Leafs @ Sharks - Jan. 15th, 10:30pm - TSN, Fan 590

[L K]

You aren't going to win many games when you give up 41 shots but 3 games in 4 nights on the road against three tough physical teams isn't easy.  I thought they kept playing, they just can't score right now.  There were a few plays where Kessel looked like he was creating something but couldn't finish. 

 

[ZBBM]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs.

Why stop there?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

There were a few plays where Kessel looked like he was creating something but couldn't finish. 

Thought he and his line looked for in the 1st. Problem is it was typical "them". Had some good rushes but since they didn't connect the puck immediately went the other way. As the game went on they became more and more invisible.

 

[herman]

A couple of posts, missed tap ins, weird scrambles. It could've been about 4 goals for us too. Not sure I could've asked for more on the second night of a back to back following a pair of bruising games va top flight teams and working a new system.

 

[bustaheims]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs.

Why stop there?

Outside of the fact we disagree on who else to move out? Trading players with term of their contracts is more difficult during the season and the returns are usually better closer to the draft. Better to move those guys then than now.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I think Ferraro is one of the better color guys going.  Even-handed.

Yup, he's a real tool away from the booth, but he's very good at color commentating.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

There were a few plays where Kessel looked like he was creating something but couldn't finish. 

Thought he and his line looked for in the 1st. Problem is it was typical "them". Had some good rushes but since they didn't connect the puck immediately went the other way. As the game went on they became more and more invisible.

Games against the Western teams really highlight Bozak's limitations as a top line C.  They all seem to have at least 2 big C's on the teams.

 

[bustaheims]

I think Ferraro is one of the better color guys going.  Even-handed.

Yup, he's a real tool away from the booth, but he's very good at color commentating.

His radio interviews are actually generally pretty good. Doesn't pull many punches. Is pretty up to date on things like analytics, etc. Looks at things from a real progressive viewpoint rather than the old school mentality.

 

[L K]

37 games left on the season.

The Leafs have 47 points in 45 games (86 point pace) but since December 1st they are 10-13 (71 point pace). 

The current top 5 in the NHL draft lottery chase are:  Columbus is really the only team that I think is reasonable for the Leafs to catch.  They just aren't that bad of a team.  It is completely conceivable for the Leafs to draft in the 5-7 range this year.  They could get a really solid player at that spot.

Columbus is on pace for 78 points
Phoenix is on pace for 69 points
Carolina is on pace for 63 points
Buffalo is on pace for 56 points
Edmonton is on pace for 53 points

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I think Ferraro is one of the better color guys going.  Even-handed.

Yup, he's a real tool away from the booth, but he's very good at color commentating.

His radio interviews are actually generally pretty good. Doesn't pull many punches. Is pretty up to date on things like analytics, etc. Looks at things from a real progressive viewpoint rather than the old school mentality.

Ah ok, I was mostly referring to his Twitter behavior where he behaves like a complete dick on a semi regular basis.

I've not followed him much in the past three months though, maybe he's gotten his act together on there too.

 

[Omallley]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

Who's on the list outside of Franson? Winnik, Santorelli and Booth...am I missing any other obvious targets? Reimer is still signed for another year, I believe...

There's definitely some value to be had by moving a couple of them (Franson and Santoerlli would be tops for me).

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

Who's on the list outside of Franson? Winnik, Santorelli and Booth...am I missing any other obvious targets? Reimer is still signed for another year, I believe...

There's definitely some value to be had by moving a couple of them (Franson and Santoerlli would be tops for me).

That's it, I think. I'd love to see Lupul moved but with his term it's unlikely. Bozak could be movable as he's produced well for his 4M price tag.

Ideally I'd like to see Franson and Lupul to WPG for a 1st and Bogosian (maybe a 2nd too), or something along those lines. Then I could cheer for the Jets in the playoffs.

 

[Andy007]

Winnipeg is playing well and all but I think that any team willing to give up a 1st for Franson is going to be near the very top of the standings. And Winnipeg certainly isn't going to let Bogosian go in a deal where the only defenceman coming back is a UFA.

 

[Rebel_1812]

they are still losing... fire the coach?  Maybe it will work this time ;-)

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Winnipeg is playing well and all but I think that any team willing to give up a 1st for Franson is going to be near the very top of the standings. And Winnipeg certainly isn't going to let Bogosian go in a deal where the only defenceman coming back is a UFA.

Pretty much.  Franson's got to be moved though, IMO.

 

[Redleaf]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

So you're finally coming around to believing the problem runs deeper than the coach and the system?

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

So you're finally coming around to believing the problem runs deeper than the coach and the system?

Can you link to where he ever said otherwise?

 

[Bullfrog]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

So you're finally coming around to believing the problem runs deeper than the coach and the system?

Not to harp too much as Potvin has already replied, but seriously, have you misunderstood his opinions that badly?

 

[Redleaf]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

So you're finally coming around to believing the problem runs deeper than the coach and the system?

Can you link to where he ever said otherwise?

It may not have been directly stated, but it was certainly insinuated that Carlyle was the biggest issue with this team moving forward.

I've always contented that the blame should be placed more so on the players than the coach. I'm sure you can recall some of our arguments over this topic.

 

[herman]

Alright. Time to start shipping out the pending UFAs. Only 5 points out, but, the Rangers also have 4 games in hand. The Leafs are further out of it than the standings make it appear.

So you're finally coming around to believing the problem runs deeper than the coach and the system?

Can you link to where he ever said otherwise?

It may not have been directly stated, but it was certainly insinuated that Carlyle was the biggest issue with this team moving forward.

I've always contented that the blame should be placed more so on the players than the coach. I'm sure you can recall some of our arguments over this topic.

Busta wasn't saying that the players should be blamed. He's simply saying the playoffs are effectively out of reach now, so we might as well stock up for next year on draft picks and cap space.