GDT: Game # Leafs host Flames 7:30pm ET

[NK94]

Giving Spezza the night off over Thornton and then promoting the latter is brutal.

 

[LeafsFan89]

“Fare thee well Martin Marincin” game. Guys, enjoy this, it will be the last time we see him. Thanks for your efforts and memories Marty...all the best in the future.

We have been saying this for six years.

 

[Knies iT]

Honestly starting to question Keefe's handling of the young guys.

Runs Robertson exclusively on the 4th line with zero special teams time despite a 1/36 PP. Refuses to insert an overcooked Liljegren who is trending towards playing less games than last season now. Sat Sandin on the taxi-squad for weeks before he played a single game.

You have a big gap on 2nd place in the division coming off a loss and facing a weak team. Your answer is Marincin?

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Good to see Campbell is at a health level where he's able to backup instead of not dressing at all.

 

[Suntouchable13]

What the hell is that monstrosity?

Marincin over Lilly? And not only sit Spezza instead of Thornton, but put him with Tavares?

Something is goofy here. It's like they are trying to appease Marner and Matthews who love Joe.

 

[Maplebeasts]

No Liljegren is disappointing. Thornton in the top six is unforgivable. I am very, very disappointed in Keefe's line-up decisions.

 

[TMLeafer]

lol @ Thornton playing back to back when he's been really poor at least for a few weeks.

Watch him go out and score

 

[Teeder Keon]

What lines are these?

Especially B2B and not resting Jumbo and Train and Spezz , would have been a great opportunity to do so and look at our young guns and spell off our old cannons

 

[Leaf Fans]

Sabourin finally gets a chance. I am happy!

 

[IronHalen]

I'm hoping Keefe is playing some 4D chess and is trying to grind Thornton into the ground so he's no longer able to play at all.

 

[Griffin76]

Sabourin in. Never saw that coming.

 

[stickty111]

lol @ Thornton playing back to back when he's been really poor at least for a few weeks.

Watch him go out and score

He could play well. It's still a dumb decision

 

[Rude Dog]

What lines are these?

Easily the ugliest line combos of the season. Giving Thornton every opportunity. Better now than the first game of the playoffs. Would have been too obvious to try Robo in that spot.

 

[frizzer1]

When they signed Thornton they must have promised him that he would be in the lineup every night.
It’s the only possible explanation.

 

[hamzarocks]

Damm you have an elite shooting prospect who has a puck pursuit play style. If only our coach saw the potential in trying said prospect with our captain a 1C, playing 2C who has made careers for less talented wingers.

But since we don't I suppose our 41 year old legend will play 16-18 mins and face harsh criticism for being over relied upon. Joe is a pure vet with good character and the ability to play 8-10 mins on the 4th line.

Playing him winger in the top 6 is the best shutdown strategy you can have against JT and Hyman

Also I miss Nylander. Top 6 was so much dirtier when he was here. Can't wait for his return. Atleast with him back only Joe won't be overplayed in the top 6 most likely.

Go leafs Go

 

[Polk High]

Going to guess we'll see some odd line combos for a few games so that the coaches can see what might work if forced to get creative in the playoffs.

 

[Leaf Fans]

When they signed Thornton they must have promised him that he would be in the lineup every night.
It’s the only possible explanation.

I suppose that is possible, though I doubt it.

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

Sabourin finally gets a chance. I am happy!

He's not a good player but maybe he'll smash a few guys. Not expecting much. Under 8 minutes probably.

 

[Advanced stats]

Wouldn't read into those lines, I guarantee the lines don't end the way they start tonight

 

[CincoHolio]

The Jumbo decision is curious. Would've been the perfect game for him to sit.

 

[BeLeafing]

Oh man. The Thornton stuff is getting frustrating. Was hopeful that when Foligno and Nylander play Thornton would be the odd man out, but that seems quite optimistic now.

Pretty inexcusable to have Spezza sit the 2nd game of a back to back and not do the same for Thornton who needs it so much more.

 

[Leaf Fans]

He's not a good player but maybe he'll smash a few guys. Not expecting much. Under 8 minutes probably.

I don't know expect first line minutes, but he will inject some energy in the line up for sure.

 

[stickty111]

Whats happening?

 

[A1LeafNation]

I think we will see alot of tweeners play the next 15 games to get them ready for the playoffs.

 

[Maplebeasts]

I just would like to see this team try out different options for once. When you're a contender and have them why not see who your best guys are in time for the playoffs?