• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

A thread speculating about possible lines? Already?!

Justin said:
MacArthur, who's scored 20 and 21 goals in his 2 seasons as a Maple Leaf, is on the 4th line?
Click to expand...

Actually from my armchair I traded MacArthur to a team that needs consistent scoring from the wings of their 2nd line. 

The reality is more like this:

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
van Riemsdyk - McClement - Kadri/Frattin
Komarov - Steckel - Brown
Connolly - Orr

(a nod to TML fan)
 
Apparently Kadri is with JVR and Komarov to start today's practice... which is funny, because I was already wondering if they'd work as a 3rd line:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
Kulemin-Grabbo-MacArthur
Komarov-Kadri-JVR
Brown-McClement-Steckel

I was also reading that Kadri's faceoffs have improved a lot, so this might even make sense... for truly critical draws though you have the 4th line with two centres on it.

Though more likely, we'll start with this lineup except Connolly for Kadri... then when Connolly gets hurt 9 games from now, Kadri can take over.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
When did I wake up in an alternative universe where Ottawa, Montreal, Florida, Carolina, and the Islanders were considered tough? Them having one or two players on their bottom lines isn't going to make a difference in that respect.
Click to expand...

Carlton, with the proposed lineup I commented on, the Leafs could barely respond to Subban if he starts running around like an idiot.  If Prust and Moen start pushing guys around, it'll be a long night.

With that said, nothing is static and given some of the more recent lineup projections, which have had Orr and Brown on the fourth line, then I'm a bit more comfortable.  But relatively speaking, the Leafs would certainly be one of the 'less-tough' teams in the East (depending, of course, on the lineup that gets iced).
 
Lines without Connolly:

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
JVR - Kadri - Frattin
Brown - Mcclement - Steckel/Komarov/Orr

 
Justin said:
Lines without Connolly:

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
JVR - Kadri - Frattin
Brown - Mcclement - Steckel/Komarov/Orr
Click to expand...

Man, I feel so much better that this Connolly thing is actually happening.
 
gunnar36 said:
...I would have to think that at least one of Bozak, Connelly or Lombardi will be moved if they can find a taker since none of them provide any kind of size or physical play that they are really lacking in their top 9.
Click to expand...

looks like I was right as 2 of the 3 are now gone
 
Here's mine, at least to start...

Joffrey Lupul Tyler Bozak Phil Kessel
Nikolai Kulemin Mikhail Grabovski Clarke MacArthur
James van Riemsdyk Jay McClement Matt Frattin
Mike Brown David Steckel Leo Komarov
Nazem Kadri

I actually have an opposing viewpoint now. I'd like to have Luo in net to help settle down our young and promising defenders, and give the whole team a better sense of security, but I have a feeling that that opportunity is starting to slip away.

Gillis appears to be ready to gamble that once the season starts other team will recognize a need to upgrade in net and give him more than whats being offered right now.....
[/quote]

My line projections from earlier in the camp are starting to take shape... ;D
 
What I'd like to see vs what will probably happen...

Like
Lupul Bozak Kessel
MacArthur Grabo Kulimen
JVR  Kadri Frattin
Komo McClement Brown
Steckel

Likely
Lupul Bozak Kessel
MacArthur Grabo Kulimen
JVR  Kadri Komo
Orr McClement Brown
Steckel    (Frattin to Marlies..due to inconsistent play...and not wanting to bury him on 4th line)

I think eventually Frattin is back on top three lines as soon as 1) he improves his consistency 2) Gets called up due to injury, trade or player slumping. They clearly like his potential as 1) shooter 2) physical 3) reasonable two-way.

 
https://twitter.com/ThePitBull123
Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
New line at practice - Kadri is now with MacArthur and Komarov

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Van Riemsdyk is now with Kulemin and Grabovski.

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
As the Leafs practice their power play, which was 1 for 7 against the Sabres, Phaneuf and Kostka man the point at practice.

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Gardiner now working the PP with Liles

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Carlyle says they won't decide on whether Gardiner plays against the Penguins on Wednesday until they land later today in Pittsburgh.

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Carlyle said he's trying to find ways to give Nazem Kadri more ice time. "More than likely he'll be on second pp unit tomorrow in Pitt

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Carlyle says he intends to keep 8 defencemen. "We have multiple decisions to make. Two guys will come out any given night."

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Carlyle said selecting his defence will be among the "tough decisions" that has to make every night.

Bob Mitchell ‏@ThePitBull123
Carlyle said having Marlies so close is a luxury. "If we feel we need a player, Matt Frattin and Tim Connolly are half a mile away."


There's tons more at the link with comments on the game, how they need to go to the net, etc. That guy did a great job updating from Leafs practices for the Star.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

About Us

This website is NOT associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs or the NHL.


It is operated by Rick Couchman and Jeff Lewis.
Back
Top