I’m not disagreeing with Lehner being a viable option. Just not now. Andersen’s ability to be number one is there so I’d rather give him a chance to regain his form than to panic and trade away an asset for a rental. If it continues to be an issue past the deadline and playoffs then address it in the off-season when Lehner’s an FA.

Okay and I never claimed Andersen is a consistent playoffs performer. Infact if you were to go into the Leafs forum I'm sure you can find my recent post about how critical this coming playoffs (if the Leafs make it) is for Andersen specifically. Hey @Chihawk, since you think I'm such a homer, go read that Andersen thread. I mean if you truly interested in an honest opinion on Andersen.

It's easy to pick out 8-10 game stretches...and it's easy to pick on another team's goalie based purely on just stats.

I'm just not sure people understand poor defensive play if the first thing that jumps to one's mind is to blame Andersen.

I'm not here to tell anyone he's the best goalie in the league, maybe not top 5 even, but he is a top 10 goalie who happens to play for an inept defense.

Don't think I called you a homer but some of your colleagues certainly are here.

Compare Lehner to Andersen because guess who else has a horrible defense...Blackhawks. Lehner has proven he can still stand on his head with a bad defense; Hawks I'm pretty sure are the worst team in the league in shots against whereas Leafs are #10 I believe whereas Leafs are #6 worst in GA and Hawks are #12. Andersen has been great in the past, but the last few months he is looking average certainly not top 5 or top 10. If the Leafs want to make the playoffs and out of a first round, there best shot is stand on the head goaltending...Andersen isn't doing that this year and showed last year's playoffs he couldn't either; Lehner can.

I don't think Dubas can make a move for Lehner and it has nothing to do with him being good or bad. He would be yet another UFA player that Dubas probably can't bring back.

Dubas's plate will be full trying to improve upon this season's D core and adding more UFAs won't make that any easier.

I think what the “homers” are banking on is Andersen returning to form. No one is saying Lehner wouldn’t be a great addition to any team’s playoff run. It isn’t black and white though. There’s obviously cost, which in this case is Kapanen. I’d hate to trade a relatively low-cost RFA for a rental goalie when Andersen has the ability. Kapanen, if traded, would be better used to shore up the defense with term left.

I think what you’re also misconstruing is no one is taking the cocksure stance you are and saying Andersen will take the Leafs to the finals and undoubtedly return to form. Again, the “homers” are basing it off of ability and not the past couple months.

Good points.
He can still get hot (or play better than lately, as can the D-core). TML can't afford to falter unless the rest of the pack does. If FA gets hot too late it could be for the World Championships (movie piano theme "dunt dunt dunt daaaa!!"

Not sure I'd like Toronto to get another goaltender when this season has been all over the place. If they can't get out of the first round they could just do something in the offseason.