Carrick should be in the line-up over at least three defencemen who will dress. Unfortunately, Babcock seems determined to ride or die with the veterans, who are "men", even when they're performing terribly.

Plekanec I sort of understand at a certain level, except he's been so atrocious that it's hard to justify any kind of promotion at this point, even to try and get him going. Leivo should be in over Brown as well, who has been similarly brutal for most of the season.

Brown is like one of two forwards who has played half decent in the first two games?

Carrick would be a negligible difference. We're stuck with what we have unless we went off the board for someone like Holl or Marincin. Just looking at Marlies stats: Marincin was a +35?

I disagree. I think we've gotten to the point where Brown is so unremarkable that not standing out for being bad is considered by many to "playing well" (similar to Leo earlier this year). The problem is that he's in a scoring role and no longer seems to be a threat to score. Simply being there isn't good enough, in my view, so he should come out for someone who is likely to make more of an impact.

I think Carrick has the potential to make more than a negligible difference. Zaitsev, Polak and Hainsey currently have no ability to handle the puck in their own end and are being caught out of position extremely consistently. Carrick would probably be a distinct improvement in that regard.

Brown busts his ass... scoring is a bonus. We have scorers. He brings balance to JVR's and Bozak's deficiencies at D.

Our D sucks as a whole, has for as long as I can remember. Maybe since Brian Leetch?

Haha, that's a long time ago. Problem with Brown is he needs to score more then he has. If scoring is a bonus for him, he should be on the 4th line. Our 3rd line needs to score. JVR and Bozak are 2 of the worst defensive forwards in the game. I won't be sad to see both gone next season.

I think Carrick has the potential to make more than a negligible difference. Zaitsev, Polak and Hainsey currently have no ability to handle the puck in their own end and are being caught out of position extremely consistently. Carrick would probably be a distinct improvement in that regard.

If we're going to throw those defense under the bus we have to at least consider mentioning how terrible Gardiner has been as well.

And Reilly also? Is this more a result of their partners? I know Reilly has had some brain farts out there but he can't carry Hainsey the whole game. What I don't get is that the D problems, when scored upon, are not of the major variety. In most cases it's a case of simply covering your man.

https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/985910245947035655

Ah, the well-documented Leo effect.

We don't need numbers to see the Leo effect. The 4th line is sooo much better with Johnsson. Leo unfortunately is done. Great guy by all accounts but isn't a fit on this team anymore.
As for Plekanec, I hope he gets going and playing with the 2 Mars bars could be a step in the right direction.

Carrick should be in the line-up over at least three defencemen who will dress. Unfortunately, Babcock seems determined to ride or die with the veterans, who are "men", even when they're performing terribly.

Plekanec I sort of understand at a certain level, except he's been so atrocious that it's hard to justify any kind of promotion at this point, even to try and get him going. Leivo should be in over Brown as well, who has been similarly brutal for most of the season.

Brown is like one of two forwards who has played half decent in the first two games?

Carrick would be a negligible difference. We're stuck with what we have unless we went off the board for someone like Holl or Marincin. Just looking at Marlies stats: Marincin was a +35?

Agree about Carrick going in. Problem is our right side is weak. When Polak is your best option on the right side, you're in big trouble. Hainsey and Zaitsev are killing us.

I'm OK if Martin draws in to set a tone (meaning finishing checks and nothing more) at home, but by God he cannot take penalties running around, given the fragile state of the PK.

Plekanec played better in Game 2 but I also would be OK with Moore going in.

I feel like if Martin goes in Moore has to swap with Plekanec as well. I don't know why, I just don't really see Plekanec and Martin meshing. He never really at all played with a guy like that in Montreal.

Agree. Plekanec plays better with speedy guys. The 4th line was fine last game.

I'm OK if Martin draws in to set a tone (meaning finishing checks and nothing more) at home, but by God he cannot take penalties running around, given the fragile state of the PK.

Plekanec played better in Game 2 but I also would be OK with Moore going in.

Martin going in and playing 5 minutes is not what we need. The 4th line was fine with Johnsson on it. I really hope Leo is out. I'm not a fan of him being with Matthews, let alone the 4th line. I'd love to see Babs try Kap and Johnsson with Matthews for a shift here and there.

Personally if I was to remove a Dman for Carrick, I'd take out Hainsey before Polak. Seems to me that Hainsey is on the ice for every goal and is usually flailing around on the ice when it happens.

That's because Babs plays him too much. Not really Hainsey's fault.

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Well that's sort of true for everyone who plays in situations they shouldn't isn't it...on all teams.

Hainsey's issue is basic stuff.. Covering a man, not giving the uck away when not being pressured. That has nothing to do with being tired. Simple simple stuff

Also, it's playoffs. When a fan of another team chirps you you just wait to chirp them back.

Anyone else watch Winnipeg get their butts kicked tonight?

God, they got their butts kicked so good.

Man if the Leafs can do that tomorrow night I will be super happy.

They can do it. Wonder what the lines will be.

You know what guys and gals, I think I'll go watch and support a real Canadian team lead by an elite talent with personality and playoffs intensity.  The Winnipeg Jets lead by Patrik Laine. 

We drafted wrong.   :(

  Good for you. See you later.

Yup see ya.

I know I'm a Neanderthal, but I sure would have enjoyed a little more goonery when the game was gone. 

I know rationally that it's not smart, but damn I'd have enjoyed watching some of those Bruin players in pain.

I'm with you on that.  This would have been the game to goon it up.

One important thing.....we are missing the personnel to do that goonery

That's a thing in the past. You don't have to fight to deliver some push back.

No you're right, but some size and toughness does help.  Guys like Brown, Nylander, Johnsson, Marner, Plekanec aren't going to physically intimidate too many players in this league.

True enough but they just have to finish their checks. You don't need to intimidate anyone. Just let them know that every time they have the puck they're getting hit. Marchand doesn't hammer or fight anyone but he hits you every chance he gets.

I know I'm a Neanderthal, but I sure would have enjoyed a little more goonery when the game was gone. 

I know rationally that it's not smart, but damn I'd have enjoyed watching some of those Bruin players in pain.

I'm with you on that.  This would have been the game to goon it up.

One important thing.....we are missing the personnel to do that goonery

That's a thing in the past. You don't have to fight to deliver some push back.

I don't know, I'm not drinking or on any kind of drug but I still think Leafs can win this series

I do to. Couple of bounces our way and this is different. Kapanen scoring shorthanded would have been huge. If that, was Boston it would have went in. Just the way it's going for the Leafs right now.

Our D simply can't handle the down ice pressure of the Bruins.  If we get swept, I can see some big changes to this D group next year.

I think it's more simple then that. They're just not covering their guys. That's the biggest issue I see. We already know this D isn't great but when Dermott has been our best left side D man and Polak has been our right, that's a big problem. Hainsey and Zaitsev have been brutal on the right and Reilly is also struggling.

I say this with 100% certainty, if the Leafs lose the next game, they will be down 3 -0.

Hahaha. Yup.

Matthews and Nylander need to show they can dominate a game in a pressure situation.  They haven't proved that they can.

Matthews played good tonight. He's unfortunately not paying with Marchand and Pastrnak.