moon111
Registered User
- Oct 18, 2014
- 2,890
- 1,283
If you want to take the chance on turning the puck over, you have to be ready for it. Last season, two of the biggest turn-over forwards on the Leafs are Marner (62 - 31st worst all-time Leafs) and Kadri (59 - 36th worst all-time Leafs). Kadri's level of puck distribution has him making plays on the same pace as Zack Hyman. Usually he's trying to split two or more players on his own. He's actually pretty good at it. But the downside is, when it doesn't work, turnover. That's where Komarov comes in. Kadri's wingers know they have to be ready when the puck comes the other way. That is a key difference in the defense of the two lines. The problem with the JVR/Bozak/Marner line is mostly speed, despite Marner being there. If JVR or Bozak turn the puck over, Marner is quick and can hustle to get back. But if Marner turns the puck over, now that line isn't looking so good. All that line has to do is take a page out of the playoffs. Marner learns a safe play like Matthews dumping the puck into Hyman's corner. And JVR can't go to the net. If he does that, he's taking himself out of the play. When he just shot from the perimeter in the playoffs, he was a +3. I'm sure Babcock will attempt to have these guys adjusted before any line changes happen. Two games - good grief.