Game Recap: Leafs 5 Rangers 2 - The Best Hockey Game I Ever Watched In My Entire Life
by Chemmy on Nov 1, 2008 9:34 PM EDT
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PrintDown 2-0 to the Rangers with under 10:00 in the third period, the Leafs decided to turn the last half of the third in to an absolute snipe show. Welcome home Valiquette, enjoy the pine on your next visit.
Five goals in five minutes and twenty two seconds:
Mitchell, J. (12:35 in 3rd) Blake, J. (14:02 in 3rd) Kubina, P. (14:53 in 3rd) Mitchell, J. (16:06 in 3rd) Moore, D. (17:57 in 3rd)
And that's all she wrote.
PPP Update:
The Mongols under Genghis Khan rode their way to conquering vast swathes of the asian steppes. Not only could they ride like centaurs but they could fire their strong bows with remarkable accuracy at full gallop at ridiculous clips (one arrow per six seconds in one story I read). Facing them meant being able to face wave after wave of cavalry charges and machine gun-like arrows. These Maple Leafs appear determined to become hockey's equivalent to the Golden Horde.
I wathced the game on fast forward so I was able to compress my misgivings as the Rangers got an undeserved lead and stretched it to two on a lucky bounce. I watched the third period on normal speed and saw a player that never would have made the Leafs before turn the game on it's head. John Mitchell, the 23 year old that came into camp with three AHL seasons under his belt, pounced on yet another forced turnover, waited patiently, and fired a wrist shot in to break Steve Valiquette's voodoo over the Leafs. From there, in the words of Tom Renney, the trolley went off the tracks for the Rangers.
First, Blake made the most miniscule of deflections on a Dominic Moore shot to tie the game (FIST PUMP!!) and that was followed by Kubina's laser from the point after some good puck play. Then the hero of the night, John Mitchell, potted his second of the night on another good wrist shot. Last year Boyd Devereaux would have been getting those chances, and while he could have buried them, he would not be a 23 year old with the upside of John Mitchell. The hustle that he showed to create what should have been his third was remarkable as he flew past Marc Staal and beat Valiquette to the puck. A well-timed poke check put the puck on Moore's stick for a split second before becoming the fifth goal in a Leafsplosion of offence.
The Rangers, like the Bruins, the Ducks, and the Devils, eventually wilted under the relentless blue and white waves of attacks. It's still early in the season but I cannot imagine that too many teams are looking forward to playing these new-look Leafs.
The team had a huge night in the face-off circle as Moore won 80% of his draws and Matt Stajan won 57%. Mitchell was the star of the night with two goals, an assist and a + 3 rating while Blake was the yin to his yang with one goal and two assists. Drew Doughty also better watch his back as Luke Schenn picked up an assist and was +3 on the night.
Thanks to everybody who witnessed it with me, including Archimedies who is probably late to work.
| Name | # of Posts |
|---|---|
| loser domi | 186 |
| Archimedies | 122 |
| dare_ | 79 |
| Ando Rich | 63 |
| clark4calder | 55 |
| bkblades | 45 |
| Baroque | 40 |
| Chemmy | 34 |
| jrwendelman | 26 |
| Winkle | 15 |
| mf37 | 11 |
| JaredFromLondon | 8 |
| FrankD | 4 |
| Elfremi | 3 |
| puckbuddy | 3 |
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Comments
Steen was part of the original baby Face Crew, so him and Stajan go way back
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
no doubt....
I feel like he’d be the one to bring the movies
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Baby face crew
Sajan, Steen, and wellwood. Welly’s not there anymore, so they need a replacement
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
and Schenn
Is babyfacier than Welly anyway.
He’s the babyfaciest
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
truest meaning of “born to kill”
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
LD
Your choice of course, but if I win the lottery tonight, might I recommend a Mitchell #39 jersey?
I’ll take one!
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I came VERY close to buying a Schenn jersey at Centresports tonight
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Is there anyway I can vote for both in the poles?
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
you don’t know the half of it
bow chicka wowow
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
again, you dont know the half of it.
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Pssh
amatures
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
of course you are, whats not to like?
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
do you do birthday parties? bar Mitzvahs? corporate events?
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
Naturally, I require booking two weeks in advance, my calender fills up fast
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions
More than anyone expects to happen! Every event would be like a surprise party
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
OH SNAP
But they did get those snazzy ball caps
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I miss half an hour and I miss the greatest win
Seriously, anything better than a 5 goal explosion? How about exorcising the annoying back-up goalie superstar spirit?
I love the fact that the Leafs are making their opponents absolutely shell-shocked at the end of the game.
They’re the COMEBACK KIDS
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Fun
I really disliked watching last year’s team…but these guys are fun to watch. Entertainment goes a long way…
Remember last year when the Leafs always blew third period leads? Now it’s like “no lead no problem”.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I wasn’t even worried going into the third down two goals, because I knew they had the ability to pull it out. That is so weird as a Leaf fan.
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Raps fans...
are stealing this schtick now…
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
by 'this schtick'
I mean always being convinced the team will lose when they should win
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
This really is something else.
They have made a gigantic statement to the league and the fans. I’m still feeling the effects of pure shock and adrenaline, but I don’t think i’ve had more confidence in this team, any recent Leaf team than I do right at this moment.
They have so much character it hurts, and i’m practically getting misty thinking about the future of this club – with a these great fans with brains, humour and passion all pulling in the same direction. Sigh
Considering recent events (despicable sports writing and the uplifting response) this beautiful, improbable win could not have come at a cooler time.
GO LEAFS GO
What an amazing game!
I thought I would just kill some time by tuning in before my favorite LA Kings appear on HNIC. Lo and behold, I think I have just seen one of the greatest comebacks ever! I can’t beLEAF it!!!
Paul Lo Duca is MLB's Pablo Escobar..
one of us, one of us!
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha, thanks for dropping by. You can root for a team in the east and a team in the west you know, it’s like the AL/NL in baseball.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Ssshhhh
We’re weening him onto the Leafs
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm out
Gonna bask in the glow of this win for a while and then head to bed. Night all – had a great time tonight!
I’m going to go to a party. I think I’ll take off my Steen authentic and throw on the Tucker jersey though.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
remember, if you see a couch full of Sens fans, you have to dive at them
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions
you must also grow a goatee and give people Jack Nicholson eyes
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
Don’t forget to take off your skate and try to stab someone with it…..oh wait, that was my Happy Gilmour Halloween costume shtick
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Pssh
I have to work in 8hours, and I’m so drunk I can’t stand.
This victory has taken all the care I had right out of me.
Woooo!
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 1, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Barely tip the puck?
FIST PUMP!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I know this is obvious but...
Ron Wilson is a guarentee lock to win Coach of the Year
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
What.
A.
Game.
Wow, that was fun. I guess you can win a game with only ten minutes – you just have to pick the right ten minutes, and score a truck load of goals!
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Its not how you start...
its how you finish
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Apparently you are going to have to “leave the room” for more games, since it works so well. :)
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
For the record:
I never closed the window, just alt-tabbed my way to my actual work.
I only had to do about 5 minutes of stuff, but the Leafs scored 3 times.
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Yeah...
But that’d be CTRL-TAB. I ATL-TAB’d between this window and the program I’m using at work
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
CTRL+TAB!?!?!?
Thank you, I never knew that.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
And knowing is half the battle.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Time to go party
Goodnight all….
I hope i can still stand up.
Wilson for Jack Adams
Ando for Lucky Charm first GT thread insanity trophy,
I now know what those Blues fans felt like back in November of 2000…
A life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...http://bitterleaf.blogspot.com
No kidding
I was watching it on one fast forward on PVR and stopped after the first goal.
I just finished watching the comeback!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Yeah, I got to compress all of my nerves into 20 minutes.
Seriously, who wants to know why I have a mancrush on John Mitchell now?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
And it began a huge winless streak for the Leafs as well
Let’s hope the Leafs can turn into the “team” every opponent circles on their calenders as one they dread to play.
I think that the Leafs are about two weeks from being that team.
Seriously, those were unending waves of blue and white coming at Valiquette.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I was at that game…I’ll never forget it. Effing Khavanov scored 2 goals. Just a total meltdown.
by clark4calder on Nov 1, 2008 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh My God
I almost put my fist through the wall after that game.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I concur
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
About 2 1/2 minutes into the third
I stopped watching and took the kids upstairs to get ready for bed. Did I miss anything?
Damn.
You know last year missing the end of most games was kind of a good thing, but the way this team is playing I think my kids are going to have to learn to tuck themselves in. From what I’ve read though:
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Winkle and I should have paid the $160 for tickets tonight!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
No kidding
I might have been tempted to pay $160 alone for a ticket to tonight’s game. Going alone be damned with the kind of performance the Leafs pulled off tonight!
I think you could be strung up by your ankles
And that last 20 would still be pretty special.
If it's after midnight, it must be time for hockey!
SPAM CROWN IS ALL MINE
I shall wear it with pride!
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
Kudos
Panzerotto Pizza and being at work doomed me from winning
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Post game soundbyte:
John Mitchell’s ACTUAL QUOTE:
When asked what was going through his head after he scored…
Just to fist pump as many times as I could…
FIST PUMP!
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
It's clear
We all need to be doing a lot more fist pumping.
If it's after midnight, it must be time for hockey!
John Mitchell says...
FIST PUMP!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
They should add...
…the FIST PUMP to the Leafs’ SuperSkills competition this year. I predict Mitchell vs. Blake in the final.
by clark4calder on Nov 1, 2008 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Despite Mitchell being a rookie I think that he could really push Blake.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Come on now...
I know Mitchell is looking really good after tonight…
But Blake’s been fistpumping from his knees whilte John Mitchell was still playing ball hockey with his grade-school pals.
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Absolutely outstanding
I had to be out and aboot during the game, but saw the 3rd period start down 2-0 just when getting up to leave the pub I’d had dinner.. Got home and saw the score was 5-2 final and had a definite “aroo?” moment. Thankfully I had decided to tape it and watched the 3rd period in full and was just elated to see the effort paying off.. Great, great win..
you know its a great game when...
The POST game has 100 spam hits
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
well crap...
fine game to miss…and i forgot to dvr. to much going on. glad LD finally won the spam crown. and the PPP’s unrequited mancrush on Mitchell is finally starting to make sense.
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 1, 2008 11:57 PM EDT reply actions
there'll be others, blurr
Wow!
Totally excellent!
Spirit of "67!
CRAYONS!!!
FIST-PUMP-TACULAR!
by general borschevsky on Nov 1, 2008 11:59 PM EDT reply actions
Dear Luke
Happy Birthday.
Love Me.
(This is not a disturbing stalker-ish love. This is a perfectly normal, manly love.)
caught the highlights
fist pumps galore, and for once, they were in the correct context and completely legit.
FIST PUMP!
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 2, 2008 1:12 AM EDT reply actions
Kovalchuk to the Leafs rumor.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/529055
I know it’s crazy (mostly because “that guy from that website that is shit but we still wander off to just to appease our crazy dreams” mentioned it) and will never happen in a million years, but even the faaaaaaaint sliiiiiiiight possbility of the Leafs acquiring Kovalchuk is euphoria-worthy.
Kovalchuk
I love the kid, and someone seriously needs to get him out of Atlanta before they suck out his soul. He’s been there since he was just 18 and no hope of progress yet. I don’t much care where he goes, but it needs to be a competitive team with a future. Talent like that is wasted on a garbage team.
Anyone in Canada have a large roomy trunk to smuggle him across the border? Save Kovalchuck! :)
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Free Kovalchuk!
Well, actually…he’d be pretty friggin’ expensive.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Nov 2, 2008 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
and..
he’d be wearing #17. not sure how i’d feel about that
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 2, 2008 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
- is a holy number. It should be retired so the issue never comes up and we end up hating someone for sullying our memories of Wendel.
by Mirinov's Nose on Nov 2, 2008 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
He could be 71.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Nov 2, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm good point…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Nov 2, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
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