Dabura

Postma's out with a blood clot in his leg. Scary stuff. We should win this game. The Jets are a solid team on paper, but they just can't put it all together. Not with any consistency, at least. So we'll probably get blown out.

It's pretty eye-opening how little we seem to need Franzen. If Holland won't buy him out (and he won't), he should very seriously consider trading him to a team that needs that ultra-coveted, borderline mythical "big scoring winger."

Our fastest fourth line ever? *Atom Really looking forward to his debut tonight.

Again, Flip had all the time in the world. He was given every opportunity to succeed, prove himself, make good on the shining promise of his overwhelming, Gretzky-level potential. But he disappointed. And disappointed. And disappointed. And he also disappointed. And, did I mention he disappointed? And then he wanted a big raise. The Wings and Filppula are just not a smashing fit. It seems he's found a better fit and home in Florida, which is good for him and for the Bolts. My guess is it's largely because of the kind of game the Bolts play, and, in that context, the kind of player Flip is expected to be. Put simply: it looks like he's been liberated a bit. He doesn't have to be as obsessively devoted to his defensive responsibilities. (Were the Wings to somehow acquire Stamkos, Babs would drill it into his head that he needs to dial back the offensive drive in favor of a more defensively responsible two-way game. On the - ahem - flip side, Datsyuk would be a 50-goal scorer on some other teams.) As for Weiss - he's actually been pretty solid on this road trip. But he needs to start producing, now.

I think this is actually my biggest knock against him. But it's just nerves and inexperience, a matter of comfort. We know he's not as boring and dry as he comes off as being. As others have said, he'll get better.

That, and he's just altogether closer than Sproul, IMHO.

To be fair, he was awful in 1020.

No way was this intentional. You always want to keep your skates on the ice, and I guess that's the mistake Kassian makes here, but - and maybe this is just me - I was confused when I first saw it. And even when I knew what I was looking for on the replay, I was still kinda like, "Wait, THAT?" My understanding is that Kassian is what Dallas Eakins called him: a disturbing player. But this was just incredibly bad luck, IMHO. It's such a shame, Bolland has been a revelation for the Leafs. And suddenly they're shallow down the middle again.

Another guy he reminds me of: Tobias Enstrom.

Pucking-moving offensive defenseman with a good first pass. Smallish but very smart and efficient. Has the tools to be a monstrous PP quarterback. Basically, Rafalski Jr. I believe he's going to be huge for us in the future. Big fan of his.

I'm hoping Almqvist magically becomes that elite Rafalski-esqe puck-moving defenseman we so badly need. And that he becomes that guy in the span of one game.

Ah, just read about Smith. Very happy that Almqvist is getting a shot.

Smith's out???

Don't you worry, we'll get blown out by the Jets and everything will be back to normal.

Do I think he was? Not really. But certainly one could argue he was and has been for a little while now. We have no way of knowing for sure, though. I agree and disagree. I think it's sort of silly to say he was an unknown quantity. Anyone who, at the very least, casually followed the Griffin's Calder run last season knew what kind of player he is, what he's about. And it's not like he had never played on the big team before (see: his brief stint last season). I agree, though, that he probably just had to give Babs one good reason to play him this season and he'd more or less be given ownership of a spot on this roster. I guess when I say doghouse I'm thinking more big picture, long-term - specifically, the past season or two. It's no secret that Tatar has basically been "over-ripe" for a while now, which has led to questions about his true standing in the collective eyes of The Powers That Be. Personally, I believe he was ready for a regular spot last season. But that's just me.

Ah, thanks. Well, Andy deserves it. And hey, two goals and an assist is still mighty fine for a guy who seemed to start the season in Babs' doghouse.

This guy is a total baddass Just look at him. Total badass. OK, did he or did he not get credit for that goal against the Flames? Honest question, because I really want to be able to say three goals in his last three games. I know he didn't actually touch it (it's Andersson's), but, "Three goals in his last three games." Badass. Totally badass.

Perhaps their lack of an identity is their identity? Totally deep, I know.

I want this Also: the game last night wasn't a dream! Hurray!

Pretty much 100% agree, matthew. I'd like to see this third line stay together for now. Helm had pretty sheltered minutes tonight, so I'm not sure he's ready for the third line. But, y'know what, I'll take an excellent third line with a solid-looking Helm on the fourth. Speaking of the fourth line - that's where Cleary should be, IMHO. Miller and Cleary flanking Helm.

Good work, Crymson.

WTF, no highlights on NHL Tonight? I mean, not that I need them. But when have they ever just given the score and not shown the highlights?

Awesome game! Congrats to Mrazek!

Babs needs to talk to Smith. And by "talk to" I mean punch.

The boos are coming. I really hate Smith. Why is Smith laughing?