Blogging the Leafs

This article echos my assessment.

So here's what I think we need to do, and then we'll move on from the playoff elimination.

The key areas to work, as it has been for the past four years, is the defensive core. Housley was supposed to be that big upgrade but he was a bust. For years they have needed an elite defenseman. McCabe and Kaberle have evolved into very fine second tier d-guys, and perhaps Kabby has more upside. Svehla is strong and reliable, and was a straight trade for losing Yushkevich.

Lumme is good when he's good and worse than an injured Al McInnis playing for all the marbles when he's bad. If the Leafs choke in a game he's often the one coughing something up.

Belfour played well this season once he got settled. In fact he played better than well. He had some great shutouts, brought some confident mobility to the Leaf's crease (Cujo has to change hands to shoot, so he's a liability chasing pucks) and was among the best positional goalies in the NHL this year. His performance in the playoffs was below his own standards.

Leafs have good depth on offense, especially with Antropov growing up, the surprising discovery of chemistry between Domi, Hoglund and Reichel and Nolan coming on. If Gilmour comes back next year, we have a great third line anchor. All they need now is a 30 year old superstar defeseman, better coaching on their defensive game and more discipline.

They're still not far away from being a real contender, and, despite this loss, are among the elite NHL teams.

So we'll see what transpires over the summer.

By the way, I took a hiatus bloggin here while work caught up to me and then washed me away. Look for a leaner Blogging the Leafs next year, and check Hockey Pundits for more commentary on hockey issues further afield.

Those of you that rode shot gun here all season, thanks for your support and participation. The guy that toasted my template can burn in hell. Shout out to Rich...! in South Africa who has been a great reader of this blog, and who traded me some great SA cricket stuff for a Leaf shot glass and a puck.

Sorry we faded out a little at the end this year, but we'll be back in 2003-2004.

Blogging the Leafs...continuing the great Leaf fan tradition of looking forward to next year.

Posted 5:04 PM by Chris |

Baby Leafs Season wrap up

Disappointment all round Leaf Land this week. Best review of a player:

Anders Eriksson C-
Won Leafs Best defenceman honours, but that was only for his offensive skills (39 points). The million dollar man drew the ire of local fans for his lacklustre play and giveaways not seen since the closure of K-mart. And he still has a year left on his contract with the Leafs, who can't get rid of him. Does provide a presence on the powerplay, but takes too many penalties.

Posted 4:49 PM by Chris |