The Season is Over

Venting coming soon.

Leafs 5 - Senators 4 -- Four Points Out

Last night the Leafs went toe to toe with a high ranked Ottawa Senators, the Sens are a shadow of themselves from the start of the year, but still have the talent and winning experience to pose a threat to the injury riddled, young Maple Leafs. Without Sundin and Antropov, Colaiacovo and Devereaux to boot, this team now lead by Pavel Kubina, Darcy Tucker, Stajan, Steen and as always Vesa Toskala, did the unthinkable and batted back from a one goal, and then from a two goal deficit in the third. It was a very exciting game that had everything, proof was to how the emotions came spilling out after the final buzzer, Ottawa themselves having to deal with injury to a few starters that night had given it there all, but there were out all played by the Maple Leafs.

The power play was clutch last night for the blue and white as it has been for the last few games, the PK was tested by a very talented PP, the Leafs stood tall, but were clearly feeling the effects of the second game of a back to back stretch in the schedule. The crowning moment for last nights special teams came from none other then Pavel Kubina using his strong presence to clear bodies from in front of the goal in the final seconds preventing Fisher from tying the game.

Just like Kubina, Darcy Tucker has taking their game up a notch. Darcy Tucker has been clutch for the past month or so, but he has been epic since Sundin went down. Tucker has scored some big goals and points at big moments of the game to ensure that his team would not die. Last nights goal late in the second period was as big as his assist for the Stajan goal, honourable mention to Kubina for having the sense and skill to go end to end and split the 5 opposition on the ice. Tucker scored the game winner the previous night, and versus the Islanders he, along with his line played great defensively to preserve the win. Even last night, Tucker foiled a Jason Spezza end to end rush with a quite poke check in the neutral zone.

Tucker has truly been a leader for this team, in the past he lead through his emotion, but at times the spectacle was distracting to his own and teams game, it out did its merit. This season, all season when healthy has been the first time Tucker has been able to walk the line consistently, his emotions are utilized constructively, he is not preoccupied with how unfairly the refs are treating him, and as a result is fighting through all hooks and holds, all in all he plays the game smarter, the injury riddled start may have had something to do withy that.

Uri Tlusty, what a battle he had last night with one of the elite wingers in the game Danny Heatley. The Sens coach tried to match his top line versus the inexperienced Tlusty every chance he got. What the Senators didn’t know was the only part of Tlustys game that has been consistent his rookie season has been his balance, strength, and his defensive responsibilities. Not only did he keep Heatley of the score sheet 5on5, he was a thorn in his side the entire game, Tlusty scoring the tying goal in Heatley face to start the third was even more impressive, it was a huge goal, and that now makes 7 for the rookie. What followed was a shift that Tlusty almost took Heatleys head off away from the play, followed by another shift of Heatley taking a diving penalty, clearly flustered at the way he was being contained.

Kronwall, after a great return in his first game, it looks as though the reality set in as he hasn’t seen real action since the new year, his timing was off as his missed a speedy Fisher crossing the blueline during the first. In the second after a poor effort by White to quickly attack his man in the corner, both White and Krnowall left their mark alone in front of for a goal against. That said, Kronwall got stronger as the game progressed, he had a strong third period as he utilized his reach and size to close the time and space for incoming forwards, Kronwall at times successfully thwarted rushes as he would push up to the center line, he only got caught not getting back in time as the puck was pushed passed him once, but with time he will perfect his timing and that that ability to cover both the neutral and defensive zone with ease will be utilized and become a great assest for the Maple Leafs going forward. Plus you gotta love the fight after he smoked McAmmoned with a crushing hit.

Kaberle has been his great self, while McCabe is playing the best down low hockey of his career. Blake has been good as he has been all season long, he point production doesn’t equate to everything he does on that ice for this team. Ponikarovsky has been solid and efficient; he has more in the tank and much similarly to his career has yet to hit his full potential. What Poni and the rest of the critics have to do is take his size out of his hockey equation. Just because he is big doesn’t mean he has to go out there and be a bone crusher or mix it up every shift. This guy has to know and feel comfortable to play his game which is a speed and skill game, his size and strength will better utilize his assets with a game he can be effective and comfortable with. Steen has been a leader at both ends of the ice, and has taken on the center role with great success.

Up next are two games versus the Bruins, the Leafs sit four points back of beantown and regulation wins are what is needed, the games get bigger from each game to the next, there is no better hockey to watch which is just another positive to not ‘tanking the season’.

Leafs 4 - Sabres 1 -- Five Points Out

Five on Three

First things first, in the second period, Stralman scored his first of what will be many goals last night. The release of his stick was fast, the puck strategically traveled with velocity and pace to find the back of the twine. The spontaneous snap shot has been used earlier in the year by Anton, it resulted in two or three assists as the pucks were tipped in past an unprepared, unsettled goalie. Could very quickly become trademarked as a result of how hard and fast he can release it. His goal was timely, and took whatever strengthen the Sabres were beginning to muster away, the Leafs never looked back. Whats even more impressive is that Stralman was instrumental in the first Leafs goal with a timely pass to Ponikarovsky who chipped it to Steen who got it to Blake.

It was at the beginning of the second period that really set the tone for the game. After letting the Sabres cut the lead in half, the Leafs fell victim to back to back to back penalties, for what seemed to be an eternity of being short 2 men, the Leafs displayed true character by killing all of them. Matt Stajan was huge on the PK, aggressive to the lanes, Stajan blocked shot after shot, being short 2, it was nothing short of brilliance.

In his first game back, with limited ice time Kronwall played very well considering his long absence, he even saw some PK time on that lengthy 5on3 and performed quite well. He kept things simple and helped his team mates finally contain that speedy Sabre offence. White showed speed and some shifty puck work that looks to either spell more confidence or added pressure form both Stralman and Kronwall. White is improving each game, has shown to be effective when moving his feet and playing quick on the PK, his speed being consistent is what is leading to his success, but still his deep zone coverage is still weak, instead of attempting to contain the opponent when things do go bad, its at that time he has to light the afterburners and get quicker to force the play.

As you could tell I was late on my last two write ups, blame this to the new contact job I got that has me working plenty of overtime, make no mistake, I make time to watch the game, not the time to write about em. I started writing this blog before the start of the Senators game and finished it after, it’s a good thing I am working these hours, it looks as though I may need that money for playoff tickets after all.

Leafs 3 - Islanders 1 --Six Points Out

That’s the way the puck bounces.


Listening to the first period on the way home from work, you could understand how bewildered I was at having to hear about that unbelievable shot from goalline to goalline which ended up behind Toskala. A goal like that could easily deflate a team; it ultimately would have ended the season if the young blood on the Leafs didn’t boil. The entire team played big, being their for their keeper after a uncharacteristic goal, more importantly the team was lead to another victory by none other the Pavel Kubina who has been as solid as a rock all year, with exception to the small hiccup after the two week knee injury.


Speaking of injury, Carlo Colaiacovo has again been hit hard with another wound. Having never been able to participate at 100% because of the wonky knee not being healthy, the rest of him had to overcompensate for it. As a result, you get injuries like this. The guy is still young, loaded with talent, and will only get stronger, he’ll be with team for a very long time, and if this injury is truly his last, he will one day wear the C.


The Replacement, Steffan Kronwall, trading injuries with Colaiacovo throughout his career, Kronwall is strong and healthy and ready to step into the lineup to finally solidify his roster position. After what Kronwall demonstrated earlier this season, I have a lot of faith in this player, his no longer panics at the disco, and he has excellent puck control for a player that size, size that he uses a lot more often and effectively since getting even larger, his reach is mammoth.

Sabres 6 - Leafs 2 -- Six Points Out

Sundin’s injury was more serious then first anticipated, a strained muscle turned into a cramp, and Sundin is listed as doubtful for even Tuesday. At the time of Sundins departure, seeing his performance throughout the season, I didn’t want to admit to it being a lengthy injury, but at the same time I was readily anticipating the reaction from the Leafs young blood, not to mention finally seeing Antropov at his rightful spot at center, a spot where the second leading scorer could step up and attempt to take on the new role he was drafted to accept 10 years ago.

Unbeknownst to me, Maurice decided to start Steen at center, a position that Steen has never played with any regularity ever in his NHL career, and never once this season. In a must win situation, Maurice gives Sundins spot to an albeit excellent and deserving player, but few players are equipped to just throw in the fire and expect them to learn and play a new spot on the ice flawlessly while against a real quick team, in a playoff atmosphere, he wasn’t at his defensive best because he wasn’t accustom to the position, forced to think not react. Whats more is that Antropov, who has earned that spot, who also has the experience and talent to boot, but who has played center well in the past, started the season on a tear at center, yet he was not given the spot.

The start was terrible and disjointed, Leafs couldn’t generate a rush and were forced to play outta their own end until the made a mistake deep, the end result was the same result the last time these teams met, a blowout.

The same bad luck can be said about Antropov and his injury, he was reported as trying to exercise his grievance during the game, but to no avail, he remained on the sideline. Unfortunately for everyone the sideline is just where Antropov was to start the game as a result of Maurice giving away an opportunity to win, and at the same time giving away and opportunity to let Antropov win it for them.

The games in hand are done, the Leafs need to finish three to four wins better then the competition in the remaining nine games, Philadelphia looks to have the most difficult schedule, Boston is in the midst of its biggest slump and Chara injury, Buffalo is surging and playing their best hockey of the season, Washington is getting the job done but continues to lose the big game, Florida is still hanging around. The Islanders are facing the Leafs on Tuesday, both teams trail the four teams mentioned as two spots remain.

Leafs 4 - Flyers 3 -ot- Leafs 3 - Flyers 2 -- Five Points Out

What more could be said about the effort and result of the past two nights. From coach to player, this team was unified in their desire and determination to win at all costs. Leadership, dedication and results provided on the backs of all 5 No Traitors, through their guidance The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to thrive and survive. It is now time for Buffalo, get ready for a Saturday Night classic, This is what makes legends out of heroes, This is why you don’t tank, This is why you never give up, and This is what transforms an average player into a seasoned competitor.


What more could be said.

The (MLSE) Fact Sheet

In light of the fact that the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan have altered their web site, I will devote this blog to the “new factsheet” that they have created mere days after I posted my initial entry on the subject.

The new factsheet is difficult to find as it is no longer accessible through links from the investment information section, but by searching MLSE on the site, you will find it in no time.

The actual factsheet is listed below and my comments are bolded underneath each “fact?”



Teachers’ investment in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE)
Fact Sheet


We made our initial investment in the Toronto Maple Leafs (MGL Ltd.) in 1994.

What many people failed to recognize as the beginning of the end for our beloved Maple Leafs hockey franchise.


MLSE was created in 1998 when MLG Ltd. purchased the Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre, uniting two teams and the arena as one organization.

This was step one in the degradation of the Maple Leafs Hockey Franchise. I call it the Montana’s/Kelsey’s theory, the conflict of interests, is that they share the same interests and owners. Seeing as how the Leafs and Raptors are in direct competition with eachother for fan support, ratings, tickets, advertising and corporate sales, ect., the only way the Raptors can grab hold of a bigger piece of the pie is if the Leafs embarrass the Leafs, forget mediocrity, their goal is to drag this Leafs franchise through the mud, feeling the passion for the Leafs team will keep it strong. The stumble will enable their basketball franchise to gain more profits to finally be able to support itself and the ACC on its own.


We own 58% of MLSE and are the largest shareholder. CTVglobemedia (15%), TD Capital (14%) and Kilmer Investments (13%) share the remaining ownership stakes. We are also a shareholder in CTVglobemedia.

This means that the OTPP has got CTVglobemedia in their back pocket in case they need to push a decision forward. They are not only a shareholder, but a 40% shareholder.


There are currently eight members on MLSE’s board of directors. While we have a right to elect a majority, we have only nominated three representatives.

This is a way to deflect blame away from OTPP, telling the world; if we wanted to, we could obtain all the power. They would rather have all the power while hiding behind different names and investments to cloud perception as to not make it obvious that the OTPP is in complete control, they know what they are doing is wrong, and by pretending to share the blame, they don’t look as bad while destroying the hockey franchise.

Of the 8 board members,
3 are from the OTPP,
1 is from the Teachers' Merchant Bank, which is the private equity arm of the OTPP,
1 is from CTVglobemedia whom the OTPP own 40% of

We have kept profits in the company and increased our capital investment, allowing MLSE to support development of its sports teams and pursue a growth strategy.
The company now has four professional sport franchises, the Air Canada Centre, broadcasting operations, and retail and real estate developments underway. Additionally, it operates BMO Field, Ricoh Coliseum, and General Motors Centre (Oshawa).

Naturally the Toronto Maple Leafs Franchise was continuing to bring in millions over millions of dollars. The profits were naturally increasing through globalizations’ shrinking of time and space, but little went back into the hockey team. The plan to build the Leafs it own arena which would help scheduling and ice conditions was never built, the hockey team was forced into the ACC to help compensate the Raptors. As time passed, add the strength of the Canadian dollar, add more money MLSE obtained through the new CBA (salary cap), new Coaches and Management were brought in at rock bottom prices and through all of this the ticket prices continued to RISE. The OTPP continued to buy more land and condominiums, more facilities, more sports teams, more equity to increase their return, and have never returned the investment to the team that created it all, The Toronto Maple Leafs.


As an owner, we are not involved in the day-to-day operations of MLSE’s teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, FC and Marlies.

But as an owner, they are involved and control just who is in control of day-to-day operations of MLSE's teams, and they do control their objectives and goals for their day-to-day operations.


MLSE’s management has the full commitment of the owners and the support of the Board of Directors to build championship teams. In professional sports, winning is good for business and creates a more valuable franchise.

That is unless the biggest money winner (in this case the Leafs) are taking too big a chunk of the sports dollar, therefore, to better serve all other investments and seeing how popular the hockey team already is, it is best to ignore the Leafs for the time being.


MLSE staff – not the owners or the board members – are responsible for all management of its teams, including selection and compensation of players, and player development.

This responsibility is left in the hands of the MLSE staffers that the OTPP hire to do the dirty work, if they do not do as the board wishes, (for example ask Mats Sundin to waive his no trade clause) they are fired.


The entire MLSE organization – owners, management and staff, and players – are passionate about winning. Every decision that is made has success as it target.

With exception to the Toronto Maple Leafs whom the OTPP is using only to acquire capital in order to fund other investments and gain more capital, some of which are investments in direct competition to the Maple Leafs hockey club.


Over the past 14 years, this investment has met all of our investment objectives.

Over the past 14 years the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey Franchise has been pillaged by the OTPP.

Devils 2 - Leafs 1 -- Eight Points Out

Standing 8 Count


The Leafs have been knocked down again, there is blood splattered all over the mat, the crowd is yelling, chanting, even taunting for the wounded to stay down. Pushing forward while stumbling to one knee, it takes ever ounce of strength just to stand. With vibrating knees, a glazed look after a devastating loss to the Devils, the Leafs rise to their feet for what could be the last time this season. 8 points out, and a loss to the Flyers next week may very well be the final blow that will seal their fate.


Paul Maurice did a fantastic job in keeping his top line away from the Madden unit, playing with three lines and stacking the Sundin line, it was paramount for Maurice to go toe to toe with an excellent coach in Sutter and match lines as best he could. If you choose to stack your top three lines you have no choice but to play the match game. If you choose to stack your top three lines you have no choice but to play the match game. This generated good scoring chances and drew penalties as the night grew longer. It put the Madden line against the Stajan line whom gave the Devils checkers all they could handle before having to deal with Sundin, Antropov and Steen. Most importantly it allowed the Leafs to set their tone, and control the flow of each line change. This scheme fell apart with a minuet left to play as Elais, Parise, Langenbrunner overwhelmed Stajan in the neutral zone and countered on the Leafs to win the game with a little help from ‘the bottle opener’. We have all heard of the ‘can opener’, but the Langenbrunner ‘bottle opener’ was new to me as I watched him pitch fork Toskala to reveal the puck for a streaking Parise to score the game winner.


During the first goal against, Colaiacovo could and maybe should have dropped Langenbrunner as he cut through the crease, but seeing as how McCabe unfortunately slipped on the play, Langenbrunner became Colaiacovos man as well as the his own man in front, after Langenbrunner himself rubbed out the keeper, Parise buried the first goal. It was the beginning of the trap which played right into the hands of the tired Devils who were on the tail end of a back to back, for the rest of the game their focus was all D, almost never pushing any attack passed center ice. That was until Captain Clutch did it again by bringing the Leafs level with another timely slapper, unfortunately the momentum shift which ultimately altered the Devils attack was not met with the same enthusiasm by the unprepared Leafs.


A couple things that caught my attention were again the D pairings, I thought that both Stralman and White each had quality games, I found that Stralman is proving to be much more physical then I anticipated as he would continually stand up a rush and even use the body down low. White was quick and aggressive and would routinely move the puck out of the zone with ease. Both faired well with the lack of a very aggressive fore-check, that said, they still did perform well. This bigger issue is the fact that the two cannot pair together, thus causing Colaiacovo to jump from the left to the right side for each penalty kill and the one shift a period when the coaches then decide to pair Colaiacovo with McCabe. I know what you are saying, the guy is a pro, what does it matter if he shifts from the right side to the left side of D. Pro or Joe it does matter, not only are you playing with a new partner, the familiarity and comfort level is altered as angles, outlets and opponents differ from side to side, most importantly backhand to forehand. This has been going on all year, and was one of the issues Woznieski had to put up with during his early stint this season.


The season is all but done, but officially not done yet. The insurmountable climb ahead of them seems only possible mathematically, but the credit comes with the fight, and now healthily this team has been scraping tooth an nail, and that is good to see, and despite the impossibilities, I still hope and want them to bring that fight to versus the Flyers this week.

Devils 2 - Leafs 1 -- Eight Points Out

Standing 8 Count


The Leafs have been knocked down again, there is blood splattered all over the mat, the crowd is yelling, chanting, even taunting for the wounded to stay down. Pushing forward while stumbling to one knee, it takes ever ounce of strength just to stand. With vibrating knees, a glazed look after a devastating loss to the Devils, the Leafs rise to their feet for what could be the last time this season. 8 points out, and a loss to the Flyers next week may very well be the final blow that will seal their fate.


Paul Maurice did a fantastic job in keeping his top line away from the Madden unit, playing with three lines and stacking the Sundin line, it was paramount for Maurice to go toe to toe with an excellent coach in Sutter and match lines as best he could. If you choose to stack your top three lines you have no choice but to play the match game. If you choose to stack your top three lines you have no choice but to play the match game. This generated good scoring chances and drew penalties as the night grew longer. It put the Madden line against the Stajan line whom gave the Devils checkers all they could handle before having to deal with Sundin, Antropov and Steen. Most importantly it allowed the Leafs to set their tone, and control the flow of each line change. This scheme fell apart with a minuet left to play as Elais, Parise, Langenbrunner overwhelmed Stajan in the neutral zone and countered on the Leafs to win the game with a little help from ‘the bottle opener’. We have all heard of the ‘can opener’, but the Langenbrunner ‘bottle opener’ was new to me as I watched him pitch fork Toskala to reveal the puck for a streaking Parise to score the game winner.


During the first goal against, Colaiacovo could and maybe should have dropped Langenbrunner as he cut through the crease, but seeing as how McCabe unfortunately slipped on the play, Langenbrunner became Colaiacovos man as well as the his own man in front, after Langenbrunner himself rubbed out the keeper, Parise buried the first goal. It was the beginning of the trap which played right into the hands of the tired Devils who were on the tail end of a back to back, for the rest of the game their focus was all D, almost never pushing any attack passed center ice. That was until Captain Clutch did it again by bringing the Leafs level with another timely slapper, unfortunately the momentum shift which ultimately altered the Devils attack was not met with the same enthusiasm by the unprepared Leafs.


A couple things that caught my attention were again the D pairings, I thought that both Stralman and White each had quality games, I found that Stralman is proving to be much more physical then I anticipated as he would continually stand up a rush and even use the body down low. White was quick and aggressive and would routinely move the puck out of the zone with ease. Both faired well with the lack of a very aggressive fore-check, that said, they still did perform well. This bigger issue is the fact that the two cannot pair together, thus causing Colaiacovo to jump from the left to the right side for each penalty kill and the one shift a period when the coaches then decide to pair Colaiacovo with McCabe. I know what you are saying, the guy is a pro, what does it matter if he shifts from the right side to the left side of D. Pro or Joe it does matter, not only are you playing with a new partner, the familiarity and comfort level is altered as angles, outlets and opponents differ from side to side, most importantly backhand to forehand. This has been going on all year, and was one of the issues Woznieski had to put up with during his early stint this season.


The season is all but done, but officially not done yet. The insurmountable climb ahead of them seems only possible mathematically, but the credit comes with the fight, and now healthily this team has been scraping tooth an nail, and that is good to see, and despite the impossibilities, I still hope and want them to bring that fight to versus the Flyers this week.

Leafs 8 - Bruins 2 -- Six Points Out

Lack of Caffeine in Beantown?


You have to wonder if the Boston Bruins were physically exhausted after playing their third game in four nights, or quite possibly it was the mentally exhaustion that set in seeing as how they would end this week playing five games in seven nights. Either way, let us make no mistake in giving credit where credit is due, the Toronto Maple Leafs played a great game from the 5 minute mark till the final buzzer, even if it was against a defeated Bruin team.


I can honestly say that for tonight and for the majority of the past month, Matt Stajan proved my account wrong when I wrote he is not a second line center, the fact remains he may not be as far off as I think. While Stajan has a tendency to miss opportunities in front, he gets to those chances, and as his experience grows, so will his strength, timing, and ultimately his finish. His ability to win battles down low and cycle the puck with ease is what makes his game effective, if he can add consistent finishing to what has become a much improved on ice vision, he may indeed be a great two way center much sooner then later. For Stajan to take the leap that Maurice has intended with the big second line minuets and role this season, down this stretch, Stajan needs to step up his consistently in big games, and there haven’t been any bigger games in his career then the next three.


Last night the Stajan, Blake and Tucker line looked as good as a number one line, and Stajan was instrumental in that triumph all game long. First and foremost, breaking up this line as I suggested goes against my continuity rule of building off the strength, familiarity and success that this trio has earned since being aligned. That said, the real issue at hand is when this line is forced to take on checking roles against top flight, speedy, scoring wingers as it was on Tuesday, and as it will again Saturday night unless Maurice and this team is better prepared. I have no worries with Stajan whatsoever defensively, but Blake and Tucker have proved in the past to not be suited for this role as it takes too much away from their strengths offensively. However, with a healthy Tucker, and a comfortable Blake, things can change, and against a team like Jersey, things have to change. If things remain status quo versus the Devils hopefully I am wrong about the team, and the Stajan line have what it takes, to take it to whichever line matches up against them Saturday night.


The Stajan line, Moore centering Wellwood and Ponikarovsky, Sundin to Antropov and Steen round off the Leafs top three lines, in which for better or worse under Maurice is a 3 line team. This leaves the Leafs without a dependable defensive line, but as I said in the last blog, it gives the Maple Leafs lines that are very fast and all have the potential to score. I think it is this potential that Maurice is pushing for seeing as how the roster lost a huge chunk of its physical toughness at the deadline, with what the Leafs lost, *Maurice* added the game plan of absolute speed, along with a roster that should put fear in the opponent that one mistake will cost you a quality scoring chance againts. Consistency is the key to its success; with the next three games being the season, it will be a great test.


Against the Bruins, the Leafs D and team D was strong despite not being overly challenged. There was a hiccup after the Leafs killed a PP, the same hiccup that has occurred all season long after the PK ultimately alters the D pairings. This game it was Kaberle and White who found themselves together after the PK, they misread one another resulting in the first goal against, both D are not accustom to playing with each other and whoever ends up taking the ice, it has to be addressed and corrected by both players and coaches. Aside from that shift, Kaberle was his usual epic self, the guy is a human GPS, he can find anyone with a pass, and he knows just what has to be done to get there.


Brian McCabe found himself back in the familiar territory of a multipoint night, but what hasn’t been the norm is its combination with a solid effort in his own end that he provided tonight, and has done throughout each game since his return from IR. In a 8-2 finish the defensive side of McCabe game could easily be over looked, but he was as good as ever defending the zone last night. McCabe playing at this level is well worth, even a bargain at 5.75 million compared to new contracts, no doubt about it.


Honourable mention goes to Toskala for being Toskala, as well as to the entire team for rebounding after a strong but unsuccessful effort versus the Devils. Keeping in mind this team has had a tendency of getting too high in confidence after a big win, everything must be kept in perspective with tonight’s win, as the Leafs should attack each game a game at a time.

Devils 4 - Leafs 1 -- Six Points Out

Starting off on the wrong skate?


It is just another Manic Monday, Tuesday, or sometimes Wednesday. The Toronto Maple Leafs have failed to capitalize on the standings by again starting the week off slow. Throughout the year, this team has notoriously been unprepared for timely games, part in parcel to that issue may have something to do with their inability to start each week off strong. In the first game played of each week the Leafs began the season 0-8 and sit today at an unimpressive 7-15. This is a very arbitrary and seemingly meaningless stat, but to me, it speaks volumes to the lack of control this coach has over this team.


Only when you fail to prepare should you prepare to fail, and that is just what this coaching staff has done with a tremendous amount of help form ownership. Paul Maurice’s inability to communicate while invoking fear in his players is his greatest downfall, sitting underperforming players has not even been considered, with exception to an injured Wellwood and Tucker, where is the logic in sending a message to an injured player? In conjunction, he has a tendency to misuse strategy to players and players to strategy. Now it is no secret that I have been against the promotion of Paul Maurice since day one, what is not known is how much respect I have for his hockey intellect, and how good a coach I think he will be in 10 or so years. The fact remains that the impulsive promotion not only lost us a great coach, and the right coach for this team in Quinn, but it has inherently lost us a potentially great coach in Maurice, who would have better served himself and this Franchise if he remained in the AHL. That said, Greg Gilbert has made a believer out of me, and he is poised to be the man down the long road, I just hope he takes it, and walks it. As for Maurice, it is clear that his grip on these players had slipped a long time ago, and when his coaching is put to task like it was tonight, he unfortunately comes up short, and this continual reoccurrence is why players can not find it within themselves to skate through walls for these coaches.


During the Leafs/Devils game, the first 10 minuets were wonderfully played by both teams, it was extremely fast hockey with tape to tape stretch passes that opened up both conservative teams, chances were traded, but for the most part the Leafs took it to the Devils, with all 4 lines contributing. Even through the PK, the Leafs had there feet moving and were extremely effective with a quick fore-check and no sign of the stagnant diamond. What also caught my eye was Kubina not being involved on either PK unit, however the following period the following PK he was on the unit when Jersey scored. Maybe Kubina needed a skate sharpened during the first PK, or maybe the continuity is still being neglected, not to mention the relationship between the Coach and Kubina.


It was after the first penalty was taken that the rolling of 4 lines ended as quickly as it started, and all that equalled were longer shifts for the other 3 lines, ultimately slowing themselves down physically, speed wise, and to a point mentally as some pressures are lifted with less in-house competition for ice-time.


As for the top 3 lines, while I did like the scoring and speed that each line combination was capable of, they were still defensively suspect. This team has led itself away from what was a strong staple in its game, its checking line. With the exception of Sundin’s line, there was not one other line that could properly check or contain New Jerseys big line. Conversely, New Jersey was able to match Sundins line with its best checkers for each and every shift.


Stajan is not a second line center, he is a checker, a penalty killer, and is good at what he does, Maurice is forcing Stajan to be something he is not while the team is desperate for some checking line defensive help, not to mention Antropov who is ready to take on a centermans role, both scenarios would enable the team to make better use of its call ups and slot a Tlusty, Williams or Earl on a top line role that they all have been accustom to playing in the AHL.


The defence was again all over the map; D pairings were continually juggled in order to find time and the proper playing partners for both White and Stralmen. This occurred even after McCabe and Colaiacovo started the game together, just another example of how the coach disenfranchises himself from his team with odd decisions.
Toskala looked a little out of place and seemed be dealing with some mental fatigue, Raycrofts invisibility and being situated in no position to come in and help as a result of they way his season has transpired has not made things easier for Toskala. This however is the risk you run when playing a goalie this much.


Honourable mention goes to the kid line, despite being embarrassed with 2 and a half minutes of ice time, Newbury and Williams played inspired effective hockey each of their 4 shifts, while also drawing an important penalty at the beginning of the third period. Tlusty who was also effective on that line saw a few more shifts and skated quite well on the top line his one shift there. Dishonourable mention to Dominic Moore, prior to the 3rd goal against, Moore had the puck in deep at the half boards, Ponikarosky was waiting patiently wide open in the low corner, Moore instead of cycling the puck low decided to turn the other way, getting checked, he lost the puck leaving all forwards caught deep, the three on two resulted in the third goal againts, in other words the nail in the coffin.


It will be a true test of character Thursday and Saturday as the Leafs left 2 points on the table versus the Devils. Winning both games is as important to the playoff push as any game this year, a loss in either game would be an extremly tough road to travel.

Leafs 3 - Capitals 2 -- Six Points Out

I spent the weekend in Montreal, and while it may be located in La Belle Provence, the cabbies that crossed my path were nothing but ugly to those who did not speak the language and even less cordial to those who inquired about get dropped of at a bar that showed the Toronto Maple Leafs game.


It all began in the Hotel leading up to the game, clinging to the possibility that our cable was coming from a dish feed; drinks were absorbed right up until puck drop. The swilling stopped when the CBC presented the opening draw from the building that was steps away from where I was staying. A change of plans instantly took place as the party was moving to anywhere with a Satellite.


Having to get ready to go out for the night, to then having to wait on everyone else to finish, I was left with no choice but to watch the battle between New Jersey versus the Habs, it was blaspheme, but it was hockey. After a commercial break, viewers were interrupted by an out of town update from the Verizon Center. Personally, it was as if I was having an out of body experience witnessing for the first time a live update from a Leafs game, 1-0 Capitals, who else but Ovechkin to throw the first dagger. It was back to the Montreal and Jersey game that remained scoreless after one. We ended up all still at the Hotel until just after the start of their second, when we were again interrupted for another out of town update, Sundin resting at the top half boards, winds, fires, Antropov in front with an impressive tip 1-1. I bolted from my seat, I was feeling Supersonic, I finished my …th gin and tonic, and hollered for the group to get moving to get ourselves to a tv with the Leafs game on it.


We jumped into a cab and told him the name of the Bar that our concierge recommended. In good spirited fun, we explained to the cabby how it was necessary to get us there quickly because we intended to watch the Leafs game, it was only after we circled the Hotel for a second time when I knew something up. I reiterated the fact that we seemed to be traveling in a loop when the driver smirked back, it was then I saw things - so much clearer - once you— were in the rearviewmirror. This was nothing new for Montreal cabbies as I had experienced similar instances in the past, but in the past they had at least brought me to my proper destination. When this cab finally stopped, before I could reach for my cash, in true Montreal fashion the driver made us aware that we are supposed to tip, normally I am a great tipper spending many years in the service industry, but after this ride I decided to flip this jerk a twoonie. He took the twoonie, then opened his door, got half way out only to yell taber-something, and chucked my twoonie across the street while giving me the stink eye. I responded by loudly making him aware that he would eventually find it with all the circling he does.


Laughing off the cabbie and time wasted, I was happy that we arrived at our destination, or so I thought. The front entrance was littered with Habs shirts, toques and sweaters worn by smokers getting their fix, I made my way through the crowd and got inside to see even more fans with their eyes glued to the many screens, each one showing the Canadians game on what seemed like hundreds of plasmas, big and small, scattered throughout the ceiling and all the walls. Beautiful, and I mean beautiful girls everywhere were serving the drinks, but unfortunately they too were all wearing Canadians jerseys. Was it all a bad dream? Was this really happening? Could I of all people actually be at a place like this? I had to get a waitresses attention, and while first wanting to propose marriage to my new found Juliet, I decided to play it cool and forgo my proposal to ask if it was possible to have just one television show the Leafs game, she said she had to speak to her manager, and even before I could even smile at the Gionta effort to make it 1-1, word was it was not possible to change the channel. In disgust we bid adieu and high-tailed out of there and hailed the next cab.


After a sincere explanation of not knowing where to go, we stated to the new driver how we just wanted to catch the end of the Leafs game. We explained to the cabbie the events that had just unfolded, and with compassion asked if he could accommodate us seeing as how we were fellow hockey fans and proclaimed to have no ill will towards Canadians fans or the people of Montreal. It didn’t work because before I could finish my story it was then we made our first circle; I bit my tongue and was hoping for the best when he changed direction only to pull up a to a bar actually located inside the Bell Center. In a drunken rage, I sputtered “nous sommes français! nous parlons le français!”, two of the few French sentences I knew, and continued to ridicule and scold the driver in English for the lack of class and respect he had shown towards us.


I told the taxi to take us to crescent street and he would be lucky to get a fare let alone a tip, we exited the cab and went into the bar Thrusdays hoping to have more luck. All screens were again showing the Montreal game, we went to a corner TV with no one watching and asked the bartender if we could watch the Leafs game, he complied and began flipping the channels, we responded with a round of drinks and a fat tip. The bartender flipped through the channels three and four times over, with no sign of Captain Mats or the Blue and White, the bar then erupted with the Canadians taking the lead with what were only minutes to go in their game. I then came to the disappointing conclusion that I missed the game and wasn’t going to catch any of it; my only hope was that the Devils/Canadians ended in regulation and CBC would switch over.


4-3-2-1 buzzer, the Montreal Canadians held off the New Jersey Devils 2-1. The feed miraculously switched to the Leafs game, and the score I knew went from 1-1 to the Leafs leading 3-2 with 58 seconds left. The bar erupted again, or maybe I interrupted the bar with a huge yEEEAHH! Watching the Leafs hold off the Capitals in the final minuet was a great sight, we all worked so hard to ultimately accomplish that moment, I loved and lost, fought through bigotry and ignorance, but most importantly never gave up to see the Leafs hold off a surging Capitals team in what was a tough, road, must win, to tie them in the standings.


The win was an excellent kick-start to the night and rest of the weekend, which all and all ended up being another great adventure in the city of Montreal. Although I was thoroughly disgusted in the events that caused me to miss an opportunity to catch the full Leafs game, I can honestly respect Montreals passion displayed for their own team. I will never forget my Hockey Night in Quebec, which will all but ensure my next visit to Montreal to include a Leafs @ Canadians Live game.