Are the Leafs too Big??

[jalenrose#5]

I'm just throwing this out there. I think a big reason why the Leafs stink this year is due to their size. They're one of the slower teams in the league IMO and really need to add some speed to their current roster. Look at the Flyers last year, I found that team was far too big for today's NHL. They retooled and now they're leading the Atlantic Division.

Paul Maurice is a GREAT coach IMO, but his coaching style suits more of a younger, smaller, faster team such as the Oilers, Canes or even the Sabres or Habs.

I find the Leafs are just too big. Their first line averages nearly 6'5 230, their third line everybody is over 6 ft 200 and their fourth line averages nearly 6'5 220.

Their defenceman, other than White average nearly 6'4 220 lbs. This probably explains their lack of mobility.

Lastly, our only line under 6 ft is the GOD AWFUL Tucker/Welly/Blake line that can't skate (other than Blake). It's either time for another shuffling of the lines, or worse....BLOW THIS SUCKER UP!

[emfive]

It is not the size but the slow footedness. (Is that a word?) I do understand your point about the connection though. When you consider speed you don't mind having a few slower ones when they bring something else. For example Antropov brings a scoring touch .... Gill has his reach and good sense on D (although personally I would trade that in a second for speed) ... even Wellwood has an ability to get himself and others open with his puckhandling. But my prime example of a problem on this team is a guy like Tucker who brings little to the plate. (Not to mention that contract.)

I guess I am agreeing.

[bryant08]

The Leafs have to develop some sort of plan that is widespread throughout the team, and it can't go line by line. Of course you expect different things from different lines, but it's time to develop that one trademark strategy. If the Leafs wanna play big, shut down the neutral zone, and focus on the cycling game, do that. If they want to play a dump and chase (which wouldn't work with the current roster and lack fo speed), then establish that. The Leafs are playing inconsistent hockey, and when they are trying to wear the opponent down, they end up wearing themselves down. Line re-shuffling is definitely needed. I think it's Steen's time to shine. He showed last night how he can return to the form of his rookie season. Maurice has been using him as a solid two-way forward which obviously isn't working. Throw him up there with Sundin, and let's see what he does. If it doesn't work, go back to the Sky Line. To be honest, I'm not even sure if a common team mentality would work, the Leafs are just one heck of a circus out there.

[Tor-Rap-Tor]

The Leafs have to develop some sort of plan that is widespread throughout the team, and it can't go line by line. Of course you expect different things from different lines, but it's time to develop that one trademark strategy. If the Leafs wanna play big, shut down the neutral zone, and focus on the cycling game, do that. If they want to play a dump and chase (which wouldn't work with the current roster and lack fo speed), then establish that. The Leafs are playing inconsistent hockey, and when they are trying to wear the opponent down, they end up wearing themselves down. Line re-shuffling is definitely needed. I think it's Steen's time to shine. He showed last night how he can return to the form of his rookie season. Maurice has been using him as a solid two-way forward which obviously isn't working. Throw him up there with Sundin, and let's see what he does. If it doesn't work, go back to the Sky Line. To be honest, I'm not even sure if a common team mentality would work, the Leafs are just one heck of a circus out there.

Very good assessment of the team and I completely agree with you...

I still have reservations, in way Maurice is coaching the team and in his line selection, as well as the system he is employing, either the system is too complex and is not understood by the players, or as you have eluded to wrong for the players we now have...