Leafs @ Sharks - Jan. 9th, 7:00pm - CBC TSN 1050

[Kin]

Yeah, NHL. If there's one thing you want to do, it's discourage fan interest in the All-Star game.

 

[ZBBM]

So, can we score 5 in the 3rd for the win?  :-\

In the last few years I'd have said absolutely not, that it was impossible, but with this Babcock bunch I'd say it's not impossible!

Let's make it a game anyway.

 

[x.jr.benchwarmer]

Nice goal! 

Right around our pylon!  :-[

It's interesting reading different respected commenters (if not posters) extoll Phaneuf's play or at least improvement this year.

However there hasn't been any discussion about him being selected to the all star game (probably because even with his improvement it's virtually impossible to consider this).

And why isn't there any consideration (at least by those who write about the Leafs) about trading Phaneuf now that he has played better than over the last two years or so?  (I just don't think that Phaneuf is ever going to play better than he is now-  and just wait to see how  slow he will be during the last couple of years of his contract...).

 

[Al14]

So, can we score 5 in the 3rd for the win?  :-\

In the last few years I'd have said absolutely not, that it was impossible, but with this Babcock bunch I'd say it's not impossible!

Let's make it a game anyway.

Here here.  Let's start by breaking the shutout! 

 

[Tigger]

While they didn't deserve to be 2-0 down when they were, they probably do deserve to be 4-0 down now

This is the first really shaky game they've played in awhile.

They played two pretty hard games recently, they look tired.

 

[2badknees]

And why isn't there any consideration (at least by those who write about the Leafs) about trading Phaneuf now that he has played better than over the last two years or so?  (I just don't think that Phaneuf is ever going to play better than he is now-  and just wait to see how  slow he will be during the last couple of years of his contract...).

I think the consideration was never gone, its about when his value is maximized. The longer he goes in season, the less painful the cap hit looks. I think he's likely to be moved if the Leafs don't have to retain too much, and get some sort of future back.

 

[bustaheims]

However there hasn't been any discussion about him being selected to the all star game (probably because even with his improvement it's virtually impossible to consider this).

Well, considering the new format of the ASG means only 3 D from the division go, and the division contains the likes of Karlsson, Subban, Ekblad, etc., why should there have been any consideration for Phaneuf? He's played a lot better this year, there's no way to justify picking him ahead of the three guys I've mentioned, among others.

 

[Kin]

However there hasn't been any discussion about him being selected to the all star game (probably because even with his improvement it's virtually impossible to consider this).

There were only 3 spots on defense for the entire division. Subban and Karlsson were locks and with Hedman, Chara, Ekblad and others it really isn't a reflection on Phaneuf that he didn't make it.

 

[2badknees]

While they didn't deserve to be 2-0 down when they were, they probably do deserve to be 4-0 down now

This is the first really shaky game they've played in awhile.

They played two pretty hard games recently, they look tired.

That's my observation as well. Kadri looks pretty tired. Not surprising. For a team that essentially has to outwork the opposition to have a chance to win, there's going to be games like this, especially at the end of road swings.

 

[Al14]

And why isn't there any consideration (at least by those who write about the Leafs) about trading Phaneuf now that he has played better than over the last two years or so?  (I just don't think that Phaneuf is ever going to play better than he is now-  and just wait to see how  slow he will be during the last couple of years of his contract...).

I think the consideration was never gone, its about when his value is maximized. The longer he goes in season, the less painful the cap hit looks. I think he's likely to be moved if the Leafs don't have to retain too much, and get some sort of future back.

I would be happy if the return was minimum, we don't retain, lose a draft pick, or, lose a prospect of any kind.  I just want his cap hit gone along with his all too frequent pylon like work on the ice!

 

[Joe S.]

I don't get why Boyes is still playing on this team. Is it still realistic to expect a pick for him at the deadline?

The best he could get was an invitation to spring training by the leafs,  and you're wondering why his still on the team and you're asking if he's worth a pick? I mean... Come on..

 

[bustaheims]

I don't get why Boyes is still playing on this team. Is it still realistic to expect a pick for him at the deadline?

He hasn't been great, but who should be playing ahead of him? There's no one on the roster right now that would be any more effective, nor are any of the Marlies they'd considering bringing up.

 

[L K]

I don't get why Boyes is still playing on this team. Is it still realistic to expect a pick for him at the deadline?

He hasn't been great, but who should be playing ahead of him? There's no one on the roster right now that would be any more effective, nor are any of the Marlies they'd considering bringing up.

I think you could make an argument for Leivo or prior to the trade Panik.

 

[Al14]

Phaneuf has an accurate wrist shot too I see!  :-[

 

[Kin]

I would be happy if the return was minimum, we don't retain, lose a draft pick, or, lose a prospect of any kind.  I just want his cap hit gone along with his all too frequent pylon like work on the ice!

As someone who claims to want to see the Leafs win every night, you shouldn't be too eager to get rid of Phaneuf. The Leafs don't have any top flight D prospects who would replace him.

Trading him for nothing is very much a tank-friendly move.

 

[ZBBM]

This is just one of those nights where it seems like nothing is going to go in.

 

[Al14]

I would be happy if the return was minimum, we don't retain, lose a draft pick, or, lose a prospect of any kind.  I just want his cap hit gone along with his all too frequent pylon like work on the ice!

As someone who claims to want to see the Leafs win every night, you shouldn't be too eager to get rid of Phaneuf. The Leafs don't have any top flight D prospects who would replace him.

Trading him for nothing is very much a tank-friendly move.

Keeping him is tank-friendly too at times. 

 

[ZBBM]

I think it's time for a mercy pull.

 

[bustaheims]

I think you could make an argument for Leivo or prior to the trade Panik.

Maybe, but I'm not sure how much more effective either would be in the kind of role Boyes is being used in (which, to be fair, is a role I don't think he's well suited for, either). He's basically a 4th liner that gets PP time. I'm also no sure the team would bring Leivo up to fill that role when he's been such a big part of the Marlies' offence. It's more like we'd see Frattin or Clune.

 

[Al14]

Bernier, the sieve, is back.  No way we score 6 to win now!  :-[