Leafs Nation Live

Christian Hanson Has Recipe For Success With Leafs

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 25, 2009

Christian Hanson will need to use his size and skill to make a difference with Toronto tonight.

As expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs began to make a few roster changes earlier this week. And while it’s obvious that they were made mostly out of necessity due to injuries, fact is–while you never want to see a player hurt–this opportunity may be a blessing in disguise for most all involved.

Vesa Toskala has gone back to the IR, and John Mitchell has joined him there. Both appear to have lower body injuries.

Toskala, who had been turning his season around a little bit, seems to have once again aggravated his consistently wonky groin, while John Mitchell, who has struggled a little in his sophomore season, appeared to damage his MCL when he collided with the boards Monday night.

For the part of backup goaltender, the Leafs have recalled Joey MacDonald. A member of the Toronto Marlies, MacDonald was good in games this pre-season, as well as in the regular season with Toronto in October. It is expected, however, that Ron Wilson will ride Jonas Gustavsson and give him the bulk of the starts in Toskala’s absense.

Replacing Mitchell will be Christian Hanson. His story of course well documented. A collegiate free agent from Notre Dame signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs late last season. Hanson even got into a few NHL games at the end of the year, and notched his first NHL goal against-of all people- Martin Brodeur.

Hanson isn’t quite the pugilist his father once portrayed in the legendary Slap shot movies, but he does have more than enough offensive skill to make him an NHL regular.

But it will be the intangibles that decide whether or not Hanson is here to stay in the NHL this time.

His heart. His leadership. His character. And most of all, his drive (to go to the front of net.)

While scouting Hanson, many inside the Leafs organization spoke glowingly of the player as a guy who plays with a tremendous amount of heart, and a player who–as one scout put it–”reeks of character.”

The attributes mentioned above will certainly be tested during his time with the Maple Leafs. They haven’t been known as a team to make things easy on themselves this season so far.

The latest episode in this ever trying season of coming oh so close to breaking the proverbial glass ceiling of course came Monday night when the Leafs were handed a heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss at the hands of the New York Islanders.

Of course the most heartbreaking fact of all was the shot clock, in which the Leafs had a heavy advantage, firing over sixty shots at Isles goalie Dwayne Roloson, who bent, but didn’t break, en route to stealing a victory for his team.

And while you would think any team taking 61 shots would deserve to win the game, one must take into consideration the very quality of the shots.

Certainly on this night they had adequate chances to beat Roloson and take control of the game, but the bottom line was there were far too many shots in which Roloson had a regular ol’ night at the office.

Little traffic means of course a clear lane for goalies to stop ample pucks.

This, of course, is where Christian Hanson fits into the equation swimmingly, or so the Leafs will hope.

Hanson, one of the bigger Leafs forwards, will no doubt be utilized by Ron Wilson as a big, physical player who can use his big frame to open shooting lanes for his fellow linemates, and to also go the net and create some havoc while looking for a rebound.

For Hanson, it will be a recipe for success if he hopes to keep his career cooking with the Maple Leafs.

On Brendan Burke

Of course the big news of the day (if you will) revolved around the son of the Leafs GM, as Brendan Burke today came out of the closet admitting he is gay in an interview with ESPN.com.

For those of you who haven’t read it yet, I urge you to step on over to the ESPN website, as it is a very well written piece with some great quotes from Brendan and Brian Burke.

And while it’s not my business, nor really is it anyones business, I will say one little piece about it.

I completely echo the sentiments of Brian Burke in this article where he says he dreams of a day when this type of thing will not really be news at all. I completely respect Brendan’s decision to come out, and applaud him for doing so.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Time Is Now For Leafs Players To Show Something To Fans

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 19, 2009

Ron Wilson hasn't been pleased with his teams effort so far this season, nor should he be.

It’s clear to anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock under the last month and a half that the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t exactly gotten off to the start they would have hoped for.

In fact, it was the worst start in franchise history, and the team only has three wins to show. You could argue the effort they put into games should have translated into more games, but ifs and buts don’t count in the NHL standings.

I could write to you today how the team has to be better on the penalty kill, but I am sure you’ve heard.

There really isn’t much to say at this point of the season, other than it’s time for this group of men to stand up and play the game they love with a passion, and not simply because it’s their job to do so.

There comes a time when a blogger, in my case, sits in his easy chair watching the game. He looks up at the screen, down at some notes he has, and sense he perhaps has been here before. Done this. Wrote similar notes at another time.

Truth is, we have.

As a blogger, it’s pretty hard to write something about your team when, truth be told, they virtually stink.

It’s extremely frustrating to watch a group of 20 or so players all underachieve consistently. Well, we shouldn’t say all players. At this point it is more or less Phil Kessel and eleven other guys standing around watching him.

And at the end of the day, it is this group of players that is responsible for this mess, and this group of players that will be responsible to get themselves out of it.

Are changing coming? Yeah, perhaps.

But what? We really don’t have a whole lot of players teams would want, and therefore, the room to move would be somewhat limited. Barring call-ups from the Marlies, which is a realistic option, this is likely the group we will have for a little while, at least until the trade deadline.

Around trade deadline time the Leafs may be able to move some bodies out, but in terms of players bringing us back high end prospects, players or draft picks, you’re looking at essentially Tomas Kaberle as our only big bargaining chip, and even then, the masses are split on whether or not to trade him.

While he could certainly bring us a top six winger or centre to player with Phil Kessel, you’ll then spend the next summer chasing a defenseman as good as Kaberle is, and no question pay more than $4.25 million per year for his services.

And blaming the coach is certainly the easy way out, though in this case not the most appropriate.

Ron Wilson has typically taken younger, or less talented teams like Anaheim and Washington, and turned them into playoff teams with heart and spirit, based mostly on a strong work ethic.

From the efforts in the majority of these games, it’s clear Ron Wilson has certainly done a lot of great work with this year’s Leafs team. Despite their early season record, it’s clear that Wilson has members of the team working hard, and simply not getting opportunities or the appropriate bounces.

In no way am I comparing one coach to another, but Ron Wilson could certainly look for inspiration to get the Leafs going from the late Herb Brooks, one of the greatest motivational coaches of all time.

It was Brooks himself who said during the 1980 Miracle On Ice:

“You think you can win on talent alone? Gentleman, you don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone.”

It’s apparent that after a quarter of the season, the Leafs can not win on talent alone.

It’s time to start paying the price.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Carolina Hurricanes, NHL, NHL rumours, NHL Trades, Ron Wilson, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

Game Day One Timers From Around The City

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 10, 2009

Jonas Gustavsson appears to have taken the reigns as the Leafs number one goalie

Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun has an article up on the promotion of John Mitchell. Derek’s Details: Mitchell had a strong rookie year, and started slow this season before this demotion to play with Phil Kessel has seemingly awaken him. Mitchell is a good, level headed guy who makes some good points in this interview.

Hornby returns here with another article, this time looking at the possibility of a second team in Toronto, and what it means to the Leafs. Derek’s Details: Haven’t we all heard enough of this? Either get a second team in here, or don’t. But quit talking about it one way or another. I don’t personally ever recall the Leafs saying they had a veto on a move like this. I think Buffalo would be the most hurt if an NHL team were to move to, say, Hamilton.

With the Minnesota Wild in town tonight, Lance Hornby (what a busy guy) takes a look at the relationship between the Leafs Cliff Fletcher, and his son, current Wild GM, Chuck. Derek’s Details: Widely regarded as one of the smarter young men in the front offices, Chuck Fletcher’s first year as GM hasn’t gone according to plan early on. There is some good information in this article about the relationship between the two of them, an interesting read.

Paul Hunter has a look at the recent demotion of Matt Stajan. Derek’s Details: As usual, Stajan is taking it with class as always, putting the team first. I personally don’t get all the Stajan hate. He is a solid third line guy who can kill penalties and is a leader in the locker room. The fact he is not a top six forward is more the fault of Leafs management putting him in that role. Stajan will skate with Wayne Primeau and Colton Orr tonight against Minnesota.

Damien Cox has a positive article up about the Leafs defense sharing the work load. Derek’s Details: Many called me an eternal optimist when I said the Leafs defense just needed a little while to get used to each other. And while I don’t dispute the notion of being that optimist, it’s clear this group is getting more and more comfortable with each other, and Ron Wilson’s system with each passing game.

Paul Hunter takes a look at the Leafs goaltending situation, and how the job is Jonas Gustavsson’s to lose. Derek’s Details: I was at the game Saturday night in person, and I can tell you first hand that the legend of the Monster is growing which each passing save. Gustavsson was solid in shutting down the Wings offense, and the crowd loved it. He will start tonight, and he certainly deserves to.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Jonas Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild, NHL, NHL rumours, NHL Trades, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

Thoughts From Hall Of Fame Weekend In Toronto

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 9, 2009

The view from our seats as myself, along with five Leafs fans outnumbered the two Red Wings fans we were with Saturday night.

Apologies or not posting something on Saturday night’s game sooner. It was a special weekend in Toronto, a special weekend for hockey, and I simply decided to enjoy it as a fan.

Without further delay, here is my first hand recollection from the Hall Of Fame game I attended in person Saturday night between the Leafs and Red Wings.

–The new improvements to the Air Canada Centre are unbelievable. It’s so bright and inviting with the many HD screens located outside the building, inside the concourse, and of course the new score clock. The Maple Leafs Square looks very cool as well, though I wouldn’t even want to wager a guess at what a condo right across from the Air Canada Centre would cost.

–There was a really nice mix there of Leafs fans as well as those representing the Red Wings. The crowd was into the game all night, and having fans of both teams in attendance made for a fun atmosphere.

–The Leafs organization did the Hall Of Fame ceremony really well. About ten minutes before they brought out this year’s inductees, they aired video of all the inductees up to this point. Of course the biggest cheers went out for Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Darryl Sittler, and Wayne Gretzky.

–Seeing all the past Hall Of Fame inductees on the ice was pretty cool. Though some of us questioned why Sittler and Howe weren’t in attendance, there were big cheers for your Red Wings and Leafs representatives, guys like Scotty Bowman and Johnny Bower.

–Brett Hull got a good cheer, definitely the least loudest of the group however. It was a very touching moment to see Brett and his father, Bobby, embrace on the ice with a long hug. Brian Leetch got a good reception as well, and there were even a few Leafs jerseys sporting his name on the back throughout the crowd.

–Luc Robitaille got a real good reception. Luc has always been one of the nicer guys in the NHL, so it’s no surprise he got the reception he did.

–By far the biggest ovation of the night (and the only time the entire building rose to their feet during this ceremony) was for Steve Yzerman. And while it was a reception certainly helped by the Red Wing fans in attendance, there were plenty of Leafs fans standing and cheering just as loudly as everyone else for Stevie Y. Certainly part of this is due to his involvement with Team Canada, but there is no doubt there are those who simply appreciated Yzerman, no matter what jersey he wore. I know as a die-hard Leafs fan, I could honestly say Steve Yzerman was my favourite player of my generation. A true class act, it’s hard to find someone who can say something bad about Yzerman.

–Onto the game itself, which was pure joy for Leafs fans in attendance. Both teams had their chances early and took turns dictating the pace before Wayne Primeau snapped home his first as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Draper blew a tire in the neutral zone, which allowed Primeau to get in on a two-on-one and convert. Judging by his reaction, he was clearly excited to get his first on home ice.

–Leafs fans seemed happy and content, almost bubbly, to actually be going into the first intermission with a lead. Then, it finally happened. It may not be one for the highlight reel, but Phil Kessel got his first as a member of the Leafs, the weight of getting number one is off, and the crowd went absolutely nuts. Everyone was standing and cheering, and stood for a standing ovation again as Andy Frost announced his name as the goal scorer. There were a lot of Phil Kessel jerseys in the crowd.

–Jeff Finger? Who knew?! Finger jumped into the rush and deposited the puck behind Osgood, finishing off a nice give and go with Stempniak and Stajan. A very nice rush from these three as a Leafs penalty was ending.

–John Mitchell’s goal was a popular one as well. Leafs fans were pretty pumped all night until Cleary scored to make it 3-1 early in the third. Then, to be honest, everyone got a little nervous. But those were calmed seemingly minutes later. The Leafs survived a five-on-three, and then Detroit took a bench minor, and that was a turning point in the game. It allowed the Leafs to push back after the PK and not only gain some momentum, but a goal in the form of a John Mitchell tip. Ron Wilson must be grinning from ear to ear. After proclaiming he was putting Mitchell with Kessel to get them going, Mitchell has looked reborn, and Wilson looks somewhat like a genius.

–Ponikarovsky salted the game off with a weak backhand, which only intensified the Leafs fans mocking chants of “Osgood.”

–Overall a great game to attend, from the pre-game ceremonies to the actual way the Leafs came to play on this night. I thought they did an excellent job of getting into the lanes and blocking shots. Not to mention the play of Jonas Gustavsson was certainly “Monster” like. Gustavsson was awarded a trophy following the game as the Hall Of Fame night MVP, something he certainly earned. His legend is growing by the save.

–Very cool thing during a commercial break to that I was unaware of until Saturday night. Luke Schenn, in his rookie year, set up a charity called Luke’s Troops. With this charity, Luke buys tickets and donates them to members of the Canadian Army. On this night a young man was there (I didn’t hear his name) and when announced was given a standing ovation. A very emotional night as the young soldier got a little choked up, and the crowd gave him all the adulation he deserved for being such a brave man.

–The game ended with Leafs fans going crazy, most everyone stayed to see Gustavsson get the MVP trophy. After the game fans piled into the exits and into the escalators, and while there was a nice energy, it was a little quiet as fans navigated their way down the escalator. That changed however once you got into the concourse. There were large groups of fans chanting “go leafs go” at the top of their lungs.

It was a Saturday night in Toronto, after a Leafs win no less. One could argue that there is no better place.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Detroit Red Wings, Hockey Hall Of Fame, Leafs Nation Live, NHL, NHL rumours, NHL trade rumours, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

A Friday Morning Look Around The City

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 6, 2009

Phil Kessel will skate on a line with John Mitchell tonight as the Leafs battle the Hurricanes

Mike Zeisberger has an article in today’s Toronto Sun looking at what he has dubbed the battle for 29th, as the Leafs get set to battle the Hurricanes tonight in Carolina. Derek’s Details: No matter what the standings read, I still look at any team that has a player like Eric Staal as being dangerous. That being said, the injuries may be simply catching up the Canes, and it may be a good time for Toronto to get some confidence.
“The Zize” has another article appearing in the same Sun looking at Nazem Kadri’s progression in the OHL. Derek’s Details: After starting a little slow, Kadri now has a healthy goal and point streak going, and has added an edge to his game that makes him a nasty dude to play against. The Leafs can be nothing but impressed with his season to date in the OHL.
Jeff Finger wants to be sent down. According to Finger, he says being in the AHL will save him cash, as players in the AHL with a one way NHL deal get nothing taken off their paycheque and put into the league’s escrow system. Derek’s Details: Well, that’s a little alarming. Certainly Finger can’t be happy about being in the press box over the past few games, but there is something that screams concern over the fact that Finger seems more interesting in saving money than he is playing hockey games. Finger, though overpaid, was one guy I really enjoyed watching last year, and tonight he draws back into the lineup as he and Exelby continue their platoon for the sixth defenseman spot.
According to Andy Strickland of ESPN Radio, the Maple Leafs may be considering placing oft-scratched forward Jamal Mayers on waivers. Strickland notes that there would likely be teams interested, as Mayers would bring toughness and leadership to teams. Derek’s Details: This appears the only logical step, though if there is interest, I am sure Burke may peddle him for any sort of draft pick before exposing him to the waiver wire. If Mayers wasn’t picked up immediately, he would most certainly be gone on re-entry waivers. Mayers is a good guy, better yet, a great guy. He does tons of charity work, is light in the room and keeps his teammates pretty loose, but it just is a matter of the numbers game right now for Jamal in Toronto and a move may be beneficial for both parties involved at this point.

There’s some quick early morning notes for you. Be sure to check back to the site often as we get ready for the Leafs@Hurricanes tonight on LeafsTV. We’re also giving away another pair of platinum Toronto Marlies tickets during the game

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Leafs Hit Road To Battle Hurricanes Amid Own Storm Clouds

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 5, 2009

Jeff Finger will draw back into the lineup Friday against Carolina

The Toronto Maple Leafs were back on the ice today, practicing with some different line combinations, particularly the one that will feature newcomer Phil Kessel.

Kessel, after spending game one in a Leafs uniform on a line with Matt Stajan, will get a chance to play alongside John Mitchell this Friday in Carolina. The move comes, according to head coach Ron Wilson, in an effort to get the second year centre going. Mitchell is goalless so far this season, with just five assists to show for his efforts.

Kessel was far and away the best player on the ice for either team on Tuesday as the Leafs lost a hard fought game 2-1 in overtime.

Getting away from the not-so-friendly confines of the Air Canada Centre may do the Leafs wonders, for more reasons than one the obvious, that being the fact that the team is winless so far on home ice.

But even further is the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs today became the second known hockey organization to admit to getting their H1N1 shots, which has outraged many in the general public, who feel the sports team has jumped the line due to their status as professional athletes.

According to NHL on TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Leafs admit fully to getting the shots, though they also admit to no wrong doing in terms of how the acquired the vaccines.

News broke last night that members of the Leafs and the Marlies, the teams AHL affiliate, were given the needles following Tuesday’s game against the Lightning. It was earlier today that the team acknowledged they got the shot based on the fact that they believed the room to be contaminated.

According to team sources, both Tyler Bozak and Andre Deveraux have been bedridden and quarantined with what they believe is the H1N1 virus. Furthering the paranoia is the fact that Jiri Tlusty, a recent call up to the Maple Leafs, is also reporting symptoms believed to be associated with the virus, which led the Leafs to feel it necessary for them to get the shots due to the fact that they felt at higher risk.

For their part, the Ontario Health Minister is outraged at the fact that the Leafs were allowed to get the shot, which is in high demand right now among everyone. Ontario says they will launch a probe into how the members of the Maple Leafs were allowed to jump queue, and how they acquired the much sought after vaccinations.

Kessel Officially Arrives As Leafs Lose in OT

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 4, 2009

Phil Kessel was held off the scoresheet, but looked impressive in his Leafs debut

It’s another night, and another overtime loss. A hard fought effort where the Leafs perhaps deserved a better fate. A night where perhaps the final goal of the night shouldn’t have counted. A night where, perhaps we got a true glimpse of what the future may in fact hold for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I know, it’s getting a little redundant to sit here and speak about the positives after a losing game. But hey, it’s not my fault. Tell the Leafs to close one of these games out and we can all talk about something else.

The Leafs now have a five game point streak going, where they have collected six of a possible ten points, the latest coming last night on an overtime loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Lightning forward Ryan Malone scored a somewhat disputed goal to end the contest.

But it wasn’t all bad news for Toronto.

As in the case with all of the games following a scheduling gap that gave them one full week off, the Leafs have been a better team, and tonight was no different.

Just quickly, it was also good news for those in attendance at Boston Pizza on Yonge Street watching the game. They were hoping so much for a Leafs win that if the Buds lost, they would give out a free pizza to those in in the restaurant. Looks like they gave out around 100 pies.

Not only were the Leafs arguably the better team, but they also had one player in particular who dominated tonight every time he was on the ice (well, almost every time.)

He skated hard, flying past (most) opponents. He had great opportunities to score, but couldn’t buy a goal. He showed a ton of heart by pulling himself off the mat after this crunch by Matthias Ohlund.

He, represents a big chunk of the Maple Leafs future going forward. And if tonight was any indication of what Leafs Nation has to look forward to, he will be welcomed with open arms.

His name, is Phil Kessel.

Playing in his first game since being acquired by the Leafs from Boston for three quality draft choices this past September, Kessel looked as fast and dangerous as ever.

He attempted 19 shots, ten found their way to the net.

He played with a sort of confidence that we haven’t seen from a Leafs player since..well, since big #13 left a few seasons ago.

He didn’t score. There’s no denying he wasn’t found anywhere on the scoresheet. But no one with an unbiased opinion could say that the guy didn’t deserve to be.

It was early. It was only one game. But it looks like Phil Kessel will be a hungry sniper for us every night, trying to prove he was worth the contract and draft picks that were moved to acquire him.

Further more, despite being only 21 years old, he looks like someone the other players can attach themselves to. Almost looking up to him (which is a figure of speech if you’ve ever stood beside the guy.)

Kessel had the attention of his teammates on the bench, and on the ice, where they were all trying to raise their game to his level. His mere presence made this team just a little better last night.

Lost perhaps in all the Phil Kessel hoopla was the play of Jonas Gustavsson, who once again gave the Leafs a chance to win the hockey game.

Every night since making his regular season debut, Gustavsson has given this team the chance to win, and is doing so all as a rookie in the National Hockey League.

And while I have always been a fan, and never once bashed the guy, I have to ask: How comfortable is that spot on the bench Vesa?

Other than to up his trade value, there is simply no reason to start Toskala, and no reason why we can’t assume Gustavsson is now our number one guy.

Can this last? Is this just a hot stretch for a goalie who has the advantage of shooters not knowing his ‘book’ so to speak?

Well, throw stats and age aside, and I think we see a goalie who will be solid between the pipes for years to come. His positioning on deflections and tips is solid. His reactions are also good (aside from last night’s opening goal.)

And not that it matters, because everyone reacts differently, and I am not accusing Vesa Toskala of not caring, but Gustavsson shows it with every goal.

The guy hates to lose. Hates to give up a single goal.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and more specifically Brian Burke worked very hard in the offseason. Laying groundwork to bring in new guys. He reportedly worked extremely hard to bring in two specifically.

Their names were Phil Kessel and Jonas Gustavsson.

And so far, it’s easy for Leafs Nation to see why.

It’s a rebuild. No one said it would be easy. No one said it would be fast and pain free. But for tonight, we got a chance to see where this team perhaps truly is, what with a legitimate number one goalie and a true top six sniping forward.

There will still be many bumps in the road no doubt, but it’s hard not to at least get a little excited about the latest developments. If nothing else, it looks like we will have fun watching Kessel and Gustavsson for the next few years.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Leafs Nation, Leafs Nation Live, NHL, Phil Kessel, Phil Kessel hit, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

Toronto Marlies Platinum Ticket giveaway!

Posted by leafsnationlive on November 2, 2009

You could be seeing Tyler Bozak up close and personal by entering our contest for a chance to win platinum Toronto Marlies tickets!

If you follow us on Twitter, you know by now that we opened up a contest today for a pair of platinum Toronto Marlies tickets for a game against the Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado’s AHL affiliate) on December 27th, 2009!

Here is a quick update on how the contest will work.

For those who have entered the contest by re-tweeting something on Twitter, you will receive a direct message from Leafs Nation Live tomorrow night at the very beginning of the first intermission of the Leafs/Lightning game.

That direct message will contain a special, unique password. As soon as you get your password, you come to this website, where there will be a new contests and giveaway page. Click on that page and enter your password. If your password opens the page, you’ve won the tickets! Simple as that!

After you’ve won the tickets, feel free to get in touch with me through direct message on Twitter, or through the email addresses listed on the “about the author” page, with your mailing information and the tickets are yours!

Just a reminder though, once the contest passwords are sent at the beginning of the first intermission, you only have until the 10:00 minute mark of the second period to claim the tickets. If the winning name does not claim the tickets in the allocated time, a new password will be given out to the remaining contestants, who will have a chance to unlock the page!

Not a follower on Twitter and still want to get in on the contest? No problem!

Simply plug your email information into the comment box below, or email me, and you will also be entered to get a password and a chance to win platinum Toronto Marlies tickets!

But hurry, the deadline for people to enter will be tomorrow at 6 PM.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Leafs Nation Live, NHL, NHL rumours, Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Maple Leafs prospects, Toronto Maple Leafs rumours, toronto maple leafs tickets, Toronto Marlies | Leave a Comment »

Leafs Effort Is There, But End Result Eludes

Posted by leafsnationlive on October 31, 2009

gustavsson_jonas_courtesy_260 You know, sometimes inspiration can be found in weird places. I mean, here we are, about three weeks into the season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are struggling out of the gate to say the least. And really, while there should be tons of notes to take and opinions to make as to why they are struggling, fact of the matter is, I haven’t a clue why.

Truth be told, maybe this team just isn’t as good as everyone thought they were after a solid pre-season that perhaps raised expectations a few notches. Truth be told, maybe this team isn’t any better than the one that stepped on the ice last year.

But really, that can’t be it.

I mean, despite their early struggles, there is no doubt Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek are upgrades on defense. Garnet Exelby is a physical guy who has made a mark early. And Jonas Gustavsson, after running into early injury troubles, has rebounded nicely and looked good so far in the games this week against Anaheim, Dallas and Buffalo.

In fact, the whole team has rebounded quite nicely. After getting their first win of the season (and only win of the season) against the Ducks on Monday night in California, the entire Leafs team seems to have turned the corner and are putting together better results.

Perhaps the product of confidence that comes with actually winning a game. Perhaps the product of new players finally getting more comfortable in their new uniforms and within their new Ron Wilson style systems.

Either way, as me and my son spent the week celebrating Halloween (arguably our favourite holiday) one thing became very, very clear to me.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are beginning to look a lot like Charlie Brown.

What with the getting rocks for Halloween, or thinking this may actually be the time they get to kick that football.

You see, it appears the Leafs are a better team than they were once the season began, again a product of chemistry no doubt. But will this year’s team ever be able to kick the proverbial football?

Toronto is a media driven city. It’s very hard for the players of this team to do anything without it being noted by members of the media. The FAN590 did report that Jamal Mayers did in fact eat at the Burger Bar on Augusta yesterday. For the record, he gave the burgers 4 and a half stars.

Ok, so the above was a little fictitious, but you get the idea.

And while it certainly has never been my job to pump up the media even more than it already is, I really can’t help it this time.

It happened last season. It’s happening this season.

You see, there were times last year when the Toronto Maple Leafs played well enough to win games, but simply couldn’t find that game breaking goal to tie the game or put them on top. It looked as though the team was a pure sniper away from perhaps making a little more noise than they did. Well, that and goaltending of course.

Fast forward to 2009, and it looks like the goaltending situation has been taken care of. One can’t jump to conclusions but it looks like Jonas Gustavsson is capable of making saves and keeping us in games. He also doesn’t look intimidated going into contests, and the team in front of him has reacted accordingly.

And again, for the most part, the efforts are there.

The Leafs are starting to skate faster, hit harder, past crisper, and show more poise and confidence with the puck (case in point, Lee Stempniak actually concluded a breakaway. Not successfully, but the shot and effort was there.)

And so looking at this year, it looks again like the team is a pure goal scorer short of making things at least a little interesting.

Enter Phil Kessel.

Not too much pressure right?

Actually, I don’t think the pressure will be as much on Phil as it was, say two weeks ago.

The Leafs actually have a win, and look at there, before you know it they are racking up a few points despite the recent losses. They now have 5 points in 11 games, which is not exactly a number to be proud of, but the overtime loss points have helped them dig out of the hole a little bit.

Tomas Kaberle is firing on all cylinders. Niklas Hagman is proving why the Leafs gave him a four year deal last summer. Mikhail Grabovski has finally come to play, and Lee Stempniak looks like a player reborn.

So hopefully, Phil Kessel does not feel nearly as much pressure as he would going into his first game now that the Leafs have a few points, and some better efforts to speak of in the last few games.

The big question now remains, who will be the centre that plays with Phil Kessel, the set-up man?

For this, I say, look a little further down the ice. In fact, it may not be the man you would traditionally think.

The Leafs do have a premiere set up man for Phil Kessel. But he isn’t a forward.

His name is Tomas Kaberle.

The Czech born blueliner, is one of the best passers in the game, whether it be tape-to-tape in the attacking zone, or springing a player with a stretch pass out of the zone.

Kaberle has 13 points,12 of which are assists. Seeing him deliver stretch passes to the speedy Kessel would certainly help the Leafs to score more goals and be more competitive in the game ahead.

An update on tonight’s game against Montreal

After last night’s heartbreaking loss in Buffalo, the Leafs held an optional practice today. Only a handful of players took to the ice. Kessel, Mayers, Rosehill, Finger, Schenn, Beauchemin, and Toskala were on the ice.

Jonas Gustavsson watched practice from the bench, and while Ron Wilson has been quiet on tonight’s starter, though it looks like Toskala will get the start.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Hockey NIght In Canada, Jonas Gustavsson, Maple Leafs goalies, Montreal Canadiens, NHL, NHL prospects, NHL rumours, NHL Trades, Phil Kessel, Ron Wilson, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

Things To Think About As Leafs Set Record For Futility

Posted by leafsnationlive on October 25, 2009

Joey MacDonald played well last night, but it wasn't enough as the Leafs lost 2-1

Another night. Another loss. At least we can say in this one we saw a glimpse of heart.

After controlling the bulk of the play in the second and third period the Leafs still couldn’t find a way to solve Roberto Luongo (few can) and the result; a 2-1 loss at GM place at the hands of the Canucks.

The Leafs are now off to their worst start in franchise history, and this week isn’t looking kind to them schedule wise. There is, however, some good news on the horizon.

It looks as though “The Monster” Jonas Gustavsson will be ready to take on Brian Burke’s old team, the Anaheim Ducks, this coming Monday night. It would also appear that sniper Phil Kessel, will be ready to go by November 3rd, but as noted earlier this week, the Leafs will certainly exercise caution in getting Kessel back in action.

And while it’s very possible that this team will enter Hockey Night In Canada with a record 0-10-1, I personally predict we will see the Leafs in the win column by the end of the week, and a big game by Gustavsson, combined with the timing of Brian Burke making his return to Anaheim, and it may make for the perfect time to break the goose egg for the Leafs.

The Leafs had a full week off to diagnose the problems that ails them, and while it didn’t come on the scoreboard, there were some positives things to say about this team, particularly in the third period when they controlled the flow of the game.

Still, it’s getting to the point where “good efforts” are no longer things the players, nor the fans, are willing to hang their hats on. As we near the end of October, Leafs Nation is hungry for a win. Just one win, which will hopefully get the ball rolling.

And don’t kid yourselves, the players want it to. It’s not only a monkey, it’s more of a 1000 gorilla carried on all of their backs.

Everywhere they go through the city, they are reminded of their atrocious start. As much as they try not to, they can’t help but see the sports section in the paper, or hear it on the news. They know what they need to do. Now it’s time to go out and do it.

And now, a new Sunday morning staple, things to think about..

Luke Schenn played a career low 10 minutes and change last night. There had been rumblings all week Schenn may end up in the pressbox for this contest, but he did get the start and played a bit more of a physical game for the Leafs. He did contribute to the parade of penalties the Leafs took in the first (six in a row) and while it wasn’t a bad game for Luke Schenn, he is clearly fighting it, looking to hit his groove and get into the swing of things early in this season.

Joey MacDonald played as admirably as one could possibly expect of him. MacD made some big saves for the Leafs when they were in a 2-0 hole, which allowed the team to have a chance in this game. Not sure if he will ever be any team’s “answer” goalie, but the Leafs are lucky to have a goaltender like MacDonald in their depth pool in between the pipes. MacDonald is a very serviceable goalie.

Niklas Hagman got the team going tonight with a goal that cut the lead to 2-1. I have been a fan of Hagman since his time in Dallas, and he was one my list a few years ago when I did an article on who the Leafs should sign in the off season. If he can stay healthy, I think Hagman can have another 20 plus goal season.

Mike Komisarek’s season so far has been a microcosm of the Maple Leafs season as a whole. One step forward, two steps back. It seems every time Komisarek does something noteworthy, he then does something detrimental to the team and their chances of winning the game. Komisarek admitted last week to Bill Watters that he may be pressing too hard, trying to do too much. Here is hoping he can find his game this week as the Leafs play a few games far away from home.

Guys like Jamal Mayers really need to step up their game if they want to be a part of this team much longer in my opinion. Even in small doses, Mayers was ineffective as a fourth liner. The only time he appears on the game sheet is when he took a penalty. And while he was trying to stir things up for his team, he was simply bad tonight and had a few bad turnovers. He needs to be careful, particularly with guys like Hanson and Bozak nipping at his heels.

Lastly, does Lee Stempniak have unflattering pictures or incriminating information about Ron Wilson or Brian Burke? In 8 games this season, Stempniak has one point and is a minus 4.

The Question

Each and every day I get questions from fans through my email account, as well as Twitter. I answer every question personally, so feel free to get in touch with me at anytime.

Aside from answering every question personally and as promptly as possible, I also pick one question every week that I can further elaborate on here in this Sunday article “Things To Think About..”

This week’s question comes from Twitter follower ODurkin: “What do you make of the Giguere to Toronto rumours?”

Well, first things first. J.S. Giguere makes a boatload of money. And while the Leafs may have the cap space (assuming Toskala would go the other way) it’s still a lot of money to commit to a goalie. However, it’s obviously an area the Leafs need to commit to (perhaps.)

To look at this accurately, it must be looked at from both angles. First, from the Leafs.

Giguere would bring some familiarity to the Leafs. New GM Brian Burke is very familiar with “Giggy”, as is goalie coach Francois Allaire. Giguere is a big goalie who uses his size to his advantage, similar to what the Leafs hope Jonas Gustavsson will do once healthy.

Career numbers would suggest that Giguere would be an upgrade over Toskala.

From the Anaheim angle, it looks as though they appear ready to go with Jonas Hiller, as they should in my opinion. I got the chance to watch Hiller last year in a Western semifinal game against the Red Wings, and he impressed me with his skill and his attitude towards the game.

A move back to California may very well help Vesa Toskala regain his form. It’s appearing to look like Toronto has become a toxic environment, and a move out of town may in fact be the best thing for him.

However, the bottom line is, (and not to make excuses) but the number one and number two goalies are on the injured list, and the best offensive player hasn’t even stepped foot on the ice. I would be reluctant to hit the panic button yet, and that especially goes in goal.

While fans and players may never feel confident with Toskala in the nets behind them, the fact remains that we haven’t seen enough from Jonas Gustavsson to make a fair assessment of his game. Gustavsson played in one regular season game that he started, and despite losing to Ottawa, he looked great in using his size to cut off the angles on tips and deflections.

Until we see what Jonas Gustavsson can really give us (and as noted we may well see it as soon as Monday) I think you sit tight on goaltending. Do you really want to make a move which could have you cap strung if you already have a good goaltender on the team? Giguere also left last night’s game with a groin injury, which is really what ails the Leafs with their current stoppers.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: J.S. Giguere To Toronto, Joey MacDonald, NHL, NHL rumours, NHL Trades, Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs | Leave a Comment »

« Previous Entries

Leafs Nation Live