Episode 4 is up!
Showing posts with label Lupul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lupul. Show all posts
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Game 7: Islanders Host Leafs - Predictions
Grabbo and Kuli are back! Look at these two beauties! I still wish they were on the Leafs.
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.
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.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
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 !
Follow Mike on twitter @ByrneMGL
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 !
Follow Mike on twitter @ByrneMGL
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
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..
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.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
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 do have to say I am going to miss press conferences where Burke looks like this.
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?
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.The Leafs record while under Burke was an unimpressive one to say the least. The were 128-135-42.
— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) January 9, 2013
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?
Sunday, January 06, 2013
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 willprobably be looking at a 48 game season. Here is what the NHL looked like after 48 games last season.
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.
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.
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
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.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
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?
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 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.
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?
Friday, November 25, 2011
Leafs/Stars Preview Nov 25th 2011
Leafs are in Dallas tonight, and unless you have been living under a rock the last 48 hours, you would have heard already that Reimer is back practicing with the team. They had an early practice yesterday and then jumped on a bus and went to the Cowboys game. Which the Cowboys won 20-19 on a field goal with 3 seconds left.
The Leafs find them selves almost instantly hot again, going 2-1 in their last 3 games outscoring their opponents 16-5 in those games. Two convincing wins, over Tbay and Washington, has the Leafs bandwagon bulging out at the sides again.
Leafs are 12-8-2 with 26 points good for 2nd in the North-East Division
Stars are 13-8-0 with 26 points good for 2nd in the Pacific Division
Gustavsson will get the start tonight. In his last 5 appearances he has 2.48 GAA and a .920 save%. Gustavsson also is 1-0-1 in his career vs Dallas, with a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save%
Also, in a press release today, it has been announced that The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan is not selling it's 79% stake in MLSE. Probably so they don't miss out on the playoff revenue this year when the Leafs make it.
I think tonight, the Leafs win 4-2. Kessel, Lupul, Steckel, Connolly.
Check out some Leafs stats here: Leafs Stats
The Leafs find them selves almost instantly hot again, going 2-1 in their last 3 games outscoring their opponents 16-5 in those games. Two convincing wins, over Tbay and Washington, has the Leafs bandwagon bulging out at the sides again. Leafs are 12-8-2 with 26 points good for 2nd in the North-East Division
Stars are 13-8-0 with 26 points good for 2nd in the Pacific Division
Gustavsson will get the start tonight. In his last 5 appearances he has 2.48 GAA and a .920 save%. Gustavsson also is 1-0-1 in his career vs Dallas, with a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save%
Also, in a press release today, it has been announced that The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan is not selling it's 79% stake in MLSE. Probably so they don't miss out on the playoff revenue this year when the Leafs make it.
I think tonight, the Leafs win 4-2. Kessel, Lupul, Steckel, Connolly.
Check out some Leafs stats here: Leafs Stats
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Random Stats
I was bored at school today so I thought I would check into some stats for you guys. Check them out!
- Last season the Leafs were at 19 points through 22 games (8-10-3)
- This season they are at 26 points through 22 games (12-8-2)
- They didnt get their 12th win until Dec 14 last year.
Leafs are on pace for 96 points this season, which would be their highest total since 03-04 when they set a franchise record for most points in an 82 game season. - Wilson's record as the Leafs coach 113w 115l 40otl.
- Formula for the next three goalie stats is (minutes played)/(60) to get games played. Then (goals for)/(games played) to give you goals per game.
- Leafs score 3.17 goals per game for Reimer (based on minutes played) over the last 40 games.
- Leafs score 2.83 goals per game for Gustavsson (based on minutes played) over the last 30 games.
- Leafs score 2.12 goals per game for Scrivens (based on minutes played) over his 7 game career.
Kessel didnt get his 16th goal until Jan 6 and 30th point until Jan 10th.- Kessel is on pace for: 59g 52a 111p, passing both his career highs of 36g, 32a, and 64p.
- Only once in Kessel's 5 full seasons in the NHL has he finished with more assists than goals.
- Lupul took 40 games last year to get his 26th point of the season, he already has 26 points through 22 games this year.
- Lupul is on pace for: 41g 55a 96p beating his careers highs of 28g, 26a, and 53points
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Leafs/Lightning Preview Nov 22nd 2011
So, last year, the Leafs were 0-3-1 against Tampa, being shut out twice in those 4 games by Roloson and Ellis once each. Kessel has 13 points against Tampa in the 19 games that he has played against them.
Leafs are 2-6 in their last 8 and Tampa 4-4 in their last 8.
Leafs: 11-8-2 good for 1st in the North-East division (tied)
Lightning: 9-8-2 good for 3rd in the South-East
Prediction: Leafs 4-1 - Kessel, Frattin, Steckel, Phanuef
Leafs have to go with Gustavsson tonight, he deserves it the most.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Leafs/Canes Preview Nov 20th 2011
What a win last night for the Leafs! 7-1 over the High Scoring Capitals! I think all the Gustavsson haters can sit down and shut up for a few weeks now. It's another game to add to his well played list, and when you compare his well played games to Scrivens well played games, Gustavsson comes out on top. The Monster has beaten New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and now the Washington Capitals. Scrivens has only beat the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the St Louis Blues. At the time, both teams were not in the playoffs. Gustavsson deserves to start tonight, but we will see who Wilson goes with. Since Gus hasnt played much lately, he should be plenty rested for tonight's game in Raleigh, NC.
Leafs:11-7-2 good for 24 points and 2nd in the North-East Division
Canes:6-11-3 good for 15 points and 5th in the South-East Division
Leafs are 2-2-1 in their last 5 and the Canes are 1-4-0 in their last 5.
Kessel and Lupul lead the way for the leafs with 27 points and 24 points respectively.
Its been a while since the Leafs had 2 players high up in the scoring race. Infact, Henny tells us that its been since the 32-33 season that they had two players in the top 2 in scoring. Kessel sits 1st Lupul sits tied for 3rd.
Tonight the Leafs can take over the Division lead again if they beat the Canes. Connolly got his 400th and 401st career points last night, congratulations goes out to him.
The Canes have 5 ex-Leafs on their roster. Tim Brent, Alexei Ponikarovski, Thomas Kaberle, Jiri Tlusty and Jay Harrison. They have a combine points total of 25.
The Leafs need to beat this team good tonight. They need to beat them by 2 or 3 goals and put it away early. The Leafs can not afford to lose this game. Every game now for the rest of the season is a must win game. Tonight, Leafs win 4-1 - Kessel 2 - Lupul - Frattin.
Leafs:11-7-2 good for 24 points and 2nd in the North-East Division Canes:6-11-3 good for 15 points and 5th in the South-East Division
Leafs are 2-2-1 in their last 5 and the Canes are 1-4-0 in their last 5.
Kessel and Lupul lead the way for the leafs with 27 points and 24 points respectively.
Its been a while since the Leafs had 2 players high up in the scoring race. Infact, Henny tells us that its been since the 32-33 season that they had two players in the top 2 in scoring. Kessel sits 1st Lupul sits tied for 3rd.
Tonight the Leafs can take over the Division lead again if they beat the Canes. Connolly got his 400th and 401st career points last night, congratulations goes out to him.
The Canes have 5 ex-Leafs on their roster. Tim Brent, Alexei Ponikarovski, Thomas Kaberle, Jiri Tlusty and Jay Harrison. They have a combine points total of 25.
The Leafs need to beat this team good tonight. They need to beat them by 2 or 3 goals and put it away early. The Leafs can not afford to lose this game. Every game now for the rest of the season is a must win game. Tonight, Leafs win 4-1 - Kessel 2 - Lupul - Frattin.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Lupul, to Kessel, Top Shelf!!!!
Since Lupul was picked up by the Leafs in a trade with the Ducks on Feb 9th 2011, Kessel has become much more consistent in his scoring.
With Joffrey Lupul, Kessel had these stats:
34 games played
19g - .56 goals per game
21a - .62 assists per game
90pts - 1.18 points per game
And without Joffrey Lupul:
124 games playedAs you can see from these stats, Kessel has had significant production increase since Lupul has come arrived. The ironic part of it all, was Lupul was supposed to just come over as a large contract pick up, not as a top line player, but this trade made Burke look good, because not only did he get someone who seems to have decent chemistry with Kessel, he also got defenceman Jake Gardiner. Gardiner is considered the Leafs top defensive prospect, and cracked the roster this training camp, but has yet to make any significant contributions to the team so far and is a +1 through 4 games so far this season.
49g - .4 goals per game
41a - .33 assists per game
90pts - .73 points per game
Kessel is on pace for 95 goals and 68 assists, good for 163 points on the season. Now, looking at these numbers, its a bit unrealistic that Kessel will break the record for most goals in a season (92, set by Wayne Gretzky in 81-82) but maybe this is the year that Kessel can get out of the 30 goal range and push up into that 40 goal range. Either way, going by the stats, there should be an improvement in Kessel's point production. Here's hoping his success keeps up.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Maybe This Year!
5. Consistency. Last year the leafs started off hot, going 4-0 in their 1st 4 games, but then went cold in the months ending in "er" Once January came, the Leafs rounded out the last half of the season in the top 4 of the Eastern Conference. Now, I know the haters are going to be like.. "But Mr. Jeff, the Leafs always go on a run near the end of the season, and miss the playoffs, why would last year make any difference?" Which leads into my next point...
4. Dion Phaneuf. Dion came to the Leafs to provide a few things. One of those things is leadership. Once Kaberle was traded last year, Phaneuf stepped up and took this team as his own, as a captain should. Dion had 6G & 16A from January on. Not bad when compared to his dismal 1G 5A in the 1st half of his season. He also was hurt for a chunk of the 1st half as well. I expect a strong performance from the Captain this season. He needs it and deserves it.
3. New coaching staff. This point here may be overlooked by most people, but I think it is going to have a big impact. While Wilson somehow keeps his job, Wilson/Burke let go of the majority of their assistant coaches and replaced them with legitimate people that can make a huge impact behind the bench. Look for the Leafs powerplay and penalty kill to rise in the standings to both being in the top 13.
2. Center for Kessel. When you say the name Tim Connolly the 1st thing that pops into your head is "injuries", but what I think is "Leaf killer". As a Leafs fan watching this guy in Buffalo for what seems like the last 20 years, he always gets those timely goals against the Leafs, just as MacArthur use to, and look what happened with MacArthur. He plays great with Grabo and Kuli. Expect a near full season, a very productive one at that, from the oft injured Connolly.
1. Optimus Reim. This is the number one reason why we are going to make the playoffs. A lot of people are going to have this guy circled with a question mark on him because he has no real experience in the NHL. But the one thing he does have experience with, is adversity. He was hurt a lot in junior and had to work hard to get where he is today. This guy is the real deal. This guy wins 40 games this year, and his name will be mentioned in the Vezina trophy talk. He may not win it, or even be nominated for it, but he definitely will be an honorable mention for it.
There are a few other reasons that I wanted to add to the list but there are the top 5. Other reasons for optimism for Leaf fans is the fact that once Lupul got here, Kessel was more consistent. The Monster has to prove himself still, look for him to push Reimer for that starting job (Monster doesn't even have a chance). my final bonus reason is... come on Leafers, it's been 6 seasons (7 years) since the last Maple Leafs playoff game played in TO, we NEED IT DESPERATELY!!!! But hey, if they dont do it this year, there is always next year!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Season Ending Recap
The NHL season ended on a positive and negative note this year. Congratulations goes out to Zdeno Chara and hit Boston Bruins on snapping a 39 year Stanley Cup drought! As well, congratulations goes out to Tim Thomas on your Conn Smythe Trophy, well deserved!
The other side of the line is the Vancouver Canucks. 1st of all, I want to congratulate the Canucks on a wonderful run. Setting aside all statistical data, you were in game 7 of a Stanley Cup finals, you overcame one of your toughest obstacles that has haunted you the last two years, the Chicago Blackhawks, and you did all this with key players hurt. That being said there are a few questions that they have to ask themselves next year. I'm not going to mention that 4 letter word starting with R, that took place after game 7.
The Maple Leafs finished the season off on a high note. Finishing higher in the standings than last year, on a near magical run from the All-Star break on. James "Optimus Reim" "Busta Reims" "The Reim-inister of Goaltending" Reimer finished with a 20-10-5 record with a 2.60 GAA and a 0.921 Save%. He also got 3 shutouts. His 1st career shutout coming against Carolina on February 3rd 2011.
The Leafs made a few trades later in the year to acquire some draft picks and some decent talent for the farm. Sending Thomas Kaberle to Boston and receiving C- Joe Colbourne, Boston's 1st round pick and a conditional 2nd round pick in 2012. The BOS 1st round pick turns out to be 30th pick, because Boston won that Stanley Cup. The conditional 2nd round pick is based on Boston making it to the Stanley Cup finals, which they did. Nice to have that extra pick in the draft cupboard.
Also the Leafs traded Chris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers exchange for the Flyers' 1st round and 3rdround draft picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, which starts next Friday.
That leaves the Leafs with 3 picks int he top 39. #25 (PHI) #30 (BOS) and #39 (TOR).
Leafs are looking for a top 4 puck moving defenceman, a top line center for Kessel and Lupul. and perhaps someone that can replace Clarke MacArthur if he does not resign.
Leafs need to get Luke Schenn under contract, he is an RFA as of July 1st.
Next up for Toronto and the NHL? Awards show Thursday, June 22nd, Draft June 23rd, July 1st is free agent day.
The other side of the line is the Vancouver Canucks. 1st of all, I want to congratulate the Canucks on a wonderful run. Setting aside all statistical data, you were in game 7 of a Stanley Cup finals, you overcame one of your toughest obstacles that has haunted you the last two years, the Chicago Blackhawks, and you did all this with key players hurt. That being said there are a few questions that they have to ask themselves next year. I'm not going to mention that 4 letter word starting with R, that took place after game 7.
The Maple Leafs finished the season off on a high note. Finishing higher in the standings than last year, on a near magical run from the All-Star break on. James "Optimus Reim" "Busta Reims" "The Reim-inister of Goaltending" Reimer finished with a 20-10-5 record with a 2.60 GAA and a 0.921 Save%. He also got 3 shutouts. His 1st career shutout coming against Carolina on February 3rd 2011.
The Leafs made a few trades later in the year to acquire some draft picks and some decent talent for the farm. Sending Thomas Kaberle to Boston and receiving C- Joe Colbourne, Boston's 1st round pick and a conditional 2nd round pick in 2012. The BOS 1st round pick turns out to be 30th pick, because Boston won that Stanley Cup. The conditional 2nd round pick is based on Boston making it to the Stanley Cup finals, which they did. Nice to have that extra pick in the draft cupboard.
Also the Leafs traded Chris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers exchange for the Flyers' 1st round and 3rdround draft picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, which starts next Friday.
That leaves the Leafs with 3 picks int he top 39. #25 (PHI) #30 (BOS) and #39 (TOR).
Leafs are looking for a top 4 puck moving defenceman, a top line center for Kessel and Lupul. and perhaps someone that can replace Clarke MacArthur if he does not resign.
Leafs need to get Luke Schenn under contract, he is an RFA as of July 1st.
Next up for Toronto and the NHL? Awards show Thursday, June 22nd, Draft June 23rd, July 1st is free agent day.
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