Around the League 2 - Tank command central

[Joe McGrath]

lol, neither are we.

I'm well aware, but there are probably 15 other teams in the league I'd be more surprised they won against.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Wow, Toronto certainly became interesting today. Fires their coach, rumors of Kessel/Phaneuf being traded, and Kessel receiving some "Semin-like" criticism from the media.

 

[Carolinas Identity*]

Gonna get some popcorn, this drama is amazing.

 

[Joe McGrath]

Gudas out 4 months in TB. They have 2 firsts. Sekera for the Rangers 1st anyone?

 

[rocky7]

^ sure if Tampa would do it. Seems like Francis should know about the Sekera situation by now and he surely has a "plan".....??

 

[DaleCooper]

I guess I don't follow the league as closely as I used to, but I don't get it. Toronto is in a playoff spot right now (barely, but in there nonetheless). When I look at their roster it seems to me like they are right around where you would expect.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

I guess I don't follow the league as closely as I used to, but I don't get it. Toronto is in a playoff spot right now (barely, but in there nonetheless). When I look at their roster it seems to me like they are right around where you would expect.

They're in a playoff spot, but falling fast. And they're lucky to be in a playoff spot in the first place. I'm not a big fan of the whole advanced stats movement, but just thinking logically, if a team is getting outplayed night in and night out, odds are they won't sustain any kind of success they may have.

And the Leafs have been getting outplayed for the past 2-3 years.

 

[Carolinas Identity*]

Why does Steve Spott sound so familiar?

 

[tarheelhockey]

I remember western conference fans talking trash about how Brian Burke was building up the Leafs to kick the living crap out of weak eastern teams.

That team of physical beasts built around Phaneuf, Lupul, Grabovski, Kulemin, Komisarek, Beauchimen, Armstrong, Schenn and the Monster in net. They sure have terrorized the hockey world these past 5 years or so.

 

[What the Faulk]

Why does Steve Spott sound so familiar?

He coached the Kitchener Rangers when Murphy was there.

This move was way too late by Toronto. They've been getting Avalanche-type bounces but have otherwise been a HORRIBLE possession team under Carlyle. Doesn't help that their defense is a mess, but they certainly haven't been getting any better.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/nhl-puck-possession/article17750944/

 

[Stickpucker]

If it was offered who here would trade Skinner for Kessel?

 

[Wolfpuck]

Gudas out 4 months in TB. They have 2 firsts. Sekera for the Rangers 1st anyone?

That would make too much sense for us to do it.

 

[tarheelhockey]

If it was offered who here would trade Skinner for Kessel?

Kessel is the better player, but that 5-year age gap is a big deal when talking about goal scoring wingers. Kessel's probably nearing the end of his prime.

If it were for just one season I'd do it.

 

[Stickpucker]

Kessel is the better player, but that 5-year age gap is a big deal when talking about goal scoring wingers. Kessel's probably nearing the end of his prime.

If it were for just one season I'd do it.

Big difference in contracts also. Also i know Jeffs concussions make some people nervous.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Kessel is simply the winger version of Eric. Shows up when he wants to, but can be a real force when he does.

Having Eric, Kessel and Semin on the same team might be the most bipolar team ever iced.

 

[Unsustainable]

Kessel is simply the winger version of Eric. Shows up when he wants to, but can be a real force when he does.

Having Eric, Kessel and Semin on the same team might be the most bipolar team ever iced.

Just as long as the disappearing act is at different times.

 

[Unsustainable]

 

[Rad ChaLose]

God I love Phil

 

[rocky7]

As much as I dislike Skinner's game in general, no way I trade him for Phil Kessel. I think Francis could get a much better return for the team. And I wouldn't want Dion Phaneuf either.

 

[Finlandia WOAT]

Kessel is simply the winger version of Eric. Shows up when he wants to, but can be a real force when he does.

Having Eric, Kessel and Semin on the same team might be the most bipolar team ever iced.

Except Staal doesn't freak out when he realizes contact is imminent. He will actually do things like battle along the boards and use his size to shield the puck.

@Rocky7: If Semin were traded would you still be a 'Canes fan?

 

[Ole Gil]

Except Staal doesn't freak out when he realizes contact is imminent. He will actually do things like battle along the boards and use his size to shield the puck.

@Rocky7: If Semin were traded would you still be a 'Canes fan?

You think Rocky is a Canes fan now?

 

[Finlandia WOAT]

You think Rocky is a Canes fan now?

He's different from the other Semin fans, who only pop in when he is being discussed (not an insult, just noting their posting preferences).

Rocky will actually discuss players and management on the team beyond Semin, and has gone into depth about these issues and what he thinks the problem with the franchise is.

I asked the question because I'm interested in his response.

 

[Finnish Jerk Train]

 

[bleedgreen]

Comparing staal to kessel is comical. Kessel is one the few players in the league that can create quality chances by himself over and over again. Multiple times a game. I could give a flying fornication what TO thinks about anyone. If we replaced semin with kessel we'd be a different team. For the better.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

Comparing staal to kessel is comical. Kessel is one the few players in the league that can create quality chances by himself over and over again. Multiple times a game. I could give a flying fornication what TO thinks about anyone. If we replaced semin with kessel we'd be a different team. For the better.

Oh dear.