Make the lines how’s they should be ranking each position.. give the top lime the most minutes, and gradually reduce minutes down the lineup, like how a normal hockey team operates.
Make the lines how’s they should be ranking each position.. give the top lime the most minutes, and gradually reduce minutes down the lineup, like how a normal hockey team operates. - Arctic_AARDVARK
This isn't a normal hockey team arcsie...this is the Shanaplan. Is it evil? Yes it is.
I am back and have written up a response to the current state of the Maple Leafs...Things must be done! Mr. Dubas and coach Mike Babcock have some serious issues that need to be figured out...and soon!
watched the game this morning.
bad performance by the leafs in general.
one thing - not sure whether you guys discussed this last night; but did you guys notice that Barkov played for over 25mins?? - plantheparade
They can afford to play him over 30 minutes if they want to. They realize they are going no where this year, so they can choose his spots. If it works fine, if they lose because they extended him, then so what. Good player, rest of team. Meh.
Location: The Frustration that unites us all. , AB Joined: 02.26.2007
Dec 16 @ 3:41 PM ET
I am back and have written up a response to the current state of the Maple Leafs...Things must be done! Mr. Dubas and coach Mike Babcock have some serious issues that need to be figured out...and soon!
It is obvious that both Matthews and Nylander are not 100%. They are both hurting the team right now. Until then, these lines are more appropriate unless Babcock and company finally get the fact that either both the aforementioned guys should be placed on IR again (Matthews) or sent to the AHL, if possible on a conditioning stint (Nylander) until they can play at the level which is expected or at least hoped for:
Line 1: Tavares centering Kapanen and Hyman
Line 2: Matthews centering Marner and Marleau
Line 3: Kadri centering Johnsson and Brown
Line 4: Gauthier centering Ennis and Lindholm
I actually have seen enough of Par Lindholm. Josh Leivo was much more effective than Lindholm. I would rather see the Leafs give either Mason Marchment, Trevor Moore or Jeremy Bracco a chance at some fourth line minutes. Marchment may bring a little of what Matt Martin brought and has some scoring touch. He would be my first choice in favor of Lindholm.
Nylander needs to spend some time in the AHL...not sure of that is possible given the current CBA? When he is able to show that he can play at the NHL level and regains his game level then back on the second line and Marleau back to third line. I would then put Marner back on line 1 duties with Hyman and Tavares and play Matthews with Nylander and Kapanen. Once Matthews is back to 100% then his line shifts to line 1, Tavares with Marner to line 2.
Defense: I still think the club needs a big addition to the blue line. In my latest blog, I explore the idea of a deal with Chicago landing Brent Seabrook and Cam Ward with Garrett Sparks, maybe Jake Gardiner and a Marlie player or two going back to Chicago. But for right now, the Leafs defense in order of strength is:
With both Gardiner and Hainsey perhaps in their final season with Toronto, Dubas needs to do something in order to keep the blue line in tact. I don't think it is smart to wait 3-4 years or more like they did with Morgan Rielly (actually took him 6 seasons to finally put it all together) for guys like Rosen, Liljigren, Borgman and Sandin to figure things out as well. Which is why bringing in a steady veteran Leader like Seabrook makes sense with the club in a win-now mode.
Hard no on Seabrook and that cap hit...
Keith on the other hand... I'm all for it. - aries1976
Reason for Seabrook instead of Keith is that Seabrook is the right handed, power play QB the Leafs could use with Rielly. Also I think Duncan Keith is finished, whereas Seabrook has shown he can come back from a tough year or two. Keith hasn't, not yet.
Do not forget that Ron Hainsey is Toronto's 2nd most trusted D man under Babcock, and he is age 37-38. You don't think Seabrook would be as good if not better by then? I am willing to gamble on that! At least for now.
Location: Where'd canucks fans go? -daeth Too busy with the lotto simulator - seagull Joined: 11.22.2012
Dec 16 @ 3:52 PM ET
I am back and have written up a response to the current state of the Maple Leafs...Things must be done! Mr. Dubas and coach Mike Babcock have some serious issues that need to be figured out...and soon!
I am back and have written up a response to the current state of the Maple Leafs...Things must be done! Mr. Dubas and coach Mike Babcock have some serious issues that need to be figured out...and soon!
It is obvious that both Matthews and Nylander are not 100%. They are both hurting the team right now. Until then, these lines are more appropriate unless Babcock and company finally get the fact that either both the aforementioned guys should be placed on IR again (Matthews) or sent to the AHL, if possible on a conditioning stint (Nylander) until they can play at the level which is expected or at least hoped for:
Line 1: Tavares centering Kapanen and Hyman
Line 2: Matthews centering Marner and Marleau
Line 3: Kadri centering Johnsson and Brown
Line 4: Gauthier centering Ennis and Lindholm
I actually have seen enough of Par Lindholm. Josh Leivo was much more effective than Lindholm. I would rather see the Leafs give either Mason Marchment, Trevor Moore or Jeremy Bracco a chance at some fourth line minutes. Marchment may bring a little of what Matt Martin brought and has some scoring touch. He would be my first choice in favor of Lindholm.
Nylander needs to spend some time in the AHL...not sure of that is possible given the current CBA? When he is able to show that he can play at the NHL level and regains his game level then back on the second line and Marleau back to third line. I would then put Marner back on line 1 duties with Hyman and Tavares and play Matthews with Nylander and Kapanen. Once Matthews is back to 100% then his line shifts to line 1, Tavares with Marner to line 2.
Defense: I still think the club needs a big addition to the blue line. In my latest blog, I explore the idea of a deal with Chicago landing Brent Seabrook and Cam Ward with Garrett Sparks, maybe Jake Gardiner and a Marlie player or two going back to Chicago. But for right now, the Leafs defense in order of strength is:
With both Gardiner and Hainsey perhaps in their final season with Toronto, Dubas needs to do something in order to keep the blue line in tact. I don't think it is smart to wait 3-4 years or more like they did with Morgan Rielly (actually took him 6 seasons to finally put it all together) for guys like Rosen, Liljigren, Borgman and Sandin to figure things out as well. Which is why bringing in a steady veteran Leader like Seabrook makes sense with the club in a win-now mode. - royalgardens
This is a great place to come for a laugh every now and then
This is a great place to come for a laugh every now and then - Santo_44
I am willing to bet that none of you "Leaf Fans" will be laughing when the same mistakes are made by Babcock and company as they were last year and lead to another pathetic first round exit. I don't want that to happen again.
No, but trading Leivo for another winger, and one who is weaker and offers no immediate help was stupid. And the 4th line sucks now with him gone. - royalgardens
Feel free to send a resume for the GM position to this address:
Brendan Shanahan, President
Toronto Maple Leafs
Scotiabank Arena
40 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
M5J 2X2
I'm sure he'll feel that you are as unqualified for the position as we do.
Feel free to send a resume for the GM position to this address:
Brendan Shanahan, President
Toronto Maple Leafs
Scotiabank Arena
40 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
M5J 2X2
I'm sure he'll feel that you are as unqualified for the position as we do. - TrashPanda
Well I have not asked for a job. Not sure how you got that impression. You sound very hard assed to begin with. This is a blog site to share opinions. Forgive me for adding to the discussion. Obviously you are here to ridicule and not take things seriously. So do the site a favor and not post again.
I want to see the Toronto Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup. Do you? Doesn't sound like you care. But tickets at the Scotia Bank Arena are north of $100 so some people obviously care.
I am willing to bet that none of you "Leaf Fans" will be laughing when the same mistakes are made by Babcock and company as they were last year and lead to another pathetic first round exit. I don't want that to happen again. - royalgardens
Sigh.
It’s hockey. Teams lose. Teams win.
Just watch and stop complaining about who’s playing on the 4th line and if Nylander is in shape yet or not. It’s (frank)ing hockey.
Well I have not asked for a job. Not sure how you got that impression. You sound very hard assed to begin with. This is a blog site to share opinions. Forgive me for adding to the discussion. Obviously you are here to ridicule and not take things seriously. So do the site a favor and not post again.
I want to see the Toronto Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup. Do you? Doesn't sound like you care. But tickets at the Scotia Bank Arena are north of $100 so some people obviously care. - royalgardens
Everyone here disagrees with your opinions. Move on.
Everyone here disagrees with your opinions. Move on. - Santo_44
Ok how so....please let's hear your opinions and the goofy Panda guy's...! I am all ears as is the rest of Leafs nation. Or is it too hard to write in paragraphs and intelligently get your thoughts and opinions across?
You disagree...please explain? I don't care if people agree or disagree. Hockeybuzz is a place to discuss teams, news and issues. Please add to the discussion with some intelligence.
