I brought it up, I did the math. And yes Giguerre is in there too. Jesus. Thanks for making me feel redundant.

Personally I was impressed by their record with Reimer in goal, one of the reasons why I like him, and I thought it was a great counter to the whole Dubnyk plays behind a pooptier defense. What I find even more funny is at the same time that Oilhab says we have a better defense, he still manages to say we have a poopty defense. Like he's arguing for the sake of arguing and saying two conflicting things. But thanks for ripping MY OBSERVATION and likening me to Howard Berger.
- mykokes

Just thought it was irrelevant, those numbers are from a complete different team, and 2nd rate back ups, I take the Howard Berger thing back, your more of a Steve Simmons type guy

Just thought it was irrelevant, those numbers are from a complete different team, and 2nd rate back ups, I take the Howard Berger thing back, your more of a Steve Simmons type guy
- poohcrumbs

Bruce, ban this guy. That's the worst insult of all time.

Leaf fans think back 6 years ago when a team with Stajan, Blake, Stempniak, etc. would hammer the opposition with shots directly into the opposing goalie's chest rush after rush, but score little and lose lots. I think Roloson had a 55 save shutout against them one night.

Was anyone thinking "Man, we're outshooting our opponents so much it's only a matter of time before the pucks start going in and the wins pile up."? I didn't think so. Then why should we be so concerned about consistently getting outshot but winning?

Leaf fans think back 6 years ago when a team with Stajan, Blake, Stempniak, etc. would hammer the opposition with shots directly into the opposing goalie's chest rush after rush, but score little and lose lots. I think Roloson had a 55 save shutout against them one night.

Was anyone thinking "Man, we're outshooting our opponents so much it's only a matter of time before the pucks start going in and the wins pile up."? I didn't think so. Then should we be so concerned about consistently getting outshot but winning?
- 1979AD

This post wins.

I brought it up, I did the math. And yes Giguerre is in there too. Jesus. Thanks for making me feel redundant.

Personally I was impressed by their record with Reimer in goal, one of the reasons why I like him, and I thought it was a great counter to the whole Dubnyk plays behind a pooptier defense. What I find even more funny is at the same time that Oilhab says we have a better defense, he still manages to say we have a poopty defense. Like he's arguing for the sake of arguing and saying two conflicting things. But thanks for ripping MY OBSERVATION and likening me to Howard Berger.
- mykokes

Watch an Oiler game, their team defense stinks worse then a leaf defense that is wearing down opponents and keeping all their shots on the perimeter.

thats not a fear for me.. its wishful thinking
- Dozzer

hold on dozzer I'm coming with you

* jumps *

Oh Colin. I'm disappointed in you! Did you actually watch the game, or just study the boxscore/stats sheets?

The Leafs were clearly the better team in this game. The shot totals were ridiculous in the 1st because the Leafs were shorthanded 4 times. They still finished the period with the lead because they have FINISHERS. The Wild had tons of shots in this game, but not many solid chances (2 breakaways notwithstanding).

Why do you keep acting surprised that the Leafs give their opponents tons of easy to save shots, while holding a high shooting percentage because the shots they take are largely on dangerous scoring opportunities? This isn't new; it's been happening since the start of last season, and will continue to happen.

They need to limit those boneheaded breakaway gifts, and Reimer needs to figure out how to stifle a rebound or two, but overall the Leafs defensive play last night wasn't that bad.
- 1979AD

I write the blogs for comments just as these, sir!

I watched every minute of the game and the Leafs were outplayed in the first period by quite a margin. The Wild cycled the puck very well against the Leafs in their end and Toronto had a rough time moving the puck up without it ending up on the stick of a Wild player.

It wasnt until the 2nd period that they tightened their defense a little and started to play much better systemically, and while they had less penalties during those 20 minutes, their play improved either way. I hope that most of who follow my blogs have known by now that I do not place a large amount of credence in advance stats, but discuss them just the same to point out areas of strengths and weaknessess.

Having such a large shot differential will not result in too many wins, but as I mentioned their blocks and hits helped in that regard as they were able to stop shots coming from better scoring opportunities.

But like I said, good points and good observations!

Watch an Oiler game, their team defense stinks worse then a leaf defense that is wearing down opponents and keeping all their shots on the perimeter.
- Oilhab

But it wasn;t like that under Ronnie, and Reimer was still winning games back then. See my point? Plus I thought you said our team defense was crap?

IMO Reimer is better than Dubnyk. And I do watch Oiler games.

But it wasn;t like that under Ronnie, and Reimer was still winning games back then. See my point? Plus I thought you said our team defense was crap?
- mykokes

Not today

This post wins.
- mykokes

We got outshot last night, but I think we pretty much played how we needed to play. Sure the 17 shots in the 1st period makes it look like we were dominated but from the game I watched ( drinking and playing guitar at the same time) I thought we played one of our better games. Other than the Dion gaffe and a couple other little defense mistakes - Minny didn't have many scoring chances.

Nothing better than having the lead and throwing McClement/Bolland/Bozak out on the ice for important draws (frank) they could be a great line

Bruce, ban this guy. That's the worst insult of all time.
- mykokes

well.. Colin does still need to come downtown and have a beer with me.. so maybe i'll let it slide

reimer + gardiner + kulemin = eberle +3rd
- big_dion

I have to say this isn't needed. Eberle is amazing, but we could use a defender a little more. That said, in truth, I don't see a glaring need. At this point it's up to the team and the coaching staff to hammer out some regiment to address out shots against.

Leaf fans think back 6 years ago when a team with Stajan, Blake, Stempniak, etc. would hammer the opposition with shots directly into the opposing goalie's chest rush after rush, but score little and lose lots. I think Roloson had a 55 save shutout against them one night.

Was anyone thinking "Man, we're outshooting our opponents so much it's only a matter of time before the pucks start going in and the wins pile up."? I didn't think so. Then why should we be so concerned about consistently getting outshot but winning?
- 1979AD

Though I agree with what you're getting at, you should not ignore being outshot 37-14...those margins are far too great. But you are right, as I said, the Leafs have been doing very well at blocking the higher quality shots and allowing the lesser ones through for Reimer/Bernier to stop dead. But if they continue to give away the puck as much as they have been and or allowing a high number of shots, its hard to argue otherwise that it wont catch up to them.

Had it not been for Reimer stopping those two quality chances when the game was only seperated by one goal, it could have turned things around and ended up poorly. Reimer bailed the Leafs out several times last night, as Bernier was doing before. Theres improvements needed here.

Great blog Colin, thanks.

I write the blogs for comments just as these, sir!

I watched every minute of the game and the Leafs were outplayed in the first period by quite a margin. The Wild cycled the puck very well against the Leafs in their end and Toronto had a rough time moving the puck up without it ending up on the stick of a Wild player.

It wasnt until the 2nd period that they tightened their defense a little and started to play much better systemically, and while they had less penalties during those 20 minutes, their play improved either way. I hope that most of who follow my blogs have known by now that I do not place a large amount of credence in advance stats, but discuss them just the same to point out areas of strengths and weaknessess.

Having such a large shot differential will not result in too many wins, but as I mentioned their blocks and hits helped in that regard as they were able to stop shots coming from better scoring opportunities.

But like I said, good points and good observations!
- Colin Dambrauskas

You were supposed to take offense, get all pissed off and then we could get all sarcastic with each other escalating to ad hominem attacks which would result in me getting banned.

But since you insist on a civilized exchange, I'll take a game like that over a game like they played vs Edmonton any day. Edmonton had many more quality scoring opportunities, but less SOG than Minnesota did. At least the constant in both games were that the Leafs forwards were deadly with their chances.

well.. Colin does still need to come downtown and have a beer with me.. so maybe i'll let it slide
- Dozzer

It wasnt directed at me lol....but how about tomorrow?

I write the blogs for comments just as these, sir!

I watched every minute of the game and the Leafs were outplayed in the first period by quite a margin. The Wild cycled the puck very well against the Leafs in their end and Toronto had a rough time moving the puck up without it ending up on the stick of a Wild player.

It wasnt until the 2nd period that they tightened their defense a little and started to play much better systemically, and while they had less penalties during those 20 minutes, their play improved either way. I hope that most of who follow my blogs have known by now that I do not place a large amount of credence in advance stats, but discuss them just the same to point out areas of strengths and weaknessess.

Having such a large shot differential will not result in too many wins, but as I mentioned their blocks and hits helped in that regard as they were able to stop shots coming from better scoring opportunities.

But like I said, good points and good observations!
- Colin Dambrauskas

4 pp's in the 1st will make it look like they were outplayed for sure. I would

hope Minny would be able to sustain some pressure playing 5 on 4 for 8-10 mins/period.

Love your blogs - love to tear them apart

Leafs D looked much improved again - rebounds cleared - Kadri coming back to help...his defensive play near the end is just as good as a goal, I would hope Carlyle would be giving him a nice pat on the back after that shift ( I wish Reimer would get the same Velcro jersey that Bernier has )

Great blog Colin, thanks.
- A_Tree

Thanks, glad you liked it!

4 pp's in the 1st will make it look like they were outplayed for sure. I would

hope Minny would be able to sustain some pressure playing 5 on 4 for 8-10 mins/period.

Love your blogs - love to tear them apart

Leafs D looked much improved again - rebounds cleared - Kadri coming back to help...his defensive play near the end is just as good as a goal, I would hope Carlyle would be giving him a nice pat on the back after that shift ( I wish Reimer would get the same Velcro jersey that Bernier has )
- Garnie

...its the bugs bunny water, Im telling ya!

Though I agree with what you're getting at, you should not ignore being outshot 37-14...those margins are far too great. But you are right, as I said, the Leafs have been doing very well at blocking the higher quality shots and allowing the lesser ones through for Reimer/Bernier to stop dead. But if they continue to give away the puck as much as they have been and or allowing a high number of shots, its hard to argue otherwise that it wont catch up to them.

Had it not been for Reimer stopping those two quality chances when the game was only seperated by one goal, it could have turned things around and ended up poorly. Reimer bailed the Leafs out several times last night, as Bernier was doing before. Theres improvements needed here.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I'm much more concerned with 2 breakaways than 37 shots against.

Though I agree with what you're getting at, you should not ignore being outshot 37-14...those margins are far too great. But you are right, as I said, the Leafs have been doing very well at blocking the higher quality shots and allowing the lesser ones through for Reimer/Bernier to stop dead. But if they continue to give away the puck as much as they have been and or allowing a high number of shots, its hard to argue otherwise that it wont catch up to them.

Had it not been for Reimer stopping those two quality chances when the game was only seperated by one goal, it could have turned things around and ended up poorly. Reimer bailed the Leafs out several times last night, as Bernier was doing before. Theres improvements needed here.
- Colin Dambrauskas

gotcha..see you didn't watch the game, only Reimer played

Leaf fans think back 6 years ago when a team with Stajan, Blake, Stempniak, etc. would hammer the opposition with shots directly into the opposing goalie's chest rush after rush, but score little and lose lots. I think Roloson had a 55 save shutout against them one night.

Was anyone thinking "Man, we're outshooting our opponents so much it's only a matter of time before the pucks start going in and the wins pile up."? I didn't think so. Then why should we be so concerned about consistently getting outshot but winning?
- 1979AD

It does need to be address when the margin is hanging around 2:1. The opposition may not be talking quality shots, but the fact is the Leafs should try to keep that number at least 1.5:1.

It does need to be address when the margin is hanging around 2:1. The opposition may not be talking quality shots, but the fact is the Leafs should try to keep that number at least 1.5:1.
- A_Tree

I must have got drunk easy last night ( 4 beers )

It didn't seem the leafs got outshot by that much to be honest.

I thought it was a pretty solid game.

Maybe I should go rewatch it

I'm much more concerned with 2 breakaways than 37 shots against.
- 1979AD

I think those two facets are related.

...its the bugs bunny water, Im telling ya!
- Colin Dambrauskas

sorry Colin