We're Tired
by Chemmy on Aug 30, 2010 8:21 AM EDT
in From The Branches
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PrintI'm guessing today was Dr. SkinnyFish M.D.'s day to FTB. Unfortunately for all of you we were stuck in traffic for ever last night and dragged ass into our apartment around 2a.m. before passing out. I don't have many Leafs blogs in my RSS reader now that other people write all the FTBs so you're going to need to wait for Skinny or Karina to wake up and spend the time hunting for links. If you don't feel like waiting toss your link in the comments.
Meanwhile let's pass the time this morning: what's on your mind about the Leafs? What do you think of Clarke MacArthur? Will he and Nikolai Kulemin get in a fist fight over #41?
Have you voted in our Leafs fan confidence poll on the upper left of the blog? Why did you vote the way you did?
The rookie tournament starts Sept. 11th in London. That means that this is your last hockey free weekend. Hold on to your butts folks, we're almost there. Links after the jump.
Playing The Odds: The Leafs in Net
What do we have in Gustavsson and Rynnas?
Leafs play it safe wtih MacArthur signing
Maple Stir Up thinks that while he's another third liner (or S-liner) he's a versatile pick-up
Will Jerry D'Amigo Make The Leafs?
I don't think he will out of camp but the kid's surprised so far.
Phoenix Coyotes Resign Lee Stempniak to 2 Year Deal
T Hair updates on the Stempy signing.
Faceoffs - The Best and Worst since the Lockout
Copper & Blue with a good look at the top circle guys in the game
Great goalies of my youth: Hall, Plante, Sawchuk, Giacomin, and Esposito
Another excellent update from Vintage Leaf Memories
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Playing the Odds: The Leafs In Net
Looking at the Burke’s goaltending strategy by the numbers
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
These guys look at whether D’Amigo will make the roster or not
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
And Cale Loney thinks that with 50 contracts, more moves are coming for the Leafs
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Well done
on the first 3. The 4th one is an easy pass. All I could find was a story about a guy who ties a note to a tumbleweed as it meanders across the Great Plains to see if anybody might find it and respond to it. Doesn"t seem to have anything to do with hockey, and yet…
by general borschevsky on Aug 30, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
So excited for the rookie tournament. Going to the Saturday and Tuesday games, should be a good time.
Yea, I think I’ll be able to make it to the Tuesday game.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I expect full reviews from both of you!
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh there will be reviews, The Commenter Formerly Known as Fleet Fox and I will try and track down players at the bar after the game as well, even if it means enduring techno and bottler service.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I am going too
I am starting med school at UWO. We should try to get a bunch of us PPPers to meet up at the game!
Could do.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I was also thinking we should watch the opener at a bar as well, I believe there’s a Loose Moose get together being planned for everyone in Toronto.
by ShahofToronto on Aug 30, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Woohoo! My Local News Stand had the Maple Leaf Annual up a day early!
Life as a Toronto Sports Fan?... *sigh*... It is what it is...
Stempniak
signs with Phoenix. 2 years, $1.75 million per year.
by general borschevsky on Aug 30, 2010 8:57 AM EDT reply actions
Disclosing the details of the contract is decidedly un-ninja.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions
It wasn’t disclosed it just sort of got leaked out. Thats ninja.
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.
That is ninja.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Fan Confidence Poll
It’s on the main page. It runs weekly and monthly. Be sure to vote.
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.
Why is there no PLAYOFFS!!!1 option?
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Vote 100
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.
Can do.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
So what deals do you expect Burke to make during the season?
Since Burke has been pretty active as a trader during his time as your GM whats everyone expecting? I doubt there will be any more Phaneuf sized deals aside from swapping a D-Man. Any expiring contracts you gotta move? I’m thinking he will try and upgrade the top lines a bit, most likely adding second liners, maybe picking up a ponikarovski type.
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.
I think that any answer I give will be wrong. I’m inclined to think that he does nothing until December or so. Let the team play as is for a while and see what/who develops. As for any potential trade I’d imagine it would be something like swapping a D-man for some scoring up front, but I can’t think of any potential targets on either end.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Burke gives this team until American Thanksgiving at the earliest before anything remotely big. Could see some small moves to free a contract or two up but nothing more.
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.
Pretty much.
If Burke spends the whole fall revamping the team again after all the changes that have already been made this calendar year, I think many of us would really start questioning what the hell is going on.
(That statement comes with the caveat that if he gets the opportunity to make this team much much better, I think he’ll do it)
Resident Capologist
I agree with these. There is something to be said about chemistry. These guys need time to gel.
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
by leafer1984 on Aug 30, 2010 9:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think that caveat always applies to Burke.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m worried Sjostrom may get moved at the deadline if again we’re on the outside looking in.
I hope I’m wrong, I like the guy he’s a good depth 2-way player who makes our PK better. Seems to know his role too.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I love him too. He’s going to be affordable forever and he’ll do all the things Burke loved in Moen and Pahlsson
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Yup
but I can see other teams being interested in a role player like that at the deadline, and for 700k-ish salary he’d be available to pretty much anyway.
It will all depend on if we’re buyers or sellers at the deadline. I fear we will be sellers however. Pessimist in me.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Argh
anyway = anyone.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Depends though, if Burke feels he can re-sign him at reasonable value the why deal him? I wouldn’t be surprised to see an extension at some point during the season if he continues to perform well on the PK
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
He may be benefitting from small sample size though… he did good work post-Phaneuf trade for us, but who’s to say that will keep up?
And I think we all know it doesn’t matter whether we like him or not, if Burke doesn’t like his style of play he’ll take whatever he can get for him and ship him off. I haven’t seen anything yet to indicate that yet though (I forget whether it was Burke, Nonis or Fletcher who wanted him included in the Phaneuf trade)
I hope he’s the X-factor but it is not enough data to say he is the cause of the improvement. Definite correlation with improved PK though.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
He was known for it back on the Rangers
In 08-09 him and Blair (now on Philly) were known as the best pk pair of forwards.
Fletcher wanted him in on the trade, I think he was impressed by his play back when both of them were with the Coyotes.
Waiting on the Dave Nonis era.
by PassivelyTruculent on Aug 30, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Also
regardless of the NTC, there will be neverending Kaberle speculation all year.
God I wish he had been moved if only to prevent the relentless speculation.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
What great journalists they are
We should just throw money at them for their intelligence and integrity
Yeah
There will be speculation but hes the most interesting one to speculate about. Your against the cap and need forwards so you gotta move a D-Man. Phaneuf isnt going anywhere, Komi has a NMC, Beuch seems like he would be the most likely person to get moved but thatd be boring, Kaberle etc etc etc, Schenn realistically wont get moved but people will still talk. There is no obvious person to trade so your unfortunately stuck hearing the same kabby tune till it works itself out.
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.
It's part of the game in Toronto
if only to prevent the relentless speculation.
I can’t imagine Burke being influenced by that.
If Kabby signs an extension the speculation will die down completely. If he doesn’t sign, it will go on and get louder between x-mas and the trade deadline. I expect he’ll re-sign between now and January unless there really is a problem with Wislon. i think everybody (Burke, Wilson, Kabby, his agent Curran) just want things to relax a bit and see if the team can get off to a good start or not. In theory, I think everyone’s on the same page as long as things go according to plan.
by general borschevsky on Aug 30, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Agree. If we’re winning, all this is under the rug until early summer.
verbeauty!
by A Lindros Jaw on Aug 30, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Fan Confidence Poll
I voted an 80 because this is the first year post lockout that i feel i have a legitimate hope/direction for the team. But maybe im just being a dumb leaf fan again and setting myself up for a let down.
C’mon league average goaltending!
I voted 100 because PPP told me it was the equivalent to PLAYOFFS!!!1.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s higher than I had anticipated.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
60
Its my confidence in the team this year. If its my confidence in the direction the team is going it would have been 80.
90
Because I’m so excited/anxious to see how a well-conditioned, well-backstopped team of youngsters can get their chemistry together for PLAYOFFS!
50
That’s an average of my expectations with the distribution skewed left – a range of positive expectations with some specific nightmares.
Example of specific nightmare: Two minutes left; tied. Tuukka Rask makes an unbelievable save on Phil Kessel, play goes the other way and Tyler Seguin turns Luke Schenn inside out for the easy stick-side tap in on Gustavsson.
That’s getting pretty specific though.
I only say it to appease the cruel, cruel hockey gods (And CH). Turn it around and that’s kinda the definition of hope, so.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Phil Kessel scored a goal against the Bruins this year. There, I said it.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
70 -because I like having a captain and the defense corps (inlcuding) goaltending “looks” in tact.
BS
Zajac Available?
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/devs_face_ilya_hit_EM7ryF11k7bI0DSeRJvTfI
discuss.
Who wants to hear a funny ass joke?
Pff
I saw that, he’s not. More silly speculation due to their cap issues.
Kovy, Parise, Zajac are all part of their core going forward. They’ll just do what chicago had to do – dump other spare parts to keep the core intact.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
exactly
the article even nails it. Its my Lithuanian brethren Zubrus who is going to be gone before their 25 year old 1st line Centre
I wonder if they can find a taker or if Zubrus and Salvador will hit the waiver wire.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus could help a team still i think. Not sure about how useful Salvador is. Maybe I’m being biased though.
I think they’re both useful players, but I think their usefulness isn’t up to their cap hit.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea, and I really don’t think they’d want Jason Arnott as their #1 Center going forward.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
a bit late, but
The General’s post yesterday got me thinking about the effect injuries have on teams.
I’ve concluded the greatest injury most teams can suffer would be a long term injury to a stable goaltender. Divisionally, how many games do the Bruins take without 1.98gaa .931 Rask? or Sabres without Miller? or the Habs without Halak, sorry, Price, hmm. well I guess we’ll find out about that one.
It makes me feel a bit better that this is one position that’s nearly as promising as our D, and is retained at a fraction of the price.
Though I enjoyed the General’s piece, I think we’re better equiped to deal with injuries than your average team hovering on the playoff bubble – provided two or three prospects (projects included) can make a name for themselves if need be. That’s not too much to ask I think.
I know there’s a pretty good case to be made for the instability/unpredictability of goaltending. See Leighton, Michael. But for teams that can’t be built around a Carter/Richards/Pronger core, or a Malkin/Crosby core, 95 point seasons start and end between your own posts.
verbeauty!
Boston would be okay if Rask got injured because they still have Thomas. If we lose Kessel, the best we can hope for is staying out of the lottery. If we lose Kessel and Versteeg, Bruins draft 1st overall.
cuss, I was totally under the impression that Thomas had a rubbish year last year.
I agree, we’re most venerable at forward, but I’d hope we didn’t finish dead last.
verbeauty!
by A Lindros Jaw on Aug 30, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Thomas only appeared to have a rubbish year because he did…compared to his previous vezina-winning year and his contemporary competition – the best goalie in the league.
Also the Bruins last year couldn’t score worth shit, that didn’t help matters.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh RLY?!!?
Sounds like you need a young 30-40 goal scorer…
NYAH-NYAH, CAN’T HAVE HIM!!!
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I would say a lot of teams have 1 or 2 key players that dramatically effect their team’s standings though, not just the Leafs.
Buffalo – Vanek and Rask
NYR – Gaborik and Lundqvist
MON – Camelleri & Halak Price Auld?
Other teams like Philly and BOS have a bit more depth and could still go on with key injuries. (as was said, Thomas is a hell of a backup to have)
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoops
Buf – Vanek & Rask Miller
Maybe I should just take today off.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Did Price get signed somewhere else and I missed it? Im really hoping he does, because I want him to develop into a great starting goalie for Team Canada in 2014.
Nah
he is just as of yet unsigned.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Buffalo literally can’t score without Vanek.
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
You hear that Colton Orr?
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
We have Patrick Kaleta and aren’t above taking bush league revenge shots.
Perhaps instead of killing each other we should just agree to injure mark savard instead. They probably won’t even fight back.
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
Hmmmmm.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
70
Generally OK with the moves made, can’t assess much more until we see them on the ice.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Now in year 44 of the 42-year saga.
Why has Nobody. Gone. After. Bobby. Ryan?
I don’t mean us, i mean anybody. The guy appears to be available. Call Anaheim, tell them you are making an offersheet but would be willing to trade. He would turn quite a few teams into an instant heavyweight.
There are still a number of key RFAs, all the teams saying (which I believe) they would match all offers.
Ryan, Neal, Price, M. Staal, all still unsigned, but dare I say none are “available”.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Price is the only one that worries me. They clearly kept him because he was cheaper, so he might be vulnerable to offer sheets. He might not suck without all the Montreal media dogging him 24/7.
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
Who would offer sheet though?
Edmonton? They’re gunning for #1 pick next year it seems, why would they give that pick up in an offer sheet? Plus why the hell would Price sign that offer sheet?
Not many other decent teams have cap room (or internal cap room) left to sign him to $3-$4m.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
If they are sure that Khabibulin will be in jail, i assume they’ll sign neimi. They will save money for sure and upgrade the position. they’ll probably still get the #1 pick anyway, as he’s not really much better than someone like price, at least right now.
On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Everything wrong with the Sabres is Drew Stafford's fault.
Deslauries, Dubnyk, GRBRZRKR, I’m not sure the Oilers would sign Niemi.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
3 mediocre goalies – probably just the way the Oilers want it
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 30, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Three mediocre goalies, two of whom are quite young and could still develop in to something more. Also, a free lotto pick.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
yup and yup.
Also, Edmonton has some nice young prospects at forward.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 30, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I would love to see someone offersheet price so that matching it would put the habs $1 over the cap.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
they could just bench a starter for a day
salary hit is a sum of all the accumulated individual days of the season. if a guy like gomez is making 35000 a day, its just one day of him being in the minors that would more than balance that $1.
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Nobody’s gone after him because of what he’ll cost. And I don’t mean a loss of 1st round picks. I mean the loss of having those picks outperform their ELC contracts thus allowing money to be spent elsewhere to improve the club. Without people outperforming their ELCs, Chicago doesn’t win the cup.
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 hope
next season a team wins the cup without the out-performing ELCs.
I’m sick of that theme and I wish it would die. Leads everyone to think that tanking is the only way to win. And I hate that the last few years it’s been true.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
if it makes you feel better
Detroit and Jersey have won the most cups in the last 15 years – neither team had to tank to do it.
One played boring as shit hockey, and the other played a modified version of boring as shit hockey.
Maybe I am not making a very good case here…
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Aug 30, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
The 2002 Wings
played boring hockey? One-legged Stevie Y and the Dream Team? Even as a Leafs fan I had to enjoy that a little. Guess I’m picking and choosing here. I don’t think Detroit’s success came from the same style of play as Jersey though.
I don’t know that I’d call any hockey the Wings have played boring. I really like watching them and their puck posession style.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Left wing lock is a type of zone control, but instead of trying to clog up the neutral zone, you are forcing the opponents to play on half the ice going east-west.
It is more fun than the old Jersey style, but it was still a defensive system based.
What made it so successful was the fact they had skilled offensive players playing within a system.
Given a choice, I watch the Red wings 10 times out of 10.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Aug 30, 2010 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
the "trap" was actually based on an offensive system
some coach in sweden. he called it the “torpedo”, where it was effectively used to freeze the near & mid sections of the ice, leaving hail mary’s available for your superstars like Karl Dekestrom and Djurty Danglesson.
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions
This line bothers me a lot. Without people outperforming their ELCs, it just means they can’t afford $5M huet, or $7M Campbell. That team was NOT perfectly cap managed; people outperforming their ELCs just covered up the preexisting cap mistakes.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
True, and it’s also not “people” it’s Toews, Kane, and Kieth. I understand that having them play under their ELCs allowed them to ice a team, but outperforming ELCs seems like a misnomer. It’s more like, hope you draft 3 amazing players who are capable of carrying a team to the Stanley Cup during their first contract.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Well…“drafting three amazing players who are capable of carrying a team to the Stanley Cup during their first contract” is pretty much the bleeding definition of outperforming your ELC, though, no?
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, there are plenty of players outperforming their ELC around the NHL, doesn’t guarantee you squat.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the ELC thing was a product of the post lockout situation and GM’s not knowing how to build teams in the Cap Era. I guarantee you that whichever team wins next year (unless it’s LA or Boston, which I doubt), ELCs won’t matter all that much.
Guarantee
is a pretty strong word, because there are a lot of teams that you could attribute success of the ELCs to.
Philly = Giroux and JVR
Tampa = Stamkos and Hedman
Boston = Seguin (if he makes the team)
Montreal = Lars Eller & PK Subban
Buffalo = Tyler Myers
and on and on…. even if they were the key cogs you’ll hear arguments that they wouldn’t have won without those players outperforming… bah
I’d say WSH, PIT and DET probably can’t use that argument much anymore. VAN either (unless Hodgson is what puts them over the top).
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
The team on that list that would be comparable to the Hawks is Tampa, and they have Lecavalier and St. Louis.
If Philly wins a cup it’s because of Pronger, Carter and Richards. Boston because of Rask, Savard, Bergeron, Kreijc.
Montreal b/c of Cammalarie, Gionta, Gomez & Price, Buffalo=Ryan Miller and Vanek.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t we all love a little “outperforming their ELC’s” from some young Leafs this year?
To be honest, I’m a little jealous of the teams that have had this “luck”
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 30, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
kadri will probably do it whenever he makes the team (this year or next)
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, I specifically mentioned LA and Boston as exceptions to this. To my mind the heavyweights are:
Pittsburgh: NO significant ELCs
Chicago: NO significant ELCs
Philly: Giroux and JVR are good, but it’s Richards, Briere, Carter and the defense that is goin to put these guys over
Detroit: Only significant ELC is Howard, and he’s not going to be the reason they win
SJ: Cotoure? yeah, ELCs not a difference maker here
Boston: Seguin and Rask(?)
LA: Doughty (and if they win I Imagine B Schenn and Simmonds would be a big part of that). But I have to stress I really don’t think LA is strong enough yet to win it all.
NJ: Parise. Although I don’t think any of the people they dump next year to re-sign Parise will make that much of a diference this year.
VAN: No significant ELC, that I can think of.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
There may be, depends on if someone makes it in training camp. Could be Hodgson, or Schroeder.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah I feel the same. Although if Luongo has a bounce back year it could make up for it.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, then plays well in the pressure filled playo..BAHAHA
i cant even say that with a straight face
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 30, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Luongo get’s blamed for more than he should. The way teams are allowed to take runs at him / tea-bag him is pretty stupid.
It happens and then he turns drama queen.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Pff if he doesn’t want blame he shouldn’t let in 7 goals in playoff games.
Also he’s the captain, so everything starts and ends with him.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s not captain anymore, I though.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
*thought
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s up for debate.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure he still is as of now
Globe and Mail had an article a few days ago about it.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm, Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy seems to completely disagree with my assesment of the Canucks. Best team in the league?
I guess if you think Ballard, Hamhuis, Salo and Bieksa are a solid, top 5/10 in the league D-Corp then, yeah, Vancouver is one of the league’s top teams.
But I think that D-corp is pretty weak, at least compared to the other teams I mentioned.
I’ve witnessed predictions that have them winning the Cup
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 30, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I say their top 4 this yuear are Ballard, Hamhuis, Ehrhoff and Edler.
I see Hamhuis and Edler being their top pairing, and Ehrhoff with Ballard.
O’Brien-Bieksa the next pairing, and Alberts the 7th D (Rome back in the AHL for now).
Definitely not fear inspiring.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, that’s pretty decent. O’Brien is a bit old, but otherwise, that’s a good top 6. 7th and 8th though…not so much.
by Leaf in Habland on Aug 30, 2010 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
O’Brien’s a bit old? He’s 27.
And Bieksa is brutal quite often.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 31, 2010 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Rask is on a cheap deal but it’s not an ELC
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
nope, he just signed a mega sweetheart deal before he broke out huge
next year he is gonna get SO paid though
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 30, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Best RFA deal in the league?
He should command $7-8MM next year now that long-tails are verboten.
by The '67 Sound on Aug 30, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
easily the best non-ECL contract in the nhl a ppg,40 goal scorer for 3.1 mill
redonkulous
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 30, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
It is pretty ridiculous. Rask’s cap hit is only 1.25 next year, which is pretty alright.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, that has potential to be a super steal of a deal (so does gustavssons mind you) but he isnt a proven steal yet (too small a sample size, softmore slump, goalie unpredictability) like Parise
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 30, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, fair point.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
no, i think its already gold.
halak got more
niemi was awarded more
niittymaki, ellis, chris mason, leighton, and turco got more.
price will probably get more.
…and i would rather have rask than any of the above.
1.25m is a pretty nasty steal. rickey henderson would be proud.
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Fan confidence
I voted 80, because I’m sickeningly optimistic, and I’m not sure I understand the reasoning behind applying arbitrary numerical values to something…
This is my BOZAK!!!1
by blurr1974 on Aug 30, 2010 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
So, I hadn’t noticed that your name without the B is Lurr until I watched the most recent episode of Futurama, now I read every comment you make in his voice. Thanks.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t sure whether it was for this season, in general, about winning or about being fun to watch / looking forwards to watching… I put an 80, because any season without Vesa Toskala has to be at least enjoyable.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
by Bower Power on Aug 30, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I went with a letter grade approach and looked back at last year. I gave the team a 60. We’re improving but we have a long way to go.
100: I guarantee we win the cup.
90: Contenders.
80: Win a playoff series.
70: Make the playoffs.
60: Playoff bubble
50: Draft lottery.
40: Kessel announces retirement.
30: Brian Burke replaced with Delta Burke
20: Delta Burke replaced with JFJ
10: JFJ replaced with Robo-Ballard 2.0
0: Toskala given 50 year contract.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Aug 30, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Can you post that as the voting scheme? Or was it just your personal sceme? It clarifies and adds some good humour.
BS
by MapleLeafMole on Aug 30, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
holy crap thats a rec’n
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Aug 30, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Well now
my 100 vote feels less like PLAYOFFS!!1 optimism and more Alfredsson-esque based on that criteria.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I hear that.
PPP ain't nothin to cuss with
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Aug 30, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see anything about moral victories…
This is my BOZAK!!!1
by blurr1974 on Aug 30, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
It doesn’t let you vote for 0.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess 1 is close enough to zero
In Lou We Trust: Continuing a saga no one really cares about
If the quality of my posts begin to get better, it's because i'm doing steroids.
by Kevin Sellathamby on Aug 30, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
It basically is voting 1-10 but with extra zeros.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 30, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Clarke MacArthur sounds like a comic book villian
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Or at least his alter-ego.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Dear God
I just saw some one on twitter suggest waiving Grabbo.
What has this offseason come to.
20 miles to Legoland!
HAHAHAHAHAH
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
So, is it just me, or is MacArthur a cheaper 2010 version of Stempniak?
Negative. I am a meat popsicle.
I have almost 0 expectations for him, so there's a slight difference.
If he pots 10 for $1.1M i’ll be okay with that. Higher is better but whatever, i’m more intrested in seeing the other kids contribute.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
just you
I don’t remember Stempniak ever standing in the crease.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I did like his point shot when he used it though. It had umph.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
for me Stempniak’s Leafs tenure can be summed up on his breakaway in one game, where he had the goalie beat and ended up shooting the puck wide of the net.
I’d call it a comedy of errors if it weren’t so depressing…
This is my BOZAK!!!1
by blurr1974 on Aug 30, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Let’s face it, comedy’s a dead art form.
Tragedy, now that’s funny.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That was against the Canucks.
I was there in person.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
so it’s your fault then?
This is my BOZAK!!!1
by blurr1974 on Aug 30, 2010 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
No, it’s the fault of the 10,000 other Leaf fans who were in attendance.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Aug 30, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
How they managed to suggest that Bozak might become our second- or third-line centre and then rattle off that he averaged 19:13 of ice time in the same paragraph is beyond me. It’s not that Grabovski is worse at the moment, but he didn’t seem to have chemistry with Kessel last year.
puck possession players don’t usually have good chemistry with other possession players
Bozak is a distributor, better fit
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Aug 30, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Makes me wonder how the Grabbo-Versteeg setup will flow.
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
already saw it drawn up in wilson's playbook:
1. versteeg distracts at centre with freestyle raps
2. grabbo sneaks behind with steel chair
3. PORFIT
by Death_By_Leafs on Aug 31, 2010 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions
per multiple tweets the Rangers sign Tim Kennedy
This is my BOZAK!!!1
by blurr1974 on Aug 30, 2010 2:36 PM EDT reply actions
Ya, 1 year 550k.
Plus he’s still getting paid by the Sabres for 2 years $166,667.
“Apparently” The Leafs were interested before they signed MacArthur, but for only a 2-way deal. So the twitterverse rumourworld says anyway…
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
About damn time.
mirtle: Leafs GM Brian Burke says there has been some progress on a deal for Christian Hanson. He believes he will be signed before training camp.
20 miles to Legoland!
Sorry for quoting the sun here guys
However from the sun
Just ask Nazem Kadri, who was caught with his head down coming across the blue line and had Phaneuf about to clobber him with a stiff shoulder until pulling back at the very last second. Or a couple of Marlie AHLers whom Phaneuf bowled over in the corners. Or the minor league goalies Phaneuf hacked hard at when they didn’t completely cover a rebound.
SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984
This Dion guy, I am starting to really like him.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Aug 30, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh
was just about to post that. Phaneuf is stirring shit up.
I’m only worried he’ll try to pull a Komi and try to do way too much on opening night.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Aug 30, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
BIZ NASTY IS RETURNING TO TWITTER!
If I'm losing an argument, I ask myself "What would a real journalist do?"
Then I cower behind: "You still don't get it. Deal with it." Thanks, James Wallace.
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