Shot-Out

Thanks to that darn'd Dipietro the Islanders pull the shootout win. It took all of 20 seconds in the second to sink the Leafs, throw in some spectacular tending on the side of the Islanders and a seeming inability for the Leafs to hit the net with 80% of their shots and we have another shootout loss at home.

Bloody hell.

Trading Faces

The Leafs lost to the Pengus but got a point out of it, and thats all I have to say on that.
This post will be more focused on the NHL trade deadline and the blockbusters that may occur. Namely what I think the Leafs should do in said situation.

Darcy Tucker - Much has been talked about Mr. Aggitator, but nothing accomplished. What will the Buds do with him? More than likely nothing, he will come off long term IR, take a few games to get back into the swing and retourn to his post camping, PP scoring, pissing off everyone ways. What should be done with him? Trade him for someone who can add third / fourth line depth and a high draft pick then re-sign him in the off season. Now this is not something I take lightly. Tucker is one of my favourite NHL players, but I'm thinking whats best for the team on this one. Sorry Tucks.

Peter Forsberg - Would be a nice addition but his price will be way too steep.

Sergi Samsanov - I stick to my guns thinking that he would be a wonderful addition to the Leafs and is currently getting a bad rap for his less than stellar play with the Habs. Think Raycroft his second season in Boston. Give Sammy the right linemates and encouragement and he could be a force, but it comes down to what the Buds would have to give up to get him. A salary cut would be in order.

That is all....for now.

Penguins!

Tonight the Leaf's play those Pengu inspired flightless birds, and I will be missing the Buds play for the second consecutive game. The last loss to the Preds because of lack of Leafs Television, and this comming game due to yet another wonderfull graveyard shift at work.

But that is neither here nor there. Can the boys in blue do it?

Yes and no. Yes if they play hard, forcheck, and shell Fleury with shots and Raycroft stays solid. No if they follow last games route and spend a good hunk of it in the sin bin (like the last game VS the Pens for that matter).

Oh well.

Go Leafs Go.

Razor Sharp

5 games in a row, who'da thunk it? 3 weeks ago, probably no one except those super optamists out there.

2-1 Buds over Blues in a game that was for the most part a sloppy affair. Lots of turn overs and nothing really pretty, well unless you count a save by Razor that can only be described as rediculous. There is a downside to this though, with their past couple wins, they are still out of the play off race, if it were to start tomarrow that is, but considering that 9th through 4th goes 60, 61, 62, 63, 63, 64 it is by no means a number set in stone.

Its gonna be one of those playoff races that has heart break potential, but the Leafs are rolling, next up? A surprisingly good Nashville.

Whats In A Name?

A shoot out win apparently. Raycroft remains Razor and Emery will have to find another handle.
A good way to retain the name too, stopping Heatly and Spezza back to back.

Thoughts on the game.
Both Swedish capitano's put up big goals, Sundin to put the Leafs in a good possition to win, and Curly Sue Alfredson to crack Razor's shut-out hopes and spur on the Sens and make it a close game.
Goaltending was spectacular, but Razor came out on top over Emery.
Good defense by both teams and shot blocks like they were giving em away. Lots of action at both ends and very few dull moments.
Ah yes, and Carlo crushing Spezza looking for someone to pass to, does he think he is Pony?

oh yes, and for the Sens fans who think I may be trying to rub in the Razor thing?
Razor Razor Razor!

What Might Have Been..

Yes, It's here too, the latest infection crawling around the hockey blog-o-sphere.

If I Were A Hockey Player

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs Via the London Knights (drafted in the first round, by the Buds)
Uniform Number: 9 (Suglobov will be on the Marlies)
Position: Left wing (right wing on the power play)
Nickname: Something stupid, courtesy of Bob Cole
Dream Linemates: Dougie and Wendel
Rounding out the PP: Thomas Kaberle and Iafratie
Job: Power forward / Agitator
Signature Move: Working in the corners, no look passes on the tape for the one timer
Strengths: Blinding speed, Sakic like wrist shot, Danny Markov like tenacity
Weaknessess: Height, Irish temper, Danny Markov like tenacity lack of anything resembling a slap shot.
Injury Problems? elbows
Equipment: CCM Tacks with neon laces, CCM helmet, Koho Revolution stick (wood and fiber glass baby)
Nemesis: Roberto Luongo, Darius Kasperitus and Alfredsson
Scandal Involvement: Seduced by Belinda Stronic, head butted (consequently concused) by Tie Domi
Who I’d face in the Stanley Cup Finals: Wouldn't matter, Anyone would do to erase that 40 year drought
What I’d do with the Stanley Cup after our victory: Get drunk and forget it at a bar or in the cab.
Would the media love me or hate me? Bob Cole and Harry Neal would love me because its in their contract to love every Leaf PLayer.

That is all

Razor's Edge

About time, a hockey game that was exciting to watch. Lots of back and forth tonight with the Leafs / Rangers game, result? A hard won 2-1 win by the Buds.

Thoughts?
#1- Raycroft stole this one, yeah he can do that.
#2-Shanny's controversial goal? Not really that controversial, no kicking motion (just some clever skate angling)
#3-Pony got crushed in one of the better hits i've seen this season...even if it was a tad late.

Comming Saturday is the next instalment of the Battle of Ontario, ooo, exciting.