Game Day! +Rumors
Pregame:
Toronto is about to step into HSBC Arena for the 2nd time this week. There is no doubt in my mind that Buffalo is going to be craving for a win against the Leafs considering the recent slide they have seen in the standings and the fact that the team they used to be able to write off as a win in their schedule, has finally started showing up to play.
Buffalo is an interesting team to look at, as a Toronto fan. With the new owner, the pressure to win has intensified to the level of all other NHL franchises that spend to the cap. The fans are getting irritable with their lack of success, considering that with more cap space last year, they produced similar results to this point in the season.
I predict much of the same from this team as we have seen from the Leafs over the past 10 years (until recently). Money will be spent to the max each year, and the prospects will start flowing out of the system for players that can help now.
It’s interesting to watch for any Leaf’s fan, and while I don’t wish them ill, it’s nice to see that we are on the way up at the moment, and they seem to be treading water.
The Leafs enter today’s game as the only undefeated team in the new year and hope to keep the streak alive.
Gustavsson is confirmed to get the start (as per a site I trust), which would mean Reimer should be getting the start in New York on Saturday.
Gusty has been solid as of late, with 2 shutouts in his 3 starts, and a .975sv% over the span. The Leafs have been getting some secondary scoring as of late, with Kulemin and Grabovski getting on the scoreboard in their last game.
While the goals against on the PK has improved, it is mainly due to the huge reduction in penalties the Leafs have taken in the past little while. Fans may criticize, saying that this isn’t an improvement for special teams, but in the end, fewer penalties is the best way to combat a bad penalty kill.
Expect a huge game from Phaneuf tonight, as even though he replied to the comments of being ‘overrated’ as classy as could be asked, I’m sure it is still sitting in the back of his mind at the moment, and he’ll be out to prove his worth. I fully expect him to drop the gloves tonight, perhaps against Kaleta? Would be a nice heavyweight fight for the fans.
Rumors:
These aren’t as much rumors as it is speculation based on what I have been hearing as of late.
Philidelphia:
It has already been speculated that Toronto and Philly have been in talks over Luke Schenn. While this makes a ton of sense for Philly, seeing as they have his brother in uniform, as well as missing their captain in Pronger, I see this as a difficult trade to make.
Schenn is coveted by Burke, as he is the typical defense first player Burke likes to build his team around on the back-end. That said, there is a premium to be paid for a player like Schenn at the moment, considering the lack of availability at the position. When reviewing Burke’s past trades, it is only fair to assume that Burke would ask for the moon for Schenn, if he the main piece in the discussion.
My offer?
Schenn for JVR + 3rd.
While JVR may be enough, Philly is the team that has a need for a defenceman. It is unlike Burke to go easy on a team he knows to be on the desperate side of the trade negotiaton. As such, I have a feeling that if Burke were to make the trade, he’d be getting more than my offer. I have a feeling he may ask for the Kessel brother, seeing as he is letting the Schenn brothers unite in Philly.
Burke’s offer?
Schenn + 2nd for JVR + Kessel
Overpayment for sure, but doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Anaheim:
It is no secret thatAnaheimhas been receiving offers for the likes of Ryan and Getzlaf recently. The GM even came out and stated no one was untouchable aside from Koivu and Selanne. While both Ryan and Getzlaf would be incredible, it would take a king’s ransom to pry them away. Most teams would shy away from offering up what it would take to bag either, but that is one area where Burke has never shied away from. The number of ‘Mega’ deals that Burke has constructed is absolutely unbelievable, and there is no reason to believe he wouldn’t offer one up for one of his former, elite players.
Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where Burke is on the wrong site of the deal. There will be plenty of buyers, but only one seller. Therefore Burke is going to have to compete with around 29 other clubs should they be available. He has also made it clear no one is untouchable, should he feel that the trade can improve his team. So what would Anaheim want? Depth on D, and depth on forward. Something we have quite a bit of. So let’s give this a shot.
Burke’s offer?
Schenn + Gunnarson + Grabovski + 2012 1st + 2012 2nd for Getzlaf + 2012 3rd.
A lot, I know. I’m sure most of you cringe at the idea that Burke would give up yet another 1st rounder, but when a player of Getzlaf’s calibre becomes available, you offer up whatever it takes (and considering the competition, this is what it would take). A 15th-20th overall pick will not land you a Getzlaf on a regular basis. Not even close.
With this trade, Getzlaf jumps in between Kessel and Lupul, and we give Blacker the shot as our 6th D until Liles returns.
Well that’s it. Puck drops is at 7:40 tonight in HSBC Arena. Go Leafs!
I wouldn’t say this bodes too well for Schenn … “”We want to get pucks out a little bit quicker and have some more speed on the back-end so that’s why we want to put him back in.” Gardiner averaged over 21 minutes a game in December, posting two assists and a minus-3 rating. Wilson declined to reveal who would come out in his place.” (from: http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/blogs/jonas_siegel/?id=385254).
What do you think …
Aulie – Phaneuf
Gunnarsson – Franson
Gardiner – Komisarek (who, like Schenn, is HORRIBLE on the left side)
… ?
If they sit Schenn it’s a mistake, he is not being used properly to begin with, Wilson in my opinion is ruining him, we have been through this so many times this year, it’s frustrating to watch.
Told ya … “HennyTweets – Looks like luke schenn is a healthy scratch vs sens tonight.” Not saying I agree with moving him, but if that’s true, can it be long before he’s out the door?
Looks like Kadri is scratched too.
Do you suppose something is about to happen in Leafland?
I don’t know, but this is Wilson being a dumb ass if they are healthy scratches, he is fucking ruining our prospects.
Couldn’t agree more. Been saying it for a long time … the biggest problem with the team is in the coaches’ room.
Totally agree.
@TSNBobMcKenzie: OK, #LeafNation, enuf already. Kadri and Schenn aren’t being scratched because of impending trade. In fact, I don’t think Schenn is sitting.
@TSNBobMcKenzie: Kadri decision appears elementary. Couple of so-so games for him, Bozak is back, Rosehill’s toughness desired vs. Neil-Smith-Konopka-Carkner
and …
@TSNBobMcKenzie: As @jonasTSN1050 suggests, looks like Mike Komisarek is out tonight, which means Schenn is in.
I’m OK with this, though I’d rather see Crabb or Lombardi sitting instead of Kadri.
FUN day here in Ottawa! OK, the Leafs lost, but correct me if I’m wrong …
1. On the Senators 1st goal somebody (a Senator, I’m pretty sure) skated across the top of the crease, “hooked” the shaft of Reimer’s stick spinning him to his left (away from the play) and forcing him to let go of his stick just as Alfredsson shot. He was not in position to make the save. Not that Alfredsson should have had the puck in that spot, but that’s another issue …
2. On Spezza’a goal, he skated into the blue paint, fell on, then over, Reimer preventing him from moving to his left to attempt to make the save on Daugavins.
Why was there not AT LEAST an “incidental contact” call on either play, if not a goaltender interference penalty assessed, negating the goals?
Having said that, NOBODY should EVER score on a NHL goaltender with a wrist/snap shot from outside and/or above the face-off dot!
And wasn’t Rosehill an effective deterrent? Kessel received at least 3 LATE hits from Zack Smith, and nothing was done about it. Phaneuf shouldn’t be spending 7 minutes in the box for responding to a cheap hit from Foligno. A few shifts later Rosehill skates up to Foligno and TALKS to him!? Take the instigating minor/misconduct and put the guy in the hospital overnight!!! Kadri was more physical the last couple of games he played for God’s sake! Some guys need to have their roles explained to them, I think.
Man, this “team” is in trouble.
At least the Islanders did them a favour by beating Washington.
Just checked the highlights, and it was Turris who contacted Reimer on the 1st Ottawa goal. He was being “steered” by Lupul, but could (should) have stopped before bumping the goaltender.
Its frustrating, but it happens in our favour quite a bit.
What I want to complain about is the 15 minutes last night where we forgot we were in a hokcey game. They just stopped skating. If wilson can’t motivate his team for 60 minutes, he shouldn;’t be behind the bench.
“MacArthur moved onto top line with Kessel and Bozak. Lupul drops to third unit with Connolly and Kadri. First time all year Kessel and Lupul have been split. Top line has been on the ice for six goals against in last three games.” (Jonas Siegel, TSN Twitterbox)
Let me guess … he’ll put Crabb with Grabovski and Kulemin. Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgh!!!!!
More from Siegel … “New D-pairings today as well: Phaneuf-Schenn. Gunnarsson-Komisarek. Gardiner-Franson. Aulie.”
Hendrick is saying that Lombardi, not MacArthur, was with Bozak and Kessel today.
That would leave last year’s “2nd line” intact. I’d like to see that for a few more games … to see if they can get going offensively. They had some chacnes last night, but didn’t finish.
A goal an assist tonight for Jimmy Hayes gives him seven points in ten games for Chicago. That’s not something I like seeing. It’s far too early to judge that trade, until we know what the Leafs have in Brad Ross, but they could really use Hayes right about now.
As we’ve learned from numerous trades, we shouldn’t waste time or energy mulling over “the ones who (may have) got away”. There are too many players around the league playing good hockey and/or important roles for their current teams who were once in the Leafs’ organization.
Besides, you have to figure that as long as RW has Joey Crabb, a 6’5″ forward who might be able to score isn’t likely to get much of a look anyway, right?
A big part of the problem is that BB keeps bringing in players that RW can’t coach, or doesn’t know how to use effectivley, so they sit … until BB moves them out again.
I’d say right now they need a true #1 veteran goaltender (behind whom Reimer or Gustavsson can learn their craft), a legit #1 centre (preferably with size), and more size and truculence up front.
The Leafs are going nowhere without more solid and consistent goaltending. Harding/Backstrom, Halak and Schneider are goalies that might be pried from their current teams, but there are likely others.
The big #1 centre is likely impossible to get right now. So don’t mortgage the farm … look at UFAs and maybe snagging one through the draft (long term).
As for size and truculence, a guy like Moen would fill the LW3 spot nicely, I think. Guys like Ben Eager, Cody McLeod, Cody McCormick or Brad Winchester could also fill spots in the bottom 3 and likely be far more effective in those roles than some of the guys that are there now.
For example, would you trade Gustavsson and Gunnarsson for Khabibulin, Eager and a pick or prospect (e.g., Martindale)? BB would obviously have to offload some salary to make a deal like that … $4.85 million coming in and only $2.675 million going out. “Dumping” Crabb and Rosehill, in this, or another, deal, or to the AHL, would “save” another $1.35 million. So he would need to chop another $0.825 million for the deal to be CAP-neutral.
The same can be said for every team, the Leafs don’t own exclusive rights
If you’re referring to my 1st paragraph, I agree … just making the point that there’s no sense “crying” about it.
Never posted there but I hate hockeybuzz. What a huge collection of losers on that site. Theres a few that are to good for it.
so its you who has convinced the refs there to step down
What happened?? Who stepped down?
Sort of for one of them.
congrats to the two of you
It was me Burn, Dozzer has taken my place at HB as a ref, I won’t be going back there in the foreseeable future. I will have a blog up Monday or Tuesday about this site and what will happen with it.
AG has resigned to as a ref at HB, there should be a second ref appointed soon.
I’ve seen that…. I’m sure Dozzer will do you proud. How’s the new addition coming along?