Comments on: Enough is Enough

By: arigold

arigold — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:28:25 +0000

I wish everyone would get off of Maurice. The Leafs have clearly decided to put their faith in 2 players that have cost us multiple points over the last 2 years. Kubina and White. Ian White is the worst player in the NHL, hands down. As much as i love the Leafs, I cringe every time he touches the puck. Whatever upside he brings in his potential development is not worth costing the team wins night after night.

That game against the Flyers, White cost us that game by taking a penalty after getting beat like a rented mule. Then Kubina took another penalty late trying to be a tough guy instead of trying to get the puck deep. I know it was a bad call, but he had no business throwing a hit in that situation, he had the defender beat to the puck, and should have just kept in in the zone.

It is poor decision making on his part, and overal ridiculously horrible play from Ian White that is handicapping this team. If you will notice, any time these guys can go 60 minutes and only make a few mistakes (and this doesn't happen often) the Leafs usually win.

If Maurice can be criticized for one thing, its for trying to spur on White's development by playing him with McCabe. White's consistent poor play often put McCabe in rotten positions on the ice, bringing down his play level and subjecting him to unnecessary criticism.

When McCabe returns, he must play with kaberle, and they both must log 30 mins a game. If we can find a replacement for Ian White, someone, anyone, we will make the playoffs this year.

Missing Toskala recently has also hurt this team greatly. If Razr had any confidence whatsoever, the Toronto media has completely sucked it out of him. The team doesn't feel they can win with him between the pipes, and this needs to be addressed. If anyone could use a change of scenery, its him.

Depsite everyone crying bloody murder, this team is only a couple of minor changes away from being a decent competitor in the East. These are changes however that they are running out of time to make.

By: masterm666

masterm666 — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:26:20 +0000

good call on this. your right maurice is an amazing coach and an amazing person very nice guy but hes not right in toronto. woz is a useless tool he should be given away he gives up the puck and doesnt cover the front of the net. and why would he start tlusty and pohl when they know that philly is notorious for being a dirty team, especially this year theyve had what 7 guys suspended so far?
bad move on maurices half id love to see him pull through and find a way to make the leafs win games but until that happens i guess ill be disapointed more and more....

By: Hardcore_Leaf_Fan

Hardcore_Leaf_Fan — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:32:07 +0000

One more thing, Belak is not likely to score a goal for another 2-3 years from his stats and to say that he will help the team is joke. If he does help a team, it will be the opposing team because he takes too many stupid penalties.

By: Hardcore_Leaf_Fan

Hardcore_Leaf_Fan — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:28:07 +0000

I agree that the leafs are pretty much not playing at all except for their "desperate hockey style". I feel that Maurice is the best coach for the team, however, who does Maurice really have to work with?? Blake is a great player and has yet to break through; Andropov and Sundin are the only ones really scoring. As for goaltending, that seriously needs to be fixed because both Raycroft and Clemmenson are really not playing at an NHL level, considering Toskala is injured; better back up goalies is essential. I feel that there needs to be a trade but I do not think that would help. They need to rebuild the team and get new young talent; they need to stay away from older players despite the fact they have experience. Take Tampa for example, they had a team of youngsters and they won a cup. The Penguins have not seen the playoffs for many years until they rebuilt and now look at them; they are contenders. I really think that the leafs should take a grass root approach and then there will be results. One more thing, Leaf fans need to be tougher with the team, similarly to Montreal fans (I hate Montreal though), when the team loses, do not watch the games! If the MLSE are not making money, they would have no choice but to make a better product. This is what I think, disagree or agree but the real issue is that the MLSE makes a product that is satisfactory when it should make a contender!!!!!

By: lindrosfan

lindrosfan — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 01:01:07 +0000

Yikes.. saying that Belak would help the Leafs is a laughing matter.

Yes, I agree that the Leafs need more toughness and they should have someone to set others straight, but Belak is not that man.

You are talking about a guy that is a -22 over the last two seasons, and he plays MAYBE 3 minutes a game.
Other than scaring the opponents after the whistle blows and losing fights on a regular basis, Belak is not the answer for anything.

What the Leafs need to do is bring in a bona fide fighter such as Laraque or Boogard to set the other team straight. They can at least play some hockey and also play the role of the enforcer.

I was one to call for Belak's head last year because of his bad plays and his lack of hockey abilities. He is maybe a good guy to have in the locker room, but that is not where you get 2 points.

By: leafy

leafy — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:04:28 +0000

I agree too. Definitely it's in Toronto's best interest to lose. A top 5 pick would be awesome....and getting a great return on Sundin would be just as awesome.

Downie is a classless, gutless puke, sucker punching Blake like that. Certainly the linesmen are idiots, but there's no call for goon behavior like that. Then again, it's exactly what you would expect from a team run by Paul Holmgren.

By: jarcpitre

jarcpitre — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:37:33 +0000

There's no debate that Kubina deserved a penalty, it was a great game until the no call and the Downie show. The Leafs played a great game and deserved the win, but like the Flyers players said the goalie stole the show. Another thing is why do people still mention the Leafs were playing against another backup goalie, he was the starter the last 2 years. Like now, our hot goalie is really the backup from last year and dull Razor was the starter, it changes from year to year.

By: mojo19

mojo19 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:52:04 +0000

You're right. Games like last night are the perfect thing for this team. Sundin plays amazing and the team loses. We'll get a ton for Mats at the deadline and hopefully (probably) finish in the bottom 5 and draft top 5 in June.

By: the_word

the_word — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:23:48 +0000

I thought last night was a great game for the Leafs for two reasons. One, they lost, creating more pressure for some changes in management or the roster. Two, Sundin had a great game and continues to inflate his trade value.

I agree with others on this site that have mentioned that the Leafs are too easily forgiven for terrible games after they win a game or two, however the fallout seems to be greater when the Leafs lose on a nationally televised game. JFJ almost got axed after the Coyotes blew out the Leafs on CBC. The trend is beginning again with last week the Rangers exposing Leafs struggles with discipline and now losing to Philly despite playing a good game (what was it 57 shots?). These loses shouldn't fall under radar, and hopefully will be the catilist for change.

As for Downie and his antics, the entire game was chippy from the drop of the puck. Philly is definitely pushing the envolope this year and have crossed the line a number of times. But their play makes for entertaining game, I haven't seen the Leafs play with last night's passion for some time. IMO as long as no one is injuired, enjoy the show, it sure as hell beat watching the Leafs floating alongside teams like Montreal, NJ, NYI etc... for sixty minutes.

For those calling for a suspension to Downie, keep in mind Kubina getting away with that hit from behind at the end of the 1st, easily the worst act in last night game.