Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey News and Views | Archive

Feb. 28: Leafs 3 vs. Panthers 5

(Phaneuf: “We’ve got to do a better job starting games”)
Leafs scorers: Kessel (32), Kulemin (7), Lupul (24)
Panthers scorers: Goc (6), Santorelli 2 (8), Garrison (14), Weiss (16)
Links: Box Score | Discussion boards

Forward lines:Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Lombardi-Connolly-Kulemin, Crabb-Steckel-Brown
Defence pairings: Phaneuf-Gunnarsson, Liles-Komisarek, Gardiner-Schenn
Goaltenders: Reimer (Loss 57:45 minutes played, 18 saves, 5 GA), Gustavsson (0:00)

Recap:
There’s a familiar refrain that we’ve all heard at some point from either parents or teachers.

“If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always got.”

For the Maple Leafs, whose roster went essentially unchanged following the trade deadline, their game Tuesday against the Florida Panthers eerily mirrored their match-up from three nights ago against Washington. A home game against a SouthEast Division opponent, who is expected to be a competitor in the playoff race.

A horrific start in giving up two early goals. An abnormal lack of urgency from the Leafs in what is deemed to be a crucial game.

And, another loss.

NHL Trade Deadline: Burke adamant in keeping Gardiner

February 27, 2012 in Blogs 0

(“He wasn’t going anywhere” – Brian Burke)

When the clock struck 3pm on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs roster that will scramble for a playoff berth in the competitive Eastern Conference remained intact.

Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke made only two trades, both of them at the minor league level. Keith Aulie was dealt to Tampa Bay in exchange for Carter Ashton, while Dale Mitchell was moved to Anaheim for Mark Fraser.

While there is some slight grumbling among Toronto fans that Burke was unable to land a goaltender in wake of the club’s recent slump, at least one opinion is almost unanimously shared.

The best move that Burke made was one of restraint in not trading defenceman Jake Gardiner, who has the making of becoming a star on the team’s blueline.

Aulie on the move

(Originally acquired in deal for Phaneuf)
The Leafs made their first move of the trade deadline on Monday afternoon, sending defenceman Keith Aulie to Tampa Bay in exchange for forward Carter Ashton.

The 22-year-old Rouleau, SK native split his time between the Leafs and (AHL) Marlies this season, collecting two assists in 17 NHL games in 2011-12.

Ashton, son of NHL alumnus Brent Ashton, turns 21 in April. The 2009 first-round pick of the Lightning has 35 points in 56 games this year with the Norfolk Admirals.

Leafs season may be Washing away

Feb. 25: Leafs 2 vs. Capitals 4

(James Reimer called out by Ron Wilson following early goals)
Leafs scorers: Armstrong (1), Connolly (10)
Capitals scorers: Johansson (12), Semin (17), Halpern (4), Aucoin (1)
Links: Box Score | Discussion boards

Forward lines:Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Kulemin-Grabovski-MacArthur, Lombardi-Connolly-Frattin, Armstrong-Steckel-Brown
Defence pairings: Phaneuf-Gunnarsson, Liles-Franson, Gardiner-Schenn
Goaltenders: Reimer (Loss 58:14 minutes played, 32 saves, 4 GA), Gustavsson (0:00)

Recap:
The Washington Capitals appeared on paper to be the antidote for the Leafs recent ailments. Toronto’s Saturday opponents had played the night before, coming into the matchup at Air Canada Centre 8 games under .500 on the road.

Unbelievably, it was the Leafs who turned in an effort unbecoming of a team embroiled in a tight playoff race.

Coming out on the short end of a 4-2 decision, Toronto earned the wrath of the 19,577 fans in attendance, with the players receiving unflattering boos at the end of each period.

Boyce claimed by Blue Jackets

(27-year-old PEI native off to Columbus)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Darryl Boyce on waivers.

Boyce, 27, was originally free agent signing of the Maple Leafs on January 1, 2008. In 64 career NHL games in Toronto, Boyce collected 6 goals and 15 points.

The Summerside, PEI native also had 91 points in 191 AHL games with the Marlies.

Jesse Blacker: The evolution of a hockey player

Feb. 25, 2012 by S-Mo

Jesse Blacker, taken in the 2nd round of the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, is making a case for himself as a pro and appears to be on the verge of taking the next step to the big league.

The 6’1”, 195 lb native of Toronto has been enjoying top minutes with one of the best defensive teams in the AHL, the Toronto Marlies, under the tutelege of coach Dallas Eakins and Gord Dineen among others. Whether applying his craft to sound positional play, learning the ropes in after hour sessions on the ice, reviewing tape or building his conditioning in the gym, Jesse is truly soaking up his experience and has little time for anything not hockey related.

Speaking with Jesse today we discussed some of his earlier triumphs, notably with the OHL champion Owen Sound Attack last year, and the learning curves and inspirations on the road to pro hockey.
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