Game 2: Sabres at Leafs - Sportsnet 7:00 PM

[GhostofPotvin29]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

As far as offense goes, the Leafs would have beat 3/4 of the league with the performance last night. Miller was indeed the difference against Buffalo. I thought the Leafs controlled the game for the most part.

 

[drummond]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs. I know it is just 2 games and I am in no way pushing the panic button or criticizing the Leafs or the coaching staff what I am saying is that the offence must start producing in game 3 and 4. Against Buffalo they hit the wall. Period. However, especially game 4 appears to be good opportunity for all the lines to get going.

 

[lc9]

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

As far as offense goes, the Leafs would have beat 3/4 of the league with the performance last night. Miller was indeed the difference against Buffalo. I thought the Leafs controlled the game for the most part.

Miller was good last night, but the Leafs shot a lot of pucks right into his chest when the net was wide open.  The one that sticks out the most is the Liles shot after the Kadri cross ice pass.  The whole left side and top of net were open, miller was on his knees in the middle of the net, he was out of position.  Liles fired it right into Millers chest, he didn't even have to move, that happened a few times last night.  You have to bury the puck. 

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs.

What did I say incorrectly?  How does that change the fact Miller and Price are two of the best goalies in the conference?  I'm just saying in the context of facing two very tough goalies in the first two games, I'm not ready to get worried about the offense.

Craig Anderson had a 3.55 GAA and a .904 SV% against Toronto last year.  Cam Ward has a career 2.87 GAA and .906 SV% against Toronto.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

As far as offense goes, the Leafs would have beat 3/4 of the league with the performance last night. Miller was indeed the difference against Buffalo. I thought the Leafs controlled the game for the most part.

Miller was good last night, but the Leafs shot a lot of pucks right into his chest when the net was wide open.  The one that sticks out the most is the Liles shot after the Kadri cross ice pass.  The whole left side and top of net were open, miller was on his knees in the middle of the net, he was out of position.  Liles fired it right into Millers chest, he didn't even have to move, that happened a few times last night.  You have to bury the puck.

Probably because Liles had to take it off his skate first and probably was just trying to get the shot off before Miller got back in position.

 

[Bender]

We can't win them all and 2 games is not enoygh material to draw anything from. If we trend down I'll complain but not after game 2 and a good performance.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

Miller was good last night, but the Leafs shot a lot of pucks right into his chest when the net was wide open.  The one that sticks out the most is the Liles shot after the Kadri cross ice pass.  The whole left side and top of net were open, miller was on his knees in the middle of the net, he was out of position.  Liles fired it right into Millers chest, he didn't even have to move, that happened a few times last night.  You have to bury the puck. 

So, the net was wide open on what, two occasions, Kadri scoring on one of them, but not "a lot". The cross ice was indeed in Liles' feet, so forgive him for missing the top shelf. The other 32 saves that Miller made last night were pretty good.

I didn't really see a Buffalo team that could skate with the Leafs last night.

 

[drummond]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs.

What did I say incorrectly?  How does that change the fact Miller and Price are two of the best goalies in the conference?  I'm just saying in the context of facing two very tough goalies in the first two games, I'm not ready to get worried about the offense.

Craig Anderson had a 3.55 GAA and a .904 SV% against Toronto last year.  Cam Ward has a career 2.87 GAA and .906 SV% against Toronto.

Fine. On the other hand the only thing I did, was that I raised a concern. Time will tell, we can sure come back to this later this year.

 

[hockeyfan1]

I didn't really see a Buffalo team that could skate with the Leafs last night.

The Sabres at times looked hard-pressed chasing the Leafs skate for skate.  The Leafs are indeed fast, being the second youngest team in the league after the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs.

What did I say incorrectly?  How does that change the fact Miller and Price are two of the best goalies in the conference?  I'm just saying in the context of facing two very tough goalies in the first two games, I'm not ready to get worried about the offense.

Craig Anderson had a 3.55 GAA and a .904 SV% against Toronto last year.  Cam Ward has a career 2.87 GAA and .906 SV% against Toronto.

Fine. On the other hand the only thing I did, was that I raised a concern. Time will tell, we can sure come back to this later this year.

I know.  You used the term worries you, so I used the same terms in what I said.  I didn't mean it to come off as though you were thinking the sky was falling or anything, so apologies if it did.

 

[drummond]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs.

What did I say incorrectly?  How does that change the fact Miller and Price are two of the best goalies in the conference?  I'm just saying in the context of facing two very tough goalies in the first two games, I'm not ready to get worried about the offense.

Craig Anderson had a 3.55 GAA and a .904 SV% against Toronto last year.  Cam Ward has a career 2.87 GAA and .906 SV% against Toronto.

Fine. On the other hand the only thing I did, was that I raised a concern. Time will tell, we can sure come back to this later this year.

I know.  You used the term worries you, so I used the same terms in what I said.  I didn't mean it to come off as though you were thinking the sky was falling or anything, so apologies if it did.

No poblem at all. GO LEAFS GO !!

 

[pnjunction]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs. I know it is just 2 games and I am in no way pushing the panic button or criticizing the Leafs or the coaching staff what I am saying is that the offence must start producing in game 3 and 4. Against Buffalo they hit the wall. Period. However, especially game 4 appears to be good opportunity for all the lines to get going.

This is one of the things that bugs me about making excuses based on opposition goaltending.  There are alot of good goaltenders who can shut us down if we don't "execute to the highest level" as Carlyle described it.  Winning teams find a way to execute at that level instead of making excuses night after night.

I found it interesting did Carlyle even mention Miller's performance once?  To me it is a good sign that he was looking inward at the team's execution instead of talking about how the opposition goalie was so amazing and stole the game.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

It's only 2 games, and we faced two of the best goalies in the conference.  I don't think we should get too worried yet, they generated plenty of scoring chances last night.

Best goalies in the conference? What about Rask and tight Bruins defense? How about Henrik Lundqvist? Brodeur and tight Devils denfense? Goalies such as Anderson (Ott) or Ward (Car) have the tendencies perform their best against the Leafs. I know it is just 2 games and I am in no way pushing the panic button or criticizing the Leafs or the coaching staff what I am saying is that the offence must start producing in game 3 and 4. Against Buffalo they hit the wall. Period. However, especially game 4 appears to be good opportunity for all the lines to get going.

This is one of the things that bugs me about making excuses based on opposition goaltending.  There are alot of good goaltenders who can shut us down if we don't "execute to the highest level" as Carlyle described it.  Winning teams find a way to execute at that level instead of making excuses night after night.

I found it interesting did Carlyle even mention Miller's performance once?  To me it is a good sign that he was looking inward at the team's execution instead of talking about how the opposition goalie was so amazing and stole the game.

Why does commenting that the Leafs played well and Miller played great an "excuse"?  It's just reality.  Great teams run into hot goaltenders and get stonewalled, too.  It happens.

 

[Joe S.]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

You mean the Ron Wilson system?

 

[drummond]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

You mean the Ron Wilson system?

Pat Quinn system

 

[Joe S.]

Miller was spectacular, but what worries me a bit is that the urgent need to shore up defensive mistakes the Leafs completely lost the capability to produce offensively. 3 GA after 2 games is very encouraging, however 3 GF is worrying at the same time. I strongly believe that the best defense is your offence. Heck, if you socre 5 goals per game, who cares that your goalie has 4 GAA. I know it is old school and the hockey world has changed substantially from the 80?s. However, even in todays hockey world if the Leafs score a goal or two per game it will not carry them anywhere.

I know Randy preaches defense first, but let?s go guys and score some goals. Pens game has a certain potential to be a wild one. Time to rediscover some offense!

You mean the Ron Wilson system?

Pat Quinn system

Quinn had real goalies and a real centre

 

[bustaheims]

Quinn had real goalies and a real centre

The goalie is the big piece there. You can't play that offensively focused a system if you don't have a goalie you know can keep you in the game.