Not surprising, takes the big guys a while to fill out and adjust. I still think he is going to be a monster when he puts it all together in a few years
- BiggE

Exactly -- just takes time. I have no expectations whatsoever, not because I don't think he won't make it, but because it's just gonna take time.

I'm not comparing him directly, but man, I remember how long it took Zdeno Chara to pull it together, but once he did...

He's looked good tonight....can't teach skill.
- landros 2

He has looked very good, solid on the PP, very calm with the puck

caps starting to play dirty
- 2Real

Well then its time for Mathers to make himself useful

Decision-making still seems stuck at junior speed.
- Tomahawk

Yeah a bit slow in his choices but it's expected this early in preseason.

Good solid 2nd period in Philly and now we go old school

- BiggE

Defense really seems key in both games but then again I'm flipping back and forth from whistle to whistle. Power Play looks decent, at least against Washington. Streit I think is gonna be huge for the PP. He knows exactly when to Hammer it or wrist it. Either way, accurate shot.

Yeah a bit slow in his choices but it's expected this early in preseason.
- ob18

Yeah well Couturier is only noticeable in that he looks disinterested. Haven't noticed Laughton at all other than winning a couple of puck drops.

Pretty much as advertised. He's very comfortable with the puck on his stick and the raw skill is evident right away. He's made a few ill-advised passes.

He needs to add size too. The second Caps goal was a deflection in front because Ghost couldn't clear the man. The whole sequence was just bad though. VLs line got all turned around on the cycle.
- PhillySportsGuy

Have to admit, I did have to laugh at that assessment

Agree, I thought he would be more physical but he skates well for his size
- 3flyerkids

Not worried, he started out last camp like this and even when he went back to Rimouski it took him time to get going.

Yeah well Couturier is only noticeable in that he looks disinterested. Haven't noticed Laughton at all other than winning a couple of puck drops.
- Pixote Andolini

I've noticed him, right now it's all a crap shoot & a process of finding as quick an adjustment as he can with players he's probably rarely ever spent time with on a line in camp.

Well then its time for Mathers to make himself useful
- BiggE

it's why we sign guys like him right?

it's why we sign guys like him right?
- 2Real

drafted.

Yeah well Couturier is only noticeable in that he looks disinterested. Haven't noticed Laughton at all other than winning a couple of puck drops.
- Pixote Andolini

Coots looked really confident on the PP, QB'ing the left half-wall.

Raffl's been the most noticeable guy in the Leafs game... #12 is flying... low-resolution feed making me have mid-2000's Gagne flashbacks.

Nice little MDZ interview there. Kid's only 24. Looks hungry and serious. Like focused.
- Pixote Andolini

Do you realize how good they could be if he's impactful, with his skillset?

it's why we sign guys like him right?
- 2Real

Can't imagine what else he'd be good for

Why's that?
- walshyleafsfan

Darcy Tucker
Tie Domi
Gary Roberts
Kris King
Steve Thomas
Dion Phaneuf



mostly Darcy Tucker though.

oh, and then there's the notion of Toronto as the center of the hockey universe....

Do you realize how good they could be if he's impactful, with his skillset?
- AllInForFlyers

Value signing of the summer

I've noticed him, right now it's all a crap shoot & a process of finding as quick an adjustment as he can with players he's probably rarely ever spent time with on a line in camp.
- ob18

I noticed him when we got scored on. He didn't look pleased with the ref but he lost his man and lost balance trying to help the D and goalie keep the puck out (Not that him losing balance made much of a difference).

Coots looked really confident on the PP, QB'ing the left half-wall.

Raffl's been the most noticeable guy in the Leafs game... #12 is flying... low-resolution feed making me have mid-2000's Gagne flashbacks.
- Tomahawk

Stop making me all giddy!

Value signing of the summer
- Tomahawk

I've said it before, but they so rarely have a defenseman who drives the play offensively AND (hopefully) isn't a defensive liability...it just changes the dynamic of a roster.

Darcy Tucker
Tie Domi
Gary Roberts
Kris King
Steve Thomas
Dion Phaneuf



mostly Darcy Tucker though.

oh, and then there's the notion of Toronto as the center of the hockey universe....
- Doc_Sarcasm

Fair enough. How can you hate Dion? He's terrible.

Surprised you didn't say Kessel.

Value signing of the summer
- Tomahawk

Too soon. Even if he has looked good and it is brilliant to have 2 righties in the line up.

I've said it before, but they so rarely have a defenseman who drives the play offensively AND (hopefully) isn't a defensive liability...it just changes the dynamic of a roster.
- AllInForFlyers

Yup, lot of waiting for the kids on the horizon, but MDZ just may be the top-pair solution we've been wishing for.

Too soon. Even if he has looked good and it is brilliant to have 2 righties in the line up.
- coffee junkie

He's a lefty, though

Fair enough. How can you hate Dion? He's terrible.

Surprised you didn't say Kessel.
- walshyleafsfan

Kessel amuses me. Tremendously talented player, but is terribly allergic to his own blueline.

He's a lefty, though
- AllInForFlyers

thisis the third time I have made this mistake!