It's funny. As the game in Boston was nearing the final minutes, my intention, regardless of how things turned out, was to talk not so much about Kessel finally scoring (twice!) against his old team, but Grabovski not only surviving a big hit from Chara, but scoring a goal earlier in the contest.
But then (just in case I was about to change my mind about the focus of my comments) after yet another hit from Chara, Grabbo responded with the winning goal, a beauty, with only a minute to go. (Whether he should have been on the ice, after apparently suffering an injury on the second Chara hit, is a separate debate.)
It's too early to nominate a player of the year for the Leafs, but, if the season ended right now, is there any doubt who that player would be?
And as I've long acknowledged, I'm among those who would never have forecast this about Grabovski.
Kudos as well to Reimer, who just keeps playing well in these close contests, especially when the game is on the line.
**
The regular-season is moving along so quickly that we're already at a point where the Leafs have to decide what their objectives are at the forthcoming trade deadline and beyond. They have already made some significant moves (Beauchemin and Versteeg) with more to come, it seems.
From where I sit, here are the key story lines that blue and white fans will be following:
1) The future of Ron Wilson. Burke can play this down as much as he feels necessary, but in this market, unless there is a dramtic turnaround, suggestions will persist that Wilson
2) Do the Leafs finally move Tomas Karbele? The long-time Leaf is what he is—a puck-moving defenseman who doesn’t take useless penalties and will still make mistakes, but generally a calming presence with the puck.
3) Do the Leafs sign/extend Giguere before the trade deadline? If not, what can they get in return for the veteran netminder? Injuries to Gustavsson and Rynnas could scuttle those plans, but shouldn't. Years ago, Fletcher managed to get Andreychuk for an aging former Cup winner (Fuhr). Who knows what can happen if a contender loses a goalie this month?
4) Now that Burke has found a way (Versteeg) to get a first-round pick in the June draft, will he keep it or try to move up further in the draft, or flip the pick for another forward?
5) Is Grabovski trade-bait or a long-term fixture? Will the team move him when his “market” is at its peak and before he commands an expensive long-term contract?
6) Will Phaneuf become the player Leaf fans thought they were getting? Much has been made about his more physical play in recent games, but beyond injuries and the occasional “big hit”, where is his career going? Does he still have an offensive game? Will he become a smart, reliable defensive-defenseman? Maybe as importantly, will he become a leader that others with follow?
7) Is that elusive “top-six” forward an emerging guy on the current roster, or is he coming in a deadline deal? In free agency July 1?
8) Does Lupul become what he was not that long ago, a grinding winger who can score and contribute all over the ice? Or have injuries dulled his career curve?
9) What about Kessel? Is the organization satisfied with what he appears to be—a skilled perimeter guy but a streaky scorer? Can this coach get him to the next level, a guy who competes all over the ice every night? Can Wilson and Phil live in harmony?
10) Of the three major off-season acquisitions—Versteeg, Armstrong and MacArthur—only MacArthur has surpassed expectations. Versteeg is now gone. Will Armstrong and MacArthur be major contributors next season?
Clearly, Leaf fans will be following these and other story lines. Which are the most important, from your perspective?
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Grabovksi? He looked like Gilbert Perreault out there last night in the clutch!
ReplyDeleteThey players showed us last night that they still want the playoffs but until the trade deadline we won't know what will happen. Kaberle is praticly gone since the trade rumors are so intense, what we'll get will be interesting. MacArther, who would have thought? Big win for the Leafs and Brian Burke.
ReplyDeleteThe Leafs record with Armstrong in the line-up is a 90pt pace. He kills penalties, eats up 16 minutes of good hard working ice time, scores goals and sets them up pretty good for a 3rd liner and his teammates love him.
ReplyDeleteHow is that not a major contribution? He's doing exactly what he was signed to do.
I think the most intriguing decision will be made on Jiggy. If the Leafs end up not moving him what does that say about the state of our supposed goaltending depth? Does this mean the brass wants to allow Rynnas and Scrivens to bake some more in the minors? Or maybe that they don't think Monster is the guy and are willing to roll with Reimer and Jiggy next year.
ReplyDeleteCouple of points. If they get rid of Grabovski I will be very disappointed. We need more guys like him, not less.
ReplyDeleteI think that Burke is going to try to package Kaberle and Philly's first rounder to Boston for the first rounder that we gave away in the Kessel deal. We will probably have to take back a contract like Ryder to make it happen.
No point in extending Giguere until the summer.
It would be interesting to see this team with a different coach.
First off, what a satisfying win last night! I've been smiling ever since Grabo's goal and Reimer's game-saving stop as the seconds ticked down.
ReplyDeleteAs for the questions:
1) I feel there's been a coaching disconnect with Wilson, but there are glimpses of what might be if we stay the course. I'd give him and his staff one more year to prove Burke's plan is working.
2) It's all about improving the team in the future. I've always liked Kaberle's skill and understated professionalism, but it may be time...
3) Giguere is a positive presence for the younger goalies, and is playing better than ze Monstah. I think I'd rather trade Gustavsson.
4) Burke has said he'll flip the 3rd rounder, but keep the first.
5) I'd keep Grabo - great competitor. His line gave the B's fits last night.
6) Phaneuf is slowly growing into the Captain's role, I think. His recent robust play has been a big plus, and his offence is improving. Has anyone else noticed how much tougher the Leaf's D is this year? Sure, they make mistakes, but they punish the opposing forwards more than I can remember for years.
7,8,9) There are a few puzzle parts yet to come, I think. Overall, I like Bozak's growth this year, despite the many missed scoring opportunities. It'll be interesting to see if Kessel and Lupul can develop some chemistry. Kessel's been playing well the past few games - great to see him rewarded last night.
10) I agree with Anonymous above: Armstrong has delivered this year. Much as I liked Versteeg, he really wasn't clicking, for whatever reason.
Of all the above, I think our goaltending is the crucial area. It appears Reimer is going to stay, though it's early yet. If he can play consistently as he has in his few games, we're probably one power forward and one D-man away from contending.