Pre-Game Talk: TOR @ VAN Jan 20

[Gallagbi]

Can’t imagine anyone watching this team and thinking “damn, if we only had Lafferty”.

It'd be tough to watch this team and not see the holes he could fill. Sadly our issues are pretty vast, but Laff is a similar player to Jarn and we need a lot more of that.

 

[Niagara Bill]

Woll's not ready and Keefe's not playing Jones back to backs during such a busy stretch of games no matter how much people pout. Get ready for Sammy this weekend.

Who do you suggest is pouting other than Samsonov and yourself. This guy, no matter what occurs in the next few weeks is a meltdown possibility at the worst of times, cannot and should not be counted on if this organization is serious.
The Leafs are only concerned because of 3.5m salary. If he was league min he would be gone.

 

[Stephen]

Lol, I can't believe I'm actually reading this. Matthews is excellent at pinning players to stop cycles, and does it constantly. I really question what some people are watching.

The Matthews Line has surrendered 3 GWG against in various defensive situations late in game in the last 10 days vs Edmonton (cycle), Colorado (rush) as well as a bang bang OT play vs the Islanders, so if you think there isn't room for improvement... well who cares?

 

[Stephen]

Can’t imagine anyone watching this team and thinking “damn, if we only had Lafferty”.

A good number people will be saying "damn, if only we had Lafferty" but their eyes will be looking at the Leafs executive box and not the on ice play.

 

[DarkKnight]

Are Vancouver fans whining about the early start and the "center of the universe" yet? We live in their heads rent free and I know because I lived there. It's a one way rivalry lol.

 

[Buds17]

It'd be tough to watch this team and not see the holes he could fill. Sadly our issues are pretty vast, but Laff is a similar player to Jarn and we need a lot more of that.

Maybe. Although when putting aside the difference in sample size, I couldn't really say that Lafferty looked nearly as good in his time with the Leafs as Jarnkrok has.

 

[Burnie97]

just a heads up Game is on Sportsnet not CBC

Wtf is up with that? Seems like a really bad call

 

[Stephen]

Maybe. Although when putting aside the difference in sample size, I couldn't really say that Lafferty looked nearly as good in his time with the Leafs as Jarnkrok has.

Seems like a matter of fit. In Vancouver, guys like Lafferty, Blueger, Dakota are having elevated seasons whereas Hoglander and Kuzmenko aren't thriving. Like what kind of roles can these guys fit and earn Tocchet's trust vs finesse guys who don't fit the risk, reward sliders, work rate, whatever it is.

In Toronto, veterans Bertuzzi, Jarnkrok, Domi don't seem to be thriving in that middle roster role which traditionally doesn't generate that much offense. Conversely, Alex Kerfoot seems to be having an offensive renaissance in Arizona, freed from the Toronto middle six.

 

[Doublerum1975]

I would have rather gave holberg and Robertson a chance before spending money on bert

 

[MSZ]

Haven't won in Vancouver since December 2019. Doubt that changes tomorrow

2-16 in their last 18 visits.

 

[Clark4Ever]

It's going to be tough to pull out a win tonight. Vancouver's been rolling and our record there has been awful for years even when they sucked.

I'll be content with a point.

 

[Leaf4Life79]

Haven't won in Vancouver since December 2019. Doubt that changes tomorrow

Ye have faith, grasshopper!

 

[Stephen]

It's going to be tough to pull out a win tonight. Vancouver's been rolling and our record there has been awful for years even when they sucked.

I'll be content with a point.

Looking at the schedule, and general vibe (especially before the CGY game), I think an OTL followed by a win in Seattle would be an acceptable weekend... but also remember the Leafs crushing Edmonton in the North Division only to get beat 2x in a row by Vancouver. And we beat the Canucks H2H this year, so you never know... plus this team has so many moods.

 

[1specter]

Wow, that's bizarre. I looked on hockey reference, and Leafs have not won a game in Vancouver during the 2021 North Division season either, in 4 tries. I thought they would win a game in Vancouver during that season, that's why your post surprised me.

I had the same thought when I saw the stat. We are cursed in that building

 

[ACC1224]

Guessing no skate with the early start.

Any clues on the starting Goalie?

 

[TMLegend]

I don't understand the love affair some have with Lafferty here. Dude stunk with the Leafs and was the 12th/13th forward in the playoffs. Now that he's shooting double his career average some want to pretend he's good. He also has some of the worst underlying numbers on the Canucks this season.

Bizarre.

 

[Rude Dog]

Few things I enjoy more than the 4pm start time on the coast. I don't like to be inconvenienced.

 

[Buds17]

I don't understand the love affair some have with Lafferty here. Dude stunk with the Leafs and was the 12th/13th forward in the playoffs. Now that he's shooting double his career average some want to pretend he's good. He's also has some of the worst underlying numbers on the Canucks this season.

Bizarre.

Pretty much. Blazing start...has trailed off since...numbers still look good relative to his AAV. He's also a pending UFA and I don't know that his next contract would've come from us anyway.

 

[Rude Dog]

I don't understand the love affair some have with Lafferty here. Dude stunk with the Leafs and was the 12th/13th forward in the playoffs. Now that he's shooting double his career average some want to pretend he's good. He's also has some of the worst underlying numbers on the Canucks this season.

Bizarre.

Don't miss him too much, but I think he is a useful player. Great skater, a little grit. I would have kept him.

 

[darrylsittler27]

Yeah we are just a Laff away from being a cup contender!

 

[PromisedLand]

7pm EST nucks fans. Thats right. You bend to OUR time





Now cry about the timing LOL

 

[Phion Keneuf]

I'd obviously swap Gio out for Lagesson

And Brodie out for Marincin

 

[notdoneyet]

Over the years here all I've ever heard about Zadorov and Myers is that they're garbage.

Are you saying they are good defenders?

I’m saying that traditionally big defenders can get away with more clutch and grab and cross checks to the back
In the playoffs as opposed to regular season

 

[CelticDruid]

You never know. Vancouver will be under a lot of pressure to win this game.

No pressure at all.
Have you seen the standings?
We have regressed and they have impressed!
Size and skill on backend.
Speed and skill on forward lines.

I hope the Leafs win but it's going to be a huge challenge.

The next ten games will be tough.

 

[therealkoho]

Freaking Demko! He's prolly gonna shut us out with the way he's playing.