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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering why anyone would take the time to watch the NFL Combine on the NFL Network, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The Toronto Maple Leafs once again received solid goaltending from Ben Scrivens as the young netminder posted his second shutout in a row as the Leafs defeated the Florida Panthers 3-0. Scrivens was outstanding in the first period as the Panthers were taking it to the Leafs. Phil Kessel opened the scoring late in the first with a blistering wrist shot that once again illustrates how special a player he is.

* Nazem Kadri had one of his best games scoring a goal and making a beautiful pass setting up Clarke MacArthur's goal that deflated the Panthers in the second period. It seemed that Kadri was lost without Matt Frattin but it appears that he is developing chemistry with MacArthur. By the way, MacArthur's shot was a bullet.

* Randy Carlyle made a wise move sitting John-Michael Liles. I have thought that Liles has not played well for the last several games. His strength is supposed to be offense and he has provided little of it and his defense has been less than good.

* What a pleasure to be able to get the Toronto feed for yesterday's game. Joe Bowen and Greg Millen do an excellent job and provide plenty of insight. Bowen reported last night that James Reimer will begin light skating today so it will be interesting to see how he progresses. With tonight's game against Tampa Bay being on Leafs TV its probably a good chance that the Leaf feed will not be available on the Center Ice package. I still can't figure out why this happens.

* Ryan Miller's outburst after Buffalo's 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh does not surprise me at all. Miller has been the key to the Sabres for years now and it must be frustrating for him having to deal with a team that seems to be underachieving but may not be as talented as people think.

* Buffalo's handling of Mikhail Grigerenko is a disgrace. This kid may be a future star but he is only 18 years old and could use a year of seasoning in the AHL. Playing him eight minutes a game is foolish. In fact, Grigerenko has been in the press box the last 2 games.

* The NBA trade deadline is Thursday and there are plenty of rumors as one would expect. The Toronto Raptors are looking to move Andrea Bargnani and at this point there doesn't seem to be any takers. There have been reports out of Boston that the Celtics may be interested in moving Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce. Somehow I don't see either one going anywhere.

* Not sure whether the New York Knicks will make a move but they may not have to if in fact Rasheed Wallace does come back. It's being reported that Wallace will begin to workout with the team starting this week. The Knicks sure could use his defensive play.

* Was watching Yankee Baseball Tonight on YES and they were projecting this year's lineup. The projection had Mark Teixeira batting clean-up. I don't think he can handle it.

* Great articles today in the New York dailies concerning the status of Robinson Cano. As you may know, Cano will become a free agent at the end of the season and will be looking for a long term contract. Cano will be 31 in 2014. Can the Yankees afford to give him a 10 year contract?? I have been a Robbie Cano fan since 2005 when they brought him up but do the Yankees really want to be in another ARod type contract?

* Expectations are running high in Toronto about their Blue Jays. Somehow I have a feeling that all of the hype may be exaggerated. There is no doubt that Toronto is definitely improved and will be very competitive for a playoff spot. However, winning the off season doesn't necessarily transfer to winning on the field. Think: 2011 Boston Red Sox.

* Many Sabre fans are growing restless with their team's play and what they perceive to be a willingness on the part of management to accept the status quo. WGR 550 has been really fun to listen to lately as Chester Cheektowaga & Company vent their spleens over just about everything Sabres. A loss to Winnipeg tonight will really send them over the Skyway.

* And finally, the long time owner of the LA Lakers, Jerry Buss died yesterday at the age of 80. Buss was truly one of the iconic owners in all of sports. His desire to win was legendary but he also crafted a family atmosphere around the Lakers that all of his players appreciated. In these days of worrying about the bottom line (Hal S.), Buss was an owner that every fan would appreciate because he wanted to win as badly as they did. Rest in peace, Jerry.