Last night the Toronto Maple Leafs embarrassed their manager, their coach, and themselves. If Brian Burke was trying to show his faith in his team by refusing to make a change to the NHL roster at the deadline, they responded about as poorly as possible. A quick flight to Chicago could prove beneficial as the team truly could not have played any worse against the Panthers. Talk was fairly heavy that another loss of this fashion would result in the dismissal of Ron Wilson by the weekend. The question was fairly easy, how would they respond?
Roster changes were announced prior to the game: Franson in, Komisarek out. Armstrong in, Lombardi out. Gustavsson in, Reimer out. Nothing monumental, but a lot of change for a team only four points back of eighth place. The Leafs came out early in the game with a lot of jump, looking like a team trying to prove that their managers assertion that they are a playoff quality squad was not misplaced. Every player on the bench had something to prove, nobody was innocent on Tuesday night.
The Blackhawks come into the game struggling themselves, losers of their previous 3 games and quickly giving ground to the Dallas Stars in the playoff race. The Hawks play a similar run and gun style of hockey to the Maple Leafs, the biggest difference being the Blackhawks have a lot more horses that can play that pace of game. The Leafs were able to take advantage of a porous Corey Crawford in the Chicago net early, but the Hawks would take advantage of an equally porous Jonas Gustavsson in the Leafs net.
In the end, the Leafs simply could not contain Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. This game is much more about their defense than their offense, and its maddening. This would be forgivable if the Hawks scored off of quality Leafs chances on the rush, but it is really about the Leafs defenseman chronically being out of position and unable to respond. Dion Phaneuf is not a bad defenseman, but he is nowhere near fast enough to play the pace of game the Leafs are preaching. Ditto for Luke Schenn. Until this is realized, the Leafs will never be good enough to play in the post-season let alone for a Stanley Cup.
As a personal note, the Norris division games when I was younger were the best entertainment available. It was about the worst hockey in the NHL at the time, as between the North Stars, Black Hawks, Blues, Maple Leafs, and Red Wings, not one of these teams were very serious about winning. The fights were second to none, and the games were about the only thing that made being a Leaf fan during the Ballard era. On to the game. And for those that may be curious about the chosen picture for the last 2 articles, it is my own personal manner of protest. If Brian Burke wants to continue to hold his team back, then he is no better than the fool that destroyed all that was good about them. It will remain in this spot until the next victory.
The Good
-The first line had another productive night, Kessel and Lupul both with multi point games. Each point the two of them gets represents a new career high.
-The power play looked determined in the first period, but it’s hard to tell whether it was the Leafs playing really well or the Hawks penalty killing playing really poorly early on.
-The Leafs penalty killers played very aggressive, refused to give any ground, and only allowed 2 or 3 quality chances.
-Hard not to mention Ray Emery here, the guy is a good story. He was’nt tested much but was solid when he was, has to be one of the best backup goalies in the league.
-Matt Frattin is going to be a great second line winger, and once he adds some finish to his speed, he is going to be a 20 goal scorer.
-Needs to be mentioned that Luke Schenn deserves some accolade for responding to Monster getting hit by Andrew Shaw. Far too often this season contact with the Leafs goaltender has been ignored.
-Further from a playoff spot, closer to a lottery pick.
The Bad
-The Leafs when it matters still lack finish. They had two power plays while trailing by a goal and really had no good opportunities.
-Not that it really needs to be mentioned, but the goaltending was once again hot and cold. Monster had some amazing stops, but still managed to allow a few stoppable shots.
-Also seems repetitive to talk about the defensive zone coverage, its been awful all season and likely will be that way until next year.
-Leafs looking more and more like they will be the only team to not qualify for the post-season since the lockout. Will take a monumental change in philosophy in playing a defensive game to get close. Fair to say, book your April tee times.