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Bus to Nowhere

Maple Leafs have some competition for John Tavares

Rick DiPietro, who has been plagued by knee injuries throughout his career, underwent meniscus surgery in June and played in only one of the Islanders pre-season games. Islanders head coach Scott Gordon stated that he rested his number one for pre-cautionary reasons.

TSN reports that he has swelling and fluid around his surgically repaired left knee.

DiPietro has an incredible 13 years left on his current contract at $4.5-million a season. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2021, when he's a few months from turning 40. There are $54-million to be paid out beyond this season. A brilliant move by owner Charles Wang.

If DiPietro misses a lot of games this season, the Islanders may just jump ahead of the Leafs in the Tavares lottery.

Sharp Halloween decoration

Leaf Nation poised to jump on band wagon

After a summer of negative reports, pessimistic messages from Leaf management and a mediocre preseason, Leaf fans were quite down. So what do the Leafs do in the season opener - only beat the Stanley Cup champions.

So does this mean the experts were wrong? Not necessarily. But that won't stop Leaf Nation from crowing on sports call in shows for the next few days. But lets face it. An 82 game schedule is a great equalizer. The Leafs started the preseason schedule with a big win against the Sabres and then followed that with several stinkers.

This team has got a lot of enthusiasm, energy and speed. Any team that tries to sneak away with 2 points will get burned. That's the way it works in the NHL, even bottom feeders will steal a win if you're not on top of your game. I've already heard from a couple of loyal fans already giving me the "I told you so." So Leaf Nation enjoy yourself these next few days. Montreal is coming to town on Saturday.

Maple Leaf Power Rankings

Going into the start of the new seasons, the sports websites also have low expectations of the Leafs. What with the coach stating he's not concerned about wins and the GM jettisoning veterans where ever he can - who can blame them. Here is the current Power Rankings for the Maple Leafs.

Bleacher Report - 26th
TSN - 27th
Yahoo Sports - 27th
CBC Sports - 27th
Fox Sports - 28th
Sports Illustrated - 30th
CBS Sports - 30th

Now won't John Tavares look great in the blue and white?

John Tavares Report

Oshawa lost 5-2 last night to the Belleville Bulls and Tavares who held off the scoresheet. He still leads the OHL with 9 goals and 16 points in 8 games.

Don't try this at home

Communications 101

Storm blast Lightning

The final preseason game turned out to be a romp as Storm coasted to a 9-0 drubbing of the Durham West Lightning. There were a number of offensive stars with both Amanda and Gabby picking up 3 goals along with an assist. Lauren N also had a 4 point game with a goal and 3 assists. Other goals were scored by Maddy and Mari.

The weak opposition allowed the Storm players to work on moving the puck around the offensive zone which created numerous scoring opportunities. In addition, the defense produced some excellent chances. Both Allie and Lauren N took some excellent shots from the blue line.

It was an easy night for Bianca and Asia who shared the shutout. It would be great to see this type of offensive throughout the season.

The Storm moves onto to their first tournament in Clarington next week followed by the start of the regular season.

The Leaf season looks bleak

Only 2 wins in 9 exhibition games. Not since the days of Harold Ballard have the Maple Leaf prospects looks so poor going into a new season. Most fans indicated that they would accept a couple of bad years if the team could turn this thing around and be competitive. Still it's difficult to watch nonetheless.

Most of the veterans and "star players" are gone. But so are the overpaid and soft players. What is left is a collection of marginal talent and role players. The future isn't here yet which makes it exceptionally bleak. You wonder how many of the younger players will still be here in 3 years. Even the 1984-85 team which finished last in the league on paper had more talent than this team. That team had Rick Vaive, John Anderson and Bill Derlago - all of whom scored at least 30 goals that year. I don't see any Leaf getting 30 this season. But the 1984-85 team had no defense other than Borje Salming and no goaltending. The reverse of the 2008-09 team.

The 1984-85 team had a 21 year old Jim Benning, 20 year old Gary Nylund, and a 18 year old Al Iafrate. All were ruined by playing on terrible teams. Let's hope Luke Schenn doesn't get caught in the same meat grinder.

Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song Semi Finalists

Ice Warriors




Sticks to the Ice - my favourite and written by a 13 year old





Eleventh Hour




Let the Game Begin




Canadian Gold

Colorado fans meet the real Andrew Raycroft

Andrew Raycroft made his home debut in Colorado on Friday and showed the Avalanche fans what we in Toronto and Boston already know: he's awful.

I know it's only pre-season action, but Raycroft looked in mid-season form last night, allowing six goals on only 23 shots to the Chicago Blackhawks. That's a 0.739 save percentage. That is brutal. Raycroft's expectations in Colorado might just be lower than the Liberal Party in Alberta. Yes, he's that bad.

It's incredible that Avalanche management rushed to sign Raycroft on the first day of free agency although for paltry $800,000. In the NHL today, if you aren't a millionaire then you're a nobody.

Ladies Night Out

Incredible stick save by Carey Price

John Tavares Report

The Windsor Spitfires beat the Oshawa Generals last night 4-1 at the General Motors Centre to start the season with 6 straight win and five of those wins have come on the road. Oshawa's lone goal was scored by John Tavares who now has 6 goals to go with 5 assists in his first 5 games of the season. He has been involved in 11 of the Generals 15 goals.

Friday Night is Fight Night

Back in 1957 Chris Tonks Arena was called Keelesdale Arena and it was an outdoor rink. Since they put up that roof the place has seen its share of hockey fights. So last night wasn't anything out of the ordinary except that it was our first fight in 8 years. Actually quite surprising since it was mostly a boring 2-0 exhibition loss to the Etobicoke Dolphins that got a little rough when the Storm team woke up from their lethargy in the 3rd period.

With 47 second remaining in the period Gabby and Dolphin player were shoving each other in front of the Etobicoke net when they both wrestled each other to the ice. Not much happened there other than the Storm player getting a 2-minute roughing penalty and the Dolphin getting 4 minutes. But as the buzzer went to end the game Lauren N and Brittany, a Dolphin forward were pushing each other along the boards. Lauren fell down the the Dolphin player jumped on top of her punching her repeatedly in the head. That got her a major and a game misconduct. While skating to her bench she yelled a stream of obscenities that earned her an additional major penalty. The season hasn't begun yet but the rivalry has.

As for the non-fighters, Amanda moved up to right wing for the game and had an exceptionally strong game. She was able to power her way past the Dolphin defense on a number of occasions and had the best scoring chances including a crossbar. Sheri also has a number of good chances but nothing to show for it. Overall the Storm looked sluggish and although they outshot the opponents 18-14, there were few quality shots that tested the Etobicoke goalie.

Possible conversation between Cliff Fletcher and Ron Wilson

I was just imagining a possible conversation between Maple Leaf Interim General Manager Cliff Fletcher and his coach Ron Wilson regarding the start of the new hockey season. Judging by the talent pool pulled together Fletcher this is how it might go down:

Cliff Fletcher: Why don’t you have a seat Coach.

Ron Wilson: Thanks Cliff. What can I do for you?

CF: Well you’re getting near the end of training camp and you're probably thinking about what your opening roster will look like.

RW: As a matter of fact I am. There was a few personnel moves I wanted to talk to you about.

CF: Go ahead.

RW: Well I’ve been really pleased with the progress Luke Schenn has made the last few weeks and I’d like to keep him around. I’m thinking with the surplus of defensemen we could make a few deals to punch up the offense. I really think we can grab a playoff spot with a bit more scoring. You have lots of cap space too.

CF: Look Ron this can’t go beyond you and me. We’re tanking the season. The fans are expecting crap this year and that’s what they’re going to get. I want you to have this kid John Tavares next season. He’ll give you the offensive umph you’re missing.

RW: OK so what do you want me to do?

CF: Well you’re going with the players you got. Let’s just say, we aren’t upgrading talent at the moment.

RW: Well I was thinking about keeping this kid Schenn. He has been improving steadily and I think he can help. That means we can send down that mule Jonas Frogren to the minors. He’s a physical guy but can’t play at this level.

CF: Sorry I’m sending the kid back Kelowna. You’ll have to play the Swede.

RW: Well I can I keep him while Fingers is out with his bruised foot?

CF: No you'll have to play White or Kronwall. What else?

RW: So I was thinking the Russian, Kulemin, just isn’t ready for prime time. I think he should go play some games for the Marlies. We got veterans that can fill that spot.

CF: Sorry coach but the Russian stays.

RW: OK. I’m not sure how this is going to fly then but if you are big on rookies how about keeping Pogge up as the backup? Cujo has just sucked.

CF: Coach I want you to give Cujo lots of game time. The old coot deserves it. And the fans love him.

RW: So I’m guessing you want me to give Hollweg lots of ice too so our penalty killers see lots of game time.

CF: I think we're on the same wavelength Coach. So what were you thinking about as far as a captain?

RW: Kaberle or Kubina.

CF: I don’t think so. You may need to pick a new captain again in a few months.

RW: Antropov?

CF: Only if he uses velcro to stick the “C” on his jersey.

RW: Well how about Mayers?

CF: Hey the fans like that kid Stajan. Give them someone to cheer for. And he’s from Mississauga.

RW: Well I think that covers everything Cliff.

CF: It’s going to be a great year Ronnie. And get that number 91 jersey ready for that Tavares kid. Talk to you later.

Ryan Hollweg is a fighter...but also a dancer

Toronto Maple Leafs - half way through preseason

his is clearly a transition season for the Maple Leafs as they move ahead without many familiar names - Sundin, McCabe, Tucker, Belak, Wellwood. Likely more players will follow as the season progresses. So perhaps for the first time in several decades their is some true competition for spots on the roster. Though to be honest I still believe most spots have been pre-ordained (especially the goalies). So here is a report card on the roster that is shaping up.

Moore: A
Moore has continued where he left off last season after joining the team off the waiver wire. He has been using his speed well to create opportunities and harass defensemen. He leads the team with 3 goals with 2 being scored shorthanded. But he is destined to be playing on the 4th line.

Kaberle: A-
A potential captain, he has been solid with a +4 and averaging over 3 shots per game. No McCabe to pass to so Kaberle is shooting more.

Colaiacovo: B+
Carlos has been healthy and has been one of the best defensemen so far. He has been doing a little of everything - hitting, blocking shots, carrying the puck, etc.

Finger: B+
Only played in 1 game so far but I thought he was solid. Blocks shots and moves puck out of the Leafs end. Nothing fancy about Finger.

Blake: B+
Blake has been working his way out of the doghouse after a horrendous season last year. He is a different player with only 2 shots on net in 3 games and a +4. He has been passing more and has 3 assists so far to show for it. Wilson has even been using him to kill penalties.

Mayers: B+
Fans will love this guy. Has heart, skates hard, hits hard and will chip in with some goals. I would make him captain.

Devereaux: B+
Solid two way player with great speed who will find a place on a checking line.

Schenn: B
A pleasant surprise that gets better by the period. Wilson has been giving him a healthy workload and he has responded well. Being paired with Kaberle doesn't hurt. First game he was a C- but continues to improve. Could stick with the team.

Hagman: B
As a major free agent signing he has a roster spot. Finding his way around the team but leads team in shots with 13 and has 2 goals so far.

Ponikarovsky: B
Poni leads the team in preseason scoring with 2 goals and 2 assists and will be on the #1 line. He is not competing for a job and his play reflects it.

Steen: B
I'm not a Steen fan at all but by default he may be the #1 centre to start the season.

Antropov: B
First liner by default just getting into shape for the season.

Kubina: B-
The big Czech has not been paired with Kaberle but that will likely change during the regular season.

White: B-
Looks better than last season but seems likely to be a victim of the numbers game. Barring injuries he will start the season on the Marlies or maybe the Florida Maple Leafs.

Stajan: B-
I think he might also be on the bubble this season if he fails to develop more. So far I haven't noticed anything different about Matt.

Hollweg: B-
Loves to hit. No surprise leads team in penalty minutes with 17 in 3 games. Fans will finally forget about Tie Domi.

Stralman: C+
Still making mistakes out there but only 22 with great puck skills. Will get better.

Grabovski: C+
Little Russian hasn't impressed me. Has some skill but is he an NHLer? Still will be given a chance because he is young, the Leafs are rebuilding and Fletcher gave up a draft pick for him.

Bell: C+
Effective as a banger. He will stick around for a checking line. I doubt his scoring touch will return but maybe he can have a fresh start this year.

Van Ryn: C
Anyone looking for a defensemen?

Frogren: C
Has only played 2 games and the most physical defensemen on team. Puck skills are Aki Berg-like. Not sure about him yet.

Kulemin: C-
He looks lost out on the ice and could use some seasoning on the Marlies. However, he may still make the team (see Grabovski).

Tlustly: D
Too undisciplined for my liking. Also could use some extended Marlie time but could make the team because of 1st round draft pick status (see Grabovski and Kulemin).

Kronwall: D
Got size but skills are just not NHL calibre.