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Guest9838
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 Posted - 07/16/2009 : 11:11:54
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Hagman is a LW, so is Pony, so is Kulemin for that matter...
Kadri, won't make the team this year
Earl was traded to Minnesota for Ryan Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton hasn't been resigned
Williams signed with Detroit
Hollweg was notgiven a qualifying offer
Stapleton was traded to Atlanta
Sifers, Reitz, Deveaux, Harrison and Rogers were also all not given qualifying offers, a couple of those guys have been picked up.
In you're lineup your also forgetting Stempniak
It may be more like:
Blake Grabovski Stempniak
Hagman Wallin Kulemin
Pony Stajan Tlusty
Orr Mitchell Hanson/Bozak/Mayers
Other callups/scratches: Stuart, Brent, Ondrus, Boyce, Hamilton R, Hayes, Stalberg, Stefanovich |
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Rambo2305
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
546 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 11:21:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9838
Hagman is a LW, so is Pony, so is Kulemin for that matter...
Kadri, won't make the team this year
Earl was traded to Minnesota for Ryan Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton hasn't been resigned
Williams signed with Detroit
Hollweg was notgiven a qualifying offer
Stapleton was traded to Atlanta
Sifers, Reitz, Deveaux, Harrison and Rogers were also all not given qualifying offers, a couple of those guys have been picked up.
In you're lineup your also forgetting Stempniak
It may be more like:
Blake Grabovski Stempniak
Hagman Wallin Kulemin
Pony Stajan Tlusty
Orr Mitchell Hanson/Bozak/Mayers
Other callups/scratches: Stuart, Brent, Ondrus, Boyce, Hamilton R, Hayes, Stalberg, Stefanovich
Thats looking more like our offensive line...Wallin's a sleeper. Our D is still sick!..gunna be a fun season...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 13:52:59
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| Typical Leaf's fans. Planning a Stanley Cup parade route for a last place team. |
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Rambo2305
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
546 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 06:02:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Typical Leaf's fans. Planning a Stanley Cup parade route for a last place team.
It's funny because I haven't seen any posts coming remotely close to talking about a cup. Let me guess, you're either a Sens or Habs fan. Talking like you're hot sh't.
I will guarantee you right now, the Leafs do better then the Habs or Sens next year...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 08:19:21
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Guest 9838 - you're right, forgot about Williams getting picked up by Detroit. I also didn't look up Earl and Hamilton and Hollweg, didn't know they were not with the Leafs . . . and I totally forgot Stemniak, oi. Fair enough, thanks for keeping us honest with the research - OK, revised forwards:
F1 Blake - Grabovski - Stempniak
F2 Hagman - Stajan - Ponikarovsky
F3 Kulemin - Wallin - Tlusty
F4 Orr - Mitchell - Hanson
EXTRAS: Mayers
(Note: expect another 2nd line forward to be acquired for the top line, and probably Mitchell or Hanson or Tlusty to drop out, with probably Stempniak moving down to 2nd).
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Rambo2305
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
546 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 08:38:01
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Line 1: Blake - Grabovski - Ponikarovsky
Line 2: Tlusty - Bozak - Wallin
Line 3: Kulemin - Stajan - Hagman
Line 4: Orr - Mayers - Stempniak
D1: Komisarek - Kaberle
D2: Beauchemin - Van Ryn
D3: Schenn - White
Starter: Toskala
Backup: Gustavsson
Scratches:
Ondrus
Exelby
Hanson
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford |
Edited by - Rambo2305 on 07/17/2009 08:40:19 |
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Posted - 07/17/2009 : 09:06:18
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And a quick lesson in reading comprehension to Odin:
The remark, "Our D is still sick . . . gonna be a fun season!" does NOT translate into "Start planning the parade route, Leafs are gonna win it all this year!"
It simply means that on paper, it certainly looks like our defensive unit looks very good now, and that it should be at the very least a much more competetive team to watch with lots of things to build on, and hope for the future. Especially considering the woeful teams of the past 112 years or so. I myself wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment - the Leafs will, indeed, be much more fun to watch with a tougher, much better defence; a promising new goaltender from Sweden who could be the future; and a few young promising forwards, with hopefully some additions.
It will be a fun season indeed.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
Edited by - n/a on 07/17/2009 09:09:14 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:07:20
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Rambo.... you're not big on Stempniak huh? Got him listed on your fourth line? I think he's got some serious potential but at this stage of his career, he needs some decent linemates! Please tell Burkie that if he's not gonna play as a top 6 forward in Toronto, we'll take him here in Vancouver  |
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Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:18:51
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To be fair, Alec 116, Stempniak really has not performed well at all in Toronto, well below what I expected. Getting the increased minutes and opportunity here last year, he is often hard to spot during a game . . . seems to do a fair bit of floating. Which is why the coach didn't really play him on the first line, and which resulted in him being relegated to the press box a few times (edit - once) if memory serves correct.
I'm not hot on him at all either. A big "meh".
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
Edited by - n/a on 07/17/2009 10:34:25 |
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Rambo2305
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
546 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:26:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Rambo.... you're not big on Stempniak huh? Got him listed on your fourth line? I think he's got some serious potential but at this stage of his career, he needs some decent linemates! Please tell Burkie that if he's not gonna play as a top 6 forward in Toronto, we'll take him here in Vancouver
When he came to Toronto from St. Louis last year, he was a PPG. He finished the season well below that mark. He was not good offensively, or defensively for that matter. He was getting a chance to play on the top line last year, playing serious minutes. However, after failing to do anything, he quickly found himself in Wilson's doghouse.
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:28:03
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Interesting Slozo, didn't really follow his progress (or lack thereof) in TO. I assumed he needed to be playing with some better players to bring out his potential and figured he must have had some decent linemates and icetime in StL to put up 27 goals in his first full season, but....look what Wikipedia says:
"Stempniak was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in the 5th round (148th overall). He led the team in goals in his first full season (2006–07) with 27, while he was just 23 years of age. He and David Backes joined Jay McClement to form one of the NHL's youngest lines."
Not exactly top calibre linemates? And only 8 were PP goals? |
Edited by - Alex116 on 07/17/2009 10:30:08 |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:39:17
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I know, I know! I looked up all his stats when he came over here, I thought he was a potential first line player as well, lots of potential. He was also playing with a great young player in Backes though, and you will also notice that he was down to the second or third line in St Louis when he was traded . . . so, they must have already considered him a bit of a miss at that point. Well, the emergence of Boyes and acquisition of Tkachuk also would have put him down, but still - he easily had 60-70 point potential, it seemed.
I don't see it, myself. I think he gets dealt if someone wants him in a package.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:39:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Rambo2305
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Typical Leaf's fans. Planning a Stanley Cup parade route for a last place team.
It's funny because I haven't seen any posts coming remotely close to talking about a cup. Let me guess, you're either a Sens or Habs fan. Talking like you're hot sh't.
I will guarantee you right now, the Leafs do better then the Habs or Sens next year...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford
If you think for a momment that the Leafs will do better than the Habs, you are out to lunch my friend. I will ALSO guarantee that the Habs finish ahead ofthe Leafs. Whats the wager? |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:41:41
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
And a quick lesson in reading comprehension to Odin:
The remark, "Our D is still sick . . . gonna be a fun season!" does NOT translate into "Start planning the parade route, Leafs are gonna win it all this year!"
It simply means that on paper, it certainly looks like our defensive unit looks very good now, and that it should be at the very least a much more competetive team to watch with lots of things to build on, and hope for the future. Especially considering the woeful teams of the past 112 years or so. I myself wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment - the Leafs will, indeed, be much more fun to watch with a tougher, much better defence; a promising new goaltender from Sweden who could be the future; and a few young promising forwards, with hopefully some additions.
It will be a fun season indeed.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Slozo, what an amazing grasp of the obvious you have. Your mother must be proud. I'm just reading between the lines. Not to hard to grasp what you are saying. Sorry if I disagree entirely with your take. Time to unfurl those panties. |
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:46:47
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Leaf fans - Settle down, don't let the haters get you all riled up. We know how exciting this season is going to be, dont let anyone try and tell you otherwise. This is the next step towards respectability. Give burke another summer to add a couple more FA's and draft picks and the playoffs will become a thing of the norm once again. Until the leafs get an elite forward, i dont see stanley on the horizon though...
Heres what my roster looks like as things currently stand
Kulemin - Grabovski - Ponikarovsky
Blake - Bozak - Hagman
Tlusty - Stajan - Stempniak
Mayers - Mitchell - Orr
Wallin
Kaberle - Komisarek
Schenn - Beauchimen
White - Exelby
Finger
Toskala
Gustavsson
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:58:42
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Odin - I am going to enjoy laughing at the habs this year. Im sure you will still bash the leafs in order to numb your own misery. If you thought the habs were bad last year, wait until this year gets rolling.
I mean seriously, the habs let Souray, Streit, Komisarek, Kovalev, Koivu, Tanguay and others all walk for NOTHING in return. Carey Price is a far far cry from the goalie the hab fans tried to have the world beleive. Jacques Martin is still trying to get Pat Quinns boot out of his ass. Spacek is laughing all the way into retirement, Gill and Mara are the two biggest pylons in the NHL. Plekanec wears a turtleneck, Nuff said. The rest of the team are 4th liners....c'mon dude. It will be the Leafs laughing at the habs this year my friend. Cammalerri and Markov are going to have to carry this team along with Gomez, and if one of those 3 gets hurt the habs will be out of the playoffs by february.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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n/a
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:59:03
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What an eloquent comeback, Odin. Where is this invective prose you accuse me of writing? I didn't even show a hint of trucculence . . . I merely corrected you.
You are the one who has his female undergarments in a twist, sir - not I.
Do you have anything subtantive to add in regards to why you think Leaf fans shouldn't have some solid glimmers of hope for this season after the moves Burke has made so far? Because reading between the lines of your response, you sound only like a Leaf hater.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Rambo2305
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
546 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 11:03:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Odin
quote:
Originally posted by Rambo2305
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Typical Leaf's fans. Planning a Stanley Cup parade route for a last place team.
It's funny because I haven't seen any posts coming remotely close to talking about a cup. Let me guess, you're either a Sens or Habs fan. Talking like you're hot sh't.
I will guarantee you right now, the Leafs do better then the Habs or Sens next year...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford
If you think for a momment that the Leafs will do better than the Habs, you are out to lunch my friend. I will ALSO guarantee that the Habs finish ahead ofthe Leafs. Whats the wager?
So we've determined that you are in fact a Habs fan...
So you think the overpaid, underachieving, 5 foot tall 1st line can beat teams like Boston, Philly, or even the Leafs? Considering that the Habs were tied up and bent over by the Bruins last year when the Habs were a "tough" team with Laraque and Komisarek. Now Kommy's in T.O. and well Laraque, you and I both know he won't play 82 games.
Also, Price may be good, may not be, judging by his play for I say...the last 30 games of the season, and his "display of sportsmanship" to the Habs faithful, should be fun in net.
The D, well Markov is pretty much a forward, the Habs have maybe one decent pairing? Back to the offense, after Cammalleri, Gomez and Gionta, who do the Habs really have? The Kostisyn brothers? lol...I'll also sum up the Canadiens top line this season, Cammalleri will net no more the 75 points, and Gomez and Gionta won't get more then 60 a piece (if they stay healthy). So how is that offensive game superior to the Leafs? The Leafs have a balanced offensive attack with 4 lines of 40-50 point scorers. Orr is the exception, his job is to strictly knock around players. Also, Blake, Poni and Grabovski are more then capable of netting 60+ points each.
Defensively, the Leafs are set. Much better then Montreal's situation...
In goal, say what you want about Toskala, when he's healthy, he can compete with the best of them. Especially with the added drive of "the Monster" behind him. Speaking of the Monster, well, no explanation required.
So before you start trash talking the rest of the league, take a real good look at your team. There's a reason why no one outside of Montreal is expecting the Habs to be "contenders" this year.
So I'll stick with my statement, the Habs will finish below the Leafs in the standings. Correction, Montreal will finish 11th. Toronto will finish between 6th-8th...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford |
Edited by - Rambo2305 on 07/17/2009 11:43:26 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 13:07:34
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Perhaps this should be in the "Montreal vs Toronto" thread? If so, please feel free to move it.
IMO, and i think i've given it before, the Leafs and Habs are in for similar years. Lemme rephrase that....they will prob be fighting with each other (and a few other teams) for the final playoff spot!
Here's where their years might be most different. Leafs have better D, Habs better O. Don't think this is really all that debatable (on paper at least)? The continued talk of "Montreal's top line" being so small is crazy too. We don't know who their top line will be and i doubt that Gomez/Gionta/Cammalleri will play together much. Regardless, you've got three talented (and overpaid perhaps) forwards to build a couple good lines around.
Toronto, more solid on D for sure. In net? Tough call really. Yes Price has disappointed, but he was in the mix not all that long ago for a spot on Team Canada. Yeah, he's struggled, but you won't see the Habs trading him away anytime soon unless they rip someone off. There are GM's out there who'd prob give up more than they should with the thought that a change of scenery would do Price good? Toronto on the other hand, i feel is better in goal than they get credit for. I'm a believer in Toskala. I think with this revamped D, he'll be much better this season. Then you've got a bit of an unknown in the "Monster". He really hasn't proven anything till he does it at the NHL level. Who knows, he could be the next big star goalie, but he could be a bust. Either way, i think the goaltending between the Habs and Leafs is even.
Let's face it, this debate is all about opinions at this point. Who knows, Gomez and Gionta may be able to find the chemistry they had before, maybe not? Cammalleri may click with Plekanec or someone else? Who knows? Or, maybe Jacques Martin will put a noose around their necks and not let them cross the freakin' offensive blueline? Same goes for TO. A guy like Stajan could continue to improve and surprise everyone with 75+ points? Maybe Blake hits 40 goals again? It's all a guess at this point isn't it?
Personally, i think the Habs will finish above Toronto in the standings and i think they've got a bit better of a shot at the playoffs because of this. If i were a betting man (and i am ), my money is on Montreal to finish higher........
BTW, i checked a few (3) sites for sports wagering. Here's what the odds say as far as either winning the cup:
Vegas Insider.com:
Montreal 20-1
Toronto 60-1
SBG Global Sportsbook
Montreal 33-1
Toronto 60-1
NHL Fanhouse.com
Montreal 30-1
Toronto 60-1
The guys setting these lines are usually pretty good..... 
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Edited by - Alex116 on 07/17/2009 13:36:54 |
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Guest9388
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Posted - 08/03/2009 : 14:11:53
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Why does every single one of you break up the Kulemin-Poni-Grabovski line? That line is our best shot at good offense. They are sticking together no doubt.
And Mitchell with Blake worked well too.
Don't fix what ain't broke |
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Guest8144
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Posted - 08/04/2009 : 10:21:55
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| That will for Ron Wilson to decide. Come camp, the lines could look completley different from what any of us think. |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 06:50:04
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REVISED
Before Kessel starts playing in Nov:
Blake - Grabovski - Ponikarovsky
Hagman - Stajan - Kadri
Stalberg - Bozak - Stempniak
Orr - Primeau - Mayers
I know . . . I never would have thought Kadri had a chance to make this team, and he is a bit small yet . . . but the kid can really play, he can take a hit and hit back at this level, and he has really risen to the occasion, getting better every game. He may get sent down after 9 games, but I just have this feeling that he will make the most of his shot. The way Stalberg and Bozak have played, you just have to get them in there, but we'll see how they turn out as the regular season progresses. I am impressed so far, and Hanson could easily make this team too perhaps.
AFTER KESSEL JOINS TEAM:
Blake - Grabovski - Kessel
Hagman - Stajan/Kadri - Ponikarovsky
everybody else is the same, with Hanson being one of the first call-ups in case of injury
I have to tell you, I haven't ever been this excited about the young guys coming up. Kadri, Stalberg, Bozak, Hanson . . . nobody looks like an upcoming superstar, but they all look like future solid NHLers, with Kadri leading the pack. I think there's a couple of second liners and maybe a first liner there, exciting stuff after a very long summer!
We'll see when the regular season starts how hard reality hits, but I see a much brighter future nonetheless.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 07:42:17
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Slozo....you see the shootout goal by Kadri last night vs Pittsburgh? Beauty! The kids definitely got skill. If he were trying to crack a roster such as Detroits, he'd have no chance but with the rebuilding Leafs, you never know. They may find a spot for him.
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Guest2622
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Posted - 09/23/2009 : 10:15:23
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
What an eloquent comeback, Odin. Where is this invective prose you accuse me of writing? I didn't even show a hint of trucculence . . . I merely corrected you.
You are the one who has his female undergarments in a twist, sir - not I.
Do you have anything subtantive to add in regards to why you think Leaf fans shouldn't have some solid glimmers of hope for this season after the moves Burke has made so far? Because reading between the lines of your response, you sound only like a Leaf hater.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
And a quick lesson in reading comprehension to Odin:
The remark, "Our D is still sick . . . gonna be a fun season!" does NOT translate into "Start planning the parade route, Leafs are gonna win it all this year!"
Right there Slozo. I can comprehend quite well thank you very much.
You're acusing me of being a Leafs hater? Damn straight. Like thats any news. Born and bred my friend. Its in the DNA! Just like I would NEVER accuse you of loving the Habs. Just further enforcing my previous comment about the amazing grasp of the obvious that you have.
The reason why I think you are reaching is that you have a team full of 3rd liners. Sure, you finally got 1 bonafide 1st liner, but that does not a team make. Further, he was playing on a team that has much better talent than anything the Leafs can set him up with. He'll be lucky to get 30.
"You are the one who has his female undergarments in a twist, sir - not I."
Boy, that was a great comeback, perhaps you could use a little originality?
The Stanley cup parade comment was just to have a little fun, but I guess you took that personally. Its just that its the same thing every year with the same results every year. I don't begrudge you supporting your team. Thats what fans do. Its just that I perennially see Leafs fans here essentially planning the parade, it sounded like you were too.
But again, I ask you or whoever to name the wager, because there is no way in hell that the Leafs are finishing ahead of the Habs.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 10:16:01
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Kadri has impressed everyone, but let's not forget that the caliber of play in the preseason is not even close to what opening day will be let alone part was through the season and the stretch run. Above this, size does matter in the NHL. Burke and Wilson should know that having an 18 year old in the line up is a big enough risk, let alone one who would be literally one of the 5 smallest players in the league. We all watched what happened to Okposo recently. Can you imagine the backlash if 175 lbs Kadri got rocked like that??
I don't think the benefit of having Kadri on the big team is enough to outweigh the risk of Kadri getting hurt. Keep him and you MIGHT have a benefit this year. Send him down and let him throw 10-15 lbs on. Then you have a player big and strong enough to compete with a lot lower risk, and a year older and wiser than this year. He goes down and he is all be certain to be the man at the Juniors.
Not saying that he won't be on the squad. Even if he does get sent down he will be better than many of the TO forwards that do make it. But I am just not convinced the decision is good in the long run. Send him down, then give him the #1 centre spot next year with a healthy and aclimated Kessel. That sounds pretty dangerous! |
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Guest2622
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Posted - 09/23/2009 : 10:58:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Rambo2305
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
quote:
Originally posted by Rambo2305
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Typical Leaf's fans. Planning a Stanley Cup parade route for a last place team.
It's funny because I haven't seen any posts coming remotely close to talking about a cup. Let me guess, you're either a Sens or Habs fan. Talking like you're hot sh't.
I will guarantee you right now, the Leafs do better then the Habs or Sens next year...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford
If you think for a momment that the Leafs will do better than the Habs, you are out to lunch my friend. I will ALSO guarantee that the Habs finish ahead ofthe Leafs. Whats the wager?
So we've determined that you are in fact a Habs fan...
So you think the overpaid, underachieving, 5 foot tall 1st line can beat teams like Boston, Philly, or even the Leafs? Considering that the Habs were tied up and bent over by the Bruins last year when the Habs were a "tough" team with Laraque and Komisarek. Now Kommy's in T.O. and well Laraque, you and I both know he won't play 82 games.
Also, Price may be good, may not be, judging by his play for I say...the last 30 games of the season, and his "display of sportsmanship" to the Habs faithful, should be fun in net.
The D, well Markov is pretty much a forward, the Habs have maybe one decent pairing? Back to the offense, after Cammalleri, Gomez and Gionta, who do the Habs really have? The Kostisyn brothers? lol...I'll also sum up the Canadiens top line this season, Cammalleri will net no more the 75 points, and Gomez and Gionta won't get more then 60 a piece (if they stay healthy). So how is that offensive game superior to the Leafs? The Leafs have a balanced offensive attack with 4 lines of 40-50 point scorers. Orr is the exception, his job is to strictly knock around players. Also, Blake, Poni and Grabovski are more then capable of netting 60+ points each.
Defensively, the Leafs are set. Much better then Montreal's situation...
In goal, say what you want about Toskala, when he's healthy, he can compete with the best of them. Especially with the added drive of "the Monster" behind him. Speaking of the Monster, well, no explanation required.
So before you start trash talking the rest of the league, take a real good look at your team. There's a reason why no one outside of Montreal is expecting the Habs to be "contenders" this year.
So I'll stick with my statement, the Habs will finish below the Leafs in the standings. Correction, Montreal will finish 11th. Toronto will finish between 6th-8th...
"Most people spend time and energy going around problems, rather than trying to solve them" - Henry Ford
So why is it that a tiny leafs forward group can be supported by a hulking Leafs 'D', but the habs can't? Sounds a little hypocritical to me. When did anybody accuse the Habs of being a tough team last year? The Bruins did beat the Habs in the playoffs last year, its just the law of averages coming into play. I would still take the Habs alltime record vs the Bruins anyday, and they won't be the same team (Bruins) this year, you can write that down.
So how exactly is it that they are overpaid and underachieveing? Assuming you are talking about Gomez, perhaps you could go back and review history as to the affect the Rangers have on UFA signings. Coming in under that 'terrible' coach with his defensive system that Gomez thrived under in Jersey is such a bad move.
Don't worry about Price, he will be fine and I would take him in an instant over the goalies that you have. At least we have a bonafide backup to step in in case there is a problem such as another injury.
OK, you say Markov is pretty much a forward, so what does that make Kaberle? Oh right, we have alreay established that Markov is better. The Habs have one decent pairing? Ok, your arguement has just gone off the rails. From here on in, I just have to assume that you are joking. Markov, Mara, Spacek, Gill, Georges, Hamrlik make three solid NHL pairngs period. To try and say anything differently just kills your credibility. Then you add in the likes of O'Byrne, Webber, Henry,and Carle, and you have some serious depth. Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot about a little prospect named PK Subban.
As for the rest of your drivel, I just got bored with it so I will say this.
I would take this lineup:
Cammelleri/ Gomez/ Gionta
AK47/ Plekanec/ Latendresse
SK74/ Lapierre/ D'Agostini
Pacioretty/ Metropolit(Chipchura)/ Moen
ANY FREAKIN' DAY OVER
Blake/ Grabovski/ Kessel
Hagman/ Mitchell/ Mayers
Ponikarovsky/ Stajan/ Stepniak
Kulemin/ Primeau/ Orr.
If you think that there is any comparison in firepower between these two lineups, well I have some swampland...
I give you props for improving your D-men, there is no question there, but they are NOT head and shoulders above the d-men of the Habs. I see that as kind of a saw-off. The bottom line, the Habs can put the puck in the net, the Leafs? Not so much. Any team that has Grabo as their #1 center has some serious problems, that cannot be denied. He will NEVER get you 60 points, thats why we gave him to you.
So, before you go making silly statements about me trash talking the rest of the league, I did no such thing, just pointed out some of the many weaknesses on the Leafs. I actually think it is you that needs to take off those blue tinted glasses and take a reality check on what your team actually looks like.
The Habs will finish 4-6, the Leafs? Pretty much dead last. They just don't have any firepower. The Habs will be a much better 'TEAM' this year, and that is what that 'terrible' coach will bring. And I haven't heard ANYBODY, including those in Toronto accusing the Leafs of being a contender. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 11:59:09
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Ok folks, let's keep it clean an on track. Personal comments are not welcome.
As far as the topic at hand goes, the Habs should not really be any part of this. There are more than enough Habs vs Leafs threads already. Let's not turn this one into another! |
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Seventy7Fifty2
Top Prospect
69 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 13:08:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Ok folks, let's keep it clean an on track. Personal comments are not welcome.
As far as the topic at hand goes, the Habs should not really be any part of this. There are more than enough Habs vs Leafs threads already. Let's not turn this one into another!
Guest 2262: you should go read up on the Sundin Comedy or Gainey vs Burke topics |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 14:41:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Seventy7Fifty2
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Ok folks, let's keep it clean an on track. Personal comments are not welcome.
As far as the topic at hand goes, the Habs should not really be any part of this. There are more than enough Habs vs Leafs threads already. Let's not turn this one into another!
Guest 2262: you should go read up on the Sundin Comedy or Gainey vs Burke topics
Easy now 7752, don't get those things going again! |
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fanoleaf
Rookie
143 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 15:53:18
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The Leafs will no dobt finish in better standings than they did last year. Burke has made moves to better this team, and I still think that he is not done.
For those that say all Leaf fans are the same and only see things through blue glasses are just looking to start crap. The majority of us Leaf fans see the improvements and know that more tooling needs to be done. Give Burke and Wilson some time, Rome was not built in a day.
To predict that the Leafs will finish near dead last is just as absurd as predicting them to win the cup. IMO they will take one of the last playoff spots or just miss the cut within the last week of the season. It will be a great race to the finish. |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2009 : 12:44:56
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Ok, a couple of things. 2622 is actually Odin, 7752, I have read the Burke vs Gainey thread and find it equally amusing.
Beans, I am not the one that brought the Habs into this, that was either Slozo or Matt.
And by telling Matt to take off the blue tinted glasses, is not telling the majority of Leafs fans to take off their blue tinted glasses.
As for the prediction, that was a little tit for tat, as I beleive it was Matt who predicted the Habs finishing 11th, which is just unbelievably assinine. I do predict the Leafs finish out of the playoffs however, based on the fact that they have very little talent to put the puck in the net.
yes I know, they potted a bunch last year with a similar lineup, however, I maintain my assertion that they punched above their weight.
I cannot wait for the end of the season to do a little gloating. |
Edited by - Odin on 09/24/2009 14:54:19 |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2009 : 12:48:59
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| Sorry Matt, it was Rambo who predicted the Habs would finish 11th. I just didn't recall anything he said. Go figure. |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2009 : 13:23:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Kadri has impressed everyone, but let's not forget that the caliber of play in the preseason is not even close to what opening day will be let alone part was through the season and the stretch run. Above this, size does matter in the NHL. Burke and Wilson should know that having an 18 year old in the line up is a big enough risk, let alone one who would be literally one of the 5 smallest players in the league. We all watched what happened to Okposo recently. Can you imagine the backlash if 175 lbs Kadri got rocked like that??
I don't think the benefit of having Kadri on the big team is enough to outweigh the risk of Kadri getting hurt. Keep him and you MIGHT have a benefit this year. Send him down and let him throw 10-15 lbs on. Then you have a player big and strong enough to compete with a lot lower risk, and a year older and wiser than this year. He goes down and he is all be certain to be the man at the Juniors.
Not saying that he won't be on the squad. Even if he does get sent down he will be better than many of the TO forwards that do make it. But I am just not convinced the decision is good in the long run. Send him down, then give him the #1 centre spot next year with a healthy and aclimated Kessel. That sounds pretty dangerous!
I agree with this. Kadri is impressive but he still should spend a year in the AHL before joining the big club. To bulk up and gain experience.
But I can see Stalberg and\or Bozak make the team. So here's my lineup with Kessel.
Forwards
Blake, Stajan, Kessel
Ponikarovski, Grabovski, Stempniak
Hagman, Mitchell, Stalberg
Orr, Primeau, Mayers
Call ups : Kulemin, Tlusty, Bozak, Hanson, Wallin and Kadri.
Defense
Kaberle, Beauchemin
Komisarek, Schenn
White, Van Ryn
Call ups : Finger, Exelby, Frogren
Goalies
Toskala, Gustavsson
Call up : MacDonald
And to those who says that it's a bunch of third liners I don't agree. Compare them to other second liner in the league and you see a bunch of second liner out there.
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 05:15:05
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First off Leafs81 and Rambo:
Kaberle/Komisarek and Beauchemin/Schenn seems pretty set in stone right now, those have been the set pairings when both partners have played in the preseason from the 3 or four games I've seen. Anything below that is a crapshoot, what with Van Ryn injured, and many bodies there . . . you'd have to think that between White, Exelby, Finger, and Van Ryn, maybe even Rosehill (he's played at forward too though), there will be an odd man out.
And furthermore, for Rambo:
No way does Kadri play on the third line, both coach Wilson and GM Burke have publicly said that the only way Kadri makes the team is playing on one of the top two lines - the scoring lines. So, he is not playing on the third line, and odds are as of now (as coach Wilson said yesterday), he gets sent back down to spend another year in the AHL. So, if he really lights it up in the first 9 games and proves he can take the hits and forces Wilson to keep him up with the big squad, he's playing on the first or second line. Every hockey mind keeps mentioning his 175 pound frame and I as well would be concerned about that . . . but if he scores 4 or 5 goals and is at a point per game pace through 9, Wilson may just shrug his shoulders and say we have to keep him. We'll see.
We have to remember the whole role player mentality with Burke and to a point Wilson . . . top two lines are for skill guys, third line is your defensive forwards/chippy players who can provide a bit of offence, and fourth line is big and tough and can hit. There will be no pure skill guys on the third line, they will have to have another dimension to their game - solid defence, hard hitting, big and chippy, etc.
Ideally, a guy like Hagman is perfect for the third line, as he is a solid defensive forward who can score, but he has played almost too well for that role, and deserves the second line. Well, if the Leafs ever build a real cup contender and Hagman is still here, he will be an excellent third-liner, as will Bozak if he realises his potential from what I've seen.
I am not at all convinced that my Leafs team of the future (next year and beyond)will have Stajan or Poni on it, and I really think Tlusty is done after this preseason (he has not played great).
Well, we've still got lots of shuffling to do!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 08:02:31
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Slozo....you're bang on with the Kadri thing. Here in Vancouver, there's talk of Hodgson playing on the third line to start and i'd be okay with that. Kadri however, needs to be on a scoring line. The difference being, Hodgson is more of two way player and will help out at both ends of the ice. He's also still recovering from a back injury and word is, the team is very reluctant to send him back to junior where he really has nothing to gain. There's talk that they could bring him along the way Boston did with Thornton and have him play 50-60 games and let him learn.
Sidenote, anyone remember big Joe's first year stat line? 55 games played, 3 goals, 4 assists.
Kadri, is a more flashy offensive producer and would be wasted playing on the third line. He'd be better served back in junior where he could spend a year fine tuning his game and bulking up his frame (that wasn't meant to rhyme, so no, i'm not trying to copy your poetic skills ).
I haven't seen a ton of Kadri, but the bits i've seen, i'm impressed. I gave him about a 5% shot at sticking with the Leafs a couple months ago, now i'd say he's 85% to at least get the 9 game audition! |
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 08:26:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Sorry Matt, it was Rambo who predicted the Habs would finish 11th. I just didn't recall anything he said. Go figure.
hehe, no worries dude.
honestly though guys, im pretty sure we're beating a dead horse here. The Leafs were supposed to be bottom of the barrel last year, and pretty much were, with this year as the start of something better.
The Habs were supposed to be cup contenders last year, with this year being the big question mark considering all the UFA and RFA's they had last year. So really, both teams are pretty mucb an unknown and we just have to wait and see what happens when the puck drops.
I talked alot of smack about the Habs this summer, mostly out of boredom and excitment due to the leafs off season moves, but really Id say both clubs match up fairly well, with the edge in skill going to montreal and the edge in ferociousness going to Toronto.
IMO, it will be goaltending that will determine the final standings in the northeast.... Price vs Toskala
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 09:02:36
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Hey folks, just to throw this out there. To play in the AHL, player must either turn 20 by December 31st of the season or played 4 complete junior seasons. 18 yr olds play Junior.
If an NHL team decided to send a player back to their junior team, they are not able to call that player up to the big team until his junior team's season is over. Or, the NHL team can play that 18yr old player for a 9 games and then send them back to their junior team without issue. If the player plays in the 10th gmae, the contract kicks in and that counts as the first year of the contract. However, the player can be send back to the junior team any time before the 40 game mark. If that happens, the team contract still counts as year one, but the NHL does not recognize that as a full year so the following year they are a rookie and they are not a UFA until 26. If they play more than 40 games as an 18 yr old, they can be a UFA at 25.
Rarely do you see a player play more then 10 games but get sent back to their junior team afterwards. It's a waste of the money and the year of the contract for the big team.
Pretty convoluted explaination, but it's basically saying it's the OHL(or other Junior League) or the NHL. There is no AHL option. Kadri will be back in London by this time next week. |
Edited by - Beans15 on 09/25/2009 09:07:30 |
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Odin
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
350 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 11:03:36
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Hey Matt,
Thats cool. I get fed up with the offseason too, sports wise, I can't stand the summer. Its almost unfortunate that the NHL and NFL start at almost the same time.
But anyways, I'm sure you have as much fun bantering with and riling up Habs fans as I do with Leafs fans.
About a week to go before the season starts and then we can REALLY start the trash talking! |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2009 : 10:50:41
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No surprise here folks. Kadri is back in London. Smart move by Burke and Wilson here. I think another year and 15 lbs and this kid will definately be a top 6 forward, maybe top 3 for the Leafs.
He is better than I thought he was for sure.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=292822 |
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Guest4776
( )
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Posted - 09/27/2009 : 11:45:45
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forwards
Line 1: Blake, Grabovski, Kessel
Line 2: Poni, Stajan, Bozak
Line 3: Orr, Primeau, Mayera
Line 4: Kulemin, Tlusty,Stempniak
Defense
Line 1: Komisarek, Kaberle
line 2: Schenn, Beauchemin
line 3: Exelby, Finger
Goalies
Toskala
gustavsson |
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Topic |
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2009-2010 Leafs?? 
