Leafs @ Pens 7:30 PM EST, TSN

[DieWilsonDie]

He and Kessel are the heart of the problem.

Well, in truth the goaltending is probably the heart.  But those 2 are right there.

The heart of the problem is team defense, not the defensemen. Goaltending obviously has to sharpen up, but you can't blame all of this on one defenseman that plays more than any other.  Sure, he gets beat, but they were also playing a system that told them to push up and jump into the play every chance they get, that is going to expose them all the time, especially if the forwards are not going to bother covering them.

I am blaming Burke for building the blueline around a guy who is a terrible defender.  This idea that Phaneuf is somehow going to turn into a capable d-man if only given the right system is a fantasy.  In ANY system you would have to shield him with low minutes.  Instead he's out screwing up for us in all situations.

He's slow, he doesn't win puck battles, he doesn't clear the crease, he gives the puck away.  He's awful, and so yes, he's a huge part of the problem.

I want all the Phaneuf defenders out there to tell me exactly how they think he's going to suddenly become something which he has never been before, even in CGY.  Let alone that he wears the C, which by rights should be given to Grabovski if it were based on effort and results.

They should get rid of him.  I've been saying this for years.  He sucks, and ever since his first year in Calgary he has been completely exposed.  Phaneuf is only boosting his offensive stats because he has the benefit of playing minutes he doesn't deserve because Brian Burke's ego won't allow him to fix this problem. 

 

[ZBBM]

He and Kessel are the heart of the problem.

Well, in truth the goaltending is probably the heart.  But those 2 are right there.

The heart of the problem is team defense, not the defensemen. Goaltending obviously has to sharpen up, but you can't blame all of this on one defenseman that plays more than any other.  Sure, he gets beat, but they were also playing a system that told them to push up and jump into the play every chance they get, that is going to expose them all the time, especially if the forwards are not going to bother covering them.

I am blaming Burke for building the blueline around a guy who is a terrible defender.  This idea that Phaneuf is somehow going to turn into a capable d-man if only given the right system is a fantasy.  In ANY system you would have to shield him with low minutes.  Instead he's out screwing up for us in all situations.

He's slow, he doesn't win puck battles, he doesn't clear the crease, he gives the puck away.  He's awful, and so yes, he's a huge part of the problem.

I want all the Phaneuf defenders out there to tell me exactly how they think he's going to suddenly become something which he has never been before, even in CGY.  Let alone that he wears the C, which by rights should be given to Grabovski if it were based on effort and results.

They should get rid of him.  I've been saying this for years.  He sucks, and ever since his first year in Calgary he has been completely exposed.  Phaneuf is only boosting his offensive stats because he has the benefit of playing minutes he doesn't deserve because Brian Burke's ego won't allow him to fix this problem.

You've put the case very succinctly.

 

[jdh1]

Would Columbus take Phenuef as part trade for Nash?Wouldn't that be nice.

 

[azzurri63]

He and Kessel are the heart of the problem.

Well, in truth the goaltending is probably the heart.  But those 2 are right there.

The heart of the problem is team defense, not the defensemen. Goaltending obviously has to sharpen up, but you can't blame all of this on one defenseman that plays more than any other.  Sure, he gets beat, but they were also playing a system that told them to push up and jump into the play every chance they get, that is going to expose them all the time, especially if the forwards are not going to bother covering them.

I am blaming Burke for building the blueline around a guy who is a terrible defender.  This idea that Phaneuf is somehow going to turn into a capable d-man if only given the right system is a fantasy.  In ANY system you would have to shield him with low minutes.  Instead he's out screwing up for us in all situations.

He's slow, he doesn't win puck battles, he doesn't clear the crease, he gives the puck away.  He's awful, and so yes, he's a huge part of the problem.

I want all the Phaneuf defenders out there to tell me exactly how they think he's going to suddenly become something which he has never been before, even in CGY.  Let alone that he wears the C, which by rights should be given to Grabovski if it were based on effort and results.

They should get rid of him.  I've been saying this for years.  He sucks, and ever since his first year in Calgary he has been completely exposed.  Phaneuf is only boosting his offensive stats because he has the benefit of playing minutes he doesn't deserve because Brian Burke's ego won't allow him to fix this problem.

Totally agree with that. Burke's ego is a big problem and has cost us this season because of it. I don't want to get into that again you all know what I mean.

 

[ZBBM]

I feel real bad for Gus. He made some incredible saves and then....

I think I'd still let him keep going. Make him make a case for a new
contract. Either it's good and the playoffs or it's good and a top draft pick.

I would too.  But more to just let Reimer stay out of this mess.  Gus won't be re-signed, and as much as I had hoped otherwise, he doesn't deserve to be.

 

[azzurri63]

Would Columbus take Phenuef as part trade for Nash?Wouldn't that be nice.

They would be trying to shed some salary I would think and it would take a lot more than Dion who makes slightly less than Rick. Don't think they would want him. From what I heard they wanted a first-round draft pick, two top prospects and an effective player off an NHL roster. Phaneuf doesn't fit any of that criteria.

 

[Bonsixx]

That third goal on Gus was hilarious. The summation of his body of work as a Leaf. It looks like he's starting to meltdown mentally again too. He's transforming back into the "Blades of Steel" goalie whenever he gets scored on again.

BTW, anyone notice on Puck Daddy today they showed Reimer's new Optimus Reim mask? Nice timing, dude!

 

[Stickytape]

I say we send Connolly's leg down to the minors.

Seriously, though, I gave up on Phaneuf weeks ago - around when he seemed to have given up on the Leafs.  He showed some heart earlier in the year, but at some point he just stopped trying, and I have absolutely no love and no need for a guy like that.

 

[Bonsixx]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

 

[pnjunction]

3rd goal was the same one-knee down that Reims got beat doing a while back...seems like they either need to tighten that move up or get rid of it.

 

[azzurri63]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Yeah I agree. As much as dislike his play in the corners and shying away from the rough stuff he is what he is. Is that going to change in 4 years? Have to wait and see. His job is to score and he has done that in my opinion and albeit still without a #1 center.

 

[cw]

a bit of tweaking and this team will be fine...lol

Hmmm tweaking....

Here is a grocery list for Brian Burke:
1.  A number 1 goalie
2.  A veteran back up goalie
3.  A real first line center
4.  A real number one defender (because lets face the facts Phaneuf isn't capable of being that)
5.  Some grit in our bottom six forwards

"Hmmm tweaking...."

"re-tooling" ... ?

"re-building" ... ?


"re-tanking" 

 

[ZBBM]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Oh, I think we can blame Kessel for being on a line that has given up more even-strength goals than any other in the league.

He would have a lot of value to a good team where they can make up for his defensive ineptitude.  The Pens, to take just one example.  I'd love to see him dealt.  He would bring a good return from the right trading partner.

 

[ZBBM]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Yeah I agree. As much as dislike his play in the corners and shying away from the rough stuff he is what he is. Is that going to change in 4 years? Have to wait and see. His job is to score and he has done that in my opinion and albeit still without a #1 center.

He's a helluva scorer, no denying it.  But it has been offset, arguably more than offset, by his terrible defense.

Again, he's got value as trade bait.

 

[PG]

The main problem I have with Phaneuf is that I think it's a disgrace that he was named captain of the team. Not that the team has a storied history littered with championships...but still.

To go from Sundin to this guy is a slap in the face to the fans. It was pure arrogance by Burke, further trumpeting the trade. A trade that, in hindsight, involved nothing but garbage from both sides.

I don't believe the captain should be the team's best player, but it should be a smart player who isn't overpaid by 150%.

 

[ZBBM]

The main problem I have with Phaneuf is that I think it's a disgrace that he was named captain of the team. Not that the team has a storied history littered with championships...but still.

To go from Sundin to this guy is a slap in the face to the fans. It was pure arrogance by Burke, further trumpeting the trade. A trade that, in hindsight, involved nothing but garbage from both sides.

I don't believe the captain should be the team's best player, but it should be a smart player who isn't overpaid by 150%.

Sorry everyone, I'll get off the Phaneuf ranting after this, but I have to give you kudos for the bolded parts, they reflect so accurately how I feel.

 

[Bonsixx]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Oh, I think we can blame Kessel for being on a line that has given up more even-strength goals than any other in the league.

He would have a lot of value to a good team where they can make up for his defensive ineptitude.  The Pens, to take just one example.  I'd love to see him dealt.  He would bring a good return from the right trading partner.

Hey, if the Leafs could get a sick package in return for Kessel, I wouldn't hate the idea of pulling the trigger, but I don't feel he's a finished product at this point of his career and he's still, by far, the best offensive player on the team.

Putting Grabovski in his league, offensively, is a joke. (Disclaimer: And I love Grabovski.)

 

[Manson]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Oh, I think we can blame Kessel for being on a line that has given up more even-strength goals than any other in the league.

He would have a lot of value to a good team where they can make up for his defensive ineptitude.  The Pens, to
take just one example.  I'd love to see him dealt.  He would bring a good return from the right trading partner.

I wonder if you could get a guy like Seguin for him.

 

[ZBBM]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Oh, I think we can blame Kessel for being on a line that has given up more even-strength goals than any other in the league.

He would have a lot of value to a good team where they can make up for his defensive ineptitude.  The Pens, to take just one example.  I'd love to see him dealt.  He would bring a good return from the right trading partner.

Hey, if the Leafs could get a sick package in return for Kessel, I wouldn't hate the idea of pulling the trigger, but I don't feel he's a finished product at this point of his career and he's still, by far, the best offensive player on the team.

Putting Grabovski in his league, offensively, is a joke. (Disclaimer: And I love Grabovski.)

I'd trade Kessel for a proven goalie.  Heck, I'd trade him for Corey Schneider.  Well, almost.

 

[Bonsixx]

Another thing, anyone blaming Kessel for anything is ridiculous. He has improved by leaps and bounds this year and AGAIN, is still only a kid.

Let's wait and see what he looks like in four years when he's Grabovski's age before we throw the fifth-leading scorer in the NHL under the bus.

Oh, I think we can blame Kessel for being on a line that has given up more even-strength goals than any other in the league.

He would have a lot of value to a good team where they can make up for his defensive ineptitude.  The Pens, to take just one example.  I'd love to see him dealt.  He would bring a good return from the right trading partner.

Hey, if the Leafs could get a sick package in return for Kessel, I wouldn't hate the idea of pulling the trigger, but I don't feel he's a finished product at this point of his career and he's still, by far, the best offensive player on the team.

Putting Grabovski in his league, offensively, is a joke. (Disclaimer: And I love Grabovski.)

I'd trade Kessel for a proven goalie.  Heck, I'd trade him for Corey Schneider.  Well, almost.

I'd make them take Gustavsson too!