*Inspired by Eric Engels’ format over at HockeyBuzz. Great stuff.*
Ten questions as you soak in another disappointing overtime loss, this time against the Tampa Bay Lightning. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s that bitch known as Lady Luck.
1) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
6) Which players need to step up in terms of overall performance?
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
Bonus Question
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com
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November 4th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
1) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
If he isn’t then RW is really completely insane. 50
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
We can only hope – otherwise waive him and use the CAP space to buy a draft pick or two later in the season.
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
For Phil’s sake I hope not. I’d rather see him play with just about anyone.
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
26
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
Impressed – no. Improvement required – yes.
6 a) Which teamembers need to step up in terms of overall performance?
1) Ron Wilson
2) Poni
3) Beauchemin
4) Grabovski
5) Kulemin
6 b) Which team members neet to STEP OUT …
1) Jason Blake
2) Jason Blake
3) Jason Blake… sorry
4) Matt Stajan
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
if Napolean can bring himself to give Tlusty 1st or 2nd line minutes for a period of 7-8 games then recall him… otherwise no more 2 game jokes.
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
only if he’s coming with Bozak – which means Blake and Stajan are out… yippeee!
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
No – why change what’s working (are you kidding with that question?)
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
No – are you kidding with this question?
Bonus Question
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
14 – “the Monster” is better
Super Bonus Questions
12) Who’s more of blow-hard RW or BB?
13) Who’s going to blink first Carolina, the Leafs, Florida or St. Louis?
14) If BB has the guts (I know he doesn’t) to waive Blake, Toskala and Stajan – what should he do with the available CAP space?
November 4th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
@ bleedblue: Agree pretty much 1-9. The playoffs remain a steep hill to climb but are not out of the question. Clearly the team needs to, if not play better, see more results from the effort which has been mostly good. Gustavsson may need to play like a rookie Ken Dryden or Patrick Roy. I think the defense is reasonably balanced and may only need some tinkering or cap management for the next few years. With the forwards, some players need to be traded (my guess is that BB wouldn’t mind if Stajan was first but it may take some time to find a trading partner). I like the idea of getting Marleau, if possible, but that would cost some quality young player(s)/ prospect(s) and maybe a useful vet. like Hagman. For my 2 cent, it’s a no-go. I’d rather try the UFA route in the off-season. Help might come from within, but I just wouldn’t count on it. Who knows, maybe 1 or 2 or even 3 guys can come up and fill the role they’re asked to, but how NHL ready they truely are right now,none of us knows. Rookie tournament games and preseason games don’t allow for a complete assessment. Vastly lower levels of competition in most cases and the vets aren’t there to prove they can play in the NHL, they already have, many times over. RW has a good idea of the vets capabilities and just wants to see if they’re in shape, put out a good effort, have a good attitude and look like they’re ready to compete. I’d like to see a sideways trade with Poni for another big body with less offensive potential but more hits etc. Charlie and I spoke of Ryan Malone in the past but now he’s putting up good numbers. I think the best approach would be balanced lines for now. Kessel gets 33-40 goals if he plays almost all the remaining games and doesn’t get the flu or something. To make the playoffs we have to see results from our efforts, win in regulation against eastern teams, at least the ones we need to beat out for 6-8 spot, and hammer out winning records against our main competition especially Mtl. & Ott. If we make the play-offs, it will be because we play well to get there, and as a dark horse anything could be possible. There’s a little magic in the air right now and a lot of people could be eating poo by the end of the season and Charlie may have a very valuable item in his safe. I Hope.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
@ borjefan4ever: 12) borjefan4ever.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
@captain et al
Appreciate the optimism… but enough is enough, you guys need to stay away from the bottle for a while… this team sucks beyond comprehension… they lost to one of the worst teams in the NHL, playing back to back, who had until yesterday been outscored 25-8 in their five road losses… what more can be said… they never were and never will be a playoff team (unless the whole roster is transferred to the AHL and even then it would be a stretch), and only were/are a playoff team in the egoistically impaired mind of BB and those of us he managed to dupe for a while… wake up guys, the dream is over for this year… 1-12 is not a slow start, it’s an embarassment! And come April our talk will be about WHERE the Leafs will be the first one’s lining up to book tee times…
@ mibby
I think the ornery curmudgeon (aka Wilson) should be fired if the team still has only one win after twenty games… a distinct possibility…. albeit unlikely… you see, even I can be optimistic about this team… LOL
November 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
@captain morgan: Read your answers. I guess we’re in the same boat. Pass the bottle.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Bonus Question
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
1. I like both nicknames. The Monster is the primary nickname for Gustavsson, as in Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson, and Goose is just a lazy man’s way of typing Gustavsson. I could see how you think it’s fail though, because Jonas “The Goose” Gustavsson does sound pretty stupid.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
We need more faith in Tlusty and stop expecting to break out with 60 points every season, The guy is only 21, Datsyuk never had 90+ points at 21. some players just need a few extra years to become stars, not every playeer can become a “superstar” at a young age like Crosby, Oveschkin or Malkin.
.
We could have easily picked up Camellari to become our #1 centre this season. Dump Finger and Blakes contract and there you go. Burke just has to make some bold moves.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
@REID: You’re right. When you say it that way, it really does sound stupid.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
@kaz: Your last point. If Burke could have done that he would have.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
We need to trade Finger, Dump Mayers, and add Frogren and Bozak. Why is this so simple to think of but so hard to see done? I dont get it
November 4th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
@Jordan: I think it’s just a matter of time, rules and respect. You know that. BB’s doing what he can.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
@Bob
Well, he could have…but i know that he is a players Gm and wants to keep his “Rep” up. I hope somebody will take Blake shortly, or maybe he can do something classy like retire.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
and Finger is just being wasted…I don’t think he’s awful, but you can’t help but think theres something wrong when your 7th d-man is making 3.5 mil a season.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
1) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
Yes. 45/70
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
No, no
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
Need to bring up Bozak. Not improving his confidence to play in the AHL, and he’s the best pure passer we have in the system
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
22
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
Better, want to see more shot blocking
6) Which players need to step up in terms of overall performance?
Beauchamin, Schenn, Blake, Mitchell, Toskala
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
Let him rip up the AHL for the entire season and then try again, if not repeat, he’s only what, 21?
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
Same, unless using him with Bozak. He has 5 pointts in 2 games, pretty good emphasis. Is too fast for the AHL. Stalberg, Kadri, Kessel will be the fastest line in hockey, look at Vancouver’s second line, and then add a bigger body and better sniper and you get the picture
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
Really need that big body presence up one of the top 2 lines, but no way of making that happen with the assets we have
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
No
November 4th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Amen. 3.5 mill for a guy who’s not even playing is ridiculous.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Its true about Finger. Up until the other night, we were against the cap, but icing only about 40 mil when you consider Finger, Primeau, Mayers, Toskala and Kessel. Add Kessel and we still have the 10+ mil from the other guys we are not usiing that we can either use for an upgrade in top 6 or to take salary on for picks. Its pathetic if you think about it
November 4th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
@kaz: Agree. BB could have got Camellari but would have had to change plans. Trading Finger & Blake in the summer; hard to do.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
“The Goose” is a fantastic nickname.
Anyone who thinks otherwise is a communist, a heretic or both.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
@ mapleleafsforever: боги не существуют, товарищ.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@ Bob
Finger is tradeable I think, if we can’t trade him lets atleast use him to replace Beauc on some nights as he’s still not looking great out there…Blake isn’t tradeable though. I can see why Burke picked up Komi but the $ from the beauc signing could be used elsewhere and finger could play, unless he could have found a way to trade Finger as in the long run beauc would probably be more valuable. Also, its not like Frogren who is sitting in the minors can’t play. He is pretty solid back there and his cap hit is low.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
*Jeff Finger to Dallas Stars for 2nd Round Pick
*Matt Stajan and Jiri Tlusty to Florida for Nathan Horton and Kenndal McArdle
*Jonos Frogren to Chicago for Ben Eager
*Jamal Mayers —– Waivers—–
November 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
@ kaz: I read and reread your post just to be sure I understand. Agree with most. Not sure why Finger is not playing. I’m not down on Finger, just think he got too much for a player with some potential, but only 92 games (I think) in the league. The Leafs, at the time, REALLY needed some solid d-men and didn’t expect Luke Schenn to stick with the big club. With a more established defense maybe he wouldn’t have. Blake’s’ front load contract (3mil. next 2 yrs.) may be trade-able at the deadline. He doesn’t lack effort most nights. Frogren (5-6 or 7) could replace Finger for the most part and BB and RW know that. He got stuck in a numbers game. The team needs Beauchemin to find his game, probably playing with Kaberle or White. He’s much more experienced than Finger and will definitely drop the gloves. This defense has the potential to be great if they play together for the next 2-3 years. BB has set the defense this year and maybe our goalie problems as well. That’s pretty good. Now he is able to concentrate on offense. Kessel sounds good. (I listened on the radio.) I think with a little luck we can make the play-offs. Kessel now has a loss under his belt and feels a part of the team. They will pull together and play for each other. I’ve liked what BB has done but was not in favour of the Kessel trade. Not because of the picks but I would have preferred to go in a different direction and absolutely did not want to lose Ian White. Burkey will keep trying to find trades during the season and has a real opportunity to improve the top 6 in the summer. I think some of us are expecting too much too soon. (trades) You can’t push the river. Now I’ve got to get back to writing press releases for BB. Enjoyed the conversation, talk to you later.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Nobody wants Vesa or he would be gone already !
November 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
[...] Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Question Period – Leafs Edition. Leafs nation sounds off on this list of 10 questions concerning the team. [...]
November 4th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
@ Bob
Agree with your post, you make some good comments.
.
Not sure on how the Blake contract works, wouldn’t someone have to account for the extra million up in the air? I know toronto’s already paid it, but we still need to have an annual cap hit of 4 mil each season until his contract expires (assuming he stays). If another team lists Blake’s cap hit at 3 mil, will we have to account for the extra mil that we didn’t add on to our cap hit during the last couple of years? Or is that a cap loop hole?
.
We took on too many d-men without wanting to dump any. At the very least the Kubina deal should have involved a forward rather then Exelby. Perhaps Kubina+Stajan for a top 6 forward? I also want to see what Burke will do in the offseason to improve our forward crop. Later Man
November 4th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
@ Uncle Bob
“This defence has the potential to be GREAT if they play together for the next 2-3 years.”
How about “solid”, sounds a little bit more realistic.
It’s amazing how a 1-12 start out of the gate gets people grasping for anything to take solace in… Bob, you and captain have got to take it easy on the hard stuff… although the above quote has me wondering if it isn’t something hallucinogenic!
C’mon guys, we have to learn from our mistake… we have over valued/hyped/estimated this team’s potential, spurred on by BB and his PR propaganda… now that we have been “mugged by reality” let’s at least acknowledge that this team is what it is… a couple of notches below mediocre.
Sure we have reason to hope for the future (it can’t get any worse, can it?), but let’s not start turning our future into superstars before they even have a chance to be regular NHLer’s or they may never be able to live up to the unrealistic expectations…
We have some good up and coming young talent no doubt… but we still rank 18th out of 30 teams regarding prospects for a reason…. not all of these guys are going to be what we would like them to be… Cut them some slack, let them develop normally and hopefully along the way a few gems will be uncovered where least expected… but this is going to take some time, there is no quick fix for what ails this organisation. The first priority now is to stock up on some picks for the upcoming draft so the depth that is starting to be developed in the system will not be undermined in the long run…
November 4th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
@ wags31
Love those transactions, but the only one that has a snowball’s chance in hell of happening is the fourth, unless you can discreetly drug the other GM’s involved and get them to sign on the dotted line before they come to their senses.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:05 am
playoffs!playoffs?
C’mon guys..lets be rational for a minute…they need about 85 points in 68 games.
Where is the EVIDENCE that this can be accomplished. The loss to Tampa was alarming.
I’m putting the over/under line at 70 points. I really hope its enough to keep us out of
the bottom 5.
Questions:
- Is Gusto a potential top ten goalie in the NHL?
- Is Kessel on his way to being top ten goal scorer next year/year after?
- Is Schenn a smarter/meaner version of Komisarek?
- Is Mitchell worth keeping on the 3rd or 4th line?
- Can Grabovski give the Leafs consecutive 20 goal seasons?
The season will be useful in determining which of the players have the competitiveness
and drive to play when they are under pressure and expected to win. They know that
losing is not an option right now (as opposed to previous years where they would look
forward to getting a top 5 draft pick), and its probably affecting their performance.
Who is stepping up? Time will tell.
What should happen at the trade deadline/next season?
- Toskala gone – MacD or free agent back-up in
- Stajan gone – Bozak in
- Blake gone* – Stalberg in
- Mayers gone – Hanson in
- Finger gone – Frogren in
- Primeau gone- Deveau or free agent (next season) in
- Wallin gone – Kadri in (next season)
(*sent down to minors or induced to retire and given a scouts/consultants
job= remainder of his pay)
As for some of the others:
- Exelby and Stempniak stay if they take a ‘haircut’ – otherwise gone
- Poni stays for the same amount of money – otherwise gone
- Rosehill stays
- White re-signed
- Kulemin stays unless you get a good(?) offer for him
- Kaberle is gone if you can get a mid-first and a good prospect or a top flight
center (from a team with cap trouble). Kaberle will want to re-sign for too much
– he is probably peaking right now
November 5th, 2009 at 1:42 am
1) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
Yes, Untill he loses three in a row he keeps playing. 50+ games.
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
No, he will be unrestricted on July 1/10
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
No, Bozak should be the guy, but Mitchell will get a shot first.
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
It really doesn’t matter, he is the best player in the line-up, if he shows that each night I am sure it will be quite a few.
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
It is obvious he is starting to feel more comfortable with his teammates, I think what Komi gives this team off the ice will never be appreciated enough by the fans.
6) Which players need to step up in terms of overall performance?
Hagman needs to play every night, Grabovsky is just too small for this league and I know he tries hard but really we need a better #2 centre,speaking of Centre, Mr. Stajan is a career third line guy on a good team, if he is willing to stay at that role and the money that comes with the role fine, if not, cya later. Toskala is a no brainer, but really I don’t think he can do it, a career back-up that was named a number one by JFJ, same guy who thought Raycroft was a #1. Jason Blake, if you are going to keep Grabo, then Blake needs to go, can’t have two human zambonis on one team. Kulemin, typical Russian, talented, but comes with no heart, I’d package him in a Horton deal. Everyone needs to step it up every night or this team will not compete with the top half of the league,not enough talent.
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
Tlusty was picked 1st Round 13th overall in 2006, that was before Kulemin at the 44th pick Round 2, and after Phil Kessel 5th overall, Milan Lucik was the 50th pick, and Steve Mason 69th. Both Tlusty and Kulemin have a long ways to go to match any of the others, but when you look at the 2006 Draft, after the 8th Overall Pick it was Soft to say the least. He needs a full year with the Marlies, see if he wants it next year.
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
Yes, He is the real deal, Big, Strong, and Skillfull, would look great on the opposite side of Kessel.
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
Offensively he needs some skill with a bad taste (Gilmour,Tucker, Clark, Muller) right now the only guy available in the market seems to be Horton in Florida, I would love to see him sign TooToo as a UFA in July/10
He would become a fan favorite immediatley.
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
Not a chance, Boston will have the #7th Pick Overall Via Toronto, and I am OK with that.
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
Anything is better than the Monster, between Maguire, and the former Canuck announcer (his name fails me at the moment) I am sick of it already. So I rate it a 7.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:43 am
1) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
Gus and Tosk will play a 60/40 role for the remainder of the season barring injury. What’s important to remember is that Gus is a rookie and BB and RW will not allow this kid to be burned out prematurely regardless of fan or media pressure. Yes it’s true that he is 1 year removed from an SEL championship but don’t buy into the belief that the kid can hack it from here on in as the number one completely on his own. The kid is good and under the tutelage Allaire he’ll continue to get better, however tossing him into the fire with carte blanche #1 status would be foolhardy and shouldn’t and won’t immediately happen. Right now he’s got the ball but if and when he does drop it, Toskala will be given every oppotunity to play himself back into the lineup. Why or how you might ask would this be possible given his past and current play? Well we’ll answer exactly that by exmaining question #2….
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
Yes he will be traded and the value of return will completely depend on how he plays between now and the deadline. Remember, teams during playoff time often require depth in goal and Vesa will probably become an attractive commodity given that Burke will be more then flexible in attempting to move him or accomadate another team. Note however that Burke does want to lose this netminder for a complete non-return and as such Vesa will play the remaining 40% of the season. Yes Toskala has played poorly and porously too but understand that he is playing poorly for a very, very poor team, one that’s encountered alot of transition and is still in search of an actual identity. There is no reason to think that Toskala can’t turn this season around and in so doing the leagues impression of him if and when he starts to play more intelligently and confidently in net. For the coaching staff or management to simply give up on him 13 games into the season would be foolhardy and completlely counterproductive. The Leafs will not be in lottery contention anyhow regardles of what the naysayers spew from the mountain tops even were he continue to play abysmally in goal. Toskala may yet be a marketable commodity and historically has played better when confronted with strong internal competiton. Look for him to rebound in his next few starts in goal.
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
Yes he should stay with Stajan and Blake..
Here is why:
This line combination is designed with 2 purposes in mind, the first is so that we can get Stajan some points and confidence so that he may be marketable come trade deadline time. Stajan is not in the Leafs longterm plans but while he is we need to bloat his point total as much as possible to try and garner the best return we can get for him when he is dealt. Kessel would probably not produce that much more with anyone else as his centre anyhow as that is the position where we are weakest as a team. Stajan does have the ability to play 3rd line on most NHL teams and is not completely irrelevant he just isn’t top or 2nd line material and he is certainly not cut from the mould of a Brian Burke type player. Secondly he should be on this line for 2 other reasons – i) it gives the Leafs a more balanced attack with lines 2 through 3 and ii) also gives Jason Blake the opportunity to produce given that the focus for the opposition will shift from him to Kessel. This also gives Stajan a second passing option for a former 40 goal triggerman. Blake and Kessel should develop nicely as Blake may become more of a setupman as a result of this pairing something which I believe to be better suited to his skillset at this stage as a Leaf.
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
It is unfair to expect Phil to light it up with this offensively challenged team however given that his playing time should be very high I do not think it unfair to ask or predict that he will score about 18-26 goals. Lets hope it’s 26 as opposed to 18.
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
Komisarek is still adjusting as is Beauch. Yes improvement is in order but lets evaluate his play after game 40 as opposed to game 13. Komi is a gamer and a warrior and once he gets his head wrapped around all things Toronto the fans in this city will fall in love with him. In the interim, while he contimues to improve for each gaffe he makes his minutes should be reduced and given to a now struggling Luke Schenn. Komisarek now fills essentially the role that Schenn did last season and while Komi’s presence is not the sole factor to Schenn’s regression he is being overplayed. Still he’s making the big bucks and until Schenn steps it up, no one is going to push Komi anywhere given the brand of “Burkeian” hockey he brings to the table.
6) Which players need to step up in terms of overall performance?
Brian Burke:
Brendan Shanahan where are you? Why aren’t you on this team? There are so many intagables he offers to this team Brian and you 2 are even good friends. Shany’s a local product and Irish too. He’d lead and take bullets for this team. Who needs to wear the “C” when you have Shanny? Give the media a field day, deflect attention away from your teams 1 and 12 start and bring in Shanny Burkey, it’s the right thing to do. Pick up the phone and give him a call we know you have his number. That Kessel deal better work out too Brian or the media and league will never let you live it down.
Ron Wilson:
You need to get these guys playing as a group Ronnie. I dunno what it’s going to take to get some offensive production but whatever it is you and the coaching staff better figure it out soon. No you won’t be getting fired and yes you are a good coach but this is getting downright embarassing. Poor team or not we want results now Ron and results starts with a win.
Ponikarovsky: Needs to utilise his big body and become a legitimate goalmouth presence but for what we are paying him don’t expect him to live by the sword if he’s going to have to die by it. Needs to be a more effective leader for Grabbo and Kuli as well, Poni is the vet of the “Rusky 3″ and they should be creating more as a result of Poni’s drive and work ethic, not less.
Kuli: IMO he should be in the minors. There is a stall in the locker room for him but no one has seen him in 13 games thus far in 09. Perrhaps he and Tlusty can play a game of eye spy if they ever hit the ice together because on most nites those 2 are invisible.
Grabbo: God love him he’s tries doesn’t he? Although suffering from small man syndrome, jeepers can he wheel when he puts his head down. Grabbo’s gotta be careful though that soon someone doesn’t rip it off though. Play him with someone tough (Shanny anyone?) as a soft Poni is hampering the tiny Belarusian’s ability to open up the ice. Alot of effort with not alot of results sums up the first 13 for Grabbo. If Poni won’t lead you have to Grabbo, stop setting them up and start firing from angles. Let Poni bury the garbage if he can and to hell with Kuli who lives on the fring of every play.
Stajan: It’s so unfair to hate on this 3rd/4th liner when he’s been forced into the #1 slot. He really, really doesn’t belong on this team. He is the last holdover from an age goneby and he will surely be dismissed come deadline time. Far too soft and unskilled to be a legitimate 2nd liner let alone 1st. Poor Matt Stajan. Enjoy the 40 + assists Matt, you can thank Phil when you exit.
Finger: We don’t need him. He costs 3.5 mil and is defensively sound but offers little else. He will be packaged to your choice of team if the need develops come deadline time provided they have the cap room. Or let’s cross our fingers and hope someone gets injured on another team so we can take their spare offensive, overpaid part and prospect for ours. Fletch just wanted us sound when he took over but this signing is coming back to haunt us right now with way to many NHL D-men on the team.
Mitchell: No real defined role. This guy should really become RW’s pet project. What do they want out of this guy? So far this year he hasn’t been much of anything but a lacklustre liability.
Wallin: The Gus “deal sealer” is actually playing alright hockey as of late but we need game breakers not pk specialists. Oh well, it’s all part of shaking hands with the devil for the immediate future. I can live with Wallin.
Blake: “I want to score, I want to score, I want to score”. Wanting to and actually doing it though are 2 different things. Can’t blame 1 goal Blake that the Leafs and JFJ tossed all that money his way. Cancer or no if he doesn’t start to produce with Kessel in the mix the Leafs are going to have to eat some seriously humble Jason Blake pie and they are going tol have some bad indigestion if they have to pay a chunk of the under producing left wingers salary in the process. Bon Appetit Burkey!
Jamal Mayers: Please retire Jamal. Believe me, it’s the right thing to do. Want proof you say?
How about tied for 434th in the league in goals (0), 417th for assists (1) and for 578th in shots (4). Yes I know your role is limited on the team and that is why I am eliminating your role. We simply don’t need you or your contract and yes we know you are from Toronto, sorry Jamal it’s time to hangem up.
Wayne Primeau: Please retire Wayne. Believe me, it’s the right thing to do. Want proof you say?
How about tied for 434th in the league in goals (0), 535th for assists (0) and for 489th in shots (9). Yes I know your role is limited on the team and that is why I am eliminating your role. We simply don’t need you or your contract and yes we know you are from Toronto, sorry Wayne it’s time to hangem up.
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
No are you crazy? Let him develop ffs. The only thing more commonplace then the Leafs losing is that the organisation corrupts and burns out their youngsters. Give Tlusty some time. Besides which he may be the piece to someone elses puzzle come tradin’ time.
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
No are you crazy? Let him develop ffs. The only thing more commonplace then the Leafs losing is that the organisation corrupts and burns out their youngsters. Call him up when we need an infusion of energy if we have a playoff push otherwise leave him and let him develop with Bozak and Hanson and the rest of the Marlie crew. Next year Victor, next year.
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
Yes and his name is Brendan Shanahan our options are limited until we can deal Kaberle, (and we will be dealing Kaberle) so in the interim our best and real only choice is to acquire without losing anything someone of Shany’s ilk. If we can find a taker for Finger due to injury this may also cahnge it should be noted. No one is trading for Blake or Toskala at this juncture so you can forget about that for right now.
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
No they will not. They will get close, probably within 5 points but in calssic Leaf fashion they will just miss the playoffs. Things will get exciting, ratings and jobs will be saved, optimism will be discussed for the next year. 2010/2011 we will though as we’ll have the money and properly groomed talent to do so. Alright everyone there are my 10 questions answered, in closing please give generously to the “Let Nazem Kadri Develop in the minors Fund” because he can’t be looked upon to be our saviour for next year. We’ll have Kovalchuk/Savard for that…let the tampering begin!
Bonus Question
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
I refuse to answer this question on the grounds that our team is 1 and 12. I will only answer such trivial questions once we approach somethin close to resembling .500 hockey. On a scale of 1 to 10 I give this bonus question a 10 for epic failure.
Just kidding Ron;) U know I love you and the question post was a gr8 idea amigo…
All the best Leafers and Leafettes,
~Realitycorp
November 5th, 2009 at 9:36 am
) Is Jonas Gustavsson now in sole possession of the starting role in Toronto? How many games will he start this season?
Yes, 53
2) Do you think Vesa Toskala will be shipped by the Trade Deadline? Will he have any value by then?
No, No.
3) Do you think Phil Kessel should stay on a line with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake, or should Ron Wilson try to surround him with different players?
Different
4) How many goals will Kessel pot this season?
22
5) Have you been impressed with Mike Komisarek’s defensive game of late? Or do you think some improvement is still in order?
a LOT of improvement is in order, but I don’t expect it.
6) Which players need to step up in terms of overall performance?
Easier to name players who don’t: Ian White.
7) Do you think Jiri Tlusty should be given another shot on the Leafs, or should he stay with the Toronto Marlies?
He hasn’t had a real shot with the Leafs yet. getting called up for a couple games and given little ice time with 4-liners beside him is not a real good way to get an idea of what he can do.
8 ) What about Victor Stalberg? Is it time to recall the “Swedish Rocket”?
No. It is time to let him develop like Hanson and Bozak. None of the 3 will ever be a top liner, and MAYBE one of them will be a top 6 in the NHL one day.
9) Do you think Brian Burke needs to make a trade to shake-up the team? Does the offence or defense need upgrading?
Not much more you want to spend on defense. Offense needs more than just “upgrading”. Unless the trade is Kaberle for a king’s ransom… then I don’t see a good deal to be had.
10) Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
Are you f’ing kidding with this question. Uh, no.
Bonus Question
11) On a scale of 1 to 10, how epic fail is the nickname “The Goose” for Gustavsson?
Only about an 7. Epic Fail, with regard to nicknames should be reserved for Kenny “Kenflo” Florian, or Joe “J-Lo” Lauzon.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:42 am
@Reailtycorp
Nice post.
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