There Ain't Enough Room in the Basement for the Two of Us
Coming off what is arguably their biggest win of the season, the Leafs look to win two games in a row for the first time since their 4-0-0 run to open the season. The team currently sits at a junction; get a win tonight and build more momentum to salvage the season and make a run at the playoffs, or lose and descend back into the depths from whence they came. Fortunately for the Leafs, tonight they face the 3rd worst team (somehow) in hockey in the New Jersey Devils. Despite tons of offseason hype about them handily winning the division, their season has been disastrous with a paltry record of 5-11-2.
If you thought Toronto's offense was terrible, then be glad you're not a Devils fan. Averaging 1.83 goals a game, they are worst in the league. Granted that's not much worse than Toronto's 2.35 (28th), but a team with their players should definitely be scoring more. Here are the projected forward lines for tonight:
| Toronto | New Jersey | |||||
| MacArthur | Grabovski | Kessel | Kovalchuk | Zubrus | Vasyunov | |
| Kadri | Bozak | Kulemin | Elias | Arnott | Tedenby | |
| Sjostrom | Brent | Versteeg | Rolston | Zajac | Clarkson | |
| Brown | Mitchell | Orr | Pelley | Mair | Gionta |
Luca Caputi sits in the press box tonight.
Advantage: New Jersey
Why? Because they play a trap game, something that has proven quite effective against the Leafs this season especially Phil Kessel who has 1 goals in 3 games against trap teams so far in Boston and Florida. The 3rd line of Rolston - Zajac - Clarkson could easily be the Leafs 2nd line and they play a mean defensive game as well. Kovalchuk is always a threat when he's on the ice and absolutely feasts on the PP. The Leafs need to remain out of the penalty box to limit his game.
Follow me after the jump for the rest of the breakdown.
The one proud, defensive first Devil's concede on average 3.22 goals a game. Compare that to just last season where they had a league best 2.27 GAA. Ouch. The problem may be that New Jersey returned only 2 defense to their blueline this year; Colin White and Andy Greene. Off-season acquisitions Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, both touted as good defensive defensemen, are a combined -9 with only 4 points between them in 18 man games played.
For the Leafs, the only change from Tuesday is that Keith Aulie is out and Carl Gunnarsson is in. That means that Brett #LikeaLebda is going to suit up for the Buds. Why Wilson would play him after his horrendous night on Tuesday is beyond me. At least Luke Schenn is turning into the beast we all knew he would. Your defensive pairings:
| Toronto | New Jersey | |||
| Kaberle | Schenn | Volchenkov | Greene | |
| Beauchemin | Komisarek | White | Tallinder | |
| Lebda | Gunnarsson | Grenier | Corrente |
Advantage: Toronto
Because of Giguere's groin, Jonas Gustavsson gets the start in net. He came in cold during the third period on Tuesday and shut the door on Nashville. This could be just the opportunity he needs to show the Leafs that he can be their #1 going forward and earn himself the majority of starts for the rest of the season.
In the other crease, the venerable Martin Brodeur suits up for the Devils. Normally this would be a bad thing, but in the words of Chico Resch, whose shrill voice I get to hear to 2 1/2 hours tonight, "Marty just isn't Marty at the moment." A .901 sv% with a 2.73 GAA. Both are on pace to be the worst in his career. THE GOALIES!!!1
| Toronto | New Jersey | |
| Gustavsson | Brodeur | |
| Reimer | Hedberg |
Advantage: Toronto
Why? Call it a hunch that the Monster will want to play like one to show he means business.
Overall this game can go one of two ways. Either the struggling offenses of both teams will be unable to penetrate the defenses of each other and result in a close 1-0, or 2-1 game. Or it will be an absolute gong show to the tune of 7-5 as both teams forsake defense and go headlong towards the net. Either way, I've got a feeling that Toronto comes out ahead in either scenario.
Be sure to check out the Devils' preview over at In Lou We Trust if you're so inclined.
GO LEAFS GO!
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I dont think anyone other than the coaching staff do
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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It doesn’t make ANY sense, I know we can be a little hard on players, but Lebda has not played well, he has no points and is a minus player despite seeing limited ice time.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
He’s challenging Ken Hammond, which is something I never thought possible:
1988-89 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 14 0 2 2 12 -13
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
IT MAKES NO SENSE!
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
Ken was always my standard-bearer for “worst defenseman I’ve ever seen.” I can’t believe anyone is even in the ballpark.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
It really is unreal.
that -13 in 14 games is too funny.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Nov 18, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
If my reasoning is correct...
The coaching staff has said time and again they want to protect their youth as much as possible. So playing Lebda allows someone to sit with either Aulie or Gunnarson on their game off and say:
Look! DON’T EVER DO THAT!!
They’ll be better in the long run and it’ll only cost the Leafs $1.45mil. The only other explanations are too depressing to be believed.
Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s a Johnny Do – Luke Schenn, and Johnny Don’t – Brett Lebda, sort of thing.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Nov 18, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
it started with #freeluca then we added #freegunnar
Now we need #sitlebda
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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#LikeaLebda was pretty funny though
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#cripplelebda
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Cut out the middle man.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
thats not cool
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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I know, I don’t actually wish that on him.
I’m just so mad right now.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
#AkiLebda
Paying homage to the Lebda-esque defenseman who inexplicably had a steady NHL job on this team for 4.5 seasons.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
I presume that Lebda’s outstanding contribution to team offense is required against the defensive stalwarts from New Jersey.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
I’m really curious how long he can keep the “team goalless when on ice” streak going. What’s the record?
"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power
by The '67 Sound on Nov 18, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Showcasing him for a blockbuster trade.
/hfboards’d
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
I am so full of rage over this decision.
I don’t understand how -9 with 0 points in 10 games Lebda over Aulie makes ANY sense. I understand that a rookie pairing of Aulie and Gunnar could be a mistake, so why not pair Gunnar with Komisarek and Aulie with Beauchemin?
If our forwards can end up in Wilson’s dog house after one shift and get benched for a period or demoted for a game, how is it that Lebda has managed to play 10 games of Timbits hockey and not get reprimanded?
I.. I.. just don’t.. I.. my brain hurts. :(
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by NinjasFromSpace on Nov 18, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
There Ain't Enough Room in the Basement for the Two of Us
Phew – thought you and Chemmy were having some sort of blogger spat. :P
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
Nice. My first thought was: “who’s he in the basement with?”
Be an Optimist Prime, not a Negatron. Certified Grabbo Lover!
Адразу Ліфс Перайсці !
by Sergei Puckizin on Nov 18, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Read the headline and figured it referred to some type of blogger on blogger throwdown.
Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.
Can’t believe they’re giving #AkiLebda another start.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2010 3:11 PM EST reply actions
10 0 0 0 8
LOOK AT THAT STAT LINE!
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Brett Lebda: Team worst -9. In only 10 games. With 0 points. And never being on the ice for a goal for. $1.45M.
Certified Grabbo Lover
Don’t forget his 8 PIMS!!
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Lebda’s Penalty History:
10/18 TOR vs NYI, OT: Goaltender interference. Islanders score and win game.
10/21 TOR vs NYR, 3rd: Hooking
10/28 TOR at BOS, 1st, interference. Patrice Bergeron scores GWG.
11/03 TOR at WAS, 3rd, Cross check, Mike Green scores game tying goal.
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Lebda’s new nickname is Teflon.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
I vote for Lebdown
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
by birky on Nov 18, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
.
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by Chemmy on Nov 18, 2010 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
that was me after the shortie on tuesday
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
I like this
"Stay Cute or put it on Mute"
Wrap Around Curl
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Nov 18, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Uhhh, which Gionta is on the Devils 4th line?
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 3:24 PM EST reply actions
This one: http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/giontst01.html
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Ain't enough room in the basement...
The NY Islanders already hog the bathroom too much as it is.
Go Leafs!
And you’ve already got the Oilers and Flames crashing on the couch.
Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Lebda Shmeda
That means that Brett Lebda is going to suit up for the Buds. Why Wilson would play him after his horrendous night on Tuesday is beyond me.
Another reason for Wilson to firm up his pre Xmas Carolinas tee off times, as soon as Burkie wakes the F#CK UP.
I dont get WIlson, the Leafs lose to Canucks, use the same lineup and beat the Preds, and now he changes the lineup?
Why not go with what worked?
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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I’m not a coach or a GM, nor do I pretend to be, but this doesn’t make sense to me. Lineup A won a game. Stick with lineup A. Fuckin Aulie has been solid.
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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I Thought
Wilson’s Matra is “If they won’t ever fire my ass, I can fuck up and laugh all the way to the bank.”
by Infield Pete on Nov 18, 2010 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
We get it. You hate Wilson. You’re not exactly contributing to the discourse.
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Thank you
"Stay Cute or put it on Mute"
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by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Nov 18, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
you wouldn’t be so snarky if you saw the bad ass sash he gets to wear
it has tassels
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
JAred, the Gulag isn’t getting any use lately…
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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i dont put people there, I just keep em there
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
It’s probably a hint that you’re getting tiresome.
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they have yet to go with the same lineup from the first 4 games! obviously they can’t now, but they should never have changed anything from game 5 and on, even if Gunar…sucked more than AKi Berg.
Beacause he is a definitive Fucking Idiot
Per Wikipedia…
An idiot, dolt, or dullard is a mentally deficient person, or someone who acts in a self-defeating or significantly counterproductive way.
by Infield Pete on Nov 18, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Remember when Paul Maurice insisted on playing Andy Wozniewski all the f@#$%ing time, despite the fact he was…y’know….awful?
This is like $1.45M worth of that.
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Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2010 3:33 PM EST reply actions
I think the only way Lebda could win our support at this point is to jump off the bench with a lasso à la Mighty Ducks 2 and hogtie Marty Brodeur.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 3:46 PM EST reply actions
He could Versteeg his way out of the doghouse; score a goal and get the team going on their way to a win.
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like cory cross scoring an OT winner against the sens in 2001
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Just hyperbolizing. Actually, until the giveaway on the powerplay last game I was still giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Also I’m hoping that Lebda reads these boards… and is highly suggestible…
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
I watched that at my parents house last weekend and me and my brothers just picked that movie apart.
It’s 90 minutes of ridiculousness and 5 minutes of Emilio Estevez’s hair.
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My gf and I had a legit debate on what the Iceland coach says to Gunner at the end of the game when Gunnar missed the shootout goal.
Sadly, I was wrong
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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Gunnar, you lost it for me.
You lost it for yourself. Let’s shake their hands.
Certified Grabbo Lover
Yes yes I know.
Also, Russ is now on Saturday Night Live.
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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If I ever saw him on the street, I would be screaming “Is it knucklepuck time?” over and over.
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HAHAHAHA
Ya, I would too
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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I had completely forgotten that
“He’s fancy, he’ll go glove”is referring to a slapshot.
From above the faceoff circles.
During a shootout.
What’s fancy about a slapshot in that situation? Marek Malik’s shootout goal. Now that shit’s fancy.
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Technically, because he came to a full stop before shooting the penalty shot should have ended right then and there.
Certified Grabbo Lover
Fulton did the same thing.
Also, if it’s a double-elimination tournament, who else beat Russia?
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I think we might be over analyzing a Disney movie…
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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Clearly Gunner Stahl’s GVT conclusively proves that he was overrated and riding a hot streak. His PDO normalized and his team lost.
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by Chemmy on Nov 18, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
this is beyond hilarious
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
id like to know how the hell its not canada int he final
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Im pretty sure they were, they just lost
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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yep, you can see Canada in one of the newspaper headlines
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
No, they were there.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, apparently Russian beat Iceland in another game, need to rewatch movie.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
They make it clear that russia “upsets” Iceland, so taht the final is a winner-take-all.
And USA beats Russia to advance to the final. So who else beat Russia? I think it pretty much had to be Canada.
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Tinidad and Tobago?
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
I’m surprised somebody hasn’t tried to piece together the results of that entire tournament. Isn’t that why the Internet exists?
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Also, why does Gretzky visit team USA?!
DOESN’T MAKE SENSE
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A canadian icon visiting USA? Sorry, doesn’t make sense
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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it’s a Disney movie where kids were wearing football helmets to their first few practices…
by Nigel Cadbury on Nov 18, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Because when the movie came out Canada hadn’t won an Olympic Gold since 1952.
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And Iceland was some sort of Hockey Juggernaut?
Maybe the writers were bad fans of Sigor Ros.
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
*big
The Leafs are my Rushmore
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Most Americans are stupid and “Iceland” certainly sounds like a place where people play “ice hockey”.
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Undoubtedly .
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Nov 18, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Only 2 guys can get away with a slapshot on a penalty shot in a shootout. Chara and Rolston
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Goldberg is almost worse than Toskala.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Read this to yourself and try not to laugh.
Connie Moreau over to get it.
Sanderson has her lined up.
Get out of there!
Yee-haw!
No, Dwayne!
I’m comin’, Connie!
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
the funniest part of that whole sequence is the fact that shes fighting for the puck along the boards with nobody else there…. and somehow cant get it….
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Ohh I forgot about Volchenkov. Kadri better not come across the blue line with his head down
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This is a little alarming...
The Leafs’ team save percentage of .896 ranks 24th in the league and is only a small improvement over last season’s .892, which was dead last. – Mirtle
What do you guys make of it? Bad luck? I have to be honest: Giguerre hasn’t looked very good to me.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 4:13 PM EST reply actions
Penalty kill’s still a shitshow and the Leafs as a whole are allowing fewer shots/game.
Ergo, crap save percentage
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Well. That’s that, then. But think how bad the PK’d be if they weren’t allowed to use their sticks like last year :)
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Soo
does Orr score on a breakaway again?
"Stay Cute or put it on Mute"
Wrap Around Curl
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Nov 18, 2010 4:25 PM EST reply actions
that may have been on of those ‘once in a lifetime’ things…
im in the mood for a couple snipes from mr philthy phil
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Nov 18, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Why do management feed us this junk about accountability and playing for your spot.
aulie in the box ? Doesn’t seem like he’s being rewarded for his good play.
Lebda in the lineup; name one good thing this guy can do…anyone?
and another thing why do we NEED someone in the press box at all?
like if caputi isnt going to play let the marlie’s use him? no?
by goaltender interference on Nov 18, 2010 4:44 PM EST reply actions
Preaching to the choir good sir. The same thing happened last year. Burke say’s nothing is given, everything earned, then he plays the same crappy veterans until he make the Phaneuf trade.
Certified Grabbo Lover
My guess is that Wilson is balancing between letting the players prove their worth and not making them fearful that a few mistakes will automatically get them benched. Lebda, Gunner and Aulie are all fringe players. I think he’s giving them an honest chance and will make the call a few games down the road, in the meantime rotating them in and out regardless of play.
This way players aren’t player/benched for isolated incidents, but rather for a body of work (albeit a limited one).
I’m hoping that this is the reason, anyway.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
If that's the case...
Wilson has playe Lebda and Aulie, Ledba and Gunnar… where is our Aulie and Gunnarson game? Where?
Also, Ledba’s body of work doesn’t support what you are saying.
Maybe I’m just being stubborn with Lebda, but I don’t think he’s as bad as everyone else does. I don’t blame him for that OT penalty, for instance.
Anyway, I’m not saying this is definitely what’s happening, just that it’s one possible explanation for the ‘musical chairs’.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
He’s not rotating. Lebda’s played every game since Phaneuf’s injury at least and his play has ranged from “not helpful” to “catastrophic”.
Meanwhile prospects rot in the press box for games on end.
"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power
by The '67 Sound on Nov 18, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
#freeluca
#sitlebda
Fairweather fans can go to hell
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Just looking for a brightside. It’s very possible that I’ll be a Lebda/Wilson hater soon.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
Wilson playing Lebda is worrisome – and not logical.
"Stay Cute or put it on Mute"
Wrap Around Curl
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Nov 18, 2010 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
The problem is that we’re saying it’s illogical by our metric. I don’t think Ron Wilson is being purposefully illogical, so we need to figure out what standard he uses.
If my above hypothetical doesn’t make sense, then it’s some other reason. Maybe it’s a desire to go with experience at the cost of player development. I don’t think that Lebda has been miles worse than Gunner (by my qualitative observations), though obviously most people here disagree. Maybe Wilson feels the same as I do.
For the record, even though I don’t dislike Lebda too much, I’d be playing Gunner and Aulie 5/6 right now. I just wanted to explore the possibility that Ron Wilson is not stark raving mad, if only to keep from getting too depressed.
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
Bingo
Clarke MacArthur spoke about that in Jonas Siegel’s blog. How it was important that he knew that he wouldn’t get bumped to the fourth line if he messed up.
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HA!
You got served by Wilson.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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Lebda to Calgary.
Sutter’s gotta replace White’s offense.
by not norm ullman on Nov 18, 2010 5:07 PM EST reply actions
Hold on….and I’m commenting before reading the comments: HOW THE FUCK IS LEBDA IN AND AULIE OUT? DOES WILSON WANT TO BE LYNCHED?
Not Liking Nikolai Kulemin Means You Have No Soul
Too bad there wasn’t another ‘A’ in his name, then we could anagram him
Real Bad Bet
"Stay Cute or put it on Mute"
Wrap Around Curl
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Nov 18, 2010 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
One guy plays :17 in the third while another is a rock and Wilson benches the rock? FOL.
Not Liking Nikolai Kulemin Means You Have No Soul
So you're saying...
…make him assisstant captain…
by potvin vs hextall on Nov 18, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
You really should have read the comments. We’ve been bitching about it all day.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Clawson brand bitching, now with 30 percent more emo!
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2010 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
I haven’t been emo for like over a year now thank you very much.
Not Liking Nikolai Kulemin Means You Have No Soul
Makeup does work wonders
Proud member of the Fredric Sjostrom Fan Club. Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin
Boom Posted!
by PassivelyTruculent on Nov 18, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
In the comments we all agreed Lebda looks pretty good. I don’t think you’re accounting for Lebda’s locker room presence.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I get the ill will toward Lebda, but put things in perspective.
I mean, either one of Magnan-Grenier or Corriente makes Lebda look like Andy Greene.
And Vasyunov on the top line with Zubrus? I’d say a two-game winning streak is not exactly a reach here.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Nov 18, 2010 6:57 PM EST reply actions
NJ dug their own grave
No one shedding tears for their situation, that’s for sure.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 19, 2010 2:10 AM EST up reply actions



































