It's too early for a Marlies thread but thought it wise to start off anew and with Marlies' goalkeeper Antoine Bibeau's new mask that pays homage to former Leafs goaltender Felix "The Cat" Potvin.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/marlies-bibeau-pays-tribute-felix-potvin-new-mask/
I imagine this signing is so the other team's enforcer has someone to fight more than anything else - though, with the new rules, even that value is limited. AHL teams need to sell tickets, too, and with the lesser skill level and lack of household names, they need something - and that something is fighting, I suppose.
Heck, maybe Prust joins him.
Heck, maybe Prust joins him.
Possibly, though, I imagine Prust will be looking for an NHL contract even if he'll be playing in the AHL.
Marlies name 29-man opening-night roster ... 10 drafted by Leafs; average age is 23.3 pic.twitter.com/OPQeXIkIjH
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 14, 2016
Marlies leadership group:
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 14, 2016
Andrew Campbell back as captain
Rich Clune, Byron Froese, Brendan Leipsic & Colin Smith will serve as alternates
Leafs av/age is 25.7, Marlies are 23.3.
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) October 14, 2016
6 rookies made debut for Leafs in Ottawa,
Marlies roster this weekend will feature 8. #TMLtalk
Funny last year I was much more interested in the Marlies than the Leafs, this year I don't really care all that much, now that the boys are with the main team.
I guess I am most interested to see how Gauthier, Sparks, Timashov, Neilson do more than the rest. and Kapanen. I take it from what Babcock said that Soshinkov will be with the Leafs when he is better
I'm super excited about our prospects, but a couple of caveats:
a) This is early goings still and a very, very small sample size. They're trending in positive directions though.
b) As much credit as we can give to Hunter, there wasn't exactly a high hurdle to compare him to before
c) Scouting only takes you so far. I'd like to give credit to the development staff as well. No longer does the team just draft and hope players figure it out by playing, but there are concentrated efforts to help individuals develop their games (and off-ice lifestyles) to their fullest potential
No longer does the team just draft and hope players figure it out by playing, but there are concentrated efforts to help individuals develop their games (and off-ice lifestyles) to their fullest potential
I thought Leipsic would make the Leafs this season. He didn't look out of place in limited games last year so I was surprised when he went back to the Marlies. Hopefully we see him and Soshnikov soon. Any injury update on Soshnikov?
I thought Leipsic would make the Leafs this season. He didn't look out of place in limited games last year so I was surprised when he went back to the Marlies. Hopefully we see him and Soshnikov soon. Any injury update on Soshnikov?
Sosh played one of the Comets games on Gauthier's line and got a PP goal, so I think he's okay now. There have been notes about Soshnikov overworking himself off ice leading to the injury, so letting him work on some stuff with the Marlies and build up his body is not the worst thing. I have him slotted over Martin and Hyman (skill-wise) and Leivo and would love to see him with Kadri again but we have plenty of time to be patient.
We also have to accept that the only guy in the top 9 we can say with any certainty won't be around long term is Michalek. There's just not a lot of ice time available as it stands.
I thought Leipsic would make the Leafs this season. He didn't look out of place in limited games last year so I was surprised when he went back to the Marlies. Hopefully we see him and Soshnikov soon. Any injury update on Soshnikov?
Sosh played one of the Comets games on Gauthier's line and got a PP goal, so I think he's okay now. There have been notes about Soshnikov overworking himself off ice leading to the injury, so letting him work on some stuff with the Marlies and build up his body is not the worst thing. I have him slotted over Martin and Hyman (skill-wise) and Leivo and would love to see him with Kadri again but we have plenty of time to be patient.
We also have to accept that the only guy in the top 9 we can say with any certainty won't be around long term is Michalek. There's just not a lot of ice time available as it stands.
The next season, we could be dropping Komarov, Bozak, JvR (maaaybe?) by the deadline as well. I don't think they're going to make any decisions on these guys until then, or a compelling offer lands on the table.
Leipsic's contract is up after this season, as well as his waiver eligibility. This is basically his make or break season. Soshnikov, Lindberg, Gauthier, and Kapanen have a bit more runway in line with the aforementioned NHL top-9 departures.
I get what you're saying here but it strikes me as such an odd way to think of it. Leipsic had a very good year last year and would have made the Leafs if they were in any other situation other than the one where they were already giving a ton of roster spots over to rookies. So the idea that they'd walk away from him if he has a less good year despite never really giving him a shot strikes me as a little strange, especially when you can say he maybe adds something to the mix someone like Kapanen doesn't.
We also have to accept that the only guy in the top 9 we can say with any certainty won't be around long term is Michalek. There's just not a lot of ice time available as it stands.
You raise a good point; my words suggested it, but I wasn't really entertaining the idea of dropping Leipsic (he's awesome). I was thinking more along the lines of that nebulous zone of being a 'highly tradable asset', a la WIGWAL's Grabner trade notion.
Leipsic's niche in the pipeline (smallish, fast, skilled winger) is one that is almost too full at the older end to hang onto for much longer, so it's going to be a bit of a dogfight for him to separate his game from Kapanen, Timashov and try to overtake Hyman or Soshnikov. Dzierkals, Bracco, Korostelev, Brooks, Walker are coming up very quickly as well.
He also has to convincingly pull away from slightly different wingers in Johnsson (sniper) and Lindberg (big 200-footer) because the NHL roster is already locked into Nylander, Marner, Brown for top 9 speed/skill wingers.
tl;dr: Why did we sign Martin?
In addition to that, in the past, they seemed to try to apply a "one size fits all" approach to their secondary prospects (ie. guys they didn't draft early in the 1st round). The new group seems to much more adept at creating more targeted development game plans to address the specific needs of each prospect.
“It generates momentum,” Belfry said. “It changes speed. If you have momentum and change of speed, you can do a lot in the NHL with those two things.”
In addition to that, in the past, they seemed to try to apply a "one size fits all" approach to their secondary prospects (ie. guys they didn't draft early in the 1st round). The new group seems to much more adept at creating more targeted development game plans to address the specific needs of each prospect.
The addition of Darryl Belfry and expanded use of Barbara Underhill leads to things like this: https://streamable.com/qf44
That's Kapanen's first goal of the AHL season, which was a power drive from the neutral zone where he literally blows by everyone and cuts in front of the net for a forehander. He gains massive amounts of acceleration (especially relative to the defense which was trying to close the gap) by doing something that Belfry preaches to his players: crossing the feet.
Linear crossovers help players gain a huge amount of acceleration with less energy cost. Belfry’s optimal crossover-per-step ratio is one to three. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/05/16/development-coaches-critical-nhl-players-success/Ak3isYonCvn3MbQEZhzsVJ/story.html)Quote“It generates momentum,” Belfry said. “It changes speed. If you have momentum and change of speed, you can do a lot in the NHL with those two things.”
You can see Kapanen winds up at his blue line. His curl time is accelerated with the crossovers (L over R). As he approaches the OZ and defenders, he switches to R over L briefly to pull his first checker up thinking he'll stop and curl for reinforcements, and then hits the gas going back to the L over R crossover to just divebomb the hapless goaltender.
Imagine Gauthier doing this.
Regardless of how fluid and clean their skating form is, players that don't have crossovers incorporated into their game yet will find themselves running out of steam by the time they break out of their own zone. Regular strides transfer a lot of the expended energy into sizeways acceleration, as forward travel = cosine of the stride angle (always < 1) * stride length.
Also, is Laich down with the Marlies? I don't think he got into either game at the weekend?
Also, is Laich down with the Marlies? I don't think he got into either game at the weekend?
As of right now it sounds like he's essentially a Marlie on paper only. Nobody really knows what's going on there.
This is a great post.
You should consider writing for one of many Leafs blogs, your breakdowns of the specific techniques involved are very informative and better than most of the analysis on TV.
Antoine Bibeau makes 37 saves for second shutout of season, Marlies beat Albany 3-0. Bibeau 5-0-0 1.40 GAA .951 save percentage this year
— Kyle Cicerella (@KyleCicerella) October 29, 2016
Nice to see. He's going to have to do a fair bit to establish himself though. That playoff run was killer from both Sparks and Bibeau. The Marlies forward group was let down in a big way.
Here's a little Kapanen treat:
[youtube]E4l6vD1OUoE[/youtube]
Time to get the Laddy up and put Smith down
If Smith is the guy you wanna demote, it it wouldn't be Kap or Leips replacing.
They'd need a center.
Holland could go back to centring the 4th line, he was doing a fine job at it before.
Although if Babcock REALLY needs a right-handed shot there who could kill penalties, I'd probably prefer... and I can't believe that I'm actually about to say this... Byron Froese over Smith right now.
Holland could go back to centring the 4th line, he was doing a fine job at it before.
Although if Babcock REALLY needs a right-handed shot there who could kill penalties, I'd probably prefer... and I can't believe that I'm actually about to say this... Byron Froese over Smith right now.
Quoted for posterity and hilarity.
I am a Holland fan in a big way, but right now I want to see as many of the kidz play as possible. If someone is tearing up the AHL then they deserve a shot……OH NO…forgot about Leivo.
Marlies fall 5-2 to Rochester. Karri Ramo now 0-3 with a 3.80 GAA and .880 save percentage in three starts
— Kyle Cicerella (@KyleCicerella) December 15, 2016
I take back all the bad things I said about Downtown Conner Brown. Sorry CBI take back none of the bad things I have said about Ramo Williams, looks like the Adventure will not continue.
Something that we really haven't discussed lately is that this year is a bit of a lousy showing for the Marlies.
Only a couple of offensive bright spots it seems, Leipsic and Kapanen, and Nielsen on the defense. Although Nielsen seems to have the vast majority of his production on the PP (16 of 21 points).
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/03/2016-17-toronto-marlies-going-wrong/
www.twitter.com/TorontoMarlies/status/817098547824918528#MarliesLive News: Kasperi Kapanen and Brendan Leipsic have been named to the 2017 #AHLAllStar Team: https://t.co/ieCUpfbiqM pic.twitter.com/yiw4xGmqme
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) January 5, 2017
www.twitter.com/TorontoMarlies/status/817098547824918528#MarliesLive News: Kasperi Kapanen and Brendan Leipsic have been named to the 2017 #AHLAllStar Team: https://t.co/ieCUpfbiqM pic.twitter.com/yiw4xGmqme
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) January 5, 2017
They co-lead the Marlies in points with 30 a piece. Kapanen in 29 games, Leipsic in 26.
Something that we really haven't discussed lately is that this year is a bit of a lousy showing for the Marlies.
Only a couple of offensive bright spots it seems, Leipsic and Kapanen, and Nielsen on the defense. Although Nielsen seems to have the vast majority of his production on the PP (16 of 21 points).
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/03/2016-17-toronto-marlies-going-wrong/
Probably shouldn't be a huge surprise, though, as they lost 10 of their top 11 scorers from last season.
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
Something that we really haven't discussed lately is that this year is a bit of a lousy showing for the Marlies.
Only a couple of offensive bright spots it seems, Leipsic and Kapanen, and Nielsen on the defense. Although Nielsen seems to have the vast majority of his production on the PP (16 of 21 points).
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/03/2016-17-toronto-marlies-going-wrong/
Probably shouldn't be a huge surprise, though, as they lost 10 of their top 11 scorers from last season.
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
Something that we really haven't discussed lately is that this year is a bit of a lousy showing for the Marlies.
Only a couple of offensive bright spots it seems, Leipsic and Kapanen, and Nielsen on the defense. Although Nielsen seems to have the vast majority of his production on the PP (16 of 21 points).
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2017/01/03/2016-17-toronto-marlies-going-wrong/
Probably shouldn't be a huge surprise, though, as they lost 10 of their top 11 scorers from last season.
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
I definitely bought into the hype on him. I still have high hopes!
The only performance so far that's a little disappointing to me would be Andreas Johnsson. I know it's his first year in North America but with his professional experience and the hype that surrounded him in Sweden I was expecting a little bit more from him.
I definitely bought into the hype on him. I still have high hopes!
I'm going to give him a pass this year after that dirty hit that resulted in a concussion. If he's not performing by next season I think we have a problem.
Kasperi "Clutch" Kapanen ties it at 3 in the 3rd with 3 to play against Rochester.I would say Kapi should be our next call up. He is doing that at the AHL level
the team is saying that he will be out some time but not saying what it is. I would say an ACL and that could hurt for a long time. To bad! :'(
Kristen Shilton @kristen_shilton 21 hours ago
#Marlies updates from today: Brooks Laich was back skating this morning at MCC. Kasperi Kapanen spotted on crutches w/ boot as well.
The Marlies have subsequently indicated that Kapanen will miss eight weeks with a lower-body injury.
In some ways although this is a very bad break and not good news, suggests that this is an ankle injury (or broken foot) and not the dreaded ACL tear it looked like. If he is back in 8 weeks he will be ready for the playoffs.
Havent been following the standings that much. I guess I may of made a wrong assumption.In some ways although this is a very bad break and not good news, suggests that this is an ankle injury (or broken foot) and not the dreaded ACL tear it looked like. If he is back in 8 weeks he will be ready for the playoffs.
I'm assuming you mean the NHL Playoffs? Isn't looking good for the Marlies to make the AHL Playoffs.
Was just reading about Marlies, and the kind of disappointing season they're having.
Looking at the up and comers, Kapanen and Leipsic are the only ones that might be ready to graduate. I thought this was kind of disappointing.
But really, is anyone expecting the Marlies to develop more than 2 NHL ready guys per season?
www.twitter.com/TorontoMarlies/status/833779725373939712Another look at Brenden Miller's first goal to make it 3-1 at the intermission.#MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/YTfBiusJoj
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) February 20, 2017
Kapanen and Leipsic are back in skates!
Kasperi Kapanen and Brendan Leipsic are both taking part in team skates with the Marlies today. Both have been out over a month.
— David Alter (@dalter) February 28, 2017
www.twitter.com/TorontoMarlies/status/836598505829502977#Marlies News: LW Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond has been acquired on loan from Tampa Bay.#MarliesLive
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) February 28, 2017
Kapanen returns to the Marlies today after missing 20 games with an injury. Line-up:
Moore Greening Griffith
Timashov Kalinin Kapanen
Rychel Gauthier Johnsson
Leblond Laich Cameranesi
Campbell Holl
Dermott Oleksy
Nielsen Wrenn
Bibeau
Once Leipsic returns, which should be soon, the Marlies wingers are going to be absolutely deadly. Especially if Timashov and Johnsson stay hot.
The centre position OTOH...
Kapanen returns to the Marlies today after missing 20 games with an injury. Line-up:
Moore Greening Griffith
Timashov Kalinin Kapanen
Rychel Gauthier Johnsson
Leblond Laich Cameranesi
Campbell Holl
Dermott Oleksy
Nielsen Wrenn
Bibeau
Once Leipsic returns, which should be soon, the Marlies wingers are going to be absolutely deadly. Especially if Timashov and Johnsson stay hot.
The centre position OTOH...
Will Adam Brooks be able to join the team once the WHL playoffs/Mem Cup is over? Because you have to figure he'd instantly become their best/oldest centre.
Will Adam Brooks be able to join the team once the WHL playoffs/Mem Cup is over? Because you have to figure he'd instantly become their best/oldest centre.
Will Adam Brooks be able to join the team once the WHL playoffs/Mem Cup is over? Because you have to figure he'd instantly become their best/oldest centre.
His team, the Regina Pats, are hosting the Mem Cup this year. They're also the top ranked team in the WHL. So they'll likely be going pretty deep there. I doubt he'll be available.
The Pats are hosting the Mem Cup next year. This year the Mem Cup is in Windsor. As you said though, they will likely be going pretty deep so he will not likely be available.
Will Adam Brooks be able to join the team once the WHL playoffs/Mem Cup is over? Because you have to figure he'd instantly become their best/oldest centre.
His team, the Regina Pats, are hosting the Mem Cup this year. They're also the top ranked team in the WHL. So they'll likely be going pretty deep there. I doubt he'll be available.
I'd consider swinging Moore into the middle if our wings are so clogged.
Next year, we're adding Brooks, Bracco, Korostelev (currently injured), Dzierkals, Desrocher, Piccinich, Walker, Bobylev, and maybe Grundstrom, so this could get really stupid (awesome). Only one centre in that bunch. Maybe Cameranesi makes the move to centre too.
Lou mentioned that maybe half a dozen of the current Marlies are NHL capable right now (Kapanen, Leipsic, Griffith, Rychel, Gauthier being the obvious ones). Assuming one gets poached in expansion, and 2-3 graduate, the Marlies are looking staaaaacked next season.
Will Adam Brooks be able to join the team once the WHL playoffs/Mem Cup is over? Because you have to figure he'd instantly become their best/oldest centre.
His team, the Regina Pats, are hosting the Mem Cup this year. They're also the top ranked team in the WHL. So they'll likely be going pretty deep there. I doubt he'll be available.
The Pats are hosting the Mem Cup next year. This year the Mem Cup is in Windsor. As you said though, they will likely be going pretty deep so he will not likely be available.
You might be getting a little carried away there. Of the guys you mentioned Brooks, Bracco, and maybe Grunstrom would probably be the only guys with a good chance of being impact AHLers in their rookie seasons, if at all.
Obviously some bodies will move at Expansion and the Draft, but we have a lot to work with up front. Just don't look down the middle or on the backend or in net.
I think Kapanen and Leipsic will graduate for sure, maybe Gauthier depending on Boyle, and Griffith depending on his playoff showing and training camp.
Not too shabby:
Timashov - Brooks - Bracco
Dzierkals - Moore - Johnsson
Rychel - Gauthier - Korostelev
Lindberg - x - Grundstrom
Walker - x - Piccinich
Bobylev - x - x
Why so doubtful Rychel moving up?
I think Kapanen and Leipsic will graduate for sure, maybe Gauthier depending on Boyle, and Griffith depending on his playoff showing and training camp.
Not too shabby:
Timashov - Brooks - Bracco
Dzierkals - Moore - Johnsson
Rychel - Gauthier - Korostelev
Lindberg - x - Grundstrom
Walker - x - Piccinich
Bobylev - x - x
Why so doubtful Rychel moving up?
Why so doubtful Rychel moving up?
LW Depth Chart:
JvR
Hyman
Komarov
Martin
Leipsic
So two of those guys (cough* JvR, Komarov cough*) would need to be moved. The above also doesn't account for the fact Leivo and Soshnikov might also end up as LW. (RW depth chart being Marner, Nylander, Brown, Sosh, Leivo, Kapanen... thats 6 guys for 4 spots. )
What I haven't seen mentioned is the potential waiver issues for bubble AHL guys that won't have exemption next year.
LW Depth Chart:
JvR
Hyman
Komarov
Martin
Leipsic
So two of those guys (cough* JvR, Komarov cough*) would need to be moved. The above also doesn't account for the fact Leivo and Soshnikov might also end up as LW. (RW depth chart being Marner, Nylander, Brown, Sosh, Leivo, Kapanen... thats 6 guys for 4 spots. )
Why so doubtful Rychel moving up?
LW Depth Chart:
JvR
Hyman
Komarov
Martin
Leipsic
So two of those guys (cough* JvR, Komarov cough*) would need to be moved. The above also doesn't account for the fact Leivo and Soshnikov might also end up as LW. (RW depth chart being Marner, Nylander, Brown, Sosh, Leivo, Kapanen... thats 6 guys for 4 spots. )
Yeah, getting ahead of myself and forgot to mention: I was assuming JvR and Komarov would be gone -- Bozak too, moving Nylander to C.
Even still that's putting a ton of pressure on Leipsic or Rychel to not only be productive NHLers but to be legitimate 1st line players.
I don't know. Matthews has been dragging Hyman around all season. Leipsic and Rychel look better, and Matthews will be a year older.
I don't know. Matthews has been dragging Hyman around all season. Leipsic and Rychel look better, and Matthews will be a year older.I guess I'm setting my bar slightly higher than "better than Hyman".
As we all should. But I'm wonder about the Leafs' current depth, where players might slot in...JvR
==Nik's 1L bar==
Leipsic
Leivo
Rychel?
Hyman
Martin
I don't know. Matthews has been dragging Hyman around all season. Leipsic and Rychel look better, and Matthews will be a year older.
I guess I'm setting my bar slightly higher than "better than Hyman".
Toronto Marlies @TorontoMarlies
#Marlies News: The Marlies have acquired F Cal O'Reilly, reassigned from Buffalo.
QuoteToronto Marlies @TorontoMarlies
#Marlies News: The Marlies have acquired F Cal O'Reilly, reassigned from Buffalo.
Well, Marlies just solved their 1C problem. O'Reilly's bounced around the NHL, AHL, and KHL the past few years. Seems like the typical AAA player. 42 points in 47 games in the AHL this season.
QuoteToronto Marlies @TorontoMarlies
#Marlies News: The Marlies have acquired F Cal O'Reilly, reassigned from Buffalo.
Well, Marlies just solved their 1C problem. O'Reilly's bounced around the NHL, AHL, and KHL the past few years. Seems like the typical AAA player. 42 points in 47 games in the AHL this season.
How did they acquire him?
How did they acquire him?
It's a loan from the Sabres to the Marlies, a la Raffi Torres was loaned by the Leafs to his existing team, the San Jose Barracuda, or when the sens picked up Matt Frattin but loaned him back to the Marlies.
How did they acquire him?
It's a loan from the Sabres to the Marlies, a la Raffi Torres was loaned by the Leafs to his existing team, the San Jose Barracuda, or when the sens picked up Matt Frattin but loaned him back to the Marlies.
I get the Torres thing: SJ got rid of a contract...but this is different...why would Buffalo want to help out the Marlies?
How did they acquire him?
It's a loan from the Sabres to the Marlies, a la Raffi Torres was loaned by the Leafs to his existing team, the San Jose Barracuda, or when the sens picked up Matt Frattin but loaned him back to the Marlies.
I get the Torres thing: SJ got rid of a contract...but this is different...why would Buffalo want to help out the Marlies?
How did they acquire him?
It's a loan from the Sabres to the Marlies, a la Raffi Torres was loaned by the Leafs to his existing team, the San Jose Barracuda, or when the sens picked up Matt Frattin but loaned him back to the Marlies.
I get the Torres thing: SJ got rid of a contract...but this is different...why would Buffalo want to help out the Marlies?
O'Rielly is disgruntled with the Amerks/Sabres and Tim Murray cares about feelings.
http://www.diebytheblade.com/2017/3/8/14859502/amerks-loan-cal-oreilly-to-the-toronto-marlies
Thanks herman...so looks like this would keep Ryan happy, so all good.
Thanks herman...so looks like this would keep Ryan happy, so all good.
I wish we got Ryan, but I sort of wish we got another brother.
Thanks herman...so looks like this would keep Ryan happy, so all good.
I wish we got Ryan, but I sort of wish we got another brother.
Trevor Van Riemsdyk?
I've tried to follow the Marlies the last couple of seasons. Followed their social media, set up feeds to get their results on my phone etc. I've watched a few games on AHL Live (despite it being silly expensive). But I find it hard to really care so the games kind of almost bore me.
Is there a Marlies core of fans who are Marlies first, or is it mostly people looking to watch Leaf prospects etc. Is there anyone here who would be a proper Marlies "fan/supporter"?
| Rychel-Findlay-Griffith Moore-O'Reilly-Sislo Leipsic-Greening-Kapanen Timashov-Gauthier-Lindberg | Moore-Findlay-Griffith Johnsson-Kalinin-Sislo Leipsic-Greening-Lindberg Rychel-Gauthier-Clune | Rychel-O'Reilly-Griffith Johnsson-Kalinin-Sislo Leipsic-Greening-Kapanen Moore-Gauthier-Lindberg |
#MakeSethGriffithHappen
#MakeSethGriffithHappen
I hope he's up to play ahead of Smith and not for another reason.
I am glad to see Kapanen get the call-up ahead of Griffith too. Seriously. Lots of great AHL scorers aren't NHL players. Kapanen has spent a bunch of this year on the PK for the Marlies too so that addresses one of Babcock's desires from his 4th line RW.
Who's this Findlay?
Kapanen has spent a bunch of this year on the PK for the Marlies too so that addresses one of Babcock's desires from his 4th line RW.
Kapanen has spent a bunch of this year on the PK for the Marlies too so that addresses one of Babcock's desires from his 4th line RW.
I'd be somewhat impressed by Babcock if he actually played Kapanen on the PK. I just didn't get the sense that Babcock saw him as a penalty killer type in Kap's limited time with the Leafs last season. I'm not saying it won't ever happen, but given what's at stake right now I don't see it.
Kapanen has spent a bunch of this year on the PK for the Marlies too so that addresses one of Babcock's desires from his 4th line RW.
I'd be somewhat impressed by Babcock if he actually played Kapanen on the PK. I just didn't get the sense that Babcock saw him as a penalty killer type in Kap's limited time with the Leafs last season. I'm not saying it won't ever happen, but given what's at stake right now I don't see it.
Apparently Babcock and Lou were at the Marlies game yesterday. Kapanen stood out all game, including on the PP and PK. Kapanen has made huge strides defensively this year according to Keefe. Fingers crossed Babcock does actually play him- ahead of Smith and on the PK.
Kapanen has spent a bunch of this year on the PK for the Marlies too so that addresses one of Babcock's desires from his 4th line RW.
I'd be somewhat impressed by Babcock if he actually played Kapanen on the PK. I just didn't get the sense that Babcock saw him as a penalty killer type in Kap's limited time with the Leafs last season. I'm not saying it won't ever happen, but given what's at stake right now I don't see it.
Apparently Babcock and Lou were at the Marlies game yesterday. Kapanen stood out all game, including on the PP and PK. Kapanen has made huge strides defensively this year according to Keefe. Fingers crossed Babcock does actually play him- ahead of Smith and on the PK.
Other than convenient injuries to Leivo, Soshnikov, is there anything to read into Kapanen getting the call up with only 8 games left in the season? Or does his ELC no longer slide now that he has turned 20?
Who's this Findlay?
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=130531
Solar Bears call up.
That's how deep our centre depth is outside the NHL.
Babcock attended Marlies game yesterday ... says Valiev, Dermott, Nielsen, Leipsic are "guys that look like they're knocking on the door"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 27, 2017
Kapanen loaned to the Marlies
They also signed the Wheat Kings' overaged goalie Jordan Papirny to an ATO.
Not sure what kind of action he'd see with the Marlies.
Kapanen to Leipsic x2
2-2 After 2
These were the Marlies' lines for anyone interested:
Rychel-O'Reilly-Griffith
Leipsic-Gauthier-Kapanen
Johnsson-Kalinin-Sislo
Timashov-Greening-Moore
I hope somehow that Leipsic and Kapanen are paired up on the big club next year. Ideally surrounding Nylander but I think that would work for Kadri too.
Any of the Dman on the Marlies expected to make a run at the Leafs roster next season? I have been oblivious to the Marlies this season.
Found it strange that Kaskisuo got the start in place of Bibeau (has he lost his mojor or something?). I had read that Kaskisuo was gone to the Solar Bears as Massa was hurt in the line brawl in their playoff game. Also Kappi took two stupid penalties last night, really dumb ones that Babs would have made him sit for a whileKapanen to Leipsic x2
2-2 After 2
Colin Greening scored less than a minute into overtime to give the Marlies a 2-1 series advantage. Highlights here:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUGhRKK6RCw[/youtube]
These were the Marlies' lines for anyone interested:
Rychel-O'Reilly-Griffith
Leipsic-Gauthier-Kapanen
Johnsson-Kalinin-Sislo
Timashov-Greening-Moore
Dermott-Valiev
Campbell-Holl
Nielsen-Oleksy
Kasimir Kaskisuo got the start for the Marlies. Sparks was hurt in game 2.
Bibeau still has the ability to be a .940 goalie in the AHL for stretches, the problem with him seems to me to be that he uses micro adjustments and it means often times against quality opponents he isn't "set" for the shot against, when he concedes a couple he doesn't seem to have the best bounce back ability.
Marlies have signed recently ousted London Knight J.J. Piccinich to a 2-year AHL contract. He was drafted by the Leafs in 2014 in the 4th Rd. and played on the Knights' energy line.
As a secondary scoring right winger in Juniors, JJ will have a tough time cracking the Leafs' lineup anytime soon, with the likes of Nylander, Marner, Kapanen, Brown, Griffith, Bracco, Korostelev, Korshkov ahead of him.
Is there a point where you will admit that Griffith may not be a thing?
Is there a point where you will admit that Griffith may not be a thing?
The Piccinich move (along with Cameranesi, Holl, Froese, Clune, Brennan, etc.) shows Toronto's intention of truly developing their assets. Instead of cutting bait, they're keeping them involved and inside their system, but off the SPC list, until such a time their value is realized (trade or call up).
With Griffith, I'm reminded of what Babcock mentioned about Kadri and JvR being young in their development, and his treatment of Corrado, Holland and Leivo, vs. Smith and Polak. Some players come from other organizations and their foundations (read: fitness, gudpro/60) aren't quite up to the standard Babcock wants/needs on the Leafs.
I think the Leafs are going to slow roll the rookies from here on out (never will we have a cohort such as this), so Griffith's value will come as an injury call-up into the top 9. I think he's worth a much longer look than he has received, even though he is not a slam dunk the way Nylander is. He's as AHL good as Leipsic, so if you're pretty high on Leipsic making hay in the NHL, thar be Griffith too.
Is there a point where you will admit that Griffith may not be a thing?
The Piccinich move (along with Cameranesi, Holl, Froese, Clune, Brennan, etc.) shows Toronto's intention of truly developing their assets. Instead of cutting bait, they're keeping them involved and inside their system, but off the SPC list, until such a time their value is realized (trade or call up).
With Griffith, I'm reminded of what Babcock mentioned about Kadri and JvR being young in their development, and his treatment of Corrado, Holland and Leivo, vs. Smith and Polak. Some players come from other organizations and their foundations (read: fitness, gudpro/60) aren't quite up to the standard Babcock wants/needs on the Leafs.
I think the Leafs are going to slow roll the rookies from here on out (never will we have a cohort such as this), so Griffith's value will come as an injury call-up into the top 9. I think he's worth a much longer look than he has received, even though he is not a slam dunk the way Nylander is. He's as AHL good as Leipsic, so if you're pretty high on Leipsic making hay in the NHL, thar be Griffith too.
"No" would be quicker.
"No" would be quicker.
Marlies eliminated Albany in triple OT tonight. Facing Syracuse in the next round.
It would also be a poor discussion-inducer, and an improv faux-pas.
Is there a point where you will admit that Griffith may not be a thing?
The Piccinich move (along with Cameranesi, Holl, Froese, Clune, Brennan, etc.) shows Toronto's intention of truly developing their assets. Instead of cutting bait, they're keeping them involved and inside their system, but off the SPC list, until such a time their value is realized (trade or call up).
With Griffith, I'm reminded of what Babcock mentioned about Kadri and JvR being young in their development, and his treatment of Corrado, Holland and Leivo, vs. Smith and Polak. Some players come from other organizations and their foundations (read: fitness, gudpro/60) aren't quite up to the standard Babcock wants/needs on the Leafs.
I think the Leafs are going to slow roll the rookies from here on out (never will we have a cohort such as this), so Griffith's value will come as an injury call-up into the top 9. I think he's worth a much longer look than he has received, even though he is not a slam dunk the way Nylander is. He's as AHL good as Leipsic, so if you're pretty high on Leipsic making hay in the NHL, thar be Griffith too.
It would also be a poor discussion-inducer, and an improv faux-pas.
This is why you and I need to start an improv group where we take turns explaining to the audience that the other one is just making up nonsense.
Sounds like Hillary and TrumpIt would also be a poor discussion-inducer, and an improv faux-pas.
This is why you and I need to start an improv group where we take turns explaining to the audience that the other one is just making up nonsense.
Waived by Florida too. So waived by Boston, Toronto, and Florida in 1 season.
Waived by Florida too. So waived by Boston, Toronto, and Florida in 1 season.
It would also be a poor discussion-inducer, and an improv faux-pas.
This is why you and I need to start an improv group where we take turns explaining to the audience that the other one is just making up nonsense.
We need a troupe name. Fans of Futility? Draft, Develop, Disappoint?
Mrogan Rielly's Ipmrov
SEASON SAVER
Veteran winger Rich Clune mentioned a couple of days ago how a series of mid-season meetings and player personnel moves changed direction when the Marlies were last in the North.
“I give (GM) Kyle Dubas a lot of credit,” Clune said. “He has a good feel of when to pick his spots and he hit the team with some truth in January, from the coaches down to the players. We turned this ship around and almost won the division.”
Holl called the January soul-searching “a come-to-Jesus moment” for the team. The Marlies then made the playoffs a sixth straight year and for the fifth time, are advancing beyond the first round.
“Development and winning go hand and hand here,” Clune said.
“It’s an environment where you don’t learn anything from losing. Sure you take lessons from some losses, but the ultimate goal is to win and encourage that culture. It’s an expectation when you sign now with the Leafs and the Marlies.”
Jake Dotchin with another injury delivered, this time to Gauthier
Marlies score 3 goals in 33 seconds in the final 2 minutes of the game to win 5-3.
www.twitter.com/TheAHL/status/862120570485223424The go-ahead goal for the @TorontoMarlies as they take Game 3 of the North Division Finals. #SYRvsTOR pic.twitter.com/PgClN3HTZL
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) May 10, 2017
Dotchin, Breaker of Leafs, has been suspended 3 games for his late hit.I seriously hope the Marlies/Leafs take some proactive steps towards Dotchin next time we face him.
I like how the Marlies/Leafs responded to this situation.
Dotchin, Breaker of Leafs, has been suspended 3 games for his late hit.I seriously hope the Marlies/Leafs take some proactive steps towards Dotchin next time we face him.
I like how the Marlies/Leafs responded to this situation.
I would even go a step further to project Kaskisuo as the back up to Freddie next year or at least the year after.
I seriously hope the Marlies/Leafs take some proactive steps towards Dotchin next time we face him.
I actually wouldn't mind off the ice even. Does anyone know where he spends his summers?
I seriously hope the Marlies/Leafs take some proactive steps towards Dotchin next time we face him.
I actually wouldn't mind off the ice even. Does anyone know where he spends his summers?
Is this just Internet tough guy talk? Or are you guys advocating premeditated assault?
at this point isn't that exactly what Dotchin's "play" amounts to?
I seriously hope the Marlies/Leafs take some proactive steps towards Dotchin next time we face him.
I actually wouldn't mind off the ice even. Does anyone know where he spends his summers?
Is this just Internet tough guy talk? Or are you guys advocating premeditated assault?
I'm absolutely not, but at this point isn't that exactly what Dotchin's "play" amounts to?
I try not to allow others to determine my reactions but after 3 injuries caused by Dotchin going over the line I get my buttons pushed.
There is one area where a big body playing hard within the rules can see an opposing player injured. I get that. I have seen my youngest son's teams that over powered the opposition and I have seen him on teams that were simply over powered by the opposition. It was all within the rules.
I see that you feel that there wasn't 'headhunting' involved but I disagree. Gauthier was having a very good game and was taken out by Dotchin so late that it was OFF CAMERA! When Kapanen was playing so well that he was rumoured to be favoured to be called up Dotchin intentionally hit him in the knees behind the net. For a smooth skating, big defenseman.....that is greasy.
Do you see Adam McQuaid, Erik Gudbranson or Josh Manson crossing the line that way?
Gauthier has worked so hard since drafted to get at the level he is at and some reports are that he might not get back to that level due to the severity of this injury.
Guess I still feel an intentional perpetrator probably shouldn't be held to the eye for an eye standard no matter what I spew on the internet. I at least feel that Dotchin should be suspended until Gauthier is playing professional hockey again and should probably have his pay suspended until then as well. It would make players with Dotchin potential and decent skill set to think twice before cheapshotting an opponent.
Am I just overreacting to off-the-cuff anonymous posturing on the internet?
Am I just overreacting to off-the-cuff anonymous posturing on the internet?
Uh huh.
At this point I would literally assign a player to teach him a "lesson". A capable fighter to chase him around the ice to coherence him into fight. A fighter that can easily beat him. Have him face up to his actions. If he chooses to embarrass himself like Claude Lemeuix he has to wear that. No cheap shots or Bertuzzi like actions.I try not to allow others to determine my reactions but after 3 injuries caused by Dotchin going over the line I get my buttons pushed.
There is one area where a big body playing hard within the rules can see an opposing player injured. I get that. I have seen my youngest son's teams that over powered the opposition and I have seen him on teams that were simply over powered by the opposition. It was all within the rules.
I see that you feel that there wasn't 'headhunting' involved but I disagree. Gauthier was having a very good game and was taken out by Dotchin so late that it was OFF CAMERA! When Kapanen was playing so well that he was rumoured to be favoured to be called up Dotchin intentionally hit him in the knees behind the net. For a smooth skating, big defenseman.....that is greasy.
Do you see Adam McQuaid, Erik Gudbranson or Josh Manson crossing the line that way?
Gauthier has worked so hard since drafted to get at the level he is at and some reports are that he might not get back to that level due to the severity of this injury.
Guess I still feel an intentional perpetrator probably shouldn't be held to the eye for an eye standard no matter what I spew on the internet. I at least feel that Dotchin should be suspended until Gauthier is playing professional hockey again and should probably have his pay suspended until then as well. It would make players with Dotchin potential and decent skill set to think twice before cheapshotting an opponent.
In no way would I condone any of Dotchin's injury causing hits as acceptable (except Kapanen's which was just an awkward collision), but they are natural in the course of the way the game is played. My point is that this is a fast game that allows, nay encourages, physical contact. Early, on time, late hits are going to happen. Limbs in awkward angles in collisions are going to happen.
To posit that Dotchin kept track of Marlie players' eligibility for call ups and deliberately targeted them is a stretch. To surmise that he pursued injuring them is a further stretch.
What we have here is an understandably intense reaction to perceived intentional damages. Do physical players try to hit skilled players on the other team to throw them off their game and nullify their skill? Yes. Do players intentionally try to injure other star players to take them out? I can't say for certain in Dotchin's case(s), but it has definitely happened in the past in other situations and sports where machismo and emotions run unchecked.
Does any of that justify the sense of 'justice' that Todd Bertuzzi was operating under when he chased Steve Moore around the ice to pay him back for accidentally concussing Naslund? Should we as fans go about town looking to exact vigilante 'justice' for this?
Am I just overreacting to off-the-cuff anonymous posturing on the internet?
At this point I would literally assign a player to teach him a "lesson". A capable fighter to chase him around the ice to coherence him into fight. A fighter that can easily beat him. Have him face up to his actions. If he chooses to embarrass himself like Claude Lemeuix he has to wear that. No cheap shots or Bertuzzi like actions.
Because remember when Darren McCarty beat up Claude Lemieux and after that Claude Lemieux completely changed as a player and never did anything dirty again?
We all ultimately want accountability which the NHL/AHL is clearly not willing to enforce. Common sense is not prevailing therefore I am suggesting the neanderthal approach since this seems to be the only available option.
Because remember when Darren McCarty beat up Claude Lemieux and after that Claude Lemieux completely changed as a player and never did anything dirty again?
Thinking about that a bit.
I know on my son's provincial teams there was a player that was good enough to make the team but was an idiot on and off the ice. It was like he had a disconnect between his brain and his emotions. It was weird. He would throw a late hit different times knowing the other team had a couple of guys that would pound him and even AFTER he was suspended he did it again. I was flabbergasted. He would do it and even be scared to go on the ice because he knew he was an idiot but then would do it again to a venerable player, etc.
That's why, although my heart prefers vigilante justice, in the post above I have considered for the 1st time that the offending player should be suspended at least for the length of the injury and in pro sports have their salary suspended for the same period. That is on top of the current punishments handed out for head shots, spearing, etc without serious injury. The only way for a suspended player to return early would be if the injured player (or guardian if the player is under age) applies for an exception or leaves hockey.
We all ultimately want accountability which the NHL is clearly not willing to enforce. Common sense is not prevailing therefore I am suggesting the neanderthal approach since this seems to be the only available option.
This is pretty much the second year in a row where bad goaltending is killing the team.
The #Marlies live to fight another day, top Crunch 2-1 to force decisive Game 7 on Wednesday in Syracuse
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) May 16, 2017
Game 7, 3-3 tied going to the 3rd. Marlies only 2 shots in the 2nd, scored on one of them.
That's disappointing. Kaskisuo finishes the playoffs with a .892 save percentage in 10 games. He also put up a .899 save percentage in 32 ECHL games this season. Orlando's other goalie, Ryan Massa, was at .912 in 41 games so it's not like it was a team issue. Despite his little hot streak when he was called up he's likely a nothing prospect.
I'd try to find a veteran AHL goalie to platoon with Sparks next season and cut bait with both Kaskisuo and Bibeau. Maybe take a chance on a NCAA or European goalie for the ECHL club.
Didn't watch much of the Marlies at all, but is Sparks a potential legit NHL'er? A viable backup even?
That's disappointing. Kaskisuo finishes the playoffs with a .892 save percentage in 10 games. He also put up a .899 save percentage in 32 ECHL games this season. Orlando's other goalie, Ryan Massa, was at .912 in 41 games so it's not like it was a team issue. Despite his little hot streak when he was called up he's likely a nothing prospect.