Post-Game Talk: Toronto verses Detroit - Oct 2nd @ 7:30 pm EST

[MapleLeaf]

After watching the last couple of games, does anyone else notice that the Leafs REALLY struggle trying to get the puck out of their own zone?!?!?

 

[Rare Jewel]

I liked Matthias again. Thought he was the best player on that line. If he can bury some chances he will be solid on LW.

Yeah he played well; the line as a whole needs work though, particularly the right winger.

 

[Trapper]

After watching the last couple of games, does anyone else notice that the Leafs REALLY struggle trying to get the puck out of their own zone?!?!?

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

 

[senor martinez]

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

I think more like 16 or 17.

 

[Al14]

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

20 better teams? Hopefully there will be 29 better teams by season's end!

 

[Trapper]

Yeah he played well; the line as a whole needs work though, particularly the right winger.

This is a case where we have enough vets: Matthias/Winnik/Leo/Spaling/Boyes to shield the young guys where I wish we could dump Lupul/Bozak and use the spot for a Nylander/Brown. Not because I'm giving them the spot but because they've been better.

 

[BackHandShelf22]

Agreed here. Hyman and Kapanen looked really strong.

Robidas and Arcobello were awful. Phaneuf hasn't had a good pre-season so far either.

It was a bad turnover at a bad time, but Dion's had bad pre-seasons before only to start out hot as soon as the season starts. I expect a whole lot more from the vets as soon as things get going for real.

 

[senor martinez]

It was a bad turnover at a bad time, but Dion's had bad pre-seasons before only to start out hot as soon as the season starts. I expect a whole lot more from the vets as soon as things get going for real.

He will get better yeah when the time goes on. He'll be our best d-man when its really there.

 

[JackJ]

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

I think more like 16 or 17.

Actually closer to 27 or 28 teams.

 

[senor martinez]

Actually closer to 27 or 28 teams.

Actually we'll see it when all the games are almost played. Babcock will get his.

 

[fahad203]

Hyman looked good. Kadri looked good early on. That's about it.

Kapanen could use a full year in A. He played well but has a lot of gap in his game. For a good skater he doesn't skate much.

Robidas, Polak and Dion were awful. I mean bad awful. This is going to be a long season with those guys.

 

[Trapper]

Hyman looked good. Kadri looked good early on. That's about it.

Kapanen could use a full year in A. He played well but has a lot of gap in his game. For a good skater he doesn't skate much.

Robidas, Polak and Dion were awful. I mean bad awful. This is going to be a long season with those guys.

The skill in Kapanen is there. It just looks like he's waiting for something to happen instead of going to get it.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Actually we'll see it when all the games are almost played. Babcock will get his.

Is this guy delusional or what?

 

[Wafflewhipper]

To this point the team has good possession and shot totals and mid pak goals against numbers. I seen some instinctive play materialize tonight. Its coming along finally.

I have to say this. Rielly doesn't look a like a elite skater. This kid needs to play harder to his strengths. The drive is not showing to me. I expected some progress in his game and its just not there. He hasn't regressed but he needs to start wheeling out of our own zone or its a talent unrealized with him and Gardiner also.

We have to start hitting these guys with speed leaving our zone. Maybe babs will set some plays for that in the reg season.

I seen way better structure and understanding from them tonight. No a problem with a loss when they work hard like this game.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

The overreactions of posters on here never cease to amaze me

 

[Wafflewhipper]

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

I seen that as a regular occurrence tonight also. Every game actually. No speed on the exit is the problem and their ice is clogged before they can get it going. They aren't moving the puck quick enough basically.

 

[TheProspector]

I didn't think Phaneuf had a good game, or is a good player to have as your #1 defenceman, but a little too much blame is being placed on a guy for having a pass in his feet get picked with the net empty.

 

[MapleLeaf]

I didn't think Phaneuf had a good game, or is a good player to have as your #1 defenceman, but a little too much blame is being placed on a guy for having a pass in his feet get picked with the net empty.

It's the STUPID retaliatory penalties that he's getting heat....not acceptable for a veteran and captain....very selfish.

 

[Woll Smoth]

They struggle out of their own zone and struggle to keep it in the opposition zone. Bad combination. They don't have the horses which is why Babcock called them one and done.
They didn't play bad tonight, there are just 20 better teams than them.

Name the 9 teams worse than the Leafs

I think more like 16 or 17.

Name the 12-13 teams worse than the Leafs

Actually closer to 27 or 28 teams.

Correct

Is this guy delusional or what?

Yes, most of his posts are cringe worthy

 

[shelf]

Arizona and New Jersey and maybe Carolina are the only teams that could be considered worse than the Leafs on paper.

 

[Ovate]

I thought Dion actually had a decent game, besides stupid penalties. He's being used effectively on the point, even though he didn't show up on the scoresheet.

Arcobello makes sense as the 2nd center on the PP, he's got good offensive instincts. Stepped into the faceoff circle when Kadri got kicked out and then scored that goal. Might even make sense for him to take the faceoffs, depending on what the gameplan is immediately after.

Rielly was our best player, and Gardiner had solid performance.

A bunch more of our players looked like the bottom six players that they are. Don't hold it against them, they never pretended to be more than that.

The Matthias-Bozak-Lupul line was really bad. Panik was also invisible.

 

[hockeywiz542]

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock addresses the media following Toronto's 4-2 pre-season loss to Detroit on Friday night.

[NHL]839719[/NHL]

 

[Rogie]

I thought Dion actually had a decent game, besides stupid penalties. He's being used effectively on the point, even though he didn't show up on the scoresheet.

Arcobello makes sense as the 2nd center on the PP, he's got good offensive instincts. Stepped into the faceoff circle when Kadri got kicked out and then scored that goal. Might even make sense for him to take the faceoffs, depending on what the gameplan is immediately after.

Rielly was our best player, and Gardiner had solid performance.

A bunch more of our players looked like the bottom six players that they are. Don't hold it against them, they never pretended to be more than that.

The Matthias-Bozak-Lupul line was really bad. Panik was also invisible.

Didn't Babcock say Bozak had his best game!

 

[dballislife2]

i havent noticed arcobello 5v5 all preseason...i thought he be abit better than what hes showed for sure

 

[Cor]

Sucks that Gardiner and Phaneuf played lousey tonight.

Now we'll never win the cup.....