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Habs bring Leafs back to earth

DAVID SHOALTS

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 2:30 PM EST 13/10/08

By the end of a very long night for the young Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens rolled up a 6-1 laugher ...Read the full article

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  1. j q from Canada writes: Great game by the Habs. Powerplay firing on all cyclinders. That's why they'll finish high in the East.

    More nights like this for Leafs this season? Schenn should be sent back to Rockets to avoid this type of atmosphere.
  2. j q from Canada writes: Habs were great a finding open ice thru the seams and using their speed to breakdown whatever forecheck the Leafs could muster. Stopped counting the number of odd man rushes. It was good that Wilson gave Toskala the third period off.

    Interesting question raised during the broadcast speculating on whether Gainey will trade Halak for more depth to make a Cup run this year. What do the Habs followers think about this?
  3. Doktor David from Gwangyang, Korea, Rep. of writes: Win one, lose one... no worries; the pain will be evident this year.
  4. j q from Canada writes: Doktor, they just didn't lose, they got spanked in their own building by a premiere highly skilled team. Oouch! They couldn't stay out of the box and the Habs made them pay, big time!

    Five more meetings! Hopefully they dpn't drop all six like Boston did to the Habs last year.
  5. Dennis O'Keefe from saskatoon, Canada writes: I wouldn't want to Marc Dennis as the starter if Carey Price ever got injured, Denis's stats were horrible last year and only played well against the Canadiens.
  6. george mcfly from CALGARY, Canada writes: Time to start making some trades for next year!!
  7. garlick toast from Canada writes: Habs are deep in goalies, but they should hang on to Halak for as long as possible. Tonight made me appreciate how good Buffalo is[ the team, not the steak]. Toronto fans are in for a long/ short season.
  8. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Welcome to the Leafs roller coaster. This young team is going to have nights like this where they are completely overmatched and without god-like goaltending, they will get pasted.

    I suspect their away record will be better than the home record.

    This takes nothing away from the way Montreal played tonight - ruthless.
  9. Rainbow Warrior from Canada writes: So, where is the article on the sens game?

    G&M meddling with whole game articles now?
  10. Georges Drouin from Montreal, Canada writes: j q from Canada asks what Gainey will/would do about Halak down the stretch. It's possible he'll keep him for the season simply because the more he plays the higher will be his value.

    Depending on where the Habs are in February in the standings, Gainey may trade for a top line center or defenseman. However, he may not need to go to Halak for trade bait. There are four or five other players who could be thrown into the mix: Denis (when he gets back on track), Dandeneault, Bouillon, Bégin, Chipchura or Lapierre among a couple of others from last years Bulldogs and Cincinnati ECHL team; as well as a draft pick.

    One thing is certain, Gainey will NOT trade and upset the applecart, i.e. team chemistry. Between Gainey, Carbonneau, Muller and Jarvis there is so much Stanley Cup playoff experience that if and when decisions are made, they will be made with a lot of reflection and evaluation of available talent.

    In conclusion, Price is the key. If he gets injured Halak can handle it. Denis is there to win back a spot in the NHL.....in Hamilton. He'll be sharing the job with a youngster named Cedric Desjardins----a sleeper. Watch out for him in two or three years as back-up to Price. He won the ECHL championship last year with the likes of Desharnais, another sleeper.

    The Canadiens are in it for the Cup. Time will tell. But it is not hype to legitimately consider the Habs ahead of all East Conf contenders.

    Regards, Georges D.
  11. Pan de Monium from Canada writes: I hope they're not thinking about trading Halak, regardless of whether Cedric Desjardins has promise. At this point Marc Denis doesn't appear to be enough insurance. At any rate, goaltenders do not tend to get great return value in trades. The Habs let Huet go for a draft pick last year. Is Halak worth more than Huet? I think not, at least not yet. When you look at Detroit last year they used Hasek a lot in the regular season and then went to Osgood in the playoffs. They did that with Osgood and Vernon in the past too! The question begs itself, do the Habs need to add any new parts considering 3 starters are injured, a very good player is in the press box and the farm club has numerous players ready to step up to the big team? A question that can be better answered around the trade deadline perhaps but so far I'd say, "No!"
  12. ray ittac from Canada writes: Kudos to the Habs as they took my other Ontario team and spanked them. Kudos to the Leafs as it is much more refreshing to watch them lose but see a possible plan in place. MY PREDICTION: THE LEAFS WILL WIN A CUP BEFORE OTTAWA DOES. I hate myself for that suggestion but any team that throws away the stacked teams of the last 4 years as the Sens have......snakebit darnit. Hey Wilson...talk to the Moore kid...I enjoy watching him play but the penalties are killing him.
  13. ray ittac from Canada writes: Cmon Rainbow--you know the rules. As soon as the media is done with all the Leaf news...we'll present the Sens stories. Jeez...you knew at this?
  14. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: May I remind the Montreal supporters on this board that they have an overtime loss and a comprehensive win against two teams that did not make the playoffs last year and are not expected to challenge for Stanley this year.

    Reading the earlier posts, the H stand for hubris.
  15. garlick toast from Canada writes: 'Belle, consider us warned.I fear Buffalo will be the surprise team of the East, fast,young and well coached.The Leafs, not so much. They should send Schenn[sp?] back down and not ruin him.
  16. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: Mariposa, ol Scotty Loucks was at the game in person tonite. Be lookin in the morning to see his comments. Did not see the game, just the end of night score but guess something was different than the opening game. Let Scotty tell us all about it. Cheers all
  17. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Let's not get too far ahead of our respective teams/heros. The Habs looked very efficient tonight and were. For Leaf supporters, buckle up, it will be a roller coaster ride.

    While I understand the passion of Habs fan, and generally suport them, I was not impressed by the Ole/Ole chant 5 minutes from the end of the second game of the season. They might want that for the playoffs. It seemed cheap tonight.
  18. Alen Lager from brampton, Canada writes: Would someone please inform Don Cherry that a Hab's power play with Tom Kostopolis on the ice is not their number 1 PP unit. Jeez, just retire already, or better yet get a job on Leafs TV so that your salary won't be coming from my taxes.
  19. Rene L from Somewhere, Canada writes: Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: May I remind the Montreal supporters on this board that they have an overtime loss and a comprehensive win against two teams that did not make the playoffs last year and are not expected to challenge for Stanley this year.

    Reading the earlier posts, the H stand for hubris.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Oh please.... reading the above posts your comment does not seem justified and your other 11:31Pm comment also seems a little prejudiced. The Montreal fans sing olé olé at pretty much every game but this somehow insults your sensibilities? Why? Big deal... its the beginning of the season and Montreal fans are happy - so what?
  20. Alen Lager from brampton, Canada writes: Uh Mariposa, you do realise that this game was played in Toronto? If a few hundred Hab fans in a crowd of 18 000 Leafs fans cheering Ole! bothers you, well what can I say?
  21. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Sigh.... well... the game was better than the score indicated. Had they scored earlier on some of their chances.... it might have been a different story.

    Schenn looked like an 18 year old out there.

    The refereeing was atrocious..... though it didn't effect the outcome of the game. Three times Montreal had delayed penalties and the Leafs had the puck.... and the ref blew the whistle. Also..... Antropov goal should have counted.... we could tell at the rink and it was obvious when I just watched the replay.

    Believe it or not ..... that was the first Montreal/Toronto game that I have seen live. I always sold those tickets for big bucks.

    I couldn't believe how many Habs fans were there..... it seemed like half the ACC was wearing Habs sweaters.

    The fans were cruel in the Greens and Purples.... watched the 2nd and 3rd from the Reds where they were a little more civilized. The Ole, Ole started in the first.... the Go Habs Go during the intro of the Olympic winners was tasteless.

    All in all it was a fun game to watch... the building was loud.

    Cheers.
  22. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Alen Lager..... half the rink were habs fans.

    Cheers
  23. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: What a GREAT day that I had !

    Harvesting apples and pumpkins in the Annapolis Valley with the wife and kids followed by a great result in the Habs - Leafs game to top it all off. Ahhh..... "Provincial" life.... How sweet it is !

    At the risk of annoying one of my 3M business associates, all that I will add here is, "The Winters of my childhood were long, long seasons."

    Noted that some of the CBC commentators were questioning as to whether Carbonneau should have still had have had his foot on the gas when the Habs were up 6-1.

    The answer to that one is "absolutely."

    Hugs and Kisses to the Centre of the Universe's, Ms. Atwood.

    Happy Thankgiving weekend to everyone. Would love to stay and gloat, but I have 13.1 miles to run early in the morning.

    Cheers
  24. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    Sorry to spoil your daughter's 20th birthday tonight...

    Still I hope that you and she enjoyed the game and had fun...

    You need to get to a Habs' playoff game in Montreal someday if you thought that the ACC was loud tonight... If you haven't experienced that yet, you really MUST make plans to do so ...

    BTW Andropov's "goal" was definitely directed in with an elbow...

    No goal... I waved it off the moment that I saw it...

    Cheers
  25. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: As for the players..... I'll bet Toskala want that first goal back.

    Van Ryn and Frogren both were impressive. Liked Grabovski and Hagman.... Kulemin looked good.

    Good to see Moore go after Komisarek..... Komisarek should have had a penalty for a hit from behind... too bad he had to take a slash and a roughing penalty.... but it was still good to see.

    Schenn jumping in after Kostitsyn hit from behind was pretty cool..... Schenn certainly looked ready to go.

    Montreal? They certainly don't have to be concerned about their goal tending... Halak was solid.

    A fast team with a great power play.... penalty kill looked solid but I'm not sure if that was because of the Leafs lack of a PP or because they are good.

    Don't think you Habs fans have to worry about Kovalev.... he looks as good (or better) than last year.

    Cheers.
  26. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Rene and Alen - I was suggesting that Habs supporters may want to keep their powder dry for more important occasions later in the year. It is a little early to award Stanley to Montreal based on an overtime loss to Buffalo and an emphatic win against a Leaf squad built to compete in 4 years time.

    Go ahead,sing Ole when you are winning - what do you sing when you are losing?
  27. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Miller ...... overhead replay shows the puck bouncing off of him and headed to the net..... prior to him moving his elbow.

    Enjoy your run..... I wouldn't run 13.1 km unless someone was chasing me with a gun. :)

    Cheers
  28. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    Loucks... 13.1 km is a piece of cake.... 13.1 miles is a bit of a sweat...

    However, I'll be watching for snipers dressed in Blue and White along the route... :)

    The moment that Andropov moved his elbow, he showed his intent to use it to knock the puck in the net...

    No goal !

    And I would expect that Gainey hangs on to Halak.

    PS... The Flames -- Canucks game looks like a real battle tonight...

    Incredible intensity.

    Cheers
  29. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Habs fans....

    As I reminded my gloating next door neighbours at the game tonight.

    After 1993 you have had pretty much 13 years of mediocrity. I believe if you check the record the Leafs were much more successful during that period.

    It was enough for this long long time Leaf fan to change his ways and cheer for the Habs as a Canadian team.....

    Thanks for Grabovski btw..... a talented hard working kid that has to play top 6 minutes.... something the Habs didn't have room for.

    I doubt very much that Leaf fans will have to deal with 13 years of mediocrity before this team competes again.

    Cheers
  30. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: No way Miller.... not that it really matters.... but I just watched the slo mo replay.

    He didn't move his elbow until the puck was on its way back to the net.

    Cheers
  31. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    You are absolutely correct about the years of "Les Miserables..."

    In those years, Molson realized that they could ice any team of yahoos in the "Blue, Blanc et Rouge" and still make a profit at the gate...

    Things didn't REALLY start to turn around in Montreal until the entrance of Msr. George Gillett and Msr. Bob Gainey...

    PS. There's a hidden message in this post if you look for it.

    Cheers
  32. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Congrats to the Canucks who just beat Calgary AGAIN in overtime...

    Gotta Love that Team too.

    Hap Stokes, my Left Bookend Brother -- Your kids are showing some spunk out there...

    Cheers
  33. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: So has Vancouver been underrated that much? Or has Calgary been overrated that much?

    I'm going with Calgary is overrated..... they will be in tough to make the playoffs.

    Cheers
  34. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    I would have to guess that it's a little bit of both, but my Bookend Brother has been warning us all pre-season that the Canucks are a vastly different team this year out on the Left Coast...

    And as a fellow Bluenoser, I would have to agree with Hap from what I have seen so far...

    The Nucks seem to be incredibly aggressive and don't back down to anyone... They are definitely shaking the rap that they are a "soft" hockey team.

    I think that the Habs are starting to shake this rap too, but time will tell on that front. I was VERY impressed to see them keeping their foot on their opponent's neck even when up 6-1 tonight.

    Cheers
  35. Mike Witcher from Montreal, Canada writes: Scot Locks writes:
    "I doubt very much that Leaf fans will have to deal with 13 years of mediocrity before this team competes again."

    Sorry, but I looked up the term "mediocrity" in my dictionary and it is clear that the Leafs are currently contending with 31 years of mediocrity and counting.
  36. pierre boutin from montreal, writes:
    As a Habs fan the 6-1 win felt good ... there is always a bit of insecurity at the start of a new season but now i know at least that power play scoring should be one of our strong asset once again.... its a powefull too have in today's NHL.

    On the other hand i wasn't whishing toronto to get outscored like this in their game hopener.... yet it was a good coaching decision to keep sendind the best of our players during those late PP because this early in the season its like if training camp is still in progress and its a good time to keep refining things out.

    Toronto seems to have a good coach and should provide good entertainement value as they rebuilt themselves trought the years.... a GM with a clear vision and great scouting staffs is very important to move in the right direction ... and with a lttle luck things can move forward relativelly fast ( S. Kostsitsyn who scored twice tonight was picked-drafted 220th overall and is a great top 6 forward for our futur ).
  37. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: great post Pierre.

    ------------- Mike Witcher ... you might want to check the stats..... There are lots of teams that haven't won the Cup... but check out your teams playoff record between 1994 and 2005.

    I think it's great that the Habs are back.... Don't think they can beat the Wings or Dallas or SJ or Anaheim in a Stanley cup final..... but they could well win the east.

    The Leafs have'nt won the cup in 41 years..... 1967... and I was at the parade............ certainly not expecting that drought to end this year. The Leafs have had good times and bad times over those 41 years.....

    Next cycle says good times :)

    Cheers
  38. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Miller

    You think you had a good day, I spent my day paddling up a river in Kauai, ziplining in the Jungle, and swimming-rope swinging-cliff jumping on the many spots they filmed Indiana Jones-Lost Ark . I figured that was pretty solid until I arrived back to my villa to discover our Habs have beaten Scottys beloved Leafs. Needless to say I was all smiles. You may find this hard to believe but I could have watched the game in my room, and I did in fact watch most of the Leafs Wings game the other day on Vs. Sadly it is nearly impossible to find any news, NHL network is available but they dont have it in room. Scot, I as well will be taking in my first Leafs-Habs game in march and am hoping for the same result.

    Vive Les Canadiens
  39. Hap Stokes from Canada writes: Thanks for staying up late Central Cdn fans.
    Even more thanks to my Bluenose & Newfie Screech drinking buddies.

    And no Scot the Flames are NOT OVER-RATED!
    Calgary is one of the PREMIER teams in the entire NHL.
    Sure that was a wildly exciting game but the Canucks got lucky tonight.
    Overall Calgary is the VERY much better team. SKILL (& player) WISE
    But the Knuckleheads are very TOUGH and extremely FAST too.
    Yet the Canucks need a few more years to beat the Flames over-all.

    Ever since the last real fighting CHAMP of Champions--Gordie Howe
    Has anybody ever seen a slugger like that little Canucks Rick Rypien?
    Kriist can that little piss-pot ever wing his lightening fists.
    Just like my old Machine Gun--ratty tat tat tat tat boom.-- KOed
    And so much for last year's AHL Heavy Weight Champion--Sleepy Time
    Bet that little Rick Rypien settles a lot of major arguments this year!

    Not only is Rypien the fighter of all fighters in the NHL--
    He's fast and can score too--Do you hear me you A/Hole Avery?
    Wait until the Knuckleheads play Dallas--Bye Bye THEN big mouth
  40. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Scot

    I live in Calgary, and yes they are overrated. Talking to the flames fans they seem to forget that aside from winning the division 3 years ago, not much impressive has happened here in cow town since. 2 8th place conference finishes followed by 2 first round knockouts leaves much room for improvement. Hopefully none of my buddies are reading this right now, Im not at home to defend my property;)
    Oh, what the hell is wrong with Peca? has he lost his marbles?
  41. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: pierre boutin from Montreal:

    It's not a matter of wanting to see the Habs crush the Buds at all...

    It's a matter of always playing to the best of a T-E-A-M's ability. In the last several seasons, the Habs have may lost the killer instinct that I have seen in them in the past in the last seventies when I lived in Montreal...

    The Habs should try to take their lesson this year from last year's New England Patriots...

    In many respects, Carbonneau should have an advantage in reinforcing that my dad's relative, Mr. MacNeil, never had in 1972...

    No one on the Habs' roster should ever have been untouchable and there are no excuses for every member of this T-E-A-M to not be playing to the best of their abilities at all times...

    Cheers
  42. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Jude Hannaford from Canada:

    Ahhh.... Your Saturday beat mine for sure....

    However, I am off to run 13.1 miles in the glorious sunshine through cornfields and the fall colours of the Annapolis Valley this morning...

    I am thankful for what I have though which includes the effort given to us, Habs' fans, by our team last night...

    Nevertheless, I do agree with you.

    Vive les Canadiens.
  43. Rusty Waters from Canada writes: Quebec has always had the best hockey team in the NHL, the Montreal Canadians...the most Stanley Cups..The rest of Canada and the United States is trying to play hockey like the Quebec teams. The French Canadian teams are just too fast and too skilled for the farmers of Ontario and Alberta. The exuse for Toronto this year is they are building a team. Building a team, what a laugh, Toronto hasen't won a cup in 40 years ...a long time rebuilding...probably another 40 before the Leafs can become competative. There should be a policy of the Ontario Government to pay for a least one field trip for the students of Ontario to visit the province of Quebec to see how the real Hockey game is played. I know now why the national sport of Canada is lacrosse and not hockey because the Canadian government and the Canadian people realize the hockey game belongs to the province of Quebec. Harper reconizes Quebec as nation and I will expect soon Hockey will become its national sport. The Leafs are an embarrassment to the game of Hockey. Toronto had a chance with Fergueson but he wasn't given a chance to teach the leafs to play skilled hockey like the Canadians..
  44. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    I liked Wilson's post game comments. No more protective BS. He held the veterns responsible. When was the last time a coach for the Leafs did that-Go public and challenge the pride. That is one of the few things left for a coach to use.

    It's going to be a tough 3-5 years, but with good scouting and good draft picks and smart trades, this can be turned around. Is Cliff up to the job?
    .
  45. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: This result should surprise no one. Halak and Price will no doubt continue to play well, so no reason to break up a winning tandem. If Gainey lands either Gaborik or Sundin, watch out.
  46. Dwide Schrude from Canada writes: Hockey is the only sport where "shots on goal" is an achievement. In basketball, if you take a lot of shots on the net and they don't go in it's a negative stat. It's called a free throw percentage and a low one is a bad thing. In hockey if you lose 6-1 but took a lot of shots on goal, it's a positive. That's always how they spin in on 640 am radio. "well the Leafs lost to the Sens 10-0, but it's wierd because the Leafs took just as many shots on goal as Ottawa"

    When are Leafs fans going to realize that a lot of shots on goal that don't go in are a bad stat. It means they're horrible at shooting.
  47. PuckDroppings 101 from Montreal, Canada writes: To Mariposa and other readers who are put off by Habs fans' soccer chant: They sing Ole Ole Ole in the pre-season, the regular season and the playoffs. Quebeckers sing it at rock concerts to entice bands to return for encores and they bellow it at Alouettes games. If that offends your sensibilities, then clearly you need to visit la Belle Province to experience a real celebration at live events, as opposed to the contrived, scoreboard-induced attempts at encouraging the Pavlovian dogs at the ACC into faking that they're having a good time. Mind you, after being robbed of a month's mortgage payment to witness a pathetic display by their home team, I can understand why Leaf fans need to be prodded to cheer. Still on the subject of sour grapes from Ontario, would HNIC and Cherry please hold a mirror up to their Torontocentricity and admit that they would be lauding Ron Wilson for not taking his foot off the gas late in the third had the roles been reversed? It's Game #2 of the season and the best power play in the league is undergoing adjustments to offset the loss of Mark Streit. When are they supposed to get game reps? At their practice arena? BTW, Grapes, Sean called to say your magazines are showing underneath your garish pantlegs.
  48. Jah Nee Kah Sun from Canada writes: Nice job Carbo....keeping the pressure on for three solid periods. Last year the Canadiens blew a couple of leads because they let up during a match. It's always nice to bury the Buds....Go Habs Go
    Hey Bob Cole...you're not missed.
  49. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Millertime, watched my favourite show after the first period last night. Highlight of the night was when my buddy Don called your boy Sid "Golden Boy". Priceless! Too soon to watch hockey. No ice on the river yet. Maybe December.
  50. Seat 4D from Ottawa, Canada writes: I have never posted here before, so it must be said that there are 3 things in this world that I love: My wife, my kids and the Montreal Canadiens (and depending on who is doing what, that order may change).

    Being a glass is half full sort of fella, I never gloat when the Habs win, I just smile. (I'm smiling big time this morning.) It's a long season and it doesn't pay too get too cocky.

    I must admit that I chuckled when I saw a T-shirt in Montreal a couple of weeks ago. It sported a Leafs logo and

    L osers
    E ven
    A fter
    F orty
    S easons

    Poor Leafs fans... no home team deserves the fate of being run by the Teachers Pension Plan.
  51. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: Scot, tell us all again how great the Leafs D is, and how great Vesa Toskala is? Haha, what a lark.

    The best part was you were there.

    Habs win 6-1 but Cherry still finds something to criticize them for, and defend the Leafs in doing so. He's so biased it's not funny anymore. Get him off the air.
  52. Paul I from Rochester Noo Yawk, United States writes: Thud. Crash.Crater.Search for Survivors.Voice and Instrument recorders located and sent to Ottawa for analysis. HNIC opening theme and video looks like high school visual arts project.

    My Saturday included building a slide board for my goalie kid and drowning ten golf balls playing nine holes with my teenager. Beautiful day here in Lower Slobovia

    R.Miller-How did you do today?

    Loucks et al- Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
  53. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: Pope Paul I from """NOO YAK"""" U should have invited FIGJAM to play golf with you. Then there would have been 20 drowned golf balls. didnt see the hockey game, saw the end scoring, no comment on what happened, see by posters above that they know all the detail. Our buddy Scotty Loucks was there in person, read his posts for the most accurate happenings (other than the disalowed goal). Think Scotty is bias on that viewpoint. From the angles I have seen on the replays.
  54. R A from Canada writes: Habs showed their speed and skill tonight. The score didnt bother me as much as how the Leafs rolled over so easy after they got behind.

    Blake is useless, he scored the only goal but he is useless nontheless.
  55. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: EJ Ravensbud from Canada:

    Grapes used to also call Wayne Gretzky the "Golden Boy" so I would take that as a compliment if I was Sid...

    One of my dying wishes is to still see the Kid don the "Blue, Blanc et Rouge" someday like his dad did for the Junior Canadiens...

    Not sure if it will happen or not, but still hoping that it will someday...

    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada:

    Good post !

    I still wonder which "veterans" that Wilson was calling out with respect to the Leafs in that post-game interview, but good for him for doing so.

    At least, it does seem like a bit of change is in the air from the TO coach.

    Cheers
  56. Paul I from Rottenchester, United States writes: PC- I get all my info from the posters. I quit on my team at 4-0. it was pretty clear they tossed the towel in at that point. I hope it was opening night jitters.If not, April can't get here quick enough.
  57. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester Noo York, United States:

    Thanks for asking...

    Didn't set any speed records, but ended up with 1 hr. 48 min. in the half of the Tim Horton's Valley Harvest Marathon...

    For an old guy who started running late in life, I was happy with my run especially when I was still buzzing last night after the Flames- Canucks game and only ended up getting about 3 hours of sleep...

    Fantastic, sunny day running through the apple orchards and corn fields in the Annapolis Valley...

    I was happier still that I passed a young kid wearing a Leafs hat... :)

    Great motivator -- They should put Leafs hats on all the top runners to motivate the slow pokes like myself.

    Cheers
  58. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    R Miller from Halifax,: Hey RM-tks for correcting the typo. He was calling out the defencemen-soft in front of the net and out of position. Time for NFL proline pics.
    .
  59. Steve Church from Canada writes: Leafs talent level showed last night. They were competitive for the first half of the first period, and by the end of the first they were sucking for energy and behind in the score. The sloppy penalties later were the consequence of chase-waste early on. The Game plays by time and score; the Leafs are going to face similar beatings when the opposition gets the upper hand. Nik's goal wasn't going to count - his elbow motion went with the puck. Wilson embarrassed himself after the Game - don't try to slap the media around when you're behind the bench for something like that.
  60. Paul I from Rottenchester, United States writes: R.Miller- I'm worried that a lot of old guys will be passing young kids this year wearing Leaf hats (and jerseys).

    Kudos on the running. Best thing for you, especially on a day like today. Did I ever tell you I have considered Annapolis Valley one of my top five retirement locations ? (And I've only seen pictures) You are lucky to live where you do.

    Bonne journee!
  61. J K GALBRAITH from Canada writes: Mats, please come back to at least make this season bearable!
  62. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: C'mon, Leaf fans...

    This was just one game for crying out loud...

    We're just joking with you.

    Your team beat the Stanley Cup Champions last Thursday...

    Get a grip !

    OMG... I am starting to sound like Loucks...

    Cheers
  63. steve allan from Canada writes: The Leafs will never be a winner with a guy like Colaiacovo playing defence for them. This guy doesn't even belong in the minors!
  64. pierre boutin from montreal, writes:
    I agree R Miller.... talent and skill without attitude and intensity are but dormant attributes.... promoting the best of effort at all time should never be put into question.... Carbonneau kept the sails wide open until the end last night and the message was as clear as the Annapolis Valley can be on a good day.
  65. Innis Mor from Ontario, Canada writes: re: conjecture Halak might be traded at some point this season. Nice idea, because he could realy bring some more quality skater(s), but it would be really rolling the die -- if Price went down injured for the play-offs, Denis (anymore) and Desjardins (yet) aren't NHL goalies; the Habs' goose would likely be cooked.
  66. Innis Mor from Ontario, Canada writes: Sorry, but the Antropov goal can't count. You can't throw your elbow at the puck and have the puck go into the net, no matter the intention -- ref's aren't there to construe players' "intentions".
  67. pierre boutin from montreal, writes:
    No gambling on our centenial season... Halak looks great and is ours for two years.

    He could be a great asset next summer though when alot of our pieces will need proper re-assessements in light of so many contracts ending at this point in time.
  68. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Miller

    You do have up on me, I coulnt run 13 klicks to save my life, good on you Sir. Although I am tromping through paradise I find myself longing for home. Fall is my favarite time of year for many reasons, the weather, the odors and of course the Canadiens. I look forward to getting home and watching them on the best NHL coverage availalbe, RDS.

    Note to leafs fans, keep your chins up, it might be a long season. My memory isnt so short that I cant remember being told that my team wasnt a playoff contender and lo and behold I was able to enjoy one of the best regular seasons I have seen in my short life.

    and of course

    Vive Les Canadiens
  69. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Millertime, as least Wayne was blond. Mixed day for you, Habs win a laugher and Sox lose a tight one.
  70. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Leafs brought back to earth? - more like dead and buried six feet under.

    Too easy to critique this one but the Leafs did play throughout - I saw none of last year's quit and whine except among some of the posters above. (Antropov goal, poor officiating, .......)

    Ron Wison has his work cut out for him over the enxt few days to maintain some degree of confidence in what could soon be a dispirited team.

    So far I like what I've seen with the Leafs, unlike what the Sens did Saturday when they were intimidated into a loss - more serious than at first blush as it goes to the guts of the team that must improve if they are to contend.
  71. john smidt from Canada writes: i watched last nights game with much anticipation and hoped that god's team( the montreal canadiens) would give me the best birthday gift i could get a win over the haplees and laughingstock leafs! as game time approached i phoned a few of my friend 4 to be exact 2 were habs fans 2 were leafs fans ! so the chirping strated back and forth as usaul with leafs and canadiens fans! i told my 2 leafs buddies that the leafs would get smoked like a cheap cigar ! that the score would be 7-2 habs! of course they said i was nuts! but after watching lasts nights game i seen just how good the habs were and how terrible the laffs were/are and thought this will probably be the score (or close) to in all the games played this year between the habs and the laffs!i'm sorry laffs but you have nothing to look forward too ! nothing for at least 5 years!i 'm sorry to gloat but if the shoe was on the other foot............you guys would be enjoying this too! here's a question for you make me laffs fans!

    what is the difference between a cigarette machine and the toronto maple leafs?

    answer:
    a cigarette machine has players!

    also firends don't let friend grow up to be leafs fans! na na na na
    na na na na hey hey good bye and ole ole ole!! this is our year habs fans!
  72. Paul I from Rochester Noo Yawk, United States writes: Mr.Martel- Your post is a tad over the top for a season that is two games old. If the team is in jeopardy of being 'dis-spirited" after one bad game, than things with the Leafs are more dire than even this fan of 47 years had imagined.Try a few cleansing breaths before your next post.

    Bonne journee-
  73. from Canada writes: how do you like them apples?
  74. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Paul I

    Re the Leafs - I said could soon be a dispitited team implying that it would take a string of lopsided losses to do so.

    I didn't say it would happen, only that it could happen and that Wilson will be challenged to ensure that it doesn't happen.
  75. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: I started chanting Cujo! Cujo! Cujo! after the 1st period when it was obvious Toskala was acting like a 30-yr old career backup goaltender....

    The Habs PP was just amazing. I've never seen anything like that from them. Not only were they constantly moving the puck but the players were also moving all over the place. Kovalev was on the point, then Lang, then Tanguay, then they would all collapse down low with only Markov at the blueline. It was beautiful.

    Kovalev showed a move I had never seen before. He schooled Van Ryn like he was a schoolgirl.

    I had to be in Toronto over the weekend. From what I heard of "leaf nation", they are extremely bitter, jealous and poor sports that the Habs have high expectations while the leafs have none.
  76. carey price from Canada writes: In Montreal we really love our team and show it even if it's a road game you'll still hear us yell go habs go!
  77. Ed Op from Canada writes: Late to the conversation, but here's my two cents:

    Leafs actually looked decent through most of the first and had some decent chances but had the bounces go the other way. Give it to the Habs, they started fast and ramped it up each period. Antropov's line still looked slow to me though they came up with the only point. Like Grabovski. Schenn, I thought, didn't look any worse than any other Leaf defender - should he be kept away from a loser experience as j q said up top? Relax! This is one game! On that point, the score should/could have been closer - Leafs were not outplayed by such a wide margin - two softish goals by Toskala (first and one other), quite a few posts from the Leafs, lucky bounces for Habs - it could just as easily have been a 4-2 win by the Habs. Antropov's goal should absolutely have been allowed since a) he only moved after contact, b) they let much more obvious attempts at redirecting stand when it's done with the skate and c) the intent of a rule against redirecting should be to prevent knocking the puck in with your hand - if you can score by twitching your elbow, knee, hip or nose, good for you I say.

    Bottom line: the Leafs aren't that bad, though the Habs are almost that good. Leafs will lose some of those though I think we'll see less of it as the year goes on because Wilson is a coach who can at least get his team to be sound defensively.

    As always, I worry about the crowd. The people who show up at Leaf games (i.e those who get corporate seats for the most part) are not actually Leaf fans. The Leafs get a better reception in other rinks when the real Leaf fans actually show up and cheer. Honestly, Toronto must be the worst place in the world to play in many ways - the media and fan scrutiny is the fiercest but the fans at the ACC are the feeblest. Toxic mix.
  78. garlick toast from Canada writes: The Leafs will ruin Schenn by putting him into situations he can't control.Send him down and bring him back when there's a system in place that he can fit into.
  79. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Stick with the plan...

    Schenn should get nine games in the NHL this season...

    Cheers

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