First impressions
- Thread starter EK392000
- Start date
Anthrax442
Registered User
So far we all got is premature evaluations
Maple Leaf
VIP
- Sep 18, 2009
- 9,967
- 5,174
It's super early, but so far the team looks much worse than last year.
Give it til game 20 though and then make this thread, hopefully, they tighten up defensively and can still produce offensively.
Give it til game 20 though and then make this thread, hopefully, they tighten up defensively and can still produce offensively.
Gilmour1996
Registered User
- Oct 16, 2022
- 1,178
- 1,426
Well, we've got 5 players on pace for +/- -55 to -137. Team is still built from forwards back instead of from goalies out. Couple new guys worse than expected. Not dominant playing bottom feeders.
Coach still seems lost. Some of our D are getting too old.. Depth still poor from too much money given to too few players. Too many high draft picks have been traded away. Other than that, all is good. Nylander and Matthews look great offensively, although Nylander's defensive skills could be a lot better. Team rating based on the first 3 games= "needs improvement".
Coach still seems lost. Some of our D are getting too old.. Depth still poor from too much money given to too few players. Too many high draft picks have been traded away. Other than that, all is good. Nylander and Matthews look great offensively, although Nylander's defensive skills could be a lot better. Team rating based on the first 3 games= "needs improvement".
The only thing that really looks worse than last year is the goaltending performances to start the year. Same 2-1 record. We have 5 more GF this year and 5 more GA. If anything, stagnant through the first three in comparison. Who cares this early on though, can't evaluate anything at this point.
rumman
Registered User
- Sep 10, 2008
- 16,467
- 12,857
about what I expected, I like the stars looking good, but as always it comes at the cost of suspect D and questionable goal tending. It's been the same every years since Lou was ousted. I do like the team's bite this year, Reeves has already made a difference, I hope Domi figures it out and gets onboard.........
Suntouchable13
Registered User
I know, only 3 games in, but we have seen this movie before many times already. I am afraid it will end the same way. I mean, it’s hard for me to think things will be that much different at the end. Right now, i'd say I am 5 out of 10 in terms of how happy I am with the team.
Gary Nylund
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2013
- 31,342
- 24,831
My impression is that it's October, how we played in the first 3 games is pretty much irrelevant and we will probably finish the season around 6th overall as usual. Then the real season starts and we can only hope things are different this time around. Unfortunately I see no reason to think that things are likely to be much different but I guess you never know.
The Iceman
Registered User
- Sep 22, 2007
- 5,274
- 3,979
Still haven't had a game where our goalie has a save% starting with a .9
We have had .7 and .8 though.
A couple timely saves all of a sudden makes the whole team look better.
We have had .7 and .8 though.
A couple timely saves all of a sudden makes the whole team look better.
Aashir Mallik
Backcheck, Forecheck, Paycheque
- Apr 19, 2019
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DarkKnight
Professional Amateur
- Jan 17, 2017
- 34,621
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Lol anyone saying we look worse than last year already, were you not here early last year when we were a game our two from Keefe getting turfed? Relax.
Ianturnedbull
Registered User
- Jun 11, 2022
- 6,206
- 5,679
First impressions:
+
Maybe Klingberg is the biggest and most positive surprise in terms of the new Leafs.
The top players look really good: Matthews and Nylander.
-
The 3rd line is a major work in progress.
The defense, and goaltending need a little more time to get in shape, get their timing, and get their game in order.
Would like to see improvements:
Bertuzzi needs to stay out of the penalty box.
Marner needs to improve a little on both ends of the ice.
Keefe needs to figure out the bottom 6 forwards.
****It's still early****
+
Maybe Klingberg is the biggest and most positive surprise in terms of the new Leafs.
The top players look really good: Matthews and Nylander.
-
The 3rd line is a major work in progress.
The defense, and goaltending need a little more time to get in shape, get their timing, and get their game in order.
Would like to see improvements:
Bertuzzi needs to stay out of the penalty box.
Marner needs to improve a little on both ends of the ice.
Keefe needs to figure out the bottom 6 forwards.
****It's still early****
Bertuzzi has been very underwhelming. Took a few bad penalties and hasn't really contributed much to the top line. New team, but we need a lot more out of him.
Klingberg is what Barrie as promised to be. Great PMD, makes the odd defensive mistake but such a great passer on the PP and breaking out.
Reaves has been a massive add, I know everyones talking about it. But you can see the difference in the team, the way they carry themselves and get involved physically. The guys a beast, hits, fights and has clearly changed the locker room.
Minten looks like a rookie. Not great, not bad, does his job but can't really say much other than that.
Domi looks ok. Nothing he does is really "great" but he's not bad, fought, plays with an edge, good intensity. I like the addition so far.
Samsonov has been horrible in the 2 games he played so far, needs to be much better.
Matthews looks healthy finally, he's shooting the puck how he was 2 years ago, not hesitating. He looks better than he was in the season he won the hart, which is nuts. PKing now too and he looked great out there, we're talking about a guy that can win the rocket and potentially be in the conversation for the Selke. I'm the most excited about him, the guy looks phenomenal.
Nylander looks like we should've paid him already, will likely cost a lot more now
Marner looks as dominant as he always is, nothing new there.
Tavares looks ok, not bad but not great either, just ok.
Noah Gregor has been one of my favorites, the guy competes hard and finishes every check. He's the kind of guy we want in the bottom 6, can contribute offensively so he's not a plug, but he's physical.
Brodie looks like age is starting to catch up to him. I like the guy, great IQ and good defender but he looks just a tiny bit slower than last year.
I think we'll need to add a physical stay at home defender, capable of PKing by the deadline, someone to be this years Schenn.
Lily looks good, nothing has really stood out yet but he looks poised, a couple bad plays in the Montreal game, but overall not bad.
Klingberg is what Barrie as promised to be. Great PMD, makes the odd defensive mistake but such a great passer on the PP and breaking out.
Reaves has been a massive add, I know everyones talking about it. But you can see the difference in the team, the way they carry themselves and get involved physically. The guys a beast, hits, fights and has clearly changed the locker room.
Minten looks like a rookie. Not great, not bad, does his job but can't really say much other than that.
Domi looks ok. Nothing he does is really "great" but he's not bad, fought, plays with an edge, good intensity. I like the addition so far.
Samsonov has been horrible in the 2 games he played so far, needs to be much better.
Matthews looks healthy finally, he's shooting the puck how he was 2 years ago, not hesitating. He looks better than he was in the season he won the hart, which is nuts. PKing now too and he looked great out there, we're talking about a guy that can win the rocket and potentially be in the conversation for the Selke. I'm the most excited about him, the guy looks phenomenal.
Nylander looks like we should've paid him already, will likely cost a lot more now
Marner looks as dominant as he always is, nothing new there.
Tavares looks ok, not bad but not great either, just ok.
Noah Gregor has been one of my favorites, the guy competes hard and finishes every check. He's the kind of guy we want in the bottom 6, can contribute offensively so he's not a plug, but he's physical.
Brodie looks like age is starting to catch up to him. I like the guy, great IQ and good defender but he looks just a tiny bit slower than last year.
I think we'll need to add a physical stay at home defender, capable of PKing by the deadline, someone to be this years Schenn.
Lily looks good, nothing has really stood out yet but he looks poised, a couple bad plays in the Montreal game, but overall not bad.
leafers
Registered User
- Oct 2, 2006
- 1,287
- 320
Klingberg is a disaster waiting to happen in the playoffs and is a downgrade defensively from Holl.
I don’t personally think he accomplishes or adds anything of significance when he qb the power play or when we pull the goalie. Liljegren would be a better option as he still has untapped offensive potential.
Bertuzzi and our offense as a whole will be fine once they find chemistry and settle in.
Goalie situation is still up in the air but Woll is the guy and they should go with him so he can find his grove and build confidence.
I don’t personally think he accomplishes or adds anything of significance when he qb the power play or when we pull the goalie. Liljegren would be a better option as he still has untapped offensive potential.
Bertuzzi and our offense as a whole will be fine once they find chemistry and settle in.
Goalie situation is still up in the air but Woll is the guy and they should go with him so he can find his grove and build confidence.
Can't happen until one or more of the big 4 contracts are moved imo. Been that way since the beginning.
I don't blame Brad though. He's done a good job with what he has to work with and under the circumstances.
We can keep going round and round and round in circles, but we do need to sort out the contract situation at some point if we want to get to a final. Playoffs are a given for this club.
None of them will move, we'll have to wait until Tavares' deal expires. Nylander has really stepped up over the last 18 ish months, he's elevated himself into superstar status.
JT's deal expires and he re-signs for cheap to remain a Leaf. He doesn't wanna play anywhere else. Once that happens, this team will be able to add the necessary pieces and go for it.
really liking what Im seeing from Matthews compete wise.....Nylander impressive, Marner ok...Tavares good, Bertuzzi average, Domi biggest disappointment for me so far....Minten and Knies need some help and I would put Marner or Nylander or even Bertuzzi on their line for a few games, im not ready to give up on Minten yet. Reaves doing what he is supposed do so I like , Gregor I like, Kampf doesnt work with Reaves and Gregor but I dont want him on the 3rd line either so......
Rielly satisfied ...Brodie I like him but somewhat concerned he is on the downslide....Klingberg good and bad...McCabe stepping up to hit someone good, hockey iq suspect....Liljegren steady so far...Gio good player but age is catching up and I dont see the playoffs being kind to him....Samsonov not sold so in wait and see mode.....Woll I like but he is green. Keefe.....jury out...I want to believe in him but Im not sure he is the right guy.
Rielly satisfied ...Brodie I like him but somewhat concerned he is on the downslide....Klingberg good and bad...McCabe stepping up to hit someone good, hockey iq suspect....Liljegren steady so far...Gio good player but age is catching up and I dont see the playoffs being kind to him....Samsonov not sold so in wait and see mode.....Woll I like but he is green. Keefe.....jury out...I want to believe in him but Im not sure he is the right guy.
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Guided by Veseys
Registered User
- Nov 14, 2011
- 3,837
- 3,170
Last year, except for maybe a handful of games with ROR until he got hurt this team looked nothing like a contender, unlike other previous years where the team looked perhaps good enough in the regular season to maybe go on a roll in the playoffs. Team was a total letdown for me last year, seemed like they were actually regressing and the window was closing; miraculously they pulled out that series win after actually being outplayed by Tampa unlike the year before.
This year it’s a bit early and I like the new additions and the core has been decent but the aging defence aren’t exactly inspiring thus far. Hopefully Reaves and the new offensive weapons can breath some life into this team and maybe tre can pickup a few big names at trade deadline if needed.
This year it’s a bit early and I like the new additions and the core has been decent but the aging defence aren’t exactly inspiring thus far. Hopefully Reaves and the new offensive weapons can breath some life into this team and maybe tre can pickup a few big names at trade deadline if needed.
Forwards, I like a lot. I think we'll want to send Minten back to juniors, call up Holmberg or Robertson, and juggle the lines a bit to get more out of the bottom 6, but it looks like a strong group to me. I'm impressed by how good Tavares looks, it's early but he's moving better than last year IMO.
Defence, I have major concerns. On the bright side, Rielly is a fine #1 dman, Brodie is declining but still a decent #3 (or at least a good #4), and Lily is a borderline #4. However, I just don't like depending on McCabe, Klingberg or Gio, and that's way too much sketchiness for one team:
- McCabe is just not particularly good at any one thing
- Klingberg is very good offensively but very weak defensively
- Gio is surprisingly good for the oldest player in the league, but he's 40 and I’m worried he’ll be gassed/worn down by the playoffs, as he was last year
Regular season, the dmen should be good enough with the great forwards, but I'm pretty confident we're going nowhere in the playoffs if this is our group, needs trades to fix it.
Goaltending, too early to say, but probably OK? Obviously not a strength, but I suspect it'll be good enough, if we can improve the defence. If we can't improve the defence, the goalie probably won't matter much come playoff time.
Defence, I have major concerns. On the bright side, Rielly is a fine #1 dman, Brodie is declining but still a decent #3 (or at least a good #4), and Lily is a borderline #4. However, I just don't like depending on McCabe, Klingberg or Gio, and that's way too much sketchiness for one team:
- McCabe is just not particularly good at any one thing
- Klingberg is very good offensively but very weak defensively
- Gio is surprisingly good for the oldest player in the league, but he's 40 and I’m worried he’ll be gassed/worn down by the playoffs, as he was last year
Regular season, the dmen should be good enough with the great forwards, but I'm pretty confident we're going nowhere in the playoffs if this is our group, needs trades to fix it.
Goaltending, too early to say, but probably OK? Obviously not a strength, but I suspect it'll be good enough, if we can improve the defence. If we can't improve the defence, the goalie probably won't matter much come playoff time.
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The Hanging Jowl
Registered User
- Apr 2, 2017
- 10,686
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Goaltending has been bad and defensive play in their end (especially in front of the net) has been even worse. Clean that up and maybe they're a contender. The goaltending is obviously the harder part.
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
- 5,678
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I think this is what will happen, but I also think this team will win before Tavares' deal comes up.
Racer88
Registered User
- Sep 29, 2020
- 12,405
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This is not first impressions. This is what we have seen year after year.
TMLBlueandWhite
Knies Is The Next Hyman But Better
- Feb 2, 2023
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Siegel has a write up on what his first impressions have been.
theathletic.com
"Keefe is already dealing with some very real and thorny lineup challenges, though, many of them tied to Brad Treliving’s first offseason as Leafs GM."
Domi stinks.
McCabe stinks. Klingberg stinks. The fourth line stinks.
If it wasn't for Matthews this team would be 0-3 right now.
There's a few bright spots. Reaves punching faces has been fun to watch. Minten and Knies not being horrible is also good.
But, man, that Chicago game only reinforced fans who dont believe this team is a cup contender.
The players look like they're having trouble adjusting to the new defensive scheme. I'm starting to think it's all part of some master plan to befuddle the opponent. All the chaos and confusion is exactly what the coaches want.
The other team isn't gonna have any idea what you're gonna do next if you don't.
The Leafs are already dealing with thorny lineup challenges
From a winger for John Tavares and William Nylander to the fourth line's usage, here's what the Leafs are working through.
theathletic.com
"Keefe is already dealing with some very real and thorny lineup challenges, though, many of them tied to Brad Treliving’s first offseason as Leafs GM."
Domi stinks.
McCabe stinks. Klingberg stinks. The fourth line stinks.
If it wasn't for Matthews this team would be 0-3 right now.
There's a few bright spots. Reaves punching faces has been fun to watch. Minten and Knies not being horrible is also good.
But, man, that Chicago game only reinforced fans who dont believe this team is a cup contender.
The players look like they're having trouble adjusting to the new defensive scheme. I'm starting to think it's all part of some master plan to befuddle the opponent. All the chaos and confusion is exactly what the coaches want.
The other team isn't gonna have any idea what you're gonna do next if you don't.
