Game 62: Capitals @ Maple Leafs, 7:00 CBC

[itsgametime]

That should have been a penalty - more obvious trip than the one called on Kessel.

Connolly, you idiot.

its the refs fault

That they missed that call? I agree.

no, it the refs fault that the leafs suck

 

[itsgametime]

complaints about Kessels shot selection...complaints about the ref.  too funny

 

[Jalili]

I think the core problem was the management never had a complete rebuild mentality. At the end of the day players like Kessel and Phaneuf are complimentary pieces.  They are core players to be sure, but they aren't the type to lead you to the promised land.  The issue I have with Burke is he has sold them as such when the fans knew better.  Rick Nash isn't one of those type of players either.  What the Leafs need is a strong young player with intangibles like Jonathan Toews.  Wasting assets to get complimentary pieces is always going to prevent Leaf management from procuring a like player like this.  We've already given up a franchise goalie for Andrew Raycroft, a first and second round pick for Toskala, and two first round picks and a second for Kessel.  All these assets were wasted when the Leafs were either at the bottom of the league, or very close to it.  That is terrible asset management.  Getting a player of the ilk of Nash will only compound our problems.

You have it all wrong my dude. It's the fans who lack any patience, not the organization. If anyone is to blame, it's the fans.

 

[Coderaspberry]

Where is this intensity for the first 55 minutes?  It's clearly in them, but why can't it be brought out earlier?

 

[Stronger Than All]

this stupid comeback better fall short

WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

 

[Derk]

That should have been a penalty - more obvious trip than the one called on Kessel.

Connolly, you idiot.

its the refs fault

That they missed that call? I agree.

no, it the refs fault that the leafs suck

No, it's the Leafs fault the Leafs suck.

It was annoying that the refs missed some obvious calls that could have helped the Leafs make things more interesting.

They had some really good chances in the 3rd and could have tied it, but didn't capitalize. Too bad.

 

[ZBBM]

As for cutting the knees out from "poor" Ron Wilson, sorry but he hasn't exactly accomplished much to this point in time. His record speaks for itself. The kids could probably learn more from a new coach at this point in time.

Yep.  This joke of a game seals the deal.  I think it's critical to deal Grabs now much as I hate to see him go. 

 

[barney_rebel]

We stink dudes...

 

[cw]

I tell you, this will sound completely far-fetched but I think a fundamental rethink of the core of the team is in order.  I just have some deep-seated doubts whether this team will ever achieve much built around Kessel and Phaneuf.  They are both talented but flawed players who lack inner mettle.  Neither strikes me as the team leader really need.

I don't think it's far fetched. I feel similarly about both players. Neither strike me a true impact players that could carry a team - particularly when the going gets tougher in the playoffs. Both flirt with it but neither have demonstrated they'll be consistent enough in that way.

 

[Derk]

complaints about Kessels shot selection...complaints about the ref.  too funny

What do you want? Compliments? Leafs are mired in a slump that has carried them out of a playoff spot. You may not have noticed this, but the GDT thread is full of moment-to-moment complaints based on moment-to-moment plays in the game. It's what happens when people get frustrated with the team they cheer for.

 

[Jeremiad]

I tell you, this will sound completely far-fetched but I think a fundamental rethink of the core of the team is in order.  I just have some deep-seated doubts whether this team will ever achieve much built around Kessel and Phaneuf.  They are both talented but flawed players who lack inner mettle.  Neither strikes me as the team leader really need.

I don't think it's far fetched. I feel similarly about both players. Neither strike me a true impact players that could carry a team - particularly when the going gets tougher in the playoffs. Both flirt with it but neither have demonstrated they'll be consistent enough in that way.

In my view, Phaneuf is the problem. The only way Kessel is expected to lead is by putting the puck in the net and he's been doing that. Phaneuf is completely inadequate as captain if this team is ever going to go anywhere. Of course, the problem is way more widespread.

 

[Derk]

Florida wins in a shootout. Leafs are now 3 points out of 8th.

 

[cw]

As for cutting the knees out from "poor" Ron Wilson, sorry but he hasn't exactly accomplished much to this point in time. His record speaks for itself. The kids could probably learn more from a new coach at this point in time.

Yep.  This joke of a game seals the deal.  I think it's critical to deal Grabs now much as I hate to see him go.

Burke has said more than once that this is the time of year when desperate GMs get stupid and they make more mistakes in the 48 hrs before the deadline than they do in the other 363 days in the year. I agree with him. Cash in on those desperate suckers and continue to build up a good club. That's how we got Gardiner and Colborne, etc. So go fishing for a couple more of those guys. I'm sure we could use them to snag an elite player in the future if they don't impact the roster directly. You can't have too many good young players.

 

[pnjunction]

 

[Wendel's Fist]

The one good thing that I got out of this game is.......Cassie Campbell asked Burke the exact questions that every fan that was watching, wanted to ask.

Every "man" on the radio talks about those questions when Burke isn't around but can't seem to do it face to face or when he's on the phone.

I've got a whole new respect for Cassie.

 

[Bonsixx]

I tell you, this will sound completely far-fetched but I think a fundamental rethink of the core of the team is in order.  I just have some deep-seated doubts whether this team will ever achieve much built around Kessel and Phaneuf.  They are both talented but flawed players who lack inner mettle.  Neither strikes me as the team leader really need.

I don't think it's far fetched. I feel similarly about both players. Neither strike me a true impact players that could carry a team - particularly when the going gets tougher in the playoffs. Both flirt with it but neither have demonstrated they'll be consistent enough in that way.

Well, Kessel has 15 points (9G-6A) in 15 career NHL playoff games, so I'm not worried about him performing in the playoffs. He'll probably never, ever participate in a post-season game again, however...

 

[ZBBM]

The one good thing that I got out of this game is.......Cassie Campbell asked Burke the exact questions that every fan that was watching, wanted to ask.

Every "man" on the radio talks about those questions when Burke isn't around but can't seem to do it face to face or when he's on the phone.

I've got a whole new respect for Cassie.

I noted that myself.  First-class job by her.

 

[Zee]

The one good thing that I got out of this game is.......Cassie Campbell asked Burke the exact questions that every fan that was watching, wanted to ask.

Every "man" on the radio talks about those questions when Burke isn't around but can't seem to do it face to face or when he's on the phone.

I've got a whole new respect for Cassie.

I missed it what did she ask?

 

[pnjunction]

Well, Kessel has 15 points (9G-6A) in 15 career NHL playoff games, so I'm not worried about him performing in the playoffs. He'll probably never, ever participate in a post-season game again, however...

Oh I don't know about that, his Leaf contract is up in a couple of years.

 

[BermudaBudsFan]

Burke must trade Grabovski now.  He also must fire Wilson immediately and appoint Eakins.  It would be a huge mistake to let him leave and be a head coach elsewhere.