…Big Doin’s Today In Leafland.
Anyone who follows the Buds knows that today is supposed to be the day Phil Kessel is cleared to play, and could find himself lining up with Matt Stajan at center, and Jason Blake one the left side, against the Lightning of Tampa Bay, as part Toronto’s newly minted top line. If Wilson likes what he sees, we‘ll need to start thinking of a name for their line, as they play 13 contests this month, against several very beatable teams. Stajan -Kessel -Blake… SKB…the ‘SCAB’ line? Not exactly flattering…how about Jason-Matt –Phil: JMP=the JUMP Line? A little more flattering, but let’s see some real ‘jump’ first…
“Fans have to temper their expectations,” Kessel said, after a recent practice. “Having said that, I’m going to give everything I’ve got. I’m really excited to get back out there”.
He’s also quite enjoying skating on a line with Blake and Stajan in practice, claiming that there’s ‘not much difference’ between playing with Matty and playing with Savard. WOW. Didn’t expect to hear that. But let’s think for a minute: if Stajan can get 40 assists last year, with nobody even remotely close to a finisher like Kessel to dish to, is it so far fetched to think he could exceed that number with a bona-fide sniper like number 81?
I’ve been watching our boy Matty closely, and what I’ve seen is a first-rate character guy who cares a lot about the logo he represents as well as his team mates, who is developing into a very respectable hockey player, who shows no hesitation to dig a puck out of the corner and take a hit to make a pass. He makes pretty heady decisions and is defensively aware. Is he spectacular? No, he’s not, but he is exceptionally motivated and eager to do what he has to do to get Kessel the puck. Whether he’s a stop-gap until Bozak and Kadri make their way to the bigs, or the guy we start calling our future captain, who knows, but he’s our best option at present.
How Blake factors I don’t know except to say he’s likely as fast as Kessel and he’s a hell of a forechecker when he decides to wear that hat. He could be key in causing turnovers and springing Kessel. With their combined speed they should be able to exploit defenders and create chances. Sounds good on paper, but let’s see it, before we pass judgement.
And speaking of judgement, let’s all try to withold the Howard Berger-like barbs and criticisms, or start calling anybody out until at least a couple weeks have lapsed. The picks we traded are gone. We ended up with a very, very good scorer like we have not seen in more years than we’d like to admit, and he’s still just barely old enough to order a beer. As Burke said, 36 goals was the platform, it’s not the ceiling.
Welcome to the Blue and White bubble, young Mr. Kessel. Take your time finding your stride, and building the chemistry you’ll need to win the fickle hearts of the Toronto faithful. Try not to obsess over the media pressure, but know that they will obsess over you. They’ll hound you, demanding you account for your every hockey decision. I hope you can filter it, and enjoy your life in Toronto as a Maple Leaf.
Best of luck, Number 81…
Hope that he works out for Toronto – I’d love to see the franchise revitalized, so long as Buffalo keeps beating them
well, with the way Miller is playing, BUF could be a D man away from a deep playoff run.Was it addition by subtraction? Afinogenov departing created room up front, and likely revitalized the dressing room. I have a feeling he wasnt one of the boys…just a hunch
Good article Owen. I think after watching the game, we should obviously be very excited about the future. No I don’t see Stajan as the solution to the #1 center problem. He’s the best option for now. they looked good together with Blake, although obviously, they still need to work on finding each other and learning each other’s tendencies.
What they did do, almost every shift is create excitement, and chances. I was on the edge of my seat practically everytime Kessel rushed up the ice. I think he showed the critics that he doesn’t NEED a Savard to create chances. He created a ton of chances all on his own. He doesn’t need Savard, but it wouldn’t hurt. Is Savard Burke’s target next summer??? Couldn’t hurt.
Agreed, Rick: Kessel is like the fire that lights itself, and he creates his own kind of magic. I think he benefits more from a center that can throw a little weight around and create space for him to do his thing than a non combative playmaker. apparently Mitchell gets a turn next.With a depleted Carolina team, I’m expecting a ton of chances, as well as PP opportunities, as frustration has become a team wide epidemic with the Canes, from the goal out.Let’s hope we see a big night from the boys in blue…