I wrote a blog too


Last night’s game between the Maple Leafs and the Capitals was something incredible, folks! It was like watching a Big Mac vs. a Quarter Pounder—both teams brought their A-game, just like McDonald's brings us the best burgers.

The Maple Leafs came out strong, really sizzling like those fresh fries, and they took an early lead. But the Capitals, they didn’t back down, folks. They fought back like a McDouble trying to compete against a crispy McChicken. It was a real battle, tremendous effort from both sides.

In the end, the Leafs scored some fantastic goals, just like when you find that perfect snack in your Happy Meal—delightful! The Capitals had their moments too, but it was like when the ice cream machine is down; frustrating!

So, it was a great game, folks, full of excitement, just like choosing between a McFlurry and a sundae. Let’s hope for more delicious matchups like this in the future!
- TheMussel

Sponsored by Pfizer... er, McDonalds.

What are the odds of having two Hakanpaas debut for your team on the same night?!?! I didn't even notice Joel out there.
- Whipper

From this day forward, I will only call him Joel Hakanpaa.

Go get a forward for Domi for the 3rd line.

Liked Steeves.

I don't know how much longer we can keep doing this with Holmberg. Yeah he has played some decent gamed in the past but not to warrant this type of leash.

Get the Ducks to open their wallets and retain on Vatrano early. Perfect 3rd line guy.

A couple of weeks ago, I left my phone on my desk at work on a Thursday.

No big deal, didn't bother to get it on Friday.

Went in Monday. We take up an entire floor of an office tower in the downtown core.

Including me, there were 11 people on the entire floor.

Pre-COVID, I was given the option of doing 2 days at home. I declined - they thought I was insane. Nope, I'm an extrovert, I want to feed off other people's energy.

I was the first guy back after COVID. I was really excited.

I soon realized I wanted to come back to pre-COVID office culture. That's gone forever.

I now go in 1-2 days a week, and it's a complete waste of time (and I can get to the office in 20-25 minutes). I"m much more efficient and much happier working from home.

Fun fact: my office tower has a bar next door. I realize I've been to it twice since COVID ended. As I said, pre-COVID office culture is dead.
- Atomic Wedgie

We've chatted on this before - some of it died well before COVID with the changing times. When I started working in downtown Toronto in the 90s there were a lot of team building exercises that centred around going out for a few drinks. Maybe you'd get 2-3 drink tickets and there were co-workers who didn't drink, so most of the people who wanted to had 4-5 drinks, and the managers then started just doling out tickets to those who wanted them - and you'd have a bunch of people loosened up, getting along and talking when they didn't really like each that much during office hours.

It didn't always work. There were some problems - but I can honestly say that the best foundation for team building often happened in a bar setting. Now many companies won't do any event that has alcohol at all and people go to team building events because they have to, not because they want to, and there's nothing that sort of gets them talking. The event itself could be fun, but at the end no one is any closer.

In 1998 we went on a White Water Rafting weekend in Ottawa - there were about 40 of us from a few different groups who had all participated on a specific project - and the sheer level of drunkenness from some people on Friday night was staggering. Especially considering the activity of white water rafting the next day! But there were a lot of friendships forged on that trip.

Even back in the late 90s people who do a Friday "lunch" and just not go back until 5pm to collect their stuff. That type of stuff died in my company around 2005 - so it was also way predated COVID.

I wrote a blog too


Last night’s game between the Maple Leafs and the Capitals was something incredible, folks! It was like watching a Big Mac vs. a Quarter Pounder—both teams brought their A-game, just like McDonald's brings us the best burgers.

The Maple Leafs came out strong, really sizzling like those fresh fries, and they took an early lead. But the Capitals, they didn’t back down, folks. They fought back like a McDouble trying to compete against a crispy McChicken. It was a real battle, tremendous effort from both sides.

In the end, the Leafs scored some fantastic goals, just like when you find that perfect snack in your Happy Meal—delightful! The Capitals had their moments too, but it was like when the ice cream machine is down; frustrating!

So, it was a great game, folks, full of excitement, just like choosing between a McFlurry and a sundae. Let’s hope for more delicious matchups like this in the future!
- TheMussel

🤣

New idea:

Leafs cut Reaves. We get him to work in Frenchie's office, so that Frenchie's office mates are deterred from taking cheap shots/talking loudly.

Win-win
- Atomic Wedgie

Anyone else instantly think of this when reading Wedgie's idea above? I LOVED these commercials....


https://youtu.be/Kg5cdZ-Fnpc?si=aRjeKHvEQnrEOKss

Saw the 1st period last night and then had to go to hockey.

Trying to play catchup and read all the posts but have a ? - how many goals were called back? 1 for each team or 2 for Leafs and 1 for Washington?

Sounds like the Leafs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Nice change of pace!

New blog, everyone.

Leafs Pull Out Big Win in Washington

by Atomic Wedgie, and AI

Game Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off an impressive comeback to defeat the Washington Capitals 4-3 in overtime. The Capitals led 3-1 heading into the third period, but the Maple Leafs rallied with goals from William Nylander and Mitch Marner in the final minutes of regulation. John Tavares scored the game-winning goal in overtime with just 47 seconds remaining.

Hakanpaa's Debut
Joel Hakanpaa made his debut for the Maple Leafs last night. He played a solid game, contributing to the team's defensive efforts and helping to shut down some of the Capitals' key offensive players. His presence on the ice was noticeable and he showed great potential in his first game with the team.

John Tavares' Contract Status
John Tavares is currently in the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs. There has been a lot of speculation about his future with the team, as he is a key player and leader for the Maple Leafs. The team and Tavares' camp have yet to reach an agreement on a new contract, but both sides have expressed interest in keeping him in Toronto.

It was an exciting game with a lot of action! Do you think the Maple Leafs can keep up this momentum?
- Atomic Wedgie

Hey Wedgie, the movie THEY didn’t want you to see

https://pitchfork.com/new...t-rock-documentary-watch/

Why, are you too chicken-poop to tell them yourself?
- Atomic Wedgie

Because we're in a new office space (since September) and the lease is only until February and I'd rather they not kick us out after trying to find an office to move to with the terrible pre-fixed internal budget.

Even back in the late 90s people who do a Friday "lunch" and just not go back until 5pm to collect their stuff. That type of stuff died in my company around 2005 - so it was also way predated COVID.
- Monkeypunk

1999. Power goes out in our office tower.

So we headed to the Indian Motorcycle Club, and hung out there until 5 pm. Pretty much all of us.

I don't remember if anybody even bothered to check if the power had ever come back on. Hell, I don't know how we would have been able to check it in 1999, other than running back to the office.

Anyone else instantly think of this when reading Wedgie's idea above? I LOVED these commercials....


https://youtu.be/Kg5cdZ-Fnpc?si=aRjeKHvEQnrEOKss
- Cush29

I've never seen that, commercial, amazing

This is my favourite though:
https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ

Go get a forward for Domi for the 3rd line.

Liked Steeves.

I don't know how much longer we can keep doing this with Holmberg. Yeah he has played some decent gamed in the past but not to warrant this type of leash.

Get the Ducks to open their wallets and retain on Vatrano early. Perfect 3rd line guy.
- Santo_44

Feels like Berube is trying to build out a top 6/bottom 6 with Kampf and Dewar centering the 3rd and 4th lines. If so, Holmberg is kinda ok in either of those spots on the wing, whereas Domi, I don't want him anywhere near a traditional bottom 6.

With JT an ageless wonder right now, we have a very good 1C/2C situation, so moving Domi to the wing makes sense there.

Problem to me is Robertson, as he's just not a fit anywhere on this team behind Marner and Nylander. He should be moved to a rebuilding team with a weak top 6 for a depth bottom 6 guy and/or picks.

Feels like Berube is trying to build out a top 6/bottom 6 with Kampf and Dewar centering the 3rd and 4th lines. If so, Holmberg is kinda ok in either of those spots on the wing, whereas Domi, I don't want him anywhere near a traditional bottom 6.

With JT an ageless wonder right now, we have a very good 1C/2C situation, so moving Domi to the wing makes sense there.

Problem to me is Robertson, as he's just not a fit anywhere on this team behind Marner and Nylander. He should be moved to a rebuilding team with a weak top 6 for a depth bottom 6 guy and/or picks.
- gravyface

I've been saying it forever, Robbie has got to go. Should have sold high after the preseason.

Anyone else instantly think of this when reading Wedgie's idea above? I LOVED these commercials....


https://youtu.be/Kg5cdZ-Fnpc?si=aRjeKHvEQnrEOKss
- Cush29

It's exactly what I was thinking as I typed out the post.

Well done, Cushie!

I've been saying it forever, Robbie has got to go. Should have sold high after the preseason.
- Whipper

Yep, but I think the roster bloat that every team has in October makes deals kind of impossible to pull off, as everybody has their prospects up with the big club, nobody's hurt yet, etc.

Takes about now-ish, week 6, knowing what you have/don't have, etc.

Hey Wedgie, the movie THEY didn’t want you to see

https://pitchfork.com/new...t-rock-documentary-watch/
- Canada Cup

OH FRANK YEAH!!!!!!!!

I love how Michael McDonald looks like a high school librarian. What dude shows up to play a sold-out stadium in a tweed jacket?

Yep, but I think the roster bloat that every team has in October makes deals kind of impossible to pull off, as everybody has their prospects up with the big club, nobody's hurt yet, etc.

Takes about now-ish, week 6, knowing what you have/don't have, etc.
- gravyface

It's time to just give him away.

Send a message to Marlies that if you don't fit into our top-heavy line-up, we'll still take care of you - so work hard, continue building your career.

Feels like Berube is trying to build out a top 6/bottom 6 with Kampf and Dewar centering the 3rd and 4th lines. If so, Holmberg is kinda ok in either of those spots on the wing, whereas Domi, I don't want him anywhere near a traditional bottom 6.

With JT an ageless wonder right now, we have a very good 1C/2C situation, so moving Domi to the wing makes sense there.

Problem to me is Robertson, as he's just not a fit anywhere on this team behind Marner and Nylander. He should be moved to a rebuilding team with a weak top 6 for a depth bottom 6 guy and/or picks.
- gravyface

He has some pieces that work but they will need outside help eventually.

Kind of lost hope on Jarnkrok tbh. Thought he would do well in this system too.

Saw the 1st period last night and then had to go to hockey.

Trying to play catchup and read all the posts but have a ? - how many goals were called back? 1 for each team or 2 for Leafs and 1 for Washington?

Sounds like the Leafs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Nice change of pace!
- Cush29

1 for them and 2 for us.

In their instance Dowd was cutting through the paint and bumped Woll as the shot came from the point. How much the bump affected Woll and how much Dowd was encouraged to be there by Hakanpaa is up for debate. If you listened to that imbecile Simpson, you'd have though Hakanpaa held him there and physically hit Woll with Dowd - but if you used your eyes, Hakanpaa has body position and Dowd is trying to get by both - but contacts Woll, not that hard, but enough - in the process of getting between them. It was the right call.

The second disallowed goal was against Lorentz. It's a scramble play in front and the puck is up in the air - Lorentz basically propels the puck in with his thigh and you visibly see him lift his leg and "knee" the puck in. I think it was the correct call based on the fact that you can't use your arms, hips, head or anything else to propel the puck into the net, but it can deflect or direct off of you. This wasn't angled, it was deliberately propelled.

The third disallowed goal was against Knies. Shot from the point and Knies deflects it downwards. It was waived off as a high stick making contact by the back official and the review upheld this. I am still stunned at the call - I guess I'd need a clear still to change my mind, but I can't see the stick making contact with the _puck_ at a high position here. I think this is as he makes contact:



But you can be the judge: https://x.com/i/status/1856898847630307765

If the situation room doesn't have good enough cameras and angles to make this stuff work for them, this billion dollar enterprise should invest in some better technology.

He has some pieces that work but they will need outside help eventually.

Kind of lost hope on Jarnkrok tbh. Thought he would do well in this system too.
- Santo_44

Well, the Yarn Crook is pretty versatile, and going under the assumption of a top 6/bottom 6 configuration, I think he'd be fine in the bottom 6 when he's healthy. He was always a solid bottom 6 energy guy who's defensively responsible. I could see him with Kampf doing well.

I hope that Reaves takes a seat though when he's back. I don't mind Reave playing in 1 of 4 games or something like that, because when he's amped and forechecking, he's a wrecking ball and creates space, but he can't sustain that every game at his age.

Well, the Yarn Crook is pretty versatile, and going under the assumption of a top 6/bottom 6 configuration, I think he'd be fine in the bottom 6 when he's healthy. He was always a solid bottom 6 energy guy who's defensively responsible. I could see him with Kampf doing well.

I hope that Reaves takes a seat though when he's back. I don't mind Reave playing in 1 of 4 games or something like that, because when he's amped and forechecking, he's a wrecking ball and creates space, but he can't sustain that every game at his age.
- gravyface

Idk man, I know he has had back issues in the past. I remember a play last year where he went head first into the boards and looked like he completely jolted his back. I think that is the issue and I don't see his career lasting much loner by the sounds of it.

I hope he is back but seeing a specialist in NY does not sound good.

1 for them and 2 for us.

In their instance Dowd was cutting through the paint and bumped Woll as the shot came from the point. How much the bump affected Woll and how much Dowd was encouraged to be there by Hakanpaa is up for debate. If you listened to that imbecile Simpson, you'd have though Hakanpaa held him there and physically hit Woll with Dowd - but if you used your eyes, Hakanpaa has body position and Dowd is trying to get by both - but contacts Woll, not that hard, but enough - in the process of getting between them. It was the right call.

The second disallowed goal was against Lorentz. It's a scramble play in front and the puck is up in the air - Lorentz basically propels the puck in with his thigh and you visibly see him lift his leg and "knee" the puck in. I think it was the correct call based on the fact that you can't use your arms, hips, head or anything else to propel the puck into the net, but it can deflect or direct off of you. This wasn't angled, it was deliberately propelled.

The third disallowed goal was against Knies. Shot from the point and Knies deflects it downwards. It was waived off as a high stick making contact by the back official and the review upheld this. I am still stunned at the call - I guess I'd need a clear still to change my mind, but I can't see the stick making contact with the _puck_ at a high position here. I think this is as he makes contact:



But you can be the judge: https://x.com/i/status/1856898847630307765

If the situation room doesn't have good enough cameras and angles to make this stuff work for them, this billion dollar enterprise should invest in some better technology.
- Monkeypunk

I'd say that's 2-3 inches above, but the rules are not up to date imo...

A couple of weeks ago, I left my phone on my desk at work on a Thursday.

No big deal, didn't bother to get it on Friday.

Went in Monday. We take up an entire floor of an office tower in the downtown core.

Including me, there were 11 people on the entire floor.

Pre-COVID, I was given the option of doing 2 days at home. I declined - they thought I was insane. Nope, I'm an extrovert, I want to feed off other people's energy.

I was the first guy back after COVID. I was really excited.

I soon realized I wanted to come back to pre-COVID office culture. That's gone forever.

I now go in 1-2 days a week, and it's a complete waste of time (and I can get to the office in 20-25 minutes). I"m much more efficient and much happier working from home.

Fun fact: my office tower has a bar next door. I realize I've been to it twice since COVID ended. As I said, pre-COVID office culture is dead.
- Atomic Wedgie

im the opposite. total introvert. the less I see people..the better lol

but i agree. office culture is dead. im at the office today. for no real good reason. 1 other dude here. I also refuse to spend money..out of spite.

Knies looked solid out there.

A line of Knies - Matthews - Cowan is gonna be fun to watch.

Knies looked solid out there.

A line of Knies - Matthews - Cowan is gonna be fun to watch.
- GalacticStone

Knies is looking a bit like a not dead Erik Cole. Fun to watch.