With the Leafs’ latest move of shipping goaltender Justin Pogge off to Anaheim, it seems that people have decided to come out of the woodwork, and are bashing Pogge. Who are they? Where were they before this trade occurred? How come this trade had such an effect on their opinion of Pogge? They are throwing around words like “over-hyped” and “bust” and I have two major issues with that.

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Tags: anaheim, bust, ducks, goaltending, justin, Leafs, pogge, toronto, trade

First things first, congratulations to captain Sidney Crosby and his Penguins for winning the 2009 Stanley Cup. Well done, guys, you put on quite a show. It was a hard fought series, right until the final seconds when goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury had to dive across the crease to rob Detroit captain Niklas Lidstrom of a sure goal. Wondering what Fleury was thinking when all that was happening? Take a look:

Now while Pittsburgh soaks up the next few days, you can guess what the other 29 teams will be thinking about. Next season, starting with the Draft, then the opening day of free agency. You can tell that’s what they’re thinking about just by looking at some of the stories that have been reported in the past few days.

Lets start with the Flyers and their goaltending situation. Earlier this week the Flyers announced the signing of Ray Emery to a one-year $1.5 million contract. Many see it as a low-risk, high-reward kind of deal. I think any time you deal with Ray Emery, the situation is high risk. I’m not saying he’s a bad guy, but he has the capability of bringing down a team from the inside. What’s the best scenario? He has a stellar year, the Flyers go far in the playoffs riding his play, and he asks for major bucks in the off season, or leaves the team. That being said, this is Emery’s second chance at an NHL career, so to speak. He blew his first chance in Ottawa, so you can bet he won’t want to screw up his second chance in Philly. I really hope he stays on his best behaviour and succeeds, I really do. Then today we are hit with another shocker. Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the Flyers are interested in bringing Robert Esche back! He had a stellar year playing in the KHL, posting a 1.87 goals against average and .912 save percentage. If that report turns out to be true, you can kiss Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki’s butts goodbye.

But then we’re forced to wonder, is a Emery-Esche tandem that much of an upgrade over a Biron-Niittymaki tandem? Is it even an upgrade at all? Sure they save a few bucks under the cap, but is it really worth taking such a risk with your goaltending situation? Only time will tell.

Then there was the Score’s report of Pronger being traded to LA for Jack Johnson and the 5th overall pick in this year’s draft. I saw that as soon as I turned on my TV and sat back, thought about it for a second, then muttered “What the hell is Los Angeles thinking??” Sure, lets trade away the 5th overall pick (Who I have as Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson in the Everything Hockey mock draft) and Jack Johnson, a former 3rd overall pick, for an older Chris Pronger, who has 1 year left on his contract and makes just over 4 million dollars more than Johnson. I really really hope LA has some kind of plan for this, like signing him to an extension and naming him captain or something. Seems to me like they could have just kept Rob Blake, a much cheaper leader.

I said that 29 teams will be thinking of next season already, but one team has a very unique situation. The Phoenix Coyotes aren’t just worried about their product on the ice, they are also worried about where the ice they will skate on will be located. Let me begin by saying I am a completely biased Hamiltonian. I have refrained from writing about the deal because of my bias. I would thouroughly enjoy having an NHL team in this city, as would hundreds of other people I know, but especially me seeing as how it would open all sorts of doors for jobs, especially in the media. So when you make the argument about how moving the team out of Phoenix will take away hundreds of jobs, think of all the jobs it would open up, especially to people like me! We all know what’s happening in terms of the court preceedings and so-on, so I won’t bore you with that. I just want you to know that the fan support for an NHL team in Hamilton is very real. The team will be immensly popular, and the area is a hockey gold mine. Oh…and Jim Balsillie for Prime Minister!

Tags: chris pronger, detroit red wings, fleury, hamilton, jim balsillie, philadelphia flyers, phoenix coyotes, pittsburgh penguins, ray emery, robert esche, stanley cup, swears, trade

Yes, believe it or not, it’s true. The New York Yankees’ Third Baseman was quoted in a recent interview saying that his time off earlier this month due to a hip injury has made him interested in hockey.

“I’ve watched more hockey in the last two months than my whole life, combined,” said Rodriguez. “I never knew anything about hockey before, but I think I have a new appreciation for Canadians and the passion they have for hockey. It’s been awesome. I can’t get enough of it.”

Well, I can’t say that it makes me a fan of his, especially since the heat is still on because of his admission of taking steroids, but it is a small victory in the fight to earn my respect. Maybe he can get some of the other Yankees interested as well. Could we see him in the stands of the Madison Square Garden next season, taking in a Rangers game? Who knows. Rodriguez went on to say:

“I like that Alex guy, No. 8 (Ovechkin) and I love (Sidney) Crosby and I like the Rangers. So many of the (Canadian) baseball players were former hockey players. I like talking to them about it now.”

He’ll learn the names eventually, I guess. That got me thinking, though. What if A-Rod tries to become the next multi-sport athlete? He’ll likely stay in New York, so…

Tags: alex, baseball, fan, hockey, mlb, new york rangers, new york yankees, NHL, rodriguez

Standings don’t get any tighter than the way it is in the Western Conference right now. The Minnesota Wild are currently hanging on to the last playoff spot with 55 points, but are in a 3-way tie with Edmonton and Columbus. Dead last in the West? St. Louis with 50, count ‘em, 50 points. The difference between 5th and 15th is a mere 9 points.  You may remember an article TSN had on January 21, talking about Phoenix being 5th, and how they will be top contenders the rest of the way. Now, barely 3 weeks since the posting of that article the Coyotes sit 13th. Remember when we all thought Dallas was down and out? Well, since the Avery feud the Stars have rebounded with a 17-8-3 record and find themselves right back in the playoff picture.

Things certainly change quickly in the West. Does it have to do with the East playing the West more often, because of the re-worked schedule? The West seems to be taking points away from Eastern conference teams, making things very tight.

I’m interested in seeing how this plays into the upcoming trade deadline. Teams may think they are close and are still in it, but the reality is, 8 teams from the east make it, and 8 teams from the west make it. I have a hunch that Western teams may choose to bulk up on the deadline, and legitimate tanking teams like the New York Islanders and the Leafs will clean up. More buyers means a higher price for players like Doug Weight, Bill Guerin, and Nik Antropov. Brian Burke must be licking his lips in anticipation.

Who are the legitimate contenders in the West, and who do I see falling out of contention shortly after the deadline? If Steve Mason can return from his bout with Mononucleosis (and from what I’ve heard, it can zap the energy from even the healthiest of people) Columbus certainly stick around until the end. I think Anaheim is in there for good. They have battled through injuries the entire year, and have really come together as a team these past few weeks. Jonas Hiller is looking like one of the best signings Brian Burke has ever made. LA, believe it or not, is picking up steam. With shooters like Oscar Moller, and Anze Kopitar, young stud Drew Doughty on defence and an acrobatic Jonathan Quick backstopping them, I can see them turning a few heads. I don’t believe that Nashville has the horses to pull off a comeback, and Colorado simply doesn’t have the goaltending.

With that all said, only 2 teams that were out of the playoffs at the All-Star break last year were in the playoffs at the end of the year. Washington and their miraculous stretch of games at the end was one of them, so it will take an effort similar to that to make it in.

It will be an interesting few weeks indeed, and I’m really looking forward to it. I apologize for the lack of podcasts lately, but school has been very hectic, especially on Thursdays when we are supposed to do the podcast. I promise that Andy and I will drag ourselves to the studio sooner or later, and we’ll get one done before the trade deadline. We will have a trade deadline recap show for sure.

Tags: NHL, playoffs, podcast, predictions, trade deadline, western conference

Preseason has concluded for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After 9 games of juggling line-ups and testing their young guns, the Leafs have finished with a 2-6-1 record. However, this blog does not have the objective to bash the Leafs and bring the fan base to a heaving sigh. Instead, let’s take a different approach. Let’s go into the season with our heads high. Let’s go into the season with an optimistic state of mind. Let’s go into the season to watch some hockey!

These warm-up sessions have long been a deceiving affair. That’s not to say the Leafs won’t struggle like they have these past few weeks, but putting too much merit into these match-ups would be a mistake. After all, the intensity that engulfs the game of hockey is toned down in preseason. This alone affects the flow of the game, ultimately altering the final outcome.

Another important factor to consider is the Leafs’ revamped line-up. Nearly half the roster is new faces, so chemistry has yet to be established at a comfortable level. That, and the Leafs are considerably younger than years past, so some adjusting may be in need.

While in the end goaltender Vesa Toskala will be praising his new defense, he too, like the rest of the club, is going to have to adjust to the new defensive system put in place by head coach Ron Wilson. At first glimpse, the Leafs appear to have learnt nothing, but a pattern has been followed throughout the past few weeks. One that has fought with the franchise many times in the past, and that is 3rd period collapses. When the Leafs learn to contain leads, they will change their fortunes dramatically. If the Leafs were graded after 2 periods of play, consistency would describe them more often than not. However, things aren’t that simple for the 41-year Cup-less franchise, so some work will have to be done by Wilson and co.

Instead of moping over the possibility of an Ottawa Senators playoff quality team, let’s go into the season with our minds open. If Wilson could sell the defensive system to the players, the playoffs are not a far cry. Achieving the fallow goal wouldn’t snub the rebuilding plan either, as some valuable experience would be had from the wide-range of youngsters.

On the other hand, a season full of L’s on the calendar would assure a quality prospect in a draft pool that is expected to be strong. This would further to the new era of promising youngsters that is beginning to re-ignite this fallen club.
No matter what the outcome, some interesting stories will be developing throughout the course of this season. And no matter what hardships the Leafs endure, it’s refreshing to see a legitimate rebuilding plan in motion.

Let’s enjoy this season, not only because it’s hockey, but because it’s a new page for a franchise in dire need of one.

Tags: etc., hockey, Leafs, preseason, Wilson

It’s time for Ponikarovsky to step up.

No more excuses. The now-Canadian citizen is going to have display his talent and prove to the Leafs why he should rejoin them in the long-term. The six-foot-four, 220 pound sniper has shown glimpses of being top-six forward quality, but that’s as far as he goes before falling back into inconsistency.

In Ponikarovsky, the Leafs have a solid two-way player who has above average skating abilities and can snipe the puck with deadly precision. While he has a big frame, ‘Poni’ tends to be a little soft at times, taking his size for granted. If he’d be able to finish his scoring chances more often (he misses a lot), he could potentially become a 30-goal scorer.

While he was no stranger to the first line, Ponikarovsky only averaged 15:57 of ice-time last season. If he could find chemistry with Antropov again, he could spend a lot of time on the first-line and PP. In order to become a legitimate threat though, he’ll have to find the consistency he’s been lacking in his NHL career so far.

Much like teammate Alexander Steen, Ponikarovsky is often discussed in terms of potential. Now 28, it’s time for him to realize his upside and become a staple on the Leafs’ offensive attack. On a rebuilding club like the Leafs, it’ll be up to players like him to lead the charge and set an example. He’s had time on the top-line before so it’s not as if he’s new to the pressure that resides with Toronto. However, he hasn’t posted dominant numbers in his past few years with the Leafs.

Ponikarovsky’s last three seasons in the NHL:

2005-06: 81 21 17 38 68 +15

2006-07: 71 21 24 45 63 +8

2007-08: 66 18 17 35 36 +3

For a player who has often been called upon for playing with former-Leaf Mats Sundin (notice the “former”, I refuse to bring bad vibes and make him re-sign here), these point totals are simply not good enough. If he improves on finishing plays, however, Ponikarovsky could find his niche as a 25-goal, 50-point player who can contribute to the PK, but Wilson has some work ahead of him in order for this to happen. In any case, that’s the kind of player you want on a rebuilding team (or any team for that matter).

Of course, Ponikarovsky is not alone in this boat. In fact, nearly half of the Leafs’ current roster are underachievers who are being depended on to step it up in a big way.

Some work is in order, but if they can find their drive, the Leafs could surprise. There’s no time like the present, make your stamp or suffer (enjoy) the fate that players like Tucker and Wellwood shared.

As always, it’ll be an interesting season in Leaf Nation.

Fearless prediction: Ponikarovsky posts career numbers and finishes with 23 goals and 53 points.

Rebuild.

That was the game plan going in to the off-season after another abysmal season from our boys in Blue and White.

Given this arduous task was veteran GM Cliff Fletcher. I mean, it’s not every day that MLSE realize their failure and place this kind of responsibility on their GM (or… is it?).

Fletcher got to work right away, trading a 3rd round selection in the 2008 draft for Jamal Mayers. While this received mixed reception, the presence of Mayers to the Leafs’ now young line-up is going to add some leadership to a team sorely lacking it.

Next on the list was buying out the contracts of veteran-Leaf Darcy Tucker, and the incumbent Andrew Raycroft — Kyle Wellwood was also left to pursue his career elsewhere. The loss of Raycroft is an obvious plus to the Leafs, but the subtraction of Tucker is a puzzling one. He’s proven he can score goals, be a threat on the PP, drop the gloves, and bring some leadership. It was a bumpy ride last season, and Tucker is one the decline, but he can still contribute in the NHL. Holding on to a player of his caliber seems more logical then simply wasting 3-million dollars on nothing.

Before I bring up the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, let’s view how many draft picks Fletcher has brought in and out this off-season:

Picks Acquired

2008 – 2nd (PIT for Gill)
2008 – 3rd (FLA for Kilger)
2008 – 5th (FLA for Belak)
2008 – 5th (PIT for Gill)

Picks Traded

2008 – 3rd (TOR) to NYI for Schenn
2008 – 3rd (FLA) to STL for Mayers
2008 – 5th (TOR) to MTL for Grabovski
2009 – 2nd (TOR) to NYI for Schenn
2009 – 5th (PIT) to NYR for Hollweg
2010 – 2nd (TOR) to MTL for Grabovski
2010 – 4th (TOR) to FLA for Mike Van Ryn

Draft Picks Remaining

2009 NHL Draft

1st (TOR)
2nd NO PICK: (NYI for Schenn)
3rd (TOR)
4th NO PICK: (SJ for Toskala, JFJ)
5th (TOR)
6th (TOR)
7th (TOR)

2010 NHL Draft

1st (TOR)
2nd NO PICK: (MTL for Grabovski)
3rd (TOR)
4th NO PICK: (FLA for Van Ryn)
5th (TOR)
6th (TOR)
7th (TOR)

Looking at that, the draft doesn’t seem to be the chosen route to build upon our weak prospect pool. With that said, however, Fletcher did manage to attain Luke Schenn (The Human Eraser) and that alone impacts our prospect cupboard to quite a degree (quite sadly I might add). Fletcher’s feelings on building through the draft have long been long summarized by his infamous quote, ”Draft shmaft”. With that in mind, one could hope John Tavares is a Leaf at next years draft to atleast make up for the two quality picks we’ll be lacking.

Going into the UFA frenzy period, the Leafs, for once, didn’t throw ridiculous amounts of money at players for the purpose of reaching their mediocre 8th place goal… but they were given the Finger, quite stiffly I might add. Yes, Jeff Finger and his new 3.5-million dollar contract stole the show — completely putting Niklas Hagman and co. in the shadows and perhaps for the better. While Finger’s presence should help the Leafs’ defensive woes, Fletcher should have known better than to give a player with 94 games of NHL experience, at 28, a four year 14-million dollar contract. On top of that, Fletcher has created quite the log jam on the back-end, hurting the chances of the Leafs’ young defensemen at cracking the line-up. To further the problem, he then signed defenseman Jonas Frogren, from the SEL (Swedish Elite League), to play in one of top 6 positions. And when the Leafs were finally granted permission to trade the struggling veteran and longtime-Leaf Bryan McCabe, they brought in Mike Van Ryn, an offensive defenseman who is essentially a lesser-version of McCabe but comes with a smaller price tag. Excuse me, but is cap space really all that important for a team that is rebuilding anyway? If you ask me, this will be another transaction that Fletcher will be regretting when McCabe is back in form.

On a more positive note, the best move by Fletcher may be the acquisition of head coach Ron Wilson. Wilson is under the belief that this team will only turn it around when a stronger defensive game is in place. ”Do you care if you win 2-1 or lose 6-5? How do you protect a smaller defense? You forecheck like mad men.” Explained Wilson, ”Look at Detroit. It’s no fun to play against them when you never have the puck.” Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Wilson though is that he understands good things take time, ”I think the last few years it’s been ‘We need to make the playoffs, we need to do this, we need to do that. And you start start cutting corners to satisfy all these other people’s needs and you end up not doing the right thing.” The Leafs will be a lot more interesting –€“ and promising –€“ with him behind the bench.

All in all, this was a rather perplexing rebuilding plan from Fletcher. We’ve lost more draft picks then gained, and we’re forced to put our hopes in cloudy prospects such as Mikhail Grabovski. While parting ways with Sundin was crucial, the Leafs can acquire many assets if they were to trade their remaining veterans – Vesa Toskala’s name comes to mind.

Fletcher’s Grade: C (Ironically, that forms a sad face if you look sideways)

While Fletcher has done some questionable trades this off-season, the addition of Grabovski to the Leafs’ line-up is an intriguing one – one that is going to cost Toronto a 2nd round selection in 2010.

Grabovski is a bit of an unknown commodity. Having just 27 games of experience in his NHL career, (played 24 last season) he has shown strong offensive potential considering he’s been caught behind so many players on the Habs’ depth chart. The Belarusian was a victim of the numbers game, only averaging 11 minutes and 12 seconds of ice-time last season — he also registered a feeble 26 seconds per game on the PP. With that said, he garnered 3 goals and 9 points in the 24 games played.

At 24 years of age, Grabovski is still considered a rookie by NHL standards (25 games or over in one season classifies a rookie season) and could potentially surprise a lot of people. He turned some heads with his impressive AHL performance, scoring a total of 25 goals and 74 points in 78 career AHL games.

In Grabovski, the Leafs own an incredibly fast skater. He’s not afraid to skate through traffic, but he does have trouble staying on his feet when there’s physical play involved. Possessing strong puck handling abilities, Grabovski is effective 1-on-1 and is imaginative with the puck. While he knows his way to the back of the net, he’s primarily known as a playmaker, having the skill to perform tape-to-tape passes with his remarkable vision of the ice.

Many are under the belief that he’s a one-dimensional player, but Grabovski is fairly decent in his own end. He often returns to help out in his own zone and at times is even deeper in the defensive zone than some of the defensemen. His 5′11, 180 pound frame limits him when digging in the corners, but he works hard to harass the opposition.

When looking at the Leafs’ line-up, it’s possible that Grabovski may start the season on the third-line, but his talent suggests he can overtake the #2 center position if he finds some chemistry with his linemates (Nikolai Kulemin perhaps?)

Leafs fans are not expecting a ton from him, so if he produces somewhere in the 40-point vicinity it will be deemed a successful season. With increased ice-time and more responsibility on the PP he could potentially score over 50+ points. Anything is possible.

My projection for Grabovski:

80 GP
13 G
48 PTS

Here’s a tribute video for #84:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvb_F9mBpzE