Reality check.....

[LuncheonMeat]

I can't speak for all the other teams in the league but... did any of them lose their 1st line center for as long as we did as well? That must have an affect too.

I mean, there are a bunch of teams that have dealt with pretty significant injuries to their top line. Tampa is the one that immediately jumps out obviously. 

But I think again, weak or strong... our sights should actually be set lower down the line. As was just said. The drop off after our 1st line is insane. We need that Kuli/General/Grabbo line secondary scoring we had 2-3 years ago. We had it a little with Lupul/Kadri Last year. And it was looking like we would again this year with Raymond and Bolland... but we know what happened there.

I don't disagree and the thing is that with Lupul, Kadri and Raymond you have the pieces there that should make for a pretty good second line. I'd like to think that with Bozak back that they'll find their gear and Bolland's return will eventually give a much needed spark to the much maligned third line as well.

I think that's one of the unfortunate things about the season. The Leafs were actually put together with reasonably good scoring depth and, when everyone was healthy, they were getting good results. The problem is that they were never strong down the middle and that's where they've been beaten up all year.

After watching video of him skating yesterday, it doesn't look like that will be any time soon (yikes!).  I really think Bolland is a guy who will bring out the best in Clarkson, but who knows when that will be.

 

[nutman]

I can't speak for all the other teams in the league but... did any of them lose their 1st line center for as long as we did as well? That must have an affect too.

I mean, there are a bunch of teams that have dealt with pretty significant injuries to their top line. Tampa is the one that immediately jumps out obviously. 

But I think again, weak or strong... our sights should actually be set lower down the line. As was just said. The drop off after our 1st line is insane. We need that Kuli/General/Grabbo line secondary scoring we had 2-3 years ago. We had it a little with Lupul/Kadri Last year. And it was looking like we would again this year with Raymond and Bolland... but we know what happened there.

I don't disagree and the thing is that with Lupul, Kadri and Raymond you have the pieces there that should make for a pretty good second line. I'd like to think that with Bozak back that they'll find their gear and Bolland's return will eventually give a much needed spark to the much maligned third line as well.

I think that's one of the unfortunate things about the season. The Leafs were actually put together with reasonably good scoring depth and, when everyone was healthy, they were getting good results. The problem is that they were never strong down the middle and that's where they've been beaten up all year.

After watching video of him skating yesterday, it doesn't look like that will be any time soon (yikes!).  I really think Bolland is a guy who will bring out the best in Clarkson, but who knows when that will be.

I would like to see Komorov brought back as well.

 

[nutman]

Tonight will be a test to see if the passion is back. we need to come out, and out play the Habs from start to finish. Nothing less.

 

[freer]

Tonight will be a test to see if the passion is back. we need to come out, and out play the Habs from start to finish. Nothing less.

I guess you got your wish, a full game played by the Leafs. And a win in regulation.

 

[Zee]

This team has top six talent. The only problem is it has 30th place drive, and a coach that needs to get with the times.

I disagree that they have top 6 talent. I think they have a good 2nd line, with about 5 players on it. I don't see the makings of a first line on the club currently; at least one that could compete game in-game out.

You honestly believe that Lupul and JVR both can't play 1st line?

Or are you somehow referencing Kessel?

*Edit* Just checked and point wise, JVR, Raymond, and Lupul (Prorated or 31st otherwise) are in the top 30. That means of the 30 highest scoring Left Wingers we have 3 of them.

I think you're either over estimating the average points a Left Winger gets or just trying to poopoo our team... because man you be crazy

The Leafs problem isn't top 6 talent, it's team defense and keeping the puck out of the net, especially on the PK nowadays.  The team can score.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

This team has top six talent. The only problem is it has 30th place drive, and a coach that needs to get with the times.

I disagree that they have top 6 talent. I think they have a good 2nd line, with about 5 players on it. I don't see the makings of a first line on the club currently; at least one that could compete game in-game out.

You honestly believe that Lupul and JVR both can't play 1st line?

Or are you somehow referencing Kessel?

*Edit* Just checked and point wise, JVR, Raymond, and Lupul (Prorated or 31st otherwise) are in the top 30. That means of the 30 highest scoring Left Wingers we have 3 of them.

I think you're either over estimating the average points a Left Winger gets or just trying to poopoo our team... because man you be crazy

The Leafs problem isn't top 6 talent, it's team defense and keeping the puck out of the net, especially on the PK nowadays.  The team can score.

It's not top 6 talent, but saying "the team can score" isn't really true  overall unless we're only talking the top 6 forwards.  The depth scoring on the team has been poor to non-existent.  They're 17th overall in goals per game (6th last season, 10th in 11-12).

But really it's the shots against that's killing them, and probably indirectly affecting their offensive production too.

 

[bustaheims]

It's not top 6 talent, but saying "the team can score" isn't really true  overall unless we're only talking the top 6 forwards.  The depth scoring on the team has been poor to non-existent.  They're 17th overall in goals per game (6th last season, 10th in 11-12).

But really it's the shots against that's killing them, and probably indirectly affecting their offensive production too.

The way the lineup was put together and how it was used played a big part in that, too. Having a 3rd line that was essentially a pure checking line centred by a player with little to no offensive skills really limited their ability to produce, and, obviously, the same can be said about the construction and utilization of the 4th line - you're not going to see a lot of offence from a line that gets 5 minutes a night, regardless of who is on it, but you're going to get even less when the guys on it are basically devoid of offensive skill. Having Holland on the 3rd line has helped, and it's not a surprise that we've seen more secondary scoring over the past 3 games.

 

[Optimus Reimer]

It's not top 6 talent, but saying "the team can score" isn't really true  overall unless we're only talking the top 6 forwards.  The depth scoring on the team has been poor to non-existent.  They're 17th overall in goals per game (6th last season, 10th in 11-12).

But really it's the shots against that's killing them, and probably indirectly affecting their offensive production too.

The way the lineup was put together and how it was used played a big part in that, too. Having a 3rd line that was essentially a pure checking line centred by a player with little to no offensive skills really limited their ability to produce, and, obviously, the same can be said about the construction and utilization of the 4th line - you're not going to see a lot of offence from a line that gets 5 minutes a night, regardless of who is on it, but you're going to get even less when the guys on it are basically devoid of offensive skill. Having Holland on the 3rd line has helped, and it's not a surprise that we've seen more secondary scoring over the past 3 games.

What is even worse is the Leafs have the 5th worst GA in the entire league and have a GF/GA differential of -11.  Leafs have difficulty scoring and keeping the puck out of their own net but are over .500 thanks to the shootout. 

 

[nutman]

The leafs looked tired as the game went on(I dread tonight). I hope when Bolland gets back we make the fourth our checking line and use the third as another scoring unit. That I hope will mean bye bye to Orr and company.

 

[Madferret]

The highest of highs / the lowest of lows....I hate to say it and by no means am I making fun - Leaf Nation needs to be medicated...heavily medicated.
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