Red Wings @ Leafs - Dec. 23rd, 7:30pm - SN, Fan 590

[Zee]

I didn't see it but it doesn't surprise me that Kapanen won it in OT.  I think he's got a flair for clutch goals, beginning in the Juniors a few years back.

 

[herman]

Puck luck during coin flip time is fun:

This glorious chance hits the bar:
https://twitter.com/ChartingHockey/status/1077039922408812544
https://twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/1077049278701453313

This isn't even a shot attempt, it's a missed/hooked pass that just happened to roll on edge through the gap that was the width of the puck's height:
https://twitter.com/davidnestico200/status/1077042888981340167
https://twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/1077046762450358272

?\_(ツ)_/?

 

[Kin]

People will give Bernier a tough time on that one and deservedly so but Bertuzzi couldn't have screened the puck any better.

 

[ZBBM]

People will give Bernier a tough time on that one and deservedly so but Bertuzzi couldn't have screened the puck any better.

And slashed Kadri pretty good after Naz was making sure the puck crosses the goal line. 

 

[Guilt Trip]

Under the radar, Zaitsev and Hainsey played clean games.

Holl was a mess. He's not likely back in any time soon, but I still think that's because he hasn't gotten any playing time to settle. It's easier for Marincin to come in cold because his game is to make nothing happen. Holl's game is to try to generate (he was F1 like 3 times tonight); he might have to adjust that mentality for spot duty.

I'll put that on Bab's. Holl is sitting way too much. 2 games in 30+ just doesn't cut it for players. Look how long it's taking Nylander to be effective and he's a lot more talented. I think it's such a waste and he's actually regressed because he isn't playing. Too bad because I thought he could be an NHLer.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Under the radar, Zaitsev and Hainsey played clean games.

Holl was a mess. He's not likely back in any time soon, but I still think that's because he hasn't gotten any playing time to settle. It's easier for Marincin to come in cold because his game is to make nothing happen. Holl's game is to try to generate (he was F1 like 3 times tonight); he might have to adjust that mentality for spot duty.

I'll put that on Bab's. Holl is sitting way too much. 2 games in 30+ just doesn't cut it for players. Look how long it's taking Nylander to be effective and he's a lot more talented. I think it's such a waste and he's actually regressed because he isn't playing. Too bad because I thought he could be an NHLer.

I was thinking along the same lines, such as what happened to Holl.

Expectations of him, from what we've seen before, are semi--high but he seemed off-key in this game.  Very definitely not the Justin Holl of games past.  Perhaps more playing time will help to improve & ameliorate his game.

That is why I also advocate Babcock play Sparks a little more  (other than to take the load off of Freddie). 

 

[L K]

Greg Millen did a little Festivus shtick during the game.  His beefs:

1) Get rid of the shootout and go to continuous 3 on 3 OT - Fine
2) Continue to reduce goaltender pad size - Fine
3) Take technology away from coaches on the bench - ????

 

[hockeyfan1]

Greg Millen did a little Festivus shtick during the game.  His beefs:

1) Get rid of the shootout and go to continuous 3 on 3 OT - Fine
2) Continue to reduce goaltender pad size - Fine
3) Take technology away from coaches on the bench - ??? ?

That's just about the silliest thing I've ever heard of nowadays. 
He should take a flight to Space...

 

[Bullfrog]

He is frustrating sometimes but there's no way you honestly believe what you're saying.

He's easily, easily, our 2nd best player in the position that we're the weakest at. Anyone who thinks losing him will make our team better is quite frankly nuts.

But his giveaways!

I remember when that bum McCabe was always giving the puck away. I mean, he was also putting up 50+ points, hitting everything, and killing penalties, but man those giveaways.

Since when do you use the quote button, hmm?

I feel shame I didn't remove the extraneous nested quotations.

Damn it. I did it again.

 

[L K]

Nylander looked really good.  Probably doesn't help right now that Kadri is in a bit of a slump because he had a few really good feeds that either ended up off a post or were fumbled passes last night.  He was flying.

 

[Kin]

Nylander looked really good.  Probably doesn't help right now that Kadri is in a bit of a slump because he had a few really good feeds that either ended up off a post or were fumbled passes last night.  He was flying.

For all the talk about Nylander and differing opinions on when he should be back to his old self I think the best approach would probably be, since the Leafs are invested in his next five and a half years, to let him get to where he needs gradually without stressing about it too much so long as the team keeps winning. Should his lack of scoring really start to hurt the team that would be one thing but as is they can allow him to find his game and rely on the rest of the club for now.

 

[ZBBM]

Nylander looked really good.  Probably doesn't help right now that Kadri is in a bit of a slump because he had a few really good feeds that either ended up off a post or were fumbled passes last night.  He was flying.

For all the talk about Nylander and differing opinions on when he should be back to his old self I think the best approach would probably be, since the Leafs are invested in his next five and a half years, to let him get to where he needs gradually without stressing about it too much so long as the team keeps winning. Should his lack of scoring really start to hurt the team that would be one thing but as is they can allow him to find his game and rely on the rest of the club for now.

What are you, the Pillsbury Doughboy?  Screw sensitivity. Trade his ass, now.  On Xmas eve.  During the trade freeze.  To Seattle.

 

[L K]

Nylander looked really good.  Probably doesn't help right now that Kadri is in a bit of a slump because he had a few really good feeds that either ended up off a post or were fumbled passes last night.  He was flying.

For all the talk about Nylander and differing opinions on when he should be back to his old self I think the best approach would probably be, since the Leafs are invested in his next five and a half years, to let him get to where he needs gradually without stressing about it too much so long as the team keeps winning. Should his lack of scoring really start to hurt the team that would be one thing but as is they can allow him to find his game and rely on the rest of the club for now.

Yeah it's a great point.  I don't really care if Nylander scores any goals between now and April as long as he is able to pot a bunch in the postseason.

 

[Guilt Trip]

It isn't about Nylander scoring that has me concerned. His effort has been terrible in most of his  games. Last night he looked engaged and worked his butt off. Everyone said he played well. That's what I expect from him every game, nothing less. No excuse for lack of effort.

 

[L K]

It isn't about Nylander scoring that has me concerned. His effort has been terrible in most of his  games. Last night he looked engaged and worked his butt off. Everyone said he played well. That's what I expect from him every game, nothing less. No excuse for lack of effort.

I think your perception of a lack of effort is being confused with a player not being in game shape.  You can't force yourself into game shape and expecting a player to be there on Day 1 is asinine.

 

[Guilt Trip]

It isn't about Nylander scoring that has me concerned. His effort has been terrible in most of his  games. Last night he looked engaged and worked his butt off. Everyone said he played well. That's what I expect from him every game, nothing less. No excuse for lack of effort.

I think your perception of a lack of effort is being confused with a player not being in game shape.  You can't force yourself into game shape and expecting a player to be there on Day 1 is asinine.

No I'm not confused. I know the difference and his effort has been lacking at times in some games. I should correct it tho, it hasn't been most games. Don't know why I said most. Even Babs said I think 2 games ago that Willy just isn't good enough. He wasn't talking about being in game shape. Do I think he'll get back into form? Absolutely I have no doubt he will. I  want to see last night's effort every game. I also want to see Nylander with Matthews and Kappy like they started last night but I don't think we'll see it because that would leave Marleau and Brown with Kadri and that line doesn't do anything for me.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I don't really care if Nylander scores any goals between now and April as long as he is able to pot a bunch in the postseason.

I see your point, but I'd like to see Nylander start producing to at least his historical asap and for the rest of the regular season, so that it will help contextualize Marner's ask in the offseason.

 

[Zee]

I don't really care if Nylander scores any goals between now and April as long as he is able to pot a bunch in the postseason.

I see your point, but I'd like to see Nylander start producing to at least his historical asap and for the rest of the regular season, so that it will help contextualize Marner's ask in the offseason.

He'll score next game, Nylander looked a lot more dangerous the last game.

 

[Bender]

I don't really care if Nylander scores any goals between now and April as long as he is able to pot a bunch in the postseason.

I see your point, but I'd like to see Nylander start producing to at least his historical asap and for the rest of the regular season, so that it will help contextualize Marner's ask in the offseason.

Agreed but not everyone can score at a high clip. Scoring will be reallocated elsewhere to other players. Just look at Naz for example.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I don't really care if Nylander scores any goals between now and April as long as he is able to pot a bunch in the postseason.

I see your point, but I'd like to see Nylander start producing to at least his historical asap and for the rest of the regular season, so that it will help contextualize Marner's ask in the offseason.

Agreed but not everyone can score at a high clip. Scoring will be reallocated elsewhere to other players. Just look at Naz for example.

Not sure if I'm following. Once Nylander is back up to speed, and playing full time with Matthews, why wouldn't we expect to see him bank points at his historical 5 on 5 as last year?