Working nights, I have to PVR games, so I'll rarely be involved in game time discussion. The result of this is the feeling all night in a game like this that the Leafs were going to get killed and waiting for someone to say as much.
Anyway, like the Sabres game, I'm happy when the Leafs put up a good effort and I thought they understood that if they weren't energetic tonight, they'd be finished.
I think Reimer played very well, reminiscent of his first year at times. The goals were half-weak, but they were also Malkin and Crosby point-blank on plays that were either broken up or involving a bouncing puck. The main problem I see now, and I noticed this last year, is that Reimer is pretty bad, and slow, at tracking the puck when an opposing forward is controlling it behind the net. It was very noticeable tonight, so hopefully that gets worked on. Overall though, Reimer was excellent.
Tough break with Lupul, but in reference to some posts I read here tonight, it wasn't Phaneuf's fault. He's shooting, Lupul's job is to get in front and he was late reacting to the shot. Ideally, yes, Phaneuf shoots lower, but with his shot you can't limit him to tip-in opportunities. His accuracy is questionable for sure, like his point-blank shot early in the game that went wide, but his cannon is a weapon and it's up to Lupul to get out of the way on a high one.
Tyler Bozak is a good hockey player, in all situations. This is a guy we'll admire from afar, albeit in a different role probably, if he gets traded. Jay McClemment is also as advertised. I had faith in the PK for the first time in years when he was on the ice.
Colton Orr, nice job.
JVR is a potential weapon. He displayed the impact he can have on a game tonight, which I believe is greater than what Luke Schenn can contribute to the team. I just believe JVR's ceiling is higher and tonight was a glimpse.
Gardiner looked rusty, but still managed to make some good plays and notch an assist. I think he's actually for real as a solid NHL defenceman. So is Kadri, I've been impressed with him in all three games.
Kessel is snake-bitten, but he's putting himself in position to score and I loved seeing the emotion from him tonight when he assaulted the water bottle.
Nice shot by Grabbo.
Anyway, like the Sabres game, I'm happy when the Leafs put up a good effort and I thought they understood that if they weren't energetic tonight, they'd be finished.
I think Reimer played very well, reminiscent of his first year at times. The goals were half-weak, but they were also Malkin and Crosby point-blank on plays that were either broken up or involving a bouncing puck. The main problem I see now, and I noticed this last year, is that Reimer is pretty bad, and slow, at tracking the puck when an opposing forward is controlling it behind the net. It was very noticeable tonight, so hopefully that gets worked on. Overall though, Reimer was excellent.
Tough break with Lupul, but in reference to some posts I read here tonight, it wasn't Phaneuf's fault. He's shooting, Lupul's job is to get in front and he was late reacting to the shot. Ideally, yes, Phaneuf shoots lower, but with his shot you can't limit him to tip-in opportunities. His accuracy is questionable for sure, like his point-blank shot early in the game that went wide, but his cannon is a weapon and it's up to Lupul to get out of the way on a high one.
Tyler Bozak is a good hockey player, in all situations. This is a guy we'll admire from afar, albeit in a different role probably, if he gets traded. Jay McClemment is also as advertised. I had faith in the PK for the first time in years when he was on the ice.
Colton Orr, nice job.
JVR is a potential weapon. He displayed the impact he can have on a game tonight, which I believe is greater than what Luke Schenn can contribute to the team. I just believe JVR's ceiling is higher and tonight was a glimpse.
Gardiner looked rusty, but still managed to make some good plays and notch an assist. I think he's actually for real as a solid NHL defenceman. So is Kadri, I've been impressed with him in all three games.
Kessel is snake-bitten, but he's putting himself in position to score and I loved seeing the emotion from him tonight when he assaulted the water bottle.
Nice shot by Grabbo.
