Top Line dismantle

[slapshot]

I think it's time to completely dismantle the top line for the rest of this year. Put them all on separate lines and let's see how they respond individually. The Kessel - Bozak duo needs to be over period, whether by trade or whatever.

I'd go with something like this just to see what happens...

Booth Kadri Kessel
Lupul Bozak Pannick
JVR Holland Kozoun
Komo Ollie Clarkson

 

[TML fan]

Lol Booth...

 

[Joe S.]

Sorry for being a jackass but honestly... Who cares.

 

[Captain Canuck]

I can't wait to see Pannick and Kozoun!  :

 

[ZBBM]

I would up-level Panik and Kozun to the top line with Kessel just to see how it goes.  It can't be any worse defensively, and maybe some of Kozun's energy will transfer to Phil.  :

In general, if the team thinks that Holland, Panik, Kozun, Granberg are possibly part of the long-term future, now's the time to give them heavy minutes.  I don't think they can positively prove themselves under these circumstances (when nothing is at stake), but the brass can at least see how they respond to more TOI.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I can't wait to see Pannick and Kozoun!  :

Attaway to contribute.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Sorry for being a jackass but honestly... Who cares.

I'm pretty sure that's how Horachek feels too. There's really no other reason that line should still be together. I've been saying that all 3 should be kept as far apart as possible.

 

[Chris]

I wouldn't want to change anything as it might upset the beautiful tank in progress. But, if you are looking to see if you can "energize" Phil, putting him with either Kadri/Holland and Booth might be worth a try. Booth seems pretty decent in the corners, plays with energy, makes thing happen (although he has stone hands). Bozak should be gone by the trade deadline so someone else will have to play with Kessel.

I'm not sure what to make of Holland at this point, he has good skills and seems to usually work hard...but his skating seems to be a bit of a hindrance.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

I would up-level Panik and Kozun to the top line with Kessel just to see how it goes.  It can't be any worse defensively, and maybe some of Kozun's energy will transfer to Phil.  :

In general, if the team thinks that Holland, Panik, Kozun, Granberg are possibly part of the long-term future, now's the time to give them heavy minutes.  I don't think they can positively prove themselves under these circumstances (when nothing is at stake), but the brass can at least see how they respond to more TOI.

Honestly, I think it will just annoy Phil. 

I think if the top line is broken up, there is a chance the Leafs might win one.  I say keep them together until Horachek's head explodes.

 

[TML fan]

I wouldn't want to change anything as it might upset the beautiful tank in progress. But, if you are looking to see if you can "energize" Phil, putting him with either Kadri/Holland and Booth might be worth a try. Booth seems pretty decent in the corners, plays with energy, makes thing happen (although he has stone hands). Bozak should be gone by the trade deadline so someone else will have to play with Kessel.

I'm not sure what to make of Holland at this point, he has good skills and seems to usually work hard...but his skating seems to be a bit of a hindrance.

The best way I can describe Holland is he is a "safe" player. He has tools that could make him a decent scorer but he always seems to make the safe play or take the easy route. He seems to lack the ability to elevate his play, take some risks, be creative etc.

I don't think he'll ever be more than a 3rd or 4th liner.

 

[Rebel_1812]

didn't kessel used to play with 2 ahlers.  So it can't be worse they lining him up with joey crabb.

 

[Chris]

I wouldn't want to change anything as it might upset the beautiful tank in progress. But, if you are looking to see if you can "energize" Phil, putting him with either Kadri/Holland and Booth might be worth a try. Booth seems pretty decent in the corners, plays with energy, makes thing happen (although he has stone hands). Bozak should be gone by the trade deadline so someone else will have to play with Kessel.

I'm not sure what to make of Holland at this point, he has good skills and seems to usually work hard...but his skating seems to be a bit of a hindrance.

The best way I can describe Holland is he is a "safe" player. He has tools that could make him a decent scorer but he always seems to make the safe play or take the easy route. He seems to lack the ability to elevate his play, take some risks, be creative etc.

I don't think he'll ever be more than a 3rd or 4th liner.

Interesting observation and I would agree. The question is, is he being coached to make the safe play and if so, does he have that ability to elevate his play if he is put into more of a scoring role? Some of the goals he's scored show really soft hands and patience with the puck, and he's also made some really nice, creative passes. Can he do that kind of thing more consistently? What would happen if he had a linemate that other teams had to respect (like Kessel)?

 

[TML fan]

Quality of linemates always makes a difference, but in Holland's case I think it's putting the cart before the horse. Holland needs to elevate his own play, not have it elevated for him. It's kind of the point I was driving at. That would be the easy route, fitting for the kind of player I think he is.

I remember last year some people suggesting that Holland is a better player than Kadri, or at least he could fulfill his role and make Kadri expendable. I see why people would say that. Holland has skills, but the biggest difference between the two is that Kadri is always willing to take that next step (and I believe he has become a more complete player), or at least give it his best effort. That's not to say Holland isn't trying, just that I think he's maybe afraid to step outside his comfort zone and do what it takes to make that jump. He's playing it safe, doing only what will keep him in the NHL, but not doing enough to rise to greater heights.

 

[Chris]

I'm not disagreeing, just stating that we don't know all the facts. It's very possible that Holland is playing the exact role he is being asked to play - safe plays, nothing flashy. We should find out more when Bozak is shipped out.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Quality of linemates always makes a difference, but in Holland's case I think it's putting the cart before the horse. Holland needs to elevate his own play, not have it elevated for him. It's kind of the point I was driving at. That would be the easy route, fitting for the kind of player I think he is.

I remember last year some people suggesting that Holland is a better player than Kadri, or at least he could fulfill his role and make Kadri expendable. I see why people would say that. Holland has skills, but the biggest difference between the two is that Kadri is always willing to take that next step (and I believe he has become a more complete player), or at least give it his best effort. That's not to say Holland isn't trying, just that I think he's maybe afraid to step outside his comfort zone and do what it takes to make that jump. He's playing it safe, doing only what will keep him in the NHL, but not doing enough to rise to greater heights.

It's what I noticed about Kadri.  Tries to adapt and keeps trying to improve his all-round game, as you mentioned.

Holland obviously hasn't really aimed for his potential.  Either he needs more time to improve further or that's his limit. 
I would like to see more of Holland as he's got some good upstarts to his game already that can be more complete.

 

[TML fan]

I'm not disagreeing, just stating that we don't know all the facts. It's very possible that Holland is playing the exact role he is being asked to play - safe plays, nothing flashy. We should find out more when Bozak is shipped out.

That's true, but sometimes the only way to get noticed is to go above and beyond what's expected of you.