Pre-Game Talk: Leafs vs Flames Wed Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm EST

[1specter]

Listening to overdrive today McLennan was questioning whether Nylander could do it based on strength along the boards. And I think he has a point. Nylander is slick as hell but we'v never really seen him have to outmuscle opposing centers on a nightly basis. Strength may not be his strength. And playing in that first or second line center role will require it. We said the same about Kadri who's also a slim build. Hopefully Bill can do it because a 1-2-3 of Matthews,Kadri and Nylander is ridiculous.

I've seen Nylander win a decent amount of puck battles. More than anything he's very effective with his stick, and he's strong his skates, he has great lower body strength. I think he'd be fine.

 

[MJ65]

The Nylander at centre era returns Mark Masters on Twitter
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) December 4, 2017​

 

[MJ65]

 

[MJ65]

There is a chance that Babcock might move Willie to "C" sooner then later - or has he already made up his mind and that's the reason Willie is playing "C" against the Flames

 

[MJ65]

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Can we trade Bozak for a steady #5 Dman already?

We have a #5 Hainsey, we need a top 4 guy so we can bump Hainsey to the bottom pair and solidly that

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

There is a chance that Babcock might move Willie to "C" sooner then later - or has he already made up his mind and that's the reason Willie is playing "C" against the Flames

Or it could be because Bozak is sick

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

There is a chance that Babcock might move Willie to "C" sooner then later - or has he already made up his mind and that's the reason Willie is playing "C" against the Flames

You know there is a much more likely chance he’s not playing center against the flames. The most likely scenario is he’s just covering for Bozak in practice.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Hope Willy has a big game at centre (if Bozak is unable to go). He has the chance to make a statement about the long term with the team.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

I actually happen to like Carrick's game and would like to see him in for Polak. He has the same sort of mean streak as Polak but comes with better foot speed and puck handling abilities.

 

[ToneDog]

Would also like to see Willie replace TyBo on the first PP. It is go time for Willie Ny.

 

[ACC1224]

I would put the chance at Nylander centering Marner and JVR in this game at less than 1%. Nothing is ever 100% certain but does anyone honestly see this occurring?

 

[Not My Tempo]

I don’t see Nylander actually at C happening, but if it were I’d personally just like to see:

Marleau - Matthews - Hyman
JVR - Nylander - Marner
Komarov - Kadri - Brown

 

[Cor]

I don’t see Nylander actually at C happening, but if it were I’d personally just like to see:

Marleau - Matthews - Hyman
JVR - Nylander - Marner
Komarov - Kadri - Brown

Swap Marner and Brown and these are probably one of the few “fantasy lineups” posted here that I would agree with.

 

[ULF_55]

Hope Willy has a big game at centre (if Bozak is unable to go). He has the chance to make a statement about the long term with the team.

I'd like to see Nylander with van Riemsdyk and Bozak (if healthy) with them alternating at the dot until Bozak is moved or walks.

I think Nylander brings a longer game than Marner, who is more a blueline to blueline (opposition red line) player.

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

I'd like to see Nylander with van Riemsdyk and Bozak (if healthy) with them alternating at the dot until Bozak is moved or walks.

I think Nylander brings a longer game than Marner, who is more a blueline to blueline (opposition red line) player.

As long as Marner is with Matthews. If for some reason one of them has to be on the fourth line I think Nylander is the better fit. Neither should be but Nylander can at least carry that line.

 

[ULF_55]

As long as Marner is with Matthews. If for some reason one of them has to be on the fourth line I think Nylander is the better fit. Neither should be but Nylander can at least carry that line.

Agreed. Nylander is capable of playing a 200' game and can match up better.

Looking forward to see a competition on the left side next year.

 

[LeafGrief]

I expect Nylander to play at C this year about as much as Corrado played last year. He's taking faceoffs, he's working on his consistency. He's being developed. Marleau is the safer option up the middle for the time being and Babcock has the long term development in mind. Nylander has the skillset to play C and the stated plan is for him to play C eventually. Faith and patience my friends.

 

[Budsfan]

 

[Budsfan]

 

[fahad203]

Such vitriole over Babcocks lines. He's only human, like me or you, he puts his pants on one leg at a time. Except once his pants are on, he wins Stanley Cups and Olympic Gold medals.

I'm not sure why that would be a point?. Daryl Sutter has two Stanley Cups in the past 7 years. He's currently unemployed. If you had given a team full of Price, Crosby, Getzlaf, Doughty. He would have gotten you few medals

This game out adapts you very quickly. Your old ways doesn't always work

Steve Dangle put it very nicely. The present doesn't care about the past

 

[ULF_55]

Well, maybe he would have contributed on Saturday ... wasn't a winning line-up.

 

[1specter]

RIP Nylander @ C

 

[Walshy7]

wish we could have a real meritocracy. There are at least 3 wingers who should be on the 4th line ahead of nylander but no earning your minutes only applies to Nylander, marner and brown it appears

 

[Drytoast]

Didn't like how Nylander played at center last time this was tried.

Marleau is the safer choice for a temp centerman.