Leafs @ Hurricanes - Feb. 19th, 7:30pm - SN, TSN 1050

[disco]

I've been kind of avoiding the GDTs of late, because of the negative nancies that have showed up with arguments I just can't fathom. The team has dramatically exceeded expectations, they're fun to watch, and they have teenagers/rookies literally leading the team. But no, they don't knock people over in the crease, get into meaningless fights, and Babcock's a terrible coach because he can't make teenagers play like they're in their late 20's, or put in a system that make average veteran players look like all-stars.

I hope a few more people post on here are actually enjoying this season as much as I am.

X2

 

[Kin]

Per Mirtle McBackup is at a .938 SV% since joining the Leafs.

 

[hockeyfan1]

I've been kind of avoiding the GDTs of late, because of the negative nancies that have showed up with arguments I just can't fathom. The team has dramatically exceeded expectations, they're fun to watch, and they have teenagers/rookies literally leading the team. But no, they don't knock people over in the crease, get into meaningless fights, and Babcock's a terrible coach because he can't make teenagers play like they're in their late 20's, or put in a system that make average veteran players look like all-stars.

I hope a few more people post on here are actually enjoying this season as much as I am.

X2

x3 

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000
www.twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000

If Matthews merely scored on a wicked wrister, or bar down backhand, we'd all be talking about this pass by Gardiner instead.

 

[Frank E]

I don't know Veillette, that was a pretty simple play there.  Not sure it's really noteworthy at all.

 

[Bullfrog]

What a goal. Jesus.

You have a grammar error. I think you meant:

What a goal, Jesus.

 

[L K]

Per Mirtle McBackup is at a .938 SV% since joining the Leafs.

Outside of the Columbus game where the entire team stunk, McBackup has been pretty great for us.

 

[disco]

https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000
www.twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000

If Matthews merely scored on a wicked wrister, or bar down backhand, we'd all be talking about this pass by Gardiner instead.

Missed that, a great play by the Gardiner Expressway 8)

 

[pnjunction]

I noticed that beauty pass because I call for passes like that and get them sometimes in beer league, it's about the only way my slow carcass can get a jump on opposing D into the zone

 

[McGarnagle]

I don't know Veillette, that was a pretty simple play there.  Not sure it's really noteworthy at all.

I find that to be the case in a lot of the play by play, when they're fawning over a certain player and show an example of a play that's pretty commonplace and attribute it to "elite skill" -but this play in particular was fairly impressive to me, at least - because of the level of awareness and timing required to assess the opportunity while skating with his back to the play. I'll admit I didn't really notice it at the time, but that was really a remarkable pass.

 

[ZBBM]

You could argue that the only reason the pass got to Matthews was because the Canes guy covering him didn't cover him.

But that would be wrong. You have to give Gardiner credit there I think.

 

[Can8899]

https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000
www.twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/833491378550272000

If Matthews merely scored on a wicked wrister, or bar down backhand, we'd all be talking about this pass by Gardiner instead.

Missed that, a great play by the Gardiner Expressway 8)

That pass was 100% planned.  I was at the game sitting in the corner where Matthews scored and saw the whole play develop.  Gardiner absolutely knew what he was doing when he rifled the puck around the boards.

The Canes were changing on the play and Matthews saw this, stayed on the ice in order to receive that pass.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is something that is coached/talked about when preparing for games.

 

[herman]

Thanks for the 1st person account, Can8899.

Definitely planned when Gardiner made the play, but not so sure it's something that the coaches would necessarily spend time on, as it's so situational. He clearly looks back left to see the Canes changing, and then checks right to see if anyone is poaching on the long change.

Follow-up question: what's the call when two penalties occur on a scoring play? I would've assumed one still gets called, while the first is nullified by the goal. Hyman was tripped rather dangerously (but accidentally) by Hanifin as he charged the net.

 

[Zee]

I'm waiting for the Winnipeg/Toronto game day thread so I can put my thoughts and hopes for tonight.

 

[dekedastardly]

one still gets called, while the first is nullified by the goal.

Yes, this is what's supposed to happen.

 

[herman]

Yes, this is what's supposed to happen.

Thanks, dekedastardly. That goal was so good it wiped out two penalties.


http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-impressive-goal-headlines-impressive-win-for-leafs~1060775

Gardiner confirms his pass was deliberate.

Matthews rocking a Joker suit.