Pre-Game Talk: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs Jan 02

[Rayzorexe]

Lightning coming off a 5 - 0 win against Columbus and the Leafs are sliding into this game with a poor defensive effort in pretty much every game this year.

Expecting at least one or both teams to score at least 5 in this game.

Also likely a pre-game ceremony honour Johnny Bower (R.I.P.) since its the first game back at home in a while

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[A1LeafNation]

I hope Lamoriello put them in a hotel in Oakville 25 min away. Too much trouble if they stay downtown.

 

[lovemyleafs]

easy W.
Kuch and Stamkos are gonna get shut down by Marincin and Gardiner

 

[Bullseye]

This was always going to be a rough game for the Leafs given how dominant Tampa has been all season. To put the Leafs loss to VGK in perspective - they beat Tampa 4-3 last week. I don't have high hopes for this game but sometimes they can surprise in these situations.

 

[hullsy47]

Lightning coming off a 5 - 0 win against Columbus and the Leafs are sliding into this game with a poor defensive effort in pretty much every game this year.

Expecting at least one or both teams to score at least 5 in this game.

Also likely a pre-game ceremony honour Johnny Bower (R.I.P.) since its the first game back at home in a while

well at least Hughson and simpson acknowledged the leafs need help on defense ...early game on news years eve ,millions of pre game drinkers and leafs nation watching
lets see if we want LOU LAM extended ,
team needs help on this homestand

 

[Budsfan]

Leafs Locker: Zaitsev out until late January
Lance HornbyMore from Lance Hornby

Leafs Locker: Zaitsev out until late January

 

[Beaninfritz]

easy W.
Kuch and Stamkos are gonna get shut down by Marincin and Gardiner

Thanks for that. I needed a laugh.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

If moron Babcock insists on playing Marincin again, we might as well stay home take the auto-L

 

[ToneDog]

Better stay out of the box. I don't think we can stop their PP often enough.

 

[ToneDog]

If moron Babcock insists on playing Marincin again, we might as well stay home take the auto-L

Consider what Babs has to work with on D before calling him a moron. With all the defensive warts this team has, he is more of a genius in my books.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Consider what Babs has to work with on D before calling him a moron. With all the defensive warts this team has, he is more of a genius in my books.

he has to get good results before calling him a genius. he also doesn't do himself any favours by playing his inferior personnel like Polak over Carrick

 

[ToneDog]

he has to get good results before calling him a genius. he also doesn't do himself any favours by playing his inferior personnel like Polak over Carrick

Polak, Carrick, Marincin, sometimes Jake, Z, and Borgman. Choose your poison.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Polak, Carrick, Marincin, sometimes Jake, Z, and Borgman. Choose your poison.

it doesn't help with the injuries we have, sure. Polak never should have seen time when our defense was healthy though. Babcock should also be taking away Gardiner's powerplay time

 

[ToneDog]

it doesn't help with the injuries we have, sure. Polak never should have seen time when our defense was healthy though. Babcock should also be taking away Gardiner's powerplay time

Polak's grit is something that the rest of the D lacks. Without a better option, Babs hands are tied. Carrick could make the decision easier for Babs if he played better and was more consistent. Carrick was lost against the AVs. Jake needs a serious wake up call and soon.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Polak's grit is something that the rest of the D lacks. Without a better option, Babs hands are tied. Carrick could make the decision easier for Babs if he played better and was more consistent. Carrick was lost against the AVs. Jake needs a serious wake up call and soon.

grit does have a place in the game, but you can't play someone who offers nothing besides grit. he's too useless overall.
The biggest problem with our defense is Gardiner. if he was as good as last year we could have 2 reliable defensive pairs, but he makes it so we can only trust Rielly-Hainsey. I really hope he's gone soon

 

[wingman75]

I am expecting a shit-kicking of the biggest kind. If Tampa doesn't score 6 I will be shocked (of course I hope I am).

Our defensive liabilities are becoming more and more a burden as the season passes and these good teams are licking their chops when they get their chance to dig in.

I'd like to see a move or two between now and the end of the month to shore up the roster (be that trade or call-up) and see what else we need at the deadline (if anything).

 

[lifelonghockeyfan]

Medicore or just above mediocre teams have holes in the lineup. For the Leafs it's getting their defencemen. When all are playing well, the defence is more than satisfactory. But with the natural ebb and flows of their talent it is what it is. Just not much can be done this season, Trades are tough and expensive and their in no one in the AHL who is NHL good.
Looking at the UFA pool next year, there are few options even short term. Looks like the Leafs are going to have to trade some of wingers to get some more competency on defence, even if it's a summer deal.

 

[Stephen]

I thought Vegas was an auto loss for sure, but somehow feel like they'll play well tomorrow against Tampa and possibly win.

 

[Nithoniniel]

Medicore or just above mediocre teams have holes in the lineup.

Every team except powerhouses have holes in their lineups.

 

[WTFMAN99]

I am expecting a blood bath.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Every team except powerhouses have holes in their lineups.

Our holes are too big right now to compete with TB. But the game of hockey is funny sometimes, Leafs could actually play a good game and win. I really wanna see how we stack up against them right now on the ice.

 

[tokyoite]

We have lots of holes.
If Lou doesn't fix our D, I don't want him back. Get rid of him.

 

[rent free]

wow this week could get ugly for us. tampa, then sj, then vancouver.

 

[Suntouchable13]

wow this week could get ugly for us. tampa, then sj, then vancouver.

Pretty sure we should beat SJ and Vancouver at home even with our weaknesses.

 

[rent free]

Pretty sure we should beat SJ and Vancouver at home even with our weaknesses.

i think we lose to sj (again) and lose to vancouver in a tight one