Why Jumbo?

[Guided by Veseys]

Also do you guys have any more of that Alexander Barabanov type of player? Love him. We need some more of that type.

We have a guy named Gogolev in the ahl who is an absolute gem. Isn’t even on an elc yet. If you’re lucky you might get him.

 

[PuckMagi]

It was fun seeing Thornton playing on a line with Matthews and Marner at the beginning of the year. But it's playoff time now. He should be benched cause he sucks. Love the guy, but he sucks.

 

[socko]

Also do you guys have any more of that Alexander Barabanov type of player? Love him. We need some more of that type.

Has he reached that point in his development where at least 50% of his passes are going to his own teammates?

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Also imagine nitpicking the 12th forward on a team. Name one team without a deficiency. This fan base is nauseating

You want to ice the best lineup possible, every fan base discusses their team from top to bottom, Thornton contributes with leadership and intangibles, but he cannot keep up with the frantic pace and loses a lot of board battles.

Hence why it's a simple discussion of is there a way to improve our 12th forward, I'm of the opinion Brooks would make Spezza really click and we would have a positive improvement if we dumped Thornton and added Brooks.

I don't hate Jumbo, i don't think he's been brutal, but its the playoffs and we should ice the best team possible, in my eyes Thornton doesn't make it on that team, at least not this series.

It's just fun to talk and speculate. This is our team. We are all fans, so we talk about the ins and the outs of everything.

Anyways i didn't mean to rant this much, i just wanted to post that picture and say something lol.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

He's hitting and trying but my fear from the regular season seems to be coming true, he just doesn't have the speed, especially for the playoff intensity and how fast things pick up.

Hopefully he puts it together, but if I'm being honest, i think that 4th line would be playing better with him out and Brooks in.

I feel Jumbo holds Spezza back sometimes and Brooks is that exciting speedy dude that could get Spezza really going.

I knew he was slow...he has been for years (2 knee blowouts will do that as well as age)...but the part that really makes me shake my head is his passing. He seems to make these feeble passes that are not very accurate to say the least. Passing was supposed to be his forte as an assist generating machine. I can honestly say that watching every minute of Leafs hockey this season I cannot come up with more than 1 memorable pass he made (to AM in the first couple of games against Ottawa)....since then he is a tire fire with the puck.

If you can't pass...can't skate...aren't bowling people over with hits...what good are you?

 

[Once]

I don’t mind Joe as our 12th guy but if he’s on the PP I’d prefer him in the high slot, net front or behind it.

 

[Stephen]

I find it strange that Jason Spezza consistently outperforms Joe Thornton but he gets all the PP1 assignments and consideration to move up the lines and less ice time.

 

[Petrus]

On the broadcast last night they mentioned that Jumbo was hanging out with Sandin after practice the other night advising him, mentally helping him, getting him ready for the upcoming game. In additiona to trying his best on the ice, it seems like Jumbo is trying to get guys emotionally engaged and prepared the right way, which is important for playoff games where the stakes are higher and the pressure could be unnerving for certain guys (especially the inexperienced or ones with anxiety).

When Jumbo was with the Sharks he helped create an atmosphere that was conducive to winning and overcoming adversity. He was the guy who when stressed, he would just take his shirt off. Now during interviews, our captain Couture often does them shirtless! And Joe introduced Burns to massive, overgrown beards and beard care products. Look great, play great right?! And I'm sure you've heard the stories about Joe, illusive four-goal-games, and taking and his rooster out and ******* it to celebrate!!!!

P.S. Go Manny Malhotra too! Go Leafs!

Thanks for this! The young players on the team need this kind of presence on the team.

Long term, the young players will be better for having Thornton around.

 

[Pi]

I would seriously consider Nick Roberterson for Game 4. I don't want Thornton playing back to back.

 

[Mickey Marner]

He's just not an everyday player at this point, and definitely not a top twelve forward for us. I assume he's in the lineup to provide a morale boost and keep the bench a lively place. Just wish he'd stay off the PP.

 

[HellasLEAF]

I like that he is on the roster I do. But can we put a more effective player in his place?

Yes.

That fact Engvall sat out to dress Joe Game 1 is shocking I will say Engvall was all over the ice.

 

[ER89]

Also imagine nitpicking the 12th forward on a team. Name one team without a deficiency. This fan base is nauseating

This might be true if we didnt have better options available to us. Brooks has offered more at this stage of their respective careers. And its a hockey board. What else do you expect people to discuss? Smh.

 

[socko]

I would seriously consider Nick Roberterson for Game 4. I don't want Thornton playing back to back.

Nic won't be playing again this year because he has no games left before the ELC slide. Adam Brooks can play though.

 

[Dreakmur]

I find it strange that Jason Spezza consistently outperforms Joe Thornton but he gets all the PP1 assignments and consideration to move up the lines and less ice time.

That’s what blows me away. He’s not even the best veteran option.

 

[klmdg]

Can't wait for the 'Why Brent Burns?' thread in about 5 years

 

[Leafsfan74]

Every player you can point to something positive, but I’m hard pressed to find one on ice attractive trait right now for Thornton. He literally looks a complete liability within this playoff pace, the heightened play of Spezza and decent contribution from Simmonds, only masking just how awful he truly looks. I hope I eat my words next game, but as it stands,he has no business suiting up. So just curious for any fans of Joe, what is he bringing to the table, why is he in the lineup?

Oddly, I saw a different player last night. I thought he and Simmonds were quite involved. Both were around the net on the PP as well, which is something I have been calling for often. Any time a player is around the net and you have an extra player, it creates havok and problems for the defense. Don't underestimate this contribution, it is what I sometimes refer to as the "uncredited assist".

In general, I have no problem seeing Thornton sat down if he isn't doing what needs to be done, I'm not my brother keeper. He is a 4th line player though, far less demands of him than if he were on the first line. I wasn't keen on the signing when it happened, but, I did understand the lockeroom, general leadership desire that brought him here.

Put it this way. If Joe brings a big body to use, fights hard along the boards and is not a defensive liability, he has done his job and can contribute. Let's not forget the seven game point streak he had down the stretch. He and Simmonds can contribute points once in awhile too, but their main jobs in my eyes is to be a presence. In Waynes case, it's to be a physical force, a nuisance, a guy who won't let anyone get away with abuse.

 

[demonslayer]

He was fine at the start of the season but after that injury oh boy.

 

[Ovate]

Thornton isn't great, but he's not the worst forward in our lineup. He's better defensively than Spezza, Simmonds, or Galchenyuk. Shouldn't be on our PP1 though.

 

[ShaneFalco]

Gee imagine complaining about Joe Thornton on your 4th line

 

[Stonehands1990]

Thornton isn't great, but he's not the worst forward in our lineup. He's better defensively than Spezza, Simmonds, or Galchenyuk. Shouldn't be on our PP1 though.

He was dead last on our team in xG% by a mile last night. He’s dragging his linemates down

Also having Thornton on the PP over Galchenyuk’s howitzer of a one timer is absolutely criminal. They expect offence from Galchenyuk but don’t give him any PP time to help get him in rhythm? Figure it out Keefe!

 

[Le Cobra]

tbh just plant him in front of the opposing goalie during the PP. I think thats your best ON ICE use for him

 

[PromisedLand]

I wonder if that's what Dubas is thinking now! Probably not what he expected.

he was playing on teh sharks 4th line. what did dubas expect to begin with?

 

[authentic]

I find it strange that Jason Spezza consistently outperforms Joe Thornton but he gets all the PP1 assignments and consideration to move up the lines and less ice time.

It's especially odd seeing as how he doesn't do anything offensively better than Spezza. Spezza has a pretty great slapshot and he's still a better playmaker in every way.

 

[DarkKnight]

Gee imagine complaining about Joe Thornton on your 4th line

Imagine just asking what he brings and instead of being able to cite something you attack the idea, inadvertently acknowledging the point.

 

[authentic]

I would seriously consider Nick Roberterson for Game 4. I don't want Thornton playing back to back.

I was just thinking this myself. I prefer his speed atleast over anything Thornton brings right now.