I am pretty excited for Saturday night. Leafs vs. Canadiens is always something special, but watching the Habs flounder this year has made things even more perfect. Plus, we get to see Mats Sundin get his banner raised, this is really just the cherry on top.

Since they have nothing at all to get excited about, Hab fans are rejoicing over $cott Gomez finally scoring. The only person with that much bank who doesn’t score must be Tom Cruise (with women, just to be clear). It is a shame. I was really enjoying going to http://didgomezscore.com/ to check in on the futility counter. What will I do with my free time now? I know, I will look shit up.

$cott last scored on February 5, 2011. He finished the remaining 36 games he played that year scoring as many goals as I did. Add another 24 games this season that passed by with no luck (or skill), and hell... that is not good at all. Not for $7.5 million. Then, February 9, 2012 comes around and Gomez goes all Gretzky on us against the mighty...hmm, let me see...New York Islanders??!!! Really? Does that even count?

Before he broke his goal scoring cherry last week, when asked for comments $cott Gomez did not say “Hey, I am keeping the same goal scoring pace as Sidney Crosby and he makes even more money than I do, so get off my back man. That NHL golden boy has not scored since December 28th, 2010, so fuck off. Go talk to him and see what he has to say, you know, if he is not too busy sitting in the dark drooling recovering from those concussions!” When informed that Crosby actually scored 2 goals in his comeback game in November against the Islanders, an irate Gomez flipped over a table and shouted “Oh come on!!! Goals against the Islanders don’t count!!!” In retrospect he probably would want to take that last bit back.

OK, maybe I made all that up (the quotes, not the goal scoring information). This is what Gomez actually said before his big goal was scored: "Trust me, I want to score as much as anyone. But I'm dead serious about this — if it took me not scoring for two years for us to win in Montreal, I'd take it." Really Gomez? I like my quotes better.

But before all of us Leaf fans get so smug, there is a little known secret that I don’t even really want to bring up. February 26th, 2011. What is significant about that date, almost one full year ago? Why, that would be the last time Colby Armstrong raised his arms in celebration. I am afraid so. Keep in mind, Armstrong only played 8 more games that season and 14 this season, so Gomez played almost three times as many games than Armstrong without bulging the twine. Also, it would take Armstrong another season and a half to earn the same amount of cheddar as Gomez, so how pissed off can you really be?

All that being said, I am thoroughly looking forward to Leafs/Habs on Saturday. I am as tired as any other Leaf fan listening to some dickhead Hab fan gloat about 1967 or “no playoffs since the lockout”. Right now, the Canadiens are just 3 points out of last place with a couple of games in hand. If it wasn’t for that two points they earned against the Islanders (does that even count!!), they would be just a point out of last. I pray for dead last in the East.

Hi, everyone! Question for the masses:

I've been a Leafs fan since the '08-09 playoffs (yes, I know we weren't there, let me finish) and I need to purchase my first jersey.

I came around to following hockey in the first place because of the fights. Specifically, this fight:

Walker putting Ward to sleep

Who wouldn't love hockey after that?

Anyway, hockey is actually the last of the 4 major sports that I picked up, and when I went to picking a team, I had three important criteria:

1. Had to be Canadian. (I live in Florida, the fact that we have TWO hockey teams is absurd to me.)

2. They had to be an old team. (I love tradition.)

3. They had to suck. (Nobody likes a bandwagoner.)

Using those guidelines I settled on Toronto as my team. I mean, come on, Canadian as all get out, Original 6, haven't won the Cup since '67. It was the Holy Trinity for me.

So, it's been a fun 2+ years; I get to watch us (not really since I can only usually catch maybe 3 games a year on tv if I'm lucky.) get steadily better. Brian Burke is probably the greatest thing ever. The talent we have is really starting to come together for us. *cough*goalies*cough* All in all, I think it's a pretty good time to be a Leafs fan.

That's why I've decided to take the plunge and finally get a jersey. I've got a well-worn cap that's my go-to hat during the winter, but man, a jersey would be awesome. So I need some help in picking out my first one.

My first thought would be Lupul; he's my age (28 - I have a problem getting a jersey of someone younger than me...am I crazy?) and he's putting together a hell of a season. HOWEVA, is he putting together TOO good of a season? Would I look like a schmuck with a Lupul jersey? Am I crazy for worrying about that? (Yes, I probably am.)

Anyway, that's my original thought, but I am more than open to any suggestions that everyone has. Thanks for the help folks.

Oh, in case anyone was wondering, my other sports teams, in order that I started following them (it's important to note that my parents didn't follow sports, so these picks are a little...odd.)

1. Green Bay Packers - When I was a kid, Favre was my hero. Now? NOT SO MUCH.

2. Sacramento Kings - Grew out of my natural hatred towards the Lakers. Also, the signing of Jason Williams.

3. Boston Red Sox - Grew out of my natural hatred towards the Yankees. (I liked them before they won in '04! I promise!)

It's that time again. I'm sure the HF Boards are exploding with all kinds of ridilicous trade proposals, but I don't even want to go there. I read on TSN from Dreger, the Kings are interested in Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur and that both teams are scouting each other. I'm wondering, who do you think Burke would be interested in? My first thought was Mike Richards, but that's just off the top of my head. Dustin Penner? God I hope not.

Who do you want to see the Leafs go after? First on my wishlist is Eric Staal, but I'm not sure if that's at all possible.

On another note, I've just started a blog, a couple days old, if you're so inclined head over to http://doublebluetruth.blogspot.com/ and check it out. Only a couple posts so far but I'm hoping to come up with something every day or every other day.

Go Leafs Go

Edit - Just did a quick look around the league, some perhaps more realistic trade targets: Sam Gagner (EDM), Brandon Sutter (CAR), Ryan O`Reilly (COL), Marcus Johansson (WSH). All young centers with upside who are just coming into their own. Carolina already has Staal and Skinner, Washington has Backstrom, and Colorado has Paul Statsny and Matt Duchene. Any of these would have to include Luke Schenn going the other way, in my opinion.

With Grabbo extended, one of these young pivots and Joe Colborne on his way, Leafs would look good down the middle, maybe toss Tyler Bozak in for a pick.

There has been a lot of discussion lately on Mikhail Grabovski, if he is a dominant center, and if he is worth resigning. First of all, let’s look at Grabovski’s career stats:

He is only in his 4th season the NHL. He’s a little older than some players in their 4th season, but even so, it still takes time to get used to the best opponents in the world. I personally think Grabovski’s finally found his niche (last year) and will be able to maintain this level of play for a few years, though I don’t know if he’s got much more improving to do.

Click the Jump to see analysis on the top centers in the NHL, and where Mikhail Grabovski fits in.

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So over the past few days since the All-Star break I have been thinking very hard about the Leafs playoff chances and I was really interested in looking at the teams that have yet managed to prove to me that they are guaranteed a playoff spot in the east. That being all teams except for Boston and the Rangers and stretching down to the Jets. What I was interested in was schedule strength as well as quirks, like for example that Winnipeg plays 8 straight games at home. Essentially what I wanted to find out was based on all the games that all these teams play, what chance do the Leafs have to make the playoffs based on different potential scenarios concerning results.

Join me after the Jump to see my work

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As I watched the Penguins celebrate Malkin's equalizer last night, my mind drifted back to my highschool year book circa 1981. The yearbook committee dubbed me the school's most diehard Leaf Fan. I have never died harder than last night. It was agonizing to watch almost 50 mins. of exemplary hockey go down in the books as a S-O loss for the Leafs.

Although the call disallowing Bozak's goal barely into the first was an outrage, the Leafs battled to take a 4-1 lead. Grabo found the back of the net twice in the second at 6:51 and at 9:55 putting the Leafs up 2-0. The Penguins Cooke registers with less than 4 minutes left in the second.

The Leafs took the momentum of a 2-1 lead into the third period coming out strong. Bozak scores again, this time putting a point on the board at 6:18. Less than 20 seconds later MacArthur tallies and your score is 4-1 in favour of the Leafs, who at this point have strutted their stuff by out playing and outskating the Pittsburg Penguins. With 13 minutes left in the game Toronto has a comfortable lead, or so one would think.

As the period presses on the Leafs begin to get bogged down in their own end as the Pens rally to tie the game. Goals by Sullivan at 8:33 and Vitale at 15:01 put the Penguins back in it. The still leading leafs showed a lacklustre effort and held off Fleury making a run for the Pittsburg bench in favour of an extra attacker. Alas, not for long enough. The Penguins manage to get that attacker and Malkin scores with 6.6 seconds left in the game for the tie. Goaltender Interference? This was another questionable call on the night as Gustavsson appears to be charged. But.....there would be no question if not for the Leafs inability to clear the puck out of their own end as the seconds wound down.

An outstanding display of goaltending at both ends of the ice resulted in 5 mins of scoreless overtime forcing a shoot-out. Evgeni Malkin was at it again and got one past Gustavsson to bring the Leafs down, 5-4 being the final score.

The skill level and heart the Leafs displayed to dominate the first 50 mins. of this game was not enough to bank the 2 points desperately needed going into the stretch. Which begs the question _ What is ailing the Toronto Maple Leafs?_ Reguardless......

They bring 1 point home to Air Canada Centre where they will face off again tonight against the Penguins for the second of a home and home series. Seeing the Leafs play in Pittsburg sporting their home blues leads me to wonder if they will have their road whites on tonight. Blue or White, they have home ice advantage and if last night was any indication, tonight's match-up will be a nail biter. So, Leaf Fans stay tuned.

The All Star break is now over. The league's superstars (and Dennis Wideman) have returned to their teams, non-superstars have pulled themselves off their beach-front lounge chairs, and order has been restored in the NHL universe (proof: Team Senators lost). Since I am a dedicated fan and I own a DVR, I was able to watch the draft, the skills competition and the game. This could also classify me as someone that did not have anything better to do.

Overall, I enjoy watching the game. It has many components to like. The fantasy draft replicates fantasy drafts that many fans participate in before the year starts. The skills competition lets you appreciate just how good these guys are, and also allows the player’s personalities (or lack thereof in Kessel’s case) to be showcased. The game itself lets you watch incredible lines that could only be pulled off in video games. Fun times for all.

I really enjoy the concept and feel of the All Star festivities. That being said, I want to like it even more. Like a true Canadian, I can bitch about just about anything, and the All Star weekend is low hanging fruit. I just can’t get fully behind the whole thing.

In my opinion, the draft show appears to have the production value of a 1980s Canadian game show. The skills competition cannot be the NBA slam dunk competition, and should stop trying to be. The actual game is going to lack the intensity and feel of a regular game. The only all star game in sports that can sort of pull off a “regular” game is baseball.

The product could be better. The NHL should embrace this (and to their credit, they are willing to. The changes in the last couple years demonstrate this). Here are a couple ideas from someone who has an opinion that doesn't really matter at all.

Location: Come to Ottawa in late January! Great! Know what is even better? Come to Columbus in January 2013! So you are trying to tell me we should get angry when star players like Ovechkin or older guys like Selanne say thanks but no thanks? The thing you always here is that players would rather sit on a beach then go to the All Star game. Solution? Welcome to the NHL All Star Game in Miami! Is Columbus not exciting enough for you? How about NYC or LA? I understand that the game is a big feather in the cap for NHL cities. I also think I heard that this year’s game injected around $30 million into Ottawa (so clearly Columbus is jacked about next year). But the NHL should take a big picture look here. I know this does not always happen (Versus vs ESPN anyone?). The city could be as big as a star as the players playing the game. With great locations, you can expect more players, hype and excitement. The only excitement Ottawa had going for it was plenty of knowledgeable fans that cared about the game, and I guess that is a big plus. Did I mention that next year’s game is in Columbus though?

Originality: The draft is original and a big win for the NHL as far as I am concerned. The NHL should be proud of it. If people get a little bent out of shape about the “embarrassment” of being picked last, it is easy to tweak things to take the focus off the last pick. Why not have three separate parts to the draft, one for forwards, one for defenseman and one for goalies. Now there are three last picks, and the focus does not fall on one poor bastard sitting by himself sweating things out. Also, the media does not rush to that one guy to ask him how it feels. Done.

But why stop here though?

While watching the actual game, I started zoning out some time around the middle of the second period. Hey look! Team A takes the puck in their own zone, skates down the ice making about 48 extra passes because everyone is afraid to shoot and look selfish and the defense won’t hit anyone anyway…they move the puck into the zone and score! Rinse and repeat!

Why not shake things up. I know there is not going to be any hitting and the intensity of a regular game is not going to happen. The NHL should recognize this and put on a three hour show instead of a three hour hockey game. The argument that the All-star game sells the casual or non-fan on hockey is ridiculous, so don’t try to play the same game.

Have a period with four-on-four or three-on-three. You think Hartnell was bringing down the Sedin line and everyone wants Alfie to play with them anyway? Don’t just pull Hartnell off that line, trade him during the intermission! Have a referee turn heel, give Tim Thomas two minutes for being a douche and skipping his White House visit and send him to the box. I don’t know, but I would not really mind if the game took a bit of a turn towards a Harlem Globetrotters game if it was more fun to watch. Make a show of it. My favorite parts of the game are seeing the players goofing around with each other. Give them more chances to do this and I would be happy.

Entertainment: The best thing going was the miked up players. Hartnell was fantastic. The “Sedin triplets” thing made me giggle. The play-by-play on the bench was great . Oh, and by the way, I am now going to incorporate the term “Suck it Phaneuf” in everyday use. “Hey, I grabbed the last cold beer out of the fridge, suck it Phaneuf!” Also, even though I am a Leaf fan, I had no idea Lupol was as entertaining as he actually is either. Bring on some more of that please.

I think the best way to improve the entertainment value of the All Star events is to bring in real life, experienced entertainers. The NHL tries this with the NHL award show and fails miserably because they don’t use fans or even hockey savvy stars. Jay Mohr has actually admitted he is not a big fan, but Bettman jumped into bed with him. Twice. I am also pretty sure that the Real Housewives are fans of plastic surgery and materialism, not hockey.

So what about this. You get Mike Myers and Dennis Leary to be the GMs at the next All Star draft (both are NHL fans and both are wildly more entertaining and easier to understand than Chara). You assign them an All Star Captain each, as voted on by the fans, to help with the actual draft (one home team captain would be good as well). Maybe even stick them in a war room with any other help they want to bring with them for advice (Leary can bring his buddy Cam Neely, or some other comedian for back-up. Hell, bring Roenick, that would be great).

During the game, stick them behind the bench as one of the “coaches”. Get them to provide some comic relief throughout the game. I would love to see Leary and Tortorella matched up and let them try to out-angry each other when something goes badly. This would be the closest thing to must-see-TV for me. Are you trying to tell me you would turn the game off after a period? What about someone like Kevin Smith? He would do it (and he could use it as a chance to promote Hit Somebody). Vince Vaughn? Seth Rogan? Jeremy Piven? These guys all show up for hockey games, given the right opportunity, they would show up for this as well.

There are millions of ideas to spice things up a bit, so what do you think people?

I was thinking to myself the other day. I don't drive anymore, so in order to get to where I have to go, either I'm lucky and got a ride, or I'm taking the "Heel-toe express" to get from point A to point B. I've learned that on these walks, it's a great time to ponder whatever it is that I have to ponder.

I had seen an article on Grantland.com in Katie Baker's weekly column. She has linked to PPP before and while I'm certainly no expert in writing, I tend to, more often than not, enjoy her articles. This week she had written about the launch of Mindcheck.ca, an online resource that helps people learn to identify and seek help for the signs of drug abuse, anxiety and depression. Instrumental in the launch of the website was Kevin Bieksa of the Vancouver Canucks who was looking for a way to honour one of his best friends and former teamate Rick Rypien. There are multiple PSAs that he has filmed so far and this is just one of them:

If you can't watch the video here's the transcript.

"I'm the friend of someone who experienced depression. I know it isn't a choice. It's not a weakness, self-inflicted, or a result of not trying. Sometimes you just can't get over it and it won't just go away. Pretending it isn't happening doesn't help, talking about it does. Getting support early can make the difference. Helping someone we care about is not a burden. I pledge to learn the signs. I will not judge, I will have compassion, I will reach out, listen, talk, help and find help. My name is Kevin Bieksa, I will not stay silent. Add your voice at Mindcheck.ca"

It's people like him doing things like this that are going to go a long way in helping people recognize the signs of any issues they may have.

At the top of the article I had mention that I was thinking. Thinking about ways to get people to think about mental health and what they can do. Turns out Kevin Bieksa may have just done that job for me.

The stage was set for the AllStar Fantasy draft leaving viewers with the notion that these AllStars were going to set aside rivalries and play nice. And that is what they did, without any help from the "new format". It was immediately equated to the pond of your youth and picking teams. If my memory serves me correctly, back then someone always took their net and went home. Luckily for fans The NHL AllStars remained and seemed to be having a great time despite Duthie's continuing efforts to stir the pot....... P'neuf Already! His blindsiding, heckling and constant attempts at humour were over the top.

As for the fans in Ottawa.....P'neuf Already! We got it the first time. The constant booing, which Duthie encouraged, was at first funny but ended up crossing the line. Joffrey Lupul could barely get a word out when announcing the picks for Team Chara. Did the fine fans of Ottawa consider the fact that some people might want to listen to something else besides them?.......P'neuf Already! Good on Lupes for the way in which he handled it, especially with his announcements of 8th round pick Phil Kessel and 13th round pick Dion Pneuf. The AllStar Leafs were a class act. Of course they were expected to be boo'd in Ottawa...but this? There should be a car in there somewhere for Lupul as he endured as much as Logan Couture.

Logan Couture was presented with the keys to a new Honda because he was the last man standing. Nonsuspecting onlookers were led to believe there was a change in format to make the last picked AllStar more comfortable...Not! P'neuf Already again... it was hyped up from the start and rubbed in at the end. Couture took it all in fun and is just happy to be there.

As Couture was last, Pavel Datsyuk was first. A surprise to many. Comments on the respect and admiration that Chara has for his fellow player were commendable and that's what it's all about.

The NHL Fantasy AllStar draft has the potential for some fine T.V. viewing. In the future I would suggest some officiating, and not for the players. Oh, and Brendan, me thinks that Duthie deserves a supension from upcoming Fantasy Drafts. Go Team Chara!!!!

Attack or defense? The best defense is a good offense, but defense wins championships. A series of cliches.

A lot of talk has been made of how the leafs are spending too much on heir defense. I thought this to be true, though I thought most of the reason this has been true was because of Komisarek's big cap hit pushing them into the top of team spending. In order to see how they faired against other teams, I created a list of all the teams and their defensemen cap hits.

Follow the jump to see the list of teams and how their defense fair relative to cap spending.

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