Do the leafs need a shutdown line?

[Hclass47]

If yes who would you deploy for such a task? If no, why?

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[Gallagbi]

No, our stars need to beat theirs.

 

[Carltons Cup]

Yes.

Tonight, Matty, marner and AJ were awesome in shutting down any offense we had.

 

[All Mod Cons]

Nope. They just need to acquire players that understand the importance of being able to play without the puck, and while it is hard work and not fun, it's the only way to be successful

 

[v4karuna]

No, they need to learn how to play defense.

 

[The Iceman]

I would go Berg, Zezel, Osborne

 

[Buds17]

The team as a whole needs to improve at shutting down the opposition's lines. Can't always expect to outscore the problems. I believe the team leads the league in both goals for and goals against. Mind you, the differential is barely on the good side at this point (+1?).

 

[Faltorvo]

The team as a whole needs to improve at shutting down the opposition's lines. Can't always expect to outscore the problems. I believe the team leads the league in both goals for and goals against. Mind you, the differential is barely on the good side at this point (+1?).

and yet that is the kind of roster dubas gave babs to work with

 

[Puckstuff]

i'm actually going to vote yes... if we had a shutdown line, we could get Matthews or Marner out against weaker competition more often so not really against that. Hyman-Kerfoot-Kapanen?

 

[Nineteen67]

if by shut down line you mean a line that plays solid D, then yes. They actually need 4 of them and a new system.

We’ll have to wait and see what system Keefe implements.

 

[Buds17]

and yet that is the kind of roster dubas gave babs to work with

Can't entirely disagree with that. Still, getting the injured players back should help things. Just a matter of how much difference that will make, and what happens until that point?

 

[Kiwi]

I'd just prefer the guys we've already got actually putting in some work, engaging there brains and giving a **** when they don't have the puck on their sticks

To each their own I guess

 

[A1LeafNation]

Marner is team worst -5

 

[Hesus]

McClaren-mcClement-Orr

 

[Dave92]

They definitely need at least a couple guys on the team to take pride in playing defense and prioritize it over offense.

 

[Deuce Awesome]

I would go Berg, Zezel, Osborne

Yes, thats exactly who came to mind. Zezel wins the draw and the puck is in the opposing end. None of them will score, but neither will the opponent.

I know I was young then so easily impressed, but everytime Zezel took the draw it seemed like he won it.

We havent had defence since Pat Burns. Even those somewhat celebrated Sundin teams were just counting on a hot goalie to bail them out game in game out.

Us with defence is like Philly with goalies. Just won't address it. Don't know why.

 

[Ashdown2]

we dont need a shutdown line ... we need our guys to actually grind and work for it .
id rather watch our top guy work then watch a shutdown line that sucks the life out of the game like in the 90s

 

[Craig Button]

if we had a shut down line, fans would want babcock fired for playing them more minutes than matthews and nylander.

 

[Trapper]

we dont need a shutdown line ... we need our guys to actually grind and work for it .
id rather watch our top guy work then watch a shutdown line that sucks the life out of the game like in the 90s

Always hated shut down lines.
You guys suck at defending and you guys suck at scoring.

The players you commit to should be able to do both or don't commit.
Obviously some players are better offensively but they shouldn't be 1 trick ponies.

There is no excuse to not play fast, in your face hockey. Attention to detail, ensuring support down low and board battle/protect the puck.

I don't want a defensive line devoid of skill/offense any more than I want offense devoid of defense/drive.

 

[ACC1224]

Shutdown lines no longer exist in the new NHL.

 

[Tak7]

While I liked the Barrie trade, I did think that losing Kadri would be a very difficult hole to fill.

With Tavares out, we are really beginning to see that - Matthews isn't ready for top line matchups just yet, and after him there isn't really anyone you can reliably throw out against other team's top lines.

 

[cupcrazyman]

I would go Berg, Zezel, Osborne

We often wondered WTF is Aki Berg doing out there.

and yes i know he means the forward & not that joke on the back end.

 

[Griffin76]

Voted no. Babcock chases matchups too much already. Would just give him reason to do more of it. Also would lead to more complaining by fans that the Matthews and Tavares line weren't getting enough ice time.

 

[54thecup]

We already have 2 shut down lines.

The 4th line is doing a great job in our own end and relieving other lines of some D zone time and faceoffs. The key is having two good drawman for either side (so far its Goat and Shore) plus one of Timo or Moore when Hyman is back.

The Hyman JT Marner line has done decent to great as a shut down line. Ok they were great for 5 games last playoffs against the Bruins last year.

Hyman JT Marner - 1 st line, play against other teams top lines (other than some Dzone draws)

AJ Matty Willy -second line - there job is to score and dominate 2nd tier competition.

Soupy Kerfoot Kappy / Moore - great 2 way 3rd line, fast and hopefully relentless

and of course the 4th with Goat / Shore / Timo / Moore / Spezza with 2 good drawman on the ice.

Dubas should be busy looking for a trade for goalie and D depth so I'm not sure the pieces will look the same.

 

[SlpLessInMuskoka18]

Jt, marner and hyman are our shutdown line.. matty and willy should be feasting mid season.