ATD #10, Bob Cole Quarterfinals. Toronto Maple Leafs (6) vs Togliatti Lada (3)

[Nalyd Psycho]

You just cant stop genrational talents like bobby orr gretzky howe lemieux richard or hull. They will beat you always unles they are playing each other

Then why didn't they win the cup every year of their career?

Thats phooey and you know it.

 

[seventieslord]

Game 1: Volgar Sports Palace, Togliatti

Toronto's troops didn't appear to be as tired as you'd expect getting off the jet after a 22-hour trip to Togliatti. Captain Bobby Hull stopped for a moment only to mention to the throngs of reporters that they were in for a battle but they were prepared. Toronto G.M. L. Lander was again in the spotlight early on for his quips. "Where is Sean Avery?" he asked the media at the Togliatti arena. "This is the Vulgar Sports Palace, so Avery must be here somewhere." He appeared to be slightly embarrassed when a reporter mentioned that it was actually Volgar; still, no one was really sure if the comment was made in earnest.

On the ice, there would be no malapropisms. Bobby Hull converted a Mats Sundin pass on the first shift after breaking away from Iginla, to make it 1-0. Bobby Clarke, visibly upset, smashed his stick and Fred Shero called a timeout to settle down his troops. The timeout worked as Togliatti played a controlled game from then on, guarding the net well and maintaining pressure of their own. Still, the first period ended 1-0.

The crowd, subdued by the first goal and the less-than-exciting game going on before them, was treated to some entertainment early in the 2nd period when mascots Carlton the Bear and Larry the Lada got into a bit of a skirmish. Apparently Carlton took exception to the automobile-shaped mascot attempting to "run over" him. After a series of haymakers both icons collapsed in a pile of fluff. Whether this was the cause for the in-game excitement was unknown, but the game did pick up. Lada's 2nd line of Crosby, Middleton, and Northcott was flying all over the ice, moving the puck well and forechecking hard. The closest they came to scoring was when Crosby split Plager and Persson and then dished off to Middleton, but all Rick found was Turk Broda's glove. 1-0 after 2.

The third period saw Toronto content to sit on their lead, sending just one man into the offensive zone most of the time. This could have backfired as Togliatti controlled the play for most of the period. Time after time, Turk Broda shut the door. With just a minute to play, The Lada pulled Parent for the extra attacker but after Clarke lost the first faceoff to Mats Sundin, Barclay Plager skipped the puck all the way down the ice and into the open cage for a 2-0 Toronto victory.

Clarke, clearly disappointed with his play, smashed his stick against the boards when leaving the ice.

Toronto wins 2-0.
Toronto Leads Series 1-0

 

[seventieslord]

Game 2, Volgar Sports Palace, Togliatti

Toronto Maple Leafs GM L. Lander was up to his old tricks again, with a media huddle right around him. "Are first line has 1650 career goals. Theres has only 1330", he was quoted as saying. "Tortellini has no fire power on that line. We will shut them down again easily."

The raucous crowd in Togliatti was silenced again early as Dave Keon let go of a wrister on the second shift of the game, that snuck through Parent's pads. Parent, clearly upset at the goal, didn't fare any better on the following shift when Bob Davidson skipped one in after stealing it from Bobby Clarke behind the net. Frustration was really setting in for Clarke, who broke yet another stick on the bench. Shero called another early timeout and also sent in Tom Barrasso to clean up the mess. Barrasso performed admirably for the remainder of the period and Togliatti was able to settle the game down.

In the second period, it was more of the same from Toronto. Though their first line was largely silent, they had now received a goal from every line, as Bill Ezinicki jammed home his own rebound after a Murray Oliver pass. The defenseman got into it as well, with Babe Pratt sending home a slapshot on the PP with Sundin off for a lazy hook. 4-0 Toronto after 2 periods.

Brad Park, who had not been on the ice for a goal against, was having an outstanding game, bouncing Bobby Hull and Jari Kurri with thundering checks. He got a chance to contribute offensively as well when Gary Roberts took a roughing penalty. Park's point blast deflected off Allan Stanley's shin pad and in to make it a three-goal deficit. A few minutes later, Park's brilliant breakout pass found a streaking Rick Middleton who blasted it past Broda off the wing. 4-2 Toronto. Unfortunately for Togliatti, this was as close as they would come as Broda shut the door the rest of the way.

Toronto wins 4-2
Toronto leads series 2-0

 

[seventieslord]

Game 3, Air Canada Center, Toronto

L. Lander, back in the center of the hockey universe, drew a large media crowd again and relished the opportunity to make a prediction. "We are goin to beat them so badley that they forfit game 4 and the series to us".

But clearly Bobby Clarke had other ideas. Clarke, held scoreless so far but more importantly, beaten on a couple of important goals, needed to come up in a big way. Early on he smashed Babe Pratt into the end glass and later took a vicious chop at Sidney Crosby's knee that went unseen. Crosby hobbled off and missed a few shifts but would return. Clarke got Togliatti on the board as well when he tipped in a Brad Park point blast on the PP, while being abused by Allan Stanley. 1-0 after one period.

The second period was largely uneventful, with a beautiful hip check by Brad Park on Alexaner Mogilny being the highlight. Mogilny flipped around nearly 360 degrees and landed on his back. He left the game winded and did not return.

Clarke again stole the show in the 3rd period. His penalty killing saved Togliatti's bacon on three occasions when they got into penalty trouble. He sent Nick Metz in on a breakaway after a nice tipped pass on the PK, but Metz was unable to convert. With Toronto pressing hard and just 3:00 remaining, Clarke managed to steal the puck from Mathieu Schneider and pass to an open Jarome Iginla, who buried the insurance marker.

Togliatti wins 2-0
Toronto leads series 2-1

 

[seventieslord]

Game 3, Air Canada Center, Toronto

L. Lander was surprisingly subdued after Togliatti's convincing win and Clarke's offensive, defensive, and physical performance two days earlier.

Toronto looked like they were putting the boots to Togliatti early on. Hull and Sundin, both snakebitten offensively, were at least controlling the play down low and cycling the puck well. Crosby was the one who finally broke the deadlock late in the first after poking in an easy rebound. In the second period Mike Modano finished off a nice end to end rush with a wrist shot over Parent's shoulder and Toronto had a nice 2-0 lead heading into the 3rd.

The 3rd period was one that Toronto fans won't soon forget. Brad Park lifted a wrist shot from the point, that was tipped in by Bobby Clarke. Everyone in the building thought it was a high stick, including Clarke, whose celebration was somewhat subdued. Video replay was inconclusive, however, and the call on the ice stood. 2-1 Toronto. Five minutes later, Togliatti had a stroke of luck when Allan Stanley cleared the puck over the glass early on while killing a Barclay Plager penalty. With a 5-on-3 PP for nearly two minutes, Togliatti would make no mistake as Bernie Morris wristed home the equalizer after finding an opening.

With the game appearing to head for overtime, disaster struck for Leafs Nation. Bobby Clarke got away with what appeared to be a blatant hook on Babe Pratt and started the play back towards the Toronto net. Pratt, a fast skater, caught up to Clarke and checked him with what appeared to be an identical hook, only this one was called. After a 5-minute delay for the cleaning up of debris from the ice, Togliatti had a power play for the final two minutes. With only 15 seconds remaining in the game, with a party going on in front of Turk Broda, Turk fell back onto his crossbar after being bumped by Clarke, a second before the puck deflected in off of Michel Goulet's skate. Toronto went ballistic, claiming that Broda was interfered with and that Goulet kicked the puck in. Terry Gregson maintained that Clarke was pushed into Broda and video review ultimately concluded that the kicking motion used by Michel Goulet was not "distinct", although he certainly angled his skate with the intention of scoring a goal. In disbelief, Toronto leaves the ice, 3-2 losers.

L. Lander was livid after the game. "This league is an old boys club", he fumed. "This team will never win a playoff series with the consperacy going on here. I all ways call it as I see it and some ppl dont like that". He continued, "this has to stop, the draft shuld be about fun but the leafs are the better team. I'm starting a facebook group to discuss this further. If you agree this is bs then join my facebook group to disband the ATD conspiracy against the Leafs".

Togliatti wins 3-2
Series tied 2-2

 

[seventieslord]

Game 5: Volgar Sports Palace, Togliatti

It was a wild one in Togliatti, in the pivotal 4th game. L. Lander was noticeable subdued after absorbing a $100,000 fine from the "Old Boys Club" at ATD headquarters and wasn't about to make any bold remarks. His first line of Hull, Sundin, and Mogilny needed to produce to win this series; it could be considered a stroke of good fortune that this series was tied despite their lack of offense.

For the 4th time in the series, first blood was drawn early. Brad Park, seeing no viable pass option, opted to keep carrying the puck, got past Mogilny and Sundin, and before he knew it he was on a 1-on-1 with Babe Pratt. Park's wrister went through the legs of Pratt and Parent, who may have been a bit screened. Toronto equalized on the next shift however, as Murray Oliver's pass was tipped in by Bill Ezinicki.

The second period saw a flurry of offense. Iginla and Keon traded goals, then Metz and Nevin traded shorthanded markers. Toronto then took a commanding two-goal lead after a PP goal from Gary Roberts, and Ezinicki's second of the night. It was a 5-3 game after two periods even though Togliatti had nearly double the shot total of Toronto.

Toronto was getting a solid game from everyone with the exception of their top line. Sundin, Hull, and Mogilny had been on the ice for all three of Togliatti's goals and were being beaten to all the loose pucks. They had accumulated just one shot on goal. They were victimized yet again when Baldy Northcott got around Mogilny and then Allan Stanley for a goal, the assist going to Crosby. Togliatti continued to pepper Broda with shots at every opportunity but could not get the equalizer for much of the period. Late in the game, Mats Sundin lost a defensive zone draw, and a Brad Park slapshot found its way through a crowd and into the back of the net. This one was tied. But late in the 3rd, Toronto's 2nd line came through when Dave Keon smartly intercepted a Sidney Crosby pass and sent Jari Kurri in all alone. Kurri made no mistake in beating Parent, and the Leafs, despite a poor game from their top line, had squeaked out a 6-5 victory in a wild shootout.

Toronto wins 6-5
Toronto leads series 3-2

 

[raleh]

haha. I'm loving the Leaf Lander quotes in the write ups. I especially like the fine from the Old Boys Club.

 

[seventieslord]

Regina GM and wannabe journalist Seventies Lord, was quite critical of Toronto and their first line in the press following game 5. "These guys are lucky they're ahead in this series", he said. "Their first line is not getting the job done. You've got a great player, Hull, with the worst first line center in the league. What are they thinking over there?" Lord also had some choice words about the Leafs' captain. "And Hull as a captain? Why? This guy has never been a captain before and you're expecting him to lead the team? No wonder he's not scoring - he's never had this kind of responsibility. Good work L. Lander. Now Hull's not scoring or leading."

L. Lander responded later that afternoon. "Seventies Lord should worry about his own team lol. Their down in theyre series 3-1 haha". But it was clear to everyone including Toronto's GM that this was still anybody's series and that this team needed some motivation. If they could just get some production from the Sundin line, they should have no problem being the first team to win a home game in this set, and clinch the series.

L. Lander addressed these concerns by attempting to rally his team with a dressing room posting. The media was able to get footage of the posting after the afternoon skate. It read:

looking to see who is interested in the game starting sometime tonight. I just want to see who is still interested in going forward in these playoffs. So please post your interest. I want to see who is going to go forward with this team if not I will look to get other hockey players to participate in the game. I plan on making a lot of changes this week.

This notice was supposed to be signed by all members of the Leafs squad; however, Mathieu Schneider and Mike Modano must have missed it or forgotten to sign it. L. Lander carried the list around with him and showed it to the media at a pre-game perss conference:

interested players: Mats Sundin, Dave Keon, Gary Roberts, Jari Kurri, Bob Davidson, Alexander Mogilny, Babe Pratt, Evgeni Malkin, Murray Oliver, Bob Nevin, Allan Stanley, Turk Broda, Curtis Joseph, Stefan Persson, Ted Harris, Bill Ezinicki, Brenden Morrow, Bobby Hull, Alexander Mogilny, Tomas Kaberle.

not interested: Mike Modano, Mathieu Schneider.

Modano and Schneider thought this was just a technicality or a gimmick. Much to their surprise, after not signing they were scratched in favour of Tomas Kaberle and Evgeni Malkin. Coach Ron Wilson made no changes to the first line and appeared to trust that they would get the job done.

 

[seventieslord]

Game 6, Air Canada Center, Toronto

The ACC crowd was getting impatient with their first line after one period. The score was 0-0 and Toronto was getting outshot 15-9, with the Sundin line not accounting for any of them.

The second period saw the top unit come to life. After Mats Sundin was rocked by a borderline hit from Lionel Hitchman, Hull dropped the gloves and came to his rescue. Hull began throwing rights to Hitchman, who tried to grab Hull but found nothing but toupee. Incensed, Hull pummelled Hitchman to the ice in a display of fire and agression not yet seen in this series from this line. Sundin would be ok, but Hull got the extra 2 minutes as the fight's instigator. After serving his misconduct, Hull was back in action and concerted a brilliant Sundin pass into a goal, finding the top corner behind Parent's glove. Hull then slammed Bill Quackenbush behind the Togliatti net, and fed the puck blindly out front, where Alexander Mogilny was able to get a stick on it to put it in. 2-0 Toronto after 2.

The 3rd period saw Toronto playing a controlled game to start the period, content to sit on their lead. However, a rusty Tomas Kaberle gave up the puck at the Togliatti blueline and was unable to catch Rick Middleton, who went in alone on Broda and scored. The Leafs restored their 2-goal lead when Mats Sundin, after cycling the puck with Mogilny for 20 seconds, was able to find an open Hull, who made no mistake. The Sundin line was unstoppable tonight, having 8 shots, all three Toronto goals, a number of hits, and no goals against. But, they could not play the entire game. In a fourth line matchup, Gerard Gallant powered his way past Bill Ezinciki and found an opening under Broda's arm. The Hull line answered yet again with another goal to make it 4-2. With just three minutes remaining, Park and Clark clicked for a goal off the rush, making the finale an interesting one. Parent was pulled with 1:25 remaining and Togliatti maintained consistent pressure. After a long shift by its shutdown line, Toronto sent out the game's heroes, the Sundin line, to hold the fort until the end. Although they were unable to clear the zone, Sundin won his draw against Clarke, and Stanley kept the front of the net clear for Broda. Broda stopped three shots but the biggest save was made by a diving Sundin as he blocked a Michel Goulet shot, sending the puck careening off his shinpads and out of play with just 15 seconds remaining. Sundin won the final draw and Allan Stanley flipped the puck out; in the end, it had just enough on it to reach the net before Park could, and Toronto had sealed the deal.

Toronto wins 5-3
Toronto wins series 4-2

 

[seventieslord]

Three stars of the series:

* Brad Park
** Bobby Clarke
*** Turk Broda

 

[Leaf Lander]

so why was plager hitting hull?

good write up

 

[nik jr]

congratulations LL, and good luck in the next round.

 

[seventieslord]

so why was plager hitting hull?

good write up

oops.... I mean, what are you talking about? It was Hitchman, not Plager!

 

[shawnmullin]

Congrats on the series LL, I really liked both teams here and it's another match up where it's a shame someone had to lose.

 

[vancityluongo]

Regina GM and wannabe journalist Seventies Lord, was quite critical of Toronto and their first line in the press following game 5. "These guys are lucky they're ahead in this series", he said. "Their first line is not getting the job done. You've got a great player, Hull, with the worst first line center in the league. What are they thinking over there?" Lord also had some choice words about the Leafs' captain. "And Hull as a captain? Why? This guy has never been a captain before and you're expecting him to lead the team? No wonder he's not scoring - he's never had this kind of responsibility. Good work L. Lander. Now Hull's not scoring or leading."

L. Lander responded later that afternoon. "Seventies Lord should worry about his own team lol. Their down in theyre series 3-1 haha". But it was clear to everyone including Toronto's GM that this was still anybody's series and that this team needed some motivation. If they could just get some production from the Sundin line, they should have no problem being the first team to win a home game in this set, and clinch the series.

L. Lander addressed these concerns by attempting to rally his team with a dressing room posting. The media was able to get footage of the posting after the afternoon skate. It read:



This notice was supposed to be signed by all members of the Leafs squad; however, Mathieu Schneider and Mike Modano must have missed it or forgotten to sign it. L. Lander carried the list around with him and showed it to the media at a pre-game perss conference:



Modano and Schneider thought this was just a technicality or a gimmick. Much to their surprise, after not signing they were scratched in favour of Tomas Kaberle and Evgeni Malkin. Coach Ron Wilson made no changes to the first line and appeared to trust that they would get the job done.

I see what you did there.

Congrats to both teams, it's a shame one of them had to lose.

 

[Transplanted Caper]

Congrats LL. Two very good teams, but the Leafs in Round 2 puts a smile on my face.

 

[pappyline]

Lord also had some choice words about the Leafs' captain. "And Hull as a captain? Why? This guy has never been a captain before and you're expecting him to lead the team? No wonder he's not scoring - he's never had this kind of responsibility. Good work L. Lander. Now Hull's not scoring or leading."

I guess they overcame a bad choice for captain.