Toronto Maple Leafs

[Will]

The latest that the conference finals can go is Wednesday, June 12, 2013. That is assuming that both series go the maximum seven games. Assuming that they start the finals two days after that (June 14, 2013) we are probably looking at a latest game seven on or about June 24-25, 2013, which is just barely before the start of the CFL regular season.

[ArgoRavi]

The latest that the conference finals can go is Wednesday, June 12, 2013. That is assuming that both series go the maximum seven games. Assuming that they start the finals two days after that (June 14, 2013) we are probably looking at a latest game seven on or about June 24-25, 2013, which is just barely before the start of the CFL regular season.

I am thinking that if one of the conference finals goes 7 games, then the finals will start on June 15th but assuming that it starts on the 14th, Game 2 would be the 16th, Game 3 on the 18th, Game 4 on the 20th, Game 5 on the 22nd, Game 6 on the 24th and Game 7 on the 26th. That is also assuming that they only provide one day off between each game and typically the NHL will give an extra day off on one or two occasions during any playoff series, especially the finals. I would not be surprised to see the Argos' home opener on the 28th up against Game 6 or 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. I know that the NHL had a lockout this year but their finals going almost into July is nothing short of ridiculous.

[argolio]

The NHL draft is set for June 30th so I'm not sure they'd want a game 7 as late as the 28th. The semi-finals this year are every other day, including a back-to-back in each series, so I expect the final to be something similar.

[Will]

The Leafs acquired G Jonathan Bernier from the LA Kings today in exchange for F Matt Frattin, G Ben Scrivens and a 2nd round draft pick. Bernier is a fine backup and has potential to be a #1 goaltender. The Maple Leafs evidently do not feel 100% confident with James Reimer back there.

[Argo57]

The Leafs acquired G Jonathan Bernier from the LA Kings today in exchange for F Matt Frattin, G Ben Scrivens and a 2nd round draft pick. Bernier is a fine backup and has potential to be a #1 goaltender. The Maple Leafs evidently do not feel 100% confident with James Reimer back there.

Good trade for the Leafs!!
Scrivens is a decent goalie, Fratten who cares and a second rounder (you never know), Bernier on the other hand has a huge upside.
More moves to come heading into the draft!!

[Will]

Apparently Tyler Bozak wants 8 and 40:



This is what I think about that.

[argolio]

The TSN story says "eight years averaging less than $5 million per season", but I can't see him being offered more than $4 million, and definitely not eight years. Though he'll have a lot more leverage if the Leafs can't get Lecavalier or another centre.

[Argo57]

Leafs would be moronic to give him anything close to what he is asking both in salary and term, if some other team comes close to his request let him walk!!

[Will]

What does everyone think of the Clarkson and Bozak signings?

[Will]

What is everyone's expectations for this season. It is a tougher division now with Detroit coming over, but I am cautiously optimistic that we will have a solid season, but you never know with this team. Can Bernier handle a full load? How does Nazem Kadri perform over an 82-game season?

[ArgoRavi]

What is everyone's expectations for this season. It is a tougher division now with Detroit coming over, but I am cautiously optimistic that we will have a solid season, but you never know with this team. Can Bernier handle a full load? How does Nazem Kadri perform over an 82-game season?

It really is hard to say. It is such a competitive conference that I could see the Leafs finishing anywhere from fifth or sixth to out of the playoffs. Expectations were low last season and will be much higher this year so it will be interesting to see how they respond to that increased pressure.

[AngeloV]

I expect them to be a better team than last year..provided they stay healthy. Bernier and Reimer are 2 very good goalies and IMO replacing Grabovski as #3 center with a true defensive player in Bolland will be the big move. Everyone pointed at the Leafs D for the Boston collapse, but D doesn't only mean defensemen. Their forwards were so intimidated by the Bruins along the wall, and the lack of being able to get out of the zone IMO was more as a result of poor forward actions than it was defence actions. Not having Bozak to take any face offs also hurt. Now they have a couple of good face off guys.

Also not overly worried about Detroit. They are on the downslide IMO. Everybody talks about them being the blue print for doing it the right way..and they did for many years. But they are getting old, and frankly I don't see any up and coming stars on that team.

[Will]

Detroit is a team not too different from the Alouettes over the last few years in that everybody predicts their demise year after year, but they always find a way to remain competitive. The Alouettes lost that lustre this year so maybe Detroit does too, but until it happens I'm not overly willing to count them out.

[Will]

David Clarkson will miss the first ten games of the season after being suspended for going over the boards to join Sunday's melee. Phil Kessel may also receive discipline for his slash at that John Scott buffoon.

[Argo57]

Buffalo accomplished what they wanted, John Scott wears hockey gloves so his knuckles don't drag on the ice.
Humorous listening to Shanahan explaining his suspensions, he won the Lady Bing what 3 or 4 times during his career, total joke!!

[AngeloV]

Buffalo accomplished what they wanted, John Scott wears hockey gloves so his knuckles don't drag on the ice.
Humorous listening to Shanahan explaining his suspensions, he won the Lady Bing what 3 or 4 times during his career, total joke!!

I still haven't forgiven him for his poor excuse of a shootout attempt in the '98 Olympics.

[Argo57]

I still haven't forgiven him for his poor excuse of a shootout attempt in the '98 Olympics.

Good point Angelo!!!

[Will]

The Leafs are 3-0-0 to start off the season. The Maple Leafs arguably haven't played great in either of the three games, but have been saved by some very good goaltending. Bernier replaced Reimer yesterday and gave the team a spark as they came back from 4-2 down on the Sens. Mason Raymond looks to be a nice find and this Dave Bolland brings a lot of nice things to the hockey team.

[Will]

Leafs beat the Penguins to go to 8-4-0 on the season. The Leafs defense is still allowing a significant amount of shots, but I like Bernier and Reimer as a duo in net. Kessel and JVR are great offensive sparkplugs while Bolland was a great acquisition by Nonis.

[Will]

Some early observations:

- Leafs goaltending situation seems to be quite stable with Bernier and Reimer. I feel confident in putting both in net for a game and get a good performance.

- The Leafs still allow way too many shots. Fraser returns to the lineup shortly so we'll see if that has an effect. Again, thankfully the goaltenders we have are up to the task.

- Nazem Kadri sure was dumb getting suspended like that when the Leafs have plenty of centres out of the lineup. Bozak may be back shortly, but Bolland is out long-term (which sucks)

- JVR for Schenn was a steal by Burke!