I'm glad I'm not going crazy and not the only one noticing. It's like these guys didn't grow up playing hockey on this planet but in an alternate reality where everyone just gives hugs and drinks at every whistle to their opponents all game. I've never seen a more gutless team to be honest. How can this team be like this when 30 other teams aren't?? It can't just be the players. It's the same NHL players from the same leagues everyone else has
This 'style' of no retaliation,non aggressive (physically) hockey ,must be by design. They are going with speed/skill as much as possible. I get it,but I bet it's somewhat embarrassing for a Leaf player deep down to be constantly on the receiving end. Leaf management think it is smart hockey. Perhaps it is! Yet ,somehow it hasn't translated into more Power Plays ,which would justify the 'p***y hockey ' that they are playing. Also,it's embarrassing as a fan to see the player's not stick up for each other.It must be for them as well.
The low point of the season,thus far ,for me was watching the newly crowned Captain get crunched against the boards by Webber. No retaliation from anyone on the ice and no retaliation after the fact. Clean hit or not,(I don't think it was)that needed to be addressed. That single act made me question whether I really wanted to watch anymore of this brand of hockey. I still am ,but I'm not diggin' it!
The high point of the season for me so far,and I didn't even think he should have a job on the Leafs,was Marincin putting the headlock on Backes and the ensuing take down ,for running Freddy. Muzzin did something similar to kissy-face Marchand later in the game. This is a recent development,maybe they figured that Freddy on the shelf for a while is worth more than a 2 minute PP opportunity to 'make them pay'. I hope the protection continues with even more aggression!
I originally thought that,when the Leafs hired Shanny to be at the helm and his trust in the bright young analytic Gm,Dubas who was mentored by Lou Lam,the talented young players acquired through the draft/trades,along with the high profile coach would finally lead to success. It is hard to criticize the regular season improvement...yet,too easy to make excuses for the playoff exits. I know it's easy to suggest(amongst other deficiencies) that a few tougher players would of helped...but it would of!
This management/coaching strategy of getting players to buy into the discipline of knowing that being tough means you have to 'take the guff and ya suffer' (Stompin'Toms lyrics) need to realize that:
1) Most teams don't have a PP success rate of more than 25% ,so 1 in 4 chances isn't a good rate of 'making them pay for their infractions',it really isn't the best equalizer. Especially if that player gets injured on the play! If other teams know(and they do) that the Leafs don't retaliate,it will be(is) open season on all Leaf players.
2)Relying on the questionable integrity of the refs. The Leafs are one of the fastest/skilled teams but are not getting the calls. So,the strategy of playing nice isn't working!Last in the League over the past 4 years or close to it. Maybe they(the refs) don't like Babs! 4 years and it still isn't working out! Maybe try some other strategy!
3) Intimidation is a real thing,it is used and dealt with in a variety of ways.Anyone who has played competitive physical sports knows this. Leaf management can ask their players to put up with the dirty play,the non calls,etc...let the refs/league do the policing,but they cannot expect the players to not be affected by the intimidation factor.It isn't a realistic expectation.Makes it difficult to feel like you're part of a team when you're not allowed to back each other up.
Anyway,I was almost buying into the attitude of a tough guy being a waste of a roster space or a liability,but after witnessing the first 10 games,I think it's very necessary to have one or two players who won't put up with the other team taking liberties. Even if it means taking a number for later,picking your spots or whatever,I think the young lads would appreciate someone to provide protection. Yes ,it would be great if that player(s) were a decent hockey playeras well,but I'm not sure the Leafs can afford not to have someone who can take care of business!
