What can you really say about a game that doesn't matter?
I actually predicted that Team Chara would defeat Team Alfredsson tonight, because all the players on T. Chara saluted the crowd when they were introduced, not all of the players on T. Alfi did so; so I knew. Cause we all know that the hockey gods notice stuff like that, lol. Other than that it was the most boring hockey to watch, as always, but it was also a lot of fun to see the skill that exists amongst the players in the NHL.
As a Leafs fan, Kessel and Lupul played well, whereas Phaneuf played horribly.
Cheers, now bring on the real hockey... NHL gets back under-way on Tuesday.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Silver Stick Scores - Leafs 4 - Islanders 3 (OT) - Game #49
A big win for the Buds tonight, although not without its heart stopping moments. With Clarke MacCarthur scoring the game winner, despite the best effort a goalie could possibly make in Montoya's glove save that wasn't.
Jake Silver Stick Gardiner scored his first NHL goal tonight, a goal that tied it up in the middle of the third. Although it could easily be argued that perhaps he had some help with MacCarthur possibly creating a little goalie interference. Though as a Leafs fan, who cares!
More After the Break
Other notes include Kulemin's huge hit near the end of the second, as he and an Islanders defencemen went into the corner after a puck in the Islanders zone. Unfortunately, at the same time Lupul was also "accidentally" running into Tavares so Kuli's hit didn't get much air time, but way to go Kuli. Just an aside, Kulimen has definitely stepped up his game and his hitting has reached a new level ever since his huge open ice hit against the Sabre's Patrick Kaleta.
Lastly, Kessel needs a knight to fight his battles, because as a Leaf fan I know and appreciate Kessel's skill, but I also recognize his limitations. The reason I bring this up is not to re-hash the controversy that was stirred up when Burke made his comments about sending down Colton Battleship Orr, but because it was clear that Islanders' (usually considered a soft team) physicality with Kessel was affecting Kessel and throwing him off his game.
Moreover, if you watched the game and saw some of the ridiculous scrums that occurred after the whistle, it is clear that a sheriff is necessary for the Leafs. You could argue that Phaneuf, Brown or even Komisarek could fill that role, but the trade off of 5min without your topD-Man is not worth it for Phanuef to fill the role, Komisarek needs to watch his shoulders, and lastly Brown, while a fighter, is not a heavy weight and thus incapable of taking on all comers.
Again, Rosehill is needed, or perhaps Orr has learned to skate at an NHL level, but I highly doubt it.
As always let me know your thoughts.
- Corey S.
Jake Silver Stick Gardiner scored his first NHL goal tonight, a goal that tied it up in the middle of the third. Although it could easily be argued that perhaps he had some help with MacCarthur possibly creating a little goalie interference. Though as a Leafs fan, who cares!
More After the Break
Other notes include Kulemin's huge hit near the end of the second, as he and an Islanders defencemen went into the corner after a puck in the Islanders zone. Unfortunately, at the same time Lupul was also "accidentally" running into Tavares so Kuli's hit didn't get much air time, but way to go Kuli. Just an aside, Kulimen has definitely stepped up his game and his hitting has reached a new level ever since his huge open ice hit against the Sabre's Patrick Kaleta.
Lastly, Kessel needs a knight to fight his battles, because as a Leaf fan I know and appreciate Kessel's skill, but I also recognize his limitations. The reason I bring this up is not to re-hash the controversy that was stirred up when Burke made his comments about sending down Colton Battleship Orr, but because it was clear that Islanders' (usually considered a soft team) physicality with Kessel was affecting Kessel and throwing him off his game.
Moreover, if you watched the game and saw some of the ridiculous scrums that occurred after the whistle, it is clear that a sheriff is necessary for the Leafs. You could argue that Phaneuf, Brown or even Komisarek could fill that role, but the trade off of 5min without your topD-Man is not worth it for Phanuef to fill the role, Komisarek needs to watch his shoulders, and lastly Brown, while a fighter, is not a heavy weight and thus incapable of taking on all comers.
Again, Rosehill is needed, or perhaps Orr has learned to skate at an NHL level, but I highly doubt it.
As always let me know your thoughts.
- Corey S.
Monday, January 23, 2012
1, 2, 3, 4 - LEAFS 3 Islanders 0 - Game #48
A Monster shoutout tonight, as Gustavsson won one tonight, had his second shoutout in January, his third of the season and his fourth of his NHL career. The Monster looked brilliant tonight, calm and composed even when pucks were bouncing all over the place in front of him.
More After the Break
Lombardi with his 2 goals tonight has really impressed me these past few games. His speed has clearly improved back to where it was before he suffered the concussion that occured when he was still with Nashville, that kept him out of NHL lineups for nearly an entire year. I think he might be the key to the Leafs success down the road. Since, he is just as fast if not faster than Kessel, making his line a real tough matchup for teams playing against him. Since, teams will now have to choose whether to try and shutdown Kessel's speed and his line with their top D-Man pairing or Lombardi's speed and line.
It was also nice to see the Leafs go a whole 60 minutes without taking one penalty, for while there is no doubt that the Leafs penalty kill has been phenomenal in January, not testing it that much goes a long way in keeping confidence in our ability to kill penalties.
As far as the Islanders, Jonathan Tavares was really the only player of note, his speed was phenomenal and just as the commentators pointed out his stride has really improved, making him an explosive player and allowing him to create space for himself to get off that deadly shot. Yet, with a lack luster performance by the rest of his teammates the Leafs had a fairly easy go of it, simply able to swarm Tavares whenever he was in the Leafs zone to get the puck back.
More After the Break
Lombardi with his 2 goals tonight has really impressed me these past few games. His speed has clearly improved back to where it was before he suffered the concussion that occured when he was still with Nashville, that kept him out of NHL lineups for nearly an entire year. I think he might be the key to the Leafs success down the road. Since, he is just as fast if not faster than Kessel, making his line a real tough matchup for teams playing against him. Since, teams will now have to choose whether to try and shutdown Kessel's speed and his line with their top D-Man pairing or Lombardi's speed and line.
It was also nice to see the Leafs go a whole 60 minutes without taking one penalty, for while there is no doubt that the Leafs penalty kill has been phenomenal in January, not testing it that much goes a long way in keeping confidence in our ability to kill penalties.
As far as the Islanders, Jonathan Tavares was really the only player of note, his speed was phenomenal and just as the commentators pointed out his stride has really improved, making him an explosive player and allowing him to create space for himself to get off that deadly shot. Yet, with a lack luster performance by the rest of his teammates the Leafs had a fairly easy go of it, simply able to swarm Tavares whenever he was in the Leafs zone to get the puck back.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Super Bowl in a FortNight - New England Patriots vs. N.Y. Giants
A rematch from Super Bowl 42 in 2008. Can Tom Brady slay the Giants this time. I have no idea.
What do you think?
I am sad that the 49'ers were knocked out, but hopefully the Giants can eliminate the Patriots again.
What do you think?
I am sad that the 49'ers were knocked out, but hopefully the Giants can eliminate the Patriots again.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Canadiens 3 Leafs 1 - GAME #47
As promised here's some sports news. And what better way to start then on saturday talking about HNIC and the Maple Leafs vs. the Montreal Canadiens. THE classic Canadien matchup. Although , as a Leafs fan myself the outcome was tragic, and to make matters worse Flordia just extended their lead over the Maple Leafs by 3pts in the conference standings, with thier shootout win over Winnipeg.
Tomorrow: NFL - Baltimore vs. New England & N.Y. Giants vs. San Fransico
Let's hope that New England makes it to the Super Bowl, cause if they don't, I don't think many people will care as much who wins it this year. It would also be cool to see a Giants vs. Patriots rematch in the Super Bowl. Although I personally think that San Fran wins it over the Giants, especially watching them last week against the Saints.
Let me know who you want to see in the Super Bowl and who you think is going to take it.
As for me - realistically the Patriots have the best shot. Though I would like to see San Fran win it. Mostly because I don't like the Patriots and I don't like the Saints, so San Fran by knocking the Saints out last week is now in my good books.
- Corey S.
Tomorrow: NFL - Baltimore vs. New England & N.Y. Giants vs. San Fransico
Let's hope that New England makes it to the Super Bowl, cause if they don't, I don't think many people will care as much who wins it this year. It would also be cool to see a Giants vs. Patriots rematch in the Super Bowl. Although I personally think that San Fran wins it over the Giants, especially watching them last week against the Saints.
Let me know who you want to see in the Super Bowl and who you think is going to take it.
As for me - realistically the Patriots have the best shot. Though I would like to see San Fran win it. Mostly because I don't like the Patriots and I don't like the Saints, so San Fran by knocking the Saints out last week is now in my good books.
- Corey S.
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