Leafs @ Sabres - Mar. 15th, 7:00pm - TSN4, Fan 590

[Coco-puffs]

Anyone else feel like Hyman looked better offensively last night?  *Hint*  He played right wing (his strong side) and it was much easier for him to drive to the net.  I still think he's not the best candidate on the Leafs to play his off-wing (and someone has to considering the number of RW's we have). 

Similarily, Komarov seems WAY more comfortable on his strong side too.  I don't know why Babcock stuck with Marleau-Kadri-Komarov for so long considering the number of right-shot wingers we have.  He seems much more effective back on LW, whether its on the 4th line or even with Kadri-Marner.

 

[herman]

Anyone else feel like Hyman looked better offensively last night?  *Hint*  He played right wing (his strong side) and it was much easier for him to drive to the net.  I still think he's not the best candidate on the Leafs to play his off-wing (and someone has to considering the number of RW's we have). 

Similarily, Komarov seems WAY more comfortable on his strong side too.  I don't know why Babcock stuck with Marleau-Kadri-Komarov for so long considering the number of right-shot wingers we have.  He seems much more effective back on LW, whether its on the 4th line or even with Kadri-Marner.

Yes. Hyman's got skills to go with his gumption and for the most part we've mostly been watching him play with a (deliberate) disadvantage. I accept it on Matthews' LW because Hyman isn't meant to play the puck in that role. He forechecks and boxes one or two defenders out and Nylander or Matthews swoops in to pick up the turnover he forced.

In the future, when Nylander moves to centre, I think it makes sense for him to bring Hyman with him for the existing chemistry and defensive complement to Nylander's game. A more offensive LW option should join them for the rush plays in transition. Right now, Marleau-Nylander-Hyman is semi-ideal for the above reasons; I'd prefer a player with more puck carrying capabilities instead of Marleau but we don't currently have that leftshot on the roster.

Komarov/Marleau-Kadri-Marner also works nicely that way. The two more gifted handlers are the centre and his opposite shot winger, while the player with the best game without the puck is on the backhand of the centre.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

 

[herman]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

With Tavares and Kovalchuk, I think Nylander can stay with Matthews and Hyman. I mean, other teams still need a sporting chance or else it'll be boring.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

With Tavares and Kovalchuk, I think Nylander can stay with Matthews and Hyman. I mean, other teams still need a sporting chance or else it'll be boring.

You watched the 2014 Olympics, right? I think Babcock would be ok with boring.

 

[herman]

With Tavares and Kovalchuk, I think Nylander can stay with Matthews and Hyman. I mean, other teams still need a sporting chance or else it'll be boring.

You watched the 2014 Olympics, right? I think Babcock would be ok with boring.

This is true.

 

[Bullfrog]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

Dude, Kovalchuk plays LW.

It'd have to be:
Tavares-Matthews-Nylander
Kovalchuk-Kadri-Marner

Or, just switch Kovalchuk and Tavares, because JT does play along the right board lots.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

Dude, Kovalchuk plays LW.

It'd have to be:
Tavares-Matthews-Nylander
Kovalchuk-Kadri-Marner

Or, just switch Kovalchuk and Tavares, because JT does play along the right board lots.

He played right wing with the Devils! And we know Babcock prefers guys on their strong sides (except for Hyman and Komarov who are probably the worst candidates to move over but whatever).

 

[Zee]

Good to know we're getting Tavares and Kovalchuk next season, that adequately replaces Bozak and JVR. We'll need some elite sniper to replace Komarov though

 

[herman]

Good to know we're getting Tavares and Kovalchuk next season, that adequately replaces Bozak and JVR. We'll need some elite sniper to replace Komarov though

Remember this? or this? and my favourite one?

 

[Bullfrog]

Hmm, that would leave Tavares-Matthews-Kovalchuk as the top line, which works for me I guess.

Dude, Kovalchuk plays LW.

It'd have to be:
Tavares-Matthews-Nylander
Kovalchuk-Kadri-Marner

Or, just switch Kovalchuk and Tavares, because JT does play along the right board lots.

He played right wing with the Devils! And we know Babcock prefers guys on their strong sides (except for Hyman and Komarov who are probably the worst candidates to move over but whatever).

Imagine how many more goals Kovalchuk will score on the right wing!

 

[lc9]

Polak leading in ice time.  PK specialist.