John Tavares appreciation thread

[MattySnipes]

It's no secret the whole team has struggled to produce a bit at 5v5, but for JT, he only has 1 point. He's had a bit of a hard time producing at 5v5 through 8 games. Not for a lack of trying though. I think it's a combination of revolving left wing, mixed with bounces/puck luck.

On-Ice SH of 3.6%. Maybe Keefe can continue throwing Hyman on any of the top 2 lines until both are going. When both lines are going, this team is a very hard out.

He is dominant on face-0ffs which has really helped. Don't worry Captain, you'll figure it out. Hopefully the Oilers can help him out.

So in two games against the Oilers he picked up 3 points, 2 of which were at 5v5. *Note: 1 of those points came mere seconds after PP ended.

Through 10 games both line combinations they have tried with JT can't outscore their mistakes. 2nd and 3rd highest xGoals against Per 60 mins @ 4.59, and 4.11 respectively.

Line 1: Hyman - Tavares - Marner
Line 2: Mikheyev - Tavares - Marner

JT and Hyman both have 0 5v5 goals. Mikheyev doing everything but scoring but still has to find a way to break through. Can't just turn him into PK threat.

Marner has atleast produced 3 goals, 4 assists in 10 games at 5v5.

Hopefully team and coach use break wisely to come up with ways to 'break through the surface' and just flaunt your shit at 5v5.

 

[LeafsNation75]

So in two games against the Oilers he picked up 3 points, 2 of which were at 5v5. *Note: 1 of those points came mere seconds after PP ended.

Through 10 games both line combinations they have tried with JT can't outscore their mistakes. 2nd and 3rd highest xGoals against Per 60 mins @ 4.59, and 4.11 respectively.

Line 1: Hyman - Tavares - Marner
Line 2: Mikheyev - Tavares - Marner

JT and Hyman both have 0 5v5 goals. Mikheyev doing everything but scoring but still has to find a way to break through. Can't just turn him into PK threat.

Marner has atleast produced 3 goals, 4 assists in 10 games at 5v5.

Hopefully team and coach use break wisely to come up with ways to 'break through the surface' and just flaunt your shit at 5v5.

Even though all 4 of Tavares goals so far this season have come on the power play, he still has 10 points in 10 games played and is off to a better start than last season.

So his 5v5 goal production will happen which is why I'm not worried and I equal that to those who wondered why Auston Matthews did not score a goal in the first two games of the season.

 

[MattySnipes]

Even though all 4 of Tavares goals so far this season have come on the power play, he still has 10 points in 10 games played and is off to a better start than last season.

So his 5v5 goal production will happen which is why I'm not worried and I equal that to those who wondered why Auston Matthews did not score a goal in the first two games of the season.

The reason people always default back to 5v5 is because majority of the game is played in that situation. It's the hardest to score at 5v5, but if you can outplay, finish, and stay disciplined at 5v5, it is very sustainable and bodes well for any team. Even if your PP/PK isn't great.

From what I've seen early, the Leafs 5v5 play is not impressive at all. Now a lot of that is new personnel, no exhibition, chemistry issues. Most of that will be fixed soon, the other issues come down to the players just doing dumb things, extra 2-3 passes, or not showing poise. They have nice breakouts, good creativity in zones, but it just seems to be too much extra stuff. They need to simplify a bit, get more shots through so they can create secondary chances when the rebounds pop out in the HD zones.

Leafs special teams has been excellent and it's carried them to their lead, lets be realistic. They have scored 5v5 goals, but their play is not indicative of a high-end 5v5 team. Listening to players and coaches will also help drive that home. They have work to do, and so do many other teams.

The way I look at it as is, we got some bonus points here based off of our game breakers on roster. We are sitting pretty at 7-2-1, and if we rest on our laurels, don't improve 5v5 play, they can easily go on a small slide here if special teams take a hit. Then the gap you have created (slight) is now all gone.

I think this break has come at a perfect time for this team the way the season has gone so far. I really hope they take advantage of it.

 

[LeafsNation75]

The reason people always default back to 5v5 is because majority of the game is played in that situation. It's the hardest to score at 5v5, but if you can outplay, finish, and stay disciplined at 5v5, it is very sustainable and bodes well for any team. Even if your PP/PK isn't great.

From what I've seen early, the Leafs 5v5 play is not impressive at all. Now a lot of that is new personnel, no exhibition, chemistry issues. Most of that will be fixed soon, the other issues come down to the players just doing dumb things, extra 2-3 passes, or not showing poise. They have nice breakouts, good creativity in zones, but it just seems to be too much extra stuff. They need to simplify a bit, get more shots through so they can create secondary chances when the rebounds pop out in the HD zones.

Leafs special teams has been excellent and it's carried them to their lead, lets be realistic. They have scored 5v5 goals, but their play is not indicative of a high-end 5v5 team. Listening to players and coaches will also help drive that home. They have work to do, and so do many other teams.

The way I look at it as is, we got some bonus points here based off of our game breakers on roster. We are sitting pretty at 7-2-1, and if we rest on our laurels, don't improve 5v5 play, they can easily go on a small slide here if special teams take a hit. Then the gap you have created (slight) is now all gone.

I think this break has come at a perfect time for this team the way the season has gone so far. I really hope they take advantage of it.

Besides Tavares doing this on the power play, when he's on the ice at 5v5 should he try to screen the Goalie a lot more and try to score some goals that way?

As for the Leafs overall play at 5v5 as a team since they are not playing until Thursday hopefully it's something Keefe will work on during their upcoming practices and treat it like a mini training camp.

 

[MattySnipes]

Besides Tavares doing this on the power play, when he's on the ice at 5v5 should he try to screen the Goalie a lot more and try to score some goals that way?

As for the Leafs overall play at 5v5 as a team since they are not playing until Thursday hopefully it's something Keefe will work on during their upcoming practices and treat it like a mini training camp.

I'm okay with giving them the mandatory day off today (Sunday), but i really wish he did mandatory practise from Monday - Wednesday.

I feel an extra day for the core guys would be good. Right now, Monday is set as an optional skate day, with depth players and non-stars in attendance. So you know, Matthews, Marner, JT, Nylander, Rielly, etc won't be there Monday.

Sometimes though, too much practise is also bad they say. I guess all we can hope for is they soak in all they can and then bring it on Thursday and Saturday.

Gonna be a tough 4 days without Leafs.

 

[LeafsNation75]

I'm okay with giving them the mandatory day off today (Sunday), but i really wish he did mandatory practise from Monday - Wednesday.

I feel an extra day for the core guys would be good. Right now, Monday is set as an optional skate day, with depth players and non-stars in attendance. So you know, Matthews, Marner, JT, Nylander, Rielly, etc won't be there Monday.

Sometimes though, too much practise is also bad they say. I guess all we can hope for is they soak in all they can and then bring it on Thursday and Saturday.

Gonna be a tough 4 days without Leafs.

With the exception of their back to back games against Ottawa, so far the Leafs have played a game every other day this season with only 1 day off in between those games.

That's not including their mandatory 5 games off in March which all teams have to do.

 

[MattySnipes]

With the exception of their back to back games against Ottawa, so far the Leafs have played a game every other day this season with only 1 day off in between those games.

That's not including their mandatory 5 games off in March which all teams have to do.

Yes they've played a ton of hockey no doubt about it. It's why I'm not being soo hard on them regarding 5v5 play bc of record obtained thus far.

Now let's fine tune and simplify 5v5 work, become more complete and then they can go on a nice and sustainable run blowing competition away.

 

[LeafGrief]

Tavares has been great this year. Hound on the puck and dominating along the boards. The Oilers simply didn't have an answer for him and he's just so good at establishing body position to win puck battles. He's not going to shoot 0% at ES all year.

Any of the takes that he's been bad are ice cold tbh.

 

[BAM]

I actually like the Soup-Tavares-Nylander line and would give it more time but I don't think it's wise for Tavares to be the puck carrying option on that line. He should take a page out of Matthews book to let Nylander/Soup carry the puck while he looks for open ice to shoot from. He's never been the fastest and with two fast wingers on his line the difference is more apparent.

 

[WillyC]

The play of Tavares to set up the Nylander goal... simply awesome.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

I like Tavares but man his skating is disturbingly bad. It doesn't even seem NHL calibre at all.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

If Tavares knew how to skate he’d be a top 5 player in the league

 

[Stephen]

I like Tavares but man his skating is disturbingly bad. It doesn't even seem NHL calibre at all.

Tavares skating looked pretty good at the start of the year aka two weeks ago, but lately it's been a noticeable weakness in open ice. Because he has poor separating speed, every time he's got the puck it looks like a game of floor hockey with the way he's swarmed by a couple of players, which usually results in a series of broken plays. It can still work, like the one that resulted in the Nylander goal vs Edmonton last night, but it's a long way off of Matthews and Marner dancing on the big line.

Generally, if you look at his stats line, it looks pretty excellent. He was at above PPG for a while and is right at 10 GP 10 PTS as of the end of January, but the play style does have meconcerned long term.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

Tavares skating looked pretty good at the start of the year aka two weeks ago, but lately it's been a noticeable weakness in open ice. Because he has poor separating speed, every time he's got the puck it looks like a game of floor hockey with the way he's swarmed by a couple of players, which usually results in a series of broken plays. It can still work, like the one that resulted in the Nylander goal vs Edmonton last night, but it's a long way off of Matthews and Marner dancing on the big line.

Generally, if you look at his stats line, it looks pretty excellent. He was at above PPG for a while and is right at 10 GP 10 PTS as of the end of January, but the play style does have meconcerned long term.

These are exactly my observations. And yes, he makes up for his skating with other skills, etc. Not complaining about him I just find it odd an elite NHL player skates like that and I think it's starting to look worse as he gets older.

 

[Menzinger]

Tavares skating looked pretty good at the start of the year aka two weeks ago, but lately it's been a noticeable weakness in open ice. Because he has poor separating speed, every time he's got the puck it looks like a game of floor hockey with the way he's swarmed by a couple of players, which usually results in a series of broken plays. It can still work, like the one that resulted in the Nylander goal vs Edmonton last night, but it's a long way off of Matthews and Marner dancing on the big line.

Generally, if you look at his stats line, it looks pretty excellent. He was at above PPG for a while and is right at 10 GP 10 PTS as of the end of January, but the play style does have meconcerned long term.

The thing at leastbisnhisbskating has always been below average, even when he was entering the league as a young guy. So he developed his playing style without having to rely on thag.

Obviously that has its shortcomings, but im not too worried about things even as he ages.

 

[Critical13]

Tavares skating looked pretty good at the start of the year aka two weeks ago, but lately it's been a noticeable weakness in open ice. Because he has poor separating speed, every time he's got the puck it looks like a game of floor hockey with the way he's swarmed by a couple of players, which usually results in a series of broken plays. It can still work, like the one that resulted in the Nylander goal vs Edmonton last night, but it's a long way off of Matthews and Marner dancing on the big line.

Generally, if you look at his stats line, it looks pretty excellent. He was at above PPG for a while and is right at 10 GP 10 PTS as of the end of January, but the play style does have meconcerned long term.

I thought we had a year or two before we had to move him to the wing but it might be coming sooner than planned. I can live with a highly talented but slower winger, but at C you need to be able to cover the ice.

 

[kk87]

I thought we had a year or two before we had to move him to the wing but it might be coming sooner than planned. I can live with a highly talented but slower winger, but at C you need to be able to cover the ice.

This is why Tavares and Nylander could make good linemates; Tavares is better in the dot and more defensively responsible, but Nylander's mobility could help cover for Tavares' mediocre skating if he's groomed in that role.

 

[Notsince67]

This is why Tavares and Nylander could make good linemates; Tavares is better in the dot and more defensively responsible, but Nylander's mobility could help cover for Tavares' mediocre skating if he's groomed in that role.

Willy doesnt show appreciable upside on the defensive end of things. I'm afraid that willy at center is a dog that wont hunt. Been there and done that.

 

[kk87]

Willy doesnt show appreciable upside on the defensive end of things. I'm afraid that willy at center is a dog that wont hunt. Been there and done that.

That's why I think he and Tavares balance each other well; I still really like what Tavares brings in terms of his 200 foot game as a centre, despite the lack of foot speed.

 

[Notsince67]

That's why I think he and Tavares balance each other well; I still really like what Tavares brings in terms of his 200 foot game as a centre, despite the lack of foot speed.

It's not that. Skating is but one part of a center man. Bergeron isnt fast but he is an effective center.

 

[zeke]

Let's see how everybody looks after this 4 day break.

10gms in 18 nights ain't easy, especially with no preseason.

They all may have just been plain gassed the past few days.

 

[LeafsNation75]

That's why I think he and Tavares balance each other well; I still really like what Tavares brings in terms of his 200 foot game as a centre, despite the lack of foot speed.

I don't think it was a coincidence that both Tavares and Nylander started to play better last season when Keefe put them on the same line.

 

[Golden_Jet]

With the exception of their back to back games against Ottawa, so far the Leafs have played a game every other day this season with only 1 day off in between those games.

That's not including their mandatory 5 games off in March which all teams have to do.

Leafs have 4 days off in March, play Calgary March 19,20, then 4 days off again. Weird 2 games in 10 days.

 

[Stephen]

I thought we had a year or two before we had to move him to the wing but it might be coming sooner than planned. I can live with a highly talented but slower winger, but at C you need to be able to cover the ice.

What I like about the Matthews, Marner duo is they can eat up a lot of time on the clock in the offensive zone before they create a scoring chance, so it has the effect of wearing out the other team, burning up time and putting points on the board.

When it comes to the Tavares Nylander line, what I don't like as much is how other teams can key in on Tavares at the center ice position, which kind of bogs everything down into this scrambled mess. You'll notice a lot of Tavares vs. 2 guys puck battles, and I find the puck isn't being moved around the ice as efficiently. I suspect this style of play is why Tavares had success with more grind style wingers on the Islanders. I think he does end up on the wing at some point and is allowed to ease more into a JVR type net front presence. I don't like him being a primary puck carrier, don't like him in open ice unless he's allowed to build acceleration from way back and allowed to trail on the play.

From a contract POV, I don't love the fact that I'm always wondering how to best utilize him and work around his limitations. While he's doing well statistically, I feel like he isn't the kind of player you can say "we need a boost, let's put Superstar Tavares out to dominate for a double shift." It's more like an arm wrestling competition, if that makes sense.

 

[Stephen]

It's not that. Skating is but one part of a center man. Bergeron isnt fast but he is an effective center.

Comparing Bergeron to Tavares, I feel like Bergeron has a more of an elegant style to cover up for whatever speed limitations. Knows where to go, uses his hockey sense, etc. Not saying Tavares doesn’t have high hockey IQ, of course he does. But he seems to have to put in a lot more effort to get things done. My muscles ache watching him play sometimes.