Two 24 hour sports stations in Toronto, FAN590 and TSN1050 are both Maple Leaf centric. You get the odd blurb about other teams but otherwise you would think the Leafs are a prime cup contender.
- paulr

They could be if they could get everyone healthy...still don't trust Reimer or Bernier....so scratch that...they're PRETENDERS

They could be if they could get everyone healthy...still don't trust Reimer or Bernier....so scratch that...they're PRETENDERS

- philco28

Even if everyone is healthy if they continue to get outshot 2 to 1 they are going no where fast. I like their wingers, I like their goalies (so far) but their defence is a nightmare and they have a group of 3rd and 4th line centermen.

Even if everyone is healthy if they continue to get outshot 2 to 1 they are going no where fast. I like their wingers, I like their goalies (so far) but their defence is a nightmare and they have a group of 3rd and 4th line centermen.
- paulr

One of their own players brought this up on the NHL Network about being outshot in every game and the majority of play being in their own end. Reimer and Bernier have bailed them out so far but you have to think that won't last.

One of their own players brought this up on the NHL Network about being outshot in every game and the majority of play being in their own end. Reimer and Bernier have bailed them out so far but you have to think that won't last.
- rtang415

IMO the Avs D corps (and goaltending) is in this category of "performing above expected" too. Both Toronto and Colorado have played well, but I don't think it's unrealistic to predict that both the Avs and Leafs will fade as the season stretches.

The Leafs seem to be a better but similar team to the Wild a few years ago. Winning in spite of some scoring problems and a low shot count but counteracting with good goaltending and a bit of luck. Minnesota led the league until December in 11-12 before they ate sh*t and went flying down the standings. I don't see the Leafs defying the various metrics piling up that predict their comparative demise.

One of their own players brought this up on the NHL Network about being outshot in every game and the majority of play being in their own end. Reimer and Bernier have bailed them out so far but you have to think that won't last.
- rtang415

And when these goalies get figured out, and they will, it's gonna get ugly around these parts.

Can't do it during the day - no one understands enough hockey to get able to intelligently talk about it.

They'd spend the whole interview making snide comments, double entendres, and giving their uninformed opinions about the problem with the game.
- StLBravesFan

Boers is senile now and all Bernstein wants to do is work his Keith Olberman wannabee act by injecting his political views when he gets a chance. I stopped listening when he interupted Boers to announce that some goverment body had just passed a Gay Rights act and how anyone who stood against that was a creton neandrathal and a fascist.
What people want to do with their own lives is their business. We all have our own views. I don't listen to sports radio for that kind of information, there are other channels. I also don't need to hear a sports host of all people, telling a listener that if they don't agree with his point of view what type of person they are.

Not one to female dog about the refs all the time but, they had a tough night last night. The call on Shaw to put them down 2 men (How'd that look on TV?), the initial call on Oduya was a classic dive by 17; No way he should be pushed down that easily and there was one of the most egregious (sp?) too many men calls Ive ever seen.
- reeder16[/quote


I noticed the dive by Kesler. Didn't skate for the puck, just got in Oduya's way, spread his skates and leaned way forward. As soon as he felt the slightest contact he dove into the boards. Had his hands up waiting for it. The ref could have called Kesler for interference if he had the angle we saw on tv. I guess if that's his game he's real good at it. I thought Hartnell was the snakiest player in the league but this guy is right there with him.

He does like his soapbox, but IMO, he's simply using the high profile platform he's earned during his legendary career.

For my $$$$, Bob Costas is the FINEST SPORTSCASTER in my 45 years on this planet.
- philco28

I'll go with Vin Scully and Lloyd Petit.

[quote=reeder16]Not one to female dog about the refs all the time but, they had a tough night last night. The call on Shaw to put them down 2 men (How'd that look on TV?), the initial call on Oduya was a classic dive by 17; No way he should be pushed down that easily and there was one of the most egregious (sp?) too many men calls Ive ever seen.
- 6628[/quote


I noticed the dive by Kesler. Didn't skate for the puck, just got in Oduya's way, spread his skates and leaned way forward. As soon as he felt the slightest contact he dove into the boards. Had his hands up waiting for it. The ref could have called Kesler for interference if he had the angle we saw on tv. I guess if that's his game he's real good at it. I thought Hartnell was the snakiest player in the league but this guy is right there with him.

Wow .

Eli...can you comment on how Leblanc is doing in Rockford?

He's on a one way contract next year but I'm not sure about his waiver status. Given our depth I just don't see a spot for him year next year. Assuming Smith is re-signed the only real vacancy could be Bollig's spot and I wouldn't be surprised to see him re-upped as well.

Could Morin and/Leblanc be dealt at the draft?
- DarthKane

With a one way contract, he'll have to pass through waivers before being sent to Rockford. That's at least how I understand it.

As for the idea of Smith & Bollig, we'll see what shakes out this summer. LeBlanc & Morin should be in the mix for a roster spot next season, depending if they're traded or not. As for the idea of Bollig's spot being a "vacancy" next season, I hope it doesn't come to that, nor do I think it will come to that. There isn't anyone in the system that can do what Bollig can, and who's out there on the free agent market that can without having the next John Scott?

[quote=reeder16]Not one to female dog about the refs all the time but, they had a tough night last night. The call on Shaw to put them down 2 men (How'd that look on TV?), the initial call on Oduya was a classic dive by 17; No way he should be pushed down that easily and there was one of the most egregious (sp?) too many men calls Ive ever seen.
- 6628[/quote


I noticed the dive by Kesler. Didn't skate for the puck, just got in Oduya's way, spread his skates and leaned way forward. As soon as he felt the slightest contact he dove into the boards. Had his hands up waiting for it. The ref could have called Kesler for interference if he had the angle we saw on tv. I guess if that's his game he's real good at it. I thought Hartnell was the snakiest player in the league but this guy is right there with him.

Call on Shaw was bad: looked like mutual contact there.

Oduya's hit was bad: can't cross check in the numbers. If you think Kessler went down too easy, you could say the same about Toews when he was cross-checked in the back at the net - don't remember the "perp".

Wow .
- VANTEL

Yeah imagine suggesting Kesler is a diver, he has never been known for that.

Call on Shaw was bad: looked like mutual contact there.

Oduya's hit was bad: can't cross check in the numbers. If you think Kessler went down too easy, you could say the same about Toews when he was cross-checked in the back at the net - don't remember the "perp".
- StLBravesFan

The problem I have with that call on Oduya is that that play happens alot in the game, where guys are hit in the back at the boards. MOST players do not fall from that hit, especially if they put themselves in position to get hit, like Kesler did. He knew he was going to get hit, but went down too easy. That part of the game needs to stop.

The problem I have with that call on Oduya is that that play happens alot in the game, where guys are hit in the back at the boards. MOST players do not fall from that hit, especially if they put themselves in position to get hit, like Kesler did. He knew he was going to get hit, but went down too easy. That part of the game needs to stop.
- powerenforcer

This is what I saw. I didn't see it in slow motion, though. The Canuck fan beside me thought the same

The problem I have with that call on Oduya is that that play happens alot in the game, where guys are hit in the back at the boards. MOST players do not fall from that hit, especially if they put themselves in position to get hit, like Kesler did. He knew he was going to get hit, but went down too easy. That part of the game needs to stop.
- powerenforcer

Don't cross check into the numbers: you want to maybe call a dive too? Maybe.

But if you see the numbers - especially along the boards - and Oduya had time to see the numbers - back off, or ride him into the boards, but don't cross-check him so he "flies" into the boards. THAT part of the game needs to stop. If Oduya keeps his stick on the ice, no cross check, not as dangerous a hit.

The problem with the call is that it's not uniformly called: where's the call on the Toews play at the net?

The problem I have with that call on Oduya is that that play happens alot in the game, where guys are hit in the back at the boards. MOST players do not fall from that hit, especially if they put themselves in position to get hit, like Kesler did. He knew he was going to get hit, but went down too easy. That part of the game needs to stop.
- powerenforcer

You know how you can be sure if it is a dive or not? Tell the guy putting his stick in the back of the numbers of another player two feet from the boards not to do it.

Do you guys blame the old lady too once she gets mugged for being an easy target?

You won a game against us.none of us care , grow up and get ready for your next opponent.

According to the Score (Canadian version) Hossa will be out tonight but should return on Wednesday.

I'm not saying they didn't deserve it, but Keith deserved to get suspended. I personally think he was provoked, but he did retaliate in a dirty manner IMO. But I love Duncs, wouldn't trade him for any D-man in the league
- rollpards19

Sorry to disagree with you here but I'd trade him in a package in a heartbeat to Montreal for Subban. Dunc is great but PK would make us younger, tougher, better on the PP, and help our cap. I know it would never happen but I like the hunger of that stud defenseman that hasn't won a cup yet. Montreal would never do it anyway I don't believe.

You know how you can be sure if it is a dive or not? Tell the guy putting his stick in the back of the numbers of another player two feet from the boards not to do it.

Do you guys blame the old lady too once she gets mugged for being an easy target?

You won a game against us.none of us care , grow up and get ready for your next opponent.
- VANTEL

Is she a Canuck fan?

Is she a Canuck fan?
- paulr

Sorry to disagree with you here but I'd trade him in a package in a heartbeat to Montreal for Subban. Dunc is great but PK would make us younger, tougher, better on the PP, and help our cap. I know it would never happen but I like the hunger of that stud defenseman that hasn't won a cup yet. Montreal would never do it anyway I don't believe.
- Hawkytalk

Right on! Now we've moved on from trading Seabs to now trading DK.

Right on! Now we've moved on from trading Seabs to now trading DK.
- Beaver-Warrior

So it's poop on Duncan Keith day? Is that the official ruling?

So it's poop on Duncan Keith day? Is that the official ruling?
- EKolb13

I'm looking forward to "Let's trade Toews" day. That should be a hoot.

I'm looking forward to "Let's trade Toews" day. That should be a hoot.
- Beaver-Warrior

OK, Toews for Kesler and his diving outfit.

Sorry to disagree with you here but I'd trade him in a package in a heartbeat to Montreal for Subban. Dunc is great but PK would make us younger, tougher, better on the PP, and help our cap. I know it would never happen but I like the hunger of that stud defenseman that hasn't won a cup yet. Montreal would never do it anyway I don't believe.
- Hawkytalk

I like the hunger of someone who has won two Cups and can still play at a very high level for over 20 mins a night.

Subban is very good and may prove to be better than Keith, but if he played in Carolina his press clippings wouldn't be nearly as long.

The Habs won't think of dealing Subban and it will be a long time until the thought crosses anyone in the Hawks front office to do the same to Keith.