Leafs @ Panthers - Feb. 4th, 7:30pm - SN, SN 590

[Can8899]

Also, he's being used in a defensive role so if we were expecting 20 goals and 40 points even with a full season I'm not so sure we'd see that from him.  Similar to Grabbo last year, he has not been put in position to succeed offensively.

But aside from whatever personal criticism we might want to throw at Clarkson why in the world is he being used in a defensive role? He didn't have a reputation for being a terrific defender in New Jersey. He didn't get time on their PK. He was a guy who could add some physicality and score some goals.

I agree 100%, I have no idea why he's being used in that role.  Personally, I see him on the second line with Kadri and JVR.  That combo was used last night briefly and was the line on the ice when the goal was scored.

It would be tough to split up Kessel and JVR  though.

 

[Kin]

This is a reasonable defense of Clarkson actually.  I want to see what happens if he gets a prolonged look with Holland (when he gets back in the lineup).  I think Clarkson spent a good portion of his year on a a line with Kulemin and McClement.  We have seen what the Leafs 3rd line does with McClement running the show.  Maybe Clarkson looks better when the Leafs actually dress three lines that are capable of doing more than flub the puck into the offensive zone and then go off on a change.

Well, I feel like the Bolland injury really did throw a wrench into what this team was supposed to be. I realize that every team deals with injuries but i really think this team was specifically built, in the offseason, to be a three line team that could work offensively and then with Jay McClement as a spare part/PK'er and a largely irrelevant 4th line. Where Carlyle has erred, or not depending on how you want to look at it, is by not dealing with the Bolland injury by just plugging Holland or Smith or whoever into that spot and continuing on as planned but I think, to Nonis' credit, that his plan looks like one that probably could have gotten the most from this group.

 

[L K]

This is a reasonable defense of Clarkson actually.  I want to see what happens if he gets a prolonged look with Holland (when he gets back in the lineup).  I think Clarkson spent a good portion of his year on a a line with Kulemin and McClement.  We have seen what the Leafs 3rd line does with McClement running the show.  Maybe Clarkson looks better when the Leafs actually dress three lines that are capable of doing more than flub the puck into the offensive zone and then go off on a change.

Well, I feel like the Bolland injury really did throw a wrench into what this team was supposed to be. I realize that every team deals with injuries but i really think this team was specifically built, in the offseason, to be a three line team that could work offensively and then with Jay McClement as a spare part/PK'er and a largely irrelevant 4th line. Where Carlyle has erred, or not depending on how you want to look at it, is by not dealing with the Bolland injury by just plugging Holland or Smith or whoever into that spot and continuing on as planned but I think, to Nonis' credit, that his plan looks like one that probably could have gotten the most from this group.

I think the lucky thing for us is that the Leafs will be in a playoff spot or at least within a point or two coming out of the Olympic break and we should have the full roster back at that point (barring an injury to JVR/Kessel/Kulemin).  Enough time for Bolland to get back into game shape and maybe for the whole team to gel.

 

[ZBBM]

I'm in Florida right now for a job interview.  I went to the game tonight and sat in the 5th row in the Panthers offensive zone.  I bought the ticket off Stub-hub for 45 dollars.  At best the arena was 2/3 full and at least 70% of those fans were Leafs fans.  It was actually a really fun atmosphere succesfully drowning out every single "Let's go Panthers" chant.

Too bad the crowd was the only part of the Leafs to show up (aside from Bernier). 

Carlyle is really quiet on the bench.  He does a lot of scowling and scrawling on his pads of paper (seriously, no Ipad?) but doesn't do much in terms of barking during/after plays.

Franson continues to be awful in the neutral zone/defensively.  I don't really understand why he is so capable at the offensive blueline at handling the puck in tight quarters, but so inept everywhere else.  He's the guy the Leafs needs to improve the defense with but they aren't going to get very much for him.

The Leafs strategy of collapsing down low in the defensive zone but them having the forwards streak way out in the neutral zone continues to be a problem any time the Leafs play a team that clogs the neutral zone.  Florida played the Leafs to near perfection most of the night by taking away those plays and turning the puck back around for the quick transition.

Also, the Leafs can't win a puck battle to save their lives...I don't understand why Carlyle insists on dump-ins.  The Leafs most dangerous plays all came off players carrying the puck into the zone.

Good analysis, thanks.

The bolded is what drives me over the cliff.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

I'm in Florida right now for a job interview.  I went to the game tonight and sat in the 5th row in the Panthers offensive zone.  I bought the ticket off Stub-hub for 45 dollars.  At best the arena was 2/3 full and at least 70% of those fans were Leafs fans.  It was actually a really fun atmosphere succesfully drowning out every single "Let's go Panthers" chant.

Good Lord, you've personally witnessed two of the Leafs' worst games this season!

 

[nutman]

Games like last night piss me off. If your going to loose how about a team ahead of you, not a bottom feeder. And RC, what the heck are you doing playing a 4th line that couldn't make a peewee team.

 

[TML fan]

Quick question:  When was the last time you remember being impressed with Gardiner?

Gardiner is all talent. He has the hockey IQ of a peanut. He's always going to be a high risk player, but I'm starting to wonder if the rewards are worth the risk.

 

[Highlander]

If you give up on Gardiner now you are not considering what he will be in 3 to 4 years and that is two bad, the kid is still learing and has more pure talent than most people in NHL today..yes his hockey IQ is low but people do learn. If you want to pick on someone join the trade Cody train?Granberg is waiting on his spot.

 

[TML fan]

If you give up on Gardiner now you are not considering what he will be in 3 to 4 years and that is two bad, the kid is still learing and has more pure talent than most people in NHL today..yes his hockey IQ is low but people do learn. If you want to pick on someone join the trade Cody train?Granberg is waiting on his spot.

Gardiner hasn't really shown me anything to indicate he wants to learn. Plus what I know about him personally, which I'm not allowed to discuss, leads me to believe he won't ever learn.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Gardiner's looked fine to me, and I think he's had some of his best games in the last 10 or so.

 

[Highlander]

I think the same goes for Gardiner that goes for Rielly, he needs to be paired with a solid stay at home defenseman whom can cover his gaffes when he screws up. Let him be an true offensive defensemen and let him lose and then have a guy whom breaks up the inevitable 2 on 1's that develop

 

[OldTimeHockey]

Plus what I know about him personally, which I'm not allowed to discuss, leads me to believe he won't ever learn.

Oooooo an insider! Lines like this drive me up the wall.

 

[TML fan]

Plus what I know about him personally, which I'm not allowed to discuss, leads me to believe he won't ever learn.

Oooooo an insider! Lines like this drive me up the wall.

Vroom vroom! It's forum rules.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

Plus what I know about him personally, which I'm not allowed to discuss, leads me to believe he won't ever learn.

Oooooo an insider! Lines like this drive me up the wall.

Vroom vroom! It's forum rules.

You still come off sounding like a rumour site. You're like the people on facebook fishing for people to ask "what's wrong, why's so sad?"....

If it's forum rules, why bring in to question his character at all? That's the issue I have. Not that I want to know, or quite frankly give a flying heck that he may or may not have character issues because it's of no interest to me. This isn't highschool.

 

[TML fan]

Plus what I know about him personally, which I'm not allowed to discuss, leads me to believe he won't ever learn.

Oooooo an insider! Lines like this drive me up the wall.

Vroom vroom! It's forum rules.

You still come off sounding like a rumour site. You're like the people on facebook fishing for people to ask "what's wrong, why's so sad?"....

If it's forum rules, why bring in to question his character at all? That's the issue I have. Not that I want to know, or quite frankly give a flying heck that he may or may not have character issues because it's of no interest to me. This isn't highschool.

Because character issues are at the very heart of my opinion on him as a player.

 

[L K]

I'm in Florida right now for a job interview.  I went to the game tonight and sat in the 5th row in the Panthers offensive zone.  I bought the ticket off Stub-hub for 45 dollars.  At best the arena was 2/3 full and at least 70% of those fans were Leafs fans.  It was actually a really fun atmosphere succesfully drowning out every single "Let's go Panthers" chant.

Good Lord, you've personally witnessed two of the Leafs' worst games this season!

Moral of the story is no more games for me this year.

 

[Highlander]

If we start going into character issues we are all sunk. Let he without sin throw the first stone.  Lets not insinuate against Gardiner, Obama, Harper or Santa Clause

 

[moon111]

If we start going into character issues we are all sunk. Let he without sin throw the first stone.  Lets not insinuate against Gardiner, Obama, Harper or Santa Clause

Sinner or no sinner, I think everyone should be able to hurl as many stones at Hydro One as possible.

 

[Highlander]

Dat is different