October 24, 2009.
We have a right to be critical, Leaf nation pays top dollar to watch their team after all and deserve better.
Let's examine a key, current problematic situation with this team:
The Leafs have an identity crisis.
The money has been spent poorly (with Kessel as the hopeful exception)
Trades and waivers could soon become reality.
They are trying to make 2nd liners into 1st liners
They are trying to insert 2nd pairing defenseman onto their 1st pair
They are attempting to make starting goalies out of #2 guys or inexperienced guys.
It’s 2nd rate.
I know the budget is restricted, but this is ridiculous.
Where has the money been spent ?
On more 2nd liners and 2nd pairing defensemen?
And we didn’t have enough of that already?
Sure we are tougher – but without premiere talent that won’t get us very far.
For years it was hard to find a linemate for Mats Sundin to get a 1st line going - now there's no Mats Sundin - now there's a potpourri of 2nd and 3rd liners given front line responsibilities - despite lack of leadership, experience, and in many cases skill potential.
Beauchemin - Komisarek makes a nice 2nd pairing on most teams - but Beauchemin on the #1 pp doesn't look 'quite right' and Komisarek 5 on 5 with Kaberle appears a tad slow against the top opposing forwards.
Besides, we already had a nice 2nd pairing with Schenn and White.
Let’s see: add up the contracts of Beachemin and Finger and we could have spent that on a 1st line free agent, or a #1 defenseman.
It’s fair to say if Toskala isn’t razor sharp he is a liabity as a starting goaltender. Lack of size and inconsistency have given us the painful remainder of the Andrew Raycroft experiment. Gustavsson has the potential to be a number one, but with 2 games NHL experience ? He could be a Messiah of sorts, but hardly what you want to do at this stage of his career – it could ruin him – especially with the shoddy defensive play in front of him.
Wasted money?
Inappropriate spending?
It’s a mess that Brian Burke has to try and rectify.
Maybe he can package 4 to 6 of these excessive 2nd liners,2nd pairing, 2nd goalies (Toskala) for #1 guys.
Maybe.
As Leaf fans, we are embarrassed.
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