*Inspired by Eric Engels’ question blogs over at HockeyBuzz*
As you all prepare for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ division tilt against the Ottawa Senators tonight, allow me to throw some questions your way.
1) With Vesa Toskala getting the nod against the Senators tonight, do you think the Finnish goaltender will finally get back on track?
2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson’s performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion?
3) Were you impressed by Carl Gunnarson’s first National Hockey League game? What type of future do you see the Swedish rearguard having with the Leafs?
4) Is Luke Schenn’s sluggish play concerning you? Or is this simply a necessary learning curve for the 19-year-old?
5) Is the loss of Mike Komisarek from the Leafs’ blueline noticeable?
6) Is it time for Mikhail Grabovski to center Phil Kessel? Or should Ron Wilson continue to separate the scoring forwards?
7) Should the Leafs include Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and/or Viktor Stalberg to the lineup? Who should be sent to the press box?
8 ) There’s been a lot of fingers pointed towards Brian Burke to bolster the Leafs. How do you propose he upgrades the team? What aspects specifically?
9) Who will lead the Leafs in scoring this year? Kaberle, Kessel or the Messiah known as Matt Stajan?
10) Will the Leafs get out their current slump? Are the playoffs even a fathomable possibility?
Bonus Question
11) Of all the Leafs jerseys you’ve purchased in your lifetime, which one are you most ashamed of? (I’ll go first: Toskala)
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com
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November 17th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
1)Nope
2)Nope and Yep
3)Yep top 4.
4)Nope. Needs icetime.
5)Yep
6)Yep and Nope
7)Yep. Stajan, Blake and Stajan or Blake
8)Bring in the kids. Period.
9)Matt Stajan, should be captain, is really a third liner and is awesome 5 on 5as well.
10)Nope and not even close.
11)My Dave Keon jersey that didn’t have a name on the back because they didn’t wear them.
November 17th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
1 – yes
2-not concerned, will be good, don’t panic
3-need more viewing, so far so good
4-concerned yes, panicing not yet, still young and learning
5-nope
6-worth a shot
7-certainly one of them
8-gritty guys, who can hit and score goals, and a #1 centre
9-Kessel, obviously
10-Yes tehy will get our of their slump, but they won’t make the playoffs
11-None, since I not dumb enough to contribute $200 to MLSE and their monoply
November 17th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Good call Ron… Engels is one of the better ones, even though he’s a Habs fan!
1) I think he gets back on track…. he just won’t ever have the numbers he had prior to coming here.
2) Not only am I not concerned, but I’m happy with the game Monster had. He NEEDS to have those games to learn from them. Bring on all the mistakes, bad goals, bad plays, etc… let him learn now.
3) Gunnarsson was very impressive, but not surprising. He played this well in the pre-season. He looks to be a decent blend of offensive and defensive talent, but that’s just my opinion.
4) Same answer as #2. Luke is a beast and will be a beast, even if it means this year sucks.
5) I think the loss is noticeable when it comes to scrums by the crease and scrums after the whistle… and I’m sure the goalies are noticing the increase of shots not being blocked. Other than that… meh.
6) Yes!! And I think it’s time for Bozak to try as well. But why he hasn’t yet is just odd.
7) Blake and Stajan for sure.
9) I would assume Kaberle, only because of Kessel having to catch up.
10) Leafs will probably play .500 hockey by the end of the day. But the playoffs are out of the question.
11) Stajan. But in my defense it was when he was still an up and coming, over-hyped Toronto prospect.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
That smiley face is supposed to be an
November 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
8 )
November 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
#4 after giving up our 1st round pick, Schenn should not be permitted to sort out his issues on the ice. He is costing us games!
He should have sat ahead of Finger and XLB if not been sent down in favor of Gunnarson who had ouplayed him all through the pre-season.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
1-No
2-Not concerned, still a great prospect
3-Too soon to rate. I have seen many rookies have great first games then disappear completely
4-Yes, starting to look like another Luke, as in Richardson
5-Yes
6-Try anything to get some 5 on 5 goals
7-No. Leave them with the Marlies and keep them away from this 09-10 gong show.
8-The only deals available now are too one-sided against the Leafs. Wait.
9-Kessel. Kabbie’s tear is about to peter out.
10-They are what they are and Chiarelli is doing the jig in Beantown.
11-Aki Berg
November 17th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
1) Yes I do. It’s his time to shine.
2) Not really, he’s a rookie, he’ll have an up and down season. He’s still our goalie of the future. I don’t think he ever was in possession of the starting goaltender role. Toskala is our number one. He started off slow and we were riding Gustavsson while he was hot, but you had to know that at some point the Monster would come back down to earth and allow Toskala to show he’s still the number one.
3) Yes I was. Future 3-4 defenseman
4) No concerns. He needs more icetime.
5) The team definitely misses him but I think others can step up and fill the role until he returns.
6) I don’t see what was wrong with Mitchell playing with Kessel. Or put Kessel at centre.
7) Definitely. There is no doubt in my mind that the Leafs would be a better team with Jason Blake and Matt Stajan in the press box. Throw in Mayers in the press box too.
8 ) Bring up the kids. Dump Stajan and Blake at all costs.
9) Kessel.
10) Only if they get rid of the dead weight that is Matt Stajan and Jason Blake.
Bonus Question
11) I have to admit I only have one Leafs jersey and it has my own name on it. I kind of wish I had picked a different number tho because everyone thinks I picked 87 because of Crosby.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
1) got a coin?
Love what Burke has done, give it some time
2) not concerned at all, he will be the starter
3) yes, Carl looked good and hopefully a better future than strahlman at least.
4) Luke will be a machine, give him a couple years
5) yes! he cares, i notice that!
6) good question but utltimately we’re still left with a cherry and just a bunch of sprinkles
7) no rush
9) Kessel
10) yes they will get out of the slump, playoffs still possible. barely, next year?
11) none for me
November 17th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
1) With Vesa Toskala getting the nod against the Senators tonight, do you think the Finnish goaltender will finally get back on track?
No.
2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson’s performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion?
No. Yes.
3) Were you impressed by Carl Gunnarson’s first National Hockey League game? What type of future do you see the Swedish rearguard having with the Leafs?
Yes. With some seasoning, he can be a PP quarterback. He has confidence and poise with the puck.
4) Is Luke Schenn’s sluggish play concerning you? Or is this simply a necessary learning curve for the 19-year-old?
He’s getting better, I don’t understand why so many people are on his case still.
5) Is the loss of Mike Komisarek from the Leafs’ blueline noticeable?
Mike who? Mr -9?
6) Is it time for Mikhail Grabovski to center Phil Kessel? Or should Ron Wilson continue to separate the scoring forwards?
Yes. Trying the same experiment over and over expecting different results is called stupidity.
7) Should the Leafs include Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and/or Viktor Stalberg to the lineup? Who should be sent to the press box?
All three need to be in the lineup. Stajan, Stempniak and Blake need to sit down for 2 or 3 games.
8 ) There’s been a lot of fingers pointed towards Brian Burke to bolster the Leafs. How do you propose he upgrades the team? What aspects specifically?
He needs to be less arrogant and actually build this team through the draft. But, seeing how that’s out the window for at least two more years, he needs to acquire guys with skill and some sandpaper. A guy like Perry or Getzlaf for example.
9) Who will lead the Leafs in scoring this year? Kaberle, Kessel or the Messiah known as Matt Stajan?
Other.
10) Will the Leafs get out their current slump? Are the playoffs even a fathomable possibility?
What current slump? You mean 3 wins in 18 games? That’s not a slump, that’s just a shitty team. Playoffs are not on the horizon.
Bonus Question
11) Of all the Leafs jerseys you’ve purchased in your lifetime, which one are you most ashamed of?
I don’t own any. MLSE doesn’t deserve any more of my money.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
1) He is what he is, I dont expect any miracles. He’s gonna make some stops and gonna let a couple softies in.
2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson’s performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion? No, not concerned. Yes..he is the goalie of the future for the leafs. However, I dont think he’s going to get the work load like Lundqvist…yet.
3) Missed the game. I hope he can turn into Nicholas Lidstrom, but in reality a quality 5-6 D-man logging 13-16 minutes.
4) It’s a part of the learning curve. not concerned yet.
5) Yes, before he got hurt he was finally getting settled in and playing effectively.
6) The leafs scoring is one dimensional at present time, ideally Grabs and the 2nd line is our secondary scoring, however not much his happening in terms of production. I say keep’em separated with the hopes Grabs can get going.
7) No, leave down for now. the work ethic is there, they just need to play a blue collar game and go hard to the net to get greasy goals.
8 ) Two words…Koval Chuk. Look what dynamic Kessel has brought to the leafs, imagine another shooter like Kovalchuk. It would solidify two the top 6, and help the eastern bloc elevate their play. Kovalchuk has matured and is playing a more rounded game this season. The leafs need to throw the big money at him…if he gets there.
9) Kessel
10) No, its gonna a be an up and down year at best. No playoffs.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
1- The only track I hope to see Toskala get on leads out of town.
2-Gustavvson will be fine, just a normal hiccup. The only concern of mine regarding him is if he lets Wilson get into his head (see Luke Schenn).
3-I felt Gunnarson deserved to make the team out of camp, but you could say that of at least three other players. Thank goodness the era of entitlement is over (tongue firmly in cheek).
4- Schenn’s play is a definite concern. If management is not going to follow through with their claims to demote unachieving veterans and chalk another season up to a lost year, I would send Schenn down to the AHL and let him develop with the other young players in the system.
5-It is too bad that Komisarek went down, he was just beginning to regain some of his form, however the team is so bad right now his presence, or lack of, in the lineup really doesn’t make a difference.
6-I would keep Grabovski far away from Kessel, he is simply not a playmaker at all.
7- Earlier in the season I would have said all three, with Blake, Mayers and Wallin watching from above. However, now that the damage to this season has been done, I would say leave them all where they are, except for the occasional call-up and let them develop. No sense exposing them to the losing atmosphere at this point.
8- Where do you start? They have very few assets on the roster that are tradeable, other than Kaberle and his value deteriorates as his contract gets closer to expiration. It looks like he is not going to be a part of the short term success of this team, only because it doesn’t look like they will have any short term success. Therefore, Burke should start accepting bids for Tomas and get the best possible return he can in return. Then , hopefully he could entice Kaberle back to the team if he becomes a UFA. As for the other under-achievers, get what you can for them ASAP. Nashville did express an interest in Ponikarovsky last year at the trade deadline, see if it is still there. He is big, but soft, and it is time for a change of scenery, maybe Atlanta could be interested too. As for the rest (Stempniak, Exelby, Stajan, Primeau, Mayers, Mitchell, Toskala), whose contracts expire and will become UFA’s, get what you can or let them go. Of this bunch, I would only sign back Mitchell and Stajan. I know a lot of posters are frustrated with Stajan, but he can be effective if he is put back in his role, which is as a third-line center who can chip in with some offense, and fill in on the top two lines when injuries happen. I would also seriosly evaluate the coaching position after the Olympic break. I doubt very much that Burke will pull the plug on Wilson before then, simply because of their relationshiip with USA Hockey, however it is something he needs to look at seriously. I cannot name a single aspect of team play that has improved since Wilson has arrived. He had a reputation as a no-nonsense coach who place an emphasis on special team play, yet their PK was the worst in the league last year, and is on pase to repeat again this year. This is a coachable skill, yet Wilson and his staff have failed to illicit any kind of improvement in this area at all. Individually, too many players on this team have regressed in their play to merely be a coincidence. I look at Schenn, Hagman, Grabovski, Kulemin, and even Toskala as examples. A coach with a proven track record of developing young players, and who has the respect of the players needs to be brought in. I look at Dale Hunter as an example of a possible choice. Finally, scouting, scouting, scouting. This is one area that MLSE can still outspend the other teams, and should. Because of the Kessel deal, they are going to have to really work hard to find lower round players who can come through. This has been a weak point of this organization since expansion and although Burke has made some moves in that deprtment, he can never do enough. Get the pro scouts out there to report on the pending UFA’s and how they might fit in when the leafs have considerable cap space opening up next year.
9- If Kaberle stays, it will be him, otherwise Phil Kessel.
10- Unfortunately, it looks like this slump will be followed by more, and the playoffs are already out of reach.
11- I haven’t purchased a Leaf jersey for myself ever, however I did buy my girlfriend a #10 waty back when George Ferguson was wearing that number (she thought he was cute).
November 17th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
@ingy56
Stajan effective if put back in his role? Oh please do explain.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
@honesthockey
It was Burke or Wilson who proclaimed him to be a top six forward (On the Leafs anyways) when he really isn’t. Quinn used him on the PK and as a third or fourth-line and I though he played responsibly. If they could sign him for a reasonable contract I would, but if he goes , no problem either. I just feel that he has been put into a role as a top-six forward when in reality he is not. That may have forced him to change his game somewhat and think he is an offensive juggernaut.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Trade him to Edmonton to play with Quinn again
November 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Please everyone – stajan blows and blows big time. Don’t care what role he plays – he just can’t cut it anywhere (and I’m talking about a roster that could compete for a stanley cup). Ok maybe he could play 4th line minutes, but not on my team.
Burkie – top 6 – talent – skill – speed
Burkie – bottom 6 – grit, defensive game, hard to play against.
I see stajan fitting … oh wait none of those rolls.
Can we just move on and start ripping the baby known as Jason Blake – cause he sucks more that stajan does and makes 5 million. Man what a bag of shit.
1. Normal toskala – 1 bad goal every game.
2. No he is a rookie and will have bad games – shit Bobby lou sucked for 5 – 6 games.
3. Yeah he looked good – 1 game only – if he made top 4 in a year or 2 – that would be amazing.
4. No
5. Yes (but not his -9)
6. Just what has Grabo ever done to think he’s a top player ??? that’s my question. I personaly think this kids just can’t cut top 6 forward — just another Matty Stajan.
7. At some point – lets hope some forwards not named Phil Kessel break some legs.
8. Focus should be on a first line center – that’s it. (kadri, bozak should be able to fill 2 and 3rd line center over the next few years)
9. Kabby/Kessel it will be close.
10. Sure if they win 40 out of the next 60 games, and considering there on pace for about 3 every 20…….
11. Never owned a leaf Jersey……… But i did see an Allison jersey the other day ..LOL
November 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
@ingy
While I would agree with you that Stajan is not a top 6, he is further away from being a bottom 6 type player. Unless you believe your bottom 6 do not play strategic roles. Defensively Stajan is very suspect and he has been a part of poor PK’s the longest on this team.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
1) No
Grit up front. Heart anywhere.
2) No. Yes
3) No. 5-6 Dman at best.
4) Yes. No.
5) Absolutely NOT.
6) No. How do you separate one?
7) No.
9) Stajan
10) What slump? Next year? Yes
November 17th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
@honesthockey
Agreed, I just don’t think he is the biggest issue on the team right now, far from it. If they can get something for him I am all for it, but if they sign him back and use him properly, he could contribute. However, it could simply be time for a change for both parties. That’s all I was trying to get at.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I guess I believe he IS the biggest issue on the team right now and I don’t believe he carries any value. He IMO alone is taking a roster spot of more deserving.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
1) God I hope so… if only so I can stop cringing everytime a shot is fired at our net.
2) Not really. Stuff like that happens to everyone once in a while. Honestly, I want to see how he responds to it. Consider it the first true test of character he’s had to face in our market. And apparently he never had the starter’s job, which makes no sense imo… I think he should have, but w/e
3) Very much so. I was especially impressed with his poise, considering it was his first game. I am a huge fan of his pairing with schenn, as their games seem to compliment each others. Unfortunately he’ll probably be the first cut once komi is back…
4) Not really. I think he played amazingly well last year, and feels that much more pressure to continue to improve. At the age of 20 he has plenty of time to rediscover his game and settle in to his role.
5) Honestly, in the calgary game not really. Mostly because other guys picked it up and played the way we were expecting them to (ala beauch and schenn). They all brought a more physical game, so he wasn’t as missed as maybe he should have been. Gunnar played great too, so that helped ease the load on some of the guys.
6) I can understand trying to keep a balanced attack, as we really don’t have a lot of scoring depth, but I’d like so see it if only for a game. I’m curious as to what chemistry that might have.
7) I’d like to see them continue to develop their games in the minors a little longer, honestly. I can understand wanting to see them up right away because of the hype, but I’m wary of putting to responsibility much on them as individuals. You know that as soon as they come up they will be heralded as “saviours” for this drowing club and I’m really nervous about that being a detriment to their confidence if they can’t perform to those expectations.
8 ) Obviously our forwards need to be addressed, scoring in particular. I am pleased for the most part with how the offseason was handled and the upgrades to our blueline and goaltending. I believe that more patience is required in order for Burke to truly build the team he wants. It was said that this would take a few years, and I’m willing to give that to him. What’s a few more years to Leafs fans, anyway? lol
9) ugh, i wasnt even aware the name ’stajan’ and term ’scoring leader’ were allowed in the same paragraph, let alone sentence. The battle between kabs and kessel will be interesting for sure. if he wasn’t injured before i would have said kessel but kabs is ripping it up right now. then again, he could be traded, but i doubt that happens until the summer. I’m gonna go with kabs based on kessels fewer games and his lack of legit 1st liners…
10) I think the wins will definitely start coming, but I don’t think playoffs are a reality this year. I honestly don’t think they ever were…
Bonus Question
11) ooh, I don’t think i can really answer this. I’ve only ever had joseph, belfour, potvin, and ace bailey. belfour, i guess but even that’s not as bad as some other people i’m sure
(and yes, I apparently have a goalie fetish… LOL)
November 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
1. He will improve there isnt any doubt there, but to be fair who would want to be a leaf goal tender anyways.
2. It never rains but pours. A bad start that just got worse, he’ll get over it. Im sure Gustavsson has had says like that before afterall this isn’t his first season with the pads on.
3. To early to tell and I’m not getting carried away with a debut performance.
4. Its his sophomore year and hes acting the goat. Can’t be easy for a young lad to be drafted to THE hockey city, straight onto the team and improve the teams defence immediately (not hard to do considering). Then be told (listen in the press) that your untradeable and the leafs future possibly even captain material. If that doesn’t get to a young egos head what will.
5. Komisareks loss isn’t that noticeable as he hasn’t been here long, but it is a loss nonetheless as we want all the players to play together and gel.
6. I was for the idea of playing a “russian” line and a “US” line and tell them the winning line come the end of the year doesnt take a 10 game break in the minnors. That being Kulemin-Poni-Grab V Kessel-blake-stempniak.Unfortunately there is arguably on one of the six players there who would welcome a challenge of thoughts. As for Grab with Kessel, considering the above, why not.
7. Stalberg should get a shot, the other two not quite yet.
8. A centre who crashes the net, is a pressence and can clip the odd defencemans ear. Nathan Horton maybe.
9. Kessel without a doubt, he’ll have a 65 points tally no probs.
10. What slump? Sure were next bottom in the league but that was caused by the first 8 games (sure the last three – but three games isn’t form its a blip) but the run of 7-8 games collecting atleast a point showed some real grit.
11. Im not ashamed of any Maple Leaf jersey and any true fan that is is a complete ……… – I’ll allow you to fill in the gaps. I sit watching on the computer watching the leafs until 3-4-5 am in the morning, haven’t missed a match yet, I have a young family so it isn’t easy, I often get dissapointed BUT I have true love for all things Leaf (p.s. englishman in sweden – thus the time)
November 17th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
1. No. I don’t believe Vesa is long for the NHL. He will finish the year with the Leafs if we can’t move him and be in Europe next year.
2. Not really. Wasn’t thrilled but the kid is for real and is still learning the game.
3. Steady. So yeah, better than most of what we have seen all year.
4. It is a concern for the now but he will be fine…..you touch on it yourself. He’s 19.
5. Yeah for sure……-9 or not he was starting to come along.
6. Why not? Not like he is breaking up a Hull and Oates or anything.
7. Hanson and Stalberg. Stalberg with Grabo and Hagman and Hanson with stajan and Kessel
8. Scoring but I feel he has done what he can outside of trading Kaberle which doesn’t seem wise right now. No picks to deal and nothing of much worth other than Kabs………Long time backer of Beauchemin but he is wearing on me now and I could seee him a target at the deadline.
9. Kaberle
10. they will get out of it for sure but they will not make the playoffs and they are staring at a lottery pick…which isn’t all that bad of a deal…ahhhh, F***! Nevermind.
11. I had a McCabe jersey…..sent it home to Ireland with a cousin.
November 17th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
1) With Vesa Toskala getting the nod against the Senators tonight, do you think the Finnish goaltender will finally get back on track?
- he’s looked better over each of the last 3 games, with saturday being his best. allaire has also said that his practice habits are improving, and you’ll recall that it was his poor practice habits that caused burke to “call him out” last year. getting the start tonight after playing all but 10 minutes over the past couple games will probably boost his confidence, as well. i think the 2007-08 toskala is making his return.
.
2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson’s performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion?
- every goalie has bad games, and gustavsson is no exception. i have no doubt that he’ll bounce back from it in a positive way and learn from it. but for now, he’s given toskala a prime opportunity to re-gain the job, and it’s up to toskala to play well enough to keep getting the starts.
.
3) Were you impressed by Carl Gunnarson’s first National Hockey League game? What type of future do you see the Swedish rearguard having with the Leafs?
- very impressed! i was a bit worried when i heard he hadn’t had a good start in the AHL, but he was solid on saturday and looked good offensively. he should be a big help in that regard. i think he should play the rest of the year in the AHL once komi’s back (barring injuries to other d-men) and make the team next year.
.
4) Is Luke Schenn’s sluggish play concerning you? Or is this simply a necessary learning curve for the 19-year-old?
- just the dreaded sophomore slump. it’s painful to watch, but we couldn’t expect him to be absolutely perfect at his age (isn’t he 20 now, btw? or is his birthday later this month?)
.
5) Is the loss of Mike Komisarek from the Leafs’ blueline noticeable?
- yes. they’re not as truculent, for one thing.
.
6) Is it time for Mikhail Grabovski to center Phil Kessel? Or should Ron Wilson continue to separate the scoring forwards?
- i can’t see that experiment having good results, so there’s probably not much point in trying it out.
.
7) Should the Leafs include Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and/or Viktor Stalberg to the lineup? Who should be sent to the press box?
- YES. all 3. they would all bring necessary different elements to the leafs’ play, and it couldn’t hurt for the veterans seeing young guys take their spots. jason blake’s one guy who could be benched, as well as wallin and stajan or even grabovski, who’s had a slow start.
.
8 ) There’s been a lot of fingers pointed towards Brian Burke to bolster the Leafs. How do you propose he upgrades the team? What aspects specifically?
- there’s not much he can do via trade, with the lack of assets, but a power forward is a must — a big, strong young forward willing to hit and take up residence in front of the net.
.
9) Who will lead the Leafs in scoring this year? Kaberle, Kessel or the Messiah known as Matt Stajan?
- kessel!
.
10) Will the Leafs get out their current slump? Are the playoffs even a fathomable possibility?
- this team is better than they were last year, minus the scoring, so the results have to show it eventually. at this point, playoffs are looking less and less likely, but the blues did it last year, so if the leafs can find a way to score and the defence continues to improve, playoffs are still not out of the realm of impossibility.
.
Bonus Question
.
11) Of all the Leafs jerseys you’ve purchased in your lifetime, which one are you most ashamed of? (I’ll go first: Toskala)
- well, i’ve only bought one: matt stajan. not ashamed, really, but he’s not doing much… i bought it during the lockout.
November 17th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
1) With Vesa Toskala getting the nod against the Senators tonight, do you think the Finnish goaltender will finally get back on track?
never
2) Are you concerned with Jonas Gustavsson’s performance last Saturday? Is he still in possession of the starting goaltender role in your opinion?
H is still #1 but he will be dragged down by to futility like the rest
3) Were you impressed by Carl Gunnarson’s first National Hockey League game? What type of future do you see the Swedish rearguard having with the Leafs?
He will be on team off and on all year, hes as good as anyone else
4) Is Luke Schenn’s sluggish play concerning you? Or is this simply a necessary learning curve for the 19-year-old?
Time to trade him for a #1 I think
5) Is the loss of Mike Komisarek from the Leafs’ blueline noticeable?
Mike who?
6) Is it time for Mikhail Grabovski to center Phil Kessel? Or should Ron Wilson continue to separate the scoring forwards?
Won’t matter a lick who is paired with who, they all suck.
7) Should the Leafs include Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and/or Viktor Stalberg to the lineup? Who should be sent to the press box?
Yes of course and send anyone else to the box.. who cares?
8 ) There’s been a lot of fingers pointed towards Brian Burke to bolster the Leafs. How do you propose he upgrades the team? What aspects specifically?
Anything he does is poison so what difference does it make now.
9) Who will lead the Leafs in scoring this year? Kaberle, Kessel or the Messiah known as Matt Stajan?
Kaberle as I said back in August.
10) Will the Leafs get out their current slump? Are the playoffs even a fathomable possibility?
Current slump? They been in it for years now.
Bonus Question
11) Of all the Leafs jerseys you’ve purchased in your lifetime, which one are you most ashamed of? (I’ll go first: Toskala)
Luckily I have a Lanny McDonald ..what a nice man he is too.
You stay classy, MLHS.
November 17th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I can’t believe I read someone has an Aki Berg jersey.
Hopefully my current #2 jersey doesn’t turn out the same way… Schenn.
November 17th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
1) I think he’ll finally be given a legit chance to prove he is still good, yes. The team itself was just terrible, and Toskala is known to be a slow starter. I think now he’ll start to play his game and be the goalie we had for the 2nd half of 07/08.
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2) No. Gus has been pretty over-worked for an import goalie who hadn’t played much tune up hockey in the pre-season, and was essentially thrust into the starters role after his second injury in a month. He’s got to be gassed right now.
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3) Didn’t watch the game, so I’ll say I like what I heard about his game.
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4) It is definitely a little scary to see him playing the way he has. Hopefully he snaps out of it soon and starts playing the game we know he can, because otherwise, we can chalk him up to being one of the dozens of players the Leafs have rushed into having their careers screwed up.
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5) Again, didn’t watch the game, but I’m gonna say yes
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6) 3 Goals. I’m sorry, you said we’re seperating scoring forwards?
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7) I’d like to see all 3 of them given a chance, with Finger (mostly salary reasons) Blake and Mayers getting new lockers in the ricoh.
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8 ) Trade for a David Backes/Nathan Horton type player who plays a power-forward type game. I’d say include White if need be, because with the top 4 essentially locked up forever, he won’t get a chance. Unless Burke feels that Schenn isn’t a part of the future (not bloody likely after this summer), then trade him for a more significant return up front and re-sign White. We definitely need somebody up front who can be an imposing figure in the opposition’s zone.
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9) Considering the “greatness” he’s surrounded by, I’m sure Kaberle will lead the team in scoring by the end of the season. Kessel will make it close though.
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10) It’s more unlikely to fathom the Leafs staying in this “slump” for the rest of the season than to believe that they’re going to make the playoffs. They’ll get hot sooner than later with Toskala and Gustavsson hopefully pushing each other to create solid goaltending. It’s hard to think that they won’t get a shake up, and even if they don’t, that they’ll be this garbage all year.
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Bonus Question
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11) I’d have to say my McCabe jersey, even though I don’t really think it’s anything to be ashamed of. I’m probably more ashamed that the Leafs “fans” ran him out of town when he was clearly nowhere near as bad as he was made to seem.