Blues @ Leafs - Feb. 9th, 7:30pm - SNO, TSN 1050

[Kin]

Yeah, I'm willing to throw defence basically out the door for 3-on-3. Play Kadri-Nylander, Matthews-Marner, and Bozak-JVR + Rielly/Gardiner/Zaitsev. Nobody else should see the ice unless a guy is absolutely gased, and then Brown goes out.

I think you still want to use smart matchups though. Personally my 6 would be Kadri/Nylander, Matthews/Brown and Marner/JVR(I don't care a ton about faceoffs) but even within that context I'd want to use Kadri against the other team's best.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

And to be fair, Komarov is 7th among Leafs forwards in 3-on-3 ice-time this season (surprisingly JVR is a tad behind him). So it's not like Babcock is using him a ton.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I think you still want to use smart matchups though. Personally my 6 would be Kadri/Nylander, Matthews/Brown and Marner/JVR(I don't care a ton about faceoffs) but even within that context I'd want to use Kadri against the other team's best.

For sure, I'd be completely fine with those combinations too and definitely understand having Kadri used in that way. My main message is basically "don't play Komarov in OT".

I don't necessarily think the team lost in overtime specifically because Komarov was out there tonight either. It's just something I don't think should happen.

 

[azzurri63]

I'm sure Babs has his reasons, but Komorov and Kadri right off the hop? We've got three kids with amazing wheels that were made for open ice 3 on 3- get them out there.

Do you want to use the kids against Tarasenko though? None of them are all-star defenders.

I would go with my best offensive players and take my chances. I understand what you're saying Nik but I would rather lose it with them on the ice than stone hands Komarov. 3 on 3 is about puck possession. All 3 Leafs there backed off Tarasenko. They should have pressured and taken space away. 

 

[Kin]

For sure, I'd be completely fine with those combinations too and definitely understand having Kadri used in that way. My main message is basically "don't play Komarov in OT".

I don't necessarily think the team lost in overtime specifically because Komarov was out there tonight either. It's just something I don't think should happen.

Absolutely I think Babcock makes some sub-optimal choices in that regard. Like you say though, that's not why the team lost. The team could have put out whatever the ideal combination would be and Tarasenko is still capable of ending it quickly.

 

[Kin]

I would go with my best offensive players and take my chances. I understand what you're saying Nik but I would rather lose it with them on the ice than stone hands Komarov.

Like Carlton said those are two separate issues. I don't love the choice of Komarov in OT either but that's not the reason the team lost. You should still look for the best matchups in OT and that will usually involve Kadri vs. the other team's best. Unfortunate fact of reality is you can matchup perfectly and still lose. There isn't an easy way to shut down Tarasenko(or any other elite player)

 

[herman]

Komarov is playing with a semi busted left wrist, btw.

 

[Zee]

I missed the game as I was at my wife's work function last night.  Looking at the stats I take it Andersen got back on track? 

Was Allen playing well or did the Leafs not get many scoring opportunities?

 

[Deebo]

And to be fair, Komarov is 7th among Leafs forwards in 3-on-3 ice-time this season (surprisingly JVR is a tad behind him). So it's not like Babcock is using him a ton.

Where do you get TOI broken down like that?

 

[Kin]

Where do you get TOI broken down like that?

Can't answer for CtB but you can get it here:

stats.hockeyanalysis.com

 

[dekedastardly]

I thought it was strange how the Leafs come out of the gate like a ball of fire and completely deflate after the Blues get one. They need to find ways to regain their composure more quickly. Andersen standing on his head like he did should be inspirational enough.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Where do you get TOI broken down like that?

Can't answer for CtB but you can get it here:

stats.hockeyanalysis.com

I used Corsica, but yeah both work.