2017-18 Toronto Maple Leafs - Playoffs Edition

[Zee]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

 

[Coco-puffs]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

All of that is inconsequential.  In Game 5, Cassidy will control the matchups for the most part and always puts Bergeron out against the Matthews unit.  Its why I suggested switching up Matthews wingers on the road to Marleau/Marner.

Now, for game 6... then it does present the option of keeping Plekanec between Marleau-Marner against the Bergeron line and seeing if Johnsson-Kadri-Kapanen can get something going together.  This gives you the option to also drop Bozak's line's minutes at 5v5.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

That's very true. Problem is what we think and what Babs thinks are probably complete opposite, unfortunately. Let's see what game 4 brings and hopefully Leo is out so there's no decision to be made.

 

[Zee]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

That's very true. Problem is what we think and what Babs thinks are probably complete opposite, unfortunately. Let's see what game 4 brings and hopefully Leo is out so there's no decision to be made.

Since Leo has had recent injury problem, I'm hopeful that this latest setback is too much for him to come back from.  It's fairly sad that i'm wishing for a player to not be fit to play, but here we are.  In any event, I don't think Babcock switches the lineup for the next game since it was a winning combo.  Coaches usually stick with what worked.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

That's very true. Problem is what we think and what Babs thinks are probably complete opposite, unfortunately. Let's see what game 4 brings and hopefully Leo is out so there's no decision to be made.

Since Leo has had recent injury problem, I'm hopeful that this latest setback is too much for him to come back from.  It's fairly sad that i'm wishing for a player to not be fit to play, but here we are.  In any event, I don't think Babcock switches the lineup for the next game since it was a winning combo.  Coaches usually stick with what worked.

What's the over/under on this? I have a bad feeling he's in if he can go and I think that's a huge mistake. As sad as it is, I hope he can't go so it takes the decision out of his hands.

 

[Zee]

Marleau - Matthews - Marner
Hyman - Kadri - Nylander
Jvr- Bozak - Brown
Johnsson - Plekanec - Kapanen

I think that's definitely worth a shot on the road.

Those top two lines happened at times during the season when they were doing road matches with just the centres. It?ll come up again in game 5. Now we have the added benefit of rolling out Plekanec as an option with Kadri?s line if there is a shuffle for whatever reason.

The thing is, what made Plekanec effective?  Was it his linemates, his renewed enthusiasm because he felt useful, the fact that he hates Marchand?  I think that is the question that needs to be answered, because if he isn't as effective if he is centering Johnsson and Kapanen, then he shouldn't be put back there.  The Leafs need him to be more effective than he was in games 1 and 2.  They need him to be as effective as he was in game 3, and hope that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Pleks played almost 18 minutes last night. Most games with the Leafs he's played 10. That's a huge difference. Maybe it is as simple as feeling needed but he was a pain in their ass last night. Marchand absolutely hates him and that's a good thing. If, and I say if, it goes the same next game I'd be tempted to leave him with the Mars bars and put Kadri with the 4th line guys. It might actually be a very good fit as Kadri has a little more finish then Moore. We'll have to see what happens Thursday tho. One thing very clear is Leo has no place in this line up unless someone is hurt. Unfortunately we all know, Leo will be back in if he's healthy and the 4th line will be less effective again.

You don't even have to treat it as a "4th line" in terms of minutes either.  They can increase the minutes played if they have Kadri with Kapanen and Johnsson.  All 3 guys can score and are fast, that could be an explosive offensive line, I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

That's very true. Problem is what we think and what Babs thinks are probably complete opposite, unfortunately. Let's see what game 4 brings and hopefully Leo is out so there's no decision to be made.

Since Leo has had recent injury problem, I'm hopeful that this latest setback is too much for him to come back from.  It's fairly sad that i'm wishing for a player to not be fit to play, but here we are.  In any event, I don't think Babcock switches the lineup for the next game since it was a winning combo.  Coaches usually stick with what worked.

What's the over/under on this? I have a bad feeling he's in if he can go and I think that's a huge mistake. As sad as it is, I hope he can't go so it takes the decision out of his hands.

If he does insert Leo and they lose game 4, they'll be some hard questions to answer.  "Why did you change the lineup from the winning game 3 version?"

 

[herman]

I don't think Leo is coming back into the lineup even when healthy. I know this sounds counter to what I argued a few weeks ago. I wasn't saying Komarov should be in the lineup, but rather Babcock wouldn't kick him out just because Johnsson was the new hotness. I also did say that Komarov would get two games and if we got blown up, he'd throw Johnsson in there.

It's one thing when it's towards the end of the season and he was slated for the playoff lineup; but now we're in the playoffs and there is no more room for patience. Komarov was bumped off Kadri's line, and is for all intents and purposes bumped from the 4th, barring injury to someone else. Babcock will just say he doesn't want to mess with a winning lineup.

Justin Bourne was on the Hockey PDOcast with Dim Filopovic a couple of weeks ago and talked about how Babcock kind of needs to see his 'mistakes' on his own before he makes adjustments (i.e. they've been telling him about Dermott and Johnsson since last year), which is why it takes some time.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

 

[herman]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

What does he know without Nonis on staff though?

 

[Guilt Trip]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

From past practice what else would we think.
Herman, I hope you're right though. Babs has to see it. He's stubborn, not stupid.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

What does he know without Nonis on staff though?

Hahaha...

 

[rdowdall]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

What does he know without Nonis on staff though?

Maybe he has an Athletic subscription?

 

[rdowdall]

All of that is inconsequential.  In Game 5, Cassidy will control the matchups for the most part and always puts Bergeron out against the Matthews unit.  Its why I suggested switching up Matthews wingers on the road to Marleau/Marner.

Now, for game 6... then it does present the option of keeping Plekanec between Marleau-Marner against the Bergeron line and seeing if Johnsson-Kadri-Kapanen can get something going together.  This gives you the option to also drop Bozak's line's minutes at 5v5.

Yeah, I guess I was thinking specifically of that one goal where Plekanec got trapped on the ice after an icing and the Marchand line came out and the scored a goal.  Although it was only one of the 5 (for the forwards) that line has put up so far in this series.

 

[Zee]

Dreger said on the radio today that his educated guess is that Komarov goes right back in when he's healthy. I, reluctantly of course, agree with that assessment.

Screw Dreger.

 

[mr grieves]

All of that is inconsequential.  In Game 5, Cassidy will control the matchups for the most part and always puts Bergeron out against the Matthews unit.  Its why I suggested switching up Matthews wingers on the road to Marleau/Marner.

Now, for game 6... then it does present the option of keeping Plekanec between Marleau-Marner against the Bergeron line and seeing if Johnsson-Kadri-Kapanen can get something going together.  This gives you the option to also drop Bozak's line's minutes at 5v5.

Yeah, I guess I was thinking specifically of that one goal where Plekanec got trapped on the ice after an icing and the Marchand line came out and the scored a goal.  Although it was only one of the 5 (for the forwards) that line has put up so far in this series.

That's why, if game 4 shows Plekanec has more than 1 game in him, I'd sort of like to see Kadri on the 4th line in Boston.

If Plekanec gets stuck out there with Marner and Marleu, do we care? If the fourth line gets stuck out there, Kadri centering that makes that a less frightening proposition.

 

[Highlander]

Ya Kadri between Johnsson and Kapi sounds like Kentucky chicken

 

[herman]

This series so far not only shows how getting some less-panicky defenders is mandatory, but also how much of a handful the Leafs will be with another matchup centre down the middle, either behind or in front of Kadri.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/MarcPDumont/status/986265353771716613

Does Lou have Twitter?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

This series so far not only shows how getting some less-panicky defenders is mandatory, but also how much of a handful the Leafs will be with another matchup centre down the middle, either behind or in front of Kadri.

I'd be pretty surprised if they don't go hard after Thornton or Tavares this summer if they're available.

 

[Zee]

https://twitter.com/MarcPDumont/status/986265353771716613

Does Lou have Twitter?

Maybe he's like Samson?  He needs that hair for his power.