GDT: Columbus at our Toronto Maple Leafs - December 14th, 7pm

[PROUD PAPA]

Jenner is out for six weeks.


Injured reserve: Boone Jenner (fractured jaw, out six weeks as of Dec. 9); Elvis Merzlikins (illness, out approximately a week as of Dec. 6); Adam Boqvist (shoulder strain, out approximately four weeks as of Dec. 6); Damon Severson (oblique, out approximately six weeks as of Nov. 19); Jack Roslovic (fractured ankle, out four to six weeks as of Nov. 13)

Roster Report: With Gudbranson out, Peeke will re-enter the lineup, while Merzlikins practiced each of the past two days and could be activated ahead of the game. Were Tarasov to play, it would be his first appearance of the year after dealing with a knee injury.

With Gudbranson suspended tonight the Jackets are pretty much missing their entire right side on D.
Need to exploit that.

 

[LeafParade]

So we get to finally take a closer look at the Columbus D everyone is trying to trade for.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Liljegren being back soon is a great news. This team really needs that upgrade, and to also not play Lajoie.

Lajoie makes me miss Marincin

 

[myleafs]

True they should be able to out score them regardless.
Shame Columbus didn't get Bedard, always had a soft spot for them.

 

[Maplebeasts]

Gotta love that Liljegren is almost back. I always knew he was good but the defence is a lot worse without him.

 

[AvroArrow]

Timmy is close.

TIMMAY

 

[Evilhomer]

With Gudbranson suspended tonight the Jackets are pretty much missing their entire right side on D.
Need to exploit that.

I think this one will be very similar to the Nashville game. Columbus is just so weak that I think it will be difficult for them to generate much of anything against the Leafs.

 

[DarkKnight]

Lil healing a lot faster than anyone anticipated. Great news.

 

[Sypher04]

True they should be able to out score them regardless.
Shame Columbus didn't get Bedard, always had a soft spot for them.

I like the city, nothing really against the team even if I’m not a fan per se either.

 

[wingman75]

His negative impact is they are basically playing 2v3... he has 0 hockey IQ... poor man's Kapanen.

He is a good fit on a 4th line but shouldn't be playing with any players who are capable of creating something offensively.

I'd honestly rather McMann up there, they both forecheck hard, but McMann looks like he is able to make a play.

I do agree, keep the lines together, and it is fine for a few games, but Gregor is not a fit for any players that try to play with possession.

Yea, he really held them back last game... but, this is clearly a short term thing until everyone is healthy. There is zero chance this is anything more than him filling a spot in the lineup.

I have no problem with Keefe rewarding a guy who has busted his ass since he has arrived; it seems Keefe doesn't feel McMann has earned that spot, for now. Maybe he will down the road if there is a need.

 

[notDatsyuk]

Good. Trim some fat off the backend asap.

Gregor-Matthews-Nylander
Bertuzzi-Tavares-Marner
Robertson-Domi-Jarnkrok
Mcmann-Kampf-Reaves
Knies (appears he may still be sick)

Rielly-Brodie
Lagesson-McCabe
Benoit-Timmins
Lajoie-Liljegren

Samsonov, Jones

Gregor again? Seriously Keefe? Putrid coaching again

Without tampering with the second and third lines, who do you move? He wasn't great against the Rangers, but not a problem.

 

[Darcy Tucker]

Regarding where to slot Gregor , I think he would fit in well on the third line with Domi and Jarnkrok. Then Robertson can move up and play with the big boys.

 

[Rare Jewel]

TIMMAY

That may or may not have been the first sound that came to mind when I saw his name in the lineup.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

I think this one will be very similar to the Nashville game. Columbus is just so weak that I think it will be difficult for them to generate much of anything against the Leafs.

I don't dare take any opponent too lightly.

 

[peconcan]

McMann is not an NHLer. Gregor is atleast serviceable and way better

 

[Dekes For Days]

Really good to hear that Liljegren is close!

 

[LeafSteel]

So we get to finally take a closer look at the Columbus D everyone is trying to trade for.

Definitely watching how Peeke plays tonight. I still think he has a lot of upside and is a long term fit for us.

Lajoie makes me miss Marincin

I’m not there yet….

Lil healing a lot faster than anyone anticipated. Great news.

Hopefully he isn’t rushed back and does more and potentially longer term damage, while being ineffective. I think slow and easy wins this race. Lagesson, Benoit, and Timmins are holding the fort, we are still winning, and it’s mid December. No Christmas Stanley Cups that I know of….

 

[arso40]

McMann is not an NHLer. Gregor is atleast serviceable and way better

How is that even possible to say mcmann is an nhl 4th liner why not? He plays a big strong tenacious game with some skill

 

[notDatsyuk]

Regarding where to slot Gregor , I think he would fit in well on the third line with Domi and Jarnkrok. Then Robertson can move up and play with the big boys.

If it was long term, yes. For a couple of games, I'd leave Robbie on 3.

 

[PromisedLand]

Really good to hear Liljegren will be back soon.

Also I have a good feeling about tonight. Don't F with my feelings there Leafs

 

[peconcan]

How is that even possible to say mcmann is an nhl 4th liner why not? He plays a big strong tenacious game with some skill

I personally don’t think he does anything out there. Just my opinion but NHL gms clearly have the same opinion since he’s only played 15 NHL games at 27 years old. If any other team in the league thought he was something they would have traded a pick for him by now

 

[AcerComputer]

Lajoie makes me miss Marincin

He's playing as the 7th dman and is really only playing because we have a ton of injuries. Once Lilly is back you won't see him.

 

[DarkKnight]

This is the kind of game we should dominate and bury them. Therefore, we probably eke out a last minute win.

 

[Aashir]

This is the kind of game we should dominate and bury them. Therefore, we probably eke out a last minute win.

Bold of you to assume they eke out the win. This is settling into a nice 4-2 trap win for CBJ.

I hope they come out wanting to build on the performance they had against the rangers

 

[Buds17]

How is that even possible to say mcmann is an nhl 4th liner why not? He plays a big strong tenacious game with some skill

He's a pending UFA who unfortunately has yet to carve out such a niche with this team.