So it's over.
Well, that's not technically true. It's been over for a long time -- months, really. But now it's official.
Except it isn't, which is why the Leafs will continue to play Toskala every night and cut back on the kids' ice time and all the other things Maurice is doing because he knows he's going to be fired as soon as the season ends. They need another loss or two to be mathematically eliminated, and that could take a while because we know how well this team plays when the games don't mean anything.
Bryan McCabe, the "star" defenceman with the huge salary and no-movement clause, took a penalty last night for intentionally shooting the puck into the stands after a goal. Yes, it was a must-win game, and yes the Leafs could absolutely not afford to give up another powerplay. But McCabe is the master of the childish on-ice tantrum, and you have to let your players do what they do best.
Wouldn't it be great to see Maurice put McCabe in the pressbox for Thursday's game? You know, just to send a message about leadership and maturity and putting the team first. Maybe McCabe would get the hint. Or maybe he'd sulk and pout, which would be fine too -- if he gets mad enough, maybe he'll even stand up to his wife long enough to allow a trade out of town this summer.
It won't happen, of course. Maurice knows that it's much easier to talk tough about accountability without ever backing it up. But it's a nice thought.
1Yes, this suggestion is a classic Damien Cox #3. If you can't beat them, join them.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I see dead people
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i agree, that mccabe penalty was a boneheaded play by a boneheaded player...but i'm still of the opinion that it didn't need to be called...damn stripes...
ReplyDeletetucker's hooking penalty was worse...in the offensive zone, and just a lazy, lazy play...
fitting that the veterans did us in last night...and i have no problem with vesa playing tomorrow, because i never again want to see raycroft in the leafs' crease.
clarification...not that it didn't need to be called, it shouldn't have been called...
ReplyDeletethe refs let a lot of crap go last night, and they chose to call a delay-of-game penalty on a dead play? give me a god damn break.
but mccabe was still a douche last night, no arguments there