Ah yes, how could we forget your bitterly stupid summer talk?
- Feeling Glucky?

Sorry I just brewed the tea from the repeated summers of several years. The fact you found it to be such a bitter brew may have more to do with your experience than my words. Perhaps this playoff run will help heal some of the wounds of your past experiences as a Leaf fan.

I think they are doing fine. As you know I am a strong supporter of the Shanaplan.

spatso and d0pps are entering Stage I of the spring season with tons of optimism. The talk of playoffs has permeated the Ottawa atmosphere and fans drunkenly revel about the prospect of hoisting the first Stanley Cup ever. Stage II comes in a bit later when the final game of the season has been concluded. Sens fans will look at the standings and cheer as their team has made it again! They will mock their rivals for finishing lower in the standings - especially the Leafs and also revel in the fact that they have the best rookie in the league - this year, Patrik Laine (and next year White & Chabot).

Stage III starts in round 1 of the playoffs. Some luck & the team has managed to scrape a win but the fans applaud their team and bemoan the refs for terrible refereeing. Its an absolute travesty how other teams are getting away with giving microfractures to all of their star players. Finally, Stage IV is when the Senators are eliminated from the playoffs in humiliating fashion and Sens fans start bragging about how successful they are because they have such a great team but some bad luck has stopped them from getting to the promised land. It's OK though because they'll make it next year. And this time, Eugene Melnickel-and-dime will be willing to open the chequebook to attract star players like MacArthur and retain stars like Bobby Ryan. Every year is better than the last!!
- twiztedmike

We are moving into stage II of a typical blue koolaid summer. Fans are beginning to notice the stories being floated that Marner might not be fit enough or ready for NHL prime time. Leafs are a last place team, they are sort of like a very young Edmonton crew of last year without McDavid.

But Leaf fans are great hockey fans and now that the silly summer chatter is winding down, they are getting around to a more balanced level of hockey discussion. We will see the Stage III early season euphoria when they win a few games at the beginning of the season and the Toronto based media predicts good things for them. But the Stage III crash into despair will come like clockwork in early December. Stage IV acceptance of reality will include some anger and frustration but it is not long lasting. And, come early March, Stage I starts again with a high degree of hopefulness as speculation of the guaranteed Tavares signing gets ramped up and fans discuss the great potential of the impending lottery and draft.
- spatso
- twiztedmike

Such an imbicele

Karlsson was a monster all game last night. His play on the Brassard goal was the turning point in the game. It could also prove to be the turning point in the series.

Remember the Bruins are the darlings of the fancy stat crowd. They have the best posession numbers of any team in the league. Everyone should track outcomes in relation to possession numbers.
- spatso

Yep. Advanced stats are bs.
Yesterdays Sens win proved that.

Or Boston was missing Krejci and a Dman or 4.
Hey maybe this is the turning point that allowed Sens to compete.

Yep. Advanced stats are bs.
Yesterdays Sens win proved that.

Or Boston was missing Krejci and a Dman or 4.
Hey maybe this is the turning point that allowed Sens to compete.
- daws44

Duh, Sens were 4-0-0 against Bruins during regular season. My issue is not with Bruins. Rather it is the reliance on fancy stat numbers. For some reason, Sens do better against strong possession teams. I think it is part of the Boucher approach.

In game 1, for example, Sens were very strong dominating the Bruins in all zones and they lost. In yesterday's game they reverted to to their traditional style.

More specifically, on appearance (I have not seen the chart) but it would appear to me that Bergeron, Marchand and Pasternak/Backes dominated possession against Phaneuf and Ceci. The Bergeron line is probably the best possession line in hockey. Yet at the end of the night Phaneuf ended up +3.

Duh, Sens were 4-0-0 against Bruins during regular season. My issue is not with Bruins. Rather it is the reliance on fancy stat numbers. For some reason, Sens do better against strong possession teams. I think it is part of the Boucher approach.

In game 1, for example, Sens were very strong dominating the Bruins in all zones and they lost. In yesterday's game they reverted to to their traditional style.

More specifically, on appearance (I have not seen the chart) but it would appear to me that Bergeron, Marchand and Pasternak/Backes dominated possession against Phaneuf and Ceci. The Bergeron line is probably the best possession line in hockey. Yet at the end of the night Phaneuf ended up +3.
- spatso

I always know your posts will be extra dumb when they start with "duh".

Sorry I just brewed the tea from the repeated summers of several years. The fact you found it to be such a bitter brew may have more to do with your experience than my words. Perhaps this playoff run will help heal some of the wounds of your past experiences as a Leaf fan.

I think they are doing fine. As you know I am a strong supporter of the Shanaplan.
- spatso

It can't be said enough, that us calling you idiotic, dumb, etc. isn't because we're hurt by your words. It's because your words are so profoundly stupid that we need to address that you may have a legitimate problem. With your brain.

It can't be said enough, that us calling you idiotic, dumb, etc. isn't because we're hurt by your words. It's because your words are so profoundly stupid that we need to address that you may have a legitimate problem. With your brain.
- Feeling Glucky?

Periodically, but seldom, do I actually revert to the name calling of others. I tend to believe that those who are reduced to name calling are likely lost in their capacity to adequately express themselves. If I have offended you by name calling I apologize. It is just not polite.

Periodically, but seldom, do I actually revert to the name calling of others. I tend to believe that those who are reduced to name calling are likely lost in their capacity to adequately express themselves. If I have offended you by name calling I apologize. It is just not polite.
- spatso

Duh!

I always know your posts will be extra dumb when they start with "duh".
- Feeling Glucky?

That pass from EK changed the series.
Duh.

Periodically, but seldom, do I actually revert to the name calling of others. I tend to believe that those who are reduced to name calling are likely lost in their capacity to adequately express themselves. If I have offended you by name calling I apologize. It is just not polite.
- spatso

I can think of many terms to describe your posts. Dumb and idiotic are very concise terms, but there's no malice intended, just a statement of facts.

I have already started thinking on my assessment for the blue and white summer season. I have not put anything down as of yet but it does strike me that the Leafs have made some serious progress towards improvement.

I think the fan base has matured a little and has avoided their chronic problem of premature miscalculation. Some of you will remember that it is just a few years ago that the Leafs had the Bruins on the ropes and were greatly excited by their round 1 effort. It was, of course, the year of the epic game 7 fail, an event that some Leaf fans have never been able to acknowledge or bring themselves to discuss. We recognize the exceptional intensety and deep hurt of that particular moment.

But, we also know that the wounds of disappointment can be the source of great healing and insight. I am very impressed by how so many Leaf fans have learned how to identify with a young team and to grow with them. Keeping expectations within the realm of reason provides opportunity for accomplishment beyond expectations and it seems to me Leaf fans are truly enjoying this very special moment.

I hope all of you are enjoying the playoffs this year. It is wonderful hockey.

Please don't make the mistake of raising your expectations only to end up feeling bitterly disappointed. This young Leaf team has put in a wonderful season and their efforts in the playoffs are huge bonus. Enjoy it as a gift. Do not make the mistake of promoting false hope or making comparisons that are beyond the reasonable expectations that were first set out in the beginning.

You will have my full blue and white summer report once the Stanley Cup has been awarded. Enjoy the playoffs for exactly what they are. The only thing that matters is the scoreboard as it is experienced in the moment.

Those who live in the past are destined to fail in the future. Those who focus entirely on the future fail to enjoy the precious moments of today.

That pass from EK changed the series.
Duh.
- daws44

Obviously, you likely did not watch the game or understand the context of the play. It does not mean the Sens will win the series. But, without that come back they were headed back to Boston down 0-2 with 3 out of the next 4 games on Boston ice. Below is an excellent article that places the moment in context for Ottawa fans. In the article, Ian Mendes says that Karlsson stepped up in the eyes of Ottawa fans and is now seen as a leader on the same level as Daniel Alfredsson.

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/...e-playoff-moment-1.725715

Obviously, you likely did not watch the game or understand the context of the play. It does not mean the Sens will win the series. But, without that come back they were headed back to Boston down 0-2 with 3 out of the next 4 games on Boston ice. Below is an excellent article that places the moment in context for Ottawa fans. In the article, Ian Mendes says that Karlsson stepped up in the eyes of Ottawa fans and is now seen as a leader on the same level as Daniel Alfredsson.

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/...e-playoff-moment-1.725715
- spatso

I watched the game.
You said a play by EK changed the series.
I said it likely had more to do with the B's missing 4 Dmen and Krejci.
DUH!

I have already started thinking on my assessment for the blue and white summer season. I have not put anything down as of yet but it does strike me that the Leafs have made some serious progress towards improvement.

I think the fan base has matured a little and has avoided their chronic problem of premature miscalculation. Some of you will remember that it is just a few years ago that the Leafs had the Bruins on the ropes and were greatly excited by their round 1 effort. It was, of course, the year of the epic game 7 fail, an event that some Leaf fans have never been able to acknowledge or bring themselves to discuss. We recognize the exceptional intensety and deep hurt of that particular moment.

But, we also know that the wounds of disappointment can be the source of great healing and insight. I am very impressed by how so many Leaf fans have learned how to identify with a young team and to grow with them. Keeping expectations within the realm of reason provides opportunity for accomplishment beyond expectations and it seems to me Leaf fans are truly enjoying this very special moment.

I hope all of you are enjoying the playoffs this year. It is wonderful hockey.

Please don't make the mistake of raising your expectations only to end up feeling bitterly disappointed. This young Leaf team has put in a wonderful season and their efforts in the playoffs are huge bonus. Enjoy it as a gift. Do not make the mistake of promoting false hope or making comparisons that are beyond the reasonable expectations that were first set out in the beginning.

You will have my full blue and white summer report once the Stanley Cup has been awarded. Enjoy the playoffs for exactly what they are. The only thing that matters is the scoreboard as it is experienced in the moment.

Those who live in the past are destined to fail in the future. Those who focus entirely on the future fail to enjoy the precious moments of today.
- spatso

OH MYLANTA!

I watched the game.
You said a play by EK changed the series.
I said it likely had more to do with the B's missing 4 Dmen and Krejci.
DUH!
- daws44

I remain unconvinced but you are entitled to your perspective.

I remain unconvinced but you are entitled to your perspective.
- spatso

I wasn't trying to convince you of anything.
Simply stating the facts.

Markov has been a very good 2 this year with Weber. Benn is a nice 4-5. But ya I take the Habs D over TOs.
- Pie

Junk

Price is your team

Not Carolina. That's a top young d corps in the making. They're pretty stacked.

Montreal isn't bad right now, but they've got some work to do, they have to replace Markov (probably Sergachev though). Just about every one of their key D is past their prime now. Not WAY past their prime, but into their 30s.
- prock

Meh. A lot of potential. Got to realise it

I have already started thinking on my assessment for the blue and white summer season. I have not put anything down as of yet but it does strike me that the Leafs have made some serious progress towards improvement.

I think the fan base has matured a little and has avoided their chronic problem of premature miscalculation. Some of you will remember that it is just a few years ago that the Leafs had the Bruins on the ropes and were greatly excited by their round 1 effort. It was, of course, the year of the epic game 7 fail, an event that some Leaf fans have never been able to acknowledge or bring themselves to discuss. We recognize the exceptional intensety and deep hurt of that particular moment.

But, we also know that the wounds of disappointment can be the source of great healing and insight. I am very impressed by how so many Leaf fans have learned how to identify with a young team and to grow with them. Keeping expectations within the realm of reason provides opportunity for accomplishment beyond expectations and it seems to me Leaf fans are truly enjoying this very special moment.

I hope all of you are enjoying the playoffs this year. It is wonderful hockey.

Please don't make the mistake of raising your expectations only to end up feeling bitterly disappointed. This young Leaf team has put in a wonderful season and their efforts in the playoffs are huge bonus. Enjoy it as a gift. Do not make the mistake of promoting false hope or making comparisons that are beyond the reasonable expectations that were first set out in the beginning.

You will have my full blue and white summer report once the Stanley Cup has been awarded. Enjoy the playoffs for exactly what they are. The only thing that matters is the scoreboard as it is experienced in the moment.

Those who live in the past are destined to fail in the future. Those who focus entirely on the future fail to enjoy the precious moments of today.
- spatso

Tldr

Junk

Price is your team
- Tumbleweed

- Pie

- Tumbleweed

the spectrum is strong in you

the spectrum is strong in you
- Pie

"In a magical, near-taunting display of keepaway — like the game Orr learned while buffeted by winter’s howl on Parry Sound — Karlsson whirled around Boston’s defensive end, curled down left wing and delivered a laser cross-slot pass for Derick Brassard to drill into a wide-open net for the tying (3-3) goal in the third period. Breathtaking."

Kevin Paul Dupont
Boston Globe