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[Seer]

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Toronto Maple Leafs @ Vancouver Canucks

MAPLE LEAFS (25-23-6) AT CANUCKS (36-15-6)
TV: NHLN-US (HD),CBC Radio: TEAM 1040
Last 10: Toronto 5-4-1; Vancouver 8-0-2
*23 Games Remaining, In Leafs Regular Season

Season Series: Second and final meeting. Vancouver recorded a 5-3 win on Dec. 17 in Toronto, with five different players scoring goals. Alexandre Burrows and Chris Higgins each scored and added an assist for the Canucks.Tyler Bozak had a hand in all three goals for the Maple Leafs, scoring once and setting up the others.

Big Story: Vancouver will be looking to make it a dozen games in a row with at least one point, as the Canucks enter on an 8-0-3 run. In fact, dating back to the start of the new year they've come away from a game completely empty just twice (12-2-4). Meanwhile, the visiting Maple Leafs are concerned with maintaining their hold on the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Team Scope:

Maple Leafs: This is the finale of a three-game road trip for Toronto through western Canada. The Maple Leafs had lost four in a row heading into Wednesday night's game in Edmonton, bringing them back to the pack in the East, but they halted the slide with a 4-3 overtime win as Tim Connolly scored 1:39 into the extra period. The Leafs jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Joffrey Lupul and Matt Lombardi in the opening 98 seconds, but the Oilers tied it up and rallied a second time after Jake Gardiner's power-play goal in the third.

"That was a huge win for us," Gardiner said. "You don't lose four games in a row all that often and when you do it's not a great feeling. That fifth game means a lot and I'm happy we got it."

Canucks: Seven more scoreless minutes was all that separated Vancouver from another game going to overtime when Colorado visited on Wednesday. Seven of the Canucks' previous eight games were decided either in OT or the shootout, and this one seemed like it would be no different. Jannik Hansen changed that when he broke a 1-1 tie with 6:29 remaining, and Burrows made sure there would be no late rally by the Avalanche by adding an empty-netter for a 3-1 victory. Roberto Luongo improved to 6-0-3 in his last nine starts by making 29 saves.

"After the second (period) I was already getting mentally ready for the shootout," said Luongo, whose previous six starts went beyond 60 minutes. "I was thinking about the shooters, the whole thing, but it was nice to get one there in regulation."

Who's Hot: Lupul has 3 goals and 6 assists in the Maple Leafs' last seven games. … David Booth has scored in three straight games for the Canucks and has 3 goals and 1 assist during a four-game points streak.

Injury Report: Toronto defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (ankle) is on injured reserve. … Vancouver defenseman Keith Ballard (headaches/neck) and forward Dale Weise (facial lacerations/foot) have each missed the last four games. Forward Andrew Ebbett (collarbone) is on injured reserve.

Stat Pack: Gardiner's power-play goal was the first of his career and he skated 24:18 in Wednesday's game, just seven seconds less than Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, who led all players. … Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa recorded an assist and a plus-3 rating in 25:01 of ice time when these teams met in December.

Puck Drop: The Vancouver Sun poked fun at Leafs Nation on the eve of Toronto's arrival in town, noting that not only have the Canucks won nine consecutive meetings between the teams since 2003, they also have the only three Ontario natives who will suit up for this game -- Cody Hodgson and Manny Malhotra are from Toronto, while Bieksa hails from Hamilton.

"I think there might be a couple of people left in the family who are Leaf fans when we're not playing them," Bieksa told the paper. "But there is no grey area there. When we play the Leafs, it's Canucks all the way."

LEADERBOARD

CANUCKS

GOALS: 24, D.SEDIN
ASSISTS: 46, H. SEDIN
POINTS: 58, H. SEDIN
PIM: 116, LAPIERRE
IN NET: LUONGO, 24-10-6, 2.31 GAA / .922 SV%

MAPLE LEAFS

GOALS: 30, KESSEL
ASSISTS: 38, LUPUL
POINTS: 62, KESSEL
PIM: 61, PHANEUF
IN NET: REIMER, 11-7-4, 2.88 GAA/.906 SV%


**** SEER'S "WHO I'D LIKE TO SEE START" LEAF LINE-UP ****

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin
Lombardi-Connolly-Brown
Armstrong-Steckel-Crabb

Aulie-Phaneuf
Liles-Gardiner
Schenn-Franson

Gustavsson
Reimer

Last game against the Canucks (Dec. 17th 2011):



*AS ALWAYS, MUCH MORE WILL BE ADDED TO THIS 1ST PAGE: (News/ Line-Up Changes/ etc.)
*TMLEFT Members are asked to answer a question, in the team thread. 9 days left. Thanks!
*TMLEFT thread link ---> http://fans.maplelea...ups-fun-thread/

GO LEAFS GO !!

[Seer]

**** EXPECTED MAPLE LEAFS LINE-UP **** (*Edited: Sat. 4:45 PM) *CONFIRMED

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin
Lombardi-Connolly-Armstrong
Boyce-Steckel-Brown

Aulie-Phaneuf
Liles-Franson
Gardiner-Schenn

Reimer (*CONFIRMED)
Gustavsson

----------------------------------------------------

Canucks Expected Line-Up *(CONFIRMED)

D.Sedin-H.Sedin-Burrows
Booth-Kesler-Raymond
Higgins-Hodgson-Hansen
Malhotra-Lapierre-Bitz

Hamhuis-Bieska
Edler-Salo
Alberts-Rome

Luongo (*CONFIRMED)
Schneider

[Seer]

[Seer]

Toronto Maple Leafs In Dogfight For NHL Playoff Spot

The Leafs hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are swimming in a shark tank of teams hungry for post-season action. Realistically, the Leafs, who lost four in a row before Wednesday night’s big win over Edmonton in overtime, can still target New Jersey and Ottawa, the two clubs directly ahead of them in the standings.

However, thanks to that four-game skid, the Leafs have allowed Washington, Winnipeg, the Islanders, and even Montreal, to entertain hopes of catching them down the stretch.

So here’s a look at the teams around the Leafs, their records and schedules, and the skinny on their chances of upsetting Toronto’s quest to end a six- season playoff drought.

THE HUNTED
Teams the Leafs have in their crosshairs:

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Games left: 26
Home games and record: 13 (15-10-3)
Road games and record: 13 (17-10-1)

Notable: Reports surfaced Wednesday of a “secret” payroll level they cannot exceed, which could limit their ability to acquire a player(s) at the trade deadline. The reports suggest some NHL GMs are wondering how the Devils are able to bring in Alexei Ponikarovsky and Curtis Foster, while remaining tied to league assistance to meet payroll demands. Trade deadline talk now has the Devils interested in Winnipeg defenceman Johnny Oduya, whom they gave up in the Ilya Kovalchuk trade. Devils are four points ahead of the Leafs with two games in hand; and they have Kovalchuk holding a hot stick at the moment (hat trick in his last game). It would be a considerable achievement for the Leafs to overtake them for the sixth seed.

OTTAWA SENATORS

Games left: 23
Home games and record: 12 (15-11-3)
Road games and record: 11 (14-11-5)

Notable: The Battle of Ontario is renewed, with Ottawa four points clear of the Leafs but having played two more games. A key stat for the Leafs to look at is the fact Ottawa ranks as the fifth-most penalized team in the NHL, averaging 13.2 minutes per game. That stat will be a factor if Ottawa doesn’t get it under control down the stretch. The addition of Kyle Turris has been a boost for Ottawa; the club can now ice two decent scoring lines, with Turris centring the second line and Jason Spezza the first. Milan Michalek is healthy after a lengthy injury layoff and the club has found a way to give goalie Craig Anderson a bit of time off (he had appeared in 22 straight games). Ottawa was said to be in the Tuomo Ruutu sweepstakes, but it now appears he will re-sign with Carolina. Sens are not expected to be big players at the deadline; but there is a fine line there between improving the club, and sticking to the pre-season plan of continued development. They are, right now, the Leafs’ chief target in the standings.


WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Games left: 26
Home games and record: 12 (19-8-2)
Road games and record: 14 (9-15-3)

Notable: Goaltending coach Olaf Kolzig, still a fan favourite in Washington, called out Alex Ovechkin this week, saying the superstar must not get too wrapped up in the “rock star” status that comes with being Alex Ovechkin. The Caps captain is not scoring like he is accustomed (and expected) to. Kolzig also said that since Dale Hunter took over as head coach, he’s seeing Ovechkin getting more and more away from the exuberant hockey he played in his first three seasons in the league. In addition, goalie Michael Neuvirth was upset with Hunter’s decision to bench him this week against San Jose; and veteran forward Mike Knuble, a healthy scratch for three straight games, said he’d welcome a trade if he is no longer in the team’s plans. The Caps have lost eight of their last 11 and appear to have plenty of trouble in their dressing room. The Leafs are three points clear of the Caps but have played two more games.

WINNIPEG JETS

Games left: 24
Home games and record: 14 (16-9-2)
Road games and record: 10 (10-17-4)

Notable: Jets are continually in the middle of an argument about the post- season: are they truly contenders or also-rans. There’s plenty of trade talk around the team; it’s power play has been silent of late and the club has had trouble all year scoring goals. “The power play was demoralizing again, that’s the story as of late,” coach Claude Noel said after a home loss to the Islanders Tuesday. “It doesn’t give our team any life. We need some changes. Maybe get new guys out there.” The power play has scored in just three of the past 17 games. After that home loss to the Islanders, captain Andrew Ladd hinted that the club might benefit from a trade for a scoring forward. “With the troubles we’ve had scoring, if it’s not going to come from within this room, we probably could use some help,” Ladd said. “We’ve got a great goaltender, we’ve got D that can move the puck and play both ways.” The Jets remain the only team in the NHL without a win this season when trailing after two periods (0-20-3). The bright spot for the Jets is the fact they have an eight-game homestand on tap. They also own one of the best home records in the conference. That gives them an opportunity to shoot for the Leafs’ in eighth spot.

N.Y. ISLANDERS

Games left: 26
Home games and record: 11 (12-13-5)
Road games and record: 15 (12-11-3)

Notable: Isles won four in a row on the road before Thursday night and sat eight back of the Leafs with two games in hand. They remain a tricky team. On the one hand, the club has seen its playoff fortunes improve behind the play of goalie Evgeni Nabokov. The former Shark, who almost returned to Russia rather than play on the Island, has been sensational the past month, and has posted some huge wins over the Sens, Flyers and Kings. On the other hand, several teams are looking for goaltending help, and GM Garth Snow might be able to realize some solid prospects or a draft pick for Nabokov. Fans of the team want Nabokov to stay, and the Islanders appear to be either a challenger, or at worst a playoff spoiler, with Nabokov in the fold. In the meantime, P.A. Parenteau has shelved contract talks until the end of the season. The Islanders have star John Tavares playing strong hockey of late too — all positive signs that they could take a run at the post-season and be a threat to the Leafs.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Games left: 25
Home games and record: 11 (11-12-7)
Road games and record: 14 (12-13-2)

Notable: The Habs have Carey Price, and he’s arguably the only reason they are within eight points of a playoff berth. A shootout loss to the Bruins on Wednesday hurt their chances. The club witnessed another major incident this week when Scott Gomez and assistant coach Randy Ladouceur had an extremely heated argument on the ice over a messed up drill. Gomez was benched the next game. He was joined on the pine by Andrei Kostitsyn, who said he might request a trade if his ice time doesn’t improve. Montreal is a long shot to make the playoffs, but there’s still time to mount a challenge. Interestingly, the Leafs’ final game of the year is a road game in Montreal — that could be a sensational encounter. In the meantime, they have a very attractive trade asset in veteran defenceman Hal Gill.

[lkleung007]

Hey Seer...nice GT as always.

I agree with you...would like to see Gus start...because I do believe that he will give us a better chance to win but it won't happen. Even in the win against the Oilers...Reimer was not sharp and very easily could have lost the game for us...we won mainly because we outscored them. If you look at Reimer's last 4 starts he has been average at best...but we have given him very good goal support in the wins?!

Go Leafs Go!!

[Seer]

Hey Seer...nice GT as always.

I agree with you...would like to see Gus start...because I do believe that he will give us a better chance to win but it won't happen. Even in the win against the Oilers...Reimer was not sharp and very easily could have lost the game for us...we won mainly because we outscored them. If you look at Reimer's last 4 starts he has been average at best...but we have given him very good goal support in the wins?!

Go Leafs Go!!

Thanks, 007...

I am not looking to have a goalie debate, at this point in the season. I support the whole team, from here on in... We need everyone to play their best... No more room for non-effort games...

And as far as the many threads about who/what/when to acquire..., people seem to forget that we are something like 3rd-4th in the East, in goals.. Our problem is not that we need more production... It is that we need to stop our GA from climbing. If there is a tie with teams at the end of the season, that could come back to bite us.

Good goaltending & team defense should be our concern right now..

[lkleung007]

Good goaltending & team defense should be our concern right now..

Agreed...this team will live or die by Wilson's decisions??!!

[MaximumTaco]

Seer, I don't know if you wrote that wall of text (I'm impressed if you did), but there's a typo in the Islanders section. The player is P.A. (Pierre-Alexandre) Parenteau not P.J. Parenteau.

Anyway, really need a win here, not only are we desperate for the points but my brother-in-law already has enough ammo in our Nucks/Leafs rivalry and all I got firing is "How many cups has your team won again?" And I do not want to go a decade without beating the Nucks and give him another bullet.

[XamDam]

Lets go leafs these next 3-4 games are Must Win Games get points boys, come out hard and fast tomorrow night and kick some canuck butt.

We need this win.

[Seer]

Cardinal Dons Leafs Sweater At Vatican



The Leafs have friends in high places.

Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins donned a personalized Maple Leafs sweater in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Thursday. He is one of 23 bishops in Rome this week preparing for elevation into the College of Cardinals.

“It’s safe to say there are more than a few Toronto Maple Leafs fans in the pews of our parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto,” Collins said in an Archdiocese release.

“This is a fun way to let them, and all Catholics in our diocese, know that I am thinking of them at this time. I am truly proud and humbled to serve them all.”

His appointment as a new Cardinal was announced on January 6 and he will officially assume that post this Saturday in a Consistory led by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica.

[J-BOLD]

This game is going to suck We're probably going to get destroyed.

[Seer]

Seer, I don't know if you wrote that wall of text (I'm impressed if you did), but there's a typo in the Islanders section. The player is P.A. (Pierre-Alexandre) Parenteau not P.J. Parenteau.

Anyway, really need a win here, not only are we desperate for the points but my brother-in-law already has enough ammo in our Nucks/Leafs rivalry and all I got firing is "How many cups has your team won again?" And I do not want to go a decade without beating the Nucks and give him another bullet.

No... I grabbed a bunch of different snips and put them together, but it has been changed now, thanks.

[Seer]

Agreed...this team will live or die by Wilson's decisions??!!

Good..!

I think every team will "live or die" by their coaches decisions..

[lkleung007]

Well it's game day...we are catching the Canucks at a good time if you believe the experts in Vancouver...yes the Canucks have been winning but not in their usual fashion and the Sedins have not been scoring?! So maybe advantage to us...although a big win in Edmonton was nice...we still almost blew a 2 goal lead...the team should be well rested after 2 days off so no excuses to not be ready and we should be flying around the rink to start.

Go Leafs Go!!

[Seer]

Well it's game day...we are catching the Canucks at a good time if you believe the experts in Vancouver...yes the Canucks have been winning but not in their usual fashion and the Sedins have not been scoring?! So maybe advantage to us...although a big win in Edmonton was nice...we still almost blew a 2 goal lead...the team should be well rested after 2 days off so no excuses to not be ready and we should be flying around the rink to start.

Go Leafs Go!!

Now... Read my wish line-up above, before you start the goalie rant in here this morning, 007.. LOL!

We just need to see how it plays out & support the team... If Reims is having a great night, it could be a great thing.

[Seer]

Just loved this article yesterday in the Sun about Gards.. Saw it Toronto's & the same one is on the Vancouver Sun's site.

He sure likes being a Leaf!

Gardiner Prays Leafs Don't Deal Him

VANCOUVER - Other teams might covet Jake Gardiner.
But Jake Gardiner does not covet other teams.

“I don’t want to go anywhere,” the Maple Leafs rookie defenceman proclaimed. “I don’t want to be traded.

“I love it here. I want to be a Toronto Maple Leaf. That’s it.”........ (*edited in length)

........Understandable.

For a kid who was not even projected to start the 2011-12 regular season with the parent club when players arrived at the Mastercard Centre for team physicals in mid-September, Gardiner’s meteoric rise now sees him as the leading rookie scorer among NHL defencemen with 18 points, at least as of Thursday...... (*edited in length)

FULL ARTICLE ---> http://www.torontosu...s-dont-deal-him

[Seer]

*MARLIES play the St. John's ICE CAPS at 3PM... (ROGERS Channel 10 - Toronto Area).

They won their game last night in OT, with Hamilton getting the sweetest shortie I have seen in a long time.. and Colborne getting the winner in OT. Frattin also potted one & continues to put up points in his last 8 games.

Toronto Marlies 2011-12 Individual Stats (As of: Feb. 18th 2012 - *Top 10)

....................................Games.... .. Goals...... Assists..... Points.... . +/-

Mike Zigomanis.............49................ 15...............32........... 47........... 0
Ryan Hamilton ..............51................ 19...............19........... 38...........+2
Joe Colborne ............... 41................ 16.............. 19........... 35...........+11
Marcel Mueller ..............49.................12.............. 21...........33............+10
Jerry D'Amigo............... 52................ 10...............19...........29........... +8
Greg Scott.................... 51.................12...............15............27...........+2
Nazem Kadri ................29...................9............... 16........... 26...........- 3
Nicholas Deschamps ...49...................7................14............21............-1 (*TOTAL: Syr./Tor.)
....(*Toronto)..................18...................2................12............14...........+6
Simon Gysbers............. 45..................4.................17............21...........+10
Matt Frattin................... 19.................12.................4.............16............+1

[fabersteve]

that little minor deal BB made is really starting to look good , Deschamps with 7 oints in 31 games before trade and now has 14 in 18 since coming over. wtg BB for seeing what potential players have and acting on the gut feeling to bring them here.

[Seer]

that little minor deal BB made is really starting to look good , Deschamps with 7 oints in 31 games before trade and now has 14 in 18 since coming over. wtg BB for seeing what potential players have and acting on the gut feeling to bring them here.

Yeah... I mentioned this a few weeks ago, but you are right Faber... He has really continued to improve. He was also a -7, when in Syracuse.. Most thought that deal was unimportant, but now it looks like Burke pulled another fast one.

Must be all the positive fan support in Toronto..

[lkleung007]

Hey Seer...still waiting for that big trade for Nash...hope it happens.

Just realized that we have a 9 game losing streak to the Canucks...I guess that streak has got to end sooner or later...how about tonight?! Advantage to the Leafs...we'll see?!