Northernguy10
Registered User
Despite our record here is why I think the Leafs might struggle to make the playoffs... 1) Getting the puck out of their own zone. I believe their are two main reasons for this, one being the fact that the forwards are usually too far ahead of the play forcing the defence to try and make passes under pressure through too many opponents . Secondly when we are back in our own zone we lose far too many puck battles...2) Our defence is too soft and/or inexperienced...3) Fanatical line matching reduces our ability to forecheck consistently and be in position defensively in our own zone and have a flow to our game...4) Not having a 4th line capable of playing 8-10 minutes a game which causes more fatigue to the other 9 forwards which adds up over an 82 game schedule and into the playoffs (assuming we get there). In my opinion reducing these weaknesses added to our strengths, which are opportunistic scoring, special teams and a great goalie tandem, could improve us tremendously. Some of these problems are coaching related. Some are personnel related....Thoughts?