Motivated to Win. Or Not.

The nice thing to try to do is at least start every week with something for Maple Leaf fans to feel good about.

And it's getting harder and harder.

But let's try this. While late season playoff charges aren't out of the question, there are currently five NHL clubs unofficially out of playoff contention.

Carolina. Edmonton. St. Louis. Columbus.

And the Leafs.

Anaheim is close to joining this group, as are Tampa Bay and Florida.

But let's stick with the “Big” Five – Hurricanes, Oilers, Blues, Jackets and Leafs.

Only the Leafs, you figure, will soon have much of a reason at all to do anything other than dump players and lose, lose, lose down the stretch.

Not every manager is as noble as GM Brian Burke who, with John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Victor Hedman in his sights last spring, chose to sign goaltender Martin Gerber and keep at least trying to win hockey games.

For his trouble, the Leafs got the seventh pick in the draft, not the first, second or third, and still ended up with a pretty good prospect in Nazem Kadri.

With no first round pick in June, and with Toronto fans feeling more miserable every day with the possibility Boston will pick very high with the Leafs' selection, Burke has even more reason – even from public relations standpoint – to finish as high as possible among the non-playoff crowd.

Not so for Edmonton, Carolina, St. Louis and Columbus. The Oilers, in particular, are a franchise in need of a franchise player. The Canes have Eric Staal. The Blues have Erik Johnson. The Jackets have Rick Nash.

The Oilers surely need such a player, and as previously mentioned, wouldn't it be great to see a player like Taylor Hall stay in Canada rather than head off to one of these U.S. outposts (Long Island, Nashville, Atlanta, Florida) and never be seen again?

So that's your good news, Leaf fans, for this Monday morning. There are a growing number of teams that will have significant motivation to be much worse than the Leafs at season's end.

There's no reason to tank in Toronto. But there will be in many other cities.

If you worry more about where the Bruins will pick in June than whether the group of Jonas Gustavsson, Luke Schenn, Phil Kessel, Christian Hanson, Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg and Kadri actually represents a meaningful young core than will become the foundation of a future winner in Toronto, then you should already feel better.

The Hypocritical Coach

Funny, really, to hear Ron Wilson bleating today about how unfair it is that the media is allowed to watch his practices and report on them.

This is the very same coach, ladies and gentleman, who upon coming to Toronto last season ripped the very same media people for not taking the time to watch practice carefully and to ask questions specifically related to drills and practice techniques.

Then again, Wilson often likes to play both sides. Remember him waving his Canadian passport when he was hired, telling the world about his Canadian roots and love for the country?

Then earlier this week, when asked, he made it abundantly clear his complete and total allegiance was with the U.S. in its joust for junior gold with Canada.

Now, I have absolutely no problem with Wilson being an American and cheering for the Americans in a hockey competition. But why the big show about being Canadian?

As far as his outburst at practice today, it was typical Wilson, lashing out at the media when the media has nothing to do with the state of his hockey team or the very, very mediocre job he has done in 1 1/2 seasons with the club. It was an open question how Wilson would handle the Toronto media situation after previous NHL stops in outposts like Anaheim, Washington and San Jose, and the answer has been fine from time to time, with occasional irrational moments.

Today, quite probably, was a very transparent attempt to deflect attention his team to a phony spat with the media.

Every team in the NHL has open practices. It doesn't seem to bother or slow down the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins.

Just the Leafs. Just Wilson.

And if he really thinks it's unfair that the media gets to watch practice, why in the world would he mock the media last year for not taking the time to watch practice carefully?

As far as centring out Phil Kessel for criticism today, again, that is typical Wilson. Hockey people will tell you his worst tendency as a head coach has always been that when things are good it's about him, and when things are back, it's about them.

Go ahead, dump on Kessel. He probably deserves it. Moreover, he wanted to come to Toronto to be The Guy and get paid like it, so he's going to have to learn that being The Guy isn't always wine and roses.

But Kessel could just as easily fire back and say the team would be much better if the head coach had managed to make the penalty killing something better than absolutely horrific during his entire time with the club.

Could it be that Wilson is completely frustrated that despite his years of experience he has been completely unable to get this Leaf team to improve one iota in more than 120 games?

A better question is probably this: barring significant improvement in this team over the final half of the season, what would possibly motivate GM Brian Burke to bring Wilson back next year?

Thursday Mail Bag

Gotta say, one day you're at the world juniors marvelling at that level of fierce competition and talent, and the next you're watching the Leafs and Flyers and thinking you've dropped into a WWE show.

You'll have to explain to me somehow how 17-, 18- and 19-year-olds can compete on a world stage with such a high level of sportsmanship and clean play, but the NHL can deliver such a piece of low-class, Slapshot-style competition as was the case last night.

I mean, really, Dan Carcillo is much more professional wrestler than pro hockey player, complete with the gimmicks and trash talk. He's Sideshow Bob II, and let's face it, the NHL promoted his act at the “Winter Classic” — commentators were seriously suggesting the first fight at this event was some kind of milestone — and Carcillo's figuring out that being a clown will get him more attention than playing hockey ever will. His act won't last long in Philly, but he'll get the most attention he can while he's there.

This, needless to say, is a problem the NHL runs into when its brand of sports entertainment is juxtaposed with the world juniors or, as will be the case next month, the Olympics. By comparison, the NHL looks mechanical, passion-less and full of phony theatrics.

Sad thing is, this is where so many of those fine youngsters who competed in that glorious gold medal game on Tuesday in Saskatoon are headed. Whether they want to or not, they'll be playing in a league that in mid-season too often is part-hockey, part-Gong Show.

Now on to this week's mail bag:

Q: Dear Mr. Cox, I was hoping you could shed a little light on this subject.

I had always believed that a penalty shot wasn't awarded if you still managed to get away a shot after being hauled down. However, after checking the NHL rulebook, it clearly states:

"The fact that he got a shot off does not automatically eliminate this play from the penalty shot consideration criteria. If the foul was from behind and he was denied a 'more' reasonable scoring opportunity due to the foul, then the penalty shot should be awarded".

The fact that it so clearly refutes my long-held belief leads me to wonder whether there was a rule change at some point, or if the NHL is just trying to eliminate an old wives' tale.

Any light you could shed on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve Donnelly, Toronto

A: There's no question, Steve, that all levels of hockey are showing a more liberalized attitude towards penalty shots, which isn't a bad thing. That said, the understanding many of us had about the penalty shot for years, such as that you had to at least be a stride clear of your opponent, are proving incorrect, and we're having to adjust. So yes, I'm kind of with you. I don't totally get the way the rule is called now, but even with the institution of the shootout, a penalty shot is still a pretty exciting play.

Q: Hi Damien,

What if any influence do you think the "new NHL" officiating style (especially the zero tolerance hooking and holding provisions, and the automatic minor for shooting the puck over the glass in your own zone) could have on the officiating at the Olympics? In international hockey would players generally be able to get away with more or less of these kinds of things? Might Team Canada's physical play, especially from those such as Chris Pronger, land them in the box often for hits that would be legal in the NHL, or might they overcompensate by backing off physically?

Scott Reynolds, Toronto

A: Okay, for starters NHL officials will be working the Olympics, including seven referees and six linesmen. They'll make up about half the officiating pool, and the crews will frequently be blended (NHL and non-NHL). As far as the way games are called, international officials, most believe, still are more tolerant of interference in particular, but I think you'll see a standard in the Olympics pretty close to what you see in the NHL. And the shooting the puck over the glass rule? That's now an IIHF rule as well.

Q: Hi Damien! Do you think there's any chance the NHL will ever ditch the one point for an overtime loss? The object of the game is to win and to the winner should go the spoils. Why reward the loser?

Richard Avery, North York

A: Doesn't seem likely. The NHL wants to keep as many dogs in the race as possible as late in the season as possible, and three-point games help that. There's no real movement for change either at the board of governors level or among the Gms.

Q: Hi Damien,

I don't know how many people noticed this on New Year's Day, but before the Winter Classic, Bobby Clarke won the ceremonial faceoff against Bobby Orr. I could be wrong, but isn't it traditional to allow the captain of the home team to win the faceoff? If so, what would make Clarke win that faceoff? Is he really that competitive?

Alex Hirbod, Toronto

A: I doubt it matters to anyone.

Q: Damien, would we not be better off with Kubina than with several of the defencemen we now have? He scored the winner several times last year and seems to be playing well in Atlanta. Exelby is a scratch half the time. Schenn seems like he can't wait to get the puck off his stick. Playing scared,afraid to err. What do you think?

Lewis McClain, Edinboro

A: Kubina probably would be no worse than fourth on the Leaf depth chart now. Exelby is inconsistent, Schenn should with be the Marlies and Finger is a disaster. That deal was done to clear room to sign Beauchemin and Komisarek. Kubina was, like Kaberle, guilty of being on the ice for the opponents' first goal of the game far more often in the past while with the Leafs than anyone could like. He probably looks better now because you don't see him every night.

Q: Hi Damien,

I enjoy your reporting and your blog very much; keep up the great work.

My question: I'm confused by the selection process for the Canadian Olympic team. As far as I know, other countries are deferring their selections until closer to the start of the Games. Moreover, it is unclear what happens if one of the selected Canadian players is injured before the Games and cannot play, or is hurt during the tournament. Is there a short-list of callups that Yzerman can count on? Can you shed some light on this? Thanks!

Glenn Paulley, Waterloo

A: All teams had to announce their roster by Jan. 1st. No country deferred it's selections. Teams can replace injured players right up until the eve of the games. Once you're in the tournament, that's not possible. You have what you have – three goalies, seven defencemen and 13 forwards. The only confusion at this point is that the Russians believe they can still change their roster for non-injury reasons.

Q: Hi Damien,

Phil Kessel has been a great addition to the Leafs. However, since his arrival the power play has gone downhill. Last year with Boston he scored only 8 out of his 36 goals on the PP. Could it be that the rest of the Leafs are looking to Kessel too much on the PP and therefore not shooting themselves as much? Maybe they should leave him off the PP. This would leave him available for more 5 on 5 play. Considering that there are around 40 minutes a game of 5 on 5, Kessel could play over half of those 40 minutes where he is much more proficient. Your thoughts?

Marv Rose, Toronto

A: The Leafs' power play is at best intermittently effective. Kessel is the best offensive forward they have. Has he been great of late? No. But taking him off the power play isn't the answer. As I've said repeatedly, this is a young player still learning what it takes to be a front-line NHLer. At 22, he's still got learning to do.

Q: Hi there Damien. My question is about the recent success of our later round Euro draft selections. With players like Anton Stralman, Carl Gunnarsson, Juraj Mikus, Korbinian Holzer and Viktor Stalberg having varying amounts of success and developing quite well, should we really be swaying away from these picks? Our head European scout Thommie Bergman has done a tremendous job for us and I can't help but feel like he is being snubbed. Last draft we didn't take a single European player, and with Burke wanting to build his prototypical "meat and potatoes" North American team, do you think Burke's management team will continue to ignore Bergman despite the success he's had in the past?

Jeff Pearce, Kingston

A: Well, of all those players you named, not one is a bona fide NHL regular, at least not yet. So I'm not sure that qualifies as “recent success” for the Leafs. I don't think Bergmann is being ignored. He was part of the group that identified Jonas Gustavsson last year. But the Leafs are looking to be more North American, so Bergmann's job, while unchanged, may not be as relevant necessarily to the players the Leafs take in the draft. But it's not like the Leafs have unearthed one Euro gem after another in recent years.

Q: Happy New Year, Damien!

With the recent rise of Ian White's stock and the return of Carl Gunnarson do you see the Leafs moving Kaberle and perhaps Beauchemin? The Leafs will be left with a core of Komisarek, White, Schenn, Exelby etc. If so what do you think the return could be in terms of picks and prospects.

J.P. Howarth, Brampton

A: Happy New Year to you as well, J.P. Look, Ian White is a No. 4 on a good team and Gunnarson is still a prospect. Now that the annual prediction of some that the Leafs are overloaded on defence has again proved to be false, it should clear that more depth and quality is required. You have to keep as many good ones as you have and add to them. That would be my take on Beauchemin. Kaberle is a slightly different story because of his trade value. But he's the only blueliner the Leafs have that would fetch something particularly significant on the trade market.

Q: Re: your recent piece on Kadri — the comparisons you made to Getzlaf and Langkow were nice food for thought. After watching his shootout move, it got me thinking about Alex Mogilny and Kovalev. Having never seen Kadri play in person myself, I'm wondering if you think those might also be fair comparisons, in terms of style? Also, my sense is that both Mogilny and Kovalev were/are at least 20 - 30 lbs heavier — to wit, do you think Kadri will ever have the size/durability to play very long in "today's" NHL?

Enjoy your work. cheers,

Peter Waal, Vancouver

A: Thanks Peter. Mogilny wasn't a big man, maybe a little bigger than Kadri, while Kovalev is a much bigger guy, more of a power forward build. You're talking about two of the most skilled Russians to ever come to North America, so that might be asking a lot of Kadri. At this point, his size and durability haven't been an issue even though he plays a physical game. But sure, he'll have to get bigger and stronger, and I'm sure he will as he matures. He'll need to come in between 190 and 200 pounds once he fills out. But he has lots of skill, which makes him a top prospect as long as the Leafs don't rush him. A full year with the Marlies would make the most sense.

Every Thursday, Damien Cox answers your questions in The Spin, only at thestar.com. Click here to submit a question. **Note: please follow the link above to send a question to Damien. Questions posted in the comments section may not make it to the mailbag. Thanks.**

Gold medal may come down to goaltending

10 players to watch in the gold medal game

TEAM CANADA

RW Jordan Eberle: Canada's go-to sniper. Has scored several huge goals over past two years.

 

LW Taylor Hall: Probably the top pick in next summer's NHL draft. Loves to take it to the net.

LW Brandon McMillan: If Canada has problems on the back end, McMillan could be shifted back to play defence.

 

D Ryan Ellis: Small but flashy blueliner quarterbacks Team Canada power play.

 

C Nazem Kadri: Slick and fast, loves to get the big hit. Centre on top power play unit.

TEAM U.S.A.

LW Jerry D'Amigo: Leafs draft pick has four goals in last two games, fourth in tournament scoring

RW Danny Kristo: Blazing fast, gave Team Canada fits on New Year's Eve.

RW Jordan Schroeder: One of highest scoring Americans ever to play in world tourney.

D John Carlson: Already playing minor pro, has booming shot from the blueline.

LW Ryan Bourque: Son of legendary Boston defenceman, another U.S. forward with wheels.

 

Hockey chat with Damien Cox

Damien held a live hockey Q&A today, fielding questions on the world juniors, the Olympics and the Leafs.

Wearing the Flag On Our Sleeve

SASKATOON—It's been peculiar, 20 years later, being in this town again.

I haven't been to Saskatoon since the 1989 Memorial Cup when the arena – then SaskPlace – was sparkling new. The Swift Current Broncos won the title over the host Blades, a year when the Peterborough Petes represented the OHL and saw their hopes dashed when star centre Mike Ricci came down with chicken pox, of all things.

The year before, of course, Canada had hosted the Winter Olympics in Calgary, but for me, living in Toronto, there wasn't as vibrant a sense that this was a Canadian event, at least not that I remember. It seemed to be Calgary's show as much as the country's.

Two decades later, it's a different vibe, and maybe being back in Saskatoon is part of it.

While I've suggested having the world junior championships in Canada so often perhaps isn't a great thing for the tournament, this event has clearly been a jumping off point for Canadian sports patriotism heading towards the Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver next month. The crowd of more than 16,000 that cheered the national women's team on in Ottawa last night certainly suggested the same thing.

Having the Canadian men's Olympic team announced at WorldFest here certainly added to the growing sense that our country of 32 million is start to rev up for what lies ahead. It's as though these world juniors represent the warmup act, with the bigger show still to come.

It's been incredible to see all the Hockey Canada gear worn to Team Canada's games at these world junior championships. Canadian hockey jerseys are everywhere, as are flags, and even flags you can wear. A colorful new style of garb called Flagwear (www.flagwear.ca), a Canadian flag that can be worn as a poncho, has appeared here for the first time, not at bad thing to have in a frigid environment where every layer counts.

Pepsi has been pushing its new pro-Canada cheer at every game. The Canadian Olympic Commitee's “Paint The Town Red” campaign is just getting rolling, a natural follow in many communities after having hosted a piece of the Olympic torch relay.

Twenty years later, Saskatoon seems much the same, but in a warm, reassuring way. Canada, of course, has changed drastically, and you get the feeling that for the first time since perhaps the 1972 Summit Series, these Olympics are going to be a sporting event that the entire country truly gets behind.

Maybe I'm wrong. But whether its people wearing flags or gathering in the streets to watch the torch go by, or even the way in which fans at the Credit Union Centre roared Canada on to its comeback victory against the U.S on New Year's Eve, there's an enormous sense of national expectation and enthusiasm building.

Kinda cool, actually.

Kadri Sizzle in Saskatoon Chill

SASKATOON--Too early to tell if Nazem Kadri will ever be a Maple Leaf regular, let alone a star.

But after watching the young centre play four games at this year's world junior championships, three against also-ran competition and one against a surprisingly fast and strong U.S. team, this much seems true.

In terms of pure skill and creativity, he made stand alone in the history of Leaf draftees.

Now, cynics will say that doesn't mean a whole lot given the club's drafting history, one dotted with a long list of, for example, big lumbering defencemen. 

But Kadri is, it's fair to say, what Brandon Convery was supposed to be when Cliff Fletcher drafted him in '92. Shifty, imaginative and fast.

Darryl Sittler was bigger, more of a power forward. Lanny McDonald was a straight sniper. Russ Courtnall was a speedster. Gary Leeman was a versatile player who had one golden year. Wendel Clark was a power forward with a booming wrist shot. Brad Boyes, traded before he ever developed, also was a shooter, not a playmarker.

Kadri is part playmaker, part sniper, and with an attitude. His throat slashing gesture earlier this week against Switzerland was strictly bush, but the kid's got loads of personality to go with his talent, and he doesn't mind taking the odd run at an opponent.

In terms of personality, not style, he's a little like a smaller version of Ryan Getzlaf. Or a noisier version of Daymond Langkow.

There will be nights when he maddens the fans by not getting enough done, but it seems likely there will also be nights when he'll make the crowd go "oooooh." His juicy shootout move against the U.S. on Thursday night was a thing of beauty, a clutch exhibition of skill at a big moment.

Team Canada head coach Willie Desjardins obviously thinks enough of Kadri to play him alongside Taylor Hall on the second line, and then with Halll, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Ellis and Alex Pietrangelo on the No. 1 power play unit.

Leaf fans worried about the two first rounders sacrificed for Phil Kessel and convinced Brian Burke is headed down the same draft-schmaft path as so many of his predecessors would do well not to forget that Kadri is showing signs of developing into a top six NHL forward.

It's still to early to tell, and how Kadri performs in the remainder of Canada's games - either a semi and a gold medal game or a semi and a bronze game - will provide a little more information.

But if you look at Leaf drafting history, he's unique.