Look who we found...

Guess he's simply preparing for the playoffs.

Editorials Trickling In

In response to a particular under-the-radar transaction today, a number of media members are beginning to weigh in with their opinions on what went down. Interestingly, though not unexpectedly, the focus of most often turns to the presumed falling-out period between the Leafs and their former defenseman.

There's a lot of animosity toward McCabe, but no less than that directed at Mats Sundin, Kyle Wellwood, Darcy Tucker, et al, for not waiving their no-trade clauses at the latest trade deadline, the very same no-trade clauses the Toronto Maple Leafs - or more accurately, deposed GM and Teacher's pension fund puppet John Furguson Jr. - included in their contracts. Presumably without MAC-10s to their heads.

Ask any of those "fans" who pummel these folks: "As a player, would you have taken the same deal?"

The what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude has become a constant in the Toronto media, and among fans. Read any talkback on TSN, Sportsnet, Slam! Sports, etc. Quite an education in obsession and, in some cases, rage.

Without further ado, and more importantly, before I have to get up for work in three hours, a couple of editorials on what is shaping up to be the biggest story - and worst-kept-secret - of the late summer.

WES GOLDSTEIN (CBS SPORTSLINE) produces a nice middle-of-the-road piece on what McCabe is facing in a so-far-happy move to South Florida.

"I loved my time in Toronto because there's no place like it in the hockey world, but I'm really excited about being in Florida," McCabe said.
"They've brought in a lot of young talent and I really truly believe they have an opportunity to absolutely make the playoffs and hopefully make a run for the ultimate prize. Hopefully me and the other new guys can help put them over the top."

FROM THE WORLD OF OPEN-SOURCE, The Bleacher Report's Bryan Thiel puts up a good review of McCabe's time in TO and what he may bring to the Cats.

"But Florida is getting something special. Whether he scores 20 goals for them or not, McCabe will bring his all, and he'll be committed."

THE THROW-IN FOURTH ROUND PICK is a make-nice, sorry-for-the-trouble gift horse from Cliff Fletcher, Leafs' GM, as reported by the Sun-Sentinel's Steve Gorten.

"Either way, the Panthers at least get something back for the disasterous trade they made in February, giving up a third-rounder for forward Chad Kilger"

Lots more to come, kids, in the next few days. If nothing else, dealing with Toronto is always an exercise in a ginormous preponderance of opinions. TLB will stay on it. Mostly. Cuzz I'm getting carpal-tunnel syndrome from typing "Toronto" and "Bryan McCabe".

It's Labor Day Somewhere, Winnipeg Memories, McCabe, and Keaton Ellerby's Lineage

Happy Labor day!

I type these words from my chair at work, of course, where I've been since 4:45. A special tip of the hat to all the bacon-and-eggers out there swinging hammers and sickles for the collective good. As the Obama/Biden campaign poster (above) suggests, a workers' paradise is only as effective as its' weakest socialized link. But that's all above my pay grade.

What is this?

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, DAVE MANSON? Kukla's Korner has a tremendous blast from the proverbial past with a replay of the third period of a 1996 game-three conference semi-final pitting the Winnipeg Jets against the soon-to-be-dominant Red Wings. Mike Vernon is not at the top of his game. Hell, he's not at the top of Jim Carey's game. The Wings ultimately won the series, of course, while the Jets morphed into Coyotes. A very kewl video.

McCABE McMANIA CONTINUES The Toronto Sun profiles you-know-who and his checkered past with the Leafs. Recapping his "tough game" last year, McCabe succinctly spoke the obvious:

"Everybody makes mistakes," he said. "But it seems when I make one, it's always on the biggest stage."

And the clock ticks on...

KILGER UPDATE! Well, not really. But since we're speaking of folks with Leaf in their past, it bears mentioning that the maybe/could be/potential Panther is featured in the aforementioned Jets video. Not only is it his first playoff game, but nets his first goal as well...and it's a beauty. That's why we gave up a third-round pick for him, right?

FUN TRIVIA FOR YOU AND ME Panthers 2007 first-round pick Keaton Ellerby is cousins with ex-Jet and current-Coyote captain Shane Doan, as well as Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.

Remember Your Panthers, Part V: Chad Kilger

On February 26, 2008, Cats GM Jacques Martin traded a third-round pick in that year's entry draft for former first-rounder Kilger, with the intention of bringing his considerable size and killer shot to a needy Panthers squad.


Since the former Leaf refused to report to Sunrise (even though he was, at the moment of the deal, like, in Sunrise), and has since been suspended for his failure to do so, please use your imagination as we peruse several virtual action shots of Kilger gettin' jiggy with the Cats. Typically real action shots are employed here, but even in the absence of a PS3 or PhotoShop, I got nuthin'. Behold.








Panthers right wing Chad Kilger blasts a beautiful tape-to-tape pass from Olli Jokinen, beating Carolina's Cam Ward high to the glove side.

An obviously frustrated and defeated Alex Ovechkin seeks to take out his anger on Kilger, having been beaten off the rush by the bruising Florida forward to ultimately lose possession in the slot, giving up the winning goal in overtime to a streaking, newly-invigorated Panthers club.

June 8, 2008, Sunrise, FL - As euphoria rips through the BankAtlantic Center, a boyish grin and visible sense of immense relief wash over the face of the Florida Panthers' newest hero and 2008 Conn Smythe winner Chad Kilger, as the veteran forward raises the Stanley Cup for the first time in his career, silencing those who may have doubted his team's resolve. Coach Jacques Martin agrees: "I never had a second thought about that deadline deal."