Bleacher Report - Articles by Jason Johnson

Toronto Maple Leafs: Give Kubina His Due

Jason Johnson — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:56:44 -0400

With yet another season seemingly headed to a disappointing end, again missing the playoffs, we fans often struggle to find anything positive to hang onto going into the offseason.

This year, I submit that we draw hope from Pavel Kubina.

Yes, that Pavel Kubina.

One of the untradable five at the deadline, and target of many a fan's wrath, Kubina has quietly put together a near career best season for the Blue and White.

So how come he seems to draw nothing but criticism?

Look no further than the ridiculous amount he is paid, though no fault of his own. I won't sit here and claim he's a five million dollar player, but to hold it against Kubina that John Ferguson Jr. overpaid dearly for his services would be unfair. That money could undoubtably be better spent elsewhere to improve the team, but you can't say Kubina isn't doing what he's capable of.

Wildly compensated is an understatement, but there's no denying Kubina is a quality NHL defenseman, and I'm willing to argue he may just be the best on the Leaf's blue-line this season.

It's true that his play has been rewarded recently on the score sheet, with three game winning goals in the past four games, but his solid play has been there all season long.

Currently sitting at 32 points in 64 games, he's nearing his career high of 38, all the while leading the defense for the Maple Leafs at plus five.

He might not have the booming shot of a Bryan McCabe, or the skating ability of a Tomas Kaberle, but Kubina posseses a solid mix of skills that make him a quality top three defenseman on any NHL team.

His phyisical play in his own end, and willingness to shoot when given the opportunity in the offensive zone can not be undervalued.

I believe the amount he's earning sets expectations far too high for Kubina; he will never be a Nicklas Lidstrom, but you can't fault the fans for wanting more. It's unfortunate that his contract may be too much for the Leafs to bear and ultimately force him out of Toronto.

Is Kubina overpaid? No question.

Is he the Leafs best defenseman this season? I think you can seriously make that argument.

NHL Playoff Hunt: The Wild, Wild Northwest

Jason Johnson — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:57:39 -0400

It's not unsual for a divisional race to come down to the wire between two teams.

Every once in a while, as fans, we are spoiled with a three team race.

This year, with all due respect to the excitement at the top of the Eastern Conference, the best race in all of hockey is battle for the Northwest division which features no less than four teams.

After Monday night's action and a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, the Minnesota Wild sit atop the division all alone with 86 points. The Vancouver Canucks rode a Monday night win of their own to pull into a three-way second place tie with the Calgary Flames and the same Avalanche, at 84 points.

If that isn't enough to get you thrilled for the strech drive, consider that after the Wild take on the San Jose Sharks next, and the Flames tangle with the Columbus Blue Jackets, all four of these team will have only divisional games remaining.

Forget what the NHL says officially; the playoffs have definitely begun in the Northwest division.

However, the unfortunate side effect to such a schedule is the reality that one of these deserving teams could end up on the outside of the playoff picture altogether.

Battling within the division means that on any given night, one team will be gaining more points than another, guaranteed. A team like the Nashville Predators, sitting just four points back of eighth, could take advantage of that and string together a few wins to leapfrog one of these Northwest teams.

Regardless of where your allegiances lie, you can't deny the atmosphere when these foes will lock up over the remaining NHL schedule.

Sit back, and enjoy the best race that a sports fan could hope for.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Don't Dream, It's Over

Jason Johnson — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:51:51 -0400

Can we please finally let the pipe dream die? Pretty please?

The Toronto Maple Leafs will not be making an appearance in the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

For those still holding onto the belief that the typical late season charge employed by the Leafs in each of the past few seasons would earn them entry to the postseason, the events of this past weekend must have all but killed the hope.

Playing without their captain, Mats Sundin, and losing forward Nik Antropov in the first period to a knee injury proved to be too much to overcome. The Leafs laid a stinker, falling 6-2 to the red hot Buffalo Sabres.

It's true, no one single loss is ever the proverbial straw to break the camel's back. But this one was close.

Worse than the loss alone was the fact that the Sabres are one of three teams between the Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers in eighth. They're a team the Leafs can simply not afford to let pull away in the standings.

Hopefully this latest loss can bring about some positive steps in next season's improvement.

Still, with his job likely already lost, it's hard to imagine Paul Maurice can comfortably turn his attention so far ahead.

Some starts for Andrew Raycroft would be a good start, however. This could serve to build up a little confidence that must surely be lacking after his being relegated to the bench for so long.

Plus, this could work as an audition process for other teams who may be in the market for a goaltender in the offseason.

Another positive step for the Leafs down the stretch would be to give some increased ice time to the younger player, and see what they can do with the confidence of their coach and teammates behind them. At worst, it will show that they simply can't handle a regular shift.

But I suspect we'll find out more than just that.

The recent string of great play and timely wins by the Maple Leafs made for nothing more than a hollow shell of hope. When the streak began, they found themselves in 14th, with just the lowly Tampa Bay Lightning behind them.

Going into Saturday's game, the Leafs had only jumped to 12th, despite the 9-3-1 record amassed to that point.

If that isn't proof enough that the playoffs were always just a dream, I don't know what is.

Maple Leaf Roller Coaster Fails To Crash

Jason Johnson — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:52:36 -0400

How many rides on an emotional roller coaster can a fan base take without suffering permanent damage?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing everything they can to find that answer.

After two seasons of below expected returns, the Leafs are once again putting their fans through the wringer as they make a valiant effort with nothing but false hope left to play for.

Coming into the home-and-home with the Philadelphia Flyers this week, those who held out even the slimmest of hopes for a playoff appearance by the Leafs believed nothing short of a regulation sweep (therefore gaining four points) would keep the dream alive.

Well, almost nothing.

The Leafs managed to win both games, but gained only three points on the Flyers for the eighth spot in the East by virtue of an overtime win in the first game. However, after the improbable third period comeback which demonstrated incredible heart and pride, the whispers of what could be are once again making their rounds amongst the Leaf faithful.

Hollow dreams at best, if you ask me.

I'll take nothing away from the performance of the Leafs this week, though we often lose sight of the fact that this wasn't exactly the Detroit Red Wings the Leafs were taking on. Let's not forget this same Flyers squad is also battling to be an also-ran in the playoffs. However, in tempering my enthusiasm, I immediately question where this effort was when the pressure was really on, such as the 8-0 loss to the Florida Panthers on Feb. 5th.

Playing with such determination and guts in the face of insurmountable odds is admirable, but perhaps next year, try it when the games mean something.

I remember the past two seasons, with the Leafs finishing oh so close in ninth. I remember pulling so hard for the Devils to beat the Islanders on the final day of the season last year. I also remember the emotional crash when the Isles clinched their playoff appearance with a shootout win.

Please Maple Leafs, I can't handle that again. Stop toying with my emotions.