Personally, I thought Holl was pretty bad most of the game, but played very well killing the penalties at the end of the game.

One of the main reasons I don't like Holl paired with Muzzin is because not only does Muzzin carry him, but they're both our slowest D and one seems to get caught too much.

But I agree with you that he looked to care more. His demeanor or something.
- GreatGigInTheSky

I think Holl and Muzzin are going to be one of those pairs that warms up as the season goes…. A lot of players will be crazy jumpy in the first couple of games making a pairing like those two look slow. Let’s wait til game 4 or 5 to see how they look.

Yes I know I think hopefully regarding them lol

Honestly if everyone is healthy I see Kase at the 13th forward level.

And I’m ok with Engvall at center when he’s on a line with Spezza who does the draws
- Dozzer

Engvall’s not going to the 4th line…I just can’t see it the way he’s playing.

JMO

Engvall’s not going to the 4th line…I just can’t see it the way he’s playing.

JMO
- Garnie

Make Kerfoot the 4th line C?

I wouldn’t mind that line tbh…

Spezza Kerfoot Simmonds

Can you imagine the D the opposition could dedicate to that? Damn it wouldn’t be that good.

Engvall is getting PP time now.

You’re wrong about how the coaching staff sees him.

The guy has 4 goals in 3 games this year now… I’m sorry but if a coach says they don’t like him he should be fired cause that’s frankly ridiculous
- Dozzer

He has 1 goal in 1 game thus far. Pre-season doesn't count.

Make Kerfoot the 4th line C?

I wouldn’t mind that line tbh…

Spezza Kerfoot Simmonds

Can you imagine the D the opposition could dedicate to that? Damn it wouldn’t be that good.


- Dozzer

Simmonds doesn't need to be a gamer at this point, but do something, like anything.

You're a 4th line banger now; go bang, don't take penalties, statue guaranteed.

Toronto fans love a lunchpail hero.

He has 1 goal in 1 game thus far. Pre-season doesn't count.
- Aaron_85

Yeah, let's hold up on the Engvall fan club just yet.

I like our depth this year for sure. If losing Hyman -- which still hurts -- means we got Kase, Kampf and Bunting out of the mix, not to mention Ritchie? I'll take it.

I loved me some Hyman, but he's not a game-breaker and sometimes quantity over quality makes sense; this is one of those times IMO.

Yeah, let's hold up on the Engvall fan club just yet.

I like our depth this year for sure. If losing Hyman -- which still hurts -- means we got Kase, Kampf and Bunting out of the mix, not to mention Ritchie? I'll take it.

I loved me some Hyman, but he's not a game-breaker and sometimes quantity over quality makes sense; this is one of those times IMO.
- gravyface

This 100%. Hyman isn't a 5.5 player. Taking that money and getting depth and guys with a bit of bite will pay off more than having hyman. By adding guys like Ritchie and bunting in favor of hyman they've gotten younger and significantly more physical. This will payoff in the playoffs.

Engvall’s not going to the 4th line…I just can’t see it the way he’s playing.

JMO
- Garnie

Great game from Engvall other than that braindead icing.

Great game from Engvall other than that braindead icing.
- Leafs43

He wanted that 2nd one

He had the puck a lot last night I thought, he drove that line for the most.

Nice to see Chairot can still hammer guys who aren’t playing the puck with cross checks without being peanalized at all. 🙄
- Cush29

This.. Very accurate.

Good game. Nice to get off to a winning start.

He wanted that 2nd one

He had the puck a lot last night I thought, he drove that line for the most.
- Garnie

He played very good.

I really liked kampf game too. He was great in the 5 on 3. Made some solid blocks too.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.
- Leafs43

I think all of that is true. Campbell’s strengths are his competitiveness and how he battles, not his technique. I like that there’s a tandem in place.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.
- Leafs43

Leafs are doomed, just ask any non-fan.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.
- Leafs43

That last quote is a little off. Lots of goalies haven't nabbed a starting job until late. Hasek, Tim Thomas, Rinne jump to mind immediately. Binnington and Khudobin were no spring chickens recently...

Happens quite a bit, despite that former goalie saying you don't just wake up and do it.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.
- Leafs43

Yet his story is very similar to Ullmark in Boston and Khudobin in Dallas,...Why is Campbell's an issue and not them? It always feels like there's adifferent standard for the Leafs than all other teams.

I really liked kampf game too. He was great in the 5 on 3. Made some solid blocks too.
- bryant

Only one game.

But the depth players were noticeable, which is a good sign.

On another note - did Kerfoot even play?

*Ovechkin will be lucky to score 30 goals*

I think all of that is true. Campbell’s strengths are his competitiveness and how he battles, not his technique. I like that there’s a tandem in place.
- Canada Cup

I'd argue that Campbell also brings decent technique to the table. It's not great, I suppose, but given his acumen, he has the tools to still develop it further, despite being 29.

Here's how I'd look at him: He has above average, but not great rebound control. He has an above average, but not great glove. He has average puck handling skills. He has above average pads. He has good positioning, but I think it might still get better with more play, because I think he has above average play reading skills. At times he definitely guilty of too much movement in the crease taking himself out of the play. He has excellent game management skills; he keeps the puck moving when required, and freezes it when the team needs it.

You add that with being someone who competes and battles and has second and third effort, and it's the makings of a good goalie.

I don't want this to keep coming back to Andersen, but because he is our most recent good goalie, and we know what he brought in years 1-3 of his play here - he had above average rebound control, a below average glove, average pads, above average positioning, good play reading, average puck handling and poor game management skills. In years 1-3 in particular, I thought he was a battler as well.

You could argue that on a technical one-for-one basis, Andersen might be more rounded than Campbell (393 games to 87 may account for some of that!), but I never realized how much game management from the goalie contributed to a team's success until I watched Campbell employ it.

Yet his story is very similar to Ullmark in Boston and Khudobin in Dallas,...Why is Campbell's an issue and not them? It always feels like there's adifferent standard for the Leafs than all other teams.
- RogerRoeper

It's not like the write ups on Ullmark and Khubodin were glowing. Seems to me that alot of goalies with little experience are being discounted.

We may have a victim complex we need to get over.

23. Linus Ullmark, Bruins

Average Tier rating last two seasons (unranked prior): 3.08
Highest Tier rating: 3.06 (2021)
Lowest Tier rating: 3.10 (2020)

At 28, Ullmark has to feel like he was thrown a life preserver after sinking with the Sabres.

“Love him. Gonna be big for Boston,” a longtime coach said.

“Can he do it under pressure is the question I have with him, but the talent is there, his skating and edge work is excellent,” one source said.

“What he lacks is that experience,” a former league executive said.

A former goalie pointed out that it might actually be harder to look good playing for a winning team.

“Here’s the thing: He has to prove it on a good team. I don’t want to say it’s easy, but it’s easier to look good on a bad team and make all these great saves, right? But can you preserve a 1-1 or 2-1 lead late in a game?” said a former goalie who has watched Ullmark a lot.

28. Anton Khudobin, Stars

Unranked prior to this season

Picking the starting goalie in Dallas for this exercise is reflective of how weird the situation is in Dallas. Khudobin got the nod based purely on games played and the fact the other potential starter is slated for AHL duty.

Ben Bishop hasn’t played in more than a year, but was skating in training camp. Jake Oettinger was the Stars’ No. 1 goalie performance-wise last season, but is likely headed to the AHL. And Dallas signed Braden Holtby because of concerns over the combination of Bishop’s health, Oettinger’s youth and Khudobin’s track record.

If the Stars get the best version of any of their four goalies, there’s something there. But if Khudobin is asked to be a No. 1, there are concerns across the league.

“Listen, great story, works hard, does a lot of good things, but I think he’s still better suited as a backup where you can play him 35 games if you want as a starter. But is he a true No. 1? No, he’s not a regular starter in the NHL. He’s a step below that,” one source said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the third guy this year,” said an NHL assistant coach.

The Athletic had an article on goalies. The league isn't sold on Jack Campbell quite yet.


25. Jack Campbell, Maple Leafs

Unranked prior to this season

Eleven years after he was a first-round pick, Campbell is finally entering a season as a No. 1, albeit for his third franchise.

Campbell is a beloved figure in the Leafs’ locker room and picked up some early fans with his performance last season, but with a small sample size there are some worries about his ability to be the No. 1 in the most-scrutinized on-ice job in the league.

“He’s the type of goalie who can look good in stretches, but I don’t see him as being able to handle a typical No. 1 workload. He needs to be used in a tandem,” one executive said.

“Jack’s talent is really good. And that capability is really good,” a former league executive said. “The problem is he doesn’t have a big body of work. I hear this lots, ‘Look what he did in the season.’ Yeah, I know what he did in the season … in 30 games. That doesn’t establish you as a person.”

Another voter pointed out that they wouldn’t be surprised if Petr Mrazek was starting Game 1 of the postseason, assuming the Leafs get in.

“I know he’s the affable guy and all of that and had the streak in Toronto, but you don’t get in this league and all of a sudden wake up at 30 years old and you’re a superstar,” a former goalie said of Campbell.
- Leafs43

I guess its wait and see. Campbell has been nothing but excellent since last season. The guy set an NHL record for wins to start a season, his numbers in the Montreal series were excellent. Hard to imagine a better goalie for $1.65 Million. He was never given a chance in LA because he was behind Quick. Drafted 11th overall because he was excellent. The gospel according to the Athletic is not always correct.

*Ovechkin will be lucky to score 30 goals*
- AdamFrench

He'll score 100 if the Caps just play the NYR 81 more times.

He has 1 goal in 1 game thus far. Pre-season doesn't count.
- Aaron_85

Only for certain players it does.

8 x 6.15 for Pulock.

The Rielly camp is taking some hits lately.