GDT #64: Time to fire up the Maple Leafs Express and run train on the motherfucking haters.

[MindzEye]

Eye test can be a wonderful thing if you know what you are looking for. Most dont

The problem is that we tend to value eye catching things that actually don't make an impact in the game. The general idea of how to play hockey the right way basically hasn't changed since the 50's/60's and our "eye tests" have all been influenced from growing up in that hockey culture.

 

[zeke]

It's crazy that when we see Norris calibre defenders play against us give up breakaways (Engvall walked Hedman ffs...), it's completely normal and never changes people's opinions of these Norris calibre defenders. Our guys make a mistake that wasn't really a mistake (Freddy banging a rebound right into Holl/Gourde and it ending up in our net) and it's proof of being a "tire fire" defensively.

and hedman was getting worked over in the corners and losing puck battles back there all night.

that dude would get absolutely crushed in this market.

 

[MindzEye]

and hedman was getting worked over in the corners and losing puck battles back there all night.

that dude would get absolutely crushed in this market.

Just realized after another watch that it was Hedman who got caught watching on the Tavares goal. Rielly would be shredded for weeks if he got walked by a 3rd liner and lost d zone coverage on a goal like that.

 

[leafman101]

Every elite defenseman gets beat regularly. Except Lidstrom.

The best defensive players in the league are on the ice for what, 5-7% less xG than average?

 

[MindzEye]

Except Lidstrom.

pbuh

 

[MindzEye]

The best defensive players in the league are on the ice for what, 5-7% less xG than average?

Would take a lot of normalization to account for QoT (moreso team system than specific teammate quality here imo) and QoC

For example...Hedman's xGA/60 is 2.03 which is 18th in the league amongst defenders with 800+ minutes 5v5. But Tampa is 4th in the league with 2.06 5v5 xGA/60

Minnesota has a couple of guys in the 1.80 range, but they're 1st in the league at 1.93. Some teams play high event (4.8 average XG 5v5 in a Leaf game) and some teams play really low event (4.1-4.2 for Boston, Minny, CBJ)

 

[leaffan2005]

The problem with the Leafs and their defensive play has really never been the actual defenders. Has always been the forwards.

 

[TinCow]

Do you have anything to back up your opinion that Holl is "a bit of a tire fire"?

I only said he is a tire fire under the circumstances I outlined...... not that he is a tire fire “full stop”

 

[aniablue]

This Engvall guy. Man, he reminds me so much of Peter Mahovlich. I hope he gains further confidence, and scores 30 goals some year. Exciting, heady as shit player to watch. Who has no fear it seems of breaking up horrible wall of berlin defences.

 

[Blueman]

The problem with the Leafs and their defensive play has really never been the actual defenders. Has always been the forwards.

I agree. We give up too many odd man rushes.

 

[zeke]

I agree. We give up too many odd man rushes.

Tampa let us have 3 breakaways. We allowed them none.

 

[leaffan2005]

Tampa let us have 3 breakaways. We allowed them none.

What was the breakdown in the Carolina game?

 

[Aberdeen]

In order the Leafs 3 biggest problems this year are:
1) goaltending
2) injuries
3) babcock

 

[Preston]

4. Inconsistency

Let's not pretend they don't have SOME consistency issues. I agree the other three issues are far worse though.

 

[Aberdeen]

4. Inconsistency

Let's not pretend they don't have SOME consistency issues. I agree the other three issues are far worse though.

For sure, but if the first 3 were more or less resolved we wouldn't be having these conversations and "hard work".

 

[zeke]

every team is inconsistent, especially when major injuries hit. many teams get carried through rough patches by their goalies.

Fact is the Leafs are 26th in save percentage this year, and still in 15th place.

 

[Artnes]

Does anyone track oddman rushes?

 

[zeke]

Top-16 teams, with their save percentage rank:

1.BOS #3
2.TBL #9
3.WSH #23
4.STL #13
5.COL #5
6.PIT #12
7.DAL #1
8.PHI #21
9.NYI #4
10.VGK #22
11.VAN #10
12.CAR #15
13.CBJ #6
14.NYR #7
15.EDM #17
16.TOR #26


The worst goaltending of any of the top-16. Only WSH and VGK outrank their sv% by more than the Leafs do.

 

[MindzEye]

4. Inconsistency

Let's not pretend they don't have SOME consistency issues. I agree the other three issues are far worse though.

Are they inconsistent relative to the rest of the league though? I mean, the same night we lost to a 42 yr old borrowing someone else's kidney, Tampa gave up 7 to Zona, and Boston (who if we were to poll the league, would probably be considered the most consistent team in the league) gave up 9 to Vancouver.

How are we measuring consistent effort? The whole thing just feels like a bad mutation of the "they can't play defence" argument....like, okay, sometimes they do play good defence, but not all the time!!! It often feels like the Leafs are compared to teams that simply don't exist. Teams that don't give up chances against, and show up to work their nuts off 82 times a season.

 

[Preston]

every team is inconsistent, especially when major injuries hit. many teams get carried through rough patches by their goalies.

Fact is the Leafs are 26th in save percentage this year, and still in 15th place.

Well my complaint is more due to believing that this team should be a top 3 team in the NHL. Seems like they either look like a top 3 team or the worst team in the NHL. No in between with these fucknuts.

But it's all based on my expectations.