The third of four episodes spans from the shootout win over Phoenix to the shootout loss at the hands of the Rangers before the Christmas break (after which Joffrey Lupul is followed while Christmas shopping and James van Riemsdyk and his family are featured in their annual Christmas shinny game). The centerpiece of the episode is, naturally, the first meeting of the season between the Wings and Leafs.
The full episode will air tonight on Sportsnet. For American-based viewers, it’s available on the HBO website.
Lots to see in this episode, but here are a few quick Leafs clips of interest:
Randy Carlyle wants the Leafs’ centers to be tougher in the faceoff circle:
This scrum was at the practice following the win over Phoenix:
A good point: If you’re going to lose ’em, at least make the opponent pay a price.
Cronin’s speech before the Detroit matchup:
– Cronin emphasizes the “first three strides” and the “last three strides” in getting back to the hashmarks so that the Leafs’ “swarm” (their performed nomenclature for what many have called the ‘collapse’ system) can be effective.
– Cronin continues, “You can question whether you demonstrate that commitment night to night.”
– The coaching staff likes to pick on Naz.
David Clarkson defends the honour of Jonathan Bernier’s water bottle:
#Intangibles #EarningthePaycheque
David Clarkson Rides the Subway:
Kind of a cool ritual.
Claude Loiselle debriefs Dave Nonis on Phaneuf negotiations:
Term, money, structure agreed to; details of the no move/no trade were the sticking point at this time. Complete with the creative nicknames we’ve come to expect of hockey people.
