Ross and Biggs with a single goal each so far with the Marlies this season.

The thing about Eakins was that he got labelled a good coach who could get the best out of young players. The problem, or should I say misconception, was that he did (frank) all with the young players and often benched them in favour of veterans and rode them to as much success as he could. A totally over rated coach, IMO.
- systemtool

He also played, by and large, Toronto's systems and had players in and out of Toronto's lineups on a regular basis with the close proximity of Ricoh to the ACC, etc.

Edmonton: talk about being left for dead. No team identity, work ethic, grit, determination outside of a handful of exceptions.

Nice to see Clarkson get one..... monkey off his back.

KAdri back tomorrow!!

I wonder who comes out.
- burn

I'd put him on the 3rd for a game or two. Send a bit of a message, not too Kadri, but to others saying, if you play well enough (Smith) you keep your spot. Or put Kadri 2nd, Smith 3rd, Smithson 4th, with Macca on the 4th wing?

Who would have thought playing your first overall super talent on the top PP and with players that aren't AHL caliber grinders would produce good results?????
- AdamFrench

I just dont get why the Oilers force all their high picks to play, stay and work things out at the NHL level, especially when the coach doesn't have the time or patience for them.

I just dont get why the Oilers force all their high picks to play, stay and work things out at the NHL level, especially when the coach doesn't have the time or patience for them.
- systemtool

Kruger had time for them. Also pretty much every first overall pick is NHL ready in some capacity. Only one's to not play the year after were Erik Johnson, MA Fleury (lockout) that I can think of. Remember when Stamkos was being benched and crapped on by Barry Melrose in his first season? Melrose fired, Stamkos plays more and bam, he's the player he is today

Liked Holland's game so far but agree Smith should stay in. Holland will get another chance i'm sure. Or we cold put Bozak on third, kadri on the second and leave Holland on top line for a few games to see how he goes.
- Yeti1181

Not so sure....... Holland looks like he's ready for prime time.]

I like the kid. Plays a smart NHL game now. Very good on the dot, and skates very well.

Love the trade.

I was gunning for Holland to stay on the 3rd line because I think he has more upside and skill than Smith, but I think it'll be:

JVR Bozak Kessel
Lupul Kadri Clarkson
Raymond Smith/McClement* Kulemin
McClement* Smithson Orr

With Smithson dominating on the draw, I can't see that guy coming out; he also rounds out a 4th line that can play some hockey.

* McClement will likely form a shutdown line again with Raymond and Kulemin, Smith getting a bit of PP time perhaps at the tail end and a few shifts with Lupul again.
- gravyface

Smith isn't going anywhere in my opinion based on his play. I'd look at the line-up to be something like this;

JVR - Holland - Kessel
Lupul - Kadri - Clarkson
Raymond - Bozak - Kulemin
McClement - Smithson - Orr/McLaren
Smith/Orr/McLaren

Which is not a bad, I still feel like the line up will have a winning record by the time Bolland comes back, maybe Bozak is expendable. Because really, Bolland has outplayed Bozak as the type of center we signed him for;

JVR - Kadri - Kessel
Lupul - Holland/Bolland - Clarkson
Raymond - Holland/Bolland - Kulemin
McClement - Smithson - Smith
Orr/McLaren

Honestly, Clarkson fights, and one of the defenders will fight, and you have Orr/McLaren for those games down the stretch where you have rats like Carkner or a heavyweight like Parros. And if Smith doesn't keep pace, in goes Orr/McLaren

Now if Toronto could trade Gardiner for Faulk...

Gunnerson - Phaneuf
Faulk - Rielly
Franson - Ranger
Fraser

Bernier/Reimer

^ That's a contending line up when the offense is going, and the defense isn't half bad either, a lot more Defensively responsible at the cost of some extra offense. But, with so many guys on the team scoring well, Franson/Phaneuf/Faulk/Rielly all generating various degrees of offense it shouldn't matter. Gunnerson and Ranger have decent outlet passes as well. And if either Goaltender keeps up this play, we're a damn good team.

The thing about Eakins was that he got labelled a good coach who could get the best out of young players. The problem, or should I say misconception, was that he did (frank) all with the young players and often benched them in favour of veterans and rode them to as much success as he could. A totally over rated coach, IMO.
- systemtool

I totally 100% agree. Eakins was overhyped by the media here in Toronto.

Thank Christ we brought in RC instead of giving the job to Eakins.

I wonder if racism gives Tim Thomas his powers? He's still playing great hockey even after leaving for a year and playing on a bum team

Gardiner for Faulk ? Really ?

Gardiner for Faulk ? Really ?
- .HOHO.

I don't see why not, the kid is capable of playing upwards of 25 minutes a night, is a good fit in the Top 4, and is one of the few reasons Carolina isn't being shelled every night without Ward in net. Right-Handed shot is a bonus, and he hits like Phaneuf did when he first came to town.

Perfect player to throw into the Leafs defense and see results.

Kruger had time for them. Also pretty much every first overall pick is NHL ready in some capacity. Only one's to not play the year after were Erik Johnson, MA Fleury (lockout) that I can think of. Remember when Stamkos was being benched and crapped on by Barry Melrose in his first season? Melrose fired, Stamkos plays more and bam, he's the player he is today
- AdamFrench

Ah Melrose,

Such a nose for talent..

Kruger had time for them. Also pretty much every first overall pick is NHL ready in some capacity. Only one's to not play the year after were Erik Johnson, MA Fleury (lockout) that I can think of. Remember when Stamkos was being benched and crapped on by Barry Melrose in his first season? Melrose fired, Stamkos plays more and bam, he's the player he is today
- AdamFrench

Very good point!

Though I think there is a big difference between those guys playing in the NHL and those guys being forced to be the top players on their team as rookies. Stamkos, as a rookie, was somewhat sheltered behind Vinny, Prospal, Recchi and St.Louis. While the Oilers are forcing their young guns and top picks to carry the team on their own.

Hawks sent Toews back to college for a year.

We can also look at the Pittsburgh model. They didn't throw their Crosbys and Malkins to the wolves right off the bat. Had them surrounded by guys like Palffy, Lemieux, Malone, LeClair, Recchi, Roberts and Ryan Whitney.

I don't see why not, the kid is capable of playing upwards of 25 minutes a night, is a good fit in the Top 4, and is one of the few reasons Carolina isn't being shelled every night without Ward in net. Right-Handed shot is a bonus, and he hits like Phaneuf did when he first came to town.

Perfect player to throw into the Leafs defense and see results.
- Viktory

Not saying Faulk isn't good ... Just think giving up Gardiner to get him is too much !

Not saying Faulk isn't good ... Just think giving up Gardiner to get him is too much !
- .HOHO.

Okay fine.......

Carolina throws in their first rounder for this year

I think I will give Ranger a pass on the stupid penalty because it appeared that clutterbuck gave him a headbutt moments before that... did anyone else catch that?

Not saying Faulk isn't good ... Just think giving up Gardiner to get him is too much !
- .HOHO.

And what exactly is Gardiner worth? He isn't a lights-out can't miss player. He is the 4th defender of the team who is an up and down player. He's basically Del Zotto, which a team Like Carolina is craving.

I think in many circles, Gardiner isn't worth Faulk straight up. However, Carolina can't afford another player like Gardiner without giving up significant salary, which they can't. It's such a perfect trade for both teams, and value wise given team needs and the missing holes in each teams line-ups, make perfect sense.

I think I will give Ranger a pass on the stupid penalty because it appeared that clutterbuck gave him a headbutt moments before that... did anyone else catch that?
- Hockey_Reverend

Everyone but the die hard Ranger haters.

And what exactly is Gardiner worth? He isn't a lights-out can't miss player. He is the 4th defender of the team who is an up and down player. He's basically Del Zotto, which a team Like Carolina is craving.

I think in many circles, Gardiner isn't worth Faulk straight up. However, Carolina can't afford another player like Gardiner without giving up significant salary, which they can't. It's such a perfect trade for both teams, and value wise given team needs and the missing holes in each teams line-ups, make perfect sense.
- Viktory

They have Ryan Murphy, do they really need Gardiner for one of their only two-way defensemen...who happens to be 21?

And what exactly is Gardiner worth? He isn't a lights-out can't miss player. He is the 4th defender of the team who is an up and down player. He's basically Del Zotto, which a team Like Carolina is craving.

I think in many circles, Gardiner isn't worth Faulk straight up. However, Carolina can't afford another player like Gardiner without giving up significant salary, which they can't. It's such a perfect trade for both teams, and value wise given team needs and the missing holes in each teams line-ups, make perfect sense.
- Viktory

What's Faulk cap hit?

They have Ryan Murphy, do they really need Gardiner for one of their only two-way defensemen...who happens to be 21?
- AdamFrench

Focus on how it helps us Adam, us no one cares about Carolina, including Carolina.

Focus on how it helps us Adam, us no one cares about Carolina, including Carolina.
- Yeti1181

The Hurricanes care about Carolina...the storms, not the hockey team.

Everyone but the die hard Ranger haters.
- Yeti1181

I thought his name was Granger ? According to the Isles Blog,

The Hurricanes care about Carolina...the storms, not the hockey team.
- AdamFrench

They are just a one night stand for them, they blow in have their way with them and move on to the next one. They are the whore of the natural disaster world.

I thought his name was Granger ? According to the Isles Blog,
- bixll

Well we know how reliable those posters are.