Phil Kessel – The Cure
It’s fairly obvious the Leafs are a team that wanders around looking for a win like men in a desert. Once they get close enough to civilization, it turns out to be a mirage.
Update: After careful deliberation, our very own Gus Katsaros was not only credited with his Kessel/Savard information, but he has been invited to appear on Hockey Central at Noon today during the show’s 2 hour timeslot beginning at 12:00 EST. More info inside.
Toronto has been snake bit the entire season – whether it’s goaltending, then poor defensive plays, and now goal scoring – they just can’t seem to find a way. Phil Kessel’s debut is signs that water may in fact be just over the next hill.
Toronto, who just last weak was ranked first in the league on the powerplay, had 8 man advantage opportunities tonight, and while they did manage to bury one to tie the game, they just couldn’t find a way to finish off the now 5-4-4 mediocre-Lecavalier-no-longer-loving-hockey team; however, Jonas Gustavsson did manage to pull of the impossible by posting a 0.937 SV% on 32 shots.
Phil Kessel was expected to be slowly brought back into the lineup. The top end had him figuring to average around 14 minutes of ice-time. That did not happen. Kessel played 23:50 of ice time, just under a minute less than Francois Beauchemin, while Kaberle lead the time as per usual with 27:58. So much for easing him into the lineup, but he seemed eager to get his first goal over with as he took a career high 10 shots in the game. Whoever has stated in the past “no one will get him the puck”, no worries, he gets them himself.
Kessel fished out opportunity after opportunity and nearly won the game with John Mitchell in overtime. But as luck as it (or does not in the Leafs case) the Lightning would steal the game on a questionable call. Jonas Gustavsson was pushed by Ryan Malone after taking his shot, knocking the goaltender down, as well as dislodging the net before the puck went in. But that’s alright, because God hates the Leafs.
Phil Kessel was welcomed back to the NHL by Mattias Ohlund in the first period. Kessel tried to stick handle his way into the offensive zone, and at the last minute, he saw Ohlund ready to stop the Kessel-train in a big way. Click here to see Ohlund’s hit on Kessel.
But Kessel would return and put on a strong performance. It had many fans salivating at the chances the Leafs will have moving forward. While Gustavsson provides the Leafs with the opportunity to win games night in and night out, Kessel improves that possibility by hinting that he might just be able to do what most Leafs cannot right now – score. Putting a little black rubber cylinder into a big red net has eluded the Leafs this season.
With more chemistry, and more time to shake the rest of the rust off, we could be seeing some exciting times ahead for Leafs fans.
The Leafs will now prepare for their away game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. It will be interesting to see if Gustavsson will get the nod, and if Kessel can quickly get the goal-monkey off his back and enjoy the season with his new team.
Also, click here to see Hagman’s fight tonight against Lukas Krajicek.
Doug MacLean had discussed the stats behind Kessel and Savard’s direct goal scoring combo together last season, but unfortunately he misquoted the true stats to the illusion. Today, after being credited to the research on behalf of MacLean and his statements, MacLean has personally contacted Gus Katsaros to invite him onto Hockey Central at Noon to discuss the stats properly.
I’d like to congratulate Mr. Katsaros for getting the opportunity to not only correct the misquoted data, but also for putting Maple Leafs Hot Stove on the mainstream map in a big way, and for his impeccable research skills in getting such a wonderful opportunity.
Good luck on the show today, Gus, and congratulations.
Other Articles:
A Look at Stalberg with the Marlies
Flames H1N1 Vaccination Violation?
Canucks Sign Pettinger
Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@mapleleafshotstove.com
November 4th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Kessel looked NOTHING like Blake, the only thing similar is their speed and preference to shooting the puck. Kessel was more often than not exactly where he needed to be to get the puck, and his shots weren’t at the goalies chest, they were always aimed at (and very barley off) open corners, the fivehole or gaps between the goalies limbs. Every shot he took had a better than average chance of going in the net.
As for firing Wilson, while this might be the best course of action, if you are gonna fire you’re coach, you’re gonna need a replacement. Who would all you advocates of the firing suggest replace him?
November 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I guess if we fired wilson as a last resort to light a fire under the players we could get Laviollette or Mctavish.
I had thought at the beginning of the year the players should eveidence of not playing for their coach however the level of play has picked up noticeably the last 6 or 7 games and I must also say the PK lately has changed as well to a more pressure oriented one which IMO is long overdue. The passive laid back box just was not working.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I was also wondering why we need 4 coaches behind the bench, could one of them move up to press box to be more of an eye in the sky?
I personally think Acton is cemented there since he has survived 3 coaching changes. Bit of a cockroach isn’t he? Or he has pictures on Peddie and the board with hookers or something.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
1 win in 13 games?
embarassing.
Of all the Charlie Brown teams out there, ours is the Charlie Browniest.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
@lonsmos2 — you know… i never thought of it that way… why do such glaring defeifficiencies exsist in the Leaf’s games when we have 4 coaches on the bench watching the game? Should they be trying to make strategic changes to make the team more adaptive to the way the game is going than look good in their expensive suits behind the bench?
.
Secondly, the monster’s play was very impressive last night but there is cause for concern still on his game. His stops almost always lead to rebounds which means that within 2-3 more weeks other teams are going to know how to score on him, the same way Vinny did last night. Either Allaire has to get this guy to start covering up the puck more often (unlikely given that his game style doesn’t accomodate cover ups) or the Leafs defense (so far incompetant at every task they have been charged to except for the PP) will need to learn where he’s going to direct the puck and position themselves to prevent the opposition from scoring on the rebound (a.k.a. The cockblock technique)! They did a good job of this last night… but they were playing a slumping TB team who was coming off a game the night before… a faster, more energetic team would have jumped on way more rebounds last night.
.
I for one dont think the coach should be fired, nor should we get rid of Stajan. I was very impressed with his play last night, and people need to stop shitting on him for not scoring. He worked the puck down low, and tried to get it to PK as much as possible (sometimes even when he should have shot). TO fans need to stop acting like MTL fans in this regard… he’s no 1st line centre, but he’d be a great 2nd or 3rd line centre for us.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
@ndk
Are you for friggin real? Stajan has been on for 5 of the last 6 goals against. He has 1 even strength point and has helped no one he has played with be better.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Oh and BTW he haas been dropped from the Kessel, Blake line at today’s practice.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
@ndk
Malkin and Stall are great 2nd and 3rd line centers. Stajan at best is a 3rd line center and an average one at that.
But in Stajan’s defense – i will say this it’s the classic problem in leaf land – putting players in spots where they shouldn’t be – anybody remember Larry Murphy – we had him as a number 1 guy – rode his A$$ out of town and then went on to quarter back Detroits PP to 2 stanley cups.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
What do you guys think of the leafs, if we fired Ron Wilson and hired John Tortorella before he joined the Rangers?
November 4th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Said he’d be a great 2nd or 3rd line centre for the leafs not “he is a great 2nd line centre”. Staal and Malkin are both argueably 1st line centres on a team which has one of the best centres in the game on its first line.
.
Stajan being dropped from Kessel and Blakes line during practice really isn’t a point to credit your arguement any more than it is a point against mine. He’s not a 1st scoring line centre, and Mitchel and Grabo played very well last night. RW is looking for the best combo to gel with his new franchise scorer, there will be many changes.
.
Not every player is able to bring the level of those around him up. Stajan has been on the ice against top scoring lines so far this season… don’t you think it would make sense that when you’re facing the opposition’s top scoring lines you are more likely to be on the ice for goals against? His +/- is attrocious, but so is most of the teams. You can agree to disagree here, but i’m just tired of people coming on here and shitting on players for not being something that they were never ment to be. $ for $ Stajan is a bargain in this league, and we’re spoiled because we actually have good depth in terms of 2nd/3rd/4th line Centre men. It’s that pesky 1st line C we need.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I would look for a new coach from the AHL level, we always just go and pick a coach from the old frat of buddies that is currently out of a job. I want to see new blood coaching like Bruce Boudreau, Joe Sacco and Dan Bylsma. Why are we the only team that blames the players and never the coach? All other teams that fire their coach seem to think he can’t get it done and for some reason whenever a new one is put in that team turns it around. Who’s to say we don’t change coach and tear it up into the playoffs like Carolina and Pittsburgh last year? Maybe we go from bottom feeding to competitive like Phoenix, Ottawa and Edmonton this season?
November 4th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
@ndk
What, in your right mind, makes you think Stajan would make a good 2nd or 3rd liner? Have you forgotten him playing in those roles? How about 2007-08 the season before last? Does 33 points and a -11, all while netting the 3rd most ice on the team, ring a bell? Time to call a spade a spade. This guy is a detriment to the team. Period.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
@ Borje- An excellent 1153am post. I for the umpteenth time will stste that I cannot understand Jason Blake still being on this team and the first line no less. He skates around the boards all night.
Send him down and it will send a great message about “entitlement”. It simply is not even close to being purged from the team yet!! Only one goal. Pathetic. There are at least 5 players from the Marlies who should be getting big minutes with the Leafs.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
@NDK
We have a first line centre… He is on pace for 1.00 Points/g… he is on the Marlies right now.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
@ ndk – agreed. It’s hard to argue that Stajan’s production/salary ($1.75 mil) isn’t valuable. Correction, one would think it would be hard to argue.
.
@ mibby – “Malkin and Stall are great 2nd and 3rd line centers”. Yea, I hear Ovechkin would make a hell of a 2nd liner too – I imagine he, or, dare I say, Crosby, would both kick Stajan’s ass as a 2nd line centre.
.
Yikes.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
That being said, I sure did curse Stajan out after that giveaway in OT.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
But you were OK with his effort on the first goal against?
November 4th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
@ndk – fair enough with the penguins having the best centers in the league.
But thats the thing – there stanley cup champs – thats the standard… I’m sick and tired on this 2nd rate garbage. Do we not want the cup – cause that’s the sort of players we need. Don’t get we wrong I don’t have a problem with Stajan – but when he’s your 1st, 2nd or 3rd line center…. well we leafs have seen what happens – no playoffs (not saying it’s stajan fault either – cause it’s not).
November 4th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Bottom line on Stajan:
He brings nothing to the team that can’t be found for a dime a dozen elsewhere and lately, his bonehead pays and inability to skate have really cost the Leafs.
Which makes Stajan on par with approx 1/2 of this roster, and above about 1/4 of it.
Which is a pretty good summary of why this team is so bad.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I fear Kessel may find the same fate as Sundin.
Sundin Never had a winger
Kessel Might never have a center
November 4th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
@Luke ….. ????
“”"”@ mibby – “Malkin and Stall are great 2nd and 3rd line centers”. Yea, I hear Ovechkin would make a hell of a 2nd liner too – I imagine he, or, dare I say, Crosby, would both kick Stajan’s ass as a 2nd line centre “”"”"
I am not comparing Stajan to those players … I am stating what is needed to win, you wanna talk about Stajan being a great 2nd or 3rd line center – well compare him to the cup champs and there line up. and last time I checked OVIE plays this wing ???? or i might be missing something here.
I want players that can win/ compete for the cup – not simply be good players for us. Reality check were the worst team in the league.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
@Potsy
you could be right.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/John-Jaeckel/Trade-Winds-Blowing-In-Chicago/128/24080
check out the comment section as well……
November 4th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Not sure I want to part with the only guy of value right now. Maybe while he is hot its ok to trade Kabs but it must come for a BOAT LOAD of talent coming back.
Who will lead our breakout and our PP. Whitey and Gunarsson?
November 4th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
some of u guys are ridiculous, the cause is definitely one, toronto will only win 15 games this year? give ur head a shake. As soon as they win some games ull prolly be the first one to say PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS, and to all the wilson haters when your team is losing your going to go straight for the coach, maybe he isn’t the right guy for this team, but the reason they are losing isnt because of wilson its because they have no offense. But…if they do fire ron wilson, my vote goes to craig mctavish.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
7 pts out of last playoff spot right now. It it impossible? No. Is it possible…..tough to say.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Apparently, selected Leafs were given the H1-N1 Flu Vaccine today.
When they got to Blake, they ran out.
(Cheque’s in the mail.)
November 5th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Just browsed a few posts(usually I read them all) and many are echoing my thoughts on BB(and his re-build/re-tool) and the overall lack of talent when put alongside Kessel. I didn’t see the game but listened on am640. Sounded like Kessel was buzzing all over the place, good sign(only his first game to boot!!) I’m going to ask a question, then another and I’m sure this will spark some debate. Here it goes…
Would you trade Kessel for Schenn straight up? If so, would you trade Schenn, Stajan and another player that drives us all nuts-for a young, proven, legit first line center who can log 20+ minutes of scaring the opposition hockey by himself but when hooked up with Kessel would be absolutely scarey.(Would love Kesler but he’s untouchable) Thoughts?
November 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Your article is write very well, I like it very much ~
nike sb dunks
ghd Hair Straightener
adidas shoes
adidas shoes sale
ghd Hair Straighteners
ghd straighteners
GHD
hair straighteners
bose in ear headphones
bose on ear headphones
bose in ear
bose on ear
bose headphones for sale
buy bose headphones
nike dunks
I wish you have a wonderful day!Thank you.
December 27th, 2009 at 4:50 am
We guarantee we provide the cheapest ghd, ghd Hair Straighteners,ghd straighteners, ghd hair tools in the market and 100% Quality Guarantee.