Leafs @ Sabres - Nov. 29th, 4:00pm - TSN4, Fan 590

[ZBBM]

One player who we haven't talked about much is Hyman.  He has been ... not terribly visible since coming back.  I wonder where he fits in Keefe's style.

 

[Arn]

So yeah. Basically with some better goaltending and some less defensive zone brain farts that was probably a win.

So Hutchinson is 0-5-1? 

That does not work.

Maybe this is where we call up Woll, our AHL backup, to fulfil the Binnington prophecy from last year

 

[azzurri63]

Sabres have been dreadful lately. 4 points were definitely attainable. Oh well can't win them all. Hopefully a more complete game tomorrow. Too many mistakes today and Hutch couldn't bail them out. Defense still a work in progress.

High octane offense is fun to watch but they have a long way to go to on team defense.

That said, a backup is on Dubas's Xmas list.

I don't get it. Telling me they can't find a goalie anywhere thats better than what we have as a backup. Even in Europe, KHL? Dubas has messed up here and this goes back to last season.
You wonder if we had a decent backup the last 2 seasons where would we have actually finished in the standings and could that have made a difference in getting by the 1st round? Home ice.

 

[lc9]

Dubas refuses to address this problem.  I am not sure how he thinks this is going to work. You have to start getting points when Freddie rests.  1 out of 14 possible points.  That?s an organizational embarrassment. 

 

[lc9]

6 starts for Hutch, 5,4,4,5,5,5. He has yet to allow less 4 goals.

 

[Highlander]

So yeah. Basically with some better goaltending and some less defensive zone brain farts that was probably a win.

So Hutchinson is 0-5-1? 

That does not work.

Maybe this is where we call up Woll, our AHL backup, to fulfil the Binnington prophecy from last year

I am glad Arn saw the same vision as me.. We need a Wall as a back up. Berlin preferable.

 

[Guilt Trip]

One player who we haven't talked about much is Hyman.  He has been ... not terribly visible since coming back.  I wonder where he fits in Keefe's style.

Normally I'd agree but he is coming off a major injury. He may not fit the plan tho. 3rd line possibility.

 

[Highlander]

Surprisingly Hyman looked like his ol self in the last few games with Babcock, but has not fit into the ?new? system as yet.
Gotta give him another 5-10 games to access

 

[Guilt Trip]

Some thoughts...
1) Was this Hutch's last game? He certainly didn't help his cause though the Leafs were careless in the dzone.
2) Is this a "wake up call" game (Leafs thinking they'd roll over this team especially with the 2-0 lead)? Or has the Keefe bounce worn off and this is what the Leafs are? Not sure.
3) Maybe it's time to move on from Gauthier. He didn't look terrible at the start of the year but lately...what does he bring? No physical play (Petan and Timashov are tougher in the corners than him), no offense, not quick enough for PK. Maybe when Kerfoot is back Engval goes to 4th line center and Gauthier comes out? I'd consider it.

1...I think you're right. Not totally on him but he has to come up with a save for the team and his job.
2..Kerfe effect hasn't even taken place yet. This isn't an overnight thing. It's hard to break the bad habits/play the Leafs have been doing for the first 1/4.
3..Agree. Goat is not good on this team. Doesn't have the wheels or hands for the high pressure game. I think we may see Engvall stay but that's dependant on the cap. Kid looks solid.
Lot of ifs in this game. If Nylander buries 1 of his breakaways. If Kappy  scores on his shorty chance the Sabres go away and its an easy win. Oh well let's see how they respond tonight.

 

[Bullfrog]

Here's something to think about. When Marner comes back and goes on JT's line, who comes off it? Mikheyev has 6 points in 5 games on that line. I would be tempted to leave him there.

I'd have:
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Hyman-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Engvall/Timashov/Spezza/Petan in some order

 

[Chris]

2..Kerfe effect hasn't even taken place yet. This isn't an overnight thing. It's hard to break the bad habits/play the Leafs have been doing for the first 1/4.

Yeah, I didn't state things as clearly as I should have. I meant the standard "new coach bounce" that often sees teams play with renewed energy and attention to detail when a coach is replaced, for a few games at least. You're right that over time Keefe should get his system implemented and the team should get better at what he is asking them to do. Unless they just don't want to play better defense or are incapable of it (but I don't believe they are incapable, they just have to want to do it). We'll see.

3..Agree. Goat is not good on this team. Doesn't have the wheels or hands for the high pressure game. I think we may see Engvall stay but that's dependant on the cap. Kid looks solid.
Lot of ifs in this game. If Nylander buries 1 of his breakaways. If Kappy  scores on his shorty chance the Sabres go away and its an easy win. Oh well let's see how they respond tonight.

If Goat just took advantage of his size more I'd be willing to live with his other deficiencies. Paste a few guys along the  boards, stick up more for his teammates. Last night I saw him get completely knocked off the puck by a much smaller defender. There was also a scrum at some point and he just leisurely skated over not getting there until after his much smaller teammate was finished getting worked over. I had some hope when he went after...was it Wilson who had slammed Barrie a couple of weeks ago? But that is a very rare thing for him or anyone on this team.  Petan getting abused by 2 Sabres last night after the whistle and no one came in to help out.