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

A Familiar Result: No Playoffs For Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs went to Washington yesterday with the hope of vaulting themselves back in the thick of the playoff race. Instead, once again they could not score a goal and dropped a 2-0 decision to the 8th place Capitals leaving them eight points out of the last playoff spot. For all practical purposes, a season that started out so promising has turned into a nightmare.

There is no question that this team has tightened up defensively and Jonas Gustavsson has played extremely well in goal. But their inability to score a goal over two games is pretty incredible. While losing Joffrey Lupul has hurt, the Phil Kessel line has been totally ineffective the last two games. Tim Connolly needs to be taken off the line and I would suggest that Matt Frattin be placed back on it. The way that line is currently set, there is no one on it that is going to provide any physical presence to create space for Kessel. Lupul does that and Frattin has the ability to do it. Keeping Frattin on the fourth line does not make any sense, particularly since the kid does have some offensive ability.

I continue to be impressed with Carter Ashton. Coach Randy Carlyle should consider giving this kid some power play time. Carlyle has talked about developing offense by cycling down low in the offensive zone. Ashton has the size and the willingness to do that, along with going in front of the net. At this point, what do the Leafs have to lose by trying it?? Ashton's play is what the Leafs expected from Colby Armstrong however he has been a bitter disappointment.

One other point, maybe Coach Carlyle should consider teaming Mikhail Grabovski with Phil Kessel. When you think about it, Grabovski is your best center and Kessel is your best winger. There are many times when Grabovski sets up Nikolai Kulemin or Clarke MacArthur only to have a shot go wide. Think about the Philly game on Saturday. Grabovski and Kessel both have offensive creativity to set up each other. Place Frattin on the line with them and maybe something positive can happen.

With 13 games remaining, Leaf management needs to take a long hard look at this current roster. If this team is going to progress, certain players need to be moved. Without a doubt, the upcoming off season will be the biggest during the Brian Burke era.