If the "B version" of Matthews is a defensive beast that wins face offs and still gives you a pt/game...there are worse scenarios.
The version of Matthews we're seeing right now is still a Top 5 centre in this league. People clamouring for his extra gear are missing what he's doing out there. Ya, I want him to dominate a game with a couple of goals or more, but his play in these playoffs is top drawer still, even without other worldly stats (he's still at a point per game, too).
Hopefully, because expecting Nylander to score two every night isn't fair to him.
No one is expecting that of him, or anyone for that matter. It's the playoffs, multiple guys will have to step up at different times to keep winning.
Not to nitpik on Keefe, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that he didn't go into the room between periods. Not sure if that's true? Crazy if it is. I do like Berube's demeanor overall, seems to be all business and the guys seem to respect him. makes a huge difference I think.
I both liked and hated Keefe at the same time. I like his fire and passion, but I certainly think a more business like approach is helping us. I didn't like his inability to in game/in series adjust, and I think Berube is better at that so far too. I think for the most part, he was too green in the NHL for this team, but he's still a very good coach overall with some more things to learn.
All that said, whatever is going on with this group right now (and it could end pretty quickly still), is not just because of one season. They've grown up a ton, they've learned a lot, and they are molded by what they went through pre-Berube (and pre-Keefe). I know that's not a fun or popular sentiment, but it's true. There are tons of fingerprints on this team right now to get them where they are. Hopefully BT and Berube are the final ones needed to get over.
I think the Leafs make Florida pay for Bennett’s dumb assery by keeping who the starting goalie will be unknown until the last possible moment.
The way to make them pay is to keep doing what we did last night. Be physical, be strong, don't quit... and most importantly, win two more games.