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

[CapSpace]

No they weren't.



This post sucks. Come on.

Indeed.

 

[EveryDay]

No they weren't.



This post sucks. Come on.

Never seen this poster before on our board, he's probably an Avs fan....

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

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

It leads to nowhere when there's no talent around him to anticipate and develop on plays.

 

[Kosseca]

I haven't read people reaction yet (will do that after I'm done writing this) but wanted to share my impressions of the game.

Overall, I think that MSL probably walk out of the rink with lots of info (which I'm sure was the goal). Unfortunately, it probably tell him that there is still room to growth for lots of the player that where in the line up.

My positive impressions
Dobes: well... hard not to notice that he kept the team in the fight all night. I like what I saw, square to the puck and minimal swimming in his crease. He's going to Laval, but that only mean Laval has a much better shot at competing next season. I like it!
Barron: Ok, I have been hard on Barron for quite some time and while his play last night wasn't perfect, it was a noticeable improvement from last year. Much better decision making, took advantage of his skating to open the play. Still a bit weak on the board, but he move the puck much more quickly so there where less of these board battle for him. He bail Hutson a few time too.
Tuch: I like the energy and physicality. he's not there yet for a full time NHL role, some bad read and he need to adjust to the speed I think, but he was fun to watch.
Struble: simple and effective. If he keep this up... he may steal Xhekaj's job.

Mix feeling:
Hutson: ok, he saw lots of ice time, and had the puck more then anyone else, but defensively, this was a much more difficult game for him. he got push off the puck several time, he lost the puck in dangerous area... This is part of the learning curve I guess, but it shows that he need a good vet on right side.
Dvorak: play better then the game before, but I still find that he's not generating anything.
Kapanen: Didn't look bad, didn't look good. I want to see him in another game, but I'm getting the feeling that its back to Sweden for him.
Back: nothing bad, nothing good last night.

Bad:
Newhook: WTF dude... forgot how to play hockey during the summer? I dont know if he's lost playing W, but man he a black hole right now. all plays die on his stick.
Engstrom: rough night for him. lots to like about what he does, but he need some AHL time for certain.
Xhekaj: ok... when a goalie leave the net and get score on, we say, tend the f... net! Well Xhekaj... you're a Dman... PLAY D! His decision making right now is piss poor. Pinch at the wrong time, put the puck in the bad area, etc... He may also benefit from playing with Savard... unfortunately Hutson too...

Sound to me that Engstrom, Reinbacher are both going to Laval. Same with Beck. Kapanen wont stay, will go back to sweden at the end of the camp. Roy will have his chance on the 2nd line with Dach/Laine pretty soon Ì'm sure.

 

[bobholly39]

Such a disappointing loss.

There go our hopes of an undefeated 107-0-0 year.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Such a disappointing loss.

There go our hopes of an undefeated 107-0-0 year.

There's some here who will actually never recover from this.

 

[habbubba]

Would have liked that Marty to shuffle the lines as the offenses was so anemic, nothing ventured nothing gained. If it wasn't for Hutson creating some excitement when he was on, it would have been a real snoozer.

 

[habbubba]

I liked his game tonight. I don't think he'll make the team. Though I believe he'll be a strong addition to Laval.

So many have Roy locked in but ABB has looked better and in a competing role? For that matter, no one is mentioning Farrel which has been the more noticeable and overall better than the other two.

wawa is gonna go wawawawaing all the way to laval unless he shows more. Is he part Romulan because it sure looks like he has engaged a cloaking device. People have said he was a ''stealthy '' player, that must be what they meant.

 

[YukonCornelius 5thOA]

I wasn’t thrilled with the Newhook trade when it happened, but I’ve really warmed up to him and what he brings. I do find it comical how much rando hate he attracts as I don’t really get it. He was brought into be a complementary player, and not a franchise changer, but a lot of people dunk on him like he’s making 9 million and not carrying his line.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Would have liked that Marty to shuffle the lines as the offenses was so anemic, nothing ventured nothing gained. If it wasn't for Hutson creating some excitement when he was on, it would have been a real snoozer.

Shuffling forward lines on what was largely an AHL line-up that was playing against a strong NHL team would have been akin to shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic: essentially futile.

 

[1909]

Kovacevic should had been kept instead of Barron. Pretty solid #6 or #7 and could have play while Mailloux and Reinbacher are gaining experience at AHL level.

 

[Walksss]

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.

I can tell you that being at the game those fakes and shimmies that Hutson does show even better in real life. The camera doesn't capture it like it shows in person, it pops out at you. That stickhandling with the body that all these youngsters are doing is incredible, but of all the players I've seen live (Q. Hughes and Makar most notably) I'd say Hutson's body dekes are the best I've seen.

That said he's still a little too jittery with the puck sometimes but with some experience and adjusting to the speed of the game and the systems, we could have a bonafide superstar here.

 

[Anardil]

This game is a prime example for all of those fans that are clamouring to get rid of the vets to make room for the prospects. This team still needs the Savards and Mathesons, etc, because none of the kids looked particularly ready to face real NHLers. Even the new shiny toy Hutson will need to be sheltered because he is not ready to play 20+ minutes per night against NHLers.

The rebuild is definitely not over. I am personally waiting to see what Demidov will add to the team along with the 2025 top pick (Martone please!!), before I start to believe that the end of the rebuild is in view.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

So many have Roy locked in but ABB has looked better and in a competing role? For that matter, no one is mentioning Farrel which has been the more noticeable and overall better than the other two.

wawa is gonna go wawawawaing all the way to laval unless he shows more. Is he part Romulan because it sure looks like he has engaged a cloaking device. People have said he was a ''stealthy '' player, that must be what they meant.

I agree, Farrell has looked more impressive than some of his more heralded teammates. It’s Farrell increased skating ability. Last year, he looked passive and a step behind the play. This training camp, Farrell looks faster and there is a snap to his game. Farrell will play in NHL, maybe not for the Canadiens, but for some other team that lacks the depth that Hughes has accumulated.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

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.

Agree with most of you said. I saw few good flashes or individual skills here and there but they were not coordinate together. Leafs didn't played that well but they had one or 2 lines working pretty good. They had dangerous chances of scoring and their forecheck worked. Habs were a team without any structure or system of play. Players didn't know how to play together, or few of them. And ahl is not nhl level. But Leafs had ahlers too, so.

We have vets who can bring a floor level of nhl play night after night, we have new players in developpment, an injured player over the last 2 years who is a key for the team: the 2nd center, a new winger who is (or was) a top nhl talent. These are additions and Hutson is another one. It's unanimous among the medias and fans that this kid is a future star or a very good player. Yesterday was a painful back to reality: we might have future good players but they are not ready yet, some will be ready soon and some others will be in 2 or 3 years. But they are knocking at the door.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

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

Leafs have nothing to celebrate after last night win. That Leafs team, even with Matthews and Knies would lose vs the Bruins, Rangers, Canes, Panthers, Bolts, Edmonton, Dallas, Avs, etc.
Yesterday's Habs line-up was an ahl team, they should have won 7-1, and they had that close victory.

 

[Habby4Life]

Leafs have nothing to celebrate after last night win. That Leafs team, even with Matthews and Knies would lose vs the Bruins, Rangers, Canes, Panthers, Bolts, Edmonton, Dallas, Avs, etc.
Yesterday's Habs line-up was an ahl team, they should have won 7-1, and they had that close victory.

Yet, it was no different than folks on here planning a parade when the Habs beat the Utica Comets.

Some of the comments after the devils and flyer games were laughable.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

Yet, it was no different than folks on here planning a parade when the Habs beat the Utica Comets.

Some of the comments after the devils and flyer games were laughable.

Yeah, haha, but we won 5-0.

 

[CharleyHorse]

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

Some dolt posted that not one player on the habs impressed him. I'm thinking the leafs had an all but NHL roster playing against an all but AHL roster and they barely won; and he's unimpressed by habs players??

 

[Habby4Life]

Yeah, haha, but we won 5-0.

Yep, and habs fans were just as delusional as leaf fans celebrating their win.

Kind of ironic complaining leaf fans excited beating an AHL team when same thing happened here 48hrs earlier.

Section of the fan bases are the same.

 

[ahmedou]

Already 1k posts on this topic!

We're so hungry for the 24/25 season!

 

[JustAHabFan]

Am I the only who thought Hutson made a lot of mistakes in his own zone.

 

[morhilane]

Am I the only who thought Hutson made a lot of mistakes in his own zone.

Probably makes just the two of us...

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Am I the only who thought Hutson made a lot of mistakes in his own zone.

The problem is that both Barron and Xhekaj made as many mistakes as Hutson. What's their excuse?

The problem is that the game against the Leafs was as instructive as the Canadiens first two exhibition games. Until its best on best , these 'warm up' games provide limited, if not distortive, insight as to the potential of the participating players and their respective teams. So I wouldn't get my shorts into a knot over the results. Everyone will have 82 games to assess and worry.

But hey, its Montreal, and, as I have said: it's never too early too panic.

 

[habbubba]

Shuffling forward lines on what was largely an AHL line-up that was playing against a strong NHL team would have been akin to shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic: essentially futile.

As previously mentioned, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Many experiments have led to fantastic results, alas we will never know the outcome seeing nothing was put into action.

As for the Titanic, a series of unusual phenomena's occurred that led to her catastrophic end. Modern analysis has theorized that if different measures were executed, it may have lessened the calamity.