It's a New Day...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
in From The Branches
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The Leafs lost last night. Nothing new, right? In the immortal words of Samuel Jackson: "Be Cool."
- At Bitter Leaf, mf37 takes us on a tour through the five stages of grief. Where are you at?
- Koopa kid takes you back to another time, when the Leafs scored even fewer goals in their first six games.
- TSM is wondering if there's trouble at the top, due to what appears to be some verbal barbs pointed up hill from the coach to the GM.
- HLF has the real story behind Vesa's injury.
- The Meatriarchy tips his hat to the Leafs for doing something no other Leafs team has done in his 21 years of watching them.
- Leafs247 notices more than just the game when the Leafs are losing.
- Kavel Pubina looks back on the past 48 hours and sees some good.
- There were a few recaps out there, but I like mine short and sweet, just how Straight Outta SoCal serves one up.
- It's come to this: Hockey Blog In Canada will be raffling off a hockey jersey if the Leafs can exceed their total of 81 points. I can't wait to win that jersey.
- The Hockey News talks to the Next Great Hope, Nazem Kadri, on his demotion to the OHL.
Update
- Gabriel answers the question of whether the Leafs' PK is that bad or if it's Toskala. Turns out it's the skaters.
- Nikoloau is getting braced for his big jump.
- An old 'friend' has something to say to the Leafs.
- Jared's got a song to go along with a bang-on 10 word or less analysis.
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hallo. got a new article or two on TrucuLeafs : http://truculeafs.blogspot.com/
no leaf game for 3 days = no losing for there days…yay
Over at Barry Melrose rocks
the Leafs try a new way of motivating themselves with a little help from an old friend
Un ananas (truculent) qui parle? Impossible!
I hereby declare
That if the Leafs don’t make a full 180 turn around on Sat night’s game against the Rangers, then I will be officially hopping on the Fire-Wilson-And-Burke bandwagon.
new stuff that took way too long
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 8:45 AM EDT reply actions
About last night....
Last night was tough to watch. I really thought the Buds would turn it around. Kessel coming back will help, but it changes nothing in the short term. The score could have been closer (2 fluke goals), but I still think the Leafs were outplayed most of the game (save the first 10 minutes or so). Besides the Beauch goal and Stempniak’s shot off the post, did the Leafs have more than a few scoring chances? I don’t recall many quality ones. Puck control has been an issue. We’re giving up too many 2nd and 3rd chances in our own zone (goaltending also to blame) and not maintaining much pressure in the offensive zone.
What is everyone’s opinion? Is this a scheme problem? A chemistry issue? A personnel issue?
Is it still too early to tell?
You are right in that they were the better team for the first ten minutes. The problem is, when things are going badly, a goal against completely deflates your team and you fall back into the shell.
I’m a firm believer if the leafs could have managed to get the first goal last night, they would have won. It would have changed the whole momentum of the game.
At this point, I don’t think we are going to see a leafs win until they get the first goal of a game. Confidence is a snowball effect.
Brad Stowe
Maple Leafs Hot Stove
by RepressedOptimism on Oct 14, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
some of everything
I think Burke needs to pull some personnel moves. Not necesserily Stajan and Hagman sitting – more like sending Blake to the minors, and how long until Primeau is healthy? Dude was signed for his PK prowess and veteran leadership, things we need badly, and injecting him into the lineup should help.
But I have a feeling major changes are needed and that is very difficult to accomplish this early in the season.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Blake needs a long sitdown or extended “conditioning” stint with the Marlies.
Exelby needs to be lost in downtown detroit at 3am
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
oh god
Exelby.
The only time he makes a good play is to make up for a boneheaded play… I mean I suppose it’s possible he could be rebuilt into a good defenseman if they could rewire his brain, but we don’t have time for that.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
i was excited because i thought he would at least terrorize the opposition all game long (and thought we’d have a good enough defense to make up for his run and destroy gaffs)
but he doesnt even do that, he hasnt made a single hit that was memorable for anything but the odd man rush it created
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s tough to make a move this early in the season due to cap concerns. Most teams would rather wait and take on less of a player’s salary (unless it’s an even swap of $$$).
Yeah
I’m not holding my breath for any trades just for that reason.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
it’s just hard to see the same line up go out there and play but we have some parts that have value, it would be a pity to devalue them by benching them, or lose their value by sending them to the minors
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a fan of the Harold Ballard Division Standings.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 14, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions
Last Night Was Rough
The good news is there’s only one game in the next nine days, giving the Leafs plenty of practice time to get their act together. I don’t think their problems will be solved by Saturday’s game, but I expect some sort of improvement by the time the free NHL Center Ice preview ends.
I also don’t expect them to finish dead last this season but the Ballard Division should be good for a laugh along the way.
by Rock Outta SoCal on Oct 14, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions
They have the day off today and a light practice skate tomorrow.
Bag skating didn’t work so I think they are giving them time to think.
Life as a Toronto Sports Fan?... *sigh*... It is what it is...
Tough love isn’t working. If the team is stressed out and gripping their sticks too tight they really need to just decompress and come back at this fresh.
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Yea
That weekend of team building up in Huntsville worked out real swell!
by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Oct 14, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Last year
The Canucks lost 8 straight home games at one point, and went winless in ten-plus. They made the playoffs. Just saying.
I like you.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Also most of the Canucks are made out of glass or an imitation glass like substance that’s weaker but substantially more expensive in the case of Sami Salo.
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Gustavsson, Stalberg, Bozak.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget Kessel
The home of truculent opinions about the Maple Leafs. 100% Nazem Kadri approved.
"Never give up. Never surrender."
by Marc Pilgrim on Oct 14, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Kessel is the only one of these talented young guys to prove it at this level. Too little sample size for the other three as of yet.
So?
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
So you’re banking on three unproven rookies to lead the team on a major run. I guess I’m not that optimistic.
I guess I’m not that optimistic.
Did you know Kyle Wellwood was fat?
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
If the Leafs go on a run, it won’t be Bozak and Stalberg leading it up front it’ll be Kessel, Poni, and Grabovski.
I disagree. I fully expect Stalberg to play so well this year that he wins every NHL award, including the ones he’s not eligible for.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
And Norris. And Adams.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
If he shrivels to 110 lbs, he’ll still always be fat to me. Just keeping my verb tenses consistent. All of which is beside the point, which is the obviousness of the statement.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
by puckurgently on Oct 14, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, he's proved it... FOR ONE SEASON
let’s not jump the gun here
by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Oct 14, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
We have plenty of players who don’t hit and I’m sure we can find a greasy kid from Montreal.
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Yup
This stretch wouldn’t be as terrible if it wasn’t coming at the start of the season. It would be bad but it’s fucking torture right now.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
The Leafs weren’t scored on in the third period- for the first time since the Ottawa game. Of course, they didn’t score either- but still… Does that mean anything to anyone?
The Maple Leafs Gong Show
This team bears a striking resemblance to some of the acts that aired on the Gong Show.
This is what our beloved Leafs have been doing on the ice so far this season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUkzIx382mM
But for us fans, it’s just like watching this (WARNING: following clip will scar you for life):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ozU4KcvIZ0
Oh the agony.
by Slava Duris #24 on Oct 14, 2009 10:57 AM EDT reply actions
How about ...
RW and BB take a 2 week hiatus from the media, turn inward and focus all their energy on the team.
How About RW not being such a negative, sensitive ninny and give his players a little confidence.
Wendel Killer Joseph
Here’s an article from Hockey or Die! that might be of some comfort to us.
by Slava Duris #24 on Oct 14, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
Is there any reason to believe the Leafs can turn this around?
I’m usually a scrotum half full kind of guy but it doesn’t look like even Phil Kessel can save us now. : (
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
Gustavsson healthy would be a good start
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but Gustavsson can’t score goals. Their offence has been pitiful and I’m not really buying the whole “goaltending is affecting the confidence of the forwards” bullshit
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
yeah, but you gotta start somewhere, and at least he is a definite comeback soon.
if it makes you feel better the fraud is talking about the leafs and SJ talking trades including a “much rumored” forward in SJ from the summer
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
link?
I’d love to see the Leafs just bury half of their forward core and bring up the kids. I know it might not be rational but shit at least they skate hard.
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
im not allowed to link that
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
yup, PPP rule, no linking the fraud because it fuels his traffic and might traceback some of his comentors
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Bozak and Stalberg pretty much exclusively go on the ice when the Leafs are in the offensive zone. I don’t think they’re the answer to our problems right now.
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Give me hope dammit!! What should I, as a Leafs fan, cling to!?!
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
KESSEL
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
playoffs!!1?
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
uhm
then how about unrealistic hopes of blockbuster trades?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
HORTON!
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
and
The return to health of DiDo, who will then step in and be AWESOME!
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
woooo!
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Now we’re talking!
Van Ryn and a 3rd rounder for Ovechkin!!1
Go Flyers!
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
Go for broke, man!
Van Ryn, Exelby, a 3rd-rounder this year, and a bag of autographed Jamal Mayers pucks for Ovechkin, Semin, and Green!
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit….
you forgot backstrom
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
When we start losing 2-1 we’ll worry about the offense. They’ve been atrocious but unless they were going to score 8 a night we were boned anyways.
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see: game against washington
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by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Washington is not Colorado. We scored because they let up when they had their huge lead.
Baby goes crazy for a sharp dressed man
and washington has a terrible defense and rookie goali, thing is they can score when they want
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
This team over the past four seasons has created offence off of team’s turnovers and on the forecheck. They can’t go all out if they are worried about odd man rushes the other way. It’s definitely a consideration.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
HBIC Raffle
Hey, everyone. I’m putting the challenge out there to the team and its fans. While I’m no Leafs fan whatsoever, Burke promised big things this season, so I am putting the money where his mouth is. I will raffle off one free NHL jersey if they exceed the 81 points from last season.
If Burkie wants to talk the talk – and I bought into it – I’ll make a wager that if his team can walk the walk, I’ll eat some crow and offer up something to those that believed in the Leafs.
If anyone has any questions, let me know. :o)
where is this blog?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
try clicking on the links above
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
is that what those are for?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
tim brent?
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
who the fuck is that?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 14, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Welcome
Thanks for joining.
I look forward to winning the raffle.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
ahem…
“It’s come to this: Hockey Blog In Canada will be raffling off a hockey jersey if the Leafs can exceed their total of 81 points. I can’t wait to win that jersey.”
That raffle.
Who the hell is Tim Brent?
Well, you catch on quick at least.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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exactly
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
“exactly”
I am not saying I am anyone important. I am saying, however, that “the team that Burke built” needs to start playing, like, now. All I’ve done is made it a little more interesting for Leafs fans. :o)
Tim Brent
is a running joke.
don’t sweat it. And quite frankly, we’re all waiting for that team to show up. But first Burke and/or Wilson needs to fix the compete level and the atrocious defense
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
a running joke round here has been “who the fuck is tim Brent?” (career AHLer that was always posted on the leafs roster in the preseason)
i just wont let it die
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Some people are alcoholics, some people are heroin addicts. I’m a Leafs fan, my name is Chemmy.
“Hi Chemmy.”
Pension Plan Puppets*
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Welcome to Leafs group therapy
Now we’re going to open the green door – the heart chakra… Imagine your pain as a white ball of healing light. It moves over your body healing you. Now keep this going, remember to breathe…and step forward through the back door of the room. Where does it lead? To your cave…Step forward into your cave. That’s right. You’re going deeper into your cave. And you’re going to find, your power animal…
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by truculent osmosis.
by SkinnyFish on Oct 14, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
could be worse, you could NOT be a leafs fan
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
you would also be less handsom, less cool, less intelligent and have poorer taste
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
winner
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Vesa Toskala as a child
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by Chemmy on Oct 14, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
damn that kid got a big head
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that gif is disorienting
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by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
you sure that's him?
this kid looks like he’s trying…
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
No, look at how the ball goes through his armpit. Classic Toskala.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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ya
maybe the competetive fire just got burned out over the years.
poor big-headed-little-kid-Toskala
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
He got into fashion looking for jaunty hats to cover up that dome.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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it explains sticking with goaltending too, the chest protectors make his melon look more proportionate
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
is the title of this thread from the Micheal Buble song?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions
THAT
is an unfortunate coincidence.
no it is not.
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Oct 14, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha
I had the same thought. Damn you Buble
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
the next win is going to feel like a playoff victory
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
I’m surprised Coach Wilson hasn’t trotted out the “we just gotta get back to basics” line that all struggling Leaf coaches toss out during a losing skid.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
I think
he’s less than happy with the lineup he’s been given.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
To turn things around
The team needs to play a simpler game — keep shooters wide, pinch a little less and set up a cycling game in the offensive zone to hopefully draw a few penalties.
Taking no chances on that happening, though, I’ve changed all of my superstitions around the house. Oh, and my signature too.
By changing my signature, I was able to change the course of the Leafs season, starting with their win over New York on October 17.
the main thing ive noticed, is that on defense, even if they do keep the other team to the outside, they never hit em. Schenn specialized in that last season but i havnt seen him rub out another player along the boards yet this year.
the defense need to make simple hits and pin forwards to the boards
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
But they need to throw those hits low in the zone — from half-boards to behind the net. Leafs blueliners have been taking runs at puck carriers at either blue line or in the neutral zone, allowing them to make a play and catch the D-man out of position. And this assumes that they actually connect with the hit.
By changing my signature, I was able to change the course of the Leafs season, starting with their win over New York on October 17.
yah, too many low percentage hits being thrown, need to focus on the easy ones
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 14, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Forget simple...
1. Skate, skate, skate, and skate some more. If there is one things that every hockey coach at every level teaches, it’s that you have to keep moving your feet. There have been a lot of lazy penalties that have hurt the Leafs thus far. In transition, skating hard and keeping your feet moving will draw penalties as well.
2. “Go get beat up”. Stand in front of the opposition’s net and make life a living hell for a goaltender or opposing defenceman. Play dirty, but don’t play outside the lines. If you’re not willing to go to the places where you’re going to receive punishment, you’re not willing to work harder than someone else.
3. Stand players up at the blueline. The Leafs are far too passive at their own blueline, and that’s a combination of forwards not skating hard back and the Leafs giving up odd-man rushes far too often. Id be telling that that if the opposition wants to enter the Leafs’ zone, they’re going to have to pay a price.
4. Find a man, and stick to him with you between him and the net. I don’t care if he’s bigger, faster, stronger, uglier, or whatever… help your goalie out by preventing people from going to the net.
It all comes down to outworking the opposition. There are no free passes in the NHL. If the Leafs need some sort of example, the St. Louis Blues’ second-half run last season should be their starting point.
outworking
is what made this team fun to watch last year.
It’ll come back.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
i noticed kulemin taking faceoffs for grabs a couple times last night in the offensive zone.
a budding trend perhaps?
Kulemin will save us all.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 14, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
they also need a Captain badly
Someone to take all the media scrutiny and attention like Sundin used to do, this team’s clearly buckling under all the media pressure
by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Oct 14, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
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