Pre-Game Talk: Utah HC @ Leafs, 7PM Sunday

[ACC1224]

Definitely feels like a loss today, doesn't it?

Seems many have the same thought. Was just about to say the same thing.

 

[Confucius]

The good thing about not playing Saturday, we play today and it’s not a back to back. GLG

Do we still have that insane losing record vs Arizona, will it carry over?
Edit: guess I was mistaken, I thought we hadn’t beaten them in 20 years, must have been in the other universe. lol!

 

[TheDoldrums]

Will the Nylanders play together on the ppl?

Alex is working on the second unit, but lately Willy has sometimes been staying on for the entire PP…

 

[Seath The Scaleless]

Even with a depleted lineup, this game shouldn't be close. Utah isn't great and they've played two games since our last one on Wednesday

 

[Gary Nylund]

I hate to say it, but the fact that so many people have doubts that the guys will show up to play tonight says that this is still not a serious team. There have definitely been some positive signs this season that things might be changing, but that Ottawa stinker says that they still have a long way to go.

If they show up ready to play and work hard, they should win without too much trouble. GLG!!

 

[Clark4Ever]

Only game on the schedule tomorrow.

Marlies reunited on the 3rd line

Call me crazy but I like that third line of Grebenkin-Minten-A. Nylander a lot more than the third lines we had prior to all the injures.

 

[Evilhomer]

I hate to say it, but the fact that so many people have doubts that the guys will show up to play tonight says that this is still not a serious team.

How does what fans think affect how the team plays? I expect we will see a very boring, simple 3-0 or 4-1 game for the Leafs tonight with very few high danger chances against and calm goaltending. The flashy, and flawed, stretch pass, cross-ice pass, neutral zone cheating stuff of past years is gone. The only game I see them losing in the next little while is next Saturday in Tampa.

 

[Burnie97]

Call me crazy but I like that third line of Grebenkin-Minten-A. Nylander a lot more than the third lines we had prior to all the injures.

Not crazy at all.

Definitely more of a chance to put the puck in the net. Minten is responsible for a young guy at C too.

I'm looking forward to seeing how they do.

 

[TMLAM34]

Grebenkin - Minten - A. Nylander is an interesting line.

Hopefully A. Nylander can continue his strong play in the NHL from Columbus last year. Would really be the writing on the wall for Robertson then when our lineup starts getting healthy.

 

[Gary Nylund]

How does what fans think affect how the team plays? I expect we will see a very boring, simple 3-0 or 4-1 game for the Leafs tonight with very few high danger chances against and calm goaltending. The flashy, and flawed, stretch pass, cross-ice pass, neutral zone cheating stuff of past years is gone. The only game I see them losing in the next little while is next Saturday in Tampa.

It doesn't.

 

[DragoGrizzly]

I hate to say it, but the fact that so many people have doubts that the guys will show up to play tonight says that this is still not a serious team. There have definitely been some positive signs this season that things might be changing, but that Ottawa stinker says that they still have a long way to go.

If they show up ready to play and work hard, they should win without too much trouble. GLG!!

I think so many people have doubts tonight is based more on the fact that we’re icing a Marlies forward group.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I think so many people have doubts tonight is based more on the fact that we’re icing a Marlies forward group.

Some comments have mentioned it being a Sunday game, said that they "hope we show up" etc., these things have nothing to do with our forward group.

Despite the injuries, the Leafs are still massive betting favorites for the simple reason that Utah sucks, just like we were massive betting favorites against Ottawa and got crushed. Hopefully we show up tonight and post an easy win. GLG!!

 

[TheDoldrums]

 

[GoonieFace]

Utah played last night, so we should win, at least that’s usually the excuse when the Leafs play back to back

 

[Mess]

"Play the Kids"

Craig Berube Creates Exciting, Young Third Line, Reveals Leafs' Projected Lineup Against Utah​

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has assembled a young and exciting 3rd line centered by rookie Fraser Minten for Sunday's clash with the Utah Hockey Club.​

While fans were hoping that Berube would unite William Nylander with his brother on a line, the Leafs' head coach opted to go in a different direction, as Alex Nylander dawned a blue practice jersey and William wore his usual white jersey, signifying that the plan is to have them play separate from one another.

That being said, Berube is being smart and reunited Alex with Marlies linemates Nikita Grebenkin and Fraser Minten at practice. The trio has skated together since Minten's return from a high-ankle sprain, which means there's some pre-existing chemistry there for the line to tap into.

 

[ACC1224]

With this being the only game league wide tonight you’d have to think the Utah players will be a little extra fired up knowing all eyes (family/friends/4 Nations Management) will be on them tonight while it’s just another game for the Leafs.

 

[Commander Clueless]

A tale of two devastated teams - one by travel, the other by injuries.

Who shall prevail?


...you guys just want to like phone it in and decide in the shootout or....?