Leafs in Minnesota tonight. Buffalo at Montreal. Toronto win and Sabres regulation loss moves Leafs to within three points of playoff spot in NHL East. Toronto regulation loss and Sabres win widens gap to seven points. Think these games are a trifle important? Let's chat for the next couple of hours.
Where does James Reimer factor into your argument?
Good point about experience of playoff race on young Leafs. Imagine how valuable even one round of playoff experience would be, given the climate in this city.
Probably 10 percent... and clearly Reimer.
Colby brought a certain type of energy/edge that is almost irreplaceable. Leafs summoned Nazem Kadri to take his roster spot and the move looked good on Saturday, when the third and fourth-liners scored all the goals in lop-sided win over Boston. I still wouldn't hesitate to use Jay Rosehill. He is tough, and has cut down on the number of bad penalties he used to take.
Folks: spelling, capital letters... please???! I seem to get asked this question in each Internet chat. If Bryzgalov is available on July 1 -- and given his role with a very good Phoenix club the past two seasons, I consider this a BIG IF -- I believe Brian Burke will consider signing him, as they have a prior relationship in Anaheim. But, Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson, right now, are the two Leaf goalies in 2011-12.
Yes, and I believe that will be the plan. Ron Wilson said yesterday that if Orr is cleared to play with three or four games left in the season (and the club is no longer in playoff chase), it would make no sense risking Orr. Better to give him entire off-season to recover from a dreadful concussion and facial-bone injury.
Yes, I think that was a solid decision by Wilson. Kadri may ultimately fit into Burke's "Top-6/Bottom-6" plan as a first or second-line forward, but he isn't capable of handling that role just yet. I feel he's a perfect fit with Crabb and Boyce right now, or with Crabb and Freddy Sjostrom, until Boyce returns from injury.
I sense that whatever concerns Burke et al have about Gustavsson's health are directed at the young man, personally, and not as a business enterprise. Jonas has another year remaining on his contract with the Leafs and no doctor, to my knowledge, has told him the irregular heart-beat that crops up now and then is a threat to his career. When he requires the ablation procedure, it sidelines him for only two weeks, so it seems more of a nuisance than a serious health concern. I've said this before: As with other pro athletes that struggle in their sophomore years, I believe Gustavsson will rebound with an improved performance next season. He and Reimer could be a terrific tandem, though Reimer will likely have to endure the sophomore issue at some point.
No, Kadri loses rookie status Apr. 2nd at Ottawa, in his 26th game of the season. If he's here 'til end of schedule, he'll have appeared in 29 games.
Interesting theory, though I'm not certain that providing the Rangers John Mitchell will serve to enhance the relationship between Burke and Sather.
Errol Thompson still lives in his birth-town, Summerside PEI, and occasionally makes appearances here with the Leafs alumni. He WAS a fabulous skater with a great shot on his fore and backhand. He, Sittler and McDonald -- for the short time they played together -- was the best three-some I've seen in my lifetime watching the Leafs. Doug Gilmour and Dave Andreychuk were prolific as a tandem in early-'90s, but Sittler-McDonald-Thompson was a terrific line. Jim Dorey lives in Kingston. He also shows up at many Leaf alumni events and still looks to be in his late-30s, though I believe he's into his early-60s now. Still remember being at his first game: Leafs home opener in 1968-69, when he fought the entire Pittsburgh Penguins team and established a record for penalty minutes in a game (48) that stood for many years.
That's the double-edged sword of signing free agent players from U.S. college and Europe that were passed over in their draft years: both risk and reward are low. None of Leafs' college signings under Burke (Christian Hanson, Tyler Bozak, Brayden Irwin) have yet distinguished themselves in the NHL. Gustavsson may become an excellent goalie, but illness, injury and adaptation to the North American game have held him back thus far. Interesting to see if Tyler Brenner, forward signed yesterday from Rochester Institute of Technology, breaks the mold.
I agree whole-heartedly and have said so on the radio many times. When Kessel is on one of his streaks -- and let's be clear that streaky scoring is definitely his pattern -- he creates much of the play himself, with speed and creativity high in the offensive zone. He is not the "stick-on-the-ice/tap-in-a-pass" forward many assumed after his years playing alongside Marc Savard. The much bigger issue is Phil's ability and willingness to "bring it" on a more regular basis. When he sticks to the perimeter, there are nights I'm not even aware that he's dressed. His skill, however, cannot be questioned.
Yeah, I have always liked the Blackhawks' red jersey and was appalled when they briefly wore a black aberration a few years ago. Also really like Minnesota's red home uniform: hope Wild wears it tonight instead of green alternate jersey (which is also decent, but not as sharp). The desert-red home uniform of the Phoenix Coyotes is very nice, too.
QUESTION FOR OTHERS: WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST-FAVORITE UNIFORM IN CURRENT NHL? WHICH FORMER NHL-TEAM UNIFORMS DO YOU LIKE?
Guys like Crabb, Boyce, Brent, Rosehill etc. have value, but their futures here will be determined by the type and quantity of players Burke acquires in the off-season, and by the development of those already in the organization (Kadri, Joe Colborne chief among them).
Mario Lemieux suggested that sort of idea in a recent letter to Gary Bettman, though it had escalating fines applied to teams that are not tied to the cap. I think that's a good idea to start. No one, regardless how wealthy, wants to lose money over a player running around stupid. If it doesn't act as a deterrent, then your idea (though radical) has merit.
Yeah, Florida and Columbus both have puzzling alternate jerseys. The Panthers wear something that resembles Mississauga/St. Michael's Majors of the OHL, and the Blue Jackets get points for a rather unique third design, given it doesn't remind me of anything. Leafs' alternate is classic road jersey worn in the mid-1960s, and changed for the playoffs in 1967. There is lots of chatter that Leafs will unveil a new 3rd design for next season, but I don't have that confirmed.
If Crosby is cleared by doctors to re-join the Penguins, why wouldn't he participate in the Stanley Cup tournament? This isn't another Colton Orr situation.
Clearly Phaneuf is supplying more offense than at any previous time as a Leaf, but where was he (and every other player) in Florida last Thursday? No one can afford to take a night off with just nine games left.
You were certainly into greens, blues, reds, yellows and oranges, huh?
Joe, no more answers unless you stop being lazy with capitals and spacing. Your question is irrelevant. Won't happen. Parise will stay in Jersey or be traded.
