Same Old Same Old

The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their forward line with the addition of Ryan O'Reilly, giving them the depth they need to make a serious run this season.

I want to focus on the defensive side of the Maple Leafs. They could really use an extra defenseman who can help with defensive zone coverage. Here are three options for them to consider.

Luke Schenn

Luke is nothing fancy, just a mean, nasty stay-home dman. He is aware of his limitations and does exactly what is required of him, nothing more or less. He will do his best to bail out his fellow players.

Justin Braun

The Maple Leafs were rumored to be in talks with Justin last season. He is the perfect third-pairing defense. The Leafs are in dire need of toughness and strength. He is my pick for the trade deadline for the Leafs. 

Nikita Zadorov

I am not saying Nikta is available, but if he were available, I would be quick to snatch him up. He has a surprisingly underrated shot from the point. Zadorov is a solid dman who hits hard. He is a mountain to get off his feet. 

Final word

If Murray is unable to play due to injury, I'm curious as to whether the Leafs will look for a backup goaltender. My old friend James Reimer comes to my mind. 

Randy

Topsy Turvy

If I asked a group of ten New York Islanders fans whether they should buy or sell at the upcoming trade deadline, what would their response be?

SELL

For those who say sell, who do you sell? How many assets do we really want to part with? Let's look into our UFAs to determine the best course of action.

Scott Mayfield

A solid number 5/6 dman, Scott would be sought after by the deadline. Scott is a solid dman who would be a great addition to either the Leafs or the Bolts.

Zach Parise

Zach has been performing beyond any Isles fan's expectations of him this season. He makes a solid third-liner with some scoring punch. Zach also is a good penalty killer, which any team contending for the cup would love to have. 

Semyon Varlamov

He is probably the hottest asset the Islanders have on the table. There are up five or six teams who desperately need a goalie. Varly is a terrific goaltender who can still perform at a high level. The Buffalo Sabres are among those teams hoping to acquire Varlamov's services.

BUY

Now if the Islanders are to buy, what comes to my mind is it would make sense for them to acquire one more winger and an extra third-pairing defenceman. 

Evgenii Dadonov 

Evgenii has not been having the best of years, but he is capable of much more. A change of scenery could do him a world of good. Adding Barzal and Horvat or even Nelson to the second line could do him wonders. I am told that the Habs are willing to eat some cap in order to make this happen. 

Shayne Gostisbehere

There are many dmen out there on the market. Ghost (Shayne) comes to mind as number one on this list. The Islanders sure could use a second power-play quarterback on the power-play unit. Ghost has a terrific shot from the point. He is also an above-average puck distributor, giving the power play another option.

Randy

 

Horvat is an Islander

Horvat brings a new life to the Islanders as no one else has in years. Suddenly, Matt Barzal has a new classmate who can add some serious punch to the offensive numbers. Barzal needs some new blood, a player who can work with that is as intelligent as him. Horvat brings 31 goals to an embarrassingly anemic offense, including 11 powerplay goals.

Horvat with Barzal gives the Islanders a potential dynamite duo. This Batman and Robin combo will bring a lot of offensive power to the team. This trade also sets them up for another potential move in the future.

Bo Horvat's cap hit is $5.5 million. He will demand a hefty raise. Bo reportingly wants $9 million; he might settle for $8.5. To make this happen, the New York Islanders will have to do some housecleaning and free up some cap room; they could do this by letting players like Varly, Parise, and Mayfield walk away or buy out the contracts of Bailey, Martin, or Clutter. With the right changes, the Isles can have the cap flexibility to fit him in next season. You can bet the Islanders will do everything in their power to do so. Lou will only make this trade if he's confident he can sign Horvat to a new contract.

As for this season, it is a no-brainer. It's clear that the Islanders are in a solid position to make the playoffs this season. Adding Horvat makes them even more of a contender. The only question is: Can the Islanders beat the Bolts, Canes, or Bruins to make it to the Stanley Cup final? While some may see it as a risk, many believe that if the Islanders don't make a move now, they'll miss their chance.

How to Beat Tampa

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be destined to match up against Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs. Are they good enough to beat Tampa if it was the playoffs starting now? It would be close, but I, for one, would not take the chance. While they may have a chance of victory if they were to play them today, I don't think it would be wise to take such a risk. 

The loss of Muzzin has left the Maple Leafs needing a steady number 5 dman to help out Gio. Gio is playing like a lion, demonstrating that he still has what it takes to be an effective player. He might be the biggest bargain on the Maple Leaf's squad.  

The last finishing touch the Maple Leafs need is a pinch more grit. To make that happen, they need a third-line forward with a chip on his shoulder who knows what it takes to win—someone with Stanley Cup Heritage in his blood. Dare I say a Stanley Cup champion? I am not saying they will not defeat Tampa in a series. But anything less than a second-round exit would be unacceptable for their long-suffering fans. We have to do this for the fans who deserve a run this season. 

The next stop for the Toronto Maple Leafs: winning the Stanley Cup championship.

Randy

911 Islanders

Of late, the Islanders have not been entirely up to par. Their Western road trip was ugly. The Flames game was understandable due to Barzal's absence.

What do you think will happen when you don't skate against a team that has McDavid? You get smoked, plain and simple. The Isles have to pick it up. There is no need to panic, but the team can't keep playing the same way. They need to step it up and find a way to match McDavid's level of play.

The powerplay right now is too predictable. Bring back the days of sending the point and letting Dobson and Romanov rip at the puck! Not enough shooting and too much passing. The Isles spend too much time on the perfect shot, but you can't score unless you shoot.

The Islanders need to get back to basics. Stop being selfish with penalties. Self-discipline. Put the team's interests ahead of individual concerns and prioritize staying out of the penalty box.

My Leaf Christmas

Before I start, let me say Merry Christmas to all and all a good night. Santa Claus is coming around, putting gifts and toys in your stockings. So what is he putting in the Maple Leaf stocking?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been running on all cylinders this season and there has been little to complain about. They just need a little tinkering. I would love to add a little more stability to the defense by bringing in a number 5 defenseman. For that, I am wishing for Santa to bring a Brian Glennie. If you don't know who he is, please look him up! The addition would strengthen the Leafs' defense and provide Reilly with some much-needed support.

The Brian Glennie Player

Every team needs another stay-home steady defenseman, and the Maple Leafs are no different. The best player that fits that description is Justin Braun. Justin is great on his own and plays the body. He keeps players honest. The Maple Leafs could also use his help in the toughness department.

A Healthy Reilly

The other worry is making sure Morgan Reilly is healthy. Having Morgan back is like bringing in a new player at the deadline. The Maple Leafs have missed his presence. He is by far their best blue-liner and makes everyone around him better. 

I love the way the Leafs are playing right now. Who wouldn't? The greatest gift they can give their fans is remembering their defensive responsibilities. Sure, it would be awesome to bring another forward to help the third line, but I worry about ruining the chemistry. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! My fingers are crossed that they don't mess anything up.

Randy

My Isles Christmas

Before I start, let me say Merry Christmas to all and all a good night. Santa Claus is coming to town, putting gifts and toys in your stockings. So what is he putting in the Isles stockings? 

Let's not be greedy; the Isles have two pressing needs that need to be addressed immediately.

Isles need a power forward who can take advantage of Barzal's generosity. You know, someone who can fill the net with pucks. For the sake of nostalgia, let's call him a Mike Bossy player.

The Mike Bossy Player

The power forward must meet my list of specific characteristics. The first is that he must have the ability of a one-timer. He has to have an accurate and quick release. There is a misconception that wrist shots must be hard to be effective. Most of the time, the quick release gets it done. The second ability he needs is to understand Barzal. Knowing where he is supposed to be at all times is vital for his success as a sniper with Matt. My first gift to the Isles is Vladimir Tarasenko.

 

The second gift for the Isles roster is more complicated. It is dependent on the injury status of Adam Pelech. The concussion issue is frustrating; you never know how long it will last. Every player is different, and of course, there is the degree of the injury. If Pelech is out long-term, we need someone who is durable. Let's call him the Ken Morrow player. If Pelech's injury is less severe, a player like Dave Langevin, who is not quite as good will suffice to fill the gap. 

The Ken Morrow Player

Nathan Beaulieu is a big steady dman who is nothing fancy and may not be a sexy pickup, but someone who gets the job done. Great shock blocker who can play the man. He is decent with the puck and is a decent passer. He can fill nicely for Pelech while he is out and would make a decent number five when Pelech returns. 

The Dave Langevin Player

Now just the fill in a player, the shorter-term player. A number five-six type of dman who knows his abilities. 

Luke Schenn is a nasty stay-home defenseman who can clear a room. A no-nonsense dman you don't notice. This is good because he ensures everything is running well on the defensive end—a perfect fill-in short-term solution. 

Randy