The Chicago Blackhawks easily disposed of the vastly improved Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, and the final score of 5-3, only reflected the fact the the Hawks had the game wrapped up by the end of the second period. The Stanley Cup champions had won the night before at home, 5-2 over Carolina, so they may have been somewhat tired, and coasted through the third period, doing enough to seal the win. Chicago was also shorthanded through three successive power plays in the final period, so that also allowed the Leafs to seem closer in the game than they really were.
To their credit, Ron Wilson’s club was able to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Penguins horrific injury woes last Wednesday, gaining an overtime 3-2 win,and surprising the slumping Philadelphia Flyers, 3-2 in regulation the following night, on the road.
In spite of the overwhelming criticism of Wilson by the fans and media, the team has performed much better since the All-Star break, considering the modest level of skill on the Toronto roster. A key part of their success has been the surprisingly overall, good goalkeeping of James Reimer, drafted in the fourth round, 99th overall, of the 2006 draft, when John Ferguson was the Maple Leafs general manger. ( 12-5-3, 2.45 GAA, .924 SV%)
The one reminder that emerges for Maple Leafs fans out of the loss to the highly skilled Blackhawks, is that teams that challenge for, and win the Stanley Cup, with the ability to continue doing so for several years, have acquired most of their top players through the draft. The other key components of these clubs, are also obtained through smart trades and free agent signings. Without the high draft choices, it is almost impossible to obtain the franchise players who form the nucleus of any championship caliber squad. There is no getting around it in the salary cap era of the National Hockey League.
Jonathan Toews was selected 3rd overall in the 2006 draft. Patrick Kane was the first pick in 2007. Brent Seabrook went 14th in 2003. Duncan Keith turned out to be a brilliant choice at 54th overall, in the second round of the 2002 draft. Patrick Sharp was originally selected by the Flyers, 95th overall in 2001.
The Maple Leafs players, coaches, and their management, deserve credit for the work ethic demonstrated by the team on most nights.
Whether they make the playoffs or not this year, next season, the expectations of the fans will be much higher, and they will demand a team that performs well beginning in October.
In order for Toronto to eventually challenge for a Stanley Cup, they will have to add some franchise quality players, which is not something they have on the current roster. The Blackhawks are another reminder, of the proven method for assembling the nucleus of a championship calibre team, that is more than a one year wonder.