May 8, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate a goal by left wing Clarke MacArthur (16) in the second period against the Boston Bruins during game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The first thing I wanted to see was already changed going into game 4. Clarke MacArthur was put back in the lineup and Ryan Hamilton was the healthy scratch. I do not understand why Hamilton played in the last 2 games and MacArthur didn’t. As much as I adore Hamilton the playoffs are not the time to give the kid from the AHL a shot, you are always better to go with the guy who has been with the team all season, but I think MacArthur’s goal said all that for me.

Secondly, Phil Kessel should not be on the first line. Yes, I said it, again. I know I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record but he isn’t a first line guy. Kessel cannot pass, a failed pass cost a goal in game 3 and there were many more in that game and game 4 that cost the Leafs puck possession. The difference between the passing between the Joffrey Lupul, Tyler Bozak, Matt Frattin line and any line involving Kessel is remarkable. The second thing about Kessel is that he is a one-trick pony and Tuukka Rask has figured out the trick. Rask knows he is going to try to go high glove side so every time Kessel is gunning for the net Rask takes it away leaving the whole blocker side completely open. Rather than shoot at the open net Kessel shoots wide causing a rebound off the boards which usually results in Bruins puck possession.

May 8, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) skates out with the puck against the Boston Bruins during game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Lastly, something needs to be done about the amount of times I shouted this name at the television in frustration: Dion Phaneuf. Phaneuf should not be playing 31 minutes a game.  He gets tired and thinks he’s better than he is, which causes him to try and make hits in overtime that cost goals. Jake Gardiner should have been the one to pick up the slack when Mark Fraser was injured. Gardiner was on fire last night, he was the Jake that I know and love. I had the privilege of watching him play at the beginning of the season, during the lock-out, pre-concussion and it was unbelievable.  He was a man playing with the boys. He has this calmness and intuition that makes it so he knows when to stay back and when to join in on the play. Phaneuf doesn’t have that, Gardiner should be playing more minutes than him.

So that is my rant for the day. I know you are going to disagree so share your thoughts in the comment box below, on facebook, on twitter (@kcapp22 or @TMMotS), or by email (tmmots@yahoo.ca).

Mar 17, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) during warmup prior to game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

So TSN’s Darren Dreger called it:

In light of the Leafs skid, a simple swap NHL-AHL swap…Holzer for Gardiner was being considered. Trade market for others isn’t there yet.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 13, 2013

The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent down Korbinian Holzer to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, and called up Jake Gardiner.

I can’t say that I am surprised by this move, it seemed to have been set in motion by Gardiner’s agent’s #FreeJakeGardiner campaign (If you don’t know what I’m talking about click here). The twitter fiasco isn’t the only reason for this move, the Leafs have been struggling as of late and a lot of that has to do with their defense. They have been trying to combat their defensive problems with defensmen they already have, but are still on a five game losing streak.

There is another question that is raised by this move. Why was Gardiner in the AHL for so long? I think it has to do with Randy Carlyle. Carlyle’s style of play leans towards defensive defensemen, this Gardiner is not. He was initially sent down because he wasn’t fully healed from the concussion he sustained while playing for the Marlies during the lockout. He’s stayed down because his style of play doesn’t fit into to Carlyle’s system. Unfortunately for Carlyle the Leafs most talented defensmen are offensive, which is why his system has been falling apart. The return of John-Michael Liles was a good first step but with the addition of Gardiner we might see the Leafs defense start to shine.