Steve, and Tim and Sid. Steve cause of information that actually matters, Sid cause of his explosive reactions are Hilarious and Tims reaction and trying to get Sid back to earth. Tim and Sid remind me of Adam and Steve on the podcast. Lol
Steve, there is not a single game where I am not checking your channel twice an hour the next day for your LFR. You are like this pocket of sanity in this insane world we call Toronto sports media.
Steve, you're amazing. Pure class. Those quotes were excellent and I feel like we could actually use more anonymous input like that from the players. I never thought about how they never get the last word, but it's so true.
I was pretty critical of your stuff when you worked for the Leafs , but now that you've gained your independence, your comments are right on the mark.Well Done!
Thank you for pointing out the difference between reporter and columnist. A lot of people seem to forget that these days and it's important to note in situations like these.
Just got yourself a new subscriber from Australia[i know,i know] Been a Leaf fan since the early eighties...With Gamecenter live I don't miss a single Leafs game. Love your commentary and I am in full agreement with how classless the media can be when it comes to coverage of players. Thanks for your channel!
My inbox wouldn't stop dinging after I commented on the last video. I had to turn off notifications. I never mentioned Kessel in it. So let's do that now. Kessel could use some time on the bike. He's a professional athlete and I feel his physique and lack of conditioning reflects poorly on himself and the team. Regardless of what he is paid, and he is paid well. BUT! He is the best goal scorer the Leafs have had in my life! He is passionate about the sport I love and despite the city and the media in particular constantly being down his throat, he seems to genuinely like being here. He is highly paid, no doubt, but he is not paid to be a leader. He doesn't want a C, he doesn't want an A, he doesn't want a mic in his face. He just wants to go out and score goals. I have no problem with that. It's an important part of a winning hockey team. I don't expect him to be the rest of it too.
You also have to point out the fact that Kessel has played over 400 consecutive games. That is 99% conditioning 1% luck (no freak accidents). He is so strong and fit most players that check Kessel just bounce right off. He has been leveled maybe once in his career (early in the 09-10 season) other than that he our muscles his opponents. Kessel's conditioning is not just fine, it's pristine. The cancer point is that Kessel lost a testicle to cancer and the drugs he needs to take to keep his hormones balanced cause him to retain body fat.
The hormone supplements that Kessel takes as a result of his bout with testicular cancer affect his body's ability to burn fat, making him seem pudgier than he actually is. No matter how much exercise he gets, it is unlikely he will ever be able to lose that extra layer. Other than that, I agree with you 100%
***** No, they say he's the most *powerful* and he absolutely is. He still gets completely gassed after a fast paced shift. And if he gets caught on an icing, he really struggles. This is a cardiovascular endurance issue that he can absolutely improve on. And calm the hell down.
RawHim9591 I didn't call him fat. I said his appearance and lack of conditioning reflect poorly on him. I'm not ragging on the guy for having a pudgy midriff. I'm saying it's bad optics to be bent over gasping after every shift. I'm saying he needs to improve his cardiovascular endurance.
I think my dad just fell in love with your opinion(s). Was showing him some other videos this morning and he agrees with everything, well almost. Says "this guy would be great to have a beer with" lol.
I'm a Habs fan but I do watch and enjoy these videos. Now before you assume that I just watch because I like watching a Leafs fan squirm (part but not the whole reason), it's also because you clearly know what you're talking about and get it across very clearly. The whole Clarkson on the powerplay thing is completely off, but he is effective during 5 on 5 situations. Maybe not $5.25M worthy but I wouldn't be quick to get rid of him. It seems that Toronto goes for the big deal of the year, involving players, draft picks etc. Now I'm saying this objectively but I don't think the Leafs will be playoff contenders this year. Even if they do make the playoffs (they might even play Montreal. No thanks) I believe it will be short lived. Toronto obviously needs some key pieces. No. 1 center, easier said than done. Another designated scorer who is in his prime (like O'Reilly maybe?) rather than a has-been player (Iginla) and someone who can just keep feeding Kessel with passes. For example, on the Canadiens last season, Pacioretty scored 39 goals. Most people know that. What they might overlook however is that Desharnais had almost as many assists as Pacioretty had goals. They have great chemistry. Give Kessel a teammate who is selfless almost to a fault and see how cold he gets. Those kinds of guys can go cheap. The Leafs kinda dug themselves a hole with contracts. Phaneuf, Robidas and Clarkson to name a few. Really nothing wrong with them but their play does not justify the pay. Any team needs a core of players which you build around. Montreal builds around Price, Subban, and Pacioretty (the latter of the three having a merciful cap hit for what he produces). The Leafs need to build around Kessel and one or two other key players. This won't be a quick process and it shouldn't be. It should be done right. Not with a big time trade, or by signing any one person. Keep Komarov, JVR, and Bozak and try to get some talent for Kadri and Lupul. This is just my opinion. I don't try to act like I know everything or anything about the Leafs. This is just the opinion of a hockey fan looking in. Anyways Steve, I think you have a refreshing view on the NHL and I shall continue to watch your videos in the future. Keep your chin up. The Carlyle thing is just the start, but it can't be the only thing.
Hey Steve, just started watching your videos this year and getting into Possession Stats and all. Was never too big on MSM sports writers outside MacKenzie and Lebron. Although I do see flaws in the Pocession Stats (They do not take into account shot distance being the biggest one I see) they're use is in how much a team generates attempts at scoring. I believed going into this year that Randy was the biggest problem blocking us from seeing what this team can do. I'm willing to ride out this team as it is until mid February, by then the players should pick up relatively how Horacheck wants them to play (and his system in Florida had players clog up the center of the ice forcing perimeter shots and to move as a 5 man unit vs Randy's Swarm and Hail Mary Plays) and then depending on how they have adapted their play style move one of two directions: Option 1: If the team begins to play as a 5 man unit vs the collection of individuals, stop with the gliding on back checking or slow line changes that we saw vs Washington, then start making roster player trades, i.e swap JVR for a guy like Calahan, Clifford, Hartnall or Simmonds. Move Bozak out for a veteran Centre like Ribero, Add some more footspeed on the back end and split up Phanuef and Franson pairing them with Rielly and Gardiner/Percy. I don't believe that the leafs have any horrificly bad players on the roster when fully healthy presently (Clarkson is just overpaid is all). However they have too many of the same type and some diversity could really help bring this team up to par. Option 2: If we don't see changes, as good as Kessel is on the ice, nobody sane would argue he has good off ice work ethic. He isn't in the best of shape, the whole world sees him gasping for air after every shift. Like it or not, he is a leader in that dressing room. He is the best and other players will follow his lead. The real culture change will start when he gets shipped out (Phanuef has too much of a bad rep that idt any team not run by MacT and KLowe would take him). It will send a message to the rest of the room who is in charge of that team. Since BB left it sure as hell hasn't been Management or the Coaching staff. So with this keep the young guys (Gards, Rielly and Kadri) retain Bernier because goaltending is the most important asset, but then begin trading off guys like Bozak, Kessel, JVR, Lupul, Polak, Holland, let Franson go to UFA, get something for Riemer. This way you prepare for the future and have solid players in Naz, Gards, Morgs, an older hopefully more mature Dion, and Clarkson all to mentor the next generation of leafs. Install them on good eating habits and fitness routine as that is huge in todays NHL. Clarkson would be an asset in a rebuild as he is a model citicen. What he does in the TO community how he handles himself in public. That is what we want our players to be like (even if his on ice performance is lacking). I see Option 2 happening if Babcock doesn't end up coming to T.O. but it would be interesting who Shanny and Nonnis bring in if he does. Babcock himself is respected by players and many know that hes the guy you want coaching if you want to win.
first off id like to say that this was a great video steve, i like how you got different point of views surrounding the kessel incident. my personal opinion is 100% on kessel's side, he has good games and bad games like anyone else in the league. I do not believe kessel is a leader off the ice, but on the ice i like to see that hes always trying to create. I believe that a major problem in this city is that the media takes too much time out of their day putting the leafs under a magnifying glass and posting every wrong thing they do onto the front page of the newspaper. All this does is create an artificial vibe going into future games for the players and the fans. if you keep poking a bear with a stick, you're going to get bit. the media drives such negative vibes into the leafs change room and its obviously affecting the players attitude with media and i believe its affecting the way they play. I feel like the leafs arent playing to impress the coach or the fans, i feel like the boys are playing to impress the media, and it makes me sick.
Hey Steve, or any Toronto natives, My friend and I are going to make a trip to see the Leafs/Rangers game in February. We're from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Pens and Devils fans, that have been inspired to pull for the Leafs, in part thanks to your videos, Steve. It also helps that we both hate the Rangers. I've always wanted to check out the ACC and I'm hoping for a passionate crowd. I was checking Stubhub for tix and they're around $150 for balcony seats. Is that what I can expect to pay, or can we find a cheaper pair elsewhere? Where should we park? I know in NJ there's some decent places not everyone knows about. Also, any place you'd recommend for great beer and food, sights to see etc. We'll only be staying 1 night, so we'll have after the game and then most of the following day to be tourists lol. many thanks!
For eating I would recommend "El furniture wearhouse" its a bar and grill and everything on the menu is 5$ and its incredibly good, you can get tickets for about 20$-30$ of you look around Kijiji and good luck with parking, you are going to need it. Have fun
I highly doubt that you ever get tickets for 20-30$. Search around on Craigslist and Kijiji and on HFBoards in the Leafs ticket exchange thread. If the team keeps skidding expect to pay $100 a ticket. Face value is a good deal on a lot of nights. I always recommend parking outside the city and taking the subway into Union station. Alternatively, if you are staying in a hotel, park there and take the subway in. Before the game I recommend going to the Steam Whistle Brewery for a tour (Walking distance to the ACC) and there are lots of good eats, chains or not, down there. Have a blast!
Caps fan here. The Leafs right now really remind me of Caps teams from the past few years. Offensively minded with a good goalie in net that gets no help defensively. Definitely agree this game should not have been 6-2. I like the message your new coach is sending by pulling Reimer even though the game was over just to convey a no quit never give up attitude. Plus getting some 6-5 practice under a new coach is pretty smart.
First thing, Hi. Second, it was Bernier. Thrid, we didn't expect some thing to change right after, but he is really active behind the bench. I hope he addresses everything like mike babcock does.
I've been a Leaf fan since I was about 4 years old. 2001!! It's fucking hard loving this team, but I do. Before the Bruins ruined the Leafs, the lady memory I have of playoff hockey was when I was in 2nd grade! I wasn't old enough to watch a whole game! Since then it's just been seasons of let downs and yet here I am, watching your videos (which I love) and cheering for this mediocre team that doesn't seem like a playoff contender at this point. Even if they have a good game, some stupid shit head rips someone apart. There is no winning with this team or organization. Leaf fans like you, Steve, and people like me will just be tortured but it's okay because they feed us hope. I don't think I could ever love another NHL team like I do Toronto but holy shit are they difficult. Don't know if you'll see or read this, but that's how I feel about the team. I'd also love to talk to you about your job, reporting, and Ryerson as I'm planning on attending in September. Any how, keep up with the videos and podcasts
Very good quotes from the NHL players. Not only sports media, but news media in general, is always looking for a story that will get them hits/views/etc. It's a business, so it's understandable that not every day will have a juicy news story and they will occasionally have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a story. However, that doesn't excuse Feschuk's behavior or the behavior of other hockey reporters/columnists who "cross the line" for the sole purpose of getting page hits. That's yellow journalism.
Firstly, congrats on making Global News! Though it did make me wonder where "Dangle" comes from, I always assumed it was your last name D: Secondly, thank you for seemingly being the one sports writer in this city to address Kessel correctly. I'm glad Horachek is experimenting with lines to see what works with Kessel. In other cities, the story is who will work with their star player (like the situation in Pittsburgh or Tampa Bay) instead of "lol Crosby sucks". Only in Toronto will things be switched around. Treat it like a team sport, recognise it's a team sport, and until he does something actually bad he isn't the villain. The media needs to stop with the BS. There are times I wonder if the Leafs would be better off denying player interviews, but then the media would probably take free reign and spew endless non-stories.
Well said Steve! Personally, I have also never met Kessel but you hear enough to get the impression he may be an odd guy. But if your odd guy who doesn't talk much or work out all summer or has a mediocre defensive game STILL manages to be a point a game player, I dont look at that as a problem UNLESS other people are seeing him do it and think that they can get away with the same. I worry that may be what has happened in Toronto. Linemates Bozak and JVR are brutal defensively, Clarkson too, and our young defenders struggle. While I would love Kessel to be a teeny bit more rounded (no pun intended), the problem is with our captain. Someone else needs to be that voice because for me, Dion is not the right choice
Sick of people ripping on Kessel his reaction to that columnist was GREAT. There's plenty more real problems to address aside from a consistent 30+ goal scorer who chirps at annoying members of the media!
people ripped on phil when he wouldn't talk to the media, then he finally starts talking to the media and they sling that crap at him. To ask critical questions of the players is completely fair, however pick your timing, pick you words and questions to actually try and get a thoughful answer -- not to try and get a rise out of the person. Honestly the media is the #1 reason players don't want to play here. It would never happen but I think it would be awesome if the team went media silent (like i said impossible given who owns them) but for the rest of the season cut off the media from the team.
Trying to put myself in Kessel's shoes. Facing constant harassment from the media, following an extremely exhausting and frustrating game, coming off the ice and being met with media vultures stuffing mics in my face and trying to get a rise out of me, and then being asked a loaded-ass question like that? I'm amazed at Kessel's self restraint to be honest. I probably would have done something more along the lines of jamming a microphone into Feschuk's stupid-question-asking mouth. Where's Colton Orr when you REALLY need him...
Honestly, Phil Kessel isn't the problem. Is Phil Kessel part of the problem, yea possibly. However, the top guy in the leafs can't make the whole team. I believe the saying goes "you're only as strong as your weakest link". So for the Toronto Sport's media to blame Kessel especially that particular columnist, is stupid. I'd love to say they are ignorant but they aren't they know the truth but it won't sell and if it doesn't sell then they don't make money. I'd love to see the leafs as a collective say no comment to reporters/columnists for the next five games or so. I think you made an amazing point of this in the video!
Tough to play in Toronto. Ottawa is right behind but possibly worse is Montreal, their media crucifies everybody regardless. That's why you have to draft your own and sign them long term. Blow it up you'll be able to trade some players but draft well and in yet another few years you'll have a team.
Enjoy your videos and perspective SteveDangle (never get these names right) You wanted the Leafs to fool you into thinking there was hope....so they fired Carlyle to see if they could buy themselves some time. The last 2 videos have had thousands of "trade insert player name here" comments. Yep - they're gonna trade some guys.......hope they make the right moves. I'd like to offer you a perspective on being a Leafs fan. Now I'm significantly older than you are. I have grown teenage sons who are 16, 17, and 19. Over the course of this last season I've come to realise that being a Leafs fan is a lot like being the parent of a teenager.......not a little kid with their cute smile and snotty nose - a teenager - big kid - attitude, brain, thinks for themselves, makes decisions, etc..... As a parent you invest hours.....hell - years of your life, teaching those kids manners, decision making, and every other little thing you possibly can and you wonder if anything actually sinks in. Then your kid has one of 'those moments' where your heart is bursting with pride because they have done something so awesome you can hardly believe it. And while you're there patting yourself on the back for being the greatest parent on earth and teaching them everything they needed to perform that awesome deed - they move on to something else in their life and do something horrendous to the point of you wanting to take your last name back and disown them. Every parent of a teenager I've ever known has those "bursting with pride" moments and then those "you've made a horrendous decision and I'd like to throttle you" moments.........but you love those kids unconditionally - through the good and the horrendously bad. You may not like everything they do but you continue to love them and wish only the best for them. You want them to win, you want them to trade some of their friends for better ones, you want them to kick the bullies ^@&^ and make smart choices. ......very very similar to my thoughts on the Leafs! Yes they have and will continue to make some poor decisions - but I will continue to love them despite that. Dad.
If you ask a stupid question, you're going to get that treatment. I'm not a hockey player, hell I can't even skate, but I feel like that question was extremely offside. And blatantly insulting towards Phil Kessel. I don't like him most of the time, but this is one instance where I can understand him having a response like that.
If you insult someone and it jsut happens to sound like a question you have to be prepared for the worse. I honestly hate the media in hockey because it really does bring out the worst of our sport, in our coaches and players both. Another point is, why is everyone on saying that Kessel is the fault for this losing streak? There are 17 other skaters that should contribute when Phil goes on his cold streaks. Yes there are stars and players you're suppose to rely on more than others, but I've never seen a team that had one player produce all of their offense for an entire season and playoffs and have won a cup.
Because it's not because we lose it's how we lose every team is gonna go through a slump every team is gonna lose but with this team it has become so fucking consistent the way they lose when they do i don't know all i have to say is 1993 that's when we had a fucking legend team m also mr pat quinn at least with him we went to 2 conference final and we always made the playoffs
phil kessel is 10th in the league in scoring. why is there something wrong with that??? why does he need to do more? why does he need to change? if it aint broke dont fix it!!!! ok im half way through video thanks steve you took the words out of my mouth.... why cant we ask more from clarkson?!?!?!? why cant we ask that we got something for clarke macarthur(still pisses me off we let him go no NOTHING) need more whiskey... love your vids steve.
i think kessel shoulda played into that guys interview and said something like "ya im prolly the hardest player to coach in the league. im such an asshole blah blah etc." just give him the sarcastic answer and give a lil smirk at the end of it all and then move to the next question and just never be serious to that guy ever again(or just not let him ask anymore questions from the guy ever if thats possible)
First I wanna ask: what's the difference between Reporter and columnist??? And now I think that Horachek is great, he's saying all the right things but there's a difference between what Carlyle said when he got here then what Horachek is saying now.
I understand where youre coming from with phil kessel/david clarkson aspect of positves and negatives. However, if you apply that to same concept to clarkson himself you see that he is heading in the right direction and he is improving his game, so why focus on his negatives like his contract? imo, the same should not be done for the entire team. in order to move forward you must be encouraging and focus on the positives
Improving from 15 points to like 30 for $5.25 is worthy of criticism. THis isn't some rookie. He's what? 30? This isn't good. I totally get your logic though.
Jay D Yes exactly, but if we focus on the shitty contract our perception of his skill might be skewed! we should focus on both ends of the spectrum and refrain from talking about his contract because it doesn't get us anywhere!
i mean like this is exactly why sidney crosby is so perfect all the time in his media answers, its like doublespeak almost. and while that is doubleplusgood or not depending on how you feel about hockey writers or players, it really just reflects on hockey culture. this is why no hockey players are out, this is why none of them say anything about politics (unless directly asked, but even then their answers are deliberately vague and pc), because they dont want the focus on them as people: they want the focus on their game. which is a real shame, because i bet theyd be an even bigger inspiration to a lot of people if they spoke out.
My buddy just sent me a text message and he told me to check out this dude guy bro you're fucking hilarious man i don't know what's wrong with this team you're right we have reached the halfway mark of the season the leafs have a lot of fucking holes they do not play as a unit there's no heart no grit no emotion no urgency i love this team i will always cheer for them no matter what happens we have been patient for a long fucking time this team just does not have it i hate to say it but it's the truth
Kudos to the NHL players that gave their take on the kessel calling im an idiot and all. Not going to lie, it was a stupid question to ask at a stupid time. I mean really, coach gets fired, and right away you are gonna go up to the player and say he was uncoachable? Think it through for once, I think everyone that is making it a big deal.. its bloody not even that serious. Kessel is an elite player, he is a lazy bastard at times, doesn't mean I hate em. But instead of ripping on him, our team still has enough hockey to be played, so honestly throw away the frustration, learn from the mistakes, and lets get back on track here boys!!! Go LEAFS GO!
The thing is once a player has done one thing and someone labels them as a problem just an example seguin at the bruins was labeled a party animal lazy and cockey it brought his game down because most of the questions he was asked were about what he had been labeled as and he got in a slump and all we got was how bad he was playing and problems with his game he then is traded to the stars where the reporters there dont ask him them questions and he plays like one of the best players in the league I just dont think reporters care if they stress players into a slump or barrage with the same questions and now everyone is so focused on kessel he has to over think everything he is doing on the ice no wonder the guy is overweight he must be stressed as hell with this for the last few years
I think that players sometimes get screwed by the media. In every market. When they're in the Toronto market when every single media outlet is on them it may get to their head. Of course an outburst won't help but geez if every time that one pesky guy is always digging at you, I'm sure we would all want to call him an idiot. I've heard all sorts of ridiculous questions for sports media. I wouldn't want to play in Toronto.
So how come Washington can change their coach and everybody's all like "Wow what a great move." But when the Leafs do it, everyone's all like "It's NOT the coach, the players are lazy, blah blah blah."
I really don't care about the Kessel situation. I think the media is always trying to get something. This team isn't good. They need something controversial to get people reading. I haven't watched a player interview in months. You either get a cliche or you watch a guy get ripped up for responding honestly. I don't think Kessel is the team's big problem. I do think they need to consider moving anyone including him because I'm not sure he's still an amazing player by the time this mess gets figured out. The team will probably at least slow their descent with the coaching change. At least some sense will be brought in (although if they keep Clarkson on the PP for much longer I will snap). Still think there is a long road ahead to getting this team on the right track again and we'll just have to endure the present.
Maybe if you actually put clarkson in a role he could do well in he'd produce. Every Devil FA ( for the most part ) fails after they leave NJ...wonder why that is ?
Phil Kessel is being treated like Spezza was in Ottawa. His fault when they lose, no credit when scoring goals leading to wins. I'd love for the team to rally behind him more. If Roman Polak gets asked who are great leaders on the team he should say Dion and Phil. If Clarkson gets asked who he needs to play like more it should be Phil with a laugh because everyone knows Phil is the best.
I don't know, leaf fans all think they are superstar general managers on nhl 15. My conversations usually go Moron: Phaneuf is a Pilon Me: No, he plays against the best players all game, puts up points, and has been great this year. Moron: So your saying he's as good as Weber/Doughty Me: No Moron: Exactly we need a guy like Weber on defence Me: NO WAY YOU FIGURED IT OUT!!! ALL WE NEED IS TO ADD ONE OF THE BEST DEFENCEMAN IN THE NHL TO OUR TEAM!!!
Think about it from Feschuk's point of view though, the reason why he has a job is because he goes out there and gets under peoples skin and makes people make mistakes and have those reactions. That's what people read his articles, that's why he has a job. If he didn't do these things he would probably be unemployed. Especially when you consider the media market in Toronto, you really have to do something to set you apart from the rest of the giant swarm. In terms of questions was it a lame question? Yea, I mean how can someone really ask someone if they are uncoachable? It's hard for someone to say they were their own coach. I don't think the question was egregiously out of line that it would be such a big deal. On the other side of course Phil just watched someone he possibly liked in his coach get fired and he probably wondered what he could have done himself to prevent this from happening. He is assumedly a leader on the team (believe it or not) so it was probably a reaction from a lot of stress and of course the stress from not knowing what was going to be happening in the future. However, this isn't the first time Kessel has reacted like this, if he keeps reacting like this more reporters are gonna come at him with this kind of things, because that's what gets them clicks, subscriptions and basically keeps them employed. tl;dr I don't think anyone in this situation is blameless
The problem with Sports interviews is that 95% of the time players say the exact same stuff. It was a team effort, we need to play harder, blah blah blah. So anytime they say something even a tiny bit different - no matter what it is - it's the reporter's job to take that tiny thing and blow it up into something huge and write some giant article about what is really not a big deal at all. It's kind of sad to watch.
Im not the biggest Kessel fan out there, or at all... and im completely fine with the whole fesdouche exchange, the guys a tool that much is obvious. My problem with phil comes to plays just last night with that god awful line change (Kadri is obviously guilty too...twice) but it's plays like those that make me rip my hair out and curse the tv until Im hoarse. Phil is an incredible offensive talent and thats just it, its only offensive. For the 8 mil all I want ALL I want is just a bit of work down low and some hustle on the back check, he's got the speed and he's got the strength, If i just saw a a better effort with that then honestly I could see myself being a....cant believe im gonna say this a fan of Kessel. With the numbers he puts up CONSISTENTLY if you just added a dash of defence and a pinch of hustle Id have NO problem with his contract, and NO problem with Kessel!
Blows my mind every time big names pop up after a Leaf loss; pointless. I don't know what's going on internally, but I feel like there's tension or something among the players that isn't being addressed. They don't need a wake up call, they know exactly where they are; but they are under-performing as a unit. Say what you will about presence, or veteran status, but this team just needs to be a team. P.S: If you're going to criticize a player, you may as well criticize the team; since the player is not the only one on the ice.
Let's say it was "kessel's fault". If people are relying on him every game to single handedly Carry the leafs then they are crazy. Why should he get blamed for the leafs lack of success when you have around 20 other players on that roster! The media is Just picking and choosing players and trying to get their own team to turn there own back on them. Kessel had every right to say what he did. If I was Kessel I would've socked him right in the face
Remember last season how we were getting old shot almost every single game and we put together a lot of fucking wins but in the end a bit us hard in the ass i think if i'm not mistaken we only won 3 or 4 of the remaining 14 or 18 games i may be wrong on that but we were in second place and that caused us to miss the playoffs i just don't know what to say anymore i love this fucking team but i'm getting so fucking frustrated because it's the same fucking thing same old song and dance firing the coach was not the solution it's not the coach i don't know i'm lost i agree with this guy though i'm gonna have a fuckin stroke as well
The leafs organization highly believe in Phil Kessel as a top player. They paid him big bucks to score, and thats what he does so why all the critisisim. Its sucks that everyone is shitting down his throat when clearly its managements fault. You can't expect this team to win games when they don't have a TRUE leader. Someone who is capable of playing the game in all aspects thoroughly. After watching the Canada vs Russia game, you really can see the heart and love players put into the game just to win. The leafs completely lack that mental aspect. They have many good players. But none of them have the drive to win. Personally thats where a GOOD captain comes into play along with many players who have the same mental drive. This leafs team has very few players who show up every night and play 110%. Phil Kessel happens to be one of those players who chooses when he feels like playing. We all know that Phil plays a great game when his legs are moving and skating efficiently, but how often is that. Phaneuf is really overrated and the leafs really got screwed. Keith Aulie could be playing the exact same way for a much cheaper price, not to mention Phaneuf can't speak on the mic. Another point, when your second and third line play better than the first line, thats another clue that something is wrong with this team. Management has been forcing Phaneuf and Kessel down the cities throats as top guys. Well nobody is buying it anymore, and they just ruined both those players trade value and image. The core of this team needs to be fixed, cause thats the issue. Bring in players who show up to play every night like Leo and Santorelli and even Kadri( even though i don't really like Kadri).
You know what the problem with the team is? The problem is that they don't have the correct players on the team. For starters: Who puts 5 offensive defencemen on their defence? Not even in videogames do you ever do that and even if you do, odds are your team will suck so bad you'll get fired as the GM in Be A GM mode. Also, when you base a team off of speed, why are there 3 or 4 defencemen that can't skate to save their life? If the player doesn't go fast and your team is based for speed (and skill), why do you have them? Cripe, trade them for a bag of pucks. Send them down to the minors to possibly be claimed off of waivers. Do something with them that's other than them playing in the NHL. There are prospect defencemen of the Leafs' AHL team that will just rot. The only way you'll know if the player is good enough or not in the NHL is to play them in the NHL for a significant period of time. Then you can evaluate them.
The media has just gone insane with this Kessel thing. Why is it everywhere? Who cares? Yes I'm a huge leafs fan and I like hearing all the updates but this is excessive, they need to get over it. Hes a good player. Period. Would I like him to be more of a 2 way player? Sure. But he for sure is not the reason we keep missing the playoffs and losing. Not at all. The team as a whole has a lot of things to work on. Defense primarily, which has been an issue for as long as I can remember. And the whole Clarkson on the power play, I have no idea how we can get them to stop. It's insane. I agree he is a nice, great guy, but if he isn't helping the team win he has to go, we are in the business of winning after all.
I see you talked about Milbury, you're right he knows nothing. What about.. Ron Wilson' comments regarding Super star Phil? How about the incident at the beginning of the season with assistant coach Steve Spott where Superstar Phil didn't want to try a different play. Which they tried to down play. Superstar Phil is a diva. He is one of the many problems in that organization. It's very difficult as a coach to get players to work as a team and not as individuals. What makes the job harder is when there are individuals who will not buy into the system that the entire team is trying to employ. The whole team needs to be on board. Pond Hockey Phil ain't the reason the team is losing, the key word is team. Facts show that he has been playing as an individual(above incidents clearly dictate he does what he wants) two coaches confirmed that. this year. Do we blame the coach for not being able to reach him and get his buy in? Do we blame Superstar Phil for not being receptive to new ideas? The team needs a coach that isn't afraid to sit the kid on the bench and say "the players who play my system get the ice time. The players who want to play pond hockey can watch". I don't believe in leaders saying "this kid is uncoachable" the fact is you failed as a coach because you were unable to get through to someone. Which is what Carlyle, Burke, Wilson failed to do. They failed in employing a team concept where the entire team had bought in. Your main job as a coach is to get people to play as a team!
I've always felt it was unfair to look at one player and blame him alone for the inadequacies of a team's success. There are what, 22 other players on any given roster? I get that you want your scorers to score, and that everyone has a role on the team, but you cant lay the entirety of a team's success on one individual. You need to build a sufficient team, and if you're not succeeding, its because of a deficiency in the roster or team. Just look at the Flames, we had Jarome Iginla, who was one of the best wingers ever, but there was not point in his tenure in Calgary where we truly had a sufficient roster to compete. It goes to show that even if Phil was the player everyone wanted him to be, he still wouldn't be able to carry the team alone. That's because to be successful a team cannot be carried by individuals, in fact, a team cannot be carried at all, it has to perform as an effective unit to have any kind of long term success.
Think this is the first time Steve has said "Fuck" since his first LFR
Steve dangle is the only sportsnet employee I like.
Friedman is good too
so true, I wish he was on TSN
You should listen to tim an sid.
Steve, and Tim and Sid. Steve cause of information that actually matters, Sid cause of his explosive reactions are Hilarious and Tims reaction and trying to get Sid back to earth. Tim and Sid remind me of Adam and Steve on the podcast. Lol
+Nicholas Sperti he is the anti-milbury
Steve, I can't thank you enough for being a voice of reason within our crazy fanbase/media.
Steve, there is not a single game where I am not checking your channel twice an hour the next day for your LFR. You are like this pocket of sanity in this insane world we call Toronto sports media.
Steve, you're amazing. Pure class. Those quotes were excellent and I feel like we could actually use more anonymous input like that from the players. I never thought about how they never get the last word, but it's so true.
I was pretty critical of your stuff when you worked for the Leafs , but now that you've gained your independence, your comments are right on the mark.Well Done!
Thank you for pointing out the difference between reporter and columnist. A lot of people seem to forget that these days and it's important to note in situations like these.
Just got yourself a new subscriber from Australia[i know,i know]
Been a Leaf fan since the early eighties...With Gamecenter live I don't miss a single Leafs game.
Love your commentary and I am in full agreement with how classless the media can be when it comes to coverage of players.
Thanks for your channel!
My inbox wouldn't stop dinging after I commented on the last video. I had to turn off notifications. I never mentioned Kessel in it. So let's do that now.
Kessel could use some time on the bike. He's a professional athlete and I feel his physique and lack of conditioning reflects poorly on himself and the team. Regardless of what he is paid, and he is paid well.
BUT! He is the best goal scorer the Leafs have had in my life! He is passionate about the sport I love and despite the city and the media in particular constantly being down his throat, he seems to genuinely like being here. He is highly paid, no doubt, but he is not paid to be a leader. He doesn't want a C, he doesn't want an A, he doesn't want a mic in his face. He just wants to go out and score goals.
I have no problem with that. It's an important part of a winning hockey team. I don't expect him to be the rest of it too.
You also have to point out the fact that Kessel has played over 400 consecutive games. That is 99% conditioning 1% luck (no freak accidents). He is so strong and fit most players that check Kessel just bounce right off. He has been leveled maybe once in his career (early in the 09-10 season) other than that he our muscles his opponents. Kessel's conditioning is not just fine, it's pristine.
The cancer point is that Kessel lost a testicle to cancer and the drugs he needs to take to keep his hormones balanced cause him to retain body fat.
The hormone supplements that Kessel takes as a result of his bout with testicular cancer affect his body's ability to burn fat, making him seem pudgier than he actually is. No matter how much exercise he gets, it is unlikely he will ever be able to lose that extra layer. Other than that, I agree with you 100%
***** No, they say he's the most *powerful* and he absolutely is. He still gets completely gassed after a fast paced shift. And if he gets caught on an icing, he really struggles. This is a cardiovascular endurance issue that he can absolutely improve on.
And calm the hell down.
RawHim9591 I didn't call him fat. I said his appearance and lack of conditioning reflect poorly on him. I'm not ragging on the guy for having a pudgy midriff. I'm saying it's bad optics to be bent over gasping after every shift. I'm saying he needs to improve his cardiovascular endurance.
Thanks Steve! I look forward to your videos after every leaf game, win or loss.
I know we are only half way through the season but I already feel like crying.
I think my dad just fell in love with your opinion(s). Was showing him some other videos this morning and he agrees with everything, well almost. Says "this guy would be great to have a beer with" lol.
I moved closer to the screen when you said huddle in
I'm a Habs fan but I do watch and enjoy these videos. Now before you assume that I just watch because I like watching a Leafs fan squirm (part but not the whole reason), it's also because you clearly know what you're talking about and get it across very clearly. The whole Clarkson on the powerplay thing is completely off, but he is effective during 5 on 5 situations. Maybe not $5.25M worthy but I wouldn't be quick to get rid of him. It seems that Toronto goes for the big deal of the year, involving players, draft picks etc. Now I'm saying this objectively but I don't think the Leafs will be playoff contenders this year. Even if they do make the playoffs (they might even play Montreal. No thanks) I believe it will be short lived. Toronto obviously needs some key pieces. No. 1 center, easier said than done. Another designated scorer who is in his prime (like O'Reilly maybe?) rather than a has-been player (Iginla) and someone who can just keep feeding Kessel with passes. For example, on the Canadiens last season, Pacioretty scored 39 goals. Most people know that. What they might overlook however is that Desharnais had almost as many assists as Pacioretty had goals. They have great chemistry. Give Kessel a teammate who is selfless almost to a fault and see how cold he gets. Those kinds of guys can go cheap. The Leafs kinda dug themselves a hole with contracts. Phaneuf, Robidas and Clarkson to name a few. Really nothing wrong with them but their play does not justify the pay. Any team needs a core of players which you build around. Montreal builds around Price, Subban, and Pacioretty (the latter of the three having a merciful cap hit for what he produces). The Leafs need to build around Kessel and one or two other key players. This won't be a quick process and it shouldn't be. It should be done right. Not with a big time trade, or by signing any one person. Keep Komarov, JVR, and Bozak and try to get some talent for Kadri and Lupul. This is just my opinion. I don't try to act like I know everything or anything about the Leafs. This is just the opinion of a hockey fan looking in. Anyways Steve, I think you have a refreshing view on the NHL and I shall continue to watch your videos in the future. Keep your chin up. The Carlyle thing is just the start, but it can't be the only thing.
Hey Steve, just started watching your videos this year and getting into Possession Stats and all. Was never too big on MSM sports writers outside MacKenzie and Lebron. Although I do see flaws in the Pocession Stats (They do not take into account shot distance being the biggest one I see) they're use is in how much a team generates attempts at scoring. I believed going into this year that Randy was the biggest problem blocking us from seeing what this team can do. I'm willing to ride out this team as it is until mid February, by then the players should pick up relatively how Horacheck wants them to play (and his system in Florida had players clog up the center of the ice forcing perimeter shots and to move as a 5 man unit vs Randy's Swarm and Hail Mary Plays) and then depending on how they have adapted their play style move one of two directions:
Option 1: If the team begins to play as a 5 man unit vs the collection of individuals, stop with the gliding on back checking or slow line changes that we saw vs Washington, then start making roster player trades, i.e swap JVR for a guy like Calahan, Clifford, Hartnall or Simmonds. Move Bozak out for a veteran Centre like Ribero, Add some more footspeed on the back end and split up Phanuef and Franson pairing them with Rielly and Gardiner/Percy. I don't believe that the leafs have any horrificly bad players on the roster when fully healthy presently (Clarkson is just overpaid is all). However they have too many of the same type and some diversity could really help bring this team up to par.
Option 2: If we don't see changes, as good as Kessel is on the ice, nobody sane would argue he has good off ice work ethic. He isn't in the best of shape, the whole world sees him gasping for air after every shift. Like it or not, he is a leader in that dressing room. He is the best and other players will follow his lead. The real culture change will start when he gets shipped out (Phanuef has too much of a bad rep that idt any team not run by MacT and KLowe would take him). It will send a message to the rest of the room who is in charge of that team. Since BB left it sure as hell hasn't been Management or the Coaching staff. So with this keep the young guys (Gards, Rielly and Kadri) retain Bernier because goaltending is the most important asset, but then begin trading off guys like Bozak, Kessel, JVR, Lupul, Polak, Holland, let Franson go to UFA, get something for Riemer. This way you prepare for the future and have solid players in Naz, Gards, Morgs, an older hopefully more mature Dion, and Clarkson all to mentor the next generation of leafs. Install them on good eating habits and fitness routine as that is huge in todays NHL. Clarkson would be an asset in a rebuild as he is a model citicen. What he does in the TO community how he handles himself in public. That is what we want our players to be like (even if his on ice performance is lacking).
I see Option 2 happening if Babcock doesn't end up coming to T.O. but it would be interesting who Shanny and Nonnis bring in if he does. Babcock himself is respected by players and many know that hes the guy you want coaching if you want to win.
first off id like to say that this was a great video steve, i like how you got different point of views surrounding the kessel incident. my personal opinion is 100% on kessel's side, he has good games and bad games like anyone else in the league. I do not believe kessel is a leader off the ice, but on the ice i like to see that hes always trying to create. I believe that a major problem in this city is that the media takes too much time out of their day putting the leafs under a magnifying glass and posting every wrong thing they do onto the front page of the newspaper. All this does is create an artificial vibe going into future games for the players and the fans. if you keep poking a bear with a stick, you're going to get bit. the media drives such negative vibes into the leafs change room and its obviously affecting the players attitude with media and i believe its affecting the way they play. I feel like the leafs arent playing to impress the coach or the fans, i feel like the boys are playing to impress the media, and it makes me sick.
I'm going to the game tomorrow....I'm scared....
Hey Steve, or any Toronto natives,
My friend and I are going to make a trip to see the Leafs/Rangers game in February. We're from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Pens and Devils fans, that have been inspired to pull for the Leafs, in part thanks to your videos, Steve. It also helps that we both hate the Rangers. I've always wanted to check out the ACC and I'm hoping for a passionate crowd.
I was checking Stubhub for tix and they're around $150 for balcony seats. Is that what I can expect to pay, or can we find a cheaper pair elsewhere?
Where should we park? I know in NJ there's some decent places not everyone knows about.
Also, any place you'd recommend for great beer and food, sights to see etc. We'll only be staying 1 night, so we'll have after the game and then most of the following day to be tourists lol.
many thanks!
For eating I would recommend "El furniture wearhouse" its a bar and grill and everything on the menu is 5$ and its incredibly good, you can get tickets for about 20$-30$ of you look around Kijiji and good luck with parking, you are going to need it. Have fun
*you can get tickets 20-30$ off Kijiji
I highly doubt that you ever get tickets for 20-30$. Search around on Craigslist and Kijiji and on HFBoards in the Leafs ticket exchange thread. If the team keeps skidding expect to pay $100 a ticket. Face value is a good deal on a lot of nights.
I always recommend parking outside the city and taking the subway into Union station. Alternatively, if you are staying in a hotel, park there and take the subway in. Before the game I recommend going to the Steam Whistle Brewery for a tour (Walking distance to the ACC) and there are lots of good eats, chains or not, down there.
Have a blast!
Thain M.
He said twice, that you could get tickets 20-30$ off the original price.
Thain M. I said 20-30$ off
Caps fan here. The Leafs right now really remind me of Caps teams from the past few years. Offensively minded with a good goalie in net that gets no help defensively. Definitely agree this game should not have been 6-2. I like the message your new coach is sending by pulling Reimer even though the game was over just to convey a no quit never give up attitude. Plus getting some 6-5 practice under a new coach is pretty smart.
First thing, Hi. Second, it was Bernier. Thrid, we didn't expect some thing to change right after, but he is really active behind the bench. I hope he addresses everything like mike babcock does.
I've been a Leaf fan since I was about 4 years old. 2001!! It's fucking hard loving this team, but I do. Before the Bruins ruined the Leafs, the lady memory I have of playoff hockey was when I was in 2nd grade! I wasn't old enough to watch a whole game! Since then it's just been seasons of let downs and yet here I am, watching your videos (which I love) and cheering for this mediocre team that doesn't seem like a playoff contender at this point. Even if they have a good game, some stupid shit head rips someone apart. There is no winning with this team or organization. Leaf fans like you, Steve, and people like me will just be tortured but it's okay because they feed us hope. I don't think I could ever love another NHL team like I do Toronto but holy shit are they difficult. Don't know if you'll see or read this, but that's how I feel about the team. I'd also love to talk to you about your job, reporting, and Ryerson as I'm planning on attending in September. Any how, keep up with the videos and podcasts
I think is legitimately the first time I've ever heard Steve swear....Oo
Lol I looove that chirp on Mike Milbury, so true
Very good quotes from the NHL players. Not only sports media, but news media in general, is always looking for a story that will get them hits/views/etc. It's a business, so it's understandable that not every day will have a juicy news story and they will occasionally have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a story. However, that doesn't excuse Feschuk's behavior or the behavior of other hockey reporters/columnists who "cross the line" for the sole purpose of getting page hits. That's yellow journalism.
Firstly, congrats on making Global News! Though it did make me wonder where "Dangle" comes from, I always assumed it was your last name D:
Secondly, thank you for seemingly being the one sports writer in this city to address Kessel correctly. I'm glad Horachek is experimenting with lines to see what works with Kessel. In other cities, the story is who will work with their star player (like the situation in Pittsburgh or Tampa Bay) instead of "lol Crosby sucks". Only in Toronto will things be switched around. Treat it like a team sport, recognise it's a team sport, and until he does something actually bad he isn't the villain. The media needs to stop with the BS. There are times I wonder if the Leafs would be better off denying player interviews, but then the media would probably take free reign and spew endless non-stories.
Well said Steve! Personally, I have also never met Kessel but you hear enough to get the impression he may be an odd guy. But if your odd guy who doesn't talk much or work out all summer or has a mediocre defensive game STILL manages to be a point a game player, I dont look at that as a problem UNLESS other people are seeing him do it and think that they can get away with the same. I worry that may be what has happened in Toronto. Linemates Bozak and JVR are brutal defensively, Clarkson too, and our young defenders struggle. While I would love Kessel to be a teeny bit more rounded (no pun intended), the problem is with our captain. Someone else needs to be that voice because for me, Dion is not the right choice
I like hockey.
I like the Leafs.
I am sad about how they usually play.
That's a comment from me.
Thank you for listening Mr. Dangle.
He must be a giant Seinfeld fan, he drops so many quotes in his vids.
Sick of people ripping on Kessel his reaction to that columnist was GREAT. There's plenty more real problems to address aside from a consistent 30+ goal scorer who chirps at annoying members of the media!
The highlight of the game was that woman's reaction to Polak's face.
Saw you on global news the other night!
I liked those quotes
I am glad that he will be will to rip the players on his own team. That's a fan there. Realistic. Hats off to you Steve.
Love you Steve
Oh how I miss Roman Polak, not for his play necessarily, but just that toughness. The Polak-ness Monster.
I Was waiting. and TRADE GARDINER!!
This guy is awesome! BlowLeafsBlow
As a devil fan, i feel your pain
people ripped on phil when he wouldn't talk to the media, then he finally starts talking to the media and they sling that crap at him. To ask critical questions of the players is completely fair, however pick your timing, pick you words and questions to actually try and get a thoughful answer -- not to try and get a rise out of the person. Honestly the media is the #1 reason players don't want to play here. It would never happen but I think it would be awesome if the team went media silent (like i said impossible given who owns them) but for the rest of the season cut off the media from the team.
Uhh, you forgot to put the link for the Elliotte Friedman thing lol
Feschuk's question was unprofessional but so was Kessel's attitude and defensiveness
That last quote was totally from a Leaf player.
Trying to put myself in Kessel's shoes. Facing constant harassment from the media, following an extremely exhausting and frustrating game, coming off the ice and being met with media vultures stuffing mics in my face and trying to get a rise out of me, and then being asked a loaded-ass question like that? I'm amazed at Kessel's self restraint to be honest. I probably would have done something more along the lines of jamming a microphone into Feschuk's stupid-question-asking mouth. Where's Colton Orr when you REALLY need him...
Plz tell me it was Phaneuf that called him a PoS😂
Steve, you've forgotten to link the Friedman video/article somewhere.
You DO NOT trade a top 10 scorer unless he demands it, period.
I absolutely 100% agree with what your talking about Steve the media is big problem Dave Feschuk can go shove it Kessel is not the problem
Honestly, Phil Kessel isn't the problem. Is Phil Kessel part of the problem, yea possibly. However, the top guy in the leafs can't make the whole team. I believe the saying goes "you're only as strong as your weakest link". So for the Toronto Sport's media to blame Kessel especially that particular columnist, is stupid. I'd love to say they are ignorant but they aren't they know the truth but it won't sell and if it doesn't sell then they don't make money. I'd love to see the leafs as a collective say no comment to reporters/columnists for the next five games or so. I think you made an amazing point of this in the video!
Tough to play in Toronto. Ottawa is right behind but possibly worse is Montreal, their media crucifies everybody regardless. That's why you have to draft your own and sign them long term. Blow it up you'll be able to trade some players but draft well and in yet another few years you'll have a team.
Enjoy your videos and perspective SteveDangle (never get these names right) You wanted the Leafs to fool you into thinking there was hope....so they fired Carlyle to see if they could buy themselves some time. The last 2 videos have had thousands of "trade insert player name here" comments. Yep - they're gonna trade some guys.......hope they make the right moves.
I'd like to offer you a perspective on being a Leafs fan.
Now I'm significantly older than you are. I have grown teenage sons who are 16, 17, and 19. Over the course of this last season I've come to realise that being a Leafs fan is a lot like being the parent of a teenager.......not a little kid with their cute smile and snotty nose - a teenager - big kid - attitude, brain, thinks for themselves, makes decisions, etc..... As a parent you invest hours.....hell - years of your life, teaching those kids manners, decision making, and every other little thing you possibly can and you wonder if anything actually sinks in. Then your kid has one of 'those moments' where your heart is bursting with pride because they have done something so awesome you can hardly believe it. And while you're there patting yourself on the back for being the greatest parent on earth and teaching them everything they needed to perform that awesome deed - they move on to something else in their life and do something horrendous to the point of you wanting to take your last name back and disown them. Every parent of a teenager I've ever known has those "bursting with pride" moments and then those "you've made a horrendous decision and I'd like to throttle you" moments.........but you love those kids unconditionally - through the good and the horrendously bad. You may not like everything they do but you continue to love them and wish only the best for them. You want them to win, you want them to trade some of their friends for better ones, you want them to kick the bullies ^@&^ and make smart choices. ......very very similar to my thoughts on the Leafs!
Yes they have and will continue to make some poor decisions - but I will continue to love them despite that. Dad.
Amen Steve!
If you ask a stupid question, you're going to get that treatment. I'm not a hockey player, hell I can't even skate, but I feel like that question was extremely offside. And blatantly insulting towards Phil Kessel. I don't like him most of the time, but this is one instance where I can understand him having a response like that.
If you insult someone and it jsut happens to sound like a question you have to be prepared for the worse. I honestly hate the media in hockey because it really does bring out the worst of our sport, in our coaches and players both. Another point is, why is everyone on saying that Kessel is the fault for this losing streak? There are 17 other skaters that should contribute when Phil goes on his cold streaks. Yes there are stars and players you're suppose to rely on more than others, but I've never seen a team that had one player produce all of their offense for an entire season and playoffs and have won a cup.
Finnally was waitingg.
Because it's not because we lose it's how we lose every team is gonna go through a slump every team is gonna lose but with this team it has become so fucking consistent the way they lose when they do i don't know all i have to say is 1993 that's when we had a fucking legend team m also mr pat quinn at least with him we went to 2 conference final and we always made the playoffs
Imagine Steve working for the leafs, like as a staff member.
He would stab someone with a stick. :D
phil kessel is 10th in the league in scoring. why is there something wrong with that??? why does he need to do more? why does he need to change? if it aint broke dont fix it!!!! ok im half way through video thanks steve you took the words out of my mouth.... why cant we ask more from clarkson?!?!?!? why cant we ask that we got something for clarke macarthur(still pisses me off we let him go no NOTHING) need more whiskey... love your vids steve.
Kessel should've pulled a marshawn lynch on the reporter
i think kessel shoulda played into that guys interview and said something like "ya im prolly the hardest player to coach in the league. im such an asshole blah blah etc." just give him the sarcastic answer and give a lil smirk at the end of it all and then move to the next question and just never be serious to that guy ever again(or just not let him ask anymore questions from the guy ever if thats possible)
Link to Friedman vid?
First I wanna ask: what's the difference between Reporter and columnist??? And now I think that Horachek is great, he's saying all the right things but there's a difference between what Carlyle said when he got here then what Horachek is saying now.
Sorry Steve, it really is time to test the waters with Phillip J. Kessel
I understand where youre coming from with phil kessel/david clarkson aspect of positves and negatives. However, if you apply that to same concept to clarkson himself you see that he is heading in the right direction and he is improving his game, so why focus on his negatives like his contract? imo, the same should not be done for the entire team. in order to move forward you must be encouraging and focus on the positives
Improving from 15 points to like 30 for $5.25 is worthy of criticism. THis isn't some rookie. He's what? 30? This isn't good. I totally get your logic though.
SteveDangle Agreed. great guy, terrible contract
Jay D Yes exactly, but if we focus on the shitty contract our perception of his skill might be skewed! we should focus on both ends of the spectrum and refrain from talking about his contract because it doesn't get us anywhere!
So that Elliote Friedman link Steve?
There now!
SteveDangle Thanks!
i mean like this is exactly why sidney crosby is so perfect all the time in his media answers, its like doublespeak almost. and while that is doubleplusgood or not depending on how you feel about hockey writers or players, it really just reflects on hockey culture. this is why no hockey players are out, this is why none of them say anything about politics (unless directly asked, but even then their answers are deliberately vague and pc), because they dont want the focus on them as people: they want the focus on their game.
which is a real shame, because i bet theyd be an even bigger inspiration to a lot of people if they spoke out.
My buddy just sent me a text message and he told me to check out this dude guy bro you're fucking hilarious man i don't know what's wrong with this team you're right we have reached the halfway mark of the season the leafs have a lot of fucking holes they do not play as a unit there's no heart no grit no emotion no urgency i love this team i will always cheer for them no matter what happens we have been patient for a long fucking time this team just does not have it i hate to say it but it's the truth
I think connor brown could be a tyler toffoli type player in a couple years
Should I replace Kessel for JVR in fantasy or kess the mess gonna breakout eventually ?
well at least your new haircut is lookin snazzy dangle
Ohhh.... we got some F-bombs in this video. WOO!
I was at this game and it was probably the worst game I've ever been to.
Kudos to the NHL players that gave their take on the kessel calling im an idiot and all. Not going to lie, it was a stupid question to ask at a stupid time. I mean really, coach gets fired, and right away you are gonna go up to the player and say he was uncoachable? Think it through for once, I think everyone that is making it a big deal.. its bloody not even that serious. Kessel is an elite player, he is a lazy bastard at times, doesn't mean I hate em. But instead of ripping on him, our team still has enough hockey to be played, so honestly throw away the frustration, learn from the mistakes, and lets get back on track here boys!!! Go LEAFS GO!
The thing is once a player has done one thing and someone labels them as a problem just an example seguin at the bruins was labeled a party animal lazy and cockey it brought his game down because most of the questions he was asked were about what he had been labeled as and he got in a slump and all we got was how bad he was playing and problems with his game he then is traded to the stars where the reporters there dont ask him them questions and he plays like one of the best players in the league I just dont think reporters care if they stress players into a slump or barrage with the same questions and now everyone is so focused on kessel he has to over think everything he is doing on the ice no wonder the guy is overweight he must be stressed as hell with this for the last few years
I think that players sometimes get screwed by the media. In every market. When they're in the Toronto market when every single media outlet is on them it may get to their head. Of course an outburst won't help but geez if every time that one pesky guy is always digging at you, I'm sure we would all want to call him an idiot. I've heard all sorts of ridiculous questions for sports media. I wouldn't want to play in Toronto.
So how come Washington can change their coach and everybody's all like "Wow what a great move."
But when the Leafs do it, everyone's all like "It's NOT the coach, the players are lazy, blah blah blah."
I really don't care about the Kessel situation. I think the media is always trying to get something. This team isn't good. They need something controversial to get people reading. I haven't watched a player interview in months. You either get a cliche or you watch a guy get ripped up for responding honestly.
I don't think Kessel is the team's big problem. I do think they need to consider moving anyone including him because I'm not sure he's still an amazing player by the time this mess gets figured out.
The team will probably at least slow their descent with the coaching change. At least some sense will be brought in (although if they keep Clarkson on the PP for much longer I will snap). Still think there is a long road ahead to getting this team on the right track again and we'll just have to endure the present.
Maybe if you actually put clarkson in a role he could do well in he'd produce. Every Devil FA ( for the most part ) fails after they leave NJ...wonder why that is ?
Phil Kessel is being treated like Spezza was in Ottawa. His fault when they lose, no credit when scoring goals leading to wins. I'd love for the team to rally behind him more. If Roman Polak gets asked who are great leaders on the team he should say Dion and Phil. If Clarkson gets asked who he needs to play like more it should be Phil with a laugh because everyone knows Phil is the best.
I don't know, leaf fans all think they are superstar general managers on nhl 15. My conversations usually go
Moron: Phaneuf is a Pilon
Me: No, he plays against the best players all game, puts up points, and has been great this year.
Moron: So your saying he's as good as Weber/Doughty
Me: No
Moron: Exactly we need a guy like Weber on defence
Me: NO WAY YOU FIGURED IT OUT!!! ALL WE NEED IS TO ADD ONE OF THE BEST DEFENCEMAN IN THE NHL TO OUR TEAM!!!
Steve Dangle swear button 3:56
Think about it from Feschuk's point of view though, the reason why he has a job is because he goes out there and gets under peoples skin and makes people make mistakes and have those reactions. That's what people read his articles, that's why he has a job. If he didn't do these things he would probably be unemployed. Especially when you consider the media market in Toronto, you really have to do something to set you apart from the rest of the giant swarm.
In terms of questions was it a lame question? Yea, I mean how can someone really ask someone if they are uncoachable? It's hard for someone to say they were their own coach. I don't think the question was egregiously out of line that it would be such a big deal.
On the other side of course Phil just watched someone he possibly liked in his coach get fired and he probably wondered what he could have done himself to prevent this from happening. He is assumedly a leader on the team (believe it or not) so it was probably a reaction from a lot of stress and of course the stress from not knowing what was going to be happening in the future.
However, this isn't the first time Kessel has reacted like this, if he keeps reacting like this more reporters are gonna come at him with this kind of things, because that's what gets them clicks, subscriptions and basically keeps them employed.
tl;dr I don't think anyone in this situation is blameless
The leafs problem is that they never rebuild they always try to be good. You need to rebuild to be good that is somthing the leafs don't know
The problem with Sports interviews is that 95% of the time players say the exact same stuff. It was a team effort, we need to play harder, blah blah blah. So anytime they say something even a tiny bit different - no matter what it is - it's the reporter's job to take that tiny thing and blow it up into something huge and write some giant article about what is really not a big deal at all. It's kind of sad to watch.
Seriously, it's time to tank like they should have done 6 years ago.
Im not the biggest Kessel fan out there, or at all... and im completely fine with the whole fesdouche exchange, the guys a tool that much is obvious. My problem with phil comes to plays just last night with that god awful line change (Kadri is obviously guilty too...twice) but it's plays like those that make me rip my hair out and curse the tv until Im hoarse. Phil is an incredible offensive talent and thats just it, its only offensive. For the 8 mil all I want ALL I want is just a bit of work down low and some hustle on the back check, he's got the speed and he's got the strength, If i just saw a a better effort with that then honestly I could see myself being a....cant believe im gonna say this a fan of Kessel. With the numbers he puts up CONSISTENTLY if you just added a dash of defence and a pinch of hustle Id have NO problem with his contract, and NO problem with Kessel!
Break the core up but keep The youngsters and Bernier.Begin a complete rebuild and start fresh.
Blows my mind every time big names pop up after a Leaf loss; pointless. I don't know what's going on internally, but I feel like there's tension or something among the players that isn't being addressed. They don't need a wake up call, they know exactly where they are; but they are under-performing as a unit. Say what you will about presence, or veteran status, but this team just needs to be a team.
P.S: If you're going to criticize a player, you may as well criticize the team; since the player is not the only one on the ice.
Let's say it was "kessel's fault". If people are relying on him every game to single handedly Carry the leafs then they are crazy. Why should he get blamed for the leafs lack of success when you have around 20 other players on that roster! The media is Just picking and choosing players and trying to get their own team to turn there own back on them. Kessel had every right to say what he did. If I was Kessel I would've socked him right in the face
Remember last season how we were getting old shot almost every single game and we put together a lot of fucking wins but in the end a bit us hard in the ass i think if i'm not mistaken we only won 3 or 4 of the remaining 14 or 18 games i may be wrong on that but we were in second place and that caused us to miss the playoffs i just don't know what to say anymore i love this fucking team but i'm getting so fucking frustrated because it's the same fucking thing same old song and dance firing the coach was not the solution it's not the coach i don't know i'm lost i agree with this guy though i'm gonna have a fuckin stroke as well
The leafs organization highly believe in Phil Kessel as a top player. They paid him big bucks to score, and thats what he does so why all the critisisim. Its sucks that everyone is shitting down his throat when clearly its managements fault. You can't expect this team to win games when they don't have a TRUE leader. Someone who is capable of playing the game in all aspects thoroughly.
After watching the Canada vs Russia game, you really can see the heart and love players put into the game just to win. The leafs completely lack that mental aspect. They have many good players. But none of them have the drive to win. Personally thats where a GOOD captain comes into play along with many players who have the same mental drive.
This leafs team has very few players who show up every night and play 110%. Phil Kessel happens to be one of those players who chooses when he feels like playing. We all know that Phil plays a great game when his legs are moving and skating efficiently, but how often is that. Phaneuf is really overrated and the leafs really got screwed. Keith Aulie could be playing the exact same way for a much cheaper price, not to mention Phaneuf can't speak on the mic.
Another point, when your second and third line play better than the first line, thats another clue that something is wrong with this team.
Management has been forcing Phaneuf and Kessel down the cities throats as top guys. Well nobody is buying it anymore, and they just ruined both those players trade value and image.
The core of this team needs to be fixed, cause thats the issue. Bring in players who show up to play every night like Leo and Santorelli and even Kadri( even though i don't really like Kadri).
You know what the problem with the team is? The problem is that they don't have the correct players on the team. For starters: Who puts 5 offensive defencemen on their defence? Not even in videogames do you ever do that and even if you do, odds are your team will suck so bad you'll get fired as the GM in Be A GM mode. Also, when you base a team off of speed, why are there 3 or 4 defencemen that can't skate to save their life? If the player doesn't go fast and your team is based for speed (and skill), why do you have them? Cripe, trade them for a bag of pucks. Send them down to the minors to possibly be claimed off of waivers. Do something with them that's other than them playing in the NHL. There are prospect defencemen of the Leafs' AHL team that will just rot. The only way you'll know if the player is good enough or not in the NHL is to play them in the NHL for a significant period of time. Then you can evaluate them.
I would like to buy a beer for the anonymous NHL player who called Feschuck a piece of shit. A+
The media has just gone insane with this Kessel thing. Why is it everywhere? Who cares? Yes I'm a huge leafs fan and I like hearing all the updates but this is excessive, they need to get over it. Hes a good player. Period. Would I like him to be more of a 2 way player? Sure. But he for sure is not the reason we keep missing the playoffs and losing. Not at all. The team as a whole has a lot of things to work on. Defense primarily, which has been an issue for as long as I can remember. And the whole Clarkson on the power play, I have no idea how we can get them to stop. It's insane. I agree he is a nice, great guy, but if he isn't helping the team win he has to go, we are in the business of winning after all.
I was at that game. The Leafs were awful Kessel was at worst too.
Wow. Rarely hear a player be that eloquent and he was saying Feschuk is a piece of shit lol....seriously F that guy
it's time steve, next loss/stupid thing happens to the leafs, bring out the hat guy only vid >:D
I see you talked about Milbury, you're right he knows nothing. What about.. Ron Wilson' comments regarding Super star Phil? How about the incident at the beginning of the season with assistant coach Steve Spott where Superstar Phil didn't want to try a different play. Which they tried to down play.
Superstar Phil is a diva. He is one of the many problems in that organization. It's very difficult as a coach to get players to work as a team and not as individuals. What makes the job harder is when there are individuals who will not buy into the system that the entire team is trying to employ.
The whole team needs to be on board. Pond Hockey Phil ain't the reason the team is losing, the key word is team. Facts show that he has been playing as an individual(above incidents clearly dictate he does what he wants) two coaches confirmed that. this year.
Do we blame the coach for not being able to reach him and get his buy in? Do we blame Superstar Phil for not being receptive to new ideas?
The team needs a coach that isn't afraid to sit the kid on the bench and say "the players who play my system get the ice time. The players who want to play pond hockey can watch".
I don't believe in leaders saying "this kid is uncoachable" the fact is you failed as a coach because you were unable to get through to someone. Which is what Carlyle, Burke, Wilson failed to do. They failed in employing a team concept where the entire team had bought in. Your main job as a coach is to get people to play as a team!
The media in Toronto is like the really dramatic girl in high school who always starts pointless fights
Feschuck is like a high school girl who spreads rumours and feeds off the drama of others.
they need to resign colten orr for 9.5 million a year (A real bargain) and then let him centre kessel and komisarek only then will they win the cup
I've always felt it was unfair to look at one player and blame him alone for the inadequacies of a team's success. There are what, 22 other players on any given roster? I get that you want your scorers to score, and that everyone has a role on the team, but you cant lay the entirety of a team's success on one individual. You need to build a sufficient team, and if you're not succeeding, its because of a deficiency in the roster or team. Just look at the Flames, we had Jarome Iginla, who was one of the best wingers ever, but there was not point in his tenure in Calgary where we truly had a sufficient roster to compete. It goes to show that even if Phil was the player everyone wanted him to be, he still wouldn't be able to carry the team alone. That's because to be successful a team cannot be carried by individuals, in fact, a team cannot be carried at all, it has to perform as an effective unit to have any kind of long term success.