Episode 7 - Leo to Rangers: Get Stepan'

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Episode 6 - Voodoo Magic

The newest episode of The Francis Report is out!

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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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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.

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

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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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)

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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.

Ice Hockey - Men's Olympic Team

The other day, I made had a Facebook status about who I wanted to win gold for Men's Ice Hockey at the Olympics.

Post by Jeffery Francis.

I was surprised that one of my friends asked me to explain myself.  So Here I am.  An attempt to try and explain my reasoning for the above statement.

For me, for as long as I can remember, it has always been about The Toronto Maple Leafs.  Watching games, browsing stats, talking about the Leafs with friends and family, and collecting memorabilia.  SO my reasoning may not come as a surprise to you.

Why NOT Canada:

1.  Sidney Crosby.  Is he great for hockey?  Ya, he sure is.  Find me a girl on twitter that isn't in love with this guy.  For me?  Awful!  There isn't a guy in hockey I dislike more!  I can't cheer for this whiner, who cries to the ref after every shift.

2. P.K. Subban.  He is also great for hockey.  He has a swagger about him that not a lot of other players have.  He has a great shot, and can skate really well, as well as his great 1st pass.  For me?  How can I, the biggest die hard of the Leafs, cheer for a Norris Trophy winning Defenseman from the arch rival Montreal Canadiens?  Not happening!

3. Carey Price.  He is what everyone classifies as a franchise goalie.  A guy you can build a team around.  He may not have a ton of playoff experience, but he makes the game look effortless.  Again, how can I cheer for the starting goalie of the Montreal Canadiens?  Makes the game look effortless?  He really just looks like he doesn't want to be there.  He doesn't look like he has that killer instinct that you need as a goalie.  He doesn't seem like a good pressure goalie.


Ok, so if NOT Canada, than WHO?

Team USA has 2 of the Leafs top players on their roster.  This makes the obvious choice on who I would be cheering for. They are Kessel and JVR.  These two guys are lights out in Toronto.  I want them to carry some success back to Toronto, and push it to the playoffs.  For me, it would be great, if JVR set up Kessel, on the "Golden Goal" in overtime, against Carey Price.  I would be super happy about that.   If I can't have that, then yes, Go Russia!

I have watched Canada win 2 of the last 3 Olympic gold medals.  If this was a 60 year drought, different story.  But they won on home soil just 4 years ago. Isn't that enough? Let's not be greedy.  In fact, that "Golden Goal" heard around the world was the moment I decided, that I will be cheering for Team USA next time.... Stupid Sidney Crosby, ruining everything for me...

With all this said, would I be upset if Canada won?  Nope.  I'd be happy with that.  But for me, when it comes to International Men's Ice Hockey, its the name on the back, not the crest on the front.  All other sports/events, Go! Canada Go! 

Round #1: Leafs VS Bruins

9 years, blah blah, who cares at this point.  The Leafs are facing the Bruins in the 1st round of the 2013 Stanley cup playoffs.  On April 20th, the Leafs beat the Sens 4-1 to clinch a playoff spot.  

This was my reaction..

Everyone knows the Leafs have had a hard time with the Bruins over the last 40 some games. Also how Kessel seems to turn into a ghost when playing the same Bruins, scoring something like 0 even strength goals in 22 games.  Although he does have 3 power play goals in that stretch, ya, I know, no big deal.

Here are the keys to the series that could be a big deal.

Patrice Bergeron:

The best two way forward on this Bruins team could be a huge factor.  He ould shut down the Leafs while scoring big time points, or he could be hit on the 1st shift in game 1 and have another concussion.  Flip of a coin really.

Tuukka Rask:

Every goalie who wins in the playoffs, does it with better numbers than the regular season.  Rask is a great goalie, and in the regular season, is as good as any in the East, maybe in the entire league.  One thing that stands out to me tho, is his record in the playoffs.  7-6 with a 2.61 GAA and a 0.910 SV% in the playoffs.  Not very good compared to his career regular season stats, 2.20 GAA and a 0.926 SV%.  

Don't forget the year (2010) that Rask and the big bad Bruins had a 3-0 series lead vs the Flyers and blew it, losing the series 4-3.  Rask let in 15 goals in the last 4 games, including blowing a 3-0 lead in game 7 of that series.

Chara, Redden, Jagr:

Playoff series combine where these 3 players eliminated the Leafs: 0

Some people may think I'm grasping at straws, and hey, maybe I am.  But Phil Kessel struggles against a specific team, and why can't other players struggle against specific teams?  Who cares if they played the Leafs 10-15 years ago in the playoffs, I'm trying to do whatever I can to give faith to a Nation that hasn't had much to cheer for nearly a decade.

James Reimer:

Please save everything.  I'd like nothing more than 4 straight shutouts from you Optimus Reim.  We have never seen Reimer in the NHL playoffs.  I'm not going to write him off, though he definitely needs to make sure he has the best 4-7 games of his career.   

Lupul:

Joffrey Lupul needs to not get hurt or suspended.  He has not gone more than 6 games this year without being hurt or suspended, and it's hurt the Leafs in certain ways.  Example. He has 11 goals and 18 point in just 16 games played this season.  Including a nice goal from beside the net against Boston, during his 1st game back after being suspended 2 games.

Kessel:

Kessel doesn't have to do a single thing this series other than keep trying his hardest.  Bruins want to spend all their energy shutting down Kessel, go right ahead.  Lupul and Kadri will continue to light the lamp while Julien keeps putting Chara on Kessel.  It would be nice to see Kessel get some mad points this series.  Maybe all this negative attention from the media will light a fire under his arse and he might score some goals.  Who knows.

Tonight Is The Night

7 games and 33 shots later Phil Kessel has yet to notch a goal yet in this abbreviated season. Considering who the Leafs play tonight, it doesnt look good that he'll get one today either.

The Leafs host the Bruins at the ACC tonight, on CBC, Hockey Night in Canada.  I predict that Kessel breaks his goal slump tonight.  In fact, I am going on on a limb and saying he gets 2 goals.  What better game to score your 1st goal of the season than against the team that you came from.

The Leafs have had a bad season against the Bruins last year, losing all 6 games against them.  Boston outscored Toronto 36-10 last season 

On a bit of a side note, Marleau is the only player that is on pace to hit at least 50 goals in 48 games.  Doubt he will reach it, but you never know!

Bye Bye Burke

So by now I am sure all 8 of my readers have heard the Brian Burke has been relieved of his duties today by MLSE today causing quite a stir on Twitter.

Dave Nonis will take over as the GM and Senior VP of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A lot of people were saying that Burke got fired because he didn't want Luongo, and a lot of people were saying he got fired because he wanted Luongo.  As dumb as a corporation, such as Bell/Rogers, is when it comes to sports, I highly doubt that they would fire the GM because of him wanting or not wanting a specific player.  It probably has more to do with them being the new owners and and not wanting Burke there or possibly a disagreement on something on a bigger scale..

I liked Burke.  Any time he spoke, you knew he was being sincere.  He was the hard worker that liked "truculence" and didn't take anyone's guff.  I thought them firing him was a bit premature.  He has only had 3 and a half seasons running the team and has really did a good job restocking the farm system, considering what he was given to start with.

I'll always be thankful to burkie for giving me the opportunity to play in TO...as well as his tireless efforts in the community. #respect
— John-Michael Liles (@hoosierjm26) January 9, 2013

This changes absolutely nothing for our players. We are focused- ready to go for day 1 of camp and that will not change.
— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) January 9, 2013

The Leafs record while under Burke was an unimpressive one to say the least.  The were 128-135-42.

I do have to say I am going to miss press conferences where Burke looks like this.

COLIN MCCONNELL/TORONTO STAR

The crappy part of all this is there is a possibility that Kessel could be on his way out now.   Burke was a big supporter of Kessel.  Even when the critics, and there are a lot of them, that claimed, and still do, that he over paid for Kessel.  Ok, maybe two 1sts (Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton) and a second rounder (Jared Knight) was a little over payment, but none the less, Kessel is the real deal and was top 6 in points in the NHL last year.

All this being said, getting rid of Burke was the inevitable thing to do, but the timing is just completely wrong. You don't do it at the beginning of a season.

It was a long 9 years when the Teachers Pension Plan owned the Leafs, why do I think then next 9 years are going to be any better?

Oh did you know that Bell owns 28% of the Leafs and 18% of the Montreal Canadiens?

Game on!

It's over!  The lockout is over!  My how quick everyone's attitude has changed in the last 12 hours.  Okay, maybe not everyone's, but a lot of people's attitude has changed since the announcement was made.

A 10 year deal is fantastic, but there is a catch.  There is an opt out at year 8, available to both the owners and the players.  Either side may decline the opt out, but we'll talk about that when that time comes.

First things first.  Roberto Luongo is heavily rumoured to be heading to The Leafs.  This is an alright idea if the Leafs want to make the playoffs, but a terrible idea if they want to actually contend for a Stanley Cup Championship.   We all have seen what Luongo does when he is under pressure.

The NHL will probably be looking at a 48 game season.  Here is what the NHL looked like after 48 games last season.

NHL sends memo to clubs indicating no camps before Saturday (and may not open until Monday), 48-game season to begin Jan. 19
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 7, 2013

After the 1st 48 games last year the playoffs were set.  In fact only one team manage to sneak in after the 48 game mark and that was the Coyotes.  They went on that magical run to the West final on the back of goaltender Mike Smith.

Also through 48 games, this is what Kessel and Lupul's point totals were.

Player	Goals	Assists	Points
Kessel	26	25	51
Lupul	20	32	52

When it is all said and one and the deal it ratified by the ownership and the union, I'll be pumped and ready to watch NHL hockey once again.  Along with my son, who at only 10 months, his eyes are glued to the TV when hockey is on, just the way I like it.

Leafs/Bruins Preview Dec 3rd 2011 - Reimer to Start!

The Leafs are in Boston tonight to play the 4th head to head game of the season against the Bruins.  Really, it cant get any worse for the Leafs against a tough Bostons team.  The Leafs are 0-3-0 against the Bruins being outscored 19-5 in those 3 games.

The Bruins score quick and often against the Leafs.  The Bruins have scored 23% (19 of 81) of their seasons goals against the Leafs in the three games they have played each other this season.

The Leaf's Kessel still leads the NHL in scoring and goals.  Lupul is catching up to him, being only 2 points behind for the points lead.  If the Leafs top line can have some success tonight against the Bruins, then they can pad their lead in the points race.

The Leafs main focus is playing better defense in front of tonight's starter, Jonas Gustavsson.  He has played great the last five games he has started, but looked a bit shaky in the net in the 3rd period of Wednesday night's game.

We can give credit where credit is due.  The Leafs played very well against the hottest team in the League, skating stride for stride with the Bruins for the 1st two periods, playing the game the Leafs want to play and the game was much closer than the score indicated.

The Leafs are 4-2-0 in their last 6 games.
The Bruins are 5-0-1 in their last 6 games.

The Leafs are 14-9-2 for 30 points and 2nd in the North-East division
The Bruins are 15-7-1 for 31 points and 1st in the North-East division

It must be noted that Reimer will be back in the lineup tonight.  He most likely will get the back up position behind Gustavsson and start on Monday in New York.  He will start tonight! Personally I think they should loan him to the Marlies for a few games to get him back in action.  It'd be good to see where he is at before tossing him in the lineup for an NHL game.
I got the Leafs breaking out of their slump against the Bruins and beating them 5-2, Kessel leading the way with two goals, Lupul, Phaneuf and Crabb getting the others.  Just so I don't have to listen the Bruins fan that will be at my girlfriend's family Christmas Party tomorrow night. 

And hey, what ever happened to Lonny Bohonos?