1. So how do you feel about Phil Kessel so far? Is he fitting in with the Leafs system? With the rest of the team?
Fitting with the system? No. And that's good, because whatever the Leafs' system was to start the season failed miserably. Kessel has been a breath of fresh air. He's instantly one of the - if not THE - fastest players, he has a lethal shot and can score on his own, and he's sound defensively.
2. How would you evalutate the Leafs so far?
Dreadful. They don't seem to learn from their mistakes. I watched LFR 7 that I did last year. I criticized Grabovski and Blake for certain things in their game. Over a year later I'm saying the same old stuff. Brutal. But then look at Schenn. He started the season very shaky, and Leafs fans were raising eyebrows. Now he has simplified his game, and looks great out there. Same for Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek. These guys certainly aren't a powerhouse, but they aren't the worst team in the NHL, either.
3. Gustavsson or Toskala? Who do you want as the number 1?
This question is a lot more difficult to answer than it was a couple days ago. I had no qualms with Gustavsson and Toskala splitting the action. If Toskala could return to his 07-08 form, that is a fantastic NHL tandem. But injury troubles in the Leafs organization are incredible. Toskala twice, Gustavsso, three times (once for his groin, and two for his heart), James Reimer has been hurt - what a nightmare. These heart problems are very concerning. Assuming everything is alright, the Monster is the goalie of the future. If not? There are even more troubles in Leaf land. Although, lost in this story is Gustavsson himself. People have been asking "what will the Leafs do?" The question is legitimate, but I'm personally more interested in hearing that Gustavsson is OK. This happened with Jason Blake a couple years ago, too. It's OK to be fanatical about hockey, but remember, the guys on the ice are people before they are players.
4. When you hear Bruins who do you think of? Chara, Thomas,Savard,Krejci, another player?
I think of Mr. Rask. Still one of the worst trades in recent memory. I remember seeing him shut down Sweden in the World Juniors a few years ago and I couldn't believe he was a Leaf pick. Fans used to say, "Well he hasn't played much yet, so don't judge the trade." Well, looking at how he's played, the trade looks every bit as bad as many expected. Chara is a silent killer. He's got a great offense in front of him to grab all the attention away from him. To that effect, the Bruins have really missed Savard and Lucic this season. Once all injuries, including the one to Thomas, are out of the way - look out.
5.Any shot at the Leafs in the playoffs?
Very, very little. However, and hear me out, if the Leafs make the playoffs, they could make it to at least the third round. Because they would have to play so ridiculously over .500 to make it that they would have to be the best team in the NHL down the stretch... this is why I said very unlikely. STranger things have happeed, but this would take a miracle.
6. Do you think the trade for kessel was good for the Leafs?
We will see, but I will go against the Leafs Nation flow and say yes. Phil was drafted 5th overall in 2006. Jiri Tlusty is still considered a prospect and he was also drafted in the 1st round that year. Assuming the Leafs finish at least near the playoffs (because in is VERY unlikely), and the Bruins don't get a lottery pick, this trade seems decent enough. He's already the Leafs' best player.
7. If you had to make a prediction now on the standing at the end of the year for the Northeast what would you say?
Assuming they can stay healthy, the Bruins will win the North East. Buffalo, with Miller standing on his head, will make a strong case for the division as well. Ottawa will continue to be a playoff-fringe team - more outside than in. This may be the year the Habs finally miss the playoffs after moderate success in recent year. The Leafs? If they really turn it around, they could pass Montreal and challenge Montreal. With things the way they are? They'll just battle it out in the basement with the Habs.
8.What do the Leafs need to do to beat the Bruins in the 2 upcoming matchups?
The Leafs need to simplify their game, and play physical to beat the Bruins. They have done a good job of that lately - definetly more on the road than at home. The Bruins just got Marc Savard back. Expect he and Krejci to eat the Leafs centers alive. If the Leafs can keep a good eye on those two, stay out of the box and avoid Chara's boomer from the point, they just may win. Also, just for morale, I'm sure beating Rask once or twice would do the Leafs well. That's certainly easier said than done.
