NYTimes: Toronto vs. Dallas: For Gustavsson, Never a Hard Choice

by Chemmy on Jul 8, 2009 1:39 PM EDT in Negative Nancy Notebook Comment 127 comments

This is an article that if it were written swapping Toronto and Dallas we would have an absolute field day on. I'm not sure it's a fair assessment of the situation as it developed but here are some choice quotes:

Yet in today’s Dallas Morning News there is an article headlined "Swedish Goalie’s Snub Stings Dallas Stars." In it, the Morning News’s Mike Heika tells of anger and disappointment among Dallas hockey fans, and blame pointed at new G.M. Joe Nieuwendyk. "The shine was off the apple for many Stars fans," Heika writes, "who littered message boards with doubts about where Nieuwendyk is steering this ship."

Fans are fans. Writing about what "fans" think is a laughable abstraction that Damien Cox and his ilk use to make team's fanbases look stupid. (This is aimed at the Dallas Morning News.) One guy who thinks Nieuwendyk is bad at signing free agents, completely ignoring his work with Bozak and Hanson, doesn't speak for everyone else who knows you can't sign everyone. Brian Burke, meet Matt Gilroy.

Such a reaction is nothing short of astonishing. Even if they were not aware of the admiring comments Gustavsson had made about Toronto and the Leafs in the weeks leading up to his decision, how much chance did Stars fans think there really was for a Swedish player of Gustavsson’s caliber to choose Dallas over Toronto?

I love what Burke's done with the Leafs this summer. That said Dallas isn't a bad hockey club. They've had a lot of success, they're in a good hockey market that they've worked hard to cultivate - Dallas isn't a backwater hellhole devoid of hockey. People in Texas have embraced hockey in a big way. I refuse to believe that guys like Brad Richards don't get recognized in Dallas. Maybe not like Tony Romo would get recognized but still recognized.

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Joe can always come back to toronto if he cant stand the insane scrutiny of the Dallas fans and media

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brad Richards is hiding in Dallas so Ron Maclean won’t stalk him, though. Sigh.

by LeafFanInVan on Jul 8, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hiding indeed, I wonder if there is anyway in hell to pry him out of Dallas
/looks at contract

never mind

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hah, yeah no doubt. I’m a fan too but.. neeeeeewp.

by LeafFanInVan on Jul 8, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, I’d rather go after Gagne

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you did there

"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 Jul 8, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Wennerholm

The choice is simple, Jonas: in Toronto, you can become immortal. I would not hesitate a second. It’s the perfect club."

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 1:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

dallas used bush, leafs got salming… even i would end up with right decision

miss u, CR baby...u want 2 get back 2gether?

by sleza on Jul 8, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I read that article this morning and didn't agree at all.

I’ve mentioned several times the past few weeks that I was confident Jonas would choose Toronto.

I don’t think for a second that him not coming to Dallas is a failing on Joe’s part, in fact well have an article up about that tomorrow. Nieuwy came into the picture well after the Stars started after Gustavsson, and from the beginning the cards were stacked against us. I actually think that Dallas made a very strong case and it led to him taking his time to eventually follow his heart.

Publicly Jonas was waffling in his choice and seemed unsure of which way to go. Now he comes out and states how easy a choice it really was. I don’t buy it. I think Dallas was a very logical destination.

The Stars took a gamble waiting for him and it didnt pay off. Are the Stars in a bad spot now?yes. Was the gamble worth it. I hope so.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 8, 2009 2:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Sad about missing out on Raycroft, eh?

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Jul 8, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At any rate, thanx for stopping by, Brandon. Always good to hear from someone, let’s say, a little more informed than the local daily’s commenters. Or even beat writers for that matter.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Dallas just traded for Auld

by Jawsh on Jul 8, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather have the Monster, as I’m sure Dallas fans would. But you could do a lot worse than having Auld as your backup. If Turco turns his performance around from last year, that’s a pretty decent goalie situation for the Stars.

Definitely an interesting viewpoint from Brandon, as well.

Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated... and truculent!

by stucky on Jul 8, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup, you could be the Canucks and have Raycroft as your backup.

"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 Jul 8, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh the wonderful day the bobby lou’s groin pops is going to be great

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

…after the Olympics?

"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 Jul 8, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Irrelevant, considering Luongo won’t be Canada’s goalie.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 8, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who then? Brodeur? Ward? Mason?

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brodeur probably. I think Cam Ward is the backup, and either Mason or Fleury as the #3.

Nothing aginst Bobby Lu. But push comes to shove, this guy has not gotten it done in big games. Brodeur’s been here before, Cam Ward has ice in his veins (4-0 lifetime in Game 7s, which in the Olympic elimination round, every game is a Game 7), and Fleury took a giant leap this spring.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 8, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have no issue with any of those choices, but we know they will ride the hottest goalie running into february anyway. I think you have an optimal setup, but I think the order will be Brodeur, then Lu with Ward up in the box if either falters

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, except maybe Ward

Unless they’re injured, Brodeur and Luongo are absolute locks for the two spots. There really is no easier choice amongst Team Canada than goaltending.

Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell

by bkblades on Jul 8, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Luongo

was in net for the World Cup win… so you can’t say he’s never won anything.

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 8, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, I’ll give him that. But in a medal-round game this winter, I’m going to be much more confident with Brodeur or Ward behind our crazy-good defence than I would with Luongo.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 9, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heika is a really good beat writer.

This is a very rare time that I don’t agree with his POV. He’s been really helpful and friendly with me and Defending Big D, so I can’t really talk ill of him. But yeah, this time I think he’s wrong about Stars fans in general and how they’ve reacted to the Gustavsson news.

The commenters on the DMN sports blogs are ridiculous and I just ignore them completely.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

That’s par for any MSM publication.

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

by PPP on Jul 9, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Easy Decision

The thought process was simple

Swedish Leafs: Salming, Sundin – Swedish Stars: Fabian Brunnstrom
Toronto: Metric system – Dallas: Gallons, yards, whaa?
Ontario exports: Labatt, Rush – Texas exports: Oil (zero drinkability much like Bud Light), Jessica Simpson
Toronto’s cups: 13 – Dallas’ cup: Brett Hull’s toe
George Stroumboulopoulos (despite him being a dirty Habs fan) – George W. Bush

I don’t know about you, but I have the score at 5-0 and clearly The Monster does too

by Hungry Leafs Fan on Jul 8, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Bud Light has excellent drinkability. The only thing more drinkable is water.

I had no idea Strombo was a Habs fan. I don’t know how to feel just now.

by Its Cold In Here on Jul 8, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loui Eriksson is Swedish

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 8, 2009 2:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

5-1

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

by PPP on Jul 8, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think most people would argue that Labatt is about as drinkable as Bud Light. Fortunately, Ontario also exports Sleeman’s and Rickards (which is also more drinkable than Bud Light).

by Blue and White Expat on Jul 8, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have oil and Jessica Simpson than Labatts and Rush!

by Aschendancy on Jul 8, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Canada has oil too.

I'll be on the veranda, since you're already on the cross.

by Mabel on Jul 8, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and is safely Jessica Simpson!

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

argh! FAIL…
and is safely Jessica Simpson FREE!!
damn drinking!

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drinking is good, btd. Don’t knock drinking…

I'll be on the veranda, since you're already on the cross.

by Mabel on Jul 8, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the act of drinking is good, and most results, just hinders typing. And causes the odd brain fart that ruins an attempt at poor humour.

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, that’s true. You make an excellent point.

I'll be on the veranda, since you're already on the cross.

by Mabel on Jul 8, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

one of few I manage

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Confidence

I like that Jonas has it. Goaltending seems to be such a head game.

by Its Cold In Here on Jul 8, 2009 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's the New York Times..

In case you’re new to the NYT, everywhere south of Washington, DC is a backwater hellhole devoid of any redeeming qualities. This isn’t new for them.

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I live in the NYC suburbs. “New Yuppie Times”.

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

by Chemmy on Jul 8, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Koivu a Duck

A Hab perhaps, but I always respected teh hell out of him.

by Godd Till on Jul 8, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the only blemish (other than Habdom) that i can recall is him trying to kick grabbo in the head last season, but grabbo is admittedly a dink and is probably way under Koivus skin

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Dink” just seems to suit Grabbo right, doesn’t it?

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he is all that is dink

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I’d think Dink would suit Tlusty, don’t you?

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that would be schlong, Tom. Or the equivalent in Czech.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Szchlaünng

that was a guess.

by Jo4nny on Jul 8, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds about right.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same here

I talked much shit about him cuz he was a Hab, but I do have respect for the guy and always felt he never got the respect he deserved due to him being a Finnish captain in Montreal.

The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW

by leafer1984 on Jul 8, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Finally Selanne and Koivu get to play together

probably 10 years too late though. Ah well, good for them, maybe the Ducks can spring Mikko out of Minny to join his brother before Saku retires.

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wish him the best.

One classy mother sucker.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...

PLAYOFFS!!!!1

by eyebleaf on Jul 8, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only Hab worthy of Grabbo’s respect.

I’m happy for Sleza. Just waiting for Jari Kurri to come out of retirement now.

by general borschevsky on Jul 8, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

…how much chance did Stars fans think there really was for a Swedish player of Gustavsson’s caliber to choose Dallas over Toronto?

Is this some sort of attempted Fabian Brunnstrom joke, or is this guy just an idiot?

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

by Down Goes Brown on Jul 8, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought the same thing…

'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.

by JohnnyG on Jul 8, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The article talks about Brunnstrom, and his different goals in coming to the NHL. The key to the sentence you quote is “caliber”.

by Its Cold In Here on Jul 8, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stupid American spelling.

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stupid Americans, spelling things the American way.

I would give up every extra “u” in The Queen’s English if the Americans would just accept the metric system already. Won’t somebody please think of the Mars landers.

by Its Cold In Here on Jul 8, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn’t that one be a ‘Crasher’ not a lander?

Or would that be just landing with attitude

"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 Jul 8, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, Mars “lander”

by Its Cold In Here on Jul 8, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ping!: Hey there you are

It’s time you started threatening some of your own lawsuits or people are going to think you’re some kind of identity-stealing internet-hoodlum. This sounds like slander in my opinion:

Teams are less thrilled about their free-speech employees leaking confidential information and the possibilities of impersonators. Brian Burke and Tony LaRussa are two prominent sports officials who’ve suffered ID theft on Twitter

by general borschevsky on Jul 8, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could we just get all Globe and Mail employees into some sort of training seminar before allowing them to write about the internet again?

Maybe Mirtle could teach it.

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

by Down Goes Brown on Jul 8, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dallas loses out on the Monster, trades for Alex Auld!

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Talk about a double whammy.

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

by Down Goes Brown on Jul 8, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so the sens again have no goalie, comedic

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have Leclaire..

until he falls apart at least.

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

his ankle is about as strong as wet spaghetti

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well at least they seem to love wet spaghetti in Ottawa!

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

they must, since every player who dons a sens uni seems to have it for a spine

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even better, they only get a 6th rounder for him. Good luck with that.

And here’s some “wisdom” from a comment on TSN from “johnybuzz”

This is the first step to the cup. Next Kovalev speaks with Heatley, gets him on board and we move on.

Highest of high comedy!

Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated... and truculent!

by stucky on Jul 8, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish Murray would stop commenting on the TSN website

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

seriously, what the hell is wrong with those people?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How is the sweet hell is trading a goaltender who should be a backup for a 6th rounder the first step towards a cup?

I can’t even fathom a possible alternative dimension where that makes sense

'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.

by JohnnyG on Jul 8, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

really, this is from the same people who think that Murray tricked Burke into picking Kadri

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

remember these are Sens fans…not the brightest lights in the sea of fanbases

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

remember thethe are Thenth fanth…not the brightetht lighth in the thea of fanbatheth

Fixed!

by Jo4nny on Jul 8, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fixthed!

Fixed!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 8, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha awesome

by Jo4nny on Jul 8, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That little wascall!

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wittle wascal???

fixed!

"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 Jul 8, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks!

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any time!

"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 Jul 8, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who’s that other guy? Chocolate Leclaire I think it is…

by Jo4nny on Jul 8, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jamie Sifers Signs With Wild

So, we’re down to just 24 defencemen.

by Godd Till on Jul 8, 2009 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Burke is thinking of transitioning the team to football, we’d have a great defensive line.

by LeafFanInVan on Jul 8, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either that or MMA.

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

by article1 on Jul 8, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Jamie Sifers

Does anyone know how Gustavsson fared during his first pitch at the Texas Rangers game? Is there footage? I bet he shook off the heat and dropped a dirty hammer. Was he worse than Baba Booey? (Howard Stern fans know)

by Johnny Bower's Pokecheck on Jul 8, 2009 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I come home from work and find out that we haven’t signed anyone for over a day.

What the hell’s going on?

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

by article1 on Jul 8, 2009 7:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Burke’s gone fishing and Wendel is working the phones and putting a little fear in the hearts of the weak

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

gone fishing.. hmmm … you know who else likes fishing? Mats Sundin, the best #1 centre that’s available….

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 8, 2009 8:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

ZOMG U NAILED IT!!!111

by LeafFanInVan on Jul 8, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too funny. I remember Burke saying something about one of the channel islands- is Sundin known to fish off the coast out there?

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umm, we already have a #1 Centre...

And his name is Mikhail Grabovski thank you very much.

Bwahahaha.

"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"

by Tom Kurvers on Jul 8, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

have a little patience...

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

by wrap around curl on Jul 8, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

mobile commenting is the bomb

and Gustavsson is going to make Burke look like a genius

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 8, 2009 9:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

How’s the vacation, blurr?
And I hope you’re right. It would nice to have a long-term franchise goalie again.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 8, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’d just be nice to have a goalie again.

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

by article1 on Jul 8, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dallas Stars

And please tell me just WHY Dallas wouldn’t have a chance getting Gustavsson? He is very good friends with Fabian Brunnstrom and their girlfriends are very best friends. There are many other things that happened that would make one wonder why he didn’t choose Dallas but that’s the way the monster tumbles. And, you speak of the “caliber” of Gustavsson. He doesn’t have a caliber yet. He has never played a day in the NHL. He has some learning and some big mistakes to make before you can measure his caliber. Further, I just wonder how long he can tolerate Burke. And Last, Gustavsson is coming from a pristine country to Toronto who is in the middle of a garbage strike and stinky trash is piled everywhere…….Impressive

by StarsRule on Jul 8, 2009 10:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ummmm.....

You are aware that Toronto didn’t write the article, right? The person that said these things is a writer for the New York Times (which is in New York, funnily enough, not Toronto) and all this post was doing was pointing out the flaws in the article’s logic. So congratulations on not being able to read properly and on taking shots at a city that never insulted you. You must be very proud.

I'll be on the veranda, since you're already on the cross.

by Mabel on Jul 8, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

ily.

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

by wrap around curl on Jul 8, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Additionally

Burke, as the GM, doesn’t spend all his time with the players, so I’m not sure how we’ll havev to worry about him being “tolerated”. And true, he hasn’t played in the NHL, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s not a total waste, or else your wonderful team wouldn’t have been trying to sign him too. I’m very interested, however, in how you know exactly why he chose Toronto over Dallas, and wish that you would expand on this, because I’m assuming he’s not going to pick his team based on where his girlfriend’s best friend lives, as that seems like a dumb idea.

Lastly, the garbage strike will end at some point, and the garbage will be removed. You will likely always be unable to read properly and think cogently.

I'll be on the veranda, since you're already on the cross.

by Mabel on Jul 8, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

where’s that Oh Snap! .gif when I need it?

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 8, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

they save it around here somewhere

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

in super fast time!

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 8, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dammit

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 8, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

successory!!!

you found it

"I'm not surprised in anything that has happened." - Brian Burke

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 8, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by wrap around curl on Jul 8, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fantastic!

The only way you would have owned that guy more is if you formally introduced him to sweet lady brick!

Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated... and truculent!

by stucky on Jul 9, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

rec’d

Mabel you are my hero.

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 9, 2009 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

She’s been on fire with these rebuttals.

Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell

by bkblades on Jul 9, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You misread the post

It’s ok. We forgive you. No Child Left Behind has to leave

some

children behind.

And Last, Gustavsson is coming from a pristine country to Toronto who is in the middle of a garbage strike and stinky trash is piled everywhere…….Impressive

Have you been to Toronto? Most pristine and orderly garbage strike in the world.

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

by PPP on Jul 8, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

stinky trash is piled everywhere

and he still chose Toronto over Dallas. That has to make you think. Doesn’t it?

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That wasn't called for.

These guys didn’t write that article.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Worley- defending Big D while refusing to defend D- fans. Love it.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 9, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol.

Well…I just don’t want the opinions of a few to represent what Stars fans really are like.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

done

and please remember that about Leaf fans…. we have some unfortunate bretherin in our fanhood…

"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero

by Karina on Jul 9, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I finally got gloves to protect my knuckles as I drag them, so I’m learning.

Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell

by bkblades on Jul 9, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just don’t lose your truculence, bk.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 9, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

We know ALL about that!

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

by PPP on Jul 9, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are some realistic stat predictions for Gustavson? Games, GAA, Save %?

I dont know what to expect.

by SPENCEMAN on Jul 9, 2009 6:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

expect this

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 9, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome

Thanks for joining.

To tell you the truth, it’s tough to set expectations for goalies. If Gustavsson were a true backup I’d expect him to play about 20-30 games with Toskala playing the rest but he’s coming to win the starter’s position.

I’d expect at least a sv% of .900 only because anything less is below average (and really, .900 is too).

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

by PPP on Jul 10, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Toskala is kind of breaking down and the most success he had as a goaltender was in a platooning situation.

That might mean that some good performances by Monster may lead to a more equitable split on games played.

"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 Jul 10, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind

Vesa’s contract is up at the end of this season so they’ll likely put The Monster in Quite a few times to see what they have.
Vesa Might even go with high returns if the Monster looks like he can handle the show,
..without any thought as to what Allaire can do for Pogge.

"the usefulness of a cup, is in it's emptiness"

by Maniel Darois on Jul 10, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs