Angry/frustrated fans what would it take to be

[Stephen]

The best way to separate an opponent from the puck is through a body check. It doesn't need to be body crippling, as even a simple rub-out along the boards works wonders.

I always coached my players to look at the opponent right in the chest and respond with a body check and not wave their sticks aimlessly trying to knock to puck off their opponents sticks. Separate the opponent FROM the puck through body contact !!!

I also asked my players to back check and take the body when body position can be established.

I'd love a reliable body check but I'd settle for a big defenseman who can just reliably seal the wall. A guy driving wide or going behind the net? Slowly ride him into the boards, pin him for a split second and allow the midget defense partner to scoot out with it. Just do it every time, do it predictably, don't take a penalty. Start the transition out that way.

 

[nsleaf]

 

[keonsbitterness]

More likely alcohol turning on each other.

 

[Koolboss]

He should have 'taken' a little less of the Cap pie if he wants 'better' players to play with. Same with Marner and Melander !!!

Kadri is where he is because of HIS stupidity !!! All the Leaf players know that !!!

Wherever he is I would consider it better where the Leafs are now

 

[justashadowof]

Wherever he is I would consider it better where the Leafs are now

Kadri's won 4 playoff series since that trade. He's probably enjoying his situation. Meanwhile we got the Blind Drop Pass and Bonehead High Sticking Penalty that as far as I'm concerned were the inflection point of the series.

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

We're all onboard, some of us are just in denial about it.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

Kadri's won 4 playoff series since that trade. He's probably enjoying his situation. Meanwhile we got the Blind Drop Pass and Bonehead High Sticking Penalty that as far as I'm concerned were the inflection point of the series.

Have you heard that Kerfoot went to Harvard? Just making sure you know because it's a bit of a secret around these parts.

 

[pcruz]

Have you heard that Kerfoot went to Harvard? Just making sure you know because it's a bit of a secret around these parts.

The high-sticking penalty on an unbelievably aggressive forecheck already down a player in Game 6, as well as the vomit-inducing drop pass to nobody says a whole lot about the mental aptitude of the athletes that Harvard accepts as students.

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

I wonder if people would be happier if the Leafs had done what Florida is doing now:

Struggle through, but win in the first round
Get swept in the second round by a clearly superior team

Of course, that clearly superior team struggled mightily against the same Leafs and then went on to lose a few key players as well, so they're not anywhere near as strong as they were in the first round.

Just curious.

That honestly seems better than our 7th straight first round exit while not being able to make it into the second round in almost 20 years.

Anyway I desperately want to see Matthews and Marner split up. If this makes them want to jump ship so be it. It's been three years and these guys fold like a cheap tent playing together in elimination games. It's frustrating expecting them to take over yet seeing no results. JT/Marner and you can run it with Nylander, Bunting, Robertson, or whoever. Just no more Matthews/Marner I'm tired of it. It's only good for regular season success.

 

[Gabriel426]

Have you heard that Kerfoot went to Harvard? Just making sure you know because it's a bit of a secret around these parts.

He is also prove that student athletes should stick with being a student bc book smart really doesn’t equal to Ice Smart.

 

[pcruz]

That honestly seems better than our 7th straight first round exit while not being able to make it into the second round in almost 20 years.

Anyway I desperately want to see Matthews and Marner split up. If this makes them want to jump ship so be it. It's been three years and these guys fold like a cheap tent playing together in elimination games. It's frustrating expecting them to take over yet seeing no results. JT/Marner and you can run it with Nylander, Bunting, Robertson, or whoever. Just no more Matthews/Marner I'm tired of it. It's only good for regular season success.

I'm convinced that you didn't watch the games at all.

What you said is not only counterintuitive, and counterproductive, but it's not anywhere close to accurate.

Matthews and Marner didn't just not fold under pressure, they led the team and series in scoring, dominated the games at even strength, scored the only goal in game 7, scored 1 or 2 goals in game 6, and blew the likes of Kucherov, Stamkos and Point out of the water.

It's just complete nonsense.

I'm sorry, but if you think that Matthews and Maerner were anywhere close to a problem for this team, I have no words to say that could possibly change your mind.

This is a classic case of pre-judging and then twisting facts to fit the narrative.

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

I'm convinced that you didn't watch the games at all.

What you said is not only counterintuitive, and counterproductive, but it's not anywhere close to accurate.

Matthews and Marner didn't just not fold under pressure, they led the team and series in scoring, dominated the games at even strength, scored the only goal in game 7, scored 1 or 2 goals in game 6, and blew the likes of Kucherov, Stamkos and Point out of the water.

It's just complete nonsense.

I'm sorry, but if you think that Matthews and Maerner were anywhere close to a problem for this team, I have no words to say that could possibly change your mind.

This is a classic case of pre-judging and then twisting facts to fit the narrative.

Clearly you don't watch the games because this team has had 6 years to win a playoff series, 3 with Marner and Matthews together as the main option and have nothing to show for it. I really can't believe it has to be spelled out for you but here we go.

Game 5 Columbus:
Matthews: 0 Points
Marner: 0 Points

Game 5 Montreal:
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

Game 6 Montreal
Matthews: 0 points
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Montreal
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 0 points

Game 6 Tampa
Matthews: 1 Goal
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Tampa
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

6 potential close out games Matthews and Marner's stat line is :
Matthews: 1 Goal 3 Assists
Marner: 2 Assists

If you think those numbers are fine that's on you. However I'd recommend giving your head a shake and waking up from lala land because you can't pay 11M for that type of production in close out games and expect to go ANYWHERE in the playoffs. Embarrassing that you're even trying to defend numbers like that. I literally want to puke thinking there are people that champion that kind of production. If you want to keep Marner and Matthews together going forward fine, but don't use their past production in potential elimination games as a reasoning for it. That's just ridiculous.

 

[Snipes 29]

For next season? A legit starting goalie like Gibson.

If they lose in round 1 again next year? Complete house cleaning management/front office. Major changes to the core (Both Nylander/Tavares gone).

lol they all should be gone now!

Clearly you don't watch the games because this team has had 6 years to win a playoff series, 3 with Marner and Matthews together as the main option and have nothing to show for it. I really can't believe it has to be spelled out for you but here we go.

Game 5 Columbus:
Matthews: 0 Points
Marner: 0 Points

Game 5 Montreal:
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

Game 6 Montreal
Matthews: 0 points
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Montreal
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 0 points

Game 6 Tampa
Matthews: 1 Goal
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Tampa
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

6 potential close out games Matthews and Marner's stat line is :
Matthews: 1 Goal 3 Assists
Marner: 2 Assists

If you think those numbers are fine that's on you. However I'd recommend giving your head a shake and waking up from lala land because you can't pay 11M for that type of production in close out games and expect to go ANYWHERE in the playoffs. Embarrassing that you're even trying to defend numbers like that. I literally want to puke thinking there are people that champion that kind of production. If you want to keep Marner and Matthews together going forward fine, but don't use their past production in potential elimination games as a reasoning for it. That's just ridiculous.

well said embarrassing organization with morons running it

 

[Clyde Brewer]

We really need to add some ruggedness to the top 6, and I'd like to see team toughness and aggressiveness in general addressed. Players as large and strong as Engval and Holl should be ridiculed for playing as softly as they do.

Lybushkin was a nice addition, but I imagine they won't resign him.

A lot of people want to see Nylander moved but I hate the idea of moving him because his playoff production is comparable to Marner's -except at a $4 million discount. It'll never happen, but I'm ready to move on from Marner.

 

[mikeyz]

I'm convinced that you didn't watch the games at all.

What you said is not only counterintuitive, and counterproductive, but it's not anywhere close to accurate.

Matthews and Marner didn't just not fold under pressure, they led the team and series in scoring, dominated the games at even strength, scored the only goal in game 7, scored 1 or 2 goals in game 6, and blew the likes of Kucherov, Stamkos and Point out of the water.

It's just complete nonsense.

I'm sorry, but if you think that Matthews and Maerner were anywhere close to a problem for this team, I have no words to say that could possibly change your mind.

This is a classic case of pre-judging and then twisting facts to fit the narrative.

How many points have Matthews and Marner had in do or die games in the last 5 years?

 

[Racer88]

How many points have Matthews and Marner had in do or die games in the last 5 years?

Next to none……….for what they are being paid they are such a post season disappointment.

We really need to add some ruggedness to the top 6, and I'd like to see team toughness and aggressiveness in general addressed. Players as large and strong as Engval and Holl should be ridiculed for playing as softly as they do.

Lybushkin was a nice addition, but I imagine they won't resign him.

A lot of people want to see Nylander moved but I hate the idea of moving him because his playoff production is comparable to Marner's -except at a $4 million discount. It'll never happen, but I'm ready to move on from Marner.

Yup. I would move Marner or Matthews if it was done properly because it’s obvious having all that cap dumped into 3 players that cannot elevate their play when it really matters

 

[keonsbitterness]

Yup. I would move Marner or Matthews if it was done properly because it’s obvious having all that cap dumped into 3 players that cannot elevate their play when it really matters

That's a difficult trade to make and especially come out no worse than even.

 

[Racer88]

That's a difficult trade to make and especially come out no worse than even.

I understand it would be difficult. I
However it is one we might have to make if it looks like Matthews is prepared to hit free agency

 

[mikeyz]

Clearly you don't watch the games because this team has had 6 years to win a playoff series, 3 with Marner and Matthews together as the main option and have nothing to show for it. I really can't believe it has to be spelled out for you but here we go.

Game 5 Columbus:
Matthews: 0 Points
Marner: 0 Points

Game 5 Montreal:
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

Game 6 Montreal
Matthews: 0 points
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Montreal
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 0 points

Game 6 Tampa
Matthews: 1 Goal
Marner: 0 points

Game 7 Tampa
Matthews: 1 assist
Marner: 1 assist

6 potential close out games Matthews and Marner's stat line is :
Matthews: 1 Goal 3 Assists
Marner: 2 Assists

If you think those numbers are fine that's on you. However I'd recommend giving your head a shake and waking up from lala land because you can't pay 11M for that type of production in close out games and expect to go ANYWHERE in the playoffs. Embarrassing that you're even trying to defend numbers like that. I literally want to puke thinking there are people that champion that kind of production. If you want to keep Marner and Matthews together going forward fine, but don't use their past production in potential elimination games as a reasoning for it. That's just ridiculous.

Very, VERY well said.

@pcruz Just want to make sure you see this.

 

[Captain Crunch]

I haven't seen anyone say losing to TB was a "moral victory". Has anyone actually said this or are you guys just yelling at clouds?

Here is the quote from Keefe after the game 7 loss to Tampa Bay:

After the loss Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe had a really lame take on his team and the handshake line, saying:

“We got a lot of respect in that (handshake) line from that team, which is nice to see. It was a much different tone and much different feeling of respect from the other side from what we’ve experienced previously. We’re certainly earning respect in the league but, again, we’re not in the respect game. We’re in the winning game.”

So he didn’t actually use the words “moral victory”, but you get the point, right?

 

[Captain Crunch]

What is so wrong about this statement that it makes it null before even starting to pick it apart, is that the Leafs literally cannot bring them all back.

There will be at least 5 changes in the off season whether they want to or not.
The team just does not have the cap space or flexibility (unless a big contract goes on LTIR at the start of the season) to bring back all of:

Liljigren
Sandin
Lyubushkin
Engvall
Blackwell
Kase
Mikheyev
Campbell
Spezza

I feel like Liljigren, Sandin, Spezza will be back for sure.
They will likely offer at least a qualifying option to Engvall, but I'm not sure he will sign at the value they will offer him.

Kase and Blackwell might come back at around the same price they got this season.

You can sell your Mikheyev and Lyubushkin jerseys, and most likely your Campbell jersey as well.


However, outside of Liljigren and Sandin, the rest are complimentary pieces - yes even Spezza and Campbell.

The main core will remain unchanged and it would be foolish to tinker with it just for the sake of tinkering.

Kase is hurt too often, hoping we don’t bring him back.
I truly believe Nylander should be traded, provided that we get back a solid goalie or top 4 right shooting dman. I would rather see Tavares traded, but that won’t happen. Even then, we still will find it difficult to build a solid 3rd line as well as a competent 4th line, not to mention finding someone who Tavares can play with.
Also, I would like to find a replacement for Keefe, and bring in someone who can get our PP to be consistently dangerous and good.

 

[JKG33]

What would it take? Fire Dubas and shake up these entitled children that makeup the core of this team

 

[yubbers]

Too bad they ran of time on this.....what time is puck drop tonight?

Should I just ignore Shannys words?

“I think that Kyle built a very good hockey team,” Shanahan said of Dubas. “I think he made excellent adjustments along the way, and I think Sheldon is an excellent coach. As we look forward to next year, and getting to work towards next year, I think it’s important to state that I see both of them as being extremely important in getting us to the next level, so that when we do approach next year, and we do come back, that we are ready to take that next step.

“As Kyle said to the players today, the work for next year begins right now. And I look forward to getting to work with Kyle and Sheldon for next season.”

 

[Gary Nylund]

Here is the quote from Keefe after the game 7 loss to Tampa Bay:

After the loss Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe had a really lame take on his team and the handshake line, saying:

“We got a lot of respect in that (handshake) line from that team, which is nice to see. It was a much different tone and much different feeling of respect from the other side from what we’ve experienced previously. We’re certainly earning respect in the league but, again, we’re not in the respect game. We’re in the winning game.”

So he didn’t actually use the words “moral victory”, but you get the point, right?

This post was a while back so not sure but I think I was referring to people posting here. Everyone who dares to say anything positive gets mocked which is stupid. I've said a bunch of things that are critical of the team but when I say one positive thing, some people call me a fanboy, or accuse me of celebrating a moral victory (which I'm not doing) ... the lack of intelligent discussion here is disappointing.

I agree what Keefe said was dumb and I get why people might be pissed at him. But at the same time, the end of his quote (bolded) suggests that some people are being overly hysterical about this. I remember early in the season he said something after the Carolina game that was widely mocked here but as it turns out he was right - he said something about seeing positive things despite the loss and our start was over as of the next game we played. So who knows, maybe we'll win the cup next year and some will look back on this quote, remember their outrage and feel a bit silly.

 

[Captain Crunch]

This post was a while back so not sure but I think I was referring to people posting here. Everyone who dares to say anything positive gets mocked which is stupid. I've said a bunch of things that are critical of the team but when I say one positive thing, some people call me a fanboy, or accuse me of celebrating a moral victory (which I'm not doing) ... the lack of intelligent discussion here is disappointing.

I agree what Keefe said was dumb and I get why people might be pissed at him. But at the same time, the end of his quote (bolded) suggests that some people are being overly hysterical about this. I remember early in the season he said something after the Carolina game that was widely mocked here but as it turns out he was right - he said something about seeing positive things despite the loss and our start was over as of the next game we played. So who knows, maybe we'll win the cup next year and some will look back on this quote, remember their outrage and feel a bit silly.

If and when we win the Cup, I don’t believe Keefe will be our coach.