Hanson had a hat-trick last night. He's huge, he hits, and he goes to the net with authority.
Stalberg had a goal and an assist last night. He's big, he's faster than anyone else on the team except for Kessel, he can handle and shoot the puck.
Bozak had three assists last night. He appears to have finally recovered from a severe case of the flu that knocked him out of the line-up. He skates well, has hands, vision and playmaking ability.
And the three of them have a natural chemistry together. They have an abundance of size, speed, skill and energy.
It's time to send a message to some of the chronic underachievers on this team. Send a few of them to the Marlies (Blake and Wallin would be a good start) and bring the Frat Line up. At this point, what do we have to lose?
Don't throw them into the Leafs mess right now. Leave them with the Marlies and let them finish the season on a high note. They're scoring, they're playing a lot, and they're developing.
All three, probably not but one will be called up. Most likely Hanson.
Tlusty, Stalberg, and Bozak have all seen time with the leafs, Hanson is next and his play is well deserving of it.
It wouldn't be a bad choice either, he's big and willing to stand in front of the net.
It would make me very happy if the Leafs could make room for these guys, but I'm not sure burying Blake in the minors is the answer. If you want to bring them up, make sure it is done properly.
The thing that did hurt the team is the kids had great chemistry in the preseason, and by sending them all down, they killed it.
This Leaf team is completely lacking chemistry right now.
I agree 100%.
We had so much optimism after the preseason. I know it wasn't against full-time NHL rosters, but our best forwards were the Frat Line and Kadri. They most certainly outplayed our vets by a longshot.
Yet when the season began, it was the same old crew from last year. More undeserved ice-time for Jason Blake and Matt Stajan. More perimeter play and lost battles for the puck.
(Wilson feels he has addressed that serious deficiency by playing....cough cough....Rikard Wallin!)
Gone was the energy and enthusiasm that the kids provided.
The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.
The thing that did hurt the team is the kids had great chemistry in the preseason, and by sending them all down, they killed it.
This Leaf team is completely lacking chemistry right now.
Doesn't help that there seems to be new lines every game, including the destruction of our second line that actually had played together since halfway through last season. I don't think it's a coincidence that Grabo's offense dropped a bit when Ron took Poni and Kulemin from him.
Don't throw them into the Leafs mess right now. Leave them with the Marlies and let them finish the season on a high note. They're scoring, they're playing a lot, and they're developing.
Why screw that up?
I've never quite understood why players can't "develop" in the NHL. Guys like Schenn did quite well developing last year. Bozak and I think Hanson are already significantly older. I think the key to developing is to get a lot of ice time. It shouldn't matter in what league that happens. I think in the past people have sat on the bench and not developed. If the Leafs bring up the kids and play them, they will develop.
It'd be interesting if Hanson has top-six potential. From what I've read, he looks like one who would make up a pretty mean shut down line. If he could play beyond that, throw him with Kessel.
Bozak, on the other hand, needs to remain in the Marlies until he really starts shining. Stalberg could be brought up and on Grabs side. That would look a lot better than what we're seeing:
Blake - Kessel - Hanson
Poni - Grabs - Stalberg
A lot bigger up front. Nothing to lose by trying out Kessel in the middle.
Bring up Stalberg, Hanson and Tlusty. Send down Mayers, Stempniak and Blake. Bozak isn't ready to come up yet. He was sick to start this year and isn't showing enough still to warrant a call up. Try Kessel at center, couldn't hurt anything.
Bring up Stalberg, Hanson and Tlusty. Send down Mayers, Stempniak and Blake. Bozak isn't ready to come up yet. He was sick to start this year and isn't showing enough still to warrant a call up. Try Kessel at center, couldn't hurt anything.
I've actually really liked Stempniak this year. He's been playing physical with a nice forecheck and scoring some. I'd rather send down Kulemin and keep Stemp up
I've actually really liked Stempniak this year. He's been playing physical with a nice forecheck and scoring some. I'd rather send down Kulemin and keep Stemp up
I agree that Stemp has been playing better, but I think Kulemin has been playing his role better. I would prefer to trade Stempniak than play him on the 4th line, but since I can't think of anyone we could trade him for (that we need), I just opted to send him to the minors.
I agree that Stemp has been playing better, but I think Kulemin has been playing his role better. I would prefer to trade Stempniak than play him on the 4th line, but since I can't think of anyone we could trade him for (that we need), I just opted to send him to the minors.
I expected more out of Kulemin, more jump then he's had this year so maybe if you can get him 1st line mins with Bozak in the minors he could get going.
big, fast, shifty...
