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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
 Posted - 10/11/2009 : 05:58:55
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I have begun to have doubts, gnawing doubts . . . it's still early in the season, but these are the things that have been bothering me:
1. Beauchemin
What has happened to his solid defensive play? I see him playing very unsure, making nervous rookie mistakes . . . he is certainly not looking even close to the player I thought we were getting. Is Wilson's system so hard to learn? I find that hard to believe. Was playing with Schenn (who has not played well this year so far) really screwing him up? Probably. Does he still need time to get acquainted with his partner/team? I sure as heck hope so, because what I see right now is far from acceptable . . . -5 for the season's first 4 games says it all, really.
2. Komisarek
Ok, maybe he has started to settle down a bit . . . but he is also far from the force I saw on the Canadiens. Where is his solid hitting? He has been very undisciplined so far, and it didn't help starting the season against Montreal . . . but these are just excuses. Being in the box for so many goals against has made him look even worse . . . he has got to start picking it up. At least he hasn't looked out of place with Kaberle, he just needs to play a lot smarter. Colour me disappointed for now.
3. Toskala
I almost don't want to mention it, but if I'm griping, then I have to include goaltending here. Toskala has lost all confidence, and the fans are REALLY, really not helping (derisive chants and catcalls, etc). Can we get a couple of easy wins, please? Do we need to get a motivational speaker in here? I am not even asking for him to steal a game here, I am just looking for 60 minutes of not giving up any goals that could be considered soft, is all. At any rate, I am rapidly losing confidence in Toskala, which may closely mirror his own feelings on the matter, unfortunately.
Discuss.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Edited by - n/a on 10/11/2009 05:59:41
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OILINONTARIO
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
816 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2009 : 07:09:08
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It's this simple. The Leafs' nation has gone through a brief, but exaggerated period of euphoric optimism. The Brian Burke era has just begun, and thirsty Buds' fans are already expecting a 180 degree turnabout. Give it a bit of time, and the crushing disappointment will soon return to the grinding, angst-ridden malaise that you guys have grown accustomed to. God willing. (Not at all a Burke fan myself, and the prospect of him failing at his mission with the Leafs makes me smile.)
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2010. |
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hanley6
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
674 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2009 : 07:36:49
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Komisarek and Beauchemin will bounce back when they get used to there defensive partner... Toskala on the other hand sucks he'll have his occasional decent game but not many
...And the LEAFS Win the CUP |
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Guest0482
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Posted - 10/11/2009 : 08:35:09
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| anyone that blames toskala for any of those goals last night probably has never played hockey before |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2009 : 08:51:15
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I'm not surprised about your doubts Slozo. I would have the same if the Oilers defense was playing as poorly as the Leafs defense has played. Ultimately, Beauchemin and Schenn are supposed to be the Leaf's shutdown pairing and they are the least responsible defensive players the Leafs have today. Komesarik, by Burke's design, should ride shotgun with Kabrele and play a bit of bodyguard for the skills player for the Leafs. All I have seen from him is bad penalties and foolish play. Overall, Kaberle has been the Leafs best defensive player and he is supposed to be looked upon for puck moving and offense.
You are right, 4 games in is still very, very early. However, after how many preseason games and 4 reg season games, one would expect improvement. And I think Wilson's 'system' has nothing to do with simple mistakes that are happening. Beauchemin getting caught 10 times a game between the Red Line and the offensive Blue line has nothing to do with Wilson's System. I think that Beauchemin to this point shows how great Scott Neidermayer really is and how much Beauchemin misses the smooth skating skill in Anaheim.
As far as Toskala, I would agree that he did not look good in Pitt. The Washington game he did not have a chance(to which neither did the Monster) and he played well enough for TO to win in Montreal. Sounds like MacDonald is going to get a game in the next couple. However, the goalie doesn't matter when the defense is playing as poorly as they are. If I were Toskala, I would have zero confidence playing behind that group too!
I feel for Leaf fans right now. The expectations of most Leaf fans was not to win every night and maybe scratch into the playoffs. However, the Leafs have not shown anything in regards to competing in any of the game to this point. Sure, the Leafs are not supposed to win against Washington or Pitt, but complete at the least.
Things aren't looking good for the immediate future either. 7 of the next 10 games are on the road.
And there isn't even light at the end of the tunnel. If the losing continues through the season, the Leafs might have a shot at the 1st overall draft pick. Unfortunately, that pick would be the traded pick to Boston for Kessel. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2009 : 09:48:34
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quote:
Originally posted by OILINONTARIO
..... (Not at all a Burke fan myself, and the prospect of him failing at his mission with the Leafs makes me smile.).....
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2010.
Dude, i will smile along with you 
As for the Leafs, i agree with the fact it's early and they need a little more time. I also agree with the fact Beauchemin will miss playing with one of the better all time dmen in Nieds. Komisarek is prob still calming down from trying to run Habs through the glass in game one and will soon find his game. I do think their d will begin to play better soon but, like the losses to start the season here in Van, those points they're throwing away right now are just as valuable as the ones you get in March. Come playoffs, if they find themselves 3 or 4 points out of a playoff date, they'll know where they left those points.....
Would have been interesting to see where they'd be right now, the confidence they might have and the way they'd be playing had they won that openning game vs Montreal, a game which they really should have won! |
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Guest9270
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Posted - 10/11/2009 : 15:43:46
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Komisarek is showing some progress. Blocking shots and being more discipline.
They should switch the defense pairing.
Kaberle and Schenn
Beauchemin and White
Komisarek and Finger \ Exelby |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2009 : 15:44:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9270
Komisarek is showing some progress. Blocking shots and being more discipline.
They should switch the defense pairing.
Kaberle and Schenn
Beauchemin and White
Komisarek and Finger \ Exelby
That was me! |
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Where is our better defence and goaltending? 
