Fallen Leafs

I would rank him above Forsberg, Sakic and Lindros…Big, strong, great talent and skill-set, and right-handed? That’s as good as it gets in hockey for me.

~ Bobby Holik

#13

Miss him, too. I know Alex Rios was often a vacant, effortless player. But he was our vacant, effortless, and naturally blessed talent. Toronto fans have trouble letting go sometimes (hi Vince Carter!).

I say it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs syndrome. We like our gritty, dirt on your shoulder type players a whole heap. We’re never quite fully sure what to do with star athletes. 

(Psst. If you could stop playing poker for a second, you would know I was talking about you, Mats.)

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)

Mats Sundin retired exactly 12 years to the day that he was named captain of the Leafs (Sept. 30,1997) (via tweet from Tyler@NHLDigest)

I can’t give Captain Sundin proper justice right now, but 13 years donning the Blue & White, 420 goals, 987 points later, Mats “Sudden” Sundin gave me enough memories to keep me as a Maple Leafs fan through thick and thin.

Sundin’s consistency was a severely underrated skill of his that is often also seen as his downfall. His peak years were low compared to his peers, which as a result, never induced the “wow” factor from people. But unlike his peers, Sundin was still a point per game player even when he was 36 years old. That’s rare in the NHL. Many players, such as Steve Yzerman, Ron Francis, and Brett Hull amongst others saw their gaudy point totals drop considerably as soon as they turned 35 years of age.  From age 18-25, Sundin posted 1.05 points per game. From age 26-32, Sundin posted 0.95 points per game. From age 32-36, Sundin scored at a rate of 1.02 points per game. Injuries all take their toll, but Sundin was one of the most durable players of his generation (upping his scoring rate as he hit his 30s), which only strengthened his case as Mr. Consistency.

1967ers over at Pension Plan Puppets, called Sundin the Norm Ullman of his time. It’s an apt comparison. Ullman had a lengthy, consistent career himself who quietly amassed over 1200+ points. Sundin also went through a career with dignity, grace, and at least stat-wise, little fanfare. However, I liken Mats Sundin more to another player, Leafs legend and superstar Frank Mahovlich. The Big “M” was also a large, tall player similar to Sundin and his considerable skill was often mistaken for laziness and lack of effort. Mahovlich’s lengthy skating stride, heavy slapshot, and strong puck possession game was mimicked quite closely by Sundin. Just as Mahovlich had a love-hate relationship with the fans, Sundin was never universally loved either by Maple Leafs fans until perhaps, late in his career. Hockey came easy for Sundin and as a gifted big man, his hockey rarely delved into the “gritty” like Doug Gilmour or Dave Keon. A 6’5” player who did not deliver bone-crushing hits or engage in fights, but rather, score goals with sublime talent? Unfortunately, those players take longer to be appreciated in Toronto, especially when said player was traded for a man half his size and took on the world with his fists.

Ultimately, is #13 Mats Sundin bound for the Hall of Fame? Seeing as it is the Hockey Hall of Fame where Sundin collected 36 goals and 83 points in 66 major international games, making numerous international all star teams along with the Championship trophies and Olympic Gold, most definitely yes.

There is no question.