Phion Keneuf
Bang Bang
- Jul 4, 2010
- 35,197
- 6,231
I think it's a better idea to allow JVR to continue playing as a centre. It's not like he was the missing link in our loss against Boston. If we can start playing like period 2 consistently, we'll be unstoppable. Carlyle just really needs to stop over-coaching.The Ranger thing is hilarious even though he hasn't been playing too bad lately. Nice GDT. I'd like to see this lineup.
JVR - Raymond - Kessel
Lupul - Kadri - Clarkson
Ashton - McClemment - Kulimen
Smithenson & The Face Punchers
Dion - Gardiner
Rielly - Gunnarsson
Ranger - Franson
Great GDT! Though I am fairly certain there aren't any rainforests in Minnesota.
I think it's a better idea to allow JVR to continue playing as a centre. It's not like he was the missing link in our loss against Boston. If we can start playing like period 2 consistently, we'll be unstoppable. Carlyle just really needs to stop over-coaching.
Our defensive woes is largely forward-based. Poor puck support and gap control. We need to stop depending on Phaneuf to neutralise offensive plays and instead see everyone invest their time in D. On the other hand, our offensive woes is largely the result of our D. We need to embrace our puckmovers especially with our high tempo playing style.
Ranger is +5 this season, and has played a very defensive role (32.9% offensive zone starts, been on the ice for 30% of PK time).
I don't know what anyone else wants out of this guy. And, yes, he is currently better than Morgan Rielly, who has the same number of points as Ranger, but is the only Toronto D-man with a negative +/-.
Anyway..
Our scoring woes in the past few days are because other teams have done video on the Leafs and found that they scored most of their goals in cross-slot passes. Take away the slot, neutralise the Leafs offense.
In what is a never-ending cat and mouse game, I expect Carlyle will make some tweaks and ask the offensive players to generate more shot production from outside the slot.
I think Ranger has been better lately but he's had a really inconsistent year so far. I'm harsh sometimes on the guy but he does provide some good depth for his salary. I just hope his decision making gets better, as he's prone of making really dumb plays. Last game he iced the puck a couple times when he had plenty of time of making a better play. Little mistakes like that are the ones that make me cringe.
Our scoring woes can be attributed to a bunch of reasons. Carlyle has all ready stressed the importance of shots from the point to generate rebounds yesterday. We need to utilize our defense a lot more in terms of offense, especially on the PP.
Leafs are trying way to much to get that perfect cross crease pass, instead of cycling back the puck and get the one timer from the point. Heck they overpass the puck when they get alone infront of the net.
A prime example of this is Lupul against Boston. He deked out Chara like he was a pee-wee defenseman, he's practically alone infront of Rask but decides to try and pass it to the other player (I forget who it was) instead... and that player was all ready covered.
Now that the Leafs are not scoring on basically every second shot, they need to shoot more to create more offence, especially from the defense.
Ranger thing ruined it. Guy has barely been on the ice for a goal against, and hasn't cost us again. He is one of better d-man at playing actual Defense. He has been better then Lebda ever was.
Started off great, ended pathetically.
For shame.
To accommodate Leafs Nation
It's a real shame we have to bash our players so much all the time. Ranger has not been the worst D on the ice most games. It's pathetic that our fan base just has to have a whipping boy no matter what. I'm sick of it!!!
LMAO Awesome GDT. Love the better Caul Paul pun.
KUDOS. We need 2 points!
Harding has been vezina like this year (I know I have him in fantasy) which is problematic because I have JVR and Lupul as well GLG!!!
Great GDT! Though I am fairly certain there aren't any rainforests in Minnesota.