Board not Absolved

Don't let JFJ be the only scape goat. MLSE has to feel the sting for their part in assembling/managing/perpetuating a team this is increasingly making me feel like a fool for looking past, justifying to myself and in the end ignoring its fatal flaws.

Simmons' article today in the SUN is obviously a defence of Peddie. The reasons for penning such tripe could be many. Peddie doesn't like being fingered for anything other than profitable praises. Peddie is promising to reward or cut-off Simmons from what he loves so much; gossip. The two have been involved in a secret affair, and Stevie is coming to Dickie's defense out of love and loyalty. Ok, I made that one up. And enjoyed it.

Point 1.) is completely false. Every trade, signing, draft choice, front office or coach hiring, firing, or resignation has occurred on the premise of MLSE's inability to provide a clear vision.

Point 2.) by extension is also false. As is point 3.) Suggestiong JFJ acted in a vacuum of accountability is horseshit. And the article title "GM Blew it,Not the Board" is a pathetic attempt to distract Leafs Nation from holding ownership accountable.

Not gonna happen.

Hartnell on Alberts

Jeez, you offer praise to a guy for his good sportsmanship in not hitting an opponent in a prone position and then he goes and does something like this. Needless to say, the hit on Alberts was dirty and pointless. My compliments to Hartnell are withdrawn.

Change for change's sake

It is becoming crystal clear JFJ won't be getting that long ago promised extension. But the idea of a 'name' GM being MLSE's idea of a solution is a joke. An easy yarn for the toronto media to weave is the last thing that should be a criterion for the Leafs' GM position. The media doesn't deserve any favors for their mail it in, premature and convenient blanketing of situations. The GM must be some one of proven ability in the position, and in the salary capped environment.

In addition, I plead any new candidate demand autonomy as a condition of accepting the position. Obviously MLSE oversight, er meddling, is not benefiting the hockey operations. And the fans and media have to remember this vital point amid all the distracting names thrown about. Change for change's sake can be beneficial, but rarely is it a solution to such deep-rooted problems of which the Leafs are currently afflicted.

UPDATE - Mike Peca makes some very astute comments in this National Post article.

It's a reflection of an organization that hasn't rebuilt over the last decade or two ... You're bringing pieces in every year and you don't get that cohesion to build a winning environment. Look at teams that have success over the last few years. Ottawa, Buffalo, Anaheim, Detroit ... They've developed players in their system, guys who've come up and become great hockey players in the league or big parts of the organization. The Leafs haven't had that for a while. They seem to have some pieces like Alex Steen and Kyle Wellwood if they can stay healthy and keep progressing but ... There area lot of great people in that organization and a lot of great individual talent, but for years they haven't come together to buy into what it means to win hockey games and be a winning team on a consistent basis"

Thanks Be To Orr

NYR vs TB 11/21/07 – Stats – Score Sheet

Rangers Lines
Drury-Dubinsky-Jagr
Avery-Gomez-Shanahan
Hossa-Moore-Prucha
Hollweg-Betts-Orr

Rangers Pairs
Tyutin-Girardi
Staal-Mara
Strudwick-Baranka

Lundqvist

Only a quick recap tonight, as we are on the eve of the World’s greatest holiday and I have to practice eating tons of food in preparation.

Generally speaking, it was a solid road effort from the Rangers. And they got another goal from defenseman. I don’t know what’s going on with the defensive corps and their offensive touch of late, but I like it. They’re sure making up for Jagr’s lack of touch over the last couple of weeks.

It was the first NHL game for Ivan Baranka and Greg Moore. Neither was great, neither was terrible and both were responsible in the defensive zone. That’s the way to start.

Lundqvist was Lundqvist. I give thanks for Lundqvist. The only puck that got by him was deflected close-in and came with less than twenty seconds remaining in the game. It was a shame. He deserved the shut out.

Colton Orr scored.


Seriously, Colton Orr scored. It was hardly a sniper-shot, but it counts just the same on the scoreboard. Plus, it allowed me to breathe easier during the last half of the 3rd period.

Blair Betts is a super penalty killer. Just awesome.

Drury’s snakebit, but he makes up for it everywhere else on the ice.

Happy Turkey Day.

Rask and you shall receive...

Well, this is the moment we have been dreading since the draft of 2006. Will the Raycroft-Rask swap be the beginning of the end, or just another strike against JFj in a long line of misses?

Raycroft definitely hasn't delivered what JFJ envisioned when he made the deal, but he is reasonably priced and could prove yet to turn into something the club needs. I'm thinking draft picks or prospects. Cause he ain't going to run the table and start the majority of the season, this or in the future.

Which leads us to JFJ again trading for immediate help in the nets. The Toskala/Bell acquisition seems to be panning out, with Bell assuming a more prominent role than most in the Toronto media expected. (I've been keen on Bell ever since I heard of the trade, though the jail time soured my excitement somewhat.) Of course, the picks would've been nice to keep and use, but that's water under the bridge. Toskala and Bell are solid NHLers, and Pogge is still doing developing.

But will he be better than Rask? That's another wait and see type deal.

Playing to Win

TOR vs OTT - F/O - TOI - Game - Event

Rangers Win, But…

NYR vs PHI 11/15/07 – Stats – Score Sheet

Rangers Lines
Hossa-Dubinsky-Jagr
Avery-Gomez-Prucha
Dawes-Drury-Shanahan
Hollweg-Betts-Orr

Rangers Pairs
Staal-Rozsival
Tyutin-Girardi
Strudwick-Mara

Lundqvist

Well, it was two points earned and the Rangers are tied atop the Atlantic Division, but despite that victory I was left with a sour taste in my mouth. The team gave a good effort, especially considering this was the tail end of back-to-back games against tough division rivals. And yet, I’m not especially thrilled at the moment. Two things happened during the game that left me with that bad taste, and a third occurred that when held in contrast made the original ones all that much worse.

First, Sean Avery can yap and talk and gab away, and assuming he’s not talking about people’s health issues, I’m going to like the guy. He’s a better player than he gets credit for and he serves his role well. Is he a dick? Yes, absolutely. Would you like him if he played on your team? Yes, absolutely. That’s just the way it is.

What I can do without, however, is diving. And Avery took a dive last night on a check from behind (not really). The play went un-called, but the refs should have booked Avery for the infraction. You see, diving is a bane, a blight on sport. It’s ruined some sports (World Cup soccer, for one) and it will come after others if left un-checked. By design, it is nearly impossible for the referees to enforce, but they’re charged with doing so. Instead, it should be up to the coaches, players and even the fans to take up the task. We all need to do our best to shame the divers for their actions. It’s the only way to get it out of hockey. So the curse is on you Sean Avery. Don’t dive. Next time, take the hit like a man.


The second thing that bugged me about last night’s game was Ryan Hollweg, a.k.a. “The Boarder”. Hollweg needs to stop boarding people. It’s unnecessary and dangerous. I like a "wrecking ball" player as much as the next guy, but too many times I’ve seen #44 out there barreling into someone from behind. Last night’s play went un-called, but again this is something that two minute penalties won’t stop. This needs to be addressed by the coaches and his teammates, and it really needs to cease before someone else gets hurt.

By the way, I like Hollweg well enough. At least he serves some purpose outside of the hits and the fights. He can skate and shoot and even skate with the puck from time to time. Colton Orr, on the other hand, is completely worthless with his gloves on. Ugh.

And the last of the three things I want to talk about today, makes those first two all the worse. I need to give tons of credit to Bill and Joy Hartnell because they raised a good kid. Last night, Scott Hartnell had the chance to completely destroy and injure a Rangers defensemen and he chose not to. His check would have been well within the rules of the game, but Hartnell withheld the crunching blow and went for the steal instead. I know Hartnell has been called "dirty" in the past for some of the hits he’s thrown (on Cheechoo if I’m not mistaken), but what I saw last night convinced me he doesn’t deserve the label.

On the play, a Rangers defensemen was moving from right-to-left around his net. I rewound the play multiple times to figure which Flyer player it was, but I never bothered to check which defensemen he spared, so I’m not sure who that was. Whoever he was, he was being marked from behind by a different Flyer, who chased him around the net. The defensemen was watching the puck as the player behind him checked his stick. And there was Hartnell, coming in down the left wing, with a clear opportunity to put a Steve Downie on the guy. But he didn’t. He did the honorable and right thing, and instead of hospitalizing the player, he went for the strip of the puck.

As I mentioned, I watched the play a number of times and you can see Hartnell make the decision to hold up. Milliseconds before they collide, he drops his stick to the ice and goes for the steal rather than the thundering hit. It spared the Rangers an injury and it serves as a credit to Scott Hartnell.

I hate the Flyers. And there is nothing I like more than taking two points from them on their own ice. I would have enjoyed talking today about all the good things the Blueshirts did last night, but the solid effort was over-shadowed by a few ugly plays. That sucks, but those plays really need to be highlighted, especially by people who generally support the players making them.

With all of that said, it's nice to come away with four points after two tough divisional road games. It's very, very nice. No complaints on that front and all things considered I liked the game the Rangers played last night.

Other Notes

- It was a rare bad night for Lundqvist, but he made up for it in the shoot-out.

- It’s nice to see Rangers defensemen scoring goals. Against the Flyers, it was Tyutin’s turn to get in on the action, his first tally since opening night.

- Never, ever miss the net on an odd-man break. Ben Eager learned that lesson the hard way last night. Shanahan made him pay.

- Referees Stephane Auger and Steve Kozari were awful. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Bruins maul Leafs

TOR @ BOS - F/O - TOI - Game - Event

Joke's over. Send him down.

Get the sense the Leafs are the cure to every other teams' problems? Rangers can't win on the road. Check. Bruins' 5 goals in previous 4 games, but 5 against the Leafs. Check. Similiar story with Washington's 7-1 win. Atlanta wins its first of the season against the Leafs in Toronto. This is the antithesis of being tough to play against. Statistically, I'm going to guess the Leafs are below average for time with the lead, simply because they can't keep one for more than a minute or two.

To pile on a little more, Maurice was recently quoted saying something to the effect that he is surprised how much work it is taking to coach a team to play solid defense in their own zone. So, team defense is an after thought for a coach supposed to deliver a team that is tough to play against? Interesting tact.

And living out of market and watching Center Ice, I get to listen to out of town broadcast teams explain to their region's viewers how Toronto is one of if not the only NHL team to deploy man-defense, completely devoid of the zone-defense the kiddie's at home are used to watching. In particular, it made the color guy look a genius last night, pointing out the defensive scheme in the pregame, only to give a tutorial on the collective unintelligence of the Leafs' team D on the wrap and stuff goal, by highlighting all three forwards watching from above the face off dots as a 2 on 2 turns into a goal because of now collapsing collective help. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate what man D gives a team, but not having an option to switch to zone, or especially not having the five players thinking together, is, sorry to say it, bush league. Not only were the Leafs exploited for glaring defensive scheme omissions last night, every time Andy Woziewski was on the ice the Bruins exploited his presence. He is at best a 7/8 defencemen. Strahlman acquitted himself well. Kronwall looked fantastic in only his second game back. Go let Woz play "big minutes" down with the Marlies. He needs it. And who thought of pairing him with Mr.Rash Decision himself?

Oh yeah, that Wellwood fellow is quite the player, no? Tlusty, Wellwood and Blake combo has some promise. Steen may not be putting up points but he is giving the opposition fits.

Leafs Lines
Poni-Mats-Blake
Steen-Stajan-Boyd
Tlusty-Wellwood-Antro
Kilger-Bell-Tucker

Leafs Pairs
McCabe-Woz
Gill-White
Kaberle-Kronwall

Raycroft

NHL Pacing 11.15.07

Click image to enlarge.

We are now 21.2% of the way through the NHL season and to mark the occasion, I've worked up another version of the Pacing Spreadsheet. This spreadsheet take each team's performance to date and projects that over the remainder of the season.

Be sure to note the Central Division. If every team continued to play at the present pace, the Central would send all five of its teams to the playoffs. Obviously, I don't imagine that will happen, but it's neat anyway.

I used the last version of this spreadsheet as a template for this one and while I was re-working it, I was able to note which teams were doing better than before and which ones were doing worse. Pittsburgh and Dallas are two teams that I noticed have fallen on tough times. The Rangers and Nashville, on the other hand, have improved a good deal.

Wellwood back, unfortunately so is McCabe

TOR vs MTL - F/O - TOI - Game - Event



I suppose trying to teach an old dog new tricks isn't a winning formula, but does McCabe not recognize the high pressure and what that means about Sundin down low? This wasn't some shocking turn of events, like a Hab appearing out of nowhere to pick off a pass. This wasn't too many players to keep track of and not noticing something out of his field of vision. Komisarek was pressuring Antropov and McCabe insisted on returning the puck from whence it came. Why? I just don't understand. There were three skaters a side. The math is rudimentary. The open ice is plentiful. Why Bryan? Why? Explain what you did. Explain why you didn't recognize one of many more appealing options in that circumstance. You do that spin to your backhand all the time. Either spin and skate down the boards, wrap the puck down to Sundin behind the net, shoot the puck down into the corner on your forehand. Anything but return the puck to a covered player at the blue line in overtime.

Can you tell I'm beyond pissed, and really just confused how a professional athlete makes these mental errors so frequently? Physical and skill limitations I can handle. But flubbing between the ears has no excuse.

Leafs Lines
Poni-Mats-Blake
Tlusty-Welly-Antro
Steen-Stajan-Boyd
Bates-Bell-Tucker

Leafs Pairs
Kaberle-Kronwall
Gill-White
Woz-McCabe

Raycroft

Blakegate?

So, the esteemable Sean Avery is at it again. Most everyone who reads this blog has seen the highlights. Tucker and Avery jawing, Blake skating in between the two when contact was made, schoolyard threatening postures, shoulder fakes and stick rattling ensued, followed by an impromptu gathering of both teams' leaders and assorted character guys.

I wonder what Avery and Tucker were talking about? I wonder why Blake went in between the two of them, and why did that incite the festivities?

Tucker deemed Avery classless. Avery has been muzzled by the Rangers, after the game, and the following days since the incident.

Now it is alleged, by Howard Berger according to published reports, that Avery's verbal ammunition included commentary on Blake's health situation. Berger also mentioned an unnamed Rangers player wanted to "strangle" Avery after learning what was said. UPDATE - Berger explains from where the "strangle" quote originated. Rangers Report points out that Brendan Shanahan vehemently denies Avery referred to Blake's cancer.

Avery's response to that claim is a libel suit. UPDATE - released statement "I am extremely upset and hurt that false and damaging comments were attributed to me regarding Jason Blake. I made no such comments. I have lost two grandfathers to cancer and have been a consistent contributor to multiple cancer related charities, first and foremost, Hockey Fights Cancer. I am unable to comment further, as the matter is now being addressed by legal counsel."

Colin Campbell's response to the entire mess, and an earlier pre-game incident involving Avery, is a face to face with the hyperpest himself. UPDATE - Everyone has to pay the piper

And I was just happy collecting three of four points over the weekend. Hopefully JP will chime in with a Rangers' fan take. UPDATE - "I'm on the road and this is the first I've heard of the alleged comment by Avery. Of course, if he said what he's reported to have said, that is beyond low-class. Shame on him."- JP

Apologies for the ____gate title. Lame, I know.

Sabres Shut Out

TOR @ BUF - TOI - F/O - Event - Game - Hits/Penalties Drawn



I've been hoping for a shut out in the deepest recesses of my mind, as a sign or symbol or semblance of defensive commitment. The last time the Leafs managed to donut the opposition was March 6, 2007, against the Washington Capitals. You have to go back to October 5, 2006 for the next shut out. This one was a sweet aberration against the Senators.

Before the season started, smart money was behind Toskala for achieving this rarity in Leafland. But it was Raycroft with a heroic effort in the first who managed to obviously frustrate a Sabres' squad who was not used to getting shut out last season. But this isn't the 06-07 President's Trophy winning Sabres. Oh no. This is the Brury-less Sabres who can't outskate the rest of the NHL as in previous years. The reasons for that are many and debatable, but the results are not. Last in the Northeast?! Not a typo, and I can hardly believe it myself.

Don't have much time today, but it had to be said how solid of a line-up the Leafs had last night. Usually the fourth line is a noticeable drop-off in talent, speed, etc. Not so last night. While not entirely coordinated on the attack, the Leafs looked strong. Formidable even. Of course the 100% 60minute effort helped with that perception but the lines didn't hurt either.

Oh yeah, and my boy Boyd was rewarded for his recent hard play with a quick shift to get a late goal. Tlusty had a strong game as well. He's coming along nicely.

Leafs Lines
Poni-Mats-Blake
Tlusty-Welly-Antro
Steen-Stajan-Boyd
Kilger-Bell-Tucker

Leafs Pairs
Kaberle-Kubina
Gill-WHite
Woz-McCabe

Raycroft

Avery pwns Roberts, Pens

NYR vs PIT 11/8/07 – Stats – Score Sheet

Rangers Lines
Hossa-Dubinsky-Jagr
Avery-Gomez-Prucha
Dawes-Drury-Shanahan
Hollweg-Betts-Orr

Rangers Pairs
Staal-Rozsival
Tyutin-Girardi
Strudwick-Mara

Lundqvist

It’s gonna have to be a quick recap today, straight from the notes.

It was a good first period for the Rangers with the only significant error being a long shift (and an inability to clear the puck on it) that led to the Penguins goal. On the positive side of the ledger, Sean Avery drawing a penalty on Gary Roberts is amazing. Although he says it’s easier to draw calls against the veterans, it’s still difficult to believe a long-timer like Roberts allowed himself to be goaded.

In the second, Avery found another way to get mentioned in the Game Report, this time with a rifled a one-timer into the upper-right hand corner. Credit for this goal should go to Blair Betts who won a clean draw that set up the whole thing. He gets the assist, Avery got 1st Star.


Also in the second, we got the first Staal vs. Staal direct match-up. The Good Staal won. He pinned his brother against the boards, stripped him of the puck, and made a nice break-out pass to move the action up ice. I think he’s a keeper.

Speaking of keepers --- I’ve said here a few times that, "The goals will come" for Brandon Dubinsky and in the third period, it finally happened. Dubi came charging off the bench and into the zone, his presence creating a 3-on-2 attack. His good buddy, Nigel Dawes found him with a nifty pass and Brandon potted it with a well-crafted short-side back-hander. It may have taken a while, but all things considered Dubinsky should be pleased with his first NHL goal. I’m sure he’d have taken a lucky re-direct or an empty-netter, but this one was better and worth the wait.

Later, he knocked a post on another pretty shot. It was close to being his second NHL goal. Bummer. But as we like to say, "The goals (more of them) will come."

Other Notes

- The plan is obvious: Shoot on Marc-Andre Fleury. He’s awful at rebound control. Stinky bad.

- Referees Mike Leggo & Chris Rooney gave a sporadic effort tonight. Not terrible, but a little inconsistent (much of that in favor of the Rangers).

- Here’s a list of each team’s most underrated player compiled by Yahoo’s Ross McKeon. I like the choice for the Rangers and agree wholeheartedly.

Maurice Calls Time Out! Has Desired Effect

TOR @ OTT - F/O - Shots - Game - Event


Not much to say about last night. The team wasn't ready to play the game and didn't even start until after the time out, which should've been called after the first quick goal. Oh well. At least Wellwood didn't reaggravate his hernia and Antro proved he belongs on PP1.

Leafs Lines
Poni-Sundin-Blake
Tlusty-Stajan-Steen
Chad-Antro-Boyd
Bell-Wellwood-Pohl

Leafs Pairs
Kaberle-Kubina
Gill-White
Woz-Anton

Toskala

Antro joined Sundin and Poni later in the game. Blake saw time with Wellwood.

UPDATE - The below is from TSN Ice Chips which noted todays practice lines.

Leafs Lines
Ponikarovsky - Sundin - Blake
Deveraux - Stajan - Steen
Kilger - Bell - Tucker
Battaglia - Pohl - Belak

Tlusty-Wellwood-Antro

Leafs Pairs
Kaberle - Kubina
Gill - White
Woz - Stralam(TSN spelling)

More Dubi Please

NYR vs PHL 11/5/07 – Stats – Score Sheet

Rangers Lines
Hossa-Dubinsky-Dubi's Right Wing
Avery-Gomez-Prucha
Dawes-Drury-Shanahan
Hollweg-Betts-Orr

Rangers Pairs
Staal-Rozsival
Tyutin-Girardi
Strudwick-Mara

Lundqvist

Last night’s match-up against the Flyers was the best game the Rangers have played since the Atlanta series at the end of last year. They were dominant throughout, played sound defense and got huge efforts from all of their key players.

In the first period they fired 22 shots on net. Brandon Dubinsky, once again centering Jagr and Hossa, continued to impress. He was strong on the puck, aggressive in the offensive zone, and responsible to his role on defense. He didn’t score, but the goals will come. And as a mark of how impressive he was, despite not finding the score-sheet, the kid from Anchorage was given 3rd Star. Put it this way: Two 600 goal-scorers added to their tallies and the defense logged a shut-out, and a rookie still got a star without putting up a point. It was a big game for Brandon. Last night he stamped his claim on the title of “Jagr’s Center”.

What a terrific game it was for our superstar too. The player henceforth known as “Dubi’s Right Wing”, put his own stamp on this game at the 19:27 mark of the first period. You have to love it when you get that late-period goal. They’re back-breakers for the opposition and the home crowd rides the excitement through the break. You love it even more when they come by way of laser beams shot by the All-World right wing of Brandon Dubinsky. The big guy had a big game despite a tweaked groin and slippery sticks. He was a monster.


After a confidence-building first twenty minutes, the second period seemed designed to take me down a bit. Yes, the Rangers continued to pressure and dominated play. Henrik was Henrik, coming up huge as needed, but the Blueshirts couldn’t capitalize on their chances at the other end of the ice. When a team plays well, but can’t seem to extend their lead, it’s a recipe for disaster and it had me scared. To add to that fear, Dubi’s Right Wing took to the dressing room early and Avery was seen stretching his neck/shoulder on the bench at the end of the period. No pay-off for a solid period and injuries to boot? I was worried.

At the start of the third, the concern seemed warranted. It began with a significant tilt in the ice leaning towards Lundqvist. True to form he came up big. Note from Zipay: The Rangers won 5 of 6* on the home stand and Henrik gave up two goals in the five wins. That helps.

* Arghhh - That stupid Leafs game cost me a beer too.


Their goalie’s play seemed to inspire the Rangers. After a seven-minute lull, they found their wheels again and reverted to dominating form. From top to bottom the team was strong. Avery did everything you want Avery to do. Drury was outstanding. Gomez was skating and carrying the puck like Scott Gomez can and should. Prucha was working for his shots rather than waiting for chances to come to him. And Shanny’s goal was vintage Shanahan.

The six defensemen were unbelievable. Strudwick even played well. Mara was solid and added four shots to the effort. Tyutin and Girardi were tough to play against. And Michael Rozsival deserves more credit than he gets. Finally, Marc Staal had his best game yet. He logged top-pair minutes and earned the right to do it again. He made the simple and smart plays most of the time and when opportunity presented itself he didn’t shy away from carrying the puck up ice. In the third, he drew a penalty (uncalled) by wheeling and driving down the length of the ice. His dump-and-chase move around the defenseman would have worked had he not been interfered with, but alas the men in stripes did not see it that way. Regardless, Staal played a big game in a big spot… Just like a lot of other Rangers last night. I’ll take 68 (+) more games just like that, thank you very much.

Hey, a guy can hope right?

Other Notes

- Referees Dave Jackson and Tim Peel did a decent job. No egregious errors or omissions and they were not afraid to make the correct call at difficult times.

- Go Leafs. Big game tonight.

Habs given dose of goaltending

TOR @ MTL - F/O - Shots - Score - Event
Usually for the Habs, the story is goaltending and the powerplay. Not so Saturday night, or atleast not their own goaltending and powerplay. The Leafs' Toskala out played Huet by a wide margin, the latter surrending two questionable goals to Sundin and Stajan. As for speical teams, the Habs only managed to score a powerplay goal up two men. By contrast, the Leafs' managed to score a rare powerplay goal with their first opportunity, and once again were able to outplay Montreal at even strength.

Maurice is definitely leaning on his top 4 D and top 3 forward lines. I wouldn't take L4s lack of production as a bad sign. They need another two or three shifts a game to get a rhythm. As for the D, I'm not sure why Strahlman only played for five minutes. (Yes, I know Woz plays on the PK right now, which accounts for the difference. The question is to suggest Anton should be recieving more ice time) This is only a minute more than Belak. Woznewski was rookied once again, getting called for holding after some veteran positioning from a Hab forward. At least it wasn't a step on his stick trip, eh?

A couple of Leafs have been playing some great hockey lately, but don't get much attention, even here. Boyd Deveraux is the frickin' man. I wish more Leafs' would forecheck with his tenacity and agility. He's been very smart with this stick, lifting many a defenders' stick to create a quick turnover in the neutral zone. He rarely uses a free arm to muscle his opponent, but rather keeps two hands on and strongly switches sides altogether. He took a couple of healthy high hits on Saturday, and with his concussion history here's hoping he is fine.

Hal Gill is another unsung hero so far. The guy is playing huge. He hasn't been victimized by wing speed much, if at all. He's been pinching with great effect. He even scored a ripper of a goal. Saturday he was left alone in the slot after a turnover and looked a bit uncomfortable, and hopefully he had a good laugh about that after the game.

And how good does White look? He looks much more creative coming up his offwing. He's about to break out on a point streak. I hope.

And does anyone notice when Blake racked up eight shots? Not to be a party pooper, but I think maybe two of those shots were of decent quality. And Poni's two assists were the easiest points he's ever scored; cross ice pass that bounces off the boards that Kaberle fires on net, and on Mats's goal, he just happened to have touched the puck last before Sundin picked it up and did his thing.

UPDATE - I have to mention my little jig I performed after watching Stajan lug up ice looking gassed and blast home the winner. My fiancee hasn't seen my happy dance performed for such an extended duration.

Powerplay does in Leafs

TOR @ NJD - TOI - F/O - Score Sheet

Ok. Time to move Woznewski before he does anymore damage. Get a third rounder and move on. The fact that Clarkson, a plugger by trade, outsmarted and outskated Andy was enough for me. Kronwall should get a chance. Strahlman is far and away a better player, and should remain with the big club after injuries heal.

Marty Brodeur was the difference in this game, barely keeping the Devils in the game through two periods. Of course, while the Leafs were out-chancing the Devils, they were surrendering more than one odd-man chance, usually due to not getting the puck deep or neutral zone turn-overs. The neutral zone is becoming an issue, because the Leafs aren't generating rushes with enough speed or consistency. They keep getting bogged down, and that is when the trouble starts. Face-offs are another area needing improvement.

Another facet that needs more consistency is Sundin's effort. For all his world-classiness, he seems to pick and choose his spots to exert full effort alittle too much for my liking. You don't think the young players notice this selectivity? And all this "I don't know what's wrong" doesn't exactly instill a sense of confidence in his ability to lead the team. Talking about Bell earlier this week, I wasn't sure from his comments if they've even spoken to one another. Leaders need to communicate, or at least have lieutenants to do some of that leg work. Hopefully that is in place in the Leafs' locker room.

Antropov, wearing the 'A', seems a little burdened. He needs to look for his shot, be decisive. People will play off what he does, and he needs to be reminded of what should be a prominent role. No pressure, just play Antro.

Steen's goal was impressive. That's the kind of extra effort the rest of the team needs. Just that little extra step, sticking with a play just a second more, to create a chance. And speaking of chances, so many aren't created when the puck is down low behind the net. Why there isn't more coordination among the forwards after they've achieved this positional advantage, I'd like to know. Where is the cunning to slip out of a defender's line of sight and get open for a shot? Where is the timing between the puck carrier and the player coming down the slot? I just don't understand why these simple but essential elements are missing. The only example of said coordination was on Poni's goal against the Capitals, but even that wasn't off the cycle, but more so off puck retrieval.

Oh well. Welly might be back tonight against the Habs, or shortly thereafter. Bell is back against the Sens, though I dislike the idea of shifting Antro to the wing. His being in the middle is not putting him in those race for the puck scenarios that have left him hobbled. Put Bell on the wing. Kilger-Antro-Bell could be awesome. Nothing against Boyd, just brainstorming.

Hopefully, not too many dives from Montreal tonight. With their powerplay the way it is, it is understandable to want to give it as many chances as they can. Woz, I'm looking at you! Let a Hab trip themselves on your stick and you're fired!

Reading (Tea) Leafs

"I'm hopeful that all those players in that fourth-line role realize we're getting a little healthier and we're not far away from decisions," Maurice said. "It will be based on performance, not: 'You had a great year for us last year and you can stay'. It has to be: 'You had a great weekend for us and you get to stay'. "

Boyd is staying, and so is Kilger so I'd say Bates will be getting the boot.

"Our power play hasn't been winning us games and now it's costing us games. We're just going to dismantle it, try a whole bunch of new people and try to simplify it," said Maurice. "It can't hurt you. It's one thing if it's not scoring goals but it can't hurt you like that...You either have to have motion with the puck or motion with the bodies and we don't have enough of either,"

If you want movement, put Anton on the right point. That kid has amazing wheels, and knows how to use them. For puck movement, go with White and Kaberle. As for what to do with the forwards, Why Antropov isn't on the first unit is beyond me. He should be given full license, to look for his shot, to be assertive. Sadly, what I feared before the season seems to be the case. The powerplay has been left to the players. Is the powerplay still in the players' hands, as was the case to start the 06-07 season, or have the reins been taken back by Maurice? The powerplay stalled last year, and the starter motor is on the shelf already. Some new thinking needs to be injected into this important piece of the puzzle.

Jason Blake missed on a shot, then couldn't hook up with Tomas Kaberle to stop a breaking John Madden from beating Vesa Toskala with a perfect glove-side shot...Kaberle could have played Madden better as he steamed down the left side, knowing the East York native is one of the most opportunistic penalty-killers in the NHL. But Kaberle did pull his stick away to allow Toskala a clear view of the shot.

After playing one of his best in a Leafs' uni, Blake erred big time. He caught up to Madden, then stopped striding for a split second, allowing Madden to pull away. He had Madden, and that is why Kaberle didn't play him differently.

This picture is begging for a caption. And kudos to one of the photogs at the game. The images are huge.

Leafs Lines
Poni-Sundin-Blake
Tlusty-Stajan-Steen
Kilger-Antro-Boyd
Simon-Pohl-Belak

Leafs Pairs
Kab-Kub
Gill-White
Woz-Anton

Toskala

With The 205th Pick, The Rangers Select…

NYR vs WAS 11/1/07 – Stats – Score Sheet

Rangers Lines
Hossa-Gomez-Jagr
Dawes-Drury-Shanahan
Prucha-Dubinsky-Hollweg
Orr-Betts-Strudwick

Rangers Pairs
Malik-Rozsival
Tyutin-Girardi
Staal-Mara

Lundqvist

It’s boring to talk about something that everyone knows so this Game Report won’t be particularly long. You see, last night’s game came down to one indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable fact: Henrik Lundqvist is very good. In fact, right now he is playing like the best goalie in hockey. There are arguments to be made about this to be sure, but I’d take Lundqvist against any of them.

It was during the first period of last night’s game that I realized just how nice we Rangers fans have it simply knowing he’s in net night after night. There’s Hank, standing on his head, making save after save, and generally putting on an exhibition, and I’m barely blinking at the sight of it. It was the Lundqvist Show for the first twenty minutes of the game and it hardly registered.


Beyond Hank’s quiet brilliance, the game was fairly “ho-hum”. There wasn’t much to it. The Rangers founds their wheels in the second period and Drury scored on a beautiful redirection of a Marc Staal shot. It was Staal’s first NHL point. Congrats to the kid. He not only got on the board, but also played a very good all-around game.

Brandon Dubinsky bears mentioning as well. During a two-shift stretch in the middle of the game he was the best player on the ice and considering the talent on these teams, that’s saying something. Come to think of it, every time I see him play, I like Dubinsky’s game. I just wish he could find the net occasionally. Still, I hope Sather sees fit to keep him with the big club even when Avery and Callahan return. He’s working hard out there and deserves to be rewarded for the effort.

Other Notes

- Chris Drury had an assist last night. He also killed penalties, won 57% of his faceoffs, hit people, had eight shots on net, and scored the game-winning goal.

- Mike Green is a nice looking defensemen for the Caps. He’s aggressive when pinching and has a mean shot. He got caught out once last night, but he’s worth keeping an eye on.

- Referees Kevin Pollock and Brian Pochmara called a good game for the most part. The elbowing call on Erskine in the third was garbage, but outside of that I don’t have much to complain about.

-JP at Japers’ Rink asks: Who, exactly, were Ranger fans chanting "A..-hole" at when the puck rolled up Dan Girardi's stick and into his face?

Answer: The refs. They let the play go on while the player was writhing in pain with a possible eye injury. In the end, it was the right thing to do, but at the time I too was screaming at them for not allowing the trainer to attend to Girardi.

Blake, the wise

I'm starting to think there is an intellectual deficiency within the Leafs hockey operations, mostly because Jason Blake is pointing out the obvious and sounding like a friggin' genius.

A team like the Ottawa Senators," Blake said. "I've played against them twenty-some times and every time they're the toughest team to play against, every single time. You want to have the identity of being tough to play against.

Why this message hasn't been reinforced more than a NORAD bunker, I have no idea. I can handle being a losing team, but these flashes of 'what could be' followed by a big steaming pile of poo is unacceptable.