So the game against Tampa Bay last night was a little disappointing. After their fantastic efforts against Buffalo on Saturday, they came out flat at home against the lightning. Reimer didn't have one of his finest efforts, but can't really be blamed as he has started the last 14 games in a row. Not bad for a goalie who in January was on a win by win basis before being sent to the minors. I have no problems with him as it looks like he is going to be the tender of the future with Gustavson as his back up. He is still young and has lots to learn, but his positioning is usually excellent. He just needs to work on his glove hand and puck handeling skills.
The team is shaping up pretty good and we appear to at least have a solid line a 2 thirds. Bozak is appears to be going through a sophmore slump while Kessel is proving the be the streaky player he was promised. Adding Lupul to the line makes it more solid than it had been, but I still think a guy like Armstrong should be on the left wing as he is the type of player who is good at retrieving pucks.
On the bright side, the defense is looking excellent, with the exceptions of Komiserek and Lebda, of course. The first four of Phaneuf, Schenn, Aulie and Gunnarson are going to be fantastic and I think they will be aroudn for a while as the oldest is only 25. If these players develope properly, the leafs will have a formidable defense heading into the future. They just need a few extra guys to fill in the 5th and 6th roles. Also, the most glaring problem seems to be the appointment of Brent to the blueline on the powerplay. It's not working and their powerplay since Kaberle has left is proving it. My suggestion would be to put Mccarther on the left point with Phaneuf and have a forward line of Grabovsky, Kessel and Kulemin. It may not work, but it is at least worth a try.
Anyways, I don't think they will make the playoffs this year, but am glad they are at least competting. I am already looking forward to the future as prospects such as Kadri and Coleborn are almost ready to come up and perhaps Jake Gardiner in a season or two. Add in a few more forwards like Armstrong and perhaps a big center and the Leafs will at least have a chance to make the playoffs.
On another note, I am about halfway through Chapter 8 with will follow Yeino. I have jotted down about 4 chapters worth of story lines for him on a yellow sticky note.
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