1.15
by PPP on Nov 18, 2011 12:00 PM EST
in The Noon Number
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"Panic time" - That was the text I got as soon as last night's game ended. The loss to the Nashville Predators left the Maple Leafs' record at Last season began to go off the rails in November when they posted a 3-7-3 record. They have a tough schedule to close out the month:
Saturday, November 19 vs Washington
Sunday, November 20 at Carolina
Tuesday, November 22 at Tampa Bay
Friday, November 25 at Dallas
Saturday, November 27 at Anaheim
Wednesday, November 30 vs Boston
Their record this month stands at 3-4-1 but the team is slowly falling apart. As Chemmy noted, the injuries are piling up: Mikhail Grabovski is out at least a month two weeks, James Reimer has been out for more than the three days he was supposed to be, Clarke MacArthur has a mystery injury, Matthew Lombardi took a face-off and his arm fell off, and Mike Komisarek angered the hockey gods by playing well and was promptly smited.
Before the season started, we held a poll to try to crowd source where people thought that the Leafs would finish up. 73% thought that the team would finish between 7th and 10th in the East. Since the lockout, 8th place has averaged 92 points or 1.15 points per game. After 19 games (or about a quarter of the season), the Leafs have 22 points. That works out to 1.16 points per game which would be good enough for 95 points or the highest total that an 8th placed team has racked up since the lockout.
Are there reasons to worry? Absolutely.Are the Leafs right where we expected them to be? Sure are. They've done that with their number one goalie playing only 5 games, their # 1 centre missing two thirds of their games, the "best second line in hockey" sputtering along, and now with injuries piling up. The period through to the New Year might represent the toughest stretch for the buds in light of these injuries. The Leafs' strong start gave them a bit of a buffer to deal with these injuries but they've essentially worked off that buffer. Then again, it's not likely that their playoff push will find itself in as dire straits as it was the last time we were still waiting on James Reimer. The Leafs would have to go 3-12-2 to have the same record on December 31 that they had in 2010. I guess that's a bright side.
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Basically, they need to turn into Columbus.
So, apparently I can now be followed.. but no stalking. @alsonamedphil
This isn't scoff worthy
frankly the Leafs really DO resemble Columbus right now.
No goaltending of note.
A top end scorer or two.
A lot of AHL level talent, and D that’s hit or miss depending on the game.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
Being a .500 (win percentage) team often gets you into the playoffs. Being a .500 (points percentage) team makes me a sad panda.
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
You’d have to have a record of 41-28-13 to make it to the Playoffs as a .500 win%. The only teams with 13 OTLs last year were PHX, CBJ, and NYI. Only PHX made the Playoffs.
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
and PHX, if I recall, was promptly spanked.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Someone please step up
I thought Grabo was out for 2 weeks, not a month.
I’m guessing Burke calls up Colbourne and Kadri. I really hope someone steps up in a big way. Watching all the missed offense opportunities, fatal defensive mistakes, and unstable goaltending these last 6 games has been killing me.
Yeah, that’s a typo.
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.
I don’t think the situation for the Leafs is quite so bad. While there’s an upside to everything, including getting another elite player through the draft if the season’s a bust, I don’t think we’re at that point yet.
The moves are mostly up to Burke:
1. Trade for a veteran goalie. He should have done this two weeks ago from a position of strength, but as the slump gets worse his bargaining position will be even weaker.
2. If there’s a problem with a roster limit, dump Orr and Rosehill in the minors. Not only are they useless hockey players, I’ve yet to see either of them win a fight this season.
3. Bring up Kadri and Colborne.
4. Bring up the most deserving Marlie defensive prospect, and watch him kick Franson to the curb; or Franson steps up.
5. Trade Franson if you need the pick to trade for a vet goalie.
Wilson needs to get over his hate-on for Kadri and dump Frattin to the third line where he belongs.
Scoring by committee FTMFW!
by Peter de Chatham on Nov 18, 2011 12:43 PM EST reply actions
Burke doesn’t deal from a position of weakness, if he doesn’t get the price he wants, he doesn’t buy
Resident Internet Tough Guy
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough. I’m hoping Scrivens settles down on this road trip and we get some W’s,, and then maybe Burke will have a better position for a deal.
Scoring by committee FTMFW!
by Peter de Chatham on Nov 18, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t understand why Gustavsson hasn’t been given a start.
Scrivens loses his last 3. Can’t be doing anything for his confidence.
Check me on Twitter!
ComeAtMeBrodeur
No doubt Gus will start one or both this weekend
by GettinGiggy on Nov 18, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
As it happens, I’m going to my first Leaf home game in 3-4 years tomorrow. And I’ll, unfortunately, probably see a Gus start. Gus takes the loss at home to Washington, and then Scribbles gets his confidence back with a roadtrip.
Sigh.
Scoring by committee FTMFW!
by Peter de Chatham on Nov 18, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
The first leafs home game I saw in 10 years featured Gus but also Grabo’s spinorama shootout winner.
by theninjagreg on Nov 18, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
That was a beauty game. I was there, too.
TWEET AT ME BRO
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2011 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
scrivens gives the Leafs a chance to win if they decide they want to score goals
gustavsson gives the Leafs a chance to run a bath to lay in before they slit their wrists with all the goals he lets in
Resident Internet Tough Guy
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Frattin’s been playing on the third line for most of the season and I don’t think it’s a hate-on for Kadri so much as a desire to see him be better.
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.
It’s true I’m pretty smitten with the Leafs
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Nov 18, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
and he didn’t care who saw him.. he sure did smote. /shakes head
by Nigel Cadbury on Nov 18, 2011 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
smotted
would be the past tense of the past tense of a verb… not sure what that even means.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Or Smote.
smitten tends to mean love struck in modern contexts.
Smote tends to mean struck down more literally.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Advertising dollars and other economics. CBC pays big money to get the saturday night games, with marquee teams.
by theninjagreg on Nov 18, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
If it hasn't been stated enough already
FUCK BRIAN GIONTA
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
by Frag on Nov 18, 2011 12:55 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
Gionta’s a goner next time the Leafs face the Habs. He must be punished for his sins.
Send out the goons!
Surprisingly not for a while. In late January I believe
by ShahofToronto on Nov 18, 2011 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
via Mirtle:
Komisarek and Lombardi out three weeks minimum.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Nov 18, 2011 12:58 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
So does this mean those with Marlies season tickets can use them for Leafs games now?
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
Colboner rising!!!!!
Scoring by committee FTMFW!
by Peter de Chatham on Nov 18, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Push the Panic button for five seconds, then push Auto-Destruct for ten seconds without letting go of the Panic button, then let go of the Panic button and keep holding Auto-Destruct for another ten seconds. Your unit should go into DFU mode, at which point you can install Majel Barrett .wav files for future use with your Auto-Destruct sequence.
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
What the fuck happened to Komisarek and Lombardi? I missed the game last night
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
by Chris Stoikoff on Nov 18, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s Komisarek’s wrist and I’m not sure about Lombardi
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Liles loves the cock sauce
I’ve come to terms with my sriracha addiction…I can stop whenever I want, I don’t have a problem I swear
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
To be fair, that is some delicious cock sauce.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Given that now 4+ starters are out for at least a month, does that mean we make a desperation trade/ signing?
I hope so.
Check me on Twitter!
ComeAtMeBrodeur
desperation trades and signings are usually the worst
Resident Internet Tough Guy
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
I just want to see how much we can squeeze out of Calgary.
Check me on Twitter!
ComeAtMeBrodeur
by UMADBRO on Nov 18, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
TRADE SPARE PARTS FOR KIPRUSOFF HES OLD AND THE FLAMES SUCK
Mike Weber Pressbox Incarceration Status: Set free once again!
Partly because kipper isn’t that good any more
Resident Internet Tough Guy
by JaredFromLondon on Nov 18, 2011 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
You guys think these injuries will be an excuse for Ron Wilson not to be fired. I’m not saying he’s doing a bad job, but let’s say we were on this streak without any injuries, we’d be calling for his head. If we go 1-7 in our next 8 is he safe given the injuries?
Narratively speaking, it’s NEVER Ron’s fault. It’s injuries, shaky goaltending, players in a funk, bad bounces, players not being focused, hot opposing goaltending, hot opposing power play… etc. etc.
Honestly, unless Burkie and Ron have a massive falling out, count on Ron finishing the season even if it’s 10-70-2 instead of 10-7-2.
I think Wilson gets fired long before 10-70-2. That said, I fully expect to see him behind the bench for anything above, lets say, a 10th place finish. Possibly a little lower.
if we go into January with the same record as last year, I don’t know how Wilson stays.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, if we go on a horrible and protracted losing skid, then it starts to be hard to see how they keep him. Especially given the Leafs recent history, and him being in the last year of his contract.
Of course, this is all pending there being someone to replace him with. Burke doesn’t push panic buttons until he knows what he’s going to do next.
I’m hitting the panic button, even if it’s preliminary. Without the guys that are injured, I have a hard time believing we’ll get out of this recent funk. I’d love to be wrong, though.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
um
injuries… injuries… more injuries?
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think he finishes the season regardless of the record. I also think he doesn’t get a new contract unless a miracle happens between now and then. Eight place, btw, is not a miracle.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Nov 18, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
Why do people think Burke would continue to let Wilson coach the team all year even if Wilson knew he wasn’t going to be extended? At some point this season he’ll either be fired or extended. My guess is that decision gets made by the trade deadline.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
That doesn’t even make sense. They’re close friends so Burke is going to deliberately make Wilson a target?
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
a target?
burke will let wilson finish out the season, and then not renew his contract…. a way of letting him down that isn’t as dramatic/forceful in the public eye… they’ll maintain their friendship, and life will go on (hopefully we don’t give paul maurice another whirl once the canes let him go).
The longer Wilson goes on without an extension, the more frequently the media will harass Ron about the situation. And fans will likely start chanting for him to be fired more frequently.
And why would you want a guy to continue coaching the team when you know he isn’t sticking around? Why wouldn’t you bring in a new guy to get the players learning his systems as quickly as possible?
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Because its a not foregone conclusion that he doesn’t coach this team next year. He’ll get the remainder of the season to figure it out – the only way I see them letting him go is if they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. If he makes the playoffs I wouldnt be surprised to see him back next year.
by Dan Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
you're right
logically, hypothetically, all feelings aside…. you would NOT want a coach continuing if he isn’t going to stick around… and you WOULD bring in a new coach to get player accustomed to the new style….
unfortunately, it is of my opinion that burke’s relationship to wilson has allowed wilson to continue in his position through the present day.
They’ve been harrassing him about getting fired for over two seasons now.
Plus, waiting to the summer gives the Leafs more options for coaches. They can’t get Kirk Muller, for example, until the off-season.
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.
Because Burke, IIRC, has never fired a coach in the middle of the season. It means either an interim coach or hiring from a smaller pool of candidates. Unless he finds the guy he wants and decides to change his personal record, I predict he lets Wilson’s contract expire.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Nov 18, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Burke has ever fired any coach other than Mike Keenan, at any time of the season.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
That’s my reasoning. I’d personally be tempted to let Wilson go at the end of December if things continue to go badly; but if that’s the case, the season will likely be a lost cause anyway. Meanwhile, if Wilson finishes the season Burke won’t have to fire him at all.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Nov 18, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Waiting to the end of the season lets the Leafs have a shot at any coach not just the ones that are unemployed so it’s the prudent move.
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.
We don't need to dress Colton Orr
Lups – Bozie – Kessel
Kadri – Connoly – Kulemin
Frattin – Bozak – Crabb
Rosehill – Steckel – Dupuis
(Orr)
Gunn – Dion
Gardiner – Schenn
Liles – Franson
(Holzer)
Or something like that. Make it happen Ronnie!
It doesn’t make sense to keep Orr in the press box week after week without finding a game for him here and there.
However, my preferred solution to this issue doesn’t involve putting him in the lineup…
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Nov 18, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think so Tim.
As Chemmy noted, the injuries are piling up: Mikhail Grabovski is out at least a month, James Reimer has been out for more than the three days he was supposed to be, Clarke MacArthur has a mystery injury, Matthew Lombardi took a face-off and his arm fell off, and Mike Komisarek angered the hockey gods by playing well and was promptly smited.
by Tickle Me Aulie on Nov 18, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
He didn’t play so I figured he was hurt. However, thats fine. All the more reason to keep Orr in the press box.
they probably wanted to get Rosehill in a game and Brown drew the shortest straw.
by Nigel Cadbury on Nov 18, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Woops. Shit.
I actually meant Boyce on the third line (Colborne is still hurt, right?). Though perhaps have Kadri as the 3rd centre and have Mueller or Boyce on his wing.
Boyce is actually out and Colborne back in.
"They build a statue, they knock it down and piss on it, and now they will be out there building it again."
by ThickSkinnedAlive on Nov 18, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
Mirtle has a rather cheery article up on the G&M blog:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/reimer-returns-to-practice/article2241401/
while I appreciate PPP’s optimism, and it isn’t quite time to hit the panic button, it can’t just be a matter of ‘we are where we thought we would be’. the team massively over-performed the first few weeks despite shoddy goaltending, defensive lapses, a punchless PP and a terrible PK. Recently, all of those things continue to plague us (although last night’s game the D looked pretty good) but the record is getting worse.
In other words, I suspect the team is much closer to the 3-4-1 record of late (0.43 pace) than the 1.16 record suggests. Without injuries, sure this team is maybe still a bubble team, but probably on the low end of the bubble. And there are teams with much worse getting much more done lately (see Florida, Ottawa, Pheonix) that again one has to start looking at whether this is just more of the same…
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 1:54 PM EST reply actions
I don’t think Florida and Phoenix are much worse. You throw enough shit at the wall some of it is going to stick
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Nov 18, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
I’m actually quite pleased. We’re officially at the quarter mark and we are sitting in 6th place. Like every team we are fighting it a little bit. I don’t care what team you are, if you’re missing 7 regulars and one of them is your goalie you’re going to struggle.
by Dan Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
true, but if you’re missing them you don’t replace them with Colton Orr and Jay Rosehill.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t really mean it that way. My point was more that I don’t think Florida and Phoenix are quite as bad as everybody thinks they should be. Florida was crap last year, but you throw that much salary at that many NHL players, you are going to see an improvement. And I think that’s what we’re seeing now.
Phoenix, though, I’d say that’s more Mike Smith than anything else right now. If/when he returns to earth they won’t be as good.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Nov 18, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Good call – if the Teachers do sell, the website can become “punchless power-play”.
So, apparently I can now be followed.. but no stalking. @alsonamedphil
by Learn2Leaf on Nov 18, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
On the other hand, we’ve outshot our last three opponents by a combined 28. I hear what you’re saying, but if Reimer comes back and plays .015-.02 better than what we’ve been getting from Scrivens and Gus, this team looks very different.
Just to address your examples: two of the teams you’ve mentioned are getting .920 or better goaltending, and yet “doing much more” is actually +1 in win differential (Phoenix), even (Florida) and -2 (Ottawa). I do realize you said “lately”, just picking a bone.
I think the troubling signs you’re seeing are there, but there are also some very positive signs from a young, injury-ravaged group that has the potential to get better.
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
the ‘young’ and ‘potential to get better’ thing is getting old.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Is it getting old because so much time has passed or because you’ve seen the argument repeatedly? Do you have a sense that the players on this team are about to decline?
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
Players take more than 2-3 years to develop, generally speaking. Burke came in with an empty cupboard, and he’s been slowly stocking it up…
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
not decline per se. but not necessarily get better.
case in point. Kulemin. Sure his shooting percentage is really low, but does he look like a better player this year compared to last? not really. being < 26 doesn’t necessitate a player will improve year over year.
not only that, even if they do, at some point the Leafs have to ice a roster that’s actually good enough to make the playoffs, not just one that will be good enough some day…
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
How many years do you think a rebuild should take?
On a related note – if the Leafs aren’t looking like a playoff team, should they start trading young guys like Kadri for some vets and quickly find ourselves back where we were a few years ago, with a thin prospect pool and an aging roster?
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
How many years do you think a rebuild should take?
More than 1. Less than infinity.
On a related note – if the Leafs aren’t looking like a playoff team, should they start trading young guys like Kadri for some vets and quickly find ourselves back where we were a few years ago, with a thin prospect pool and an aging roster?
No.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
We’ve played 19 games this year. I hear what you’re saying but these are contingencies; we have some time to see what shakes out.
Also, IIRC we remain among the youngest teams in the league; I get that this is no guarantee we’ll get better, but is there a good reason to suggest that in general the players will regress? Personally I don’t think so.
Given that there doesn’t seem to be a really strong alternative strategy available (blow it up to tank/ship out youngins for veterans), I guess we’ll have to wait and see. The only substantial piece I see changing is the coach.
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
The only substantial piece I see changing is the coach.
BIngo.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
We are currently 6th. We are 4-0-1 with Reimer and 6-7-1 without him. I’m confident this team will make the playoffs if we can manage to stay in the hunt until James is back. We are in a skid, every team goes through them during the course of a season. Please take your hand off the eject button
by Dan Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
PANIC!
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
less than 2 goals for per game in the last 7 games isn’t something that Reimer can fix. Unless he plans on consistently letting in 1 or fewer goals per game…
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
We shouldn’t expect this low goal-scoring rate to persist, just like we shouldn’t have expected the earlier high goal-scoring rate to persist. The last two games they’ve had lots of chances, the goals will come. Regression to the mean and all that shit.
I had something really clever to say here. But I forgot.
Bingo. We tend to assume all our good luck is just that – luck, but that all of our bad luck is the team really being awful.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
there’s a balance to be struck for sure, but I can’t say we’ve been playing amazingly these past 5 games. Some games we lost but played pretty well and that’s just how it goes sometimes. Others we made really clear, damaging mistakes early on that we never really recovered fully from.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Does anyone know of a place that shows offensive support? I’d love to see Reimer. It seems to me the team plays better in front of Reimer.
by Dan Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
In my humble opinion the second goal in that Phoenix had Reimer probably stops. I’m not saying that Scribbles didn’t play well, he played really well. I just think having Reimer back is going to mask a lot of our problems.
by Dan Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
the last few games have been better. some of them before that were horrible.
i’m not really convinced where exactly the true level of skill is for this team.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to know when missing so many key players. We looked pretty good with a healthy lineup, but some of that was just good luck.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
if you're not convinced
why go so negative?
"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 Nov 18, 2011 8:01 PM EST up reply actions
Almost 40 shots last night. I do believe against most goalies in the NHL not named Pekka Rinne, they get more than one in the net if they do that.
TWEET AT ME BRO
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2011 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, this team’s lost when it could have won and won when it could have lost. I’d wish they’d make up their mind.
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.
Still the second youngest team in the league.
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.
I’m pretty sure it’s panic button time. We’re down 1/3 of our roster already.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, and we made the Conference Finals in 2002 with about 1/3 of our roster being AHL callups on the backs of Alyn McCauey and Gary Roberts.
Not saying it’s gonna happen again, just that you can never be too sure.
TWEET AT ME BRO
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2011 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
We don’t really have a Gary Roberts-like player.
My rambling tweets
Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing - Vince Lombardi
Florida’s starting goalie has a .920 SV%. Their backup has .944. The only thing they’re getting that the Leafs aren’t is above-average goaltending.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
The only thing they’re getting that the Leafs aren’t isabove-average goaltending.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Not true.
Florida’s team gets more shots. They get 31+ shots a game, Leafs get 28 or so. But yes, other than that, quite similar.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions
Along with.....
Mike Weaver
it's sad, but living in B.C. has caused me to hate the Canucks more than the Habs. almost.
by Kevin Costner on Nov 19, 2011 4:23 AM EST up reply actions
Well no
reality is they’re probably somewhere in the middle.
They’ve played well enough to win some games they haven’t, and to lose some games they won.
Their record is better than it should be, but their recent string isn’t really accurate either. They outplayed Phoenix and Nashville for long stretches of play, and lost both games, but they got outplayed badly by Columbus and St. Louis and won. I don’t think that says a lot about how good they are or aren’t.
Their record is what it is… they didn’t deserve to lose 7-0 to Boston, or even 6-2, but they did. 5-2 against Ottawa wasn’t realistic either as 2 were empty netters. Let’s not lose sight of those facts any more than we lose sight of how “bad” things have been.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
Florida
Ottawa, and Phoenix? really those are your examples?
Ottawa is on pace to end the season something like -80… they just score PP goals… and they’ll have a shit record to close out the season. They suck at ES… far more than the Leafs do.
Florida has unsustainable goaltending, they’ll fall off the pace.
Phoenix is far better than they get credit for.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt this team is as good as its record in October or as bad as its record in November. The truth is in the middle.
TWEET AT ME BRO
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)
by FiftyMissionCap on Nov 18, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
who brings offense to the marlies?
why not bring up some youngsters to take the place of macarthur, armstrong, grabbo etc, instead of putting orr and rosehill on the ice. those guys might bring some intimidating qualities, but they’re not going to be scoring goals. the team is in trouble from the injuries…. bring up some kids with some offensive skill to taste the NHL!
Colborne and Kadri. Need to put some guys on the IR first, plus Marlies have a game tonight so it won’t happen until tomorrow if it does at all.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
hmmm
because guys aren’t officially on IR, it complicates things right? also, isn’t colbourne day-to-day right?
youngsters to take the place of
MacArthur? dude he’s only 26. That isn’t exactly a wizened old veteran.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions
He meant a youngster to replace an injured MacArthur, instead of it being Orr or Rosehill.
Kulemin so hot right now, Kulemin.
by PassivelyTruculent on Nov 18, 2011 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
My call before the start of the season: Leafs will finish 6th-11th.
My call now: Leafs will finish 6th-11th.
Things could and likely will get ugly for a stretch, but luckily (?) the East is awash with mediocrity. If they can play .500 hockey until the new year, and be healthy by then, things could still be ok.
I had something really clever to say here. But I forgot.
I had them at 7-10, which to me still seems like a pretty safe bet.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
yes, it’s just that 10th means little progress, unfortunately.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
I had them at 1-15th in the East
I’m not too comfortable with my prediction anymore though
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Leafs and Red Wings will now alternate conferences every once in a while to make sure both of them get some time in the East.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
I'm more specific
8th-9th… still think that’s where they end up.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty much…..except that here are 19 more games before 2012, and going 9-9-1 would put the Leafs on only an 86 point pace for the season. So yeah, 10th. Which is frankly unacceptable.
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
Correct nonetheless, 10th isn’t acceptable.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
And yet, we may have to accept it.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
depends on what you mean by accept. At least one head would roll…
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
unacceptable?
the difference between 10th and 8th the past 4 years is an average of 4.75 pts, or 2 and a half wins… 3 games… that’s it.
You don’t think 3 games will swing year to year? A team like the Leafs will blow 2.5 games in a year… unfortunately. They might luck out and have other teams blow fewer? but yeah… “unacceptable” is a bit strong.
"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 Nov 18, 2011 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
Nabakov out indefinitely, so if Reimer keeps progressing on current schedule (crossing fingers) don’t expect a goalie trade.
Only question will be if it’s Gustavsson or Scrivens that goes down when Reimer returns.
Hopefully Gus.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
Why would we assume that Nabokov was the only potential goalie target?
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
I never said assume that. But Reimer’s prognosis, in general, probably will prevent Burke from trading assets for some one to “hold the fort” until he returns.
I’d still like to see one though, send both Gus and Scrivens to the AHL. Have a decent fucking tandem for once.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Bernier seems to have fallen out of favour in LA. Curious what it would cost to land him.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Nov 18, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
A fucking lot.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
There are more teams looking for a young, potentially franchise goalie right now.
CBJ, CGY, NJ all need an heir apparent and have some big trading chips if they so desired.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Even after he lost us the Worlds?
"If you've ever questioned whether or not @dboyce47 is a gamer, well, the answer is as plain as the nose that used to be on his face." - Sean Boulton
Yes
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
i had this thought earlier in the year as well.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
There are some guys on NYI falling out of favour too (not goalies)
Okposo, Comeau have both been healthy scratches at least once so far and their production has been awful.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Weird as it may be,
I can’t help but get excited when the injury bug hits like this. Over the last few seasons, my biggest satisfaction when watching our team play has come from seeing players “break out” given the chance. Think of Grabovski, Kulemin, MacArthur, Gunnar, Aulie, Reimer….young players that have taken that “next step” when the opportunity presented itself, and allowed for management to make some moves and create roster spots for these guys.
Now we will likely get the chance to see what Big Joe and Kadri can do in a scoring role. And let’s face it, a lot of us have been secretly hoping for Komi to go down so that another d-man can get his minutes. I, for one, am looking forward to Franson having an extended opportunity to prove himself. Scrivens has not looked out of place either in a difficult situation, and has essentially made Gus expendable. I see no reason why, upon Reimer’s return, Scrivens shouldn’t be his backup. And maybe it’ll be some other Marlies callup that proves he belongs in the big-leagues.
The team is far from being a cup-contender, so there’s no reason not to get excited about seeing the kids play.
Shameless optimism
On the plus side...
We have our first round pick this year.
Not like the Lolorado Avalanche
Who have lost 9 of their last 11.
I think WSH is trying to figure out who will be the next Seguin – Yakupov or Galechenkov (sp)
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
#FreeStastny
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
its not fair, does washington need any more top players? they have a solid D with Green, Schultz, Alzner, Carlson, Hamirlik, Wideman and Erskine, Green & Carlson of which are both high end,
and then they’ve got OV, Semin, Backstrom and Perrault on the high end up front.. can’t they just give us the pick ?
While having a ton of high picks and talented players hardly ever backfires, they may eventually have to get creative with the cap to keep them all.
They’re already the highest salaried team in the league right now, and have Semin (UFA), Green (RFA) and Carlson (RFA) up for re-signing at the end of the season. I wouldnt’ be shocked if they didn’t re-sign Semin, Green will get at least $5.25M again, and Carlson is due for a raise sooooooo ya they may eventually have to start getting creative with the cap after this year
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 18, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
sure, i’ll take 100 million dollars but it aint happening.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Wideman, Erskine and Semin are UFA end of the year.
Marcus J has some skill.
Really can’t wait to see Kuznetsov next year.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
I’d like Semin but not for the ridiculous 7 million dollars he signed for last season.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, I thought the team would have gone off the rails weeks ago following Reimer’s injury, but instead they’ve managed to steal points here and there, and instead the season seems to be slowly bleeding away. They’ve actually exceeded my expectations the past few weeks. Of course, now that the injuries had piled up even further, I fully expect a lengthy losing streak. Prove me wrong, guys!
tomorrow’s HNIC and I can watch it on TV in Ottawa. Sorry, but we’re doomed.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Relax, this guy is will lead us
Latest THN issue
by The Norris on Nov 18, 2011 3:52 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
he might razzle and drazzle when drunk….that youtube clip was hilarious.
by Goosemonster on Nov 18, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Of course there’s a Seguin headline defacing my precious Phil Kessel magazine.
Check me on Twitter!
ComeAtMeBrodeur
Did they just pick a bunch of random words and phrases and slap them on the cover? That copy is terrible.
by theninjagreg on Nov 18, 2011 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
What the fuck is “Will” doing there?
I'm building a beautiful statue, to make sure that no one forgets you
he has the will to take care of shit this year.
by Nigel Cadbury on Nov 18, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
$100 Bills
Move along. Nothing to see here...
by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Nov 18, 2011 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Phil the thrill makin dollar bills, mashing the competition like a mill, he’s got the will, come get your fill cuz when he has the puck he shoots to kill. He’s got da skill, his linemate is a shill, fillin up the MLSE till, sellin more product than ol’ Gil, you better wash your window sill, so you can watch him grill, his favourite pickles are dill, his favourite guitar trick is a trill, when he’s in England he hangs out in Brill, he loves the Power play drill, when he drinks water he makes sure to distill, he doesn’t need a pill, wearing lion costumes to chill, brings the defense to a standstill, makes em feel like they on a treadmill, if he smoked it would be a dunhill, he likes to quote churchill, his legs are thick up cuz he runs up the hill, he makes you spill your drink so you’ll need a refill, he told Army his face has a duckbill, told Komi go back to Catskill, makin the MSM make mountains out of molehill the motherfucker is just ill ….
…for real
I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.
by Chuck Diesel on Nov 18, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
I’ve posted the puck possession numbers from last night’s game here:
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2011/11/18/2572198/measuring-puck-possession-vs-nashville-17-11-11
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
I love hearing Ron Wilson’s logic behind playing .500 hockey. Last year, the team would have a stretch where they went 4-4-3, and he’d call that “playing .500”. By that logic, the Leafs could go 0-0-82 on the year, finish in 12th place, and still officially be a .500 team! A bit off topic, but if the Leafs slide to where their wins and losses are equal, expect Ron to cart out this chestnut when he’s giving the Toronto media another lesson on why they know nothing.
"pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence, That's how our teams play." Brian Burke, before realizing that it's 2011, and goons sip coffee in the press box.
Leafs in the HF Organization Top 10 again this year
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13426/hockeys_future_organization_rankings_fall20111120/
A little surprising, but nice to see.
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
I'm looking forward
to an extended run sans Mike Komisarek.
"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.
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