Leafs: Goaltending

I was looking for ideas on what to write this week when a friend contacted me and asked about the goaltending this season on the Maple Leafs. I have often defended Soup about his last season in the net. Although I don't think he is an elite goalie, I don't blame him for last season.

Did the Maple Leafs improve on the goaltending this year? Acquiring Murray is a considerable gamble. He has not been the same since his Pens years. I am not sold on Murray being able to return to form. I worry about him letting in weak goals. That said, the Leafs will be fine if he can be average to a little above average. 

The wild card here is the backup or 1b goalie. Samsonov is young and has a ton of potential. If Murray can mentor him—colour me intrigued. I'm interested in seeing the results. 

Overall, I think the Leafs will be a little worse than last year. But I also feel they can be better defensively than last year, which will make up for it. 

I asked around if the Maple Leafs would have been interested in Varly, but was told no because of his age. The Leafs also didn't like his cap hit, and the Isles were not offering any cap relief. Got said these were the two best options they could see; whether or not it's the right selection time will tell.

Randy

Isles House Cleaning

Lou went to town, knowing he had to clean up his house. After the dust is cleared, we can all breathe more freely. The house is all clear. There is no more yelling, screaming, and stress. It's time to relax.

But I digress. We all knew that these deals were done. Lou was in no hurry to announce the details. The timing of the contracts is classic Lou; right after the Kadri signing in Calgary. Lou was waiting to see what Kadri would do. Kadri said he was choosing the team that could make the room first. It wasn't that Kadri didn't want to go to Long Island; I am not sure he had any preference. Lou chose not to pay the price that it would take to bring Kadri in. 

Let's discuss what these three deals do to the Isles. 

Alexander Romanov

The Isles needed an offensive defencemen who could distribute the puck up to the forwards. Alexander is an offensive defenceman. He is a terrific, playmaking dman who can lead the rush. Romanov is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Islanders were slow in getting the puck moving in rushes out of their zone. Alexander gives them more speed in the lineup and more space in the offensive zone. The powerplay will benefit from his shot and passing abilities. 

Kieffer Bellows 

I have often complained about how the Isles use Kieffer in the lineup. Kieffer can add the odd goal and is capable of scoring 10-15 goals for the Isles. The Isles have to put Kieffer's talents to better use. He can add some offense to the third line.

Noah Dobson 

It does not take a genius to notice that Noah is the best dman on the team. Noah will be the leader of the defense. Dobson's greatest asset is his shot. He is a powerplay quarterback and his cannon from the blueline is his key to success. The Islanders should consider putting a letter on his jersey. 

Last word

The Isles vitally need a sniper with Barzal. Lou has to make this his number one priority. The Isles have some cap room to fill one last need. I am sure Lou will go shopping and try to find another forward in a top-six role. Hopefully, Lou will find a partner to dance with.

Randy

Mike Stelter, Our Hearts Go Out to You

Sometimes I am reminded that hockey is just a game. It is brutally accurate at this time of tragedy. I am confident that I can say we all loved Ben and were touched by his spirit. I loved what the Oilers did for this youngster. Whether we met him or not, we were all touched by his extraordinary spirit. I never had the privilege, but I admired his determination and his love for life. No words can make up for the Stelter family, but I hope they take comfort in the love and support of their extended hockey family. 

Börje Salming The Legend

When  I think of Salming, I think "true blue." If there has ever been a perfect Maple Leaf, I think Salming is it. What I most remember of Salming is his courage. He was not willing to back down from any challenges. He had a heart of a champion and was a true leader in the dressing room. 

April 15, 1976, Salming was mixing it up after a hit. Borje did not go out and ask for trouble, but if it came knocking, he wasn't shy about letting it in. It always shocked me the beating he would take and would get right back up again. He was like the Timex watch that takes a licking but keeps on ticking. 

Borje Salming was a no-nonsense, do what it takes to win player, especially in his own end. Yes, Borje had some offensive talent. He had his share of powerplay time in years of prime. Salming had four straight 70-point seasons: 1976-1977 season through to the 1979-80 season. The 79-80 season was his most goals. 19 was almost like 45 goals forward. He got the most points, 78, in the  76-77 season; he also had his most assists that same year, (66.) So you can see he was a gifted offensive defenceman. 

Don't get me wrong; I have memories of Salming mixing it up with Dave the Hammer Shoults.

But I prefer to remember him like this:

Borje loves his fans. The fans loved him. He will always be remembered as a hero. His heart will be with the Maple Leafs and will be honoured always. 

Borje Salming night.

Randy 

This and that and oh yeah, some guy name Kadri

I have heard nothing but complaints from Islanders fans wanting the Isles to do something. Everyone has been waiting for them to make a huge move. Ninety percent of the people I have talked to have told me it is only a matter of time before we sign Kadri.

I speculate that the Isles must clear the cap to fit in Kadri. I have seen suggestions the Isles are trying to move out Pageau, Bailey, and Beauvillier. Let me address the big elephant in the room: Is Kadri worth trading away these players? 

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Pageau is a solid third-line centre. He adds a little to the offensive powerplay. He is good for 15-20 goals. I love his speed and play on the penalty kill. 

Josh Bailey

Josh is a great penalty killer with great speed. His strength is his playmaking abilities. He could be a top-six forward or a great third-line forward.

Anthony Beauvillier

In my opinion, Beauvillier is the best option for the Islanders to trade. He is the most offensively gifted of the three and will get back the most value. He has a terrific shot and his ability to get in the open spaces makes him a great asset for another team. 

As I write this blog, it sounds like the Isles are closing in on acquiring Kadri. Most people seem to think the defense is untouchable. But the defense is a strength that could get you more in a package and free up more cap quicker. Only time will tell. I am alone on an island with this. 

The other concern is Pageau's and Bailey's salaries are five million, meaning the Islanders might have to throw in a sweetener to make this happen. 

Randy