Celebrating the Leafs Good Points...

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 5:00 AM EST in From The Branches Comment 72 comments

is much easier when they're actually winning games. Wouldn't you agree? Moral victories are all well and good (psst, they're not) but a few "W's" are what it's all about. When those losses pile up, it's easy to lose sight of the reasons you even cheer for the team you do.

In case that happens again, maybe you'll want to bookmark this to jog your memory.

Leafscollage2_medium

Memories... (via i376.photobucket.com)

Have you ever asked yourself: "Does this hat make me look ridiculous?" Apparently, neither have Flyers fans. Our own WAC takes us shopping and delivers the proof.
The general has 8008s on the brain. Oh, that's an acronym; BoOBbB. Never mind what I was thinking...
Jared's all about swimmin in women wit they own condominiums, 5 plus 5...what? No, seriously, what? You hatin' on P-Diddy? You be trippin'...
Steve takes a look at a few positive notes about the Leafs season so far. I'm assuming they all kind of explain the recent wins.
The Battle of Ontario boys got drunk last night, and at least two of them enjoyed the game.
Big Brother: Episode 3. Who will stay, and who will go? *Your vote decides, as two player's livelihoods hang in the balance. (* Note - no actual voting takes place, and if it did, yours wouldn't be counted.)
Now that Luke Schenn is completely ruined for the rest of his life because noted hockey experts like "el Cox" have deemed their opinions as more important and correct than those who actually, you know, WORK in hockey for a living. (deep breath...) TSM was wondering, what should the Leafs do with Schenn?
Could it be? Do the Leafs suddenly have a "shut down" line? When did this happen? Should I keep asking questions? Where are you going?
What does the week ahead hold for the Leafs? Stuff. Important stuff with hockey and practices and ninjas. And they'll probably have a pizza party. Also, other stuff. Frozen Leafs can fill you in on that.
Sure the Leafs are winning, and yes, they're one of the hottest teams in the league. We know they beat the Eastern Conference leading Capitals. However, that doesn't mean they're any good. Or does it?
Lastly, a non-hockey related post that, in my old age, I was quite certain I authored. Here's what you young whipper snappers, with your internets and your sexting and your combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell have to look forward to.

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I thought

that the hat in WAC’s link was yoga pants until I read the blurb. Ugly as F, but definitely something a yuppie American hockey mom would wear.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 8:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Also

I hate when people refer to teams as a group of individuals, rather than a single entity, I.e. the stay classy ‘article’ which says things like “toronto are”. Only other time I’ve seen/heard thiss is in NHL10 and that game has the worst announcing ever.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Clarification, Its fine when its a plural like “the leafs are” but not when using the city name. Its ridic.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes it is

Toronto is, but the Leafs are

THIS IS A JOKE

by loser domi on Dec 15, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The worst is in NHL10 when they say things like “Torontos are going on the Powerplay”… just bad pluralizationizing.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that kind of like the phrase “Leafs sucks”?

THIS IS A JOKE

by loser domi on Dec 15, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactomundo.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, they say it “Leaf sucks.” Maybe they are just referring to one in particular…

Also, to refer to Toronto (the hockey team, not the city) in the plural is not necessarily wrong. (Torontos are going on the powerplay is wrong, but Toronto are tearing up the league is not necessarily wrong). The reason is that the rule for group nouns depends on the situation. If a group is acting as one entity “the board is going to make a decision” then you go singluar. But if the group is acting as a bunch of individuals “the board are discussing the issue” then it is ok. The implication is that on the one hand “the board” is one unit, and on the other we are talking about “members of the board.”

So when they refer to Toronto in the plural, it should imply “the players on the Toronto team.” In my example above, if the Leafs had, say, 5 scorers in the top 10 in the league, then you could say “Toronto are tearing up the league in scoring” because it refers to individuals. If you are talking about points in the standings, well, those points are achieved by the team as a unit, so “Toronto is moving up in the standings.”

by Leaf in Habland on Dec 15, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we just got schooled in grammar by someone who lives in Quebec….

"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky

by Karina on Dec 15, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that it is technically gramattically correct, and I also think it works better for something like “the board” or “the comittee”, but for the name of a city it just sounds really stupid/awkward and pisses me off.

If someone is saying that they are tearing up the league in scoring, and want to say “are”, then say “the Leafs are”, since the players on the team are really the theoretical “Leafs”

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Torontos?

Is NHL10 re-running the 1915-16 NHA season?

Leaf, the universe and everything.

by 1967ers on Dec 15, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah its friggin annoying, they do it for everyone though i.e. “new yorks”, “carolinas” etc.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

IS COLTON ORR OKAY? I NEED TO KNOW!

Vintage Leafs Blog

by somny on Dec 15, 2009 9:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Apparently he’s fine, his eye just closed up when it was cut. I don’t have a source for this because I saw it on sportsnet, but this is what Wilson told the media.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i voted him off in the Big Brother Leafs Edition just in case

Is that the kid you want?

by kessticle on Dec 15, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

why would you vote to keep Stajan??

...Being surrounded by Sens and Habs fans makes me lose faith in humanity...

by El Monstruo on Dec 15, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.fromtherink.com/2009/12/15/1201248/emonds-montreal-blitz-was-trailing

A Montreal youth hockey player broke his neck and is now paralyzed. I’m seeing if there’s any way for people to donate money online to a good cause right now.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 15, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

oh crap

wow, that is scary

THIS IS A JOKE

by loser domi on Dec 15, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I emailed the writer of the article seeking info on either online donations, or pointing me in the direction of someone who may know.

I’ll let you all know if I hear anything back.

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Celebrating good points about Toronto players

is simply not in the Maple Leaf fan handbook.

by birky on Dec 15, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tyler Seguin cut from the WJHC team. Kadri #1 center book it.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 15, 2009 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

For the record

i’d just like to state for the record how much i HATE when people write articles with phrases like “I’ve even heard discussion that Toronto have a good chance to finish in the top 4 in the Eastern Conference come playoff time” to paint some sort of broad stroke about how smart you are.

That’s some Damien Cox-level disingenuinety

the Leafs are NOT a Top 4 team. But it’s looking like they might be good enough to hang tough with the flotsam at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Shit you overhear at a bar — or worse, shit you outright make up — as an extreme to make your opinion look more reasonable is not a valid journalistic device.

by pevans on Dec 15, 2009 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

As I mentioned above, the worst part is where it says “Toronto have”… poor grammar = lack of credibility

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly,

I’ve heard that this years Habs could break the record for most wins in a season. I’ve also heard it said that Wayne Gretzky was not nearly as good a hockey player as people think. I’ve been told that Canada can pick up UK radio stations due to it’s closer proximity to the British Isles than the US.

There’s dumb folks all over. Not sure that makes them a reliable quote source, or basis for a blog post…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You probably can (pick up UK stations) if they’re on short-wave. Haven’t listened in years, but all NA radios used to list the overseas broadcast frequencies on their shortwave bands.

Leaf, the universe and everything.

by 1967ers on Dec 15, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The more you know.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've heard

Blake wears two left skates.

’Splains some things.

by not norm ullman on Dec 15, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hahah

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 15, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not so

he just really stubborn about wearing an ill-fitting right skate on his second left foot.

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Dec 15, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, who said top 4? No one really thinks that.

by Leaf in Habland on Dec 15, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

4,954 people who voted the Leafs to win the Northeast Division think otherwise….

by PassivelyTruculent on Dec 15, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That would be top 3… totally different.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 5:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

for my money

Washington, Pittsburgh, and Boston are the clear Top 3 teams in the East. NJ has surprised me, too, so let’s pencil them into the Top 4.

I’d also give a slight edge to Buffalo for a good team that’s getting great goaltending and is, as such, “very good”.

That leaves the 6, 7 and 8 slots, and honesly, of what’s left, I see no reason why the Leafs can’t compete with them. I have to imagine Philly and the Rangers will figure out their problems and get the ‘tending at some point, so they’re probably in.

Add it all up, and 6th is now my official goal for the season.

PLAYOFFS!!!1

by pevans on Dec 15, 2009 12:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

that’s about right. the 5 teams you mentioned, i worry when toronto has to play them. the rest of the teams, i know we can compete.

finishing 6th-8th and playing underdog / getting on a tear is the absolute best case scenario. that’s how calgary and edmonton made their trip to the cup finals, actually.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Dec 15, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

to clarify: i’m not implying the leafs are destined for a cinderella cup run.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Dec 15, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, go ahead and say it. What’s the worst that can happen, that we’ll screen-cap it and mock you mercilessly for the rest of your days?

Actually, we probably would do that, but no guts, no glory….

Leaf, the universe and everything.

by 1967ers on Dec 15, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you’d might as well!

Grabo's virtual linemate.

by Sergei Puckizin on Dec 15, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

to be honest, i think Philly is going to miss, i had a feeling that their goaltending wouldnt be able to keep up with all the games against Pitt, NJ, Wash, Boston etc and I dont think it will. Emery is hurt and not that great to begin with and Boucher is just a backup…. unless Carter, Richards and Pronger step up big time theyre fucked.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 15, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Buffalo has 4 more points and a game in hand against Boston. They also have Ryan Miller. It’s possible they slip down the stretch, as Miller will probably be used just about every game in the Olympics for the US.

I’d agree with your teams as being the probable locks for playoff spots 1-5. I think Atlanta has a good shot at taking the sixth spot over Philly or the Rangers, so that really only leaves 7 or 8 as up for grabs.

Of the currently ranked teams in spots 7-13, with Toronto being 13th, the Leafs are the only team with a winning record in their last ten games…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is anyone going to cry if we finish 9th and draft between 11-14? I won’t.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Dec 15, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if we finish 9th

and draft between 11th and 14th, I’ll be amazed…

So l ong as the Bruins don’t get a lottery pick, I’m fine with wherever they end up.

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don’t even care if the bruins get a lottery pick from a franchise-building perspective – kessel’s worth one lottery pick at least, maybe more.

i just don’t want to hear every leaf-hater for the next 20 years talk about the time the leafs traded away draft picks that turned into a 3rd overall pick.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Dec 15, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the funny thing is, just say miraculously the 2nd round pick becomes the next Zetterberg, people will say the Kessel trade was the worst trade ever

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 15, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

OBVIOUSLY Chiarelli KNEW where the leafs would finish, who he would get, and how it would work out.

I BELIEVE IN PETER

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 15, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't believe this will ever happen

but how much of a steal would Kessel be if the Leafs somehow squeak into one of the bottom two playoff slots in the East, and go on a Cinderella run a la the Oilers or Flames?

One of the Leafs picks for Kessel would be 29th overall…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, that is my dream, two high picks in the first 2 rounds plus even a single lotto pick next year if the leafs implode would be an amazing steal

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 15, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

how awesome would it be for the leafs to beat the bruins in the playoffs because of some amazing phil kessel power

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 15, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

completely f8cking awesome.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Dec 15, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah I’d be disappointed we missed the playoffs, because that would be fun, but I’d get over it quickly. realistically finishing in that range would be a good result for this team.

leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.

by stucky on Dec 15, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nope, that’s kind of where i thought we’d finish going into the season anyway.

this year’s a bit of a freebie as fas as i’m concerned. burke was saddled with too much dead weight that still needs to be cleared out to expect much success. he’ll take stock in the offseason (or at the trade deadline) and i think next year will be our first glimpse at the team Burke really wants to assemble.

Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.

by daoust on Dec 15, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The only mitigating factor is that the East is such a train wreck that finishing 9th in the East might still end up being a top 10 pick

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 15, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Spezza out possibly up to 8 weeks.

Not rooting for injuries, but if it happens to a team ahead of the Leafs in the standings…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 15, 2009 2:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

well its not like he was making a huge impact for their team anyways

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 15, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he hasn’t been much of a difference maker for them this year so far

"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky

by Karina on Dec 15, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is terrible, they will probably go on a run without him dragging them down with his negative attitude and asholishness.

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Moustache Fever, not to be confused with swine flu.

by Shield on Dec 15, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rec'd!

Probably true.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

by Kenjamin on Dec 16, 2009 2:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

this is totally good news. ottawas depth chart just got pretty weak. Mike Fisher is now their #1 centre and it is a serious drop off in talent after that. Spezza hasnt put up alot of numbers this year but ottawas record is decent with him playing on the top line

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 15, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fisher for the Olympics!!!

by Theodles on Dec 15, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh noes!

Who’s going to make drop passes to the other team now?

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 15, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It makes sense. Markov is close to returning so the status quo on “players who ge murdurized when playing the Leafs” needed a refill.

Can it before I drive this truculence through your faceulence and put you in an ambulance.

by Brunswick Bruiser on Dec 15, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Some douchenozzle just called in to the FAN, and suggested we trade Luke Schenn and Vesa Toskala for Jeff Carter.

It’s amazing that so many people who have just suffered major head trauma can press *590 on their phones and not 911.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 15, 2009 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

let me guess, they humoured him?

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 15, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly.

First off, it was just before the break and it was the last call, so they pretty much moved right on.
Second, it was Roger Lajoie(SP?), so he pretty much just said “I don’t think Philly’s trading Jeff Carter”.

Still, stupid fans give me a sad.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 15, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think the funniest thing i ever heard on leafs talk radio was when someone called in and said the Leafs should trade for Joe thorton, McCowen said “are you freaking kidding me?” and hung up

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 15, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

heh, one dude called andy frost a week or so ago and was asking about “Nigel Cadburry” and Andy didnt wtf he was talking baout. Eventually he clued in that he mean “Nazem Kadri”

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 15, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs