Toe

Vanek's goal against Montreal tonight was pretty awesome.

I would not be surprised if EA made the same mistake they did with NHL 08 and released a batch of screwed up discs.

I watched that game, and it looked to me like Trent was hurt more by the impact of hitting the ground then the initial tackle. I understand the desire to protect the quarterback, but it looked like a fair hit to me.

Alfredsson to undergo surgery! Uh-oh for the Senators! I wonder how long he will be out? EDIT - It sounds like it might be just 2 weeks.

I liked the tribute to Bourdon. I had a few tears in my eyes while watching that.

Anyone playing right now?

Isn't Ocho playing hurt?

That was a great way for Toronto to start the season. Even if they are expected to do poorly in the standings, they need to compete. I am sure Wilson keeps things positive in practice and in the dressing room, and the Leafs looked good on the ice. They played the system well, and scored when they had the chance to. Luke Schenn looked good. He was a bit spun around on the second goal when he was sandwiched between Hossa and Holmstrom, but he was steady and strong in his own zone. I liked the line of Tlusty - Grabovski - Hagman. They created a good number of scoring chances. And Toskala was fantastic. Really, with the trap in place and Toskala in goal, Toronto could do better then people think. I have always thought they were out of the bottom 5 lottery pick area. They could finish that way, or they could find themselves scratching and clawing towards a playoff spot. I don't know, I think it all depends on how committed to Wilson's gameplan they are. Montreal on Saturday. I don't think it matters how good or bad either team is in these games. It is almost always close and always hard fought. Does Montreal play tomorrow, or do they open the season against Toronto?

Winning a division or conference title is still a big deal. And for a team like LA, that has been around for 40 years, they want to have something hanging in the rafters to show that they have done SOMETHING.

I proposed the trade to you through the Yahoo Fantasy League. Anyone else offering any defencemen?

I know the Raycroft for Rask trade was awful. Tuuka Rask is already pushing hard to get time with the Bruins. He had some starts last year, including a win against the Leafs. The Leafs didn't get anything positive out of that trade at all. In fact, you can argue that because Raycroft was the back-up last year and not someone else, the Leafs missed the post season because of that trade. I think the deal Toskala signed when he was brought in from San Jose was for 3 years, so next season could be his last and then the Leafs could look hard at Justin Pogge as the starter. We aren't overrating him here, we are just saying that he needs to be given a shot. He needs to play 70 or more games in the AHL to really prove himself to be capable of doing anything in the NHL.

I'll give you Christopher Higgins for Matt Niskanen.

I've only ever gone to the Leafs forums from their official site, and they totally blow. Almost everyone there is just retarded. All of my hockey opinions and news come from TSN and Sportsnet. Oh, and Vancouver sent Krajicek and Simek to Tampa for Shane O'Brien and Ouellet. My source.

Dexter, Season 2 I just finished watching the second season. It was great. I love how the serious works comedy, suspense, drama, and even some romance together into one amazing package. The season finale was a little bit of a let-down, but overall I really enjoyed it. I am now left waiting for the 3rd season to come to DVD (which will be a long wait, because it just started showing on TV). I highly recommend that everyone with at least 13 brain cells (that is one more then Batista) check out Dexter.

Demitra is also available. I am looking for a defenceman. I am not sure who is going to be available to add to my rosters for free, and I don't really want to just drop people. Kris Letang or Brent Seabrook maybe.

Hey Clawson. Does anyone care at all that Mark Bell was placed on waivers? I thought he would actually try this season with all his personal problems behind him.

My team could go either way. Some guys who are a bit iffy on their production. Gonchar is out for awhile and I don't have enough defencemen anyways. My goaltending should be stellar though with Bryzgalov and Nabokov. Anyone interested in Corey Stillman, Chris Higgins, Tkachuk or Bobby Ryan?

The goaltender in Tampa? Mike Smith bio from TSN

Mike Smith has been in the league awhile and was actually pushing Turco for playing time when he was dealt. Justin Pogge is still developing. He put up good stats last year and is expected to do better this season as the unquestionable #1. Last year, things came up about his attitude. It was said that he was walking around with a sense of entitlement, as if he was already the top goalie for the Leafs and that he felt like the AHL was beneath him. Those issues are gone - seeing Scott Clemmensen start ahead of you will do that for you. Toronto traded for Raycroft and then Toskala to protect Pogge and allow him to develop slowly if need be. It looks like he could be ready to step up and play back-up next season.

Toronto didn't beat Detroit, but they managed to compete against the best team in the NHL. I watched the Rangers vs. Tampa game. Gomez looked fantastic at times, and both Lundqvist and Mike Smith were great in goal.

I'm going to take Arnott with my next pick, you assholes!

Unlike the game against the Blues, Toronto actually looked competitive tonight against the Wings. The Red Wings just seem to punish you on every single mistake, every single mismatch.

Sounds right.

Right now? I can play!

For Americans with the NHL Network... Hockey Night In Canada!