Carson's Journal of DOOM!

Holy Fucksquatch!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:52:01 GMT

Just checking to see who's paying attention.

and why the hell are you paying attention? This hasn't been updated in 2 years and this certainly isn't a meaningful post.

It's that time of Year Again!

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:59:00 GMT

I posted last year just before the beginning of the season, and damnit, I'm doing it again (and also to prove I've not fallen off the face of the earth yet).

This Wednesday marks the new hockey season start, and the second year under the new salary cap and rules. During the last season we saw some surprising successes, from teams like Buffalo. My Leafs did not do as well as I would have liked, missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years, and that failure marked the end of Pat Quinn's time in Toronto. There's many reasons why the Leafs missed the playoffs last year. Lackluster goaltending, a lack of depth in defense past McCabe and Kaberle, lack of speed and youth, and Sundin being out a good portion of the early part of the season all made for a difficult season for the Leafs. A Late Season rush by Toronto, carried by J.S. Aubin and Mats "Put the freaking team on my back and carry them" Sundin made for some interesting games as the Leafs struggled for the last playoff spot, but ended up just missing the postseason.

So, what's changed?

Ed Belfour, and his massive contract, GONE. In his place comes Andrew Raycroft. Raycroft had a dismal season last year in Boston. This could be because he had an injury for the first part of the season, and eventually was replaced by two other goalies who were able to pick up their games. Raycroft, as well as having close to the best lastname ever, won the Calder Trophy his rookie year in the league, just before the lockout, and was an MVP in the OHL prior to that. Which Raycroft did Toronto get? MVP-Calder Quality Raycroft? Or Injured beginning of the season Raycroft? We, of course, are hoping for the former, because picking up a young top goalie like Raycroft would make giving up perhaps the best "prospect" goalie worth while. If Raycroft is able to repeat his Calder season, we have a nice goalie backbone till Pogge is ready to take over. If Raycroft isn't able to meet his old form... will he be better then Belfour was last year?

Hopefully the answer is yes, and hopefully he'll be aided by the new defense corps the Leafs picked up. Back are Thomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe, with new contracts, and this is a good thing. McCabe and Kaberle work well together on defense, they make a great tandem and can cover up each others weaknesses. McCabe was a scoring dynamo for the first part of last season, so there will be pressure on him to repeat this year. If Kaberle starts to shoot the puck (and he was showing signs of doing so near the end of last season) they'll be putting up some rather nice numbers. Joining these two are Pavel Kubina and Hal Gill. Kubina is probably the better signing of the two, and once he settles into Toronto will hopefully be back to the form he was with the Lightning on their Cup run. Gill, picked up from Boston, will be a stay at home guy infront of Raycroft (also from Boston) and is known as a crease clearer. He's not Chara big, but he can use his body, and that sort of defenseman was something the Leafs were missing last year. Two spots remain open, and there's a large crop of talented young defensemen trying to take'em. Carlo Colaiacovo seems to be one of the favorites to make it, but after a nasty concussion last year, and a possible reoccurance of symptoms early in camp, who can tell. One of the not-so-young defensemen trying to fill a spot is Brad Brown (a former North Bay Cent) and shows a lot of grit when playing. He's a bit older, but was willing to step up to McGratton of the Sens and drop the gloves with success. With Domi gone, Brown could fill the role of competent defenseman AND enforcer if need be.

Beyond the defense, the Leafs have gotten faster, but not by who they added but by who they dropped. Gone are Lindros and Allison, and with them gone room is made for some of the youngsters to step up. One such "kid" is Suglobov, acquired late last season from the Devils for Ken Klee. An offensive minded hotshot, who has been impressing during the training camp, Suglobov could be a great addition to the team, and played well on a line with Stajan and Steen. If he can learn to be a little more defensive and get more of the team mentality down, he'd do well with the Leafs.

Speaking of a little more defensively, who better to teach a young guy to be a bit more defensive on forward then Mike Peca? Peca was brought in to help with the Leafs penalty kill, which was mostly horrible the last year. Along with that, Peca will be more then able to add a little grit to the team, and maybe even pot himself a few grinding goals. Peca's leadership and defensive abilities will do well on the team, and alot of the younger players could learn a thing or two from him.

One of the big question marks for the team is Jeff O'Neill, who had a rather dissappointing season last year. Depending on who you ask (three articles in three different papers have O'Neill listed as either "OK" "On the bubble" or "On the outside looking in"). I personally think you'll see O'Neill on the team, and while he might not get to the 41 goal mark he had when he was with Carolina, I do think we'll be surprised by him.

Speaking of Carolina, the reason I think we'll be surprised by O'Neill is actually two reasons. First of all, he had some great chemistry with Bates Battaglia, who he played with in Carolina, during the preseasons. Second, and perhaps most importantly, is the new coach of the team, Paul Maurice, also, formerly of Carolina. Maurice lead the Hurricanes to the finals a few years back, and his regime for the 'Canes is probably a very big reason of why they are last years Stanley Cup Champions. Maurice was brought in to coach the Marlies last season and was groomed to replace Pat Quinn. All accounts show Maurice is willing to push his team to be the best they can be. A rash of strains, pulls and soreness this training camp might show how hard he's pushing the team. A new face behind the bench maybe the key to the Leafs season.

One big plus for the Leafs last year was "the kids" - Alex Steen, Kyle Wellwood, Matt Stajan and Alex Ponikarovsky all played exceptionally, and this year will be rewarded with more responsibilities and more ice time. Maurice has even put Kyle Wellwood on the wing of Mats Sundin, and the kids creativity seems to be working well for Mats.

Speaking of Mats... by far, the Leafs best player. After the Olympic break last year, when Mats and Team Sweden won the Gold in Hockey, Sundin became a force. injured in the first part of last season, after a puck to the face in the opener against the Senators, Mats after the Olympics seemed to have the ability to pick up the team and carry it on his back. A year older, and still without the much sought after "winger" Leafs Fans are clamouring for, Sundin does have the ability to elevate the game of most anyone who plays on his wing. Last year he stated he liked having the creative Wellwood on his line, and Maurice seemed to like the chemistry, so there could be good things coming for Sundin. Sundin will also be getting top minutes like never before, and hopefully that will make Mats elevate his game to new heights. The Leafs need it from him.

Last year, Darcy Tucker elevated his game to become one of the top scorers for the Leafs. A favorite amongst most Leaf Fans, it seems Tucker matured a bit, and finally filled the role the Leafs needed him for. If Tucker can keep the maturity he start to show last year, and become a gritty, grinding offensive power, the Leafs will do well. That, and if he can not fall back into his pre-lockout whining ways.

The leading even strength goal leader among the Leafs last year was Chad Kilger. Kilger stepped up his game last year, but will he be able to continue with that trend this year? Kilger could be a huge question mark for the Leafs, but in his role as a third or fourth line guy, it's likely Kilger could be a rather effective force for the Leafs, even without leading the team in even strength goals this year.

The big story during the preseason this year for the Leafs really seems to be the backup goalie battle. Who will be backing up Raycroft? Aubin or Tellqvist? Aubin has been slightly better during the preseason, showing better form and better rebound control. Aubin also has the advantage of being the corner stone of the push to try and make the playoffs, following Tellqvist's meltdown in the back-to-back games against Montreal. Aubin also seems to be more confident in net and has the least flexible contract, so all signs are pointing to him as being the back up. Maurice, however, coached Aubin in the Marlies before he was called up and yanked him out of net on more then a few occassions, so it will be a mystery who will be behind Raycroft for at least a little while longer. There is also the possibility that the Leafs will carry two backup goalies into the beginning of the season. While Aubin has been better, in my opinion at least, during the preseason, there is a possibility Tellqvist could get the backup slot because the Leafs could get more from trading Aubin then Tellqvist. The gap between the two hasn't been too wide, so who knows what could happen.

That's that, really. There's still alot of questions before Wednesday's season opener, and there's alot of question marks. I can't wait to see how things happen this year, it looks like it will, at the very least, be an exciting year for Leaf Fans.

So: Go Leafs Go!

Fuck Yeah.

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 15:40:34 GMT

That is all.

Hrmmm...

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 18:30:15 GMT

2 Guinness left... guess I need to do a booze run tomorrow after class.

Inc Maple Red!

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 02:19:48 GMT

December 10, 2005: Mats Sundin and Eric Lindros are (finally) put on the same line.

Funny how something like that just seems to jumpstart a game... too bad it was done halfway through the third period.

And Good for Kyle Wellwood steeping up his game and earning backa center position.

Extremely useful life changing advice for the day.

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 17:38:47 GMT

Don't buy no-name brand licorice, even if they havea big label on it touting "Great New Taste".

Spend the etra 20c and go with the name brand your can trust.

Just, trust me on this.

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 03:09:33 GMT

Keg. Chocolate. Mint. Candy. Withdrawl.

Damn you, damn you all to hell.

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 20:07:43 GMT

I live.

and also:

"Fuck you Canada Post."

Campbell is making me do this.

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 15:58:47 GMT

Put stupid memories about me here. Ask others to do the same. Or not, I truly don't care.

Go Leafs Go.

More Hockey Talk

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 03:51:56 GMT

I guess this is for you Damonk, if you see it. Steen's really impressing people, and they stole your quote!

TORONTO (CP) - Life is good for Alexander Steen.

His name is being mentioned with the elite of a solid crop of NHL rookies, his GM called him one of the team's best players and after just 15 games he's played his way on to the top line of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The toughest thing for the 21-year-old to do right now is live up to the lofty expectations his fine play has created.

"I'm not surprised," Steen said after practice at Lakeshore Lions Arena on Monday. "I've always known what I'm capable of doing. It's been real nice to have brought most of it out."

Then, after a short pause, he continued...

"And I still feel there a couple notches I can move forward."

The Maple Leafs will be thrilled if he can keep up his current pace.

Steen is fourth in rookie scoring with six goals and five assists and has a plus-4 rating on a team full of minus players. He's also part of Toronto's top penalty killing unit with sophomore Matt Stajan and has logged some minutes on the power play.

Most importantly, he's been the Leafs' most consistent forward and has yet to make the kind of game-breaking gaffe rookies are prone to.

"My game's really been progressing throughout the season," said Steen. "I'm feeling very confident."

In return, the team is showing confidence in him.

Steen took part in drills on Monday wearing the same dark blue practice jersey as captain Mats Sundin and Jeff O'Neill. When the Maple Leafs take on Washington at the Air Canada Centre on Tuesday night, he'll be the new left-winger on Toronto's top unit.

"Those two have been on fire," Steen said of his new linemates. "My job is to go out and try and keep them going."

Steen is particularly excited about playing with fellow Swede Sundin, who returned to Leafs lineup over the weekend after missing 12 games with an eye injury.

"He's huge back home," Steen said. "It's definitely going to be an honour playing with Mats. He's just flying out there so it's going to be awesome."

Steen, a first-round draft pick in 2002, has entered elite company just by making some waves in his rookie season.

The Maple Leafs have done a notoriously bad job of drafting players over the past 20 years and Steen is arguably the team's most promising prospect since Wendel Clark broke into the league in 1985.

Like Clark two decades ago, Steen has seen his role increase with every game Toronto plays. GM John Ferguson Jr. called him one of the team's best players during a television interview after Toronto's 5-4 loss in Washington on Sunday.

Clearly, the Maple Leafs have come to rely on him.

"He's getting a lot of stressful minutes to have to play," coach Pat Quinn said. "We're using him a lot.

"And so far he's shown us that he's very capable."

It's a trend that can be seen around the league as players like Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Chicago's Pavel Vorobiev and Colorado's Marek Svatos have become integral parts of their teams.

Quinn says the new economics of the NHL has opened the door for rookies as teams struggle to stay below the salary cap.

The veteran coach is happy that Steen is part of that group, but is wary of using the rookie too much.

"There'll be a place probably where he might hit a wall a little bit," Quinn said. "Each athlete has to work his way through it."

Steen, who last year played 50 regular-season games with MoDo in Sweden, agrees with Quinn. He's currently working with the team's strength and conditioning coach, Matt Nichol, to try and avoid a letdown during the NHL's gruelling 82-game schedule.

Above all, Steen is trying to savour his first season under the NHL spotlight.

"I don't feel pressure, just excitement," he said. "I'm enjoying every game out there."

Alexander Steen is a huge brightspot in this early season of Leaf ups and downs. For the most part, it looks like they have most of the parts for a solid team, but so far they've not been able to find the English instructions for assembly. The good core of young players like Steen, Stajan, Kilger, Wilm, Telly, and Wellwood are showing for the first time in a long while our Leafs are looking towards the future as well as pushing towards a Cup in the present.

Now, just to sign a really really solid defenseman :p

T-21 days

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 03:00:33 GMT

Let the countdown begin.

Jon smells like a goat's butt.

It's Hockey Night Tonight.

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 16:09:40 GMT

Yep. I'm going to make a post. A real one. About Hockey.

It's back.

Finally, the NHL returns, with new rules, and alot of new excitement around it. This means, of course for a Leaf fan, the return of the lovely media coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Most teams are looked upon in a positive or hopeful light by their local media sources, the Leafs seem to be the exception and it's already started. Maybe some of it's deserved, the Leafs haven't brought home a cup in what, a billion years? Quite the drought. Have the Leafs had a hard time in the Playoffs? Yeah, maybe... but when the Senators are picked to win the cup, and the Leafs condemned at the same time for poor playoff performances things get sorta iffy (Sorry Sens Fans, I do think your team got alot stronger this year, I'll talk about that later). Bashing the Leafs is an October Tradition, so the critics are already discounting the Leafs from the playoffs. Yes. Already. In October. Before the first regular season game has even been played.

Is it a possibility? Yeah, sure it is. Quite frankly this year, more then any other year the cup is open for ANY of the 30 teams to win. The salary cap has helped many small market teams, hurt the big budget teams and brought something resembling parity to the NHL. Well, not that big budget teams equal a cup. Just ask the Rangers. Or the Lightning.

Well, let's take a look at the Canadian teams. I'll leave TO for last because it will be more indepth as I know them better. I wish I could give the other Canadian teams a better analysis, but I can't, not fairly at least. I will say this, I fully expect all 6 to make the playoffs.

The Canucks:
Not much to say about them, really. The past few years they've played as a team, and possibly better as a team then any other club. Every player was a part in the machine. Most of these parts are back, and how could the Canucks not be considered serious challengers for the cup? I'd give them the edge over the other Canadian Western Division teams, because if I don't, Bertuzzi will come and kill me.

The Oilers:
The problem with the oilers is no matter HOW good the team is today, it will always, always, always be compared to the Oilers with Gretzky, Fuhr, Messier et al. Now, they picked up Pronger, but lost Brewer which hopefully for them will be a good move. A solid team, and that might let Peca bring out his A-game. I predict that Cory Cross will lead the team in scoring....on their own net. (Just for you Mike!)

The Flames:
Calgary was inches away from bringing the cup back to Canada in their upstart run a couple of years ago. Many are saying that they'll be a powerhouse with Iginla, Kipper and one of the better defenses in the league. They probably will, but living up to that may cause some problems, the stars maybe there, but other keys players have moved on and people will need to step up. It's Calgary though, so I doubt any will hesitate to step up. They've got alot to prove and alot of expectations to meet, I'd not bet against the Flames though.

The Canadiens:
The Habs will benefit under the cap. Koivu and Theodore have shown in the past they are quite capable of making the team step up to the next level. The Preseason showed us some of the prospects the Habs will be able ot bring up this year or next, and they definitely look impressive. Playoff bound for the Habs, with a solid future ahead of them.

The Senators:
To say the Sens aren't a good team would be foolish. Picking up Heatley and pairing him with Spezza is going to lead to some fast, explosive playing. The Sens really haven't changed a whole lot with the new rules, they were capable of operating under the cap because they were used to it. Hossa being gone might hurt the team a little, but I think Heatley can replace him. Other loses were no more then most other teams endured due to the cap and desires to play elsewhere. I think the loss of Coach Martin is the thing that could hurt them most. Or Hasek deciding not to play. They'll be in the top two of their division.

The Leafs:
Comparatively speaking, big changes for the Leafs, though that may only seem that way because I'm more familiar with Leaf team then any of the other. Roberts, Nieuwendyk, Mogilny and Leetch are all gone, and in are Allison, O'Neill and Lindros and a lot of questions. For the first time in a few seasons, however, Toronto seems to be letting some youth in with Stajan, Steen, Kilger and some kid named Wozniewski along with a few others waiting in the wings with the Marlies. Quinn will probably be going for depth, and this time there is a potential for 4 fairly solid lines. Defense once again is the big question, but picking up Khavanov should do alot to give the leafs a solid 2 lines of Defense, with a third line of Berg and Belak the real question. The starting line up is, as always with Quinn's team, a mystery until near game time, though some chemistry has developed between players that we can expect to see on the same line, like Antropov and Ponikarovsky who teamed up for some insane points over the preseason, as well as Stajan and Steen hitting it off. I expect one of those pairs, probably Antro and Poni to be with Sundin. Stajan and Steen will most likely be paired with O'Neill as Stajan in more likely to play center. Allison will likely find himself with Darcy Tucker and Mariusz Czerkawski, and hopefully Czerkawski has found a team he wants to play for, especially with his friend Mats as the captain. Lindros will most likely hold center on the fourth line with Domi and one of the rookies, which might be the best for Lindros as for once not having the pressure and spotlight on him could really help him return to form... and having someone like Domi there to keep him from being nailed to often could only help. Switching Tucker and Domi could also help the idea of 4 rolling scoring lines, and I have a feeling, like always, Pat Quinn will be tinkering with the lines all through the season, trying to get the best combinations for four lines, which is something that can only benefit the team. Not much to say about Belfour, he'll probably be his typical self this season, but hopefully with fewer injuries.

Tonight's Game:

I'd love to see the Leafs win. Defeating the Sens tonight would be a huge boost. Realistically though, I don't see it happening. The team chemistry didn't get a chance to build too much over the preseason, as it truly was a battle for a fair number to make the team. That means the first few games of the season will be rough, as each player tries to find his place. Antropov and Poniskarovsky along with Stajan and Steen really did seem to click though, and I dunno if I'll ever get over saying something GOOD about Antropov, but those two combinations will hopefully be the catalyst that fires up the Leafs in the early season. Either team lighting up the other's goalie early on will probably go along way towards a win, and the way the Spezza-Heatley line has clicked I have a strong feeling the Sens are just more ready for the game as a team. Who knows though, tonight is the first REAL time we'll see either team play this year, and the new rules and the calls could very well what makes or breaks the game. My prediction is for the Sens to win, but my heart is with the Leafs.

Go Leafs Go!

Hey, a month late!

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 04:31:37 GMT

Suckers.

PSA:

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 20:58:48 GMT

No Mike, you cannot be an Oompa Loompa when you grow up.

Yes Jon, you can be an Oompa Loompa when you grou up.

Mmmm.... bacon.

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 10:05:13 GMT

http://www.mathlete.com/portfolio/wakeNbacon.php

TO THE BACON TREE!

I think it's been sufficently long enough...

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 04:33:31 GMT

Alright, since I've not done this in a while, here's a fucking livejournal entry you whores!

That's all you get.

Drunken Entry 1:

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 07:39:48 GMT

So, gotta give some cedit to Pakes and Scotty who made tonight a blast. I know we';ll have a headache in the morning, but damn, for once in a very long time, it's nice not to feel so fucking old.

Hrmmm...

Tue, 15 Jun 2004 05:12:55 GMT

Well...

Mon, 14 Jun 2004 18:36:52 GMT

I guess it's been sufficently long since I last posted anything.

I gots my degree.

I'm the proud owner of a nice shiny BA in History (interesting fact of the day on this, my graduation appears in comic form as the past weekends colour "For Better or For Worse" and every Graduate in my class recieved a limited Edition Print of that comic. Guess I missed the ball by not making a Limited Edition IHTBTS GRaduation strip, huh? )

I guess that means now I'm offically unemployed... so, if anyone wants to hire me for something that pays really well, let me know :p Otherwise it's back to looking up jobs on Workopolis :p

Anyways, Go Me, and I'm sure I'll update again some time in the distant future.

Ahhh, childern's TV

Fri, 05 Mar 2004 13:11:29 GMT

http://www.keenaschips.co.uk/index.php?page=articles/misc_rainbow

mwahahaha

I'll assume Freak Out means to destroy everything with great anger :P

Thu, 04 Mar 2004 15:08:15 GMT

Your True Nature by llScorpiusll
Username
The quality that most appeals to you:	Strength
In a survival situation, you:	Freak out
Your hidden talent is:	Discrimination
Your gift is:	Fearlessness
In groups, you:	Are the entertainment
Your best quality is:	Your sense of humour
Your weakness is:	Your jealous nature

Created with quill18's MemeGen 3.0!

This even beats the penguins!

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 21:57:19 GMT

http://www.richsalter.btinternet.co.uk/cks2/index2.html

Oh yeah!

Dum da da dummmmm!

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 04:28:01 GMT

Your Superhero Persona by couplandesque
Your Name
Superhero Name	The Mexican
Super Power	Irresistable Sexuality
Enemy	Clear Channel
Mode Of Transportation	Shopping Cart
Weapon	Frying Pan

Created with quill18's MemeGen 2.0!

Just because

Fri, 09 Jan 2004 06:34:43 GMT

Craft in Tolerable Cruelty

In this edge-of-your-seat epic, craft (The Rock) is a convicted prisoner with a libido to kill. He must find mikeyc_ihtbts (Steve Oedekerk) before his nemesis, jonomack (Denzel Washington), harms him. Using bullets to punctuate sentences, he makes his presence known at an underground castle recklessly. Watch this movie if you like rubbish!

Produced by ianiceboy

...needs more violence

Well, duh

Wed, 07 Jan 2004 23:26:51 GMT

Congratulations!! You're a tall glass of nice cold
beer!

What Drink Are You?
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