Daisy Jane
everything is gonna be okay!
- Jul 2, 2009
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<<-- play that when reading.
Previously in Leafs Nation
there were a BUNCH of people. who said we weren't going to force a game seven. that we weren't going to even win game five or game six. that it wasn't done. and I am so. upset. that for one brief moment (though albeit i was suffering from overtime loss depression - real affliction, look it up) that I thought of that. (hardest hour of my life).
I am damned thankful that we lost 3 games. Each loss we've learned something.
Game 1: we learned that the Playoffs are TOTALLY different. (you can "SAY" it. but "PLAYING" it a horse of a different colour).
Game 2: the boys learned they can play against the Bruins, and win.
Game 3: the boys learned that you can't stop playing, and that the better team can sometimes lose, and you have to keep on pressing.
Game 4: we learned that you need to take chances, and it can burn you.
Game 5: we learned that we can overcome adversity.
Game 6: we showed the NHL you don't mess with us, and you don't count us out.
Since game 2 - this series has been less about Boston and more about the Leafs. Not just - "oh the Leafs turnovers, the Leafs "shaky goaltender", "Leafs bad D" - but how the Leafs can learn and grow. Every period, they get better and better. The periods flip back and forth between the teams, but the Leafs aren't freaking out anymore. We saw them grow up.
I've been saying since we clinched the playoffs we have to have mustard seed faith. We need to have faith that can move mountains, and move us into the 2nd round. And we had NOTHING going for us in Game 1. And now look. Game 7
(sorry. I have to stop and wipe my eyes. Dust. You know).
Meaning behind the Quote in the title:
2002-2003 Leafs team were in a BATTLE. they went through war against the Islanders (Cujo hurt his hand). then they played Ottawa and lost Sundin, Tucker, and were just banged up. And then we were not playing so hot against Carolina. Mats came back, and in our elimination game, we were down and then we scored. with like 12 seconds left.
Joe Bowen, practically crying (along with like me, and the rest of leafs nation) quoted above. This team has got heart. this team has got determination.
Some Memorable Game Sevens in Leafs History
1993
2004
People Stepping Up at the right Time
By game 3 we hadn't had any defensive scoring at all. Since I pointed that out, we've had a lot of defensive scoring: Gardiner (2), Franson (1) Phaneuf (1) plus a lot of points.
JVR, though no goals since game 2, has been continuing to be a playoff beast: Expect him to have a huge game seven
Clarke MacArthur: 2 huge goals (game tying/game winner) in two of 3 games he played. He's been playing amazingly in both zones.
"Silent' Jay McClemment: Doing his job every night in the PK.
Jake "Houdini" Gardiner: He's playing more minutes than Phaneuf, and he is crazy solid out there.
..."And then A Hero Comes Along"
These Two.
Will come out huge. Kadri's been pushing and pushing and pushing for it, and he nearly had that goal (Dion tipped it). I think that's what he needed. With the way Grabo's been doing all season (taking all the hard hits, his incredible (Berezin) speed), it's going to crack open. He's going to score.
We need to watch out for these two:
they have been scary quiet the entire series, and Reimer has robbed Bergeron twice. Once again - like I said last night, it's going to be more "who cracks first" Who will score first, who will be the difference maker, who will be the hero?
Our Difference Maker
This guy right here. 4 games in, all it was "he wasn't stealing games" "he wasn't outplaying Rask" Well he's on fire now. When James is on. it's on: Leafs Nation it's time to Roll Out!
Activate:
How the
will win game sevenA: Believe that they can. This is the 48th team in history to come back from a 3-1 deficit. This is a team that's come back from a 3-1 deficit against a team that "owned" them.
B: Determine your game, and make Boston play it. They can't handle the speed. They can't handle the cycle game when it's clicking. Target Jagr (he's hogging the puck, and won't pass it. force him to make mistakes). Hammer Redden and Chara over and over again.
C: Don't Ice, Unless you have to: If Bozak isn't playing, you know we're behind the eight ball in that regard. Limit faceoffs in our zone
D: Even if we let them score first - know that you can come back. (this goes back to A).
E: Capitalize on the powerplay, be beasts on the penalty kill: this is what has been the turning point of the entire series, in my opinion.
Potential Lineups:
for the
I'm going to assume if Bozak is out - the lineup stays the same. for the
: Ferrence could be in (if flu is over), but if not, I am going to assume that it will stay the same. I'll be at work w/no internet access, so Hurt/Leafs Rocket, change when you know. I know we've been saying "regardless if they win or lose, we're proud." I don't want to hear that. We're Not going to lose. I believe we're going to win. I feel it in my soul. But Leafs. Seriously, this is why I'm a fan. Sure, I could be a fan of a team that makes it look easy. That plays "pretty hockey." but what fun is that? Half the fun/frustration of this team is the bipolar play, but when it gets time to get down and be serious: they come to play.
Gentlemen, it is an honour being a fan, and watching you play.
Dear
It's us.
We're coming back to your arena. That you've aptly named Toronto Dominion Gardens. (Hello.) We've
You better be ready. We are.
I've been asking you guys all series this question:
Do you? Can you? Should you?
Let me answer it for you:
And as I've always ended my GDT's..
Believe in Miracles, you Sexy Things.
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