Pre-Game Talk: Leafs @ Wild - Black Friday 2pm

[mikeyz]

WAIT 2 PM???????

Yup. I got the half day request so I could watch it.

Hmmm, what to do. Play Murray and try to get the easier points against Minnesota or do their best to try to win both games by playing (Sh)algren first. Glad I don't have to make the decision.

I think Keefe said that Murray is starting the Minny game and either Kallgren or Samsonov will start the Pittsburgh game.

 

[mapleleaf979]

Nylander and Matthews still do not have strong chemistry. Matthews cant read Nylander even when Nylander is working hard. If they can gel and Nylander keeps competing hard, look out. One issue i see, is they dont have any give and goes like good duo's have.

 

[Nooodles]

There are childhood Leafs fans born in Europe as well. We exist.

 

[leafsfan5]

Nylander and Matthews still do not have strong chemistry. Matthews cant read Nylander even when Nylander is working hard. If they can gel and Nylander keeps competing hard, look out. One issue i see, is they dont have any give and goes like good duo's have.

They’ve had chemistry in the past, just give it some time to workout.

Matthews isn’t doing anyone any favours with his game right now, it’s not too surprising they’re struggling. He needs to get it together and become more of the dominant force we know him to be

 

[PROUD PAPA]

So we are sitting two good players so that Simmonds can maybe fight Reaves?

Let's be honest, that is probably the only noteworthy thing Simmonds is going to do tomorrow.

We are struggling to put up offense so we put in an offensive black hole who is not even good defensively over two guys who can at least put a lot of pressure on other teams if they are not scoring?

Normally i'd agree but i can also see Reaves licking his chops at the sight of our smaller d-men with intentions of running them through the boards and into the hospital. We can't afford to lose another one, especially a regular and he'll be looking to make an impression with his new team. Hopefully Simmonds can act as enough of a deterrent that they cancel each other out.

 

[1specter]

Nylander and Matthews still do not have strong chemistry. Matthews cant read Nylander even when Nylander is working hard. If they can gel and Nylander keeps competing hard, look out. One issue i see, is they dont have any give and goes like good duo's have.

Matthews wasn't really doing anything with Marner either, Marner was producing in spite of him rather than due to his efforts. He's just off this season and looks nowhere near the level he was at last year so far.

 

[saltming]

Important to play 5 man defense to protect the rookies. Might be a blessing in disguise and we just become elite defensively too

 

[Racer88]

The best thing about soccer is that it makes you realize that NHL referees are NOT the worst.

Haha I never looked at it that way

 

[Nineteen67]

Important to play 5 man defense to protect the rookies. Might be a blessing in disguise and we just become elite defensively too

Minny will work hard making them earn their education today. Any points they get is a bonus.

 

[ZEBROA]

I have no idea why they keep playing Simmonds over superior players. Such a weird thing to do. This team needs offence.

Did u say this beacuse it is true or because u want Simmonds to make a hattrick? Or both?

 

[29Potvin]

Kallgren actually did it earlier this month against Pittsburgh and Vancouver. I had to be more than okay with that considering the circumstances.

Exactly, the potential for injury with Murray would be my cause for concern here.

He also played the last have of the Boston game and the next night against the Canes

 

[supermann_98]

You need Simmons in against Minnesota with Reaves on the other side.

We probably need Simmonds in the lineup against Philly too since Konecny bullies our stars when we play them too. Seriously tho what's Simmonds gonna do against Reaves? Simmonds is a big strong tough guy but he's not a heavyweight like Reaves.

I have no idea why they keep playing Simmonds over superior players. Such a weird thing to do. This team needs offence.

Agreed, one minute he's on waivers the next minute he's in the lineup because "we need toughness"

 

[ACC1224]

We probably need Simmonds in the lineup against Philly too since Konecny bullies our stars when we play them too. Seriously tho what's Simmonds gonna do against Reaves? Simmonds is a big strong tough guy but he's not a heavyweight like Reaves.


Agreed, one minute he's on waivers the next minute he's in the lineup because "we need toughness"

Agree with all that.
If you want a tough team, create a tough one don't just toss one guy in as some type of response.

I've never liked adjusting your lineup for the opponent, let them adjust to you.
Keefe is a puzzling Coach.

 

[Zybalto]

Just for reference since the start of the 2020 season:

5v5:

Matthews with Marner:
xGF%: 63.30
Goals scored/60: 4.19

Matthews with Nylander:
xGF%: 60.65
Goals scored/60: 1.97

Tavares with Marner:
xGF%: 49.72
Goals scored/60: 2.46

Tavares with Nylander:
xGF%: 56.83
Goals scored/60: 2.94

(Going back to 2019 has similar numbers)

They switched them up last season as well when they started slow but switched them back and they went on a heater and the larger sample shows just how more effective the lines are in certain setups.

With the way Marner has been playing, it's time to get Matthews going IMO.

 

[The Masters]

i love 2pm hockey

 

[ULF_55]

I'm thinking this gets ugly quickly.

Matthew-Tavares-Malgin
Robertson-Nylander-marner
stick scramble ...

 

[fahad203]

I have no idea why they keep playing Simmonds over superior players. Such a weird thing to do. This team needs offence.

Ryan Reaves

 

[TheDoldrums]

one good thing about playing this afternoon, few more hours of recovery before tomorrows game

 

[MSZ]

i love 2pm hockey

I don't.

But at least it's a Friday game, I only spend half day at work on Fridays.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Ryan Reaves

That's not a reason to play Simmonds.

 

[SprDaVE]

Ryan Reaves

Who cares? We never worried about him before... why now?

 

[fahad203]

That's not a reason to play Simmonds.

I have been

Who cares? We never worried about him before... why now?

I have been a simmonds critic for most of his leafs tenure

But I understand the logic. Minny even without Reaves has some big boys.
Duhamei is also another guy you have keep eyes on. Not sure if he's playing tonight. Then there's that Foligno guy

I would have preferred a better option than Simmonds unfortunately there are none..

 

[ToneDog]

I have been


I have been a simmonds critic for most of his leafs tenure

But I understand the logic. Minny even without Reaves has some big boys.

I would have preferred a better option than Simmonds unfortunately there are none..

IIRC the Minny and Jets B2B games last year got pretty rough.

 

[BayStBullies]

Hey guys, it turns out I'm playing defence today. I have no skates or ability to skate, but my name is next on the list. Wish me luck!

 

[rocketman588]

Someone keep gio and Lily in one of those giant bubbles until the game