Do note that this is actually Jeff posting in Steve’s name. I got a hold of him and asked if he’d like to take part, he said he would if he wasn’t busy, so for now we could post up the stuff he’s doing for the world.
Hockey jerseys have always had something too them that drew attention to them - maybe because they’re massively built compared to other jerseys. Anyway, with as many as eighteen teams announcing third jerseys in the coming weeks now that RBK has grown a pair and let them, lets go through the teams that desperately need a third a teams that should’ve never had their jersey in the first place.
THE WORST NON-THIRD JERSEYS TODAY
5. Nashville Predators
WHY IT SUCKS: They were smart to unveil it like they did, without anyone wearing equipment or anything, because these jerseys just scream “LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT”. They also just look odd. The Predators logo is still very minor-league, though a bit managable, and this jersey shows just how bad the “Bettman Pipes” (read: yellow stripes) look on a jersey..a theme that for some reason several NHL teams thought would work. Again, its an awkward jersey, though I suppose as a $30 shirt it would be okay.
Guess its a good thing we have all these defenceman stocked up, aint it?
Why do I say this? Because Mike Van Ryn is out for a month.
As we all mostly know (if you don’t, see the video below), Tom Kostopoulos was doing his job being an energetic human smasher, and managed to hit Van Ryn from behind, get a boarding penalty, and get kicked out of the game. Van Ryn would end up having trouble getting up, and being sent to hospital.
Turns out that the hit caused him to break his hand.
And his nose.
Oh, and throw in a concussion.
Thankfully for the Leafs, we still have Kubina, Kaberle, Schenn, Finger, Colaiacovo, Stralman, Frogren, and White. In fact, I think we can afford to lose two more defencemen without major hassle. Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but I’m just saying…it won’t really hurt unless those two are one of the “big two” and Schenn.
By the way, I’m kind of shocked Grabovski wasn’t the victim tonight - how many times was he hit? Apparently he wasn’t happy either. I haven’t heard his interview yet, but I did hear that he basically called everyone but Koivu on the habs unprofessional. Bad blood? You bet.
As promised, here is the video (thanks to Whitby4Bob, as for some reason I can’t get WMM to take my recordings on this new tuner. Say, does anyone know of a good basic free video editing program to use just for trimming?).
"We're just awesome, aren't we?"
When Cliff Fletcher took over for John Ferguson Jr. last season, he vowed that change was in store. And like newly elected Barack Obama hopes too, Silver Fox has delivered on that promise.
It was never more evident in tonights 6-3 win over the seemingly unstoppable Montreal Canadiens.
A team that has taken its time to adapt to the new NHL, Fletcher brought in some quicker players to help the Leafs become a faster team. The line of Hagman-Grabovski-Kulemin, all new additions to the team from last season, is the prime example of that. They combined for 5 points tonight (3 G, 2 A), continuing their hot streak (10 goals, 19 points over the last 4 games). The trio combine to form the dynamic offensive line the Leafs have been lacking since prior to the lockout.
Another area the Leafs have changed: sticking up for each other. When Van Ryn was drilled from behind, Colaiacovo stepped in right away. When Schenn was tripped up going back for a loose puck, Colaiacovo and Moore stepped in again. It’s evident that the Leafs really do like each other, the respect they have for each other shows when tough guys like Moore and Colaiacovo are throwing shots after the whistle.
But it’s not only amongst themselves that respect is being earned, it’s around the league. For a team that is supposed to be a leader in the Tavares Derby (or Hedman, depends on who you talk to), a 6-5-4 record after 15 games is nothing short of amazing. But it’s not the number of wins that’s earning respect, it’s the way in which they are winning them.
Coming back from a 2 goal deficit is becoming routine for this Leaf team. They came back to tie the game in the last minute before losing in the SO to the Ducks. They came back to tie the game, and take the lead in the 3rd to beat the Bruins. They came back twice versus the Devils to win in the SO. They had a monster 3rd period to beat the Rangers. They came back from a 3 goal deficit in the 3rd before losing to the ‘Canes in OT.
The “never say die” attitude has been adopted as a new slogan (I never liked “Leaf Nation”), and while Ron Wilson would rather not have to come back, he’s not complaining. One could argue that other than the 2nd game of the season vs Montreal, the Leafs have been in every game so far. Had they more success after 60 minutes, the Leafs would be 10-5-0 (second only to the Rangers in the East). And while it may be counter-productive (more on that tomorrow), teams around the league are taking notice. This is a team that doesn’t back down anymore, they don’t fall apart like they did last season. And maybe most importantly to the average fan, they’re an extremely entertaining team to watch.
The respect doesn’t only extend to the dressing rooms of each team, it’s starting to spill out into the stands. For the second time in a week, the Leafs have been applauded off the ice during the final minutes of regulation. The Leafs haven’t had much to cheer for over the past 3 seasons, but it’s very refreshing to see the playoff atmosphere back at the ACC. It’s still early (Leafs aren’t even a playoff team as is), and there may be a lot of losing left to do, but it’s still nice to see (if only for another month or so.)
Cliff Fletcher wanted to mold a fast, hardworking team when he took over in January. The key to it all? Where Paul Maurice would have opted for Chamomille Tea, Ron Wilson prefers Dunkin Donuts.
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Tomorrow: I tackle the Tank Debate.