Posted - 01/06/2015 : 11:37:27 Fantasy Impact: The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired Head Coach Randy Carlyle
Assistants Peter Horachek and Steve spot will coach on an interim basis, taking a page out of the New Jersey book by having two coaches. The Leafs are considering waiting until the summer before naming a permanent coach, and that would imply that they are waiting for Mike Babcock.
Other coaching candidates include Peter DeBoer, Dan Bylsma and Paul MacLean.
The Leafs have long been criticized for having a terrible possession game, relating to the other big problem - getting badly outshot each game.
The entire team is below the 50% mark for offensive zone starts. You don't have to be an advanced stats wiz to (know) that it's not good.
A new coach 'should' fix the possession numbers and reduce shots defensively. This will really help both Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer. However, the Leafs have consistently been among the top 3 teams in the league when it comes to scoring goals this year, and that's probably going to be reigned in. A lot of the offensive players will see a dip. Meanwhile, players who are better at controlling the play may see a boost in ice time, such as Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly.
The power play will also have a new look. Probably. This could mean that the likes of Tyler Bozak is off the first PP unit and Kadri comes in. Whatever happens, there is one thing we know for sure - status quo is not happening.
Fantasy players this helps, in order: 1. Bernier 2. Kadri 3. Reimer 4. Rielly
Fantasy players this hurts, in order: 1. Bozak 2. Dion Phaneuf
**************************** **************************** Have an opinion on this article? Let us know. Just hit reply below and post your thoughts. Anything goes...but keep your head up. And don't forget to visit our Dobber Hockey friends at www.dobberhockey.com/ **************************** **************************** PickupHockey.com is your online hockey community. We're always looking for sharp volunteer writers. If you feel that you'd like to contribute please send us an email at admin at pickuphockey.com **************************** **************************** PickupHockey.com and the owners of PickupHockey.com do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed on its website of the volunteer writers. The opinions expressed here in this and other posts are solely the opinions of the writers.
