Penalties, Penalties
Six of eight penalties taken by the Leafs last night. Tsk, tsk ... Perhaps the Leafs should be practicing scoring shorthanded goals. If they are going to spend the amount of time in the penalty box, killing their chances of winning games doing so, they might as well try to get some offense from their penalty killers. I mentioned here yesterday about the potency of the Carolina power play and its importance to the Canes success. Last night, we got to see that in action.
The Hit Parade
Seven Leafs had 3 or more hits last night. Pavel Kubina had five, Kris Newbury four, with Colaiacovo, Pohl, Devereaux, McCabe and O'Neill all had three.
Case For Carlo
Another injury for the Leafs. A "minor separation" with White in a sling after the game holding his left shoulder in place, Brendan Bell can't be faulted for being just a little giddy. It is most likely the recipient of a spot in Thursday's game down the QEW in Buffalo.
But there is a bright spot.
The greatest beneficiary of White going down is not Bell's insertion into the lineup, but Toronto Maple Leafs' 2001 first round choice (17th overall), Carlo Colaiacovo. Other than tripping over his own feet last night (everyone was tripping over themselves last night), Carlo has been solid in his return to the Buds, and will easily slide in and take over the empty spot vacated by Ian White. The smooth skating, offensive-minded Toronto native will get the second unit power play time increasing the 28 seconds average over 12 games. His 13:29 average ice time per game will surely increase with better quality minutes and better opportunities. I've been impressed with the defender, felled by injury woes. Ironic how that happens. Ian White may never have gotten the opportunity to showcase his talents had Carlo not gone down in training camp. Now, the opportunity to shine may cost some playing time to White.
With every injury comes an opportunity. Just ask Devereaux and Newbury.
Streaks Halted
John Pohl and Kris Newbury had their three-game point streaks halted against the Canes. Alex Steen with an assist on Bryan McCabe's goal moved from points in consecutive games, to a legitimate streak, three games, scoring four goals and three assists in that span.
Fading Playoffs
A playoff spot is looking mighty dim with still over half a season to go. With the loss last night, the Leafs sit in 10th spot and embark on a stretch of nine of the next 11 games on the road. The Buds will know where they stand a lot earlier than the trade deadline. The fate of their playoff hopes lies within the next 11 games. The holes left by those occupying infirmary beds have been filled by the Marlies call-ups, but how long can they make a significant impact to the parent hockey club? Alexei Ponikarovsky may be back on the weekend, while Nik Antropov is close behind (insert groan here). Wellwood and Tucker are still a way's off. Tucker is still not able to get a foot into the skate boot, and Wellwood hasn't practiced, without a timetable to return. Still experiencing pain in his hip while skating, he may have to see a specialist.
Calling Armchair GM's
So all those armchair GM's, what happens? I don't believe that Leafs fans will see any significant movement from the club. Help isn't coming in any form from the outside; it will have to be an internal effort.
So, GM's, what do you do?
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