Flames at Leafs

by Chemmy on Nov 14, 2009 5:05 PM EST in Maple Leafs Game Previews

7:00PM EST, CBC, NHLN-US

After a surprising non-blowout loss to Chicago last night the Leafs return home to face another really good team from the west; the Calgary Flames. Here's Puck Daddy's Two Line Pass with a ~~witty and informative~~ blurb about the Flames:

This is a pretty strong Calgary team that's been playing real well of late.

The defense is pretty excellent. Any D corps in which Dion Phaneuf (back to playing not-terrible, if you can believe it) is the No. 3 defenseman tends to do well on a nightly basis, more or less. It took a few weeks to work the kinks out, but let's chalk it up to the new coach and the fact that Staffan Kronwall is, in a number of ways, dogshit on a plate. Miikka "2.38/.921" Kiprusoff hasn't played well enough to justify those stats, but he's benefited from the best on-paper defense in the league, so good job!

Up front, not so much on the good front. Jarome Iginla is actually playing hockey like you'd think Jarome Iginla can, which is nice, and Rene Bourque has just been phenomenal. Besides that, I'll trade you Olli Jokinen for Vesa Toskala straight up.

I have Olli Jokinen in the PPPPP, what an asshole. Monster gets the start after Toskala put on a strong show last night. Don't forget your SPG picks and go Leafs go!

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Who gets benched tonight?

Anyone have anything on the Gunnarsson thing with Schenn/XLB?

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 5:08 PM EST reply actions

No clue.

Getting saltier by the post.

by ohshrit on Nov 14, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

I haven’t been able to find confirmation, but the rumblings I have heard is that Gunnarsson will be in.

Whether they sit XLB or Schenn – not sure.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Gunnarsson is in

as confirmed last night, but the only real question is who sits? XLB, who’s been pretty much useless? Or Schenn, who needs to get his act together?

We’ll find out for sure in about an hour or so.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

I might sit Schenn for one game, just to get him fired up – not sure I would scratch him against the flames tho – Western boy might just get the juices flowing for this game.

In the long run, I’m scratching XLB though.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think they can send Schenn down maybe scratch for a game, but sending him to the marlies could crush the kid.

Getting saltier by the post.

by ohshrit on Nov 14, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Then again...

The Tampa Bay Lightning benched Stamkos for a few games last season, and he turned out alright.

Maybe sitting Schenn out for a game to get him all riled up so that he gets angry and does his thing, could be helpful.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

I dunno, Melrose benched him didn’t he? And Stammer didn’t turn it around until he got playing time under Tocchet.

Getting saltier by the post.

by ohshrit on Nov 14, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t advocate sending him to the Marlies. I don’t think Schenn has gotten lazy or out of shape. It’s all in his head. If you want to give him a kick in the ass, a benching would suffice.

I’d only send him to the Marlies if he was coming off an injury.

Check back with me on the Marlies thing if he continues to play poorly and make mistakes right through till Christmas.

Also, do you think he just needs more ice time? This guy is used to playing 25+ minutes a game since he started playing competitive hockey.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions

The negative with the Marlies thing is..

that it might not be a kick in the ass, and could also be detrimental to his development, and could very well shatter his confidence.

Benching him for a game will make Schenn re-evaluate his season and get him angry enough to come out roaring next game.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

That’s what I’m saying.

and no trade schenn fuck that.

Getting saltier by the post.

by ohshrit on Nov 14, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

No, I’m just responding to Kavel about Stamkos.

I have no idea what they should do with him.

He really needs to get his confidence back though, the Komi injury was the worst thing that could’ve happened to him.

Getting saltier by the post.

by ohshrit on Nov 14, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Honestly

I was open to sending Schenn down to the Marlies, but now, now I’m not so sure. It could very well destroy his confidence.

My problem with this whole Situa-Schenn (see what I did there? ;D), are the people that are all “ZOMG TRADE SHENN” because of all this.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

Please forward all ‘ZOMG TRADE SCHENN" to Kidkawartha for the MBA’s

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

And Kavel Pubina's "The CCC"

(Nothing like a little shilling)

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

even if I wanted to trade Schenn (which I don’t) there is something to be said for the notion of ‘Sell high’

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

‘Sell High’ does not refer to hitting the reefer and then pawning all of your roommates stuff.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

I can only imagine

how things would be if we drafted Tavares and he was struggling in his second year, if the whole Schenn Sophomore Slump™ hoopla is an indicator.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

I said it before and I'll say it again

The look in his eyes, he REALLY wanted to be wearing my Leaf Jersey when i met him at the draft(Tavares)

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately...

it looks as though as the Isles are intent on keeping Tavares. (Barring a sophomore slump, of course)

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

we need to get Milbury rehired with the Islanders.

Also, I met Garth Snow when he played for the Aces – he’s an asshole.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

Garth Snow is an idiot.

I still remember him notably passing up on Schenn from the ’08 Draft.

The Isles forum on HFBoards were clearly pissed at Snow’s stupidity.

And of course, a Nation rejoiced. :D

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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions

If Snow didn't muck up

We’d have Colin Wilson and Jared Cowen instead of Schenn and Kadri. Might be in a different scenario right now, but i’d rather have Schenn and Kadri than Wilson and Cowen.

Space Weed Says The Steve Ott of Hockey Blogs
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by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t let Wrap hear you say that about her CowCow!!

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions

wasn't smack talkin bout Cowen

I was saying hypothetically that the Leafs could’ve had Cowen, if Fletchy didn’t make the big move for Schenn. I’m not bad mouthin Cowen at all,

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

smart 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 Nov 14, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

I actually wasn't talkin smack

I was just giving a hypothetical scenario. I don’t follow the WHL, so i really can’t badmouth those guys

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

send him downnnn

he’s struggled early because team’s have now had the opportunity to scout and study film on how to attack him.. getting beat and falling from ‘media darling’ status would be worse for his confidence than sending him down to beat up on the bates battaglias of the world for two weeks.. no?

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 5:57 PM EST reply actions

doh

swing and a miss on that discussion.. future use of reply function will be needed lol

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

Leafs vs. Flames

Let’s see if Wilson can reign these guys back in. I think those 2 wins made them forget who they are…went for flash instead of grit. They can win if they play their game … puck control and keep the puck to the outside in their own end. Very curious to see Gunnarsson as well.

TC
http://leafsandstuff.blogspot.com/

Toronto Sports Commentary

by leafsandstuff on Nov 14, 2009 6:04 PM EST reply actions

I'm also interested in seeing Gunnarsson tonight...

he was good during the pre-season, and hopefully he still is tonight.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

Also

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Let me finish that statement

How long until Burkie makes a few moves and calls up the entire Frat pack as a 2a or 2b line?

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

That

would be welcomed.

Stalberg/Hanson/Bozak could be just what the struggling offense (save for Kessel) needed.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
Truculence is Everything: We Rant, We Caption, We Care.

by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

Grabbo has been very bad this year. Where’s are crazy pineapple killer we all grew to love?

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

We should have Grabo

centre Kessel’s line. It could very well boost Grabovski’s stats and such.

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

esp since he is always looking to pass now… Whats up with 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 Nov 14, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

I guess

he’s trying to be more of a playmaker?

Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

derrrr remove the word ‘are’

Man, shouldn’t have had that second helping at supper…

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

It's 80s Night tonight...

Do we really need a reminder of those dreadful years? (save for Wendel Clark, who’s made of win no matter what)

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by Marc Pilgrim on Nov 14, 2009 6:20 PM EST reply actions

it's just to grind bergers gears

its a double Hwhammy really (yes that H [pronounced h – ay – che] is intentional).. not only do they run a pregame ceremony but they also show infinite amounts of fantastic “non-doucheberger” mustaches

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

Berger’s stache would fall off when he looks in the direction of Wendel

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

haha but first it would ask it stupid questions and write a story about how wendel shouldn’t wear a mustache, then later in the same story reaffirm how awesome we all know mustaches to be and how Wendel owe’s a great deal of his awesomeness to his lip flow

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions

That’s what I first thought. Why the 80’s, aside from God… erm, I mean Wendel Clark.

by Frag on Nov 14, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

Rick Vaive was pretty good for us in the 80s

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

From 80-81 to 86-87 he scored 290 goals and had 521 points for us.

too bad I didn’t start watching hockey until 88

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

I wasn’t even alive at the time. Good thing too!

by Frag on Nov 14, 2009 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

In 1980 I was learning how to tie my shoes and dress myself.

I was married in 2008 and I am now under the impression I never learned how to do either right.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions

Sutter kills players' careers cuz he likes using bottom 6 forwards as goal scorers

First Rolston, Now Jokinen… Poor Olli.

But who cares about the Flames, GO LEAFS GO!

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:24 PM EST reply actions

dude can i get some of that space weed?

Olli ’don’t call me jussi’ Jokinen ain’t a bottom six guy.. not at $5+ mill anyway

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

It's Brent Sutter

U don’t follow the Devils, so ur not gonna understand his idiocracy… he’d rather Have Gionta and Zubrus (two average players) play with Elias rather than Rolston and Clarkson (Two really good players). He’d rather use those two as 4th liners, despite Rolston’s offensive skill and two way game, as well as the fact that Clarkson is a power forward in the making.

Jokinen isn’t a guy good with coaches, he’s prolly gettin traded to Atlanta at the Deadline for Todd White because he can’t work under Sutter’s system where Curtis Glencross is supposed to be their best player

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

Calgary’s funny.

Remember when Stefan Kronwall was their best D-man in the preseason?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:42 PM EST up reply actions

That's what Sutter Does

Andy Greene was always scratched by Sutter because Sutter wanted Colin “Pylon” White and Bryce “Even bigger Pylon” Salvador in the lineup. Lemaire gives Greene a chance, and he’s the Devils’ best defenseman. Clarkson was a bottom 6 forward under Sutter. Lemaire puts him in the top 6 and top PP unit and Clarkson’s a legit 20 goal scorer

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 14, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

Lemaire>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>any random Sutter

"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 Nov 14, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions

oh i miss understood the post, thought you were questioning olli being used as a goal scorer because he was a bottom six forward.. but no not the case, perhaps i don’t need the space weed

Hayley Wickenheiser has more truculence than Matt Stajan

by AkiSchennberg on Nov 14, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

this would be a nice one to win. dig down, do your job, kessel and gustavson will supply the heroics. yes im talking to YOU Schenn. generally, erase that ****stain of a minnesota thing.

by bringbackbower on Nov 14, 2009 6:29 PM EST reply actions