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2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

Not that I'm saying I want ROR back but one big difference is Berube being the coach now. At the same time, after talking to some people who are close to ROR but not personally speaking to him, his issue with Toronto wasn't really about the team itself but everything else around the team. Even with the coaching change and more playoff style of hockey that doesn't change the circus around the team that he hated. I think there would be a better chance of him wanting to come back if he was a pending UFA, not if he has 2 years left on his deal after this. I also don't think that ROR is really someone I would want to tie up 2 years of salary into to be the 3C when we probably should be looking to upgrade 2C if Tavares is going to stick around for the next few years. Tavares in easier matchup 3C role with some winger work if he's still productive up the lineup and Minten as 3C/4C makes more sense than having Matthews/Tavares/O'Reilly for 25 million.


........although again, with the cap going up, O'Reilly at 4.5M isn't really all that bad.
 
I wonder if someone will post some zone time data, because it is looking like
a) the Leafs are gaining the zone more regularly, and
b) attacking the net more quickly after entry
c) no one is really standing still for too long (except maybe Knies)
The PP looks notably different when Marner is roaming. He's so good at starting high at the blue line and shifting to find a way to pull toward the centre of the ice and his passing threat has defenders back off him, letting him get closer to the high slot than if Rielly was playing in that spot. Matthews has also been leaving the low corner more to be a pass option a bit higher up in the zone and I think that has helped get him the puck more because it stretches the PK unit instead of being able to collapse down around the crease. while the high defender presses the puck carrier.
 
The PP looks notably different when Marner is roaming. He's so good at starting high at the blue line and shifting to find a way to pull toward the centre of the ice and his passing threat has defenders back off him, letting him get closer to the high slot than if Rielly was playing in that spot. Matthews has also been leaving the low corner more to be a pass option a bit higher up in the zone and I think that has helped get him the puck more because it stretches the PK unit instead of being able to collapse down around the crease. while the high defender presses the puck carrier.

PP1 is the worst when they just stand still and hope something opens up with their perimeter passing (i.e. all their previous playoff PPs).

It's been most effective when using both Marner and Nylander as the rovers (they hand off and sub each other very easily).

I like the in and out play they've scored on twice recently when the PK sells out on covering Matthews: top of the circle to bumper and up to 'D' for a rebound generating shot. It can easily modify if the PK presses out to smother the D shot for a quick bump pass to Matthews or teeing up a one timer from the opposite circle with a righty up there.
 
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