Leafs Notes: Burke Says No, Steen A No Go, Kabby Lands In Atlanta

Washington 2, Toronto 1

Well, last night's game, there was just something about it.  Despite playing the night before the Leafs got stronger as the game went on, they simply couldn't beat goalie Brent Johnson, who was great in between the pipes last night for the Caps.

Another game where they didn't play bad enough to lose, but found a way to anyway.   

I certainly wasn't impressed with the antics of some of the Capitals players, John Erskine in particular.  It was two nights ago that Erskine took Ponikarovsky out of the game on a questionable hit from behind.  Last night Alex Steen was the victim, as he left the game with a shoulder injury after a hit from Erskine.  Steen will be out of action 10-14 days.  Also, the hit on Antropov was a little much. 

It is unfortunate that it will likely take someone getting seriously injured before the league, and more importantly the players learn that these actions can't be tolerated.  To top the night off when the buzzer expired and Washington had sealed the victory, Erskine still seen fit to spear Leafs winger Jason Blake in the groin.  Blake was clearly in discomfort as he left the ice following the game.  And you know something; all these cheap shots sure got my blood boiling, but I'm not sure it was the cheap shots themselves, or the fact that no Leafs stepped up to help their teammates. 

Not one answered the bell, towed the line for their fellow men, and that could very well speak volumes on why this team is where they are.  They simply have no team toughness.  I am not saying I wanted to see them stoop to the level of those players, but they could at least get in their face, push them around, and drop the mitts.  The timing was appropriate to send the message.  The Leafs, and the league as a whole are now in the All Star Break.  Toronto returns to action Tuesday night when they tangle with St. Louis.

Burke Tells Leafs Not To Bother

In a media conference today Brian Burke said he wouldn't be interested in leaving sunny California to take up a job with the Maple Leafs as their general manager.  Hmm, weather continuously in the 80's, plus the defending Stanley Cup winners, I'm not sure I would leave either.  All kidding aside I knew Burke would be a bit of a long shot.  The folks that own the Ducks have endured alot, waiting for a winner.  Now they have one, they simply wouldn't let the architect leave.  As I have stated for most of the time during the speculation, I really think this GM search will come down to Jim Rutherford, Ken Holland, Jim Nill or Neil Smith.  Holland is very happy in Detroit, make no bones about it.  But he is also an ultra competitive guy, a man who likes a challenge, and what bigger challenge is their in the NHL right now?  Also it's not as though Holland is an old man.  He could be the general manager of the Red Wings for years to come, which is why I think Jim Nill enters into the equation.  Nill is assistant GM and his biggest role is running the Red Wings draft, which as we all know has a fantastic track record.  Nill doesn't have any experience as a GM, something the Leafs said was a prerequisite, but given his teachers, and his history, they may waive it for Nill.

Injury Update

As previously mentioned winger Alex Steen left the game last night after taking a hit and did not return.  The initial diagnosis is that he will be out 10-14 days, so the All Star break couldn't have come at a better time for him.  Also Darryl Boyce, a recent call up who made his NHL debut last night, injured his shoulder as well.  Boyce listed as being out indefinitely, and is to be re-evaluated in a few days time.

Kaberle, All Stars Land In Atlanta

Maple Leafs representative Tomas Kaberle arrived in Atlanta today, along with all the other NHL All Stars.  The game itself goes Sunday at 6 PM, with the Super Skills getting underway at 7 tomorrow night.

Always a favourite, the Skill Competition will have seven total events this year, with a few new events:  The Obstacle Course Relay, Fastest Skater, Elimination Shootout, YoungStars Game, Accuracy Shooting, Hardest Shot, and maybe the most exciting Breakaway Competition, which will be the shootout contest similar to the NBA's Slam Dunk Competition.  In fact Atlanta basketball legend Dominique Wilkins will be on hand, as one of the celebrity judges.

Its suffered a whole lot of scrutiny over the past few weeks, for its blandness, and lack of stars, but I for one am actually kind of excited for the All Star Game.  The Skills competition is always a fun event, and the game is loose, laid back, you get to see some of the players personalities shine through, and they just get to have some fun, I think its a cool event.  For the record though, Best All Star Game award in my books goes to MLB hands down.

Enjoy your All-Star Break Leafs Nation, hope you will tune into the Super Skills Competition as well as the game itself.  Be sure to check back here for any updates on the Maple Leafs, as well as a full recap and analysis of the Toronto/St. Louis game.