Random Thoughts As The Leafs' Buns Are Still Red Hot

* Justin Pogge got his “pants pulled down”, plain and simple. Considering he was playing his second NHL game, and his teammates were displaying their best Andy Wozniewski impersonations, I’d say he’s deserving of a mulligan. While a couple of the goals were stoppable, it begs the question if ANY goaltender could of garnered a solid performance with the abysmal performances that were displayed in front of the netminder last night.

* I’m just throwing this out there, but does anyone notice Lee Stempniak on the ice? I sometimes forget he’s on the team.

* Stajan has 0PTS in his last 6 games. This is a little concerning considering his production during the first half of the season, but it’s nothing to burn police cruisers over. A quick glance at the Leafs’ roster will prove that every player, in every position, has endured cold streaks. It’s part of the process of rebuilding, as the Leafs’ core consists largely (and will only continue to) of young players.

* After watching the Leafs’ dismal performance last night, I can’t help but wonder if Pogge should stay clear of the Leafs altogether this season. While easing him in with the occasional game sounds like a logical plan, the Leafs’ defense will play no part in this thing we call, “logic.” One could argue that more time in the AHL will only halt his progression, but I can’t help but think the Leafs will only shatter his confidence if he were to assume the goaltending duties for the Blue and White . I mean, as nice as it is to blame the defensive woes on Vesa Toskala’s struggles, yesterday was a clear indication that the Leafs’ defense are not capable of maintaining order in their own end – even Schenn was a walloping -4.

* While Ron Wilson’s comments are considered egocentric by many, even Don Cherry had to respect his comments towards his fallen goaltender last night. “Obviously the first goal was not very good but then we pulled down his pants,” Wilson said. “Our goaltending has not been good this year. This is an opportunity for Justin. He’s going to get more opportunities. He’s going to be a great NHL goalie.” That may not seem like a Hallmark moment, but for Wilson, this is an act of defending his goaltender and placing the blame almost squarely on his defenders, who, deservingly so, need a serious adjustment in their own end. Wilson said it best: “We don’t have enough guys who care about each other. We have a few guys who should look in the mirror and say: ‘I’m not trying hard enough in my own end. I’m cheating in order to get easy points.’”

* “Enjoy Michael Cammalleri the rest of the season, because on July 1, he’ll be a Toronto Maple Leaf, making almost as much money as Jarome Iginla” – Eric Francis, The Calgary Sun. A player like Cammalleri is exactly what this franchise needs. His speed and offensive prowess would be instantly recognized, and considering his age (26), how can you go wrong? 7 million per season seems a little excessive, but if Burke can lock him up anywhere around the 6 million vicinity, the Leafs will have possession of an integral piece to their rebuilding plan.

ronguillet@gmail.com

Jason Blake a Valuable Commodity?

Don't look now, but Jason Blake is on pace for 25 goals and 56 points (in 78 games).

And don't give your eyes a rub, that's actually on your computer screen, folks.

While Don Cherry is red in the face over the coaching of Ron Wilson, Blake couldn't be happier. After registering a disappointing 15-goal (although he did have 51 points) campaign in 2007-08, Blake has flourished under Wilson, scoring 14 goals so far this season.

Blake may lack the defensive game to establish himself as an effective two-way forward, but considering his +1 rating, he's obviously doing something right.

Blake is most effective, however, as an energetic forward who uses his speed and tenacity to create scoring chances down low.

All that said, I'm going to come right out and say it: Blake does not belong on this team.

I don't care how much he improves, he just doesn't fit.

Blake is best utilized as a top-six forward. So, what's the problem? The Leafs lack top-six forwards anyway, right?

Wrong.

The Leafs are a rebuilding team. So, how exactly, does Blake fit? He doesn't implement any sort of leadership to the line-up, and at 34, he's not exactly a young stud. Even if he was there for leadership, isn't that why character players like Mayers and May were acquired in the first place?

Wilson may be responsible for the re-emergence of Blake, but the signing was a mistake ever since John Ferguson Jr. signed the dotted line two summers ago.

Blaked is signed on for three more years after this season, possessing a hefty cap-hit at 4 million dollars. It's important to note, however, that he will be making a fair 3 million dollars during the last two years of his contract.

And this, ladies and gentleman, could play a big part in the potential trading of Blake at this year's Trade Deadline.

If Blake can keep producing as an offensive juggernaut (he now has 7PTS in his last 4GP), the Minnesota-native may generate some interest once March 4^th swings around.

It's entirely possible the Leafs continue to be handcuffed with his lucrative contract, but don't be surprised if Burke ends up unloading him, even if it's for a mid-round draft pick (although I would imagine the Leafs would be taking some salary back).

So, what do you think? Is a trade possible? Do you want him off the team? If so, what type of return are you expecting?

ronguillet@gmail.com

Circle Your Calendar, Stralman

March 5th will be a significant date for Anton Stralman.

Why?

He's going to be re-inserted into the Leafs' lineup, and finally serve the role he was intended to grasp as an offensive defenseman in the NHL.

That is, if Burke can manage to wedge Kaberle and/or Kubina from the lineup.

It's currently unclear whether the duo of defensemen have a serviceable future with the Leafs. While Burke claims he won't ask neither of the defensemen to waive their NTC's, I have a feeling this story will pick up some heat as the days inch closer to the Trade Deadline - especially when considering Burke's no-holds-barred attitude.

If either Kubina or Kaberle are subtracted from the lineup, do not expect an AHL defenseman like Jamie Sifers to fill the offensive void and especially if it's Kaberle who's booted out the door. Unless an offensive defenseman is headed to the Leafs on March 4th - which is a possibility considering the Jay-Bo rumours that have been swirling - Stralman will finally get his chance to perform as one of the go-to guys on the PP.

And it's about frigging time!

No disrespect to Kaberle, who has been a force on the PP (fun fact: Kaberle rhymes with powerplay) during his tenure with the Buds, but it's time to pass the torch. Stralman will have big shoes to fill, but it only makes sense to let him adapt with the rest of his teammates, who are each establishing their respective roles on creating a competitive Leafs team for the future.

Taking a glimpse at Stralman's production at the NHL level leaves a little to be desired considering his success in the past and once being compared to Nik Lidstrom.

But let's dwell a little deeper into the subject, shall we?

Here are Stralman's point totals during the 07-08 season:

50 GP, 3 G, 9 PTS, 12:48 TOI

Now, let's take a look at the 08-09 season:

21 GP, 1 G, 7 PTS, 15:51 TOI

An increase of just over three minutes of ice-time allowed Stralman to nearly match his point totals of last season in less than half the games. While his point production is low to begin with, it still serves as an indicator that Stralman is indeed coming along. Slowly, but surely.

If Stralman were to be appointed on the 1st PP unit, his development in the NHL would take a significant step forward. Since his arrival with the Buds, the Swedish-born defenseman has not been used effectively. I understand he has to earn his ice-time, but let's keep in mind players like Matt Stajan, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Mikhail Grabovski, and others, were only given top-six ice-time because there was no other skilled players to fill in the positions. To quote Cliff Fletcher, "Antropov is our only true top-six player." Similar to his teammates, Stralman first needs the opportunity to strut his stuff in order to realize his untapped potential. Until then, he'll be used as a fringe NHL defenseman.

In terms of his defensive game; well, there is none. Stralman is unreliable in his own end, and lacks any sort of physical game. But never say never. Stralman stands at 6 foot 1, 180 pounds. He's not exactly menacing, but if he were to implement an aggressive edge to his game, he could serve as an effective two-way defenseman. That said, Stralman's future with the Leafs is based largely from his offensive potential.

Until either Kaberle or Kubina are traded, however, Stralman's contributions will be limited - don't expect him to do much by replacing Sifers on the Leafs' defense.

If Brian Burke can work his magic wand, March 4th should be highlighted by the additions of prospects and draft picks.

It's important for the Leafs to realize, though, that they have a gem of a prospect who's ready to contribute.

They just have to provide him the necessary tools.

***

On a side note: Does anyone else get the feeling that Stralman may be packaged to acquire a defenseman at Deadline? I base this off absolutely nothing, but I can just see Burke sacrificing Stralman to sweeten the pot on potential trades. Perhaps for Jay Bouwmeester?

ronguillet@gmail.com

Will That Be Shipped Poni Express?

* I can't let you read this blog without first apologizing for the title. Shameful, just shameful. *

Alexei Ponikarovsky is in the midst of a career season.

14 goals and 30 points in 42 games played – on pace for 26 goals and 58 points.

But who is responsible for this sudden jump in production?

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the so-called back-stabbing, heartless monster that is Mats Sundin.

While Sundin may be regarded as a traitor by most Leafs fans, his skill and abilities as a sizable forward has rubbed off on Ponikarovsky – and Antropov – in a positive way.

Puck control. This is the main contributor to Ponikarovsky's success. He excels in shielding opponents from the puck with his large frame – 6 foot 4, 220 pounds to be exact – and quick movements around the boards. These are traits he's acquired by serving as Sundin's linemate for the last few years – and I'm not insinuating he's the next Sundin, but his persistence around the net is a sight to behold for Leafs fans.

Defensively, Ponikarovsky is not too shabby either. On a team consumed of minus players, 'Poni' registers a +3 rating, good enough to join a group of only six on the Leafs' roster. Where Ponikarovsky falters, however, is in physical presence. He's got the size to punish his opponents, but judging from his last four years of play, physical dominance appears to be nothing more than a pipe dream.

Looking ahead to the Trade Deadline, I can't help but drivel at the thought of Ponikarovsky's value. Usually between the 35-45 point vicinity, the Ukrainian sniper will be regarded as a 20-goal, 50-point player come March 4th – barring a drastic drop-off in production, that is.

With a cap hit of 2.105 million dollars, Ponikarovsky is an affordable, young (28) sniper whose contract terms – 2 years remaining – will only sweeten the pot for potential suitors.

All things considered, I believe Ponikarovsky can garner the Leafs a…

Throw in some dramatic suspense…

2^nd-Round Pick.

Taking into account the Leafs lost their 2^nd rounder to the Isles in a package for Luke Schenn, I'd swap Ponikarovsky for a 2^nd in a heartbeat.

In a perfect world, I'd be giddy like a school girl if Ponikarovsky, Antropov, Kaberle, Kubina and Toskala are all traded.

I know what you're thinking, but it helps me sleep at night.

ronguillet@gmail.com