General Leafs Talk v2.0

[GhostofPotvin29]

How about bringing Nik Antropov from the KHL, he is big, defensively responsible, good on face-offs, familiar with the Leafs and Toronto and most importantly in game-shape.

If he has an NHL out-clause, then, it's a possibility, but, if not, it's likely not in the cards. He'd also have to clear waivers, which he probably would, but, it's no guarantee.

Also, he's really not good on the draw at all. A career 42.8% rate, with his career high being 48.7%.

I don't think face-off stats matter all that much as long as it's a player familiar with the responsibilities of playing center.

 

[Kessel Run]

How about bringing Nik Antropov from the KHL, he is big, defensively responsible, good on face-offs, familiar with the Leafs and Toronto and most importantly in game-shape.

If he has an NHL out-clause, then, it's a possibility, but, if not, it's likely not in the cards. He'd also have to clear waivers, which he probably would, but, it's no guarantee.

Also, he's really not good on the draw at all. A career 42.8% rate, with his career high being 48.7%.

I don't think face-off stats matter all that much as long as it's a player familiar with the responsibilities of playing center.

Winning faceoffs doesn't seem to be a priority for any of our other centres, so yeah, he'd fit right in.

 

[bustaheims]

I don't think face-off stats matter all that much as long as it's a player familiar with the responsibilities of playing center.

I disagree. I don't think it's a coincidence that the only team in the bottom 10 for face-off percentage that has won more games than they've lost is the Leafs, while nine of the teams in the top 10 has won at least half of theirs. It's not a perfect correlation, obviously, but, I'd say face-offs - especially offensive and defensive zone face-offs are extremely important in a team's success on the larger scale and a significant influence on puck possession.

 

[draeko17]

How about bringing Nik Antropov from the KHL, he is big, defensively responsible, good on face-offs, familiar with the Leafs and Toronto and most importantly in game-shape.

I could break out my Antropov jersey....  ;D

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I don't think face-off stats matter all that much as long as it's a player familiar with the responsibilities of playing center.

I disagree. I don't think it's a coincidence that the only team in the bottom 10 for face-off percentage that has won more games than they've lost is the Leafs, while nine of the teams in the top 10 has won at least half of theirs. It's not a perfect correlation, obviously, but, I'd say face-offs - especially offensive and defensive zone face-offs are extremely important in a team's success on the larger scale and a significant influence on puck possession.

This does a good job of explaining it: http://theleafsnation.com/2013/3/15/randy-carlyle-and-the-faceoff-paradox

Basically face-offs are important, but less important than being able to do something positive with the puck when you have it.  If you have both attributes, great - but I don't think it is important enough to be the main factor in bringing someone in or should make you hold off bringing someone in if you think that player is overall good.

 

[mr grieves]

I don't think face-off stats matter all that much as long as it's a player familiar with the responsibilities of playing center.

I disagree. I don't think it's a coincidence that the only team in the bottom 10 for face-off percentage that has won more games than they've lost is the Leafs, while nine of the teams in the top 10 has won at least half of theirs. It's not a perfect correlation, obviously, but, I'd say face-offs - especially offensive and defensive zone face-offs are extremely important in a team's success on the larger scale and a significant influence on puck possession.

Sure. But there's probably a stronger correlation between success and having 4 NHL centers. At this point, they're in pretty rough shape on that count.

 

[CaptainObvious]

The Sens had some serious injuries to their line up...and did quite well.It'll be up to Carlyle and the team to make up for it. Not management.

 

[moon111]

The Sens had some serious injuries to their line up...and did quite well.It'll be up to Carlyle and the team to make up for it. Not management.

The Sens don't have one player worth squat.  So if they get injured, just replace them with the next scrub.

Bolland will be a big loss, but the main problem I see is the defense.  Phaneuf is doing remarkable at both ends of the ice.  The rest of the blueline could really use an upgrade.  All okay players, good at one thing, but not all.  With some youth, guess that's to be expected.  Man shock to me is Gunnarsson.  His play seems to be getting worst every season, not better.

 

[freer]

Is anything going to happen to Frazer McLaren for waving the white flag on Saturday?

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Top line at practice today is Lupul-JVR-Kessel.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Top line at practice today is Lupul-JVR-Kessel.

Raymond-Kadri-Clarkson
Bodie-McClement-Kulemin
McLaren-Smith-Orr

... the rest. Man, if JVR can hack it at centre that top line could be something else. All three can be point per game players.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Top line at practice today is Lupul-JVR-Kessel.

Raymond-Kadri-Clarkson
Bodie-McClement-Kulemin
McLaren-Smith-Orr

... the rest. Man, if JVR can hack it at centre that top line could be something else. All three can be point per game players.

Kadri the only other forward with above-3rd line offensive skill.

 

[bustaheims]

Kadri the only other forward with above-3rd line offensive skill.

Hopefully, he can help Clarkson contribute positively and maybe have his contract look a little less ridiculous.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Yeah, it's possible.  Clarkson seems like he has a pretty good shot when he gets a chance, he just doesn't seem to be able to get himself those chances.

I'm hoping the team can just grind through the next little bit, like the team used to do when Sundin was out.

 

[Bullfrog]

Top line at practice today is Lupul-JVR-Kessel.

That makes me feel tingly inside.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I wouldn't be surprised to see either Leivo or Abbott called up closer to game day. Have one of them play with Kadri and Clarkson and drop Raymond to line 3. I think that looks slightly better.

 

[nutman]

Yeah, it's possible.  Clarkson seems like he has a pretty good shot when he gets a chance, he just doesn't seem to be able to get himself those chances.

I'm hoping the team can just grind through the next little bit, like the team used to do when Sundin was out.

To bad we could not pull him out of retirement to jump up onto that top line for a bit.

 

[TML fan]

Yeah, it's possible.  Clarkson seems like he has a pretty good shot when he gets a chance, he just doesn't seem to be able to get himself those chances.

More offensive zone time would help. He's not the best skater. It's hard for him to get into scoring positions when the Leafs are pretty much a one and done team.

 

[ZBBM]

Yeah, it's possible.  Clarkson seems like he has a pretty good shot when he gets a chance, he just doesn't seem to be able to get himself those chances.

I'm hoping the team can just grind through the next little bit, like the team used to do when Sundin was out.

Exactly.  And yes, it's time for Thirty-Goal Dave to make his grand entrance.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

Yeah, it's possible.  Clarkson seems like he has a pretty good shot when he gets a chance, he just doesn't seem to be able to get himself those chances.

I'm hoping the team can just grind through the next little bit, like the team used to do when Sundin was out.

Exactly.  And yes, it's time for Thirty-Goal Dave to make his grand entrance.

And replace Stupid Penalty Dave.