Is Mcabe on glue or what?

[guitarman]

Twice during clearing attempts this bonehead shoots at his own net on a clearing attempt. Unfortunately the second time he puts it past Raycroft, who had a pretty good game going.

[Golfing in Ottawa]

And it just keeps getting better.................:rolleyes:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=220709&hubname=

[Tyger]

McCabe is :hush:

[Hombre Lefty]

I thought this was the toronto golf nuts board? Did I get the Toronto Leafs Nuts board instead? :rofl: :hyper:

[davevandyk]

Twice during clearing attempts this bonehead shoots at his own net on a clearing attempt. Unfortunately the second time he puts it past Raycroft, who had a pretty good game going.

to be fair to McCabe, he had played the first 6 games with only 1 goal, so he knows with his price tag that he's gotta start putting the puck in the net. Now what did they tell you in peewee hockey? Try and put the puck where the goalie doesn't expect it to go... much easier to fool Raycroft than Thibault.

[looper]

Twice during clearing attempts this bonehead shoots at his own net on a clearing attempt. Unfortunately the second time he puts it past Raycroft, who had a pretty good game going.

I don't know what all the complaints are about ..... McCabe picked the bottom corner with his shot :D Raycroft didn't have a chance :p

[guitarman]

to be fair to McCabe, he had played the first 6 games with only 1 goal, so he knows with his price tag that he's gotta start putting the puck in the net. Now what did they tell you in peewee hockey? Try and put the puck where the goalie doesn't expect it to go... much easier to fool Raycroft than Thibault.

Its starting to get embarrasing to be a leaf fan. How the hell am I gonna wear my prized Wendell jersey in public now. Pleeeaaaase get rid of Mcabe.

[hogannut]

Of course mc Cabe is not playing well and is over paid....blah, blah, blah. THe point is that game last night should have never gone to overtime to begin with. It was almost comical watching last night when the Sabre's woke up in the 3rd. When they did wake up it was apparent watching the game that the Leafs have ZERO chance to compete with good teams. They are to slow, and don't have enough talent to compete with high end teams.

They are a .500 team even when their injuries get healthy. They simply have no clue how to play hockey when the puck is in their end of the rink. This is as good as this team will be this year.

The really sad thing is the entire team and organization is so FUBAR now that even if it was blown up and started over with competent hockey people we are at least 5 years away from a contender.

Leaf fans could be a decade away from a contender at this rate.

Anyway.....great episode of Hero's last night and the baseball games were good!

[Jeffc]

Its starting to get embarrasing to be a leaf fan. How the hell am I gonna wear my prized Wendell jersey in public now. Pleeeaaaase get rid of Mcabe.

starting to get embarrasing?:D

[hogannut]

Its starting to get embarrasing to be a leaf fan. How the hell am I gonna wear my prized Wendell jersey in public now. Pleeeaaaase get rid of Mcabe.

Where Wendel with pride, as he represents a brief blip on the radar over the last 40 years of when being a Leaf fan meant you were proud of your team and not emberassed to say so.

Face it guitarman.....this is the 21st century version of Ballard. Useless ownership and management, no real prospects in your farm system (although the Marlies are doing well this year) for a bonified NHL player that can take the organization forward.....like Crosby will or Toews in Chicago, those types of players.

Ferguson has traded away all our draft picks for his useless acquisitions.

[luv2golow]

Not sure why we continue to beat a dead horse.... The McCabe deal plain sucked. JFJ should have to pay for his incompetence. At least he put the puck in the net last night. And yes, I think he is on glue.;)

[hogannut]

IMO....JFJ will not be the GM by 2008 if there is not a HUUUUGGGEE turn around. You can see it now in Maurice's face. Maurice now knows this team is nowhere where he thought they would be at the beginning of the year. He as a coach is running out of ideas.

As someone who has coached a little bit in minor hockey when your team is as bad as the Leafs are in their own end the frustration you feel is almost over powering to the point you don't know what to do.

Skating them hard in practice won't do anything, talking to them, and drawing it out on a board isn't working, the players you want to rely on in key situations are causing the breakdowns and you are quickly at the end of your rope.

If I was the coach I'd send Mc Cable, Kubina and even Hal Gil to the Marlies and leave them there for 10-20 games. MLSE has piles of $. Buy these 3 plyons out, open up your salary cap and get some new blood here.

[guitarman]

Buscille please save us. Buy the preds and move them to Hamilton.

[looper]

IMO....JFJ will not be the GM by 2008 if there is not a HUUUUGGGEE turn around. You can see it now in Maurice's face. Maurice now knows this team is nowhere where he thought they would be at the beginning of the year. He as a coach is running out of ideas.

As someone who has coached a little bit in minor hockey when your team is as bad as the Leafs are in their own end the frustration you feel is almost over powering to the point you don't know what to do.

Skating them hard in practice won't do anything, talking to them, and drawing it out on a board isn't working, the players you want to rely on in key situations are causing the breakdowns and you are quickly at the end of your rope.

If I was the coach I'd send Mc Cable, Kubina and even Hal Gil to the Marlies and leave them there for 10-20 games. MLSE has piles of $. Buy these 3 plyons out, open up your salary cap and get some new blood here.

The best thing that could happen to the Leafs this year is that they go in the tank BIG TIME and have a truely embarrassing season ....... this way, the Board clears out the front office (Tannenbaum & Peddie), JFJ and most likely (unfortunately) Maurice and hands the keys over to Bowman to make any and all changes he sees fit (including having the Board stay out of making hockey decisions) as they did with the Raptors.

By simply getting into the playoffs, they'll deem the season a success and no changes will be deemed necessary.

[luv2golow]

The best thing that could happen to the Leafs this year is that they go in the tank BIG TIME and have a truely embarrassing season ....... this way, the Board clears out the front office (Tannenbaum & Peddie), JFJ and most likely (unfortunately) Maurice and hands the keys over to Bowman to make any and all changes he sees fit (including having the Board stay out of making hockey decisions) as they did with the Raptors.

By simply getting into the playoffs, they'll deem the season a success and no changes will be deemed necessary.

So true. We need a huge change in the collective mindset of the MLSE organization. Using the new Raptors model, things could be revamped in fairly short order. Just making the playoffs can't be the ultimate goal, we need to change to a culture of winning, not just competing. with all of the money MLSE has to toss around, you'd figutre that they would pay some awesome hockey minds to get things in order. Same ol same ol just ain't cutting it for me any more.:mad:

[davevandyk]

With all of the money MLSE has to toss around, you'd figutre that they would pay some awesome hockey minds to get things in order. Same ol same ol just ain't cutting it for me any more.:mad:

Why would you figure they would spend money. Would you spend money just to spend money? They sell out every game, they have HUGE amounts of corporate money and haven't had to worry about product success in decades, so why spend money when you aren't gonna get it back?

[looper]

Why would you figure they would spend money. Would you spend money just to spend money? They sell out every game, they have HUGE amounts of corporate money and haven't had to worry about product success in decades, so why spend money when you aren't gonna get it back?

There is 1 big difference between the Ballard years and now. The Leafs now are not afraid to spend $. The problem now is HOW they spend their $.

[hogannut]

So true. We need a huge change in the collective mindset of the MLSE organization. Using the new Raptors model, things could be revamped in fairly short order. Just making the playoffs can't be the ultimate goal, we need to change to a culture of winning, not just competing. with all of the money MLSE has to toss around, you'd figutre that they would pay some awesome hockey minds to get things in order. Same ol same ol just ain't cutting it for me any more.:mad:

THe problem is the owners THINK they understand how to run a hockey team and therefore will not bud out of the GM duties. They actually hired an expert and let him do his job for the basketball and look what has happened to Rapotors.

This why the Leafs will never attract a quality GM. Fletcher talked to them and said NO when they turned down his request to run the team WITHOUT interference from ownership. Scotty Bowman also saw the forrest through the trees.

JFJ is there because he can pushed around. Just like Ballard they seem unable to allow their employees to do their jobs. Not that I'm saying JFJ would all of a sudden become competent, but right now no one knows because (being politically incorrect) there are to many chiefs and not enough Indians....or to many cooks in the kitchen.

[luv2golow]

Why would you figure they would spend money. Would you spend money just to spend money? They sell out every game, they have HUGE amounts of corporate money and haven't had to worry about product success in decades, so why spend money when you aren't gonna get it back?

But here is the crux of my argument... if they spend a little they will make a ton more. At about a million per playoff game, plus the rabid fans eating up more merchandise than usual, they stand to make way more dough. Not to mention it would satisfy the loyal fans... You know, the people who drop all of the dough. This is why I never get the leafs... Looks like another year of disapointments. When Antropov is your leading scorer, you've got problems ( the guy looks like a baby giraffe on skates....):rofl:

[davevandyk]

But here is the crux of my argument... if they spend a little they will make a ton more. At about a million per playoff game, plus the rabid fans eating up more merchandise than usual, they stand to make way more dough. Not to mention it would satisfy the loyal fans... You know, the people who drop all of the dough. This is why I never get the leafs... Looks like another year of disapointments. When Antropov is your leading scorer, you've got problems ( the guy looks like a baby giraffe on skates....):rofl:

I hear ya, but i think its gonna take a LOT more than a little money to turn these guys into playoff contenders. Even if they make 1 round, that's likely 2 games, so maybe $2million, not worth it for them.

Leaf fans need to realize something, which i am sure you already know... why would they do anything "extra" to satisfy the fans. They look at the books, see that they sell out all their seats/private boxes and that tells them that they must be satisfying the fans, or why would they sell out.

You think they REALLY care if the fans are unhappy? Not a chance, they care that the building still sells out, which it will well beyond my life time.

[hogannut]

But here is the crux of my argument... if they spend a little they will make a ton more. At about a million per playoff game, plus the rabid fans eating up more merchandise than usual, they stand to make way more dough. Not to mention it would satisfy the loyal fans... You know, the people who drop all of the dough. This is why I never get the leafs... Looks like another year of disapointments. When Antropov is your leading scorer, you've got problems ( the guy looks like a baby giraffe on skates....):rofl:

THe problem with the team is their defensive play, and it is a TEAM issue, not necessarily a player issue. Yes....Mc Cabe put it in his own net last night. My point is the game should have been over in regulation, but the TEAM'S play in their own end is so FUBAR they cannot keep a lead. Antropov is having a pretty good year, stats wise, as is Sundin.

This is where the breakdown with us armchair coaches happens. THe scary thing about the Leafs this year is their breakdowns are as a team. IF it was jsut one guy you could address it, but it is an overall team discipline issue from the 1st line to the 4th line, forwards and defence.

[guitarman]

I hear ya, but i think its gonna take a LOT more than a little money to turn these guys into playoff contenders. Even if they make 1 round, that's likely 2 games, so maybe $2million, not worth it for them.

Leaf fans need to realize something, which i am sure you already know... why would they do anything "extra" to satisfy the fans. They look at the books, see that they sell out all their seats/private boxes and that tells them that they must be satisfying the fans, or why would they sell out.

You think they REALLY care if the fans are unhappy? Not a chance, they care that the building still sells out, which it will well beyond my life time.

I agree with a previous post. I'd like to now see the leafs completely tank in to the basement. Hopefully that will inspire some changes. Its unfortunate that the leafs can play as one of the worst teams in the league but make more money than most.

[iyell4]

gotta feel sorry for the guy ....
not as bad as a 'Steve Smith'

Steve Smith (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stephen_Smith), NHL defenceman who accidentally scored on his own team, the Edmonton Oilers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_Oilers) in the 1986 NHL Divisional Finals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985-86_NHL_season). In the third period of the seventh and deciding game against the rival Calgary Flames (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary_Flames), with the score tied 2-2, he made a pass from behind his own net that hit goaltender Grant Fuhr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Fuhr) and bounced into the net. The goal, credited to Calgary forward Perry Berezan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_Berezan), stood up as the game winner and eliminated the Oilers from playoff contention and possibility of a three-peat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-peat).

[guitarman]

My point is the game should have been over in regulation,

And it almost was. If you noticed, Mcabe almost put it in his own net at the end of the 3rd. I can't beleive that he almost did that then in overtime he did do it. Did some one dare this bonehead to put it in his own net for a joke or is he really that bad? I have been frustrated with this below average player for a few years now. He has trouble holding the line in the offensive zone when on power plays he does not make good decisions, he's not fast. He had one little streak one season where he scored alot from the point. As soon as other teams caught on to that trick he was easily shut down. Mcabe has to be the worst leaf in history to be paid that much.

[MannyR]

And it almost was. If you noticed, Mcabe almost put it in his own net at the end of the 3rd. I can't beleive that he almost did that then in overtime he did do it. Did some one dare this bonehead to put it in his own net for a joke or is he really that bad? I have been frustrated with this below average player for a few years now. He has trouble holding the line in the offensive zone when on power plays he does not make good decisions, he's not fast. He had one little streak one season where he scored alot from the point. As soon as other teams caught on to that trick he was easily shut down. Mcabe has to be the worst leaf in history to be paid that much.
I think he made an awesome play.

[Hombre Lefty]

Using the new Raptors model, things could be revamped in fairly short order.

wishful thinking. 1) raps went to europe and grabbed several players that were freely available, nba ready and under the radar of other teams. No such players exist for the leafs to grab. 2) the raps weren't saddled with huge no-trade clause contracts. Colangelo was free to do what he wanted.

Having said that, i'd still jettison the knuckelehead who signed all these horrible deals - jfj

[hogannut]

And it almost was. If you noticed, Mcabe almost put it in his own net at the end of the 3rd. I can't beleive that he almost did that then in overtime he did do it. Did some one dare this bonehead to put it in his own net for a joke or is he really that bad? I have been frustrated with this below average player for a few years now. He has trouble holding the line in the offensive zone when on power plays he does not make good decisions, he's not fast. He had one little streak one season where he scored alot from the point. As soon as other teams caught on to that trick he was easily shut down. Mcabe has to be the worst leaf in history to be paid that much.

I did notice that too.....that's why Raycroft threw his stick up in the air. Mc Cabe must have worked on his accuracy between the 3rd and overtime because he finally hit the net in OT!:rofl: :eek: :confused:

[guitarman]

I did notice that too.....that's why Raycroft threw his stick up in the air. Mc Cabe must have worked on his accuracy between the 3rd and overtime because he finally hit the net in OT!:rofl: :eek: :confused:

I have a feeling that its going to get very hard for Mcabe to play in Toronto.

[hogannut]

I have a feeling that its going to get very hard for Mcabe to play in Toronto.

Can you say Larry Murphy!!???:eek:

Funny.....Murphy gets boo'd out of Toronto and wins a cup in Detroit. i doubt that will happen for Mc Cabe considering he only wants to play here or in Long Island, who's ownership is almost as FUBAR as MLSE.

I cringe to see what happens at the next home game when his name is announced.

[avidgolfer]

What has Darcy Tucker done recently? That's what I want to know. I watched the games and haven't noticed him once.

[guitarman]

What has Darcy Tucker done recently? That's what I want to know. I watched the games and haven't noticed him once.

Darcy needs Kyle.

[davevandyk]

What has Darcy Tucker done recently? That's what I want to know. I watched the games and haven't noticed him once.

look for the guy crumpled up on the ice, after a leaf player and opponent go to hit each other! Honestly the only time i noticed him in the 2 Ottawa/leaf games were when he was getting nailed.

Darcy needs Kyle.

I don't watch enough games to know, but is Wellwood better than his numbers on paper? I keep hearing how badly they need Wellwood and how they are lost without him... over the last 2 years, the guy is barely over a 1/2 point/game player.

[Bellyhungry]

I don't watch enough games to know, but is Wellwood better than his numbers on paper? I keep hearing how badly they need Wellwood and how they are lost without him... over the last 2 years, the guy is barely over a 1/2 point/game player.

McCabe needs a change of scenery. He is not as bad as people made it out to be. It is just hard to get motivated when you know you have no chance to make it to the playoff 5 games into the season, so he gets a bit complacent.

Also, not really, Wellwood is not an impact players. Most Leafs fans are running out of options to put their hope on.

Maybe they can convince Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmore out of their retirement. What about Gary Leeman?

[guitarman]

McCabe needs a change of scenery. He is not as bad as people made it out to be. It is just hard to get motivated when you know you have no chance to make it to the playoff 5 games into the season, so he gets a bit complacent.

Also, not really, Wellwood is not an impact players. Most Leafs fans are running out of options to put their hope on.

Maybe they can convince Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmore out of their retirement. What about Gary Leeman?

Just about everytime Wellwood is on the ice he makes something happen. He is definitely fun to watch.

[avidgolfer]

Maybe they should have McCabe and Kaberle play with Sundin on the first line. The amount of time the two spend up front... sometimes you forget that they are on D.

It's the lack of team defence that's been killing the Leafs. The team looks absolutely lost in their own zone. McCabe is not the only one guilty of this.

When you're scoring 4 goals in games, you shouldn't be losing this many games.

[Bellyhungry]

....It's the lack of team defence that's been killing the Leafs. The team looks absolutely lost in their own zone. McCabe is not the only one guilty of this....

You sound like you are surprised by their deficiency in defense. Dumb people like me could have seen that coming before the season started.

BTW, have anyone else checked out Sportsnet's Greg Ross' Piece on Sabres?

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/video/latest/20071015_Can_the_Sabres_pick_up_the_pieces_

[Jeffc]

[quote=Bellyhungry]McCabe needs a change of scenery. He is not as bad as people made it out to be. quote]

actually, he is worse. I watched Sat night's game and he was absolutely awful. Not even 7M awful. He was rookie awful.

[MannyR]

Sundin was a solid -4 last night...it's not just McCabe.

[Bellyhungry]

Sundin was a solid -4 last night...it's not just McCabe.

Hmmmm, you were paying attention, weren't you? You are a closet Leafs fan, aren't you?

Did Wendel not sign your hat when you waited for 8 hours in the snow when you were little? Is that why you developed this complex? :confused:

[MannyR]

Hmmmm, you were paying attention, weren't you? You are a closet Leafs fan, aren't you?

Did Wendel not sign your hat when you waited for 8 hours in the snow when you were little? Is that why you developed this complex? :confused:
Actually, I got lucky and was channel surfing...caught the last 10 minutes of the game last night and caught the Leafs imploding...really kept me glued to the screen...made for great tv.

You think it's tough being a Leaf...the guys on RDS (French version of TSN) don't hold anything back when someone on the Habs makes a bad play...it's brutal at times. If McCabe was a Hab, he would have been found hanging from the cross on Mount Royal this morning.

Don't even go there with Wendy.

[cldale]

[quote=Bellyhungry]McCabe needs a change of scenery. He is not as bad as people made it out to be. quote]

actually, he is worse. I watched Sat night's game and he was absolutely awful. Not even 7M awful. He was rookie awful.

The guys on FAN590 this morning were trying to say that McCabe would right himself and regain his status as an elite level defensement.

When was McCabe EVER an elite level defensemen? He CANNOT PLAY DEFENSE. All he has is a good slapshot, and that stupid hip-check. But he's SLOW, and technically very unsound in defense.

Of the leafs defensemen, only Kaberle would make even the 2nd line on a contending team.

Teams are just skating around the leafs defense at will, and until they get faster and smarter on the blue-line, it doesn't matter if they have a brickwall in goal, they will lose games 5-4 and 6-5.

[golfingoalie]

Personally I find this whole thread offensive to glue...

[landlord]

Personally I find this whole thread offensive to glue...
Good line. Maybe it'll stick. :rolleyes:

[Leftygolfer30]

[quote=Jeffc]

The guys on FAN590 this morning were trying to say that McCabe would right himself and regain his status as an elite level defensement.

When was McCabe EVER an elite level defensemen? He CANNOT PLAY DEFENSE. All he has is a good slapshot, and that stupid hip-check. But he's SLOW, and technically very unsound in defense.

Of the leafs defensemen, only Kaberle would make even the 2nd line on a contending team.

Teams are just skating around the leafs defense at will, and until they get faster and smarter on the blue-line, it doesn't matter if they have a brickwall in goal, they will lose games 5-4 and 6-5.

I generally stay out of the "Leaf" discussions but can't seem to stop myself from chiming in on this one. FYI, I am a former goalie and generally focus on watching the goaltender and the defence around him. So, with that said, my observations from last night's game is that the Leafs defence is just plain and simply awful! They don't support their goalie and are abysmal at covering and clearing their zone. I don't think either of their goalies are as good as the management thinks (I assume they think they're good since they are paying them so much) but not too many goalies could have stopped that onslaught last night. Buffalo had more shots in the 3rd period than they did in the 1st and 2nd combined.

As for McCabe, it goes without saying that he is WAY overpaid. As stated, he has never been what I would classify as "elite". The Leafs' management have to support him because there isn't another team out there that would want his salary in a trade. He "had" a good slapshot one year and his signature "can opener" check has been outlawed so no one is afraid to go around him any more.

Unless something dramatically changes, the Leafs will miss the play-offs again. However, should they happen to sneak into the 8th spot, they won't likely win one play-off game.

[davevandyk]

[quote=cldale]
As for McCabe, it goes without saying that he is WAY overpaid. As stated, he has never been what I would classify as "elite". The Leafs' management have to support him because there isn't another team out there that would want his salary in a trade. He "had" a good slapshot one year and his signature "can opener" check has been outlawed so no one is afraid to go around him any more.


The funny thing is that i honestly believe the way he's playing, he could probably be sent to the minors and no team would pick him up on re-entry, even those its half the salary! I mean would you pick him up for 3.5million?

[Bellyhungry]

The funny thing is that i honestly believe the way he's playing, he could probably be sent to the minors and no team would pick him up on re-entry, even those its half the salary! I mean would you pick him up for 3.5million?

You really do enjoy beating up dead horse into pulp huh? :$

[hogannut]

Scotty Bowman was saying this morning on 590 Mc Cabe has a "no move" clause in his contract which from what I understood as he can't be sent to the minors, AND he can't be traded without his consent. So I guess the only way to get rid of him would be to buy out the rest of his contract and send him on his way.

[Jeffc]

or find another team with a similar kind of player that is in the same boat. Big contract and underperforming. I think, given his options McCabe might reconsider his no movement as living in Toronto right now can't be a lot of fun.

[hogannut]

or find another team with a similar kind of player that is in the same boat. Big contract and underperforming. I think, given his options McCabe might reconsider his no movement as living in Toronto right now can't be a lot of fun.

This is what Bowman said too. However I can't think of another 5 + million dollar who is under performing at the same level as Mc Cabe? I can't think of one.

I was watching TSN this morning and the Leafs have the highest payroll for defencemen and have given up the most goals in the NHL so far this year. Well done JFJ.....you won't make it to X-MAS!:eek: :nono: :hush:

[davevandyk]

This is what Bowman said too. However I can't think of another 5 + million dollar who is under performing at the same level as Mc Cabe? I can't think of one.

I was watching TSN this morning and the Leafs have the highest payroll for defencemen and have given up the most goals in the NHL so far this year. Well done JFJ.....you won't make it to X-MAS!:eek: :nono: :hush:

ya i saw that, the team that had the 2nd highest d-men averaged 2.5goals/game, unlike the leafs who are allowing 4.1goals/game.

[guitarman]

This is what Bowman said too. However I can't think of another 5 + million dollar who is under performing at the same level as Mc Cabe? I can't think of one.

I was watching TSN this morning and the Leafs have the highest payroll for defencemen and have given up the most goals in the NHL so far this year. Well done JFJ.....you won't make it to X-MAS!:eek: :nono: :hush:

Probably end up canning the coach sometime this year if it doesn't improve. Like that would make a difference. It would be a shame.

[davevandyk]

Probably end up canning the coach sometime this year if it doesn't improve. Like that would make a difference. It would be a shame.

Well the coach isn't responsible for the ability of his players, he is liable for the fact that none of the players are playing to what their ability is.

[guitarman]

Well the coach isn't responsible for the ability of his players, he is liable for the fact that none of the players are playing to what their ability is.

I think he has done what he can with the leafs and I don't think another coach could do better under the circumstances.

[avidgolfer]

I think he has done what he can with the leafs and I don't think another coach could do better under the circumstances.

I disagree. When your players are trying their butt off and get beat... I can live with it. Like the 2nd game against Ottawa.

The thing that irks me about the current Leaf players is that they seem to stand around and watch the opponents in their end or are confused on who they should be covering.

Offence is about creativity. Defence is about systems. Right now the system is either not in place or isn't being followed. I can understand that during the coach's first season of but not the second. This is Maurice's sole responsibility to make sure players follow the system in their own zone.

The Leafs aren't contenders for the cup but have better talent than their current record shows.

[guitarman]

I disagree. When your players are trying their butt off and get beat... I can live with it. Like the 2nd game against Ottawa.

The thing that irks me about the current Leaf players is that they seem to stand around and watch the opponents in their end or are confused on who they should be covering.

Offence is about creativity. Defence is about systems. Right now the system is either not in place or isn't being followed. I can understand that during the coach's first season of but not the second. This is Maurice's sole responsibility to make sure players follow the system in their own zone.

The Leafs aren't contenders for the cup but have better talent than their current record shows.

Just because a much quicker team makes them look like they are standing around doesn't mean they are. They just can't keep up.

[Kace]

Talking about defensemen putting pucks in their own nets, did anyone see the Calgary vs. Colorado game last night. Ugggghhhhhhhh...

Calgary is up 4-0 early in the second. Colorado scores 3 straight goals without any direct shots on nets. Every one of them were scored by bouncing the puck off a Calgary defencemen.

Colorado rode the momentum from those stupid goals and ended up winning in a shootout. Absolutely horrible...bad breaks.

[hogannut]

Can you say scapegoat??? As a former coach I can say there is only so much you can do. You can run drills in practice and draw all over the rink boards but if the players don't respond what are you gonna do?? I know 12 year olds are not NHL but the concept is the same, and at the NHL level it should acutally be easier as the players understand the "theory".

First casualty will be JFJ, and I that will happen by X-Mas if they are a .500 club at that point. Maurice will last the year IMO.

[avidgolfer]

Just because a much quicker team makes them look like they are standing around doesn't mean they are. They just can't keep up.

The Leafs aren't the slowest team in the NHL. They have enough speed to compete. Not dominate mind you... but enough to compete. It's now a matter of implementing a system to make the most of it. Which I think has been a problem thus far in the season.

[davevandyk]

Can you say scapegoat??? As a former coach I can say there is only so much you can do. You can run drills in practice and draw all over the rink boards but if the players don't respond what are you gonna do?? I know 12 year olds are not NHL but the concept is the same, and at the NHL level it should acutally be easier as the players understand the "theory".

First casualty will be JFJ, and I that will happen by X-Mas if they are a .500 club at that point. Maurice will last the year IMO.

I agree that Maurice will likely last the season. However i dont' think he is being used as a scapegoat at all, there hasn't been any grumblings that i have heard about Maurice, mostly just mccabe and the d-men. Somehow he needs to light a fire under their asses, whether that means sitting a guy like mccabe or tucker to show them that they aren't guaranteed their set amount of minutes a game like they are getting right now.

I heard the best summation about mccabe so far this year on the FAN. Right now fans are happy when he is invisible out there...when you got a d-man making 6+ million you should notice him on every single shift, as you do with Pronger/Lidstrom etc., but they should be noticed for good things, not bonehead plays. The guy is a -3 and has 12 PIM in just 7 games, yet he is still logging over 22 minutes a game!

[guitarman]

The Leafs aren't the slowest team in the NHL. They have enough speed to compete. Not dominate mind you... but enough to compete. It's now a matter of implementing a system to make the most of it. Which I think has been a problem thus far in the season.

Yes I agree that they are not the slowest team in the league. But they will have a hard time winning against those quicker teams. Even though the leafs are having a rough time right now they will win their share of games. I beleive they will put some winning streaks together and be just good enough to miss the playoffs by a point or get in by a point. Then the merry go round will just continue. Especially if they get in to the playoffs because then they'll feel there is some kind of progress. I wish now that they would just tank so bad that drastic action will be taken to clean out the useless management.

[Leftygolfer30]

You really do enjoy beating up dead horse into pulp huh? :$

Not my quote :D

[guitarman]

Talking about defensemen putting pucks in their own nets, did anyone see the Calgary vs. Colorado game last night. Ugggghhhhhhhh...

Calgary is up 4-0 early in the second. Colorado scores 3 straight goals without any direct shots on nets. Every one of them were scored by bouncing the puck off a Calgary defencemen.

Colorado rode the momentum from those stupid goals and ended up winning in a shootout. Absolutely horrible...bad breaks.

Went to the restaraunt next door to my office for lunch and caught the higlights. You weren't kidding. Wow was that bad. The one player kicked it in from about 20 feet out. I don't think the goalie expected it.

[Big Shooter]

The Leafs aren't the slowest team in the NHL. They have enough speed to compete. Not dominate mind you... but enough to compete. It's now a matter of implementing a system to make the most of it. Which I think has been a problem thus far in the season.

Exactly...they can only play for about 40 minutes, and they usually DEFLATE in the 3rd period....PLUS, Bad Defence makes Good Goaltending IMPOSSIBLE!

btw, what has happened to the "SCORING MACHINE"....D'arcy Tucker?:confused: :$

[ontario]

IMO, coaching makes a massive difference. There is the system and then there is motivation. I don't believe Maurice is much for motivation. For those skills you have to look at guys like Pat Burns, Mike Keenan and Ted Nolan.

Look at what Nolan is doing with the Islanders. A team made up of a strong goalie and a bunch of league discards and they are competitive. They've already beaten the Rangers twice and the Blueshirts have a powerhouse lineup.

Look at what Burns did with a far less talented lineup in the 90s. Speaking of which, what's Pat Burns doing anyways? Can't we ditch Maurice and bring back Burnsie?

[Big Shooter]

IMO, coaching makes a massive difference. There is the system and then there is motivation.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta.... :rolleyes: