A Kinder, Gentler 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs thread
- Thread starter John Wick
- Start date
The Leaf's game against Winnipeg tomorrow night is already off to an interesting start.
Winnipeg haven't practiced at all this weekend and closed their practice facility "out of an abundance of caution...." It remains to be seen who's going to be on their roster and what their team is going to look like tomorrow.
Winnipeg then goes on to continue playing six games in NINE days. I can't believe the players association agreed to these schedules. Shakin' my head.
It's like a recipe for injuries.
Bobby Orr's career was done at 28 because of knee injuries.
Was he an undersized defenseman?
Cam Neely retired early because of knee problems due to hits.
Was he an undersized forward?
I don't think his size had anything to do with this injury...he just seemed to get tangled awkwardly at the boards when he was hit. Didn't look like there was any crazy hyper-extension, so hopefully just a light sprain or bone bruise.
Looks like Robertson will miss at least 10 games before being ready to return - roughly 20% of the reduced schedule. Wonder what kind of an impact, if any, he'll be able when he returns and tries to play himself into the rotation. Is this likely to be considered a 'lost season' for the kid?
"At just five-foot-nine, Robertson is undersized"
"Keefe also scratched a talented undersized rookie winger"
Don't blame me, others have called Robertson "undersize". It's just a simple fact.
Nicholas Robertson Scouting Report: 2019 NHL Draft #38
The 16th overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Draft, Nicholas Robertson had a strong second season in the league with 55 points in 51 games.
lastwordonsports.com
"Keefe also scratched a talented undersized rookie winger"
Don't blame me, others have called Robertson "undersize". It's just a simple fact.
I'm just wondering if he ever gets back to true game ready status as he was for the game he played, and thus doesn't really get a fair shake at cracking the lineup in any meaningful way in the shortened season. It's tough to build and grow your game while at the same time trying to come back from a knee injury.
He'll have the best training and trainers there is...he's a professional athlete not a Sunday night beer leaguer...
Ah, thank you, with all the numbers jumbled and changed this year, didn't know that answer.
Undersize probably mean shorter/smaller than the league average.
Nic Petan is probably considered undersize.
Nic Petan is probably considered undersize.
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 166 lb (75 kg; 11 st 12 lb) |
Boring loss by the Leafs last night, loss of Jumbo Joe for an indeterminate period of time...rematch tomorrow night. Will any of the Leafs besides Muzzin and Matthews actually finish a check? Might slow down the Oilers a tad, who were first to the puck, and very aggressive on the forecheck all night. Maybe Campbell starts and gives a different confidence to the team...?
I think that‘s the style Dubas wants his team to play, “ a kinder and gentler style” lol.
Oilers def. seemed like a faster team yesterday - just a few bad breaks. Nylander has been quiet since the first game - need him to get going.
Just look at him. Does it surprise anyone that that is his preferred style of play?
Nylander has had some great moments in the handful of games played so far, but he seems to be reverting more to the go for a long skate, stick check only, fly-by style that makes him more of a liability to his line-mates. Flashes of skill and hockey brilliance are not currently being balanced with the need to engage physically in certan instances throughout the game.
Same goes for most of the team right now. The only consistently physical guys have been Hyman, Simmonds, Muzzin, Thornton, Matthews and of all people - Marner! That guy is absolutely fearless. Considering he looks like he's built like a 14-year old girlscout, he amazes me every damn game with his overall toughness. Never shies away from contact, not afraid of the puck, moves well through heavy traffic...he's slowly becoming the real star of the team IMO.
