Playoffs or More Golf?

[risktaker91]

I think the team's set. Blake was the main FA signing. Personally. I would've rather seen Briere, Drury or Gomez, but obviously they didn't want to come to Toronto. Blake's too old, and had a lucky season last year. They Got Toskala and Bell in a trade. Bell's in Jail and Toskala will battle Razer for the starting job.

They finished 9th the past 2 years barely missing the playoffs. I think the team got better for next season, do you?

You think the Leafs make the playoffs? Or should they go shopping for a new set of clubs?

[Crowned]

I think the team's set. Blake was the main FA signing. Personally. I would've rather seen Briere, Drury or Gomez, but obviously they didn't want to come to Toronto. Blake's too old, and had a lucky season last year. They Got Toskala and Bell in a trade. Bell's in Jail and Toskala will battle Razer for the starting job.

They finished 9th the past 2 years barely missing the playoffs. I think the team got better for next season, do you?

You think the Leafs make the playoffs? Or should they go shopping for a new set of clubs?

1) I don't know how scoring 40 goals in a season is "luck". Jason Blake is a good offensive player, and will provide Sundin with a winger that can actually put the puck in the net.

2) I would've preferred the Blake signing over Briere, Drury AND Gomez.

3) Bell isn't in jail.

[risktaker91]

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1) I don't know how scoring 40 goals in a season is "luck". Jason Blake is a good offensive player, and will provide Sundin with a winger that can actually put the puck in the net.

2) I would've preferred the Blake signing over Briere, Drury AND Gomez.

3) Bell isn't in jail.

So are you saying we win the East next season?

[Crowned]

Yes, that's clearly what I said.

[risktaker91]

Yes, that's clearly what I said.

Forget my opinion on Blake, what do you think about the team? Playoffs this season?

[Crowned]

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Forget my opinion on Blake, what do you think about the team? Playoffs this season?

Staying healthy is key. If we can have a healthy Tucker, Wellwood and Kaberle in the lineup for the majority of the season, we'll be fine. I think Wellwood is going to have a breakout season (he pretty much already was until his injury)...and Blake is going to assume Tucker's role on the PP (IMO), which may alter his overall statistics a bit.

If we can get a spark from Sundin, our top line (assuming Blake is on it) will look rather dangerous. We haven't seen a player consistantly providing offensively next to Mats since Mogilny, and we'll hope to see it from Blake.

Quite a few things have to fall into place in order for his to be successful this season;

- Wellwood must continue his development, because we'll be relying on him offensively

- Someone needs to step it up on the PK, whether it's Stajan, Steen, Kilger, whomever.

- Blake needs to have another solid offensive showing.

- Toskala needs to show his true colours, and Raycroft needs to play well when he gets time in the net.

- Our defensive core must remain consistant. I like our current set of blueliners, and have no worries heading into the season with this aspect.

- Antro, Poni and Bell need to remain consistant. If they can be successful, so will we.


...with that said, we don't look bad on paper. We're an improved team from last season and I expect Maurice to continue to get the most out of our role players. One things for sure, I'm more excited heading into this season then I was last.


As for the Blake/Gomez/Drury/Briere debate, I'd like to elaborate. I'd much rather have the trio on the roster over Blake based on pure talent. However, provided their current salary situation...I'll take Blake. I'd rather keep that additional cap space for next season, and blow 6+ mil on a premiere player. The FA market next season is much more attractive.