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 Posted - 10/11/2010 : 07:29:22
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But Beans, you DO keep repeating yourself about how terrible the Leafs are, how it's only the first game, only the second game, etc . . . and yet, after one win for the Oil, you said basically, "it's early, but this team might even contend for the playoffs".
Brutal double standard.
I absolutely CANNOT STAND the ridiculous hatred towards the Leafs . . . before the season starts, they are all bums and Kessel is a bum. The Leafs win one game, and they barely squeaked out a victory against a team without two of their best players. They win against Ottawa in their second game, and Ottawa is a bunch of uninspired bums.
NEVER is any credit given to a Toronto player, outside of slight grudging respect for Kessel, and maybe Giggy. NEVER any credit given to a team that looks pretty good so far.
And it could be, yes, that Toronto misses the playoffs. Edmonton could also finish as the worst team in the league, as predicted by most pundits. But give the teams their due based on their play! And throw out the bloody "plan the parade route" comments, please! If anyone uses that comment again, I will ignore anything else they have to say, having already invalidated their commentary as completely biased and childish.
* * * * *
And by the way, my opinion of the Leafs team in their first two games:
GAME 1 vs Montreal: They played ok, but both teams played with many nervous errors, neither playing that great. Giggy played ok, but I didn't think he deserved the first star (would have given it to Schenn). The little waterbugs on the Habs had lots of great chances, many missed ones. MY Leafs team rating: C+
GAME 2 vs Ottawa: Everyone played great, positional hockey . . . something I haven't seen from a Toronto team since 1993. Shocking, actually. Ottawa did look lazy and lackluster, but that was after the first period when they were confused and dominated by a resurgent Leafs team, and they never recovered. MacArthur was a sight for sore eyes, he looked like a solid second line forward with some skill. Phaneuf played awesome. Giggy also made some good saves, and although it was a lopsided victory, he took away a goal or two. My Leafs rating: A
Overall, what is pleasing to me is that the players seem to be playing a solid, structured system now, even guys like Grabovski. There will be losses in the future, to be sure . . . but the defence is actually playing as advertised, the goaltending looks solid, and all of the question marks so far on offence (MacArthur, Bozak, Versteeg) look great. Oh, and the penalty killing? It looks like a different team out there with Zigomanis and Sjostrom out there . . . Zigomanis is looking like a great pick-up to me right now.
It's really too bad the Pens are 0 and 2, means they will be coming out super hard against us . . . oh well.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 07:44:24
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
But Beans, you DO keep repeating yourself about how terrible the Leafs are, how it's only the first game, only the second game, etc . . . and yet, after one win for the Oil, you said basically, "it's early, but this team might even contend for the playoffs".
Brutal double standard.
I absolutely CANNOT STAND the ridiculous hatred towards the Leafs . . . before the season starts, they are all bums and Kessel is a bum. The Leafs win one game, and they barely squeaked out a victory against a team without two of their best players. They win against Ottawa in their second game, and Ottawa is a bunch of uninspired bums.
NEVER is any credit given to a Toronto player, outside of slight grudging respect for Kessel, and maybe Giggy. NEVER any credit given to a team that looks pretty good so far.
And it could be, yes, that Toronto misses the playoffs. Edmonton could also finish as the worst team in the league, as predicted by most pundits. But give the teams their due based on their play! And throw out the bloody "plan the parade route" comments, please! If anyone uses that comment again, I will ignore anything else they have to say, having already invalidated their commentary as completely biased and childish.
* * * * *
And by the way, my opinion of the Leafs team in their first two games:
GAME 1 vs Montreal: They played ok, but both teams played with many nervous errors, neither playing that great. Giggy played ok, but I didn't think he deserved the first star (would have given it to Schenn). The little waterbugs on the Habs had lots of great chances, many missed ones. MY Leafs team rating: C+
GAME 2 vs Ottawa: Everyone played great, positional hockey . . . something I haven't seen from a Toronto team since 1993. Shocking, actually. Ottawa did look lazy and lackluster, but that was after the first period when they were confused and dominated by a resurgent Leafs team, and they never recovered. MacArthur was a sight for sore eyes, he looked like a solid second line forward with some skill. Phaneuf played awesome. Giggy also made some good saves, and although it was a lopsided victory, he took away a goal or two. My Leafs rating: A
Overall, what is pleasing to me is that the players seem to be playing a solid, structured system now, even guys like Grabovski. There will be losses in the future, to be sure . . . but the defence is actually playing as advertised, the goaltending looks solid, and all of the question marks so far on offence (MacArthur, Bozak, Versteeg) look great. Oh, and the penalty killing? It looks like a different team out there with Zigomanis and Sjostrom out there . . . Zigomanis is looking like a great pick-up to me right now.
It's really too bad the Pens are 0 and 2, means they will be coming out super hard against us . . . oh well.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Noone gives them any credits,,,,,,, did i not comment first in this thread since both wins? I the GREAT pasty7 a die hard habs fan began the wow the leafs are impressing me comment!! Slozo i am feeling a bit of neglect!!! All along i have given the Leafs credit and i hate the leafs!!! But my love for good hockey trumps my hate hence the credit where credit is due,, if the leafs keep playing simple hockey,, lets face it they are a simple team,, (this is not a insult) so as i said if they continu to play simple hockey concentrating on doing all the littles things right i easily seem them competeing with a groupe of 6 or so teams for the 6th to 8th place spots in the east.. I personally think the Bruins the Fkyers the Devils the Caps and the Pens have the first 5 locked up. though i could be wrong about the pens,,,
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Posted - 10/11/2010 : 07:52:10
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Fair enough Pasty - you did make some sensible comments. I thought it was a given that my comments were directed to all the posters who turned on their "anti-Leaf autopilot commentary".
Your Habs look ok too, actually . . . Price let in one goal that wasn't that great, but really, he looked ok (same as Giggy). Your skilled forwards were buzzing, and that was without Cammalleri . . . if they remain uninjured, there is some dangerous offence there. But as I said, both teams had a lot of nervous first game jitters, and it showed in some disjointed play, overall.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 07:57:05
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Fair enough Pasty - you did make some sensible comments. I thought it was a given that my comments were directed to all the posters who turned on their "anti-Leaf autopilot commentary".
Your Habs look ok too, actually . . . Price let in one goal that wasn't that great, but really, he looked ok (same as Giggy). Your skilled forwards were buzzing, and that was without Cammalleri . . . if they remain uninjured, there is some dangerous offence there. But as I said, both teams had a lot of nervous first game jitters, and it showed in some disjointed play, overall.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
i havn`t looked at the Schedule but Normally the habs and the leafs end the season against eachother,,,, if we do this year i am willing to bet they will being playing that ngame for 7th in the east the winner getting 7th and the loser getting 8th... i honestly hope beans is wrong and the leafs are in the battle for the last 3 playoff spots because if will make for some amazing games against the habs this year!
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 10:22:25
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The Leafs and Habs close out the regular season against each other on Apr 9 at the ACC.
I agree, Pasty, it would be great to see some epic Leafs/Habs games like the old times. It would be doubly so if the last game determined a playoff spot. I don't know if the Leafs will be there in the end to battle for a playoff spot but if it comes down to that last game against the Habs it would be an awesome game.
On side note, the Oil won their second game of the season and Hall got his first NHL point. Now that the goose egg is broken the reports out of Oil country have Hall smashing all rookie records. Eberle leads the team in scoring with 2 pts and the Oil fans are happy saying he should break the 150 pt mark in scoring this year. MPS has not yet registered a point, his longest scoring slump of the season, but he should break out of it soon. All hail the Oil.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 13:15:38
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Slozo, use fact my friend. Don't put words into my mouth. I have never once said that Edmonton would compete for a playoff spot so your can shove your double standard comments exactly where it belongs.
What I said after the first game was, and I qoute
"If they play like that even 60% of the time they will be a very hard team to play against.
That's it! Nothing, not a single thing about the playoffs. Now, if you are confusing me with some other Oiler fan, fine. But I never said a single thing about the Oilers making the playoffs before or since the start of the season.
Get a grip "If anyone says anything else bad about my Leafs I'm not listening to them any more." What a joke. The Leafs played a decent game against Montreal. Not amazing, decent. And Ottawa didn't even show up. So if that makes you feel great about the team, I am happy for you. I agree that from what I watched the did play a very structured and positional game. But much like the Oilers, the Leafs have not really faced any resistance to this point. I will reserve my judgement about any team for about 20 games.
The parade route comments are completely valid when some Leaf fans are chipping with comments like "exactly what I said the Leafs would be is what they are" after 2 friggin games.....
Sorry for being childish with my bias. I sure hope you hold true to your word so I can go through an entire season with hearing about "strawman" argument for anything that can not be refuted.
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 13:52:40
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Beans the comments i made personally about the leafs having a good season this year were made before the season started. This analysis ( in my opinion ) was based on their strong goaltending, healthy defence, added scoring and some really good pickups in role players. ( ex. armstrong, brown ).
Role players will never be happy doing what they do unless they think they are role players. They are very, very important to a team, and the leafs have some great ones now.
Yes, i am thrilled the leafs are 2 and 0, but remember i thought they would do good before the season started. Lets see how they do wed. night. |
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Posted - 10/11/2010 : 19:50:55
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Well, you can quit planning your Edmonton parade route then, Beans . . . if you continue to put words into the mouth of every Leaf fan, I will continue to do so to you as well.
Quick bragging about Edmonton's rookies being all-stars this year!
You must be totally deluded if you think the Oil will make the playoffs!
What a joke!
And while I'm at it, quit talking about how great your Oil are after just two games . . . . we are all sick of it. We all know that even if any of your young guns do become stars, they'll get shipped out fast from that barren northern wasteland to a proper city.
tit for tat. 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2010 : 20:38:48
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actually, I think Beans has been pretty consistent in calling EDM to finish in the bottom 4 of the western conference this year, in multiple threads...
Even I'm more bullish on the Oil this year, and that's saying something! |
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Posted - 10/12/2010 : 07:01:53
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But apparently nuxfan, by saying that I think the Leafs might contend for a playoff spot, I am "planning the parade route".
Anything about Toronto is magnified, exaggerated, and put down. The lone Habs fan at my work, first thing he does is walk by and say "Are you planning the parade route yet?!?".
I swear, I almost popped him one in the mouth.
Really, really sick and tired of the garbage that people constantly have to spew to make themselves feel better . . . as if constantly putting down any slight glimmer of hope that Toronto fans might have, after a very long and tiresome losing season, is necessary.
So, I will give back as good as I get.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 07:42:34
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Well Slozo, I am a little surprised that you are taking such offense to comments about the Leafs. Not unlike any other hockey team, there are good and bad fans for each time. And not saying Duke is a bad fan at all, however he was one of the people making some pretty agressive comments after the 2nd game of the season. So when I make comments about 'some' Leafs fans, it is just that. Some of you. Not all of you. I would think that after the time on this site you would have recognized the respect that I as well as most any other poster has for you and your knowledge of the game.
Do I rib you a little with some of my comments?? Absoutely. But as you said, Tit for Tat.
Do I or any other fan go through the same thing?? Absolutely. I get nothing but Eberle this and Hall that each and every day. There was actually a group on Facebook talking about shipping Horcoff out of the City before they realized the TSN story from last week was a sarcastic story with many of the Oilers involved.
Trust me when I say, I feel your pain. If you did go back and look through my posts, I've said nothing other than I will wait for the 20 game mark because the Leafs have not been tested.
If that is offensive, well I guess I am just an offensive person. |
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Posted - 10/12/2010 : 08:26:33
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Beans,
You are surprised at my reaction - and I admit, I am very hot under the collar in general about this theme - because you have absolutely no idea what it is like to be a Leafs fan. No. Freaking. Idea.
We are the most hated team, and the plan the parade route comment is frankly something I only expect from ignorant fans of other teams who only wish to be jerks or make themselves feel better in some way. I really don't expect that kind of utterly baseless statement from a respected poster, or someone with other intelligent things to say on hockey or my team, the Leafs.
So ONE person - you cited Duke - made an aggressive/bold prediction for the Leafs.
1. "some" is not "one"
2. To "plan a parade route", wouldn't you have to actually predict a Stanley Cup victory? In my recollection, only Vancouver Canuck and Detroit fans can right now be accused of "planning a parade route" in this regard, and even then, the phrase would be disingenuous. As always, even the most exuberant of fans gives their team a very good chance to win the cup - no one guarantees this (no sane person, anyways).
3. You, as an Edmonton fan, do not go through the same things as Toronto fans. You are not the most hated team in Canada. You have a history full of many of the top players of all time, while being a small market. You had a fairly recent run to the Stanley Cup finals, where probably everyone but Calgary fans was cheering for you - this would NEVER happen for the Leafs (the cheering part).
So no - you have absolutely no idea where I am coming from as a Leafs fan, so please - don't compare any "crap" you get as an Oilers fan to the crap I get.
To quote Pulp Fiction, "it's not the same game, it's not the same league, hell, it's not even the same &@#*in' sport!"
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
Edited by - n/a on 10/12/2010 08:28:33 |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 10:28:57
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It really is tough to be a Leafs fan and I get that it's harder than other teams that have had more success in some respects.
However, at the same time it is hard to feel sorry for a guy who has been able to watch literally every Leafs game on free TV for just about ever and been able to enjoy every Saturday night for the past 30 years with your team front and centre. You have never gone through situations where your team was being threatened with leaving and without the support of a number of people who really didn't have the means, financed the team to stay where they belong. It tough to have to watch your team front and centre on TSN and the Score regardless of their position in the standings and it's really tough to be able to know what each Leaf players had for dinner tonight but not see a single highlight from any other NHL team.
So you are right, I have not felt the same futility as you have as a fan. However, you have also not experienced some of the things I have as a fan. You complain to be a fan of the most hated team in the NHL but that is only because your team is loved by more than any other team in the league as well.
As far as your comment
"as if constantly putting down any slight glimmer of hope that Toronto fans might have, after a very long and tiresome losing season, is necessary."
I am sure I can dig back and find countless reference of people talking garbage about the Oilers last season even more so than the Leafs. So, if we are talking about last season then you and I are very much in the same boat.
However, talking about the past 40ish season, I can see your point. 
No hard feelings I hope.
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Edited by - Beans15 on 10/12/2010 13:02:28 |
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 17:12:59
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yes i made a bold prediction about the leafs...so what ?? i like what i see on the ice and i stand behind my comments !!
i`ve made a lot of bold predictions over the years. your gonna like this one Beans, in 2006 i picked 6 oilers ( pronger factor ) and 6 off carolina in a local 15 player draft pool, i cleaned house in the final round. i was the only entrant with any players left in the cup finals, 3 points ( pretty well ) on every goal regardless who scored )))
as to any1 making negative leaf remarks...doesn`t bother me too much...i give as good as i receive. |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 06:22:47
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I'm over it, Beans, but I do appreciate the conciliatory comments. The Leaf bashing just gets so tiresome for me sometimes.
No way though could you possibly even compare the trash talk against Edmonton, versus the trash talk against Toronto. I don't think Edmonton would even come in second or third, that would be a close race between Montreal and Vancouver . . . and I would guess they get half of what the Leafs do in terms of full-on hate.
However, you do correctly point out that there is a huge fan base that counterracts it, which is exactly why the tv will always choose Leafs over any other - better ratings. They are biased towards one thing only: money. So yes, I totally can sympathise with the pain felt by the Edmontons of the world (or worse case scenario, the Ottawa Sens, the forgotten backwoods cousin of southern Ontario hockey).
And Duke, I think (if I remember correctly) picking the Leafs as division winners is beyond bold - perhaps a little crazy, especially considering last year's finish. That being said, if there was ever a time when Toronto could break the all-time record for points improvement, it could be a year like this one - but everything would have to go absolutely perfect, and Giggy would have to be a Vezina candidate, not just good.
But I appreciate the optimism. After a season like last one, and opening with a couple of victories this one, heck - go ahead and have fun with it, predict the world for us. It's refreshing after all the doom and gloom, a lot of it from Leaf fans themselves. Hopefully, others can see the reasons for our sometimes unrealistic hopes and dreams after all that we have been through.
We deserve to be able to gloat a bit, even if it is only a couple of wins. Because we know as surely as winter follows fall, that at the first loss, the naysayers will come out, and the first two game losing streak will have the Leafs finishing at the bottom this year. It is guaranteed to happen, no matter where the Leafs may finish.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 09:38:33
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Well Slozo, I don't believe my comments were conciliatory in nature. None the less, it is nice to be civil once again. That being said, I will not be one of the 'I told you so" guys after the first loss or the first few losses. I will save that for next June at the draft. 
Granted, you are a frustrated fan and I get that, but we all are from time to time. The degree to which we are frustrated does not depend on the length of futility but more on the amount of passion one has for their team.
Ultimately, I have zero sympathy for anyone(including myself) regarding something as trivial as what team they cheer for and the last time they won or how much crap they take from anyone else. It truly is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.
I will try to do something tonight. I will do my very best to take off my 'Leaf hating' hat for the evening and try to watch the game from and non-bias perspective. I will let you know my results tomorrow. |
Edited by - Beans15 on 10/13/2010 09:43:07 |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 18:05:20
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Can anyone say Clark Mcarthur? i mean really 4 goals in three games for the leafs great start for this guy! and at the price the leafs are paying him if they can get 20 goas out o0f him, he will turn into one of their best signings!
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Guest4704
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Posted - 10/13/2010 : 19:50:04
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Got the Stanley Cup parade route already mapped out? Speeches ready? Gimme a break. We'll talk in April.....
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Posted - 10/13/2010 : 20:13:16
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See what I mean Bean?
A Habs fan makes a nice comment about MacArthur's great start after the Leafs go 3-0 to start off the season, and someone makes the parade comment. It defies description.
I didn't see the game, but the thing that jumped out for me was the scoreboard . . . no points from Kessel, and a win against a top 4, top 5 eastern team.
And no, I haven't started planning . . . on even a playoff spot. Just a very nice start, that's all - and it was just what the Leafs needed this year.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 21:36:37
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 22:15:32
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Slozo....it wasn't just "someone" with the parade route comment. It was....THE TOMINATOR! Lol....
Was a little disappointed when i got home to see the Leafs game on as i thought we'd get the Habs home opener but no such luck. I assume it had a lot to do with a guy named Sidney Crosby and not just the Leafs though 
Didn't get a chance to watch much of it in the end anyway as i was busy with some other things. McArthur with 4 already? Wow! Also, didn't realize Kessel failed to hit the board till you mentioned it Slozo? Sucks for me, i have him in 2 pools. Oh well, it's a long season and i can't complain and expect him to score every game right? |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 02:04:00
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Caught 3/4 of the Leaf game last night and have to say, they do look impressive so far. McA was killer, D was solid and the Monster actually looked like a monster. I think Jiggy is having a positive effect on him. Rare KO to Orr was surprising.
Hope they can sustain. Pittsburg is in trouble with all their money tied to 4 players and not enough for a supporting cast. If Crosby & Malkin don't score 3 or 4 points a night, it's all but over for them. Fleury I thought played very well.
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Posted - 10/14/2010 : 05:31:46
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Alex116: Kessel just didn't score any points THIS game . . . he does have 2 goals and 1 assist on the season so far. My comment was only to point out that it was nice to see a victory where Kessel had an "off game" . . . that rarely happened last year (well, winning in general rarely happened last year).
Pens at 0-3 in their new building? Weird to see . . . and by all accounts, Fleury has looked out of sorts, and Crosby has no one to play with (again), and the defence has been porous. It's not alarm time yet for them, but many were already not considering the Pens as one of the top 4 teams in the east, and they certainly haven't looked like it so far.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 08:48:29
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OK, so I caught the last 5 minutes of the 1st period, the entire 2nd period, and the first 15 minutes of the 3rd period and here is what I have to day.
The Good - Holy Speed Batman! That team is fast all over the ice. There really isn't a position or line that does not have speed and they use it well. That was clear as day. Special teams were also tight. PK was solid and did it's job and that PP goal of MacArthur's was a test book goal. Awesome.
The Bad - Maybe it was just last night but TO seemed to have a real struggle in containing the puck in their own end and they struggled even more trying to move the puck out of their end. Even through Pitt did not have a ton of shots, they controlled the game in TO's end for the most part.
The Ugly - Again, I know it was a single game but TO will have a long season if there are too many games where the big guns don't show up. I didn't even know Kessel and Versteeg were on the ice last night and for TO to do well they need their best players as their best player. Phaneuf continues to annoy me. He was totally weak on the first Pitt goal toss a weak pass behind the net and then allowing his man to come out with the puck and not taking the body or the puck. He also layed a big hit in the offensive zone in the 2nd period that resulted in a 2 on 1 coming the other way. It's frustrating because the guy has the physical gifts to be the best player in the game but his brain just doesn't seem there. If he had a brain like Nick Lidstrom he might go down as one of the best 2-3 defensemen ever he is thta physically gifted.
Most important thing that I saw last night is a team win ugly. Regardless of how big of a fan you are, a game with 14 shots on net and only 2 in the 3rd period is not a game a team will win more often then not. However, playoff teams find ways to win ugly games. Not saying TO is a playoff team, but they are starting to show traits of a playoff team. |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 09:57:40
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Just for compare/contrast Beans,as I said, I didn't watch last night's game, but I have watched the other two. For those two:
1) We were speedy as well, but in the Montreal game, they matched our speed (specifically Gomez and Gionta were all over the ice). So, depends who we are playing . . . when we play Edmonton, I am sure their speed will match up well, if not better.
2) Containing the puck in our own end was not a problem at all in the first two games . . . in the Ottawa game, we controlled the puck more than I have seen in a very, very long time (dominating). Montreal was back and forth.
3) I heard both Kessel and Versteeg had poor outings last night, and heard about the shots . . . but that certainly wasn't the case against either Montreal or Ottawa. And I heard about Phaneuf's big gaffe that led to a goal, but . . . he has otherwise looked very good. Not great, but very good.
Hopefully it's just an off game that they happened to win. Like you said, playoff teams have to win ugly sometimes, and in the end, what you didn't mention - our goalie played better than theirs - will win you those games.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 15:24:26
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Well Beans you have given a spot on description of the game against Pittsburg.
You mentioned two things that will be the reason the Leafs will struggle to get to the playoffs.
1. They struggle in their own end and often get sloppy. Good teams will make them pay for this.
2. They don't have enough stars on the team for Kessel and Phaneuf to take a night off.
What I like about the Leafs so far.
The secondary scoring. McArthur could not ask for a better start, Tim Brent has 2 and even Orr chipping in last night.
The dogged puck pursuit that this team displays is better then any other team I have watched so far. They are forcing big mistakes by the other teams D with the offensive zone pressure.
Goaltending. There was a lot pressure on Gustavsson last night and although he a had slow start, he managed to make some big game savers in the final minutes. Those type of saves help a team win those ugly games.
I am still amazed you did not find a way to let your total hatred of the Leafs take over while you made your post. |
Edited by - Porkchop73 on 10/14/2010 15:28:30 |
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 16:39:05
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Pretty accurate description of the game guys. TO`s best segment was the first 15 mins...... Beans, Pitts. didn`t register a shot on goal until the 12 minute mark of the first, leafs were all over them. Second and third periods were 60/40 control, pitts. favor. Kennedy, Cooke, Duprius, Kunitz and Talbot are something else, so under-rated, so tough to play aganist, killed kessel last night.
Beans you brought up the point about the leafs 2 shots in the third, lets not forget that with with only 6 minutes left in the third the shots were only 2 - 1 pittsburg ( third period shots of course ), neither team were exactly buzzing the net. Hard fought game.
What i liked better than last year ( Based on first 3 games )...Awesome speed, Tough play, Better goal-tending, Improved defense, More depth, 2nd-ary scoring, Better PP, Better PK ( more aggressive and quick ).
This team........can win without 1st line scoring.....
Desperately needs a true 1st line center to be complete.....Any chance of getting Brad Richards i wonder ???
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2010 : 16:41:49
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I do hate the Leafs, not nearly as much as the Canucks but it pretty close. However, I would still like to think I am a logically guy. Furthermore, how much credibility would I have with anyone if I watched something and stating something completely opposite.
Give credit where credit was due. It was an ugly win for the Leafs against one of the teams projected to be near the top in the East.
Solid start. It is exactly what it is.
I still can't stand'em. But I gotta keep it real homies. |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2010 : 18:18:20
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I'm currently watching the Leafs vs Rangers game, and Toronto has pretty much dominated this game so far, puck-control wise.
The first/second periods, were pretty much all Toronto. Speed is definatley something that Toronto has, and are utilizing.
Toronto did well controlling the play. I found they over-passed the puck a little, mainly on the Power-play. They need to make the PP a little more simple. Continue moving the puck well, as they are, but less of it. More shots on net. Can't score if you don't shoot.
But in their own zone tonight, I found Toronto did a good job at taking the puck away. And, clearing their zone. It still needs some work though.
Toronto have some big d-men. They need to use that size more, and clear the front of the net. They can't continue to allow second chances. I find they are doing better this year, so far at it. But, they still need Phaneuf, Komisarek, Schenn, etc.. (the big guys), to clear the net more.
As for secondary scoring. They have some, yes. But McAurther will likely slow down soon. (another goal tonight), becoming the first Leaf to score a goal in each of his first four games. (Having 5 in 4). But, I don't suspect he'll continue to score near that pace. (of course). But, I also don't see him even producing 1 goal per 3 games, for most of the season.
So they need other guys to step up with secondary scoring. They need Versteeg to step up his game. I'm not liking Versteeg's overall game a lot, not yet anyways.
So when McArthuer slows down, they'll need more secondary scoring. It's not up to playoff caliber yet. In my opinion. They need a few guys to step it up.
But overall, I like what the Leafs are doing. They are playing a team concept. Simple hockey. And it works. They just have to continue to improve each night, and to have a few key guys in secondary roles, step it up another notch. As Kessel won't always have an on night, and McAurther won't continue playing like a true first liner. So they'll need others to step up here and there, to carry those two when they just aren't on.
Irvine/prez. |
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2010 : 20:31:37
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Greetings all, these forums caught my eye when I signed in to a hockey pool I've joined through work, so I thought I'd sign up and throw in my two cents.
First things first, straight up: I'm a Leaf fan. Not sure why, but I have been for a long time. My daddy was a Leaf fan, my daddy's daddy was a Leaf fan etc. That said, if I'd have seen this topic for the first time a month ago when it started, rather than only today, I'd have come out right out and argued that this team was probably going to fail almost as hard as they did last year. Sure they plugged a few gaps, and sure Toskala blew a few games, and maybe a healthy, sane Komisarek might might a difference, but really, on paper they didn't get that much better... not to the point where I'd expect them to vault over the 7 teams sitting between last place and a playoff spot.
But now, after watching the first four games, I'm going to have to change that prediction. I may, cautiously, be tempted to predict a playoff spot. I can't quite find the right word for what is different, and I hate to use something as vague as heart, but something *is* different with this Leaf team.
Basically, I only watch two kinds of hockey game: Leaf games and playoff games. The past few years I've always found myself amazed come playoff time when I start watching and following other teams just how much faster, stronger, and more skilled the playoff teams are than my beloved but woefully bad Leafs. The first few games this season, however, the Leafs *have* looked like one of those teams. They play hard, they press the attack, they (usually) don't quit on defence, they score timely goals, and they get big saves when they need them. Since the lockout I have seen very few convincing, dominant Leaf wins, and a whole mess of games where they just rolled over and died. Apart from the 3rd periods against Pittsburg and New York, this team has taken over games in a way we rarely saw in previous years. Perhaps more importantly, during those periods where they did lose control and face pressure they didn't seem to loose their cool.
I still don't expect this winning streak to continue, and I dread what might happen after the first time they get blown out 7-0 or something like that (confidence is everything!) Like the teams of a few years ago, I suspect this Leaf team may be scrambling for a 7th or 8th seed right at the end of the season; the one major difference if they continue to play the way they have is that I can, for the first time since the lock-out, imagine this team *winning* a playoff series, should they squeak in.
They got heart.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2010 : 05:50:56
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Welcome RC, and great comments! One of the best first time posts in some time.
I agree with you about heart, but I will use another word to describe it . . . will. The will to win, which is backed by confidence, being sure of your teammates, sure of the sstem, and most importantly, sure of the goalie. Bad periods and odd man rushes will happen, but the key is not falling apart under the pressure.
They have been relentless with their pressure to start the season, and I have to think a lot of that is youth. Might sound weird, but I can't wait to see how this team responds to a game where they are down three or four goals . . . with these guys, I don't see any "quit", and that will win you a lot of close games in this league with the parity below the top 4 or 5 in each conference.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2010 : 08:05:34
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well its hard to say this,,, i am a habs fan but one thing i have always maintained on this site i am a habs fan first and a fan of Canadian teams second which oddly makes Toronto my 6th favorite team `sigh`  now as i am in not means a fan of the leafs (besides this blind love of Canada and all things hockey) i `can`t help but watching them play this year. In years past i could not be botherd to watch this team, and i mean no slight on the fans of the buds, i simply had no intresst in watching last years team for example. Now this year i have been drawn to watching the leafs and have watched almost as many leaf games as Habs games, They are fun the watch young and with loads of energy, For example last night my beloved habs were in a 2-1 game against the bruins and i constantly kept swinging over to the Leafs game to keep tabs, in the past i would never even realized the buds were playing.
Pasty |
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2010 : 10:08:31
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Nice post pasty, i too am a any Canadian team fan...after the leafs of course  . Playoffs are not the same without teams like Mont./Tor. involved. Wether you love or hate them, its nice to see them play, makes the playoffs interesting.
Leafs are on a roll ...i am sticking to my pre-season prediction...Toronto will compete for their division title, don`t think there are so many people laughing at me now, ( i know its still early but damn this team looks good ).
I certainly expect B.Burke to call a press conference sometime in the future regarding a top foward coming to the leafs. Still too early for this to happen yet. Just wait until some team is under-achieving and its owner is looking at one of his high priced talent on a losing team and maybe in the last year of his contract....oh yeah baby....its gonna happen.  |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2010 : 08:42:28
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Duke, you are killing me. I mean, 4 games. It's awesome. Better than anything that the Leafs have done in some time. But know one is saying the Stars are going to compete for their division are they?? They are also undefeated.
I am still laughing heartily every time I think about the Leafs taking the division. If they are still leading at Christmas time I might drop down to a light chuckle. But that's a long time from now.
And although the team does look good, it's more than a little premature. They won a very ugly game against Pittburgh and even though they had better puck control against NYR, it was an overtime game. The only game of the 4 they won where they did completely dominate was the Ottawa game.
This team could be 1-3 just as easily as they could be 4-0. Great for them. Take what I say for what it is. I am not bashing, but Duke, the comments are way, way, way premature. |
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2010 : 09:30:06
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Just having some fun Beans, some1 has to stir the pot here and get some controversy brewing. Pretty boring if every1 agreed on everything.
Better puck control againist the Rangers, thats an interesting, mellowing way to phrase it.....more like UTTER, TOTAL DOMINATION of the hockey game. Only for a couple of lucky bounces for the Rangers towards the end of the game it would be no contest.
What were the shots on goal ( approx ) after 2 periods ?? something like 30 - 10 leafs favor...yeah i guess thats better puck control alright.
Just keep on laughing...hope i`m brightening your day. When the leafs record is 8 - 2 maybe some people will take them a little more serious.
Anything can happen in hockey, didn`t Philly squeak into the playoffs last year on the last day of the regular season and play for the Stanley Cup ?? Didn`t Montreal do the same and then defeat Washington and Pittsburg....anything is possible when a group of people have something in common that the leafs seem to have in this young season...HEART and DESIRE TO WIN !!!
Do you know that the only leaf to play in the playoffs for the leafs is T. Kaberle...this is a totally new team, totally rebuilt, any comments on this teams former play is fruitless....this team didn`t exsist before. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/24/2010 : 09:47:25
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What a difference a week can make!
3 games, 3 loses(one in overtime). 1 PP goal in 12 attempts(8%). At one point the Leafs went 120 minutes without a even strength goal. All those games would have been far worse if the goalies were not as good as they work. The PK is looking better too.
What about Captain Phaneuf??? TO has had 15 goals scored on them even strength and Neon Dion was on for 8 of those. His defensive liabilities are being highlighted at this early part of the season.
Still very, very early. However, Philly completely outplayed them in every area of the ice, as did Pittsburgh last week when TO found a way to win. The defense has such a hard time getting the puck out of their own end it's hard to watch. TO has games against Boston and Washington coming in the next 2 weeks. It will be interesting to see if Wilson can find a way to right the ship. |
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 10/24/2010 : 12:40:13
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Yes TO sucked against Philly, they got a lesson in hockey for sure. Wilson better right the ship and fast to or this losing streak may hit 5 - 6 games, good thing they had an hot start..
Can`t understand why Wilson won`t give Kadri a shot...what has he got to lose ? Bozak and Graboski will never be 1st line centers, at least kadri has the potential to become a great center, why not try him.
TO played 2 teams the last 2 games taking a lot of heat and they both showed up to play. Didn`t philly lose 3 straight at home before beating TO sat. night ? Certainly seems like the leafs got away from what made them very successful the first 4 games. |
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Guest0486
( )
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Posted - 10/24/2010 : 12:54:53
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An overlooked part of the leafs hot start was their fairly mild schedule to start the year. They got Fleury during his shaky start, beat a disjointed Ottawa team and beat garbage like the Rangers/Islanders. Now that they are playing harder teams they are showing their obvious flaws as a team (no secondary scoring, terrible centres, overrated defence).
Boston should look forward to another top 5 pick.... |
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 10/24/2010 : 14:36:24
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The Leafs really blew it last night, but from what I've seen this was their first truly decisive loss, the past two could have easily gone either way were it not for a few unlucky bounces and good goaltending on the other end.
Against Philly, however, it was a complete rout. The forwards wouldn't fight for the space in front of the net, and spent their time making (or, rather, failing to make) risky passes.
But the real problem? Phaneuf. The guy was a complete liability last night, getting caught out of position by trying to land stupid hits and taking pointless shots on the powerplay. I'm not sure why the commentary guys on CBC weren't saying anything about him. Instead they somehow managed to slag Versteeg (who had a weak night, but certainly didn't damage the team) and Beauchamen (who did make a couple mistakes, but more often than not was forced in to bad situations because Phaneuf was nowhere to be found). I guess that's what you get when you have Mike "Worst GM in history" Milburry as a commentator.
He may have all the swagger in the world, but if Phaneuf keeps playing like this, he's in trouble, C or no C. From all I've seen of the guy, he hasn't impressed. He's Lucky his huge contract makes him hard to run out of town.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 10/24/2010 : 17:43:31
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quote:
He's Lucky his huge contract makes him hard to run out of town
It didn't seem to be a problem for CGY last year... |
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The 2010/11 Toronto Maple Leafs 
