But what if the criticism is unfair?

This is the problem.

Canadian fans (from all seven teams) seem to think that if a guy makes $5 million a year, you can scream whatever you want at him. And that you need to prove your hockey smarts by manufacturing flaws in the game of your biggest stars.

And then we wonder why Nash signs in New York and Getzlaf re-ups in California.
- Atomic Wedgie

There is no fairness.


Welcome to life, it ain't all sunshine and spandex

Now you're just being blind cause of your hate on for Dion
- faceto27

Can work the exact opposite and make dion look worse then he is.

the problem i have with this is just because phaneuf looks great in comparison to an otherwise terrible D doesnt necessarily make him a great d-man

its flawed logic

its like saying a grand prix is a high end sports car when its parked beside a bunch of dodge neons.

just because the d corps around him are so bloody bad it makes him look that much better doesnt mean he is actually that much better.
- Dozzer

Whether you like it or not, he's the best we have - by a country mile.

Hey, if we were starting up a new fantasy league, I wouldn't select him.

But it isn't.

Bottom line: he's the most talented guy we have - by a country mile. You have absolutely no Plan B to replace him. You don't even have a plan C.

Franson isn't nearly as good as Leafs Nation wants him to be.

Gunnarson is damaged goods - teams are now skating around him. He can't pivot - he needs a hip operation (or replacement).

Gardiner is still a diamond in the rough.

Rielly is still a lump of clay.

The rest of the stiffs on the roster aren't good enough to play in the NHL.

If you want this team to get better - or more realistically, if you don't want this team to be a lot worse for the next 3 years, you re-sign Dion.

If you can come up with a Plan B or Plan C, I'm willing to consider it.

Until then, eat the bowl of cereal I put in front of you.

And like it.

There is no fairness.


Welcome to life, it ain't all sunshine and spandex
- robin_steele264

But seriously, I love spandex.

So who ever makes more money then me I can yell at sweet. Works is going to be some much fun today.
- Yeti1181

Fans are allowed to yell during a sporting match. You pay for that privilege.

There is no fairness.


Welcome to life, it ain't all sunshine and spandex
- robin_steele264

Should only be made up to a size Medium, at the most..

Hamhuis

I met a dog the other day that taught me how to die

So who ever makes more money then me I can yell at sweet. Works is going to be some much fun today.
- Yeti1181

and who ever makes less gets to yell at you

Hamhuis
- gravyface

Prolly a 7-8 guy.


He's good though

McLaren & Orr in the lineup tonight?

I like cereals

McLaren & Orr in the lineup tonight?
- Vukota

FIGHT MOAR!!!!!

FIGHT MOAR!!!!!
- Pecafan Fan

Who is Moar?

McLaren & Orr in the lineup tonight?
- Vukota

both!

both!
- AdamFrench

Thanks

Thanks
- Vukota

You're welcome Islanders.

if we aren't going to win at least we can be entertaining

You're welcome Islanders.
- AdamFrench

Don't worry Cappy will dress Boulton & Carkner thus offsetting any advantage

Fans are allowed to yell during a sporting match. You pay for that privilege.
- robin_steele264

Really I thought that was to watch the game. Silly me.

if we aren't going to win at least we can be entertaining
- Sammich

no we can't

and who ever makes less gets to yell at you
- bobbyisno1

Nobody makes less then me nobody.

The overall trend I've noticed (and become completely frustrated by) is that Leafs Nation hates their best players, but falls in love with the worst player on the team, as long as the guy looks like he is putting forth effort.

Kessel sucks. Yeah, OK.

Komarov was the most valuable player on the team last year.

We should have let Phaneuf walk at the end of this season. Gotcha. I was at the game on Saturday night, and let me tell you, boys and girls, the Leafs defence outside of Dion is terrible. Absolutely terrible.

Brad Smith? Love him.

Sundin? Gutless.

Franson? The next Bobby Orr.

I could go on all day...
- Atomic Wedgie

I get annoyed that sometimes when trying to post an opinion about a bottom 6 guy or bottom 2 forward, or I hear is dime a dozen. Loads of those guys, easily replaced. When trying to speak positive about Kuli, McClement or Komorov, I'm just told there are hundreds of players that can do that. But when I see L.A., Chicago, Boston and St.Louis and there bottom 6 is full of guys who don't score loads, but can fore-check, kill penalties, agitate and play physical and are defensively responsible, I begin to wonder. Try to say these guys have value on the Leafs and people bite your head off. We need more bottom 6 forwards like Wallin, Connolly and Lombardi I imagine.

TSN Leafs Practice Notes:

-Jonathan Bernier will make his sixth consecutive start tonight when the Leafs host the Islanders at the ACC. Bernier allowed five goals in a 7-1 loss to the Rangers on Saturday.

-Carl Gunnarsson will not play tonight because of an elbow injury. Gunnarsson hyper-extended his left elbow on a hit from Carl Hagelin on Saturday. With Gunnarsson sidelined, Tim Gleason is set to make his Leafs debut. He is expected to replace Gunnarsson on the top pairing with Dion Phaneuf.

-David Clarkson did not participate in today's optional morning skate after missing the past two days of practice (left foot). Though Randy Carlyle was not available to confirm, he is unlikely to play against the Islanders. Jerry D'Amigo is likely to move up in the lineup in his place with the Leafs either opting for seven defencemen or Frazer McLaren up front for tonight's game.

-Nik Kulemin was named to the Russian Olympic team.

Tuesday's Projected Lines vs. Islanders

Van Riemsdyk - Bozak - Kessel
Raymond - Kadri - Lupul
D'Amigo - McClement - Kulemin
(McLaren) - Holland - Orr

Gleason - Phaneuf
Gardiner - Rielly
Fraser - Franson
(Ranger)

Bernier
Reimer

Gleason tonight