Support NeoGAF

[Mike Works]

man, i was at the pittsburgh/vancouver game last night

watching that penalty shot from the lower bowl on my side of the arena is something i'll be telling my fucking grandkids about

 

[rs7k]

Looking threw the stats and thinking over the last few weeks, here is everything wrong with Montreal that I can think of.

-Saku Koivu, our 1st line center, has only one even strength goal this year.

-Just about the entire team has a negative plus/minus

-The offense doesn't take enough shots

-The offense can't get through defensive coverage; they don't drive the net.

-The offense fucking sucks 5 on 5, nuff said.

-The defense is solid one play, and then gives up a breakaway the next. No Consistency.

-Michael Ryder. WTF man.

-The Kovalev disappearing act is just about to take off. 2 goals in his last 10, and the
drive that had people loving him again has already snuck out the back door.



The honest truth is this team can turn it around, but they are going to need help. It's time to trade a goalie. It's the only position they are deep in, the only position that they can trade without weakening the overall team, and most importantly the only position that may get us fair value with other teams.

Price is the future franchise, Halak is great but he won't get you anything, and then UFA after this season, Cristobal Huet. The choice is obvious.

Trade Huet straight up for some help up front. And hey, if we can somehow get something for Kovalev before he completely vanishes, then by all means.

Bottom line is this team needs some offensive talent, the kids aren't ready to carry this team and the Vets are slumping hard.



/end rant

Koivu has a lot more to answer for this slump than Kovy does. He's not only floating, he's taking retarded penalties.

Carbo needs to go. Terrible coach.

 

[Wolf]

man, i was at the pittsburgh/vancouver game last night

watching that penalty shot from the lower bowl on my side of the arena is something i'll be telling my fucking grandkids about

That must have fucking rocked, being there in person for sudden death moments like that is what puts going to a game an over the top experience.

I'll never forget McCabe springing Komisarek loose for the breakaway in Overtime. Everyone instantly standing up, arms in the air in anticipation, the whole place seemingly frozen in time as he skated past the circles....and then bam, game over.


Nights like that make me want to break the bank to go to every Habs/Leafs match, until the reality of house/car/everything else bills sets in anyways..

 

[ForzaItalia]

Koivu has never been, is not, and will never be a true #1 centre.

 

[Tiktaalik]

Is there a youtube version of this?

 

[Osorio]

The streak is broken but it was a great game. We're still in first and we're still playing our best hockey all year.

 

[Wolf]

Jersey's never lost that insane ability to go on a tear out of nowhere, they do it every year.

A big LOL to the media who suggested Brodeur was possibly done being top caliber.

 

[Osorio]

Jersey's never lost that insane ability to go on a tear out of nowhere, they do it every year.

A big LOL to the media who suggested Brodeur was possibly done being top caliber.

Yeah our slow start was mostly the fault of our shaky defense. I noticed that in our streak the biggest improvements to our game was the penalty kill and the defense.

 

[KilledByBill]

The streak is broken but it was a great game. We're still in first and we're still playing our best hockey all year.

Yeah it was pretty exciting though I wasn't happy with the way it ended. Obviously a loss is disappointing but the Devils never even got setup properly in overtime--after playing great positional defense all game. I also wish we could've converted on some of those odd man rushes, Madden needed to go high on that break-away in the first.

But even though the win streak ends the point streak stretches to 10. Let's see it continue in Washington tomorrow.

 

[Osorio]

Yeah it was pretty exciting though I wasn't happy with the way it ended. Obviously a loss is disappointing but the Devils never even got setup properly in overtime--after playing great positional defense all game. I also wish we could've converted on some of those odd man rushes, Madden needed to go high on that break-away in the first.

But even though the win streak ends the point streak stretches to 10. Let's see it continue in Washington tomorrow.

Didn't he also have one in the second? Our forwards were killing their defensemen in terms of speed but we couldn't finish off our chances.

 

[Osorio]

One thing we should improve is our record against the NY teams. We're fine against the two PA teams but winless against the Rags and Isles.

 

[ForzaItalia]

Wow...Hejduk with 6 points tonight.

 

[Futureman]

One thing we should improve is our record against the NY teams. We're fine against the two PA teams but winless against the Rags and Isles.

Pens beat the Devs 5-0 when we were playing the worst hockey of the season (you guys were too though). Should be some great games coming up now that both teams have hit their stride.

 

[Osorio]

Pens beat the Devs 5-0 when we were playing the worst hockey of the season (you guys were too though). Should be some great games coming up now that both teams have hit their stride.

I remember that but we fare much better against the Pens and Flyers this year than the Rags or Isles who have managed to beat us every time. The Atlantic Division is the hardest in the league at this point so I also expect the future Devs-Pens games to be great. I'm also predicting that 4 Atlantic teams make the playoffs this year.

 

[Spruce Moose]

:lol

I'm 0 for 4 tonight on CCP. I just keeps getting worse and worse for me.

 

[ForzaItalia]

Yo Manics. Here's a fun fact for you to chew on:

In 13 of their 30 NHL games this season, the mediocre Leafs, 12-12-6, have faced a backup goaltender and have come away losers on nine occasions.

 

[Manics]

Yo Manics. Here's a fun fact for you to chew on:

Please. This is before the Leafs had the closed-door meeting that laid out all the dirty laundry and really made the guys bond. Sundin who's normally very reserved got up and gave a moving talk to the team, apparently he had to stop midway through as he got all choked up talking about how the team had what it takes and how JFJ put together a great bunch of guys. Guys like Tucker, McCabe and Belak all got up and said their part -- it's no suprise that Wade is now factoring in to the success of late, guy gained alot of respect in the dressing room. The team was all pissed about the media attack on JFJ and said they had to look in the mirror and repay the trust that Ferguson had instilled in the players. It's nothing but upwards from here.

 

[Karakand]

Plus you don't play backups in the playoffs, so it doesn't matter if you suck against them!

 

[Shalashaska]

Wow...Hejduk with 6 points tonight.

Why couldn't he do that before I dropped him from my other fantasy team >:|

 

[Wolf]

Please. This is before the Leafs had the closed-door meeting that laid out all the dirty laundry and really made the guys bond. Sundin who's normally very reserved got up and gave a moving talk to the team, apparently he had to stop midway through as he got all choked up talking about how the team had what it takes and how JFJ put together a great bunch of guys. Guys like Tucker, McCabe and Belak all got up and said their part -- it's no suprise that Wade is now factoring in to the success of late, guy gained alot of respect in the dressing room. The team was all pissed about the media attack on JFJ and said they had to look in the mirror and repay the trust that Ferguson had instilled in the players. It's nothing but upwards from here.

Be honest, out of all your possessions, how much would you say is leaf branded? 80, 90%?

Does your itouch have a maple leaf backround? Is your kid wearing a mini leaf jersey that's got FERGUSON on the back, this very moment? When the leafs lose, does the wife run into the basement before she feels the Italian wrath of a disgruntled leafs fan?

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[scissorfight]

nice penalty shot goal by filppula!

 

[Cold-Steel]

Plus you don't play backups in the playoffs, so it doesn't matter if you suck against them!

Tell that to this playoff MVP and the guy on the other side of the rink.

 

[Karakand]

My internet sarcasm needs a checkup. :-/

P.S. Real barn burner in C-Bus.

 

[Cold-Steel]

Hehe, sarcasm or not - that is definitely THE biggest exception AND it had to happen during the Finals as well.

 

[Karakand]

Hehe, sarcasm or not - that is definitely THE biggest exception AND it had to happen during the Finals as well.

Don't forget Bryzgalov's epic shutout streak that playoffs too. (2nd all time I think?)

 

[Cold-Steel]

Bryz is a beast. Too bad Gretzky can't get shit from his defense.

 

[Cold-Steel]

Peca is playing great tonight but where is REAL CANADIAN HERO Rick Nash?!?

 

[Karakand]

I looked at it like this.

___________________________Perfection_____________________________



--------------Holy shit did he just do that?----------------------




[B]------------------------*yawn* he just did that-------------------[/B]


_____________________________Average______________________________



[B]-------------------bad night *sigh* *bitter tears*----------------[/B]




---------------Holy shit what the fuck Bryz?----------------------



___________________________Ty Conklin_____________________________

With Bryz you could get insane awesome nights and insane awful ones. Jiggy is more boring, predictable at either end of the spectrum. Girl next door vs. coke whore!

 

[R_GILL]

Raycroft looks pretty sad on the bench.

 

[X26]

Auld's a beast, 44 saves on 45 shots, damn.

 

[Sandman42]

So, the Leafs won. Go Antropov Go.

 

[Kave_Man]

I am supressing myself from truly cheering for the Leafs. I have to stay firm in wanting them to tank so the team can finally improve.

 

[Manics]

A bit tired tonight boys but just a few observations:

Jason Blake: Good thing that JFJ had a talking to with this guy just a short while ago. 3 goals now in 5 games and he's finally come around. Basically John told him to forget all other distractions and just play hockey. He's finally coming around, brilliant signing by JFJ. With Blake heating up in the 2nd half of the season you'll see this team flying.

Vesa Toskala: Once again a brilliant game from Toskala. JFJ with the foresight to see that "Vesa" unscrambled says "Save". JFJ unscrambled = genius.

Leafs head out on the road where the opposition is now fearing their arrival. It's going to be ugly for a lot of poor home fans over the next 7 as the Leafs steamroll over more opponents just like they did tonight.

Also, what was with the officiating tonight? I saw multiple times where Antropov was taken down with no call. Here's a clue NHL, Nik Antropov cannot be taken down in any legal manner. He's too big and strong that the only way to stop him is with some from of obstruction / holding. Had the penalties been called as they should, Leafs could have easily scored 10 goals tonight with the lethal powerplay now on display.

It's a great time to belong to Leaf Nation.

Goodnight!

 

[R_GILL]

:lol :lol :lol

 

[dem]

i hate the stars

 

[scissorfight]

red wings play one of their sloppiest games of the year, combined with some questionable officiating, plus being on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, and still come away with a win thanks to chris osgood. hasek better get used to backing him up:

14-1-1
.928 sv%
1.74 gaa

wow

and here's an interesting stat - times opponent has been on 2nd night of a back-to-back:

nashville: 16
detroit: 3

hmmm...

 

[ForzaItalia]

Be honest, out of all your possessions, how much would you say is leaf branded? 80, 90%?

Does your itouch have a maple leaf backround? Is your kid wearing a mini leaf jersey that's got FERGUSON on the back, this very moment? When the leafs lose, does the wife run into the basement before she feels the Italian wrath of a disgruntled leafs fan?

Inquiring minds want to know.

:lol

A bit tired tonight boys but just a few observations:

Jason Blake: Good thing that JFJ had a talking to with this guy just a short while ago. 3 goals now in 5 games and he's finally come around. Basically John told him to forget all other distractions and just play hockey. He's finally coming around, brilliant signing by JFJ. With Blake heating up in the 2nd half of the season you'll see this team flying.

Vesa Toskala: Once again a brilliant game from Toskala. JFJ with the foresight to see that "Vesa" unscrambled says "Save". JFJ unscrambled = genius.

Leafs head out on the road where the opposition is now fearing their arrival. It's going to be ugly for a lot of poor home fans over the next 7 as the Leafs steamroll over more opponents just like they did tonight.

Also, what was with the officiating tonight? I saw multiple times where Antropov was taken down with no call. Here's a clue NHL, Nik Antropov cannot be taken down in any legal manner. He's too big and strong that the only way to stop him is with some from of obstruction / holding. Had the penalties been called as they should, Leafs could have easily scored 10 goals tonight with the lethal powerplay now on display.

It's a great time to belong to Leaf Nation.

Goodnight!

:lol :lol :lol

 

[Karakand]

If NHL-Age had trophies Manics would be my undisputed frontrunner for the Hart.

 

[Sandman42]

Every Manics post is better than the last. It just an infinite circle of hilarity. :lol

 

[epik]

So, the Leafs won. Go Antrogod Go.

Fixed.

I was writing a final while the game was going on, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Thank god it was an easy final .. took me a while though, I missed the whole game.

Glad they won it, and popped 4 on the PP.. and blake as well, looks real happy, and comfortable.

Hope it continues on!

 

[sefskillz]

and here's an interesting stat - times opponent has been on 2nd night of a back-to-back:

nashville: 16
detroit: 3

hmmm...

nhl scheduling just tryin to do us a favor, boss

i might be comin your way for one of the march games btw

 

[scissorfight]

i might be comin your way for one of the march games btw

let me know. drinks on me

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

i hate the stars

Stars for the win!

Zubie was awesome! 3 assists and 1 goal! Insane son!

Ribs was awesome.. Miettinen was awesome... Nis****n was awesome!

Our team was awesome! .. Turoc has some nice saves but some were slow rollers.. and one went off of Robidas head wtf :| :lol

 

[BigJonsson]

I was at the game tonight
The "We want Belak" chant started in the section I was in and then spread to half the other sections in the upper bowl lol

Toskala made some incredible saves, it was fun tonight

 

[Mobius1B7R]

So, the Leafs won. Go Antropov Go.

Why'd you guys have to rape us?

 

[Phthisis]

Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Michael Cammalleri all with 14 goals on the year. A single line with each player on a PPG pace and the Kings are still second worst in the league. Bleh.

 

[Osorio]

After last night's game I noticed that Ovechkin must play every game on speed. That motherfucker is too hyper.

Oh and Kevin Weekes is too damn slow

 

[GuessWho]

Lecavalier coming to montreal confirmed.

 

[fallout]

Stars for the win!

Bah. One more minute and the Oilers would have had their default victory in hand.

 

[The Internet]

Bah. If Steve Staios wasn't on the ice, the Oilers would have had their default victory in hand.

Fixed.