Mike Kostka
- Thread starter mjmgrand
- Start date
GhostofPotvin29
New member
Where did that come from? He was out there like half the game.
nutman said:
I agree. It will pay dividends long term in the form of winning games that maybe we shouldn't even win.
Who are we kidding? We looked sloppy last night and offensively out of sync, and Montreal was dreadful. But our defensive positioning and team game was as sound as I have seen for some time.
I don't believe there were more than 3 odd man rushes against us the entire game, and none of them were particularly dangerous.
Carlyle has them playing zone as opposed to man on man. Against better teams, it will work as well and we will actually see very competitive games where the Leafs are playing toe to toe with some of the juggernauts in the East. Our team speed is pretty impressive across 4 lines.
Finishing passes smoothly and our lines staying consistent while these guys continue to gel with one another; that will be the ticket if we have any chance.
Optimus Reimer
New member
If he continues to play like he did Saturday night, hope he stays when Gardiner returns.
I think Carlyle is showing a lot of confidence in him and he is not looking out of place at all. Still early, but he sure looks like he belongs. Odd, though, Gunner has looked a little off without Phaneuf.
Maybe when Gardiner gets back, he gets paired with Kostka and Gunner goes back with Phaneuf.
That would leave Liles with either Franson, Komi, Fraser or Holtzer. I suspect two of those four will likely get either sent down, bought out or traded, leaving seven d-men.
Second line has to get going or I suspect we will see Frattin back and some line-up changes.
Maybe when Gardiner gets back, he gets paired with Kostka and Gunner goes back with Phaneuf.
That would leave Liles with either Franson, Komi, Fraser or Holtzer. I suspect two of those four will likely get either sent down, bought out or traded, leaving seven d-men.
Second line has to get going or I suspect we will see Frattin back and some line-up changes.
BlueWhiteBlood
New member
When Gardiner gets back, Fraser is probably going on waivers. If Kostka keeps playing the way he is, I doubt Carlyle takes him off Phaneuf's side, as Phaneuf is playing well also.
BlueWhiteBlood
New member
He appears to handle the ice time very well. You don't see him winded on the bench or struggling to keep up, he's a horse out there. I wouldn't worry about it, unless he starts costing us games. I think he's been good for Dion, since he's been playing there, but that's me.
I believe the best game Phaneuf played was when paired with Gunnarsson. They complement each other quite well. I have nothing against Mike Kostka, but this is not about him. The key is to get the most out of our best D-men. Which is Phaneuf. Pair him with the guy who fits him best. Dion is offensively minded, so it should not be another offensively minded defenseman such as Gardiner, Kostka or Liles. Komi is Komi, Holzer and Fraser are not there yet. The only option you have is Gunnar, especially if they clicked quite well last season. Logic as well as sound management dictates that.
I would like to see Dion-Gunnar tandem for a few games and go from there. Kostka can play with Liles on power play. For regular shifts I would rather see them paired with stay-at-home types - Komi and Fraser/Holzer.
I would like to see Dion-Gunnar tandem for a few games and go from there. Kostka can play with Liles on power play. For regular shifts I would rather see them paired with stay-at-home types - Komi and Fraser/Holzer.
It is really remarkable when you think about it? Going from cracking the NHL first games to top minutes in the league AND not looking out of place. There is quite a bit to like about his game. He seems to always have his head up. He makes good break out passes and has a decent shot. For the most part, he makes good decisions, especially considering this level and speed is all new to him. When he does mess up a little, he seems to know it immediately and hustles quick to try to recover. He also seems to be aware of what's going on his zone and generally has some opposing player covered, as opposed to letting them room free. Not perfect, but I like a lot about him, especially given the circumstances. I think he'd adapt well with any pairing.Justin said:
I think Komisarek is the odd man out here, even more so than Fraser if performance is truly the measure, and I think with Carlyle it is. Once Gardiner gets back.
Long term, I think Liles either gets moved or bought out, once Rielly is ready to step in. Not that I don't like Liles, but he was brought in more of a power play guy (and a little soft on the defensive side), so with Phanuef, Kostka, Gardiner, Rielly and looks like Franson, can't really see a long term fit for Liles.
Zee
Active member
Nice interview with Kostka on TSN1050 right now.
highlites:
Local guy who grew up a Leafs fan, he knows everyone has an opinion on the team and how to "fix it"
Tries to tune out all the media stuff, doesn't listen to radio call in shows/talk shows
describes the experience playing for the Leafs as "surreal"
Biggest adjustment is speed of game and making decisions faster from the AHL
highlites:
Local guy who grew up a Leafs fan, he knows everyone has an opinion on the team and how to "fix it"
Tries to tune out all the media stuff, doesn't listen to radio call in shows/talk shows
describes the experience playing for the Leafs as "surreal"
Biggest adjustment is speed of game and making decisions faster from the AHL
Redleaf
Active member
Zee said:
Has he ever fit in well, eh? I've never seen a defenseman come into the NHL like this and help anchor the blue line so quickly. He's not great in any one aspect of the game, just good at almost every job and can play some solid minutes. Real nice pick up for the Leafs. I think we can part ways soon with Liles, and Komi because of his emergence. Nonis needs to go out and find a real good shut down type defenseman with both Gardiner and Rielly coming into the fold.
Heroic Shrimp
New member
Zee said:
He wasn't in the Leafs' organization until he was signed as a free agent last summer. He scored that fluky double OT goal that beat the Marlies in Game 3 of the Calder Cup final last year for Norfolk.