You Can't Win 'Em All, Sometimes You Can't Win Any
by Chemmy on Oct 13, 2009 1:49 PM EDT
in Maple Leafs Game Previews
Email
PrintWell last night stunk and this night might not be much better. The Colorado Avalanche started this year in much the same boat we did. Everyone picked the Avalanche to be a lottery team but unlike Toronto the Avs have come out gunning and have quickly silenced their critics.
Craig Anderson has done a respectable job in net for the ex-Nords and the return of Paul Stastny hasn't hurt at all. 3rd overall pick Matt Duchene has acquitted himself well and Wojtek Wolski looks to be back on track after a down year last season.
Meanwhile back in Toronto things aren't going well. The locker room is stressed out and players are gripping their sticks tight trying to force something to happen. The good news is that after tonight the Leafs only play 1 game in eleven nights (!) which should give them some time to stop the bleeding.
In tonight: Viktor Stalberg, Tyler Bozak (1st NHL game), James Reimer, Garnet Exelby
Out tonight: Vesa Toskala (terrible), Niklas Hagman (healthy scratch), Matt Stajan (healthy scratch), and a defenseman to be named later presumably.
Joey MacDonald gets the start, let's see if the Leafs play a 2nd solid game in front of a non-Toskala netminder. Remember your SPG picks and clean yourselves up you slobs, SBNation's Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey will be dropping by in the first period. We'll go on a field trip to Denver in the second.
296 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If Schenn is benched the day after I buy a Schenn jersey that’s got to be a bad omen right?
by Its Cold In Here on Oct 13, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
Sorry. We’d have to burn the witch.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I'm worried
about which d-man is sitting out…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions
likely Finger or maybe even Beauch? I don’t know, but Finger was alright yesterday so I’d give him another shot. beauch needs a kick in the ass to get him going.
Wilson could also move White to forward. Burke’s mentioned it before.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
White’s played really well with Schenn.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Schenn good. No bench Schenn.
:(
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I wouldn’t bench Finger… he was very good in a bad game
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t scratch:
Schenn, Finger, White
Don’t care:
Komisarek, Beauchemin, Kaberle
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Well that’s an odd motivational method to get White to pick up his game…
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Pick up his game? He’s been the best defenseman thus far as his d-man leading +3 shows.
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
Oh, so it’s actually a reward.
/dirty joke due to Chemmy’s placement of names fail :(
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately not. Just extremely bored.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t wanna bench any of our defensemen for XLB. XLB is horrible.
I’m wondering if Burke likes his locker room presence and rewards him with playing time because of it??
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah yes, the ‘Belak’ move.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s all I can figure, there’s absolutely no way he deserves to be in the line up.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
neither does Beauchemin
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah I guess that’s true.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
i dont think that trading Kubina is getting as much flak as it should be…. He’d look pretty damn good right about now. Beauchimen has not been an upgrade over him at all so far…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 13, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
77 games to go...
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
again
it wasn’t about getting an upgrade. It was about balancing the skill set. Kubina can play nasty, but doesn’t do it often enough and we needed to have a stronger D that was harder to play againts.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
One team has a below average NHL goalie and the other has a below average ECHL goalie.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Have to agree here.
If all 6 D are playing the way they should be, XLB isn’t close to taking one of their spots.
Brad Stowe
Maple Leafs Hot Stove
by RepressedOptimism on Oct 13, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe XLB could just be a cheerleader, and hang out with the Leaf girls and stuff.
by Robot Godzilla on Oct 13, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Out tonight: Vesa Toskala (terrible)
Painfully true and recced
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions
Cue the angry mob!
we need to hunt that car down a la Frankenstein…
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I would like to request a specific line:
Stalberg-Bozak-Ponikarovsky
Please.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions
This!
Poni is a big body like Hanson who Stalberg and Bozak worked very well with.
If Poni can drive the net and find the open spots on the ice, he should be able to capitalize on some chances.
I’m picking Poni in the SPG!
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
no
then we’d have to sit someone else.
Poni has more finish than Hanson too.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
and if there is a forward called up at this point, it’s gotta be Tlusty.
Hanson’s offensive game still seems too raw to be effective.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d love to see Stalberg, Bozak and Stempniak playing together, but I think they’d be too soft.
Poni is a good substitute to get a bigger body in there.
Brad Stowe
Maple Leafs Hot Stove
by RepressedOptimism on Oct 13, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Have the Leafs reached the point in their management of the team that they take requests like that? Who’s the lineup for Ladies Choice?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
no
I’m just asking on the off chance someone might care.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
fyi
Sometimes I suspect General Borschevsky might be Brian Burke.
by Robot Godzilla on Oct 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
hey
isn’t this also James Reimer’s first NHL game?
Or has he sat on the bench before?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah but it won’t be his first NHL start. I’ll give the kid a proper NHL first game when it comes.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
fair enough.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Have you guys checked out this link on positional depth?
I have looked at it a few times… seems updated on a fairly regular basis and isn’t too bad as far as depth goes, although some are arguable.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions
Considering most of our guys are playing pretty crapily, I guess you could argue the depth of any particular player.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
hah
interesting how Blake is behind everyone but Rosehill
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Poni probably should be above Hagman right now… but the Blake thing was funny.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Hagman vs. Poni could launch a war at PPP, that’s why I didn’t touch it.
I also think they’re 100% right on Blake.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
If you change the dropdown bar from ‘Active’ to Organizational, it shows all players who the Leafs have rights to.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Also I love that they have Gustavsson above Toskala… This will probably change again tonight if Joey Mac has a great game… Toskala will drop to 4th…
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
They got this remarkably accurate, though the blue “cold” box next to Toskala isn’t nearly big enough.
It also summarizes the team’s problem (much like the post today about where our cap money goes). Of the top 12 forwards listed on the depth chart way too many are middling “top 6” type players. Burke needs to unload some excess baggage but I’m not sure how to do so given the salaries and limited skills of some of the baggage in question.
by The '67 Sound on Oct 13, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
We have a ton of 4-9 guys, meaning we don’t have that 1-3 level high end talent, and our fourth liners are getting paid too much.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
not till Kessel & Kadri get in
So we should be there next year, or the one after.
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
um….Kadri should be good, but are we sure he’ll be more than a second line player?
Kessel better be the next Brett Hull, esp. if we suck it up like we have all year.
Getting saltier by the post.
you did SEE Kadri in the pre-season….?
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Why the fuck is Tim Brent on our depth chart?
Brad Stowe
Maple Leafs Hot Stove
by RepressedOptimism on Oct 13, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Who the fuck is Tim Brent?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
According to dailyfaceoff, Finger is the healthy scratch on defense. Although I can’t find a confirmation.
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
why?
this makes NO SENSE
STOP SCRATCHING FINGER
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
as per the Leafs homepage, it is showing only Stajan and Hagman as Healthy scratches.
No indication that XLB will be in.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
please have this be right… please have this be right…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
If XLB is in for Finger this would be a horrible example of Burke favouring “his guys” over “Fletcher’s guys”. To be avoided if only to avoid setting off Cox et al.
Plus, Finger has been one of the Leafs best defenders (I know, not saying much) and XLB has been a train wreck.
Let’s hope it’s not true.
by The '67 Sound on Oct 13, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Luckily, the Marlies don’t play again until Friday… not having any goalies and all.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:50 PM EDT reply actions
eh
leaving them with no goalie would be better than giving them Toskala.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
They have Andrew Engelage, right?
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I know we have him signed, but for some reason he is not on that depth chart.
He’s one of the goalies for the Reading Royals (ECHL)
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah and Gustavsson should be back by Saturday so Reimer will head down to the Ricoh.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Because that’s what he does. He plays terribly and then says he was injured.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
and
he gets injured but tells the coaching staff that he’s fine.
Seriously.
Wilson shouldn’t have gone with him in the 3rd.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why Blake wasn't scratched
Because he hurled the Ranger player into Toskala, causing the injury.
And everyone thought it was because he scored a goal…
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
A totally selfish play that makes him look 0.0000001% better? Yup, sounds about right.
That was a Hollwegian stupid play.
Resident Capologist
Actually that was a great play because He hurt Toskala and hopefully we will never see him in a Leafs jersey again (I Pray)
I dislike Toskala as much as anyone, but that was an incredibly stupid play.
You don’t knock somebody into your own goalie, under any circumstances. It’s dangerous, it’s stupid, and it doesn’t help anybody involved.
Here’s how great that play turned out; Toskala likely got hurt and played even shittier the rest of the night, Blake took a penalty, the Rangers scored shortly thereafter, and the game became a lost cause.
Now you’ve also sent the message that it’s okay to make up for losing your man by launching him into your goalie. So the next time somebody can’t keep up to their check, they look back at the “great play” Blake made by firing him into Toskala’s knee, and think that’s it okay to plow somebody into MacDonald.
Or Gustavsson.
Still think it’s a great play?
Resident Capologist
blake is an f’n doofus who looks like like a rat/frog/coyote/fly/seal all wrapped into one
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 13, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously not
But since it was Toskala…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I’m also still upset with Blake for that play. It was garbage. Toskala has been a terrible goaltender so far this season but nobody deserves that. You’re supposed to protect your goalie. If that had been an opposing player pushing one of our D-men on top of Toskala like that I’d hope there would have been battle royal to settle the score. But because one of our own guys did it… nothing.
I think it really rattled Toskala. He didn’t look focused after that and who can blame him. He doesn’t trust his own players to respect his crease, let alone protect it from the opposition.
by general borschevsky on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Hollwegian stupid play
love it.
If he was still on the team we might have had to worry about whether that door frame was actually Hollwegian wood.
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
“I’m not terrible I’m hurt. My, uh, knee… hurts.”
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
That’s why it’s called an “undisclosed” injury.
It appears Toskala doesn’t disclose injuries unless someone questions his performance.
by general borschevsky on Oct 13, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Burke threatened him with non-disclosure after kicking him in the junk so hard he threw up.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
Bad case of F.I.J syndrome
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
??? Say what?
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
So, Lines for tonight?
Poni Grabs Lemon
Stålberg Bozak Stempniak
Blake Mitchell Mayers
Rosehill Wallin Orr
Is that about right? Doesn’t really matter because 5 minutes in, RW will mix and mash these guys around
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions
Am I alone in hating how RW mixes up the lines so much?
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
No… Quinn did it all the time, Maurice did it all the time… now Wilson does it all the time.
Can you not keep a line for at least one game? how about a measly period??
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
there seems to be a rash of this around the NHL, it drives me crazy too.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Chemistry is not always instantaneous… lets give a game here and there for guys to get used to each other
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Back in the day, Quinn didn’t so much mix up the lines as just throw out the 3 forwards sitting in front of him on the bench. He rolled 4 lines pretty much all night every night.
Resident Capologist
although he loved giving extra minutes to the veterans, not so much for the young guys
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear he made the mistake of tapping Lindros on the helmet instead of the shoulder… suffered his 137th concussion.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
The Blender?
No, I hate it too. Wilson actually stopped at points last year but not many combos are showing any chemistry beyond being able to cycle the puck for a while.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Hope you guys get a chance to swing by MHH during the second period so that you can be confused by all the nicknames, just like our regular members…
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Now that C. Lemieux has retired, who have you given the moniker of Turtle to? ;)
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
It’s still on hiatus.
We do have a Hobbit, a Baron, a Duke, and the Boy Wonder.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Jarkko Ruutu or Matt Cooke.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ll way out nickname you.
Happy Trails, Sosa Sola, Ninja, Not Durno, I could keep going.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
C
C was always my favorite for Stalberg
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
mine too
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
shhhhhhh, the other guy doesn’t realize that
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if Durno is Not Beauchemin on their end.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
not durno
oh man i’d forgotten about that.
what a great story. I mean, not that it would be rare for a future NHLer to have attended MLG in the 80s or 90s.
But to have him be clearly identified on a video clip? and to have them be a journeyman NHLer? awesome and awesomer
The Svats Machine, Boots, Hensuck, Johnny Hot Pocket (or the Male Model), Rusty (kinda lame though), The Mouthpieces, SoS, Radar, The Highlander, and one I’m trying to get into circulation, Kyle Quincey, M.E.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Blue and White Ninja, OLAS, Komikazi, Toskalol, The Monster, Grabbo, Kule-Aid…
This could be a confusing night for all of the fans.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Four of those are pretty obvious. Grabbo? Really?
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Well
They are Avs fans.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
No
Mickey Ribs was Ribeiro’s nickname with the Habs and tweaking it for Grabbo is no good.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
The Pineapple Slasher, because it ref’s Fallout 3.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
you forgot NSFW
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Altho he is in the ‘A’ right now… good nickname nonetheless
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
And the Seventh Samurai
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
his first NHL game!
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
reply fail
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I forgot a lot of them.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
John F****** Mitchell
They’ll never guess that one.
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
What about
Fistpump???
I know he hasn’t had many opportunities this year but…
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Fist Pump is Hamster.
and Hamster is the correct nickname.
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
here's a tough one
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
someone suggested Soccerface once… don’t think it stuck.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
it’s all about the Team America “Matt Damon” inflection.
Matt Stajan
it’s funnier in my head…
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
MATT STAJAN!
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
EXACTLY
just like that.
MATT STAJAN
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Better than to pronounce it ‘Matt Stayan’
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
When will they ever fix that?!
I hope Stajan becomes an all-star just so they’ll have to fix that.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny you should mention that.. I always say his name like that in my mind…
MATT STAJAN!
by PassivelyTruculent on Oct 13, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
i wish i could hack EA’s NHL games and drop that audio in for him every time.
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t it be awesome if he did that during a post game interview.
by PassivelyTruculent on Oct 13, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
YES
I WOULD PAY REAL CASH MONEY TO MATT STAJAN (in the form of unenforceable IOUs) IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Wallin
what’s everyone’s thoughts on his play thus far? I actually thought he was sort of a bright spot last night. He seems like a good penalty killer – I didn’t notice him out of position a ton last night.
Mind you I was only watching passively as I was writing my suicide note, which stated – “the Leafs suck worse than ever and we won’t even get Taylor Hall out of it. This life is not worth living”
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
He seems like a good PKer but I’m pretty sure I have better hands than he does.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I like him, I think he’s the perfect checking center, he can make some plays and is defensively responsible… if we’re counting on him for points, though, we’re screwed.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
my thoughts exactly
shades of Draper perhaps?
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
my thinking
was more Sammy Pahlsson
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
no complaints there!
i’d love to have Pahlsson on the Leafs.
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
If that’s the case, maybe he should be sitting out tonight, for his face’s sake.
Resident Capologist
by clrkaitken on Oct 13, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like Wallin. He gets stuck with the 4th line so I have no idea how his offensive game is but he seems like a smart 2-way forward.
His back checking prevented one noticeable odd man rush and he looks steady on the PK.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’m not just saying “goal scoring”. He has beer league hands.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
there are rumors that he makes an excellent chicken salad sandwich.
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Wallin
About as good as advertised. Offensive upsides a lot lower than I expected but he hasn’t exactly played with the best wingers.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
unrelated
i need a new name. my name is no longer relevant to the Sens. any suggestions?
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
I would suggest
something to do with Kessell as I figure he will be around for a while…
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
how appropriate should i be? too soon to have my name be “Kessell’s other ball?”
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
Kessel’s Other Testicle.
it rhymes
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, only because that’s the one that he had removed.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
How about making a fan post with a poll?
Obv this is a good one, but to make it all official and such.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
this wins
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
what other nominations do we have?
Kessell’s missing ball
Kessticle
any others?
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
All Kessell related?
Oddball Kessell
TestiKessell
there are tons of these you can go with….
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
clrkaitken’s ‘Is that the kid you want?’
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Kesticle is the correct conjugation.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
the General suggested one similar to that above… exploring all options
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
poll uploaded
i’m not very tech savvy so hopefully it worked
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
i like it clrkaitken… perhaps my new tagline
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
since the draft finished, the Brayden Schenn reference is obscure
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
How about referencing the fact that Burke took Kadri when Murray clearly wanted him?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
What are the odds?
Matt Duchene gets his first NHL goal tonight? 2:1? Even?
by Evening News Team on Oct 13, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions
Toskala is not playing… probably be lower than that
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Well Duchene grew up an Avs fan apparently, so maybe the usual doesn’t apply. Darcy Tucker will probably kill us tonight.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
we know Tucker’s weakness…. he has the balance of a drunk guy with an inner ear infection.
push him slightly in any direction and he will fall.
Also, don’t let him stand 6 feet from the net on the left side during a power play.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, don’t let him stand 6 feet from the net on the left side during a power play.
I see issues with our ability to prevent this…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Does it bother anyone else that given Duchene’s age he basically hopped on the Avs bandwagon as a 5 year old?
Resident Capologist
That wasn’t a bandwagon. It was a Stanley Cup parade.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
There’s not a lot of justification for a kid from Toronto to become an Avs fan at that point in time, other than bandwagoner.
Resident Capologist
I had a friend who became an Avs fan when Roy went there.
Then again he actually stuck with the team when Roy retired so I can’t really call him a bandwagoner.
Life as a Toronto Sports Fan?... *sigh*... It is what it is...
He was a Habs fan who followed Roy to Colorado? I’ll allow it.
Then again, your friend wasn’t probably 5 when this happened.
Resident Capologist
Are you accusing a 5 year old of bandwagon jumping?
by Robot Godzilla on Oct 13, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m accusing a 5 year old of choosing his team based on who was good when he started following hockey.
I’m also trying to get an appropriate level of dislike for him prior to tonight’s game.
Resident Capologist
As opposed to choosing his team based on them having a huge Stanley Cup drought?
Yeah, Duchene was TOTALLY wrong for going the other route.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I wonder who his father’s favourite team is.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, at that point the drought wasn’t huge, it was just ‘overly large’
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
so
he should have been a Blackhawks fan?
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Or the team being local or it being the team his dad followed.
This is why we have so many Cowboys fans! And as a Broncos fan you know why that’s a terrible thing.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Quebec is still pissed at that one.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup… and even though I live 30 mins from the border of Quebec, most of the Avs fans I know WEREN’T Nordiques fans…
Lame
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome Thing About Tonight Nobody Is Mentioning:
After Bozak plays his 1st NHL game, he’s officially eligible to be a part of the next NHL10 Roster update!
Woo, I can almost start my Leafs dynasty!
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
Nope.
I don’t roll like that.
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
but it takes effort whereas the EA one doesn’t…
Also, do they have PS3 updates?
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Oct 13, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
but it takes effort whereas the EA one doesn’t
Bingo.
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
But will they pronounce it
Tyler Bohak
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
hold me
the end of the world is nigh; I’m in love with Cox’s latest article:
Second overall pick Victor Hedman was getting almost 26 minutes per game with the Tampa Bay Lightning going into Monday night’s game. That’s an astounding workload for an 18-year-old defenceman.
No wonder Mike Gillis was trying to get him – oops, is that tampering?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions
hahaha
Nice work Omen. Nice Work.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I am completely flabbergasted by everything that has happened in the first two weeks of this season, Damien included.
My flabber is fullly gasted.
Resident Capologist
I wondered what that smell was
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
don't worry
the rest of the article is crap. But that gem in the middle makes up for it.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Cox is really not getting enough shit for predicting a Leaf playoff appearance, and then hammering entire roster for the past two weeks. But that’s kind of this thing I guess.
Wyshynski gave it to him about how insistent he was about firing Wilson because now he will look bad for predicting the playoffs.
Also, he said that I was right as usual so remember that next time Chemmy challenges me.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
speaking of being right as usual
did you add that poll to the one Truculence Tracker? Rosehill and Rupp i believe…
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I have no idea what you are talking about…
/whispers
yes.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
But isn’t that the formula for success now? Fire the coach and make the playoffs/win the Cup?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
in February.
we need to wait a bit longer.
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 13, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
First you have to lose to the Leafs… THEN your coach gets fired… then you either win the cup or end up being an associate coach in Edmonton
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
so...
how do we lose to ourselves?
Have all the winning team’s goals be own-goals?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The Leafs need to lose to the Marlies for this to happen then, right?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
that is all too likely
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Leafs have shown that they are very good at beating themselves.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Is that a Jiri Tlusty reference?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
You’re going to fit in here.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
wow, it’s like you were born for PPP
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, that is the current punchline being thrown around MHH. I’m generally not that original.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
that's not original here
in fact, I would wager that TWSS is one of the most common posts here
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant original amongst us mouth-breathing wagon-jumping Avalanche fans.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I thought we were good at losing to ourselves
Will we win 2 cups this year?
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
Except someone already beat me to this line...
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
From the Sun
Tonight’s game will feature a pre-game tribute to the late Teeder Kennedy, a Hall of Fame captain for the Leafs who passed away in the summer.
I hope this inspires some of our players to play like Teeder…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 4:51 PM EDT reply actions
Hopefully they play like when they honoured Dougie Gilmour last season. On the subject, will they do anything like they did for Dougie or Wendel last season for this season?
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 13, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
EVERYONE
head over to Behind the Net where Gabe Desjardeins asks: Is Toskala REALLY this Terrible??
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions
he is
confusing me with numbers.
/puts up the CHEMMY sign
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not so hard
Basically they figure out how difficult was to save most of the shots sent at each goalie (not sure how they do that exactly, but I would guess it’s probably something like “distance shot was made from the net” or something). Goalies that face more difficult shots should show a lower save percentage, even though they are not actually a worse goalie.
What his numbers say is that Tosk’s save percent is lousy, but he’s also faced much more difficult shots than average. If you run a regression which controls for shot difficulty, Toskala comes out as just a very average goalie, not actually a bad or good one.
This season he’s underperformed even that mark, but it’s on a pretty small sample size, so it’s not very definitive, and it really could be that he is still really just an average goalie, but has been slightly unlucky.
It’s also possible that he’s been unlucky, which made the leafs tighten up, which made the shots on him even harder, which made more goals go in, which made everyone tighten up even more.
All of which implies that the leafs really do suck at defense…. But an actually good goalie would no doubt help a bunch, and ANY change may get them out of their current death spiral, even if it’s just to another average one.
I want to trade players between my teams. Spoon can go to the Leafs (truculossity!), and Vesa can go to the Tigers, where conceding 6 points a game puts you at the top of the league, not the bottom.
Hi.
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 13, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Gabe
hurt my brain with his weird toskala numbers.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 13, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'M HERE
JUST WAITING FOR THE GDT!!
GDT!
GDT!
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
Oh yes.
Oh my yes.
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
And....
Tyler fucking Bozak.
They better win.
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 13, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
He meant it that way too
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Yay Stalberg :D
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 13, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
totally
That’s exactly what I meant
The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Tuxedos, Truculence and Twitter
Guess what? I don't read your blog. Ever.
GDT!
GDT!
GDT!
GDT!
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 13, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
The waiting....
is the hard part.
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"I'm Jamie Reyes, and I approve this blog."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Monday’s Three Stars: Hanzal leads Coyotes; Kessel, Leafs keep rolling
- Puck Previews: Oilers visit Maple Leafs; Red Wings go for Coyotes sweep
- Howard Baldwin, ex-Whalers owner, offers critical look at ‘marginal’ NHL markets
- Ray Emery’s chance to start equals goaltending migraines for Blackhawks
- Puck Headlines: Sam Gagner didn’t score 8 points; Stewart waived; Crosby update
SBNation.com Recent Stories
StatCounter
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
