Paul Bissonnette delivers a harsh reality check to Leafs fans hitting the panic button
Photo credit: Ben Jackson - NHL Images
While half of Toronto is screaming for a trade, Paul Bissonnette is going the other way. The former NHLer and analyst has issued a harsh reality check to fans hitting the panic button, arguing the solution isn't outside the room -- it's already in it
It's no secret that Paul Bissonnette loves the Toronto Maple Leafs and is unabashedly one of the most publicly known fans of the team. Not shy about praising or criticizing his favorite team, 'Biz-Nasty' always tells it as he sees it.
It's caused him to rub elbows with some elite company but also irked his fair share of fans.
With this season being a struggle so far for the Maple Leafs, one would expect Bissonnette to join in the cavalcade of naysayers who believe that the team is underperforming and it's time to panic.
Paul Bissonnette's reality check for Maple Leafs fans
Bissonnette believes quite the opposite, and took the opportunity to give Leafs Nation a heavy dose of reality.
Appearing on Sportsnet's The FAN Hockey Show, Bissonnette told co-hosts Matty Marchese and Michael Futa that any Maple Leafs fan who is worried about the season should take a breather, and realize that one small change can be the difference.
Bissonette said:
If anything has to change, it's just the way they overall defend... they just got to figure it out. I'm not going to hit the panic button.
Bissonnette stopped short of explaining how the team could better defend, however sounds confident that whatever issues are plaguing them now will be resolved as the season goes on.
The specific defensive habit Bissonnette claims must change
Well there's no real magical cure that will turn the team's fortunes around, but simply by being more aware of their surroundings and playing a bit tougher -- then we might start seeing results.
Craig Berube called out his team for not playing heavy enough and seemingly implored them to pester opponents more. It doesn't mean you start playing dirty, but getting into the grittier areas and winning puck battles is going to be key.
Toronto has to maintain possession in their own zone once they get the puck, and lazy clearances need to quickly be a thing of the past, and can't just sloppily throw the puck up the middle hoping to get out of danger.
They're doing a much better job at limiting rush chances but still need to keep an eye on how much they pinch, and can't risk getting caught flat footed if they lose the puck. Don't chase, just turn around and skate back to defend and live to fight another day.
If they cut down on puck-watching, learn how to more consistently clear their own zone and have a bit more patience then their defense should start to settle down and in turn help settle the nerves of anxious Maple Leafs fans.
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