Most improved, biggest surprise so far

[Strangelove]

Yes, other teams start their top lines in the offensive zone, but that's what I mean and why I'm trying to put Grabovski's game in context - he's playing extremely tough minutes, and if he doesn't play them which line is going to?  The 1st and 3rd lines are producing offensively, but they're not defensively sound lines.

But Kadri has "outplayed" him because he's facing easier competition.  And that is if you only consider being outplayed to be a solely offensive thing. I don't want to say either player has "outplayed" the other, both are contributing significantly to the team, just in different areas.

If you think playing mediocre to bad defensive hockey amounts to the same contribution that Kadri has made, well frankly your wrong.  Grabo's been placed in his role largely because he doesn't seem capable of contributing in any other way this season (including PP minutes).  He's having a bad year.  Kadri is not.

No, he's been placed in that role since the season began.  And I'm not sure what you're basing that he's playing mediocre to bad defensive hockey on, save that you've seen him turn the puck over.  I've seen every player make multiple poor defensive plays.  What can you point to to say Grabovski has been bad?  Otherwise, we'll just have to have a difference of opinion on it.

I can point to the way he's playing - the way he's moving the puck, using he's teammates, checking his man.  And, if you want, I can point to his plus/minus relative to other players on the team.

Plus minus if you have to use that stat, well I don't think you can complain if your shutdown line can hold the fort at a -1 while playing against the other teams top line.  If you can come out even at the end of the night your going to win a lot of hockey games.  Let the Kessel and Kadri lines score your goals and of course their plus/minus will reflect that offensive output in comparison to Grabs.

I don't have to use that stat. I can point to how he's playing.  It been pointed out elsewhere that Grabo's line was dominated by the Hodgson line last game to the extent that Randy was forced to use Kadri's line in that match-up.  The latter line had little trouble fending Hodgson and co off, and generated significant offence to boot.  Similar observations could be made about other games.

Playing a defensive role is one thing, but if you're spending most of your shifts scrambling around in your own end, you're doing something wrong. Too often I see that happening with Grabovski.

Anyhow, enough with the derail.  By and large the Leafs are playing well.  My biggest surprise was how solid Reimer looked when he was healthy.  Though judging by Scrivens' play since, I have to think a lot of credit has to go to Randy's defensive system.  Night and day between this year and last.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Most improved area:  the coaching (Carlyle's "open-door policy" makes a huge difference.  The players can relate to him & feel more inclusive as a whole team concept)

Also, Dave Nonis & the organization (sans Burke).  So far, so very good in terms of decision-making as per which player plays, is called up, etc.

And of course, the team itself -- Kessel continues to shine, JVR is an excellent contributor, Kadri is one determined NHLer here to stay with his much-improved overall play, Bozak has emerged as the go-to centre, Komarov (he leads the team in hits with his gritty play -- whoa!), Fraser, Franson are contributing quite nicely on the backend, Phaneuf has improved (& is showing more leadership-- aftrrall, he's captain!), Reimer is back to being The Reimer we knew, Scrivens has been a pleasant surprise, Orr & McLaren hold the fort so to speak......I could go on and on, but one thing's for sure -- the entire team has improved somewhat.

Some players such as Kulemin or MacArhur may not be scoring as they once were, but are contributing with two-way play.  The same can be said for Grabovski, McClement, et al.

I like this team.  I'm hopeful for even more improvement in all areas -- Kostka for example, is one who could use that even though his defending may come into question.  He'll certainly get better in time as he continues to play, learn, and ultimately improve.  Same here for Gunnarson.

GO LEAFS GO!!

 

[Bullfrog]

I don't have to use that stat. I can point to how he's playing.  It been pointed out elsewhere that Grabo's line was dominated by the Hodgson line last game to the extent that Randy was forced to use Kadri's line in that match-up.  The latter line had little trouble fending Hodgson and co off, and generated significant offence to boot.  Similar observations could be made about other games.

Playing a defensive role is one thing, but if you're spending most of your shifts scrambling around in your own end, you're doing something wrong. Too often I see that happening with Grabovski.

Most lines have been dominated by that line. Vanek's tied with Crosby for the league lead in scoring.