Friday Flurry

Re: Jeff Blair

Schenn:

Wilson is attempting to use negative criticism to constructively stoke the fire in Schenn’s belly and light one under his arse. It’s no secret that Komi was eating into some of Schenn’s minutes and that he and Schenn play a similar style of game. With Komi out for up to 3 weeks this is a perfect “opportunity” for Luke to reestablish himself as a legitimate top 4 D man on the team. Schenn’s work ethic and effort are still at a very high level but like many players and specifically like almost all kids, he needs to be called out publically now and again for his mistakes as well as being praised and coddled for his successes.

One of Schenn’s greatest assets is that he is mentally tough and Wilson is banking on the fact that he can take the verbal threatening now and become a better player as a result of it. Look for his play to get better as he is more relied upon and his role is more clearly defined and also as a result of Wilson’s innuendo that he won’t hesitate to plug in Gunny if he fails to deliver. The kid is competitive and this minor tongue lashing should serve as a wakeup call (albeit one that has come about 4-5 games late imho).

I seriously doubt that Gunny will actually see much more then 6-7 minutes on the ice regardless of whether Schenny plays well or not this evening but by bringing him up it sends a message that Schenny does have to be more accountable. Look for Gunny’s minutes to increase only if the Leafs find themselves down by 2 or more goals after periods 1 or 2. Exelby could easily be a victim here as well if Chicago gets up by 2 or more and the aforementioned scenario indeed plays itself out.

Look for Toskala to have a strong outing this evening as this game could very well determine if and when he recieves another start in the next 5-7 games. The thinking goes that if he plays well he’ll earn the opportunity to play again very soon and that if he does not he’ll be warming the bench for a considerable period of time. Also look for the Leafs to try and play a simplified and more defensive oriented game tonight in an effort to protect the fragile Vesa.

We’ll know more in 29 minutes…

All the Best Leafers and Leafettes,

~Realitycorp