Toronto Maple Leafs

Crushed Spirits

November 27, 2009

Likely one of the strongest and most enduring fan bases in all of sports, Leafs Nation is at a boiling point. Fans are enduring what is likely the most frustrating and disappointing season since the 08-09 season. But this isn't about the on-ice product, this isn't about Leafs Nation's frustrations. This is about a city, or more importantly, a city council that makes a big issue over stenciled sidewalks. For those that are not aware of the story, Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment hired a third party marketing agency to promote the Leafs in a unique way around the city. They had between 25-50 sidewalks stenciled with the Leafs' logo and their motto "Spirit is Everything". Well ...

Burke Needs to Pull the Trigger

November 22, 2009

Ron Guillet

0 Comments

On the heels of a stunning victory over the Washington Capitals, in a shootout no less, Brian Burke shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on some roster moves. While it was encouraging to see a collective effort from our boys in Blue and White at the Air Canada Center last night, Toronto Maple Leafs zealots have not forgotten the abysmal display of hockey that was presented to them during the first quarter of the season. As much as I’d like to believe defeating one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams will remedy the Leafs’ woes, it’s simply not the case. As fans have witnessed since the post-lockout era, the Leafs’ squads have always succeeded, quite efficiently I might ...

The Kids Are Alright

November 21, 2009

Ron Guillet

1 Comment

It's been suggested several times during the first quarter of the Toronto Maple Leafs' emotionally exhaustive season, but it needs to be mentioned once again: It's time to bring up the kids. No more excuses. Just get 'er done, Brian Burke. In a tilt against the Lake Erie Monsters tonight, the Toronto Marlies spanked the opposition by a score of 7-1. While it's encouraging to see the Leafs' American Hockey League affiliate break past the .500 mark, fans of the Blue and White should be salivating at the performances from the prospects in particular. Just take a look at the scoresheet: Viktor Stalberg: 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 shots on goal, +2 Tyler Bozak: 3 A, +1 Christian Hanson...

Rally In Raleigh

November 20, 2009

Patrick Storto

6 Comments

After leading 3-0, the Leafs manage to lose another game. The Leafs saw their 3-0 lead dwindle down to 3-2 after two periods. Then they managed to go up 4-2 in the third only to see the Hurricanes come back and tie the game at 4-4. But luckily Ian White saved the day and and stuck a dagger in the Hurricanes, scoring the go ahead goal with 30 seconds left.....But then Erik Cole managed to tie the game with 2.9 seconds left in the game... Then the rest is history as the battle of the worst (which did not disappoint, as these teams were atrocious tonight) went to a shootout. And the Leafs were once again a disaster in the shootout as even the additions of Gustavsson and Kessel d...

Kessel Needs a Supporting Cast

November 19, 2009

Ron Guillet

2 Comments

Phil Kessel, in his short tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has displayed an offensive acumen unparalleled by his teammates. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason the Leafs embody mediocrity. The prolific 22-year-old sniper has scored five goals in seven games, and his creativity on the ice has silenced his critics, who questioned whether Kessel would find life difficult without Marc Savard delivering tape-to-tape passes. While the infusion of Kessel to the Leafs' top-six has brought a glimmer of hope to Leafs fans, there still remains a heap of work before this team even comes close to contenting for the Stanley Cup. However, with the likes of Tyler Bozak, Christian Hans...

Question Period - Leafs Edition

November 17, 2009

Ron Guillet

Comments

*Inspired by Eric Engels' question blogs over at HockeyBuzz* As you all prepare for the Toronto Maple Leafs' division tilt against the Ottawa Senators tonight, allow me to throw some questions your way. 1) With Vesa Toskala getting the nod against the Senators tonight, do you think the Finnish goaltender will finally get back on track? 2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson's performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion? 3) Were you impressed by Carl Gunnarson's first National Hockey League game? What type of future do you see the Swedish rearguard having with the Leafs? 4) Is Luke Schenn's sluggish play concerning yo...

Trade Luke Schenn?

November 16, 2009

Patrick Storto

6 Comments

Today I was driving along listening to Leafs' Lunch with Darren Dreger, which I normally do whenever I get the chance, even though I know I shouldn't because the mental damage created by listening to that show is likely irreversible. Today was no different, but instead of the usual callers, it was Dreger that got me shaking my head. Dreger suggested that Burke should send out a memo to other GM's in the league stating that everyone except for a select few are available for trade, and that Luke Schenn should not be among those select few. Now I understand what Dreger is trying to do. It's a radio show, and it's not that interesting if you talk about the Leafs poor start because ...

Leafs Should Try Hanson

November 14, 2009

Ron Guillet

1 Comment

With the Toronto Maple Leafs failing to garner at least a point against the Chicago Blackhawks last night after an admirable performance from goaltender Vesa Toskala, there was an issue with the Leafs’ offensive squad that became increasingly visible in the dying minutes of the game. Grit. Yes, even after Brian Burke boldly stated his team would no longer be “picking their teeth out of the glass,” he forgot to mention that offensively, the current squad are about as intimidating as a Hal Gill bodycheck. Besides the fourth line, which lacks any sort of offensive acumen, the Leafs are not in possession of a player that can play the role of an effective power forward. Excuse me f...

It's A Nice Day For A White Shredding

November 9, 2009

Patrick Storto

3 Comments

Among the struggles and among the hard work, the Leafs find themselves lacking identity. This last week or so, the Maple Leafs have been technically sound. From goaltending to offensive pressure, the Leafs are getting it done.

But it's a team that is difficult to identify. Sure both Gustavsson and Kessel are now the faces of the 09-10 Leafs are most likely many future versions of this team. And believe me when I say that Gustavsson has shown a ton of heart, because he really does care about winning, which has been evident in some of his struggles this season.

But someone who has stood out to me this season more so th...