Canucks @ Leafs - Jan. 5th, 7:00pm - CBC, Fan 590

[ZBBM]

Was nice to see Hutch get the shutout, but I'm pretty sure the York U practice goalie for the Leafs could have won tonight

And before you say Can the leafs play like this all the time? I?ll ask if we can play the Pettersson-less Canucks all the time.

OTOH the Nux played the andersenless Leafs .... 

 

[ZBBM]

Hutch is >>> sparks.  He just looks much steady.  Big and in position.

I agree with you but it doesn't hurt that he's having a good game.

Yeah the guy who has had way more NHL experience looks more comfortable.

I think that Sparks has a more flippy floppy style in general that makes people nervous. Doesn't make you a bad goalie necessarily, but it is nerve wracking to watch.

Absolutely. Prior to his headshot, he was already quieter in net than games 1-4.

I'll never understand why Nylander tried to kill him.  Sparks seems like a good guy in the room.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1081746800774651904

Andreas Johnsson wasn't (this) fast either. Neither was Dermott. I think Connor Brown also hit a new speed this year.

Trevor Moore's puck carrying ability (coupled with his speed) gives the Leafs something they haven't had before: 4 lines of puck transition players -- Nylander, Marner, Kapanen, Moore -- i.e. an aerial attack (stretch pass) that can now be regularly augmented with a ground assault.

Secondary carry threats: Matthews, Tavares, Kadri, Johnsson, Rielly, Gardiner, Dermott, Ennis+

 

[Bender]

AM34 with a quiet 3pt night!

 

[hockeyfan1]

Hutchinson gives the Leafs the maturity and experience in the abscence of previous backups such as McElhinney & Pickard (Marlies).

Not meant to sound demeaning in any way to Sparks, but we can see the difference in goaltending styles.

Sparks could use even more impeovement and playing time.  Dubas obviously had faith in wantinf Sparks as the backup to Andersen in having shed McBackup and Pickard.

OnceSparks and Freddy return in earnest, Hutchinson.will most likely return to the Marlies (where O'Keefe can use him as a steady hand in net).

 

[TML fan]

I suppose you could argue that the Canucks were completely listless tonight and that's the reason, but it strikes me as odd that a team that loses 5-0 takes zero penalties.

 

[Zee]

I suppose you could argue that the Canucks were completely listless tonight and that's the reason, but it strikes me as odd that a team that loses 5-0 takes zero penalties.

Yeah, they had no energy, would have to try and hold up players on lazy plays but they called for nothing. I mean it didn't matter last night but it speaks to a larger problem where nhl refs seem content to keep the Leafs in dead last in PPs awarded for some inexplicable reason. The Leafs play with skill and pace and nobody is taking penalties against them?

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

 

[Andy007]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

There's been a few games where the leafs have got the short end of the stick, but that happens to every team. I think a more likely scenario is that teams are aware of the leafs PP strength (at least, as it was earlier in the year), and are being lectured by the opposing coaching staff before each game to watch the hooking and holding.

You could see in Moore's goal last night that the Vanc D could have likely prevented the chance with a bit of interference, but had to let Moore blow by him along the boards.

 

[Andy007]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

I see a lot of obstruction and other infractions by opposing teams that rarely gets called, and either the same level or obstruction, or infractions to an even less degree, that often gets called against Toronto. Granted I'm sure a lot of fans have the same perceptions about their particular team but it still doesn't explain them being last in the entire NHL.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

I see a lot of obstruction and other infractions by opposing teams that rarely gets called, and either the same level or obstruction, or infractions to an even less degree, that often gets called against Toronto. Granted I'm sure a lot of fans have the same perceptions about their particular team but it still doesn't explain them being last in the entire NHL.

Other than the fact that someone has to be last in the NHL?

 

[Highlander]

One would have thought Sam Gagner should have been recalled by Van. He is having quite the season with the Marlies. Has a high compete level, good motor.

 

[Andy007]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

I see a lot of obstruction and other infractions by opposing teams that rarely gets called, and either the same level or obstruction, or infractions to an even less degree, that often gets called against Toronto. Granted I'm sure a lot of fans have the same perceptions about their particular team but it still doesn't explain them being last in the entire NHL.

Other than the fact that someone has to be last in the NHL?

You mean the 2nd best team in the NHL that can skate faster than almost any team and has arguably the most skill in the league and is completely devoid of any grinder or enforcer type player? Yea, that doesn't fly with me.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

I see a lot of obstruction and other infractions by opposing teams that rarely gets called, and either the same level or obstruction, or infractions to an even less degree, that often gets called against Toronto. Granted I'm sure a lot of fans have the same perceptions about their particular team but it still doesn't explain them being last in the entire NHL.

Other than the fact that someone has to be last in the NHL?

It's also worth noting that the leafs are dead last in the NHL in shorthanded opps. If there was a consipiracy, wouldn't there be more penalties called against?

https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/team-stats?season=2018&category=SPECIAL+TEAMS&group=1&time=0&pos=0&team=1&page=1

 

[bustaheims]

It's also worth noting that the leafs are dead last in the NHL in shorthanded opps. If there was a consipiracy, wouldn't there be more penalties called against?

https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/team-stats?season=2018&category=SPECIAL+TEAMS&group=1&time=0&pos=0&team=1&page=1

Yeah. I read an article a couple weeks ago that suggested part of the reason the Leafs get less PP opportunities is because they take so few penalties. Generally, the refs try to keep the penalty totals fairly even (last night was obviously not an example of this), so, they sort of end up in the mindset that they can?t call the marginal stuff on one team when they have nothing to call on the other team or they have to call the marginal stuff on one because the other team is committing more serious fouls. That?s really more of what?s happening to the Leafs most nights.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I really think that it's not very becoming to try and blame the referees for everything. To think that the NHL refs have some sort of back room deal to keep the Leafs PP off the ice is a little far fetched.

It know it sounds crazy but I really can't wrap my head around the fact that the 2nd best team in the NHL, mainly comprised of uber talented, speedy, finesse players, without any goons or grinders on the roster, can be last in the entire NHL in PP opportunities. It just does not compute.

I get it, but that's still called a conspiracy theory. I mean, I don't see a lot of hooking and grabbing happening. Am I the only one?

I see a lot of obstruction and other infractions by opposing teams that rarely gets called, and either the same level or obstruction, or infractions to an even less degree, that often gets called against Toronto. Granted I'm sure a lot of fans have the same perceptions about their particular team but it still doesn't explain them being last in the entire NHL.

Other than the fact that someone has to be last in the NHL?

You mean the 2nd best team in the NHL that can skate faster than almost any team and has arguably the most skill in the league and is completely devoid of any grinder or enforcer type player? Yea, that doesn't fly with me.

I'm not sure what a grinder or enforcer would do for keeping PP opportunities down.

The leafs, for the most part(with the exception of Tavares) play an exterior type game. They keep control of the puck to the outside and move the puck quickly into the middle.

I mean, Marner is probably the most elusive of the bunch and I don't see him getting grabbed onto very often. He keeps the puck on his stick for very long periods of time and the opposing teams barely come into contact with him.

Like you said, many fans probably feel their team is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to officiating. I just don't buy them(the officials), as a collective, coming to the agreement to not call penalties against Toronto. Sorry man. The earth is round.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

It's also worth noting that the leafs are dead last in the NHL in shorthanded opps. If there was a consipiracy, wouldn't there be more penalties called against?

https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/team-stats?season=2018&category=SPECIAL+TEAMS&group=1&time=0&pos=0&team=1&page=1

Yeah. I read an article a couple weeks ago that suggested part of the reason the Leafs get less PP opportunities is because they take so few penalties. Generally, the refs try to keep the penalty totals fairly even (last night was obviously not an example of this), so, they sort of end up in the mindset that they can?t call the marginal stuff on one team when they have nothing to call on the other team or they have to call the marginal stuff on one because the other team is committing more serious fouls. That?s really more of what?s happening to the Leafs most nights.

Makes a ton of sense to me, at least. I guess it's more an example of the human condition rather than anything approaching a consipiracy.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Yeah. I read an article a couple weeks ago that suggested part of the reason the Leafs get less PP opportunities is because they take so few penalties. Generally, the refs try to keep the penalty totals fairly even (last night was obviously not an example of this), so, they sort of end up in the mindset that they can?t call the marginal stuff on one team when they have nothing to call on the other team or they have to call the marginal stuff on one because the other team is committing more serious fouls. That?s really more of what?s happening to the Leafs most nights.

I think this makes a little more sense than the "the Leafs are so good teams are afraid to take penalties against them" theory. Colorado leads the league in PP opportunities this season, and Tampa is 6th. Both teams obviously have pretty stacked top PP units and both have a better PP% than we do this season. At the same time though they also both TAKE a lot more penalties than we do. Colorado actually leads the league in PIMs and Tampa is 6th. So if I had to guess I'd say there's probably some kind of correlation there yeah.

That of course doesn't make it fair, but it does make more sense than thinking 44 NHL referees got together and decided to screw with the Leafs.