And yeah Franson is looking great, I’m also against trading him. Him and Gardiner had chemistry last year and I can see them being a duo together for years to come.

The only reason to me why we should trade Phaneuf is if by the deadline we’re completely out of it, like you said. Could cause some teams that are trying to win the cup overpay.

Maybe Minnesota involving assets like Granlund, Dumba or draft picks. Or Washington if they can get back in the race. Forsberg and Kuznetsov are desirable prospects.

Kessel had a nice backcheck on Semin but definitely not his best game. It’s too bad that JVRs chance early didn’t squeak in – maybe woulda given us more of a spark.

I’m not a big Phaneuf fan but it would take a hell of a lot at this point. We’re in the mix and our D is pretty weak. They’ve played over their heads, but Dion is far and away our best D at the moment. Imagine how anemic our D would look without him and with Gunnar out.

Kostka – Franson
Liles – Komisarek
Holzer – Fraser

That’s almost completely an AHL D. Have to say though, Franson is a gem. His shot is pretty unbelievable for how little he winds it up. He’s really establishing himself as a solid top 4.

Kostka has pretty good poise for an AHLer, but he’s not that quick and could just be a flash in the pan.

I don’t look to trade Dion unless we’re out of it big time by the deadline. Wait for the off season if we can get a worthwhile return and someone to fill his role.

With a top 5-10 goalie in the league and a one-two of staal-skinner and staal-semin, you have a pretty deadly core. And not a bad supporting cast either.

Top 3 team in the East I’d say. If we do end up making the playoffs it’d be nice not to play them or the Bruins first round (wishful thinking).

If the Leafs had won today, despite the injuries, I REALLY would have been impressed. But you’re right, the effort wasn’t there…and you’re right they really miss Frattin.

Kadri kind of screwed up on the third goal, even though MacArthur screwed up when he fell in the offensive zone and turned over the puck and then Liles screwed up when he pinched to keep the puck in when he should have been back checking and then created a 4 on 2, but although Kadri did a good job of skating back, but after Scrivens made the save on Skinner Kadri chased him behind the net, where if he stood in front of the net he could have blocked the shot from Staal.

I would really like to know what are Nonis’s thoughts on Phaneuf and what it would take to ship him out?

That third line without Frattin is no good – we really missed him tonight. Kadri needs someone to set up and having another scoring line helps the others.

Grabos line was bad – Phaneuf and grabo on that first goal were embarrassing. Macarthur was bad tonight too.

I like having McClement on the fourth line – adds a bit more skill and a stronger fore check. Without him they are really slow – Steckel is horrible.

Holzer was bad tonight too.

Scrivens was pretty solid as a plus – could’ve easily been a blowout.

Hopefully a weak sens team on Saturday gives us a good rebound.