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# Phaneuf's Been a Big Hit This Year
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/maple-leafs-news-december-9-2011/
- Published: 2011-12-09T12:01:13.000Z
- Updated: 2011-12-09T12:01:13.000Z
- Author: Colin Odneal
- Tags: From The Branches, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:43

[Dion Phaneuf Becomes a Hit by Taking Fewer of Them - James "The Turtle" Mirtle at the Globe and Mail](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/dion-phaneuf-becomes-a-hit-by-taking-fewer-of-them/article2265341/?utm%5Fmedium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm%5Fsource=Hockey&utm%5Fcontent=2265341)

> "He (Phaneuf)used to, wherever you’d pass the puck, if he didn’t get a hit, he’d chase the puck," Wilson recalled. "We thought as long as you had your head up, you could entice him into running around a little bit.
> 
> "Especially in the neutral zone. He was always looking for a hit."
> 
> While Phaneuf’s improvement in Toronto wasn’t immediate, slowly but surely he has got better in his own end. And, after 120 games as a Leaf, the coaching staff relies on him to kill penalties and face opponents’ top lines every night.
> 
> His offensive contributions have also begun to return, as he sits third in team scoring behind [Phil Kessel](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54905/phil-kessel?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) and [Joffrey Lupul](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55006/joffrey-lupul?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) entering Friday’s game against the [Washington Capitals](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/washington-capitals?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).
> 
> Since the all-star break last season, Phaneuf has produced at a 59-point pace – on par with his best season with the [Flames](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/calgary-flames?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) – in part because he passes more and misses the net less than before.

In short Flames unable to properly coach young, elite talent into a well rounded NHLer and are "forced" to trade him. El oh freaking el. More links after the jump.

Leafs Links[Ron Wilson has Fond Memories of Coaching Dale Hunter](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/ron-wilson-has-fond-memories-of-coaching-dale-hunter/article2265351/?utm%5Fmedium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm%5Fsource=Hockey&utm%5Fcontent=2265351)

Mawwwwwwwww.

[Joe Colborne Returns to the Marlies](http://marlieshq.com/2011/12/08/joe-colborne-returns-to-the-marlies/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

With Armstrong coming back and his playing on the 4th line, it makes sense.

[Should the Leafs Extend Ron Wilson?](http://theleafsnation.com/2011/12/8/should-the-leafs-extend-ron-wilson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Not until the Playoffs. Yes if they make it. No otherwise.

[Where Will the Real Toughness Up Front Come From?](http://vintageleafmemories.blogspot.com/2011/12/where-will-real-toughness-come-from.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

I would say that a lot of successful teams get by without it.

[Cody Franson: To Play or not To Play](http://thesilverfoxtoronto.blogspot.com/2011/12/cody-franson-to-play-or-not-to-play.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com#more)

I'd rather him than Aulie, but that's just me.

##### Other Links and Junk

[Penguins Ready to Take Fans "Into the Room" with Web Reality Series](http://thehockeywriters.com/penguins-in-the-room-series/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

What a fantastic idea.

[Stajan-Watch: Blakey Come Lately](http://theleafsnation.com/2011/12/8/stajan-watch-blakey-come-lately?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Waiver pick-up besting Phaneuf trade keystone.

[USA Announces Preliminary (WJC) Roster](http://thesleepinggiant.us/usa-announces-preliminary-roster/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Uh oh indeed.