Tag Search Results for "leafs"
Eggshmeg writes...
Eggshmeg's Analysis of Andrew Raycroft (Earlier in the Year)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
This is one of my blogs from early on during the year (on a different site obviously) about my thoughts on Raycroft. It received some very harsh feedback from Leafs fans. Now that I look back on it, it's interesting to look back at a few of the points I made.
Here it is:
Yes I know it is early in the season, and I do know that players are still getting their legs behin...
Moves at the trade deadline are always hard to evaluate. Most think that Nashville got fleeced with the Forsberg trade. And Ryan Smyth to the Island may have been the missing piece that vaulted them into the playoffs. And where was John Ferguson? Prying Yannic Perreault from Pheonix. I just don't get it. The thing the Leafs was missing was heart. Looking down the st...
One of the more debated issues this summer for Maple Leaf fans will be - who's gonna back up Andrew Raycroft? Would the Leafs want a goaltender who would make a strong push for the starter job like say one Patrick Lalime or would they want someone who would still want the starting job but wouldn't make as strong a push but would still be there to mentor young Raycroft like...
The members of the Toronto Maple Leafs will get together later next week to discuss certain issues, one of them forsurely being mentioned will be the future of Leaf GM John Ferguson. Don Cherry of HNIC's Coach's Corner figures Ferguson will finish off the remaining year on his contract and will likely not be fired. Do you agree with this or do you think JFJ should be fired...
Somehow, some way the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Stanley Cup in 2007. The Islanders will be disqualified and we'll be able to take their spot and come back from a 3-0 deficit in the series and we'll win it all. Then we play golf.
I caught Ian Mendes' blog on Sportsnet ([url]http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/ian_mendes/2007/04/13/deep_thoughts[/url]), and still wonder if he can actually address the question of why to boo Sidney Crosby. He can't seem to figure it out either. Or maybe he just can't seem to string multiple thoughts together coherently when it's not about the ultimate greatness that is the...
I am not going to apology for splitting hairs over the use of Nation when describing the fans of certain NHL teams or the co-opting of the term for profit. No, I won’t because I’m Canadian and we’ve been splitting nations and attempting to sew them back together, and to the larger fabric, since our inception.
For those of you reading this in Canada I realize inv...
With all the fingers being pointed at Raycroft and John Ferguson Junior for missing the post-season who should be replacing the two if there not the fold for next season? Heres a list of some people for the GM and Goalie positions that could be available this summer.
GM UFA Goalies
Colin Campbell Niklas Backstrom
Mike Keenan ...
Sundin has met with doctors and Sweden, and he will not need surgery. He has a small tear in his labrum, but it will NOT require surgery to repair.
When this story first broke I was sent two newspaper articles from Sweden, talking about how angry Sundin was with this. The belief around people I talked to is that one side of ownership (Tanenbaum) wanted Ferguson fired a...
The vast majority of us hockey fans are well aware of the phenomenon that is Fantasy Sports. Whether it's a free public pool or a private pool that may or may not involve an entry fee, we all know one can get lost in the fantasy realm of sports.
Case in point is the recent comments of Rogers SportsNet voice Nick Kypreos.
I believe that the reason viewership is down fo...
Well this is my first blog here so I thought that I would introduce myself. My name is Zac and I currently live in Vancouver. I grew up in the Toronto area for most of my life and I have followed the Leafs for as long as I can remember. The days of Wendle hitting and fighting everyone to watching Dougie work his magic behind the net. I've watched the highs and lows and...
I'm just listening to Chuck Swirsky on the Fan590, and I hear about this pledge that Toronto's Mayor David Miller, Vancouver's Mayor Sam Sullivan, and Calgary's Mayor Dave Bronconnier, is creating to make Leaf fans, Canucks fans, and Flames fans root for the Senators during this Stanley Cup Finals.
This is absolutely ridiculous! If your a fan of the Leafs you are NOT ro...
Hey, let me introduce myself i'm Ray, i'm from Belfast, Ireland (yeah there are hockey fans there!....really!) i'm 21 years old and am a huge Toronto Maple Leafs Fan! HEY STOP THE BOOING ALREADY!
This is the first of hopefully many entries in my blog. Hope you read regularly and enjoy, any feedback or comments are much appreciated.
So the Stanley Cup Finals are here ...
[img:left]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Zacobius/matshor_78503.jpg[/img]So it's all over the news. It looks like Sundin is a lock for a 2 year deal worth 10 to 11 million. I wouldn't really call this news as it has been speculated for a long time. There is seems to be a split amongst the Leafs Nation. I think most would agree that Mats has been amazing in his 1...
[img:left]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Zacobius/nik_51009.jpg[/img] Well lets get this news out of th way. Antropov as been re-signed for 2 years, a little over $4 mil. Not sure what to think. Clearly this puts him as a top 6 forward and his expectations have gone up. His problems have always been injuries. It's a shame really cause you can see his talent whe...
As we approach the draft, several teams are looking to free up cap room to either make a bigger trade, or sign a big name free agent (and if you've checked out our top 35 list, there are a lot of tem). With this activity, the rumours are starting to swirl.
The Leafs would love to move one of their two high-priced defenseman. Freeing up the 5+ million that both Kubina an...
The top name that keeps getting thrown around town as rumours swirl is Ryan Smyth heading to the Leafs, this seems to be the Leafs #1 target this off season with the backline all shored up pending Colaiacovo's signing which should be done shortly, what seems to escape many people's minds is that the Leafs are also looking to add some much needed grit to the lineup with the...
[img:left]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Zacobius/matshor_78503.jpg[/img] Well we knew it was coming. Originally reports 2 months ago but DD at TSN, Mats was offered a 2 year deal, 11mil or so. That's what everyone was expecting and while many did not like it, they have come to accept it. So then last night, DD reports a 1 year deal. Huh?
This caught me off ...
Wow I was surprised when I flipped up the net to see on my TSN RSS (great way to get the latest news) that Sundin had re-signed with the Leafs, Chelios w/ the Red Wings, and a couple of other small signings.
Lets start off on the Sundin signing. If Fergy thinks he could get a good deal out of 5.5 million for Sundin, he is definetely not thinking straight since Kevin Low...
Current Maple Leafs salary structure as counted against cap as of June 13/07
Bryan McCabe 5.75 million
Mats Sundin 5.50 million
Pavel Kubina 5.00 million
Tomas Kaberle 4.25 million
Darcy Tucker 3.00 million
Alex Ponikarovsky 2.105 million
Hal Gill 2.075 million
Nik Antropov 2.05 million
Andrew Raycroft 2.00 million
Alex Steen 900,690
Cha...
So here we are with the NHL Awards on tonight (does anyone really care?) and most of the talk seems to be around the MVP, Goalie and Rookie.
If it was up to me, it would be Sid for MVP, Luongo for Goalie, and Staal for Rookie. We'll see how that pans out.
I'm not sure how much trade talk goes on at the awards. I'm torn on what I would like to happen. I wouldn'...
First off, let me start by looking at the numbers in terms of a salary cap hit for the 2007-08 season:
([i]all numbers rounded to two decimal places[/i])
SUNDIN- $5.50M
TUCKER- $3.00M
ANTROPOV- $1.95M
STEEN- $0.95M
KILGER- $0.87M
STAJAN- $0.95M
WELLWOOD- $0.95M
PONIKAROVSKY- $1.58M
POHL- $0.48M
DEVERAUX- $0.55M
ONDRUS- $0.50M
WESTRUM- $0.48M
NEWBURY- $0.4...
BlueBloodPat writes...
Free Agents hardly a factor, Draft Day is what counts
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
For hockey fans, July 1st marks the beginning of one of the most exciting times in the hockey calendar, as hockey fans everywhere will sit in front of the computer and wait for their team along with their rival teams to overpay some of the most overrated players in the game. Year after year we do the same thing even though we already know that the free agents are not goin...
Well folks it looks like it will be slow typing for me for a while. While playing in my summer hockey league I broke my right ring finger in two places (a strange thing that could ONLY happen to me). That will be fewer blogs for at least three weeks. However, here is what is running through my head today.
The Oilers offseason plans.
Next to landing a mobile defence p...
BlueBloodPat writes...
Toskala ready for the competition, but is Razor?
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
With the acquisition of Vesa Toskala, The Leafs are poised to enter next season with a battle for the number one spot in goal, just like last year, only this time its serious. I mean, how many people actually thought that Aubin had a shot at being the number one goaltender? Sure he played good at the end of the 05/06 season, but there was no pressure on him. He was back...
The Leafs left this weekends NHL Draft with a few extra pieces then when they arrived, an impressive move by Fergusen picking up Toskala to shore up the Leafs goaltending and adding gritty winger Bell from the Sharks and still drafting Oshawa Generals winger Dale Mitchell a 40+ goal scorer this past season in the third round equals a great weekend in Leafland. The situatio...
With the recent aquisitions or Toskala and Bell, some people in leafland are still somehow on the offensiven and why? JFJ gave a clear indication that the one spot he intended to upgrade in his club was the the goaltending, and he did so in a reasonable fashion.
This draft was looked at by many as a weak draft year, so why not lose a first round pick in order to recieve...
As reported by RDS.Ca The Phoenix Coyotes have placed 28 year old Defenseman Nick Boynton on waivers.
As everyone knows the Leafs currently have 8 Defenseman signed and would probably ask why i would even contemplate a move involving another defenseman, however this is a move that could not only maintain the competitiveness of the Leafs top 6, which can be argued as one...
To the best of my knowledge, John Ferguson Jr. is a full grown, educated adult male. So can someone explain to me, why is the hierarchy at MLSE currently headhunting for a senior executive in order to overlook and consult with Mr. Ferguson on his every move as the GM of the Maple Leafs?
Circumstances surrounding Jr.'s tenure as GM to date have been anything but the nor...
I actually thought of this the night of the draft's 1st round, but couldnt think of anywhere to put it.
Although i'm sure you all remember the details, the Leafs traded a conditional 1st round, a 2nd round and a 09 fourth round to the Sharks for Toskala and Bell. The sharks then traded our 13th pick to st. louis, and opted to select a defenseman (Petrecki) 28th overall w...
I admit, when I first saw the headline on TSN this morning my stomach dropped. Not that I have anything against the people of Nashville, or feel a lot of joy out of ripping a team away from them, but I was hoping that the move to Hamilton would work out because it would be good for the game, for the NHL. Nashville has proven, over the last 10 years that it is not a hockey ...
After getting the announcement of the salary cap today and it going up a whopping 6 million dollars this has made things alot more interesting as teams scrabble around looking to see who they can get and who they can unload. The Leafs are in a very interesting position with around 9 million in cap room to use this offseason the interesting part of this whole time is that a...
The announcement on Friday afternoon that the cap was going up to $50.2 Million was great news for leafs as they already have committed approximately $43 Million, which leaves $7-8 million to play with. if the cap had only come in around $48 Million mark before the NHLPA voted in favor of the 5% increase, they would've have only had about $5-6 Million, and wouldn't have be...
[b]The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely headed back to the playoffs.[/b]
As a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, I do not like to see them miss the playoffs, I do however, like to see some form of direction, the good news with the salary cap rising to 50.3 million is that the Leafs now have the ability to speed through the "Let's get younger phase" which wasn't working ...
It could very well be that this is the last year for the big swede at the helm of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sundin signed a 1 year term allowing him to decide on his own terms (and not handicap the Leafs) how he leaves the game, in what could likely be his last year in the NHL, it seems the Leafs are going to at least attempt to get him that big silver cup before he ride...
I was pondering today, how the NHL wasted that entire lockout year, and where do we stand now? The Rich teams can spend pretty much the same amount of money, they could back before the lockout and now we have the issue of all the "poor" teams struggling to stay alive in the "new" NHL. I feel that a this whole Nashville issue is a matter of the wrong place for a hockey te...
With the aquisition of Jason Blake and Vesa Toskala the leafs are gaurenteed to do better. But how much better?
Our team for next year seems pretty much all offense guided. On defence we only have one defensive defensemen in Hall Gill. On forward we have only two two way players assuming Peca is gone those being Chad Kilger and Boyd Devereaux.
But now that we have To...
According to Toronto Star "sources" the Toronto Maple Leafs signed ex-Brodeur backup Scott Clemmensen to a two-way contract and is likely to be the Leafs third-string goalie and to back up Justin Pogge in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
Of course this stirs the pot with the Raycroft rumors, but personally I'm not impressed with letting Racine go as easily as they did...
I think the moves that would help the leafs would be to sign Alexei Yashin and Micheal Peca. Next get rid of Raycroft and Kubina in a trade to the Yotes for Jovanovski and Cujo. Then sign Brian Berad who in won the Calder in the 1996-1997 season and racked up some good points with Columbus in the 2005-2006.
IMO that would be the best set of moves for my Leafs.
Thoug...
I think the moves that would help the Leafs the most would be to sign Alexei Yashin and Micheal Peca. Next get rid of Raycroft and Kubina in a trade to the Yotes for Jovanovski and Cujo. Then sign Brian Berad who won the Calder in the 1996-1997 season and racked up some good points with Columbus in the 2005-2006 season.
IMO that would be the best set of moves for my L...
[u][b]By: Jon Cunningham[/b][/u]
The signing of Goaltender Scott Clemmensen by the Leafs has raised a lot of questions. He has reportedly been signed to a 1-Year deal worth 1-Million, the Contract also is reported to be a two-way contract, meaning Clemmensen can be sent down to the Marlies and only a small fraction his contract will count against the cap.
Well, this...
Let me start this off by saying the following;
Andrew Raycroft is [b][u]underrated[/u][/b].
Who just laughed?! Stop it!
Okay, here's the thing. For those of you that think Andrew Raycroft was a bust of a trade for Toronto, raise your hands. Now slap yourselves with said hands. Thank you.
This blog/article/drawn out opinion is about Andrew Raycroft, not abou...
If the Leafs would like to make it to the playoffs or have a good shot at it they will have to improve on the PK and overall goals against. You may think Toronto is awful 5 on 5 but thats not the case at all they were a +11 and that was good 13 overall in the NHL. The reason they were down in the GA department is because of the PK being ranked 25 in the NHL. It not only hu...
There are many sports experts who compare the Leafs to the MLB's New York Yankees, the big-bad empire of riches, hell bent on winning without any consideration for monetary costs. Beloved by their legion of fans, and hated by all others. But there is one main difference between the Leafs and Yanks, and in reality between the MLB and the NHL, the Yankees can buy a contender...
Now the Toronto Maple Leaf have the greatest fans of any sports teams fans. With the leaf fans giving so much dedication and would trade their lives to see the leafs hold the cup up high, why would the leafs keep quiet about their trade and signing plans. We have eklund trying his best to get rumors but at the end of the day the gm will just shun him. We have rumors of Mil...
I will begin with my opinion on the Leafs/Avs possible trade. Our dear friend, Mr. Eklund reports that the Colorado Avalanche might be asking too much in return for Hejduk. My opinion is that they are not asking enough! (Colaiacovo and Jay Harrison) Here are the players I would be asking to the Leafs if they really want him: Tomas Kaberle & Kyle Wellwood. Too much you wou...
Ok, lots of people seem to think this guy is less then he is... I'm gonna go through a quick analysis of my own... hopefully some of you will see this guy the way I do.
[b]Durability and Injury[/b]
Now... lots of ppl, who cheer for whatever team they cheer for seem to think this guy is easily injured. He isn't.
He has been injured twice, both have been freak injuries....
Id like to start of this blog by giving my condolences to the Ferguson family may John Sr. rest in peace.
Now to this blogs topic and that is what can the Leafs do to obtain another scoring forward. The Leafs currently sit with about 1.5 million in Cap room and an easy move could be signing an UFA to suit up for the team but not many are out there that could really make...
Well, it appears pretty simple to me. However, I'm not the General Manager.
The Leafs lack depth at right wing. Plain and simple.
It's time to bring in a top line right winger to complete the trifecta. Blake, Sundin and .............
Hejduk (4m) and Svatos (1.2m) are obviously being targeted by the Leafs management. After hearing Giguere today, commenting on possib...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Jeremy Williams and defenceman Derrick Walser to two-year contracts and forward Alex Foster to a one-year contract.
Williams, 23, spent time last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). He has the distinction of being the only player in NHL history to play in just tw...
Well All Its #2 for the blogs we will now discuss why the Leafs actually need a Senior advisor!
the Maple Leaf organization is one filled with Red tape, hurdles, obstacles and over protective micro manging higher managment.
Richard Petty heads up one of the most successful brands in Canada. Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE). A brand which has its o...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Jeremy Williams and defenceman Derrick Walser to two-year contracts and forward Alex Foster to a one-year contract.
[url]http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070718_175428_772
murdoch writes...
nashville deserves the same shot florida and phoenix got
Posted Wednesday | Comments 3
LISTEN UP HOCKEY FANS...
whatever the case of the financial this and financial that. i remember years ago hockey was 85% hockey talk, 10% 'whats a better hockey name, oggie ogalthorpe or darren puppa?, and about 5% hockey financials.
everyone needs to take a step back.
the sport is one that we all obviously know and love. 4pm on a tuesday rolls around and all the ...
For almost a week now it has been rumored that The Leafs and The Avs have been trying to make a trade with the biggest name in the deal being Milan Hejduk or Marek Svatos. In return the Avs would likely receive a young defensive and draft picks.
So when you step back and look at this trade, as an Avs fan, are you happy? Right now the Avs have Leopold (26), Liles (26), ...
Here is how I think the Leafs should break down their lines for next season. First off, we know three things for sure, based on what Paul Maurice has indicated:
1) Mats Sundin will be the first-line centre (okay, this one was obvious).
2) Jason Blake will begin the season on the first line.
3) Kyle Wellwood will be the second-line centre.
Given that, I think the Le...
I thought I'd throw out some off-season humor. A few months ago, Alexi Ponikarovsky had a signing acorss the road from where I worked at the time (Newmarket, ON). Anyways, after I paid my some $17 (and change) for a Leafs flag and signature (the signature was more than the flag BTW) some bald guy made his rounds down the line with a sticky notepad asking what we wanted h...
Yeah, I know your all thinking another leaf line blog, but its summer I need something to do.
[b]Blake-Sundin-Tucker
Bell-Wellwood-Steen
Poni-Stajan-Antropov
Kilger-Pohl-Williams
Kaberle-Kubina
McCabe-Coli
White-Gill[/b]
[u]
[b]PP1[/u]
Poni-Sundin-Antropov/tucker
McCabe-Kaberle
[u]PP2[/u]
Blake-Wellwood-Steen
Kubina-Coli/white[/b]
PK is still an issue ...
Blake - Sundin - Antropov
Bell - Wellwood - Steen
Tucker - Stajan - Poni
Kilger - Pohl - Battaglia
(Devereaux, Belak)
Kaberle - Kubina
McCabe - Cola
Gill - White
(Kronwall)
Toskala
(Raycroft)
Ok so here is what i dont get. You come on these sites (so far this is the best one i have found for not having the problem) and you find fans hating on other fans. prime example leafs and sens fans. I am a leafs fan thru and thru but in no way do i hate sens fans. I am not a huge fan of the team but in no way can i say they suck. At the same time the leafs did not ma...
As we sit and await training camp which opens September 13/07, many Leaf fans are wondering some of the same things
Will we make the playoffs this season?
Are the Leafs going to make a trade?
What will the line combinations be this season?
Will a rookie step up in camp and make the team?
These questions are no different then any other year as a die hard Leafs fan...
Speaking to a source close to the Rangers front office, I've been informed that the Rangers are willing to swing a deal for Sens defensemen Wade Redden. I have also been told that if it doesn't happen, the Rangers will look at Jovo again, but will most likely go into opening night as is. Also, watch for Hossa to be moved. The Sharks have made an offer.
I have much more ...
mzator22 writes...
Analyzing Team's Free Agent/Trade Moves - North East
Posted Saturday | Comments 10
[b]Boston Bruins[/b]
Major Additions
[b]Peter Schaefer (trade with Ottawa)[/b] - Schaefer will make Boston better because he's a very good penalty killer and he can score at least 15-20 goals a season. The Bruins only had to give up a 2 goal (last season) guy in Sean Donovan.
[b]Manny Fernandez (trade with Minnesota)[/b] - By acquiring Fernandez, Boston shored up ...
The NHL may be thinking of expanding again, and with the new rules in place it might just be a perfect time to expand and realign some teams in the league.
I think if the NHL does expand by two teams the perfect two choices would be Winnipeg, Canada since they do have a great fanbase and support for hockey in the NHL, there stadium can hold 15,003 and there team was mov...
Many people, including Berger, believe the Leafs D was responsible for the 9th place finish in the east. I however believe many more things contributed to the Leafs woes.
1. Goaltending. This is a 2 part argument. On one hand, not only did Raycroft never steal a game, he on many occasions didn't give us a fair chance to win. Consider his GAA of shots high glove side was...
So I was on NHL.com (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/service=page&page=NHLPage&id=12880)
today and noticed they had a link to all the milestones acheived this year such as 400,500 and 600 goal and 1500 points. So I watched all the goals and points on video and found a couple of interesting connections.
Sundin Scores his 500th against Calgary. Sackin scores his 600th agai...
So our beloved Maple Leafs are interested in Scotty Bowman as president of the hockey side, again. Are the rumours true or is this just another summertime Leaf rumour? The fact is that the Maple Leafs make a ton of money every season whether they make the playoffs or not, it does make sense that they would use some of these funds to bring in a great hockey mind to put the ...
After some retooling, here are my new ideas for the Leafs lines.
FORWARDS:
Blake-Sundin-Tucker
Antropov-Wellwood-Poinkarovsky
Bell-Stajan-Steen
Kilger-Pohl-Deveraux
SCRATCHES:
Battaglia (interchangable with Deveraux)
Belak (only used in the case the team needs a good old fashioned ass whomping....perhaps whenever Sean Avery is playing?)
AHL CALLUPS:
1) Will...
I though it might be interesting to see how hockey ranks across NHL cities compared to other major sports in that city, this is my opinion as i have watched hockey in 15 different cities and discussed hockey with many fans in the cities that i was in, i hope to add 2 more cities this year in completing all 30 teams down the road, please feel free to correct me if your from...
Every once in a while you read something and say, "Hmm. Wouldn't that be nice?"
An interesting report today from Eklund, one that definitely piqued my interest. The Blue Jackets are speaking with the Leafs currently discussing a deal that would land defenseman Pavel Kubina. This would do two things for Scott Howson:
1. Get the powerplay quarterback that he needs.
2....
[i]With all of the big new contracts signed this year, there are a lot of players with big shoes to fill. There are a lot of players with a new responsibility to be "the guy" for their respective clubs. There are a lot of players that need to step it up this season and show why they were worth the big bucks that their teams threw at them.
So which players are actually...
Even though I live in Niagara Falls, My home town is and always will be Toronto. Everyday I pick up the Toronto Sun to keep tabs of the City I was born in, and today's front page had me in a grin from ear to ear. It read LEAFS ARE BACK! with a picture of Darcy Tucker racing down the wing in his blue practice jersey.
I know a lot has been said about the Leafs this past...
In a galaxy far far......oh the hell with that. Everyone knows the Leafs haven't won a cup in 40 years but did you know that only 15 other teams since 1967 have won the cup in that 40 year period? Yep thats right only 15 different teams have won the cup in a 40 year period.
The New York Rangers went 54 years before winning it in 94. The Detroit Red Wings endured 42 ...
[b] [u] By: Jon Cunningham[/u] [/b]
[i]Please note, all apostrophes show up as an 'a' with ^ above it. I didn't do it, sorry. [/i]
[b] [u] [i]Hello All![/i] [/u] [/i] [/b]
In this blog, I will examine all the NHL Teams major additions and subtractions during the off season, and examine if the team is better or worse because of it.
Each team will have a rating of...
First off I have to say how much I enjoy hearing all of the updates that happen on this site. Even the Mike Peca ones. That's why I check in once or twice daily. However, with all due respect to everyone who's following the ongoing Peca saga, I'd like to shed a little light on the situation.
Mike Peca will not contribute greatly to a team this year. He hasn't done a...
I'm going to look at all six divisions, starting with the home of the Leafs, the Northeast Division.
NORTHEAST DIVISION:
Boston Bruins: The sad-sack Bruins have done little to improve their team from last season. The major upgrade was bringing in goalie Manny Fernandez from Minnesota; however, Fernandez may have inflated numbers due to time spent on the defensive-min...
I want to make a comment about all the Mark Bell talk this week. Every media person I've read this week has had nothing nice to say about the troubled winger, and even less to say about John Ferguson Jr. We all know I'm a leaf fan, so I may have bias towards them, but in no way do I agree with any of what is being said about Bell. The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons wrote a...
I know there has been a million blogs about the maple leafs' next season, but heres another one. The leafs made some moves this offseason, both good and bad. Many people say that next season's team is probably going to finish around 7th or 8th spot in the conference, but they don't know that last season's squad was actually around 4th before injuries caused them to sink do...
Paul Henderson scored the game winning goal in the final game of the Summit Series? I do, it was the day that hockey grabbed me by the shorts and is still taking me for a ride this day. I was born and bred in Toronto, and even though I was just growing into a leaf fan I wasn't quite there yet. On September 28th, 1972, my dad and I were waiting on the Long Branch platfor...
I am and will forever be a Maple Leafs fan, i know that the team hasnt brought Stanley home in a long time, hell i wasnt even born and 15 other teams have won the cup since 67 so it could be worse but that doesnt change the fact that i am a fan and will continue to be, friendships have been formed thanks to Leaf fans uniting, memories established and moments shared as we a...
In my last blog I mentioned the dream job that I had growing up in my home town of Toronto. I sold ice cream bars in the house the Conn Smythe built.
It was rare that I would get a chance to work the golds, this was a usually a position held for the more senior people, but on a few occasions I ended up here. On one such occasion the section of golds I worked was right...
[img:left]http://mapleleafs.nhl.info.pl/news/data/upimages/Michael_Peca_10.jpg[/img]I don't really have a lot of time to write this blog, I just got back from my grandparents after a long weekend of putting a new roof on the barn here in beautiful Nova Scotia. It was miserable all weekend, it absolutely poored all weekend. I finally got a chance to go for a walk on the bea...
[img:left]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060210/leafs_78377.jpg[/img]I thought it was important for somebody here to give Ed Belfour kudos on his wonderful career. Reports are saying that Belfour is likely to sign a contract with Leksand of the Swedish Elite League ending Belfours 18 year National Hockey League career, for the time being at least.
Belfour a nati...
After I wrote and posted this blog only to realize that I hadnt signed in and would have to re-write it, I realized that I need some sleep. So Im going to quickly get this out before I hit the sack.
Peca will reported decide today regarding which team he will be playing on for the 2007-08 season.
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/blog
This comes as...
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1) New York Rangers (110)
2) Ottawa Senators (107)
3) Atlanta Thrashers (99)
4) Pittsburgh Penguins (108)
5) Buffalo Sabres (104)
6) New Jersey Devils (98)
7) Toronto Maple Leafs (95)
8) Philadelphia Flyers (93)
-----------------------------------
9) Carolina Hurricanes (92)
10) Montreal Canadiens (91)
11) Tampa Bay Lightning (86)
12) Flori...
Perhaps it's a little early to write a preview for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so I'll make sure to do another one a little closer to the season opener. I figured it might be nice to get some of you Leaf fans salivating in excitement for the season though.
First of all, I should review the off-season so far for the Buds.
The Leafs made several significant moves. The big...
The Bill Watters Show has reported that Peca will not sign with the Leafs. Peca's agent Don Meehan has stated that it is not about the money and the Leafs did not feel that Peca would be right for the team. It is now down to the Rangers and Blue Jackets. If a deal is not struck today with the Rangers, Peca will not sign with them. Columbus is the only other option as of no...
Apparently My HB won't let me reply on my own blog, so I'll attempt to do that to as many comments as I can here. I always make the time to try and reply to anyone who stops by and asks what's going through my head.
[b]1. What becomes of the Ducks if Selanne and Niedermayer retire?[/b]
First of all, I should state, as it wasn't articulated well in this post, that I w...
K. Lee has been doing an excellent series of blogs regarding the Sens all time team, and a lot of people have followed suit and posted their own all time teams full of the best players. It got me thinking that yeah, a team with Lecavlier, Crosby and Heatley would be nice, but it's been done. Therefore, I've decided to come up with the team that would draw the most pen...
[img:left]http://images.sportsnetwork.com/hockey/nhl/allsport/toronto/lindros_eric2.jpg[/img]The key question is truly, can all 6 ft 4 240 pound Eric Lindros still be the deciding factor in sixty-minutes like he was from 92 to 99. Lindros collected a considerable amount of attention, rightfully so. In the 95/96 season he collected 115 points (47G, 68A), the year previous h...
With news that Michael Peca will be heading to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the blame definitely lies on the shoulders of JFJ.
In Peca, the Leafs have lost a top-notch penalty killer, one-time Selke winner, and a guy who can play a solid defensive game; in other words, he was the kind of player the Leafs desperately needed.
In Matt Stajan and Alex Steen, the Leafs have...
hockeyisgd writes...
More Peca talk, from a Blue Jackets fan's perspective
Posted Thursday | Comments 7
When I first heard there was an e3 rumor that Michael Peca was comming to Columbus, I kind of got a little excited. Now that he's signed I really have some mixed emotions about him being on the Jackets.
Why I like Michael Peca as a Blue Jacket
It seems to me that every year, that the Jackets are a team that look like they can be a decent team on paper, but it never tr...
I do a weekly piece on WCCO-AM [the clear channel to the UPPER Midwest (U.S.) and do a piece called THE ANGRY MINUTE. A couple weeks back i covered the crazy rate at which Americans, last year, are leaving for Canada twice the normal rate (sic) ...
All things considered, i empathized... so I played the ENTIRE version of "Oh! Canada! " anthem, after some COMMENT of cou...
I do a weekly piece on WCCO-AM [the clear channel to the UPPER Midwest (U.S.) and it's called THE ANGRY MINUTE. A couple weeks back i covered the crazy rate at which Americans, last year, are leaving for Canada twice the normal rate (sic) ...
All things considered, sometimes we empathize... so, I played the ENTIRE version of the "Oh! Canada! " anthem, Stanley Cup Play...
For all you Flame fans, I'm here to break the news that the emerging offensive Flame defenseman is off to hone his skills in Russia. According to a very close source to the situation, the Flames are opting to go with a veteran line-up and a run for the cup. Giordano a RFA, was offered a two way deal to stay with the Flames for half of the $800,000 he will receive in Russia...
The success of the Leafs in 2007-08 could be influenced by their new players. There are three notable new faces in particular- forwards Jason Blake and Mark Bell, and goaltender Vesa Toskala. But how good or bad will they be? What influence will they hold over the team? Time to look at the pros and cons of Toronto's offseason pickups.
[b][u]VESA TOSKALA[/u][/b]
[img]ht...
With little to discuss between now and the preseason, when hockey begins again, I thought I'd begin a feature called "Video of the Day", which features some great moments from the Leafs 2006-07 season.
The first feature comes from a game against the Ottawa Senators on February 3rd, 2007. The Leafs and Sens, tied 2-2 after OT, go to a shootout. The Sens had been the hot...
Well with training camp set to open in less then 2 weeks, its a great time to get into hockey mode and and break down what the Leafs might look like for there opening night matchup against the Senators.
[b][u]Goaltending[/u][/b]
This position looks all settled pertaining any trades with Toskala and Raycroft heading into the opening season 1-2, Clemmensen is the curre...
There have been a number of discussions in the last few weeks regarding the line combinations and pairings the leafs will use in the upcoming season, so I figured I might as well toss my hat into the ring.
[u][b]Goaltending[/b][/u]
The best option is to use a 60/40 split between Toskala and Raycroft, Toskala has never played the 65-70 games a #1, but is still a v...
[b]NOSTALGA IS A MAGIC THING [/b]
The other day my son and I went out with hockey sticks and a ball to play a game of hockey. We got into a penalty shot game like Shoot out in the NHL. Of course, he went on to skunk me; his shot is harder than mine. So why am I writing about my son kicking my butt in hockey?
It is really because it got me being nostalgic, rememberin...
This is another classic example of John Ferguson Jr.'s incompetence as a GM, trading a 1st & 2nd round pick in 2007, and a 4th round pick in 2009 for Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell. This trade was dumb from day 1, first off this was the year the leafs finally had a chance to land a decent forward could've snagged Cherepanov or Esposito or many others that were still aroun...
clipper writes...
I'll have a Goaltending upgrade with a side of drunk driving
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Let's recap JFJ's thought process as the 2006/07 season ended. It may have gone something like this. "We were 8th in scoring last year with over 3 goals per game on average. However, we were 25th in goals against with over 3 goals per game on average. Our goaltender have a save percentage under .900 and a GAA greater than 3. We have 4 top calibre defenseman and a plet...
I am a leaf fan, but I am not going to be while I write this article.
One of the most exciting divisions in the NHL, the North Eastern division is one the deadliest in the league. All five teams have been in the playoffs the last 4 or 5 years. The Buffalo Sabres, The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and the Boston Bruins. Last year, the Sabres...
Heart.
When you hear the word, perhaps, the first thing you think of is that organ beating inside your chest.
You also might think of that hard rocking, but IMO god-awful, girl band comprised of the sisters - Ann and Nancy Wilson. Sorry, not a big Barracude fan.
When I think of the word "heart," I immediately think of it in relation to organized sports. Not ...
Now that all the new jerseys have been released (some officially and other unofficially), this is a good time to take a critical look at them all from a fashion point of view. Of course, these are just opinions, so please do not flame me too badly. My opinion on your team jersey has nothing to do with how much I like/dislike that team, whether I think so-and-so is a dirt...
Ever see the movie The Number 23? If you haven't it's about a guy that's obsessed with the number 23. After watching/reading anything I could get my hands on about the Leafs upcoming season I noticed the number [b]13[/b] coming up a lot. Check it out:
The Leafs opened training camp on Thursday, September [b]13[/b]th. That day they unveiled their new Reebok Jerseys ([b]...
Well here we are again. Pre-season is under way for the league. It's a good time to be a hockey fan. For me, pre-season is always a lot of fun just to see who stands out and who doesn't.
At this year's Leafs camp, we have a couple of those guys and some are starting to stand out already.
The name that keeps popping up is Simon Gamache. It seems like he is turni...
So tonight is the first pre season game for the Leafs against the Oilers. It should be a good game and a good test for a few players. Here is the line up that was posted by Alec Brownscombe on his blog [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9452[/url]
FORWARDS:
Darcy Tucker - Kyle Wellwood - Alexei Ponikarovsky
Jeremy Williams - Matt Stajan - Simon Gamache
...
Seeing as this is my first blog, here's a little bit of background information:
I'm a Leafs fan. Living in Ottawa.
In the grand scheme of things, that's all that really needs to be said.
Now, this past weekend it got rather cool in the nation's capital. Naturally, such temperatures call for a ... [i]sweater[/i]. But I decide to don not just any sweater ... I decid...
Having just sat through 12 hours on campus, and 6 hours of class, I really don't think I can be all that eloquent right now; however, I will just summarize what I've seen from the Leafs in both yesterday's 3-2 OT loss to Edmonton, and tonight's 3-2 win over Phoenix.
HOT: The Blake/Sundin/Antropov line. This line had a great showing tonight, and was solid on the PP. I wi...
tml1967 writes...
Which Maple Leaf will step up and fill Wellwood's spot.
Posted Saturday | Comments 4
The Leafs receive a second blow this preseason and have lost Kyle Wellwood indefinitely as the nifty center has surgery to repair his hernia once again the same injury that sidelined him for 33 games last season, having already lost Mark Bell to suspension the Leafs must now look within there roster and see if there is a player who could step in and possibly center a secon...
I was disgusted by hearing Steve Downie left his feet to hit Dean McAmmond, I was even more disgusted when I seen the hit on Sportscentre. Dean McAmmond skating behind the net, turning the corner to head up ice, some argue he had his head down, and Steve Downie charges across the ice, leaves his feet to take him out. McAmmond was turning the corner, weather or not he had h...
Welcome to my first blog...ever. After reading the comments from so many disgruntled Leafs fans, and watching the Leafs pre-season games as of late I felt I had to start my own blog so I could throw my own 2 cents into the mix. My message to leafs nation: Calm down.
Every move the Leafs make is scrutinized over and over again by the fans, and the media. Folks, this is p...
Today blog is on another blog questions. So I force some of my friends to pick
What is your favorite hockey memory while growing up?
ZenSisyphus
Well, this is going to go down as the most common "best" memory, but I have to say the Miracle has to be it. I grew up in Colorado, and at the time our NHL team wasn't televised very frequently (maybe not at all), and ou...
I miss seeing the Leafs play the Wings.
When the Leafs moved to the east, I knew that I would see less of them but thanks to this wonderful new schedule, I never get to see those two teams play. For me, they are right up there with Leafs/Habs or Leafs/Sens games. Always good regular season games and playoff games. I hope that with the new schedule for next season, ...
Back again to complete my NHL prediction blog extravaganza with my Eastern Conference predictions. Enjoy!
[b]
[u]Eastern Conference[/u][/b]
[u]Southeast Division[/u]
1. [b]Washington Capitals[/b]: This may be my “what is he smoking?” pick of the 2007-08 season but the Caps have the parts to do some real damage. The arrivals of Nicklas Backstrom and Michael Nyland...
I have to say, i am very anxious after watching the pre-season. The two maple leaf goalies that were supposed to push each other were not very good. Toskala did not even win a game in the pre-season. Now that is in the past, my question is, who will be starting in net against the Senators on Wednesday? Toskala was booed by the home crowd, so he may take that game off, howe...
First off, Go Leafs Go. I will be watching the game on TSN tonight with my 5 month old son, this will be the first NHL game he has ever seen and I am excited! He will likely not understand whats going on, but being a die-hard Leafs fan, I feel it is important he is exposed to the blue and white at an early age! I will remember this night forever as the first time my son an...
The Maple Leafs blow a third period lead.... where have we heard that before to lose in overtime by a 4-3 score to the Sens. The Leafs did play a good game but were let down on this night by an awful powerplay that went 0 for 7. McCabe and Kaberle seemed to forgot the season had started on this night and looked like very average defensemen, just one goal would have given t...
After the first two games of the season here are a few thoughts
The Leafs started the season with two games against the defending Eastern Conference champions and started 0-1-1. When you look at the record it's not really that impressive in fact it's kind of ugly. With that being said all I have to say is don't worry fellow Leaf fans it could be a lot worse. The Leaf...
If you haven't gone on TSN's website yet, Toronto's Jason Blake has been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), an uncommon form of cancer. Blake is the second player in as many years to be diagnosed with cancer (the other being Masterton Trophy winner Phil Kessel). He announced the diagnosis today on the Leafs' website. Just as a side note, LEAFS STILL SUCK...
Tomorrow at 7 PM eastern time, the maple leafs will battle the hurricanes. Now leaf fans, expect Toskala to start because his performance against the Montreal canadiens was something that will bench Raycroft for a while. One interesting note about Toskala's performance...did you see his lateral movement? It was lightning fast.
[b]Keys to victory[/b]
Carolina is more of...
All Non-Toronto Maple Leaf fans....exit this page, All the blue and white loyals...read on.
Imagine, Mats Sundin's possible last year, the season where Mark Bell was sentenced to serve time in the slammer, a new goalie, new 40 goal scorer. What if all of this was capped off by a Stanley Cup? Honestly, 3 games in, this season has been already extra ordinary.
I...
I like most Toronto Maple Leaf fans, and hockey fans in general was shocked by the announcement that Toronto forward Jason Blake was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I must say that the Leafs management did something right for once and handled this situation with the utmost class, offering Blake time off, whatever he wants. I have new found respect for Jason Bl...
mapleleaf92 writes...
The Maurice Gurantee already in danger not Toskala's Fault
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Leaf fans, on October 9th 2007, we have been disgraced 7-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes. So early in the season, the leafs defense has collapsed us, and Vesa Toskala.
You may all remember Maurice guaranteeing us a playoff series in Toronto. Last night's efforts made him look bad. It started on William's goal. He was wide open and was able to walk in about 4 feet before sna...
Well that seems to be the theme right now. Depending on your point of view and who you read. Yes that was a very bad loss last night to the Canes. It was a game that I was happy to miss (maybe that's why I'm not panicking).
Lets remember folks, it's really early in the season and we have seen what this team can do. As stated by many, they need to play hard every nig...
Year after year the Toronto Maple Leafs make big off season changes in a hope end the 40 year Stanley Cup drought. This off season was no different. Trading the 1st round pick in last years NHL entry draft for goaltender Vesa Toskala & forward Mark Bell, and signing 40-goal man & unrestricted free agent to a 5-year/$20 Million contract. The Leafs management faile...
If I was JFJ, I would send Andrew "Red Light" Raycroft to the minors and I would do it now. Unlike some of the other over priced Toronto Maple Leafs, Raycroft does not have a no movement clause nor a no trade clause. It is pretty obvious that the Leafs have been unable to trade Raycroft, and really, no surprise here, who would want him?
Raycroft is sloppy with the puc...
Last night I was out for dinner with my parents who are in town and we heard two cheers from the Canucks' fans. So that means they scored twice. I didn't watch the game and I didn't see the highlights till I said my goodbyes and went home. Vancouver got smoked 8-2. That explains why I only heard two cheers.
So here we have two Canadian teams that are well loved acro...
First off, everything I said yesterday and earlier on in the year still applies ... I am still wildly optimistic about this team.
Losses happen.
Even 8-1's happen.
But this "post-Ranger game" thing ... it's gotta stop. And it's gotta stop [i][b]this season[/b][/i].
Why? Because when you muster up a solid game like last night's 2-1 win over your [i][b]hated[/b][...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Last night was what the Leafs needed. Not a blow out win, but a strong game for 60 min. That's what has killed them for the last few years. We saw this last year, games where the Leafs played their game for 60 min, they won without question. It's the games when they decided not to play for the 2nd or 3rd that killed all hope of making the playoffs.
Gamache had a big ...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Perhaps the biggest thing working in the Leafs' favor heading in to this Saturday's game is the motivation that comes from an 8-1 win. Just last night, Mats Sundin also surpassed the club records for most goals and most points, 390 and 917 respectively. Tell me how you can slow a guy down after a feat like that on top of a monstrous win. I'd like to know.
Let's hope, fo...
Man, was the offense hot tonight. 52 shots at Toskala compared to the 27 unleashed by Toronto, and they were only 1 for 7 on the powerplay! Excuse me, let me preface that as being a PITIFUL 1 for 7. And Malkin - what did I tell you about shooting? Always trying to make it look pretty when all we need are some goals.
Lots of firsts tonight, like Crosby's first goal of th...
Nik Antropov was a surprise, high first round pick at the age of 18 by the Toronto Maple Leafs out of Kazakhstan after having been one of the most dominant players in the world junior championship tournament (granted, on a very poor squad). Often ridiculed in the media and by fans, it is ironic that each and every General Manager and Coach that walked through the doors of...
And so comes the end of another Leaf game.......another Leaf game that the blew in the third period. It's getting to the point where you don't have to watch anymore as you know whats going to happen. The Leafs start the game by getting out played and having the goalie whoever it might be on the given night, followed by the Leafs grabbing a one or two goal lead heading to...
First off, I guess I should thank the NHL and the Sabres for putting this game on a Monday, and the scalpers and ebayers and stub-hubbers who completely flooded the market for tonights game. I got tickets from a friend desperate to sell for a profit for far below face value. So I thank you all.
This was my first Sabres-Leafs, but wow what a game and what an atmosphere. ...
Wow
All I can say is WOW. Now I've seen everything. Don't assume that I'm one of those bandwagon Leaf fans that are constantly bashing our team but last night was once again a game we should have won, no doubt about it.
Now to all those so-called die hard fans who know everything, was it Raycrofts fault last night? No chance. It was just a streak of horrible and i me...
You know, even if Eklund turned out to be a fraud, and the bloggers wound up being his buddies with too much time on their hands...who cares??
He's built possibly the most fun hockey site on the tubes of the internet.
You know why?
The universality. If I have the meaning of that word right, then I love the fact that we have fans from everywhere. I get a fan perspe...
The answer is: Future considerations. The question: What was Larry Murphy traded away from the Leafs for?
And in my limited research, I can't find what those considerations were, except for two-thirds of Murphy's Detroit salary being paid by the Leafs. Basically, they paid to get rid of him.
Now, media seem to look back on the booing as just Toronto taking our their ...
According to a source from another team out West and apparently they have some takers. " they may have to move the one they would least like to." what I am hearing is that the leafs are looking for speed and grit."
Today on the talkcast we will have the president of thunderblades, a new ice skate technology that will change hockey.
Vincent Lecavalier, most of you have seen the thread, is a class act. Lets think about this deal in a little more detail. He makes $6 million, right? Well, the government will take nearly half of that, and then this $3 million he's just donated to a children's hospital... he may be right, but imagine you giving up half of your paycheck. Class act.
I remember when he wa...
i'm jsut wonderin' if i tyr and post a blog and reely have not much to say, but have a good name, then what r the odds of this here bloggy gets a posted. since noneof my others seam to make it to the front paige, i thought i'd give this a good ol' hockey try. Heer goes.......
There are a lot of problems in the world. Terrorism, the war in Iraq, the Maple Leafs defense, rising numbers of sex offenders, Al Gore's weight. I think we can all feel okay about it by just blaming A-Rod. I know that's what I do.
I don't really have anything else to say, I just wanted to get that off my chest, so um, I'll write later.
A come from behind win at the ACC saw the Leafs score a goal in a goofy last minute against the Panthers. A good bounce back game after a heart breaker two nights earlier. As I watched the game early on I have to say that I was quite discusted. Not with the Leafs play, not with the defence, not even that they were down 2-0 early on... but rather with the chorus of boo's...
Might add a little fuel to the Leafs-Sens games. Can you imagine? Now, I wonder if Atlanta wants prospects, or the Kaberle package. If we were to not give up a roster forward, this is how the lines would start to look.
Marian Hossa - Mats Sundin - Jason Blake
Darcy Tucker - Kyle Wellwood - Nikolai Antropov
Alex Steen - Matt Stajan - Alexei Ponikarovsky
Chad Kilger - ...
Well here we are 9 games into the season and the Leafs have scored the most goals in the NHL who would have though that when the season started, but there is one little problem we have also let the most goals in the league thus far and look to continue to do so if we dont make some moves with our defensemen.
The Leafs penalty killing is ranked 28th and its not hard to s...
I know there is ALOT of heat on JFJ and Paul Maurice right now, so, I thought this was a good time to consolidate all relevant information on what JFJ has actually done. Before I go any further, it is important to understand that all GM's make mistakes and all GM's make some good moves. This blog is just meant to provide an objective view on the actual facts (with a litt...
What made the person or persons who own the Philadelphia and New York franchises to name their teams the Flyers and Rangers respectively? What possesses you to call your team the Lightning or the Canadiens?
Let's start with the some original six teams, some that still might have some meaning.
[b]The Montreal Canadiens:[/b] Canadiens represented the nationality of th...
So I was wondering. With the Leafs big Kazakh forward on pace for 100 points, and having a breakout year, not to mention playing in a market that will garner plenty of attention, is Nikolai Antropov in the middle of his first all-star year?
I don't want to get too ahead of myself. Darcy Tucker seemed like an all-star lock being in the top ten in goal scoring until he go...
The Toronto Maple Leafs looked to rebound after their 6-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday night. Mats sundin scored 13 seconds into the game which may have been an indication that the leafs were here to make a statement. I was wrong. The leafs were down 2-1 at the end of first which didn't seem so bad, unless you remember that their number 1 goalie is out with an i...
The Pens take on the Leafs for the second time this season tomorrow night in Pittsburgh. If the last time these two met up was any indication for the rest of the season's meetings, then I'd say we're in for another scoring frenzy.
Ten goals were scored between the two last game, as the Penguins rallied to win by the final of 6-4 after an empty netter from Maxime Talbot ...
Apparently, Leafs General Manager John Fergusen Jr has been secretly talking to young Oshawa Generals forward, and future number 1 pick, John Tavares about maybe going pro, and signing a contract to play for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL next season. Is this their last resort at trying to end their 40+ year Stanley Cup drought without having to rebuild like most normal te...
Similar to the last game between these two teams, tonight's was a high-scoring affair as well. Instead of a combined effort though, it was entirely on the Leafs' part.
Had you watched the first two periods of this game, you would have had difficulty predicting 5-2 as the final score. Both teams came in to the third period tied at one, but the Leafs came out of intermi...
Hey pens fans,
Well, the Pens played the Leafs tonight and lost 5-2 to end their streak. Crosby scored in the first period, assisted by Malkin and Recchi to make it 1-0. In the third period, Gonchar scored and was assisted by Crosby and Malkin to make it 5-2 Leafs. Fleury stopped 22 of 27 shots.
This season the Pens have been very hot and cold. Sometimes, it seems ...
Jiri Tlusty, the young prospect drafted 13th overall in the 2006 draft by the Leafs was a burst of energy the Leafs sorely needed. Tlusty recieved a call from JFJ moments after the leafs fell 5-4 to Atlanta. Tlusty had this to say after the second period, "I was nervous before the game, but after the first period my nerves calmed down. After the second period, I felt real ...
Now I realize a full blown taking apart of the team is never going to happen to the Toronto Maple Leafs but after a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday night, a night when the key contributors were Alex Steen 3pts, Jiri Tlusty 2goals, and Nik Antropov 2pts the question has to be asked why not give these guys a bigger role on a nightly basis?
As much as we in Toronto...
Hockey5.com writes...
Leafs Blog - LEAFS - TUCKER/MCCABE - PENALTIES + TOSKALA =
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
A post from the other day regarding the Leafs successful road trip!.......
[b]LEAFS MINUS TUCKER/MCCABE MINUS STUPID PENALTIES PLUS TOSKALA EQUALS WINNING. [/b] (at least on the road it does! :) )
The Toronto Maple Leafs struggled terribly through their first 10 games of the season. Many of us pondered over and over again what the hell was wrong with them. They wer...
Ron Guillet writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs : The Fat Kid Who Can't Jump The Fence
Posted Wednesday | Comments 8
Yes, that's right. The Toronto Maple Leafs resemble that fat kid who can't jump the fence. Why? They try, but fail...miserably. Their defense is horrendous, it's like they don't even have a defensive game plan. We have the most expensive defense in the league and what do we have to show for it? Last in the league in the goals against department. This team is inept with the...
I knew it would come, of course ... eventually ... (and I'm not talking about the Islanders next game, though it does seem like, oh, I don't know, ABOUT SIX YEARS SINCE THEIR LAST ONE!) I digress ...
I knew that, inevitably, the first Isles/Lightning game of the year would arrive and that I may have to field all sorts of questions about my allegiance(s) once again. You ...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/superarbour.jpg[/img]
Legends are hard to come by. Yes we hype the hell out of that flavor of the week/month/year. We heap accolades on them. Especially when a sport has been devoid of that and buzz for years. But they haven't accomplished even a dent to surface of what makes a legend. True legends are those we will talk about d...
From the outset of this season, John Ferguson and Paul Maurice have been preaching the need for the Maple Leafs to become a hard team to play against. This was to be accomplished as the players matured under a second season of Maurice's puck pursuit, hard forechecking system.
The idea of a team pursuing the opponent with speed and laying the body is enticing and shou...
I have been following the trade rumours regarding the Leafs posted by Eklund daily, I am excited for a trade, and know that we may lose some key players that I love, but I'd rather see them go and have a shot at the playoffs than missing them again this year (as I believe the Leafs will should they not make some roster changes.)
Eklund posted a rumour that according t...
[b]The Passion[/b]
Year after year the Leafs have tried to end the drought and year after year they have failed. It does at times get really frustrating that the team that I grew up watching just can't pull it off...at times it can even hurt. I have endured the endless bashing of our Leafs on hockey sites such as this one, I have also bashed other teams.
While some...
It is [i][b]extremely [/b][/i]rare, in these days of rapid player movement and free agency sweepstakes, for a professional athlete to admit that they made a mistake in signing with a new team. It's just about [i][b]nonexistent[/b][/i], actually. While Toronto winger Jason Blake may not have done exactly that in a recent article in the [i]Toronto Sun[/i], he came [i][b]awfu...
I just played NHL 08 for Sabres vs. Leafs and here's your basic rundown:
1st
Mats Sundin scores 1-0 Toronto
3rd
Alex Ponikarovsky scores 2-0 Toronto
Henrik Tallinder scores 2-1 Toronto
Ales Kotalik scores after Tucker just misses empty Buffalo net 2-2
OT
Derek Roy scores 3-2 Buffalo
At the start of the year Leafs Head Coach Paul Maurice promised that this years Toronto Maple Leafs would be one of the toughest teams in the league to play against. However, a few weeks in and it is evident that the statement was far from the truth. In fact this years Leafs could be weaker and lack even more toughness that the prior year.
With roster spots being filled...
The Rangers finally scored a road win with a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The pregame ceremonies honoring this year's Hall Of Fame inductees was very nice. The Rangers capitalized on a solid game from their backup goaltender, Stephen Valliquette, who was able to do the only thing Lundqvist was not able to do. The Rangers were the last team to win a road game, yet ...
One of the main topics of conversation on The Hot Stove Lounge on Hockey Night in Canada this past Saturday night was the future of John Ferguson Jr. There were a lot of opinions on this topic but the one that really caught my attention was the idea that other candidates for the job when JFJ was hired were turned down because they wanted to take the team apart and st...
Jon Jordan writes...
If He Said It, Sean Avery Deserves Everything He Gets
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Howard Berger, you have my utmost support.
Wade Belak, you do too.
If Sean Avery did, in fact, make comments directed at Jason Blake regarding his battle with cancer, bigger questions still remain.
(For the record, I have no reason to believe that he didn't make these comments, considering the source(s) on two levels ... one, it came from Mr. Berger, whose reput...
To all Leaf fans around the world, dont you just hate seeing our beloved Maple Leafs lose especially in a tight affair to our hated rivals Les Canadiens. I know i do, i like most Leaf fans would love to see the Leafs go 82-0 in a season but nothing could be further from the truth, though the Leafs do try and try but continue to give away all the points that they can. The L...
I went in to last night excited to watch my Habs take on the Leafs and hopefully bring home a victory, which they happily did. As I do not get RDS in my cable package, I hoped and assumed that since this was Habs/Leafs, the game would obviously be aired nationally. Is there really any other game in Canada quite as big as when these two age-old rivals square off? Well, appa...
For the past year I have been floating this idea around my group of friends regarding an addition or modification to the structure of the salary cap.
I believe I have an idea that will be both beneficial towards the players and their respective teams, while not altering the “competitive balance” amongst NHL teams. This will also award teams for developing and retai...
If you are a die-hard fan of the storied Toronto Maple Leafs, you have felt many years of disappointment. Every September there is hope that this will be the year "we" will end the 40-year Stanley Cup drought. All signs indicate that this Stanley Cup famine will reach at least 41 years.
As a fan of the blue and white I have to say that the salary-cap system is terribl...
The game of hockey is steeped in tradition, with a rich history and an honourable character. The overriding tenor of hockey discussion over the past five years has focused on the need to increase goal scoring. To this end, Gary Bettman's NHL has continually tinkered with the rules attempting to increase the fabled 'Goals per Game' statistic. This approach is misguided ...
Sorry it's been a while. I was on deadline in my glorious job in the world of publishing last week, and then, went away for the weekend.
Check out my newest Battle NY: Sibling Rivalry 2, which is a debate with my Ranger fan brother:
http://islanders.hockeybuzz.com/index.php?post_id=11195
Now, let's get to business . . .
So here we are, upon a Monday night dreary...
After a dominating win over the Ottawa Senators this past Saturday night one has to wonder if the Maple Leafs have turned a corner. The Leafs showed up played a very solid defensive game and took advantage of scoring opportunities when they received them. It’s not that the Leafs have not played any tight defensive games this season, but this was against the power...
I'm not really sure where but...
I am a long time leaf fan and i am starting to lose my patience with this team.
To tell the truth here, there is not one Toronto maple leaf that i do not like or think is a bad player, but after watching this team fall apart over and over again, I'd say it's time for a change.....any change.
These are my "Untouchable" Players:
-S...
Ok so everyone knows (or I hope knows) that the Leafs traded one of the top prospect goalies of the Juniors to the Boston Bruins for Andrew [u][b]Raycrap[/b][/u] .... sorry Raycroft. Mr. Rask went 7-1 with a 1.98 GAA. I mean honestly you trade a top goaltender 7-1 for peeps sake for a guy who is coming off a pretty good year and a terrible year after that (raycroft).
H...
A-Mar writes...
Toronto Maple Leaf quarterly analysis (Player by Player)
Posted Thursday | Comments 12
Another year has started and I know hockey season is well underway by the growing sinking feeling in my gut. 22 games in and the Leafs look about where most analysts had them pegged. There have been surprises, some pleasant, most not so much. So here are my first quarter grades for the Leafs.
[b]Goalies:[/b]
Andrew Raycroft: 2-2-3, 3.32 GAA, .887 SV%
-Raycroft ha...
GO LEAFS GO! What a beautiful sound to hear when you are watching a Toronto Maple Leafs ‘road’ game? UH? Exactly what is wrong with the fans that go to the ACC and watch the Leafs. Honestly you pretentious bunch of F****. There are millions of Leafs fans around Canada and the world that would cheer so loud at the games that they would be horse and have a pounding ...
This blog has been a long time coming. But after reading the ek columns last night regarding the leafs and whether they should clean house or not... then hearing the Flames may be involved if only an e1, doesn't matter, I have to get this off my chest.
I love Darcy Tucker. He's from Alberta, Castor or Byemoor I believe. Anyway, he is a fighter. He's gritty, he can sc...
Back when JFJ was hired was the time for a senior consultant not once he had already learned on the job and become a dysfunctional exec of sorts. So when the Leafs began their 'search' late this summer for a consultant, that pretty much signaled the end of JFJ's reign to me. It is unfortunate because, not to defend JFJ, but he has been largely paralysed by the board's con...
It’s been a rough past couple weeks, well rough season really for the Leafs and after a stretch of six losses in the past seven games which has been capped off by a 5-1 loss to the youthful Phoenix Coyotes it is becoming more and more evident that the time for change is near. There are rumors of the GM John Ferguson being fired, rumors of Paul Maurice being fired…...
I think without a doubt now everyone knows that the days of JFJ and Paul Maurice are slowly coming to an end in Leaf Land. Let’s just say that JFJ and the Upper Management of MLSE have left some terrible scars on the future of the Leafs organization. The NTC's, highly over inflated salaries, and underachieving talent that has poisoned the once mighty Maple Leaf franchise...
And so we're approaching December....
The teams have established themselves as to where they sit in the league, where they need to improve and so on...
one thing that has been very noticeable is just how incredibly inconsistant almost every team in the league has been thus far with only Detroit once again showing the constant and consistant poise it has for essential...
Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins are on the road in Toronto trying to continue their three game winning streak. Before I get to the game, I would like to wish Ryan Malone a Happy Birthday. The Pens have been playing well, as of late. They easily defeated the Stars Friday night and dazzled in the offensive zone. Their defensive play has improved greatly with everyone ch...
A night after the Penguins won their third straight game with a dominating 4-1 win against the Dallas Stars at the Igloo, the skate was on the other foot tonight at the Air Canada Center as the Pens took a step back in a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs came out energized right off the bat and took it to the Pens, who didn't have a response u...
First of all, I would like to shortly introduce myself. My name is Jeff Potulny, I go by the alias of "Ovech8" on the internet, and this is my first ever blog on Hockeybuzz.com. I am a very frequent poster on the Message Board "chat.mapleleafs.com" which is owned by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, and I am a semi-poster of "HFBoards.com".
___________________________...
And hear we are, just over a week after the 5-1 loss to the Coyotes. A week ago we had newspapers and radio shows picking out who was going to be the new GM of the Leafs as everyone had assumed his days were done. Since then the Leafs have picked up 5 out of a possible 6 points and for the time being it seems as though that is all but a distant memory……For now. ...
[b]A special note to our friends at the Preds and Fox Sports South:[/b]
[i]WHY ON EARTH IS TONIGHT'S GAME NOT ON TV?[/i]
[b]Seriously? How often do we play in Toronto?[/b] I realize that the Preds TV package doesn’t allow for every game to be shown but there is zero reason why this game is not being shown on TV. Just glancing at the TV schedule I would gladly trade...
The Rant Man writes...
Buffalo Sabres: West Coast Story [and a Duck Tale too]
Posted Friday | Comments 5
This is for my Sabres followers. I figure I could fill you in on what I think of dropping a game to both the Ducks and Kings:
Well, after giving it hard to the Carolina Hurricanes before hitting the tarmac at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, you would think the Sabres being winners in 6 of their last 7 games prior to boarding the plane could carry the momentum...
The Maple Leafs have quieted the media and the naysayers for now, by going on a 4 game winning streak which they hope to carry on with tonight but does this mean that the team should not make a deal if there is one out there that can strengthen the club? According to Eck the Leafs are shopping Kaberle around a very bad move if you ask me but the team does need to improve t...
There have been many blogs and and posts debating the validity of calling the Toronto Maple Leafs a .500 hockey team. Most notably is James Duthie's blog over at TSN, who brings up good arguments, but I think his perception is flawed. Some will say the Leafs are at .500 with a record of 12-12-6, while others say that they have a losing record at 12-18. Forunately for the...
So here we are two weeks removed from the 5-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes the Leafs have won 5 of 6 and currently sit in a four way tie for 6th in the conference. Not bad when every Leaf fan wanted the team dismantled from top to bottom and it looked as though the team had finally reached rock bottom. Now let me just say that yes I was one of those that felt that wa...
I forgot to mention last night that the Leafs put Bates Battaglia on waivers.....Anybody care?????
Recently there has been much talk surrounding these two young, very talented players and probably for good reason. Liles is coming off of a superb year in which he was scoring with the "big boys" of the defensive world but is off to a rather slow start this season, while Svatty obviously had a disappointing year in comparison to his rookie campaign, but has started to pick...
I would like to lead with what everyone is talking about and that is Chris Simon. I personally would have no problem not ever seeing this guy step on the ice again. Players should realize playing in the NHL is a privilege and an honour and he does things to jeopardize his career constantly. Give the guy what he wants and deserves and show him the door.
The Sens look ...
[b]By Ryan MacLeod [/b]
Most leaf fans can put together a pretty long list of accomplishments stemming from Swedish centre Mats Sundin, but there is a new Swede invading the team’s ranks that I guarantee many know nothing about. That’s none other than prospect defenseman Anton Stralman. The team called him up from the AHL to help fill-in while McCabe is shelved, so ...
Ok here's the deal. The Maple Leafs always seem to face Backup goalies, it's getting ridiculous. 17 out of 35 games including tonights' game the leafs have faced a back-up goalie. You could say that it's 20 games but I left Carey Price's Starts out. so the breakdown is this:
14 wins in total
6 wins out of 17 games VS back-ups
17 games VS Backups
18 games VS Star...
This past weekend, I was enjoying a snow filled, hockey inspired trip to the city that breathes... Montreal. Myself and three of my friends, one being a Habs fan, were all attending our first game live. What better place then the Bell Centre for a classic match with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens? The game is just oozing with intensity and pre-game gitters....
DucksFan07 writes...
Need Tickets to Leafs-Lightening Game on Jan 1 in Toronto
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I am making a trip to Ottawa for the annual Bell Cup youth hockey tournament for my son during the holiday and then we are off to the HHOF in Toronto. While we are there, I would love to take my 10 yr old to ACC to watch the Leafs play the Lightening on Jan 1. What a great experience it would be for the both of us. As you in Toronto know, finding a ticket to a Leafs gam...
Hey all!
I just completed a guest spot with Noah Borer for The Hockey Ticket on mvn.com.
We talked Lightning and Islanders hockey, as well as some general NHL issues during what turned out to be - in my humble opinion, of course - an outstanding conversation!
Some of the things we covered:
Chris Simon
Colin Campbell's slip-up
The Isles goal scoring woes
Kyle...
The Florida Panthers will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs which is shaping up to look like a good game, tomorrow night at the Bank Atlantic Center. After coming off a big 5-4 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida will be looking to add another win to its arsenal tomorrow night. As for the leafs, I think the challenge might be greater than the past games, t...
I feel that this is a topic that has not been getting as much attention as it should. One of the best players in the NHL, he will be going into unrestricted free agency after this season. A blog from Sportsnet suggested that he goes to Montreal, but lets be serious, it won't happen.
Another popular one is that he will go to the leafs, but it certainly will not happen wi...
[img:left]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2007/12/balke_jason_n1.jpg[/img]
Every so often, at the mention Jason Blake, an Isles fan will spout off on how selfish he was with the puck. How he was a lockerroom cancer. How he was this. How he was that. What I will always recall of Blake, despite perhaps a mixed-bag of attributes, is that he was a 4th liner who m...
My vote is either Montreal, Detroit, or Toronto.
It has been suggested in other media that Montreal would be a great tie-in to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary. Great idea to highlight Original Six in any form.
Another floater has been to tie the Winter Classic to the All-Star Game. I like that idea even better if the All-Star Game is held in a norther...
[b]1. The Winter Classic[/b]
Overall, the event was a huge success, and I would expect that the NHL is going to plan more for the future. I'd like to see it happen in a Canadian city again though. Perhaps in the Rogers Center in Toronto.
[b]2. The Senators getting bossed around in Washington[/b]
As a leaf fan, i found this to be actually quite entertaining. Ottawa...
I have been slacking with the blogging thing with the holidays and all but that’s done and over with and I’m back! So when I last posted the Leafs were on a bit of a winning streak and all was looking good in Leaf land. My how things changed! Over there last 10 games the Leafs are 2-6-2 four points out of a playoff spot in 13th in the east.
For those who see the ...
Toronto's 3rd round pick in 2004 is coming into his own. Justin Pogge started the season with the Toronto Marlies splitting goaltending duties with former New Jersey Devil, Scott Clemmensen. Both played fairly well and one did not look superior over another. But a Vesa Toskala injury to the Toronto Maple Leafs might just be what Justin Pogge needed. With Clemmensen getting...
Steve Downie may have avoided a suspension for his sucker punch on Toronto's Jason Blake on Saturday night, but all eyes will continue to be on him each time he laces up the skates for some time to come. His antics in the infantile stages of his NHL career may just be the tip of the iceberg. If he keeps it up, his run as a pro may end up being over almost before it even tr...
John Ferguson, (General Manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs), is in quite a bind.
He is sitting in the press box, watching the team he built, blow games night after night. He is watching his team fall to injuries, again! He is watching the coaching staff he has backed fail to bring the team he built to the point he thinks that they should be playing at.
Essentially...
Look, like it or not, Toronto is the center of the hockey universe. Everything is blown out of proportion. Downie's action made for good air time, both on the the TV and written. That creates preasure on the league to "investigate" to at least curtail the media buzz the punch created. That punch however, damaged Downie's reputation with his peers far more than Blake's face...
On this day, January 8th, almost every Toronto media outlets have an article dedicated towards this intense toronto maple leafs situation. Let me just recap.
We currently sit at 13th place in the nhl eastern conference. What people are saying is that we should throw in the towels, trade away the veterans for future aspects and draft picks. To me, its seems like a great id...
Ron Guillet writes...
Rebuilding is the Only Hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted Wednesday | Comments 9
In the midst of yet another disappointing season for the blue and white, the question of rebuilding has resurfaced. A topic which has separated the mass of Leafs fans for quite a while – but to a lesser extent this season.
While the 07-08 regular season offered promise for the Leafs, according to Paul Maurice and John Ferguson Jr. anyway, it has proved to be nothing but...
As a Sens fan this is something that has been on my mind this season, if Mats Sundin were to decide to waive his no-trade clause and seek out a contender to join for a chance to win a cup, would I want to see the Sens go after him???
All trash talking and bad blood between the two teams aside, Mats Sundin is one heck of a hockey player with plenty left in the tank and in...
murdoch writes...
toronto revolution! i say bring it hamilton! by a flyers fan
Posted Thursday | Comments 2
they showed the 99 flyers leafs series on nhl network last nite. kinda where the hatred started between the two teams. the call on leclair was definitely a penalty. but you don't call it in the deciding game with 2 to go. it was a weak way to end a series. the flyers should have had the opportunity bowing out like men and playing the last 2 hockey minutes of the season.
...
thechad13 writes...
To all Leaf fans/hockey fans what do you think??????
Posted Thursday | Comments 13
Your opinion please.......If the Leafs lose tonight to the last place overall LA Kings who if anyone gets fired/traded? I have my opinion and based on the fact that Richard Petty is with the Leafs on this road trip I'm thinking this really could be last 24 hours for JFJ and then like dominos the rest of the pieces will start to fall as we get to and beyond the trade d...
The leafs are the worst team in the league by far. They are just lucky they are not in the western conference. The East does them a small bit of justice because of it's mediocrity. I can't belive this team, after getting their asses handed to them last night against the ducks they come out with an effort like that. The leafs have to get rid of Raycroft he is horrible. Put ...
I thought the entire hockey world had its eyes on [b]Steve Downie[/b] to see what he'd do next... Where's the widespread media coverage of his 3-game point streak (2g, 2a), including his long saucer pass to spring [b]Scott Hartnell[/b] on a breakaway for his hattrick goal against the [b]Rangers[/b]?
Who's worse: [b]Panthers[/b]' GM [b]Jacques Martin[/b], or [b]Panthers[...
-The MLSE Board is meeting in the wake of a 5-2 loss by the Leafs, with the agenda looking like change. General Manager John Ferguson jr and Head Coach Paul Maurice may both be dumped. It's staggering to see the Leafs playing so poorly.
I have to agree with the multitude of Leaf fans that have started calling for the napalm and dynamite. The Leafs have ability and can ...
mapleleaf92 writes...
If you had control of the Maple Leafs, what would you do?
Posted Friday | Comments 3
Lets try to have a little fun out of this dismal situation. If I had the powers of Richard Peddie and the GM, I would bring big change to this organization.
1. I would have the pleasure of inviting Ferguson into my office, then firing his ass for disgracing what used to be one of the most respected hockey teams in the world. I might yell at him a little bit too.
2. A...
First of all, as a new member of the My HockeyBuzz blogosphere family, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Steve Lehtinen and I am from Brantford, Ontario about 1 hour southwest of Toronto. I am a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan and a hockey fan in general.
Now, on to bigger things.
The current state of the Toronto Maple Leafs is about as grim as it gets. The m...
Lots to talk about in the wake of last night's 5-2 loss at the hands of the Minnesota Wild, and not much of it good.
Before I dive in to the vitriol, allow me to offer my season-long caveat: this team is on an upward trend long-term, in spite of its recent poor play. Probably about one third of the current roster is composed of guys who should be playing in the AHL, whi...
I thought about this one for a while a said "Oh what the hell ". It's like Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China. Damn what a good movie! So if the Rangers are really going to give this cup run a shot their gonna need a quality 1-2 punch in net. Cujo has had alot of nice playoff performances in his career. Those of you lucky enough to have the NHL Network can see t...
February 26th will mark the NHL Trade Deadline. The day where all GM's take out their microscope and scan their team searching for the tiny or gaping holes that separate them from either a) the Stanley Cup, or b) the playoffs.
In a time where scrutiny is the word best described, one aspect has always got me wondering...the pressure. The weights that are tied to GM's bec...
As the current Leafs team continues to slide down the slippery slope that is the Eastern conference, many fans are beginning to dream of greener pastures, and have begun to circle important dates like the Feb 26th trade deadline and the June 20th NHL draft. These two dates may finally offer some hope, and a brief glimpse of that elusive light at the end of the tunnel for s...
The feeling going into the Leafs road trip in California was that the Leafs needed atleast 4 points to stay in the realistic playoff picture. The guys went out and got destroyed by the Ducks....of course the organization played the Ducks off as the Stanley Cup Champions and so in their minds the 5-0 loss was completely acceptable.
Then they went out the following night...
The most painful part of being a Leaf fan has much more to do with what happens [u][i][b]off[/b][/i][/u] the ice. Why is it that Sundin is in the midst of one of his best seasons and yet the leafs are in the midst of one of their worst in Sundin's tenure? Why is it that Toskala looks like a goalie that is worth [b][i][u] a first and second[/u][/i][/b] round pick but the l...
Just thought I'd round up today's top stories;
Scotty Bowman came out today and said that he has no plans on leaving Detroit to join the dysfunctional Maple Leafs should they shake up the front office. As we all know, Bowman appeared in an interview on Hockey Night in Canada this past Saturday where he spilled the beans about MLSE. He said that the MLSE board of direc...
Just thought I'd see who you guys thought would best represent the "C" on the Maple Leafs with Sundin gone, either on a short-term basis, or long-term should he decide to sign elsewhere.
My Vote: McCabe.
First off, the guy is full of class. He has and always will be a symbol of the best of times in Leaf land, with his everlasting passion and love for the game. In fac...
Everyone that has and is currently following the Leafs knows that this team is in a sad state of affairs. The team is currently slumping badly on the ice winning only two of thirteen games, it has a coach that at this point probably doesn’t sleep much at night for fear that each day he wakes up may be the his last a coach of the team, it has a GM that is in the same sit...
Apparently PT Sports is saying that one of the top 3 GM candidates for the permanent position is current NSH GM David Poile.
He's certainly a man who knows how to build through the draft (Suter, Radulov, Weber, Erat, Hartnell, Legwand, Klein, Hamhuis, Tootoo)
As well as one who can find hidden gems from all mediums (Timmonen from Kings trade, Dumont as an FA, Mason ...
As I write this, John Ferguson Jr. is still the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as far as I know anyways. Of course it is completely possible that Ferguson was fired long ago and MLSE has asked him to hold the position while they search for an interim GM. This would explain why there has practically been no roster changes during this catastrophic slump, w...
1. [b]Raycroft Is More Depressed Than You[/b]
Poor Andrew. Sittin there on the bench, growin a suicide beard, thinkin about how Letterman stole his thunder. Even though old Howard Hughes hasnt stopped a lot of pucks lately, you have to assume that the beard will help him in the second half. Gigure showed us all in 2003 what a beard can do for you in a contract year. For a...
Yes, the Leafs won, that's not a typo. I guess John Ferguson and Paul Maurice can sleep a little sounder tonight knowing that their jobs are safe for one more day at least. The pundits will talk, sarcastically mind you, of how everything is a-ok in Leafland, and there will be thousands of Leafs fans throughout North America that will be quick to say that the Leafs are on t...
If you thought that Tuesday nights win over the Carolina Hurricanes, would continue on a winning note for the Toronto Maple Leafs, don't count on it. Sure, they play a great game tonight but that doesn't mean that they will continue down this path.
Lets face it, the Leafs are an abysmal hockey team these days. The Leafs have pulled off wins in 3 games out of the last 1...
Last nights loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs should say something about this team.
It needs a change.
While I'm sure there will be plenty to jump to the Cane's side on this, suggesting they are only one or two pieces away from being a legitimate contender, and as much as I love to believe that, they're not.
It says something about the team when Sergei Samsonov is t...
Last nights loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs should say something about this team.
It needs a change.
While I'm sure there will be plenty to jump to the Cane's side on this, suggesting they are only one or two pieces away from being a legitimate contender, and as much as I love to believe that, they're not.
It says something about the team when Sergei Samsonov is t...
As Kipper pointed out today on [i]Hockey Central at Noon[/i], there is a sudden shift in Leaf Nation's attitude towards John Ferguson Jr. (JFJ) -- and perhaps rightfully so -- but only a month ago collectively we were calling for JFJ's head on a blue and white platter, and now, with puppy dog eyes, we offer our death-bed sympathies.
There is no denying that JFJ's treatm...
While discussions run rampant of how the Leafs should dismantle their club, trading Sundin and bottoming out in the Eastern Conference seem to be the most approved tactic from fans of the blue and white. I am completely behind this plan, but many have overlooked some prospects in our own AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
The Marlies are enjoying a successful season u...
I don't even know if they would be able to keep frozen ice in there, but for the Montreal Canadiens' 100th Anniversary, Olympic Stadium is an ideal venue for a Regular Season game (vs. Toronto, Boston or Ottawa on New Years Day).
If you have unsuccessfully tried countless times to get some Habs tickets, you know how fast this game would sell out. They could do a couple ...
Unless you have been living under a rock lately, you might know that the Leafs are in the process of finding a new general manager to replace John Ferguson.
Today we learned that the bright minds and the very skilled researchers of our friends MLSE, found that the Cliff Fletcher was still under contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Even though they fired him back in April...
I think that Brian Burke is an overrated General Manager and alot of his praise should be given to Senators GM Brian Murray. The only good move he has made was the pronger deal. He lost Penner to RFA when he had ample time to sign him. Neidermeyer only signed because his brother plays on the team, it had nothing to do with Brain Burke. He signed Bertuzzi to a moronic deal ...
The situation in Leaf's Nation is very interesting. The Rumour of the Toronto Maple Leafs perhaps trading captin Mats Sundin brings butterflies to every Leaf fan in Toronto. The trade was suggested by hockey expert Bob Mckenzie. The trade would be a 3 way deal. The teams involved would perhaps involve the Calgary Flames, the Montreal Canadiens and of course our very own To...
Okay first of all get rid of Sundin I love him at heart and stuff but uh... we havent won a cup in over 40 years hello?? 2nd of all try to get someone like Mat Carle or Steve Bernier a franchise player who can step up... We need someone who can fill the shoes. step up take an A and put points on the board my suggestion Patrick Marleau and Steve Bernier for Antropov and Sun...
The last few weeks in this city have been frustrating; not just for MLSE, but for Leafs fans everywhere. With all the drama, accusations, job scrutiny and calls for the heads of many in MLSE upper management....I think many people forgot that the Toronto Maple Leafs are a hockey team rather than a business enterprise.
Needless to say, it was very calming and somewhat e...
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, word around the league is that the Flyers are gaining interest in Sundin and it's speculated that Holmgren may be willing to move Jeff Carter and a 1st round pick for Mats Sundin.
My Take: At first glance, this is quite a shocker as Philly is one of the deepest teams down the middle with Briere and Richards in addition to C...
Oh, the wonder of Toronto Maple Leafs' fans cheering against our once beloved team. It's a sad but necessary process which strips the energy and magic from cheering on the Buds.
Delusional as it is, most of Leaf Nation just pushed aside the terrible management decisions and held on to our lucky charms while praying to god - who is known as Mats Sundin for the Blue and ...
mapleleaf92 writes...
Just Win, or just lose, Leafs fans don't want both.
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Over the last few weeks, the word inconsistent has been made synonymous with the Toronto maple leafs. I have exams to study for, so I'll make this quick.
Sportsnet blogs and other sources say that the recent 3 game streak may not even be enough to save John Ferguson's job. Cliff Fletcher might be hired THIS WEEK. Then again, someone else made a good point that, unless M...
millertime writes...
Buffalo Doom & Gloom: Leafs-like situation may blow team up
Posted Monday | Comments 21
All the attention of the Hockey World, it seems, is on the Toronto Maple Leafs, but there's now a disaster just two hours southwest.
Someone told me it's the Curse of the Buffalo Bills that has inflicted this team. The moment they stepped on the ice at Ralph Wilson Stadium, they got a heavy dose of "We find ways to lose" injected into their bodies. Now I don't know if...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227906&hubname=
TSN is reporting that MLSE actually made a decision.
JFJ will no longer be holding the reins (if he ever really was) of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Announcement expected today.
Looks like Cliff is the man... and the only way he would take the job is if MLSE agreed to HIS terms, as Howard Berger outlined in his blog.....
So it has finally happened…..After sitting on what could be compared to death row for months now JFJ has finally been executed. I know that is a little harsh but at the same time it can’t be fun knowing that everyday you go into work it could be your last, having a boss that told the hockey world and anyone else that was listening that he made a mistake in hiring you ...
To start, I am completely behind the signing of Cliff Fletcher as interim GM. With the interim status he will be given the green light to undergo a series of changes in Leafs land, and all signs seem to point to the big, flashing rebuilding sign, I really don't have to explain why. However, some fans are skeptical on Fletcher because his track record of depleting youth and...
I have been a man of allegiances for many years now. I cheer for Vancouver, Bosaton and Dallas. There are other teams I root for when the playoffs get going, but I have always cheered for those three teams.
I have always had a healthy hatred for the Red Wings and the Maple Leafs. I live. I breathe. I hate the Maple Leafs.
Something has happened to me this year. Amids...
All I have to say is that I pray to god that Peddie keeps his nose out of the hiring process. We all know the guy has no clue what to look for in a GM. His Hockey sence is 0%. I do not understand for the life of me why the board puts this guy incharge of Hockey operations. He was lip sinking Fletchers words like he was some kind of puppet or something. Just when I think th...
The Washington Capitals have spoiled their followers lately, instilling an expectation that they will win every game - especially against foes that have worse records. Of course this is a silly notion. But what we have seen from this team is its ability to avoid consecutive lackluster performances, giving us plenty of hope for tonight's rematch in the District.
The Caps...
leafguy69 writes...
A New Beginning in Leafs Nation...or more of the same??
Posted Friday | Comments 0
With the John Ferguson Jr. era clearly behind us now and Cliff Fletcher back at the helm of the Maple Leafs ship. We can only hope there are no icebergs in the water.
With roughly 30 days remaining until the trade deadline it is paramount that the Leafs brass make trades for future help, meaning draft picks and young players, preferably under the age of 25.
The next ...
Conceptions around the NHL world differ on a newly implemented system – the NHL salary cap. It is a system that guarantees hope, even if it is an illusion to some, for less-talented teams that befall the lower class of the league.
The point of this experiment was too create a more competitive and intense league. So the NHL decided to bring in a system that rewards a p...
-Everyone goes out of their way to credit Anaheim's turnaround to the return of [b]Scott Niedermayer[/b]. Why has no one pinned their lousy start on the fact he sat home for the first 20-some games?
-Speaking of which, since veteran players can apparently take off a ton of games at the start of the year, why all the uproar about going to 84 games?
-Which all-star(s) ...
As we get closer the NHL trade deadline I like most Leaf fans out there await the first of what seems to be many moves Cliff Fletcher makes. There has been much talk of potential trades and moves that could be made by Cliff in the days to come, but there is one question that I have and it’s a question that I don’t know if anyone has an answer to. The question is what...
The Maple Leafs' line-up is starting to take on a Marlies complexion as bodies continue to drop to injuries or otherwise.
With Nik Antropov suspended for 3 games and John Pohl out with an ankle injury, it is expected Robbie Earl will make his NHL debut tomorrow night when the Maple Leafs host the Senators.
Chad Kilger remains out due to personal reasons and Boyd Dev...
S Kaspar Rollins writes...
Risk And Reward: Evaluating Potential Top Line Centers
Posted Saturday | Comments 2
The Flames' need, or at least want, for a top line center to play with Jarome Iginla seems to have expanded beyond the realms of fans playing armchair GM. During the second intermission of the Flames-Sharks game on Wednesday, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that, with the issue of re-signing Dion Phaneuf now all but officially out of the way, Darryl Sutter is shopping for suc...
Personally I've always had it in for Ray Emery. I didn't like him before he became a number one for the Senators, and I didn't like him once he assumed (usurped) the starting role from Dominik Hasek. I didn't like him when he put Mike Tyson on his helmet, nor did I like him when he took the Senators to the Cup Finals. I didn't much care for his road rage incident, and I...
Why is is when the Leafs are a playoff team they couldn't beat the Ottawa Senators during the regular season to save their lives.......but now that they aren't they have little problem with them? I know Alfredson and Heatley didn't play but still if the Leafs were a playoff team they would have found a way to lose!
Well there really isn't too much to say about last night abysmal loss to the Leafs, what is happening to the Sens???? now I know the injury situation is hardly something that can be overlooked, you cant pull 3 top tier players off any team and expect them to be as competitive, The loss of Alfie and Heater has been huge to this team so far, and last nights last minute scrat...
The general consensus is that this is mission impossible for Fletcher. Personally, I think he is in an amazing position (and I think he knows this). For the first time EVER in Toronto a GM has zero expectations to win (actually, most would prefer if they lose), he has free reign from management and fans to trade who ever he wants, he has the authority to eat salary to cl...
I dont know why all the media is worried about these guys with no trade clauses. Demoting Players to the minors for the season like the Rangers did with Kasperitus will have these guys with NTC running out of T.O. The only player the franchise owes anything to is Matts everyone else either wiaves it or gets demoted. No one will play a season with the marlies they are way t...
CAPMESS11 writes...
RANGERS COULD PULL A TIKKANEN BY GETTING ROB BLAKE...
Posted Monday | Comments 10
In March 1994 I sat down to watch the Rangers take on Mark Messier's former team. The Oilers were in town, and I cranked up MSG just after dinner. Anticipating a great game, I got an extra suprise when the Rangers traded one of my favorite young players Doug Weight for Esa Tikkanen. It was a deal virtually done in the halls of MSG. Weight walked from the Rangers dressing r...
I posted this as a comment in one of the topics in the forum, but I felt it was long and detailed enough to post as my blog as well;
First of all....I would make no major changes to the game itself....maybe just eliminate the instigator penalty.
Some of you guys are arguing that owners would lose too much money expanding the ice surface........ummm.....why the hell d...
The Montreal Canadiens are gelling right now and I see a reason why we should not get a rental player. The first reason is our team is close to 1st in the east so why mess with them. Another we will be giving way to much for rental player such as the likes of Hossa. The only reason to go for a player like that is if we have knowledge that they will sign with us and keep th...
Anyone out there sick of hearing about the leafs on all the sports channels, internet blogs, and radio shows? I personally am, and I have developed a hatred for the leafs.
Although the Maple Leafs are the centre of the hockey world, they are not the centre of MY hockey world. I think it is unfair that every Saturday night that I sit down to watch HNIC, The leafs play th...
While not a Leaf fan, I always enjoy the talk about every single player in organized hockey wanting to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It always happens around Trade Deadline Tuesday and July 1. Of course, it hasn't been helping that the Leafs are on the bubble every year recently to get in, and likely need the boost. Anyway, the Leafs need to do some major trades this d...
The first big trade has happened. Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore are headed to the Ottawa, while Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo are headed to Carolina.
This is very good trade by Bryan Murray, taking advantage of Carolina's desperation for a puck moving defenceman. He brings in two guys who know how to win in the post-season and have a wealth of playoff experience. They ...
Mats Sundin the all time Leaf scoring leader is rumoured to be willing to waive his no trade clause for certain teams in a bid to help the Leafs future, i being a Leaf fan would love to see the Big Swede return in the summer, since at this time we do not have anyone who can replace Sundin's point production, Sundin will most likely be traded along with a current roster pla...
So after reading endless posts about the leafs, and who they could get for our captain...I thought i would just put up a list of players i would love to see in a leaf jersey once the trade deadline passes. I am not an NHL GM and find myself unqualified to be planning trades, but here are some players i believe the leafs could get their hands on with the right moves by Mr. ...
10:07 p.m.: Some quick post-game wrap-up...Big win for the Sabres. Miller 1st star with 35 saves and Gaustad with the GWG. Other updates since Buffalo's game ended, the Habs win in OT 2-1, Boston holds on to win 2-1 and they actually pass the Rangers in the process, at least for now, as they have one more win and two games in hand.
Updated Eastern Conference standings l...
There have been a great many Sundin-rumours thrown around of late, but there is one that leaves me scratching my head. Sundin to Vancouver for a package headlined by Ryan Kesler. Why Ryan Kesler? Why is he the important piece to centre a deal around? I've seen him play and he doesn't stand out to me as an impact player. When people start talking about him like he's a seri...
tyler_31 writes...
Canadian T-Deadline Gameplan: Part I of IV - Calgary Flames
Posted Thursday | Comments 5
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Today, I will begin with the Calgary Flames. Friday:...
tyler_31 writes...
Canadian T-Deadline Gameplan: Part II of IV-Edmonton Oilers
Posted Friday | Comments 13
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Yesterday, I will did the Calgary Flames (See Archiv...
In the "Salary Cap" world of today's NHL, all teams must configure their rosters to fit within the Cap currently set at $50.3M USD. And this system encourages a bargaining chip - the no trade clause.
While general managers employ this for different reasons, it ends up having the same effect. Some will use it to pursue players in the free agent frenzy to assure them of s...
So as a Leaf fan whats one to do, other than speculate on what will occur during the trade deadline? Now I've heard tons of ideas for trades, mostly ludicrous. We as fans tend to overestimate the value of some of our players, and we also tend not to realize the rest of the league knows what position were in, and thats one of weakness. So I figured I'd contribute to endless...
The deadline is only 8 days away and the rumors are swirling like crazy. Especially regarding the Leafs. The Leafs are getting more air time than ever in Canada right now, which is hard to believe considering East Coast TV always leads with the Leafs regardless of their standing in the league. But this blog isn't complaining about the centre of the universe, I just want to...
[b]The Blue Jackets arrived in Toronto yesterday[/b], undoubtedly hockey's hotbed and also the breeding ground of immense speculation over the past couple of months. Maple Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher has been rumored to do everything to his roster except put Vesa Toskala at center.
[b]From Columbus' perspective, it offers them another chance [/b]to pla...
[b]Tonight's game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs [/b]presents an interesting set of circumstances for the visiting squad. Coming off a putrid effort Sunday night in St. Louis, the Blue Jackets will look to exploit one of the league's worst defensive teams and get back on track.
[b]Left winger Rick Nash, born and raised in nearby Brampton...
Rob McGowan writes...
Why Blake Returning to The Isles May Be a Good Thing
Posted Tuesday | Comments 7
I've finally decided that instead of continuously posting on the boards about the potential trade of McCabe and Blake back to Long Island, that I'll just rant and rave here for my second post in one day....yes...I sadly do not know where my priorities are...or maybe I do ;) And since my last blog had plenty to say about Bryan McCabe, this one will discuss that speedy cog, ...
Yup, I've decided to stop posting random BS on other boards and voice my opinion out here. In this deep, dark world known as hockey blogging. Anyways, HUGE Leaf fan. HUGE hater of all the good teams. Good teams, being those better than Toronto, or basically, 28 teams.
So, heres my rant about the Leafs. And what I feel they could do.
Sundin. That's it. The blogs done. A...
[b]Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock[/b] looks as if he's aged forty years in the past four days. And rightfully so. His team's performance has been brilliant in minute stretches, pitiful in large quantities and unspirited for the majority. After a solid start to the season, his team is now last in goal-scoring in the National Hockey League, and have fallen from a top ...
Why This Latest Pulp Fiction Making the Rounds Will Likely Not Be Happening
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/pulpgm.jpg[/img]
GM Garth and former GM, JFJ
Reports are flying around that Cliff Fletcher, the new GM for Toronto and our Garth Snow were discussing McCabe. Let's look a bit more into that and debunk the rumormill which has heated up due to it.
Bryan McCab...
I’m not Darryl Sutter, though, so I’m just having fun and you can read and comment all you like. Sure, most are wishful thinking and maybe even a bit far-fetched, but have fun anyway.
1) [b][i]Trade Matthew Lombardi, Anders Eriksson, Andrej Taratukhin, and 2009 #2 Draft Pick to Florida for Olli Jokinen:[/i][/b] Flames get the #1 Center they’ve been wanting for yea...
I woke up this morning feeling very frustrated.
Frustrated with knowing that with every win the Leafs put together in this time before the trading deadline, the makeover of the Leafs becomes a more difficult task for Fletcher. Why? Because Fletcher doesn't have the ultimate say on where this team can go over the next 3-4 seasons. Let me correct myself. He does hav...
Now, i'm a guy who likes making predictions, typically my predictions are wrong, but i still make them nonethless. So i figured i would go ahead and make my prediction on what the Sundin trade will look like. So here it is:
To Toronto:
roster player
1st tier prospect
2nd tier prospect
1st round pick in 2008
3rd round pick in 2008
To Team TBD:
Mats Sundin
roste...
To many Leaf fans, this question has been asked TOO many times. The answer? Well, according to one Matt Stajan, "Stay home if you want us (the Leafs) to lose, just to get positioning in the draft lottery". Of course, there is some paraphrasing in that. I can't find the exact quote, but I saw it on TSN.
I'm one of those Leaf fans though. Why can't we just lose? Honestly...
January 22, 2008 - Cliff Fletcher re-hired as Leafs Interim GM...as stated by the silver fox himself, Cliff was to take a couple of weeks to evaluate the roster and it was widely speculated in the media and online that he was brought in with a mandate to clear cap space, re-make the roster and put the team on a path to re-building similar to the Flyers model of this past o...
With all the trade speculation going on with Mats Sundin and Bryan McCabe along with others, it seems as if Toronto has forgotten about the younger players on the team. Last night, Steen and the Maple Leafs have agreed on a two year contract worth 3.4 million dollars.
I say, bravo Cliff Fletcher. Thank God that Ferguson was not around to make this extension instead. He...
Well, it certainly looks like Mats has dug in and he is going to go down with his ship. If this were a movie I think we'd all be applauding our hero. So committed, such the "anti-athlete", cares more about the city that has idolized him than winning a championship. Cue the haunting violin now...
SNAP OUT OF IT! This is NOT - repeat NOT - the idealic "[i]Jerry Maguir...
As the deadline seems to inch closer and closer, I seem to do the same towards Sundin.
He has been a solid player throughout the season, as he has his whole career. Easily the Leafs best player this season. Arguably, the best all-time. He has set both NHL records, as well as franchise records with the Leafs. He has averaged over a point per game throughout hi...
Dear Mats Sundin,
I realize that you spend hours in the gym and on the ice every week trying to prepare yourself for the rigours of playing hockey at the NHL level. However, I also know (based on two very reliable sources) that you take the time to read every single comment and post made on this site so I thought I would clear a few things up.
First off, I was...
I was reading through Ek's blog and the comments left by many people concerning Mats Sundin's desire to stay in Toronto and I couldn't help but think so many people are mis guided.
The number of "Mats is selfish", "Mats is not thinking of the team", "Mats is an idiot" etc type replies was very alarming and extremely disappointing to me.
Assuming that what Sundin said...
other trade rumors I found for today...
Canucks are a big-time player in trade talks for the likes of Brad Richards, Olli Jokinen, but don't like richards salary or minus 25 on the year.
Tanguay, rumored to be headed to Montreal for Michael Ryder, Tanguay also has a no-trade clause and it's been recently reported that he would be willing to accept a trade to Montreal...
"Thanks for nothing Mats". WHATT?! I saw this yesterday right after Berger broke the news of Sundin's decision to not waive his NTC.
Are you kidding me? You know what, no, obviously you aren't. You pathetic excuses for Lea-- no, hockey fans. How DARE you disrespect such a legacy like that of Mats Sundin. Seriously how about this.
Thank you Mats for your hard-work and ...
My father had a funny way of declaring how smart he was (or thought he was, depending on the situation). He would tap the side of his head and say “I knew there was a reason why I have headaches all the time.” I guess now it’s my turn, because less than a week ago, I indicated that I highly doubted Cliff Fletcher would be able to do anything of significance before ...
Finally. Something is starting to happen. Even our good friend Eklund was suprised by the Peter Forsberg signing with the Avalanche. Peter did say early on that he would be coming back to one of his former teams if he did come back, and he was true to his word.
So who will be next? Brian Campbell? Marian Hossa? Olli Jokinen? While that is yet to be seen, one thin...
Is anybody else tired of another Leafs season that seems destined to end with the Buds in 9th place in the conference and a 13th overall draft position? I was hoping that it would be taken care of with a trade of Sundin but I guess that a chance at Stamkos is not meant to be (by the way, I'm not bitter that Sundin decided not to waive, if anybody deserves to say 'no' it's...
After a long and suspenseful NHL Trade Deadline, Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher felt the ripple effects from former GM, JFJ. With Bryan McCabe, Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle, Darcy Tucker and Pavel Kubina all refusing to waive their respective no-trade clause agreement, "Silver Fox" had to chip away the outer core.
Hal Gill, Chad Kilger and Wade Belak are no longer Toronto ...
In all my years of watching sports, I have never seen anything quite like what is transpiring at the ACC right now. Cliff Fletcher was hired with a mandate to gut this team, move some of these "untradeable" contracts and begin the process of rebuilding this Leafs team from the ground up. Funny thing happened along the way though. All of these players that no one else wo...
This blog is specified between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins -- two teams that have felt the cold and unfair hand of management stamp down on decisions, exiling the General Managers. It is a [i]proces[/i]s which can end a GM's tenure quite easily. The management sees an opportunity, exploits it whether or not the GM sees fit, and the repercussions always ...
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and this is mine, so flame away if you wish.
What I annoys me the most is the tendency of Leaf fans to hop on the bandwagon or the "Fad of the Day".
When the team is winning, they jump all over the radio hosts saying "I told you so. I told you so."
When the team is losing, everyone coins the catch phrase "blame MLSE" and they...
Well Ottawa pulled one out last night against a depleted Pittsburg team, and ya know what? it wasnt the prettiest of wins, but ill take it right now! You can immediately see the impact of having Murray back behind the bench as the Sens have a new fire and passion in there game which had been sorely missing, the players finally seem to know there assignments and are out the...
Fellow Leaf fans, it appears as though the Leafs are no closer to winning a cup today, then they were in the days of Harold Ballard. Oh woe is me, 41 years and counting. Look's like I'm going to have to start eating right, exercising, and taking my vitamins if I stand a snowballs chance of seeing the Leafs hoist Lord Stanley.
The worst part of this whole debacle is not...
The NY papers are breaking news today that Sean Avery contract talks have been called off ! Are you kidding me? Those of you who still think Sean is the most overrated,worthless,blah blah, in the league can line up and watch you favorite team start bidding the summer. If you still don't think he's good, look at the Rangers record with or without Avery. The deadline mov...
I ussually try to watch every Canadian hockey Team in the NHL. The Center Ice Package has been a blessing for real hockey fanatics like myself. I remember a short time ago when the only hockey games that were televised were on the CBC on Saturdays and your selection of games was either a Leafs game or Habs game.
There is nothing wrong with that, however the exposure tha...
thechad13 writes...
Toronto's playoff push is just a mirage.....Here is why.
Posted Friday | Comments 3
As we enter mid March the Toronto Maple Leafs have once again put together a run that has seen them tease their fans with the thought of playoff hockey in 2008. Since February 2nd The Leafs have managed to put together a run of 10-5-0-1 and as of the end of play tonight sit six points out of the eighth and final playoff spot with thirteen games left to play. With that b...
The 2007-2008 NHL season has pretty much become a write-off for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans. Most of the blame for the mediocre season has fallen into the hands of one John Ferguson Jr. for many of the questionable decisions he made as Leafs General Manager. Trading Tukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft obviously tops that list , but neither of those players had a re...
stoneford writes...
3 Posts in the first period, New Jersey With the Lead
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The first period in Toronto has come to a close and the New Jersey Devils are standing on top with a 1-0 lead. It was mostly an uninspiring 20 minutes for both clubs. The Devils managed a goal on a Zach Parise 2nds effort after Jamie Langenbrunner proved that hard work is worth more than skill. Not that he doesn't have any, but he charged for a loose puck, outworked Bri...
After having tied the game with minutes to go in the third period, the Toronto Maple Leafs get the butt end of the stick on a non call which allowed the New Jersey Devils to score the game winning goal on goaltender Vesa Toskala.
What a dissapointment this is. The Leafs were in position to get a minimum of 1 point and maybe more but due to this poor non call by the off...
The Leafs lost to the New Jersey Devils twice in 5 nights, as the Devils reclaimed the top seed in the Eastern division.
Kyle Wellwood logged 11:47 minutes of ice-time as he had [b]ZERO[/b] goals [b]ZERO[/b] assists [b]ZERO[/b] shots on goal and [b]ZERO[/b] points. Now it has come to my attention that he had been demoted to the third line playing with Moore and Ponikar...
I've come to realize that my mathematics professors at my alma mater failed to mention that the theories of probability and statistics [i]aren't[/i] universal after all. They immediately cease to be valid once you walk through the gates of the Air Canada Center. You see, it just doesn't matter how mathematically improbable it is for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make the play...
Assuming that everyone's win-loss-otL-soL ratio stays the same, I took the time to calculate how many points everyone will have by the end of the season.
[b]Eastern Conference[/b]
NEW JERSEY DEVILS- 102 Points
Montreal Canadiens 100 Points
CAROLINA HURRICANES- 91 Points
Pittsburgh Penguins- 100 Points
Ottawa Senators- 97 Points
New York Rangers- 96 Points
Boston ...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
3-3 tie going into overtime but Flyers get point, Leafs Out
Posted Tuesday | Comments 3
No love lost between these two teams and that is evident from the jump.
The Flyers withstood a vicious barrage from the hometown Leafs as a stellar Marty Biron swatted aside 13 Toronto shots. The Leafs threw the kitchen sink at the boys and they held their ground.
Resurgent Scottie Upshall scored an even strength goal - his 12th - at the 13:26 mark of the first on...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Trouble ahead, trouble behind - Flyers & Leafs part deux
Posted Wednesday | Comments 4
[img]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/thewirewool/Grateful-Dead.jpg[/img]
Jerry and the Boys - 1971 at the Palladium
[i]Trouble ahead
Trouble behind
and you know that notion
just crossed my mind...
[/i]
[b]Trouble Behind:[/b]
Ugh. The notion that crossed my mind with about 11 minutes left in the 3rd period of last nights' Flyers/Leafs tussle in Toronto ...
After watching the Maple Leafs all season long I realized that this team has zero finnish.
What I mean by this is the Leafs get tons of scoring chances per game but have alot of problems cashing in on them. Whether its missed opportunitys by hitting posts, missing the net, or just shooting the puck into the goalies crest the leafs seem to find away to not score when the...
Yes Mats is still with us in Leaf land. Yes he invoked his no trade clause at the deadline. Yes Mats Sundin will be back in the blue and white next season and yes it will be with a no trade attached to the bottom of the contract. There is no reason to believe Sundin will retire at years end with or without a playoff appearance by the blue and white express. This stea...
Alright, so with 10 games left in the season and Sundin possibly on the shelf for at least one game, this is how I figure things will come down. I have read the predictions. Everyone thinks the Leafs will miss, all be it slightly, but still miss the playoffs for a franchise first 3rd straight year. I believe the common oppinion is a 9th place finish. CBC is cancellin...
B.D. Gallof writes...
OkposoMania Running Wild as Isles Fall to Montreal Again
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
So after another drubbing upon the Isles, the Official Isles website has 4 stories and features on Kyle Okposo, along with the China story. And nothing about the 3-0 loss to Montreal last night. The game recap is buried. If you watched the game, you watched an ineffectual offense unable to make a dent in Halak, making him look like Hasek. And despite a better effort and go...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Flyers' barely hold 8th seed...and don't call me Shirley
Posted Monday | Comments 15
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/flyersairplane.jpg?t=1205718259[/img]
The last week in Flyerdom has been a rough one for fans of the Orange and Black. The team has gone from solidly holding the 8th seed and possibly moving up in the playoff standings to holding on for its life by the thinnest of threads. As the season began to unravel at the hands ...
Isles have Okposo and 50% off tickets so you can see him. But, they also plead for you not to buy into the hype. A mixed message if I ever saw one. And perhaps a slight schism in the internal politics of sales mechanics versus team dynamics, as a season is awash in disappointment. There is no doubt that people like the coach, GM and VP of Media Relations, Chris Botta (who ...
[b]DP Iced: Gone for Season [/b]
DP is now out for the year, as now his right hip will be operated on. The poorest kept secret in hockey is now done. Rick has likely been hurt since the all star game, and has clearly contributed to his second-half falter. It might also explain his extended sitting after his grandmother passed away.
So, surgery on his left hip after ...
Willie Wilts writes...
LEAFS: Who Will Be Paid In Full Come June Draft.
Posted Thursday | Comments 5
With the Leafs all but out of playoff contention, Interum GM Cliff Fletcher headed west to scout talent and a pair of back to backs this weekend that may force Leaf fans off the ledge, lets turn our focus to the 'rebuild'...It has been reported that GM Fletcher has "extra" money to buy-out any contracts he feels need discarded. When the term buy-out is mentioned shortly a...
I am all for the Mapleleafs, and would love to seem them make the playoffs, but it is not going to happen folks, let me explain. Lets consider for a moment that the Leafs win all of their remaining games for a total of 92 Points, now for the sake of argument lets assume all of the remaining teams also win all of their games so we can see how many loses each team will need ...
[img:left]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20070923/pogge_54611.jpg[/img]I had an opportunity to see the Leafs future #1 netminder tonight, as his Marlies visited Hamilton in the first game of a home-and-home, picking up a 3-2 victory in overtime. I say "future #1" with conviction after what I saw tonight. Not that there was any doubt before I got to see him in person, ...
The NHL has made a cultural shift since the lockout. In a game that was once dominated by players in their early to mid thirties, a youth movement has taken place. Now we have players like Crosby, Ovechkin and Phaneuf among many others who are dominating the game while in their early twenties. It is players like these that every team covets, and if you ask any GM in the...
Ron Guillet writes...
Shedding Light on Vesa Toskala and the Leafs Future
Posted Saturday | Comments 10
After the recent 174-foot goal Vesa Toskala allowed against the Islanders, many non-Leafs fans may question the 31 year old goaltender, but that would be a mistake if you're not aware what kind of season he's endured with the Blue and White.
To begin, when the Leafs acquired Vesa Toskala in the summer, they were not expecting top five quality goaltending. Fact is, Tosk...
Here they come lead by their knight in shining armour Vesa Toskala. Maple leafs fans haven't been treated to something like this since Cujo pulled on a blue and white jersey. If JFJ did ANYTHING right in his time as Leafs GM it CERTAINLY would be bringing in Toskala. Even with being saddled with Bell's 2 mil/2yr deal the Toskala aquisition was just what the Leafs needed...
The last 4 to 6 weeks as a Leaf follower and fan have been quite a roller coaster ride for all involved. Leaf fans must be feeling fully schizophrenic these days. Only a person with complete bipolar personality disorder can logically accept that the Leafs will fall short of the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row while simultaneously cheer loudly for yet another miraculou...
You can bark and scream at the moon all you want...you can debate on websites, appeal to your friends for reason, throw your remote control across the room...all of it. I come onto this site and laugh and laugh at guys who think they can re-invent the wheel or even funnier, appeal for reason and devise gameplans to help their team - my team - the Leafs, run the ship into t...
The passing of the torch is an expression in the sports world that is often used when a team sees the face of there franchise either retire or slowly fade to the back while a younger player steps up to replace him in that role in the hopes of leading his team to greatness. In Toronto this passing of the torch is slowly but surely starting to happen. As it stands rig...
In hockey, there used to be one goal....that was to win the Stanley Cup. It didn't matter how much money you made when you won it, it didn't matter how ready for the future the team was, the team's cap situation didn't matter.....no the business aspect stayed out of the history books.
It used to be when a team won the Stanley Cup, the team was engraved forever in hocke...
In spite of all the negative attention surrounding the Leafs lately, I thought I'd take a different angle and -- god forbid -- take a look to the future of a possible playoff berth. While the Leafs have their work cut out for them, it’s not impossible for them to attain post-season play. While it may seem improbable considering the teams they must leapfrog, the recent pl...
Dominic Moore and Kris Newbury were providing the electric charge but the Leafs failed to capture lightning in a bottle as they watched their playoff hopes fade.. again. [IMG:left]http://i25.tinypic.com/23wguh.jpg[/IMG] The dream is over. Although most true Leafs fans knew in the back of their minds it was a hill that was likely way to steep for the boys in blue to climb...
Reading Howard Berger's latest blog got me thinking, who is really to blame for the state of the leafs. I have my opinion... One reader disagrees. This is his comment that gave me the desire to write this blog... and my response following.
[quote=peedy7]If Mats Sundin and the others, would have waived their NTC, the Leafs would have made the playoffs this season, afte...
Bob McKenzie.
Don and Ron.
They've all opined on no-touch icing: that it should be banned; that it should be ridiculed as a barbaric law that has hung above us for far too long; that it should be modified.
All points have validity, but modification fits most with me.
[i]We [/i]fear for the back-checking D - sliding, ankle-first, into the boards.
[i]He [...
It will be a relief to some that I've yet to see Andrew Raycroft's picture on a milk carton (yes, Mrs.Raycroft, I'm sure he's okay). I drink a lot of milk (for healthy bones) so I would be the first to know were he missing from anywhere outside of the rink.
But missing on the rink he is. He hasn't started a game in what seems to be ages (November 18th I believe, but I'...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have started a rather unsavoury tradition in recent years. Having officially and mathematically been eliminated from playoff competition again this year, they have now entered their 3rd annual "retooling" year. Unlike previous years however, there appears to be real hope and belief amongst both the Leaf fans and the media that things will be much ...
We're all getting riled up for playoffs and every now and then I still see people whining about the physical style that is hockey. This is hockey people. Hockey players get hurt, it's an outcome a physical game brings. This isn't a new growing problem, checking has been there since the beginning.
NHL teams made a mistake when they figured they no longer need tough guys...
[i]"The delusion that normally overwhelms fans of the Maple Leafs is already in full-bloom among those who fantasize about Steven Stamkos playing in Toronto. All it took was Fletcher refusing to dismiss the notion of trading up in the draft. [b]Cyberspace geniuses [/b]have convinced themselves that peddling Alex Steen (signed at $3.4-million for the next two years) and the...
Acekicker123 writes...
Leafs are new favourite in Brunnstrom Sweepstakes
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
According to TSN's hockey insider, Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs have moved to the forefront of the race to sign renowned Swedish phenom Fabian Brunnstrom.
Apparently, Brunnstrom was days away from putting the finishing touches on a contract with the Vancouver Canucks, after having discussions about the team's future with former GM Dave Nonis. With the firing o...
Burke Is [b]Not[/b] the new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. So now what? Well this may be a blessing in a disguise, or maybe it just sucks. Personally Burke was a qualified candidate who had the savvy to deal with media and ownership. His draft record however was abysmal, but maybe with some money injected in our scouting department who knows. Personally I want Nill to get ...
Big fan of former LAK GM Dave Taylor.
In my mind, to be a successful GM of a rebuilding team you need three strong qualities:
1) The ability to build through the draft
2) The ability to make shrewd trades
3) The ability to pick up bargains in the UFA market
In my mind, Taylor has all three of these qualities, and I'll quickly explain why, providing some exam...
The majority of sports pundits realize that when ever their is a change at a General Manager's position, a coaching change is also expected. This goes for almost all sports. All fans in Leafs Nation knew there was a GM change upcoming, and therefor the knowledgeable fans would realize that a coaching change would most likely be inorder.
However. . . in this situation, ...
It's still early in the Rangers off season,but never too early to explore off season options. This is a quick post just on some forwards the Rangers could take a run at.
1) Ryan Malone- Not only could the Rangers bring him in but he could also apologize to Chris Drury for costing them the series. He's a hell of a young player with good hands and hulking si...
The Maple Leafs and Canucks got an early jump on the off-season. Some thoughts:
-Toronto did the right thing in firing Paul Maurice. It gives him the whole summer to find a new job, and it also gives the new GM a free hand to name his own bench boss. It appears as if they Leafs will have that new GM in place before the draft. Obviously Dave Nonis is a candidate, but I'd...
This is a follow up to an early blog this season. I am still waiting to see if any fans are ready to put together the petition to bring back #16. If Sather lets Sean Avery walk, Aves will have no problem getting big market clubs to take him on.
Toronto- The hometown kid can not only replace #16 but put on Tuckers jersey as well. Avery could provide the leafs with...
I'm afraid fans in Toronto are still delusional. They may have opened their eyes after having them closed for so long, but they are still blinded by the sun.
I cannot see any well respected and established General Manager taking a job with the Leafs. The team is currently coming off of a disaster of a season, with little help coming from within the organization. Top ...
Jon Jordan writes...
The Coaching Carousel Could Soon Hit Full Spin Cycle
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
***This is a reprint of today's entry from my main page Lightning blog.***
Ron Wilson's ousting as head coach of the San Jose Sharks makes him the latest name to be added to the ever-growing list of NHL coaching candidates. Technically, there are six vacancies at present - Atlanta, Colorado, Florida, Ottawa, San Jose and Toronto - with three other intriguing situations ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Could Blake still be missing LI? Here we go again...
Posted Tuesday | Comments 7
As recently reported per TSN, Blake is open to the possibility of being traded this summer.
There's no question that the Leafs had a very poor season and have spent too much money on players that were not worth the cash, Blake being one of them. His 40 goal season from two years ago was not a part of his game play this year, as he finished with 13 goals and 52 points. ...
If this rumor of the Rangers exploring the possibility of brining Jay Bouwmeester to NY progresses, than I just want to get some feed back for both fan bases. I think the deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. The Panthers could use some young depth players to mesh with their young rising core. I would hate to loose him but Florida could ask for Brandon Dubinky wh...
Okay so the draft is a little over a month away, we know that this draft is headlined by one Steven Stamkos, but as far as I'm concerned, the NHL draft goes 7 rounds, not just 1 pick. I decided to break down all seven rounds of the NHL draft and offer up some of the possibilities. This mock draft is based on the CSB Final Rankings.
[u][b]Round 1 [/b][/u]
1. Lig...
It was the X-mas of 91-92 I was 12 years old and already bleeding Red,White,and Blue. Having started watching Ranger games with the names of Kisio,Mallette,Turcotte,Beezer,Jonnie "O",and Mullen in the mix. There was Domi and "Knuckles" Nylan fading out his career,while a fresh kid from team USA named Mike Richter was knocking on the door of greatness. In 89-90 Neil Smi...
So the Latest from the NY Post has the Rangers walking away from Sean Avery. Are we missing something? Does Aves have pics of Sather in Marv Albert gear? Did Sather have his heart set on dating the Olsons? Well it looks like the closest Glen will get to one of them, is watching his Full House DVDs on the plane. What makes this situation even worse is that it looks Long Is...
After watching Sundin accept the Messier Award yesterday,I couldn't help but realize why the Rangers aren't mentioned in the " Mats sweepstakes". They will lose a few vets in Shannahan and possibly Straka. Malik and Mara could walk and the cap will increase. After reaping the rewards of the first award recipient ( Shanny) ,maybe the Rangers should follow up with the seco...
It's no secret that the Leafs contain a very limited number of promising prospects. However, it wasn't long ago that Alexander Steen and Kyle Wellwood were compared to the Flyers' young duo in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Three years into their respective NHL careers, the Leafs youngsters find themselves on the backburner after promising seasons.
While the difference ...
As if it wasn't a big enough concern that the team I have all but worshiped for my whole life has missed the playoffs for 3 consecutive years, now I find myself worrying about the whole management situation that is an on-going mess in Toronto.
It is very troublesome that with an exceptionally crucial draft approaching, current interim GM Fletcher is apparently focussed ...
It was a great game to watch, easily the best game I've watched since the first round of the playoffs... it made the San Jose/Dallas overtime game look like a soccer match.
Now, the Pens and their loyal fans and bandwagon fans feel a run coming on, the same improbable run that Anaheim, Dallas, San Jose and Philly all thought their teams had in them... with none of the a...
With recent news surfacing that Ron Wilson may be well on his way to becoming the Leafs' next head coach, I can't help but think this is -- yet again -- another step sideways for this stumbling organization.
While Wilson has coached over 1000 games in the NHL and has the most wins out of any coach available (an impressive 518-426-101-46 record) he is also someone who wa...
While this is based squarely on potential, the talent in goaltending that could belong in the North-East Divison is both impressive and worrisome. It's very possible some of these prospects fall through the cracks and endure disappointing NHL careers compared to what was expected of them, but the prospect of having four star goaltenders in the same division is an enticing ...
Since the end of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, all the focus has been placed on restructuring management and the coaching staff. Now with Burke all but cemented as this team's eventual GM (a Burke/Wilson combo is the best possible scenario Leaf fans could have hoped for..imo), Fletcher needs to go into overdrive restructuring this roster.
We can speculate on ...
Here's a switch from traditional thinking - A Canadian team that will accept missing the play-offs this year and a Florida team that MUST win or face potentially franchise threatening woes.
The set-up is there to see some deals done with the salary cap as a factor for both teams, but with needs on both sides that might see a decent fit.
Tampa has continually been loo...
Willie Wilts writes...
LEAFS Accepting Defeat Before Puck Even Drops On '08-'09???
Posted Wednesday | Comments 17
With the latest class of youngsters ready to take their seats in Ottawa and wait to be called upon, Leaf Nation is being shaken by rumblings that the blue and white may already be conceding defeat before the zambonies are even gased up. Although it isn't a real big surprise to anyone that the Leafs will likely struggle in the new campaign it IS however disheartening to he...
Whether you think he'll be bought out, then signed as a Free agent or traded willingly, the general feeling is that Darcy Tucker will likely end next season on a different NHL team. Moving him really doesn't free up that much cap cash, but players like Tucker can be game-breakers, and as such, retains a good reputation among NHL coaches and GMs.
So, assuming there are t...
Before I get started with what to and not to expect this evening on Draft Day, I feel there are a few hot topics that should be addressed (and I know I'm a little late on these).
First off....Alexei Yashin. It's been causing massive hysteria on our island to think that our so-called youth movement may be quarterbacked on the frail shoulders of our former captain that w...
Well, here we go Leaf Nation. It's June 20, 2008 and suddenly we're collectively being hit with flashbacks of 1993. Fletch is back in charge of our beloved (cough) Maple Leafs and Cito Gaston is managing the Blue Jays. At the moment, the Toronto FC might just be the best franchise in town...omg, my world truly is upside down.
However, we need not fear. The march bac...
First off... Initial thoughts are that there were a lot of winners in this years draft and not a whole lot of losers.
#1 Winner - Tampa Bay - but that is obvious
#2 Winner - LA - Doughty and the trade up to get Colten Teubert at the 12 spot makes their D very scary in the coming years.
Teams that I thought did very well for themselves aside from those teams is To...
Ron Guillet writes...
Meet the Leafs' Best New Prospect -- Schenn Connection?
Posted Saturday | Comments 1
After Cliff Fletcher traded the Leafs' 7th overall pick -- along with conditional draft picks -- to the New York Islanders for their 5th overall selection, I had my suspicions he was after the highly coveted Russian sniper, Nikita Filatov. But nicer words were never spoken after the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Kelowna Rockets (OHL) defenseman, Luke Schenn.
In Schenn, t...
Toronto in my opinion did the right thing in trading up to get Luke Schenn. They REALLY need a shutdown guy to build around, and to be honest he is not an offensive slouch and has stated he wants to concentrate on improving his offensive game more to become more well rounded, so it is a great move.
Most people did not like the idea of moving the other picks to jump thos...
Acekicker123 writes...
Maple Leafs Draft 2008: Scouting Reports and Projections
Posted Sunday | Comments 4
This draft weekend was pretty much the only positive that Leaf fans could take away from the '07-'08 campaign. A disastrous season swept in the winds of change, and miracle of miracles: a high draft position. I will provide some thoughts and scouting reports, along with a "perfect-world projection".
Let's take a look the picks made, and some thoughts on each player:
...
You can get banned on here for talking about Eklund's foreskin, weird.
Just a follow up to the last blog, you actually CAN get banned for mentioning Eklund's disgusting foreskin.
To be honest, i'm just reporting the truth, something Eklund fails to ever do. What is wrong with this world, people speak the truth and get banned, while a fat greasy bastard bullshits every single day and get peoples hopes up thinking their favourite hockey tea...
So if these latest reports hold water, I will officially want to quit my job and stand in front of all local media outlets looking for a gig. My blog a few months ago had Mats Sundin on the list and many people felt that NY was not in the mix. Now the NY Post has expressed that the Rangers are his first choice to land this summer. If the Rangers are kicking the tires on ...
David Pollack wrote a blog this week reporting that there will be no remaining bridges between the Ron Wilson era and the new regime of Todd McLellan. The press in Toronto has been reporting the two assistant coaches will be joining RW's staff on the Leafs and sources in San Jose have also confirmed it to be true. The move will be made upon contract approval.
Pollac...
I know this may not be a blog in the normal sense, but I am trying to figure out what hockey fans like when they watch NHL games on TV. Obviously everyone wants every game in HD, but in terms of the broadcast in general, what draws your attention? The TV crew cannot create a game, only the players can; however, during the first 5 minutes of the broadcast (called the Open...
In arguably the most important off-season that Toronto will see in the 'rebuilding years' to follow, Fletcher has stepped up and pressed the 'purge-system' button.
Fletcher has served notice that Darcy Tucker will be bought out, and has placed Andrew Raycroft on waivers along with teammate Kyle Wellwood and with Sundin's negotiating rights being bantered about, it is o...
Over the past few weeks Cliff Fletcher has started to completely dismantle the core of the "Toronto Maple Leafs".
I'm Gonna take a wild shot in the dark and say that captain Sundin is NOT going to be back in the blue and white next year, going to wherever he feels he has the best chance, and i say "Catch ya later" on the condition he doesn't screw the ...
So now that all the leaf fans have finally accepting a rebuilding project we should do it right because this is a rare occurrence and it is unlikely that we will get this opportunity in the near future. I'd like to say I agree with most of Fletcher's moves so far. He has added grit and it is pretty obvious the prototypical hockey player he is looking for. Yes Wellwood...
doktordave writes...
Originally posted late June :King Clancy's Ghost says:
Posted Monday | Comments 2
Interesting to look back at my old blogs as the Sundin Magical Mystery Tours continues...and there is no hint of him starting training.
In two separate posts in late June, I offered my inside info from King Clancy's Ghost and 4 possible choices that Sundin might make. Below is the 4th suggestion, which may well prove to be the
June 30th: Possible UFA Targets fore Lea...
Nobody has discussed this so far, but it seems pretty obvious that with Sundin in doubt, Tucker gone and McCabe on thin ice, the Leafs will be looking for a new captain - very likely from the free agent ranks or a trade.
So with this in mind, I think the Leafs will have a close eye on these players in free agency.
(1) Brendan Shanahan - Might be willing to sign sho...
Today is one of those days where you almost pray your team does nothing because the amount of money being thrown around is down right ridiculous. There have only been a couple signings where I can honestly say the team got good value. The singings I like today include Fedorik at just over 1 mil per season, Brunette at 2.33mil and Vrbada at 3mil.
Jeff Finger by all acc...
The reaction to the moves made by the Maple Leafs on July 1st has been understandably mixed. There has been more than enough posted regarding the virtues of the new acquisitions (Jeff Finger in particular) so I'll be focussing more on what seems to me to be the overall philosophy/strategy of the club.
The buyouts of Darcy Tucker and Andrew Raycroft indicate that Fletcher...
Ron Guillet writes...
Cliff Fletcher Gets My Applause -- And McCabe's Future
Posted Wednesday | Comments 8
While fans around the NHL point and laugh at the US$14-million, four-year deal given to defenseman Jeff Finger, Cliff Fletcher is following a blueprint to ensure the Leafs a more promising future.
Let's start with the player that is discussed the most, Jeff Finger. An almost unknown commodity around the NHL, he's somewhat of an underrated player when you take a look at ...
Whenever a building is demolished by implosion the spectacle creates a horde of onlookers, feeding on a basic human attraction toward violent destruction. It is the same depraved impulse that causes so many to further the obstruction of traffic when they pass a wreck on the highway. Though the impact of such rearrangement is immediate and rife with dramatic imagery, few if...
Its been quite interesting the past few days and I am quite excited that trades seem to be back. YAY!
[b]Leafs: [/b]I've noticed that alot of people HATE the moves that the leafs have made so far. And I cannot fully understand why. While I do agree that the leafs paid a fair bit for Finger and Hagman I don't think it has a negative effect on what the leafs are trying ...
With only a slim number of talented free agents remaining, fans can now take a look at their UFA acquisitions and either brag about the additions, or crawl into a dark corner pretending nothing happened. Of course, just because you landed yourself a Wade Redden doesn't mean you should be uncorking the champagne just yet, as the terms of the deal play a big part in determin...
As of July 4, 2008, these are the players currently contracted by the leafs that have a shot at making the big club
[b]Forwards[/b]
Nik Antropov
Mark Bell
Jason Blake
Darryl Boyce
Boyd Devereaux
Robert Earl
Alex Foster
Mikhail Grabovski
Niklas Hagman
Nikolai Kulemin
Jamal Mayers
Dominic Moore
Alexei Ponikarovsky
Matt Stajan (Not yet signed, but i ...
Marian Hossa has received a thorough drubbing in the Canadian media for signing with the Red Wings. The criticism has been across the continent from Vancouver to Toronto, and from TSN as well. The worst thus far seems to have issued from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, hammering Hossa for wanting to seek a chamionship ring and " . . . play out of a smelly, crumbling Joe ...
If the Leafs stop adding Free Agents now, they'll carry enough cap space to bring Sundin back - should he decide to play. However, right now he isn't coming. Nobody has discussed this so far, but it seems pretty obvious that with Sundin in doubt, Tucker gone and McCabe on thin ice, the Leafs will be looking for a new captain - very likely from the free agent ranks or a tr...
As the slow summer weeks pass, every day I hear fans, talk show host, and reporter’s talk about how "It's time to write off the Leafs", "They have no offence", "Team is full of 3rd and 4th liners". To a certain degree I would have to suck up my pride and agree, well I did until I started to think and research how they ranked last year. You would be surprised some of th...
As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I am a huge Leaf fan, have been for the past 26 years(entire life). Given my memories start back when Bester was the blue and white's net minder and they lost to the Blues in the first round of the playoffs(was at one of the games at the Gardens), I like to think I have a very open mind when it comes to hockey and the Leafs.
As ...
Will it be Burke or will it be Joe??
This is the new question cropping up in Leaf land. With the recent hiring of Joe Nieuwendyk as Cliff Fletchers assistant GM, there are whispers that Joe maybe the Leafs next GM in the next couple of years (if not before the 09/10 season). Mentoring under Cliff for possibly 2 seasons, learning the ropes, everything seems to be in pla...
It needs to be said...after all the hype and rumor and silly "connect the dots" conspiracy theories trotted out this Spring to suggest that Brian Burke wants to be the Leafs' next GM...somebody has to say it: "Why Burke?"
Even before Kevin Lowe leveled the boom with suggestions that Burke is more luck than genius, that he Left Dave Nonis with a mess in Vancouver; that ...
Hey, you guys, yeah I'm pointing at you in the media. It's time you stopped writing the same stuff over and over. I've started to get quite annoyed with the Toronto Hockey media the past few weeks because you continue to read the same things, printed in the paper and posted online, every day and every week. Okay, so Niklas Hagman, Jeff Finger and Curtis Joseph are not goin...
Lee Denault writes...
Budding Season? : Planting Some Youth or More of the Same
Posted Saturday | Comments 3
Is Cliff Fletcher developing a youth system, or are we seeing more of the same of Leaf GM's before him. 'More of the same' meaning trading away draft picks for players.This off season, the Maple Leaf transaction list looks as follows.
Traded - 1st,2nd,3rd rd. picks for Luke Schenn
Traded - 3rd rd. pick for Jamal Mayers
Traded - 2nd rd. pick for Mikhail Grabovski
No...
Jerry Maguire.
Dan Boyle. Brian McCabe. Alexander Radulov. Nikita Filatov. Tommy Salo. Mike Milbury.
Brett Favre.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-farmer12-2008jul12,0,38150.story
As a new Packers fan I don't have the long term idolization most do, so Favre comes off kinda spoiled here when he says they didn't try hard enough to talk h...
nreeb21 writes...
Is the Re-build shot? What options do the Leafs Have?
Posted Saturday | Comments 3
There has been much crash and bang about the Leafs moves so far this off season. Signings, buyouts and trades, especially of the draft picks involved. Here is my opinion of the moves thus far. Just keep in mind that an opinion is like an anus, everyone has one and you really only care about your own.....Now mine.
Buyouts:
[b]Tucker[/b] - $1 million cap hit for the...
With the current roster seemingly set in stone and the unlikely return of Mats Sundin who becomes the Leafs next captain?
Many things have to be considered here like who has the heart and who will be the best fit in the dressing room. Me I have to give my vote to Matt Stajan he has been around long enough to know how the team works. He has heart and really takes the re...
Breaking down the 2008-2009 Maple Leafs Roster.
(obviously one cant predict lines but I will try my best, feel free to add what you think the lines should be in your comments)
Kulemin - Antropov - Tlusty
With Kulemin's determination along the boards, Antropov's vision, and Tlusty's ability to put the puck in the net, I can see this being a very interesting line.
...
Ok so most of the non Rangers fans in the world continue to under estimate their young players. Enter Ryan Hollweg who virtually wrote his own release in game 3 of the Pens series. Although I didn't see the Leafs as an option, Holley will hit and grind it out up in T- DOT. I thought LA or Anaheim would have gambled on the fourth line winger, having been from Downy Calif...
CAPMESS11 writes...
FORSBERG FOR X-MAS,COULD RANGERS LAND SWEDISH STAR?
Posted Thursday | Comments 7
Forsberg For X-mas, it just might happen. If predictions about Foppa's health stand pat, then he will be ready to get going sometime around the Holidays.The Rangers are currently holding out to see if they can land one more vet to accompany their young talent. Either they manage to pull one big rabbit out of a hat and grab Mats Sundin or bring back Brendan Shanahan for...
Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs finished 7th last in the league after a dissappointing campaign that had high expectations. They failed to make the playoffs for a third straight year mainly because of poor defensive play and inconsistant back-up play by Andrew Raycroft.
Quite Frankly, I don't think Paul Maurice was quite up to the task of coaching in Toronto.
How...
Its been 19 days since the the wave of blue and white faithful sat on edge waiting to see if Mats Sundin would sign on the dotted line with the Habs. Perhaps the Canucks would lure him with that huge 20 Mil. deal they waived.. wait, maybe he's gone to retirement.. Noone counted Sundin as a Leaf for the 08-09 schedule. Noone thought he'd ever come back to the lowly bottom...
Here's a Swedish newspaper claiming that Sundin has chosen to play for the Vancouver Canucks next year. Could be just a rumour, could be true. Who knows, but fuel to the fire.
[url]http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=672&a=806514&rss=2216[/url]
Google translated page:
According to information provided to DN leaving Mats Sundin Toronto for Vancouver.
Sundin ...
Lost in the shuffle of a busy offseason in Toronto is the status of Jason Blake. The drafting of Schenn, Sundin saga and the signings of Finger and Hagman have for better or worse received most of the attention of the media. The soon to be 35 year old American had a terrible year in 07/08 on a number of levels. We all know of the cancer scare he received and Jason has do...
It is getting laughable of late with the continual flow of idiotic rumors about the future of Mats Sundin. The people who are pushing forward these "gems" are apparently doing so with the agenda of generating buzz. Whether for a blog or a Newspaper or a hockey themed show, Mats Sundin's story remains a "gravy train" for those seeking a boost in readers or ratings. The prob...
FuzE_gus writes...
Leafs honour Clark and Gilmour, but should they have?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 32
As reported by TSN: "The Toronto Maple Leafs will honour former captains Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour by raising their numbers to the rafters of the Air Canada Centre this season."
Both were great players without a doubt and both were classy guys as well. However, neither brought a championship to the Leafs, the ultimate model of greatness in any league. If these pla...
Rivalries between friends who share a passion for different hockey teams is a tireless tradition. Making fun of friends whose team has performed poorly is almost as fun as watching your own team win.
Blogging sites such as this one have allowed strangers to debate tirelessly on endless topics often escalating to virtual fighting.
As a Canadiens fan I have personally...
First off let me apologize to all of the Toronto Maple Leaf fans that were hoping Brian Burke was going to be their General Manager next year, but the writing is on the wall that he is staying with the Ducks.
What is that writing you may be asking yourself? Well, it’s the Ducks resigning of Randy Carlyle to a two year contract.
Now I'm sure you're asking yourself,...
The off-season moves made by the Leafs are puzzling to say the least. The strangest was the hiring of Ron Wilson as head coach. Wilson is a defense first, hard nosed, no nonsense coach. He will be able to install a system that the Leafs have needed for years.
Most of Leafs Nation would like to see the team finish last in order to get the top pick in the '09 draft, my...
Listening to "Leafs Lunch" on AM640 this after noon I heard some interesting things. Mike Seidel of THN and Chief Scout for North American Central Scouting mentioned that a source close to him and he considers very reliable told him that (and im paraphrasing) Sundin really wants to come back to Leafs but he also wanted former Leafs captain Doug Gilmore as an assistant coa...
Anyone else think that the NHL, Executives, Players, and Agents alike use him to deflect the real goings-on in the NHL?
I think so.
His blogs are as reliable as a Ford Pinto, or less reliable. It's like bizarro blogging. Whatever he writes, just believe the opposite and it would stand a much better chance of becoming true.
Sundin going to Montreal or Toronto? well...
There are polar opinions on the Leafs decision to recognize two former players with a number honouring ceremony this season. Apparently, some hockey fans belive these players to be unworthy of recognition, for a multitude of reasons. I can respect your opinions, whatever they may be, I don't however, agree with them.
I have a confession to make first off. Doug Gilmou...
Here are 13 why reasons that Mats Sundin should sign with the Habs:
1. Sundin has a Stanley Cup drought of 17 years and the Hab have a drought of 15 years. They are in a position to help each other out.
2. Sundin would put himself to not only win a Stanley Cup, but to win it in the greatest hockey city on earth. When you win a cup in Carolina, you get a ring. When y...
Ok so before Rangers fans panic at the Nedved button understand his invitation is only an insurance policy. In the event that the Sundin train pulls into MSG the club will have to clear cap room. Moving a center like Blair Betts plus to a club like LA who still needs to reach the cap floor is an option. What's attractive to opposing teams is that a few of the Rangers su...
I made this comment recently in response to someone saying that the Rangers are at the top of the list.
Look at logically:
As of right now the Rangers have less than a million in cap space left. Lets assume Sundin is commanding at least 7 milliion on the market to go to a 'contender'. That's a fair number since it is reportedly the same as Montreal's offer. Well the ...
If this off season is as slow and arduous to any of you as it is to me I'm guessing many of you have already tried the same exercise that i'm about to do. In fact, i've seen many suggestions on the HB boards, and they have in part helped shape my perception of how the Leafs will look come opening night.
Now, keep in mind, there can still be changes to the roster within ...
Isn't it obvious that Mats Sundin is playing TML? And who can blame him!? Think about it, If you were Mats right now, after being asked to waive your ntc after stating you don't want to be a rental player, wouldn't you be a little pissed off? I mean sure Fletcher was doing his job but for god sake, he already had said no, Mats had been loyal to the Leafs, they should show ...
[img]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/EaglesWallpaper/sundinhospital-1.jpg[/img]
[b]My attempt at a comedic view of the Sundin Saga, might as well do something to pass the time, so read this:[/b]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A Doctor paces the hallway of a transplant ward of a hospital. In his hands, a heart, it shows...
As each day passes Leaf fans wonder what the hell is Mats Sundin thinking and when will he ever make up his mind on whether he wants to play or not and if yes where?
The question is will Sundin come back to the buds or has his time here passed?
I for one think Sundin might be leaning Toronto's way based on everything he has said in the past but lets not talk about th...
There are those who play in NY and those who play for NY. In the NY sports market there are the types who follow the money and not their hearts and crumble under the big lights. But then there are those that blend into the bright lights and become one with the city. From baseball to hockey we have seen players come here only to crash and burn . There was Theo Fleury wh...
Ron Guillet writes...
McCabe's Departure Is Kubina's Gain; And The Captain Issue
Posted Sunday | Comments 10
After months of playing hard-ball, it appears Bryan McCabe is finally realizing his tenure in Toronto is tarnished, and the only way to continue with his career is to start anew.
According to The Toronto Star, McCabe's agent, Ian Pulver, has confirmed the two sides have been discussing the possibility of a trade. ''Bryan is starting to think about possibly getting his ...
How good of an NHL player will he be? Who knows but I'm sick and tired of people looking looking at www.hockeysfuture.com or www.russianprospects.com to find scouting reports that are 3 years old thinking that thats all the player could offer. I believe a year a go Anton Stralman was listed as i believe a 6.0 B or C which is a bottom pairing being the ceiling of his potent...
I love looking back to see what kind of ramifications past trades hold on the present-time NHL. For example, in 1990 the Flames and Devils swapped a number of picks that gave the Flames the 11th pick (Trevor Kidd) and the Devils the 20th pick... which just happened to be Martin Brodeur. Bruins blogger Jesse Connolly wrote about the Cam Neely/Barry Pederson trade that, af...
After using hockeybuzz as a resource for hockey rumours and information for almost 5 months, I have finally decided to create my own blog, to discuss anything and everything primarily about the Toronto Maple Leafs.
To briefly introduce myself, I am a sixteen year old highschooler and live outside of Toronto, Canada. I play competitive hockey, and have always been a hu...
Not much hockey to talk about these days???
I'll do my best to keep focused on hockey but my blogs are starting to be very un-hockey related.
Funny how none of the Leafs wanted to move at the trade deadline and now Tucker is gone, McCabe is on his way out and God only knows what's up with Meatball Sundin.
Jose Theodore a Washington Capital, that just doesn't sound...
I'm relatively new on the hockeybuzz.com blog scene, but I am going to try and write at least one a week with the title above; "Is it just me..."
In this, the first installment, I am going to discuss the current Maple Leafs roster, as it stands today, and how it would fair this upcoming season.
Of course, as stated, this is how it stands today, so I am going to exclu...
So, being that this the first blog I have ever written on here, I wanted to stay somewhat neutral with my topic. That means no Sundin or McCabe talk, no Radulov and CHL talk, no trade rumors or speculations. Just something fun.
What I want to know is if you were to make a team, using one player from every team, who would you pick? Now let me add the restrictions. You mu...
Though he's a Swedish citizen and never been involved in politics, sources suggest that Mats Sundin has been offered a spot on Barrak Obama's ticket as Vice Presidential candiate. Now we have 6 teams in North America and 1 political party pursuing the vaunted Swede. Sundin apparently has asked for a few days to think it over. Meanwhile, Republican John McCain is rumored to...
Continuing the blog as I said I would for all you loyal blog readers, and all comments, suggestions, etc are welcome and appreciated.
For this weeks blog, I want to know; is it just me... or are you as torn as I am as to what you want the Leafs to accomplish next season. Sure, finishing dead last would give us the best odds at drafting highly-touted John Tavares, howeve...
Lets say hypothetically the rumoured McCabe for Van Ryn swap happens. Who do you like better as a hockey player. Lets put aside the contract situations, the infamous own goal brain cramp, the pure hatred Leaf fans have towards #24. Is this a good hockey trade for the Leafs? Is Van Ryn an upgrade or a downgrade? I'm curious to hear peoples opinions from a pure hockey p...
Ok so its' been a few weeks since my last post. The latest rumor has the Rangers moving Scott Gomez to make room for Mats Sudin and about 6 mill per year. If this holds water and the Canucks are looking into picking up the All-star center,they should be prepared to make a realistic offer. For years NY clubs have been exploited and held over the fires when trying to m...
As pre-season approaches we as hockey fans are faced with another aging vet, deciding IF he's gonna play another season and if so at what point of the season he is going to start again.
The ugly truth seems to be that Sundin is going to follow Scotty Nieds. and Teemu's path and delay the start of "thier" season till they decide. All summer J.P. Barry has given us "deadl...
Interesting that Mats Sundin will be in Toronto Friday September 5th for the first ever Festival Cup charity hockey game. Certainly they couldn't ask for a bigger draw to get a crowd and lots of press coverage also. Hopefully his presence won't overshadow the charity aspect. There are still theories out there that Mats really wants to return to Toronto to end his career, b...
Alright guys just decided to write a blog about the upcoming lineup this season.enjoy!
So were all assuming Mats Sundin isnt coming back and for most of us we hope he doesnt for the good.(Tavares,Hedstrom,B.Schenn).And with the McCabe deal to be anounced in the next few days, and the rumored return to possibly be Van Ryn and Zednik for McCabe and Poni. This is how i wou...
The Bryan McCabe trade finally became official today as the Leafs ended an almost 8 year relationship with the 33 year old defenseman. So much has been written about McCabe in the last couple months but what do we know about the man the Leafs received in return? Mike Van Ryn has been a Leaf for under 12 hours and already people are speculating about his future (or lack t...
Mats Sundin. Yeah that's right I said it, a lot of us have been thinking it too. I know the media and hockey forums have to discuss something during the off season but by this point we should be discussing how Koivu and Sundin will play together or about his heroic return to the leafs...or even the up coming gomez trade since Sundin signed in N.Y.
Instead we get to read...
Today's headlines as we head into the new NHL season:
[b]Marian Gaborik and The Crystal Groin[/b]
Can a young star overcome all odds and finally remain healthy?
[b]Thunderstruck[/b]
Tampa Bay has made a lot of thunder, but is there any lightning?
[b]General Hospital[/b]
Peter Forsberg. (Need I say more?)
[b]Leafs Suck[/b]
again.
[b]The Mighty Pacific[/...
Here you go.
http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Podcast.aspx
I know what you are all thinking , another blog dedicated to hating on Mats Sundin. Though at times I have , this is not the purpose of my blog.
We are all painfully aware that Mats Sundin has yet to decide if he wants to play or not . We know this as we have had it rammed down our throats since July . But have we not opened our mouths as well, to enable it to be shoved...
chadkilger writes...
Entering Training Camp - Forward Line Combinations
Posted Saturday | Comments 10
Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher recently announced that he is most likely sticking with his current roster until training camp starts and several pre-season games have been played. There are many questions with this 08/09 group of forwards, more than I can ever remember. For starters, there is no clear cut #1 Centre for the 1st time in over a decade. Mats Sundin is not on...
Were nearing the beginning of the season, still no word on sundin, so since hes not on the roster as of now, I won't use him. These are just my thoughts on the way the lines should be.
Line 1- Blake-Antropov-Hagman
I like this combination because it gives blake a chance to get his scoring touch back, it also gives hagman a chance ...
While Fletcher has made some questionable trades this off-season, the addition of Grabovski to the Leafs' line-up is an intriguing one - one that is going to cost Toronto a 2nd round selection in 2010.
Grabovski is a bit of an unknown commodity. Having just 27 games of experience in his NHL career, (played 24 last season) he has shown strong offensive potential consider...
Ok as with before I spin the ol' roulette , it lands upon a team and I give my run down for it.Onto the spin!
.........
The Toronto Maple Leafs
With out question this is one of the most changed teams in the league. Fletcher swore he would chang the look of it, and has succeeded in doing that much in his short time with the franchise again. With the departure of se...
Rebuild.
That was the game plan going in to the off-season after another abysmal season from our boys in Blue and White.
Given this arduous task was veteran GM Cliff Fletcher. I mean, it's not every day that MLSE realize their failure and place this kind of responsibility on their GM (or... is it?).
Fletcher got to work right away, trading a 3rd round selection in...
On Draft Day ‘08, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the bold move of trading up from the 7th selection to grab Kelowna Rockets defenseman Luke Schenn 5th overall.
Leaf fans have been waiting a long, long time for a young franchise calibre to fall into their lap, and they may finally have found one in Luke. Heading into the draft weekend, Schenn had the presitigious honor o...
On Draft Day ‘08, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the bold move of trading up from the 7th selection to grab Kelowna Rockets defenseman Luke Schenn 5th overall.
Leaf fans have been waiting a long, long time for a young franchise calibre to fall into their lap, and they may finally have found one in Luke. Heading into the draft weekend, Schenn had the presitigious honor o...
With the upcoming 2008/2009 NHL season upon us, there is a certain buzz in the air. Where better to enjoy this buzz then at this fine site? My hats off to Eklund for setting this forum up where we the real fans can share our information about our beloved team.
I will have many stories and updates for Leaf fans from these very pages. All I can say is, based on my talk...
Trader Cliff's opinion of the entry draft mirror's this neophytic blogger's feelings towards the constant worry over the logjam on the Leafs' blueline.
There isn't one. Nope. Not at all.
I think the reason for this perception stems from the fact that we've all been overwhelmed by the number of roster changes but a quick glance at the depth chart will alleviate our co...
I know this story has been told and told and told over again. Here I am adding another story to it. I haven't written a blog in quite some time, but it because I have been away working on making contacts so when I write a blog I have some substance behind what I am writing. Back to the story I started out writing. For the past 2 months I have been in almost daily con...
The Toronto Maple Leafs defense has by no means been full of all-star caliber players and has struggled on numerous occasions since the post-lockout era. Needless to say, it's never really been one of their strong points. This season however, their defense may be one of the few bright spots on a season that many are predicting to be more than abysmal.
The one thing the...
Ive been away from the site for a bit "having a summer"... yes, some things do take presidence over the local rumours in sports, not many things, but there are a few. After reading up on the predictions for the Leafs season and watching the analysts analyze I thought there was nothing that could be added to: no sundin, no top6, no goals, no way (in the deepest hottest d...
Monday September 22nd will be the first preseason game for the boys in blue against the long time rivals from Buffalo. This will give fans their first glimpse of the new look Leafs, and provide a chance for them to marvel at some of the young prospects that are now emerging in Leaf land.
The most heralded of the newcomers will of course be Luke Schenn, the Leafs #1 p...
There’s a little bit of the irony in the title because in fact, Christopher Didomenico has rarely been in the spotlight at all during his hockey career. He is the definition of an underdog, and a testament to what hard work and perserverance can lead to.
As a young Toronto native, he was passed over by the OHL draft, after playing just 4 games in 2 seasons with the No...
Ron Guillet writes...
Luke Schenn Will Play For The Leafs Next Season
Posted Wednesday | Comments 17
Schenn will play for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
I'm as sure of this as I am that Carlo Calaiacovo will get injured. While there is an abundance of defensemen competing for the two available positions (Kaberle, Kubina, Finger and Frogren will form the Leafs' top 4), Schenn will, at some point, stand-out from the majority of the group. Whether it's in training c...
It's time for Ponikarovsky to step up.
No more excuses. The now-Canadian citizen is going to have display his talent and prove to the Leafs why he should rejoin them in the long-term. The six-foot-four, 220 pound sniper has shown glimpses of being top-six forward quality, but that's as far as he goes before falling back into inconsistency.
In Ponikarovsky, the Leafs ...
...why the Leafs signed Jeff Finger?
Well, at least I got a Finger joke out of the way early on.
When the numbers 3.5 over 4 were first thrown around on the AM640, I figured it was a fantastic signing as Finger was one of the more underrated players in the league I hoped the Leafs would go after. I figured something in the range of $1.5-2M would be a great bargain, b...
[img]http://i37.tinypic.com/m748r8.jpg[/img]
Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with one of the newer Leafs, Jamal Mayers. I admittedly knew little about him before he was acquired by the Leafs and I was eager to get his thoughts on his new role with the club. Strolling around Toronto on a warm summer's day and getting thoughts from an NHL veteran was a...
Ron Guillet writes...
A Look At The Leafs' Line-up Tonight (Hockey's Back, Baby!)
Posted Monday | Comments 2
It has arrived. After months of psychiatric help and forcing myself to watch football, I can finally go back to destroying my social life and concentrating on hockey.
The Leafs are back in action and ready to make their pre-season debut. Many questions will begin to unfold and day-by-day the Leafs' final roster will take its form.
The Leafs lace 'em up against their...
If the Leafs wanted to mimic a team's success, it would probably be that of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens built their team around a superstar. Then more superstars. And even more superstars. There were a few surprises, but for the most part Crosby, Malkin, Staal and Fleury. Add Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang, Ryan Whitney and Pascal Dupuis to veterans Darryl Sydor, Ser...
Leaf fans know all too well the saga of Carlo Colaiacovo. A high Leaf draft pick with tons of expectations thrown his way, only to see his career sidelined by injury after injury. Still only 25 years of age, he hopes to put all the setbacks behind him and emerge as a new Leaf star on the blueline. With the recent departure of Bryan McCabe, Carlo should see plenty of ic...
Dale Mitchell was picked in the 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 74th overall. At the time of the selection, Mitchell garnered plenty of interest and pressure from the fans and media as the Leafs' first pick that year. They had traded away their 1st and 2nd round picks to San Jose as part of the Vesa Toskala trade earlier that day. A little over a year later, Mitchel...
stoneford writes...
Does Mike Brophy of Hockeycentral know it's pre-season?!?
Posted Friday | Comments 0
I know that he's put in his time. 14 years at a paper in Peterborough, 16 years at the hockeynews and now with Rogers Sportsnet's and the fan590 on Hockeycentral, but really, c'mon. The Leafs have played 2 pre-season games. 2. They've been in camp for all of a week. They've barely had a second to take in the city, let alone the media throng that is you and Howard.
...
I had the opportunity to interview one of the longer serving Leafs and it was a very engaging discussion. Matt Stajan is a very well spoken, intelligent hockey player and his open and honest responses to my questions were a breath of fresh air. Since playing his first game as a Leaf in the 2002/2003 campaign, he has gained a loyal following of supporters both on and off ...
The season is approaching and preseason hockey continues to serve as an indicator for what is to come from the many new faces that compromise the '08-09 Leafs.
Going into the season, many questions are circulating around the struggling franchise. While expectations are low, getting embarrassed is not in the blueprint. The team could surprise, but the nucleus must take a...
Tons of hype and mostly disappointing results.
On the surface, it would seem like Boston product Jimmy Hayes and the Toronto Maple Leafs were a match made in heaven.
All kidding aside, Hayes was drafted by Toronto in the 2nd round, 60th overall this past June. Once touted as a possible Top 10 pick in one of the deepest draft classes of the decade, Jimmy had an absolu...
Been away from the Leaf's page the last couple of weeks, but i have returned. Talking to my source(who has some great connections to the Leafs) has told me that they are hearing that Cliff is still looking to move some body around. With the back log of D men the name of Carlo Colaiacovo has come up as a prospect that teams are really looking at. Word is that Cliff is loo...
With three pre-season games to go, the Maple Leafs are making great strides towards a promising 2008/2009 campaign. Ron Wilson has juggled his lineup each and every game to get just the right mix of players all going towards one goal. Those who follow this team closely have seen significant bright spots and are real pleased with the team's progress to date. Here's just ...
Here are my predictions for the 2008-09 season:
[b]Eastern Conference[/b]
1. Montreal
2. NY Rangers
3. Washington
4. Pittsburgh
5. Philadelphia
6. New Jersey
7. Ottawa
8. Carolina
9. Buffalo
10. Tampa Bay
11. Boston
12. Toronto
13. Florda
14. NY Islanders
15. Atlanta
[b]Western Conference[/b]
1. Detroit
2. San Jose
3. Calgary
4. Dallas
5. Chicag...
Preseason has concluded for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After 9 games of juggling line-ups and testing their young guns, the Leafs have finished with a 2-6-1 record. However, this blog does not have the objective to bash the Leafs and bring the fan base to a heaving sigh. Instead, let's take a different approach. Let's go into the season with our heads high. Let's go into the...
Tucker, McCabe, Raycroft, Sundin.. what meaning do these names hold? They are the mainstays in what will come to be remembered for the forceable future as the last Leaf team that could compete. This years round-up sells itself considerably short in comparison to the band of jolly clowns that has missed the post season by a hair in each of the last 3 seasons. So where do...
Over this summer and much of last season there has been a great debate on how to turn the Leafs around. Everyone has an idea and everyone has an opinion. Finally after much of the same over the past few seasons the Leafs admitted that they had to stop, slow down and rebuild a very proud and storied franchise. Quick fixes have not worked. Every good team in the NHL has rebu...
As the 2008-2009 NHL regular season is about to dawn on the Toronto Maple Leafs' first rebuilding season in decades, it's time to get excited. There is a mysterious aspect to this team that hasn't been present for many years. The mystery, however, isn't where the Leafs will finish in the standings - you can definitively say they will finish in the bottom 6 (an envious plac...
[b]Northeast Division[/b]
[i]Canadiens[/i]
After a difficult 06-07 that saw the Canadiens barely miss the playoffs, GM Bob Gainey sat and did nothing in the offseason...and he was vilified for it. The Montreal media couldn't understand why Gainey wanted to put his youngsters in positions to make plays. Well it worked, and the Habs grabbed the #1 seed in the East last...
As I sit here gazing at the many fellow students trying to get inside their bus without getting soaking wet, I am reminded of the Leafs.
As I sit here typing up this article on my laptop, that I bought two years ago as one piece and is now breaking up into two separate pieces, I am reminded of the Leafs.
As I sit here trying to get through this chapter, which has a c...
skerr33 writes...
The Good, the Bad, and the Fantastic - Leafs season opener
Posted Friday | Comments 2
Apparently spirit [i][b]is[/b][/i] everything.
Let's begin with a disclaimer that may not appear enough in Leafland: I still don't think the Leafs are making the playoffs, and I still don't think the Leafs are winning the Cup - and all this despite a fantastic, energized, fast-paced, defensively-sound game by the Blue and White over the defending Stanley Cup champions. ...
I look forward to the first regular season Leaf game each year and last night was no different. As I sat watching the Stanley Cup banner raised to the rafters, the chills went up my spine. The crowd was wild with enthusiasm for their hometown Wings, and everyone had "blowout" on their minds. The Leafs had other ideas.
Building upon the positive signs they showed dur...
The Leafs find themselves in a interesting situation on defense as they have 9 defensemen on their roster and will need to clear a couple within a few weeks once Jeff Finger returns. Leafs 1st rounder Luke Scheen has not looked out of place in the big leagues even if he looked a tad slow against Montreal yesterday. Frogren also had a tough night but he has an edge to him w...
Since the turn of the new millenium, Leaf fans have grown accustomed to seeing a late twenties' Bryan McCabe take charge of what was predominantly a veteran laden defense core. We'd often see him bellowing out orders from the bench, sticking up for his teammates even when it probably wasn't in his best interest to do so (getting ragdolled by Chara comes to mind), or displa...
Three games into the season and the Toronto Maple Leafs have already embarked on an up and down ride.
After defeating the Detroit Red Wings in an aggressive, defensively responsible and convincing opening game, the Leafs are now spinning their tires. Saturday night's debacle at the ACC was an embarrassing display that saw the Leafs panic under attack, never regaining th...
Good logo design is simple. Good logo design is strong. Good logo design quickly conveys an image that identifies a team.
Hockey has quite a few logos that fit that description, among them:
Red Wings
Maple Leafs
New Jersey Devils (clearly the most creative marriage of letter abbreviations and symbolic images representing a devil).
There are also some logos that a...
After a long weekend of following the Leafs and eating turkey, it seems the two were intertwined. After a spectacular showing Thursday night in Detroit, the Leafs came out flat on Saturday vs. the Habs, and then lost a heart breaker to a young upstart team from St. Louis.
These types of games can be expected from a young building club like the Leafs. Full of promise a...
Alex Ponikarovsky also know as Poni in Toronto has scored 60 goals the past three season for Toronto but does not seem to get understand the concept of keep your stick down. Poni took another lazy penalty against the Rangers last night because he stopped moving his feet, thanks to the stellar play of Toskala the Leafs managed to get a point out of another shootout loss but...
The Leafs are six games into the year and fans around the globe are wondering will the Leafs be able to score any goals?. The Leafs have scored a grand total of 11 goals and are on pace for a grand total of 150 goals forward, take into consideration that the Leafs scored 3 goals against Detroit in the season opener and 3 at home against St. Louis so we have 5 in the 4 othe...
After many laptop issues, some family matters to attend to, I'm finally back to blog again! It's been a few games since my last Leaf report and just when things were looking bleak, the Leafs have pulled it together the last 3 games to play some incredibly sound hockey.
Backtrack to a Friday night in New York, Carlo Colaiacovo is feeling glum because he's learned he's t...
A crazy night in Jersey, the kind of game where team chemistry is built, leaders emerge and heroes are born.
Taking the game in with Carlo Colaiacovo as he sit out yet another game was very difficult. Carlo is keeping a good attitude, but is very disappointed that he's not getting the chance to play for this team. He was the first guy jumping up and down and high-fi...
To nobody's surprise, Stephen Valiquette will start in goal. From early indications it looks as if Dan Fritsche will get the nod alongside Chris Drury and Markus Naslund. I don't really understand it - or the fact that Tom Renney sees so much need to keep shuffling the line combinations despite the relative success the Rangers have had. Traditional wisdom says that play...
Twelve games into the NHL season and the Leafs have garnered a 5-4-3 record. Considering NHL critics predicted the Maple Leafs to get humiliated this season, they are one of the biggest surprises so far.
While they battled with a 5-game losing streak early on, the Leafs displayed a ton of heart during the losing skid. In fact, most of those losses were one-goal deficits...
I've been an Alexander Steen supporter even since he debuted with the Leafs back in the 2005-06 campaign. Since that time, Steen has made no progress offensively, posting 35-45 points a season in his short NHL career thus far.
That has to change. No ifs, ands or buts. Steen has been radiating top-six forward potential every season, and then he falls into a coma once mor...
OK, a little euphoria was certainly in order after some of those impressive wins in comeback fashion and everyone realized that the Leafs weren't going to be the total doormat that people expected. Schenn was a pleasant surprise, Hagman/Grabovski/Kulemin showed speed and flair, and it became clear that the Leafs were going to be a TTPA ("A tough team to play against.")
...
An arrogant, egotistical taskmaster touching down in the Toronto fishbowl, Ron Wilson’s appointment may not have been an obvious choice with so many candidates in the close season merry-go-round, yet with Wilson’s strategy of lowering expectations helping stick the mantra of underdog on a franchise so long riddled with media expectation, the Maple Leafs have proven man...
In light of the economic "catastrophe" taking place I thought I'd take a look at which NHL clubs have put their eggs in the most profitable baskets.
In the pre-cap era NHL GM's needed to ensure that their payroll reflected the success of their team. For instance, the turn-of-the-century Rangers were a woefully overpaid under-achieving squad, routinely finishing in...
I've been asking myself who would be the best player to be captain and lead the Leafs moving forward, and I have come to the conclusion Scott Hartnell is the man. He is perfect, a gritty full of heart player who can pot you a few points and put slackers in their place. In addition he is under contract for 4 more years after the 08-09 season. The only problem...............
I have to say that watching the Leafs this season has been exciting, the team skates, it is now scoring and more importantly winning some games. This could mean its time to plan the Stanley Cup parade route, all joking aside i don't expect very much from this squad but that may be part of the reason i enjoy watching them so much this season. There is one thing that i have ...
I don't have a whole lot to say this morning as I've been swamped the last little while with travel back and forth across the continent as well as a quick trip to Europe to see a kid play, but believe it Leaf fans, the Brian Burke era will begin shortly.
My quick phone conversation with Burke the other day pretty much had me convinced he'd be in the Leafs top position n...
Jason Blake is in the dog house. His play of late has seemed uninspired and his antics may be destroying the moral in the dressing room.
The obvious option is to sit him and hope that lights a fire under his posterior, however that doesn't really solve the problem of him not fitting into the top two lines. Anther more aggressive option is to post him on waivers and then...
Well it is still a day away from our next game but I can't help but write about what went on the last week and a half in Canuck land.
Luongo shook of the rust and lose of his hair to show every team why they should be worried when he is between the pipes. His play is something that I personally come to love from the elite goalies in the league. There is something absolu...
If you look back to July and August the Leafs would have given Matt Stajan away for basically nothing. He was even a healthy scratch early into this season. Now however he is showing us what Pat Quinn and the Leaf's brass had noticed in his game. Taken in the second round 57 overall to his hometown Maple Leafs the pressure was on Matt right away. Scoring in his first N...
There's nothing quite more satisfactory than scoring on the team that recently told you "We don't think you're quite worthy for this team, you're being put on waivers"
Mr. Kyle Wellwood got to feel this just a few hours ago when he lit the lamp against his former Toronto Maple Leafs, shoveling the puck past Vesa Toskala in the first period.
Quite frankly, I was one o...
The only way to possibly heal the emotional wounds this team has caused me is to rant. If I don't, I fear a heart attack is in order for the very near future.
I'll start with an issue that needs to be resolved, an issue that is causing me a loss of hair, an issue forcing me to listen to Simple Plan and lock myself in my room for days. That issue is the goaltending of V...
Everyone knows that Brian Burke is coming to Toronto, But the matter is when! Most people think that it will be a long process but Brian Burke would not leave the Ducks without a back-up process in place. So Could Brian Burke and the Leafs have a deal planned out already? Financial terms yes, A probable 5 year 2.0-3.0 million each year. But how much power hehas is anothe...
Months of uncertainty and speculation are likely to come to an end in the next week when Brian Burke and his associates meet with Richard Peddie and the MLSE. The groups have already spoken albeit lawyer to lawyer last weekend to confirm the Anaheim Ducks had signed papers allowing their former GM to talk with other teams and if reports are to be believed, groundwork was l...
nreeb21 writes...
Toronto and Ottawa could help each other, but it's too Taboo
Posted Thursday | Comments 10
While the expectations on the Maple Leafs are significantly lower than that of their provincial rivals they both have glaring problems. The Leafs need a solid top 4 scorer while the Sens need some back end help...goal tending to be precise.
The Sens are a little worse for ware as they were slated to be a contender for the eastern conference title, not the basement. No...
The reports around the NHL right now are that the Capitals are trying to move veteran center Michael Nylander. Nylander has two goals and ten assists this season and is a minus two. Recently, Boudreau has not been impressed with his play and subsequently made him a healthy scratch last week against New Jersey. He returned to the line up the next game, only because of recen...
The Leafs have traded away another two players from the non playoff clubs of the past three seasons, we can say goodbye to Steen and Colaiacovo as they pack their bags and head over to St. Louis while the Leafs get Lee Stempniak the 25 year old former 27 goal scorer. The Leafs who are getting closer and closer to the Brian Burke era seem to be content on a complete makeove...
Like a gut punch.
That's how it feels to have one of your good friends traded away from the team you love. It's been a rough first part of the season for Carlo Colaiacovo and now his brief tenure with his beloved Maple Leafs comes to a crashing halt.
Nothing had to be said between us as I saw Carlo yesterday afternoon. Watery eyes, a shrug of the shoulders, our e...
Well the news for the Capitals has not gotten any better, yet again. In fact, it's worse. Captain Chris Clark has been put on long term IR again. Apparently, Clark is suffering from a stress fracture in his right forearm. This is just the latest in a rash of injuries that have stuck the Caps in the last two weeks. Originally it looked like it was the Carolina Hurricane...
With what I have read and heard of Burke's intentions,
It's clear the team will be allowed to do a free fall this year in that process we're going to see some guys traded for prospects and young roster players. Here's who I see gone sometime this year(not because I don't like them but because a new manger will put their own identity on this team;
Toskala - Grade A Ro...
As I posted in this blog over 2 weeks ago, Brian Burke is ready to step in as president and general manager of the Maple Leafs.
The timing couldn't be better for both Burke and the Leafs. Burke now has plenty of opportunity to assess the team, prepare for the trading deadline and prepare for next summer's draft. It seems that MLSE has finally got something right and h...
pokeyreddick writes...
Top 5 Worst Contracts In The League(in Honor of Jason Blake)
Posted Friday | Comments 5
Inspired by Jason Blake's unmovable contract I thought I'd post the 5 Most untradeable contracts in the league.
5. Ryan Malone 4 more years @4.5 million- This was a toss up between him and Michael Ryder. Malone wins because his team is playing terrible. It doesn't matter if you're a playoff performer if you can't get your team to the playoffs.
4. Sean Avery 3 more y...
Brian Burke.
Surprise, eh?
Everyone knew it would be coming for about a week now, and now what to expect? I was never a fan of Brian Burke. I think his draft record stinks, I hate that he supposedly does not like Europeans, and I think he doesn’t know how to manage the cap. But that’s just my worthless opinion ;)
A look at his draft record could tell us exact...
Essentially I see a lot of comments that talk about Leafs fans overvaluing players... and for the most part thats true... if you were to pick up the public sentiment two years ago, you'd think that Darcy Tucker was on the path to a Rocket Richard trophy before he got injured later in the campaign... if you think that's rough... you should have been in Toronto when Domi was...
Slasher98 writes...
A look at Brian Burke's probable moves before the deadline
Posted Monday | Comments 14
During Saturday's press conference to the Toronto media, Brian Burke all but confirmed that the Leafs are officially out of the Sundin sweepstakes. “I don’t think we fit his profile as a team,” said Burke. He referred to the 2-year $20 million offer from the Vancouver Canucks, putting the emphasis on the fact that Sundin's comeback is not about money, but about playi...
[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/EaglesWallpaper/dsfoigjh.jpg[/IMG]
[i](Photo Courtesy mapleleafs.nhl.com)[/i]
December 3, 2008
By Jon Cunningham
[b]"Wow"[/b]
That was the word constantly coming to my mind as I sit watching the Sharks take on my Maple Leafs. I have never seen a team that is more complete then this years edition of the Sharks from San Jo...
Wow, it's like a bad movie week this week as the Toronto Maple Leafs saga comes to an end with Burke finally becoming the New General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Or, as I would like to call it, the worst kept secret in the NHL. What really bothers me with this incident was that there was really no doubt about this. With the Burke hiring, there was really no big ...
With the announcement of Brian Burke as Leafs GM, the trades are inevitable.
After all, this is not Burke's team, it's Cliff Fletcher's.
That's not a bad thing. In fact, Fletcher's acquisitions have instilled hope to a fanbase in dire of need of it - and I speak for all of Leaf Nation when I say it feels damn good to be building for the future.
That said, Burke's ...
TML35 writes...
The Cost of Moving up in this Year's draft: Is it Worth it?
Posted Sunday | Comments 11
It's tough to say what the price of moving up in a draft like this one would be. Moving even a few spots in the top ten could be quite expensive.
Garth Snow was demanding the Leafs pick along with two additional 2nd round picks(we ended up giving him a 2nd and 3rd) in last year's draft to move up two spots. This was the price in a draft not as strong as this one. With ...
First, fantasy hockey.
1. 1480.30 - erby's Dance Party (me!)
2. 1405.40 - Bomb Squad
3. 1378.40 - Jamaican Me Crazy
4. 1245.50 - Downward Spiral
... (9 teams total)
Look at that lead! Heck yeah!!!
New switch-ups: Kuba is back in (Kronwall was the problem, not him) and I traded in Arnott for Dubinsky.
Semin is back and racking up points already. Zherdev ha...
Ron Guillet writes...
Welcome Back, Toskala + The Future of Justin Pogge
Posted Tuesday | Comments 4
Vesa Toskala has reclaimed his role as the Leafs' top player.
Similar to last season, Toskala got off to a slow start, struggling to provide his team with solid goaltending. Looking at how the defense has performed this season, consistent goaltending is a necessity.
But have no fear, Toskala is here... finally.
The re-emergence of the Finnish goaltender is not onl...
I was just watching the TSN panel talk about Burke's moves for next season and one of the guys (Mr. Hockey Insider) was talking about the confirmed and approved trades Fletch got last year but was blocked by NTCs. It was a terrible reminder of how futile Fletch's trade deadline push was. For of you who don't remember or never heard about it:
Sundin Higgins, Grabovski &...
As we reach the 30 game mark of the 2008-2009 NHL season, it looks like the ugly face of mediocrity is staring the Buds right in the eyes again.
After tonight's shootout victory over the Martin Broduer-less New Jersey Devils. The Leafs boosted their record to a bland 12-12-6. Which places them neither in a playoff spot, or in a spot to be 'awarded' a top-5 lottery pick....
Lee Denault writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs' Main Competition: Mediocrity
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As we reach the 30 game mark of the 2008-2009 NHL season, it looks like the ugly face of mediocrity is staring the Buds right in the eyes again.
After tonight's shootout victory over the Martin Broduer-less New Jersey Devils. The Leafs boosted their record to a bland 12-12-6. Which places them neither in a playoff spot, or in a spot to be "awarded" a top-five lotter...
Lee Denault writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs' Main Competition: Mediocrity
Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
As we reach the 30 game mark of the 2008-2009 NHL season, it looks like the ugly face of mediocrity is staring the Buds right in the eyes again.
After tonight's shootout victory over the Martin Broduer-less New Jersey Devils. The Leafs boosted their record to a bland 12-12-6. Which places them neither in a playoff spot, or in a spot to be "awarded" a top-five lottery pi...
Since the lockout, the NHL has both enacted and endured many changes. One of the most intriguing, and certainly the most disturbing is one that has overcome many members of the media who make a living covering the NHL.
According to many card-carrying members of the hockey-media, post lockout teams should be more than willing to throw entire seasons and lose "on-purpose"...
In honour of the original sports guy Bill Simmons and on the eve of the World Jrs we introduce the 1st Canadian Sports Guys NHL Power Poll of the season.
[b]The John Tavares Division[/b]
30-Tampa Bay Lightning SEEN STAMKOS?
One thing is for sure about this Lightning team, Barry Melrose or Janet Jones-Gretzky wont have any money riding on them anytime soon.
29-NY Isla...
Justin Pogge debuted his NHL career with a .905 SV% and a 2.00 GAA.
Not too shabby.
Pogge displayed an active glove hand, quick lateral movement, solid positioning and decent rebound control. An aspect of his game I was particularly impressed with was his ability to make himself look big. Possessing a 6'3, 205 pound frame, Pogge's size is best utilized when screened ...
TML35 writes...
Christmas Wish List: Ten Things the Toronto Maple Leafs Need
Posted Wednesday | Comments 11
It's that time of the year again, and Leafs fans head into the holiday break with a sour taste after an 8-2 [b][u]OBLITERATION[/u][/b] by the Dallas Stars. That was simply embarrassing. Losing that bad to a team that has had just as much difficulty as us, possibly even more!
[img:left]http://blog.mlive.com/redwings_impact/2008/05/medium_turco15.JPG[/img]I find this curi...
This coming June is going to go a long way in telling us true Leaf fans what we are going to get under this new regime. The way that the Leafs are playing they have no shot at first or second in the June draft. Keep in mind that these scenarios take place if the standings were the same today as they would be at the end of the season. Also let me say that in no way do I ...
Renny needs to let out the hot air or before long, he'll float away. After telling the media and the world that he would start benching important players and standing his ground,he send Corey Potter and his bruising size to Hartford again!. His promises are becoming empty,it's like a kid crashing the car into the garage and still being able to go to the party. What mad...
Lets start off by wishing everyone a great 2009 and for Leaf fans a very interesting time as Brian Burke has had just about a month to evaluate the team and could be primed for some moves.
The question is who can you see Burkie trade package or waive as he continues the rebuilding process that Fletcher has commenced.
Here is a player by player breakdown of what might b...
First off I have to say that I am a die hard Maple Leaf fan, please don't hold that against me. More so I am a fan of the game, I can watch any game at anytime and find it enjoyable. So for those who are like me, if you could buy 1 crested jersey NOT from your favorite team who would it be and why? Which do you have already? Please do not include National team jerseys.
...
This little blog takes involves many NHL teams however most of my proposed trades involve either the Leafs or the Canucks as they are the two teams that I know the most about. It is a pretty interesting read and I did do my research as far as caproom and contracts go.
When I take a look at the current standings it is fairly evident who some of the buyers and sellers...
Brian Burke made his first two moves as Leafs GM -- acquiring Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 6th round pick in 2010, and assigning Nikolai Kulemin to the Toronto Marlies.
Minor moves, but perhaps Burke has finished analyzing his team and is ready to reshape the roster to his liking.
With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, just und...
As of January 10, 2009 the Toronto Maple Leafs are in familiar territory- no mans land.
Yknow that place in the standings where you are a ladder rung or 2 away from a playoff spot, but clearly not inept enough to be banking on a lottery pick in the draft. There is, at least a shred of understanding on my part for those who in the past three seasons felt that this was t...
In the event of Tomas Kaberle waiving his NTC on March 4th, I'd be willing to bet that his fellow countryman, and teammate, Pavel Kubina, would follow suit.
If the Leafs' top two offensive defensemen are subtracted from the lineup, not only will a wealthy amount of skill and potential be included to their farm system, but it'll pave the way for a top 5 pick at the 2009 ...
Jeff Carter scored two goals to add on to his league leading 29 goals, and Marty Biron made 41 saves as the Flyers defeated the Leafs 4-1 tonight. I thought Marty had one of his best performances of the season. Marty made the big saves when needed, and he helped the Flyers get a big win. Obviously, if Marty can keep on playing this way, the Flyers will win a ton of games. ...
As the Leafs continue to lose hockey games the past few weeks, one can only wonder what is going through the mind of Brian Burke. Burke has added Brad May for a 6th round pick this past week, not for scoring ability and not for the future but for some grit and leadership purposes. This should win the Leafs a few more games this season but a playoff run with the teams curre...
* I can't let you read this blog without first apologizing for the title. Shameful, just shameful. *
Alexei Ponikarovsky is in the midst of a career season.
14 goals and 30 points in 42 games played – on pace for 26 goals and 58 points.
But who is responsible for this sudden jump in production?
Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the so-called back-stabbin...
Last season I had a big post on what I think the leafs should do and it was pretty decent in predicting reality even though everyone in Leafland thought it appropriate to tear me a new one. Specifically, one of the "crazy" things I said was to trade Toskala and sign huet in his place. Alas that is what we should have done but we didn't and we may be paying for it a bit.
...
Last season I had a big post on what I think the leafs should do and it was pretty decent in predicting reality even though everyone in Leafland thought it appropriate to tear me a new one. Specifically, one of the "crazy" things I said was to trade Toskala and sign huet in his place. Alas that is what we should have done but we didn't and we may be paying for it a bit.
...
[img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:wAngNR2wPZwBEM:http://images.teamsugar[/img]
In a season where everyone either predicted or was warned the Leafs would place bottom 5 in the East, I'm a little surprised the team was booed by the club's faithful fans in a tilt with the Nashville Predators.
As of today, right now, this very second… (this second too) the Leafs...
March 5th will be a significant date for Anton Stralman.
Why?
He's going to be re-inserted into the Leafs' lineup, and finally serve the role he was intended to grasp as an offensive defenseman in the NHL.
That is, if Burke can manage to dislodge Kaberle and/or Kubina from the lineup.
It's currently unclear whether the duo of defensemen have a long-term future ...
* Inspired by Eric Engels' thought provoking question blogs*
Ten questions to ponder while you prepare for the Leafs - Thrashers tilt tonight:
1) If you were Brian Burke, who would you unload before the Trade Deadline?
2) Matt Stajan is on pace for 20 goals and 64 points (in 76 games). Trade him while his value is high, or lock him up as an integral piece to the L...
TML35 writes...
The True Blue and White: No more Exceeding Expectations
Posted Saturday | Comments 7
Half the season is over, and the leafs are finally beginning to show their true colors.
Burke isn't surprised, although he denies that he and his staff are quote "tanking," he says that these losses are just the growing pains of icing a young team. Growing pains that will deliver us a much needed 1st round pick. As always with rebuilding, and any city that has undergon...
This is my first ever blog,
Thanks for Reading.
Based on how Toskala has been playing latly, it is fair to see he should go. I for one never like him and think Raycroft should have been our guy.
That aside, a lot of people would like to see Toskala gone.
In the NHL this year, who needs a decent goal tender, and wh