Can we jump yet?

I have a feeling that since Oct 1st the number of Toronto Maple Leaf related suicides has increased dramatically. But what went wrong?

Before training camp I was not the only one who had high expectations for this team, and after the preseason, those expectations were heightened. Brian Burke and Ron Wilson did not do anything to dampen our collective hopes, or prepare us for what was to come, as other Leaf administrations have in the past. When you have a fan base that hasn't seen a playoff game in 5 years, making them think there is a legitimate chance their team will make the playoffs and then pulling that rug out from under them is a sure fire way to get your ass booed.

Brian Burke had Leaf Nation in the palm of his hand, all dreamy eyed and drinking the kool-aid. There was no pressure to perform this season, everyone had accepted this would be a year of rebuilding and bringing up the young guys. But then Burke had to go and trade away two first round picks for Kessel. While I am not exactly against the deal itself, and I am even on record defending it, what I am against is the timing and circumstances of the trade. In trading the 2010 first round pick, there is immense pressure for the Leafs to finish in the playoffs so that the pick they traded isn't very high. Unfortunately the Leafs are dead last in the NHL meaning if the draft was today, that pick would be first overall and that is expected to by Taylor Hall. Burke now has to worry about losing a high draft pick, possibly Taylor Hall and the hit his reputation could take. My fear right now is Burke will make some ill advised trades circa the last 10 years in order to boost the Leafs spot in the standings, which will hurt them in the long run. Secondly, a lot of people are now looking to Phil Kessel to come back from his injury and deliver us to salvation. Unfortunately, from what I have been listening to, it seems to the consensus among the radio talk show hosts that Kessel does not have the skill to score 30 goals in Toronto with its current personnel. And it is unfair to place that kind of expectations on a 22 year old kid. I really have a feeling Burke is starting to have some buyers remorse. I hope he kept the receipt.

Next we have the issue of Burke's prized defense. Komisarek and Beauchemin don't seem to be performing the way Burke had in mind when he gave them the big bucks. I don't expect them to play the way they currently are for much longer, but they haven't really done much to inspire confidence in them. Both players were lauded by Burke as tough as nails, stay at home defensemen, who would improve the back end dramatically and help on the penalty kill. So far, Komisarek mostly has taken dumb penalty after dumb penalty and made rookie mistakes. Beauchemin has been caught out of position several times, and made some glaring giveaways, he has managed however to tally 3 points in 6 games. I was excited when we got these guys, and I really want to like them, but so far they haven't done anything to deserve my affection. They better soon, or else we will be stuck with them for a pretty long time.

Schenn is also struggling. He is having trouble with the same stuff he did last year, like not using his size, giveaways, inability to clear the puck, and defensive zone coverage, but he is no longer a rookie so he wont get a free pass anymore. There has been rumblings that he should not have been in the NHL last year, and it might have stunted his development. It is possible he will become the 5th 6th or 7th defensemen or even be sent to the Marlie's. I hope he can get it together,because I like him, but remember, he is only 19!

In net, it hasnt been much of a suprise. I was crossing my fingers thats Toskala would be better this year after the surgery, but deep down, I didnt believe anything would change, and I was right. So far, he is averaging over 5 goals per game, and has a save percentage of about .800. The best thing he had done this year is get hurt, and the best thing Jason Blake has done is hurt him.

The Monster, Jonas Gustavsson really hasn't got a chance to shine yet. hes only played about 1.5 games in total, and has been adequate but has been injured twice, with a Heart problem that needed minor surgery, and then a groin problem that still has him on Injured Reserve.

On the offensive side of things, Stalberg impressed before he got injured, and personally I think Grabovski has been the best forward so far. Blake, Ponikarovsky, Stempniak, and Mayers have been pretty invisible. Hagman, has been alright, Kulemin has been pretty good in the couple of games he has played, and Stajan has scored three goals but other then that hasn't really done anything. The best line has been Kulemin-Grabovski-Hagman, They have been creating lots of scoring chances and consistently been deadly. In fact, the offense as a whole has hit the post and come very close to scoring more times then they have actually scored. The teams they have played have all had stellar goaltending compared to what the Leafs have been getting.

So to sum up, the first 6 games have been quite disappointing. With the defense and goaltending leading the way down. I really want to like Burke and his trades, but everything he has done seems to be blowing up in his face. I want to like Komisarek, Beauchemin and Schenn but they have to step it up. Toskala has got to go, and so does Blake and Mayers. We might be able to work with everyone else. I also wish Burke didnt put so much pressure on the team to perform this year via the Kessel deal, because they could have cruised through this year and developed Schenn, Bozak, Kadri, Stalberg, Hanson, and the 2010 Draft picks. Then picked up a goalscorer or two through a less rushed trade or free agency. We would have been set for next year to make the playoffs.

But we have to remember it's only been 6 games. while this doesn't excuse the poor start, at least it hasn't been 20 games. However, we are still going to be without a possible 11 points that would have really helped make the playoffs, especially because they were 13 points short of 8th in the East last year.

Here it a video I came across today. Its not hockey related but who cares

Leafs Vs Rangers Recap

Tonight, I will write a summary of each period at the end of that Period.


First Period 2-1 Leafs.



-So Far Toskala is playing much better then in previous games. He has come up with some big saves and the first goal was definately not his fault. However, he would like a Mulligan on the second goal.

- Grabovski and Hagman started on a line with Mayers. Blake and Stajan started on a line with Rosehill. Im not sure I really like what Wilson is doing here and I think the last two games have proved it isnt working. Mayers especially has proven he has no discernable skill other then punching people in the face, and I dont know why he has a stick, because he doesnt use it. Rosehill at least has some skill when it comes to scoring and passing. By the end of the period, Wilson had Grabovski, Hagman and Kulemin playing together, and they were really creating scoring chances.

-The Leafs are really having trouble getting the puck out of their own end. After the Penguins game, Wilson said he might have to practise clearing the puck for the first time. Personally I think the Leafs have struggled mightily with clearing the puck all of last year and this year, so im not sure why he is practising it for the first time now.

-Komisarek takes his second Highsticking penalty. He is once again overexuberant while battling infront of the net, and ends up putting the Leafs down 2 men, leading to a goal.

- Blake and Mayers continue with the constant giveaways.

-Stempniak, Grabovski, Kulemin were the best forewards.

-Beauchemin was the best defensemen, except for sortof just lying their on the first goal, but overall his last two games are much improved.

End of First Period. 2-1 NY

-

Start of Second Period

- 3-1 Rangers. HORRIBLE goal. Toskala reacted so slowly that he looked blind and stoned at the same time. Announcers again making excuses for Toskala just like nearly every goal ever scored on him.

-Another penalty to the Leafs 1 minute after going down two goals again. White for tripping, because he was out of position.

-Leafs kill Penalty.

- 5 minutes later announcers still making excuses for the goal Toskala sucked on.

-Rosehill is really hitting hard tonight.

-Leafs getting chances but miss the net alot or there is a great save. Seems to be the case this year.

-I dont understand why TSN zooms the camera in so much so we can see the person skating with the puck and nothing else. CBC does it the most.

-Orr still playing with Blake and Stajan. He just realized which net was New York's

-Two huge chances by Grabovski and Stempniak. Lundquist plays like Toskala if Toskala actually played the way he is paid too.

-Leafs have three lines which can score, with Blake-Stajan-Rosehill, then Grabovski-Kulemin-Hagman then Mitchell-Ponikarovski-Stempniak, and finally the fourth line of Orr-Wallin-Mayers. This may explain the playing of the tough guys up front. but Wilson is changing it up constantly.

-Gaborik is friggin shifty.

-Damn nice play by Grabovski, then Kulemin hits the post, then Hagman takes a Penalty "Exactly 198 feet away from the Leafs net".

-I wish Wilson would actually bench people for stupid penalties.

-Leafs kill off another penalty.

-Leafs Powerplay.

-If leafs lose this game it will be the first time losing 5 games in straight to start the season.

-Jason blake appears to be benched for sucking.

-Another leafs powerplay when Beauchemin gets his stick broken. He is lucky a penalty was called against NY because he was complaining to the ref while the game was on and the puck goes right by him and it would have been a 3 on 1.

-Blake Scores. 3-2 NY. Bad angle shot on PP. should be from White and Grabovski.

-Announcers think Blake purposely shot in that tiny little hole on purpose. Concidering he had the worst Shooting Percentage of anyone on the leafs with more then 2 goals last year, I repectfully disagaree.

-Leafs have to try and prevent a goal being scored right after getting it close again. the Last 3 goals the leafs scored going back to the Pittsburg game were followed by a goal against within 2 minutes.

-Leafs powerplay with 40secs left in period.

-Beauchemin makes a fucking retarded pinch, Leading to a 2-1 shorthanded rush. No goal but Toskala is hurt. Blake is getting a stupid ass penalty after being being benched untill 3 minutes ago. Beauchemin continues with the inoportune pinches. Can you tell 1) im pissed off 2) I dont like blake?

-Again, Grabovski and Stempniak were the best forwards, both getting tons of great chances but Lundquist was making even better saves.

- No Defensemen really stood out, they all made mistakes, expect for mabye Kaberle, he also had some real nice long passes.

-Toskala's second period was not as good as his first but better then the last 3 games he played.

-The second period as a whole, was much better for the Leafs then the first. It is hard to shake this feeling that if the Leafs were getting the same goaltending as the teams they would be above .500

End of Second period. 3-2 NY

-In the intermission the announcers are still making excuses for Toskala's weak goal.

Start of Third Period

- period starts 4 on 4

- Finger does a nice job stopping Higgins 1 on 1

- I am pretty sure i can smell Madison Square Gardens from here.

- Rangers score. Toskala sucks big ones. Schenn with a giveaway, but the announcers manage to blame it on Grabovski. Toskala should have had the goal but of couse its not his fault.

-4-2 NY

-5-2 NY, Toskala really fucking sucks. he was way out of position. Mitchell the centreman was way far away from where he should have been.

-Mayers with a nice giveaway

-Schenn is a big strong man but refuses to use his strength to take the puck from avery

- instead of watching the play, Sportsnet decides it would be more interesting to watch Schenn step onto the bench and sit down.

- Toskala makes a save. Mark your Calender, ill go pick up a cake.

- it would be 6-2 but this goal was kicked in.

- I am so tired of the announcers making excuses for every single mistake.

- Kulemin and Grabovski really click together, and Hagman is a nice compliment to the way they play.

- I think Finger just killed brian Boyle with a really LOUD hit. Either that or Kyle Wellwoods belt finally burst.

- Jamal Mayers just used his stick for the first time in his career for something other then spearing someone.

- 6-2 NY. Toskala is really pathetic. He is just so inconsistent, he makes some nice saves, but then stinks it up. coming into this game, he was 4.98 GAA, now its above 5.

- Another 2 on 1, it would have been a goal because Toskala was actually inside of his net, but the Ranger player fanned on the one timer.

- Another great chance for the Grabovski-Kulemin line but L undquist is too good. Blake takes another retarded penalty.

- 6-2 NY. A weak ass shot leads to a massive rebound by Toskala right to Avery. You know a goalie sucks when Sean Avery scores two weak goals in one game.

- NY almost scores from the middle of the Ice.

End of Third Period. 7-2 NY

Notes:

- Toskala started strong, ended pathetically. 7 Goals allowed tonight, and a 5.3 GAA this year.

- You can bet you balls that Joey McDonald will play tomorrow Vs Colorado.

- Best line was Grabovski-Kulemin-Hagman.

- Blake and Mayers were the worst Leafs.

- The defense did not make as many obvious mistakes like giveaways as other games, but had plenty of breakdowns. Toskala couldnt help them though.

- Schenn and Beauchemin are playing better then at the beginning of the year.

- the argument that it is still early in the season doesnt hold any water. 1 of a possible 10 points is not justifiable.

- Stupid Penalties + worst penalty killing + Toskala = zero wins in 5 games.

- Nick Kypreos is a asshole.

- Stalberg will be back tomorrow.

- Bill Waters agree Blake sucks and plays like he is brain damaged. He says Bale should be with the Marlies. "Mabye if we are lucky Blake will be claimed from waivers"

- Soon Burke/Wilson will make sure heads will roll.

- If being tough is so important why do the Leafs lead the NHL for fights but are last in points?

- The Leafs just cant get any luck when it comes to scoring goals. they are hitting posts, having shots blocked and playing against good goalies.

- After the game Wilson said Toskala didnt think he could have saved any of those goals. I'm pretty sure he wasn't joking.

Sorry about the mostly negative comments tonight, but it was pretty much unavoidable. I was trying to cover what I saw and that was mostly negative.

Come back tonight, where I will do this again for the Leafs Vs Colorado game where the Leafs will get their first win of the season because McDonald will be in net.

truculent - adjective; eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant

Three games into the 2009-2010 Season, The expectations for a infinitely more Truculent team then previous years has been deflated some what. The hard hitting, fast skating, forechecking, Fighting and Boisterous team some in Toronto came to expect on opening day has yet to arrive. In the games the Leafs have played in so far, They have been out hit and out forechecked. The defense was supposed to be the most improved aspect but has yet to live up to the hype. However, instead of being last in goals against like last year, they are only third last, behind Montreal and Vancouver. They do however have the distinction of being the only team currently sitting on a 3 game losing streak and since they are playing Pittsburgh on Saturday, it could become 4 in a row.


So whats the Dillio?

Why are they no longer playing like they did in the preseason, where they went 6-3 and played some very exciting, fast paced and hard hitting hockey.

Well it seems to me like they are playing very tentatively. Apparently during the preseason Ron Wilson had not yet got into the specifics on the new system he wanted his team to employ. Since he unrolled his grand new plans the defense has looked flat, especially Beauchemin and Schenn. Beauchemin is now getting used to playing on a team where he is counted on as a top defensemen and a mentor. In Anaheim, Pronger and Niedermayer had that job. Beauchemins linemate Luke Schenn is adapting to playing on the right side now. It seemed he was having trouble adapting at first but apart from a few bad giveaways he had his best game of the preseason Vs Ottawa on Tuesday.

Another big difference from preseason is that the goal scoring has slowed down. While it is still at sufficient levels, it would be nice if Blake could start doing something. Plus, with Stalberg hurt indefinitely, the offense could be in for some more trials and tribulations.

I have heard repeated many times now that "Its only 3 games" and this is very true. Detroit and Vancouver were off to horrible starts and most people agree they are locks for the playoffs. It is important to remember though, that for a number of years in a row the Leafs missed the playoffs by only a couple of points. If that happens again this year, will we look back on this streak of games and say what if?

Also, the bad start could be directly attributed to Vesa Toskala. When I go to Leaf games I sit at the very top, so I never noticed anything odd about Toskala until I saw this picture. Could this be why he is so shitty?