Downward Spiral Continues As Leafs Fall Out Of 8th
The Toronto Maple Leafs march out of playoff contention continued last night as they dropped a 2-1 decision to the San Jose Sharks at Air Canada Centre. No one can blame the goaltender on this one as James Reimer was solid in goal. But once again it took two periods for this team to play with any sense of urgency and again it was too little too late. The loss dropped the Leafs out of the final playoff spot as they are now one point behind Florida. Interestingly enough, they are 7 points out of 7th and 7 points away from last place.
A season that started out with much promise has turned sour with a terrible 1-6-1 tailspin that rivals last season's horrendous mid-October to November swoon. Being 4-4 over this eight game period would have the Leafs solidly in 8th place with 71 points and they would only be 3 points out of 4th place. With games against Washington and Florida coming up, the season can very well be determined by the end of February.
One has to wonder if a trade will make a difference for the Leafs in trying to make the playoffs and whether or not the deadline should be used to clear cap space, get more draft picks and create opportunities for kids from the Marlies to come up to the big team. It would be great if the Leafs could unload Mike Komisarek, Colby Armstrong, and Tim Connolly but its probably wishful thinking on my part.
At this point I am at a loss as to what this team needs to do. I do believe that whatever move they make before the deadline should not only be for this season. Trading young players or future assets to acquire a player that is going to help get the Leafs into the playoffs is a mistake. It's a path that this franchise has gone down before with limited success. Of course, if success is defined by winning a Stanley Cup then this strategy has been a failure. The Leafs' management team has some big decisions to make between now and 3pm February 27th. I guess that's why they get the big bucks.
Will Leafs Be Different After Deadline??
Monday is the NHL trade deadline and the big question for Leaf Nation is: Will the Leafs roster be different next Tuesday when they face off against the Florida Panthers?? As each day passes I begin to think that if the Maple Leafs make any trades they will not be blockbusters. Yesterday in an interview on TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, Leafs President & General Manager Brian Burke indicated that he did not have any offer on the table to acquire Rick Nash. Based upon what the Blue Jackets are looking for in return for Nash, that does not surprise me. However, Burkie did say that the Leafs will have to look at the goaltending market.
Burke has defended his goaltending tandem of Jonas Gustavsson and James Reimer throughout the season. In fact, he reiterated what he has said recently that Gustavsson had saved the Leafs season with his play in January. But the Leafs head honcho was very clear that the goaltending performance on Tuesday was not acceptable, noting that the game winner was a shot that was going wide. Burke indicated that they would be looking at a goalie who could help the team now not in the future.
Burke is taking heat for not having an experienced goaltender on the roster and that is fair criticism. But what I like about Burkie is he is not afraid to correct his mistakes. He did it with Kris Versteeg and Francois Beauchemin. With the season hanging in the balance, it would not surprise me if the Leafs acquire a veteran goalie. The candidates could be Evgeni Nabakov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Josh Harding, Andres Lindback and J.S. Giguere. I can't see the Leafs getting Nabakov or Khabibulin. But the other 3 could be possibilities. Harding would seem to fit the bill even though he has never been a starter backing up Niklas Backstrom. Harding has played well when pressed into service and is an unrestricted free agent next year so the Leafs could use the remaining games as an audition with no committment for next season. The Wild may consider the move since it would appear that Harding will look to go somewhere that gives him a shot to be a starter and as a result the price for Harding should not be that high. Harding is 27 years old.
Lindback is an interesting player. He is only 23 years old and is a restricted free agent. He played well when Pekka Rinne was out for a bit but it would appear that the Leafs might not want to bring in another 23 year old goalie. Giguere certainly has experience with the Maple Leafs. However, the 34 year old is under contract for next season at a salary cap hit of $1.25 million. If Burke wasn't willing to bring Giguere back in the summer would he be willing to bring him back now and be obligated to him next season??
Of the three, Harding would seem to make the most sense and don't forget that the Wild's general manager happens to be Cliff Fletcher's son. Giguere could be the fall back if the Leafs are comfortable bringing Giguere back next season. But while Burke is looking for goalies, the team still has other needs particularly some size up front. The other issue that bears watching involves Mikhail Grabovski. The popular center, who also happens to be the Leafs best center man, is an unrestricted free agent next season. Burke had to cringe when he saw that the Carolina Hurricanes signed Tuumo Ruutu to a four year extension worth $4.75 million per year. If Ruutu is worth $4.75 million a year, what's Grabovski worth?? On top of that, the Leafs are paying Tim Connolly $4.75 million per year and I think most would agree that Grabovski is worth more than Connolly.
It seems that the Leafs are balking against paying Grabovski $5.5 million a year. Unless the Leafs are able to clear cap space elsewhere, like moving a Mike Komisarek or a Colby Armstrong, they may look to move Grabovski. The problem with doing that now is that it would damage their already fragile playoff chances. I would hate to see Grabovski go but its obvious that if the Leafs are not going to re-sign him, they would try to get some assets for him.
Brian Burke has plenty of work to do before Monday and I can't think of a better guy to meet the challenge.
Leafs Fall To Devils 4-3 In OT
The Toronto Maple Leafs fought back several times to be in a position to get a valuable two points last night against the New Jersey Devils. Yet, each time they drew even, suspect goaltending dropped them behind. The worst being the game winner by Mark Fayne 1:18 into overtime as the Devils defeated the Leafs 4-3. Toronto did get one point and remained tied with Winnipeg for the 8th and final playoff spot.
After Phil Kessel's goal tied the game with 43 seconds left in the third period, the crowd gave the team a standing ovation as regulation time ended and there was a feeling that the Leafs were going to pull this one out. Just before Fayne's goal, Jake Gardiner rattled one off the post behind Marty Brodeur and it seemed like it was a matter of time before they got the winner. However, seconds later Fayne put one past Jonas Gustavsson on a shot that looked like it was going wide of the net.
Think about how we all would be feeling today if the Leafs would have won the game. We would be talking about the fact that they never quit. That they received scoring from 3 lines. That Gustavsson, despite letting in two weak goals early, made some key saves to keep the Leafs in the game. Instead, a team that needed a win badly suffered a miserable defeat. As I mentioned in an earlier post, some times you need a big hit or a big goal. Kessel's goal could have been that goal. But as I also said sometimes your goalie needs to make a big save. In this case, we are not talking about a big save. We're talking about something routine.
It's anybodies guess as to who Coach Ron Wilson will start on Thursday night. Unless another goalie is brought in, I think that Wilson needs to pick a goalie and ride him. A goaltender needs to develop a groove and gain confidence. The yo-yo situation in net is not helping either goalie. It will also be interesting to see how this team reacts after losing a game that they could have won and needed to win. The Leafs control their own destiny but unless the goaltending situation gets straightened out, this team will not make the playoffs.
Let me close by asking you a question that was posed by Toronto Sun reporter Steve Simmons on twitter: If the Leafs need to win the final game of the season to make the playoffs who should Ron Wilson start in goal, James Reimer or Jonas Gustavsson???
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what life will be as a Yankee fan without Mariano Rivera, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* Mariano Rivera had the Pinstripe World in an uproar yesterday when he reported to camp and told the media that he has made up his mind as far as when he will be retiring. The Greatest Closer Ever told the media that he will tell them his decision at some point. Most Yankee observers believe that this will be Rivera's last year. Boy oh boy I can't imagine who will attempt to take over the closer's role for the Yankees but as fans we need to really enjoy his performance this year.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/possible_exit_sandman_makes_it_season_RqEU8SAcPdSVUAe0fT7YGK
* The Yankees have signed Raul Ibanez to be their lefty DH and play occasionally in the outfield. Now it remains to be seen whether they sign Eric Chavez.
* Brian Cashman admitted on The Mike Francesa Show that the six man rotation probably disrupted CC Sabathia more than Sabathia's weight gain in the second half of the season. I felt that this was a problem last year when Joe "The Binder" Girardi went to the six man. Athletes and particularly major league pitchers like repitition. A classic example is Mike Mussina. Let's hope The Binder learns from his mistake. However, Sabathia does need to keep his weight under control.
* Read an interesting article in the Boston Herald about Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. Lester was very gracious and apologetic in speaking about what happened in Spetember last season. He held himself responsible and understood why fans are upset and apologized. On the other hand, Beckett was as defiant as his idol, Roger Clemens. He was not apologizing for anything and was passing blame on unidentified Red Sox personnel. What a great role model for younger players!!!! Must be something about being from Texas that means you can't admit you were wrong and have to maintain that macho image. What B.S.!!!!!!!!!
* The Oakland A's announced yesterday that they signed Manny Ramirez to a contract worth $500,000. Ramirez would miss the first 50 games due to a suspension as a result of his usage of PED's. So this must be Money Ball circa 2012: sign Bartolo "Little Andre" Colon and Ramirez. Billy Beane is a joke and the fans of this once proud franchise should be sick about it.
* There was a rumor emanating from the Cleveland Fox-affiliate that the Cleveland Browns had worked out a contract to retain running back Peyton Hillis. I tried to see if there was any confirmation of this rumor and there was none to be found. If this indeed happens, the Browns will have made a wise decision.
* There are plenty of rumors about where Peyton Manning is going to end up. The latest has Seattle extremely interested. Something to keep an eye on is that the team that gets Manning (if he leaves the Colts) may also be able to get Reggie Wayne. The 32 year old wide receiver is a free agent and would be a great addition for any team that gets Manning.
* Tonight the Maple Leafs begin a critical four game home stand as the New Jersey Devils come to the ACC. The Devils are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games while the Leafs have lost five out of their last six. The Leafs need to do something that they haven't done on home ice in a long time: score the first goal. As we know the Devils love to clamp things down once they get a lead and they also have the resurgent Marty Brodeur. The Leafs received some help last night as Carolina whipped the Washington Capitals 5-0 leaving the Caps tied with Toronto for the 8th and final playoff spot.
* All of Toronto was a flutter yesterday when it was reported that Brian Burke met in NYC with Columbus GM Scott Howsam. Burke has downplayed the meeting and quite frankly I don't see the Leafs getting Rick Nash. The asking price is way too high. As Leaf fans we want them to make the playoffs but they shouldn't mortgage their future to do it. If they can get a big forward such as a Ryan Malone type or a lock down defenseman such as Ryan Suter they may be much better off than getting Nash or Jeff Carter. One thing to keep in mind, the Leafs would be better off trying to acquire Zach Parise on July 1 as opposed to trading away a Jake Gardiner to get Rick Nash. The overall goal should not be just to make the playoffs but to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. For the first time in a number of years the farm system is stocked with talent and to trade it away to make the playoffs this year only to get knocked out in the first round makes no sense.
* And finally, I watched a good chunk of the Knicks-Nets game last night. Deron Williams was on fire for the Nets last night as the Knicks had no answer for him. As I have stated before, it wouldn't take much for me to get back into the Knicks again but I just have to wonder if the Knicks would be better off without Carmelo Anthony.
Yankees Begin Hunt For 28th Championship
The New York Yankees opened up spring training yesterday as pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa to begin the quest for their 28th World Championship. On paper, their starting rotation is much better than it was a year ago when Sergio Mitre, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon were battling for a starting spot. However as we know, what's on paper means nothing when the games count just ask the 2011 Phillies and Red Sox.
When looking at the Yankee rotation, if CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda can pitch like they have in the past, then the Yanks will have a pretty solid 1-2 punch. Of course, it will be interesting to see how Kuroda makes the transition from the National League to the American League. Last season, Sabathia's knee gave him trouble in the second half and in the playoffs and the Yankees have discussed with him the need to keep his weight under control. Sabathia also indicated that he would have to figure out a way to deal with a six-man rotation if it happens again this year. An interesting comment from CC and one that indicates to me that Joe Girardi's playing around with the rotation late last year didn't help his ace.
The rest of the rotation will be filled out by Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda, Phil Hughes or Freddy Garcia. In the first 3, the Yankees have young arms that if they progress the way their potential would indicate, the Bombers rotation could be set for years to come. With young pitchers you never know what to expect but all three of these guys have the talent to succeed. For Phil Hughes, this year is a critical one. After making the AL All-Star team in 2010, Hughes faltered in the second half of 2010 and had a terrible 2011. It is believed that he was out of shape in 2011 and could be the reason for the decline in his fast ball. Reportedly he is in camp in great shape and time will tell if his fast ball can consistently crack 93-95 mph. If it can, the Yanks rotation will be solid.
With AJ Burnett traded to Pittsburgh, the Yankees are now setting their sites on a DH preferrably someone to face right-handed pitchers. There has been plenty of reports indicating that they are focused on Raul Ibanez. Not sure I'm all that crazy about Ibanez. Many have talked about bringing Johnny Damon back but I think Damon would be looking at getting more ABs than the Yankees would be looking to give him. Hideki Matsui is another possibility but GM Brian Cashman has said that they want someone who can play some outfield if necessary and Matsui's knees limit his ability to do that. As a result, the Yankees might not have many other options besides Ibanez.
There is also reports that the Yanks are interested in bring Eric Chavez back and Chavez wants to come back. I think that bringing Chavez back would be a good move as the guy can hit and fill in at third when giving ARod a rest. In addition, Chavez can also play a little first base if necessary. Speaking of ARod, I believe that he will play around 110-120 games at third base. The Yankees need his power and ability to drive in runs. If he can't drive off his legs then his power numbers will go down as was evidenced last season. Giving him more DH opportunities should take some stress off his hip and knees.
As we all know, championships are not won on paper but on the field. A lot of things can happen over the course of a 162 game schedule particularly with an aging starting lineup. But the key to the season will be those three young arms. If Pineda, Nova and Hughes can consistently give the Yankees quality starts, any issues with an aging starting lineup will be covered and give the Yankees a good shot of capturing Number 28.
Leafs Head Home With Season On The Line
The Toronto Maple Leafs ended their Western Canadian road trip in miserable fashion by being dominated by the Vancouver Canucks in a 6-2 loss at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver. There is no sense in going over last night's debacle because whether or not the Leafs make the playoffs could be determined in the next four games, all at the Air Canada Centre. The Leafs play New Jersey on Tuesday, San Jose on Thursday and Washington on Saturday. The home stand closes out on Tuesday February 28th against the Florida Panthers. In my opinion, the Leafs must win the three games against the Eastern Conference teams if they are to get into the playoffs.
The HNIC cameramen picked out two great shots of Leafs General Manager Brian Burke last night. The second one showed a visibly steamed Burke who's face was beet red. After the 5-0 defeat of Ottawa there was plenty of talk that the Leafs might not make a trade because the team seemed to be on track. I for one did not feel that way as I felt that the Leafs needed to add muscle up front. Well, after seeing Burke last night I would be shocked if a couple of trades aren't made before the February 27th trade deadline.
I'm not sure what it is about Saturday night HNIC games but the Maple Leafs are 7-10 in Saturday contests. Making matters worse, four of those wins came in October. If the Leafs were 9-8 they would be tied with Ottawa at 68 points and have two games in hand. They would be only two points behind the New Jersey Devils.
Other than Jake Gardiner, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel, every other player should be available in a trade. There has been plenty of talk that the Leafs may need to get a goaltender. I'm not sure who they could get at this point that will be much better than James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson unless you could get someone like Jaroslav Halak. What might be the better course is going with Gustavsson on this home stand. While it is apparent that Leaf management wants Reimer to be the team's number one, Gustavsson saved the season in Janaury and deserves the chance to take the role as number one goaltender.
But goaltending is only part of the issue. The Leafs terrible defensive zone coverage is killing them and I believe that it is also tied to their inability to do the gritty things that you need to score goals. Going to the net, cycling down low have been missing for the most part over the last 6 games and that translates into their own end where forwards should be back to assist the defense in getting the puck out of their own zone.
Something needs to happen soon otherwise this season that started out so hopeful will once again result in no playoffs for Leaf Nation.
Leaf Trade Rumors: Gardiner & Grabovski On The Move??
As we get closer to the February 27th NHL trade deadline, trade rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs change hourly and there is plenty of debate as to what this team needs. My opinion is that they need one (if they could two) big forward who can clear space for their talented smaller forwards. Think Ryan Malone or someone like a Brian Boyle (I am not saying that Brian Boyle is available).
There are two big stories floating around Toronto one involving Rick Nash and the other involving Mikhail Grabovski. Nash is the big Columbus Blue Jacket forward who is on the trading block. Nash has given the Blue Jackets five teams that he would agree to go to. One of those teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs. There has been plenty of speculation that Blue Jacket GM Scott Howsam would only consider a deal with the Leafs if rookie defenseman Jake Gardiner was involved. Quite frankly I say no thank you if I'm the Leafs. I've always liked Rick Nash as a player and would love to see him in a Leaf uniform, however the soon to be 28 year old comes with a $7.8 million price tag that runs through 2018. In addition, in order to get Nash it will take more than Gardiner including possibly Mikhail Grabovski and some experts are saying that Phil Kessel might have to be involved.
Moving either Grabovski or Kessel to get Nash makes no sense. If bringing Nash in is to provide more scoring it makes no sense to give up one of your top points producers to get him. Could you imagine Nash on a line with Grabovski?? Moving Grabovski basically means you have traded away your best center man. (more on this below) As far as Kessel goes, you would be trading away a 24 year old All-Star who appears to continue to improve his game and one has to wonder how much higher this kid can go if he had a big center to play with and this is not meant as any slight to Tyler Bozak. Who would you rather have centering Joffrey Lupul and Kessel: Bozak or someone like Ryan Getzlaf??
As far as moving Gardiner, I think that would be a huge mistake. As I have stated many times on this blog, Gardiner is the best young defenseman that this organization has had since Borje Salming. His skating ability is excellent and he leads all rookie defensemen in scoring. Many NHL scouts are saying that this kid can be something special. At the age of 21, Gardiner is already one of the Leafs top 4 defenseman and to move him would be a huge mistake. Having a young defenseman who can skate and has offensive ability to make plays are not easy to find. Gardiner could anchor this defense corp for 10-12 years. Getting Rick Nash would be great, but will the overall cost increase or decrease the team's chances to make the playoffs.
Yesterday Darren Dreger reported that the Leafs had an offer on the table for Mikhail Grabovski that included a second round pick and a top prospect. There was a belief that the Leafs could possibly hold out and get a first rounder and a top prospect. In twitter world it was speculated that the St.Louis Blues were the team involved but that has not been confirmed. Dreger went on to say that this could be an attempt by Brian Burke to put heat on the Grabovski camp to lower its contract demand to stay in Toronto as it has been reported that Mikhail loves living in Toronto.
If Brian Burke makes the deal as reported by Dreger and no other deal is made then it basically tells me that Burke does not believe that this team can make the playoffs and if they do make it they will be an easy mark for a Rangers or Bruins team. It is inconceivable to me that Burkie would move his best center man for a draft pick and propsect unless that draft pick is a top first round pick. Grabovski is the Leafs best center right now and moving him without getting anyone to replace him means that Tim Connolly becomes your 2nd line center. Somehow that doesn't inspire me.
Brian Burke's history with the Maple Leafs has been to make a deal that no one was expecting. It would seem that with the glut of defensemen that the team has that one of them would be included in a trade. I would think that Gardiner, Dion Phaneuf and John-Michael Liles would not be involved in a deal. But one thing is clear: I would be shocked if Burke does not make a trade. A big forward would be what I think the team needs and if it was a center man that would even be better. Only time will tell, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the Leafs have a tough one tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. Its a big game for the Leafs as the Washington Capitals pulled within one point of Toronto and Winnipeg is now only 4 points behind. This game will be a tough one and hopefully the Leafs will play with desperation tonight. James Reimer gets the start on Hockey Night In Canada. The puck drop is at 7:05pm.
Time Warner Cable Black Outs NY
Since January 1, 2012, Time Warner Cable (TWC) subscribers have been denied access to Madison Square Garden (MSG) programming which includes: NY Knicks, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres games. Fans of these respective teams are unable to follow their favorites in the comfort of their own homes and must either find an establishment that has DirecTV or subscribe to DirecTV. For full disclosure let me say that I am a DirecTV subscriber and have been one since 1998 so this dispute between TWC and MSG does not impact me in the least. But it does impact hundreds of thousands of fans all across New York State.
Wednesday Mike Francesa had representatives from the two companies on his show and it was evident that if blame needs to be placed it lies with TWC. It would be in MSG's best interest to have these games broadcasted because as you know the Knicks and the Rangers are owned by MSG. It was reported the ratings for Knicks games are up 70% over last year and that is not counting the recent Jeremy Lin success story. The ratings for the Eastern Conference leading Rangers are up 10% over last year and the Buffalo Sabres have the best television ratings of any American based NHL team. So why is TWC balking at paying what other providers are paying for MSG??
In the end, once again the sports fans get screwed. What I would like to know is if TWC does not come to an agreement with MSG, will TWC subscribers receive a rebate??? The answer is no and we all know that. This whole situation is why I dumped cable many years ago. What I like about DirecTV is that I pay for what I want where as cable you pretty much have little choice. I have heard that in Western New York, DirecTV has brought in technicians from Pennsylvania because they cannot keep up with the demand for new installations as a result of people switching over from TWC. Unfortunately, there are many people who live in apartment or condominium complexes that prohibit satellite dishes from being installed so those people are held hostage by TWC.
A follower of this blog @TRestaino has started a campaign to apply pressure on TWC by asking people to send 10 tweets at 10am for the next 8 days using #timewarner to bring attention to this situation. If you are effected what do you have to lose by participating. Even if you are not effected, let's try to bring this thing to a head for those sports fans effected.
Leafs Continue Downward Spiral With 5-1 Loss
With plenty of members of Leaf Nation in attendance, the Toronto Maple Leafs once again came out sleep walking at the Scotiabank Saddledome and dropped a 5-1 decision to the Calgary Flames. The loss is their fourth straight as they cling onto 8th place by one point ahead of the Washington Capitals. In a game that had huge implications for their playoff hopes, the Leafs came out flat once again. The last time the Leafs really came out of the gate in the first period firing on all cyclinders was on January 31st in Pittsburgh.
As has been the case in the 3 previous games, the Leafs defensive zone coverage was awful and as a result they quickly found themselves down 2-0 in the first period. Tyler Bozak's goal late in the first period gave Leaf Nation hope, however the Leafs would never recover from the early hole that they dug for themselves. Another common thread that showed up last night was the Leafs inability or desire to go to the front of the net and create traffic in front of the other team's goaltender. While the Leafs outshot the Flames 42-34, Mikka Kiprusoff was able to see just about everything and rebounds may have been there for the taking but the Leafs were no where to be found.
At this point I keep on wondering who on this team is capable of making a play that is going to turn this thing around. Who in that locker room is going to grab the team by the throat and will it to a victory similar to a Wendel Clark. Apparently the players only meeting that took place after the Montreal loss did absolutely no good.
The Leafs have been outscored 10-1 in their last two games. But more disturbing seems to be the lack of defensive discipline in their own end and the lack of physicality which translates in not going to the other team's net and a meek forecheck. The great chemistry that was present after the encouraging 5-0 win in Ottawa has disappeared and the Senators are now four points ahead of Toronto. The Capitals, while a point behind the Leafs, will have two games in hand on Toronto after the Leafs game against the Oilers tonight.
One final point, the Leafs goaltenders are not stealing a game. If there is any position on this team that could turn this around it is between the pipes. Unfortunately, neither James Reimer or Jonas Gustavsson has been able to make that big save or series of saves that can turn a game around. It will be interesting to see who Ron Wilson has in goal tonight against the Edmonton Oilers.
Someone needs to step up and lead this team out of its funk otherwise this season is going to slip away. The puck drop tonight is at 10:05 at the Rexall Centre.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if there is any correlation with the fact that the Yankees have done nothing at the last two MLB trade deadlines and Brian Cashman's dalliances with some psycho twit, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The fate of the Toronto Maple Leafs' attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since the lockout may become crystal clear at the end of their upcoming 3 game Western Canada road trip that begins tonight in Calagry. The Leafs margin for error is becoming smaller and smaller as they ended a terrible week losing three in a row, including an embarassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. It will be interesting to see who Ron Wilson starts in goal tonight and whether or not Colby Armstrong remains out of the lineup and if Mike Kommisarek comes back into the lineup.
* Speculation about Kommisarek's return may be a moot point since Carl Gunnarsson was injured as a result of a collision with Jay Rosehill. Reports would lead one to believe that Gunnarsson will not play tonight as he is having an MRI done today. The news doesn't sound good and if Gunnarsson is out for an extended period of time the Leafs will have lost one of their steadier defenseman.
* While watching some NHL games on Sunday, what hit me was how teams like the Rangers, Flyers and Red Wings drove the net to score goals something the Leafs have failed to do this past week. When your slumping you need to score gritty goals particularly when playing teams that like to play the trap.
* Mats Sundin is probably the most underappreciated Leaf star in the team's recent history. I'm a firm believer that a lot of that had to do with the fact that Sundin was not Canadian. It's the same reason that some in the Center of the Hockey Universe have such disdain for Brian Burke. The fact is that Sundin was a world class player who unfortunately never had linemates who could match his skills. Could you imagine if Sundin was able to play with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul?? On Saturday night, Sundin once again showed the class and dignity that he displayed as the Leaf Captain during his banner raising ceremony. Too bad his former team couldn't bring home a win.
* http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/ageless_jeter_first_preps_camp_again_PQyMd5ngsVn8vOYCeH8DmM
Read this article in Sunday's NY Post and I guess it confirms why Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee. The Yankee Captain is a great role model for the young Yankee prospects. It will be a sad day when he hangs up his spikes and I'm not sure if we will see another one like him.
* It appears that the Yankees are working a deal to move AJ Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Yanks pull this off it would be the best thing that could happen. The feeling among many is that a deal will get done but it comes down to how much the Pirates will pay and what prospects the Yankees will get.
* The Jeremy Lin story out of New York is a fascinating one and could possibly save the Knicks season. There is plenty of speculation as to how Carmelo Anthony will fit in with the captivating Lin. Melo is back in the lineup tonight against the Toronto Raptors at the ACC and all eyes will be watching unless you have Time Warner Cable.
* Yesterday Paul "Gasbag" Hamilton was asked if the Buffalo Sabres were better than Ottawa and Toronto. Gasbag's response was that he didn't want to bring up injuries but if the Sabres had all of their players they are the better team. Look, I'm not going to say that the Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders but I am tired of hearing about Sabre injuries as an excuse for where they are currently located in the standings. The Leafs lost their starting goaltender (James Reimer) for almost two months with concussion like symptoms and the following players were out for various periods of time: Mike Kommisarek, John-Michael Liles, Matthew Lombardi, Tim Connolly, Mikhail Grabovski, Colby Armstrong, Mike Brown and Tyler Bozak.
* Very stimulating sports talk yesterday afternoon as we had to hear about how the Bulldog didn't go sledding on Sunday afternoon because his youngest son forgot his boots at school after he had been told on numerous occasions to bring them home. Really???? Schopp praised his partner for instilling responsibility to his young son. And you want to know why WGR550 is a joke.
* WGR550 has brought back Blowhard Brad Riter as he has been filling in on occasion for Howard Simon. Riter was fired by GR several years ago because he couldn't make it to work on time. Riter fits in perfectly as he is a know-it-all who only concerns himself with the Sabres and Bills. Besides the fact that he is a known Red Sox fan (and their are a few at 550), why I really dislike Riter is his disdain for local sports particularly the local college basketball teams. Case in point: as some of you in WNY may recall Niagara University's men's basketball team won the MAAC Basketball tournament at the Arena in Buffalo back in 2005. It was a great night and it was certainly exciting watching the Purple Eagles advance to the NCAA for the first time in 35 years. The following night, Riter basically ridiculed the whole thing saying what difference does it make because Niagara will just get buried in the first round. Typical Buffalo B.S. and you want to know why people in this area are so cynical and negative.
* And finally, does anybody really care that Randy Moss wants to make a comeback???
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