McCabe continues to play well

[Jakis]

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/tor051025.html

TORONTO, ON) -- When the Maple Leafs opened the season with the likes of Jason Allison, Eric Lindros and Jeff O'Neill, management was hoping these fresh faces would help turn their organization around.

While the three newcomers have added an extra spark to the lineup, the burning play of veteran defenseman Bryan McCabe has given LeafsNation something else to cheer about.

McCabe, 30, is currently tied with the Rangers' Jaromir Jagr for the league-lead with 15-points and has provided Toronto with a dynamite powerplay ranked first in the National Hockey League with a 29.6 percentage.

All of his three goals have come on the man-advantage, to go along with seven assists. The native of St. Catherines, Ontario has contributed on ten of the Leafs' 19 powerplay goals-scored.

"I think it's time people recognize him as a top player," Boston Bruins defenseman Brian Leetch told the Toronto Sun. "You really need to build up [consistency] year after year to be recognized to people [hockey writers] who vote [for the Norris], and he has done that.

"With his skill level, he has been able to adapt to a different game. He is still as valuable a player now with the new rules as he was when he had to fight more and battle in the corners."

Leetch was paired with McCabe during his brief stint in Toronto after being traded from New York on March 3, 2004.

McCabe, who was originally drafted 40th overall by the New York Islanders in 1993, learned a lot from the 17-year NHL veteran, and he appears to have taken that into this season.

"Just being around [Leetch] for a couple of months was an honor," McCabe said. "We drove to the rink together and he was such a calming influence. He is not a guy who says much but you see his patience on and off the ice and hopefully that has worn off on me."

It may be unlikely for McCabe keep up with his current pace, which sees him accumulating 27 goals and 109 assists this season, but he is expected to help guide the deep into the post-season.

"He had a great year [in 2004-05] and was hoping to bring that into this season," said one pro scout. "If he plays the way we expect him to, there's no question he'll be a top contender for the Norris Trophy."

[dave-O]

[color:purple]Yes, jumping into every rush and giving up 50 + shots a game is exactly how a defence should play.

Hope he keeps it up, I've got him in the pool.