Browse >
Home / Archive: 29. November 2008
by Melissa Hashemian… This is probably close to, if not the same response many provoked Leaf fans give when discussing the muddled status of Toronto, and the angst brought on by the departure of their captain Mats Sundin.
After spending 13 seasons of his career in a Leafs jersey, the 37 year old centreman became an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, 2008 and was heavily pursued by countless teams attempting to add his infamous name to their roster.
It was a four team race between the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and Detroit Red Wings. Unfortunately however, I refuse to go into explicit detail on the opportunities he was given and the decisions he could have and should have made.
Being a Leafs fan myself, it was extremely difficult to watch the crazy media attention centred on him. There were either rumours announcing that Sundin no longer wanted to remain in Toronto or that he was contemplating retirement.
Clearly this publicity did not have a positive effect among the followers of the blue and white, and immediately drew negative attention towards their star player.
It’s not surprising either. The guy couldn’t make up his mind on what he wanted to do; he just kept putting off his final decision to a further date.
The more I think about it the more I realize how much Mats Sundin reminded me of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It might seem like a strange comparison at first, but they share a lot in common.
They are both patient, indecisive, and slow at coming to conclusions. For Hamlet it was about killing his uncle and for Sundin it was about killing time the teams gave him—sadly the clock was ticking for negotiating rights.
Even his agent J.P Barry knew what was going on. “He knows if he waits too long certain opportunities could disappear. But he just wants to be one hundred percent sure that he wants to play next year.”
And he was right. As a result, Montreal ended up acquiring Robert Lang from Chicago and New York obtained Markus Naslund from Vancouver.
What irritates me the most is that he says one thing and acts on another. It’s some sort of split personality where you have two minds contradicting each other; it results in confusion because you can’t decide which one to listen to.
Later this summer, in the process of rebuilding his future he stated, “I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL team at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player.
“It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June.”
I don’t know about you, but I failed to witness his name on any team site.
So instead of wasting my time waiting for a tall, bald man to come out onto the ice, I began to resent him instead. Too bad for the no-trade clause. Perhaps the Leafs could have actually received someone significant who wouldn’t either be dying because of age or absent because of injury.
Sundin’s probably living the high life overseas right now with his 25-year-old Swedish model/fiancée. I guess it makes sense to focus on his love life now, seeing how all his previous girlfriends left him in the past. It’s a shame really.
Who knows, maybe he’s just waiting to see what teams climb out on top, come December and January, or merely living his life until he comes to the conclusion that he’s going to retire anyway.
Whatever the case may be, Mats Sundin’s name is still used when discussing the future of the organization—even if his presence in the dressing room no longer exists.
All I can look forward to now is what this team will become. There isn’t much hope at the moment with most of their veteran players gone and no “C” on any particular jersey. However, this team is full of potential and can rise above it given the right ingredients.
The future is now. The future is Luke Schenn, Vesa Toskala, and Mikhail Grabovski. If Leaf fans quit being so judgmental and demanding, maybe they’ll see that even without their number one centre on the ice, this team can reconstruct into something functional, something big. A winning team can be produced; you just have to keep watching!
by Brady Rynyk…
On Saturday evening two of Canada’s two most storied NHL franchises respectively paid tribute to past players whose historic achievements on the home ice left lasting impressions amongst the devoted fans who cheered them on. In Montreal, The Canadians retired the jersey of possibly the greatest goaltender of all time whose butterfly style forever changed the game and the way the position will be played. In Toronto, The Maples Leafs honoured a fan favourite that played with his heart-out and gave everything he had night in and night out.
While each player has a unique connection with their team and community, the ceremonies present an interesting reflection on both teams and the quality of players who don their jerseys.
Although Patrick Roy’s departure from the team on December 2, 1995 raised many mixed emotions and controversy (as a result of the infamous “le trade”), the goaltender entered The Molson Centre to a standing ovation and all seemed to be forgotten. Even as the Hall of Famer began to address the capacity arena, the cheers could not be hushed. There ceremony would go for a good 20 minutes and included a heartfelt speech from Roy, who walked down to ice-level shaking hands of fans and hugging past & present members of the organization. The tribute was a true event and one that will not soon be forgot as Patrick finally “returned home.”
Roy, who entered the league in 1986 and lead his team to a Stanley Cup in his rookie season, would go on to have one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen. Over his 17 year career, the net-minder would amass countless accolades including records for career wins (551), games played (1029), career play-off wins (151), play-off games played (247), with 11 all-star appearances, 3 Vezina Trophies (for best goaltender), 5 Jennings Trophies (for fewest goals allowed), 3 Conn Smythe Trophies (Play-off MVP), and lead his teams to 4 Stanley Cups. In addition shortly after his retirement, the goal was not only inducted in to the Hall of Fame, but was also voted in as the greatest goaltender of all time (in both a writer’s and fan poll).
On Saturday evening when his #33 was retired by the Canadians and hoisted into the rafters above net, the legacy and tradition of greatness was preserved. Roy is in the company of only 14 other legendary players who have donned the blue & red for Montreal. There is no question that Patrick Roy is deserved of the honour and prestige.
In contrast, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, The Maple Leafs seemed to draw a past players name out of a hat in order to decide who they would celebrate before the game – and The Leafs knew it too, considering they decided to Honour the jersey instead of retire it, in the event a better #17 comes along.
There is no question that Wendel Clark is a fan favourite who was dedicated to the game, but to try and turn an average player into a legend is almost laughable – Then again, so are The Leafs in general, and have been for decades now. Although Captain Crunch captained the team from from 1991 to 1994 and was selected 1st over all in 1985 by Toronto, Clark’s actual on ice accomplishments are non-existent.
In his 15 year career, Wendel Clark never played a complete season, never won a Stanley Cup (never even made it to the finals), never won a single award, or even named to a post-season All-Star team. Apart from a short stint with the Red Wings (where he was a trade deadline pick-up that didn’t amount to much in 1999), Clark spent his entire playing career being shuffled around bottom of the barrel team like The Leafs, The Nordiques, The Blackhawks, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
When looking at Clark’s statistics and reflecting on his play over the years, Toronto’s own Fan 590 sports talk host Bob McCown commented on Captain Crunch’s run-of-the-mill abilities stating, “the ocean’s filled with fish like that.”
Apart from 1,690 total penalty minutes (which places him 86th overall), it is fair to say that Clark’s only notable accomplishment, was getting traded for Mats Sudin.
Saturday night’s events in Toronto were not so much of an honouring of a star player, but more so was a celebration of mediocrity – which was reflective in the horrible presentation which featured a short highlight reel that focused on Clark’s ability to body-check and fight. Having Clark’s banner raised into the rafters is a sham, and makes one question whether or not some day teams like Philadelphia will honour player like Donald Brasher for his goonery.
If there is one thing that can be taken from the evenings events in Montreal and Toronto, it should be that The Canadians represent greatness and players of a high caliber, while The Leafs showcase the best of the bad - But I guess “even losing armies have war heroes.”
by Mike De Marco… 42-36-3 (Power Picks 9-4)
Hope everyone had a profitable Thanksgiving. We plan on continuing the trend here this weekend, including my Total play of the year!!!
New England/ Pittsburgh Over 39.5 (Power Pick)
I have to say this is one of the most attractive plays I have seen all season. Normally you would think that these two teams are defensive clubs, which for the most part is true, except I want to focus more on the fact they are pretty good offensively as well. Truth is, running the football might be a rarity in this game, as both teams hold up well against it, so I see the quarterbacks taking things into their own hands. Matt Cassel has become a media darling the last few weeks after posting back to back 400-yard games and quite honestly the Pats air attack is back. Pittsburgh on the other hand will exploit the one weakness New England does have and that is their secondary. The number in this one is way to low for my liking…I am hammering that over!
San Diego – 4 over Atlanta
That was a very impressive win by the Falcons over Carolina, but it was a misleading one. After watching tape on the match-up I noticed how poorly the Panthers tackling was, as most of the yardage they gained was after first contact, so I do not expect that to happen in San Diego who are a very good tackling club. Secondly, I do believe that Atlanta has a letdown here, after a huge divisional win. The Chargers absolutely have to have this game, there is no exception. If they lose this game, their season is over, and in all likelihood, Norv Turners tenure as head coach would also be over. I love San Diego to take this one going away.
Tampa Bay – 4.5 over New Orleans
Did that offensive display scare you on Monday night? Well it doesn’t scare the Bucs who have had many a battle against the high flying Saints. The Cover-2 scheme employed by Tampa Bay is the perfect medicine for that Saints offense, limiting their big play ability. The Saints still have gaping holes on defense, enough of them for Tampa to exploit. This is one of those times where Vegas makes the spread based strictly on public opinion. It is much more than a five point game.
Other selections:
Denver +8 over NY Jets
Have a big feeling Jets let down after huge win last week. Denver comes out firing.
Cleveland +5.5 over Indianapolis
No Quinn no chance right? WRONG. Anderson can sling too, and he has something to prove.
Kansas City + 3 over Oakland
Oakland’s win was a mirage. It won’t happen again. This is one of the only games the Chiefs have a shot at winning this season, and the players want to win for Herm. They love him.
by Mark Ritter… It’s official, Brian Burke is the Toronto Maple Leafs new General Manager. Now that he is in charge, how will Burke change the fortunes of this underachieving franchise?
Burke has the reputation as a General Manager who likes North American players, not exclusively, but he’s definitely not a fan of having too many Euros on board his train. Burke also is a big believer in goaltending. Expect Burke to evaluate both Vesa Toskala and Justin Pogge, if he doesn’t like what he sees, you can bet your butt one or both of them will be shipped out sooner rather than later. A third aspect to Burkes Managing philosophy is his love of tough players. Expect Burke to clean house of all players that will not take the body and/or make the sacrifices Burke deems necessary to compete.
Other changes will include a change in attitude around the rink, Burke will demand that all of his soldiers be competent, he will demand they be accountable and he will expect nothing but 100% effort, and if you fail, you will be gone, period.
Burke will also be a quote machine for the media, he may be a little tough on reporters most nights, but he’s always good for a quote or two and he leaves the status quo “We’re just happy to be here, good Lord willing, we can get hot at the right time and advance in the playoffs”, kinda of quotes at home.
In the short team, Burke will take a little time to evaluate not only the current roster, but also the entire organization from top to bottom. Once again, if Burke feels there are improvements to be made, he will not hesitate for a second. Burke is all action, he backs up his words, definitely a “Say what you mean, mean what you say kinda guy”.
Predictions? I will make a few. Nik Antropov, Alex Ponikarovsky, Jiri Tlusty and, if anyone will take his contract, Jason Blake, should all be in touch with their real estate agents, they are all as good as gone. Burke will quickly put a premium on toughness, especially from his defensemen. Look for Burke to try to convince Tomas Kaberle to waive his no-trade, Kaberle would bring back a player of significance and/or draft choices, which are invaluable to teams like the Leafs.
Make no mistake about it, the Leafs will be a feeble team for the foreseeable future, the decisions Brian Burke makes with this club will impact it’s future significantly, but it will be a long and winding road to respectability, this will be a long term bulid. Fortunately, many believe that Burke is the right Man for the job, he’s creative, forceful, unique, respected and endearing to his organization. By this time next year, the Leafs will be a Very different team, Leaf fans will have Brian Burke to thank for that, and, given the lack of results of late, change couldn’t happen soon enough.
Good morning Toronna, time for that 30 minute workout… I bring you Christina, the Sex Bomb secretary on the hit show MAD MAN, aint we all. Now we at TOsports are looking for a secretary, and I must tell you straight up, I’m not hiring just anybody. She’s gotta be hot and aggressive, just like Christina, otherwise forget it. So if you are a look alike of Christina’s (or better) and think you can do the job…hmmmm, just send in your resume please and yes we do have a casting couch, just in case you’re asking!!
by Tyler Hill… Yes, it’s that time again—the week has passed and the teams have changed.
It is time for Saturday night Hockey!
This week’s game sees the Maple Leafs take on the Flyers. Finally, I get to predict a game between two teams in the Eastern Conference.
Team Records:
Philadelphia: 11-6-4, 26points
Toronto: 7-9-6, 20 points
My Thoughts
Last week, I listed a few stars from the Blackhawks. But this week, as I look at the team the Flyers have, the only conclusion I can come to is that there are too many stars to list—so I will only talk about four or fivem tops.
Let’s see here, Jeff Carter (the should be captain, no offence to Richards), Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, Braydon Coburn, and many, many others. A combined point total of 83—and that’s only the guys I listed above! In their last ten games they gone 7-1-2, which is good for 16 of 20 possible points.
When you look at the Leafs’ roster there aren’t a lot of stars. But we do have some better than average guys on the team, such as Mikhail Grabovski, Nik Antropov, Luke Schenn, and the recently-added Lee Stempniak, who could be promising in the future.
But other than those few players, the Leafs roster lacks that extra something. Where is the heart? It has been gone for a while—two weeks and two days since their last win.
Game Analysis
So, when you break it down, who outnumbers whom? It appears obvious that the Flyers have the better offence. And as far as depth goes, the Leafs will be suffocating and gasping for air—no pun intended. The Flyers are fast, and won’t let the Leafs catch their breath.
I said this all last week—the Leafs have more depth than almost any other team in the league. However, a few recent injuries plague both these teams and the Leafs are without Mike Van Ryan.
I’m not saying the Flyers don’t have a solid blue line, I am just simply saying the Leafs have a better Defence as a whole. They have three solid lines to ice—even without Coliacovo and van Ryan.
Martin Biron or Vesa Toskala? Poor Vesa, he has (like I said before) been shaky this year, and Biron has been great in net for the flyers this year and will shut down the Leaf offence
Game Expectation and Projected Score
I hate to say it, but I don’t see this being the game for the Leafs to snap their losing streak.
Pick: 5-2 Philly
Recent Comments