Bleacher Report - Articles by Dave McCarthy

Something Amiss with the Montreal Canadiens

Dave McCarthy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:58:04 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.22 of A Foot In The Crease

Heading into the season, many prognosticators were suggesting that the Montreal Canadiens—who are commemorating their hundredth year of existence this season—would be the favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.

After getting off to a good start—now two-thirds of the way through the season—it appears that something is amiss in Montreal.

Earlier this week, head coach Guy Carbonneau debuted four new line combinations in an effort to spark his club. Instead, he saw his team lose 7-2 against the Edmonton Oilers—arguably their worst effort of the season.

Alex Tanguay has missed a month and is not scheduled to return until late February. Saku Koivu has lost a step this season, and Alexei Kovalev appears to be in the midst of one of his disinterested campaigns. Worst of all, Carey Price is going through a full-blown sophomore slump with his confidence as fragile as Robert Lang’s Achilles tendon upon his return.

It’s become clear that the Boston Bruins are the class of the Eastern Conference, and likely will not be caught by any team before the end of the season. Montreal, however, must now worry about merely securing a playoff spot as they just five points up on the ninth place Carolina Hurricanes.

With several gaping holes that have revealed themselves in the Montreal lineup over the past few weeks, expect GM Bob Gainey to be an active player at the NHL trade deadline.

The rumors continue that Vincent Lecavalier will end up in a Habs’ sweater by the end of the season. You can be sure that if their play does not improve soon, those rumors will reach a fever pitch until after the NHL’s trade deadline on Mar. 4, 2009.

It would be inconceivable—frankly catastrophic—if the Canadiens missed the playoffs after being viewed as a serious Stanley Cup contender prior to the season. With all the injuries they are dealing with—not to mention inconsistency in goal—missing the playoffs is certainly not out of the question.

Burke Must Avoid Fletcher's Mistakes a Year Ago

Dave McCarthy — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:49:45 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.21 of A Foot In The Crease

With the NHL’s Trade Deadline less than a month away, Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke is going to have to face a number of questions regarding personnel on the roster right now that have been being asked even before he took over the job. This trade deadline represents a crossroads for the Maple Leafs that is simply far too important for the future of the franchise for the right things not to be done.

A year ago, a number of inconsequential trades were made by Cliff Fletcher but the real opportunities he had to significantly help the Maple Leafs improve in a shorter amount of time—Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Bryan McCabe, Darcy Tucker, and Mats Sundin—were unable to be moved.

When you hear of some of the deals available for Kaberle that were left on the table—Bobby Ryan and a first round pick from Anaheim or Jeff Carter and a first round pick from Philadelphia—one only begins to wonder what if. If similar scenarios come across Brian Burke’s desk this trade deadline, he cannot afford not to get those deals done.

Burke has already said when he is a seller; he likes to wait as close to the deadline as possible as the closer you wait, the higher the return you often receive.

Nik Antropov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Jason Blake, Pavel Kubina, and Tomas Kaberle are prime candidates to be on the move. But don’t be surprised though if lesser thought of targets such as Dominic Moore, Niklas Hagman, or Jeff Finger get included in transactions as well if general managers of contending teams are looking for a little bit more depth.

One thing is for sure though, by the day after the trade deadline, if the future of the Maple Leafs is to be a positive one, the current state of the roster will have to look much different. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Gilmour, Vaive Earned Banners In Rafters

Dave McCarthy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:27:14 -0500

On Saturday night, for the second time this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs will enshrine another player in the rafters of Air Canada Centre by raising the banner of Doug Gilmour. They will officially honour No. 93 for his years with the team—years that were quite clearly his best as a National Hockey League player.

Unlike earlier in the season when the same honour was bestowed upon Wendel Clark, there really is little room to argue Gilmour’s place among the other legends whose banners hang from the rafters.

Not only was Gilmour a hugely popular player during his tenure in Toronto, his numbers over his first two seasons with the Maple Leafs stand in a league of their own when compared with other greats. No other Toronto numbers can equal the 301 points Gilmour racked up during 1993 and 1994 campaigns through any other two year stretch. To reach a total that lofty, most other Leafs needed at least four seasons to achieve a similar mark.

Before coming to the Maple Leafs midway through the 1991-1992 season in one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history, Gilmour was a good—but not great—player. The same applies following his departure. But for those two springs in 1993 and 1994 that saw the Leafs go on two magical playoff runs, Gilmour was just that himself—magical. He was arguably the best player the NHL had to offer.

The next player to join Gilmour and the other honoured Maple Leafs should be Rick Vaive. Vaive had three consecutive 50-goal seasons and is one of the best players during a very dark decade in Maple Leaf history. Today, the team longs for a player to have three consecutive 30-goal seasons.

Following that, don’t expect any more players to be honoured until Mats Sundin. This will happen whenever it is the Maple Leafs have decided enough time as passed.

But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Are The Toronto Maple Leafs Purposefully Losing Games?

Dave McCarthy — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:28:34 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.19 of A Foot In The Crease

The theory of “Tank Nation” pertaining to the Maple Leafs has become a touchy subject since midway through last season when it became clear that the team would miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Now, with the Maple Leafs on their way to a fourth straight season devoid of post season competition, the suggestion that they should purposefully lose their remaining games in the interest of securing a favourable draft position in the John Tavares sweepstakes is once again being brought back up.

We’ve said on numerous editions of this very program that purposefully losing games is not a good culture to foster on a team. Earlier in the week, Maple Leafs’ Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations said, "That is not the way to build the winning culture we want to establish." However, I’m starting to believe what the Maple Leafs are saying on the surface is not exactly what they are practicing from within.

Early in the season, Ron Wilson would hold players accountable by benching them or leaving them as healthy scratches for even the smallest of indiscretions. Over the past few weeks, the play of several veterans seems to have slipped back towards complacency but there has been no sign from the Coach of any method of accountability coming their way.

Nik Antropov has not scored in his last fifteen games but has not seen a diminishment in his ice time, much less the threat of becoming a healthy scratch. I guess it becomes awfully difficult to trade someone when you admit you don’t think they are any good. If Antropov, or for that matter Kaberle, Kubina or Ponikarovsky, is indeed on the trading block, the Leafs would lose significant bargaining power if their trading partner can cite a recent banishment to the press box.

So while the Leafs say they don’t purposefully want to lose, the fact that their hands are tied when it comes to holding players they might soon want to trade accountable, it could be forcing them to lose games purposefully anyway. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Why Wade Belak Got A Good Reception

Dave McCarthy — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:10:27 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.18 of A Foot In The Crease

Last week, Maple Leaf fans witnessed the return of Bryan McCabe to Toronto. In just over a month from now, the much hyped return of Mats Sundin will take place. But sandwiched in between the return of two outstanding albeit at times, enigmatic players was the return of Wade Belak to Toronto this past week when the Nashville Predators visited the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Unlike McCabe and most likely Sundin, Belak received a warm welcome and loud ovation from the gathering at Air Canada Centre. Not bad for a guy with just one goal in his past two hundred and thirteen games. His appeal though to Leaf fans was obviously not due to his scoring prowess, but rather his willingness to play a role, accept that role, stick to it without complaining, and in turn excel at it.

Following one of the most glaring cheap shots in recent memory in which Cam Jansen, then of the New Jersey Devils, drove an unsuspecting Tomas Kaberle head first into the boards long after he had moved the puck leaving the talented Leaf defenseman with a concussion and sore neck, Belak took note of the incident and knew what he had to do.

In the next meeting between the two teams, Belak asked Jansen to fight. He then took centre stage at centre ice in arguably what turned out to be the defining moment of his Leaf career.

Belak responded the right way, not delivering an equally dirty hit, but facing Jansen man to man and ensuring he or any other would-be cheap shot artist knew that under his watch, the Maple Leafs would not be a team that could be pushed around.

Since Belak’s departure, his presence has been sorely missed and you can be sure Brian Burke is going to work to restore a similar feeling for opponents when facing the Maple Leafs.

I’ll leave it with a direct quote from Kaberle himself. "It was really nice what Wade did for me. I never asked him to do that for me. He did it all on his own. "Wade cared about his teammates. He defended them. He really cares about players."

But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Has the Magic Run Out?

Dave McCarthy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:25:55 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.17 of A Foot in the Crease

Well well well. Perhaps the clock, as the Maple Leafs approach the midway point of their schedule, has indeed struck midnight.

All of a sudden, the magic that appeared to resonate through the first half of the schedule seems to be wearing a little thin, with more and more efforts that resemble the kind we became accustomed to last season starting to show up.

Case in point: In the much-anticipated return of Bryan McCabe to Toronto last Tuesday night, it was McCabe who was left with the last laugh, as the Maple Leafs sleepwalked through the game.

Yes there were 20 men on the ice wearing Maple Leaf jerseys, I just don’t think they were the same men that we’ve seen play with such passion, energy, and grit through the first half of the season.

Bottom line, the game was an embarrassment, as was the Sabres game on New Year’s Day, the Capitals game on December 28th, the Islanders game on December 26th, and the Stars game on December 23rd. All these were games where it looked like there was very little concern from those on the bench regarding the outcome of the game.

If Brian Burke had any doubts as to whether this Maple Leaf team was a playoff contender, he did not need to be a rocket scientist to decode the message his team left for him with their effort against the Panthers.

Trade possibilities should now be explored for any Maple Leaf or Marlie, save for Luke Schenn, that another general manager shows interest in. That includes players like Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Nik Antropov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Vesa Toskala.

Hard work and determination can only last so long before the crust of the matter is revealed, and that is that the Maple Leafs just are not a good enough team. The more young players, prospects, and draft picks that Brian Burke can stockpile from here on in will only help to improve the team quicker. But hey, all that is just rigmarole.

Toronto Maple Leafs' New Year's Resolutions

Dave McCarthy — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:55:07 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.16 of AFITC

After handing out glasses of holiday cheer and lumps of coal for some of the best and worst of the pre-Christmas portion of the Maple Leafs' schedule last week on the program, it’s time to lay out some New Year’s resolutions for the Maple Leafs as we head into 2009.

First off: Find some consistency in goal. Unlike a year ago when Vesa Toskala’s play often conjured up memories of quality netminding not seen since the glory days of Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour, his play thus far in the 2008-2009 season has left a lot to be desired.

Infrequently, Toskala has come up with big saves at key times in games, instead he far too frequently has allowed soft goals that have been more reminiscent of the play of another Maple Leaf netminder from the 2007-2008 season. That’s right, Andrew Raycroft.

In the limited action Curtis Joseph, circa 2008, has received, he has been anything but reliable. Justin Pogge should get a long extended look at the NHL level but Maple Leaf brass has made it quite clear not to expect anything of that kind until next season.

With the Maple Leafs turning in a solid, gritty, hard working effort on most nights, they deserve some consistent netminding to compliment their play.

Find a legitimate heavyweight. Try as they might, Ryan Hollweg, Jamal Mayers, and Andre Deveaux simply cannot match up against some of the NHL’s toughest, nor does their presence strike fear into their opponents.

Pick a captain! Now that Mats Sundin has officially closed the book, what are they waiting for? It’s time to take the next step in the rebuilding process and choose the new face of the team.

You won’t find that face though among any of the players currently wearing A’s on their jerseys. Put the C on Matt Stajan’s sweater. He’s in the midst of a career season; always willing to answer for the team and quite honestly, it’s about time this guy gets some credit.

Here’s to a successful 2009 for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hey, it’s got to be better than 2008, right? But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Holiday Cheer and Lumps Of Coal For Maple Leafs

Dave McCarthy — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:40 -0500

Heard on Episode 4.15 of A Foot In The Crease

Now having hit the conclusion of the pre Christmas portion of the Maple Leafs schedule, it’s an appropriate time to sit back and digest – perhaps over a glass of rum and eggnog if you feel so inclined – what we have witnessed over the first thirty four games of the regular season.

Staying in the Christmas spirit, we’ll award a few glasses of holiday cheer for some of the better performances thus far this season and a few lumps of coal for some of the less impressive showings.

A glass of holiday cheer to Ron Wilson. No, the Maple Leafs are not the most talented team but on most nights, they show up with their lunch pale, willing to work and have hung around, winning more games to this point in the season than many had predicted.

Accountability finally reigns in the Maple Leaf locker room and they have become a better team because of it. If a player performs in a way that doesn’t warrant more ice time, it’s quite simple: they don’t play.

A lump of coal to Tomas Kaberle. On a team laden with young players, Kaberle was looked upon to provide leadership and a steadying force on the blueline. Difficult to comment on his leadership because we aren’t in the locker room but Kaberle’s play has been as underwhelming as it ever has been since his tenure began with the Maple Leafs in 1998.

In fact, despite being held accountable by being benched and having his ice time cut, Kaberle has continued to play in a way that appears as though he is simply going through the motions. Even Jason Blake has been able to drop that persona.

Finally, some holiday cheer to Matt Stajan. Never a guy to get the credit he deserves, Stajan has quietly gone about his business this season and is on pace for a career season.

He rarely makes a bad decision with the puck, plays on the power play and penalty kill while continuing to be a vocal player in the media, always answering to the media and acting as a leader, something he also doesn’t get credit for.

At this point, fans should be happy with the Maple Leafs play, winning a comfortable amount of games while seeing some impressive development out of a lot of their young players. For Christmas, that’s all the Maple Leafs could really ask for. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Will Jeremy Williams Stick With the Leafs This Time?

Dave McCarthy — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:09:05 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.14 of AFITC

Jeremy Williams can put the puck in the net. Period. But as any hotshot young sniper will quickly learn, there is much more to becoming an everyday NHL player than merely a one-dimensional ability to score. Look at any of the top players in the game, be they Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, or Jarome Iginla: They all bring much more to the table than just offense.

For Williams, he has been a scorer at every level that he has competed at, whether it be Major Junior in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos, the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, or so far in a brief NHL career with the Maple Leafs.

The knock against him has always been a lack of competitiveness in the defensive end, and as a result, he has never been presented with the opportunity to establish himself as a legitimate NHLer.

Hard work has also never been something that has come naturally to Williams. Often players blessed with natural ability are difficult to convince that at the NHL level, no matter how good you are, you won’t stay good for long if you aren’t putting in hard work, committed to continually improving your play.

Under previous Maple Leafs regimes, Williams was quite rightly identified as one of those types of players: a maddeningly tantalizing prospect who needs to learn how to be a consummate professional.

So far this season under Ron Wilson, Williams seems to have received the message and has thoroughly improved his play in the defensive end, holding a team-leading plus-four rating. Not surprisingly, he has been rewarded with greater ice time in offensive situations.

If Williams can keep his encouraging start going through a protracted period of time, the Maple Leafs may have lucked into the scoring winger they so desperately covet. If his play drops off, though, and a level of comfort seeps into his play, don’t be surprised to see Williams face another trip to the minors. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Which of the Toronto Maple Leafs Will Be the First To Go?

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:33:19 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.13 of A Foot In The Crease

Heading into the season, it was very clear that if the Maple Leafs were not in a competitive position by the midway point in the season, trade talks surrounding some of the team’s veteran players would start to heat up.

Clearly in a rebuilding position, it makes sense, and is frankly a necessary thing to do—trading established, older, veteran players in return for packages that include draft picks and prospects, instead of allowing tangible assets to go to unrestricted free agency and in turn losing them for nothing.

By now it has been made brutally obvious that the Maple Leafs are not currently and will not be at any time this season in a position to legitimately compete for a playoff spot. As a result, that aforementioned trade speculation has indeed begun.

Now the question is who will be the first to go?

If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Tomas Kaberle. Still a richly talented player, it has become clear that he is nearing the end of his ten-year career with the Maple Leafs.

Last Tuesday against San Jose, Kaberle did not see a shift in the first period. In the final forty minutes of that game, he was on the ice for four San Jose goals—not the best response to a message sent by head coach Ron Wilson.

Recently, Kaberle has seen his special teams ice time cut down, perhaps another message being sent, telling Kaberle the Maple Leafs wouldn’t mind if he decided to waive his no-trade clause.

Once he does agree to waive that clause, Kaberle would likely be the most desirable commodity the Maple Leafs have to offer.

Still very much in his prime, he is under contract for another two seasons at a very-reasonable $4.25 million, and could be a welcome addition to a Stanley Cup contender looking for an upgrade on their power play and a defenseman capable of playing a solid twenty to twenty three minutes per game.

But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Curtis Joseph Has Reached the End

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:07:10 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.12 of A Foot In The Crease

No matter how good of a general manager you may have running your team, inevitably some moves that are made just simply don’t not turn out well.

After all, nobody’s perfect.

Cliff Fletcher made several moves over the course of the summertime that put the Maple Leafs in a significantly better position than they were in a year ago. Mikhail Grabovski looks like a forward with top-six potential. Niklas Hagman has proven to be a reliable two-way forward, above average in both the offensive and defensive zones. The play of nineteen-year-old Luke Schenn simply speaks for its self.

In Curtis Joseph, the Maple Leafs knew he was no longer the goalie he was during his previous Toronto tenure between 1998 and 2002, but he was still thought to be a reliable backup, capable of playing fifteen to twenty games.

However in the brief action he has seen thus far this season, Joseph’s play has been anything but what the Leafs were hoping for.

Frankly, the game looks like it has passed Joseph by. He has looked very uncomfortable in the Toronto net, clueless at times and has allowed numerous goals that simply have to be stopped at the NHL level.

By no means should Joseph feel any shame. He has been a wonderful, upstanding citizen throughout his remarkable NHL career. But as so happens, players reach a point where they can no longer compete at the level they once could, and it is clear Joseph has indeed reached that point.

It’s now or never for Justin Pogge at this point in his professional career, and it is time for the Maple Leafs to start seasoning him at the NHL level—especially during a season where they seem to be more concerned with development than in wins and losses.

Joseph should be kept on in the organization in a coaching or advisory role, but to have him finish the season as their second-string netminder is merely setting back the development process.

But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Wendel Clark Not Worthy of the Toronto Maple Leafs' Rafters

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:53:22 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.11 of A Foot In The Crease

Prior to their game against the Chicago Blackhawks—and on the same night as their longtime rivals from Montreal retired the legendary number 33 of Patrick Roy—Toronto honoured the number 17 of Wendel Clark, arguably one of the most popular Maple Leafs in history.

However, watching these two ceremonies back to back—Roy’s first, followed immediately by Clark’s—served to highlight the disparity between the two organizations when it comes to enshrining legends—or at least those from recent times.

Roy’s career accomplishments are staggering. Whether you like his personality or hate his guts, you have to admit he could stop the puck—case closed. Roy is the NHL's all-time leader in playoff games played, wins, shutouts, four Stanley Cups, three Conn Smythe Trophies, and three Vezina Trophies—to name only a few accolades easily underline that point.

Clark was and still is revered in the city in which he made his mark in the NHL. His hard-working, gritty, and energetic style of play allowed legions of fans to identify with him.

But when it comes to his list of individual and team accomplishments, Clark’s list is rather brief. Often injured, Clark missed an average of one game for every two he played in. He was 229 points shy of a point per game ratio over his career, won no individual awards and no Stanley Cups.

Don’t get me wrong, Clark displayed the kind of heart and soul coaches wish they saw in all their players—but when you think about it, isn’t playing hard with determination and passion something that should be part of every NHL player’s job description?

A model citizen, Clark has been nothing but a tremendous ambassador for the Maple Leaf organization. However, when you mention his name along with the likes of Mahovlich, Sittler, Apps, Salming, Bower, Horton—some of the other players to have had their numbers enshrined at Air Canada Centre —I’m not sure Clark can claim to be in their league.

You can be sure if Clark played his career in Montreal, he wouldn’t have received such an honour. Very popular, yes—but to have your number enshrined in the rafters, it should be earned through more than just popularity.

Vesa Toskala: A Growing Concern

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:17:30 -0500

Heard on Episode 4.10 of AFITC

Through the first nineteen games of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have shown their fans for the first time since the lockout that there is much to be get excited about in terms of the future of this team.

The work ethic has been there most every night. Matt Stajan is having a career year. Mikhail Grabovski, Niklas Hagman, and Nikolai Kulemin have turned out to be an electrifying line capable of exhibiting some serious speed. Ron Wilson has founds ways to get the most out of his players.

And finally, Maple Leaf players are starting to overachieve—instead of perennially underachieving, as they have for so many years.

However, despite all of the positives seen early in the season, one facet of the game is beginning to show itself as a growing concern—goaltending.

Vesa Toskala has not been the Vesa Toskala of last year, and has been giving up far too many goals, which has conjured up memories of the inconsistent Andrew Raycroft. His goals-against average and save percentage are among the worst for starting goaltenders, and he has been unable to make big saves at key times for the most part this season.

In fact, some of the goals allowed have been just plain soft.

The Maple Leafs though at this point do not really have a viable option apart from Toskala. In the limited action we’ve seen Curtis Joesph play this season, he has not shown an ability to be a reliable goaltender for a four or five game stretch. On the farm, the Maple Leafs seem intent on seasoning Justin Pogge for another year in the AHL which means benching Toskala for two or three games to send a message likely is not possible if they are still interested in having an opportunity to win hockey games.

One thing is for sure though. If Toskala’s inconsistent play continues, the Maple Leafs will lose more games than they win regardless of who is between the pipes. But hey, all that is just rigmarole.

Tom Kostopolous' Apology Is Sincere

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:19:38 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.9 of A Foot In The Crease

Undoubtedly every season in the National Hockey League, a variety of incidents take place resulting in serious injuries followed by half hearted apologies from the perpetrators. It is usually along the lines of, “I’m sorry for the injury I inflicted. I didn’t mean to hurt anybody.” It is really rare to get the sense of true remorse from anybody.

I can somewhat believe the, “I’m sorry for the injury I caused” part because I honestly don’t think that many players relish the extent of an injury they inflict on a fellow player.

Nevertheless, the “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody” part just reeks of insincerity. If the offending player really didn’t mean to hurt anybody, then he shouldn’t have played so recklessly in the first place.

However, if there ever was an apology you could truly believe, it was Tom Kostopoulos' after learning he had been suspended for three games for a devastating hit from behind on Leafs’ defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

Love or hate Don Cherry, he is absolutely right when he says defencemen going into the corner should never turn their backs unless they are asking to be leveled.

Kostopolous makes his living on being a gritty forward who plays a strong forecheck on ice. This is exactly what he was doing against Van Ryn, expecting the Leaf defenseman to collect the puck and round the net.

Instead Van Ryn threw on the breaks leaving Kostopolous no opportunity to avoid the hit. Immediately, a look of concern came over Kostopolous as he witnessed a motionless Van Ryan on the ice.

Kostopolous’ intention to call Van Ryn personally to apologize, plus his written statement leads me to honestly believe Kostopolous truly feels bad for the injuries suffered by Van Ryn.

An offense worthy of a suspension? Absolutely.

But after the suspension is served, no hard feelings toward Kostopolous should linger. But hey, all that, was just rigamarole.

Maple Leafs Hard Work Serving Them Well

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:25:30 -0500

Heard On Episode 4.8 of A Foot In The Crease

Is it just me or is everybody starting to get a feeling that something special is building in the Maple Leafs locker room? On Saturday night, we saw 50 minutes of gritty hockey as the Leafs worked hard to hang around in a game against the NHL’s best squad. Sure, scoring chances were there, but no bounces were going the Maple Leafs way and Leaf killer Stephan Valiquette appeared to be on his way to yet another victory over the Buds.

But then, late in the game, the bounces did start to go the Maple Leafs way as they poured on a knockout flurry of offense that left the Rangers not quite sure what had hit them. Five goals in a span of 5:21 seconds left the Air Canada Centre crowd in a standing frenzy as the final seconds ticked down, a state of euphoria not seen at ACC since the Maple Leafs won their last playoff round against the Ottawa Senators in 2004.

Following the game, the players credited the crowd and Ron Wilson credited the work ethic he has managed to instill in the Maple Leafs in a very short period of time. It’s amazing how positive an affect hard work, youthful exuberance, and determination can have on a team.

Those were the qualities missing on the Maple Leafs since the end of the lockout and now in the fourth season of the “new NHL.” It has become clear those are three qualities any team needs to possess in order to be successful.

A win like Saturday’s over the Rangers will only serve to galvanize the team even further as it starts to alter the prevailing mindset of accepting mediocrity that has existed over the past three years, and shows this group that they are indeed capable of winning games. This is not the first time this season the Maple Leafs have impressed so I’m starting to think this was not an accident.

The last three seasons, the Maple Leafs had a collection of talent. Now finally this season, the Maple Leafs have a team. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Maple Leafs Playing Too Well? Nonsense

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:45:26 -0400

Heard On Episode 4.7 of A Foot In The Crease

Sometimes it is really difficult to figure out Maple Leafs' fans. For years, the play of the blue and white was examined microscopically by fans and media pundits alike: doom and gloom after a loss; pure euphoria after a win.

After suffering through three difficult losing years following the lockout that wiped out the 2004-2005 season, one would think that Maple Leafs' supporters would be ready for a little winning. But now strangely enough, the Maple Leafs, according to most, are playing too well.

That’s right. After a successful week, picking up five out of a possible six points, the Maple Leafs are said to be playing too well. All this success is screwing up the master plan of continuing to lose, and losing worse than ever to continue to accumulate draft picks. And then almost through rite of passage, magically transform from cellar dweller to Cup contender in a flash.

That’s how a lot of people seem to see it for the Maple Leafs: that they could not possibly get good again unless they continue to stink for the next few years. Nonsense. The fact is, the coaching style being implemented by Ron Wilson is quickly ridding the team of the sense of entitlement that seemed to prevail throughout most of Paul Maurice’s tenure.

He is quickly facilitating development and ensuring that his players overachieve, not something often seen since before the lockout. If they don’t, Wilson assigns them a seat in the press box, not the bench. So far, the strategy has worked in three cases. Matt Stajan, Mike Van Ryn, and Jason Blake have all had to learn the hard way, but have all responded and are playing some of their best hockey in years.

When Pat Quinn took over for the 1998-1999 season, the Maple Leafs were supposed to lose badly that season too. All they did was go to the Eastern Conference Finals. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Promise Lies Ahead, Despite Slow Start for Toronto Maple Leafs

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:21:48 -0400

Heard On Episode 4.6 of A Foot In The Crease

After a shockingly unexpected defeat of the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in their season-opening contest was followed by four less-than impressive outings, reality is now beginning to set in for the 2008-09 Maple Leafs campaign.

Opening night euphoria has quickly given way to the stark truth of what likely awaits Leaf fans this season. But all is not lost.

The play of top prospect Luke Schenn has been very encouraging. He has consistently been among the team leaders in ice time, while arguably becoming the Maple Leafs’ most reliable defenseman in his own zone.

Nik Kulemin’s play is starting to remove the folklore that was built up around him from media speculation since the Maple Leafs drafted him out of Russia, instead replacing it with shreds of optimism and truth that say, “yeah, this guy might just have some talent.” I

f anything, despite the Maple Leafs’ poor record in shootouts, Kulemin has shown a far-too-unfamiliar knack to the Maple Leafs, scoring consistently in that facet of the game.

Mixi them in with the remaining group of young players, including Mikhail Grabovski, Anton Stralman, and Jiri Tlusty, and all of sudden there is the potential for some meaningful development this season.

Just a few seasons ago, the Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues were in very similar positions, long on young talent but short on experience. However, after suffering through some difficult seasons, their young prospects have developed to the point where they are now leading their respective teams to very successful starts in the always-competitive Western Conference.

For the Maple Leafs, this is a season all about patience, and the hopes riding with many of the young players they have on their roster now will soon lead to the improvement, as seen in the cases of the Oilers and Blues.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Leafs Nation won’t quite be built in just one season, either. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Ryan Hollweg of Toronto Maple Leafs Not Needed

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:11:34 -0400

Heard on Episode 4.5 of A Foot In The Crease.

Throughout much of last season, it was clear that the Maple Leafs were not a tough enough team to play against—except for when Wade Belak was in the lineup, which wasn’t very often.

The reasons for the Leafs’ disinterest in utilizing Belak a year ago to fill a role in which he excelled—protecting his teammates by striking fear into opponents but without taking unnecessary penalties—I will never understand.

Instead, Belak was shipped to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a fifth round draft pick. Ryan Hollweg was acquired from the New York Rangers to fill his void, and in return the Maple Leafs sent a different fifth round pick to New York.

Essentially, the Leafs traded Belak for Hollweg, and so far the switch has been anything but a good one for the Maple Leafs.

Inexplicably, Hollweg dropped the gloves an astounding five times in the preseason—including three times in one game—losing all five bouts.

Late in the exhibition schedule, Hollweg picked up a boarding major and a game misconduct against the St. Louis Blues. This resulted in an automatic two-game suspension for accumulating three boarding majors in 41 games dating back to his time with the Rangers.

Upon returning from his suspension, Hollweg lasted only four minutes of ice time before taking another boarding major penalty against the same St. Louis Blues. This earned him a three-game suspension and possibly even more supplemental discipline.

On the ensuing five-minute power play, the Blues scored twice to tie the game on their way to winning in come-from-behind fashion.

Hollweg’s play has absolutely no place with the Leafs or in the NHL.

As wrong as Chris Simon was in tomahawking Hollweg across the head with his stick two seasons ago, Hollweg’s play thus far with the Leafs begins to allow people to understand Simon’s frustration.

Here’s hoping Hollweg gets handed at least a 20-game suspension because that will be 20 games the Leafs will be better off without him.

But hey, all that was just a rigamarole.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Never Trade First Round Picks? Not So Fast...

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:27:33 -0400

Heard On Episode 4.4 of AFITC

Clearly, the 2008-2009 season is one of rebuilding and retooling for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Development of younger players is paramount whereas winning games is really not. After all the more games they lose, the better they set themselves up for a high draft pick at the end of the year and that’s all part of the master plan, or at least some people’s master plan isn’t it?

Certainly, under no circumstances would it make sense for the Maple Leafs to consider trading their first round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. Well….not necessarily. Earlier last week, it was reported the Maple Leafs attempted to package their first round pick in 2009 along with two unnamed prospects in exchange for Mathieu Schneider and Bobby Ryan from the Anaheim Ducks.

For the first time in years, this was a trade that would have sacrificed a top draft pick yet yielded a player that would become a big part of the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bobby Ryan, picked immediately after Sidney Crosby in 2005, is as good a first round pick that the Maple Leafs could possibly hope to land in the summer of 2009 but is also NHL ready.

Add in the caveat that the Maple Leafs would retain their first round pick in 2009 if it ended up being in the top five selections and this was a win-win deal for the Maple Leafs, potentially being able to add to cornerstone players in a short period of time to their roster to go along with 2008 top pick Luke Schenn.

If Cliff Fletcher could have swung this move, the possibility existed that Schneider could then have been flipped for prospects or picks as well. If anything, Schneider’s veteran presence and experience would have benefitted the numerous youngsters that will ply their trades with the Maple Leafs this season.

Trading first round picks is rarely a wise decision, especially during rebuilding years but this was one circumstance that I would have made an exception for. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Toronto Maple Leafs Tickets Go to Waste in Fans-First Game

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:58:46 -0400

Heard On Episode 4.3 of AFITC

Earlier this summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs put out a mysterious message that a major announcement would be made, but said nothing else about what was to be expected. Anyone who wanted to find out what it was all about would have to make their way to the Air Canada Centre at 11 am on a Wednesday in the middle of the summertime—hardly a conducive time for most to make the trek.

Nevertheless, several Maple Leaf die-hard souls made it out to hear the Maple Leafs had added a preseason game to their schedule in which all of the tickets would be given out, free of charge, thanks to Coca Cola. All those in attendance for the big announcement were given free ducats.

A nice idea, despite the fact that this game really wasn’t the charity from MLSE that it appeared to be on the surface. Coke bought all the tickets, so MLSE didn’t lose a penny—the money just came from a different source.

Still, the willingness to give fans that rarely get to attend games, the opportunity to see their favourite team in action was a noble gesture. Fast forward to the game itself, and following its conclusion, it was reported that approximately one thousand seats went without occupants.

Maybe there are just not that many people who care to attend a Leafs game? Not likely. The tickets just got into the wrong hands.

Those who had tickets to attend this game but didn’t feel compelled to use them, since they had no real fiscal value attached to them, should be ashamed of themselves. Anyone who holds any tickets to any Leafs game that they let go unused is missing a big opportunity to brighten the lives of those who can only dream of attending a game.

Say what you want but the fact still is, Leafs tickets are a privilege in Toronto. There are numerous children’s hospitals, Big Brother organizations and charitable institutions that would not have too difficult a time putting extra tickets to use. Not putting your extra tickets to use is just despicable. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Four Qualities A Captain Must Have And Why The Leafs Have Nobody To Fit The Bill

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:00:36 -0400

Heard on Episode 4.2 of AFITC

When Maple Leaf training camp commenced over the weekend, something was missing. For the first time since 1986, the Maple Leafs roster included neither Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, nor Mats Sundin. Each of those three men represented the core of the leadership in the Maple Leaf dressing room for a period of time throughout the last twenty two years and now that leadership will have to come from a new source. But who?

Nobody on the current roster has the talent level, experience, leadership ability and tenure, to be considered a sound choice for the captain of any hockey team. A number of possibilities do exist, but none of the candidates possess all four of those aforementioned qualities.

For young players without experience, it often rubs older veteran players the wrong way when a player early in his career is constantly telling him how to play. Without top-level skill, a captain risks earning an “easier said than done” reputation among his teammates.

To be a true leader, a player needs to earn the respect of his teammates, something difficult for those in their first year with a club to do. Those without good leadership ability, well, I guess that’s really the ante required to get your name involved in a discussion for the captaincy.

Matt Stajan and Alex Steen have developed as good leaders and core veterans but neither are top tier players with enough tenure to be able to back up getting on older underperforming teammates.

Tomas Kaberle, now the longest serving and arguably the most talent player on the roster, doesn’t possess the drive and desire to be the mouthpiece for a team that gets as much media coverage as the Maple Leafs do.

Pavel Kubina and newcomer Jamal Mayers are both vocal leaders but in Kubina’s case, like Kaberle, probably doesn’t have the interest for answering to the media and Mayers has no tenure nor top-level skill.

At this point, the Leafs would be wise to opt for leadership by committee and rotate the C based on performance because clearly, it will take more than just one player if any success is expected this season. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Interest in Maple Leafs This Season Focuses on Development, Not Playoff Spots

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:42:37 -0400

Heard on Episode 4.1 of A Foot In the Crease

Quite a stark contrast from just one year ago: As the Maple Leafs gathered to prepare for the 2007-08 campaign, then-head coach Paul Maurice proclaimed that his team would “make the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup.”

Fast-forward one year and you see that the current version of the Maple Leafs only sparsely resembles the version from 365 days ago, and that includes the organization’s expectations. General manager Cliff Fletcher did not try to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes when he spoke to a group of reporters earlier last week, suggesting this would be a season that will likely be quite lean in terms of success and include many, as he put it, “rough spells.”

The coach and GM from a season ago are long gone, Maurice and John Ferguson Jr. now replaced with Ron Wilson and Fletcher. Star forward Mats Sundin is not likely to return, but who really knows at this point? Former core players from years gone by—including Darcy Tucker, Bryan McCabe, and the oft-injured Kyle Wellwood—have all been shown the door. So what does all this leave Maple Leafs fans to expect this season?

Time for me to be frank: not much. If you convince yourself the Maple Leafs will be playoff contenders even just for a moment this season, you are indeed fooling yourself.

But all this doesn’t mean there isn’t reason to stay interested. Take the approach of a junior hockey fan and focus on the development of the players that will hopefully one day comprise a new “core group.” Jiri Tlusty, Jeremy Williams, Robbie Earl, Nikolai Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski, and Anton Stralman will all get the opportunity to prove that they are genuine NHL players and, by the end of the season, we will have a pretty good idea of whether or not that is true for each of them.

If those players and other youngsters impress and show themselves to be capable NHLers, then this campaign will be a success. Accomplishments in Leaf Land will be measured in development and improvement, not playoff spots and Stanley Cups. But, hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Maple Leafs In The Military: Defining Moments In Leafs History No. 7

Dave McCarthy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:56:30 -0400

It was 1940.

World War II had descended in Europe and military enlistment was decreasing.

Maple Leafs' owner Conn Smythe was a former military Major who had three morals: church, military and hockey. In that order.

Smythe began strongly encouraging his players to enlist in the military and to serve their country with pride.

He assured them that if they served in the war, their spots on the hockey club would be there for them upon their return.

The Leafs had the most men of any NHL team enlist in the military.

Between the Leafs who enlisted were star players, Turk Broda and Syl Apps, both who served in the war for two years between 1943 and 1945.

Upon their returns both Broda and Apps were given heroes welcomes.

They returned to the Leafs right where they left off, quickly recommencing their dominant styles of play and leading the Leafs to three consecutive Stanley Cups in 1947, 48, 49.

Mats Sundin Is Not About the Money

Dave McCarthy — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:26:57 -0400

Heard Sunday July 7 On the Season Finale of AFITC

Now, close to a week into free agency, and we still have not heard a decision from Mats Sundin regarding his playing future, other than him saying a decision of any such nature is still likely, not days, but weeks away.

Throughout his tenure in Toronto, Sundin has maintained a remarkably private life for someone who is the captain of arguably the most reported-on hockey franchise in the world. On the ice, he is not a very difficult player to understand. Simply put: he's one of the best to have ever played the game.

Off the ice though, Sundin is much more difficult to figure out. Not to suggest his conduct is questionable, Sundin has been a model citizen during his career as both a tremendous leader of the Maple Leafs on the ice, and away from hockey through his various philanthropic efforts to give back to the community that has embraced him.

The question that many have struggled to find an answer to is: what is it that drives Mats Sundin?

Following the events of the past week, it’s quite clear that money is not as high on his list of motivating factors as some may have thought it was.

With at least four serious offers on the table, including a staggering two-year deal worth $20 million from the Vancouver Canucks—one that would make him the highest-paid player in the game—it has not influenced Sundin’s decision regarding next season in the least.

It seems now that the only thing standing between Sundin and another NHL season is whether or not he wants to put his body through the rigors of 100+ games.

If the answer is no, then it doesn’t seem like any amount of money could change his mind. If the answer is yes, he will return because a passion for hockey still burns inside him. If it was all about the money, Sundin would be the newest member of the Vancouver Canucks.

But hey, all that was just rigmarole.

Toronto Maple Leafs Should Tread Carefully in Free Agent Waters

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:59:13 -0400

Heard on Episode 3.43 of AFITC

Every year in the days leading up to unrestricted free agency on July 1, the top free-agent prizes are identified—and then as sure as the sun will come up in the morning, all those top free agents are said to be bound for Toronto.

However, this time around things seem to be much different.

This year’s unrestricted free agent class is a lot weaker than in previous years. Mats Sundin will be this year’s most coveted free agent and it seems like the only place he isn’t rumored to be going is Toronto.

Other top free agents include Marian Hossa, Jaromir Jagr, Kristin Huselius and Markus Naslund—none of which would I recommend general managers commit to for the long term or with significant dollars.

Many GMs turn into kids in candy stores at free agency time—eager to spend their money on as much as possible, but in the end wishing they hadn’t when they are left with queasy feelings.

Look at Ryan Smyth, considered to be a top prize a year ago. While he had a decent year with 37 points in 55 games with the Avalanche last season, I highly doubt Colorado GM Francois Giguere is too pleased with a cap hit of $6.25 million for the next four seasons.

Mats Sundin notwithstanding, the Maple Leafs should go after none of these free agents. They will not be a good team next year, and they probably will not be a good team the following year. Burdening themselves down with large, unwieldy contracts at this stage of the game would only hamper the rebuilding process—especially when there are still several players left remaining on the roster whose contracts the Maple Leafs are trying to get rid of.

A backup netminder? Fine. One or two serviceable and inexpensive skaters? Fine. $8 million a season for four years to Marian Hossa? Forget it, Cliff. Now is certainly not the time. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Bob Baun Scores Winner on Broken Leg: Defining Moments in Leaf History, No. 5

Dave McCarthy — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:02:28 -0400

It was 1964. In Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, Leaf defenseman Bob Baun fell to the ice in excruciating pain after blocking a slap shot off his ankle late in the third period.

Baun was carried off on a stretcher and was presumed to be out for the remainder of the series. During the intermission, Baun refused to have his ankle X-rayed. Instead, he insisted it be frozen and, miraculously, he skated out for the overtime session.

The Maple Leafs, facing a three games to two deficit at the time, were in need of a hero to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive. At the 1:42 mark of overtime, Baun drilled a shot from the point that beat Detroit netminder Terry Sawchuk, giving the Leafs a Game 6 victory.

Inspired by his heroics, the Leafs easily won Game 7, 4-0, giving the team a third consecutive Stanley Cup victory. It was not until after the series that it was discovered Bob Baun had scored that overtime winner on a fractured ankle.

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin Just Part of Penguins' Dominance

Dave McCarthy — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:10:30 -0400

Heard on episode 3.37 of A Foot in the Crease

"It's a pathetic performance. Half of the team doesn't care. That defensive squad—I am really starting to believe their goal is to be the worst defensive squad in the league. They turn the puck over. They have no vision. They are soft. I have never seen a bunch of defensemen as soft as this."

Legendary words from Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Michel Therrien just two and a half seasons ago. Hearing those words without context today, one might be inclined to think of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but certainly not the Penguins.

In such a short period of time, the Pittsburgh Penguins have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other: laughing stock to powerhouse.

Of course, having Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, two of the NHL’s top five players, virtually handed to them through the draft helped. But this season, Pittsburgh’s dominance is about so much more than just Crosby and Malkin.

Ryan Malone has taken the next step in his career, providing consistent secondary scoring along with a rugged physical presence.

Ray Shero became the first general manager to understand that Marian Hossa cannot play the go-to-guy. Surrounded by other great players that take some of his pressure away, Hossa can be dynamite.

Jordan Staal, still just 19, continues to score timely goals while growing into one of the most reliable defensive players and penalty killers in the game.

Somewhere between Toronto and Pittsburgh, Hal Gill became a consistently solid defenseman.

The Penguin's fourth line plays seven to 10 effective minutes per game, chipping in with important goals while keeping their opponents off the scoreboard. And Marc-Andre Fleury seems to have finally allowed his last soft goal.

Maybe it had something to do with getting rid of those horrendous canary yellow pads?

Mix in all those ingredients and then top it off with two franchise players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and that’s where total dominance comes from.

But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Hockey: Fabian Brunnstrom Ponders His NHL Future

Dave McCarthy — Sun, 04 May 2008 07:54:18 -0400

Heard on Episode 3.35 of A Foot In the Crease

As the very rarely seen but much talked about Fabian Brunnstrom continues his barnstorming tour of NHL clubs, as he and agent J.P. Barry decide which team will suit him best, one has to wonder if the newest Swedish sensation will follow in the well chosen footsteps of his fellow countrymen who have come before him.

When Brunnstrom finally chooses a suitor and skates onto NHL ice, he will do so, in large part due to enormous media speculation, under stunningly high expectations.

Anything short of taking the league by storm and he will be labeled a disappointment, even if he proves to be just a good player.

With this possibility in mind, why not chose an organization that has almost become Team Sweden’s North American annex?

The Detroit Red Wings have had tremendous success finding numerous Swedish players passed over by most every other team and developing them into not just serviceable NHLers but front line talent.

It sounds a bit like Brunnstrom’s situation doesn’t fit. Six of Detroit’s top nine playoff scorers hold Swedish passports and just one of those six, Niklas Kronwall, was selected higher than the third round of the entry draft.

In an organization unable to foster and nurture his talent, it will be easy for Brunnstrom to go the way of the dodo bird if he doesn’t, oh I don’t know, win the Hart Trophy next year.

Ridiculous expectations you say? Hey, I’m just judging from speculation we’ve heard. If you’ve seen him play, tell me differently.

In Detroit though, surrounded by fellow Swedes in an organization that constantly develops winners, Brunnstrom would have the best chance at success even if he only turns out to be as good as, let’s say, Johan Franzen.

And right now, playing like Franzen isn’t a bad thing at all. If Detroit shows interest, Fabian should listen. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Rigamarole: A Foot In The Crease. Episode 3.33, April 20th, 2008

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:25:33 -0400

Heard on Episode 3.33 of AFITC

For almost five games against the Boston Bruins, it appeared that Carey Price was ready to make like Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy and lead the storied Montreal Canadiens through the playoffs to a place they haven’t been since 1993. However, late in game five, Price made his first mistake attempting to keep the play alive. Instead, Glen Metropolit pounced on the loose puck after Price had tossed it back into play, scoring the eventual game winning goal. Boston would score three more times against a clearly rattled Montreal netminder.

In game six, despite the Canadiens loss, Price was solid but still did let in five goals. At just twenty years of age, Price is dealing with the immense expectations of playing in a hockey crazed city desperate for a long playoff run. All quite a bit to handle for such a young man. However, throughout the regular season and early part of the playoffs, it looked that if anyone could handle these expectations, it would be Carey Price. Mature beyond his years and seemingly unflappable, Price’s play was so strong that it prompted the trading of Cristobal Huet.

You know that the at-times vicious and relentless Montreal media will continually bring up Price’s gaffe should the Canadiens go onto lose this series after being ahead 3-1. The fact is though that the Canadiens, since taking that 3-1 lead, have not been the same team and little of that has to do with Price. Twenty six times the Canadiens have been ahead 3-1 in a playoff series and twenty six times they have closed the deal. Only because its Montreal does this scenario exist but because of his one glaring individual error, the spotlight will be focused on Carey Price in game seven. Although with everything we’ve seen from Price in his rookie season, don’t be surprised if writes himself back into the good books of Montreal Canadiens fans. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.

Rigamarole: A Foot In The Crease. Episode 3.32, April 13th, 2008

Dave McCarthy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:21:07 -0400

Heard on Episode 3.32 of AFITC

Even when the Senators beat the Maple Leafs, the Maple Leafs really still beat the Senators. With a playoff spot still very much in jeopardy when they came into Toronto to play their penultimate game of the regular season, the Senators responded with a convincing 8-2 trouncing of the Leafs, locking themselves into a playoff spot. In the playoffs, yes but after what they lost along the way, really not a hope of competing. Already reeling down the stretch, Mark Bell tagged both Mike Fisher and Daniel Alfredsson with clean hits that carried long term consequences. Clean hits, I should say, in the opinion of most people. Fans in Ottawa seem to prefer the hits of the dirty variety using elbows and high sticks care of Chris Neil.

With Alfredsson and Fisher in suits instead of hockey sweaters to start the playoffs, Spezza and Heatley have been asked to carry the load and so far they’ve been anything but impressive. Not to worry though, just look to the secondary scoring options. Oh that’s right, Bryan Murray never addressed that issue which became ever so apparent in last year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Against the Penguins, the Senators look simply over matched in all areas of the game. The 42 year old Gary Roberts is bringing back memories of better days in Leaf land when he would run rampant over the Senators in the playoffs. Wade Redden, don’t be afraid to battle for the puck behind your net. Where’s that toughness it was clear the Senators needed after last year? Yeah, didn’t get that addressed either. Chris Neil, yeah clearly not the answer…he doesn’t scare anybody who is actually tough.

So not to say that the Senators would beat the Penguins if Fisher and Alfredsson in the lineup, there are still clearly serious issues on this team that go far beyond the absence of Fisher and Alfredsson. Safe to say though, they’d be a bit more competitive with them. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.