Rangers vs. Maple Leafs - Dec. 12th, 7:00pm - TSN4, SN590

[Guilt Trip]

Dads are three sheets to the wind. 

Rags goal song?

 

[herman]

This was a pleasant surprise.

 

[Guilt Trip]

3 of 4 points in New York is a fantastic result.

Especially with the flu running through the team, the #1 guy out and all the injuries on D

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/tictactomar/status/1734764427084210515
Kampf has the best cellies

 

[cw]

3 of 4 points in New York is a fantastic result.

Against a pretty hot team 7-1-2 and then against the team tied for the best pts win% in the league.

And a bunch of them were fighting the flu ...

 

[L K]

Bobby McMann ended up a -2 in a 7-3 game.  Probably isn't going to help how he is viewed by Keefe who already likes playing Reaves over him

 

[herman]

https://x.com/mapleleafs/status/1734770290062717191
They made it up to him

 

[Guilt Trip]

Bobby McMann ended up a -2 in a 7-3 game.  Probably isn't going to help how he is viewed by Keefe who already likes playing Reaves over him

Kampf was -2 as well until the empty better. Hard to lay blame on McMann for either goal. McMann lead the team in hits which will please Keefe.

 

[Bender]

3 of 4 points in New York is a fantastic result.

Against a pretty hot team 7-1-2 and then against the team tied for the best pts win% in the league.

And a bunch of them were fighting the flu ...

This team, for all its flaws, always seems to find ways to eke out points, and this ended up being an excellent game in the end.

 

[cw]

Bobby McMann ended up a -2 in a 7-3 game.  Probably isn't going to help how he is viewed by Keefe who already likes playing Reaves over him

Kampf was -2 as well until the empty better. Hard to lay blame on McMann for either goal. McMann lead the team in hits which will please Keefe.

The 2nd Wheeler goal, I can't find much fault with McMann on that goal. He was in the blue paint on a scoring chance and the puck came back quickly the other way.

The 1st one isn't as clear. It looked like Rielly took McMann's left wing spot on the draw. McMann seemed to be floundering on where he should be after the draw and he was looking for someone to take and went to the left wing as Rielly retreated towards the goal with a Ranger. But the Ranger who came down the left wing dished the puck off and they scored. Can't blame it all on McMann. I'm not sure what they expected him to do there. His coverage would have been clearer if they just left him on the left wing.

 

[ZBBM]

I predicted a 5-1 shellacking but clearly underestimated everybody, everywhere.

 

[Zee]

3 of 4 points in New York is a fantastic result.

Especially with the flu running through the team, the #1 guy out and all the injuries on D

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

 

[cabber24]

Feeling the mojo a little bit of late.

We might have something in Gregor playing up. He's got that complementary dog-on-a-bone style play that we have become accustomed to from that third guy on the top line. Feels a little like found money a little bit.

 

[cw]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

 

[caver]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

it's a nice problem to have... all 3 have done well.. so do you chase a Lybushkin?.. getting Gio and Lilly back creates a crowd.. if there is a move to be made I hope it is significant.. as tough as that is to do.

 

[cabber24]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

We could use some Alyn McCauley at C right now!

 

[cw]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

it's a nice problem to have... all 3 have done well.. so do you chase a Lybushkin?.. getting Gio and Lilly back creates a crowd.. if there is a move to be made I hope it is significant.. as tough as that is to do.

I think they have to aim higher than Lybushkin. They need a good top 4 physical dman - probably right handed. Add a decent 2-way center who can score some and they've got a playoff run shot if there are no major/season ending injuries.

Much easier said than done.

Even trickier if they try to add two dmen. Some players would have to be moved to make cap & roster room.

 

[Zee]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

I like Timmins.  Yes he has defensive warts, but he has a knack for offense.  You can't teach a guy when to jump up and make a play, you either have it or you don't.  Given more time I think he can improve his defensive positioning and reads, but as long as he can maintain his puck moving ability and slight offensive flair, I think he has a good career ahead of him.  Time will tell but he might be a keeper.

 

[cw]

I really want to see what this team looks like with both Liljegren and Giordano back. I'm liking the depth d-men and how they've contributed but time to get some stable pairs back.  Encouraging signs lately.

I'm still intrigued with Timmins, Legesson & Benoit. Haven't seen enough of Lajoie.
None of them have been flawless. We've seen some warts. One of them might emerge as a 6th if they keep getting NHL games. They've seemed like credible depth dmen who have all done ok in their roles and circumstances. It has left me wondering if we need any depth dmen or if we add to the top 4 whether one will land an asset (a low pick) rather than be lost to waivers. I wonder if any of them would clear waivers. The advantage from within is they know the team's system.

The #7, #8, #9 & #10 dmen along with the #3 goalie helped beat a team last night tied for the best pts win% in the NHL. I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Reminded me a little of the '02 playoffs when there were so many injuries and the AHLers filled in admirably - with a number of them eventually sticking.

In the next month, 13 games, 6 at home. Only 3 'tough' opponents (based on > .600 win%): Rangers, Islanders, Kings. So they've made it to a lull in the schedule where they can hopefully heal up.

I like Timmins.  Yes he has defensive warts, but he has a knack for offense.  You can't teach a guy when to jump up and make a play, you either have it or you don't.  Given more time I think he can improve his defensive positioning and reads, but as long as he can maintain his puck moving ability and slight offensive flair, I think he has a good career ahead of him.  Time will tell but he might be a keeper.

I see a little potential in all three of Timmins, Legesson & Benoit.
Jury is out. I need to see them a minimum of 20 games.

some examples:
Seems to be little questioning of Timmins offensive abilities. A liability with Timmins seems to be his handling of the puck. He can fumble it more often than others. I'm not sure of his positioning yet because he's played some on the left. He's only played a few games.

I was pretty enthusiastic about characteristics of Benoit's game because his physical play, shot blocking & PKing were badly needed but he got beat badly to the outside in the Rangers game and he's had some miscues.

Lagesson's strength and physical play surprised me pleasantly. I'm not sure about his puck battles and puck management.

I could easily make general statements something like the above about Justin Holl last year or some of the others. No one is perfect.

Timmins, Legesson & Benoit do not seem like a complete waste of time. I think we've been lucky to have them with Klingberg, Giordano & Liljegren injured. They've filled in credibly. Odds are probably against them but there is a chance that one of them could stick in the top six if they get more playing time. That's a nice problem to have under the circumstances.

Hard to get too excited though because when Giordano & Liljegren get back and they add a top 4 dman, they'll be in tough to get ice time. Tip of the cap to Treliving for this depth though.