The Leafs improved their preaseason win total to six tonight at the ACC. These are the final chances for some of the young hopefuls, and they are not going to go away easily. Strong nights from Jonas Gustavsson and Viktor Stalberg were the headlines of this matchup. Even the defense corps has a rookie strutting his stuff as Ron Wilson deemed Carl Gunnarsson their “best defenseman tonight”.
As an aside, there may be some of you amongst our cherished readers that are relative newcomers here at MLHS. You may have also been part of the great explosion that we have experienced over the past few months and were not around during the last regular season. I want to take this chance to say that the staff is very excited to embark on the 2009-2010 Leafs season with such a fantastic group of supporters.
I handle the post-game recaps around here, and always set out with one basic principle: stimulate some solid hockey talk. This becomes an easy job with the intelligent and knowledgeable posters we have around here. My format is as follows:
1. Broad summary of the game.
2. Handful of interesting notes relevant to player performance, standout events from the game, and anything that can be a starting point for discussion.
3. Implications of the game and a look ahead.
4. You guys take it away.
Here are some quick notes from this Saturday night showdown:
-The Hagman-Stajan-Blake line is a lock to start the season together. They had a stellar outing tonight, albeit against an understaffed Wings squad. Look for them to finish off those chances with authority if they keep getting them. The upside of this line has a limit due to the talent of the players on it, but if all things go well they can be a very respectful 1a/1b type scoring line. The introduction of Kessel will eventually disrupt either this trio or the Grabovski one and it will be a storyline of significance in the months ahead.
-The other half of Toronto’s top six is still attempting to find their groove. Ponikarovsky-Grabovski-Kulemin had good shifts tonight, but they are still too reliant on their Belorussian pivot’s creativity. You will often see Grabovski heavily involved in the play whereas his two wingers are struggling. There was definitely a number of promising shifts tonight, but you know the future of this line depends on the sophomore Kulemin coming around as we know he can.
-The Stalberg Show continues in Toronto. The effusive praise that flowed from the CBC crew to the young Swede may have been a bit overboard, but there is no doubt that he deserves a spot to start the year with the Leafs. The problem is a good one: the Leafs are too deep to award all of the deserving rookies. They also do not want to place scoring threats such as Stalberg and Tyler Bozak on the fourth line. Burke and co. have indicated that three lines that can score is a very possible situation for this team. The top two lines will likely pan out as mentioned above. We know John Mitchell is going to center the third line. Lee Stempniak will probably be given a crack at his wing based on Wilson’s praise. You then have to figure that there will only be one spot, on the wing, for the aspiring rookies. Despite their great play at times, I foresee Nazem Kadri and Bozak being sent down to their respective teams, and Viktor Stalberg grabbing a well-earned audition at the NHL level.
-Jonas Gustavsson? Wow. The devil’s advocate (of which there is always an excess when it comes to the Leafs) will claim that he has only played three periods in North America. Regardless, he has been airtight and brilliant at times. Vesa Toskala’s play has not exactly been inspiring, and as will happen in the pressure-cooker that is Toronto, there will be rumblings of a controversy. Once again, this falls under the definition of a good problem to have.
As the preseason winds to an end, we are beginning to see Brian Burke’s plan come into focus. This is not purely a reference to the flourishing rebuilding effort. Instead, the furious competition for roster spots all over the ice is a very welcome sight. This push is resulting in improved play across the board, and fostering a level of urgency and energy that will bode well for Toronto when the regular season begins. It will be an exciting final few days as the decisions of the coaching staff become apparent.
As always, interested to hear your thoughts.
Cheers,
Nikhil
NikhilDaljeet@mapleleafshotstove.com
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September 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
@Blue Max
CBC is the Toronto STAR of the television world. (You’ll recall when Burke drafted Kadri, the STAR went nuts, not because of any skill the kid has, but because he’s a practicing Muslim. To the STAR, that’s considerably more important.) I’d be prepared to wager that Kevin Weekes got his job based on the amount of melatonin in his skin and nothing else.
That said, I’ve got both HNIC themes on my iPod and I like both equally. The running play-by-play they have with the new one really helps.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Agreed on Blake
Produce or scram
@Ken
I think him not having a job as a goaltender might have had something to do with it.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:01 am
The Monster kicked ass last night! He is the real deal and should be the starter a lot quicker than anyone would have expected. If kesel plays up to his potential when he joins the line-up we are playoff bound without a doubt!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:01 am
After listening to Ron Wilson’s press scrum after last night’s game, I feel that Gustavsson will be sent to the Marlies to get some game action while Toskala handles the first 5-10 games for the Leafs. Joey MacDonald will get an NHL paycheque briefly as a reward for a good camp, but eventually the switch will be made. As Wilson said, he is going to do what is best for his development, so let him play the minutes in the AHL and get used to the smaller rink etc. What is he going to learn on the bench? This will also give Burke time to evaluate Toskala and see if he is really has improved his play after the surgery. Tlusty should be returned to the Marlies until he learns to translate his success in the AHL to the NHL, the roster is too deep in players who have earned it more than him this spring to keep him on as a project. Kulemin deserves to stay for now, but if he slumps early, he will soon join Tlusty in the AHL. Mayers goes on waivers, Rosehill beat him out fair and square, plus he’s younger and cheaper. If the market for Ponikarovsky still exists, I would move him to make room for Bozak, as Stalberg is sure to make the team. Poni takes bad penalties consistently and he is a UFA at the end of the season anyways. Bozak has great chemistry with Stalberg, and a Bozak, Stalberg, Kessel line would be awesome.
Kadri should stick for a 9 game audition as a reward for a good camp as well, Stempniak goes to the press box for now. Carl Gunnarsson has really impressed and I believe he will be back as soon as Burke trades some of the blueline depth. Too early in the season yet, injuries are bound to happen, especially on defense so Gunnarsson goes down for now. I am not impressed with Wallin, but apparently Wilson is, so he stays and keeps Stempniak company in the press box and is rotated in and out of the lineup with the fourth liners. The defense is pretty well set until Van Ryn comes back, and then a decision will have to be made. I like Van Ryn when he is healthy, he has great speed and size, but the challenge for him is to stay in the lineup, however if White or Finger are moved to make room for him and he goes down again, Gunnarsson is a more than capable replacement. Bottom line is the youth has really exposed some of the veterans on this team and made Burke and Wilson’s job quite harder, I say bring them in and let them play. The group they had from last year finished 12th in the East, and if not for a brief spurt at the end of the year, would have finished even lower. It’s time to overhaul the lineup, if not immediately, then after 10 games.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:05 am
@Ken_Breadbox
I get you. I was trying to get something similar across. Melatonin is the hormone that puts you to sleep though, so I think you mean Melanin.
Nothing says Saturday Night hockey like the old theme though.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I don’t get the analogies posted about Blake and Finger.. Are they over paid..yes, but if they were making 3 mill and 1.5 mill respectively would there be any doubt that they would be in the line up…no…At the end of the day as long as were under the cap who cares.. If you need room in your budget for a Bozak, it doesn’t make any sense to me to find that money by sending your leading point producer to the minors(like him or not)… Its managemnents job to make room without sacrificing production..
September 27th, 2009 at 11:05 am
BB said he wouldn’t be afraid to send a established player down to the Marlies but I can’t see it happening. Throwing away assets makes zero sense. The line-up this Thursday will see all the vets playing especially Blake and Stempniak. I like Stalberg and Bozak a ton but if they play 3rd line minutes then forget it. Have them start in the minors and come up at the right opportunity with quality time. I know I am going against the flow here but I see no reason to go with a youth movement now with NCAA players and waive potential trade assets. We finally have DEPTH so let’s do the development right like the Red Wings and Devils.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:09 am
great post ingy56.
i am not sure why everyone is so down on blake. he played well most of last year, and hopefully he brings the same game to the table this year. i would not want to lose him just yet. keep him, hope he plays well, and he will be a valuable part of our team…..THIS year. after that, well, i agree, get rid of him if we can…..but not yet.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
we NEED stalberg on the roster. the rest can spend some time in the minors.
stalberg’s speed is absolutely unbelievable. i would LOVE to see him on the opposite wing to kessel and see how those two could work together. man would that ever be a fast couple of wingers…..
September 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
OOOH! Wow! New look!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Guess not! LOL!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Switching topic for a moment….I like Kaberle, am eager to see how he operates this season with some muscle in the lineup, but i was somewhat taken aback by Wilson’s comments yesterday in the Toronto Star. Asked about the biggest difference this season over last for Kaberle, Wilson said:
“This training camp he’s not fat, last year he was. So there it is in a nutshell and he’ll be the first to admit it. He’s got, like, 8.3 percent body fat. It was almost twice that last year. So that makes a huge difference to how he moves on the ice and how he’s going to be able to compete. I’m glad he’s got himself fit.”
Shocking to me that Kaberle was not in shape….
September 27th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I love how blunt Wilson is.
Yea, I’ll tell you the difference: he’s not a fatso. lol
September 27th, 2009 at 11:31 am
He was prolly so stressed with all the trade talks this summer he couldn’t eat.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
MapleLeafs.com says final cuts will be made today. Anyone know what time tonights lineup will be made available.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
@TT
or he’s on the Kyle Wellwood diet
September 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
From what ive seen the rookies that deserve the roster spots the most are 1)Stallberg 2)Gunnarson 3)Kadri 4)Bozak, but they have all played good and are probly all deserving but we know that only 1 forward and possibly a defencemen could make it. Well see soon enough.
Gustuvson….I know he’s a rookie but for some reason you just get the feeling of confidence with him in there.
Go Leafs Go!!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
@ FatassJackson
No. Thats Matt Damon.
He is modelling after two Leafs. He’s doing an Ian White look alike while on the Kyle Wellwood diet.
Look. Here is the proof.
~
http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/spl35823_008.jpg
September 27th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Gustavsson saves children from burning buildings.
I want to see him Saturday against the Caps; that would be a great test. I doubt RW wants to throw him in the fire that early tho; we shall see.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am
The resemblance is uncanny!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Well said guys, Lets cheer on the team and have a great year, Lets do this right for the first time since we last held Lord Stanley. Lets play the kid when we are sure thay can handle it and lets play hard every nite so we the fans can see daylite at the end of the tunnel.. Im likeing what I see and I have seen alot in the last 45 years of watching the Leafs.
go Leafs go
September 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Kadri has been sent to OHL.
Hanson and Frogren to Marlies.
via: Jonas Siegel
September 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
http://twitter.com/jonas640
September 27th, 2009 at 11:54 am
He says remaining cuts will happen after game..
September 27th, 2009 at 11:57 am
How much patience do you folks think Toronto fans will have with Toskala before giving him the Larry Murphy treatment?? Especially knowing that Gus is waiting in the wings to take over. I’m guessing not much. Once Toskala starts getting booed…his value will plummet.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
From the Toronto Star online:
The Maple Leafs returned hotshot junior star Nazem Kadri to the London Knights as they made four more cuts to their training camp roster.
Coach Ron Wilson said the 19-year-old Kadri, the team’s first round draft pick in the spring, is going to be a “superstar” in the NHL one day but they want him to go back to the Knights, get stronger and dominate at the junior level.
“Everything he said was understandable. I think our meeting was pretty positive. I support the decision,” Kadri said of his meeting with Wilson.
“Everyone had some doubts about me coming into camp and I think I proved a lot of people wrong and opened some eyes. The bottom line, at the end of the day, I’m being sent back and I have no problem with that. I just have to keep my head held high.”
The Leafs also assigned forward Christian Hanson and defenceman Jonas Frogren to the AHL’s Marlies andreleased defenceman Andy Rogers from his tryout contract.
Wilson said the team would cut another four or five players after tonight’s game against Buffalo, the Leafs final exhibition game. College kids Tyler Bozak and Viktor Stalberg, who had excellent camps, both remain with the team for now.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
The fans want to see Bozak, and Stalberg on this team…..Burke/Wilson better listen to us !!
September 27th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Kadri to the Knights, Frogren and Hanson to the Marlies and Rogers released …
September 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
So, who’s left? Which four or five get cut after the game>?
September 27th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Siegel says RW refused to comment on Allison’s status, anyone have any idea why?
September 27th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Makes sense re: Kadri and Hanson
September 27th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
About a chant for Goose.
Check this out. It would be so sweet if the whole ACC were to do like this.
Go to 2:40 of this vid and watch and listen. Would have so amazing to heart last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nNw5fDVBu0
September 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Burke has no problem having MLSE bury contracts he didnt negotiate in the minors. Yes, this is a business but you have to analyze what Burke said recently-”cap space is a major component to building a team.” (paraphrased) Thus, having any one of Stempniak,Mayers, etc…off the cap and playing in the minors is a major asset to the Buds. there is a belief that the players in question, Stajan,Mayers,Stemp,White,Van Ryn are all on expiring contracts and therefore will be motivated in a contract year. if they are producing they will have trade/waiver value and therefore aid in the rebuild. that said, the more probable scenario is that Stemp,Mayers will be playing their final year in the minors.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Jo Nas Gus tav sson da da da da da da!
Jo Nas Gus tav sson da da da da da da!
September 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
LOL at Tucker
September 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
@ canucksnaphook
“The fans want to see Bozak, and Stalberg on this team…..Burke/Wilson better listen to us !!”
*
Funniest comment I have read all day, funny stuff. Don’t get me wrong, both have played great and probably deserve a shot, but to think that BB and RW give a damn about self-proclaimed internet GMs, priceless.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
@fatjackson
Wilson probably hasnt talked to Allison yet regarding being cut so out of respect he’s not going to tell the media before telling Allison…just my thought
September 27th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Andy Frost said Allison was pretty much a for sure thing on the Marlies on Leaf Talk the other night.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I really think too much stock is being put into the preseason by everyone when evaluating these players. It is never a true reflection of what a player is going to do in the regular season. You may recall a few years ago when everyone was ready to punch Carlo Carlaiacovo’s ticket to the hall Of Fame based on him racking up a few points in the preseason? Let’s see how this all shakes out before getting too excited about anyone. After game one in Detroit last year everyone was calling on Kulemin to score 30 becuase he made a nice move and scored a goal that first game. We here in the centre of the hockey universe sometimes overanalyse our players too much and make them out to be better or worse than they really are. We all just need to be patient and see how these young guys delelop. Some will evolve into all-stars, some into being quality NHL regulars and some will be sent to the Marlies never to be heard from again. The good thing is, that no matter what, Burke has this franchise on the right track. Both short and long term. It’s been a while since someone could make that statement with a straight face.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
@ilgrnmen17
I think he was kidding
September 27th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
@ Julie Sucks
I sincerely hope so
September 27th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
@ lilgrnmen17
He was kidding for sure. I’m the only self-proclaimed internet GM Burkie listens to.
September 27th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Lucic Vs. Komi! Still goin on!
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hoc…44001-sun.html
September 27th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
That link was a dud!
Here!! http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/27/11144001-sun.html
September 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
@duncboy
I was reading a few years ago about how Kaberle was training in the off-season, and the article said he train in his home country with his, get this, GIRLFRIEND! This was when ol’ boys club fat Pat was still in charge. You train to play against men with a freakin’ woman? This time around he finally realized that being fleet of skate doesn’t help, given that a big player pasted him against some board ad. I realize that Quin recognized his immense talent, but he did nothing much to make him a complete d-man. RW made him realize what it really takes. I always knew how good this guy is, and I even made bets about him winning the Norris a year or two ago. I took my losses on that, but I still believe in Kaberle. I hope he comes through for all of us this year.
September 27th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
@gilmourhof
That makes perfect sense to me. Thanks, I was a little worried.
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