Post-Game Talk: I’m naming your first born Leon

[iCanada]

Better than that fraud who’s ‘elite’ in puck drop retrievals and leg block shots per 60.

Yeah but Matthew's kicks Leon's shit in when it comes to non game deciding goals scored on a Thursday that coincides with the full moon. So, advantage Toronto.

That's what the media just told me.

 

[Stoneman89]

My first inclination (probably like a lot of others), was to blame Bouchard for the first goal. But after looking at the replay, there is no doubt that is on Max Jones. For a fringe 4th liner, he has to be way better.

 

[Drivesaitl]

This was really 2 games in one. When Draisaitl was on the ice he lifted this team and line mates coaxing Arvidsson and Podkolzin into real good games (4 and 5 shots) while singlehandedly putting this team on his back.

Unfortunately this team was not very good without him on ice with RNH (1 shot); Hyman (1 shot); and Skinner 1 shot but at least engaged with 5 hits and a smart OT apple to let the super elite finish his legendary game to beat another non playoff team.

Kudos to Pickard who was solid. Nurse had a good game. And fun to watch The Worm feed Backlund teaching this team a critical lesson to stuck up for one another.

Still playing for second place is a huge ray of sunshine in this season. As is watching a season for the ages by Leon Draisaitl. This game is a microcosm of what this year might have looked like without the Hart Trophy guy.

I was disappointed in how little the 2nd line particularly got done. In essence we loaded up Nuge with Hyman and Skinner. they should find some nuts against a weak and pretty bombed out Flames lineup. Nuge is capable of it too, as he's again recently showed.

Without Drai, and I'm sure everybody realizes this, we lose this game yesterday to the Flames. Even with Drai we required superlative saves by Pickard to stop the score from being 3-1 Flames late. I love the comeback, the Drai game, but it still has me worried. This was one of the better games from Podz and Arvid but Drai was feeding these guys goal sandwiches and while Arvid got one he should be getting a lot more assists on this line than his wingers have been cashing.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I would re-sign this Jeff Skinner.

Depends on price. To me the Flames were just good enough in coverage to show a glimpse of what Skinner looks like with tight checking. Really until the 3 on 3, and specifically the scoring shift with Drai he got nothing done, and the Nuge line got nothing done all game. He ends up on the statline with an assist on winning goal but basically because its 3 on 3, and its not 5 on 5. He's not here for the hits. Its nice if he's willing to play a role but his primary role is scoring goals. I can't recall last night him even getting a good shot off. I can recall Nuge missing and Hyman doing all his jam plays.

Further to that, Hyman is now looking like what one would have expected. A jam guy that goes around net looking for any nuts there but this year having more trouble finding them. Still good player but we're clearly only going to see declined scoring from him. Even though it was recent its hard to see how he got to 54 goals last year. Pretty amazing result that won't ever be revisited by him.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Rasmus Anderson on for both the game tier and game winner, love that

Like I pointed out last night whats he even doing there? As a D he's a fish out of water 3 on 3. Its beyond him. He's the only D on the ice and he's backing right out of the play, entirely. One of the flames was astutely trying to cover up on Drai and the backdoor Booch, but he can't do both and his D on the play is covering air near the goal crease. Anderson has to step up on the play and cover something. He was playing that bad even if it was 5 on 5 and you have more help.

 

[Frank the Tank]

OT was almost lost again by the coaches playing Nurse, who apparently still doesn't understand possession is king in 3-on-3. However, it was won by a) Kadri reading his own press clippings and trying to force a low percentage shot to be the hero once again, and b) Skinner realizing that the puck on Draisaitl's stick in open space was the smart money play.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

I was disappointed in how little the 2nd line particularly got done. In essence we loaded up Nuge with Hyman and Skinner. they should find some nuts against a weak and pretty bombed out Flames lineup. Nuge is capable of it too, as he's again recently showed.

Without Drai, and I'm sure everybody realizes this, we lose this game yesterday to the Flames. Even with Drai we required superlative saves by Pickard to stop the score from being 3-1 Flames late. I love the comeback, the Drai game, but it still has me worried. This was one of the better games from Podz and Arvid but Drai was feeding these guys goal sandwiches and while Arvid got one he should be getting a lot more assists on this line than his wingers have been cashing.

Yes, it's a rivalry game with importance coming off a bad schedule influenced loss. They needed more juice from their veteran leadership. Didn't see Skinner having a forward high 5 hits and Nugent Hopkins helped at least on the goal suppression side with 2:24 PK and 64% face-off work but they need to drive offensive chances and 3 shots between the 3 of them is unacceptable.

This was all aboard the Draisaitl train last night.

Very frustrating team this year. Still difficult though to imagine what a full, healthy roster will look like with X-Factors Kane and one legged Frederic inserting power forward games and Ekholm's stabilizing effect on the d-corp. Of course McDavid on top of that. The sludge of this poor season will go away if it all clicks. But enough questions to remain skeptical.

 

[CROTT]

I'm putting that on Jones. Back there watching the puck, he could have picked the guy up.

So when Pickard kicks a rebound out to the slot it’s the players fault that it resulted in a goal. When Skinner does it it’s all his fault, this boards not biased at all lol.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

OT was almost lost again by the coaches playing Nurse, who apparently still doesn't understand possession is king in 3-on-3. However, it was won by a) Kadri reading his own press clippings and trying to force a low percentage shot to be the hero once again, and b) Skinner realizing that the puck on Draisaitl's stick in open space was the smart money play.

Nurse tried to make a play and it didn’t work. It wasn’t nearly as bad as him just dumping the puck in OT imo.

Skinner played that Ot goal perfectly. Pushed the D in because he’s a goal scoring threat opening up space for the best goal scorer in the league. Bingo bango.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Yes, it's a rivalry game with importance coming off a bad schedule influenced loss. They needed more juice from their veteran leadership. Didn't see Skinner having a forward high 5 hits and Nugent Hopkins helped at least on the goal suppression side with 2:24 PK and 64% face-off work but they need to drive offensive chances and 3 shots between the 3 of them is unacceptable.

This was all aboard the Draisaitl train last night.

Very frustrating team this year. Still difficult though to imagine what a full, healthy roster will look like with X-Factors Kane and one legged Frederic inserting power forward games and Ekholm's stabilizing effect on the d-corp. Of course McDavid on top of that. The sludge of this poor season will go away if it all clicks. But enough questions to remain skeptical.

Hard to know what we get from Kane or Frederic given injuries, time off etc. Kane last season and playoffs combined was basically a .5ppg player. Not the same player as his best years here. its an odd one because he requires minutes to be effective but where do you put him. Same with Frederic. A lot unknown this season leading to playoffs or at least less known than usually.

Disappointing this season that both Nuge and Hyman have had stints with around ,5ppg production while playing with McD and top unit PP. (they've elevated since due to finally heating up)

You know I've backed off my Nuge criticisms but he can't just reflect on being the low event guy. He has to be driving in games where realistically we only have two topsix Centers. The line should have been able to outmatch yesterday.

I think the team should find out what we got in our AHL goalie. I can't escape he impression the players want Pickard, and that he should get more playoff games this year.

 

[Cloned]

I was disappointed in how little the 2nd line particularly got done. In essence we loaded up Nuge with Hyman and Skinner. they should find some nuts against a weak and pretty bombed out Flames lineup. Nuge is capable of it too, as he's again recently showed.

Without Drai, and I'm sure everybody realizes this, we lose this game yesterday to the Flames. Even with Drai we required superlative saves by Pickard to stop the score from being 3-1 Flames late. I love the comeback, the Drai game, but it still has me worried. This was one of the better games from Podz and Arvid but Drai was feeding these guys goal sandwiches and while Arvid got one he should be getting a lot more assists on this line than his wingers have been cashing.

Flames aren’t really bombed out despite the on paper quality of their roster.

It’s what makes it hilarious that instead of bottoming out and drafting high they’re literally again in the worst possible position. A bubble team that doesn’t make the playoffs.

 

[bellagiobob]

 

[Drivesaitl]

Flames aren’t really bombed out despite the on paper quality of their roster.

It’s what makes it hilarious that instead of bottoming out and drafting high they’re literally again in the worst possible position. A bubble team that doesn’t make the playoffs.

Read in the sense that the Flames roster is bombed out before season started. heh. They're sure not deep. They also have guys like Zary, Kirkland out. Really its an indictment on their roster that they have full fledged AHLers getting regular games there. Really starters People in Calgary could probably ask questions about where all the cap is.
Credit to the coaching staff to get that club to work but what a sorry roster. Add to it guys like Lombard and Coleman supposed to be role players and their roles appear to be showing how to retire.

Agree with your stance that its funny that this Calgary org puts out clubs that work just hard enough to have no chance of playoffs but just good enough to net get high picks either. Its a netherworld. I guess adding to it the Flames don't really have anything worthwhile that isn't old either. I don't even see a good future with that club.

I think it speaks to the Calgary market though that they won't support a rebuild, and with the new arena coming its the debacle of bad timing. They feel as if they can't do a rebuild right in the middle of excitement of new arena. Lots of problems in Cowtown.

 

[BlackDogg]

Pickard is better then Skinner

But don’t mention that to the user with the boba fett looking avatar

Skinner is giving up goals for Lent maybe

 

[bellagiobob]

 

[Drivesaitl]

Where do these Jabroni's come from that still don't know what Draisaitl is and that he's been arguably around top player in league next to McD these past half dozen seasons.

I know denial runs strong in people, particularly when jealousy is involved but its beyond the pale. Must be people that don't even follow hockey or are just trolls.

To put it frankly Draisaitl is a better player than ANY of the other Canadian clubs have had for say the last 35yrs. To put it into perspective. If not, then who was better?

If Drai was on either Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, he would be the best player in the history of those franchises rewriting all their record books. He'd be the best Leafs player in 50yrs. Perspective.

 

[Kepler 186f]

Nurse had a great game last night.

Reading here, you would think the opposite.

Never change HFOil.

Damn predictive spelling on mobile

 

[Drivesaitl]

Nurse had a great game last night.

Reading here, you would thing the opposite.

Never change HFOil.

His step up anticipation to create the reverse for the tying goal was next level. Not only did it break up an odd man Flames rush it changed the whole result. Ballsy play. He defended very well, was physical, was composed with puck and making dashes up ice. I liked both his and Boochs game but they both tend to get a lot of criticism here. If either were on other clubs they would be among the D people would want to bring in here.
It kind of made me chuckle for instance how excited people were when we brought in Walman. My thinking being we have 3 D that are far better than Walman.

But we devalue our own players.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Hard to know what we get from Kane or Frederic given injuries, time off etc. Kane last season and playoffs combined was basically a .5ppg player. Not the same player as his best years here. its an odd one because he requires minutes to be effective but where do you put him. Same with Frederic. A lot unknown this season leading to playoffs or at least less known than usually.

Disappointing this season that both Nuge and Hyman have had stints with around ,5ppg production while playing with McD and top unit PP. (they've elevated since due to finally heating up)

You know I've backed off my Nuge criticisms but he can't just reflect on being the low event guy. He has to be driving in games where realistically we only have two topsix Centers. The line should have been able to outmatch yesterday.

I think the team should find out what we got in our AHL goalie. I can't escape he impression the players want Pickard, and that he should get more playoff games this year.

Agreed. There's alot of unknowns that will have to land positively for this team. Far more than strong second half teams of recent past.

I think both Kane and Frederic, at least Kane, start in the bottom six to get up to speed. That said, I think they can manage situational play and minutes with guys like Perry moving up and down the line-up. So maybe there's some managed initial key situational play with these two (at least Kane who hasn't played at all). Frederic, it will be about finding chemistry with a new team.

The regression of RNH and Hyman and lack of impact by new guys is largely the story of this season. The team's bottom third league shooting percentage is a problem. They tilt the ice among elite but don't finish well enough. Add erratic goaltending and some inconsistencies in their own zone team defending inconsistencies which are all big question marks. A key component of their deep run was a 94% out performing PK which is a non-repeatable function.

I agree they need to give Rodrigue an NHL game, the San Jose start, to see what they might prospective have in him. But I think it's a stretch to think he can step in to solidify goaltending though I'd love to be wrong. He's at least has an athletic, flexibility foundation to his game which I think is critical to this team which can be challenged in rush chance defending. This team needs structure and consistency behind it which I think they get with Pickard.

I'm trying to squint and see the positives of this team that has largely handled adversity well in the past, notably last season with a really different line-up and better personnel mix. However tough, contested grind series hockey is going to answer all questions.

 

[MoontoScott]

Canucks lost today so the Oilers are essentially in the playoffs with a few weeks to heal.

Here we go again--To Live and Die in L.A.--round 4.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Canucks lost today so the Oilers are essentially in the playoffs with a few weeks to heal.

Here we go again--To Live and Die in L.A.--round 4.

Its kind of uncanny. But also such a product of where the whole division is at. For several years now basically its been a few teams even capable of making playoffs other than the Nucks Outlier year.

Looks like we have to see Will Feral again.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

So when Pickard kicks a rebound out to the slot it’s the players fault that it resulted in a goal. When Skinner does it it’s all his fault, this boards not biased at all lol.

Why are you defending Skinner in a game he didnt even play in.

 

[MoontoScott]

Its kind of uncanny. But also such a product of where the whole division is at. For several years now basically its been a few teams even capable of making playoffs other than the Nucks Outlier year.

Looks like we have to see Will Feral again.

The Kings will be tough but hopefully 4th time is a charm.

Foegele at +28. Amazing what a change can do for some guys. Kopitar with another very good season--he is much underrated.

 

[Drivesaitl]

So when Pickard kicks a rebound out to the slot it’s the players fault that it resulted in a goal. When Skinner does it it’s all his fault, this boards not biased at all lol.

Its a bit different. Kadri going into the game, and early in the game had been on quite a roll. Its an unintended shot pass, meant to be, and due to Kadri reading ice well of late. So that Pickard allows the rebound that Kadri intends to be there. its a dangerous scorer that had a look at scoring hmself, from danger range and Pickard has to respect and attend to that.

In many situations where Skinner is kicking out a juicy rebounds its from a less dangerous shot, and more manageable play.

Pickard had a strong game and along with Drai was the reason we got even a point, or two points in this game. Imagine coming in here specifically, on this game, to shit on Pickard while citing bias.

 

[Duke74]

Yeah but Matthew's kicks Leon's shit in when it comes to non game deciding goals scored on a Thursday that coincides with the full moon. So, advantage Toronto.

That's what the media just told me.

Matthews owns Leon when it comes to full moons