Sabres @ Leafs - Feb. 11th, 7:00pm - CBC, Fan 590

[herman]

Whoa fiery response from Matthews and Marner.

 

[ZBBM]

Too deep a hole, dug too early.

But they did play a lot of the 2nd and 3rd within 10 feet of Lehner, which was good.

Kadri and Marner look like they want to win bad.

 

[ZBBM]

I think Carrick would be fine on a bottom pairing, and Zaitsev as (say) a #4.  I just don't think we can have both Rielly and Gardiner filling 2 of 3 top roles.

If we're working under the assumption that Rielly at 22 is roughly as good as he's ever going to be, sure.

No, what I mean is that they are too similar in their games to anchor the first two lines.

 

[azzurri63]

I think if the Leafs had a better bottom pair they'd look significantly better.

If Marchenko could find some chemistry with Gardiner or Marincin it would be perfect in the short term.

Carrick is a guy who I think would improve a lot on a third pair too, wouldn't have as difficult competition and he has been a monster offensively when he played in the AHL.

What the heck we pick him up for? Marchenko that is. I can't comment on how he plays as I don't really recall watching him but can't see how horrible he can be when he was on the Russian World Cup roster. I know we can't expect much for a guy who's picked up on waivers, but give him a shot. Hopefully Babcock doesn't leave him in the press box like Corrado.

 

[Kin]

No, what I mean is that they are too similar in their games to anchor the first two lines.

I don't think of them as being super-similar but again, if we're operating under the assumption that Rielly won't significantly improve and turn some weaknesses into strengths that's probably true.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I think if the Leafs had a better bottom pair they'd look significantly better.

If Marchenko could find some chemistry with Gardiner or Marincin it would be perfect in the short term.

Carrick is a guy who I think would improve a lot on a third pair too, wouldn't have as difficult competition and he has been a monster offensively when he played in the AHL.

What the heck we pick him up for? Marchenko that is. I can't comment on how he plays as I don't really recall watching him but can't see how horrible he can be when he was on the Russian World Cup roster. I know we can't expect much for a guy who's picked up on waivers, but give him a shot. Hopefully Babcock doesn't leave him in the press box like Corrado.

The issue is that they've only had 1 practice and a couple of game day skates to try and get him up to speed on the system Babcock is playing. According to Babcock he'll get a look soon but they want to give him a few practices before throwing him in at the deep end.

I can see the point, it's not like he is a veteran they picked up, he is still fairly green in NHL terms and I'm sure they want him well schooled.

 

[azzurri63]

I think Carrick would be fine on a bottom pairing, and Zaitsev as (say) a #4.  I just don't think we can have both Rielly and Gardiner filling 2 of 3 top roles.

If we're working under the assumption that Rielly at 22 is roughly as good as he's ever going to be, sure.

No, what I mean is that they are too similar in their games to anchor the first two lines.

I would rate Zaitsev ahead of Gardiner. Honestly think he's more reliable defensively and can be better than he's shown offensively. Used more in an offensive role in the KHL. Babcock has held him back until lately especially on the PP. Jake I would slot as the #3 guy then Carrick then Hunwick and Polak.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Whoa fiery response from Matthews and Marner.

Loved the response from Marner, don't these Sabres know that Marner doesn't let anyone mess with his little carpool brother?

 

[azzurri63]

And all this rubbish on TSN regarding trading Nylander I hope is just to ramp up ratings. Kid is talented and going to be a bonafide star. Think we can improve the D without letting this kid slip away.

 

[azzurri63]

Well we came out flat and paid for it. Been doing that a lot lately. Could easily have closed the gap on the slumping  Habs with any kind of consistency and grabbing a few extra points these last couple weeks. Finally Herman I apologize if I offended you earlier. My Italian blood sometimes gets the best of me.

 

[Spider]

The Leafs should ask the league if they can change the game starts back to 7:30, as they seem to start playing better around that time.

 

[disco]

https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/830528943321145348
A day off, practice and then 5 games in 8 nights again. I think we're all in agreement this team is a bit better than they've been post all-star break. We're going to be fine.

 

[hockeyfan1]

https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/830528943321145348
A day off, practice and then 5 games in 8 nights again. I think we're all in agreement this team is a bit better than they've been post all-star break. We're going to be fine.

Ha! Ha!  They looked cute.

 

[herman]

Well we came out flat and paid for it. Been doing that a lot lately. Could easily have closed the gap on the slumping  Habs with any kind of consistency and grabbing a few extra points these last couple weeks. Finally Herman I apologize if I offended you earlier. My Italian blood sometimes gets the best of me.

Hey azzurri63,

No offence taken, and no offence intended when I poked a bit of fun at your expense. We are cheering for the same team to succeed.

 

[Zee]

Well we came out flat and paid for it. Been doing that a lot lately. Could easily have closed the gap on the slumping  Habs with any kind of consistency and grabbing a few extra points these last couple weeks. Finally Herman I apologize if I offended you earlier. My Italian blood sometimes gets the best of me.

Hehe, i know the feeling. My Italian roots cause me to lash out first and ask questions later

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/830615307827949570
www.twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/830615307827949570