It is a bit weird. It's not even like it's kids either though. It's either Boyle or smith when he was in the lineup.

Maybe Babcock doesn't trust him after the faceoff.
- bryant

I don't know..trucked Smith out there for weeks and Bozak was on the bench and is the best faceoff guy on the team....I just didnt get it...now we have Boyle and I look out there and see Bozak taking the draw.




I'm thinking we probably could have won a few of those games with some timely faceoff wins and Bozak was just sitting on the bench. ( I know he sucks defensively but if we win the draw he can get off the ice usually. )

The acquisition of Boyle is a clear indication the Leafs care about making the playoffs *this* year. Having said that, Babcock has intentionally put the kids in critical spots during games earlier this season to give them experience they can build on -- but yeah, as we get closer to the finish line there's likely a mindshift in strategy to put the best suited players out according to the situation.
- mjones242

Oh I agree....just thinking it cost us points putting the kids in critical positions so late in the game. I'm fine with giving the kids experience but I don't want to hear Bab's talking about playoffs and then not using the WHOLE roster to help win the game.

This most likely. Aside from maybe Nylander or JVR, Bozak is pretty much the worst forward in the defensive zone on the squad.
- AdamFrench

False. It's universally agreed upon that swiping your stick at an opponent from >8ft away and then skating away is the most effective defensive tactic. Therefor, Bozak excels.

Maybe handedness too? Don't want a righty on the left-side pushing it back towards the net? (Didn't watch last night so I'm not sure on that specifically)
- markmark

But then Bozak takes the draws in our end on both sides didnt he?

False. It's universally agreed upon that swiping your stick at an opponent from >8ft away and then skating away is the most effective defensive tactic. Therefor, Bozak excels.
- markmark

False. It's universally agreed upon that swiping your stick at an opponent from >8ft away and then skating away is the most effective defensive tactic. Therefor, Bozak excels.
- markmark

Agreed

That's why I always give myself the selke award in my league. I do the same thing as bozak in the defensive zone.

Agreed

That's why I always give myself the selke award in my league. I do the same thing as bozak in the defensive zone.
- bryant

I never cross into my teams half of the ice. I just tell my teammates I'm drawing the opposition D off of the point.

Oh I agree....just thinking it cost us points putting the kids in critical positions so late in the game. I'm fine with giving the kids experience but I don't want to hear Bab's talking about playoffs and then not using the WHOLE roster to help win the game.
- Garnie

I agree with you -- it definitely cost us points putting the kids out there in crucial spots. I suppose sacrificing the now for the future is part of the shared Shanaplan -- but I'm thinking I'd rather do everything to make the playoffs and give the kids experience playing that brand of hockey than cherry picking specific situations during the regular season.

Then again, hard to predict at the beginning of this season that the Leafs would be in the position they're in now -- so hey, maybe they've been doing the right things from a coaching perspective afterall?

#ivelostallcriticalperspective

I never cross into my teams half of the ice. I just tell my teammates I'm drawing the opposition D off of the point.
- markmark

Exactly

I don't get why I always have to tell people this. Defense wins championships.

I agree with you -- it definitely cost us points putting the kids out there in crucial spots. I suppose sacrificing the now for the future is part of the shared Shanaplan -- but I'm thinking I'd rather do everything to make the playoffs and give the kids experience playing that brand of hockey than cherry picking specific situations during the regular season.

Then again, hard to predict at the beginning of this season that the Leafs would be in the position they're in now -- so hey, maybe they've been doing the right things from a coaching perspective afterall?

#ivelostallcriticalperspective
- mjones242

True. They get leads and don't know how to hold on. That's been the biggest downfall this year. That and shootouts.

I agree with you -- it definitely cost us points putting the kids out there in crucial spots. I suppose sacrificing the now for the future is part of the shared Shanaplan -- but I'm thinking I'd rather do everything to make the playoffs and give the kids experience playing that brand of hockey than cherry picking specific situations during the regular season.

Then again, hard to predict at the beginning of this season that the Leafs would be in the position they're in now -- so hey, maybe they've been doing the right things from a coaching perspective afterall?

#ivelostallcriticalperspective
- mjones242

yep...oh well, just something I noticed...and I also know Bozak sucks defensively so I understand not wanting him out there....but getting possession late with a lead and winning games at all costs is ALL I'M (frank)ING ASKING FOR.

True. They get leads and don't know how to hold on. That's been the biggest downfall this year. That and shootouts.
- bryant

1/2 the shootouts wouldn't have been needed. IMO

Exactly

I don't get why I always have to tell people this. Defense wins championships.
- bryant

Ask the Atlanta Falcons

1/2 the shootouts wouldn't have been needed. IMO
- Garnie

I love those stats where they say so and so team is 21-2- 1 when leading after 2 periods or whatever. I don't even want to knows leafs record.

Ask the Atlanta Falcons
- RickJames77

I heard they were trying to blame the halftime for taking so long is why they lost. Took away there momentum.

Or they are just huge leafs fans.

I love those stats where they say so and so team is 21-2- 1 when leading after 2 periods or whatever. I don't even want to knows leafs record.
- bryant

Real tears would probably flow.

I heard they were trying to blame the halftime for taking so long is why they lost. Took away there momentum.

Or they are just huge leafs fans.
- bryant

Seriously? The halftime show? What a turd of a team.

Seriously? The halftime show? What a turd of a team.
- RickJames77

Im a packers fan. We needed lady gaga to perform during halftime at that game.

Packers got killed in that game.

6-7-4 finish coming up.

Then we win the lottery

6-7-4 finish coming up.

Then we win the lottery
- BestRapperAlive

Oh lord, could you imagine the sheer volume of salty tears across Canada?

6-7-4 finish coming up.

Then we win the lottery
- BestRapperAlive

The Leafs will finish strong but won't control their destiny at the end, I predict they finish 9th in the conference and draft 14th overall this summer. That would be very Leafy

The Leafs will finish strong but won't control their destiny at the end, I predict they finish 9th in the conference and draft 14th overall this summer. That would be very Leafy
- Symba007

Still somehow end up with a better prospect than Vancouver.

The Leafs will finish strong but won't control their destiny at the end, I predict they finish 9th in the conference and draft 14th overall this summer. That would be very Leafy
- Symba007

That would be very Leafy. I don't see any reason to believe they'll finish strong, the rookies are looking tired, and the defence is atrocious.

The Leafs will finish strong but won't control their destiny at the end, I predict they finish 9th in the conference and draft 14th overall this summer. That would be very Leafy
- Symba007

We will be knocked out of playoff contention on the 2nd last day of the season, and will be losing 4-1 in our final game, but stage a miraculous comeback to win 5-4, pushing us up from 9th overall pick to 14th overall pick.

That, my poutine-guzzling friend, is the Leafy way.

We will be knocked out of playoff contention on the 2nd last day of the season, and will be losing 4-1 in our final game, but stage a miraculous comeback to win 5-4, pushing us up from 9th overall pick to 14th overall pick.

That, my poutine-guzzling friend, is the Leafy way.
- Atomic Wedgie

*puts his HB toque on*

Post #100, take that Garniet, tumbleweak and Cryant!