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Around SBN: VIDEO: Austin Rivers' Buzzer Beater Finishes Off UNC

Rebuilding Team 2 at Stanley Cup Contender 5

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In the midst of all the hoopla surrounding Ron Wilson's return to the Shark Tank after being fired nearly seven months ago, it became all too easy to lose track of another subplot that threatened to slip under the radar: Joe Thornton's third anniversary in Teal.

Lest anyone forget, Jumbo Joe drove home the reminder with 4 points in the first period, sending the Sharks well on their way to a 5-2 victory over Wilson's Toronto Maple Leafs, not to mention a 21-3-1 start, tying the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens for most points ever in 25 games. 

Mr. K, Fear The Fin

Hey, looks like someone has senatorsitis!


Final - 12.2.2008 123Total
Toronto Maple Leafs 0 1 1 2
San Jose Sharks 4 0 1 5

Complete Coverage >



The bright side? The Leafs won 2/3 of the game against the best team in the league!

Star-divide

Of course, that first period was quite the stanza for the Sharks. Joe Thornton showed why the Bruins got a new GM a couple of years ago as he was in on all four goals. How's his year been going so far?


GPGAP+/-PIMPPGSHGGWGGTGSOGPCT
2008 - Joe Thornton 25 7 23 30 10 26 4 0 1 0 45 15.6


Pretty good. Much like in the Lightning game earlier this year star power played a big part in deciding the game. Now, some of you are familiar with this 'tanking' strategy that suggests that the only way to get a player of that quality is to draft them. Down Goes Brown previously took a look at that theory and found that there is, in fact, more than one way to skin a cat. What does that mean for the Leafs? They need a Joe Thornton and need to exhaust every avenue to get one.

As for the game, here are the highlights for the people that listened on the radio and fell asleep during the third period...


 

  1. Dear God that first goal was awful. That is not the way to start against the league's best team although at least it was 18 seconds better than last game. Baby steps.
  2. How is there no penalty on the second goal? jrwendelman described it as a division of Panzers rolling over poor Vesa Poland. Sounds about right.
  3. Antro, I love you, but you can't be chicken scratching like that.
  4. Wow. The Sharks are sick. Notice they are wearing their third jerseys though. No better time to market them eh boys?
  5. I love everyone on the Lemonade Line.
  6. Tomas, we need to talk. When you mess up all I can think about is Jeff Carter so either get us another Jeff Carter or stop messing up.
  7. The video is broken so I can't see the second Leafs goal but I saw it on Yahoo. Nice play.
  8. Luke Schenn is becoming a hard-hitting beast! Although the Leafs should make sure that if every team is going to get their panties in a bunch on a clean hit that they put Deveaux out with the kid.

This isn't a game worth worrying about too much. Everyone gets a mulligan. Except Hollweg who blew down the little piggies strawhouse with that wild whiff.

Thanks to everyone that came out until the early morning hours to hang out in the game thread. I am hopefully less than a week away from never missing another one. Until then, enjoy Chemmy and dream of better days.

Name# of Posts
eyebleaf 154
Mabel 145
loser domi 89
blurr1974 86
bkblades 76
wrap around curl 75
jrwendelman 67
Archimedies 55
mf37 34
article1 24
Chemmy 23
The Meatriarchy 22
bobrouse! 22
general borschevsky 14
koopa kid 9
Baroque 7
sharks 4
dare_ 4
LeafFanInVan 3
Mirinov's Nose 1

Comment 71 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Victory

Spam Crown.

That’s what the kids call “back-to-back jacks.”

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 12:32 PM EST reply actions  

Top 4

and i missed half the game…

in phoenix, it’s on like donkey kong.

Spam crown coming back to roost in blurratopia

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:41 PM EST up reply actions  

I rule the late nights.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 12:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Only because I let you. I was going to go for the jugular, and then you were gentle and held me, and I just couldn’t. But next time? You are going down, no matter how good you hold me.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

that comment

was all kinds of sexy time, if you read it the right way…

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I always read things the right way, if you catch my drift…

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I R JEALOUS

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

by Winkle on Dec 3, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

You have no right to be. You told be to look around for other people, so that’s what I’m doing. You want exclusive rights? We’ll have to renegotiate.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:16 PM EST up reply actions  

third and I wasn’t even there halfway though? niiice

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Dec 3, 2008 1:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Lucky Seven

…but I like to think I bring a welcome meditative element to the proceedings. Who else is gonna talk about broccoli-powered shark panzers? Who, I ask you? Not our so-called “free press”, that’s who – er, that’s not who.

Um.

Wait. What?

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:32 PM EST up reply actions  

You bring lots to the table. Plus, you’re my VP, so that makes you like 2A anyhow.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

In case you’re ever unable to fulfill your duties as Spammy runner-up, right?

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:42 PM EST up reply actions  

’zactly. Plus, the whole phase two thing.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Right, right.

/conceals mysterious suitcase.

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I remember

no such thing

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

by Winkle on Dec 3, 2008 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't remember where exactly

but you were denying our love, and said I should seek love elsewhere. So I am. Back me up here, guys.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:28 PM EST up reply actions  

it's true..

i have it all now.

waffles!

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 2:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Fine. Don’t make yourself sick.

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

by Winkle on Dec 3, 2008 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

thank you Mabel!

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:32 PM EST up reply actions  

you’re welcome, sugar.

"Hootenanny? Well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny"

by Mabel on Dec 3, 2008 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

San Jose fans are pretty high right now, and deservedly so, but the Sharks were leaders in the regular season under Wilson’s tutelage as well. As someone who follows the team when he can I agree they look even better this year, but regular-season records don’t mean anything to that franchise at this point. With a 38 year-old Rob Blake in your lineup it’s cup or bust.

by koopa kid on Dec 3, 2008 12:42 PM EST reply actions  

Shark fans

are saying the same thing. McLellan has nothing on Ron until he brings home a cup. as CA hockey fans go, they are my favorite.

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Yea

they’re actually knowledgeable about hockey!

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

by Winkle on Dec 3, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Mostly Canuck ex-pats down in silicon valley from the “brain drain” I’d wager!

by LeafFanInVan on Dec 3, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Canuck meaning Canadian and not the stupid hockey team.

by LeafFanInVan on Dec 3, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions  

got that...

but no. more transplanters in LA, and they’re all Leaf fans near as i can tell.

SJ has always had a special place in my heart. I remember when they came in the league, and they’d sell out the cow palace in SF, before they got their digs in SJ, and people would cheer icing calls, and clap for the away team. It was adorable how quickly they took to the Sharks.

now, they’ve got this unstoppable leviathan of a hockey team, and they play so well, it’s hard not to be impressed.

also, my sister-in-law and her hubbie are sharks fans.

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

I do enjoy

the Sharks and their fans. I was a fan before the Nolan deal, but started cheering for them more afterward…. they’re insanely good, and impossible for me to dislike.

Although I would like them to win the Cup, I also wouldn’t mind if something happened and they finally gave up on Marleau so the Leafs could trade for him…

by Karina on Dec 3, 2008 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

they moved him to wing

to make room for pavelski as 2nd line center didn’t they…?

that and the injuries upfront neccessitated that move.

but, nah, i’d like to see patty stay in teal. i’d take Michalek in a second…

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

I actually went to a game at the Cow Palace in ‘94 – real early days for hockey in the area on this go ’round – and at one point, the opposing team’s goons were sent out against one another. As they were lining up on the wing against one another for a face off, I turned to the guy beside me – who had been referring to the power play as the “full court press” all game – and told him there was going to be a fight. Of course, within a nanosecond of the puck being dropped, Goony McFists and Hulk O’Basherton were pounding the living daylights out of one another. The guy looked at me like I was frickin’ Carnac.

My point: SJ fans have come a looooooong way and actually do know quite a bit about hockey; something we all should keep in mind when we trot out the old saw that hockey can’t survive in a non-traditional market. Not so.

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions  

full court press?

what??

Why?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 1:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t know. I understand basketball about as well as this guy clearly understood hockey, but I gathered that he was referring to the stretch man, the player that most teams leave at the opposition blue line when the D go back to retrieve the puck behind the net. I didn’t get it, but I thought it would be impolite to go all terminology-Nazi on the guy; he seemed to be enjoying himself.

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I personally wouldn’t mind seeing the Sharks win the cup. It would be great for them to deny Hossa again.

Hossa, think we forgot about Berard? Think we’ll forget that you wore black and red?

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 3, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply actions  

I echo that sentiment

I still have huge Hossa hatred, I was pissed off the past 2 years when people kept saying that he was the best UFA available!!! I don’t forget his disappearing act in the black and red, nor the fact that he is a complement player, not a center piece player. He is not worth 7 mill!!!!

by Karina on Dec 3, 2008 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

i don't hate Hossa...

sorry.

he was actually pretty classy following that whole berard incident. more so than i expected. and i think it impacted his play for awhile, he kind of went down hill after that…

and if he got his name on the cup, that would be the ultimate FU to sens fans everywhere…

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Just remember: Shark cup win=ring for JFJ.

Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...

by mf37 on Dec 3, 2008 1:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Ah

Good point. Ummmm…sorry Sharks fans.

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

by PPP on Dec 3, 2008 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

and please mr burke...

pretty please with sugar on top.

trade kabby now, before his value plummets…

trade him to LA for Dustin Brown and Patrick O’Sullivan. Or to FLA for Horton or Bouwmeester. Or get Nash out of Columbus.

kthxbai

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 1:01 PM EST reply actions  

Kabby isn’t going anywhere right now.

Burke ain’t making any trades until January.

Remember what MF37 said, you don’t trade guys when they’re value is low. Let Kaberle find his game.

And then we can keep him.

Damn Kaberle trade talk.

Damn Blurr, you frienemy.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Frienemy

sounds like a fried enemy treat

mmm delicious!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 1:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Kabby stays - for a while, at least.

Agree.

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)

by jrwendelman on Dec 3, 2008 1:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Who goes first?

If we are talking impact players my bets are on Poni
If it’s fair game, I’m picking Cujo

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 1:43 PM EST reply actions  

Why Poni?

I don’t quite understand what we want from a guy making $2.1 million dollars. He scores 20 goals, can put up 45-50 points, is responsible defensively, and hits. I get it, he doesn’t hit as much as most of you would like, but he still does hit.

What is the problem with this guy? Do you think he makes too much money? Did I miss the memo that he was supposed to be a 35 goal scorer?

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

He’s worth more than $2m and would bring handsome rewards in trade.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 3, 2008 1:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he’s paid adequately, Jammies. The guy lacks finish. He could be a 35 goal scorer if he had some.

He can be a part of what we’re trying to build around here. Dude plays hard, and steps up for his teammates.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I just think Burke will be able to find a viable suitor for him and get a decent return

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 1:51 PM EST up reply actions  

What constitutes a “decent return” in your eyes?

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:52 PM EST up reply actions  

For Poni straight up, I’d have to say a late first rounder or decent prospect and a 2nd or third rounder.

Note, this is very off the cuff and not thought out

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Dangle him at the deadline. Dangle everybody at the deadline, and see what you can get.

I just think at his price, in the cap era, Poni is a good player to have on our team.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I could definitely see Mayers going at the deadline to a team looking to add some extra grit.

by Kriv on Dec 3, 2008 2:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Stajan?

He might be trade, his stock has never been higher.

by Kriv on Dec 3, 2008 1:52 PM EST up reply actions  

I think Stajan can be a big part of what we’re trying to do around here. Unless he can bring you a first rounder back in return, which I highly doubt, he stays.

The only way he is dealt if he’s part of a bigger package to bring in a superstar. Again, which I think is doubtful.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions  

good point...

did really think of it like that. As far as Poni goes, what is the return on a second line 20 goal socrer anyways?

by Kriv on Dec 3, 2008 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I guess that’s up to Burke to find out, mate.

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh man are you in for it.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 3, 2008 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

PPP

Did you manually count every bodies posts?

by Kriv on Dec 3, 2008 1:50 PM EST reply actions  

Yes, we do.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 3, 2008 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Every last one.

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

by PPP on Dec 3, 2008 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Can we get a TWSS count?

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 3, 2008 1:53 PM EST reply actions  

Lots

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

by PPP on Dec 3, 2008 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

aunt jemima!

"You do dat, you go to da box, you know, uh, two minutes by yourself, and you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."
The Left Coast Lock

by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2008 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Waffels!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

your mom!

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Dec 3, 2008 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

your moms waffles!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2008 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

your mom's couch!

AND your mom’s face

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Dec 3, 2008 3:08 PM EST up reply actions  

why do much discrimination towards mother’s couches?

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 3:08 PM EST up reply actions  

why SO much

fail

Sports And The City

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

by eyebleaf on Dec 3, 2008 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

My Hilite Pack was better.

A realtime look at the Schenn hit!

Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays

by Archimedies on Dec 3, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions  

E-mail me the link when you do it so I can include it in the recap.

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

by PPP on Dec 3, 2008 6:18 PM EST up reply actions  

I will!

All our videos are embeddable.

I wont bother passing along packs that I dont personally assemblem solely because I can’t guarentee their top quality

Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays

by Archimedies on Dec 3, 2008 6:24 PM EST up reply actions  

FFFFFFFFUCK

You can’t watch Sportsnet videos from the US apparently.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 4, 2008 8:42 AM EST up reply actions  

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