Stars @ Leafs - Dec. 5th, 7:00pm - LeafsTV, SN 590

[Tigger]

The Leafs killed the penalties they took against Dallas... it's a silly argument, still.

I expect better discipline from my 4th line specialist whose biggest role on the team is killing penalties. Last season he took 3 minor penalties in 48 games. This season he has 8 in 28.

Ok, so when I say '4th line specialist' I mean that's how he should be utilized. In Colarado, where he was a huge part of the pk makeover, he averaged 13:45 toi his last year, 10:35 ES. He had 12 minors and 1 major that year.

Last year his average toi increased to 15:14, 11:31 ES with 3 minors and 1 major.

This year his average toi again increased to 16:54, 12:39 ES with 8 minors in 28 games. Now, if that says anything to me it says that he's being asked to step up some while the Leafs are hurting and that it might be outside his comfort zone, however, I imagine the options start to thin out as time goes on for the coaches.

Anywho, I think a 4th line that can specialize and contribute 10 minutes of strong ES play is what the Leafs need and that Jay is an almost perfect fit in that role.

As far as the 'lazy' penalty goes, I'm struggling for context, I recall thinking it wasn't good but I don't have any video to ruminate on.

Also, to be fair, on the first goal Jay chased Cole back to the red line and got caught there behind him, he skated hard back but couldn't catch him and he was several strides ahead of the other Toronto forwards coming on from the line change, creativity from the defensmen aside...