Leafs Talk: Painful...but proud of the team of youngsters

[matdwyer]

"James Reimer is in the visitor's net at today's morning skate, looks to be the starter for tonight's game in Pittsburgh."

[squadz]

At least now the Leafs dumped the old guys and are playing the young guys, like we should have done when Burke first got here. It's almost a win-win situation. If they play well, then maybe there's some hope for the future. If they suck, then we get a high draft pick. We basically wasted the last couple of years with those two clowns Burke and Wilson.

My observations so far:
Watching this team is gonna be ugly this year. They may finally be listening to the coach and play more defensively, but it's gonna sacrifice whatever offense they had in previous seasons. That may get us a few more wins in the long run, but we're still far from being a contender.

I think we gave too many years to Lupul. After only one decent season, he gets a big contract. $5.25M a season is probably also a bit high, but like I said before, we probably need to overpay for guys to play in Toronto.

JVR is pretty horrible so far. But I guess we traded away old garbage and got some new garbage back. Philly likely wouldn't have gotten rid of him if they didn't think he's a bust.

Kadri is showing me something that I haven't seen before. He may stick with the big club this season. At least give him this season and figure out what you really have.

I don't mind them playing Scrivens so far. Never thought Reimer was going to be the answer like so many people here did.

Nice to see a hometown guy like Kostka getting a chance.

Technically Burke is the reason they can play the young guys now.. and they haven't really got rid of anyone, just moved them around.

I'm not sure if I'd call it ugly. I've been pleasantly surprised by how different the Leafs are playing. Even Kadri is throwing hits out there. From what has been shown very far, it seems like it will be a lot of close one goal games, and the Leafs are definitely putting the effort it. I'm happy watching that kind of hockey, win or lose.

Lupul is a great player, and a leader. He deserved the contract for what he has done so far.

JVR is no where near garbage, terrible or a bust. But okay.

The only thing Kadri is doing differently now is back-checking and throwing hits. The rest of him is the same as before. That's what he learned by playing in the AHL, and I wonder who sent him down there to learn..

Scrivens is shaky still. He's not 100% confident, and he shouldn't be playing starting goaltender minutes.

Kostka really is a beauty out there. The most surprising Leaf so far this season, and extremely comfortable in every situation. Looking forward to watching him this season.

[matdwyer]

Wow. Burke's lawyers have sent Toronto Mike a C&D for an anonymous comment on his blog re: the Hazel Mae rumours. Wonder if RFD / Twitter / EVERY LEAFS SITE IN EXISTENCE will get one too

[bobcat99]

2 games in and everyone is talking as if Pittsburgh is the Cup champion. Maybe a surprise tonight.

[matdwyer]

Gardiner plays tonight, holzer to marlies

[VCR]

2 games in and everyone is talking as if Pittsburgh is the Cup champion. Maybe a surprise tonight.

well, what's more likely to happen, iyo .... Pittsburg rolling over the Leafs or Reimer showing he's an "NHL caliber goaltender?"

[matdwyer]

34-24-9 with 6 shutouts on bad leafs teams.

He wins games. 77 out of 134 points in games he plays. That translates to a 94 point season.

[Smashy]

34-24-9 with 6 shutouts on bad leafs teams.

He wins games. 77 out of 134 points in games he plays. That translates to a 94 point season.

He was good in his first year, but not so good last year/after the injury. 3.10 GAA, .900 SV% probably isn't going to "win games" on a bad Leafs team.

[501]

Pitts scored 6 on Lundqvist last game...how will Reimer do?

[Tiberius]

There is just no Reim-er reason to this starting goalie decision!

[VCR]

There is just no Reim-er reason to this starting goalie decision!

yes there is ............

I think it would be a good move. If Scrivens is pretty confident right now, I'd rather not risk seeing him rattled.

Reimer's is apparently already the weaker one right now, so putting him into a game where he will have to be amazing to win doesn't seem like a bad idea. If he gets lit up, oh well, but if he plays well it will give him a huge boost.

sacrifice reimer to protect scriven's "confidence." ...... lol!!!

[Smashy]

[CSAgent]

Some good saves by Reimer so far.

Not liking the fluky goals by Leafs but I'll take the lead right now.

Edit:

Oh damnit Crosby... why couldn't Reimer keep his legs closed...sigh

[VCR]

that's my reaction after the leafs takes the lead 2-1.

maybe the pens are in the market for a goalie ...........

[bosoxfanx1]

how was our 5 on 3 PP again? damn...