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Post by LeafsGM on Oct 21, 2009 17:49:12 GMT -5
With the 7th JGHL season upon us, the talk of Leaf land has been putting a label on this new look Toronto team. Are they contenders or are they pretenders? Fans are split between the two.
This morning on the Bill Waters show coach Ted Nolan said, "To win, is to try, and we've got enough guys here who will leave it all on the ice every game. Chris and Hank have brought a winning attitude to our club house. Our young guys can feel it. They think they can beat anyone. We're very excited."
But fans are weary. In 07-08, after acquiring Giguere and Schneider, the Leafs won the East, on the way to a decisive 4-2 loss to the Flames in the cup finals. That loss proved that to be the best, you got to beat the best. So for the first half of the 09-10 season, the question will remain: are the Leafs good enough to beat the best?
Coach Nolan later revealed the current opening night roster:
Henrik Zetterberg-Mikko Koivu-Patrick Sharp Brad Richards-Paul Stastny-Patrick O'Sullivan Milan Michalek-Patrice Bergeron-Sean Avery Steve Begin, Kamil Kreps
Chris Pronger-Zach Bogosian Steve Staios-Matt Hunwick Tim Gleason-Jay McKee Cory Sarich
Cam Ward Ty Conklin
The East may have got weaker, but that did not stop teams like Pittsburgh and Montreal from loading up on world class talent. GM Sorokin says, "It will be interesting to see where we finish. If things go as planned, we could be looking at home ice advantage come spring. If they don't, at least our fans will get an exciting product every game."
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Post by MontyBurns on Oct 21, 2009 19:05:19 GMT -5
Youre dreaming if you think youve got enough talent to beat the best. Youre still weaker than multiple teams at multiple positions, and unless you make a move, i think youre toast.
on the other hand, if youre willing to go as far as me in terms of giving up future, im going to be in a dogfight.
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Post by AvsGM on Oct 21, 2009 20:31:07 GMT -5
Looks like you could use some PA/DF on the RW side. Alfie sure would look good in the blue!
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Post by Sharky on Oct 22, 2009 0:30:26 GMT -5
He's look good in teal but I can't freakin afford him
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 22:23:31 GMT -5
I definitely like the direction, and Zetterberg is obviously a nice centerpiece! Obviously some holes to fill, but we look forward to the 3 matchups we have this year!
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Post by LeafsGM on Nov 12, 2009 17:01:54 GMT -5
What a difference 3 weeks make! The question of whether or not the Leafs are contenders have now been answered with the acquisitions of Marian Gaborik, Ryan Malone, Vincent Lecavalier, and Roman Hamrlik.
"We knew we weren't good enough to win before, and with these moves we've given our fans ample hope" says GM Sorokin, who has been taking significant heat from both the fans and fellow GMs over the trades. "The fans are pissed about mortgaging our future. They were cheering when we drafted Josefson at 19, and really loved this kid. Now they are confused why we gave him up and then some, for an aging star. We understand their concern about Vinny and his lack of production, but with new line mates and a new atmosphere we think he can rejuvinate himself."
The moves were controversial but one thing for sure, the Leafs now look better than ever. "We feel our top line can match up against the best in the league." says newly acquired Marian Gaborik. Strong words from a player who definitely has something to prove.
The fans may be concerned about the team's future, but a player they are welcoming with open arms is an old face, Ryan Malone. "I'm very happy to be back and playing for the team that drafted me. I loved my time here and was frankly quite puzzled when I got traded for Cory (Sarich). I guess sometimes it takes losing something before you realize what you had (smirks)"
The new look Leafs will have their first real test as a team against division rival Montreal. It may take some time though for the team to gel, considering many players have never played with one another. The team will go into Montreal with something to prove- they belong with the best. The Habs on the other hand will surely want to make a statement against the Leafs, being the odds on favorite to make it to the finals. Stay tuned.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2009 17:51:06 GMT -5
I'm not too happy... with the new look leafs... as Eug has turned this team into a sure contender... this is a dangerous looking team.
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Post by Sharky on Nov 12, 2009 23:37:39 GMT -5
I still think he is a step away from being a top contender. Beyond his top two defense is an issue.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2009 11:42:42 GMT -5
True... I think somewhere down the line hes going to have to make smoe decisions... as to how badly he'd like to win NOW.
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Post by MontyBurns on Nov 13, 2009 14:02:08 GMT -5
you would think so, but look at my D (and top 6 and starting G) and look how well my teams doing. Hes suceeding with chemistry!
FML
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