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

Trade On The Horizon For Leafs??

Last night the Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 2 goal lead and lost to the Ottawa Senators 3-2. What has become painfully evident over the last 2 games is that the Leafs are being outmuscled by teams who happen to be ahead of them in the Eastern Conference. Brian Burke has said that he just doesn't want to make the playoffs, he wants to be a factor in those playoffs. If the Leafs make the playoffs they will not be a factor the way this team's roster currently sits. Along with the lack of muscle, there has been a lack of scoring. Over the last four games, the Leafs have managed to score 6 goals while giving up 9. Their lone win over those four games was as a result of a 2-0 shutout. Now what??

Brian Burke is known for making trades well before the late February trade deadline. He sees what all of us see: a team with skilled forwards who are being banged around. The strategy against Phil Kessel is to make sure you have a big body on him. The Bruins do it and the Rangers did it and unless others step up offensively, you get 6 goals over four games. I honestly believe that we may see two trades made, one for a big scoring forward, hopefully a center and then a bruising forward who has some offensive ability. Think Bobby Ryan and Ryan Malone. The acquisition of 2 such players would immediately make the Leafs a tougher team to play.

Their recent play has put the Leafs in ninth place, behind Pittsburgh and Washington. A prolonged scoring slump could end whatever legitimate chance they have to make the playoffs. The lack of scoring is related to the Leafs being banged around and outmuscled. Something has to be done to save what has been a most promising season. Burke has done it before and I have faith that he will do something again, this time to save a season.