Toronto Maple Leafs - 2016/17 Season

glamphotographer

Well-known member
Nov 5, 2011
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As a life long Leaf hater I told some friends a while back that I was not liking Brendan Shanahan. He appeared to know what he was doing and had an actual plan to rebuild the team unlike some of his predecessors. Would not be surprised if Tavares ended up signing with Leafs now as the Islanders are in a sad state presently
Leafs don't need Tavares unless he can convert into a top 4 defenceman, which is never gonna happen.
 

smuddan

Well-known member
Mar 7, 2007
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Sure but in the grand scheme of things it's a team game. Easy as outsiders to point fingers at this guy and that guy but it's a team game and every player looks out for each other.
Maybe I was a bit too hash on some of your favourite players but my observation during this stretch of blowing leads was that the vets were making the majority of mistakes that led to goals. Even in team games individual players should be held accountable for their own performances.

This "outsiders pointing fingers" thing makes sense only when someone is criticized for leadership or locker room problems, but it's nonsense when it comes to their on ice performance. It's there for everyone to see, just as you pointed out Marner was on ice when Washington scored the tying goals.
 

SkyRider

Banned
Mar 31, 2009
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The TV guys were talking about who the Leafs will send to the All-Star game. (No Leaf game for 5 whole days.)
 

shack

Nitpicker Extraordinaire
Oct 2, 2001
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Toronto
Anderson played like his debut September days.
Not at all focused tonight.
He's played a lot of solid hockey. Nobody's gonna be great every night.
 

gcostanza

Well-known member
Jul 24, 2010
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Anderson played like his debut September days.
Andersen did not play for Toronto in September.
His pre-season debut was October 3rd.
 

smuddan

Well-known member
Mar 7, 2007
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- best game I've seen Carrick play;

- two great passes from Marner to set up two goals, he's the engine that drives the line;

- the break seemed to have benefited the Leafs more than the Rangers;

- much better game from Andersen;

- the last turnover was not entirely Matthews' fault, Nylander should have dumped the puck deep rather than passing it to Matthews who had two guys on him;

- big game against Ottawa tomorrow.
 

gcostanza

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Jul 24, 2010
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And probably with the new backup goalie in net.
Seems unlikely at this point.
Garret Sparks has been called up, it's probably him or Andersen tonight.
Curtis McElhinney seems to have a minor ailment that will keep him out for the Ottawa game.
 

shack

Nitpicker Extraordinaire
Oct 2, 2001
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Seems unlikely at this point.
Garret Sparks has been called up, it's probably him or Andersen tonight.
Curtis McElhinney seems to have a minor ailment that will keep him out for the Ottawa game.
I wonder if they are worried about Andersen's workload. He's never played more than 53 games in a season and he is on pace for 73. I got the feeling they were worried about the back to back games.
 

shack

Nitpicker Extraordinaire
Oct 2, 2001
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Its a good assumption. Toronto isn't winning without him, so need to be careful.
Montreal saw last year how bad they slide without Price. Perhaps not a lesson learned, as Price has not been himself of late.
I guess it depends on how much emphasis they place on the opportunity they have to make the playoffs.

Forget the revenue and fan reaction, I think the main motivation would be to give the players a taste of the playoffs and see what it takes to get there. They have to balance that with the well being of their (at long last) franchise goalie.
 

gcostanza

Well-known member
Jul 24, 2010
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Seems unlikely at this point.
Garret Sparks has been called up, it's probably him or Andersen tonight.
Curtis McElhinney seems to have a minor ailment that will keep him out for the Ottawa game.
Those lying bastards on Twitter!
Hey, it happens.
 

smuddan

Well-known member
Mar 7, 2007
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Other than the selfish play near the end of the game, Kadri had a great game. I'm sure he had heard from Babcock about that.

Sitting 3rd in the division at mid season is better than any fan could have envisioned and the chemistry seems to be working with the mix of youth and (still young) veterans. Some may prefer them to finish low and grab another high pick, but I think the natural progression into a competitive bunch and a taste of success are more beneficial than picking a few spots higher in the next draft for this already great young core.

There are still holes to fill, primarily on defence which are currently masked by good coaching and goaltending. With memories of the collapse of the 2013-14 team featuring the same remaining veterans still vivid, I guess we have to keep our optimism in check until we know the goaltending will hold up and the rookies can deal with the long grind of the season.
 

Ironhead

Son of the First Nation
Sep 13, 2008
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Leafs this week;

tomorrow host the Sabres.

Thursday host the NY Rangers.

Saturday HNIC, home to Ottawa.
 

GameBoy27

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2004
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McElhinney played well Saturday night. His GAA and SV% numbers are good, and his play reflected that. Considering what we got him for, it's quite the deal!

I suspect he'll get a bunch of work in the second half of the season.

If nothing else, this team is very entertaining to watch. I look forward to each and every game!
 

smuddan

Well-known member
Mar 7, 2007
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A goal from each of the four lines, talking about balanced attack !

I thought hockey had become less entertaining without fighting but the skill set of this young team has brought back a lot of enjoyment and excitement. The goals by JVR and Matthews were just pure shooting skills.

On the down side, looks like Rielly will miss some games with two tough games coming up.
 
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