Now that the collapse is complete, what's next?

I've done a lot of thinking about the Leafs lately, probably more than I really should be doing.  Despite what a lot of people say, I don't think that they are as far off from being a contender than people think.

Of course, I don't get paid the big bucks like Brendan Shanahan or Damien Cox, so my opinion is likely to be way off.  

First up, it's likely that this guy is going to be fired some time this week.

1990-91 OPC #51

I don't think that he's going to be a scapegoat for the team's failure to win down the stretch, because it really is his fault.   The team just cannot play defence.  Part of the blame for that can be placed on the talent that he was provided by the GM (more on that later this week), but the fact of the matter is this.  The coach has to teach.  There never appeared to be any kind of system in place to take care of the defensive zone. When the team loses 12 out of its last 14 games to sink like a stone in the standings, someone has to take the hit. 

This next guy has been the subject of a lot of talk as well.   Bad contract, under performing, etc etc.

2013-14 OPC Retro # 609

There's a couple of reasons why David Clarkson didn't perform well this year.  First, the 10 game suspension at the beginning of the season killed any momentum he may have had coming out of training camp.  Second, get this guy a pair of regular line mates, and let him go.  I think that if he had been on a line with Kadri and Lupul on a regular basis, that they could have performed quite well together.  Clarkson is a guy who likes to go to the front of the net on the power play.   Why didn't he see any power play time this season?  Yes, he had a lot of pressure on him with the big contract, but when you don't have a specific role for the entire season, it makes things tough. 

It'll will be interesting to see who the new coach is, and what he does to better utilize the talent of his players.  The rumor of Peter DeBoer taking over the club seems to be that, just a rumor. 

There also has to be a big shake up on the blue line as well.   The Leafs only have a couple of players that can actually play defence at a decent level, and this must be addressed in order to move forward.

It should be a fun summer in Leafland...

thanks for reading, Robert

One down, 5 to go

What looked like a cakewalk almost 3 weeks ago has turned into a heart attack for this guy.

An eight game losing streak at this time of year will do that for you.  Being a fan of the team that is at the center of the hockey universe just magnifies the pain ten fold. 

All the talking heads in the hockey world have said that for the Leafs to make the playoffs, they would have to win their final 6 games, and hope for a little help along the way.

Last night, the first win was accomplished, 3-2 over Calgary.  Probably the toughest of the remaining 5 games is on Thursday against the Bruins. 

Who do I think is going to be the key to the Leafs winning on Thursday?

This guy.

For Phil to reach the 40 goal mark for the first time in his career, he needs 4 goals in the team's final 5 games.  Phil has gone without a goal in the past 4 games, and I believe that if he pots 1 or 2 against the Bruins, the Leafs will prevail.

Yes, I know that sounds kind of hopeful, but when your team endures an 8 game losing streak at the worst time of the year possible, hope is what you're reduced to.

Ahhh...the life of a diehard Leafs fan.

Thanks for reading, Robert