Andreas Johnson with 2 points last night in a 4-1 Marlies win
- walshyleafsfan

He needs to be up playing soon

I disagree. I think they've defended much better and also without their best RHD.

The Marner line is a defensive hole so can't be relied on for regular minutes. Have to give them ozone starts and hope.

I haven't noticed the Matthews line playing any less than before and then we have a 4th line.

We can try and play reckless run and gun like the first 10 ish games this year, but I can't imagine having much success when it comes to Tampa or Boston.

At some point, this team will have to learn how to defend.

There's not a lot Babcock can do when Bozak is mailing it in, Marner is playing the worst hockey of his NHL career, Matthews can't buy a goal and Nylander is struggling too.

He started them in OT like the fans and media asked/pleaded. It lasted 18 seconds
- walshyleafsfan

This

Yeah Brown is good as well.

But I feel like the argument is playing Matthews and Brown more and that'll fix it.

We can't play the Marner line more as they get scored on at an alarming rate.

So basically play Matthews and Brown more?

Is that the request for Mike?

Auston Matthews leads all Leafs forwards in TOI/G.
- walshyleafsfan

At this point Brown is playing his way onto the Bozak line. Marner can go (frank) off on the 4th line until he gets his poop together

I really hope they start giving Dermott more ice time, he's played well.
- burn

Agreed!

At this point Brown is playing his way onto the Bozak line. Marner can go (frank) off on the 4th line until he gets his poop together
- Santo_44

At this rate, our 4th line should be Martin-Nylander-Marner
Seriously though, for all the Marner hate being thrown around, there hasn't been much push on Nylander who has been just as bad. Worse to me because I had higher expectations for him (as did most of us before the start of the season.) Plus he plays with Matthews.
Marner has been poop defensively, but again, look at his line. JVR and Bozaks defensive prowess vs Matthews and Hyman.

In 2 years.... defense

Rielly
Zaitsev
Dermott
Borgman
Liljegren
Rasanen

In 2 years.... defense

Rielly
Zaitsev
Dermott
Borgman
Liljegren
Rasanen
- mr.sir

Isn't there some guy from Europe we've been rumored to sign this summer?

Isn't there some guy from Europe we've been rumored to sign this summer?
- UsernameUnknown

Olzaghanov or something

Not a game changer....

At this rate, our 4th line should be Martin-Nylander-Marner
Seriously though, for all the Marner hate being thrown around, there hasn't been much push on Nylander who has been just as bad. Worse to me because I had higher expectations for him (as did most of us before the start of the season.) Plus he plays with Matthews.
Marner has been poop defensively, but again, look at his line. JVR and Bozaks defensive prowess vs Matthews and Hyman.
- UsernameUnknown

I think Nylander has played pretty well, not as well as he should be but his insanely low shooting percentage is ridiculous for a guy with a shot like his.

JVR has been good as well, the only guy on his line that seems to be willing to shoot the puck when he's in the slot.

Olzaghanov or something

Not a game changer....
- mr.sir

I read an Article on the Athletic and they said he was a top 20 UFA this offseason.

I read an Article on the Athletic and they said he was a top 20 UFA this offseason.
- Santo_44

Let me guess..... Marincin at #19

I read an Article on the Athletic and they said he was a top 20 UFA this offseason.
- Santo_44

That's sad. He lost out to Nesterov and Marchenko on his own team and both are younger than him.

Let me guess..... Marincin at #19
- mr.sir

No

I read an Article on the Athletic and they said he was a top 20 UFA this offseason.
- Santo_44

The D is definitely going to need an overhaul within the next couple years.
Polak, Carrick, Gardiner out.
Guys like Rosen, Liljegren and Dermott will be pushing to come in. Plus the UFA in question. It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out.

That's sad. He lost out to Nesterov and Marchenko on his own team and both are younger than him.
- AdamFrench

Some guys are better suited for the KHL

I'll take the opinion from someone who actually watched him play

Some guys are better suited for the KHL

I'll take the opinion from someone who actually watched him play
- Santo_44

So you'll take my opinion. Fantastic.

So you'll take my opinion. Fantastic.
- AdamFrench

The Athletic does a good job.

I'll trust them

Please please please please don't re sign Bozak or Komarov. Please.

Please please please please don't re sign Bozak or Komarov. Please.
- Matthews_Auston

(frank) that, Leo is getting a retirement contract soon...

Please please please please don't re sign Bozak or Komarov. Please.
- Matthews_Auston

Agreed. But we also have to keep in mind they can't ice a full team with only 3-4 players over 24. They need experienced guys that can also hockey. ie- not Polak, Bozak or Komarov. It's hard finding a sweet spot.

So what's it going to be tonight.

Some forwards wake up, and the Leafs beat a team they should handle easily.

Or...

do they continue to play like they think they have locked up a playoff spot, poop the bed again, and embarrass themselves.

Agreed. But we also have to keep in mind they can't ice a full team with only 3-4 players over 24. They need experienced guys that can also hockey. ie- not Polak, Bozak or Komarov. It's hard finding a sweet spot.
- UsernameUnknown

Its money as much as anything.

Those guys will make too much, You can always get guys in September to play the bottom line. Hopefully someone in the minors steps up.

Its money as much as anything.

Those guys will make too much, You can always get guys in September to play the bottom line. Hopefully someone in the minors steps up.
- Aetherial

Money is a big factor, sure, but they still have to be good players if they want to make it somewhere. You think you can get talent for cheap at the end of August? No, that's how you end up with a Polak. Do you want another Polak? Do you really?
My whole point was not everybody from the minors can step up. Even if they are all NHL ready, bringing up three rookies next year and watching three guys with experience walk could hurt the team. Can't ice a whole team under 25 years old. You just can't.

In 2 years.... defense
Finger
Berg
Polak
Rielly
Zaitsev
Dermott
Borgman
Liljegren
Rasanen
- mr.sir

Some of this guys will not play if Gallant is the coach

anyone know q'uestque c'est le line up pour ce soir?