GDT: Toronto @ Dallas - Wednesday 7:30 - SN

[ULF_55]

Why would anyone want the 70 goal scorer "going hard to the net"? If Matthews scores a bunch of goals in the playoffs, it won't be because he is standing in front of the net banging away at rebounds.

If you look at shot maps, both Nylander and Matthews go to the net.

Maybe adding Nylander makes the entries less predictable?

Nylander attacks from both wings and at speed.

A team can't focus on marner alone with Nylander on the ice.

...

Really, comes down to whether the new third line is competitive against a NHL team. They haven't shown us that yet. If they can hold their own when playing against a NHL team great.

 

[ULF_55]

It's probably more that Robertson and Domi may have played their best game of the season last time out and he wants to see if they can continue it.

Yep.

Can they do it against a NHL team?

 

[wingman75]

It's probably more that Robertson and Domi may have played their best game of the season last time out and he wants to see if they can continue it.

Exactly. Aberration or sustainable?

 

[Martin Skoula]

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Average Shot Distance: 29.4 feet
Average Shot Distance: 32.4 feet
Average Shot Distance: 26.8 feet

After almost a decade of watching them jam at pucks in the goalies pads to no avail while the clock ticks down to 0 you’d think the going to the net meme would die but no. You’d think after winning our only series by repeatedly abusing Vasi from distance the meme would die a second time but no.

 

[ACC1224]

Stars' DeBoer: Toronto Maple Leafs playing 'totally different' in first season under Craig Berube | TSN

With Toronto visiting Dallas for a matchup with the Stars on Wednesday night, Pete DeBoer has taken note of the success Berube’s new-look Leafs have had to this point in the season.

www.tsn.ca

“Totally different,” said DeBoer on the Leafs under Berube. “We were diving into some of the analytics today at the rink, and it’s amazing how they’ve transformed from, what I would have called a rush team over the last few years that thrived on turnovers, to a team that is really solid in the offensive zone, and a forecheck team.

“A much more direct game, a lot more of a slot presence in the offensive zone, scoring goals that way.”

Exactly. Aberration or sustainable?

IMO, aberration. Not a fan of either player, obviously hope I'm wrong.

 

[Aashir]

I actually like this first line being what it is. It’s akin to the perfection lines in some ways

Marchand/Marner - the two way play driver, the straw that stirs the drink and gets everything going

Pastrnak/Nylander - the goalscoring winger, who will drive the net, create from instincts and creativity, but leave some desire in the dzone

Bergeron/Matthews - the 200ft two way center with a knack for scoring goals and always open for a setup by the other two

If we swapped Matthews and nylanders goal scoring skills I think we could replicate it pretty well (apart from the Bergeron level defence I guess).

But like someone said, we would live and die by that line, if they don’t score we won’t win. We need them to score and score often.

I don’t mind this because we always try them when we are down, might as well see what they can do normally and if it’s viable to go with it for a playoff series from the start. Also lets us evaluate how much knies and Tavares are difference makers on their own.

 

[NinjaKick]

gonna be a tough one, deboer has the stars playing solid hockey, we got this

 

[Fogelhund]

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[Hinterland]

I suspect the only change we see in this one is Holmberg in for Reaves. Dallas is one of the softest teams in the league, no need for Reaves in this one

I think Myers stays in over Timmins. He looked good the last few weeks

Dallas is 31st in the league in hits and bottom 5 or so in penalty minutes. Not sure they are that physical or heavy. They are in fact the best defensive team in the league though with one of the best goaltenders.

Robertson looked great last game, so I think he's earned a longer look. We need more offense. Holmberg or Dewar should play over Reaves for sure though.

Normally yes. But for the first time this season they have both Petrovic and Bichsel on the roster today. Gotta keep your head up if they're both in the lineup.

 

[ACC1224]

Normally yes. But for the first time this season they have both Petrovic and Bichsel on the roster today. Gotta keep your head up if they're both in the lineup.

Reaves says hold my non fat latte

 

[Hinterland]

Reaves says hold my non fat latte

Exactly. That's why he's in the lineup over the smaller guys. Having said that, even Reaves is a small man compared to Bichsel. He has to watch out as well. You can't get caught vs Bichsel.

 

[Cleetus]

Dang that first line is pricey lol

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

They have to play well against a good team and not make Woll steal you a game. We shouldn't be that heavily relying on the goaltending. It's unacceptable frankly.

Goaltending has had to steal exactly ONE game this season and that was against NJ.

I don't want Woll to have to steal this one I'd like a nice 6-2 win.

But I'd suggest the defense has been very strong, they are owed a couple steals.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

And the point of stacking a line like that in December is what?

To see if it works

 

[Nineteen67]

Because the core is insanely talented yet we don't produce offence at the same level as other teams with similar high end talent (TB, EDM, COL etc.)

Kinetic vs Potential talent.

 

[LeafParade]

I think Berube misinterpreted my memo. I said to spread the big 3, not stack them together.

 

[kevsh]

Robertson looked great last game, so I think he's earned a longer look.

According to Overdrive, Robertson's parents live in Dallas now.
But yes, the Domi line was good overall last game so why not give them a shot to build on it.

 

[NinjaKick]

kampf needs to step the f*** up tonight... guy has been such a disappointment this season...

he\s 100% healthy, so no excuses

 

[HellasLEAF]

Exactly. Aberration or sustainable?

I don't think either. I'm definitely intrigued though.

 

[Evilhomer]

Well, I got destroyed in the markets today, so hopefully the Leafs are at least successful tonight.

 

[likecheese]

I think Berube misinterpreted my memo. I said to spread the big 3, not stack them together.

Me also, I swear he's ignoring us.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

Tough opponent tonight. They’ll need to step their game up to get a win.
Let’s go boys!

 

[Seath The Scaleless]

This feels like a 2-1, 3-1 game

 

[DarkKnight]

Looking forward to this one, should be a good tilt.

 

[ACC1224]

Based on absolutely nothing this feels like a 5-1, 6-2 type loss to me. Not sure why.