You forgot Galchenyuk who probably has more natural talent than any Leafs center. It's a toss up with Montreal but it's still closer to being weak than it is strong.
- JohnFergusonJr

I think Kadri has just as much natural talent. I thought Nylander was a center as well just can play wing too

So last night Weber pushed Kessel around a bit after the whistle, and the next shift Orr took care of business. Kessel was left alone the rest of the game. Guess we don't want security for our star players. And don't tell me someone like Broll can fill that roll, because he can't.
- vermie22

Broll may not be able to do it but they need to bring in someone younger and better than Orr to do it.

If Frattin had been better, I'd see him taking Leivo's spot. Who knows, maybe he'll get a shot anyways.


Think there's any chance they break up the top line, and put Lupul back there?

I'd like to see that. People said I was crazy for mentioning it at the end of the season, but I've seen more people talking about it lately.
- Feeling Glucky?

I wouldn't mind seeing them experiment, though the time for doing that is almost over.

Speaking of broken-up top lines, it shocked the poop out of me to see how much stronger Bozak seemed to perform the other night when he didn't play with Kessel. (Yes, advanced stats say otherwise, and its just one game). But it seemed like he was more free-wheeling and getting in the slot, taking more shots and having some real success with it. He didn't have to always be looking for the pass to PK or having to make a high-speed tip in from his off side on the rush (the kind that JVR makes with ease, because he's a lefty).

All the talk about splitting up Kessel-Bozak is in regards to seeing Kessel perform better with a more skilled Center. Valid speculation, IMO. But who knows, we could also see an improvement in Bozak's game too.

I don't think it has ever happened that those two didn't play together when both were healthy. All the splits seem to be due to injuries

So last night Weber pushed Kessel around a bit after the whistle, and the next shift Orr took care of business. Kessel was left alone the rest of the game. Guess we don't want security for our star players. And don't tell me someone like Broll can fill that roll, because he can't.
- vermie22

Orr (frank)ing sucks at hockey though. That's gotta mean something

Orr (frank)ing sucks at hockey though. That's gotta mean something
- TheThrill

fits right in with the Leafs

I wouldn't mind seeing them experiment, though the time for doing that is almost over.

Speaking of broken-up top lines, it shocked the poop out of me to see how much stronger Bozak seemed to perform the other night when he didn't play with Kessel. (Yes, advanced stats say otherwise, and its just one game). But it seemed like he was more free-wheeling and getting in the slot, taking more shots and having some real success with it. He didn't have to always be looking for the pass to PK or having to make a high-speed tip in from his off side on the rush (the kind that JVR makes with ease, because he's a lefty).

All the talk about splitting up Kessel-Bozak is in regards to seeing Kessel perform better with a more skilled Center. Valid speculation, IMO. But who knows, we could also see an improvement in Bozak's game too.

I don't think it has ever happened that those two didn't play together when both were healthy. All the splits seem to be due to injuries
- TheThrill

I know, remember back when he first started, before playing with Kessel? Guy had slick hands and a good shot... playing with Kessel made him lazy... "just get the puck to phil"

He got away from that a bit last year, which is why he did better, IMO

Kontiola, Cervenka, Belov....how many of these khl "stars" have to come here and fail before people figure out they can't play the NHL style?

(frank)ing Boston!

Kontiola, Cervenka, Belov....how many of these khl "stars" have to come here and fail before people figure out they can't play the NHL style?
- ghostofRC

They can't all have success (before actually having success) like Sekac!

Broll may not be able to do it but they need to bring in someone younger and better than Orr to do it.
- TML60

That is a fair point, and I will concede that this is where the roll of players like Orr will be phased out. With new rules in CHL about fights and suspensions, there will be less and less guys coming up through the ranks that are just there for their pugnacity.

just be prepared for star players to be injured more and more...hell just look at this pre-season, and the daily growing list of injured players. Not saying guys like Orr would prevent all these incidents, but every year more liberties are taken and boundaries are pushed further.

So last night Weber pushed Kessel around a bit after the whistle, and the next shift Orr took care of business. Kessel was left alone the rest of the game. Guess we don't want security for our star players. And don't tell me someone like Broll can fill that roll, because he can't.
- vermie22

Took care of business?

They can't all have success (before actually having success) like Sekac!
- 1979AD

Sekac is an interesting case. he's much younger than guys like Kontiola and Belov and was most certainly not seen as a KHL star. maybe it doesn't work out but expectations for him here are pretty modest (top 9).

Sekac is an interesting case. he's much younger than guys like Kontiola and Belov and was most certainly not seen as a KHL star. maybe it doesn't work out but expectations for him here are pretty modest (top 9).
- DoubleDown

You sure? Cause that's not what I've heard.

Took care of business?
- burn

well he challenged Weber, and the tilt was pretty even. Weber is obviously a big guy. Felt he was playing with a chip and being pretty physical in the early stages of the game, and imo he was not nearly as physical or noticeable after that fight.

You sure? Cause that's not what I've heard.
- burn

thats the realistic expectations...

always some people who like to put players up from where they are:

Like Frattin

I haven't seen Kontiola play because of the fvcking blackouts here in MB. From what I've read on HB he hasn't done well. Down to the AHL or back to the KHL?
- TML60

He looks like he did in the KHL. A slow skater with massive finesse that can't do anything without time and space.

thats the realistic expectations...

always some people who like to put players up from where they are:

Like Frattin
- Lucas Neilson

Guilty.

I honestly thought he would come back and be the same player he was when he left.

A real man admits when he was wrong

Kontiola, Cervenka, Belov....how many of these khl "stars" have to come here and fail before people figure out they can't play the NHL style?
- ghostofRC

I'm still waiting for Sergei Mozyakin to show up. He's better than those three clowns and would still be a flop.

At least Radulov came in, kicked ass and did so much coke he couldn't tell a Tit twin from the other.

well he challenged Weber, and the tilt was pretty even. Weber is obviously a big guy. Felt he was playing with a chip and being pretty physical in the early stages of the game, and imo he was not nearly as physical or noticeable after that fight.
- vermie22

Any number of plugs could fight guys and not beat them if that's the case... I don't buy that.

Any number of plugs could fight guys and not beat them if that's the case... I don't buy that.
- burn

but then they are still just plugs.

Guilty.

I honestly thought he would come back and be the same player he was when he left.

A real man admits when he was wrong
- TheThrill

I admit when I'm wrong.


Its just that it is an extremely rare occurrence....

but then they are still just plugs.
- vermie22

I'd rather have Broll or Devane (Or even Carrick) playing that "plug" role than broken down, useless tit Orr

Bruised foot? Great character culture change bringing in a bunch of soft as slime cream puffs that can't play through bruises and lace bite and getting their ass kicked and eye dotted

What a (frank)ing joke

edit how did nylander look?

Edit nice alliteration

I'd rather have Broll or Devane (Or even Carrick) playing that "plug" role than broken down, useless tit Orr
- TheThrill

I will say that none of those guys are going to make a difference to your win/loss column. Even playing 10-12 minutes a night.

Bruised foot? Great character culture change bringing in a bunch of soft as slime cream puffs that can't play through bruises and lace bite and getting their ass kicked and eye dotted

What a (frank)ing joke

edit how did nylander look?

Edit nice alliteration
- Skalapy

get out there and block a 100mph slapshot with your foot, then come back and tell us