My 3
1. You need to ask?
2 Timothy Liljegren His progression this year has been phenominal, he's making plays, his reads are above average especially when getting the puck up the ice to the right place on transition, I'd like to see him carry a bit more especially on the long change when taking possession, curl around the net and move it up the LW make the play around the net for the fresh winger coming on. Other than that his numbers are getting better game after game proving out the eye candy we've been seeing. You cannot hurt the team trying him with Reilly while Brodie is still getting back to full health, Holl just isnt the right guy. There was a thread about rating Dmen and while I see Brodie still having the edge as long as his wheels stay intact. Pair up Liljegren with Holl as the 3/4 with Gio paired with either Sandin or Timmins.
3. Mitch Marner That 3v3 goal was art, it was athletic and smart and could be a candidate for maybe EC goal of the year, hell maybe the entire NHL, maybe. I thought Mitch had a lot more ups than downs, but we'd be lying to ourselves if we ignored the blemishes, I'd say that Mitch is suffering a little bit of the "set Matty up" syndrome, and so it kind throws off his normal rhythm, and as dumb as you think it sounds, he'll probably need 4 or 5 games for the two of them to get into sync, so those looking for you passes stop distracting him. Matty scored 60 with him so you know they work.
OK OK for those that needed to ask! The first star is obviously #35 Ilya Samsonov, again he saved the Leafs asses when they took a whole bunch of stretches off, got careless with the puck, decided to do slippy spinny spreadies in of all places the slot while for some reason trying to maintain a tie game after they already gave a lead away. Why isn't the team putting the pressure on and takin control of a team they could possibly meet in the playoffs, especially in what was getting to be a scrappy game wallpapering a couple of Leafs and looking like they're ready to do more damage. I'm not saying the Leafs just laid down but they were looking pacified by the Rags physicality. But they said no uh uh no way, we're at home we're a better team and if not for 3 misses and a late post this doesn't require OT.
Sens Friday they can be a good young team, but they're in tough with injuries. They get scored on a lot and lately their powder is little wet, PP isn't effective right now, and not a lot clicking 5v5. This is a trap game, the Leafs better be ready, start on time, be on their toes, be strapped in tight, prepared, and be mobile, agile and hostile if they want both points, they've got to make sure Dirty Murr's crease is his and his alone, make sure he sees the shots and get the first goal for him and don't let the Senators breath.
enough cliches for now
GLG