Negative Nancy Notebook - Leafs X, Opponent X-1?

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 9:02 AM EDT Comment 88 comments

Wow. What a performance last night. 580 comments! I think we'll probably have to figure out a process for doing overflow threads so that things don't get too bogged down. Number of comments on The Omen's "live-blog": zero. Waking up to know that he's the same jerk he's been for the past 25 years of my life: priceless.

If there were horns honking on Yonge Street last night, they couldn't be heard or felt in Motown.

Ok. Parade jokes are hereby banned at PPP. It's too easy and if Cox can do it we can obviously do better.

Time to give Leaf fans some credit. While it's easy to pick on them for exulting too wildly over a three-game winning streak and continuing to live and die with a franchise that has disappointed for 41 years, beating the Red Wings 3-2 on opening night Thursday didn't produce a wave of "I-told-you-so" emails and "We're gonna win the Cup" voice mails.

Buddy, you have no idea of the shitstorm that you will encounter if this team a. does well or b. ever wins a Cup. You'll have to leave the country.

Everybody looked good Thursday night, and there aren't going to be many nights like that.

Thanks for the qualifier.

There's obvious holes in the lineup that aren't going to go away.

I just wanted to highlight that to point out that "holes" is plural and Cox showed his classic editing skills by missing it.

Let's see what everyone else thought!

Somewhere on Yonge Street, a parade began.

It's an unfounded hunch, and it's probably the wrong decision, but here's betting the kid sticks around for more than 10 games.

Bruce Arthur you're on notice. I heard good things about you and so far you're two-for-two in the Damien Cox write-alike contest.

Indeed, if there is something that the Leafs can take away from this early-season win it is that, for the first time since Ed Belfour was in the crease, Toronto has a goaltender skilled enough to steal more than a few games.

To the Leafs' credit, Toskala did not face the same volume and quality of shots that he did on most nights last season.

Toronto, which blocked 11 shots, had vowed to pay more attention to defence. And though Detroit's snipers still created chances, they had to work for every one.

Michael Traikos saves it for the National Post with some good observations. From what I managed to catch on the adjacent television screen at dinner the Leafs definitely looked to be pressuring the Red Wings at every turn.

Then, when the puck dropped, it was the Maple Leafs who raised hopes and expectations.

Paul, do not play this game with us. Expectations remain the same: this team will work hard and grow and any wins are bonuses.

No one, except perhaps those with the crayons, expects this Toronto squad to vault into contender status based on an upset of Detroit, but there was much to like about the visitors last night. Mostly it was their speed that stood out as players such as Niklas Hagman, Dominic Moore and Nikolai Kulemin showed impressive zip around the Detroit net and through neutral ice.

And don't steal the coach's joke, pretend it's yours and ignore the fact that you work with a paste-eater.

The Leafs received strong play from goalie Vesa Toskala, stayed out of the penalty box, exhibited efficient puck movement out of their end and up the ice, used their speed to pressure the Wings into turnovers, blocked shots and held onto the lead against a potent offence.

Tim Wharnsby picks the keys to victory...any victory by any team. Now rinse, lather, repeat.

The Red Wings raised their Stanley Cup banner before the puck was dropped last night. It is the second time since the Leafs won their last Stanley Cup in 1967 that Toronto players have been part of another team's championship celebrations on opening night. The first time was the New Jersey Devils in October of 2003

Et tu Timmy?

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This Sportsnet quote is now our “Dewey Defeats Truman”:

The Toronto Maple Leafs open their season Thursday versus Detroit in a building where they are likely to not just lose, but be exposed for what they are.

Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 9:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

UP YOURS SPORTSNET GO LEAFS GO

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BWAHAHAHA

Exposed as hardworking and determined. Yikes!

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pwned

That is all

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahahhahhahahh

idiots

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

580 posts

Don’t worry, there won’t be many nights where I’ll be sitting in front of my TV with my laptop spam-posting every 5 seconds.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s what I plan to do from now on. I can’t believe you outposted me more than 2 to 1.

Winkle, consider it “on”.

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

I did get a little crazy last night

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll get you next time.

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 10, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can feel all the love

below the belt area

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bow-chicka-wow-wow

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 10, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not worried?

I think it’s AWESOME.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

580

that just means I have to step up mu game to keep up with you, winkle

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 10, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's alright

I know you were too busy throttling Holmstrom’s nose with a broken broomstick.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only 580 comments… pfft.

by James Mirtle on Oct 10, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds like a gauntlet being thrown!

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta say

That was an awesome game to watch.

Good on ya for beating the Dead Things.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was rooting for Tucker last night. :(

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was surprised

To see him not on Sakic’s line.

I’ve been saying all along that Tucker will do amazing with a good linemate. Did you see him and Sakic during the preseason?

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

I don’t get to see any preseason games other than the Leafs which is a shame. Tucker needs the set up guy with him.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I didn’t see any of the games either, stupid Barrie area.

Looking at the stats and reading about the games says he did very well with Sakic.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For a change

It seems like the Toronto media are the one caught with their pants down and running around like headless chickens now instead of the Leafs.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Chicken or the egg

2 unassisted goals and lots of give-a-ways…..Did the Leafs look so good because the Wings were that bad OR did the Wings look so bad because the Leafs were that good?
(I think it was a little of both. Regardless of how many games they win, if our boys put that kind of effort in every night, they will be fun to watch all year.)

by floridaLEAF on Oct 10, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Both teams

Looked good, I think the big deal is that no one expected the Leafs to keep pace with the Wings, which they did, for a full 60 minutes.

Both teams went back and forth at it with rush after rush in each direction. And for the first time since before Pat Quinn took the reins of the team, Toronto did not sit on a 1 goal lead. No, they fought and pressured on the fore-check and did not hesitate to go on the attack in the last 5 minutes of the game.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll just stick with Dead Things being shitty, because that makes me smile.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damien Cox wrote an almost entirely positive blog post that was only about 500 words… and he still managed to fill in four squares on his bingo card (plan the parade, vague reference to inbox, 1967, attribute opinions to fans without quoting any).

This guy is good.

Down Goes Brown - Because it's technically possible that things may get better before we all die.

by Down Goes Brown on Oct 10, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

First

time I think anyone said he was good at anything.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have your bingo card printed and taped to my desk at work.

by general borschevsky on Oct 10, 2008 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very Tongue-in-Cheek Though

Most of the positive stuff sounded forced, and some of it was kind of obvious where he was praising Schenn for doing what he did during the whole of pre-season, and attributed Kubina’s goal to Karma.

He couldn’t find anyone to verbally dismantle so he started going after the jerseys. That was a definite high light.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that’s why he’s the professional.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Game

I think the Habs will be a bigger test than the Red Wings. The Leafs record at the ACC hasn’t been spectacular in recent seasons. Not to be a negative nancy…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you’re such a negative nancy!

Sports And The City

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by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I’m so ashamed…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're right, though

under Maurice, coming in to the ACC was a joke.

Under Pat Quinn, we were not to be fucked with on home ice. We have to get back to that. If we skate and work hard like we did last night, the results will be there.

In Wilson I trust.

Sports And The City

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by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Home Ice Advantage?

It’d be great if it got back to the days of a Saturday night home game being an automatic two points. I think that the increased pace of the game will get the crowd going. As much as suits can ever get going.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

to quote Entourage:

“fuckin suits”

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not as bad

on a Saturday night, weekday games… yes… it’s like a graveyard in there

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should literally hire homeless people to shank opposing players in the ACC parking lot.

Get ’em off guard from the get go.

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Suits are all chasing dimes on the sidewalk having lost infinite dough in the stockmarket. Hopefully fans’ll show up

by Aschendancy on Oct 10, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a great way to start the season. Hossa wanted Detroit, he got Detroit. Wonder how he feels.

Hossa to Leafs – E4

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 10, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You

sunk my battleship!

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boom. I was looking for that one the whole game. You lose. I win.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 10, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me?

Or did the two finalists for the new HNIC theme sounds almost identical. When they started playing the second song, I thought they were playing the first one again…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Similiar

But I liked the first one better, the one from the dood in Edmonton or whatever.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just you

They are very similar and trying to be the HNiC theme but are far too light.

More importantly, the only thing I could think was that both songs sound like the intro soundtrack to an 80s season highlight film.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neither

are as memorable as the HNIC theme, but the kid’s one is the I voted for, mostly due to him being friggin 13 yrs old.

I wish I had that much creativity when I was 13.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The One I Liked

..never got very far. Can’t remember which writer it was, but they posted a link to a submission that I thought rocked so cheezy it was perfect. I posted it on my blog

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

preminition

580 comments is a lot so I doubt anybody noticed this, but I was just looking over my comments from last night and found this, posted at 7:54, two minutes before the Kubina goal:

Moore looks good. Kulemin looks good.

Doesn’t mean anything… just sayin’.

by general borschevsky on Oct 10, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Should we

Start planning a parade for you?

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, if you have a full set of crayons!

by general borschevsky on Oct 10, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s why you’re The General.

Also, Moore took some huge face-offs at the end of the game and one that set up his goal.

And Antro can’t play centre anymore. 3 of 11 on face-offs? Even Stajan’s better than that.

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by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stajan’s shit.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not the Wrost

Grabs was 1 for 13 or something like that. Maybe his nickname is ironic?

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just like in NHL 09. I had to get him on the wing in my Dynasty, b/c he’s brutal on the draw.

It says a lot that Moore was the guy taking that huge draw with a few seconds left in the third. He’s huge.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 10, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moore

For Captain. That’s my vote and I’m sticking to it.

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dominic Moore would be a fourth line player on my beer league team. We only have two lines.

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s interesting that Moore and Antro will wear the A along with Kaberle, Kubina, and Mayers, while Stajan was left out of the group of Captains entirely.

by general borschevsky on Oct 10, 2008 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I thought that was kind of a slap in the face.

But he seems alright with it, so whatever.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who

the hell was the one that anointed Stajan as their next captain? I don’t get it, I used to like him a lot, then I was ok with him and now I’m just “meh”, but regardless I have never once touted him for his unquestionable leadership abilities

did the media pick him because he’s the longest-serving player on the roster from the Toronto area?

I just don’t get it

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone notice that in these captain discussions, Blake’s name never comes up even though he’s a 47-year-old veteran and was a Masterton nominee?

How much of an ass must he be in the dressing room?

Down Goes Brown - Because it's technically possible that things may get better before we all die.

by Down Goes Brown on Oct 10, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Key Word

Is nominee, he didn’t win it.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

He won it last year.

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit Chemmy

I reject you and your reality-based facts.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Noticed

but I thought that you meant they were handsome. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't it

be a little bit of both?

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 10, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pop Quiz!

What has nine arms and sucks like a hoover?

by Kim Jorn on Oct 10, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It Can't be Def Leppard

They’re all kinds of awesome :\

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pyromania

Was the first tape I ever owned. The last 25 years haven’t been very kind to the Lep.

by Kim Jorn on Oct 10, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Red Wings?

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eve Styzerman

My girlfriend is a Red Wings fan. It may be childish, but I had a lot of fun shouting “in your face” at her for three straight hours last night.

by Kim Jorn on Oct 10, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My two coworkers who are also on my hockey team are Wings fans. I jumped off of the couch and thrusted my crotch at them for about ten minutes after Kulemin’s goal.

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by Chemmy on Oct 10, 2008 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not going to touch that set up with a 10 inch pole…

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 10, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that’s what she said?

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you notice...

that when the lead singer took the cup and placed it on the pedastal, he placed it UPSIDE DOWN…don’t you at least have to know which side of the Stanley Cup is up in order to play an opening night concert?

by floridaLEAF on Oct 10, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I figured

that was on purpose.

by Drakenlot on Oct 10, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Krusty

TSN reports the Leafs play in one game was so awesome, Alfie’s knee spontaneously combusted at the mere thought of playing the Leafs this season…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 10, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Heatley will be captain in his absence.

Beyond the fact that naming a new captain when the current one is only out a few games is dumb… can anyone image what would happen if the Leafs named a convicted killer as team captain? Damien Cox’s head would explode.

Hell, it’s probably still at risk of exploding retroactively over Rob Ramage.

Down Goes Brown - Because it's technically possible that things may get better before we all die.

by Down Goes Brown on Oct 10, 2008 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs