Leafs Vs. Canes
by JP Nikota on Nov 20, 2011 2:24 PM EST
in Maple Leafs Game Previews
Email
Print
It's rumored Paul Maurice is on the hot seat these days, with his team in the basement of the Southeast Division, and only two points ahead of the New York Islanders for last place in the Eastern Conference. Oh, and the Isles have three games in hand.
Outside of his run to the Cup finals, I can't really think of a time when Paul Maurice ever worked magic with a team. Even that big run was on the back of a white-hot Cam Ward and emerging Eric Staal. He did some good work with individual players within the Leafs' organization while he coached the Toronto Marlies, but I just don't know how competent an NHL coach he is.
The Leafs have the chance to play coach killers tonight.
While the Canes haven't scored a single goal in their last two games, and the Leafs have exploded for seven, it's easy to figure out who the "hot" team is going into tonight. That said, I don't think that kind of narrative is very worthwhile, since each game is really a different roll of the (weighted) dice.
What may (or may not) turn out to be larger issues than "hot" or "cold" offense is the fact that the Leafs are playing their second game in less than 24 hours, had to travel to Raleigh last night, and have suffered a large number of important injuries.
As of right now, there has been no official word, but Ben Scrivens is expected to start for the Leafs against a struggling Cam Ward (.904 SV% in 16 GP) for Carolina.
Another storyline sure to receive some attention by broadcasters and media types is the fact that the Leafs are facing a number of former Leafs. What with the high turnover rate here in Toronto, it's not as though many of them will have been teammates, but Jay Harrison, Jiri Tlusty, Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Tomas Kaberle are all expected to be in the lineup tonight. For myself, and I'm sure many of you feel the same way, Kabby is the only one that we'll have much of an attachment to.
For more info from the Carolina viewpoint, check out this great recap at Canes Country. Remember that if you go over there, play nice with the other kids, or one of your weekday or weekend daddies and/or one of their girlfriends is going to send you to your room.
120 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This guy?
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 20, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Make that a fanshot and it’s going on the front page.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
DO IT
LSU Tigers: 11-0 (7-0 SEC, 1-0 Game of the Century)
Geaux to Division II, Ole Miss.
by TheOtherAndrew on Nov 20, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
I knew it!
Was only a matter of time.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Could the Maple Leafs reclaim their title as the NHL Head Coach Killers?
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
nah, I’d say the Sens have spoken for that one.
No monsters allowed.
by A Lindros Jaw on Nov 20, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
They’ve had some improbable success since hiring Wilford Brimley as their head coach/diuhbeetis consultant.
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 20, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
You're not getting my point
Two seasons ago, two NHL head coaches got fired after losses to the Leafs. Therrien with the Penguins……….and I can’t remember the other.
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
Wasn’t it the Rangers coach IIRC? Tom Renney?
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 20, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
That it was
The move came immediately after the Rangers dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 22 (Howell-Bathgate Night). Renney left the Rangers fourth overall on the club’s all-time wins list for head coaches with 164.
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
Momentum
No such thing. http://www.freakonomics.com/2011/11/20/football-freakonomics-is-momentum-a-myth-2/
Basically the idea that whether a team has very recently won more games or scored more goals is not relevant in predicting the outcome of the next game.
Also interesting to extrapolate to the Leafs’ season record. Statistically speaking, their good month of October is more relevant than one bad week in November in describing them as a team (other factors such as high SH% notwithstanding).
Anyway, I thought the people here would enjoy this.
by Leaf in Habland on Nov 20, 2011 2:41 PM EST reply actions
If the Leafs can continue being awesome at scoring they’ll have a good chance today. If theyre going to play a close 1 or 2 goal game…were probably boned. I attribute Gus’ good play to playing with a large lead, something he rarely gets.
Being a Leafs fan makes me bipolar.
A little bit of circular logic but had he not played that well, he wouldn’t have been playing with a large lead. He made several big saves last night, the caps could have had 3 or 4 last night had he not played well. Definitely would have been a different game without Gus playing well.
by AkiSchennberg on Nov 20, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
…and I’m sure many of you feel the same way, Kabby is the only one that we’ll have much of an attachment to.
I can’t say I’m one of those. I mean once a player stops wearing a Leafs sweater, no matter who or what he has done, he is dead to me *comment not applicable when said player retires. The only thing I can hope for is see that Kaberle defense I witnessed over the years in Toronto that made other teams look good. If he does that for us then yea! If he plays the role of that sweet offensive D that sets up goal after goal, then I’ll hate him more – that’s no way to treat your former team/fans.
"There's been four different Cup winners the last four years, and I got one of them (Anaheim) and it was a fighting team. We're playing it that way regardless." - B. Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Yeah, I hope Kaberle looks awful tonight.
I also hope I can get tickets in a few years when Toronto retires his jersey.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Absolutely without a doubt.
"There's been four different Cup winners the last four years, and I got one of them (Anaheim) and it was a fighting team. We're playing it that way regardless." - B. Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Earth is second to Salming.
/borje=god+10%
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
I was really happy Kabby won himself a Cup. Happy with his years in T.O.
But now he’s just another ex-Leaf that Toronto has to run over in its quest.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 20, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
This road trip is very, very important.
Four games, all against cold or slumping teams.
Carolina: 14th in the East, goalless in last 2 games, 2-8 in last 10.
Tampa Bay: Hardly looked like the Conference Finalists of last year so far this season.
Dallas: Started hot, but slumping now.
Anaheim: 14th in West, a terrible 1-8-3 in last 10 games.
Combine the fact we’ve got another Boston buzzsaw waiting for us at home after this road trip, and these games are crucial wins against teams that, on paper right now, the Leafs have no excuse to play well against.
The Leafs need to smell the blood in the water and take advantage of it.
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 20, 2011 2:54 PM EST reply actions
I bet Reimer will be back in time for Seguin to score another hat trick while giving him a real concussion.
#HockeyGodsHateUs
Being a Leafs fan makes me bipolar.
we just beat Ovie’s team 7-1. Evidently the hockey gods are bipolar, so let’s hope they’re still on our side tonight.
by Goosemonster on Nov 20, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I bet Reimer will be back in time for Seguin to score another hat trick while giving him Seguin a real concussion.
I'm building a beautiful statue, to make sure that no one forgets you
Kessel scored 2 last year, Seguin scored 3….obviously next game, Kessel will score 4, right? Right?
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 20, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
boo hoo it’s so rough being a leafs fan
We’ll be #1 in the NHL if we beat Carolina
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
We’ll be #1 in theNHLEastern Conference if we beat Carolina
fixed.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 20, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well that’s the NHL according to Bettman.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOO
I just noticed I won’t get this game in HD…fuck, I feel like I’m watching a throw back game from the 80s in standard definition, only crappier
by WorldSeriesTiger on Nov 20, 2011 2:59 PM EST reply actions
#firstworldproblems
I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.
by Chuck Diesel on Nov 20, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Just realized this team is going to be VERY tired. They arrive in Carolina at….I’m guessing 2-3am at the earliest, at least at their hotel. And to rub it in, the game is at 5pm, less than 24 hours after their last one.
Yeah, it doesn’t make sense to me to have any team play two games in less than 24hrs. I’m surprised it’s not a rule.
The First Certified Grabbo Lover
The Leafs don’t have any harder schedule than any other team. It sucks they have to play in less than 24 hours but every other team has to as well.
Colborne is on his 3rd game in as many days, not sure if Holzer is dressing or press boxing but it will be his too.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 20, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Does anyone know what is happening at the rink after the game?
I'm building a beautiful statue, to make sure that no one forgets you
I mean there must be a reason for the 5pm start…
I'm building a beautiful statue, to make sure that no one forgets you
Pfffffffft.
Hello?? Game’s in CAROLINA???!
I mean, how early do you really have to get up to slop the hogs?
/amirite
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Most people just clean the ice, turn the lights off and go home.
Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10
I’d sleep on the zamboni.
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 20, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Zambonis are the most comfortable of Earth’s creatures.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
James Taylor concert?
No monsters allowed.
by A Lindros Jaw on Nov 20, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Colborne is playing against Kaberle for the first time since the trade.
If he scores a goal can we start #ThankYouTomas?
Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10
I’m expecting a letdown from last night due mostly to the fact that we played less than 24 hrs ago and had to travel a good distance to get there.
MOVEMBER UPDATE
Carl Gunnarson and I have the exact same moustache.
#ghoststache
Dion Phaneuf: turning the tunes up since '10
NEVER RETREAT, NEVER SURRENDER!
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:31 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
VICTORY IS OURS, FUCKERS!!
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:31 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE!!!!
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:32 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
/warmedup
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:32 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
FRATTIN! BOZAK! GARRRRRRRRRDINER!
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 3:33 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Not Norm Ullman hitting the methamphetamines early as usual :)
I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.
As my guru once told me, "Always be prepared at least 2 hours before game-time. Takes time for that shit to kick. Oh yeaaaaaaaaah."
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
looks like Scrivens is in tonight
mirtle James Mirtle
Ben Scrivens gets the start and he’s 2-1-0 with a 1.96 GAA and .940 save percentage on the road.
CROSBY’s back…..my fantasy teams say thank you
Toronto Maple Leafs: All about the Lemon Grabs
Twitter
Cue rumors of him being traded to Leafs
"Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help." Calvin and Hobbes
We’ve got Kessel. Not necessary.
"I myself am made up entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions."
The whole world is ecstatic. Except Philly and a part of NY.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Philly, NY, Boston, Chicago…just about any team that thought they had a shot at the Cup this year. Thanks for playing, rest of the NHL.
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 20, 2011 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Well mine was describing today’s sentiment but yeah…
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Well, at least we don’t play PIT again until the end of January, so won’t have to see him burn the Leafs for a while.
No more moral victories, no more excuses. Put up or shut up.
Lebda-free since July 3.
by nhlcheapshot on Nov 20, 2011 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Meh, we’ve got Steckel now. If shit hits the fan, we just get him to take care of business again.
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 20, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
End of Season Phil Kessel
R.I.P. Habs playoff hopes for 2011-12.
And also, FCK LUCIC.
Did I mention the FLYRES ARE ASS?
by not norm ullman on Nov 20, 2011 4:09 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Why does he seem less awesome?
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/author/mislav-jantoljak/
@Xterratu on twitter
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Nov 20, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Stupid Cox article wherein he speculates that Scrivens might love doing interviews and that the mean old Leafs have kept him locked in the basement, among other things.
…Those other things including Cox’s belief that wanting to protect Reimer’s mother from Star reporters trying to get inside info on her son’s health is equivalent to wanting to keep women out of the HHOF. Relevant!
Come get your duds in order...
Still preferable to Rosie DiManno’s word soup this morning.
Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
Ditto-ish as initial blue-blush marker for Cody Franson, 24, his a bit homelier, from inside the blue line and not particularly hard but destined to be just as fondly recalled for being his first in Leaf garb.
It reads like a bad Kerouac parody.
Come get your duds in order...
Reading that hurt my head… fucking horrible.
Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.
Actually, I find his points pretty bang on. I think Feschuk got a bad rap for a decent article.
FTA
The Leafs seem to want to portray Mrs. Reimer as some kind of hayseed unwittingly entrapped by the nefarious tricks of a reporter practising yellow journalism. The tone of some of the other criticism — Don Cherry, Mike Milbury — seemed to suggest Reimer’s mother was in need of protection, the poor dear, the same kind of paternalistic, sexist crap that long kept women out of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Nonsense.
No monsters allowed.
by A Lindros Jaw on Nov 20, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
or maybe I’m just biased for anyone that takes shots at Grapes, and that guy who beat a fan with a shoe.
No monsters allowed.
by A Lindros Jaw on Nov 20, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Opinions on Feschuk’s article aside, I’m not sure how the last sentence follows. To a cynical reader like myself, it looks like he’s trying to bolster his case by associating his opposition with those who thought women shouldn’t be in the HHOF, and that strikes me as wildly unfair.
Come get your duds in order...
I read it as not just associating his opposition by name to this old boys club to bolster his argument. He’s associating their actions, the perceived sexism of his opposition, with a history of sexism in the NHL.
No monsters allowed.
by A Lindros Jaw on Nov 20, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
slow GDT too…I wonder if they’re all NASCAR fans as well
by ChrisFromParadise on Nov 20, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Pension Plan Puppets
Related FanShots on Pension Plan Puppets
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
SBNation.com Recent Stories
StatCounter
