Im really starting to think that is actually going on.
- Jimmy_wiener

That would be freaking awesome if Nonis basically went to the board and said that there was no way they could win, and very little chance they would make the playoffs and we should tank subtly, in the shortened season.

Perhaps if van Riemsdyk gets the puck, he could give it back to Kessel in what is known as a give and go play so that Kessel is not only closer to the net when he shoots but also has fewer defenders in his way when he does it.

If that isn't possible, get the puck deep, cycle the puck with Bozak and van Riemsdyk and create a shot from 10 feet out instead of 50.

But that's just basic hockey.
- Two_For_Truth

Bozak can't cycle the puck.

But I know - he's great at faceoffs.

Schneider is our guy. Everybody in Van knows what Luongo is capable of. He's a great goalie but Schneider is the future. He holds more value to us. His save % takes a hit because of his first game. He actually has a 932 % over his last three games. Luongo deserved his starts though, he's played really well. Id be surprised if he starts next game. He usually gets lit in Minnesota.

That would be freaking awesome if Nonis basically went to the board and said that there was no way they could win, and very little chance they would make the playoffs and we should tank subtly, in the shortened season.
- Aetherial

Does he really need a meeting to announce this to the board?

Wouldn't it just be easier to send them a VHS tape of last night's game?

What's the other option for Kessel entering the zone with Bozak trailing 40 feet behind?

Get a cycle going 1-on-3? "Drive the net"? Please, share your wisdom with Phil Kessel. I'm sure he needs your advice on how to score goals in the NHL.
- Leeman4Gilmour

Yes, because creating and sustaining offensive zone pressure is just too much to ask for.

Much better to keep shooting from 40 feet out and hoping the goalie makes a mistake.

Does he really need a meeting to announce this to the board?

Wouldn't it just be easier to send them a VHS tape of last night's game?
- Atomic Wedgie

Ek receives trade suggestions on VHS tapes.
and by fax
and teletype

Does he really need a meeting to announce this to the board?

Wouldn't it just be easier to send them a VHS tape of last night's game?
- Atomic Wedgie

Just the clip of Jeff Skinner knocking a 6'4" Cody Franson off the puck like he's Matt Stajan with a broken leg.

And in walks in another one
- faceto27

In comes another one?... Take a look in the mirror my friend.

Anyways,

You think Kessel battles for pucks?... Seriously?

Battling for a pick is getting in the corner and throwing your weight around... not sitting on the side wall hopinf 5'2 bozak can fish it out.

Bozak can't cycle the puck.

But I know - he's great at faceoffs.
- Atomic Wedgie

Bozak does better cycling than he does off the rush. And so does van Riemsdyk.

If those guys can't do it, then get Kadri and Frattin with Kessel so at least you have three guys who can handle the speed and skill of a rush.

And in walks in another one
- faceto27

Are you saying Kessel is a battler in the corners and in the dirty areas?
Or that he is good defensively?

Yes, because creating and sustaining offensive zone pressure is just too much to ask for.

Much better to keep shooting from 40 feet out and hoping the goalie makes a mistake.
- Two_For_Truth

Tell you what, Uggie. Tonight's game, make a little journal of every shot Kessel takes and explain what he should have done differently.

I'm not kidding. Actually try doing that, then come back here. Maybe the Leafs will give you a job as an assistant coach.

That would be freaking awesome if Nonis basically went to the board and said that there was no way they could win, and very little chance they would make the playoffs and we should tank subtly, in the shortened season.
- Aetherial

Is there any other way to rationalize why they have a bottom pairing of Holzer and Fraser? Komi sitting in the press box.

Phaneuf playing his off side while paired up with Kotska doing mins. that only someone along the line of a Pronger or Lindstrom should be playing.

Give the appearance that you are trying to win, yet make defense pairings and line combos that will severly dampen your chances of winning.

The subtle tank

you know what this team is really missing? its heart and determination to win. (frank) do any of you remember the days that gilmour carried this team. Even if there opponent was better dougie put the team on his shoulder and made it an exciting and hard working team with a determination to win. Name someone on our roster that plays like that cause its definately not dion. He skates so casually out there like where the (frank) is the urgancy in his game and leadership to get these guys going. we might be outclassed on most nights but put up a fight

What I want to know... and this has probably been pointed out... Why the F was frattin not getting consistent playing time on the power play? Kulemin was playing over him.

Are you saying Kessel is a battler in the corners and in the dirty areas?
Or that he is good defensively?
- Davey_Crockett

Kessel is a goal scorer. His battle is to try and score. He does this every night.

What does Bozak do?? Shows up at the faceoff circle and then????????

What I want to know... and this has probably been pointed out... Why the F was frattin not getting consistent playing time on the power play? Kulemin was playing over him.
- Lee Denault

The subtle tank

Bozak does better cycling than he does off the rush. And so does van Riemsdyk.

- Two_For_Truth

And I play the saxaphone better than I play the violin.

Although I've never actually played the saxaphone...

If those guys can't do it,...

- Two_For_Truth

Suddenly, the room fell silent. There was an awkward pause...

then get Kadri and Frattin with Kessel so at least you have three guys who can handle the speed and skill of a rush.
- Two_For_Truth

Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding.

Is there any other way to rationalize why they have a bottom pairing of Holzer and Fraser? Komi sitting in the press box.

Phaneuf playing his off side while paired up with Kotska doing mins. that only someone along the line of a Pronger or Lindstrom should be playing.

Give the appearance that you are trying to win, yet make defense pairings and line combos that will severly dampen your chances of winning.

The subtle tank
- faceto27

Well Komi would not be much improvement.

If Gardiner and Gunnar were healthy and in shape, they would be playing.

I doubt there is any tanking going on, as much as I wish there was.

Kessel is a goal scorer. His battle is to try and score. He does this every night.

What does Bozak do?? Shows up at the faceoff circle and then????????
- faceto27

....That has nothing to do with battling for a puck. Absolutely nothing.

Good day sir. I can foresee this conversation to be a waste of time.

In comes another one... give me a break

Battles for a puck = battles to try and score.

Kessel is a goal scorer. His battle is to try and score. He does this every night.

What does Bozak do?? Shows up at the faceoff circle and then????????
- faceto27

Okay then I agree with you. Kessel IS desperately trying to score. Bozak and jvr are the battlers on that line. They just don't have the mean streak to be consistantly good at it

Tell you what, Uggie. Tonight's game, make a little journal of every shot Kessel takes and explain what he should have done differently.

I'm not kidding. Actually try doing that, then come back here. Maybe the Leafs will give you a job as an assistant coach.
- Leeman4Gilmour

Two problems with that idea:

I don't think the Leafs own any Beckers convenience stores; and I think the actual position is assistant manager.

The subtle tank
- faceto27

i doubt carlyle wants to lose his job

Well Komi would not be much improvement.

If Gardiner and Gunnar were healthy and in shape, they would be playing.

I doubt there is any tanking going on, as much as I wish there was.
- Aetherial

A concussed Gardiner is head and shoulders better than Holzer and Fraser.

Komi, has actually been fairly decent this year.

you know what this team is really missing? its heart and determination to win. (frank) do any of you remember the days that gilmour carried this team. Even if there opponent was better dougie put the team on his shoulder and made it an exciting and hard working team with a determination to win. Name someone on our roster that plays like that cause its definately not dion. He skates so casually out there like where the (frank) is the urgancy in his game and leadership to get these guys going. we might be outclassed on most nights but put up a fight
- meatball21

Zero heart.

It has been a problem for years. It starts with having a sh1tty captain.

A concussed Gardiner is head and shoulders better than Holzer and Fraser.

Komi, has actually been fairly decent this year.
- faceto27