Kadri's Play Inspires, After a Lackluster Performance To Date.

Nazim Kadri put on a fine show in scoring two goals and a helper in the Maple Leafs spirited win over the Ottawa Senators Wednesday night.

Perhaps Kadri's final chance to change the minds of the Leafs brass to keep him with the big club as opposed to sending him to the Marlies for more seasoning.  Nazim Kadri came out with a fine display of offence, defence, grit, and determination. 

With a fine show of energy in the first period, the Leafs were able to capitalize twice on multiple Senators penalties to jump out to a 2-0 lead after one period of play.  Kadri scored a power play goal late in the first period after having made a couple of good plays and equally bad ones. 

After Kadri scored he seemed to settle down even more and made solid plays for the rest of the night. 

At this point and time it seems like it's rather late for Kadri to be able to change Wilson's mind and have him crack the lineup.  To date Kadri as he said, hasn't "been playing my best' and because of that other players such as Tim Brent have been able to out perform him and potentially grab hold of a roster spot.

Wilson in his post game address to the media in his usually blunt way said, "let's stop with all the drama."  The head coach of the Maple Leafs seems to be the only one currently who's not only telling everything the way it is, but doing so with a level head. 

Wilson is completely right when he says that some guys are going to have to go to the minors and other guys to the press box, but it doesn't mean that they won't be able to have another chance to crack the NHL ever again.

Take for example Tim Brent.  He might be the poster boy for never giving up.  Already with his fourth NHL organization, Brent has persisted through all those journeys through the AHL and brief callups to the big scene, and now looks to finally have that chance to play a full season with the big club.

Kadri has shown once again that he can produce at the big level, but it is also very clear that he needs more seasoning to ripen into that scoring threat that he looks to be. 

At this point in time we must all just take a step back and accept that this young man is one heck of a talent, but is not yet ready to shine with the big boys.  This could very well still be Kadri's year to shine, but he'll have to first prove himself with the farm, and then when the call comes he can shine on the big scene.