Music: {allcanada} CARLYLE HAS EYES FIXED ON MARLIES

Thursday, November 29, 2012

{allcanada} CARLYLE HAS EYES FIXED ON MARLIES

The Toronto Sun indicates that with cautious optimism that there could yet be NHL hockey by December or January, Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle is going to be more of a fixture around Ricoh in coming weeks.

Among the potential Leafs Carlyle is keeping tabs on is Ben Scrivens, who could either back up James Reimer or challenge him as starter, if general manager Brian Burke does not land a veteran. Scrivens was the AHL's best statistical goalie last year and while his numbers haven't dipped too much, he certainly hasn't stolen many games thus far.

The Marlies' record is 9-8-0-1 heading into three weekend games.

"Scrivens hasn't returned to the form he had last year," Carlyle said. "But he's a quality goaltender and you can see it in his work ethic and his approach. We have to continue to work with him to get him back to the way he's capable of playing."

Carlyle has found few faults with defenceman Jake Gardiner's game in the minors, pleased that he has been able to keep busy after a strong first year with the Leafs.

"He hasn't changed anything," Carlyle said. "Certainly he's bigger and stronger. He has fit right in here. He hasn't sat around just waiting for the NHL to start. I'm sure there's a lot of players in that mode who can't wait for the NHL to start. But he's not fazed by that (delay). He's played very well here. It's a good sign.