LGD – We’re Gonna Need A Higher Scoring Boat

Peter Horachek probably isn’t all that thrilled with the beginning of the Peter Horachek era in Toronto. In two games under the new bench boss, the Leafs have dropped both and gone scoreless. Sure, it’s two tough games on the road against two of the best teams in hockey, and sure, the Leafs have suddenly started playing pretty decent defence (relatively speaking), but 0-2-0 just isn’t a pretty record.

The piling injuries aren’t helping either. Joffrey Lupul, Peter Holland, Leo Komarov, and now David Booth are on the mend and won’t be lining up tonight. Matt Frattin, the AHL Marlies’ leading scorer, has been recalled.

This patchwork lineup will have to find their scoring touch pretty quickly if they hope to hang with the Sharks tonight in San Jose.

I get that the Leafs are playing better hockey, technically speaking. I get that they’re not scoring, but also allowing the fewest shots/chances against they have all season. I get that they’re accomplishing this by putting at least one defensively-minded player on each forward line. I just don’t know if it should keep happening.

It’s not as simple as I’m about to make it sound, but I’d be trying to generate some offence tonight by loading up my top six with my most skilled players, and letting the systems handle the defence. I’d put Nazem Kadri between James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel on the top line. I’d put Tyler Bozak with Mike Santorelli and Richard Panik on the second line, and fill out the bottom six with what’s left. 

If these offensive-minded lines play in a defensive strategy, maybe you start seeing the best of both worlds.

Of course, it’s just not that easy when you’re missing several key forwards. Any more injuries and heck, William “Hockey’s Best Prospect” Nylander might be making his NHL debut much sooner than expected.

Who the hell is Melker Karlsson? Don’t trip. He’s off to a pretty hot start to his NHL career. The Swedish forward arrived in North America this season and already has 10 points in 15 career NHL games, earning himself a spot riding shotgun with Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski.

The Sharks’ top six is pretty damn good, because somehow Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton are second liners. And Tomas Hertl is a fourth liner? Haha, wow. Ok.

Antti Niemi has been confirmed for the Sharks, while the Leafs haven’t named their starter yet. All things considered, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t James Reimer, who hasn’t started a game since January 3rd. I’m calling it.