Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

[mrusse01]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

...what is the only constant in your analysis...and we have him for 7 solid years under contract.

I've never been a huge Dion supporter, but I've also don't think he's as bad as many in Toronto make him out to be.

The thing with Dion, and I've said it many times, I just don't think you can be an elite team if he's your #1 defenseman, killing penalties, playing powerplay, etc.

I'd compare him to a guy like Brent Seabrook. If Phaneuf and Seabrook could swap places and Dion got to play with Keith and Toews and all those guys...he'd probably be fine. He'd be a great complimentary player, just like Seabrook is. If Seabrook was over here in Toronto, on a terrible defensive team, playing with questionable talent beside him, constantly being leaned on for all the hard minutes and situations...well, he'd probably struggle too.

I just don't get the 7 year/$49m deal.

Look at a guy like Niskanen, he is two years younger, and just signed a UFA deal of 7/$40.25m. Do you think Washington would trade Niskanen for Phaneuf straight up? I sure don't.

[TMAzng01f3R]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

For some reason, I think if you put Chara in instead of Phaneuf while all (other) things being equal/constant (same team, same coaching, etc.) the results would still be the same... (I think!)

That being said, I think the reason Percy's been able to play well is perhaps on account of being paired with Roman Polak (a better version of Tim Gleason? still too early to tell...)

I agree that Jake and Morgan should NOT be a defensive pairing unless they're both on the powerplay but even that might be a little risky...

Robidas hasn't looked too good but at the same time, 37 and recovering from knee surgery likely hasn't helped - hopefully he gets better as the season progresses, even if marginally!

[Lefty17]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Chara in a Leaf uni would make an impact. You wouldn't have problem with opponents in your crease and they'd get a punch in the mouth also unlike Dion who just walks away after he's teammate took a punch.

[TMAzng01f3R]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Percy's gettin' better! Clarkson-Komarov-Santorelli line is still lookin' great! Kessel with the win! Go Leafs Go!!

[petvan]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Nice game from the Leafs.. Kessel looking pretty healthy all of a sudden.. looked like 1 on 4 on the OT goal.

[P25]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I love the Winnik-Kadri-Lupul line too...they are dominant. What a goal by that out of shape guy to win it.

Reimer get another start?

[PayneStewart]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I love the Winnik-Kadri-Lupul line too...they are dominant. What a goal by that out of shape guy to win it.

Reimer get another start?

Big win.

You have to play Reimer again. However, Carlyle isn't known for making the best moves.

[TMAzng01f3R]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I'm honestly amazed with Kessel; for a guy who's soft, out of shape, not your typical athlete in terms of build/physique, I don't think he's missed a game since becoming a Leaf (and he's also their best player).

And when he gets hurt (or so it seems), he eventually gets up and on his next shift, looks like nothing had happened!

Maybe packing muscle (like it seems most of the NHL's elite are doing) is overrated; pack on some fat like Phil instead and keep eatin' them cookies! lol

[petvan]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Free Jake Gardiner chants coming? Gotta think he sits again as certainly Percy continues to look solid.

[Weirfan]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I'm honestly amazed with Kessel; for a guy who's soft, out of shape, not your typical athlete in terms of build/physique, I don't think he's missed a game since becoming a Leaf (and he's also their best player).

And when he gets hurt (or so it seems), he eventually gets up and on his next shift, looks like nothing had happened!

Maybe packing muscle (like it seems most of the NHL's elite are doing) is overrated; pack on some fat like Phil instead and keep eatin' them cookies! lol

The reports of Kessel's demise were obviously untrue. Looked PDG tonight

[P25]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Nice game from the Leafs.. Kessel looking pretty healthy all of a sudden.. looked like 1 on 4 on the OT goal.

Pretty much was

[laklak]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

go leaf go~~~~~

[RicoSuave]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

Free Jake Gardiner chants coming? Gotta think he sits again as certainly Percy continues to look solid.

Four games in and already anticipating great outlet passes from Percy almost every time he gets the puck. Tape to tape to Kess on 3rd period breakaway something else. I do agree Percy needs faster feet but apparently he's working on it and it doesn't seem to faze the coaches...Seems like a great hard-working kid who is loving the learning as he goes.

[Lefty17]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I'm honestly amazed with Kessel; for a guy who's soft, out of shape, not your typical athlete in terms of build/physique, I don't think he's missed a game since becoming a Leaf (and he's also their best player).
! lol

He missed slew last year when he couldn't score. Happened the year before that as well. Remember that slump

[petvan]

Re: Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 THREAD

I'm honestly amazed with Kessel; for a guy who's soft, out of shape, not your typical athlete in terms of build/physique, I don't think he's missed a game since becoming a Leaf (and he's also their best player).

who says kessel is out of shape? well, everyone does I suppose, but where is the proof? Seemed to play a bunch of minutes yesterday and had some big hustle going on in OT. I think his shape is fine, he just might carry a bit more body fat than some.