Leafs Playoffs - Casual Fan Edition

[Bonsixx]

Hi,

I'm a longtime member (since 1999, I think) and I noticed a post in the gameday thread for Game 1 about how it was a pretty slow day for a Leafs playoff game.

I think it's because of those who enjoy advanced stats shouting opinions down with "Corsi, Corsi, Corsi, math, math, math" whenever a new member expresses an opinion. I love the advanced stats and think they have value, but it seems to me that anyone who signs on here to voice their thoughts on the team these days just get mocked and have numbers thrown at their face. It never used to be this way.

This used to be a great community for all Leafs fans, and it seems if you post an opinion now that might go against the advanced stats, it turns hostile.

Anyway, that's my opinion (without "the numbers" to prove it), but for anyone who just wants to vent about the team, and who should or shouldn't play, based on the ol' fashioned eye test, please post here.

No "advanced stats" needed. Is that OK?

And here's the first opinion: I don't care how bad Matt Martin is at hockey, I think they need him on the fourth line against Boston.

Discuss.

 

[Bonsixx]

Quick addition: I'd pay money to see Marchand try to kiss Martin.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Welcome back, Bonsixx! 

Doesn't look like Martin will be inserted into the lineup anytime soon.  At least for now.  If everything falls apart again for the Leafs in Game 2,  expect more changes in the lineup shuffle.  Game 2 will tell the tale. 

 

[Mr. Leaf]

My kinda thread!  8). I'd also be ok with seeing Martin inserted into the lineup but personally would like to see Leivo take Kadri's spot.

 

[Andy007]

I'm not so sure about needing Martin. Special teams play such a big role in the playoffs and I think the only thing Martin will do is add to the time spent on the PK. I think Johnsson over him (and Carrick over Polak) and trying to beat the Bruins with speed and skill is the way to go. And I'm still pushing for Nylander to centre and Bozak to the 4th line. I'd love to see this:

Hyman    Matthews    Marner
Johnsson  Nylander    Brown
JVR          Marleau      Kapanen
Komarov  Bozak        Plekanec/Leivo/Martin

      Rielly      Dermott
      Gardiner  Carrick
      Hainsey  Zaitsev

 

[Boston Leaf]

good thread  ;D

 

[OldTimeHockey]

Personally if I was to remove a Dman for Carrick, I'd take out Hainsey before Polak. Seems to me that Hainsey is on the ice for every goal and is usually flailing around on the ice when it happens.

 

[nutman]

Nice post I agree 100%.  Martin not so much yet, I think we use our speed first.  If Plakanic goes for another ride I am all for getting him out he has not played a good game since he joined us, and we all know he has game.

 

[Bonsixx]

I'm not so sure about needing Martin. Special teams play such a big role in the playoffs and I think the only thing Martin will do is add to the time spent on the PK. I think Johnsson over him (and Carrick over Polak) and trying to beat the Bruins with speed and skill is the way to go. And I'm still pushing for Nylander to centre and Bozak to the 4th line. I'd love to see this:

Hyman    Matthews    Marner
Johnsson  Nylander    Brown
JVR          Marleau      Kapanen
Komarov  Bozak        Plekanec/Leivo/Martin

      Rielly      Dermott
      Gardiner  Carrick
      Hainsey  Zaitsev

It's a good point that they need to beat them with their speed (ie. Hyman's goal) but man, it seemed they were standing around most of Game 1 waiting to get hit.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[Bonsixx]

Personally if I was to remove a Dman for Carrick, I'd take out Hainsey before Polak. Seems to me that Hainsey is on the ice for every goal and is usually flailing around on the ice when it happens.

That's because Babs plays him too much. Not really Hainsey's fault.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[Highlander]

Val Kilmer just before he places a shot through Marchands forehead. "I'll be your Huckleberry".  Perhaps Komrade can play that role tonight.

 

[WAYNEINIONA]

Nice thread Bonsixx. You just stated what alot of  the mere mortals on this sight have been thinking for the last few years.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

Personally if I was to remove a Dman for Carrick, I'd take out Hainsey before Polak. Seems to me that Hainsey is on the ice for every goal and is usually flailing around on the ice when it happens.

That's because Babs plays him too much. Not really Hainsey's fault.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Well that's sort of true for everyone who plays in situations they shouldn't isn't it...on all teams.

 

[Andy007]

I'm not so sure about needing Martin. Special teams play such a big role in the playoffs and I think the only thing Martin will do is add to the time spent on the PK. I think Johnsson over him (and Carrick over Polak) and trying to beat the Bruins with speed and skill is the way to go. And I'm still pushing for Nylander to centre and Bozak to the 4th line. I'd love to see this:

Hyman    Matthews    Marner
Johnsson  Nylander    Brown
JVR          Marleau      Kapanen
Komarov  Bozak        Plekanec/Leivo/Martin

      Rielly      Dermott
      Gardiner  Carrick
      Hainsey  Zaitsev

It's a good point that they need to beat them with their speed (ie. Hyman's goal) but man, it seemed they were standing around most of Game 1 waiting to get hit.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Well while that was definitely true the 1st period, I thought they looked real good in the 2nd. Special teams essentially decided that game. I think discipline and puck possession are going to get the Leafs through this series, not trying to outhit or out dump and chase the physically superior team.

 

[Highlander]

Its strange, but I have always thought this team is built for one to two/three years down the road. I am feeling a little disassociated at this point. Very strange, I used to live and die for the Leafs to make the post season, perhaps my expectations are not so high and its doesn't help we are playing the B's.
Hope they can come back and ignite the fire again.

 

[princedpw]

I'm not so sure about needing Martin. Special teams play such a big role in the playoffs and I think the only thing Martin will do is add to the time spent on the PK. I think Johnsson over him (and Carrick over Polak) and trying to beat the Bruins with speed and skill is the way to go. And I'm still pushing for Nylander to centre and Bozak to the 4th line. I'd love to see this:

Hyman    Matthews    Marner
Johnsson  Nylander    Brown
JVR          Marleau      Kapanen
Komarov  Bozak        Plekanec/Leivo/Martin

      Rielly      Dermott
      Gardiner  Carrick
      Hainsey  Zaitsev

These guys are 20.  They shouldn't get tired.  This would be fun:

Johnsson  Matthews    Hyman  (22 min)
Marleau  Nylander    Marner  (20 min)
JVR          Bozak      Kapanen (15 min)
Leivo  Matthews        Brown (3 min)

      Rielly      Dermott (25)
      Gardiner  Carrick (25)
      Hainsey  Zaitsev (10)

Powerplay:
JVR          Bozak      Marner    Leivo    Reilly (1min30/pp)
Matthews Nylander Johnsson Marleau Gardiner (30/pp)

PK:
It can't be worse than the last game.

 

[princedpw]

Hi,

I'm a longtime member (since 1999, I think) and I noticed a post in the gameday thread for Game 1 about how it was a pretty slow day for a Leafs playoff game.

I think it's because of those who enjoy advanced stats shouting opinions down with "Corsi, Corsi, Corsi, math, math, math" whenever a new member expresses an opinion. I love the advanced stats and think they have value, but it seems to me that anyone who signs on here to voice their thoughts on the team these days just get mocked and have numbers thrown at their face. It never used to be this way.

This used to be a great community for all Leafs fans, and it seems if you post an opinion now that might go against the advanced stats, it turns hostile.

Anyway, that's my opinion (without "the numbers" to prove it), but for anyone who just wants to vent about the team, and who should or shouldn't play, based on the ol' fashioned eye test, please post here.

No "advanced stats" needed. Is that OK?

And here's the first opinion: I don't care how bad Matt Martin is at hockey, I think they need him on the fourth line against Boston.

Discuss.

Great post and great thread.  Thanks for this.

If we disagree on this site, it would be nice if we could disagree and yet be positive, supportive and friendly towards one another as opposed to hostile.  Point out when someone makes a nice point, even if you don't agree with the entirety of their statement.  We lose contributors to the site when we are unfriendly.  (I am sure I am personally forgetful this golden rule from time to time.  Apologies for when I screw up.)

 

[Chris]

Nice thread! Can we talk about +/- or is it taboo here too 

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I only got to see bits and pieces of game 1. I'm on the fence concerning the value Martin might add, but he'd probably be more effective than Komarov (except on the PK of course). I thought Matthews looked a bit tentative but again, I only saw part of the game. He needs to be much more assertive and I'd like to see him use his size a bit as well.

Hopefully my internet connection will stay alive long enough to watch the game tonight...here in western NY we are preparing for a potentially very bad ice storm with a lot of wind. Bad combination.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Babs needs to do what Carlyle did in that series back then we he had to find a way to get Kessel loose.  The Leafs had a strategy in place and it worked beautifully.  If Babcock could take a page from there and get the Matthews line away from the Bergeron line, or at least rearrange things, be ecclective, etc., perhaps then the Leafs will have a greater chance of success.

We all know the Leafs' biggest asset is their speed & skill.  This needs to be unleashed.  (It is said that defence wins playoff hockey games.  Not as prevalent anymore, according to stats).

...Boston Bruins beating the Leafs is by the Leafs beating themselves. Their biggest weapon is their offence, their kids, their creativity. They can score in bushels when they're humming. If Mike Babcock puts them in offensive shackles, what?s left to beat Boston with? Are they going to out-defend one of the league?s stingiest teams despite themselves being downright middling defensively?

 

[Guilt Trip]

Personally if I was to remove a Dman for Carrick, I'd take out Hainsey before Polak. Seems to me that Hainsey is on the ice for every goal and is usually flailing around on the ice when it happens.

That's because Babs plays him too much. Not really Hainsey's fault.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Well that's sort of true for everyone who plays in situations they shouldn't isn't it...on all teams.

Hainsey's issue is basic stuff.. Covering a man, not giving the uck away when not being pressured. That has nothing to do with being tired. Simple simple stuff