Stars vs. Maple Leafs - Dec. 18th, 7:30pm - SN, TSN 1050

[cw]

While Oettinger probably wanted those two back and didn’t have a great night, I lean towards crediting the shooter. The Leafs turned the puck back to offense really quickly and placed excellent, deceptive quick shots on net at places that are not covered by default: five hole, low-glove. Jake looked like he didn’t see where either were going and any hesitation against NHL shooters will make any goalie look lost.

On the Robertson goal, the shot came through a Dallas player. A screen. With the Dallas player as the backdrop between the shooter and the goalie, I think Oettinger had trouble picking up the puck. Hard to stop what you can't see.
The McMann goal seemed more stoppable. I wouldn't call it soft. The release was quick and deceptive and the placement went to a very good spot: low glove above the pads just inside the post. I suspect a majority of NHL goalies would have stopped that shot while a number would have missed it.

 

[Ozzie]

These goals by the third line like Robertson, or McMann all relate to great hustle by the forwards. Robertson created his opportunity by hustling.

And the empty net goal was due to hustling too. There is buy in.

The goals against seem to come when Matthews doesn't hustle - which is mostly likely related to still being injured or rusty.... but the franchise won't give color on it. But defensively Matthews has at times been a liability TBH. But his offense is starting to click.

 

[herman]

Pretty oofy when Matthews was more of a liability than Reaves! But Matthews did do some good things: faceoffs were relatively solid, PK was strong. He did struggle with positioning against some rushes and shying away from contact. One of the goals against was after an icing mid-line change, so gas was likely a factor, and another was 5v6. As long as it’s not a pattern… (even though it has been kind of the whole season for him so far).

 

[cabber24]

Man thank god we signed Tanev and OEL. No idea where we'd be without them.

Very true, it's a change to not need to add 3 D at the deadline! I had no idea OEL would be such an integral piece.

A year ago today the top 7 would have been: Reilly, Benoit, McCabe, Liljegren, Brodie, Giordano, and Klingberg. Also had Lagesson and Timmins.

Trev has built a good roster.

 

[Frank E]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869561041618919672

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869564106128462033

I think it should be noted that Robertson actually turned the puck over on his goal and was super lucky to get it back on his stick...it's that kind of stuff that gets him benched if the Stars player doesn't bobble the puck.

The pass on the McMann goal was lovely though.

 

[cabber24]

I think it should be noted that Robertson actually turned the puck over on his goal and was super lucky to get it back on his stick...it's that kind of stuff that gets him benched if the Stars player doesn't bobble the puck.

The pass on the McMann goal was lovely though.

I rolled my eyes on what I thought was a giveaway which would have been a 3 on 2 from our blue line.

 

[dappleganger]

Pretty oofy when Matthews was more of a liability than Reaves! But Matthews did do some good things: faceoffs were relatively solid, PK was strong. He did struggle with positioning against some rushes and shying away from contact. One of the goals against was after an icing mid-line change, so gas was likely a factor, and another was 5v6. As long as it’s not a pattern… (even though it has been kind of the whole season for him so far).

I don't recall Matthews being so weak on pucks before. I think it's his wrist. Could also explain why I think his shot accuracy is down.

 

[Guilt Trip]

I rolled my eyes on what I thought was a giveaway which would have been a 3 on 2 from our blue line.

He was still in good position to get back. He was facing the right way immediately and the turnover wasn't at the blueline. Made a great recovery.

I think it should be noted that Robertson actually turned the puck over on his goal and was super lucky to get it back on his stick...it's that kind of stuff that gets him benched if the Stars player doesn't bobble the puck.

The pass on the McMann goal was lovely though.

Disagree that it should be noted....that's unnecessary nitpicking IMO.

 

[Ozzie]

I don't recall Matthews being so weak on pucks before. I think it's his wrist. Could also explain why I think his shot accuracy is down.

His skating is down too.

 

[Ozzie]

Very true, it's a change to not need to add 3 D at the deadline! I had no idea OEL would be such an integral piece.

A year ago today the top 7 would have been: Reilly, Benoit, McCabe, Liljegren, Brodie, Giordano, and Klingberg. Also had Lagesson and Timmins.

Trev has built a good roster.

And the year before..... add Holl and Sandin. Dubas Blue Pylons.

Treliving did what he is very good at in a short period of time (16 months). Build a top calibre, beefy, low event blue line.

Leafs don't have a Makar. But Leafs do have the essential components for playoff success....

......this type of blue line was the driving force for the 1993 playoff run for the Leafs to the Conference Finals. And the reason why Dallas Stars held a video tribute to Tanev based on only a small number of games Tanev played for the franchise that made a similar run in 2024.

If Hakanpaa can deliver some offense this season, it will be a grandslam.

 

[bustaheims]

If Hakanpaa can deliver some offense this season, it will be a grandslam.

Hakanpaa and offence are virtually mutually exclusive. His career high is 16 points. He's not someone you look to for offence. At all. Ever.

 

[Joe S.]

If Hakanpaa can deliver some offense this season, it will be a grandslam.

He has 15 career goals in almost 300 games.