Post-Game Talk: Leafs beat Canes 4-1! Canes unable to perform post game Cirque du Soleil routine.

[MattySnipes]

Great bounce back game by the team. Saw some much needed bite. Everyone played a helluva game. They played more like themselves, forecheck was solid, sustained o-zone pressure and their compete in all 3 zones was acceptable. Brown looked pretty good with 16 & 91. He made some nice passing plays that the duo almost converted on throughout game.

Nylander with two points but with three really careless penalties (DBL Minor + holding) I'm sure he knows Babcock won't be happy with the undiscipline, but good to see him have his best game in spite of the 6 PIM.

 

[thewave]

Lol Lindy is a far better player than the goat on every aspect of the game. The goat plays like he is 5’10”. Slow.

Slow doesn't mean bad. He is slow, but he is smarter just like Leivo may be slow, but is smarter than Brown. I like some size on my team and usually you sacrifice some speed. You can have your 6ft 183lbs guy or your 5ft10 180lbs Johnsson or even your 5ft9 160lbs Ennis. They fit perfect with 6ft 183lbs Brown. Thank goodness for Kadri and Kapanen and Nylander having at least 192lbs oh but we do have Hyman JT and Matthews in the 210lbs+ category.

Fun fact... All your little dude hockey players combine for a massive... wait... 38pts, yes that is less than Mitch Marner alone. Not all things the same size are created equal it would seem. 10-15pts 3rd liners in 30 games is terrible.

Can you still Smurf a cup? I guess we will find out.

 

[thewave]

Wait what? So in your unprofessional opinion

Lindy = gone
Ennis = gone
Brown = gone
AJ = is only staying as he is cheap

You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. Those are all key role players. No matter what you think of them thankfully management is much much smarter then you.

Lindy is terrible
Ennis on the cheap is fine but if he gets hot and is wanted for trade pull it.
Brown should be traded
AJ on the cheap is fine but if he gets hot and is wanted for trade pull it.

They are all ridiculously small though. I would hope the Brown and Lindy replacements would have skill and size.

 

[Blufreezy]

Walked into work went right up to my cherry jr coworker and asked “how’s that for a headline?! “Nylander leads leafs to victory over Carolina” (sportsnet) while framing it with my hands. The prejudice bigot is so rattled he’s hardly talked to me all day. Thanks Willy!

 

[X66]

No love for Brown?

He was fantastic last night, much better than Hyman in that roll, largely because he is more skilled and less predictable.

 

[egd27]

Nylander's second assist was a nice pass, but the first was him basically losing the puck and it bouncing to Matthews so it's not like it was much of an assist.

He did make a couple of other nice plays that Marleau could have converted.

 

[Mr Hockey]

Nylander's second assist was a nice pass, but the first was him basically losing the puck and it bouncing to Matthews so it's not like it was much of an assist.

He did make a couple of other nice plays that Marleau could have converted.

He is the magic man!

 

[smitty10]

No love for Brown?

He was fantastic last night, much better than Hyman in that roll, largely because he is more skilled and less predictable.

Agreed. I thought his first period was great. We'll see how he plays tomorrow before making any judgements.

 

[diceman934]

Slow doesn't mean bad. He is slow, but he is smarter just like Leivo may be slow, but is smarter than Brown. I like some size on my team and usually you sacrifice some speed. You can have your 6ft 183lbs guy or your 5ft10 180lbs Johnsson or even your 5ft9 160lbs Ennis. They fit perfect with 6ft 183lbs Brown. Thank goodness for Kadri and Kapanen and Nylander having at least 192lbs oh but we do have Hyman JT and Matthews in the 210lbs+ category.

Fun fact... All your little dude hockey players combine for a massive... wait... 38pts, yes that is less than Mitch Marner alone. Not all things the same size are created equal it would seem. 10-15pts 3rd liners in 30 games is terrible.

Can you still Smurf a cup? I guess we will find out.

Lol this is all kinds of bad and I do not have the time nor the inclination to respond.

 

[smitty10]

Hopefully the Boston game was the wake up call this team needed. They seemed hungry and feisty. Really happy to see that from this squad!

Also, was really impressed with Brown and Goat. Glad to see good games from our depth.

 

[mix1home]

Tough decision. I think matthews + nylander together outweigh the benefits of having all 3 young stars one separate lines.

Matthews as goal scorer >> playmaker

Yes, but with two great puck-hounds in Kap and AJ he does not need to be. He just needs to adjust to this new style line and find open space in oz to slap pucks in. I found it funny last couple of games that his line mates create so much havoc in oz even Matthews looks a bit lost in it, but he will figure that out. I’m sure.

 

[Dough72]

no. nobody fought to stand up for Johnsson at the end. too soft

players standing up for their teammates is important

 

[mix1home]

Ennis might be a cheap depth guy to keep around.
Agreed on Brown

Ennis has signed this contract to get back into the league after few injuries plagued seasons. He will be looking for low 2nd line winger money in off season and if he stays healthy some team will sure give it to him. So 4-5m is not cheap depth.

 

[thewave]

Lol this is all kinds of bad and I do not have the time nor the inclination to respond.

You don't have an argument.

 

[mix1home]

It's too late for that and having great players is not a bad thing. You keep the core together and trade others if the salaries don't fit.

Marleau should be permanently stapled with Kadri. Since the return of Nylander into the lineup

Marleau-Matthews-Nylander are -33.76CF%Rel
Marleau-Kadri-Nylander are 21.30CF%Rel
Johnsson-Matthew-Kapanen line are 15.19CF%Rel

This is encouraging, but we need bigger sample size. Anything possible over the course of few games. Kadri finally looks good though, so I’m all for keeping what is working in tact.

 

[razkaz]

This is encouraging, but we need bigger sample size. Anything possible over the course of few games. Kadri finally looks good though, so I’m all for keeping what is working in tact.

Marleau with Matthews over the season so far are -4.28CF%Rel in 186 mins + at 5on5
Marleau with Kadri over the season so far are 2.31CF%Rel in 240mins+ at 5on5

even the eye test shows that Marleau is better when paired with Kadri. Nylander on that third line is doing wonders for them as well but that is a smaller sample size and I think he'll stay there until the new year

 

[mix1home]

Marleau with Matthews over the season so far are -4.28CF%Rel in 186 mins + at 5on5
Marleau with Kadri over the season so far are 2.31CF%Rel in 240mins+ at 5on5

even the eye test shows that Marleau is better when paired with Kadri. Nylander on that third line is doing wonders for them as well but that is a smaller sample size and I think he'll stay there until the new year

Agreed that Kadri with Marleau play heavier, slower game and they are better suited for that. Nylander might provide offensive spark other two need.

 

[Critical13]

Ennis has signed this contract to get back into the league after few injuries plagued seasons. He will be looking for low 2nd line winger money in off season and if he stays healthy some team will sure give it to him. So 4-5m is not cheap depth.

I would be absolutely baffled if an NHL organization paid Ennis 4-5 million next year.

I could see him getting a Brown contract if he can stay in the lineup and produce.

 

[smitty10]

Wait what? So in your unprofessional opinion

Lindy = gone
Ennis = gone
Brown = gone
AJ = is only staying as he is cheap

You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. Those are all key role players. No matter what you think of them thankfully management is much much smarter then you.

I would say that realistically those guys are likely gone after this season.

Lindholm is replaceable, but if he's willing to sign a $1m/year deal he could stay. Good depth and fits well in the bottom 6.

Ennis is definitely gone. He'll be looking for a $2-2.5m/year contract, which Toronto cannot afford.

Brown's contract is too high for what he brings. Either he or Hyman likely has to go and you know it won't be Hyman.

Johnsson is young, cheap and by far the most talented of this group. He fits in to the top 6. Not a chance he leaves.

 

[razkaz]

Agreed that Kadri with Marleau play heavier, slower game and they are better suited for that. Nylander might provide offensive spark other two need.

I'd still rather see a traditional "shutdown" line by adding Hyman

Nylander-Matthews-Kapanen
Johnsson-Tavares-Marner
Marleau-Kadri-Hyman

Maybe one day...

 

[Critical13]

I'd still rather see a traditional "shutdown" line by adding Hyman

Nylander-Matthews-Kapanen
Johnsson-Tavares-Marner
Marleau-Kadri-Hyman

Maybe one day...

Problem is, you waste Marleau and Kadri's offensive abilities with that lineup. They need a Marner/Nylander to create plays. That line up would pump up Matthews' stats but I think it would make the team worse. We could really use 1 more solid playmaking winger. Right now we have a lot of finishers (Kadri, Kapanen, Johnsson, Tavares, Marleau, Matthews) but only a couple guys who create at a top 6 level (Nylander and Marner). Tavares may also be one of those guys but it's hard to tell with Marner being the engine on that line.

Lindy is terrible
Ennis on the cheap is fine but if he gets hot and is wanted for trade pull it.
Brown should be traded
AJ on the cheap is fine but if he gets hot and is wanted for trade pull it.

They are all ridiculously small though. I would hope the Brown and Lindy replacements would have skill and size.

Ideally, I would like to see one of them replaced with a Simmonds type player. At least one guy that will stir things up and make everyone stand a bit taller. That's not Dubas style, though, and I am all in on Dubas. I trust his instincts.

 

[Trapper]

Problem is, you waste Marleau and Kadri's offensive abilities with that lineup. They need a Marner/Nylander to create plays. That line up would pump up Matthews' stats but I think it would make the team worse. We could really use 1 more solid playmaking winger. Right now we have a lot of finishers (Kadri, Kapanen, Johnsson, Tavares, Marleau, Matthews) but only a couple guys who create at a top 6 level (Nylander and Marner). Tavares may also be one of those guys but it's hard to tell with Marner being the engine on that line.



Ideally, I would like to see one of them replaced with a Simmonds type player. At least one guy that will stir things up and make everyone stand a bit taller. That's not Dubas style, though, and I am all in on Dubas. I trust his instincts.

I hate traditional shut down lines. To me that implies specialist. Like the 3rd pairing D is good at PK but not 5 on 5. Or top 6 bottom 6.
I want a team built where all 4 lines push the pace, can bring skill and aggressive forecheck. You don’t need to match when the rolling sea never calms. My 4 lines come at you and never stop.

 

[razkaz]

Problem is, you waste Marleau and Kadri's offensive abilities with that lineup. They need a Marner/Nylander to create plays. That line up would pump up Matthews' stats but I think it would make the team worse. We could really use 1 more solid playmaking winger. Right now we have a lot of finishers (Kadri, Kapanen, Johnsson, Tavares, Marleau, Matthews) but only a couple guys who create at a top 6 level (Nylander and Marner). Tavares may also be one of those guys but it's hard to tell with Marner being the engine on that line.

How so would we limit Marleau's and Kadri's offensive abilities if paired with Hyman?

Nylander-Matthews-Kapanen. Kap and Nylander can skate well with the puck and Matthews would be the finisher. Kap is also physical and can forecheck well.
Johnsson-Tavares-Marner. Marner is easily the set up man but Tavares seems to be a step behind sometimes. Would be nice to have a secondary option of Johnsson to finish and he's also no slouch.
Marleau-Kadri-Hyman. Workhorse line that can neuter the other teams top line. Still a lot of skill between Kadri and Marleau to finish.

That's just fantasy talk and doesn't consider if the top line and 3rd mesh in that arrangement. I just want to see it as an option to see what it looks like when the Leafs have 2 skilled lines playing.

Look at the success Col and Bos have been having with 1 line.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

I'd like to see Boston and Tampa kick each others a** too. But how do you achieve that objective? I think you have to stay neck and neck with Tampa all year long. Then make some decisions near end of season when things become a little clearer to map out. If Buffalo can hang in there and they are gonna take 3rd then you rest a lot of key guys and take 2nd place. It is easy to throw a game or two if need be. Coaches challenges. Too many men penalties. Sitting guys on bench if playing too well. Changing up lines and pairings. If Boston gets their guys back and overtake Buffalo then you must win 1st place.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

How bad do they want 1st in the Atlantic and a WC opponent on Round 1?

I don't necessarily need to see a win tomorrow night but I need to see 11 on the "give a crap" meter from everyone.

Sorry man, 11's still suspended tomorrow night.