TorontoSun: Ponikarovsky was not sure a coaching change was needed, but given the lack of a playoff berth, saw why it was done.
«It's hard to say," said Ponikarovsky, who broke out last season with 21 goals. «If (management) decided to change the coach, then that's the way it is. I don't know (Maurice) personally, but from what the guys are saying, he is a good coach. We'll see what his strategies are and you just try to fit in.»
Ponikarovsky, who was in third in Leafs goal-scoring behind Mats Sundin and Darcy Tucker, is anticipating building on a successful season.
«I think you feel more comfortable because you know what you are capable of and people expect more from you," the 26-year-old said.
«I don't say I am going to score something like 40 or 50 goals, I am just saying that I will play the same way I did last year.»

National Post: Alexei Ponikarovsky, who is 26, scored a career-high 21 goals in his second season with the Leafs. Meanwhile, both Kyle Wellwood and Alex Steen are coming off strong rookie campaigns where they were among the top-10 in rookie scoring.
«I think what we've got is a group of young players who are pretty pleased with their season," Maurice said. «Maybe it wasn't through the roof, but it looked like there's some possibility.»
Speculation continues to grow as to whether free agents Eric Lindros, Jason Allison, Michael Peca and Anson Carter will sign contracts to play in Toronto this season. The Leafs have less than $10 million US remaining under the $44-million salary cap, and are looking to add at least another forward to the roster.
«I don't know who they're negotiating with," said Ponikarovsky, who played most of the season on a top line with Sundin. «They'll probably sign somebody, but I'm pretty sure I'm ready to go on the first line.»

Toronto Sun: «I've never been a fast guy in my life," Antropov said with a laugh. «But I've been working a lot on core strength (through the lower torso) and that's going to help me get in the right position on the ice.
«I haven't heard anything yet about playing with Mats, but our line (with Alexei Ponikarovsky) was really clicking in the last 20 games. Who knows what will happen?»
The addition of free agent centre Mike Peca gives Maurice and assistants Keith Acton, Randy Ladouceur and Dallas Eakins some line options at camp, perhaps keeping Antropov, Ponikarovsky and Sundin intact and building a new unit around Peca, Alex Steen and 28-goal scorer Darcy Tucker.

Motorsport.com: THORNHILL, ON (August 28, 2006) — Toronto's Nik Antropov, Jeff O'Neill and Alex Ponikarovsky have confirmed they'll play in Tuesday's (August 29) Mosport-Pavilion Pro Charity Hockey Challenge, along with more than a dozen other pro and retired players.
They'll be joined by Canadian race car drivers Ron Fellows, John Graham and Scott Maxwell, who are competing in the American Le Mans Series race at this weekend's Mobil 1 presents The Labour Day Grand Prix of Mosport.
Other confirmed players include Anders Eriksson (Columbus), Bryan Muir (Washington), Allan Rourke (NY Islanders), Anthony Stewart (Florida), Igor Ulanov (Edmonton), Igor Korolev and Jim Thomson.