MAPLE LEAFS (1-5-2) at RANGERS (6-2-2)
7:30pm – MSG (Sportsnet)
10/30/2015
I love New York. I love the way it looks, I love the way it smells, I love the way it tastes, I love the way it feels. It’s one of the world’s great cities. I have been to New York many times over the last 10 years or so and it never gets old. Times Square, SOHO, Broadway, The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, Yellow Cabs, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Gardens. I love it all.
But….
I love Toronto a whole lot more!
Our Leafs are off to a very expected slow start. 1-5-2 heading into tonight’s action. They are, who we thought they were.
However, we have seen some very encouraging signs. For the most part, effort level has been high. There is a structure to their game and guys aren’t being handed power-play time just because of their contract values. The Leafs are getting shots and limiting scoring chances against. Babcock is holding the team accountable. Poor play, lack of focus and effort is getting ice time reduced, or in Arcobello’s case, out right waived. Rich Clune who has been, by all accounts busting his ass in the minors has been rewarded for his efforts. An NHL contract and the chance to play in the bigs again, good on you Rich.
So as a fan base we have to acknowledge that despite the lack of goals, saves and wins it appears as though the team is moving, slowly, in the right direction. Tonight, I’m hoping for a strong effort but with some finish and some saves. I’m not team Bernier, I’m not team Reimer, I think they are both lacking in areas and neither one will be the goalie that back stops this team when it becomes a contender again. But for the love Coney Island hot dogs can they please make the saves they’re supposed to make at least! I’m on board with being patient through a tough year, but it’s my GDT day and god damn it I want a win!
My sister, a true Leafs fan, lives on Long Island with her husband and three kids whom are all Ranger fans. My Mom and Dad are there, visiting, and the old man will actually be in attendance tonight as our Leafs look for win no. two against the Rangers. I will attempt to get a story from him along with a picture or two and get it posted. This is my father (pictured left) the last time he went to MSG.
My oldest nephew (pictured right) is about as die hard a Rangers fan as they come. He’s seven years-old and knows their stats and who plays on what line and when Lundqvist birthday is.
Last year his school had Islander’s appreciation day. He refused to wear Islander’s colours and went to school in his Rangers jersey instead. It warms my heart that he stayed true to who he is. Tonight however, I hope he cries himself to sleep after our Leafs absolutely embarrass his team in their own building.
GO LEAFS GO