Isn't this awesome? Another spring and we don't have to be stuck inside watching the Leafs playing playoff hockey. Wouldn't that be a waste? Won't it be awesome down the stretch watching games where the opponents on the other team make golfing gestures at the Leafs again? Those meaningless last 5 games are always a treat to watch. I'm glad that this years Leafs addition didn't disappoint again. Yah!!!!
Year 7: The rebuild continues
- Thread starter rdowdall
- Start date
Kessel Run
New member
We all are frustrated at this point, but is this thread really necessary?
proteus2000
New member
Kessel Run said:
Sure, why not.
S
Stebro
Guest
I'm quite unhappy with Dion's performance. I think that he takes too many stupid risks. Not captain material. We need a real captain.
Stebro said:
It is, however, extremely difficult to bring one by a trade. Captain material evolves over the time in that dressing room. Somebody seaks up, gets respect etc. To bring someone and appoint him captain right away is not the best way how to address this. I agree though that Phaneuf is not exactely the captain material.
B
brothert
Guest
Where would we be if Lupul and Kessel aren't having career years?
Where did our second line go? Do we even have 3rd and 4th lines?
Why can't we hit the net on shots from the point? So many counterattacks because we ring the puck around the boards on missed shots.
Are we further ahead than last years team?
Or is it worse than last year?
Seems to me there are a lot more passengers this year.
Where did our second line go? Do we even have 3rd and 4th lines?
Why can't we hit the net on shots from the point? So many counterattacks because we ring the puck around the boards on missed shots.
Are we further ahead than last years team?
Or is it worse than last year?
Seems to me there are a lot more passengers this year.
Mack674
New member
It's simple. Burke tried to rebuild the team through lateral moves and while there's been a slight improvement, overall It's been ineffective.
Wilson is a big part of the problem. The team has been awful for long stretches that take them out of the playoff race EVERY YEAR since hes been here. One year of that and they should consider firing him. We're on year 4 now and he has an extension.
Yes I think this thread is necessary. Everyone else is likely as fed up as I am and well, now what ? I almost feel like just not even watching for the next 2-3 years because what's the point. The Leafs are a laughing stock and for good reason.
Wilson is a big part of the problem. The team has been awful for long stretches that take them out of the playoff race EVERY YEAR since hes been here. One year of that and they should consider firing him. We're on year 4 now and he has an extension.
Yes I think this thread is necessary. Everyone else is likely as fed up as I am and well, now what ? I almost feel like just not even watching for the next 2-3 years because what's the point. The Leafs are a laughing stock and for good reason.
proteus2000
New member
JohnK's Revenge said:
We'd definitely be a lottery team right now without Kessel and Lupul, considering we're 5 points away from that anyway right now.
The 2nd line plays okay, but it's simply unbelievable how much their productivity has dropped.
They have none of this truculence I heard Burke preach so much about on their bottom 2 line, Brown withstanding. Connolly kills me, and even more than that, people on this site who actually think he has some semblance of value for trade. He surely isn't a top 2 center on any contending team in the league, and he would be a joke as a 3rd line center in the playoffs. Would probably get hurt, anyway.
I think the Leafs are a little better this year and lack the goaltending to steal some points here and there that they got last year from Reimer. Reason being Wilson, Burke not picking up a vet, who knows. The product in the ice still isn't good, especially when tactical play and grit become very important late in the season.
Ken
New member
Fall behind early in a slow start while the team looks unprepared to play, make an insignificant rally late in the game and fall one goal short, go on T.V. and act as if it was simply "one thing" (ie goaltending) that let you down.
Look at me, I'm Ron Wilson.
One look at that "skate to the blue-line, drop the puck backwards and stand still" zone entry play should be enough to see that Wilson's lost his freaking mind. He can't figure out a defensive zone strategy that doesn't involve three guys getting burned on every play, but he sure can reinvent the wheel on offensive zone break-ins, huh?
Make a real splash Burke. Fire Wilson. It aint the roster, it's the rudder.
Look at me, I'm Ron Wilson.
One look at that "skate to the blue-line, drop the puck backwards and stand still" zone entry play should be enough to see that Wilson's lost his freaking mind. He can't figure out a defensive zone strategy that doesn't involve three guys getting burned on every play, but he sure can reinvent the wheel on offensive zone break-ins, huh?
Make a real splash Burke. Fire Wilson. It aint the roster, it's the rudder.
Redleaf
Active member
This is by far the biggest crossroad we've come to as the team searches for a direction. The next 24 hours will by huge as to which path Burke takes with this team. Is he now a seller or does he shoot for big game?
Does he trade for Nash or Brown, or does he trade away Grabovski and a handful of others and go the more tradition route to a rebuild? Only Burke and his management team know what course he'll take until sometime tomorrow, but I think it will be real interesting to see how it all unfolds.
We're at the precipice. 24 hours to go!!
Does he trade for Nash or Brown, or does he trade away Grabovski and a handful of others and go the more tradition route to a rebuild? Only Burke and his management team know what course he'll take until sometime tomorrow, but I think it will be real interesting to see how it all unfolds.
We're at the precipice. 24 hours to go!!
BlueWhiteBlood
New member
RedLeaf said:
If it was me, I would stay the course. I would only be looking to trade Komisarek, Connolly, Armstrong and Lombardi for some sort of futures. Komisarek might take a contract coming back, but so be it.
Everybody else, would have to depend on what is coming back. I wouldn't trade any youngster that still has upside, unless there is upside coming back our way.
BlueWhiteBlood
New member
RedLeaf said:
I think the plan has morphed since Burke got here, that much is clear. People have seen this over the last while for many reasons, like availability of trade options, or slow development ect... The game has also changed a bit since Burke's presser as well.
Stay the course for me is, keep our young talent and continue to develop and not get carried away with expectations of making the playoffs at all costs this year, it wasn't very realistic to make a huge run anyway, so why sell the farm to try?
pnjunction
New member
I'm pretty sure the 'blueprint' called for the team to be much more competitive today than they are. It's in shambles and new one needs to be drawn.
Just look at how pieces Burke has brought in that have completely flopped, besides the ones we have now don't forget ones like Beauch that have already been shipped out (albeit for Lupul). We are nowhere near the team we were supposed to be if guys like Phaneuf, Schenn, Komi, Connolly, Armstrong, Lombardi performed like they were intended to when acquired/signed.
Instead now all of these bums need to go, Burke has to get rid of dead weight all over again. Even if you think our young guys hold a promising future, it's not going to start until all of the garbage that Burke has piled up (especially the 11.25M of trash in the bottom 6) is incinerated.
Just look at how pieces Burke has brought in that have completely flopped, besides the ones we have now don't forget ones like Beauch that have already been shipped out (albeit for Lupul). We are nowhere near the team we were supposed to be if guys like Phaneuf, Schenn, Komi, Connolly, Armstrong, Lombardi performed like they were intended to when acquired/signed.
Instead now all of these bums need to go, Burke has to get rid of dead weight all over again. Even if you think our young guys hold a promising future, it's not going to start until all of the garbage that Burke has piled up (especially the 11.25M of trash in the bottom 6) is incinerated.
Redleaf
Active member
pnjunction said:
I really don't think it's as bad as all that. This team has looked good most of the season. It's really just been the last 8 or 9 games they've looked bad. I believe once this trade deadline passes, we see the team we've watched most of the season return. Perhaps with a few additions we may see an enhanced version of the team we've watched most of the year.
BlueWhiteBlood
New member
I don't think Phaneuf and Schenn need to go, that's way too short sighted for my taste.