GDT: HABS @ LEAFS | WED, APR 7 | 7:30PM EST | SPORTSNET

[saffronleaf]

Maybe mix up the lines a bit.

 

[NK94]

The team is tired but Nylander’s absence is notable.
Outside of Matthews/Marner he’s really the only offensive threat that they have.

Barabanov is no Nylander. That’s for damn sure.

 

[Sniper99]

I post every single game.

<insert player> is trash
<Insert player> is garbage
< insert player> is useless.

But if they score the winner its silence with you. Same broken record.

 

[MattySnipes]

What's the Leafs record without Nylander?

 

[6ix]

He’s an absolute asset on the PK and he’s one of few who give a shit every night. I feel like his freak accident f***ed over his hands, because he was quite an effective scorer prior to it. Rather him over Vesey or PDO Boyd personally.

yes he’s not completely useless, but he’s still a scrub in the sense he can’t put up points with basically having a breakaway every game.

He’s like a super super super poor man version of Kapanen.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Barabanov is no Nylander. That’s for damn sure.

He’s not even an Engvall or Mikheyev. I don’t see what he brings at all. Not fast, not a good passer, not physical; I just haven’t seen anything impressive from him in any game he has played while his mistakes are quite obvious.

 

[socko]

Why can’t Robertson get a look?

Maybe they want his contract to slide, he has 5 games left including playoffs that he can play in.

Entry-Level Slide Candidates - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

 

[frizzer1]

A couple of years ago Marner would come off the point and had kadri in the middle and JVR down low.
That pp was deadly.
Matthews is still there but they don’t have those other options ,

 

[Leafsfan74]

He’s an absolute asset on the PK and he’s one of few who give a shit every night. I feel like his freak accident f***ed over his hands, because he was quite an effective scorer prior to it. Rather him over Vesey or PDO Boyd personally.

This is the type of defense Leafs will face in the playoffs. It's just tougher for rush minded players to find opportunities against solid defensive systems.

It's why the players who are willing to get dirty are assets in the playoffs. Habs have a good structure, our D is just a notch above theirs so it's a battle.

This team should consider this game a trial run, foreshadowing what the playoffs will bring.

 

[6ix]

Speaking of Kapanen, I miss him on that 3rd line. Speed, feisty, and respectable finish.

Hopefully Amirov pans out.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Might come out with...

Simmonds-Matthews-Marner
Galchenuyk-Tavares-Hyman
Mikheyev-Engvall-Barabanov
Thornton-Kerfoot-Spezza

Just try to distribute some guys down the lineup and create some offense when Matthews and Marner are off the ice.

 

[Griffin76]

It is very noticeable that Nylander is out.

 

[fahad203]

Speaking of Kapanen, I miss him on that 3rd line. Speed, feisty, and respectable finish.

Hopefully Amirov pans out.

The fact that we kept Kerfoot instead of Kapanen for cap relief isn't looking good either. I get it, Kerfoot can play center.
I was really frustrated with Kapanen given these two, I would prefer Kapanen

 

[fahad203]

It is very noticeable that Nylander is out.

Actually it's not. Most nights he's quiet to begin with with a good shift here and there
I am not saying this team is better of without him, but not noticeble that he's not that

 

[al secord]

Gud start

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

We just need one, then I think we can hold the line

 

[DarkKnight]

I know we miss Willie but this second line has had their looks.

 

[6ix]

Mikheyev, again in the slot and a muffin into the goalies crest. Absolute joke.

 

[CapspaceKiller]

BRODIE FINALLY

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Brodie!!!

 

[Havoc]

Come on Mik gally deserved that assist

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Brodie finally!!!

 

[Sniper99]

Alright Brodie!!!!!! GO LEAFS GO!!!!!!

 

[MattySnipes]

Nice move Gally

 

[fahad203]

Gally has been really good. You can see that skill coming back