Leafs fall in Buffalo. Again.
by birky on Jan 14, 2012 1:17 AM EST
in From The Branches
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Tonight's match-up in Buffalo was a bit of a trap game and most of you know it. The Leafs had beaten the Sabres 2-0 in Toronto on Tuesday night; a game where the Sabres struggled to create any kind of threatening offense. A HNIC home game looms tomorrow with the New York Rangers, owners of first place in the Eastern Conference. As has been the case so often over the past few seasons, the Leafs started bit sluggish and were in a 2-0 hole within the first five minutes. Some people will point at the second goal as a sign that Jonas Gustavsson hasn't quite worked past all of his issues. And to some extent, those people have a point. That was a terrible goal. But in the end, you aren't going to win many games when your side only scores two goals. The Leafs had four powerplay opportunities where they hardly threatened, and despite pouring on the pressure towards the end, couldn't get a third goal past Ryan Miller.
A Schenn rant and some links after the jump...
I think it's important to note that with all of the trade talk going around, there's been a huge and varying spectrum of opinions of where Schenn is in his development. Schenn once again played the least amount of minutes among the defensemen tonight. He's being utilized by Ron Wilson and staff as the 6th guy. He is not anywhere close to a shutdown defender. He's not viewed as one by the coaching staff, and he really has yet to regain their confidence that was lost at the beginning of the season. The mental lapse on Buffalo's third goal is a great example of why his ice time is so low. If the Leafs do move him, I think a big factor in that decision is that Burke thinks he can get a guy who can help the Leafs make a deep playoff run this year, next year, etc. Luke Schenn is not that guy at this stage in his career. That does not mean he never will be. But at the moment, he isn't a difference maker on the Leafs, and if Burke thinks he can get a guy who can be a difference maker, he's going to pull the trigger.
/end rant
Saturday links:
Mirtle updates for the G & M
Quick hits from MLHS
The adjustment when your favorite Leaf leaves town
Good post on the Schenn trade rumors from VLM
A look at the NHL's all-star game snubs
No Saturday would be complete without a little DGB
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If the Leafs do move him, I think a big factor in that decision is that Burke thinks he can get a guy who can help the Leafs make a deep playoff run this year, next year, etc. Luke Schenn is not that guy at this stage in his career. That does not mean he never will be. But at the moment, he isn’t a difference maker on the Leafs, and if Burke thinks he can get a guy who can be a difference maker, he’s going to pull the trigger.
The question remains, would someone like van Riemsdyk be considered a difference maker?
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
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I’d agree, over-hyped player. Haven’t really seen him play…which is kind of my point. Don’t hear much about him ever.
I only ever hear of him on this site, which is weird. Also with all the coverage of 24/7, I should have heard of him mentioned at least once. Is he injured or does he not play for the flyers?
I will stand beside him with an axe! @theninjagreg
by theninjagreg on Jan 14, 2012 7:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
not that I know of. honestly the more I look at the trade the less and less I think it is the right move. I would rather Burke use Schenn as a piece in a package to acquire someone that can bring the Leafs to the next level. JVR I doubt is that piece. Looking at his stats he does not seem all that impressive. I know he is still young but the Leafs have wingers capable of producing as much offence. Also the guy plays with Giroux which worries me that if he is forced to play with players of a lesser quality he will provide even less.
When losing an argument on the internet, be sure to attack someones grammar. That is the only way to save face.
He is injured actually
He’s got some issue with his hip that is slowing him down this season. They were saying he might need surgery in the off-season.
Jonathan Toews- "Oh Captain, My Captain"
by Hawks&Flyers on Jan 14, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
which is why i dont see this move happening as jvr might not even be a difference maker when he is healthy
He’ll absolutely be a difference maker when he’s healthy. He was the Flyers best player in the playoffs last year. I don’t think he’ll do much for you this year though (which I’m hoping means the Flyers will end up keeping him).
Jonathan Toews- "Oh Captain, My Captain"
by Hawks&Flyers on Jan 14, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Can we get Maca off the point on the PP now? Having flashbacks of last yrs Tim Brent failed PP experiment. He truly looked lost there. Didn’t know if he should pinch or stay at the line and had much trouble keeping the puck in the zone.
"They build a statue, they knock it down and piss on it, and now they will be out there building it again."
by ThickSkinnedAlive on Jan 14, 2012 9:58 AM EST reply actions
I like to see these lines for the PP
PP unit 1 MGK and Phaneuf, Liles or Gardner
PP unit 2 Connolly Kadri Lupul with Franson Gunnarson
No Kessel..
Changing my "Goat of The Year" player from Armstrong to Kulemin
by Gebx on Jan 14, 2012 10:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Liles is injured.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
I don’t know why we don’t run Franson on our first PP unit until Liles is back. I think Franson’s been great on the powerplay so far.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jan 14, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
That is what I was saying last night. Skinny thinks it makes sense to leave him on the second. I disagree.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
I thought he looked good. Good shot, closes on the net well, mobile.
I shot a moose once, in upstate New York.
by not norm ullman on Jan 14, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Pat Kaleta is a terrible human being.
Let the Wookie win.
Twitter is a thing!
by Kenjamin on Jan 14, 2012 10:07 AM EST via mobile reply actions
JVR does not play with Giroux
Everyone keeps suggesting this but it is not true:
ES:
Forward 1 Forward 2 Forward 3 Frequency
SCOTT HARTNELL CLAUDE GIROUX JAROMIR JAGR 13.67%
MATT READ DANNY BRIERE WAYNE SIMMONDS 6.1%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK DANNY BRIERE WAYNE SIMMONDS 4.92%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK MAXIME TALBOT JAKUB VORACEK 4.09%
JAKUB VORACEK MAXIME TALBOT DANNY BRIERE 3.03%
JAKUB VORACEK MAXIME TALBOT MATT READ 2.99%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK CLAUDE GIROUX JAROMIR JAGR 2.86%
SCOTT HARTNELL CLAUDE GIROUX JAKUB VORACEK 2.86%
HARRY ZOLNIERCZYK SEAN COUTURIER ZAC RINALDO 2.81%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK BRAYDEN SCHENN WAYNE SIMMONDS 2.72%
JAKUB VORACEK DANNY BRIERE WAYNE SIMMONDS 2.22%
JAKUB VORACEK BRAYDEN SCHENN MAXIME TALBOT 1.94%
SCOTT HARTNELL SEAN COUTURIER MATT READ 1.91%
WAYNE SIMMONDS BRAYDEN SCHENN DANNY BRIERE 1.88%
SCOTT HARTNELL MATT READ CLAUDE GIROUX 1.82%
WAYNE SIMMONDS MAXIME TALBOT ANDREAS NODL 1.78%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK MATT READ JAKUB VORACEK 1.72%
SCOTT HARTNELL DANNY BRIERE JAROMIR JAGR 1.45%
SCOTT HARTNELL SEAN COUTURIER JAROMIR JAGR 1.35%
ANDREAS NODL MAXIME TALBOT ZAC RINALDO 1.05%
HARRISON ZOLNIERCZYK SEAN COUTURIER ZAC RINALDO 1.04%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK DANNY BRIERE MATT READ 0.95%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK CLAUDE GIROUX SCOTT HARTNELL 0.95%
MATT READ DANNY BRIERE ANDREAS NODL 0.77%
ERIC WELLWOOD MAXIME TALBOT JAKUB VORACEK 0.74%
PP:
JAROMIR JAGR WAYNE SIMMONDS CLAUDE GIROUX N/A 25.7%
SCOTT HARTNELL DANNY BRIERE MATT READ N/A 10.8%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK DANNY BRIERE JAKUB VORACEK N/A 6.2%
JAKUB VORACEK DANNY BRIERE JAROMIR JAGR SCOTT HARTNELL 5.6%
CLAUDE GIROUX WAYNE SIMMONDS MATT READ JAROMIR JAGR 4.8%
JAKUB VORACEK DANNY BRIERE MATT READ SCOTT HARTNELL 4.2%
JAKUB VORACEK MATT READ CLAUDE GIROUX JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 3.8%
SCOTT HARTNELL DANNY BRIERE CLAUDE GIROUX N/A 3.6%
MATT READ BRAYDEN SCHENN DANNY BRIERE SCOTT HARTNELL 3.3%
SCOTT HARTNELL DANNY BRIERE JAKUB VORACEK N/A 2.1%
JAROMIR JAGR DANNY BRIERE CLAUDE GIROUX JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 2%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK WAYNE SIMMONDS MATT READ N/A 1.8%
JAKUB VORACEK WAYNE SIMMONDS CLAUDE GIROUX SCOTT HARTNELL 1.8%
JAKUB VORACEK DANNY BRIERE CLAUDE GIROUX SCOTT HARTNELL 1.2%
JAKUB VORACEK WAYNE SIMMONDS MATT READ JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 1.2%
JAROMIR JAGR DANNY BRIERE WAYNE SIMMONDS JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 1.2%
CLAUDE GIROUX DANNY BRIERE MATT READ SCOTT HARTNELL 1%
WAYNE SIMMONDS BRAYDEN SCHENN DANNY BRIERE JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 1%
SCOTT HARTNELL CLAUDE GIROUX JAKUB VORACEK N/A 1%
MATT READ MAXIME TALBOT WAYNE SIMMONDS JAKUB VORACEK 1%
SCOTT HARTNELL DANNY BRIERE JAROMIR JAGR JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK 0.9%
SCOTT HARTNELL CLAUDE GIROUX JAROMIR JAGR N/A 0.8%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK DANNY BRIERE WAYNE SIMMONDS N/A 0.8%
JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK DANNY BRIERE MATT READ N/A 0.8%
CLAUDE GIROUX SEAN COUTURIER WAYNE SIMMONDS JAKUB VORACEK 0.7%
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
Also in regards to JVR/Giroux
Their production at the same age is almost identical.
GPG/PPG
JVR……..Giroux
20 0.19/0.45…..N/A
21 0.28/0.53……0.21/0.64
22 0.30/0.59……0.20/0.57
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
Yeah. Given his age and production, I understand the idea that he could be a number one LW in the future – and honestly, we could use a Lupul replacement (I’m officially on the “sell high in the offseason” bandwagon). My only concern is that with his shooting frequency – which is almost identical to Lupul’s – I think the Leafs will need to continue to use pass-first centers (Bozak and Connolly both sit around 1.5 S/GP), and those are actually pretty rare (both Bozak and Connolly are on pace to make this list), otherwise someone’s shooting frequency will need to come down.
RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter
by Bower Power on Jan 14, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
I’d use BtN’s Player TOI tool if you want to find out linemate data for a particular player. Here are JVR’s most frequent linemates:
Wayne Simmonds – 37.2%
Daniel Briere – 31.2%
Jakub Voracek – 30.2%
Max Talbot – 22.0%
Claude Giroux – 20.8%
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jan 14, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Nice thanks! I used to use dobbler hockey’s but you have to pay for it. Looking for a good replacement.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
What did you use up there? Leftwinglock?
by Self Destructive Zones on Jan 14, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
I think the LWL tool is useful if you’re trying to see how the coach is dividing his lines up, but if you want to know an individual guy’s top linemates, I’d say the BtN tool is a bit simpler.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jan 14, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
I am a sad panda
I missed out on Sundin night tickets again… They went on sale at 10 this morning, I was right there at 10 AM waiting to get tickets, but there was just nothing
99% of player salaries are payed out to only 1% of players. #OccupyNHL
I'm a Twitter twat.
use the “tickets’” tab on the menu on this page
Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.
Thanks birky, but they’re a bit out of my price range unfortunately. That’s why I was trying to take advantage of them being on sale on Ticketmaster, since I could get them for face value.
The market value on them has come down lately though, the cheapest used to be around $275, now I’m seeing tickets for $163. I’ll keep my eye on it
99% of player salaries are payed out to only 1% of players. #OccupyNHL
I'm a Twitter twat.
I tried going on for the "pre-sale" thing at 10 as well.
Searched all remaining games for any 2 tickets together and got no results back.
So disappointing.
I just "turned" this into the FTB. Add links if you want to.
Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.
RIP Former-and-forever Leaf Wade Belak
Me on Twitter
by Bower Power on Jan 14, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Where anything is possible.
I will stand beside him with an axe! @theninjagreg
by theninjagreg on Jan 14, 2012 12:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Efficient of you
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
I just ordered a Kulemin jersey. First Leafs jersey I’ll have ever owned. Hoping it arrives in time for me to wear it to the Leafs/Sens game February 4.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
Nice.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
Whenever UPS stops dicking around I’ll have my first Leafs jersey ever too… Wendel’s
by Chi-town leafs on Jan 14, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
I bought one of these in November
The old 3rds for 65$. They charge 11$ for customization (I got Kessel with an A). They charge another 15 for delivery but you can check for in store availability first. Don’t know what sizes they have left.
About time that people finally realized how awesome Gunnar is...
Certified Gunnar & Kule lover!
My new goal: To get the nickname Hebrew Hammer for Mike Brown to take off.
Shipping Weight: 10lbs
Manufactured by: Reebok
Do they ship it in a 2×4 constructed crate?
"They build a statue, they knock it down and piss on it, and now they will be out there building it again."
by ThickSkinnedAlive on Jan 14, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Well the game just confirmed what we already knew: we’re a bubble team. After a loss, the best thing is to just go out an try to win the next one
Yep. I think some of the advanced stats say that the Leafs aren’t quite as good as the standings look, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see us fall a bit before the year is done. In all honesty, as long as we make the playoffs I’ll be pretty happy with this season. I’d be fine with an 8th place finish and a couple of wins in the first round, if we could pull that off.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data".
Internet Champ. I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jan 14, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
I agree, though I think given the current state of the eastern conference we can do better than 8th. We need to aim to get home ice advantage – and though we may not achieve it (in fact its unlikely), its a better goal than just to get 8th.
by Goosemonster on Jan 14, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I wrote about Luke Schenn on the front page. Go.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I'm sure the Leafs
will trade Schenn. Dino Ciccarelli, Mats Sundin even, we can get a guy like that. Best to trade away draft picks and prospects and do like we always do, no point in developing players or drafting good players to wear blue and white. Get Bobby Ryan, Rick Dipietro, let sucky teams like Pittsburgh and the Red Wings, Vancouver, Boston, let them draft and develop players and prospects, they don’t succeed like we do.
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