Pre-Game Talk: Game #7 Leafs (2-3-1) vs. Canes (4-0-0), 7pm Mon

[123offtheglass]

This will be a hard test for a struggling club coming off their worst loss of the Matthews era. They're up against a healthy & dominate Canes team in the opponents barn.

Canes are 4-0-0 (all regulation wins)
- 18GF & 7GA (+11)
- 37.5% PP
- 88.2% PK
- 54% FOW%
- Leading scorer: Svechnikov (4gp: 4-3-7)

Here's a positive reminder of what this Leafs group is capable of though:

Click to read more...

 

[Bomber0104]

How's Freddie Anderson doing so far?

 

[ottomaddox]

Just make sure Aires is ready to go.

 

[123offtheglass]

How's Freddie Anderson doing so far?

Haven't seen him play but basic stats suggest good. Was never known for being good out of the gate.

 

[PromisedLand]

Freddie playing great in front of a competent defense and a team that gives a crap.

Whats the over/under Freddie posts a shutout tomorrow?

 

[Kelly]

will be interesting to see how they respond after that good ol' shalacking.

 

[Bomber0104]

View attachment 473706
Haven't seen him play but basic stats suggest good. Was never known for being good out of the gate.

Wow, not bad.

A bunch of people here were telling me last season that he's not an NHL goalie anymore.

I wonder where they are and what they think now.

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Freddie playing great in front of a competent defense and a team that gives a crap.

Whats the over/under Freddie posts a shutout tomorrow?

If they don't respond tomorrow there is no helping this team. Biggest character test since getting slapped by Montreal, revealing our cowardly ways.

This is now next year, do we have the ability to respond? We shall see. I expect they do and we win, If not have a good one leafs nation, this team clearly isn't anything special.

 

[stickty111]

At this point, result is secondary. If they try even 5%, thats good enough for me. They have shown anything more is expecting too much.

 

[hockeyes]

This isn't a test, they've already failed the test.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Oooops! Was this too soon?

 

[Rogue Leader]

This isn't a test, they've already failed the test.

Well said! They have failed the whole semester. Need summer school - with a new coach.

 

[Lauro]

How's Freddie Anderson doing so far?

Probably feels better with a team whose fans spell his name right.

 

[BallardEra]

Leafs are dead last in the NHL with a 5.7 shooting percentage.

Something has to give.

 

[All Mod Cons]

Jesus, not another American team. When do we get back to the Canadian teams?

 

[123offtheglass]

This isn't a test, they've already failed the test.

Which test? They've failed so many

 

[Rogue Leader]

I really can't wait for this week! I am sure it would be the end of Keefe and Dubas!
First week of November 2021!

2 VS VGK 7:00 PM ET	3	4 VS TBL 7:00 PM ET	5	6 VS BOS 7:00 PM ET

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[Nineteen67]

Will the Leafs find themselves in a playoff spot at any point the rest of the way?

 

[Nineteen67]

I really can't wait for this week! I am sure it would be the end of Keefe and Dubas!
First week of November 2021!

2 VS VGK 7:00 PM ET	3	4 VS TBL 7:00 PM ET	5	6 VS BOS 7:00 PM ET

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Vegas is a lottery team.

 

[TheBigFour]

The next ten games will probably determine what this team is about( I know I know).
A lot of winnable games but there also some games against good teams as well.

if they’re still struggling after the next ten games, then this team has no hope. Tank nation it is then.

 

[TheGroceryStick]

Vezina Fred and Olympic Hyman...would be a wicked cherry on top of this year.

 

[BallardEra]

If they beat the Canes then they have the Hawks and Wings. Winning three straight will have people feeling that all is well again.

 

[Leaf Fans]

Looking forward to the game. It would be nice to hand Carolina their first loss and get back to winning.

 

[LeafsandSharksfan]

Freddy's Back.

 

[All Mod Cons]

If they beat the Canes then they have the Hawks and Wings. Winning three straight will have people feeling that all is well again.

No it won't. It looks like the damage has been done and fans have finally had enough.

 

[stickty111]

Taking the Leafs core away for a second, lets focus on the short term. Holl needs a break. Either rest him or lower his usage. Muzzin is clearly not healthy. He's had slow starts before but this is not the same. He's playing through something. Rest him.
Go with
Sandin-Brodie
Rielly-Liljegren
Dermott-Holl

The 1st pair in limited sample size have looked strong before.
2nd pair is new but could be good. Both can skate and Lilly can be the safety valve for Rielly like Brodie
Not a fan of the 3rd pairing but both play neutral zone defence well.

The good thing about these pairings is you don't really have to shelter any of them.

Brodie can play tough comp and Sandin is ready for a higher role

Rielly can play high comp and Lilly's defensive prowess should help.

Dermott has long needed a higher role so get them medium usage.