Leafs Slay the Juggernaut!

by blurr1974 on Dec 8, 2009 5:00 AM EST in From The Branches

I'm still recovering from Millen's (correct) assertion that the Atlanta Thrashers are an "offensive juggernaut." That phrase seems counter-intuitive to the Thrashers entire history. I've been watching hockey for a long time and never in all those years have I heard that phrase. Parity, it seems, does work.

With all that said, and I may be in the minority, I want to tell the Thrashers fans that I'm happy for them. I like competitive hockey. I like having a league of 30 teams, and I fully support fans of all the other 28 franchises (that's right Ottawa, you get no love from me!)

On to the links. Either it's a quiet night, or everyone still hasn't fully grasped the Leafs win. If I've missed you, then as always, please drop a direct link to your post in the comments.

Progress! It's not just a political catch phrase, it's what the Leafs are making. Steve breaks it down.
Is it crazy to prefer hearing Pierre McGuire call a game? Zamboinc Youth's Godd Till doesn't think so. Not when there are so many lesser lights you could be tortured by instead.
At Heroes in Rehab, jrwendelman is spitting fire...err, make that talking Spitfires. However, the man can bust rhymes with the best of them, so step off.
Leafs Fan Forever went to his first Leafs game last night and he made one special request that our heroes were happy to oblige.
Were the Tampa Bay Lightning open to trading Vincent Lecavalier, would that make Tyler Bozak expendable? Newcomer to the Barilkosphere, Hart Ross, seems to think so.
Kavel kaptions Kabby (and Matt Stajan, but that doesn't jive with the whole "k" thing we've got going.)
Jean-Sebastien Giguere's name gets tossed about quite a bit in trade rumors lately, and the Leafs seem to be tied to most of them. The question is: Is Giguere still worth the $6M per? Hockey or Die gives you the answer.
Vintage Leafs Memories is recalling another highlight: Scott Garland.
From the "YIPEEE! YAHOO!!" files, Jonas Gustavsson is back practicing, with plans for a quick return.
PPP Update: Head over to vote in this poll. In case you were wondering, the correct vote is: Hal Gill.
Space Weed kind of likes Luke Schenn
Archi shows why he is the pre-eminent NHL suit examiner

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Comments

Missed me, missed me.

Now you gotta kiss me.

http://archimedies.blogspot.com/2009/12/leafs-in-suits-thrashers-edition.html

Really good looking in real life.

by Archimedies on Dec 8, 2009 5:02 AM EST reply actions

Great Video...

or Greatest Video?

"Luke Schenn is Stronger than Strength."
Truculence is Everything: A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog of Varying Opinions of Anger.

by Marc Pilgrim on Dec 8, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions

Who in God's name

(besides the Habs) would want to take on Lecavalier’s contract? I doubt Burke would.

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 8:33 AM EST reply actions

If the Habs would take two bad contracts

I’m wondering if Gainey will take Blake’s contract. Fits into his team: Small, useless and overpaid

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 8, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t buy Hart Ross’s musings on a Lecavalier trade to Toronto. I just don’t see the Leafs ponying up all those assets for Vincent. The guy has a guaranteed contract for the next decade (after this season), for $10mn per for the next six years. Not many teams are able to absorb that kind of money and a cap hit of $7.7mn per year. I would not make that trade. If anything, TB would have to take on a bad contract in return (Blake, Finger) with at most one mid level prospect or pick going their way. This may be a situation where Burke demands a first rounder as well. There’s a lot of risk with that contract.

With Stamkos and Hedman as their future, there is not much need for Lecavalier in TB. Getting his salary off the books would given them a lot of flexibility going forward. Just getting rid of that contract would make them happy, regardless of what they get in return.

by lb71 on Dec 8, 2009 8:37 AM EST reply actions

I think you’re absolutely right. But the optics of trading Lecavalier for such a small return would be disastrous. I’m willing to bet that about half of all the lightning jerseys in the Greater St. Pete’s/Tampa Bay area have number 4 on the back. By the way, what’s half of 10? Haha, I kid Lightning Trolls….. Haha I kid again… Lightning Trolls!!! I’m such a kidder.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

by Kenjamin on Dec 8, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions

Hey PPPPPP'ers!

We already have Hal Gill WAY in the lead with 75 votes to Carey Price’s 2nd place 31 votes.

Keep voting for Gilly!!!! We CAN make a difference!!

Why do we do this to ourselves?

by Kenjamin on Dec 8, 2009 9:06 AM EST reply actions

See. The interwebs can be tough. I can’t figure out if you’re joking or just missing the obvious

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

I could see how it would be easy to mix up the percentages with the actual votes counted. It’s a confusing looking poll.

by Fergus30 on Dec 8, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

Haha, wait! … by percentages I meant jersey number.

Augh, this Coffee obviously isn’t working.

by Fergus30 on Dec 8, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

there you go.

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

Pretty impressed with Kulemin latley, that one shift he had last night in the 2nd period when he threw the big hit in the atlanta corner was awesome. he was flying out there.

All 4 lines are playing extremley well and to see Schenn finally start laying the smackdown is great as well. Today is going to be a good day :)

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 8, 2009 9:12 AM EST reply actions

Late additions

http://spaceweedsays.blogspot.com/2009/12/marty-has-103-another-funeral-and-guess.html My recap and my congratulations to Marty

by Kevin Sellathamby on Dec 8, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions

We’re the best

Arooooooooooound

Nothin’ gonna ever keep us down

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

by Chemmy on Dec 8, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions

Via @TSNBobMcKenzie

At this point, with Hodgson out, it looks as though there will be 19 forwards at the camp. Doesn’t look like a replacement will be named.

and

Just to be clear, this Hodgson news means he will NOT play in the WJC. No one is sure when he will play again as his back is still an issue.

Kadri just got moved up a line at the WJC! Unfortunately this also means Louis Leblanc’s chances of making the team have increased ever so slightly.

They call me Splodeybones.

by SkinnyFish on Dec 8, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions

Given how Kadri has played over the past few weeks, I doubt he’ll be cut. He can play on the PP, and even better, the PK. He’s dangerous whenever he touches the puck. You need guys like that on your squad.

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

Oh no, not saying he wouldn’t be on the team. That’s a given. Just saying that he, as a center, was behind Hodgson in the foodchain.

They call me Splodeybones.

by SkinnyFish on Dec 8, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

Hodgson hasn’t played this year yet.

Kadri is putting up close to three points per game in December and the second half of November.

Hall and Seguin have been more consistent than Kadri but ignoring Kadri’s slow start he’s probably Canada’s top center at the WJC right now.

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

by Chemmy on Dec 8, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

yeah, the 4 centers will probably be Kadri, Hall, Seguin and Schenn

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

dirty

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 8, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions

Hall plays LW, doesn’t he?

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

i think he plays both, i was pretty sure he was a natural center and thats where he has been playing, but i could be wrong

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

he’s listed at LW on the OHL’s website. Hasn’t he been playing with Adam Henrique as his centerman?

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

hmm, that would also explain Henrique’s rediculous point totals.
He’s good, but not that good

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I think Hall will play at LW.

What about Eberle? Isn’t he a center?

by birky on Dec 8, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

i think so, but i also think he played wing at the last world jr for some reason

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

Can’t help but feel bad for Hodgson though.

by Fergus30 on Dec 8, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

for hodgeson, yes, he is a great player
for vancouver fans, it is hilarious

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

i love it

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

by Matt_Roberts on Dec 8, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

I do feel bad for Hodgson. For the Dave Pratts of the world out here who were talking the kid up as the next Sakic (seriously), IT’S ROFLCOPTERS TIME

by Godd Till on Dec 8, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

I’d trade Vancouver Paradis for Hodgson and a 3rd.

:smug:

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

by Chemmy on Dec 8, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

this is what happens when a city has a Toronto complex. They try to emulate the Leafs with their Wellwoods and Sundins, and, like Leafs prospects of the past, the kids end up being hurt.

still, sad for Hodgson. The word is that he has been medically cleared to play, he’s practicing with the team, but that Hodgson hasn’t cleared himself to play. I’m not doubting he’s hurt, as I haven’t followed the issue too closely, but it does sound a little odd…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 8, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

yeah, the general consensus on the interwebs about Hodgeson is that there is more than meets the eye. Speculation is everything from him being a spoiled brat to a wussy to management being scared of him breaking into a million pieces because he is their cash cow

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

I can understand he’s their future, but wouldn’t they be more worried about Luongo than Hodgson at the moment? Luongo is their franchise player and if he gets hurt they have to deal with Raycrap in net

by Kevin Sellathamby on Dec 8, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

they have schneider in the pipe, who while over hyped a TON by vancouver media and fans will definitely be a solid starter in the NHL one day,
They still as of yet dont have a franchise leader like player on the big squad

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

Schneider will get dealt. They have Luongo through 2022.

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

by Chemmy on Dec 8, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

franchise leader like player

Can you define this? They have genuine 1st line talent in the Sedins, and to be honest I think Kesler should be named captain (even thought it won’t happen). I’m not sure who the franchise leader like player should be?

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

by Karina on Dec 8, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

haha, well ill go with a player pegged to be captian at a very young age
The Sedins are great players, same with Kesler, but I dont get that Sakic, Yzerman, whatever vibe off them. even a little. leading through intangibles other than play (even though they are good)
Someone who has the potential to be a great NHL captian,
Hodgson has this in spades. the current vancouver line up does not

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

EH. Kesler is captain material this season, most of what he brings are intangibles. Most franchises don’t have a player who was pegged to be a captain at a young age. Yzerman wasn’t pegged to be that, but turned out to be a great choice. Nash had to be moulded into captain as well.

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

by Karina on Dec 8, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

Kesler

gives me a very Linden vibe. He was a great C for the Canucks. I don’t think Luongo as captain makes a whole lot of sense. The goalie is their own unit. Normally, they prepare for games in a more solitary manner, focusing on reflexes, clearing their mind, etc.

When the team needs a verbal pick me up (or smack down) what does Bobby Loo do? I have no idea, just floating that thought out there…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 8, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

HE IS THE FACE OF THE FRANCISE!

the greasy, google eyed face of the franchise

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

he dives.

Hah, no seriously, I don’t think having him as captain is working out for them… he’s a huge drama queen. Kesler would be a better choice, he’s really matured since playing with Mats last year.

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

by Karina on Dec 8, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

ive never liked Kesler

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

I didn’t either. But I came around last year. He was changed by Mats.

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

by Karina on Dec 8, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

Hey who was that crazy guy on twitter

Who said they believed in Vesa Toskala?
OH YA THAT WAS ME!

Fairweather fans can go to hell

by leafer1984 on Dec 8, 2009 10:32 AM EST reply actions

GET THIS MAN A STRAIGH JACKET

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

BELIEVE SON!

Fairweather fans can go to hell

by leafer1984 on Dec 8, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Shoot a gun into a crowd and hit somebody, you’re not necessarily a sharpshooter. Toskala haddd to get hit by some pucks and win a game one ooof these starts. He did make a few big saves, lets hope he keeps it up

Leafs to Keep:
^ 6 F- Kessel, Grabovski, Hagman, Ponikarovski \/ 6 F- Kulemin, Orr
D - Beach, Komi, Finger, White, Schenn, Gunnarsson G - Gustavsson

by AkiSchennberg on Dec 8, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

ta da! I saw this at Mountain Equipment Co-op

by Robot Godzilla on Dec 8, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

I’m gonna get paaaiiiiiddddd!

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 8, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

The law firm of Mothra, Bernstein, and Godzilla would like to represent you in this case.

by Robot Godzilla on Dec 8, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

If somebody were to say have a blog..

what is the process for getting it into the barlikosphere?

Leafs to Keep:
^ 6 F- Kessel, Grabovski, Hagman, Ponikarovski \/ 6 F- Kulemin, Orr
D - Beach, Komi, Finger, White, Schenn, Gunnarsson G - Gustavsson

by AkiSchennberg on Dec 8, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions

you start a leaf blog that is generally enjoyable, you are automatically in

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Wait, what about that stuff… you know… with Chemmy… and the monkey… and all the hot wax…

Didn’t everyone have to do that?

Down Goes Brown - Unapologetically nostalgic for the past. Brutally realistic about the present. Grudgingly optimistic about the future.

by Down Goes Brown on Dec 8, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

Nope

That was your second worst punishment – because you live in Ottawa.

The worst punishment – You live in Ottawa

"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 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Those are the reasons why I decline to start one. The monkey and the wax I could handle, but the Chemmy thing? I can’t go for that.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Dec 8, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

well they offered, but i held out until PPP said he’d take chemmys spot, and boy howdy…ive said to much

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Pics or it didn’t happen.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Dec 8, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions

they are currently being held as evidence in a las vegas police station

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 8, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions

E-mail blurr and Mattblack to ask them kindly to add you to their Google Reader and then bask in the Barilkospherity of your surroundings.

This is PPP's work account until further notice. Damn Internet.

by David Danforth on Dec 8, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

shveet

done and done.. thanks

Leafs to Keep:
^ 6 F- Kessel, Grabovski, Hagman, Ponikarovski \/ 6 F- Kulemin, Orr
D - Beach, Komi, Finger, White, Schenn, Gunnarsson G - Gustavsson

by AkiSchennberg on Dec 8, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

who are you

and how do you know so much…?

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Dec 8, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions

hockeyanalysis site

Is it just me or does anyone else have trouble accessing Steve (from leafs.hockeyanalysis.com) ’s posts as soon as the link is posted here?

His articles are usually up by day two. Does he have bandwidth issues with that site?

by Peter de Chatham on Dec 8, 2009 9:51 PM EST reply actions

Peter- I have the same issue. You have to fully clear your cache everytime for some of us Firefox users. We can’t figure out why it’s so on and off with that site.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Dec 8, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions