Playoffs!!! You’re Talking About Playoffs???
The Jim Mora quote when he was questioned about his Indianapolis Colts making the NFL Playoffs is a sports classic. Unfortunately for Maple Leaf fans, last night's 4-3 overtime loss to the lowly Carolina Panthers has them asking the same questions. A playoff team doesn't blow a 3-1 lead in the third period, especially against a team that is near the bottom of the National Hockey League.
Immediately there have been calls for Ron Wilson to start Jonas Gustavsson in goal but while James Reimer has had some problems since the end of the Christmas break, goaltending is only part of the problem. The underlying problem is the style of play that Leaf management wants which is basically firewagon hockey. Wilson wants his defensemen to carry the play and pinch in the other team's zone. That's fine when you are down a goal with under two minutes left. It's also fine when you are trying to make something happen. But when you have a two goal lead on the road it's a huge mistake.
The best game that the Leafs played this year on the road protecting a lead was their first game in Madison Square Garden. They had an aggressive forecheck hemming the Rangers in their own end and not allowing them to get any offensive momentum. There were not rushes by defensemen. The Leafs seemed to have forgotten that game.
It is very apparent that the Leafs miss John-Michael Liles. His steadiness, veteran leadership and quarterbacking the first power play unit is something that the team could use right now. Having Liles back would also allow Wilson to sit one of his struggling young defensemen who are having a brutal last week of December.
Do I think this team can make the playoffs??? Yes I do but it has to be more defensively responsible. It also needs to realize that they haven't won anything yet so they need to play hard every shift. Their best players need to be their best players. And James Reimer needs to play like a number one goaltender. By the way, I haven't even mentioned penalty killing but improvement there is a given. At the end of the day making the playoffs will not be easy but it is attainable. What concerns me is whether or not Ron Wilson has the ability to adapt the style of play to the game situation. Not many teams can be successful playing firewagon hockey. Hopefully, Wilson & Company can realize that before it is too late.
Shaky Goaltending & Poor PK Lead To 5-3 Loss
About the only thing to like about Toronto's 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers last night was the fact that this team does not quit. However, shaky goaltending, poor penalty-killing(what else is new!) and defensive mistakes by Jake Gardiner and Luke Schenn were too much to overcome. Gardiner seemed to have bounced back after being relegated to the pressbox last week against the Sabres but last night was shaky in his own end and pinched too deep in the Florida zone which led to a breakway that James Reimer overplayed and the Panthers were back on top 2-1. With John-Michael Liles out, Coach Ron Wilson may have to limit Gardiner's ice time until the rookie gets back into form.
After the Leafs had scored to make it 4-3 midway through the third period, Luke Schenn's ill-advised rush into the Florida zone resulted in Tomas Fleischmann putting one past Jonas Gustavsson that essentially put the game away for the Panthers. Schenn is still young but in his third NHL season, he should know better than to think that he is going to stickhandle through 4 Panthers. There was no need for him to try and make something happen as there was plenty of time remaiining and the Leafs seemed to have the Panthers on their heels.
James Reimer probably had his worst game as a Toronto Maple Leaf allowing 3 goals on 8 shots. He should never have allowed the breakaway goal as the Panther player whiffed on the shot and it trickled past Reimer who was obviously fooled. I also thought that he should have stopped the first Panther goal. Jonas Gustavsson relieved Reimer and made some nice saves to keep the Leafs in the game. However, I thought he should have stopped Fleischmann's goal. All in all, the Leafs did not get the goaltending it needed last night and at the other end Jose Theodore was solid for the Panthers.
The Leaf penalty-killing continues to be a major problem. I don't understand how you can get a "too many men on the ice penalty" when you are shorthanded which resulted in a 5 on 3 situation which means that the Leafs will more than likely give up a goal which they proceeded to do. If the Leaf penalty-killing continues to be ineffective, this team will have a difficult time making the playoffs.
With Liles out, Wilson had Tim Connolly on the point with the team's first power play unit. Based on last night, I think that Wilson should pair Phaneuf with Gunnarsson and the second unit could be Gardiner with Cody Franson. Connolly was not able to really generate anything and a couple of times the Panthers were able to have their own scoring opportunities while short-handed. By the way, Franson has really impressed me with his ability to get hard shots on net from the point.
The Leafs head out to Carolina to face the Hurricanes Thursday night, who usually give the Leafs a tough game. As I mentioned yesterday, the Leafs need to get 4 out of possible 6 points on this road trip which means they need to win Thursday and Saturday in Winnipeg. I would think that Wilson will come back with Reimer in goal and the young netminder will be looking to bounce back quickly. Hopefully, the Leafs will have recovered from all of their Christmas cheer and give Leaf fans something to cheer about Thursday night.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if the New Orleans Saints wish they would have signed that contract extension with Drew Brees, here's what else is on my mind this morning:
* While there has been plenty of talk this year about Aaron Rodgers being the best quarterback in the NFL this season, after watching Drew Brees last night I think he needs to be in that conversation. I wonder how San Diego feels about letting him go however with Norv Turner at the helm I don't think it would matter. With Brees and the ability to run the ball, don't be surprised if New Orleans knocks off Green Bay in Lambeau.
* The AFC playoff picture is wide open. All of these teams seem to have flaws. Ben Roethlisberger's health and their offensive line makes the Steelers vulnerable. I have never been sold on Joe Flacco and nothing this season has changed my mind that he can lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl. And New England's defense is terrible and if you can pressure Brady you can beat the Patriots. As a result of all of this whoever wins the NFC will win the Super Bowl.
* The Maple Leafs begin a three game road trip tonight against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs need to continue to build off of their two wins prior to Christmas. After tonight, they play Carolina on Thursday and Winnipeg on Saturday. It is imperative to get 4 out of 6 points on this road trip.
* Plenty of talk about Ron Wilson's contract extension. Many are saying that Brian Burke should have waited to see if the team made the playoffs before an extension was given. I wouldn't have had a problem with that however I don't think it matters. If it's decided that Wilson must go, the Leafs certainly have the money to eat the salary. One thing that needs to be considered, this team has never quit on Wilson throughout his tenure in Toronto.
* The Browns season will mercifully come to an end this Sunday at home against the Steelers. Yesterday, Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that if the St.Louis Rams had the first pick in the draft that it would make plenty of sense for a deal to be made between the Rams and Browns. The Browns do have 2 first round picks this year having acquired Atlanta's first round pick. The Browns own pick is currently the fourth overall. I would flip that pick, the Browns 2012 3rd round pick and their 2013 first round pick to the Rams to get the first overall pick of the 2012 draft to get Andrew Luck.
* It is still all quiet in Yankeeland. I did see the Yankees luxury tax assessment is down from last season which seems to be consistent with what Joel Sherman reported a month or so ago. Looks like the Steinbrenner boys want to hold on to all of that cash that they are raking in. My 2012 prediction: as the Yankee roster currently sits they will win the AL East and get bounced in the first round.
* It's interesting that the only tickets that the Yankees raised for 2012 are the bleacher seats. One of the biggest criticisms of the new Yankee Stadium is the lack of atmosphere and that is attributed to the corporate season ticket holders that can afford the ridiculous ticket prices for seats throughout the lower bowl of the Stadium. Nothing like hitting up the true passionate fans of the team. It's really disgusting but indicative of the new regime in the Bronx headed up by Hal, Trost and Levine.
* Watched the Sabres-Capitals game last night and Pork Chop Jenneret was at his utmost ridiculous self. After a hit on Alexander Ovechkin, he asked Harry Neale about whether that hit was a Carrubba hit. Neale didn't answer and Jenneret began to scream, "I said that was a Carrubba hit". Throughout the game it appeared that both of these guys had one too many Labatt's.
* By the way can someone please tell Pork Chop how to say Zack Kassian's name??
* It's funny how a Bills and Sabres win has everyone all a flutter. A few days ago the world was coming to an end. The problem with both teams here in WNY is management. Ralph Wilson only cares about how much money he can make so he can increase the wealth of his team. As far as the Sabres go, Terry Pegula needs to make a move and get rid of Darcy Reiger.
*And finally some wishes for 2012: The Maple Leafs make the playoffs and win a playoff round, Jose Montero builds off of his September call-up and becomes the hitting machine that the Yankees have hoped for, that the Killer B's turn into a formidable one-two punch for the Yankee rotation, that the Browns win 8 games in 2012 (how pathetic is that), that some way somehow WNY gets another sports radio station to listen to besides WGR550, that Alabama beats LSU 14-13 to cause a controversy as to who the national champion should be, that the Miami Heat do not win the NBA Championship, that Sidney Crosby's career doesn't go the way of Eric Lindros, that Bud Selig steps down as Commissioner of Baseball, that something be done about the increasing number of concussions in the NFL and NHL and that each and everyone of you who reads this has a Happy and Healthy 2012!!!
Another Lost Browns Season Mercifully Coming To An End
The Cleveland Browns gave their long suffering fans another disappointing loss on Christmas Eve dropping a 20-14 decision to the Baltimore Ravens. This game was as frustrating as the 14-3 loss to Pittsburgh earlier this month as the Browns blew opportunities for the big upsets. Bad clock management and terrible play calling doomed the Browns once again. Early in the season there was the excuse that the limited training camp hurt the Browns because they did not have enough time to get used to a new coaching staff and new offensive system. Well those excuses ring hollow now in Week 16 when the same mistakes are being made.
It's been two years since the Browns hired Mike Holmgren to be President of the team and lead them back to respectability, playoff appearances and a Super Bowl. But as the second year comes to a close, there does not appear to be much change in the direction of this team. Sure, there have been some good players drafted, TJ Ward, Joe Haden, Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard, but the overall talent on this team is lacking dramatically. Offensively, this team is a joke. As I have stated many times, I wanted to believe that Colt McCoy was the guy to lead the Browns to a championship but I am convinced that this is not the case. McCoy simply does not have the arm-strength to win in the NFL.
The Browns receiving corp is a joke. The jury is still out on Greg Little. The kid has a lot of potential and hopefully he will continue to grow. However, he is not a stretch the field playmaker. He's more like a number 2 guy. Mohammed Massaquoi can't stay healthy long enough and I can't see him as a number 1 receiver. Jerious Norwood is a nice player but he is a number 3 at best.
Joshua Cribbs is an offensive threat but the Browns don't know how to use him. Instead of deploying him as a receiver, the Browns would be better off using Cribbs as the former Browns used Eric Metcalf. Have Cribbs in the backfield as a running back, utilizing him in the running game and throwing passes to him out of the backfield. It would be awfully difficult for a linebacker to cover him.
The Browns running game is really up in the air. Tom Heckert moved up in his first draft to pick Montario Hardesty. Hardesty's pro career has been similar to his college career: injury-plagued. I find it hard to imagine him as a number one running back. Chris Ogbonnaya is a nice story but he is not a number one back either. Brandon Jackson, who was brought in from Green Bay and has missed the entire season with an injury, is a change of pace third down back. The best running back the Browns have is Peyton Hillis. Hillis has proven that he can be a number one back but it appears that the Browns will let him test free agency. If that is the case, all three skilled positions on offense are in search of a number one guy. So much for your offense and I have not even mentioned the guard and right tackle positions on the offensive line.
Defensively, the Browns need help at linebacker, another defensive end and more defensive secondary help. So as you can see they need a lot. Holmgren and Heckert have indicated that they want to build the team through the draft. The problem is this team needs so much that it will take at least two more drafts to raise the talent level so that the Browns can compete in the AFC North. This is totally unacceptable. Recently, I've been reading that there appears to be a change of heart as it relates to free agency. Heckert has indicated that the Browns will be looking to bolster their roster with free agents and this should be used not to fill in roster spots but to upgrade the talent level on this team.
Besides the lack of talent on this team, the other thing that is particularly troubling is how this new regime has handled certain issues which gives me the impression that these guys are in over their heads. The whole Peyton Hillis issue I believe was mishandled from the beginning. It appeared to me that the Browns wanted to paint the picture that Hillis was a slackard who was playing a game to get a contract. I can remember Pat Shurmur saying that "the kid said he couldn't play". Why wouldn't he have said, "the kid had strep throat and was unable to play."
The whole Colt McCoy concussion situation was a total joke and an embarassment. Holmgren's press conference was an insult. Does he really expect us to believe that no one, not one person, affiliated with the Cleveland Browns did not see the severity of the hit?? When Holmgren came on board I thought it was a breathe of fresh air the way he answered questions and even how he handled Eric Mangini. But this last press conference gave me the impression that this guy was trying to cover the team's butt as opposed to being honest and saying that they screwed up.
While Holmgren and Heckert have been around and should not be out of their element in running a team, Pat Shurmur is in way over his head. Holmgren's assertion that Shurmur is a bright young coach who is going to be around for a while is troubling at best. For his first year as a head coach I would have to give Shurmur an F. His lack of creativity, terrible game management and his self-righteous attitude leaves me to wonder what lies ahead. I don't see what Holmgren sees in Shurmur. I'd like to think he knows more than me. At least I hope he does.
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Tomorrow is the last Tuesday's Thoughts for 2011. Should be a dandy as I will touch on what may lie ahead in 2012.
Leafs Deliver For Christmas With 5-3 Win & NFL Week 16 Picks
Since the lockout, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a propensity to let down against weaker opponents. Even last year during their late season run, they lost to the Islanders. But last night the Leafs came out flying scoring 3 goals in the first period and hung on for a 5-3 win, picking up 5 out of 6 points heading into the Christmas break. They find themselves in 6th place, 3 points ahead of ninth place Winnipeg and 4 points behind fifth place Pittsburgh.
The Clarke MacArthur-Tim Connolly-Nazem Kadri line has been on fire since Kadri has been called up from the Marlies. Last night this trio combined for five points and was dangerous all night. At the end of the game with the Islanders trying to apply pressure, Phil Kessel made a nice play to break up a potential scoring chance that ultimately led to Joffrey Lupul's empty net goal that secured the win. While we all knew that Kessel could score, it's his improvement in his own end that has really made an impact and has given Coach Ron Wilson confidence in putting Kessel on the ice in the final minute of the game.
Wilson made the right decision to start James Reimer in goal as the Leaf netminder has been solid and last night was no different. It appears that Reimer has fully recovered from his October 22 injury and that bodes well for the Leafs for the remainder of the season. Jake Gardiner was back in the lineup last night and played well. It was a good move by Wilson to sit the young defenseman against Buffalo. Gardiner made a beautiful spin-o-rama move that resulted in a great scoring chance for the Leafs. The Leafs will have an interesting decision after the break as John-Michael Liles should return to action against Florida on Tuesday night. It's not out of the question that Brian Burke could use one of these defenseman along with a youngster to acquire another top 6 forward. However, if the Connolly line continues to play as they have over the last two games, Burke will really be in the catbird's seat since he will not have to make a desperate deal.
Many last season were saying that the Leafs run from January 1st on was typical of the team since the lockout. At that time I stated that it was different. You could see that they were growing as a young club. Reimer was beginning to make a difference and Kessel and Lupul were starting to develop chemistry. In addition, after the trade of Tomas Kaberle, Dion Phaneuf seemed to have lifted his game back to his early days in Calgary. It is apparent that this team has continued where they left off last year. In fact, they have improved with the acquisition of Connolly, David Steckel and the play of Jake Gardiner and Matt Frattin. If Nazem Kadri keeps going the way he has the last 2 games, it only can get better. In addition, they have Joe Colborne waiting in the wings with the Marlies. Playoffs are still not a certainty but this has been the best start the Leafs have had since prior to the lockout.
All in all, it's fun to be a Leaf fan again!!!!!
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My last NFL Picks were for Week 14 when I was 2-1 raising my overall record to 26-20 and over the last 10 weeks 22-10. Here are my picks for Week 16:
* Denver (-3) over Buffalo: This is a big game for the Broncos. A win brings them to 9-6 and would maintain their one game lead over the winner of the KC-Oakland game. A loss would leave them tied. The Bills are a beaten team, having lost 7 in a row and are pretty banged up. This is a game the Broncos can't let slip away. Denver 20 Buffalo 14.
* Baltimore (-12 1/2) over Cleveland: The Ravens should be in an angry mood after being embarassed on national TV last Sunday night. The Ravens are unbeaten at home and are 5-1-1 as a home favorite. The Ravens control their own destiny: if they win out they will be the AFC North Champions and get a first round bye in the playoffs. The Browns have nothing to play for and will be starting Seneca Wallace for a second straight week. Baltimore is ranked 7th in offense and 3rd defensively in the AFC. The Browns are ranked 3rd from the bottom offensively and 8th defensively in the AFC. This one will be ugly. Baltimore 31 Cleveland 14.
* New Orleans (-6 1/2) over Atlanta: The Saints want to be the number 2 seed in the NFC and get a first round bye in the playoffs. A victory over Atlanta clinches the NFC South title. They are on a roll and are 6-0 as a home favorite. The Falcons have won their last 3 out of 4 but the victories were against Minnesota, Carolina and Jacksonville. They step up in class on Monday night in New Orleans. New Orleans 35 Atlanta 27.
Leafs Win 3-2 Over Sabres
The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 last night before a noisy Air Canada Centre crowd. For the second game in a row James Reimer made 40 saves and it appears the Leaf netminder is beginning to round into the form he exhibited before his injury on October 22. Reimer was particularly sharp when the Leafs were shorthanded which certainly helps their penalty killing.
Offensively, the Leafs received scoring from 3 different lines. The first Leaf goal came from the fourth line as David Steckel put one behind Ryan Miller in a goal mouth scrum that tied the game 1-1. Phil Kessel notched his 20th of the season on a beautiful tip-in giving the Leafs a 2-1 lead. Kessel was flying last night as he had 10 shots on goal.
The game winner came off the stick of Nazem Kadri on a high wrister over the glove of Miller. Kadri showed his offensive skill and certainly benefitted by playing with Clarke MacArthur and Tim Connolly. MacArthur set up Kadri neatly on the game winner. If this line can continue to produce, the Leafs could potentially have three dangerous scoring lines.
This was a huge win for the Leafs who were 3-5-2 in their last 10 games prior to last night. The Eastern Conference is really bunched up and getting two points off of the Sabres was huge. Because I live in WNY, when the Sabres play I only get the Sabres feed on the Centre Ice package which gives me a bad case of heartburn. Listening to Rick "Pork Chop" Jenneret makes me ill. Hearing him whine when Dion Phaneuf knocked down a Sabre after they ran into James Reimer was classic Pork Chop. It also illustrates the problem with the Buffalo media. They spout off either on TV, the radio or the newspaper and all of the Chester Cheektowagas go out and carry the message even though its nothing more than a bunch of crap.
What was also as ridiculous as Pork Chop was listening to Kevin Sylvester and Rob Ray after the game. Both of these jokers said that the Sabres deserved to win the game. Really???? Were they that much better than the Leafs last night??? What the hell game were these two nitwits watching. I'm not going to say that the Leafs dominated the game. There was an ebb and flow to the game as the Leafs dominated the first period while the Sabres had the better chances in the second. The third period was even. The ineffectiveness on the Sabre power play was attributed to Thomas Vanek being out. Did that hurt?? Yes, but to say that was the sole reason is typical Buffalo media nonsense. Where was Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Christian Erhoff?? By the way, did you happen to catch Rob Ray's pre-game interview with Paul Hamilton??? Looks like Hamilton has not missed too many meals. Wow, what a load!!!!!
The Leafs are in Long Island tonight to take on the Islanders. This is a game that the Leafs need to win and on paper should win. There are some rumblings that James Reimer may be back in the nets tonight as the Leaf netminder may be on a roll. The puck drop is 7pm at the venerable Nassau County Veterans Coliseum.
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NFL Picks tomorrow along with Leaf recap.
Leafs/Sabres Tonight
The Toronto Maple Leafs have an opportunity to go into Christmas feeling good about themselves as they face-off tonight against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Last Friday, the Leafs couldn't stay out of the penalty box as the Sabres held on to win a wild 5-4 decision. In the team's recent slide, the Leafs have taken way too many penalties and their inability to kill them off has meant trouble for Ron Wilson's squad. The Leafs are hoping that the call-up of Darryl Boyce will bolster the PK unit.
The Leafs have also called up Nazem Kadri for tonight's game. Kadri was the 7th pick overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and Brian Burke's first draft pick as Leaf General Manager. He is an extremely talented player offensively but the Leafs have been concerned about his play in the Leafs' own end of the rink. All reports indicate that Kadri has improved immensely. He was named AHL Player of the Month for November (2nd Marlie to receive that honor this year as Joe Colborne was October's Player of the Month). Tonight, he will be on a line with Tim Connolly and Clarke Mac Arthur. This should be an opportunity for this young offensively gifted forward to shine. If he is able to contribute, the Leafs suddenly would have three legitimate scoring lines.
Both teams are struggling heading into this game. The Sabres have not played well and the fans are getting restless. Their veterans are not performing and the big free agent acquisitions of Ville Leino and Christian Ehroff are not having the impact that was thought. In fact, Leino has been a total non-factor. Both clubs have sustained injuries and have had to rely on youngsters to fill in. And both of them suddenly find themselves in the middle of a bunched up Eastern Conference where only 4 points separate sixth place New Jersey and 12th place Montreal.
This game is a big one. After tonight the Leafs head to Long Island for a game against the Islanders before the Christmas break. A two game winning streak would certainly be a nice Christmas present for Leafs Nation. It would also help to keep the Leafs inside that 8th and final playoff spot. A loss tonight and tomorrow would certainly be cause for concern and probably precipitate a move to be made by Burke. However, with Burke's history it seems that the Leafs will make a move regardless.
The puck drops tonight at 7pm and those of us with DirecTv in WNY will have to deal with the Pork Chop.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it must be like to make a $10,000 bet on national TV and not lose any sleep over it, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs were lucky to get a point last night in a 3-2 shootout loss to the L.A. Kings. The second period was one of the worst periods that the Leafs have played all year. If it were not for James Reimer, the Leafs would have been blown out. An extremely disappointing effort from a team that needed a win badly. It appears to me that the current team will not be together as we get closer to the trade deadline as it has to be apparent that the Leafs will need help in order to make the playoffs.
* Reimer's performance last night was his best since coming back from his injury and should put to bed all the talk about a goalie controversy in Toronto.
* Brian Burke needs to back off any contract extension for Ron Wilson. He has waited this long and it would seem he can wait until April. If the Leafs make the playoffs, Wilson gets his extension. If they don't, it's time for a change.
* If you want to know why I hate Buffalo sports teams and in this case the Sabres, here is a clip that was in the Buffalo News by some character by the name of Budd Bailey. It was under a column called FiveSpot that is supposed to be funny. In the column, there was a quote from an ESPN announcer blasting teams that took bowl invitations with a 6-6 record. The quote was, "In the real world you don't really get rewarded for mediocrity." Bailey then says, "That's true unless you are making millions to play for the Maple Leafs." Really, Budd. Have you heard of Ville Leino??? How about Druuuuuuw Stafford??? Derek Roy??? And how about your decreipt football team. Ryan Fitzpatrick = Millions, Mediocrity. You are a joke Bailey!!
* Last week Mike Holmgren addressed the media in regard to the Colt McCoy hit. I was so enraged I wanted to spit. First, Holmgren had the nerve to try to sell that no one on the sidelines or up in the booth saw the hit. Really, Mike??? Second, he emphatically said that Pat Shurmur was going to be in Cleveland for a long time. And finally, he gave this warning that you are basically with us or against us and that we Browns fans need to have faith in the direction they are going. How dare you, Holmgren!!! Have faith in a team that is regressing?? Have faith in a head coach who is in over his head??? Have faith in a team that refuses to infuse talent through the free agent market??? Have faith in a team that has just posted its 10th season of double digit losses in 13 years. Mike, you have to earn our trust.
* I saw Pat Shurmur's press conference yesterday and this guy makes Eric Mangini look like Mr. Personality.
* Mike Francesa yesterday was great. He lambasted the NFL for the lack of discipline that is rampant around the league. He was particularly talking about the ridiculous me first attitude that is exhibited by many players as evidenced by the celebrations after a tackle, sack or touchdown. These celebrations are even more ridiculous when your team is getting buried as was the case Sunday when Santonio Homes decided to mock the Philadelphia Eagles even though his team was losing 28-13. Holmes' stupidity led to a 15 yard penalty for taunting. I am with you Mike. It is one of the reasons why I am disgusted with the NFL.
* Has anyone wondered why the A's would want to get rid of a 26 year old left handed pitcher??
* The Texas Rangers won the bidding to have the right to try to sign Yu Darvish. The winning bid was for over $50 million. If the Rangers sign Darvish and then get Prince Fielder, they will have matched the Angels' signings of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.
* Meanwhile, the Yankees have been comatose. Don't see Brian Cashman doing a thing. Question for Yankee fans: Can this team win a 2012 playoff series with the current roster???
* It will be interesting to see what happens with Ryan Braun's appeal. I have to tell you I was shocked when I heard that Braun tested positive for an illegal substance. Once again, I have to ask the question: what did the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball know prior to the test?? In addition, aren't these tests suppose to be confidential?? What if Braun wins his appeal?? Another tribute to the bumbling Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig.
* I don't understand why Barry Bonds is appealing his sentence. My understanding is he is getting house arrest and community service. The whole Bonds situation is a joke. Barry, just move on with your life. You beat the feds now just move on.
* After week seven in the NFL, Gasbag Howard Simon was talking playoffs. Ryan Fitzpatrick was good enough to lead his team into the playoffs. Chan Gailey was a genius. The possibilities were endless. Boy, how a 7 game losing streak changes all of that. Simon wants to run Fitzmagic (or is that Fitznightmare) out of town. What's even more funny is how the Gasbag and his sidekick, Jeremy White, have done a 180 on CJ Spiller. Back in early November, this tag-team was listing Spiller as another terrible first round draft pick by the Bills. Now, he is the real deal. These guys are real beauties.
* If WGR550 was a real sports radio station, they would be turning the heat up on Ralph Wilson. This team is a disgrace and Wilson is making a ton of money while always doing just enough to get all of the Chesters and Louies jacked up in September only to be let down in November. Instead of being objective early in the season, the dopes at GR play right into the Wilson PR machine and Billy Blasdell and Arnie Amherst go all out for a big season only to be slapped down. It's like a continual bad story.
* Have to laugh at know-it-all Jeremy White. Earlier in the season, he was extolling the virtues of Jonas Enroth. His tune has changed since Enroth has not been playing that well. But White goes further blaming both goaltenders. Earth to White: goaltending is not the problem. It might be that the Sabre stars are not performing.
* And finally, what the hell is the Bills Mafia???
Leafs Need A Win Tonight
The Maple Leafs have had a lost weekend. The sad thing is they could have won both games. As it stands right now, they find themselves one point ahead of ninth place Winnipeg and Ottawa. However, the Leafs find themselves 2 points out of 6th place. So while its not time to panic, the Leafs need to get back to winning. Tonight they face off against the Los Angeles Kings, a team that the Leafs can beat but it won't be easy.
It's being reported that Ron Wilson will be shaking lines up, placing Tim Connolly with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Tyler Bozak will center a line with Matt Frattin and Joey Crabb while Clarke Mac Arthur will be reunited with Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. The Grabovski line needs to get going. One thing we haven't heard is if their will be any changes with the defense corp. I'm very high on Jake Gardiner but he did not play well over the weekend and it may do him some good to have a game or two off. Keith Aulie would certainly fill in quite well.
Last year at this time the Leafs were 12-16-4 for 28 points. This year, having played the same amount of games, they find themselves 16-13-3 for 35 points. Improvement = Yes. But, the playoffs are not a given. Hopefully tonight they will be able to get a much needed 2 points heading into to a big game on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The puck drop tonight is 7pm at the ACC.
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NFL Picks will resume this Friday. Tomorrow's Tuesdays Thoughts will be loaded as I will comment on the Leafs game against the Kings, Mike Holmgren's press conference from last week, Ryan Braun, Barry Bonds, the Buffalo Bills, NFL results and some Yankee stuff. Make sure you check it out
Leafs Gut Out 2-1 OT Win
The Toronto Maple Leafs totally dominated the game last night against the Carolina Hurricanes. But after 60 minutes they found themselves tied 1-1. Not getting two points at home against the East's worst team would have been demoralizing. But the Leafs were not to be denied as Tim Connolly scored his second goal of the night as the Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Both of Connolly's goals were a result of the veteran free-agent acquistion's willingness to drive toward the net. His first goal was a beautiful deflection off a shot by Clarke MacArthur. The winner was a result of a Joffrey Lupul going toward the net poking a puck at Cam Ward. The puck escaped Ward and Connolly followed the play in toward the net and tapped it in easily giving the Leafs a much needed win.
Cam Ward had a great game bouncing back from a rough week but the Leafs also helped out by not having any traffic in front of him. The third period the Leafs seemed to pick up their game as far as making things tough for Ward. At the other end of the ice, James Reimer did not have a lot of work but made saves when he needed to. Alexi Ponikarovsky's power play goal that tied the game was not Reimer's fault as Jake Gardiner failed to tie up the big former Leaf. Ponikarovsky's inability to tie up Connolly in overtime resulted in the game winner.
The Leaf special teams once again failed them. The power play, which was impressive several games ago, was 0-3 last night and is 1-15. The Leafs penalty killing once again allowed a goal which tied the game late in the third period. I believe that the Leaf special team units need to work harder and and pay the price. On the power play that means going to the net. Other than Phil Kessel, I don't see anyone who is willing to take the puck to the net off the half boards. That creates space which can result in a good scoring chance. On the penalty kill, Gardiner's play last night typifies the problem: the Leafs need to be more aggressive. There is no way Ponikarovsky should have been allowed to get his stick on the puck. It wasn't like Gardiner was out of position. He just didn't do enough to tie the former Leaf up. On the penalty kill, the Leafs need to play like its the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals and you are up by a goal. It has to be balls to the wall.
3 out of the next 4 games for the Leafs are at home. The lone road game is against the Sabres on Friday. That will be a tough one. Then 3 games at home against Vancouver, Los Angelos and Buffalo before the Christmas break. 6 out of 8 points would be great. It's possible but the Leafs must be willing to pay the price. On Friday in a place where they have historically had problems will find out how willing they are to do that.
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