image from mobilwi.typepad.comYeah, they just went right up there and will drop down again at random times. Not much I can do about it. We have to just keep working hard and speaking in clichés and maybe one day I'll be a consistent hockey player.

Well here’s something that shouldn’t surprise you. 

James van Riemsdyk, who at times with the Flyers suffered from testicular ascension, is in some hot water with Leafs coach Randy Carlyle, this despite JVR being among the league leaders in goals.

He hasn’t scored in seven games and was benched for the final eight minutes of a 3-2 loss to the Bruins on Monday. Carlyle wants JVR to locate his balls. And soon: [National Post]

“Keep his feet moving, get involved and get into that dirty area and win more one-on-one battles,” said the head coach. “Those are the issues. When you’re not having that offensive production and you’re not creating those chances, the easiest way is to get physical and get into the dirty area.

“He’s been a good player for us. He’s got 14 goals, so it’s not like we’re jumping on the guy. We’re just asking. There’s been a dry spell and people have to make adjustments. Obviously he’s had to play up against higher-level players now when you have that success. Power play is an area that is easily correctable.”

 

Annnnd it was only a matter of time. 

JVR is at his best when he uses his body to make his way to the front of the net and to muscle off defenders in the corner. When he’s not doing those things… he’s Chris Gratton with a mole. And not that Luke Schenn is very good, but these are the sorts of stories I don’t miss about JVR, for better or worse.