Built Ford Tough Posted October 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Gardiner gets scratched for Franson tonight against the Flames. Looking forward to seeing Franson make his Leafs debut. How soon before Gardiner is in the AHL? Burke said the only way he stays with the Leafs is if he is getting a decent amount of playing time, but so far in the first two games he is only averaging around 12 minutes a night and tonight he is in the press box. I imagine it is only a matter of time before he is playing for the Marlies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastNiner Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 I'm glad to see Kessel is playing well. As I said before, he's always had the talent, and it hasn't been fair that he has taken some backlash for a trade that he did not make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 It is crazy to imagine what he'd do with a competent center. People are gonna overlook what he is doing now because how early it is, but dating back to last year he has something like 38 points in his last 32 games. Not playing with Joey Crabb goes a long way in helping a player's production. Hopefully Tim can get healthy and be effective with Phil, but I have my doubts. Kessel's first goal pretty much sums up how he is playing right now. He just muscled past the defender and shelfed it. Hopefully he can keep this effort up, if he can, he can no doubt be a 70 point player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Had a mid term last night during the Avs game so I missed it, but from watching the highlights it looks like the Leafs blew a chance at getting the full 2 points. Reimer let in two really weak goals in regulation and it looked like the Leafs missed some real quality scoring chances (like Kulemin hitting the post and Mac sending one through the crease). Oh well, at least they managed to get a point out of it as they usually find a way to lose these types of games. Nice to see Kessel score another goal. I don't expect him to keep up this kind of pace and compete for the Richard and Art Ross, but I really hope he can manage to get around 40 goals and 70-75 points this season. We all know he has the talent to do so but it always seemed like he just coasted on his natural talent. It seems like he is finally starting to put in the work required to be a star in this league. Since the Leafs acquired Lupul and got Crabb off of his wing he has been over a point per game, so I'm not just basing this off of his first 4 games. I still need to see him do this for an extended period of time before declaring him as a 40 goal/80 point type of player, though. If only Conolly wasn't made of glass as Bozak is clearly better suited to a 3rd line center role. That is no slight against him as he has played well so far this year, but he just doesn't have the offensive ability or creativity to center a guy lie Kessel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) I honestly think we are lucky to have come away from that game with 1 point. Aside from a couple of pressure filled moments from the Leafs, I really felt like Colorado controlled the game, and their speed really exposed a lot of our players. Our powerplay is also atrocious. We can't continue to go 0-for on the PP and expect to be a playoff team. And it isn't like we are getting chances and just getting turned aside, we aren't getting anything going. Edited October 18, 2011 by Check my Stats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastNiner Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 I honestly think we are lucky to have come away from that game with 1 point. Aside from a couple of pressure filled moments from the Leafs, I really felt like Colorado controlled the game, and their speed really exposed a lot of our players. Our powerplay is also atrocious. We can't continue to go 0-for on the PP and expect to be a playoff team. And it isn't like we are getting chances and just getting turned aside, we aren't getting anything going. I'm all too familiar with watching an atrocious PP.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 (edited) Kadri being optioned to the AHL. Really hope this is just a conditioning stint/an opportunity to get in his groove before returning to the big club. Kadri is too good to be in the AHL, the things that are problems in the NHL, specifically him trying to do too much rather than the simple play, are the sorts of things he can get away with in the AHL because of his supreme talent. He needs to play in the NHL and learn how to play that game, and learn the things he can and can't get away with in the NHL. He has shown he is an elite AHL player in half a season there, and now it is time to get him playing where he belongs, in the pros. Plus I feel like Kadri could be a definite boost to the power play as he might be our most skilled in zone player. We have a lot of guys good in open ice (Grabo, Kessel, etc), but on the power play I feel like Kadri would be a good addition in the other team's zone, his puck control/vision is better than a lot of our other top six forwards. I'd like to see a PP of Steckel/Bozak (until Tim is back) depending on the zone we are in with Kessel and Kadri on the wings. Also, I think it is time to send Jake down too. He had a sick pre-season but we might as well get him 25-30 a game in the AHL with powerplay minutes then just call him and/or Aulie up when injuries strike/trade/players play shitty, all 3 of which are extremely likely. Him sitting in the pressbox is pointless and Burkie already said he doesn't want him up here watching the games he wants him playing. EDIT: Well it sounds like Jake is suiting up tonight, which hopefully means Komi's useless ass is hopefully in the pressbox, but it is probably Franson again. who I honestly find to be extremely mediocre, albeit still better than Komi (who has been better, but is still bad). Reimer will get the start again tonight which is surprising. But it kind of makes sense because if I recall Monster has pretty good career numbers against the Bruins, so he will get the nod tomorrow in all likelihood. No game this early in the season is a must win, obviously, but this is the sort of game I feel like we have to win if we want to be a playoff team this year. Edited October 19, 2011 by Check my Stats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Watching our PP just hurts my eyes. Literally didn't control the puck for longer than 5 seconds at any point during that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 (edited) These are the Leafs I know. Awful PK.Dreadful PP.Defensive breakdowns.Putrid offense (aside from Kessel). Only bright spots so far tonight have been Gardiner, who has easily had his best game so far, and Kessel. Lupul hasn't been bad either. Everybody else looks awful, especially Schenn, Komisarek and the KGM line. The Leafs really need somebody other than Kessel to start contributing offensively. He has been involved in something like 10 of the Leafs 14 goals this year. Their secondary scoring realy needs to pick it up. EDIT: To add to what I just posted, Kessel and Lupul have accounted for 28% of the Leafs shots this season, according to Cuthbert. Simply unacceptable. Edited October 20, 2011 by The Great BFT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 And Kessel and Lupul combine for yet another goal. Seriously, can somebody help these two? Please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 (edited) I want to have Kessel's babies. Another 3 point night for him to put him at 12 for the season. Oh yeah, an awesome pass from Phaneuf to set him up there. Two PP goals in about 30 seconds for the Leafs. I did not see that coming at all. Edited October 20, 2011 by The Great BFT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastNiner Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Good for Kessel. I know a lot of Bruins fans dislike him, but I don't at all. However, we'll see if Kessel can keep his play up, and not hit his usual cold streak for a longggggg period of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Good for Kessel. I know a lot of Bruins fans dislike him, but I don't at all. However, we'll see if Kessel can keep his play up, and not hit his usual cold streak for a longggggg period of time. Stop ruining my euphoria with completely rational and justifiable logic! Seriously though, I agree. He always has hot starts but I'm hoping this is different. He just looks like a different player and if you go back to last season, he has been a ppg player for the last 40 or so games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastNiner Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 I just noticed when I go to ESPN and look at the top performers, they still have Kessel in a Bruins jersey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 The thing that is different with Kessel right now is that I used to always think of him as an opportunist. He would thrive off turnovers, broken plays, open ice rushes, etc. Right now though, I feel like he is creating his own opportunities to both score, and set up his teammates. There is obviously no way he continues this pace, but as long as his effort stays at this level, and he doesn't let up/get discouraged when the puck inevitably stops going in every 3 to 4 shots for him, he is not going to be the last pick at the all-star game, let's just say that. As much as I hate to see a guy get hurt, I am excited that Nazem will be joining the big club as a result. Even more so, I think Kadri-Bozak-Frattin has potential to be an awesome 3rd line energy line for us if Armstrong is out an extended period. Sounds like Clarke is out tonight too. Would like to see him get a shot on the Grabo line, could be a good boost for them, but it is probably pretty likely that Frattin gets the spot, which is fine because I am more and more impressed with the kid each passing game. As for tonight, it is going to be a tough game to say the least. If we play like last night, we won't win, or even be close, bottom line. We need to come out with energy from every line from the start, Boston is a team we can't be playing from behind on. Komi needs to be scratched, Schenn needs to get more time and figure out what is wrong and regain his form... he isn't going to regain his confidence sitting on the pine. But yeah, special teams, and secondary scoring, as usual are the two issues that need to be ironed out. Excited Nazem is probably going to be playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Also Kessel is getting a ton of credit, and rightfully so, but no one should overlook what Dion is doing either. He is logging huge minutes, has a ton of shots, is staying out of the box and is a +8, dude is straight beasting, and has been since the all-star break last year. Also Colborne is beasting in the AHL right now with 7 points in 4 games. It is awesome how Burke has managed to restock our pathetic pool of prospects in such a short time, even when he sold our soul for Kessel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I expected a loss last night, but I didn't think they would get completely dominated like that. The worst thing about last night is that Gustavsson is probably going to get a bunch of criticism for allowing 6 goals, but to be perfectly honest, he was the only reason why the Bruins didn't score double digits last night. Sure he let in a weak goal or two (the first goal comes to mind), but he also held the Leafs in the game and allowed them to potentially get back into the game in the 2nd, assuming they buried their chances (Grabo breakaway, Frattin hitting the post and Kadri hitting the post). He really didn't play all that poorly last night. He just got absolutely no help from the rest of the team. Wilson really needs to stop with all of the Steckel love, though. I get that he has been great for the Leafs, but the guy is a faceoff specialist and a 3rd or 4th liner. There is no reason for him to be getting a regular shift on the Kessel line and there sure as hell is no reason for him to be one of the Leafs forward leaders in ice time. He had his worst game as a Leaf by far last night, and I don't think it is a coincidence that it came when Wilson played him way out of his element. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2011 Hopefully Reimer is alright and they took him out as a percaution. He looked shaken up after Gionta hit him so I can't say that I am surprised to see Gustavsson on the ice to start the 2nd. Kessel also sniped his 8th goal of the season and Phaneuf just unleashed his 2nd rocket on Price this season. Both of his goals have been absolute bombs that Price has had no chance of stopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted October 24, 2011 Report Share Posted October 24, 2011 Jonas in net. Great, really not holding my breathe for a win tonight. Just hope we can at least play a good game tonight and not get blown out like in Boston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted October 24, 2011 Report Share Posted October 24, 2011 Jonas in net. Great, really not holding my breathe for a win tonight. Just hope we can at least play a good game tonight and not get blown out like in Boston. When Jonas' hockey career fails him at least he has a career ahead in acting! :glasses: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2011 Gustavsson played well in the first. You can't blame him for the goal as it was a clear breakaway as Komisarek's lack of foot speed was taken advantage of by Jager of all people. Other than that he made a couple of nice saves and looked a lot better positionally than he did the other night against the Habs. He isn't fighting the puck nearly like he did on Saturday either as he has controlled his rebounds very well. Hopefully he keeps it up in the 2nd and the Leafs can get him an early goal on the PP. I'm not going to hold my breath on that part, though, since they have yet to even gain control of the puck in the Flyers zone on the PP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 Jake Gardiner's vision is something else for a rookie defenseman, especially considering he played forward for pretty much his entire childhood. He just made three outstanding passes that lead to 3 very good scoring chances in just one shift. I thought that he should be sent down to the Marlies earlier, but if he continues to play like he has over the past 3 games or so, not only should he stay with the Leafs, he should be playing 20 minutes a night regularly. He still makes some mistakes defensively and some poor turnovers, but he is able to recover very well because of his excellent skating ability. I definitely think that if everything goes well in his development that he may become a top pairing d-man in a few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 You really have to feel for Gustavsson. He plays amazing in goal for the Leafs making numerous highlight reel saves and yet it looks like he is going to get another loss on his record because of defensive lapses that he has absolutely no control over. Oh yeah, Komisarek is back to his shitty ways. He got off to a good star this year in the first two or three games, but he is back to being a complete liability. That, along with Schenn's pathetic play, has made this defense, which was supposed to be a strength, as weak as ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 How the hell do you give up 3 breakaways to the same player? I could understand if Jager had Grabner's speed or something, but the guy is slow as hell and yet you just let him sit behind your defense all game long? Gustavsson stands on his head all game long and the Leafs reward him by a pitiful defensive effort. They hang him out to dry every game, and every game he gets blamed for the loss. Absolutely pathetic. On another note, I think it might be time to break up the KGM line. Demote Mac and Kule to the third line and bump Kadri and Frattin to the 2nd line. Those two were absolutely buzzing tonight, while Mac and Kule have been invisible all season long. Grabo is the only reason why that line gets any scoring chances. I'd even contemplate putting Grabovski with Kessel and Lupul, but I wouldn't want to put all of the offense on one line as it would compltely eliminate all secondary scoring. Oh well, I wasn't expecting a win tonight. It does suck a bit knowing that this was a very winnable game considering how well Gus played, but no point in crying over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Built Ford Tough Posted October 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2011 Connoly will make his season debut tonight and will be centering Lupul and Kessel on the first line. Bozak will return to the lineup after suffering a foot injury in Boston. He will be centering Frattin and Lombardi on the 3rd line. Reimer won't dress against the Rangers, like originally expected. They haven't diagnosed his injury as a concussion, but from the sounds of it that is exactly what it is. They are treating it as such and Gustavsson made a comment about how "you never know with concussions" when asked about Reimer. Scrivens was called back up from the Marlies and will backup Gus tonight. Kadri has been sent back down to the Marlies. As far as I know, the lineup tonight is expected to be: Lupul - Connoly - KesselKulemin - Grabovski - MacArthurLombardi - Bozak - FrattinDupuis - Steckel - Brown Gunnarson - PhanuefGardiner - SchennFranson - Liles I don't know for sure if Franson is in and Komi is out, but from what I have read it sounds like that will be the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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