Yup. The first part of the game the Leafs looked like a dead team going through the motions. After Phaneuf pounded Schenn it gave them jump and they outplayed the Flyers most of the game.
- PLindbergh31

I didn't like the response at all from the Flyers after the fight.

Damn.

Zach Kassian has scored already. I would have taken a chance on him. Rather have him playing in the lineup over guys like White, Umberger and Vandevelde.

I didn't like the response at all from the Flyers after the fight.
- landros 2

I didn't like the fight at all. Schenn is a lousy fighter and he's getting paid to generate offense, not to get his ass kicked.

I didn't like the fight at all. Schenn is a lousy fighter and he's getting paid to generate offense, not to get his ass kicked.
- BiggE

I was at a game a couple years ago...an afternoon game against the Devils...and Kovelchuck decked him with one punch...I remember thinking then that this guy really need's to keep his gloves on.

Do we assume Nuveirth is in net tomorrow?

Mason wasn't the issue, just asking?
- Pelle31Forever

You know though that is the one thing that bugs me about Mason. I know he played well but damn your goalie needs to have that covered. No way Polak should be able to push that under you.

The top goalies don't allow that in a game where your team is struggling.

So bring on the hate as I know I will get pummeled. For some reason I am just not a Mason fan.

Any questions? I'm going to the gym.
- Giroux_Is_God

How much do you bench press?

Yup. The first part of the game the Leafs looked like a dead team going through the motions. After Phaneuf pounded Schenn it gave them jump and they outplayed the Flyers most of the game.
- PLindbergh31

I think it's been since cote since we have seen such a punching bag in the lineup.

Last night's game is a good example of why I think they aren't a playoff team this year.

I'd like to know what Laughton's waiver status is.

Even if he is eligible for waivers I have no problem keeping him here.
I'd try him with Bellemere and VDV/White and have the coaches emphasize his role as a checking line player. He needs to learn to play defense well in this league if he is going to make it. This is a good season for him to take his lumps and improve. They aren't yet as a team real contenders. I think 4th line minutes and PK time in the NHL are a fine way to learn to defend at this level. Once he gets the two way D down he could be given a bigger role.

I don't think more time in the AHL is necessarily better for Laughton.
I do think playing with RJU is not helping things.

I think it's been since cote since we have seen such a punching bag in the lineup.
- Just5

You are forgetting this guy!!!!

I'd like to know what Laughton's waiver status is.

Even if he is eligible for waivers I have no problem keeping him here.
I'd try him with Bellemere and VDV/White and have the coaches emphasize his role as a checking line player. He needs to learn to play defense well in this league if he is going to make it. This is a good season for him to take his lumps and improve. They aren't yet as a team real contenders. I think 4th line minutes and PK time in the NHL are a fine way to learn to defend at this level. Once he gets the two way D down he could be given a bigger role.

I don't think more time in the AHL is necessarily better for Laughton.
I do think playing with RJU is not helping things.
- Marc D

I agree. I'd like to see him away from RJ. Some pp time and have him at around 12 mins a game.

I'd like to know what Laughton's waiver status is.
- Marc D

https://www.hockeyscap.co...calculator/scott_laughton

Last night's game is a good example of why I think they aren't a playoff team this year.
- Scoob

I don't know. Even as bad as they were last night, they were a poopty last second bounce off of a defenseman away from salvaging a point.

Last year, I don't think this game is even that close. I'm not sure that makes them a playoff team, but I think they are closer than they were last year.

The Leafs lack high end talent and their position in the standings poorly reflects it, but this is a very well coached team. Resilient and relentless, as good as Toronto has looked since Pat Quinn.

Flyers top 6 and top 4 were solid. The depth was out of its league. While Toronto doesn't have the big line they rarely have lines outmatched rolling shorts shifts. Polak and Matthias would be nice deadline depth additions 😉.
- Blazed

No question about it. The Leafs check very well, and they hard.

I'd like to know what Laughton's waiver status is.

Even if he is eligible for waivers I have no problem keeping him here.
I'd try him with Bellemere and VDV/White and have the coaches emphasize his role as a checking line player. He needs to learn to play defense well in this league if he is going to make it. This is a good season for him to take his lumps and improve. They aren't yet as a team real contenders. I think 4th line minutes and PK time in the NHL are a fine way to learn to defend at this level. Once he gets the two way D down he could be given a bigger role.

I don't think more time in the AHL is necessarily better for Laughton.
I do think playing with RJU is not helping things.
- Marc D

Right now I feel like White, Umberger and Vandevelde are not needed. I know vandevelde kills penalties but Raffl can fill that roll too.

Those three seem to give you really nothing that is generating chances. Even their defensive play has been suspect and that is what they are sold has. defensively responsible players.

Character can't be defined by one loss....It's the next game that will show what this team is made of.....Win or Lose their compete level and FOCUS must be better...worst game of the year for turnovers, at least by the naked eye. These games happen, but It's the response from the players and the coaching that interests me about the next game.
- landros 2

The Flyers simply weren't sharp, and didn't execute well from the top of the roster on down. Poor individual play, and sloppy in coverage and with the puck. Agree on the next game. Only caveat is that it is against the Pens, who they always get up for.

Voracek-Giroux-Weal
Read-Couturier-Schenn
Raffl-Bellemare-Simmonds
VdV-Laughton-White
Umberger

We can't keep rolling out two 4th lines. If the coach hates Weal, call up Gagner.

Right now I feel like White, Umberger and Vandevelde are not needed. I know vandevelde kills penalties but Raffl can fill that roll too.

Those three seem to give you really nothing that is generating chances. Even their defensive play has been suspect and that is what they are sold has. defensively responsible players.
- J35Bacher

PEB played like crap for a significant portion of the game last night too

PEB played like crap for a significant portion of the game last night too
- YuenglingJagr

Agree.

He had the turnover on the goal that got disallowed I believe.

I'm happy with Gudas overall this season, but that was a really bad, unnecessary icing. Very Grossmann-like.
- Feanor

Nothing to do with Grossmann, but it's a bad play. Hard to complain about what they've gotten from Gudas this season. Every player has an occasional bad game, or bad play. Life as a defenseman.

Voracek-Giroux-Weal
Read-Couturier-Schenn
Raffl-Bellemare-Simmonds
VdV-Laughton-White
Umberger

We can't keep rolling out two 4th lines. If the coach hates Weal, call up Gagner.
- Feanor

I would rather just put Gagner in Umberbergers spot

Last night's game is a good example of why I think they aren't a playoff team this year.
- Scoob

I'd agree. Even with the new coach, they still play down to competition. Last night is only one game, and they have been playing well, but you can't routinely piss away points like that and expect to get into the dance. I want them to make it, just don't think they can when you know they will lose points like this for the rest of the year.

This is where not having a Chris Pronger or Kimmo Timonen really hurts.
- BiggE

Had the same inconsistent issues when Pronger and Timonen were around.

How much do you bench press?
- Scoob

185 is my PR

I weigh 150. That's not too shabby

Nothing to do with Grossmann, but it's a bad play. Hard to complain about what they've gotten from Gudas this season. Every player has an occasional bad game, or bad play. Life as a defenseman.
- MJL

I tracked every icing by the Flyers in Grossmann's last season here, and I can assure you it was very Grossmann-like.