Marlies kick off 3-game weekend in Hamilton

Leafbites: we have been told these are NHL calibre players, so I must believe (sarc). You are right, but of concern is we had a week to practise and they deliver a poor performance. As an aside, I am posting because I am very interested in how other posters see the game and hoping they will point out strengths and pluses. I come over negative, but I am not. I have very high expectations. I am also intensely proud of the Blue and White and Toronto, and for now, just want to see them sitting on the AHL throne (and on the NHL throne as and when there is hockey). Thx for the post.

They just were on the throne though, or as close to it as you can come without having it.  There is very little need to be concerned about a team that wildly outshoots their opponent and loses two games. I think what you’re probably seeing is teams targeting the Marlies right now – they are a barometer for other clubs; a measuring stick.  So they’re going to face everyone’s absolute best effort the first little while.  We see this in the NHL too, where good teams seem to get off to rough starts – but they always come out of it before long. 
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Remember last year, even the Canucks were brutal to start the year.  

Thank you for the reminder. Better brutal at the beginning than at the end.

 Hey we are back, Aye man they are tough to get but starting the season with Gunnarson on the 1st pairing and Reimer in net does not boost my confidence lol. And the Liles extension is still boggling my Mind.

Didn’t the leafs of 3 years ago out shoot their opposition all the time? An Islander game comes to mind where Roli the goalie was incredible. lol 

It was different.  It’s quality of shots and play.  The Marlies seem to dominate play and control the pace.  The Leafs of 3 years ago were just marching into the zone and firing from anywhere for easy saves.  That being said, the Marlies need a sniper.  Even Aucoin is more of a play-maker.  Too many guys looking for the set-up.  

 Hmm Point Taken, however. We are currently discussing upgrading our 1C who’s wingers were both in the top ten in scoring, we should take a look at the D. I understand the Cost would be horrible but I think we are dreaming if we count on any of our young D playing first line minutes over the next couple of years. We should Have expirienced D man playing against Crosby, Giroux , Etc.

 Jason Blake says High !

Just teasing DWC lol

Another defensive option…Dustin Byfuglien.  I don’t think the Jets will want him much longer:
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http://nbcprohockeytalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/byfuglien-wedding.jpg

lol, Is he really making 10 million bucks there that he can just walk away on 9.5 million?

To much great food in T.O ,he be playing at 350ibs if he moved there. lol

thats….thats scary

Well, they had us in 5th place for 55 games, and even beyond that, I rarely ever felt they were our problem.  Even before the collapse, we were always a solid even strength team – it was the PK letting us down.  Chara and Seidenberg are great, no doubt, but they also have Thomas and Rask behind them.
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The relief will be there.  The systems change will be an absolutely massive relief for them.