SB Nation - Tomas Kaberle

Will Any Maple Leafs Defencemen Be Heading To Vancouver?

David Danforth — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:13 -0000

Sorry Beauch. Don't pack those bags yet...

The other day we looked at Canada's defence to try to figure out who would be sporting the Maple Leaf in Vancouver. But what about the Leafs' defenders? Should any of them start booking their flights to the West Coast? The snap reaction will be to look at the Leafs' current 29th ranking in goals against per game (3.50 - yikes!) and call them all bums. However, some countries just don't have better players. I know, it's weird. Canada might be spoiled. Without further ado, check out after the jump to see if you agree and then share your thoughts in the comments.

Pack Your Bags

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Tomas Kaberle	32	2	29	31	-5	6	1	0	0	0	60	3.3

There's no doubt that Tomas Kaberle will be on the Czech team. He'll be reunited with Pavel Kubina and likely skipper the team despite having no leadership abilities. He is what he is at even strength but where he'll make a real difference for the Czech's entry is on the powerplay. Special teams can make the difference in the tight scoring games that you'll find in the medal rounds.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Mike Komisarek	24	0	1	1	-7	35	0	0	0	0	22	0.0

Brian Burke is the General Manager of the USA's Olympic team. Ron Wilson is the coach of the team. One signed him to a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal that made him the anchor of his NHL defence. The other leans heavily on him on the penalty kill especially. After a rough start, Komisarek has found the balance between physical play and discipline and is back to the game that made him one of Brian Burke's marquee signings this summer. I don't know that I would pick him for the American team but I do think that he'll get picked.

Had A Shot

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Carl Gunnarsson	8	0	4	4	4	4	0	0	0	0	12	0.0

Poor Carl Gunnarsson. He was on Sweden's pre-Olympic roster (although to be be fair, so was Jonas Frogren as well as almost every Swedish defender ever) and he had a strong showing at last Spring's Worlds. Then he started the year off on the Marlies because his waiver eligibility made him the easiest player to demote. Once he finally got a chance he was a revelation. Of course, he's currently out of the lineup with a hyperextended elbow so any chance he had of making the team has been consistently derailed at every turn.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Francois Beauchemin	32	3	11	14	-6	13	3	0	0	0	80	3.8

Francois Beauchemin might have been invited to the summer evaluation camp but then he joined the Maple Leafs. The instant loss of elite goaltending, Hall of Fame teammates, and the increased scrutiny all conspired to make Not Durno's transition to Toronto less than successful at first. Since the rocky start he's improved by leaps and bounds and really found a comfort zone but he needed to be absolutely lights out to even get a sniff.

No Dice

This section could also be re-named "Canadian defencemen" because none of the Canucks on the buds' blueline are going to Vancouver in any capacity other than a cheerleader.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Ian White	32	5	12	17	11	29	1	0	0	0	68	7.4

Ian White might be killing it for the Leafs but his stint at the World Juniors won't count for much. Not to mention that for all of his redeeming qualities "Moustachelence" is probably not high on Steve Yzerman's evaluation rubric.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Luke Schenn	31	0	4	4	0	33	0	0	0	0	35	0.0

Sigh. Not in 2010 and on this pace not in 2014 or 2018 or...He's regressed mightily after a first season which I think was far more impressive that we had any right to expect or most people like to remember. Luke Schenn outscored Tomas Kaberle at even strength last year while also putting up some good Behind The Net numbers(ie better than Drew Doughty).

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Garnet Exelby	17	0	1	1	-4	19	0	0	0	0	4	0.0

HAHAHAHAHA Yeah, I just put this for the sake of being thorough. Also, I wanted to make a request: can people stop pretending that the Kubina and Stapleton for Exelby and Stuart trade was made in isolation? It's the kind of disingenuous thing that we'd rip the MSM for doing.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Jeff Finger	16	2	6	8	-7	5	0	0	0	0	13	15.4

I can't say that I really understand Ron Wilson's handling of Jeff Finger this year. In my mind, you put Finger into the lineup over Garnet Exelby 100 times out of 50 but somehow it's only happened 50% of the time. He wasn't an invite to the orientation camp and he never did anything of note.

Leafs Slay the Juggernaut!

blurr1974 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:00:20 -0000

More photos » by CHRIS YOUNG - AP

Vesa Toskala - "Guys! Hey guys! Check this out. Look what I can do! I can stop the puck. Watch! No seriously, check this out! That's some wacky stuff, right?"

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I'm still recovering from Millen's (correct) assertion that the Atlanta Thrashers are an "offensive juggernaut." That phrase seems counter-intuitive to the Thrashers entire history. I've been watching hockey for a long time and never in all those years have I heard that phrase. Parity, it seems, does work.

With all that said, and I may be in the minority, I want to tell the Thrashers fans that I'm happy for them. I like competitive hockey. I like having a league of 30 teams, and I fully support fans of all the other 28 franchises (that's right Ottawa, you get no love from me!)

On to the links. Either it's a quiet night, or everyone still hasn't fully grasped the Leafs win. If I've missed you, then as always, please drop a direct link to your post in the comments.

Progress! It's not just a political catch phrase, it's what the Leafs are making. Steve breaks it down.
Is it crazy to prefer hearing Pierre McGuire call a game? Zamboinc Youth's Godd Till doesn't think so. Not when there are so many lesser lights you could be tortured by instead.
At Heroes in Rehab, jrwendelman is spitting fire...err, make that talking Spitfires. However, the man can bust rhymes with the best of them, so step off.
Leafs Fan Forever went to his first Leafs game last night and he made one special request that our heroes were happy to oblige.
Were the Tampa Bay Lightning open to trading Vincent Lecavalier, would that make Tyler Bozak expendable? Newcomer to the Barilkosphere, Hart Ross, seems to think so.
Kavel kaptions Kabby (and Matt Stajan, but that doesn't jive with the whole "k" thing we've got going.)
Jean-Sebastien Giguere's name gets tossed about quite a bit in trade rumors lately, and the Leafs seem to be tied to most of them. The question is: Is Giguere still worth the $6M per? Hockey or Die gives you the answer.
Vintage Leafs Memories is recalling another highlight: Scott Garland.
From the "YIPEEE! YAHOO!!" files, Jonas Gustavsson is back practicing, with plans for a quick return.
PPP Update: Head over to vote in this poll. In case you were wondering, the correct vote is: Hal Gill.
Space Weed kind of likes Luke Schenn
Archi shows why he is the pre-eminent NHL suit examiner

Game 28 Preview: The Rarely-Seen Buds Make the Trek to Ohio

Mike MacLean — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:32:58 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

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They're getting better! The most recent game against the Blackhawks looked more like Jackets hockey than any other game this season, had they played the way they did during the losing streak, the score would have been ugly-very ugly in favor of the 'Hawks.

For the first time in a few years Toronto comes to town. The Leafs are still in the midst of a "re-tooling" (because if I would have said "rebullding" Ole Ironsides Burke would find a way to get me booted off of the internet) and are without either of their top goaltenders. Vesa Toskala is out with an injury, and Gustavsson will be going under the knife for another heart operation. Speaking of Gustavsson, when will the meda give him a new nickname? The Monster? Come on. Worst nickname for a player in all of sport, especially for a rookie. Joey MacDonald, a fellow Bluenoser, will get the start tonight. Mase is in for the Jackets.

The CBJ will be icing the same lineup as the past few games, although Raffi may miss it because his wife is in the hospital prepping for the delivery of the couple's first child. The Leafs have a tough defensive unit, so it will be interesting how the Jackets forwards can cope with that. I also wonder if Kris Russell can continue his red-hot stretch of play tonight. Here's hoping. Look for a good physical battle tonight folks.

Fearless Prediction: CBJ score at least four goals.

Game Time: 7:00pm ET

Opponent's Blog: Pension Plan Puppets

Game Page: Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets Coverage

TSN Preview: Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets Preview

TV: FSN Ohio

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump...

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Toronto has played in Columbus only three times, most recently Nov. 20, 2006, a 4-2 Leafs win. The Blue Jackets would be wise to ignore the standings. After a horrible start, the Maple Leafs are 4-1-2 in their past seven games, including a 3-0 rout of Montreal on Tuesday. It could be a big special- teams game. Although the Blue Jackets excel on the power play, both teams struggle in killing penalties.

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Kristian Huselius	Antoine Vermette	Rick Nash
R.J. Umberger	Derick Brassard	Jakub Voracek
Jason Chimera	Samuel Pahlsson	Michael Blunden
Raffi Torres	Derek MacKenzie	Jared Boll

Fedor Tyutin	Anton Stralman
Mike Commodore	Jan Hejda
Kris Russell	Mathieu Roy

Steve Mason

Mathieu Garon

EXTRA: Alexandre Picard

INJURED: Fredrik Modin, Andrew Murray, Derek Dorsett, Rostislav Klesla, Marc Methot

Toronto Maple Leafs

Alexei Ponikarovsky	Matt Stajan	Phil Kessel
Niklas Hagman	Mikhail Grabovski	Christian Hanson
Wayne Primeau	Nikolai Kulemin	Lee Stempniak
Jason Blake	Jamal Mayers	Colton Orr

Mike Komisarek	Tomas Kaberle
Luke Schenn	Ian White
Francois Beauchemin	Jeff Finger

Joey MacDonald

Jonas Gustavsson

2010 Winter Olympics Hockey: A look at the Ottawa Senators

PeterR — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:12 -0000

The Olympics are mere months away, and I'd be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to the men's hockey tournament most of all. Although the Ottawa Senators don't have the international flavour they've had in years past, there will still be a pretty good Olympic presence for this year's team. Although plenty can still change between now and the beginning of the tournament, the following is a preview of which players may fall where on their respective Olympic teams. I've broken it down into four key categories:

Pack Your Bags

Daniel Alfredsson, Sweden: Alfredsson was an associate captain on Sweden's 2006 gold medal-winning Olympic squad, so you can be sure he'll be there again--and you can be sure he'll be a part of their leadership corps. He's got two silver and two bronze medals in World Championships, and has been on a total of twelve Swedish international teams. You'd better believe he'll be there.
Anton Volchenkov, Russia: There's no way the A-Train gets left out of Russia's Olympic roster. In fact, alongside offensive d-men like Andrei Markov (if he's back from his injury by then) and Sergei Gonchar, you can be sure Volchenkov will be a valuable shut-down defender when Russia is up against the big squads. He'll see plenty of the world's best, you can be sure.
Filip Kuba, Czech Republic: Even more so than Volchenkov, Kuba will looked to as one of the Czech Republic's top two defenders, along with Tomas Kaberle. Unlike Volchenkov, though, he will also have to offer some solid offence.
Milan Michalek, Czech Republic: Even if Michalek weren't having an awesome year, he would still likely be on the Czech squad for the Olympics. But with 13G and 8A in 24GP, it's an even easier pick for him to make it.
Jarkko Ruutu, Finland: There aren't many teams that Ruutu would make, but he could very well be instrumental to any success that the Finns have in the Olympics. He'll likely play third-line minutes, and he'll likely be up to his old tricks--but with a little more discipline added in.
Kaspars Daugavins, Latvia: There aren't many Latvians playing pro hockey in North America, and Daugavins--who's currently with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL--will probably be among the team's leaders, despite the fact that he's only 21 years old.

(Continue reading for the rest of the list... )

Nearly A Lock

Alex Kovalev, Russia: Most people would bet on Kovalev making the team, if only as a leader for the young stars. But young stars there are many, and Russia's not going to be scared to pull talent from the Kontinental Hockey League, too. Kovalev's highly likely to be on the team, but I don't know if it's an absolute lock--especially with the relatively low point total he's put up so far this season.

In A Battle

Mike Fisher, Canada: Fisher got himself on Olympic radar with a strong performance in last summer's World Championships, and his career-best numbers so far this season--10G, 11A in 21GP--is just adding to that. He's going to have to beat out some very good players to get a spot on Canada's squad, but he's done himself plenty of favours so far this season.

Headed On Down

Jason Spezza, Canada: A last-minute invite to Canada's orientation camp, Spezza was going to have to do a heck of a lot to get a sniff for Team Canada's roster at all, and his chances at centre were even worse. Although his defensive play has improved markedly, it's not going to get him on the squad, and the numbers he's put up so far have bumped him farther down the list.

Ten NHL Players Who Should Shoot the Puck More Often

Rafal Ladysz — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:09:29 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

20 days ago: Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly, right, works the puck for a goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ray Emery in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, in Philadelphia. Buffalo won 4-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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What is the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about Tim Connolly? Honestly, it could be a handful of things like smooth skater, crafty stick-handler, terrific play-maker or the obvious one being injuries. But a facet of his game that's often overlooked is the center's shot primarily because he hesitates to use it.

When he does decide to pull the trigger, his release and accuracy can surprise goaltenders. Connolly, who leads the Buffalo Sabres with 21 points after 23 games, is utilizing it increasingly and is on pace for a career year in all categories if he stays healthy.

This got me thinking about some of the other players like Connolly who would be wise to throw the puck at the net substantially. The last thing I suggest is that they listen to me because they are the athletes who are earning millions of dollars for their skills.

Suggestions aren't frowned upon however. At least, I hope they aren't because these athletes are competent to score. If all else fails, put the disc towards the goal.

10) Ales Hemsky (Edmonton Oilers)

Out for the remainder of the season, Edmonton's playoff aspirations are all but finished without the services of their talented winger. Hemsky was supplying a point per game and reaching new peaks offensively before he ran into shoulder issues

The patience he has can outlast goaltenders in close and his snap shot should be taken more seriously by defensemen.

9) Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals)

Playing with Alexander Ovechkin, the Swede is better served as an assist provider to a world-class shooter. But that doesn't signify it as the only option. Should Ovechkin be covered, Backstrom would be smart to attempt picking a corner like he's capable of.

Although he doesn't pack the meanest power, he's got fearful accuracy which is at times more vital to finding the back of the net.

8) Alexander Frolov (Los Angeles Kings)

Frolov is a two-time 30-goal man and has all of the tools to be an elite star for years. The frightening statistic is that the Russian hasn't fired 200 or more shots in a full season making you wonder how many more he could record if he did.

My estimate is that Frolov is worthy of 40 to 45 goals once he shoots first and asks questions last. Whether it actually happens is beyond me.

7) Tomas Kaberle (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Remember who won the accuracy challenge at the 2008 NHL All Star Game Skills Competition? Yes, Kaberle was the fourth player ever to hit all four targets requiring that many attempts. A fantastic set-up defender, his passing is right on the tape of recipients making him a marquee powerplay quarterback.

With 23 of his 25 points this year coming by way of assists, Kaberle will continue to do what's worked best for him. An unexpected shot is still threatening.

6) Kristian Huselius (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Huselius' shot count has grown each year since 2006 and with ten goals in 21 games, his wrister is truly emerging. The 31-year-old scored on 23 occasions as a rookie oozing confidence from the beginning of his career and has the gift to make the linemates around him superior.

Most likely, Rick Nash will lead the Blue Jackets in scoring and Huselius will be next in line.

5) Kimmo Timonen (Philadelphia Flyers)

Some players, no matter what they do, seem to be under the radar constantly. Kimmo Timonen is an example of that and with the arrival of Chris Pronger, that won't change. Like Kaberle, this veteran can run the man-advantage with ease and provides plenty from the back-end.

And also similar is his shot which isn't the strongest but precise. If only Timonen would utilize it.

4) Eric Fehr (Washington Capitals)

I've seen this kid's potential and his scoring touch is abundantly clear. While going to the net and digging for rebounds is what Bruce Boudreau wants from his young winger, Fehr is capable of letting it go from beyond past a netminder.

It's easy to forget about him with the plethora of stars Washington has but he wasn't a first round selection for nothing.

3) Ryan Suter (Nashville Predators)

Both Suter and Shea Weber can create injuries for opposing players attempting to block their shots. The difference is the latter won't mind launching one-timer after one-timer until something good happens. For some reason, Suter isn't as quick to unload his heavy shot which he does own.

Whatever it is, 24 shots in 25 games leads you to believe that he's a little trigger shy.

2) Andrei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens)

A ~~huge~~ bit of an enigma, Kostitsyn`s best assets are his his explosive wrist shot and his aptitude at dangling by defensemen. After scoring 49 goals in two campaigns, the Belarussian has lit the lamp twice in 24 games adding to the laundry list of problems Montreal carries.

Kostitsyn was beginning to gain confidence before a leg injury sidelined him a few days ago.

1) Lubomir Visnovsky (Edmonton Oilers)

Visnovsky wasn`t shy about shooting in Los Angeles yet seems uncertain at times these days. One thing is for certain: the one-timer he carries with him can bank 20 goals easily. In order for that to happen, he`s got to deliver more pucks on net.

If not for himself, then for the sake of Edmonton`s postseason chances.

Maple Leafs 6 v. Panthers 4: Hagman and Kessel Have An Awesome-Off

PPP — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:00:13 -0000

LEAFS MAN inspired the Leafs' to victory.
What has Carlton done lately?

The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame an early 2-0 deficit to beat the Florida Panthers 6-4. By early I mean that the Panthers scored two goals in 53 seconds and Jonas Gustavsson looked like he might be in for a short night. Of course, he showed his ability to recover by stoning the Panthers on a breakaway and making a couple of big saves to keep the Leafs down only two. That set the stage for Phil Kessel to begin the Leafs' fightback. First off: don't the Leafs score some pretty goals against the Panthers? Here's Hagman's epic snipe from last year:

And here is Philty Phil Kessel's gorgeous goal. Aside from leaving Keith Ballard red-faced and bare-assed after the undressing I was really impressed with the cool, well-placed finish. Rather than try to hammer a puck home he just slid it through Alexei Ponikarovsky's wonderful screen:

Phil "Marc Savard Me Him" Kessel now has eight goals in 12 games (55 goal pace) and three assists none of which involved Marc Savard. Weird. The best part of that goal was the assist that Luke Schenn got for blocking a shot which bounced to Kessel. That's the third assist a Leaf has gotten off of a Kessel goal by getting him the puck in the Leafs' own zone. The first goal might have started the comeback but the second helped revive a Leafs team that could have been on the verge of folding after a heart-breaking fourth Panthers goal. Good thing he tied things up again 13 seconds later.

Going goal for goal with Phil Kessel is Niklas Hagman. He added two more tonight - one via a Ponikarovsky pass and another on the back of Christian Hanson's excellent forechecking - now has 13 goals in 23 games. Keep in mind that his career high is 27 goals in 82 games which he potted two years ago with Dallas. After a listless two goals and one assist start to the season Hagman has eleven goals and three assists in eighteen games since he was sent to the press box. I wonder if Ron Wilson will get any credit for the improvement?

The third head in this hydra of productive Leafs' forwards was Alexei Ponikarovsky. He added a goal and three assists but his most valuable contribution was showing what happens when forwards go to the net properly. He created a screen on Kessel's goal and then potted his on the powerplay because, instead of standing to the side of the goalie like every other Leafs' forward, he was planted right in front of Tomas Vokoun.

Gustavsson didn't have his best game but he made the big saves when the team needed them (except on the goals). The second on was very weak, the third wasn't helped by the presence of Garnet Exelby in the crease, and the fourth was knocked in my Gustavsson's blocker as he scrambled back after the Leafs' penalty killers allowed a slick cross-box pass. Speaking of penalties, Pierre Champoux was the cause of one so terrible that the ref apologised to Beauchemin after the game.

The Leafs were not able to get a lead until Hagman put them up 5-4 but once they did they did a good job of shutting things down. While they were pressured in their zone a couple of times they did well to prevent any great scoring chances other than a Nathan Horton blast that went over the net.

So as was pointed out, the Leafs are 6-4-6 since their 0-7-1. That's good for 18 points out of 32 available during those 16 games. That's pro-rates out to 92 points over a full season which would put them right where most fans expected them to be: scratching and clawing for the playoffs. They are on an honest-to-goodness winning streak and get a Saturday off to rest up for the upcoming games against the Bruins on Monday before heading out on the road for three tough games in Montreal, Columbus, and Boston.

On a final note: Congratulations to Tomas Kaberle who moved into second spot on the Leafs' all-time defencemen scoring chart with Tim Horton.

Poll

Who was the player of the game?

Niklas Hagman - 2 goals, +1

39 votes

Phil Kessel - 2 goals, +2

129 votes

Alexei Ponikarovsky - 1 goal, 3 assists, +3

70 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

Ian White Puts His Butt on the Line Every Night...

blurr1974 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:12 -0000

More photos » by Nathan Denette - AP

Mr. First Overall meets Mr. Eighty-Ninth Overall's behind.

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...and looks fantastic in the process. The little man with the big moustache plays all out every night, and last night was no exception. The rumour was that there were 19 NHL scouts at the game last night, and chances are #7 was on their radar.

What has quickly come to my attention is the fact that these games could very well be the last I see of some of my favorite players in a Leafs uni. I know everyone in Leafs RAUP has decided that every underachiever on the current squad needs to go, but the reality is just the opposite.

So, until the deadline passes, I'll be treating each game as if it could be any player's last, and soaking in every minute of it.

It's not even December, and already eyebleaf is making a list.
There's always a reason for why things happen, and Down Goes Brown has Alex Ovechkin's for Saturday.
The verbose JaredFromLondon let's loose a salvo of verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs.
This pic reminds me of the one thing I miss from Canada.
The Old Guys in Blue and White wonders: when can the Leafs count on Vesa Toskala?
Leafs Fan Forever talks trades.
Leaf & Lion has the first episode of TML Big Brother, for your viewing enjoyment.
Norman James affirms: a 61 shot performance is only terrible when it's the Leafs who do the shooting.
Kavel's week 2 review is ready for your viewing pleasure.
The Hockey News' Lyle Richardson (aka - Spector) kills the "Tomas Kaberle for Brian Campbell" rumour dead in it's tracks.
Another day, another Marlie doing awesome things. Alex Foster was named AHL player of the week for his 5 G 1 A performance in 3 games.
Jonathan Willis has some answers for what ails the Maple Leafs.
Rock Outta SoCal is giving out a shot of Patron and it's no surprise who's getting served.

Poll

Ian White is

Moustache-a-licious

40 votes

Moustache-a-rific

43 votes

Moustache-a-tastic

28 votes

Moustache-a-go-go

47 votes

158 votes | Poll has closed

Maple Leafs 3 v. NY Islanders 4 (OT): Second Verse Same As The First

PPP — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:58:15 -0000

More photos » by Nathan Denette - AP

Boo This Man! Dwayne Roloson and a lack of desire to go to the dirty parts of the rink for the majority of the game torpedoed a wonderful effort.

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Despite throwing 61 shots at Dwayne Roloson the Maple Leafs fell 4-3 in overtime to the New York Islanders. On the bright side, John Tavares was a complete non-factor. After a dominating first period the Maple Leafs fell behind to a Jeff Tambellini breakaway goal as a long period of pressure went unrewarded, a pretty good Matt Moulson deflection, and, frankly, a terrible all around effort on Sean Bergenheim's short-handed goal. Toskala left with a lower body injury which was probably a pain in the ass from all of the needless needling he took from fans after the third goal. I hate Toskala as much as the next guy - and hope he's really injured because Kypreos seemed to be intimating that he quit on the team - but Kaberle made a brutal effort at blocking the shot and ended up doing nothing more than backing in too far and providing the kind of screen that the Leafs' forwards couldn't match all night.

Update: Here is Dominik's (Lighthouse Hockey) recap of the game and a look at the NHL.com shot chart for tonight's game.

Of course, when you're playing a terrible team like the Islanders (I know, the irony) who is on the back end of a seven game road-trip, it's not that hard to continue taking the game to them. The Leafs were rewarded when Matt Stajan's embarrassment at getting his stick knocked out of his hands turned to joy as he ended up by a loose puck to set up Phil Kessel to break Roloson's goose egg. The third period was one way traffic as the Leafs' dogged puck pursuit created chance after chance. Wayne Primeau potted a rebound after showing the Leafs that it's not actually against the law to stand directly in front of the goalie. And then Niklas Hagman made a great rush to prove that he can finish just as much as he can dangle. The Leafs were attacking with speed and looked poise to snatch a winner in regulation.

Instead, they didn't score on a final powerplay and almost made it through overtime before a terrible Ian White play combined with Tomas Kaberle's exhaustion and a bad bounce off of the side of the net (seriously, that shot comes by a million times and shoots in front of the net maybe 5 times) conspired to keep the Leafs from another shot at the shootout. So the Leafs' don't begin a winning streak but they also lose John Mitchell. Great news all around.

Who were your players of the game and who could have done more? Let's talk it out sans razor blades folks.

Looking at what ails the Leafs

James Mirtle — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:19:50 -0000

More photos » by Nathan Denette - AP

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I had the chance to take in the Leafs-Flames game here in Toronto, a contest that was essentially over 10 minutes in after a couple iffy goals. Jonas Gustavsson had his first really tough night in the crease, allowing three goals on five shots before he was chased from the crease.

More on that here, for those that are interested in a two-day old game story.

The only positive on the Leafs side of things, at least according to Ron Wilson, was the play of newcomer Carl Gunnarsson — an apparently late-blooming seventh rounder who made his NHL debut. I didn't know anything about the kid, but he did play for Sweden at the worlds back in the spring and reportedly was very strong in training camp.

I don't think many seventh rounders get 21 minutes ice time in their first game, but so it was on Saturday. Given his stats over in Sweden, I can't fathom why he was on the power play for four-plus minutes, but Wilson's got something in mind with him I guess.

As for what's wrong with the rest of the team, well... a lot of things. Dave Shoalts outlines what's going on up front, where things haven't been pretty (aside from Phil Kessel):

Forget any theory that if the Leafs, who have been out scored 23-9 in the first period this season, could learn to start games better their problems would be over. The evidence is clear the forwards are just not good enough. ...

When Burke and Wilson started that playoff talk, part of their reasoning was that their key forwards would improve their modest numbers from last season. There was an argument that since the Leafs were 10th last season in the NHL in goals for that they would be better this season with a rebuilt defence.

All that has resulted so far is a strong argument the forwards were overachievers last season.

Pretty tough to argue with that, at least in the early going. And the problem is that the hole's just getting too deep for Toronto.

The blueline hasn't exactly been great, either, although Tomas Kaberle's impressed me (especially on the power play). If they move him closer to the deadline, a contending team would do well to add his puck-moving skills on the back end.

As a No. 1 defenceman, he's adequate, but if you drop him to second or third on the depth chart on a really good team, he could shine.

At the beginning of the year, I wasn't expecting great things out of this team — mostly just more of the same, a 10th to 12th place finish in a conference with a lot of poor teams and a seventh or eighth overall pick for the Bruins.

Now? Could be a lot uglier than that.

As someone now getting out to see this team up close, in practice, etc., a couple days a week, I'm really not all that concerned about how it shakes out. If anything, Wilson's been easier to deal with as the team has struggled. What's clear, however, is just how hard it is on the players in a media bubble like this, where they're asked each and every day to chronicle the hows and whys of how poorly they're playing. A young guy like Luke Schenn, for instance, is just frustrated beyond all belief (as seen in Chicago on Friday when he threw that mini-tantrum on the bench after he was the goat on the first goal).

We've seen a lot of teams over the years have brutal starts like this and slowly climb out of it, but given how the past four years have gone in Toronto, there's not a lot of optimism here. It seems all but certain now this team will miss the playoffs again, keeping their last postseason date way back in May of 2004, and the natives will get restless.

The building's still full every night, but there's seems to be less and less cheer as we go.

Unless you count all those Calgary fans at the ACC on Saturday...

For Vesa's Eyes Only

blurr1974 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:36 -0000

Vesa, listen to the sound of my voice. Throw away your cares. Focus only on my voice. Vesa, you are feeling relaxed. So relaxed. A deep calm is coming over you. Do you feel it Vesa? Embrace the peace. Concentrate on that feeling of contentment, let it consume you Vesa. And as it consumes you, feel your conscious mind let go.

Feel your eyes getting heavy Vesa. Your mind wants to wander, let it do so. You are feeling so relaxed now. Throw away your cares. Feel your toes as they relax. Feel your knees relax. Feel your legs relax. Slowly, bit by bit, let your body relax Vesa. Good. You will feel so relaxed, you might even fall asleep. You might become entranced in your contentment. Yes Vesa, a trance...

Are you relaxed Vesa? Are you in a trance? Excellent. Now, repeat after me: I will not play like Vesa Toskala. I will not let in a soft goal. I will get...wait. Why is your head bopping? Vesa? Vesa!? VESSSAAAAA!!!!!!

And that's how Vesa became a terrible goalie, he's stuck in a trance. (via www.clixbagoftricks.com)

Dr. Steve gets you up to speed on Carl Gunnarsson.
Down Goes Brown is giving us a sneak peek into what we can expect for the Leafs next pre-game ceremony.
Friday means youTube yoinkage! A special all "Cat" edition awaits you over at WWOLD.
Leaf and Lion is thinking maybe MLSE can spare a few coins and help Mr. Palmateer spring for a cell phone.
MLHS with some quotes from Wilson and Burke, including the GM's opinion on Matthias Ohlund's hit on Phil Kessel: "That's a great hit..."
Checking From Behind asks the question we've asked ourselves: Ian White or Tomas Kaberle? I'll be elsewhere until this blows over...
Should Ron Wilson be putting in more frequent phone calls to the Marlies?
Puck Prospectus gives the long answer to the question "Do penalty minutes have an impact on a team's success?"
We're not the only ones wondering what is up with Luke Schenn this season. The coach is more than perplexed himself.
Since his "injury" Vesa Toskala has seen his mantle as the Leafs #1 goaltender usurped by Jonas Gustavsson. So what does Vesa think about that?: "Life is good." Oy vey...
Jared's hitting the road. Let's pass the hat for bail money.
Kavel has a very important message for Luke Schenn.