Well, hockey is finally back on. It's funny because I didn't really miss it during the lockout but ever since the owners and players settled on a contract, I've been anxiously awaiting the start of the season. After all, this is the new NHL and I must say that the NHL did a good job of conveying that message. No more red line, no more hooking, shootouts....
So, Leafs played Ottawa today...$@#! Ottawa Senator and $@#! Daniel Alfredson....god I hate that team (after all, I'm a Leaf fan). Well the Leafs lost today 3-2 not because they played bad but because of the $@#! SHOOTOUT!! Unfortunately Sundin got injured early in the game with a puck in the face (is that like the 3rd time??) but Leafs played well as a team.
Here are my comments on the game:
1) Lindros impressed me. Now understand this, I did not want Lindros on my beloved Leaf team. I always considered him a big baby and drama seems to follow him. But tonight, he really awakened the Leaf team in the 3rd period with a few nice checks and scored the go ahead goal for the Leafs to make it 2-1. Keep it up Lindros.
2) Karbale - man this dude was really impressive...he has speed, awesome passes, and can actually carry the puck into the offensive zone. In previous seasons, I've found him a bit weak in the offensive zone but let's see how the new NHL treats this guy.
3) Allison definately showed some offensive moves but I think he's still rusty. Hopefully he'll start showing off his stuff soon. Bad shot on the shootout though.
4) O'Neil - I think he's going to be important to the Leafs. He's a power forward and it's nice to see a forward will rush toward the net at full speed. I hope to see more from this guy.
5) A few rookies in the lineup but I really have no comment on them since none of them really impressed me tonight. Steen looked ok but we'll see. Why isn't Wellwood playing? From his preseason camp, he deserves to be here.
6) Ottawa sucks
7) I love the no red line and the no hooking....man it really improves the speed of the game. I was getting tired of watching most of the game played in the middle zone.
8) Shootouts - This was the first official shootout in the NHL! When the game went into overtime, I have to admit I was secretly hoping for a shootout. I remember when the NHL first talked about it, I HATED the idea. I think hockey is a team sport and teams should win and lose as a team...I felt so guilty tonight...but as I'm watching the coaches pick the players, I really felt sorry for the goalie and for the players taking the shots....there's so much pressure on them. The extra point falls in their hands. Also, this is where it's key to have some very skillful players on your team which kind of irritates me. Your team can play so well as a whole but the other team may have 1 or 2 players which are good on 1 -1 situations and that can win the game. In the end, Leafs lost and I was upset. Am I bitter? Yes I am. Is it because Ottawa won? Yes, partly, but, I still believe teams should win and lose as a team and not place the blame solely on a few players. I'm reverting back to my original feelings so I HATE SHOOTOUTS! Turns out other fans do too since lots of fans left before the shootout. ARE THEY CRAZY??! YOU PAID FOR THE TICKETS!! WATCH THE #$! GAME!
Here's Pat Quinn's thought on the shootout which is my exact sentiment:
"It's why I don't like it,"Quinn said. "It's not a team now, it's an individual who can decide the game. We have always worked in the team atmosphere. The whole essence of the sport disappears in this."
9) Pat Quinn should take some notes from the Ottawa coach. Ottawa's lineups weren't working initially so what does he do? He puts Alfredson, Spezza, Heatly! Holy sh*t! Quinn never does that....he believes we should have equal lines. He puts 2 average wingers with Mats Sundin. When Mats got injured early, his 2 wingers basically dissappeared in the game. COME ON PAT, GIVE SUNDIN SOME FIRST CLASS WINGERS TO PLAY WITH!!! Although Antropov may have potential (debateable), he has not earned that first line spot with Sundin. Antropov, you better prove me wrong...I want you to.
Ok, I've typed enough. This blog didn't come out as well as I liked but it'll have to do. If you watched the game tonight, or any hockey game, leave some comments on what you thought. Unless you are an Ottawa fan....you can suck my ....never mind.
GO LEAFS!
