Leafs

[ktang 34]

Maurice is one of many reasons, but he is easily the biggest one.

TSN's talking heads were commenting in his defensive systems and how it's not a coincidence no other NHL Team uses anything similar.

I saw parts of a Leafs game last week, and couldn't figure out their defensive zone system (the cameras were zoomed in on the puck too much). What is their D-zone system?

[Eazy_b97 1]

It usually involves alot of switch-offs and movement. Instead of protecting, it's aggressive. But with the movement, there is gaps, and it forces players into scoring areas. Also creates alot of odd man situations since the players are working harder to make simple plays. They also have alot of separation between the D and forwards, in re-groups and Defensive zone coverage, so it opens up the slot and creates alot of turn-overs, because it's based on low percentage plays. It's a good theory, but it's not practical at all. It assume everyone is exceptionally skilled (like an all-star), and is able to cover their man. It's a heavy one-on-one focus, so if a man is beat, there is usually too much separation to cover. Also their offense revolves around D-men pinching in, and their forwards cycling. This creates alot of odd man rushes, since the forwards are so deep and the D-man is going the wrong way.

[RadioGaGa 162]

What's up with Kilger...? He was away from the team for "personal reasons", now it's been like 3 games.

[kosydar 0]

Heard somewhere that its a family illness.

[mrusse01 0]

Sundin must be ecstatic to be playing with two wingers who have 9 career NHL points...combined.

The saddest thing is that Earl/Tlusty aren't even close to being the most ineffective linemates he's played with.

Good god Mats, do yourself a favor and get out of town, nobody will hold it against you.

[kosydar 0]

The thing is that neither Earl or Tlusty have looked that out of place. Tlusty's game has improved vastly in his short time of playing with Mats, and Earl looks to have some real potential.

[mrusse01 0]

I can't fathom why it took them this long to call up Earl, maybe he tried to hit on JFJs wife by accident or something.

[kosydar 0]

I don't watch Marlies games, but it seems like he had only an average season last year. Plus the Leafs have always done a suspect job on calling up players- case and point Jeremy Williams. Still, I understand why they wouldn't want to call Earl up to play five minutes a night. He is an offensive guy and its essentially worthless to call him up and play him with Belak and Kilger for three shifts a game. Thats why guys like Newbury and Ondrus get called up so frequently, they fill those bottom roles much better. When Steen and Antro come back I hope that its Earl who goes back down. I'd much rather have Newbury on the 4th line than him.

[Eazy_b97 1]

PM has not really played the options PM gave him. Whenever PM was able to chose, he went with Newbury, Ondrus and similar players instead of Earl/Mitchell. Earl's future will be (at best) as a two-way guy. It's much more likely he'll be a checking line player than a scorer.

Would've been nice to see Belak go after Komisarek late in last nights game. Especially after the EN goal. For whatever reason the guy gets a ton of leeway from officials. He hits high, always jumps people when he "fights" and is just a douche on the ice. Very cheap, alot of late hits and such. I'd love to see Belak feed'em.

[mack 44]

I bet Sundin gets hurt before the deadline. That's how this is going to end. If this abortion of a team wasn't gunning for a top pick they could just forfeit the rest of the season and watch Rudy until next fall.

[kabby15 0]

mabe LA will take sundin for a 1st round pick? lol

actually knowing the leafs, they will probly trade their 1st round pick for someone stupid or age 35+.

[kosydar 0]

Speaking of first round picks, on HNIC they just said that Detroit has one first round pick on their roster (Dan Cleary). By my count the Leafs have: Sundin, Steen, Antropov, Kilger, Bell, Belak, Devereaux, Tlusty, and Cola. One vs. nine, and which team is the best? Just shows how you can compensate for no first rounders with good later drafting.

[kabby15 0]

very interesting. the key to detroits success has been great scouting, coaching and Nick Lidstrom lol

[Theo 1]

I guess some of the problem here, which I am sure is obvious to Leaf fans, but I figure I should note it:

NYR had a show on the ASG and Gomez and in it and after the 4 shots for 4, Gomez was talking to Kaberle and Kabs stated that that was harder than he works in practice or that is a typical leafs practice. Gomez had a mini mic somewhere but I do not think Kaberle knew they were being taped or recorded

[kosydar 0]

I don't know if I would take him too seriously, sounds like he could just be messing around.

This Leafs team is so frustrating. They get their ass kicked by a beat up Florida team, then beat three of the top teams in the league in Montreal, Ottawa, and Detroit.

[Theo 1]

I was thinking about writing that as well (a joke between two players), but one thing I have to say is that a huge difference between the Rangers after the lockout compared to a few years ago is how they prepare and actually practice, and the intensity of them. Renney helped that out quite a bit. Coach Maurice has coached some very respectable teams and I know Kaberle doesn't mean it literally, but perhaps it may be part of the problem.

You would know better than me of course, Kosy. And I know a team not playing well has many issues...But that comment was just surprising.

[kosydar 0]

I don't watch the practices, so I wouldn't really know. I just remember when Maurice got promoted one of his main points was to improve the team conditioning, so who knows.

[Theo 1]

Kaberle just denied a trade that would have sent him to Philthy and Carter and a 1st in return

[kosydar 0]

Good, that isn't nearly enough for one of the most underrated players in the game with one of the most attractive contracts.

[Theo 1]

Good, that isn't nearly enough for one of the most underrated players in the game with one of the most attractive contracts.

I tell ya Kosy...From all the Rangers MB's I go on, most want Kaberle or Boyle

[kosydar 0]

Can't say I see to much of Boyle (especially this year), but I've heard he wants a 6 year deal at close to $7 mil per year. Nothing of his I've seen has made me think he is worth that money. Kaberle is so attractive because he has 2 years left at something like $4.25 mil.

[Chadd 916]

Good, that isn't nearly enough for one of the most underrated players in the game with one of the most attractive contracts.

Especially because they would probably botch the pick. The Leafs already have a lot of third line talent. What they really need is some first line talent.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I heard it as Coburn, Carter and a first for Kabs. I have heard that he officially declined it to Fletcher, while others say he didn't actually get the request, because he heard the deal and announced he would not waive his NTC as the deal was being finalized.

Last I heard Boyle wants an 8 year deal at 6.5/yr. That's what MacKenzie is reporting on TSN. Kabs is a much better value and a much more rounded player IMO. NYR should look at Kubina, he's had a good season and can play a variety of roles. Underrated passer and underrated defensively. He's a brick wall, can take and give a ton of punishment. He's not overly quick, but not really slow either. He looked his best when McCabe was out of the line-up, he played as our #1 d-man ahead of Kaberle (most due to PK time that Kaberle isn't getting for some reason)

[mack 44]

If he had to go, I could have lived with Coburn being added but I would still prefer Kaberle not being dealt. Fletcher shouldn't have even wasted the time asking Kaberle about the first deal.

[k-ody.m 0]

and jsut cause kaberle said he dosent wanna waive it dosent mean he wont, how many players have said yep i am going to waive my NTC cause i cant wait to get out of here.NONE. and probably at least 2 or 3 out of the 5 will be gone by tuesday. hopefully one goes today. my 3 being kubina,mccabe,sundin.....also i wouldnt mine blake and kaberle going....because then we would have some nice future.