Return Of Dion Not “Phaneuf”: Maple Leafs Downed By Flyers

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf returned to the lineup Thursday night. In the end Phaneuf’s presence wasn’t enough as the Leafs continued their losing ways, getting outclassed by the Philadelphia Flyers by a final score of 4-1.

After two solid victories against the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals, the Maple Leafs have now lost two in a row and have just five wins in their past 20 games.

Needless to say the entire team has been to blame for their woes. The forwards are not going to the tough areas, the defense continues to make huge errors that lead to goals and even the once-steady goaltending has since been exposed.

Despite registering seven shots on the night Phil Kessel did not manage to score. His penchant for taking the perimeter shot rather than go to the net is becoming all too familiar, as is his lack of defense.

Despite scoring 10 goals on the season Kessel has "earned" himself a plus/minus rating of minus 10. Kessel was a minus five over his past five games.

The lone bright spot for the Leafs was the play of Mikhail Grabovski, who netted his third goal in as many games, which saw him solidify his place as the team's second leading scorer with 20 points, just two points behind free agent signing Clarke MacArthur who has 22 points on the season.

Head coach Ron Wilson continued to juggle his lines in an effort to get Kessel and others going, but, as has been the case most of the season, Wilson’s moves did not pay dividends and may be hurting this team in the chemistry department.

Let’s face it; most NHL players thrive with familiarity, a fact that seems to escape Wilson.

Nazem Kadri saw 18:25 of ice time, but once again failed to score, leaving the rookie without a goal in his 13 games as a Maple Leaf.

Kris Versteeg rang one off the post. He continues to be snake-bit and is now the proud owner of the teams worst plus/minus with a minus 14 rating on the season.

Overall it was another pathetic effort against the Flyers. The team was out of synch, the defense looked slow, the forwards got pushed around and the team failed to capitalize on a four minute penalty.

As much as we Leaf fans want to believe that this group of players can turn it around, it’s looking more and more like change is the only thing that is going to spark this club.

The names of Tomas Kaberle, Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek keep popping up in trade rumors, but it is going to take a player like Luke Schenn, Kris Versteeg, Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski or Nikolai Kulemin being offered up in order for the Leafs to bring in a legitimate forward to help right the ship.

Not that I am suggesting the Leafs should trade any of those players, but you get the point…it’s difficult to get something for nothing.

The Leafs now sit in 27^th place in the overall standings, 13^th in the Eastern Conference and nine points out

of a playoff spot behind the surging Atlanta Thrashers (8-2-0 in their last 10) and Tampa Bay Lightning (6-3-1 in their last 10), who are both playing excellent hockey of late.

Merry Christmas Maple Leaf fans…bring on the New Year!

For more NHL news and notes check out my website at theslapshot.com

Until next time,

Peace!