Maple Leafs at Canucks
by PPP on Dec 18, 2010 3:34 PM EST
in Maple Leafs Game Previews
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Printhosea24hoursThe #Leafs last win over the #Canucks came in Nov 2003. Vancouver is 7-0 since.
The Vancouver Canucks are Stanley Cup contenders. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not. One team is 7-2-1 in their last 10 and the Leafs are 4-5-1. This is the last game of the West Coast Waffle week that has been a mixed bag with a great 4-1 win over the Oilers and a dispiriting 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. These two teams played a pretty good game in Toronto with a weak goal allowed by Jean-Sebastien Giguere torpedoing a strong effort by the Leafs. The Canucks' offence features seven players with more than 17 points while the Leafs have six. The big difference? Daniel and Henrik Sedin who have 37 an 36 points respectively. That top-end talent is what the Leafs need to find a way to insert into the line-up.
Seeing Leafs fans take over another Canadian arena is always great. The presence of two large groups of opposing fans makes for a better atmosphere. What I could do without is the Napoleonic Complex their fans have. I understand it's hard to be the only team out of six without a real rival so they try to manufacture one when they can. It's funny because even out West they are at best third in relevance and arguably fourth. Edmonton and Calgary hate each other more and you only needed to read their respective papers over the past week to know they get their knickers in a twist over the Leafs more than Vancouver. Hell, considering how many fans are out there Montreal is probably above Vancouver as well.
Nucks Misconduct's good preview of tonight already features the tired whining about the start time in the comments. I know the dirty hippie stereotype is overwrought but something has to be responsible for having so few brain cells left that they cannot understand that more viewers is better than fewer viewers.
WAAAHCast has his collection of whining including, shock!, more on the game's start time. The insults he levels at Leafs fans are pretty fresh. There's 'godforsaken sense of loyalty' which I understand is an odd concept for a fanbase that became NBA fans during the club's tough times. Of course, once they saw that the Grizzlies sucked they let that team leave the city. They are the bandwagoniest of the bandwagon fans in Canada. Levelling the 'delusional' card at Leafs fans is pretty funny considering they revered and just retired the jersey of a player that only got his team past the first round when St. Louis was ravaged by the flu. Then again, they also have high hopes for the team to win the Cup when they have made no big changes and have the same core that's been run over by the Hawks in two consecutive playoffs.
Anyway, once we're done with them I'll be glad to have their small man syndrome in our rearview mirror. Nazem Kadri and Brett Lebda are scratches tonight. Mike Komisarek slides back into the lineup. Getting a win tonight is definitely a big ask but what isn't is that they put forth an effort they can be proud of.
Tonight's starters courtesy of Left Wing Lock:
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Great response, PPP! Hey you know why I hate the early start time? Because I start drinking at 4 PM and get so drunk by 10:00 that nothing good ever happens after that :)
Enjoy the game, all. I love these tilts
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
You probably have to ability to drink at a moderate pace. Not me. Not with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. It kind of all goes down like this.
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Valid. It could also be cultural: when you’re born in Northwestern Ontario you’re born without certain privileges, but an ability to handle your liquor’s definitely not one of them. (Not one of the ones you’re born without, I mean; surely I could’ve worded that better.) Enjoy the game tonight, but make sure you don’t enjoy your Captain Morgan Spiced Rum too much…at least til 6:30pm or so.
Re: Leafs Fans
It’s gotta be that fan base and their charming mix of delusion, revisionism and misguided sense entitlement.
Pot, meet kettle; Kettle, pot.
20 miles to Legoland!
well winning all those championships will do tha….never mind
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 18, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
I Love...
the comment about “consecutive finals appearances,” which subtly implies Vancouver making the 1994 final is tantamount to winning it.
Actually, it isn’t so subtle is it?
1994 is their sense of entitlement. It really can be kinda ironic at times.
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 Dec 18, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Love the nickname
Sorry about the rehash, just workin with what y’all give us year after miserable year :)
Nucks Misconduct's Grumpy Old Man
WAACH Blog/Podcast- The 38th best Canucks blog on the Interwebs
Y'all
Is Vancouver the Mobile, Alabama of Canada?
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by CanadianMaple09 on Dec 18, 2010 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
Went to the Leafs-Canucks tilt in Vancouver last year. The Leafs crowd was pushing 50-50% there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened again. At least this year, they’ve won a f#$%^ing game before playing in Vancouver.
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 Dec 18, 2010 4:53 PM EST reply actions
Tonight's forecast:
Plenty of Booooos and Louuuus and a 110% chance of intense fanbase chirping.
I also fully expect to hear ‘1967’ chants coming from Canucks fans, which always kind of confuses me.
20 miles to Legoland!
Well because they made the Finals in 1994, dontchaknow?! 1994! 1994! 1994444444444!!1111
I have the misfortune of cheering for the Bills, and I don’t think I know a single Bills fan who brags about LOSING four Super Bowls in a row. Just saying.
“If you’re not first, you’re last.” -Ricky Bobby
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 Dec 18, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe that has to do with the sharp fall off in talent found between their top 6 and bottom 6 forwards. Sure the Sedins are league killers and Ryan Kesler plays a mean two way game, but their 3rd and 4th lines sport such stalwart as Raffi Torres, Aaron Volpotti, and Jannik Hansen. Yeah, I’ve never heard of those last two guys either. While difficult on the road, if Wilson can get our 1st or 2nd lines out against Vancouver’s 3rd or 4th, some opportunistic goals can be had.
Of course you haven’t heard of those guys. You flat out underestimate our bottom 6, especially the 3rd line. YES! Match your top 6 with our 3rd line esp. They will shut you down!
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
No one’s downplaying Torres and Hansen here. They’re just saying they don’t exactly have offensive talents that are above and beyond anything the Leafs have.
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 Dec 18, 2010 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
The bottom 6 was generalized as a sharp fall off. What about Malhotra? Samuelsson? As a whole there is no comparison in points totals for the bottom 6 of these 2 teams.
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
Comparing your bottom six to our bottom six…well, I’m not even gonna go there.
And doesn’t Samuelsson usually play 2nd line with Kesler? That was at least how I remembered it anyways….
But, here’s how your scoring breaks down (correct any lines I don’t have right, here):
Sedin-Sedin-Burrows (83)
Raymond-Kesler-Samuelsson (61)
Torres-Malhotra-Hansen (32)
I’d say it’s not a sharp drop since it 29 pts vs. 3rd and 2nd lines vs. 22 for 2nd and 1st, but still a noticeable dropoff nonetheless.
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 Dec 18, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Samuelsson often starts with Malhotra, Tambellini is the guy missing from Kesler’s line. Hansen starts on the fourth but I have no idea how that will work tonight. Someone is the odd many out.
Also Vigneault doesn’t keep his line intact for long, especially if the game gets out of hand. With the exception of the Sedins, it’s a safe bet everyone will have new dance partners after the midway point.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Dec 18, 2010 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
A mexican child entertainer!
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
MAKE ME A BALLOON CHIHUAHUA CLOWN!
Certified Grabbo Lover
by SkinnyFish on Dec 18, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
rec!
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
Waffl’d
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 Dec 18, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Loved this preview, PPP
Hopefully the Leafs show up to this game. If they can put forward a effort similar to the last time we played the Canucks we have a chance to take the two points. Assuming Gustavsson doesn’t go all Lalime on us like Giguere did last time.
I lost a bet.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
Keys to the game for the Leafs:
-Discipline; the Canucks PP always torches us. Staying out of the box is key. They went 2-for-5 last time, one of which was scored 5 seconds into the PP. For the strength of our PK (i.e. weak), allowing a strong PP team like Vancouver a lot of opportunities will be killer.
-Strong defensive game. At ES, our D (I believe it was the Schenn-Kaberle pairing) pretty much shut down the Sedin line. Especially with the Sedin-Sedin-Burrows line reunited, that kinda effort needs to be given again.
-Goaltending: Giguere’s weaksauce shot won the game for the Canucks last time. So…not that.
-Scoring: The MGK line has to keep putting pucks in the net. The Kessel line has to step it up. Luongo isn’t exactly gonna make it easy for our offense; they have to play hard, crash the net, get second and third chances. They’re gonna have to want it.
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 Dec 18, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
at least now they don’t have raycrofts “ex leafs” come back magic in them in case the Leafs get Luongo pulled again
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 18, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
True
But we do have a creepy Ginger kid
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
NM's Chief Lady Pleaser. Just ask eightyseven
Actually
About 7 or 8
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
NM's Chief Lady Pleaser. Just ask eightyseven
mother of god, they are multiplying
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 18, 2010 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
Punishing Divers: Seen Christian Ehrhoff throwing himself at the boards like he was launched from a cannon? Hit him with your fists.
I lost a bet.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Dec 18, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
You mean Luongo? heh
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
The Leafs are a storied organization with a proud past. The problem is that past ended a year before I was born.
So he’s either born in 94 or 03. Taking a poll.
Being a Leafs fan makes me bipolar.
checking the history books…
whats this I see..
Vancouver Canucks..
2005–06 82 42 32 8 92 256 255 1477 4th, Northwest Did not qualify
2007–08 82 39 33 10 88 213 215 1565 5th, Northwest Did not qualify
Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10
by Future_considerations on Dec 18, 2010 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Furthermore (sorry for the formatting quirks)
1996–97 1996–97 Western Pacific 4th 82 35 40 7 — 77 Did not qualify
1997–98 1997–98 Western Pacific 7th 82 25 43 14 — 64 Did not qualify
1998–99 1998–99 Western NW 4th 82 23 47 12 — 58* Did not qualify
1999–00 1999–00 Western NW 3rd 82 30 29 15 8 83 Did not qualify
*58 points bwahahah
Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10
by Future_considerations on Dec 18, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
but they’re good NOW, I mean the keep winning all those cups
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 18, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
I blame Messier! :)
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
Its too bad you didn’t go further in your Sundin year. Wouldve liked to see him play in the Finals.
Being a Leafs fan makes me bipolar.
Mats!!1
Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10
by Future_considerations on Dec 18, 2010 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Amen to that.
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
oh god yes.. MOAR Cups Vancouver!!11
Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10
by Future_considerations on Dec 18, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
I should hope so.
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 Dec 18, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Our overlords have been surprisingly absent today. I haven’t seen PPP or Chemmy kicking around at all.
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 Dec 18, 2010 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
Chemmy is on vacation. PPP pops in and out.
This may have to be the GDT.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 18, 2010 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
I came this site and this post in particular and it said: 66 comments, 6 new. Clearly God is not on your side tonight! :)
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
Luckily, we’re the “sell our souls for a win tonight” type.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 18, 2010 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
If the Nucks fan is the one getting the sign of the beast, that can’t be bad for us, right? Right?!
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 Dec 18, 2010 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe if you’re Ronnie James Dio!
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Apologies. They probably saw Canucks fans on here and turned their computers off
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Very possible
It often makes me want to run in the other direction.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 18, 2010 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
“A” for honesty
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
OMGZ YOUR TAMPERING OUR THREAD!!!111111
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 Dec 18, 2010 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
Payback is a bitch, eh?
Nucks Misconduct
"What are you? 'I'm an otter'. And what do you do? 'I swim around on my back and do cute little human things with my hands.' You're free to go. And what you? 'I'm a cow." Get in the ****ing truck, ok pal? 'But I'm an animal!' You're a baseball glove get on that truck!" -Dennis Leary
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 18, 2010 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
Well, just give us your 1st rounder, and we’re all square.
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 Dec 18, 2010 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
The best part of the post-exam season is being able to one-shot Dexter! Hopefully the leafs add to my euphoria.
This game isn’t just making me hope the Leafs beat the Canucks, but it’s also making me homesick for BC.
Is…that…even….possible?
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 Dec 18, 2010 7:07 PM EST reply actions
Things I like about the Canucks:
-Coming out onto the ice to ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ is pretty awesome. And even awesomer live.
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 Dec 18, 2010 7:11 PM EST reply actions
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