Posts tagged dion
Leafs 2010-2011 Schedule Breakdown
Jun 22nd
Lost in the news of pretty much anything else imaginable today (Nathan Horton to the Bruins, Scott Niedermayer’s retirement, an increase in the salary cap, Pat Quinn’s lack of a head coaching job and an awful Hall of Fame class) was the announcement of the entire 2010-2011 NHL schedule for all 30 franchises.
The Toronto Maple Leafs kick off the season in a style similar to last season, hosting the Habs on October the 7th. It’s definitely a schedule different than last season’s as the Leafs don’t make anything that remotely resembles a home-stand until they host the Canucks, Predators and Devils from Saturday November the 13th until Thursday November 18th. And again, that’s barely a home-stand considering that’s only three games.
As for a road trip, there isn’t one that lasts more than two games until a Western-Canadian road-swing that sees the Leafs play the Oilers, Flames and Canucks from December 14th-December 18th.
The Leafs make a bit of a longer road-trip in mid-January when they play the Thrashers, Sharks, Kings and Coyotes over the course of six days.
The Buds next so-called “home-stand” takes place all the way in March, when from the 10th to the 14th the Leafs will host the Lightning, the Sabres and defending Eastern Conference Champs, the Philadelphia Flyers.
The blue and white will close out the regular season against their most hated of rivals, facing off against all other four teams in their division once apiece in their last six games of the season.
The longest break from action will be five full days without hockey as the Leafs play the Atlanta Thrashers at the ACC on December the 20th and don’t pick up again until boxing day in New Jersey.
Ilya Kovalchuk Isn’t That Impossible
Jun 18th
With the Leafs having a forward core that’s been described as absolutely brutal, and one of the most pathetic that has ever graced the NHL from a team that wasn’t within its first 2-3 years of existence, there is a lot of hype over what Brian Burke will do with this roster that has promise for the future, but no zing for the now. People are undecided if the big move is going to happen via trade, or via free agency. Personally, I think we’re going to see a little bit of both. Do I have any idea whatsoever the results are going to be? No clue. But do I have any wants?
Absolutely. In fact, I have the biggest want, with my eyes entirely on the big prize. Specifically, I want the man who just might be the best free agent in NHL history, all factors considered (more on that later). Of course, I’m talking about #17 of the New Jersey Devils (you know him better as the only relavent thing the Atlanta Thrashers have had in years) Ilya Kovalchuk.
Now, I know what you’re thinking “Jeff, first off, best UFA ever? You’re crazy. Secondly, he’s going to want too much money, thirdly, he’s going to the KHL, fourth, Burke doesn’t want him, and five, why would he want to come here?”
All fair arguments. But I’m still going to try to squash them.
Leafs Changes Sinking In
Jun 15th
Leafs Fans have had a full day to let it all sink in…
A new team sweater, or at least an old one revised, and the 18th Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been officially unveiled. In natural fashion, fans are now left to ponder if any of these changes can transform an organization that is in desperate need of a turn around.
Unfortunately the Leafs new jerseys really cant do much in terms of helping them win games. I assume the hope is to harness whatever made the Leafs so great in the generation that wore a similar style. It seems a little superstitious to myself, thinking that your jersey can make you play different because you think of the old-timers that got the job done back in their glorious era.
Toronto Maple Leafs Visual Captaincy History
Jun 14th
Courtesy of me. Fresh from the press conference with your newest captain.
You can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/raskofalltrades
Leafs Jerseys and Phaneuf Captaincy Becomes Official
Jun 14th
As expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs made two big but well known announcements today, introducing their new home and away uniforms, and a certain big body presence in Dion Phaneuf gained confirmation that his particular jersey would have a C on it, as the 17th captain in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lets break both announcements up and look at them separately.
In Defence Of Jeff Finger
Jun 12th
This may or may not be the most hated article that I’ll ever write. I’m aware, so troll on.
Look, there are many extremely toxic contracts in the NHL, that are extremely detrimental to the team because of their ridiculous length, cap hit, and a players poor play. Jeff Finger, isn’t one of them. Sure, he’s by no means worth it to the Toronto Maple Leafs, filled to the brim with very good defencemen. Sure, his contract was a big WTF when he first signed it. But when you really look at things, its not so bad. Look, I know you’re laughing your asses off right now, but give this article a chance and hear me out.
Too Soon for Phaneuf?
Jun 11th
To the surprise of nobody, what Howard Berger originally reported last week has began its round of confirmation amongst the true insiders. The likes of Jonas Siegel, Darren Dreger and Damien Cox have all confirmed that on this upcoming Monday, June 14th 2010, the Toronto Maple Leafs will both unveil their old new jersey as well as name the recently acquired Dion Phaneuf as the 18th captain in franchise history.
Ever since his arrival there was word of how Dion immediately impacted the team both on and off the ice whether it was with his loud mouth, big hits or timely goals late in the season, and the club’s record certainly reflected that. Whether it was Brian Burke explaining how Dion set off an adrenaline bomb in the locker room or Ron Wilson commenting on Phaneuf’s swagger, whether it was the approval of the skilled Bozak or the hated Exelby, the consensus was clear: he’s the new face of the franchise.
But my question to you is: is it too soon? Is Dion too unproven, too much of an asshole, too young, too lost? Can he can handle the pressure, the players, the people, the media? Will Dion Phaneuf thrive as the Maple Leafs’ captain now or is he just not ready? More >
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