The Francis Report - EP5 - Solidarity and Strength

The newest edition of The Francis Report is out!

Toronto, Where NHL Stars Never Shine Their Brightest

The Toronto Maple Leafs are very good at something…. Yes you read that correctly.

The Leafs have had some talented players over the years, names like Sundin, Belfour, Joseph, Kessel and yes, even Phaneuf.  All of these names have things in common; Elite players in the NHL at a point in their career, key contributors to their edition(s) of the Leafs team, all have faced criticism during their time with the Leafs, and lastly, all fell victim to poor Leafs managerial decisions, leading to hindered production.

Whether these players were brought in at a time when the Leafs were non contenders, or brought in without any assistance to help maximize their potential.  At least for as long as I’ve been alive the Leafs have never been known as a team that has stellar defense, hence the reason Toronto is often referred to as a “goalie graveyard” as Leaf fans we were so lucky to be able to have guys like Cujo and Ed Belfour between the pipes, it’s just too bad that Leafs management couldn’t provide them any help with the defense that skated out each night in front of them, you’ve got to feel for a goalie that has to take the net defensive units featuring the likes of ; Aki Berg (00-04,05-06), Jyrki Lumme (01-03), Róbert Švehla (02-03), Ken Klee (03-06)

Whether it’s questioning their leadership, or fitness level, the Leafs have been lucky enough to have the services of both Mats Sundin and Phil Kessel. Sundin, who is now a HOF faced much criticism in regards to his leadership, and production, the latter being completely ridiculous as Sundin finished as one of the greatest Leafs of all time;

Regular Season TOR:  1,346GP (564G, 785A, 1,349 Pts.)   Playoffs: 91GP (38G, 44A, 82 Pts.)

The first ridiculous story conjured up by the Toronto media in the 2014-15 season called into question the fitness level of Phil Kessel, a story that I am convinced was created just because the media was bored and had nothing better to do. Kessel, a perennial 30 goal scorer with the Leafs ( he has also scored two goals in the time that I have been writing this article), is arguably the best winger the Leafs have ever had in their history, yet the fans continue to come down on him because he only skated 10 times this offseason, and has no “compete” , hard to believe a player who is so fat, lazy and doesn’t compete has 8% more 5v5 points than any other player in the entire league over the last 3 seasons. Not to mention he hasn’t missed a game in 4 straight seasons, just thought I’d throw that little nugget in there.

Regular Season TOR:  GP364 (156G, 177A, 333pts) Playoffs: GP7 (4G, 2A, 7Pts.)

Dion Phaneuf is the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS best defenseman …. The best defenseman for the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS is Dion Phaneuf.  We all have heard the bit about how Phaneuf plays a ridiculous amount of time against every team’s best line, which is a valid reason why he may look not so hot some nights, however, in his time with the Leafs his defensive partners have left a lot to be desired. Carl Gunnarsson, who was Phaneuf’s main partner until being traded this past offseason, was yet another player miscast as this teams 2nd defenseman when he is much better suited to be playing in a 3^rd or 4^th defenseman role. Long story short, Phaneuf is not an elite defenseman in the NHL anymore; however he is a solid 2^nd or 3^rd, who has been miscast and set up for failure by the management at MLSE.

Don’t get me wrong, the players have to be accountable for their on ice play, however, when management fails to upgrade certain positions or add complimentary pieces to the most talented players on the team’s roster; they are only setting them up for failure, and allowing the media to miscast them in roles where they do not belong. Whether it’s the inability to find a centre for Phil Kessel, or a winger for Mats Sundin, the Leafs haven’t been able to provide their elite talent with players that would allow us to see these stars at their full potential.  This, amongst other things makes the Leafs the butt of many jokes in the NHL world; they can never seem to have the right pieces together at the same time, on the same roster. Imagine a team with Mats Sundin (in his prime) and Phil Kessel on the same line… it would be illegal in many countries.  Sure being a fan of the Leafs can be frustrating, however It’s time that we start appreciating the talented players we are lucky enough to watch play for this team, and stop the Toronto trend of dumping on the players who are successful, just because we know they could be more successful.  Leafs nation, enjoy the nice things that we have while we have them, and stop dumping on players who actually want to play for our team.

Feel free to give us your two cents in the comment section below!

Questions and comments you can also email to questions@thefrancisreport.ca and maybe we will get them on the next Report!

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HGS: October 10th 2014

The Leafs lost the first game of the year, big deal.  It's only one game!  Even ask Phil Kessel, he knows!

"Guys, it's Game 1. You guys need to relax a bit here.” — Phil Kessell #Leafs
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) October 10, 2014

Phil is right.  Stop over reacting to 1 game!  There are 81 left.

There is a never ending supply of reasons why Randy Carlyle should not be a coach in the NHL.  1) He would rather have 2 face punchers sit on the bench for 57 minutes a night than to have 2 guys there with actual skill.  I know you might say "But Jeff, the Leafs farm is bare, they don't have anyone with skills" and you would probably be right. Just having two players who are going to play 3 minutes a game is just a giant waste.

Then there was that time when he said Reimer was "Just ok."  Even if this was the case, and it was, you don't throw your goalie under the bus, ever.  There isn't a player on a team with a more fragile confidence than the starting goalie who is going through a bit of a rough patch.  Or in this case, a sub-par season.

Today, Randy was at it again.  This is what he had to say.

Carlyle on Phaneuf's transition from right to left side this season: "I don't think it's really that difficult, personally"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 10, 2014

Is he nuts?  Is this his way of getting back at Leafs management for getting rid of his cement heads fighters?  If you ask me, and by reading this blog post I assume you are asking me, get rid of this guy.  He is a hindrance to the youth on this team and is way behind the times.


Here are some note about tomorrow's game:

Franson looks doubtful for Saturday's game. Sunday probably a better fit. Only possible lineup change would be Panik for Frattin. #TMLtalk
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) October 10, 2014

Jonathan Bernier was the first goalie off the ice at practice today. Would think he starts tomorrow with James Reimer to follow on Sunday.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) October 10, 2014

You'll notice in the first tweet there that Henny mentions "Panik"  Richard Panik, who failed to make the roster of The Tampa Bay Lighting, was picked up off waivers by the Leafs.  Here is the 411 on Panik, who by the way will wear #18 in Saturday night's game.

Head over to BarDown @ TSN.  Check out this weirdo.

Yes, this is a Tom Brady Helmet Tattoo. See the rest of this crazy guy's head HERE: http://t.co/dmLMXzr4EK pic.twitter.com/jfTQz2taTQ
— BarDown (@BarDown) October 10, 2014

Test

PS.  It looks like Thor is back in the NHL.  Striking resemblance? Na, they are twins separated at birth!

OFFICIAL: #NYR have recalled defenseman @Kostka85 from the @WolfPackAHL. Kostka had 1a & was +2 in 4 preseason games. pic.twitter.com/klbAJjVMMi
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 10, 2014

Game 1: Leaf Host Habs - Predictions

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages.  Hockey is back.  Tonight we have the Toronto Maple Leafs playing host to the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Center.

This year we hope to predict each game on game day.  Mike and I will 100% accurately predict the score of every Leafs game this season.  (Psst, Mike, don't tell them about the time machine we have, not sure why we only went to mid April instead of June, we could have seen who won The Cup and made tons of money.  but O-M-G did you see who won the Superbowl?! Oh poor Payton Manning)

"But Jeff, if you predict different scores, how can you be 100% correct" Please, check your logic at the door.  This is The NHL, The Leafs, and The Francis Report, there is no such thing as this "Logic" thing you brought up.

Here we go.

Mike:  Leafs win 3-2 with Josh Leivo scoring the 1st goal.
Jeff:  Leafs win 3-2 in OT with Brandon Kozun scoring the 1st goal and Dion Phaneuf scoring the OT winner.  

We will keep track of our record all season (of course we will both be 82-0) and there might be a prize for the one who gets the most right.  Although, we will have to split the prize, because we will both be perfect in predicting all 82 games.

See you all Saturday when the Leafs host the Penguins.

Leafs/Bruins Preview Dec 3rd 2011 - Reimer to Start!

The Leafs are in Boston tonight to play the 4th head to head game of the season against the Bruins.  Really, it cant get any worse for the Leafs against a tough Bostons team.  The Leafs are 0-3-0 against the Bruins being outscored 19-5 in those 3 games.

The Bruins score quick and often against the Leafs.  The Bruins have scored 23% (19 of 81) of their seasons goals against the Leafs in the three games they have played each other this season.

The Leaf's Kessel still leads the NHL in scoring and goals.  Lupul is catching up to him, being only 2 points behind for the points lead.  If the Leafs top line can have some success tonight against the Bruins, then they can pad their lead in the points race.

The Leafs main focus is playing better defense in front of tonight's starter, Jonas Gustavsson.  He has played great the last five games he has started, but looked a bit shaky in the net in the 3rd period of Wednesday night's game.

We can give credit where credit is due.  The Leafs played very well against the hottest team in the League, skating stride for stride with the Bruins for the 1st two periods, playing the game the Leafs want to play and the game was much closer than the score indicated.

The Leafs are 4-2-0 in their last 6 games.
The Bruins are 5-0-1 in their last 6 games.

The Leafs are 14-9-2 for 30 points and 2nd in the North-East division
The Bruins are 15-7-1 for 31 points and 1st in the North-East division

It must be noted that Reimer will be back in the lineup tonight.  He most likely will get the back up position behind Gustavsson and start on Monday in New York.  He will start tonight! Personally I think they should loan him to the Marlies for a few games to get him back in action.  It'd be good to see where he is at before tossing him in the lineup for an NHL game.
I got the Leafs breaking out of their slump against the Bruins and beating them 5-2, Kessel leading the way with two goals, Lupul, Phaneuf and Crabb getting the others.  Just so I don't have to listen the Bruins fan that will be at my girlfriend's family Christmas Party tomorrow night. 

And hey, what ever happened to Lonny Bohonos?

Leafs/Lightning Preview Nov 22nd 2011

It's turning out to be a dog fight for the division..  The Leafs are now fighting Buffalo and Boston for top spot in the North-East.  It's the Leafs own doing.  They have 4 wins in their last 10, and 4 of their 8 losses are against division rivals. 

So, last year, the Leafs were 0-3-1 against Tampa, being shut out twice in those 4 games by Roloson and Ellis once each.   Kessel has 13 points against Tampa in the 19 games that he has played against them.

Leafs are 2-6 in their last 8 and Tampa  4-4 in their last 8.

Leafs: 11-8-2 good for 1st in the North-East division (tied)
Lightning: 9-8-2 good for 3rd in the South-East

Looks like Lupul has a point per game pace for his last 34 games.  I dont think Lupul gets enough credit.  Since he came to the Leafs, Kessel has become more consistent.  In fact, since Lupul came over, Kessel has only been held off the scoreboard in consecutive games once!  His average point streak runs about 3.5 games, and his longest is 15 games (spread over the end of last year and beginning of this year).

Prediction:  Leafs 4-1 - Kessel, Frattin, Steckel, Phanuef

Leafs have to go with Gustavsson tonight, he deserves it the most.

Maybe This Year!

Greetings everyone!  I hope you all had a great summer.   I was asked the other day to give a reason why I think the Leafs are a playoff team this year.  I have thought about this long and hard to come up with my top 5 reasons why the Leafs will make the playoffs in the 2011-2012 season.  We have all waited long enough for hockey this summer, so without further delay, here are my reasons.

5.  Consistency.  Last year the leafs started off hot, going 4-0 in their 1st 4 games, but then went cold in the months ending in "er"  Once January came, the Leafs rounded out the last half of the season in the top 4 of the Eastern Conference.  Now, I know the haters are going to be like.. "But Mr. Jeff, the Leafs always go on a run near the end of the season, and miss the playoffs, why would last year make any difference?"  Which leads into my next point...

4.  Dion Phaneuf.  Dion came to the Leafs to provide a few things.  One of those things is leadership.  Once Kaberle was traded last year, Phaneuf stepped up and took this team as his own, as a captain should.  Dion had 6G & 16A from January on.  Not bad when compared to his dismal 1G 5A in the 1st half of his season.  He also was hurt for a chunk of the 1st half as well.  I expect a strong performance from the Captain this season.  He needs it and deserves it. 

3. New coaching staff. This point here may be overlooked by most people, but I think it is going to have a big impact.  While Wilson somehow keeps his job, Wilson/Burke let go of the majority of their assistant coaches and replaced them with legitimate people that can make a huge impact behind the bench. Look for the Leafs powerplay and penalty kill to rise in the standings to both being in the top 13. 

2.  Center for Kessel.  When you say the name Tim Connolly the 1st thing that pops into your head is "injuries", but what I think is "Leaf killer".  As a Leafs fan watching this guy in Buffalo for what seems like the last 20 years, he always gets those timely goals against the Leafs, just as MacArthur use to, and look what happened with MacArthur.  He plays great with Grabo and Kuli.  Expect a near full season, a very productive one at that, from the oft injured Connolly.

1.  Optimus Reim.  This is the number one reason why we are going to make the playoffs.  A lot of people are going to have this guy circled with a question mark on him because he has no real experience in the NHL.  But the one thing he does have experience with, is adversity.  He was hurt a lot in junior and had to work hard to get where he is today.  This guy is the real deal.  This guy wins 40 games this year, and his name will be mentioned in the Vezina trophy talk.  He may not win it, or even be nominated for it, but he definitely will be an honorable mention for it.

There are a few other reasons that I wanted to add to the list but there are the top 5.  Other reasons for optimism for Leaf fans is the fact that once Lupul got here, Kessel was more consistent.  The Monster has to prove himself still, look for him to push Reimer for that starting job (Monster doesn't even have a chance).  my final bonus reason is...  come on Leafers, it's been 6 seasons (7 years) since the last Maple Leafs playoff game played in TO, we NEED IT DESPERATELY!!!!  But hey, if they dont do it this year, there is always next year!