Sundin and Antropov May Return For Bruins Re-match
According to multiple news outlets, Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov may be in the lineup on Thursday night when the Leafs take on the Bruins in what could be the deciding game that sees the Leafs mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
On the surface this might seem like a good thing, but is it? Antropov, out with a knee tear, and Sundin, out with a groin tear, would be coming back before their injuries are actually all healed up. They both said that if their swelling is down and they feel good, they’ll take the ice. That doesn’t sound like a couple of 100% players to me.
So the question is, with the Leafs now chasing what is essentially an impossible dream, is it really worth it to risk further injury to two key players? Right now the Leafs have two players with manageable injuries, although Antropov’s will require surgery in the off-season. Why send those two guys out and risk turning manageable injuries into serious ones all in the name of chasing a pipe dream?
While there is speculation that Sundin may retire in the off-season, it is completely possible that he will be back with the team. However if an already injured Sundin were to go out and get even more hurt, that could severely increase the chances of Mats hanging up the skates this summer. Antropov has become a key member of the Leafs and is important to the teams future. Knee injuries are not something to screw around with. Is it worth the risk of sending him out on a bum knee just go miss the playoffs again?
Paul Maurice, if you’re reading this (and I know you are), sit these guys. It’s over Paul, it’s over. Your job is gone and at this point nothing is bringing it back. Don’t risk further injury to two of the teams best players.
Stumble it!
March 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Very stupid. Get healthy for next year, let the team position itself for the draft.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I agree with the above poster, the leafs need to get healthy this year and get a better draft position. In my opinion, you either need to make the playoffs and have a shot at the SC, or you need to get at least a top 7-ish draft pick.. anywhere in between is horrible for a franchise with limited youth and a small prospect pool.