Lightning at Leafs: Phil Kessel's Debut
by Chemmy on Nov 3, 2009 1:56 PM EST
in Maple Leafs Game Previews
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The Tampa Bay Lightning (4-4-4) bring second season scoring sensation Steven Stamkos (12GP 11G 5A 16Pts) and second selection overall Victor Hedman to the ACC tonight. The Lightning have lost their last two, having been soundly thumped last night by the Flyers 6-2. Oddly enough, Vinny Lecavalier is having a rough go of it right now which means tonight is a good night for him to break out of his slump.
Ordinarily this is the kind of game I don't watch. a Southeast division opponent at the ACC on a Tuesday night. The Leafs always get slaughtered in these games to the tune of 7-0 or so. The Leafs have an ace up their sleeve though: tonight is the debut of Phil Kessel.
I'm not a maniac, I know Phil Kessel probably won't score tonight but seeing him streak up and down the ice is going to make a lot of Leafs fans feel a lot better about things. I don't need him to score, I just need him to look sufficiently dangerous out there to give the rest of the Leafs a little swagger.
Tonight's lines courtesy of Jonas Siegel's Eat Sleep Leafs blog:
Forwards
Blake - Stajan - Kessel
Ponikarovsky - Grabovski - Kulemin
Hagman - Mitchell - Stempniak
Primeau - Wallin - Orr
Defense
Kaberle - Komisarek
Beauchemin - White
Exelby - Schenn
Goalie
Gustavsson
For Lightning coverage go check out SBNation's Raw Charge, don't forget your SPG picks and check back here at 7:00 for the Game Day Open Thread.
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WOOO KESSEL
I firmly believe that Stamkos will kill us tonight.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I believe that Kessel will outkill Stamkos tonight...
and that Hedman will have a bad game tonight.
Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
Truculence is Everything: We Rant, We Caption, We Care.
Stamkos is another GTA kid right? Makes sense, those players always play against the Leafs like their asses are on fire.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, still. Now truculently rebranded!
why cant the leafs ever get any good players from the GTA…. we produce so much amazing talent and its all under the leafs nose, yet they all end up playing elsewhere… then they come home and just kill us. life’s not fair
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
cos they don't get to decide where they play
“draft” == system by which teams choose you, not vice versa.
and the Mustache of Truculence (formerly Canada4Mizzou)
obviously, im just saying why is it that the leafs never draft any….. we have stajan…. yippee
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
well, kadri is from london…. but grew up a habs fan
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Sorry, didn't mean to imply you didn't..
I was just musing on it because it’s just such an intuitive thought: “why don’t the GTA kids wanna come here.”… and it’s cos it’s such a bass ackwards labor market, where people don’t choose jobs, they have jobs chosen for them. (till FA anyway).
and the Mustache of Truculence (formerly Canada4Mizzou)
haha
that’s what the system used to be… and we still missed Bobby Orr.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
he was under the new drafting system, wasn’t he?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
He was never drafted. He came into the league when the Oilers moved from the WHA.
Leafs Rumination: hockey and sesquipedalianism.
i firmly beleive that Orr should kill stamkos…. if he can catch him…
no jeff finger again eh…. he must really be in wilsons doghouse
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
im thinking there is a lingering injury, Finger is leaps and bounds better than exelby
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
yea, it was exelby overskating the puck that lead to the first montreal goal on saturday…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
he’s been pretty good on the PK lately though
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
yah, if its not an injury, it must be pumping him up for a possible trade, nothing else makes sense to me
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
If Finger had an injury, why wouldn’t they put him on IR for a week or two and make space on the rsoter for Gunnarson or Frogren?
by general borschevsky on Nov 3, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
why
have a rookie sitting in the box?
Though the cap relief would make sense.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
exelby should be in the box
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think we’re marketing him.
We could get something half decent, maybe, for him and Stajan.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
yah, two expiring contracts to a team for some cap relief, throw in a prospect and that might net us a sharp or a horton (might but not bloody likely)
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
yeah I doubt we’d get a Sharp or Horton.
I’m wondering what the Hawks will do when Hossa’s able to play, though.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
the hawks have a lot i want, but i dont see burke going after a defenseman unless he gets a killer deal on a good one.
the top three availables i think will be sharp, Versteeg and Fugly Man
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
I’d be happy with any of them.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
same
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
the leafs really are the team that guys break their slumps against….. why us?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Hopefully he stays in the dog house and on the 3rd line and only gets 10 minutes this game.
They call me Splodeybones.
he’ll score one his first shift and get bumped up
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
Because we have shit goaltending.
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Not unless an "accidental hit" were to happen to him....
;D
Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
Truculence is Everything: We Rant, We Caption, We Care.
The Bolts away record (0-4-1) is identical to our home record… They haven’t won in tonight’s situation either.
Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.
If the Leafs continue to do what they’ve done the last 4-5 games, they should win this. Stamkos or no Stamkos.
indeed
T-Bay had a brutal game last game though, and Lecavalier called a players-only meeting… what are the usual results after those?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Peter Laviolette doing really well in Tampa.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Melrose got 16 games (5-7-4), tonight is Tampa’s 13th (4-4-4). Seems about time for Tocchet to get the boot should they lose to the Leafs and Tocchet plays Vinny on the 3rd line.
Not sure if you’re serious about Laviolette though.
They call me Splodeybones.
I am
I think Laviolette is actually quite a good coach, and I’m surprised he hasn’t had a second chance in the NHL yet.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
A soul-crushing loss that proves nothing has changed? Or is that just in Toronto?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Nov 3, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Stamkos is from Markham, right? I think I remember that being mentoned on TV once or twice last year.
yup
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Yep, and he played for the Waxers, who used to be the Leaf’s farm team. (The waxer’s logo is still based on a maple leaf.)
by Its Cold In Here on Nov 3, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yes he was.
Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
Truculence is Everything: We Rant, We Caption, We Care.
just an FYI
game starts at 7:30. last time the GDT opened an hour before puck drop, we needed a new thread before the 1st period was done…
"Sanity is not statistical." - George Orwell, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Nov 3, 2009 2:44 PM EST reply actions
dammit
I forgot to set the PVR! :(
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Just log into Tivo.com and schedule it on the web. 
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i do not have TiVo
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
only Americans have TiVo
"I will take the subway - we were on the subway last night...I'm not above riding the subway or riding on a bus, I don't care. As long as people don't hit me." --Ron Wilson
Do you not understand the smug smiley yet?
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He doesn’t look smug, he just looks really high.
by general borschevsky on Nov 3, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
TiVo is in Canada now too
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Nov 3, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
Really? I thought we went to 7pm starts. Agh.
Fixing now.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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I had a dream a couple of nights ago about Kessel’s first Leaf goal. If it’s right then he’ll kick a Stempniak rebound onto his stick and slide the puck in while falling down on the PP. Let’s hope I’m right.
I had a dream where
Kessel scored the GWG in OT, after Kaberle shot the puck and the Bolts goalie stopped it.
Junior Director of Anti-Bandwagoning, PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries
Truculence is Everything: We Rant, We Caption, We Care.
I had a dream
Phil Kessel and I were on a beer pong team against 2 other guys and we won!
THIS IS A JOKE
kessel seems like he would kick ass at beer pong
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
Kessel and Bozak against Stalberg and Hanson. 2-man beer pong teams. I’d watch that.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 3, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
hanson would probably drink them under the table, that guy is a tank
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
You know you're a hardcore Leaf fan...
When the song “I Love College” brings about memories of the Frat Line.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 3, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
I hope Kessel does well tonight,
but I’ll be wearing my Kaberle jersey and hoping for more of what he did on the road.
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Nov 3, 2009 2:56 PM EST reply actions
i had my nameless 80s leafs jersey on for saturday’s loss. time to crack out the kaberle again tonight.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
I was wearing my Clark jersey on Saturday but it didn’t help. I don’t know what I’ll wear next game if they lose tonight. I might have to break out the St. John’s Maple Leafs jersey.
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Nov 3, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
tonight is feeling like a borchevsky kinda night
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
speedy wingers first night? id say it fits
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Grabo jersey, the instant I walk in the door at home.
Grabo's virtual linemate.
by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 3, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
This is the most excited I've been for a Lightning game in some time.
I don’t think Kessel scores, but I say the Leafs break the OT slump and win this in OT.
Hagman, Grabovski, White for the Leafs.
Stamkos x2 for the Bolts.
(Game day blog @ http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/2009/11/fiftys-game-time-tampa-bay-leafs-nov-2.html — apologies for shameless self promotion, again. Just raisin awareness and stuff.)
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
Hagman, Mitchell and Stempniak . . .
. . . combine for three goals – 2 for Hagman and 1 for Stempniak.
No more screwing around, Leafs win 5-3 in regulation.
Exuding truculence since 1963.
1st game back after a long road trip usually means disaster, kessel or no kessel….. i hope im wrong but i feel another OT loss…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
There's a way solve this.
Wilson should demand a stick measurement. The games matter, after all.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 3, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
AWESOME
GO LEAFS GO!
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by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 3, 2009 3:44 PM EST reply actions
Someone (Chemmy?) mentioned in another thread that Kessel was probably the fastest player the Leafs have had since Gartner. This has me very very excited to see him play. I was impressed by Stalberg’s speed, so I am really looking forward to seeing Kessel wheel.
Kessel has truly elite wheels. We’ll see if they’re ready to go tonight.
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Well he’s been skating for a long time now, so there shouldn’t be any problems there. It’s the taking a hit/shooting that I’m worried about.
well, endurance could be an issue. Skating in practice is a completely different thing from the intensity and energy required for a game. I expect about 15-17 minutes of ice time.
Why?
I’m sure he has had plenty of time on the bike and bag skating to keep endurance up. I really think this was the easy part for him. Furthermore, the way the lines are listed above, it seems like he’ll be getting first line minutes.
Hey, they may very well keep his ice time down the first game, but I don’t think it will be due to a lack of conditioning of his legs.
Philthy Phil Kessel, can’t you see?
Sometimes your moves just hypnotize me.
And I just love your phlashy ways.
I guess that’s why they broke and you’re so paid.
by birky on Nov 3, 2009 4:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Philthy Phil, can’t you see?
Your toe drag just hypnotized me
And we just love your one ball way
I guess that’s why Burke got you paid.
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by Chemmy on Nov 3, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
this might be his last night with a soul
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 3, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
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