Leafs Faceoff Follies
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it no secret that they are in rebuilding mode, or more accurately for long time followers, building mode. That is no excuse for poor performance in the faceoff circle. A centre snagging the puck doesn't guarantee a goal right off the draw but it certainly makes it harder for the opposition to pot the puck into the twine.
With faceoff specialists in the form of Joe Nieuwendyk as Special Assistant to the General Manager and Keith Acton as Assistant Coach this is one area where the Leafs have an excellent opportunity for improvement. Nieuwendyk no doubt has a lot of paper work to deal with in his day job, but surely Acton could spend more time on faceoffs with his pivots. Dealing with draws is done but these days the stats show it needs more practice.
Pittsburgh beat Toronto 4-1 last night but looking at the faceoff stats that's no surprise:
Mayers - 3/5 - 60%
Grabovski - 5/10 - 50%
Stajan - 2/4 - 50%
Antropov - 2/5 - 40%
Mitchell - 5/14 - 36%
Moore - 4/16 - 25%
Compare that to Pittsburgh's pivots:
Crosby - 16/22 - 73%
Talbot - 5/8 - 63%
Staal - 7/12 - 58%
Zigomanis - 5/11 -45%
Head-to-head versus Crosby no Leafs centre could win more than 50% of the draws against him.
9-out-of-12 games played tonight were won by the team with the better faceoff stats. In the age of the salary cap, puck possession off the draw is as cost effective as it gets.
Showing posts with label Leafs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leafs. Show all posts
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hockey Central? Not By a Long Shot
Toronto is not the Centre of the Hockey Universe; it is merely the Capital of Leafs Nation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to sell out game after game, season after sub-par season. The Marlies, 3rd in the AHL, North division leaders, clinched a playoff spot a week before the Leafs lost their post season dance tickets. According to the game sheet, attendance at Ricoh that night was 4 309. I was at the arena and to say 1500 bums were in seats would be generous.
Leafs lemmings blindly shell out $50.00 for standing room to watch the Leafs lose, yet $40.00 gets a platinum seat to the Marlies. $120.00 gets 4 tickets, 4 pops, 4 popcorn and 4 hot dogs at Ricoh! At the ACC that gets a couple three hours leaning against a cold rail, as far from the ice as possible.
A 30 minute schlep from the ACC gets you even more bang for your hockey bucks. Just over $500.00, the cost of two golds at Always Counting Cash, buys season tickets for the Mississauga St. Mike's Majors. They even throw in the parking and programs! MLSE just seems to throw in the towel. The Majors prices are similar for the other 6 0HL teams within an hour of the Big Smoke.
Brampton and Mississauga were both in the OHL playoffs, yet struggled to fill the seats.
This isn't a new phenomenom. In the 1970s, Toronto's WHA team, the Toros managed at best 10 000 fans at Maple Leaf Gardens. That was largely due to star players Frank Mahovlich, Paul Henderson amd Vaclav Nedomansky.
The Toronto Roadrunners, Edmonton's AHL affiliate had a terrible time getting crowds to Ricoh Coliseum. Pundits placed the blame on bad location and no connection to the Leafs. Location is a non issue; over 1 million people manage to get there just fine during the CNE, thank you very much. Toronto FC fans have no problem getting to BMO Field, and they're not smarter than hockey fans. If they were they wouldn't be at a footie match!
Lacking a Leafs connection is another baseless argument. The Marlies have a 100 year long umbilical cord to the Leafs. For 62 years the Toronto Marlboros were the Buds breeding ground. Despite that, they still had rough spells when it came to ticket sales.
You see, you can't say Torontonians are hockey fans. The ticket take screams otherwise.
Sorry Hogtown, you're Leafs greatest fans, definitely not hockey's.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to sell out game after game, season after sub-par season. The Marlies, 3rd in the AHL, North division leaders, clinched a playoff spot a week before the Leafs lost their post season dance tickets. According to the game sheet, attendance at Ricoh that night was 4 309. I was at the arena and to say 1500 bums were in seats would be generous.
Leafs lemmings blindly shell out $50.00 for standing room to watch the Leafs lose, yet $40.00 gets a platinum seat to the Marlies. $120.00 gets 4 tickets, 4 pops, 4 popcorn and 4 hot dogs at Ricoh! At the ACC that gets a couple three hours leaning against a cold rail, as far from the ice as possible.
A 30 minute schlep from the ACC gets you even more bang for your hockey bucks. Just over $500.00, the cost of two golds at Always Counting Cash, buys season tickets for the Mississauga St. Mike's Majors. They even throw in the parking and programs! MLSE just seems to throw in the towel. The Majors prices are similar for the other 6 0HL teams within an hour of the Big Smoke.
Brampton and Mississauga were both in the OHL playoffs, yet struggled to fill the seats.
This isn't a new phenomenom. In the 1970s, Toronto's WHA team, the Toros managed at best 10 000 fans at Maple Leaf Gardens. That was largely due to star players Frank Mahovlich, Paul Henderson amd Vaclav Nedomansky.
The Toronto Roadrunners, Edmonton's AHL affiliate had a terrible time getting crowds to Ricoh Coliseum. Pundits placed the blame on bad location and no connection to the Leafs. Location is a non issue; over 1 million people manage to get there just fine during the CNE, thank you very much. Toronto FC fans have no problem getting to BMO Field, and they're not smarter than hockey fans. If they were they wouldn't be at a footie match!
Lacking a Leafs connection is another baseless argument. The Marlies have a 100 year long umbilical cord to the Leafs. For 62 years the Toronto Marlboros were the Buds breeding ground. Despite that, they still had rough spells when it came to ticket sales.
You see, you can't say Torontonians are hockey fans. The ticket take screams otherwise.
Sorry Hogtown, you're Leafs greatest fans, definitely not hockey's.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Heroics & Hysterics
Hockey is a game of heroics, and hysterics. No team serves them up better than the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Right when we thought it was safe to order Stamkos sweaters, the Leafs started to pull wins out of their asses. Last night's game was no ordinary victory.
The Leafs coming back from behind, coming back from 3-nothing, coming back from a 2 period long coma, coming back on Sundin's spine once again, was a message from the players themselves.
The message was clear: we love our teammates, our fans, our pride.
Mats Sundin and Pavel Kubina, considered selfish, stupid bastards a few weeks ago for not waiving their No Trade Clauses were the reason the Leafs won this game.
Sundin, as usual, spoke first – the sound of a slap shot landing behind Biron was sweet music to Leafs fans. Kubina hit another note with his goal, one that rang with hope. Jeremy Williams, goal-a-game Williams struck an even chord. Kubina's overtime heroics were the booming bass that sent Tank Nation into hysterics.
Too little, too late? For the playoffs, most likely. For pride? It's never too late to play for pride.
It's never too late to play for the fans. Kubina handed his stick to a fan after the game; he'd left his heart on the ice.
Right when we thought it was safe to order Stamkos sweaters, the Leafs started to pull wins out of their asses. Last night's game was no ordinary victory.
The Leafs coming back from behind, coming back from 3-nothing, coming back from a 2 period long coma, coming back on Sundin's spine once again, was a message from the players themselves.
The message was clear: we love our teammates, our fans, our pride.
Mats Sundin and Pavel Kubina, considered selfish, stupid bastards a few weeks ago for not waiving their No Trade Clauses were the reason the Leafs won this game.
Sundin, as usual, spoke first – the sound of a slap shot landing behind Biron was sweet music to Leafs fans. Kubina hit another note with his goal, one that rang with hope. Jeremy Williams, goal-a-game Williams struck an even chord. Kubina's overtime heroics were the booming bass that sent Tank Nation into hysterics.
Too little, too late? For the playoffs, most likely. For pride? It's never too late to play for pride.
It's never too late to play for the fans. Kubina handed his stick to a fan after the game; he'd left his heart on the ice.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Leafs Pushing Their Luck
Note: I am repeating myself on purpose in this post. For a school assignment I have to write 2 blog posts on the same topic, one for a sports station update, the other for a news sports update.
------------------------------
Sports
Whether your Leafs shot glasses are half full or half empty, one certain is that the Toronto Maple Leafs are pushing their luck. Those with the half full hooch holders maintain the Buds are pushing towards a playoff spot. The people with the half empty ones are convinced the team is pushing their way out of the Stamkos sweepstakes; the annual ninth or nothing stampede doesn't sit well with them.
I've come to the conclusion that after the Top Two draft picks, it's a roll of the dice, "draft schmaft" to quote current GM Cliff Fletcher. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not bad enough to end up last. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not good enough to guarantee making the playoffs.
What's a fan to do in this dastardly dilemna? Enjoy some good hockey. I don't give a damn if it's too little too late. Seeing Sundin's post score smile is something we should all be happy to see regardless of the standings.
--------------------------------------
News
Toronto Maple Leafs fans are divided into two groups. "Tank Nation" which expects the team to deliberately lose in the hopes of clinching a top draft pick, and the "Parade Planners", who believe the Leafs can win all their remaining games, get into the playoffs, and finally win the Stanley Cup.
I teetered towards tanking. Historically the draft is a roulette spin past the top pick. Professional athletes didn't get where they are by packing it in. The Leafs won't deliberately lose. This Leafs fan is simply going to sit back and enjoy the victories as they happen.
------------------------------
Sports
Whether your Leafs shot glasses are half full or half empty, one certain is that the Toronto Maple Leafs are pushing their luck. Those with the half full hooch holders maintain the Buds are pushing towards a playoff spot. The people with the half empty ones are convinced the team is pushing their way out of the Stamkos sweepstakes; the annual ninth or nothing stampede doesn't sit well with them.
I've come to the conclusion that after the Top Two draft picks, it's a roll of the dice, "draft schmaft" to quote current GM Cliff Fletcher. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not bad enough to end up last. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not good enough to guarantee making the playoffs.
What's a fan to do in this dastardly dilemna? Enjoy some good hockey. I don't give a damn if it's too little too late. Seeing Sundin's post score smile is something we should all be happy to see regardless of the standings.
--------------------------------------
News
Toronto Maple Leafs fans are divided into two groups. "Tank Nation" which expects the team to deliberately lose in the hopes of clinching a top draft pick, and the "Parade Planners", who believe the Leafs can win all their remaining games, get into the playoffs, and finally win the Stanley Cup.
I teetered towards tanking. Historically the draft is a roulette spin past the top pick. Professional athletes didn't get where they are by packing it in. The Leafs won't deliberately lose. This Leafs fan is simply going to sit back and enjoy the victories as they happen.
Weekend at the Rink
Big rinks boast amenities a plenty but hockey's heart beats loudest in local rinks. That's where I spent most of my time this weekend. I experienced the excitement of house league playoffs. My spawn and his team mates had a 7-0 victory; don't let the score fool you. The competition never let up; it was a goalie having a house league career game that made the difference!
After Spawn's game, we walked over to the bigger rink and watched the St. Mike's Majors take on the Ottawa 67s. Things looked dim for the Majors. Down 1-0 until Kyle Neuber scored his first OHL career goal, the Majors picked up their energy. Casey Cizikas notched the game winner.
The hockey marathon continued when we got home. Saturday nights in our home mean Hockey Night in Canada. Being a fan of Russian hockey, it was a treat to see the Washington Capitals Russian roster - Fedorov, Ovechkin, Semin, host the Toronto Maple Leafs. I got the best of both worlds - Ovechkin scored and the Leafs won!
Sunday morning it was hockey practice. For this night owl, waking up that early on a weekend - UGH. With only a couple more to go, I'll miss them.
Lucky for me I need never look far to get a hockey fix.
After Spawn's game, we walked over to the bigger rink and watched the St. Mike's Majors take on the Ottawa 67s. Things looked dim for the Majors. Down 1-0 until Kyle Neuber scored his first OHL career goal, the Majors picked up their energy. Casey Cizikas notched the game winner.
The hockey marathon continued when we got home. Saturday nights in our home mean Hockey Night in Canada. Being a fan of Russian hockey, it was a treat to see the Washington Capitals Russian roster - Fedorov, Ovechkin, Semin, host the Toronto Maple Leafs. I got the best of both worlds - Ovechkin scored and the Leafs won!
Sunday morning it was hockey practice. For this night owl, waking up that early on a weekend - UGH. With only a couple more to go, I'll miss them.
Lucky for me I need never look far to get a hockey fix.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Leafs vs. Panthers. 27.02.08
The Toronto Maple Leafs are frequent flyers in their annual flight to finish 9th in the East! They have won 5 of their last 6 games, 6 points out of a playoff spot.
Some in Leafs Nation have been drinking the kool-aid, eating the 'shrooms and think the Leafs are now playoff contenders. Seriously - no drug can be THAT powerful.
The Buds nipped away at the Panthers' heels Wednesday night, taking 2 points. Jeremy Williams scored the first Leafs goal. Williams now holds the record for a quirky stat: he is the only NHLer to have scored a goal a game in an NHL games in 3 separate years.
It was yet again, Mats Sundin donning his Captain Clutch Helmet to steal the game. Sundin's second of the game, with barely a minute remaining in regulation, tied the game. Tomas Kaberle was the lone scorer in the shootout, sealing the deal for the Leafs.
Some in Leafs Nation have been drinking the kool-aid, eating the 'shrooms and think the Leafs are now playoff contenders. Seriously - no drug can be THAT powerful.
The Buds nipped away at the Panthers' heels Wednesday night, taking 2 points. Jeremy Williams scored the first Leafs goal. Williams now holds the record for a quirky stat: he is the only NHLer to have scored a goal a game in an NHL games in 3 separate years.
It was yet again, Mats Sundin donning his Captain Clutch Helmet to steal the game. Sundin's second of the game, with barely a minute remaining in regulation, tied the game. Tomas Kaberle was the lone scorer in the shootout, sealing the deal for the Leafs.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Leafs vs. Caps, Along With Why I've Been Gone
What a night! A friend of mine couldn't go to the Leafs/Caps game at ACC tonight so I got the tickets from him at face value. In most cities that would be normal but here tickets for the season are sold within a couple hours on the first day so it is always a big deal to get them.
Our seats were in the gods but a great view. I couldn't have asked for a better script, Ovechkin scored a goal for the Caps, but with 30 seconds left in a tie game, Captain Crunch(Mats Sundin) scored the game winner.
The people behind us were hilarious, a bit soused but great fun. They kept hollering "BOYD FRANCHISE DEVERAUX" and swore a lot, but they were so entertaining.
When we were waiting to leave after the game, I noticed one of the guys was using a Carlton(Leafs mascot) hand puppet as a beer cup holder! I asked him if he bought it at the arena because I'd love to get one and he just gave it to us, to "make up for all the swearing" What a nice guy! My kid named his new acquisition Mats Boyd Sundin.
As for where the hell I've been the past few weeks, I had to give myself a crash course in sports other than hockey. Apparently they really do exist! The reason is that I've been accepted into a brand new private college, devoted exclusively to sports media. Radio, TV, print, online - they have promised to teach us all we need to know to get started in the biz. Despite not knowing much about basketball, football, or baseball my passion for hockey, along with my voice and writing skills helped me get my foot in the door.
My emotions run the gamut from nervous as a virgin during Fleet Week to sheer joy. For over 20 years I have wanted a career in broadcasting and dabbled in it until life gave me other plans. I always knew I'd end up back in school but never expected it to happen so quickly, quickly being a relative term. This is an overnight decision that took 20 years! Simply put, this opportunity is too good to let slip away, and people in the field have told me this is what they'd do of they were not already in media.
Wish me luck, and if I don't get to this often, it's because I'll be working ym way towards a diploma.
Our seats were in the gods but a great view. I couldn't have asked for a better script, Ovechkin scored a goal for the Caps, but with 30 seconds left in a tie game, Captain Crunch(Mats Sundin) scored the game winner.
The people behind us were hilarious, a bit soused but great fun. They kept hollering "BOYD FRANCHISE DEVERAUX" and swore a lot, but they were so entertaining.
When we were waiting to leave after the game, I noticed one of the guys was using a Carlton(Leafs mascot) hand puppet as a beer cup holder! I asked him if he bought it at the arena because I'd love to get one and he just gave it to us, to "make up for all the swearing" What a nice guy! My kid named his new acquisition Mats Boyd Sundin.
As for where the hell I've been the past few weeks, I had to give myself a crash course in sports other than hockey. Apparently they really do exist! The reason is that I've been accepted into a brand new private college, devoted exclusively to sports media. Radio, TV, print, online - they have promised to teach us all we need to know to get started in the biz. Despite not knowing much about basketball, football, or baseball my passion for hockey, along with my voice and writing skills helped me get my foot in the door.
My emotions run the gamut from nervous as a virgin during Fleet Week to sheer joy. For over 20 years I have wanted a career in broadcasting and dabbled in it until life gave me other plans. I always knew I'd end up back in school but never expected it to happen so quickly, quickly being a relative term. This is an overnight decision that took 20 years! Simply put, this opportunity is too good to let slip away, and people in the field have told me this is what they'd do of they were not already in media.
Wish me luck, and if I don't get to this often, it's because I'll be working ym way towards a diploma.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Right to Play Skate
There is a wonderful charity called Right to Play This year, for the second time they hold an event called Right to Play Skate.
I had not heard of this until a friend mentioned it. Seeing how it was for an excellent cause, fit into my schedule and would have Toronto Maple Leafs past and present, I signed up, donated, loaded up the skates in the hockey bag, and headed down with my child in tow. I discovered the hard way that whilst a bag with 2 pairs of skates and a helmet is not terribly heavy, it is an unbalanced load! It all kept going to one side, so I looked like a hunchback walking from St. George station to Varsity Arena.
Kudos to Jeff Marek and Elliote Friedman for their excellent MC duties. They both did a good job.
The biggest news from the event is that I didn't fall once during the entire 2 hours I was on the ice. I started out right next to the boards but managed to work my way up to being faster than the 3 year olds, and by the end of the skate I could skate as good as a 5th grader...from The South! At least I did it, and had a blast. For me the joy of skating is when you finally find your groove, a feeling summed up in the classic song "River"
One gentleman in particular was every helpful, skating between me and the boards, offering me much needed encouragement. Being a one sport woman, I had no clue that it was Mike O'Shea of the Toronto Argonauts! My heartfelt thanks, Mr. O'Shea.
The celebrities scheduled were:
* John Pohl - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Alexander Steen - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Bates Battaglia - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Vesa Toskala - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Andy Wozniewski - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Marnie McBean - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Mike O'Shea - Toronto Argonauts, linebacker
* Bryan Crawford - Toronto Argonauts
* Billy Bridges - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Sledge Hockey
* Josee Chouinard - Olympian, Figure Skating
* Jane Rumball - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Darcy Marquardt - Olympian, Rowing
* Sabrina Kolker - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Anna-Marie de Zwager - Olympian, Rowing
* Erin McLean - Women's Softball
* Andrew Hayley - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Swimming
* Mandy Cronin - Canadian Women's Hockey League, Brampton Thunder
* Kevin Sally - Archery (retired)
* Peter Zezel - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Jack Valiquette - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Gary Leeman - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Mike Pelyk - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Lou Franceschetti - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Marilyn Ruth Take - Figure Skating (retired)
I got autographs from Leafs past and present. Zezel signed my Mogilny jersey in the spot I was saving for AlMo(the closest to my heart), but I'll forgive him since he is the Honest Ed of Toronto hockey. Of course the fact that he is part Slavic helps! To nase! as my Ukie friends always holler. Funny that the two autographs on my jersey which are literally closest to my heart are from members of that great Leafs team from 92-93 that showed so much of it - Zezel & Clark.
I had brief chats with Bates Battaglia, Gary Leeman, Alexander Steen and Elliotte Friedman from The Score.
With Battaglia we discussed memories of the Carolina/Toronto conference final, or more accurately my memories. He said he is surprised how long the memories of Leafs fans go about things like that. The last thing I said to him was "Nce talking with you - hopefully you're around for a while." He was put on waivers this morning...oops, sorry 'bout that.
I told Leeman he was one of the few bright spots during the Darkest Days of Leafdom. He was genuinely pleased and jokingly said it's always a dark time for Leafs fans. Indeed we are our own worst enemies but you have to admit we never lose hope. We got a chuckle out of that.
From Alexander Steen I learned that yes, they did indeed practice Sunday morning. He said most players were not on the ice but they were working out - no free ride from Paul Maurice.
Wozniewski and Pohl were also there but I didn't have a chance to really chat with them. I didn't get to Jack Valiquette(who looked like a slim Santa) or Bill Derlago, but my son won a soccer ball autographed by all the athletes present. He also tore up the ice for 2.5 hours; the only thing I tore up was some flesh on my legs. Ah, the joys of skate bite!
I had not heard of this until a friend mentioned it. Seeing how it was for an excellent cause, fit into my schedule and would have Toronto Maple Leafs past and present, I signed up, donated, loaded up the skates in the hockey bag, and headed down with my child in tow. I discovered the hard way that whilst a bag with 2 pairs of skates and a helmet is not terribly heavy, it is an unbalanced load! It all kept going to one side, so I looked like a hunchback walking from St. George station to Varsity Arena.
Kudos to Jeff Marek and Elliote Friedman for their excellent MC duties. They both did a good job.
The biggest news from the event is that I didn't fall once during the entire 2 hours I was on the ice. I started out right next to the boards but managed to work my way up to being faster than the 3 year olds, and by the end of the skate I could skate as good as a 5th grader...from The South! At least I did it, and had a blast. For me the joy of skating is when you finally find your groove, a feeling summed up in the classic song "River"
One gentleman in particular was every helpful, skating between me and the boards, offering me much needed encouragement. Being a one sport woman, I had no clue that it was Mike O'Shea of the Toronto Argonauts! My heartfelt thanks, Mr. O'Shea.
The celebrities scheduled were:
* John Pohl - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Alexander Steen - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Bates Battaglia - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Vesa Toskala - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Andy Wozniewski - Toronto Maple Leafs
* Marnie McBean - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Mike O'Shea - Toronto Argonauts, linebacker
* Bryan Crawford - Toronto Argonauts
* Billy Bridges - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Sledge Hockey
* Josee Chouinard - Olympian, Figure Skating
* Jane Rumball - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Darcy Marquardt - Olympian, Rowing
* Sabrina Kolker - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Rowing
* Anna-Marie de Zwager - Olympian, Rowing
* Erin McLean - Women's Softball
* Andrew Hayley - Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Swimming
* Mandy Cronin - Canadian Women's Hockey League, Brampton Thunder
* Kevin Sally - Archery (retired)
* Peter Zezel - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Jack Valiquette - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Gary Leeman - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Mike Pelyk - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Lou Franceschetti - Toronto Maple Leafs, alumni
* Marilyn Ruth Take - Figure Skating (retired)
I got autographs from Leafs past and present. Zezel signed my Mogilny jersey in the spot I was saving for AlMo(the closest to my heart), but I'll forgive him since he is the Honest Ed of Toronto hockey. Of course the fact that he is part Slavic helps! To nase! as my Ukie friends always holler. Funny that the two autographs on my jersey which are literally closest to my heart are from members of that great Leafs team from 92-93 that showed so much of it - Zezel & Clark.
I had brief chats with Bates Battaglia, Gary Leeman, Alexander Steen and Elliotte Friedman from The Score.
With Battaglia we discussed memories of the Carolina/Toronto conference final, or more accurately my memories. He said he is surprised how long the memories of Leafs fans go about things like that. The last thing I said to him was "Nce talking with you - hopefully you're around for a while." He was put on waivers this morning...oops, sorry 'bout that.
I told Leeman he was one of the few bright spots during the Darkest Days of Leafdom. He was genuinely pleased and jokingly said it's always a dark time for Leafs fans. Indeed we are our own worst enemies but you have to admit we never lose hope. We got a chuckle out of that.
From Alexander Steen I learned that yes, they did indeed practice Sunday morning. He said most players were not on the ice but they were working out - no free ride from Paul Maurice.
Wozniewski and Pohl were also there but I didn't have a chance to really chat with them. I didn't get to Jack Valiquette(who looked like a slim Santa) or Bill Derlago, but my son won a soccer ball autographed by all the athletes present. He also tore up the ice for 2.5 hours; the only thing I tore up was some flesh on my legs. Ah, the joys of skate bite!
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