Looking back at the 2002-2003 season... can we draw some parallels to today?
Looking back at the '02-'03, team they too also started the season very slowly. They had the big game one win over the Pens, and everyone thought it would be smooth sailing from there. However, they went on to only win 4 of their first 15 games. Shaky goaltending, weak defense, and a penchant for bad goals at the wrong time (especially getting scored on first) were the contributing factors to the team's slow start. That year was Ed Belfour's first season with the Leafs. He was coming off an injury filled (similar to Toskala now) 2001-2002 season in Dallas where he was eventually supplanted by Marty Turco as the team's #1. Upon coming to Toronto he was expected to replace fan favourite Curtis Joseph.
That team didn't turn their season around until Nov 15 (game #17) against Buffalo. Belfour finally stole a game for us (we had no business winning that one), and we also got a couple of key goals, something we were lacking in the previous games.
From there, the team posted an overall record of 44-28-3, making a playoff appearance, onlt to lose in round 1 to Philly in seven games.
If that team is any indication, this season is not even close to being over. If Toskala can find his form from 2 years ago and make some big, timely saves, then that will give the rest of the guys confidence to go out there and do their thing.
Let's not panic. There is hope. Recent history has proven this.
The scary part is these games aren't close. We've had 2 close games, Montreal and Ottawa. The rest of the games were either out of reach early or out of reach late, sometimes both. I can't remember a team being dominated like we've been for a 7 game stretch.
The scary part is these games aren't close. We've had 2 close games, Montreal and Ottawa. The rest of the games were either out of reach early or out of reach late, sometimes both. I can't remember a team being dominated like we've been for a 7 game stretch.
That is true. But I think it's the bad goals that are really killing us. It's just taking the wind out of everyone's sails. The game against the Caps was over after the first goal in my opinion. Toskala should have had that one. After that the team wasn't the same. And the same goes for the other games, except it's bad goals in the middle or late in the game that kill us. Overall, I think we're starting out games strong. Getting chances to score. And overall not really playing poorly. But once the first bad goal goes in, then it's game over.
That is true. But I think it's the bad goals that are really killing us. It's just taking the wind out of everyone's sails. The game against the Caps was over after the first goal in my opinion. Toskala should have had that one. After that the team wasn't the same. And the same goes for the other games, except it's bad goals in the middle or late in the game that kill us. Overall, I think we're starting out games strong. Getting chances to score. And overall not really playing poorly. But once the first bad goal goes in, then it's game over.
That only makes things worse though. We're a team lacking talent, who isn't getting scoring chances and gives up when they get down. An awful lot is going wrong for this team at the moment.
The scary part is these games aren't close. We've had 2 close games, Montreal and Ottawa. The rest of the games were either out of reach early or out of reach late, sometimes both. I can't remember a team being dominated like we've been for a 7 game stretch.
I actually think that the scariest thing is that as soon as something goes wrong, the team just seems to quit and get into a kind of "here we go again" mentality imo. Much like the fans actually.
As soon as Ponikarovsky took that penalty on the 5-on-3 last night, they started to play less confidently than they had been prior to that and pretty much crapped the bed entirely after the first goal.
That only makes things worse though. We're a team lacking talent, who isn't getting scoring chances and gives up when they get down. An awful lot is going wrong for this team at the moment.
I agree that an awful lot is going wrong for the team now, but I believe it is more psychological than talent related. Imagine if you were in their shoes, and your goalie let in a weak goal, in a long line of weak goals in the so far relatively young season, wouldn't you be frustrated and want to give up? I'm not saying it's right, but I believe that is what's happening. I can understand why they are hesitant to go all out knowing full well that their goalie will probably give up another weak one at the worst possible time. It's heartbreaking. Who would want to encounter that much heartbreak in one game?
If Toskala can find his game and show the team he's serious about having a good season, then we'll see a huge turn around IMO.
I really hope this regular season turns out like '02-'03 did.
Looking back at the '02-'03, team they too also started the season very slowly. They had the big game one win over the Pens, and everyone thought it would be smooth sailing from there. However, they went on to only win 4 of their first 15 games. Shaky goaltending, weak defense, and a penchant for bad goals at the wrong time (especially getting scored on first) were the contributing factors to the team's slow start. That year was Ed Belfour's first season with the Leafs. He was coming off an injury filled (similar to Toskala now) 2001-2002 season in Dallas where he was eventually supplanted by Marty Turco as the team's #1. Upon coming to Toronto he was expected to replace fan favourite Curtis Joseph.
That team didn't turn their season around until Nov 15 (game #17) against Buffalo. Belfour finally stole a game for us (we had no business winning that one), and we also got a couple of key goals, something we were lacking in the previous games.
From there, the team posted an overall record of 44-28-3, making a playoff appearance, onlt to lose in round 1 to Philly in seven games.
If that team is any indication, this season is not even close to being over. If Toskala can find his form from 2 years ago and make some big, timely saves, then that will give the rest of the guys confidence to go out there and do their thing.
Let's not panic. There is hope. Recent history has proven this.
Good post, I cannot believe the insanity on these boards. Methinks several posters will have a little splainin' to do when the Leafs turn it around and they try and sneak back on the bandwagon.
If that team is any indication, this season is not even close to being over. If Toskala can find his form from 2 years ago and make some big, timely saves, then that will give the rest of the guys confidence to go out there and do their thing.
Let's not panic. There is hope. Recent history has proven this.
Thanks for the post man. Really puts things into perspective. Though I do think we had a better team then, in 02-03...
I agree we had a better team in 02-03, but a few key saves this season and we aren't having this conversation now. Ron Wilson didn't forget how to coach, and Komisarek, Kaberle, Beauchemin, and Schenn didn't forget how to play defense, and the forwards, although not world beaters, certainly haven't forgotten how to score. With a a break here and there we'd be in much better shape.
We'll turn it around guys, not to worry. Saturday vs the Canucks will be the start of the turn around.
The players can't play dodge ball all week long.
__________________ FLASHPOINT (based in T.O.) Tuesday @ 10pm. // Many people will walk in and out or your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.
I miss our 02-03 leafers!! I'd take Sundin, Roberts, Tucker, Mogilny & Eddie back any day of the week.
I hate every leaf fan that brought up that stupid Muscoka-5 crap and included Sundin, Tucker, and Kubina. Those players always had heart in every single game they played.
Buying out Tucker pisses me off more than anything though If we had Tucker on this team, our record would be quite different, he'd be captain, and he'd be keeping everybody motivated for a full 60.
I hate every leaf fan that brought up that stupid Muscoka-5 crap and included Sundin, Tucker, and Kubina. Those players always had heart in every single game they played.
Buying out Tucker pisses me off more than anything though If we had Tucker on this team, our record would be quite different, he'd be captain, and he'd be keeping everybody motivated for a full 60.
Tucker did help in the rift within the Leafs' room during those years. Roberts, Mogilny, Sundin, Tucker and Belfour are everything this team doesn't have right now.
FLASHPOINT (based in T.O.) Tuesday @ 10pm. // Many people will walk in and out or your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.
If we had Tucker on this team, our record would be quite different, he'd be captain, and he'd be keeping everybody motivated for a full 60.
