Colin Dambrauskas: The Toronto Maple Leafs Defensive Pucking Problems...

Moreover, having already been scratched for the previous three games, tonight would certainly be a perfect chance to get Rielly back in the lineup and testing the rookie with added responsibility, right?

Colin, all due respect, Rielly has struggled on the defensive side of the game quite a bit. his numbers don't lie. that's not an indictment of him as a player. it's to be expected from any 19-year-old dman. even Doughty struggled a bit as a 19-year-old. at this point, thrusting him into a higher-pressure, higher-responsibility role right now is the worst thing Toronto could do for the kid. Leafs are struggling right now and he needs to be sheltered from that a bit. when a vet loses confidence, he can get it back pretty quickly. when a 19-year-old loses confidence? he's in trouble.

Moreover, having already been scratched for the previous three games, tonight would certainly be a perfect chance to get Rielly back in the lineup and testing the rookie with added responsibility, right?

Colin, all due respect, Rielly has struggled on the defensive side of the game quite a bit. his numbers don't lie. that's not an indictment of him as a player. it's to be expected from any 19-year-old dman. even Doughty struggled a bit as a 19-year-old. at this point, thrusting him into a higher-pressure, higher-responsibility role right now is the worst thing Toronto could do for the kid. Leafs are struggling right now and he needs to be sheltered from that a bit. when a vet loses confidence, he can get it back pretty quickly. when a 19-year-old loses confidence? he's in trouble.
- DoubleDown

Benching him is losing his confidence which is telling him hes poop

Moreover, having already been scratched for the previous three games, tonight would certainly be a perfect chance to get Rielly back in the lineup and testing the rookie with added responsibility, right?

Colin, all due respect, Rielly has struggled on the defensive side of the game quite a bit. his numbers don't lie. that's not an indictment of him as a player. it's to be expected from any 19-year-old dman. even Doughty struggled a bit as a 19-year-old. at this point, thrusting him into a higher-pressure, higher-responsibility role right now is the worst thing Toronto could do for the kid. Leafs are struggling right now and he needs to be sheltered from that a bit. when a vet loses confidence, he can get it back pretty quickly. when a 19-year-old loses confidence? he's in trouble.
- DoubleDown

While I agree, if the Leafs were planning on having him around beyond the 45 game mark, tonight was the night to get him back in as everyone likely shifts up one spot with Phaneuf out. Problem is, they've identified their issues, and it seems to me as though they have decided on Rielly going back down.

While I agree, if the Leafs were planning on having him around beyond the 45 game mark, tonight was the night to get him back in as everyone likely shifts up one spot with Phaneuf out. Problem is, they've identified their issues, and it seems to me as though they have decided on Rielly going back down.
- Colin_Dambrauskas

Throwing out Rielly against the Kings is not a good idea.

I didn't watch much of the Habs-Kings game last night, but what I did see was soul-crushing for the Habs D.

Keep Rielly out of this poop show.

WJC and Rielly will only be good for each other. It must be hard being a 19 year old that has walked into the top role of ever team he has ever played for to suddenly be a scratch. The WJC will remind him how good he is for his age. I hope his NHL experience thus far will not kill his confidence but demonstrate how much there is for him to develop into.

While I agree, if the Leafs were planning on having him around beyond the 45 game mark, tonight was the night to get him back in as everyone likely shifts up one spot with Phaneuf out. Problem is, they've identified their issues, and it seems to me as though they have decided on Rielly going back down.
- Colin_Dambrauskas

Which is the most logical option as next year he's able to play in the AHL/NHL regular seasons.

While I agree, if the Leafs were planning on having him around beyond the 45 game mark, tonight was the night to get him back in as everyone likely shifts up one spot with Phaneuf out. Problem is, they've identified their issues, and it seems to me as though they have decided on Rielly going back down.
- Colin_Dambrauskas

I wouldn't play him against the Kings.

I think if the Leafs were playing the Oilers or the Habs, i.e. teams based on speed, Rielly would be playing tonight.
However at this stage of his career he does not match up strength wise against big physical teams like the Kings, Bruins and Blues.

Send him to the WJC, let him compete and get his confidence back, and then make a call on the balance of the season.

Would rather see a guy like Granberg who is 6'2" and has played pro for a couple of years get a shot at this point.

I wouldn't play him against the Kings.
- WaterBoy

but you're just a waterboy

but you're just a waterboy











- Garnie

Hes got ya there.

Hes got ya there.
- poohcrumbs

HUGE EPIC BURN

HUGE EPIC BURN
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Herpes most likely

Mirtle.

(frank)in ranger danger

I love the Leafs. I hope they don't blow it and miss the playoffs this year!

nice alliteration

Good blog dude

(frank)in ranger danger
- .HOHO.

He Is Good

He Is Good
- XleafsrumorX

Can we have JVR back please????????? You can have Schenn and a pick

- Garnie

he is.. he's been one of the most stable guys back there.. yet you guys rip on him because he isnt an all star and cant make up for rielly and gardiner's miscues.

then carlyle sticks him with fraser.. another guy who should be sent to the AHL and not resigned.

Ranger has actually been a very good d-man.. considering his pay scale and bottom pairing role. cant expect much more really.

he is.. he's been one of the most stable guys back there.. yet you guys rip on him because he isnt an all star and cant make up for rielly and gardiner's miscues.

then carlyle sticks him with fraser.. another guy who should be sent to the AHL and not resigned.

Ranger has actually been a very good d-man.. considering his pay scale and bottom pairing role. cant expect much more really.
- Dozzer

I thought Gardiner paired with Rielly looked amazing last night, and I mean how quickly they got the puck out of the zone and used their speed and sticks to break up plays. I have no issue with Ranger at all, but I don't think Gardiner or Rielly are the issue with Ranger.

But right now I prefer Ranger over Fraser and Gunnarson.

Can we have JVR back please????????? You can have Schenn and a pick
- GOA88

I wouldnt do Giroux for JVR....

No worries, it's just the Blackhawks in on Saturday. Hearing the boys are looking to put on a show for the HNIC folks.