Preview: Panthers at Leafs
by Chemmy on Feb 3, 2009 12:00 PM EST
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PrintThe Leafs are shooting for their third win in a row tonight against Florida. Hopefully Jason Blake's surprising play as of late (9G 7A 16Pts in his last 12GP) continues, as one would have to imagine a team would take someone that hot at the deadline regardless of the remainder of their contract. To be honest this is the player the Leafs thought they were signing two summers ago, and speaking as one of the people who's been Blake's harshest critics, I think we're finally seeing him recover from leukemia and find his role on the Leafs.
Florida could assume 7th place in the East if they win their games in hand over Carolina and Buffalo, and with a D corps comprising Bouwmeester, McCabe, Ballard, and Boynton the Panthers might actually have the defense to make it to the playoffs this season.
That's right, 9 goals, 12 assists and a PLUS SEVEN on Florida. Bryan McCabe and his wife are clearly enjoying the Florida weather down there. The Panthers are getting excellent goaltending from the duo of Vokoun and Anderson:
Having your "backup" goaltender play 22 games and put up a .930 SV% is a lovely problem to have. Anderson currently makes $575K and is a UFA next summer. Hint hint.
Led up front by David Booth's 20 goals, the Panthers are also getting production from a young core. Nathan Horton has 13, Jay Bouwmeester has 11, as does twenty year old Michael Frolik. I think these Panthers are going to surprise a lot more people as the season goes on. From here I'm going to turn it over to SBNation's Whale4ever, author over at Litter Box Cats.
With three games remaining in the season series between the Leafs and Cats, both clubs have the ability to control the post-season fates of one another. Florida, at 54 points and one behind eighth-place Carolina, obviously has the upper hand, but a sweep by Toronto, with 46 points, could certainly alter the pecking order down the stretch.The Panthers won the last bout at Air Canada Centre 4-2, behind goals from Peltonen, Weiss, Campbell, and Frolik with the winner, allowing goaltender Tomas Vokoun to grab his 200th career victory. A good night all around, especially on the road, during Bryan McCabe (1 assist) Appreciation Night. Ponikarovsky and Blake scored for the Leafs, with Toskala making 30 saves.David Booth is questionable (flu) but the Cats are otherwise healthy, minus long-term IR poster children Bryan Allen and Rusty Olesz. Vokoun will start his eleventh consecutive game.Will McCabe once again overshadow the event? Can the Cats recover from a No-Show on the Island Saturday? Will Toronto continue their high-scoring ways (12 goals in two games)? Should the Leafs give an explanation for the presence of that organ-tissue donation photo on their website?
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“No bad wishes but I’d like us to catch them and pass them. We’ll see what happens”
Van Ryn, not down with the Tank Program.
by general borschevsky on Feb 3, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Blake
rules.
fist pump.
A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...
this continual playing of ex players is getting in the way of the “I hope we loose so we get Tavares”
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 12:13 PM EST reply actions
I no longer care about beating Bryan McCabe, even though, we’ve yet to actually do that this season.
i’m over him, this is just another game…
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 12:18 PM EST reply actions
If we loose and I get to see Grabbo go around McCabe like a pylon (and a McCabe power play slapper isnt the winner) I think I’ll be happy
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
We need to start sucking more
rimshot
We need the Florida’s of the world to start whooping on the Buds if we are ever going to get this whole ‘rebuild’ done right. 5-4 FLA, Schenn with his first goal, Wilson says something with a high-pitched voice after the game, sun rises in the east tomorrow.
I just saw...
the header…
Pension Plan Puppets
A Toronto Maple Leafs blog: Blake free in 2012!
That’s tight.
Blake’s done nothing but be a friend.
A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...
one year being a total useless suck is not erased by 3 months of good play
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
of course it is...
we’re leaf fans! have you forgotten your crayons and parade routes already?
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
In then years time, Jason Blake playing poorly will be regarded as being on the same level as Gretzky high sticking Gilmour in 93.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
52 points last yaer
is not a TOTAL useless suck.
he was useless at times. but i’m loathe to use the word TOTAL.
A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...
ok, i retract total, and insert mostly
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
We might be Blake free in 09 if he keeps playing like this.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I have faith in Burke that he will jump at any chance to rid himself of that contract
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Vancouver will have room under the cap next year.
by general borschevsky on Feb 3, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Stupid question, but what’s the Fredo countdown thingy? Please don’t shoot me
Как же так может быть?
Count down to Sundin’s (you broke my hear Fredo) return to the ACC in Vancouver guise
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
We only shoot Sens fans around here.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
We do much worse to them.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 3, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
ditto
that just happened this year for me, though. Now I find the sens a source of amusement because of their horrible patheticness.
by Karina on Feb 3, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
I have always hated the habs more. I also do not like habs fans. They are seriously ignorant. The fact they think that Komisarek was a reasonable all star shows that
they would have voted in Laraque had he been on the ballot. It was just them being pompus and thinking they deserved 5 players in the all star game
the sense of entitlement is infuriating.
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, but the whole thing with Rory Fitzpatrick a few years back, everyone knew it was joke. Habs fans tried to justify Komisarek being an all star.
Because they have to think they are better than us.
I have never seen a fanbase with such a lack of a sense of humour
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
I was raised on the Norris Division. I’ll always consider Detroit more of a rival than Montreal.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
we have to play em more than once a year for that to mean anything
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
its like a scale, at the start, the sens were a joke and the Habs were our primary rival, then the Sens got good and the Habs sucked so supreamly their fans disapeared. Now its back the other way.
Who ever has the wins and the current cock ass fanbase is the one that gets my goat
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
we mail parts of them to Flames and Canucks fans to remind them not to get cocky
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Shooting would be letting Habs fans off easy.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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i'm a little concerned...
as to what might happen if(when?) SBN gets a Sens blog up and running around here…
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
excuse me...
“sens blog” – no capital S
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
does it have a Habs Blog?
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
yes...
it’s the only SBN hockey blog i refuse to join…
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
oh yeah, we had that Habs dude that came here guns blazing, now i remember
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
nah, he turned out to be surprisingly civil after his initial onslaught was repelled
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Eyes on the Prize is Habs centric, but a very good site in my mind. You should give it a chance.
Uh, and the Habs stink big time. There – my Leafs fandom won’t be revoked.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
hahaha
No worries. EOTP is an amazing history site. Some of it overlaps with the Leafs which is great for us.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 3, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Who controls the British crown?
Who keeps the metric system down?
Weeeee dooooo,
Weeeee dooooo.
Who holds back SBNation’s Sens blog?
Who makes jokes about visors and a frog?
Weeeee dooooo,
Weeeee dooooo.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
so this is what its like to be part of “Big Brother”
I like it
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Blake
"To be honest this is the player the Leafs thought they were signing two summers ago, and speaking as one of the people who’s been Blake’s harshest critics, I think we’re finally seeing him recover from leukemia and find his role on the Leafs."
Agreed. If his solid play means he gets traded, great. If not, as long as he’s playing like this I’ve got no problem with him sticking around. $4M for a pretty fast 50-60 pt guy who does 25-30 fist pumps a year isn’t so unreasonable.
the fistpump jokes are worth atleast half a mill a year on that contract
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
when/who was the last leaf to get a hat trick?
"We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy."
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Feb 3, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
FISTPUMP!!!
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
the world would implode from the shockwave
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
The new guy makes a good point. PPP, do we have enough money in the budget to find out?
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Not yet
Everyone click each ad 1000 times and we’ll start contacting Chuck’s people about finding out.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 3, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
The key being 25-30 fist pump celebrations not necessarily just pumps because that could mean as few as 3 big goals.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 3, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
I see this game
As another opportunity to scout Bowmeester up-close
"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)
And Horton
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Van Ryn need to be traded
I just read that he hopes Toronto can pass Florida in the standings and make the playoffs. Clearly he’s worried Hedman will take his job!
his trade value will be exceptional if he plays the way he does and stays healthy up till the deadline
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
I do too but one month of solid hockey makes him a pretty good asset.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 3, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Showcasing?
Van Ryn led both teams in ice time against Pittsburg. (25:17)
by general borschevsky on Feb 3, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
exactly, having Kabby out may be beneficial to Burkes getting the most out of players liek VanRy and Kubina at the deadline
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Kaberle isn’t hurt, Burke sent him on vacation for a month to help the Leafs tank.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Kubina has averaged roughly 18 min of ice time the last 5 games. Only 16 vs Pittsburgh. Those arent top 2 minutes. I smell doghouse
Well Schenn clearly deserves top two and its helping his development by leaps and outs
then you got VanRy you want to check out, show case, give confidence too.
Kubina gets shipped to the second pairing y default
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
I'd keep Van Ryn.
I think Burke will want to as well. He’s gritty, a threat offensively, and seems like Schenn and him click.
Toronto can trade away players at deadline, but I think they should keep solid veteran players around to show the kids how it’s done. Moore should stay, so should VanRyn, and I like Frogren. Wilson asked Van Ryn to hang around the dressing room when he was injured to keep the team loose. Sounds like a guy you keep.
Of course
My first comment was a joke. I do worry that the Leafs could go on a run though and really screw themselves out of a good draft position…
of the “big three” vet defense on the Leafs he is probaly the one that best fits with Burkes style.
I’m just hoping we can get max assets for two of em.
I also want to see Moore and Frogurt stay
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Feb 3, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure Van Ry is also a right hand shot, which makes Kubina a little redundant as well in any power play advantage at the point. However, Van Ryan is still recovering from two concussions in less than a season. The Leafs may have to keep him by default because of their own doubts and the unwillingness of other teams to trade for potentially damaged goods.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
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