How to fix the Leafs: Fan Edition

[Bluelines]

Curious if you have picked up on some structural on ice things the Leaf can do to improve their play? I'm more interested in your X and O thoughts vs , fire Dubas, fire Keefe, trade every one.

A couple of things I've casually noticed:

• They can't pass for s#it, pucks in feet, pucks behind intended player they are passing too, pass to a ghost player, receiving the puck like they are playing with whiffle sticks, can't receive a pass for s#it.
• Possession, last year I remember a team that would die before they gave up the puck, this year I see a lot of just dump and curl away, it's like they are not interested in puck possession, which is odd because in the Cans game they had a 3 minute advantage at one point, 19min for Leafs, around 16 min for the Canes, but it sure didn't seem like the Leafs had the puck more.
• They look like a team that is living last years playoff demons today. If those guys grip their sticks any harder, the sticks will instantly combust into fire. I hate to say it but they need to forget about last years debacle and press the reset button. Thinking about past events wont change it. Yep they choked in epic fashion. Get over it. you can't change it.
• They have been out worked in every game, you cant tell me they have faced 6 harder working teams. Fr example last night I watched two Leafs go in to forecheck two Canes, wonderful I love a heavy forecheck, , Canes broke out and it was a 4 on 2 against the Leafs, how does that happen? Where was our 3rd guy? and how did one of the Canes who was in his own zone beat one of our forecheckers back into our zone? How does that happen?

Curious on your thoughts from a X and O perspective on what is wrong and how to fix it.

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[Cams]

The last 3 games were really bad. Actually, the first period last night wasn't too bad, they got the early lead, survived the Canes PP (which skewed the shots on goal total for period 1). Second period on though...... they were chasing the play. Maybe it is trying to too hard to not make mistakes, playing scared. As much as the players may say otherwise, you know they are feeling the heat of playing well below expectations.

How to fix it.....who knows. They certainly are not as bad as their record shows. They did run into out of this world goaltending 2 games in a row (SJ, NYR), but you have to wonder that as great as their goaltenders played in those games, you still have to bury your shots. Yes, there are also some crazy bad luck goals against (how many pucks have gone in off their own players this year), with this firepower, struggling to score shouldn't be the issue that it is right now also.

 

[Bluelines]

The last 3 games were really bad. Actually, the first period last night wasn't too bad, they got the early lead, survived the Canes PP (which skewed the shots on goal total for period 1). Second period on though...... they were chasing the play. Maybe it is trying to too hard to not make mistakes, playing scared. As much as the players may say otherwise, you know they are feeling the heat of playing well below expectations.

How to fix it.....who knows. They certainly are not as bad as their record shows. They did run into out of this world goaltending 2 games in a row (SJ, NYR), but you have to wonder that as great as their goaltenders played in those games, you still have to bury your shots. Yes, there are also some crazy bad luck goals against (how many pucks have gone in off their own players this year), with this firepower, struggling to score shouldn't be the issue that it is right now also.

I think you are on the right path, the nerves I think plays into this in a big way.

 

[Trapper]

I think you are on the right path, the nerves I think plays into this in a big way.

Less is more.
North/south when you struggle. When passing and dangling/etc. aren’t working you have to simplify, get the puck in deep and forecheck.

This is why I’m so adamant that the team needs to be able to play several styles. You have to in order to win.

 

[4thline]

Pick a LW (IMO Bunting) and staple them to Matthews. Both the RW's know how to play with him, and him with them so swapping doesn't impact as much But the 3rd wheel is by nature a lesser player, without the history or chemistry. I think Matthews and Bunting can compliment each other well, but they don't know each other yet and kept getting crossed up in small ways, making slightly off reads from each other.

 

[socko]

Just do the Eichel deal if the doctors give him an 80% chance of being the same player he was. Throw in a few games played clauses to protect us if it doesn't work out. But first you have to sack Dubas/ Shanahan. This year is toast.

 

[Bluelines]

Less is more.
North/south when you struggle. When passing and dangling/etc. aren’t working you have to simplify, get the puck in deep and forecheck.

This is why I’m so adamant that the team needs to be able to play several styles. You have to in order to win.

Right, if you try to do too much or be too cute it tends to not work in your favor. Less is more for sure IMO.

 

[Pookie]

I think your question is too simplistic.

It implies that there is 1 system to adopt and to just execute that for 82 games and through the playoffs.

Hockey is a series of mutually exclusive games all season, leading to a series against one team.

The real question is “how do we play against the Blackhawks to get 2 points”

Once that game is over, “how do we play against the Red Wings...” and so on.

Eg. Blackhawk game strategy should include the knowledge that getting into OT is fine as part of a game plan. Chicago is in another conference so giving up a single point doesn’t matter.

If they play a trap, and you play a trap... you can likely get to OT with a low risk defensive game. Take your chances that your firepower on the PP will make it so OT isn’t even necessary. Win this one on special teams and pouncing on their mistakes with a counter attack.

Red Wings? Well they are ahead of us in the standings. We can’t give up a single point. A more aggressive game plan might be necessary here.

Here, you know they know that we rarely mix up lines. They will have a containment plan for Lines 1,2.

Throw them a curve. Move a Simmonds up for a few shifts. Double shift Matthews. Game is at home, so you’ve got the option to throw the curve.

Move the puck quickly from the back end. Beat the trap with speed and don’t be afraid to use a Simmonds or Ritchie or Bunting for a dump and chase. Maybe even put Matthews between Simmonds and Bunting for a shift or two a period and have the two of them crash around.

Obviously, more video work would go into this. I guess I’m just saying that it’s not one game plan... it’s 82 individual plans that get created before the game and adjust throughout.

 

[Bigeyedfish79]

Just do the Eichel deal if the doctors give him an 80% chance of being the same player he was. Throw in a few games played clauses to protect us if it doesn't work out. But first you have to sack Dubas/ Shanahan. This year is toast.

You have a bigger chance of pigs flying than the Sabres trading Jack in the division much less a major rival.

Keep dreaming.

 

[The Iceman]

Increase shooting percentage and get more saves.

Problem solved.

 

[Bluelines]

Pick a LW (IMO Bunting) and staple them to Matthews. Both the RW's know how to play with him, and him with them so swapping doesn't impact as much But the 3rd wheel is by nature a lesser player, without the history or chemistry. I think Matthews and Bunting can compliment each other well, but they don't know each other yet and kept getting crossed up in small ways, making slightly off reads from each other.

I was thinking the same thing last night. Bunting is a goal crease rat, you know with Matthews the puck is eventually coming to the net, he's a shooter where else is it goign to go? Who better than Bunting with Marner?

I'd like to see Willie play off wing with Tavares/Marner and Nylander. Where Tavares is the goal crease banger and crasher and downlow along the boards guy, Nylander is the trigger guy and Marner is the set up guy

Nylander will get lost with Matthews, I think playing with Matthews will hurt Willies production.

Bunting-Matthews-Not sure who
Nylander-Tavares-Marner

 

[ZEBROA]

You have a bigger chance of pigs flying than the Sabres trading Jack in the division much less a major rival.

Keep dreaming.

Strap some wings on Dubas.

just kiddin

 

[socko]

You have a bigger chance of pigs flying than the Sabres trading Jack in the division much less a major rival.

Keep dreaming.

Divisional rival stuff is overrated. Do what is best for your hockey team or you should be fired.

 

[Bluelines]

Increase shooting percentage and get more saves.

Problem solved.

LOL you sir are a hockey savant

 

[ITM]

Increase shooting percentage and get more saves.

Problem solved.

I dunno man…Campbell made more than his fair share of ten-bellers.

Increase high quality scoring chances by a better transition game that requires an aggressive defensive model first; Takes care of needing to make more saves methinks.

 

[Bigeyedfish79]

Divisional rival stuff is overrated. Do what is best for your hockey team or you should be fired.

There is zero chance Marner would get you Eichel.

 

[Bluelines]

I think your question is too simplistic.

It implies that there is 1 system to adopt and to just execute that for 82 games and through the playoffs.

Hockey is a series of mutually exclusive games all season, leading to a series against one team.

The real question is “how do we play against the Blackhawks to get 2 points”

Once that game is over, “how do we play against the Red Wings...” and so on.

Eg. Blackhawk game strategy should include the knowledge that getting into OT is fine as part of a game plan. Chicago is in another conference so giving up a single point doesn’t matter.

If they play a trap, and you play a trap... you can likely get to OT with a low risk defensive game. Take your chances that your firepower on the PP will make it so OT isn’t even necessary. Win this one on special teams and pouncing on their mistakes with a counter attack.

Red Wings? Well they are ahead of us in the standings. We can’t give up a single point. A more aggressive game plan might be necessary here.

Here, you know they know that we rarely mix up lines. They will have a containment plan for Lines 1,2.

Throw them a curve. Move a Simmonds up for a few shifts. Double shift Matthews. Game is at home, so you’ve got the option to throw the curve.

Move the puck quickly from the back end. Beat the trap with speed and don’t be afraid to use a Simmonds or Ritchie or Bunting for a dump and chase. Maybe even put Matthews between Simmonds and Bunting for a shift or two a period and have the two of them crash around.

Obviously, more video work would go into this. I guess I’m just saying that it’s not one game plan... it’s 82 individual plans that get created before the game and adjust throughout.

I think you answered my simplistic question?

When Carolina was doing those Babcock stretch passes last night I was thinking, why don't we just clog up the neutral zone like Boucher did to us? Then the answer came to me... we don't know how to play different styles... the coach has not prepared this team to play more than one way.. that is either an oversight on the coach (either lacks the knowledge or desire to do so) or an indictment on the GM for not building the right team or perhaps both..

 

[Trapper]

Right, if you try to do too much or be too cute it tends to not work in your favor. Less is more for sure IMO.

How did Matthews score last night? Wrap around. Need to be in deep for that to happen. Not a pretty snipe or fancy dangle, just down low behind the D. Need to get pucks in deep when the “skilling” is stagnant.

 

[Trapper]

There is zero chance Marner would get you Eichel.

People need to get off the Eichel train. Everyone want shiny. We need more tarnished.

Eichel causes the same issues. Half the cap on 4 forwards. Doesn’t forecheck, grind, get dirty and probably can’t with his injuries.

Has demonstrated issues (IMO) of being moody, something we don’t need at all.

We need to remove 11 million and bring in 4 guys that play a hard fought north/south, more complete and hard working game.

 

[socko]

You need skill to win the Cup too. Pittsburgh, Tampa, etc. The hard work teams sometimes go far (Islanders, Montreal) but they usually fall short. The St Louis Blues are the recent exception, they went all the way with not a lot of skill.

My favorite Leaf team ever the 93/94 team. Just didn't have enough talent or depth to go all the way.

 

[Bluelines]

How did Matthews score last night? Wrap around. Need to be in deep for that to happen. Not a pretty snipe or fancy dangle, just down low behind the D. Need to get pucks in deep when the “skilling” is stagnant.

Right, if your game is simple all the time, you can defend that, if your game is trying to trick your opponents every time, your opponents know you are not going to do the expected, you can defend that too.

Matty had 2 wrap arounds last night, the first one he went far side , the 2nd one he went near post, almost had that 2nd one.

 

[Bluelines]

You need skill to win the Cup too. Pittsburgh, Tampa, etc. The hard work teams sometimes go far (Islanders, Montreal) but they usually fall short. The St Louis Blues are the recent exception, they went all the way with not a lot of skill.

My favorite Leaf team ever the 93/94 team. Just didn't have enough talent or depth to go all the way.

or didn't have a ref with good eyesight... FRASER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pookie]

I think you answered my simplistic question?

When Carolina was doing those Babcock stretch passes last night I was thinking, why don't we just clog up the neutral zone like Boucher did to us? Then the answer came to me... we don't know how to play different styles... the coach has not prepared this team to play more than one way.. that is either an oversight on the coach (either lacks the knowledge or desire to do so) or an indictment on the GM for not building the right team or perhaps both..

Maybe the coach hasn’t prepared them... or maybe they don’t want to.

You are on to something though.

Last year was a lot easier for them. 6 game plans. And mostly just out skill the other team. Lather, rinse, repeat and check out the press clippings.

Montreal inserted a new player and the house came crashing down

 

[socko]

We're lucky we're not in the North Division anymore. That division played wide open hockey. This team would get killed in wide open hockey. Not enough talent, slow, lack of character. Can you imagine Ritchie trying to play wide open hockey? Oh yeah, that's going to work swell. And Tavares is toast. We even miss the talent of Galchenyuk, it wasn't replaced by anybody.

 

[DraftSchmaft]

lol those 3 guys (plus Fred) saved this franchise from missing the playoffs for another decade in a row.

If you want to jump ship after SEVEN GAMES in contrast to five years of owning the regular season, be my guest.

This entire place is going to look so stupid when the win streaks start.

Playoffs is the issue, not regular season. The Canes did not do anything special last night. The Leafs are beating up themselves. It's all either mental or a coaching change is needed because it's the same hockey they played before covid cut the season short i.e Everyone looks dead except Matthews and Nylander (this is important because everyone is crying for Hyman when he also looks garbage during these times). Matthews is clearly still in pre-season mode right now. When he hits season form that's a 4 game win streak right there before he needs one flop game for regular breath catching maintenance.

Get ready to look dumb. It's coming soon.