Sabres 6 - Leafs 2 -- Six Points Out
Sundin’s injury was more serious then first anticipated, a strained muscle turned into a cramp, and Sundin is listed as doubtful for even Tuesday. At the time of Sundins departure, seeing his performance throughout the season, I didn’t want to admit to it being a lengthy injury, but at the same time I was readily anticipating the reaction from the Leafs young blood, not to mention finally seeing Antropov at his rightful spot at center, a spot where the second leading scorer could step up and attempt to take on the new role he was drafted to accept 10 years ago.
Unbeknownst to me, Maurice decided to start Steen at center, a position that Steen has never played with any regularity ever in his NHL career, and never once this season. In a must win situation, Maurice gives Sundins spot to an albeit excellent and deserving player, but few players are equipped to just throw in the fire and expect them to learn and play a new spot on the ice flawlessly while against a real quick team, in a playoff atmosphere, he wasn’t at his defensive best because he wasn’t accustom to the position, forced to think not react. Whats more is that Antropov, who has earned that spot, who also has the experience and talent to boot, but who has played center well in the past, started the season on a tear at center, yet he was not given the spot.
The start was terrible and disjointed, Leafs couldn’t generate a rush and were forced to play outta their own end until the made a mistake deep, the end result was the same result the last time these teams met, a blowout.
The same bad luck can be said about Antropov and his injury, he was reported as trying to exercise his grievance during the game, but to no avail, he remained on the sideline. Unfortunately for everyone the sideline is just where Antropov was to start the game as a result of Maurice giving away an opportunity to win, and at the same time giving away and opportunity to let Antropov win it for them.
The games in hand are done, the Leafs need to finish three to four wins better then the competition in the remaining nine games, Philadelphia looks to have the most difficult schedule, Boston is in the midst of its biggest slump and Chara injury, Buffalo is surging and playing their best hockey of the season, Washington is getting the job done but continues to lose the big game, Florida is still hanging around. The Islanders are facing the Leafs on Tuesday, both teams trail the four teams mentioned as two spots remain.
Unbeknownst to me, Maurice decided to start Steen at center, a position that Steen has never played with any regularity ever in his NHL career, and never once this season. In a must win situation, Maurice gives Sundins spot to an albeit excellent and deserving player, but few players are equipped to just throw in the fire and expect them to learn and play a new spot on the ice flawlessly while against a real quick team, in a playoff atmosphere, he wasn’t at his defensive best because he wasn’t accustom to the position, forced to think not react. Whats more is that Antropov, who has earned that spot, who also has the experience and talent to boot, but who has played center well in the past, started the season on a tear at center, yet he was not given the spot.
The start was terrible and disjointed, Leafs couldn’t generate a rush and were forced to play outta their own end until the made a mistake deep, the end result was the same result the last time these teams met, a blowout.
The same bad luck can be said about Antropov and his injury, he was reported as trying to exercise his grievance during the game, but to no avail, he remained on the sideline. Unfortunately for everyone the sideline is just where Antropov was to start the game as a result of Maurice giving away an opportunity to win, and at the same time giving away and opportunity to let Antropov win it for them.
The games in hand are done, the Leafs need to finish three to four wins better then the competition in the remaining nine games, Philadelphia looks to have the most difficult schedule, Boston is in the midst of its biggest slump and Chara injury, Buffalo is surging and playing their best hockey of the season, Washington is getting the job done but continues to lose the big game, Florida is still hanging around. The Islanders are facing the Leafs on Tuesday, both teams trail the four teams mentioned as two spots remain.
posted by LEAFER at
9:28 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home