Deep Thoughts

More on the Baseball Hall of Fame vote. Plus: the frustrating Toronto Maple Leafs, and the .500 Raptors:

1. The Tao of Stieb asked, on Twitter: "Impertinent Question: Why the fuck does someone from the Delaware County Times have a HoF quote?" Beats the hell out of me. So I moseyed on over to http://www.delcotimes.com/sports and at 2:00 am Thursday morning, found nothing on the Baseball Hall of Fame vote that became news at, oh, 2:01 pm eastern time Wednesday afternoon. Nothing. Of the four top stories, three were about the Philadelphia Eagles and one about the Philadelphia Flyers.

2. According to trusted source Wikipedia, three Toronto writers are members of the BBWAA: The Globe and Mail's Jeff Blair, Canadian Press and MLB.com writer Larry Milson, and the Toronto Sun's Bob Elliott. The Toronto Star's Richard Griffin isn't on the list, but said he's been a member for 15 years.

4. Jeff Blair wrote two excellent columns, one before the vote, and one after. You should read them both. What I like about Blair is that he flat out tells you who he voted for: Alomar, Tim Raines and Mark McGwire. Blair's colleagues in the city should follow his lead.

5. I trust guys like Tom Verducci and Jeff Blair to make this decision. Ken Rosenthal doesn't inspire the same confidence. And Jay Mariotti clearly cannot be trusted. The revolution will not be televised. It'll happen on the internet.

6. First Doc. Now Alomar. If Tom Cheek doesn't win the Ford C. Frick award, I might be forced to believe that the Toronto Blue Jays have "become the target of a systematic process of intimidation and manipulation the likes of which you have never" seen before.

7. On days like this, in the aftermath of a beating of the Toronto Maple Leafs by the Philadelphia Flyers, it's easier to tell yourself that Vesa Toskala played. The entire game. Even if he didn't.

8. At 8:21 pm yesterday evening, I received a text message from my brother: "Luke Schenn sucks." Good times.

9. It's bad enough that the Leafs lost, and gave up another three power play goals in the process. What makes it worse is that Daniel Carcillo scored. Carcillo needs to be placed on an iceberg, and sent floating off into frigid waters. It can't be possible for even Flyers fans to like Carcillo. Or can it? I mean, if Don Cherry hates him, what hope does he have?

10. When Reggie Evans was diagnosed with a "sprained left foot" on October 20, 2009, did you have any idea he still wouldn't be playing in January of the new year? I totally misjudged that injury. I was thinking a couple of weeks. Three, tops.

11. An office colleague of mine, whom I sit beside and genuinely enjoy working with, isn't as passionate about the Raptors as she used to be. Yesterday, she dropped the bombshell that she's not a fan of Chris Bosh. Aghast, I hopped out of my seat to confront her. This wasn't a through-the-cubicle-wall conversation. This was serious business. I said: "Twenty/ten!!1 Every night." She said it wasn't good enough. She said hurtful things: that Bosh couldn't deliver in the clutch; that he isn't a superstar. I stood my ground; 20/10 is no joke. And Scott Carefoot has pointed out at RaptorBlog that Bosh has been the definition of clutch this season. While my definition of superstar is clearly different from that my colleague's, there's no denying Bosh is a special talent. I maintain: max money. Really, the Raptors have no other choice. And, for everyone's sake, the Bosh hating needs to stop.

Doughty Dreams

Drew Doughty is officially a member of Team Canada. Luke Schenn is most definitely not. He wasn't even on the radar. I know, I know ... that's unfair. But don't blame me. Blame the Crown Royal. And my burgeoning man-crush on Doughty. Actually, can it even be called a "man-crush" when Doughty is only 20 years old? He's a bloody child. And nobody wants a "boy-crush." Fuck. This is going to be a huge problem as I - gracefully - age.

I'm getting sidetracked. On a path I do not want to travel further upon. My point is: any Toronto Maple Leafs fan will tell you that he'd rather have Doughty in the blue and white than Luke Schenn. Obviously. And I don't care how high on Schenn you are. I'm low. Very low. Right now, I don't believe in Luke Schenn, I worry about Luke Schenn.

My second point, after another Leafs loss in a game they should have won: Doughty isn't a Maple Leaf, and it's all Vesa Toskala's fault. Much like last night, it always is. Yeah, yeah; looking back in hindsight is about as easy as Toskala's five-hole. But it really is his fault.

With the 2007/2008 Paul Maurice-led Maple Leafs sputtering along into February, headed toward draft-lottery freedom (Imagine!1), one Toskala decided to turn his game up a notch. Through the first four months of the season, our Finnish friend had won 17 of the 39 games he'd played. In February and March, Toskala won 16 out of 26 games. Eight games a month. His .915 February save percentage was only eclipsed by December's .935. Down the stretch, Vesa was busy, and he was pretty good. It was his best season as a Maple Leaf, after all.

Looking back, some of the blame surely falls on coach Maurice's shoulders. At least you'd think so, since Vesa Toskala was the only Maple Leafs goalie to start a game in February and March 2008. The bastard played them all!1 Andrew Raycroft got into one game during those two months. In relief. And he allowed four goals on 11 shots. But I can't blame Maurice. He was fighting, in vain, for his job. And if your job was on the line, and you had to pick between Vesa Toskala and Andrew Raycroft (poor Maurice), who would you tap on the shoulder?

You see, it is in fact all Toskala's fault. February and March 2008 were the most fruitful of Vesa's Maple Leafs career. Since then, he's yet to win more than five games in any given month. If he had continued his frustratingly mediocre play that fateful winter two years ago, Drew Doughty might be a Maple Leaf today. Who knows where the Leafs might have ended up in the draft. Who knows how high Cliff Fletcher might have been able to trade up.

Last winter, in February 2009, Toskala was up to his old tricks again, sporting a 5-0-3 record. His 3.01 GAA wasn't too pretty, but his .912 save percentage was sublime. Especially considering he'd posted a .895, .878, .875, and .887 in the months prior. Management knew Toskala was out to screw the Leafs again, and ordered him to undergo surgery. I'm going to go ahead and give Brian Burke props on that one.

The bottom line: Vesa Toskala is a disease. One the Leafs cannot be cured of soon enough. Here's to 2010 being, hopefully, as Toskala-free as possible.

Progress!!!1

Your unlikeliest of heroes: Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake. I can only imagine exactly what was spoken.

Another win streak. (Yes, two games is most definitely a win streak.) A 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games, in which they've out-scored the opposition 34-29. For the first time over a 10-game stretch, the Maple Leafs are allowing less than three goals a game. Even after Saturday's Boston massacre. Progress. She's beautiful.

Toronto is as good as any other team in the league right now. The fact they still rank 29th in the league in points lets you know just how much they did not give a fuck in October.

Last night, by killing three out of four penalties, for a smooth 75% success rate, Ron Wilson's Leafs even improved their much-maligned penalty killing.

Everything's coming up aces.

I'm not a machine ...

I certainly ran with that whole "I Believe In Vernon Wells" shtick. It was a grind; he took a ton of abuse this season. But I like to think I pulled it off. I never stopped believing. And Wells rewarded me: he hit .312 in September, the month that doesn't matter. Vernon's going to ride that average into the off-season, and into 2010. Next summer, he's going to earn all $12.5 million of his salary.

Okay, fine, maybe not all of it. But certainly three quarters of it.

My point is: I don't have the energy to believe in Vesa Toskala. And, frankly, I'd rather believe in Jonas Gustavsson.

At least Wells has a track record. A few successful seasons, Gold Glove awards, and a couple of All-Star selections to hang his very expensive coat on. Even, believe it or not, MVP votes.

Toskala's got nothing. I'm holding on to February 2009 and his .912 save percentage for dear life.

It was up to Toskala to make sure there was no goaltending controversy in Toronto this season. Four periods and an overtime later, he's already failed that test. An .800 save percentage? Sample size be damned, get out of the crease.

With Toskala taking home $4 million this season, and his trade value likely as low as it's ever been, it's hard to believe the Leafs gave up a first-round pick to acquire him. Actually, it's not, but you know what I mean.

San Jose sold high back in June 2007, a concept the Leafs are still trying to grasp. And that's where it gets tough for the current regime. Do you play Toskala, and hope he regains some of his mostly average form, in the hopes of getting something, anything, back in return for him? Or do you unleash The Monster (I've been sitting on that one for a while), and see what he can do?

I'd love for Brian Burke to be able to trade Toskala. Perhaps give Detroit a call. They did take Larry Murphy.

But Gustavsson's here on a one-year contract and, if he's the real deal, he needs the opportunity to showcase his talent. One legendary pre-season save later, I think we all agree that young Jonas can better Toskala's numbers. I mean, that save was out of control. And Jesus knows Vesa hasn't set the bar high enough.

If the Leafs are going to be unbearable to watch, which it seems they might, I'd rather it be Gustavsson being shelled than Toskala. Vesa's worth little to nothing to us now.

I could defend Vernon Wells because of his, and I use the term loosely, "glory days." Toskala has yet to see his own, and it's hard to believe there are any in his future.

UPDATE: Gustavsson has been emancipated. He'll be in goal tonight. It will be his first of many victories against the Ottawa Senators.

Is this real life?

I have emerged, relatively unscathed, from a 33 and a half hour bachelor party in Toronto. A copious amount of alcohol was consumed. In large part to celebrate the arrival of #81; Madison, Wisconsin's own, Phil Kessel. (And the soon-to-be-groom.)

I admit it: I chuckled, rather boisterously, upon reading the first sentence of Damien Cox's column Saturday morning ...

"For the 10th time in the past 20 years, the Maple Leafs have sacrificed a first-round selection in the NHL entry draft to make a significant trade."

Who didn't see that coming?

But I digress. Cox's column was, in fact, borderline positive.

It's one thing to trade a first-round draft pick for an aging Brian Leetch. Or a 29-year-old (and going on 41) Wendel Clark. Or a 31-year-old Owen Nolan. It's another to trade a first-round draft pick for a goalie - Vesa "my five-hole is always open" Toskala - unproven as a legitimate number one.

But it's a whole new ball game when you trade two first-round draft picks, and a second-round pick, for a guy who's scored 36 goals in the NHL before the age of 22.

I believe in Phil Kessel.

Don't get me wrong; I thought, much like you, that the days of trading first-round picks were over. I thought we had dawned upon a new era; you know, an era in which the Leafs would actually develop their own talent. But the Kessel deal is one, I have decided, that I can get behind. The Kessel deal is one that had to be made. Brian Burke has found his top-six forward. He's locked up him up, long-term. And at the high cost of three draft picks, including two first-rounders, so be it. In Brian Burke I trust.

How can you not be excited about a guy who averaged only 16:32 of ice-time a game last season, along with limited power play duty, and still potted 32 goals? Only freedom-hating terrorists can't appreciate that shit.

How does a future of Nazem Kadri, Kessel, and Luke Schenn sound? Boners abound, I say.

The best part: Kessel, coming off shoulder surgery, will be ready to play in mid-November. When it matters.

UPDATE: Playoffs!!1

UPDATE #2: "Phil the Thrill." What do we think?

Change of Plans

Justin Pogge is the goaltender of the future. In Anaheim.

Actually, the Ducks have got Jonas Hiller. So I've no idea what the hell they're going to do with Pogge.

That's the point: Toronto Maple Leafs fans no longer have to worry about when Pogge is going to "get it." When Pogge is going to arrive. He's Anaheim's problem, now.

There's no point in taking petty parting shots (my favourite!) at Pogge as he leaves; he's no Andrew Raycroft. He's simply a young goalie who couldn't get it done in this town. One thing's for certain: Toronto's a tough city in which to man the crease. We want results. And we want them fast. We aren't reasonable, and it's the last thing we Leafs fans claim to be.

At the end of the day, Pogge's played in three professional hockey leagues: the WHL, AHL, and NHL. While his NHL sample size is small, he's managed to crack the holy .900 save percentage threshold only in junior hockey, and that isn't good enough. I can't recall another young goaltender so big - six-foot-three, over 200 pounds - who couldn't cover more of the net.

And no, time with new Leafs goalie coach Francois Allaire wasn't an option. Allaire's already got his hands full with Vesa Toskala's five-hole, and Jonas Gustavsson's transition to the North American game. (Monster = playoffs!1)

Good luck, and Godspeed, Pogge. May your posts be kind.

The Justin Pogge Era

It's over. Before it even really began, it's over.

In the biggest game of the season, with the fate of the Toronto Marlies hanging in the balance, Justin Pogge, the "future" between the pipes for the Toronto Maple Leafs, found himself on the bench. Adam Munro got the start. He played well, but it wasn't enough. The Marlies are joining the Leafs on the greens.

These were the playoffs for Justin Pogge to send a message to Brian Burke and co. A message that he can be trusted; that he can carry the torch. Well, Pogge sent a message, alright; he doesn't have the goods. He doesn't even deserve to be Vesa Toskala's back-up next season.

If Pogge's still the future in the crease in Toronto, the future isn't too fucking bright.

Here's hoping the Vancouver Canucks win the Stanley Cup, Roberto Luongo tests the free agent market in July 2010, and becomes a Maple Leaf after Burke offers him a boatload of money and a key to the city.

Toronto needs a God damn goalie. And it ain't Pogge ...

I Don't Like To ...

... dump all over Andrew Raycroft. OK, fine, I do. But you know what? I'll never do it again. I'm getting out of that business. More accurately, I've been forced out of that business.

The NHL's regular season is over and, adding insult to the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs are once again on the outside looking in at the playoffs (!!!!1), Raycrap finished with a save percentage higher than that of Vesa Toskala's; .001 percentage points higher, to be exact.

Oh, the humanity.

With that, my Raycroft-bashing days are over. I declared that if Toskala was looking up at Raycroft's save percentage come season's end, I'd offer "Razor" an apology, and never talk ill of him again. Well, I'm a man of my word.

It doesn't matter that Raycroft started 27 games compared to Toskala's 53. It doesn't matter that the Colorado Avalanche, as a team, allowed 36 fewer goals than Toronto. It doesn't matter that the Maple Leafs were the worst defensive and penalty killing team in the league.

What matters is that five-on-five Raycroft was better than Toskala, posting a .905 save percentage to Toskala's .903 at even strength. Sure, Toskala's save percentage on the penalty kill was higher than Raycroft's (.841 to .832), but both numbers are downright pathetic, so they cancel each other out.

Ugh. Toskala shouldn't have been playing hurt. Period. No more excuses. I hope he's deeply, deeply ashamed of himself.

The bottom line? Raycroft and Toskala both suck.

That's it, that's all, I'm done. Sorry, Raycroft. I'll see you in hell.

Now, to bring it all back to the title of the post, and to try and erase Raycroft the goalie who shall never again be named from our collective psyches, London, Ontario's own ShadK ...

Housekeeping:

You'll notice that the comments section has changed around here; no more pop-up window. It's all now done within the post. If you loathe change, let me know; we can always return to the good old days. Your feedback would be appreciated. Remember: without you, there would be no blog.

Well, there would be. But no one would be reading it. And what the fuck's the point of that?

Why?

From Friday's Toronto Star:

"[Vesa] Toskala revealed yesterday he tweaked his groin in Calgary on Nov.11 and played the rest of the season injured until he finally had a pair of surgeries, one to repair his hip, the other his groin. He's got about 10 weeks of rehab still to go. 

"'I started doing more exercise a few days ago, things are going well,' said Toskala, who added he wouldn't have had the surgery had Toronto been in the playoff hunt.

"'At that time, we were 10 points out and it didn't make any sense to keep playing,' he explained. 'I felt I could play and I think I played all right. I wasn't 100 per cent.'"

So, between November 11th, when Toskala was hurt, and March 3rd, the final game he played this season, Curtis Joseph and Justin Pogge started nine games. In a rebuilding year, Ron Wilson's Toronto Maple Leafs trotted out an injured goalie night after night, after night, after night.

Why? Who allowed this?

It's ridiculous. And unbelievably frustrating. Joseph should have played a hell of a lot more. And if the Leafs didn't have enough confidence in him, or Pogge, they should have went out and acquired another goalie. God knows a full season of Joseph and Pogge would have ensured the team a lottery pick in the draft. (Toskala's unreal February totally killed that flex.)

It's true: since 2004, the Maple Leafs can do nothing right. 

My only hope is now that Brian Burke is in charge, the inmates are no longer running the God damn asylum. 

Gerber Time

That was quite the debut my new favourite Toronto Maple Leaf Martin Gerber, wasn't it? What a ... goalie. Thirty-seven saves on thirty-eight shots. Forty seconds away from a shutout. What a hero.

The fact that Gerber comes via the Ottawa Senators makes his splendid effort, albeit just one game, that much sweeter. I think Leafs fans would agree that there exists in life a certain joy that comes with screwing the Senators. And it never gets old. I thought it might. But it hasn't. And it won't.

Oh yeah, the trade deadline. Look, all you really need to do is read this. But I like what Brian Burke did and what he was able to accomplish.

I wasn't happy with the return for Nik Antropov at first, but understand it now. Even though there's no way we're getting that conditional pick. (Rangers have to make the semifinals. Ha.) Regardless, I have put my faith in Burke. I trust that the deal was the best offer on the table. 

Dominic Moore for a 2nd rounder? Sure. Fill that draft pick cupboard.

By trading those two, Burke proved that players who sign in Toronto will do so on his terms. And it's been a while since I got that feeling from a Leafs general manager (if ever?).

As for the trade with Tampa, in which the Leafs essentially bought a 4th round draft pick for about half a million bucks, it showed the type of creativity that has for too long been AWOL from Toronto's front office.

Alex Ponikarovsky is still a Maple Leaf; there was some doubt as to whether he was in the minutes before the deadline. As are Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina. And that's a good thing. I believe all three of them can be part of the solution.

And I like the addition of Gerber. A lot. Burke is proving to young Justin Pogge that he is going to have to earn every God damn inch of that crease. Pogge will not be the man between the pipes for the Maple Leafs until he deserves to be. Period. And say what you want about Gerber, but he's come to Toronto with better statistics than any other goalie in this town. 

I like Gerber's acquisition a whole lot more after the Leafs went into Washington and handed the Capitals only their ninth home loss of the season last night. Dude was phenomenal. Made a number of great saves. It helped that the Caps were missing some guy named, what is it, Alexander Ovechkin? Yeah, I think that's his name. But, hey, a win's a win, and full marks to the Leafs, especially Gerber, as they continue their late-season surge to 9th place in the Eastern Conference miracle city (you really should read Puck Huffers) and the playoffs.

Speaking of the playoff quest, I'll be at the Leafs game on Saturday night, in my new Gerber jersey. If you see me on TV, I'm the guy holding the PLAYOFFS!!!!1 sign.

Vesa Toskala? Get. Well. Soon. 

Let's be honest, Toskala was really close to being taken out back behind the ACC, and having the shit kicked out of him. February saved him. February also put him back in my good books. I can't stay mad at a goalie for too long. Well, except Andrew Raycroft. He's clearly the exception to that rule.

Speaking of the useless Raycroft, I've added Marty Gerber's save percentage to the "Interns of the Iced Igloos" sidebar I've got running on your right hand side (above). And you know what? Gerber's winning. As long as a Leafs goalie - any, one, whatever - finishes with a higher save percentage than Raycroft, the universe is in good shape.

And how about John Mitchell last night? Twenty-one minutes of ice time, five shots on goal, and an assist on Pavel Kubina's game-winner. He also went 6/11, 55%, in the faceoff circle. Needless to say, Mitchell is skyrocketing up the depth chart right now. He definitely needs to take Antropov and Moore out for drinks over the summer.

The story last night, though, was Gerber. He thought his NHL career might be over when the Senators banished him to the AHL (you know, because Brian Elliot is so good). Now that he's back, he ain't going out like that. Anybody else looking forward to Monday night, when the Leafs are in Ottawa?

Welcome to Toronto, Martin.

Welcome to the good side.

And I'll take with me the memories...

They haven't been traded yet. They might have been by the time you read this. But Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore were healthy scratches last night, and have played their final game for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I hate goodbyes.

Nik, what a roller coaster ride it has been. It took a while, but you did good.

Dominic, you had me at hello. A Toronto boy, you lived the dream.

You know, there's nothing I can say that Boyz II Men can't on my behalf.

The biggest of big tunes. Good luck, boys. You will be missed.

Trade Deadline Day. A pseudo-holiday here in Canada, especially Toronto. Everyone's got Andy Williams playing in the background, ready for Brian Burke to make it rain draft picks.

It should be one helluva ride until 3:00 PM. All I'm going to say is that if Tomas Kaberle gets moved, you'll be able to find me sobbing uncontrollably at the bottom of a bottle, listening to the song above on repeat.

1.2%

My good friend MF37 has pointed out that those are the odds of the Leafs making the playoffs(!!!!1) this season, after they picked up another point last night, thanks to the divine exploits of one Vesa Toskala.

Toskala stopped 49 of 52 shots and his save percentage, I'm proud to report, is now above the .890 threshold, coming in at .891.

He went save for save, and beyond, with Marty Brodeur. It was glorious. The Leafs, without Antropov, Moore, and Niklas Hagman, and thanks to Vesa, battled to pick up a point. And John Mitchell's stock is quickly rising in my books. What a rudey.

Anyway, as I mentioned in the comments over at MF's blog, while it takes a certain type of lunatic to stroll through Al Gore's internet hollering "Playoffs!!!!1," it takes another type of lunatic to believe that the Leafs are buyers at the deadline. Not even I am that delusional.

Once again, my thoughts, this time about the Leafs' post-season chances, can be summed up much better by someone else. Ladies and gentlemen, a regular around here at this time of year, Lloyd Christmas:

Seven points. Don't stop believing.

Happy Trade Deadline Day. Behave.

The Raycrap Report Vol. 9: It's happening...

You know, I went a whole month without writing one of these. It was good. A much needed respite from the goaltending disease known as Andrew Joseph Ernest Raycroft.

But my man in Colorado has been playing some games. Poorly, of course. And I think we all knew it was only a matter of time before that happened.

Anyway, I've decided that I'm not going to be so hard on Raycroft anymore. He's a terrible goalie. I think we all get it. Life goes on.

The only thing that matters from here on out is that, so as to keep the laws of the universe in proper working order, Vesa Toskala finishes the season with a higher save percentage than Raycroft. That's it.

And as you might have noticed, there now exists a sidebar on your right called "The Interns of the Iced Igloos," in honour of the one and only Joe Bowen. That's where I'm keeping score.

Thanks to a meagre .877 save percentage in his last four games (three losses and a no-decision), Raycroft's down to .894 on the season. Toskala, after his stellar February, is only half a percentage point behind him.

Well done, Vesa. You're almost there, my Finnish friend.

It's happening. The universe is righting itself. And it's a beautiful thing.

Deadline Day

It's tomorrow. And it's kind of a big deal.

Are you giddy with excitement? Or are you, like me, praying that come 3:00 PM eastern time on Wednesday, Tomas Kaberle is still a Toronto Maple Leaf? 

Look, you don't trade a guy with that much talent, at that price tag ($4.25 million), when you know the salary cap will be coming down. Period.

Plus, we need him for our PLAYOFFS! run.

Anyway, if you're hanging out on the internetz tomorrow, my man Down Goes Brown will be live-blogging the festivities, beginning first thing in the morning. Join him. And if he makes any rental player jokes about Mats Sundin, give him hell.

Dare to Dream (Read: PLAYOFFS!)

Forget about tanking. Forget about John Tavares. Start thinking about the playoffs.

After last night's magical come-from-behind overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators, with Curtis Joseph between the pipes no less (the Sens and their "fans" should be deeply ashamed), our Maple Leafs find themselves only seven points out of 8th, and eight points out of 7th, in the Eastern Conference.

It's the longest of long shots, but this Leafs team could actually make the playoffs. Believe it.

Want to know why? Vesa Toskala. The fashion-forward Finn put together one incredible month of hockey in February. He started nine games, and finished the abbreviated month with an unblemished regulation time record of 5-0-3. When he was the goalie of record, the Leafs picked up points in the standings. His save percentage, you ask? A tidy .912. 

It was his most productive month, by far. Here's hoping his save percentages of .887 in January, .875 in December, and .878 in November remain a distant memory.

Confidence starts and ends in the blue paint. When Toskala is on his game, and cutting his angles aggressively, the Leafs are a stingy team to beat. Period. The fact that Toronto has earned points in 12 of their last 15 games proves it.

Think about it: had Toskala been playing this way all season, the Leafs would likely be in the thick of the playoff race. This team has no trouble scoring goals - nine guys have registered 10 or more. It's keeping the puck out of their own net - keeping Vesa's legs closed - that has been the problem.

Let's face it, if you think the Leafs have a shot at John Tavares, and have had one all season, you're on the opposite end of the delusional spectrum as me. While you're dreaming of a high draft pick, I'm dreaming of an incredible late season run led by a rejuvenated and motivated Toskala and co.

Look, this doesn't have to be a lengthy rebuild. The Leafs have some pieces in place. I don't know about you, but a defence core next season with a top-four of Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Luke Schenn and Mike Van Ryn sounds pretty good to me. Throw in the incredible Ian White, who leads the team with a +11, and the most expensive sixth d-man in Jeff Finger, and the back end looks even better; strong, I must say.

Let's re-sign Nik Antropov, and Dommy Moore. And keep Kaberle, and Kubina, who is playing with incredible passion right now. Let's throw some of the cash we've got this summer Mike Cammalleri's way. Or Alex Tanguay's way. Or the Sedin twins' way. We've got options.

The way I see it, the Leafs are a top goalie away from competing in the Eastern Conference. And the way Toskala has played of late has me once again believing he can be that top goalie. Maybe even this season.

Fuck tanking. When the Leafs play, they play to win. They're playing with pride these days, and I'm rooting for them to win every single time I watch them. In the end, no matter where the Leafs end up drafting, they will have the opportunity to draft a good hockey player. Look at the New Jersey Devils, and the Detroit Red Wings. They find talent, and it's never with a top-five or a top-ten pick. The New York Islanders should be lesson enough that if you finish at the bottom of the standings year after year, you're not guaranteed to climb out of the basement, no matter who you draft.

The Leafs are seven points out of a playoff spot. And there are 19 hockey games left to play. Call me crazy, but I believe there could be playoff hockey come this spring, yet. 

Dare to dream, I say. Without hope, there is nothing. 

Deep Thoughts Vol. 18: Vesa's Back

I don't know what happened to the old, promiscuous Vesa Toskala. Matter of fact, I don't care. He's gone. And hopefully he's not coming back. Vesa's five-hole is no longer open for business, and that's all that matters.

So, a couple of public verbal floggings from Brian Burke and Ron Wilson, and some horrid play from Justin Pogge and his teammates, is all it took to get Toskala back into form? Seriously?

I don't know the answers. Why the hell do you think I'm asking you? But I'm guessing all Toskala needed was some motivation. And God knows Curtis "Old Yeller" Joseph wasn't providing it. Anyway, based on Vesa's recent play (3-0-1, .949 save %), Wilson and Burke look like the smartest guys in show business right now.

I must say, it's great to have the Vesa of old back in the fold. The good Vesa. The Vesa who can stop a few God damn pucks every now and then. He was sublime again last night, stopping 31 of 32 in regulation against the New York Rangers, and all three of their attempts in the shootout.

Yes, you read that correctly. Vesa Toskala stopped all three New York attempts in the shootout. Don't worry, after the game, I went out and bought me one of those scratch-and-win cards. I'll be yelling out "Bingo!" in my cubicle around 11:45 AM.

Toskala's save percentage now comes in at .888. Around these parts, we round up. So, that's 89%, my friends. Andrew Raycroft's checking in at .898. Keep doing what you're doing, Vesa. You're almost there, bro. No matter all the extremely distasteful things I've said about you this season, I still believe in you.

Bye Bye Bell

The forgotten man, Mark Bell, is now a New York Ranger. He hit the re-entry waiver wire yesterday and the Rangers, in their never-ending stupidity (see: Tortorella, John), claimed him. And, to think, I was excited about Bell joining Toronto a season and a half ago. Well done, John Ferguson Jr., well done.

Since he's a now officially a former Maple Leaf, Bell's career is on the upswing. Cue his career rejuvenation, starting...a now.

Kabby Ain't Going Nowhere

Brian Burke wants a first-round pick, a guy who can step in and play right now, and a top prospect for #15. Needless to say, Tomas Kaberle is going to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf past Wednesday's trade deadline, and I couldn't be happier about that.

To all those of you who were excited to see him go, cry me a God damn river.

Kaberle for life.

Mats Sundin: The Return...

The game on his stick, Mats Sundin did what he's done so many times in a blue and white jersey on Air Canada Centre ice: he sealed the deal. This time, wearing green as well, he did it to the Toronto Maple Leafs, instead of for them. And it was beautiful.

I doubt I could have written a better script: A beautiful standing ovation in Sundin's honour. Sixty-five minutes of entertaining hockey. A 2-2 game. A shootout equal at one. And Sundin, the yet to be replaced former Leafs captain, with the final word.

Backhand. Shelf. Stick side. Money.

A triumphant, and fitting, return. The game-winning goal. A first-star selection. And I was there. It was perfect.

Let's talk about that epic first period ovation. Leafs fans showed their class, and gave it up for their captain. I'm not sure I've ever heard the ACC any louder. The game waited. Chants of "Sundin! Sundin!" broke out. Mats got emotional. There may or may not have been some dust in my eye, causing severe discomfort to the point of tears. All of a sudden, my overpriced purple seats were worth every penny. It was magical.

Throughout the game, I hollered in support whenever Mats touched the puck. Some made the wrong decision to boo #13, but my fears of being severely let down by the Toronto faithful thankfully did not come to pass. Sundin was well received, as he should have been, and both Canucks and Leafs fans were cheering when he put the puck in the net to end the game.

Of course, there were the token douchebag Sundin haters. I happened to run into two of them after the game. The clowns, one of them with Xs through Sundin's name and number on his jersey, were yelling "Mats has the clap! Mats has the clap!," and talking smack to anyone in a Sundin jersey, myself included. As you can tell, really classy individuals.

Long story short, I: may or may not have engaged them in some intellectual conversation hurled some obscenities their way, am impressed by the promptness of security folk at the ACC, take the Mats-hating of others, especially drunk morons, way too seriously. For I am eyebleaf, "Lord of the Idiots."

While it was Sundin's night, I can't write about being in attendance without mentioning Vesa Toskala. He was fantastic. Went save-for-save with Bobby Luongo, the best goalie in the world, and looked good doing so. Way to not slut it up while I was in the building, Vesa.

Back to business. You know, I have memories of Sundin in a Quebec Nordiques uniform, so many years ago. I don't, however, remember him scoring against the Maple Leafs, although I'm pretty sure he did. After last night, I'll never forget.

About a year ago, we never got to properly say thanks, or say goodbye. Last night, we got to do both.

Thanks for everything, Mats. Including one more magical night. While you'll forever remain a Maple Leaf to me, you're now officially a Vancouver Canuck. Go and get that Cup.

Trip For Tavares

Well, the boys and I are off tonight to the great Canadian city of Brampton, Ontario, to take in some OHL hockey action.

It's the London Knights vs the Brampton Battalion. Word on the streets is that some dude named John Tavares plays for the Knights and, apparently, he's the shit.

So, we're going to see if all the hype around this guy is to be believed. We shelled out big bucks, $5 a ticket, so this Tavares fellow better not disappoint.

I like to think of the trip as a scouting mission. If the Hockey Gods choose to shine their light on the Toronto Maple Leafs (they never do), Tavares could be a Toronto Maple Leaf in June (it's not happening).

But I guess the point is that it could happen. One thing's for sure: the Leafs' goalies, especially the underwhelming Justin Pogge and laughable Vesa Toskala, are certainly doing their part.

Anyway, by "scouting mission," I of course mean that I'll be wearing my Leafs jersey, getting hammered on what I assume is cheap, junior hockey priced beer, and chanting "Go Leafs Go!" repeatedly.

It should be a most pleasant evening. Rest assured I'll let you know how it goes.

If you've got a message you'd like me to pass along to our boy, JT, drop 'em in the comments. I'll be sure to oblige. 

Exit Stage Right

It's official. I hate Vesa Toskala. After the Leafs opened the scoring last night in Tampa Bay, Toskala's promiscuous legs opened up, as well. And I don't have to tell you what happened next.

But I will anyway.

Before I could say "What the fuck, Vesa!?!," it was 4-1 Lightning. Four goals in four minutes and 13 seconds. Toskala's night was over, and rightfully so.

Twelve shots. Eight saves. And, for me, a broken heart.

I want Vesa to succeed. I want him to play well. As much as I rail on him, as much as I call him the sluttiest goalie in all the land, I want him to win. I'm a goalie. I hate to see one of my own go through the type of season he's going through. Especially after the effort he gave Toronto last year. 

But I can't support him anymore. Not when he looks completely indifferent, night in and night out, in the crease. It's killing me.

I truly believe that with a goalie who could provide NHL-calibre goaltending, this Leafs team might be fighting for a playoff spot. I know, it's not what's best for the franchise right now, but in my utter and beautiful shortsightedness, I want nothing more than to watch Toronto Maple Leafs playoff action.

I'm done with Vesa. I know I'm giving up on him without much of a fight, but it's over between us. I deserve better. I'm sorry, but there's not much left to look forward to but the day he is no longer wearing the blue and white.

Saturday, Leafs and Penguins. Two words: Pogge time.

*UPDATE*

Vesa and I are back together. 

Once the emotion subsided, I had a talk with Kimberlass, of the infamous Puck Huffers. She's got a soft spot for Toskala, and she, in her endless wisdom, convinced me that I cannot abandon him in his darkest hour. As a goalie, it's my duty to support him, especially when he's lower than he's ever been.

So, I apologized to Vesa. Things are tough right now, but we have to believe we'll get through it.

Make no mistake about it, though, Vesa slept on the couch last night.

Is there anything better....?

Greetings from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Yes, the land of the Staals. All of them. Does anyone want to fill me in on the fourth brother's name? I can only name three of them.

Anyway. On to more important things. 

You know, no matter how poorly this season has gone for Toronto, for some reason, I'm able to get up (giggity) for games between the Leafs and Habs.

Last night was no exception. I was out with my work peoples, a large contingent of them Montreal fans, and I was representing in my blue and white jersey. It had to be done. And the Leafs, for once, did not disappoint. Even Vesa Toskala, goaltending slut extraordinaire, was on top of his game.

Seriously, though. Is there anything better than watching Luke Schenn, the soon-to-be captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, score his first career goal against les habitants in Montreal? He played 25:47 last night, and was a force. His goal was hopefully the first of many against the Canadiens.

Is there anything better than having the Montreal faithful boo Mickey Grabs, only to see him play an influential role on a second-period goal by Nikolai Kulemin? Suck it, Habs fans. And Kostitsyn - I don't care which one -  is still a pussy.

Is there anything better than watching Carey Price squirm like a mother fucker during his post-game interview, trying to dissect his most-pathetic performance? I mean, Price was waving after each puck that went past him. He was straight guessing out there. It was glorious. Hey Carey, where's your Usain Bolt impression now, honey?

Is there anything better than seeing Brad May step up and fight Georges Laraque? May clearly isn't the smartest tool in the shed, accepting an invitation from the undisputed heavyweight champion of the woooooorld, but the man has guts, and I can respect that.

Is there anything better than seeing Jason Blake rip two wrist shots past the aforementioned Price? A little game-winning goal action, please! I've got him in my pool. I heart #55. He's on pace for 30 goals. Fist pumps all around.

And how about that penalty killing effort? Is there anything better than seeing the Leafs brush off seven-of-eight? The only goal the Habs were able to score with the man-advantage came when the Leafs were two men down.

Most of all, though, is there anything better than seeing Vesa Toskala make some God damn stops? Thirty-one saves on thirty-three shots. Imagine that. It's no joke: your best penalty killer is always your goaltender. Well done, Vesa. Way to not whore it up for one night. Don't you feel better about yourself?

And, while I know it's not totally Leafs related, is there anything better than seeing Mats Sundin pick up three points in an ass-kicking of the Chicago Blackhawks by the Vancouver Canucks? Do your thing, Mats. Get those legs under you. I'll see you in a couple of weeks, my dear.

Unless you're an idiot, it's obvious that the answer to all of the above rhetorical questions is a resounding "no." Beating the Montreal Canadiens never gets old. No matter where the Leafs are in the standings. 

Quel Surprise!

The Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 3-1 lead in the third period last night.

Florida scored on their only power play of the game, with 53 seconds left on the clock, to send the contest to extras.

Former Leaf Bryan McCabe, whom Leafs fans ridiculously jeer every time he touches the puck, scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a shot Vesa "I'm a goaltending slut" Toskala should easily have stopped.

Yeah. That's about right.

Oh, and remember, I told you not to boo McCabe. I've got to admit, I'm happy for him.

The Raycrap Report Vol. 8: Walking on Sunshine...

Sorry mates. I wanted to write this post on Friday, but I was stuck up on cloud nine. I don't know about you, but in the aftermath of the beating the Maple Leafs laid on Andrew Raycroft, I was beaming. It just felt great to be alive.

Seven goals. On 30 shots. A truly Raycroftian performance. And I enjoyed every bloody minute of it.

I took in the festivities at a local establishment. I was hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst (read: I was drinking). Thankfully, in a 4-4 game, Raycroft did in the third period what he does best: suck.

Now, let's not kid ourselves. A goaltending duel the game most certainly was not. Raycroft made only 23 saves, while Vesa Toskala was whorishly bad as well, getting in front of only 16 of the 20 shots he faced.

But, like I wrote about in my previous post, Thursday night wasn't about the Vesa. He was awful (I think Cujo - Cujo! - could have stopped that Hejduk wraparound in the second period), but Raycroft was even sluttier.

Of course, as is the case when any team plays Raycrap, slumps were broken. Nik Antropov scored for the first time in 17 games, Mickey Grabs got off the snide after 12, and Matt Stajan scored his first goal in eight contests. Hell, even Jeff Finger got in on the act. And, don't look now, but Jason Blake, with another three points, is a point away from becoming Toronto's leading scorer this season.

Andrew Raycroft: the greatest slump-breaker in the game today. If only the Leafs could play against him more often.

Thanks to the Maple Leafs, Raycroft's goals against average now sits at 3.01, and his save percentage is back where it belongs, below the .900 threshold, at .895. Way to make me proud, boys. And way to get up for the big game, Andrew.

You know, Thursday night's game might have been the highlight of the season for me. By the time it was all said and done, I was in my happy place. So much so that I picked up the tab for the boys. It had to be done. It was a celebration - or rather, vindication - after all.