Lucas Neilson: Comparing The Crease - How Does This Year Stack Up?

Nice read Lucas.

To be honest, I think the Leafs' chances this year will live and die on their goaltending (not unlike Montreal last season).

I think if Andersen and Enroth can give league average or slightly better, the buds will be competitive night in and night out. The offense looks like it will be improved so, as always, it will depend on how badly (if at all) the defense poops the bed

Oh, and first!

Jeff Glass "Wall" will be the starter by January.

Jeff Glass "Wall" will be the starter by January.
- AdamFrench

What about Joey "The Brick" Woll?

Andersen has an awesome mask, lego batman!

Lucas! Buddy! Great blog once again!

Andersen is a big upgrade for the Leafs, hopefully he continues on what is so far a very promising start to a great NHL career!

I think the Leafs will be a better team this year, their offense, if the youngsters produce near the (very big) expectations people have for them they could be dangerous.

I still think the Leafs defense will be their downfall this year.... as good as Andersen can be, he won't be able to compensate enough for the Leafs to compete for the playoffs this year, however, another high pick and some key acquisitions on defense could turn things around very quickly for Toronto!

Cheers!

Edit: Oh and having Enroth as a Backup is not too shabby, guy has shown flashes of brillance in the past and can definetely help the Leafs in a backup role.

BTW, what the hell is with the prevalence of ads announcing that Melissa McCarthy has died?

That hilarious lady is still alive af

What about Joey "The Brick" Woll?
- WingmanWillie

2026

Was a fan of the trade for Anderson but didn't like the contract so quick. Hopefully he proves the contract was the right call this season

Nice blog Lucas.

I do believe that Anderson will be an upgrade over Reims and Bernier. I also agree with you that Enroth is not quite as good as either, however not too far behind. Enroth will give good value for his cap hit and will provide a solid veteran influence. That said I think the Leafs will not make the playoffs this season as the youngsters learn how to deal with the compete level in the show. 2 or 3 seasons from now and the future becomes extremely bright.

Andersen/Enroth >>>>>>>> Lucas/MiB

Great read Lucas. I'm more optimistic about our goal tending than I have been in years!

Lucas Neilson: Comparing The Crease - How Does This Year Stack Up?
- Lucas.Neilson

The team continues to move in the right direction. Anderson and Enroth are a significant upgrade. Rielly will continue to ascend to being a top flight d-man and just as Lou and Shanny targeted the goal tending this summer, adding one or two solid d-men will be a priority. The rebuild is being done the right way as evidenced by the significant improvement in scouting staff and Marlie performance.

Nice blog Lucas.

I do believe that Anderson will be an upgrade over Reims and Bernier. I also agree with you that Enroth is not quite as good as either, however not too far behind. Enroth will give good value for his cap hit and will provide a solid veteran influence. That said I think the Leafs will not make the playoffs this season as the youngsters learn how to deal with the compete level in the show. 2 or 3 seasons from now and the future becomes extremely bright.
- Canhockeyfan

I agree with the overall assertion.

That said, only Matthews and Marner need to learn what playing at the NHL level is all about, which was partially why the Leafs called up so many prospects in the second half.

Matthews having played pro hockey against men overseas leads me to not worry so much about his learning curve. Marner, however is the real wild card.

I'm going to be cautiously optimistic that this team will surprise a la COL/CGY. If they disappoint, well I suppose I'm good and used to that out of this team.

Andersen/Enroth >>>>>>>> Lucas/MiB

Great read Lucas. I'm more optimistic about our goal tending than I have been in years!
- .HOHO.

Lucas is the Andersen of this tandem.

Up to a promising start, we're all hoping he keeps it up AND most Habs fans will hate him in a few years.

massive improvement in the net.
stability in the most important position on a developing, rebuilding team.
you can't do a rebuild when you have no confidence in your goalie to bail you out from all the youthful mistakes....the oilers can attest to that.

massive improvement in the net.
stability in the most important position on a developing, rebuilding team.
you can't do a rebuild when you have no confidence in your goalie to bail you out from all the youthful mistakes....the oilers can attest to that.
- Barx

They can attest to a lot of different things a team should not do.

I'm happy we are moving forward, let's not wallow in the past, yadda yadda yadda, but God did we ever mismanage Reimer.

Classic case of a team (usually the Leafs) jerking a guy around, never letting him reach his full potential.

I'm happy we are moving forward, let's not wallow in the past, yadda yadda yadda, but God did we ever mismanage Reimer.

Classic case of a team (usually the Leafs) jerking a guy around, never letting him reach his full potential.
- Atomic Wedgie

yadda yadda

I think were better off, in that the first shot of the year that is soft as baby poop doesn't go in and we don't see 57 goals from other time zones.

Loved Andersen, but like Gibson better, and with the lower cap hit, knew Andersen would be shipped. Andersen loves to play the puck, which I think adds an element to the game big time. He can spot a winger and make the pass. Not many goalies do that well. He got a rap for letting in a softy every game, but not really fair.

I think your D will tell the story. Andersen played behind a very good defensive team. I'm more curious to see how Bernier performs as the b/u with the same defense this year. His last season in LA his GAA was below 2.00, and he's only 28. Spotlight isn't on the players in Anaheim like Toronto either. If Andersen falters, and Bernier rebounds, I don't think that's a coincidence. jmo

Loved Andersen, but like Gibson better, and with the lower cap hit, knew Andersen would be shipped. Andersen loves to play the puck, which I think adds an element to the game big time. He can spot a winger and make the pass. Not many goalies do that well. He got a rap for letting in a softy every game, but not really fair.

I think your D will tell the story. Andersen played behind a very good defensive team. I'm more curios to see how Bernier performs as the b/u with the same defense this year. His last season in LA his GAA was below 2.00, and he's only 28. Spotlight isn't on the players in Anaheim like Toronto either. If Andersen falters, and Bernier rebounds, I don't think that's a coincidence. jmo
- quackup

This phrase is triggering for Leafs fans.

This is supposed to be a safe space...

Loved Andersen, but like Gibson better, and with the lower cap hit, knew Andersen would be shipped. Andersen loves to play the puck, which I think adds an element to the game big time. He can spot a winger and make the pass. Not many goalies do that well. He got a rap for letting in a softy every game, but not really fair.

I think your D will tell the story. Andersen played behind a very good defensive team. I'm more curious to see how Bernier performs as the b/u with the same defense this year. His last season in LA his GAA was below 2.00, and he's only 28. Spotlight isn't on the players in Anaheim like Toronto either. If Andersen falters, and Bernier rebounds, I don't think that's a coincidence. jmo
- quackup

LOLOL, Enjoy Bernier

LOLOL, Enjoy Bernier
- .HOHO.

For what it's worth, I think Bernier will be fine as a backup in Anaheim.

As a Habs fan though, I already miss him and his "gifts"

LOLOL, Enjoy Bernier
- .HOHO.

Bernier was contractually obligated to let in goals on the first shot of the game.

Another good read, Lucas. I agree that the goalie situation is much better this year but largely due to the fact that it couldn't get much worse than last year. It's a pretty low bar that has been set.

Andersen will need to adjust to a new city, new teammates, new opponents, new coaches, an inferior D-corps playing in front of him and far more media scrutiny, especially from scum bags like Steve Simmons and Dave Feschuk who aren't above printing outright fabrications.

I'm really excited for the hockey season to start and this hellishly hot summer to finally end.

Go Leafs Go and TITS!!!