Ian White was Ian White, average at best defensively when he has a strong game, terrifying defensively when he's off his game. And in either scenario, a turn over machine.
White is a turnover machine? Did you watch Exelby in the preseason and on Thursday? At least White can skate backwards, has mobility, and can actually stickhandle. Exelby has to be one of the worst defenceman I've ever seen. His positioning is horrendous, skating mobility is very poor, and puck handling is terrifying and breath taking- in a very negative way.
White for Finger is not a good move. Exelby for Finger is a great move IMO.
I have to agree. I'm very, very worried about tonight. We are set to be demolished with Toskala in net. I think the only potential solution would be a much improved performance from Beauch, Schenn, and White, and a more stable player coming into the lineup in Finger rather than Exelby.
yeah, I can't believe he's been sitting all these games. make a decision on him already. man, the season is already 2% over. WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR??
Mayers is pretty useless ...Why wont he let Kulemin play its soo stupid..what is Mayers gonna do out there kill penalties? rriiighhttt. hell Id keep rosehill over Mayers anyday..
I agree starting the monster versus such a dynamic offense, could possibly set him back. However HNIC brought up a point about starting toskala as well. I think, this could possibly be the downfall of vesa.
I agree starting the monster versus such a dynamic offense, could possibly set him back. However HNIC brought up a point about starting toskala as well. I think, this could possibly be the downfall of vesa.
I don't think anything changed.
Anyone seen any changes in the lines at practice?
Be interesting to see who they blame this time.
__________________
Woodlief
using his big frame to create space and his skating ability to find open lanes to drive the net. He stands 6-3 and is a natural goal scorer with plenty of confidence.
He's a scout's dream in the way he prepares himself and plays an unselfish game, making smart decisions with the puck. With his bloodlines, he certainly understands what it will take to make it at the next level.
I don't think that Wilson believed that Saturday was winnable with the home opener and a better team sure to come out flying in front of a full house so he gave two guys on the bubble a chance. Finger looked like he is playing a league too high and I can't remember if Mayers did anything.
I don't think that Wilson believed that Saturday was winnable with the home opener and a better team sure to come out flying in front of a full house so he gave two guys on the bubble a chance. Finger looked like he is playing a league too high and I can't remember if Mayers did anything.
Which game did Mayers take a needless penalty trying to draw someone into a penalty?
Is he the guy who knocked the other players helmet off at center ice?
1) Primeau is day-to-day with a knee booboo.
2) Mitchell was in the 4th line C slot in his place.
3) Kulemin was moved into the vacated 3rd line LW spot.
4) Rosehill was back on the 4th line instead of Mayers.
5) Exelby was paired with White, while Finger was the extra man.
1) Primeau is day-to-day with a knee booboo.
2) Mitchell was in the 4th line C slot in his place.
3) Kulemin was moved into the vacated 3rd line LW spot.
4) Rosehill was back on the 4th line instead of Mayers.
5) Exelby was paired with White, while Finger was the extra man.
Primeau may not be long for the NHL. He is an older made of glass player. He was a salary dump.
I like seeing Kuly in there, but IMO it should be Wallin on the 4th line, and Mitchell on the 3rd line.
If Ronnie starts the game with these lines, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mitchell and Wallin switched by the end of the game.
I agree completely. It's nice seeing Kulemin back in the lineup and I hope he shows he can stay up here. Mitchell and Wallin should be switched for sure as Mitchell is fine defensively and can put forth much more offense than Wallin.
He's been outstanding on the dot so far (12W, 3L - 80%). Hopefully he can give us at least 60 games this year.
yup, that's why he was on the ice for faceoffs against Washington's top line so often. And on the PK his faceoff numbers have been even better than even strength.
It's actually too bad he's injured, hope it's not for too long. That added puck possession is very important, especially against the better teams in the conference.
Ya I definitely see Mitchell moving up to the third line and Wallin going down to the 4th. I thought he was our best forward on Saturday, and he seems to have good chemistry with Stempniak.
In fact, I don't think Wallin is that great of a fit for the line - he just isn't strong enough with the puck. Him and Stempniak on the same line is a poor idea. Kulemin is a better fit, I think. If he can find chemistry with Mitchell and Stempniak, it could be our best line.
Primeau may not be long for the NHL. He is an older made of glass player. He was a salary dump.
Always thought he was a salary dump too but he looked like he could keep up with the play in the pre-season. But that was when he was probably completely healthy. I seriously hope that Burke wasn't counting on him over the long haul of a season.
On another note, Ron Wilson has rewarded John Mitchell for being the best Leaf in the first two periods against Washington by giving him Rosehill and Orr as linemates. Talk about your de-motivational techniques!
We're going to see tonight again, and more vividly, what little the presence of Rosehill and Orr have on the Leafs' team toughness. Ottawa has run the Leafs over physically repeatedly in the past few seasons and I suspect nothing different tonight. It doesn't mean we won't win, but we'll come out of this game bruised and battered.
It was a dump, but even dumps can play hockey. With Primeau would the Flames be better than 2-0?
Primeau is 33, and has been suffering injury problems for 2 years, and now another different injury. Three unrelated injuries in 3 years.
Hopefully, he can get back someone needs to win face-offs on the PK. To bad they didn't have some young player in the minors who was smart and good on the face-offs who could play the PK and maybe even score shorties.
On another note, Ron Wilson has rewarded John Mitchell for being the best Leaf in the first two periods against Washington by giving him Rosehill and Orr as linemates. Talk about your de-motivational techniques!
.
Wilson said Mitchell was the best Leaf in the 1st two period?