Post-Game Talk: Leafs win 4-1

leafsfan5

Registered User
Jun 14, 2014
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There's no question to me this is the best D we've had in years. Also, this system we're playing more resembles a sustainable model, less chaotic, maybe not as entertaining but more predictable.

I like this team. Treliving made some shrewd pickups and we're developing a nice identity under Berube.
It's early but the data is beginning to bear this out too

According to natural stat trick we're 9th in xGA/60, which is a few spots higher than where we'd usually end up with Keefe (around 12-14th)

But the major difference is high danger chances against, in which we rank 2nd for High dangers against/60. Before we used to be a team that wouldn't give up much, but when we did it would be high quality. That's no longer the case, we very rarely give up quality opportunities

The defense is in an amazing spot, and Tre deserves a lot of credit for his pickups and how they've played thus far
 

PromisedLand

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Dec 3, 2016
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The single biggest difference with Matthews out is Marner is putting in an extra effort, he is making smarter plays and is shooting the puck more instead of always blowing chances by trying to get it to Matthews.
He does a lot less circling around outside of the play with Matthews out.
This is 100% proof that they need to split those 2 up

This!
 

Evilhomer

Registered User
Oct 10, 2019
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Right....

Boston will eventually pick it up and it will be another 3 horse race.
Boston may end up taking the third spot, but that would only be because one of the mediocre teams has to take it.
 

leafsfan5

Registered User
Jun 14, 2014
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It really is pathetic that anyone would put any stock in 'expected'. That means nothing, reality is what counts not some fantasy statistic.
I mean, like or not, it's used widely in the league and teams have entire divisions dedicated to advanced analytics

You shouldn't solely rely on it, but it's a valuable tool to aid in analysis

Also, these stats are based on reality. Not all scoring chances end up in the back of the net and result in "what counts", but if you keep getting scoring chances you are more likely to score. This helps track scoring chances and the quality of the opportunities you are creating
 

colchar

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Apr 26, 2012
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ACC1224

Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
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Marners anticipation to create that shorty was fantastic.
He’s had an excellent season so far, really good. Best season of his career to date. Not sure how much of that is attributed to Berube.
 

ACC1224

Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
Aug 19, 2002
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Perhaps a little Berube, perhaps a little extra motivation to make some dough.
I don’t believe the money is the motivator as much as remaining a Leaf is. He’ll get paid no matter where he plays.
 

Gabriel426

Registered User
Jun 30, 2015
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Very structured win again.

What I love about the Willie goal wasn’t the coast to coast but the fact that he attacks the zone instead of dropping it to MM at the center like years past.
 

Hellcat

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Jul 13, 2022
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I wonder if there is anyone left who doesn’t think he’s being re-signed ?
Berube has gotten his game to another level this season.

Oh there are but they get awfully quiet when game after game Marner proves them to be fools.... avoids contact, weak shot and slow skater, amirite? he'll go into a little funk some time this season and they will be out again like a bad cold.

Very structured win again.

What I love about the Willie goal wasn’t the coast to coast but the fact that he attacks the zone instead of dropping it to MM at the center like years past.

I realized last week. that for the first time in a long time, that I dont have an elevated heart rate when the team has a lead in the 3rd period.
 
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Hellcat

Registered User
Jul 13, 2022
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The single biggest difference with Matthews out is Marner is putting in an extra effort, he is making smarter plays and is shooting the puck more instead of always blowing chances by trying to get it to Matthews.
He does a lot less circling around outside of the play with Matthews out.
This is 100% proof that they need to split those 2 up

Marner and Nik need to be on a line, Matty/ Domi has another line and Nylander and Tavares have another line.
 

conFABulator

Registered User
Apr 11, 2021
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I agree with
Marner and Nik need to be on a line, Matty/ Domi has another line and Nylander and Tavares have another line.

I like the pairings of forwards but does this put Holmberg in the top nine with 16 and 89?

I would like to see

Knies/McMann Matthews Robertson
Pacioretty Tavares Nylander
Knies/McMann Domi Marner
 

1specter

Registered User
Sep 27, 2016
12,335
18,622
It's early but the data is beginning to bear this out too

According to natural stat trick we're 9th in xGA/60, which is a few spots higher than where we'd usually end up with Keefe (around 12-14th)

But the major difference is high danger chances against, in which we rank 2nd for High dangers against/60. Before we used to be a team that wouldn't give up much, but when we did it would be high quality. That's no longer the case, we very rarely give up quality opportunities

The defense is in an amazing spot, and Tre deserves a lot of credit for his pickups and how they've played thus far
FWIW, Moneypuck has us at 4th in xGA/60 at 5v5. It is a bit odd how each of these sites tracks it differently, but regardless the team seems to be trending positively with respect to defense.
 

Nineteen67

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Dec 12, 2017
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I wonder if there is anyone left who doesn’t think he’s being re-signed ?
Berube has gotten his game to another level this season.
I think the Leafs want to re-sign him but it would be in everyone’s best interest to wait and see if he can play in the playoffs. That’s always been Marner’s Achilles and he was afforded an other opportunity by the Leafs to prove he’s worth an increase in pay.

If he fails again, and really wants to remain with a Leafs , he can always sign for less than he makes now.
 

LeafParade

Registered User
Jun 27, 2019
1,332
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I assume Giroux cannot play C anymore, because I suspect he could become available at the deadline.
The Sens are going nowhere, and I don't know if he wants to spend what he has left there even if its home.
 

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