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Forget About the Unicorns Please

CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 14: Olli Jokinen #13 of the Calgary Flames scores a goal on Jonas Gustavsson #50 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in first period NHL action on February 14, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Mike Ridewood/Getty Images)

After last night, the Leafs now find themselves on their worst losing streak of the season and going into the tail end of a back-to-back against a rested, and quick Oilers squad. Those four straight losses may soon become five. Things aren't so hot in Leafs Nation at the moment.

Prior to this losing streak, speculation was that Brian Burke wouldn't be very active at the trade deadline. Now though, he has no choice but to be. As Noah Love from the National Post wrote on Twitter last night:

Burke has assets. Team is in a complete funk. Have to think this is his now or never moment.

And Noah is absolutely right. This team is full of the supposedly hot commodity that is the puck moving defenseman, it's got 2nd/3rd line veteran players coming out of its ass, and it's got glaring holes in net and on the blue line for a true defensive defenseman. For all the talk of Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and Ryan Getzlaf, none of these players are going to win a game in which the Leafs give up 4+ goals. As mf37 pointed out, we'll simply lose 5-3 instead of 5-1. So I implore you, Brian Burke, to forget about unicorns and instead focus on shutdown defensemen and league average goaltenders.

Links after the links.

Star-divide

Leafs Links

Just Say No to Rick Nash

Jeffler gets it.

The Pros and Cons of Pursuing Rick Nash

I said no unicorns.

What is the Most You Would Give Up to Bring in a Premier Talent (like Nash) to the Leafs

I said no Rick Nash.

Game Recaps

MLHS Game in 10

Fighting for Stanley

Globe and Mail

Scoring chances via Leafs Nation

Other Links

Take the Quiz: Should You Waive Your NTC?

DGB with a handy dandy guide for would be tradees.

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Comments

Display:

im so fucking annoyed

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 7:06 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

I hear that

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions  

I wanted to start off reviewing the gif party…

Dammit Gomez.

by elseldo on Feb 15, 2012 7:07 AM EST reply actions  

Here’s the ‘GIF party’ I came up with after the loss last night.

http://50missioncap.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/pictures-worth-1000-words-the-leafs-5-1-loss-to-the-flames/

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

I’m gonna go with “stay positive, we’ve hit our rock bottom and we’re coming back hard”.

Unless we get blown out by the fucking Oilers. Which wouldn’t surprise me.

by lucc on Feb 15, 2012 7:16 AM EST reply actions  

yeah, tonights game is going to be tough

Whats worse is that we probably won’t beat the canucks, which makes this one a must- win

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 7:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

the only small, miniscule, sliver of hope against vancouver is that we do get two nights off beforehand. Then again we had several nights off before this game and look at how we came out swing….i mean sucking.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:31 AM EST up reply actions  

One too many practices gave the Leafs the opportunity to injure their own best defenceman…

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Feb 15, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions  

fuck that every game is a must win.

I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.

by Chuck Diesel on Feb 15, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions  

looking for a bottom

The team has been play like a 89 to 96 point team with a string of wins followed by losses. They are definitely underachieving at this point based on their last 4 and 10 games and probably shouldn’t keep losing . But past is no predictor of future.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Hopefully we can ride one of those crests into the post-season

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

The first domino is about to fall
DarrenDreger: Early morning news, Marek Zidlicky has agreed to waive no-trade to go to New Jersey. Doesn’t mean deal is done. Still some work to do.

by lucc on Feb 15, 2012 7:17 AM EST reply actions  

Zidlicky has had a horrible year in Minny.

Lifelong Leafs Fan living in Habs Country.

by JeanValjean on Feb 15, 2012 7:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Should be a package like Kaberles, but slightly less because, a) hes older, and b) hes on a bad year
so something like Alexander Urbom and their 2nd

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 8:05 AM EST up reply actions  

Adam Larsson and a 1st or bust!

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions  

The WOWY for him on PD yesterday was astonishing.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Ya he’s a shell of his former self in that system right now.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Also

not only have we not lost 4 in a row this year, but we havent lost 4 in a row since the 2009 start..
we sure know how to pick the best times

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 7:26 AM EST reply actions  

if burke trades our first

Im gonna lose my shit

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 7:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Other than last Autumn

/redwingsrecord’d

by Spezzal Teams Playa on Feb 15, 2012 7:32 AM EST up reply actions  

our offense may be good at producing goals overall, but we are very inconsistent in that regard. So while I agree we need a shut down guy and an NHL goalie, improving up front is important too. We have too many mediocre guys that can put up decent numbers but disappear for long stretches when we need them.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:50 AM EST reply actions  

Forget About the Unicorns Please

yeah, exactly. I mean who wants another superstar when one might be actually available?
although i do agree in that some experienced/league avg goaltending and another defensive defenseman (besides Gunnarson) wouldn’t hurt. I have no idea how the GM staff were this confident and still adamant about going with a tandem of TWO inexperienced goalies.

.......................
Monaluckahiki means hockey. Monaluckahockey means love.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 7:53 AM EST reply actions  

If nothing else last night shows just how dependent the Leafs are on Gunnarsson to bail out Phaneuf

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 8:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Phaneuf was on his off-wing. Gunnarson isn’t ‘bailing out’ Phaneuf.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Not from the press box he isn’t

You really think Phaneuf doesn’t play better with Gunnarson than with Schenn? Or Komisarek?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

He definitely plays better with Gunnar, but so does everyone. Gunnar is a very good defenseman. To say that he ‘bails out’ Phaneuf is a bit of a stretch, though. Phaneuf is a good defenseman in his own rights. The word picture you presented makes it seem like he’s terrible and needs somebody to cover his mistakes. The team as a whole had a bad game.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

Its not so much “bailing out” as it is covering for his d partner so he can make aggressive plays. Dion can’t be aggressive when he has Mike “defence lol no” Komisarek playing with him. Dion can’t play his game and cover for another person at the same time.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

This I can agree with. The language of ‘bailing out’ just seemed over the top.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah its not so much bailing out as having a reliable guy with you that you know will cover for you if you gamble (which he likes to do). Komi is NOT that guy.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions  

There’s a spread between “needs someone to cover his mistakes” and “terrible”. I think that Gunnarson compensates for some of Phaneuf’s weaknesses in his own end, but that doesn’t mean I think Phaneuf is terrible either.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

That is a much better way of putting it, although I wouldn’t agree completely. I think he just had an off night last night. Does he make mistakes? Sure. Defensive partnerships exist because every Dman makes mistakes.

But yes… Gunnar is awesome, and particularly so with Phaneuf.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I say no to Nash as well. He isn’t anything more than a bigger Phil Kessel earning significantly more and that isn’t really what we need. Carter and Getzlaf are different stories because I actually think they would both make this team better defensively and both are reasonable cap hits.

But yeah, I do agree, it isn’t our primary area of need.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 7:58 AM EST reply actions  

Isnt anything more than a bigger phil kessel? Is that an insult? The kid is 3rd in goals and 4th in points so

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 8:08 AM EST up reply actions  

No, it is not a bad thing, just not really what we need. Although they play different styles of games they are essentially both goal scorers first, playmakers second, who are weak defensively. We shouldn’t be trading for anyone who is weak defensively, especially if they have a $7.8M cap hit.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 8:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Nash is actually considered to be very good defensively..

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Or at least used to be… dont know if he still PK’s and has low zone start % but I know he used to.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions  

I was going to say the same thing, but I dont have the energy to argue with HockeyAnalysis right now.

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Ozone start: 53.9%
Ozone finish: 50.2%

No substantial PK time… 50 seconds/game. CBJ PKers are Pahlsson, Vermette, Derick Mackenzie, Derek Dorsett

BehindTheNet

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Okay so he doesn’t anymore but he did for the longest time… lead the league in SH goals a couple years too if I’m not mistaken

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s probably better defensively than Kessel, but he isn’t great. He’s no Datsyuk or Toews and he won’t help our goals against problem.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s probably better defensively than Kessel,

Not exactly setting the bar high today.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Especially coming off last night’s “performance”.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

that line is a big defensive liability. every time they are in the defensive zone I fear the worst.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Lupul :(

But then Grabo wasn’t too hot in that regard either.

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

he’s not the best in the world so he’s not good enough

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

Nash isn’t a bad player, just not what the Leafs need and considering the price to acquire him and his salary/cap hit there are far better options out there.

Now, if he was a UFA and we could get him without giving up assets, yes, I’d seriously consider signing him to a 5 year, $7.5M contract.

Or, if the one thing we were missing to make a serious run at the cup was a 35 goal scorer, I would consider trading the assets to get him.

But neither of those situations apply so if I were the Leafs I’d look elsewhere to improve the team and I’d only be trading away significant assets if we are addressing the #1 problem, the number of goals they give up.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 9:47 AM EST up reply actions  

I think it still depends on what they want back. I agree it’s probably not likely we’ll get him, but we should be involved in discussions to gauge what they want. There’s a few thngs off the table, but in the end you have to give up assets to acquire them most of the time. And Nash is a solid player to have on your team. When Lupul falls back to earth, we can put him on Kessel’s line, or just improve our 2nd line. I wouldn’t give up the moon for him, but I’d be tempted to go close.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree with this, at this stage of the rebuild we are missing a unicorn, maybe goaltending and defence. Sure Nash is an elite available player but at his age/contract – I’d rather spend picks/prospect on those deficiencies. By the time the defence and goaltending solid enough for a cup run, nash might be 31 or so. It is just not the right time for this trade – maybe for a team like kings to get them to the next level but not the leafs. If he was say bobby ryan (younger) then I’d think hard about it. But for nash if Burke can swing a Phaneuf like trade then maybe, else I don’t think the timing works for the leafs.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

I am not convinced that Lupul will fall back to earth all that much. He may not be a 30+ goal, 80+ point guy but I don’t see why he can’t be a regular 25g, 65-70 point producer playing first line minutes and he clearly has good chemistry with Kessel. Find a nice 2-way center with size to play with them and I’ll really like that line.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions  

I pretty much agree with you here, including the stuff about a number one centre who can improve things defensively.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Are you just trying to be argumentative here?

David is being pretty clear with his opinion. Nash is a great player, but it would be better to focus on a defensive upgrade right now.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

HOLY

Lundqvist actually has a .941 and 1.77gaa over 42 games right now

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 8:09 AM EST reply actions  

yeah he’s kind of a good goalie.

That's "Da-ooo". Like the drink.

by daoust on Feb 15, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s no coincidence that NYR is dominating the league right now.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions  

If he’s not the best goalie in the league, he’s gotta be top 2. He’s really fucking good.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 9:12 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s also having his Tim Thomas year apparently

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions  

Who’s better than him?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

some will say Thomas but I don’t agree. Hank is the best in the league. Has been for a while now imo. He just has the team in front of him now to boost his stats into the “amazing” category

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Rinne’s gotta sustain this level of play for another 2 years before he’s near Lundqvist’s body of work.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m not telling you who has a better body of work, im telling you who’s better.
Right now though, you can’t really argue with .941

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

Rinne is not a better goalie than Hank imo. I’d pick Hank any day of the week. Rinne would be a close 2nd however

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Take a look at their 5v5close save percentages over the previous 3 seasons (2008-09 to 2010-11, see OppSh%).

Here are their save percentages:
1. Rinne: 93.1%
22. Lundqvist: 91.3%

Surprised Lundqvist is that low. He’s been great this year though, trailing only Jonathan Quick.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Can’t argue with .941, can’t argue with twice the years of elite level SVP, can’t argue with conservation of energy and unique depth in the crease, can’t argue with rock solid positioning, can’t argue with less scramble. I really, really like Rinne, but rankings/comparisons based on style are pretty dumb – no one’s found a “best” way to play goalie at the NHL level – especially when we’re talking about distinguishing similar results between two elite goaltenders.

If you told me the Leafs could acquire Rinne or Lundqvist, it’d be Lundqvist.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d pick Hank over Rinne in a 7 games series if they had the exact same team in front of them.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Over the previous three years

The 4 best goalies in the league (IMHO) have been:
1 Thomas
2 Vokoun
3 Hiller
4 Lundy
5 Miller

With Luongo nipping at their heels and young guys (Quick, Rinne, Price, Howard, (maybe even Rask?)) starting to make an argument for their inclusion

Including this year Vokoun and Hiller have fallen back, Lundy has moved up to a fight with Thomas and Rinne has added himself to the list:
1/2 Thomas
1/2 Lundy
3 Rinne

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions  

I enjoy that you listed 5 goalies when naming the 4 best in the league

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions  

My bad. I added Miller to the list and forgot to change the 4 best at teh beginning.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Definitely think Rask will be on that list soon

s •

by sportsfan2 on Feb 15, 2012 12:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Imagine the Leafs had a guy like that

"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 Feb 15, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions  

you are a bad bad man

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions  

its hard to argue with Thomas’ results but if say we put both Hank and Tim on the Blue Jackets I think Hank would prove to be the better goalie. That is always how I’ve judged who is the “best”. Whoever would do the best on a equal team.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, I didn’t really wanna get into it, but depends on how you wanna weight start count. Tim Thomas has had just one year below .921 in his last 5. Lundqvist has had two, but also has consistently played 50% more starts than Thomas. Also, someone (Greg Brady?) tried to say that Ryan Miller was better than Lundqvist. I laughed.

Side note: Tomas Vokoun is up to a .920 save percentage on the year. Wow.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

You have to admit that Lundqvist and Thomas both have much better teams in front of them than Miller.

Either way, those 3 goalies are all Elite goalies.

Proud Members of:
#TeamRe-signGrabovski
#TeamKuleminIsMyGoat
#TeamTradeSchennNotGunnar

by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Hmmmm

I wonder what it would be like to have an Elite goalie on OUR team?

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

No golfing until at least May.

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by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

MIller isn’t an elite goalie.

He had one really good year and played lights out during the Olympics

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

He is a top 10 goalie in the league

Over the previous 4 seasons he is (for goalies with greater than 100 GP):

6th in save percentage
11th in GAA
4th in Goalie point shares (a stat that hockey reference has derived to attempt to explain how many points a goalie won their team)
9th in Wins/GP
5th in Wins (obviously he plays a fair bit of games

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Not going to get into a semantics argument about what constitutes elite.

He’s not on Lundqvist or Rinne’s level.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Fair enough

I was actually agreeing with you. He is top 10 but he is questionable to be even called top 5. As he isn’t top 5 I don’t think he could reasonably be called elite.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:36 PM EST up reply actions  

If you use "goalie point share" from hockey reference to try to account for both quality of play and GP

Than Lundy and Vokoun are the top goalies. With Vokoun on the downswing of his career it is all about Lundy.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions  

10-1 the last two games? Against the Habs and Flames?

Fuck this shit.

That's "Da-ooo". Like the drink.

by daoust on Feb 15, 2012 8:09 AM EST reply actions  

Fuck this shit.

‘bout how I’m feeling.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah at least when the Sabres lose it helps the team even though i don’t like it.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

We’re in that fucked up place where we can still technically make playoffs (coasting on earlier success) in 8th, but we may actually end up in 9th… worst spot ever.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

The Sabres are in that spot that the result doesn’t have any effect on my happiness.

We win, awesome, we lose, also awesome!

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

If you hadn’t had that crushing blow due to huge expectations at the start of this year this would be a great year for Buffalo

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

They win 66% of their games when six of their top 7 defensemen are healthy, and win 33% of their games while allowing 33% more goals when they are not. That and the miller concussion slump which probably looks exactly like Reimer’s.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Lot of rationalization but still a shitty season that started out with huge Peguladollars.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Also fuck Ville Leino but that was obvious from day one.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

If it makes you feel better Fuck Tim Connolly too but I was worried about that from Day one.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s probably the most frustrating player in the NHL.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d love for some other team to experience the frustration but no one’s going to want him. Luckily there’s just one more year. Unfortunately, it burns more years of our core guys (Kessel, Phaneuf), but what are you going to do….

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

He hasn’t scored a lot of goals in a season, how was his playmaking – like on the leafs And when was the last time he was good?

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

2006, the year he was killed by the Ottawa Senators after destroying them.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

he’s not really a goal scorer, but he hasn’t been making plays either, so really he’s been an overpaid disappearing act for teh past few weeks.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

I thought it would be ok because he was basically replacing Rob Niedermayer but he’s barely outscoring even that low a bar.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

if we’re going to end up 9th we might as well sell some of assets and continue on our rebuild path. Unfortunately we burn anotehr year of Kessel’s deal, but what can you do? I really dont think we’re good enough right now to make it into the playoffs come April. Even if we do, we’d squeek in a promply get spanked in 4 games.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I'm very okay with being sellers. But not for Grabovski. Unfortunately he's the only pending UFA with value.

Doesn’t anyone want a Colby “20 games” Armstrong, Tim “am I playing hurt?” Connolly, or Matthew “concussion-free!” Lombardi?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d listen to Grabbo offers. He is the best centre available, and teams may be willing to pay very high prices. I think keeping him without considering trades is not good asset management.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

may be willing to pay very high prices

This is where I usually stop agreeing – what I consider a “high price” for Grabovski is probably different than what others are considering a “high price”.

Looking at pending UFA trades over the last few years, there aren’t a ton I’d rather have than a signed Grabovski to market prices.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

True there aren’t other UFAs I’d rather have. But if you consider what Burke got for Kaberle, a decent puck moving defenceman and Beauchemin, I’d be willing to be we’d get some seriously good assets for Grabbo. And I’d at least check to see what people offer before I re-signed him. Due dillegence and all.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

DO YOU THINK HE WILL RESIGN IN TO? KESSEL I MEAN?

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Who know who I wouldn’t mind having back at this point? Hal Gill.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 8:12 AM EST reply actions  

Wish the Habs were stupid enough to give up Gorges

We're getting sick of him, he's just shouting congress tart

by PKSube on Feb 15, 2012 8:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Looking at qualcomp, that would be even better. Maybe they’d be interested in lifelong hab fan Nazeem Kadri.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 8:17 AM EST up reply actions  

So we go to the lab, split Kadri into his current self (amazing, responsible, leafs lover Nazem) and his former self (cokehead, turnover king, habs fan Nazeem) and lose the latter? Deal.

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 8:20 AM EST up reply actions  

haha, I’m on fire, knew that didn’t look right.

better wake up soon.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 8:22 AM EST up reply actions  

I would love Gorges, hes like Beauchemin 2.0

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 8:17 AM EST up reply actions  

his name is stupid. do not want.

That's "Da-ooo". Like the drink.

by daoust on Feb 15, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Come on now, you can’t dislike a player just because his name is stupid, you need to have a more substantial reason.

Now Plekanec, with that ridiculous turtleneck and dumb goatee…

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Thinking of other defensive options.

Fedor Tyutin appears to be a solid defencemen who has been successful against top compitition. If there is a Columbus firesale, would you take him at 4.5m until 2018?

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 8:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Hell no

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 8:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Because I need a lot more convincing than “Appears to be a solid defencemen who has been successful against top competition” to take one of the “best” defenceman off a team in 30th by a significant margin, who makes 4.5M until 2018.

Who turns 29 this year.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions  

maybe I'm not interpreting this right, but

Of defencemen who have played at least 40 games this season Tyutin has the 18th highest Corsi Rel QoC league wide. Of the top 60 players in this category here are the players who have a relative corsi of at least +10, in order of toughest compitition.

SHEA WEBER
FEDOR TYUTIN
ZDENO CHARA
BRENT BURNS
ERIK KARLSSON

Tyutin isn’t the reason Columbus is losing.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions  

Unless it’s a straight Komisarek for Tyutin swap we both can’t afford him and don’t want a contract that long for a dman who may or may not be any good on another team.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d take that contract if it meant unloading Komi.

This is a standout year for Tyutin, but his previous years haven’t been bad. No reason to think he’ll regress horribly.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions  

So you’ll dump Komi to take on basically the same contract that runs 5 years longer? please explain

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s only like 3 years longer… we still have Komi for 2 more years after this.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions  

right sorry only 4 years longer. Komi goes to 2014 and Tyutin to 2018

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

oh my god we have two more years of Komi?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions  

This is really the Leafs biggest issue – we have the cap space to resign our current roster (Grabbo, Kulie, Franson) but we don’t have the cap space to add anyone.

Right now we have $19.35M tied up in Tim Connolly, Mike Komisarek, Matthew Lombardi, Colby Armstrong, and Luke Schenn

Unless Burke can do some serious salary unloading this summer – our team isn’t improving externally.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Because he is a good player?

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:09 PM EST up reply actions  

You get a hockey player in return.

Here's my attempt at a witty sig. Didn't really go so well, methinks.

Wise men wonder, while strong men die.

by Cam Oegema on Feb 15, 2012 8:32 PM EST up reply actions  

No reason to think he’ll regress horribly.

Age is a fair reason.

They would never take Komi for Tyutin. They’d want like, actual assets.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

When do D-men’s performance usually peek?

Proud Members of:
#TeamRe-signGrabovski
#TeamKuleminIsMyGoat
#TeamTradeSchennNotGunnar

by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Why would we want Tyutin until 2018?

It doesn’t make sense. We already have Phaneuf, Liles, Schenn, and probably Gunnar/Gardiner/Franson for a long time. Locking in an expensive dman for a long long time I don’t think is the answer.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Also, he’s only 28. He still probably has a few good years left in him

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions  

you willing to bet 6 more years of “good” on that?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

Speaking of CBJ dmen...

Nikita Nikitin has tough Ozone starts, good ozone finishes, positive Corsi rel, has been logging 24 mins of ice-time a night (over 2.6 mins on the PK on avg). 25 years old, 600k cap hit, RFA at year end.

He was just traded for Kris Russell earlier in the year though. Plus he could have a nickname the “Nikitin patch”

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

on the downside, “Nikita Nikitin to Nikolai Kulemin” might give some Leafs announcers strokes.

by A Lindros Jaw on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

The Leafs should avoid trading for defensive defensemen on awful defensive teams, especially if they have a $4.5M cap hit. To me Tyutin looks like a more expensive version of Luke Schenn.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey

by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions  

I looked at Tyutin's 5vs5 possesion numbers recently

and they actually look really good. He wins against tough competition, but

… I think we need more info here. The Jackets have been losing a ton of games, implying that they are behind a lot. So I wonder if score effects wouldn’t make guys like Tyutin look better than they are (i.e. they are only winning the possesion battle because the other team is defending the lead).

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Also, that contract is still crazy. So no.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

NIKITA NIKITIN

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

In 5v5 close zone start adjusted situations Tyutin has given up goals at a higher rate than any Blue Jacket defenseman not named Aaron Johnson despite the fact that his fenwick against rate looks good.

Last year was no different and 2008-09 was the same too. He was a bit better in 2009-10 but generally speaking he suffers from an elevated shooting percentage against probably well beyond what we could say is due to random chance (but I know not everyone agrees with this being possible).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey

by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know why I’m bothering, because it comes down to a fundamental difference in philosophy. You beleive that shot quality is really improtant, I don’t. But I’lll say it anyway:

STEVE MASON SUCKS. Like, he sucks a lot. He is fucking terrible.

That is why Tyutin has a high shooting percentage against.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

All Blue Jackets defensemen play in front of Steve Mason and Tyutin’s shooting percentage against is high relative to them.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey

by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Tyutin faces tough comp right? I dont have access to behindthenet right now, but I know he faces top comp this season (not sure about the past).

So he would be facing the better shooters. How much higher is his shooting% against compared to where you’d expect it to be?

(And I’ll still say that I don’t think this matters all that much.)

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

What doesn’t matter much is quality of competition. Variations in QoC are dwarfed by variations in individual talent and quality of teammates.

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HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey

by HockeyAnalysis on Feb 15, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d like to maintain hope, but then I look at our March schedule.

Offizielles Mitglied des MĂĽller / Holzer Fan-Clubs. Ich fordere mehr Deutsche in diesem Team ....... tweet me @Alex_Scotian

by Alspicer on Feb 15, 2012 8:21 AM EST reply actions  

Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions  

that’s why I’ve given up on it. Right now I’m already thinking we should ditch Lupul at the height of his value for picks and prospects. We’re kidding ourselves if we think his production this year isn’t an aberration.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh great!

Your one of those guys: When we are winning, everything is great, when we are losing, the rebuilding sucks, start over, trade everyone for picks, waive everyone else. Its a losing streak, simple. Is Kessel’s production an aberration? Nope didn’t think so, I find it hard to think that the chemistry these to have will just magically die off completely.

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Nope, I knew things weren’t right when we were winning (the unsustainable offense covering for a weak defense and weak penalty kill and weak goaltending). I just didn’t want to be a buzzkill then.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

He hates everything all the time

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Keep Lupul.

It may be his peak production year but that doesn’t mean he becomes useless after this.

It’s like how lots of people are shitting on MacArthur… he’s still on pace for around 25 goals. That’s not too shabby.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions  

sure, he won’t be useless, but will he be as useful as the principal’s ransom he would fetch at the deadline?

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

IMO we overrate how much people would be willing to pay for an asset that likely every GM is worried about not repeating his success this season.

Just like Grabbo, IMO, we wouldn’t get anything close to the value he has to the Leafs. Keep good players.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

The difference between him and Grabo is contract status. If Grabo was guarenteed to stick around I would keep him 100% but if he’s determined to price himself out of our lineup then we need to think about cutting ties with him.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d trade MacArthur before Lupul.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d trade Boyce before Kessel

Proud Members of:
#TeamRe-signGrabovski
#TeamKuleminIsMyGoat
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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d trade Staal before Malkin

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ll trade you this delicious doorstop for your crummy old Danish

by JohnerstonRex on Feb 15, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Who ‘ya callin’ old?

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

You’d trade the forward who faces the toughest competition on the team, wins the possesion battle, can score 20, isn’t overpaid, and can move throughout all 4 lines and be useful on each one over the guy who sucks defensively and will probably never again score like he is currently?

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Put whatever spin you want onto it. I’m not saying I’d just give him away, but I would absolutely consider offers for him before any on Lupul (unless they were ridiculous)

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Lupul and Nash are from the same draft year.
Strange to talk about trading for one and ditching lupul

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions  

They may be from the same draft year, but they have vastly different numbers.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Sadly, I think some pieces are going to have to move, including some of our “favourites” if we want to be anything more than a bubble team ever.

Burke has made some bold gambles but generally his favourable trades have meant picking up someone another team doesn’t want and turning them into a better player (e.g. Phaneuf (last night aside), Connolly, Grabovski, Kessel, Lupul).

How else can we improve besides winning the prospect lottery, which is a real crapshoot? Hoping that in a few years all these solid prospects will become mature successful NHL players for the 5 or so years of their prime.

So then, who are we willing to part with? MacArthur has to be one of them – thanks for the MaGicK buddy! As does Kadri, Schenn, Grabo. If not them then who?

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Grabbo was Fletcher

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Connolly was a UFA signing and has not played well at all.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Sundin costed the leafs a peaking Clark
Gilmour was package with underachieving Leeman
Clark was draft pick.

UFA signing are much more difficult to get value in the cap.
We need something like the above to occur.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions  

heh… costed

I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.

by Chuck Diesel on Feb 15, 2012 8:08 PM EST up reply actions  

did you use google translate for that post?

I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.

by Chuck Diesel on Feb 15, 2012 8:08 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s just, like, you’re opnion man!

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 8:14 PM EST up reply actions  

As far as Unicorns go, I agree that we need better goaltending and a shutdown D, but I wrote a post a couple of days ago that shows our record against teams that play the trap and that’s been just as much of a problem as goaltending or shots allowed. A unicorn would help mitigate some of our problems against those teams.

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 9:01 AM EST reply actions  

And defenders that can clear the zone instead of turning the puck over would help too, but part of this is also forwards (kessel line) that get hemmed in their own zone.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t really see the outlet pass as being one of our pressing problems. Liles, Gardiner, Phaneuf, Gunnarsson and Franson are all perfectly good at starting the breakout.

Who do you think is the problem?

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Schenn under an aggressive forecheck and Komi but I probably should say they are more guilty of making poor decisions.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I agree with you on both points but that means that when healthy, we only have one D-man in the lineup that struggles in that regard. Is that so bad that you consider it our primary need? Is that the missing piece to breakdown a trap and forecheck team? I think the cycle game is what we really need.

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Someone had a good point about the forwards not clearing the zone and it seems there is more then one thing that a player will fix. My simple view of this, is that it is some combination of balance in defence, offence and goaltending and teams that have
3 of those 3 tend to be cup contender (boston)
2 of those 3 tend to be in the top 10 (nashville)
1 of those 3 tend to be bubble team (calgary or leafs)

The leafs have a lot of nice prospects but still have a lot of work to do

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, and that’s the thing. This team either needs: a) time to for their players to develop into above average to good players, or b) to move some that potential for established high level players

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

A retool won’t get you a top centre or goalie – teams that have those get them from draft or a trade them before the player becomes established. Then again, Burke somehow got Phaneuf and Gardiner so it can happen but I think those moves are more the exception. Chances are this team is going to need prospects to fill those top roles and that will take time. And hopefully the prospects mature before Kessel and Phaneuf decline

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions  

I think you can win with league average goaltending and guys like that are consistently available. The center is the big problem, as I see it. It’s tough to be a top team without a 70 point center or better and I just don’t know where that guy is going to come from

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions  

An average goaltending team would be Detroit though wings fan disagree about howard. Or maybe the Devils.
The sens are really surprising and so are panthers.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Last night, the only line which consistantly could get a cycle going was the Steckel line. They aren’t going to score much, and shouldn’t be expected to … and on the road, having your 4th line be able to cycle is less valuable (since the home side can keep their scoring lines away from our fourth and doesn’t worry about missed offensive opps if they are getting cycled against).

Grabbo’s line ocasionally
Bozek’s line maybe once?

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s a personnel thing, in my opinion.

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

and on the blue line for a true defensive defenseman

Remember when we traded that Beauchemin guy away?

Anyhoo, who would we consider a true shutdown defender that’s actually obtainable?

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:15 AM EST reply actions  

continuing on the defensive theme….how does it makes sense for Ron Wilson to sit Mike Komisarek for six games and then stick him out with Phaneuf against the opposition’s best lines all night? I realize Komisarek is a veteran, but he’s a guy you’re sitting because he’s not playing well. And then you throw him to the wolves. That’s bad coaching. Gardiner has been handling his minutes fine and should have been playing with Phaneuf all night.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Based on how Komi has played since returning from injury, there’s no reason he should be played at all.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

i hold out hope that if there’s one bad contract buyout allowed by the new CBA we buy him out and get him the fuck out of here. Terrible, terrible and overpaid.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

I WILL SACRIFICE A PPP MEMBER TO ANY GOD OF THEIR CHOICE IF IT WILL GUARANTEE A BUYOUT AMNESTY. I WILL CUT OUT YOUR BEATING HEART AND OFFER IT TO THE SUN GOD IF IT MEANS KOMISAREK IS GONE.

Any volunteers?

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions  

I choose Mike Komisarek. He’s probably a PPP member.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ll assume the next person to defend Komisarek is, in fact, Komisarek himself.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions  

You think they’ll buy out Ville LOLno! ?

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Should’ve made a move for him when the Ducks were struggling and before he re-upped.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Mike Weaver... extended. Damnit.

I really wanted Brewer, but he’s not helping TBL much.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

we got Gardiner and Lupul for him, and Gardiner has been one of our better d-men.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions  

Gardiner has been brutal defensivly

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Better than probably half our guys, as a rookie. Brutal is a significant overstatement.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions  

no, it really isnt
dog food probably tastes better than dog shit
but i bet it’s still pretty brutal

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Komisarek is brutal.
Schenn has been pretty bad.
Gardiner is a rookie, and he still doesn’t do that terrible playing 20+ minutes a night. Is he excellent? No. Is he very good? No. But he’s not a huge problem and I’d do that same trade 10 times out of 10.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions  

well duh you still make that trade
but Gardiner has been one of the leafs worst defensive D, right there with Schenn
his offence and “fresh scent” cover that up

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Wasn’t Gardiner a plus -1 last night? So basically the other D were on the ice when Calgary scored and not at all when he was on, right? So last night he wasn’t one of the worse.

"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

by BlueBuds on Feb 15, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions  

+/- is a terrible measure

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah but its not like he played 14 minutes – he played 23+ minutes.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions  

And I find it hard to believe he managed to jump off the ice right before the puck went in the net, five times

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions  

right so he was on for one goal
then one goal was a penalty shot
so he wasn’t on the ice for 3 goals
Phaneuf, Schenn and Komisarek were also 1
in fact, the only defenders with a worse +/
were Franson and Liles with a -2

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

I thought he was +1 meaning he was only defender to be on for the goal for and none of the 4 goals against that count?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions  

That is correct sir!

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

He has been pretty damn bad defensively. He is given too much leeway because he is a rookie. We are on the cusp right now and can’t afford to give him so much.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

On the cusp of what, exactly?

The playoffs? Who cares?

Play the kids; might as well see what they can do when it matters.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 12:18 PM EST up reply actions  

I would kind of like to make teh playoffs. I don’w know about you.

I am not suggesting that he doesn’t play Gardiner, just that he give him a little less leeway. Wilson seems to like to give rookie a dman a lot of leeway (and a fair bit of minutes) and than rein them in the second year (at least he did that with both Schenn and Gunnar). I don’t see (though am willing to listen to reasons) why they need to have this much leeway in their rookie year.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Completely agree. He needs to work on his strength, but I think he’s already the 3rd best defensive defender on the team after Phaneuf and Gunnar.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions  

I checked it out below and realized he has been better defensively than I realized. I still feel like he is given a fair bit of leeway though. I just think I have seen a bunch of time where him and Schenn screw up on a play and Schenn is basically benched for the rest of the night but Gardiner still gets a lot of minutes.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Gardiner also gets more minutes than Schenn when the team falls behind because Wilson has more faith in him to produce offensively, I think.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed, but....

Take a look at his offensive stats on that site.

Of the 150 defencemen who have played 40 games, he’s #13 in FGoals For per 60. #13. That’s up there with Chara, Lidstrom and Karlsson, and ahead of Keith, Weber and Subban.

Goals Against per 60, he’s #96 out of those 150, so not top end yet for sure. But. That’s still better than Beauchemin, Seabrook, Weaver, Dion and Gill.

And with a Corsi Relative of #46, yes, he’s playing against some weaker competition, but WITH weaker guys as well.

And offensively, holy shit. #13.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions  

And compared to other rookies?

His Corsi Relative is 3.5. Larsson on NJD is +1.1, Cowen on Ott is -5.8 and Diaz on Mtl is -3.8.

His GF/GA per 60 is 3.10 to 2.60. Or a net gain of +0.50.
Larsson’s is 2.25 to 2.59. A net of -0.34.
Cowen’s is 2.58 to 2.72. A net of -0.14.
Diaz’s is 2.03 to 2.11. A net of -0.08.

Again, well ahead, in terms of the net advantage he provides.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 1:19 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s really quite remarkable. Those stats are amazing.

by the_walrus on Feb 15, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions  

You don’t put Schenn to speculate, but is this good coaching or a case of better talent.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Those are amazing stats. I want to see this man with a calder

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Interesting on Frattin as well.

He has the best GF > GA advanatge at 5 on 5 play on the Leafs, even better than Grabbo and Gardiner.

He also only allowed 1.66 GA per 60 minutes at 5 on 5 while he was on the ice.

Middle of the pack, when it comes to Corsi Relative.

But interesting to see how few 5 on 5 goals the Leafs bottom liners gave up, with Steckel (1.82 per 60), Brown (1.50 per 60), Frattin (1.66) and Dupuis (a pretty incredible 0.76) all almost letting in nothing. It’s just that the three other than Frattin also scored almost none (Dupuis at… 0.00 the other two at 0.75 and 1.14.)

But Frattin? Even with his puck luck, 2.21 versus that 1.66 against. Better performances than the other 3, plus Lombardi and Connolly.

I’d say he’s gonna come back up. And God forbid we trade him or Gardiner.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions  

They also play less minutes, leading to less chance for them to score while they’re on. Colton Orr had the lowest GA/60 for us last year.

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah that was my thinking – we were doing better when Frattin was up so the 3SA comes to mind. Still, I’d much rather him here than Crabb.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions  

rec'd

I hate it when people knock Gardiner. The guy has been fantastic all year. He and Gunnar both.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Gardiner was abysmal for the first 10 or so games, and makes face palming defensive lapses every game, he is a good talent, makes some good plays and he can skate himself out of trouble lots of the time
but he deserves lots of the knocks he gets

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I just don’t see it. Yes, he makes mistakes, but he’s generally quick to recover. And given the plethora of stats just given by Mr. Not Ullman himself, I don’t think he does deserve it. People shrug the +/- off with disdain, as if it’s nothing. It can’t just be ignored, though.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions  

he’s middle of the pack out of a group of defencemen that are playing terrible, i am hard pressed to say he is anything but average past his rookie hype on the other side of the puck

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

We definitely don’t agree. He’s good now, he’ll be much better in the future. I think it’s great that he’s getting so much playing time, and I think he’s done fairly well with it.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah I don’t agree with jared either, just for the record

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

remember when Schenn was a rookie and got all that playing time and everyone said how awesome he looked?
well this is the same thing

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I mean it’s the exact same, let’s look at who else played defense for that team:

Ian White
Jeff Finger
Pavel Kubina
Jonas Frogren
Mike Van Ryn
Jaime Sifers
Tomas Kaberle
Anton Stralman

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions  

compared to the mighty defensive juggernaught of the current leafs!

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Our current defense has at least two players better than anyone on that list.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions  

so? what’s your point? both rookies got massive amounts of time due to a weak showing by players higher on the depth chart than them, both bolstered by (different) special teams time and both given the benefit of the doubt from their mistakes because of their rookie status and promise
there is one difference however
Schenn was 19 and gardiner is 22

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions  

21 (until July)

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions  

and schenn was 18 until november

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Eh, I’d take Kabby in his prime over pretty much anyone on our current D.

Here's my attempt at a witty sig. Didn't really go so well, methinks.

Wise men wonder, while strong men die.

by Cam Oegema on Feb 15, 2012 8:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Poor bastard didn’t deserve this.

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions  

I want a prime aged Dimitri Yuskevich

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Along with a Danny Markov at the height of his insanity

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

I don’t even remember if he was that good, I just really liked him as a kid

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions  

he was a great defensive guy, and just insane

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 8:43 PM EST up reply actions  

He was crazy and he wore my favorite number. I could relate and as a kid thats really all you need

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions  

best memory was his jagr salute when they knocked pit out of the playoffs

by l3ojangles on Feb 15, 2012 9:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Fuckin’ LOVED Danny.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 9:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Jesus Christ how did Jamie Sifers make it to the NHL?

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

rec’d

www.twitter.com/CameronSorley

by CameronSorley on Feb 15, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions  

He played for the worst team in the NHL at the time…. it’s like asking how Jay Harrison still has an NHL job.

Here's my attempt at a witty sig. Didn't really go so well, methinks.

Wise men wonder, while strong men die.

by Cam Oegema on Feb 15, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t believe it is the same thing. The two are different types of players with different strengths and weaknesses. Different players respond differently to situations. I don’t believe it is the same thing. You have an argument that it could be comparable, but as you pointed out, Gardiner is three years older. Perhaps more ready to handle this level.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions  

amen a player like Gardiner makes others better by controlling the flow of the rush

I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.

by Chuck Diesel on Feb 15, 2012 8:14 PM EST up reply actions  

This is nonsense.

You gotta fact to back it, I’d be happy to see it.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

im on lunch break, don’t have time to fact check, but if you have info to the contrary I’d be happy to see it

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions  

I will take your provision of lunch as sufficient evidence for Gardiner’s defensive weakness.

Depending on what you’re having.

Please describe.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

left over pizza

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Yup. Gardiner sucks.

Gotta any extra?

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

From behind the net for Leafs defenseman with 20 GP at 5x5

There are a total of 7 Dmen (Phaneuf, Gunnar, Schenn, Liles, Komi, Gardiner, Franson)

6th in CorsiRelQofC
5th in Corsi QofC
6th in +/- based QualComp

So he is playing easy minutes (either the second or third easiest on the team)

4th Qaul Team by +/-
7th CorsiRelQofC
7th CorsiQofC

He doesn’t have very good line mates

These two make sense together. He doesn’t have very good line mates so they are facing sheltered competition together

3rd in CorsiRel
2nd in Corsi

He is doing pretty damn well here (but it should be noted

2nd in GA/60 (with 1st being bad for these 4)
2nd in SA/60
5th in MA/60
1st in BA/60

On just the defensive side of the Corsi stat (and goals) he is doing pretty bad. He is allowing a lot of shots and blocked shots against, but actually doesn’t have many missed shots against. As well he is seeing a lot of goals go in while he is on the ice. His corsi is likely elevated because of how good he has been on the offensive side of the stat:

3rd in SF/60 (with 1st being good for these 4)
2nd in MF/60
6th in BF/60

So it appears he is good at driving the play up the ice, but when it gets to the D zone he is struggling pretty mightily.

I will admit he is doing better than I expected, but still not good. Probably okay to bad.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok, wait a minute. Your punchline isn’t quite matching the numbers I’m seeing. “He is seeing a lot of goals going in while he is on the ice” and “on the D side he is struggling pretty mightily.”

Let’s just doublecheck.

In terms of relative Corsi, which brings together some of the other measures, he’s 3rd, behind only Franson and Dion. But AHEAD of Gunnar and Liles, and way ahead of Schenn.

In terms of Goals For per 60 minutes, he’s #1 on the defence – and other than Schenn, he’s a LONG way ahead. As in, 3.10 pr 60 versus roughly 2.3 for the rest. So offensively he’s winning big.

And then where our numbers get mixed, you say he’s 2nd worst on Goals Against per 60 minutes played. but the way I read the site, he’s…. 3rd best, letting in 2.60 per 60, behind only Gunnar and Franson. But again, AHEAD of Dion, Schenn and Liles, who let in 2.70 and above.

Am I looking at the wrong column here??

I guess what they say to me is that I’d like his shots against to be a notch lower. But all in all, he’s moving the play the right way, he’s doing it without a huge advantage in team-mates, he’s scoring more than are going in, and most importantly, he’s one of the rare Leaf defenders doing that.

So I think the “struggling mightily” thing might be based a bit on a misread of that column? Maybe we can upgrade him to “ok to above average” from “okay to bad”?

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed, it seems BCapp is trying to make the numbers match his opinion, rather than letting the numbers form his opinion.

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Maybe he should be in law school instead of med school.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions  

Also, I’m not trying to call him out or anything,
but what I see is that Gardiner is good, im not sure what BCapp and Jared are looking at

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I also like Gardiner. He made a few great defensive plays last night.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions  

He was also completely invisible in the first period when we were at our worst. By that I mean whole shifts went by when I didn’t notice he was on the ice.

Now, a person could take that either way (“he wasn’t helping” vs “he wasn’t making glaring blunders”)

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 6:20 PM EST up reply actions  

No offense taken, no worries

I am not sure why Norm and I have different GA numbers (can’t check again now) so we’ll ignore that.

I will fully admit I expected him to be way worse than the numbers showed.

What I think I did show however is that his Corsi numbers look so good because he is pushing the play up the ice and when he gets there we are getting shots. That is great. However, he is also giving up a lot of shots against. I can’t tell you why that is. What I think it may be (this is more what I see than any stat), is that he pushes offense well (and pinches a lot) but sometimes he over commits and that leads to offence against. As well his GA/60 is high (at least if my numbers were right), which may be random variation of goaltending or may means something (his boneheaded plays that apparently only Jared and I see).

Regardless he has done much better defensively than I would have guessed. I was probably a little biased against him in my original post.

And yes Norm I am cool with saying average defensively.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions  

at least I feel a bit vindicated by the stats. I said he was one of our better defenders and the response was he has been “brutal”. The stats hardly show he’s been brutal, even if he hasn’t been great.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Being unfamiliar with advanced metrics as I am, is there a way to account for how well a D-man holds the line? Gardiner seems very good at this.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions  

So brutal he spends more time killing penalties than anyone but Phaneuf and Gunnarsson? Admittedly the other four set a fairly low bar, but still, though.

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Feb 15, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, we should totally trade Gardiner and Lupul back to Anaheim to get him back.

That's "Da-ooo". Like the drink.

by daoust on Feb 15, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions  

How do we feel about Brian Allen? He’s solid and available

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

He is a left defender with decent numbers and paired with Gleason so I’m not sure how much is the Gleason effect.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m a bit of a Brian Allen fanboy as he was a General back in their hayday

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

And Burke drafted him while in Vancouver so there is that.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

I wouldn’t reverse that trade for anything, but we definitley need that guy.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

WE LOST 4 GAMES THE SKY IS FALLING WE WILL NEVER RECOVER OH NO GET RID OF EVERYONE THIS TEAMS IS USELESS!!!

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:15 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

take a look at the schedule and show me how we can plausibly make up the points. I doubt it. We’re in 8th due to the epic suck levels of teams below us. The win a game or two and they overtake us. We likely lose tonight, given our back-to-back record this year, and Saturday, given Vancouver pretty much always spanks us.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Yes but the key words are “other teams” and “epic suck levels” it doesn’t matter how bad we are as long as they are worse.

Also blowing up this team isn’t the answer to making up those points or necessarily making us better next year.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions  

so best case scenario, we make it into the playoffs in maybe 7th place somehow due to everyone else sucking more than us. We play either NYR or Boston, and lose in 4. Yes, it’s playoffs, but to what end?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions  

Compared to what? Blowing this team apart and hope a brand new team can win next year? what happens when that team struggles do we blow that one up too?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m not saying blow up the team, which would involve trading most of our players.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Who do you want to trade?

I’m willing to part with our scrubs to open up spots for the kids but I’m not trading Lupul or anyone like that **

*Grabo is the exception if contract is so far apart Burke won’t be able to resign him at a good price for the team moving forward. What he’s worth on the open market and what Burke can afford to pay are necessarily the same thing.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s not who I want to trade, it’s who is potentially available. Not a full list but here goes:

Not available at all:
Kessel
Phaneuf
Gardiner

Not available unless another GM is an idiot and trades serious assets for them:

Lupul
Gunnarsson
Colborne
Kadri

For the right price:

Franson
Kulemin
Schenn
MacArthur

Send them to the moon:

Connolly (lol)
Armstrong (lol)
Komisarek (lol)
Lombardi

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d say that’s a fairly accurate list. Not sure that Connolly doesn’t still have some value. He’s consistently been a 60-point pace kinda guy and he only has one year left on his deal. Don’t think we’d have to give him away (though I would consider it)

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s what I think. Like I said, I don’t want to blow up the team, but our performance indicates we just aren’t good enough so it would be bad asset management to not even consider offers for many of our players.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

As Skinny says in the lede, this team has “2nd/3rd line veteran players coming out of its ass.” Need to focus on thinning that out for the kids with potential and trying to improve existing talent if possible

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Yup. And when our vets continue to not perform, I just wonder why they’re there, while our kids in the AHL are performing quite well, especially Kadri and Frattin.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Frattin’s streak ended yesterday. But Kadri scored!

This is a crucial time for Burke. Needs to make some tough decisions on who stays and who goes. Playoffs this year would be nice but next year is where this team really needs to take a big step forward

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Agreed. I wouldn’t mind trading one or 2 players off this roster right now, but I don’t want a firesale.

only one or 2 because we are still in the race and realistically moving even just Lombo and waiving Boyce/Rosehill would be enough to bring both Frattin and Kadri up to form a nice sheltered scoring line.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions  

It all depends. If you’re trading for futures, then yeah, one or two now and one or two in the offseason. If you’re adding a ‘unicorn’ or other upgrade then you can move more than 2 assuming you’ve got a piece coming back. Don’t submarine this season, but realistically, next year is the year where we have a chance to truly succeed

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Frattin still had four shots, apparently the goalie was hot.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions  

good to see him shooting more though.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

1 where does Reimer go (in the first section I assume).
2 You have Lupul pretty high.

Connolly and Lombardi are probably moveable just won’t get much assets back.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I have Lupul high yes, but part of that is based on my view about Burke: he brought in Lupul as a “proven playoff perfomer” and won’t trade him now because he wants that on his team. Even if I put him somewhere based on myself as GM, I put him at “not available unless another team makes a significant offer”.

As for Reimer, place him in the untouchables simply because we can’t part with a goalie now without a better one coming back (somehow, which won’t happen).

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions  

If Burke did go after a goalie

who would be available? I know Nabokov from islanders, but not sure if Snow wants to trade him.

You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend. Those with loaded guns, and those who dig. You dig.

by Tats16 on Feb 15, 2012 9:16 AM EST reply actions  

Take a look.See anything you like?

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s probably more likely in the summer when there are several UFA goalies available. Vokoun, Biron, Nabokov, Harding, Bishop, etc.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Ben Bishop looks interesting but he hasn’t proven anything in the NHL. Dude is massive

"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 Feb 15, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d still love to have him here. You can never have too many goalie prospects.

Here's my attempt at a witty sig. Didn't really go so well, methinks.

Wise men wonder, while strong men die.

by Cam Oegema on Feb 15, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Can’t believe St Louis might end up letting Bishop walk for nothing. We’d have a 2,000 comment thread if we let a goalie walk UFA after putting up .926 over 35 AHL games. Wonder what they’ll do about it.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

How many comments was teh CHampagne thread?

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions  

a bajillion, I think.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions  

443 comments for a nobody

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Vokoun, Biron, Nabokov, Harding, Bishop

Doubt Vokoun comes here, but Reimer/Harding… if Harding can stay healthy… not bad.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d be okay with Harding. A Reimer/Harding 1A 1B split might be decent.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Vokoun, Biron, Nabokov, Harding (I really like him), Montoya.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions  

I still feel like if he could have gotten a shut-down d-man already he would have. which means that something else is up. possibly Suter.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:16 AM EST reply actions  

lol. sure.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Nashville is solidly in the playoffs. They need Suter. They won’t trade him.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions  

i just mean I wonder if he’s holding out to get him as a UFA this summer.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

I think Burke believes his defensive group is fine. In truth, there’s enough talent there to play better than they have. I think coaching is a part of the problem.

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I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Burke also believed in his goalie tandem.

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh my you mean 2 young goalies (experience wise for Gus) have trouble being consistant?

Less that 2 weeks ago we were arguing about how we should deal with having 2 potential #1 starters

caaalm down people. Fuck both our goalies have the talent to win any game they just need to keep it together for longer stretches… something that will come with experience

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree 100% , just think a vet would have been good to have…. No arguement they have talent…. just need it for longer stretches. Totally agree with you

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Yes but your “Burke also believed in his goalie tandem” comment made it sound like they fucked up huge and are useless now.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

There has never been a time when we have been unconcerned with goaltending – even in Reimer’s rookie run – there were always questions. Basing a playoff run on two inexperienced goalies without a veteran mentor is risky and this move will either work or blow up in his face.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Gus wasn’t god awful yesteday. He let in goals he might want back, but in the first period alone he kept it frm being about 5-0. He got no help whatsoever.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

2 goals on the first 6 shots put us in a hole we weren’t ever going to climb out of. Can’t really fault him on either one (Looking at you Lupul) but he didn’t make any huge saves at any point in the game either.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

he made several huge saves, the first tipped shot that went off his left pad springs to mind.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

That might have been the angle I was at. We were sitting high up and right on the goal line – in the end the Leafs “defended” for 2 periods – so redirections that only went in the vertical plane were not very visible.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

siiiiiighhhh…

coaching definitely IS part of the problem. I’ve just given up hope that it’s ever going to get addressed.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions  

Reimer is only 24 (in a couple weeks)

I believe he’ll be a #1 goalie

We may just need someone between now and then to help the leafs.

Gustavvson is playing ok, but he’s a #2 goalie.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Agreed

I think people forget about Reimer, they hear 2nd season, sure he is in the the second seaaon, but he has only played 60 games ( A full season this doesnot make), 23 er almost 24, longer development for goalies. I think some people forget this…

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t want to turn into Columbus where we wait for a young goalie’s career rookie year to magically return. for years.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

IMO Reimer>Mason

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions  

The Calder winner?

The point is that we should not put all our eggs in one (unproven) basket that is Reimer.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
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by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep 3 mediocre games in a row after posting back to back shutouts makes him a bust

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Reimer’s been mediocre this whole year.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

If you don’t count the first 13 games maybe…

He was playing lights out then got hurt then struggled coming back from injury (oh noes rlly?), sat most of January and then posted back to back shut outs.

I wouldn’t exactly call him mediocre just not having a chance to find a groove

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Those are all perfectly valid reasons for why he’s having a mediocre season, but the fact of the matter is he is having a mediocre season. You can say none of it is his fault but it doesn’t really make a difference in a results-oriented business

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions  

And by mediocre I mean sometimes he’s good, sometimes he’s not-so-good. Sure it could be injury, it could be “not finding a groove” it could be because he got a new mask, but the reasons don’t change the results

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

But to say because he’s struggled in his 2nd season he’ll need magic for his rookie season results to return is crazy

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Both price and toskala struggled their sophmore year – I’m going with the leafs had their share of bad goaltending for the decade.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions  

we’ve had more than our share of bad goaltending this past decade. I feel like we’re being punished by the hockey gods.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Magic? What? If you’re suggesting Reimer sacrifices a goat before every game or something…well I never said that at all.

Saying he’s having an up-and-down season does not mean I’m saying he is a bad goalie who should feel bad and will always suck and will never be good again.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions  

rookie year to magically return. for years

Boom Harry Potter’d

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions  

So you are suggesting I sacrifice a goat for Reimer then?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions  

idn ask peter he was the one who brought magic into this… I don’t deal in ritualistic magic I am purely into spell casting only

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

I keep an open mind

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t mind rituals but fuck blood is hard to get out

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions  

“fuck blood”?

Look, what you get up to in the comfort of your own bedroom is your business … the rest of us are trying to have a factual discussion about magic here.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

I need to retake grammar magic 101 :(

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Wilson’s gone if we don’t make the playoffs this year, which is increasingly looking likely.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions  

replaced by who though?

It’s almost getting into that “Devil you know vs the Devil you don’t”

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Would Eakins have to pass through Waivers?

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

well, I’m assuming he wouldn’t be frogmarched out of the ACC until April. And then the Leafs would see who’s available after the playoffs are done.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Top candidates have to be Eakins or one of the two Assistant coaches behind the bench.

Flash Gordon or whats-his-face.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Depends on what the plan is going forward. If Burke gives up on his rebuild on the fly, then I’d want a coach that can get the best out of developing young players, so I’d give Eakins the job for a couple of years.

If Burke’s hell bent on creating 2nd-round and you’re out-type playoff regulars, then an experienced coach fired from a poor playoff performance is a good choice.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Which one of those Assistant coaches is responsible for the special teams??

Anyone one but that guy…

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d rather a devil I don’t know at this point, because the devil I know isn’t really getting it done.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions  

no. if you know he’s not getting the job done, move on and give someone else a chance. don’t stick with something that doesn’t work forever.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions  

There are worse coaches though. Change for change sakes doesn’t always work – remember NJD hiring John MacLean?

It has to be a positive move in the right direction.

FWIW I’m not on either the “defend Wilson” or the “Fire Wilson” bandwagons.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

change for change sakes doesn’t always work, but it does more often than not.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions  

If there’s an exception to every rule… I gotta think WSH should be a shining example of teams getting worse with a new coach.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

Muller hasn’t exactly been a hit in Carolina either

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

Canes have played better under Muller but he just doesn’t have a lot to work with at the moment.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions  

Ya I’m giving Muller a bye until they can get a team under him.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

st louis has done pretty well under hitchcock

by mase311 on Feb 15, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Did you just compare the St. Louis Blues roster to the Carolina Hurricanes roster?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Tim Brent gets power play time on the Hurricanes. He’s averaging 1:00 of PP TOI/G. 8th overall, 6th among F with more than 20 GP. Tim Brent.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions  

like I said, it doesn’t always work. but it will on average.

some of this is just a bounce-back of luck. some of it is psychological factors. some of it is sometimes you get a better coach.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

but it will on average.

Not sure your post was compelling enough for me to believe that, but I get your argument.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

Er, the Devils hired John MacLean because Lemaire retired.

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

I never said some one got fired… just that there was a coaching change.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

But you were talking about change for change’s sake.

It wasn’t change for changes sake. Their coach retired. They were making a change no matter what.

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Ya sorry that wasn’t clear… I was just thinking of an example of a coaching change that failed miserably and that was the first one that came to mind.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

which is increasingly likely

still in 8th, after being worse off a month ago
so in fact, it is probably less likely now

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by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions  

Hire Quennville? CHI has lost like 6 straight or something

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

If they fired him and we keep losing, he might be a good replacement. Wilson is a good coach – his track record shows it. But is he good at getting this team where it needs to be? I have serious, serious doubts.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Dion Phaneuf’s play last night, is a perfect example of Ron Wilson being a BAD coach

Any good coach should have sat Phaneuf down and told him to calm down and ignore that he’s playing in Calgary.

Instead, Phaneuf kept trying to do to much and got in trouble time after time.

RW is a bad coach.. he might have been a good coach in the past, but he’s never done anything that I’ve seen to change the game.

So far this past 3 years, he’s been a one trick pony – “oh no, we’re losing, let me find my blender”.

oh! and he’s pulled out a rope this year… which fixed the PK, but somehow strangled their PP..

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

He should have sat Dion down and played…. who, exactly?

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

More Komisarek obviously

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

sat him for a couple minutes, let him clear his head and send him back out.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

And played… who, exactly?

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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

My point is that RW should have told him to cool down.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

My point is you’re not making any fucking sense.

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions  

That was Phaneuf’s worse game this season.

And it was against the Flames..

Do you think that’s a coincidence? A good coach needs to be able to read his players and COACH them.

Phaneuf played like crap, and RW let it happen.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions  

Can somebody get this clown the number for LeafsTalk?

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Are you arguing that Phaneuf had a good game?

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Of course not.

But I’d love an explanation how benching your captain and the player who plays the most ice-time, on a night when your second defender is out injured, is a good idea.

If I were you I’d consider changing my signature and join #TeamGetAFuckingClue

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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

sat him for a couple minutes, let him clear his head and send him back out.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

You still haven’t answered my original question.

Sit him and play who else?

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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Gardiner, Liles, Franson, Schenn

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Alright, alright. We’re all frustrated and it’s been a brutal week but let’s not start getting overly hard on each other. We’re all looking for answers and people who know more than us can’t even find them.

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

All due respect, but i’ve played enough competitive hockey in my life to know when someone’s talking out of their ass about how the game of hockey is actually played.

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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

I just think there’s a better way to have that discussion, that’s all. Ultimately, we all want the same thing.

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Ultimately, we all want the same thing.

Wait, you guys want Steve Bernier too?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions  

All of us but NHLcheapshot want the same thing

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Tell you what.

If you can make a chart where the data actually spells out “BERNIER” I will join you on Team Bernier.

But you have to use actual data and not just make it up so it spells data.

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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

Right. 100% agree.

But I want to have high-quality discussions about the Leafs.Not that bullcrap.

Cynically Sarcastic
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by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Sure, and I understand that too. I guess my point is that if you think someone is so off-base that you can’t even start a meaningful discussion then ignore it. I’ve got a lot of respect for your opinion — not everyone on here is going to be as informed as you are. Just let it roll off your back

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions  

No but to blame RW for not being able to magically get Dion to forget he’s playing the Flames is ridiculous. You make it sound like RW should be a miracle worker. Do you really think RW left Dion alone and was like baah he’ll be fine. No he probably had a talk with him, but its not his fault if it didn’t stick. Some things aren’t cured by a 30 second talk on the bench

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions  

So your saying its not RW’s fault if his players don’t listen to him?

That’s bad!

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Prove that Wilson did or did not say something to him. Prove it.

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

If players always were able to do exactly what their coaches said when they are on the ice no player would ever be out of position.

Also prove that Dion was struggling because he was in Calgary. And like Leafer said prove Wilson did or did not say something.

And finally prove that telling someone “hey don’t let this get to you” stops that from getting to that person.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

You know that inspirational speech Bombay gives before the third period in the Mighty Ducks movie?

Yeah Wilson should do that.

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

After we gave up that 3-goal lead to the Pens I hoped RW did that “How long does it take to score a goal? /throws puck really hard at bulletin board Less than a second” speech that the douchy coach does in D3.

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by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe he did? Were you on the bench?

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

So either RW told Phaneuf to calm down and Phaneuf decided not to listen to his coach (That’s BAD)

Or RW didn’t say anything to Phaneuf (That would also be bad)

What do you think happened?

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

This is conjecture and hearsay. Where the lawyers at?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Damnit why won’t you blockheads play better?

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions  

What do you think happened?

I think that you played a game of “Lets drink whats underneath the sink” as a child

Fairweather fans can go to hell
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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Yes because telling someone “hey maybe you should calm down and forget your playing a team who ran you out of town” always works. It only takes a quick pep talk to get past any mental issues.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Why are we talking about mental issues? You guys are building a narrative that Phaneuf doesn’t play well in Calgary.

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions  

That wouldn’t worry me so much. What would be a real problem is if Wilson’s lost the room as a coach. Pure speculation right now, but obviously whatever’s he’s saying to them isn’t getting across.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

We have no idea what goes on in the locker room.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

We will next year

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

not completely… only what HBO allows us to see.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m not saying he has one, I think he’s just fine and had a bad game oh well move on.
But IF there WAS a mental issue (like draino-drinker up there says) how would a 30 second pep talk on the bench solve it?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d say “the team doesn’t play well in Calgary” as it’s been six trips now with no success … but the amount of personnel changes over that time render that meaningless.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Sportsnet said the Leafs haven’t won in Calgary since 2002

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

yeah and who is left on the roster from then? Or even the league? I always hate those stats – they’re an excuse for poor performance before a game to deflate expectations and then after a game.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Well, it also encompasses a lockout, the fact they’re in a different conference, and that there were probably years where the Leafs didn’t even go to Calgary because of the imbalanced sked

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

both are (possibly) true thanks to the years where the Leafs never came to Calgary all year due to the imbalanced schedule.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Okay so why do other players turn it up a notch (in a good way) when they play the team that “ran them out of town” but Dion turns into a basket case??

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Instead, Phaneuf kept trying to do to much and got in trouble time after time.

Yup he was doing too much that Komi got caught and Phaneuf was the only guy back on a 2 on 1.

Dion didnt play his best game but thats ridiculous

Fairweather fans can go to hell
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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

He’ll never play his best game being paired up with the useless sack of Komisarek.

Oh, a chance to hit a guy and get out of position? Let me take it! Oh sorry Dion…I won’t do it again.

Oh another chance to do it? YAH!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

And what genius puts Komisarek on the 1st D line?

RW is a bad coach

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

i dunno. the Kessel-Suter connection is weird. It makes me wonder.

It’s not one of those things I ACTUALLY believe. If pressed I’d say it’ll never happen.

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions  

What connection?

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

the Kessel-Suter connection is weird. It makes me wonder.

Yes, they are friends. That doesn’t mean that Suter has a burning desire to come to Toronto.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

it doesn’t?

Move along. Nothing to see here...

by Van Ryn's Neurologist on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions  

It burns!

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

Thoughts after last night

Komi is gone.. what ever hope he gave me earlier this season before he got injured is gone. That man is a waste of cap space. Any big trades involving the leafs will result with Komi being moved (to other team or AHL)

Dion “with chip on shoulder” does not play well. RW should have sat him down in the 1st period and told him to relax and ignore that he’s playing in Calgary. (bad coaching!)

Gardiner is by far my new favorite leafs defenceman. I would rank him #3 after Gunner and Dion (Liles would be #4 and we’re lucky to have a puck moving & PP QB like him signed for the next couple years!!)

Armstrong – My guess is that he’s still concussed and staff knows this but don’t want people to know. There’s no reason to have him as a healthy scratch and play Boyce instead.

Kulemin on the 3rd had his best game this season, RW should have been moved to the 3rd back in November!

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST reply actions  

Thoughts After Last Night!

FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions  

FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!

I think those were everyone’s thoughts during the game.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions  

I skipped the game last night for a woman. No regrets.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions  

you definitely made a good choice.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions  

I took my woman to a hockey game

Our D really had trouble with puck recovery. The game was closer than the scoresheet indicated I think. We hit 2 solid posts in the first two periods and probably had better scoring chances.

Kiprusoff outplayed Gus is really what it came down too. The two late goals obviously put the game out of hand.

Also Gardiner is a really good defender off the rush. Couple times he just stripped the puck from Iggy like it was nothing.

I have trouble seeing Luke Schenn as a tio 4 dman.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

Gardiner was one of the few, if only, bright spots in that game.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Bozak

Aside from a bad change, had a good game.

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

yeah forgot about that. He was solid too.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions  

Crabb vs Kadri

Do I really need to say anything else regarding this?

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 10:05 AM EST reply actions  

It depends on what the 3rd line is supposed to be doing.

If it’s a sheltered scoring line, then why Crabb over Kadri?

If it’s a defensively responsible shutdown line, then why Lombardi and Connolly/MacArthur?

Seems like Wilson doesn’t know what that line’s identity is.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

If he wants a defensively responsible line that can also chip in some offense…why not Frattin? I just don’t get our coaching decisions.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions  

This is the issue I’m starting to wrestle with.

Brian Burke seems to be trying to build a team one way and Ron Wilson seems to be trying to utilize his team a completely different way.

I think as far as the inconsistency of this season goes, that’s a contributing factor. Feels like a lot of square pegs into round holes happening.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Brian Burke seems to be trying to build a team one way and Ron Wilson seems to be trying to utilize his team a completely different way.

A major problem from the beginning of Burke’s tenure here. Wilson wants to recreate the Sharks, Burke wants to recreate the Ducks.

Next season of 24/7: "I am named Mikhail. I watch video to fold together strategy. I want outdoors to fight bravely."

by Peter de Chatham on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

I’d think the issues of “ECHL goaltending” and “AHL roster” prevented us from knowing if there was an issue with that.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

I thought Lombardi was known for his defensive quality until now. Haven’t seen it this year though.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
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by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Crabb vs. Frattin.

The list goes on. I’ve said before, we’ve got all these mediocre guys taking the spots of our younger players. Let someone claim Crabb, who cares. Yes he is a PKer but that’s about all he does. And it’s not good enough. Give a chance to one of our young guys to spark this team because we are playing like we aren’t desperate to make teh playoffs.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Crabb is a GOOD 4th liner

Don’t trade him, just put him back on the 4th line.

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by Gebx on Feb 15, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions  

I said a bajillion times, I’d dump Army in the AHL to get Frattin back up. In. A. Heartbeat.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

I’d dump almost any of our bottom 6 to bring up a young guy who is at least hungry to fucking play. Some of these guys are just lifeless out there.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Puck watching, turnovers, inability to clear the zone, poor gap control….

Are these talent related issues or coaching related issues? I’m not going all “FIRE WILSON”, but at some point the issues that have been plaguing the Leafs for years can’t simply be blamed on lack of talent, right?

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 10:16 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

I agree with this. However, WIlson hasn’t had much talent to work with

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I think we’ve been focused on which of the two is the more important factor, the coaching or talent, and I’m just not sure we can know. But I do think changes to both, at least in the off-season, probably wouldn’t hurt.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

However, WIlson hasn’t had much talent to work with

The current forward lineup has 7 former 55+pt players.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions  

In the past few seasons. This season is a different story.

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Right, so what’s the excuse for this year?

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions  

I really have no idea. The leafs defensive zone coverage has been awful.

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s been the forwards as much as the D though too. Lupul didn’t get the puck out and then completely missed his assignment on the first goal. The D haven’t been great but the five man unit on in-zone coverage has been the biggest problem

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

the whole “get it to the line and not out” stuff is a lot on the forwards. The defence have done an okay job of getting the puck along the boards to the blue line, but either the forwards arent there or they cant get it out. The top line especially are AWFUL at this.

Fairweather fans can go to hell
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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I agree. There needs to be an outlet available (and quickly) as soon as possession changes and that just hasn’t been the case for a lot of this year

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Lupul passed it up the boards to……himself. Except obviouslyhe wasn’t there. Turnover, dump in, lose a puck battle and its int he back of the net.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Our top line is absolutely fucking terrible defensively. Always has been.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Hmm needs more Parise

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions  

The flames don’t have as much talent as the leafs. But where they do it makes a difference (especially goaltending). And I don’t think Suter is a better coach but to me he gets a lot more out of that untalented team then Wilson gets out of the leafs.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ve always thought the Flames were a well coached team – they play a good North-South game – unfortunately they are oblivious to the oncoming NTC storm

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I will be annoyed at the injustice if Feaster manages to get them into the playoffs

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Blake Comeau didn’t look half bad for a free toy last night.

"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 Feb 15, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions  

We’re 57 games into a season and, although the Leafs are still in 8th, this kind of stuff still happens all the time. If the Leafs were shooting upwards of 10% on the season they’d be out of it.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions  

How dare you suggest playoff teams sometimes lose 4 games in a row!!

(looks at Penguins 8 game losing streak, and Chicago’s current streak)… oh right carry on

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Guys like birky have been preaching about this stuff all season even when they were winning

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by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Kind of hoping this makes CHI do something desperate and crazypants at the deadline

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

tbh I hope they fire coach Q. He’s one of the few coaches in the world I’d be okay replacing Wilson with. I still think Wilson is a top 10 or 15 coach in the NHL even if his results here don’t back it up.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

In fact maybe even top 5. I’m going through the list in my head of all coaches in the world with the thought if I was starting a brand new team and I could have any coach who would I want behind the bench.

  1. is obviously Babcock
  2. is Bylsma

After those 2 I can make a case for Wilson to be in the same group as Q, Torts, Laviolette and Tippett.

Those would be my top 7.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions  

The next tier would the be Boudreau, Vigneault, Julien, Carlyle, McLellan out in SJS and Deboer (Ranger man crush).

Finally there are the promising new coaches.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Barry Trotz not getting any love in Nashville. That guys gotta be doing something right to compete in that division for the past 5 years. It can’t all be Suter and Weber. They have a system and run it well. I understand being able to replace your all star goalies with other all star goalies is a major plus but still

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Burke hates those systems though because he finds them boring. I can’t argue with that, although their success really does speak for itself (it also speaks to their scouting and development)

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

Oh I gotcha. I thought it we were just looking at good coaches not styles Burke would like to have his players played. My bad. You win this round good sir

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

No you were right, this is if I was hiring a coach in a vacuum who would I take.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Shit forgot about him… he’s #3 before that next tier

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions  

They are a systems team that implements players that adhere to the system. Trotz is amazing at finding the role each player fits, and using them to their potential.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

that’s what I was trying to same but didn’t have the words

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Trying to say. Sigh, English is not my friend this morning

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he’s a good coach, I don’t think he is the right coach for this team.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Trump has this quote that the worse employee is the one that is just good enough. With a great employee it is clear that he overachieves and deserves a raise. And for underachieving one it is clear that he can be let go. But for one that is average it is difficult to decide what is the best path forward.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

The really worrisome thing is that Burke clearly does not want a defense first coach like Dave Tippet, which sucks because his teams play solid hockey, probably above their talent level.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s also funny that the Leafs refuse to keep Kadri up on the team because of his defensive game, and then we look at the rest of the forward group and go….“huh?”

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

bah this demotion was a clear “fuck it lets send down the only waiver eligible one”…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

he said as much in his interview with the national post.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions  

exactly, but now that they’ve seen that who they have left on the roster are useless waiving one or more of them shouldn’t cause too much of an issue.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions  

This team should be about earning ice time. Several guys havent earned shit, I don’t care how much they are paid.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions  

agreed… Sorry Army but go take more time off and come back next season in top shape and ready to go. Between his ankle and concussion he really hasn’t been able to stay in any sort of shape and he’s slow enough when healthy and in shape. I think he can still be effective in this league but he needs at least a conditioning stint or something to get his legs going again.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Also Crabb is a 4th liner, not a 3rd liner.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

I like our current 4th line without Crabb on it. Crabb is an an AHL/NHL tweener, and he’s showing the former more now.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions  

meh Boyce and Crabb are pretty interchangable… Crabb might have a slight edge in PK

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

honestly our 4th line isn’t the problem, they’re usually out there forechecking hard, rarely on for goals against, they do exactly what we need. Sometimes they’re the only line that does its job.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree… but Crabb on the 3rd line instead of someone good IS a problem

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

yes. But knowing Burke/Wilson they’ll just plod along talking about how we have to step up. Not sure what happeneed to “play well and earn a spot” but who knows. There’s always next training camp….

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

It is silly. Having Lombardi or Armstrong picked up on waivers is a best case scenario. Although OTOH, having them go to recall waivers would not be a good thing…

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Feb 15, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions  

We don’t have to put them on recall waivers… hell we don’t even have to demote them if they clear waivers I’m pretty sure… We can put them on waivers just to give other teams a chance at them. Although tbh if I was Burke I wouldn’t waive them until after the trading deadline because some GM might lose his mind completely and pick one up for a pick. I’m looking at Jay Feaster with all those injuries.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions  

..

Like Seabrook for Komisarek right?

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah when we go on an 8 streak tear or whatever I’ll call us a playoff team.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

so that 5-0-1 streak didn’t count because it was part of the first 13 games of the new year?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions  

The “get rid of the first 13 games of the year” thing is definitely spreading. I mentioned in the GDT last night that one of my friends pulled out a “stat” to say the Leafs sucked because they’re .500 since then.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions  

I could 6 games there, one a loss.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions  

could = count.

Of course it counts. Still doesn’t mean losing 4 in a row, including to at least 2 teams you should be beating, doesn’t matter.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

so 11/12 points isn’t enough to counter a 4 game losing streak but an 8 game winning streak counters a 8 game losing streak just fine?

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

No, but an eight game winning streak at this point in the season puts us pretty solidly into playoff territory. An eight game losing streak does the opposite. They don’t “cancel each other out”, they both matter, though it also matters when they happen.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions  

what is with this weirdness about point dates mattering. The points all matter equally.

I used to love the Leafs... I still do... but I used to, too.

by Chuck Diesel on Feb 15, 2012 8:43 PM EST up reply actions  

And yet they beat Pittsburgh 1-0 in there, and demolished Ottawa who they are in close competition with.

I’m as frustrated as anyone here, but you are being a total negative nancy and letting the records fit your narrative.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

yeap. It just sucks that it’s coming against some easy teams.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

And what makes it worse is while these problems exist, the Leafs have just looked completely flat and lifeless the last three games. I’ve never seen a team play like they don’t give a shit this much.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Dreaded Blue and White Disease?

Fucking hope not!

"Pass to the Left, Cause the Right is Wrong!!"
Reimer........
@Scradam31

by LeafsLaughToo on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Blue and white disease, boneitis, maybe we should be adding medical staff not unicorns

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions  

We need a vet if we’re adding a unicorn.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

hahaha rec’d

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

I think we’ve put too many points into “Pro Scout” and not enough into “Medical Staff”

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

yes because I’m sure having more doctors would prevent Colby from having a concussion or a sprained ankle.

Or prevent Gionta from elbowing Reimer in the head.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions  

At this point I’m perfectly happy with having Armstrong injured… he sucks.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

I think you might be taking what I said a little too seriously

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions  

I thought you were serious but now I’m more just confused by what you meant

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

NHL12 Be A GM Mode

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions  

aahh of course…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions  

I play that game too much anyway

Professional cusser causer.

by T is for Truculence on Feb 15, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Havent used that mode since I bought the game in September. My nephew on the other hand is 9 and can’t figure out why he can have Ovechkin and Crosby on the Leafs and Brian Burke can’t manage this. I tell my brother he’s failed as a hockey dad. Then again he’s raising them as Patriots fans to boot. Sometimes you just can’t win

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions  

A solid Nurse-based defence woulda taken that fuckin’ Gionta down.

They’da seen his sorry elf ass comin’ a mile off.

“Dwarf Patrol” – Nurses run that shit.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

I think a lot of this is talent, to be honest. Short of hiring a coach who will switch to a trap system, I don’t think it will male much difference.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions  

Talent falls on the scouts for not acquiring or mis-identifying players that will fit the “system”.
Unless it is a skill/experience in which we need to wait for more then 3 years for some players to figure out how to play defence.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions  

How's this for a game summary:

I’ve never been more relieved that I came down with a cold and had to go to bed early.

Certified Delusional Optimist

by TheOtherAndrew on Feb 15, 2012 10:47 AM EST reply actions  

Was in Toronto for the Trivium show at The Sound Academy, made back home saw the score, went to bed. Night well spent I think

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions  

5. […] Gunnarsson offers a stabilizing presence for the Leaf captain, a void that Wilson will have to fill in the short-term without the 25-year-old. “I don’t know what we’re going to do,” he said. “We’ve got Keith Aulie [we] have to consider playing and he’s got a history of playing pretty well with Dion. And then that’ll give Jake the opportunity to play with somebody else and he can help somebody else because Jake tonight was by far our best defenceman.”

uugggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Split up Gardiner and Phaneuf, because they were working really well together.

Quote from Siegel’s latest entry

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 10:51 AM EST reply actions  

To be honest I don’t know why Holzer doesn’t get a chance. Surely he can’t be worse than Komisarek.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

He was out with the flu at the time of Aulie’s call up. Not sure if it’s the case now, but I doubt they want him trying to learn the NHL level while he’s also getting back from sickness.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

I think the lesson here for Holzer is never get sick.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

He must be over it now.

I will pay for his fucking flight to Vancouver if that’s what it takes to get him in the lineup ASAP.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions  

…he’s got a history of playing pretty well with Dion.

If he’s just talking bullshit here, thats fine. But if he actually beleives this, I am officially on the FIRE WILSON bandwagon.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

maybe its all relative

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ve defended Wilson plenty of times, but his baffling decisions with our defensive pairings make me question that support.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I’ve been pushed past the fence despite my earnest attempt to stay on it.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions  

baffling decisions with our defensive pairings

Outside of pairing Aulie with Phaneuf, I don’t have an issue with the D pairings. I really think he hasn’t had the personnel.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions  

CORRECTION: he’s got a history of playing with Dion and letting opposing players get a bajillion shots on goal when Reimer was standing on his head and thus made them look good.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Hershel relapsing in Walking Dead...

…or Brian Burke contemplating the Leafs current losing streak?

by Jo4nny on Feb 15, 2012 11:29 AM EST reply actions  

is Phill Kessel going to come in to calm him down, then shoot dustin Byfuglian and an extra greasy cary price ?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

There may not be many in Leaf Nation who agree with me, but I hope Burke isn’t overly aggressive at the deadline. We’re a young, rebuilding team, and no one should be surprised that we are where we are in the standings. If Burke can add a good asset at a fair price, then awesome, he should do it. If he can dump an underperforming veteran like Colby without taking an anchor back, great, jump on that. But I absolutely do not want Burke depleting our prospect pool or trading away good draft picks (1st/2nd round) just to try to make the last little push into the playoffs this season. I’d rather miss the playoffs this year and remain in a good position going forward than make the playoffs this year at the cost of assets that we’ll wish we still had down the line. No trading Kadri, Colborne, Schenn, Gardiner, Blacker, etc. unless we’re getting back someone who significantly improves this team for at least the next few seasons.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 11:53 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

I agree and now my post following this one looks like I was just copying off of your paper.

So, apparently I can now be followed.. but no stalking. @alsonamedphil

by Learn2Leaf on Feb 15, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

You have better paragraph structure.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s basically my feeling. I’m not vehemently in favour of trades, but if there’s something available and its a good price, do it.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions  

I doubt the Leafs will find a big deal to their liking.

I am ALL for trading vets or non-essential pieces for help down the line. Connolly, Lombardi, MacArthur, Bozak, Schenn (I know), Gustavsson, etc. Try to poach some of the better prospects from teams who are trying to make a serious run at the cup. Chicago and Brandon Saad is a great example. The Leafs are barely holding on to the 8th seed in the east with the current group. Sure, they’re young, but they aren’t playing a bunch of rookies. Even their young guys have 2-3 seasons of NHL experience.

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ve been saying we should be sellers for a few weeks now.

Just not Grabovski.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m not even saying we should be sellers (though I think Burke should have tried to trade Liles). I would be just fine with standing pat and letting the season play out.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Ya, either or, being buyers by throwing out youth I think is dumb at this point.

I still want Burke to throw the moon at Zach Parise on July 1 but I don’t think it’ll happen.

Yes, yes, defense is the most pressing concern, but Parise man. Parise.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I think Burke should go after Parise too, I just don’t want to see him getting the Kovalchuk Special. If we can get him at $7 million for 5-6 years? I’m all about that.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

See above for Parise/Nash perspective.

I’m a serious Parise fanboy.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:12 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ll take either for the right price.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

My point is imagine Nash’s contract and offensive output, but without giving up all the young assets in the world to get it.

Burke should throw a billion dollars at Parise on any contract that’s 5-7 years. If it ends before he’s 35, would anyone have an issue?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions  

as long as there is no NMC

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions  

That seems unlikely but what the hell, ask for the moon I guess.

Just like Richards, I think any contract starts and ends with an NMC for a big name free agent like that. No one wants to get Redden’d or Finger’d.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions  

i can see Burke handing out a partial NTC, but I dont see NMC in his future

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions  

IMO wishful thinking, but this is a repeat of a previous conversation in the Brad Richards thread.

Richards did get an NMC from Sather though. Doesn’t mean Burke would give him one though.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions  

only thing I worry about Parise is his knee. Could it explode again?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Maybe

Risk in signing any player. He’s looked pretty damn good this year though.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, my guess is he re-signs given how well they’re doing, unfortunately. Leaving really nothing that great July 1st, hence I’d like us to consider big moves this deadline, if they’re there and they make sense.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions  

If NJ wasn’t getting fronted money by the NHL and constantly playing in front of a 75% audience I’d be positive he’s staying.

I think there’s maybe a 1 in 4 chance he leaves to a contender who is willing to invest $ into winning.

I hope the Leafs can show him that they are on the right path. That starts with playoffs.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

If we do get Parise btw

I think the ideal line set up is:

Parise – Grabbo – Kulemin (That is a solid 2way, PvP line)

Kessel + whoever

This assumes we can keep Grabbo and get Parise, but since we are dreaming I took the liberty of firing the neccesary deadweight into the sun.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions  

see you later, Komi, Army and Lombardi! Woooooooooooooooooooooo

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

but since we are dreaming I took the liberty of firing the neccesary deadweight into the sun.

Yup.

I bet Burke really likes Armstrong and Lombardi, but if that is what is preventing him from signing a guy like Parise UFA on July 1? Enjoy waivers, jerks.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he liked Army’s play. Hard to think he likes his play now.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Whats really too bad is that I think we’d have been able to move Armstrong this deadline had he not contracted severe boneitis. The guy was a pretty solid tough minutes forward before the injuries, and I can think of teams that would want a guy like that (Chicago for sure, to play with Bolland).

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 3:10 PM EST up reply actions  

If they really want him, they can grab him on waivers!

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, they wouldn’t want him now.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

I think a fire sale isn’t necessary, but there is such a thing as addition by subtraction.

I’m not gonna cry over losing a couple of bottom six players if it means we get prospects and Frattin and/or Colborne are back with the big club. Having those two get a taste of the NHL may even be what the doctor ordered.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

that’s my view, those kids want to play up here so let’s see what kind of fire they got goin in their bellies. Maybe they can do something.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

At the beginning of the season, all of the predictions had the Leas finishing 8th, 9th or 10th. Where are we likely to finish? 8th, 9th, or 10th.

They are who we thought they were

Finally got twitter...@mapleleafmjt

by Chi-town leafs on Feb 15, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah. I had them 7-10. They’ve been playing at the high end of that for most of the year.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I mean am I disappointed and depressed that they’re kind of sucking at the moment? Yep, I always get somewhat depressed when the Leafs lose. Losing sucks. But I’m rationalizing it that it’s what we figured they’d do this year

Finally got twitter...@mapleleafmjt

by Chi-town leafs on Feb 15, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Too reasonable. This doesn’t fit with my narrative of being totally wildly bipolar based on whether we are currently in a winning or losing streak. Sorry.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Trades, Unicorns and Playoffs

Sat back and read just about everything on Rick Nash and half a dozen other players yesterday. Laughed a lot because I can’t see it happening nor do I think it’ll help this team. But hey, entertaining.

I do not believe the Leafs can get anyone who is going to vastly improve their team, in particular the defense, at the trade deadline and pay a price that is reasonable. The two reasons are many of those players are on teams chasing the playoffs and others will probably be heavily scouted by teams who are actual contenders. Ex. Suter will be wanted by Nashville to help their playoff chances or by a team like Philly who’ll want to improve their defense for a cup push. I don’t know that Toronto can compete with those forces without giving away pieces they will want soon.

Despite everything, the best option is to ride this team out. Solid goaltending and defenders just won’t come reasonable until the summer (and even then). The best option is to ditch one or two veterans for picks, perhaps make a bigger move for little change and see how the chips fall come July and if possible, revamp and address the major concerns on the team. If the Leafs make the playoffs, great, see how it turns out and get a better idea of what to build on. If they don’t, shucks. That’s where I am.

I know Burke doesn’t want to make the playoffs and get shelled, but I don’t see any deal in the next week and a half that would alter that. Toronto, if in the playoffs, would face NYR or Boston. They are getting smacked three ways from Sunday regardless, save an utter collapse by either team. I’ll be greatly pleased with 8th but don’t put much in a long run from these Leafs.

Still, progress is being made. Let’s not hope for an insane deal to hinder that.

So, apparently I can now be followed.. but no stalking. @alsonamedphil

by Learn2Leaf on Feb 15, 2012 11:55 AM EST reply actions  

One thing to keep in mind is that the market can change dramatically over the next week or so. I’m holding off judgment until we know more about who is buying and selling close to deadline day.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions  

One thought for perspective on the Rick Nash thing

Rick Nash will cost A) lots of assets B) Lots of cap space and C) Lots of term

For a 27 year old.

Zach Parise – who I submit to the court is an equal or better player than Rick Nash – may be available this July 1 as a UFA.

How would you feel offering Parise the exact same remaining contract as Nash ($7.8M cap hit, 6 years remaining) but not having to give up all the young assets to get him?

Oh man I’m going to go Parise-crazy if NJ doesn’t re-sign him.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Parise is absolutely a better player than Rick Nash.

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Parise ? for ?
Nash 7.8M for 6 years
Lupul 4.25 for 1 year

Lupul still looks like a bargain even as a 1 dimensional player

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Lupul is not the same lol

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Parise is better than both of those players.

I’d give Parise pretty much anything he wanted as long as his contract ends before 35.

Lupul is a bargain, but that’s completely beside the point. Adding another great forward should be an independent decision to Lupul.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions  

the question is…..do we bank on him being available July 1st, and us also being the highest bidder and/or his chosen destination? We’ve waited before (Richards, not that I wanted him) and we got Connolly instead. I just worry about putting out eggs into one basket, and I submit the court we must consider alternatives even if that is our preferred path.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Obviously. But I don't think Rick Nash is the answer.

As I said above, I fully expect Parise to re-sign in NJ and there is no way he gets traded before deadline day unless it’s one of those 3 days before the deadline for a pick type trades.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions  

dealine day being July 1 in this case?

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes sorry that’s what I mean.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Inspired by mirtle's tweet,

I definitely want us to trade whatever for Nabokov. He’s a great goalie. .925 on the year, playing on the islanders

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions  

If Nabokov’s playing so gret and the Islanders are charging up into the playoff race, I doubt they’re going to trade the guy that’s getting them there

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Trade whatever for a 36 year old soon to be UFA?
No thanks

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

When I say whatever, I dont mean ‘lets trade whatever you want’ i mean trade ‘whatever is reasonable’

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions  

NYI is being surprisingly stubborn with him… by all accounts it sounds like NYI wants to extend him but Nabakov finally will be free to sign with a contender. Gotta think he looks to DET to play with Howard or PIT to play with Fleury, or hell WSH if Vokoun walks.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions  

He has no one to blame but himself. Had he reported last yr he could have played out the season and walked wherever he wanted. Instead he got to play an entire year on the cheap and still in NY.

"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 Feb 15, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh my god we could use .920 goaltending that isn’t under contract after this year.

I’d move a 2nd and something like Juraj Mikus to NYI for 25 games of Nabokov.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Strongly agree. He likely gets to see playoffs (or has a better chance than in NYI, at worst) and then he can peace town for a Cup contender the next season.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Heh yup, I just don’t see him staying in Long Island. He’s near the end of his career, he wants a Cup. He won’t get one in long island in the next few years.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I wouldn’t move Colborne, Kadri or a first, but 25 games of Nabokov likely means the playoffs, and if the price is a 2nd pick (#43 or later) and a meh prospect why not?

That he’s a UFA is a big plus: I don’t want him here for very long.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Only hitch being that the Islanders are “hot” at the moment and only 6 points back of the Leafs with a game in hand. They legitimately think they can make the playoffs.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I wouldn’t blame them with the way Ottawa, the Leafs, the CAps and the Jets have been playing

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions  

If they take Komi, Army or Lombo but that is unlikely

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Going to MTL on Friday

Any good comebacks to the inevitable chirps I will get for wearing my Leafs hat/jersey?
en francais!

s •

by sportsfan2 on Feb 15, 2012 12:22 PM EST reply actions  

Gomez

http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com

by Curt S on Feb 15, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Plains Of Abraham

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions   2 recs

I can get behind this

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I mean it’s stupid, jingoistic, and not actually that accurate (the battle wasn’t actually that decisive)

But it’s funny

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions  

A wins a win…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

Take along a gorgeous girlfriend.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he meant ones he could reasonably pull off…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

going with two male buddies : (

s •

by sportsfan2 on Feb 15, 2012 1:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, depending on where in Montreal you’re going ….

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I know its hella early, but this is what predictions are made of! I am predicting the 2013 cup winner to be . . .
Nashville!

they resign Suter, maintain Weber, sign parise, and radulov comes back on an ELC. they will be a cap team

Zach Parise – Colin Wilson – Alexander Radulov
Sergei Kostitsyn – David Legwand – Martin Erat
Craig Smith – Mike Fischer – Patric Hornqvist
Brandon Yip – Nick Spaling – Jordin Tootoo
Ryan Suter – Shea Weber
Kevin Klein – Roman Josi
Francis Bouillon – Ryan Ellis
Pekka Rinne
Anders Lindback

BOOM.

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 12:33 PM EST reply actions  

Who is buying the team? As you have them signing Parise and bringing back Radulov and paying Suter and Weber.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Doesn’t matter. this is my prediction. Radulov is also only 700k next year

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Lindback should be asking for a trade right the fuck now.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Really? His job isn’t particularly threatened, and he gets to work with Mitch Korn. Seems unlikely that anyone’s going to trade for him and gift him a starter’s spot, so why not backup in Nashville? I’m not even sure that teams will be beating down the Preds to get him; he has Adult Onset Stills Disease, which can flare up at any time. If you’re in the market for a goalie, is “unpredictable injury” at the top of your list? Over Bobrovsky, Schneider, or Bernier?

I’d be pretty happy if I were Lindback.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d be pretty happy if I were Lindback.

He’ll be playing 10 games a year for the next 7 years if he stays with Nashville.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, I mean, he’s gotta/gonna get moved at some point, probably as a deadline chip, but explicitly asking for a trade? Meh. I’d be pretty happy if I were Lindback. Well, except for that sub-900 SVP.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree… if I were Lindback I wouldn’t mind being there and continuing to learn from Korn. I don’t think any team would take Lindback on as their starter right now and his best bet would be to increase his value in Nashville and leave to be a starter in a year or 3

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions  

So, what you’re saying is: time to make another lopsided trade with Nashville!

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Missed a few things here and there, but hope that cheers people up a bit.

"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

Sorry, unauthorized hotlinking of copyrighted material not permitted.

by Frag on Feb 15, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions  

now that’s one I’d like to see Bloge Salming try

Dammit Gomez.

by elseldo on Feb 15, 2012 4:18 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

Fixed some of the errors
It’s subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Although it may seem quite fine, it’ll make you very nauseous.
If you play it long enough, it makes the rink quite noxious.
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!

Because I couldn’t find a route
I’d always lose the puck
Sent to the line but never out
Great, it was just my luck!
But then one game, I learned the term
And it’s been downhill since
There’s one thing you can all confirm
I’ll make plays that make you wince!
Oh, subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Although it may seem quite fine, it’ll make you very nauseous.
If you play it long enough, it makes the rink quite noxious.
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!

Vesa travlled around the world
And everywhere he went
Tells of past success, and they’d say,
“His mind’s really bent.”
After Lebda in a 9-3 win
Somehow went minus-three
I asked Poile for Cody Franson
He added Lombardi!
Oh, subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Although it may seem quite fine, it’ll make you very nauseous.
If you play it long enough, it makes the rink quite noxious.
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!
Um diddle diddle diddle I’m gonna die!

So when Komisarek makes a play
It’s time to really pray
Just imagine the word
And the world is not as grey
But better use it carefully
Or it may change the game…
For example?
Yes?
One night I said it to me friends
And we knew who to blame.
Oh, and we miss Mats Sundin too!
They’re subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious
Subparkomifingerniewskivesalebdatrocious!

"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

Sorry, unauthorized hotlinking of copyrighted material not permitted.

by Frag on Feb 15, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Please send this to BB :)

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

If this is the Leafs at their nadir then as their play returns from “never win” to “wins occasionally” we should see our fortunes improve.

Gotta have some faith today, I think.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 12:45 PM EST reply actions  

Tonight’s game is going to be tough to watch.

5 losses in a row and I’m probably breaking out the hard stuff again.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Halfway thru the 2nd last night I had already poured a double shot of scotch.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I was on Bourbon last night.

The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts.

by Self Destructive Zones on Feb 15, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions  

You want to know how upset I was last night?

I drank nothing at all.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

GASP!!

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Skinny will tell you, I normally have a beer as soon as I walk in the door after work, another one or two while making dinner, one with dinner and another after while chilling.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

You’ve explained that before which is why I’m so shocked

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Good lord. Are you alright? Do you want to talk about it?

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Me too… though, I had a test the next day.

"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

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by Frag on Feb 15, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions  

that happened to me Saturday. I couldn’t let it happen again.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions  

couldn’t keep it down?

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions  

thank you for the new word!

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ll be at tonight’s game. I can only hope they pull out a win.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions  

So Jersey’s probably making the playoffs this season.

Do they forfeit their 1st this year?

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 1:06 PM EST reply actions  

Absolutely

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull

by Draglikepull on Feb 15, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

While they still have Brodeur? Fuck yes. Next year their starting goalie may be Frazee or Hedberg.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions  

when do they have to declare they are giving it up? if its during the draft I’d totally wait to see if someone I love slips to me first

“Now on the clock the NJD”

“Right uhh we pass?”

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ll go out on a limb and speculate that they have to declare it before the draft lottery is held.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions  

fuck rick nash

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:24 PM EST via Android app reply actions  

funny how a guy named power forward dislikes one of the best power forwards in the NHL

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

nash is fucking awesome but his cap hit is not, let me rephrase

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:40 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

fuck rick nash’s cap hit

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:41 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

Komi + Lombardi = Nash’s cap hit

I make that trade 110 times out of 10.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions  

who is this guy that you’re trading with?

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Sutter.

No but I just mean their combined cap his is the equivalent (actually higher) than Nash, so I’d obviously take his instead for the talent upgrade.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions  

well pretend for a second that Nash is being traded to the Leafs, some massive salary is going back with all the goodies, something that expires much more recently than Nash’s deal, Komisarek, Lombardi and Armstrong all fit this roll well
Komi probably nixes it with his NTC though

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions  

He might not nix it if we make it clear he’s riding pine in the press box for the rest of the contract.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions  

he’d nix it if he really doesnt want to play in columbus

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions  

But, more ice time in Columbus, or little to no ice time in Toronto? Hard to say if Komi will go for the increased role or the market.

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Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Not hard if you ask me. He wouldn’t waive. He’d ride pine until an injury.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d rather make 4.5 mill to sit in the Leafs press box until they decided to trade me to a team i didnt hate out of the 5 teams on my list than play for columbus

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions  

As BizNasty once said (paraphrased): “I live in the warmest part of the US and get paid six figures to eat nachos in the press box. How is that a bad thing?”

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

he might like a chance to re-establish his career as an actual, say, NHL defender.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions  

in columbus?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, they have a ton of AHL defenders playing in the NHL. Maybe he can at least be better than one of them. Better than him being our 7th and sitting the box all year. Because that’s where I want him for the next while.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

“hey, you suck defensivly, wanna go to the worst team in the NHL so you can look even worse? no? why not?”

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

maybe. Personally I’d have more pride than wanting to get paid to sit in a pressbox and I’d like another contract after mine finishes, preferrably one in the NHL but that’s just me.

So he doesn’t waive, put him the box for the rest of the year. See how he feels come summer. Still wants to sit in teh press box? Okay. Buy-out amnesty? GTFO, oh and enjoy the only team that will offer you a contract: Columbus (as they did with Lebda. BRETT LEBDA.)

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions  

right, but we arn’t talking about ONLY trading him to Columbus in some sort of long term deal
we are talking about a right now/deadline deal for Nash/whatever
if Komi says no, then either something else goes or the BJs take another teams offer and thus banishing Komi to the press box for the remainder of the season is just bitter pool for him exercising his rights

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions  

in columbus?

Ha. But hey, he could join his old buddy Brett Lebad!

by GettinGiggy on Feb 15, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Basically, the trade would be relative cap hit returning to Columbus with shorter term (Komisarek + Lombardi) plus the picks/prospects CBJ would want.

If the futures ransom wasn’t huge in return for Nash, I’d make the trade. But that’s a big if.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

#TeamHoldOutForParise

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions  

ya and grabbo will probably = jeff carter next year

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:49 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

selling the farm for a 7+ guy like nash would certainly set us back

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:50 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

i am all for going after carter, not so much nash

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:52 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

Why? Just because of the cap hit?

Nash’s contract expires when he turns 33, which means that while production might drop a little in the later years, you could reasonably expect similar levels of production.

Carter’s got like 10 years left, and that contract goes until he is 37.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

cap hit has alot to do with it, i think carter is a steal at 5mil per

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 1:57 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

You understand his cap hit is only 5 million because the contract goes until he’s 37, right?

You understand that his cap hit will still be 5 million when he’s 36 or 37?

WIll Carter still be the same level of player at 37 he is at 27? I’m not even sure he’s the same player he was at age 24.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions  

let us compare the two
Jeff Carter is 27
Rick Nash is 28
Jeff Carter has played 497 games
Rick Nash has played 649 games
Jeff Carter has 193 goals (0.38 GPG)
Rick Nash has 277 goals (0.43 GPG)
Jeff Carter has 364 points (0.73 PPG)
Rick Nash has 527 points (0.81 PPG)
Jeff Carter has played with the Flyers
Rick Nash has played with an AHL team VS NHL competition
Jeff Carter is a center
Rick Nash is a winger

hm

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

What’s your point? Something about nachos?

’Cause I love arguments that end with nachos.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 2:27 PM EST up reply actions  

If Carter gives you 5-6 more years of 30+ goals and solid 2 way play followed by 2-3 years of solid 2 way play 20sh goals -40-50 points and 1-2 years of 10-15 goals, I still think thats pretty good deal

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions  

agreed i also think carters price tag is lower, while many teams will overpay for nash

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 2:05 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

Carter’s price tag is lower because he wants out of Columbus, because Columbus has basically admitted it made a mistake in acquiring him, because Columbus has no leverage, and because his contract is probably scaring a lot of teams off.

Oh, and because Nash is a better player than Carter.

Just curious why you think Carter would be such a great fit here? The biggest problem why Nash and Carter didn’t work is they are both shooters. How would that work with Kessel?

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Nash is probably lower value than anticipated too, since he will probably be far more picky with where he will go, so the bidding war will be smaller

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Ultimate dick move to fuck over CBJ:

Howson: okay Rick we’ve worked out a trade with Toronto, we just need your signature here to officially waive your NTC
Nash: Who are they giving up?
H: Schenn, Kadri and a 1st
N: naaah I wanted to play with Schenn and Kadri, we’ll just sub in Komi and Lombo
Burke: DEAL!
NHL Office: wait what is that a legitimate deal?
Nash: it better be its the only thing I’ll waive my NTC for now
Howson: fuck it I’m out

ahh if only

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Admittedly, Kessel has improved his passing game this year (so far, it’s the first year in his career he has more assists than goals).

That said, I don’t know if Carter is the answer. Plus, I don’t see Bozak doing amazing on the 3rd line since he usually seems kinda lost without Kessel on his wing.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t see Jeff Carter being the answer to any question currently facing the Leafs other than “Who will we hate for their bone-stupid contract after Komisarek and Armstrong go away?”

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

this is my worry. It’s another gamble. Then again, our trade gambles tend to work out. If we signed him UFA, he’s guaranteed to be a goat.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Does Carter have to play with Kessel? Unless Lupul is going somewhere guys like Nash or Bobby Ryan wouldnt be playing with Kessel either.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

then where would Carter play? in grabbos spot? on the 3rd line?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

We’d have too many centres, so at least one one would have to go.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Connolly to the minors for all I care.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Connolly to the minors Buffalo for all I care.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Kessel has always had incredible vision

s •

by sportsfan2 on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Admittedly, Kessel has improved his passing game this year…

Or he’s always been able to pass this well, but this is the first time he’s been playing with linemates who can actually score goals.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions  

i think id leave the first line alone, maybe connolly-carter-? frattin/mac

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 2:26 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

or…kadri-carter-frattin

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 2:28 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

What do you plan on trading for Carter if Kadri’s still around?

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Some really nice curtains.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

The ham sandwich we got in the Komi deal as a throw 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 Feb 15, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions  

what are you talking about, that was the centrepiece!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions  

But then I ate it.

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Lopsided trade. The sandwich only has the potential to be shit

Komisarek on the other hand…

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions  

The biggest problem why Nash and Carter didn’t work is they are both shooters.

Not trying to be a dink, but is there anything to back this up? It seems to be the reason people suggest or is it just a convenient excuse for why they aren’t playing well.

I can see that Carter is taking a full shot per game less and Nash about the same – is that why everyone says its not working out?

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 2:32 PM EST up reply actions  

i think Carter is more of a shooter because he always scores more than he assists and he has always played with pretty good scorers, Nash’s stats lean the same way, but really who has he had to pass to?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Kessel’s a shooter too but if you put him with a good player, or at least one better than he had before (Lupul), both shooters realize they have another guy to move the puck to if their shot is low probability, so they can both rack up points. I don’t think putting two shooters together is always bad.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions  

right, I just meant in the sense that Kessel was a “shooter” because, except for playing with super play maker not really a pure goal scorer Savard, he has played with no one close to his level, and this had to do it all alone, and when he was given a guy who could bury it, his assists shot up
I think a similar thing would happen to Nash, but not Carter

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, my interest in Nash is higher generally, it’s just that I know Carter will cost less. It’s tempting despite his contract….though I lean against it if they want anything like they gave away back.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

how do you know Carter will cost less?
Nash’s contract lowers his value and his much smaller (likely) list of trade partners limits a bidding war
we wont know until both are traded who had the higher value

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s true, but my assumption (could be wrong) is the length of Carter’s contract + his (perceived) attitude is making him harder to move. Yes Nash costs more and has a less wide team selection that Carter theoretically does, but he’s also perceived to their star player.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Looks like the Leafs are facing Khabibulin tonight

“showcasing him for a trade”

lol

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:05 PM EST reply actions  

i’m down with that.

hey man.

also – rec’d.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions  

whoa. whoa.

whoa.

Finally got twitter...@mapleleafmjt

by Chi-town leafs on Feb 15, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

sup?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

smoke weed every day

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

hey'd

But remember, he gets 500 just for “hey hey”.

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:32 PM EST up reply actions  

On a lighter note

In case you haven’t been following closely, Toronto Marlies are 2nd in the AHL West.

Sooo… progress?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:09 PM EST reply actions  

I guess, but the Hershey Bears have won the Calder Cup 3x since the lockout… hasn’t helped Washington much

Finally got twitter...@mapleleafmjt

by Chi-town leafs on Feb 15, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

the bears were loaded with AHL super stars who will never make the NHL as well as very good goaltending and a few good prospects

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

After Zigomanis, Kadri, Colborne, Deschamps and Frattin are next in terms of PPG. Frattin has scored at a 0.61 GPP clip.

by Dr_Furious on Feb 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

They’ve had a few good kids come out / coming out of there.

Perrault, Holtby…

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

A bottom siz forward and their third string goalie…

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Holtby is younger and better than pretty much all our goaltending prospects. “third string goalie” hardly sums that up.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

On Washington he is their 3rd string goalie… it summed it up nicely

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Y'know what sums it up better?

hey. hey.

hey.

you cain’t touch that.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions  

and on Pittsburgh Malkin is a 2nd string center

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Not currently…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Holtby played a game the other day. Did that make him their #1?

by Ben Schnell on Feb 15, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Not after the goal he let in from center ice (admittedly it took a brutal bounce, but still, two consecutive games where that happened to the caps)

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Over the last 2 months who has been the Penguins #1 centre?

1 game=/= 2 months

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Alzner/Carlson both won a Calder Cup, no?

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

I can never tell when you are just being snarky or serious

Holtby looks like a really good goalie prospect to me.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions  

He’s their third string goalie.

Ben Scrivens is currently our third-strong goalie, but I don’t think that’s all he’ll ever be.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions  

It is still a snarky comment. Similar to Malkin and Kesler being second line centers and Rask being a second string goalie.

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions  

The team’s depth chart is the team’s depth chart.

I don’t know what you want me to say.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 5:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Actually that’s partly why I know a coaching change won’t happen in Toronto until at least the off-season because Eakins is a strong candidate and he’s doing wonders with that group now – imagine a serius Calder run. Great experience for him.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Playoffs for any Toronto based team would be nice.

"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 Feb 15, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions  

The Rock make it every year ;)

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Correct.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

SI should be banned from talking Hockey. Should be a fun night defending Kessel on Twitter.

Offizielles Mitglied des MĂĽller / Holzer Fan-Clubs. Ich fordere mehr Deutsche in diesem Team ....... tweet me @Alex_Scotian

by Alspicer on Feb 15, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

I am so intimidated that I am top 3 in goals and 4 in points in the whole NHL, please stop intimidating me!

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Kessel’s one point back from 2nd in points, and 2 goals back from 2nd in goals. If he’s so easily intimidated maybe other teams should do that and keep him off the fucking scoreboard.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions  

but imagine how good he’d be if he WASN’T intimidated?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions  

I liked the comment:

I bet all the players that voted for Kessel have less goals and points than him!

by gettingcozywithsarkozy on Feb 15, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

RE: trading picks & prospects for Nabokov to get us into the playoffs

Pretty decent fanpost on why NYI should be selling high on Nabokov.

Essentially:

Nabokov’s high SV% is not REAL – it’s a facade caused by luck on special teams that is likely to crumble.
Nabokov is actually 22nd in the league among NHL goalies with 20 games or more played (.925 SV%).

Not sure getting a worse ES SV% goalie gets us into the playoffs.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:39 PM EST reply actions  

Reimer + Nabokov

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions  

GBS…N?

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions  

ESSV:

Reimer 928
Nabokov 925
Gustavsson 910

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions  

.925 ESSV% goaltending is nothing to sneeze at. Reimer is only slightly better at .929.

Two goalies that are .920+ at evens? Yes, please.

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Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Also... wow there are some dumb comments in there
The time is now and Nabby has some gas left. No way do you trade him for a 3rd+ pick.

by backstop87 on Feb 12, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Emphasis mine. The time is now? Really Islander fans? Really?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

don’t mock them, poor guys have to support probably the worst run club in the NHL.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Most of them are level headed, but wow.

Time is now? Imagine if Oilers fans said that this year.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

but they’re on a great rebuild path! 2 1st picks = success! Oh well, you know have to wait like 10 years….

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Dear Lord
What will someone offer? Chicago and Detroit both appear interested. But at what cost? Would Chicago offer Nick Liddy or a first round pick?
If Snow is only offered 2nd round draft picks, why make the trade?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

i want to laugh, but right now there are leaf fans out there who think Gustavsson is worth a 1st

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh man

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh I don’t know, because Nabokov will walk for nothing on July 1? #facepalmislandersfans

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:55 PM EST up reply actions  

A trade to the hawks make sense – goaltending is their weak link and Nabby could help them make a strong cup push.

But I don’t see the the need for trading prospects for a rental goalie on the leafs when we are bubble team – unless we want him to mentor Reimer next year.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s not the trade partner I was laughing at… it was the cost.

Nick Leddy or a 1st? 2 2nds not being enough?

Jesus Isles you grabbed this jerk off waivers and he’s bolting in 3 months.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

I recall snow asked for a 2nd pick around the time Reimer was assaulted by the smurf. Talk about trade deadline inflation.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 3:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Nabokov’s #s are much better now than they were then as well.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions  

They’ve been to the playoffs since the lockout.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 5:07 PM EST up reply actions  

If Nabokov isn’t traded or extended by the deadline, IMO the Islanders are stupid. (Okay, stupider.)

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

he clearly doesnt want to be there and is playing for another contract. Remember Detroit signed him and he wouldnt report to NY.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Didn’t think they would extend him to be honest. Islanders have got to trade him though. Otherwise, what did they make him waste a year for?

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

I've figured out our problem, guys

We stopped doing puns on opponent’s name in the GDT. This non-practice must end. Let us ensure that at least a dozen name puns are used prior to the game in our thread.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:44 PM EST reply actions  

Well, considering I’ll be at tonight’s game, I hope the Leafs can Hall some ass and Potter some goals, if only to give me a Smid-ge of hope in this team again.

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DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions  

No, save it for the GDT! ;)

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions  

oh but I’ll allow it as he is going to game tonight.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Did you miss the part where I’ll be at the game and thus won’t be in the GDT?

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions  

no, fail on our parts. Your contribution is welcome.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

By GDT do you mean the game preview? I thought it was there we did our work

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah…that’s what I meant.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions  

hold on, confirm your sources

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Doesn’t TSN radio have standards?

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions  

shouldn’t he be on sports net radio?

Dammit Gomez.

by elseldo on Feb 15, 2012 4:20 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

That would make slightly more sense.

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions  

…. as a joke?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I only caught the tail end. eklund said he has 30 ppl on his payroll. bryan hayes more or less called eklund a bullshitter by saying that eklund is all about site hits.

by Tickle Me Aulie on Feb 15, 2012 3:05 PM EST up reply actions  

the bryan hayes show is crap in my opinion anyways. having eklund on his show just proves that my opinion was just.

by Tickle Me Aulie on Feb 15, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

30 people on his payroll meaning, he gives $10 a month to the plethora of ‘contributing writers’ on hockey buzz.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions  

I think he was cutting costs, the monkeys and typewriters may have come up with more plausible rumours, but they were costing ~16$ each when you consider the increasing costs of bananas.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions  

It was the best of times, it was the BLURST of times?!?

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

CHRIS HIGGINS?

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions  

ffffffuuuuuuuuuccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkk

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions  

I hope he’s on so they can absolutely embarrass him

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by Likely on Feb 15, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

On Marek v. Wyshynski, trades that “almost happened” back when the Muskoka five were asked to waive their NTCs and refused.

Kubina to SJS for Steve Bernier
Sundin to MTL for Grabovski, Chris Higgins, Two firsts and a second
Kaberle to PHI for Carter and a first OR
Kaberle to PHI for Giroux (then in the OHL) and a high pick.

Fuck.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:08 PM EST reply actions  

whatever, hindsight is 20/20 but the thought of Mats in a Habs jersey makes me want to throw up.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Kubina to SJS for Steve Bernier

DAMNIT

Also, no one knew how good Giroux was going to be back then… no one. So I’m less mad about that one.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:10 PM EST up reply actions  

This would’ve been 06-07, right? Giroux was sixth in goals, sixth in assists, and fourth in points, and it was his second year. Yeah, no one knew, for sure, but man, if you’re looking at a first as well? Flyers 07 draft pick was none other than JVR.

Sundin in a Habs jersey would’ve been awful, but for the sake of indulging in hindsight, Montreal took Ryan McDonaugh and Max Paccioretty in 07 (or, if they were consecutive picks, the Habs moved their 08 first rounder for Tanguay. Calgary took Nimesz).

If these trades had gone through – lucky or not – the Leafs would be a pretty stacked team.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

07-08

06-07 was the year Philly sucked and got JVR

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Right you are. In the 08 draft, the Flyers’ first got the Capitals John Carlson, Montreal’s went to Calgary for Nimesz, and next year’s got them Louis Leblanc (Chris Krieder taken right afterwards, if we’re ignoring the “mandatory french name” drafting policy).

Not as impressive, but Bernier, Giroux/Carter, Grabbo, Higgins, Carlson, Nimesz, and Krieder wouldn’t have been a bad haul at all.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Although with both those 1sts in 08 along with the 7th overall pick there would’ve been more opportunity to trade up so we could’ve gotten Stamkos!!!

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Too far down the rabbit hole.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Just wait till tomorrow.

I’ve got some real “Sliding Doors” shit planned

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

hold me I’m scared

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

It is a pretty terrible movie

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Didn’t everything end up the same at the end of that movie though?

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Nope

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh, well then, it’s been a while.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

NO SUCH THING IN HINDSIGHT PROSPECT PORN!

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

First “fuck blood” and now “prospect porn”?

I admit it. I am intrigued and wish to suscribe to your newsletter…

This space for rant...

by fair_n_hite_451 on Feb 15, 2012 6:25 PM EST up reply actions  

First rule of the newsletter, is you do not talk about the newsletter

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 6:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Brian Burke subscribed to the news letter but it was only because he had a few birds in cages…….

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Would’ve been picks in the 08 draft not 07…

So it would’ve been Nemisz (or the chance at Carlson), 09 pick which was Leblanc and 08 2nd which was Danny Kristo

not nearly as impressive of a haul as McDonaugh, Patches and PK Subban (07 2nd roudner).

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions  

CHRIS HIGGINS?

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions  

STEVE BERNIER

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I laughed out loud when Marek said those two.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Fletcher did have a track record of pulling off some great trades – ie Sundin and Gilmour.
And Grabbo was not bad either. But yes what would have been.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions  

not bad? Grabbo was a fucking steal for a 2nd rounder and Greg who cares.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Especially since the Habs wasted the 2nd rounder anyway (traded it for a season of Robert Lang).

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions  

lol that makes it even better.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Honestly there would have been some poetic justice to acquiring Sundin by trading our captain (Clark), and acquiring a bunch of the prospects that would inherit the team by trading Sundin

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions  

but at what cost? Seeing him in a Habs uniform? I think I just threw up a little.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions  

The trade we did end up making with Montreal worked out okay…

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, looks like I’m drinkin’ early today folks.

The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts.

by Self Destructive Zones on Feb 15, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m going to hope my club in NHL 12 can move up the ranks because I’m not sure the Leafs can do it tonight. Coincidentally (not) our team uses a Leafs logo….trying to get us to the top 150!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Sundin for Grabbo, Higgins, 2 1sts and 2nd

Lecavalier for Price, Subban, Pekanec and Pacioretty/1st.

Man, Gainey was basically prepared to trade anything that wasn’t nailed down for a big centre.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions  

And in the end, they got Scott Gomez.

The trade winds, they can be rough.

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions  

But man how many habs fans must be loving Gomez after hearing the Lecavalier trade…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Hmm Gomez and Price or Lecavalier…

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

We should never have been in the position where we had to sell.

Fuck JFJ and fuck Fletcher II (Fletcher I was amazing).

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, at least FII got us Grabbo.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Err yes we should’ve…

We went into the lockout with shit for prospects and a decent team.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

this is why I want to hold onto our first round pick: keeping your prospect cupboard full is, I think, key to flexibility and building a strong franchise. Not “draft to the cup”, but having youth in your system that can work their way up and can come on relatively cheap contracts.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Meh…with Ferguson at the helm, I’m not convinced a sell would have worked all that well. Although it would have been better than what he did.

Then again, maybe Ferguson not doing things right got us a better GM that much faster. Who knows…

1/1/11: Saw the beginning of the Optimus Reim era. And it was glorious!!!1
Oh...and Phil Kessel says YAAAAAAYYYY!!!1

by LeafBoy on Feb 15, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m not saying we should’ve sold in ‘06… but in ’08 with the Muskoka 5 it was the right time to sell 100%. In fact should’ve done it the year before even though JFJ would’ve screwed it up

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I didn’t, I don’t and I never will blame Mats for not waiving his NTC. Nothing will convince me otherwise.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions  

other players, obviously a different story.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh no I live Sundin, I’m thinking the Kubina and McCabe ones. I don’t even fault Kaberle, he’d been there his whole life. But Kubina was brand new and McCabe was getting run out of town either way. How can those 2 look at their situations and say you know what its best if we stay. McCabe lasted 6 more months with that team and 5 of those were offseason he’s gone asap.

Kadri Fanboy since 2006

by WizardofNaz on Feb 15, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions  

We came out of the lockout with a good of guys of varying ages. We had one of the best centres in the game. Our defense was loose, to be sure, but they could also put up a hell of a lot of points.

We needed a goalie. Any goalie, really. League average goaltending, and we are at least a playoff team every year Sundin is here. Some years, we are legit contenders.

But no. We got Raycroft and Toskala. And we pissed away tons of assets to get them.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Ironically we pissed away a……goalie. For the sieve that was Raycroft.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions  

A 1st
A 2nd
A 4th
Alex Steen
Carlo Coliacovo
Tukka Rask

Got us:

Raycroft
Toskala
Mark Bell
A 4th and a 7th ( For Stempniak)

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions  

If there’s one non-JFJ trade I’d take back, I’d want Steen and Colaiacovo back.

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions  

That 4th and 7th are going to rock

Didn’t Leafs draft Nicholls with that 7th?

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Granberg and Nicholls, yes

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Nicholls was our origional pick, but we swapped the 7th for a 6th in 2011

www.twitter.com/CameronSorley

by CameronSorley on Feb 15, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions  

ah yes

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I believe we got Granberg, and Broll from those picks?

www.twitter.com/CameronSorley

by CameronSorley on Feb 15, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions  

That fucking hurt so much to write.

Say what you will about Burke building a winner, but the man has brought in talent.

by samspade on Feb 15, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions  

It hurt reading it, too.

What is life without hope?

by danishmarshmallow on Feb 15, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions  

this was the last thing i needed to read before going home today. fuck you buddy!

/justkidding

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

by Matt_Roberts on Feb 15, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Put a different way, not trading Sundin made sure Montreal did not win a cup. So there’s that.

(No, it doens’t work that way either, but find the false positives friends!)

So, apparently I can now be followed.. but no stalking. @alsonamedphil

by Learn2Leaf on Feb 15, 2012 8:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Any solid info that Reimer is starting tonight?

PuckingHilarious.com - funny hockey apparel for hard core puck heads. @puckingfunny on twitter

by Likely on Feb 15, 2012 3:23 PM EST reply actions  

No but common sense says he is

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

by leafer1984 on Feb 15, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d say GBSR but I’m really not sure we “got to be” starting anyone in particular.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah it’s more like RMWIG (Reimer might work I guess) over the last couple games

Finally got twitter...@mapleleafmjt

by Chi-town leafs on Feb 15, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

and if he fails we can always do WIGIGT “Well, I guess it’s Gus’s turn”

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions  

It tells me I’m hungry

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Mmm, beeer.

Flugenweb, space code, twit zone, ass mode, check ze tweets.

by Shield on Feb 15, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Tonight it wants hockey, perogies, and smoked sausage. Oh and root beer. Gotta buy some root beer. Oh maybe chili, hmmm…..gonna need cornbread for that.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions  

dont forget dessert!

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

mmmmmmmmmmm

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Tonight it wants hockey, perogies, and smoked sausage. Oh and root beer. Gotta buy some root beer. Oh maybe chili beer, hmmm…..gonna need cornbread beer for that.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

All losing and no Gunnar make Homer go something something.

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 3:56 PM EST reply actions  

Apeshit?

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s what will happen if the Leafs/Caps ineptitude loses the Jets into the playoffs.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Isles have been 13-7-2 since Dec 26, climbing up the Eastern standing due to improved goaltending among other things.

Anyone else find this reminds them of last year’s Leafs at all?

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by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 3:59 PM EST reply actions  

Kind of, but unlike the leafs they’ll trade the farm for Ryan Smyth (or whatever old guy is in vogue this year) like they did last time they snuck into the playoffs.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO. It’s the only explanation for Mike Weber. He’s on a secret mission.

by Ubiquitous on Feb 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions  

But, like last year’s Leafs, I still believe they will fail.

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DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Mike Knuble or Ray Whitney

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Smyth isn’t even leaving Edmonton. For all this talk of wanting to go to a contender, he knew exactly what he was getting into when he chose to leave LA (a playoff team) for Edmonton (a rebuilding team). He wanted to be an Edmonton Oiler and I doubt that’s changed 8 months later.

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Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions  

this confirms Smyths probable brain damage, i mean who the hell WANTS to be in Edmonton?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t ask me. I’m only here for school.

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DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions  

He’s had a good and long career – I’m guessing Family.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions  

if I had a good long career in the NHL making millions of dollars, and family in edmonton I’d want to move them far the fuck away from Edmonton with my Millions of dollars

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Maybe he doesn't wear the pants in his family. Or maybe his kids go to Uni in Alberta. Fuck if I know.

At his age and reputation, where he could probably go wherever he wanted, if he’s choosing EDM my bet is to be with family.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions  

The people who are Edmonton-born and raised (or have lived here a long time) love it a lot and have a serious sense of civic pride.

Same deal with most Winnipeggers I know.

TWEET AT ME BRO
DAAAAA BLOG
Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions  

so….brain damage?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Must be the frozen water

"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

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by Frag on Feb 15, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions  

brain damage

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions  

There is speculation that he will leave as a rental and return to Edmonton as a UFA in the summer.There i

About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.

by BCapp on Feb 15, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions  

And to add to that, thoughts on Nabokov, Reimer, Nash, etc.

http://50missioncap.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/the-week-that-was-7-thoughts-from-feb-8-14/

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Leaf fan for life! (No, really. They gave me a no-trade clause when I was born.)

by FiftyMissionCap on Feb 15, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Trade for Rick Nash

You seldom get the chance to attain a superstar forward. There are far more often shutdown D and League Average goaltenders around either on the UFA market or in smaller deals at deadline.

This is so much bigger than “we’ll lose 5-3 instead of 5-1” in the coming weeks. We’re talking about a premier scoring power forward, one of the best in the league in the last 10 years.

Think we’re gonna draft this kind of talent without being in a lottery position (without some miracle stroke of luck?).

If making the playoffs this season is as far as anybody wants to look, than yes, make some smaller trades and see what happens. But if we’re asking ourselves “where do I see myself in 3 years?”, I’m going out and making a deal where the best player in said deal is in a Leaf uniform.

Going by what Burke has done on the trade front since coming here, I think he might agree.

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 4:48 PM EST reply actions  

"where do I see myself in 3 years?",

Saddled with a 7+ million dollar contract and a guy who’s too old to produce the PPG he’d need to be in order to justify that contract?

RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter

by Bower Power on Feb 15, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions  

in three years Nash will be 31, he should be able to keep up production if he stays healthy

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions  

One might even say he would be in his prime.

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 6:29 PM EST up reply actions  

One might, but one would be wrong. He’s still an amazing player, and unicorns do NOT come around often.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 6:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t care about the unicorn thing. It’s a made-up concept.
He’s a superstar. We need talent. If getting said talent requires losing talent and a bunch of question marks (Kadri, Colborne etc), than it should be considered.

The Leafs have some great prospects. But when Jake Gardiner can arrive in a trade and become the #2 young prospect in the system (as per this blog), it’s not like the Leafs are sitting on a gold mine that they merely need to wait out and all will be well.

If the asking price is too high than Burke shouldn’t do it. It’s going to feel like a lot if the trade goes down, at first, because fans tend to overvalue their own prospects. But it might not be in the end. I would make the Phil Kessel trade over again, tomorrow.

As far as goaltending and defensive play, that’s a whole other conversation and doesn’t have to be connected to this story. Obviously whatever Toronto trade away for Nash can’t be used to get a “league average goalie”, but one will be available as a UFA, or in a smaller trade, if Burke gives up on the goalies we do have.

Toronto are in a playoff spot today in big part because Toronto acquired Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.

I think Rick Nash would be a fantastic addition.

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions  

unicorn = superstar, but funnier.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:45 PM EST up reply actions  

.

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 7:46 PM EST up reply actions   2 recs

he may be over-payed but at least we’ll be over-paying for someone good at hockey for once.

.......................
say yes to Rick Nash.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions  

My belief is that over paying for the Rick Nashes (Or Ovechkins or Malkins or whatever) of the world aren’t what kills you. It’s over paying for the Wisniewskis or Gomez’s that hurt you.

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 5:55 PM EST up reply actions  

The issue for me has nothing to do with his contract, but the assets going back the other way.

I’m sure if it does go down I’ll manage to justify it to myself.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh I’m with you on this one.

If you look up "Loyalty" in the dictionary you'll see a picture of a Leafs fan wearing a Todd Gill jeresy looking like he just got punched in the stomach

by Ghostsof on Feb 15, 2012 6:35 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m sure everyone who was calling Richards a “unicorn” last summer would also be on side with that signing right now.

Fans live in the moment. A week ago we were falling over ourselves to love James Reimer and now some think we shouldn’t trade for Rick Nash because we need a goalie.

All part and parcel!

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I was calling for Brad Richards.

I was not calling for that contract.

I’m 110% behind throwing a billion dollars at Zach Parise on July 1 if he gets there.

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 8:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m kind of on the fence, but I do agree with this line of thinking.

Elite talent rarely becomes available, and you have to acquire it when it does.

The fact that Nash is under contract until he’s 33 means all of his peak years and the start of his decline is locked-in. At 33, you can reassess what he gives you going forward.

Pinning the hopes on a Parise signing is a tough ask, and might require to eat a lot of bad yearsof production a la the Brad Richards deal.last summer

I’m not overly concerned about managing it under the cap because the Leafs have a ton of bad salary expiring next season that’s easily moved. Bring in Nash, waive Armstrong and pack MacArthur elsewhere and the net cap hit is a pittance.
Or drop Lombardi or Connoly. The fact that the Leafs have so many UFAs in 2013 gives a lot of flexibility to do something like this.

I don’t know if you can justify passing up an opportunity to acquire Nash because the Leafs need help on D. Because unless you’re planning to use the assets you would need to acquire Nash to take a run at Suter before he hits UFA, we’re talking apples and oranges.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
Nash-Grabovski-Kulemin
And then a 3rd line with some combination of MacArthur/Connolly/Lombardi/Frattin/Colborne/Kadri

I mean, that’s the top 9 of a Stanley Cup contender

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d like to put Nash on that 1st line to give them something for the corners, but who knows how the chemistry would shake out

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m thinking more along the lines of Nash-Grabbo-Kulemin playing the tough minutes, and giving Lupul-Bozak-Kessel ridiculous OZONE Start numbers like the Canucks use the Sedins.

Then the 3rd line would mop up against weaker competition.

Cynically Sarcastic
Сертыфікаваны Grabbo Палюбоўнік

by clrkaitken on Feb 15, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, but the first line has a terrible problem with retention of the puck in the O-Zone or getting the puck out of their own zone and getting hemmed in, Nash would help there

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 5:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Adding big bodied responsible forward like Nash (or Parise) will help the leafs clear the puck from their zone, help on the PK (Parise), improve coverage of opposition forwards in our zone, disrupt the neutral zone trap, opening up space for other forward, improve the cycle down low and help score more goals. Wow sign me up!

But the leafs need to get or acquire stable defence and goaltending for this type addition to make sense. That is, if next year, we are still talking about our inconsistent goaltending and defenders that have trouble playing defence then the team is “wasting” our prospects and picks and a couple seasons of the players prime years. That is, if the team can indeed get average goaltending and solve the defensive struggles by next season then this trade maybe worth considering. But worse case, if goaltending and defence is still inconsistent for a year or more, then the team won’t see much benefit from a great forward like him.

Look at Sundin’s last few years – we need stable goaltending and defence first.
No use burning assets unless goaltending/defence are fixed for real.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 5:49 PM EST up reply actions  

No use burning assets unless goaltending/defence are fixed for real.

#TeamParise2012

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Can’t Burke do all those things? Is it one or the other?

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 6:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Burke can do anything he wants – but will it be successful? The leafs have been struggling since pre-JFJ with goaltending. And it is that far fetched to continue look at Philly with their goaltending situation.

What we don’t want to happen is send a boatload of prospects and then not have decent goaltending and defence while Nash scores lots of goals. So what happens differently going forward that the leafs get average NHL goaltending and defence? Problems don’t generally disappear. If it was that easy, Burke would have solved it in his three plus years.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions  

One of Gustavsson, Reimer, or the other three goalie prospects we have develops into a regular nhl goalie? That would go a long way, and doesn’t require deals or UFA signings.

In the court of public opinion, Steve Simmons is Lionel Hutz.

by The Bag on Feb 15, 2012 7:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Sure that could happen but change their names to to Toskala, Raycroft, Pogge etc.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 8:12 PM EST up reply actions  

why? Pogge is the only one of the names you mentioned that is even slightly comparable

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 8:14 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m not sure why anyone believes Reimer or whomever will be an effective starter for definite next year. Reimer has a great chance and risk as well.

For me, if picks/prospects go the other way for Nash, I’d like to be more certain that goaltending is stable. As for defence I have no idea how long that will take to fix.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 8:32 PM EST up reply actions  

…and you’d be talking about different players? The point is that out of those 5, it’s not insane to expect that one will pan out. Also, there’s a pretty remarkable difference: we didn’t trade for any of the 5 I’m talking about. Which was my point: you can always develop from within. Hell, had we been doing that the whole time, we never would have had Raycroft (or likely Toskala) and would have been riding Rask to many a playoff appearance.

In the court of public opinion, Steve Simmons is Lionel Hutz.

by The Bag on Feb 15, 2012 8:29 PM EST up reply actions  

If Reimer works out great – no problem.

And if he gets injured or struggles, how long before another goalie is ready to take on an NHL role. Even today we are still unsure of Reimer.

The thing is, it could be two or three years and Nash is 30. And those prospects we traded are NHL ready and productive. The trade may not look so great in that case.

But if Reimer rebounds next year (and we add a defender or two) then nash gives the leafs a few years of productive playoff hockey. And the trade is better.

I think we might trivialize how easy it is to develop a goalie. And Burke needs to weight the risks and choose the path he wants.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 8:43 PM EST up reply actions  

every piece of junk on the market, you gotta buy it!

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 6:39 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Rec'd.

Liked that kid. 30 goals someday. Hope it’s with us.

I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.

by not norm ullman on Feb 15, 2012 5:51 PM EST up reply actions  

this will never not be funny

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 6:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I like the bigger eye, if I had to choose.

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions  

WHAT THE FUCK 10PM GAME WHAT THE FUCK

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 6:26 PM EST reply actions  

I’m probably not going to make it that late

No no, dig UP stupid.

by nhlcheapshot on Feb 15, 2012 6:26 PM EST up reply actions  

I have a conference at 8:00am in the morning, meaning I wake up at 6:30am. I’m still going to drink and watch the Leafs.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 6:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Cheers

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 6:43 PM EST up reply actions  

already drinking? Me too! YAY for alcohol!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 6:48 PM EST up reply actions  

unicorn?

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 6:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

See, i’m not sure what Columbus would want from the Leafs, let’s say one of Kadri/Colborne/Kulimen, one of Schenn/Gunnar + a 1st Rounder and/or a minor prospect.

Let’s assume Vancouver or LA are really in it for Nash.
Birky or nhlcheapshot had a salary compliant proposal for Van: Schnieder + Hodgson + Salo
For LA: Bernier + Johnson

I don’t think that Leafs hypothetical offer is better than those hypothetical packages.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Lupul is Lupul backwards
Officially on Team Re-Sign Grabbo
Twitter

by LeafFan1989 on Feb 15, 2012 7:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I worry the Leafs don’t have the right pieces because to sell this trade to the fans Columbus are going to need a centerpiece and I don’t know that any of the above mentioned qualify.

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

i’m not sure what Columbus would want from the Leafs

Gardiner, Kadri, Blacker, Schenn, Colborne, Kulemin, you get the idea

Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.

by birky on Feb 15, 2012 7:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Drive that price up from other buyers.

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 7:27 PM EST up reply actions  

“Leafs offered Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf, Nazem Kadri, Mikhail Grabovski, and Joe Colborne.” “Ok ok we’ll throw in our 2nd round pick.” “SOLD, TO LA FOR A 2ND!”

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Odd considering he is/was Burke’s mouthpiece.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 7:29 PM EST up reply actions  

hm

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

by Chemmy on Feb 15, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions  

No cheering from the pressbox unless what you cheer can screw over the GM who feeds you info for your stories. Wouldn’t be the first time Cox has bit the hand that feeds him.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 7:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Just because he wants to play here and the Leafs want him, doesn’t mean it has a good chance of happening. Nash most likely won’t end up here, the cost for Burke will probably be too prohibitive

"There is no big lie, no system. The universe is indifferent."- Don Draper
Follow me on Twitter! @Will_Collie
I also have a blog: http://wccollective.blogspot.com/

by Killer Sundin on Feb 15, 2012 7:02 PM EST reply actions  

well i dont really want him anywway

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 7:05 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

if we move our assets for nash we will have nothing left to trade for a no.1 center

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 7:06 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

You might have to wait a long time though. It is rare that a #1 centerman is on the trade block. Is Jeff Carter the only one moved in then last year?

Best bet for the Leafs is to trade for a prospect that can become a #1C. Like Joe Colborne?

by The Muppet on Feb 15, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions  

indeed, but colbourne isnt gonna be a number 1c, ever

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 7:36 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

it is pretty unlikely, but you cannot prove that he never will be

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 7:38 PM EST up reply actions  

depends if he REALLY, REALLY wants to play here he could force a deal thanks to the NTC but I doubt it.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Lupul is Lupul backwards
Officially on Team Re-Sign Grabbo
Twitter

by LeafFan1989 on Feb 15, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions  

FUCK IT!

BRING ME RICK NASH AND THE WOOKIEE!

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 7:20 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

Ryan Suter is a wookie?

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions  

No game preview for us to put puns into? We really need to get that ball rolling, I think its critical to our team tonight.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:51 PM EST reply actions  

We will also be bringing back swearing night.
Its for the greater good.

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 7:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Still 2 hrs to game time

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 7:52 PM EST up reply actions  

I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue.

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions  

and we can’t spend two hours swearing like pirates and providing witty name puns….why?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I demand a refund!

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions  

rabble rabble rabble rabble!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 8:01 PM EST up reply actions  

why must you rain reality onto my once powerful dreams?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 7:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Sorry..go back to sleep!

by TheDeek on Feb 15, 2012 7:58 PM EST up reply actions  

One hour forty six minutes thirty five seconds

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:14 PM EST reply actions  

One hour twenty four minutes

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:36 PM EST up reply actions  

one hour twelve minutes.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Wow....

Classy Montreal….real classy

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:18 PM EST reply actions  

Go on….

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Chara took a puck in the face a min ago at the end of the period

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:20 PM EST up reply actions  

MTL fans started cheering as he is lying on the ice….

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:21 PM EST up reply actions  

I hope he sends someone into the stantions

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:25 PM EST up reply actions  

they’re rounded now…he’ll think of something else

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Context

Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Real classy of some Montreal fans to cheer Chara taking puck in the face

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Classless Montreal fans? Never.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 8:21 PM EST up reply actions  

How dare someone even suggest such a thing!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions  

uhhhhhh.

.......................
say yes to Rick Nash.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 8:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Commence the name puns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boys must be Eager for the win tonight.

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:42 PM EST reply actions  

I thought we were waiting for the game preview thread?

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Its a late start and i’m Jones-ing

At least it's not Lebda.

by Nifty Mittens on Feb 15, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Do you think Mats Sundin will ever go into the Hall of fame?

"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

Sorry, unauthorized hotlinking of copyrighted material not permitted.

by Frag on Feb 15, 2012 8:47 PM EST up reply actions  

don’t be a Horcoff

.......................
say yes to Rick Nash.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions  

1. Start a word document and brainstorm relevant puns for the next hour
2. Post in game preview thread
3. Collect all the recs
4. ???
5. Profit

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:48 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ve been waiting for a solid gif party for a while now. Have some new material I want to test out

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Alright boys, let’s peckham their defense to death tonight and plante some goals.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions  

If we can Potter more goals, nous Gagner le jeu

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 8:57 PM EST up reply actions  

i wish the oilers had…..oduya fiddler clitsome moore

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 8:53 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

or oduya liach eaton semen

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 8:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions   1 recs

oduya liach eaton white semen daley?

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 9:01 PM EST via Android app up reply actions   1 recs

Not that there’s anything wrong with that

No, of course not.

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 9:02 PM EST up reply actions  

oduya liach eaton brown johnson

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 9:04 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

that’s an odd fixation you have

Resident Internet Tough Guy

by JaredFromLondon on Feb 15, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

lol

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:09 PM EST up reply actions  

we accept members of all different stripes, whatever floats his boat….

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions  

clitsome doesnt work to well

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

benn eager tootoo eaton clitsome moore

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 9:15 PM EST via Android app up reply actions   1 recs

faulk clitsome moore daley

by power-forward on Feb 15, 2012 9:21 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

.......................
say yes to Rick Nash.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 9:19 PM EST up reply actions  

This MTL-BOS game is wild….just called both teams for Goaltender interference in the same play. MTL got one, then on the delay BOS took one

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:52 PM EST reply actions  

This 11pm start time will kill me tomorrow but hey, live for the moment

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 8:55 PM EST reply actions  

You on the East Coast?

Come get your duds in order 'cuz we're bound to cross the water, HEAVE AWAY, me jollies, HEAVE AWAY -- Bowl of Fruit Lups in the evening gets the playoffs started!!

by TheNadger on Feb 15, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Out at sea in the North Atlantic. He’s a fisherman.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions  

He forgot to adjust his clocks this fall

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I am every stereotype to ever come out of Atlantic Canada

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:07 PM EST up reply actions  

ah got yer timmy’s coffee and everything too, eh?

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions  

ahh bi, timmy’s is just a teat for the kids once they finish their lobster

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions  

treat** lol teat

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions  

10:00pm start times are fucking torture. In fact, the game wont actually even start until about 10:20. Ugh. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH “FREE TIME”?!

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:10 PM EST reply actions  

It’s not helping yet, I will attempt to repeat the process.

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t be afraid to throw a shot of liquor in there to speed the process along

by ShahofToronto on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 PM EST up reply actions  

As an Irishman, I’m not a shot of liquor guy, although a glass a whiskey sounds good….

by Goosemonster on Feb 15, 2012 9:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Hours of pregame fun

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:14 PM EST up reply actions  

For Aulie likely
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Scribes in EDM for Oilers-Leafs will correct me if I am in error, but hearing some chatter that Luke Schenn will be scratched tonite.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Lupul is Lupul backwards
Officially on Team Re-Sign Grabbo
Twitter

by LeafFan1989 on Feb 15, 2012 9:23 PM EST reply actions  

POSSIBLE TRADE? RABBLE INJURY? RABBLE BEING PACKAGED IN A DEAL? RABBLE

Hear that? That's the sound of "leaf fans" scuffling to get back on the bandwagon.

by Saucepass on Feb 15, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Remember when the rumors flew about teams wanting in on Schenn, and then we re-signed him for too much money and term, and then he played like shit? Good times.

The First Certified Grabbo Lover

by SkinnyFish on Feb 15, 2012 9:27 PM EST up reply actions  

And I thought Komi was worse last night.

by jeffgm on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 PM EST up reply actions  

pretty sure

you’re right.

.......................
say yes to Rick Nash.

by OffTheChest on Feb 15, 2012 9:31 PM EST up reply actions  

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PPP Salary Cap Challenge - Self Destructive Zones
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PPP Salary Cap Challenge-BCapp #2

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