Leafs report?

[kosydar 0]

It seems like the Leafs are playing really good hockey as of late, and unfortunately I've only been able to see one period this entire season. In what I did watch I was very impressed by a few players. All personal bias aside, I thought Tucker was a force every shift he played. He ended up getting a goal, and was forechecking very hard. I really liked him paired with Allison and O'Neill, the three of them seemed to work well together. I also liked the role Antropov and Poni were playing. It seemed like they were out there as grinders, not as "offensive" threats like in previous years. That basically all I can comment on. From the looks of it, Lindros is being a huge stud. Kaberle and McCabe seem to both be doing well (which I didn't think was possible). O'Neill and Allison have good numbers, as do the three kids. Stats wise, Khavanov and Marisuz don't appear to be having a good year, but thats just numbers. So for those of you who love the Leafs as much as I do (Eazy), fill me in. How is the goaltending looking? Is this just a hot streak, or does it appear that this could last?

[Eazy_b97 1]

The team could very well be undefeated. 2 Shoot-out losses to Ottawa, which were toss up games, Haskek played better than Belfour in both as I saw it, especially the shootout. The first Habs game was a joke. Berg and Belak were paired together and Aki didn't remove his head from his ass all game long. Belfour has been hit and miss, some good, some weak games, but theres alot more chances. Telly played great in his only start shutting down the Flyers. Lines are jumbled with injuries, I'll post what I've seen of lines afterwards. Berg has been decent in most games, but he's had 2-3 games where he just wasn't there making costly mistakes all game long. Belak is a toss up, some hate him, but it's mostly from overexpectations as I see it. He's a decent #6, been steadier than I thought he would and does what he needs to. Steen has looked awesome, quick, strong, smart, kills penalties, cycles like a monster and does everything. Stajan seems to be clicking extremely well with him. Kaberle and McCabe have looked good, Kaberle has been the better of the two, and is our best player. Lindros has been very good, crashing, banging, scoring, and doing whatever possible, his linemates have done what they can, but it's alright. Marius is in the midst of losing his spot, he played terrible in the first MTL game and that pushed him out to be a HS. Khavanov had a great start, especially when paired with Klee. Unfortunately after the first MTL game, the Killed B's (Berg and Belak) needed to be split up. He's with Belak and trying to do too much. He's like a mini-Kaberle, but not nearly as talented, so he gives up more chances. Antro has been good, scoring, hitting and doing what he can. Poni's playing well, but not scoring alot. Lines:

Ideally (outline)

Antro - Sundin - Poni

Tucker - Allison - O'Neil (apperantly played together at the WJC)

Domi - Lindros - Kilger

Steen - Stajan - Chow/Wilm/ellwod (Welly moves to center)

Kabs - McCabe

Berg - Klee

Belak - Khavanov

With injuries Wellwood is centering Antro, then a few other changes as needed. Wellwoods averaging a ppg at this point and is doing what he does, scoring. We need someone to step into that #4 role outside of Berg/Belak/Khavanov. At that point our D should be alot better. Carlo, Kronwall, Woz have all looked good on the farm, most believe it's only a matter of time, but who knows with Quinn.

[Sid 3]

Lindors has stepped up his play while Sundin is down and looked good but always on worried when he starts to play physical. he defense is looking better but still don't understand why Belak is still on the team taking to many dumb penalties. MCcabe has adjusted well to knew rules. Steen and stajan both looking good and playing well off each other Quin is keeping them together. Allison still looks slow to me but damn he does play the puck really well down low and can defend the puck in their end. Allison and O'neil are good togther because Jeff is shooting alot. Overall got off to a slow start so everybody was on them and then they won 3 in a row and we are going to win the cup. But chemistry is starting to build and I have been suprised by their speed and they way they play under the new system. Oh and Belfour is just as good as he was when we last left off.

Sid

[Eazy_b97 1]

he defense is looking better but still don't understand why Belak is still on the team taking to many dumb penalties.

Belak has taken all of his PIMs in the one game at that was the Atlanta game. If I am not mistaken, the majority of the minutes were from a fight we ended up with a PP on as well.

Allison hasn't really impressed me. He's good, but I thought he was better. Lindros is the opposite, I thought he was a little weaker than he actually is. Allison style just kills me, it seems we either get a great chance or give one up. Because he's slow and stands behind the net for a pass he sucks both his wingers down low to get open. If the pass misses, or a large rebound, it's a 3 or 4 on 2.

[Fonya 0]

Not to mention we finally have a good backup in Tellquist. He played amazing against Philly! He's very alert.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

In agreement on Lindros. He has looked a lot like the beast he once was as of late. Dare I say Legion of Doom good? I think he's just happy to be here, and to be contributing with Mats on the shelf.

The kids have all been working hard so far, Wellwood, Steen and Stajan will be valuable down the stretch if they can keep improving.

McCabe, I'm never surprised when he puts up good numbes, he's always been Top 20 offensively. It was just his D that needed work. At least he plays hard. I'm glad we plucked him from the Island (was it the Island?) when we did.

Can't say much on Allison...I thought he'd be great if he stayed healthy, but not sure who he could set up all the time since the Leafs don't really have a sniper (let's hope O'Neill pots 40 again this year). I blame our lack of offensive dynamos (and by dynamos, I mean Alex Mogilny) on their shootout troubles. If they get into too many of them, I don't think they're looking at many extra points.

I miss Brian Leetch.

I think that if they keep playing well and with Mats' returns, they just may be able to make the playoffs in a higher spot than the 6-8 I projected them to be in...perhaps 4 or 5. So long as Eddie holds up, of course...

[Eazy_b97 1]

We got McCabe from Chicago for Karpostev. He also had some time in with NYI and Van.

Offensive "dynamos"? We've scored the most goals in the NHL, or were leading last I checked at least. Our shootout problems stem from Hasek, you know, the guy who shut down team Canada? I can't see Ottawa losing a shoot-out all year.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I thought Lindros had left his physical game behind him. He's been our most aggressive hitter most of the year. For Kosy, think Tucker, but 6'4. This has opened up more holes for him. It adds another element to his game, which is why he's impressed me so much. Conversely, I knew Allison wasn't a good skater, but not this bad. He makes good passes, but gets himself in trouble. I haven't seen Lindros make a critical error yet, it will obviously happen, but he seems to be alot more sound. That's why I feel Lindros has been a plesant surprise, Allison's been good, but he hasn't exceeded my expectations at all.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Sure, we've scored the most goals and the Leafs are a perenially high scoring team, but that doesn't mean we have the best offensive players.

Do you think that the Leafs offensive core even comes close to matching the talent on Tampa or Ottawa or Vancouver or the Avs of old? No way. I might even give an edge to Boston over T.O. on offensive talent.

And Hasek isn't the same "Dominator" he once was. And Ottawa will not likely lose many shootouts, just b/c they've got guys like Heatley, Havlat and Alfredsson, who can dangle the shit outta any Leaf.

[hockechamp14 0]

he defense is looking better but still don't understand why Belak is still on the team taking to many dumb penalties.

Belak has taken all of his PIMs in the one game at that was the Atlanta game. If I am not mistaken, the majority of the minutes were from a fight we ended up with a PP on as well.

Allison hasn't really impressed me. He's good, but I thought he was better. Lindros is the opposite, I thought he was a little weaker than he actually is. Allison style just kills me, it seems we either get a great chance or give one up. Because he's slow and stands behind the net for a pass he sucks both his wingers down low to get open. If the pass misses, or a large rebound, it's a 3 or 4 on 2.

You thought allison was better because he WAS better. I thought he was great when he was leading the bruins. If he can get that step and style back he had while playing with joey and samsonov he'll do great for toronto.

[Steveo 0]

I think judgment is being made on Allison a little too early, this guy hasn't played in the show in over 2 and 1/2 years. I think for that kind of layoff he looks pretty good.

Czerchawski is a wonder to me, he's got great hands and he can skate, I think he just needs to find a line that he can gel with.

The only thing I have to say is, we need to get rid of Domi, he is just horrible out there, it's kind of sad. I know he's been a fan favorite but without him displaying his skills, er, i mean fighting, he should be replaced with a younger guy, like Wellwood or Wilm

[Eazy_b97 1]

Sure, we've scored the most goals and the Leafs are a perenially high scoring team, but that doesn't mean we have the best offensive players.

Do you think that the Leafs offensive core even comes close to matching the talent on Tampa or Ottawa or Vancouver or the Avs of old? No way. I might even give an edge to Boston over T.O. on offensive talent.

And Hasek isn't the same "Dominator" he once was. And Ottawa will not likely lose many shootouts, just b/c they've got guys like Heatley, Havlat and Alfredsson, who can dangle the shit outta any Leaf.

They have some top guys like Sundin, O'Neil, Lindros, Allison, some may throw Chow and Wellwood in there two. The thing is, they don't really have a line which isn't a scoring threat. How do those top 4 compare to...

TB - Richards, St. Louis, Lecavalier and Prospal

Ott - Spezza, Heatley, Alfie, Havalt

Bos - Thornton, Murray, Samsonov, Zhamnov

Van - Bert, Naslund, Morrison, Carter

Avs - Obviously more stacked.

I'd say as it stands right now, on a par with TB, as St. Louis is in a terrible cold streak and Prospal isn't doing as well. Boston has looked very weak from the games I've seen. I know they have some injuries and it was very apperant last game, but the players left, mainly Samsnov, Bergeron and Murray did not look like offensive threats. Ottawa has us beat, just like they have everyone in the league beat. Vancouvers 2 deep, Naslund and Bert. Morrison's decent, but I wouldn't put him ahead of any of the leafs top 4. It's hard to find a team that deep. We have alot of good offensive players in the wings, guys who are in the running for 20 goal seasons. It's a toss up, obviously I like some Leaf players more than I like other players because I can see them more, but Sundin is right up there with anyone in the world. With the lines balanced, I don't see a team that can compete with out depth.

[Fonya 0]

Heres an ignorant question...whos chow? I know its a nickname obviously.

[top_shelf_24 0]

pretty sure its czerkawski

[Fonya 0]

pretty sure its czerkawski

Oh thanks.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

They have some top guys like Sundin, O'Neil, Lindros, Allison, some may throw Chow and Wellwood in there two. The thing is, they don't really have a line which isn't a scoring threat. How do those top 4 compare to...

TB - Richards, St. Louis, Lecavalier and Prospal

Ott - Spezza, Heatley, Alfie, Havalt

Bos - Thornton, Murray, Samsonov, Zhamnov

Van - Bert, Naslund, Morrison, Carter

Avs - Obviously more stacked.

I'd say as it stands right now, on a par with TB, as St. Louis is in a terrible cold streak and Prospal isn't doing as well. Boston has looked very weak from the games I've seen. I know they have some injuries and it was very apperant last game, but the players left, mainly Samsnov, Bergeron and Murray did not look like offensive threats. Ottawa has us beat, just like they have everyone in the league beat. Vancouvers 2 deep, Naslund and Bert. Morrison's decent, but I wouldn't put him ahead of any of the leafs top 4. It's hard to find a team that deep. We have alot of good offensive players in the wings, guys who are in the running for 20 goal seasons. It's a toss up, obviously I like some Leaf players more than I like other players because I can see them more, but Sundin is right up there with anyone in the world. With the lines balanced, I don't see a team that can compete with out depth.

I don't deny the fact that Sundin, O'Neill, Lindros and Allison are great players - that they are. It is just that they are a different type of offensive threat than the players you named on all the other teams. I believe that the Leafs' offensive guns are ones that work great in a regular game, but in a shootout, are lacking in the pure skill and finesse that the other teams have.

O'Neill and Lindros are bulls on their best nights, and I think that Lindros, if he had been able to avoid all those concussions, would be one of the most dominant players we had ever seen. I've no doubt his name would be in there with Iggy and Forsberg in "Best Player in the NHL" discussions. I think his PPG clip was something like 2.10 when he was with the flyers. Absolutely disgusting.

And while O'Neill is fast, I don't believe he has the same creativity that Naslund, Bertuzzi, Heatley or even Samsonov have. There's just more pure skill, IMO on those other teams, slow starts notwithstanding.

Sundin plays a great all round game, but give me Bertuzzi, Heatley, Lecavalier or Naslund any day.

Allison is a playmaker, not a scorer. IMO, he's about as useful as Ray Bourque in a shootout.

With regards to Morrison, I think he's better than decent, and is underrated a whole lot. I'd rather have him over Allison and O'Neill at this point.

I agree that the Leafs have great depth down the middle and on an offensive basis, but we always get great players after they've had their best years (excl. Sundin, of course).

[Shagel 0]

about the ray bourqe comment i believe your wrong on that i have seen countless clips and games and i thought he showed pritty good scoring prowes even as he got old

[Eazy_b97 1]

Sundin plays a great all round game, but give me Bertuzzi, Heatley, Lecavalier or Naslund any day. 

Sundin's had more playoff success than all but Vinny on this list. I think he's a pure goal scorer through and through. He isn't as flashy as the ones mentioned, but I wouldn't define that as "Skills". I like Samsonov and others in the SO, I'd like all the ones you mentioned, but I think it's only a matter of time before Sundin, Allison and Wellwood are the first 3. Sundin was 50% in pre-season or more, and about that on Penalty shots. Wellwood was over 50% in the AHL last year, and Allison's not terrific, but has shown a great move in all but the Hasek shoot-out. I won't say they are better offensively in shoot-outs than other teams right now, because I want to see some shoot a bit more, but I don't think saying they "don't have offensive players" is accurate at all.

Chow = Czerkawski

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Now, now, I never said they didn't have any offensive players at all. I just said that all the guys you mentioned were offensive threats, but not the kind I'd like to have in a shootout.

As for Sundin, I love the guy, but I wouldn't say that he's a pure goal scorer. Despite a few 40 goal seasons, he's always been a great all around player, one that isn't afraid to dish out great passes either. Pure goal scorers, at least in my mind, are guys named Richard, Bossy, Hull and Robitaille.

If we're talking modern day snipers, I'd say Rick Nash and Kovalchuk are probably the closest thing...and maybe Iggy.

I like Kyle Wellwood and I'm glad he's finally getting a chance to shine, but I don't think he'll ever be on the same level as guys like Heatley, St. Louis or Lecavalier. I just don't see scoring titles in his future.

In any event, let's just hope that the leafs have a better season that I've predicted for them. Here's to Lindros' re-juvenation. *Cheers*

[Fonya 0]

I don't deny the fact that Sundin, O'Neill, Lindros and Allison are great players - that they are. It is just that they are a different type of offensive threat than the players you named on all the other teams. I believe that the Leafs' offensive guns are ones that work great in a regular game, but in a shootout, are lacking in the pure skill and finesse that the other teams have.

Exactly, that exact post sums up how I feel about the leafs offense. I think there great as a team but break them up individualy and then aren't that great.

[mack 44]

Shoot-outs won't solve playoff OT games and those are only ones I'll worry about.

[kosydar 0]

I finally got to watch a game yesterday. The Leafs had a few unlucky bounces (the goal that wasn't allowed in the first which was clearly in, and the two close offsides which would have led to breakaways in the third). I was really impressed by Steen and Wellwood, they both have really good hands.

[msander 0]

You would put a guy like Czerkawski in amongst the top offensive players on the leafs and try and compare him to players like alfredson, naslund, and spezza?!?! It really doesn't matter if the Leafs offence is even close to matching up with the top teams in the league (it's not, there's no depth) because your blue line is unbelievable deep. Look at Vancouver and Ottawa: Chara, Redden, Phillips, and Volchenkov is pretty solid and I saw meszaros play a lot of games with the giants and he'll be great. Vancouver has Ohlund, Jovanoski, Salo, and Bryan Allen who is turning into a great young physical defenceman. The Leafs have McCabe, that's the only guy that ranks up with Van or Ottawa's top 3. Nobody else is even close.

[msander 0]

I finally got to watch a game yesterday. The Leafs had a few unlucky bounces (the goal that wasn't allowed in the first which was clearly in, and the two close offsides which would have led to breakaways in the third). I was really impressed by Steen and Wellwood, they both have really good hands.

You might want to consult a rule book before you say something like that. The goal was disallowed because the puck was underneath Esche and Tucker pushed him into the net with his stick. Watch the replay, Tucker drives his stick into Esche and forces him over the line. That's why it was no goal...not that I wasn't surprised Bob Cole had no idea why the goal was waived off...he was sure it was in!

[Chadd 916]

I finally got to watch a game yesterday.  The Leafs had a few unlucky bounces (the goal that wasn't allowed in the first which was clearly in, and the two close offsides which would have led to breakaways in the third).  I was really impressed by Steen and Wellwood, they both have really good hands.

You might want to consult a rule book before you say something like that. The goal was disallowed because the puck was underneath Esche and Tucker pushed him into the net with his stick. Watch the replay, Tucker drives his stick into Esche and forces him over the line. That's why it was no goal...not that I wasn't surprised Bob Cole had no idea why the goal was waived off...he was sure it was in!

That particular rule is open to interpretation this year. A lot of goals have been scored by pushing the goalie into the net or even diving on top of the goalie.