January 14, 2011
  

Maple Leafs Mid-Season Report

It has been a difficult season to be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Opening the season 4-0 only to follow up with months of inconsistent play was enough for one Leafs fan to throw waffles on the ice. Despite the dire mood in Toronto the future looks to be promising for the blue and white but there remains work to be done on and off the ice. In this report we'll explore in more depth the make up of the team and where they are going.


Offense: B-

The Maple Leafs have had a recent history of bad luck coupled with some questionable choices in the GM office. In the short term the acquisitions of Phil Kessel, Kris Versteeg, Mike Komisarek and Dion Phaneuf, may prove to be the catalyst that brings this young team together. However, it may also prove costly to place all their bets on a few players who, as of late, still need to prove they can play consistently. The one saving grace that should have Toronto fans salivating is their young guns. Forwards Clarke MacArthur, Mikhael Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin have been on fire as of late, and it stands to reason that they will only get better. With an average of 5.5 goals in their recent four game streak there is definitely reason for optimism.

Players to watch: Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin


Defense: C+

The Achilles heel of the Maple Leafs has been their porous defense. While the d men have been able to make it happen on the offensive, such as Tomas Kaberle, the defensive aspects of the game need shoring up. This team is fifth from the bottom on the penalty kill and allow an average of 2.98 goals per game. Add to it the fact that the defensive core does not have a player above zero in the plus/minus and it paints a clear picture. While the Leafs defensive woes continue, it is easy to pass judgement prematurely. This team has the ability defensively but needs to apply themselves. It's the type of ability that can only come with confidence and we're all hoping they can string a few more wins together and get just that.

Players to watch: Luke Schenn, Dion Phaneuf


Goaltending: C+

The goaltending has been good this season but needs to be better. In large part thanks to James Reimer it has seen improvement, but he will need to prove himself beyond a few games. J.S. Giguere has been putting up decent statistics, as well as Jonas Gustavsson, but will need to be better if the team wants to make a late season push for a playoff spot however distant that thought might be right now.  

Player to watch: James Reimer  

Overall Team Grade: C+

While the Leafs are struggling, there are signs of positive things to come. With four wins in their five last games they continue to move up the rankings day by day. On paper the Leafs have a very good hockey team and if they can address some of the underlying issues they will win games.  

Jeff McTiernan

East Coast Correspondent

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