Muzzin looked more engaged offensively as well last night. Shocking how different this team can be based on one game. A lot was adrenaline, a lot was just doing the little things with more commitment, but you could see them swarming, rotating d in deep... there was definitely a strategy/philosophy change there. Probably helpful that a lot of these guys played with Keefe before, but they are pros and experienced/skilled enough to adapt quickly.It looks like Babcock never wanted him the same way he didn't asked for Muzzin last year...glad he's gone.
Barrie can do EXACTLY as much to the leefs as EK65 did for the sharks.
You first need a real defensive d to pair up with a guy like that, otherwise the results will be horrendous.
Muzzin?
As long as its someone who understands that Barrie wants a 9M+ contract and has to concentrate on offense to get that.
Even if you are a stereotypical canadian alphamale, like he obviously is, getting a 5-10g defensive role season would drop his value instantly to 6-7M... Plus it isn't even clear if he CAN play a defensive role like that, since his career has lots of negative seasons. I have no idea who he should pair up with, since I dont know the D. Maybe Holl or Dermott since they have high plusminus without producing much anything. Ceci could also be good since he's decent plusminus and personally knows the EK65 & Marc Methot combo that really dominated the league. It's just someone has to actually do the dirty work.
Yea don’t think anyone was more happy to see Babcock, other then Matthews.He was so much better at both ends of the ice last night than at any point this season.
Coincidence? I think not.
Well, there was only one Leafs home opener and one chance for Spezza to skate out in front of his home crowd and family and friends
That was disgraceful to be honest. It was embarrassing to have a coach like that. Good riddance!Well, there was only one Leafs home opener and one chance for Spezza to skate out in front of his home crowd and family and friends
So... just to reiterate... Barrie isn't useless after all??
**** me did I ever get lambasted when I tried putting any blame on the coach about Barrie's play
OK OK you were were right.....naw shaddap about it. no one likes a sore winner!
So... just to reiterate... Barrie isn't useless after all??
**** me did I ever get lambasted when I tried putting any blame on the coach about Barrie's play
I'm far from right dude, I could be woefully wrong when all's said and done.
It just annoys me to no end how quickly this fanbase is ready to write off defensemen, ESPECIALLY the ones in the Barrie/Gardiner mold.
Interesting ice time distribution, Barrie just under 16 minutes, fifth for D. Ceci lead all d men with 27.
I'm far from right dude, I could be woefully wrong when all's said and done.
It just annoys me to no end how quickly this fanbase is ready to write off defensemen, ESPECIALLY the ones in the Barrie/Gardiner mold.