For securing last place, yes.
- Fakepartofme

They still had 1 more point than with Phil and the season they had Kessel they also had very good goaltending for half the season. Their goaltending was bad last season, start to finish

and they still did better than they did with Kessel and Phaneuf.

So how much were those guys missed?

Few questions guys:

Andrew Nielsen, why not talk about this guy? Seems to be really growing into something. Possible 2nd pairing core guy? Like the Blackhawks Hamrasllson (however you spell it)

Dermott?

Kerby? Seems to have picked up his pace after a really slow start. Could he be a Komorov replacement if we trade him?
- CanadianBodmon

How has Nielsen looked after he first month of the season? I have not followed the Marlies too much this year.

Few questions guys:

Andrew Nielsen, why not talk about this guy? Seems to be really growing into something. Possible 2nd pairing core guy? Like the Blackhawks Hamrasllson (however you spell it)

Dermott?

Kerby? Seems to have picked up his pace after a really slow start. Could he be a Komorov replacement if we trade him?
- CanadianBodmon

I have some hope for Nielsen, but people need to google Ryan Sproul before they start penciling him in the top-4 next year.

That's true. I just don't think a Larsson put them over any hump. McDavid has the team on his back this season and besides October they have been pretty unspectacular. Nurse going down hurt but he's still got a lot of developing to do like most young D. I just don't think the Hall trade was beneficial for them considering they gave up a top line player for a D that's 4th in ATOI on the Edmonton blue line.
- markmark

I understand the numbers. I do.. But the no one can say if it Hall stayed how good or bad they would have been. All I am saying, is they are better in the standings this year without Hall. As the Leafs are better in the standings without Phil.

it's my favourite thing to do
- twiztedmike

I am partial to, "Your an idiot".

I am partial to, "Your an idiot".
- Aetherial

*Yore

No,,,, the way the team has been playing since his exit tipped me off.
- bixll

Since they pretty much revamped the line up and got a hall of fame coach.

Imagine this current team with Kessel on Matthews wing.

I dont miss Kessel because of matthews but to imply the team has played better as a result of his departure....a bit a stretch IMO.

I once thought the cake was a lie until I took an arrow to the knee.

No,,,, the way the team has been playing since his exit tipped me off.
- bixll

Pens didn't mind his addition I don't think.. Leafs were the worst place team last season without Kessel. Idk how anyone can say they got better short term moving him.. he lead this team year after year and was there best player he wasn't a perfect player but also didn't have a very good supporting cast to make up his weaknesses.

Ya that team just cant put it together.
Trouba has been playing pretty darn good as well.
- Fakepartofme

He would really be a good pick up. Too bad hs doesn't seem to want to stay in Canada, and Winnipeg thinks they can get the same player as him in return

I understand the numbers. I do.. But the no one can say if it Hall stayed how good or bad they would have been. All I am saying, is they are better in the standings this year without Hall. As the Leafs are better in the standings without Phil.
- bixll

But you are failing to include all the other factors that have gone into their improvements.
The first year without Phil...the leafs were a last place team.
Now we have a better goalie, a year under Babs, amazing young talented forwards.

something we didnt have when Phil played here.

He would really be a good pick up. Too bad hs doesn't seem to want to stay in Canada, and Winnipeg thinks they can get the same player as him in return
- Aetherial

Well...he doesnt want to stay in Winnipeg.

Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver....Im sure he;d be ok with.

Few questions guys:

Andrew Nielsen, why not talk about this guy? Seems to be really growing into something. Possible 2nd pairing core guy? Like the Blackhawks Hamrasllson (however you spell it)

Dermott?

Kerby? Seems to have picked up his pace after a really slow start. Could he be a Komorov replacement if we trade him?
- CanadianBodmon

Article in The Star today....
https://www.thestar.com/s...-strides-towards-nhl.html

For securing last place, yes.
- Fakepartofme

Far better team to watch than with Phil..


Do you guys watch? Might not have last couple of years.

I once thought the cake was a lie until I took an arrow to the knee.
- Tee-Dot

Well look what finally washed up on the shores of Leafs Nation.

Now all we need is to find The Law, and we are all accounted for.

Article in The Star today....
https://www.thestar.com/s...-strides-towards-nhl.html
- .HOHO.

Good timing. Kid has a great attitude. He will make it.

Far better team to watch than with Phil..


Do you guys watch? Might not have last couple of years.
- bixll

Do you watch?! They traded there most exciting offensive player and you thought they were more fun to watch? This team isn't better today because Kessel isn't here. Did you watch the playoffs last year?

Tomorrow....we begin to find out.
A wall is definitely a possibility.

Hoping not.
- Fakepartofme

Yeah but who pays for it, is what really matters.

But you are failing to include all the other factors that have gone into their improvements.
The first year without Phil...the leafs were a last place team.
Now we have a better goalie, a year under Babs, amazing young talented forwards.

something we didnt have when Phil played here.
- Fakepartofme

And were still a far better team than the year previous.. My opinion... Far better play, bad tender aside. The team played far better.

I have some hope for Nielsen, but people need to google Ryan Sproul before they start penciling him in the top-4 next year.
- AdamFrench

I just drank some blue kool aid and googled shea weber instead.

Far better team to watch than with Phil..


Do you guys watch? Might not have last couple of years.
- bixll

yes now.
But that's not because Phil isnt here.
What dont you get?
The team is completely different, better goalie, better young forwards, a year under Babs, heck a new hall of fall coach.

Imagine this team with Phil....on matthews line.

Again. The team being better this year has nothing to do with Phil not being on the team, other than not having phil, we finished last to get matthews.

Do you watch?! They traded there most exciting offensive player and you thought they were more fun to watch? This team isn't better today because Kessel isn't here. Did you watch the playoffs last year?
- ClarksonDavid

We have different opinions. You are entitled to have yours too.

Not a Kessel fan.

Kessel not near as lazy playing for the Pens was he??

I just drank some blue kool aid and googled shea weber instead.
- Tumbleweed

yes now.
But that's not because Phil isnt here.
What dont you get?
The team is completely different, better goalie, better young forwards, a year under Babs, heck a new hall of fall coach.

Imagine this team with Phil....on matthews line.

Again. The team being better this year has nothing to do with Phil not being on the team, other than not having phil, we finished last to get matthews.
- Fakepartofme

Your Opinion. That's what I don't get. Move on.

And were still a far better team than the year previous.. My opinion... Far better play, bad tender aside. The team played far better.
- bixll

yes.
Because they had Babs as their coach.
Not because phil wasnt here.