Anyone got any fun jihadi Friday plans?
- drexel

Eating a hot dog on the john.

Interesting piece on changes in Leafs’ defensive systems

https://jhanhky.substack....om/p/tors-new-dz-coverage
- Canada Cup

Nope. Nothing is wrong with the D according to HB experts. No changes were required and the author is an idiot for considering it.

Serious question.

Why penny pinch with Matthews but be okay with severely overpaying Ohtani? Who has had 2 Tommy Jons and likely won't be able to to pitch anymore very soon(maybe even next year)

The amount of money they would have to give him would be like giving a top player in the NHL 20-30 million AAV.

Jays aren't the Dodgers or Yankees...they can't spend like them.

Would you pay Mcdavid 20-30 M AAV right now?

Its a fun move for sure...but likely not the best route they can take with how much they can spend compared to the Dodgers.

Ohtani is projected to get 500 to even 700 million(maybe not 700 million anymore due to his injuries but who knows).....at least 50M per year.

So the Jays are going to pay a player 20-30M higher than the next highest paid MLB player? When they can't spend like the big spenders can? Might be a good idea to pass on Ohtani, as fun as it would be.
- Santo_44

I only needed to read the first line to answer, i skipped the rest.
Nhl has a hard cap - every penny counts
Mlb doesnt
Very simple.

Probably an extreme that the team can't do. But I sure as poop hope they do it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Very extreme, but im still emotional 😆
JK.
Of course it wouldn't happen, but atkins needs to pull off some great improvements this off season.

I only needed to read the first line to answer, i skipped the rest.
Nhl has a hard cap - every penny counts
Mlb doesnt
Very simple.
- Fakepartofme

yeah, not a hard thing to understand.
I dont care how much they spend on good players. Since there is no limit

The Jays have a lot of fans, and pack the building when the team is good (and other buildings), they should be rewarded with awesome fun players

yeah, not a hard thing to understand.
I dont care how much they spend on good players. Since there is no limit

The Jays have a lot of fans, and pack the building when the team is good (and other buildings), they should be rewarded with awesome fun players
- senstroll

I believe there is a tax if you go over 200m or something like that.
I heard Ohtani may not pitch too much going forward, so that could lower his price, but if he continues to pitch then you're getting 2 positions basically.
20 -25m for a great hitter
20 - 25m for a good pitcher.
It can be sold to the board, hes exactly what the jays need.

I believe there is a tax if you go over 200m or something like that.
I heard Ohtani may not pitch too much going forward, so that could lower his price, but if he continues to pitch then you're getting 2 positions basically.
20 -25m for a great hitter
20 - 25m for a good pitcher.
It can be sold to the board, hes exactly what the jays need.
- Fakepartofme

I just looked it up. It was $233 this year and $237 next year. Jays salary totalled $205 this year. It’s an internal budget issue - how much is Rogers willing to spend.

I just think Ohtani will end up a Dodger

Nope. Nothing is wrong with the D according to HB experts. No changes were required and the author is an idiot for considering it.
- GalacticStone

I get that it's the Toronto Maple Leafs so anything negative is a logical and fair argument, but let's look at a few facts, shall we?

Last year, 5 on 5, the Leafs gave up the 4th least amount of goals (Tampa was 16th).

Overall, the Leafs gave up the 7th least amount of goals (Tampa was 14th).

Now if we keep with a narrative we heard all last year - the Leafs' goaltending was terrible (certainly not as good as Tampa's), then how can we possibly explain the numbers above?

Please try to work the refs, Bettman and the NHL video review being conducted in Toronto into your response.

And happy Friday, Stonesie.

So I hate to agree with Damien Cox, but have you looked at the lyrics for the new Leafs' goal song?

Crush a bit, little bit
Roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling right
Two AM, summer night, I don't care
Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I'm doing my thang
Rolling the Midwest side and out
Living my life, getting our dreams
People told me slow my roll
I'm screaming out, "(frank) that"
I'ma do just what I want
Looking ahead no turning back
If I fall if I die
Know I lived it to the fullest
If I fall if I die
Know I lived and missed some bullets

How could MLSE be this franking stupid?

Can't wait for M.A.D.D. night down at Scotiabank.

I just looked it up. It was $233 this year and $237 next year. Jays salary totalled $205 this year. It’s an internal budget issue - how much is Rogers willing to spend.

I just think Ohtani will end up a Dodger
- Canada Cup

oh Probably but thats why they average like 105 wins a season.

So I hate to agree with Damien Cox, but have you looked at the lyrics for the new Leafs' goal song?

Crush a bit, little bit
Roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling right
Two AM, summer night, I don't care
Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I'm doing my thang
Rolling the Midwest side and out
Living my life, getting our dreams
People told me slow my roll
I'm screaming out, "(frank) that"
I'ma do just what I want
Looking ahead no turning back
If I fall if I die
Know I lived it to the fullest
If I fall if I die
Know I lived and missed some bullets

How could MLSE be this franking stupid?

Can't wait for M.A.D.D. night down at Scotiabank.
- Atomic Wedgie

Well I'm sure they're not saying the lyrics during the game.

But yeah, no surprises this backlashes into their face.

My thoughts for what it is worth.

The game was sloppy by both teams but Toronto was clearly the better team for most of the game..Montreal got 2 gift goals from the Leafs D (Giving a pass based on opening night/First game rust). The biggest issue I saw was the Leafs inability to clear the net front. The one goal for sure Sammy didn't even see but there was traffic out front of him the whole night. I think when Timmins is healthy he needs to be rotated in to see what they have in the kid..Maybe rotating with Gio so he has something left for the playoffs.

Forwards got better as the game went on.. From the new guys..Reaves did what he was supposed to do and 4th line was good..Bert had some chances but seems to be a little out of sync with M and M..2nd lime was ok but I thought Domi was invisible...I think the 3rd line had a rough night.. they had some good shifts but mostly they were invisible.. I think Minten gets his 9 games and Holmberg comes up..I think they need to package Jarnkrok and some pieces and bring back something better


Sammy looked shaky to me and was all over the place.. He went through patches like that last year too if I remember and I think I like the calmness the Woll brings better. I do think by the end of the year Woll will have won the net.

I think Guy Boucher has a lot of say in the coaching this year.. he was constantly in Keefe's ear last night and I didnt agree with the goalie pull but it worked.. I think Coaching won them the game last night and I am not sure how many times we could say that last year.

Only game 1.. On to game 2..
- Azuredoom

decent analysis

Nope. Nothing is wrong with the D according to HB experts. No changes were required and the author is an idiot for considering it.
- GalacticStone

It seems like the changes are designed to allow for quicker D-zone exits but will require forwards to play a bigger role in things like boxing out in front. Will be interesting to see how it plays out over time.

I just looked it up. It was $233 this year and $237 next year. Jays salary totalled $205 this year. It’s an internal budget issue - how much is Rogers willing to spend.

I just think Ohtani will end up a Dodger
- Canada Cup

Oh most likely, hes a dodger or yankee.
It is the way.
But rogers has loads of money to spend if willing.

Eating a hot dog on the john.
- Zezel

Efficient

I get that it's the Toronto Maple Leafs so anything negative is a logical and fair argument, but let's look at a few facts, shall we?

Last year, 5 on 5, the Leafs gave up the 4th least amount of goals (Tampa was 16th).

Overall, the Leafs gave up the 7th least amount of goals (Tampa was 14th).

Now if we keep with a narrative we heard all last year - the Leafs' goaltending was terrible (certainly not as good as Tampa's), then how can we possibly explain the numbers above?

Please try to work the refs, Bettman and the NHL video review being conducted in Toronto into your response.

And happy Friday, Stonesie.
- Atomic Wedgie

It's not so much negative, though, as it's just noting that if extract the concept of team defense away - removing the possession style that execute very well - and look strictly at the defensive core of this team - they are not particularly good at traditional defense.

Collectively it works within the system they've employed - have the puck, can't be scored on. Keep the puck, move the puck, don't lose the puck. Even the best possession teams still only manage this 55-60% of the time. They use the team speed to try and pressure up ice before the puck becomes a problem in their own zone, but once the other team gains zone entry, I have to admit I don't much like our defensive structure. The gaps are often too large, there's not enough pressure on the puck carrier, and there's a distinct lack of strength to win board battles and clear the front of the net.

I would imagine when people criticize our defense, that is specifically what they are talking about, and on those points I think they're correct.

So I hate to agree with Damien Cox, but have you looked at the lyrics for the new Leafs' goal song?

Crush a bit, little bit
Roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling right
Two AM, summer night, I don't care
Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I'm doing my thang
Rolling the Midwest side and out
Living my life, getting our dreams
People told me slow my roll
I'm screaming out, "(frank) that"
I'ma do just what I want
Looking ahead no turning back
If I fall if I die
Know I lived it to the fullest
If I fall if I die
Know I lived and missed some bullets

How could MLSE be this franking stupid?

Can't wait for M.A.D.D. night down at Scotiabank.
- Atomic Wedgie

Try playing that in a small town.

It's not so much negative, though, as it's just noting that if extract the concept of team defense away - removing the possession style that execute very well - and look strictly at the defensive core of this team - they are not particularly good at traditional defense.

Collectively it works within the system they've employed - have the puck, can't be scored on. Keep the puck, move the puck, don't lose the puck. Even the best possession teams still only manage this 55-60% of the time. They use the team speed to try and pressure up ice before the puck becomes a problem in their own zone, but once the other team gains zone entry, I have to admit I don't much like our defensive structure. The gaps are often too large, there's not enough pressure on the puck carrier, and there's a distinct lack of strength to win board battles and clear the front of the net.

I would imagine when people criticize our defense, that is specifically what they are talking about, and on those points I think they're correct.
- Monkeypunk

This is accurate.

It's not so much negative, though, as it's just noting that if extract the concept of team defense away - removing the possession style that execute very well - and look strictly at the defensive core of this team - they are not particularly good at traditional defense.

Collectively it works within the system they've employed - have the puck, can't be scored on. Keep the puck, move the puck, don't lose the puck. Even the best possession teams still only manage this 55-60% of the time. They use the team speed to try and pressure up ice before the puck becomes a problem in their own zone, but once the other team gains zone entry, I have to admit I don't much like our defensive structure. The gaps are often too large, there's not enough pressure on the puck carrier, and there's a distinct lack of strength to win board battles and clear the front of the net.

I would imagine when people criticize our defense, that is specifically what they are talking about, and on those points I think they're correct.
- Monkeypunk

I'll add to that the way the game is played during the playoffs doesn't necessarely suit the Leafs approach to defense.

A bigger, meaner defense can go a long way to help your goaltender see the puck and discourage the opposing team from crashing the net. Especially if you're playing a team that has forwards playing a physical style.

Look at how badly the Leafs defense got pushed around by Florida in the playoffs. When the Panthers went against Vegas and their "all over 6 feet tall" defense, they were not as effective.

I get that it's the Toronto Maple Leafs so anything negative is a logical and fair argument, but let's look at a few facts, shall we?

Last year, 5 on 5, the Leafs gave up the 4th least amount of goals (Tampa was 16th).

Overall, the Leafs gave up the 7th least amount of goals (Tampa was 14th).

Now if we keep with a narrative we heard all last year - the Leafs' goaltending was terrible (certainly not as good as Tampa's), then how can we possibly explain the numbers above?

Please try to work the refs, Bettman and the NHL video review being conducted in Toronto into your response.

And happy Friday, Stonesie.
- Atomic Wedgie

Numbers are numbers and I get that for sure man - but hockey is more complex than straight numbers. System, forwards defensive skill sets, and team defence all play a huge role.

Leafs dcore is not good (this year or last) to me:
- like it or not Holl was a better defender than Klingberg.
- Kerfoot, Aciari definitely, and Engval(to be honest) added defensive minded play spread out in through the lines. Much rather have forwards like Bert and Domi (even though rough start) and Reaves bs those guys all day.
- leafs had a defensive minded guys spread out in lines.

The Team D was good from forwards standpoint which helped insulate the D’s issues in zone last year.

The system that everyone is making a deal about takes an adjustment but it’s not that difficult. They are pros and will figure it out. It’s not a ‘new’ innovative system. Patience there.

D is soft in wall and in front of the net. Sammy in my opinion has not shown to be a legit NHL Starter and Woll is a big question mark still even with potential. I get tips/screens (d soft net front) but you still need a tender to make a save like that if they are to be considered a legit starter. Making the difficult ‘crazy’ save at the right momentum type time is what separates a good legit starters and just an nhl calibre goalie.

So I hate to agree with Damien Cox, but have you looked at the lyrics for the new Leafs' goal song?

Crush a bit, little bit
Roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling right
Two AM, summer night, I don't care
Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I'm doing my thang
Rolling the Midwest side and out
Living my life, getting our dreams
People told me slow my roll
I'm screaming out, "(frank) that"
I'ma do just what I want
Looking ahead no turning back
If I fall if I die
Know I lived it to the fullest
If I fall if I die
Know I lived and missed some bullets

How could MLSE be this franking stupid?

Can't wait for M.A.D.D. night down at Scotiabank.
- Atomic Wedgie

Yeah, at no point somebody said hey maybe we should disqualify any tune with lyrics about drinking and driving? Impaired driving is (frank)ed in the head.

I only needed to read the first line to answer, i skipped the rest.
Nhl has a hard cap - every penny counts
Mlb doesnt
Very simple.
- Fakepartofme

The Jays have a limit to where they can spend.

In fact the fact the MLB doesn't have a hard cap makes it even harder for them to sign Ohtani. The teams that can afford to take major financial penalties can pay Ohtani more.

The Jays simply can not compete without screwing themselves for the rest of their roster.

Oh most likely, hes a dodger or yankee.
It is the way.
But rogers has loads of money to spend if willing.
- Fakepartofme

How do the Jays compete with teams that are willing to go over 237M by as much as 100M?

Yeah, at no point somebody said hey maybe we should disqualify any tune with lyrics about drinking and driving? Impaired driving is (frank)ed in the head.
- Zezel

While I agree.

Its a song who cares. 70% of their arena playlist has to be disqualified if you actually listen to the lyrics.

While I agree.

Its a song who cares. 70% of their arena playlist has to be disqualified if you actually listen to the lyrics.
- Santo_44

Really?

I can't think of a song played at a Habs game that would truly cause problems.