Wings @ Leafs - Dec. 21st, 7:00pm - CBC, SN 590

[Stronger Than All]

Why couldn't it just end 4-3?  That's my goal for this season, see the team hold a 1 goal leaf I the third.

From gaining 2 points on Detroit to losing 1 to them.

 

[Captain Canuck]

Would have been nice to get the 2 points, but after that 1st period I'd say we were lucky to get the 1 we did. Reimer didn't look good and our top line continues to struggle. On the positive side Bernier did a great job in relief and a couple guys who were long overdue, Phaneuf and Clarkson put the puck in the net. No shame in getting beat by Datsyuk, he's one of the best.

 

[Andy007]

This team has more breakout problems than me in highschool.

I'm sure it doesn't help that everyone stands almost completely still in the defensive zone. Or that most of the forwards Brett Hull it up to the opposing blue line while their defense has the puck behind their own net.

 

[azzurri63]

Team should have been made to watch the Oilers Blues game and watch a real team. 6-0 Blues and the team didn't stop until the final whistle.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Two chances, no shots on goal.

Ah well, the SO is a crapshoot and we've done better this year than in many another.

A shootout point is better than no points at all.  In the words of Carlyle, " ... wo" take the point " ...

Glad to see Clarkson contribute and the fact that the team came back the way they did (not that Leafs aren't known to come from behind).  Too bad for Reimer but props to Bernier.

 

[WIGWALS_wifey]

WIGAL and I are so dedicated that we watched the game in Vegas. During intermission we would go back to gambling then the third period we sat and watched it at a sports betting area. I was very upset that they lost in a shootout. Alcohol helped to ease the pain.

 

[Rebel_1812]

Last year they played more physical.  Laying down big hits puts the opposition out of position and leads to scoring chances.

 

[Andy007]

Last year they played more physical.  Laying down big hits puts the opposition out of position and leads to scoring chances.

This is true and I don't really see all what has changed, other than not having Komarov. Grabovski and McArthur weren't physical and Clarkson and his physicality is the only "skill" I see him using.

That being said, the inability to break out and getting wildly outplayed in their own zone happened all the time last year too. I think the improved play in the playoffs skewed a lot of people view of the team last year. 

 

[Britishbulldog]

WIGAL and I are so dedicated that we watched the game in Vegas. During intermission we would go back to gambling then the third period we sat and watched it at a sports betting area. I was very upset that they lost in a shootout. Alcohol helped to ease the pain.

That's what I did last April in Vegas.  I went to the Rain Forest Cafe to eat and then hung out with the sport bookies watching the Leafs game.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Last year they played more physical.  Laying down big hits puts the opposition out of position and leads to scoring chances.

This is true and I don't really see all what has changed, other than not having Komarov. Grabovski and McArthur weren't physical and Clarkson and his physicality is the only "skill" I see him using.

I think it depends how you define physical.  Those two were players who would get physical in the corners and give and receive hits to cycle the puck.  They wouldn't necessarily lay huge hits, but their type of physicality is arguably more important because they were able to play a speed game, a cycle game and not shy away from physical play.  How many times did Grabovski take a big hit to make a play?  Too many to count.

 

[ZBBM]

How many times did Kessel take a big hit to make a play?  I can't count them, either.

Restructured.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

How many times did Kessel take a big hit to make a play?  I can't count them, either.

Restructured.

So what?  He has a shot and playmaking ability that few others in the game have.  I'll sacrifice some physical play for elite talent like that any day of the week.  You appear to be unable to get past the fact he's not going to be a physical sort of player, but it's the same as more physical players will never be able to do things Kessel does.

 

[Andy007]

Last year they played more physical.  Laying down big hits puts the opposition out of position and leads to scoring chances.

This is true and I don't really see all what has changed, other than not having Komarov. Grabovski and McArthur weren't physical and Clarkson and his physicality is the only "skill" I see him using.

I think it depends how you define physical.  Those two were players who would get physical in the corners and give and receive hits to cycle the puck.  They wouldn't necessarily lay huge hits, but their type of physicality is arguably more important because they were able to play a speed game, a cycle game and not shy away from physical play.  How many times did Grabovski take a big hit to make a play?  Too many to count.

That is a very fair point. I am a big Grabovski fan so I wasn't knocking his ability, or lack thereof, to be physical. I guess I am just baffled as to how passively unaggressive this team is. I miss Komarov finishing every single check but also being able to skate, unlike Clarkson.

 

[WIGWALS_wifey]

WIGAL and I are so dedicated that we watched the game in Vegas. During intermission we would go back to gambling then the third period we sat and watched it at a sports betting area. I was very upset that they lost in a shootout. Alcohol helped to ease the pain.

That's what I did last April in Vegas.  I went to the Rain Forest Cafe to eat and then hung out with the sport bookies watching the Leafs game.

We stuffed ourselves silly at a buffet before the game! There were a couple of Leafs fans watching too. It was a very emotional time. I am glad I did not bet on them.

 

[Highlander]

Time to bring back Komrade Komorov