The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided salary arbitration Tuesday with two of their prominent forwards from last season, signing RW Clarke MacArthur and C Tyler Bozak to new 2-year deals through 2013.

MacArthur, an unrestricted free agent, signed his deal for a reported $6.5 million ($3.25 per season), a hefty raise from the $1.1 million he made in 2010-11.  The 26-year old is coming off a career-best 62 point season while a permanent fixture on a highly productive line with Mikael Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin a year ago.  MacArthur signed with the Leafs last offseason after the Atlanta Thrashers walked away from a $2.4 million arbitrator’s ruling.

The deal is a sound one for Brian Burke and the Leafs.  Not wanting to over-commit in dollars or years to MacArthur, just in case last year was some sort of fluke, Burke instead managed to keep an integral Top-6 forward on the team with minimal risk going forward.  The truth is, MacArthur may in fact prove to be a steal at the price he signed for as he enters his prime years in the NHL.

Bozak’s Back, Announces New Deal with Leafs on Twitter  

The Leafs secured some depth at the Center position for the next two seasons by re-inking Tyler Bozak to a new 2-year deal, worth a reported $1.95 million.

A regular contributor on Twitter @Bozie42, an excited Bozak posted on his account Tuesday evening; “Thanks for the congrats everyone! Glad to be back with the Leafs to play in front of the best fans in the world!

The 25-year old Bozak will see his role change considerably with Toronto next season, in all likelihood moving down to the third line, following the recent acquisitions of centermen Tim Connolly (UFA) and Matthew Lombardi (trade from Nashville).  Bozak recorded 15 goals and 17 assists last season while playing predominantly on the Leafs’ top line with Phil Kessel.

With former first-round pick Nazem Kadri expected to stick full-time with the Leafs this season, the Bozak signing ultimately improves the team’s overall depth at a position they were quite thin at in 2010-11, while providing some insurance in the event that Lombardi is unable to return from the concussion that forced him to miss all but 2 games a year ago.

Did “Deeply Offended” Burke Take Recent Criticism Too Personally?

An article in Monday’s National Post quoted Leafs’ GM Brian Burke as saying he was “deeply offended” by comments from Toronto Sun Columnist Steve Simmons, who suggested that Burke missed the boat completely by not being in Toronto on July 1st (Canada Day) to visit troops in Afghanistan instead of tending to the opening of the Free Agency period, namely, courting prized UFA Brad Richards to sign with the Leafs.

Despite assurances from Burke that his crack staff, led by Asst. GM Dave Nonis, carried the torch in his absence by paying Richards a personal visit at his home on July 1st, and Skype and cellphones were used to keep him apprised of all activities, in the end, Richards would sign on with the NY Rangers.

While Burke tried to keep news of his Canada Day travel plans private, the column written by Simmons – a longstanding member of the Toronto media – offered a legitimate beef against Burke.  The bottom line is this – if Burke had a genuine interest in signing Richards to a long-term deal, then his decision and timing to leave the country was poor.

Nothing personal, Brian.

By David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent

Philadelphia Flyers’ head coach Peter Laviolette has had to do all kinds of line juggling in recent weeks in an attempt to get his struggling offense untracked.  Thursday night, he found himself juggling again before the contest with the Toronto Maple Leafs – this time because of illness.

Call it what you will – kind of partial to the “Flyer Flu”, myself.

It started with Mike Richards just prior to the Friday night game in Carolina on Rod Brind’Amour night, and has been making it’s way through the Philly lineup.  The latest victims are Dan Carcillo, Darroll Powe, and Jeff Carter, all of whom were scratched from the lineup Thursday.

There is also an issue with a stagnant offensive that has been present long before the illness hit the club – and it continued Thursday, as Philadelphia managed just two goals again tonight on home ice.

By dropping the 3-2 decision to the Leafs, the Flyers have now lost back-to-back games for the first time since December 20th (Florida Panthers at home) and December 28th (Vancouver Canucks) – a pretty remarkable stretch of 26 straight games without consecutive losses.

Excluding empty net goals, the Flyers have not scored more than three goals in regulation in their last 13 consecutive games – dating back to a January 25th contest with the Montreal Canadiens in which they scored five.

Toronto, on the other hand, ran their unbeaten streak to nine games (6-0-3), as they continue their quest for the playoffs.

But there was also a lack of discipline.  The first period saw a steady parade to the penalty box paved in Orange-and-Black.  There were five minors called in all, four of which went against Philadelphia.

The club’s penalty-killing was a perfect 7-7, but defenseman Chris Pronger thought the penalty problems in the first may have set the tone for the night.  ”I think we shot ourselves in the foot with the mistakes that we made and the penalties we took“, Pronger said after the game.  ”I think they had seven or eight power plays.  In the first period they had four alone.  That kind of gave them some momentum.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Kris Versteeg opened the scoring 5:49 into the game, ripping home a Richards pass for his 16th of the season – and his first non-empty net goal as a Flyer.  Verseteeg’s fist pump celebration appeared to be heart-felt, as he has experienced a bit of a tough transition here in Philadelphia.

But the festivities would be short-lived, as Scott Hartnell committed a horrendous giveaway and ended up in the Flyers’ net just 21 seconds later.  Clarke MacArthur had originally been credited with the goal, but was changed to Nikolai Kulemin during the first intermission when video review showed the puck glanced off of the shaft of Kulemin’s stick on the way into the net.

The good news is that Versteeg and Richards are showing an increasing amount of chemistry with each passing contest.  Versteeg’s second goal was something to behold, as Richards’ pass saw the ex-Leaf staring at a wide open net.  Versteeg deposited the puck into the yawning cage before Toronto starter James Reimer could get to the post, and the Flyers led 2-1.

“I think we’ve been playing well over the last six games or so“, Versteeg said of his developing chemistry with Richards.  ”Sometimes it takes a little time to build it and go on but it’s about going out and working hard for each other.”

The captain concurred.  “We have played together for a little bit now“, Richards said.  ”Once you start doing that, you start to feel more comfortable and knowing where each other are.  The two goals were evidence of that.”

Late in the second, Philadelphia took a bench minor for too many men on the ice.  Leafs’ defenseman Dion Phaneuf was able to beat Sergei Bobrovsky off of the ensuing faceoff with just 10.5 seconds left in the middle frame to knot the score heading into the third period.

Richards took responsibility for the gaffe.  “That was my fault“, he said.  ”I actually thought I saw Scott (Hartnell) coming, and just wasn’t paying attention and jumped on the ice.  They ended up scoring on us.  That was my fault.”

Philadelphia came out and took the first four shots of the third period, but couldn’t get anything past Reimer.

Darryl Boyce made a nice move as he was able to beat Bobrovsky with only 4:30 left in regulation for the game-winner.  Carrying the puck in the right wing corner, Boyce appeared that he was going to go around the net – and Bobrovsky bit.  Boyce instead cut out in front and tucked the puck under the Flyers netminder’s right pad and inside the far post.

Toronto had their first lead of the game at the time it counted the most.

The Flyers were able to generate a few more scoring chances, but once again could not finish for reason or another.  Danny Briere, mired in a goal-scoring slump that has seen him with just four goals in his last 19 games, came close in the waning seconds.  Taking a pass in the slot, Briere snapped off a wrist shot that Reimer got a glove on – the puck kicked up in the air, bounced off of the top of the Leafs’ net, out into the crease area, and into Reimer’s glove.

As for losing to yet another team that is fighting for it’s very postseason existence, Pronger pulled no punches.  “We know they’re fighting for their lives and are a desperate team, and we have to play with that same desperation to counter that.”

And perhaps, therein lies part of the problem.  The Flyers have had things go pretty much their way for most of the season, so it’s possible that they had become complacent and have gotten away from doing the little things that got them to the top spot in the Eastern Conference.  Their opponents are playing with a heightened sense of purpose, and Philadelphia has failed to match that effort.

Pronger also said the team cannot use the illness that has depleted their roster as an excuse.  “At this time of year everybody is going to have injuries and what have you.  I don’t think that played a part of it.”

When asked if he was upset with the fact that defenseman Andrej Meszaros took three minors during the game, Laviolette didn’t hesitate.  “Are you asking me if I was unhappy with Meszaros?  Not really.  You know, get punched in the head and you punch somebody back, you expect them both to go.”

One thing is crystal clear – the Flyers are going to have to play a disciplined, desperate game.  They’re coming up against a host of teams that are all in the same position, and they will fight tooth and nail to stay alive.

The Flyers have to do the same thing.

Holmstrom fills in nicely

Laviolette was impressed with the play of Ben Holmstrom, who was called up from the Adirondack Phantoms earlier in the day with several forwards suffering illness.  ”I thought Ben [Holstrom] came up and did a good job for us tonight“, the coach said.  ”He killed a lot of penalties, got some time, and did a good job in his first game.”

Holmstrom played 8:06 – including 4:33 on the penalty kill – and led the Flyers with five hits.

_____________________________________________

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter - @David_Strehle.

The Toronto Maple Leafs steamrolled past the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night with a 4-2 win, completing their California sweep.

They are the second team to do so in the week, Nashville beat San Jose on January 8th by the score of 2-1. San Jose dropped not only their fifth home loss, but their fifth consecutive game. You would have to look all the way back to the Sharks 1995-1996 season, 13 years ago to find the last time they lost five home games in a row.

Patrick Marleau, who had only scored five goals since November 26th, put San Jose on the board midway through the first period receiving a pass from Joe Thornton, breaking the Sharks scoreless slump at 106 minutes 17 seconds — the longest the Sharks have been shut out all season. Both Thornton and Dany Heatley join Marleau in the scoring slump, having only scored a combined 11 goals since November 26th.

Last season, the line of Marleau, Heatley and Thornton had 103 goals in 82 games an average 1.25 goals per game. We are just midway through the 2010-2011 season and they have come together for 42 goals in just 44 games. That averages out to be less then one goal a game.

Half way through the second period, San Jose lost their leading goal scoring Logan Couture when it appeared that Colton Orr took a run at him. Orr was tagged with a kneeing penalty at 9:25 of the period giving San Jose their first power play opportunity of the night. Couture laid on the ice for a few before skating back to the bench.

Just under two minutes later with Orr’s penalty about to expire, Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf was called for holding. San Jose would have 10 seconds of 5-on-3 play but fail to capitalize. San Jose kept their 1-0 lead heading into the 3rd period, out shooting the Leafs 34-12 through two periods.

Phil Kessel scored early in the third period when he skated around a falling Dan Boyle to tie the game at one. Boyle slid out in front of Kessel thinking he was going to shoot, instead Kessel skated to his right and shot into the open net.

“I had arguably the worst game I have had all year. I’m in no position tonight to say anything about anybody else. Most of the guys played well. I take a lot of pride in what I do out there. Tonight I was way off. It wad a very, very bad, terrible game.”

Boyle, who’s been the Sharks scoring leader among defensemen hasn’t scored a goal since December 23rd and has gone a -7 since then as well.

Clarke MacArthur went on to score two goals for the Leafs, including an empty netter with 39 seconds left in the game, while Marleau gave San Jose the lead back temporarily with his 17th goal of the season and Carl Gunnarsson scored the GWG at 10:10 of the third period.

Antti Niemi made 22 of 25 shots and rookie goaltender, James Reimer stopped an outstanding 40 of 42 shots. Not only are the Maple Leafs riding a four game winning streak right now, they are backstopped by Reimer who‘s in for the injured J.S Giguere. After being called up from the Leafs AHL team, the Toronto Marlies, Reimer has gone 4-1 in six games with a .947 SV% and 1.92 GAA.

San Jose will face Edmonton and potential Calder candidate Taylor Hall on Thursday night. The Sharks are 3-0 against the Oilers this season and will be looking to snap their home loss slide at five.

Sometimes when a team hits the skids, it takes the captain to set the example and lead the way.  After the Philadelphia Flyers had lost their last three games, all at home, the man wearing the “C” did just that tonight.  And the rest of the club followed.

Mike Richards scored the contest’s first goal and added two assists, as the Orange-and-Black were able to win a game in which they dominated, 5-2 over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Philly outshot Toronto 40-14 and were able to score on five of those shots, unlike Thursday night when the Flyers outshot Anaheim 42-22, but ended up losing in the final minute of regulation, 3-2.

Richards opened the scoring when he stole the puck at center ice, skated over the blue line and sent a wrist shot towards the Maple Leafs’ net.  Toronto goalkeeper Jean-Sebastian Giguere seemed fooled by the shot, as he got caught moving to the left.  Richards’ shot sailed to the right of Giguere’s blocker and into the net for a 1-0 Flyers’ lead.

Less than two minutes later, Ville Leino pulled off one of the rarest of feats for Philadelphia this season, as he netted a power play goal at the 18:59 mark of the first.  Leino, who was questionable for the game after a collision with teammate Chris Pronger in practice on Friday, jammed the net and deflected a Richards shot into the Toronto cage.  The goal was originally credited to Richards, but was correctly changed to Leino during the intermission.

It was just the third goal scored with the man advantage for the Orange-and-Black, who after the game sit at 9.1% (3-33), but moved up to 24th from 27th in the rankings with their 1-6 performance against the Leafs.

Philly dominated the shots on goal count in the first by a 14-4 count.  But as has been the case too many times this season, the games have remained close despite the lopsided amount of chances.

This game was no different as Phil Kessel scored his sixth of the season at the 6:35 mark.  The shots at the time were 21-6, but brought the Leafs to within one at 2-1.  It was also Kessel’s first-ever goal in his fifteenth career game against the Flyers.

Blair Betts restored the two-goal lead late in the second, finishing a two-on-one off of a beautiful feed from Darroll Powe to make it 3-1.

But as has been the case over the past few games, Philly would give up a couple of quality chances soon after a goal.

Moments after Brian Boucher stoned Mikhail Grabovski all alone in close, Clarke MacArthur continued his surprising offensive start to the year with his sixth goal.  MacArthur was able to break in alone and poke his own rebound past Boucher, and heading into the third period, despite outshooting Toronto 27-11 it was just a 3-2 Flyers’ lead.

Early in the third, Richards made a beautiful pass to Scott Hartnell down the right wing, and Hartnell ripped a one-timer past Giguere to make it 4-2.  Richards spotted Hartnell streaking down the wing as he had just come off of the bench on a line change, and the winger with the newly shorn locks made no mistake.

Midway through the final frame, Danny Briere stole the puck at the Leafs’ blue line.  With a head of steam, he broke in on the left wing and let a shot go when he hit the circle.  The puck went by Giguere’s glove side shoulder and inside the far post to close out the scoring.

Briere’s 28 shots and five goals both lead the team through seven games.  This is the regular season player the club thought they were getting when Briere was signed to a contract in July of 2007.  The line of Hartnell-Briere-Leino that was such a revelation in last year’s postseason run continues to be Peter Laviolette’s most consistent threat.

Leino’s power play tally in the first was the only goal in six opportunities with the man advantage, but the PP unit looked better than it had in recent games.  Puck movement was crisp and the team had several high-quality scoring chances.

So the five game home stand ends with a 2-3-0 mark, with a win in the first and last contest sandwiched around three regulation losses.  The Flyers head to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets Monday night, then return home to face the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

Laviolette’s squad showed signs of waking up tonight, and he has to hope that they can use this win to build momentum going forward.  When the club squandered points early last season, it almost cost the Flyers a berth in the playoffs.

If it is up to the captain, that will not be a problem again this season.

Taking a Flyer:  Giguere came into the game with a 3-0-1 record and a stingy 1.96 goals-against average…Dan Carcillo returned to the lineup and fought Mike Brown in the first period…James van Riemsdyk was checked head first into the boards by nemesis Colby Armstrong.  Armstrong, who received a five-minute boarding major, had leveled JVR last season with a border line legal hit in Atlanta…Defenseman Dion Phaneuf was a -3 for Toronto…Briere came close to a second goal when he beat Giguere cleanly, but his shot hit the inside of the left post, deflected directly along the goal line to the other side, and clanked off the right goal post.

David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

The NHL has some early surprises this year so far in several categories so let’s take a look at my top 5 “nice surprise” teams and top 5 individuals thus far in the 2010/2011 season

Teams

1. Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0-1 for 1^st place in the Eastern Conference

The much talked about storied franchise ran by one of the most assertive and straight to the point General Managers in Brian Burke are off to a hot start at 4-0-1. The goaltending, most notably Jean Sebastian-Giguere, has been excellent which is obviously key to a fairly young and new team. The defense as expect has been very good with the likes of Tomas Kaberle and Dion Phaneuf and the forwards have been contributing throughout lines 1-4 with Phil Kessel the leading scorer and the surprising Clarke Macarthur following suit right behind him. Do the Leafs have what it takes to keep this torrid pace up? The question may rest on the forward depth, the concern of solid Defense and good goaltending should be fine in Leafland.

2. New York Islanders 3-1-2 for 3^rd in the Eastern Conference

The Islanders are a young exciting team on the rise but started in bad shape with their top blue-liner in Mark Streit (shoulder), Kyle Okposo (shoulder), and Rob Schremp (back) all on the injured reserve. They have had recent injuries to leading scorer Josh Bailey and solid 2-way player in Trent Hunter, yet these young kids from Long Island continue to get the job done and have managed a 3-1-2 record through their first 6 games. The often injured Rick Dipietro and aging Dwayne Roloson have supplied the Islanders with a great 1-2 tandem in goal. It’s doubtful the Islanders can keep up this pace throughout the entire 82 game schedule but one never knows they may just surprise some people. The horrific issue with NYI is lack of fan support, for their home opener they had a touch over 13,000 fans in attendance and that number is slowly, but surely, decreasing. Islander fans really do not know what they are missing with this young exciting team.

3. Dallas Stars 4-1-0 for 2^nd in the Western Conference

Many predicted this club to finish 30^th overall in the NHL, myself included. However, Dallas has bolted out of the gates with an impressive 4-1 record with star forward Brad Richards averaging 2 points a game with 10 points in 5 games and a nice supporting cast of Mike Ribeiro, James Neal, Loui Eriksson and Brendan Morrow contributing game in and game out. Kari Lehtonen has been solid in goal playing all 5 games with a 2.91 G.A.A. and a solid .921 save percentage. I am sticking with my pre-season prediction and saying Dallas will have a legitimate shot at the 1^st overall pick in next seasons NHL entry draft but we all know “predictions are for gypsies”. Still, Dallas has been a nice surprise for Stars fans and could not ask for a better start to the season.

4. Nashville Predators 3-0-1 for 4^th in the Western Conference

Head coach Barry Trotz implements one of the best defensive strategies in the game and so far in this NHL season it has worked perfectly. Not only do the Predators have a solid 3-0-1 record but they have had solid goaltending by rookie Anders Lindback filling in for an ailing Pekka Rinne. The Predators have been in rough shape with injuries to Rinne, Jamie Lundmark, Martin Erat, Marcel Goc and one of their off-season acquisitions Matthew Lombardi has a concussion. Nashville is getting equal contributions on the score sheet from players like veteran Steve Sullivan, J-P Dumont, and Cal O’Reilly but the scoring is spread out through lines 1-4. Shea Weber, one of the best 2-way defenseman in the league, is also having a nice start to the year with 3 assists so far in 4 games. While I don’t think Nashville will contend for the 1^st position in the Central I do think they will have a solid year and make a huge push for the playoffs plus might just finish middle of the pack in the Western Conference standings.

5. Montreal Canadiens 3-1-1 for 6^th in the Eastern Conference

Les Habitant have started off strong with a 3-1-1 record giving the devoted Montreal fans something to cheer for, not only are they getting solid goaltending by the much talked about and questioned Carey Price but getting some solid defensive play led by Josh Gorges and rookie P.K. Subban. Montreal’s best defenseman Andrei Markov is still nursing a knee injury but is supposedly close to returning to the lineup but with the solid play of the aforementioned Subban and Gorges along with Hamrlik, Spacek and Gill the Habs have not had to rush Markov back. The offense is not exactly lighting up the score sheet but they are scoring enough to get the job done. Montreal should make another push for a playoff position as they have 3 pretty decent forward lines with a nice complimentary checking line. If they keep getting the goaltending from Price and stay healthy on the blue line the Habs will make the post season.

Honourable mentions: Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lighting, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues.

Individuals

1.  Marian Hossa – Chicago Blackhawks

Hossa is off to a hot start for the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks amassing 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points in 7 games. Not only is Marian contributing offensively but has been solid in all 3 zones of the ice. Hossa, being on pace for a goal a game, is looking to repeat his 2008/2009 goal totals in which he scored 40 goals for the Blackhawks arch rival Detroit Red Wings. Hossa has scored 30+ goals in 7 of 11 of his past full seasons plus scoring over 40 goals in 3 of those seasons with Ottawa and Detroit.

2. Brad Richards – Dallas Stars

As mentioned before Richards is off to a torrid pace with 2 goals and 8 assists in only 5 games and is currently 1 point behind Marian Hossa for the early scoring race. Richards has always been a very good point producer with Tampa Bay and Dallas plus if he keeps up with this pace and the Dallas Stars fall from playoff contention you can bet teams will be trying to acquire Brad for a playoff run and possibly as soon as the all-star break depending on the position of the Dallas Stars in the standings.

3. John Michael-Liles – Colorado Avalanche

John has not only contributed offensively with 8 points in 6 games with 6 of those points coming at even strength but is also a solid +6. John is the Avalanche top defender and plays in all situations and is averaging around 22 minutes of ice time per game. If Liles keeps this pace up you know he will get some big time Norris Trophy votes but of course there is a long way to go in the season. Nevertheless, Liles is off to an all-star start to this season providing Colorado with some much needed offense from the back end.

4. Brent Johnson – Pittsburgh Penguins

There is no doubt Marc-Andre Fleury is the starting goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins…or is there? Johnson has stepped in for Fleury and provide the Penguins with some excellent goaltending to get the Penguins out of the cellar in the Eastern Conference. Fleury started for Pittsburgh and his stats spoke for themselves, 0 wins 3 losses, a 3.41 G.A.A. and a dreadful .853 save percentage whereas Johnson has come in and gone 4-0, a 1.49 G.A.A. and an unheard of .950 save percentage. The numbers speak for themselves, Johnson is off to an incredible start and really Pittsburgh cannot sit Brent until he falters. Right now Brent Johnson is playing like the best goaltender in the league and thus far, he is.

5. Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning

All the hype over what Stamkos could do this season from all of the fans and prognosticators is coming true, Steven has already potted 5 goals and added 4 helpers to an up and coming Lighting team. Like Hossa, he is a goal per game pace and 60+goals are not out of the question for Stamkos this year. With offensive juggernauts like Lecavalier, St.Louis, Gagne, Malone and yes…Steve Downie, we may see Stamkos finish atop the scoring leaders this year in the NHL. Keep in mind Gagne is pointless so far and Lecavalier is not exactly lighting it up with 2 points but when those 2 get scoring the rest of the NHL better watch out for this explosive team, especially Steven Stamkos.

Honourable mentions: Patrick Sharp, Alexander Ovechkin, Kari Lehtonen, Sidney Crosby, Mark Letestu.

Trent Kondo
NHLHS  Correspondent
tkondo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @TK0N

The New York Islanders came into the Air Canada Centre and handed the Toronto Maple Leafs their first loss of the season on a power play goal by John Tavares at 3:26 of overtime.  With Brett Lebda in the penalty box for goaltender interference, Tavares netted a one-timer from the right face-off circle that passed a screened Jean- Sebastien Giguere for the game winner.  He also picked up an assist, making a beautiful pass to Matt Moulson who scored his third goal of the year.

Both teams which failed to make the playoffs a year ago entered the contest with surprising leads of their respective divisions.  Toronto won its first four games of the young season with strong performances from Clarke MacArthur (5G, 1A), Phil Kessel (4G, 2A), and Giguere (1.94 GAA).  And despite losing key players Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo to devastating shoulder injuries, the Isles have played well.

Islander goalie Dwayne Roloson got the start between the pipes. He won last Saturday night’s game against Colorado making 30 saves on 32 shots.  His last start in Toronto, a 58 save performance on November 29, 2009 which the Isles won 4-3 in overtime, certainly weighed into coach Scott Gordon’s decision to start him over Rick DiPietro.

Roloson did not disappoint.  He made 29 saves on thirty shots.  In the first period, he made a brilliant save on Kessel’s point-blank shot from the slot.  In all, he made at least four acrobatic saves.  Toronto, however, also had two apparent goals waived off. First, Dion Phaneuf blasted a shot from the slot that Roloson could not handle.  Kris Versteeg then deflected the rebound past Roloson, but the refs ruled that he first knocked it down with a high stick.  In the third period, Colby Armstrong’s shot hit Roloson’s back which Toronto thought deflected into the goal.  Replays, however, showed that the puck never crossed the goal line. Radek Martinek also blocked a Fredrik Sjostrom shot at the goal mouth when Roloson was pulled out of position.

Toronto finally did score late in the third period to tie the score at 1-1 on a power play goal by Kessel to send the game into overtime. He scored on deflection off of a defenseman’s skate.  The Islanders were short- handed at the time because of a cross-checking penalty by James Wisniewski.  Kessel’s goal prevented Roloson from becoming the first Islander goalie to ever record a shutout in Toronto.

Notes: Lebda, finally recovering from shoulder surgery, made his first appearance of the year for the Maple Leafs…  The Islanders Trent Hunter did not travel with the team.  He was hit with a shot on the foot in Friday’s game against Pittsburgh.  He is considered day-to-day…  Blake Comeau, who was questionable after being hit in the foot with a slap shot last Saturday, played for the Isles.  His TOI was 21:43… Josh Bailey left in the first period with a hip flexor injury and did not return…. Giguere made 18 saves on 20 shots… Tavaras won 12 of 14 face-offs… Mike Brown and Zenon Kenopka were involved in a short-lived scrum which was broken up abruptly by the linesmen…. A potential altercation between Trevor Gillies (TOI 3:32) and Colton Orr (TOI 5:10) never materialized.

If the last few NHL seasons were any indication as to what we can expect if we are discussing an NHL head coach, one situation that is certain is that someone will be fired prior to the 2010-11 NHL All-Star game.

This off-season alone we have already witnessed transition throughout the league at the head coaching position.

Rich Tocchet was relieved of his duties with the Tampa Bay Lightning for Guy Boucher. The Atlanta Thrashers and Columbus Blue Jackets both appointed new soldiers to man the fort as bench bosses as well.

However, we do not feel that will be the only movement made from NHL teams.

When looking around the league, outside of Barry Trotz and Lindy Ruff – the longest tenured coaches remaining within the NHL – there are many new faces in many new places.

This season, expectations are high for many clubs not considered a team in transition.

One team in which a window – or time frame if you will – has been placed upon to win a Stanley Cup are the Washington Capitals.

Bruce Boudreau – Three straight Southeast Divisional titles and that’s right, the head coach of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Washington Capitals could possibly find himself on the unemployment line.  Since taking over the helm in Washington early in the 2007-08 season, Boudreau has established himself as one of the top regular season bench bosses.  His .664 winning percentage is tops of any NHL coaches over that time period.  Washington’s decision to not sign unrestricted free agent goaltender Jose Theodore leaves the Capitals with two 22-year-old net minders in Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth.  The two young backstops have a combined 54 NHL regular season games to their credit, so experience could be an issue.  Boudreau’s problems have come in the postseason, where all four series that he has coached have gone the full seven games, and his Capitals have won just one of those series.  And remember Washington owner Ted Leonsis’ blog after last year’s seven-game first round loss to the Montreal Canadiens that seemed to question some of Boudreau’s tactics.

However, even with his .664 winning percentage something seems to be missing either from the on-ice product or from coach himself. The window has begun to close, and at this point it is not too far from being closed and locked.

John Tortorella – Despite leading his team to a 7-1-2 mark over the course of the season’s final 10 games, the 50-year-old New York Rangers head coach saw his Broadway Blueshirts miss the postseason in a shootout on the last day of the 2009-10 campaign.  Even though the most significant off-season signing may well be forward Alexander Frolov, Tortorella may be in trouble if the Rangers appear that they cannot make any postseason noise after the team has missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.

The common factor here – Tortorella was the coach of this club for the past two seasons after taking over for Tom Renney. Though he did help an already talented club enter the playoffs in ’08-’09, they exited as quick as they entered.

Say what you will about the supporting cast for Marian Gaborik and Henrik Lundqvist but this Rangers club, again on black and white, is capable of being a constant threat within the Eastern Conference each year. If the season begins and there are more L’s over W’s, expect yet another change in New York.

Ron Wilson – After four consecutive 40+ win seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Wilson’s first two years in Toronto were forgettable, non-playoff efforts.  But with GM Brian Burke’s retooling of the Leafs over the past nine months, adding players like defenseman Dion Phaneuf, goaltender J.S. Giguere, and forwards Kris Versteeg, Colby Armstrong, and Clarke MacArthur, Toronto will definitely have higher expectations heading into the 2010-11 season.  And that means that if the club is not performing to the level that Burke feels it should, Wilson could have good reason to be looking over his shoulder. Also, believe what you will about the Tomas Kaberle reports that he and coach Wilson simply are not on the same page and this adds salt to the wounds.

Yes the team was blundered by injuries last season, but is it truly Wilson to blame here or do we need to point the finger directly at Burke? The tricky situation is figuring out just that. Burke has attempted to re-tool his team by the signings and trades mentioned above and feels confident enough to be a competitive club this year which in turn puts all the pressure on Wilson to make this team gel and perform up to Burke and company’s expectations.

Claude Julien – After last season’s playoff collapse, one must wonder how long of a leash Julien has attached to his name. After completing his third full season as head coach of the club, adding three straight playoff births, it might not be as short of a leash as some of the other coaches but something has to give.

Since taking over the team at the start of the 2007-08 season, Julien and his Bruins have not had a losing record. However, though plagued by injuries last season, it was his worst season with the club as they posted a record of 39-30-13.  Add to that the historic playoff blunder and assume as we are that Peter Chiarelli is keeping a close eye on Julien and his progress to start the season.

The Bruins have not been to the Conference finals since the 1991-92 season and have not earned the chance to play for the Stanley Cup since 1989-90. Teasing their fanbase for the past three years, last season plunged the knife through the hearts of the organizations faithful.

Julien, at one time, helped a disgruntled forward in Michael Ryder re-ignite his scoring touch, only to have it disappear the next (last) season. As we have been creating a common theme within this writing, sometimes the players just lose touch with their coaches and their ears no longer truly hear what the coach has to say. If such is the case in Boston, there could very much be a change as soon as January. Would we hold our breathe on this one? No, but stranger things have happened, especially around the NHL.

Todd McLellan – The San Jose Sharks – on black and white – for years have been considered a powerhouse and dominant team throughout the regular season.  However, their playoff failures have been the only consistency in their game. McLellan stepped in, replacing Ron Wilson, and has had the same success…err…situations arise. Yet no one points the finger at the coaching in San Jose.  Most use Joe Thornton as the scape goat when such is not the case, especially this past playoff season.

In two full seasons with the Sharks, McLellan has a record of 104-38-22 which is good for a winning percentage of .634 – during the regular season. He has coached his team to the quaterfinals in 2009 and the conference finals in 2010. But it was these very same Sharks that were – according to the experts – on the Stanley Cup path both years under McLellan and prior.

With two major player personnel changes from the organization this season, Rob Blake‘s retirement and Evgeni Nabokov bolting for the KHL, there are new faces swimming with the regulars.  Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Antti Niemi as well as goaltender Antero Niittymaki will be called upon in likely a #1a/#1b type scenario to attempt to carry this team to the promise land yet again this season. If there is another early playoff exit by the Sharks again this season, the finger will need to be pointed and the axe dropped.

Paul Maurice – It may come as a strange situation for some of you readers to see Maurice on this list. It’s not that Marucie is a bad coach, it seems to be more of the fact of the matter that with the team in transition, the players ears may be closing to the coaches mouth.  Anytime you lose the confidence of your team – they simply can not follow a simple game plan or the thoughts of the head coach – there needs to be a change.  Although last season the ‘Canse were plagued by injuries and issues, there is going to be a close eye on Maurice to start the season. Will he be able to have his team respond from an off year and show positives and signs of life throughout the first portion of the season?  Of course, only time permits the answer to that question.

The season is right around the corner. Thus far, it truly has the makings to be a very exciting season at that.  Who will be the first NHL coach axed in your opinion, if any? Here is to hoping for solid seasons all around and know that we do not wish any ill will among any of those employed by the National Hockey League – from staff, to players, to coaches, to upper management and beyond.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS NHL Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Dave Strehle
NHLHS NHL Writer
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

Well, the New York Islanders have added $2.45 million dollars towards hitting the cap floor within the NHL and their salary cap structure.

As Isles nation patiently waited for the arbitration hearing for Matt Moulson, the team surprised everyone yesterday by announcing that they will avoid just that.

During the course of his first full National Hockey League season, Moulson found himself skating as a top line forward, playing wingman to rookie sensation Jonathan Tavares.

It was instant chemistry. Of course there is some history between the two, but to skate on a top line together in the National Hockey League paid unexpected dividends.

Moulson scored a career high 30 goals as well as adding 18 assists for a total for 48 points.

What Islanders fans will need to realize is that if Clarke MacArthur, one time skater for the Atlanta Thrashers, received $2.4 million from an arbitrator, the Islanders grabbed themselves a deal by avoiding arbitration with Moulson. Although it is only a one year deal, it gives both the organization and player an opportunity to analyze how the future will be.

I do agree with much of the fanbase who wonder why it was not a longer extension but have no fear because not every team has a Tavares to play with.  The young guns up front for the Islanders, as well as the depth chart for the organization should provide enough security to a player in order to keep him on board.

What I mean is, Moulson, whether he scores 30 goals again or not, will likely be extended by the Islanders at a fair market value when the time comes.  If he scores between 20 and 24 goals he will likely stay within the same salary range (between $2 – $2.5 million).  If he hits 30 goals or more again this season he will get a raise from the $2.45 the Islanders awarded him for this upcoming season.

The chemistry will likely continue between Moulson and Tavares, and I do not see Moulson bolting at the end of his contract. I think it is more likely to see an extension handed out in season.

Of course, only time will tell.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS New York Islanders Correspondent
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

The Atlanta Thrashers have never had a player go all the way to an arbitration hearing until today, and they had obviously never cut ties with a player because of a ruling they disagreed with.  Until now.

The Thrashers have decided to not accept the arbitrator’s ruling that MacArthur is worth $2.4 million.  The 25 year old left winger was acquired at the trade deadline from the Buffalo Sabres last year for a third and fourth round pick.  He promptly scored a goal in his first game as a Thrasher, and over 20 more games he scored a whopping two more.  He tacked on six assists for a grand total of nine points in Atlanta, which when you add it to his 13 goals and 13 assists in Buffalo, it gives you a pretty solid third winger.

Who happen to be a dime a dozen.  MacArthur won’t get a payday of $2.4 million from any other team.  Frankly, he probably should have taken the modest QO that the Thrashers extended to him.  The last thing that Atlanta needs more of is the cookie cutter 3rd line player.  They have let Colby Armstrong walk, and now MacArthur – two guys who were expendable are gone, leaving space for some of the young up and comers, especially the two Frolunda players Carl Klingberg and Frederik Petersson.  If they impress at camp, there’s space.  If they don’t, it’s not like there’s a shortage of serviceable left wings for the Thrashers to grab – maybe even a 20 goal scorer or two.  It’s not like they’ll never have the recipe for a Clarke MacArthur style player again.

Laura Astorian
NHLHS Atlanta Thrashers Correspondent
lastorian@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @hildymac

Atlantic Division:

• The Prudential Center lights were back on and functioning fine Sunday, but what the Devils really needed was to turn back the clock, writes Tom Gulitti.
• Michael Obernauer of The New York Daily News takes a look at Ranger rookie Matt Gilroy visiting historic Fenway park where he sat in a sellout crowd to watch his alma mater Boston University face Boston College.  Must be exciting watching his team just one year after capturing the National Championship.
• Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer feels the Flyers will look back on Thursday’s 7-4 victory in Pittsburgh as the turning point of their tumultuous season.
• Dave Molinari takes a look at the Dr. Jekyl/Mr Hyde that is Ruslan Fedotenko.
• Rick DiPietro returned to the lineup but now GM Garth Snow has his work cut out for him.

Northeast Division:

• Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun takes a look at the imploding Leafs and how they find new ways to lose.  Phil Kessel seems to be the mojo to get this team going.
• For the first time in a long time, the Buffalo Sabres have a few days to exhale. “Guys can heal up their bumps and bruises,” winger Clarke MacArthur said.  Days like this prove pivotal going down the stretch.
  
• The Boston Bruins need breakout efforts and Fluto Shinzawa feels that it needs to come from the back end. The defense must jump up and chip in on offense more for the team to be successful.  The inconsistency of Dennis Wideman and injury to Mark Stuart could be too much.
• Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette takes a look at Jaroslav Halak and why he merits more of a starting role for the Canadiens. His numbers also make one wonder his status with the team.
• All the hard work in the world doesn’t mean a thing unless it’s accompanied by talent, writes Allen Panzeri. Pretty difficult to argue talent when five of your top talent players are out with injury as is the case with the Senators.
  

Southeast Division:

• Chip Alexander writes on how in the end, Eric Staal just wanted to play, his tally in a 4-1 victory meant more than just an insurance goal.  It meant a lot to Staal, a lot to his coaches and a lot to those around him in the locker room.
• It may of taken a while but the Washington Capitals finally fit into the system of coach Bruce Boudreau attempted.  You know what they say, better late then never.
• Thrashers d-man Anssi Salmela discusses his recent opportunity with Chris Vivlamore.
• Two-plus years passed since Rostislav Olesz last scored two goals in a game, so Saturday night was special for him. Steve Gorten breaks down the recent Panthers victory and Olesz’s performance.
• The lights came back on at the Prudential Center and the Lightning held on to beat the Devils Sunday night. Steven Stamkos scored two goals, one Friday and a critical one 9:45 into the third period, 69 seconds after Travis Zajac cut New Jersey’s deficit to twos.