Pre-Game Talk: Leafs @ Red Wings Feb 1, 7:30pm ET

[HamiltonNHL]

Muzzin Would he work on PP2 with a boomer from the point ?

 

[Snip Genos]

I’m pretty pumped for this game can’t wait to see how Muzzin looks and hoping Marner and Matthews together will work as good as I think it will

 

[Maple Leaf]

Wings about to get deep fried real juicy

 

[Liminality]

The only thing I'm hoping this game is one thing. I really hope Muzzin doesn't feel like he needs to show his toughness to his new team and pull a Clarkson type stunt or make a hit that could suspend him.
He just needs to play his normal game, no need to try and physically impress the fans.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Sparks should start this game. It's complete non-sense to start Andy in this game and throwing Sparks in there at home against the much better team.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Sparks should start this game. It's complete non-sense to start Andy in this game and throwing Sparks in there at home against the much better team.

Not really. The idea is to get the guaranteed win. People would be livid if Sparks sucks and the leafs lose the first game, and then lose against Pittsburgh because the team is tired

 

[Nooodles]

The only thing I'm hoping this game is one thing. I really hope Muzzin doesn't feel like he needs to show his toughness to his new team and pull a Clarkson type stunt or make a hit that could suspend him.
He just needs to play his normal game, no need to try and physically impress the fans.

Don't worry, Muzzin has a brain.

 

[BoredBrandonPridham]

Muzzin Would he work on PP2 with a boomer from the point ?

Seems unlikely he’d be a better fit than Gardiner.

 

[ACC1224]

Sparks should start this game. It's complete non-sense to start Andy in this game and throwing Sparks in there at home against the much better team.

Good teams assume they can win both games and Andersen always plays the first game.
Deviating from that tells the players they have little confidence in the backup.

 

[Mugzy97]

Good teams assume they can win both games and Andersen always plays the first game.
Deviating from that tells the players they have little confidence in the backup.

The coaching staff worries about winning Friday's game on Friday and doesn't look past it. You start your best goalie.

 

[Zizzzzy]

Sparks against Crosby, Malkin, Kessel? Ooof!

Don't worry, we have Muzzin now... They wont even be able to get into our zone. 0 shots on net. Hell we could play 5 forwards and Muzzin all game!

 

[Torontonian]

What a long week.....

 

[18leafsfan18]

Muzzin Would he work on PP2 with a boomer from the point ?

I wouldn't mind having him on PP1 and using 2 D.

It hasn't been clicking and maybe they need a different look.

Also helps with the shift or 2 that follow the PP.

 

[Alerion]

Detroit has out-worked the Leafs twice so far this season and with us coming out of the bye week I fear that the same thing could happen again. They've got to stop playing down to their opponent, hopefully they get back in stride quickly and play a solid game. Very excited to see what Babcock has drawn up on D...does anyone know about the status of Johnsson? It would be great to see them at full strength soon.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

They've got to stop playing down to their opponent

Pittsburgh and Washington do it.
Maybe it's a thing ?

in my ideal world, matthews is just lollygagging around resting for the playoffs where he comes back to life.

 

[Leafsfan74]

Looking forward to some Leafs hockey after this break that feels like an eternity...

Upcoming schedule to start the second half:
Leafs @ Red Wings Feb 1, 7:30pm ET
Leafs vs Penguins Feb 2, 7:00pm ET
Leafs vs Ducks Feb 4, 7:00pm ET
Leafs vs Senators Feb 6, 7:30pm ET
Leafs @ Canadiens Feb 9, 7:00pm ET

Relatively easy schedule to get back into the swing of things, hopefully will help us dig out of our slump. Should be able to win 4/5 without issues.

Other February highlights:

• Long road trip from Feb 7th-Feb 20th
• Trade deadline Monday, Feb 25th

I don't see any games as easy in the NHL, especially when playing three games in four nights.

The break was too long. This is a poor schedule design.

 

[ShaneFalco]

 

[MyBudJT]

Seems unlikely he’d be a better fit than Gardiner.

Why not have two offensive D-men on the 2nd PP unit?

PP1:
Tavares
Kapanen-Kadri-Marner
Rielly

PP2:
Marleau
Matthews-Nylander
Gardiner-Muzzin

 

[ShaneFalco]

So need a good shot from the point

 

[MyLoveIsBlue]

 

[taurine330]

What a long week.....

Tell me about. Can't believe it's only Wednesday.

 

[BoredBrandonPridham]

Why not have two offensive D-men on the 2nd PP unit?

PP1:
Tavares
Kapanen-Kadri-Marner
Rielly

PP2:
Marleau
Matthews-Nylander
Gardiner-Muzzin

Just for the slapper? Probably better to have a craftier forward down low.

 

[barilko05]

I HATE the 4F 1D PP. Always have. But I understand why we do it...we don't have that bomb from the point so why not maximize your potential with another forward. Except now...we do. So why not take Kadri off the 1st unit (where he's been largely ineffective anyway) put Muzzin and Morgan on the points, and shift Naz to the 2nd unit?

 

[Peiskos]

I just want a convincing win against this team, they shouldn't be able to hang with us whatsoever when you compare these teams on paper. Hopefully Muzzin's first game gives the team a big boost and we go on to win this 4 or 5-0.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

I hope Gardiner is healthy and plays so we can see our full team including Muzzin out there.