GDT: Around the League - 2021/22

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Also now Boston is going to be motivated to try now tomorrow. And potentially playing us in a series there’s a good chance they’ll play harder and more physical in anticipation of it. We can’t sit everybody.

 

[Mattfan02]

Bruins again, third time is the charm?

Third time the charm didn't work, this would be the 4th time in 9 years against the Bruins

 

[Suntouchable13]

Connor has almost as many points as Mitch Marner since Edmonton fired Tippett

 

[BTP]

im going to LOL if we end up facing boston again.

but technically tomorrow we can choose who we play.

i like the set up

 

[zeke]

Much rather we play Boston than Tampa.

 

[thinkblue]

im going to LOL if we end up facing boston again.

but technically tomorrow we can choose who we play.

i like the set up

Tampa still controls their own fate, if they win we play them.

But it will be interesting to see if either team decides to rest anyone.

 

[IPS]

Boston without Rask, Chara and Krejci honestly doesn't look scary at all. These guys were all major problems for Toronto in previous series and now they don't have any of them.

We trounced these guys 6-4 and 5-2 this year. They have trouble against our offense.

 

[leafsfan5]

Much rather we play Boston than Tampa.

It's not even close imo. Tampa on their game is still tops in the league

We beat Boston in 6

 

[Pi]

Tampa still controls their own fate, if they win we play them.

But it will be interesting to see if either team decides to rest anyone.

It’s a back to back for Boston so they will definitely rest a lot of players.

I’m hoping we face Boston in round 1. I don’t doubt that this team can beat the Lightning but I’m just not comfortable facing Vasy in net. I’d much rather gamble and face two guys who are just as likely to fold as Campbell in net.

Inexperience in net. May the best offense win.

 

[PromisedLand]

It’s a back to back for Boston so they will definitely rest a lot of players.

I’m hoping we face Boston in round 1. I don’t doubt that this team can beat the Lightning but I’m just not comfortable facing Vasy in net. I’d much rather gamble and face two guys who are just as likely to fold as Campbell in net.

Inexperience in net. May the best offense win.

Boston is a top 5 team for GA (Leafs are 20th). Won't be that straight forward; on top of that Boston ALWAYS gets refs on their side. ALWAYS

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Draisaitl now only has one game to score 5 goals to tie Matthews for the Rocket lead. Odds are astronomical so I think it’s safe to say that race is a wrap.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Draisaitl now only has one game to score 5 goals to tie Matthews for the Rocket lead. Odds are astronomical so I think it’s safe to say that race is a wrap.

And I wonder if drai sits tonight anyway especially after playing last night

 

[SoftDumpNtheCorner88]

I'm Torn between Tampa and Boston to be honest.

Tampa can turn on the cup winning switch and are still stacked. Playoff Vasy is scary, but I still see us winning.

Boston is a goon team and will try to injure and play dirty. Also the refs are always on there side, it will be incredibly annoying watching them get away with everything and the calls going in there favor every game.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Tampa for me just because I would have a harder time deal with losing to the Bruins again

 

[Apex Predator]

Tampa for me just because I would have a harder time deal with losing to the Bruins again

I think the Bruins are the one that started cursing the Leafs with that 4-1 blown game. You need to defeat your demons before you can move on. Beat the Bruins and you beat the demon.

 

[ToneDog]

Tampa for me just because I would have a harder time deal with losing to the Bruins again

I like our odds better against Boston than Tampa who have an elite goalie, elite #1D and elite forwards. Of course if Matty can dominate like Embiid did last night, it does not matter.

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

I like our odds better against Boston than Tampa who have an elite goalie, elite #1D and elite forwards. Of course if Matty can dominate like Embiid did last night, it does not matter.

I see some strong parallels between the Leafs and 76ers:

- Play revolves around MVP talent who has a history of getting shut down in playoffs
- Team is often more talented than opponent, but gets outworked in playoffs.
- Team went through a long "process" to get to where they are.
- Everyone hoping they lose again for the storylines.
- Has multiple "miracle" storylines against them in the pas few years.

Potential storylines:

- Hopefully our Leafs get an Embiied type performance from AM.
- Our improved defence could be our "Maxey factor", something new that gives energy which was lacking in previous years.
- 76ers learned to defend, and overcame what felt like an inevitable collapse against a team they were better than from a talent POV.
- Also the Harden storyline is a bit reminiscent of Tavares - older player, much maligned, overpaid, questions about how he left his old team, can he still contribute? Harden was a force in all of the 76ers wins, providing leadership and some offence.

 

[Srsly]

I have mixed feelings as to whether I want to play the Bruins again. Without Rask or Chara they’re not the team they used to be and I think we’re the better team these days. Of course we were also better than Montreal, so who knows really? Tampa is definitely stronger than Boston on paper though.

 

[HolyCrap]

Tampa for me just because I would have a harder time deal with losing to the Bruins again

You make a very valid point. Lol.

 

[Zybalto]

Been hoping for Tampa since the start of the season really.

Wanna be the best....gotta beat the best.

With Campbell rounding back into form the last month, its gonna be a great series.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Matthews wins the Rocket and will likely win the Hart given 60 goals is a rarer achievement than McDavid’s 120+ points.

 

[ECanuck]

I'm Torn between Tampa and Boston to be honest.

Tampa can turn on the cup winning switch and are still stacked. Playoff Vasy is scary, but I still see us winning.

Boston is a goon team and will try to injure and play dirty. Also the refs are always on there side, it will be incredibly annoying watching them get away with everything and the calls going in there favor every game.

Tampa has the best goalie. Boston has the best refs.
It is a tough choice.

 

[keonsbitterness]

Tampa has the best goalie. Boston has the best refs.
It is a tough choice.

A good lawyer knows the law, but a great lawyer knows the judge!

 

[SoftDumpNtheCorner88]

Tampa has the best goalie. Boston has the best refs.
It is a tough choice.

What's with Boston and the horrible referring in their favor anyway?

Is it because the league wants to have an original 6 "tough guy" team identity in the league? "The big bad Bruins reputation that they want to keep?

It's honestly embarrassing for the league, to allow so much nonsense just because of a team name, but they won't hesitate to give guys like Simmonds a game misconduct for pushing back when challenged.

It honestly changes the flow of the game and makes teams playing against them hesitant because they have no idea what they can and can't get away with.. because playing like Boston against Boston will always leave you in a disadvantage in the powerplay column.

 

[123offtheglass]

Penguins REALLY do not want Florida