GDT: Preseason Game 3 - Laval Rocket+ vs Leafs 7PM EST Sportsnet & RDS

[Habs]

They are going to regret hanging on to Barron if they had a chance to move him. Never improves, he's the same player he was when Sakic shipped him here.

 

[Bobby Holik agent]

Goddamn Barron why did you did this we were about to win the stanley cup.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

Other teams: if we can get 1 goal from our power plays a game, we're good.

Habs: if we can get 1 shot on the pps we get, we're... well, we're improving I guess.

It’s the Alex Burrows effect.

When you’ve had the worst, anything seems better.

 

[HabsAddict]

Dobes was impressive enough to give Primeau an ulcer.

Hutson was Hutson but he also showed how easy he can be run over.

Rein flubbed at least 3 easy passes within a 10 minute span. Maybe more that I didn't notice. That's mandatory skill and that must NOT happen in a real game. He got too close to a Laff before he decided to whom he will pass it too.

X is getting me annoyed. By now he should know how to clear the puck on a PK. He panicked and put it in the corner, kept it in play for the Laffs instead of going around the net and clearing it out. I don't know what constitutes a punishments or drilling it into his head. but if I'm the coach, he's going to repeat that step 30 times. It's not acceptable to make that mistake in year 3. TAKE 3 STEPS AROUND THE NET AND FIRE DOWN THE ICE

Kaps wasn't as impressive as other games particularly when he has to outshine Dvo.

Couldn't care less that we lost, most of the guys in tonights game are gone before the game opener.

 

[HuGort]

First look I got at team this season. Game unimpressive in general but to be expected Leafs iced more NHLers.

Dobes our first star. Going to be good goalie, fundamentally sound, tracks puck well. Never gave him much thought with all the Fowler hype. May create trade next summer with our depth in net. Because Fowler be pro by spring. Likely get another look at Dobes this season if injury at big club.

Hutson my second star. All over the ice. Thinks offense all the time, great vision. Only reservation I have about him can he stand rigors of 82 games? Then a more physical playoff? They will run him in playoffs.

Tuch I like. Size, skates well, decent hockey sense. Going to have long NHL career. Bottom 6 winger but important piece to team. Ridley looked decent at times. Ridley, Mesar, Farrell all very similar. Small, not physical but just not quite enough skill to put them over.

Barron about what I expected. Good skill but just no hockey sense. I don't know how it will go with him. I get sense bad trade. Wifi not his best game. Looked slow out of position couple of times. Likely just physical bottom pairing. Engstrom fell asleep on second goal. Needs to learn move puck quicker. Don't have much time in NHL.

Defensively team wasn't good. Out of position .Turnovers in own end, bad penalties, gave up many odd man rushes.

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

We are in a great situation, bunch of expiring contracts and a bunch of kids needing some marinating in Laval to take the next step. Let nature take its course and swap them out when they’re ready, only real tough decision is Kapanen and even then knowing he will play top 6 and probably come over to finish the season it’s not really that difficult. Didn’t see anyone today out of the rookies force the teams hand to make a spot for them except Lane

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

Most boring game to watch. Bring more nhlers.

 

[BJCOLLINS]

To be honest when I first saw the lineup I was worried we’d get smoked 8-0. So there’s that, lol. Cheers

 

[jrom]

Better game then the NJD one but when Lane isn’t on the ice not much offense is created.

I don’t think any of the forwards make the roster, Tuch is the closest one to be able to play his role but too much bottom 6 deadwood for now.

On D the one that has disappointed so far is Xhekaj. He should have been able to play better than the rest of this D squad but right now I’m not even sure he will be our 3rd LD.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

They are going to regret hanging on to Barron if they had a chance to move him. Never improves, he's the same player he was when Sakic shipped him here.

He’s played less than 100 games and only 48 last year. It’s too early to write him off.

You may be right but he’s got all the tools and has too much potential to give up on right now. He needs ice. Lots of it. It’s just too soon to know what we have with him.

 

[morhilane]

I thought Dvorak was bad. Didn't look any better than most of the rookies.

I thought Heineman looked the best on that line followed by Newhook (who still has awareness issues after two pre-season games). Dvorak was putrid in the 1st period, slightly less so in the 2nd and 3rd, but he just doesn't have another gear.

I think Kapanen did a good job considering this was his 2nd game on NHL ice and the Leafs came in with a lots of speed. He was overwhelmed in the first period, but settled down afterward. Give him a few more games to adapt and it won't be an issue.

And now the super controversial take: I think this game shows that Hutson will be neutered by opposing team once they get to have more review tape material. His fakes were already less effective against more vets players.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Most boring game to watch. Bring more nhlers.

I suspect the Leafs' fan were more than entertained.

Reality is a bitch and what that game showed was that while Hughes is growing excellent organizational depth, most of that depth is still not NHL ready.

Here are my observations of what was largely an uncomfortable night for Montreal fans.

On Defence

Of the three 'veteran' defencemen who were in the line-up ( Barron, Xhekaj and Struble) only Struble played passably. With the roster that the Canadiens fielded last night it was only predictable that the Leafs would use a heavy forecheck to challenge, pressure and intimidate the Canadiens' defence. While both Barron and Xhekaj had their good minutes during this game, they both had a lot more poor minutes and had difficulty coping with the speed and the hard forecheck of the Leafs' forwards. I thought Struble played a strong/consistent game under the circumstances, showing poise under pressure, moving the puck effectively and physically engaging and standing up when needed. I can't see Struble not making the team out of the preseason.

As for the three rookie defencemen (Hutson, Reinbacher and Engstrom), it was clear, at least to this writer, that both Reinbacher and Engstrom need more time in Laval to better acclimate themselves to the NHL game which is played on a smaller playing surface, where decisions have to be made quicker. As the poster above said, last night was the 'Most boring game to watch'. He's correct, except when Hutson's was on the ice. Hutson continues to be a revelation. He's probably the most exciting and potentially impactful rookie we have seen in decades. His vision and puck skills are amazing and when he gets a bit stronger and is surrounded by more NHL quality players who can take advantage of Hutson's puck wizardry he will be a major star in the NHL. Yes he's small and lacks elite straight forward speed. But as Hutson has shown in his two exhibition games played (including last night against a strong, all most full Leafs' roster) he's a special player who can already play at a high level in the NHL. There is no way that this kid is not on the roster opening night. No way in hell.

What the game last night should have provided viewers was how important those missing veteran defencemen ( Matheson, Savard and Guhle) are to the team's fortunes. Last year Montreal was competitive in most games because of the overall mobility of their defence. The team last night was not competitive as the score did not reflect the flow of the game. Take away, Matheson and his 26 minutes, Guhle, who is still recovering from surgery and Harris, who was traded and you have what you saw last night: a boring, over matched team. Couple that lack of mobility with the missing element of stability/leadership that Savard provides game in and game out and you have what you saw last night. Yes , the team was missing many of its top forwards, but were our forwards most of last year that much better? Food for thought for those who are so willing, if not anxious, to trade Matheson and Savard. Without those two veteran players and leaders we will once again be a lottery team.

At Forwards

As was obvious to most observers, only a handful of the forwards who played last night will be on the team opening night of the season. Unless a trade is made, the veterans who played last night (Newhook, Armia, Pezzetta and Dvorak) are all, most probably, safe. Of the 'younger/fringe players ( Heineman and Roy ) neither had a strong enough game that would indicate that they are locks to make the team. I saw it as a lost opportunity, when surrounded by an admittedly weaker lineup, they failed to show their value. But there is enough exhibition games left for both to demonstrate that they belong on the team. As for the rookies ( Kapanen, Beck and Tuch) I thought they all played better than some here have written. They were surrounded by largely inferior teammates and didn't have the support from a defensive corps that is now so crucial for a team's offensive success in today's NHL. Each of them continues to show that they have NHL potential. It may be simply a numbers game that prevents any of these fine prospects from being on the opening day roster. A final comment on Kidney, who I think, similarly to the other mentioned rookies, played better than many here are opining. He showed better quickness and strength along the boards than expected. I watched Kidney's development in Laval last year and I think he has more potential than many think. If his progression continues, it would not surprise me if by next training camp, Kidney is able to make a real push to make the team.

Goaltending

Dobes was the best player on the ice for the Canadiens last night. But for his heroics, it would have been an embarrassing result. I have never been a huge fan of Primeau's largely stationary style of goaltending. Somewhat awkward, Dobes challenges shooters and anticipates the play. Last night he did what every good goaltender does: he kept his team in the game and gave them confidence. I could see Dobes moving up in the Canadiens' depth charts and posing a real threat to Primeau. Even if that doesn't happen, Dobes will provide Hughes with another marketable asset. An asset that will probably have to be moved once Fowler arrives.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Prendan Brust]

I thought it wasn't as disastrous as it could have been. Despite being outshot and facing a clearly superior roster, they didn't give that many high danger chances. They were something close to star struck early in the game and as it progressed, they did better and better. Major props to Dobes who brought back Price memories with some of his saves. Might have an nhl starter in him!

Apart from Dobes, nobody really stood out but I feel it was a pretty good learning experience for that young roster. Some of them learned they could skate with nhlers and others learned the space and time they were used to have is gone in the nhl (hello Engstrom).

The game was boring but all in all, I feel it will be beneficial for many of our young guys.

 

[puckeater]

I’m seeing NO PROGRESS with Newhook or Barron. Same story, move them on.

 

[Adam Michaels]

I’m seeing NO PROGRESS with Newhook or Barron. Same story, move them on.

Newhook looked good with Laine and Dach the first game. Last night, he played on a line with Dvorak and Heineman. No offense to them, but Newhook isn't going to kill himself in preseason playing with those two. You say you see no progress, but last year, he was on pace for a 50+ point season. So there's progress.

Barron is having a good camp. You might have missed it or simply ignore them (you wouldn't be the only one), but Barron made some real good defensive plays last night and laid some good hits. He might top out as a 3rd paid D, but his camp so far is pretty good.

 

[ThaDevilGirl]

Did Dobes knock off the net once? He's notorious for that...

 

[CaptnNemo]

Did Dobes knock off the net once? He's notorious for that...

Don't think so no loll

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Did Dobes knock off the net once? He's notorious for that...

Can get delay of game penalties for that now, so he was probably reigned in by management.

 

[Saundies]

To be honest when I first saw the lineup I was worried we’d get smoked 8-0. So there’s that, lol. Cheers

To be fair, without Dobes going beast mode we probably do.

Did Dobes knock off the net once? He's notorious for that...

He didn't but there was one play where he fired the puck down the ice after he covered it/the whistle was blown during a bit of a scrum. The linesman was PISSED.

 

[schwang26]

I thought Heineman looked the best on that line followed by Newhook (who still has awareness issues after two pre-season games). Dvorak was putrid in the 1st period, slightly less so in the 2nd and 3rd, but he just doesn't have another gear.

I think Kapanen did a good job considering this was his 2nd game on NHL ice and the Leafs came in with a lots of speed. He was overwhelmed in the first period, but settled down afterward. Give him a few more games to adapt and it won't be an issue.

And now the super controversial take: I think this game shows that Hutson will be neutered by opposing team once they get to have more review tape material. His fakes were already less effective against more vets players.

Totally disagree. I remember once where a player poked it off Hutsons stick. The kid has a knack for making passes even when he doesn’t have room to shimmy. He was stick handling and deking like crazy last night. He was the most dangerous Hab last night. I’m not just saying all this because I’m a fan. He will be our Makar/Hughes.

 

[morhilane]

Did Dobes knock off the net once? He's notorious for that...

Not once, but one of the Leafs caused it to do a 90 degree because he fell or something. Not quite sure what happened, the puck wasn't even there.

 

[Redux91]

Can get delay of game penalties for that now, so he was probably reigned in by management.

No line change actually

 

[Guy Larose]

Read the Leafs thread about this game and they say it's nice to have a win. They should be embarrassed actually. They only had Matthews and Knies out against a Laval lineup and barely won. Hutson is also already living rent free in their heads. Some comments on how he does a lot that leads nowhere lol

 

[WeThreeKings]

I thought Heineman looked the best on that line followed by Newhook (who still has awareness issues after two pre-season games). Dvorak was putrid in the 1st period, slightly less so in the 2nd and 3rd, but he just doesn't have another gear.

I think Kapanen did a good job considering this was his 2nd game on NHL ice and the Leafs came in with a lots of speed. He was overwhelmed in the first period, but settled down afterward. Give him a few more games to adapt and it won't be an issue.

And now the super controversial take: I think this game shows that Hutson will be neutered by opposing team once they get to have more review tape material. His fakes were already less effective against more vets players.

No they weren't.

I’m seeing NO PROGRESS with Newhook or Barron. Same story, move them on.

This post sucks. Come on.

 

[kyne]

Barron is having a good camp. You might have missed it or simply ignore them (you wouldn't be the only one), but Barron made some real good defensive plays last night and laid some good hits. He might top out as a 3rd paid D, but his camp so far is pretty good.

Agreed. There is improvement. There was a series of plays during the second period where Barron really showed what he could do. In the third period, it became an adventure most times he took a shift. This tells me he's not Patrick Traverse, he just needs to play a lot.