Leafs' Defensive Woes: Deadline Dilemma

Has Samsonov turned it around?

Ilya has turned it around in his last three starts. A goalie's ego is fragile, but a goalie can turn it around as fast as he lost it. Samsonov is finding the puck. He is making the big saves now that he wasn't making before. One source commented, "Samsonov not being waived was a wake-up call for him." Ilya knows the Leafs will not put up with bad goals; he is highly motivated to prove himself. It's a feel-good story that no one wants to see end.

Matthews on a 70-goal pace

Matthews has been on a roll of late. His shot might be the best in the game. He is focused. He's really taken on a leadership role for the team. What makes Matthews so dangerous is that he can score from nowhere. And having Marner, one of the best playmakers in the game, on his side certainly doesn't hurt.

Defense still needs to improve

Do not let this winning streak fool you; Samsonov has been Superman. There are many things that need to improve in the defensive zone. The Leafs are in dire need of a stay-at-home dman. I am not sure it is worth the future to make the playoffs only to get steamrolled again. Defensemen will be at a premium at the deadline, and just having the money to buy one doesn't guarantee success.

I am not giving up Nick Robertson in the stay-at-home man trade—either he or Topi Niemela, a brilliant young defenseman with all the potential in the world. The Maple Leafs have not been able to compete with the big boys consistently. They are too fragile and struggle to overcome mistakes. Yes, they're on a roll right now, but relying solely on Samsonov to carry the team isn't a winning formula.

Randy

The All-Star Break, It's Game On for Managers

Going into the All-Star break, the only people who will have the luxury of taking a break from hockey are the players themselves. The All-Star break is the busy season for managers and team officials; this is what they thrive on. While the players may be taking a break from the physical demands of the sport, Conroy ensures that their paycheques continue to roll in. 

The legwork is probably already done. This week, Conroy will check in on the progress of what teams need. He will discuss the compatibility of Calgary Flames players, such as Lindholm, Tanev, and the player I consider their most crucial asset, Hanifin, with other teams. 

Noah Hanifin

Noah is the best dman on the market. He is a terrific all-around defender. He is very good at pinching in the offensive zone and capitalizing on scoring chances for his team. Teams that could be looking to bolster their defensive lineup with Hanifin's presence include the Isles, Bruins, Leafs, and possibly Canucks. 

Elias Lindholm

In all honesty, Elias has been struggling all season, and the Flames will try to sell him in his previous history. However, Lindholm is a valuable asset for any team needing a solid second-line center. The teams I see as being interested are Sens, Oilers, Canucks, Avs, and Bruins.

Chris Tanev 

Chris is a rock in the defensive zone. He is the picture-perfect stay-at-home defenceman. He is a diehard shot blocker. He is fearless in his performance. Tanev's leadership qualities make him a valuable asset in any dressing room. Teams that might be interested in bringing Tanev's strengths to their defensive lineups are the Leafs, Canucks, and Isles.

Interesting tidbit: The Calgary Flames will be trying to clean up the dressing room, potentially resulting in a few surprise trades. I have no idea what will happen, but a few players could be traded who will surprise us.

Randy 

Islanders: It's Go Time!

As you have no doubt heard, Lou Lamoriello made the decision to dismiss Lambert from the New York Islanders. He did what he had to do. While it may come across as harsh, he had to cover his butt. Now, before you go hyperventilating, it would be unfair to solely attribute the firing solely to Lamoriello covering his own interests, I believe it was a big part of the rationale for Lambert's termination.

Let's turn to what the hiring of Patrick Roy does for the team. Hiring Patrick Roy as the head coach of the New York Islanders brings several significant benefits to the team. These reasons, listed in no particular order, come to my mind.

1. Winning tradition

No matter where Roy is coached, he has brought success. He has the attitude that losing is not an option. He tells the players not just through words, but also by setting an example himself that there is no time for excuses, only time to do. To steal from the wise words of Yoda, "There is no try, there is only do."

2. Great motivator to get things done

Roy is one of the best motivators in the world of hockey. He's one of the best communicators — he effectively communicates to the players what his expectations are. The coach's main job is to put players in a position to succeed. Through trial and error, Roy has honed his ability to identify and capitalize on his players' strengths. There's no time like the present; Roy will adapt and make quick decisions on the fly. His experience as a player will bring out the best of the players. He can draw upon his experience of winning the Stanley Cup to share valuable insights with his players to inspire and motivate his team.

3. Heart of a Lion

Roy has the heart of a lion. He never quits, constantly pushing forward. Roy will do what it takes to win. His heart will not allow quitters. It's either his way or the highway. You're all in, or you're out. Players will follow him. Roy's innate ability to win people over is unparalleled. He has a heart of a lion. 

Overall, the hiring of Patrick Roy as the head coach of the New York Islanders brings a wealth of leadership, experience, and motivational skills to the Islanders. I will be eagerly watching to see how it works out.

Randy

Leafs Still Have Room to Grow

Right now, it's pretty clear that the Leafs are struggling. Defensively, they need to be almost flawless, but let's face it, they're not quite there. We made a mistake; the puck was in the net. The truth is, our defense is just average, maybe even a bit below average. They will make mistakes. 

Martin Jones to the Rescue

Yes, I'm being facetious, but you getting the point. He really stepped up and played a fantastic game. If Jones can see the puck, chances are he will stop it. But you know what? The Leafs could still have played better. 

Work Ethic

The Maple Leafs never gave up on plays. When the Maple Leafs don't get outworked, they win. It just makes sense that if you have control of the puck, you're more likely to score. There were fewer blind passes—those passes where someone was supposed to be there but didn't get the memo.

Players positioning

The Leafs were on top of their game and never caught out of position. The Leafs played defense first, offense second, and pounced on the King's mistakes. They played near-perfect defense. This is exactly how the Leafs can achieve success!

Samsonov on Waivers

Samsonov has lost all confidence in himself, and the team has no intention of finding another goalie right now. They are playing the waiting game, hoping they hang on until Woll returns. Here's hoping they can.

Randy