Toronto Maple Leafs

[lucafen4]

Sparks has shocked me but he's also gaining more experience so improvement is there. Not a fan of Pickard.
Woll looks nice though and looks like our future right now.

I'm not as shocked with Sparks. He grew up a lot over the summer. Entirely new training regime, worked a lot on the mental side of the game. He said during camp he's never had an off-season like that in his life. He matured and committed himself to a much higher standard. We're seeing the results. He said the biggest thing for him has been to let the last goal go. Learning to have a memory like a goldfish when he gives up a goal has been a huge bonus for him this year. I've got hopes Sparks will be our own Talbot/Raanta/Grubaurer back up for the next few years.

[2014olympicgold]

At least the Leafs show they can still go on a scoring binge when needed.

[lucafen4]

At least the Leafs show they can still go on a scoring binge when needed.

I prefer the one sided binges winning 5-0 vs. 7-4... although from an entertainment perspective, 7-4 adds a lot more drama

[2014olympicgold]

I prefer the one sided binges winning 5-0 vs. 7-4... although from an entertainment perspective, 7-4 adds a lot more drama

Yeah but it's nice to see they kept going when the Ducks kept coming at them.

[lucafen4]

Yeah but it's nice to see they kept going when the Ducks kept coming at them.

for sure... a solid bounce back game after the turd they plopped on Saturday

[The Black Panther]

I'm not as shocked with Sparks. He grew up a lot over the summer. Entirely new training regime, worked a lot on the mental side of the game. He said during camp he's never had an off-season like that in his life. He matured and committed himself to a much higher standard. We're seeing the results. He said the biggest thing for him has been to let the last goal go. Learning to have a memory like a goldfish when he gives up a goal has been a huge bonus for him this year. I've got hopes Sparks will be our own Talbot/Raanta/Grubaurer back up for the next few years.

Hope u r right about Sparks. Nice post on his regime.

[The Black Panther]

NHL point leaders on defence since Nov. 24:

1. Brent Burns (36 points)
2. John Klingberg (30)
3. Jake Gardiner (25)
4. P.K. Subban (24)
5. Drew Doughty (23)

[lucafen4]

NHL point leaders on defence since Nov. 24:

1. Brent Burns (36 points)
2. John Klingberg (30)
3. Jake Gardiner (25)
4. P.K. Subban (24)
5. Drew Doughty (23)

snuck into top 10 for the season last night as well.

[lucafen4]

Anyone else concerned that they seem to be ok with losing Leivo and Sosh for next to nothing?
Depth is a nice thing, but not if you waste it.

Sosh is a good replacement for Uncle Leo, similar type of (annoying) player except faster, cheaper and younger. But can he stay healthy ever?
And Leivo has too much skill to give him away. I'd rather they hang on to him, promote Kapanen to JVR's spot and then make a spot for Leivo further down the lineup.

- - - Updated - - -

And yes, very nice to see Gards finding some confidence again. Playing extremely well lately.

I think Leivo goes in a package deal to fill a void... Sosh we grabbed for free.. and Grundstrom I'd argue is a similar but better player with more upside that makes Sosh expendable.

[The Black Panther]

Martin won't be traded. There will be a time in the playoffs his presence will be needed. If they bench him the 1st couple games for extra speed and Boston (Pretty sure this is a given, unless TB falls asleep) is acting as bullies to the kids... then Martin steps in as sheriff.

I do think though, there is a team that could be interested - Vancouver. I mean, Benning went on record that he wants to resign Gudbranson to protect his prospects and kids while they break in. He's going to cost them 4m & likely 3-5 years. That's awful for a 5/6dman ,

Instead - trade Gudbranson for Martin & a pick/prospect solves two problems. Leafs get a bit more depth on D - keep that grit vs. Bos & Van gets their sheriff for two more years at a much better cap hit. Gudbranson becomes a rental at decent value

Gud? Would that officially signal the end of Polak? Let it happen then

[The Black Panther]

Anyone else concerned that they seem to be ok with losing Leivo and Sosh for next to nothing?
Depth is a nice thing, but not if you waste it.

Sosh is a good replacement for Uncle Leo, similar type of (annoying) player except faster, cheaper and younger. But can he stay healthy ever?
And Leivo has too much skill to give him away. I'd rather they hang on to him, promote Kapanen to JVR's spot and then make a spot for Leivo further down the lineup.

- - - Updated - - -

And yes, very nice to see Gards finding some confidence again. Playing extremely well lately.

I was going to say. Since Morgan went down he's played especially good.

Problem with Leivo is that he's not fast & has to basically play in top 6 role or have good linemates to be effective.

[2014olympicgold]

Kap and The Dermotologist!

Honestly Freddy has to be in the Vezina convo now.

[2014olympicgold]

That Kapanen goal was incredible. He went from a standstill having hit the brakes momentarily. Smith already had momentum skating towards him. Kappy still managed to stay in front of him and fight him off. And then the patience to wait for his spot. I sure hope he stays - his speed has made a huge difference.

Freddy has to be considered I think. Who might be ahead of him at this point? Vasilevskiy, Hellebuyck, and Rinne. Maybe Rask.
Freddy is top 5 anyway.

Vas, Helly, Rinne, Andersen, Fleury (if it continues), Smith, Rask?

Andersen is in that 3-5 range personally i think tho. Vas and Helly are 1/2

[lucafen4]

Vas, Helly, Rinne, Andersen, Fleury (if it continues), Smith, Rask?

Andersen is in that 3-5 range personally i think tho. Vas and Helly are 1/2

Fleury needs to play lots ROS to get into the convo I think... It's a tough year for Vezina voting, right now... Rask is really making a case for himself. I'd probably have Andersen 5th behind the others already mentioned.

Man... what a difference a year makes... last year Metro teams drooled to get into the East via Wild Card. No one wants any part of that division now... TB & one of Tor/Bos... it's a gauntlet.

[JagrBomb]

Andersen will never win the Vezina.

Same reason why you never saw Fleury win it with Crosby on the team. And why you'll never see Talbot win it going forward either.

When you have a generational superstar on your team you will never get the respect you deserve. You could be nominated but you'll never win it.