They're In The Race

Gotta go for it now. Four points out with 21 games to play. A playoff berth is there for the taking.

But what exactly does that mean? What message are the Maple Leafs sending boss Brian Burke these days?

Now 8-2-2 in their last 12 games and seeming to gain strength with every veteran player sent packing, this is a bit of a conundrum. James Reimer, even after giving up a four-spot to the Habs on Thursday night, is a big part of the equation, giving the team a steady hand in the crease it simply didn't have for the first half of the season. Phil Kessel, meanwhile, is hot again, and like most teams, the Leafs are a much superior team in games when their best forward scores than in games he doesn't.

But how to figure the improved play with Francois Beauchemin, Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kaberle traded away, quality veterans all, with only Joffrey Lupul added and Brett Lebda given an expanded role? Is Keith Aulie so much better than Beauchemin, does Dion Phaneuf have more room to lead without much experience at all around him?

The schedule, meanwhile, is also a big part of the reason the Leafs have picked up the pace. It's been very soft of late, and while they deserve credit for taking advantage of that schedule, it also undermines to a small degree their acheivements.  More opportunity lies in the immediate future with the battered Penguins - minus Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and now Brooks Orpik as well - in town Saturday, followed by a visit to drooping Atlanta on Sunday in the final game before the trade deadline.

Then, weirdly, the Pens come to the ACC again on Wednesday. Go figure that sked.

After that, no extended road trips, no lengthy travel.

So what should Burke do? Add a body? Or just let the kids play, see whether their improved play is real, or whether it falters under the pressure of a fight for a playoff berth? Carolina, the team the Leafs are apparently trying to catch now, added scoring winger Cory Stillman on Thursday, a veteran who played on the Hurricanes Stanley Cup winner and a proven playoff performer.

Does Burke try to match that move?

Two things he's likely not to do, and that's subtract a useful player - hard to see Clarke MacArthur departing even if unsigned - or move a meaningful draft pick or prospect for a rental or an older player likely to be around only for a year or two. There will be no major deviation from the plan now that it's starting to show some results.

On a trip through western Canada, you can see there are tough choices everywhere. In Vancouver, there's great debate over the quality of the fourth line, and even whether slumping second line winger Mason Raymond is up to the challenge of an extended playoff run.

In Calgary, interim GM Jay Feaster is searching for ways to clear cap space to add something, knowing full well the Flames lack prospects to guarantee a particularly bright future. In Edmonton, home of the 30th place Oilers, rearguards like Ladislav Smid and Jim Vandermeer may be on the move, and the debate over who GM Steve Tambellini should pick if the club picks first overall again - Swedish defenceman Adam Larsson seems to be the popular choice - is heating up.

In Toronto, the belief a few weeks ago was that the playoffs were but a remote dream and that the tough choices would revolve around getting Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause. Now, that's in the past, the chance at a playoff berth is at hand and totally different choices have presented themselves.

Gotta go for it. But what exactly does that mean?

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Bukator]

At the start of the season, the realistic goal for Toronto was to finally make the playoffs again this year. Anything less would be a disappointment. Getting destroyed in the first round (as Burke predicts) or not, it's a step forward for the Leafs, and makes the master plan look like it's working. The long overdue Kaberle trade had to happen, Versteeg staying or going was a non factor on the team, and Beauchemin has already been replaced by Aulie. Although the return on those deals was more aimed toward the future, they should not be seen as admitting defeat in 2011. Having said that, the Leafs have been notoriously excellent in the past from February until their eventual mathematical elimination from the playoffs. But "going for it" means not giving up on a terrible first half. It means playing hard 60 minutes each game. It means controlling what they can control and not worrying about who they are chasing in the standings. The season is now 21 games long and the Leafs are starting it 4 points back. Let's see what happens.

[Johnny Boy]

I think getting rid of Kaberle was huge. He was the last piece of a losing puzzle. Now it's time for these kids, who haven't yet been jaded by years of scrutiny, to take over. How refreshing is it to see an interview with Reimer, who win or lose, has a smile on his face. No sense of entitlement, no huge egos, just a bunch of kids who want to play hockey...not the business of hockey. So, as it stands...we let 'em play, we let 'em gel and we let 'em take us to the playoffs. We don't need some stinkin, overrated, over paid veteran to come in and spew his words of wisdom. I really can't see anyone coming in right now and making a difference....actually I take that back. If we could replace Komi, that just might do it. What a freak'n liability that guy is!
GO LEAFS GO

[frank L]

GO FOR IT,,,,,,,,,,it means , give the fans something that they had a thirst for a very long time,PLAYOFFS,,,,,,who cares if we wont go far, but on the other hand if everyone remembers, the philly's barely made it last year and got to the finals,,Let them play,they are fun to watch, and they are having a geat time winning,,,,,LETS JUST SUPPORT OUR LEAFS,,,,,,,,,,By the way,,,,,,nothing pleased me more than to watch the leafs skate off the bell centre ice surface last nite........with their heads held up hi...

[Hasan Razvi]

Do not add, because even if they get in the playoffs they are not going far.Unless a bona fide #1 center can be added - and they are not easy to trade for - this current team will not beat Philadelphia. Burke needs to stay the course let the kids play and grow as a team.

[steve Chatz]

To go for it means that a #1 center should be what Burke, should be looking to add. I know they don't just grow on trees. I know it wont be easy but that is they greatest need. It seems that this is the most important ingredient to this seasons Leaf's soup.

[EAR]

In Toronto, the captain is always in the public eye with a microphone in his face. Phaneuf does not look confortable in these situations and would probably reach his top potential out of the limelight. Let him go about his business behind the scenes with his team mates and on the ice. L.Schenn or MacArthur appear to be well spoken and comfortable in the forefront who seem to be born leaders. Maybe a good time to reconsider the "C"

[othermark]

It's fun to see this team claw their back into the playoff hunt. But, I think trying to add a player at the deadline would be a mistake. The Leaf's brass needs to see what Lebda can do with regular shifts and continued power play time, so I see no point in picking up a d-man. And, while I think it should still be on their shopping list to pick up a bonafide 1st line center (preferably a young one), the trade deadline is not the time to do that. Not a knock against Bozak who has been playing better lately. I just think free agent season will present opportunities.

[Pat Landry]

Too many 3 point games, too many teams to catch, too little depth in net. It will catch up to them. Fun while it lasts though

[molsonexpert]

Burke needs to stay focused on the task at hand - building for the future. And any trades he makes should be with that in mind. Making the playoffs would be a bonus, but won't amount to much because realistically getting past the first round isn't likely.

[Phil Legalist]

They will finish ninth in the conference, one point out, and will think they will be set for next year with their fine finish, that is until next year when they finish ninth, one point out, and think...have we seen this before?

[Steve-O]

The third round pick in the Versteeg trade is found money. That, and the Leafs third round pick, (if they have one) are the only ones that I would put into play to grab a depth defensemen or forward. With Ottawa giving away the flawed Kovalev for a 7th, surely there is someone of substance for a third rounder.

Enjoy the ride and hope for the best- good to see some meaningful hockey being played in Toronto right now.

[RMP]

Going for it means getting that first-line centre now rather than later. It's been long enough. If Brad Richards wants to come to Toronto in the off-season, great, sign him as well. But for now trade Bozak + 1st round draft + 3rd round draft pick for someone like Paul Stastny. If Colorado wants Kadri instead of Bozak, well why not? I don't see how both Colborne and Kadri can make the lineup at the same time...
If Richards signs here, then Grabovski becomes movable in the summer and Burke can recoup some of the assets lost on Stastny.

[Conn Smythe]

I don't know what it means either, but I agree, the Leafs have to go for it. That said, they have a tough schedule coming up against teams like Philly (twice), Chicago, Buffalo and Tampa Bay. And Burke, please don't add any veteran players. Let's run with the team we have now.

[Guelphdad]

What they need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Let the kids continue to work and improve. Does it really matter if they don't make the playoffs? Apart from a few million in revenue that the team really won't miss, as long as they scratch and claw their way towards the goal, falling short doesn't mean they failed as long as they give them the opportunity to work and grow together.

As for MacArthur try and resign him at a reasonable rate. He and his agent have to know he'll get more of an opportunity again next year in blue and white than elsewhere. He shouldn't expect to be paid as an 80 point man for merely producing at that rate for a single season, especially when it is playing time he wouldn't get elsewhere. I'm not suggesting he not ask for a substantial raise, just not an out of this world contract.

[Rob]

I think all they need to do is add a decent forward and leave the rest alone.

[Pat Landry]

Keep the rebuilding plan alive. Let's see what we can get for Grabovski, his stock has never been higher and will only fall. Get out of that Giguere contract, however you can, his best before date has come and gone. Khadri must be of interest to some teams out there, good for a 2nd round pick maybe. Wilson has made sure he won't succeed in Toronto.

[bill]

Why would you trade Kadri for a 2nd round pick? That is the most ridiculous thing I have read in months!

Also, Brad Richards is not coming to Toronto as a UFA, so cross him off your lists.

I say if Burke can add the right (young) player, go for it, but otherwise I say let the current show what they can do. I'd like to resign MacArthur, but if he wants north of $3mm/season, I think Burke should see what he can get and if it's a crazy return (Versteeg got us a late 1st and a 3rd), then maybe just maybe.

[Geeman]

The leafs have been better because everyone is understimating just how awful Beauchemin was! Aulie is a huge step up.
No reason to add any defenceman or veteran presence just more good young players or high draft picks if possible.
Otherwise, let the kids have a run and be the better for it.

[David]

I'm very surprised we're winning these games. I still dont think we'll make the playoffs as the schedule in march is brutal but i love what i'm seeing with this club. Optimus Reim is solid and gives hope for our goaltending future! GO LEAFS!

[ACE]

Giguere's contract expires at the end of the year, so there is nothing to get out of. Trade Grabo for what?? Unless you somehow trade/sign a #1 and #2 centre why would the leafs do that.

You are even less in formed when you said "Trade Kadri for a 2nd round pick"

Are you on crack?

Would anyone in LA say, trade Brayden Schenn for a 2nd round pick??!?!?

Would anyone in say trade Joe Colborne for a 2nd round pick?!?!?!

We drafted Kadri 2 years ago 7th overall, he is a PPG player in the AHL, and is one of the best rookies playing there right now - he is on the right track to becoming a great NHL player.

Please give your head a shake, and refrain from making any more comments!!

[Nik Culoman]

@RMP, This is why the Leafs didn't have any form of a farm system before BB came into town. Trade Bozak, Trade Kadri, Trade pick after pick........Can you tell what Stastny has done that is so great??

I would rather have our kids develope in our system, than see who the best of the players are......You remember a guy named Justin Pogge don't you?? We choose that guy over Rask and look where that got us........Where is Pogge these days anyways???

Let's stay this course of action, we finally have a fun, energetic, competitive team playing some amazing hockey lately....We should be getting more picks, more prospects and feeding the farm system. If we make the playoffs or not...This has been a very exciting year...I heard last night that the Leafs are 10 points ahead of last year in points already.

Progress is huge, Let's stick with these young guns...Let them grow together....Why RMP you ask if we need Kadri/Colburn?? Have you seen Pitts. Crosby/Malkin....not to say these guys are of that caliber....But that would be a dynamic 1-2 punch for our top two offensive lines...How is that a bad thing??

I'd say we trade fans, media alike....Now that would be amazing!! I would what we could get for you RMP???

[John Blaze]

"...does Dion Phaneuf have more room to lead without much experience at all around him?"

yea, the guy voted most overrated by his peers last season is leading the team. Im sure it was all those strong veteran presences holding him back. Keep dreaming Damien

[Bill]

Forget Richards. He's on his way to Pitt to be with his best bud Neal.

[Dave]

I'm always amazed at the way every critic tries to find excuses for the Leafs play of late. Did you ever think that perhaps the other teams already played their weak parts of the schedule and that's the reason the Leafs were behind in the standing until now???

[Johnny the Juice]

Leafs will not make the playoffs. Although they should be able to avoid another bottom 5 finish which is good news for everyone other than Boston.