Leafs Hit The Road In Search Of A Change In Fortune

The sagging Leafs dropped another win-able decision against a surging Canadiens squad in spite of rebounding from a dire first period and peppering 50 shots at Jaroslav Halak throughout the night, many of them quality scoring opportunities. Leaf sniper Phil Kessel was skunked once again, in spite of generating a number of those scoring chances throughout the game.

It isn’t clear if Jonas Gustavsson was screened on the Andre Kostitsyn long-side bullet that handcuffed him early in the four-on-four overtime period, but it was a tough way to lose after storming back from yet another 2-goal deficit, and definitely one the Leafs starter would like to have had.

Nikolai Kulemin once again earned the praise of his coach with a strong effort on both sides of the puck, and soon found himself plying his craft on the top line with Stajan and Kessel. He seldom loses a battle for the puck, and his physical presence on that top line is
a huge bonus, as neither Stajan nor Kessel are particularly strong on the puck. His active stick and ability to lay the body creates time and space for Kessel to deal, and should produce tangible results.

The Leafs can’t be faulted for their resiliency and determination, anymore than their coach can be singled out for their underwhelming record, but the fact remains that the level of skill doesn’t match their heart.

With a tough Western road swing in front of them, the Leaf’s position in the standings come April can soon be decided, with several divisional rivals pulling ahead, unless they find a way to steal a few games. With this in mind, it behooves Leaf boss-man Brian Burke to make an impact move in the not-too-distant future, if the price is right. If such a transaction is pending, and if said deal were to produce another potent weapon, preferably a weapon with the ability to storm the gates while putting defenders on their heels and provide both playmaking and net presence, one has to think the time is now upon us, if we are to avoid a back-fourty freefall.

Most everyone has a solution for the Leafs’ ongoing struggles, whether it be converting pending UFA’s into serviceable contributors or draft picks, or by moving currently-contracted assets for a player with a particular skill set. The 67-dollar question is: which particular skill set(s) does Burke need to be looking for?

There are a few. I’d start with targeting both net presence and the courage necessary to maintain it. Guys who accept the physical toll that they must pay to play such a role are the ones that foster the team-wide truculence it takes to maintain a winning record. These warriors are instrumental in rallying the troops, and inciting the second-effort it takes to get it done. Eventually, Christian Hanson may fill that role, but as of right now, a battle-hardened, fearless Ryan Smyth, Clowe or Malone-type, who willingly pays the price to occupy the territory around the blue paint is noticeably absent from the Leaf lineup. I doubt very much that Burke has failed to notice this missing piece of the puzzle of his design, and should opportunity to address it become available, he’ll need to act.

Guys like these don’t grow on trees, but for teams facing cap issues in the season to come and beyond, converting an asset with this specific set of traits (whether his name is Ryan or not), for less expensive options may be necessary in order to either retain, or re-sign so-called ‘elite’ and emerging talent.

As franchises start facing long-term injuries to key contributors, new trading partners may also emerge. Short-term relief provided by a pending UFA may fill the void, and may also be prudent from a Leaf perspective if the asking price is both reasonable, and without negative impact as they attempt to avoid a bottom-five finish.

Although wholesale changes may not be forthcoming so soon before the trade deadline, a move for a missing link, or at least a tangible asset may be the next step in the Burke saga here in the Blue and White Bubble…

The Leafs road record is actually pretty acceptable, and if they don’t run out of gas, playing outside the bubble that is Toronto may be the tonic they need in order to stay in the thick of it.

Here’s the sched for the next week:
Wed DEC 31 vs EDM
Sat Jan 2 vs CLG

Upon their return, they’ll take on FLA, PHI and BUF before Jan 9th.

That’s a ton of hockey…GO LEAFS