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Sharks @ Leafs - Dec. 11th, 7:00pm - TSN4

The Leafs overplay Matthews and Nylander late in the third and then they are gassed in 3 on 3 where they also overplay them. Bérubé needs to consider using more than 2 forward groups in OT
 
While that’s true, it’s regular season December, so he should get some reps in case he gets caught out there when games matter more. They take him off the wing (for reasonable reasons) in DZ play but more experience can have long term positive impact.
Leafs are still out of the playoffs aren't they...I'd argue the games right now are pretty important.
 
The Leafs overplay Matthews and Nylander late in the third and then they are gassed in 3 on 3 where they also overplay them. Bérubé needs to consider using more than 2 forward groups in OT

Hello Nick Robertson...and while we're at it, if Cowan is worthy of second line duty all game, how about an OT shift. Both those guys are creative, quick, and work hard...
 
It's hard to argue against putting Willy out there as often as possible in OT. My beef is having him out 6 on 5 when you have a 1-goal lead. He's not entirely responsible for the play that led to the tying goal, mind you. But you should play the best defenders in that situation.
 
While that’s true, it’s regular season December, so he should get some reps in case he gets caught out there when games matter more. They take him off the wing (for reasonable reasons) in DZ play but more experience can have long term positive impact.
This is his 16th season of strong organized hockey or better - his 11th with the Leafs. If he hasn't caught on and got that experience by now ...
A player has to be interested in doing that sort of thing. Nylander has shown little sign of consistent interest.
Maybe if he can demonstrate with some reps in the first and second period for a few months ...
 
Yup. Biggest concern is OEL...that will be a huge loss.
Somewhat surprisingly as a left hander, given that they concluded he was better on the left side after last season, he was doing well with Rielly ... He's a top 4 on this team - no question.
 
This is his 16th season of strong organized hockey or better - his 11th with the Leafs. If he hasn't caught on and got that experience by now ...
A player has to be interested in doing that sort of thing. Nylander has shown little sign of consistent interest.
Maybe if he can demonstrate with some reps in the first and second period for a few months ...


Not even counting all the ones he assisted on. Once Treliving was hired they started using him more in these situations.

Nylander is, maybe counterintuitively, one of the most productive players on the team at 5v6 over the last three seasons. See Natural Stat Trick.
 
Regardless of how his play has been (Carlo) we are currently missing 3 of our top 5 defensemen in Tanev, OEL, and Carlo. Our #8 defenseman was injured on a dirty knee that didn't get supplemental discipline.

I'm going to be polite and still call Rielly our #1 defenseman based on salary and offensive responsibilities. You can probably argue that McCabe is a more important defenseman.

Myers has been atrocious this year. Benoit would be on the outside of the top 6 if we had health on the blueline. Thrun had what I would consider a tolerable game against San Jose in what would be a motivation game (1st NHL game with the team...against the organization that traded you for Ryan Reaves).

Rielly - Myers
McCabe - Stecher
Benoit - Thrun

We are deep in the mud.
 
My beef is having him out 6 on 5 when you have a 1-goal lead. He's not entirely responsible for the play that led to the tying goal, mind you. But you should play the best defenders in that situation.
For whatever it's worth, Nylander is actually 2nd among forwards on the team in ice-time against an empty net this season and that was the first time he's been scored on there.
 
Regardless of how his play has been (Carlo) we are currently missing 3 of our top 5 defensemen in Tanev, OEL, and Carlo. Our #8 defenseman was injured on a dirty knee that didn't get supplemental discipline.
In addition to our #8 defenceman being hurt two of our other most likely call-up options are also out: Rifai and Villeneuve. Organizational defence depth is definitely getting tested.
 
I just got to say, Matthews absolutely embarrassed himself in OT. What the hell was that? Worst back check ever... that's our Captain? Yikes.
 
Regardless of how his play has been (Carlo) we are currently missing 3 of our top 5 defensemen in Tanev, OEL, and Carlo. Our #8 defenseman was injured on a dirty knee that didn't get supplemental discipline.

I'm going to be polite and still call Rielly our #1 defenseman based on salary and offensive responsibilities. You can probably argue that McCabe is a more important defenseman.

Myers has been atrocious this year. Benoit would be on the outside of the top 6 if we had health on the blueline. Thrun had what I would consider a tolerable game against San Jose in what would be a motivation game (1st NHL game with the team...against the organization that traded you for Ryan Reaves).

Rielly - Myers
McCabe - Stecher
Benoit - Thrun

We are deep in the mud.
Don't want to keep harping on it but when you trade away so much future trying to win you leave yourself so thin. We have nothing to replace anyone with and I don't recall one single trade that moved the needle over the years just overpayments. All it did was left us thin and probably the worst franchise prospect pool. Only way we can better this D with all the injuries is through a trade because the pipeline sucks. I say let things fall call up whatever scrap we have and see where it takes us.If any on here thinks this team is going anywhere sorry ain't happening and the next 2 firsts gone. Yippee.
 
I just got to say, Matthews absolutely embarrassed himself in OT. What the hell was that? Worst back check ever... that's our Captain? Yikes.
I just saw it. As some have mentioned probably overplayed and dead tired but I agree that was brutal. That's not the first time we've seen that from the stars in OT and I agree with some that falls on coaching and the player. Nothings changed with some of the core.
 
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