ROB ASKS: Now that the Maple Leafs have FINALLY made the playoffs, if you were the coach would you want to rest your veterans a bit the last few regular season games (for example Dion Phaneuf has played loads of ice time) or is the danger that the team gets out of its groove?
Nick Kypreos: I wouldn’t over think this too much if I were Carlyle. If players are healthy enough they want to play, not sit in the stands. If you want to back off minutes that’s fine but these guys are amongst the most competitive athletes on the planet. Like you said Rob If they are feeling like they are in a groove, don’t mess with it. Every team and every player feels lulls in the season but over-all Leaf players feel really good about the season they’ve had. The key for Carlyle the next few games is to send them success reminders without derailing a single thing.
Scott Morrison: I agree with what Randy Carlyle intends to do, which is continue to push his team as long as the games are meaningful with respect to positioning in the standings, then rest the team. But I would be inclined to make sure any banged up players got some time to heal up and I might dial down some ice time.
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Brad May: If a player is hurt or injured I understand the caution a team may have by playing those players. But If I’m Toronto, and my players are healthy? I don’t mess with my lineup. Randy Carlyle doesn’t like to take his foot off the gas. So I’d assume Toronto continues to play their players and keep their guys sharp. Winning games and executing your game plan is the best remedy for a team’s confidence. The team playing best at playoff time will win. Not the best team playing at playoff time. This is the best time of year for a hockey player. I can’t wait to watch.