tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Burke Knows Next Year Must Be The Year

Brian Burke's press conference yesterday was classic Burke and is why I'm glad he's in charge of the Maple Leafs.  It's obvious he has a plan to make this team relevant again.  It's obvious that he wants this team in the playoffs.  And it's obvious that Burke and his management team have put in place the building blocks to make it happen provided that the right decisions are made this summer.

What those right decisions are will be dictated by the marketplace and Burke is adept at dealing with that.  Brad Richards is the top free agent but I think it would be a major surprise if Richards ends up a Leaf.  After him the free agent pool falls off dramatically as far as getting a top six forward and Burke has acknowledged that he needs to get a center for Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.  Which then would mean that the Leafs would have to look at a trade.

Trades of course mean you need to have a willing partner.  Time will tell if there is something out there for Burke to work on.  What's clear is that it will have to make sense as evidenced by how long Burke took to make the Kaberle trade which currently looks like could be a big win for the Leafs if Joe Colborne continues to develop.  Burke has been reluctant to trade for players 30 or over, a wise move as far as I'm concerned.  But the critical question for Burke will be: does it make sense to acquire a 20-something top six center by giving up a combination of draft picks and top prospects.

If he decides that there isn't a trade that makes sense and he holds on to his picks and prospects is there someone within the organization that will be able to fill out the line with Kessel and Lupul?  Could that person be Colborne??  I liked what I saw last Saturday particularly how Colborne went to the net and wasn't afraid to mix it up with Carey Price and Paul Mara.  It's something that is desperately needed.  However, one game is not enough to judge though Colborne has looked good with the Marlies.

The issue of special teams was raised with Burke yesterday and he acknowledged that if they were better the Leafs would be in the playoffs.  While to some extent I understand that the players bear responsibility for their dismal performance, I just find it hard to believe that the coaching staff does not have a hand in its performance.  Particularly, the penalty kill which I think is less dependent on offensive ability and the desire to go to the net, and more dependent on hard work, winning face offs and a lot of guts.  Definitely, goaltending is important but I think penalty killing is a mind set and I think the coach has a lot to do with setting that mind set by rewarding those who excel at it by giving them some added ice time in other situations.  I'm not advocating the firing of Ron Wilson, but I think Burke is giving his coach a pass by not holding him accountable for the dismal special teams play.  There are no more excuses here as these are Burke's players now and the dreaded Blue & White disease should be long gone.  Wilson should get an extension with a short leash.

The key questions are: do you make a trade for a top line center or do you rely on players in the system and keep all draft picks to add more assests?  Do you acquire a puck moving defenseman or are you convinced that Carl Gunnarsson or Jake Gardiner can fill that role?? Of the role players, Joey Crabb, Tim Brent and Darryl Boyce, who do you keep or do you go out and get these type of bottom six forwards elsewhere hopefully with more size??  Who will back-up James Reimer and what is the future of Jonas Gustavsson??

These are the questions that Brian Burke needs to answer.  The answers will determine whether the Leafs are in the post season next year and Brian Burke knows that.  He knows that its time to get into the playoffs.

Bring Back Stellick and Floyd Smith

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/2011/04/06/17903271.html

If you read the above column by Steve Simmons in the Toronto Sun, it appears that we need to go "back to the future".  You know the good old days of Gord Stellick, Floyd Smith, Gerry McNamara and the second term of Punch Imlach.  You know those great days when the Leaf farm system was barren, first round picks were blown with regularity, shipped out players who performed well elsewhere and a scouting staff that was a total joke.  And how about the end of the Pat Quinn era.  Yes, the team made the playoffs.  But it's interesting how I don't remember anyone screaming about trading draft picks and a weak farm system.  You know, moving Brad Boyes, forfeiting mulitple picks for Brian Leetch and getting the broken down power forward Owen Nolan.  Oh and by the way, Mats Sundin's linemates consisted of the likes of Jonas Hoglund and an over-the-hill Mikael Renberg.

Steve Simmons suggests that Brian Wilson and Ron Wilson need to be on a short leash.  Not making the playoffs again under the Burke regime means its time to consider pulling the plug with no contract extensions.  There is no one more disappointed that the Leafs are not in the playoffs (again) than me.  However, I think you have to be cynical and negative to not see that things are starting to turn around.

I think we need to look at Burke and Wilson separately.  As far as the coach goes, I think that Ron Wilson needs to be held accountable for special teams.  3 consecutive years of being terrible on the penalty kill and the power play cannot be tolerated.  In fact, if the Leaf power play was just middle of the pack, they would be in the playoffs.

In January, Ron Wilson won a poll done of NHL players as being the coach who players would not want to play for.  But it appears that this Leaf team did not quit on their coach.  They played hard for two months after the poll and pulled the Leafs close to getting into the playoffs even though many of the critics took issue with Wilson holding his players accountable in the media.

Simmons contention that no extension should be given unless the team makes the playoffs is one opinion.  But giving Wilson a one-year extension eliminates all the talk of Wilson being a lame duck coach next year and certainly does not prevent Brian Burke from firing Wilson if the team starts out poorly or does not improve.  Certainly, MLSE can afford to eat a year of Wilson's contract.  My opinion, Wilson gets a one year extension but is expected to get this team in the playoffs.

As far as Brian Burke goes, his biggest problem was his proclamation last year that the team was going to make the playoffs and they didn't.  In fact, they failed miserably.  But when you look at the dramatic change in the roster of the Leafs and the infusion of young prospects throughout the organization, you have to have another agenda not to admit that Burke has set up this team well for next year and the future.

Burke has made four major trades since being GM.  Trade #1: Phaneuf-Sjostrom and Aulie for Stajan-Hagman- Mayers-White.  Advantage: Leafs.  Trade #2: Giguere for Blake-Toskala.  Advantage: Leafs.  Trade #3: Lupul-Gardiner for Beauchimen. Advantage: Jury is still out, but if Lupul starts the next season like he's ending this year, Leafs win this one going away without even seeing what Gardiner will bring who by the way is a former number 1 draft pick.  I also remember when this trade was made the comments of resident sour puss Bill Watters stating that Lupul was soft yet Lupul has been excellent going to the net and in the corners.

Trade # 4: Philly's 1st round and 3rd round pick for Versteeg.  Advantage: Leafs.  All we heard about after the Kessel trade was how can this team rebuild without first rounders.  While granted it is a lower round 1st round, its in the first round.  And by the way, Versteeg is not doing anything special with the Flyers.  Trade #5: Joe Colborne - Boston's 1st round pick for Kaberle.  Advantage: Leafs.  Colborne has played well in the AHL and once again another 1st round pick which could allow Burke some flexibility in making a trade for a top forward or moving up in the draft.  By the way, the Bruin power play has been less than stellar since acquiring Kaberle.

The Leaf farm system is in much better shape than I can ever remember.  Besides the aforementioned Colborne and Gardiner, there is Jesse Blacker, Greg McKegg, Jerry D'amigo, Ben Scrivens, Jussi Rynnas, Marcel Mueller and Matt Frattin.  In addition, the acquisition of college free agents has also helped to strengthen the farm system.

The Leafs upper management is incredibly strong.  Burke, Nonis and Fletcher.  Not sure if you can find better hockey minds.  Speaking of Fletcher, many of the cynics point to Cliff's signing of Jeff Finger.  But let's not forget the selection of Luke Schenn and the trade that brought Mikhail Grabovski to Toronto.  Oh in case you forgot:  giving Montreal the right to talk to Mats Sundin for Mikhail Grabovski.  How did the Canadiens make out.

Should Burke be criticized for free agent signings Versteeg, Beauchimen and Komsarek.  Yes.  However, he recognized his mistake and moved Versteeg and Beauchimen.  Must the pressure be put on him to get this team in the playoffs?? Yes.  But to start clamoring for the removal of Burke is ridiculous.  The Leafs finally have a respected GM and an outstanding management team.  To move them out makes no sense and would be a major step backwards.

Gritty Leafs Won’t Go Away, Win 5-3

For those of you in the "same old, same old group" you received another example of why you are wrong last night as the Maple Leafs blew a one goal lead, came back from being down in the third period and won 4-3 in a shootout against the Boston Bruins, marking the fourth time this year the Leafs have defeated the Big, Bad Bruins.  In a place where the Leafs have historically had trouble, they stunned the TD Bank Garden crowd when Joffrey Lupul tied the game in the third for his second goal of the game.

After an exciting overtime period which saw Tim Thomas stop Mikhail Grabovski on a penalty shot and the Leafs kill off a penalty to close out the extra period, Nazem Kadri scored the only goal in the shootout on a beautiful move that made Tim Thomas look like an old bar league goalie.  The Bruins must have read the Lightning scouting reports becuase they tried to beat James Reimer three times high on his glove side.  The first two shots went over the net.  The third shot by Rick Peverly went high again but the Reiminister of Defense got his glove on it and secured the Leafs win.

What has been most impressive since the Red Wing loss has been the fact that the team has been playing with desperation right from the opening faceoff.  It was clear that the Leafs were the much quicker team last night and even the Bruins NESN broadcasters grudgingly had to give credit to the Leafs as being faster and grittier than the playoff bound Bruins.

The penalty kill at the end of the overtime period really illustrates the difference in this team as Tim Brent and Luke Schenn had two blocked shots, Brent off the stick of Zdeno Chara - he of the hardest shot in the NHL.  It was a gutty performance and one that can only bring future dividends for this Leaf team going into next season.

Once again, the Leaf power play was putrid however they did score once with the man advantage.  That being said, it is imperative that the power play be improved next season if the Leafs are to make the playoffs and be a factor.  The season long maligned penalty kill was 4 for 4 in stopping the Bruins, none bigger than the PK in the overtime.

The Leafs now are 12-8-4 against their Northeast rivals.  What's extremely important about that is that they have taken it to the Sabres and Bruins in the last seven games they have played against those teams posting a 7-0 record.  Saturday they face the Senators in Ottawa and have a chance to fatten their Division record.  The Senators would like nothing better than to put the Leafs out of their misery.  That's why they must take control early and continue playing with the desperation they have showed in the last two games.

Puck drop Saturday on HNIC is 7pm.

It’s Not The Same Old, Same Old

After reading an article online have your ever read the comments that readers submit?  After Toronto's 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday it was really interesting to see what people were thinking.  While certainly there were many who acknowledged the team's improvement and hope for the future, there is still a large contingent who claim this is another "same old, same old" meaningless Leaf late season run and Brian Burke and Ron Wilson are bums.  In fact, in an online poll on the Toronto Star website, 49% say this year's Leafs' season is promising for the future while 43% say its the same old, same old.

Quite frankly, saying that this surge by the Leafs is similar to others in seasons past is a bunch of garbage.  In an earlier post, I identified the player turnover and the fact that this year's team is much younger than past Leaf teams who made the late season surge.  But there is more to consider which I believe further points to the position that the building blocks have been put in place for a playoff run next year.

If this year was the "same old, same old", the Leafs would have folded Tuesday night after the Sabres tied the game 3-3.  In fact, the way the Leafs started the game was really encouraging as they definitely came to play with a sense of urgency.  During this run, the Leafs have also defeated the Sabres the last three times they played.  As the well-known blogger, Mike-In-Buffalo stated: "this marks the end of the domination and the beginning of a rivalry".  I think he's right.

Not quitting has been a hallmark of this Leaf team because during this run, how many times did the Leafs allow the first goal?  Wasn't it 10 games in a row?  Somehow the Leafs were able to win the majority of those games.  One thing to say about this group, they don't quit.

Think about that brutal 2 game road trip they had playing at Buffalo and at Boston in February, two houses of horror for the Leafs.  These two games were after losing in overtime to New Jersey and a listless Saturday night performance at Montreal where they were shutout.

The Leafs came back to defeat Boston 4-3 on February 15th and went to Buffalo the next day and beat the Sabres 2-1.  The Leafs of Toskala, Raycroft, Allison, Blake and Hagman would never have pulled that off.  There was also the brutal 6-2 loss to Tampa at home in March which was then followed by a big 3-1 win over Carolina on the road.  After being embarassed by Florida the next night, the Leafs came back home and on a Saturday night dominated the Boston Bruins 5-2.  If you think this is "same old, same old" you are crazy.  The old Leafs would have folded their tents and went home.

As I've said after the Red Wing loss, the Leafs are not going to make the playoffs this year.  But you have to admire the way they have played.  You have to see that this is a different Leaf team.  You have to see that this organization finally has some good young players and prospects to build with for the future.  Isn't it funny how we are not hearing about losing a lottery pick this year???

This run will help the Leafs young players in the future.  They have been given a taste of a playoff run.  They have acknowledged they don't want to be in this position again.  They want to be battling for a higher seeding.  The future is promising.  The summer will be huge.

Leafs are at Boston tonight with the puck drop at 7pm.

Playoff Run Over: Leafs Lose 4-2 In Motown

After winning the first two games of the three game road trip, the Leafs needed to win to keep pace with the red hot Buffalo Sabres.  But Saturday night they faced a team they should aspire to being as the Detroit Red Wings showed why they are one of the class teams of the league by defeating the Leafs 4-2 at the Joe Louis Arena.

One of the most glaring differences between these two teams were on display: the power play.  The Red Wings scored twice on the power play with the ever present Tomas Holmstrom being a key factor.  His presence in front of the net caused all kinds of problems for James Reimer.  Meanwhile, the Leafs were 0-4 on the power play.  This has been a continuous problem all season long and one that needs to be addressed in the off season if the Leafs are to be a playoff team next year.

The Red Wings seemed to be in control throughout the game.  It looked like the Leafs were going to pull it out when they tied the score at two with a goal from Joffrey Lupul.  But 38 seconds later the Red Wings took the lead that ultimately sealed the Leafs fate for this season.

While mathematically they are still alive, the Leafs would have to win all of their remaining six games which would give them 12 points.  The Sabres, who have 7 games remaining, would have to go 2-5 for the Leafs to pass them.  With Ryan Miller in net, a 2-5 end of the season record seems highly unlikely.

The Leafs need to send a message for next season to their QEW rival on Tuesday by going after the Sabres.  While they may not make the playoffs, they need to continue to build the foundation for next season.  The construction continues on Tuesday at the ACC against Buffalo.

The Flame Of Hope Is Still Flickering: Leafs Win 4-3

Back in the 80's, the Maple Leafs scored an end of the game win against the St. Louis Blues on a late goal by Miroslav Frycer.  Hall of Fame broadcaster Danny Gallivan was calling the game as Leaf broadcaster Bill Hewitt was ill.  As Frycer and his teammates celebrated the game winning goal, I'll never forget Gallivan's call: "the flame of hope is still flickering, but the chances are a million to one."

The current edition of the Maple Leafs find themselves in a similar position, however it sure is fun to see this team continue to grow as evidenced by last night's 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.  Up to a couple of months ago, falling behind 1-0 particularly giving up a shorthanded goal, would have meant a sure Toronto loss.  But not anymore as the Leafs bounced back with two goals from Nikolai Kulemin to take a 2-1 lead which the Leafs never relinquished.

Kulemin has been an unsung hero this season.  I have always like Kulemin because he's a hard worker who is responsible defensively, kills penalties, and can score goals.  The 24 year old is really developing into a solid player and one who can be a key piece for this team to become a Stanley Cup contender.  I'm not sure Kulemin gets a lot of publicity.  As we know he was a linemate of Evgeni Malkin in Russia and while he will never be a scorer like his former linemate, Kulemin may be a better all around player if he continues to develop.

As I mentioned in my last Leaf post, Luke Schenn continues to show more offensive skill as evidenced by the play that led to Tyler Bozak's goal.  Schenn seems to be getting better at picking his spots as to when he should pinch in the other team's zone.  He also seems to be getting better at handling the puck to make an offensive play.  Let's remember he's only 21.  If he continues to develop offensively, the Leafs could have something really, really special.

Not much more I can say about James Reimer.  The saves he made at critical junctures of last night's game are what a team needs to be successful.  There were several that were unbelievable, particularly in the second period as Milan Hejduk had two glorious opportunities where he was robbed by Reimer.  One wonders where the Leafs would be right now if Reimer had been playing since early December.

I want to go on record as saying that Mike Komisarek's open ice hit last night was not a cheap shot.  If you compare that hit to the one Boston's Marchand gave to Scott Gomez its even more apparent that Komisarek's was not out-of-bounds.  In fact, Komisarek's hit may have woke the Leafs up and hopefully is a sign that the big defenseman may be going back to the form that was evident back when he was with Montreal.

The Leafs now head to the Motor City for a Saturday night showdown against Original Six rival, the Detroit Red Wings.  Back in the Norris Division days, this was a bitter rivalry capped off by the glorious Leaf playoff victory over the Wings in the 92-93 playoffs.  The Leafs did what they needed to do on this road trip by winning the first two games against teams that they should beat if they want to make the playoffs.  Unfortunately, with Buffalo and Carolina both with 2 games in hand, Saturday's game can't be written off.  They need to compete and get at least a point.  What would be nice is if Tuesday's game against the Sabres means something.  For now, that flame still flickers with a lot of legitimate hope for the future.

Leafs Win, But Gain No Ground

The Toronto Maple Leafs got what they were looking for: production from their top two lines and another solid goaltending performance from James Reimer as they did what they needed to do by defeating the reeling Minnesota Wild 3-0.  The frustration of it all is that both Buffalo and Carolina won meaning that the Leafs remain 5 points behind the Sabres and 3 behind Carolina.

While the playoff chase certainly is exciting, last night's results show the difficulty the young Leafs have in front of them.  However, as I've been saying for the last three weeks, what's more important is watching this team continue to grow and gain confidence.  Last night, James Reimer was outstanding stopping four breakaways and withstanding a furious onslaught by the Wild in the second period.  The calm and confidence that Reimer shows in the net is impressive for a 23 year old.  His continued play at this level will certainly make Leaf management's decision on whether to pursue a goalie such as Ilya Brzygalov a tough one.  It is certainly nice to hope that we are seeing the emergence of the Leaf goalie of the future similar to Felix Potvin.  It's been that long since the Leafs have made the right decision about a goaltender developed from within their system.

The top two lines provided the offense needed last night as Joffrey Lupul and Mikhail Grabovski scored for the Leafs on bullet shots that Niklas Backstrom had no chance on.  Lupul had a couple of other chances and has been a pleasant addition for the Leafs.  This guy can be a valuable player if he can stay healthy.

Once again I thought the young defense corp played well.  Carl Gunnarsson showed last night why I feel he can be a power play partner with Dion Phaneuf.  This kid has offensive upside while being solid in his own zone.  His goal was a pretty one as he wired a wrister past Backstrom as he pinched in while the Leafs were on the power play.  Earlier in the third period he made a nice play at the blueline in the Wild zone by not panicking and avoiding a Wild forward and slipping a nice pass to Lupul which set up a nice scoring chance.

While I was impressed by the young guys, including Matt Lashoff, the same cannot be said for Brett Lebda.  Not sure what his problem is but its hard to see how this guy was a plus 30-something with the Red Wings.  I can't see how this guy remains with the Leafs next season.

As an aside, I have really come to appreciate the Leaf braodcast team of Joe Bowen and Greg Millen particularly after watching last night's broadcast which featured the Wild broadcast team.  Complaining about calls and getting names messed up was really annoying.  It was as bad as listening to Howie Rose and Butch Goring who do the Islander games.

The Leafs continue the road trip on Thursday at Colorado against the Avalanche, another game where they need to get two points.  And hopefully some help from others.

Leafs Dominate Bruins 5-2

Five different players scored a goal, none of which were on the first two lines, and James Reimer made 34 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins.  Luke Schenn, Mike Brown, Nazem Kadri, Keith Aulie and Joey Crabb all scored for Toronto.   Crabb also chipped in with two assists.

Reimer was outstanding, particularly in the second and third periods where he robbed Tyler Seguin twice, once on a breakaway.  The rookie netminder seemed to be having trouble controlling rebounds in the first period and allowed one goal on a deflection off of Dion Phaneuf's skate.  After that he was extremely solid as he continues to impress Leaf fans with his play.  In fact, it was the first time since the Eddie Belfour days that the ACC crowd was chanting their goalie's name late in the third period as a tribute to the youngster's solid effort.

Once again I was impressed with the play of Keith Aulie.  The goal that he scored was nice but what continues to impress is the fact that being teamed up with Dion Phaneuf means that he is usually out there against the other team's top lines and he doesn't look out of place.  Will the 21 year old make mistakes: yes.  But as each game goes by you can see Aulie gain confidence and if he continues progressing he will be a top 4 defenseman next year for the Maple Leafs.

Another 21 year old defenseman showed some offensive skill last night the likes of which we haven't seen in years.  Luke Schenn's end to end rush that resulted in the Leafs first goal was a wonderful effort that if he can continue to develop his offensive game could make him a Norris Trophy candidate someday.  What was also impressive was Schenn's skating on that rush, particularly his speed.

During the day yesterday I was actually wondering whether or not the Leafs willl ever see Nazem Kadri develop into something more than Kyle Wellwood.  To be honest, I have not been impressed by the kid.  He seems too small but more importantly I didn't see any offensive creativity in the games previous with the Leafs.  Last night was different as he set up a couple of his line mates and showed a burst in and around the net.  It was nice to see him get his first NHL goal but it was also nice to see that it appears that his stint with the Marlies may have taught him the importance of being defensively responsible.

Not sure what the Leafs have in mind in the future for Joey Crabb and Mike Brown but in my mind they need to be with the team next year.  Brown has tremendous speed, is a  good penalty killer, and is gritty as all get out.  The 25 year old is excellent on a third or fourth line.  I've liked Crabb since they called him up to play with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak.  He's another character guy who gives it his all.

The third defense pair of Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff also had a strong game.  I thought Lashoff played well and also looked quite good on his opportunity to be on the power play.  Lebda had his best game defensively as a Leaf last night which begs the question: what are the Leafs going to do with Mike Komisarek?

I thought the Komisarek signing was a good one when Burke did it.  All I could remember was how the Canadiens would send him out there every time Mats Sundin was on the ice.  He would give the Big Swede fits.  Unfortunately, we haven't seen that while he has been a Maple Leaf.

While their playoff hopes hang by a thread, there is no doubt that there is hope out of what we are seeing from this team.  This is the latest in the season that the Leafs have been in the playoff hunt since the 2005-2006 season when the Islanders knocked them out on Easter Sunday which was the last game of the year.  But in order to be a legitimate playoff team more work needs to be done.

This off season will be the biggest since Brian Burke has been in charge.  Should the Leafs go after Bryzgalov or are they convinced that James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson are the goalies to get them into the playoffs???  Will the Leafs be able to get a top line center in free agency (Brad Richards) or via trade??  Will they sign Clarke MacArthur??  What will they do with Mike Komisarek??  Answers to these questions will dictate what will happen next season for the Maple Leafs and could also determine the fate of Ron Wilson and possibly Brian Burke.

The Leafs are next in action Tuesday at Minnesota to take on the Wild.