Forsberg Done?

Just a short blog to tell everyone what they've probably already heard. It appears that Peter Forsberg has suffered another injury setback to his career. With the news coming in the last week that he would be skating with Sweden's national team, rumors began to pick up again as to when and where he would return to the NHL. However, TSN has reported that he skated for only an hour before having to step off the ice, once again experiencing trouble with his problematic ankle. I don't know what to say about this, other than that I saw it coming.

Crucial Week Ahead For The Maple Leafs

After defeating the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 3-2, the Leafs demonstrated a better club than previous games, but still sloppy. Let's not forget a horrible breakdown in the last 5 minutes of play versus the Devils; who took us apart with a shorthanded goal followed by another tally in just over a minutes time. So what club will show up Tuesday night in Ottawa? Well for starters, it better be a more than decent one because first of all, the Sens are 11-1-0, and on top of that we have the Sabres and Rangers to deal with in the same week.

This week will be an important one for the Leafs, they can get some character and respectability back by attaining 2 out of 3 with victories or better yet... 3 out of 3. Possible? Yes. Likely? No. Not with this club, the defensive woes are so mind numbingly obvious it pains me to say we'll be in over our heads to keep up with the Sens and Sabres... not to mention an uprising Rangers club ( who didn't think they'd come back... it was only a matter of time).

To aid our blue and white troops, one familiar face, followed by a new one, are set to join the team. The first being one of my favorite Maple Leafs... the crafty Kyle Wellwood is slated for a Tuesday return, but it's not set in stone. ''Welly'' will help the PP... immensely. Reason being is his play making abilities. Wellwood gives us a 3rd option on the PP and it's going to be duely noted and appreciated. PM can now use the Kaberle to McCabe one-timer ( when he's back of course), the Sundin shoot-from-the-circle technique, and now, Wellwood pass from the crease to Blake, seeing on how Tucker is injured.

The other trooper is one by the name of Mark Bell. After receiving a 15-game suspension, Mark Bell has finally got the chance for his Leafs debut, and who better then against the Sens, heh? Start it off with a goal, please! Bell will bring some much needed defensive play followed with some strong checking and even some offensive flair. But the question pertains; will Bell return to his 45 point, 25 goal self? Or will he turn out to be a 20 point guy who doesn't bring much expect for hitting and a 2.1 million dollar salary? All to be answered shortly.

Stay tuned, friends. It's sure to be a whopper of a week for this Leafs club. I leave you with this video to get your adrenaline rushing for the upcoming week. News Team! AAASSSEEMMBBLLEEE!

Arbour Day

Al Arbour day, that is. Big Al made his comeback to the Islanders bench for his 1,500th game and a roaring ovation from Islander faithful.

Big Al came back for 1 night only and was rewarded in a huge way. By the fans, the coaches, and the players who gave him a 3-2 come from behind victory over the Penguins.

Al Arbour, also known as "Radar", led the Islanders to 4 Stanley Cups and retired as a legend with 1,499 games behind the Isles bench, the most by any coach for one team. Ted Nolan brought up the idea to Garth Snow, Islanders GM, and then they both pitched the theory to owner Charles Wang. With all three in agreement, Al Arbour made is triumphant return.

The Islanders responded in a huge way, storming out of the gate early in the game, only to have Ryan "I love playing the Islanders" Malone bust their balloon with the first goal of the game. Things didn't get much better for the boys in Orange and White when another shot was buried behind DiPietro by rookie Tyler Kennedy (...Kennedy.. sorry, wrestling reference!). Congrats to Mr. Kennedy on his 1st career NHL goal, one of many to come.

Trent Hunter finally broke through, igniting the still excited Isles fans, cutting the score in half. A surprise show... Miro Satan finally scored. Twice! The arena literally exploded on the final buzzer, but the night wasn't over yet. Not just one banner was lowered that night, but two. Al Arbour, 1,500 games coached. Al Arbour, 740 wins. Al Arbour, the man who said it best...

"I'm Al Arbour and I'm an Islander."

You always will be, Radar.

Side note: Rick DiPietro was stabbed in the eye by Sidney Crosby's stick and didn't come back to the game. Doctors say he is okay, but may miss a game or two. Arbour will have his 740 win banner raised later in the season.

Side note 2: I hate Ryan Malone!! He has the Isles number memorized and on freaking speed dial...

Youtube Video of the Day: Mic'd Up

Reason number one to make it mandatory for players to be mic'd up at all times. This classic video of Bryan Trottier and Kevin Stevens harassing Bryan Bellows has been around for a while now, but it never seems to get old. Imagine all of the classic moments like this we are missing by not having mandatory mic...ing? I have some more examples in the coming days why we should have players being mic'd mandatory. WARNING: some pretty bad language here, so anyone with virgin ears, don't watch the vid.

The Savior

2006: They haven't made the playoffs since 1997. They have a no-name defense and no depth on offense. Starting goalie Kevin Weekes goes down with a groin injury. Only a 7th round, unproven, unexperienced Swede can fill that spot.

2007: A disappointing season that included a 9 game losing streak and an awful record. They were guaranteed to miss the playoffs before the season was halfway through. That once-heralded Swede seemed to have lost it.

2008: After offseason signings, things looked headed downhill. The 2-5-1 record do nothing to help the spirits of the team, the fans and the city. Looks like those same old Rangers.

Similar story lines...


Same results...

2006: He lifts his team to their first playoff berth in 9 years. Becomes a Vezina finalist in his rookie year. 30 wins. 2.18 GAA. His team was picked to go 30th. Not even close.

2007: Picked up his game. Best goalie on the best team during the second half. Another Vezina final. Another playoffs berth. A sweep and two wins against Buffalo to go with it. 37 wins. 2.34 GAA. 5 shutouts. Yeah, the critics shut up.

2008: Hes good when times are bad. Unstoppable when they are good. 12 games. 3 shutouts. 1.67 GAA. .937 SV%. And hes 5-6. The Rangers were 2-5-1. He had a shut-out. In a shootout loss. Consistent 2 goal efforts. Consistent losses. Hold down the fort until times get better on offense. They do. Win 3 out of last 4. Give up only 5 goals in those games. 2 shutouts. Has given up more than 2 goals in only 3 games. Shooting for another Vezina final? Try Vezina winner. Try Stanley Cup Champion. Try.....


THE SAVIOR

Youtube Video of the Day: Battle of the Lightweights

What are the odds that Daniel Briere gets into a fight? What about Mike Comrie? Pretty slim, eh? Now what are the odds that they get in a fight at the same time, against eachother? Well believe it or not it happened!

Leafs vs. Devils : A Guaranteed Victory

Yes. That's right. I guarantee a victory tomorrow. Why? Because of Eggshmeg's hurtful words! :(On a serious note, tomorrow's match-up will be at 7 PM ET in New Jersey, not that it makes a difference. There's nobody in the arena anyway, we can pretty much call this a home game for the Leafs... unfortunately.)

The Devils have been off to a slow start, they have been horrendous in turnovers and Martin Brodeur is even struggling. But after a promising 6-1 drubbing of the Lighting, thinks may be on the up rise. Zach Parise has proved so far this season he was no aberration last season and he's been, in my opinion, their best player so far. Let's remember how much trouble the Devils gave us last season as well, most notably the one where they literally beat us in one period for a depressing 6-5 victory in the shootout.

The Leafs will most likely start Andrew Raycroft tomorrow. After Toskala let in 4 goals on 12 shots ( not his fault, his defense was pathetic), Paul Maurice will be looking to spark the line-up. After a 7-1 defeat to the lowly Capitals, the Leafs have been undergoing intense practices to get back in shape, but so far this season, that has proved to be ineffective. This weekend is a perfect, and I mean perfect chance for the Leafs to show who they really are and what kind of damage they can do. Two wins against the Devils and the Canadiens would be a nice message, and might spark this team up for the very tough schedule that proceeds. Quite simply, if they lose these two... they are pretty much screwed barring a miracle.

The Leafs can't wait for the Devils tomorrow. They're coming off a big win and they'll rip us apart if we do. We have to send the message, not them. Most importantly, the defense HAS to help the goaltender. This has cost us more then a few games already. Instead of huddling up in front of your goalie and letting the shooters get quality, from the circle shots; force them on the outside, make them battle in the corners and not get those golden opportunities in front of the net. Also, our defenders have to start leaving one man in front of the net at all times when in our zone, our D tends to chase the man which leaves the goaltender wide open and vulnerable.

We can win this, we just need to play with some intelligence for more then one period.