Ill just jump right in
I waited before I posted these; but its sadly the same story, same issues, same losses, same shite, with only one good night vs. Ottawa. No changes have been made, no one benched, no one fired, no one released.
Friday October 26, 2007
Things looked great without McCabe on the D last night vs. Crosby and the Pens. My only concern with the D was the pairing of White and Gill. Not only have I been saying this since last season, not only because they gave up the first goal. But because when this pairing gets hemmed up in their own zone, they tend to get trapped resulting in a goal agents or penalty. Gill needs to be paired with a solid puck mover with great hands, more time with Stralmen would be more effective for the entire D and Gill. Keep Woz with White as trial, Woz’s greater speed and puck moving ability then Gill would better cater to White.
I’d like to see Belak as a 6th D. He could be that extra stay at home D we need. If used in a similar role as Gill, could be an effective player with gradually increasing minuets if this venture works work. He would give opposition speedy players a go with his reach and good quickness for a big man, more importantly he’d give talented opposition players something to think about in front the Leaf goal. Again, it supports the claim that Belak’s presence on the ice is far more important then not.
Wednesday November 07, 2007
The Woz and White Experiment Must Officialy End, I wanted them to succeed, I even wrote them in my last blog, but the fact remains that they do not belong on this team D.Is it not common sense to STOP THE PASS on a two on one?Who is coaching these D to not know that, or to use a one kneed approach in attempting to know what to do?I do not mean to be negitive, as it is obvious that 2 new additions would alter the good from saturday, but these defencive mistakes are neverending.The only good that can be taken is that we are able to weed out those that cant be trusted on D, because if your defence aint playing defence, youd be hard pressed to find anyone else giving it much thought.
Kubina, Kaberle, Gill have been as good as can be, with potential of getting even better.The other three should be(Colaiacovo), Belak, Stralmen, Walser
AGAIN Belak a 6th D. He could be that extra stay at home D we need. If used in a similar role as Gill, could be an effective player with gradually increasing minuets if this venture works work. He would give opposition speedy players a go with his reach and good quickness for a big man, more importantly he’d give talented opposition players something to think about in front the Leaf goal and racing down the wing. Again, it supports the claim that Belak’s presence on the ice is far more important then not.
Stralmen paired with Gill, its been working well so far, they complement each other very well, and the reality is Stralmen will be on this team sooner or later.The last spot is Colaiacovo’s, till then Walser should get a shot friday, he has obviously earned it with the play of White and Woz, as Im sure they dont hand out AHL monthly awards to just anyone. After him Id give Harrison another try because toughness does count on D.Walser and Harrison aside, getting Danny Markov should be a priority for this team.
Wednesday November 14, 2007
19 points- 19 games. Wow, after seeing Kronwall tonight, the biggest improvement in his game is that of confidence. He was very sure of his decision making and was never out of place. In more then one occasion his size and reach helped, and he used both effectively. He has earned more minutes and looks poised to improve. I see big things if this keep us.
Although the Leafs took 4 of 6 points in the last three, it is important to also look at the negatives in order to improve. Its obvious there was too much play in the Leafs own end, an outstanding performance by Raycroft to secured 2 points, followed by another good game for Toskala that netted the 1. Razor was on his head making big save after big save repeatedly as the result of Leaf defensive turnovers to save another 1. In the last game the Leafs 4 line forward unit worked in total domination in the third, but it ended after the Devereaux tip-in goal.
Unfortunately, time and time again in Buffalo and at the acc, when the puck was dumped in the Leafs end with Gill and White, they continued to get hemmed in their own zone. With a sustained pressure on Whites back, he is unable to win the battles for the puck, physically or with his stick. White is unable to make consistent passes to Gill when under pressure, Gill needs to be lead with the pass to make up for his lack of speed with the puck. That said he needs to not have the puck to be at his best, White has proven to not be that player. I really feel Stralmen can be this player if he just learns the NHL game before pushing up ever other shift.p. As for Wozniewski, he lost a year last season due to injury, he needs to find that comfort level he once had before, and he should be doing it in the AHL, not up here. He had a good camp, I like his size on the pp, but he is guilty of poor judgement and the ability to pick up that puck in your own end and make a safe play when the forecheck is coming. Belak should be given an opportunity.
As for McCabe, some would say great game in Buffalo, they’d be right. He did have a strong effort vs NYR, and on the PK too, but will this last, history says no. Maurice has wisely cut his 5on5 minuets to make him unnoticeable, but that shot should be getting more time, it can be given safely, with him at W.
31, 15
8, 25
3,44
or
31, 15
8, 44
36, 25
Till then the D pairings should be
44, 15
36, 25
3, 24
Tuesday November 20, 2007
Great win vs Ottawa, I wouldn’t be a Leafer if I didn’t acknowledge it all, even when I’m wrong, Kaberle and McCabe can play together on D, but only when strategically placed and used by the coach in offensive oppurtunities. I questioned the ability of Randy Ladouceur in an earlier post, but Sat night vs Ottawa he proved he is more then capable of being a good coach, so I will also hold off all requests for McCabe at W until at least Colaiacovo and Kubina return. Consistency is obviously key for the team to fully prove that this coaching staff is making a difference. Let us not forget how the last shutout vs Ottawa unrealistically raised expectations last season, that said, this team will make the playoffs.
McCabe, it is always good when he proves me wrong, but strong praise must be given to the coaching staff for using him and the entire D (exception Gill – White duo) at the right time and with good pairings. McCabe and Kaberle did log many minuets together 5on5, they would start every period, and were out there in key scoring situations mostly with the Sundin line. I recall only one time that Leafers had to hold our breath when McCabe and Kaberle were trapped resulting in a scoring chance agents. So this is a positive but also easier to accomplish with a home change. Make no mistake, it was an excellent game for McCabe, he was challenged by the coaching staff and came through big time this game. Strong coaching was exhibited McCabe also sharing time with Woz, while Kaberle was paired with Kronwall.
However, even with a full commitment from all 4 forward lines these two D were noticeably shaky and continued to struggle in their own end. Continuing to award White and Wozniewski with ice time is questionable to say the least. Both are guilty of poor decision making with the puck in their own end, and that is only the most glaring of many mistakes that occurred Sat night, those same mistakes that continue occur form seasons start, those same mistakes that this team does not need blowing up in their face when things start rolling again. Are their really no options? (Belak, Walser, Harrison, Muir ect.)
With all due respect to White, he is being forced to play a spot he cannot play due to the offensive talent of the Leafs blueline. As for Woz, he still hasn’t found his rhythm since his last season injury. Kronwall improved after a critical error of leaving his check vs Boston for the 4th goal agents. As for Gill, I was disappointed again at seeing him paired with White, but he was his steady consistent self. Woz was again guilty of a poor game, but a great PK. White needs to rid the monotony of his poor play.
My D vs Boston would Be
15 24 (strategic)
25 44 (defensivly)
3 36 (limited)
Friday November 23, 2007
Coaching, coaching, coaching. For this blog, I will not harp on line-up changes, cause its an argument that is being ignored. So let us focus on the players in the line-up that are not being played the way they should, with who they should, where they should.
Its not Woz’s fault hes in the game in the first place, let alone being asked to all of a sudden play the right D when hes played the left all year 5on5. Nor is it Bell's fault he is not ready for the responsability of life at Center just yet after missing 15 games to start the season. Who's to say he will ever be ready for that difficult role, he was a minus player in the Windy City at C.
Wozneiwski, vs. Dallas was playing the left side the entire game, as a result of the PP for the Leafs, then lines got mixed up, ultimately he played Woz with Kaberle putting Woz on the right side with Kabs in both the first and the second period for a shift. This is something that Woz is obviously not ready for, more importantly something that Knonwall was ready for playing the entire game on the right side. What happens, Woz makes an errant pass, results in game winning goal for Dallas.
Bell has been shifted from wing to center. He got rolling at wing with a great physical presents. Played great down low, using that giant size to shield the puck and create all from the wing. At center his physical dominance is non existent, most importantly his defensive zone coverage at C is poor. Not only that, this move forced Antropov from C to W, while he was playing his best hockey as a pro, at both ends of the ice at C.
During the Boston game, on the 3rd goal (GW) for Boston, Bell jumped the play and took Antropov’s man looking for a big hit in the neutral zone, leaving Nik trying to pick up Bell’s player, the end result was the game winning goal. This happened more then once vs. Boston, it happened vs. Dallas and has been occurring since the Bell shifted to C, ultimately it the coaches decision that has cost this team time and time again.
White played a good game when he shouldn’t have been in the line-up, all that does is show the team that no one will be punished for mistakes, and give White more time to ultimately make another mistake in the future, the cycle is never ending.
Maurice then decides to bench Bell and Woz for the entire third vs Dallas, when they couldn’t succeed in the impossible positions that the coach put them in. My question is when is someone gonna bench Maurice.
Possible replacements
PAT QUINN- best winning percentage of all Leaf Coaches in the modern era, we canned him cause he missed the playoffs by 1 point with an injury riddled team. (this is his team, always was, always will be, stop letting someone else butcher them)
PAT BURNS- eager to get back into coaching, master of the defensive game and 5 man D unit.
Friday October 26, 2007
Things looked great without McCabe on the D last night vs. Crosby and the Pens. My only concern with the D was the pairing of White and Gill. Not only have I been saying this since last season, not only because they gave up the first goal. But because when this pairing gets hemmed up in their own zone, they tend to get trapped resulting in a goal agents or penalty. Gill needs to be paired with a solid puck mover with great hands, more time with Stralmen would be more effective for the entire D and Gill. Keep Woz with White as trial, Woz’s greater speed and puck moving ability then Gill would better cater to White.
I’d like to see Belak as a 6th D. He could be that extra stay at home D we need. If used in a similar role as Gill, could be an effective player with gradually increasing minuets if this venture works work. He would give opposition speedy players a go with his reach and good quickness for a big man, more importantly he’d give talented opposition players something to think about in front the Leaf goal. Again, it supports the claim that Belak’s presence on the ice is far more important then not.
Wednesday November 07, 2007
The Woz and White Experiment Must Officialy End, I wanted them to succeed, I even wrote them in my last blog, but the fact remains that they do not belong on this team D.Is it not common sense to STOP THE PASS on a two on one?Who is coaching these D to not know that, or to use a one kneed approach in attempting to know what to do?I do not mean to be negitive, as it is obvious that 2 new additions would alter the good from saturday, but these defencive mistakes are neverending.The only good that can be taken is that we are able to weed out those that cant be trusted on D, because if your defence aint playing defence, youd be hard pressed to find anyone else giving it much thought.
Kubina, Kaberle, Gill have been as good as can be, with potential of getting even better.The other three should be(Colaiacovo), Belak, Stralmen, Walser
AGAIN Belak a 6th D. He could be that extra stay at home D we need. If used in a similar role as Gill, could be an effective player with gradually increasing minuets if this venture works work. He would give opposition speedy players a go with his reach and good quickness for a big man, more importantly he’d give talented opposition players something to think about in front the Leaf goal and racing down the wing. Again, it supports the claim that Belak’s presence on the ice is far more important then not.
Stralmen paired with Gill, its been working well so far, they complement each other very well, and the reality is Stralmen will be on this team sooner or later.The last spot is Colaiacovo’s, till then Walser should get a shot friday, he has obviously earned it with the play of White and Woz, as Im sure they dont hand out AHL monthly awards to just anyone. After him Id give Harrison another try because toughness does count on D.Walser and Harrison aside, getting Danny Markov should be a priority for this team.
Wednesday November 14, 2007
19 points- 19 games. Wow, after seeing Kronwall tonight, the biggest improvement in his game is that of confidence. He was very sure of his decision making and was never out of place. In more then one occasion his size and reach helped, and he used both effectively. He has earned more minutes and looks poised to improve. I see big things if this keep us.
Although the Leafs took 4 of 6 points in the last three, it is important to also look at the negatives in order to improve. Its obvious there was too much play in the Leafs own end, an outstanding performance by Raycroft to secured 2 points, followed by another good game for Toskala that netted the 1. Razor was on his head making big save after big save repeatedly as the result of Leaf defensive turnovers to save another 1. In the last game the Leafs 4 line forward unit worked in total domination in the third, but it ended after the Devereaux tip-in goal.
Unfortunately, time and time again in Buffalo and at the acc, when the puck was dumped in the Leafs end with Gill and White, they continued to get hemmed in their own zone. With a sustained pressure on Whites back, he is unable to win the battles for the puck, physically or with his stick. White is unable to make consistent passes to Gill when under pressure, Gill needs to be lead with the pass to make up for his lack of speed with the puck. That said he needs to not have the puck to be at his best, White has proven to not be that player. I really feel Stralmen can be this player if he just learns the NHL game before pushing up ever other shift.p. As for Wozniewski, he lost a year last season due to injury, he needs to find that comfort level he once had before, and he should be doing it in the AHL, not up here. He had a good camp, I like his size on the pp, but he is guilty of poor judgement and the ability to pick up that puck in your own end and make a safe play when the forecheck is coming. Belak should be given an opportunity.
As for McCabe, some would say great game in Buffalo, they’d be right. He did have a strong effort vs NYR, and on the PK too, but will this last, history says no. Maurice has wisely cut his 5on5 minuets to make him unnoticeable, but that shot should be getting more time, it can be given safely, with him at W.
31, 15
8, 25
3,44
or
31, 15
8, 44
36, 25
Till then the D pairings should be
44, 15
36, 25
3, 24
Tuesday November 20, 2007
Great win vs Ottawa, I wouldn’t be a Leafer if I didn’t acknowledge it all, even when I’m wrong, Kaberle and McCabe can play together on D, but only when strategically placed and used by the coach in offensive oppurtunities. I questioned the ability of Randy Ladouceur in an earlier post, but Sat night vs Ottawa he proved he is more then capable of being a good coach, so I will also hold off all requests for McCabe at W until at least Colaiacovo and Kubina return. Consistency is obviously key for the team to fully prove that this coaching staff is making a difference. Let us not forget how the last shutout vs Ottawa unrealistically raised expectations last season, that said, this team will make the playoffs.
McCabe, it is always good when he proves me wrong, but strong praise must be given to the coaching staff for using him and the entire D (exception Gill – White duo) at the right time and with good pairings. McCabe and Kaberle did log many minuets together 5on5, they would start every period, and were out there in key scoring situations mostly with the Sundin line. I recall only one time that Leafers had to hold our breath when McCabe and Kaberle were trapped resulting in a scoring chance agents. So this is a positive but also easier to accomplish with a home change. Make no mistake, it was an excellent game for McCabe, he was challenged by the coaching staff and came through big time this game. Strong coaching was exhibited McCabe also sharing time with Woz, while Kaberle was paired with Kronwall.
However, even with a full commitment from all 4 forward lines these two D were noticeably shaky and continued to struggle in their own end. Continuing to award White and Wozniewski with ice time is questionable to say the least. Both are guilty of poor decision making with the puck in their own end, and that is only the most glaring of many mistakes that occurred Sat night, those same mistakes that continue occur form seasons start, those same mistakes that this team does not need blowing up in their face when things start rolling again. Are their really no options? (Belak, Walser, Harrison, Muir ect.)
With all due respect to White, he is being forced to play a spot he cannot play due to the offensive talent of the Leafs blueline. As for Woz, he still hasn’t found his rhythm since his last season injury. Kronwall improved after a critical error of leaving his check vs Boston for the 4th goal agents. As for Gill, I was disappointed again at seeing him paired with White, but he was his steady consistent self. Woz was again guilty of a poor game, but a great PK. White needs to rid the monotony of his poor play.
My D vs Boston would Be
15 24 (strategic)
25 44 (defensivly)
3 36 (limited)
Friday November 23, 2007
Coaching, coaching, coaching. For this blog, I will not harp on line-up changes, cause its an argument that is being ignored. So let us focus on the players in the line-up that are not being played the way they should, with who they should, where they should.
Its not Woz’s fault hes in the game in the first place, let alone being asked to all of a sudden play the right D when hes played the left all year 5on5. Nor is it Bell's fault he is not ready for the responsability of life at Center just yet after missing 15 games to start the season. Who's to say he will ever be ready for that difficult role, he was a minus player in the Windy City at C.
Wozneiwski, vs. Dallas was playing the left side the entire game, as a result of the PP for the Leafs, then lines got mixed up, ultimately he played Woz with Kaberle putting Woz on the right side with Kabs in both the first and the second period for a shift. This is something that Woz is obviously not ready for, more importantly something that Knonwall was ready for playing the entire game on the right side. What happens, Woz makes an errant pass, results in game winning goal for Dallas.
Bell has been shifted from wing to center. He got rolling at wing with a great physical presents. Played great down low, using that giant size to shield the puck and create all from the wing. At center his physical dominance is non existent, most importantly his defensive zone coverage at C is poor. Not only that, this move forced Antropov from C to W, while he was playing his best hockey as a pro, at both ends of the ice at C.
During the Boston game, on the 3rd goal (GW) for Boston, Bell jumped the play and took Antropov’s man looking for a big hit in the neutral zone, leaving Nik trying to pick up Bell’s player, the end result was the game winning goal. This happened more then once vs. Boston, it happened vs. Dallas and has been occurring since the Bell shifted to C, ultimately it the coaches decision that has cost this team time and time again.
White played a good game when he shouldn’t have been in the line-up, all that does is show the team that no one will be punished for mistakes, and give White more time to ultimately make another mistake in the future, the cycle is never ending.
Maurice then decides to bench Bell and Woz for the entire third vs Dallas, when they couldn’t succeed in the impossible positions that the coach put them in. My question is when is someone gonna bench Maurice.
Possible replacements
PAT QUINN- best winning percentage of all Leaf Coaches in the modern era, we canned him cause he missed the playoffs by 1 point with an injury riddled team. (this is his team, always was, always will be, stop letting someone else butcher them)
PAT BURNS- eager to get back into coaching, master of the defensive game and 5 man D unit.
posted by LEAFER at
11:40 AM
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