Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty10
Hey guys, just thought I'd let you know what I think about the Leafs so far this year. I know its been bad, but I've watched every game and have seen a few positives from certain players. Feel free to leave your own thoughts.
Forwards:
Blake- Has been as aweful as usual. Possibly one of the most overpaid, worthless players in the league and as far as I can see he brings nothing to this team. I'm getting really fed up with his worthless wrap-around attempts at putting the puck in and tired of seeing him take a terrible spin-o-rama shot when he could move the puck back to the D or to a linemate. One of the most selfish players I have ever seen.
Grabovski- His defensive play has improved greatly over the last season, but it seems like he may be focusing to much on it. We need his offense and he really isn't doing to much up there. It would be nice if he would win a faceoff, but he is young and has time to improve.
Hagman- Has been basically invisible all of the games he's played. He was a healthy scratch 2 games ago, but seemed to play better last game. Needs to finish and get some much needed goals.
Kulemin- As far as I'm concerned he's been one of our best players so far this year. Not finishing on offense, but has been great on the forecheck and defensively. I have no idea why we are playing Blake over this guy.
Mayers- Strong on the forecheck, will occasionally drop the gloves and has some speed, but really doesn't bring anything special. Most likely his last year as a Leaf.
Mitchell- I wish he'd put the puck in the back of the net instead of ringing it off the post or shooting wide. With the amount of chances he has its been very dissapointing that he hasn't done anything yet. Good physical play though and has the potential of a 2nd/3rd liner.
Orr- He does what we brought him in here to do.
Poni- Big 6'4 forward and probably our top forward (outside of Kessel). Strong on the puck and has good speed and shot, but I just feel he can bring more. I wish he would use his body and drive the net harder.
Primeau- Good 4th liner, brings some veteran leadership to the team and is solid on the backcheck.
Rosehill- Has been much better than I thought, although I still think he will be back in the minors at some point. A boarderline NHLer, but can fight.
Stajan- No idea why he was benched for that game. He has been one of the only guys that has been driving the net and scoring goals. Hopefully he will gain some chemisty with Kessel when he gets back.
Stalberg- One of the fastest players in the league. He will be a great NHLer one day, but needs a little more seasoning before he gets to be great. Also, needs to work on his balance. I swear the guys spends half the game on the ice with the amount he falls, but that is expected from a guy with his speed.
Stempniak- Looks much better this year, probably because he's looking for a new contract though. Hopefully he keeps his current form for the entire year.
Wallin- Has been a pleasant surprise. Possibly Burke's best signing as of now. He has been great defensively and is definately an NHL calibur 3rd line centre. I'd like to see more offense from him, but im definately impressed so far.
Defence:
Beauch- Looked better the last few games, but was very dissapointing in the first few. I hope he regains his form from 2 years ago. He's been solid on the PP and seems to have a cannon shot when it isn't hitting the shinpads infront of him.
Exelby- Crap
Finger- Possibly our best defensive defenseman so far this season. I don't know why Wilson would play XLB over him, but what do I know?
Kaberle- By far our best defenseman. He is definately one of the best puckmoving defenceman in the NHL and is still solid defensively. Needs to shoot more, but always seems to make a good pass.
Komi- Dissapointing so far...I was really expecting a lot from him and he's failed to deliver so far. He needs to find his game again and try to regain his pre-Lucic form.
Schenn- He's started to look better, but he's getting beat badly to the outside a lot. He needs to step up his game.
White- Looking the same as last year. One of our most under-rated, under-appreciated players.
Goalies:
Gustavsson- Hard to judge since he's only played 1.5 games. Looked decent, but still needs to adjust to the NHL level. Hopefully he isn't as injury prone as he has been so far....
Toskala- He looks lost in net. Unless he regains his form from 2 years ago, there is no chance he will be a starter in the NHL next year.
MacDonald- Has played good for a career AHL goalie, but with some of the weak goals he's allowed is showing why he is an AHL goaltender.
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Some disagreements:
Blake - is a good piece moving forward once kessel and a proper centre is brought in. Our only top six forward.
Grabovski - not good offensively nor defensively at this point. Playing like an AHLer at best.
Hagman - can dangle - strong in the beginning of games. only a matter of time before he finds his game. he's been really affected by all the loosing.
Kulimen - i don't see what you see. i see what RW sees. the kid needs time on the marlies and i mean asap. he doesn't bring anything - a total primitor player. one of the team's biggest problems.
mayers - needs to go. he's been replaced by orr / rosehill / primeau.
mitchell - agreed with your points.
orr - agreed with your points.
poni - trade bait at best. playing like grabo. nothing since the caps game. takes dumb penalties on top of it.
rosehill - agreed.
stajan - agreed to a degree. I still feel that he's gotten worse. only scores on the pp. it's either him or mitchell make a choice.
stalberg - agreed.
stempniak - looks like he can hustle now. still can't score. weather he is on the team or not - it won't make a difference. his hustle doesn't rub off on anyone else. i don't think he's well respected.
wallin - pure utter garbage. one of burke's worst signings. he's here because gusto wants him here. period.
Defense - agree with all of your points. except finger - pure utter garbage.
goaltending - you're spot on.
