Post-Game Talk: The Saviour Givith!
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My takeaways:
JVR-Bozak-Marner line: Marner looks very skilled but that line will get scored on a lot. Bozak does not have good defensive skills. JVR is better defensively, but not by alot. Marner is in the same boat as Bozak in that department, but he will improve. Offensively, they looked very good, as one would expect. Marner reminded me Kessel, if he thought pass instead of shoot. I'd pull Marner off that line and replace with Brown or Hyman who would be the defensive conscience.
Hyman-Matthews-Nylander: Excellent line and performed like it. Hyman does not fit there. Need more skill to maximize. I'd replace him with Michalek or Komarov as the vet presence will help a lot and they better two way players.
Komarov-Kadri-Michalek: Almost the inverse of the "first" line. Too much defensive game, not enough skill. Kadri needs a better skilled player than what he is given. Would replace Komarov or Michalek with Marner.
Martin-Gauthier-Brown: Strong shut down defensive line. Brown looked lost a bit, probably because he is a skill guy playing with forecheckers. Hyman would be a natural fit there instead. Would look very similar to the line that Martin previously played with.
Rielly-Marincin: Very good job by both. Marincin will be replaced by Zaitsev very soon.
Hunwick-Zaitsev: Hunwick is playing too much and should be limited to bottom pairing. Zaitsev looked very good. Would make this a Gardiner-Marincin pairing. Good offsetting skillsets that would compliment each other.
Valiev-Polak: Not good really. Valiev clearly needs more time in the AHL, and he'll get it. Polak looked tired and slow. I would replace Valiev with Hunwick, will do a better job, but don't expect offense.
Sparks/Enroth. Looked good in limited action. Sparks will be the backup goalie by next season.
This is clearly going to be a transitional year. No more placeholders will be brought in through trade. This team is closer than many expected, which makes sense since this team has been rebuilding organically since 2008.
JVR-Bozak-Marner line: Marner looks very skilled but that line will get scored on a lot. Bozak does not have good defensive skills. JVR is better defensively, but not by alot. Marner is in the same boat as Bozak in that department, but he will improve. Offensively, they looked very good, as one would expect. Marner reminded me Kessel, if he thought pass instead of shoot. I'd pull Marner off that line and replace with Brown or Hyman who would be the defensive conscience.
Hyman-Matthews-Nylander: Excellent line and performed like it. Hyman does not fit there. Need more skill to maximize. I'd replace him with Michalek or Komarov as the vet presence will help a lot and they better two way players.
Komarov-Kadri-Michalek: Almost the inverse of the "first" line. Too much defensive game, not enough skill. Kadri needs a better skilled player than what he is given. Would replace Komarov or Michalek with Marner.
Martin-Gauthier-Brown: Strong shut down defensive line. Brown looked lost a bit, probably because he is a skill guy playing with forecheckers. Hyman would be a natural fit there instead. Would look very similar to the line that Martin previously played with.
Rielly-Marincin: Very good job by both. Marincin will be replaced by Zaitsev very soon.
Hunwick-Zaitsev: Hunwick is playing too much and should be limited to bottom pairing. Zaitsev looked very good. Would make this a Gardiner-Marincin pairing. Good offsetting skillsets that would compliment each other.
Valiev-Polak: Not good really. Valiev clearly needs more time in the AHL, and he'll get it. Polak looked tired and slow. I would replace Valiev with Hunwick, will do a better job, but don't expect offense.
Sparks/Enroth. Looked good in limited action. Sparks will be the backup goalie by next season.
This is clearly going to be a transitional year. No more placeholders will be brought in through trade. This team is closer than many expected, which makes sense since this team has been rebuilding organically since 2008.
ULF_55
Moderator
Game was good, but given the opposition we can't get excited by the overall performance.
Zaitsev nice goal, individual result.
Rielly goal was nice, smart play by Nylander.
Hunwick, about the only thing he did good was put the puck in the empty net.
No finish by the forwards, Price was good (I know -
).
van Riemsdyk opened the scoring with a pass and ended the scoring with a pass.
The kids up front are looking good, and Michalek looked good. If healthy Michalek could find himself on another team.
Zaitsev nice goal, individual result.
Rielly goal was nice, smart play by Nylander.
Hunwick, about the only thing he did good was put the puck in the empty net.
No finish by the forwards, Price was good (I know -
).van Riemsdyk opened the scoring with a pass and ended the scoring with a pass.
The kids up front are looking good, and Michalek looked good. If healthy Michalek could find himself on another team.
gravyface
Registered User
- Jun 22, 2010
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Babcock was pissed last night. 
https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/vide...2-2016/t-277437436/c-45037003?autostart=false
https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/vide...2-2016/t-277437436/c-45037003?autostart=false
There have been comments that people are surprised that the score wasn't more lopsided -- but the flow of play was lopsided in the extreme.
Best of all is Willie Nylander: while he was on the ice, the Leafs gave up 5 shots against, but took 14.
Michalek and Hunwick need to GTFO.
Babcock was pissed last night.
https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/vide...2-2016/t-277437436/c-45037003?autostart=false
The guy is built for Toronto media... in total control of the conference.
Alright, enough with the preseason already, and let's get on with the Big Show. Damn that was a fine game last night. I've been a die-hard loyal leafs fan since I was a kid growing up 30 minutes outside Edmonton during the Gretzky dynasty. This is the first time in years I've been this excited about the upcoming seasn. Hells yeah, PLAY THE KIDS.
Matthews: oh sweet baby Jesus, this kid has poise, and talent just oozes out of his ears. That Rielly goal, the Habs D were watching Matthews coming down on the net and left Mo'Riles open. He did so many LITTLE things RIGHT.
Marner: oh sweet baby Jesus REDUX. Bozie, JVR and Marner worked beaurtifully. Kid has such vision. Has that extra gear in his speed that he just turns on effortlessly.
Zaitsev: run rabbit run! Being a rookie, you'd easily think he's just another kid, but at 25 and played for 7 years in the KHL, Rabbit has some nice tools. In the Offensive zone, he seems to be in the right place ALL THE TIME. There were no rushed passes to nowhere, even when he was under pressure. He looked like a seasoned pro with his decisions.
Nylander: got lost a little at times, or tried to make one too many passes, but watching him and Matthews wheel and deal was a treat.
Rielly: Why isnt he wearing the C? Seriously. Yeah, Matthews is all that and a bag of chips, but Mo'Riles seems to have that "it" factor, shows leadership on the ice, and has enough talent to consistently push the other team on it's heels when the Lafs are attacking.
Goat: i liked this pick from the beginning, and im glasd that he's been allowed to develop slowly and without the hype. i dont see the issue with his skating, might take him a stride more to get to full speed, but those gazelle legs of his, they pretty big strides to begin with. skates with his head up constantly, always looking around... cant wait for him to stick, great 3rd line guy.
There werent too many gaffes, I mean... POLAK, (face*palm) but he DID get that puck in the face, so mebbe he was a little rattled...
all in all.. i mean we watched these boys COMPETE and bring it every night last year. And they didnt have the talent to match their stride, but with the talent this year, with Babs comfortable behind the bench.. even my brother, a long-suffering Habs fan (yeah, im the one long-suffering, but i still think being a Habs fan is a sure sign of mental illness, to which he refuses to see a psychiatrist or entertain the idea of medication) admits that the Buds are gonna be hard to beat this year.
I dont care where we place this year, if we make the playoffs or are edge of the seat anxious on lottery date, but this year is gonna be ENTERTAINING at the very least, and if the boys show the effort they put out last year, I dont think we'll even be considering who Nolan Patrick is next years draft other than hoping some other team, preferrably in the west, gets him because we will be more concerned who the Leafs pick 30th. (or is it 31st with the expansion next year?)
Matthews: oh sweet baby Jesus, this kid has poise, and talent just oozes out of his ears. That Rielly goal, the Habs D were watching Matthews coming down on the net and left Mo'Riles open. He did so many LITTLE things RIGHT.
Marner: oh sweet baby Jesus REDUX. Bozie, JVR and Marner worked beaurtifully. Kid has such vision. Has that extra gear in his speed that he just turns on effortlessly.
Zaitsev: run rabbit run! Being a rookie, you'd easily think he's just another kid, but at 25 and played for 7 years in the KHL, Rabbit has some nice tools. In the Offensive zone, he seems to be in the right place ALL THE TIME. There were no rushed passes to nowhere, even when he was under pressure. He looked like a seasoned pro with his decisions.
Nylander: got lost a little at times, or tried to make one too many passes, but watching him and Matthews wheel and deal was a treat.
Rielly: Why isnt he wearing the C? Seriously. Yeah, Matthews is all that and a bag of chips, but Mo'Riles seems to have that "it" factor, shows leadership on the ice, and has enough talent to consistently push the other team on it's heels when the Lafs are attacking.
Goat: i liked this pick from the beginning, and im glasd that he's been allowed to develop slowly and without the hype. i dont see the issue with his skating, might take him a stride more to get to full speed, but those gazelle legs of his, they pretty big strides to begin with. skates with his head up constantly, always looking around... cant wait for him to stick, great 3rd line guy.
There werent too many gaffes, I mean... POLAK, (face*palm) but he DID get that puck in the face, so mebbe he was a little rattled...
all in all.. i mean we watched these boys COMPETE and bring it every night last year. And they didnt have the talent to match their stride, but with the talent this year, with Babs comfortable behind the bench.. even my brother, a long-suffering Habs fan (yeah, im the one long-suffering, but i still think being a Habs fan is a sure sign of mental illness, to which he refuses to see a psychiatrist or entertain the idea of medication) admits that the Buds are gonna be hard to beat this year.
I dont care where we place this year, if we make the playoffs or are edge of the seat anxious on lottery date, but this year is gonna be ENTERTAINING at the very least, and if the boys show the effort they put out last year, I dont think we'll even be considering who Nolan Patrick is next years draft other than hoping some other team, preferrably in the west, gets him because we will be more concerned who the Leafs pick 30th. (or is it 31st with the expansion next year?)
SprDaVE
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- Sep 20, 2008
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There are some people that didn't think they did due to the score. Some even thought Marner, Nylander and some of the other players weren't very good when everything else says otherwise.
This is pretty much exactly what I saw. Very good analysis.
I think Marner just needs to get more confidence.
SprDaVE
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... What makes you think he needs more confidence? The way he's played in this pre-season so far makes me think his confidence level is incredibly high. You don't make the kind of puck rushes and plays without high confidence.
I genuinely don't know what you mean. I'm very confused.
There have been comments that people are surprised that the score wasn't more lopsided -- but the flow of play was lopsided in the extreme.
Best of all is Willie Nylander: while he was on the ice, the Leafs gave up 5 shots against, but took 14.
Michalek and Hunwick need to GTFO.
Michalek wasn't as bad as those numbers suggest. He had some nice moments where he was a step away from scoring, made things happen with the puck but just lost it near the end of his rushes. I think as the rust comes off he will get better at finishing.
Hunwick though, yeah we really need to limit him to bottom pairing....hoping Zaitsev can step into the top 4 right away so it can be Rielly, Gardiner, Zaitsev....Marincin? We still need 1 more top 4 d man.
Remember the Money Ball scene where Billy Beane asks his scouts, "if the kid is such a good hitter, why can't he hit?" as everyone is talking about how great a prospect's form is, but he doesn't actually have good hitting statistics?
That's how Nylander is in reverse. The dude has the best defensive numbers on the team, and was close to that over his 20 games last year, yet because of the way he does it, people think he "floats".
He doesn't immediately and aggressively attacking the puck carrier, who, if he is smart, can easily stick handle and skate past the defensive player by forcing him to be reactive. While this kind of reactive defensive style looks good, Nylander is in the far superior Datsyuk/Bergeron mold, which is to mind**** the opposing player with the meta game, only striking when the time is right.
And, of course, just like Patrice Bergeron is the most underrated player in the game of hockey today, not even the fans of the team seem to get Nylander. Who was the best player on the ice again, tonight.
If you can't see it, start by pay attention to the outcomes, rather than how they are achieved.
That's how Nylander is in reverse. The dude has the best defensive numbers on the team, and was close to that over his 20 games last year, yet because of the way he does it, people think he "floats".
He doesn't immediately and aggressively attacking the puck carrier, who, if he is smart, can easily stick handle and skate past the defensive player by forcing him to be reactive. While this kind of reactive defensive style looks good, Nylander is in the far superior Datsyuk/Bergeron mold, which is to mind**** the opposing player with the meta game, only striking when the time is right.
And, of course, just like Patrice Bergeron is the most underrated player in the game of hockey today, not even the fans of the team seem to get Nylander. Who was the best player on the ice again, tonight.
If you can't see it, start by pay attention to the outcomes, rather than how they are achieved.
He looked great against rookies but when put against NHL players he seems to always chip it in or look too much pass first. On the power play he is always looking to ditch the puck instead of making the move. His game is a puck handling game which relies on being able to beat your man by inches - when you go from playing against rookie scrubs to NHL talent you can't do the same things right away, for fear of making turnovers. He will realize how close he can dangle and how quick he needs to make those outlet passes, and then he will be able to hold onto the puck a little more.
I'm just saying, it's a big bump from JR and rookie camp to NHL talent, and it takes time. People need to be patient with him. Not going to be a top line guy off the bat.
The CyNick
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SprDaVE
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Well he's only played 3 pre-season games and really hasn't been put in a situation where he's consistently against "true" NHL players. I don't think his game changed at all depending on who he's on the ice with.
I think his confidence is just fine and he's showcasing his elite skill level, agility and passing ability. He's been our best shot generator since the start of pre-season with very few mistakes for the amount of time he handles the puck. This is a good sign compared to last years pre-season.
What you're saying has nothing to do with confidence to me. It's all about consistency and development. I don't think anyone expects a flawless game and the consistency of a veteran from a 19 year old player who hasn't played in a pro league like a few of the other rookies we have.
SprDaVE
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Bad teams sometimes get lucky. I've seen teams get outshot by 20+ shots and completely dominated but still win a hockey game. Heck, we all witnessed this on a regular basis under Carlyle.
Play that game again and it's probably very different.
This is why the best team in the league doesn't win 82 games.
Kelly
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- Nov 12, 2012
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Yup, well that's that. It's been a fun ride boys but looks like the season is over.
Cya next year.
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The CyNick
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I think it's going to take some time to figure out forward pairs that work. I've said this before, and I noticed it last night, we have too many forwards who like to have the puck on their stick and not enough pure trigger men. Results in over passing, and bad decision making at the blue line.
Long term, I get the feeling one of Matthews, Kadri, Nylander or Marner will have to be traded for a sniper (or D). Obviously you never trade Matthews. Kadri brings other things to the table that makes him more valuable. That leaves Marner or Nylander. We'll see who brings what skills to the table going forward.
Long term, I get the feeling one of Matthews, Kadri, Nylander or Marner will have to be traded for a sniper (or D). Obviously you never trade Matthews. Kadri brings other things to the table that makes him more valuable. That leaves Marner or Nylander. We'll see who brings what skills to the table going forward.
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