Fallen Leafs

Sigh, the Toronto Maple Leafs could sure use someone like Mats Sundin right now. Funny, how time heals all wounds. During Mats’ lengthy tenure, there was no shortage of complaints about Sundin not being physical enough, not being tough enough, not being “Wendel” enough. Never mind the absurdity of such criticisms (how can anyone match the physicality of Wendel Clark?), but Sundin provided a version of the oft repeated truculence this current Leafs team so desperately needs.

Statistics wise, the Leafs aren’t that different from last year at the same juncture of the season. After the first seven games in 2008-2009, the Leafs scored 15 goals (11 goals by forwards). This year, the Leafs have scored 14 goals in seven games (12 scored by forwards). Obviously, the defensive game has fallen apart due to a combination of struggling defencemen and brutal goaltending. But that doesn’t shift blame away from the lack of competitiveness and cohesion shown by the forwards either.

Forget the staged fights and the token hits dished out by the Colton Orrs and Jay Rosehills of the world. That is precisely the job of the fourth line. This is a cry to the rest of the fowards, the so-called top-9 forwards. Too often, the front of the opposing net is left empty with nary a Leafs player in sight. The determination to skate first into the boards and take a hit is painfully missing. Gone is the ability to retrieve the puck by sacrificing the body. Though there is a lack of high end skill amongst the forward ranks similar to last season, the Leafs relied on their effort and sheer determination not to be outworked on the ice. Goals were scored because forwards were willing to get dirty and take the physical abuse. The Leafs made up for the lack of highlight reel markers by pumping in their share of garbage goals. Is there a player amongst the top lines willing to dig in the corners, drive to the net, and score ugly?

While a power forward appears to be a missing element right now, regardless, the Leafs forwards will have to play without fear. There were glimpses last game against the New York Rangers when multiple players crashed the net trying to unravel Henrik Lundqvist’s game in goal. Continuing this trend for the Leafs is a must, especially facing another world-class goaltender in Vancouver Canucks Roberto Luongo Saturday night.

Just as goaltending must improve by leaps and bounds, the forwards must hold up their end of the bargain, too, in order for the Leafs to snap their winless streak.

(Photo via Sports Illustrated)