Metal Reviews

JVR seems to be doing well. Is he still playing center or did they switch him back to wing?

Sample size is small but with the shortened season a solid start becomes that much more important. Hopefully the Leafs can keep it going.

The Kings are struggling but honestly I'm not upset about it. I was mad at them most of last season and look how that turned out. Even if they end up missing the playoffs that Cup win will keep me happy for a long long time.

Oh and Chicago look unstoppable this season. Unless they're peaking too early or suffer a couple of significant injuries I don't think there's a team in the league that can win a playoff round against them.

He's playing in Lupuls spot on the top line with Kessel and Bozak. He's got serious skill, size, he goes to the net and has the hands to finish.

I'm not saying we are world beaters of anything, but after 6-7 years of shit, it's nice to have a competitive and young team. Even with some serious injuries we still find ways to win.

Most importantly the goaltending is there. Reimer and Scrivens have been solid.

When Reimer is on I don't think there's been as good goaltending in the Leafs crease since Eddie or maybe even Cujo. The best part about Reim, he's only like 24.

So like the Leafs are 2 points out of first. Kadri, Reimer, JVR, Phaneuf, Bozak, McClement have all been exceptional. Kessel is starting to light it up and Lupul and Frattin are on their way back to the line-up. Still 20+ games left, and anything can happen, but I'm starting to believe this team can make the playoffs, maybe even with home ice advantage.

What about those Blackhawks? Just watched them beat Colorado 3-2 with Carcillo scoring the game winner with like 43 seconds left. Improving Chicago to some in-human record of 21-0-3. Will they win the cup? GM Stan Bowman says they still need a depth centre, but every GM says that.

Leafs are among the worst in the league in both shots taken and shots allowed, they're are allowing more shots than they're taking (27.5 vs 31.8) and lead the league in wins when getting outshot by a huge margin. All these things point to their success right now is built on a house of cards, a strong gust of wind and it could all come tumbling down. Not that shots are everything, but it can be a pretty good indicator and I seem to remember a similar thing happening to the Leafs not too long ago.

But a shortened season will definitely help in that regard. It'd be nice for their fans to get a taste of the playoffs again, lord knows they've waited long enough.

Figures don't lie, but liars can figure.

Numbers aren't everything. I know that they aren't playing perfect, haven't missed a game all season, but they find a way to win night in and night out. When Kadri hits the ice, the game slows down or speeds up to his pace. Phaneuf consistently shuts down opposing teams top lines, Reimer has been standing on his head having won 5 straight, our PK and PP are far better than seasons past, JVR already at 13 goals, the positives far outweigh the negatives. One bad week can change everything, but as of right now we are 2 points from first and have a talented young core. Shots against or not, it's exciting to be a Leafs fan again.

Fuck the haters.

Burke for GM of the year?

What's different this year is they're winning games that they have no business winning.

Ducks sign Ryan Getzlaf to an 8 year $66 million contract extension. Now they must decide what to do with Corey Perry.

This thread sure has died...

Leafs join the 40 point club with a win last night. Points in 6 straight games. Lupul has 6 goals in 4 games since returning from injury and suspension, and Kadri is 6th in league scoring.

Still over a month til playoffs, but we have a 7 point cushion over 9th. Playoff hockey in Toronto is one of the greatest things in the world to experience. The only thing that scares me is potentially Boston in the first round. Still, Bruins or not, the first round will be one giant party in Ontario. Can't wait.

I am sure you hate the Pens but the streak they are on is pretty impressive.. It seems like they have been in playoff mode winning close games the last two weeks... I am excited for the Canadian teams in the east to be playoff caliber again.. You guys are great passionate fans of the game!

Pittsburgh looks unbelievable right now and with the additions of Brendan Morrow and Douglas Mouray make them that much better. Now with Malkin due back soon from injury, they are looking scary. Apparently Fleury and Letang are hurting though. I know Letang has been out a few games already, but now he has a broken toe(pussy) and will miss more time. My roommate is a Pens fan and we both do hockey pools, we talk a lot of shit. Ha.

Yea man letang can't stay healthy.. I am more worried about MAF right now... Excited to see Malkin come back.. Love the additions Shero made.. He is def going all in for the cup this year

There are reports that Iginla has been traded to Boston.

By Boston do you mean Pittsburgh? Ha. Everybody and their brother thought it was Boston last night, then out of nowhere he goes to Pitts.

I think Calgary got hosed and Feaster may just be the worst GM in the league.

Seriously....I woke up this morning to find out who Boston gave up and then I'm like "WTF?!"

How the hell does Pittsburgh have the cap room for all these guys??

Sherpo has gone all in .. Very exciting times in Pittsburgh

This will be the only season they have this kind of expendable cash. Malkin, Neal, and Letang (I think, maybe Fleury too) are all due for a new contract soon. May not be able to keep them all with the cap dropping, so go all in this year and hope for the best. Morrow on Malkins line and Iginla on Crosbys makes their one-two punch so much more deadly.

They already gave Neal an extension.. But they do have to worry about the other three

I knew one of them was signed, couldn't remember who's who. Still, that's a big list of potential UFAs.