The hockey season, like most things, appears to go by in an instant. From the moment the puck is dropped in early October, we all manage to catch games here and there that we want to watch and yet somehow we contrive to miss the most and we end up at the trade deadline before anyone realizes.
This season appears to have passed just as quickly as any other. With around 63 or more games played, the final quarter of the season is upon us. Games played all have a purpose. Teams are jockeying for positions within the conference and the most exciting battles happen at the fringes, where teams who are dying to get into the post-season are labouring to play well and move ahead of teams close by.
I'm a Leafs fan, and it's not going well for me at the moment. From a few weeks ago, Toronto was well-placed to make the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. With 7th place in our sights, the team was on a decent run of form and those around them didn't seem to care whether or not they made it. With 18 games remaining, the Leafs simply can't buy a win. Teams around them, including Winnipeg, Washington, even those who had given up the ghost and been sellers at the trade deadline like the Islanders and the Lightning have managed to make up ground, and Toronto is now desperately close to finishing farther out of the playoffs than last year.
So what does that say?
Well the most obvious is that the team isn't good enough. Clearly, this collection of players leaves something to be desired in what isn't a particularly strong Eastern Conference of hockey. Most of the off season acquisitions made by Brian Burke have turned out to be nothing more than average and haven't truly upped the overall quality of the team. Tim Connolly, once claimed to be the saviour at centre ice for the Leafs, has managed to keep healthy only half of the time -- something Leafs fans worried about when he was signed to an expensive contract in the off season. If he's so great, why is Buffalo letting him go? Could it be his spotty injury record and his desire for a lucrative long term deal? I certainly like Connolly as a player. His talent doesn't let him down, and he can be the number one centre on the club if he's healthy long term. At the moment, it's a toss up between him and Tyler Bozak, an undrafted collegiate player. What does that say about the Leafs depth?
What was talked about before the season began was that the Leafs had depth in defensive positions, including prospects. Certainly, Jake Gardiner has provided the Leafs brass with a notable addition to the defensive corps, while probably the most consistent defenseman all year long has been underpaid and over performing Carl Gunnarsson. The combination of Mike Komisarek (and his albatross of a contract), Luke Schenn (and his albatross of a contract), have given enough headaches to Leaf fans throughout the year.
Other disappointments have come via Colby Armstrong, who was supposedly giving the Leafs added toughness and 3rd line scoring. His injury record this year has not allowed him to have an impact on the team, and his overall play has led him to be a healthy scratch on several occasions. Last year with 23 points, he's on pace to get 5 this year, provided he stays healthy. If he plays every game until the end of the year, he will still have only played 35 games, compared to 50 last year. For 3 million dollars, it's a heavy cap hit to take for a player who isn't able to take to the ice.
Ditto Matthew Lombardi, now recovered from a concussion that limited him to only 2 games last year, but has allowed him to play 45 this year. With only 14 points and at a cap hit of 3.5 million, his speed just hasn't been enough to impress Leaf fans that he deserves the pay check and the playing time. After scoring 53 points for Phoenix just a few years ago, to be on pace for only 25 points this year, it's disappointing to say the least.
Then there's Clarke Macarthur, one of the revelations of last year. When Burke signed Macarthur after Buffalo turned down his arbitration award, it appeared to be a shot in the dark for the Leafs. But it turned out well for them after Clarke scored 62 points, earning a bumper deal with the Leafs. This year, it hasn't been quite as justified and unless he hits a purple patch in the next 18 games, he's going to end up with disappointing numbers.
There have been several bright spots along the way, despite the suffering that the team has endured lately.
Where Mikhail Grabovski came from, Leafs fans will always wonder. Typically the hardest working player on the ice, he's one player that has responded to the coaching he has received along the way. Last year's totals of 59 points may never be reached this year, but he's at least added consistency to his game. His two way play has been a bright spot.
Likewise Tyler Bozak, who has surpassed last season's totals and an far fewer games. In just 55 games played, Bozak has scored 37 points, compared to 32 points in all 82 games this year. Bozak is on having a career year, and while it doesn't hurt playing alongside Lupul and Kessel, there is still finishing that has been added to his game that makes him a speedy and dangerous weapon.
At this point, playing staff won't be touched just yet. But what's up in the air is lame duck coach Wilson, whom will be axed at season's end, without doubt. It could actually happen earlier, should the Leafs fall so far out of playoff contention that they are no longer competing for a spot. If and When that happens, Wilson will be fired and the search for a new coach will begin.
Who's available?
Well, the first coach on the tip of Burke's tongue is going to have to be Randy Carlyle. He's won a cup, with Burke it should be added, and was fired after his Ducks team simply failed to perform. His tactics and rough style may not be a favourite with the players but it'll be a nice change from the negativity and sarcasm that Wilson adds to his dressing room.
Mike Keenan is also available and claims he'd like one more kick at the can. He's not a bad coach, despite the fact that he's a loudmouth and someone who can pick on players a little too often. Famously, he's the one who called out Gretzky while in St.Louis.
Jacques Martin is available after being axed by the Canadiens. His record is spotty over the last few years, having been fired by Ottawa, then not performing with Florida, then doing good things with the Canadiens. He's available and knows how to coach in the northeast division, which is good experience to add to the mix.
What about Guy Carbonneau? He did so well with Montreal in his first season in charge, made the power play and the penalty kill dangerous and effective, respectively. Could be a good addition to the club with his experience playing for Montreal and coaching in the Northeast division.
There's also Paul Maurice. Oh, no? Okay.
Let's wait and see what happens with other clubs too, because something tells me that there's going to be a few vacancies and there could be one or two coaches available.
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