Will the Leafs make the playoffs?

[Evil Chris]

Yes I am in the cult regardless of where I am living.

My crystal ball is telling me it's another year of missing the playoffs.

[davevandyk]

I think they are going to miss the playoffs but as hard as this is to say, you never know. Montreal and Carolina are playing like crap and Toronto is surging. I really think that Montreal is gonna miss the playoffs and it could open the door for the leafs, although i like the islanders chances better.

[Michael]

Of course they will make the playoffs, no doubt in my mind.

GO LEAFS GO

[LobWedge]

Tough loss last night. A very entertaining game, but we shouldn't have had to come back like that. The most frustrating thing is that we've been playing so well lately, but we haven't budged from 9th. If we can weather the next few games, and get a couple of injured guys back, we'll be just fine. Besides, I'm predicting a deal between us and the Oilers (I have my theory). I think that Tucker may be headed out West for Ryan Smyth. (fingers crossed)

That fight between Petrovicky and Newbury was disturbing. I know there's people out there that want to see fighting taken out of the game, but in a game is played at such a high emotional level, fighting is going to happen. Both guys know what they're signing up for when the gloves are dropped. That being said, I don't think there was a more concerned guy than Petrovicky was. I hope Newbury will be okay.

[Pinshark]

Tough loss last night. A very entertaining game, but we shouldn't have had to come back like that. The most frustrating thing is that we've been playing so well lately, but we haven't budged from 9th. If we can weather the next few games, and get a couple of injured guys back, we'll be just fine. Besides, I'm predicting a deal between us and the Oilers (I have my theory). I think that Tucker may be headed out West for Ryan Smyth. (fingers crossed)

That fight between Petrovicky and Newbury was disturbing. I know there's people out there that want to see fighting taken out of the game, but in a game is played at such a high emotional level, fighting is going to happen. Both guys know what they're signing up for when the gloves are dropped. That being said, I don't think there was a more concerned guy than Petrovicky was. I hope Newbury will be okay.

Tucker for Smyth? AS big a Leafs fan that I am I can not see the Oils doing this. But I will cross my fingers. Smyth has to be one of my favorite players of all time.


I didn't get to watch the game last night however, the leafs have been playing very well lately. They just may sneak into the playoffs, and make a run for it if Racroft can keep it up.

[jonf]

I think that Tucker may be headed out West for Ryan Smyth. (fingers crossed)

AHAHAHAHAHA...You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding. THere's no way that Edmonton gets rid of Smyth. He is the heart and soul of that team. And, if they do give him up, you're going to have to do a lot better than Tucker to get him.

PS....Leafs will not make the playoffs.

[LobWedge]

AHAHAHAHAHA...You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding. THere's no way that Edmonton gets rid of Smyth. He is the heart and soul of that team. And, if they do give him up, you're going to have to do a lot better than Tucker to get him.

PS....Leafs will not make the playoffs.

I'm not joking jonf. I'm not saying that they'll be the only one's involved in the deal. Just the main components. Oh, and Edmonton has said that they'll likely shop Smyth if they don't make the playoffs (as of today they're 8 points out with 27 to play), and Tucker has expressed an interest in finishing his career back at home. This deal could very easily happen.

[jbrace]

There's no way the Oils are letting Ryan Smyth go for Tucker, especially if the whole purpose of the trade is to make a playoff run. I can see may someone like Raffi Torres and something else to supplement the deal, but not Ryan Smyth. And that's assuming Tucker's going to the Oils, personally I think he'll go to Calgary if anywhere.

As for the Leafs making the playoffs, I think they will squeek in there if Raycroft continues to play well and they don't lose anyone else to injury. Anyone know when Wellwood is supposed to be back?

[davevandyk]

Tucker for Smyth? AS big a Leafs fan that I am I can not see the Oils doing this. But I will cross my fingers. Smyth has to be one of my favorite players of all time.


I didn't get to watch the game last night however, the leafs have been playing very well lately. They just may sneak into the playoffs, and make a run for it if Racroft can keep it up.

I think their fate will, at least partially, be in their own hands. In their remaining 26 games they have a pretty soft schedule, playing their closest rivals for many of these games:

Senators: 2 times
Tampa: 1 time
Montreal: 3 times
Carolina: 1 time
Islanders: 3 times

They also have some games they should win, like 3 versus the Flyers. They only play 7 of their last 26 against division leaders as well.

[g8r]

I think their fate will, at least partially, be in their own hands. In their remaining 26 games they have a pretty soft schedule, playing their closest rivals for many of these games:

Senators: 2 times
Tampa: 1 time
Montreal: 3 times
Carolina: 1 time
Islanders: 3 times

I wouldn't call those games part of a "soft schedule" since every one of those teams is also fighting to stay in the playoff race. If anything, the leafs have a VERY tough ending with only 8 games being played against teams that are all but out of the race (3 v PHI, 2 v WAS, 1 v BOS, NYR and EDM) Every other game is against a team currently in the playoff hunt...including 4 more games agianst BUF and 2 against NJD.

[jbrace]

Soft schedule? Maybe for the next 6 games or so, but after that it's almost all uphill for them. I think they will need 8 or 9 points out of 12, and then hold on for dear life for the remaining 20 which looks like this: Habs X 3, Sens X 2, Sabres X 4 (ouch), and NJ X 2. In order for the Leafs to make the playoffs, the following needs to happen:

1. At least 8 points in the next 6 games.
2. Raycroft continue to play well.
3. No more injuries and hope for the return of Tucker and/or Wellwood.

[Hacker]

Good thing that the parade route is already planned............wait, it's been planned for the last 40 years hasn't it

........and NO, they will not make the play-offs

[jonf]

there's no such thing as a soft schedule when you're the leafs.

[Ginker]

I think they make the playoffs... Though I hate the leafs.. I know hate is a strong word.. thats why I used it..

There was a report on sportsdesk a couple weeks ago about Ryan Smyth. Saying he would not take a smaller contract when his expires to stay in Edmonton.. So I wouldn't be suprised if they moved him.. As for Tucker. I think there is no chance TO trades him.

[larry]

I think that the run that the Leafs were on is probably the worst thing that could happen to them. If they had dropped out of the race they could have started planning for next year. They should trade Sundin,Tucker or a couple of their big salaries and build around the younger players and solid goaltending they have. Now they will probably try and pick up someone like a Gary Roberts to try and make the playoffs. And they will probably end up giving up prospects or draft choices to do it.

[TWoody]

Yes I am in the cult regardless of where I am living.

My crystal ball is telling me it's another year of missing the playoffs.

In the grand scheme of things, will it mater if they do or don't? I guess if your a Leaf fan it may mean and extra week before the inevitable.
TWoody

[jbrace]

Good thing that the parade route is already planned............

Ah, the good old classic "parade route" jab. The standard sarcasm-riddled leaf-hater response to any topic mentioning the Leafs.

[Hacker]

Ah, the good old classic "parade route" jab. The standard sarcasm-riddled leaf-hater response to any topic mentioning the Leafs.

Yup, Leaf haters have the "parade route" mantra which is off set by the ever so cleaver "Go Leafs Go" that Leaf lovers like to spout off.

Personally I prefer to chant 1967, 1967, 1967 whenever a leaf lover starts getting lippy, but then again I like to be different

[knickers]

Is there such thing as a Sens fan or are they all jaut anti Leaf fans. Latley I'm having a hard time telling them apart.
Part of the reason that I "hate" the Montreal Candians is a least when they talk they actually have something to hold over us.
And Hacker when you chant 1967 what exactly do you chant for the sens. 1927, 1927. Its as though the sens have actually been there and done that.

All in good fun though.

[knickers]

Oh and the leafs will make the playoffs.

[jonf]

Is there such thing as a Sens fan or are they all jaut anti Leaf fans. Latley I'm having a hard time telling them apart.
Part of the reason that I "hate" the Montreal Candians is a least when they talk they actually have something to hold over us.
And Hacker when you chant 1967 what exactly do you chant for the sens. 1927, 1927. Its as though the sens have actually been there and done that.

All in good fun though.

Funny thing is though knickers, you're the only person in the thread to mention the Sens. Not everyone is claiming to be a Sens fan. But you are right that everyone is being a leaf hater...why? Because everyone hates the leafs, sens fan or not.

[knickers]

Funny thing is though knickers, you're the only person in the thread to mention the Sens. Not everyone is claiming to be a Sens fan. But you are right that everyone is being a leaf hater...why? Because everyone hates the leafs, sens fan or not.

Ahhh. There are a few threads talking about the Sens. that some how the Leafs get mentioned as well. ie: Comrie to the sens.
Your right I shouldnt have only included Ottawa fans in my comment. Alot of people spend alot of time hating the leafs rather than cheering for there own team.

[rancherJ]

fellow LN abuse comes with the territory.....
they'll get in

[Pinshark]

The leafs last 4 games of the season will be against teams that are all trying to sneak in. This is going to be good or very bad. Look what happened for the Oils last year they had to claw their way in and were ready to play win or die trying hockey for the first round right through till the bitter end. It will be a fight to get in this year.
Go Leafs Go.

[mpare]

Do they still have a team? I didn't realize that they did.

[jbrace]

Yup, Leaf haters have the "parade route" mantra which is off set by the ever so cleaver "Go Leafs Go" that Leaf lovers like to spout off.

Yes that's Leafs lovers for you, with their incessant "spouting off" of support for their team. How dare they? Even though this is a Leafs topic, surely they must know that this only serves to expose themselves to the equally clever "Leafs suck" response.

[Big Johnny69]

I do have to give Leaf fans credit. They are some of the most passionate (if not the most) about their team. I still have vivid memories of my father spouting profanities at the tv when things were bad for the Leafs. Like they could hear them. And I remember the wild cheers when things were well. He is still a die hard Leaf fan, but the spouting and cheering have been toned down a bit. He now saves much of his energy for cheering Jeff Gordon and jeering Tony Stewart. For pete's sake, the man won't even shop at Home Depot just out of spite.

[Hacker]

Is there such thing as a Sens fan or are they all jaut anti Leaf fans. Latley I'm having a hard time telling them apart.
Part of the reason that I "hate" the Montreal Candians is a least when they talk they actually have something to hold over us.
And Hacker when you chant 1967 what exactly do you chant for the sens. 1927, 1927. Its as though the sens have actually been there and done that.

All in good fun though.

I'm a card carrying Member of the Leafs Suck club but I have my reasons.......

I think that the anti-leaf feelings would be greatly reduced if the CBC realized that there are 5 other Hockey Teams in this country. Canadians pay the salaries of Kneel and Bob who know nothing but "Go Leafs Go" They don't even know the names of the players on the opposing teams for Gods Sake

The CBC is so Toronto-centric that is nausiating. And Cherry, what can you say about Don???

The Leafs are NOT Canada's team, Canada has 6 NHL Teams. Canada team wears Red and White and represents us all IMO.

When I was growing up the Leafs were run by Mr. Ballard and he was in it for the $$. I don't believe for one minute that he was hoping to win championships. This continues today as the largest single share holder of the Leafs is the Ontario Teacher's Union - they want to make $$ - Period. The suit and tie crowd will continue to fill the ACC regardless of the on-ice performance.

For me, I can't understand the blind passion of folks who cheer teams who have done NOTHING in their entire life time (I'm not limiting this to just the leafs, the same holds true for baseball fans with the Red Socks -up until a couple of years ago and the Cubs being the prime examples).

As for the Sens, Let them have the outstanding time left in their 40 year window and we'll see if they have any Cups to their credit. I do believe that they have the longest current streak of making the play-offs of any Canadian team and it didnt' take them close to a Century to have a 100 point season.

Blow Leafs Blow

...........damn I love this stuff

[rancherJ]

Go ahead blame the CBC. I'm no fan of our state broadcaster funded by our tax $,but if they know one thing its where the ratings are for Hockey.(Translation ad revenue)
Its all about the money and # of people watching. Like it or not TO is (by #'s) Canada's most popular team. facts is facts. even out west Leaf fans are heard in the building. Not to mention anywhere the Leafs play in the entire league. Fan loyalty built through the ages starting with the original six is still alive and well. I am a 4th Gen Leaf fan so go ahead pile on. Sens are a quality organization with a lot of class. I just wish more of their fans had the same qualities. There are a lot of great Sens fans too.... however the "Leafs suck" mantra is stale and is most likely a result of the playoff history between the two. Once the Sens Beat the Leafs in the playoffs (and it may happen sooner than later) maybe all Sens fans can start identifying more with their team vs. bashing the Blue Team. My kids are 5th Gen!!

[Hacker]

.....Sens are a quality organization with a lot of class. I just wish more of their fans had the same qualities. There are a lot of great Sens fans too.... however the "Leafs suck" mantra is stale and is most likely a result of the playoff history between the two. Once the Sens Beat the Leafs in the playoffs (and it may happen sooner than later) maybe all Sens fans can start identifying more with their team vs. bashing the Blue Team. My kids are 5th Gen!!

Come on now, we both know that Leaf Fans can be amongst the most obnoxious fans out there........they just haven't had much to go on about lately. As for Sens fans bashing the Leafs, Leaf fans give as much as they take...all you have to do is read a hockey-related website or listen to a sports talk show and you will be over-run with quips about how the Leafs own the Sens in the play-offs. We are fans because we are Fanatical and it's all good IMO

As a Leaf Fan I'm sure you remember Errol Thompson - I'm related to Errol but even that blood bond can't over come my feelings for the leafs

I don't think there is any middle zone with the Blue Team, you either love em unconditionally, or you hate em unconditionally.

Isn't Leaf bashing considered the "unofficial" national sport in Canada??