Guest Post: Five reasons Leaf fans can take solace

Playoffs or No Playoffs, The Future Has Never Looked Brighter

BY TYLER PADLEY

This time of year is especially cruel for members of Leafs Nation. We are forced to temporarily change our rooting allegiances for the spring or, even worse, stop watching altogether.

Yes, the boys in blue and white are at risk of missing the playoffs for yet another year. But even though you've heard this countless times already, I'm now writing to tell you this year is different – and in a good way.

I'm here to encourage fellow members of Leafs Nation to take solace in this up-and-down season because, when you glance at the numbers, the tale of 2010-2011 promises to be the start of something very special:

1. Let us take solace... in the fact the Leafs are one of two teams with three players in the Top 30 for goals scored. Phil Kessel, Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, as of this writing, stand at 19th, 20th and 29th in the league, respectively. The New York Islanders are the only other team with this kind of triple threat. While Grabovski and Kulemin have set new career highs, it's not unreasonable to expect both young players to repeat this success. Kessel just happens to be the youngest of the bunch and he is closing in on his third consecutive 30-goal campaign.

2. Let us take solace... in the fact the big gamble to acquire Dion Phaneuf seems to be paying off. Over the last 23 games, he's been playing at a 0.65 points-per-game pace. If he can maintain this over an entire season, it would extrapolate to 14 goals, 37 assists and 51 points.

Being paired with the young Keith Aulie has contributed to Phaneuf's resurgence, as has his increased power play time since the Tomas Kaberle trade.

Any way you look at it, the captain's play has been stellar over a sustained period this year and we will need that going forward.

3. Let us take solace... in the fact James Reimer appears to be the real deal. With 26 starts for the Leafs this year, he boasts a 15-7-4 record, has 2 shutouts, a 2.59 GAA and a sparkling .922 save percentage, which is tied for sixth in the entire league.

Reimer has thrived in back-to-back games, has bounced back from bad games and has stolen games all by himself. Most important, he gives us a chance to win every night.

And if you can't take solace in all of this, how about the fact Ben Scrivens’ numbers with the Marlies this year (11-9-4, 2 SO, 2.26 GAA and .926 save percentage) are eerily close to what Reimer's were last season (14-8-2, 1 SO, 2.25 GAA and 0.925 save percentage).

4. Let us take solace... in the fact we've had very promising reports from a great number of prospects. Whether it's three-time OHL Player of The Week Greg McKegg, who keeps adding to his career best totals (49 goals, 43 assists, 92 points and +20 in 66 games) with the Erie Otters or WCHA Player of The Year Matt Frattin, who led the league in scoring with 33 goals and 21 assists and is Top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

And let's not forget about standout AHL prospects like Joe Colborne, Jussi Rynnas and the recently recalled Nazem Kadri, who scored his first NHL goal on Saturday.

5. Let us take solace... in the fact general manager Brian Burke now has the tools to do his job this off-season. At the deadline, he cleared a lot of salary and with the expiring contract of J.S. Giguere, Burke should have more than $24 million to wheel-and-deal in the weeks ahead.

He also has two late first round draft picks, multiple second and third round picks, prospects and players that other teams will no doubt covet. (When you're trading Kaberle or Kris Versteeg near the deadline, the market is limited. But every team will listen when you offer up a first round pick before the draft.)

Add that to a crop of free agents that currently includes Brad Richards, Kevin Bieksa, Andrei Markov and Simon Gagne, and you can expect this to be a very busy off-season for Toronto's front office.

Over the past six years of crawling and scratching through the season only to collapse before the finish line, never before have the Leafs had so much going for them this late in March: The youth, the cap space, the plethora of picks, the prospects and the impending free agents.

While not seeing them in the post-season may still be painful, Leafs Nation can take solace in the promise of better days ahead.

 

 

Tyler Padley (aka TPiddy) was born in North Bay and now lives in Etobicoke. A card-carrying member of Leafs Nation since 1990, he spends entirely too much time analyzing all things blue and white.

 

MAIN PHOTO: STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

Comments

[TPiddy]

I'd like to thank Vinay for giving me the opportunity to do a guest blog. ALF B has become like a second home for me on the internet :).

[Chris Reed]

As much as it pains me to say it, the future is indeed looking bright. Probably the brightest for any Ontario based team since the late 90's Sens. Might even snap the league's longest Cup drought soon. ;)

[leafland'r]

.....and the difference in teams that just missed the playoffs since the lockout is the best-before-dates. The roster of the preBurke years ran up to their expiry date. Now the fresh load of players have the 20teens to become a dynasty or, at least, a Stanley Cup Champion.
You're right TPiddy, there is room for optimism. I've taken solace in your "Let us take solace" points. Climb to 2014 Champions would be nice. Even the journey to the destination would a thrill ride.

[Jon]

Well written blog ! While painful to see the Leafs not make the playoffs this year(still have a longshot) I am BIGTIME encouraged about their future !! I have not seen this many good/great prospects in a loooonnng time !! I believe Burke will make a trade at the draft and add bodies July 1st !! Going forward the Leafs have a great core of young talented players who, with solid goaltending from October, should make the playoffs and do some damage next year. I've said it before and i say it again, Burke is setting up this franchise to cup contend for years to come. IN BURKE WE TRUST !!!

[Boo Who?]

Loved seeing this post first thing on a Monday morning! Awesome way to start my day, thank you Tyler!

Because I am in agreement with just about every blessed word and have no useful feedback on any matter pre-caffeination, I will only say that 'Greg McKegg' is the best name ever and that he's very lucky he doesn't know me in real life because I would probably talk of little else. ("Why if it isn't my old friend Mr. McKegg, with a leg for an arm and an arm for a leg.")

I would luuuurrve seeing Kevin Bieksa in the Blue and White. Make it so.

[Matt Taylor]

Hey, it's not technically the league's longest cup drought, St. Louis has yet to win a cup, so their drought is the same as ours. Plus, we're still 6 years from the Blackhawks' 49 year drought

[TPiddy]

@Boo - Yeah, McKegg is a great name, his nickname will probably end up being "Kegger" which is even better!

Bieksa is a Burke draft pick let's not forget that either :)

[TG77]

Nice post! I looked up Bradley Ross' stats just now and he has 69 pts in 67 games, is a plus 29 and has 171 PIMs so he might be in the mix next year too.

[Wandering Penguin]

There is a lot to love about this team as far as its current roster goes. I become despondent, however, when I try to picture another x number of years with Wrong Wilson at the helm. I think I will have to temper my otherwise unbridled enthusiasm for the future of the Blue and White until we are liberated from his Wrongness.

Oh, and a 5th and 6th NHL-calibre defenceman wouldn't hurt, either.

[TPiddy]

@TG - Yes, I wasn't able to grab every prospect's numbers, but I figured that McKegg and Frattin could be big parts of the equation. In fact, if Frattin wasn't in the NCAA playoffs right now I'm sure he'd sign with the Marlies like Jake Gardiner just did. Ross projects to be more of a pest with offensive upside and not a top line player, but I'd love to have him in the bottom 6 next year. Armstrong, Bozak, Brent, Brown, Boyce and Ross would be perfect.

[fishypete]

I'd like to make a small argument that Wilson is not that bad of a coach. Like any other human being, he makes mistakes, but overall this season I am satisfied with him. Most ALL of the players have bloomed under him. I think where he falls down with most of you, is that he comes across as an unemotional prick on TV. I'm not so sure that this is his true character. I'm thinking that at the end of the day, he really does care. I too questioned the choice of Giggy over James a few nights back, but then a friend mentioned, there is little to no advantage in playing him constantly this season, when the team isn't ready yet to make a good run in the playoffs anyway - while he may not be "tired" in the traditional sense, a baptism by fire can also be properly managed and tempered, can it not? Just some food for thought.

[moe green]

Agreed and great post Tpiddy. All us Leafs fans know that there is a definite changing of the guard in Leafland. All I can say is that it's about time. I agree with everything you said and I can only add that it does take some of the sting out of missing the post season again. I certainly feel better than I did at this time last year.

I still can't help feeling that a little more urgency and some better coaching would have us there this year gathering some great experience for next year's cup run. I am a dreamer aren't I. What can you do, I am a Leaf fan.

I will say this with confidence: Finally Leaf fans have a Gm who's actually taking the long view and giving us some NHL-calibre GM-ing. Go and work your magic this summer Brian Burke or we'll be an even crankier bunch next season. Maybe next year, maybe next year. I've said it before but this time I actually believe it.

[TPiddy]

Wilson's been up and down so far.... he's got a good track record of developing young talent in Anaheim, San Jose and now here in Toronto, but why haven't the special teams improved? The players are getting better, the team's record is getting better, yet special teams still languish in the basement area of the league. Special teams were Wilson's calling card in San Jose. If it was due to the talent he had to work with, what kind of a coach can only coach good players? Something is amiss here, and I don't know if any of the assistants need to go or if someone needs to be brought in, but if Wilson continues to show no improvement in the special teams department then maybe we should look at another coach.

[Wandering Penguin]

@fishypete: you may be right in your assessment of why some people don't like him, but he "falls down" with me in myriad ways going back a lot farther than just his tenure here in Toronto. It's not for nothing that the classiest ex-Leaf still in the NHL just laughed and changed the subject when asked about his relationship with his ex-coach. For further proof, maybe check with Patrick Marleau. And that's just his personality I'm talking about. I could write a book of all the "mistakes" - both fairly small and head-slappingly large - he has made and continues to make behind the bench.

But that is for later. For now, I am trying to stay positive until the math doesn't work out any longer.

[leefan]

@Matt Taylor

If you are talking about current droughts, then Toronto's is currently the longest. LA Kings are also in the same category as the Blues, haven't won yet, Buffalo and Vancouver since 1970, the Rangers went from '40 to 95.

[We BeLeaf]

Nicely done TPiddy, and agreed with the future looking bright. While most times draft picks rarely pan out to the hype preceded them, but if 50 per cent of the picks translate into successful Leafs careers, then I'd say he's done a heck of a job in ensuring the future success of the franchise.

Cheers!

[Boo Who?]

@ TPiddy - no, no, you have to say his whole name to acheive full fabulousity. I would never call him just Greg. It'd be 'Greg McKegg!' (exclamation point mandatory) each and every time. And oh, the limericks I could write!! Gregs are awesome people to irritate, with their easily bastardized name. **Must resist impulse to annoy one** Deeeeeep breath...

Bieksa is a Burkie kinda guy. I used to get tons of heat from Canucks fans for liking him because he was their favourite whipping boy (on the level of a Komi or even Lebda in some quarters) but I am feeling very very vindicated this year. Now everyone is jumping on ol' Kevvie's jock. I think he'd be quite missed in the dressing room here in Vancouver, but have no doubt he'd fit in with our little dudes. Make it so, Burkie. Make it so.

[Robert]

T.Piddy thank you for putting it together in a meaningful way. There has been a great deal of bluster this season, but, your clearly thought out post is evidence that we are going in the right direction, and there is more to come.
As for Wilson, there is talk around the league that coachs today are younger and better able to relate to today's player.
There are a lot of people who feel Wilson had a cup team in Anaheim and couldn't get them over the hump. That under his guidance, the team in fact did poorly. And again, the problem seemed to be his inability to communicate with his young stars.
Nevertheless your excellent review of the players on stage and those in the wings brings a renewed sense of joy that we are going in the right directions.
A great read.

[KD]

All along, I've felt that this year's late season playoff push, while it will unfortulately probably have the same result as in past years, somehow "feels" different. There's actually some meaning to the phrase "wait until next year" this time around.
.
Still, I'd love to see this unlikely scenario: 1. The Leafs sneak in and grab the 8th spot. 2. The Leafs manage to upset their first round opponent (probably Philly). 3. Boston gets upset in the first round, ideally by the Habs (justice for Max Pac). The end result? Boston's first round pick (the one we got for Kaberle) would actually be better than the one we gave them for Kessel. It would make the one we got from Philly better than ours, too, as an added bonus.
.
By the way, does anyone else think it's strange that even though Reimer has 2 shutouts, he actually was charged with a loss in one of them? Yes, I know that's how the scoring works, it's just weird that you can get a shutout and still lose.

[fredf]

I would generally agree with you that the outlook for next year is pretty good. Of course, I would have said that the last two years. But this time seems for real.

And I think Burke has made the right moves and continues to do so. I think such moves as Gustaffson were a gamble worth taking. Not all gambles pan out.

Where I would disagree with you is your assessment of Phaneuf and Kadri. While Phaneuf has definitely played better the last 10 games, I just don't see him as a long term good enough player.
And I'm still not enthusiastic about Kadri.
But on both accounts I hope to be wrong.

And comparing us to the Islanders is not a great move!

But, still, there is a lot of upside to this team and I am still enjoying watching them.... and isn't that what it's all about.

[TPiddy]

@Robert - Thank you. I've always been a numbers kind of guy, and while they don't always translate to NHL success, in many cases they indeed do.

What really excites me is the Leafs new-found ability to draft and develop players that didn't necessarily come from the first round. We've seen teams like Florida, Columbus, the Islanders and Atlanta have year after year of top draft picks and it just hasn't worked for them, while teams like Detroit and San Jose regularly pick near the bottom or not in the first round at all and have sustained success. Player development, not drafting is what wins you championships and we are seeing that here with the success of our later round picks.

Reimer was a 4th rounder, Gunnarsson a 6th, Aulie a 4th, Boyce went undrafted. D'Amigo, Stalberg and now Josh Nicholls are all doing well in spite of going in the later rounds. Much of this credit should also go to Dallas Eakins and the Marlies. Moving them to Toronto has been a good move as well.

[TPiddy]

@fred - I'm not saying Dion is all of a sudden worth the $6.5 million we're paying him, but considering his age, his previous level of play, and what it took to get him out of Calgary, I think it's been a home run. I think he will continue to grow and mature as a player. As for Kadri, the kid has amazing hands and you see evidence of that on a nightly basis. His time in the AHL served him well. If he can be properly developed he'll be another Mike Ribeiro in his prime.

[Wandering Penguin]

@leefan: Matt's point was that the Leafs are not the SOLE possessors of the longest current drought. The Blues and Kings share that honour with the added distinction of having NEVER won the Cup. Since both the Blues and Kings joined the league the fall that the Leafs were defending champs, it's an equal drought to go around.

I notice we don't hear a lot of chirping from fans of those two teams about our drought. Actually, not that much from Sabres or Canucks fans, either. At least they have the sense to avoid that particular barb. USUALLY.

[We BeLeaf]

@ TPiddy,

Reimer was a JF Jr draft pick, not one of Burke's, so I guess he wasn't all that bad, eh?

[Wandering Penguin]

Just a quick point: the Leafs didn't draft Aulie. They did, however, develop him. That to me is another terrific reason to have Eakins take over the "youngest team in the league" next year.

What I have liked about Burke is his willingness to take whispered advice from his inner circle while keeping his own butt squarely in the sling. It seems to me that Fletcher and Nonis had quite a bit to do with the "throw-ins" to the Phaneuf deal (thought I cannot quite remember who insisted on Sjostrom and who on Aulie) and Burke listened to them. I can't seem to find the proof of that anywhere online, it's just the way I recall it being reported at the time.

And if Phaneuf continues his return to real Phaneufdom, that trade might turn out to be a bigger fleecing than the Gilmour 5-for-5. Perhaps the Flames should not allow Cliff Fletcher anywhere near any future trades!

[Boo Who?]

Re: Kadri - he is probably the only player on our team that can justifiably use the 'young' excuse. Seeing him interviewed after Saturday's game I was completely struck by how green and immature he seemed. I agree that he's got skill. I just really hope that he continues to take his game seriously and work on it. He's at that tender age where discipline is often hard to come by, so he'll need some strong guidance. (He is not self-possessed like young Reimer, our little Jedi Knight.) Not expecting a ton of offensive help to come our way via the Marlies though, to be honest. Not for another year or so at least. Hopefully we can secure some more in the off-season and continue to develop the guys we have. I have a horrible feeling we'll be stuck with 'Wrong Wilson' (love that nickname WP) until the end of his contract, so let's all brace ourselves for some more frustration, as progress will be slow-going.

[fishypete]

On Wilson's mistakes. I'm in agreement when saying he's made mistakes, some huge. But i'd argue that even the best make huge mistakes, it's just that a lot of the time they have either the personnel OR the happenstance to have those mistakes not cost them either a playoff spot, a series, a run or a cup. Look, i don't want to defend the guy, if he's gone he's gone, but if you get past his personality, and the fact that he hasn't had an NHL goalie up until James arrived on the scene, well you can cut the guy some slack, considering the effort the team has put out in the second part of the season. And one more note. Luke is quite young isn't he? If I was a player, i wouldn't want a coach who held my hand, either I can play my position or I can't.

[Robert]

I wonder if Vinnie did a survey on this site, how may Leaf fans would vote for Dallas Eakins to replace Ron Wilson?
I believe the first time I responded here, I felt that there were enough colts on the AHL/NHL rosters to ice a pretty fair team.
I believe Dallas has had a lot to do with that, and for those of you who have written that it isn't all the first rounders who make you great, witness the Red Wings who wind up with late draft picks but seem to be able to turn them into stars. Proof positive.
I think Mr. Piddy has made the point there are some very exciting times ahead, I hope we have the coaching staff to develop them.

[fishypete]

One more thing. If I was an NHL player and I had just played a brutal game, i'd be the first to say to the media "I played like crap". If my coach called me out, i'd shake my head and agree and work harder the next game. Geeze, why the heck am I defending Ron Wilson? I don't even like looking at the guy with his damn sour face behind the bench, but still, I feel he's received an unbelievable amount of unjust criticism. Last time I check, the guy doesn't play forward, defense or goal.

[TPiddy]

@ We Beleaf - I never had a problem with JFJ at the draft table... he also picked Kulemin, Gunnarsson and Stalberg.... JFJ's flaws have been very well documented in Leaf history.

VM Replies: Just a bit of news related to prospects, the team sent out today:

Brian Burke, President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Monday that the hockey club has signed forward Tyler Brenner to a two-year entry level contract. Brenner will report to the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the season.
Brenner, a 22-year-old native of Linwood, Ontario, has played the last three seasons for the NCAA’s Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers (RIT). This season the 6-2, 200-pound forward played 37 games for RIT registering 26 goals, 15 assists and 41 points along with 39 penalty minutes. He ranked first on the Tigers in goals and powerplay goals (11), and second in points. He was named the Atlantic Hockey Association’s (AHA) player of the week for the period ending January 2 when he recorded eight points (six goals, two assists) in three games. As well, he became the fifth player in RIT history to record 100 career points when he scored a goal March 11 in the AHA Quarterfinals. In 2008-09, he was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team.

[hoofheartz]

Fishypete, I think our biggest criticism (well deserved) is the special teams. Terrible PP on Wilson's watch and doesn't look to be getting any better. Maybe Burke will get that PP quarterback they need over the summer. I know Wilson can't make players stand in front of the goaltender but he can certainly take away ice time from those that won't and put someone out there that will. As for the PK, if you watch the majority of PKs now they are all very agressive on the points. The Leaf PK, imo, is far too soft on the points and there seem to be an inordinate number of goals scored from those points. Special teams are entirely on the coaching staff and this staff just isn't cutting it as far as I can see.

[TimB]

@TPiddy. I was to the bottom of the post before I realized it was not a VM post.That's high praise indeed.I mentioned the other day we can't judge this team by the standings.You really captured why Leafs Nation has legit reasons to feel good about this season.Thanks!
GO LEAFS GO!

[Boo Who?]

@ fishypete - I hear ya. I try to be a moderate where Wilson is concerned, because like you, I sense that he cares very much. But if we get rubbed the wrong way through our limited TV or print exposure to the guy, can you imagine what it's like if he irks you in real life? He reminds me of certain teachers I had in elementary and high school. If you under-performed, you were guaranteed to hate them, because they were merciless with their criticism and disgust. But once they'd established who was boss and you started to fall in line and do well, they were wonderful. Not everyone responds well to that kind of approach. But if you clue in to the fact that you're being tested and use it as motivation, there is nothing better than finally earning their praise.

As for Schenn, he is young, but he's actually one of the 'veterans' on this team if you can believe that! And while I haven't been watching him from day one, he's had some rocky times since joining the big club. If you listened to Kadri's interview on Saturday, he must have used the word "help" at least 5 times. He "asked for help", so-and-so "helped him"...this kid has a lot of lingering doubts and insecurities. Nothing at all wrong with being inexperienced and recognizing you don't know everything. A little hand-holding now might pan out well for us later on.

[Boo Who?]

And because this is bound to stick in everyone's craw, here's a little quote from a Canucks player, Ryan Kelser, on the subject of 'resting' a player this late in the season:

"Resting players? I don't like that," said Kesler. "You want to get your game to as close to perfection as possible, and now's the time to work on things -- and no one needs a day off."

Say what you will about AV as a person, but whatever he puts in that Koolaid is working. Talent alone is not what drives that team. They are warriors. They want to play and to win more than anything else in the world. I dream of the day our fellas show that same kind of moxie on a consistent basis. Not there yet. But maybe soon?

[Boo Who?]

*Kesler /spelling nazi

[maxwelledison]

Liked your optimism, TPiddy! Nice job!

Speaking of the upside now... I do not recall hearing any Fat Lady warming-up to chirp anywhere in the Great Lakes purview. Fact is, she was spotted on I-95 South, waddling toward Raleigh- and then Atlanta.

But she missed a nasty interloper.
Festooned with oil refineries littering the landscape... and perfectly coupled with my personal distain for the un hockey-like neutral zone trap that wrecks pure hockey, I shall not breathe their faux moniker.
But they have still... too much ground to make up.

Now it's a three-horse race.
Leafs and Sabres slip in.

... And take TPiddy's optimism, Leaf Fans!

[pinot grigio]

Excellent overview. Very worthwhile to sum it up like that. Many of the pieces are apparently now 'on board' but may still need at least a couple of years to develop and realize their full potential. That's why the skill set of the coaching staff is so darned important. I like the level of preparedness of the kids that come from the Marlies and I do not find myself even modestly impressed by Wilson's coaching. I would love to see Eakins take over but if they feel they need him 'on the farm' for a bit longer, there are some other people available that would do a better job in relating to the players and teaching special team tactics.
I really see a need for one or two more experienced and mature players. At least one of those should be a center and the other possibly a defenseman. If such players would be late twenties they would still have quite a few years ahead of them.
I also see a need to get rid of Komisarik and Lebda because they carry negative karma. I wonder if BB will be able to admit he made a mistake with Stan and Ollie and if so, whether he will be able to unload K's contract.

[Wandering Penguin]

I've been terrifically remiss about this and I do apologize. None of my posts today have been properly appended.

Ahem.

GO LEAFS GO!!!!!

Thank you. Carry on.

VM Replies: Your IP address has already been sent to Alecia.

[palbo]

Good post TP - just one comment - i have some trouble with : 'the future has never looked brighter' in the title and 'never before have the Leafs had so much going for them this late in March' in your post.

I have lived through the sixties (when the Leafs won 4 Cups) and other years where the future looked bright. Certainly, `now` looks better than the recent past, but there have been many times in the history of the Leafs when the immediate future looked better than now. Just wanted to add perspective.

VM Replies: palbo! Good evening, to you.
I write the headlines on guest posts so that's my fault. Yes, the idea is the future looks brighter now than in the recent (dark) past.
Sorry if this was not clear.

[enJoy hockey]

Maybe, just maybe, what some are reading into Kaberle's non-answer on Wilson reflects more on him than the coach. I have no idea and I think unless you attend practises and/or have access to the dressing room, it's hard to say how he relates to the whippersnappers. Wilson does not interview well, but I thought Pat Quinn never answered anything (in a way I could understand), although he did smile. Re special teams: the PK seems better and maybe it's unfair to expect the PP to be better than the regular lines when they aren't lighting it up either. I haven't checked stats, but I think that the PP scores too when they score five-on-five.

A propos of nothing, other than the "drought" mentioned a few times, my Leafetteness was cemented when I went to summer school at the same time as Brewer, Pulford and Duff. My roommate was mad about Dickie.

[palbo]

Thx VM - not being critical - just think its too easy to be anchored in the here and now instead of realizing the amazing success this team has had in the past - here`s hoping that success returns.

[Wandering Penguin]

Hee hee. "Stan and Ollie" still carrying weight. I love it!

@enjoy hockey: I have not attended a Leaf practice under Wilson nor have I been in a dressing room with him as Leaf coach. I cannot speak to how he conducts those practices other than the results he does or does not get on the ice (yes, I speak of the horrible power play).

What I do think is that he is a terrible bench coach and I can draw that conclusion from every game I've seen firsthand. It's obviously my opinion and not necessarily quantifiable, but it's not a knee-jerk reaction by any means. I also happen to think he has an absolutely horrid habit of chastising, mocking or outright slamming his players in the press.

This is how I feel and because of this, I cannot watch a Leaf game with absolute and unbridled joy while he is coaching this team.

[Robert]

@WP - and you could have pointed out that after slamming them in the press, isn't it Ronnie's job to correct their mistakes. When will that take place?

[Wandering Penguin]

@Robert - you're right. Excellent point. Although, who's to say he isn't TRYING to correct their mistakes? I mean, this is a young team after all. Maybe he's trying the best he knows how. But that's a scary thought, too, isn't it?

[Wandering Penguin]

Matt Cooke was just suspended for the rest of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Since the NHL has often stated that they consider a playoff game to be worth at least two regular season games when handing out suspensions, this means that he received "24 games" for the elbow. Interesting.

[enJoy hockey]

@WP: Good point about what you see on the bench (not much of anything) and I don't like the public dissing of players either. You're swaying me.

Re Matt Cooke: that was a very blatant elbow, but no serious injury. Yes, interesting.

[Pyramid Power]

Great stuff Tyler! Very enjoyable. Is Christian Erhoff UFA on Canada Day too does anyone know? I think he is.

Some of our cap space will be used to sign Schenn and Mac (hopefully). And our prospects in junior and with the Marlies definite reasons for hope. Gardiner and Ross as noted in the comments, Gysbers, Brunnstrom if he can get untracked, Lashoff, Blacker, D'Amigo and so many others in the cupboard. Plenty o' picks. Burke the Bulldog stopping at nothing to make this team very competitive and feared again.

Holzer, Mueller, Caputi, Crabb and Boyce as noted, Hanson etc........ are Marlies that saw some action this year, some more than others of course, and that gives us hope. I see light at the end of the Toronto tunnel.

Now if we could just go out and grab Muller from Montreal. Others like Eakins, others like Killer Gilmour, one poster likes Ted Nolan - one things is sure in my mind. We need a young coach who can grow and roll with our young group. I do not think Ronnie is the man to do that, and I do not think Ted Nolan is the guy either. I want Muller.

Craig Anderson just re-upped with the Hens. Not good. I suspect Burke & Co. is going to go out and get Bryzgalov or possibly Vokoun. Just a feeling. Despite Allaire's past problems with Bryzgalov I think he is coming to Toronto. We will see.

Very glad Cooke got what he deserved. Finally. Nice timing for the league as Cathal Kelly notes in an excellent column in this paper now.

Finally, congrats to Dave Nonis for being selected as GM of Canada's IIHF world championship team this year. Excellent. I think I have that right. Just read it in passing somewhere. Burke's right hand man extraordinaire. Only a matter of time before he becomes GM of this team after Burkie either retires, or moves upstairs to become President and whatever other titles he wants hopefully after getting us a Cup.

[Pyramid Power]

Proposed nickname for Jake Gardiner especially if the kid can rush the puck a little (assuming he makes it all the way to the bigs):

The Gardiner Expressway.

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

I gotta agree with the Cooke suspension. Even though the pens are a (distant) 2nd favorite of mine, I can't see why Cooke should be around for any remaining part of the season. That elbow was uncalled for. All-around I don't think he is a bad guy, but he often gets caught up in the moment and makes stupid decisions in terms of when and where to hit opponents.

@ Boo: methinks your little affection for bieksa goes a bit futher than your appreciation for his "hockey skills". I thought I read in a survey somewhere that he was voted as one of BC's most handsome hunks.

[TPiddy]

@TimB - Thanks for the kind words. Vinay added his touch to clean it up a bit and I love the end result.

[TPiddy]

@Vinay - Thanks for posting the update on Tyler Brenner. I figured when Burke dealt Gilati and Berry for Lashoff it was to free up a contract spot... same with Stefanovich for Brunnstrom. I'm not sure either of Brunnstrom or Lashoff is with the team next year because I know Burke's got scouts on a few people and players like Blacker / Frattin will likely turn pro at the conclusion of their seasons.

[TPiddy]

@palbo - Yes, I understand there were times when the Leafs were looking good, but pre-draft era doesn't really give you a good picture of a club's future because you don't know what prospects / draft picks they have, nor could you tell what players were available to sign, and there was no cap. In today's unprecedented era of coverage, especially in the Leaf Nation fishbowl, you can get a sense of an organization's depth from LA (Mariana's Trench) to Calgary (the Fountain at the Eaton Center).

In this era of Leaf hockey, the team has never been this stocked with talent before.

[TPiddy]

@pinot - Burkie's been pretty straightforward, he was quoted as saying the Kessel trade 'cost us too much' and he's quick to give credit to Nonis, Eakins, his scouts and even JFJ at times. While he can give Lebda the Finger treatment next year, I don't think you can do that with Komi. He'll be a tough sell so I expect to see him in Blue and White for at least 2 more seasons before Burke can unload him. Hopefully he starts playing better.

[Sensi-Bill]

Tyler
.
Congratulations on a fine job.
.
Of course I agree with your positive assessment as I have been preaching much the same on a more emotional level for most of the season. (Misleading some into thinking I'm some kind of secret Leafs fan, and others into a bit of wishful thinking in terms of me being a likely convert. Meanwhile, I've felt that my positive outlook on the "better than you realize" (quoting myself) Leafs should carry a certain credibility, coming as it does from someone who is NOT wearing blue-&-white coloured glasses.)
.
You, however, have displayed your own kind of objectivity in looking at numbers and individual components. Not only have you come to a much similar conclusion, but have articulated it particularly well.
.
I know. You rightly give Vinay credit in his role of editor. But as someone with a few decades of editing experience under his belt, I know a significant and important fact --- No matter how good the editor, you can't help polish what isn't there.
.
Without this gist being present in an understandable way, no amount of editing is going to save a piece of writing, let alone make it shine.
.
So whatever editing Vinay did, you obviously provided the material, in an understandable manner, that resulted in such a fine piece. One that nicely illuminates current truth from a different angle. One that corresponds with your areas of expertise.
.
I agree with the praise you've received here and add my own, from a different angle. One that corresponds with my areas of expertise.
.
Well done. *smile*

[Sensi-Bill]

@Chris Reed
.
"As much as it pains me to say it, the future is indeed looking bright. Probably the brightest for any Ontario based team since the late 90's Sens."
.
Thanks for mentioning the Sens, Chris.
.
I just have one suggestion. For the record, I think our (the Sens') future probably looked brightest in the mid 2000s, leading to our appearance in the Stanley Cup finals in 2007.
.
Cheers

[A True Leafs Fan]

Game Day People. time to get our S**T together

[Alecia]

Ummmmmmmmm........ I thought we were going to do the tag thing people!
We only have 9 games left, 9. No time for funny business.

By the way, these are the kind of blogs you should be saving for the summer Vinay. Cause you are going to continue this in the summer, right.. RIGHT!!?!

GO LEAFS GO.

VM Replies: Um, don't know yet what the summer plans are. So this is why I'll be running a few more guest blogs between now and end of regular season.
Go Leafs Go.

[Rooney]

GO LEAFS GO! Great post Tyler, the future is bright and it begins tonight.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Excellent guest blog, TPiddy, agree with you that the future is as bright as the "Super Moon". The biggest downfall, or, holdback for this team is Ron Wilson. Special teams are so crucial in the NHL and our coach just does not get it. For 3 years now, we have been near the bottom of the league and that is unacceptable. This year alone, in my estimation, at least 6 games were lost as a direct failure of our special teams. Those 12 points lost would have put us comfortably in a playoff spot.Special teams, as we all agree, falls on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Therefore, our biggest need is a new coaching staff. BB, you have put the players in place, now put Wilson in his place, an unemployment line. Also, his public personna has run its course and leaf nation is growing tired of his negativity. This group of leaf players and prospects needs some positive motivation. They cannot or will not get it from Wilson. Now, lets go stomp some Wild butt tonight. Leafs 4-1.

[Glenburnie]

Although I am not a big believer in Brian Burke as a GM ( he excels at PR and self-promotion), I must agree that things are looking somewhat better in Leafland. Not so much for next year; more for two or three years down the road, when the Leafs just might make the playoffs and even survive a round or two. Hopefully Burke will not foolishly squander the newly-acquired (late) first round picks, a la the Kessel fiasco, nor throw away next year's (2012) first round pick. And his fixation with signing U.S. college grads is worrisome: none have worked out so far.

[Geoff Read]

T Piddy,

Good piece. I think you're right to feel optimistic going forward beyond this season. If Burke makes the right moves this summer, than the Leafs should be in the playoffs next spring.

Hands off Andrei Markov though. He's my favourite player. Granted, he's played about 20 games over the past two seasons....

I liked the Cooke suspension. But as Vinay said yesterday, the real test for the NHL will come the next time some "good guy" in NHL parlance, like Mike Richards, does something stupid. Will the league keep up its new toughness, or will it revert to the laughable 2-game suspension standard it set with Dany Heatley? It's easy to pile on someone like Cooke, less easy to show a little moxie with more popular players.

VM Replies: Good morning, Geoff. I'm getting ready to cheer for the Leafs *and* Habs tonight.
Cognitive dissonance.

[Geoff Read]

VM - good morning sir. Well... the Habs certainly softened the Wild up for the Leafs tonight. If ever that team was going to be thoroughly demoralized it has to be right now.

VM Replies: That was a shellacking. And utterly merciless toward poor Jose Theodore.
I'm always a bit worried about facing teams that have been humiliated like that. And if the Wild fall again tonight, they will set a dubious franchise record for most consecutive losses.
I hope they are softened-up, as you say. But I am saddled with worries.

[TPiddy]

Yeah, in a cruel twist of fate, Leafs fans are stuck cheering for Ottawa, Montreal AND Boston tonight.... :)

VM Replies: I thanked you privately, TPiddy. But I'll do so again publicly: Great piece and much appreciated.
Tonight is going to be as weird as the Supermoon with all this bizarre cheering.

[Geoff Read]

VM - you might be right to fear the bounce-back factor. But the fact that the 8-1 drubbing was just the lowest point on a losing streak that has seen the Wild play themselves out of the playoff picture suggests a longer-term malaise and a team that should be ripe for the picking.
Of course, if Wilson starts Giguere again tonight, all bets are off.
(I smile at the thought of the little beeds of sweat that will form on everyone's foreheads as for just a split-second they think maybe I know something they don't.)

[Boo Who?]

@ Gettingcozy - Kevin Bieksa is a hot piece of a$$, no denying it. But he's also a good hockey player - promise! Have a look at his game if you get the chance, I think he'd be a great fit with the Leafs. When he buckles down and doesn't try to be everywhere doing everything at once, he's a really solid two-way D-man. And his teammates adore him just about as much as the ladies do. If he can stay healthy and we can afford his fine self, um yeah, I'd be a happy Leafs fan, fo' sho. ;)