Post-Game Talk: First line comes through, 4-3 win

[hd1344]

I think he's definitely capable of being the 3rd guy on a Kadri/Lupul line (similarly to how Bozak isn't a 'real' 1C but he's good there for Kessel.) You can't have All-Stars at every position - a consistent 2-way contributor with an adaptable skill-set is all you can ask for.

Agree with this. Sometimes putting your 3 Best on a top unit works out (i.e Sens Pizza Line in their post-lockout prime) and sometimes it doesn't. In many cases, putting your Top-3 together doesn't pan out. Sometimes that top unit needs that 3rd "glue" guy on the line; a guy who brings a different skill-set to the table in order to make things work and mesh correctly.

You could argue that Crosby makes Pascal Dupuis a much better hockey player. I would agree with that without a question. But don't discount the fact that for some reason, Dupuis' presence on that line just makes it that much more effective when they are on the ice together at Even-Strength.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

There has been no rush to the playoffs since Grabovski and Kessel have been in Toronto.

Last time there was any thoughts of the playoffs was when JFj was still the GM.

You mean I imagined us making that playoffs mirage rush in 10-11 to avoid another Seguin pick and last season's demise around Feb?

 

[DrizzyTO]

Thank god we won.

 

[notdoneyet]

just watched torts press conference

reporters asked nash was out there quite a bit were you trying to take get more offense

torts no just trying to get him away from phaneuf

 

[BonMorrison]

Does anyone have a replay of the Kulemin hit?

 

[LEAFSIN4]

**** boston. i want to play them so bad, I know this team can beat them in a 7 game series.

 

[Grant]

just watched torts press conference

reporters asked nash was out there quite a bit were you trying to take get more offense

torts no just trying to get him away from phaneuf

Really? That's great! (and true). I remember one play pretty late in the game and Phaneuf was all over Nash following him throughout the zone when Nash had the puck. Phaneuf was pushing hard on Nash and Nash still wasn't moving easily, it was a good battle.

 

[HarrisonFord]

Ask yourself this: Who in the league could replace him?
The answer: Not many

Exactly. And it's incredibly difficult to acquire anyone like him. Once you get a guy like Phaneuf, you don't let him go. Leafs definitely need to re-sign him

 

[Warden of the North]

They never showed a replay but did anyone see that Kadri hit on the Rangers defensemen at our blueline? I didnt get to see the whole thing, just someone at the top of the screen getting absolutely rag dolled by Kadri but there wasn't a replay. Anyone catch that?

Ya, he crushed him. But their was a goal against shortly after so they didnt replay it

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Thank god we won.

If this game was played last year, we would have lost.

Personnel is less flashy and more workmanlike now, we don't trade chances protecting leads now, well most of the players don't. The one's that do are usually benched now, unlike it was under Ron Wilson.

 

[CanadasTeam]

another boat torched.

Yes!

 

[crump]

Just finished watching on the PVR. Clutch game...just huge. ROB done good. McClement and crew were great. Kessel and line warming up just in time for stretch run. Looking very good. Have to clinch as soon as possible, to rest some guys who are playing their guts out right now.

 

[Parkdale]

I agree. Im not willing to write him off after a poor shortened season.

Yeah, best to be patient with him. Hopefully, this is just an off period.

 

[Pi]

Phaneuf stood Nash at the blue line at least 2-3 times when they were both on the ice together.

I can't believe Carlyle let Nash play against Franson/Fraser. Those goals don't happen if Phaneuf is on the ice.

Have you ever seen Kessel play against the Bruins? Chara is Kessel's shadow.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

just watched torts press conference

reporters asked nash was out there quite a bit were you trying to take get more offense

torts no just trying to get him away from phaneuf

Goes to show he does get respect around the league. Reading HFBoards you'd never think that.

 

[Grant]

Phaneuf stood Nash at the blue line at least 2-3 times when they were both on the ice together.

I can't believe Carlyle let Nash play against Franson/Fraser. Those goals don't happen if Phaneuf is on the ice.

Have you ever seen Kessel play against the Bruins? Chara is Kessel's shadow.

Sometimes it just happens unfortunately due to a quick rush the other way or something Not sure if that was the case for this goal though.

 

[notdoneyet]

Phaneuf stood Nash at the blue line at least 2-3 times when they were both on the ice together.

I can't believe Carlyle let Nash play against Franson/Fraser. Those goals don't happen if Phaneuf is on the ice.

Have you ever seen Kessel play against the Bruins? Chara is Kessel's shadow.

dionis is fast you just dont notice it. he's not flashy.

Nash beat franson/fraser with his spped

If he tries that with dion he cuts him off and smokes him. Nash realizes this and doesnt try moves like this with dion

 

[LeeIs]

Macarthur is a must sign to me, unless Ashton is ready. Eventually Ross, Biggs, and Leivo will take over. But to me unless Ashton or D'amigo are ready to take on a 50 point winger who is a decent 2 way player, I am not sure it's worth spending close to 5M in a Clowe type winger to replace him. Ideally I hope Ashton is ready, I think he is very close, too bad he is hurt now, not sure where he is at this point.

Out of the 3 big 2nd line we had a couple of years ago, I think Kulemin is the only one worth keeping. At least when he isn't scoring he's still a work horse in other aspects. Grabo and Mac aren't as usefull when not producing. Mac was demoted to the 4th line on a few occasions. I would rather see Frattin get a spot on this team than Mac. I think he has the potential to produce and still be a real hard worker when not producing on the score sheet.

 

[darrylsittler27]

For how much?

Exactly. And it's incredibly difficult to acquire anyone like him. Once you get a guy like Phaneuf, you don't let him go. Leafs definitely need to re-sign him

With the $64 million cap coming in,what is he worth? Im still not in the $6.5M camp.

 

[The Reaper]

Phaneuf not on ice - Nash scores

Komarov not on ice - Nash score

Komarov and Phaneuf are key to keep Nash from scoring

 

[crump]

Oh and...

 

[JackJ]

Should have left Gardiner in the minors.

 

[Pi]

With the $64 million cap coming in,what is he worth? Im still not in the $6.5M camp.

I'm in the camp where the Captain of our team who plays irreplaceable minutes deserves the 6-6.5M.

 

[Parkdale]

Phaneuf not on ice - Nash scores

Komarov not on ice - Nash score

Komarov and Phaneuf are key to keep Nash from scoring

Loved the way Komarov played against the bigger Nash.

 

[Parkdale]

Should have left Gardiner in the minors.

Were you saying this when he was with the Marlies?