Line-up changes

[bustaheims]

Okay.  Sure... but who has he helped? I mean can you honestly say one player on this team has benefited for Connolly being here?

As pointed out earlier in the thread, Bozak. He helped MacArthur get going for a while. He's almost certainly had some influence on Lombardi's improved play of late. Just because his influence isn't obvious doesn't mean it's not there.

 

[maplesyrup]

Okay.  Sure... but who has he helped? I mean can you honestly say one player on this team has benefited for Connolly being here?

As pointed out earlier in the thread, Bozak. He helped MacArthur get going for a while. He's almost certainly had some influence on Lombardi's improved play of late. Just because his influence isn't obvious doesn't mean it's not there.

Sorry... Connolly has helped Bozak by getting hurt and losing his spot to him? Okay sure... got me there!... and how has he helped MacArthur get going? - and just exactly for how long did he do that? Like I said, the Leafs are no further ahead for having him and and unless you can come up with a reason why they might be, you're not going to change my mind. So far, any positive quality (other than just being a swell guy I suppose) that folks seem to want to point to is his penalty killing. - An area where we currently sit second from the bottom in the league by the way. Serioulsly, Blake was a better player.

 

[bustaheims]

Sorry... Connolly has helped Bozak by getting hurt and losing his spot to him? Okay sure... got me there!... and how has he helped MacArthur get going? - and just exactly for how long did he do that? Like I said, the Leafs are no further head for having him and and unless you can come up with a reason why they might be, you're not going to change my mind. So far, any positive quality (other than just being a swell guy I suppose) that folks seem to want to point to is his penalty killing. - An area where we currently sit second from the bottom in the league by the way. Serioulsly, Blake was a better player.

Like I said, just because it isn't obvious doesn't mean it isn't there. Bozak credits Connolly for helping improve his game, so, clearly, talking with him, practicing with him, watching him play and so on helped Bozak learn how to be a better player than he was last season.

I mean, look, I get it, you don't like Connolly. You've made that as clear as day, but, honestly, your hyperbole is getting extreme (Blake was, in no way, a better player than Connolly - the guy barely knew where the defensive zone was). Are the Leafs getting good price performance out of him? No, I don't think anyone would argue that, but, he is contributing a lot more than you give him credit for. The Leafs didn't just go 6 weeks without allowing a PP goal without Connolly contributing on the PK where he saw a lot of ice time. The PP, where Connolly also sees a lot of ice time, isn't among the best in the league without him having some influence there, even if it isn't being represented on the scoresheet. If we're being totally honest about him, he really hasn't been put into a position to earn his paycheque offensively because of how well Bozak fit in with Kessel and Lupul and the re-emergence of the 2nd line as a legit scoring threat. Is it his fault that other line combinations worked so well while he was hurt or during the previous season? He's not a goal scorer, never has been, and, since he's been playing the majority of his time here with wingers that aren't known as goal scorers either, what sort of production can you reasonably expect from him? It's really no coincidence that, during the few occasions where Bozak or Grabovski were hurt and Connolly had the opportunity to play with guys who can finish, he produced. Should we really be so upset that he hasn't turned Lombardi and Crabb into offensive machines on the 3rd line? Because, if you are, then maybe you need to re-examine your expectations and get them more in line with the reality of the situation.

 

[Andy007]

Just my two cents: I think putting Connolly in the top 6 is somewhat of a no-brainer. His play during the first 15-20 games was fantastic. He was replaced by Bozak to give additional depth to a team that wasn't scoring after its 1st line and almost single-handedly got McArthur going. BUT it's also worth noting that for the last dozen-15 or so games he has been turning in many lazy, non-commital performances (offensively and defensively). So I do kinda get where Sarge is coming from, I just think part of Connolly's problems stem from playing low minutes with ineffective linemates and a move to the top six should stimulate some production.

 

[maplesyrup]

Sorry... Connolly has helped Bozak by getting hurt and losing his spot to him? Okay sure... got me there!... and how has he helped MacArthur get going? - and just exactly for how long did he do that? Like I said, the Leafs are no further head for having him and and unless you can come up with a reason why they might be, you're not going to change my mind. So far, any positive quality (other than just being a swell guy I suppose) that folks seem to want to point to is his penalty killing. - An area where we currently sit second from the bottom in the league by the way. Serioulsly, Blake was a better player.

Like I said, just because it isn't obvious doesn't mean it isn't there. Bozak credits Connolly for helping improve his game, so, clearly, talking with him, practicing with him, watching him play and so on helped Bozak learn how to be a better player than he was last season.

I mean, look, I get it, you don't like Connolly. You've made that as clear as day, but, honestly, your hyperbole is getting extreme (Blake was, in no way, a better player than Connolly - the guy barely knew where the defensive zone was). Are the Leafs getting good price performance out of him? No, I don't think anyone would argue that, but, he is contributing a lot more than you give him credit for. The Leafs didn't just go 6 weeks without allowing a PP goal without Connolly contributing on the PK where he saw a lot of ice time. The PP, where Connolly also sees a lot of ice time, isn't among the best in the league without him having some influence there, even if it isn't being represented on the scoresheet. If we're being totally honest about him, he really hasn't been put into a position to earn his paycheque offensively because of how well Bozak fit in with Kessel and Lupul and the re-emergence of the 2nd line as a legit scoring threat. Is it his fault that other line combinations worked so well while he was hurt or during the previous season? He's not a goal scorer, never has been, and, since he's been playing the majority of his time here with wingers that aren't known as goal scorers either, what sort of production can you reasonably expect from him? It's really no coincidence that, during the few occasions where Bozak or Grabovski were hurt and Connolly had the opportunity to play with guys who can finish, he produced. Should we really be so upset that he hasn't turned Lombardi and Crabb into offensive machines on the 3rd line? Because, if you are, then maybe you need to re-examine your expectations and get them more in line with the reality of the situation.

I really do think Blake was/is the superior player so no hyperbole here... at the very least, Blake was more dynamic and more fun to watch... The situation as I see it is Connolly is not producing because he pays with Lombardi and Crabb, he's not producing because he hasn't proven himself to be a better option than Bozak or Grabovski to fit anywhere else in the top six.  He simply doesn't deserve to play there or earned the right to play anywhere but the third line. In my mind, he's been just a huge disappointment. Thankfully, he doesn't have much term left on his contract and he shouldn't be a Leaf for much longer.

 

[Bender]

Connolly, like Bozak, needs good wingers for him to put up any numbers.  I think that is part of the problem with the structure of the forwards right now.

See, that kind of speaks to my problem with him. Was he brought here to help or to be helped?

He is grossly overpaid for someone who hit more than 60 points only freaking once but that was the price we had to pay to lock him up for only 2 years. Other than that he is more of a luxury than anything, a skilled guy who can "awaken" at any time and contribute versus someone you build your team strategy around. 

I just think this team cannot afford to have overpaid Lombardi, Connoly and Armstrong eating so much cap space and contributing so little. When playing together they are easily the most over paid 3rd line in the league.

I don't know how you don't look at PPG ratio with Connolly but whatever.

 

[maplesyrup]

Basically, nobody is to blame for Connolly being on the third line but Connolly - Just sayin'

 

[bustaheims]

Basically, nobody is to blame for Connolly being on the third line but Connolly - Just sayin'

Or he could, you know, be a victim of circumstance rather than have done anything to warrant blame - which is much closer to the truth.

 

[Bender]

Sorry... Connolly has helped Bozak by getting hurt and losing his spot to him? Okay sure... got me there!... and how has he helped MacArthur get going? - and just exactly for how long did he do that? Like I said, the Leafs are no further head for having him and and unless you can come up with a reason why they might be, you're not going to change my mind. So far, any positive quality (other than just being a swell guy I suppose) that folks seem to want to point to is his penalty killing. - An area where we currently sit second from the bottom in the league by the way. Serioulsly, Blake was a better player.

Like I said, just because it isn't obvious doesn't mean it isn't there. Bozak credits Connolly for helping improve his game, so, clearly, talking with him, practicing with him, watching him play and so on helped Bozak learn how to be a better player than he was last season.

I mean, look, I get it, you don't like Connolly. You've made that as clear as day, but, honestly, your hyperbole is getting extreme (Blake was, in no way, a better player than Connolly - the guy barely knew where the defensive zone was). Are the Leafs getting good price performance out of him? No, I don't think anyone would argue that, but, he is contributing a lot more than you give him credit for. The Leafs didn't just go 6 weeks without allowing a PP goal without Connolly contributing on the PK where he saw a lot of ice time. The PP, where Connolly also sees a lot of ice time, isn't among the best in the league without him having some influence there, even if it isn't being represented on the scoresheet. If we're being totally honest about him, he really hasn't been put into a position to earn his paycheque offensively because of how well Bozak fit in with Kessel and Lupul and the re-emergence of the 2nd line as a legit scoring threat. Is it his fault that other line combinations worked so well while he was hurt or during the previous season? He's not a goal scorer, never has been, and, since he's been playing the majority of his time here with wingers that aren't known as goal scorers either, what sort of production can you reasonably expect from him? It's really no coincidence that, during the few occasions where Bozak or Grabovski were hurt and Connolly had the opportunity to play with guys who can finish, he produced. Should we really be so upset that he hasn't turned Lombardi and Crabb into offensive machines on the 3rd line? Because, if you are, then maybe you need to re-examine your expectations and get them more in line with the reality of the situation.

I really do think Blake was/is the superior player so no hyperbole here... at the very least, Blake was more dynamic and more fun to watch... The situation as I see it is Connolly is not producing because he pays with Lombardi and Crabb, he's not producing because he hasn't proven himself to be a better option than Bozak or Grabovski to fit anywhere else in the top six.  He simply doesn't deserve to play there or earned the right to play anywhere but the third line. In my mind, he's been just a huge disappointment. Thankfully, he doesn't have much term left on his contract and he shouldn't be a Leaf for much longer.

Sarge. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but I think something's wrong with your noggin.

 

[maplesyrup]

Basically, nobody is to blame for Connolly being on the third line but Connolly - Just sayin'

Or he could, you know, be a victim of circumstance rather than have done anything to warrant blame - which is much closer to the truth.

Now he's a "victim?" Seriously? This is crazy, busta! 

 

[maplesyrup]

Sarge. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but I think something's wrong with your noggin.

It's possible... I mean, I truly do think I'd rather Blake so there must be, right?

 

[bustaheims]

Now he's a "victim?" Seriously? This is crazy, busta!

He got hurt before the season, Bozak showed chemistry with Kessel & Lupul, while Grabovski had proven chemistry with Kulemin & MacArthur. Where was Connolly supposed to fit in when he had already lost his spot without really been given a chance to show he deserved it? How is that not being a victim of circumstance? He didn't lose his spot because he played poorly; he lost it because, before he even suited up for a regular season game with the Leafs, he wasn't needed for that role anymore. How is he to blame for something that was entirely outside of his control?

 

[Bender]

You know, I feel this goes beyond Connolly. There's a few players underachieving for their payroll. I don't see why Connolly gets singled out here. It's kinda like when he got injured it was OH, CONNOLLY IS MADE OF GLASS. Then Armstrong gets injured for the billionth time and nobody cares.

There's absolutely no reason for you to single him out without looking at underachievement as a whole with the team.

But even then, I don't think he's one of the worst players on the team and is in no way worse than Blake. Man, you must really have a short term memory if you forgot how absolutely atrociously bad Blake was at everything (except his first year where he was half decent).

 

[maplesyrup]

He got hurt before the season, Bozak showed chemistry with Kessel & Lupul, while Grabovski had proven chemistry with Kulemin & MacArthur. Where was Connolly supposed to fit in when he had already lost his spot without really been given a chance to show he deserved it? How is that not being a victim of circumstance? He didn't lose his spot because he played poorly; he lost it because, before he even suited up for a regular season game with the Leafs, he wasn't needed for that role anymore. How is he to blame for something that was entirely outside of his control?

He isn't but you know what is completely in his control? His play. Rather than stink up the past 15+ games, he could have cowboyed-up and done something... anything. That's what good players do.... and you just like Connolly because he's bald. 

 

[bustaheims]

He isn't but you know what is completely in his control? His play. Rather than stink up the past 15+ games, he could have cowboyed-up and done something... anything. That's what good players do.... and you just like Connolly because he's bald. 

So, he's magically supposed to be able to turn a career AHLer and a guy coming back from a major concussion and a serious shoulder injury into scoring threats? And, you don't think that's asking for a little much? As for the rest of how people think he's been playing over the past 15 games or so, I just don't agree. He may have not done anything that's obvious, but, he's almost always in good defensive position, he's played big minutes on what has been a very successful PK over that time and has done all that he can to try to create some offence. It's really no coincidence that the last couple weeks have seen Lombardi look like he could legitimately contribute to this team - that's due, in part, to Connolly. Hair or no hair, Connolly just hasn't been as bad as you're making him out to be.

 

[maplesyrup]

You know, I feel this goes beyond Connolly. There's a few players underachieving for their payroll. I don't see why Connolly gets singled out here. It's kinda like when he got injured it was OH, CONNOLLY IS MADE OF GLASS. Then Armstrong gets injured for the billionth time and nobody cares.

There's absolutely no reason for you to single him out without looking at underachievement as a whole with the team.

But even then, I don't think he's one of the worst players on the team and is in no way worse than Blake. Man, you must really have a short term memory if you forgot how absolutely atrociously bad Blake was at everything (except his first year where he was half decent).

Firstly, we all knew Connolly was plagued with a variety of things before we signed him. When we signed Armstrong, he had a history of being quite durable so I don't see a relation there. Secondly, I point to Blake partly because I recall all the slack he got (deservingly so) from thousands of Leaf fans but the reality of the situation is that Connolly doesn't bring much more to the table than Blake did and now I'm getting slammed here for pointing to Connolly as my least favourite Leaf? I don't get it. Actually, due to the contract status, if Murray offered me Blake for Connolly right now, I'd be all over it.

 

[maplesyrup]

So, he's magically supposed to be able to turn a career AHLer and a guy coming back from a major concussion and a serious shoulder injury into scoring threats? And, you don't think that's asking for a little much?

Something wrong with putting a puck or two in himself? You think that's me asking to much of him?

 

[maplesyrup]

As for the rest of how people think he's been playing over the past 15 games or so, I just don't agree. He may have not done anything that's obvious, but, he's almost always in good defensive position, he's played big minutes on what has been a very successful PK over that time and has done all that he can to try to create some offence.

Hey, maybe he makes a decent cup of coffee too.

 

[bustaheims]

Something wrong with putting a puck or two in himself? You think that's me asking to much of him?

For someone who's never really be a particularly prolific goal-scorer himself, who is clearly taking the defensive responsibilities of a 3rd line centre very seriously? Yeah, it might be, because, it's pretty much asking him to be something he's not. On the offensive side of the puck, he's a set-up guy, not a finisher.

 

[bustaheims]

Hey, maybe he makes a decent cup of coffee too.

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