The blog is back. For now, anyway. The Leafs, not so sure about them.
Damien Cox is asking the question this morning, what's it take to fire a Leaf?
 |
| CP PHOTO |
| Ed Belfour: Gets the hook, 83 minutes late. |
The hockey team, with 24 victories against 25 defeats (three by shootout) this season, is awash in excuses and clichés and a near-total absence of player accountability, not surprising since even multiple errors or giveaways rarely result in a benching.
Eighty-three minutes late, Ed Belfour got the bench last night after giving up four goals in 23 minutes. Belfour's overwrought reaction after the Sabres' first goal, a flukey one in off the skate of Allison, was the first clue that Eddy might be feeling a tad tired and emotional. The needless penalty he took right after was the next -- Glenn Healy noted all this on the broadcast quite nicely, and it became a theme of the night. From that penalty on, the remainder of the game, with the Leafs' normal AHL-level defence sinking even lower, had the feel of watching the same horror films we've grown used to these past three weeks. Whenever the Leafs got back to within spitting distance of Buffalo, their defence broke down completely.
You have to go a long way back for the most miserable January in MLSE annals -- all the way to last year, in fact. Instead of a lockout, there's this seven-game losing streak and the usual media firestorm. Instead of trading away their cornerstone malcontent and $10 million for a bag of beads, the Raptors have dropped five of their last six and yesterday fired basketball GM Rob Babcock. Neither of their teams play anything resembling defence and there are systemic problems in the overall organization -- I'd say the two are related, defence being predicated on effort and tenacity, and this MLSE defined by complacency and insulated by the lack of a serious alternative. MLSE is the sporting equivalent of the federal Liberals -- tired, out of ideas, riven by infighting, dedicated mostly to the preservation of its power and in dire need of a kick in the ass -- but alas, there are no elections in pro sports.
But there I go, piling on when times are bad. The Leafs are right where most of us thought they'd be. It's a pretty ugly sight, but it's also no surprise. As for Damien's central argument of firing Pat Quinn? It's not the right time. The only case in which I'd see that working is if it was accompanied by a trade(s) of Belfour, or Sundin, or Allison, or one of the Leafs' supposed veteran mainstays at the trade deadline, in exchange for player(s) that will help them in the future -- in other words, if they give up on this season, a decision that they will have to make pretty soon if they keep at this level, just below the playoff grid. Then you give the team to Maurice -- heck, he's going to get the call this summer anyway.
All of that is contingent on MLSE actually giving a damn.
Some other links:
Up in Muskoka, it's a pond hockey tournament. (Far as I know, no one's been fired yet.)
Eric Lindros and the Rangers are haggling over $1 million.
Darcy Tucker will try contact drills today, and may return tomorrow against Montreal.
(C.Y.)
What in the Wide, Wide World of Sports is up with the Toronto Maple Leafs? John Ferguson Jr told us he had a Master Plan for our beloved Leafs at the start of the season but wouldn't reveal to anyone what it was. If the plan was to miss the Playoffs while providing all fans with a horrible on ice product then congratulations Johnny your all Aces. It's time to get off your keester, reevaluate the mess you are in and begin to fix it. For the love of Mike...blow this team up and start again... let the young guys play, get something, anything young for your over rated vets and move on. Your inactivity is begining to look like deer in the headlights lack of direction... don't be stubborn as a pig on ice...admit your plan was flawed and fix it....
Posted by: Dave Schefter | January 27, 2006 at 11:47 AM
As surprised as I was to see Eddie Belfour in net when the game started last night, I was even more surprised (and RELIEVED) when Pat Quinn pulled him from the game. I'd've pulled him after the first goal, quite frankly, when he had his little hissy fit. (I yelled that at my tv, but I guess Pat didn't hear me. I'm sure my neighbours did, though.)
It was my impression 'way last summer that JFJr had written off this season. While I have tried to keep an open mind, I have seen nothing yet to change it. There have been a few bright spots from time to time, but the team is pretty much as lousy as I thought it'd be. The one thing I didn't expect, though, was what looks like a total lack of chemistry between the players. They look like they just don't care. I'm wondering if the Leafs' new slogan ('THE PASSION THAT UNITES US ALL') is meant ironically...
Posted by: Carla | January 27, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Did anyone else notice this?
It looked as though Allison purposely kicked in the puck on the first Sabres Goal from Hecht. He is after all a professional Hockey Player (or at least so I thought...) that has full control of his skates. There was no one around him and he kicked it as though he was kicking it in the opposing net - you know when guys get cheeky and try and get away with kicking the puck in the net hoping the refs won't notice.
Thoughts anyone? Here's a link:
http://www.nhl.com/video/app?component=%24DirectLink_1&page=PlayerHighlights&service=direct&sp=S%2F20052006%2F02%2F0741%2FIH_NHL_2006_R_741_BUF%40TOR_300k_0002_TOR1200228_Goal.WMV&sp=8462077
hmmm.... I think Allison's asking to be traded. Belfour looked like he wanted to swat Allison with his stick rather than the post. I'd be pissed if I was Belfour - leaving him all alone night after night has to wear on his game after a while.
Posted by: NR | January 27, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Oh, brother. NR, don'tcha think it might've simply been the puck banging into his skate that made Allison's foot move like that? Seems to me that's much more likely than Allison trying to score on Eddie on purpose so that he could be traded. Dat's just crazy-talk.
Posted by: Carla | January 27, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Yeah, the Leafs' are playing pretty lousy right now. But give them a break, all teams struggle at one point or another in the season. They will get much better when key players like Mccabe, Tucker, and Lindros return. They should trade Eddy, as hes getting older, he is losing productivity, and I would rather have Tellqvist behind the pipes at the moment. They also need to shake up their D.. Aki Berg shouldn't be playing in the NHL, not to mention Wozniewsky or Kronwall, not just yet atleast. They need to pick up two or three quality defenceman if they want to advance anywhere in the playoffs. And yes.. they will sneak into the playoffs this year, they are just going through a rough stretch right now. Allowing 5,6,7,8 goals a game is unacceptable. Their offence looks fine, they just need some qualitiy defenseman that dont turn over the puck in their own end.
Posted by: Fred | January 27, 2006 at 01:36 PM
I think JFJ's plan for this season was to hope for the best, put some warm bodies on the ice, bring in Lindros for the fans and wait for next year's big pile of free agents. Well, he got it partially right, they are warm bodies. The big name free agents he wanted to go after are locked up (Thorton, Vinnie, etc).
The Leafs have very little to trade, Allison may want out but who will take him? Sundin? Remember in the new NHL you have to trade salary for salary. Find another underachieving $6 million player and you may have something.
The problem, as I tell anyone who'll listen, is that as long as every game is sold out there is no incentive to change. Yes making the playoffs is worth a lot of money, but it also costs money. Better scouting and player development cost eat into the playoff payoff.
Welcome to the Ballard era phase 2, good enough to compete but not good enough to win.
Posted by: Craig | January 27, 2006 at 01:44 PM
One of the points that has been made here and over in my other blog is the lack of a plan -- or at least, if they do indeed have one, the lack of articulating a plan, which speaks to a certain arrogance. That's one area in which sports owners like Cuban, Leonsis et al are far ahead of the Leafs -- accessibility to their fan base, and openness regarding what they're trying to do. As the Leafs "brand", like the Liberals, become more about packaging and profits and less about content and results -- and that is why Peddie has survived all this time; he's a good potato-chip marketer -- so they draw farther and farther away from their core supporters.
Posted by: cy | January 27, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Do you really not see the plan, however flawed you may think it is?
Lindros and Allison on bargain contracts. A puck moving defenseman in Khavanov. Remember Pilar would've been in the mix. Domi returns. No more Reichel, Roberts, Nieuwy, Marchment, Renberg, et al. Give rolls to Stajan, Steen, and eventually Wellwood mostly due to the way the game is being called. Hopefully the plan will include giving a roll to Harrison and Pohl as well.
It is a decent plan. JFJr didn't break the bank on anybody and stopped making the same mistakes as in the past, ala the NYRangers. He isn't handcuffed for this off-season and can let Belfour walk. something for him.He could even trade him before the deadline if he really wanted to get
Do you want JFJr to spell it out? If he hadn't done anything I'd be complaining about the mysterious plan, but his plan is pretty obvious. The players not playing well are the problem at the moment, and perhaps a coaching issue or two, but not having a plan is not a problem.
Posted by: Ninja | January 30, 2006 at 09:51 AM
Ninja, Yes, I see the plan, but I'd love to see them spell it out, because there are enough anomalies -- signing Domi (an exercise that only showed how limited JFJ's influence really is) and relying so heavily on a 40-year-old goalie with a bad back -- that indicate this plan is not as foolproof as it looks. But leaving the plan itself aside, I want to hear someone in management who can communicate, rather than speak in a kind of bland corporate speak. Leafs fans have gone 39 years without a title, but instead of management clearly articulating their vision for how they're going to get there, they trumpet condo developments, soccer stadiums and we're left piecing together the plan via the spin-cycle from hand-picked media outlets and the house TV station.
Posted by: cy | January 30, 2006 at 11:15 AM
^ Yeah. What he said. >:-(
Posted by: Carla | January 30, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Ninja is right. The plan is there. You can't have everything. JFJ is smarter than he looks. He knew he couldn't override the owner on Domi, so he made that concession. Belfour was a good gamble. He can be very good. Unfortunately he hasn't been. The true test will come at the deadline when we will see if the usual last ditch effort to win a title comes through, or if the GM plays it cool, and lets things develop, or god forbid, unloads some veteran talent to get a prospect or two. It would be a blow to MLSE's ego to throw in the towel, but I think that's what might have to happen.
I don't think the ownership has to say anything. It is not their job to comment on hockey operations. They are speaking blandly and corporately because they are a bland corporation. I'd rather not have them telling the hockey people how to run the team. Domi issue aside (and, to be fair, Tie Domi is an energetic player. He has a role to play--there are far worse out there.) It is not up to Ferguson to say what his plan is, because he's got to deal with the other GMs, and he wants to play his cards close in that regard.
How about we just sit back and enjoy the hockey. Oh, right because the hockey sucks right now. Well, the Olympics will be on soon...
Posted by: Jlo | January 30, 2006 at 12:07 PM
I think JFJr's plan was this: "Let's write off this season". And it looks like he'll pull it off splendidly.
Posted by: Carla | January 30, 2006 at 01:40 PM
[quote=Toronto Sun, Feb. 1]
General manager John Ferguson continues to scour the market for potential deals but is shackled by both the salary cap and the growing demand for defencemen around the league.
"If there is a transaction out there that makes sense and furthers our goals, we'll make it," Ferguson said.
[/quote]
Has Fergie put a Trademark on this (non-)statement yet? He's said it umpteen times since he got to town...
Posted by: Carla | February 01, 2006 at 02:49 PM
There's a statement straight out of the MLSE handbook, and every other pro sports organization for that matter. But here's the real question -- why even bother using that quote in the story? It tells you nothing. Unless it's being used ironically, it's useless.
Posted by: cy | February 02, 2006 at 05:05 PM
Why is it the responsibility of the GM to tell the fans/media what the plan is? Let's be honest: are there any Leaf fans out there who are going to base their decision to follow the team on some kind of plan? It is pretty clear to me that this team HAS changed direction. All the rookies playing night-in, night-out are the proof. Remember Nathan Dempsey? When McCabe/Berg/Kavhanov went down, JFJ didn't sell the farm to bring in Bryan Marchment. They brought up the rookies and gave them a shot.
If you want to be cynical, you can say it is because the rookies come cheap. Fine. But that also shows that the Leafs ARE adapting to the new rules.
It is the media's job to find a story, and lately the story (because of the losing streak) has centred around a seeming lack of plan. I agree with Domi and Mats: the solution isn't to fire the coach, or gut the team. The solution is that the players have to play better. Remember, they aren't robots--they are people. Yes, they are being paid millions to entertain us, but that doesn't mean they won't have an off night.
From where I stand, the Leafs organization looks like it is in good shape. They have three (!) good to excellent goaltending prospects. They have a top-two defence that is showing it is as good as any other in the league (McCabe-Kaberle), and the kids are doing all right, too.
Wellwood will be a first line centre. Steen will be a first line winger. Stajan will be one of the best two-way forwards in the game. They are slumping now because they aren't used to the grind of a long NHL season. I predict the Olympic break (is Steen on team Sweden?) will do them some good.
The Leafs have real strength up the middle. Sundin, Allison and Lindros are on the old side of old, but they are still good for what they are getting paid. Sundin maybe less so, but geez, this is his first slump ever, and he nearly lost his eye, so cut the guy some slack. If there is one more story about how his not playing last year cost him his career, I'm gonna snap. When he is hitting his stride come playoff time, Leaf fans will be happy.
The media should focus on something more interesting. What do the Olympians do when they aren't skiing? What are their real jobs? Follow Bryan McCabe around at rehab. Talk about the Marlies. All the JFJ hectoring is, to use cy's words "useless." The Leafs have moved on. Now it is time for the Toronto media to do the same.
Posted by: Jlo | February 03, 2006 at 01:15 PM
and no, the Leafs aren't going to win the Stanley Cup this year. Probably not next year, either. 3-4 years from now...could be.
Posted by: Jlo | February 03, 2006 at 02:09 PM