It seemed that about a month or so ago, the Leafs were gunning towards the post season. But of course, all that is nearly impossible at this time. YES, THEY ARE STILL MATHEMATICALLY ABLE TO MAKE THE POST SEASON, but will they, NO! Their play lately has just put a bitter taste in my mouth, and I can't watch a game without wanting to throw the remote through the TV or throwing the TV out the window. It's been just a brutal close to the season. They have no legs in them, their defense is just pathetic and their goaltending is poor to say the least. Even the new coaching change, didn't spark anything. At this time, their defense and goaltending tightened up, but they forgot their sticks! Wow, they beat Montreal under his first game as bench boss, but since then they have been struggling. STRUGGLING, has been a frequently used term for the buds, as they will be hitting the golf courses lately. Look at the bright side, nice weather is arising so it's the perfect time boys!
There's not much more to say, but NEXT YEAR.. It's been NEXT YEAR, NEXT YEAR for the past f***** 7 years! It's very frustrating to be a fan, it really is.
I was searching the net for some Top 10 meltdowns that have happened in the sports World. It doesn't really relate to hockey but I thought I'd spark something up in this blog instead of talking about the LOSING Leafs.
Personally, the Leafs would make this top 10 no doubt.
Enjoy!
Good afternoon folks. Since the Leafs haven't given us much hope or happiness lately. I have decided to provide to you what I believe at the top 5 Leafs of all time. Alot of these players I didn't watch but I do recognize their achievements and would like to remind all of you of some great players that I have been part of this organization.
5. G - Johnny Bower #1
Nicknamed "the China Wall" he was a spectacular goalie for the blue and white. He played 12 seasons for the Leafs and won the Stanley cup 3 times in the early 60s (1962, 1963, 1964) and won again in 1967. He was a first team Allstar in 1961, and played in the Allstar game. He is a two time Vezina Trophy winner, which recognizes the best goalie that season. Johnny, the Leafs could use you today!
4. C - Dave Keon #14 He was the Leafs 3rd all time scoring leader with 858pts in 1062 games. He joined the leafs in 1960/61 season and won the Calder trophy (rookie of the year) after netting 45 points that season. He hoisted the Stanley Cup 4 times and was named team captain in 1969. He was An 8-time all-star, rookie of the year (1961), Lady Byng winner (1962, 1963), Conn Smythe winner (playoff MVP in 1967) and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1968.
3. C- Darryl Sittler #27
He was the 2nd all time Leafs scorer with 916 points in 844 GP. In 1972/73 season he was the Leafs leading scorer with 29 goals and 77 total points. After his 1972/73 season, he became a scoring machine netting 100, 90, 117, 87, 97, and 96 points in the next eight seasons. He is famous for his 10 point night (6 goals, 4 assists) against the Bruins.
2. C- Matts Sundin #13
My favourite Leaf of all time, Matts is the alltime scoring leader for the blue and white. He has 987 points in 981 GP for the Leafs. He sits in the top 25 all time for scoring leaders in the NHL, the guy was simply amazing. He's played 67 playoff games and has 70 points in those game. Matts put the team on his back on numerous occassions. He was known for his wicked slapshot from the top of the cirlce and his lethal backhand. He became the teams captain in the 1996/97 after the depature of Doug Gilmour.
1. D- Borje Salming #21
He was 4th all time in franchise points with 768 points, while being a defenseman. Nicknamed, 'the King' he was the best defenseman of his era and was the first European born player to make an impact in the NHL. He played 17 seasons for the blue & white and his 620 career assists is still ranks #1 in the organization. He scored 39 points in his rookie season, posting a plus 38 rating and being voted the Leafs rookie of the year. He was a fearless player and often provided intimidation for the opposition.
Carlyle giving his players instruction as he gets the W in the Leafs coaching debut
Randy Carlyle, new bench boss for the buds, gets a win in his Leafs coaching era debut as the boys in blue beats the Habs 3-1. Mikhail Grabovski scored twice in the third period to help the Leafs push themselves past the Habs. Also, Jonas Gustavsson held his own between the pipes as he looked solid saving 21 shots. He also helped the Leafs end their 6 game losing streak and win for the first time in 12 games!
Lets not jump to conclusions and praise Carlyle just yet though. The Habs are dead last in the Eastern conference with only 60 points and they are third last in the entire league. The Habs poor play has not yet convinced me that Carlyle is the best fit just yet. I don't doubt the guy but will have to see more results in order for it to be convincing for myself. Their biggest test is in the next three games as the play the Bruins, Pens and Flyers. They play the Bruins tomorrow night at 7pm at the ACC. Hopefully, they can string multiple wins together and sneak into the playoffs.
Hearing the "Fire Ron Wilson" chants from last weeks game against the Panthers, the TML community knew that the coaching position was going to be up for grabs. Well, last night the GM Brian Burke canned Head coach Ron Wilson, as the Leafs have only won 1 of their 11 last games. The reason for this firing was not only because of this season but due to the fact that the Leafs have not made the playoffs for the past 7 years. To replace Wilson, is Burke's partner from the Ducks, Randy Carlyle. Carlyle, who is known to be a harda** on his players will try to whip the Leafs back into shape for this final stretch of the season. Hopefully, the players rally behind new head coach and get a W tonight against the Habs. The Leafs currently sit 5 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot and will have to win at least 12 more games if they want any shot. It's either this new coaching change will prove to be the right choice for the Leafs or it will send the Leafs packing for the golf course in April for the eighth straight season.
Again, don't forget to catch the Leafs in action tonight at 7pm as they take on the Habs in Montreal.
After holding a 1-10 record in their last 11 games, I've decided to create a video about the Toronto Maple Leafs playoff push. I interviewed a good friend of mine, Frankie Cerino, in which we discussed what we believe the Leafs need to do in order to squeak into the playoffs.
I hope you all enjoy the video and keep be-leafing!
Just a reminder, that this video was created yesterday (Feb 29) prior to the Blackhawks game.
Last night the Leafs continued their losing ways to San Jose, losing 2-1 on home ice. With the leafs losing 7 of their last 8 games most of the blame has been put on both goalies (The Monster and Reimer) as neither of them have proved to be consistent to be the number 1. But last night, it wasn't Reimer who lost them the game, but rather the lack of offense. Leafs captain Dion Phanuef had his worst game of the season, going minus-2 in the loss and simply looked out of place all night long.
Kings captain Dustin Bown could be wearing the Blue and White sometime soon
With just over 20 games left in the season, I think Brian Burke should make a deal at the trade deadline. With the LA Kings acquiring Jeff Carter, Kings captain Dustin Brown is probably going to be put on the trade blocks. Brown is a type of forward the Leafs are lacking. He's a 6 foot 4 208lb right winger, who throws his body around and has had at least 50 points in his last three seasons. Come playoff time (yes, I still believe there's hope!) the Leafs need a big power forward like Brown if they want to make any noise in the postseason run!
On the bright side, Phil Kessel recorded his 65th assist last night which marks a career high for himself!
Myself and my buddy Mike, editor and creator of http://leafstreet.blogspot.com/ (give him a follow), decided to create a podcast on the Maple Leafs, but doing it in similar fashion as the TV show Pardon the Interruption. There was a series of questions asked and we both had 1 minute or so to provide insight and feedback on what we thought about those questions. Indeed, it was a very fun task and it sparked up some good conversations. Below are the links to the podcast that Mike and I created. Sorry for posting two links, as the second on is a continuation of the first. Sit back, grab a brew and enjoy the podcast!
