As much as Sheldon Keefe was surprised Morgan Rielly got an in-person hearing, he added: "I think there’s a history also of events that happen in Toronto and with the Leafs that get more attention and more hype that tend to lead to something such as this."

"We've been through a number of (hearings) in the past. It seems like we've had to prepare for it more so than anybody else in the league, perhaps."

he is probably right, but mentioning it probably just makes it worse.

I am pretty sure Brodies fancy D stats are still good...But I think its due to Rielly.

Last game Brodie was (frank)ing terrible, Benoit moves the puck like EK out there compared to Brodie.

I need to watch other teams more right now and see if they have a D that is THAT bad and slow at moving the puck in all zones.

I feel for him and his situation with his wife but even though he does do some things well I think they are better off without him in the lineup at this point. The F's need d that can snap them the puck quick. It feels like he is just disrupting the teams rhythm out there.
- Santo_44

It definitely seems that way. I think any person, let alone Leaf fan, can feel for what Brodie is going through. I'm thinking this could be his last year and he's just playing it out. It doesn't _seem_ like he cares in general, but I honestly can't say - like I just don't have that information, like any of us.

When I watch the successful teams this year - different D-systems and styles - the most common thing I see is that they are more aggressive. They move to the forwards and contain them and box them in and close gaps. Whether the D is physically smothering or just smothering and aggressive with sticks and having a presence, the most successful teams take away room. Of late when I watch the Leafs they aren't doing that anymore. They used to. Now they sort of slide back into a passive box and let the other team move the puck around way too much and way too freely.

I don't think there's any team with a D as soft on the opposition as the Leafs is . . . like Anaheim has Lyubushkin and Gudas, but the other 4 are pretty small and pretty non-physical. Maybe Jersey, when I think about it, are pretty non-physical too outside of Bahl - but one thing of note here is that both of those teams have also struggled this year. In Jersey's case they have great weapons up front but the D and goaltending have really struggled.

I'm not saying this on Keefe and Van Ryn, but it's the one spot I can't help but look since the overall personnel should be able to execute as well as they did last year or the year before - but the thing that did change was getting a new defensive coach.

he is probably right, but mentioning it probably just makes it worse.
- senstroll

It's his final year as the Leafs coach (2024), might as well get your shots in.

he is probably right, but mentioning it probably just makes it worse.
- senstroll

Nah, good on him for calling it out.

It definitely seems that way. I think any person, let alone Leaf fan, can feel for what Brodie is going through. I'm thinking this could be his last year and he's just playing it out. It doesn't _seem_ like he cares in general, but I honestly can't say - like I just don't have that information, like any of us.

When I watch the successful teams this year - different D-systems and styles - the most common thing I see is that they are more aggressive. They move to the forwards and contain them and box them in and close gaps. Whether the D is physically smothering or just smothering and aggressive with sticks and having a presence, the most successful teams take away room. Of late when I watch the Leafs they aren't doing that anymore. They used to. Now they sort of slide back into a passive box and let the other team move the puck around way too much and way too freely.

I don't think there's any team with a D as soft on the opposition as the Leafs is . . . like Anaheim has Lyubushkin and Gudas, but the other 4 are pretty small and pretty non-physical. Maybe Jersey, when I think about it, are pretty non-physical too outside of Bahl - but one thing of note here is that both of those teams have also struggled this year. In Jersey's case they have great weapons up front but the D and goaltending have really struggled.

I'm not saying this on Keefe and Van Ryn, but it's the one spot I can't help but look since the overall personnel should be able to execute as well as they did last year or the year before - but the thing that did change was getting a new defensive coach.
- Monkeypunk

Yeah I mean maybe its a bit of both...at 33 some natural regression will happen but if you work a little harder you can negate it for a while. Maybe there is just too much going on in his life to really care and do the extra work like JT is doing...And I can't blame him honestly.

Yeah I think we have seen glimpses of that with the McCabe and Benoit pairing. I think there is something there.

I don't want to blame coaching too much, I really don't think NHL caliber coaching can cause such a disruption. Brodie playing 21 mins a night and being 5 steps behind every play does not help.

Last year, despite the start of some declining speed in his game, we could still rely on Brodie. This year he is not only slower, he is less engaged, less focused and more of a liability. Like I compare this year's defense to last year's defense (at this time) and you had:

Rielly - Brodie
Giordano - Holl
Sandin - Liljegren

vs.

Rielly - Brodie
McCabe - Benoit
Giordano - Liljegren

Gio was playing too many minutes last year and this year they have managed to move him down. Benoit is really not much different than Holl - he's actually faster and more physical, but at times he's arguably slower to react to certain situations. He's certainly not a problem, despite being mostly a tweener for his career.

I mean on paper that defense was as good as last year's defense was at this time, if not perhaps a little more solid. But when our 1RHD has fallen off a cliff the way that Brodie has, there is massive exposure. Losing Rielly, who has been massively covering up for him, is going to really strain this team.

That said, I like Timmins and would like to see him get more time. I still don't know why Keefe dislikes him so much.
- Monkeypunk

Lots of eye-test stuff with Brodie this year ..and I don't completely disagree. But, you're the stat guy, so I'm curious if the stats actually show a significant decline in his performance this year compared to last ...and of course, relative to his teammates. The whole team D has trended downwards. Some of that is poorer D play from the forwards but also maybe the other blueliners.

Edit ...ok, just went into NST and ya, Brodie's numbers per 60 are all in decline. All the good stuff is down by 20% and his penalties taken and blocked shots are up quite a bit. Lots of signs that he ain't moving as well this year.

Although ..one variable that might matter ...his OZ starts are way down. I think the lack of a "stopper" pairing for most of the year forced Keefe to use Brodie in the DZ alot more this year so that'll have some impact on his numbers. Benoit and McCabe are recently getting more of those minutes but that's a fairly new switch for Keefe.

Bottom line ....Leafs need a right-sided D that can handle that stopper role. Whether he plays with 44 or with 22 I don't care.

Unrelated but I know there are some Jays fans in here.....I just bought some $20 "outfield district" tickets for the home opener (I guess they have opened up more for the home opener because when I tried last week no dice).

Anyone who uses these tickets frequently have any tips to get a decent spot at one of the areas that actually over looks the game with a rail to put a cold frosty beer on?

I know they are first come, first serve so getting in line early is obvious but any tips on what area is most likely to have a spot for 2 or 4 guys or best gate / entrance to the park to go to in order to get a leg up on others?

Lots of eye-test stuff with Brodie this year ..and I don't completely disagree. But, you're the stat guy, so I'm curious if the stats actually show a significant decline in his performance this year compared to last ...and of course, relative to his teammates. The whole team D has trended downwards. Some of that is poorer D play from the forwards but also maybe the other blueliners.
- The Law

My mind went to "poone" when I read "poorer".

My mind went to "poone" when I read "poorer".
- dmnted

Poone, down the middle, would fix some things.

Unrelated but I know there are some Jays fans in here.....I just bought some $20 "outfield district" tickets for the home opener (I guess they have opened up more for the home opener because when I tried last week no dice).

Anyone who uses these tickets frequently have any tips to get a decent spot at one of the areas that actually over looks the game with a rail to put a cold frosty beer on?

I know they are first come, first serve so getting in line early is obvious but any tips on what area is most likely to have a spot for 2 or 4 guys or best gate / entrance to the park to go to in order to get a leg up on others?
- Cush29

My experience last year was that people don't hog the standing room spots constantly and you'll find one eventually while milling about

To be fair that was at a d-backs game tho

“ Make hockey violent again”
😆

I remember you reporting me and getting me banned several years ago when Kadri and Reilly both laid big hits on Canucks in a game and Canucks fans, including yourself, were up in arms calling for them to be physically hurt and sidelined for extended periods of time.

I see you haven't really changed, how dirty is your diaper this morning?
- Kinger34

My experience last year was that people don't hog the standing room spots constantly and you'll find one eventually while milling about

To be fair that was at a d-backs game tho
- TheMussel

10-4 thanks, I've been to a few home openers and they are chaotic and the place is jammed full so we shall see. I was at a game mid summer on a Sunday and the standing room spots that are the best ones (with a rail for your drink and nobody in front of you) were simply not available to anyone except the folks who appeared to have been there since the minute they got to the ball park.

I'll likely try and make sure to line up early enough to get a spot but we will see.

Hard to not go for $20 though.

“ Make hockey violent again”
😆
- mr.sir

"I'd be having an in-person meeting too"

For those who live near Ossington and Dundas.
The Lakeview restaurant is having all you can eat pancakes starting at midnight tonight for $18 + tax + tip

Poone, up the middle, would fix some things.
- The Law

Fixed.

And yep, always does.

Lots of eye-test stuff with Brodie this year ..and I don't completely disagree. But, you're the stat guy, so I'm curious if the stats actually show a significant decline in his performance this year compared to last ...and of course, relative to his teammates. The whole team D has trended downwards. Some of that is poorer D play from the forwards but also maybe the other blueliners.

Edit ...ok, just went into NST and ya, Brodie's numbers per 60 are all in decline. All the good stuff is down by 20% and his penalties taken and blocked shots are up quite a bit. Lots of signs that he ain't moving as well this year.

Although ..one variable that might matter ...his OZ starts are way down. I think the lack of a "stopper" pairing for most of the year forced Keefe to use Brodie in the DZ alot more this year so that'll have some impact on his numbers. Benoit and McCabe are recently getting more of those minutes but that's a fairly new switch for Keefe.

Bottom line ....Leafs need a right-sided D that can handle that stopper role. Whether he plays with 44 or with 22 I don't care.
- The Law

Brodie is why I am still in for a trade at the TDL if it's an RHD with term. I still say the best example was Edmonton's acquisition of Ekholm. It pushed the others down and allowed to play against more suitable competition. Ekholm was already a top-pairing guy with Josi, so getting him meant that they could start playing everyone differently - Bouchard went from 14 minutes and bouncing around with Kulak, Ceci or Nurse - to getting 16 minutes of 5v5 nightly with Ekholm. There was also the addition by subtraction at 5v5 of Barrie moving on, but it straightened out the dynamics of the team - pushing Nurse/Ceci to weaker competition and letting Ekholm manage the harder minutes.

If they can find that guy and he does pair with Rielly, then you move Brodie down and maybe against weaker competition he'll still be competent enough, but every time he has a pause, a doubt, a question in his play - he's being pounced on and that's eye test stuff, not fancy stats.

It's his final year as the Leafs coach (2024), might as well get your shots in.
- AdamFrench

I wouldnt even call it a shot, just saying how it is.

this lays it our better that I can put it.

todd
@Totally_Offside
I think Keefe's analysis of the Rielly situation is largely right. The league doesn't have it out for the Leafs. It's just that no leaf play goes under the radar. You can't catch every infraction but a higher percentage of Leaf infractions will be caught.

And you can't really do anything about that. It's not a problem to be solved because like what would you do? Intentionally miss suspensions? That's not viable. Kinda just have to take your lumps.

for some reason the leafs dont get as much called for them, meaning teams dont get a lot called against them them when playing the leafs..they rank in the bottom few teams every year for penalty diff.

and the suspension stuff.

imo a lot of little things like that and some human biases add up to a hill they have to overcome...and you cant do anything about it....so shut up and move on..

For those who live near Ossington and Dundas.
The Lakeview restaurant is having all you can eat pancakes starting at midnight tonight for $18 + tax + tip
- dmnted

That's in my backyard. Quality has dropped since the closure/re-open/menu change.

Brodie is why I am still in for a trade at the TDL if it's an RHD with term. I still say the best example was Edmonton's acquisition of Ekholm. It pushed the others down and allowed to play against more suitable competition. Ekholm was already a top-pairing guy with Josi, so getting him meant that they could start playing everyone differently - Bouchard went from 14 minutes and bouncing around with Kulak, Ceci or Nurse - to getting 16 minutes of 5v5 nightly with Ekholm. There was also the addition by subtraction at 5v5 of Barrie moving on, but it straightened out the dynamics of the team - pushing Nurse/Ceci to weaker competition and letting Ekholm manage the harder minutes.

If they can find that guy and he does pair with Rielly, then you move Brodie down and maybe against weaker competition he'll still be competent enough, but every time he has a pause, a doubt, a question in his play - he's being pounced on and that's eye test stuff, not fancy stats.
- Monkeypunk

Agreed - Ekholm was the McCabe that we really needed. I like McCabe and at 2M he's gold but an Ekholm (if they couldve afforded him) woulda made such a big difference.

I've been cheering for the Kraken to lose so that Larsson might hit the market.

I wanted Lindholm the year the B's picked him up and signed him too.

Brodie is why I am still in for a trade at the TDL if it's an RHD with term. I still say the best example was Edmonton's acquisition of Ekholm. It pushed the others down and allowed to play against more suitable competition. Ekholm was already a top-pairing guy with Josi, so getting him meant that they could start playing everyone differently - Bouchard went from 14 minutes and bouncing around with Kulak, Ceci or Nurse - to getting 16 minutes of 5v5 nightly with Ekholm. There was also the addition by subtraction at 5v5 of Barrie moving on, but it straightened out the dynamics of the team - pushing Nurse/Ceci to weaker competition and letting Ekholm manage the harder minutes.

If they can find that guy and he does pair with Rielly, then you move Brodie down and maybe against weaker competition he'll still be competent enough, but every time he has a pause, a doubt, a question in his play - he's being pounced on and that's eye test stuff, not fancy stats.
- Monkeypunk

And my take on how you set up the pairings if you find 'that guy' would be that you leave Brodie with Rielly and give them both easier assignments and less DZ responsibility. Pair the new guy with McCabe. I'm not sure I want Rielly paired with our primary 'stopper' ...it ain't his forte.

For those who live near Ossington and Dundas.
The Lakeview restaurant is having all you can eat pancakes starting at midnight tonight for $18 + tax + tip
- dmnted

is that considered a deal for pancakes?

is that considered a deal for pancakes?
- drexel

lol

is that considered a deal for pancakes?
- drexel

yes, if I have to go and buy all the stuff for pancakes, i think it costs over $300 now at the groc store

yes, if I have to go and buy all the stuff for pancakes, i think it costs over $300 now at the groc store
- senstroll

Where the (frank) do you shop??? Or wtf are you putting in your pancakes???

Pancake mix is like $3.79 a box and would make 100s of pancakes.