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Sitting Ducks

DAVID SHOALTS

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:55 PM EST 10/01/08

Not even the return of No. 1 goaltender can save Toronto ...Read the full article

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  1. S H from Windsor, Canada writes: Blow it up Toronto. Where have I heard this before? Another no show tonight by this fine team....
  2. Emmanuel Chan from Toronto, Canada writes: This getting better by the day! How much more humiliation and embarrassment can this team take...LOL! What a total joke this so-called NHL team truly is. Maybe the NHL should introduce the notion of demoting the 3 worst teams in the conference and create so sort of second-tier league for the wannabes to play in. The Leafs would be there for the next 40 years!
  3. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: Perhaps I have underestimated the Ducks (since the Cancuks seem to beat them regularly this season), or are the Leafs really that bad?
  4. ... ... from writes: character building game. they won the fights. toskala got in his practice game. leafs are going on a winning streak starting in l.a.

    oh, and fire maurice for icing such a wimpy team.
  5. kevin mcgee from UITE UIEU, United States writes: MY SON WENT TO THE TONITE AND TOLD ME IF THEY WERE PLAYING HERE THEY WOULD BE LUCKY TO HAVE 4000 fans to see them
    HE SAID OUTSIDE OF THE GOALIE there is no heart or passion on tis club
    I HAVE BEEN A LEAF FAN FOR 70 YEARS AND I DONT QUITE UNDERSTAND HOW THE GREAT TORONTO FANS TOLERATE THIS TEAM SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE
  6. Ripley Bogle from Vancouver, Canada writes: We have to endure having this joke of a team play in OUR time slot on HNIC this Saturday. That's right, western provinces, no Canucks, Flames, or Oilers on at 7 Pacific this week. Thanks for caring about the whole country and all hockey fans, NHL/CBC! The Leafs aren't on the east coast this weekend, yet you still ensure they're on HNIC.

    I hope, no, trust, that the Kings will knock these bums down even further tomorrow night.
  7. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: As I said on another thread..... Raycroft should have started tonight. First two goals were weak..... outshoot them 10 to 5 and be down 2 zip. .... there goes the confidence.

    Gotta love this Anaheim team.... did you see them stick up for Perry on the (alleged) knee from Kubina? Kubina was hiding all night after that.

    New famous line from now on with the Leafs... Player (insert name) centres it.... nobody there.

    I can't believe we don't have players on the Marlies that can do better that Blake, Tucker and Wozniewski... course we can't embarrass the GM can we?

    A gutless performance.

    Fire the coach.
  8. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: The L.A. Kings need to break out of a slump...
  9. Joe Reader from Canada writes: On the bright side, Ripley Bogle, after the Ottawa game is over, I don't need to flip back and forth between HNIC and the Patriots' game anymore.
  10. john doe from vancouver, Canada writes: Good call Ripley Bogle yeah go LA and coach crow. i hope they start calling for managements heads soon in forums that's when they get funny. GO CANUCKS GO
  11. dan vanman from Canada writes: OUCH!!! Truly the Laffs right now I guess. I have to agree with the other Westerners on here...ripping off our slot on HNIC so the whole country can see this mess of a team? OUCH. as Scot says...(and everyone else these days) Fire The Coach!
  12. Bergeil DeBungie from Victoria, Canada writes: Beat it Maurice, your days are over.
  13. John Adkins from Krakow, Poland writes: Fire. The. Coach. Now.

    Not that doing this will fix the larger problem. As long as the Leafs are part of an investment portfolio instead of run by a driven owner who wants to win, this is what you are going to get. Simple. The gap between the support for the team from the 'owners' and the support given by the suckers who buy the tickets is probably the biggest in all of pro sports. I can't think of any other team that is treated more like a 'product' like the Leafs are.
  14. Peter Hells from Oakville, Canada writes:

    Where are the Laff fans who laffed at Ottawa in last years finals?

    Ottawa was banged up, tired after playing 82 games and winning 3 playoff rounds... and playing a better Ducks team with a Teemu Selanne and Penner on top of it.

    Where are you Laff fans now?
  15. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: C'mon Leafs turn it around. Seems like no effort is being made to turn this team into a contender. I agree with previous posts that changes are needed starting from the top.
  16. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    How does the rest of the season play out? Leafs need about 50-54 points in the last 39 games to have a chance.Good luck.

    Fire the GM now? Can't-too late. Bad timing and the best candidates are locked up with other clubs. Also, there is NOTHING to replace the GM in the organization.

    Fire the coach? Can't-too late. Bad timing and the best candidates are locked up elsewhere. Also there is NOTHING to replace the coach in the organization. The new GM will want his own man.

    So it plays out. Peddie has already stated he made a mistake, and when they miss the playoffs, he can say he gave JFJ his chance and washes his hands.

    In the interim, the Leafs drop and will have a great 1st round lottery pick.

    They will trade Sundin (he will agree) and as many other veteran contracts for younger players and picks hopefully leaving cap room for the new GM. This team can be turned around quickly. (note template of Philly last year to this year)

    Peddie fires the lot of them on April 5th and the search is on. The Board has to move Peddie out, or else they will only have 'JFJ' candidates for GM. They need a 'Colangello,' Move aside Peddie,your 15 minutes are up!
  17. Henry Allen from East Bank, Don River, Canada writes: The only one I feel for on Maple Titanic is Sundin. This guy deserves to finish his career with Stanley's ring on his finger. Someone, perhaps a loved one, maybe the King of Sweden, should convince him that his loyalty to Maple Titanic is noble, but pointless and wasted. Mats, leave this poor built sinking ship, you've done far more than any other. Someday, after you retire, you can return to see your sweater hoisted to the rafters and your number retired.
  18. N. Reader from Toronto, Canada writes: points and laughs at all western fans who will endure the Leafs playing in their primetime spot on SAT - now you will learn what non-Leafs fans in the EAST have endured for YEARS....ha ha - if CBC doesn't show the OTT/DET game Nation wide on Sat..much grumbling will ensue
  19. Bobby the K from Bogarttown, Canada writes: . If it walks like a duck. And quacks like a duck. It could probably beat the Leafs.
  20. Peter Hells from Oakville, Canada writes:

    The sad part about the Leafs is that even die hard Leaf fans always knew this team sucks...we should all put our efforts into cheering on Ontario's real team.

    Go Sens
  21. J Law from Canada writes: The best thing the season ticket holder for the Leafs can do is to not show up at games. Yah, you'll lose a few bucks, but let's face it there is really no entertainment value in showing up there. And then the concessions will notice the drop in sales very quickly. Then maybe the Leaf management might get the idea. If you want to sell product you have to have a product.
  22. Alf Fartigan from Canada writes: They expect me to buy a LeafsTV subscription to watch this brand of hockey? Not likely. It's hard enough watching it for free on CBC on Saturday nights. Thank god there's another Ontario team that knows how the game should be played, and how an organization should be run.
    This Leaf team is definitely one of the worst their club has ever iced. Just brutal.
  23. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Leafs minus 15 on night; 0/6 on power play; 1-0 against after first shot; 10 - 5 shots but behind 0-2 after Period One; 1st shutout loss of season; tumbled into 14th place in conference.

    Still in the playoff hunt; only X point out of 8th; one trade away from making a Stanley Cup run; starting to gel; have Toskala back.

    Two views of the Leafs; one credible, one fanciful.

    More humiliation coming Saturday as Leafs lose to Kings on HNIC to frustrate all western hockey fans.
  24. Ryan Hickman from Canada writes: You know things are bad when I go to sleep and forget that the Leafs have a game on the West Coast. To be honest I've just lost interest. In the beginning watching the losses pile up was an entertaining way to spend an evening. I found it incredible that an NHL caliber team could find so many different ways to lose a hockey game. Now I realize that while the outcome is the same, the team has exhausted all ways to lose. It's like watching repeats of Saturday night live.

    This team isn't worth staying up for. Isn't worth cheering for and certainly isn't worth paying extra to be able to watch the team on Leafs TV.

    When does Spring Training start?
  25. Allan Martel from Canada writes:

    How would you like to be the guy (or girl) responsible for marketing subscriptions to Leafs TV on a commissions basis?

    That has to be an even greater challenge than the Leafs scoring on a power play.

    Ryan Hickman is right on with his comments except that the game forced on all western Canadians this weekend (another embarassing Leafs loss) will be more like a rerun of Saturday Night Dead.
  26. Clark The Mighty from Canada writes: Do:

    Fire Maurice. He's a bland and wimpy coach with no passion.

    Trade Blake back to the Islanders. He needs a passionate coach like Ted Nolan.

    Fire Ferguson.
  27. Al MacDonald from Cathedral of Hockey, Canada writes: After this game, one would like to think that at least it can't get any worse and that there is no place to go but up. Unfortunately, with these Leafs, somehow I don't think this is the case.
  28. Verona Raven from United States writes: So this is Canada's Team? Leafs Nation???

    lol..
  29. Paul Hume from Canada writes: N. Reader from Toronto, Canada writes: points and laughs at all western fans who will endure the Leafs playing in their primetime spot on SAT - now you will learn what non-Leafs fans in the EAST have endured for YEARS....ha ha - if CBC doesn't show the OTT/DET game Nation wide on Sat..much grumbling will ensue.

    I agree, I've been wondering what they're going to do....hmm, show the two best teams in the league or show....toronto.....

    I think I'll make my stand here, the SENS/WINGS game isn't on HNIC, I'll be boycotting CBC until the playoffs. At which point I'll be forced to watch games on it.

    Too bad about TO last night, I did not think that they would win, but I didn't think that they'd get knocked around that badly. Ah well, fans given up on this season yet?
  30. Sonny McCarron from Canada writes: 54 years a Leaf fan, say what you want about the Ballard years at least those teams had HEART and played with some passion. The only Heart Beating in this entire organization is Matts. Please do him a favor and trade him to a cup contender, give him a chance to play with some real gutsy teammates. This Toronto organization is getting exactly what it deserves on the ice and more then it deserves off the ice.
    Do the right thing and trade Matts to a cup contender, it doesnt matter to me who they get for him, this management group will screw it up anyway.
    Matts would look great in a Flames Jersey.
  31. R A from Canada writes: The Leafs have shown over and over this season that they dont have what it takes to compete...or possibly dont want to try and compete. Either case is anyone really shocked that they got beat by the Stanley Cup champs? To my surprise they played a good 1st and 2nd period outside of the usual brainfart plays in the 1st...I didnt see the 3rd.

    Dressing Belak was a good idea but where the f$$k was he Saturday?????

    If they get 2 points out of this road trip they will be lucky, 4 a miracle.
  32. Super Troll from Canada writes: About the HNIC late game- I think it's a moot point as I don't think the Nucks, Flames or Oilers are playing on Saturday are they?

    On the Leafs TV subscription- you don't have to buy one- you get it as part of basic digital now. Not enough pigeons would pay for it I guess.

    NOW.. onto the Leaf ripping

    1) Leafs lose.

    2) Leafs get blown out.

    3) Leafs get beat up.

    Nothing new there.

    4) Leafs lose to a STARTING goalie.

    THAT'S new.
  33. George Hall from Canada writes: The problem with the Leafs is that they are owned by the Ontario school teachers..who couldn't care less if they win or lose..the teachers are only interested in money and nothing else evidenced by them letting the kids go without books, without extra curricular activities and would willingly let children lose a year of scholling so that the taxpayer has to pay them whatever they demand and only work 9 months of the year.
    These are the people who own the Leafs and do not care if they win or lose.
  34. Super Troll from Canada writes: Toskala after the game sporting a .782 save %: 'I felt good- I thought I saw the puck pretty good'

    What colour is the sky in your world Vesa?

    Where's Scooter Loucks with his 'Goaltending is not this team's problem'.

    BWAHAHAHA Leaf fans are clueless.
  35. Rob C from Canada writes: I would love to have CBC show the Ottawa Detroit game on Saturday coast to coast - then we'll really get the picture on how ratings work. It would be very interesting to see what would happen.
  36. CRAZY HORSE from Toronto, Canada writes: This is an organization that prides itself right from the top with no pride and no guts! A shameless bunch of bafoons running a hockey organization with a coach who is on the verge of tears, a manager who is on the lamb and players such as Wozniewski, Steen, Ponikerovski, Kubina, and company...should be, let alone traded, but demoted to the minors. These guys are sub par performers, and at least they show that consistently. Win or lose against the Kings, this team is horrific, Maurice and Ferguson should be FIRED! I say bring back Quinn as coach, manager and president, so at least he could rebuild this once proud franchise. Furthermore, take hockey out of corporate hands, which ultimately is the root of all evil!
  37. R A from Canada writes: Gidiot, you didnt seem so happy about the Ducks abilities last June when your team was getting spanked by them...over and over and over and (1 more) over.
  38. Electric Ladyland from Canada writes: Just one more spot to make it to the very bottom of the East. Pathetic. Don't worry Rob C, Canada will be spared a Leafs game at 7 o'clock on Sat...It's Habs - Rangers on HNIC...the Toronto meltdown will be at 10 o'clock.
  39. Super Troll from Canada writes: HA HA yeah RA but we made it to the Finals didn't we. And we're going back. You're lucky if your team can make it to 14th place.
  40. Super Troll from Canada writes: Ladyland- WRONG- it's Wings/Sens buddy. Even the CBC isn't that stupid. Check their website.
  41. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: I wonder if anyone connected with the team is as mortified with the latest debacle as the fans are ? After this roadtrip is over, the dressing room should be moved to the clubhouse of the nearest golf course. Although after watching them play hockey, I can't imagine any Leaf being able to contact something as small as a golf ball with a club.
  42. S D from Canada writes: Well maybe the Leafs shoud swap teams with the Canadian under 18 girls team, they seem to be ripping it up pretty well. And maybe the Leafs could win a game, or not lose so badly.. :)

    Seriously, the Leafs need to forget about the playoffs for the next 3 or 4 years and concentrate on drafting and developing young talent first and any playoff sucess is gravy. Then they might build a contender.
  43. Super Troll from Canada writes: S D from Canada writes: concentrate on drafting and developing young talent

    As if the Leafs have any clue how to do that.
  44. Another Canadian Voice from Ottawa, Canada writes: Wow back-to-back games with Kubina throwing cheap shots... and no call on either!

    Good to see Belak be like Downie and throw that punch when the other player is unable to defend himself. Too bad he missed his eye I guess. Bobby C will still be proud of him though.

    It looks like the defense need pylons to help them skate, either that or the ice in California was just that bad and the Ducks are used to it...

    R A - Ottawa was outscored in the finals by 5 goals, over 5 games. The Leafs were outscored by 5 goals, over one game. One of those sounds like a real spanking to me...

    Sundin will be traded. Off-season, both Maurice and JFJ will be gone. Leafs will probably have two first-round picks and two second-round picks. They will probably also make another trade to get at least another second round pick. Raycroft will be moved, off-season.

    That battle of my two teams this Saturday should be epic. Last year Emery won single-handed. This year I think Detroit will win.
  45. Super Troll from Canada writes: Paul I- right on- to prepare for that, Maurice is actually giving the team time off on this trip to play golf. Guess they're just using the hockey season as a warm up for golf season.

    Another brilliant move from the genius coaching mind of Paul Maurice!
  46. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Troll....H.N.I.C. is playing both Sens, and Habs, on Sat. at 7.... depending on the region.
  47. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: I wonder how much it would cost to sign Haley Wickenhieser, she could add some character to the duds. But really it's time to call in Dandy Don Meridth to sing Turn Off The Lights The Party's Over, the fat lady is tired from so many losing seasons.
  48. A W from Canada writes: He, he he he ... I love it. What a bunch of LOSERS!!! I do kinda feel for Sundin though.
    For him to be stuck on such a crap team. I don't know what he was thinking?
    I love the leafs but there is nothing about this team I like? Not the Management, not the GM or even the coach! Really there is no reason to spend any of my money on any 'Leaf' stuff at all.
    I think I will wait until there is something I like about this team again before spending some money on the Teachers Pension Fund!
  49. garlick toast from Canada writes: habs and rangers are on rdi[tsn's french network]even if it's also on tsn,i'll watch it in french because my french is better than their english.those bozos can barely string two sentences together and bore the audience with blah blah instead of calling the play.the rdi guys are politically incorrect in that they comment when the refs miss a call.that's something you won't hear on the product pumping c.b.c.
  50. Super Troll from Canada writes: The best part about last night was that Peddie was there.

    Hey Scooter- I thought 'goaltending wasn't the problem with this team'
  51. S.U. Vee from Canada writes: Remember how bad the Raptors were before ther were moves made by MLS&E? The Laffs haven't quite got there but they're gettin close. GO LEAFS GO. Number 1(draft pick that is) with a bullet.
  52. Howard Young from Canada writes: Some quick points. Sens-Detroit is on the National Broadcast, in full glorious HD if you can watch it. I believe Toronto is playing San Jose on Saturday night, Kings tonight. I was watching Sports Centre and all the comments from the players talked about their inability to score. I'm not sure if this was due to editing, by why wasn't there a single comment about the lack of defence and the fact they let in 5 goals? Gotta G&M headline. 'Not even the return of their #1..' Come on, it's not like Toskala is Luongo or Brodeur. He's better than Raycroft, but that's not saying a lot.
  53. Super Troll from Canada writes: Alberto- Habs/Rangers is only on in Quebec- and who cares about Quebec? Sens/Wings on nation-wide.
  54. J Sparrow from Canada writes: 2.5 minutes to go, already sporting a man advantage and working the power play, ...shut out looming, ...suddenly you're awarded a 2-man advantage for about a minute ...okay, gotta break the shut out, here we go ...!!!

    Can't even get into the offence zone, 5-on-3 ...HAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAA!!!!

    Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of fellers!

    Welcome to the western conference Leafs -- if only they were still in the Norris
  55. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Quebec rules!
  56. Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: Hey Troll you happy about seein The National Canadian Womens Team(Ottawa Senators)Play the 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings this weekend? So am I.
  57. Carlos Costa from Ontario, Canada, writes: Blow up the team. Sundin is loyal. Feel badly for the guy.
  58. Super Troll from Canada writes: Alright... finally a non-Leaf fan to barb with.

    Enjoy it Gordie Howe- until Osgood stops playing over his head and Hasbeen pulls his groin (maybe Juri Tlusty can do it for him).
  59. Paul Hume from Canada writes: Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: Hey Troll you happy about seein The National Canadian Womens Team(Ottawa Senators)Play the 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings this weekend? So am I.

    Dude, get a little more creative. The National Canadian Womens Team is the best in the world. I take that as a compliment. :) LOL Sorry, I had to stand up for our Women's hockey team.
  60. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: C'mon Gordon, The Sens were Champs in 1927. Heh Heh....GO HABS GO
  61. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Hey Super Troll- isn't it amazing how many lousy coaches and GM's this outfit has had over the years (decades!)? How can a group with so much money not be able to find competent people to fill those positions? I am having trouble thinking who was the last good coach? Was it the little irish guy? No-not Brophy! I meant Clancy. MLSE should be sued for false advertising. It sure as hell ain't sports, and it sure as hell ain't entertainment!!
  62. R A from Canada writes: Voice

    'Good to see Belak be like Downie and throw that punch when the other player is unable to defend himself. Too bad he missed his eye I guess. Bobby C will still be proud of him though.' Belak hit him after he threw him to the ice while the fight was still in progress - Downie hit Blake after the refs had pulled them apart and were holding Blake's arms. Do you not see the difference?

    Not sure if the Kubina knee on knee thing was intentional but I would hope not although the hit against Philly was for sure a cheap shot but that game was laoded with cheap shots on both sides and its funny that you can only mention the ones by TO?

    Time to ake off your Sens tinited glasses and see the real world.
  63. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: How come the Ottawa team is called the Senators when there's a Roman Centurian on the jersey?
  64. Super Troll from Canada writes: Everyone outside Loser Nation knows Maurice is a joke. His not announcing who his starting goalie was at the start of the season - oooh the suspense is killing me Maurice- who cares- to protecting his goalies' confidence by not playing them at home- sorry- what do they get paid for again? to not dressing Belak the other night against the goon-riddled Flyers... I could go on.

    At least he provides a chuckle over my morning coffee.
  65. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: Last week Vincent Lecavalier made the fairly weak assertion 'I don't think we'll finish last'. Vinnie's confidence level should definitely be a little higher now.
  66. Super Troll from Canada writes: RA- nope- don't see the difference- how come Belak got the extra penalty if what he did was clean.. come on- punching a guy when he's on the ground is dirtier than giving little Blakie as justified poke in the eye.
  67. Super Troll from Canada writes: Alberto- because the Centurion for some reason initimidates the cr*p out of the Habs. They fold faster than Superman on laundry day whenever they face the mighty Sens.
  68. R A from Canada writes: Gidiot, well thats easy, you cant see the difference cuz youre an idiot...
  69. Howard Young from Canada writes: Hey Alberto, why are the Canadians/Canadiens called Habitants. Isn't that a brand of soup? Just kidding you, I'm an ex Montrealer, lived about a block from the Bell Centre.
  70. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Hey Troll...see you in the playoffs...GO HABS GO
  71. Tom Gray from Canada writes: The Leafs play the Kings tonight on Leafs TV. How often do we get to see the two worst teams in the league play each other?

    Tampa Bay will be monitoring this game avidly. 15th place, here we come
  72. Super Troll from Canada writes: Alberto- nice comeback. The Habs are so bad they took SpoRadek Bonk off our hands. What happened to price? He looks like the spawn of Redlight Raycroft.

    Playoffs eh? If you're lucky.
  73. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: As one of the biggest die hard Leaf fans on this board I must say that even I have lost hope. In December I still held my head high and was proud because the Leafs were playing well. They at least came out and were able to compete on a consistent basis. But after the last few games the Leafs have played.......I dont know how I am suppose to stay positive. The light at the end of the tunnel is fading quickly. Even the Gidiot is not bothering me anymore because at least now his criticism towards the team is justified. However, I dont agree with him bashing Toskala, I still believe that he is a good goalie. The Sundin trade will be tough to watch, but is now necessary to help this team recover from the disaster that is JFJ and the gang. On another note, I am looking forward to watching the Sens/Wings game, should be a beauty. Also, if the ducks get Selanne back and he plays anywhere close to the level he played last year, they will once again be the Stanley Cup favorite. Big, strong, fast, skillfull, good goaltending, well coached this may yet again be the team to beat. Pronger, Niedermyer, Schnieder, Beauchamin, Perry, Getzlaf, Weight, Bertuzzi, Kunitz, Giguere, Selanne? This is a solid team.
  74. Another Canadian Voice from Ottawa, Canada writes: R A - yup, that game was loaded with cheap shots (Phili game). Since the Downie thing was the lead story for TSN, G&M and other national media I thought it had been analysed to death already. Very cheap shot and I posted somewhere else at least a couple games should have been assessed since it was a clear intent to injure.

    But nothing was made of Kubina's hit, which was eerily similar to many other lined-up hits from behind into the boards seen this year. It was nothing compared to Jones hit on Bergeron, but it was an obvious 2 and could have been 5 plus easily.

    If a player is on the ice unable to hit someone and that someone is standing, still throwing, it is cheap (and why Belak got the extra 10). It wasn't nearly as cheap as the Downie punch but still cheap.

    My glasses are tinted, but not just by the Sens. I've been a Wings fan forever, so the goggles are definately red.

    Gordon Howe (the one on this thread, not the real one of course) is an idiot. Predicting the cup is January is always a good way to eat your shoes. Not as bad as Toronto's October Cup, but still a bad idea...
  75. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Got to go to work .....GO HABS GO...Les Canadiens de Montreal...Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge...Le Tricolore...Les Glorieux....Le Grand Club....Le Sainte-Flanelle....World Champs, 24 times.....The Drive for 25 is Alive!!
    Cheers to all!
  76. Andrew Perry from halifax, Canada writes: Looking forward to a rare non Fleas Night in Canada. Like many fans I know, I have largely given up on Saturday night as a time to watch hockey, we never get the good games down here, western conference games finish so late that I fall asleep even during the best ones and Flea games are NHL hockey only because of the other team on the ice.
    I am not sure what game LNIC will begrudge us down here, but as a hockey fan, not just a Habs fan, I am kind of hoping for the Detroit/Ottawa game; it has the potential to be one of the ones you tell your grandchildren about even if it is not a Cup Final preview. I am surprised that LNIC didn't try to get the Flea's start time moved up to Center of the Universe prime time. Did the league finally do something smart and turn them down?
  77. garlick toast from Canada writes: watching the leafs is like slowing down to look at a highway traffic accident,you know you shouldn't..but
  78. Super Troll from Canada writes: Andrew Perry- 'Fleas'- I love it. That's their new nickname. Maple Fleas. Or Maple Ladies.
  79. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: My Leafs continue their inexorable slide to the bottom. I've tried cheering for the Habs but they aren't much better. Still, there is hope. This prolonged agony may lead to the demise of Peddie, the Architect of Mediocrity.
  80. Andrew Perry from halifax, Canada writes: Tom Gray from Canada writes: The Leafs play the Kings tonight on Leafs TV. How often do we get to see the two worst teams in the league play each other?

    Tampa Bay will be monitoring this game avidly. 15th place, here we come.

    How could TSN miss out on carrying this one. The giant vortex of suck might even take a few tabloid 'Stars' with it as it collapses into a black hole.
  81. Another Canadian Voice from Ottawa, Canada writes: Andrew Perry - they did appease Toronto I suspect... they made the schedule so that when Toronto plays in the Pacific time zone, the three Western Canadian teams aren't allowed to play on Sunday.

    Those of us who want to see the Sens or Habs don't even have our games bumped a day because of the Leafs... usually just afternoon games or they don't cover... if I were a fan of Canucks, Flames or Oilers I would let the league know that my team shouldn't be bumped a day because the circus is coming to town...
  82. Carlos Costa from Ontario, Canada, writes: How do you people honestly think that the lowly Leafs could beat the Stanley Cup champions.. give your head a shake!
  83. D I from Toronto, Canada writes: Hahaha I LOVE watching this team just get lower and lower every game they play. For any of you dillusional people who think this team is making the playoffs, pass me a haul of the fatty you're smoking. The bright side of it all is, they get rid of Sundin and some great picks or players in return, and they'll end up with a decent spot in the draft this summer. This team has been a joke for several years. If the people running MLSE actually cared about winning a bit more than about their profits, they would have rebuilt this team years ago. Now I'm waiting for them to win 4 in a row and all of a sudden the hockey writers in this town will have forgotten about how crap this team really is and refocus on a desparate attempt to make the playoffs. When was it the goal of a team to make the playoffs and not win the cup? Pretty sad state of affairs here in the big smoke.
  84. R A from Canada writes: Voice, I agree with you on the Kubina hit - it deserved a major no doubt. Im not convinced about the Belak thing though. They were fighting and it was in the course of the fight that hapenned. I know he got the 10 minute misconduct but when does the fact that a penalty was assessed mean anything?

    If the Leafs trade Sundin I hope he gets traded to the Wings so I can cheer them on. I still have some Detroit blood in my veins after all these years...

    Good luck to your Wings...I hope they crush your other favorite team.
  85. Frank Godfrey from Canada writes: As a life-long Toronto supporter, but no fan of this leaf organization, I agree with all the posters who want HNIC to find a way to get this G..damned embarrassment off the network. MLSE, the tit is about to dry up !
  86. dale spinx from Canada writes: right on track...stay the course peddie and the gang. stamkos is ours!
  87. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: At least Larfing Outloud gets to watch from the British Virgin Islands!
  88. D I from Toronto, Canada writes: I agree with you Mr. Godfrey. That would be a small step in the right direction to have HNIC actually show hockey games that are entertaining. TSN had the Habs/Blackhawks game on the other night and those boys played. Watching the leafs is like watching old men play pick up hockey. Not entertaining at all, and to think MLSE wants you to pay to see them lose on leafs tv...ya...
  89. Just a Thinker from Bloomfield, Canada writes: Leafs fans have to stop supporting a team that has been consecutivly loosing for years. We need to tell the teams management that we won't settle for this anymore and that if they want fans, then they better start making some serious decisions and taking steps to become a winning team again. Toronto is just Pathetic....and Im a Leaf fan!! (and embarased about it!)
  90. Super Troll from Canada writes: The best part about them finishing last is they're not even guaranteed a top 3 draft pick. Lottery anyone? The Leafs wouldn't win it even if it was rigged.
  91. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: King of the Nation (and you know who you are). Your highness, Ottawa Detroit, CBC HD Sat 7PM, Laughs San Jose 10PM HD Sat. Your highness, you may take your first lady to fine dining of fish and chips get home early enough to watch the 2nd game. Let the rest of us Canadians watch the 2 best teams in the NHL play first.
  92. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Best case scenario for this team right now is to finish dead last in the East. Hopefully they win the draft lottery (40% chance of winning) and land Stamkos. Also, they trade Sundin and get another first rounder possibly even two first rounders. They can use the additional first round draft picks and build from these players as well. However, the Leafs will probably turn it around towards the end of the season and make a late drive to grab the 8th spot. They will probably miss by 1 of 2 points and the beat will go on....
  93. Another Canadian Voice from Ottawa, Canada writes: R A - thanks! Best I can hope for is a Wings win in overtime.
  94. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: The Blackhawks are a great team to watch this season. Would anyone mind if I retired my 47 year old Leaf jersey and root for the 'hawks? They are Original Six and have the 2nd best uniform in pro sports. The Leafs are more like Original Sin.
  95. Verona Raven from United States writes: Please explain why Bob Cole and Greg Millen still have jobs?
  96. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: So. The Laughs get to a football game (box no less), all the beer, babes in Dallas, go out and get blown out 2 games (Dallas & Pheonix). Laugh go to the West Coast, get in some golf and fishing, couple days to 'blend', its game time boys, come out and get blown out. Is there something wrong with this picture? Do incompetents need rewarding in such ways? How about a beat up ol Greyhound that spent 10 yrs running between Yellowknife and Miami via Los Angeles and Boston be the way home from San Jose. 2 day old burgers, pacific ocean salt water, plugged plumbing for the trip home. Tell ya, these Leafs (other than Matts Sundin) deserve nothing more. They are not professionals, they are system bleeders. To a man. Shame on all of you, your city and fans deserve one whole lot better than what they are getting. And to think they want Steve Stamkos, want to ruin another kid like they've done to Kyle Wellwood. Give me a break.
  97. dale spinx from Canada writes: great comparison...wellwood/stamkos. with that being said, they shouldnt draft anyone....thanks for your insight
  98. Super Troll from Canada writes: The Leafs right now are the biggest joke in all of professional sports.

    Where are Loser Nation's proud pompom wavers Scooter Lout and Robin C?

    Why Leaf fans don't get off their fat arses and rally outside the ACC (ala Knick fans) or something is beyond me. Oh right- they don't care.
  99. DG Fredericton from Fredericton, Canada writes: I have been a Leaf fan forever and I am 50 but there is point in every fan's life to face reality and move on. Sad to say, they (mgmt / owners) have broken my spirit to hope for more year after year after year.....

    PS I am a Raider's fan as well so what does this say about me??? Sucker for punishment...
  100. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: LOL Troll I actually thought about that today. I should put together a team of protesters and park it right in front of the ACC. Our purpose - to get rid of Peddie, Tanenbaum and Fergie, and to bring in a capable GM to fix the mess that the three stooges have created.
  101. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: The Leafs accept defeat too easily.
    They stay close for a period or so, fall behind, then fold up the tent.
    And when somebody on the other team abuses a Leaf player, nobody on the Leafs steps up to help.
    They all skate away meekly, and the other team just laughs.
    Then when the game over, nobody gets upset.
    Do you think Bobby Clarke or Dougie Gilmour would have accpeted losing so easily?
    To me the only type of team that accept losing is made up of losers.
    And thats your Taranna Maple Leafs.
  102. Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: Proud Canadian from Canada writes: King of the Nation (and you know who you are). Your highness, Ottawa Detroit, CBC HD Sat 7PM, Laughs San Jose 10PM HD Sat. Your highness, you may take your first lady to fine dining of fish and chips get home early enough to watch the 2nd game. Let the rest of us Canadians watch the 2 best teams in the NHL play first.

    Do you mean There's someone close to the Wings in the league?? I know
    The National Canadian Womens Team(Ottawa Senators) are 11 points behind them in the standings. I thought there might have been someone closer......N-O-T.... There's only ONE good team in the league. That's why
    The National Canadian Womens Team haven't won a cup, and they love getting beeeatch slapped(Mighty Ducks last year)..
  103. Loser Leaf from Canada writes: I am a huge leaf fan.

    I am very stupid like the rest of the Leaf Nation. It's a fact, noone can dispute that. We think we're great because we live in a big (compared to Whitby) town, and our houses are almost as expensive as in Vancouver. We are also largely uneducated (someone is checking my spelling for mee).

    We will all soon forget the mess the Laffs are in after their next win (February?), and then we'll have our spirits back up, and we can bash arguably the best team ever iced in the NHL, the true 'Canada's Team', the mighty Leaf-pounding, hab-bytch-slapping Ottawa Senators. Living in years gone by is the only respite for us Laff fans.

    Please, Sens fans, accept your superiority for what it is (well deserved) and leave us alone to die in peace.
  104. Super Troll from Canada writes: Billy Broux- 'Dougie' Gilmour didn't care about winning, just like Sundin. He had his babysitter to go home to