Looking at the Positives:Stajan and Colaiacovo

       No matter if the Toronto Maple Leafs are able to pull off an amazing comeback or not, there are two positives to be drawn from the season in the play of Matt Stajan and Carlo Colaiacovo.  Last night, as the Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers there were two players who stood head and shoulders above all.  Matt Stajan and Carlo Colaiacovo of the Maple Leafs.  Both players arguably played their best games of the year Wednesday night.  After Sundin left the game late in the first period, the brunt of the key face-offs were dumped upon Stajan, while Colaiacovo was holding up the defence admirably.

        Stajan was by far the most important forward on the ice.  Though Stajan might not of had the best winning percentage of the night in the face-off circle, he did however win the most important draws of the night.  One of them ultimately led to the game winning goal for Toronto.  Stajan's defensive play and his ability to play in any situation is what makes him so valuable to Toronto.  Maurice has ultimately struck gold by centering him between Tucker and Blake.  The only thing that Maurice needs out of Stajan is for him to gain confidence in the offensive zone.  Having two wingers such as Blake and Tucker are the perfect recipe for success for Stajan, and as soon as he gains confidence offensively he will be lights out.  Stajan is by far Toronto's best young player who is assuming an important leadership role.  He answers the media's questions politely and straight forward.  He isn't the type to water things down; he's the type that sees what needs to be done and knows how to accomplish it.  In years to come, he could be one of the most important parts to the Leafs both on and off the ice.

        Colaiacovo is one defenceman who needs to be given more credit for the work he does.  He may not be putting up the points we are expecting him to put up right now, but that will come with time.  Colaiacovo has made huge strides in his development.  He has become a very solid and reliable on the defensive end of the spectrum.  During Wednesday's win over the Flyers, Colaiacovo showed poise while handling the puck despite any pressure Philly exerted.  He was able to not just break up plays but also start the rush with a crisp first pass.  Colaiacovo is one defenceman that the Leafs should never ever consider trading.  He is almost a smaller version of Dion Phaneuf!  He hits hard, has great poise, and can score on the rush or from the point.  If Colaiacovo were to ever have an entire season where he was healthy, he would surely be a major part of any significant increase of all around good play.  My modest predictions for Colaiacovo next year is that he will put up 30+ points and that he will be a game breaker.

        No matter what anyone else says, Stajan and Colaiacovo are the future for Toronto's team.  Sure Toronto has good young players in the likes of Pogge, Stralman, Tlusty, Kulemin, White, and Earl to name a few.  Despite those good players the Leafs future lies in the hands of Stajan and Colaiacovo.  Those two players have already shown leadership skills that all teams need to have to be successful.  Colaiacovo will be leader of the Leafs defence corp offensively along with Stralman, but in the dressing room he will be the leader of the defence.  The same goes for Stajan.  Quite a few other players will put up more points than him, but he will be one of those leaders that you can't buy cheaply.  Fortunately for us Stajan isn't a flashy player, so it will be hard for other teams to notice him.  Stajan is a leader of the likes of Mike Peca (though not quite as feisty on the ice).  I thank Pierre McGuire for bringing attention to their efforts wednesday night, we will be indebted to these two players for many more of our wins in the coming years.