Leafs @ Coyotes - Nov. 4th, 9:00pm - SNO, TSN 1050

[Andy007]

I stick by my blaming on Gardiner. I do not expect a 3.5 - 4 mil defense man to "ever" fan on a pass three feet from the goal "ever". And if he does he should of tackled the guy he gave it too. The man is far to soft to be playing defense. IMO.

What you are saying has no basis in reality. There is literally no time to get near the player who received the puck let alone 'tackle' him.

Also, Franson had two passes in his own zone just as bad as that Gardiner one but Arizona just didn't capitalize on it. Absolutely silly to blame the entire loss on Gardiner.

 

[freer]

I stick by my blaming on Gardiner. I do not expect a 3.5 - 4 mil defense man to "ever" fan on a pass three feet from the goal "ever". And if he does he should of tackled the guy he gave it too. The man is far to soft to be playing defense. IMO.

What you are saying has no basis in reality. There is literally no time to get near the player who received the puck let alone 'tackle' him.

Also, Franson had two passes in his own zone just as bad as that Gardiner one but Arizona just didn't capitalize on it. Absolutely silly to blame the entire loss on Gardiner.

Why not, I have been hearing "Bozak is not a 1st line center" for third years. Well yes he has played for three seasons as a first line center. Which makes him a first line center. I don't like Gardiner, I think he is soft and we should trade him. He IMO has no place as a defense man in the NHL. He may be a good winger. But IMO he will never be more then a offensive d-man, who makes stupid mistakes which cause the team to lose.

 

[herman]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

What was even more amazing was how they kept doing it even after seeing Smith eat up the dump in and spring a break out over the red line before the Leafs even crossed into the offensive zone. When they did make an adjustment, it was to the lines and not the tactics. Our 4th line was gaining the zone with regularity in their limited minutes because Ashton and Carrick were trucking it in with speed.

The Leafs were generally soft the first half of the game, giving the Coyotes lots of room to pick up speed and go to work and seemed content to let them set up in front of Reimer with regularity. It's hard to win a game where no one can string two passes together. They kept trying for the stretch pass and ended up gassing themselves with icings.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

They seemed to have no answer for the Coyotes clogging up the neutral zone and so almost the entire team reverted to dumping it in.  I don't know if that was the players choosing to do so on the fly, them being told by the coaching staff, or a combo, but what Mirtle says seems to go with how I remember last night too.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

I mentioned it during the game last night, this was the hymn sheet they where all singing from pre-game, it's pathetic that they are so tactically naive.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

I mentioned it during the game last night, this was the hymn sheet they where all singing from pre-game, it's pathetic that they are so tactically naive.

I missed that post, so that leads me to believe it is something the coaching staff told them to do.

 

[Deebo]

Phaneuf with an incredibly stupid dump in that Mike Smith easily stops and the puck goes back out of the zone.  Why?  Why you stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid defenseman.

Carlyle, obviously.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

Just to add, I read the article and he mentions he re-watched the first 26:00 of the game.  I think that's up to the point it became 3-0.

 

[bustaheims]

Why not, I have been hearing "Bozak is not a 1st line center" for third years. Well yes he has played for three seasons as a first line center. Which makes him a first line center.

No, it doesn't. I just means he's been the centre on the Leafs' 1st line for 3 seasons. He wouldn't be playing that role on 90% of the teams in the league. On top of that, people don't pin individual losses on him the way you like to constantly pin them on individual players.

 

[bustaheims]

I stick by my blaming on Gardiner. I do not expect a 3.5 - 4 mil defense man to "ever" fan on a pass three feet from the goal "ever". And if he does he should of tackled the guy he gave it too. The man is far to soft to be playing defense. IMO.

This is hockey, not football. You don't tackle players in the NHL. And, if he had, not only would he have been penalized, he risks seriously injuring himself and the other player, which could easily lead to a suspension. You're holding him to unreasonably standard and suggesting he take actions that no hockey player should (and those that would aren't playing in the NHL).

Also, because it's a pet peeve of mine, it's 'should have,' not 'should of.'

 

[L K]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

They seemed to have no answer for the Coyotes clogging up the neutral zone and so almost the entire team reverted to dumping it in.  I don't know if that was the players choosing to do so on the fly, them being told by the coaching staff, or a combo, but what Mirtle says seems to go with how I remember last night too.

I don't think the problem was the dump ins on their own, it was how they were dumping it in.  The Coyotes clogged the neutral zone so the Leafs stood still, fired the puck into the offensive zone just past center ice and Mike Smith stopped it and turned the puck back up ice.

What they should have done is:
1) Use more drop passes to build early speed
2) Use the chip clear play where you clear the defensive zone with a high clear in the middle of the ice and then use your speed to attack the Phoenix defender into making a mistake
3) Used diagonal dump-in's that prevent Smith from making a play.

The Leafs instead just did the same "hammer the puck as hard as I can and hope Smith doesn't stop it" play. 

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

Phaneuf with an incredibly stupid dump in that Mike Smith easily stops and the puck goes back out of the zone.  Why?  Why you stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid defenseman.

nailed it!

 

[freer]

I stick by my blaming on Gardiner. I do not expect a 3.5 - 4 mil defense man to "ever" fan on a pass three feet from the goal "ever". And if he does he should of tackled the guy he gave it too. The man is far to soft to be playing defense. IMO.

This is hockey, not football. You don't tackle players in the NHL. And, if he had, not only would he have been penalized, he risks seriously injuring himself and the other player, which could easily lead to a suspension. You're holding him to unreasonably standard and suggesting he take actions that no hockey player should (and those that would aren't playing in the NHL).

Also, because it's a pet peeve of mine, it's 'should have,' not 'should of.'

and they were prefect on the PK.... One less goal to have to make up.

Unreasonable standards! He earns over 4 mil dollars a year. I don't think so. Again this is my opinion. Doesnt have to be anyone elses.

 

[bustaheims]

Unreasonable standards! He earns over 4 mil dollars a year. I don't think so. Again this is my opinion. Doesnt have to be anyone elses.

Your standards are unreasonable regardless of his salary. No player is mistake free and no player should ever tackle another when they make a mistake. There isn't a single player in the league that would meet the standards you hold Gardiner to.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Just to add, I read the article and he mentions he re-watched the first 26:00 of the game.  I think that's up to the point it became 3-0.

Thanks, missed that. Over a dump-in per minute. That seems insanely high.

 

[Highlander]

watched the first period and went to bed, game in 6 this am. Two things that stand out, Bernier should have been in net, he basically stoned them last Feb when I was there so he had a hot hand against that club. Sorry as good as Reimer played the Hawks, and as much as I like him, has traditional has a let down game the game after a great one.
The ice last night was one of the worst displays of ice in a long time. Being in the desert we know the ice at Glendale is usually not great, they spend a lot of time working on spots, but last night Franson fell twice on one power play.  The Yotes are use to the surface and make it work to their advantage. And the Leafs have to take it on the chin as they came out flatter than taylor swifts chest.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

I do not expect a 3.5 - 4 mil defense man to "ever" fan on a pass three feet from the goal "ever".

Then it's a good thing Gardiner makes $4.05mil!

And that the corner isn't 3 feet from the net.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Why not, I have been hearing "Bozak is not a 1st line center" for third years. Well yes he has played for three seasons as a first line center. Which makes him a first line center. I don't like Gardiner, I think he is soft and we should trade him. He IMO has no place as a defense man in the NHL. He may be a good winger. But IMO he will never be more then a offensive d-man, who makes stupid mistakes which cause the team to lose.

Gardiner has played for three seasons as a defense man in the NHL. Which makes him a defense man in the NHL.

 

[freer]

Why not, I have been hearing "Bozak is not a 1st line center" for third years. Well yes he has played for three seasons as a first line center. Which makes him a first line center. I don't like Gardiner, I think he is soft and we should trade him. He IMO has no place as a defense man in the NHL. He may be a good winger. But IMO he will never be more then a offensive d-man, who makes stupid mistakes which cause the team to lose.

I will leave it as a difference of opinions. I do not like Gardiner! You do. Enough said.

Gardiner has played for three seasons as a defense man in the NHL. Which makes him a defense man in the NHL.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Mirtle: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-loss-a-perfect-example-of-what-ails-the-leafs/article21452753/

When we talk about entering the offensive zone, typically there are two basic types of entries: controlled and uncontrolled (or dump-ins). There?s no one way to win a hockey game, but many of the NHL?s best possession teams ? neither of which were involved in this game ? do so by managing the puck well coming out of the D zone and going into the O zone.

Arizona did this on Tuesday. Against Toronto, in the section of the game I examined, the Coyotes made 19 controlled entries at even strength and had 10 dump-ins.

For the Leafs, I counted only six controlled entries and a remarkable 31 dump-ins, the majority of which were either unrecovered, part of a line change or an icing.

Not sure what part of the game Mirtle tracked for this (his twitter account would suggest it was at least the 1st period), but the Leafs had 3x the number of dump-ins Arizona had during that time. That's a lot.

They seemed to have no answer for the Coyotes clogging up the neutral zone and so almost the entire team reverted to dumping it in.  I don't know if that was the players choosing to do so on the fly, them being told by the coaching staff, or a combo, but what Mirtle says seems to go with how I remember last night too.

I don't think the problem was the dump ins on their own, it was how they were dumping it in.  The Coyotes clogged the neutral zone so the Leafs stood still, fired the puck into the offensive zone just past center ice and Mike Smith stopped it and turned the puck back up ice.

Well I don't think their game plan should have been 'dump and chase' against a goalie who handles it as well as Smith because then you're relying on always having to put the puck in the right spot for him to not be able to handle it.  Under ideal circumstances it's probably easy for NHLers, but in game situations with other team probably not so much.  Just doesn't seem like a viable strategy against that team.