Question Period – Leafs Edition
**Inspired by Eric Engels’ question blogs**
After a night of burning police cars Montreal Canadiens jerseys in celebration of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 3-0 victory, here’s a list of questions for you all to answer.
1) Jonas Gustavsson, who turned away eight shots in the first period en route to a combined shutout with Joey Macdonald, appears to be OK after experiencing an elevated heart level last night. Do you think he will play against the Columbus Blue Jackets, or has Macdonald’s play warranted a start on Thursday?
2) Matt Stajan has 10 points in his last 10 games played. However, the majority of Leafs Nation are not impressed with his overall game and feel he’s the beneficiary of a talented linemate (Phil Kessel). Do you think Brian Burke should trade Stajan before he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer?
3) What are your thoughts on Christian Hanson thus far? Does he deserve a spot on this team?
4) Jason Blake (two goals) and Lee Stempniak (11 points) continue to struggle. Is it time Burke puts his foot down, or should he ride it out considering the Leafs have been improving of late?
5) The Leafs are now seven points back of a playoff spot. Do you think it’s realistic to be back in the race for eight place before Christmas?
6) How much has Mike Komisarek improved?
7) On a related note, should the Leafs appoint a new team captain soon? Would would you pick between Komisarek, Tomas Kaberle and Francois Beauchemin?
8 ) What do the Leafs have to do to improve the powerplay, which went from being ranked first to 10th in a matter of weeks?
9) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic was it to see the Habs get shutout in their own arena?
10) On the same scale, how badass is Colton Orr? Not only did he score the game-winning goal, folks, but he’s sporting a porn ‘stache. Yeah… enough said.
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Why should Mitchell get to center our 3rd line next year? He has played like shit this year. 4th line at best for him.
Kovalchuk-Kadri-Kessel
Stalberg-Bozak-Blake
Hagman-Grabovski-Kulemin
Hanson-Mitchell-Orr
Kaberle-Komisarek
Beauchemin-Gunnarsson
White-Schenn
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
@ lilgrnmen17:
true you would think Canes would pick him up since they really only have Manny Legace right now.
I don’t know if he is a butterfly goalie though, if not then he probably wouldn’t fit in with Allaire’s coaching. Boy if he is a butterfly, he’s 6ft6, wow could he ever cover a lot of the net in a butterfly.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
1) I think Joey Mac deserves to start. He lost 3 starts earlier in the season even though he played well enough. Last night he played very well to save the game for Gustavsson. He should start tomorrow so that he can win a game for himself.
2) He can be a good 2nd or 3rd line center. Leafs should trade him if they can get a good return for him, otherwise extend him and keep him as a third line center.
3) He should be given at least 10 to 15 games to show what he’s got.
4) Maybe they can trade Lee Stempniak for some picks but I dont think Blake can be traded. We are stuck with him for another 2 years. As long as he isn’t playing on top 2 lines and wasting other players good efforts, i am fine with him.
5) Christmas is too early, no matter how well they play, they will still be 4 or 5 points away.
6) He is a lot more confident now and playing smart hockey.
7) Leafs should have a captain and I think White is the best candidate right now.
8 ) PP has struggled since Kessel came into the lineup. Maybe move him to the second PP unit and let Kaberle do his magic with other players, like he did before Kessel returned from his injury. Perhaps Kaberle and Kessel are clicking together.
9) That was amazing. I say 10.
10) He is a game breaker without scoring goals.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
1) Gustavvson will have the night off and come back strong on Saturday. Joey Mac will hold the fort.
2) Matt Stajan is completely useless (although had a strong game last night, not just on the goal). I would rather see Foster or Bozak get the nod (when Healthy)
3) Yes, but he needs to be on a line where he can cause trouble in front.
4) Blake should play 4th line minutes for a long while. Stempy should be gone for a 3rd at the deadline.
5) Christmas maybe unrealistic, lets get back to 500 hockey then we will consider it.
6) How much has Mike Komisarek improved? a lot?
7) No captain. Not yet. Kess or Kadri in the future. Someone who wants the puck. Who wants to play 60 minutes if his lungs can last. Someone who can lead by example. Gone are the days of captains uplifting speeches. Show me our most proficient athelete and I’ll show you our Captain.
8 ) OK…. Make Kessel the movement man. Have your Kabs and Hagman and Beauchemin look for the open man. More shots, More traffic. On a related note, Kabs had 3 shots on 1 PP last night and although we never scored, chances were had.
9) 8. Colton Orr punching Kostitsyn in his ugly face, maybe even an elbow to Blakes face in his cock back would have made it 10!
10) Stache is unreal. I ask myself, if the Stache was really the reason. I think yes. Did you see his face afterwards? He was thinking… “Yeah I did… Believe it baby.” Maybe Stajan’s baby Stache got him that goal too… Plus methinks Stajan’s baby Stache touched Finger’s goal too! Stache’s all the way.
Thursday night Goal Scorers: Colton Orr, Ian White, Burt Reynolds and Phil Kessel’s neck beard.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
@ lilgrnmen17:
dont the canes HAVE to pick him up
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
@lock0073
I think Ward is scheduled to be back within a week or two. Who knows, maybe they have already resigned themselves to no playoffs.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
What do you guys think of picking up Brind’Amour from Carolina? I’m not sure what his contract situation is but he’d be a nice leader for our young forwards right now. And we don’t have any leaders up front. He’s gotta be available after their terrible start.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
1) No to Gus – maybe to Vesa.
Not sure if there is a huge pp problem right now – so no ideas on fixing it.
2) Stajan is doing a good job for and with Kessel. He’s not a real first but then who is on this team. Keep him
3) Hanson is working hard – don’t have strong views one way or another
4) Ride out Stempniak and Blake unless decent trades become available. They have not played badly enough to warrant getting dumped on Marlies.
5) They won’t be “really” in play-off hunt. Schedule has some difficult games. Best hope is that they are closer and not out.
6) I liked Komisarik’s game last night – good test as it would have been easy to see him getting over-excited.
7) No captain yet. There have been times when I thought Kaberle was a possibility but the chance of a trade nixes that for me.
9) Habs suck
10) Agreed
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Just in response to 8:
a) Kessel needs to play the other (right) side. The passes from Kaberle aren’t getting away, because Kessel is needing to coral the puck. Also note most of his goals come when he’s skating down the right side of the rink.
b)Like others have said put Stempniak back on, in addition to Kessel, but back on the left side.
c) Quicker puck movement and shots. Face it, we don’t have the bodies for the garbage goal pucks so need to capitilize on point shots and screens. Since we telegraph every shot for about 5 min before the release, it either gets blocked or easy save. Quick puck movement to get them scrambling, and the one timer of either Kessel or Stempniak will work better.
d) On that note, our PP numbers were inflated thanks to the Anaheim game.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
1) Whoever is healthier should play. Dont rush the monster.
2) Trade him for anything that seems like a decent deal, we wont get anything more than that.
3) He’s been a ghost.
4) Blake needs to go, simply put. Stemp could be traded for a second rounder.
5) It’s possible, but it wont happen, maybe by mid January.
6) Im glad hes relaxing and playing HIS game of hockey and not trying to do much. Big improvement.
7) Ian White, but if you gave me an option, if Beau keeps it up, him.
8 ) Not too much until you get someone who can make an emmediate impact.
9) 100 (see what I did there? Fuck their 100th season)
10) COLTON ORR FOR PRIME MINISTER.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
1) Jonas Gustavsson, who turned away eight shots in the first period en route to a combined shutout with Joey Macdonald, appears to be OK after experiencing an elevated heart level last night. Do you think he will play against the Columbus Blue Jackets, or has Macdonald’s play warranted a start on Thursday?
MACDONALD
2) Matt Stajan has 10 points in his last 10 games played. However, the majority of Leafs Nation are not impressed with his overall game and feel he’s the beneficiary of a talented linemate (Phil Kessel). Do you think Brian Burke should trade Stajan before he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer?
KEEP STAJAN RIGHT TO THE WIRE AND MAKE THE DECISION THEN. ALL THE NEGATIVES ABOUT HIM ARE EXAGERATED. I THINK THERE ARE FOUR OR FIVE OTHER PLAYERS THAT ARE ALOT WORSE.
3) What are your thoughts on Christian Hanson thus far? Does he deserve a spot on this team?
CHRISTIAN HANSON SHOULD HAVE STUCK OUT OF CAMP. NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN MY OPINION. I REALLY LIKE HIM WITH GRABS AND HAGMAN.
4) Jason Blake (two goals) and Lee Stempniak (11 points) continue to struggle. Is it time Burke puts his foot down, or should he ride it out considering the Leafs have been improving of late?
FOURTH LINE OR PRESS BOX
5) The Leafs are now seven points back of a playoff spot. Do you think it’s realistic to be back in the race for eight place before Christmas?
NOT REALLY, BUT IF THEY EVER START TO GET SOME BOUNCES IN THEIR FAVOR WATCH OUT!
6) How much has Mike Komisarek improved?
ALOT! HE WAS NOT REAL GOOD TO START THE SEASON BUT HIS PRESENCE AND GOOD PLAY IS A BIG BOOST.
7) On a related note, should the Leafs appoint a new team captain soon? Would would you pick between Komisarek, Tomas Kaberle and Francois Beauchemin?
CAPTAIN: IAN WHITE; ASSISTANT CAPTAIN: F. BEAUCHEMIN, AND PHIL “THE THRIL” KESSEL
8 ) What do the Leafs have to do to improve the powerplay, which went from being ranked first to 10th in a matter of weeks?
THEY ARE GETTING ALOT OF CHANCES. GET THE PUCK UP IN CLOSE AND QUIT FANNING ON OPEN NETS FOR CRAP SAKES! ALSO PLAY MORE IAN WHITE ON THE PP.
9) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic was it to see the Habs get shutout in their own arena?
8 OUT 10 BECAUSE I WAS WATCHING WITH THE ANTI-FAN (A LEAF HATER)
GO LEAFS!
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
@ Kadri19:
I absolutely agree on Mitchel. Never have seen what all the hype is about. Just sayin…
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
1) I would rest the monster. C-Bus hasn’t been playing all that well lately, and Joey-Mac played well enough to warrant letting him relieve Jonas. I’d rather er on the side of caution than risk Gustavsson for another extended period of time, especially with Toskala still out.
2) If Burke plans to keep Grabo in the long-term picture, then yes, he should trade Stajan. Otherwise, he is a solid #2 center. Even so, I don’t get the problem with him putting up points while playing with Kessel…J-Mitchell couldn’t do it, so why is there a problem? If he can actually put up solid points with a top line guy, maybe he actually does have some skill, anyone think about that?
3) I like Hanson’s hustle and willingness to use his body, but I don’t think he’s ever going to be a real top 6 guy that everyone seems to think he is. He’s gonna be a crash and bang guy who can maybe pot 15 playing on the 3rd line, and that’s fine, we need guys like that if we want to compete.
4) I think that I’d leave things alone until another long losing streak (i.e. >3 games) occurs. At that point, I’d move the both of them (try to trade, otherwise waivers it is) and bring up Bozak and one of Stalberg/Tlusty.
5) In the race by Christmas? No. In the race at the end of the season? Yes. 7 points is a lot to make up in a 3.5 week span, so unless a miracle occurs, we won’t gain that much ground until mid-January
6) From what I’ve seen of Komi’s recent play, he’s starting to get comfortable, which is a major improvement. It’s nice to see him and Beauch starting to play like how we thought they would
7) If I were to give it to someone anytime soon, it’d be Komi. Generally, there are 2 things a captain needs, imo: 1) The ability to control the dressing room, and keep everyone poitive, even in the worst of times; I think Komi’s got this part down in spades, he’s a very vocal guy, and he encourages other players all the time from the bench. The 2nd is the ability to change the flow of a game with a single play, a skill that is can change momentum in an instance. Sundin was able to score goals. Komisarek can’t, but he can land that big hit that brings life back to his team and fire the troops up.
8 ) They need to adjust. All they really do is play pitch and catch between Kaberle and Kessel. I say run 4 forwards on the PP if you want to do that, with kessel and Kaberle manning the points, and Stajan, Poni, and Kulemin up front. Get Poni and Kulemin in front of the net, have Kessel and Kaberle working the puck, and have Stajan roaming around to ease the pressure.
9) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic was it to see the Habs get shutout in their own arena? 22
10) For Orr, I’ll say 23, because he’s more badass than the Leafs shutting out the Habs.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
honesthockey wrote:
he makes almost the same and had 5 points more…..on San Jose, and if he was playing with 3rd line players then what was matt stajan playing with?
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
honesthockey wrote:
nope, but we are mostly referring to last year when he actually got the 55 points playing with no one. playing with kessel he may get a lot more and have more value, im just saying im not the biggest fan of him either but hes got good value/cap hit and im saying move him at the deadline not any time soon.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
@ Kadri19:
that lineup would be amazing, too bad getting Kovalchuk is going to be one of the hardest most sought after players if he does not sign with Atlanta. Lets see and lets hope. That top line would be producing some unbelievable numbers.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
@Snyder-man
Last year Stajan put up a majority of his points with Antropov who on both New York and now Atlanta played a majority of time on the top line. He is by not just this team but 2 others a first liner. Do we want our first line center putting up 55 points? Not a first liner? Then do we want our second line center putting up 33 points as he did the last time he played second line and with more minutes than he gets now? It’s all relative. Do we build around Stajan to support him or do we get a real center who supports himself and makes others around him better. How many assists does he have on Phil Kessel goals? Imagine Kessel with a center who gave him the bisuit in good scoring areas?
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
@mattb
Mitchell played 2 games with Kessel and notched 2 points. Not sure what you mean by “Mitchell couldn’t do it”?
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Just in relation to a post about having Grabo and Bozak as 2nd line centers next year and Kadri on the 1st…
Kadri can play all 3 forward positions. At worst, we rotate Grabo and Bozak on the top 2 lines, with Kadri playing center on say, the PP and PK to still work on his faceoffs. Bozak also coud be one to play wing due to his smarts, but I prefer his playmaking and defense in the middle. Grabo could fill the top line spot for a year if need be…
Valiquette is also a nice option, however, Carolina has better reasons to do so. Valiquette would just be a temparary plug anyways. We’d have Toskala, Monster, MacD and him… lot’s of goalies. BB isn’t Garth Snow…
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
@ Kadri19:
i like the look of that lineup. Would love to pick up kovalchuk, and hopefully kadri is ready to step in next year.
just curious as to what nicknames we could come up with for that first line. i’m thinking the most obvious one is slightly distateful… lol
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
@ Nights:
I honestly like what they’re doing now with having kessel taking faceoffs and then shifting back to the wing. he’s got a pretty good percentage, so maybe that could be an option also?
And in terms of the Garth Snow thing, I honestly believe he put himself in a great position with his goaltenders. Assuming DiPietro comes back healthy (hopefully for the long-run) he has a great piece in Biron that he can trade for some help at another position. Who’s to say the leafs can’t do the same? use the guy until our situation levels out and then trade him for another asset. It’s not like we lose anything by picking him up on waivers…
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
It’s really not that complicated. Mitchell has been given plenty of opportunity and has 2 goals. Stajan has 8. Think real hard about it.
And comparing Pavelski? …Really?
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
You don’t read very well do you? Mitchell couldn’t produce with Kessel? Two points in 2 games.pretty good percentage you ask me. Pavelski? The question was asked and he was the answer younger, cheaper, better all from line 3.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
honesthockey wrote:
ya but my point was that he has value, and shouldnt be banished to the ahl or waived or anything of the sorts, fine you could say he is almost the same as pavelski in points and cost…..and everyone would want pavelski on thier team, there for stajan must have value.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
honesthockey wrote:
and fyi stajan didnt play on the top line all year, just like he hasnt this year, stajan has been all over the place, including centering our 4th line, and you made a point that antropov is producing now aswell, but we all wanted him gone all last year too. and again im not saying stajan is a good 1st liner, hes not, all i was saying is that he has good value and is a decent 2nd liner. but put stajan on san jose and tell me he wont produce.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
honesthockey wrote:
and one more thing….you know pavelski is a RFA at the end of this year and he will be getting a big raise im sure.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
@ Neverlosehope:
“Does Mitchell have to go with Stajan?” – I don’t know what this question means or how it refers to my point.
The point I was making, is that there are not enough centers with both Mitchell hurt and Stajan traded. Who’s your first line center? Grabs? Bozak? As silly as it is, Burke doesn’t do rebuilds the way most teams do. He wants playoffs now. Don’t expect him trading Stajan unless he’s confident that someone either than Stajan or Mitchell can match up against some of the bigger and better #1 centers in the league. Not that Mitchell or Stajan are great, but they have reasonable size, know how to use their body, and are ok at faceoffs. And Bozak has only been ok this year, so I’m not sure why he’s such an automatic NHLer in your opinion. Do you understand my point? If so, tell me who you would put against Staal, or Crosby, or Richards late in a close game, fighting to get back in the race over the next 4 weeks while Mitchell is hurt and Stajan is traded.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
According to EK Leafs might claim Valiquette
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
1) MacDonald will start Thursday. There is know reason why Wilson would put Gus back in the pipes again after two main reasons. MacDonald held the fort down pretty good, and Gustvasson needs a break from all the starts anyways. If Macdonald plays solid against the Jackets, then he will get the chance again.
2) I’m not a Stajan hater at all, but I do think that he doesn’t put enough effort into it every night. There are nights where he works hard and deserved that center position of Kessel… But with Grabovski slipping, he’s our best center. If Burke makes a trade, a tough and scoring forward (similar to Patrick Sharpe) should be in return.
3) I love how he plays, he has a very very good hockey sense and works the boards really well. Hes fast for his size and is very physical, a Burkie player for sure. I do think that he should play the rest of the year dominating in the Marlies, but next year he will be go to power forward for Toronto. Something the Leafs really need.
4) Lee Stempniak would be good in a packaged deal for a matching forward or even draft pick. I love Wilsons idea of putting Blake on the fourth line, I think the Leafs should keep Blake and use him to go with both those tough guys, he is much more useful for the fourth line than Wallin, adding a great amount of speed.
5) Playoff race? Not really, but I do think they will be close to 500 by then.. and come Olympic break they will be turning heads… Fully elminating the early season critism of the Kessel trade landing Taylor Hall.
6) The lesser useless penalties he takes, the better he is… His nastyness and shot blocking is really picking up and becoming a useful tool for this defense, at certain sitations, he’s key.
7) Tomas Kaberle hands down… Ian White being the assistant. I don’t even need to explain.
8 ) They are starting to look very hesistant with the puck, and they are shooting less from the point (because they are trying to work it low with Kessel).
9) 9/10 not 10 simply because of Gus’ injury… Theres nothing that feels better than shutting the Bell Center up.
10) The webmaster here should filter the word “goal” to “stache”… IMO
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
@snyder-man
You.are right stajan didn’t play 1st line all year last year but I can send you a link to show who he took most shifts with and who was on the ice when he got his points and in both cases you will see antropov at.the top of the list.
Yep Pavelski is a RFA and stajan a UFA. Wanna bet who signs for more?
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
honesthockey wrote:
What’s the site?
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 am
honesthockey wrote:
i still just dont understand the point your trying to make? ya ok stajan got his points while playing with another ok player? lots of players are like that? my main point is that Stajan is a good cheap 2nd line center, i completely agree that he should never be a top center.
and again going back to my original point, i said stajan was a good center at a 1.75 mil which btw is exactly what pavelski makes, so he isnt cheaper, I just dont like how everyone says he has to go.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 am
7)Ian White
Oh yeah if Phil keeps increasing Stajan’s value than definitely trade him. Could turn into a first at the deadline.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
@ looshV:
HAHAHAHA GOOD ONE!
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