I've wondered often why the Leafs can't go with a different look on their PP and at even strength. I mean most of the chances JVR/Kessel generate together are on the PP, but at even strength, they're often not very effective.

so even strength: Lupul/Bozak/Kessel
PP: JVR/Kadri/Kessel......or JVR/Bozak/Kessel.....

Just an observation

Easy answer: 4th line.

If Nonis does manage to swing a trade for a #1 centre by sending a bunch of lesser parts, Komarov can go up to the 3rd line (whatever line that is in Carlyle's system - but you know what I mean - the line that checks and isn't relied on to score).

But the guy skates around and hits. That's great, but it doesn't make him a valuable part of the team. He is what he is, and that isn't as much as some Leafs fans seem to think.
- Atomic Wedgie

He looks pretty good with the puck as well though. The guy can make some plays happen with his feet and the way he works on the boards and down low.

Lupul Kadri Frattin.... That's music to my ears.
- A_Tree

That is a very good second line. Right up there in the Eastern conference in terms of scoring potential.

I always felt that if Kessel would man up he could be a Pat Lafontaine type centre---which would in theory solve the whole #1 centre bullpoop----but Kessel's never wanted that role. Maybe Frenchie will correct me and say he never played centre in his life, but I do believe that's where the whole American Sidney Crosby poop came from way back when.
- mykokes

He did play centre as a kid.

In fact, I think he was drafted as a centre.

To the Googles!

Okay big question:

Frattin or MacArthur?
- A_Tree

Frattin, take the axe to MacArthur.

I've always felt Mac's just the product of his line... He's doing ok beside Kadri, but I don't think he adds anything.

The Mac'n the USSR line doesn't work anymore because that's our primary shut-down line. I think over 60% of their starts are in the defensive zone, and he's not a defensive player.

The straight up USSR line is much better at that role.

He did play centre as a kid.

In fact, I think he was drafted as a centre.

To the Googles!
- Atomic Wedgie

The other thing with Kessel is that, on the rush he is usually darting down the right side, but once the Leafs have control in the offensive zone, it appears to me you will find him more on the left side of the rink.

He did play centre as a kid.

In fact, I think he was drafted as a centre.

To the Googles!
- Atomic Wedgie

I'm pretty certain of it too, but he's never wanted to be one in the NHL. Its a pity, the way he controls the entry into the zone, and can playmake with the best of them, he rather be Pat Lafontaine in NY as opposed to Pat Lafontaine in Buffalo.

I've got one too ....still trying to figure the (frank)er out. Recommend any of those Henry's courses??
- The Law

I've never taken one, so I don't know how good they are...

Just play with it, ask questions online.


Pretty much every course you've ever had to pay for is available as an internet tutorial now, anyways.

Thank you.

I'm really hoping I win the Eksy Award this year.
- Atomic Wedgie

What was the comment?

Frattin, take the axe to MacArthur.

I've always felt Mac's just the product of his line... He's doing ok beside Kadri, but I don't think he adds anything.

The Mac'n the USSR line doesn't work anymore because that's our primary shut-down line. I think over 60% of their starts are in the defensive zone, and he's not a defensive player.

The straight up USSR line is much better at that role.
- Feeling Glucky?

Been watching the Marlies closely, Gardiner and Colborne are in the pipeline to be first callups (depending on need), coach Lou has carefully and with due diligence, recommends this.

The other thing with Kessel is that, on the rush he is usually darting down the right side, but once the Leafs have control in the offensive zone, it appears to me you will find him more on the left side of the rink.
- faceto27

yea, kinda funny how that works.

Lately, I've been surprised by how well he's doing with the cycle game. Never expected it, tbh.

Been watching the Marlies closely, Gardiner and Colborne are in the pipeline to be first callups (depending on need), coach Lou has carefully and with due diligence, recommend this.
- LeafMan

I hear Gardiner especially has been dominating down there. It certainly appears that Nonnis sooner rather than later needs to make a trade to create space for Frattin, Lupul and Gardiner.

Yes.

Consult the truculometer.
- Atomic Wedgie

A fourth line that RC could give a few more minutes to would be awesome - especially with this crazy schedule.

I'm really digging this Leafs team...

Been watching the Marlies closely, Gardiner and Colborne are in the pipeline to be first callups (depending on need), coach Lou has carefully and with due diligence, recommend this.
- LeafMan

Seems like Colborne needs to be the guy to be good.


I hope Nonis is patient with the guy... as we're seeing with JVR, big guys just need longer to get going.

Colborne could wind up being a good center yet.

I think Kessel was a center throughout his development and junior careers. Yes the year he was drafted, there were some who put him ahead of Crosby, and at the least has him rated second behind Crosby.
- faceto27

Here's a funny one for you: hockeydb lists him as a centre.

I'm really digging this Leafs team...
- Flyfreaky

Honest opinion. At this point, who has won the trade?

Here's a funny one for you: hockeydb lists him as a centre.
- Atomic Wedgie

TSN has him as a C/RW or did at one time.

A fourth line that RC could give a few more minutes to would be awesome - especially with this crazy schedule.
- Your_Mom

Mclaren looks like he can play some hockey, he had a solid streak of shifts where he was getting a shot and a scoring chance.

Honest opinion. At this point, who has won the trade?
- faceto27

I'd still say the Bruins...

I think Kessel was a center throughout his development and junior careers. Yes the year he was drafted, there were some who put him ahead of Crosby, and at the least has him rated second behind Crosby.
- faceto27

He was called the American Crosby, the year Crosby was drafted. People thought he'd continue to progress at the same rate going into his draft year, so they said he might be better than Sid. He didn't meet expectations, and fell to 5th.

They may try it out, but I doubt it. Why mess with a good thing.
- A_Tree

Well one of the good things Kessel/Lupul or Kessel/JVR needs to change. I agree that maybe you protect the latest good thing and keep JVR with Phil. I also like the sounds of Kadri, JVR and Frattin

Seems like Colborne needs to be the guy to be good.


I hope Nonis is patient with the guy... as we're seeing with JVR, big guys just need longer to get going.

Colborne could wind up being a good center yet.
- Feeling Glucky?

I don't see where Colborne would fit with this team. He is not fast enough to keep pace with Kessel and JVR or Lupes. And Kadri is better than him as a 2C.

I'd still say the Bruins...
- Flyfreaky

Hamilton's really shifting it their way. 8 points in 14 gp for a 19 year d-man is pretty solid.

I'd still say the Bruins...
- Flyfreaky

I dunno... Kaberle is pretty good... but i'd say we won that one getting a first and second