GDT: Dallas @ Toronto - Tuesday - 7PM - TSN

[ULF_55]

A lot of Berube's line combos he's gone with have been straight up puzzling. I get some things you have to try to see if they work or not, but some things (like Steven Lorentz playing on forward line 1) should literally get 0 reps because it's obviously not going to work.

Berube probably remembers Semenko with Gretz.

 

[Fogelhund]

A lot of Berube's line combos he's gone with have been straight up puzzling. I get some things you have to try to see if they work or not, but some things (like Steven Lorentz playing on forward line 1) should literally get 0 reps because it's obviously not going to work.

Lorentz hatty incoming.

 

[ACC1224]

Berube probably remembers Semenko with Gretz.

Either you're not familiar with Lorentz or Semenko because they are not even remotely the same type of player.

Lorentz is obviously not a top line player but he has shown some skill in his limited ice time and I imagine that skill is even more apparent during practice which we aren't privy to watching.

We'll see how long it lasts but maybe it rejuvenates the lineup, they have looked pretty flat and need a spark.

 

[ULF_55]

Either you're not familiar with Lorentz or Semenko because they are not even remotely the same type of player.

Lorentz is obviously not a top line player but he has shown some skill in his limited ice time and I imagine that skill is even more apparent during practice which we aren't privy to watching.

We'll see how long it lasts but maybe it rejuvenates the lineup, they have looked pretty flat and need a spark.

I am very well aware of both players.

The point was you don't have to have three 1st. liners on the 1st. line, they don't even have to be a 2nd. or 3rd. liner.

A player can be there for reasons other than scoring.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Why is Berube so hesitant to break up Matthews and Marner? I like Lorentz but we all know that he's not a long term solution to fix the issues with the first line.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Why is Berube so hesitant to break up Matthews and Marner? I like Lorentz but we all know that he's not a long term solution to fix the issues with the first line.

Their NMCs apply to who they play with as well.

 

[budzz]

Would be nice to break up the big 3 on seperate lines for sure. Domi worked fine on the right wing next to Matty, and Marner seemed to work with JT. The problem is you have one other highly paid high power winger in Willy, but no real centre to play with him. Not sure what the answer is there but I know Holmberg ain't it.

 

[Nineteen67]

Berube probably remembers Semenko with Gretz.

Lorentz adds foot speed, something Semenko was not known for.

 

[SprDaVE]

Last time we played them Oettinger had a terrible game. I don't think that's happening again.

This team needs to find a gear in consistency. It's been way too hot/cold in terms of effort. If the goaltender isn't standing on his head, we lose. I can only hope they get hot at the right time I guess.

 

[Evilhomer]

Last time we played them Oettinger had a terrible game. I don't think that's happening again.

I think the leafs have had his number for years, like Vasi.

 

[ACC1224]

I'm looking forward to seeing Lorentz with Matthews and Marner. Hopefully his speed will get them to play a little more direct.
I like Lorentz, nice to see him get an opportunity.

 

[Dr Pepper]

I think the leafs have had his number for years, like Vasi.

I think Otter's 0-4 lifetime against the Leafs, but that's to be expected when Dallas is something like 2 for their last 15 when these teams play.

Not expecting any different tonight - and I'm still gonna be there in person to watch it all go down, too.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Would be nice to break up the big 3 on seperate lines for sure. Domi worked fine on the right wing next to Matty, and Marner seemed to work with JT. The problem is you have one other highly paid high power winger in Willy, but no real centre to play with him. Not sure what the answer is there but I know Holmberg ain't it.

If the LW is good he just needs a center that can win faceoffs and not be completely useless in the offensive zone. The Jarnkrok equivalent of centres would be good enough, just help hold the zone and present a shooting option if Knies or whoever is covered on LW.

 

[Evilhomer]

I think Otter's 0-4 lifetime against the Leafs, but that's to be expected when Dallas is something like 2 for their last 15 when these teams play.

Not expecting any different tonight - and I'm still gonna be there in person to watch it all go down, too.

Usually the way this goes is that the leafs play sloppy, end up winning, and leafs fans complain. I expect the same tonight.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Usually the way this goes is that the leafs play sloppy, end up winning, and leafs fans complain. I expect the same tonight.

I’d take 16 sloppy wins in the playoffs, but the problem is that it’s highly unlikely to happen. So the way they play matters.

 

[crump]

""

At this point I half expect Hakanpää to invert his knees and do an upside down horror movie spider walk down the ice.

 

[Evilhomer]

I’d take 16 sloppy wins in the playoffs, but the problem is that it’s highly unlikely to happen. So the way they play matters.

If the regular season has proven anything, it's that the way a team plays in a random game in January has absolutely no predictive value for how it will play in April, may and June.

 

[ACC1224]

GAMEDAY: Offensively challenged Maple Leafs host stingy Dallas Stars

Maple Leafs will have to work for their goals against one of the NHL's tightest teams, one out to avenge a Toronto win in Dallas last month.

torontosun.com

Steven Lorentz gets a promotion from fourth line to first with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner … Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg appear to be the scratches for Toronto, Joseph Woll the expected starter … This will be another match-up of the Roberston brothers, Jason with four goals in his last eight games including one on Sunday, Nick with two in the same span … While former Stars’ defenceman Jani Hakanpaa resumed skating with the Leafs on Monday, his knee problem has not yet allowed him to take a full-time role.

 

[arso40]

I've thought this way before today on multiple occasions, but now I think it should be safe to post this because of how blatantly nonsensical the Lorentz-Matthews-Marner line combo is, without getting spammed with "it's too early" replies.

A lot of Berube's line combos he's gone with have been straight up puzzling. I get some things you have to try to see if they work or not, but some things (like Steven Lorentz playing on forward line 1) should literally get 0 reps because it's obviously not going to work.

When a guy like Robertson can’t get a sniff with the teams best passer on the top line for a spell but you put 4th liners in your top six

 

[Confucius]

Can't find dark mode now.

Any tips?

 

[Cleetus]

Can't find dark mode now.

Any tips?

its working now for me

 

[Gary Nylund]

When a guy like Robertson can’t get a sniff with the teams best passer on the top line for a spell but you put 4th liners in your top six

I'd like to try Robbie in the top 6 as well, because why not? But then, I'd like to see M&M broken up and it's frustrating that this hasn't been done yet. Matthews with Domi, Marner with JT, those combos have worked well in the past so ...

 

[Suntouchable13]

I don't like what I am seeing from Berube. Still no accountability, just lets Mitch and Auston play together no matter what. Same as Keefe. Meh.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Why is Berube so hesitant to break up Matthews and Marner? I like Lorentz but we all know that he's not a long term solution to fix the issues with the first line.

Been thinking about it, my guess is management trying to keep Marner happy to increase the chances he signs

 

[PanniniClaus]

Been thinking about it, my guess is management trying to keep Marner happy to increase the chances he signs

Beyond pitiful if true.. which would mean that Berube is a management puppet. So I am hoping Berube honestly feels this is just the best path forward.