La Di Da Di, What to do about Kadri

You can't help but have an uneasy feeling about a player when the Ottawa Senators are desperate to draft him.

     

 Heading in to last offseason there was much speculation that the Leafs would try and move either Jake Gardiner or Nazem Kadri, some reports had the Leafs trying to move both players. Now personally I think Gardiner will be a stud once he gets a coach that won't bench him every other night and actually allow him to play and make mistakes like a young player should be allowed to do. For a while I have been on the "DON'T TRADE KADRI YOU IDIOTS HES GOING TO BE AMAZING" side of the argument, after a bit of soul searching and observing his less than stellar start to the 2014-15 season, it had me thinking... Would moving Kadri be such a bad idea as he is due for another contract at this seasons conclusion.

    

   Many arguments can be made for both points of view on the issue; Kadri hasn't had enough opportunity to play a 1C role, Kadri has been given opportunities and never seized them, he had his time to develop in the AHL had one solid NHL season and has since disappeared, he is still too young to give up on and the Leafs will regret trading him etc. You can’t help but wonder if under a different coach Kadri would see more production. Perhaps all Kadri needs to get going is the opportunity to start the season as the 1C and let him run with it for more than 3 or 4 games here or there, who knows. On the flip side, is it time to move Kadri? Seeing has how he hasn’t matured in to the player we had all hoped he would be, he has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the Leafs. In the lockout shortened 48 game season Kadri was unreal (48 GP 18G, 26A, 44Pts) now some may debate this was caused due to the fact it was a contract year for Kadri, however he looked dominant nonetheless.

  

   Best case scenario for both the Leafs and Kadri would be for Carlyle to allow Kadri to assume the 1C role for the 2014-15 season, unless he proved himself to be unable to perform on the team’s top line. There is some evidence to suggest that Kadri plays at a higher level when accompanying Phil Kessel on the top line, both in traditional stats (G,A,Pts) and advanced stats as both Kadri and Kessel experience a jump in their Corsi possession numbers, which is something the Leafs first line (criticized for its lack of defensive play) could stand to dramatically improve.

   

No question about it, the Leafs have a tough decision to make at the end of this season when Kadri’s agent comes calling looking for a new deal. Assuming his play picks up and he proves he is worth a big contract, Kadri is off to a less than stellar start to the season (10  As far back as the 09’ draft when the Leafs used the 7^th overall selection to take Kadri I was mildly skeptical, to me he just didn’t seem like he would fit with the Leafs, and so far, that assumption has proved correct. Most recently Kadri has been on the hot seat for his comments following the Leafs less than inspiring performance against the Boston bruins, a game in which the Leafs looked like they could have been outworked by a timbits hockey team. Kadri has had a few memorable interviews already this season, the first in which he sort of kind of compared himself to John Taveres (also drafted in 2009), and the most recent where he commented on how the team needs to compete at a higher level, and start caring more. Kadri is a significant member of the team from the media’s point of view, and quotes like that often leave him in hot water, especially when he is seen as one of the faces of the franchise. Media aside, Kadri must get some kudos for trying to be a leader and speak up about the way the team is playing.

GP, 2G, 0A, 2Pts) and has been practically invisible most nights.

  Hopefully Kadri is given the chance to prove his worth this season, and given the opportunity to play on the first line with Kessel, believe me, I would love nothing more than to see Kadri turn in to the stud we all hope he will be, when he is on he is a game changer. However, if the trade deadline rolls around and he has had another middle of the road season, I think testing the waters to see what sort of return he would command might not be a bad idea. Although, knowing the Leafs they will trade him and he will turn out to be a perennial 40 goal scorer in the NHL.

 Let us know what you think, would you trade Kadri? Am I a fool for even considering the Leafs move him, what would you want to see in return for a player like Kadri. Post your comments below !

Game 9 - Leafs Host Sabres - Predictions

Leafs are not looking good.  After a 4-1 loss to the Bruins Saturday, it seems like the world is caving in around them.  Half the people are calling for the Leafs to Fire Carlyle.  Another 2/3 wants the Leafs to trade Phaneuf and Kadri.  The other 1/3 wants to see Kessel run out of town.  I do not see the Leafs doing much on the trade front.  Carlyle is probably the next to go.  But does it matter?

The Leafs fire Randy Carlyle.  Coach "B" comes in. Then what? What happens if this roster isn't good enough. You have to think another playoff miss would be the end of Nonis.

Buffalo's Record: 2-7-0, 8th in the ATL, 15th in the East
Leading Scorers: Stafford 0-4-4, Ennis 3-0-3, Girgensons 2-1-3
Leaf's Record: 3-4-1, 7th in the ATL, 14th in the East
Leading Scorers: Kessel 4-4-8, Bozak 3-5-8, van Riemsdyk 3-2-5

Mike (0-8): 4-2 Sabres - 3rd jersey toss of the season!
Jeff (0-8): 3-2 Sabres - Leafs continues to lose.  This will be loss 2 in a series of 5 straight losses.  Once the Leafs lose to the Coyotes next week, Carlyle will be FIRED.
Jessie (0-0) 3-1 Leafs - Rielly with the game winner 

Check out Mike's latest article - Toronto, Where NHL Stars Never Shine Their Brightest
The latest episode of The Francis Report - Solidarity & Strength
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The Francis Report - EP5 - Solidarity and Strength

The newest edition of The Francis Report is out!

Game 8 - Leafs Host Bruins - Predictions

The Leafs, Senators, and Canadiens will simultaniously be holding a tribute to the fallen soldiers at their respective home games tonight. More info can be found at the NHL's website.

Bruins: The big bad Bruins aren't so big and bad anymore.  They lost Boychuk over the summer to a trade to get cap compliant.  Most recently Chara has torn his PCL.  He is out a minimum of 4-6 weeks.  Can he recover from something like that at his age? and his height?
Record:  4-5-0 8Pts, 5 in the ATL, 10th in the East
Point Pace: 73 Points.  That would put them well out of the playoffs.
Leading Scorers: Kelly 2-5-7, Krejci 2-5-7, Soderberg 2-4-6


Leafs: The last game the Leafs were suppose to play was postponed until Nov 8th.  They were to play the Ottawa Senators.  The last game they actually played they took a beating to the New York Islanders.  Leafs have been playing alright in their last 5, going 3-1-1 in that span.
Record: 3-3-1 7Pts, 6th in the ATL, 12 in the East
Point Pace: 82 Points.  That would put them well out of the playoffs
Leading Scorers: Kessel 4-4-8, Bozak 3-4-7, van Riemsdyk 3-2-5

Mike 0-7: 3-1 Leafs, JVR witht he game winner.
Jeff 0-7: 4-2 Leafs. Kessel gets a hatty with Chara out!

Don't forget to check out our latest Francis Report!
Also Mike's latest article - Toronto, Where NHL Stars Never Shine Their Brightest

Questions for the next Report. Comment here, send us a tweet, a message on The Facebook, or an email to questions@thefrancisreport.ca


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Toronto, Where NHL Stars Never Shine Their Brightest

The Toronto Maple Leafs are very good at something…. Yes you read that correctly.

The Leafs have had some talented players over the years, names like Sundin, Belfour, Joseph, Kessel and yes, even Phaneuf.  All of these names have things in common; Elite players in the NHL at a point in their career, key contributors to their edition(s) of the Leafs team, all have faced criticism during their time with the Leafs, and lastly, all fell victim to poor Leafs managerial decisions, leading to hindered production.

Whether these players were brought in at a time when the Leafs were non contenders, or brought in without any assistance to help maximize their potential.  At least for as long as I’ve been alive the Leafs have never been known as a team that has stellar defense, hence the reason Toronto is often referred to as a “goalie graveyard” as Leaf fans we were so lucky to be able to have guys like Cujo and Ed Belfour between the pipes, it’s just too bad that Leafs management couldn’t provide them any help with the defense that skated out each night in front of them, you’ve got to feel for a goalie that has to take the net defensive units featuring the likes of ; Aki Berg (00-04,05-06), Jyrki Lumme (01-03), Róbert Švehla (02-03), Ken Klee (03-06)

Whether it’s questioning their leadership, or fitness level, the Leafs have been lucky enough to have the services of both Mats Sundin and Phil Kessel. Sundin, who is now a HOF faced much criticism in regards to his leadership, and production, the latter being completely ridiculous as Sundin finished as one of the greatest Leafs of all time;

Regular Season TOR:  1,346GP (564G, 785A, 1,349 Pts.)   Playoffs: 91GP (38G, 44A, 82 Pts.)

The first ridiculous story conjured up by the Toronto media in the 2014-15 season called into question the fitness level of Phil Kessel, a story that I am convinced was created just because the media was bored and had nothing better to do. Kessel, a perennial 30 goal scorer with the Leafs ( he has also scored two goals in the time that I have been writing this article), is arguably the best winger the Leafs have ever had in their history, yet the fans continue to come down on him because he only skated 10 times this offseason, and has no “compete” , hard to believe a player who is so fat, lazy and doesn’t compete has 8% more 5v5 points than any other player in the entire league over the last 3 seasons. Not to mention he hasn’t missed a game in 4 straight seasons, just thought I’d throw that little nugget in there.

Regular Season TOR:  GP364 (156G, 177A, 333pts) Playoffs: GP7 (4G, 2A, 7Pts.)

Dion Phaneuf is the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS best defenseman …. The best defenseman for the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS is Dion Phaneuf.  We all have heard the bit about how Phaneuf plays a ridiculous amount of time against every team’s best line, which is a valid reason why he may look not so hot some nights, however, in his time with the Leafs his defensive partners have left a lot to be desired. Carl Gunnarsson, who was Phaneuf’s main partner until being traded this past offseason, was yet another player miscast as this teams 2nd defenseman when he is much better suited to be playing in a 3^rd or 4^th defenseman role. Long story short, Phaneuf is not an elite defenseman in the NHL anymore; however he is a solid 2^nd or 3^rd, who has been miscast and set up for failure by the management at MLSE.

Don’t get me wrong, the players have to be accountable for their on ice play, however, when management fails to upgrade certain positions or add complimentary pieces to the most talented players on the team’s roster; they are only setting them up for failure, and allowing the media to miscast them in roles where they do not belong. Whether it’s the inability to find a centre for Phil Kessel, or a winger for Mats Sundin, the Leafs haven’t been able to provide their elite talent with players that would allow us to see these stars at their full potential.  This, amongst other things makes the Leafs the butt of many jokes in the NHL world; they can never seem to have the right pieces together at the same time, on the same roster. Imagine a team with Mats Sundin (in his prime) and Phil Kessel on the same line… it would be illegal in many countries.  Sure being a fan of the Leafs can be frustrating, however It’s time that we start appreciating the talented players we are lucky enough to watch play for this team, and stop the Toronto trend of dumping on the players who are successful, just because we know they could be more successful.  Leafs nation, enjoy the nice things that we have while we have them, and stop dumping on players who actually want to play for our team.

Feel free to give us your two cents in the comment section below!

Questions and comments you can also email to questions@thefrancisreport.ca and maybe we will get them on the next Report!

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The Francis Report Podcast EP4 - Breaking New Ground

Episode 4 is up!

Game 7: Islanders Host Leafs - Predictions

Grabbo and Kuli are back! Look at these two beauties!  I still wish they were on the Leafs.

Islanders:  Off to a hot start this year, the Islanders can tie the Canadiens and Ducks for top in the league.  They only have 1 loss so far, given to them by The Penguins.

Record: 4-1-0, 8pts, 1st in the Met, 2nd in the East

Leading Scorers: Tavaras 2-7-9, Nelson 4-4-8, Okposo 2-5-7

Leafs got swept in the home and home with the Red Wings this past weekend.  They did manage to keep pace with their division rival in the second game, in Detroit, but it wasn't enough to get 2 points. They managed only 1 of a possible 4 points.  

Record: 2-3-1, 5pts, 6th in the ATL, 12th in the East

Leading Scorers: Bozak 3-3-6, Kessel 2-3-5, Komarov 0-4-4

As per The Nation Network's Daily Faceoff, the starting goalies tonight are Halak for the Islanders and Bernier for the Leafs.

Mike (0-6): 3-2 Leafs.  Pretty boy Joffrey Lupul gets the game winner, in OT.

Jeff (0-6): 5-2 Islanders. They are just too good of a team for the Leafs to stand a chance.  Hattrick for Travaras, Kessel getting 2 points for the Leafs.

Leafs travel to Ottawa tomorrow for the next installment of the Battle of Ontario!

If you are bored, check out our latest podcast! 

We are recording a new podcast tomorrow, please send questions for comments to questions@thefrancisreport.ca and maybe they will make it in the podcast.

The Francis Report Podcast EP3

In this episode we take a trip to the Air Canada Center to see the Leafs and Red Wings face off.  We recap the Leafs/Avs game.  Also we introduce the new segment, Post Game Scrum.






Got a question? Post it here or send it to us in an email to questions@thefrancisreport.ca

Mike's latest post on the Staal trade rumours: Leafs Might Want To Staal Trade Rumours

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Game 6: Red Wings Host Leafs - Predictions

Red Wings: Red Wings beat the Leafs last night with Zetterberg notching 4 assists.  That's about all you need to know!
Record: 2-1-1
Leading Scorers: Nyquist 4-1-5, Franzen 2-3-5, Zetterberg 0-5-5

Leafs: Leafs got beat last night by a much better playing Detroit team.  Leafs have lost 3 of the 1st 5 games and are showing very little change from last season's problems.
Record: 2-3
Leading Scorers: Bozak 3-3-6, Kessel 2-3-5, Komarov 0-4-4

Mike (0-5-1): 2-1 Leafs in OT.  Kadri with the Winner.
Jeff (0-5-): 4-3 Loss - Percy gets his 1st NHL goal.

Check out the newest podcast! EP3 - Semi Live From The Air Canada Center.

Game 5: Leafs Host Red Wings - Predictions

 Detroit won their last game via the shootout vs Boston.  With only one win in their first three games, the Red Wings will look to this home and home with The Leafs as an early turning point for them.  They need to get some momentum going. 

Record: 1-1-1

Leading Scorers (G-A-P): Nyquist 3-0-3, Franzen 0-3-3, Abdelkader 1-1-2

Toronto is riding a 2 game winning streak into the home and home with the Red Wings this weekend.  Toronto is looking to rebound form last year's free fall in the Eastern conference. The Leafs need to keep playing the way they were against NYR and COL.  They need to play a full 60 minutes each night if they want to have a chance at making the playoffs.

Record: 2-2-0

Leading Scorers (G-A-P): Bozak 3-3-6, Kessel 2-3-5, James van Riemsdyk 2-1-3

Jake Gardiner is back in the lineup.  James Reimer Makes his 3rd consecutive start.

Mike (0-4-1): 4-1 Leafs.  Phil The Thrill will get a pair and the second consecutive game winner!
Jeff (0-4-1): Leafs win this one for sure, 5-1.  Bozak is going to have a nice break-away goal and it will be Jake Gardiner with the game winner!

Mike's post: Leafs Might Want to Staal Trade Rumours - By Mike Byrne
Latest Podcast: EP2 - Tale of Two Teams
We are recording another podcast tonight, so keep an eye open for it late tonight early tomorrow.

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Leafs Might Want to Staal Trade Rumours - By Mike Byrne

 It’s no great secret the Leafs have made some head scratching transactions over their history. Whether over paying for lack lustre free agents, or it’s trading away young players who eventually bloom into NHL studs. Sure it would be nice live in a world Eric Staal centres JVR and Kessel, but at what price? There is little doubt in my mind this would be one of the best lines in the NHL in terms of points and productivity (not to mention the dangles), however is he worth the reported asking price of Bozak or Kadri, Jake Gardiner and a 1st?

 It seems no matter which GM is at the helm the Leafs have been more than willing to part with their first round picks. Historically we are always reminded of the fact that the Leafs traded away picks that ended up being used on stars such as Roberto Luongo(1997) Scott Neidermeyer(1991) or Dainus Zubrus(1996).  Most recently of course, the two firsts given up by Burke for Phil Kessel, which as we all know turned in to Tyler Seguin(2010) and Dougie Hamilton (2011). Seguin of course had proven he is going to be a star in the league, and the verdict is still out on Dougie Hamilton. Personally I'm happy to have one of the NHL's best wingers in Phil Kessel , also knowing the Leafs they would've muffed the draft and passed on Seguin in 2010.

     

 The Leafs have given up on more than just picks to try and land big name players over the years, which is perhaps even more heartbreaking than trading away picks, due to the fact that at the end of the day, pick scenarios are all hypothetical, This is made even more painful due to the fact the Leafs have been doing quite well with “home grown” talent in recent years (James Reimer, Stuart Percy and Morgan Rielly) . It is painful to watch guys like; Alex Steen (traded in 2008) who had a career year last season (33G, 29A, 62P) playing alongside T.J. Oshie and David Backes in St.Louis. If that's not good enough Leafs nation is reminded of awful trades every time the Buds match up against the Bruins and get stymied by 2014 Vezina winner Tuukka Rask, who also has a Stanley cup ring to go alongside his shiny Vezina trophy. Honourable mentions; Brad Boyes, Anton Stralman. I could continue to provide examples of poor Leafs trades, but it is becoming increasing difficult to not repeatedly bash my face into my laptop.

  

 At the end of the day if you are Dave Nonis (assuming he still makes any decisions anymore) and Carolina calls asking for Jake Gardiner, you listen, however if the next words out of Ron Francis’s mouth are “Kadri”, “Bozak” or “1^st round pick” the phone hangs up immediately. Unless Carolina is willing to eat some of Staal’s $18.5 million dollar salary, beyond Gardiner there shouldn’t need to be much else offered from Toronto’s end.

By the numbers:

C, Eric Staal (29 years old) 771 GP (290G, 400A, 690 Pts)

C, Tyler Bozak (28 years old) 300 GP (75G, 114 A, 189 Pts)

C, Nazem Kadri (24 years old) 181 GP (48G, 67A, 115 Pts)

D, Jake Gardiner (24 years old) 169 GP (17G, 49A, 79 Pts)

We would love some feedback from the Francis faithful; let us hear your take on the Eric Staal trade rumours in the comments below!

@ByrneMGL

Game 4: Leafs Host Avalanche - Predictions

Last season the Leafs and Avalanche split the season series winning in each other's barn once.  The Leafs chased Vezina Trophy candidate, Semyon Varlamov.  They scored 3 goals on 7 shots You can see the glorious highlights of the last game they played.





Avalanche:  Colorado comes into this game as the lowest scoring team in the league.  They have managed to score only 2 goals in the first three games.
Record: 1-2
Leading Scorers: Danny Briere 1-0-1, Jamie McGinn 1-0-1, Tyson Barrie 0-1-1

Leafs: The Leafs chased King Henrik from the net on Broadway Sunday evening on the first ever "Rogers Home Town Hockey" broadcast.  They manage to beat him for 6 goals on 24 shots.
Leading Scorers: Tyler Bozak 3-1-4, Phil Kessel 1-2-3, Stuart Percy 0-3-3

Mike 0-3-1: Leafs win 3-1.  Bozak gets the game winner!  
Jeff 0-3-1: Leafs win 4-2. Kadri get the game winner.

See you Friday when the Leafs kick off a home and home with the Red Wings.

Consistently Inconsistent - By Mike Byrne

  As we all know the past two seasons of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey have been headlined by monumental collapses, both in single game (the game that shall not be named) and in the well documented final 14 games of last season that saw the buds go 2-12-0 and free fall out of a playoff spot, in a fashion that only the Leafs could.

    This past weekend the Leafs played back to back games on Saturday and Sunday, with both games showing two very different Leaf teams. After Saturday night's loss to the Pens, a game which epitomized the entire 13/14 season in a 60 minute game, the Leafs came out against the Rangers and played lights out, chasing Henrik Lundqvist from the net (not a small feat by any stretch of the imagination) As giddy as Leafs nation was after the Rangers win, personally it left me with an uneasy feeling of "here we go again"

  Don't get me wrong, I was as pleased with Sunday nights victory as the next blue and white blooded fan. However one word stuck in my mind throughout my analysis of the past weekend, inconsistency. Inconsistency has plagued the Leafs for the better part of the post lockout (2004) era. Many theories have arisen in regards to what is the cause of all of these record setting debacles. Whether coaching, the players, or the culture of the franchise, each aspect has played a role in the demise of the previous two seasons.

    The most mind boggling move  the Leafs neglected to make this offseason was the firing of Randy Carlyle (insert Carlyle rant here) a move that not only was negative for the players, but one that aids in the narrative of what a joke the Leafs management is. Giving an extension to a coach that has been at the helm for two seasons, with the most recent season ending in more misery than the shortened season, a task that seemed impossible, but then again nothing appears to be impossible for the Leafs (except of course making the playoffs on a regular basis) every game when the camera flashes to a shot of Carlyle the only I see is an uninspiring guy, standing behind the bench , keeping it warm for his inevitable replacement, yet another opportunity for The league to point and laugh at the disarray of our management structure. It is abundantly clear Carlyle is not in control of his lineup or roster moves any longer (see Marlies for Orr and McLaren) so why keep him around ? Because the Leafs....that's why.

 Now I cannot in good conscience complete this article without of course placing some blame on the players, after all they are the ones making the money, and tasked to actually do the job of putting the puck in the net, and preventing the puck from going in the net. However , after we all watched HBO 24/7 last season, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that these players just don't want to listen to Carlyle. The bottom line is, the Leafs are a more talented team than the last two years would lead us to believe, get a decent coach in there, with some stability in the front office, and stop making the team and organization as a whole, the punch line for jokes that we all have to hear throughout the season.

    To wrap it all up, it is my firm belief that as long as Carlyle is behind the bench, the Leafs will be poised for inconsistency and further collapses. Hopefully I am I horribly wrong, but there is no evidence to support any different outcome. Here's hoping for a win against the Avs tonight, hopefully we see the better side of this Jekyll and Hyde team for tonight's matchup ! Stay positive Leafs nation, after all, no matter what, we are all in this together!

Feel free to leave a comment below.  Also don't forget to check out our podcasts here

@ByrneMGL

Breathe A Sigh Of Relief

A lot of things happened last night when the Leafs strolled into Madison Square Gardens.  James Reimer got the start.  He crawled out from the dungeon of the Air Canada Center and put on a sparkling display of goal tending excellence, until he head his head taken off by Ranger forward Dominic Moore.  You can breathe a sigh of relief though, because apparently, he is fine.

Something else that happened last night, Jake Gardiner was scratched. Really? They just signed this kid on the off season to a 5 year $20.25 million contract. But you can breathe a sigh of relief, because according to Randy Carlyle, Jake "drew the shortest straw". What's the chances of drawing the shortest straw two games in a row?  Although, one could make a case that Jake Gardiner was holding the Leafs back all this time.  The person making that case would be a fool, and be wrong.  There are people out there saying that though.

Phil's line showed up.  In fact, the entire top line for the Leafs combined for 7 points.  Which means I personally can breathe a sigh of relief, because if I heard one more comment about how fat and lazy Kessel is, I think I'd strangle a Habs fan.

Finally, Leafs Nation can breathe a sigh of relief, because the Leafs picked up their first win.  Reimer was great, Kessel's line was great, One of the big things that really stood out to me was how Percy played.  This kid is a rookie defense man and has points in all three games so far.  This has never happened in the Leafs history. I'm hoping that he can maintain this level of play all season.

Today is podcast day!  Mike and I are looking for questions for the podcast.  Feel free to send us your question and we will see about getting them in the podcast. For now just put your question in the comment section below, or you can send me the question through Facebook or twitter.

Watch for our prediction post tomorrow when the Leafs host the Avs.

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Frustration in the Nation - By Mike Byrne

The first egg of the 2014-15 season was laid early this year in the Leafs second game of the season. It seemed as though for most of the game the Pens had an extra skater on the ice, 5 on 5 looked like a power play for the Pens, and when Pittsburgh did end up with a man advantage it was no contest for the Leafs who looked like boys amongst men. Not to mention the fact that once again as so often seems to be the case, the Leafs were horribly out shot (41-25)

Although it's difficult to say "enough with the negatives", after watching that performance, there were a couple (only a couple) of bright spots last night. The only players that seemed to show up were Joffrey Lupul (1G -1) and rookie defenseman Stuart Percy (1A).

Midway through the third period a disgruntled onlooker of this game threw their Leafs jersey to the ice in a sign of protest.... now, yes it was a tough game to watch, and yes we all know how frustrating it is to be a fan of this team, but to the person who decided to discard their jersey on Saturday night, you... are a loser. I know so many people who would love the opportunity to have your seats at the game (win or loss) or be able to own a jersey, I sincerely hope you have never referred to yourself as a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, it was the second game of a new season and already it's time to give up on this team ? Pathetic, this is why we are possibly one of the most despised fan bases in professional sports, have a little class people.

All of these factors coupled with an awful butchering of the HNIC broadcast by our friends at Rogers, and the consistently annoying and useless commentary of Glen Healy made for a forgettable Saturday night if you are a member of Leafs nation. However, we can now move on to Sunday night when the Leafs head to New York to take on the Rangers for their home opener and banner raising ceremony. Hopefully it will be our first chance to see James Reimer between the pipes, it has been speculated all weekend, but with Randy Carlyle's favouritism of Bernier and overall questionable coaching decisions who knows ! Hang in there Leafs nation, at least we are all in this together !

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Game 3: Rangers Host Leafs - Predictions

As you already know, the Leafs have started the season out 0-2.  I'm not so much angry at this, as I am at people that are completely over reacting to this.

PDO - The sum of on-ice save percentage and on-ice shooting percentage at even strength. League average PDO is 100. Sums considerably higher or lower (+/-2.5) tend to regress towards 100 over large samples for both teams and players. Named after the internet alias of the man who conceived the stat. Could be considered an acronym for "Percentage Determined Outcomes".

The above can be found at TheLeafsNation

Basically PDO refers to a team's "Puck Luck" If you are above 1.000, you are experiencing good luck.  If you are below 1.000 it's pointing out that you are probably experiencing bad luck.

In the case for the Leafs, their team PDO is 0.973.  They are experiencing a bit of bad luck so far this season.  Because we are only a couple games into the season, we can specific events that have led to this bad luck coming from the Leafs.  A few missed open nets, the game winning goal that went off Percy's foot in the last minute of the first game.

What I am saying is that the Leafs are not great, but they are not as bad as how they are playing right now. Well, after taking a look at last night's possession stats for the Leafs, they played pretty terrible, but there is a bright side! They play again today!  A chance for redemption.

Rangers: New York is coming off a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jackets.  They have split their first 2 games and sit 9th in the East.
Point Leaders (G-A-P): Nash 3-1-4, Kreider 1-1-2, St Louis 0-2-2
Leafs: Toronto got a beat down by the Penguins last night at the ACC.  They have lost both games and sit 15th in the East. See Mike's report from last night's game.
Point Leaders (G-A-P): Bozak 2-0-2, Rielly 0-2-2, Lupul 0-2-2

Mike (0-2): Leafs win 3-2 with JVR getting a pair of goals.
Jeff (0-2): Leafs win 2-1 and it's JVR with the game winning goal!

Game 2: Leafs Host Penguins - Predictions

Hockey Night in Canada has it's debut tonight, with it's new cast, and new host, George Stroumboulopoulos.  I wish good luck to Strombo with this new adventure in his life.  He has some big shoes to fill.

Sidney Corsby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Toronto tonight to take on  The Buds. Crosby has had quite the career against The Leafs.  He has 20 goals 23 assists for 43 points in only 28 games.

Penguins: Penguins have won their only game. They over came a Corey Perry hattrick to beat The Ducks 6-4.
Record: 1-0-0
Point Leaders (G-A-P): Pascal Dupuis 1-3-4, Crosby 2-1-3, Ollie Maatta 0-3-3


Leafs: Leafs lost their season opener to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3.  The winning goal for the Habs came with less than a minute left in the game, when the puck went of rookie defence man Stuart Percy.
Record: 0-1-0
Point Leaders(G-A-P): Tyler Bozak 1-0-0, Nazem Kadri 1-0-0, Morgan Rielly 1-0-0

Predictions:
Mike (0-1): 4-2 Leafs.  Kessel with a big game and the game winner.
Jeff (0-1):  5-4 Leafs.  Phil Kessel will get the game winning goal.  

Up next for the Leafs visit The New York Rangers in  tomorrow (Sunday)

Follow @FrancisReport

HGS: October 10th 2014

The Leafs lost the first game of the year, big deal.  It's only one game!  Even ask Phil Kessel, he knows!

"Guys, it's Game 1. You guys need to relax a bit here.” — Phil Kessell #Leafs
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) October 10, 2014

Phil is right.  Stop over reacting to 1 game!  There are 81 left.

There is a never ending supply of reasons why Randy Carlyle should not be a coach in the NHL.  1) He would rather have 2 face punchers sit on the bench for 57 minutes a night than to have 2 guys there with actual skill.  I know you might say "But Jeff, the Leafs farm is bare, they don't have anyone with skills" and you would probably be right. Just having two players who are going to play 3 minutes a game is just a giant waste.

Then there was that time when he said Reimer was "Just ok."  Even if this was the case, and it was, you don't throw your goalie under the bus, ever.  There isn't a player on a team with a more fragile confidence than the starting goalie who is going through a bit of a rough patch.  Or in this case, a sub-par season.

Today, Randy was at it again.  This is what he had to say.

Carlyle on Phaneuf's transition from right to left side this season: "I don't think it's really that difficult, personally"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 10, 2014

Is he nuts?  Is this his way of getting back at Leafs management for getting rid of his cement heads fighters?  If you ask me, and by reading this blog post I assume you are asking me, get rid of this guy.  He is a hindrance to the youth on this team and is way behind the times.


Here are some note about tomorrow's game:

Franson looks doubtful for Saturday's game. Sunday probably a better fit. Only possible lineup change would be Panik for Frattin. #TMLtalk
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) October 10, 2014

Jonathan Bernier was the first goalie off the ice at practice today. Would think he starts tomorrow with James Reimer to follow on Sunday.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) October 10, 2014

You'll notice in the first tweet there that Henny mentions "Panik"  Richard Panik, who failed to make the roster of The Tampa Bay Lighting, was picked up off waivers by the Leafs.  Here is the 411 on Panik, who by the way will wear #18 in Saturday night's game.

Head over to BarDown @ TSN.  Check out this weirdo.

Yes, this is a Tom Brady Helmet Tattoo. See the rest of this crazy guy's head HERE: http://t.co/dmLMXzr4EK pic.twitter.com/jfTQz2taTQ
— BarDown (@BarDown) October 10, 2014

Test

PS.  It looks like Thor is back in the NHL.  Striking resemblance? Na, they are twins separated at birth!

OFFICIAL: #NYR have recalled defenseman @Kostka85 from the @WolfPackAHL. Kostka had 1a & was +2 in 4 preseason games. pic.twitter.com/klbAJjVMMi
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 10, 2014

Game 1: Leaf Host Habs - Predictions

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages.  Hockey is back.  Tonight we have the Toronto Maple Leafs playing host to the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Center.

This year we hope to predict each game on game day.  Mike and I will 100% accurately predict the score of every Leafs game this season.  (Psst, Mike, don't tell them about the time machine we have, not sure why we only went to mid April instead of June, we could have seen who won The Cup and made tons of money.  but O-M-G did you see who won the Superbowl?! Oh poor Payton Manning)

"But Jeff, if you predict different scores, how can you be 100% correct" Please, check your logic at the door.  This is The NHL, The Leafs, and The Francis Report, there is no such thing as this "Logic" thing you brought up.

Here we go.

Mike:  Leafs win 3-2 with Josh Leivo scoring the 1st goal.
Jeff:  Leafs win 3-2 in OT with Brandon Kozun scoring the 1st goal and Dion Phaneuf scoring the OT winner.  

We will keep track of our record all season (of course we will both be 82-0) and there might be a prize for the one who gets the most right.  Although, we will have to split the prize, because we will both be perfect in predicting all 82 games.

See you all Saturday when the Leafs host the Penguins.

HGS: October 7th 2014

A few times a week I would like to post some links to some interesting things that I have found on the interwebz.  The segment will be called Hidden Gems.

Here are your Hidden Gems for October 7th 2014.

Involved in a twitter conversation today where someone had mentioned that Tyler Bozak has 9 few points in 28 fewer games than JVR.  Jeffler, a staple on twitter, who is sometimes just pure genious, mentions that Bozak has played a large amount more of minutes in his career than JVR.  Here is their points/60 (point scored per 60 minutes of ice time)

@FrancisReport @mabraske @Steve_Dangle @AdamWylde 1.96 JVR, 1.71 Bozak over 5 years.
— Jeff Veillette (@Jeffler) October 7, 2014

Another random yet crazy stat I came across was this gem!

Ha, Phil Kessel has 8% more 5-on-5 points than any forward over the last 3 years. Didn't see that coming.
— Adnan (@sens_adnan) October 7, 2014

A lot of the advanced stats do not take in to count power play or penalty kill.  Having a lot of time on the PP and PK can inflate or deflate your stats. No one in the NHL is even close to Kessel in scoring over that last 3 years, in 5 vs 5 situations.  It really shows how good this guy is. Isn't it great that Toronto can have nice things once in a while.  Oh and he is here for 8 more seasons!

If you are bored and are looking for something to do, check out Jeffler's post on the Leafs preseason in regards to possession.

A look at the Toronto Maple Leafs' preseason, from a possession stat perspective: http://t.co/y6utD959jt
— Jeff Veillette (@Jeffler) October 4, 2014

PS:

It looks like Luongo has found a sense of humor.  He is a great follow on Twitter!

Great to be back on the ice doing what I love again...... pic.twitter.com/1do7XtwgZY
— Strombone (@strombone1) September 19, 2014