• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

Leafs @ Blue Jackets - Dec. 28th, 7:00pm - SNO, Fan 590

https://twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/1078850276419883008

Tomorrow?s gonna be something.

Trotz is using the Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck line as his shutdown group and they?re definitely going to be assigned to Tavares-Marner.
 
lc9 said:
Little separation starting to happen in the Atlantic.  Would be nice if Tampa would ever lose a game.
Click to expand...
I'd be happy if they go on a losing streak in the playoffs.  ;)
 
Al14 said:
lc9 said:
Little separation starting to happen in the Atlantic.  Would be nice if Tampa would ever lose a game.
Click to expand...
I'd be happy if they go on a losing streak in the playoffs.  ;)
Click to expand...

For sure.

They look like the team to beat in the whole league this year.
 
Happy for Sparks.  He was solid for the most part.

Speaking of the defence, namely Hainsey who is a +23 (+/-) and has been a stabilizing force for the young Leafs defence corps.

As for Zaltsev, he played a notch better not just for this game but he seems (hopefully) steadily improving.
 
I don't think Sparks was good at all.  Still has poor movement, bad rebound control, and some delayed reactions.

The only reason this wasn't closer in score is because CBJ missed the net on most of their good chances.
 
AvroArrow said:
I don't think Sparks was good at all.  Still has poor movement, bad rebound control, and some delayed reactions.

The only reason this wasn't closer in score is because CBJ missed the net on most of their good chances.
Click to expand...
He made quite a few difficult stops in traffic. The first goal was bad but he settled in after that. It's been brought up that Sparks might not be cut out for a backup role where he sits for long stretches, he may thrive more with allot more playing time. That said, he was pretty good last night.
 
Zee said:
AvroArrow said:
I don't think Sparks was good at all.  Still has poor movement, bad rebound control, and some delayed reactions.

The only reason this wasn't closer in score is because CBJ missed the net on most of their good chances.
Click to expand...
He made quite a few difficult stops in traffic. The first goal was bad but he settled in after that. It's been brought up that Sparks might not be cut out for a backup role where he sits for long stretches, he may thrive more with allot more playing time. That said, he was pretty good last night.
Click to expand...

For all the negatives around Sparks, he's 6-1-1 with a .910 save percentage. He's a serviceable back up in his first full year in the league.
 
Zee said:
AvroArrow said:
I don't think Sparks was good at all.  Still has poor movement, bad rebound control, and some delayed reactions.

The only reason this wasn't closer in score is because CBJ missed the net on most of their good chances.
Click to expand...
He made quite a few difficult stops in traffic. The first goal was bad but he settled in after that. It's been brought up that Sparks might not be cut out for a backup role where he sits for long stretches, he may thrive more with allot more playing time. That said, he was pretty good last night.
Click to expand...

I think that just about any NHL backup will come into the league not really sure of how to adjust to infrequent playing time but the successful ones manage. Realistically, that's Sparks' path to a NHL career so he needs to figure out a way to do it.
 
Backup goalies playing their first season in the NHL must be Athenas, springing forth fully formed and battle-ready.
 
Yeah, I don't get all the hate being directed at Sparks, either. He's doing exactly what you want a backup goalie to do - giving his team a chance to win when he's in net. He's not going to steal games, but the Leafs have earned 13 of 16 possible points when he's in net, so, he's doing his part. He doesn't always look pretty, and sometimes he lets in some stinkers, but, that's how backup goalies - and many rookie goalies - are.
 
bustaheims said:
Yeah, I don't get all the hate being directed at Sparks, either. He's doing exactly what you want a backup goalie to do - giving his team a chance to win when he's in net. He's not going to steal games, but the Leafs have earned 13 of 16 possible points when he's in net, so, he's doing his part. He doesn't always look pretty, and sometimes he lets in some stinkers, but, that's how backup goalies - and many rookie goalies - are.
Click to expand...

Thing is, the Leafs offense will cover up a lot. In light of Andersen having a wonky groin now apparently, fair criticism of how Sparks is doing is important if the Leafs have to seriously consider upgrading at the position come deadline time.

He hasn't been a trainwreck but I'm far from confident in the idea of him getting an extended run of playing time.
 
This is not the first time a good team has made a goalies stats look decent.

The eye test shows a goalie that continues to react slowly at times, struggle to see through traffic frequently, give up lots of juicy rebounds, and slide out of position numerous times a game.
 
Nik the Trik said:
He hasn't been a trainwreck but I'm far from confident in the idea of him getting an extended run of playing time.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with that - he doesn't inspire much confidence in terms of taking over the starting role, but, again, very few backup goalies do. I'm not sure there are more than a handful of backup goalies around the league I'd be confident taking an extended stretch in net behind this team.
 
Nik the Trik said:
bustaheims said:
Yeah, I don't get all the hate being directed at Sparks, either. He's doing exactly what you want a backup goalie to do - giving his team a chance to win when he's in net. He's not going to steal games, but the Leafs have earned 13 of 16 possible points when he's in net, so, he's doing his part. He doesn't always look pretty, and sometimes he lets in some stinkers, but, that's how backup goalies - and many rookie goalies - are.
Click to expand...

Thing is, the Leafs offense will cover up a lot. In light of Andersen having a wonky groin now apparently, fair criticism of how Sparks is doing is important if the Leafs have to seriously consider upgrading at the position come deadline time.

He hasn't been a trainwreck but I'm far from confident in the idea of him getting an extended run of playing time.
Click to expand...

Well put. This is essentially how I feel about him too.
 
bustaheims said:
Nik the Trik said:
He hasn't been a trainwreck but I'm far from confident in the idea of him getting an extended run of playing time.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with that - he doesn't inspire much confidence in terms of taking over the starting role, but, again, very few backup goalies do. I'm not sure there are more than a handful of backup goalies around the league I'd be confident taking an extended stretch in net behind this team.
Click to expand...

Well, nobody wants to see your linchpin player get hurt but Sparks starred in the AHL so let's see what he can do with a few consecutive starts.

Except that the weird sked actually gives Freddie plenty of time to rest his groin (how do you do that, BTW? other than "abstinence-only," I mean).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

About Us

This website is NOT associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs or the NHL.


It is operated by Rick Couchman and Jeff Lewis.
Back
Top