Pension Plan Puppets: FanPosts

1967 - or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Drought

1967ers — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:20:37 -0000

Ed.'s Note: 1967ers' diary on the year of Canada's Centennial, the Maple Leafs, and championship droughts helps to put the boot in to the insult of 1967. So it's been promoted.

1967.

You can't get away from it, not as a Leaf fan.

Whether it comes from a troll, a hyper-partisan, a casual fan or one of our own sports media types, no discussion of the Leafs can proceed without its mention. It's like the Leafs version of Godwin's Law.

But here's the crazy thing (sit down, everyone, this is a real shocker) - there is nothing about the Leafs' drought that is either unusual or unexpected. This is in part the product of a 20-year period of bad ownership, but it is primarily the expected result of ANY team that plays in a 30-team league. Long droughts are not the exception. They are the norm. The only reason the Leaf drought is longer than most other teams is that the Leafs themselves are an older franchise.

That's it.

Consider: Of the 30 teams this year, even with the parity in the league, there are maybe seven or eight that really have a shot at winning. Of those, there are about three or four front-runners and the others need to get lucky. This will always be true.

The teams that are strong (save for Detroit, for the moment) are all on an arc that will give them maybe half a dozen years of competitiveness, then they'll slide back a bit, re-tool and take another run. The process of retooling generally will take 3-5 years, depending on conditions. In all, it's typically a cycle that takes 10 or more years to fully play out. Even teams that appear to be stuck in mediocrity forever are really on this cycle. It's just that their peaks and valleys are neither as high nor as low.

This means that if all goes well, a team gets a period of about 5 years out of every 10+ in which they get to take a run. If they don't happen to have enough superstars to make them one of the top three, or if they get the wrong player hurt at the wrong time, they will miss that window and it's a good ten years before another chance will come. Throw in a bad period of ownership and you miss a cycle and suddenly that 10 year time frame becomes 20 or more.

The Leafs have had four chances in the past 20 years to get to the Final. 1993 was probably the best of them, and they were hosed by a bad call in Game 6 and got beat by the best game of Gretzky's career in Game 7. In 2003 they had another real chance when facing Carolina, but mishandled the return of about 5 injured players and lost it. In 1994 and 1999 they were simply outplayed. This is how a drought that stood at 25 in 1992 now comes to stand at 41 in 2008. Looking at the rebuild process, 2012-13 isn't an unreasonable estimate of when they might get there again.

The Leafs aren't alone in this, not by a long shot. Look at this (this list counts seasons rather than years):

Chicago Blackhawks - 46 seasons
Toronto Maple Leafs - 40 seasons
Los Angeles Kings- 40 seasons*
St. Louis Blues - 40 seasons*
Buffalo Sabres - 37 seasons*
Vancouver Canucks - 37 seasons*
Boston Bruins - 35 seasons
Washington Capitals - 33 seasons*
Philadelphia Flyers - 32 seasons
Phoenix Coyotes - 28 seasons*
New York Islanders - 24 seasons
Calgary Flames - 18 seasons
Edmonton Oilers - 17 seasons
San Jose Sharks - 16 seasons*
Pittsburgh Penguins - 15 seasons
Ottawa Senators - 15 seasons*
Montreal Canadiens - 14 seasons
Florida Panthers - 14 seasons*
New York Rangers - 13 seasons
Nashville Predators - 9 seasons*
Dallas Stars - 8 seasons
Atlanta Thrashers - 8 seasons*
Minnesota Wild - 7 seasons*
Columbus Blue Jackets - 7 seasons*
Colorado Avalanche - 6 seasons
New Jersey Devils - 4 seasons
Tampa Bay Lightning - 3 seasons
Carolina Hurricanes - 2 seasons
Anaheim Ducks - 1 season
(* Never won. Ever.)

The Leafs have a LOT of company, and many of the teams closest to them have never won it at all.

"Ah," says our troll/fan/media type, "but the Leafs haven't even made a Stanley Cup FINAL since 1967. Now THAT's a disgrace."

Well, I suppose it is. But at the same time, is there any among us who actually believes it would have made a difference in the play that 1967 gets? Say, for example, that the Leafs had made the Final in 1993 and lost (of course they wouldn't have, but just say for the sake of argument that they did). All that would happen is that the goalposts would immediately move, the Finals appearance would cease to matter (except for that they'd only have made one, and that fact would be trotted out all the time) and the focus would be on what really mattered - the lack of Championships.

Let's see the list for seasons without a trip to the Final:

Toronto Maple Leafs - 40 seasons
St. Louis Blues - 37 seasons
Phoenix Coyotes - 28 seasons*
New York Islanders - 23 seasons
Boston Bruins - 17 seasons
San Jose Sharks - 16 seasons*
Chicago Blackhawks - 15 seasons
Montreal Canadiens - 14 seasons
Los Angeles Kings - 14 seasons
New York Rangers - 13 seasons
Vancouver Canucks - 13 seasons
Florida Panthers - 11 seasons
Philadelphia Flyers - 10 seasons
Washington Capitals - 9 seasons
Nashville Predators - 9 seasons*
Buffalo Sabres - 8 seasons
Atlanta Thrashers - 8 seasons*
Dallas Stars - 7 seasons
Minnesota Wild - 7 seasons*
Columbus Blue Jackets - 7 seasons*
Colorado Avalanche - 6 seasons
New Jersey Devils - 4 seasons
Calgary Flames - 3 seasons
Tampa Bay Lightning - 3 seasons
Edmonton Oilers - 2 seasons
Carolina Hurricanes - 2 seasons
Anaheim Ducks - 1 season
Ottawa Senators - 1 season
(* Never made it)

So yes, there atop the list sit the Leafs. What that says to me is that since the Leafs have never had the team to win it all, then they've also never been the Cinderella team that comes out of nowhere to make the Final. Cinderella, of course, can get to the ball sometimes, but she doesn't win. The only time a Cinderella team wins a Cup is when there are two of them. And without winning a Cup, what have you accomplished?

For what it's worth, though, the Leafs haven't LOST a Stanley Cup Final since 1960 - that's 47 seasons of unbeaten championship play, and nobody can touch that one.... ;)

So there you have it. The drought is nothing unusual. In fact, it's the nature of the beast. 20 years from now, a 40-year drought will be nothing uncommon. At least 8 teams will be in one. Of course, by that time the Leaf drought could be at 60, and boy, how we'll all hear about it....

(Lists compliments of wikipedia. Isn't everything?)

Leaf of the Day - Oct 3, 2008 - Anders Hedberg

1967ers — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:50:26 -0000

Oct 3-5, 2008 - Anders Hedberg

Here's former Leafs European scout Anders Hedberg.

Yes, this is typically supposed to be a Leaf PLAYER, and Hedberg wasn't, but given what happened in St. Louis and what is likely to befall us against Detroit twice, better to have a good laugh.

Hedberg proves here that if you can score 70 goals, it doesn't matter what you smile like.

Hedberg, IIRC, was the voice behind the picking of Nik Antropov at #10 in 1998. He left after it became clear he wasn't going to get a shot at GM, not that he's gotten that shot elsewhere, either.

Hedberg was never the same scorer after he got to the Rangers, but Nilsson was hurt all the time and Hull wasn't there. Good player all the same.

Just don't take closeups.

(Not really a Hedberg story, but interesting all the same: Most people forget that Bobby Hull tried to make a comeback in 1981-82 with the Rangers. It didn't work. I always thought it odd that of all teams, he'd pick New York, but of course, who was on the Rangers in 1981-82? Hedberg and Nilsson. Hoping for old magic, I guess.)

via img137.imageshack.us

1966-67     Svedjeholmens IK     Sweden-3     16     24          24
1967-68     MoDo AIK Ornskoldsvik     Sweden     24     12     6     18
1967-68     Sweden     EJC-A     5     6     1     7     0
1968-69     MoDo AIK Ornskoldsvik     Sweden     19     10     13     23     2
1968-69     Sweden     EJC-A     5     5     0     5     2
1969-70     MoDo AIK Ornskoldsvik     Sweden     14     9     14     23     2
1969-70     Sweden     EJC-A     5     6
1969-70     Sweden     WEC-A     9     2     3     5     0
1970-71     MoDo AIK Ornskoldsvik     Sweden     14     7     6     13     0
1971-72     MoDo AIK Ornskoldsvik     Sweden     2     1     0     1     0         6     3     5     8     0
1971-72     Sweden     WEC-A     10     6     5     11     4
1972-73     Djurgardens IF Stockholm     Sweden     12     6     3     9     2         14     6     7     13     4
1972-73     Sweden     WEC-A     10     2     5     7     0
1973-74     Djurgardens IF Stockholm     Sweden     14     10     6     16     2         14     7     7     14     4
1973-74     Sweden     WEC-A     10     7     3     10     2
1974-75     Winnipeg Jets     WHA     65     53     47     100     45
1975-76     Winnipeg Jets     WHA     76     50     55     105     48         13     13     6     19     15
1976-77     Sweden     Can-Cup     5     3     2     5     4
1976-77     Winnipeg Jets     WHA     68     70     61     131     48         20     13     16     29     13
1977-78     Winnipeg Jets     WHA     77     63     59     122     60         9     9     6     15     2
1978-79     New York Rangers     NHL     80     33     45     78     33     +19     18     4     5     9     12
1978-79     NHL All-Stars     Ch-Cup     2     0     0     0     0
1979-80     New York Rangers     NHL     80     32     39     71     21     +13     9     3     2     5     7
1980-81     New York Rangers     NHL     80     30     40     70     52     0     14     8     8     16     6
1981-82     Sweden     Can-Cup     5     4     2     6     0
1981-82     New York Rangers     DN-Cup     4     1     2     3
1981-82     New York Rangers     NHL     4     0     1     1     0     -2
1982-83     New York Rangers     NHL     78     25     34     59     12     +17     9     4     8     12     4
1983-84     New York Rangers     NHL     79     32     35     67     16     +18     5     1     0     1     0
1984-85     New York Rangers     NHL     64     20     31     51     10     -15     3     2     1     3     2
WHA Totals     286    236    222    458    201        42    35    28    63    30
NHL Totals     465     172     225     397     144     +31    58     22     24     46     31

Swedish Junior Player-of-the-Year (1969, 1970)
Named Best Forward at EJC-A (1970)
WHA Second All-Star Team (1975)
Lou Kaplan Trophy (Rookie of the Year - WHA) (1975)
WHA First All-Star Team (1976, 1977, 1978)
Bill Masterton Trophy (1985) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1985)

- Only goals and games played totals are available for 1966-67 season.
- Signed as a free agent by Winnipeg (WHA), May 3, 1974.
- Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, June 5, 1978.

the HHOF take on Anders:

In 1969 the head coach of the Swedish national team invited a 17-year-old named Anders Hedberg to join the national team, but his studies prevented him from accepting. Hedberg made his first appearance in the national lineup the following year and immediately proved he was a player with great talent. He was even nicknamed "the New Tumba" after 1950s Swedish hockey star Sven "Tumba" Johansson. Hedberg played 100 official games for Sweden.

One of Hedberg's most memorable goals was the third one he scored against Vladislav Tretiak in the 1976 Canada Cup tournament. On a perfect pass from defenseman Borje Salming, Hedberg went one on one with the Soviet goalkeeper and tied the score 3-3.

By this time, he had already left Stockholm's Djurgarden and joined the Winnipeg Jets in the newly formed World Hockey Association. In what was perhaps the happiest time in his sports career, Hedberg played with teammate Ulf Nilsson on the same line as the legendary Canadian hockey player Bobby Hull?a line that was then considered the best in the WHA. Hull often stated that he'd never had partners who had mastered the fine points of hockey as well as the two Swedes, Hedberg and Nilsson. Bobby Hull scored his 1,000th career goal while playing in the lineup with the two Scandinavians.

After the demise of the WHA, Hedberg played seven seasons with the New York Rangers for a total of 465 games in which he scored 172 goals. In a ceremony during the 1997 World Championship in Finland, Anders Hedberg and Tumba Johansson were among those inducted into the European Hockey Hall of Fame.

After completing his hockey career, Hedberg spent several years scouting for talented players in Europe for the Toronto Maple Leafs and was appointed assistant general manager of the team. In August 1999 Swedish newspapers reported that Hedberg had turned down an offer to continue as Toronto's scout. Back in Sweden, he will no doubt continue to play an active role in the world.

I see it says that he went to the Rangers after the demise of the WHA - that's not true. He skipped out on the last WHA season, as did Nilsson. They spent 1978-79 in NY.

via img53.imageshack.us

Bring "Lak" back?

floridaLEAF — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:39:51 -0000

OK, I haven't seen the games, but I have read the reports and seen clips of what appears to be Ryan Hollweg working on his Kris Newbury impersonation. Is there anyone else on this team that can fill the role of "mitt dropper" or am I crazy to think the Leafs should have held on to Belak? (You don't have to read this part, but I needed more words to make up enough to post.)

Leaf of the Day - Oct 2, 2008 - Paul Fenton

1967ers — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:14:41 -0000

Oct 2, 2008 - Paul Fenton

Part of the Most-Depressing-Leafs-Team-of-All-Time (TM), Paul Fenton arrived in the trade that brought Dave Ellett from the Jets in exchange for Ed Olczyk and Mark Osborne. The Leafs had been stumbling badly out of the gate and panicked GM Floyd Smith was doing anything and everything to avoid being forever remembered as the GM who traded away Eric Lindros.

Now, many will say that Ellett was a good part of the 1992-93 resurgence, and this is true. But if you're giving up two top-6 forwards including your best centre, you'd better be getting at least something back, and a PP quarterback isn't enough.

This brings us to Fenton.

In 1989-90, Paul Fenton had the season of his life, scoring 32 goals. Everyone in the hockey world knew that this year was an outlier, save perhaps for Floyd Smith. Fenton was to come back to offset the offense lost with the departure of Olczyk and Osborne (Seriously, after this trade, given the injury to Fergus, the Leafs were going with Mike Krushelnyski as a #1 centre). Fenton scored 5 goals in his not-quite half season in Toronto.

Now, to his credit, that was 5 more than Brian Bradley got, but that's a story for another day....

He was sent with Kordic to Washington for a 5th. TWO players for a fifth. Gads.

Paul just seemed appropriate today. Sort of an extreme Jason Blake.

via img516.imageshack.us

1979-80     Boston University Terriers     ECAC     24     8     17     25     14
1980-81     Boston University Terriers     ECAC     5     3     2     5     0
1981-82     Boston University Terriers     ECAC     28     20     13     33     20
1982-83     Peoria Prancers     IHL     82     60     51     111     53
1982-83     Colorado Flames     CHL     1     0     1     1     0         3     2     0     2     2
1983-84     Binghamton Whalers     AHL     78     41     24     65     67
1984-85     Hartford Whalers     NHL     33     7     5     12     10     +6
1984-85     Binghamton Whalers     AHL     45     26     21     47     18
1984-85     United States     WEC-A     9     2     1     3     8
1985-86     Hartford Whalers     NHL     1     0     0     0     0     +1
1985-86     Binghamton Whalers     AHL     75     53     35     88     87         6     2     0     2     2
1986-87     New York Rangers     NHL     8     0     0     0     2     -5
1986-87     New Haven Nighthawks     AHL     70     37     38     75     45         7     6     4     10     6
1987-88     Los Angeles Kings     NHL     71     20     23     43     46     -14     5     2     1     3     2
1987-88     New Haven Nighthawks     AHL     5     11     5     16     9
1988-89     Los Angeles Kings     NHL     21     2     3     5     6     -1
1988-89     Winnipeg Jets     NHL     59     14     9     23     33     -15
1988-89     United States     WEC-A     10     1     3     4     14
1989-90     Winnipeg Jets     NHL     80     32     18     50     40     +2     7     2     0     2     23
1990-91     Winnipeg Jets     NHL     17     4     4     8     18     -4
1990-91     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     30     5     10     15     0     -3
1990-91     Calgary Flames     NHL     31     5     7     12     10     +2     5     0     0     0     2
1991-92     San Jose Sharks     NHL     60     11     4     15     33     -39
Leaf Totals     30     5     10     15     0     -3
NHL Totals     411     100     83     183     198     -70    17     4     1     5     27

IHL Second All-Star Team (1983)
Ken McKenzie Trophy (U.S.- Born Rookie of the Year - IHL) (1983)
AHL First All-Star Team (1986)
AHL Second All-Star Team (1987)

- Signed as a free agent by Hartford, October 6, 1983.
- Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, September 11, 1986.
- Claimed by Los Angeles from NY Rangers in Waiver Draft, October 5, 1987.
- Traded to Winnipeg by Los Angeles for Gilles Hamel, November 25, 1988.
- Traded to Toronto by Winnipeg with Dave Ellett for Ed Olczyk and Mark Osborne, November 10, 1990.
- Traded to Washington by Toronto with John Kordic for Washington's 5th round choice (Alexei Kudashov) in 1991 Entry Draft, January 24, 1991.
- Traded to Calgary by Washington for Ken Sabourin, January 24, 1991.
- Traded to Hartford by Calgary for future cash, August 26, 1991.
- Traded to San Jose by Hartford for Mike McHugh, October 18, 1991.

the HHOF take on Paul:

After being told by his college coach that he should look for a real job outside of hockey, left-winger Paul Fenton played over 400 NHL games for seven different clubs in the 1980s and '90s. He was a solid defensive player with good speed and was capable of contributing on offense as well. Although he was not blessed with an abundance of natural skill, Fenton outworked the opposition on a regular basis and maximized his potential.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Fenton played three years at Boston University. He scored 20 goals as a senior but was undrafted and unsigned. He played the 1982-83 season with the IHL's Peoria Prancers and scored 60 goals to earn a place on the league's second all-star team.

The Hartford Whalers just prior to the 1983-84 season signed Fenton as a free agent. He spent 33 games as a role player in Hartford then excelled with the club's Binghamton farm team in the AHL with 47 points in 45 games. In the spring played for the United States at the 1985 World Championships. In 1985-86, Fenton played just one game for Hartford but scored 53 goals in Binghamton and made the league's first all-star team.

In September 1986 Fenton was signed by the New York Rangers but spent most of his time with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks. Once again he produced fine numbers with 75 points in 70 games and place on the league's second all-star team. Fenton next played with the L.A. Kings and received his first chance to play an entire season in 1987-88. He responded with 20 goals and his industrious work habits earned the respect of his teammates.

Fenton started the 1988-89 season on the West Coast but was traded to the Winnipeg Jets for Gilles Hamel in November. He was a solid checker and scored 14 goals in the last 59 games of the season. When the Jets failed to make the playoffs, Fenton joined Team USA at the World Championships and scored four points in ten games as the team finished sixth. In 1989-90, he enjoyed his finest year by playing in all 80 games and scoring 32 goals to tie Pat Elynuik for the team lead.

Early in the 1990-91 season he was included with Dave Ellett in a trade that brought Ed Olczyk and Mark Osborne to Manitoba. After 30 games with the Leafs Fenton was traded to Calgary where he spent the last 31 games of the season. Another trade brought him to the Jose Sharks for their inaugural season in 1991-92. Fenton scored eleven goals and provided leadership with the young squad before retiring at the end of the season.

via img516.imageshack.us

I need to be fed

floridaLEAF — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:02:43 -0000

I know there are just a few pre-season games left, but it would be nice to watch one or two. I live in Florida therefore I cannot sign up for Leafs TV Interactive. I tried the feed that was posted here for Monday's game(thank you for that), but the feed would lock up after 2 seconds. (Which, tough as it may seem, is more frustrating than watching the Leafs on a feed that doesn't freeze every 2 seconds) Does anyone know of any other online sites or feeds where I might catch a game.

Leaf of the Day - Oct. 1, 2008 - Bill Root

1967ers — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:28:46 -0000

Oct. 1, 2008 - Bill Root

Bill Root was picked up by the Leafs just prior to the 1984-85 season in which they finished dead last. Bill, who had managed to lead the Habs in plus/minus in 1983-84, went -25 in only 35 games with the Leafs, but that was sadly not atypical for that team.

I have only one real memory of Bill in a Leaf uniform. In the deciding game of the first round of the 1987 playoffs, Toronto was up by a goal on the St. Louis Blues with time running short. With the Leafs putting pressure on St. Louis, Root let a shot go from just past the right face-off circle that gave the Leafs their insurance and pretty much ensured they would win the series. Bob Cole could barely squeak it out: "Root .....*choke, gag, splutter* ... SCOOOOORRRES!"

The second time he was acquired, he came from the Flyers in exchange for Mike Stothers. Mike, IIRC, was less than thrilled about coming to a lowly team like Toronto from mighty Philly, then could barely make a crummy Leaf defense. Philly took him back, but neither he nor Root played another NHL game.

via img128.imageshack.us

1975-76     Don Mills Flyers     MTHL     46     6     39     45     102
1976-77     Niagara Falls Flyers     OMJHL     66     3     19     22     114
1977-78     Niagara Falls Flyers     OMJHL     67     6     11     17     61
1978-79     Niagara Falls Flyers     OMJHL     67     4     31     35     119         20     4     7     11     42
1979-80     Nova Scotia Voyageurs     AHL     55     4     15     19     57         6     1     1     2     2
1980-81     Nova Scotia Voyageurs     AHL     63     3     12     15     76         6     0     1     1     2
1981-82     Nova Scotia Voyageurs     AHL     77     6     25     31     105         9     1     0     1     4
1982-83     Montreal Canadiens     NHL     46     2     3     5     24     +5
1982-83     Nova Scotia Voyageurs     AHL     24     0     7     7     29
1983-84     Montreal Canadiens     NHL     72     4     13     17     45     +26
1984-85     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     35     1     1     2     23     -25
1984-85     St. Catharines Saints     AHL     28     5     9     14     10
1985-86     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     27     0     1     1     29     -8     7     0     2     2     13
1985-86     St. Catharines Saints     AHL     14     7     4     11     11
1986-87     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     34     3     3     6     37     -9     13     1     0     1     12
1986-87     Newmarket Saints     AHL     32     4     11     15     23
1987-88     St. Louis Blues     NHL     9     0     0     0     6     -7
1987-88     Philadelphia Flyers     NHL     24     1     2     3     16     +3     2     0     0     0     0
1988-89     Newmarket Saints     AHL     66     10     22     32     39         5     0     0     0     18
1989-90     Newmarket Saints     AHL     47     8     7     15     20
1990-91     Newmarket Saints     AHL     36     2     4     6     39
Leaf Totals     96    4    5    9    89    -42    20    1    2    3    25
NHL Totals     247     11     23     34     180     -15    22     1     2     3     25

- Signed as a free agent by Montreal, October 4, 1979.
- Traded to Toronto by Montreal with Montreal's 2nd round choice (Darryl Shannon) in 1986 Entry Draft for Dom Campedelli, August 21, 1984.
- Traded to Hartford by Toronto for Dave Semenko, September 8, 1987.
- Claimed by St. Louis from Hartford in Waiver Draft, October 5, 1987.
- Claimed on waivers by Philadelphia from St. Louis, November 26, 1987.
- Traded to Toronto by Philadelphia for Mike Stothers, June 21, 1988.

the HHOF take on Bill:

Throughout Bill Root's career in hockey, he always seemed to play under a cloud of doubt tinged with some vague, amorphous sense that he might not make it wherever he was.

He was coach Hap Emms' 21st choice to join the Niagara Falls Flyers of the OHA in 1976, suggesting that he wasn't completely sure about Root's staying power. During training camp, the young recruit cracked the blade on one of his skates. He told Emms about his problem and the coach directed him to a service station across the street where he could have it welded. Root of course knew that such a repair was impossible, so he skated like a demon through training camp on his broken blade. When he finally made the team, Emms bought him a new set of wheels.

Root skated for three successful seasons in Niagara Falls but was never selected in the NHL draft. The Montreal Canadiens, however, although unsure, signed him as a free agent in 1979. Root was immediately assigned to the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. There he toiled for three seasons with hardly a hope of cracking the Canadiens' all-powerful defensive corps led by Larry Robinson and Rod Langway.

But Root had a number attributes that seemed to be often overlooked during his ins and outs with the NHL. He played like a guy who would do the job for nothing. He was also a very steady, stay-at-home type who always played the man and could move the puck up ice to good effect.

Such attributes, however, weren't enough to earn Root a permanent home with the Habs. He did manage to eke out one full season in 1983-84, but then the arrival of Chris Chelios, Tom Kurvers, and Petr Svoboda made him expendable. As a result, he was dispatched to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the start of the 1984-85 campaign.

In the Blue and White, Root had some initial success while paired with Chris Kotsopoulos. But untimely injuries and occasional trials with the team's management seemed to always undermine any momentum Root could manage to sustain. As a rearguard who always played a sound, physical game, he was baffled to have been sent to the minors by Leafs' coach John Brophy because he wasn't sufficiently aggressive.

In the end, Root languished in the Leafs' organization until 1987 when his rights were bandied around the league, making stops in Hartford, St. Louis, and, finally, Philadelphia where he concluded his NHL career at the end of the 1987-88 season. He was then reacquired by the Leafs, who kept him with the Newmarket Saints of the AHL until his retirement from hockey in 1990-91.

via img128.imageshack.us

revolu-schenn meetup.

wrap around curl — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:48:18 -0000

Alright Leafers, March 15 in Spokane WA. My darling Chiefs will be playing the Kelowna Rockets that a certain dude plays for. I am blanking on his name... Anyone interested in making the trek to my town? If you are going to price airfare, check into flying into Seattle then catch a plane from Seattle to Spokane. SEATAC to GEG is usually about 60 bucks. Or maybe y'all can convoy!

Plus y'all would get to see my goalie I am always going on about...

Leaf of the Day - Sept 30, 2008 - Howie Meeker

1967ers — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:03:44 -0000

Sept. 30, 2008 - Howie Meeker

Howie Meeker saved the best for first. As part of the 1946-47 Leafs - a team that boasted 7 rookies out of a total of 15 skaters - he scored 27 goals in 55 games and won the Calder Trophy (beating out Gordie Howe) and the Stanley Cup. The Leafs would repeat in 1948 and 1949, becoming the first team to win three in succession, and another in 1951. (But for the Kennedy/Howe incident in 1950, they could well have won 5.)

Meeker, I think, was what we would now call an "energy player". He was good in the corners and along the boards. In the famous picture of Bill Barilko scoring the OT winner in 1951, the Leaf behind the net is Howie Meeker, who had just won a battle for the puck and thrown it out front.

Injuries were clearly a factor. You see him missing significant time in 1949, 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1954 and his NHL days were over at the age of 29.

After a brief stint as Leaf coach, he went out to the Rock and from there to the CBC, where he was an HNIC analyst.

via img90.imageshack.us

1939-40     New Hamburg Hahn's     Minor-ON
1940-41     Kitchener Greenshirts     OHA-B     9     13     10     23     2         4     4     2     6     0
1941-42     Stratford Kist     M-Cup     9     13     1     14     2
1942-43     Stratford Kroehlers     OHA-Jr.     6     6     4     10     4         2     0     1     1     0
1942-43     Brantford Lions     OHA-Jr.                             2     0     1     1     4
1943-44
1944-45
1945-46     Stratford Indians     OHA-Sr.     7     8     5     13     4         5     6     5     11     0
1946-47     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     55     27     18     45     76         11     3     3     6     6
1947-48     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     58     14     20     34     62         9     2     4     6     15
1948-49     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     30     7     7     14     56
1949-50     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     70     18     22     40     35         7     0     1     1     4
1950-51     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     49     6     14     20     24         11     1     1     2     14
1951-52     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     54     9     14     23     50         4     0     0     0     11
1952-53     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     25     1     7     8     26
1953-54     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     5     1     0     1     0
1954-55     Pittsburgh Hornets     AHL     2     0     0     0     2
1955-56     Pittsburgh Hornets     AHL
1956-57     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHLMGNT
1957-58     St. John's City Council     SJSHL     12     7     16     23
1958-59     St. John's City Council     SJSHL
1959-60     St. John's Capitals     Exhib.     1     0     2     2     2
1959-60     Conception Bay Cee Bees     Exhib.     1     0     0     0     0
1960-61     St. John's Capitals     Nfld-Sr.     5     5     4     9     15
1961-62     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJJHL
1961-62     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL
1962-63     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL                             4     2     2     4     0
1963-64     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL     4     0     2     2     2
1963-64     St. John's Capitals     Nfld-Sr.     4     1     1     2     12         2     1     1     2     14
1964-65     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL     1     0     2     2     2
1965-66     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL     7     3     6     9     14         3     2     2     4     18
1966-67     St. John's Capitals     Nfld-Sr.     3     0     0     0     4
1966-67     St. John's Jr. Guards     SJSHL                             7     3     6     9     18
1967-68     St. John's Feildians     SJSHL     7     3     14     17     6         1     1     1     2     0
1968-69     St. John's Feildians     SJSHL     14     4     12     16             16     7     12     19     8
1968-69     St. John's Capitals     Nfld-Sr.     3     0     2     2     2         1     0     0     0     0
1997-98     Stratford Kist     OHA-B     13     29     16     45     20         4     8     11     19     4
NHL/Leaf Totals     346     83     102     185     329         42     6     9     15     50

Stanley Cup (1947, 1948, 1949, 1951)
Calder Memorial Trophy (1947)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1947, 1948, 1949)

- Signed as a free agent by Toronto, April 13, 1946.
- Missed majority of 1948-49 season recovering from collarbone injury suffered in practice, December 27, 1948.

the HHOF take on Howie:

The name Howie Meeker conjures up different memories for many people, depending on the age. Older generations remember Meeker as a solid NHL hockey player with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1940s and 1950s. Younger generations may better recall his television colour commentary work on Hockey Night in Canada and other assorted broadcasts throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He also ran his own hockey school and had his own television show designed for helping young players to improve their skills.

Meeker began his ascent to the NHL in 1939-40 when he joined the New Hamburg Hahns of the OMHA at the age of 15. The following year he was selected to play for the Kitchener Greenshirts of the OHA Junior B league. In just nine games, he potted 13 goals and 23 points. In 1941-42 he suited up for the Stratford Kist of the same Junior B league where he led all players with 29 goals while finishing with 45 points in only 13 games. He continued his torrid scoring pace in the playoffs, scoring 13 goals and 14 points in nine games. Meeker played one more year of junior hockey, dividing his time between the Stratford Kroehlers and the Brantford Lions of the OHA before missing the next two years due to military service during World War Two. He was badly injured during his service, when a grenade went off between his legs. Thankfully, he made a full recovery. He returned to hockey for the 1945-46 season at the age of 21, joining the Stratford Indians of the OHA Senior A. In seven games he had eight goals and 13 points. It was this strong play that earned him notice from the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, who proceeded to sign him to a free-agent contract on April 13, 1946. In his rookie year with the Maple Leafs, Meeker appeared in 55 games, scoring 27 goals and 45 points, which was good enough to earn him the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, beating out other big names including Detroit's Gordie Howe. He also tied the NHL record of most goals scored in one game by a rookie when he scored five against the Chicago Black Hawks on January 8, 1947.

The post season was every bit as successful for Meeker and the Maple Leafs, who went on to win the first of three consecutive Stanley Cup championships. In 1947, Meeker scored four goals and four assists in the playoffs as the Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens in the championship finals. In 1948 they upended Howe and the Red Wings in four straight games and turned the same trick again in 1949. Meeker missed a good portion of the 1948-49 regular season due to a collarbone injury, sustained in a practice. However, he was a key contributor in the playoffs as the Leafs took their third consecutive championship.

Meeker was a member of a fourth Stanley Cup championship with Toronto, in 1950-51 where they defeated the Canadiens four games to one on the famous overtime Cup winning goal by defenseman Bill Barilko. He played another three years in a Leafs' uniform but never attained the level of offensive success throughout his career that he did in that first rookie season of 1946-47. During his playing days with the Maple Leafs, Meeker was a member of the "Tricky Trio" line with Ted Kennedy and Vic Lynn. He was named head coach of the Maple Leafs on Apr. 11, 1956, replacing King Clancy. He coached the leafs only one season, leading them to a 21-34-15 record, and became GM the next season. Meeker was finished playing in the NHL by the age of 29, but he continued to play professional hockey for another 15 years, although it was sporadic. He suited up for the Pittsburgh Hornets of the AHL, the St. John's City Council of the SJCSL, the Concepcion Bay Ceebees of the Newfoundland Senior League, the St. John's Guards ad the St. John's Feildians, all of the SJSHL before retiring after the 1968-69 campaign at the age of 44.

Following a thirty-year career on 'Hockey Night in Canada' and TSN, Meeker was honoured with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 1998, joining the Hall of Fame in the Broadcaster Category. He was best remembered for such phrases as "golly gee willikers" and "stop it right there!" his note to the video technicians he wanted the replay stopped while showing viewers various plays on his telestrator during intermissions. Some other interesting background on Meeker which most people don't know is that he served four years in Canadian Parliament following his days as a player in the NHL. He also published a book called "Golly Gee - It's Me: The Howie Meeker Story" in 1999 and his cousin, Mike Meeker, also played pro hockey, including 4 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1978-79.

via www.collectionscanada.gc.ca

(Meeker is #11 at left)

See also http://howiemeeker.com/

Just Kill Me I'm Writing on a Leafs Blog: Grab this!

HabsFan29 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:41:40 -0000

Good day to the fine folks of Leafs Nation and other assorted delusional types. Lovers of the semi-nude female form will recognize me as HabsFan29 of Four Habs Fans, purveyors of filth and meth humour since 2007. When PPP asked us to write up some thoughts on Habs castoff Mikhail Grabovski as part of the Reading the Tea Leafs series, we jumped at the chance to say "Leafs Suck" on an actual Leafs blog. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let's dive into the tortured soul that is Mikhail "Grabs" Grabovski.

Much easier to find photos of Grabs in a Hamilton uni - he spent alot of time there last seaason.

Starting the season last year, Habs fans had huge hopes for Grabs. He was a talented, smooth skating centreman who gave us the greatest line nickname since The French Connection, because "Kovy Grabs Tits" became the Danse à Dix line (for you unilingual Ontarians, you would find a Danse à Dix at the Brass Rail. And "Tits" is Andrei Kostitsyn). Alas, within a few games he seemed to be out of his league. A boy among men. Hamilton, ho!

He would make it back to the big club some time later and did sort of meh. He really didn't show much, leading him to be in Coach Carbo's doghouse for a while. Back to Hamilton. Then back up. Then one gloriously hilarious day in March, he was benched, and in petulant retaliation he refused to get on the team flight. As Habsfan10 would say later, "Grabs sulked and went against the family." We never forgive. Or forget. Final line for the year? 3G, 6A in 24 GP. That's quality mediocrity.

So here's what you're getting Leafs fans: an extremely talented center, great speed and great hands with all sorts of potential to be great that he has yet to really show. And a head case. Enjoy!

Leaf of the Day - Sept 29, 2008 - Bill Thoms

1967ers — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:56:27 -0000

Sept. 29, 2008 - Bill Thoms

One of the reasons that I do this thread (other than the old "You think this is bad, imagine if THIS guy were still on the blue line/in net/missing the open side/whatever....") is to highlight players who haven't really been remembered even though they probably should be.

Bill Thoms is one. Bill has been dropped down the memory hole of the late 1930's - the time between the end of the Kid Line and the arrival of the great teams of the 1940's (which, really, have also been dropped down the memory hole, but I digress). There were a number of pretty good players on those teams, even though they didn't win a Cup (there was a ten year drought between 1932 and 1942 - 10 YEARS!!!! Not sure how they survived such hardship.).

Bill led the league in goals in 1936, was a second all-star and led the Leafs to the Stanley Cup final.

And - apparently he packed a mean pass. Not sure precisely what that means. It could go either way.

In looking at the totals below, while they don't look like a ton, note that in 1935-36, 38 points was good for 4th overall in league scoring, while in 1937-38, his 38 points (again) was 7th.

via img155.imageshack.us

1928-29     Newmarket Redmen     OHA-Jr.
1929-30     West Toronto Nationals     OHA-Jr.     7     7     13     20     6         2     0     0     0     0
1929-30     West Toronto Nationals     M-Cup     9     9     5     14     10
1930-31     Toronto Marlboros     OHA-Jr.     10     11     2     13     4         3     0     0     0     2
1930-31     Toronto Eaton's     TMHL     15     11     7     18     0         6     0     4     4     0
1931-32     Toronto Marlboros     OHA-Jr.     20     16     6     22     26         2     1     0     1     0
1931-32     Syracuse Stars     IHL     12     2     4     6     2
1931-32     Toronto Eaton's     TMHL     6     4     4     8     0         2     4     1     5     0
1932-33     Syracuse Stars     IHL     20     7     7     14     18
1932-33     Toronto Marlboros     OHA-Sr.     1     0     0     0     0
1932-33     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     29     3     9     12     15         9     1     1     2     4
1933-34     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     47     8     18     26     24         5     0     2     2     0
1934-35     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     47     9     13     22     15         7     2     0     2     0
1935-36     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     48     23     15     38     29         9     3     5     8     0
1936-37     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     48     10     9     19     14         2     0     0     0     0
1937-38     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     48     14     24     38     14         7     0     1     1     0
1938-39     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     12     1     4     5     4
1938-39     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     36     6     11     17     16
1939-40     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     47     9     13     22     2         1     0     0     0     0
1940-41     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     47     13     19     32     4
1941-42     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     47     15     30     45     4         3     0     1     1     0
1942-43     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     47     15     28     43     3
1943-44     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     7     3     5     8     2
1944-45     Chicago Black Hawks     NHL     21     2     6     8     8
1944-45     Boston Bruins     NHL     17     4     2     6     0         1     0     0     0     2
1945/47
1947-48     Toronto Maher Jewels     TIHL     26     4     16     20     10         3     2     0     2     7
Leaf Totals     279    68    92    160    115        39    6    9    15    4
NHL Totals     548     135     206     341     154         44     6     10     16     6

Played in NHL All-Star Game (1934)
NHL Second All-Star Team (1936)

- Traded to Toronto by Syracuse (IHL) for Harold Darraugh, January 3, 1933.
- Traded to Chicago by Toronto for Doc Romnes, December 8, 1938.
- Traded to Boston by Chicago for cash, January 14, 1945.

the HHOF take on Bill:

Centre Bill Thoms played over 500 NHL games for three different clubs in the 1930s and '40s. He was a fine goal scorer who was equally proficient at creating chances for his linemates.

Born in Newmarket, Ontario, Thoms played junior with the West Toronto Nationals in 1929-30 followed by two years of senior with the Marlboros. He gained pro seasoning with the Syracuse Stars of the IAHL before playing most of the 1932-33 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thoms remained with the Leafs through most of the '30s. In February 1934, he participated in the Ace Bailey Benefit Game after the young star's career was ended in the notorious clash with Eddie Shore. In 1935-36, Thoms topped the NHL with 33 goals while playing on a line with Frank Finnigan and Buzz Boll. That spring he led all playoff scorers with five assists while helping the club reach the finals. His fine year was recognized when he was voted on to the NHL second all-star team.

In December 1938, Thoms was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks for Doc Romnes. He proved to be an excellent playmaker on his new club, especially in the 1940s. He was sent to the Boston Bruins in January 1945 and played 17 regular season games and one post-season match before retiring.

via img155.imageshack.us

Did anybody in Vancouver get a similar letter?

general borschevsky — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:31:28 -0000

An open letter from Mats Sundin to the city of Toronto, and to the fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, for whom he cares so deeply:

Dear Friends in Leaf Nation,

I think Leaf fans are going to be surprised about some of the younger players that are coming through the Leafs system.

I saw they won their first exhibition game so that was great.

I think the Leafs are going to have a good year. They should be fun to watch with a lot of new faces and some excitement around the team. I'm going to follow them here as the pre-season goes on.

There's always going to be a hockey itch with me. I love the game of hockey. It's been the biggest part of my life my whole life.

I am going to go back to Toronto at some point. I have my house there. I obviously consider Toronto as my home still.

Best Wishes, Mats Sundin

Leaf of the Day - Sept 25-28, 2008 - Chris Kotsopoulos

1967ers — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:28:02 -0000

Sept. 25-28, 2008 - Chris Kotsopoulos

A few thoughts on last night's game:

McCabe may have left the Leafs in body, but his presence was still felt. Two pucks in off our own defenders.

Antropov looks like he's trying to do Mats Sundin's old job on the PP rather than his own. He was trying to make all the plays off the wing rather than getting in front of the goalie and causing havoc. Nik - get in front of the net and let someone else pretend to be Mats.

Good on Grabovski for going where angels fear to tread, but an NHL d-man would have had him on his can before he makes that goal. Pretty goal it was, though.

The Leafs have some speed that could do them a lot of good if they can harness it. On the PK in particular, they were really getting on top of the Penguins and almost pulled a couple of breakaways out of it.

Kaberle picked up the puck at the Pittsburgh blue line, danced around one guy and then rather than turning the corner and driving the net, he headed straight for the corner. Looked like Mikael Renberg on a breakaway ("Where's the corner? Gotta cycle, gotta cycle....") Turned what could have been a great scoring chance into nothing.

Pittsburgh didn't get a single goal that wasn't handed to them on a platter, and I can't fault the goalie on any of them.

And, last but not least, Stralman found his inner Chris Kotsopoulos.

In about 1987, in a play that made every single NHL highlight package and blooper reel, Chris Kotsopoulos was the last man back, carrying the puck out of his own end up the LW boards, when suddenly he just fell over on his backside, handing a clear-cut breakaway to whoever they were playing (Minnesota? Nothing good ever happened against Minnesota). Of course, the guy scored. I've looked on youtube but can't find it. It has to be out there somewhere.

The only other real memory of Kotsy was his one and only playoff goal in Toronto, a slapper along the ice from just inside the blue line.

He also managed to break Wendel Clark's foot, costing him 14 games as a rookie and most likely the Calder to boot.

For all that, Chris has to hold the fort for a few days, as I am not in tomorrow.

(Note: the Leaf of the Day is not just an 80's revival thing and normally I'd have a bigger name heading into a weekend, but last night just screamed Kotsopoulos....)

via img409.imageshack.us

1974-75     Wexford Raiders     OPJHL     30     0     5     5     128
1975-76     Windsor Spitfires     OMJHL     59     3     13     16     169
1976-77     Acadia University     AUAA
1977-78     Acadia University     AUAA     17     0     7     7     72
1978-79     Toledo Goaldiggers     IHL     62     6     22     28     153         6     1     7     8     48
1979-80     New Haven Nighthawks     AHL     75     7     27     34     149         10     4     5     9     28
1980-81     New York Rangers     NHL     54     4     12     16     153     -10     14     0     3     3     63
1981-82     Hartford Whalers     NHL     68     13     20     33     147     -25
1982-83     Hartford Whalers     NHL     68     6     24     30     125     -21
1983-84     Hartford Whalers     NHL     72     5     13     18     118     -2
1984-85     Hartford Whalers     NHL     33     5     3     8     53     +2
1985-86     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     61     6     11     17     83     -5     10     1     0     1     14
1986-87     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     43     2     10     12     75     +8     7     0     0     0     14
1987-88     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     21     2     2     4     19     -3
1988-89     Toronto Maple Leafs     NHL     57     1     14     15     44     -4
1989-90     Detroit Red Wings     NHL     2     0     0     0     10     -1
1989-90     Adirondack Red Wings     AHL     24     2     4     6     4         4     0     0     0     2
Leaf Totals     182    11    37    48    221    -4    17    1    0    1    28
NHL Totals     479     44     109     153     827     -61    31     1     3     4     91

- Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, July 10, 1980.
- Traded to Hartford by NY Rangers with Gerry McDonald and Doug Sulliman for Mike Rogers and Hartford's 10th round choice (Simo Saarinen) in 1982 Entry Draft, October 2, 1981.
- Traded to Toronto by Hartford for Stew Gavin, October 7, 1985.
- Signed as a free agent by Detroit, June 23, 1989.

the hhof take on Chris:

Rugged defenceman Chris Kotsopoulos played nearly 500 games in the NHL during the 1980s. When he was on top of his game, "Kotsy" was one of the top defensive blueliners in the NHL with a mean streak to boot.

The native of Scarborough played a year of junior with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHA in 1975-76. The next year he enrolled at Acadia University but didn't suit up for the varsity hockey team until the following season. After leaving school Kotsopoulos spent two years in the minors before he was signed as a free agent by the New York Rangers.

As a rookie in 1980-81, Kotsopoulos recorded 16 points and demonstrated a willingness to play physically in his own end. Before the start of the next season, he was traded to the Hartford Whalers as part of the package assembled to acquire speedy forward Mike Rogers. Kotsopoulos spent four years with the Whalers but, when the team became deep on the blueline in the mid 1980s, he was shipped to the Toronto Maple Leafs for checking forward Stu Gavin.

Kotsopoulos helped to stabilize the Leafs' erratic young defensive brigade and the team reached the second round of the playoffs in 1986 and 1987. When he no longer fit into Toronto's plans, Kotsopoulos signed with the Detroit Red Wings as defensive insurance. After playing only two NHL games in Motown and a handful of AHL contests, he retired in 1990.

via img409.imageshack.us