Toronto Maple Leafs: Goals, Assists, and Penalties

“Goals, Assists, and Penalties” is a collection of NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs news, and my opinions on the subjects.

“Goals” are deemed to be something positive, “Penalties” are deemed to be something negative, and “Assists” are generally something positive but often could be better about the Toronto Maple Leafs. Enjoy.

Goal: A softer and quieter Matthews.  I don’t mean a soft spoken and a less productive Matthews…obviously.  But rather, ever since he ended his 13 game goalless drought, there are two things I have noticed more than anything.

His puck-handling is quieter than it was the first 15-20 games of the season.  Not as many dekes per stride.  Also, his passes are a lot softer.  He started the season making passes that were faster than Nazem Kadri’s wrist shot (insult to Kadri’s wrist shot, or credit to Matthews strength? You decide).

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He has since learned to add a little more touch to his passes.  The excess puck-handling and rocket passes were probably just trying too hard.

Penalty: Joe bowen should be on TV. This shouldn’t even be a conversation. Joe Bowen is a superior tv commentator to everyone else. We need to bring him back to television and off radio.

I am tired of thinking I have to listen to the radio while watching my TV on mute just to get decent commentating.  He brings so much more excitement to the game. I even tweeted out to Joe Bowen during Saturdays game and he liked the tweet, DURING the game.

This guy needs our support. He wants to be back on tv, and we want him back. I encourage all of you to go to my Twitter, @alwaysBeLeaf and Like and RT my pinned tweet and reply with the #Bonsie2TV (his twitter handle is @BonsieTweets). If Joe Bowen can take the time to Like my tweet, so can you. Lets bring him back! (You can also just click on the Tweet above).

Assist: Too early to celebrate. Jan. 6 of 2015, Randy Carylye was fired and we all hated the position the Maple Leafs were in…although they were in the playoffs at that point.  On Jan. 6 this year, we again found ourselves in the playoffs, but this time it is different. Nevertheless, we must manage our expectations.

The rebuild is not over. Our defense needs significant upgrades.  This is not a contending roster. But we are getting there.  Missing the playoffs wouldn’t be so bad for another season. Manage your expectations Leaf fans. There is a lot of hockey to be played.

Penalty: The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t play again until Friday.

Goal: When Matthews and Marner are asked why they succeed, they continue to say it is because of their line-mates. Class acts. Future “C” and “A” to go along with Reilly as an “A” and one more defender that I do not think is on this team yet.

Assist: We need better Defense. We have been doing as well as we could possible do with a Hunlak line. But we cannot be competitive day in and day out with players like Hunwick and Polak on the starting roster.

Penalty: Laine is concussed. What a hit that was! Depending on how long he is out for, it may become Matthews’ Calder Trophy to lose. That is if it wasn’t already.

Penalty: Ottawa Senators attendance.  In our nations capital? Words cannot express the disappointment of the pathetic attendance in Canada’s capital. Just move them to Quebec and add a team in Seattle.

Goal: Auston Matthews has 7 goals more than McDavid and Seguin. And 5 more than Malkin.  But only 2 more than Grabner? What??

Assist: Don’t forget Marincin is still on the team.

Prediction #1: Curtis McElhinney was put on waivers. I’ll bet dollars to donuts the Maple Leafs pick him up and he becomes our backup for the rest of the season.  That is unless someone else picks him up first.

Assist: What happens to Corrado after he returns from the conditioning stint with the Marlies?

Assist: JVR for Shea Theodore? Thoughts?

Goal: I love how it feels like the Maple Leafs have two legitimate PP units.  Kadri, Marner, Bozak, JVR and Gardiner. And, Matthews, Nylander, Komarov, Brown, and Reilly.

Goal: Hyman and Brown are the best line-mates a guy like Matthews could have.  These kids may become untouchable just for that reason.

Goal: Andersen playing puck well. He adds an element to the game the Leafs haven’t had for at least a decade when he tries to dish the puck up to the other blueline for a quick break.

Under Review: Kadri’s play. Can he sustain this great play? Is this the Kadri that we have always been wanting? Or will he begin to quiet down after the All-Start break? I am not sure what is going to happen, but his contract is looking even better (and I don’t mean just to the Maple Leafs).