus began my hatred for Marian Hossa. You can read all about it. Berard was a fantastic talent that had great potential as a puck moving defenseman with a great shot and sound defensive awareness. He would never be the same after this. Sorry for poor quality, it was all I could find in my 30 seconds of youtubing.

I'm sure there are many other odd injuries that relate to the Leafs that I am forgetting about. If you can think of any, throw them in the comments. I'd love to have a refresher.

You can read a similar list as it relates to all sports over at Bitter Leaf Fan.

Don't look now...

Our much maligned local boy Matt Stajan is leading our Leafs in scoring.

Stajan is currently tied with Antropov with 29 points, including 20 assists. At some point between last season and this one, Stajan has channelled his inner Adam Oates and become a playmaking specialist. He's doing a lot of things right at both ends of the ice and has been a genuine treat to watch this year.

Stajan has had a rough go of it since his first year in the NHL under Pat Quinn. While arguably being a victim of the Leafs patented 'Rush the youngster to the NHL scheme' (ala Jeff Farkas), Stajan has toiled with relative mediocrity and 4th line filler status for much of the past few seasons. He has been a victim of fan animosity on more than one occasion for his soft play in the corners and lack of offensive production.

But this season has changed for him. He has put on some weight and has begun to get his nose dirty in the rough parts of the ice; The corners and the front of the net. Stajan is always there working hard, digging and getting those pucks loose for his shooter linemates to bury goals. The ones that dont' go in, Stajan is one of the first there as johnny on the spot banging home the rebounds.

Much like Antropov and Ponikarovsky, it appears Stajan has grabbed the bull by the horns and taken full advantage of Sundin's departure.

Stajan has been one the most improved forwards in the NHL this season and in a season full of positives, has been one of the brightest.

Apologies for my absence. I hope to be back in full gear.

Is Jason Blake alright?

In forty one shots against Montreal tonight, Blake only registered one.

Seriously.

Perhaps tonight can be a learning experience for the grizzled veteran. He was effective and played a decent game tonight despite the fact he didn't fire that many shots. He was a bulldog crashing the net and creating ruckus all around. His speed and tenacity is what makes him an effective player. If he can forget about trying to score a goal on every possession, we could see him become the player he is designed to be. He took a few penalties tonight, at least one of which is directly attributable to a crash the net style of play.

Poni seemed to cuddle right up to Antropov after the brilliant goal. Perhaps there's more to their friendship than meets the eye....

Very fun game to watch.

Vesa has got to start stopping some more pucks. After the 3rd goal, it was only 12 shots against. A .750 save percentage. Terrible. Granted he stopped the last 8 when they mattered, but he has to get that percentage higher overall.

The west coast swing should be fun. It's always a good time to head into Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. We'll get to see Kyle Wellwood up close and personal again. Can I still call him fatty? He's on a tear. It looks like we could have another Steve Sullivan/Freddy Modin in the making.

Not that it matters much when Grabs, Hagman and Kulemin are playing some absolutely dominant hockey right now.

Until next time...

Fatigue and Joseph

Antropov's bonehead tripping penalty in the dying minutes of the 3rd when Carolina was on their heels can only be explained by one word: Fatigue. It was physical and mental laziness. With 4 games in 6 nights, you can easily understand how a team as feisty as the Leafs could be tired.

While the penalties taken in the second stanza certainly were troubling, it wasn't nearly as troubling as the play of Cujo.

Once a premier goalie in the league, Cujo has looked merely a shell of his former self. He's been out of position, appears reactive rather than proactive and cost the Leafs 2 points tonight. While the Toronto defense certainly isn't without blame, the stabling force of solid goaltending props up your defensive core. Joseph has looked shaky and had Toskala been between the pipes, this likely would have been a win.

The Ruutu goal was a direct result of Joseph being out of position. As Ruutu came out from behind the net, Joseph was down to cover the wrap around nicely. When Ruutu didn't complete the move and instead headed out towards the faceoff dot, a goalie is supposed to go upright again then step out and cut down the angle. Joseph remained in the wrap around prevent position which totally exposed the short side high portion of the net. Not surprisingly, Ruutu buried it in this exact spot. Even Tommy Salo would have made that save... Ok.. maybe not.

The Larose goal was also a result of Joseph being out of position. Joseph has lost some agility that he has been trying to compensate for by going down early as he tries to make cross crease plays. Unfortunately, that lack of agility makes it hard for him to recover. Larose made it count by going high on the resulting scrambling.

While these 2 were glaring errors, it was a common theme all night. Joseph went down early time after time and on many of those, look awkward trying to get back into position. He didn't come out and challenge shooters leaving many corners open and seemed to be lacking a lot of confidence.

He needs to get a win soon to get his confidence back, or this could be a very trying season whenever Toskala is given the backup role. There is of course, the possibility that the NHL has finally passed him by. I love Cujo, however, if this trend continues as the season goes on, it will be his last.

Leafs get a day to recoup and will have a chance to redeem themselves on Tuesday against these same Hurricanes.

I suspect they will.

Currently One of the Best in the League

This Leaf team is really starting to impress me.

In back to back games, they managed to play their best game in many years, then surpass it in the following game.

What more can you say about a team that fired more shots at Brodeur then he has faced in his career? I know! They scored 5 goals in just over 5 minutes against one of the best defensive teams in the NHL this season.

The Leafs are playing so well right now, it's not out of the realm of possibility to consider them currently one of the best teams in the whole league.

Now before you scoff, let's take a look a the results so far: Beat Stanley cup repeat favourite Detroit; 5 goals against Brodeur; 5 goals in 5 minutes in a win over the league's best team so far;4 times clawing back from a 2 goal deficit in the past 2 weeks, 7 points in those games; and they are outshooting opponents 235-149 over the past 6 games including an almost 2 full period stretch without giving up a shot.

If it weren't for a bad start to the season, Detroit game notwithstanding, this team would be near the top of the league.

It seems they are finding scoring and that's a good thing. I do have a very big concern on how long they can keep this intensity up, however.

Eighty-Two games is a long time to be playing this style hockey.

I'm loving it, however.

An Open Letter To Leaf Fans

Dear Most Valuable Losers:

Yesterday, continuing a long-standing trend, another Toronto reporter took a cheap shot at Leaf fans. This time it was Howard Berger who called us "losers" but we've seem the same cookie-cutter article from virtually everyone who covers the team.

Quite frankly, we've had enough.

As fans, we believe that those most deserving of our praise and our scorn are directly involved in the game, whether it's on the ice, in the press box or in the executive corridors. Fans don't pencil in the starting five, make bad trades, or write the headlines of the day and shouldn't be blamed (or praised) for the totals in the wins and loss column.

Hockey may be just a game but it's also a passion. If you're looking for passionate hockey coverage that offers insight and humour and you're sick of being blamed for supporting a team you're passionate about, you have a better option.

It's time to leave the media superstars behind. There's compelling, timely, wide-ranging content waiting just for you online in the Barilkosphere.

Many have found this better way of following the Leafs, but not every Leafs fan has been so lucky. Please send this message to your fellow Leaf fans via e-mail or postings on message boards and let them know that they do have a choice.

We hope you'll join us here in the Barilkosphere and become regular readers.

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Berger Needs To Be Fired, Now.

What an absolute joke.

Howard Berger's latest entry is nothing short of a complete disgrace to the entire company of Rogers Communication.

It is a disgusting diatribe that reeks of unprofessionalism.

It's not even worthy of a rebuttal.

Howard Berger needs to be relieved of his duties immediately.

The only acceptable reason not to fire him would be if there is evidence that this posting was not his own.

Because even by Berger's standards, this entry is extremely belittling. So perhaps it was not actually written by him. How he manages to John-Kerry-Flip-Flop from "the NHL’s surprise team of the first three weeks" to "Arguably the worst team in the National Hockey League since the lockout" in less than 24 hours is unexplainable. The style of the entire entry doesn't even read like normal.

It all likeliness, however, it was Howard's writing.

Somehow, he's managed to find a new low. I didn't think it was possible.

Nothing Bad Can Come From Winning

I keep hearing the same debates from people regarding the Leafs and their rebuilding. "The Leafs must tank the season to get a first rounder", "They are screwing everything up by winning", etc etc.

Here's what I say to all that: Bullshit. Let me break things down.

Is the tried and tested method of rebuilding via the draft a sound one? Absolutely. But guess what? It's not the only one. Drafting a top five player more often than not yields a very capable NHL player. Occasionally it yields a superstar. And very rarely it yields a bust. So yes, drafting a number one overall pick is a great way to rebuild and create a core for many years.

However, drafting a player that high, does not guarantee a Stanley Cup. Let's review teams that drafted 1 and 2 from 1990 until 2004 and see how many cups were won with the players they drafted, shall we?

1. 1990 - #1 Quebec, Owen Nolan - 0 cups. #2 Vancouver, Petr Nedved - 0 cups.
   
2. 1991 - #1 Quebec, Eric Lindros - 0 cups. #2 San Jose, Pat Falloon - 0 cups.
   
3. 1992 - #1 Tampa Bay, Roman Hamrlik - 0 cups. #2 Ottawa, Alexei Yashin - 0 cups.
   
4. 1993 - #1 Ottawa, Alexandre Daigle - 0 cups. #2 Hartford, Chris Pronger - 0 cups.
   
5. 1994 - #1 Florida, Ed Jovanoski - 0 cups. #2 Anaheim, Oleg Tevodovsky - 0 cups.
6. 1995 - #1 Ottawa, Bryan Berard - 0 cups. #2 NY Islanders, Wade Redden - 0 cups.
7. 1996 - #1 Ottawa, Chris Philips - 0 cups. #2 San Jose, Andrei Zyuzin - 0 cups.
8. 1997 - #1 Boston, Joe Thorton - 0 cups. #2 San Jose, Patrick Marleau - 0 cups.
9. 1998 - #1 Tampa Bay, Vincent Lecavalier - 1 cup. #2 Nashville, David Legwand - 0 cups.
10. 1999 - #1 Atlanta, Patrik Stefan - o cups. #2 Vancouver, Daniel Sedin - 0 cups.
11. 2000 - #1 NY Islanders, Rick DiPietro - 0 cups. #2 Atlanta, Danny Heatley - 0 cups.
12. 2001 - #1 Atlanta, Ilya Kovalchuk - 0 cups. #2 Ottawa, Jason Spezza - 0 cups.
13. 2002 - #1 Columbus, Rick Nash - 0 cups. #2 Atlanta, Kari Lehtonen - 0 cups.
    
14. 2003 - #1 Pittsburgh, Mark Andre Fluery - 0 cups. #2 Carolina - Eric Staal, 1 cup.
15. 2004 - #1 Washington, Alex Ovechkin - 0 cups. #2 Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin, 0 cups.

30 #1 and #2 overall picks from 1990 - 2004, and a grand total of 2 of those won a cup with the team that drafted them... hmmmm.

This is very powerful empirical evidence against the 'Tank for Tavares (or Hedman)" theory using the exact same data that the MSM uses to prove the other side the argument.

Will Hedman and Tavares turn out to be great players? Probably. They may even win a Stanley Cup one day, just not necessarily with the team that drafts them.

So let's assume that there is more than one method to building a winner than being last overall.

Let's say as the season plods on, the Leafs continue their prudent work ethic, learn to finish a few more of the chances they are getting and are hovering around 5th or 6th in the conference by December.

The pessimist out there will scream 'They are screwing everything up!'. The realist, will recognize the team for what it is. Fifth in the eastern conference. You say to yourself, 'Self, this team isn't half bad. Perhaps Uncle Cliff has already made this team better'.

So why would you need the #1 overall pick when your team is already spades better than they were last year?

You don't. You take what assets you have, continue to build and get younger with picks. You don't need to be last to get a good pick.

Now let's assume the 'worst': In January this team is just good enough to hover around 9th or 10th in the conference. Damien and Howie are frothing at the mouth just waiting to write more trite worthy of DGB's Bingo card. What happens then? Simple. You trade everything you got at the trade deadline and fleece as much as you can from those trying to put themselves over the top.

Kubina, Kaberle, Toskala, Antropov, Poni, Anyone over the age of 28 that someone wants. You get picks and you get prospects in return, the more the better. Kaberle & Toskala would be worth a first rounder each at the deadline. Antro, if he keeps up his play could be worth a first rounder, or a late second and a prospect. Blake for anything anyone will give you.

Then the tank begins. You are already in 10th. Losing two or more of your top players all but guarantees a losing finish to the season. Which is exactly what everyone wants!

You can't go wrong with winning in this situation. The alternative is losing, and you win that way as well!

Cheer the buds and quit calling the Fan590 and complaining about everything from 'draft schmaft', to 'Schenn to the WHL', to Richard Peddie, to MLSE only cares about money' to anything else. Just realize you can't lose and cheer this team!

They are playing excellent, exciting hockey right now! It's actually fun to look forward to a game night.

Join me, will you?

Pittsburgh is fun...

Playing Pittsburgh is not.

The Pens we're too fast and too talented for the lackluster Leafs.

Some highlights of the weekend:

-While crossing the border, the US Customs guard needled us for our love of the Leafs. I was wearing my Leafs jersey. I should have known better. I quote: "How are the Leafs doing so far? One win isn't it? Buffalo hasn't lost yet (note: this was before their SO loss on Saturday). Did you know that? Only let in 5 goals too" It's nice to have a border guard that doesn't act like he just came from an invasive medical exam.

- It was really nice of the Buffalo resident who found my wallet to decide not to turn it into the gas station that I lost it at. There was about a 40 foot stretch of space between the van we were driving and the front counter where I managed to lose it. Absolutely no other spot I could have lost it but either the kiosk, the area by the gas pumps and the short distance in between. I hope that person enjoys my $240 by spending it wisely on something like extra strong filterless menthol cigarettes or an anesthesia-free surgical castration.

- The Hilton Double Tree in downtown Pittsburgh is perfect for Maple Leaf pilgrims. Stumbling distance from the arena and spectacular service!

- A young Pittsburgh fan sitting in front of our standing room only seats provided endless comedy. Each time the Pens got a penalty this little squirt turned to us and yelled 'That was a dive!' and repeated it over and over. It was great because the kid was American, about 6 years old and totally into hockey. Between the 2nd and 3rd period, his dad asked if he could have a picture taken with us. So 2 of us crouched down, squirt came running over, Crosby jersey and all, stood in front of my buddy and I who were decked in Leaf garb and took a thumbs up picture with a huge grin on his face. It was great!

- At the start of the game, the 6 of us belted out in our best half drunked tone deaf baritone each and every word of both anthems. This prompted the people in the row in front of us to turn around and say to us 'Awesome guys! Now, lets hear you do it again after the 2nd period. We want to know if more beer can make you guys sound even worse!'

- A lady walked by us wearing a 'Got Malkin?' shirt. It was amazing. We laughed and took a picture with her. She told us we we're awesome and true Leaf fans. We cheered her and she high-fived us and kept walking with her giggling children close in tow.

- I only heard one taunt of '1967!'. To which I replied in my drunken state, 'Like I haven't heard that one before! Next time beak something off original!' He smiled and got in his car. At least, that's how I remember it happening.

- Someone needs to tell the Pittsburgh jersey makers that there are other players that are employed by the Penguins besides Crosby. At one snack bar line up, I saw 5 people with jersey's on in a row, all Crosby. Just a thought... It be nice to see other jerseys. I love going to the ACC and seeing Peter Zezel, Ken Baumgartner and Mike Foligno jersey's. I wear my Al Secord jersey loud and proud! (Yes, I actually own an Al Secord jersey, and no I don't wear it outside my own house)

I love making the trip down to Pittsburgh to watch games. We always have a great time and represent Leaf nation with dignity and respect. Well, as much as can be allowed when you have been drinking since you crossed the border at 11am.

The game? Oh. I can't remember. I think they lost.

Was it a good game?

Heading to the 'burgh

I'm leaving shortly for Pittsburgh to watch our mighty Maple Leafs battle out another shutout loss!

Almost two years ago, my buddies and I made this same pilgrimage to watch the buds get spanked 7-2, I think. It was a great time. From the moment the anthems started, Leaf fans we're louder in Mellon Arena than the Pens fans were. Our anthem was sung so loud in the arena, whereas the Star Spangled Banner sounded like the ACC. You know, no emotion and/or excitement.

Our section was almost entirely Leaf fans, as we headed down with a three coach bus trip. While our section was loud and boisterous, it was all in good humor.

I can't say the same for other areas of the arena where I counted no less than 6 fights where people were thrown out, including one particularly emotional bout where 3 full rows of people got in on it.

I hope this trip leads to much fun, a Leaf win and zero fights between fans.

Hockey is meant to be a fun sport to enjoy and I'll never understand the need to throw dukes with someone that cheers for the opposition.

This trip is one we planned on our own as the bus trip was cancelled. I'll be in the standing room only section with 6 other Leaf fans cheering our asses off at every hit, goal and fight(on the ice) that takes place.

Enjoy the game!

I hate Marian Hossa

I hate Marian Hossa.

Yes, actually hate. My blood boils whenever I see that mug on television. Here's a short list of the reasons why.

1. He's a former Ottawa Senator. Ottawa Senators represent to me a group of whiney sore losers who cower when the going gets tough. Four straight playoff exits at the ends of the supposedly inferior Maple Leafs (Yes, I am allowed to bring this up despite the regular season results); a Stanley Cup final choking display unlike anything we've seen since Toronto's 6 shot showing against the Devils in 2000 to lose in the second round; a 3rd period collapse that they had the nerve to blame on a 1 celled organism, granted "Krusty" Alfredsson took the high road; Magnus 'Stickwork' Arvedson getting pummelled by Domi after repeatedly provoking him; Martin Havlat kicking then Boston Bruin Hal Gill; I could go on and on. The point is, they are weenies.

2. He's better at hockey in a coma then I will ever be.

3. His name is Marian. Mary Ann. He has a girls name. So from now on, whenever you watch a game of hockey and Mary Ann Hossa touches the puck, I want you all to say in a reserved, direct fashion "That guy's name is Marian" then snicker to yourself. You will feel better and your friends will laugh. Trust me. I have a friend that does this constantly and we still laugh every time he does it, despite having heard it well over a hundred times.

4. He jumped ship to the team that beat him in the finals. It's gutless and I won't respect his Stanley Cup ring when he gets it this year. The only thing worse than that would be if Johnny Damon left the Red Sox and signed with the Yankees. That happened already? Crap. Ok, the only thing worse would be if Manny Ramirez signed with the Yankees in the off-season.

5. Bryan Berard. This damn senator Mary Ann Hossa couldn't control his follow through and destroyed what would have been a spectacular career and a dominating blue line for the Leafs. There's no telling how good a player Bryan Berard was going to get. He was a slick moving, up and coming defenseman with all the promise in the world. In a split second, Mary Ann changed the face of the Leafs and robbed them of a Stanley Cup.... Ok, maybe not. But it was a drastic change that the Leafs had to deal with as Berard was to be part of their plans on the back end for years to come.

This moment in time gave birth to a new word.


Hossa
-Verb
1. To be the recipient of a high stick infraction that may or may not draw blood

Berard was hossa'ed by the opposition.

-Noun
1. A player who is known for his frequent high stick infractions
2. A high stick infraction

McSorely is a real hossa'er. Wayne Gretzky committed the most obvious hossa ever in history to everyone without the name Kerry Fraser.

-Adjective
1. To be in danger of committing a high stick infraction

Mary Ann is really hossa'ing it up out there.

Feel free to add more of your own.

Next time you are watching a game with your fellow Leaf fans always remember to replace the term "high sticking" with "Hossa'ing".

As I finish writing this entry, I realize one more thing about Marian Hossa: The longer you look at and type the word Hossa, the more foolish you realize the word looks and sounds.

I hate you, Marian Hossa.

No So Great Follow up

In stark contrast to Thursday, the Leafs we're flat, undisciplined, uninspired and for most of the night, shell shocked.

Could this be a sign of what this team actually is? Yes. A team of hard working, fresh faces, and a group that's trying to become a new identity. In an environment such as currently exists on Toronto, efforts like tonight are bound to happen.

You take them for what they are; A prime example of what happens when you rebuild a team. There will be nights like Thursday where you see promise and direction. Then there will be nights like tonight where you see confusion and clutter.

There we're some positives of note:

• Carlo made the collective hold their breath while we witnessed what could have been the end to the Carlo Injury Pool. Thankfully, it's not over yet.
  

• Matt Stajan did his best "I just got my face re-arranged by plexiglass but I'm going to pretend it didn't hurt" impression.

• The game could have had an entirely different feel if the Leafs scored in the first instead of marking up the post with vulcanized rubber when it was 0-0 still.
  

• Antropov would be a real hit at weddings; His chicken dance to score a no-goal was fantastic.

Faceoffs were improved over Thursday. Three shots hit the iron. It wasn't all bad.

All the games can't be near perfection as they were two nights ago.

Take that with you to sleep tonight as we brace ourselves for some real nasty articles in the press tomorrow.

Howerd Berger is lame; He said so himself.

Those of us that froth for Leafs news as much as we do sometimes can't help ourselves. We continually open websites that contain editorials that we know are going to make us angry.

It's a sickness that is hard to control

But we do it anyways, because quite frequently, we get to poke fun at the mittenstringers for gems such as Howard HamBerger wrote last night.

"Toronto rooters pouring onto Jefferson Avenue in unfettered euphoria, oblivious to the rather lame taunts of “42 years!… 42 years!” from the losing patrons on this night "

Are you kidding me? Seriously, did Howie '1967' Berger actually write that line?? Did the radio beat writer that constantly bashes us over the head with reminder that our Buds haven't won the cup in 41 years actually scoff at people for using the exact same taunt he uses himself on a regular basis?

There you have it folks. From the hand of Berger himself; Howard Berger is lame.

You can't make this stuff up.

Great Start

Tonight was a really nice event to witness. Not the Wings banner raising ceremony, but rather the Leafs playing the defending champions hard. They back checked, they clogged the neutral zone, created turnovers, and out worked the Wings just as much as they were out worked.

Against the behemoth, that's pretty encouraging.

There was a lot of promise out there tonight. Kulemin lit the lamp on a gorgeous top shelf goal after a burst of speed capitalizing on a turnover. Dominic Moore played a fantastic game scoring a gritty goal and showing lots of tenacity.

Another amazing statistic? Two, count them, two penalties all night. Against a team as fast as Detroit, that's a great statistic. Ok, three. But I don't count that silly 'puck over the glass' delay of game late in the third, even though it gave Detroit a 6 on 4 advantage.

As I have contended, not officially on this blog, but anyone who thinks the Leafs are going to finish dead last in the NHL, *coughbergercough*, is completely out to lunch and clearly hasn't been watching the pre-season.

They have worked hard, shown grit, determination and most important, are buying the Wilson system.

The trap was delivered as designed tonight. Time after time, the speedy, more skilled Red Wings we're thwarted with turnovers and counter attack unlike anything we've seen in Toronto for a long time.

Most importantly, it wasn't boring.

As the season plays out, there will be their fair share of losses. But in the world of 3 point games, I wouldn't be surprised if the Leafs are chasing down a final playoff spot come April.

Although, I'm not expecting it either.

Luke Schenn, Bobby Ryan: What do they have in common? Nothing.

Injuries a plenty have placed the Leafs in a spot where they will need to make some blue line decisions.

As it stands now, it's very likely that Luke Schenn will be in the starting lineup for Toronto on opening night.

As a fan, I am looking forward to it. A chance to see him perform against men will give us a great prospective on what he's going to be in the future.

I'm not about to sit here and say what I think they should do with him come Game 9 of the regular season. The apparent consensus is that he should be sent back to the WHL. There are arguments both for and against that move. All I know is, I'm glad I don't have to be the one to make that decision.

What a surprise, Damien Cox didn't like a potential deal the Leafs had to acquire Bobby Ryan.

As per usual, the article focuses on past mistakes the organization has made and trying to equate them to a move they were alleged to have made.

Here's the problem; They are not analogous. In the past Toronto would make trade deadline or off season moves that sacrificed draft picks for a 30-something just past his prime veteran. Occasionally, this would prove to be a great move (See: Roberts, Gary), but more often than not, it was disastrous. (See: Nolan, Owen - Khristich, Dmitri - Lumme, Jryki - Murphy, Larry, etc.)

In an era where you could buy talent on a whim and in a market where money wasn't an object, this was a smart tactic. It's a shame the Leafs we're terrible at finding talent not yet at their best, instead of former talent that had become worthless.

Trading for Bobby Ryan is completely the opposite. Attempting to acquire a 21 year old, 2nd overall pick behind Sidney Crosby. Ignore all the contract nonsense with entry level contracts and free agency malarkey. This team is actually attempting a rebuild and if things go as planned, (Why make the move if you don't have a plan?) this team will be on the upswing when these players approach free agency and will want to stay with an up and coming competitive team.

The only caveat is the unmentioned prospects. Who those prospects were would have made the move a great one or a terrible one.

It never ceases to amaze how every single move, ahem potential move, made by the Leafs gives birth to negative spin and arrogant elitism by a particular segment of the media.

More of the same

In years past, those of us who live and die by the puck in TO could easily use the phrase 'more of the same' to describe tonight's skirmish.

More of the same old Leafs playing a half decent game and following it up with a 3-2 uninspired loss to the Stanley Cup finalist, Pittsburgh Penguins.

More of the same usual suspects pointing fingers indicate in their best playground voice, "I told you so".

More of the same Leafs. Perennial losers. Except for '74-'79, '85-'87, '92-'94 and 99-2004. Perennial losers but only half the time. I always find it fascinating that Leaf haters contend the Leafs have sucked forever, but I digress.

Tonight was different a sort of 'more of the same'. Tonight was more of the same hard nosed, defensive style play we saw on Monday night.

Let's be completely honest, those first 2 goals we're hardly what you would call good goals. Two attempted cross crease passes deflected into the net by a incorrectly angled skate by a sophomore defenseman and another who has about as much chance of cracking the Leafs top 6 defenseman as Kerry Fraser does seeing a high stick infraction by a superstar player.

There is much to be learned still from the prophet Ron Wilson on the proper use of the 1-2-2 trap and how not to take a stupid penalty. Yet there was more of the same hustle, defensive minded play, and quick sharp passes.

In particular, the grittiness and tenacity that Hagman, Kulemin and Grabovski showed tonight was special. One glaring give away notwithstanding, Mikhail Grabovski played a great game. On more than several occasion did his hard fore check and relentless puck carrier pressure create turnovers and chances.

Kulemin wasn't as his greatest, but he put on a great display of what he's capable of on a 4 on 4 in the 3rd period. Hagman hustled, created a few turnovers and was a genuine defensive player for much of the night.

Jason Blake has looked like a completely different player than last season. Hustle, hard work, and his in your face style of play looks totally rejuventated.

I can't get too carried away here since there was still far too many penalties taken. That absolutely has to be corrected or this is going to be an awfully difficult year to watch.

Tonight displayed more of the same. But it wasn't the typical more of the same. It was a repeat of Monday's changed hockey team. Finally, it appears that the Leafs are headed in the proper direction.

The parade is as good as done

It was a fun night of hockey to watch. Of course I'm being facetious about the parade route. However, there are alot of positives that can be extracted from last nights affair.

As an overall look to the team, you see quite clearly that they will be playing a vastly different style of play. Last season there was many nights where they appeared to be ants scurrying all over the ice in the defensive zone.

The traditional Man to Man hockey defense can appear that way. It can look quite chaotic when players switch off during the cycle, or just stick to the man and chase him around.

Last night, there was the beginnings of strategic, sound defensive zone play. There was still lapses; I'm looking at you Ian White, twice.

Yet, there were many times where their play was thoughtful and with purpose. There was still some scurrying, that will go away with time.

Speed is another area that seemed much improved. I'm not sure if it was the half AHL squad on the other side, however, the Leafs seemed very fast out there. Dom Moore looked liked Crosby when he head faked the pass and just exploded past the defense who bought the fake hard.

There was alot of crisp, quick, tape to tape passes. The transition in the defensive zone to the breakout was very nice to see. A buddy I was watching the game with commented on several occasions that the plethora of blue shirts in front of the net was another dominant theme all night.

It was a fairly sound effort for a first exhibition. Yes, I realize it means nothing in the grand scheme of things. That's quite fine.

It was, however, a true realization that there is real, meaningful change at the corner of Bay and Lake Shore. Last night's team was a drastically different one than we saw play last year. And I'm not referring to personnel.

It may be a tough season ahead, but if they play games all year that resemble what we saw last night, it will be fun to watch.

Starting slow...

So yesterday was physicals. The silly event where all the players get poked and prodded to determine if they are in shape for the coming season.

Here's a novel idea: Put your team through hockey suicides the first day for an hour. That'll show you real quick who pulled a Keith Tkachuk or Kyle Wellwood during the summer.

The Star has a nice photo of Jamal Mayers getting his teeth checked. I suppose if Mike Tyson started to play hockey, you'd like to ensure that one of his abilities is in top notch form. Other than that, what's the purpose?

Looking ahead there is an exhibition game in a couple of days against our friends down the QEW in Buffalo. I still hate them for stopping our run to the finals in 99.

I like and hate exhibition games. The start of exhibition games piques my hockey interest again. The monotony of August hockey news begins to take its toll (Has Sundin signed anywhere? It's hard to find any articles on it) . Finally, after all those weeks of anticipation, I get to see my team take to the ice.

All those changes that have been scrutinized, analyzed and of course, eventually predicting failure, becomes reality. The actual on ice product is back.

Exhibition games also spell the beginning of my downfall. My excitement becomes so intense that I begin to slip and start to look forward to the season. My predications of success and all the rational reasoning float the surface. My circle of friends begin to laugh and tell me I'm nuts. Ultimately by February 1st, I end up in fetal position sucking my thumb asking for it to end.

This season will be different! Change is good! Change is better! This collection of 3rd and 4th liners is going to make moves!

There I go again.

Reeling it back in; Monday night can't come soon enough. I'll be there on the couch eyes glued to Leafs TV looking at what's to come for this season and the next few as those AHL hopefuls show their stuff.

At the very least, my optimism will be satiated when I see Luke Schenn perform in the Blue and White for the first time.

Repressed Optimism

Jonas Hoglund, Igor Korolev, Jyrki Lumme, Aki Berg. What do these names have in common? Promises made and never achieved. Just the beginning in a long list. Players who, for reasons we never understood, continued night in and night out to step on the ice and shock the crowd with... well, nothing.

Cory Cross, Garry Valk, Dmitri Khristich, Alex Khavanov... If you listen closely, you can hear the collective tears of Leafs fans everywhere as they re-live the years when these players we're prominent forces for the home team. Ok, enough of that. It's enough to send some of us to therapy.

It's been hard to be a fan these past few years. But there has been a few redeeming qualities. A first round Senator exit provided us with some solace that we aren't alone. Sens fans, how does it feel to know that your window of opportunity is beginning to slip away? It's sucks. It leads to what I have right now; Repressed Optimism.

You see, I have a disease. It's one that prevents me from speaking ill will about my Leafs. When JFJ signed on, I looked at the positives. A young up and comer, looking to make his mark. This is good for us.

When he signed Jason Allison and Eric Lindros, extended McCabe, Belfour and Tucker, I applauded the moves. How could I do otherwise? I certainly can't agree with Cox, Simmons, or Berger.

Of course as time went on, it became painfully clear, to even myself, the eternal Leaf optimist, that JFJ was a colossal failure. Finally, he is fired and replaced by a ventriloquist puppet... I mean Cliff Fletcher. In all honestly, I was quite happy. Perhaps there will be a turn around.

As the summer worn on it became clear that the Fox was enacting his master plan and it would be a vastly different team.

This is the Repressed Optimism. I don't want my team to lose. There are a lot of unknowns. This team could surprise. Look at the Tampa Rays; A team with youngsters who all had breakout years. Ok, they don't have can't miss talent like Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria or BJ Upton.

We've been groomed by the pessimist media to expect the worst when it comes to the Leafs. As Down Goes Brown points out, Damien Cox thinks the Leafs are always wrong; Even when they do what he says they should. Howard Berger repeats the year 1967 so many times that I'm concerned that he may not know that other 4 digit numbers actually exist. In fact, has Berger ever had something good to say about the Leafs? I didn't pay attention to him much back in the early 2000' s when the Leafs we're actually good. But based on what I've read of his recently, you'd think the Leafs haven't had a single successful season since the Wright brothers mastered the art of flight.

So as we enter this season, my optimism stays repressed. It's much easier to accept winning when you expect less, than it is to accept failure when you expect more.