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Leafs live another day

TIM WHARNSBY

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:23 AM EDT 22/03/08

Toronto still in playoff race, but teams above it keep winning, too ...Read the full article

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  1. Doktor David from London, Canada writes: An excellent hockey game, pure and simple. The better team, for at least tonight, won.

    Cheers!
  2. Jake ---- from Canada writes: Give up this playoff drive, its over. As a leaf fan all I want to see from this team is losses, so maybe just maybe we can draft high. This team might be good enough to make the playoffs but theres no way they will win the cup.

    And every leaf fan should be tired of finishing 2nd.

    all in all it was a good game and my hat does go off to this lineup of marlies.
  3. Rob C from T.O., Canada writes: Good game - these didn't look like the same two teams as last Saturday
  4. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: STUPID STUPID STUPID further proof no one gives a care about improving this team . Forty more years of losing ,with overpaid guys who care about nothing but the bucks in their pockets. STUPID LOSER (but rich stupid losers)
  5. SY GIL from TO, Canada writes: It's easy to play well when the pressure is off. Their chance of getting into the playoffs is the same as getting Steven Stamkos. At least Fletcher will be able to demand some decent draft picks for some of the players, Kubina, White, Coliaccovo, McCabe, Pony, Antropov. Too bad the same can't be said for Raycroft. guess he will be bought out and be counted against the salary cap. Another reminder of JFJ's mistake after he's long gone but won't be forgotten.
  6. Natalie R from Canada writes: Great game, I think.

    The Leafs had a strong defense, Stajan with the three-in-the-row shot blocks in th 5-to-3 man penalty. Amazing.

    Toskala gave another brilliant performance, especially with the flying pucks which could've easily flown past him but he kept it up. And that bouncing shot he let slip and the last minute caught was great.

    As for the penalties, I didn't mind them. The Leafs didn't let the Sabs' offense take advantage. I think it was 10 - 5 penalties, Leafs.

    We're one point up, good enough. Sucks that Philly won, especially since their less-than-average performance lately. The Bruins are in 8th so we've got to take them down on Tuesday. Hopefully, or maybe not, Sundin is back by then. I think the young front of Williams-Tlutsy-Stralman, etc perform better without the veterans, to an extent.
  7. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:

    You have to love the attitude of these players - All that can be asked 'do your best', smart drafting and developement key for the future. The Marlies Coach deserves recognition as well.
  8. steve allan from Canada writes: I think the Leafs have potential going forward into next year. They are developing a nucleus of solid young talent that could make this team competitive over the next few years. However, there are some glaring deficiencies.

    They have to get rid of players who simply can't play at the NHL level. Colaiacovo comes to mind. This guy just can't cut it and the Leafs will have to send him packing in the off-season. His constant injuries reflect a lack of toughness needed to play in the NHL and his repeated absense is disruptive to the team.
  9. george simko from Canada writes: Steve Allen:
    Read your post and cannot concur with your assessment.
    Your analysis is massively overly simplistic and your assumptions
    contain flawed generalizations. Due to time constraints, I find
    it difficult to continue with this post. Regards
  10. g h from Canada writes: George Simko: good grief man! It is absolutely essential when you post on this site that....hold on a second...due to time constraints I am not able to finish my post. Perhaps another time.
  11. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Doktor... exactly what I would have said... had I not been out having too much fun :) Cheers
    Jake.... Get over it.. they aren't going to roll over. You might not think they have the talent.. but I don't think they agree with you.
    Agree with your comments about the Marlies.

    Sy Gil... so how sir do you conclude the pressure is off? If anything it is greater than ever.
    As for your list of players you think Fletcher should trade for draft picks.... well... it's quite obvious that you don't watch Leaf games or you know nothing about hockey.. either way.... you are incorrect.

    Good post Natalie... the difference is that young players thrive on ice time... something they weren't getting with a healthy lineup.

    Good post Bert.

    Steve Allan; Here is the scoop from the Leafs vis a vis Colaiacovo. Due to previous injuries he has not been able to get in proper playing shape over the summers.
    Last year knee... year before was concussion problems.

    A torn adductor muscle happens when you haven't built the muscles up properly in the groin/leg area..... It comes from overexertion and is a tough one to heal. Very painful.... and trust me not a nice rehab.

    Cheers
  12. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Continued.... for Steve Allan.

    Hence this injury for Colaiacovo could be good for him.

    He will have a chance to rebuild his body this summer... kinda like Antopov did last summer.

    To say that he is a distraction and should be dealt is a little premature... to say the least.

    Geoge Simko.... I want you writing my C.V.'s

    Cheers
  13. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I am still trying to figure out who is more deluded in this country ...

    Some Albertans or the real Leafs fanatics ? ... I think I now have the answer, but due to time constraints, I find it difficult to continue this post ...
  14. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Where the hell are the three stooges tonight (Martel, Mariposa and Miller) ???

    In church maybe? Praying to the hockey gods?

    Oh well... now that I have critiqued the 'very few' posters from tonight... I will offer my synopsis of the game. :)

    (I know.. you are all waiting with baited breathe).

    Stajan played his best game as a Leaf. bar none. As Natalie mentioned earlier... his three blocked shots during those 5 on 3's should have garnered him first star.

    Ian White had a great game.... kinda funny cause Kaberle seemed almost invisible. (a good thing?)

    Pleasantly surprised at Bell.... came out hitting (although he tailed off big time in the second which I assume was due to his limited ice time).

    Would like to see more ice time for the kids.. even if they are winning young players don't do very well with 3.2 minutes of ice time over a game.

    Did anybody else notice the confidence level of Stralman after he scored the goal?

    Did Toskala steal this game? I think he might have.

    Tomorrow will tell... Get at least a point off of Ottawa and the games against Boston mean something.

    Cheers
  15. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: lol Robert.... knew you couldn't miss out on that one.

    And here I was wondering where you and your two compadres were hiding.

    :)
  16. D K from Canada writes: OOO another Leaf article. Everyone drink!!
  17. D K from Canada writes: 'Toronto still in playoff race, but teams above it keep winning, too'

    So this year the Laffs can blame other teams for 'winning too many games'.
  18. Allan Martel from Canada writes:

    Sorry - too busy last night to post, time constraints you know.

    I love the flickering flame of eternal Leaf Nation hope burning brightly? and only in the minds of the true believers.

    This team holds its fate in its hands.

    If they can win the next 12 games, they are in - oh but wait - there aren't twelve games left are there.

    Why not? - time constraints I guess.
  19. John Gallant from Charlottetown, Canada writes: For the first time in my life I shut turned the game off last night. I found myself cheering for Buffalo instead of the Leafs. Even Fletcher just goes through the motions of cheering when the tv shows him after a Leaf goal. How can the Leafs allow those players who coasted for the first 60 games ruin a decent chance at the draft lottery. I hope that Fletcher watches game films and takes notice of all them lazy slobs who only put in a token effort for most of the season and gets rid of them all. This would also include Paul Maurice who wouldn't dress Belak most of the time. At least when he beat somebody up I had lots to talk about the next day. Even if the Leafs get nothing for their coasters they could replace them with youth. I wouldn't mind mistakes if they are part of a learning process and maybe next year John Tavares could be the result of the short term pain.
  20. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Scot Loucks- Its 'bated' breath, not 'baited'. Excellent game. I enjoy a win over the Sabres almost as much as a win over Montreal or Ottawa. The win over Ottawa is just 12 hours away. Why would anyone think this team should just fold up and die for a draft pick? These are professionals with a certain amount of pride. I suggest we forget about the players for a while and discuss the new GM. I can't think of anyone better than Cliff Fletcher. What do you think?

    Cheers.
  21. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Did not see the game. Neither did my wife. Not often we can get a nice snowy evening and do the hot tub thing. Was just great. Absolutely. With the snow falling on you, throwing some around, sorry, the Nation can take a back seat. Going to miss tonite's also, its the Sens vs the Leafs, party time. Too old to stay home us 2 old stooges. Work, party, sleep. Ces la vie. When we get older, we can do the granny and grampy thing, have tea, crumpets, and watch the games...... Scotty Loucks, your almost at that stage!!!!!!!!!!!!
  22. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Rob C.

    Your guesses are nowhere near accurate but they indicate that my comments are being taken sub cutaneously. How unfortunate.

    You will note that I never trash or insult other posters preferring instead to simply describe the hopeless situation of the hapless - ie - the Leafs.

    I do deride the Leaf Nation regularly but only because their collective arrogance merits comment and because everyone can benefit from a healthy infusion of reality now and then.

    It is not my primary intent to either irritate or annoy, simply to inform from a reasoned perspective.

    So let's all gather round and warm our hands and our hearts at the flickering flame of the hopes of the Leaf Nation true believers whose faint hopes are about to be snuffed out by the fresh air circulating at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa later tonight.

    So, let's see who Darcy Tucker goes after in the third period when the game (like the playoffs for the Leafs) is hopelessly out of reach and when the true class of team Toronto bubbles up through the quagmire into which they sink ever deeper with each passing day.

    Meanwhile, feel free to continue your mudslinging, for as a leaf Nation true believer, you follow your team everywhere don't you?
  23. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Hey Paul I from Rochester, hey man, u been down to quell the Albany folk. With all the scandal. Keep those guys out of Washington!!! Who for GM of the Nation? Who else but Rob C. Ski Bunny Rob. Or Dung Bucket Joe. All kidding aside, both of those are not qualified to manage a kid's TV programme, Fletcher doesnt want the job full time, he's over 70, what does a guy want with those problems at that age. (Scotty Bowman is the only one I know that thrives on this). People have said Doug Gilmore. Watch and see, Colin Campbell will get the job, Gary New Yak Butthead wants him in there, he pulls the strings, Campbell at Toronto, Burke in Anaheim, same thing, now who will be the discipline guy at the NHL. I can not see anyone else with better qualifications than the one and only Donald S. Cherry. Could you imagine, could you imagine that icon doing it. The NHL front office is a joke, might as well get the biggest joker right at the front table.
  24. D K from Canada writes: 'Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Scot Loucks- Its 'bated' breath, not 'baited'. Excellent game. I enjoy a win over the Sabres almost as much as a win over Montreal or Ottawa. The win over Ottawa is just 12 hours away. Why would anyone think this team should just fold up and die for a draft pick? These are professionals with a certain amount of pride.'

    Where was their 'pride' back in November? In Scot's case it is 'baited breath'.
  25. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Allan.... you being attacked by invisible aliens????

    Paul I... I thought "baited" was apropos.

    Cheers
  26. Jake ---- from Canada writes: I can't wait to see the leafs hammer the sens tonight. Although they won't make the playoffs this will be worth watching.

    Hopefully Emery plays tonight because rumor has it he confuses the white ice for a bag of coke.
  27. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: DK- Leafs had pride in November. They had poor coaching, poor goaltending and an out to lunch GM. 66% of the problems have been corrected. Go Leafs. The Leafs will demonstrate their pride tonight by beating the Sens 4-2.
  28. Dave M from Canada writes: The Leafs are like a lazy child who mooches off his parents well into his thirties. It hurts to turn your back on him but it's the only way he'll ever get better.

    If you want a Stanley Cup in TO it's as simple as changing the channel when the game is on, cancelling your Leafs TV subscription, not going to any games and not buying any merchandise.

    As soon as the revenue stream dries up MLSE will pony up for some talent. Until you force the issue they have no reason to improve the product. With their money this team could have Ovechkin and Crosby on the same line, but the seats are already sold out, so why bother?

    If you sold an inferior product at a higher price and for some reason people kept on buying, you wouldn't put a dime in to improve it until they stopped.
  29. Natalie R from Canada writes: Pride is a major factor, especially with men. The Leafs still have their pride. As long as they have the chance to make it to the playoffs, the Leafs will fight. At the beginning of the game yesterday although Buffalo had the stronger "performance" at the time, I thought the Leafs came in looking fresh and ready to win the game. The Sabs did beat them out in shots, but we were the ones who stuck it out and got the two goals in the first period. One goal a minute after a 2 man advantage the Sabs had. Even during the 2 minute 5 on 3, the Sabs still couldn't get through Stajan and Toskala. That shows amazing determination. Like the sportscastor said during the post-game report. "Here's a team who many claim to be lousy, playing incredible hockey." The atmosphere around the whole game for the Leafs has lightened since the firing of Ferguson. And losing Sundin and Antropov could've very well been the best thing to turn this team around. It tells Maurice that these younger players can hit it just as well and even better than the veterans. If we lose against the Senators or the Bruins I at least feel glad enough to say we tried our best. Why put the Leafs down? That'll only encourage them to fight harder and better. There's no point in giving up, and who wouldn't want the Leafs to make it the playoffs? That means a Leafs-Canadien first round. Which would make for some interesting hockey. =) All I can do is root for MY team like anyone else would root for their own. The fact that they are underdogs make it all the better to follow. The Leafs have nothing to lose, while everyone else above them have nothing to gain by losing. Look at the Giants vs. the Patriots. The little team seemed quite big and it paid off by being the biggest upset. A team like the Giants beating the perfect season of Tom Brady et al. is something so inspiring. I can only hope that the Leafs pull off the major upset of kicking the Bruins-Flyers-Senators out of the playoff race.
  30. Lunch Bucket Joe from Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: DK- Leafs had pride in November. They had poor coaching, poor goaltending and an out to lunch GM. 66% of the problems have been corrected. Go Leafs. The Leafs will demonstrate their pride tonight by beating the Sens 4-2.
    _________________________________________________________

    Now Paul, do you have tomorrows newspaper already?? I liked Strahlman last night. He could be the best skater on the team. I think they said 9-3-1 in their last 13 on the road? Who knows with a better coaching job at the beginning of the season like you said they'd be in the playoffs and probably beating those choking turds again. We'll see. Unlike proud troll I'm still with the Leafs. True fans stick with their teams through thick and thin, unlike bandwagoneers like super Canadian/proud troll. People like that are on/off the wagon so much that they've got splinters in their useless arzes.
  31. Natalie R from Canada writes: Dave M from Canada writes: The Leafs are like a lazy child who mooches off his parents well into his thirties. It hurts to turn your back on him but it's the only way he'll ever get better.
    ___________________________________________________________

    Turning our back on the Leafs will probably only hurt them. The Leafs are more like spoiled children who need a kick in the head to straigten out. Players, like Kubina, are getting more than they're worth. It's not the fans' fault, It's management's.
  32. Mikey Dee from Canada writes: put me in charge of the Leafs and everyone from the janitor on up would be out looking for employment PDQ !
  33. Doktor David from London, Canada writes: I originally chose the Leafs for two reasons - my dad, being born and raised in Montreal was, of course, a Habs fan through and through - thus, I had to have something to stick it to him with; and because of Dave Keon - for a six year old, having the same first name was reason enough for me. Helped that he was such a great player.

    I remain a Leafs' fan to this day simply because of loyalty. Sure I could have jumped off the bandwagon many times - the latter Ballard years were very painful. But, then I would have missed the pleasure shouting out "what a freakin' hockey team" when they would pull off improbable wins.

    This current run has me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering who will step up and be "the one" tonight. And you know what - that's enough for this old fella to be happy about. I truly believe if they lose now it is not because they didn't try; they simply weren't good enough.

    I especially liked Maurice's comments from last night, about how doing the right thing is to play as hard and as best you can, to try and win. Sure, I wish they had put it all together in October, but the chemistry for that team, with a dysfunctional leadership above them, wouldn't allow it to happen. Maybe now we finally get to see the real Leafs.

    Cheers!
  34. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Dung Bucket Joe, Ill be there till the bitter end. Its your team that will be on the plane, with Cam Wooley escort to the cottage or on the links. Snow bound links in Toronto. The Sens will be playing. The Sens will win tonite, Marcy took my advice, dont get your face mashed up before the olive splicing season starts, Goldie dont want a guy with scars and stiches all over his face. Must be clean shaven, white shirt, black bow tie and a sharp nife to cut the olives.
  35. Rob C from T.O., Canada writes: No Sundin, no Antropov - So I see it beeing pretty even tonight, with the 'turds winning in overtime. But that's why they play the games right? (Sens fans have never learned that one) - which is why there is so much disappointment in Kanata every Spring...
  36. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: PC- I'll bet you the Tim Horton's coffee I won from Lunch Bucket Joe a few weeks ago- Leafs 4 Sens 2. Toskala vs. Gerber. Toskala schools Gerber. I will collect next time you roll through Rochester. It will be even sweeter when I RRRRRRRRRRoll up the rim and win!

    Bonne chance!
  37. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: Take away Toskaka's injury early on and the resultant horrifying Raycroft goaltending and the Leafs would be hovering in the same neighbourhood as the Sens right now.
    The Leafs wont be the first team to miss the playoffs because of an injury during the season to their starting goaltender.
    Still, the Leafs have won three more games than theyve lost, and will probably finish better than that - not a disaster at all, despite all the hand-wringing. Better luck would have made them a shoe-in for the playoffs.
  38. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: Torn between wanting the Leafs put out of their misery and wanting to see the Sens lose ground, I'm in favour of a Leafs win tonight. Preferably in regulation time. Is that too much to ask?

    Dave M writes: "With their money this team could have Ovechkin and Crosby on the same line, but the seats are already sold out, so why bother?"

    Two words for you, Dave: "salary cap". The Leafs already spend close to the maximum allowed. Besides, "throw money at the problem" was the approach for about 35 years before the cap came in, and look at the results.

    I have no doubt the "suits" at MLSE dearly want to win. The problem is they haven't got a clue how to make it happen.
  39. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Rob C. The disappointment in Nation Ville starts the day before training camp. When the plane from Grannyville lands, when the parade from the Muskoka's arrive and when Bwyan puts away the clubs. The Sens will be around for the "second" season, the Duds for the 3rd year in a row will be on the sidelines. The franchise, the team of reckon in the NHL, 10 Million strong fan base, the Canadian National TV Network falling apart because of the lack of advertising dollarsfrom the Toronto Maple Leafs, 41 years since the Stanley Cup, never won a cup since expansion, been to the final once to even get close. And for the 3rd year in a row, a no show at playoff time. And you are happy with your teams performance. U should be. After all, what are Ski Bunny's all about. Now get back to the bunny patch, or the tube park.
  40. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester. Ur on. What's with you people from America and Tim Hortons. Geez, I hear the guys on the road talking about it, drinking it, loving it. There's a big service centre in Perrysburg OH, (just South of Toledo) tons of parking for big trucks, go check, de boys enjoying a Timmy's. Thats my stop if I run out during the night. What ever happened to your Starbucks? Anyways, ur on. Xtra LG French Vanilla Capuchino I will take. I have a refill mug so its a nickel saving for ya. Buttttttttttt, if I have to pay, u will have to find your way to HWY 75S, Detroit to at least Finlay OH, sometimes as far as Dayton OH. I dont run into NY state. Sens 5, Leafs 3, MT Net late goal. Enjoy all, I wont see the game, my dear Wife and I have a 50th birthday party go to. Us ol folk, just cant stay home. Work, Party, Sleep. What a life.
  41. george simko from Canada writes: GH from Canada:
    Scot Loucks from Pickering:
    It was my original intention to abstain from any further comments
    concerning my previous post.Because, I failed to address the
    issue I was summarily rebuked.I took the principled position
    that has always guided my life in telling the truth,failing to act would have been an admission of guilt. I found it uncomfortable reading
    the post,and somewhat embarrassing,to think I had a particular
    agenda,in reality nothing more than a mass of contradictions.
    To those posters,who in some form responded to the post, please
    accept my expression of regret.There,is an old adage in life that is
    applicable to all,"Time waits for no man".Sincere regards.Go Leafs!
  42. g h from Canada writes: We were just having fun with you George. Absolutely no offense intended on my part.
  43. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: PC- Starbucks? I'd rather drink oil from your rig. I'm sticking to my story 4-2 Leafs. I'm guessing there is going to be a TV tuned to the game somewhere near your party. Go Leafs!
  44. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Hi Scot

    The attack ad by Rob C was pulled and so my response lacks the proper context. I was pleased to see it removed.

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