"Monster loaded for a difficult year"

by sleza on Aug 18, 2010 12:46 PM EDT

Editor's Note: It's international day here at PPP as sleza once again is awesome and translates a story from HockeyExpressen.se. The original can be found here if you are linguistically capable of reading it.

Jonas Gustavsson can look back on an unusually eventful year.
This summer has been more quiet.
It will help him to a better season this year.

Last summer Jonas Gustavsson was one of the most written about hockey players in the world. Numerous NHL clubs were interested.

More relaxing summer

The rumours of him were followed by the media and the day before he was presented as a Toronto player, he had hundreds of missed calls on his phone. This year things have been more calm. In April he signed a contract extension with Toronto, which has allowed him to be able to focus on a new season in one of the world's most hockey mad cities undisturbed.

"This year, it was great to get a bit calmer and more relaxed summer and be able to get up on everything that happens and know that you have everything ready over there, that you have an appartment and everything else fixed. Now I just go over there and prepare myself for the game and don't have to think about everything that happens around," says Gustavsson recognizing that last summer there was lots of going on in his head.

No secrets

But now he avoids the heavy thoughts. Now all the focus is on taking the next step in hockey career. And he knows what it takes.

"Just work as hard as you can, continue the same way. Then you get to see how far it takes you. It may be enough to take you very far, or it shows you don't have much left in tank (has reached one's full potential already), it's always very difficult to say. There are no secrets in getting far You just have to work as hard as you can in trainings and give yourself the chance to get there."

Gustavsson now faces his second year in the NHL. A second year which many tends to say to be the most difficult. Gustavsson is aware of this.

"What I can think that can be dangerous is that everything is not new and exciting in the same way. So maybe sometimes you have to fight a bit more to find the energy. The first year we just floated on a cloud and got to travel to new places you've never been to. Now you've been in all places and played against all top players, so now you perhaps are not as excited maybe when you come to a place," he says, and continues:

"You have to find yourways to be loaded for a match. At the same time people know how you play, so it might be easier for them to scout me."

He isn't t too concerned about problems with "the difficult second year '.

"They said that in the Elitserien (Swedish Elite League) as well, but there my second year was much better than the first."

PensionPlanPuppets.com is a fan community that allows members to post their own thoughts and opinions on the Toronto Maple Leafs and hockey in general. These views and thoughts may not be shared by the editor of PensionPlanPuppets.com.

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Comments

Thanks for the translation sleza

He isn’t t too concerned about problems with "the difficult second year ’.
- They said that in the Elitserien (Swedish Elite League) as well, but there my second year was much better than the first.

I like the sound of that. Plus the spotlight is wayyyyyy off him now, not needing to be the “goaltending saviour” right away.

There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.

by nhlcheapshot on Aug 18, 2010 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed. You’re the awesomest Sleza!

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Denied

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

by Chemmy on Aug 18, 2010 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs

Amazing pic and splits – full on

by MapleLeafMole on Aug 18, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

so awesome

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

by Matt_Roberts on Aug 18, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Despite the obvious lack of goal scoring, I kind of want Burke to sign Ryno.

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Uh yea.

Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 18, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure if serious?

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

We’re on the same page.

Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 18, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Ryno?

Gore! Gore! Gore!

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

THAT’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I will never forget that call:

RYNO- NO NO!

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by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

i mainly remember

Kevin Weekes somehow butchering the excitement with a monotone “what a save from the monsterr….waaaaooow…” that sounded 100 times less genuine that it does written out.

i think he was/is trying to find his broadcast voice

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Aug 18, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re right. I just watched it again, I had forgotten the Weekes debacle was right after the save and the “Ryno- no no!” came after on the replay, still the “STOPPED BY GUSTAVSSON!” was pretty epic.

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by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

if only that jersey said “ZETTERBERG” but yes, such an awesome memory. Somehow Toskala managed to be a crapshow even in PREseason last year, so I really needed that game, and that save, at the time.

I think we’re going to be fine.

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Aug 18, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Kinda maybe really starting to love the Monster.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 12:51 PM EDT reply actions

starting...?

you got a long line in front of you

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah I know

I’m just more tentative in my love for individual leafs.
Except Dion Phaneuf.
I have mad irrational love for him.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I have mad irrational love for him.

Now that’s some serious fan appreciation right there! Still, it would really take it up a notch if it read:

I made mad irrational love to him.

My Art Portfolio

by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

You could probably take Elisha, just not her bodyguards.

by Nirbo on Aug 18, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m far more worried about Dion than any bodyguards.

My Art Portfolio

by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Bodyguard #1, but he’s got Orr and Brown hanging about too, hence bodyguards if you prefer them to take care of Karina themselves.

by Nirbo on Aug 18, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think my husband would be too happy about that.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

i for one hope that the Monster does NOT find ways to be loaded for games this year.

it might help explain a few losses last year though…

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

He might have to pull a Luongo.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

imported gino hair grease?

You may be taking Jared a little too seriously

by JaredFromLondon on Aug 18, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

If his SVP goes up when hammered, I’ll buy the booze myself.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Aug 18, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe DS was overloaded last year.

And the year prior.

Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.

by 1967ers on Aug 18, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah, so over loaded his eyes were brown

You may be taking Jared a little too seriously

by JaredFromLondon on Aug 18, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Vesa picked up the habit from the Eagle

by general borschevsky on Aug 18, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Love.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Love.

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Wrong jersey for it to have been Belfour. Crazy pic though.

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

by Chemmy on Aug 18, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

It's Vesa

by general borschevsky on Aug 18, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

eww, gross

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

by Matt_Roberts on Aug 18, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

GET IT OFF

GET IT OFF GET IT OFF
oh thankgoodness it’s titled

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

ohhhhh I thought you were making fun of Toskala for… nevermind

Did you get those seats somehow?

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

by Chemmy on Aug 18, 2010 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

The beer is on his glove side – he won’t be able to get a hold of it.

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Albert Einstein

by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Aug 18, 2010 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

haha.

verbeauty!

by A Lindros Jaw on Aug 19, 2010 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

green'd

Truculence...starting 10/1/09

by LeafBoy on Aug 19, 2010 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the translation!
I feel a lot more confident in the Leafs goal tending this year.
the Monster seems like he’s ready to give it his all, which I fully support.

"Our bottom six should be nicknamed The Intangibles." -Plea From A Cat Named Felix
Leafs fan till the end!

by whyevenbother on Aug 18, 2010 12:55 PM EDT reply actions

Also

being willing to work with Allaire and learn his style is extremely confidence-inspiring.

There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.

by nhlcheapshot on Aug 18, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I really like Jonas and I think he has a good head on him. Better than previous netminding disasters who will not be named. I’m really excited to see what he can do this season.

"I don’t know what it is about me that makes people think I want to hear their problems. Maybe I smile too much. Maybe I wear too much pink. But please remember, I can rip your throat out if I need to."

by Wrap Around Curl on Aug 18, 2010 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

RECD

PPPPP REPRESENT

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

oui :)
i find it amazing how well he got through last season despite everything

Мы в любовь играли,
И как кровь из вены капает слеза.

Remember kids it's down the road not across the street

by sleza on Aug 18, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes and he really cared about his job when others didn’t.

by Wrap Around Curl on Aug 18, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I love this kid. Was amazed at what he was able to accomplish last year given what he went through personally. My next Leaf sweater (though I think 50 looks weird) is gonna have Gustavsson on the back.

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

You have to find yourways to be loaded for a match

I’ve personally never had an issue getting loaded for a match. I’d be happy to coach Jonas on this important skill, if need-be.

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

with the lazy security at the ACC, even if you bring in your own king cans you can do it. I do appreciate him expressing concern, though, he has to sneak it past all his teammates and coaching staff.

Jonas Chan in: Drunken Puckmaster

by Nirbo on Aug 18, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

he’s been learning under crazy eddie

You may be taking Jared a little too seriously

by JaredFromLondon on Aug 18, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

If he has any difficulty being loaded for a match, he should never try his hand at curling.

Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.

by 1967ers on Aug 18, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent point.

Now with 25% fewer operable limbs.

by Sergei Puckizin on Aug 18, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

HIS NAME IS JONAS!!!! HE’S CARRYING THE TEAM!!!1

Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 18, 2010 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for all you’ve shown us!!! This is how we feel!!!
Come tend goal for me!! We’ll make hist-o-ree!!
Just like grandpa saw just before the seventees!!
Things were better then, soon they will be again!!!
We’ll be champions and tell you all about it!!!

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs

this needs something beyond a rec. I’m contemplating flagging for recness.

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Aug 18, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

i have an idea for this years Leaf song…

TO THE STUDIO!

(after work unfortunately…)

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

ABOUT TIME

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

by Karina on Aug 18, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

some muse you are… :P

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Kaberle’s still on our line,
Luke Shenn new weight is sublime
Burkie said “Hey man, we’ll go all the way”
Of Course we’re all willing to play…

YeEAH!

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

My name is Dion, and I broke all of your toys.
These habs are so fragile, and the sens like little boys…little boooys.

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

The Schenn train stands guard on your side,
Finger’s along for the ride
Dion says “hey man we go all the way”
they’d better be willing to pay!

or something

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Aug 18, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

My name is The Monster.
Gotta problem with my heart.
Its had several surgeries.
But I’m still makin’ saves, makin’ saves.
Tell me what you’ll do.
Now the Leafs are back.
Now this team is stacked.
And you know what else?
Guess what I received,
In the mail today.
Words of deep concern
From the other teams.

Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 18, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

lol….words of deep concern from the other teams. That’s great.

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

(You say) “the rebuild’s not going as you planned”
“Your forwards have not got soft hands”
Well, Colton Orr will clear a path.
For Kessel, Kulemin and BOZAAAAAAK!!!!

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

oh, lose the “and” in the last line there. Too many syllables: Kessel, Kulemin, BOZAAAAAK!!!

Why am i taking this so seriously?

You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon

by Biff Carrington on Aug 18, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

suggestion

maybe everybody should post their lyrics over here

This is my signature.

by blurr1974 on Aug 18, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks for all you’ve shown us! This is how we win!

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Aug 18, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

The Brian said “Hey man, we go all the way”
Of course we were willing to plaaaaaaaaay

by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 18, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m wondering why the title is “Monster loaded for a difficult year” when he repeatedly states the opposite. He talks about how this year will be easier than the last, how he’s had time to relax, his past experience is that the second year was easier than the first, his exprience last year prepared him for what’s to come, etc.

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by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 2:01 PM EDT reply actions

Woops, that first sentence is a bit unclear. I mean he states the opposite in reference to it being a difficult year, not that he says he isn’t prepared.

My Art Portfolio

by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 18, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions