Wings @ Leafs - Jan. 1st, 3:00pm - SN, Fan 590

[Tigger]

Does CF% really mean all that much in a single game sample?

It's more descriptive than it is predictive. I think it still shows how a player played in a single game, but it says nothing of how a player will perform in future games.

Komarov played well, parts of his game include ignoring possession for tactical purposes ( right or wrong ). I think you can live with low possession numbers in his case in this game.

[Heroic Shrimp]

Why the heck do they start outdoor games during the day?

In his pre-game interview, Colin Campbell said that it's entirely because the TV people demand it.  The hockey people would prefer it after the sun goes down but yield to the TV demands.

[Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate]

And for those that think Nylander is bad at defense, he had plenty of Gardiner-esque moments as well with strong stick lifts in his own and neutral zones with sneaky advantageous positioning that quickly turned into chances going the other way.

That whole play where he almost set-up Kadri in OT was insane.

Hear hear.

Nylander is going to be a superstar in this league.  I only hope he'll be one with us.

[AvroArrow]

I honestly don't see any interference by Vanek at all...  It was the right call.

[Tigger]

I honestly don't see any interference by Vanek at all...  It was the right call.

Yup.

[bustaheims]

I honestly don't see any interference by Vanek at all...  It was the right call.

Agreed. I looks to me like Andersen's left pad makes contact with a stationary Vanek, and that's what starts to take him out of position. Since Andersen initiates contact, it's not interference.

[Nik]

The ESPN recap of the game says it wasn't completely sold out as there were some visibly empty seats which is both surprising given the market and not at all surprising given that you couldn't have paid me to go outside today.

[CarltonTheBear]

The ESPN recap of the game says it wasn't completely sold out as there were some visibly empty seats which is both surprising given the market and not at all surprising given that you couldn't have paid me to go outside today.

I know I read they were definitely still selling tickets in the morning. I think price was more of an issue than weather generally speaking (it certainly wasn't Ann Arbor cold). Available tickets as of a couple days ago were between $200-400 per the National Post.

[Nik]

I know I read they were definitely still selling tickets in the morning. I think price was more of an issue than weather generally speaking (it certainly wasn't Ann Arbor cold). Available tickets as of a couple days ago were between $200-400 per the National Post.

Issue for me was just being New Year's Day. Even hangover-free I'd be exhausted for it being a solid week of Christmas-Channukah-New Year's craziness.

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I know I read they were definitely still selling tickets in the morning. I think price was more of an issue than weather generally speaking (it certainly wasn't Ann Arbor cold). Available tickets as of a couple days ago were between $200-400 per the National Post.

Issue for me was just being New Year's Day. Even hangover-free I'd be exhausted for it being a solid week of Christmas-Channukah-New Year's craziness.

I think there is a decent argument for sports fatigue too. There have been a lot of events for people to spend money on this year with so many successful teams in the city; Raptors, WCOH, TFC, Jays, Resurgent Leafs, World Juniors and now the Centennial Classic. It's a lot to ask of people to keep spending, especially this close to Christmas.

[Potvin29]

I'm not bothered by the blown lead at all (even though it had some eerie memories), there was some crap luck involved (Rielly's stick) and it's a young team, and the youngsters were out there.  It's natural to see them maybe get the 'yips' a bit, but they responded.

And I cannot believe Auston Matthews is a Leaf.  I think he was actually underrated by the scouts.

[herman]

After yesterday's game, the Leafs have not given up a powerplay goal in 5 straight games (22 powerplays).

The PK previously went on perfect stretches 10/30 to 11/08 (5 games, 14 kills) and 11/26-12/10 (6 games, 16 kills).

[herman]

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/01/mike-babcock-reflects-centennial-classic-weekend-victory-red-wings/

Babcock's post game presser transcript.

Does anything Auston Matthews does surprise you at this point?

Mike Babcock: Well, he's a good player. I mean, he played head-to-head with [Henrik Zetterberg]. Z had three points, Mantha had three points. They were good, too. Let's not get carried away there. Auston and his linemates were also on the ice at the end. They put a board up on the blueline. We couldn't quite get it across. So, you know, there are lots of things to learn. What was great about tonight's game for us was that I thought we started good. They stalled us and did a good job for a bit. Our guys, I thought, were a little tense. A little frustrated. I thought we really came out and played in the third. At playoff time in the NHL, you're up one or down one. It's the same every night. You've got to love the duress. You've got to love the grind. You've got to love digging in and knowing you're going to get it done. So, that was a good opportunity for our team because we haven't had those kind of opportunities. I thought that was good. I thought we played real well. And then, once again, it's 4-1. Just get it out of your zone. It's so easy. You've seen us do it. It's just like déjà vu. We got a lesson here tonight and still won the game for our fans. Let's be honest. The NHL likes that it was 5-4. It's way better than it would've been if it was 1-0. So it's exciting.

His answer to the third question is the best.

[Highlander]

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/01/mike-babcock-reflects-centennial-classic-weekend-victory-red-wings/

Babcock's post game presser transcript.

Does anything Auston Matthews does surprise you at this point?



Mike Babcock: Well, he's a good player. I mean, he played head-to-head with [Henrik Zetterberg]. Z had three points, Mantha had three points. They were good, too. Let's not get carried away there. Auston and his linemates were also on the ice at the end. They put a board up on the blueline. We couldn't quite get it across. So, you know, there are lots of things to learn. What was great about tonight's game for us was that I thought we started good. They stalled us and did a good job for a bit. Our guys, I thought, were a little tense. A little frustrated. I thought we really came out and played in the third. At playoff time in the NHL, you're up one or down one. It's the same every night. You've got to love the duress. You've got to love the grind. You've got to love digging in and knowing you're going to get it done. So, that was a good opportunity for our team because we haven't had those kind of opportunities. I thought that was good. I thought we played real well. And then, once again, it's 4-1. Just get it out of your zone. It's so easy. You've seen us do it. It's just like déjà vu. We got a lesson here tonight and still won the game for our fans. Let's be honest. The NHL likes that it was 5-4. It's way better than it would've been if it was 1-0. So it's exciting.

His answer to the third question is the best.

Aside from Matthews, I thought Mantha was a beast on the ice. Never noticed him before (not that I watch Detroit games) but he is a super asset to that team.  I would love to see him in a Leaf jersey, but I guess the price would be out of sight.

[herman]

Aside from Matthews, I thought Mantha was a beast on the ice. Never noticed him before (not that I watch Detroit games) but he is a super asset to that team.  I would love to see him in a Leaf jersey, but I guess the price would be out of sight.

The rumour at the time was we had a Phaneuf deal in the works with Detroit, but they balked at our adding Mantha to the ask.