Post-Game Talk: Leafs Lose 2-1

[ToneDog]

Yep. I just don't understand this fixation with punishing players. The point should be to maximize perfomances, not retribution for a lackluster game.

Do you think Willie has been engaged these past few games ?? If he has not, why not ?? Babs and Keefe have complained about Willie needing to bring more. If he disppears in the regular season, there is virtually no chance he magically appears in the playoffs. Heck he was a no show last year after his best year to date.

I personally have seen enough and would move him if the right deal came along. But alas, Dubas won't until his trade value is at its lowest if he is still here.

 

[Menzinger]

Do you think Willie has been engaged these past few games ?? If he has not, why not ?? Babs and Keefe have complained about Willie needing to bring more. If he disppears in the regular season, there is virtually no chance he magically appears in the playoffs. Heck he was a no show last year after his best year to date.

I personally have seen enough and would move him if the right deal came along. But alas, Dubas won't until his trade value is at its lowest if he is still here.

I think hes looked off the last couple games, but had a few decent chances. Worthy of criticism, but not like some of the reactions here - certainly not demoting him to the 4th line.

For a "no show"last playoffs he still had 4 points (including 2 goals) in those 5 games.

He had a fantastic season last year and has looked good this season outside of a few games recently. What matters is getting him and Tavares going again offensively, not punishing them because we're angry at a loss.

 

[67leafs]

You clearly have no idea why the hits were so lopsided. Nuff said indeed.

Clearly.....do tell.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

View attachment 396341

Yeah i already agreed he starts without the puck with his 42% faceoff wins where it’s most important we start with the puck.

 

[rumman]

There are a certain group around here that persistently argued hard against intangibles. I’m around long enough to know who they are . Really you are being to nice to them. They don’t have a clue about the game actually. Just the numbers. They don’t get it that you pound a team that played the night before and they wear down after a bit. They don’t come on stronger in the third if you have a bottom 6 investing hits and cycling them to death and a fight and slash. Etc they don’t get it that protecting a lead is in hitting,cycling and wearing down the defense minimum. . They just don’t get it.
4 f****** first round playoff exits later and they love these f**** nannies. Thats insanity. I don’t give two hoots what they say

The theory around here is the Habs had all the hits because the Leafs always had the puck, yet the Habs won the game. I’m not sure what stats make this a positive, but I’m sure someone can educate me...........

 

[Warden of the North]

They said Sandin has only played about 5 minutes of hockey in the last Calendar year, and that he and Robertson have been loaned to the Marlies and that his progress will be monitored.

Ahhhhh ok. Makes sense. Thankyou

 

[Warden of the North]

The theory around here is the Habs had all the hits because the Leafs always had the puck, yet the Habs won the game. I’m not sure what stats make this a positive, but I’m sure someone can educate me...........

Did it appear to you that they were outhit that badly?

I never even had the thought cross my mind until it was mentioned.

 

[sparxx87]

I think hes looked off the last couple games, but had a few decent chances. Worthy of criticism, but not like some of the reactions here - certainly not demoting him to the 4th line.

For a "no show"last playoffs he still had 4 points (including 2 goals) in those 5 games.

He had a fantastic season last year and has looked good this season outside of a few games recently. What matters is getting him and Tavares going again offensively, not punishing them because we're angry at a loss.

It’s not about “punishing because him because we’re angry at a loss” If coaches thought like the average fan, they’d soon be one.

It’s about setting a precedent that ice time is earned, it won’t be given. In fact, it was Marner being sent to the 4th line that started his rise to a PPG player. He started making Matt Martin look dangerous and earned his way back. He’s been that PPG player ever since. He needed a kick in the ass, and it appears Nylander could use one now.

This is a common coaching tactic in every sport. Minutes are the one and only card they have to play. Continuing to give something that isn’t being earned creates complacency and entitlement.

 

[Throw More Waffles]

It does seem to be that when the leafs play a physical team they kind of disappear. They've been great so far this year... but they only play six other teams. Once word gets out that "hit them and they buckle", things could fall apart pretty quickly.

For Nylander it wasn't even a big hit that made him disappear. It was (lol) almost being hit. Nowhere in sight for 2 games.

Thornton back in the lineup, and eventually Simmonds, should help.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

The theory around here is the Habs had all the hits because the Leafs always had the puck, yet the Habs won the game. I’m not sure what stats make this a positive, but I’m sure someone can educate me...........

I watched the hits go right to slowing our play down. Fact is Montreal kept throwing hits in a close game. They invested in wearing us down and low and behold,they got us in the third period. They didn’t get off their defensive game for a minute. They were not running around to just get a hit. They played physical in all three zones. When we had pennies we looked after them and the dollars looked after themselves haha. Montreal grinded out a win. Played a better complete team game. Sabourine is in the lineup next game. Cha ching

 

[rumman]

Did it appear to you that they were outhit that badly?

I never even had the thought cross my mind until it was mentioned.

Yes, I consciously try to keep track of such things while watching the game.

 

[Throw More Waffles]

Did it appear to you that they were outhit that badly?

I never even had the thought cross my mind until it was mentioned.

I think I even commented early in the game that the Habs all finish their checks and the leafs don't.

When a leaf goes into the boards to get the puck, they will be hit. The end. When the Habs went in to get the puck, the leaf players do the turn away.

 

[rumman]

It does seem to be that when the leafs play a physical team they kind of disappear. They've been great so far this year... but they only play six other teams. Once word gets out that "hit them and they buckle", things could fall apart pretty quickly.

For Nylander it wasn't even a big hit that made him disappear. It was (lol) almost being hit. Nowhere in sight for 2 games.

Thornton back in the lineup, and eventually Simmonds, should help.

I wholeheartedly agree with this, however as obvious as it is that playing the Leafs physically is the way to beat them I haven’t seen any other team in this division actually employ this tactic with maximum efficiency. I give plenty of credence to the fact that the Leafs are a pretty fast team as to why they don’t get hits as much as they could, but the eye test when watching the games is there are plenty of chances to paste a Leaf that are not being taken.

 

[ToneDog]

I wholeheartedly agree with this, however as obvious as it is that playing the Leafs physically is the way to beat them I haven’t seen any other team in this division actually employ this tactic with maximum efficiency. I give plenty of credence to the fact that the Leafs are a pretty fast team as to why they don’t get hits as much as they could, but the eye test when watching the games is there are plenty of chances to paste a Leaf that are not being taken.

Bet that changes in the playoffs. Dubas still has time to add. He will be roasted if he does not and they make a quick exit.

 

[rumman]

Bet that changes in the playoffs. Dubas still has time to add. He will be roasted if he does not and they make a quick exit.

I agree about those checks being finished come playoffs time too. What really annoys me is I see just as many opportunities for the Leafs to finish their checks let alone paste a few opponents, if they’d take these opportunities they’d find plenty more room to operate imo.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

The theory around here is the Habs had all the hits because the Leafs always had the puck, yet the Habs won the game. I’m not sure what stats make this a positive, but I’m sure someone can educate me...........

Habs hits dramatically reduced in the third period, when they scored their two goals to win the game. Certainly weren’t putting the puck in the net when they were running around trying to hit everything that moved.

 

[sparxx87]

I agree about those checks being finished come playoffs time too. What really annoys me is I see just as many opportunities for the Leafs to finish their checks let alone paste a few opponents, if they’d take these opportunities they’d find plenty more room to operate imo.

100%. When players hear footsteps or know they’re about to get hit, it often leads to rushed decisions and more mistakes that the Leafs have the speed and skill to capitalize on.

Matthews is the best player on the team and he does it. Not sure why more don’t follow his lead.

 

[Crosscrease14]

Didn't convert on enough of the chances in the first. Tried to shut it down after the first and by the third the habs had the momentum. Was hoping it would at least go to OT but honestly fine with the loss. Need to address some bad habits

 

[rumman]

Habs hits dramatically reduced in the third period, when they scored their two goals to win the game. Certainly weren’t putting the puck in the net when they were running around trying to hit everything that moved.

Or said hits wore the Leafs down ergo the Habs dominating the 3rd period?

 

[SnizzNasty88]

I’ve been getting crucified for a much tamer version of this opinion. I think we need to find a way to play him a little lower in the lineup and try to insulate him a bit. He’s really struggling in the top role.

Anyone disagreeing with you is dead wrong and a homer my friend. I’ve never ever liked Rielly, he can put up 100 pts and I’d still trade him.

 

[Martin Skoula]

It does seem to be that when the leafs play a physical team they kind of disappear. They've been great so far this year... but they only play six other teams. Once word gets out that "hit them and they buckle", things could fall apart pretty quickly.

For Nylander it wasn't even a big hit that made him disappear. It was (lol) almost being hit. Nowhere in sight for 2 games.

Thornton back in the lineup, and eventually Simmonds, should help.

Once word gets out? Haven't you been having histrionics about this team being too soft for 2+ years now? How stupid does someone have to be to just now in 2021 figure out that you're supposed to hit the Leafs?

 

[Throw More Waffles]

Once word gets out? Haven't you been having histrionics about this team being too soft for 2+ years now? How stupid does someone have to be to just now in 2021 figure out that you're supposed to hit the Leafs?

You’ve got me confused.

Im the guy that goes on and on and on about the unprecedented dramatic overpayments. Not “being too soft”.

 

[Leaf Fans]

You’ve got me confused.

Im the guy that goes on and on and on about the unprecedented dramatic overpayments. Not “being too soft”.

That is fair. You go on and on about what you think are overpayments. I have rarely read posts about softness from you.

 

[Menzinger]

It’s not about “punishing because him because we’re angry at a loss” If coaches thought like the average fan, they’d soon be one.

It’s about setting a precedent that ice time is earned, it won’t be given. In fact, it was Marner being sent to the 4th line that started his rise to a PPG player. He started making Matt Martin look dangerous and earned his way back. He’s been that PPG player ever since. He needed a kick in the ass, and it appears Nylander could use one now.

This is a common coaching tactic in every sport. Minutes are the one and only card they have to play. Continuing to give something that isn’t being earned creates complacency and entitlement.

Except his on ice perofmance while worthy of critique hasnt been anywhere near as poor as to justify that. Especially compared to say Tavares or the entire 3rd.line. the fixation on Nylander here isn't justified.

The 2nd line needs to get going offensively. But theyres smarter ways to go about doing that than doing something silly like a demotion. Fortunately Keefe knows this.

 

[sparxx87]

Except his on ice perofmance while worthy of critique hasnt been anywhere near as poor as to justify that. Especially compared to say Tavares or the entire 3rd.line. the fixation on Nylander here isn't justified.

The 2nd line needs to get going offensively. But theyres smarter ways to go about doing that than doing something silly like a demotion. Fortunately Keefe knows this.

In your opinion, you mean. I’ve always been a huge supporter of Nylander, but he needs a kick in the ass sometimes. He takes a lot of heat when he’s coasting because we’ve all seen what he’s capable of when engaged.

What smarter ways? Why don’t you enlighten us all. Have you ever coached before? Because the best in the game like Trotz and Tortarella are never shy to take away ice time from players who aren’t playing hard... Julien healthy scratched Tatar yesterday for this reason. It’s common practice by coaches in every sport. You have no idea what you’re talking about.

All 3 mentioned employ this tactic, and all 3 have Stanley Cups... but I’d love to hear a smarter way from Menzinger on HF boards.