After the big trade which sent Blake, Toskala, Hagman, Stajan, White, and Mayers over to the Western Conference and Giguere, Phaneuf, Sjostrom, and Aullie to the good guys, the Leafs are 2-2-0 with a 1.75 GAA. Phaneuf has made the defense look like...a defense! Sjostrom has provided a great jump to the penalty kill making the Leafs 10 for 11 on the PK since the trade.
Giguere has been fantastic, 2-1-0 with the Leafs with 2 shutouts in those 2 victories. Giguere became the first goaltender and Leafs history, and first in the NHL since Hackett in 2003 to get back-to-back shutouts in his first two games.
This trade is a true display of Burke's genius. Now, I am not planning the parade, this team is far from being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender but this trade is finally a step in the right direction. What the Leafs need is a player to play with Kessel.
I'm going to cut this one short, there's one game left before the Olympics break in St. Louis, the Leafs will play former Leafs Steen and Colaiacovo. On a side note: apparently the Blues are saying the Colaiacovo is on the trading block.
Before I go, I want to give my condolences to the Burke family after the tragic loss of Brendan Burke. RIP Brendan and my thoughts and prayers go out to Brian and his family.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Who's left to trade?
The Leafs played an amazing game tonight, whitewashing the Devils 3-0. Giguere is only the second goalie in Leafs history to record a shutout in his debut (the first being Eddie Belfour in 2002). And the three stars for tonights game? Sjostrom, Phaneuf, and Giguere: Burke is going to be sleeping well tonight, that's for sure!
In an earlier post I talked about potential players to trade. Well, I listed 5 of them...3 of them have been traded, I feel good about myself for that one.
Tomas Kaberle (as I mentioned earlier)- Obvious, it's been talked about for years, but he won't waive his No-Trade Clause and Burke won't ask him to. However, since making that statement, Kaberle's ice time has decreased: coincidence? He is probably the Leafs biggest asset, he can be the difference between being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and making it to the finals. I would hate to see him go, but the Leafs can get something decent for him, potentially a first-round pick. Perhaps the accquisition of Phaneuf is going to be a factor in getting Tomas to waive his NTC. On Sportsnet, it was said that Tomas Kaberle jerseys are being sold for half-price.
Alexei Ponikarovsky- (As I mentioned earlier)The "Big Pony" has been fairly decent this season. He can be an affective goal scorer as long as he is surrounded by the right line mates. Perhaps he'd look good in Nashville. When Brian Burke stated he was going to try making another trade before the Olympic roster freeze, speculation immediately started that Ponikarovsky was next. Who knows? maybe he is, Burke blew up this team once, let's see if he'll do it again.
Mikhail Grabovski- Well, now we see why Montreal was so eager to get rid of him. However, he does have SOME good qualities...such as...he's fast, that's about it. If you're looking for a passer, or someone who keeps their head up...steer clear of Grabbo. However, he is fast, and he can score sometimes...he'd make a decent third liner on a real team.
Joey MacDonald- Assuming all goes well with Giguere and the Leafs decide to keep him. Joey MacDonald would be a decent goalie for a team looking for a backup (like Anaheim when they see Toskala actually play). He held is own pretty well on a league-worst New York Islanders. I'm not sure Burke's plans with MacDonald for the future, but if it's just to stay in the Marlies, you might as well trade him.
Jeff Finger- Okay now hear me out, I know no one would take on his contract unless the team has JFJ as their GM however, Finger does have some qualities that may make him appealing. He's a big hitter and is known for his open ice hits. He can score from the point on the powerplay. I expect Burke to try dealing him because you can't have an overpaid defenceman sitting on the sidelines.
That's all for now. Enjoy your new-look Leafs Leafs Nation. See you next time!
In an earlier post I talked about potential players to trade. Well, I listed 5 of them...3 of them have been traded, I feel good about myself for that one.
Tomas Kaberle (as I mentioned earlier)- Obvious, it's been talked about for years, but he won't waive his No-Trade Clause and Burke won't ask him to. However, since making that statement, Kaberle's ice time has decreased: coincidence? He is probably the Leafs biggest asset, he can be the difference between being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and making it to the finals. I would hate to see him go, but the Leafs can get something decent for him, potentially a first-round pick. Perhaps the accquisition of Phaneuf is going to be a factor in getting Tomas to waive his NTC. On Sportsnet, it was said that Tomas Kaberle jerseys are being sold for half-price.
Alexei Ponikarovsky- (As I mentioned earlier)The "Big Pony" has been fairly decent this season. He can be an affective goal scorer as long as he is surrounded by the right line mates. Perhaps he'd look good in Nashville. When Brian Burke stated he was going to try making another trade before the Olympic roster freeze, speculation immediately started that Ponikarovsky was next. Who knows? maybe he is, Burke blew up this team once, let's see if he'll do it again.
Mikhail Grabovski- Well, now we see why Montreal was so eager to get rid of him. However, he does have SOME good qualities...such as...he's fast, that's about it. If you're looking for a passer, or someone who keeps their head up...steer clear of Grabbo. However, he is fast, and he can score sometimes...he'd make a decent third liner on a real team.
Joey MacDonald- Assuming all goes well with Giguere and the Leafs decide to keep him. Joey MacDonald would be a decent goalie for a team looking for a backup (like Anaheim when they see Toskala actually play). He held is own pretty well on a league-worst New York Islanders. I'm not sure Burke's plans with MacDonald for the future, but if it's just to stay in the Marlies, you might as well trade him.
Jeff Finger- Okay now hear me out, I know no one would take on his contract unless the team has JFJ as their GM however, Finger does have some qualities that may make him appealing. He's a big hitter and is known for his open ice hits. He can score from the point on the powerplay. I expect Burke to try dealing him because you can't have an overpaid defenceman sitting on the sidelines.
That's all for now. Enjoy your new-look Leafs Leafs Nation. See you next time!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Blockbuster Deal for the Leafs!!!
After a disappointing Saturday night loss to the Vancouver Canucks, somethign had to be done. Well something was done: Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, and Ian White go to Calgary for Fredrik Sjostrom, Keith Aullie, and Dion Phaneuf!
Sjostrom brings to the Leafs some quality penalty killing, which, let's face it, the Leafs DON'T have. He has 94 points in 404 games.
Keith Aullie is a prospect of the Flames, so again this is Brian Burke giving the Leafs some young talent. Aullie will play a stint with the Marlies and who knows, maybe he will be called up by the Leafs.
The big name: Dion Phaneuf! A lot of people speculate that this trade will be remembered for Dion Phaneuf going one way and Ian White going the other. Phaneuf will give the Leafs some much needed point drives from the back end. Not only that, but lately, because Kessel's the only superstar on this Leafs squad, everyone is going after Kessel; you cover Phil, the team's screwed. Now they have two players to worry about. That's definately a start.
The Leafs now have 3 top 10 draft picks in their lineup: Kessel, Phaneuf, and Schenn. However, Burkie did not stop there, Burke then proceeded to trade Vesa Toskala, and Jason Blake to Anaheim for J.S. Giguere!
The fact that a team not only took Toskala off of our hands, but took on Blake's contract is astounding, the fact we got a Stanley Cup winning goaltender is a bonus!
J.S. Giguere has been struggling in Anaheim, however, Burke and Wilson believe that reuniting Giguere and goaltending coach Francois Allaire will bring Giguere's game back to where it was when the Ducks won the cup.
It's obvious that the Leafs won't make the playoffs this year, but this team is beginning to look like a Burke team. Next year the Leafs definately have potential, if they can sign then-free agent Ilya Kovalchuk, they will be a legitimate playoff-bound club.
My next post will be an updated "to trade" list, as some of my suggestions were taken by Burkie (I assume he read this blog and thought I was right). Until then, sleep well Leafs nation, sleep well.
Sjostrom brings to the Leafs some quality penalty killing, which, let's face it, the Leafs DON'T have. He has 94 points in 404 games.
Keith Aullie is a prospect of the Flames, so again this is Brian Burke giving the Leafs some young talent. Aullie will play a stint with the Marlies and who knows, maybe he will be called up by the Leafs.
The big name: Dion Phaneuf! A lot of people speculate that this trade will be remembered for Dion Phaneuf going one way and Ian White going the other. Phaneuf will give the Leafs some much needed point drives from the back end. Not only that, but lately, because Kessel's the only superstar on this Leafs squad, everyone is going after Kessel; you cover Phil, the team's screwed. Now they have two players to worry about. That's definately a start.
The Leafs now have 3 top 10 draft picks in their lineup: Kessel, Phaneuf, and Schenn. However, Burkie did not stop there, Burke then proceeded to trade Vesa Toskala, and Jason Blake to Anaheim for J.S. Giguere!
The fact that a team not only took Toskala off of our hands, but took on Blake's contract is astounding, the fact we got a Stanley Cup winning goaltender is a bonus!
J.S. Giguere has been struggling in Anaheim, however, Burke and Wilson believe that reuniting Giguere and goaltending coach Francois Allaire will bring Giguere's game back to where it was when the Ducks won the cup.
It's obvious that the Leafs won't make the playoffs this year, but this team is beginning to look like a Burke team. Next year the Leafs definately have potential, if they can sign then-free agent Ilya Kovalchuk, they will be a legitimate playoff-bound club.
My next post will be an updated "to trade" list, as some of my suggestions were taken by Burkie (I assume he read this blog and thought I was right). Until then, sleep well Leafs nation, sleep well.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Buyers or Sellers? Probably Sellers
I know the trade deadline is not until March, but with the Olympic schedule freeze, there are really not that many games between now and the trade deadline. So who can the Leafs trade? When you think Toronto Maple Leafs, you don't think "talent" you think "disappointment"...at least I do...while I cry myself to sleep. Anyways, despite this, there is some players on the Leafs that can provide perhaps a draft pick, which the Leafs so desperately need. As far as I see, there are 2 untouchables on this team: Luke Schenn and Phil Kessel (I guess 3 untouchables if you want to include Nazem Kadri).
Tomas Kaberle- Obvious, it's been talked about for years, but he won't waive his No-Trade Clause and Burke won't ask him to. However, since making that statement, Kaberle's ice time has decreased: coincidence? He is probably the Leafs biggest asset, he can be the difference between being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and making it to the finals. I would hate to see him go, but the Leafs can get something decent for him, potentially a first-round pick.
Vesa Toskala- Who'd take Toskala after his performance this season? Well...let's look at the Calgary Flames, they have no faith in their back-up goaltender (as evident in last night's 9-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks). However, the Flames do not have enough cap room, they made need to include a player to fit him under the cap, I don't know if that will happen, but you never know.
Ian White- He does it all: defense, forward, and goalie! He has been an outstanding (cheap) defenseman for the Leafs. If the Leafs can't sign him by the trade deadline, trade him, you can't lose him for nothing. A team needing more help on the blue line would really appreciate what White can offer.
Niklas Hagman- He has just broke his goalless drought. He is a streaky goal scorer, however he is leading the Leafs in goals right now. He has 18 of them. He is very creative with the puck and would be a decent 2nd line player. He could help out a team in need of secondary scoring.
Alexei Ponikarovsky- The "Big Pony" has been fairly decent this season. He can be an affective goal scorer as long as he is surrounded by the right line mates. Perhaps he'd look good in Nashville.
For now, this is what the Leafs have to deal with. We will see if Burke can work some trade deadline magic. Until next time Leafs Nation, good night and take care!
Tomas Kaberle- Obvious, it's been talked about for years, but he won't waive his No-Trade Clause and Burke won't ask him to. However, since making that statement, Kaberle's ice time has decreased: coincidence? He is probably the Leafs biggest asset, he can be the difference between being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and making it to the finals. I would hate to see him go, but the Leafs can get something decent for him, potentially a first-round pick.
Vesa Toskala- Who'd take Toskala after his performance this season? Well...let's look at the Calgary Flames, they have no faith in their back-up goaltender (as evident in last night's 9-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks). However, the Flames do not have enough cap room, they made need to include a player to fit him under the cap, I don't know if that will happen, but you never know.
Ian White- He does it all: defense, forward, and goalie! He has been an outstanding (cheap) defenseman for the Leafs. If the Leafs can't sign him by the trade deadline, trade him, you can't lose him for nothing. A team needing more help on the blue line would really appreciate what White can offer.
Niklas Hagman- He has just broke his goalless drought. He is a streaky goal scorer, however he is leading the Leafs in goals right now. He has 18 of them. He is very creative with the puck and would be a decent 2nd line player. He could help out a team in need of secondary scoring.
Alexei Ponikarovsky- The "Big Pony" has been fairly decent this season. He can be an affective goal scorer as long as he is surrounded by the right line mates. Perhaps he'd look good in Nashville.
For now, this is what the Leafs have to deal with. We will see if Burke can work some trade deadline magic. Until next time Leafs Nation, good night and take care!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Midseason "Awards"
At this point in the season, the Leafs are an abysmal 15-23-9 coming off a horrible 4-2 loss against Carolina. However, in this blog, I want to take a look at the Leafs who have been surprising, disappointing, and what not.
Let's start off with the nasties: Disappointing!:
First off, Mike Komisarek. The former Habs defenseman was signed by the Leafs to a five-year $22.5 million contract. I am well aware that he was not signed to be an offensive defenseman, however, it's his terrible timing in getting penalties, and his consistency in giving away the puck. It's no wonder Montreal was so eager to get rid of him. He currently gets booed by Montreal fans...if he continues this way, Leaf fans will be joining them.
Vesa Toskala- Let's face it, this guy is not getting re-signed by another NHL team after his contract expires. He is horribly inconsistent. Sure he has hot streaks where he looks like he's unstoppable, but then his confidence shatters and he'll let in goals like this:
and his confidence shatters like a high school kid getting rejected by his crush. I'm sorry Vesa but you are not worth the draft picks we traded to get you. Maybe he looked like a good goalie a few years ago...but comparing him to Raycroft, of course Vesa looks good.
Jason Blake- Anyone who thought Blake would repeat his 40-goal performance from the Island when he came to Toronto is off their rocker. I will admit, he does work hard, out of all the guys on the ice, he fights to at least TRY to score. However, if the Leafs are looking to make the playoffs, you cannot depend on a guy like Blake. Blake was at his best when he played Dominic Moore, and vice versa. I know Moore maybe wanted too much on his contract, but I still think it was a mistake to trade him.
Surprising:
Ian White- He does it all: he plays defense, he plays offense, and he plays goalie! Watch out Vesa, White may have your job soon!
His contract expires this season. Hand the guy $2 million and keep him on the team! This guy is worth it!
Tomas Kaberle- This guy has been on the Leafs for years. He is currently 10th in all-time points for the Leafs and 2nd in Defensemen, only behind Borje Salming. I personally Kaberle should be captain. He's a great leader, and definitely can set an example for the young'uns...the Leafs need a leader...badly! Interesting about Kaberle, he has the most points of anyone in the NHL with less than 100 goals. Also, Kaberle only has 73 career goals...7 of those are overtime winners! Not bad for a guy drafted in the 8th round (204th overall).
Jonas Gustavsson- Now, I know he is no Marty Brodeur, or Roberto Luongo, but for a guy coming in from Sweden and having to learn how to play on North American ice surfaces, he has not done bad. He still has trouble handling the pucks but he is learning. At 25 years old, if the Leafs don't trade him away for a bag of pucks like they tend to do with decent players, Gustavsson could be a great starting goalie for Toronto for many years to come.
Well that it is for now. I know some of you are thinking what about Kessel? He's been a disappointment....well I say "no!" Remember, he did not have a training camp, and I mean, everyone goes through slumps, Kessel will be back up and scoring in no time. Patience is the key with some of these young Leafs! So until next time...keep your head up high fellow Leafers!
Let's start off with the nasties: Disappointing!:
First off, Mike Komisarek. The former Habs defenseman was signed by the Leafs to a five-year $22.5 million contract. I am well aware that he was not signed to be an offensive defenseman, however, it's his terrible timing in getting penalties, and his consistency in giving away the puck. It's no wonder Montreal was so eager to get rid of him. He currently gets booed by Montreal fans...if he continues this way, Leaf fans will be joining them.
Vesa Toskala- Let's face it, this guy is not getting re-signed by another NHL team after his contract expires. He is horribly inconsistent. Sure he has hot streaks where he looks like he's unstoppable, but then his confidence shatters and he'll let in goals like this:
and his confidence shatters like a high school kid getting rejected by his crush. I'm sorry Vesa but you are not worth the draft picks we traded to get you. Maybe he looked like a good goalie a few years ago...but comparing him to Raycroft, of course Vesa looks good.
Jason Blake- Anyone who thought Blake would repeat his 40-goal performance from the Island when he came to Toronto is off their rocker. I will admit, he does work hard, out of all the guys on the ice, he fights to at least TRY to score. However, if the Leafs are looking to make the playoffs, you cannot depend on a guy like Blake. Blake was at his best when he played Dominic Moore, and vice versa. I know Moore maybe wanted too much on his contract, but I still think it was a mistake to trade him.
Surprising:
Ian White- He does it all: he plays defense, he plays offense, and he plays goalie! Watch out Vesa, White may have your job soon!
His contract expires this season. Hand the guy $2 million and keep him on the team! This guy is worth it!
Tomas Kaberle- This guy has been on the Leafs for years. He is currently 10th in all-time points for the Leafs and 2nd in Defensemen, only behind Borje Salming. I personally Kaberle should be captain. He's a great leader, and definitely can set an example for the young'uns...the Leafs need a leader...badly! Interesting about Kaberle, he has the most points of anyone in the NHL with less than 100 goals. Also, Kaberle only has 73 career goals...7 of those are overtime winners! Not bad for a guy drafted in the 8th round (204th overall).
Jonas Gustavsson- Now, I know he is no Marty Brodeur, or Roberto Luongo, but for a guy coming in from Sweden and having to learn how to play on North American ice surfaces, he has not done bad. He still has trouble handling the pucks but he is learning. At 25 years old, if the Leafs don't trade him away for a bag of pucks like they tend to do with decent players, Gustavsson could be a great starting goalie for Toronto for many years to come.
Well that it is for now. I know some of you are thinking what about Kessel? He's been a disappointment....well I say "no!" Remember, he did not have a training camp, and I mean, everyone goes through slumps, Kessel will be back up and scoring in no time. Patience is the key with some of these young Leafs! So until next time...keep your head up high fellow Leafers!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Year, New Beginnings?
So far in this calendar year, the Leafs are 1-1-0. For the second time this season the Leafs beat Florida after erasing a 2 goal deficit. And once again, Jonas Gustavsson was outstanding! After allowing 2 quick McCabe (grrrrr) goals: Stempniak, Kaberle, and Ponikarovsky score 3 straight to give the Leafs the win!
Kulemin has stood out for me the last month or so. He has shown great defensive skill as well as great offensive skill, definitely one of the better 2-way players the Leafs have. Kulemin seems to be playing comfortably in the NHL now.
Francois Beauchemin saved the game for the Leafs. After a really DUMB play in the offensive zone, the Panthers had a 3 on 1 against Ian White. Beauchemin rushed back into the play just on time to deflect the shot away from the net on a shot that would've gone in for sure.
Overall, the Leafs played a lot better tonight than they have over the last couple of games.
I'm going to cut this one short because the World Junior Finals are on, and it is unbelievably exciting!!! GO CANADA GO!!!
Kulemin has stood out for me the last month or so. He has shown great defensive skill as well as great offensive skill, definitely one of the better 2-way players the Leafs have. Kulemin seems to be playing comfortably in the NHL now.
Francois Beauchemin saved the game for the Leafs. After a really DUMB play in the offensive zone, the Panthers had a 3 on 1 against Ian White. Beauchemin rushed back into the play just on time to deflect the shot away from the net on a shot that would've gone in for sure.
Overall, the Leafs played a lot better tonight than they have over the last couple of games.
I'm going to cut this one short because the World Junior Finals are on, and it is unbelievably exciting!!! GO CANADA GO!!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Kessel's Second Coming
Well, the Leafs did not avenge their Saturday night beating and they came away with a 5-2 loss. In this game, the Leafs were practically dead for the first 40 minutes and 17 seconds. At the 18 second mark of the third period Grabovski knocked it in. Follow a few minutes later by Kulemin, however the Leafs could not tie it up as they just can't seem to bury more than two goals past Tuukka Rask. The main problem was the Leafs couldn't figure out how to get Phil Kessel around big Chara.
Now the score does not tell the whole story. At one point, the Leafs were down 3-0, but two quick put them within one. A big save by Tuukka Rask kept the Leafs from tying it. Toskala played a good game, even robbing a few Bruins players. It was a dumb Blake penalty that ended up costing the Leafs making it 4-2, then the Bruins iced the game by scoring it on the empty net.
Again, the bright side is the Leafs are getting their secondary scoring, and Toskala is playing fairly decent in net. However, the Leafs cannot seem to get a three-game winning streak going. The Leafs need to get moving NOW, at least get some points. They need to start climbing the standings and not let the Bruins get a top 5 draft pick.
The next game is this Saturday @ 7:00pm against the Capitals in Toronto, on CBC, Hockey Night in Canada. Let's sleep this one off Leafs Nation and come back fresh and ready on Saturday! Until next time!
Nicholas Porretta
Now the score does not tell the whole story. At one point, the Leafs were down 3-0, but two quick put them within one. A big save by Tuukka Rask kept the Leafs from tying it. Toskala played a good game, even robbing a few Bruins players. It was a dumb Blake penalty that ended up costing the Leafs making it 4-2, then the Bruins iced the game by scoring it on the empty net.
Again, the bright side is the Leafs are getting their secondary scoring, and Toskala is playing fairly decent in net. However, the Leafs cannot seem to get a three-game winning streak going. The Leafs need to get moving NOW, at least get some points. They need to start climbing the standings and not let the Bruins get a top 5 draft pick.
The next game is this Saturday @ 7:00pm against the Capitals in Toronto, on CBC, Hockey Night in Canada. Let's sleep this one off Leafs Nation and come back fresh and ready on Saturday! Until next time!
Nicholas Porretta
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)