Game 33: Leafs @ Bruins - Mar. 25, 7:00pm - TSN, TSN 1050

[Redleaf]

Fraser isn't really a surprise, nor particularly good.

Im confused. Your not surprised he made the team out of the gate, but he isn't good enough??

I never said he isn't good enough, just that he's nothing special and is an average d-man.  I also didn't say I was surprised, but that Fraser was likely not a surprise for the Leafs management/coaching staff when he was brought in - this is basically what he does and what he's done since with New Jersey.

I have to admit I was caught off guard seeing Frasier make the Leafs this season and even more surprised with his play to this point, especially when most of the talk leading up to the start of the season was focused around Holzer coming up. I don't know how you can not be surprised by this kids play. Nothing fancy, if that's what you mean by 'average'?  but he plays a rock solid defensive game. Exactly what the Leafs need back there.

 

[ZBBM]

Fraser isn't really a surprise, nor particularly good.

Im confused. Your not surprised he made the team out of the gate, but he isn't good enough??

I never said he isn't good enough, just that he's nothing special and is an average d-man.  I also didn't say I was surprised, but that Fraser was likely not a surprise for the Leafs management/coaching staff when he was brought in - this is basically what he does and what he's done since with New Jersey.

So far -- so far -- he's been a solid stay-at-home who hits, rarely makes a dumb play, doesn't take needless penalties, and can shoot the puck to boot.  Maybe that's nothing special to rest of the league, but it's been a helluva long time since we've had that kind of a guy on the blueline for us.  I think he's been a very pleasant surprise.  Don't recall anyone predicting he'd make the team out of camp.

 

[Boston Leaf]

I would dress Hamilton and sit MacArthur..

 

[Corn Flake]

Fraser isn't really a surprise, nor particularly good.

Im confused. Your not surprised he made the team out of the gate, but he isn't good enough??

I never said he isn't good enough, just that he's nothing special and is an average d-man.  I also didn't say I was surprised, but that Fraser was likely not a surprise for the Leafs management/coaching staff when he was brought in - this is basically what he does and what he's done since with New Jersey.

I have to admit I was caught off guard seeing Frasier make the Leafs this season and even more surprised with his play to this point, especially when most of the talk leading up to the start of the season was focused around Holzer coming up. I don't know how you can not be surprised by this kids play. Nothing fancy, if that's what you mean by 'average'?  but he plays a rock solid defensive game. Exactly what the Leafs need back there.

He has been a solid 3rd pairing guy.  I don't think anyone has expectations of him being more than that.  And yeah we really did need a solid 3rd pairing guy with toughness and reasonably strong defense at what a 3rd pairing guy should be able to provide.

 

[nutman]

I would dress Hamilton and sit MacArthur..

Agreed, to bad the coach won't. I was impressed with his play so much that I want to see him go at Boston again.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I'd have Hamilton in ahead of one of the bash brothers.

 

[nutman]

Fratten has been lacking, maybe he sits, and Hamilton goes in.

 

[lamajama]

I'd have Hamilton in ahead of one of the bash brothers.

If we were playing almost anyone other then Boston I'd agree but you
need a bit of deterrent when playing these guys.

And I'm sure Boston will be fired up too after losing to the Leafs. Lucic
will no doubt attempt some tomfoolery! Dagnabbit!

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I'd have Hamilton in ahead of one of the bash brothers.

If we were playing almost anyone other then Boston I'd agree but you
need a bit of deterrent when playing these guys.

And I'm sure Boston will be fired up too after losing to the Leafs. Lucic
will no doubt attempt some tomfoolery! Dagnabbit!

McLaren or Orr and Fraser can handle the Bruins, we're as tough to a man as they are and we have a handful of guys who can drop the gloves when needed.

There is just no need to have two goons in the lineup.

 

[Crucialness Key]

I'd have Hamilton in ahead of one of the bash brothers.

Yeah, I thought what with all his shotblocking and Charabaiting prowess he'd be kept in.  Maybe if McLaren hadn't scored last game he'd be out?

 

[L K]

A Bruins reporter said he rode the elevator with Blacker this morning in Boston, so it would appear he has been called up.

So how far down is Holzer now?

He'll be released by this afternoon I would imagine.

Seriously though, I think the Leafs saw all they needed of Holzer this year barring injury.  Maybe if they lose 2-3 guys and need a guy in the lineup he comes back up, but if he is just going to sit in the pressbox, might as well reward some other guys a game or two and let Holzer work on the things he struggled with at the NHL level.

 

[L K]

I'd have Hamilton in ahead of one of the bash brothers.

If we were playing almost anyone other then Boston I'd agree but you
need a bit of deterrent when playing these guys.

And I'm sure Boston will be fired up too after losing to the Leafs. Lucic
will no doubt attempt some tomfoolery! Dagnabbit!

McLaren or Orr and Fraser can handle the Bruins, we're as tough to a man as they are and we have a handful of guys who can drop the gloves when needed.

There is just no need to have two goons in the lineup.

Based on most nights I would agree.  However, the 4th line on Saturday actually had a really strong game.  They were sound defensively and had some scoring chances/a goal.  Since Orr can do no wrong in Carlyle's eyes, McLaren really doesn't deserve to sit after scoring last game.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Based on most nights I would agree.  However, the 4th line on Saturday actually had a really strong game.  They were sound defensively and had some scoring chances/a goal.  Since Orr can do no wrong in Carlyle's eyes, McLaren really doesn't deserve to sit after scoring last game.

I hear you, but if it was me personally, I'd sit Orr.

 

[Highlander]

Frattin came very close to scoring on Saturday, his puck went over their Goalie and was saved from crossing the line by the D-Man.
I think he is due very soon. His touch will return.

 

[Redleaf]

Frattin came very close to scoring on Saturday, his puck went over their Goalie and was saved from crossing the line by the D-Man.
I think he is due very soon. His touch will return.

Love to see one tonight. A game winner would be something special.

 

[freer]

Please just play a full 60 mins

and we will win

 

[Stickytape]

I love that I have absolutely no idea how this game will turn out.  To some extent the ball is in Boston's court; I want to see how they respond to the last game.  Hopefully it'll be "second verse, same as the first."

Also, the Devils are in Ottawa, so that's one to keep an eye on.

 

[iwas11in67]

Leafs get at least a point at 2-2 in regulation.

 

[hap_leaf]

GO LEAFS GO

I am so pumped up for this game.  There will be some serious fireworks.

GO LEAFS GO

Leafs win it 2-1.

 

[Redleaf]

Leafs get at least a point at 2-2 in regulation.

I'd be happy with 3/4 points against the Bruins.