Maple Leafs 2 versus Bruins 2: Quick Hit Post-Game
by PPP on Nov 17, 2008 10:59 PM EST
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PPP on his way home from the game
Alright, I'll have a lot more tomorrow including some trivia from the program and some anecdotes from the game but let's just start off the post-post-game discussion with this thought:
When Andrew Raycroft started his downward descent the biggest problem was that he was standing too deep in his crease, collapsing too early, and getting killed up high. Tonight, Wilson admitted that Toskala is going down that same path and Corey Hirsch is going to try to fix it this week. What can the Leafs do about Toskala?
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i forget...
are we bound by the “stay on topic” rules in post game threads…?
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:03 PM EST reply actions
Ummm…the actual game threads no, the post game threads yes. This is a post game thread but there is still lots to talk about like how the Leafs’ need a killer instinct in front of the net or Vesa better start making easy saves or I’ll have a killer instinct with his dog or how the ‘A’ on Antro’s shirt stands for Awesome.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
ok...
wanted to make sure i remember the boundaries.
rules. i plays by dem
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
No problem. Lots of Bruins fans including some pretty cute ones. I wish I had remembered my camera.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Ferguson gave Tosk
a humongous raise before ever playing in a Leafs uniform. He could easily have signed him for 2 million less once Toskala played his first twenty games badly for us. He has never been a 4 million dollar goalie. Thanks for another one JFJ.
I’m starting to come around. I keep hoping that Toskala can work his way out of it but last year wasn’t this bad. That first goal you could feel the air come out of the entire ACC. Same with the Ryder one.
As for the contract, JFJ was afraid to lose Toskala for nothing after giving up so many picks. He’s probably a shitty poker player.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
ya...
on all accounts.
tosk – playing crappy
jfj – as bad as hitler
ryder – smells like cabbage
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
God
I had two idiot Bruins fans behind me going “WHAT A TOE DRAG! WHAT A TOE DRAG!” about 5 times. I hated to tell them that he did it completely unopposed and only scored because Toskala was on his knees and is about 5’ 2".
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
ya...
sorry, that should have had
\sarcasm
at the end there..
i mean, toskala is playing like crap, but the rest were my way of saying “whatever.” the rest of the team is competing, and our options are limited in what we can do between the pipes, so whatever…
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the options are definitely limited. Basically, I have to say that bringing up Pogge is a non-starter so it’s work with Toskala or go with CuJo. Until the former is exhausted there is no point even entertaining the latter.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
But Ryder
probably does smell like cabbage
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
As response to the last post in the game thread...well, above PPP's anyway
Time to give Pogge his shot. He cant possibly do any worse.
Everything I agree with you pretty much except for this part. There is plenty to lose with calling up Pogge at this stage. What has he done with the Marlies to merit meaningful time with the Leafs? Considering that Pogge is our best goaltending prospect (never mind by default), somehow exposing him to the NHL game in the middle of the season is better or just reward for his lacklustre performance down at the farm? Furthermore, what does that say to the rest of the team when Leafs management bypass two NHL goalies on the current roster for a prospect? Toskala may be the coolest cucumber in the business, but isn’t that a slap in the face to both him and the team? Why should the team play as hard for Toskala or Joseph, if and when they comes back to play, when even management shows no confidence in them?
Whenever Pogge gets shellacked in the NHL, there’s always a fear of shattering his confidence before his NHL career even properly starts. That’s something we can’t afford to risk, especially relatively early in the season. If this was February or March, fine, give Pogge a shot. But there’s too much of the season to go. Doing this drastic move (and it is drastic) is rash right now. It also doesn’t do much for Toskie’s trade value, if the Leafs had any ideas of trading him, if the guy gets permanently benched.
Yeah
I don’t subscribe to that idea of putting in Pogge because he can’t do worse because he can and it could cause significantly worse problems for the team. What Toskala hasn’t had and didn’t get I think during training camp is a lot of practice. This stretch right now is a perfect chance for the Leafs to play CuJo Saturday night and buy Toskala an entire week to work with Hirsch. It’s time to give CuJo another start anyway, the building will be electric which will hopefully raise his game, and Toskala gets to dedicate time to working the kinks out of his game without putting the team in a position where they have a worthless asset and a damaged one and an old one in net.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Exactly
I’m confused why Cujo hasn’t gotten another start yet, but it does show me that Wilson is giving Toskala the benefit of the doubt to get out of his funk. This is me totally talking out of my ass here, but I feel like Toskala is too “meh, whatever” in his attitude right now. I know goalies are supposed to shake every game off, win or lose, but it’s like Toskala is playing small, playing deep, etc. because he’s not required to look at his game closely. He doesn’t see the flaws in his mechanics right now because the PK is so bad, the team is young, the lacklustre starts, etc. It gives Toskala an excuse, even if he didn’t intend to use it that way. It certainly sounds like he’s shifting more blame on the defensive zone breakdowns, the screens (Leafs are blocking a ton of shots, but they are blocking his view and many Leafs are still prone to lying or going behind Toskala in the net), and the other guys themselves fr his problems.
Great Theory
It’s got to be something right? He’s in complete “Oh man, you know I don’t think that I have given up too many bad goals” mode. Just like Raycroft and it scares me.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Raycroft?
But what’s killing me right now is that unlike Raycroft, Toskala seems perfectly fine and looks like he normally does. That calm, collective, even jovial self.
I remember when Raycroft was just getting grilled, I could see how noticeably upset and shaken he was despite saying all the right things. Sure, it was a credit to Raycroft because he never once blamed his teammates or failed to answer questions despite knowing how much he was getting lambasted. Sometimes I wish he said “no comment” than allowing people to see how beat up this guy was over the course of the season. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Toskala look hurt or upset in his time with the Leafs so far.
True
Raycroft did look rattled and didn’t blame his teammates but he also said dumb things like “what else can you do?” = hint: play better.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Hahaha
Ah, the timeless Raycroft-isms.
“I thought I had it in my glove.”
“I felt good, but we lost.”
Even when he looked sad his only answer was a shoulder shrug. Toskala has that Nordic calm that apparently doesn’t get fazed BY ANYTHING!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I also notice Toskala has that sly humour in him that deflects a lot of the animosity and blame towards him.
So while Raycroft has that sheepish smile, Toskala has that sly smile. Hmm, the comparisons are getting closer and closer. Oh dear God…
and we already saw that the numbers are getting closer…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Either way, the Leafs will have to do better with Toskala in tow or make a trade if things turn disastrous.
I will not endorse a Pogge call-up under any circumstances before the trade deadline.
Justin Pogge is chomping at the bit to play in the NHL.
Calling him up for one game isn’t going to ruin his entire life.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Not necessarily but it could!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Was it not a slap in the face to Jason Blake and Matt Stajan when they were benched for lackluster play? Why should the goalies be held to a different standard??? If Toskala’s head isnt in the game for whatever reason, he needs to be treated like other members of the team who are guilty of lazy play. What message does it send to the team that the goaltender will not be benched if he is playing poorly, but they will be?
The point is, Ron Wilson has been benching players who havent played to his standard, regardless of their paychecks or status as veterans. Toskala should be no different, and maybe it would serve to wake him up the same way it did with Blake and Stajan.
As for calling up Pogge, nobody said anything about it being permanent. Giving him his shot for a few games to see what he can do isnt going to “permanently ruin his confidence.” He is a professional goaltender and is a big boy now. He can take it. For the record, it doesnt seem to be ruining Luke Shcenn’s confidence when he has an off night. If anything, he will be excited to have the shot to prove himself, and if he shows hes not yet ready, that is okay. He can be sent right back down for more development and he wont be “permanently scarred for life.” Hes not that fragile.
As for Toskala’s trade value, I said above the benching doesnt have to be permanent. Coach Wilson has not benched anyone permanently yet, and will give Toskala the chance to redeem himself. He just needs to be shaken up a bit, and maybe watching from the press box for a few games will do the trick like it did with other players. Since Cujo’s goaltending is no better, there is nothing to lose by using this oppurtunity to give Pogge the shot to prove himself.
The Maple Leafs News Ticket. Yes, its another Leafs blog.
Yeah, it’s definitely time for Toskala to sit.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Healthy scratch Toskala, bring up Pogge, let him know he’s on a short leash.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I’m not totally opposed to Pogge coming up, but…
1) who do you put on waivers to make room for him?
2) What’s the end game? If Pogge plays great, what do you do with a slumping Toskala and a 41 year old Cujo? It’s not like there’s a hot trade market out there for goalies of questionable talent, just ask Edmonton.
A life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...http://bitterleaf.blogspot.com
Bingo
There are other steps to take in the natural progression of things before panicking and calling up Pogge.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Toskala has till Saturday to work on his game so I’d be less than surprised if he didn’t get one more start before letting Cujo have a shot.
Cujo proved he can still play ok when he has to after Tosk got yanked, sure he didn’t face many shots, but he made some good saves and didn’t let up a goal.
Do you have to waive a goalie to bring up Pogge or can you sit one in the press box?
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2008 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
The Leafs are at their roster max. Someone has to go down. Since Tlusty is in the press box I guess it could be him without having any waiver problems.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Could Tlusty get sent down to Marlies without much trouble? that’s what I’m assuming
sure the defense could use work, But Tosk has to meet them halfway on this. If he wants the start he’d better be working his ass off the next few days
Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing
That’s why my recommendation is that CuJo play on Saturday to give Toskala three extra days to work on things.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Off to bed
I’m turning in for the night. I’m going to give the Toskala situation some serious thought. I’m doing my best to hold out, but that Kessel goal was just soft.
I know this is not intended to be a winning season, but that’s just giving points away. And PS, I will grant you that he is not a $4M goalie.
I’m so confused.
Good luck with the thinking!
p.s. I saw what I am getting myself for Christmas last night. It’s in your picture…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
a Pearson jersey!?!?
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Ha!
Excellent blurr…beat me to it ;)
Unless that’s what you ARE getting…
by clark4calder on Nov 17, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
No
I saw the 80s Wendel ‘Vintage’ jersey with the ‘C’ for $190. I have some money saved for something Christmas-y and that’s it.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
nothing says happy birthday jesus
like a Wendel jersey.
it says that in the bible
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly
Happy Birthday 8 pound 6 ounce baby jesus.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Dear Tiny, Infant, Jesus…
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Dear Eight Pound, Six Ounce, Newborn Baby Jesus, don’t even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly, but still omnipotent. We’d just like to thank you for all the races I’ve won and the $21.2 million, LOVE THAT MONEY! That I have accrued over this past season. Also due to a binding endorsement contract that stipulates I mention PowerAde at each grace, I just wanna say that PowerAde is delicious and it cools you off on a hot summer day and we look forward to PowerAde’s release of mystic mountain blueberry. Thank you, for all your power and your grace, Dear Baby God, Amen
Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Nov 17, 2008 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
All I know is...
When the kids see their Christmas gifts from Santa and mine from Santa they will be jealous.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Ask the Chiefs, nicely of course, if they can borrow Tokarski. That is my solution.
I don’t want my goalie in the Tampa Bay clusterfuck.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Nov 18, 2008 1:20 AM EST reply actions
Stupid Tampa, they get to ruin Lecavalier and Stamkos, when do we get a chance?
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2008 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
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