Hey everyone, it's a pleasure to be part of the Leafs board. I'm a big fan and hopefully I can be a solid contributor to this board!!
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So obviously Maurice has decided to go with Pohl in the lineup, and keeping Jeff O'Neill as a healthy scratch.
I had a debate with a friend over whether it would be smarter to have the hands and goal scoring touch of the veteren O'Neill, or the speed and energy of Johnny Pohl.
Personally, I'd prefer O'Neill. Just wanted to know what the board feels about this decision!
Pohl vs. O'Neill
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Welcome to the board. Hopefully you continue to post...we look forward to it.
As for the question, at the moment...you've got to go with what's working. Lately, Pohl has been impressive and has played pretty solid hockey. If the Leafs were to make the playoffs, and need that additional scoring touch, then you might want to go with O'Neill. It also comes down to line combinations for Maurice, and perhaps he doesn't think O'Neill can play a significant enough role on the 3rd/4th line where Pohl is.
It comes down to team need. I think you'll see O'Neill back in the lineup if the Leafs lose tomorrow night, or lose the first game or two in the playoffs.
As for the question, at the moment...you've got to go with what's working. Lately, Pohl has been impressive and has played pretty solid hockey. If the Leafs were to make the playoffs, and need that additional scoring touch, then you might want to go with O'Neill. It also comes down to line combinations for Maurice, and perhaps he doesn't think O'Neill can play a significant enough role on the 3rd/4th line where Pohl is.
It comes down to team need. I think you'll see O'Neill back in the lineup if the Leafs lose tomorrow night, or lose the first game or two in the playoffs.
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O'Neill, but his work ethic has been a real issue. We have to remember that O'Neill was once a former 40 goal scorer in this league and has had success in the playoffs with the Hurricanes in 02. So there is that factor. Should the Leafs make the post-season I wouldn't mind the return of O'Neill, and its not as if Pohl has had such a dramatic impact either.
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Andrea>Dirk wrote:I think Pohl has great upside to be a solid #2 or 3 center in this league. Therefore, I think it is beneficial for him and the team to have him play solid minutes during a stretch run.
As for the real question, plain and simple: Stick with what's been working.
I think a third line centre is basically his ceiling, he doesnt do really any one thing above average, but is decent in every aspect.
We also have to remember he's not that young, he's already 26, turning 27 this year.