GDT: 2022-23 NHL Playoffs

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Matthews has been ok but definitely not like the star player that one would think but guess we'll need to see if he's injured.

Could his comp be a todays league Peter Bondra?

 

[twabby]

Matthews has been ok but definitely not like the star player that one would think but guess we'll need to see if he's injured.

Speculation is that his wrist has been messed up for a year or so now. Marner has been MIA too and his lack of postseason impact can’t really be attributed to injury.

I feel like Toronto faces a dilemma should they be knocked out in this round. On the one hand their core really has underperformed in postseasons. On the other hand it seems unlikely trading them makes them better either. But with their contracts up soon and NMCs kicking in you figure something is going to change right? Maybe just the coach and GM but I could see deeper cuts than that depending on if the new GM wants to make an immediate splash.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Speculation is that his wrist has been messed up for a year or so now. Marner has been MIA too and his lack of postseason impact can’t really be attributed to injury.

I feel like Toronto faces a dilemma should they be knocked out in this round. On the one hand their core really has underperformed in postseasons. On the other hand it seems unlikely trading them makes them better either. But with their contracts up soon and NMCs kicking in you figure something is going to change right? Maybe just the coach and GM but I could see deeper cuts than that depending on if the new GM wants to make an immediate splash.

They could maybe pull a flames this offseason.

 

[ClevelandCapsfan]

Speculation is that his wrist has been messed up for a year or so now. Marner has been MIA too and his lack of postseason impact can’t really be attributed to injury.

I feel like Toronto faces a dilemma should they be knocked out in this round. On the one hand their core really has underperformed in postseasons. On the other hand it seems unlikely trading them makes them better either. But with their contracts up soon and NMCs kicking in you figure something is going to change right? Maybe just the coach and GM but I could see deeper cuts than that depending on if the new GM wants to make an immediate splash.

I’ll take 99 points with an injured wrist anytime.

 

[RedRocking]

Speculation is that his wrist has been messed up for a year or so now. Marner has been MIA too and his lack of postseason impact can’t really be attributed to injury.

I feel like Toronto faces a dilemma should they be knocked out in this round. On the one hand their core really has underperformed in postseasons. On the other hand it seems unlikely trading them makes them better either. But with their contracts up soon and NMCs kicking in you figure something is going to change right? Maybe just the coach and GM but I could see deeper cuts than that depending on if the new GM wants to make an immediate splash.

Maybe they would be interested in a one, Tom Wilson?

I know (mostly) no one likes the idea of trading him. But that’s the kinda guy TML need, not Marner or Nylander. Nylander needs a new deal next year, like TW. Just sayin’…

No clue what to think of Matthews at this point. But it seems clear he’s not really in the McDrai, MacK level of superstar. More like - say, early 2010s Stamkos. Maybe injuries are a valid excuse - TBD.

 

[TRASHCAT]

ah i remember when our core was a big question mark regarding the cup. though we could usually win a round

 

[Ridley Simon]

ah i remember when our core was a big question mark regarding the cup. though we could usually win a round

Those were the days….

 

[IafrateOvie34]

I always liked the Oilers and lots of memories of the dynasty team, but I'm totally wanting the Kraken to win it. I can think back to all those years I wanted Seattle to get a franchise and want them so much to succeed. I wouldn't be upset if Panthers won it either. They've had a painful NHL journey.

 

[usiel]

I always liked the Oilers and lots of memories of the dynasty team, but I'm totally wanting the Kraken to win it. I can think back to all those years I wanted Seattle to get a franchise and want them so much to succeed. I wouldn't be upset if Panthers won it either. They've had a painful NHL journey.

Considering the Oilers lottery luck naturally am on board to them failing period. I'm down with Florida winning.

 

[Roric]

Leafs and their fans getting absolutely mauled in the mains lmao, can't say I didn't see this coming after the way they acted when they finally won a round

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Speculation is that his wrist has been messed up for a year or so now. Marner has been MIA too and his lack of postseason impact can’t really be attributed to injury.

I feel like Toronto faces a dilemma should they be knocked out in this round. On the one hand their core really has underperformed in postseasons. On the other hand it seems unlikely trading them makes them better either. But with their contracts up soon and NMCs kicking in you figure something is going to change right? Maybe just the coach and GM but I could see deeper cuts than that depending on if the new GM wants to make an immediate splash.

There are no easy answers for them, as we know. BMac said after one of the Caps flameouts under Trotz when asked what they need to change to get over the hump that, "It's a lot easier to make this team worse than better," and that's where Toronto is at the moment. Going back the last six seasons with this core, the Leafs have finished 4th, 4th, 5th, 12th, 7th, and 7th in the NHL in regular season points. They're a good team. Trading any of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander almost assuredly makes them a worse team. Do they just keep ramming their heads against the wall in hopes of a breakthrough? That's honestly probably their best shot to win but do they have the stomach for that? Can they sell that to their fans moving forward?

Besides the Leafs underperforming, credit has to be given to the Panthers though. That team simply doesn't know when to quit. They were dead and buried in the regular season before storming back to get a spot, they were dead and buried down 3-1 in the series against Boston, they blew two different leads in G1 vs Toronto in Toronto before winning, and Toronto scored first in both games 2 and 3 before Florida eventually took over. Every time Boston or Toronto threw or has thrown what seems like a big punch, the Panthers take it on the chin and come right back. Impressive stuff.

 

[marcel snapshot]

Wonder if the Avs, Leafs, or Wild would show any interest in Kuzy. Avs and Wild need a 2C; Leafs need a shakeup. Other candidates - Preds, Red Wings, Flames, and the rest of the non-playoff Pacific Division teams. Highly likely that, in any deal, Kuzy is the best player moved, so there shouldn't be an expectation of equal value. Don't think that matters anymore.

Best we could hope for is someone in return who's upside turns out to be significantly greater than the trading partner believes - something like Newhook from the Avs suprising everyone in a way that Strome did. Thing is, we wouldn't necessarily need a C back who can be on the PP, because Strome and Backstrom (I'm assuming he tries to keep playing) can cover that. But he needs to be a lot better 5 x 5 than Kuzy or Backstrom.

Side note - did you know that Erik Gustaffson was the Caps 4th leading scorer this year. Yeesh

 

[Marshall]

ah i remember when our core was a big question mark regarding the cup. though we could usually win a round

If I can slightly co-opt this thought, TML is performing kinda the way I expected. Hindsight is 20/20 of course, but the main reason is because I watched every game the Caps played between 2008-2011, and I see the Leafs in exactly the same place the Caps were then: Offense? Yes. #1offensive defenseman? Yes. Stars not showing up sometimes? Oh yeah.

Could be confirmation bias, but the regular season success, the way they play, and the struggles in the playoffs...smells like Cap Spirt.

 

[Brian23]

I think what's really blown me away with the Leafs is just how awful their defense is. They spent all that capital and it's still trash. I also think, systemically, the defensive scheme seems pretty sus but maybe that's just the players themselves. I really thought the carthsis of winning a round would be like when the Caps finally beat Pitt. As soon as that happened I knew we were winning the cup, but it seems to have just popped their bubble.

That team feels like they need either a Hunter style coach for half a season to preach team defense or someone like Trotz who'd set it up to run like a well oiled machine and then let their forwards eat. Sadly neither of those are available so I have no idea what they could do. Wonder if they'd roll the dice on a Laviolette if Keefe gets the boot.

 

[twabby]

There are no easy answers for them, as we know. BMac said after one of the Caps flameouts under Trotz when asked what they need to change to get over the hump that, "It's a lot easier to make this team worse than better," and that's where Toronto is at the moment. Going back the last six seasons with this core, the Leafs have finished 4th, 4th, 5th, 12th, 7th, and 7th in the NHL in regular season points. They're a good team. Trading any of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander almost assuredly makes them a worse team. Do they just keep ramming their heads against the wall in hopes of a breakthrough? That's honestly probably their best shot to win but do they have the stomach for that? Can they sell that to their fans moving forward?

Besides the Leafs underperforming, credit has to be given to the Panthers though. That team simply doesn't know when to quit. They were dead and buried in the regular season before storming back to get a spot, they were dead and buried down 3-1 in the series against Boston, they blew two different leads in G1 vs Toronto in Toronto before winning, and Toronto scored first in both games 2 and 3 before Florida eventually took over. Every time Boston or Toronto threw or has thrown what seems like a big punch, the Panthers take it on the chin and come right back. Impressive stuff.

Agreed Toronto should probably stand pat but I see pretty significant differences between Toronto and Washington when it comes to contract situations. Backstrom and Ovechkin had long deals that weren't close to expiring, while Matthews, Marner, and Nylander all have deals expiring either next year or the year after with NTCs/NMCs that kick in this summer. If they haven't made traction on signing Matthews by July 1 can they really afford to keep him this summer when teams around the league might pay a fortune for him? Him walking as a UFA next year would be a disaster for them. Same with Marner in 2 years. There is that additional pressure on Toronto that wasn't present in DC. Washington could afford to simply run it back because they didn't risk losing Ovechkin or Backstrom for nothing.

There's very little chance Toronto wins a trade but getting something might be better than nothing if Matthews doesn't want to return to Toronto. And with a new GM likely taking over next year I could easily see changes being made on the roster. To be clear I doubt Matthews will want to leave, but it's possible. Tavares had enough on the Islanders and decided to leave. Tkachuk and Gaudreau wanted no part of Calgary despite some level of success there. So while it is rare for superstars to want out it does happen.

 

[Devil Dancer]

Time to break it up in Toronto. They should move Nylander for playoff hero Evgeny Kuznetsov

 

[Calicaps]

While I don't see them pulling off 4 Ws in a row, all this RIP Leafs talk is one loss too soon. Don't jinx it. Bring on the sweep!

 

[Roric]

Wonder if the Avs, Leafs, or Wild would show any interest in Kuzy. Avs and Wild need a 2C; Leafs need a shakeup. Other candidates - Preds, Red Wings, Flames, and the rest of the non-playoff Pacific Division teams. Highly likely that, in any deal, Kuzy is the best player moved, so there shouldn't be an expectation of equal value. Don't think that matters anymore.

Best we could hope for is someone in return who's upside turns out to be significantly greater than the trading partner believes - something like Newhook from the Avs suprising everyone in a way that Strome did. Thing is, we wouldn't necessarily need a C back who can be on the PP, because Strome and Backstrom (I'm assuming he tries to keep playing) can cover that. But he needs to be a lot better 5 x 5 than Kuzy or Backstrom.

Side note - did you know that Erik Gustaffson was the Caps 4th leading scorer this year. Yeesh

The way they're talking, they're ready to move on from the entire core. No interest in AM or Marner at their price tags and definitely not tavares, but I'd be down for nylander.

 

[trick9]

What can the Leafs actually do if they lose?

Tavares has his NMC in motion already.

Matthews NMC kicks in July 1st and he can block a trade and force his move to the desert.

Marner has his NMC kick in July 1st and he loves the Leafs.

Nylander is the last one, he has just his 10-team NTC kick in. He's propably the scapegoat here because of the clauses above.

 

[TRASHCAT]

Come home to the team you grew up with son of circles

 

[Empty Goal Net]

Wonder if the Avs, Leafs, or Wild would show any interest in Kuzy. Avs and Wild need a 2C; Leafs need a shakeup. Other candidates - Preds, Red Wings, Flames, and the rest of the non-playoff Pacific Division teams. Highly likely that, in any deal, Kuzy is the best player moved, so there shouldn't be an expectation of equal value. Don't think that matters anymore.

Best we could hope for is someone in return who's upside turns out to be significantly greater than the trading partner believes - something like Newhook from the Avs suprising everyone in a way that Strome did. Thing is, we wouldn't necessarily need a C back who can be on the PP, because Strome and Backstrom (I'm assuming he tries to keep playing) can cover that. But he needs to be a lot better 5 x 5 than Kuzy or Backstrom.

Side note - did you know that Erik Gustaffson was the Caps 4th leading scorer this year. Yeesh

After TO fires Keefe and hires Lavi, I wouldn't expect them to be a possible Kuzy destination. Saying that in half-jest. But Smith and Irwin would be prime UFA signings up there.

 

[YippieKaey]

There are no easy answers for them, as we know. BMac said after one of the Caps flameouts under Trotz when asked what they need to change to get over the hump that, "It's a lot easier to make this team worse than better," and that's where Toronto is at the moment. Going back the last six seasons with this core, the Leafs have finished 4th, 4th, 5th, 12th, 7th, and 7th in the NHL in regular season points. They're a good team. Trading any of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander almost assuredly makes them a worse team. Do they just keep ramming their heads against the wall in hopes of a breakthrough? That's honestly probably their best shot to win but do they have the stomach for that? Can they sell that to their fans moving forward?

Besides the Leafs underperforming, credit has to be given to the Panthers though. That team simply doesn't know when to quit. They were dead and buried in the regular season before storming back to get a spot, they were dead and buried down 3-1 in the series against Boston, they blew two different leads in G1 vs Toronto in Toronto before winning, and Toronto scored first in both games 2 and 3 before Florida eventually took over. Every time Boston or Toronto threw or has thrown what seems like a big punch, the Panthers take it on the chin and come right back. Impressive stuff.

I can see them trading Marner or Nylander for someone like E Kane, a Tkachuk lite or a very rich mans Zach Hyman. They need that.

And the bolded is how the Caps finally won the Cup. I feel like there's a lot of similarities between the two teams tbh.

 

[Raikkonen]

Nylander looks like their most dangerous player to me. Would be dumb to dump him.

 

[Jags]

Agreed Toronto should probably stand pat

Yeah, if they get beat by Florida, then take a page from their playbook. Rejigger however you have to, but ultimately stay the course. Lots of teams have failed when they were "supposed to" win, only to win a bit later when it was less expected. Hell, we're probably the best example of that.

There's something to be said for learning what it takes to win a fight by having your ass kicked a few times. You can have all the talent, endurance, and stamina in the world, but it's often not enough if you can't handle adversity.

 

[TRASHCAT]

Breaking up the core is a lot easier to say than do. Theres no garuantee you wont spend the next 10 years rebuilding and still come up with a worse core of players. Caps are probably going to have to rebuild and the players they are going to get will likely be worse than the peak ovi era