even if that were the case, it doesn't explain why Kapanen/Leivo don't get more games. They're young players who might have a future on this team, isn't it important for them to get their games shaped by Babcock? Carrick is our 2nd youngest defenseman and he can't even crack the lineup no matter how many poor games Polak has. I think what we're seeing here is Babcock is genuinely thinks that the way he creates the lineup and allocates ice time is what gives us the best chance to win every night rather than any kind of developmental thing. To me that's an issue.
That all said, I have faith in the talent of this team and in the upper management/scouting and Babcock for the most part. Our team will be defined by the time Matthews' career is at an end, not through this stretch of games in November/December while he's not even healthy
I would bet my last dollar that Kapanen isn't getting more games due to contract manipulation/waiver wire eligibility. Leivo got what? a contract extension, so it's kinda meh. the other aspects of it - I firmly believe it's the Leafs trying to straddle the line and they have a foot in development - and a foot in trying to eek out victories , as I said before sort of the trying to be half pregnant. (re: Carrick. i'll argue that Babcock doesn't like him and his spot is gonna go to one of the youngsters in the Marlies) and because this league goes gaga over right handed defensemen, people won't really care he's not playing. (but I'll own my whole "I don't really care" card when they are in the press box, or players like Carrick, because i don't think they are long for this team regardless, i know milage varies on that).
I've also been arguing people can't have it both ways here - among
everything it seems like.
You guys can't go "we want these people off the team" regarding Komarov, Polak etc - but then get angry that they are put in situations to drive up their value from nothing (according to some fans) to at least a pick or two.
We can't scream we want to have a safe atmosphere here, and then get mad that Babcock isn't ripping the team a new one or saying "hey they are playing like crap. (especially with their star player out) and quite frankly that goes towards Babcock as well. though I honestly find it hilarious that people want the media to call him out and demand things - which A: he doesn't
have to answer, B: he'll more than likely
not answer, and then C: i'd really like to know where the media
has demanded the Coach explains himself and then the Coach actually answers in a satisfactory way that
doesn't put his job in jeopardy or throw the players under the bus (w/babcock it wouldn't be so much due to the contract, but I mean, still. come on).
We can't demand that the players we want on the team long term be held accountable, and earn their way through the line up, then get mad, that they play limited time on the 4th line or limited minutes and not be
consistent enough (not just points, but overall general play). to move their way up through the line up.
and - yes, imo, it is different between a younger player and a veteran. I also think comparing how Young Player plays vs. Vet player isn't helpful. the young player doesn't need to play as better than the vet. the Young player needs to be the best that
they can be. I do believe there is a difference. (again YMMV).
We can't claim to be patient - then get mad that the team is in an obvious slump
and learning how to play a different style of play (which - again I will firmly bet isn't the end result of how Babcock wants the team to play) and want things changed because it's boring.
I don't want to be like that person like tralallaa Babcock is doing everything right, (because I
don't). nor do I want to be all like well you we should just accept it (or we're "passionate" if we see the problem we should debate about it) but it would be nice you know to actually see this thing play out as well. like if this
is the final team plan,
then i can see the problems that people have and the frustration, and i would join you too because I don't think it's a relatively good one. But then I'd also assume at that point more trades and moves have been done to truly form the team to what we want the Leafs to ultimately look like doing. Not - still trying to mould a huge chunk of this team that hasn't played 300 games in the league, battling some form of sophomore slump/league adjustment slump to them among other things.
i think you are partially right. I do think
right now Babcock things this is the best way to win every night, but i want to add
right now for what he's trying to accomplish. I think with this team right now it's not going to be firmly A or firmly B, but they're trying to do a hybrid of sorts. I promise you. if this is the permanent way I'll stop defending this, and be mad right along with you.