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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
 Posted - 02/03/2011 : 19:34:44
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With James Reimer continuing to play well there's rumours that "The Monster" will be sent to the Marlies. Read somewhere that he's not happy with that possibility but that's life.
Reimer got his first shut out of his NHL career tonight Anyone who watched the game care to fill us in on his play? He's now 5-3 in 8 starts with the Leafs and appears to have earned the right to stick around, no?
Is this kid the real deal? I'd never heard of him before his original call up. Was he considered a top prospect cuz i don't recall hearing his name mentioned even on here when Leaf fans talk about their future (till now)? He's certainly getting results.
(whew......a Leafs post without a "bash"......can't say the entire thread will continue that trend, but it's a start )
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ryan93
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
996 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 19:45:45
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I never heard of him either before this season. Other than highlights, i haven't seen him play yet, so still can't say i'm that familar with him.
Looking at my The Hockey News Yearbook though, they had him ranked #4 among Leaf prospects (though looking at the list, it's less than impressive), the only goaltender among the top 10. |
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 20:16:41
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He seems legit, although I'm basing that on just the small sampling of games he has played for the Leafs as well as a few Marlies games, some of which I heard about second hand instead of attending.
His positioning is solid, but I think it's the ability to make the odd killer acrobatic save that gives him potential. Those moments where the goaltender bails out the team from what should have been a sure goal tend to have a greater effect than just keeping a marker off the scoreboard. I thought for years that half of what made the Leaf defense so poor was that they have not been confident in their goaltender, and that changes how you have to play in your end. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the natural reaction to a lack of confidence in the goaltender is for the D to play a very passive game, which usually only makes things worse. What I've seen of Reimer tells me he'll be good enough to change the course of a few games here and there.
That said, I HATE hyping up goalie prospects. The amount of video study these days is crazy. How many rookies have we seen in the past decade or so half a great rookie year and then start to falter once the rest of the league discovers a hole in his game? It's too early to tell if there are any major flaws in Reimer's coverage. If they are, they will be ruthlessly exploited. I wouldn't be willing to bet heavily on the guy as a future starter until he's had a season or two playing backup or splitting with a veteran.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 20:54:30
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quote:
Originally posted by TheRC
Those moments where the goaltender bails out the team from what should have been a sure goal.
You mean, like the one Cam Ward made tonight? WOW! If you didn't see it, watch your highlights tonight and i'll GUARANTEE you it's at the top of the list of plays of the day! |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 04:37:45
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Well Alex, the only addendum I will add to your initial comment on this being a positive Leafs post is that it should be in the Leafs Talk section, not in General Hockey Chat.
After all, in general, most non-Leaf fans wouldn't be interested in talking about the Leafs now, would they? 
So, Reimer . . . wow, has he come out of nowhere to play some amazing goaltending. And it's not like he is flashy or anything, far from it - he has this perfect, non-plussed demeanour about him which suggests he operates on a very even keel, and it translates to his composure on the ice. From what I have seen, he is extremely mature emotionally as a goalie, a much-needed trait in Toronto, where we eat goalies for breakfast, spit them out, then chew on them some more for lunch!
As RC pointed out though, tough to say right now what a year from now will bring with a young goalie - but for right now, he looks very real indeed. Hence, RC's and mine reluctance to try and hype anything about him whatsoever . . . we don't want to jinx it!
What is not lost in this is how much better the Leafs play in front of Reimer, and this says a lot about his demeanour, his confidence, and the way the team feeds off that. IT is really amazing how night and day it is for the Leafs D when they play in front of Reimer, after playing in front of Gustavsson. It's like a different team.
I will try and hide my unbridled excitement at having a potential (POTENTIAL - means, NOT FOR SURE - POSSIBLE!) A quality starting goalie of the future, and wait for the media hype to start up at about . . . hmm, he's 5-3 now, let's say when he gets to 8 wins - then we will see how he handles the media pressure!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 07:22:27
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He reminds me of a young Felix, calm, cool and collected. Good on him, hope he's the real deal for the Leafs as they need a good news story.
"Hockey is a man's game. The team with the most real men wins.” - Brian Burke |
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Guest7752
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Posted - 02/04/2011 : 07:26:41
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So what happens in two weeks when the monster comes back from Marlies?
Who gets to leave TO - Giggy or Monster?
I think Leafs should have brought him up slower this "second" half of the season while using the summer to make Giggy / Monster decision. Maybe this way, the monster could have been show-cased a little more for a possible decent trade. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 08:27:24
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Well Alex, the only addendum I will add to your initial comment on this being a positive Leafs post is that it should be in the Leafs Talk section, not in General Hockey Chat.
After all, in general, most non-Leaf fans wouldn't be interested in talking about the Leafs now, would they?
Awww man, i start a perfectly possitive Leafs thread and i STILL get in trouble. Sorry, i'm terrible at starting new posts in the wrong sections. You see, i don't know about everyone else, but i usually enter through the PUH homepage where on the right of the screen it has the "most recent" posts. That immediately puts me into whatever section that post is from. Then, if i forget to check and start a new topic, it's put in whatever section you're alread in! My bad.....
Slozo, while i know you're just kidding, feel free to move it. 
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 09:32:05
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Lol Alex i tend to do the same thing and i am sure Slozo is just busting your chops. As far as Reimer i have seen him play a couple time for the marlies & Leafs this yr and like how both he & Scribbons another leaf prospect do not overplay the puck and simply stay solid positionally, challenge the shooters & take away angles. Way to premature to decide on what he will be and as much as it hurts to not throw the leafs under the bus its good to see that they have some likely potential in goal.
As far as Gustavsoon believe it or not i think he could fetch some decent trade offers. He is a young goalie who covers alot of the net but often finds himself out of position. (Fleury) when he broke into the league. You could contribute this to still adjusting to the North American rinks or he is simply a slow developer. Alot of goalies develop late and i think there will be a couple of suitors out their who will take him on his size and potential alone. Maybe a Chicago, Buffalo or Detroit (osgoode retiring) teams looking for a young back up goalie.
Lemieux owns Gretzky |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 10:13:40
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To clarify on the comments about Gustavsson when he comes up, and whether management should have slowed Reimer's transition to the NHL:
1) When Reimer first came up, he ONLY came up as an injury replacement. I don't think it was really management's plan at all to have Reimer play in any meaningful games mid-season, maybe only at the end of the year for one or two.
2) Reimer played himself into this - he forced management's hand in playing him now. On the other hand, Gustavsson played himself down to the Marlies, with some inconsistent play, and what looks to be a big loss in confidence. I think it is absolutely the right call to play whatever young goalie is playing like a real NHL starter, and send down a young goalie who is starting to look shaky and has no confidence.
3)Now, what to do with Gustavsson? Good question!
As pointed out, he would be somewhat decent trade bait, as he is a goalie with some potential. I certainly wouldn't want to trade him and see him become the next Luongo, but . . . if, in the next two weeks, Reimer continues on this path, and picks up a few more wins say - I say Gustavsson becomes trade bait.
If Gustavsson isn't traded by the deadline, I'd keep him in the Marlies, and then reassess in the summertime accordingly.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Guest2712
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Posted - 02/04/2011 : 10:26:37
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the demotion of Gustavsson to the minors is the right move. and good on him for accepting it the way he did. sure he's not happy about it. who would be? but he needs to play, and clearly he's not going to get the opportunity to do that with the big club right now. and he realizes that. get in some solid starts with the Marlies, and re-build your confidence. show the Leafs that you have what it takes to play in the NHL.
with Giggy sure to be gone next year he has to seize the opportunity. if not he may become trade bait, which may force the Leafs to keep Giggy around for another year to help mentor Reimer for a full season. |
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 15:44:38
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So Monster is down on a 2 week conditioning stint with the Marlies.
There is a few scenerios that happen now.
1. Giggy is traded within the two weeks and Monster gets recalled
2. Monster gets traded (does he have a NTC?)
3. Giggy stays and Reimer remains hot, leaving Monster to have to clear waivers
4. Reimer cools off and is returned at the end of the two weeks if neither Giggy or Monster are traded.
Good to see Reimer play his way on to the team. Looks good in his eight games, a bright and unxpected surprise from the young Leaf prospects. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 17:09:45
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I am also not one to hang on a goalie in the early part of his career but I have to say that I have been very impressed with this kid as well. Let's face it, it has been at least 5 years since the Leafs have had a stable netminder and it's been a tough slug. This kid seems like he can at least handle the pressure of facing a ton of shots. Not only is 5-3 in 9 starts but he has a GAA under 2 and a save % of .940. I can recall the last Leafs goalie to have numbers like that even in a short period of time. He's also faced just under 30 shot a game in that stretch.
Leaf bashing aside, this is a defense that has often left their goalie like a lamb to slaughter. They have taken average to above average goalies in the past 3 seasons and made them into some of the worst in the league. If the Leafs have a guy that can keep them in games and steal some here and there it will help.
That being said, what happens to the Monster?? Nothing I would suggest. Giguere is gone, either now or in the off season so the Leafs should move forwards with Reimer and Gustavsson as their team. I can't see why they wouldn't continue with that. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 18:55:52
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Porkchop - Monster does not have a NTC, and he has one year left on his deal @ 1.35M. Giggy of course, does have a NTC and is UFA after this year.
From what I've seen of Monster, I can't believe that Leaf management is still thinking he's the future for the Leafs in goal - he's been specacularly mediocre so far, even given the Leaf's woes. I would assume at this point that they're looking beyond him, and Reimer so far should be filling their vision.
If things continue to go well for Reimer this year, I could see the Leafs going with him + a veteran in goal next year, which leaves Monster out. Perhaps they resign Giguere for a Turco-like deal (less than 1.5M), or get Turco when CHI makes him available in the summer, or goes for Kabby... there are many veteran options.
Monster would probably fetch something at the deadline, but probably not much - most of the teams making a run have little use for a mediocre non-veteran goalie. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2011 : 19:25:50
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Again, it's tough to fault the Monster based on the below average performance of the Leafs defense. Not arguing their abilities on paper or anything else, bottom line is the Leafs defense has been abysmal for the better part of the past 3 season. Look at the list of reasonable decent goalies who have played for the Leafs and have looked nothing short of horrible. Here is the list of TO goalies since 08/09.
Toskala,Joseph, Gerber, Justin Pogge, Gustavsson, Giguere, MacDonald, and Reimer.
The best of the best in that group were barely over .900 save % and slightly nder 3.00 GAA. Those are below average numbers for the NHL.
I don't fault Gustavsson for having weak numbers behind that defense. However, I don't believe he is going to be the #1 moving foward. He is more than a capable back up and came step up in an injury situation. |
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T-RAV
Top Prospect
Canada
75 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 05:44:03
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Its nice to see everyone getting along in here. Beans, usually you infuriate me, but your posts here have been reasonable and I think pretty accurate. Respect.
As for Gus, He is a much better goalie than we've seen. Burke went after him hard because of how he played in Sweden. This kid had 8 shut-outs in 14 play-off games.(or something similar, cant remember exact stats) I think he has a bright future in the NHL, but definitely could benefit from some time in the AHL for conditioning and confidence.
Its gotta be hard to move from everything and everyone you know to start fresh in a different country, with a different language.
I'd like to see the Leafs keep Gus, maybe as a back-up if Reimer keeps his game going.
"If we succumb to a dream world, then we will wake up to a nightmare" - Jimmy Carter |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 05:55:53
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Reimer has been playing really good, and I really hope it keeps going, but like RC said more times he spends in the NHL more times the other teams will study his play. Only in a few seasons we'll see what he's made of.
The Monster is having a tough sophomore season and is slow developing into a number one. But I think they should hang on to him until the end of his contract. He's really cap friendly and nobody can guarantee that Gigučre will want to resign. I'm thinking Gigučre will sign with a contender like the Flyers or Capitals to have one last shot at a Stanley Cup. If that happens, then you still have Gustavsson and Reimer for next season. I don't think Reimer is ready to be a sole number one goalie.
And honnestly Gustavsson would only fetch something like a fourth round pick at trade deadline. Be patient with him, that has been a problem in the past for the Leafs, oh you're not playing well after 2 seasons lets send you away for a bag of pucks. You have to hang on to your young players (25 years old and younger) and develop them within the organization. And I think that's the new philosophy that Brian Burke brings. Plus the Toronto market makes enough money to put a few 1.5 million dollar contract into the affiliate. cough cough Jeff Finger cough cough... |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 10:44:11
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quote:
Originally posted by T-RAV
[br]Its nice to see everyone getting along in here.
T-RAV.....
Keep in mind when saying this, and i'm not trying to initiate something in this oh so peaceful thread, but it's not always just simple Leaf haters that intentionally bring stuff on. Props to you Leafs fans here for not getting carried away with this Reimer kid. For every "well, he's hot now, but i'm not gonna get over confident just yet" response from a Leaf fan, there's usually a "yeah, this kid's the answer, we're playoff bound!" type response. Those have not appeared here, thus no "Leaf bashing" in return!
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Utemin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
451 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 10:46:34
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I really hope for Reimer, I picked him up and dropped Halak It makes me sad to drop my first month mvp but life is like a box of chocolates Now my low class goalies are Niemi and Reimer. (bless Bergeron)
Don't hate me because i'm Beautiful |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 10:58:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Utemin
Now my low class goalies are Niemi and Reimer. (
Ouch.....i wish you luck!
Andy MacDonald is now back for the Blues, watch for them to surge up the standings and finish 8th so i don't have to buy Beans a case of beer! Yeah, i know, keep dreaming..... |
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Guest4606
( )
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Posted - 02/05/2011 : 10:59:01
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| Reimer is a over Hype... He was Owned by the Manitoba Moose 2 weeks ago 12 goals in 2 games.... |
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Utemin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
451 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 11:11:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
quote:
Originally posted by Utemin
Now my low class goalies are Niemi and Reimer. (
Ouch.....i wish you luck!
Andy MacDonald is now back for the Blues, watch for them to surge up the standings and finish 8th so i don't have to buy Beans a case of beer! Yeah, i know, keep dreaming.....
Halak has an undetermined injury length and did not want to go a whole week relying on Niemi. I will pick him back up if neccecary. Thanks for the hopefully not sarcastic luck.
Don't hate me because i'm Beautiful |
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Utemin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
451 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 11:11:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
quote:
Originally posted by Utemin
Now my low class goalies are Niemi and Reimer. (
Ouch.....i wish you luck!
Andy MacDonald is now back for the Blues, watch for them to surge up the standings and finish 8th so i don't have to buy Beans a case of beer! Yeah, i know, keep dreaming.....
Halak has an undetermined injury length and did not want to go a whole week relying on Niemi. I will pick him back up if neccecary. Thanks for the hopefully not sarcastic luck.
P.S looking at my goalies I need to take a chance.
Don't hate me because i'm Beautiful |
Edited by - Utemin on 02/05/2011 11:12:24 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 12:16:05
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| U, i was sorta being sarcastic, not at all meant in an insulting way. Just saying that your goalies, if it's Niemi and Reimer, certainly can't be the strongest part of your team! |
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Utemin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
451 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 11:30:41
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the luck is certainly working
Don't hate me because i'm Beautiful |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 11:55:53
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| Monster was a memory with his last "heart" problem, make no mistake. |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 12:54:45
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Toxxik say what?? What are we to make no mistake on besides the man having a heart condition?
Lemieux owns Gretzky |
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foolpittier
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
374 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 17:18:31
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| you dont throw large sums of money at a guy with a heart problem, no matter how you slice it monster is gonester. |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 18:40:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Mario 66
Toxxik say what?? What are we to make no mistake on besides the man having a heart condition?
Lemieux owns Gretzky
Meaning: He won't be a starter ANYWHERE in the NHL. |
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T-RAV
Top Prospect
Canada
75 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 22:18:59
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You don't throw away all kinds of $$ on surgery for a player that will never hack it in the NHL, do you?
Peace and Respect |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2011 : 23:53:07
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quote:
You don't throw away all kinds of $$ on surgery for a player that will never hack it in the NHL, do you?
You do if he's under contract to your team, guaranteed medical attention for conditions or injuries suffered during play is part of a standard player's contract. The Leafs have to pay for his health while under contract. |
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Reimer's first SO, see ya "Monster"? 
