The Maple Leafs fell short of two points they were full value for against the Red Wings on Friday, and things get no easier in a back to back scenario on the road versus the 9-3-0 Washington Capitals tonight.
Last night’s game was the definition of “finding a way to lose” from the Leaf perspective. The one goal against in regulation was a comedy on Reimer’s part, and the Leafs could not score their way out of a wet paper bag despite dominating possession consistently throughout.
Count me among those fully impressed by Mike Babcock despite a 2-8-3 start to the season, particularly his ability to get his systems in place and so quickly optimize his lineup despite working with a group of players who largely hadn’t played with the puck in years.
The Leafs are now seventh in the NHL in Fenwick For% at even strength — inconceivable during the Carlyle era — and they’re largely losing because of two things outside of Babcock’s control: the ability to convert on chances by putting the puck in the net, and the goalies’ ability to stop shots they should be able to stop.
To watch a team play well and lose makes it far easier to picture how the organization will turn a corner once the high-end young talent developing currently at the lower levels — likely bolstered by a high pick again next June — is brought along and integrated into Babcock’s systems.
On that note:
Nylander: 1g, 1a + OT winner
Kapanen: 1g
Marner: 5a
Dermott: 3a
Korostelev: 1g
Timashov: 2a
Bracco: 1a
Piccinch: 3a
Desrocher: 1a
2/2— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) November 7, 2015
Lineup Notes
Coach Babcock's presser left the door open for the possibility of Antoine Bibeau getting his 1st NHL start in Washington. #TMLtalk
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) November 7, 2015
The last time the Leafs started a goalie twice in a row in a back to back, that goalie got hurt and went on the IR. We also know fresh goalies post a .912 save percentage on average compared to the .901 average for tired goalies, but this is obviously a unique situation.
The Leafs have also been poor in back to back situations to date — makes sense for a low-talent group that needs its legs to be able to compete — and they’re playing a good team with some lethal offensive weapons in the Washington Capitals. You don’t want to destroy Bibeau’s confidence, either, and the situation seems less than ideal for an NHL debut.
If I were a betting man, I’d say Babcock makes the safe play and Reimer gets the start.
We won’t know Babcock’s final determination until closer to game time. Otherwise, expect the lineup to remain much the same from last night’s strong effort.
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals Lineup - November 7, 2015| Left Wing | Center | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| van Riemsdyk | Kadri | Komarov |
| Matthias | Bozak | Parenteau |
| Winnik | Spaling | Lupul |
| Grabner | Froese | Boyes |
| Scratched: Holland | ||
| Left Defence | Right Defence | |
| Gardiner | Phaneuf | |
| Hunwick | Rielly | |
| Harrington | Polak | |
| Scratched: Marincin, Corrado | ||
| Goal: | Reimer/Bibeau |
