Burke and his coaches
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 7:01 AM EDT
in From The Branches
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PrintI'm not feeling so hot tonight so this will be short and sweet: why do you think Brian Burke has never fired a coach? Frankly, I find this baffling - to have been working as a GM for so long in the NHL, yet never having fired a coach? What does this mean for Ron Wilson? I think Wilson's getting another pass this year - Burke clearly still doesn't have the team he wants (or else he wouldn't have considered trading Kaberle for a top 6 forward) and I think it's likely that if (when) the Leafs go on a losing streak, he's more likely to blame the roster than the coach. Discuss.
Links:
- The Leafs wouldn’t have won 4 Cups without…
Vintage Leaf Memories lists the players he thinks were the most valuable in the Leafs Stanley Cup wins of the 60's. - Salming
General Borschevsky is back! With a post about Borje Salming. - 2010 NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp
Burke gives his opinion on some of the things they're considering at the NHL RDO camp, as well as info on prospects being educated about social media. - Kessel Trade: A Perfect Full Circle
MLHS with a great article about the real value of picks, prospects and asset management. - Top Six Forwards
Scott over at Copper & Blue asks: Does the distinction "Top Six Forward" make the best sense? - Team Canada Femme Fatales VI Forward - Rebecca Johnston
Fallen Leafs profiles this Team Canada forward in a continuation of his series. - Potential New Marlies – Part II
Over on Marlies HQ, D'Amigo and Aulie are profiled. - A First Look At NHL 11
Yakov Mironov gives a look into the preview you've all been playing. - Phil Kessel, 40 Goal Scorer
Curt S looks at a comparison between Kessel and Vanek. - NHL teams' reactions to the propsed rule changes
Jibblescrbbits spoke to some scouts and got their take on it all.
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New podcast with DGB
http://www.blogesalming.com/2010/08/httpwww.html
In this episode we cover:
- how he got into blogging
- the Tomas Kaberle non trade
- and I try and stump Sean at 5 questions
Enjoy
Thanks!
I really need to subscribe to this.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
owned
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
WOOOO!!!1
Downloading it tonight.
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 19, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Full Version
Which Tuesday does it come out? Day after Labour Day?
by NascarPoolsOnline on Aug 19, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
X'10
I got to play the full version at Microsoft’s X’10 event here in Toronto yesterday. I got to play four full games, including a nail-biter between Toronto and Detroit that went to the shoot-out, where Versteeg won it for me.
I also injured Zetterberg with a thunderous check from Schenn. :)
GameNorth.ca - Gaming north of the border.
by NinjasFromSpace on Aug 19, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I forgot to add..
It’s every bit as awesome as you’d expect. :)
GameNorth.ca - Gaming north of the border.
by NinjasFromSpace on Aug 19, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t have a Gold membership? It’ll literally be the best return on investment purchase you make even if you play for only an hour a week.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
That’s like…a dollar an hour!
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Coaching
I’ve never seen the need to fire a coach, either. You win with players, you lose with players. I can see how, if you think the coach has “lost the room” you might consider letting a coach go, but as we saw last year, Burke’s answer was clearly to let the room go to Calgary. So there is more than one way to deal with it. The reality is that in terms of tactics, etc, there’s not much to choose from between NHL coaches. You get different styles, and some are slightly better than others, but unless you decide you want to go a whole new direction (i.e. go from trapping to run-and-gun), there’s no reason to fire a coach. I think this can be seen from the success that the AHL coaches (Bylsma, Clouston, Anderson, Boudreau) have had. In some cases, it is enough to wake up the room, yes, but in others, it was just a brief jump, and then the players went back to doing what they were doing.
by Leaf in Habland on Aug 19, 2010 7:44 AM EDT reply actions
there’s only so many times you can trade your roster over to Calgary though. Isn’t there…?
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Olli Jokinen’s wife may just take the ‘over’.
Wait, is she the “knows everyone’s salary” woman or the “gambles with Tocchet” one?
nevermind my lame joke then
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
This is crazy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj053j4gId0
Some guy on the Steve Dangle show predicted exactly who Burke was going to draft in advance.
Can’t see this at work. Does it seem as fake as it sounds?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
not so much fake
but maybe, not impressive? McKegg is not a surprise since other names are mentioned, and he went roughly near his CSS rating.
Predicting the leafs would trade to move up and get Ross is maybe more impressive
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
Seems fake to me. If he’d posted it anytime before the draft occurred I’d believe it. But posting it now, months after the draft? That makes it lose all credibility for me.
by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 19, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh
My
God
So annoying. His voice is worse than fingernails on a chalkboard.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
by SkinnyFish on Aug 19, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’ed for pure truth. I can’t stand that kid.
by CanadianMaple09 on Aug 19, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I bet The Leafs were happy to host the RDO camp.
It’s given them a chance to show off their practice facility to a number of prospects and players; a bit of advertising, if you will. Although it’s not as public as an All-Star Game, I think that this event certainly improves their pull with players eyeing the nice digs.
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
Saw an interview with Burke on TSN this morning he had his tie undone completely and his top button undone, then they cut to Bettman who had no tie and his top button undone, Burke is is a trendsetter.
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 19, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
hahaha, reminds me of the episode of the office when michael starts acting/dressing like jim to try and be cooler
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Aug 19, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I love the bravado of him having his tie draped around his neck but not done up. So bad ass.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Borge??
You know how I feel about spelling players names… Sacrilege.
Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s great to see that things haven’t changed much.
by general borschevsky on Aug 19, 2010 8:41 AM EDT reply actions
Mmmm, it’s like eye-candy now. “Borje!”
by general borschevsky on Aug 19, 2010 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
thank you
I shudder at my incompetance.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Victor Borge?
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
you will be le assimilated
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Not necessarily true...
Why don’t you send this blog to Mike Keenan to see if he agrees with you. Not very likely, since he was fired in Vancouver midway through the 1998-99 season, by none other than Brian Burke. And if I recall, like everything else he has done, Burkie made a public spectacle out of it by firing him during the All Star Game that year, and replaced him with Marc Crawford.
by Leafs Fan in Big D on Aug 19, 2010 9:04 AM EDT reply actions
Truth
Burke has fired big-name coaches, including Mike Keenan. He inherited Mike Babcock in Anaheim but refused to offer him more than a one-year contract, so Babcock took the hint and bolted to Detroit.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Burke not only fired Keenan. He did it in the most nasty, public manner
Mike Keenan had done a fine job of suddenly turning the Canucks into contenders again, when huge injuries to Bertuzzi and Mogilny kept the Canucks from running away with the Division. After having missed 2-3 months each, the Canucks were still only a point out of the playoffs, in mid-January 1999.
At the time, Burke said:
“On that basis, that we’re one point out of a playoff spot to this point amazes most people in the media and most people in hockey.”
That day, Keenan was also quoted, saying “In the context of our injury situation and the schedule we’ve had to this point, the best way for me to describe it is we’re not completely disappointed. I would be extremely disappointed if our record doesn’t improve with Mogilny and Bertuzzi back and reflect the results we had in the first 15 games.”
Two days later, Burke finally pulled the trigger on on the Pavel Bure trade to Florida, for Jovanovski.
So now the Canucks had traded 3 players (Bure, Hedican, Ference), and got back 4 new players, and Keenan had to juggle his lineup with Mogilny and Bertuzzi coming back from injury at the same time.
Two games later, Burke fired Keenan, who had turned the 24th-place Canucks (in a 26-team league) into playoff contenders, even with the loss of Bure, Mogilny and Bertuzzi all season. Burke had always intended to fire Iron Mike and he followed through on it despite Keenan’s best efforts.
Burke then hired Crawford, who proceeded to tank the season, finishing 8-23-6 even with the additions of Mogilny, Bertuzzi and Jovonovski & friends.
Moral of the story: Burke will never fire Wilson because Wilson is “his” guy, but that doesn’t mean that Burke would never fire anyone. He will do it to even the most successful coach, if that coach doesn’t toe the company line.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
And later that summer Burke drafted Swedish twins
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Thank God his man Crawford got him into the lottery, otherwise the Canucks would have aged quickly and never become Smythe Division favourites a decade later.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
And everyone says Burke isn’t interested in a long rebuild, psshh
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Luckily for Leafs fans
The tail end of the rebuld is upon us already
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure if Wilson is Burke’s "guy". They’re long-time friends, and Burke picked him to coach the US Olympic team. But he didn’t hire him in Toronto, Fletch did.
If this season goes south, I’m not sure what Burke will do. The roster is almost entirely Burke’s doing, does he point the finger at Wilson if it’s not producing? Or does Wilson get some leeway given how young the group is (especially the forwards)?
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Being an outsider, I'm not up to speed
But wasn’t the Wilson hiring seen as Burke’s proxy move from afar?
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, but the phrase was “seen as”. I remember tonnes of people interpreting it that way.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
a million people could have interpreted it that way, doesn’t make it true.
but you’re right, it was definitely ‘seen as’ that by a lot of people.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Yeah, I wasn’t expressing any opinion on whether it was true or not. Probably only Fletcher and Peddie know that.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
No
Some people thought so, others didn’t.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Aug 19, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
It was very highly speculated
to say the least.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
any links to back this up? I’m kind of leaning on Back In Black’s recollection.
Also, I think, once the rumors of Burke being courted as GM for the Leafs came to light, Wilson had already been with the Leafs for a year. It feels more like a case of making pieces fit into a story, than an actual story. If there was ever a hint of this kind of inappropriate behavior by the Leafs upper management (a la working with Burke behind the scenes while he still ran the Ducks) I find it incredibly hard to believe that no newspaper in the country didn’t do their damnedest to expose that link.
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Burke was hired November 2008, RW June that year. Burke speculation had been floating for months before his hiring, and IIRC, before RW was hired. I remember when RW was hired people were thinking it was done to lure Burke or possibly based on back-channel communications with Burke.
But as daoust pointed out, all smoke, no proven fire.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Jinx
I owe you a beer (you were a few seconds earlier.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Wilson was hired in July 2008, and Burke was hired in November 2008.
Regardless of the short-time frame, Burke was still a Duck, so no evidence of actual tampering was ever presented.
I take full repsonsbility for implying that any back-room shenanigans took place, in my comment above. It was all pure speculation that Summer, and I’m sure you could find some moron like Cox to back that much up.
Point is, that’s what some people were saying was about to happen. Burke was refusing to re-sign in Anaheim and Fletcher was known to be keeping the seat warm for somebody. It might have even been for Colin Campbell, if I recall, but there wasn’t nobody predicting that Burke was the future as far back as before the Wilson hiring.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup, links a plenty
If Fletcher wanted the president’s job and would hire a GM, well, that might work. But the original plan, to hire a new president and GM, remains the most sensible plan with the greatest chance of success.
That person could yet be Burke, and it continues to defy logic why the Ducks would insist on forcing Burke to manage the team next year when he so clearly wants to leave, mostly for personal reasons. His wife has concluded her TV commitments in Vancouver and the option of an extension with Anaheim is still out there, but the fact Burke hasn’t yet signed a longer deal perhaps suggests he hopes team president Michael Schulman will release him after the entry draft.
There is widespread speculation that the Leafs are waiting for Brian Burke to be freed up before making any decisions. But Burke is adamant he’s not available, serving the final year of his deal with the Ducks. “There’s no change, I’m under contract,” he assures.
Wilson’s relationship with Anaheim Ducks’ general manager Brian Burke adds to the intrigue of the situation.
They pair played together for four years in college and were co-captains of the Providence Friars.
Burke also got Wilson his first coaching job with Milwaukee, then helped bring him to Vancouver as an assistant coach when Burke was the assistant GM.
At a dinner after Wilson coached his 1,000th game, he called Burke the most influential figure in his hockey career, a dinner that Burke attended.
To add a more personal touch, Burke is the Godfather of Wilson’s daughter. The two remain extremely close.
Rumours continue to swirl about Burke becoming the next general manager of the Maple Leafs, however the Ducks are insisting that Burke complete the final year of his contract which expires after next season. The hiring of Wilson could be perceived as extra incentive for Burke to join the Leafs.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
see
I read it as Wilson was hired to sweeten the pot for Burke. Add some familiarity to his team. I don’t see anywhere it saying that Burke “hired” Wilson
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I remember when RW was hired people were thinking it was done to lure Burke or possibly based on back-channel communications with Burke.
The former was definitely floated in the media, as per the above quotes. The latter was probably not published (libel chill) but I definitely remember a lot of whispering about it.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Well done. Yeah, speculation a-plenty. blurr, assuming you were still in Cali back then, maybe it was covered very differently there. In Toronto, I remember rampant speculation about RW-BB ties.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
but
there’s no speculation about their ties. they exist. it’s not secret…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant “speculation about RW-BB ties playing a role in the hiring of RW”. Sorry if that wasn’t cleaer.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Ya
I think the arguments are going in circles here. Burke didn’t “Hire” RW, but RW’s hiring was definitely used to lure BB to Toronto.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
there’s nothing wrong with that…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not even sure
what’s being debated anymore.
There was no tampering at all, if that’s what’s being proposed.
Only Gillis would accuse of such a thing.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
wasn’t the Wilson hiring seen as Burke’s proxy move from afar?
BIB and I say no, and as I stated, it looked more like an enticement. everyone else seemed to be saying yes, it was a Burke move…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure that Nonis shuttling in & out of Toronto for “interviews” while he was still Asst GM in Anaheim was totally innocent too.
But this is all fooferah anyway. If Bettman had an issue with it, he would have done something about it. Otherwise its just something for the talking heads to feel smug about when they act like they “know” what’s “really” happening.
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Fourth round pick!
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
could be a coincidence, but....
My friend and I work at a major downtown Toronto law firm and we saw Brian Burke in here almost half a year before he was hired. Could be nothing, he could have been here for a hundred reasons, but we thought it must have something to do with him coming to Toronto. Although this comment may not add a lot, he was certainly in Toronto at around the time Wilson was hired.
"Windows 7 was my idea--and I am suing"
he takes part in a lot of conferences, etc
there are NHL offices here that he may want to keep up with (he used to work for the NHL too)
maybe he was already thinking of the ducks/leafs AHL merger since back then (from the anaheim POV)
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Just to clarify
Some people thought so. And others – as blurr says – saw it as incentive for Burke to come here.
I also remember reading at least one opinion (Cox?) that if Burke had actually wanted to work with Wilson he had the chance to hire him years before. I can see the downside of having an old friend as your coach.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Aug 19, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I remember thinking everyone of Fletcher’s moves, in his second stint as GM, were proxy moves for Burke. Including moving up and drafting Schenn. Pure speculation though.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, like that youtube video of Burke behind Fletcher.
At the end of the day there’s not enough evidence to support those theories, largely because if, and that’s a big if, they were proxy moves by Burke, I’m sure they would have done their best to keep all the evidence to a bare minimum.
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 19, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean Peddie behind Fletcher?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Time travel!
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Wilson will be on a relatively short leash, but like you said he will have some leeway due to the youth on the team. Also, I think it depends on whether or not someone he wants becomes available. Like I alluded to below if Carlyle somehow finds himself out of a job and things go south Wilson could be gone.
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 19, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Er, what?
The Canucks had 79 and 77 points the two seasons before Keenan got there, and then 64 in his only full season. This is “turning the team around”, but not in the way you suggest. When Burke fired him the Canucks were 15-24-6. I don’t know what you’re smoking, but Keenan’s record with the Canucks stunk.
Yeah, Crawford was even worse. He’s also a lousy coach. But Keenan’s record of one playoff series victory in his last 11 seasons is almost bad enough to make Crawford look good (wow, Crawford’s bad).
And yeah, Burke has fired a coach. It’s not a big surprise that the new GM would want a new coach. And I get that you evidently love Keenan and hate Burke. But don’t make shit up.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Aug 19, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t read it that way at all. The only liberty with the facts I see here is overstating Bertuzzi’s importance; he was not an established player that year and had only a .5 ppg pace in the games he played.
I actually found it an interesting recount of that season.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Guilty as charged
I do seem to imply that Big Bert was a main cog, but I guess I was trying to work in how his absense and return coincided with the firing.
Even still, he was probably a third liner, so at the risk of coming off as a bigger Keenan apologist than necessary, I think his record was pretty good for a team that lost a pair of first-line wingers and a third line plugger.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Yikes
way to interpret his comment in the worst way possible.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I guess I'm smoking the mellower herb of us two
Not sure why you take offence to anything I said. I certainly didn’t make it up.
The Canucks finished the season 23-47-12, after Crawford blew up a team that was a game out of the playoffs with his 8-23-6 record. Do the math yourself:
Keenan was 15-22-6 at the time, which happened to put the Canucks one point out. I didn’t make up the quotes from both men that said as much. I got both quotes from the vancouver Province, January 1999.
I could care less about Keenan. Was more trying to diss Crawford than anything, but I guess it does come off as a bit anti-Burke. Anyway, isn’t hating on a Canucks G.M. acceptable behaviour ;-)
Sorry for sounding so obtuse, either way.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Making shit up may have been too harsh, but I’m still trying to understand how you think Keenan was a successful coach in Vancouver. They were better before he got there, and they were better after he left (the next season, anyway). He may have been only one point out of the playoffs when he was fired, but by the final standings he was on pace (68 points) to miss the playoffs by 10.
Maybe your real point was completely different than I thought it was (certainly I’ll pile on to any dissing of Crawford). Was it really a nasty firing job by Burke? I don’t remember how it went down. In general, the All Star break would seem a perfect time to fire a coach, if you think it’s got to be done.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Aug 19, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
He's never fired...
A coach he has hired which is why Wilson is in trouble.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Although Wilson does seem like the sort of guy he would hire regardless. Does Randy Carlyle still have a job?
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 19, 2010 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes
he is still in Anaheim.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
What the heck?
Why didn’t I find info on this?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Amazing
When Burke was hired in Vancouver, this is what he said about Keenan:
“I’m thrilled to have Mike Keenan as my coach. It’s not something that I am saddled with. It’s something I have been blessed with.”
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
PS
(I didn’t find this earlier because I didn’t do a google archive search. Man that thing is amazing)
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
They don't still do this, do they?
Crawford, 37, resigned as the Avalanche’s coach last spring after Colorado lost in the first round of the playoffs. The Canucks must negotiate a compensation deal with the Avalanche for Crawford that will involve a minimum $200,000 and a second-round draft pick.
A 2nd round pick for Crawford??? Seriously?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Also interesting
I can’t find a direct quote for this, but the papers documenting Keenan’s firing all seem to say that Burke had stated he wanted to see how the team performed under Keenan post-Bure trade before he decided what to do with Keenan.
So my guess is that he’d look to the roster first, the coach second, even with a coach he hates.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Because he’s not done.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
makes sense…no idea why I thought it was the final one
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
oh yeah…it was the opening sentence of the post
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
“As Team Canada Femme Fatales arrive to the final member …. this has been one illuminating journey to showcase the ladies of Team Canada. What Better way to end this than with a swift skating, ponytail flying Sudbury Sweetness?”
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
A little bit of Tessa for your blog…
You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon
by Biff Carrington on Aug 19, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
mmmm Tesssssaaaaa….
I think she was drafted 1st overall in the new Canadian Women’s Hockey League.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Re-phrasing
He better not be done. Can’t sow discord among the team by not including all of them.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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Does this mean the dreams of “FIRE KEITH ACTON” are smashed forever?
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
I hope not. Keith Acton isn’t really “Burke’s Guy”. If there was anyone out there with a solid rep who could take his place, I would hope the Leafs would do it.
What kind of blackmail does this guy have???
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
We need to put all of our resources to finding out, it would be great if one of us got access to Acton and just asked him point blank how he has managed to stay around this long.
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 19, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure he brings doughnuts for everyone in the morning.
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 19, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
nope
As an assistant coach, I would think if Wilson wanted him gone, that’d be it. See the Canucks and the firing of Ryan Walter, rumoured to have been done at the behest of Alain Vigneault.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey at least
Kaberle rumours have died down now that his window is closed.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Only 12 more months ’til the World Cup.
Combined with a mid-sized playoff run for the Leafs, next Summer will seem shorter than when you were in grade school.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Only 12 more months ’til the World Cup.
Hate to break it to you, but they just had that two months ago in South Africa.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
Only 46 more months ’til the World Cup.
by Bower Power on Aug 19, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
At the pace they've been rolling out these last few hockey versions
It’ll probably be 460 months until the next World Cup after next year’s.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Aug 19, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know what you’re talking about. The Rugby World Cup is next year in New Zealand.
...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...
by My Poor Friend Me on Aug 19, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Cricket World Cup Feb/March 2011 in South Asia
by ShahofToronto on Aug 19, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
yes…. in europe
Мы в любовь играли,
И как кровь из вены капает слеза.
Remember kids it's down the road not across the street
WOOOO FROLUNDA
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Predictions:
Number of trades made by Brian Burke between now and the trade deadline?
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
ONE BILLION AND SEVEN
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
♥
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
80 THOUSAND DOLLARS
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I just read through the MLHS article on the Kessel deal. They had a number of quotes from the Daigle draft. Seeing Todd Warriner’s name next to Peter Forsberg’s as “top prospects” is a little jarring.
It was true at the time, though.
By the time the Leafs got him in the Sundin deal, it was pretty clear he wasn’t another Forsberg,
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
Chemmy was talking about at this draft. For every player getting drafted, they’d put up a list of “comparable” players who fit their style of play. They were all getting compared to hall of famers like Messier, Lidstrom, and Yzerman. He made the point that no one got compared to third liners, which is probably a much more accurate comparison.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
that’s every draft.
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
This was a list of players the Nordiques might be willing to dangle Ottawa’s way in order to get that Daigle pick. Can you imagine if Ottawa had swapped Daigle to Quebec for Forsberg?
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
I was thinking the same. Forsberg + Alfredsson.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
let’s just stop talking about it
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
They might have actually beat us in one of those playoff series!
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 19, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I liked about 75% of that Kessel deal article, but the odds are Seguin will be a great prospect and NHL player.
I get that the writer is trying to hint that a lot comes down to his development and there’s no surefire way to guarantee he’s a franchise player, but it’s insinuating the probability of him being good is much lower than it probably is.
We gave up what will probably be a great player, but at least we got a great player in return.
Still worried about that 1st rounder next year though.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Mystery Box!
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
But the box could have anything! Even a boat!
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
To Toronto: Toronto’s 2011 First Round Pick
To Boston: Contents Behind Door #1, 2, or 3 (their choice).
Also includes one conditional spin of the Wheel of Fish.
by Bower Power on Aug 19, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
But the box could have anything! Even a boat 30 goal scorer!
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
I’d take a 30-goal scorer.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Shouldn’t have traded Kessel for the Mystery Box then.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
That’s worked out okay so far.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
that’s what the Leafs did…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
The next Bruin to amass 30 goals in a single season will be the 97th player-season since Dit Clapper and Cooney Weiland did it in 29-30.
Jared Knight wears 97. COINCIDENCE? (yes)
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Hold on. Dit Clapper and Cooney Weiland?!?!? Greatest ol’ timey names ever!!
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Ole time hockeye names were the best. Nicknames were better.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Should start some modern day one’s. I suggest Chuckles Versteeg for starters.
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
What I got out of the article is that second-overall picks from Burke’s teams with Burke in attendance turn out pretty well. Basically he’s comparing Seguin to Pronger and Sedin in that quote.
And then in the video at the draft, Chiarelli is such a different GM than Burke, in terms of saying stuff to the media.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Is there any GM who’s like Burke in terms of saying stuff to the media??
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
There are plenty of blowhards in football
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
ahhh
I was thinking NHL only, I don’t really pay attention to t he other leagues.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Personally I have no ill-will towards Seguin. I know lots of fans out there on MLHS right now are hoping he will bomb out as a draft pick as some kind of vindication of the Kessel deal but really, at this point we should all just move on. Besides, it’s not this kid’s fault he was drafted by the Bruins with our pick.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s not his fault, but I can’t help it that my eyes twitch every time I see him
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
Not gonna lie it takes some self-control not to wrend my garments when I see him in a Bruins jersey.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You realize that makes it more tempting to do so, right?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
it kinda makes me wanna post a picture, TBH
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I got this one.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
aww cute
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
“Me and my dad always talked about it. I was 16, I wanted a tattoo. Something meaningful. I always want to wear my heart on my sleeve. Family, heart, passion, all that stuff. So I decided to get it on my sleeve,” he said.
Why a scroll? It was a striking design, he said, and more memorable than the alternatives. “It would have been kind of plain if I had S-E-G-U-I-N down my arm. Add some spice to it, I guess.”
hahaha
by ShahofToronto on Aug 19, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
that is so lame
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah but I’d rather he be spending time on getting better at hockey than coming up with great tattoos.
At least it’s not just a tribal design.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
At least it wasn't:
"Me and my dad always talked about it. I was 16, I wanted a tattoo. Something meaningful. I always want to wear barbed wire on my bicep. Bros, brews, bitches, all that stuff. So I decided to get it on my guns," he said.
Why barbed wire? It was something original, he said, and more memorable than the alternatives. "It would have been kind of plain if I had just shown up with my hair frosted and a spray tan. Add some douche to it, I guess."
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This would actually have been better because then I just know he’s trolling.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Where’s that from?
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
it’s cleverly re-written from the actual piece about his actual tattoo
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha oh yeah. Well done.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
more grrrs
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
Urge to kill, rising….
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
PHIL KESSEL
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
/blood pressure slowly decreasing.
I see Kabbie poking his head back there too
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
“Hi guys! What’s going on over here? Anyone want a cross-seam pass?”
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
My one bit of skepticism about Seguin’s potential greatness is this:
This year was a draft weak on top-end talent. Next year is supposed to be a draft weak on top-end talent.
How significant is the performance of the top players when the junior league is in one of those cycles where there isn’t a lot of top-end talent?
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
see
Tavares, John.
The hype was that he was going to be amazing. He still might be, but he came nowhere near the franchise savior mantel in his first season that was thrust upon him…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe if he had someone better to work with than Matt Moulson
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Who did Crosby and Ovechkin play with their first years in the league? I honestly can’t remember who their linemates were but I don’t think they were much better.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
first season after the lockout
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Right and they both had spectacular years. I’m just suggesting they were able to overcome crappy linemates in a way that Tavares hasn’t been able to yet. He still has time to figure it out.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
First year: Ovechkin 52G 54A 106Pts
2nd place: Zubrus 23G 34A 57Pts
First year: Crosby 39G 63A 102Pts
2nd place: Gonchar 12G 46A 58Pts
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Yeeeee-ouch. That is dreadful.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
We had zero players with 57Pts last year.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
TSN has milked years of overhyped coverage out of the entry draft thanks to the Crosby and Ovechkin years. They don’t really want people to realize that you don’t get those kinds of players, even first overall, every single year. Even if you shoot enough promos to make it look that way.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
i’ve been saying this exact same thing for a while now. the league has been spoiled by incredibly deep drafts. it’s great for hockey, but it’s not going to be perpetual…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya but everyone thought Tavares was gonna be #1 pick for like 5 years prior
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
wasn’t Crosby touted as a first overall since he was like 9 years old…?
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
so was Angelo Esposito, who didn’t even go at #1 and still hasn’t made the NHL.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
He was, but I’m just saying that Tavares has been hyped for years, so there was going to be expectations
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
and deep drafts have heightened those expectations.
don’t get me wrong, i’m in no way faulting the player here. I still think Tavares will be pretty darn good, but he’ll be the Hawerchuk to Crosby’s Gretzky…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
and nothing wrong with being Dale Hawerchuk
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
nothing at all. i’d take him (Tavares) in a heartbeat as a Leaf.
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
tavares did break wayne gretzkys scoring records in the OHL, the hype did have some justification to it…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Aug 19, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm I wonder why?
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
If I remember correctly…the year OV went number one, Pittsburgh lost the lottery to fall to two. How crazy would that have been.
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Malkin was a terrible consolation prize…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but Malkin’s a center. Crosby and Ovechkin on the same line…
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Somebody explain to me how Pittsburgh’s basically tanked their way to the edge of oblivion twice in the last 25 years, and been rewarded with potentially 4 Hall of Famers and 3 Cups for it.
I fucking hate Pittsburgh. I hope a beam falls off the Consol Energy Center and knocks Fleury’s ridiculously large teeth out.
Resident Capologist
It’s Mario’s good karma coming to him. He earned it.
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
DING DING DING
It’s ridiculous. FOUR straight top 2 picks from 03-06
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
I think Crosby, Malkin, Lemieux, Jagr is more rediculous.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re a bad team that didn’t trade away their firsts and got lucky in the draft.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
got lucky in the draft
This more than anything else.
We draft first overall, get Wendel Clark (please don’t punch out my blood)
A year later, they draft first overall and get Super Mario.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I imagine St. Louis feels that way. No disrespect to Erik Johnson, but…
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
1984
It was such a great year
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
Mario is why there is a draft lottery
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry, got it reversed
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Realize that the Leafs have been trading away assets to try and squeak into the playoffs. That’s been a double whammy for us: we’re unwilling to just be shitty and we’re paying picks and players for the privilege.
That’s not to say that tanking is the only way to build a team but if your team is bad it can make more sense to just let them play rather than put a bandaid over a mortal wound.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
sadly
if any hockey market can afford (financially, at the gate) to be terrible, it’s the Leafs.
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Aside from the Kessel deal, I don’t think Burke has made one move yet that could possibly be considered jeopardizing the future.
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s still Schenn, Kadri. He could trade them for some overpriced vet.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Um.
What?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
If Burke traded Schenn and Kadri, you guys wouldn’t join me on the skeptical of Burke train?
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
depends what he got for em
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m skeptical of Burke, I just like to postpone judgement until I actually see the on-ice product.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
KESSEL HASN’T SCORED 40! WE SHOULD TRADE HIM FOR A PLUS 35 CONTRACT OF A GUY WHO DID ONCE CAUSE THEY COULD MAYBE AGAIN
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
?
If the Leafs held onto the #2 overall pick t his year: Seguin.
Still looks like the Clark/Lemieux situation to me.
Unlucky at the draft and not enough picks to make up for it. Still unreal that Pittsburgh’s drafted so many HOFers in so little time.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
and they were on the verge of losing their team both times pretty much
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
But they got really luck. Crosby/Lemieux are both amazing enough to save the team.
Do you think Wendel would’ve??
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Wendel would’ve been the Messier to Lemieux’s Gretzky if he rode shotgun with Mario
Resident Capologist
Yeah, but what if Pittsburgh wound up with Wendel instead of Mario?
...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...
by My Poor Friend Me on Aug 19, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve always found the post-lockout lottery for Crosby fishy. You telling me the league behind the scenes wasn’t doing anything and everything it possibly could to get Crosby to Pittsburgh, a town that actually needed that star player to save the franchise?
/puts on foil hat
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
At the time, the conspiracy theory that was all the rage was that the League was going to rig the lottery to get Crosby to a big market that had struggled in recent years (ie the Rangers). This would help reinvigorate interest in the league after the lockout. So said the conspiracy theorists, anyway.
...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...
by My Poor Friend Me on Aug 19, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t ENTIRELY believe this, most conspiracy theories are just plain nuts but am I crazy for thinking that yeah this one might be slightly legit?
He raged at the world, at his family, at his life. But mostly he just raged.
Just because Jay McClement is the best defensive forward in the NHL doesn't mean he should win the Selke.
50 bucks says Seguin is Boston’s best center since Esposito when it’s all said and done.
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
Why is that pessimism? I can’t think the kid will be really good just because he was part of the Kessel trade?
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
by birky on Aug 19, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No it’s fine, I think he’ll be really good too.
Just not really following the course of the conversation.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
What privilege?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
we’re unwilling to just be shitty and we’re paying picks and players for the privilege.
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
29th overall isn’t shitty?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
i think that’s his point.
the Leafs are trading away future talent for win now talent and not looking any better…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
youngest now, me thinks
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Still second, but only because we have more players signed than St. Louis.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
ah yes, they got a good deal younger with the mason for halak swap/ no more kariya
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
which doesn’t change the fact that the amount of talent being brought in from a draft pick perspective (cheap and groomable) is less than the amount of talent already signed and not really producing much.
but, i’m putting words in birky’s mouth…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I do not understand the unwillingness to rebuild, but I also think it’s wrong to get on Burke’s back for not rebuilding with picks when he’s infused the Leafs with youth at the same time.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t hate the Kessel deal, but it’s not the one you make when your team has missed the playoffs for 4 years. Trading first round picks should be an “over the hump” move and not a rebuild the team move
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
by birky on Aug 19, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think what it comes down to is the quality of drafts coming up.
Do you think Kessel is more talented than the players we would draft with those picks?
I think the trade is based on the belief that he is.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
I don’t even know how we got here.
I just think it’s remarkable that whenever there’s a generational talent, the Pens have a high pick. It’s just luck.
Other teams got good because of smarts.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
no
it’s all luck unfortunately.
the Leafs just don’t have much of the good variety…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah I think developing prospects well is key along with the luck. The Leafs have done even less of that than they have of drafting their first round picks.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Its not luck.
The Penguins just suck: Penguins first round draft picks. (regardless of how they got them)
2 or below: 8
5 or below: 14
10 or below: 20
20 or below: 31
Total: 38
They’ve literally picked in the top 10 more than half the time, and i don’t think they traded for many of them. (they have one in every year since 1980 except the one they traded for Hossa and 3 in 1984.)
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
Sure, but getting the #1 overall pick the exact same year that Lemieux and Crosby are available = luck
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
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 19, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Regardless… It’s pretty atypical for a team missing the playoffs 4 years straight, to trade their next 2 first round picks. Right or wrong who the heck knows, but it’s certainly a very unique method. Raked over the goals if it doesn’t work. Worshiped if it does.
That’s that
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s no way of knowing for sure what the quality of the drafts is coming up because there are so, so many variables. Committing to Kessel is essentially trying to forecast the future of the next two drafts, and for me that is just too great a risk.
But at the same time you need to have the guts to take these risks to be a good GM.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
DGB said it best in the Bloge Salming podcast.
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 19, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes but we’d have younger, better talent than we do now. If Seguin is on our team he’d be our number one centre, without a doubt.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Debatable.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Endlessly debatable, and ultimately there is no right or wrong answer so I’m gonna stop now. How do we end up in these circular discussions almost every day?
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Boredom.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
August is my least favourite month.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
We didn’t intend to finish 29th – say like Pittsburgh when they were drafting Lemiuex and Crosby.
Last year, to say the least, was a total clusterfuk
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Best since Esposito though? Seriously? What is it about his game that makes you think he’ll be almost as good as a guy who scored 1590 points in 1282 career games?
If he’s half as good as Thornton was for them Boston should be happy.
Resident Capologist
10th all time in points, 5th all time in goals.
birky sounds a whole lot like Pierre Maguire…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Thornton only played 7 seasons with the Bs and only hit 75 points once.
I said best center since Esposito. I did not say as good as Esposito.
You know who the second highest scoring Bruin center in history is? Peter McNab with 587 points.
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
I still think it’s a gigantic stretch.
And I’ll bet that Seguin doesn’t score half of McNab’s point total as a Bruin.
Resident Capologist
ok That may be stretch as well
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
You know who the second highest scoring Bruin center in history is? Peter McNab with 587 points.
Followed by Milt Schmidt and Bill Cowley, who played about a year’s worth of fewer games but had a higher PPG.
There are only 15 centers with 300 points with the Bruins, though, so there he’s got a point.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Scott Thornton?
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
missing the point
I’m saying Seguin is no Malkin.
Not that he’s a bad player, but the Pens lucked out to get those lottery picks in some of the best drafts ever.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly, plenty of teams have had the first overall pick in the draft, how many of those teams have won one cup, let alone 3? Seriously, I want to know, someone run the numbers.
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 19, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Since 1985 5 players who were drafted first overall won the cup with the team that drafted them. 3 of them are Penguins.
Lemieux, Modano, Lecavalier, Fleury, Crosby, and Kane.
Cussing Pittsburgh.
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 19, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
re: espo and Seguin
There was this guy named Adam Oates who put up 142 points for Boston in 1992-93.
Jean Ratelle wasn’t too shabby either.
I think you’re losing 50 bucks.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
Jason Allison(!) finished 4th in league scoring when he played for the B’s.
...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...
by My Poor Friend Me on Aug 19, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
As a fan, I was willing to just be shitty for a few years in the hopes of “getting lucky” at the draft.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Craig Patrick planned it all along.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Too bad they burned two of those on Fleury and Jordan Staal
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
imagine they picked Kessel over Staal.
Damn.
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
or backstrom
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking more because they need a winger for Sid
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
yeah, but backstrom is better than staal
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
So is Toews.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, if they did not have Malkin or Crosby those would look like terrible terrible blunders.
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 19, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
imagine they picked eric staal over fleury and kessel over jordan staal?
that would have been nuts
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
ridiculous? it’s the model everyone should follow to win a cup! you can only win through drafting!!
/kill me
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
As BB likes to say
“I was this close Sid… This close to getting you in Anaheim”
Plan schman. Without Sid this team would still be learning how to make it out of the 1st and 2nd round
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 20, 2010 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
hahahahha holy shit
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Wel, obviously. But I don’t recall people thinking Ovechkin would go onto to the heights he’s reached. I don’t think he was seen as that much of a talent
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
Floaty visor-wearin’ russian
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Pocahonsky and Antrop-ov.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember him being really hyped at the WJC on year, not to the level of Crosby or anything, but he was definitely on the radar.
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 19, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, he was known
he was already established as the bull in a china shop ridiculous man-child with high speed and a powerful shot.
only questions were his adjustment to north america, and what could happen with the market that drafts him (i.e. atlanta or florida might have totally screwed the pooch had they had him)
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Because they were looking for the “next crosby” a year after Crosby himself was drafted.
Remember when Crosby was supposed to be the next Gretzky? Nobody had said that for years and years before then. Now they throw out “the next whomeever” every freaking year.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
They are always looking for “the next ….” in every sport.
Once upon a time, Paul Kariya had the next Gretzky tag.
Resident Capologist
Eric Lindros.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
“The Next One”
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
Lindros and Kariya were both drafted more than a decade before Crosby.
I’m pretty sure nobody was saying Chris Phillips was the next anybody before the Sens drafted him.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I was in highschool and had a massive crush on Spezza at the time, what was they hype surrounding him like?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The only thing I remember about Spezza is how Cherry hyped him on every coach’s corner and dragged the sens over the coals for keeping him out of the NHL for too long.
Cherry loved Spezza…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
So did I but then he was drafted into the OHL by the Brampton Battallion back when my friends and I were trying to be puck bunnies and knew nothing about hockey.
No joke, I remember my friend saying “He’s awesome just like Tie Domi!”
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Tie Domi is awesome. We don’t just hand out silver hockey sticks for nothing!
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
:P
I distinctly remember this comment as being related to his dekes.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
hhahahaha
Didn’t Pat Quinn put Tie Domi out in a shootout once? And I think he scored to win the game too!
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep
I was at that game!
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 19, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
ya
Lindros was “The Next One”, and then nothing like it until Crosby’s draft year.
Hell, there wasn’t all that much hype around Ovechkin if I recall correctly…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin
was hyped, but there’s always more hype around North Americans because
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
Lindros as “the next one” was legit, though. Injuries did him in.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
I saw him play in Oshawa a few times growing up. He was a freak of nature. i think it was his second season in the OHL, he just tore everything up…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
yup, he was damn near a 3ppg player (149points in 57 games)
if only he had learned to keep his head up
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Carl Lindros forgot to tell him to keep his head up, Eric never figured it out on his own.
by ShahofToronto on Aug 19, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
For a time, Eric Lindros was the paragon of what a hockey player needed to be. Big, fast, deft hands, and unbridled tenacity. Then Scott Stevens killed him.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
The problem with the “the next one” moniker was that it suggested that Lindros would be singularly dominant, overlooking Bure, Forsberg, Kariya, Selanne, Federov, Mogilny, and Jagr.
by general borschevsky on Aug 19, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
were it not for a knock on his noggin, i’d argue he very well could have been…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
What did those guys ever do?
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He was certainly trending that way.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
yeah
for his first x seasons, when adjusted based on era, he was scoring at a pace close to gretzky’s
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
but as i recall
the “next gretzky” thing went crazy with Sid because it was Gretzky himself who said it. An feature in now defunct Toro magazine, if I recall, had him basically saying “if anyone’s going to break my records it’s probably this kid” after seeing him at 13.
i’ll try and find a link
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
page 80 of this
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/toromagazine/toro_2003_winter/2009112301/9.html
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
the deep drafts of the last 5-6 years have completely clouded everyone’s judgement of how team’s should be built, the infallibility of the draft, etc. it’s annoying.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
by daoust on Aug 19, 2010 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
True but
then Stamkos came along and co-won the Richard in his Sophmore year.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i definitely recall
some talk before the Stamkos draft that said many scouts would have taken Stamkos ahead of Tavares even if they were both available.
I think Stamkos got a little lucky to score 50 this year but we’ll see what he can do.
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
Maybe a little lucky, but 50 goals isn’t something easy to do even with a lot of help*
*MASSIVE EXCEPTION: Jonathon Cheechoo
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
oh absolutely
an excellent talent. But he’s not a Crosby. That term “generational talent” gets thrown around too much since by definition they don’t come around very often. I think Stamkos is a very good goal scorer.
I didn’t start out the biggest Crosby fan since I was tired of the hype but I watched him a lot in the last 12 months and I’m very impressed with how good he is at all aspects of the game. All the more impressive since he’s not all that big.
A year ago I didn’t know who the best player in the NHL was. But today I’m completely convinced its crosby.
Both Tavares and Stamkos strike me as though they will develop into elite goal scorers.
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
if crosby is gretz or mario, Stamkos is Bretty Hull
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
excellent analogy
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
A year ago I didn’t know who the best player in the NHL was. But today I’m completely convinced its crosby.
You have earned a great big smile from me
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
:D
thank you
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
why weren’t you at the CC this morning?
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
THAT’S WHY IT’S NOT A CRIME!!!
/goes into the corner to calm down
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
no
we just don’t act goofy about it
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
goofiness
I blame genetics
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
thats what crosby says about his giant ass
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Or…with the advancement and standardization of a lot of minor hockey programs along with better scouting, is it just possible that players are getting better and NHL teams are getting better at identifying talent?
by TheBurnward on Aug 19, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Tavares is a much much much better player than either Hall or Seguin. Just compare the WJCs of Tavares and Hall. Tavares owned them and Hall was nothing more than an also-ran.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
absolutely
much better.
but not a world beater at the NHL level. not yet. not sure he’ll ever reach Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin levels, which isn’t a knock on him, just trying to point out that he was expected to be great in his first year, and he was just not terrible…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Tavares’ main weakness is his skating. He probably needs to move to wing full time, and he won’t reach his peak nearly as fast as Crosby or Stamkos. He’ll still be an elite scorer before its all over
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
Stamkos lit up the power play playing with Lecavalier and St. Louis. I think Tavares could boost his point production with those two.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Crosby could get 150 points a year if he played with Lecavalier and St. Louis. Like Sundin, it is always going to be a problem for the Pens to find a suitable winger for him.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
They should have tried to package Staal for Heatley.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Intriguing. Could they afford him?
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Between Heatley and Fleury they would have had the worst teeth since the English soccer team.
(I am just kiling Fleury for no reason today)
Resident Capologist
hehe
irrational hatred FTW!
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
ew
Heatley with Sid? I’m happy with Staal
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
/facepalm
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Staal’s dependable, consistent and a good defensive forward. Plus he’s the bestest hockey player in his family
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
In terms of talent, maybe. Maybe I’m just biased toward Jordan.
Marc’s #3, Jared’s still way behind
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
Eric’s scored 100 points in the NHL already.
Jordan hasn’t topped, what, 60?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
If you had to choose one player between Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler, you’d choose Sedin 100 times out 100.
That’s essentially the choice right now between Eric and Jordan Staal. Jordan’s a fine player; he’s just not Eric.
Resident Capologist
Personally, i’d take Kessler
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Um.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Well this is true.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Jared wins the best name competition tho
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Strongly disagree doesn’t come close to how much I disagree.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
One team.
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 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. But he’s the third center on that team and is stuck behind Malkin and Crosby. When they picked him, they needed a winger for Crosby, not another center.
When I read the nickname Testicula, the first thing that popped into my head was a vampiristic scrotum that can only be killed with a silver cross driven through the vas deferens.
true, but I’d still rather have Staal than Heatley
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
Heatly would probably score 60 goals a year with crosby
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
People said the same thing about him being with Thornton.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Crosby is better than Thorton for one reason, he is a better goal scorer and draws opposing players just that much more
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I just don’t know that Heatley could really score 60. I just think that Heatley + Crosby combined would see Crosby hit insane point totals.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Hasn’t Heatley pretty much always had at least one forward who could create the majority of his offence?
First it was Kovalchuk.
Then Spezza and Alfredsson.
Now Thornton and Marleau
Resident Capologist
Yeah
that’s why I don’t think he can score 60.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
haha
I was actually thinking the other day that if I had to pick between Heatley or Kovalchuk, I’d pick Kovalchuk 10X out of 10.
And then I was scared that I agreed with Waddell.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Waddell, who now has neither but has Dustin Byfuglien?
God that team has been mismanaged to death.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
MAPLE
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
LEAFS
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
and sid
"Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience... hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the deathly chill of winter we are alive." - Stephen Leacock.
by Leafer87 on Aug 19, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i think staal for iginla might be interesting
reset the flames, scorer for sid
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Burke wants to revive the World Cup
http://www.financialpost.com/todays-paper/Brian+Burke+world+awaits/3416230/story.html
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
HEY!
That was designed by renowned Architect Frank Gehry, I’ll have you know! (BTW, I’m not a big Gehry fan, but I haven’t yet been to the AGO)
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
It would make a great vase or something, but in terms of worthiness as a hockey trophy it fails miserably.
FWIW, I pretty much hate Gehry’s work…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't like the look of a trumpet wrapped in plastic?
I remember the unveiling. He showed it to the media and two seconds later he said “You don’t like it, I can tell”. None of the Canadian players even wanted to touch it.
You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon
by Biff Carrington on Aug 19, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Gehry looks like the Emperor from Star Wars there.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would we like it??? Look at it
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 19, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If the Stanley Cup was an erection, this is what it would look like flaccid.
by general borschevsky on Aug 19, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Hey-O!
Winner!
You mess with the bull young man, you'll get the horns - Principal Richard Vernon
by Biff Carrington on Aug 19, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Alright
DId some more digging, I found this great article from Mirtle about how Burke built the Ducks. It sounds to me like he’s on his way to doing the same thing here. But I’m not so sure that waiver wire pick ups and minor deals are something that can work twice.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:04 PM EDT reply actions
The difference between the Ducks and the Leafs
Ducks had already drafted Getzlaf and Perry in 03, on top of a whole host of other young prospects (including a still developing Bryzgalov.) His draft record (outside of Bobby Ryan) in ANA isn’t all that spectacular.
Toronto doesn’t have that same luxury…
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Ducks had Getzlaf and Perry, Leafs have Kessel and…. Kadri? (too soon)
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Neither Getzlaf nor Perry were projected to be top-15 NHL players, so the comparison isn’t as far off as it seems.
?
both were first round draft picks…it’s not like Burke found these guys playing shinny in the tundra or something
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
BOZAK
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t Murray draft them?
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
yes……..
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I misinterpreted what Blurr wrote….
move along, nothing to see
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
His draft record isn’t that spectacular ever, really. But really the list of players that he had in Anaheim that were on that cup winning team were basically Perry, Getzlaf, Giguere, Kunitz. Huge turnover, which is a parallel I think is very telling.
His goaltending situation is the biggest difference, I think.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
he’s stated often how he learned his lesson in VAN re: goaltending, and history does seem to confirm that (had Giguere and Bryzgalov, and still went after Hiller)
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, just in Anaheim he walked into a good situation and made it better. Here, he had a horrible situation and it took him a while to improve it.
Basically, this has me thinking. If we actually looked at the turnover on the Ducks’ roster and the quality of players Burke brought in, would we have expected the Ducks to be that good that fast? I don’t think there’s an equivalent of Getzlaf/Perry in the Leafs’ system and that really hurts, but I think he’s tried to make up for that in the Kessel trade, signing Bozak etc.
I also think it’s interesting that he is friends with the Colts’ GM, and seems to think that tying up a lot of money in the “right” two players is a good philosophy. I’d say in Anaheim those players were Pronger and Niedermayer. So we have… Phaneuf and Kessel? Maybe?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
ahhh
sorry, my mistake.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
hold on
Mirtle says Burke’s players were Giguere and Niedermayer, with Pronger being added later.
So basically what I’m getting at is I think we still have a lot of changes to come.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
If Rob Niedermayer wasn’t on the Ducks, would Scott have signed there? I remember reading somewhere one of his reasons for signing in Anaheim was specifically to play with his brother.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Burke has always said that his signing of Niedermayer was nothing special
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
Rob Niedermayer was a free agent, too. Both could have left the team if Burke didn’t want to keep them.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
by James Mirtle on Aug 20, 2010 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions
His draft record isn’t that spectacular ever, really.
Maybe that’s why he’s so willing to trade away draft picks.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I could probably go through that article paragraph by paragraph and replace some of the Ducks names with Leafs names and it would still make sense.
I’ve been saying for years that Burke is the best GM in hockey, after watching firsthand how he rebuilt a terrible Canucks team into a contender, but the one caveat coming the other way was always “he doesn’t have a Cup.”
Brian Burke is the best GM in hockey.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
reading through the comments… yikes. Good to know trolls were alive and kicking in 2007.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
YEAH
I was thinking the Globe comments might be a step up from for mirtle…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve actually been working on something relating that Ducks team to the current Leafs and just posted it here.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
the defense at least is strikingly similiar.
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
phaneuf and schenn
duh
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually think they’re totally different. That Ducks’ D was ridiculously top-heavy.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 19, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
So
what will be the biggest battle in camp?
D’Amigo vs Caputi vs Mueller?
Giguere vs. Gustavsson (well, we know they’ll both play a lot)
Finger vs the salary cap?
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
for some reason I am convinced Mueller will win that LW battle hands down, I base this on absolutely nothing
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s how I roll
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Ron Wilson and Brian Burke vs. Howard Berger and Damien Cox
Tag-team steel cage match.
Only on Pay-Per-View
Resident Capologist
I remember this.
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 19, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Intriguing
@dchesnokov Viktor Tikhonov father said the player requested a trade from the #Coyotes; said about 15 teams are interested.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 2:11 PM EDT reply actions
who?
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
really?
His dad was an NHLer, I remember when jr was drafted it was kinda a big deal.
He was on loan to the KHL this year, I think, though.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
yes really
his numbers arn’t anything special
but why not…
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
KHL half season: 25gp 14g 1a 15pts
at least he’s a shooter..
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
HockeysFuture prospect page for Tikhonov
Prospect Grade: 7.5 B
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
He’s Phoenix’ top Centre prospect, as well as #3 on their prospect depth chart behind Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brett MacLean.
As Jared mentions above though, numbers aren’t really spectacular… probably just wants out of Phoenix.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Refuted.
ESPN_Burnside: Phoenix GM Don Maloney tells us no truth to rumors Viktor Tikhonov is demanding a trade and that the 28th pick in ’08 is expected in camp.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Or does he just not want to admit this?
I dunno.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 19, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
If I was him I wouldn’t want to admit it.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Aug 19, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Ohhh
rebuttal! Twitter battle for truths!
@dchesnokov #Coyotes prospect Viktor Tikhonov (RFA next year) will return to the NHL this season. He did, however, ask for a trade.
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
PPP makes ESPN "rumor" section again
One reason Kaberle could leave
Many Toronto Maple Leafs fans were not happy that Tomas Kaberle wasn’t traded. But the person who was unhappiest about the situation might’ve been Kaberle’s dad.Frantisek Kaberle has several reasons why his son should’ve been dealt. One of them: Toronto puts too much pressure on some players. He told Hokej.cz (translated on Pension Plan Puppets), “Thanks to Tomas, I have been following Toronto for a long time. I didn’t believe it much in the beginning, but it seems that the best players don’t want to go to this club. The reason is because of the huge pressure from the fans, and especially the media.”
Kaberle Sr. also cites coach Ron Wilson’s coaching style — “[he] relies primarily on aggression and stress” — and the Leafs numerous defensemen as reasons his son should’ve been dealt. In short, it seems Kaberle’s dad isn’t a big fan of Toronto. So if Daddy has any sway on where Kaberle goes, the blueliner may not re-sign in Toronto. Leafs GM Brian Burke already said he wouldn’t ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause so, unless Kaberle asks for a trade, that would mean the defenseman is headed for free agency.
But then again, Kaberle Sr. comes off as an over-involved hockey dad, so the 32-year-old Kaberle may not let Dad have a say in his decision.
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
do our foreign correspondents (or their friends who did the translating) get any residuals from that?
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 19, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha!
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 19, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice that they don’t link to us.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Why would they do that? Oh.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Owned. Also, wicked awkward picture of Kaberle.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 19, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
his hair is fantastic
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 19, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
everybody wave at the nice lurking ESPN insders!
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel like I should charge them.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
sorry Chemmy
internet rules state you can only charge for crap. high quality stuff must remain free and easily accessible.
This is my signature.
by blurr1974 on Aug 19, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Son of a Bitch
NortonSports
Client Bill Sweatt has joined his big brother Lee as a member of the #Canucks! Good luck guys
There's always money in the banana stand.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
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