GAME DAY: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators - 7:30pm EST - Mar. 9th, 2009

Cronie wrote:that's a GREAT and very plausible scenario... and I could see Murray doing something along those lines...

At the end of the day we can all agree the blueline will be different next year. I would suggest we are keeping Volchenkov and Campoli but everyone else could be had... Lee, Phillips, Bell, Picard, Kuba (even though we re-signed him) and Smith (although I love the guy) could make way for some new blood. I would personally bet it's Phillips bacause he is the piece with value and a contract that makes a difference.

Cronie wrote:that's a GREAT and very plausible scenario... and I could see Murray doing something along those lines...

EDIT: Heater's post came up first. and I think it goes without saying that since this is Murray's final contract year as GM and since he's no spring chicken, this is probably his last kick at the can, so EVERYTHING he does from NOW until Melnyk relieves him or kindly says goodbye is going to be calculated and meticulously thought down to the final move because this is Murray's legacy in a way.

Depending on how he does, Melnyk may extend his GM tenure for another year or two, who knows, but Melnyk will be watching and waiting for what Murray can accomplish this off-season.

I hope he resings Murray. No GM can put his stamp on a team in less than 2 years and I think he has done well given that the prospects in the organization were non-existent when he took over.

Murray is staying. I site the fact that Melnyk allowed him to spend 11 million on Kuba as a huge confidence booster.

Check out these stats (I stole them...again )

These are the last four coaches we've had:

Clouston = 17 (9-5-3) = 101 point pace, 3.00 GF/GP, 2.71 GA/GP
Hartsburg = 48 (17-24-7) = 70 point pace, 2.41 GF/GP, 2.95 GA/GP
B.Murray = 18 (7-9-2) = 73 point pace, 2.83 GF/GP, 3.06 GA/GP
Paddock = 64 (36-22-6) = 100 point pace, 3.28 GF/GP, 3.00 GA/GP

Look at Clouston's success rate with the D we have - and the offense we have. I would humbly suggest keeping this squad intact for the most part. Phillips, Volchenkov and Kuba have been playing much better for Clouston. Bell is an excellent 6th D-man IMO, Lee is progressing decently. J.Smith? Who knows, but if we can somehow parlay a couple of these guys into a real number one, I would suggest we're off and running (well maybe that's a stretch, but you know what I mean).

Holy Dung, the damage done by Hartsburg is amazing. It'll take until next training camp to purge what he did. :****:

504Heater wrote:Murray is staying. I site the fact that Melnyk allowed him to spend 11 million on Kuba as a huge confidence booster.

Check out these stats (I stole them...again )

These are the last four coaches we've had:

Clouston = 17 (9-5-3) = 101 point pace, 3.00 GF/GP, 2.71 GA/GP
Hartsburg = 48 (17-24-7) = 70 point pace, 2.41 GF/GP, 2.95 GA/GP
B.Murray = 18 (7-9-2) = 73 point pace, 2.83 GF/GP, 3.06 GA/GP
Paddock = 64 (36-22-6) = 100 point pace, 3.28 GF/GP, 3.00 GA/GP

Look at Clouston's success rate with the D we have - and the offense we have. I would humbly suggest keeping this squad intact for the most part. Phillips, Volchenkov and Kuba have been playing much better for Clouston. Bell is an excellent 6th D-man IMO, Lee is progressing decently. J.Smith? Who knows, but if we can somehow parlay a couple of these guys into a real number one, I would suggest we're off and running (well maybe that's a stretch, but you know what I mean).

those are some definitely telling stats heater, seems to prove that Clouston's system/persona is definitely bringing the best out of this team.

SensFan71 wrote:
those are some definitely telling stats heater, seems to prove that Clouston's system/persona is definitely bringing the best out of this team.

For sure. We need more of a sample from Clouston, but it's almost at the 1/4 season point.

504Heater wrote:Murray is staying. I site the fact that Melnyk allowed him to spend 11 million on Kuba as a huge confidence booster.

Check out these stats (I stole them...again )

These are the last four coaches we've had:

Clouston = 17 (9-5-3) = 101 point pace, 3.00 GF/GP, 2.71 GA/GP
Hartsburg = 48 (17-24-7) = 70 point pace, 2.41 GF/GP, 2.95 GA/GP
B.Murray = 18 (7-9-2) = 73 point pace, 2.83 GF/GP, 3.06 GA/GP
Paddock = 64 (36-22-6) = 100 point pace, 3.28 GF/GP, 3.00 GA/GP

Look at Clouston's success rate with the D we have - and the offense we have. I would humbly suggest keeping this squad intact for the most part. Phillips, Volchenkov and Kuba have been playing much better for Clouston. Bell is an excellent 6th D-man IMO, Lee is progressing decently. J.Smith? Who knows, but if we can somehow parlay a couple of these guys into a real number one, I would suggest we're off and running (well maybe that's a stretch, but you know what I mean).

I agree. I was surprised to note that the GA was less under Clouston than 'defensive' Hartsburg. I think that speaks to the fact that Hartsburg's system just didn't match the type of player here.

504Heater wrote:

SensFan71 wrote:
those are some definitely telling stats heater, seems to prove that Clouston's system/persona is definitely bringing the best out of this team.

For sure. We need more of a sample from Clouston, but it's almost at the 1/4 season point.

If you want samples, go to the food section at Costco.

Metal = WIN

MurderOnIce wrote:I agree. I was surprised to note that the GA was less under Clouston than 'defensive' Hartsburg. I think that speaks to the fact that Hartsburg's system just didn't match the type of player here.

Maybe...our D is not as dreadful as we thought - it was just being coached wrong.

I must say that I have been one surprised Fan in terms of how the team is geling and playing under Clouston.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him inked to an extension, something like 2-3 years, similar to Hartsburg's deal.

Chances are, even though Murray has stated he has a Top 6 F and a #1 D man in his sights in June/July, this team may not look much different for next season, with the possible exception of a few new younger faces.

SeawaySensFan wrote:
If you want samples, go to the food section at Costco.

Metal = WIN

So arbitrary SSF. :^&^:

504Heater wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:
If you want samples, go to the food section at Costco.

Metal = WIN

So arbitrary SSF. :^&^:

That's proven science!!! I don't need no labcoat to tell me that. You can get those from the sample person at Costco too!

504Heater wrote:

MurderOnIce wrote:I agree. I was surprised to note that the GA was less under Clouston than 'defensive' Hartsburg. I think that speaks to the fact that Hartsburg's system just didn't match the type of player here.

Maybe...our D is not as dreadful as we thought - it was just being coached wrong.

Agreed, Hartsburg's system wasn't working here, we lived through the years of the trap system under Martin, ugh, that was dreadfully boring, but the two man fore check system I like much more, causing turnovers, which gives us more chances to capitalize on mistakes.

Why is that smiley not working? In fact, there are a couple that aren't working.

Cronie wrote:I must say that I have been one surprised Fan in terms of how the team is geling and playing under Clouston.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him inked to an extension, something like 2-3 years, similar to Hartsburg's deal.

Chances are, even though Murray has stated he has a Top 6 F and a #1 D man in his sights in June/July, this team may not look much different for next season, with the possible exception of a few new younger faces.

That's a tough, tough question that will also require a ton of input from Clouston. Tough question though. How would you feel about that (if they looked similar?)

504Heater wrote:Why is that smiley not working? In fact, there are a couple that aren't working.

the smilies are on strike, we are working them too hard heater.

SensFan71 wrote:the smilies are on strike, we are working them too hard heater.

Yeah really. If anyone knows of any other ones that don't work, let me know.

:GHF: - > my favorite one works.