Thrashers at Leafs
by Chemmy on Dec 7, 2009 4:11 PM EST
in Maple Leafs Game Previews
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PrintPuck Drop: 7:00PM ET Sportsnet Ontario
Leafs' coach Ron Wilson says he hopes former players Nik Antropov and Pavel Kubina won't be feted with a ceremony tonight. - Jonas Siegel
Tonight marks the return of a player who wasn't fully appreciated in Toronto even after he left. He had issues with his knee while he was here and was a solid player but didn't fit Burke's idea for a rebuilding team and was shipped out. That player of course is Pavel Kubina.
I think we were all expecting to replace Kubina's offense with Francois Beauchemin's. Obviously that hasn't happened. What's odd is that Happy Trails dropped a 102.2mph bomb in the hardest shot competition, capping what must have been bizarro weekend as Rickard "They Glue A Stick To My Hands Because I Can't Be Trusted Not To Drop It" Wallin won the shot accuracy contest.
Other promising ex-Leafs with knee injuries playing for the Thrashers include Nik Antropov, who has only 2 goals this year (yikes) but has 21 assists to give him 23 points in 26 games. I don't think anyone here saw Antropov as a setup guy, but I'm assuming he plays with Kovalchuk and that should boost his assist total. Strange though, Antropov played very well down the stretch for the Rangers last year including scoring a bunch of beautiful top shelf goals from the faceoff circles, he'll probably find his game tonight knowing our luck.
Garnet Exelby back in against his former team. Jeff Finger scratched. Rickard Wallin in as well. - Jonas Siegel
Christian Hanson has been returned to the Marlies in what I hope is a planned move; bring the kids up to get a taste and then send them back down to work on problems. Hanson looked good aside from his first game up and I didn't see the Boston game (thank god), so he should understand what he needs to do.
The puzzling move here is Exelby for Finger. Burke needs to shit or get off the pot with Finger; he's a better defenseman than Exelby hands down but with a bigger cap hit. If we're not going to waive Finger we might as well use him rather than have his cap hit in the press box.
Gustavsson couldn’t pinpoint an exact return date—he’ll need the incision in his groin area to heal—but he said that this time around was definitely better than last.
"Feels like I have more power now after this procedure than after the last one," he said. - Eat. Sleep. Leafs.
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I’m gonna skip this one.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions
I cant look away
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully we come out looking for redemption much like what Boston did to us on Saturday after getting smoked by Montreal.
Hmmm
Maybe we need a secret weapon for tonight…
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Anthrax?
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
the wallin bomb?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Tadpole Splash
We should hide a midget/leprechaun under the ice to come out at opportune times to distract the opposition. Then at the end, Komisarek can kick him in the gut and pedigree him at centre ice.
Just a thought.
They call me Splodeybones.
or grabbo can do a shooting star press off the end glass and take out the thrashers goalie, would be nails on the PP
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Then Schenn hits the Schenn Stunner on Kovalchuk and the Atlanta goalie (and back up), thus opening the scoring for the Leafs.
"Luke Schenn is Stronger than Strength."
Truculence is Everything: A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog of Varying Opinions of Anger.
Give Wallin a nail-gun, just to create a little space in the offensive zone.
Apparently, he’d be real accurate with it.
by not norm ullman on Dec 7, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
We should hide a midget/leprechaun under the ice to come out at opportune times to distract the opposition.
We don’t have any Habs with us on this road trip
"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 Dec 7, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Flying monkeys!!!1
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
they let him out early? i thought he didnt get a chance at parole till 2012!
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
He crawled to freedom through five hundred yards of shit smelling foulness I can’t even imagine, or maybe I just don’t want to. Five hundred yards… that’s the length of five football fields, just shy of half a mile.
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
by article1 on Dec 7, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Get busy Livin, or get busy Dyin
"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 Dec 7, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Why would a man whose shirt says “Genius at Work” spend all of his time watching a children’s cartoon show?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
Secret Weapon?
May I remind you of how competitive she can get…?
by The_Truculenster on Dec 7, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
wow, Jason Blake looks pretty good in a red jersey.
"Is there an ih-sue Papa?"
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Dec 7, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder if anyone else thought it was funny that Jason Blake was named to team white at the Leafs skills competition.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
it was the bug eyes that made me think of ol’ Milky.
"Is there an ih-sue Papa?"
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Dec 7, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
A point of contention...
Beauchemin currently has only one less point than Kubina, so I’m not sure how he hasn’t replaced his offense. Even if we compare his current numbers to last season, Beauchemin would be only 3 points behind Kubina’s 0.5 PPG, which, considering the Leaf’s poor start, is not terrible or unexpected.
Now, I’m sure someone would contend that only goals matter in this discussion. But, the whole argument is moot if we’re only considering goals. Beauchemin certainly is worse than Kubina in that regard, but no one should have expected Beauchemin (with a career high 8 goal season) to replace Kubina in goals scored in the first place.
Sorry for the near-rant. I usually don’t post much, but I just don’t see the validity in your statement. To be fair, I wholeheartedly agree with the other 99% of your views!
I dunno, for all of Kubina’s shortcomings he scored a ton of game winners. Maybe that distorts my view of him as far as goal production goes.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I’m assuming that he wasn’t a great guy in the locker room though.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I think that might be an unfair assumption. The guy won a cup in Tampa and all his teammates from that year have spoken glowlingly about him since he left.
Unless of course you meant “wasn’t a great guy” in a strictly literal sense, by which you be saying that he could have been a very very good guy in the locker room but not quite worthy of the “great” label.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
He was part of the Muskoka Five. I don’t think that the Leafs got rid of all of those guys at negligible return because their on ice play was so bad.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Agreed
Torts, for what it’s worth, said Kubina was his most important defenceman in the Stanley Cup run. So Kubina being traded for XLB was indeed a downgrade in talent. At the same token, I think Beauchemin makes up for Kubina on the defensive end, which was Burke’s thinking on replacing him.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
Beauch also does one thing kubina never did, get dirty in the corners or drop the mits
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Leafs Metrics: Kubina v. Beauchemin
Who takes dumber penalties?
Who’s more likely to break their stick at a critical time?
Which D is more likely to be found way out of position behind the other team’s net?
Do either of them have NTCs?
Will Beauchemin scuttle a trade to the sharks at the deadline?
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
wait, there was a kubina trade to the sharks in the works?
i dont even want to know who was offered up
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
Fletcher cemented a deal with SJ for Kubina and then Kubina renegged.
I’ll see if I can’t dig up the interview between Fletcher and Bob McCown where Fletcher starts off saying he won’t name names and about four minutes later throws Kubina under the bus.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
i also lied, i want to know who would have been coming back
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
no you don't
Kyle McLaren and cap space.
here’s the Star article if you’re curious.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 7, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, well thats not too bad, i was worried it was another carter and a first deal
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for finding that link Blurr.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
no worries
was following along in the thread, and when you mentioned the Sharks trade, I had to google it because I was curious what the return might have been.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 7, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
I remember that, and Wilson saying that if he’d had Kubina in SJ instead of Campbell, they would’ve gone all the way.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
Campbell is a colossal waste of money. Not as bad as Redden. But damn close.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
the difference between Campbell and Redden is that Campbell is a very good defenseman
just not 7 mill a year good
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
The situation matters too.
Imagine if the Hawks had the extra 3 or 4 million that Campbell probably shouldn’t be getting? Their cap problems would be much more manageable.
The Rangers deserve every single cent of wasted cap space. Slats is a tool.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
yeah, Campbells contract is also compounded by the boat anchor that is Huets deal
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
I will be very surprised if Seabrook doesn’t walk. PLEASE GET HIM BURKIE
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
oh lord that would be fantastic
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
Seabrook
Or Vlasic would be fantastic to me. But both are unlikely. Seabrook will re-sign with Chicago and they’ll let Barker go, since he’s redundant.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
yeah, you’re probably right. Hjallmersson is going to get a big pay day too…
I would love Barker.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
The thing about Campbell was that Chicago didn’t know how Keith and Seabrook would develop. Barker was still too far, so the ’Hawks overpaid to get a puck mover. Unfortunately, or fortunately, all three aforementioned turned into very good players.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
I dunno
I think they knew what they had in those three. All of them were blue-chippers, so it’s not like they were trying out Stralman or something.
Grabo's virtual linemate.
by Sergei Puckizin on Dec 7, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Campbell is an OK defenseman who happens to be very good offensively.
Redden is just horrible.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
near as i can tell
Campbell got paid on the basis of this shift alone.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 7, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
then mark bell should be making league max
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t get why Chicago felt they had to make a big splash….
The more I think about it, the more I wonder why Tallon wasn’t fired a year earlier.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
i wish i could see the history of the bidding war for Campbell
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
Toews and Kane fell in his lap.
When people were moaning about his wrongful dismissal they glossed over that fact.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
the campbell contract, huet, the missing the deadline to extend his RFA’s… those are some massive errors
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, the versteeg and Barker shenanigans last year cost him bad
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Is he the guy who overpaid for Khabibulin too? Or was there a guy before him. I only started acknowledging the Hawks existence about two seasons ago.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
same, the hawks and the kings were both quietly terrible for the better part of a decade and a half, now they are poised to be dominant for a while if they dont fuck up too bad
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think that was Tallon in his first year? it was 2005, which is when the GM before Tallon was replaced with him
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
ye
it was Tallon as well.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Prediction for tonight
Kubina will tie it up and Antro will set up Kovalchuk for the winner in OT.
Our pal Nik will get the Antropov hat-trick: tip in a goal on the PP, a dumb penalty 100 feet from the puck and at least one TV time-out spent writhing on the ice clutching his knee like he’s suffered the mother of all MCL/ACL tears, only to be ok and return a shift or two later.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
I think Exelby might be in because it’s his former team. Maybe he’ll be so focused on playing his former club that he’ll only get out of position looking for the big hit on every other shift.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
xlb is only playing because it is atlanta, no other reason.
although…. one could make the point that finger was pretty bad against boston…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Moot
adj
1. open to discussion or debate; debatable; doubtful: a moot point.
2. of little or no practical value or meaning; purely academic.
Disagrees.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
Too err is human, to moo is bovine.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Abbott: Well why don’t you tell me about your cow??
Costello: I’m not in the mood.
Abbott: What kinda mood?
Costello: A cow mood.
Abbott: WHO CARES IF A COW MOOED?!
Why do we do this to ourselves?
THIRD BASE
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
This game will only be good if Toskala doesn’t shit the bed. Both Atlanta goalies are red hot coming in and it’ll take a hell of a lot of traffic for us to score. C’mon leafs, get traffic like Boston did and you have a chance otherwise every goalie looks like Luongo. 2+ wins per loss should be the bare minimum right now if we are to have any hope to reach the playoffs. Heres hoping Toskala plays good. Please please please Toskala, don’t let in a crap goal that bounces in off your stick or gets scored from behind the goal line.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Bringin' The Pain Since 2009
This game will only be good if Toskala doesn’t shit the bed.
uh oh
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
That’s asking for alot
Space Weed Says Telling it like it is without a care about the mainstream's feelings
"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 Dec 7, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Goddamn
I have exams roughly around the time the game starts, and won’t be back until after the game ends. I was looking forward to this. :(
"Luke Schenn is Stronger than Strength."
Truculence is Everything: A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog of Varying Opinions of Anger.
Is anyone else sick and tired of
Grabovski? He is shitty out there and it isn’t a talent issue, its a passion and willingness to pay the price issue. In my opinion, we aren’t going to go anywhere if we have to rely on him to take us. Bring up one of the other young guys who wants to be there already.
FWIW, I thought Grabbo was one of the only guys who kept trying on Saturday vs. the B’s, long after it was clear that everybody else was looking at their watches and wondering when the postgame buffet would be available. He’s sometimes frustrating – wide open misses and a tendency to be more Sergei Berezin than anyone has an appetite for – but he also has flashes of real energy and brilliance out there. I don’t really question his heart, I have to say.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
I'd rather
take Grabo than Blake at this point.
"Luke Schenn is Stronger than Strength."
Truculence is Everything: A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog of Varying Opinions of Anger.
grabbo will eventually be replaced but it might take a couple seasons, there isnt anyone else better than him right now though so we have to just support grabbo as much as we can and hope he can continue to improve his game and produce
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Who are you going to bring up?
Bozak is the only option and he’s been hurt for much of this season. The other Cs on the Marlies are Boyce and Foster (Hanson, Stalberg and Hamiltion play the wings).
Neither Boyce or Foster have put up numbers that suggest they’re capable replacing Grabbo.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Depending on the depth ahead of him, he’s a serviceable #2 / #3 centre, and he’s paid like it. What more do you want from him?
Resident Capologist
grabovski bugs me as well…. hard to put my finger on it but he just seems like a little twerp to me. He seems selfish and isnt nearly strong or tough enough to be a top centre for the toronto maple leafs… ill deal with him for now but i cant wait for the day burke finds a better replacement.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
strong enough? no he is too small and not nasty enough, he is tough though, he might be the physically toughest player the leafs have had since Markov
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
your kidding me right? the only people he stands up to are his own teammates in practice and the kostitsyns
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
you are mistaking my meaning
he is VERY tough, indestructible even, he will NEVER take a shift off because he gets checked into the boards and his shoulder hurts, or takes a puck to the face or kicked in the head with a skate
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
yes he does absorb alot of punishment and keeps on coming but its not like he intimidates anyone or really gets the other team off of their game with physical play.
He was bailing out all over the ice in montreal, you could tell he was hearing footsteps everywhere he went. Jason Blake fights through just as much, if not more shit than grbabo does yet i wouldnt be claling blake the toughest guy since markov
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
It’s not his job to intimidate the other team or throw big hits. He would do well to have a power forward on his line that might open up some room for him to be creative.
blake takes about the same i traditional hockey punishment, but i have NEVER seen Blake take the beatings ive seen grabbo take. ive never seen him get absolutly dummied 4 times in one shift, get right back up. drive the net, then take a tip off a point shot to the face, get stitched up and come back and make a rediculous pass for a tying goal
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Because everyone knows the sole measure of how tough you are is how quickly and how violently you respond to a clean bodycheck (See: Carcillo, Daniel)
He takes a number of hits to make plays for others.
With a bit more polish, he could be a very good fit as the 3rd line centre going forward; good in his own end, plays with sandpaper, capable of contributing offensively.
Resident Capologist
I couldn’t disagree more. Graboo has been backchecking like a mofo all season, pestering the other team and he certainly hasn’t shown timidness going into the corners. He gets absolutely crushed most nights but jumps right back up with a goofy smile on his face. He doesn’t have the strongest finish, that’s for sure… But he’s been dishing the puck out a lot more he gave two beautiful passes to Blake the other night when he netted 2, and I think he’s a big reason for Hagman’s recent success.
If you’re questioning Grabbo’s heart and passion I think you need watch the games a little more closely.
Grabbo, i still love him. He isnt as nutty this year but he is a more complete player this go round. He is a good to great complementary player, but I dont think anyone was banking on him doing anything close to carrying the team through any thing
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
thats all fine and dandy but we are in 29th place…. i dont see him as being a peice to the puzzle in terms of being a competetive team in the playoffs…. but thats just me
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
he just doesn’t seem willing to pay the price for offense. He always arrives a little too late and turns away from the net a little too soon.- course that could be applied to a number of other leafs as well. But I have grown particularly sick of him.
He always arrives late because he just got stapled to the boards to spring the other two forwards for a scoring chance.
Resident Capologist
From what I’ve watched this season, Grabovski is the Leaf forward most willing to take a hit to make a play since Tucker.
Resident Capologist
i agree that he probably isnt part of the “long term” cup drive plans, but you also have to remember he is a youngin still and is pretty much only in his 3rd NHL season
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
thats how i feel. he is improving alot this year, last year he dissapeared for like 3 months, but i still dont see him going head to head with the crosbys, mike richards, the top centres in the east and succeeding in the playoffs. the good centres will eat him up
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
nah, unless he has some sort of blessed awakening of might he will never be more than a shifty 2nd line center
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
yes which is fine for the 29th place team. See whta I mean? He is workign hard, takes alot of punishment and keeps comign back for more. He skates like the wind and handles the puck well, but he still needs to learn how to use his teammates more effectivley and learn how to control the pace of a game a little more. If grabo were to go head to head in the playoffs against the top teams in the east they would most likley embarass him…
who knows though, like you said maybe one day he becomes good enough to compete with the top players.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
he has shown some signs of BRILLIANT playmaking ability, but i think his problem is that he is always looking for the fancy pass when a crisp ten footer tape to tape is all that is needed.
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
yea the raw talent is there, if wilson can mould him into a more complete player who uses the guys around him a little better it would make a world of difference
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
thats why i liked him with Hagman, Hags seems to be able to bring out the best in younger players, he learns their tendencies quickly and adjusts to maximize their game
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t get what your complaint is.
Grabovski is not good enough to be an elite #1 centre. Okay, well every NHL team dresses 4 every night; is he not good enough to be one of those?
The fact that Grabovski isn’t the calibre of player to shut down Sidney Crosby every night only means that he has somehting in common with 95% of the league.
Resident Capologist
well i didnt throw out the original complaint, my point is that as much as we like some things in grabo’s game, the maple leafs need to do a heck of alot better than Mikhail Grabovski if they want to be considered a top team in the NHL
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
they also need a heck of a lot better than Matt Stajan, john mitchell and wayne premeau
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
I am quite sure, the only way the leafs are going to get a legit number one center any time soon is in 2 years when Kadri is ready or they get one as a UFA
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
center for the most part, but he plays wing on the PP sometimes
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
he is on fuckin fire right now, i cant wait to see him tear shit up at the WJC
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
ever since the start of the season ive been trying to get tickets to a game, but i cant get anything but standing room…which sucks at the JLC
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Again, I don’t get what your complaint is.
They need to do a lot better than Mikhail Grabovski for what? As a 1st line centre? Yes, I agree. That’s why we drafted Kadri.
As a second line centre? Possibly, but he’s fine for now and still trying to find consistency.
As a third line centre? He’d be a pretty damn good fit (at a reasonable price) if we have two guys ahead of him on the depth chart.
Not every player can be a 1st line star. Tyler Kennedy’s never going to be confused with Evgeni Malkin. Both played a pretty important role on the Cup winning team last year.
Resident Capologist
Just because he plays center doesn’t mean he’s going to be the go to guy to take on the Crosbys and Richards of the NHL. He’s serviceable as our second line center right now with only 2 years in the NHL… Do the good centers eat him up now? How is the playoffs any different? Have you seen him play in a playoff game? I would he would respond just like the other players do and up his game on the big stage.
My prediction is we get rid of him in a year or two, some other team takes him for a short stint and then he disapears to the K.
that’s certainly possible, we have Bozak and Kadri coming up at some point so we need to get rid of someone when they’re ready for the show. If and when Grabbo is done as a leaf the issue won’t be passion or heart though – it’s going to be a numbers thing.
Stajan and Primeau are UFAs this year, and John Mitchell is an RFA.
Grabovski’s going nowhere next season.
Resident Capologist
Yeah, I agree. I don’t think it’s a lock that Kadri plays with the big club next year and Bozak is going to need to do better at the AHL level to get his shot.
i heard today that Bozak lost 15lbs because of the swine flu. that would explain alot, the guy has been sick as a dog
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
yeah, it sounds like he’s had a pretty rough couple of months. I anxious to see him play at full health and see what he can do.
last i heard he was also hurt, upper body i think
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
i dont doubt for a second he can play in the NHL, that very first exhibition game against boston he scored a beauty goal, splitting the boston defence and roofing it. The second i saw that i knew he would be a player and i cant wait to see him finally get a shot
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
oh yea, it was the 1st goal in the coke zero fans first game
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
i wouldnt be surprised if grabbo was a leaf until his contract expires, i also wouldnt be surprised if we dont make the playoffs in that entire time
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
but if we dont, it wont be on grabbo
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
I know he wont be the guy to take on crosby and richards, because he isnt good enough. He is ok for now, a bottom team needs someone to play, but im just saying that eventually someone better will take his #2 centre spot and we will hopefully have a legit shutdown centre in the #3 hole and a bonifide #1 centre to carry to offensive load. I just dont see Grabbo being around when the leafs become a real good team again thats all.
Im not trying to discredit all the hard work and good things he does
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
A few things to contemplate when Hughson is droning on about Antropov and Kubina
If you were to rank the players that have had the biggest impact on Atlanta’s so-callled turn around season, I don’t think Antropov and Kubina even crack the top 5…
Afinogenov: re-found his game in ATL
Pavelec: has been outstanding.
Hedberg: a .932 sv% in 11 games
Peverley: a waiver claim on pace for 80+ pts
Enstrom: 7th in scoring among NHL d-men
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Kubina
has been an absolute horse. Fact.
He may be a horse, but does he bump any of those guys out of the top 5? I don’t think so.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Kubina’s avg TOI is 22:33.
Bogosian is logging more ice time than Pavel at 23:26 per game.
Pavelec and Hedman are, of course, logging more mintues too.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Bogsian is awesome
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
no kidding, is it just me or does it now look like schenn isnt even close to as good as bogosian or doughty? Hopefully schenn is better than Pieterangelo….
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Schenn is a TOTALLY different player than any of those three.
Like comparing Reghier to Bowmeister
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
and considering all three were drafted before the Leafs had a crack at him, its not like they missed out
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
John Tavares is an awesome player already. Why didn’t the Leafs draft him?
Pension Plan Puppets*
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or should i say, sign bobby orr….. and gretzky
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
We did sign Bobby Orr.
http://darcytucker.blogspot.com/2008/07/more-things-change-more-things-stay.html
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
what ever happened to that blog?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Written by some asshole who went on to other things.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
gave up on his fans, just like that, typical sellout
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
What gave it away?
Posted by Chemmy
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Whatever, I wouldn’t have been alive to see it. People would chant “75” at us or whatever.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
hahaha interesting point, it wouldnt have changed much for us. Except for another legend to celebrate..
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Unlike Bogosian and Tavares, the Leafs could have had Orr.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
oh i know, sorry my comment didnt have the context i meant it to.
HEading into that draft the talk was of how stamkos was #1 then those 4 defencemen were #2-#5 but noone was really sure what order they were going to go. The fact that Schenn was considered in the same class as Doughty and Bogosian is a pretty big thing when you see how well those 2 are playing now. Im not sure how good Pieterangelo will be though
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
meh, they are having better seasons on more talented and more successful teams.
plus they are offensive minded players, and offensive players ALWAYS look better than defensive players if they are playing at the same level because people are obsessed with numbers
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
good point, you have to admit though Drew Doughty is fucking amazing
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
yup, he is, thats why he was second over all
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Bogosian is having an incredible year. Leads the Thrashers’ in ice time.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
In re: Antropov
Antropov solidifies his role as defacto number one centre on Atlanta. He essentially replaces Bryan Little who is undergoing a massive slump this season. So in that context, I think Antropov is an important player because he’s one of the main puck handlers on the power play and provides the big body for Kovy up front.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
Or perhaps not being paired with Ilya Kovalchuk has hurt Little’s numbers.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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That, too
Little has been on and off with injuries, but he hasn’t developed a lot of chemistry with Kovy either. Peverley and Little were paired a few times last season, but the point is, Little’s point production has been at least mitigated somewhat by Antro’s presence.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
So you’d rate the importance/ performance/impact of Antropov ahead of Peverley, Pavelec, Afinogenov, Bogosian, Enstrom?
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Antropov is ninth in the NHL in assists. That makes him a top 0.333 player in my estimation.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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Hedberg is 2nd in sv%
I was going to ask what happens if these two forces collide, but I’m pretty certain the answer is a catastrophic knee injury.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Top 1/15th of the league!!!
Pension Plan Puppets*
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If Stajan can keep knocking the puck to Kessel in the Leafs zone so Phil can go end to end, he could wind up with decimal ranking too.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
I would for Afinogenov and Enstrom. Enstrom also endured a very slow start to the season and his points production was aided by Antro covering for him.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
You think a centre covering for a D is why Enstrom is top 10 in d scoring? Really? I don’t mean to sound like a smart ass, but I would love to see shift charts to back this up.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
No, I worded that improperly. I didn’t mean in the literal sense that Antropov covered for Enstrom on the point. I meant that Atlanta went through Enstrom’s struggles with Bogosian, great goaltending and other players, such as Antropov, who served as the power play set-up man to offset Enstrom’s slow start. As such, I would say Antropov did his part for Atlanta not struggling in scoring this season.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
Gotcha. And sorry if I sounded like a smart-ass.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
I’d rate their addition ahead of Enstrom and Hedberg. Hedberg is playing better, but he’s also seeing many fewer high quality chances than in previous seasons and the two big guys are a major factor in that.
All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com
So we’re going to hear hours of droning from the Leafs broadcast team tonight about the Thrashers’ 4th and 5th best acquisitions.
I wonder what it would be like to have the local media actually be homers.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
tonight is on Sportsnet, isn’t it?
No Hughson there…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
It will be Millen (that means every goal will change direction/get tipped on the way to the net) and Bowen (who will be tired of Millen’s interruptions by the 2nd period). With the “braintrust” of Kypreos, Maclean and Waters back in the studio.
Canada has a long history of producing great hockey and great broadcasters, it’s a shame that the two fields so rarely overlap.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Millen is horribly annoying, Bowen is going Bob Cole-esque.
I don’t even listen to the in studio idiots, they make my ears bleed.
But I still like Bowen-Millen better than Hughson-Simpson.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 7, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
indeed, i much more prefer bowens slow build up as a play gets going than hughson jabbering on and suddenly its GRREEEAAT SAAAAAVE at the top of his lungs
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take Bowen’s homer-esque PBP over Hughson’s prerecorded PBP anyday, thank ye. Especially if Milbury is the third man in there.
Rally Cap: 100% of the time it works every time.
by Peanut Butter Rally Time on Dec 7, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
I like Bowen on TV but he gets too excited on the radio. Every shot seems like a legit scoring chance without visual reference.
I don’t mind Millen, his shot tipping thing gets annoying but I just tune him out when he gets in that mode.
I can’t stand Hughson and I don’t really know why. Bring back senile Bob Cole for Saturday nights!
id love to have bob cole back…. is he doing PBP anywhere now?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Dec 8, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Does all of the Habs National English broadcasts for CBC
"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 Dec 8, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
yeah and blocked out in Kingston. Thanks a lot Senators. Douchebags.
"Is there an ih-sue Papa?"
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Dec 7, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
Kovalchuk
What are the odd’s he’ll be to the KHL next year?
"Is there an ih-sue Papa?"
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Dec 7, 2009 4:19 PM EST reply actions
under 10 percent
he is going to break the bank in the NHL next year someplace
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Some [dumb] GM will offer him league max.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
His name is “Don Waddell”.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Dec 7, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d. = funny.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
for 10 years
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
So, about 65 cents USD?
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
yah, i do wish Burke had signed him, and then dumped him at the deadline….
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
I also wanted to give zherdev a look too but not at 2.9 mill
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Welcome
Thanks for joining.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Dec 7, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
there are continued rumblings that edmonton is interested, but i dont think he’ll come back to anything but a contender
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Reply
No but if he comes back he’d probably come to a good team and not Edmonton
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Dec 7, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
Jason Blake will score tonight.
Ingmar Bergman Shoots And Scores @ http://bergmanscores.blogspot.com
i am so confused
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 7, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
Leafs/Trash games usually stank.
Meh. 5-3 for Atlanta. The least I can hope for is Orr making Boulton’s head asplode.
Rally Cap: 100% of the time it works every time.
by Peanut Butter Rally Time on Dec 7, 2009 6:30 PM EST reply actions
I don’t think the Leafs will have two stinkers in a row.. may not win, but we will see some effort tonight.
"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 Dec 7, 2009 6:39 PM EST reply actions
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