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Around SBN: The Animated GIFs Of January

Coach Ron Wilson - "When you get solid goaltending it certainly helps"

Jason Blake- "He's made some saves that I call game-changers. Right at the key times and they've been outstanding. Last night and tonight, he was the difference. It was good to see."

Phil Kessel - "Gustavsson in net tonight again - it's unbelievable. He played outstanding for us."

Seems like the Monster has plenty of fans, and Toskala has plenty of fingers pointing at him for the Leafs woes.

over 2 years ago G-gravatart_tiny blurr1974 48 comments 1 recs  | 

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Everybody on the team wants to win and wants to be successful," said Gustavsson. "We want the fans to be happy. When we started playing better, everybody’s going to be happy. If we can just continue like this it’s going to be a fun season.

Gotta love him.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Nov 8, 2009 12:12 AM EST reply actions  

I forget which commentator it was, but right after the buzzer went he said something to the effect of “The Leafs got excellent goaltending tonight. What a change for them. And look at the difference it made.”

Needless to say, I was nodding my head in agreement. I recalled all those hundreds of moments I have sat on the edge of my seat, watching the opposing player carry the puck across the Leafs’ blue line and knowing that, no matter what, another goal was going to be scored on Vesa Toskala. This feeling of calm I have watching Gustavsson play is a feeling I had almost forgotten. 2 on 1? Not a problem. That monster stretch of his where he covers the net from post to post with his pads will take care of it. Point shot through traffic? There’s no open net to shoot at, Gustavsson is covering it all. Wrap around? He’s from one post to the other before you realize he has moved. The only things he needs to work on are puck handling outside of the crease and rebound control. But as long as he keeps making 3+ ridiculous game-changing saves per game, those things shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

-Graham-

by CanadianMaple09 on Nov 8, 2009 12:19 AM EST reply actions  

And the D in front of him is blocking shots, calmly handling rebounds, White is making a couple of saves a game. Wonderful to finally see.
Can’t wait to see our updated PK%- 4 perfect games in a row, I think.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Nov 8, 2009 12:42 AM EST up reply actions  

I think all three of Hughson, Simpson and Healy said that. Funny, since they said everything short of “Toskala blows”, which is, you know, what we were all thinking.

Grabo's virtual linemate.

by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 8, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

LAFF

There are still people that argue that goaltending wasn’t the issue. @evilchris4 is the most adamant. It’s hilarious. The expression ‘blinkered’ was created for those fans.

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 12:23 AM EST reply actions  

some guys i talk to on pickuphockey.com also kept trying to tell me that toskala wasnt a problem and leaf fans just always blame goaltending for all their problems… needless to say ive spent too much time arguing otherwise

There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"

by Matt_Roberts on Nov 8, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t like using the “If you think otherwise you have never played hockey at any level remotely close to good” but in this case I don’t know what else it could be.

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Toskala routinely lets weak shots through.

Has Toskala ever made a highlight reel for anything other than giving up a 175-footer?

And what kills Tosakala the most is that he never, ever makes the big save. 2-1 down and shorthanded? Toskala isn’t bailing you out. 2-1 up with 5 minutes to play? If you’re lucky, it’s going to overtime.

In the space of eight games The Monster has done all three of these things repeatedly.

The debate – if there ever was one – is over.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 12:36 AM EST reply actions  

Ladies and gentlemen,

It looks like we may have a rookie of the year on our hands. What a difference. If Toskala plays Carolina last night we lose the basement bowl and our confidence. Instead we win and spank the Deadwings. LET’S ROLL!

by penaltyshots on Nov 8, 2009 12:43 AM EST reply actions  

The Anaheim game was huge.

1-0 down then The Monster makes this save.

That goes in, we’re 2-0 down, Anaheim are cruising and the game doesn’t turn into an extended PP practice.

Toskala never makes that save.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 12:52 AM EST up reply actions  

i think it’s safe to say the Vesa era is over. Some of us were wrong, some of us were right, but it doesn’t matter now. We’re all moving forward, together, into the Monster era. i’m pretty excited about it.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Nov 8, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions  

It certainly seems like it’s only a matter of time before we see a boxscore that reads:

Leafs 2 – 0 Nonleafs

W – Monster, The (40 saves)
L – Cares, Who (20 saves)

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 1:01 AM EST up reply actions  

i hope so… i’ve got him in the pool. now what to do with ryan miller…

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Nov 8, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions  

I just scooped him up for Khabibulin. As of today they have the exact same win pct, but Monster’s GAA and SPct are all better!

Grabo's virtual linemate.

by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 8, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Could have been the other way around but the important thing is…

MON-STER! MON-STER! MON-STER! MON-STER!

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 1:11 AM EST up reply actions  

it’s been too long since we’ve legitimately had a reason to chant our goalie’s name. this is a good feeling.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Nov 8, 2009 1:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Well, other than chanting ‘Die, Vesa! Die!’

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 2:20 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s German for “The Vesa, The”

...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...

by My Poor Friend Me on Nov 8, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Anyone that speaks German can’t be bad.

Grabo's virtual linemate.

by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 8, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Only if Vesa is a girl…

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 1:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Man I KNEW there was something about those soft eyes

and the Mustache of Truculence (formerly Canada4Mizzou)

by Wan Ihite on Nov 8, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

sigh

i love you guys.

"Dad why are you crying?"

by my son has a choice on Nov 8, 2009 12:54 AM EST reply actions  

I have Ian White & The Monster in my Fantrax Hockey Pool _

by aki berg fan club on Nov 8, 2009 2:00 AM EST reply actions  

This post looks like my post. Kinda weird. Same wavelength, blurr. You beat me to it but I have more quotes and more sources so nah!

Oh ya. Also, Vesa’s dead.

by general borschevsky on Nov 8, 2009 2:22 AM EST reply actions  

You guys are crazy

Have you seen how the defence has stepped it up for The Monster? The Leafs also started finding the back of the net all of a sudden. You guys are crazy to be blaming any of the early losses on Toskala. Even Patrick Roy in his prime couldn’t have won those games.

….WHO AM I KIDDING?!
I’ve been a big advocate of The Monster when the season started and am so glad that the changing of the guard is in full effect. Gustavsson is head an shoulders above Toskala. Toskala is shit, plain and simple. I hope he has played his last game as a Leaf because that shoot out attempt was an embarrassment to say the least. The Monster is not only huge but he plays big. He’s usually out on the white ice making it damn near impossible for shooters to find an opening, unlike Toskala who chooses to hide at the goal line. He also has great lateral speed…probably one of the quickest in the league. The part that has me most giddy is that he still has room to grow!

The dude lost his mother, had a heart procedure and recovered from a strained groin. The Monster for Vezina, Calder and Masterton!

You say you want a revolution // Read the Blog and follow your Hunger

by Hungry Leafs Fan on Nov 8, 2009 2:52 AM EST reply actions  

watching him play net is ridiculous

he’s what every goalie coach i’ve ever had has preached….great puck vision, awesome mechanics and damn near perfect instincts on position when things go slanted….I was screaming to my friends about how he’s at the right place EVERYTIME and how it’s uncanny, needless to say they told me to shut up and watch college football (damn yankees)

"Holy crip!! He's a CRAPPLE!!!"

by MapleLeafs85 on Nov 8, 2009 2:56 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ve never seen a goalie his size with such amazing lateral movement. He gets post-to-post so fast it’s scary.

Like Mike Ulmer has written several times, it just looks like you’ll never score on the guy!

Grabo's virtual linemate.

by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 8, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh man

I was already scrolling down to see what nutcase had written that!

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Gustavsson is head an shoulders above Toskala

Literally and Figuratively

"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 8, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Granted

Gustavsson thus far is a better goalie than Tokalol is, HOWEVER, I’m hoping that this isn’t a coming of the Leafs of old (CuJo/Belfour Leafs)…where the defense is semi-porous, but the difference is a world class goalie. I am happy with the fact that he looks like a world-class goalie however, I do not want the defense to think that they can suck and the goalie will save us, responsible D (like tonight’s performance) with world-class goaltending wins championships (not to say we’re gonna win the cup). I just can’t get my hopes up until our D plays like an NHL calibre D should play…it is a different team however I still smell the lackadaisical attitude of the pre-Wilson Leafs…(note: I am drunk and can’t be held accountable for drunk ML85 thoughts..thank you)….and BREATHE

"Holy crip!! He's a CRAPPLE!!!"

by MapleLeafs85 on Nov 8, 2009 2:53 AM EST reply actions  

The biggest thing that The Monster gives (besides his hulking frame) is the momentum created off a HUGE save, and that’s something the Leafs have missed for a few years now.

by WendelMadeMe on Nov 8, 2009 8:58 AM EST reply actions  

Cam Ward Injured
Carolina looking for outside help
Just saying…

by Clawson on Nov 8, 2009 12:31 PM EST reply actions  

they’ll probably go after Biron

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Nov 8, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Not if DiPietro isn’t healthy.

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Sadly, at this point, Toskala is untraceable. Waive him and let the Marlies send him down to Rochester.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Nov 8, 2009 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

If he never improves his puck handling I wont care, as long as he stops trying to do anything more complicated than stop the puck for his D
His rebound control is what I think he should target,

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Nov 8, 2009 1:05 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah, kicking them straight out into the slot with enough momentum to carry them to the blueline is not good!

-Graham-

by CanadianMaple09 on Nov 8, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I think that’s starting to get overblown. You can’t smother every shot and kicking them out to the blueline actually is good because it gets the rebounds past the forwards.

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

by PPP on Nov 8, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t mean to overblow it, and I agree, getting the puck away from the net as far as possible is a good thing. I can’t remember which games they were in but I do remember seeing him kick out some big rebounds into the slot at least one of which I recall was a goal. I think most of the rebounds come from shots low to his five-hole where he goes down. They just bounce off his pads and straight back out. He needs to use his stick to direct them to the corner. Erghhhh I think I’m starting to sound like a goalie coach, which I am not!

-Graham-

by CanadianMaple09 on Nov 8, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

 Vesa would look good in a hurricanes jersey.

by 6rick6 on Nov 8, 2009 5:03 PM EST reply actions  

 or any of the 29 jerseys other than ours.

by 6rick6 on Nov 8, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Update on Cam Ward

He’s out a minimum 3-4 weeks with a laceration on his leg. They’re probably not going to trade for Vesa unless they know the actual length of the injury, as he could be out for either 3 weeks or 3 months depending on how much it affects his movement

Space Weed Says The Steve Ott of Hockey Blogs
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 8, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Good quote from Jeff Finger via NHL.com

“He’s been great, bottom line. It gives us the confidence to play the game that you need to play to win in this League. You’re just confident in what you’ve got back there so you can make a play and not worry about turning the puck over. He’s been real solid.”

Space Weed Says The Steve Ott of Hockey Blogs
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 8, 2009 5:16 PM EST reply actions  

I think some pine riding will do the Vesa some good.

As per new community rules; all signature tags on PPP must contain the word "truculent".

(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score

by Wrap Around Curl on Nov 8, 2009 5:46 PM EST reply actions  

bow chicka wow wow

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Nov 8, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions  

bow chicka ouch slivers

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Nov 8, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions  

The all-consuming importance of varnish

and the Mustache of Truculence (formerly Canada4Mizzou)

by Wan Ihite on Nov 8, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions  

The Vesa will have to invest in some tweezers. Picking out slivers is tricky business.

leaf fan stuck in ottawa, still. Now truculently rebranded!

by stucky on Nov 9, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

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