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Post by TMan on Mar 21, 2024 14:15:50 GMT -5
Wilson despite looking apologetic after whacking Gregor has a history of this crap and deserves everything he gets.
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Post by Leafs_Pam on Mar 21, 2024 15:11:36 GMT -5
Wilson despite looking apologetic after whacking Gregor has a history of this crap and deserves everything he gets. On replay, it looked to me like he did it on purpose. Then, oops, I didn't mean to do that. Yeah right! The way he swung his stick around, and up at that angle, it had to be deliberate. As a repeat offender, I hope he gets more than 5 games.
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Post by pointshot on Mar 21, 2024 16:00:02 GMT -5
Woll played a nice game against the Caps while Samsonov again displayed one of the weak aspects of his goaltending in the game against the Flyers. What I’m referring to here is an important aspect of goaltending that the expert analysts (when evaluating the various elements of a goalie’s game) fail to adequately focus on: namely, the ability to keep sight of the puck, most notably the ability to fight against being screened (the ability to see through and around screening attempts and keep sight of the puck—obviously, it’s difficult to stop what you can’t see). This is one of the elements that separates the top goalies from the rest of the pack. And it’s a notable weakness in Samsonv’s game. He is too easily screened and too many long shots that would otherwise be easy saves go whizzing by him because he didn’t see them (and, of course, some responsibility here also falls on the Leafs’ skaters to clear away potential screens). Also, while all goalies will inevitably face moments when they are successfully screened, the top ones do a better job of positioning/net coverage to allow as little open net as possible during such times. Samsonov is also lacking in this respect. Basically, these are areas of his game that he needs to work on.
I feel a bit more confident than last year re. the Leafs’ goaltending in the upcoming playoffs but still don’t feel particularly comfortable about it. Based on what we’ve seen this season, I assume that choice of the playoff starter will go to the one who is playing best at that point. Anyway, I wonder which one all of you would prefer to see in goal for the playoffs?
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Post by TMan on Mar 21, 2024 17:07:14 GMT -5
Agree that Sammy lets in too many long range shots and yes often screened by his own teammates. I don’t fault any goalie on deflections cause they have to be super hard to save. Woll seems to be better at tracking the puck and seems positionally stronger than Sammy. Woll would be my choice right now but Sammy has been very good of late. I guess you go with the hot hand and if you’re down 2-0 in a series then you go to plan B.
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Post by mokole on Mar 21, 2024 19:31:32 GMT -5
I've never really worried about our goaltending. For how we play it's not going to be the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs. We've had superior goaltending at least 5 times in the last 7 years, and only won one series. It takes the entire team to buy into a 200' game.
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Post by stugats1 on Mar 21, 2024 21:41:30 GMT -5
I think I'd go with Samsonov to start. Since he was sent down n came back up he has been darn good. I like Woll and feel in long run will probably be #1, but I feel he is a little overated by many Leaf fans. He has 30 games in nhl. If he starts I'd be fine. But game 1 I'd go Sammy. Not sure Woll has ever beaten boston or Florida
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Post by TMan on Mar 21, 2024 22:48:39 GMT -5
Like mokoke says… if the whole team isn’t going then chances of winning a series are slim. We’ve seen the good and the bad from this team. Our best have to be just that and the bottom 2 lines just need to keep the puck in the other end, wear them down and chip in with offence at key times. Leafs have a team. They’ll need more leadership and will to match the talent and then who knows?
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Post by Barilko on Mar 22, 2024 16:58:28 GMT -5
A few takes from me, some of which will likely be unpopular here: - I agree with Stu, as it stands it should be (and likely is) Sammy's crease to lose. Obviously, the first half of the season was a huge disappointment, but Sammy has generally done a nice job of turning things around.
- I wouldn't be surprised if Benoit finds himself watching Game 1 of the playoffs from the press box. Honestly, I think his contributions are being overstated here. While he generally does well to neutralize the opposing offenses, he generates absolutely zero offense of his own, and in general that affects his teammates on the ice during his shifts as well. I've also noticed that although he likes to throw the body around, I've also seen games where he has been knocked around as well (against the Bruins, for example).
- I really hope Keefe keeps Domi and Matthews together, even after Marner returns. Domi is a good enough setup man to hang with Auston, and you could always move Mitch to the second or third line to spread out the offense more. Unfortunately, we can usually count on Keefe to revert back to combos that feel "comfortable" to him, regardless of whether they are effective.
- I'm wondering if anyone else here is curious about the possibilities of Gio having some value to add come playoff time, provided he's healthy and well-rested. I was happy to see Timmins get back in the lineup as well; our blueline depth is definitely going to be put to the test.
- I believe that Brodie still has value, but Keefe absolutely cannot keep putting him back out there on RD -- especially with Rielly. That game against Philly should prove once and for all that they no longer belong together. I'm just not really sure where they can slot him in.
Possible blueline pairings: Rielly - Lyubushkin or Liljegren Brodie, Gio or Benoit - McCabe Edmundson - Liljegren or Timmins There are a lot of options there, and a lot of it depends on situations, who's healthy, who's going well, etc. Keefe has a better chance of finding the right combinations if he just doesn't keep going back to his comfort zone.
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Post by TMan on Mar 22, 2024 18:08:34 GMT -5
Can’t disagree with much of what you say. Probably is Sammy’s crease to lose but I have confidence in Woll. He just comes across as more composed and steady so hopefully if he gets a shot he does well. Sammy can and has been quite good. I like Benoit. They knew when they signed him what they were getting and offence wasn’t one of them. That might be detrimental in a series but so might opponents having easy entry into the Leafs zone. Agree about Brodie. Keefe just can’t go back to him n Rielly again. Brodie is a veteran. I’ve seen him play like a veteran along with Gio. I would’nt scrap pile either one of them yet. I thought Domi n Bert were great with Matthews. Sounds like Marner misses at least 2 more so hoping Keefe takes a good long look at that line. Mitch could help JTs line with Willy. The stars, moon, planets are all going to have to be aligned for the Leafs to win a round so having a healthy lineup with 4 lines rolling will be a must.
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Post by Leafs_Pam on Mar 22, 2024 19:38:15 GMT -5
Wilson despite looking apologetic after whacking Gregor has a history of this crap and deserves everything he gets. Yay! Wilson has been suspended 6 games. Too bad it couldn't have been more. Hayes and Corrado said on Overdrive what I said. That it wasn't an accident. Frankie also said the bear hug he gave Gregor after the stick in the face was to (hopefully) soften the penalty. No way do I believe Wilson's apology after the hit.
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