Leafs 2013-14 Regular Season Thread

[ATLTimekeeper]

Dangerous time for Leaf management. Bozak's gone for at least 10 games in the long-term injury reserve. Dion wants 8/year and we're putting up expansion era San Jose Shark level shots against. While he's improved this year, he's not that good and we need to ship his ass out of town now while he holds some value. They were crowing about how he shut down Benn last night. Bernier shut down Benn. Dion was sluggish last night (but made a great pinch to help win the game). Maybe we take a step back, but it's not like we're going to start giving up 60 shots a game because Dion's not here. Package him with Reimer and see if we can get a young C out of it.

Anyone else disturbed that Nonis doesn't use any of the budget for analytics and proudly admits it? I mean, not even to try and come up with his own quantification of critiera he likes in a player?

[Brew666]

How is it that Morgan Reilly and Gardiner keep getting dicked around by Carlyle in and out of the lineup yet Ranger has played every game this year?

I'd rather have Ranger play than Mark Fraser. Regardless, they've both been useless this year, and we've got 2 young players with the ability to control the flow out of our end sitting in the pressbox, and/or playing limited minutes.

I realize we need more of a defensive back end, but they're both more effective than Mark Fraser. If you're going to have Reilly on the roster, play him.

The difference to me between Fraser and Ranger is that at least Fraser kind of proved himself last year in the eyes of Carlyle. So I can kind of understand why he'd rely on him heavily even if struggling. What I don't get is the love for Ranger because he makes one brutal mistake every game.

I don't know if it's due to missing training camp but Fraser looks like a step behind this year. I liked him paired up with Franson last year but this year he seems to get beat quite easily [foot speed].

I think part of the reason why Carlyle continues playing Fraser is b/c he's one of the two physical dman on the team [the other being Phaneuf]. As sh*t as he's playing, he's bringing something to the team that the other dmen don't. And it's something that I think is more important to a dman than offensive ability. As much as I think Fraser's play doesn't merit ice time or dressing for a game, he's bringing something to the game that the other dman don't and it's needed. They don't even really have any call-ups that can fill that void, Brennan and Liles are also both offensive minded dmen.

[Crowned]

I'd rather have Ranger play than Mark Fraser. Regardless, they've both been useless this year, and we've got 2 young players with the ability to control the flow out of our end sitting in the pressbox, and/or playing limited minutes.

I realize we need more of a defensive back end, but they're both more effective than Mark Fraser. If you're going to have Reilly on the roster, play him.

The difference to me between Fraser and Ranger is that at least Fraser kind of proved himself last year in the eyes of Carlyle. So I can kind of understand why he'd rely on him heavily even if struggling. What I don't get is the love for Ranger because he makes one brutal mistake every game.

I don't know if it's due to missing training camp but Fraser looks like a step behind this year. I liked him paired up with Franson last year but this year he seems to get beat quite easily [foot speed].

I think part of the reason why Carlyle continues playing Fraser is b/c he's one of the two physical dman on the team [the other being Phaneuf]. As sh*t as he's playing, he's bringing something to the team that the other dmen don't. And it's something that I think is more important to a dman than offensive ability. As much as I think Fraser's play doesn't merit ice time or dressing for a game, he's bringing something to the game that the other dman don't and it's needed. They don't even really have any call-ups that can fill that void, Brennan and Liles are also both offensive minded dmen.

He doesn't bring anything valuable to the team, at all. He's terrible. I'm aware defensive ability is more important than offensive ability in a defenseman, but at this point, I could argue that Gardiner is probably better off than Fraser in this area. Yes, I think he's that bad.

I remember sitting at a Marlies game a few seasons ago wondering how the guy made it to the AHL due to his lack of speed. Little did I know he'd soon be on our NHL roster.

[Crowned]

On an unrelated note, Connor McDavid is one of the best prospects I've ever seen. I saw him play a few times when he was with the Marlies in minor hockey while on a scouting assignment a couple years ago. There were a few scouts at the time that thought he was better at the same age than Crosby.

Watching him right now on sportsnet is mind boggling. He's having an 'off game', and has been incredibly dangerous. I'm really excited to see what he can do with Team Canada. Let's all not forget, the kid is still a '97 and is a few years away from being draft eligible still.

[whysoserious]

Another 50 shots against, this team has no semblance of a defensive system. it's one thing to keep getting outshot but to give up this many shots and expect your goalies to keep bailing you out is ridiculous. It's going to start costing them soon.

Oh, and that was a complete cheap shot be Neal first on Marchand while he's down and Thornton to follow it up. I hope they suspend Thornton for a long time and throw something serious at Neal.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Not only does Clarkson take an absolutely careless high sticking penalty in the 3rd, he botches another gimme scoring chance to win the game in regulation. Time for his good character to show up and will us to a few victories.

That should have been an easy win. Disappointed that they choked it away. Mark Fraser should not be dressing right now let alone playing penalty kill minutes. Ranger is much better than him. So is Reilly. This is like that pylon O'Byrne last year. Randy just kept sending him out there for some jam while more talented players sat.

[wicked_crossova]

Another 50 shots against, this team has no semblance of a defensive system. it's one thing to keep getting outshot but to give up this many shots and expect your goalies to keep bailing you out is ridiculous. It's going to start costing them soon.

Oh, and that was a complete cheap shot be Neal first on Marchand while he's down and Thornton to follow it up. I hope they suspend Thornton for a long time and throw something serious at Neal.

I feel like that's whats been happening the last two weeks lol

[whysoserious]

Another 50 shots against, this team has no semblance of a defensive system. it's one thing to keep getting outshot but to give up this many shots and expect your goalies to keep bailing you out is ridiculous. It's going to start costing them soon.

Oh, and that was a complete cheap shot be Neal first on Marchand while he's down and Thornton to follow it up. I hope they suspend Thornton for a long time and throw something serious at Neal.

I feel like that's whats been happening the last two weeks lol

Agreed, but they're still picking up points forcing games to overtime and what not. It's going to cost them with more flat out losses. You just can't keep up this pace.

[YogiStewart]

wow....
tough schedule, injuries and now Phaneuf likely getting 2 games for his hit.
December will be a mess

[whysoserious]

wow....
tough schedule, injuries and now Phaneuf likely getting 2 games for his hit.
December will be a mess

Funny enough and unrelated but I wonder if it's coincidence that this team has taken so many penalties of late and it coincided with Clarkson coming back. This team has been on a tear to the penalty box and I know that was one of your major issues with Clarkson. Granted a lot of guys are being asked to play above their roles considering the injuries but still.

Clarkson has been horrible for this team and that contract looks uglier and uglier with every passing minute.

They still aren't in a bad position, but they really need to get the Shots Against down and the Qualify Chances against down as well.

[ATLTimekeeper]

I don't mind Clarkson when he's out there, but he has taken bad penalties and his lack of scoring is unacceptable for how much he earns. The deal looks atrocious if this is what we're going to get for 7 years, but it's still only a few games in.

Carlyle needs to play Holland more and give him PP time over Trevor Smith.

I'm glad Dion is going to get suspended because 1) that was a hit that needs to be removed from the game and 2) he's been weak lately and could probably use the rest and 3) it might be good to see how we play without him in his contract year.

[YogiStewart]

wow....
tough schedule, injuries and now Phaneuf likely getting 2 games for his hit.
December will be a mess

Funny enough and unrelated but I wonder if it's coincidence that this team has taken so many penalties of late and it coincided with Clarkson coming back. This team has been on a tear to the penalty box and I know that was one of your major issues with Clarkson. Granted a lot of guys are being asked to play above their roles considering the injuries but still.

Clarkson has been horrible for this team and that contract looks uglier and uglier with every passing minute.

They still aren't in a bad position, but they really need to get the Shots Against down and the Qualify Chances against down as well.

Washington's 1 pt back with a game in hand and has won 2 in a row. if you want to laugh/cry, go look at the Caps' December schedule. seriously. the Ducks and Rangers' games are the only 2 loseable games. the Caps can realistically finish December 9-4, and that takes into account the back ender of their back to back games.
Carolina's 3 pts back with a game in hand. they have a tougher schedule, but not as tough as the Leafs. Carolina can realistically go 7-3 over their next 10 games, but with travel schedules and such, 5-5 is more realistic. it's still better than how the Leafs will likely fare.

finally, injuries. yes, the Leafs have injuries. but so does every other club. the Lightening are in 5th place and without their best player for 2 months. Jets are without their best scorer and a top 3 D-man and were without their top rookie d-man (who was getting top 2 minutes) for 3 weeks. every team has issues. when you have Lupul on your team, you pencil in him missing 1/4 of the season. Bozak also has a history of injuries and, after last season, you wonder again how he was signed to such a fat contract.

Meanwhile, Grabovski has 25 pts in 30 games for Washington and had been a trooper when with the Leafs (i hate to think of how many concussions he's played through)

if the Rangers catch fire and actually play up to their talent level and get used to their new coach, the Leafs will be in 9th spot. all it will take is for them to play an eyelash above 0.500 - and looking at their schedule, it is basically where they'll probably play - and the Leafs are in 9th.

[Crowned]

An absolute joke that Neal gets 5 games for his knee to the head. The play was a deliberate intent to injure, and should've been more. With all the news surrounding concussions recently, you turn around and give him 5 games? I think if it were an enforcer or a 3rd/4th line scrub, we'd be looking at a much severe suspension.

If Thornton doesn't get at least 10-12 games, I'll be outraged.

[Mohanad]

Clarkson's return is reason why the rest of the Leafs are warming up the box of late? What the hell did I just read? I guess Clarkson's season in Jersey is the reason why the Leafs were one the league leaders in penalty minutes last season as well.

Got to love the odd fixation at throwing dirt at the Leafs whenever they can. Tampa Bay has won 3 out of their last 10 games and have slipped from first to fifth (and still dropping...) Winnipeg doesn't make the playoffs in either conference. You're not going to overlook the Leafs missing Kadri, Franson, Bolland, Bozak, and Lupul for stretches (not to mention having their starting 3 centers out) being a set back

[YogiStewart]

you're always so bloody angry when you post, Mohanad. since i assume you don't have a job with the Leafs, you shouldn't get so hurt when some of us criticize what's going on.

the Leafs missing Kadri (2 game suspension), Phaneuf (next 2 games) and Clarkson is their own doing. Carlyle or Nonis need to look in the mirror about that. re-upping oft-injured Lupul and Bozak are the GM's issues. in an Olympic-schedule year, ALL teams will have injury issues. getting outshot 2-1 isn't just an injury issue.

[whysoserious]

BTW, I wasn't entirely blaming Clarkson for the increase in penalties but he sure does take some of the stupidest penalties at some of the worse times.

Before he was came back, the team was a little more disciplined. It's a combination of things, there were injuries and some guys pushed up to bigger roles that just aren't meant for it can also lead to penalties because they're on the ice more and at times that just causes them to take them. But Clarkson is very undisciplined and that can also spread to a team. Especially if the coach is supporting that player.

[Mohanad]

you're always so bloody angry when you post, Mohanad. since i assume you don't have a job with the Leafs, you shouldn't get so hurt when some of us criticize what's going on.

the Leafs missing Kadri (2 game suspension), Phaneuf (next 2 games) and Clarkson is their own doing. Carlyle or Nonis need to look in the mirror about that. re-upping oft-injured Lupul and Bozak are the GM's issues. in an Olympic-schedule year, ALL teams will have injury issues. getting outshot 2-1 isn't just an injury issue.

nobody is touching on any sensitive delicacies when addressing pressing issues the Leafs are facing. but there is a fine line between criticism and ignorance. overlooking several key injuries (bolland, lupul, franson, bozak.. to name a few) during a stretch where the team has been struggling of late and coming back and posting "ha! told you leaf fans you're not a playoff team! enjoy 9th!!" is just pathetic.

Clarkson is due for a buyout and will not be playing 7 seasons in Toronto for those figures. Cap is up 10% next season. That's about an extra $7 mill to play with. Kessel is due for +$2.5 mil raise minus Armstrong, Tucker, Scrivens & Frattin buyouts and salary retention adds up to $2.5 mil. the cap affect will be balanced so the Leafs can use the full increase to their advantage. Don't want any part of Fraser or Ranger anymore.

[whysoserious]

They're still getting points by forcing games to overtime and such but this is crazy, the Leafs have only 2 regulation wins in their last 17 games.

[ATLTimekeeper]

A really thorough look at the Leafs' defense so far this year. Just a fantastic, measured analysis from the blog that Leiweke said he would never consider reading.

http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2013/12/11/5201096/which-leaf-defencemen-suck-survey-says

[Crowned]

They played much better against the Kings last night. I thought Jones kept them in the game, and he's likely the only reason why we saw a loss last night.

I really liked seeing Gardiner and Reilly together last night. That's a pair they should explore as the season progresses.