Reports surfaced late Tuesday night that naked pictures of Jiri Tlusty had been published on the interweb. The Toronto Sun - highbrow as ever - made this front page news.
Tlusty sent pictures of his naked, and 'attentive' dink to a puck bunny via Facebook, everyone's favourite substitute for actual communication.
Some reports actually have Tlusty pegged as homosexual. Being gay is only news in the world of sport, where homosexuality is not tolerated, but latent homosexual behaviour between teammates is not only encouraged, it's a staple.
In any event, the homosexual accusation seems to stem from another picture wherein Tlusty and another man are touching tongues. This along with the naked picture apparently point to him being gay.
The picture that I've linked to above is really very harmless. Anyone who's been to college and partied - like any self-respecting student would - has a few such pictures*.
There really doesn't seem to be any evidence that he's actually gay. And, if he is, I applaud his strength for coming out while playing professional sports. After all, probable Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson didn't have it in him to come out despite overwhelming evidence.
It seems Tlusty is just like every other 19 year old these days; he used the Facebook to pick up a girl. Let's not forget that countless girls are sending naked shots of themselves to attract boys.
The real shame in this whole story is that Tlusty will never live this down in the dressing room. His teammates are likely to cover his locker with that naked photo every day for the rest of the season. Ahhh, shenanigans...
*Please, Jeebus, please don't let me be the only one.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
To McCabe (verb): see "To Munson"
I apologize for the lack of posts recently; I've been extremely ill. I feel like a Thai hooker the day after the Navy leaves town.
The Leafs lost last night - at home, of course - to the Montreal Canadiens. This shouldn't surprise you, as this has been happening all season. Poor defensive play, average goaltending, and major gaffes cost the Leafs the win.
My rundown of the game:
-The Leafs outplayed the Montreal Canadiens most of the night but didn't have the cojones to put the Canadiens away (they held 2-1 and 3-2 leads).
- The goaltending line: Carey Price - 3 goals on 40 shots; Andrew Raycroft - 4 goals on 25 shots. Carey Price kept Montreal in the game with several big saves at opportune times. I won't say that Andrew Raycroft played badly tonight - because he really didn't - but an average team like the Leafs truly need exceptional goaltending to succeed. Instead, they have been getting goaltending that's been decent. It's been just good enough to win, or just good enough to lose. Last night, obviously, was the latter.
- The Leafs did get a powerplay goal last night, but they were on the powerplay for over 12 minutes - nearly three times what the Canadiens were. Despite what some in the media are saying this morning, the powerplay looked bad again last night. The Wellwood powerplay goal was at the very tail end of a prolonged powerplay that included some time up 5 on 3. This powerplay has not been good enough - not even close - to be competitive. The Leafs' powerplay often looks like a pleasure skate. They are quite intent on keeping full control of the puck without actually attacking the net. There are no surprises on the powerplay, and the opposing teams have adjusted accordingly. It's Kaberle to McCabe, back to Kaberle, then to Sundin, then back to Kaberle. Repeat several times until the powerplay is over. So frustrating!
- 3 of Montreal's 4 goals were questionable at best; the first (Markov's goal on a 5 on 3 powerplay) being the exception. Andrei Kostitsyn was left alone to score by Ian White and Nik Antropov on the Habs' 2nd goal; Ian White and Hal Gill switched coverages at the absolute worst time to allow Tomas Plekanec to feed Alexei Kovalev to tie the game at 3; and the most glaring of all - Bryan McCabe's no-look tape-to-tape pass to Mike Komisarek (who is on the other team, by the way) that perfectly set up the dramatic game winning goal. At the rate he is going, McCabe is going to set some record for highlight reel fuckups.
During the post-game interview, McCabe pointed out that getting at least one point in three consecutive games was a positive. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't earning one point mean you've lost the game? In their last three games, the Leafs are 1-2 - surely not good enough by any standards - and yes, they've earned points in all three, but only because the league hands out points for losing. Only in Toronto would players pat themselves on the back for losing.
Next up are the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. Look out Leafs, the Bruins are more than decent on home ice...
The Leafs lost last night - at home, of course - to the Montreal Canadiens. This shouldn't surprise you, as this has been happening all season. Poor defensive play, average goaltending, and major gaffes cost the Leafs the win.
My rundown of the game:-The Leafs outplayed the Montreal Canadiens most of the night but didn't have the cojones to put the Canadiens away (they held 2-1 and 3-2 leads).
- The goaltending line: Carey Price - 3 goals on 40 shots; Andrew Raycroft - 4 goals on 25 shots. Carey Price kept Montreal in the game with several big saves at opportune times. I won't say that Andrew Raycroft played badly tonight - because he really didn't - but an average team like the Leafs truly need exceptional goaltending to succeed. Instead, they have been getting goaltending that's been decent. It's been just good enough to win, or just good enough to lose. Last night, obviously, was the latter.
- The Leafs did get a powerplay goal last night, but they were on the powerplay for over 12 minutes - nearly three times what the Canadiens were. Despite what some in the media are saying this morning, the powerplay looked bad again last night. The Wellwood powerplay goal was at the very tail end of a prolonged powerplay that included some time up 5 on 3. This powerplay has not been good enough - not even close - to be competitive. The Leafs' powerplay often looks like a pleasure skate. They are quite intent on keeping full control of the puck without actually attacking the net. There are no surprises on the powerplay, and the opposing teams have adjusted accordingly. It's Kaberle to McCabe, back to Kaberle, then to Sundin, then back to Kaberle. Repeat several times until the powerplay is over. So frustrating!
- 3 of Montreal's 4 goals were questionable at best; the first (Markov's goal on a 5 on 3 powerplay) being the exception. Andrei Kostitsyn was left alone to score by Ian White and Nik Antropov on the Habs' 2nd goal; Ian White and Hal Gill switched coverages at the absolute worst time to allow Tomas Plekanec to feed Alexei Kovalev to tie the game at 3; and the most glaring of all - Bryan McCabe's no-look tape-to-tape pass to Mike Komisarek (who is on the other team, by the way) that perfectly set up the dramatic game winning goal. At the rate he is going, McCabe is going to set some record for highlight reel fuckups.
During the post-game interview, McCabe pointed out that getting at least one point in three consecutive games was a positive. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't earning one point mean you've lost the game? In their last three games, the Leafs are 1-2 - surely not good enough by any standards - and yes, they've earned points in all three, but only because the league hands out points for losing. Only in Toronto would players pat themselves on the back for losing.
Next up are the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. Look out Leafs, the Bruins are more than decent on home ice...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Losing: Par For The Course
Although it hasn't happened in a few games, the story that unfolded last night during the Leafs' 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers has become quite familiar.
Say hello to my little friend!
The Leafs lost to an average team - that played its back-up goaltender - in their own building. Games like this are the ones the team really shouldn't lose. The Rangers were 0-5-1 with only 6 goals scored on the road previous to last night. The difference between winning and losing such games is the difference between a playoff team and a non-playoff team.
The Rangers didn't beat the Leafs; the Leafs found a way to lose.
Pavel Kubina played only 15:49, down 10 minutes from his average icetime. He was partly responsible for Sean Avery's goal and didn't play much afterward. I like that Paul Maurice is beginning to sit players that shit the bed defensively. Now, I don't think that Kubina played especially badly, but benching him after a bad play creates a culture of accountability within the team. I've said it before, but punishing players for poor play is something that good coaches do - and that Paul Maurice usually doesn't. I really like the idea of letting a player know that poor play won't be tolerated. At the very least, going this route is the opposite of what wasn't working. Logic dictates that the opposite of what doesn't work is what works.
*EDIT: Just read Eklund's latest post, and he noted the following about Kubina:
"The Ducks may have interest in Kubina. There were two scouts in Toronto last night, and Kubina NOT playing in the third period sent all sorts of rumblings through the press box."
So, if Kubina is traded in the next couple of days, we'll know that Maurice didn't bench him for poor play after all. If not, disregard Eklund's jibba jabba.
Lest We Forget...Those Teeth
This may be offside, as it happened during a Remembrance Day ceremony, but what was up with that soldier who sang the national anthems? He was definitely Christopher Walken's double in Sleepy Hollow. And, like the Horseman, his teeth will haunt me for several weeks. If you missed the ceremony, picture this grill singing the anthems:
Ughhhh.
Say hello to my little friend!The Leafs lost to an average team - that played its back-up goaltender - in their own building. Games like this are the ones the team really shouldn't lose. The Rangers were 0-5-1 with only 6 goals scored on the road previous to last night. The difference between winning and losing such games is the difference between a playoff team and a non-playoff team.
The Rangers didn't beat the Leafs; the Leafs found a way to lose.
Pavel Kubina played only 15:49, down 10 minutes from his average icetime. He was partly responsible for Sean Avery's goal and didn't play much afterward. I like that Paul Maurice is beginning to sit players that shit the bed defensively. Now, I don't think that Kubina played especially badly, but benching him after a bad play creates a culture of accountability within the team. I've said it before, but punishing players for poor play is something that good coaches do - and that Paul Maurice usually doesn't. I really like the idea of letting a player know that poor play won't be tolerated. At the very least, going this route is the opposite of what wasn't working. Logic dictates that the opposite of what doesn't work is what works.
*EDIT: Just read Eklund's latest post, and he noted the following about Kubina:
"The Ducks may have interest in Kubina. There were two scouts in Toronto last night, and Kubina NOT playing in the third period sent all sorts of rumblings through the press box."
So, if Kubina is traded in the next couple of days, we'll know that Maurice didn't bench him for poor play after all. If not, disregard Eklund's jibba jabba.
Lest We Forget...Those Teeth
This may be offside, as it happened during a Remembrance Day ceremony, but what was up with that soldier who sang the national anthems? He was definitely Christopher Walken's double in Sleepy Hollow. And, like the Horseman, his teeth will haunt me for several weeks. If you missed the ceremony, picture this grill singing the anthems:
Ughhhh.
Friday, November 9, 2007
New Faces, New Story
First of all I am really happy that Raycroft got the start tonight, even though Toskala's is superior to Raycrofts skills, eight consecutive games is FAR too much, especially playing Friday-Saturday this weekend.
The presence of Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe making their return to the lineup was key to the win tonight, although previous to their injury they had merely a combined nine points and were a -10. Most meathead Leaf fans would think that bringing back a guy who scored on his own net in overtime to lose the game in one of the last games he played for the Leafs before getting injured, conveniently he returns to play that same team. But McCabe is a huge part of the Leafs' lineup, along with Tucker, because of the frequent mistakes that the Leafs defense has been making in the neutral zone, giving up 300 odd-man rushes a game.
The Leafs 3-0 win over the Sabres tonight gave Raycroft his first shutout of the season, but I believe it sparked something else. You can blame the Leafs all they want for being shit, but I will argue the fuck out of it. This is the first game they have had their full healthy lineup since early last year. Their powerplay that was once best in the league is now back together, and they finally have an amazing gritty line. The Leafs third line was dominant tonight. Fact. Kilger-Bell-Tucker were by far the most energetic, fast, powerful line out there. You have the hardest slapshot in the world, paired with two guys that will break your nose and then go deal with your sister. And this line definitely doesn't lack speed like most teams' enforcing 3rd/4th line.
Another thing that I really miss from the Leafs powerplay is the big slapper that Caber has from the point that we got a little taste of tonight. Maybe if Caber keeps rockin' the Hulk Hogan handle-bar moustache, we will see that boneriffic slapshot of his more often.
Going deeper into the game, I noticed that the Leafs began to panic in the third period, and taking stupid penalties. It seems to be that whenever the opposing team has the powerplay formation going and has the Leafs scrambling, they start taking hooking and holding penalties. What I thought the Leafs did really well of tonight was not having to many giveaways and odd-man rushes. It seemed that they were trying to play more of a dump-and-chase game, playing it off the board rather than cross-ice neutral zone passes.
Danno's BIG TIME players of the game:
Tonight I really liked the play of Boyd Devereaux. Surprised that he was not a healthy scratch tonight, but rather Pohl, Battaglia, and Belak sat tonight. Devereaux played on the fourth line with Steen and Stajan, and you can't say enough about the Leafs young guys this year, but Devereaux really stood out for me in that line, showing his speed, getting to puck first before the Buffalo players, which is really saying something because the Sabres are a really young, fast team. Also, he seemed to be in the right place at the right time for all the passes, and contributed with the Leafs third goal in the third period. Also, since Devereaux joined the Leafs, he has hustled his ass every single game and every shift looks like it is his first of the game. Thats why Boyd Devereaux is my big time player of the game.
My second big time player of the game was Andrew Raycroft, getting his first start in 9 games, and coming up huge with the shutout. I hate Raycroft. Always have, always will. And I tell you, when he got hit in the throat with the puck tonight, I was hoping his season was over. For two reasons, every shot that is taken on Raycroft, high, low, slapshot, wristshot, doesnt matter. The book is out. He goes down. (You sick fuck, you thought that was gonna be something dirty didn't you?) Anyways, Raycroft played great tonight, getting to the puck really quick, and finally making a save when it is crucial. Oh, and did I mention he had a 30 save shutout, against the dreaded Leafs QEW rivals. That's why Andrew Raycroft is my big time player of the game.
Upcoming Game:
Now, the Leafs head home to the ACC to face the New York Rangers Saturday. Toskala will get the start in net for sure. The Leafs and Rangers are currently tied for 5th in the East with 17 points, but I hope they are aware of the Rangers 8-2-0 home record.
I predict another low scoring affair tomorrow, with the Leafs coming up with the win. Call me crazy, but I think the Leafs could go on a short winning streak here with their full lineup and good PP back.
The Blue & White Doubles In Size!
If I were a crossdresser with limited mental capability, that headline would have been "Here We Grow Again!". I really fucking hate that saying. It's definitely in the top 10 of annoying, overused sayings.
In any event, The Blue & White will officially welcome a new writer tonight. Danno will cover tonight's game between the Sabres and the Leafs, as Mr. Bone has tickets to the London Knights / Barrie Colts game in London and will miss the Leafs / Sabres battle.
A little about Danno: he is just 16, but possesses a hockey mind unlike anyone his age. Expect his comments to be of traditional Blue & White variety, from a slightly different point of view. Make sure to let Danno know how you like his post via the comments button. But please, wait until your boners subside.
I for one, look forward to having a fresh face here at The Blue & White...even if this is the fresh face:
Note to this guy: if you had a nose and a less disfigured mouth, you'd look exactly like Bruce Willis. Sorry 'bout your luck!
He is sporting the Hasselhoff neck very well, though. Maybe that's what happened to his face - he Hassel'ed the Hoff and paid for it!
In any event, The Blue & White will officially welcome a new writer tonight. Danno will cover tonight's game between the Sabres and the Leafs, as Mr. Bone has tickets to the London Knights / Barrie Colts game in London and will miss the Leafs / Sabres battle.
A little about Danno: he is just 16, but possesses a hockey mind unlike anyone his age. Expect his comments to be of traditional Blue & White variety, from a slightly different point of view. Make sure to let Danno know how you like his post via the comments button. But please, wait until your boners subside.
I for one, look forward to having a fresh face here at The Blue & White...even if this is the fresh face:
Note to this guy: if you had a nose and a less disfigured mouth, you'd look exactly like Bruce Willis. Sorry 'bout your luck!
He is sporting the Hasselhoff neck very well, though. Maybe that's what happened to his face - he Hassel'ed the Hoff and paid for it!
It's Not Over Till The Fat Lady Takes The Money Shot
A year ago, the thought of playing the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo would have given me cold sweats. The Leafs have had a shitload of difficulty winning in Buffalo for as long as I can remember - even when Buffalo was a terrible team. This year - previous loss in Buffalo aside - I'm OK with it.
Buffalo is a struggling team, and look nothing like the dominant team they've been the past two seasons. Their 6-7-1 record is almost identical to the Leafs' 6-7-3 record. So, don't bury the Leafs yet.
With the return of Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe, the Leafs' powerplay will be considerably different than it has been. The projected #1 unit is the one we saw dominate (5th in the league until injuries hit) last year - Sundin, Wellwood, Tucker, Kaberle, McCabe. This likely means a #2 unit of Antropov, Poni, and Blake, with Kubina and White/Bell on the point. Yeah, that's right - Mark Bell. His slapshot is McCabe/Souray good, and he's played the point on the PP before.
The Leafs' practice lines yesterday were as follows:
Blake / Sundin / Poni
Kilger / Bell / Tucker
Antropov / Wellwood / Tlusty
Steen / Stajan / Devereaux
Battaglia / Pohl / Belak
Obviously, there are 5 lines listed, so 3 of the players listed will sit. And, there are no guarantees the lines will look anything like this come game time.
Interesting Reads:
-The Leafs again came out on top of Forbes' list of most valuable NHL franchises. They are valued at US$413 million, a 24% increase over 2006, and over 13% more than the next most valuable team, the New York Rangers. Not too shabby, considering the Leafs often play more like a beer league team that is sponsored by the local taxidermist.
-Dirk Hoag (AKA The Forechecker) has analyzed the number of penalties drawn vs. penalties committed by all NHL players. As an example, Scott Gomez leads all players, having drawn 12 penalties and committed only 1. His rating is +11. No Leafs player is in the top 30. The Leafs are, however, proud owners of the #1 (Andy Wozniewski at -11) and #7 (Pavel Kubina at -8) worst offenders. For as much credit Woz gets from respected hockey minds (Bill Watters, for instance), he really sucks the wang sometimes.
-HockeyAnalysis.com has interesting power rankings. Ottawa is #1 - no surprise there - but after the Sens come the Carolina Hurricanes, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Not what traditional power rankings reflect - likely because HockeyAnalysis.com prides itself on digging deeper than most sites - so these rankings may indeed be more accurate. The Leafs are at #11, which is higher than any other current ranking I've seen. Interestingly, they have included a factor called schedule strength, which measures the difficulty of a team's opponents thusfar. According to HockeyAnalysis, Toronto has had the toughest schedule thusfar, kinda like Sly Stallone in Over The Top - and we all know how that ended!
Buffalo is a struggling team, and look nothing like the dominant team they've been the past two seasons. Their 6-7-1 record is almost identical to the Leafs' 6-7-3 record. So, don't bury the Leafs yet.
With the return of Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe, the Leafs' powerplay will be considerably different than it has been. The projected #1 unit is the one we saw dominate (5th in the league until injuries hit) last year - Sundin, Wellwood, Tucker, Kaberle, McCabe. This likely means a #2 unit of Antropov, Poni, and Blake, with Kubina and White/Bell on the point. Yeah, that's right - Mark Bell. His slapshot is McCabe/Souray good, and he's played the point on the PP before.
The Leafs' practice lines yesterday were as follows:
Blake / Sundin / Poni
Kilger / Bell / Tucker
Antropov / Wellwood / Tlusty
Steen / Stajan / Devereaux
Battaglia / Pohl / Belak
Obviously, there are 5 lines listed, so 3 of the players listed will sit. And, there are no guarantees the lines will look anything like this come game time.
Interesting Reads:
-The Leafs again came out on top of Forbes' list of most valuable NHL franchises. They are valued at US$413 million, a 24% increase over 2006, and over 13% more than the next most valuable team, the New York Rangers. Not too shabby, considering the Leafs often play more like a beer league team that is sponsored by the local taxidermist.
-Dirk Hoag (AKA The Forechecker) has analyzed the number of penalties drawn vs. penalties committed by all NHL players. As an example, Scott Gomez leads all players, having drawn 12 penalties and committed only 1. His rating is +11. No Leafs player is in the top 30. The Leafs are, however, proud owners of the #1 (Andy Wozniewski at -11) and #7 (Pavel Kubina at -8) worst offenders. For as much credit Woz gets from respected hockey minds (Bill Watters, for instance), he really sucks the wang sometimes.
-HockeyAnalysis.com has interesting power rankings. Ottawa is #1 - no surprise there - but after the Sens come the Carolina Hurricanes, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Not what traditional power rankings reflect - likely because HockeyAnalysis.com prides itself on digging deeper than most sites - so these rankings may indeed be more accurate. The Leafs are at #11, which is higher than any other current ranking I've seen. Interestingly, they have included a factor called schedule strength, which measures the difficulty of a team's opponents thusfar. According to HockeyAnalysis, Toronto has had the toughest schedule thusfar, kinda like Sly Stallone in Over The Top - and we all know how that ended!
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Thursday, November 8, 2007
Reinforcements? Yeah, I guess...
I won't predict a win this time, but the Leafs will again welcome back two players in time for tomorrow's game against the Buffalo Sabres, as Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe are both scheduled to return. Hopefully, the two will provide positive contributions this time around. Both had been largely ineffective this season previous to getting injured - they could have been tossed into a bucket full of tits and they'd have come out sucking their own thumbs.
McCabe's return meant that Anton Stralman has been returned to the AHL Marlies. Stralman didn't play any worse than Andy Wozniewski or Ian White during his time with the Leafs, but his rookie status meant he didn't have to clear waivers to be sent down, whereas the other two would have.
It'll be interesting to see who Tucker replaces in the lineup. Expect a 4th liner - one of Chad Kilger, John Pohl, or Boyd Devereaux - to sit in Tucker's place. Of the three, Devereaux seems the most likely to sit. He plays RW (as does Tucker), plays the least of the 4th liners, and is a total bag of shit. Really, the only thing that Boyd Devereaux brings to the rink is hustle - and without skill, hustle is just not enough to compete in the NHL.
Of course, it's also possible that Jiri Tlusty will be sent back to the Marlies now that the Leafs have all of their forwards ready. He's played really fucking well thusfar, and I'd like to see him stay with the big club. The only reason he is in the AHL in the first place is to make him ready for the NHL...and it seems he may already be there.
Bones It!
Mark Bell didn't play all that much in his first game of the season. He did, however, impress me late in the game when he went after Chris Neil for taking a run at Jiri Tlusty. If you're not too familiar with Mark Bell's game, know this: the man isn't afraid to fight. If you want to chuck fists with Mark Bell, he'll chuck fists. I posted this video in the summer, but here it is again: Mark Bell breaking Jon Sim's orbital bone in a fight. Boner!
McCabe's return meant that Anton Stralman has been returned to the AHL Marlies. Stralman didn't play any worse than Andy Wozniewski or Ian White during his time with the Leafs, but his rookie status meant he didn't have to clear waivers to be sent down, whereas the other two would have.It'll be interesting to see who Tucker replaces in the lineup. Expect a 4th liner - one of Chad Kilger, John Pohl, or Boyd Devereaux - to sit in Tucker's place. Of the three, Devereaux seems the most likely to sit. He plays RW (as does Tucker), plays the least of the 4th liners, and is a total bag of shit. Really, the only thing that Boyd Devereaux brings to the rink is hustle - and without skill, hustle is just not enough to compete in the NHL.
Of course, it's also possible that Jiri Tlusty will be sent back to the Marlies now that the Leafs have all of their forwards ready. He's played really fucking well thusfar, and I'd like to see him stay with the big club. The only reason he is in the AHL in the first place is to make him ready for the NHL...and it seems he may already be there.
Bones It!
Mark Bell didn't play all that much in his first game of the season. He did, however, impress me late in the game when he went after Chris Neil for taking a run at Jiri Tlusty. If you're not too familiar with Mark Bell's game, know this: the man isn't afraid to fight. If you want to chuck fists with Mark Bell, he'll chuck fists. I posted this video in the summer, but here it is again: Mark Bell breaking Jon Sim's orbital bone in a fight. Boner!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
And The Dream Is..........Over!
One of the strangest hockey player photos I've ever seen. He's either about to pick up the hottest girl at the club , or he's extremely confused and trying to hide it.With Kyle Wellwood's return from injury and Mark Bell's return from suspension, Simon Gamache has been placed on waivers with the intent of sending him back to the Toronto Marlies.
"It's a sad day for me," said Gamache from the Scotiabank Place press box. "I'm very disappointed. I didn't come here to play in the AHL."
I feel for Gamache. He has put up good offensive numbers at every level that he's played at, except the NHL where he's never been given a fair shake. I'm not naive enough to think that Gamache could be a star in the league, but I do think he warrants a spot on an NHL team. He brings tenacity and offensive potential, every single game.
Gamache still hasn't decided whether he'll report to the Marlies.
Shit Piss Fuck Cunt Cocksucker Motherfucker
Yesterday I predicted that the Leafs would beat the Senators - in Ottawa no less - because Ottawa was missing their #1 centre and the Leafs' lineup would be injected with two new faces.
Motherfucking fuck was I wrong.
The Senators again dismantled a comically outmatched Leafs team. Ottawa ended up winning 5-1, but they were in cruise control for the majority of the game. Want proof? Vesa Toskala was pulled about 8 minutes into the second period - and Andrew Raycroft only saw one shot against until the last minute of the period. Over 10 minutes of play, and the most dynamic offense in the league gets one shot? Not likely. Funny enough, this is the part of the game that the media described as Toronto's best. In reality though, the Senators were sitting back and playing a trap-style defense, fully knowing the game was theirs.
Random Game Notes:
- How many times is Joe Bowen going to say "I don't think anyone in the league can stop Mats Sundin when he is trying to come out from behind the net"? Fuck, Joe, Mats has been doing that for 15 years and all of a sudden this season you can't stop remarking about it? I think you forget that many people watch most Leafs games, and hear you say that every fucking game. It gets old. Move on to something worth noting.
- Using a conservative figure, the Leafs gave up about 250 odd man rushes last night. Just brutal.
- After Ottawa's 4th goal, Paul Maurice called a timeout and screamed at his team like they were Gitmo prisoners. Great tactic, Paul, but where the fuck was the passion before your team got blown out? This is something I've noticed from the coach since he arrived in Toronto. A slow reaction time; making coaching moves when it's simply too late. He doesn't bench players often for shitting the bed. He only pulls a goaltender when the game is out of reach. If I am behind the bench last night, Vesa Toskala is pulled after the two quick Ottawa goals in the first. Not to blame the goaltender, but to remind the team that poor play will not be tolerated. Moreover, players whose mistakes lead directly to quality scoring chances for the opposition can take a seat on the bench until a point is made. Great coaches do all of these things. Paul Maurice doesn't.
- From Mike Zeisberger's column today in the Toronto Sun: "A disgusted Maurice said afterward he might have to start sitting out players." You absolutely do, Paul. It should have been happening most of the year.
- One more kick to Maurice's vagina: last night, the Leafs scored a powerplay goal to gain momentum - however little - and the coach immediately put out Chad Kilger, John Pohl, and Boyd Devereaux. Paul, what the fuck? That's a sure way to lose any and all momentum you had. Still down 3 goals in the opponents building, you have to come back with a strong line, not your 4th line shitbags.
Wisdom, from Howard Berger:
"Naturally, there remains a large faction of Leaf supporters that is more than content with the status quo and cannot even fathom a sensible, business-type decision that might spell the end for Sundin in Toronto. It is, of course, their glazed-over attitude that the owners of the Leafs have preyed on for decades. Winning is such a foreign concept in Leaf-land that few fans can truly identify with it. Instead, the undying devotion for long-time heroes easily fills the void, along with dreaming in technicolour about the immediate impact of future heroes (i.e. Anton Stralman)."
Wisdom, from Steve Simmons (no, seriously):
"In the wake of Ottawa's signing of Jason Spezza for seven years and $49 million US, it is even more apparent what a mess Ferguson has made of the Leafs' salary situation for this and the coming years.
Motherfucking fuck was I wrong.
The Senators again dismantled a comically outmatched Leafs team. Ottawa ended up winning 5-1, but they were in cruise control for the majority of the game. Want proof? Vesa Toskala was pulled about 8 minutes into the second period - and Andrew Raycroft only saw one shot against until the last minute of the period. Over 10 minutes of play, and the most dynamic offense in the league gets one shot? Not likely. Funny enough, this is the part of the game that the media described as Toronto's best. In reality though, the Senators were sitting back and playing a trap-style defense, fully knowing the game was theirs.
Random Game Notes:
- How many times is Joe Bowen going to say "I don't think anyone in the league can stop Mats Sundin when he is trying to come out from behind the net"? Fuck, Joe, Mats has been doing that for 15 years and all of a sudden this season you can't stop remarking about it? I think you forget that many people watch most Leafs games, and hear you say that every fucking game. It gets old. Move on to something worth noting.
- Using a conservative figure, the Leafs gave up about 250 odd man rushes last night. Just brutal.
- After Ottawa's 4th goal, Paul Maurice called a timeout and screamed at his team like they were Gitmo prisoners. Great tactic, Paul, but where the fuck was the passion before your team got blown out? This is something I've noticed from the coach since he arrived in Toronto. A slow reaction time; making coaching moves when it's simply too late. He doesn't bench players often for shitting the bed. He only pulls a goaltender when the game is out of reach. If I am behind the bench last night, Vesa Toskala is pulled after the two quick Ottawa goals in the first. Not to blame the goaltender, but to remind the team that poor play will not be tolerated. Moreover, players whose mistakes lead directly to quality scoring chances for the opposition can take a seat on the bench until a point is made. Great coaches do all of these things. Paul Maurice doesn't.
- From Mike Zeisberger's column today in the Toronto Sun: "A disgusted Maurice said afterward he might have to start sitting out players." You absolutely do, Paul. It should have been happening most of the year.
- One more kick to Maurice's vagina: last night, the Leafs scored a powerplay goal to gain momentum - however little - and the coach immediately put out Chad Kilger, John Pohl, and Boyd Devereaux. Paul, what the fuck? That's a sure way to lose any and all momentum you had. Still down 3 goals in the opponents building, you have to come back with a strong line, not your 4th line shitbags.
Wisdom, from Howard Berger:
"Naturally, there remains a large faction of Leaf supporters that is more than content with the status quo and cannot even fathom a sensible, business-type decision that might spell the end for Sundin in Toronto. It is, of course, their glazed-over attitude that the owners of the Leafs have preyed on for decades. Winning is such a foreign concept in Leaf-land that few fans can truly identify with it. Instead, the undying devotion for long-time heroes easily fills the void, along with dreaming in technicolour about the immediate impact of future heroes (i.e. Anton Stralman)."
Wisdom, from Steve Simmons (no, seriously):
"In the wake of Ottawa's signing of Jason Spezza for seven years and $49 million US, it is even more apparent what a mess Ferguson has made of the Leafs' salary situation for this and the coming years.
The Stanley Cup contending Senators, with Spezza, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alredsson all under contract for the future, have just more than $41 million in salaries committed to next season.
The non-contending Leafs, playing at a 72-point pace heading into last night, have $42 million already committed -- the highest number in the NHL -- without having Mats Sundin, Kyle Wellwood, Alexander Steen or Matt Stajan under contract for next season.
If this team isn't anywhere near upper echelon now considering the contract situation, how can anyone not see that they will be worse off a year from now having been strangled by Ferguson's cap counting?
No one knows what the salary cap figure will be for next year, but if the number drops from just over $50 million, the Leafs will have no room for movement or improvement: Making
the playoffs shouldn't determine Ferguson's future.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Might We Have A Chance?
As you probably know, the Leafs are set to play the almighty Ottawa Senators tomorrow night...in Ottawa. Normally, I'd be here running my mouth about how the team will need a gift from Jeebus to win. Tomorrow, however, is shaping up differently.
Jason Spezza will not play. Kyle Wellwood and Mark Bell will. A major subtraction for the Sens, and two reasonable additions for the Leafs. I expect Wellwood to play mostly on the powerplay and Bell to show a hunger to carve out a position for himself.
The Blue & White's latest bold statement: The Leafs will win tomorrow night in Ottawa.
I know, I know...I must be crazy. But, I just have this feeling they'll win.
Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Jason Spezza will not play. Kyle Wellwood and Mark Bell will. A major subtraction for the Sens, and two reasonable additions for the Leafs. I expect Wellwood to play mostly on the powerplay and Bell to show a hunger to carve out a position for himself.
The Blue & White's latest bold statement: The Leafs will win tomorrow night in Ottawa.
I know, I know...I must be crazy. But, I just have this feeling they'll win.
Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Comments
Just a quick note - wanted to thank the few of you that have chosen to post comments on the site. The Blue & White is still very new, and your comments will only help the site grow.
Comments are a great way to begin discussions, and I'd like to give some of the better comments some exposure on the site.
So, if you have something to say - even if you want to rip into the Leafs - let's hear it.
Comments are a great way to begin discussions, and I'd like to give some of the better comments some exposure on the site.
So, if you have something to say - even if you want to rip into the Leafs - let's hear it.
Life Is Good
Yeah, the team hasn't played all that well thusfar, and they've been especially bad at home, but nothing in life can be wrong when the team beats fucking Montreal...in Montreal.
The Leafs beating Montreal last night on national television was boss. Flat-out boss.
So, yeah, the Leafs beat the Canadiens 3-2 on the strength of a Matt Stajan goal. Actually, the more accurate description is, 'thanks to a Cristobal Huet mistake'. The goal was total horseshit, and Huet really should have stopped the shot, especially considering Stajan was at the end of a very long shift. Stajan's shot must have confused Huet, as he looked at it like it was a dismantled carburetor. For all the bragging I hear coming out of Montreal about their goaltending, it looked fantastically sub-par last night.
Random Game Notes:
- In fairness to the Habs, the officials let a lot go last night, so the call on Andrei Markov in the final minute was extremely weak. Considering what they had been calling previous to that, Markov should not have been given a penalty.
- The more I watch Nik Antropov toil on a line with Chag Kilger and Boyd Devereaux, the more I think he must feel like a drunk clown entertaining a couple of autistic 12 year olds. Nik is a skilled player that should be playing with skill. Kilger and Devereaux, on the other hand - drafted 4th and 6th overall respectively - are the veritable poster children for unfulfilled potential. Did you see Kilger miss that open net last night? There is no fucking excuse for that!
- I was struck by something that was said in the pre-game last night: that Kyle Wellwood will not be in the lineup. I took it as a positive - when him not playing is noteworthy, you know he is pretty well game-ready. He and Mark Bell are both supposed to make their season debuts on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators. Sexy time!
- The broadcast team last night was Bob Cole and...Greg Millen. CBC said there would be a changing of the guard this year, but did they pick a Saturday night Leafs/Habs game to start Harry Neale's gradual exile? For shame.
The New Hockey Night In Canada Needs To Make A Few Lifestyle Changes
A direct quote from Ron McLean during the intro last night: "Now up on Hockey Night In Canada: Nickelback!" Jesus Christ, Ron - I'd rather have heard you say "Next up on Hockey Night In Canada: Rosie O'Donnell's latest pap smear...in HD!". There is no fucking place for Nickelback on HNIC. To be more accurate - there is no place anywhere in life for Nickelback, as life is too fucking short to ever listen to Nickelback. I can't tell you how much I fucking cringe when I hear Nickelback's bullshit faux-angst ridden redneck cover of Elton John's Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting. It is nothing more than CBC's very transparent attempt to hit a target demographic. Funny thing is, they're trying to hit my demographic, and it's only making me less apt to watch HNIC.
The Canadian John Madden
Don Cherry - opinionated, outdated, and unapologetic - made a great comment last night about Saku Koivu during Coach's Corner. Guy Bertrand, a traitor (AKA separatist) douchebag, called out Saku for not speaking French when addressing fans. Grapes put him in place, arguing that Saku has overcome cancer and a career-threatening eye injury to be able to continue to lead - and inspire - the team; that Saku already had to learn English when joining the NHL; and that Bertrand was insecure and pathetic for making that comment. I won't say this often, but thank fuck for Don Cherry. He did it right last night.
The Leafs beating Montreal last night on national television was boss. Flat-out boss.So, yeah, the Leafs beat the Canadiens 3-2 on the strength of a Matt Stajan goal. Actually, the more accurate description is, 'thanks to a Cristobal Huet mistake'. The goal was total horseshit, and Huet really should have stopped the shot, especially considering Stajan was at the end of a very long shift. Stajan's shot must have confused Huet, as he looked at it like it was a dismantled carburetor. For all the bragging I hear coming out of Montreal about their goaltending, it looked fantastically sub-par last night.
Random Game Notes:
- In fairness to the Habs, the officials let a lot go last night, so the call on Andrei Markov in the final minute was extremely weak. Considering what they had been calling previous to that, Markov should not have been given a penalty.
- The more I watch Nik Antropov toil on a line with Chag Kilger and Boyd Devereaux, the more I think he must feel like a drunk clown entertaining a couple of autistic 12 year olds. Nik is a skilled player that should be playing with skill. Kilger and Devereaux, on the other hand - drafted 4th and 6th overall respectively - are the veritable poster children for unfulfilled potential. Did you see Kilger miss that open net last night? There is no fucking excuse for that!
- I was struck by something that was said in the pre-game last night: that Kyle Wellwood will not be in the lineup. I took it as a positive - when him not playing is noteworthy, you know he is pretty well game-ready. He and Mark Bell are both supposed to make their season debuts on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators. Sexy time!
- The broadcast team last night was Bob Cole and...Greg Millen. CBC said there would be a changing of the guard this year, but did they pick a Saturday night Leafs/Habs game to start Harry Neale's gradual exile? For shame.
The New Hockey Night In Canada Needs To Make A Few Lifestyle Changes
A direct quote from Ron McLean during the intro last night: "Now up on Hockey Night In Canada: Nickelback!" Jesus Christ, Ron - I'd rather have heard you say "Next up on Hockey Night In Canada: Rosie O'Donnell's latest pap smear...in HD!". There is no fucking place for Nickelback on HNIC. To be more accurate - there is no place anywhere in life for Nickelback, as life is too fucking short to ever listen to Nickelback. I can't tell you how much I fucking cringe when I hear Nickelback's bullshit faux-angst ridden redneck cover of Elton John's Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting. It is nothing more than CBC's very transparent attempt to hit a target demographic. Funny thing is, they're trying to hit my demographic, and it's only making me less apt to watch HNIC.
The Canadian John Madden
Don Cherry - opinionated, outdated, and unapologetic - made a great comment last night about Saku Koivu during Coach's Corner. Guy Bertrand, a traitor (AKA separatist) douchebag, called out Saku for not speaking French when addressing fans. Grapes put him in place, arguing that Saku has overcome cancer and a career-threatening eye injury to be able to continue to lead - and inspire - the team; that Saku already had to learn English when joining the NHL; and that Bertrand was insecure and pathetic for making that comment. I won't say this often, but thank fuck for Don Cherry. He did it right last night.
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