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Toronto Needs a Plinkett Review

If you don't know what a Plinkett Review is, then head over to RedLetterMedia.com right now, watch all three Star Wars prequel reviews and come back to this article in 6 hours. Seriously go now. For those of you left, you know that "Plinkett" is a guy who reviews terrible movies and picks them apart to inform you the viewer about how terrible they truly are on so many more levels than you were even aware of. The man knows movies. I've just finished watching his Episode III review (epic) and have come to the realization that the Leafs are much like the Star Wars franchise; they were both once great and amazing to watch but then they were led astray by people who didn't understand what they were doing and have ended up as terrible messes.

Star Wars was destroyed by its very own creator, George Lucas. Somewhere along the line, he was given too much power over the franchise and the prequels resulted. Brian Burke is the latest in a long line of general managers who, as Lucas, didn't understand what they were doing and we the viewing public have paid for these mistakes. Brian Burke's tenure, I believe, is a perfect candidate for a Plinkett style review.

#1 - A complete lack of ability to properly judge on-ice talent. Examples: Brett Lebda, Mike Komisarek, Garnet Exelby, Rickard Wallin, Colby Armstrong, Tyler Bozak, Martin Gerber. Who wants a Burkie dog? Send me a self addressed, stamped envelope if you want a Burkie dog.

Star-divide

How Bad Has Armstrong's Season Been?

mf37 does the research as comes back with an answer: Hindenburgesque

Tim Horton's Launches Leafs Themed Donuts

What is it with this team and breakfast foods?

Teams Lining Up for Kris Versteeg

Or at least they are in the mind of Leafs Nation Online.

The Leafs' Guide to Life in the Basement

Puckin' Eh with an informative piece for the New Jersey Devils

Game 38 Scoring Chances

Courtesy of Slava Duris at Leafs Nation

Without Contraction Rivalries Will Die

VLM with an interesting look at how a dilution of talent is bad for hockey.

How to Photograph Hockey

Pretty neat article at the G&M from a pro.

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Gerber….man I still don’t get that move.

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 7:20 AM EST reply actions  

It’s all in the name – Darth Gerber

PS Is it just me or is it entirely possible that Wilson got a wake up call from Burkie… Him being so cranky and all. It was like: “one more season and a half like this and I’ll think about sacking you!”

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 7:22 AM EST up reply actions  

he probably threatened to not renew his contract once it has run it’s full course.

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 7:23 AM EST up reply actions  

to which Wilson would reply “get me some fucking talent to work with”

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 7:24 AM EST up reply actions  

touche! Although that jab doesn’t make me feel any better. It’s like we’re in a who gets the blame warzone. And it’s a standoff.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 7:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Gold tonight!

Visentin gets the start, and I’m feelig dangerously overconfident.

Ticket price difference for Canada & Non Canada games:

Day 11 / Wednesday Jan 5th, 2011

3:30 PM…………….Bronze……….………$35.00 per ticket
7:30 PM…………….Gold…………………$200.00 per ticket

A little side note: The World juniors takes such a big chunk of the TV audience History moved the premiere of Ice Pilots to next week to avoid the game.

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 7:28 AM EST reply actions  

That’s not surprising, the gold medal game sold out ages ago, I do know someone who is going though… jealous.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:16 AM EST up reply actions  

and we all are anxiously awaiting Ice Pilots….. /blink.

Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 8:41 AM EST up reply actions  

Toronto Needs a Plinkett Review

I endorse this statement, and recommend the associated link.

Lies. All lies.

by betterforsome on Jan 5, 2011 7:30 AM EST reply actions  

I just watched the Plinkett Review of Avatar. So funny.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m with you, being Croatian I have no options but to root for Canada. Many many reasons.

Many.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 7:31 AM EST reply actions  

I have no problem with Armstrong. The rest? Yup.

by Parkie10 on Jan 5, 2011 7:34 AM EST reply actions  

Yeah, I’ll give on the fact that Armstrong is overpaid, but at least he’s battling out there…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 7:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Agreed, the overpaid part still results in negative points but just not as severe a deduction.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:17 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s losing the battles. The Leafs get out-shot when Armstrong is on the ice.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 8:24 AM EST up reply actions  

This is Toronto. Learn your math.

Apparent efforts + No results > missed efforts + results.
Armstrong > Kessel.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 8:27 AM EST up reply actions  

No no no…
Tie Domi > Sundin.

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s sadly true. For many Leaf fans, intentions often count more than results.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

But Tie tried so hard! On every shift!

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ve said it before and will say it again—this is true of virtually all North American fanbases (can’t speak ot the rest of the world).

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions  

If you work hard you’ll get the bounces eventually. Luck runs out after a while.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:17 PM EST up reply actions  

while his ability to judge talent

Is definitely questionable, I disagree with a few of those players you mentioned.
Everyone anticipated Bozak to have a better year. At the end of last year we were all excited for him.
With Armstrong, he knew what he was getting into. He didn’t misjudge his talent, he overpaid him. There is a difference.
How did he misjudge Gerber?
Also, with this post, are you saying you can judge talent better than Burke?

Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984

by leafer1984 on Jan 5, 2011 7:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

I can judge talent better than Burke. Colby Armstrong is overrated from playing with Crosby. Boom. I just judged talent better than Burke.

Cut me some slack, I’ve been up all night drinking.

Lies. All lies.

by betterforsome on Jan 5, 2011 7:47 AM EST up reply actions  

If you had said this before the signing, I would have taken you seriously there.

I'm thinking that when the Leafs win the Cup, I'll lose my drinking problem.

by leafsfan4life94 on Jan 5, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions  

I think a number of fans pointed out that it was unlikely Bozak was the real deal (how many un-drafted players can handle the rigors of the 1C job with just 37 professional games under their belt?).

The Leafs complete lack of depth/experience at C was something that was quite clear in the off-season.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 7:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Bozak is getting the Matt Stajan treatment right now… a guy who is not skilled enough to be a #1C being forced to play that role and being chastized for it. His “get it to Kessel” method of putting up points hit a brick wall this year too.

It’s too bad too, if we could bring in a legit #1C he’d be just fine (with a reasonable contract) to be a 3C.

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 7:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Agreed.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions  

Was this due to Burke being unable to obtain a #1C (heck, even a #2C) during the off-season, thus forcing them to play Bozak as the #1C or was it because Burke actually believed Bozak was ready, or had the potential to fulfill that position and role?

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:24 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Bigger questions:

If they had pencilled Kadri in at 2C, how do the rest of the Cs shake out?
Is there another team in the NHL with less professional experience in the 1-4C roles?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 8:26 AM EST up reply actions  

We’re the youngest team in the league. There isn’t another NHL team with less professional experience across the board.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 8:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe the Islanders would be the closest?

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Nah I just checked their payroll and Alexei Yashin is a grizzled vet for sure.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 8:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh that is glorious, I completely forgot about him.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:38 AM EST up reply actions  

We’re the youngest team in the league.

You say that like it’s an unconditionally good thing.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Only when it’s the Oilers.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s not a good thing, but A it’s expected from a rebuilding team, B it’s expected from a team that lacks established elite talent, and C it’s just that having little experience down the middle isn’t exactly an anomaly for this team.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

I guess my point is all of this was well known and easy to mitigate yet nothing was done.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Eh. I don’t mind giving developing kids a whole bunch of ice time, especially if there wasn’t a way to give a quality veteran a short, cheap contract. Maybe there was, but I’d just rather not see our first line center look like Armstrong-, Lebda-, or Komisarek-esque signings.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Who exactly are the “developing kids” that are getting the ice time?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Kadri and Bozak. Mostly Bozak. So, y’know. That’s going well.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions  

We’ll always have Grabbo.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

More importantly: We don’t have some 29 year old 50 point player signed for 4 years at $5M to bring “veteran presence” and “win hard battles” on this team.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t think anyone is calling for bad contracts, but it would have been nice to have a veteran that might step in or shelter one of these guys:

NHL Games Played prior to 2010-11
Tim Brent 19
Tyler Bozak 37
John Mitchell 136
Mikhail Grabovski 164

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s a Burke Free Agent. 4 years, 5M.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions  

And 3 press conferences, discussing his grit.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions  

1G 3A in his last 22 games. I thought we already had Tim Brent.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

I know, and I don’t disagree. Just a tongue in cheek train of thought regarding some of Burke’s 2010 FA signings.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t think there was a #1C on the market. I’m no Burke apologist but our hole at centre was not, to me, “easy to mitigate”.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Burke wanted the Sedins. He’s been scrambling for a solution ever since he missed out on them.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions  

No doubt he wanted them, but I doubt that was his only plan.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:31 AM EST up reply actions  

no

Burke only has one plan ever. there are no “plan b” or “plan c” scenarios, because that would be him admitting that “plan a” may not have a chance at success, and winners don’t think that way.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

My bad.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Plans are for commies.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions  

sorry if I wasn’t clear. I wasn’t looking for, nor expecting, Burke to land a #1C, they’re pretty rare birds.

Rather, I thought it would be prudent for this team to take on a veteran centre that could eat some tough minutes to provide some shelter for the kids.

Going into camp with four Cs with a combined NHL experience of about 350 games strikes me as a good way to lose early and lose often.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions  

was there anyone available that would have made sense short term and long term on july 1? it didnt seem like it….

Matthew Lombardi was one guy I thought off, but he seemed to be shot down pretty quick ’round here.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions  

I still think Brendan Morrison made sense. He’s not going to light the world on fire, but he’s playing 15 minutes a night in Calgary and keeping his head above water.

Eric Belanger was another option.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s the one I would have liked after the whole Caps fiasco.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Matt Cullen?

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Cullen got a 3 year deal, not sure that’s an ideal term for the situation in Toronto.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

tru.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Sort of like when the Islanders signed Guerin to be their captain. That was a win-win for everybody. Guerin got a chance to prove he could still play while the Islanders got veteran presence and leadership for a while, then flipped him for assets.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions  

/checks standings

success…?….!

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

I knew someone was going to go there. Just because the Islanders did dick all with the assets they got out of Guerin doesn’t discount the validity of the strategy at the time. If the Leafs did something similar I would be very happy.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

makes all the sense in the world

step 1 – sign old guy
step 2 – trade old guy for picks
step 3 – draft useless players
step 4- don’t improve team
step 5 – profit!

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Well obviously the difference would be for the Leafs not draft useless players. The one has nothing to do with the other. If the Islanders have bad scouting, that’s their problem, and a separate issue.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions  

I think their rebuild plan is long-term, so its unfair to judge the Islanders this early

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

I hear you. I’d rather suffer through this crap-fest than take on a Morrisson though. At least we’re learning something about Kadri and Bozak.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

I really don't think

Bozak is horribly underperforming.

I keep trying to point this out, but 15 goals, and 42 points through 75 NHL games really isn’t that crappy.

When Andy McDonald was 23/24 playing as a free agent signee out of NCAA for the Ducks, he posted 8 goals and 21 assists for 29 points through his first 69 games (though he admittedly was only averaging 14:52 in ice time).

I really don’t think it makes sense to think that Bozak is doing atrociously. He definitely hasn’t impressed as much as I had hoped he would (I remember saying something about improving to a ppg player – which I freely acknowledge was pie in the sky thinking), but he’s doing pretty damn well.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

the pie-in-the-sky days were so much better than the shit-in-the-mud days of late.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Bozak’s waking up a little, which is nice.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, we’re learning his likely ceiling is #2C and right now he’s a #3C.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions  

To be fair, we didn’t really lose early. Often, ok, but we were good for four games of early.

by Leaf in Habland on Jan 5, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Three of those four wins were 1 goal games…bit of luck in there too.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

9 of our losses are one goal games… flip them and we’re a winning team

by Ben Schnell on Jan 5, 2011 6:18 PM EST up reply actions  

So the Leafs are 4-9 in one goal games? Split the difference, make them 7 and 6 and their record is 17-17-4.

They move up one whole place in their conference.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 7:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Didn’t have to be a #1 centre just one who could play tough minutes without getting buried.

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.

by PPP on Jan 5, 2011 7:28 PM EST up reply actions  

I have a feeling he was forced into seeing what he had in Bozak, there wasn’t a viable long-term option available in the off-season.

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 8:29 AM EST up reply actions  

I don't think any of that statement is entirely fair

Matt Stajan at 23-24 averaged 0.16 gpg, 0.28 apg, and 0.44 ppg… while playing roughly 17:30 in average ice time over 164 games.

Bozak at 23-24 has averaged 0.20 gpg, 0.36 apg, and 0.56 ppg… while playing roughly 19:08 in average ice time.

I think Bozak is far closer to a top line centre at his age than Matt Stajan was.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions  

What are the totals if they’re adjusted for TOI: G/60, A/60, Pts/60?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't have ES ice time up, but give me 10 seconds here

and I shall calculate.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok

Stajan at 23/24 had the following numbers:

ES G/60 = 0.58, A/60 = 0.95, P/60 = 1.53
PP G/60 = 0.56, A/60 = 2.26, P/60 = 2.82

Bozak so far at 23/24 has the following:

ES G/60 = 0.49, A/60 = 1.20, P/60 = 1.69
PP G/60 = 1.41, A/60 = 1.17, P/60 = 2.58

So he’s a fair bit better at even strength, and on the PP he scores more goals, but his point totals are a bit lower. Frankly some of that won’t be helped by the Leafs PP at the end of last year, and Stajan was playing on the PP with McCabe, Tucker, Sundin, etc. so that doesn’t hurt his assist totals.

I’d say Bozak is quite a bit more developed offensively than Stajan was at the same age.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Significantly better on faceoffs, too.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Hooray!

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Thanks for crunching the numbers.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Duh

that’s why it’s 2.0.

Version 2 is better than version 1! Has updated patches so it’s Mac compatable.

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Mac compatible

then why isn’t Wilson playing Ninja on his line?

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions  

There’s been a skill Drop-off, that no-one anticipated..
Most of the blame is to be shouldered by the players…which will hopefully manifest in them being shipped out.

Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Also, with this post, are you saying you can judge talent better than Burke?

Well yeah, I obviously stated exactly that in the third para……wait. I never said this. Is it against the rules to say someone has a bad judge of X without implying that you yourself are better than them at X?

Phil Kessel is terrible at playing a power forward role on the ice. This is a fact. Phil Kessel would ruin my shit sideways were he and I to battle for a puck in the corners. This is also a fact. Brian Burke has repeatedly misjudged player talent leading to failures on the ice. This is a fact. Brian Burke could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves. This is also a fact.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:06 AM EST up reply actions  

“Brian Burke could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.”

<3 you

Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984

by leafer1984 on Jan 5, 2011 9:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Don’t give him too much credit; he’s from the midwest and they like their ketchup.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m not a big fan.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s right, you like bbq sauce better.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions  

I still don’t get it. BBQ sauce is like 99.4% ketchup by weight. This kid will literally drink BBQ sauce from the bottle.

“No ketchup please.”

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

at least he’s not one of those people that love ketchup but HATE tomatoes

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

fuck you

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Ketchup blows, tomatoes own.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

rec’d

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

I only eat ketchup on hamburgers and hot dogs. I could live without it on burgers, hot dogs are more of a guilty pleasure than real food so who cares.

My mom, noted wine snob, puts ketchup on everything.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

ew, I’ve always hated ketchup. I’m a mustard fan.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions  

No ketchup on your fries?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Good lord no.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Good man

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions  

if ketchup goes on my fries it means that the fries are nearly inedible.

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

Winston Churchill

by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 5, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions  

never? i prefer gravy, but ketchup on fries is excellent

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

You guys must eat some truly shitty fries if you need a side order of fat to enjoy them.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions  

this.

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

For the good ones, pepper sauce is the go

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Seasoning salt and you’re set.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

With the exception of BLTs and left-over turkey sandwiches, I cannot do mayo. Ick.

But mayo’s bastard friend aioli? Now we’re talking…

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

mayo’s good on sweet potato fries!

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Are we talking homemade or store bought? I can’t do store bought mayo.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

Well, at a cafe I worked at they would add spice to it.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

If you can’t make mayo, then you really mustn’t have confidence in your cooking skills, it’s so damn easy

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

I can make mayo, but I don’t make fries.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

I need a more consistent deep frying method. I could probably make six or seven perfect french fries currently.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t bother with fries as it waste’s too much oil, the one time I tried it they were pretty good, although I did set the wooden cutting board on fire by having it too close to the burner

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

I made sablefish goujons as an appetizer for New Year’s dinner. They were good but it reminded me why I so rarely deep fry anything.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

I just lost way too much temperature adding the fries to the oil.

375 to 320 is unworkable.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

isn’t this why you start off with the oil being a little hotter than you want it?

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

So I should start my oil at like 430?

It would light the hell on fire.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

And set off every smoke alarm within a 100 foot radius.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe once you put the fries in turn the burner all the way up and keep the thermometer in until it reaches the temperature you want.

You really need a specialist deep fryer to do it properly, but I’d get tempted to do it way to often

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions  

I really think you’re underestimating the bar for quality I’m setting in the kitchen.

If I can’t do it repeatably and do it right I’m not doing it.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Wait a minute. Bar…. kitchen…. I think I see a solution here.

by not norm ullman on Jan 5, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions  

If I fuck something up I’ve got to try it again to try and get it right, except for desserts because that shit just defeats me

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Buy a digital scale. I was a terrible baker but now, thanks to the scale, I’m decent.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

apple butter

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s so Dutch.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

struck a nerve there, eh birkalicious?

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

i have a thing with tomatoes

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

They’re DELICIOUS?

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

I could eat hot off the vine tomatoes until I puked.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know that there’s a greater gulf in the food world than the difference in taste between a home grown tomato and a grocery store tomato.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Raw milk vs flash pasteurized irradiated cream removed to exactly 3% milkfat.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Raw milk is pretty delicious.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions  

Fresh burger mince vs slaghterhouse floor meat scraps mushed together and treated with ammonia before being compressed into a patty form

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions  

slaghterhouse floor meat scraps mushed together and treated with ammonia before being compressed into a patty form

I love scrap mush.

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

We grind our own burgers (and make our own sausages) but the gulf isn’t HUGE like it is with tomatoes.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

woohoo skinny once again provides a new sig

Brian Burke could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.. -Skinnyfish

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions  

no. I can’t stand the taste of them. I do not know why. My Mom and both of her brothers are the same way, and they grew up on a farm. Go figure.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

What about Tomacco?

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Tomatoes are the hardest vegetables to get in stores. If you buy them at the grocery store they taste like pulpy nothing.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

tomatoes are technically a fruit are they not?

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Must be why they’re the hardest vegetable to get in stores.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Cram it

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions  

.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

you are technically correct, which is the best kind of correct

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Unless you get the ones that smell right.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Nah, I’ve gotten ones that smell good but taste like nothing. I buy those greenhouse Campari tomatoes for like five bazillion dollars because they taste pretty good.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I find that most vegetables don’t taste as good when you don’t grow them yourself, but tomatoes are especially bad

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions  

They pick them green and then expose them to ethylene gas which makes them turn red.

It unfortunately doesn’t let them actually ripen and taste like anything but here we are.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Full of delicious, delicious starch

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Which sucks as tomatoes are impossible to grow. Tried 4 times, always end up as shrivelled vines

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

really? I’ve been growing tomatoes in suburban toronto for years. Don’t even put them in the garden, just put them in big pots in the background with sticks for the vines.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

*backyard

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

We grow bushels of tomatoes in our little backyard garden. When the new recycling bins came out, we gave the old ones to the kids, converted them to planters and let them grow whatever they wanted. My daughter grew amazing grape tomatoes and the boy grew peanuts.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

You mean he actually grew peanuts, or that he just grew nothing lol

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

No, he grew peanuts. They turned out pretty well too. He also grew potatoes, which couldn’t be easier to do and were amazing.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

PO

TAY

TOES

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew

----
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by Nael M. on Jan 5, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Five hours and fourteen minutes. Sheesh.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions  

PO
TAH
TOES

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Jan 6, 2011 11:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Have the handicap of not being in Canada, and 40 C days tend to kill most things. farmers help things some-what at least

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Where are you that it’s 40C?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions  

buy camparis or cocktail tomatoes. more expensive, but always sweet and delicious.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

is it the texture?

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

concur.

Who wants to hear a funny ass joke?

by ohshrit on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Lies.

I’m sure some people prefer catsup.

Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Jan 5, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Outdoor Hockey game in Mexico City!

Link

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 7:58 AM EST reply actions  

BETTMAN'S NEWEST EXPANSION TEAM

Mexico City Muchachos!

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 8:00 AM EST up reply actions  

Free taco’s with every shutout!

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions  

Is a birkie dog a poop in an envelope?

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 8:02 AM EST reply actions  

yes

Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 8:13 AM EST up reply actions  

/taps nose

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 8:15 AM EST up reply actions  

karina just sent skinny an envelope

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions  

she’s going brown

Burke is the type of guy who will take a big shit on the floor right in front of you and then tell you straight faced that it wasn’t him. -Skinnyfish 12/3/10

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 8:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Taking ’em to brown town

My friend the knife fighter calls that stabbing someone in the ass.

I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.

by kidkawartha on Jan 5, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

I can live with the one year contract “misjudgments”. But two years for Lebda? Really? And we’re stuck with the Komisarek and Phaneuf boat anchors until 2013-2014. $11 million cap hit between the two of them. This is not good news.

by World's Worst Man on Jan 5, 2011 8:18 AM EST reply actions  

Not that those contracts aren’t shitty, but I’m reserving judgement before declaring Phaneuf a boat anchor. And in all honesty, this team won’t even be a contender until 2013-14 IF everything works out perfectly IMO.

Those Armstrong numbers make my eye twitch.

The ultimate intangible? Truculligerestosterugnacity.

by lucc on Jan 5, 2011 8:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Yeah, I don’t think anyone won the Phaneuf trade, not like the guys we sent to Calgary for him have turned out to be better. Stajan has a whopping 18 points this season so he’s roughly on pace to match the average seasonal output he had with the Leafs and this is with him centering Iginla every so often.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions  

We could have chosen to not re-sign Stajan and enjoyed the cap space.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 8:36 AM EST up reply actions  

And then we would have had to listen to everyone complain about how the Leafs let another asset walk without getting a return, just like Sundin, and presumably Kaberle six months from now.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t think Stajan is an asset like Sundin or Kaberle. We might have gotten a third for Stajan.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions  

agreed, but I think you’re underestimating the general Leafs fan base’s propensity for bitching and whining.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

good point, I forgot about the contract lengths

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I also think Phaneuf will only start playing near his cap hit when we get some more dangerous forwards in the mix. Respectable down low pressure and better passing ability should open up the lanes for him to fire.

The ultimate intangible? Truculligerestosterugnacity.

by lucc on Jan 5, 2011 8:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

once he hits the net, but that’s another thing all in itself.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

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by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t get the two years for Lebda, were teams falling over to sign him that Burke felt the need to offer a 2 year contract?

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 8:31 AM EST up reply actions  

So did Burke misjudge the player? Or did he misjudge the market/demand?

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe he was anticapating that the rest of the defence could perform well enough to carry Lebda, I don’t think he particularly misjudged the player, but I do think he misjudged the market for him

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions  

I guess he didn’t think his savvy vet would suck this much ass. What’s he on pace for,
-30 and 4 points?

The ultimate intangible? Truculligerestosterugnacity.

by lucc on Jan 5, 2011 8:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

He’s had 1 point and is at -13 in 18 games played so far this season…

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s even worse; he’s only played 18 out of 38 games. Two year contract to play less than 50% of games.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 8:46 AM EST up reply actions  

he’ll be getting plenty of time once we move Beauchemin

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:02 AM EST up reply actions  

oh god oh god oh god.

Brett Lebda makes me cry myself to sleep every night
Stoik_Leafs Twitter

by Chris Stoikoff on Jan 5, 2011 9:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Apoca-Leb Now.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 9:04 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Money.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:05 AM EST up reply actions  

i'd prefer finger

my issue with him was always the contract, not the player.

It’s pretty damning that Lebda’s being scapegoated considering how little he makes in the scheme of things. You have to be epically bad when a fan base declares you to be the most egregious problem, when you’re the 14th highest paid player on the team

Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs

by pevans on Jan 5, 2011 9:07 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s not the most egregious problem, just the most obvious. I mean, with pretty much every other player on the team at least someone defended the trade or contract at the time. With Lebda I think the best anyone could say was “well, he might not be that terrible and maybe it means Finger is gone”.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 9:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Like I said before, I think Burke expected Lebda to be a poor man’s Jeff Finger. Except for the fact that Lebda is absolutely terrible.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Jan 5, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Let’s also not forget that one point was on the PP (where he’s sucked) and if the puck touched him at all on the play it was a ricochet off his leg or something—he made no positive contribution towards that goal.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Every point is sacred
Every point is great
Every time one’s wasted
God gets quite irate

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 8:59 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

Any spot-on Python reference gets a rec from me.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions  

Nice one Chemmy.

Now, isn’t it awfully nice to have a point?
Isn’t it frightfully good to have a goal?

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 9:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, that was just an outlier, he’s proven more liable to give the puck away on the PP and generate a breakaway for the opposing team followed by a short-handed goal.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Star Wars prequals? Don't even get me started!!

I love the original Star Wars trilogy – without added special effects or bonus scenes. Just love it so much. Have them on tape and still watch them a few times a year.

I hate the new Star Wars soooooo much. Just hate it. Plinkett’s reviews are hysterical but they’re also bang on. Everything about the new Star Wars films is awful and wrong.

LUKE: No, my father didn’t fight in the wars. He was a navigator on a
spice freighter.

BEN: That’s what your uncle told you. He didn’t hold with your
father’s ideals
. Thought he should have stayed here and not gotten
involved….


BEN: I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have
this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn’t allow it.
He
feared you might follow old Obi-Wan on some damned-fool idealistic
crusade like your father did.

LUKE: How did my father die?

BEN: A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he
turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi
Knights
. He betrayed and murdered your father. Now the Jedi are all
but extinct.

This scene is what the first half of the prequals should have been based upon. The relationship between Obi-Wan, Anikan, and Owen – their comraderie, their conflict, and then ultimately, the betrayal.

The second half of the sequals should have revolved around the Empire’s ruthless pursuit and eradication of the Jedi religion, climaxing with the escape and disappearence of Obi-Wan, Yoda, Anikan’s mother (not Amidala, a entirely different character), and the twins – Luke and Leia, with the promise that their survival will lead to a NEW HOPE for the next generation.

Also, fuck “midi-chlorians”. What fuckin’ bullshit. The Force is “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together”, not god-damned midi-chlorians. Blasphemy.

Also, Leia states that she remembers her mother: “She died when I was very young… Just…images, really. Feelings… She was very beautiful. Kind, but…sad.”

Don’t even get me started on this subject. Almost everything about the prequals is wrong. It needs a complete do-over, from scratch, written by the fans.

In short: Fuck George Lucas.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:08 AM EST reply actions  

George Lucas didn’t ruin my childhood, polio did.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions  

I think about this subject at least once a day, usually before I go to sleep.

Not joking.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions  

While I hate the prequels I love how Plinkett points out the obvious plot devices that don’t make sense.

The part about the trade federation guy who never gets anything but continually puts his whole empire on the line is incredible.

Also all the parts that show everyone constantly agreeing with George Lucas.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

that was hilarious

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions  

And that though bubble of Hayden Christiansen when Lucas is talking to him, it looks like that’s exactly what he’s thinking

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

i just love at the end of the review, he shows this Expoisitory shot of Lucas looking at a plaster moulding of that fat, neck pouched four armed wobbly thing in the diner – the similarities are shocking.

that and when he keeps showing Rick McCollum saying the line " every shot is so dense"

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

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by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

seriously

If you and I sat down and wrote a backstory based only on the dialogue in New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, it would be nothing at all like the garbage Lucas came up with for the prequals.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

It would have way more dick and fart jokes, that’s for sure.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Lebda would be the new Jar Jar Binks

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

kaberle would be the god of the universe.

Brian Burke could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.. -Skinnyfish

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions  

is this a challenge?

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

A good starting point would be writing down every reference to the “prequels” in the Original Triology. Perhaps one day soon I will get bored and do just that.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m already half-way there…

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

If I had to write three prequels they’d all be about Han Solo shooting people directly in the face.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

ooh, if you do this, please have Chewbacca rip the ears off a Gundark

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

The crap is a gundark?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Check the wookiepedia, duh: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Gundark

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Is there any mention of Han Solo in the prequels? I saw 1 and 2 but have done my best to pretend it never happened. I still haven’t seen 3 and hope to keep it that way.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t recall them ever mentioning Han in any of the prequels.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

Harrison Ford’s pretty much disowned the franchise since he did the third one.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Too bad his kid didn’t have a chance to ruin that franchise too.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

From what I’ve seen in video games and on the internet, the millennium falcon was a modified version of a pretty standard ship

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

I can’t believe I never noticed there was a star wars wikipedia before. Bonkers.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s been around forever.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

you can get lost there. I spend an entire week there when I was a temp

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

My productivity is rapidly approaching zero.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Yea, and Chewie gets a couple of background scenes during the Battle of Kashyyek and helping Yoda escape

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

So stupid.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

don't forget

both wookies and whatever ET is have screen time in the Galactic Senate scenes

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

You probably don’t want to see the 3rd one then. I just saw some of the last half of the 3rd one on TV. I’d already seen it once and had forgotten how horrible it was.

Horrible is the only word to describe it.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

UNNNNNLIMITED POWAH!!!!!!!!!!

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

For a badass, Mace Windu is quite the bitch. Should have shanked that palpatine when he had the chance

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

None of it made sense.

Dooku smokes Obi-Wan twice, in a 2-on-1 situation, is good enough to hold off Yoda, then Anakin pawns him without breaking a sweat 1-on-1 but couldn’t hold a candle to Obi-Wan?!

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe it’s like the Leafs-Sens-Flyers of post-season hockey.

Leafs beat Sens
Sens beat Flyers
Flyers beat Leafs

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

You are forgetting that Sith Lords are Obi-Wan’s specialty.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

If there’s anything I’ve learned is that the Jedi lose every fight where they outnumber someone.

Episode 1 – Maul vs Obi-Wan + Qui-Gon, Maul dominates until he knocks off Qui-Gon, gets dispatched by Obi-Wan 1 on 1
Episode 2 – Dooku vs Obi-Wan + Anakin, Dooku smokes both, Yoda has to save them
Episode 3 – Dooku vs Obi-Wan + Anakin, Dooku holds both of them off, knocks out Obi-Wan, gets taken out by Anakin 1 on 1
Episode 3 – Palpatine vs Windu + 3 miscellanous Jedi, Palpatine has no problems taking on 4 Jedi Masters at once until he kills the 3 nameless Jedi but couldn’t handle Mace 1 on 1

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

I love that those three miscellaneous jedi all had lengthy backstories and were supposedly jedi masters. Yet they all got knocked off in the first 30 seconds like punks.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Kit Fisto was no push over and had a whole episode devoted to him in the Clone Wars cartoons. Dude can breath underwater!!

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe he’s like Fezzik in Princess Bride. Different tactics for fighting groups

by TomServo42 on Jan 5, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Sorry but

you spelled Anakin wrong.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s ok cause he doesn’t play for the Leafs.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Good thing I only paid to watch the first one

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Did you see the third one? Vader taking the giant step was hilarious.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Like a retarded baby taking its first steps.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:19 AM EST up reply actions  

I saw it opening night with Court and Weiner both of whom burst out laughing in the theatre when it happened. I’d say roughly five hundred nerds turned around to glare at them.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

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by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

shitty Frankenstein ripoff.

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

Winston Churchill

by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 5, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions  

If I saw the third one, I can’t remember seeing it, I think I remeber Obi-wan saying “I have failed you Annakin” or some shit like that, but definitely not the Vader thing

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions  

The most powerful Jedi in the universe was defeated by Obi-Wan because Mr. Kenobi had the high-ground.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Man, Bear Grylls would be an awesome Jedi. always gets the high ground first and foremost

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

Bear Grylls sucks, Les Stroud is the man

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

SURVIVORMAN

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Les Stroud is a prick

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

You take that back!

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

or what? your camera and saftey crew will back you up?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions  

SURVIVORMAN FOR THE WIN

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, and then he’d build a lean-to or a raft or a rudimentary lathe or something.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

I thought the first one was OK if you take out Jar Jar (of course) and there was a lot less Anakin

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

Padme: We used to come here for school retreat. We would swim to that island every day. I love the water. We used to lie out on the sand and let the sun dry us and try to guess the names of the birds singing.
Anakin: I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything is soft and smooth.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

You are so… beautiful.
It’s only because I’m so in love.
No, it’s because I’m so in love with you.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Wasn’t that in Attack of the Clones?

I felt bad for Portman, you could visible tell that she was literally choking on the lines as she was delivering them.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Who even knows? I could probably write down 90% of the original trilogy scene by scene. I couldn’t tell you five scenes from the new trilogy.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Well you got one at least

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Yup.

I remember Obi-Wan cutting Anakin’s legs off, screaming at him, picking up his light saber and walking away.

Then 18 years later he gives it to Luke and says, “YOUR FATHER WANTED YOU TO HAVE THIS WHEN YOU WERE OLD ENOUGH.”

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

but what if it was implied that they had this deep, remorseful, existential conversation one day, regarding what they were going to do if one or the other dies, while they were shoving jar jar into a wood chipper?

now that’s a movie.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

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by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Luke would’ve never lost his hand had Obi-Wan actually taught him about the high-ground.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Vader did kill your father … from a certain point of view

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s one way to say it. Another way to say it would be that he was killed. Another way would be to say he was killed by Vader. Yet even another way is to say he was thrown out of a window by Vader because of you, Obi Wan.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Obi Wan has never been beholden to details!

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:31 AM EST up reply actions  

when will this cease to be a blog about the Leafs, and become a blog about Pugs?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

a year ago?

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Pension Plan Pugs

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions  

I still haven’t seen the second

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh well it’s a fantastic film with subtlety and nuance and I think you should insist on sitting down to watch it with SkinnyFish.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree whole-heartedly.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

I asked, he said “I don’t wanna”

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Time to put your foot down Fergus.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Then watch “the last airbender,”utter brilliance

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

followed by a viewing of Indy 4

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s either attack of the clones or sex and the city 2. your choice

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Suicide is always Option C

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Fortunately I live on the 5th floor above concrete.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh my god. I liked Sex and the City on TV. It was amusing enough. My wife wanted to see the movie so I said “yeah alright”.

I tried to escape six times in the first twenty minutes.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions  

yeap movies were awful.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

I mean literal escape.

“I have to use the bathroom.”
“Are you going to leave me here?”
 * sits back down *

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

First commercial I saw for that movie I turned to my girlfriend (who was a casual fan of the show) and said “No fucking way”

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

I went with my 3 female roommates. They all cried.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

it was that bad, eh?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

I liked it on TV too. Halfway through the trailers for the movie I knew I was in the wrong theatre.

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Jan 5, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

I was a big fan of Sex and the City 2. Not the actual movie, just the pitch.

They were going to Dubai! Only the UAE wouldn’t let them film there, since it had “sex” in the title – this is one of those countries where you can be arrested for public affection, I believe. So they went to Morocco, which is a bit more liberal. I just couldn’t wait for the first fans of the movie to go to Dubai and say, “But they did it on SatC2!”

Sex and the City 2: The movie that almost caused an international incident.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

they weren’t in dubai.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Wasn’t it Saudi Arabia?

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Abu Dhabi, also in the UAE. My mistake. Like I said – I didn’t see it.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Can we all agree, that story arc problems aside, the best thing to come out of the Star Wars prequels were the Clone Wars animated shorts by Genndy Tartakovsky? Good.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Yea, those did so well they’re milking a multi-season CGI-animated show based on it

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Which is terrible by the way.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ve seen 2 episodes or so, I agree with this statement.

by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I saw an episode about deregulating banks.

I’m sure that’s what all the cool kids are talking about these days.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Since this FTB is loosely related to films…

If you missed out on #LessAmbitiousFilms last night, you missed out on some lulz.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:33 AM EST reply actions  

Did anyone do Shallow Impact?

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Can’t recall. I enjoyed Wrist Shot.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

And 6ix.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Freddy Got Felt Up

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

I came up with:

Gone in Ten Minutes
Father of the Girl I Knocked Up
Harold and Kumar Go To Burger King
Coincidence on 34th Street
Mission: Difficult

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Mission: Difficult is good

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Mission:Difficult is the best one hands down.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Archduke of the Rings

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

Lake’s Eleven

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

Bent it like Bentley

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions  

A Bridge Just Far Enough.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Deception

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

A River Goes Around It

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

There Might Be Blood

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions  

That Group of Mohicans

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Batman Plans

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Bram Stoker’s Informal Conversation with the Vampire

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

The Pretty Good 4

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

The Obedient and the Slightly Annoyed.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

The Alright, The Less-Alright, and The Not-So-Alright.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

The Decent, the Meh and the Has A Great Personality was hilarious

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

The Girl With the Dragon Temporary-Tattoo

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

translucent near future danger

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

The Assistant Sub-Wizard of Oz.

Casaloma.

Pushed Over There By The Wind.

by not norm ullman on Jan 5, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

A Pretty Good Looking Mind

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

The Wizard of New Zealand

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

A Show on Earth

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Crouching Chicken, Hidden Egg.

by not norm ullman on Jan 5, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

A bus pass for Ms. Daisy

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions  

The Fast and the Mildly Upset

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Ticked Off Max

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Middle Gun.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Partially Undressed Gun

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

The Occasional Gardener.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Heh

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Aluminum Man

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Rosemary’s pre-teen

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

I Have a Vague Recollection of What You Did Last Summer

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Some of the Prince’s Men.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

The 7th King of Scotland

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Scott Pilgrim vs. some guy

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Jan 7, 2011 2:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Dangerous Weapon

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Blood Cubic-Zirconium

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

The Postman Often Rings Twice.

by not norm ullman on Jan 5, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Pirates of Somalia: The curse of the US navy frigate

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

The Pretty Good 4: Rise of the Aluminum Surfer

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

The Decent Mr. Fox.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Discomfort and Annoyance in Las Vegas.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

80.33 °F

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

Skirmish Club

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

The perfect low-pressure front

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

A pretty good blower of a storm

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Jan 7, 2011 2:05 AM EST up reply actions  

The Mild Bunch

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Content Gilmore

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

The Returning-Shortly

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

The Empire Runs Home To Mummy

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

No Country for Nursing Home Tenants

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

The Capable Mr. Ripley.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Googling Bobby Fischer

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Austin Powers: Continental Man of Mystery

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

The hitchhikers guide to Montana

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Tramspotting

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Tame Things.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

The Kitty, The Wiccan, and The Dresser

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

12 complacent Men

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

On a side note, Trainspotting is one of my favorite movies.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

SLC Alternative-Rock.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Hah.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions  

School of Easy Listening

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

On another side note, I love the opening scene where fucked-up junkie Renton is being chased down Princes Street, then gets hit by a car that comes out of – literally – nowhere on Calton Road, having sprinted flat out for about a mile.

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:24 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Illegal Immigrant Kane

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Skirmish Club

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Ctrl F that one.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions  

dammit…

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Scott Pilgrim vs. North America

Visit my blog at: http://50-mission-cap.blogspot.com/
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Jan 5, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Live and Let Live
Coppereye
The Man With the Gold Plated Gun
Get Wounded Another Day
Hexapussy

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

I would do one on Quantam of Solace but I have no idea what the fuck it means

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Casino Niagara?

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

The Stamp Collecter

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

The World Is More Than Enough

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

The Believable Hulk.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions  

W-Men

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Inglorious legitimately concieved children

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Maim Bill

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by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Somethings are illuminated.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Martian vs Omnivore

by PKSube on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Heated Discussion of the Worlds

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions  

The 3 foot Yard

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Space Lay-Up
Journey to the Edge of the Earth’s Crust.
A few feet under the Sea.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions  

The Brunch Gathering

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions  

How The Grinch Borrowed Christmas

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Girlfriend of Frankenstein

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Middle Aged Frankenstein

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

The 2nd Assistant Directors

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Pineapple Local

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

The Maltese Finch

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:53 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Locating Private Ryan

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

My casual acquaintance’s wedding.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Any time-line for Brown’s return?

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 9:52 AM EST reply actions  

It was 7-10 days on Saturday. So that makes it 3-6 as of today.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions  

From Henny Tweets

No mitchell on the ice this morning…all lines the same with mike brown the extra on the 4th line.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions  

YAY!

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions  

John Mitchell not at practice again on Wednesday. Left Sunday’s practice early and hasn’t been on ice since.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions  

YAY?

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions  

This is why Dunkin Donuts has munchkins – all our centers get knocked the fuck out

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

timbits > munchkins

Who wants to hear a funny ass joke?

by ohshrit on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Timbits hockey > singing munchkins

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

hahaha….rec’d

"He should be wearing a Sens sweater" - describing someone acting less than sane or competent. Use it.

by elseldo on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

God I miss Tim Horton’s. Gregge is a poor substitute.

©1979-2010 article1 All rights reserved. Terms and conditions available on request. May be freely reproduced by anyone except those answering to the description 'Thieving Mittenstringer'.

by article1 on Jan 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Why you make Grabbo cry?

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

I enjoyed it.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

This is the Leafs donut? It has blue and white sprinkles.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

This is the Leafs first line centre?

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Yes to both.

Proof positive that we will buy anything.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

You sure that’s not a waffle-wich under there?

by not norm ullman on Jan 5, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Anyone else feel Ryan Johansen is the kind of Center prospect the Leafs are missing?

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:33 AM EST reply actions  

Anyone else feel that (kid who played well at recent prospect tournament) is the solution to (current problem)?

Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Not saying he’s the solution, but if that’s how you feel…

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:42 AM EST up reply actions  

Also didn’t mean him specifically – but a center prospect with size and skill. We’re not exactly overflowing with center’s here

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions  

Name me a team in the entire league that wouldn’t like to add a centre prospect with size and skill..

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

of course…but we have none.

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

only if his name is Brayden Schenn, i hear he has a famous hockey playing brother

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Specifically Johansen? No.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

A player of his type – prospect, center with size and ability? The Leafs aren’t deep at center, and they def aten’t big

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions  

I haven’t been that impressed with Johansen at the WJC. I thought a few other guys stood out more.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions  

cough

brayden schenn

Incessant label peeler due to lack of playoffs

by AkiSchennberg on Jan 5, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Louis LeLeblanc has stayed upright for 95% of his ice time.

That’s a bigger upset than Canada-USA

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

I was thinking more of Carter Ashton and Casey Cizikas

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Ashton plays the wing, and Cizikas is average size. I’m thinking skilled center with Size.
But both have been pretty impressive, I wouldn’t say no to either, obviously.

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Wouldn’t mind Casey. Mississauga boy with none of the Stajan beatmeupandtakemylunchmoney-wimpyness.

by HACKEY17 on Jan 5, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

And all of the stigma of having killed a kid playing rugby that everyone seems to have forgotten about.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions  

accident dude

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

I played rugby for five years. You don’t powerbomb someone in a rugby game by accident.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

if the guy is on your back and choking you you do. It was set off by panic, he didnt mean to kill the guy… he just tried to get him off…

even the parents of the poor kid said it was an accident…

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions  

The parents of the kid said they didn’t want to see two lives ruined by one dumb action.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions  

maybe it’s a Canadian thing…? You could just as easily be talking about the parents of Dan Snyder.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions  

yes, they did. It was dumb, not denying that, someone died.

Im just trying to say the kid isnt a murderer…. what happened wasnt intentional

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions  

I mean, I don’t disagree that when he was powerbombing some kid he thought “I’ll kill this kid and it’ll be great”, but powerbombing someone for “being on your back” seems a little disproportionate.

Saying that you panicked isn’t a great excuse for a homicide.

Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

i cant lawyer this to sound good so i wont bother… you’re right, theres no excuse to use such exessive force but when you’re caught up in the heat of the moment and someone is trying to choke you out, you do things you wouldnt normally do.

Casey is a quality person and a great hockey player, its too bad this’ll hang over him for the rest of his life.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s called manslaughter.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

And that’s also why I never said Cizikas is a murderer.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

i know, i just wanted to make it clear that it wasnt.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions  

If I remember right, and it’s the same kid, the powerbomb itself didn’t do anything – it was his head landing on a rock on the field.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Uh

Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions  

I mean, right, it’s a freaking powerbomb. But the “unlucky” / lethal factor wasn’t there until there was a rock on the field. If you’re talking about intent and “how was it an accident,” it just seems to me like it’s a bit closer to accidental if the maneuver itself wasn’t lethal on its own. Anywhere else on the field, and the kid might’ve been okay.

Doesn’t change what happened, though, just the punishment. It’ll be interesting to see if Ray Lewis Cizikas makes it.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Alternately had he not been powerbombed it wouldn’t matter what on the field killed him.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions  

what about a DDT?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions  

a Ric Flair chop followed by a WOO would have sufficed

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, if you want to get all technical about it.

(Just saying, low-degree manslaughter fits the bill.)

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions  

and it shouldnt matter at this point either, he was like 15 when it happened.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s like saying it wasn’t Heatley’s fault Snyder died, it was the wall for being in the way.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah…that was bad

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

That would definitely fly right under the radar in Toronto, yes sir.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s the same kid?

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Wow. I remember the story being broken and people saying he “had a shot at a pro hockey career” – I had no idea it was the same guy, or that his “shot” would lead to WJC.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Being Captain of Dave Camerons Mississauga Majors helped solidify a spot on the team i think, but he has really played well in the 4th C hole. He’s been solid on the PK and scored a big goal against the swiss.

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

you mean, CIZIKAS!!!1

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

I also don’t get the Leaf fan love for B Schenn. What’s the big deal?

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Just imagine if Wendel Clark had a draft eligible nephew…

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s a young prospect on a team not named the Maple Leafs.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

talented prospect. happens to be the brother of luke. how don’t you get that? plus until the day of the draft it was a reasonable possibility we’d have him.. comparable to the bryan little love that went on when he was drafted one spot before kadri

Incessant label peeler due to lack of playoffs

by AkiSchennberg on Jan 5, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

So what if he’s Luke’s brother? Who cares? We got a really good prospect in that draft.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions  

If we get Brayden and Boardwalk, we win McDonalds Monopoly.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

k.. so what if johansen looks really good at the wjhc we have kadri..

k.. so what if johansen looks really good at the wjhc we have kadri..you were looking for a centre with size and skill b schenn fits that bill better than johanson does

Incessant label peeler due to lack of playoffs

by AkiSchennberg on Jan 5, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

I guess I was tired of using B Schenn and the Leafs in the same thought

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Anyone else feel that (kid who played well at recent prospect tournament) is the solution to (current problem)?

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:34 AM EST

That pretty much covered it

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m sorry for asking a question. I should’ve left Johansen name out. I’ll rephrase:

Watching the WJC tourney, makes me question/worry/concerned with the Leafs lack of a center prospect with good size and skill.

Better?

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

I personally don’t care.

The Leafs need a centre with skill and size. Ryan Johansen is a good prospect. Those are two perfectly valid thoughts.

I don’t see what’s accomplished by the “WHY can’t WE get guys like that?” hand-wringing. You might as well complain that we didn’t get Drew Doughty and settled for Schenn.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s not even hand-wringing though. You’re making the initial thought sound much more dramatic than it was meant to be. Just putting feelers out there, to see if anyone other Leaf fans are seeing things the way I was over the last few days. I haven’t been around. geez.

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

When your on the subject Johansen looks like he has a TON of upside. And yes, caps mean even more upside.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Puck Daddy yesterday.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions  

…wendy clark?

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Uh oh….shit’s about to get real up in here.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions  

his/her avatar has wendel wearing a wig…

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions  

unnacceptable.

Brian Burke could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.. -Skinnyfish

by Future_considerations on Jan 5, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions  

I am sorry, um can I change my user name.

by HACKEY17 on Jan 5, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

you can, but you don’t need to.

I <3 Dueling Watermelons

by Fergus30 on Jan 5, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions  

I love Wendel, just a play on what some people used to call him when he was always injured. I hope he doesn’t beat me up…i’ll sacrifice some Minnesota North Star hockey cards tonight for him.

by HACKEY17 on Jan 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions  

NOW THAT’S A BROAD YOU COULD MARRY KIDS I TELLS YA

[/don cherry]

Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

#1 – A complete lack of ability to properly judge on-ice talent. Examples: Brett Lebda, Mike Komisarek, Garnet Exelby, Rickard Wallin, Colby Armstrong, Tyler Bozak, Martin Gerber. Who wants a Burkie dog? Send me a self addressed, stamped envelope if you want a Burkie dog.

2009 NHL Entry Draft
3rd round
68th overall – Jamie Devane
2009/10 – 51 GP, 14 points
2010/11 – 32 GP, 8 points

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:02 AM EST reply actions  

Third round draft pick. Not terribly worried about that.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

he made up for that by picking up two good 3rd rounders in 09

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions  

I know the 3rd round is a long shot, but they might as well have walked up to the mic and said, “Pass.”

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Pretty well.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions  

“We’re good”.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions  

the same could be said of 90% of the options available though.. hard to judge somebody based on late round picks

Incessant label peeler due to lack of playoffs

by AkiSchennberg on Jan 5, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions  

Devane wasn’t even ranked by his junior league, never mind any of the scouting bureaus. I doubt that can be said for 90% of the options available.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions  

ugh really. touche

Incessant label peeler due to lack of playoffs

by AkiSchennberg on Jan 5, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions  

 * Burke taps mic *

Ahem. Urm. Tronna Maple Leafs draft with the sixty eighth pick, out of Ottawa. Ahem.

 * adjusts tie *

Whoever’s next, next year’s first overall pick. Hold out. Sign with the Tronna Maple Leafs.

 * Burke sits down behind the podium *

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Has about the same odds of working out as Lebda, Komisarek, Armstrong, Giguere…

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions  

That was the Brett Lebda of draft picks.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Without inside knowledge, I’d say Phaneuf needs to change his stick.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

I think, as the article mentions, part of it is the lack of net presence from the forwards.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions  

I think they’d be safer in front of the net to be honest, to the side and behind the net, that’s where you’re gonna get dinged by a Dion Phaneuf point shot.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Exactly.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions  

He hate Capitalizing, He’s a Pinko!

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

i’m probably reading Slava Duris’ scoring chances data wrong, but it seems to me, Phaneuf has been getting the puck to the net with some regularity as of late, it’s just odd that nobody can seem to bury the rebounds those shots create.

or, as I said, i’m reading the data wrong, in which case, never mind…

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions  

they can’t bury the rebounds because every forward is constantly in motion and as a result, probably in the wrong spot to bang home a rebound

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

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by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions  

His shooting percentage is still really low. We’d expect it to come up but it’s been low since he arrived in Toronto.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Phaneuf doesn’t keep the puck low, which is how most rebounds are generated.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

He shoots high a lot, but once or twice a game he rips a low hard one that the goalie just stops because he’s being allowed to see it. And it’s always a massive rebound, I mean you can hear the BOOM off the pads as the puck fires out past the slot. If the goalies aren’t screened, you don’t score from the point in the NHL unless it’s a ridiculous bar-down snipe. Dion’s shooting% won’t go up until 1) his luck turns and 2) the forwards start sticking their asses in the goalie’s face with regularity.

The ultimate intangible? Truculligerestosterugnacity.

by lucc on Jan 5, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Dion seems to have realized this.
WE NEED BIGGER FORWARDS

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

He’s trying to pick corners

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Phaneuf says his No. 1 priority as a defenceman is to prevent goals — not score them.

Bad news Dion…

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Phaneuf seems to me like he’s lost his jam. In his early days he looked like he was always hopped up on uppers (like of the cocaine variety, not Red Bulls). Now he looks like he’s taking downers before each game.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s not just him though. There has been no offense out of Beauchemin or Gunnarson this year either. Could be partly a coaching issue.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions  

There is a definite issue, got to think if we had a guy to stand in front of the net and tap in rebounds….

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know the numbers but I get the feeling we’re getting historically bad production from our D this year. Normally I’d say that can’t continue forever, but this is the Leafs we’re talking about. As for Dion, he’s not hitting. And when he does, literally no one on the team can/will back him up so we don’t immediately get scored on. I think he’s the kind of player that really gets going after he gets into some contact. He wants to be a difference maker. Since at this point he’s one of our centerpieces, Burke needs to put players around him that can cover his pinches, complement his game and get the most out of him.

The ultimate intangible? Truculligerestosterugnacity.

by lucc on Jan 5, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions  

I think Mirtle looked at this earlier and the Leafs’ D is at or near the bottom of the league in production.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions  

are you baiting me?

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions  

maybe

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Obviously

NOT A COACHING ISSUE

"They’re not joining the play they way they should be," said coach Ron Wilson. "As soon as it leaves our zone, they coast up the ice. If they move their feet and got a little bit more involved in the play as the fourth guy, they might have better results."

When players consistently don’t or won’t do what they’re supposed to do due to a lack of interest or effort, that clearly is nothing to do with coaching. Except when it has everything to do with coaching.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions  

hasn’t anyone ever stopped to ask the question why the players seem to care so little, and supposedly don’t do what’s asked of them?

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions  

the whole thing’s confusing.

some games they don’t work hard and stink up the joint, so that’s the coaches fault.

some games they work hard but don’t score, it which case it’s not the coach’s fault, the team just isn’t talented enough to execute.

but as has been shown below, even when they’re working hard and losing, it could be because of the system, and not a lack of talent, so maybe that’s the coaches fault too?

but that leads to the conclusion that if players are underperforming (versus historical average) due to a bad coach or a bad system, then burke isn’t actually to blame for misevaluating the talent. but is he to blame for misevaluating the coach?

i don’t know what to think or who to blame anymore.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions  

It was so much easier in the JFJ/Maurice years.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

you’re right, there are no simple answers. in previous years we’ve always seemed to have an obvious scapegoat or two. this year, more than any other year, there seem to be flaws from top to bottom, and holes in every position.

not that the team is purely horrible. like you said, some games they work hard, and show flashes of brilliance, which is what makes the whole thing all the more frustrating.

the reason I always come back to blame the coaches is that it’s an issue that has been constant for the last 3 years. No coach would ever get this particular team to be a cup contender. But I’m wondering whether some coaches would have this team a little closer to competing for a playoff spot.

the longer Burke goes without making a change that impacts the team in a positive way, however, the more it becomes his fault.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Insert .920 goaltending, and turn all that around. “Burke is a genius, his defense keep the puck out at league-high rates; his forwards score just enough; Wilson’s systems are impeccable and the players are motivated.”

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Solid goaltending and more elite talent up front would make this look a lot different.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Some evidence that Brian Burke knows what he’s doing evaluating talent

Stanley Cup (I won’t list all the moves he made in Anaheim, there were many good ones)

The Sedins – the lengths he went to to get them, and avoid Stefan, were awesome.
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2007/06/21/entry-draft-1999-how-burke-pulled-off-the-sedins-heist/

Kessel (regardless of price paid, talent accurately assessed)
Bozak (42 pts in 75 games)
Francois Beauchemin (tough minutes!)
Jonas Gustavsson (soon, hopefully)
Kadri
MacArthur
Versteeg
Mike Brown

I will also add that anyone who advocated signing Kovalchuk in the offseason clearly knows nothing about evaluating NHL talent.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions  

I will also add that anyone who advocated signing Kovalchuk in the offseason clearly knows nothing about evaluating NHL talent.

Guilty.

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions  

To be fair, maybe he is pacing himself so he can contribute equally throughout the duration of his contract.

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Can I repeat

that I continually argued I wanted no part of Kovalchuk. I actually advocated for Zherdev and Frolov ahead of Kovalchuk:

Kovalchuk: 38 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 P
Zherdev: 35 GP, 13 G, 2 A, 15 P
Frolov: 40 GP, 7 G, 9 A, 16 P

Kovalchuk is obviously the “best” of the three, but he also costs a hell of a lot more in terms of cap hit.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions  

instead Burke went and signed MacArthur

MacArthur: 38 GP, 10 G, 19 A, 29 P.

He might have SOME eye for a reasonable level of talent? Possibly?

Of course even a broken clock is right twice a day.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions  

i don’t think anybody is saying the man is blind, But his batting average in talent rating is well under .200 because the strike outs have been much more significant/often then the singles. there have been zero home runs.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Yes, they are.
#1 – A complete lack of ability to properly judge on-ice talent.

And if Clarke MacArthur isn’t a home run I don’t know what is.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions  

true.

ok, one home run. just like phaneuf’s one goal. 1.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions  

O, what we'd do with

Ian White’s 2 goals.
Matt Stajan’s…. 2 goals.

$7 million in salary, those two.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

….chalk up 4 more points in the standings probably?

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Pretty sure Burke said himself that grabbing MacArthur was a Nonis decision.

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d totally support handing Nonis the car keys at this point. Burke’s best move to date is keeping him in the fold instead of losing him to Tampa

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by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions  

And that should not be read as I’m giving up on Burke and want Nonis to take over.

But if Burke and MLSE made that decision… I’d be for it. I think Dave Nonis is criminally underrated as a GM.

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by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t go building a statue of him yet…. Wilson will be pissed.

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Nonis

may be doing more than we think at this point, especially with what happened to Burke’s son last year. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, at the end of this season we see:

1) Burke step down as GM
2) Nonis step in as GM
3) Nonis fire Wilson

That way, Burke can be involved without being too involved, which is probably what he needs at this point, plus he doesn’t have to be the one to axe Wilson. New GM. New direction, etc.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions  

The team has been together for less than a year. This is exactly what people mean when they say that Toronto isn’t patient enough for a rebuild.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions  

im pretty sure if Burke had traded Kaberle and the Kadri pick for Kessel, and the Leafs had seguin, some fans would be shouting from the rafters that we need to trade schenn for offensive help

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s a big enough fanbase that we can assume every possible opinion is going to be held by someone at any given time.

We can also assume that at any given time there will be someone in the MSM lame enough to take whichever of those opinions they wish and present it as the collective dogma of the entire group.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions  

this fan wouldn’t be.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions  

interesting question, if the Leafs had their draft picks, would you still be calling for wilsons head?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions  

depends. one of my big pet peeves is the inconsistent effort (not finish). this is either a leadership/dressing room issue, or a coaching issue.

if it was clear that we were developing youth, and putting in consistent efforts night in and night out, where the improvements were noticeable, then I would be OK with him (I think).

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Look at the other teams who are fighting for a spot in the lottery: MacLean canned, Gordon canned, Clouston gonna be canned, Calgary’s GM went bye bye.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m gonna start calling firing a coach as a bad team sex panther
60 percent of the time, it works every time

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Devils were supposed to be good.
Don’t analyze the Islanders.
Murray is firing Clouston to save his own job.
Calgary.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Good points

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t do things or not do things because other teams are doing them; do them because they’re right or wrong.

The Leafs lose more than they win because primarily they’re poorly constructed (GM). Maybe the GM has a long term plan that will make up for the team being crummy. Maybe he doesn’t.

I still don’t see how Phil Kessel being the only elite player on the whole team is Wilson’s fault.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions  

The team turning the puck over because of a poorly constructed breakout? That can be Wilson’s fault

The team doing badly on the PK because of an ill-advised PK strategy? That can be Wilson’s fault

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by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Sure. We still wouldn’t be going to the playoffs.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I find it hard to understand

how we’re determining the Leafs make giveaways because of a “poorly constructed breakout”.

You’re inventing a reason in order to explain it as the coach deserving blame. Why it can’t be as simple as the forwards leaking out too quickly (because they’re young and they are still learning not to do that), and the D not having as many options, and isntead trying to force the puck up the middle of the ice in order to reach the less reliable members of the team is beyond me.

Kulemin, Grabovski, and MacArthur don’t seem to be on the ice for a lot of shitty turnovers from the D… Kessel, Versteeg, Kadri, and Bozak seem to have been… I wonder if you notice a trend?

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:30 PM EST up reply actions  

the leafs putting the puck up the middle of the ice appears to be by design, since they do it several times a game.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 8:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Does this mean my “lol Devils” meme is catching on?

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions  

more a state of reality than a meme

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Either way I’ll take it

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s Lou’s world. You’re just living in it.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

it’s true. pairty means most teams expect to compete every year. the fact that a team doesn’t is problematic (for some teams more than others).

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

right now, the one thing that makes me want to keep wilson is that he has a proven track record working with young players, and the Leafs have a whole ton of young players. The Leafs have time to worry about getting a coach that can help them win when they are good
of course I’m of the few who doesnt give a fuck if we hand the bruins another lotto pick

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I get the “track record with young players” logic (even if I don’t fully believe it), but I don’t get the “replace the coach when they are good” part. or rather, I guess I agree with “replace the coach when they plateau”. the problem is, I’m not sure where our plateau is with RW behind the bench. It might be 28th. we’re moving sideways…

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:11 PM EST up reply actions  

well I guess I should have been more specific. Say when the youth is more developed and you are more sure of what kind of team you have, you go find a coach whose style is best suited to taking advantage of how the team is built

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions  

are we having a rational discussion about this? it feels…icky.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions  

uh…..you smell like farts

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

my dad can beat up your dad.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Consistently atrocious special teams is why I’ve called for his head.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Consistently atrocious?

that’s excessive.

The PK has been consistently bad (although the goaltending numbers sure don’t help with that), and the PP was horrible last year, but much improved this year.

I also think it should be pointed out that the PP was generally ok for the early part of last year until Kessel became the team’s primary option, and then they supplemented with Phaneuf firing the puck incessantly from the point… neither of those options worked, but do you honestly expect most NHL coaches to go with a horribly different game plan considering the “talent level” of the players on the team at the end of last year?

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Under Wilson we have consistently underperformed on PK/PP as compared to ES. We’re a better team at evens.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 5:39 PM EST up reply actions  

If all it took was the 2008 pick and Kaberle, a lot of folks would be waiting for the Leafs to stink it up to get another lottery pick in the 2010 draft.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions  

im pretty sure that offer was all but confirmed at the 2008 draft (Burke thought it was Kaberle for Kessel + bostons 1st mix up, blah blah)

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I maintain Burke knew exactly what Boston was offering and was trying to sneak that change in at the last second.

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by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

my opinion on Wilson is well documented. I’m not judging him on this season, I’m judging him on the entirety of his tenure here.

The moves made by Burke and Wilson last year and in the off season were presumably done to improve the team, not make it worse. So either they failed horribly at assessing the talent, or Wilson is a terrible coach, or both.

It’s also not about being patient for a rebuild. It’s about whether the team is delivering as advertised. Based on the past actions and statements of BB, I’d say they are not.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions  

The team has been together for less than a year.

That’s true of every team. I’ll let Burke do the talking here, from November 2010:

“In a couple of weeks, I’ll have been here 24 months,” Burke said. "That’s a reasonable time for people to start expecting results, and we haven’t had results.

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Burke+grief+trumps+frustration+terrible+year+almost+over/3822717/story.html#ixzz169HqSs6s

If people are impatient it’s because Burke told them he was impatient and he made moves inconsistent with a patient rebuild.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions  

GMs in Toronto aren’t patient enough for a rebuild.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Seriously. This team has sold out every game since MLG was built. The fanbase is patient.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions  

than waiting an extra two years for good draft picks shouldnt be an issue

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Why waste time?

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

that doesn’t sound very patient

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

But waiting 2 years in the future for something that should be done now is nonsensical

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

patience –noun
1.
the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2.
an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay

nope, nothing about a time frame

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Patience – the quality of being patient

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions  

So is your face?

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

rec’d.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions  

right now i am picturing the internet exploding and me walking away from it in slow motion, that’s how bad ass I feel

/I’m lame

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

It was a remarkably pessimistic comment for you.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions  

always keep em guessing

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions  

I didn’t read it that way at all.

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions  

I said fans are patient, GMs aren’t. Jared said the fans should then be OK waiting an extra two years for good draft picks (implying we’d still be terrible).

Either that’s pessimistic or it’s ass-hattery (hence my “So is your face”).

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

it has layers, like an onion

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

I read it as the latter.

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by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree with Sound.. When you advocate cutting corners for results you expect results faster, no?

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions  

I think that’s the biggest gripe with people, when it comes to evaluating Burke’s tenure.
After JFJ’s firing, we were told by the organization (and MSM) that the team was going to under go a full blown rebuild, and this was started with the drafting of Luke Schenn.
However, after Burke came in the plan was changed and suddenly we were in a win-now/retool mode.

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Exactly. Look, ok, I might be naive, but I thought we needed a Phil Kessel. Even with the price we paid. But, that decision also willingly or unwillingly put the rebuild in a second gear when it clearly should have been in the first. Not saying it’s all on Burke.. Kessel is what he is, and people expect him to be a gamebreaker, even with the price paid…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

it also fast-tracked cap-space problems. fortunately we’ve got ourselves out of some of them, but ELCs are always cheaper than blue-chip RFAs.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions  

win-now/retool mode.

curious, where was this said/written?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Well he said this wasn’t going to be a rebuild, so what else could it be?

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions  

A rebuild. To hell with what Burke says to the press.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

i thought the words he used were “traditional rebuild”

am i wrong?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

"traditional"

Now you got me all skeptical.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions  

he also said the word playoffs
that means that he is guaranteeing the leafs are in right?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Thank goodness Alfredsson isn’t our GM

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions  

i think he once said “lottery” which means we’re all going to win the Mega Millions jackpot!

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions  

I absolutely agree with the idea that Burke has set unrealistic expectations. But to allege that Burke has been out of touch, “especially with what happened to [his son]?” And that because of that baseless accusation, we need a “new direction?”

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Pretty sure I didn’t say that. Just sourcing a quote, trying not to be the Toronto Sun.

I should also credit Karina for compiling.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions  

No, no, you didn’t say it – but the comment I was responding to was VRN’s, who did say those things.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions  

OK. When I hit “up” it went to my comment.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, just wanted to clarify what I meant by “this” in “This is exactly what people mean when they say that Toronto isn’t patient enough for a rebuild.” Like I said, completely agree with the idea that Burke has set unrealistic expectations.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I didn’t mean to imply that Burke is out of touch. Just that, if I were him, I wouldn’t give a flying fuck about the Leafs. And if I didn’t NEED to work every day (like he doesn’t) I wouldn’t.

The new direction thing is specifically a coaching issue, not a jab at Burke.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he truly believes in this model and he’s the kind of guy that will go down with the ship.

I also don’t think that has anything to do with the tragedy, it’s just his model of building. Model that may or may not be outdated. In comes the guinea pig (Leafs).

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

im not sure what the model is anymore.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions  

feels like a rusty pinto

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions  

or a topaz with one mirror

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions  

to me it looks like a bright orange lambo murcelago, sure it promises to deliver, but you just know it’s going to catch fire

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Most cars catch fire when you crash them at 180mph Jared.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions  

not if you crash them into a lake

duh

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Still do if that lake is in Cleveland.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

why would anyone take a lambo to Cleveland?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions  

I drive fast enough that I end up everywhere.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions  

if you drive that fast, in reality, you are nowhere

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Or am I both everywhere and nowhere at once?

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Schrodinger’s garage

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Burtch’d

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions  

This isn’t a model anymore. It’s panic time. They can see the moves aren’t panning out, hence the Kadri situation.

“He’s gonna play top six, we’re not calling him up to play bottom lines” – oh yeah… Nothing good for the franchise there.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions  

panic time? really?
what has he done that is panicked? sure he brought up Kadri for a few games, gave him a shot, but Kadri was going to get a shot sometime this year no matter what

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed.

But I call paying Armstrong 3 mil. a little panicky…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Eh, call a spade a spade. It’s a little stupid.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Might be, but it just feels like Ken Campbell was right when he said Burke bought all the media hype about the Toronto market.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

the move was made before the season, panic implies he was reacting without thinking as things turned to shit
that deal was done before things were as bleak as they are now
dumb over payment? sure. Panic? no

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Panic also means knowing what awaits you if you don’t succeed. This is related to the Ken Campbell bit.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions  

I think the best thing about the illiquid NHL trade market is that it likely prevents, or least limits, a lot of panic moves from happening.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions  

True, but then again you have Darryl Sutter who made it work.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Panicing is

Trading Phaneuf and one of your best prospects for a couple scrubs on a shittier team.

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Kadri was going to get a shot sometime this year no matter what

The timing was dictated by panic. The Leafs had lost 8 in a row and were shutout 3 times in that stretch. Calling up Kadri was a panic move to boost the Leafs offence.

Worked for a bit: Kadri had 4 points in his first 5 games and the Leafs scored 15 goals. Didn’t last though as the Leafs then scored only 4 goals in their next 4 games while Kadri quickly adapted to Wilson’s attention-to-detail approach and had just 2 assists in his next 12 games.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

But he had some great line mates in those final games.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

i wish i kept a tab on how many great Kadri set ups were wasted on Shoestorm and Orr

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Shoestorm and Orr sounds like a terrible comedy team who starred on the CBC in the 1970s.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

they would work in the appliances section of a department store and make zany jokes about how the ladies love the new hand mixer because it has three settings

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions  

They brought him up too soon and then kept him up too long.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know if panic is the right word to use in that situation.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions  

What would you call it then? Mild concern?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I thought the same thing after I typed it, actually.

“Desperation”? “Anxiety”? “Alarming Disatisfaction”? “Abject Horror?”

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Anxiety maybe. But really let’s be honest, Kadri was going to get a look sooner rather than later and the team needed help, calling up your best available player is something a lot of teams try.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions  

The line that stands out in this is:

while Kadri quickly adapted to Wilson’s attention-to-detail approach and had just 2 assists in his next 12 games.

Coaching methods suffocating point production?

Shoebacca - the PK Wookie

by danishmarshmallow on Jan 5, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions  

When we talk about Burke decisions

we’re inevitably talking about the Burke team. This is an enormous division of an even bigger corporation, obviously it isn’t just one person. But Burke assembled his team, so I don’t feel uncomfortable giving him the ultimate credit or blame.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

i could easily build a better team than Burke. All I need is a time machine.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

This

seems to be something that every fan assumes they’d take with them to the job :)

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Strikes again.

On a serious note, the only beef I have with Burke being all over the place this year. Ok some of us get it. If not lottery picks, Kessel is worth it. But…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Should’ve used a title.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m new to all this :D

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions  

question

does the draft pick number make the Leafs a worse team? I mean, sure, it makes boston have a better chance at being better, but are the Leafs a worse hockey team if the Bruins draft 1st over all or 30th?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Only for 6 games out of the year

and any other games where that player would have helped more than kessel

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

So currently not by that much, but check back in a couple years

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions  

well I’m going by the theory that no matter what, the Leafs have kessel and the bruins have the pick. Sure the players might have a better team with the higher picked players in the line up, but 6 is a pretty small sample size out of 82, who is to say the bruins don’;t play like utter shit 5 of those games? or the leafs goalie plays out of his mind
at the end of the day the leafs are the same team no matter where boston picks

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes, that’s true.

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions  

in fact, you could argue that the Leafs are actually BETTER off the higher the Bruins pick is, because, in fact, all the Leaf picks will be higher as well

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Not so much last year as we didn’t have our own second rounder, but this year there is SOME benefit to us for finishing lower.

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions  

a high 2nd is pretty easy to convert to a 1st

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

It does hurt that it’s a division rival. Otherwise I wouldn’t care as much—someone’s going to get the #1 pick, who cares if not us right?

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

all i know is that Seguin and Whoever they pick this year are going to burn us for a decade +

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

maybe, maybe not.

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions  

hopefully not.

Kessel lighting up Boston would really be nice

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Disagree

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

hehe, surrrre it would!

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

he’s getting closer every game

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

i know, last game I thought he was going to bury for sure. Kessel was flying

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

he was half an inch away from potting an absolute insane goal when he tipped his own rebound just wide

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions  

yea, i just about hit the ceiling. Fuck i cant wait until Phil gets some decent linemates…

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I know it’s bound to happen eventually. Happy it hasn’t happened yet.

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions  

except in the shoot out

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Luckily, I was already too drunk to care or even really remember.

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I think that’s how Toskala handled shootouts too.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions  

More importantly, not a real goal.

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s true, unlike a real goal it got us two points.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

hah, rec’d

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions  

One.

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

incorrect, it got the Bruins one point

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Versteeg scoring in the last minute did that.

Of course, Versteeg was a Bruins prospect once

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Also Michael Ryder’s hilarious inability to score in the shootout

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions  

one day… Chara will be injured for a really important game, like do or die for the playoffs for both teams and Kessel will go apeshit

/hopes

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions  

or Kessel will just play seek and destroy with Seidenberg, that was fun

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions  

that never gets boring

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Season series:

BOS 2-0-1 (.833 PTS %)
TOR 1-2-0 (.333 PTS %)

BOS GF 6 GA 4 PYTH PTS % .775
TOR GF 4 GA 6 PYTH PTS % .344

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Now no. In the future, I can’t tell. Odds are yes.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions  

I will also add that anyone who advocated signing Kovalchuk in the offseason clearly knows nothing about evaluating NHL talent.

Clearly Kovalchuk has forgotten how to score and that will continue forever.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I wouldn’t write the obit on Kovy’s career yet.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

why not?

we’re writing one on Burke’s

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions  

The NHL found another job for JFJ, Burke’s career will never die.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

who will be employed longer

Burke or Kovalchuk?

Place your bets!

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t think anyone’s done that.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Burke is the latest in a long line of general managers who, as Lucas, didn’t understand what they were doing and we the viewing public have paid for these mistakes

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions  

To say he’s made a shit-ton of mistakes is not the same as saying he’s done as a GM in the league. Not even remotely the same.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Where's the shit-ton?

He’s made a couple of admittedly significant mistakes. If you’re counting the Phaneuf trade as a mistake, I’m curious how you would’ve spent the cap space we might’ve had, assuming we got rid of both Stajan and White.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ve done this before but here goes.

Signing Gerber, drafting Devane, dumping Kubina and using cap space to overpay Komisarek, overpaying Lebda, overpaying Armstrong, entrusting 09/10 to Toskala, not acquiring more offensive talent this offseason.

And those last two mistakes also make the Kessel deal a mistake (though I thought it was a good deal at the time and it would still be a good deal if he hadn’t so botched the past two years).

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

“not acquiring more offensive talent”
people keep saying this, but is there any evidence he didnt try to improve the team offensively? Isn’t that part of the reason Versteeg was brought in?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

another thing that doesn't get much press

his decision to keep Kaberle rather than flip him over the summer.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 2:22 PM EST up reply actions  

There’s nothing to suggest that keeping Kaberle was a bad move. The best we heard of was Ryan Malone, who has 12 of his 30 points playing with Stamkos and St Louis.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I haven’t heard any return since Pronger or Carter that made me say “GET OUT OF TOWN”.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Or what offensive talent would have been available. Short of Kovalchuk, I just don’t think there was much elite offensive talent available in the 2009-2010 season/offseason.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Frolov (lulz), Zherdev (who probably would have cost at least double what philly paid), Poni maybe?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Saying “he couldn’t acquire top line talent because it’s not available” isn’t an exoneration of Burke’s strategy to build via UFA.

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by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

This.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

+2

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions  

i wonder what burke’s ‘draft shmaft’ equivalent saying is? Does he and the fox sit around smoking cigars and mumble said phrases back and forth with Nonis shaking his head? Kill me.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions  

no one? really?
I guess this one is just for me

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

i was going to write that I was laughing out lod but it seemed like it was too much to type.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions  

I lol’d

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Who’s trying to exonerate the overall strategy? We’re talking about not having “acquir[ed] more offensive ability” for the team. If it wasn’t there, is it a mistake?

Burke has shown that he has been willing to entertain trades for forwards (Versteeg), but if it’s not there, that won’t change regardless of the strategy. He’s not folding on players who want more term (Poni), he’s not overpaying (Kovalchuk), and he’s not settling for old/“maybe” players. It seems less like a mistake, and more like an ongoing work in progress to me.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

he’s not overpaying

The agents for Mike Komisarek, Brett Lebda and Colby Armstrong think your comment should be green.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:41 PM EST up reply actions  

he’s not over paying for OFFENSIVE talent duh

oh wait, that doesn’t work either does it

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions  

For offensive talent. As in, “Frolov? 4 mil!” Comment doesn’t apply to “agitators” or defensemen.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions  

got it. so lets see. long term build. current pace; up one position per yer. last years position;29th….

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Again, I don’t think it’s about acquiring “elite” offensive talent so much as it’s recognizing that even at peak / career high performance the players assembled by Burke in no way, shape, or form, are going to score enough goals to get this team into the playoffs.

Scoring by committee was the only approach that would work, but that doesn’t fit Burke’s top 6/bottom 6 philosophy. I’m presuming that’s why the Leafs passed on guys like Morrison, Cullen, etc.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions  

did he pass

or were the players not interested? that’s a key point I’d like to know.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Short of injecting someone with sodium pentathol I don’t think you’ll get your answer.

It is interesting that a few of these guys were late signings after Burke had said he was done. Burke expressly said he had no interest in Morrison as they wanted to acquire a forward with size.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions  

i remember that re: Morrison. Just wondering about the other names tossed around here.

unfortunately, too much guessing to ever know.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions  

…[I]t’s [about] recognizing that even at peak / career high performance the players assembled by Burke in no way, shape, or form, are going to score enough goals to get this team into the playoffs.

That, to me, is a good thing. It’s the biggest thing that tells me Burke isn’t done. Our top line is quite literally two warm bodies and Phil Kessel. We’ve had the opportunity to fill those with mediocre players – hell, we had mediocre players filling those slots in Stajan and Poni – but they’re out now. We didn’t settle for mediocre goal scorers (Frolov? Be a top line player right now!), we effectively left them blank.

My concern is that, in searching for elite talent, Burke either won’t find it or won’t have the pieces to acquire it. As it stands, we have so little trade capital that we’ll probably have to settle for a strong prospect to grow into the first line center role (which only works because of how young this team is), but that’s something I expect to see alleviated the first time there really is elite talent on the move.

Our second line looks good. Our third line looks overpaid, but “okay”. The complete lack of Burke’s usual “I believe in these players yadda yadda” around some middle-of-the-pack barely-first-liners at the top line tells me he’s not done. I can wait a bit to see if/when he takes a kick at that cat.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

My concern is that, in searching for elite talent, Burke either won’t find it or won’t have the pieces to acquire it.

Agree. And to me, this obviates everything else – the moves Burke has made and the ones he hasn’t.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

But, that’s where I think Burke has earned a little of my patience. Regardless of the quality of Phaneuf’s recent play, not only was he considered an elite player at the time of his trade, other GMs have said they would’ve given Calgary more for Phaneuf. His recent play has made discussion completely warranted, but Burke has actually traded for “elite” talent (plus a utility player, plus a prospect) in the past. If Phaneuf was even playing at career average right now, we’d talk about how much of a steal that trade was – Stajan in the press box, Mayers and White gone?

In a world where trades between opening day and the deadline just don’t really happen, it seems a little premature to demand that Burke have traded for elite goal scoring talent, or signed some non-existent first line player out of the 2010 offseason.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Many didn’t consider Phaneuf an elite player at the time of the deal.

And did anyone look at the Leafs roster with it’s paper thin forwards and horrible goaltending and think, “Expensive D-man. That’s what this team needs.”

In a world where trades between opening day and the deadline just don’t really happen, it seems a little premature to demand that Burke have traded for elite goal scoring talent, or signed some non-existent first line player out of the 2010 offseason.

I have no idea where this strawman came from, but I’m hoping we can eliminate it soon. I don’t know of anyone that’s suggested that was a realistic goal for the Leafs. Many have pointed out there were clear holes in the line-up that could have been addressed with short-term solutions that wouldn’t impede the development of the Leafs’ prospects and would give the Leafs a better shot at picking up a few more wins.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Toskala shitting the bed.

Stud defenseman needed.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Many have pointed out there were clear holes in the line-up that could have been addressed with short-term solutions that wouldn’t impede the development of the Leafs’ prospects and would give the Leafs a better shot at picking up a few more wins.

Frolov’s 16 points in 40 gp?
Poni’s 7 points in 22 gp?

I…guess. Morisson (5-15-20 in 40) is the only name I’ve seen thrown around who’s been okay so far…

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Off the top of my head, vets on limited term cheap contracts that were available well into UFA season: Morrison, Cullen, Belanger, Stempniak, Halpern…

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Belanger and Morisson strike me as two right answers. I was honestly asking the question, as capgeek doesn’t seem to keep the FA lists from previous seasons.

(Cullen took a multi-year, Stempniak wasn’t going to happen, Halpern has 16 points in 40 games.)

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions  

I think Cullen got 2, if not, 3 years.

I would have been a-ok with Stempniak returning. Good price for his production and he can genuinely play ES, PP and PK.

Halpern’s 16 would put him 7th on the Leafs in scoring. It’s also 2 more points than Mitchell, Brent and Armstrong combined.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Fuck Lee Stempniak

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah. I’d go with Cullen. But I think he wanted to play in Minny.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m more worried by his taking a multi-year. That, to me, says he wasn’t interested in taking a band-aid contract, like we were talking about adding.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Good point. But of all the players on that list, I was convinced he was going to help someone.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Belanger’s got 19.

Our 7th best F has 6 points. Think about that for a minute.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Morrison was OK for a few weeks, but now has one goal and three helpers in his last 22 games played. That’s Tim Brent production.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions  

$750K for one year – I’d still take him over Brent or Mitchell.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Is he suited to third-line work, though? Because it looks like his first/second-line days are finished.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions  

He’s getting 15 minutes a night in Calgary and is a plus on the season so I’ll blindly answer yes to your question.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 4:31 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s the only way I’d have interest. The third line has had zero production and in theory he can play higher if one of the kids falters/is hurt.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 5, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Yup.

I keep thinking about this in the context of the Leafs goaltending options for next year.

Giguere is done/gone. That leaves the variable that is Gustavsson and the question marks on the Marlies and Reading.

As much as I’d like to give the kids a shot, I think the team needs to think about lining up a competent veteran that can start 35+ games in 2011-12.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Also, said competent veteran should be cheap.

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions  

And on a short-term deal with absolutely no NMC/NTC.

And while we’re talking pipe-dreams, he should also take care of my dry cleaning each week.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions  

hopefully he can teach Chemmy how to make the perfect French Fry as well

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions  

#BringBackGerber2011?

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s a misnomer as written.

I don’t think you can argue he didn’t try to acquire more offensive talent, because he traded for Versteeg and signed MacArthur and didn’t give anything of significance.

If you want to assign a value to that, such as “we didn’t acquire offensive talent sufficient to increase our GF by 40”, then it becomes a valid complaint to me.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions  

if more Leaf players were on career norm paces for goals/points (I’m looking at you defensemen) than this probably wouldnt be as big an issue

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

OK, to be more nuanced, it’s that he traded for Kessel and sacrificed 2 #1s while vastly overestimating either the talent on the team and/or his ability to acquire more talent.

I hate unearthing these corpses but I was asked.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions  

i’m gonna go ahead and rec this.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok, but who’d you rather watch lose right now? Us or the Oilers?

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Us. I’m a Leafs fan.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok then, imagine a Leafs team full of exciting prospects vs this?

Besides, loyalty isn’t in question here. I’m speaking from a neutral TV show swallowing perspective and something called exciting hockey…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:39 PM EST up reply actions  

two words

Mikhail Grabovski

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Can’t stop the crazy bat shit insane train!

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions  

I give. Watching Grabo is like being 15 again.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions  

they have things called hockey games, that is where you watch these exciting prospects
this whole “WATCH THE OILERS BE TERRIBLE FROM THE INSIDE OUT BECAUSE THEY COULD BE GOOD ONE DAY” thing is stupid

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions  

At least they’re not dumping on them for sucking.
If we were in the same situation it would be “STUPID LAFFS 1967!!!1111”

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:47 PM EST up reply actions  

i watched some of that show yesterday with a friend and he says to me “Man are they going to be real good, real fast”

I turned to him and said “name me 1 good prospect on defence and 1 good goalie they have in the system….they have hall and eberle then after that they arent much better than toronto”

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d say we’re a leg up on them, we got good goaltending prospects in the system, a good corp of D in the A. Forwards we’re a bit slim on top end talent, but we have good prospects nonetheless

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Chorney and Petry.

I can’t name goalies.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions  

both have the ceiling of 2nd pairing defensemen, they don’t have a legit looking starting goalie in the whole system, but goalies are unpredictable and can come out of nowhere
all you can say right now is they do not currently have a viable NHL number one

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t know, I kinda like “Boys On the Bus” kid edition… It’s just an effort to get the fans their belief in the organization back.

It’s a cheap stunt, I’ll give you that but why not take what’s good about it… If they ever win the Cup this documentary will be something…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions  

The Oilers have 8 goals more than we do and 18 more goals against. Their leading point scorer is a defenseman and their leading goal scorer would be 4th on our team. Average age of EDM top 6 goal scorers? 23.5. Average age of the Leafs top 6 goal scorers? 24.5. Our defensive prospects are better (Schenn, Aulie), our goaltending prospects are better (Gustavsson, Reimer).

Can we stop pretending like the Oilers are miles ahead of the Leafs in terms of a rebuild? The only thing they have on us right now seems to be hype and their first round pick, the latter of which they’ll probably need to burn on a defenseman just to hope they can shore up their blueline, unless Petry and Smid just turned into top pairing defensemen.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Forwards are much more exciting to watch because of the nature of their position. But I’ll take our prospect pool over theirs anyday.
Plus, nothing in this world compares to Schenn smashing the skull out of an opposing forward

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Team full of exciting prospects?

like ummm:

Kadri: 20 (6 pts)
Schenn: 21 (9 pts)
Aulie: 21 (0 pts)
Reimer: 22 (1-1-0, .957)
Caputi: 22 (0 pts)
Holzer: 22 (0 pts)
Kessel: 23 (25 pts)
Versteeg: 24 (25 pts)
Bozak: 24 (15 pts)
Kulemin: 24 (24 pts)
Gunnarsson: 24 (4 pts)
Hanson: 24 (0 pts)
Phaneuf: 25 (7 pts)
MacArthur: 25 (29 pts)
Brown: 25 (2 pts)
Rosehill: 25 (0 pts)
Boyce: 26 (2 pts)
Brent: 26 (6 pts)
Gustavsson: 26 (5-12-2, .897 SV%)
hell I’ll even include Mitchell: 26 (3 pts)

20 players 26 or younger, 157 points, 6-13-2 with .903 SV%

OR

Oilers?

Hall: 19 (22 pts)
Pajaarvi: 19 (14 pts)
Eberle: 20 (23 pts)
Gagner: 21 (26 pts)
O’Marra: 23 (3 pts)
Petry: 23 (1 pt)
Peckham: 23 (7 pts)
Omark: 23 (6 pts)
Cogliano: 23 (11 pts)
Brule: 24 (7 pts)
Smid: 24 (3 pts)
Dubnyk: 24 (2-3-5, .915 SV%)
Stortini: 25 (3 pts)
Reddox: 25 (1 pt)
Jacques: 25 (1 pt)
Jones: 26 (12 pts)
Fraser: 26 (3 pts)
Belle: 26 (0 pts)

18 players 26 or younger, 143 points, 2-3-5 .915 goaltending.

Honestly I don’t see a huge difference… the Oilers top scorers are younger than the Leafs, but that just means the Leafs players should be reaching their peak production sooner. The Oilers forwards probably have a slightly higher upside, but the Leafs D prospects are stronger.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 6:53 PM EST up reply actions  

The Oilers forwards probably have a slightly higher upside

This is a bit silly. Their young core of forwards have a significantly higher ceiling than the Leafs’ group.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 7:07 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s fair, but I don’t like nebulous complaints like this.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I was asked, and gave a quickie list rather than detailed points. I think everyone knows the nuances.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

misnomer

I don’t think that word means what you think it does.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions  

indubitably

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

what? it’s a perfectly cromulent word.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I've said it before

but it’s a silly language: cromulent is in the Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Why do you think I’m an accountant?

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

for the chicks

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions  

i believe the term “misnomer” only applies to a name or an expression, not to a statement or clause.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Belanger? Is there no one that could have bolstered our centre corps?

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Was a career 16.5% shooter in Atlanta over 8 seasons meaning he’s damn near as elite as it gets. He’s got 9% ever since going to New Jersey playing their system. Yep, totally him.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

I was just joining in on the hyperbole party. Of course it’s unlikely to continue forever, we don’t know.

The same could be said for Phaneuf, or Komi (take out ‘score’ and insert ‘play hockey’).

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I fully expected Phaneuf to have a bounce-back season by just playing the averages. With that leg injury, it may not happen until next year…

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions  

hopefully 6.5 mil buys more than just average.

by mick mcgeough on Jan 5, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ll take Phaneuf’s averages, they’d be good for 15+ goals a year.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Dion hasn’t panned out yet, for his price tag anyway. But if you are an NHL GM and you have a chance to trade for a 25-yr old former Norris candidate (plus a useful PK guy and a D prospect) by only giving up a bunch of spare parts, and you don’t, you are a terrible GM.

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Agreeeed

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

You sir are amazing

Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole and a proud member of the PPPPP
Follow me on twitter: leafer1984

by leafer1984 on Jan 5, 2011 3:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Shooting Percentages and System Changes?

Kovalchuk Career: 14.5
Kovalchuk 08-09 ATL: 15.6
Kovalchuk 09-10 ATL: 17.3
Kovalchuk 09-10 NJD: 9.0
Kovalchuk 10-11 NJD: 9.2

Phaneuf Career: 6.0
Phaneuf 08-09 CGY: 4.0
Phaneuf 09-10 CGY: 7.2
Phaneuf 09-10 TOR: 2.3
Phaneuf 10-11 TOR: 1.5

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

Way to go breaking Dion, Ron.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

……Fire Wilson?

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions  

I ain’t sayin’ nothin’.

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions  

we’re also getting historically bad production / play from Phaneuf, Komisarek, Beauchemin, and even LEBDA (career + 18).

have you just convinced yourself this is Wilson’s fault?

There will be an answer. Let it be.

by daoust on Jan 5, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Historically good production from Grabovski, MacArthur, Kulemin, Schenn; a hair off Versteeg’s 2008-9 pace.

JS

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

To this point

Should we bother throwing up numbers from the players the Sharks added while Wilson and his coaching staff were there? Because I think they were pretty freaking good.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:40 PM EST up reply actions  

it’s true, they improved while he was there. so why hasn’t it happened here? (serious question)

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 8:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Not that, but what you have there is a Phil Kessel that isn’t worth two first round picks but makes more dough… ok a slightly more talented but still one dimensional Phil Kessel.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Kessel is not one dimensional, he just isnt a complete player

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions  

his position doesn’t really require him to be as such…

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 3:57 PM EST up reply actions  

oh, right, i mean

KESSEL’S SV% IS PURE SHITE. WTF!?!?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

HES TOO AMERICAN

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok so who would you rather have? Kovalchuk or Kessel? No, you can’t have the picks back.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Kessel

he’s got 4 more points than Kovalchuk

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

For this young, rebuilding Leafs team? Kessel. He’s 23.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions  

at their current contracts?
Kessel

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Both of you get it. So, a 23 year old scorer with his potential (with a right setup man) is good. One question still bothers me, do you trade two 1st round picks for a guy like that? I do. Not lottery picks but picks.

And exactly, people forget he’s 23. Twenty three.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:03 PM EST up reply actions  

i hate when people compare it to Nolan and Leetch…. they were like 36

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 4:08 PM EST up reply actions  

also part of cup runs
Leetch would have looked way better if we didnt lose him to the lockout

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Leetch… sigh.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 4:11 PM EST up reply actions  

March 3, 2004: Traded to Toronto by NY Rangers with Edmonton’s 4th round choice (previously acquired, Toronto selected Roman Kukumberg) in 2004 Entry Draft for Maxim Kondratiev, Jarkko Immonen, Toronto’s 1st round choice (later traded to Calgary – Calgary selected Kris Chucko) in 2004 Entry Draft and Toronto’s 2nd round choice (Michael Sauer) in 2005 Entry Draft, March 3, 2004.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Chucko is a fantastic name

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Lakeshore Boulevard, that’s how I’m street.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Odd piece of info

Jarko Immonen is one of the top scorers in the Finnish League.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions  

oh for sure, i was quite pissed about that.

Leetch – McCabe for a full year would have been pretty alright…. and hopefully Kaberle wouldnt have still been paired with Ken Klee…

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

by Matt_Roberts on Jan 5, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Whatever happened to Ken Klee?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

He went

to New Jersey, then Colorado, then Atlanta, then Anaheim, then Phoenix, then I think he retired.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep retired now

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Wow surprisingly well-travelled. I completely lost track of him after we traded him.

Oh didn’t we trade him for Suglobov? Wow that was a waste of time.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I remember being somewhat exicted for Suglobov, but then he turned out to be a huge dud

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions  

he was quite good

for the last part of that season after the trade… then he was in a funk to start the next year, and he ended up going nowhere.

I think he had his heart set on playing in the NHL, and when that didn’t pan out he got sick of playing in the AHL and decided he was going home. His effort went to zero.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Gotta earn your keep before you get in the big leagues

Kulemin, so hot right now, Kulemin.
Boom Posted!

by PassivelyTruculent on Jan 5, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions  

A lot of players

might feel hard done by if they came over from Russia being told they’d get a shot if they put in time in the AHL, then played 172 regular AHL games over 3 seasons, plus an additional 5 playoff games (after the trade to the Marlies), producing 69 goals, and 57 assists in the regular season, along with an additional 5 goals and 2 assists in the playoffs and then getting only a 14 game shot in the NHL with limited minutes.

I’m not saying he deserved a huge shot, but he wasn’t exactly given the chance he may have been expecting.

He was very productive in the AHL, both with Albany and with the Marlies, and then he didn’t really get much help offensively in Toronto when he came up… he averaged 7:25 in ice time nightly, which is freaking ridiculous if you expect offensive production out of a player… no wonder he got 0 points… that’s about what one expects from most guys that play that small an amount of ice time.

P.S. Paul Maurice SUCKED at developing young players… I can’t think of a single “prospect” that was succesful under Maurice… Wellwood maybe? Stajan stagnated, Steen stagnated, White got a shot, but he didn’t really come into his own until Wilson got here.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions  

If you look at his game log

he played under 5 minutes in 5 of the 14 games he was in.

He didn’t get a shot with over 10 minutes until his last 4 games, by which point his confidence was probably shot. He still produced 10 shots in those 4 games though, and I think if we’d kept him and used him correctly he could have been productive.

We’re talking about a 56th overall pick that had 26 points in 37 games in the KHL last year, and now has 7 points in 14 games, which ranks him 11th on his team in scoring, but he’s played less than half the games most of the other players have.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 6:07 PM EST up reply actions  

He was 3rd on CSKA Moscow

in scoring last year. Ahead of the likes of Petr Schastlivy, Nikita Filatov, Alex Nikulin

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 6:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Kessel

Kovalchuk’s making like twice as much per season, he’s older, and he’s producing less??? why the fuck would you want Kovalchuk at this point?

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Kovalchuk’s making like twice as much per season

Kovalchuk’s cap: $6.5
Kessel’s cap: $5.4

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Indeed. Kessel is as three dimensional as they come. He’s got length, width and height.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

that’s what she said

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d have to see his Corsi numbers to agree with you on that

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Not that, but what you have there is a Phil Kessel that isn’t worth two first round picks but makes more dough… ok a slightly more talented but still one dimensional Phil Kessel.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 3:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Mike Commodore has requested a trade out of Columbus. Only 3 years left @ 3.75.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 12:27 PM EST reply actions  

can he play C?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions  

sadly, no. But he is a grossly overpaid defenseman. Burke loves those.

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Hey, if Lebda is a winger ding ding ding

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions  

can he play C?

Ron Wilson can play him at C.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I await our top line next year of Lebda – Commodore – Finger

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions  

I propose they be christened FeCaL

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 12:36 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Your acronym logic is as sensible as Lebda’s skating routes

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Mitchell out 4-6 Weeks

National Post’s Michael Traikos reports:

Leafs John Mitchell out 4-6 wks with knee injury

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 12:58 PM EST reply actions  

is it wrong I kind of want to jump up and fist pump right now? I mean, the guy is injured.

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

not when you realize this means Lebda will be lining up in his center spot

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m hoping Hanson gets the callup.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions  

i think they stand pat with Boyce and Crabb as call ups until one of them fucks up too bad

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

So your thinking is Brown replaces Mitchell on the roster? I could live with that.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

pretty much, even though Brown is a winger….hum

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Mitchell’s been a scratch for like 5 games now.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions  

can’t Boyce play C?

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions  

So you go

Kulemin Grabovski MacArthur
Crabb Bozak Kessel
Armstrong Brent Versteeg
Brown/Sjostrom Boyce Orr

one of Brown, Sjostrom and Orr sits.

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions  

ORR

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions  

unlikely, don’t get your hopes up

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:16 PM EST up reply actions  

BUT I WANNA!!!

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Leafs play St Louis and Atlanta this weekend

So you can count on Orr to play to fight Janssen and Boulton

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

I want Komisarek to fight them so he’s not on the ice for a fuck up.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions  

also there is a 50 percent chance he gets LTIR’d from a fight

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s not good on account of Lebda.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Bring back the Wookie!

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions  

nah, he’s already going to be taking mitchells spot

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Boulton throws Komisarek like a lawn dart into press box, maims Lebda

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know why we haven’t seen more of Hanson. I thought he was good in the pre-season. Kid plays with heart.

by general borschevsky on Jan 5, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

10-9-19 in 30 gp on the Marlies.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I like when he smashes peoples face off the ice

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

are you sure of this? I thought RW was going to put Gustavsson at C?

Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10

Follow Me On Twitter!

by thenumber14 on Jan 5, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

when did Tonya Harding become the Leaf’s new trainer?

Fire Ron Wilson!

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Jan 5, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions  

This is somewhat good news because it means that with Brown back, neither Boyce nor Crabb need be sent down and possibly lost on waivers.

Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Jan 5, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Neutral news.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

For your pointing and laughing enjoyment

…cause, y’know, fuck the Buffalo Sabres and all.

Puck Daddy article detailing the trials and tribulations of Tyler Ennis vs Colorado

jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog

"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator) CERTIFIED GRABBO LOVER

by jrwendelman on Jan 5, 2011 1:30 PM EST reply actions  

That’s hilarious.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Poor Ubiquitous.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions  

position for a fighter

Further up people were talking about Orr sitting against St. Louis, or Komisarek fighting and so not having to be on the ice. Assuming you are ok with having a fighter in the line-up, is it better for him to be a D-man or a forward? Seems to me it’s easier to deal with losing a forward for 5min or 10min or the rest of the game than it is to go down to 5-D. The other point is that is he’s a true fighter, how good is he at hockey, and are you basically dressing 5D with him in the lineup anyway?

by Leaf in Habland on Jan 5, 2011 1:38 PM EST reply actions  

Having a fighter be a d-man is a bad idea.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Deryk Engelland says whaaaaaaaaaat

20 miles to Legoland!

by nhlcheapshot on Jan 5, 2011 1:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Engel is tough as they come…

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Gotta be a forward. Especially if you’re shallow on defense. I mean, it just makes sense. Especially if your fighter loses a lot. Your team would have to be pretty stupid to do anything else.

The experiment failed: Get rid of the trapezoid.

by Bower Power on Jan 5, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions  

The funny thing is that Carkner is one of their best defensemen!

The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jan 5, 2011 1:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I would never employ a fighter I don’t trust to play 10 minutes per game. Probert, Simon, Domi? Sure. Boogard, Orr, Shelley? Pass.

To me the ability to actually play hockey is more important than the position.

Though I agree, a pure goon can do less harm at F.

"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power

by The '67 Sound on Jan 5, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Parros is my favourite tough guy.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions  

I like Shawn Thornton

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions  

BAH

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

scores a little (this year, anyways) and fights and all of those other things

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 2:20 PM EST up reply actions  

YEAH HE’S A GOOD CANADIAN KID HE

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

…costs half as much as Boogaard!

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions  

…is still nipping at Kovalchuk’s goal-scoring heels!

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions  

…is really good at getting punched in the face!

Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Year in Review: Your 2010 Boston Bruins. The Good, the Bad, the Loss to Philly (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 5, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions  

….is a very model of a modern major general?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Parros can hande your business. Literally.

GWWWHAAAA!

by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jan 5, 2011 4:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Tyler Bozak's point production in 10 game increments

Thought Steve’s observations about Bozak were great.

I wanted to see how his point production looked last season and how it compares to his performance to date. I got lucky in that he played 37 games last season and 36 to date this year, so the data is at an almost perfect point for comparison.

To my eye, both the trend line and the pace are lagging this season…hopefully he’ll find his stride in the second half of the year.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 1:52 PM EST reply actions  

in summary

BOZAK!!!1

When I grow up, I want to be just like Godd Till

by blurr1974 on Jan 5, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

If he maintains a sub-.4/g point pace for the rest of the year I’ll be concerned, but he’s heating up a bit (6 in 10).

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

HE’S HEATING UP

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

 * dunks *

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions  

HE’S ON FIRE

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions  

BOOMSHAKALAKA

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions  

BOOMSHAKALAKA

Worst anagram for BOZAK ever.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

BOZAKALAKA?

Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Jan 5, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions  

I should add “NBA Jam Collectible Pog Game” to my “to do” list.

"

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

To add to this

if you adjust those numbers from last year to include his time in the AHL, they align more closely. I suggested this in a comment last week, but it’s quite possible he’s just a guy that get’s better as the season progresses… we just have to work on him playing at a high level consistently. I also wonder how much of this is “sophomore slumpesque”… but I dunno.

Either way, I think he’s developing fine, and his reduced numbers could also be closely linked to Kessel’s time in a slump. Now that Kessel has 11 points in his last 12 games, Bozak is getting more chances and assists, so his numbers jump also.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Also

perhaps if his development trajectory isn’t that far from Stajan’s, we can expect him to have the skill to develop into a 60+ point player. Decent #2 C. Then we’d have him, Grabovski, Kulemin and MacArthur all playing decent 2nd line production totals. With Kessel and another winger, and Versteeg adding 60ish points on the 3rd line with PP time, then really? We’d have a decent set of offensive weapons.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Jan 5, 2011 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

  1. - Ron Wilson. A lot of responsibiler should be placed on Burke for the team he built, but having Ron Wilson coach this team for so long with so little results is inexcusable. One reason he has not been fired yet could be that Burke wants to keep Wilson so that he takes the blame for much of the team’s woes, kind of like the team’s scapeboat. Another reason could be that firing his long-time friend would seem rather awkward to him, which is funny because I once fired my only brother. I placed him in my oven with my Burkie dogs. Anyone want some of my Burkie dogs?

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 1:59 PM EST reply actions  

That should read #2, not #1.

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions  

What’s a scapeboat?

Resident Capologist
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Jan 5, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions  

A scapeboat is a boat that is given all the responsibility for things that may not entirely be the boat’s fault.

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I thought it was a goat?

BS

by MapleLeafMole on Jan 5, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions  

You need to

lurk moar into the world of Mr. Plinkett.

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Who wants a pizza roll?

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Send it to my address.

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

One part of the comment I didn’t understand is when the giant pizza roll showed up and told me to kill my wife.

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

by Chemmy on Jan 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

GET OUT OF MY POPCORN CONTAINER!

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

OT

Robbie Alomar in the HOF!

by Frag on Jan 5, 2011 2:49 PM EST reply actions  

That isn’t OT to anything. Awesome.

Phaneuf will come around.

by Nirbo on Jan 5, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I WANT A LEAFS DONUT

Hey, if you’re gonna call us birds you might as well call us chickens.
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
Recently-converted Certified Grabbo lover

by Leafer87 on Jan 5, 2011 4:01 PM EST reply actions  

After school snack?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

YES

surprisingly, there aren’t any Timmies within walking distance of my house :(

Hey, if you’re gonna call us birds you might as well call us chickens.
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
Recently-converted Certified Grabbo lover

by Leafer87 on Jan 5, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions  

coffee time?

Negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by birky on Jan 5, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions  

time for chili?

Rule #20

by JaredFromLondon on Jan 5, 2011 4:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Not yet, just finished assembling our chili for dinner. Gonna let it bubble on the stove for at least another 90 mins.

Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.

by mf37 on Jan 5, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions  

nope

I suddenly feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere

Hey, if you’re gonna call us birds you might as well call us chickens.
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
Recently-converted Certified Grabbo lover

by Leafer87 on Jan 5, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions  

There are about 3,500 timmies across Canada! It’s practically impossible to walk a block without running into one. Frankly I’m amazed.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Jan 5, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s because 3400 of them are in Hamilton.

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

by 1967ers on Jan 6, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions  

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