Toronto Maple Leafs: Powerhouse Line Ready To Go

There is a line that is on fire right now in Toronto. No, I’m not talking about Blake, Moore, and whoever, although they have a nice chemistry. 

The Toronto Marlies' line of Bates Battaglia, Jiri Tlusty, and the underappreciated Tim Stapleton has clicked from the time they were put together, and are setting the pace in the AHL. 

Last night, Tlusty scored five goals, breaking a Marlie record set 10 days ago by Tim Stapleton. The line has led the Marlies to five straight wins. 

Tlusty and Stapleton are setting the pace in scoring. Stapleton leads the Marlies and is among the top-10 scorers in the AHL, at a pace of over a point per game.

Tlusty has been on fire, with 19 points in his last eight games. 

Battaglia does the hard work in the corners, while he and Stapleton both provide all kinds of energy every night.

So why not bring up the whole line to the Leafs and see what happens?  Both Battaglia and Tlusty deserve to be rewarded for their performance this year, and Burke has stated that he wants to make sure that the farm team sees they have opportunities when they perform. 

Tlusty has not impressed with the Leafs in 2009, but he has all kinds of skill and has clearly connected with this line.

Bring them up, give them 15 minutes a game, and let a few guys sit. If necessary, wait until room is cleared at the deadline.

It would be a fun story to see play out, and it would send a clear, positive signal throughout the organization.

The Leafs would get to give another key prospect (Tlusty) a look, while finally rewarding another young player (Stapleton) with a chance to show what he can do in the NHL.

So come Mar. 4, let's celebrate when we see Antropov, Blake, and Ponikorovsky shown the door. Celebrate for the draft picks we'd get, the salary cap it would free up, and because we have a line ready to go. It would be fun to watch for the remainder of the season.