Justin Pogge starting for the Leafs tonight

[heavymetalmachine]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=260581&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

Finally.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

I don't really care how he plays tonight, he should still be the back-up goalie over Joseph.

[Mats_44]

I don't really care how he plays tonight, he should still be the back-up goalie over Joseph.

I agree but ONLY if they give him split duties with Toskala.

If they are going to give Toskala 60-70 starts this year then having Pogge sit there on the bench and collect dust is going to do nothing but hinder his development.

[Radiation74]

trade vesa , start cujo, we want tavares

[MikeMack335]

I don't really care how he plays tonight, he should still be the back-up goalie over Joseph.

Why should he? Hes a Rookie, Cujo isn't great anymore but he's not junk either. Toskala isn't much better then Cujo and Cujo is a lot older then Vesa. The Leafs suck all around this year so you can't blame it on Cujo.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

Why should he? Hes a Rookie, Cujo isn't great anymore but he's not junk either. Toskala isn't much better then Cujo and Cujo is a lot older then Vesa. The Leafs suck all around this year so you can't blame it on Cujo.

Watch a Leafs game where Joseph starts before you tell me what to think. He's simply not a NHL caliber goalie anymore.

[molhen]

now we will see why they should've kept rask NOT poo-gge!!

over rated

[bjk311nh]

Isn't CuJo's save % under 85? That is terrible.

[glove-save]

This is a great opportunity for Wilson/Burke to see if Pogge can be the goalie of the future. Let him play while Vesa is hurt, then if you decide he can play, they have options. Good Luck Justin!!!!

[glove-save]

now we will see why they should've kept rask NOT poo-gge!!

over rated

Way to early to see if that is true or not, neither are in the NHL full time.

[Mats_44]

Why should he? Hes a Rookie, Cujo isn't great anymore but he's not junk either. Toskala isn't much better then Cujo and Cujo is a lot older then Vesa. The Leafs suck all around this year so you can't blame it on Cujo.

Why should he? Hes a Rookie, Cujo isn't great anymore but he's not junk either. Toskala isn't much better then Cujo and Cujo is a lot older then Vesa. The Leafs suck all around this year so you can't blame it on Cujo.

You haven't watched any Leafs games this year when Cujo plays then. He IS in fact JUNK.

The Leafs suck all around this year?? How come they are near the top of the league in goals scored and power play effficiency? Yes, they are not an elite team, but they are not sucking all around either, they've won as many games as they've lost. And given that they are starting over from scratch in a "rebuild" I'd say that's pretty damn impressive.

You are easily one of the most arrogant short sighted Wings fans on these boards who blows hot air without ever saying anything that has any substance or fact to it.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

Pogge looks solid in his debut, 19 saves as the Leafs beat up on Atlanta, 6-2. How do you not keep him up after this? Who in their right mind thinks Joseph is capable of an outing like this?

[Mats_44]

He wasn't very busy tonight, but when tested he played well. He made two amazing stretch out toe saves on cross ice passes........guaranteed Toskala doesn't make those saves.

The Leafs are hot right now.........5 wins in their last 6 games and they are scoring goals in bunches. Really amazing that this team continues to defy odds and overachieve with a roster of third and fourth liners and rookies.

Refreshing.

[heavymetalmachine]

Ron Wilson has an interesting decision to make with the Leafs playing again tomorrow night in Toronto, especially if Toskala isn't ready to play yet.

[Mats_44]

Ron Wilson has an interesting decision to make with the Leafs playing again tomorrow night in Toronto, especially if Toskala isn't ready to play yet.

I'm sure Toskala won't be ready yet. This seems like a no brainer to me. Pogge deserves another start. Burke wants to see what this kid can do so why not give Toskala some time off to rest and heal and enjoy the Christmas break? This year is all about development so why not play Pogge for a while? Toskala doesn't need to play 70 games this year, it's pointless.

[heavymetalmachine]

Agreed Mats, Pogge should be in tomorrow night. I have a feeling the severity of Toskala's injury might be downplayed just to take some pressure off Pogge these first few games. If it's a groin, he could be out for a few weeks like last year. I'm glad this happened when it did. This is a good time for Pogge to get some time in at the NHL level, see what (if anything) he needs to improve, then go back down to the AHL and work on it. Then hopfeully he can challenge for the number one spot in training camp next year, if not sooner. I must say that for once, the Leafs have made smart decisions in developing this kid.

[Mats_44]

Agreed Mats, Pogge should be in tomorrow night. I have a feeling the severity of Toskala's injury might be downplayed just to take some pressure off Pogge these first few games. If it's a groin, he could be out for a few weeks like last year. I'm glad this happened when it did. This is a good time for Pogge to get some time in at the NHL level, see what (if anything) he needs to improve, then go back down to the AHL and work on it. Then hopfeully he can challenge for the number one spot in training camp next year, if not sooner. I must say that for once, the Leafs have made smart decisions in developing this kid.

I agree with the exception of last year's playoff run for the Marlies. I think it's ridiculous that the Leafs gave Clemmenson the starting job in the playoffs and it was Pogge that had to steal the job from him in the third round.

That was a PERFECT opportunity to give the reigns to Pogge and let him run with it and see what he's made of under a playoff pressure situation.

I really do not understand the logic of why they started Clemmenson.

[heavymetalmachine]

There's no logic to understand, Pogge had better numbers last year than Clemmenson even though they basically split the time. He was a big reason the Marlies were one of the top teams in the AHL and yet they decided to put Mr. Cardboard Cutout himself in for the playoffs. You have no idea how angry I was. As you said it was a perfect time to let him play in some high pressure games and see what he could do.

[iceman7]

trade vesa , start cujo, we want tavares


I read this and as a leafs fan, how can i argue.

[iceman7]

Isn't CuJo's save % under 85? That is terrible.


0-4-1 .833 SPCT 4.33(?) GAA

hard to stop a puck when you use a cane instead of a goalie stick

[Mats_44]

There's no logic to understand, Pogge had better numbers last year than Clemmenson even though they basically split the time. He was a big reason the Marlies were one of the top teams in the AHL and yet they decided to put Mr. Cardboard Cutout himself in for the playoffs. You have no idea how angry I was. As you said it was a perfect time to let him play in some high pressure games and see what he could do.

Ironically look how well Mr. Cardboard Cutout is doing this year in New Jersey bailing them out while Brodeur is on the shelf!! LOL

But it doesn't matter, even if it were fact that Clemmenson was the better goalie last year......the AHL is supposed to be about developing your youth and talent so why would they sacrifice Pogge's development to play a journeyman goalie just so they can try and win in the AHL?

I agree with you, it was maddening.

[rxsheepxr]

now we will see why they should've kept rask NOT poo-gge!!

over rated

Good call, by the way.

[Mats_44]

I read this and as a leafs fan, how can i argue.

Shrug it could easily be argued at this point that Tavares is anything but a sure thing anymore. A few years ago they were talking about him like he was the next Gretzky. His stock has dropped considerably. He is still a high rated prospect to be sure, but there are some other great choices out there as well such as Hedman and Schenn's brother who happens to be a forward. Imagine that for the Leafs, a brother tandem at forward and defense. They could be the next Niedermayer brothers! LOL

[heavymetalmachine]

The Cardboard Cutout reference has nothing to do with Clemmenson's ability. I call him that because he backed up Brodeur for a few seasons, and thus didn't even have to show up to the rink for about 75 games of the season. He would just need to send a cardboard cutout of himself to sit on the bench.

[iceman7]

The Leafs brass wanted Pogge to play roughly 70 games this year so he can finally get some real action. It is a proven point that Toskala is the only Leafs goalie that is of NHL calibur. CUJO has to be put out to pasture. kindly tell him he can continue to play for Toronto....Marlies that is, as back up to Adam Munro.
The rest of the way for the Leafs, go with the hot hand, which most likely would be Pogge. As for the D, tonite was a great game. Whether the big names will still be with the Leafs at the trade deadline, who knows. Toskala has to quit having brain farts in the 1st period and has to learn to stop pucks in the 1st. He's killing the Leafs in the 1st. Its great that the D has shown up in the past 2 games and even better that the O has shown up for the past 3. 16 goals in 3 games thats kick ass.

[iceman7]

Shrug it could easily be argued at this point that Tavares is anything but a sure thing anymore. A few years ago they were talking about him like he was the next Gretzky. His stock has dropped considerably. He is still a high rated prospect to be sure, but there are some other great choices out there as well such as Hedman and Schenn's brother who happens to be a forward. Imagine that for the Leafs, a brother tandem at forward and defense. They could be the next Niedermayer brothers! LOL


that could be nice too. I know Tavarese's stock has dropped, but unless someone is more impressive than him at the WJ's than him, he will still be favoured as #1

[heavymetalmachine]

And for the record Mats, I'd love to see both Brayden and Luke Schenn wrecking guys for the Leafs for the next 10 years. In fact, I think I'd rather have Brayden than Tavares at this point.

[Mats_44]

The Cardboard Cutout reference has nothing to do with Clemmenson's ability. I call him that because he backed up Brodeur for a few seasons, and thus didn't even have to show up to the rink for about 75 games of the season. He would just need to send a cardboard cutout of himself to sit on the bench.

LOL nice! :D

[Mats_44]

And for the record Mats, I'd love to see both Brayden and Luke Schenn wrecking guys for the Leafs for the next 10 years. In fact, I think I'd rather have Brayden than Tavares at this point.

Ya for sure. I'm just not sold on Tavares. There's something about him that rubs me the wrong way. I've seen him play live a few times and he's never impressed me or wowed me. And to be honest, the feeling I got from watching him was that he is lazy and not a good skater. Bad combination in today's NHL.

[heavymetalmachine]

I read a funny story about Brayden Schenn in the Hockey News a few weeks back. He says the worst game he ever had while playing in the WHL thus far was against Kelowna last year. I'll give you three guesses why.

[avsfan21]

Wow I bet the leafs fans are glad Toskala is back. 7 goals in about 1 and half periods.

[rxsheepxr]

I'm ****ing livid right now. Trade that hack, asap.

[silversurfur65]

OMG Toskala is Horrible !!

[rxsheepxr]

Yay, Leafs managed some ****ing offense. Get 7 more of those and we're in business.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

I'm ****ing livid right now. Trade that hack, asap.

Yay, Leafs managed some ****ing offense. Get 7 more of those and we're in business.

Enough of the rah rah sports radio crap, it's one game, chill out. Toskala has been awful all season so this isn't that surprising.

[MikeMack335]

it's one game? Boston beat Toronto 8-5 the other day, giving up 15 goals in 2 games is horrible, Mats, I love messing with you and we have got in some good ones over the years, I know Cujo is not that great anymore I just wish he would have gotten a cup, all the years hes been around. I gotta say even though I live in Boston, Ive never been a huge fan of the B's but I am excited about them this year. The Leafs won't make the playoffs this year and I think it's the whole team that can't do ****, not just the 2 goalies.

[rxsheepxr]

Enough of the rah rah sports radio crap, it's one game, chill out. Toskala has been awful all season so this isn't that surprising.

First and foremost, I don't listen to Sports Radio.

Second of all, I'll chill out when the team I root for decides to pay closer attention to their crap goaltending.

It's not surprising that he's been awful this whole season, and that's just my point. I'm not complacent, I'm not "hoping for the best from him", and I'm not the kind of fan that's going to just say "hey, it's only a couple of blown games," especially considering the Leafs always miss the playoffs by a couple of points. Almost every other starting goalie in the NHL is having a better season than him, and I'd much rather have a dependable goalie at this point.

Try and tell me to 'chill out' when they miss the playoffs by one point again.

[Mats_44]

OMG Toskala is Horrible !!

Yes and so is the Leafs defense who stand around like pylons. Kaberle and Kubina are a COMPLETE JOKE on defense.

The Leafs goaltending is awful and their defense is a disgrace.

[Mats_44]

it's one game? Boston beat Toronto 8-5 the other day, giving up 15 goals in 2 games is horrible, Mats, I love messing with you and we have got in some good ones over the years, I know Cujo is not that great anymore I just wish he would have gotten a cup, all the years hes been around. I gotta say even though I live in Boston, Ive never been a huge fan of the B's but I am excited about them this year. The Leafs won't make the playoffs this year and I think it's the whole team that can't do ****, not just the 2 goalies.

LOL ya you certainly know how to make my blood boil!!

Dude give the Leafs a break. Yes they are not an elite team but you have to admit they've play well above expectations so far this year and are surprising people with how many games they've won and how potent their offense has been despite having no star power and a bunch of no names on their roster.

You talk about them like they've been total garbage but there have been some positives for the Leafs this year and they are showing some potential. Considering they are in a "rebuild" what more could you expect?

[Mats_44]

No excuses, as I'm sure every team has to deal with this ridiculous NHL scheduling, but I'm sure the fact the Leafs had to play last night in Atlanta and then fly right back to Toronto for a game tonight against a Dallas team who has been sitting in Toronto for 3 days now resting up and waiting for the Leafs didn't do anything to help them. That's absolutely ridiculous scheduling. Why even play the game, just give the win to Dallas and let both teams take the night off.

Who makes these schedules? Clearly they are on crack.

[Mats_44]

You guys continue to rip into Toskala and Joseph, which is certainly warranted, but what boggles me is none of you have anything bad to say about the Leafs defense which played and equally horrible game??

I long for the day when Kaberle and Kubina are sent packing.

[MikeMack335]

Mainly, I just like messing with you, btw did you get that package I sent you last week? It has 12 Fuhr Leafs figs in it, I know how you said you wouldn't buy one, so I got ya 12 :) Ive gone to a couple of the games when the Leafs have come to Boston this year and gotta say, even though the Leafs lost the last one, they did beat the Bruins in Oct at the Garden which was the B's last home loss, Toronto looks good some nights and like tonight, terrible. Detroit picked up another Win tonight as well :). Mats, do you go to the Marlies games or are you not near there? I'd really love to get one of the Cujo bobbleheads on Dec 27th

[Mats_44]

Mainly, I just like messing with you, btw did you get that package I sent you last week? It has 12 Fuhr Leafs figs in it, I know how you said you wouldn't buy one, so I got ya 12 :) Ive gone to a couple of the games when the Leafs have come to Boston this year and gotta say, even though the Leafs lost the last one, they did beat the Bruins in Oct at the Garden which was the B's last home loss, Toronto looks good some nights and like tonight, terrible. Detroit picked up another Win tonight as well :). Mats, do you go to the Marlies games or are you not near there? I'd really love to get one of the Cujo bobbleheads on Dec 27th

LOL

No I don't go to the Marlies games, I live in Ottawa which is a 5 hour drive away and when I do go to Toronto it's always to take in a Leafs game. Sorry dude, can't help you there.

[rxsheepxr]

You guys continue to rip into Toskala and Joseph, which is certainly warranted, but what boggles me is none of you have anything bad to say about the Leafs defense which played and equally horrible game??

I long for the day when Kaberle and Kubina are sent packing.

I only rip into Toskala because 7 goals in one and a half period, good D or not, is ridiculous. They're putting equal shots on net as their opponents, more or less, and aren't scoring as much as their opponents. I'm no hockey whiz kid by any means, but when the Leafs fire over 13 shots through two periods, through the Defense, and only score one goal... compared to 29 shots and 7 goals in the same amount of time, the ratio is horrid. That's not D, that's a mixture of things. I would chalk most of the responsibility to a crap goalie.

Yes, the Leafs need to do something about their defense. This is no shocker. But as far as I'm concerned, the first pressing issue is that of the goaltending. Start there, work your way out, because while Toskala might have moments of brilliance, they certainly don't outweigh his moments of "d'oh."