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

Playoffs!!! You’re Talking About Playoffs???

The Jim Mora quote when he was questioned about his Indianapolis Colts making the NFL Playoffs is a sports classic. Unfortunately for Maple Leaf fans, last night's 4-3 overtime loss to the lowly Carolina Panthers has them asking the same questions. A playoff team doesn't blow a 3-1 lead in the third period, especially against a team that is near the bottom of the National Hockey League.

Immediately there have been calls for Ron Wilson to start Jonas Gustavsson in goal but while James Reimer has had some problems since the end of the Christmas break, goaltending is only part of the problem. The underlying problem is the style of play that Leaf management wants which is basically firewagon hockey. Wilson wants his defensemen to carry the play and pinch in the other team's zone. That's fine when you are down a goal with under two minutes left. It's also fine when you are trying to make something happen. But when you have a two goal lead on the road it's a huge mistake.

The best game that the Leafs played this year on the road protecting a lead was their first game in Madison Square Garden. They had an aggressive forecheck hemming the Rangers in their own end and not allowing them to get any offensive momentum. There were not rushes by defensemen. The Leafs seemed to have forgotten that game.

It is very apparent that the Leafs miss John-Michael Liles. His steadiness, veteran leadership and quarterbacking the first power play unit is something that the team could use right now. Having Liles back would also allow Wilson to sit one of his struggling young defensemen who are having a brutal last week of December.

Do I think this team can make the playoffs??? Yes I do but it has to be more defensively responsible. It also needs to realize that they haven't won anything yet so they need to play hard every shift. Their best players need to be their best players. And James Reimer needs to play like a number one goaltender. By the way, I haven't even mentioned penalty killing but improvement there is a given. At the end of the day making the playoffs will not be easy but it is attainable. What concerns me is whether or not Ron Wilson has the ability to adapt the style of play to the game situation. Not many teams can be successful playing firewagon hockey. Hopefully, Wilson & Company can realize that before it is too late.