Marlies Move onto Finals with Game Seven Victory
The Toronto Marlies advanced to the AHL Western Conference Final last night after their game seven triumph over the Syracuse Crunch.
The Marlies will start the finals Friday night against either the Rockford Icehogs (Chicago Blackhawks affiliate) or the Chicago Wolves (Atlanta Thrashers affiliate.)
The Crunch, to their credit, gave the Marlies all they could handle in the seven-game series. They had the Marlies on the ropes, up 3-1 in the series, but were unable to put the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate away. Toronto won game six 4-2 in Syracuse, forcing a seventh and deciding game in Toronto last night.
Led by stellar goaltender Scott Clemmensen, the Marlies also got a two-goal performance from pint-sized forward Brent Aubin. John Mitchell sealed the deal at the 7:20 mark of the third period.
Wayne Gretzky Passes on GM Job
Where does this stuff come from? Seriously? I was away from my computer all morning, only checking it around 4 PM this afternoon for the first time. In the time I was off the computer Wayne Gretzky was coming to Toronto...and then he wasn't.
It never stops in Toronto.
Gretzky told good friend and Coyotes colour man Darren Pang that he will always be a big fan of the Maple Leafs, but he is currently dedicated to seeing through his plan for the Phoenix Coyotes, and developing their younger players.
Gretzky was of course referring to the rumour that he was leaving Phoenix to come to Toronto to become either general manager or team president.
On a side note, GM candidate Dave Nonis is in Toronto and will be meeting with the GM search committee this afternoon.
New Podcast on the Way
Thanks to everyone who took the time to listen to my debut Maple Leafs Podcast. It was indeed a little rough around the edges, but it will be a constant work in progress as I make the podcast a regular, successful part of Bleacher Report.
For those who may have missed it, podcast number one can be found Here.
Podcast number two will be available for download either tomorrow or Thursday, and I would love for my fellow Leafs Nation members to give their input on the show.
So, I am asking you, my loyal readers to submit questions, as well as show topic ideas, for the next (as well as future) editions of the Maple Leafs podcast.
Just like last week, the show will be a half-hour in length. Feel free to post as many questions/topics as possible, and I will try to cover them all.
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2 months ago
First off, the marlies won by 3-2 in game six. Gretzky would be an awful choice for a GM position in Toronto. If it's taking Gretzky nearly 5 years to build the coyotes to a contender than imagine how long it would take for him to shape the already dismantled leafs team. I really hope they don't sign Nonis. He is a terrible GM. If the leafs sign him then all hope is lost for this franchise. The head office must first be cleaned out before any drastice changes are made for this franchise. But that's is nothing but a pipe dream. Anyways, I really hope the leafs management brings in Ron Wilson. The guy has grit and he is all what the leafs need right now. Leafs need him, and I am sure he'll shape this team to a contender in no time. I have a feeling that the leafs will be the only team to beat it's own record of coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs and they'll probably do it against the calgary flames in the finals in the 2009 stanley cup finals. Here's hopin.
2 months ago
Ron Wilson would be my last choice as coach. He is unbelievably arrogant, and if he couldn't take a talented team like SJ to the cup, he won't do much for the Leafs
2 months ago
Ron Wilson stats for San Jose
G W L Post season
2002-03 57 19 25 5th in Pacific Missed Playoffs
2003-04 82 43 21 1st in Pacific Lost in Conf. Champ
2005-06 82 44 27 2nd in Pacific Lost in Second Round
2006-07 82 51 26 2nd in Pacific Lost in Second Round
2007-08 82 49 23 1st in Pacific Lost in Second Round
He turned san jose to a contender. I'll admit he hasn't been great in the playoffs but this guy could pull it off with the leafs. He is arrogant, but he is a fine coach. The leafs need an arrogant coach than maybe the grown men in the leafs team will start listening. He is just the guy to bench players. Players like Tucker, Blake, kubina, bell, and the biggest loser of them all raycroft would be benched with their lack of performance under Ron wilson.
2 months ago
Yeah I agree, he has done alot with the Sharks, but he isn't the proven winner the Maple Leafs claim to be looking for.
As for his arrogance, on second thought, although he will be hard to put up with, you are right, he may be the type of hard ass coach needed.
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