Darren Calabrese
A brief summary on the state of the Leafs: Rookie goaltending phenom James Reimer is human after all, Colby "Captain Intangibles" Armstrong is done for the year with a broken foot and Matt Lashoff is on the way to bolster the defence corps. Hardly the characteristics of a team bound for the playoffs.
As Mirtle points out in his entry from last night's ugly loss, the Leafs now need a 10-2-0 finish the rest of the way to get to the 90-point mark. That's not happening. A brief run by the blue and white will have to suffice for Toronto hockey fans, who face another spring without post-season hockey (unless you want to jump on the Marlies' bandwagon).
Let the entry draft and free agent talk begin.
The links:
Mirtle talked to independent goalie consultant Justin Goldman earlier this season for a story on Jonas Gustavsson. Here's Goldman's take on Reimer's recent struggles.
Tim Brent's eye injury has him thinking it might be wise to wear a visor for the rest of his career.
ROB reporter Tara Perkins with the latest on the MLSE auction.
Hockey columnist Roy MacGregor checks in from the GM meetings.
The Star's Kevin McGran reports Jake Gardiner has signed a contract with the Leafs and will report to the Marlies.
An ode to Mikhail Grabovski, courtesy Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories.
Michael also has a few thoughts on the goaltending decision Leafs management is facing for next season.
The Leafs are among the teams planning to debut a new jersey next season. Keep tabs here.
Puck Daddy's take on the NHL's new concussion policy, and a look at Mario Lemieux's proposal to fine teams when a player is suspended.