tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171982132012-02-22T10:38:27.937-05:00Leafs versus Sens -- Commentary from both sides of the aisleJay Jardinenoreply@blogger.comBlogger22961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-42595083927203470062012-02-21T18:25:00.002-05:002012-02-22T10:38:27.947-05:00

Every couple of weeks or so at BoO, some Sens fan reminds everyone that Bryan Murray built the Stanley Cup Winning Ducks team and not Brian Burke. Burkey, they will tell you, simply walked in, poured a coffee,  and watched Murray's roster get him his first cup ring.I beg to differ.Here is a look at Bryan Murray's contributions to the Stanley Cup Winning Anaheim Ducks.THE DRAFTBryan Murray watched

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-88221376258288958802012-02-21T12:19:00.001-05:002012-02-21T12:22:21.416-05:00

I'm not sure he's on the right path but whatever works I guess. Hat-tip to the Globe.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-4333711161800463812012-02-18T13:26:00.000-05:002012-02-18T13:47:47.929-05:00

Nobody will ever know how close John Ferguson Jr. was to trading Tomas Kaberle and Alexander Steen for Chris Pronger the summer of 2006. One thing for certain is that many Leaf fans thought the price was too high. An all-star defenceman and a (so we thought) budding NHL star in Steen, the Leafs in the end did not make the rumored deal and I count myself in the group at the time who was very

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-33030474250652228512012-02-15T15:41:00.001-05:002012-02-15T15:43:01.568-05:00

It's these small things that make life so special.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-82738916350399918532012-02-11T13:05:00.001-05:002012-02-11T13:10:29.220-05:00

Special nights for Leaf fans have come seldom over the past 40+ years. The odd playoff round clincher here, glimmer of hope there, a win to stop us from fully bleeding out. It's a franchise that has not won anything significant in a long time. And for that reason, tonight's honoring of Mats Sundin is even more important. On many nights during his 13 years as a Leaf, Mats Sundin was the only

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-84049286840199340932012-02-04T18:47:00.002-05:002012-02-04T18:49:55.297-05:00

Man, no time to do this proper but had to put something up before the puck drops. Both teams are healthy and both obviously need the win! Should be a great tilt!See you later in the comments...

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-21508473954522964652012-02-02T16:38:00.003-05:002012-02-02T16:38:24.248-05:00

We've already compared failed Cup guarantees from BoO captains (no comment from Leaf fans on that whole episode), so now it's time for an update on Kadri v. Turris I. A few things to note:  both have slipped in PPG, +/- and FO% (it was too much trouble to segregate Turris' PHX v OTT FO%, so we'll leave it as is).  Turris, however, has increased his category lead count to 8 by adding a goal,

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-10551900103566752432012-02-01T22:34:00.001-05:002012-02-02T10:42:46.764-05:00

Read this story. Made me think of this movie.  That's all I got. Leafs get 3 points out of a home and home with Pittsburgh. Some will argue we should have gotten four, but fuck it, be happy, we're actually trending* towards making Mr Bower one happy ACC customer.  *Please understand that this is not a guarantee. Daniel Alfredsson once made a guarantee, and look how stupid Daniel Alfredsson

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-30492500921618065032012-01-30T17:33:00.002-05:002012-01-30T17:34:30.743-05:00

It's been 5 days since a real hockey game has been played and I just can't help myself.  Bill Watters tweeted the following hockey trade rumor between the Jackets and the Leafs: Jackets trade to Toronto: Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius  Leafs trade to Columbus: Luke Schenn, Mikhail Grabovski, Mike Komisarek and Nazem Kadri. What's interesting about this trade is that the salaries actually match

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-45550026369298233302012-01-27T18:15:00.000-05:002012-01-27T18:15:30.550-05:00

In this writers opinion, Ottawa's GM and Coach still have work to do before being considered anything but a struggling franchise with a couple of wins lately. Leafs ranked 8th and Ottawa 20th. Thanks to the fine folks at PPP for the link, whom I agree with that the Leafs seem ranked a little high.

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-66570324206444846472012-01-25T23:55:00.002-05:002012-01-25T23:55:55.265-05:00

The All-Star festivities kick off tomorrow evening with the draft.  The Battle of Ontario has 7.5 participants in this year's edition. On the undeserving side are Leaf Captain and the leagues most overrated player as voted by his peers, Dion Phaneuf and alleged distributor of hooker DNA Joffrey  Lupul.  There's also some short guy with a fancy car. On the ridiculously under-represented side, we

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-30330849735708616332012-01-21T14:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T14:00:09.078-05:00

*not via ballot stuffing or home rink politics. Actually rewarded for his play, which has been sensational. Well done Joffrey.

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-66845423366216029422012-01-20T09:38:00.003-05:002012-01-21T11:24:03.028-05:00

With Greening's two goals yesterday, he moves to a tie for 5th in rookie scoring. Cowen is 1pt behind Larsson for rookie D. Note that Cowen and Greening are 1st and 4th in Hits for rookies too - just another part of the reason the Sens are doing better than expected. Nobody pencilled in that kind of production from these two players. Leaf fans, you can see Gardiner and Frattin lower down on the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-23694967372033584852012-01-19T09:17:00.002-05:002012-01-19T09:20:20.926-05:00

SJ Mercury:Michalek has helped the Senators to a 26-16-6 record and will be playing in the All-Star game on Jan. 29. And thanks to his development, it sure looks as if Ottawa ultimately got the better of the blockbuster trade for Dany Heatley in 2009.Hat-tip to SensTown tweet.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-14915992173888622002012-01-18T10:14:00.004-05:002012-01-19T20:24:18.876-05:00

All you need to watch is the first 22 seconds to understand how soft the Leafs are.  Z.Smith wasn't even aware someone ran into him. make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-57414347740899527642012-01-17T23:14:00.002-05:002012-01-17T23:17:26.102-05:00

Yes.Okay, worst in the last 40 years or so? Don't know much about Jimmy Thomson or Sid Smith.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-32204276275992431742012-01-17T21:39:00.002-05:002012-01-17T21:39:39.383-05:00

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-39239601497303611142012-01-17T14:58:00.002-05:002012-01-17T15:07:19.261-05:00

Or as it will be known - the BBOO.Lineups from Mirtle:Leafs projected lineup Lupul - Bozak - KesselMacArthur - Grabovski - KuleminLombardi - Connolly - CrabbRosehill - Steckel - Brown Aulie - PhaneufGunnarsson - SchennGardiner - Franson Reimer Sens projected lineup Michalek - Spezza - GreeningCondra - Turris - AlfredssonFoligno - Smith - NeilButler - Konopka - Daugavins Kuba - KarlssonCowen -

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-65495610962646358472012-01-16T15:28:00.002-05:002012-01-16T15:37:13.913-05:00

With tomorrow's BoO in Toronto looming, the Sens come home from a very successful road trip playing a beat up Jets team on a slump. Anderson gets the start again tonight with a few questions popping up on whether the Sens will go to Auld tomorrow against Toronto's pop-gun offense. The Leafs are expecting to start the 2nd leading All-star Goalie vote getter - he must be having a great year!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-73802136080193047272012-01-13T15:49:00.002-05:002012-01-13T15:49:55.227-05:00

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-64505292306723949512012-01-12T21:58:00.000-05:002012-01-12T21:58:05.940-05:00

First step is defeating the league #1 New York Rangers in a 3-0 shutout with all goals from the non-worthy All Star selections and assists from not-as-good-as-Jake-Gardiner, a.k.a. Karlsson. But Ottawa's not a good team right Muppet?

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-74149399999726581852012-01-12T12:33:00.000-05:002012-01-12T12:33:06.362-05:00

...then you could possibly be very rich off a $5 bet. Ottawa has joined the top 10 power rankings of SB Nation while Toronto sits in 14th. TSN has Toronto and Ottawa at 13th and 14th place, up from 18th and 17th, respectively. Finally, Sportsnet ranks the BoO participants closer to SBN with Ottawa rising 6 spots to take 10th and Toronto jumping from 21 to 17th. 

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-36629972138408228082012-01-11T15:25:00.000-05:002012-01-11T15:25:00.513-05:00

Introducing your SportsIllustrated/CNN most overrated player in the NHL according to active NHL players, for the 2nd year running, it's Mister......

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-7501659519402698892012-01-10T23:52:00.002-05:002012-01-10T23:55:07.290-05:00

Normally this wouldn't be cause for celebration, but his 2nd shutout in a week deserves a glove tap. The best BoO save %: Jonus Gustavsson. Who would have thunk it?

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-1572854128088729022012-01-09T09:21:00.004-05:002012-01-09T09:28:46.964-05:00

A couple of months ago I didn't think the January 17th game between our teams would have the significance that it appears it will have next week.The game at Toronto (a rested Leaf team against a Sens team who will have played the night before) will be a good one if the two teams continue to play as they have since the holiday break.The win last night by the Sens was just another day at the office

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-47898890032438653662012-01-06T08:41:00.004-05:002012-01-06T08:57:05.537-05:00

What a game winner by Zibanejad in the WJC Gold Medal game last night. The guy had a great tournament and Sens fans are so excited to see him and Stone do everything that we had hoped they would do.Love the tweets by Sens players for Mika too:Craig Anderson: Congrats to #prospect Mika Zibanejad on his GWG for the #wjc12 gold medal.Mark Borowiecki: @MikaZibanejad congrats on the goal buddy!Shane

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-27192612601128178502012-01-05T10:39:00.001-05:002012-01-05T10:42:59.960-05:00

Big push by Sens fans in the last days pushed Kessel out of the starting lineup thankfully!Here are your starters...

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-72060933663277377752012-01-04T12:09:00.002-05:002012-01-04T12:12:53.967-05:00

Can we say this is the final nail in the 'pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence' coffin?

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-26821311508712472922012-01-03T10:06:00.000-05:002012-01-03T10:08:58.071-05:00

2800 days? Wow - that's a long, long time, isn't it! Something happened 2800 days ago today that hasn't happened since. Wonder what it was?Check it out!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-35144967135314579662012-01-01T20:45:00.001-05:002012-01-01T20:54:41.236-05:00

Turns out Santa came late!The Leafs held out longer than I thought they would and it took the last night of 2011 for the Sens to overtake the lowly sad sacked blue team. Boy, and with Stone and Zibanejad shining in Alberta as well I think we Sens fans must have been good this year!The Wilson extension is like the Leaf fans getting a lump of coal in their stockings!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-48089794240931268502011-12-26T22:27:00.002-05:002011-12-26T22:30:34.358-05:00

Great start by Team Canada!Loved Stone's game but do we really need the comparisons to Tim Kerr and, for the love of Alfie, Phil Esposito! Oh well, its the season for dreams!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-8095800520026312102011-12-23T22:24:00.000-05:002011-12-23T22:26:29.261-05:00

THM, I know you mentioned something about posting the standings tonight? Perhaps you forgot. I got your back. Have a great holiday all. It's going to be a good 2nd half to the season. For one of our teams anyway...

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-19784093987522814732011-12-23T09:15:00.002-05:002011-12-23T09:20:50.005-05:00

I was hopeful I'd be able to write this post with the Sens ahead of the Leafs and in a playoff spot with the Blue team looking up from their traditional 9th place position.But, Buffalo spoiled my fun and the Leafs may still be in a playoff spot when 2012 comes.As for Ottawa being ahead of them, I think after tonight's game against the lowly Hurricanes, I may have to put the Eastern Conference

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-36632853664959102052011-12-22T18:26:00.000-05:002011-12-22T18:36:41.757-05:00

It feels like it's been a century since the confident young kid from southern Ontario was Brian Burke's first draft pick as GM of the Leafs. Since Nazem Kadri's name was called at the 2009 draft, Leaf Nation have went on a journey of glee, hope, disappointment, hope again, frustration, and in some cases, now, indifference. If you've been keeping track, you've read his obituary too, his 67

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-42940054418194403142011-12-20T15:08:00.003-05:002011-12-20T15:11:17.481-05:00

Ah, to hear those words being spoken about James Reimer is just like an early Christmas present.McGuire on the radio this morning talking about Reimer's technique and how he's starting to be exposed.2 pts ahead of the Sens for now.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-8243522772380406262011-12-19T10:21:00.002-05:002011-12-19T10:47:42.455-05:00

Quite the trade on the weekend.There's been quite a bit of analysis of the trade already and I think it's fair to say that most in Sensland tilt a little to the side of concern. The feeling is that the upside on Rundblad might be higher and there isn't any baggage as Turris brings with him.Suddenly, the offensive cupboard is getting nicely stocked in the Sens organization. As Steve Lloyd said in

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-25854427979586044362011-12-13T10:00:00.006-05:002011-12-14T09:49:26.246-05:00

Two draft picks from the Sens (Mark Stone) and the Leafs (Brad Ross) made the Team Canada selection camp. Sounds like Stone has almost locked up his spot while Ross has battled some injuries which have prevented him from participating in the scrimmages.Stone's been having a monster season in Brandon - leading the WHL scoring race with 65 pts in 33 games. Ross has 38 in 30 games for Portland.I

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-40266840891449660422011-12-09T11:55:00.000-05:002011-12-09T11:55:08.599-05:00

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-50644571377430566192011-11-14T10:40:00.001-05:002011-11-14T10:41:50.859-05:00

You sent some fans down to see the big Hall of Fame game and they didn't leave disappointed. 

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-49744752638551623562011-11-12T17:51:00.001-05:002011-11-12T18:07:27.900-05:00

More importantly, it's the Hall of Fame game and three ex Leafs will be inducted. The most notable for Leaf fans will of course be Dougy. He may have never won a cup here, but as Rosie Dimanno wrote yesterday, he WAS the Leafs while he was here and is a giant pair of skates to fill for any player that has put on the Leaf jersey since.  One day maybe an Ottawa Senator will get into the hall. I

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-36666033641140369112011-10-30T03:11:00.002-04:002011-10-30T03:11:44.020-04:00

Leafs are the 2nd best team in the eastern conference. Ottawa's young d-man leads the league in 2nd assists. Something has to give... Will Kessel continue to score goals and will Gustavsson keep stopping pucks? Will Karlsson continue to touch the puck moments before a good play is made and get credit for it? 7:30pm. Tune in and find out!

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-89345467639127324912011-10-27T00:39:00.000-04:002011-10-27T00:39:05.330-04:00

Leafs are in a playoff position. Ottawa are out of a lottery spot. Marlies lead their division. Binghampton are last in theirs. Toronto's best forward leads the league in goals and points. Ottawa's best forward is leading the league in next to retire. Leafs best prospect has the most points in the AHL. Binghampton's most productive player is a 34 year old journeyman.

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-80716773182746183562011-10-21T10:05:00.002-04:002011-10-21T10:11:14.130-04:00

A Sens win and a Leaf thrashing.Have to say things could look even better in a few days with Columbus coming into Ottawa and the Leafs going to play the Habs and Philly on the road. Also expect we'll see the last of Kessel's ugly mug on the NHL Stats leader page shortly. Michalek (5 goals) and Karlsson (7 assists) are showing up in the leader board btw. Lupul and Reimer are there for +/- and Wins

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-70198877108785621912011-10-16T12:56:00.000-04:002011-10-16T13:00:05.627-04:00

On pace for 130 goals. That should shut up the trade critics, at least for a bit. 

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-84442964696536452662011-10-12T12:00:00.003-04:002011-10-12T12:03:10.859-04:00

Too busy to put much down on here but I got to the home opener last night. This picture taken after Alfie scored to clinch victory in the shootout is one for blog for sure!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-56555595378350793602011-10-07T09:22:00.004-04:002011-10-07T09:29:58.917-04:00

Is Optimus Reim not taking Burke's advice? Burke famously told his young goalie:Jim Carey is one. Steve Penney is one. What I said to James Reimer is ‘Google both of those guys and make sure you’re not one of them.’ Well, Jim Carey came up for Washington in 1995 and went 28-16-8 - a little Reimerish, no? (Reimer was 20-10 last year)The next year, Carey won the Vezina. Something Reimer should

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-66073178330068410072011-10-05T11:27:00.003-04:002011-10-05T11:30:08.015-04:00

Those jerks that had the Sens finishing 15th in the east this year can shove it. Check this out! The Canadiens just miss out, placing ninth, while Winnipeg is 11th and Ottawa 14th in the East. Edmonton finishes 13th in the West, just ahead of Calgary.Oh, wait a minute - it's not all good news. The simulation must be flawed....The simulation is good news for Maple Leafs fans, since Toronto

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-1595011505984335232011-10-04T11:59:00.002-04:002011-10-04T12:37:36.426-04:00

Interesting column from Mendes on Sportsnet here.It's a good insight to Alfie's frame of mind last winter, this summer after his surgery and talks mostly about his future including on whether he could see himself leaving the club.At this point, Alfredsson says that's not his intention but the Ottawa captain does leave the door open for a possible trade this season, if it makes sense for both

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-13949791450932982432011-09-30T10:36:00.000-04:002011-09-30T10:36:01.711-04:00

“[Leaf fans] cry about everything [...] ,” said [Chris] Neil.

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-90926419584760320612011-09-27T12:35:00.000-04:002011-09-27T12:36:22.404-04:00

Marche's column in Grantland - a sweet read.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-16395313990246297322011-09-27T11:58:00.002-04:002011-09-27T12:10:38.522-04:00

Round 1 in the preseason tilt saw the Leafs win 4-2Tonight in Ottawa it's round 2 with the following lineups:Sens via @TSNScottyMac:Greening-Spezza-FilatovFoligno-Regin-CondraHoffman-Zibanejad-ButlerDaugavins-Smith-NeilGonchar-BorowieckiCowen-Karlsson,Rundblad-Lee.G: Lehner, McKennaThat's back to back games for Zibanejad, Greening, Cowen, and Rundblad as the rookies are getting a good look. No

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-68010123340467034672011-09-27T09:48:00.002-04:002011-09-27T09:52:46.988-04:00

Interesting column by Cox today here.He talks about the choice between Rosehill or Orr to be the Leafs 'muscle'. He has includes these lines:Nuclear deterrent, is what he likes to call it. The favourite example of the need for such a player you'll hear in Leaf circles is that Chris Neil of the Senators, a frequent opponent, is less likely to be uber-aggressive when there's a big pair of fists

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-12159605490547874472011-09-26T12:15:00.004-04:002011-09-26T12:20:16.737-04:00

A couple of the player tandems caught my eye:- Zibanejad and Alfie- Smith and Neil- Cowen and KarlssonGo Sens!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-55165360469982481122011-09-22T13:08:00.002-04:002011-09-22T13:12:15.934-04:00

Via BodogCanucks 7/1Habs 25/1Flames 40/1Leafs 50/1Jets 60/1Oilers 65/1Sens 70/1

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-19616736904381016512011-09-21T13:49:00.002-04:002011-09-21T13:55:39.814-04:00

Can't believe it.Saw on Twitter today a mention of the Sens B2B games and many being against the Leafs. Well, it turns out all 6 Battle of Ontario games are after a Sens game the night before and only one takes place after a Leaf game the night before. October 8th in Toronto - Sens in Detroit the night beforeOctober 30th in Ottawa - Sens play the Rangers the night before (Leafs in Toronto against

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-81003673850613626642011-09-19T11:27:00.002-04:002011-09-19T11:29:21.174-04:00

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-30390422435055986782011-09-19T11:15:00.002-04:002011-09-19T11:24:53.484-04:00

Expected lineups:Sens:Auld/Lehner to split dutiesKuba-KarlssonWeirchosh-ConboyCowen-RunbladFilatov-Regin-ButlerMichalek-Zibanejad-StoneGreening-Smith-NeilHoffman-Kenopka-LessardLeafs:Gustavsson/ScrivensAulie-PhaneufLiles-LashoffGardiner-GunnarssonMacArthur-Grabovski-KuleminKadri-Bozak-ArmstrongFrattin-Colborne-CrabbRyan-Dupuis-RosehillThe game is on LeafsTV.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-39239477695233845022011-09-16T15:02:00.002-04:002011-09-16T15:07:05.945-04:00

Hockey Prospectus 2011-12Leaf players:22. Joe Colborne, Center87. Jake Gardiner, Defense104. Jesse Blacker, DefenseOttawa players:17. David Rundblad, Defense21. Mika Zibanejad, Left Wing40. Nikita Filatov, Right Wing46. Stephane Da Costa, Center76. Jared Cowen, Defense85. Jakob Silfverberg, Right Wing90. Patrick Wiercioch, DefenseAnd goalie prospects:4. Robin Lehner, Ottawa Senators

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-63785561234529765572011-09-16T11:34:00.004-04:002011-09-16T11:53:36.601-04:00

Press ReleasesToronto Maple LeafsAugust 15, 2013Dave Nonis, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brian Burke, President and CEO of MLSE announced Friday that the hockey club has signed a multi year agreement with The Bank of Montreal for sponsorship of the hockey club.The agreement allows the club to sign underachieving defencemen going forward as well as to sign unproven goalies for

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-71668899545306441862011-09-13T13:01:00.000-04:002011-09-13T13:02:27.968-04:00

It's a game day thread. Leafs vs Sens 7:00pm  The winner doesn't get a trophy. But they do win the tourney.  Ottawa fans, not sure if you can get this on cable TV in your neck of the woods, but this is running on Mapleleafs.com starting at 7:30pm (for some reason giving Rogers cable a 30 minute head start), so anybody, anywhere, can watch it.  We're less then a week away from our first BoO

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-43908154864239390572011-09-12T12:52:00.002-04:002011-09-12T13:14:01.667-04:00

Rookie camp underway. Da Costa with a hatty in a Sens 6-5 win over the Hawks Cowick scored two and Lehner got the shutout in the tournament opening 4-0 win over the Pens rookies.The Leafs rookies also won both of their first two games beating the Hawks 4-2 with Gardiner getting some ink and then they beat the Pens 5-1.The Rookie Battle of Ontario takes place tomorrow night.I've been watching

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-48804338750136785702011-08-15T23:23:00.000-04:002011-08-15T23:23:51.009-04:00

If you haven't heard it by now, read Mirtle at the G&M.  Rick Rypien is dead at 27.  The cause of death is, as of this writing, unknown, but given that he battled severe depression, it could be suicide, alcohol or drugs (purely speculative). Rypien joins fellow tough-guy Derek Boogaard this year in dying way, way too young. Why am I posting this story on the BoO?   Consider this: Rick Rypien:

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-16539956063093423592011-08-11T15:07:00.001-04:002011-08-11T15:08:47.280-04:00

Cool August mornings and upcoming minor hockey camps - soon time to start thinking about hockey again. Here's a brief article about a Sens prospect impressing.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-88481724959707383162011-08-08T13:56:00.004-04:002011-08-08T14:04:26.569-04:00

Ten million bucks doesn't buy you much in the NHL these days. Especially if you spent that money on Alexei Kovalev. The Russian contributed next to nothing for Ottawa over two seasons on the ice. Fine. He was old and should have never been signed. That's on Ottawa. But now, months after being traded from Ottawa and on the verge of playing in the KHL, he still takes the time out of his day to

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-29188553094362499902011-08-02T16:15:00.000-04:002011-08-02T16:18:58.000-04:00

According to several sources on the Interwebz, including one of our faves PPP, today is Hockey Solstice Day.  What's that?  Well, it's the day in the summer that is equidistant from both the last playoff game and the first pre-season game.  It has been 48 days since the Cup was won by Boston and it will be 48 days the Battle of Ontario kicks off the pre-season.  But it's an interesting phrase

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-78992821233920269152011-08-02T13:54:00.004-04:002011-08-02T14:26:24.507-04:00

@Bozie42 Tyler Bozak - Never an easy morning workout after Vegas. #naptimeI agree Tyler, that's tough. Having to workout after a weekend in Vegas blowing thousands of dollars and not even denting your bank account is one of life's greater difficulties. Enjoy your nap, you deserve it bro. When you wake up do indeed tweet us all, we'll just be here, at our desks, at our jobs, waiting.@mirtle James

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-86710091560186337902011-07-28T22:25:00.004-04:002011-07-28T22:33:24.850-04:00

This is what I get every time I try and watch video about the Jays on TSN or Sportsnet. Clearly they black out Jays coverage here in California. For what reasons I can't even begin to fathom. Are folks here worried that Jays coverage might steal fans from the Dodgers and Angels? Do I need to send Rogers money to follow my team here, while at home I can go see live games for a toonie?I know this

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-46678416360890500572011-07-12T10:29:00.001-04:002011-07-12T10:31:17.275-04:00

Hockey Prospectus ranks organizational prospects...via Silver Seven Sens4. Ottawa Senators: The Senators have steadily built up one of the best systems in the league, as they have upside and depth at every position and have a quite a bright future ahead of them. David Rundblad was an absolute monster offensively in the SEL, while countryman Jacob Silfvergberg looked quite impressive as well. I'm

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-2836985514006710592011-07-11T11:40:00.002-04:002011-07-11T11:47:05.595-04:00

In Washington. Christian Hanson was one of those guys you hoped would work out. Huge. Tough. Son of a movie star.But he just kind of didn't. You saw the potential. Glimpses of the big power forward just waiting to be unleashed. But the league is full of guys who show glimpses. Heavy on players with potential. Now the Capitals will take their roll of the dice, hoping to be there when this kids A

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-55538434737793538332011-07-07T13:00:00.002-04:002011-07-07T13:02:31.919-04:00

Must suck to have the guy with the second worst adjusted +/- in the league!!!

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-60565819683235234332011-07-05T16:21:00.002-04:002011-07-05T16:25:36.655-04:00

Today's signing should make the 6 BoO games a little more exciting if nothing else. Konopka dominated the PIM standings - and I should note that with only 1 more minor penalty than Grabovski.Interesting he was a good faceoff guy with over 1000 faceoffs with the Isle.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-41801414963761587422011-07-03T23:28:00.001-04:002011-07-04T10:01:10.404-04:00

As Andy noted in the comments of the UFA thread, it is being reported that Dirtbag Heatley has been traded to the Minnesota Wild for Martin Havlat. This feels like a dirty love-triangle in a crummy US soap opera.   Heatley demanded a trade out of Ottawa as we all know.  He exercised his NMC to avoid a solid trade to Edmonton.  It was said he really wanted to go to San Jose and didn't really

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-64858756105376163642011-07-01T11:38:00.002-04:002011-07-01T11:44:56.674-04:00

You all know the drill. Do we need a set-up really? How's this for interesting:@tsn_wally 8 former Sens’ goalies looking for work today: Leclaire, Brodeur, McElhinney, Gerber, Emery, Auld, Lalime, ElliottBut hey, don't be nervous about a long-term deal for Anderson, I'm sure he's the exception. Leafs are after forwards both top and bottom 6.No idea what Murray has planned.Should be fun folks!

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-59566051445878147232011-06-30T12:56:00.003-04:002011-06-30T13:10:01.981-04:00

Tomorrow, as hockey-agent cell phones light up, as the sports networks gear up for a marathon of camera to blackberry to camera drama, and the blogosphere cranks out a thousand words a minute about trades that may or may not happen, Brian Burke, GM of the Maple Leafs, will not be doing his job. No exclusively, anyway.Instead, Burke will spend the next few days in Afghanistan with Canadian troops

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-33573342825288933892011-06-29T01:00:00.004-04:002011-06-29T01:25:48.096-04:00

...where Leaf fans are still delusional and Burke is beginning Round 3 of "Truculence and Belligerence" instead of "skills that help you score and prevent the other team from scoring". However, some things do change or improve! If you've come here from a smart phone, you've already figured it out. If not, fire up that QR barcode reader and have a go of this little puppy. You'll still have

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-6492292371984273372011-06-28T15:06:00.002-04:002011-06-28T15:58:51.856-04:00

In an interview on Sportsnet 590 radio, Brian Burke talked about his approach to free agency.He will be looking for a #1 centerman, so long as the price is reasonable. He does not have as much pressure to look for a D-man now that Liles is on board.He will be looking at players to beef up the bottom six.It's this last point that caught my attention. We all love a superstar signing, but fact

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-70746433711530035442011-06-25T16:17:00.001-04:002011-06-25T17:24:44.196-04:00

Draft day 1 passes and draft day 2 slowly winds its way down. Both Ottawa and Toronto made moves in the first round with both picking up an extra first founder.  Four in total if one counts the acquisition of Filatov, a 2008 sixth overall pick.  T dot made a nice grab of JML.  But that's about as good as it gets for them. So what's this about THM's upgrade?. New Android phone with Blogger. So

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-9306431036889345002011-06-23T21:36:00.002-04:002011-06-23T21:47:02.698-04:00

Ok, so with centre and captain Mike Richards being traded from Philadelphia to the Los Angeles Kings for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and 2nd round draft pick, the rights to Brad Richards and the trade value of Jason Spezza went way, way, WAY up. B. Richards and J. Spezza are each worth substantially more to their respective teams that Mike Richards was to Philly in terms of total overall

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-11445325730095464292011-06-21T17:48:00.002-04:002011-06-21T17:50:53.395-04:00

We all know they are going to be called the Jets, right?Scroll through the "get to know your team" section. You know all these players from watching Atlanta, but when you see them in a row like that, now in a real hockey market, the potential for a great hockey team is there.Looking forward to them joining the league!

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-14283500678153729492011-06-21T08:18:00.002-04:002011-06-21T08:23:52.336-04:00

How about: "Burke".You were thinking pussy, right? Well at this point the two are synonymous.A brief synopsis:Burke's bestie is Wilson.Wilson coaches the Leafs.Leafs have been brutal under Wilson.Burke loves his bestie.Burke wants to fire someone.Burke will not fire bestie.Burke tells bestie to pick who gets fired.Wilson picks. Burke fires picks.Really, kids, what kind of coward pulls a stunt

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-63859124041512282662011-06-16T09:11:00.001-04:002011-06-16T09:13:06.474-04:00

Comments primarily directed to a caption for the combined images. Or to the dumbass-ery of Vancouver fans.

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-53994290641543709332011-06-15T23:09:00.002-04:002011-06-15T23:13:18.565-04:00

Tyler Seguin = Cup Champion. Phil Kessel = chumpion.

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-70199646990611423992011-06-15T22:48:00.003-04:002011-06-15T23:13:12.254-04:00

What do Alfie, Sedin and Sundin all have in common?

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-10324952276245244092011-06-15T16:45:00.002-04:002011-06-15T16:49:27.349-04:00

The Leafs according to ESPN The Magazine:According to a press release from the magazine, the list is meant to provide a ranking of 122 teams from NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball "according to how much they give back to fans for the time, money and emotion they invest in them."The magazine analyzed a team's efficiency in spending fan money compared to its performance on the field, while

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-68793587234748397672011-06-14T13:54:00.001-04:002011-06-14T13:54:33.801-04:00

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-30800995627127337852011-06-13T15:20:00.002-04:002011-06-13T15:28:04.499-04:00

Globe's Eric Duhatschek:To sum up, MacLean has a habit of winning wherever he goes; has a history of working well with young players; and should bring the same sort of intelligence and stability to Ottawa that another former Babcock assistant, Todd McLellan, brought to the San Jose Sharks.The 6ths Sens:He should eat a bowl of oatmeal at the presser. #wilfordbrimley

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-41884383645152784912011-06-08T15:57:00.003-04:002011-06-08T16:00:23.134-04:00

I often go back to something Dryden wrote 7 years ago about 'finishing your check'. Read it again.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-60191002199381549082011-06-07T23:10:00.005-04:002011-06-07T23:15:33.697-04:00

Binghamton Senators, AHL Champs. Robin Lehner, MVP

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-45308888365567758672011-06-06T13:16:00.004-04:002011-06-06T13:28:40.074-04:00

Bingo is a game away from winning the Calder Cup after winning 4-2 on Saturday night. I was looking through the list of previous Calder Cup winners and finalists and it is nice to see teams that had success are also competitive NHL teams - Chicago, Washington, Vancouver, Pittsburgh. Hope that carries on for Ottawa.Good coverage of the Calder Cup on the Silver Seven blog and the Joy Lindsay's

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-90978530529769379662011-05-31T09:34:00.002-04:002011-05-31T09:37:27.899-04:00

Having been effectively 'fired' from the Pittsburgh Penguins (i.e., being told they won't be re-signed) Mike Comrie & Alex Kovalev will join the Leafs this offseason.

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-82475277176155200872011-05-30T14:55:00.002-04:002011-05-30T15:01:33.624-04:00

SportsNet has stepped up to the plate and will air the remainder of the AHL Finals on Sportsnet Sens.Game 3 of the 1-1 tied series starts at 7:05 ET on Wednesday.

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-26908213503418121572011-05-27T11:01:00.002-04:002011-05-27T11:08:42.973-04:00

Can't believe Fraser needs to write a column like this.They'll be obsessed with it until they get closer than they were that time. In other words, a long, long time from now.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-24620752335106320602011-05-26T12:11:00.007-04:002011-05-26T16:22:21.843-04:00

The Calder Cup playoffs begin tomorrow night in what is a huge first step for the Ottawa Senators.Despite predictions suggesting Binghamton wouldn't make the playoffos, Bingo has a deeper team set for the Final. Houston, on the other hand, has been a giant-killer and is coming off one of those extremly rare 3-0 deficits almost blowing a 3-0 lead to win a 7 game series. Impressive. Very

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-89638830795769162562011-05-25T15:04:00.004-04:002011-05-25T15:15:55.278-04:00

Go..... Lest I be accused of treason, here's my case:1. Vancouver. The end.For the daft readers of this site (welcome, PPP fans!) who can't contemplate #1 here are a few other reasons:2. Chris Kelly. Kelly was one of the top working players for the Senators. Occasionally flashy, he was a solid all-round contributor who never took a night off. He deserves some solid recognition via a silver

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-54319059957411551292011-05-24T14:15:00.000-04:002011-05-24T14:16:50.953-04:00

but it does...Dany Heatley has been a complete no-show and suddenly seems too slow to keep up with the pace of playoff hockey.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194666266088544008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-20539504349001465902011-05-24T12:28:00.004-04:002011-05-24T12:36:55.951-04:00

The top website dedicaetd to hockey prospects, Hockey's Future, has given their Prospect of the Year award to Ottawa's David Rundblad.Past recipients (it's a short list) are Edmonton's Jordan Eberle and Vancouver's Cody Hodgson.In other news, the Binghamton Senators await the results of tonight's AHL Western Final game 7 between Houston Aeros (I prefer the minty kind) and Hamilton Bulldongs (you

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-3572666453228418122011-05-19T09:38:00.004-04:002011-05-19T09:56:09.875-04:00

The Bingo Senators swept the Charlotte Checkers last night in the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final with a Z.Smith faceoff-goal by captain Ryan Keller to land a 4-3 OT win. Robin Lehner played an extremely solid game, stopping 42 shots in the win bringing his playoff win % to 83.3.Ryan Putolny continued his unreal playoffs with 14 goals (25 points) in 17 games. Who cares if he doesn't crack

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-7230549619534406812011-05-18T09:26:00.006-04:002011-05-18T10:15:51.163-04:00

Last night was a big night for Battle of Ontario prospects.Ottawa's group certainly had an impressive showing in taking a 3-0 stranglehold in the AHL semi-finals with a 7-1 win over the Charlotte Checkers.Robin Lehner stopped 37 of 38 shots fo a 0.974 SV% to follow up his 35-save shutout in game 2. Lehner also scored his first professional playoff point with a short handed assist.Leading the

THMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534623535816643507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-20831953212076228982011-05-17T16:51:00.004-04:002011-05-17T17:14:38.762-04:00

Colby Armstrong just tweeted that Matt Lashoff, leaf defenceman, released an album on iTunes.Here it is.Now. As you listen to his style of music, watch this video for a truly conflicting emotional experience.

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17198213.post-81988991707919602572011-05-13T16:28:00.004-04:002011-05-17T14:02:28.139-04:00

As far as I can tell this just happened in the Finland/Russia game.

The Muppethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00653735594516326620noreply@blogger.com0