David Clarkson

[MetalRaven]

well David showed something last night that I knew he had and why I loved the acquisition. This is the way this dude can play. Remember dude not dud

are you his mom?

If that's his best game with the Leafs so far as some have said then I'm still not impressed. He got away with a trip that should have been called and his "assist" on McClement's goal was not even an assist. The TB player hit it off Clarkson's stick. Clarkson had no intention of passing puck there. Which seems very typical and something I did not know of him as a player. He's a puck hog.

To be fair he could be hogging the puck more in order to score goals because hes getting criticized for not scoring goals? Or was this something he did a lot in Jersey as well?

 

[Stickytape]

well David showed something last night that I knew he had and why I loved the acquisition. This is the way this dude can play. Remember dude not dud

are you his mom?

If that's his best game with the Leafs so far as some have said then I'm still not impressed. He got away with a trip that should have been called and his "assist" on McClement's goal was not even an assist. The TB player hit it off Clarkson's stick. Clarkson had no intention of passing puck there. Which seems very typical and something I did not know of him as a player. He's a puck hog.

To be fair he could be hogging the puck more in order to score goals because hes getting criticized for not scoring goals? Or was this something he did a lot in Jersey as well?

I don't see how that's a point in his favour, either.

He also almost tipped a goal past Bernier, I think in the 1st.

He played a better game than his average this season, and if the trend continues I don't think he'll look too out of place on the team.  His contract still will, though.

 

[lamajama]

well David showed something last night that I knew he had and why I loved the acquisition. This is the way this dude can play. Remember dude not dud

are you his mom?

If that's his best game with the Leafs so far as some have said then I'm still not impressed. He got away with a trip that should have been called and his "assist" on McClement's goal was not even an assist. The TB player hit it off Clarkson's stick. Clarkson had no intention of passing puck there. Which seems very typical and something I did not know of him as a player. He's a puck hog.

To be fair he could be hogging the puck more in order to score goals because hes getting criticized for not scoring goals? Or was this something he did a lot in Jersey as well?

Taking a quick look at his NJ stats he has never once had more assists than goals. Examples are (goals-assists) 12-6, 30-16, 15-9. His NHL totals are 101-79. This year he is 4-6. So this hogging the puck is not an aberration but a statistical factor in his play. I did not know he was like this at all.

 

[slapshot]

I said at the very start of the year, people will curse him in the regular season and love him in the playoffs, which I still believe will be the case.

This kind of reminds me of the Kessel thread from a couple of years back, bad deal, waste of money, one dimensional player, etc. etc. Now look at him, back checking, fighting for pucks, near the top of scoring.

Clarkson simply hasn't found his groove yet. New team, new system, series of setbacks (yes, some brought on by himself). They brought him in not as a playmaker, but as someone who would take the body, go to the dirty areas and bang in some cheap goals that others wouldn't get because he's willing to go to the front of the net. This will become even more evident in the playoffs when the punishment gets a lot more intense. If he can score some big goals at important times in the "playoffs," the signing will make sense because that is what this is all about, going to the next level.

I don't know if he's the right fit for Kadri and Lupul. He would need to develop some chemistry with them. Hasn't really played with them enough to this point. Probably third line is a better fit with Bolland and Mason. Granted that is a lot of money for a third line players, but if the cap escalates as expected, and his plays goes to where we expected it, I am okay with that.

Ideally, I'd like to see an upgrade on right wing beside Kadri and Lupul. It looked like pretty much a certainty Kulemin would be moved, but his play of late has been a lot better. I was actually fairly impressed with him at centre last game.

If the Leafs can upgrade on right wing without giving up the farm, I'd move Kulemin to fourth line with McClement and Bodie for the playoffs, but give that line more minutes, say 8-10 minutes a night. Twelve to 14 minutes for the third line, and 18-20 for the top two.

I'm actually pretty okay with the Leafs going into the playoffs (I am assuming they will make it) with the lineup they have, with Bolland back. An upgrade would be nice if it makes sense. My only concern is that they stay healthy, especially in goal and on the back end. They have a decent fill in with Holland but not so comfortable with Ranger. 

 

[Rebel_1812]

Yeah if he starts to lay out some big hits it will all be worth it.

 

[bakeapples]

To be fair he could be hogging the puck more in order to score goals because hes getting criticized for not scoring goals? Or was this something he did a lot in Jersey as well?

Yes same in Jersey

 

[moon111]

I bet if you look, Dave Andreychuk didn't score his goals the same way as Wendel Clark did.  Leafs need to exploit individual skill sets better.

 

[Highlander]

Slapshot and I are on the same page however he articulated my feelings exactly. All you whom trashed the Kessel trade are now trashing Clarkson.  He showed in the last game his value and will continue to especially in the playoffs.

 

[princedpw]

Clarkson simply hasn't found his groove yet. New team, new system, series of setbacks (yes, some brought on by himself). They brought him in not as a playmaker, but as someone who would take the body, go to the dirty areas and bang in some cheap goals that others wouldn't get because he's willing to go to the front of the net. This will become even more evident in the playoffs when the punishment gets a lot more intense. If he can score some big goals at important times in the "playoffs," the signing will make sense because that is what this is all about, going to the next level.

I think the people against the deal would simply argue that Clarke MacCarthur could also score some big goals in the playoffs, cost less, and incur no long term financial risk.  There is no way to predict who will score the big goal in the playoffs.  Over a 4-7 game stretch anybody can hot or go cold. but in general, the better the player, the better the chances.  In recent years, little guys like Danny Briere and and Phil Kessel have done well.  It is a bit of a myth that brute strength always wins the day in the playoffs.

I don't know if he's the right fit for Kadri and Lupul. He would need to develop some chemistry with them. Hasn't really played with them enough to this point. Probably third line is a better fit with Bolland and Mason. Granted that is a lot of money for a third line players, but if the cap escalates as expected, and his plays goes to where we expected it, I am okay with that.

Ideally, I'd like to see an upgrade on right wing beside Kadri and Lupul. It looked like pretty much a certainty Kulemin would be moved, but his play of late has been a lot better. I was actually fairly impressed with him at centre last game.

Another reason people didn't like the acquisition is the opportunity cost. Upgrading elsewhere (such as the more important positions at center and on defense) where the leafs are weaker is more difficult now because of how much you are paying a third liner.

But the biggest reason they didn't like the acquisition is because of the fear the team is mortgaging the future (years 4-7 of the contract) for a present that isn't all that promising.  People generally assumed Clarkson would provide decent value the first few years of the deal (which has made it a bit of a shock given how terribly this first season has gone).

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

He's got 5 goals in 44 career playoff games (had 3 in 24 games when they went to the Final).

I'm sure they were all of the big variety though.

I think a lot of people have this perfect image of the rough and tumble, tough, gritty playoff performer in their minds and believe that anyone who plays "tough" is going to magically become this heroic, unstoppable playoff force.  Maybe they just saw too much of Gary Roberts and forgot how he was actually just a really good player overall.

 

[bustaheims]

He's got 5 goals in 44 career playoff games (had 3 in 24 games when they went to the Final).

I'm sure they were all of the big variety though.

To be fair, though, 4 of those 5 goals were game winning goals.

 

[princedpw]

He's got 5 goals in 44 career playoff games (had 3 in 24 games when they went to the Final).

I'm sure they were all of the big variety though.

To be fair, though, 4 of those 5 goals were game winning goals.

To be fair again, that's probably a total fluke, right? 

Edit: as in, I'd bet anybody that going forward, less than 80% of his playoff goals will be of the game-winning kind.

 

[Redleaf]

Clarkson simply hasn't found his groove yet. New team, new system, series of setbacks (yes, some brought on by himself). They brought him in not as a playmaker, but as someone who would take the body, go to the dirty areas and bang in some cheap goals that others wouldn't get because he's willing to go to the front of the net. This will become even more evident in the playoffs when the punishment gets a lot more intense. If he can score some big goals at important times in the "playoffs," the signing will make sense because that is what this is all about, going to the next level.

I think the people against the deal would simply argue that Clarke MacCarthur could also score some big goals in the playoffs, cost less, and incur no long term financial risk.  There is no way to predict who will score the big goal in the playoffs.  Over a 4-7 game stretch anybody can hot or go cold. but in general, the better the player, the better the chances.  In recent years, little guys like Danny Briere and and Phil Kessel have done well.  It is a bit of a myth that brute strength always wins the day in the playoffs.

I don't know if he's the right fit for Kadri and Lupul. He would need to develop some chemistry with them. Hasn't really played with them enough to this point. Probably third line is a better fit with Bolland and Mason. Granted that is a lot of money for a third line players, but if the cap escalates as expected, and his plays goes to where we expected it, I am okay with that.

Ideally, I'd like to see an upgrade on right wing beside Kadri and Lupul. It looked like pretty much a certainty Kulemin would be moved, but his play of late has been a lot better. I was actually fairly impressed with him at centre last game.

Another reason people didn't like the acquisition is the opportunity cost. Upgrading elsewhere (such as the more important positions at center and on defense) where the leafs are weaker is more difficult now because of how much you are paying a third liner.

But the biggest reason they didn't like the acquisition is because of the fear the team is mortgaging the future (years 4-7 of the contract) for a present that isn't all that promising.  People generally assumed Clarkson would provide decent value the first few years of the deal (which has made it a bit of a shock given how terribly this first season has gone).

I understand the argument that Nonis should have addressed the defense and/or centre positions instead of bringing in Clarkson. I was behind that argument 100%. But when you step back and see what options Nonis has at any given time, you can understand his reasoning a bit better. He wanted someone like Clarkson at some point in time. That need may have been further down the list some other pressing ones, but it was available this summer. And that's the key to the deal. Availability. The ducks are never lined up in a row for the taking. GMs are forced to fill holes with players they like only when they are available. In that context I understand why they chose to go after him now, and not just pick up any old defensemn and centre for place holding purposes. The only question that remains is, is Clarkson the player they believed he could be when they signed him, or not?

 

[bustaheims]

To be fair again, that's probably a total fluke, right? 

Edit: as in, I'd bet anybody that going forward, less than 80% of his playoff goals will be of the game-winning kind.

Oh, it's absolutely not sustainable, and, since I couldn't find the actual box scores for those games, I can't even be sure if they were late goals that turned the tide or part of early leads.

 

[Deebo]

April 23, 2009 v. Hurricanes. Game 5 1st round. 0-0, 11:22 2nd period, 1-0 Final

May 1st v, Flyers, 2012 Game 2 2nd round. 1-1, 11:17 3rd period, 4-1 Final

May 8th v, Flyers, 2012 Game 5 2nd round. 1-1, 12:45 1st period, 3-1 Final, Series winning

May 16th v. Rangers 2012, Game 2 3rd round. 2-2, 2:31 3rd period, 3-2 Final



(I should be doing something better with my weekends)

 

[Bullfrog]

Slapshot and I are on the same page however he articulated my feelings exactly. All you whom trashed the Kessel trade are now trashing Clarkson.  He showed in the last game his value and will continue to especially in the playoffs.

And that's based on what?

 

[Highlander]

All of the numerous posters at the time (some gone to be fair) that roasted the Kessel trade. come on now admit it, there were about 70% totally against it. Now we have one of the best snipers the Loafs have ever had.
I don't expect Clarkson to score a lot of goals, I expect him to grind down his opponents, win the tough corner battles and be a force when he is on the ice. Macarther, make me laugh, he was not a grinder or a hitter but a decent goal scorer. I liked Mac but he didnt fit this team and whether you like it or not this team is winning and getting better all the time.

 

[Kin]

Slapshot and I are on the same page however he articulated my feelings exactly. All you whom trashed the Kessel trade are now trashing Clarkson.  He showed in the last game his value and will continue to especially in the playoffs.

And that's based on what?

More to the point, it's just continued good judgment.

 

[bustaheims]

All of the numerous posters at the time (some gone to be fair) that roasted the Kessel trade. come on now admit it, there were about 70% totally against it. Now we have one of the best snipers the Loafs have ever had.

The very important difference is that very few people were against adding Kessel the player, we just weren't enamoured with the price and/or the timing of the deal. With Clarkson, a lot of us weren't enamoured with adding the player himself. The absurd contract was just an extra level of disdain.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

April 23, 2009 v. Hurricanes. Game 5 1st round. 0-0, 11:22 2nd period, 1-0 Final

May 1st v, Flyers, 2012 Game 2 2nd round. 1-1, 11:17 3rd period, 4-1 Final

May 8th v, Flyers, 2012 Game 5 2nd round. 1-1, 12:45 1st period, 3-1 Final

May 1st v, Flyers, 2012 Game 2 2nd round. 1-1, 11:17 3rd period, 4-1 Final, series winning

May 16th v. Rangers 2012, Game 2 3rd round. 2-2, 2:31 3rd period, 3-2 Final



(I should be doing something better with my weekends)

I for one hope you never find anything better to do with your weekends.  I briefly considered looking these up!