Over the last few years there haven’t been too many late games that I have stayed up for the entire game. Last night I was too pumped with the addition of Boyle and Marner returning to the lineup so I toughed it out and cheered on the boys in blue and white.
Andersen was absolutely phenomenal in last night’s loss and really the only reason the Leafs were in the game until the final minutes when Hertl sniped one over Andersen’s blocker/shoulder and put the Sharks up by one. Pavelski finished the night off with an empty netter and that was that, devastating after being ahead a good chunk of the game and tied for the other. That point would have been great considering how well San Jose played and how tough the Leafs had it. They seemed to have a lot of trouble getting the puck out of their zone cleanly and got hemmed in a number of times.
It’s clear as night and day that Toronto needs a couple adjustments on the back end.
With trade deadline today and the Leafs already snagging Brian Boyle for a second rounder and Froese, I wouldn’t expect too much action unless of course a homerun deal is presented to Lamoriello and Shanahan.
There has been a lot of back and forth on the Boyle pickup, with some members of Leafs Nation wondering why we are using a second round pick on an older player who is on the fourth line. I get that, I do, but with having so many picks in that neighbourhood obviously Shanahan and his merry men decided it would be better for the Leafs of now and the future if they used that pick wisely and got a veteran forward who can help this young speedy Maple Leafs team.
How many second, third and fourth round picks can Toronto really have in the system? Of course the odd one will pan out, so will the odd sixth rounder; just ask Connor Brown. Bottom line is the management team saw Boyle as being a helpful piece to the team while infusing some confidence to the players that the fans and management team is behind them for their playoff run. It’s hard to say right away if Boyle will get resigned by the Leafs, but I would assume that is certainly in the realm of possibility.
With Mark Hunter’s drafting strategy over the past couple of season the Leafs have really done a great job at stocking up in the forwards department. Obviously they are still a bit thin on the defensive end of things but do have a few decent prospects in the mix. The truth is, Babcock and the Buds scored huge with the addition of Zaitsev. He’s not only better than I thought, I think he’s playing better than anyone imagined.
Could Zaitsev be Toronto’s best defender? I’m not so sure about that, but he’s certainly making a case for himself and should certainly enjoy the pay day that comes with it. I’m worried Lamoriello is taking too long to resign him and his value is only going up.
How about the emergence of Josh Leivo?
I certainly didn’t see this coming. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always liked Leivo’s work ethic along the boards and know he has an NHL shot, but he’s really been impressive as of late. Josh is one of those players that I don’t see being in the Leafs lineup going forward (long term), but there is always a surprise or two along the road to success. I feel as if Babcock has liked what Leivo has brought to the table and he’s been giving him some looks on the power play, so be sure to keep an eye on Leivo as the Leafs continue down the stretch; it could go either way.
Toronto has tonight off but will be preparing themselves for a grueling double header versus Los Angeles and then Anaheim. Two very tough opponents, so hopefully the Leafs can light up a rusty Jonathan Quick tomorrow night. Winning one if not both of these next two games is huge for the Leafs holding that final wildcard spot.
Enjoy trade deadline day, hopefully Lou surprises us all!
Thanks for reading, Go Leafs Go!