Pre-Game Talk: GAME #52 | LEAFS @ HABS | MONDAY @7PM | SPORTSNET

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

It’s always going to be a challenge with Lilj and Sandin being waiver eligible. You always want to bring in ample depth and you never want to lose that depth to waivers. They’ll have to bring more than any defenseman we can sign for $1m or less in UFA. I think Sandin is there, but I’m not sure if Lilj will be a mainstay next year due to this.

There will always be lots of bottom pairing guys available in FA. I would have no worries about signing depth.

Give Sandin/Liljegren a look full time until the TDL and if they really can't cut it try to add to the top 4 if need be. They need games at this level if we want them to develop.

Assuming Columbus sucks again Seth Jones ans others could potentially be available at the deadline.

 

[BoredBrandonPridham]

Give Sandin/Liljegren a look full time until the TDL

This is what I'm saying is particularly challenging. Dubas isn't going to want to get all of their defensive depth at the TDL, that will cost more in futures. What they're most likely going to do to increase the chances of winning a Stanley cup now is to use waiver exemption now (in Sandin and Liljegren), fill up all 6 active roster defensive spots with waiver-eligible UFA signings for the period between opening day and TDL, then see where things are with cap accrual and trade for even more depth where needed at the TDL.

The times when we'll see Sandin on the roster are when:

a) There are injuries on defense (Sandin will fill in)
b) There are no injuries on forward (We accrue a decent amount of cap early so we can play 21-22 man game-day roster and scratch a defensemen for Sandin and/or Liljegren to come in)

This is just how contenders that are pinching cap space operate, and it poses a challenge for non-game-breaking young talent. You can't just be "giving looks" at the cost of depth you need to win playoff series. The player needs to be a proper game-breaking talent that you're going to choose to waive a Bogosian or a Simmonds to get on the roster.

Like I said Sandin might be entering game-breaking territory given how well he's played since he's come back, so there might be a different formula next season. But I don't think we'll see both Sandin and Liljegren draw in like that. It will end up costing us too much depth given the cap situation.

 

[DarkKnight]

The Habs again. Meh. Never thought I’d say that!

 

[ToneDog]

The Habs again. Meh. Never thought I’d say that!

Should have made it a 40/48 game season and make sure cable viewers get at least one game per night. I'd watch the Leafs every night but not as intensely if they are playing 9 or 10 games versus the same 6 teams (even every other night).

 

[cannucky]

Should have made it a 40/48 game season and make sure cable viewers get at least one game per night. I'd watch the Leafs every night but not as intensely if they are playing 9 or 10 games versus the same 6 teams (even every other night).

I agree but the flip side is it's pushed me to watched a lot more out of division games this year and have been following a team in each , problem now is 3 of the teams I've been rooting for are at or near 1st in their division Doh ! Could make for some conflicting feelings in the Semi's eh .

 

[al secord]

Matthews notching 50 by the 3rd Habs game will be glorious.

 

[LFCTML]

So the best we can finish season is with 81 points

Do it for Phil.

 

[Ambassador Bridge]

Do it for Phil.

I see what you did there.

 

[genk]

Is it just me, or does Simmonds have some of the lowest hockey IQ ever? He's got great tools, but he makes a terrible decision every other shift that ends up in a turnover.

 

[supermann_98]

Excited for Muzzin-Liljegren.

That's exactly where he should be next year assuming Holl gets picked by Seattle.

Let Holl rest for the next 2-3 games while he deals with the facial injury. Let Liljegren get some reps in while getting Holl some much deserved rest.

Yep, if Holl get picked:
Reilly - Brodie
Muzzin - Liljegren
Sandin - Dermott

If Dermot gets picked:
Reilly - Brodie
Muzzin - Liljegren
Sandin - Holl

 

[LeafChief]

Yep, if Holl get picked:
Reilly - Brodie
Muzzin - Liljegren
Sandin - Dermott

If Dermot gets picked:
Reilly - Brodie
Muzzin - Liljegren
Sandin - Holl

This plus a UFA vet as your 7th D. Looks nice.

 

[Guided by Veseys]

Is it just me, or does Simmonds have some of the lowest hockey IQ ever? He's got great tools, but he makes a terrible decision every other shift that ends up in a turnover.

I don’t find that. I think he sees the ice well but he doesn’t have great hands so he can’t seam or saucer passes, and he can’t really deke very well either. . Seems like a pretty heads up player to me.

 

[supermann_98]

This plus a UFA vet as your 7th D. Looks nice.

Yeah I'd even be good with Bogo coming back if he's willing to take another $1m contract and be willing to be the 7th man and play 25-30 games spelling guys in & out of the lineup and be the first man up when someone gets injure.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Do you want Montreal or the Jets?

 

[BoredBrandonPridham]

Matthews notching 50 by the 3rd Habs game will be glorious.

3 consecutive 4 goal games would be something.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Excited to see Lily getting a shot with Muzzin tonight. Big opportunity for him to make a statement like Sandin did when he was paired with Brodie last Thursday.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

I want a total and utter sweep of Les habitants. Only way to ensure we play them round 1

Yesh

 

[Macallan18]

Do you want Montreal or the Jets?

Both, consecutively.

 

[The Blueprint]

Do you want Montreal or the Jets?

Do you care which speed bump you go over when driving through a parking lot???

Let's goooooo babyyyyyy

 

[Not My Tempo]

“We can’t shut out the Leafs offence as easily as we do the Oilers”

 

[TheGreatOne11]

God i just want PLAYOFF hockey already.

 

[Gabriel426]

Just win and lock down 1st in the division.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

“We can’t shut out the Leafs offence as easily as we do the Oilers”

Anderson fits right in with the Habs organization and fan base. Just an absolute baby when it comes to anything Leafs.

 

[wingman75]

Just a note that this is on SNO... though it will indeed be on TSN for me since I am in the Habs/Sens region :-( I have to say, one of the negative bits of this season is so many regional games vs the Habs and Sens resulting in having to watch their broadcast. Though, vs Sens we seem to share the pbp teams, but having to watch the Habs broadcast sucks.

Looking for another solid defensive game. Prey on their mistakes and make as few as possibile ourselves.

This next week plus serves only to get in playoff mode. I would like to see a rotational rest schedule provided the players are onboard with that.

 

[CanadasTeam]

Just a note that this is on SNO... though it will indeed be on TSN for me since I am in the Habs/Sens region :-( I have to say, one of the negative bits of this season is so many regional games vs the Habs and Sens resulting in having to watch their broadcast. Though, vs Sens we seem to share the pbp teams, but having to watch the Habs broadcast sucks.

Looking for another solid defensive game. Prey on their mistakes and make as few as possibile ourselves.

This next week plus serves only to get in playoff mode. I would like to see a rotational rest schedule provided the players are onboard with that.

Yeah the Leafs calendar lists both TSN2 and SNO, I just confirmed broadcast for the GTA tonight is indeed on Sportsnet (title updated) -- the game Thurs, May 6 broadcast will be on TSN.