Forward Nikolai Kulemin’s broken figure almost ends his run with Toronto Maple Leafs-NHL News
With the Toronto Maple Leafs most likely out of the playoff race, the 2011-2012 NHL season is almost over for forward, Nikolai Kulemin, who is out of the side with a broken finger for three weeks.
By the time he returns, which is possible if he recovers within the stipulated time period, the season will be over for Leafs.
It is no good news for the player and the team, as both are rueing their poor form, with latter far away from the opportunity of making it to the second round of the league this year.
The player’s performance of this season has remained below the mark and the latest injury scare might make him little longer to prove his game skills again.
In 70 games that the Russian-born played for Leafs this season, he has managed just seven goals and 28 points.
This remains far below his previous year’s record of 30 goals and 57 points, and with very little chance to play anymore games this season, he is most likely to end this year’s run at the same dismal note.
It is described to be the most disappointing year for the player and in spite of his team’s hopes about his stronger comeback into second year of his stay with them he fell short of the expectations at the end.
Leafs are not in good position either. The team could not have gone worse than losing 15 out of 17 games they have played lately.
With 70 points, Leafs sit four numbers behind the last/8th playoff position holders, the Washington Capitals, with 78 points, in the Eastern Conference.
Kulemin’s lengthy absence due to the injury will certainly have an impact on their standing in the league but they cannot reach the playoffs even if the player returns.
If Kulemin is unable to return before the end of this regular season, his career with Leafs might well be over. He is in the final year of his two-year deal, which has the cap hit of $2.35 million.
There is no word from the management if the Russian will be able to return to the side sometime later this season.
Meanwhile, the forward’s absence has given an opportunity to rookie, Ashton, to replace him for the rest of the games, and he is excited to capitalise on it.
He said:
“It’s a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to it. Ya. you’d like to show them what you can do.”
The team is also hopeful about the rookie making most of the opportunity and prove him worthy of longer stay with them.
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