Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson sat winger Jason Blake for the first time in 179 games, and for his first time as a Maple Leaf. Blake has not been producing to the level that is 5 million dollar per year salary would suggest. Wilson has made it clear that no one is safe, he is “not running a popularity contest”, and if you don’t produce, you don’t play.

FINALLY!

This is an attitude that a Leafs coach has not had in a long time. It was already shown to work this year with Matt Stajan. Wilson had benched Stajan for a game, and then put him back into the lineup the following game, and with a load of responsibility. Stajan responded in kind, garnering himself a lot of ice-time, as well as a goal and an assist.

Now it was Blake’s turn. Jason also did not seem too happy to be benched, and commented as such. Too freakin’ bad. We won didn’t we? The 8 minutes per game that Jason Blake is playing can be used more effectively by Ryan Hollweg for god’s sake. Blake will not be productive while playing 8 minutes a game, so at this point, there’s no point in playing him. Don’t get me wrong, I like Jason and I feel for him. I wish he was more successful last season. But the reality is he has not helped this team too much. In a rebuilding year, our line spots are better used getting a young guy into the lineup (not that Hollweg is that guy).

So, Blake is out, and the Leafs pull out a win. It looked pretty dreadful after the first period. The Leafs looked sloppy, Thomas looked sharp, and it seemed like it was going to be one of those bad Boston visits to which we are accustomed. The rest of the game was a different story. Each of the following periods saw two goals a piece; Van Ryan and Antropov in the second and Stralman and Hagman (empty net) to cap off the third. Other than a little sloppiness in the first, the Leafs played their normal game: tight forechecking, defensive responsibility and good goaltending. This seems to be a successful formula, as long as the game doesn’t end in a shootout.

Who is next on the benching tangent? Ponikarovsky could use some press box time, maybe Steen? Get them up there to see what it feels like to watch your team play without you. Maybe that will light a fire. We’ll see.