Arg

Agreed.


But they also need to give him SOME protection. I'm not talking about Hedman-Burns level poop here, but still... maybe, just maybe, don't let a guy skate in unchallenged and shoot with no pressure!
- lumlums

This and this to the post you responded to....the President makes a good case with that comment.

This and this to the post you responded to....the President makes a good case with that comment.
- underhill14

As mentioned, I agree for the most part.


But I also wonder what would happen with decent protection. With people properly defending their zone. With people taking away all those grade-A opportunities.


He needs to be better. But I can understand that he isn't...

Agreed.


But they also need to give him SOME protection. I'm not talking about Hedman-Burns level poop here, but still... maybe, just maybe, don't let a guy skate in unchallenged and shoot with no pressure!
- lumlums

^^ 100%

Outside of Polak, and even that's a stretch sometimes, we don't have anyone on D to clear the front of the net, crack skulls or keep certain player honest. Others teams have realized this early and are exploiting it.

My last concern is that Toronto REALLY is where goaltenders come to die.

And, it's not just because of their own play but it is because we always have the pooptiest D and...just as bad....crappy defensive playing forwards.

That needs to be fixed. The one thing Burke was right about....even though he had no clue how to do it.....build from the net out.

I think we are now in a place where we have the forwards to do the job, a very capable goaltender and Rielly on D...maybe Ziatsev....but nothing else.

With all of that being said, they need to trade some poop....and it might sting....but we need to fill out the D roster and get some defense on this team.

#1C....check.
#1D..check.
#1G....check....well maybe???


#2D Problem.
#3D Problem.
#4D...Zaitsev or Gardiner and everyone else is below.

All of this is IMHO.

As mentioned, I agree for the most part.


But I also wonder what would happen with decent protection. With people properly defending their zone. With people taking away all those grade-A opportunities.


He needs to be better. But I can understand that he isn't...
- lumlums

Yep....totally with you. I feel the exact same way.

^^ 100%

Outside of Polak, and even that's a stretch sometimes, we don't have anyone on D to clear the front of the net, crack skulls or keep certain player honest. Others teams have realized this early and are exploiting it.
- As_I_See_It

Polak is the best equipped to do it... but he isn't.

He's on there with Hunwick, and they're gifting space to anybody who wants it. It's ridiculous...

My last concern is that Toronto REALLY is where goaltenders come to die.

And, it's not just because of their own play but it is because we always have the pooptiest D and...just as bad....crappy defensive playing forwards.

That needs to be fixed. The one thing Burke was right about....even though he had no clue how to do it.....build from the net out.

I think we are now in a place where we have the forwards to do the job, a very capable goaltender and Rielly on D...maybe Ziatsev....but nothing else.

With all of that being said, they need to trade some poop....and it might sting....but we need to fill out the D roster and get some defense on this team.

#1C....check.
#1D..check.
#1G....check....well maybe???


#2D Problem.
#3D Problem.
#4D...Zaitsev or Gardiner and everyone else is below.

All of this is IMHO.
- underhill14

I think Zaistev can hold down number 2 spot, the 3 -6 , need an upgrade

My last concern is that Toronto REALLY is where goaltenders come to die.

And, it's not just because of their own play but it is because we always have the pooptiest D and...just as bad....crappy defensive playing forwards.

That needs to be fixed. The one thing Burke was right about....even though he had no clue how to do it.....build from the net out.

I think we are now in a place where we have the forwards to do the job, a very capable goaltender and Rielly on D...maybe Ziatsev....but nothing else.

With all of that being said, they need to trade some poop....and it might sting....but we need to fill out the D roster and get some defense on this team.

#1C....check.
#1D..check.
#1G....check....well maybe???


#2D Problem.
#3D Problem.
#4D...Zaitsev or Gardiner and everyone else is below.

All of this is IMHO.
- underhill14

Rielly 1 LD and Gardiner 2 LD is excellent. Zaitsev will fit in as one of their RD at some point. Not having both a 1RD and 2RD on staff though really hurts them.

I think Zaistev can hold down number 2 spot, the 3 -6 , need an upgrade
- Yeti1181

Hope so. Just tired of watching a team that always seems to have one flat tire.


Until then, I will keep enjoying Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Brown, Hyman and any other rookie that comes up and works his butt off.

The vets...the ones that are left from the great Culture Exodus....(frank) them.

^^ 100%

Outside of Polak, and even that's a stretch sometimes, we don't have anyone on D to clear the front of the net, crack skulls or keep certain player honest. Others teams have realized this early and are exploiting it.
- As_I_See_It

But as far as our defense goes, what has changed since last year? Supposedly we should be improved because we added Zaitsev....we have the same defense as last year, pretty much....why was it Bernier and Reimer's fault, and not the defense? Why is no one wanting to place any blame on our 25 million dollar goaltender? He was brought in to solidify the backend, while allowing our young players to lay a foundation at the same time....they can't do that when leads are being blown every night...or 5 goals are being given up...he needs to be better.

StatsCentre
@StatsCentre
Frederik Andersen's 22 GA are tied for most by a goalie through the first 6 games of a #Leafs season since Allan Bester in '89-90 allowed 23




5 games

StatsCentre
@StatsCentre
Frederik Andersen's 22 GA are tied for most by a goalie through the first 6 games of a #Leafs season since Allan Bester in '89-90 allowed 23


- Fruitcakenipple

Little Allan Bester

Hope so. Just tired of watching a team that always seems to have one flat tire.


Until then, I will keep enjoying Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Brown, Hyman and any other rookie that comes up and works his butt off.

The vets...the ones that are left from the great Culture Exodus....(frank) them.
- underhill14

He has looked great this year. He will drop off at some point you would think, but damn his puck handling is second to none on this team.

But as far as our defense goes, what has changed since last year? Supposedly we should be improved because we added Zaitsev....we have the same defense as last year, pretty much....why was it Bernier and Reimer's fault, and not the defense? Why is no one wanting to place any blame on our 25 million dollar goaltender? He was brought in to solidify the backend, while allowing our young players to lay a foundation at the same time....they can't do that when leads are being blown every night...or 5 goals are being given up...he needs to be better.
- ThePresident

He needs to be better. That's obvious.

He deserves more of a chance. He's played well his whole career and you are willing to throw it all way with 5 games?

Matthews. 10 points in 6 games. Not bad

But as far as our defense goes, what has changed since last year? Supposedly we should be improved because we added Zaitsev....we have the same defense as last year, pretty much....why was it Bernier and Reimer's fault, and not the defense? Why is no one wanting to place any blame on our 25 million dollar goaltender? He was brought in to solidify the backend, while allowing our young players to lay a foundation at the same time....they can't do that when leads are being blown every night...or 5 goals are being given up...he needs to be better.
- ThePresident

There has not been a single poster who has absolved Andersen of any blame. Stop spewing this crap. Yes, he has been bad, but the defence has been worse. A case where two negatives make a super negative.

But as far as our defense goes, what has changed since last year? Supposedly we should be improved because we added Zaitsev....we have the same defense as last year, pretty much....why was it Bernier and Reimer's fault, and not the defense? Why is no one wanting to place any blame on our 25 million dollar goaltender? He was brought in to solidify the backend, while allowing our young players to lay a foundation at the same time....they can't do that when leads are being blown every night...or 5 goals are being given up...he needs to be better.
- ThePresident

Besides Zaitsev the D is the same and this same poop+ happened last season too, hence the 30th place finish.

Andersen has been (frank)ing brutal, nobody is denying that or making excuses for him. Unless this kid is mentally tough, thick skinned and has a pair of big stones, he may already be starting to crack from the pressure here.

Besides Zaitsev the D is the same and this same poop+ happened last season too, hence the 30th place finish.

Andersen has been (frank)ing brutal, nobody is denying that or making excuses for him. Unless this kid is mentally tough, thick skinned and has a pair of big stones, he may already be starting to crack from the pressure here.
- As_I_See_It

Our D blow worst then our tender....TB had some lucky bounces and a couple perfect shots.

IMO

I don't have to tell anyone in this thread, that a multi player trade is coming, the speculation has been ongoing, since the beginning of the new season, and many of my leaf nation brethren, have made some excellent proposals, speculation, and analysis, on the teams needs (defenseman! )and in what format it should be carried out to obtain one.trade/tank and draft,but your wishes will be granted! Soon Just hope that there's not disappointment, we all knew that it would sting a bit ,but the need is emence! Change is acomin! hold on to ya.......😨

I don't have to tell anyone in this thread, that a multi player trade is coming, the speculation has been ongoing, since the beginning of the new season, and many of my leaf nation brethren, have made some excellent proposals, speculation, and analysis, on the teams needs (defenseman! )and in what format it should be carried out to obtain one.trade/tank and draft,but your wishes will be granted! Soon Just hope that there's not disappointment, we all knew that it would sting a bit ,but the need is emence! Change is acomin! hold on to ya.......😨
- MR.Hunter

problem is they need to find a partner willing to trade D for FW, and its not just that, but it has to be young D to grow with the team, not just 34 yr old vets to band-aid it for this year.

Im curious to see if any of Bozak/Kadri or JVR get shipped out. Kadri just got re-signed to a fresh contract, so i doubt it. JVR might be the bacon that needs to be traded for the sausage we need.

Our D blow worst then our tender....TB had some lucky bounces and a couple perfect shots.

IMO
- annoyed

Wait, are you not going to blame Gardiner for things that happen when he's not on the ice???

The MiB HB thread goons disown you!!! BLAME GARDINER!!! IT'S HIS FAULT!!!!




MORE POLAK! MORE POLAK! MORE POLAK!!!!!!!

problem is they need to find a partner willing to trade D for FW, and its not just that, but it has to be young D to grow with the team, not just 34 yr old vets to band-aid it for this year.

Im curious to see if any of Bozak/Kadri or JVR get shipped out. Kadri just got re-signed to a fresh contract, so i doubt it. JVR might be the bacon that needs to be traded for the sausage we need.
- Buggy166

Your spot on jvr is the odd man out,the problem being is that they(Anaheim /Winnipeg )wants Nylander /marner, and apparently kappy and brown,carrick, being the most notable prospects, available is just not getting it done!they might want leafs first, but don't see that happening, unless lindholm is in the conversation! But their 2 2nd round draft picks might be enough to to finally close this long awaited deal...see yahs tomorrow

Guys, don't judge anyone or anything until game 20. If you start too early you could just go nuts considering and reconsidering the possible worst case scenarios.

Be patient.

You know it is a bad night when I am the voice of reason!

After watching this horrific display of "goal tending" and "defense," anybody want my Centennial Classic tickets?
- As_I_See_It

Yes