Leafs @ Islanders - Nov. 13th, 7:00pm - SN, Fan 590

[ZBBM]

I'm getting kind of sick of this team and Dubas's process.

This is more on Babs. I think he's the weak link here.

I think the team is fundamentally flawed and it pokes a hole in Dubas's idea that you can get by without any physical element at all.  They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

 

[lamajama]

I?m just starting to think about perhaps maybe not bothering to watch until the second period from this point forward.

 

[dekedastardly]

They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

It was the same issue last year, wasn't addressed in the off season, it's still a major problem. I don't know how they fix it without giving up a quality player. The big 3 have very little or no interest in playing a physical brand.

 

[ZBBM]

Now that we're down 2-0 perhaps our superguys can step up in the 2nd.  Especially 91.

 

[L K]

Burke?s comment about the greatness of the Islanders depth is that their top 6 scorers have 67 points combined while McDavid/Draisaitl have 67 points.  I?m not sure that proves the point you want it to Brian.

 

[Chris]

I'm getting kind of sick of this team and Dubas's process.

This is more on Babs. I think he's the weak link here.

I think the team is fundamentally flawed and it pokes a hole in Dubas's idea that you can get by without any physical element at all.  They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

I agree this team needs more physicality. That said...I think most would agree that the Leafs outplayed Boston at even strength last year and lost because of special teams. That same trend is playing out early this season. In this game the Leafs fumbled away an early PP when they had all the momentum, then gave up yet another PP goal late in the period.

 

[rdowdall]

What's particularly frustrating is you watch that Islanders team and they just out worked the Leafs that period.  Hands down the Leafs probably have more raw talent.  It's just that the Islanders are competing harder.  I don't know how you fix that.  I'm not sure that's on the coach.  I think that is a mental barrier this team has.

Look at the emotion when Beauvillier scores.  They are just dialed right in.

 

[ZBBM]

They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

It was the same issue last year, wasn't addressed in the off season, it's still a major problem. I don't know how they fix it without giving up a quality player. The big 3 have very little or no interest in playing a physical brand.

I don't know who you are leaving out of what I would call the Big 4 but Tavares battles.  He hasn't had results this year but he is more like Hyman than the other biggies.  I don't even care if they play that kind of game, that's not their forte.  But to have nobody in the lineup who can make the other side think twice is a mistake.

 

[lc9]

Scores.  Kapanen.  2-1. 

 

[ZBBM]

Good.

 

[lc9]

It?s certainly apparent that Nylander gives the least effort of the leafs forwards.  Not sure how you change that. 

 

[Chris]

Nice tips there and good to see Tavares get a point to shut up the crowd.

 

[azzurri63]

If only some of the other guys could match Hyman's compete level

I know Dubas has been at the helm for a short period but either by trade or by draft those are the guys we need to target.
I don't give a rats as* about the game has changed, quicker more skilled players.
You need some guys that are willing to battle, do whatever it takes to win the puck.
Player with 70% skill 100% heart I'd take every time before a guy with 100% skill and 70% heart.
We have too many of the latter and that I believe is a problem.

If you can find a gem like Robertson who has the skill plus heart, compete that's a bonus.
He's small as well but motor don't quit from what I've seen and heard.

 

[azzurri63]

They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

It was the same issue last year, wasn't addressed in the off season, it's still a major problem. I don't know how they fix it without giving up a quality player. The big 3 have very little or no interest in playing a physical brand.

I don't know who you are leaving out of what I would call the Big 4 but Tavares battles.  He hasn't had results this year but he is more like Hyman than the other biggies.  I don't even care if they play that kind of game, that's not their forte.  But to have nobody in the lineup who can make the other side think twice is a mistake.

Totally agree.

 

[Bates]

What's particularly frustrating is you watch that Islanders team and they just out worked the Leafs that period.  Hands down the Leafs probably have more raw talent.  It's just that the Islanders are competing harder.  I don't know how you fix that.  I'm not sure that's on the coach.  I think that is a mental barrier this team has.

Look at the emotion when Beauvillier scores.  They are just dialed right in.

Hard work beats skill when skill doesn't work hard, an oldie but a goodie. 

 

[lc9]

Good back check by Matthews. 

 

[lc9]

Go get the equalizer. 

 

[azzurri63]

They can't handle teams like Boston and the Isles because they can't avoid getting hit.  The bottom 6 is largely a waste as constructed.  They aren't going to add much offense, their defense is average, and they provide no physicality.

It was the same issue last year, wasn't addressed in the off season, it's still a major problem. I don't know how they fix it without giving up a quality player. The big 3 have very little or no interest in playing a physical brand.

I don't know who you are leaving out of what I would call the Big 4 but Tavares battles.  He hasn't had results this year but he is more like Hyman than the other biggies.  I don't even care if they play that kind of game, that's not their forte.  But to have nobody in the lineup who can make the other side think twice is a mistake.

And that is obvious when you see our stars get hit. No one even thinks about going after the opposing player.

 

[L K]

Tavares interferes with and then then gets decked when trying to get back on the puck

 

[Chris]

Leafs dominating again but unable to make it count.