Whooooooaaah we’re halfway there… Whooooooooaaah livin’ on a prayer. Well it’s halfway through the season and if you’re a Leafer, you are definitely living on a prayer. Thanks Bon Jovi for the intro.


This is what I love about being a Leafs fan. Games like the one against the Sens tonight. When you’re a Leafs fan, wins are just so much more satisfying than they are for any other team’s fans. I feel like no other NHL team fan understands the pain and agony of being a Leafs fan, and they don’t feel the same exhilaration when their team wins. Maple Leafs fans are the thrill seekers of the NHL. I’m beginning to believe that it takes a certain kind of persona to fit the role of a Toronto fan. It’s understandable, I mean it’s kind of the same person who enjoys roller coasters and sour candy.





Just look how happy these two gentlemen are. Smile the size of a California King. You’d think they just won the Stanley damn Cup. But nope, they beat the Ottawa Senators by 2 goals in a regular season game. A non-Leafs fan says “so what, you want a cookie?”. But oh what a short-term relief it is for everyone under the umbrella of Leafdom. Paul Maurice lives to see another day at the Air Canada Center. Mats Sundin got to, for that moment at least, forget about possibly (probably) being traded to a team that wouldn’t appreciate him like we do. Cliff Fletcher can finally say “See do I know my sh_t, or do I know my sh*t?”... or maybe that was Richard Peddie saying that. The youngins’ were quite impressive tonight, hopefully that will be a little hint-hint that Toronto could use more young guns in their artillery. I had no idea that Dominic Moore was the brother of Steve Moore, which makes me wonder if Dom’s got a vendetta towards Todd Bertuzzi. In any case, I’d be willing to tune in to that match-up. Wow, what a made-for-TV movie that would make! My favorite part of the game though.. Boyd Devereaux is back in blue. I see him as a big contributor, pretty underrated if you ask me.


A LOT of you keep asking me what I think about what’s going down with the Leafs by the trade deadline. I’ll clear this up once and for all: I don’t like to listen to trade rumors, nor do I take any of what I hear into serious consideration. I have my theories but truth be told, no one ever knows what’s going to happen. I don’t like to boggle my mind with hopes and fears of what is going to happen to my team. I’m more of the leave-it-up-to-the-big-boys-upstairs-and-see-what-happens-kind of fan. Keep the faith. This is the same reason I have never been able to participate in Fantasy Hockey Pools, because then I get competitive about it and start to take it to seriously and care too much. Okay, I’m not repeating this again so listen up… I’m sick and tired of hearing about the Leafs management, hearing the complaints, hearing about what “should” be done and hearing about how janked everything is, and hearing about how this is “the end”. I don’t concern myself with the politics or inner workings of my team. It honestly ruins the fun for me. I’ll answer everyone’s question right here and now. What do I think should be done? I think we should shut up and play some f_ckin hockey. The only upper management I care about is the nice top shelf cheddar that Wellwood is laying on net. Face.


Update- The Toronto organization should offer free Prozac to their season ticket holders to help with the depression of this season. What a great marketing partnership that would be, eh? Free Prozac Night at the Air Canada Center. Please, let’s not talk about the Florida game. At this rate, I’ll be in AA before the end of the season.


Update II 2/9/08- If the “Journey” was the theme of yesterday’s Hockey Day in Canada celebration, then I claim “Don’t Stop BeLEAFin’” as the unofficial slogan of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the rest of the season. Once again, happiest fans in the game last night. Still, don’t sell the Prozac idea short yet… the second half of this bi-polar season has only just begun.


On a happier note, the Flames have been HOT since the All Star break (really the pun was not intended, I even thought about changing the adjective there). Granted, two games does not a hot streak make, but thanks to my week of free Center Ice (thanks Comcast), I’ve been able to really appreciate the Flames again this season. They are now SECOND in the N-dub division, only 3 lousy points away from first, and getting there in style.


Update – I’ve nicknamed Curtis Joseph “The Cooler”, for successfully cooling the Flames 2 game hot streak. Word has it, CuJo got a sunburn on his neck that night from the red light beeming down on him all game. In all fairness, better luck next time bro, and bring your SPF 35 (saves that is).


As my outtro, I’d like to say a big F-you to this guy right here:





No, not the dudes in the funny hats. I’m talking about that little furry MF-er that is responsible for forcing me to enjoy six more weeks of winter. Thanks Punxsutawney Phil, you little punk. I swear it’s the same prediction every year, the little jokester never misses his damn shadow. At least bring me six more weeks of NHL hockey along with the lousy weather. HA!


Happy Groundhog Day everyone. If you’re in Edmonton, I’m sure you won’t notice the extra six week sub-zero blast. Brrrr. Well, keep the faith and pray for a Tony Amonte miracle before February 26th. BeLEAF is the first step to a playoff spot. Take care, stay warm hockey fans!