Leafs crowned by the Kings, updates on Dan Hamhuis, Alex Chiasson and Paul Maurice, plus the latest on the Canadiens, Flames and Oilers.
Kings goalie Martin Jones makes a save on Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk.
TORONTO SUN/TORONTO STAR: Despite holding the Los Angeles Kings to under 20 shots, the Maple Leafs were blanked 2-0. The Leafs also assigned promising prospect William Nylander to their AHL affiliate for the remainder of the season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have no intention of calling up Nylander, as they don’t want to rush his development plus they also don’t want to burn off a year of his entry-level contract. This move is simply the next step in Nylander’s development, which could set the stage for his joining the Leafs full time next season.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens coach Michel Therrien is juggling his lineup again in hopes of bolstering his flagging power play. Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban will be split up in power-play scenarios, while Tomas Plekanec replaces Alex Galchenyk at center in even strength on the first line.
THE VANCOUVER SUN: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (groin tear) could return to the lineup by the end of this week, perhaps better and stronger than before his injury thanks to physiotherapy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamhuis was sorely missed by the Canucks, who struggled in his absence.
WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen examines how coach Paul Maurice has transformed the Jets, particularly their defensive play and the improvement of Dustin Byfuglien into an All Star.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maurice’s efforts are a big reason why the Jets remain in playoff contention despite an injury-ravaged defense corps.
OTTAWA CITIZEN: Winger Alex Chiasson hopes to regain his scoring touch when the Senators face off against the Dallas Stars tonight. Chiasson was part of the return the Senators received when they traded Jason Spezza to Dallas last summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tonight’s game is the first time the two clubs have faced each other since the trade.
CALGARY SUN: Joni Ortio’s performance filling in for the injured Karri Ramo leaves the Flames wondering what to do when Ramo returns to action.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My guess is Ortio returns to the minors when Ramo recovers.
EDMONTON SUN: After showing some improvement in recent games, the Oilers appear to be sliding back into bad habits.
Hmm those “uncoachable” guys are looking like a completely different team under the new coach…first time since 2008 the Leafs have outshot their opponent in 3 games back to back to back. Only 65 shots against in 3 games, under Carlyle they were pretty close to 65 shots against in 4 periods…another good game where the results just didnt go their way…Horachek is doing a great job, if things continue he should get some consideration. All thru Shannys time with the Leafs he has said its more about the process vs. The results and so far the process has improved, a day vs night improvement (so far).
Nothing like a small sample size to give you a misconception of a turn around. The key is to see if they can consistently keep this trend up and win games. Playing good and losing us still not acceptable but playing right like they have is a step in the right direction so far.
Not sure I said it was a turn around…and I do believe I said so far (come on Ron I would think you of all the Leaf fans on here know that for the most part I m pretty pessimistic about this team generally, I wouldnt dive in to the deep end over 3 games but…) to me this year they are pretty much where I thought they would be so losing isnt really the issue (playoffs if lucky in the east means you are going to lose lots of games…) Id rather they lose 2 nothing but play a good game, then win 10 playing like crap and lucky to followup getting thumped by 5 or 6 goals and losing 9 of 11. If the process continues they will find some success, dont get me wromg its still early and I think there needs to be more change before they dramatically improve but small sample or not they have looked better the past 3 games imo than they have in the past 3 years. During Carlyles whole tenure as a coach he never kept teams to under 70 shots in 3 games consecutively. A rather large sample.
good that the leafs are playing a more defensive game but remains to be seen if they can win with this brand of hockey,not as exciting as they were playing but a better brand of hockey