Yes, the New York Islanders will play hosts to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it will be the first time that Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski face the Leafs as a duo. I guess there's a part of me that expects them both to burn us tonight, even if neither of them are off to a hot start so far this season and if Grabovski is out with a concussion. If you don't understand my cynicism or want to talk about how ridiculous it is that we should expect something like that to happen, you probably haven't been a Leafs fan for very long. Anyway.
Despite the Isles' surprisingly strong first 5 games and the Leafs eminently predictable mediocre 6, I actually expect this to be an interesting contest. It's always fun to watch John Tavares play, Kuli will be fun to watch, and still, the Leafs have a decent shot at winning this one. Let's just hope Jaroslav Halak is feeling Swiss-cheesy, and whoever the Leafs wind up starting is up to the task.
In other news, there is another stats site out there trying to step up and fill the void left by Extra Skater by the simple name of Fenwick Stats. Crazily enough, the Leafs' numbers look better so far than last year's. I honestly haven't checked, but I'm going to attribute it to the improved 3rd and 4th lines.
On to the links!
Leafs Links:
Report: What Does Phil Kessel do for a Living?
This is an awesome post from J.J. from Kansas at WIIM. Easily the best link of the day.
Steve Spott on Leafs Lunch
Audio from MLHS.
Maple Leafs Prospect Update: October 20th, 2014
From Curt Snoddon at MLHS.
Other stuff:
NHL Wrap-up: All Is Rusty in Edmonton
DGB's latest entry at Grantland.
Tuukka Rask guests on drums for local Buffalo band (Video)
OK, so it's not amazing, but it's still cool that he can play. Story from PD.
Slava Voynov arrest details from police; lawyer says no charges filed
He was taken in by police for domestic violence suspicion and has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL. Story from Josh Cooper at PD.
T.J. Brodie signs 5-year extension with Flames
At bit pricier than Jake Gardiner at $4.65M, but not a bad signing, either. Story from CBC Sports.
Sidney Crosby dresses up as Rocky Balboa for Halloween
On the plus side, we're not having a discussion about blackface. Story from CBC sports.
A Statistical Assessment of the Leafs Through Six Games
OK, so it's only six games, but good to keep tabs on this stuff anyway.
Mirtle: Blame bad luck, goaltending for Oilers early mess
I'd love to see Scrivens do well. Story from Mirtle.
