Post-Game Talk: Leafs Lose in a Shootout 4-3

[Man Bear Pig]

Seriously, what's up with people trying to hold me being a Swede against me? That has happened half a dozen times lately.

People have been doing that? f*** them, Sweden is awesome. Just so damn expensive.

 

[leburn98]

Swedes don't have a good reputation anymore. Seen as weak, pathetic, delusional, suicidal, spirit shattering politically correct, etc. It's a political discussion as to why so not appropriate here. Just a sudden, massive shift in reputation for the Country and it's people. Obvious reasons.

As to why they bring it up to attack someone regarding hockey? Not sure. I'd see nationality getting in the way if a bias was present IE: Swede defending Nylander, Fin defending Laine, etc. otherwise not sure.

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Regarding Corsi: I agree that it doesn't tell the full story of a game, but I think it does a lot of the leg work. What I saw lined up pretty well with the corsi stats.

It even opened my eyes to my own bias regarding Nylander - he had an awful, awful game. I was to busy defending him to notice.

In Nylander's defense, he has played only a handful of games as a Centre in the NHL and was being paired against the Lightning's top line most of the game. Add on the fact that he had a new linemate who he hasn't played with since his Marlies days, it's understandable why the line may struggle.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

I'm still struggling to understand Babcock. His personnel decisions cost this team points. Right now it's fine given our cushion, but can you imagine him pulling this stuff in the playoffs?

 

[Discordia]

In Nylander's defense, he has played only a handful of games as a Centre in the NHL and was being paired against the Lightning's top line most of the game. Add on the fact that he had a new linemate who he hasn't played with since his Marlies days, it's understandable why the line may struggle.

Problem is Nylander doesn't have the luxury of having these kind of games. Babcock is very heavy handed with him. He's the only one of the big three who has been slandered in the media, for example.

Tonight for example he had the 8th most ice time (out of 12 forwards). Last game he had 16, tonight 14. The games before that he was up at 18.

He has to be on 100% of the time or he will never get a real look at center.

 

[GardinerTheForward]

he took bad penalties but was pretty good otherwise. made some nice plays

i like the reply not the bad penalties! Frickey frick

 

[ironrhcp]

wait why didnt bozak shoot in the shootout? has he even missed a shootout attempt yet this year?

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

i like the reply not the bad penalties! Frickey frick

i'm sure he'll clean that up
he doesn't usually take that many PIMs

 

[thewave]

Polak was outclassed and exploited routinely all game. He is only effective if able to handle his target up close and personal. If people venture away from him he stands like a turret and does nothing at all. Pleks was ok for his first game getting up to speed. I thought he enabled a lot more out on the ice than Moore could dream to have, especially against a top team. Moore would probably have had us hemmed in our zone.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

this one pisses me off, because they should have won this game about 8 times there was the Marleau breakaway in OT, The Marner Penalty shot, Nylander missing a WIDE OPEN net, , Nylander hitting the post in the shootout, the 5 on 3 PP, the puck that c,e about as close to going in as you can get without actually going in that's 6 alone off the top of my head and I know I am missing some.

this is a game we should have won, you get that many chances to bury Tampa you HAVE to bury them and they didn't

Now I didn' like the 3rd goal Andersen gave up, I thought he should have had that, but that said you had chance after chance afer chance to make sure that goal didn't matter and you failed.

On another note what the hell was that from JVR in the shootout? he did not even try

 

[Nithoniniel]

In Nylander's defense, he has played only a handful of games as a Centre in the NHL and was being paired against the Lightning's top line most of the game. Add on the fact that he had a new linemate who he hasn't played with since his Marlies days, it's understandable why the line may struggle.

To be honest, I think Hyman was the big problem on that line. I usually defend him, but tonight he was everything his detractors claim he is, in my opinion.

 

[jrgtml67]

I agree with moving Kapenen up but not with Matthews. The best example of ehy Nylander isnt ready to be center was his giveaway on the 3rd goal and he was out muscled. Thats the whole reason we got Pleknac to replace Moore who cant handle Kapenens speed and his offense is usually lucky if at all. I almost guarantee next game Marleau takes over center OR we will sit useless Leivo insert Moore move Tomas up hes used to 1st line minutes anyway. Nylander needs to improve his defensive vision and upper body strength in the summer. He can yo yo around the best but if he gets bumped at all hes off the puck. Hes 22, young and I think will get there but this season many examples of poor D. On that line with Matthews healthy ..defensive prowess goes to Hyman every game, Matthews is usually solid but several games b4 his shoulder injury more than once he tossed bad passes in our zone...still hes very good normally. Nylander isnt there yet and again hes learning and young. I also have noticed the handful of times hes been center his offense is gone...why? Hes being extra cautious not to make the wrong play, or losing his check. Huge example besides tonight..the game in OT where he skated on a backcheck to a guy Gardiner had covered..the result was a shot and goal and we lost. Again I love Nylander hes an elite winger..not elite center ..yet.

To back it all up..again getting Pleknac was to give us an upgrade on Moore and depth. If Nylander was ready to be a center 2 things, he would have had his own line before the TD, and 2 we wouldnt need Pleknac.

When Matthews comes back Id like to see Kapenen with Kadri and Marner, Marleaus offense esp of late has stunk yet Kadri and Marner are on fire. Kapenen looks pretty damn good defensively too so either try him there for an entire game OR start him there see how he does OR if we are down a cpl goals and need offense put him there.

Huge piss off was Leivo PP line had so much room and we had them hemmed so Marner and Nylander and Kadri couldnt jump on. Though yes I know Rielly hit 2 posts...but Leivo is supposed to be hungry, and while he wasnt bad he wasnt great and why the hell he gets PP time over Kapenen who also has a rifle of a shot is beyond me. Lastly Zaitsev almost cost us OT what a dumb chip out..did he forget it was 3v3? We didnt get it back for almost 2min.

Ahh lol neway overall not a bad effort, Andersen minus the 3rd goal wad stellar and I think if Kuch wasnt hurt we wouldve lost in regulation. But point is a point..on to the Panthers

 

[jrgtml67]

Hes played a couple games at center. But point is he isnt ready. Id rather him on the wing like hes been and ease him in eventually. His offense disappears when hes been at center. Awesome puck protector but if he gets touched he loses it..or defensively tonigh he passes it to the Tampa guy and got out muscled ..bang 3-2. Love Willie but he needs more time before hes a center. 1 reason we got Pleknac, the others, Moore was slowing Kapenen and the offense possibilities down..you need 4 lines to be a contender. And nextly depth.

I feel tomorrow the move Pleknac up with Hymand and Nylander..hes used to 1st line minutes and played with Patches..that or Marleau will take Wills center spot

 

[Nithoniniel]

The best example of ehy Nylander isnt ready to be center was his giveaway on the 3rd goal and he was out muscled.

I don't see that as a good example. He received a bad pass way behind him, and he got outmuscled as a result as he had no leverage really. There wouldn't be many players in the league who should play center if they can't have that happen.

He was straight up bad on the first goal though.

He can yo yo around the best but if he gets bumped at all hes off the puck.

Couldn't disagree more. Willy is very strong on the puck. I'm surprised you haven't seen this, as he pushes through guys hanging all over him several times per game.

.defensive prowess goes to Hyman every game

I'm not sure what this means, but Hyman actually has the least defensive responsibility on the line at even strength. He's usually F3 coming back, and is the guy they want blowing the zone to push back defense.

I also have noticed the handful of times hes been center his offense is gone

You've noticed that huh? He had an open net tonight, and set up a few early chances. Against Boston he was beasting all night long while going up against a very good two-way center in Krejci, and was directly involved in more scoring chances than any other player on the ice.

 

[jrgtml67]

So first point the pass sure he reached..he got it turned around and passed to to Erne..then tried to muscle him off Erne turned and fired.

2 he skates circles around guys and protects very well..im saying if you shove him or body him lets say compared to Matthews...he loses it. Im not saying hes a pushover and falls like old school Kadri used to. Just feel he needs 2 strengthen upper body..his legs are huge.

Hyman..are you joking? Why do you think he kills penalties and why late in games its Matthews Hyman and Marleau or Brown? Why do you suppose? Because hes great defensively

Lastly the open net chance was a terrible angle and wasnt created by his work. Chances arent goals...I think hes been center 3x and has 1 pt.

Lastly lastly..ill use our triple gold coaches opinion. If he was ready hed be playing there. Babcock has said Nylander wont be put there for good this yr and maybe not even next. One day he will be an elite top 2 i agree. Im just saying he needs to work and learn he is 22 afterall

 

[KDOTO]

5 more years of Babcock? I just don't understand some of the decisions he make. But hey, he's the best coach in the world right?

Would you rather buffalo, Edmonton or Ottawa coaches, hows about Montreal, Arizona Detroit ? You think we have it bad with lines and player usage, we are contenders. Now imagine being lottery teams and have them problems and more. Grass not always greener.

 

[KDOTO]

12 Forwards, Nylander 8th in icetime.

Without looking at his icetime from the second period on (I'm willing to bet it decreased) I'd call this his last game at center.

Unfortunately for him, with the coaching staff we have - he has to have amazing games night in and night out. There really is no room for anything less.

If his dream is to play C in the NHL, my advice would be to seek a trade. It's not happening here.

Again do you want to bet on that statement that it's his last game at center? Your a fun..in idy ot. Just talk n talk waiting for the time your finally right. Go join Patrick the pink starfish somewhere with dem whining and complaining.

 

[KDOTO]

Agreed. The line plays differently with Willy and Kapanen, and Hyman probably had one of his worst game as a Leafs tonight. Not only handling the puck like a grenade, but there were a few times when we had our skating going and Hyman just slowed it down like that line does with Matthews on. There was also one time where Kapanen came flying in to get it and create some havoc, and Hyman actually pulled the puck away from him and protected it against the boards

He does that alot, it's him against everyone on the ice, don't matter if it's his teammate.

 

[KDOTO]

They will slot in McD as their 3/4 and thats just flat out nasty

No ,,,JT Miller is a very solid top 6

and no Kuch >>Matt

Kuch ,this season 62 gp =82P??? thats flat out sick #s.

gimme a break if that was matts #s we would be screaming league mvp=league max contract 14.5m + blah blh blah blah

Keep playing paper hockey bro..what a loser mentality....oh wait your gonna come at me with the your just a realist shiet. Or maybe the were not there yet shiet or the are not true contender bs. Man shutup, is it not tiring complaining about averything.. go pornhub and chill bro[/QUOTE]

 

[KDOTO]

......man nothing leafs do will change some of you. I think some of you liked it better when we sucked.

 

[Discordia]

Would you rather buffalo, Edmonton or Ottawa coaches, hows about Montreal, Arizona Detroit ? You think we have it bad with lines and player usage, we are contenders. Now imagine being lottery teams and have them problems and more. Grass not always greener.

Babcock is not the reason we are where we are in the standings. Goaltending and the players are the reason.

I would say Babcock's decisions hurt this team more than anything.

 

[Discordia]

Again do you want to bet on that statement that it's his last game at center? Your a f..in idiot. Just talk n talk waiting for the time your finally right. Go join Patrick the pink starfish somewhere with dem whining and complaining.

Sure.

 

[KDOTO]

Sure.

Aii let's do it.....whats your parameter to the bet. Nylander last game at center right? How much $500/1000. I'll give you the website and we can deposit our bet money.

 

[KDOTO]

Or if you want to use your betting site we can do that.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

Happy to get the point without Matthews but...wtf was that shoot out attempt?

Babcocks fault
JVR vs Marner In the shootout

 

[KDOTO]

Problem is Nylander doesn't have the luxury of having these kind of games. Babcock is very heavy handed with him. He's the only one of the big three who has been slandered in the media, for example.

Tonight for example he had the 8th most ice time (out of 12 forwards). Last game he had 16, tonight 14. The games before that he was up at 18.

He has to be on 100% of the time or he will never get a real look at center.

Yo just watch his post game interview. He tells you all you need to know. He said he wasn't as good as last time. But also says it's hard playing center every night. Also says it's a process and he will learn. He also wants him to play against other top center to get better so in the end he won't need to be shelter. That doesn't sound like someone who has no do faith in nylander.