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

Burke Needs To Act To Save Season

As injuries continue to mount, President and General Manager Brian Burke needs to act if he is to save this season. Last night, besides dropping a 4-1 decision to the Nashville Predators, the Leafs may have lost Matthew Lombardi and Mike Kommisarek. Kommisarek has played his best hockey since becoming a Leaf and with Cody Franson and Marlie possibilities the Leafs may be able to weather the storm. But it's upfront where the Leafs have some major issues to deal with.

We know that Mikhail Grabovski will be out for 2 weeks. We don't know what the deal is with Clarke MacArthur and it appears that Matthew Lombardi suffered a shoulder injury last night. And how about Colby Armstrong who has been out since early October with an ankle injury. Before the latest injuries the Leafs were depending pretty much on Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Now, they are all that's left and it is apparent that it will not be good enough. Especially if this team wants to make the playoffs. And while injuries are mounting, the Leafs need to make a move to solidify their goaltending. Ben Scrivens played again last night and seems to have a habit of allowing a soft goal a game and it is apparent that they have no confidence in Jonas Gustavsson.

Burke has said that he has received inquiries about Cody Franson. He may need to package Franson along with a Nazem Kadri to get some forward help and a goalie. The Marlies should have a defenseman to bring up. If healthy enough possibly Keith Aulie or Matt Lashoff. Joe Colborne is just now coming back from injury and it's quite possible we will see him up with the big team shortly. In fact, getting a solid goalie may be the bigger priority than worrying about getting a scoring forward.

Burke may also need to begin re-thinking the philosophy of this club. The style of this team's play lends to defensemen pinching into the offensive zone. The problem is that with weak goaltending this style is a recipe for disaster. Last night Luke Schenn, not known for his offensive abilities, pinched in the offensive zone which created a 2 on 1 situation that led to a Nashville goal. In the recent losses, this situation has presented itself on numerous occasions and has led to opponent goals.

While it is probably unlikely that Burke would make an in season coaching change, the heat needs to be put on Ron Wilson. Without a capable goaltender, the Leafs are in no position to allow defenseman to pinch in particularly players like Schenn and Mike Kommisarek. It's necessary for the Leafs to be more disciplined. It is well documented that Leaf special teams have been terrible under Wilson. The power play has been clicking as of late but penalty killing is still a problem. A change in style needs to happen quickly. Along with that a veteran goaltender needs to be acquired before Burke's self-imposed trade deadline in early December. If no action is taken, the Leafs may once again be on the outside looking in for the playoffs and Leaf Nation will be demanding for heads to roll. It's your move Burkie!!

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