Let the good time roll

The Maple Leafs have been playing with purpose. They have been winning the puck battles in corners. They have been crisper with passes to each other. The most significant message the team has received is loud and clear: everyone has a job to do and does it in buckets. 

First improvement. Matthews leads the way with responsible defence.

Matthews has become a complete player. Matthews has made an effort to come back defensively. I especially love his effort to return to the defensive zone and not give it up. The never-say-die attitude in the defensive zone has spread to the team. I am watching a much more defensively responsible team this season.

Secondary scoring led by Ondrej Kase and Michael Bunting 

For the Leafs to be successful, there has to be more scoring from someone not named Nylander, Marner, Matthews, or Tavaras. That is where Kase and Bunting have picked up the pace. It is vital, especially for Kase. The bottom six have to pitch in with the odd goal. There will be games where the big four will be held in check; someone has to come through for the team. It's nice to see the team get some scoring from the secondary players. 

Leadership is getting stronger: Spezza and Simmonds

It is becoming clear that Spezza and Simmonds are here to win. Wayne Simmonds and Jason Spezza have made the message that last year's collapse will not be repeated. This season, the Leafs have rarely been overworked. I do not necessarily mean they haven't been out-hit. But they have not stopped skating. The Leafs have become a hard-working team that is willing to do what it takes to win. 

Last word

Campbell is becoming one of the best goaltenders in the League. The Leafs thought they fixed the backup goalie situation with Mrazek. But the Mrazek injuries are worrisome. There is nothing wrong with Mrazek if he is healthy; he is a stable goaltender who gives the Leafs a chance to win each night. The Leafs will have to take care not to overload Campbell, so he is rested for the playoff run.

Randy

Fix the holes

The Islanders having issues in their zone is a little alarming. That does not mean it is time to panic. The issues have to be addressed, but there is plenty of time to fix it. 

Calling out players or coaches does not fix anything. I am a firm believer that you win as a team and you lose as a team. 

The biggest issue is that the Isles are playing without emotion. They are only going through the motions and expecting results. Their days of coming in and surprising teams are gone. 

The powerplay issue is nothing new. Is shooting the puck on the powerplay not an option? I have been preaching this over and over again. Let Pelech and Pulock shoot from the point. Of course, Pulock is out, so someone else will have to blast that shot from the point. The other option is to set up Whalstrom for one-timers from the circle. No more of these "20 passes and then shoot" plays.  

It is easy to blame goaltending. Let me give you a quote from someone in the know. "In a blowout, it is not a time to blame the goalies; it is in 8-7 or 7-6 game. In a blowout, it is a whole team problem, not just the goalie." Yes, the goaltending can be better; the more significant concern is the players in front of the goalies.  

The defence getting caught is an issue, but the forwards are not coming back to help. The speed of the dmen is an issue; the faster forwards need to get back to help in the coverage. The defense is getting caught up, but the forwards act like it is not their job to help out defensive coverage. 

There is plenty of time left in the season. A homestand may be precisely what the doctor ordered. 

Randy

Isles—Back to Basics

The Islanders have not been their old selves.  Playing with rust and not interested in doing what it takes to win.  Sloppy coverage in their own zone. They are allowing easy access into their zone. It is easy to blame the defence, but the forwards are not exactly hustling to help out.  Too many times, the Isles are being outworked in the corners.

Yes, the Isles' defence has had their problems—mostly speed. But in all fairness, this is not their only problem. That might have something to do with playing the Coyotes and beaten-up Golden Knights. The Isles went back to the way they played before and started doing the things that turn losses into wins. 

So what happened? Was it basically that Sorokin turned out his game? Or is it that Sorokin is stealing the game? The defense is still a little too loose, especially in the Vegas game. Sorokin was bailing them out.  Barzal was showing some signs of coming around. I like the fact that Whalstrom is being used more and his one-timer is beginning to connect. 

The powerplay has been struggling once again. It is too predictable. Players are not moving around. We have seen this movie before! The offense is stagnant. Barzal and Whalstrom need more support. The Isles have to use Poluck's shot as a weapon to get in front of the net, making it harder for the goalies. Right now, they are making it too easy for teams to defend.  

The upcoming road trip games are winnable. Taking advantage of playing weaker teams may get the Islanders moving up in the standings. It is crucial to their success that they don't fall into the trap of playing to the level of the opposition. The Isles should move up and up in the standings after this road trip is done. 

Randy

How Valuable is Mr. Cambell?

With Mrazek's injury, the Maple Leafs' goaltending duo has been put on hold. No offense to Michael Hutchinson; Campbell's role has just become vital to the Maple Leafs success. Hutchinson is what is a third-string borderline AHL goaltender. The key is when do we give Jack Campbell a rest? As much as we may want him to, Jack cannot play every game. Sooner or later, Jack will fall down and not get up.  

With the Bruins, Lightning, and Panthers, the Maple Leafs will have a hard time keeping up. All three of those teams will get over or close to 100 points. They are putting pressure on Toronto if they want to get home ice in the playoffs to keep winning. Bottom line: Jack Campbell's stock keeps rising. 

Jack Campbell Payday

How much is money will the Maple Leafs fork out to keep Campbell for next season? I expect Jack Campbell's representatives to use several goalies with the same skill level as Campbell to establish Campbell's value. 

Juuse Saros of the Preds has a cap hit of $5,000,000. Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins signed a $5,000,000 contract. 

Both goalies are comparable to Campbell.

An example of an upper-echelon goalie a little better than Campbell is Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers. He is making a $5,666,667 annual cap hit. 

Expect Campbell's cap to hit between $4.75-5.25 million annually for four years. 

That will make it a little difficult for the Leafs to make room, but I believe the Leafs will make the adjustments to fit him in. 

Randy

Legend Week Continues Hakan LOOOOB

Legend week continues. I hope you have enjoyed reading about these legends as much as I have enjoyed writing them. This week's nominee is Hakan Loob of the Stanley Cup champions Calgary Flames. Hakan Loob is my favourite Flames player of all time. 

I love his speed as he created havoc in the offensive zone. Defencemen would be intimidated by his speed, automatically backing up as he entered the zone. His stickhandling was immaculate, along with his passing, which was among the league's best. He was in on the last goal of Lanny Mcdonald's career.

Hakan was the kind of player who goes about his game without anyone noticing him. Hakan played in all aspects of the Flames game, especially the penalty kill because of his speed. He took pride in his defensive game and was an all-around solid player for the Flames. 

Hakan Loob Scores 50

Hakan Loob was the first Swede to score 50 goals in a season. In the 1987-88 season, Loob led the Flames with 106 points, including 50 goals. He would end his career with style as a Stanley Cup Champion. Hakan had a shortened NHL career, as he chose to finish his career playing at home in Sweden. 

Legend week Continues: Darryl Sittler

I continue to go with my Legends Week blogs this week and write about my idol, Darryl Sittler.  

Sittler was a terrific number one centre on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Darryl was the heart and soul of these Leafs. For twelve years, Sittler bled blue and white.  

Leader in the Dressing Room

There was little doubt that Sittler was a leader in the dressing room. He was captain of the club 1975-79 and 80-82. Darryl led by example; he would do everything to win 

The Ten Point Game

To this day, Darryl Sittler is still known for his 10-point game. He scored six goals and added four assists in the Leafs over the Bruins. If memory serves me correctly, Dave Reese was in the net for the Bruins. Nothing could go wrong for Sittler that night. February 7, 1976—the night went down in infamy. 

https://www.nhl.com/video/darryl-sittlers-10-point-game/t-277350912/c-40278303

Canada Cup Goal

Darryl's moment of international hockey for Canada. A terrific do-si-do by the Czechoslovakian defencemen. Then a deke by the goalie who is still looking for his shorts. I especially remember this goal—one of my favourite players scoring the winning goal was Christmas for me. 

Darryl Sittler was my favourite player. I always had to be Darryl Sittler when I played road hockey. All my friends were huge Maple Leaf fans in the seventies, so we all wanted to be either Lanny or Darryl. 

Legend Week Kick-off

I am doing a "legend" blog for the teams that I am covering. For this week, it is the New York Islanders' turn. A friend of mine asked me to write a blog on legendary goaltender Billy Smith. 

A fact on Billy Smith I didn't know

Billy Smith did not start with the New York Islanders. Smith started his NHL career at Lalla Land, known as Hollywood. In the 1970-71 NHL Season, Smith started five games for the Kings. In his debut, the Kings lost to the Habs 6-5. If it were not for Smith, the game could have been a lot worse, as he faced 48 shots in the tilt; Smith yielded the winning goal with just 22 seconds left. The legend himself, Guy Lafleur, scored the goal. The Islanders acquired Smith in the '72 expansion draft. 

Billy Smith Moments

Game 1 - 1983 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Billy Smith was outstanding in a 2-0 victory. He made 35 saves, many of them of the exceptional variety. Smith to the rescue again and again as the Oilers had their chances. 

November 28, 1979 

This date will be remembered in infamy, as Smith got credit for an empty-net goal versus the Colorado Rockies. He was the first NHL goalie to score a goal.

Billy Smith was no angel

You either loved or hated him. Billy Smith was well known for his stick swinging athletics. I would watch an Islanders game every chance I got to see Smith losing it with his goal stick. In all honesty, that was part of his charm; there was no other goalie who could get in an opposing player's head like Smith. You meathead, get out of my crease!

Awards  

Bily Smith was arguably the best New York Islanders goalie. He provided that in the 1982-83 season, taking home the Conn Smythe trophy. A most valuable player in the playoffs.

Billy Smith also won the Vezina and William H Jennings trophies. He was elected into the Hall of fame in 1993.

Leafs Not Meeting Fans' Expectations?

Most people who I have talked to about the Leaf's offseason have been feeling a little underwhelmed. There are two major concerns with the losses of Freddy and Hyman. The Maple Leafs did not fill the holes adequately. I get that Maple Leafs can't fully address the issue of losing Andersen and Hyman due to the hindrance of the Salary Cap. The problem is how the Leafs addressed the issue.

Losing Zach Hyman really hurts. His speed and offensive production will be hard to replace. The young guns will have to step it up.

Nicholas Robertson

Nicholas is a top prospect who has tons of offensive skills. He is a shifty forward who can score from anywhere. Nicholas is known for his shot; he is an elite scorer. Robertson has been the man in the past, but can he produce with the big boys? The Maple Leafs are betting that Nicholas can step it up and replace Hyman, filling the goal with pucks. And Robertson does not quit. He has a ton of heart.

Michael Bunting 

 

Michael can fill offensively. He is a steady player who can add a goal now and then. He has more offensive power than Robertson and is more established. He has the potential to score twenty goals in a season, put in the right situation. 

Freddy Andersen

Losing a number one goalie and replacing him with a backup or a 1A goalie is a red flag for me. The Maple Leafs lost Andersen mostly because they would not guarantee him a starting position. Andersen picked the number one job somewhere else; more power to him. Toronto is a firm believer in using both of their goalies, which Mrazek is already used to having played in Carolina. Most teams are going with the two-goalie system, hoping to keep their goalies fresh for the playoffs. Will it work? Only time will tell.

PS I am not sure how the Leafs can do this cap-wise, but they have inquired about PK Subban.  

Randy

What Does Parise Bring?

Many reports are saying Zach has signed with the Islanders. If the rumors are true, Parise coming to the Islanders is like the prodigal son coming home.  He is a perfect fit for three reasons. 

1. Leadership

The Isles really need a leader with some talent. Parise will become an instant leader. He will do everything that is asked of him and more. Parise will help Barzal develop his game to become a complete player. No one can question his heart. He may not be the same player, but he has the same spirit. 

2. Isles Powerplay

Zach Parise can still stick handle with the best of them. His stickhandling skills will not diminish with age. Zach will be a welcome addition to a powerplay that lacks skill and imagination. Barzal will become twice as effective. 

3. Added offense in the bottom six

The Isles lack offensive punch. Zach brings the offensive playmaker the Isles so desperately need. Zach and Pageau on the third line will be a nice touch; I look forward to seeing them work together. 

Conclusion

Zach Parise is an excellent addition to the Islanders. He will become a fan favorite this season and just might be the missing piece of the puzzle. 

2021 Draft

The 2021 NHL draft is almost a craps shoot. One source said it is in the eyes of the beholder. After pick 10, it is anyone's guess who gets grabbed. This year especially, the pandemic is making it hard for the teams to see these prospects play. There may be some picks off the board. So it almost ludicrous that I try to do my draft board, but I am crazy anyway. Here it goes. 

1 Buffalo Sabres

Owen Power - Defence

From what I have read on Owen, he is an offensively gifted defenceman. His strength is his passing skills being able to distribute the puck without panicking. He uses his size to get the puck out of danger. He has a great shot, and because of this, Owen will be on most teams' powerplay units. Scouts love his smooth skating skills speedy skater for a big defenceman.

2 Seattle Kraken

Matthew Beniers - Centre 

Matthew is a terrific play-making centre who thrives with the puck. Scouts love his soft hands, smooth puck-handling skills. I am a firm believer that team builds around defence and then the first-line centre. Matthew is a swift skater who accelerates in and out of the zone. He will be a future second-line centre if he lives up to his potential. 

3 Anaheim Ducks

Dylan Guenther - Right Wing

Dylan has a knack for being able to find the open spots in the offensive zone. Brilliant right-winger with an excellent release on his shot. Dylan is a gifted passer who can see the open man through a needle in a haystack. Solid in his own zone, which makes him even more valuable in the draft. A smooth skater with a high hockey IQ. 

4 New Jersey Devils

Brandt Clarke - Defence

Brandt is offensively gifted, to put it mildly. A terrific young dman who skates like the wind. What makes Brandt so dangerous is his hockey smarts, being able to find the open man. He will make a great powerplay quarterback on any team. Brandt's ability to pinch in is uncanny. A terrific young dman for many years to come. 

5 Columbus Blue Jackets

William Eklund - Left Wing

Eklund is a terrific young forward who excels every time he has the puck. An excellent puck handler who stick-handles with the best. Eklund sneaks in and out of traffic. The defence will back up and give up the blue-line because of his speed. He intimidates players into making mistakes because they are worried about getting beaten down in their defensive end. 

6 Detroit Red Wings

Luke Hughes - Defence

This name sounds familiar? Yes, he is the third brother from the Hughes clan. Luke is a terrific skater who has major offensive talent. Luke has a great shot will be an asset on the powerplay. It may take some time to develop, but he can become a second-pairing defenceman. He will be used on the Red Wings powerplay. 

7 SJ. Sharks 

Kent Johnston - Centre 

 

Kent's best skill is as a play-making centre. Being hard to bring down and possessing great puck-handling skills make him dangerous in the offensive zone. He knows how to get the passes there. What makes him dangerous is his ability to make things happen. He will be a dynamic centre for years to come. 

8 LA Kings

Simon Edvinsson - Defence

Simon is a smooth-skating dman who is a game-changer—he has been described as a panther when a team makes a mistake. Simon knows when to pinch in the offensive zone and rarely gets caught because of his speed. His quick wrist shot often catches the goalie off guard. He might very well be the best passer in the draft. 

9 Vancouver Canucks

Mason McTavish - Centre

Mason is a big centre who is willing to get his nose dirty. Mason moves well for a big man. Mason is known for his heavy shot with accuracy. He is hard to take off his game. He may not be the fastest player, but he makes it up with determination and will. Mason is a solid second-line centre with a chip on his shoulder.

10 Ottawa Senators 

Jesper Wallstedt - Goalie

Jesper is the best goalie in the draft. Scouts seem to think that he could be close to jumping into the NHL. He rarely gets caught out of position. Jesper controls rebounds and is always aware of the puck. Rapid reflexes combined with a never-say-die attitude make him a top prospect. 

11 Arizona Coyotes  

Bad boys, no pick for you.

12 Chicago Blackhawks 

Cole Sillinger - Centre

Cole is one of the best playmakers in the draft. He can make a pass from anywhere. Scouts say he can score from anywhere at any time. He is a pure sniper. What makes him truly incredible is that he can shoot from anywhere in the offensive zone and still score—the perfect top-6 forward the Hawks need.

13 Calgary Flames

Fabian Lysell - Right Wing

Fabien is a highly skilled forward who can skate through a phone booth. His puck handling skills are amazing; he is a game-changer. He is a playmaker who can score goals at will. The Flames badly need a top-six right winger for years. Fabian would be an answer to the Flames fans' prayers. 

14 Philadelphia Flyers

Carson Lambos - Defence

Carson is a solid defender who will help stabilize the Flyer's defence. He is an excellent puck handler, which gets him out of trouble in his zone. He has good passing skills, which make him a two-way game. Capable of helping with the Flyers offensive game, Carson knows when to pitch and when not to. Scouts say he has a stride in his skating skill. A terrific young defenceman with great skill. 

15 Dallas Stars

Chaz Lucius - Centre

Chaz is a powerful centre who has a complete game. Chaz has a powerful, accurate shot that will give goalies trouble. He will score his share of goals. Great offensive centre with size. Chaz is strong and hard to take off the puck. He may not be the best skater, but he will more than make up for it with his terrific shot. 

16 New York Rangers

Aatu Ratay - Centre

Aatu is an excellent puck-handling centre. He is always thinking two moves ahead; he has a high hockey IQ. Aatu should be put with a sniper who could get tons of goals with this highly skilled playmaker. Aatu is probably one of the best passers in the draft.  

17 St.Louis Blues 

Zachary Bolduc - Centre 

Zachary is a gifted centre with excellent vision. He is a great puck distributor. Bolduc is a smooth skater who has a good first stride; he accelerates into the zone. He has all the tools in the world offensively. Zachary needs to develop his defensive game, which is quite common for the QMJHL. 

18 Winnipeg Jets 

Corson Cuelemans - Defence

Corson is a powerful skater who is aware of his surroundings. Scouts say Cuelmans can be relied on in all aspects of the game. He is solid defensively, rarely caught out of position in his own zone. Corson has a fantastic shot with a quick release. Known for being an offensive defenceman, he needs to develop his defensive zone coverage. 

19 Nashville Predators 

Xavier Bourgault - Centre/Right Wing

Xavier is a terrific play-making forward. He has amazing puck-handling skills, especially for the cycle game. He is a hard-working forward, never give up has this never-die attitude, which will pay dividends in making it to the NHL. Xavier is a sniper who knows how to put the puck in the net. However, he needs some help on the defensive end. That will come if the team is patient with him. 

20 Edmonton Oilers 

Sebastian Cossa - Goalie

Sebastian is a stand-up goalie who uses his size to his best ability. Cossa has excellent vision and is a great positional goalie. He has the potential to be an outstanding goaltender. The Oilers have had a great need for a first-string goaltender for some time and Sebastian fits the bill.

21 Boston Bruins 

Daniil Chayka - Defence 

Daniil is a big defenceman who is outstanding in the defensive zone. He uses his reach to his advantage in his defensive game, bringing the poke check back. He fits the Bruins' mold and has the potential to be a big bruiser defenceman with some offensive punch. 

22 Minnesota Wild

Isak Rosen - Right Wing

Isak is an elite, skilled playmaker. He is a technically sound player who understands what is going on around him. His stickhandling skills are off the charts. Isak gets defencemen to look at the puck and before they know it, he is around them with a scoring chance. 

23 Detroit Red Wings

Francesco Pinelli - Centre

Francesco will not have any trouble playing hard. He will get his nose dirty to fight for the puck. Pinelli is a highly skilled player who will make the players around him better. His hockey IQ is high, as he always thinks ahead. A great passer with puck handling skills to match. He has a quick release and is a finisher when there are no other options.

24 Florida Panthers

Brennan Othmann - Left Wing

Brennan has a deadly shot with a quick release. Brennan is a slick stick-handler, able to fend off even the most formidable defenders. His ability to find space in the offensive zone makes him dangerous. Brennan has an excellent ability to find players in the open. He has a knack for being where the puck is. 

25 Columbus Blue Jackets

Zachary H`ueruex - Left Wing

Zachary is a terrific skater, with the ability to change direction on a dime. He is a pure sniper with an explosive wrister score from anywhere. The only negative I have seen is keeping his temper in check. Zachary has a ton of potential. His passing is alright, but not his strong suit. 

26 Minnesota Wild

Oskar Olausson - Left Wing/Right Wing

Oskar is a slick puck handler with moves that gets him through from one end to the other end. He has excellent speed with a quick first stride that throws off opposing defenders. Finally, Oskar has a nose for the scoring chances and always finds that niche in the offensive zone. 

27 Caroline Hurricanes

Nikita Chibrikov - Forward

Nikita is a Russian forward. He can score and score in bunches. Nikita has excellent stickhandling skills and manoeuvres well in small spaces. He has a way of ending with the puck. A great passer with all the offensive talent in the world. Again, his weakness is in the defensive end. 

28 Colorado Avalanche 

Simon Robertsson - Right Wing

Simon has an an excellent release on his wrist shot. Robertsson will be a weapon on the powerplay because of his ability to do a one-timer. An above-average passer who can distribute the puck in the offensive zone. He is capable of being a top-six forward, but it will take a few years to get there. 

29 New Jersey Devils

Mackie Samoskevich - Centre

Mackie's greatest ability is speed. He glides with the puck. The defence has to back up as he heads into the offensive zone. He has a wrister to die for, with accuracy to boot. Mackie reminds me of Barzal because of his play of circling in the offensive zone.  

30 Los Vegas Golden Knights

Sasha Pastujov - Forward

Sasha has a high hockey IQ. He has excellent puck handling skills. He has a good shot and will be used on the powerplay. His defensive zone coverage is a work in progress. He has the potential of being a top-9 forward but has to develop his defensive game.

31 Montreal Canadians

Zach Dean - Centre

Zach has a ton of heart who works hard. Dean has good vision with a high hockey IQ. His awareness of what is going on around him makes him dangerous. Dean has a good wrister and could be a solid sniper. A solid all-around player who has a nose for the net. He is capable of being a second-line centre.

32 Columbus Blue Jackets

Fedor Svechnikov - Centre/Wing

Fedor is not a typical Russian Centre; his best skills are on the defensive side. He is technically sound with his coverage as he uses his stick to bring his opponents to a standstill. A solid defensive centre who can become a third-line centre.