The Leafs Blow into Town

Yeah, I'm the woman who keeps saying the Leafs are nothing but the Islanders North and the Isles are nothing but the Leafs South. The preview on the NHL.com site said they were headed in two different directions. I say bunk. Look at their numbers, they couldn't be more alike. Both have yo-yo seasons and problems left, right and in goal.

But the Leafs have their own TV station, radio shows and the biggest fan base in the NHL. God love 'em. Too bad they don't have a better record historically. Can you imagine what their fans would be like if they had won a cup recently? OMG! I shudder to think.

They also have the two men who will be running Team USA for the upcoming Olympics and... oh yeah... Phil Kessel. Throw in my favorite (through struggling) little hockey player and I've got aspirations of wearing my signed Leafs jersey in the press box tomorrow. But, of course, that ain't happening. Not if I want to LIVE.

Our Islanders had better find a way to make the Power Play click tomorrow night or the Leafs will make them pay. Ron Wilson said that Kessel isn't himself, he's a little tired. But I'm sure he'll find a way to get his name on th stat sheet tomorrow. I'm also pretty sure Jason Blake will score a goal, or even the game winner, just to annoy Big Angry Man and make me have to be quietly confused about how to feel.

I want him to score goals. I just don't want him to do it on our ice. I would far prefer for Matt Moulson to find his scoring touch again. I'd like to John Tavares to stop trying to make all the pretty plays and just make quicker decisions so he doesn't turn over the puck. I'd like Robbie Schremp to take off on a breakaway, find an angle, and bang one in just so I can see the "goalie dance" again.

Scott Gordon and Ron Wilson will both be on the bench for Team USA in Vancouver. But tomorrow night they stand on separate sides and see how close their strategies are. Something tells me, they are eerily similar.

If I had to venture a guess, I think Gordon may go with Biron tomorrow. The Leafs have had their own problems with both Toskala and the Monster with a repaired ticker. There are so many calling for Toskala's head on a platter, I'd assume we may get to see Jonas Gustavsson in net. I also hear rumor that Tim Jackman may be back in the line-up soon. It would be nice to see. Actually, two points would be nice to see.

I'm going to try to get out of work and get to the morning skate. If I find out anything good, I will let you know. If not... I look forward to another chance for the Isles to redeem themselves in front of their fans. I hope they pull through.