Bleacher Report - Articles by Mark Smith

Leafs Set to Ice Worst Forward Line-Up In the League

Mark Smith — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:26:36 -0400

Is this as good as it gets? Brian Burke has done a great job improving the Leafs’ defence, and Gustavsson makes their goaltending far better than last year, but with the loss of Antropov and Moore the Leafs forwards are made up of third and fourth line players.

You hear a lot from hardcore fans about the Buds ranking 10th in scoring last season, but the key to remember is that forwards need to play two ways to be effective…and that Kubina was a key piece of the offence last year.

Who can the Leafs count on next year? Well, Hagman is a strong third line forward. Ponikavrosky will score 20-25 and get in front of the net. Blake will continue to slow down, but grind out 20 goals. Primeau and Orr will help form a solid energy line. Stajan will float through another season until he is traded.

After that there is hope, but no certainty. Grabovski offers the most upside, but will never be the superstar the Leafs want him to be. Kulemin is a year away from being an effective winger. Tlusty, on the other hand, offers real upside for 2009-2010 and will be fun to see him play with bigger teammates. Similarly, John Mitchell is ready for a 20 goal season. Hanson and Wallin could crack the lineup, especially since Stempniak is Marlie bound.

Yikes, not too inspiring is it? Burke will surely keep his eye out for a trade, as well as potential signings, but the Leafs start the year as weak as any team in the league up front.

Brendan Shanahan Soon To Be a Maple Leaf?

Mark Smith — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:11:20 -0400

The whispers are getting louder that Brian Burke is now interested in bringing Brendan Shanahan on board fora one season deal. Shanahan played 'Burke Style' hockey throughout his career and is seen as exactly the kind of character that is needed in the dressing room to help guys like Tlusty and Grabovski learn what it takes to win.

The only other team expressing interest in Shanahan continues to be the St. Louis Blues, however, GM Larry Pleau has not gone forward to the $1 million contract or less than Shanahan would earn.

A final year in hometown Toronto would be a great way for Shanahan to end his career...let's hope this becomes fact soon.

Rangers-Capitals: Washington's Superior Talent Trumps Strong New York Effort

Mark Smith — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:26:35 -0400

The team that wanted it more couldn’t pull it off.

The Rangers, dominated the early going, led by a re-energized Sean Avery, and then stayed even with the Capitals thanks to a razor-sharp Henrik Lundqvist.

As the game wore on, however, the superior talent of the Washington Capitals allowed them to take over the game.

The first period was all Rangers, but it ended tied 1-1 as the Capitals scored a fluke goal on one of their two shots on net.

The hometown Caps came on much stronger in the second period, and were clearly setting the pace by the end of the period, but the score remained the same.

In the third, the Capitals dominated completely, allowing the Rangers only one shot as they kept the Blueshirts pinned in to their own zone.

There were many Washington scoring opportunities, but all, including great efforts by Green, Kozlov, and Backstrom, were stopped by tremendous saves until a playoff great from yesteryear, Sergei Fedrov, cashed in with a goal on a beautiful shot with less than five minutes to play.

After the go-ahead goal, the Rangers seemed to have no ability to respond. The Capitals continued with great opportunities, as Lundqvist seemed to be left to fend for himself.

The Capitals have to be very proud to have pulled this off. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit is extremely rare in the NHL, with less than 25 teams having pulled it off in the long history of the league. The team now goes on to face Crosby, Malkin and the Pens, in what should be another great series.

The Rangers now have a long summer to regroup. They will of course be frustrated that they let Washington back in the series. They played very poorly in Games Five and Six, but left nothing on the ice in Game Seven, they simply lacked the talent to pull it off.

Lundqvist will keep the Rangers competitive, and they will likely make the playoffs again next year, however, similar to the Ottawa Senators, they find themselves tight against the cap with the wrong core (other than Lundqvist) signed to big contracts.

A great series, a great final game. Sad that there won’t be a New York area team in the playoffs going forward, but expect to see some great hockey in Round Two.

Rangers Limp Into Game Seven; Betts Out After Brashear Hit

Mark Smith — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:08:13 -0400

New York Rangers centre Blair Betts will miss Game 7 of their playoff series against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night after suffering a broken orbital bone from a hit by Washington's Donald Brashear.

The loss of Betts is huge for the Rangers. Betts is the key to a penalty kill that has frustrated the Capitals throughout the series, and he is the Rangers' best face-off man.

Betts left Game 6 on Sunday half way through the first period after a hard, late hit by Capitals' hit man Brashear.

The series has been nasty from the start. From the Rangers side, Sean Avery took a run at Mike Green in Game One, and Colton Orr tried to injure Niklas Backstrom in Game Two. In Game Five, Rangers' Coach Tortorella even threw a water bottle at a fan (missing and hitting a woman) after fans yelled at him.

For the Capitals, in addition to the Brashear hit, the Rangers have complained that forward Brandon Dubinsky was bitten on the arm by Capitals defenseman Shaone Morrisonn.

The NHL suspended Brashear for Game 7, and five more games after that, but this does little to mitigate news that Ranger fans did not want to hear.

Rangers-Capitals: Is There an NHL Conspiracy?

Mark Smith — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:23:03 -0400

The league is at it again. It is trying desperately to control the outcome of the Washington-New York series. Today, the conpiracy was broadcast nationally, and it was obvious to everyone watching that the league was completely biased.

In the first period, the referees called a penalty as soon as the Caps took the lead, allowing the Rangers to tie the score. They called more penalties on the Caps in the first, but it wasn't enough for the Rangers, who seemed to watch the Capitals skate around them.

In the second period, the referees tried again, giving the Rangers extra power play time. The Rangers looked confused and tired, as if they couldn't wait for the game to end.

In between periods, Gary Bettman called the referees himself and told them what had to be done. The referees got the message, and called four consecutive penalties against Washington, ignoring any Ranger infractions throughout the period. They even put the Capitals two men short as time was running out. Gary Bettman was heard yelling "Get that Poti out of the game! Game misconduct." Earlier he had said the same about Zehrdev. Clearly he is rooting for his hometown Rangers...maybe next game, the league will be able to overcome New York's ineptness and hand them the win.

Is Alexander Ovechkin Really The Best?

Mark Smith — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:29:14 -0400

This was the year where the Capitals were supposed to take a good run in the playoffs. The young team had playoff experience from last year, more balanced offense, the highest scoring defenseman in the league, and goal tending that should be "good enough." Most of all, they have Alexander Ovechkin, the consensus choice for the NHL's best player and MVP.

What happened? Ovechkin made headlines by not scoring in the first three games of the series, and of course the Capitals lost games one and two at home. Is it possible that Ovechkin has choked a little under all of the pressure?

When you compare his stats from the regular season to his stats from the playoffs, there is a potential argument that he has. Ovechkin has two goals in the series, obviously well behind his regular season pace where he had 56 goals in 79 games. He has been averaging 1.2 points per game, which is behind his regular season pace of 1.4 points per game.

Defensively he has played well in the post-season, making some strong plays and achieving a plus four, versus a plus six over the entire regular season. He has also peppered shots on goal, going from his 6.7 pace, far and away the highest in the regular season of any player, to a remarkable 7.6 shots per game average.

So, overall, it seems Ovechkin is pretty close to his regular season pace. He has achieved stats far superior to any teammate or Ranger, and has been the dominant skater on the ice every game. So, does all the blame for the Capitals predicament go to Mike Green, Jose Theodore, and other underachieving Caps?

Ovechkin is in fact having a great series, but he is not the MVP of the series and not the best player. Both of those titles go to Henrik Lundqvist, who has been Ovechkin’s nemesis this round. It is Lundqvist who has stopped all those shots from Ovechkin and his teammates, allowing his team to remarkably split the last four games while scoring only three goals.

For Ovechkin to show that he is the best, not only in the regular season but especially when it counts most, he needs to find a way to solve for Lundqvist. That’s what the best do.

He also clearly needs to help the Capitals to a stronger power play. The Ranger penalty killing has been excellent, and it is up to Ovechkin (and coach Boudreau) to lead the team to get a couple this afternoon if the Rangers take six or more penalties.

Ovechkin has been great this series. Now it is up to him to show whether he is the best.

John Tortorella Losing Control of Ranger Soap Opera

Mark Smith — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:12:05 -0400

The NHL announced tonight that John Tortorella will be suspended one game as a result of his attack on fans towards the end of game five of the playoff series vs. the Washington Capitals. The suspension is no surprise, as the league has to make it clear that there is zero tolerance when it comes to threatening their fans base.

The lack of discipline shown by Tortorella surely sent the wrong message to the team he has tried desperately to preach discipline to. In an interesting twist, Assistant Coach Jim Schonfield, who will take over the bench, is best known for completely losing control when he went after referee Don Koharski after a semi-final game ("have another donut you fat pig").

So, game six will have Sean Avery back in the lineup, trying hard to keep his cool in front of a frantic MSG audience, and Tortorella watching from afar. Rangers must certainly be considered the favourite to win the series, but it won't be easy...or pretty.

Sean Avery Benched: Is He Finished in the NHL?

Mark Smith — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:26:36 -0400

Everyone in the league knew what needed to be done, especially Sean Avery's teammates. Tortorella finally relived the Ranger players of the weight they had been carrying, and took Avery out of the lineup for Game Five tonight.

Avery took four unnecessary penalties and a misconduct in Game Three, helping the Washington Capitals get back into the series. He seemed determined to give them every opportunity to come back in Game Four, taking two stupid penalties in the third period, one with three minutes to go and his teammates hanging onto a one-goal lead.

The benching could last just one game, or it could be much more serious. There was only one team in the league who would take a chance on Avery, even though they had to pay only half his contract.

Tortorella of course believed that Avery should have been kicked out of the league after his many unsportsmanlike incidents, but was forced to take the little pest by order of GM Glen Sather.

This is the moment that everyone expected when Avery was signed. He will now be on a very short leash that could end with him being yanked out of the league altogether over the summer.

Will John Tortorella Have The Courage To Bench Sean Avery?

Mark Smith — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:29:15 -0400

John Tortorella knows he needs to do something. Over the past two games, the offense he has tried so hard to get going and his New York Rangers has completely stalled. They have been able to score only one goal in two games against an unheralded rookie netminder.

Two nights ago the Rangers embarrassed themselves. They watched the Capitals skate circles around them. Their only response was to take penalties in frustration. To nobody’s surprise, the leader in this effort was an outrageously undisciplined Sean Avery.

The Rangers were still in the game in the second period, however, Avery’s selfish penalties killed any momentum the team might have been gaining. You could see the Ranger bench deflate after Avery skated the length of the ice to exact some kind of revenge for a clean hit by Mike Green, taking a stupid penalty in the process.

Tortorella knows he needs to do something to get him team going. An NHL coach has two key responsibilities; motivate his team and to keep the team focused and disciplined. Sean Avery killed his ability to do either.

The question becomes…does he have the courage to do the obvious, and bench Avery? It would take a lot of guts given that he was forced to take Avery by his boss when he took the job, but Tortorella knows what needs to be done, and he just might do it.

Rangers-Capitals: New York's Frustration Boiling Over Going Into Game Four

Mark Smith — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:59:00 -0400

Game Four is a critical game in any best-of-seven series, and tonight’s game in New York is certainly no exception.

The Rangers stunned the Capitals by winning Games One and Two in Washington. In both games, they relied on superb goaltending by Henrik Lundqvist.

In the opener, the Capitals significantly outplayed the Rangers, but could not overcome the very shaky goaltending of their starter Jose Theodore. In Game Two, the Rangers played a tighter game, and Henrik shut out the Caps completely.

From the start of Game Three it was evident that Washington was determined to find a way to break the pattern. They stormed Lundqvist again and again, breaking through for two goals in the first period.

The Rangers became frustrated at their inability to compete, and took many stupid penalties, with super-pest Sean Avery leading the way. They tried again and again to score on Washington’s third-string goaltender Simeon Varlamov, but their season-long struggle to score continued as they could find no way to get it past the kid.

The 20-year-old Varlamov was thrown into the net for Game Two by Coach Bruce Boudreau in desperation, after losing confidence in Theodore and having his regular back-up injured. Varlamov has responded by stopping 56 of 57 shots, including the last 55 shots by the Rangers.

The Rangers have not scored for five periods, and will be desperate for a first-period goal tonight.

Ranger fans will raise the roof to encourage their team and perhaps try to rattle the young netminder. It’s hard to know what to make of Varlamov’s protestations that he found the loud Garden crowd created a “lot of pressure”. He emphasized that he “was fighting through it the entire game.” Well fought, Simeon.

The first period and the first goal will be critical tonight. If the Rangers score first, the crowd will add to the momentum and there will be a hard-fought battle. If the Caps score first and the Rangers are unable to match it in the first 20 minutes, expect to see the Rangers become chippy.

It’s quite possible that tonight is the night that Avery will lose it altogether. He hurt his team badly in Game Three, taking penalties any time the Rangers seemed they might gain some momentum. You can sense his frustration of not being the center of attention, having failed to gain any points in the series.

So, lots to watch for this evening. Will it be a goaltender’s battle? Will Varlamov’s magic disappear? Will Callahan’s strong play result in an early goal to lead his team, or will this be the night that Ovechkin breaks it open for a couple of goals?

Most importantly, will Rangers find a way to put a lock on the series with a win, or will the momentum completely shift to the Capitals before a return to Washington?

I will at the game watching, and sure many will tune in to a first-round series that is exceeding high expectations.

Big Changes for Toronto Maple Leafs; Which Players Will Return?

Mark Smith — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:52 -0400

For so many in Toronto, Brian Burke is a gift from the heavens. Not only is he a good hockey man who has already started to make smart moves that will rebuild the club…he actually encourages the idea that Toronto is the center of the hockey world and feeds the dreams of Leafs fans.

This is great news for those in Leaf Nation, who see the playoffs as simply a distraction until they can once again focus on the Leafs.

What will the team look like next year? Who will they draft? Who will they trade for? Will they sign all the best free agents?

Most boldly, of course, Burke has thrown out there that he is after the No. 1 ranked player for the draft, John Tavares.

This alone will have Leaf fans plotting and starting rumours until draft day. Beyond this, however, Burke has made many things clear regarding his plans;

1) The Leafs need to become both bigger and faster

2) There needs to be much stronger competition for ice time

3) Goaltending needs to improve

Burke has already made some ground on creating more competition and becoming bigger and better with the signings of US collegiate free agents. He will help address the need for better goaltending with the signing of Gustavsson after the world championships end.

What does all of this mean for this year’s Leafs? Well, the changes will be bolder than many expected. Leaf fans tend to fall in love with their players, even while they are losing, and the late season flashes the team demonstrated had many fans believing “success” (ie. slipping into the playoffs) was only a couple of player upgrades away.

Burke has his sights set higher, so let’s take a look at each player from this season, and their prospects for 2009-2010.

GOALTENDERS

VESA TOSKALA

Contract: $4 million

Evaluation: Very weak year, even before he was apparently hurt. Burke made it clear that he felt goaltending (ie. Vesa) cost Leafs a spot in the playoffs.

2009: He will be back as No. 1, at least to start the year. He will play better, but he will also face real competition for starts.

MARTIN GERBER

Contract: Unrestricted free agent

Status: Had some good starts as a Leaf, but inconsistent and hot-headed in a bad way

2009: Not returning, but will likely get a chance on another NHL team

CURTIS JOSEPH

Contract: Unrestricted free agent

Status: Popular Leaf had terrible year, confirming he is finished even if he does not realize

2009: Thanks for everything Curtis...see you at the pseudo sweater retirements

JUSTIN POGGE

Contract: Restricted free agent

Status: Many chances, but consistently disappointing after his first start.

2009: Leafs plan to have Pogge spend a full year with the Marlies, hopefully after a long playoff run.

DEFENCEMEN

PAVEL KUBINA

Contract: $5 million

Status: Good offensively, but weak in own zone, and got caught pinching again and again.

2009: Burke would like to deal Kubina, but his huge contract makes Kaberle the man to go.

TOMAS KABERLE

Contract: $4.25 million per year until 2011

Status: Aside from Schenn, this is the Leaf every team wants. He ate up ice time, during a so-so season.

2009: He will be traded for a strong return, unless Burke finds someone to take Kubina.

JEFF FINGER

Contract: $3.5 million per season until 2012

Status: Solid, as advertised. He blocks shots making him a fav of Ron Wilson.

2009: No question he and his big contract come back.

MIKE VAN RYN

Contract: $2.9 million

Status: Injuries kept Van Ryn out of most of the season. When he did play he was a strong Top 4 defenseman, and Leafs won more than they lost.

2009: Back after a rigorous off season training program.

LUKE SCHENN

Contract: $2.975 million per year until 2011

Status: Exceeded everyone’s expectations, by delivering the goods almost every night, including solid defense and good hits.

2009: Tavares trade aside, Luke will return, and seems to have a good chance to avoid the sophomore jinx.

JONAS FROGREN

Contract: $1.065 million

Status: Unspectacular in games he played.

2009: Frogen will lose out to numbers, and be with Marlies to start the season.

IAN WHITE

Contract: $850,000

Status: White was the best Leaf playing on many nights, and took over even more ice time when Kaberle was injured. Highest plus/minus on team.

2009: Burke will bring White back. White will continue to emerge as a leader on the team, and improve on a strong season.

FORWARDS

JASON BLAKE

Contract: Three years remaining at $4.5 million, $3 million, $3 million.

Status: Blake brought his best game last season, and led the Leafs in scoring. Still too selfish with the puck. At 38, he would be good trade bait if not for a ridiculous contract.

2009: Back with Leafs, but not as effective.

NIKLAS HAGMAN

Contract: $3 million per year until 2012

Status: Solid player who took advantage of ice time to show scoring ability.

2009: Leafs’ third line

LEE STEMPNIAK

Contract: $2.5 million

Status: Fletcher’s last bad move only seemed to give it a full effort in last games of the season.

2009: Stempniak is not Burke’s type of player (although he will have even more time to audition at the World Championships). He will start next season with the Marlies.

ALEXEI PONIKAROVSKY

Contract: $2.105 million

Status: Most consistent season ever, and actually became stronger after Antropov was dealt. He emerged as a leader in the dressing room, especially of the other Russian players.

2009: He is Burke’s style of player, and will be back as a top 6 forward for Leafs.

MATT STAJAN

Contract: $1.75 million

Status: After being called out by Wilson at start of the year, Stajan improved, but confirmed he is at best a third line player.

2009: Stajan is clearly one player Burke has in mind when he calls out those who have become too comfortable with ice time on weak team. He will look to deal Stajan before start of the season.

NIKOLAI KULEMIN

Contract: $1,487,500

Status: Showed ability and aggressiveness offensively, but weak defense had him split season with Marlies.

2009: He will start season with Leafs and be a key project for Wilson and coaches. Look for him to exceed 20 goals.

JAMAL MAYERS

Contract: $1,333,333

Status: Did not give Leafs the physical play they were looking for.

2009: Another Fletcher mistake that will not start year with the Leafs.

JOHN MITCHELL

Contract: $487,500

Status: Showed flashes of offensive brilliance, but weak defensive play held him back.

2009: He works hard is exciting to watch. He will start year on third line.

MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI

Contract: Restricted free agent.

Status: Grabovski clearly showed he has talent, and he combined this with hard work that was not always smart.

2009: He will return for more drama next season, potting 30 goals.

BOYD DEVEREAUX

Contract: Unrestricted free agent

Status: Hard-working player lacking in talent.

2009: Not returning.

BRAD MAY

Contract: Unrestricted free agent

Status: One of the team leaders, he played as expected.

2009: Could be back if Burke doesn’t feel he has done enough to improve team size and aggressiveness.

Lundqvist Trumps Ovechkin! Rangers Defeat Capitals 4-3 in Game One

Mark Smith — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:02:08 -0400

In the end it came down to exactly what everyone predicted...Alexander Ovechkin vs. Henrik Lundqvist.

Ovechkin was the dominant skater for the entire game. It seemed that every time he touched the puck there was a scoring opportunity.

Lundqvist made sure that it didn't matter, stopping all 13 (!) shots that Ovechkin threw at him.

Lundqvist played spectacularly, robbing Washington of a game that they dominated, particularly in the first and third period.

On the other end of the ice, Theodore looked shaky from the start and let in a couple of goals that could have been easily stopped.

Playing without Captain Chris Drury, who was injured, the Rangers took advantage of the opportunities they had. Callahan played another hard-working effective game, Betts was terrific defensively and Antropov made some good moves to pressure Theodore.

The stage is now set for a fantastic series.

The Rangers will need Lundqvist to continue his sparkling performance, especially if the continue to take as many penalties as they did tonight.

Prediction for game two: Washington 5, Rangers 3.

Can the Florida Panthers Sign Jay Bouwmeester?

Mark Smith — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:23:19 -0400

He was so valuable to the Panthers playoff run that they refused to trade him...even though they could have landed a first round pick that would be key to building the franchise.

A playoff berth was seen as key to growing the small fan base, and the team would boldly push on with their star defensemen.

Now the dream has died, and the Panthers will watch as the Rangers and Canadiens play on.

Jay Bouwmeester will almost surely become a free agent on July 1, and there is no reason to believe he will come back to the Panthers.

Florida is not a team on the rise, they have few fans, and therefore few endorsement opportunities.

It's a nice place to live, but there will be lots of time for this Canadian kid to enjoy a warm climate after he retires.

Right now he is a young, offensively gifted defense-men who will get at least $6 million in a new contract.

He will be moving on—perhaps to the Flyers—but almost definitely not back to Florida.

Talk will only frow about the future of the Florida franchise, and indeed the wisdom of keeping franchises in Miami, Tampa, Phoenix etc..

Is Soon-To-Be-Leaf Jonas Gustavsson the Next Henrik Lundqvist?

Mark Smith — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:21:29 -0400

What would make Brian Burke miss the end of the season in Toronto?

Well, he had a date in Sweden, with a tall blonde.

That blonde was Jonas Gustavsson, who has the inside track on becoming the Leafs’ number-two goalie.

How good is this kid? At 24 he was the best goalie by far in the Swedish Elite league. He had a 1.96 GAA—the first to achieve a GAA under 2.00 since 2006—then led his team to a championship.

How sure is it that he will come to the NHL? This has been decided. “He cannot get better than he has already here at home….it is right to go,” says his current goalie coach Erik Granqvist.

How sure is it that he will come to Toronto? It seems to be a done deal. The other team pushing hard is the Dallas Stars, who have had scout Johan Garpenlov practically living in Sweden courting the goaltender. Andy Moog and Tim Bernhardt, both working for the Stars, have also made pilgrimages.

The Leafs have been equally aggressive, however. Long before Burke’s trip, Leaf’s Corey Hirsch was living the hard life of a goalie coach spending time and dining out in an effort to woo the kids. Hirsch is actually a star in Sweden, having appeared on postage stamps as the goalie who let in Peter Forsberg’s overtime goal to give Sweden gold in the 1994 Olympics.

The Leafs’ trump card is the very real promise that he will play in 2009, and even compete for the number-one spot, which Gustavsson’s people have made clear is a must. Dallas has Marty Turco clearly taking the majority of ice time in Dallas, so they simply can’t make similar assurances.

“It is important that he comes to a club where he may continue to develop their own style and not come to a goalie coach who wants to make of him. Moreover, it should be a team where he can be there fighting for the spot as first goalkeeper. In the case of Toronto, Corey Hirsch called me and he is completely on my line,” Granqvist was quoted as saying in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

Importantly, like Hanson and Bozak, Gustavsson can earn a maximum of $900,000 in his rookie year, so there will be no bidding war.

Okay, so Leafs look good to land him. How good can he be?

Leaf fans will be chomping at the bit hoping for another Henrik Lundqvist, but Gustavsson is not the proven entity Lunqvist was before he immediately starred in the NHL. Lundqvist had already proven himself on the world stage, having been named best goalie at the World Championships in 2004, and had been named goalie of the year in Sweden three years in a row.

Gustavsson has only ever played one-game internationally (in which he gave up four goals and posted an .840 save percentage). Prior to this season, Gustavsson’s best numbers came at the U-18 level. He has been improving steadily, but at this point he may still be just a “flash in the pan” type player.

Net net, Gustavsson could become great, but he won’t walk in dominating the way Lundqvist has. He would be an amazing addition, however, a very strong young player at the most important position. He is fun to watch, and should quickly become a fan favourite.

If Burke can land him, after already landing two prospects at no cost, Toronto's GM will be on the fast track to become NHL executive of the year before the summer even starts.

Rangers-Capitals Playoff Preview: Ovechkin to Lead Washington to Win in Six!

Mark Smith — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:09:43 -0400

There are some great playoff matches on tap in the East this year. An Original Six match-up of Boston vs. Montreal, a interstate rivalry between Pittsburgh and Philly, the hot Hurricane vs. the cold Devils...and Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals facing off against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers.

I will be watching the entire Rangers-Caps series, some at the Garden and some on tv. I expect it will be a very good series. The Rangers had an up and down year, starting very strong, free-falling, and then picking it back up with a coaching change and addition of several new players.

Washington was quite consistent, with Ovechkin and coach Bruce Boudreau leading the team to a 50 win season, 16 points ahead of the Rangers.

The series will come down to a very strong Washington offense going against the Rangers’ strong defense. The Caps have the biggest forward threat in Ovechkin, but also the biggest offensive threat from the blueline in Michael Green.

This year, the forward lines are more balanced, with Backstrom, Semin, and Federov all threats the rangers will have to try to shut down.

Henrik Lundqvist’s goaltending will be by far the most important counter to the Cap’s threat. He is now clearly established as one of the top goalies in the league, and even under Tortorella, the Rangers play an system that makes it difficult to find open space.

They will also need to hope that their underachieving offense, led by Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, can find a way to break through consistently on Jose Theodore.

The Rangers have a good chance of taking one of the first two, which will make it a fun series when they go back to New York, however, expect to see Washington take it in six.

The Rangers can only shut down Ovechkin and his cohorts for so long, and will find that the Capitals are a team that don’t quit.

Sad to See Hall of Famer Bob Gainey Go Down With His Team

Mark Smith — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:51:53 -0400

He was once one of the true greats. In fact Russian coach Viktor Tikhonov called him the best all around player he had ever seen.

Gainey was an inspiration for some great Montreal teams, including teams that won the Cup five times in a decade. His hard work and ability to shut down the best the NHL had to offer was legendary, winning the first four Selke Trophy's.

He was known for his defense, but he contributed offensively as well. In 1979 he won the Conn Smythe trophy after leading the Canadiens to the Cup. He gained 16 points against top lines through the playoffs to earn him the prestigous award.

All of this makes it very sad to see him suck behind the bench 30 years later, on a team that bears no resemblance to the teams he helped lead.

Gainey seems as though he wishes he were somewhere else, and soon he will be.

Montreal will be lucky to take a game against the Bruins, and Gainey will be fired within a week of losing the fourth game. Montreal fans will forgive him over time, but one can still wish for a better legacy for the one time great.

Five Favourites To Win the Stanley Cup

Mark Smith — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:12:55 -0400

The most exciting playoffs in sports are about to begin. The 16 teams who will compete have been decided, so which team will make it through four rounds to win the Stanley Cup?

Here are the five favorites for the Cup in 2009.

#1 Detroit Red Wings

The last time a Cup winner repeated was 1997-1998, when the Red Wings did so. Chris Osgood was the goalie then, as he is now, but of course he is no longer the goalie he was a decade ago. The Red Wings, still a great team, have looked every bit the old team that they are (over half the team is over 30) as the season has wound down.

That said, with Lindstrom anchoring the defense, Hossa now complementing Zetterberg, Franzen and Datsyuk, and all the veterans who know what it takes to win, the Red Wings remain the team to beat.

#2 San Jose Sharks

Will this be the year that Thornton steps up during the playoffs? San Jose gained the most points in the regular season, but their success will be judged on their ability to win it all in the post-season.

Thornton has the supporting cast in top goalie Valdimir Nabakov, and a second line center who can balance the scoring in Patrick Marleau. The Sharks have a scorer in Devin Setogouchi and two top offensive defensemen in Dan Boyle and Rob Blake.

Wild cards are Cheechoo's ability to shake off a poor year and Claude Lemieux’s ability to surprise everyone and play effectively as he returns from injury.

#3 New Jersey Devils

A few weeks ago, many had the Devils picked as the new favourite to win it all. Brodeur was playing strong, and there was every reason to believe that a rested Brodeur would be the clutch goalie of yesteryear. He and the older Devils faltered in the last two weeks of the season, however

Coach Sutter’s defense first system will likely work well again when the post season starts, however, it will be critical that young Parise leads the team on offense, and combines with veterans Elias and Shanahan to get the goals they need to win.

#4 Calgary Flames

Igilna needs to show he is no Joe Thornton, and step up from a season that has not been his best. General Manager Sutter did what he needed to at the trade deadline to prepare this team for a run that could go all the way, adding Oli Jokinen to an already strong offense that include Mike Cammaleri (playing for a new contract) and Todd Bertuzzi.

Goaltending is a key strength with Kiprusoff in nets, and Dion Phaneuf leads a defense that should at least get past the first two rounds.

#5 Washington Capitals

Alexander Ovechkin is generally seen as the league’s best player, but it’s his leadership that can no longer be ignored. Last year he willed the Capitals into the playoffs on his own. This year he has had stronger support, particularly from Mike Green who has emerged as an offensive powerhouse from the point.

Niklas Backstrom and Alex Semin give the Capitals options up front, and Bruce Boudreau is a player’s coach that has this team playing hard every night. They will have a good warm-up in beating the Rangers in round one, and would have to be considered a not so dark horse to win it all, even ahead of the Bruins who they clearly outplayed in the back half of the year.

Let the games begin!

Leaf Fans Cheer as Toronto Wins Their Way Out of Tavares Sweepstakes

Mark Smith — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:24:00 -0400

In the opening minutes of the third period, Leaf fans couldn't help themselves.

With the score versus the Ottawa Senators tied at 2-2, their passion overwhelmed them.

"Go Leafs Go" the fans screamed and the Leafs responded.

Hagman stormed the Sens net and scored a goal that ensured the Leafs will sit quietly and watch the L.A. Kings and Phoenix Coyotes pick ahead of them on draft day.

What's worse is the Leafs ensured they wouldn’t have the possibility of winning the draft lottery and having a shot at John Tavares.

Leaf Nation enthusiasm over yet another in the team's' traditional "play strong when it don't matter" end of season is predictable, but sad. Toronto, the home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has not made the playoffs for five-years.

To be fair, this year's Leafs were a more entertaining team than previous years and they did give a strong effort.

Despite Brian Burke's efforts, their short-term prospects remain much weaker than the also-rans that have been missing the playoffs along with them.

Of course, as a Leaf fan…there is always next year.

Hossa On His Way to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Mark Smith — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:58:14 -0400

If Leafs fans had forgotten, which team they should hope Brian Burke emulates, they got a clear reminder today, when the Red Wings announced that they have signed Johan Franzen to a 11-year, $43.5 million deal.

The Wings lock in a star goal scorer who has size and is a proven clutch player.

His contract is cap friendly as he gave up a lot to lock in with the winner, averaging $4 million per year versus the $5 million+ he would have achieved in the open market.

The signing of Franzen does, however, mean that the Red Wings will not be able to sign Hossa.

They have too much locked in salaries for next year, and as GM Ken Holland noted, they need to leave room for role players.

They also need to sign a goalie. Osgood is under contract for next year, but he is clearly a back up at best.

Leafs fans are already clamoring to sign the biggest name who will be on the market, however, Burke is unlikely to build his team around smaller stars such as Hossa or Mike Cammaleri given his stated presence to have the team built around both size and speed.

Rick Nash remains a very appealing potential Leaf, as he stands to become a free agent in 2010.

Red Wings Lock In Franzen, Decide To Let Hossa Become Free Agent

Mark Smith — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:47:21 -0400

In yet another move that demonstrates how the Hockeytown franchise has become a dynasty amongst the 30 teams in the NHL, the Red Wings announced that they have signed Johan Franzen to an 11-year, $43.5 million deal.

Johan "The Mule" Franzen's remarkable playoff goal scoring was critical to the Red Wings' Cup win last year. He has has added 34 more goals so far this season.

Franzen's contract is second longest contract in Red Wings history and he gave up a lot to lock in with the winner, averaging $4 million per year versus the $5 million+ he would have achieved in the open market.

The signing of Franzen means that the Red Wings will not be able to sign Hossa.

They have too much locked into next year, and as General Manager, Ken Holland noted, they need to leave room for role players.

They also need to sign a goalie. Osgood is under contract for next year, but he is clearly a back up at best.

The Wings have a good start to ensuring they stay a Cup favorite for years to come, although, in addition to their challenge in net, they will likely have to replace an irreplaceable Nikolas Lidstrom after next season.

Somehow, you just know they will find a way.

Ryan Callahan Leads New York to Huge Win Over Montreal

Mark Smith — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:37:49 -0400

Just before the game started, Ryan Callahan, who has been the best Ranger player for much of the season, was announced as the fans’ choice for the player who goes "above and beyond the call of duty."

He quickly showed why he deserved the award, leading the Rangers in effort throughout the game.

In the first period, he set up Drury for the critical first goal of the game.

In the second, he demonstrated incredible perseverance as Montreal’s grabbing and hooking made him lose control of his stick.

Callahan managed to kick the puck forward to get it into the offensive zone, leading to another goal by Drury. In between, Antropov dove and spiked a loose puck into the net.

In the third, the Rangers shut down the Habs with strong defensive play and won the game 3-1.

Montreal had outplayed New York in the first period, but looked tired as the game went on, and were especially weak in their own end.

Carey Price looked shaky as he played his first game after a serious bout of the flu.

Montreal’s power play looked especially weak after they lost both of their point men with injuries this week.

With Florida losing to Philadelphia, New York is all but a lock to make the playoffs. They need to win just one of the two remaining games (both against the Flyers) to lock in a playoff berth, and may even pass Montreal, who they now trail by one point.

Their first-round opponents will likely be the Bruins, but if they move to seventh, they could face Ovechkin and the Capitals. Playoff hockey is on its way in New York!

Biggest Game of the Year for Rangers About to Start!

Mark Smith — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:54:16 -0400

For the Rangers, tonight's game is as close to a ‘must win’ as it can get without the risk of being immediately eliminated. Florida has tied them for the last playoff spot in the East with three games remaining.

For Montreal the game is also key, as they are only three points ahead of New York and Florida. This original six match-up has the potential to be a great game.

The Rangers come into the game having played well, but not good enough to beat some tough teams. Their scoring, which has been an issue from the start of the year, dried up completely against the Bruins on the weekend.

They are back on home ice, however, where they have been red hot (6-1-0 in last seven games), and the crowd at MSG tonight will be rocking. Captain Chris Drury seemed to encourage an especially strong welcome stating "When the Garden is loud and it's rocking, it can really pump up the team…for the opponent, it makes it a really tough place to play."

Montreal generally has a hard time playing in Manhattan; however, in their last game here they skated to an easy 6-3 victory. They will be challenged to match that performance tonight, coming off a tough 3-2 loss vs. Ottawa 24 hours earlier and playing against a fresh Ranger team.

Injuries to their leading scorer Andrei Markov and their key end of year acquisition Mathieu Schneider will make scoring a real challenge. They will be counting on Kovalev, the NHL’s star of last week, to continue his strong play, and for Carey Price to backstop the team to another win.

Overall, New York has to be the favorite for the game, especially if they score first. Be sure to catch the game if you can.

Rangers and Panthers in Unlikely Battle for Last Playoff Spot

Mark Smith — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:02:49 -0400

The season comes down to three games.

On one side are the New York Rangers, with their passionate fans, highly paid free agent signings, high profile new coach, and a couple of rental players to support the cause. Oh...and of course the circus that is Sean Avery. They started the season strong, but have faded consistently throughout the year. Their lack of offense has been mitigated only by Henrik Lundqvist's consistently strong net minding.

On the other side are the low budget Florida Panthers, where marketing execs have to beg fans to come off the beach and sit a while despite bargain prices. Their unknown coach guides a team who traded away their best player, captain, and all time point leader before the season started.

Their current star has made it clear he will leave the team as soon as his contract expires in a few months. They have somehow managed to stay competitive, however, with balanced scoring, two offensive defencemen, and superb goaltending.

The Rangers face Montreal next, then finish with two games against the Philadelphia Flyers. They will be in tough spot against a hot again Montreal team (should be a great game), but the Flyers look vulnerable.

Despite a recent schedule against weak teams, the Flyers have not put up consistent wins, losing to Toronto and Ottawa, and only winning in a shootout vs. the Islanders. The team will, however, be looking to go into playoffs with some momentum, and their star Jeff Carter seems to be heading into top gear.

The Panthers play the Flyers, Atlanta, and Washington. Atlanta should mean an easy two points for them, but they will have to play well to get points in either of the other games.

My projection: Rangers split vs. the Flyers, while the Panthers wins vs. Atlanta and the Flyers, and lose vs. the Caps. If this happens, this leaves the Rangers vs. Montreal game tomorrow night as the deciding game. There is a very good chance it could go to overtime, but the Rangers would need both points. Mark it on your calender as a 'must win' for the Rangers.

Florida Wins Again, While Sean Avery Drags Rangers Down

Mark Smith — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:56:15 -0400

The Florida Panthers moved into a tie with the New York Rangers today with a win against the hot Pittsburgh Penguins. The Panthers and the Rangers both have three games remaining, and it looks very possible that the Rangers will find themselves out of playoff contention despite Sather's anxious late season moves to salvage the season.

While the Panthers have strong goaltending, and a team focused on getting the job done, the Rangers are a team distracted by the presence on Sean Avery.

Avery's "Zen" persona didn't last long. Excited to be given a lifeline by the only team who would take him, he played effectively in a few games. In the past five games, however, he has not been able to keep up the pace, and his deperate need to get attention has resulted in his bringing the circus back in town.

After sticking his finger in Cam Ward's ear during a loss against Carolina, he actually put a stick to the back of Tim Thomas' head during yesterday's game vs. the Bruins...during a timeout! It was by no means dangerous, but Thomas was of course was livid. When Thomas went after him Avery skaed away and cringed like a little girl, allowing a Swede stand up for him against the small goaltender.

The incident would be reprehensible, but still not worth much disussion is it were not part of such a clear pattern. Scott Clemensen noted that it was just a matter of time until Sean Avery either hurt someone or was hurt himself.

The league now needs to step in with yet another suspension to save the Rangers from the joke that they are becoming. Ideally it would be for the remainder of the regular season, which is looking more and more like it could be the end of the Rangers' season altogether.

Coach Tortorella deserves better than to have to babysit Avery, and fight to keep the media away so that Avery doesn't sink deeper into his own cesspool. He needs to focus on bringing alive the Rangers offense, which continues to make every goalie look like a Vezina trophy winner.

Sather's acquisition of Avery was a crowd pleaser, but always fraught with risk. Now it looks like the Rangers, along with their new coach, and their shiny new rental players are all allowing the distraction that is Sean Avery to let them sink into ninth place.

Canadians Not Welcome On Brian Burke's Maple Leafs

Mark Smith — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:02:25 -0400

While in Montreal, the media is constantly attacking Gainey for not loading les Habitants with more Francophone players, Toronto seems to be shrugging off the fact that Burke and Fletcher have loaded the leafs with non-Canadian players.

Burke’s addition of Christian Hanson follows Burke bringing other mediocre American players to hockey’s capital—most recently Jeff Hamilton and Eric Reitz.

Eight of the top ten current Leaf scorers are not Canadian. The Leafs threw money at American Jeff Finger in hopes that he could become part of a top four defense led by two Czechs. They are led in goal by a Finn.

One doesn’t have to be a xenophobe to think that the Leafs could benefit by leveraging some of the passion that exists throughout Southern Ontario and beyond for the white and blue. The team doesn’t need to be loaded with local boys, but where are the potential heroes to replace Keon, Sittler, and Gilmour?

Americans Brian Burke and Ron Wilson seem to be too busy watching college games to consider this.

The New York Rangers Are Crying Their Way Out Of Playoffs

Mark Smith — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:32:10 -0400

Glen Sather made a desperate bid to ensure a playoff spot this year - trading picks and prospects for Morris and Antropov, gambling on Sean Avery and firing Tom Renney, one of the league's best coaches.

Despite all of this, the Rangers are just two points above the Florida Panthers who currently sit out of playoff contention.

The Rangers have a tough schedule for the remainder of the season, playing strong teams in the East who are fighting for strong positioning when playoffs start, while the Panthers have 3 games against teams out of playoff contention; two against the Atlanta Thrashers and one against the Ottawa Senators.

Sather has to be praying that the Rangers can pull this off, even though they are sure to make yet another quick exit if they squeak into the final 16. Sather's reputation as a builder is in shatters.

He is ranked as one of the league's worst GMs after he has managed New York to consistent mediocrity, and has now put contracts in place that will ensure his successor, likely to come into place this summer, can do little to fix it in short term.

The Rangers have now been reduced to whining about officiating and complaining that Sean Avery is being picked on (!).

Interesting team to watch as always, but may not get to watch them for much longer this year.

Why Are They Picking On Poor Sean Avery?

Mark Smith — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:59:59 -0400

The New York Rangers have had just about enough. The team is speaking out, concerned that players and officials are not treating their super-pest fairly.

“We’re starting to think that some folks in this league don’t like Sean Avery”, GM Glen Sather said after their afternoon loss against the Penguins Sunday.

“The thing that’s frustrating is two teams with the type of position we’re in at this time of year, I just hope we allow the teams to make the difference and to determine the result,” said Tortorella after the chippy, slower skating Rangers took twelve penalties.

As for Avery, Tortorella said:

“I’m the first one to say that Sean makes his own bed with some of the things that happened…I mean I’m the one who said he should never be allowed to play in the league again. But after Sather made getting this job conditional on taking Avery, I realized that he’s done his penance here.”

Torterella went on to say “All I want is, I hope he’s…you know…given another fair shake. When he does something stupid on the ice, give him a penalty; if it warrants him getting kicked out the game, kick him out of the game; if it warrants kicking him out of the league, or having him face off with a couple of Dallas Stars in the alley then so be it”.

Rangers MVP Henrik Lundqvist was also direct “It comes to a point where we’ll probably have to have a discussion with some guys about this. I think as goalie I am the one who should have this discussion.”

Scott Gomez grimaced a cave man grimace and inserted “Sean never did anything to anybody. Why are they hitting him? Leave him alone!”

Captain Chris Drury who is generally as cautious with his remarks as he is with his play added “I do think that Sean is a marked guy, and I have no idea why!”. Drury emphasized “He's never been suspended for something on the ice. I mean this guy waved his stick like a moron in front of Brodeur and no suspension, he spewed out racial epithets at Laraque, and no suspension, mocked Jason Blake for having cancer, no suspension. You see my point…Sean has never paid a price through all of this, so why are they suddenly picking on him now?".

The beleaguered Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils Monday with their playoff hopes teetering despite the poor play of Montreal and Florida. One can only hope they leave poor Sean Avery alone.

Johan Franzen and the Rest of the Playoff Bound 2009-2010 Leafs!

Mark Smith — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:00:44 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again putting forward a late-season surge—one that will pull them out of a prime draft pick, but also once again leave them out of the playoffs.

It could be easy to forget that this team is very different than the one that the one that did the same a year ago.

In fact, less than half the current Leafs were part of the surge of 2008, making them the NHL’s most changed team.

The feeling this year is in fact different—a young team that really hasn’t had a chance to gel is exceeding expectations.

Maybe, just maybe, this time it's different.

Maybe this team will start 2009-2010 with the same level of success that they end this season with.

And so out thoughts turn to next season—what that team will look like and whether the long playoff drought could end. Let’s fast forward to September 21, the eve of the Leafs’ opener vs. the Sabres and a look at the Leaf team that is starting the 2009-2010 season:

Throughout the 2008-2009 season, Burke repeated one mantra—the Leafs need to become bigger and faster. He made some real strides towards this in the offseason with the signing of Johan Franzen and Mike Komisarek, and bringing back Dominic Moore. The Leafs also look forward to other new faces, and importantly to seeing further development and gelling of their young core.

The Leafs start the year much stronger up front, with a real opportunity to have at least five players score 20 goals. Their young front line will remain defensively challenged, however, putting continued pressure on their defense.

With the addition of Komisarek, and relative health of Jeff Finger and Mike Van Ryn will help, but the key to reducing their GAA is No. 1 goalie Vesa Toskala staying healthy

These Leafs will be in the mix for a playoff spot all year, and will make it for the first time in five years as their rebuilding process takes its’ next step. Burke has all but stated Rick Nash as his target for the start of next year, so things are looking up for the Leafs. Here is the lineup to start the new season.

Forwards

Johan Franzen

Burke clearly knew what he wanted to do when July 1 came around and by early afternoon he had used some of his generous salary cap space to sign “The Mule” to a three-year contract.

Franzen is exactly what Burke is looking for the Leafs to become—big and skilled, and he will be expected to lead the Leafs in scoring.

Mikhail Grabovski

Grabovski ended last season on a roll, and his conditioning coming into training camp showed all that he is ready to lead a team desperate for scoring. He starts as the Leafs No. 2 center.

Dominic Moore

Moore came back to Leafs in early July after it became apparent that he could not get the kind of money he was looking for. The Leafs and Moore are excited he is back home and he is ready to lead the team in effort.

Matt Stajan

Burke tried to deal Stajan over the summer, but with no interesting offers he is back. He will fight for ice time on the third line

John Mitchell

After steady improvement over 2008-2009, the Leafs will give Mitchell time on the power play ahead and believe he could deliver 20 goals.

Alexei Ponikoravsky

He would not be a top-line player on most teams, but he showed he doesn’t need Sundin or Antropov to score 20 goals. He starts this season as a long-time Leaf expected to lead.

Jason Blake

Leafs are confident Blake can find the groove he had for much of last season now that Dominic Moore is back and expect 20+ goals from the veteran.

Nikolai Kulemin

Kulemin showed only spurts of his potential last year, but he earned the chance to stick for a full season and get ice time that should allow him to put up some points.

Jiri Tlusty

Tlusty’s strong playoffs put a cap on an impressive Marlie performance. Wilson will be giving him lots of ice time to start the year offering him a chance to bring excitement and scoring to the NHL.

Niklas Hagman

Hagman and Blake are the only two veterans over 30 with the Leafs, and he is expected to play a steady, hard-nosed role on the Leafs’ third or fourth line.

Braydon Schenn

Burke surprised many when he traded Thomas Kaberle and Leafs' first pick to land the fifth-overall spot, but surprised nobody when he used the pick to draft Braydon Schenn. For the second consecutive year, a Schenn played himself straight into the Leafs’ lineup—Schenn will start on Leafs' fourth line.

Andre Deveaux

Wilson feels that Deveaux can pair with Schenn and Hagman to form an effective "energy line" to start the year.

Defencemen

Pavel Kubina

Kubina is one of the very few Leafs who have both the size and the speed he wants to become the team’s calling card. With the departure of Kaberle his offensive skills will become even more important. He will anchor the Leafs defense and lead the team in minutes.

Luke Schenn

Luke will start this year as he ended last year—playing 20 minutes a night. He is already a critical player for this team, and most expect him to avoid a sophomore jinx.

Ian White

White ended last year playing the most minutes on the Leafs. While he started last year in the press box, he starts this year as the No. 2 offensive D-man on the club. He has set an aggressive 50 points as a target for this season.

Mike Komisarek

Leafs’ other big off season signing infuriated Habs fans who were already steaming over missing the playoffs. Mike Komisarek gives the Leafs a second heavy hitter on the blueline, and will pair with White.

Jeff Finger

He started last year as Jeff “Who”, but Leafs know what to expect from Finger this year. His contract suggests he should be in the top four, but he wil have to play his way back to this.

Mike Van Ryn

Leafs were hoping for more of what Van Ryn offered last year—but over more games. Unfortunately he starts the year with a groin pull that could keep him out for three weeks.

Anton Strahlman

Strahlam showed bursts on excellence in training camp, and Leafs hope this is the year that he sticks with the Leafs. He will get 15 minutes a game to start the season.

Phil Oreskovis

Few picked fan-favourite Oreskovis to land with the Leafs, but Forgren’s disappointing camp combined with Van Ryn’s energy and O’s enthusiasm and steadiness earned him the seventh spot with the Leafs to start the year.

Goal

Vesa Toskala

Now completely healthy and rested, Toskala and the Leafs need him to come back to his previous form—and at minimum not lose games for the team.

Scott Clemensen

Clemensen had options as a free agent, but chose the Leafs as he believed he had a real opportunity to make the line-up and play games. He will get this opportunity as Pogge failed to impress at training camp, and Wilson is determined to give Toskala a challenge for his starts this year.

The Five Favourites for the Stanley Cup

Mark Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:46:49 -0400

Who are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup?

Sometimes in the frenzy of the trading deadline one can forget the reason the NHL teams are all playing, which is to ultimately win the Stanley Cup. Only a few are serious contenders though.

With most of the season over and the trade deadline having passed, here are the five favorites for the Cup in 2009.

Detroit Red Wings

The last time a Cup winner repeated was 1997-1998, when the Red Wings did so.

Nikolas Lidstrom was a key player on that team, and the Red Wings most important veteran today. Less exciting for the Red Wings is that Chris Osgood is once again their No. 1 goalie.

That said, with Hossa now complementing Zetterberg and Datsyuk, the Red Wings remain the team to beat.

San Jose Sharks

Will this be the year that Thornton steps up during the playoffs?

Thornton has the supporting cast in top goalie Valdimir Nabakov and a second line center who can balance the scoring in Patrick Marleau. The Sharks have a scorer in Devin Setogouchi and two top offensive defensemen in Dan Boyle and Rob Blake.

Wild cards are Cheechoo's ability to shake off poor year and Claude Lemieux’s ability to surprise everyone and play effectively.

They go in as No. 2.

New Jersey Devils

Brodeur is playing strong in stretch of the season, which is nothing new there. But he is rested and has something to prove, which could be that he still has it. This Hall of Fame clutch goalie is the anchor.

With Parise stepping up as a star, Elias coming back to top form, leadership all over the dressing room, and a defense first system that wins playoff games, the Devils are a top five favorite this year.

Calgary Flames

Iginla needs to show he is no Joe Thornton, and step up from a season that has not been his best.

That said, General Manager Sutter has done what he needs to to prepare this team for a run that could go all the way. Goaltending is a key strength with Kiprusoff in nets.

Iginla finds lots of support up front with Camalleri and Bertuzzi now complemented by Jokinen. Bourque and Phaneuf lead the defense, and there is lots of "sandpaper" in the lineup that will look good come April.

Boston Bruins

They would seem unlikely to go all the way, but who would have picked them to have commanding lead of the East by this time of year.

Thomas is a veteran unlikely to wilt under the bright playoff lights, and Fernandez could step in and spell him if needed. Chara will step up for a strong playoffs. Up front they would seem weaker.

Savard has never played strong in playoffs, and Kessel may well find less room to make plays. Recchi looked very good with a big "B" on his sweater though.

Team has to be feeling good about themselves going into the first round.

The Five Most Important Leafs For The Future

Mark Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:55:37 -0400

It's all about the future for these Leafs. So who are the key men in the system today that will ensure the team 'rebuilds' quickly and assertively? The onus is on Burke to ensure that future picks are used well, and free agents are signed, but right now who are the five keys to the future?

1) Luke Schenn

Schenn is certainly the most important Leaf for the future. The Leafs need him to be a franchise player, and while that is by no means certain, he has shown all kinds of potential in his rookie season; while getting enough minutes that any fatal flaws would certainly have been exposed.

Last night, given the injuries, he was on the ice a lot. He thrived, breaking up many plays and showing minor offensive bursts. He could look great as captain as early as 2011-2012.

2) Justin Pogge

Will he be a Mikael Telqvist or Sean Burke? It is not certain Pogge will ever be a number one goalie, much less a franchise one, but like it or not he is a key to the Leaf's future. If he can't step up over next few years the Leafs will have to invest picks, players, or cash to get the goaltending they need.

3) Thomas Kaberle

There is every possibility that Kaberle will be traded this summer. The cap will be tight for all teams, but a puck moving defenseman locked in for two more years at a reasonable salary will be sought after.

If traded, he could land a first round pick and a good player, or strong prospect. Both of which are key building blocks. If he sticks around, he is young enough that he can make a real contribution to the Leafs in a couple of years as they become competitive.

4) Jiri Tlusty

Before picking Schenn, the Leafs had traded five of eight picks away, and combined two others to acquire the great Lee Stempniak. For those who need to feel the pain, we rented Nolan, Leetch, Raycroft and Toskala for these top picks.

The only man left standing is Jiri Tlusty, who has been burning up the Marlies. The Leafs need a homegrown scorer, and Tlusty is the best bet. He has the potential to be a real scorer in the NHL.

5) Nikolai Kulemin

Would be nice to see more of a sure thing in the number five position, but this is the state of the nation. Kulemin does have real scoring potential, and is a strong skater. He sees the ice well, and when he has been most effective has shown a willingness to grind it out as well.

The Leafs would love to see him to emerge as a top six forward, and while it will not be a smooth path, it is very possible.

Those are the top five as of today, look forward to seeing the Sedin twins and another Schenn on the list as of August.