Around the League - 2022-23 Season Edition

[weems]

I agree that werent not completely capable of playing any style, but i dont think any (or many) can. Its more about creating diversity of chances which it felt like we did. We had traffic, we had possession opportunities and we scored a few times off the rush while flubbing lthers.

Take a look at Florida and most of their goals were quick strike off either rushes or forecheck. The werent overly dangerous when they had sustained pressure. You could say they didnt need to because they won, but 2 OT games and a win or two on some unforced errors doesnt scream unstoppable attack.

At the end of the day with as well as Bob was playing we could and should have squeezed out a few 2-1 victories. No reason for us tp piss away game 2 or 3.

Is this a consistent thing in series or even in game though, that you can change tactics very quickly when something isn't working?

Alot of times it all starts with the mindset to be willing to play different ways even if plan B is more physically taxing.

Our PP has struggled plenty in the playoffs and for long stretchs we would have issues at making clean zone entries. Our entry strategy is very obvious and teams just started crowding the blueline knowing that unit 1 will almost never flip it into the Ozone and win a 2v1 footrace/puck battle. That doesn't mean I want them to just dump it in everytime but a balanced approach is important to keep the opposing PK honest.

Just feels like we can do very well to become a more balanced overall team winning games in multiple ways and being able to exploit teams if they try to heavily implement one defensive strat.

 

[TheTotalPackage]

The Panthers remind me of the Hab’s a few years ago. Riding a hot goalie and then not making the playoffs the next season.

To think, the Panthers were a Penguins win in Game 81 against the Blackhawks (which was considered a gimme) away from not even making the playoffs. And here they are now a win away from making it to the Cup final with all the momentum in the world and riding a hot goalie who looks impenetrable.

 

[Menzinger]

The Panthers remind me of the Hab’s a few years ago. Riding a hot goalie and then not making the playoffs the next season.

Absolutely. Theyi forward group plays playoff hockey well, but they'll need to actually make it next season for them to put it into practice lol.... Which may not happen

 

[Gallagbi]

Is this a consistent thing in series or even in game though, that you can change tactics very quickly when something isn't working?

Alot of times it all starts with the mindset to be willing to play different ways even if plan B is more physically taxing.

Our PP has struggled plenty in the playoffs and for long stretchs we would have issues at making clean zone entries. Our entry strategy is very obvious and teams just started crowding the blueline knowing that unit 1 will almost never flip it into the Ozone and win a 2v1 footrace/puck battle. That doesn't mean I want them to just dump it in everytime but a balanced approach is important to keep the opposing PK honest.

Just feels like we can do very well to become a more balanced overall team winning games in multiple ways and being able to exploit teams if they try to heavily implement one defensive strat.

Id say we saw adaptability throughout the series and within games, it just wasnt successful

Thats not to say we were great, but there was a pretty big change in the ways we played games 1, 2 and 5 off the top of my head from start to finish. Game 5 we really switched to a lower net presence as the game went on. More tips, traffic and downlow plays whereas earlier in the game we tried to create high in the slot.

I do think its painful to see this team playing physical and battling. They can do it, and its relatively effective, but its not a team that enjoys it. Really this doesnt seem like a team that enjoys the playoff process at all, even when they did beat Tampa

 

[Menzinger]

Nonis always seemed like a good soldier/hard worker. But man, the guy shouldn't be allowed to make any high level decisions.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[IPS]

Plenty of people did. Not everything has to be this Dubas fans vs. Dubas haters nonsense.

Dubas fans sure try their hardest to make it into such things.

Perhaps a conspiracy by the NHL to get Florida to the Finals? Probably not but there’s no doubt Florida has been getting preferential treatment by the refs most of the playoffs.

I doubt it.

This series was a win-win for the NHL from day 1, either of them getting to the finals is fine with them.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Leaf Rocket]

saying all the right thins lets see what happens aka Conroy

 

[tmlms13]

I feel kind of bad for the Panthers. It's one of the smaller non-hockey markets that desperately needs a boost in popularity. They're an 8 seed getting a completely unexpected run to the finals you'd expect that to get them front page news, surge in popularity etc. Sell some extra tickets for next year

and the NBA team in town has done the literally the exact same thing, so relegates them to Page 2 as usual, completely miss that boost. Kind of sucks

 

[barilko05]

Absolutely. Theyi forward group plays playoff hockey well, but they'll need to actually make it next season for them to put it into practice lol.... Which may not happen

And that's wrong with this league. No consistency. Why should a team that dominates the league in the regular season by scoring goals be penalized come playoff team because they don't play "rock' em sock 'em" hockey. There shouldn't be a style called "playoff hockey." That's just another name for "game management." Refs are instructed to put their whistles away if the less skilled team is being overrun. Make sure to "even it up" so that everybody has chance. Screw that! This ain't the playground. You shouldn't get a "particpation" ribbon because you try hard. If my team has better players, they should be allowed to showcase that skill. Yes, hockey is a physical sport, and the Leafs aren't a very physical team. But when our players get elbowed, wrestled, and dumped on their heads and the DOPS says "no foul there, just tough luck", then there's something wrong. And its not just Toronto. The best player in the league, maybe in the last 30 years, is relegated to the sidelines because the league looks the other way when the game is on, and when the opponent manipulates the cap to an extent that they are 10s of millions over come playoff time because their injured players "magically" are healed in time to play. New Rule...you have to play at least ten games in a season, and at least half must be after the trade deadline, or YOU AREN'T ELIGIBLE.

So lets stop talking about "playoff hockey." Call the games the same in GM 1 of the season as you do in GM 7 of the final and may the BEST team win.

 

[Clark4Ever]

To think, the Panthers were a Penguins win in Game 81 against the Blackhawks (which was considered a gimme) away from not even making the playoffs. And here they are now a win away from making it to the Cup final with all the momentum in the world and riding a hot goalie who looks impenetrable.

They are apparently a team built for the playoffs that almost missed qualifying.

It just goes to show you how fine the line is. Still need enough skill to get in comfortably.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

I feel kind of bad for the Panthers. It's one of the smaller non-hockey markets that desperately needs a boost in popularity. They're an 8 seed getting a completely unexpected run to the finals you'd expect that to get them front page news, surge in popularity etc. Sell some extra tickets for next year

and the NBA team in town has done the literally the exact same thing, so relegates them to Page 2 as usual, completely miss that boost. Kind of sucks

The Heat's run is arguably much better and WAY more entertaining. Don't get me wrong it's great what Bob is doing. However, if you watch the basketball games...it's just on another level, and it is not one player, even though Bulter is one the most clutch players in the game leading them big time, it's just truly a great team game everyone is playing there. Miami Heat Culture is just truly something great there and loved.

They are apparently a team built for the playoffs that almost missed qualifying.

It just goes to show you how fine the line is. Still need enough skill to get in comfortably.

Maybe an unpopular take but I think the Sabres would be one of those teams, not a great regular team but in playoffs I think could do some noise.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

Love what Conroy said about wanting players that want to play in the organization, and not just chase the money.

Hope our new GM has the same philosophy - with themselves and with the players.

 

[BertCorbeau]

I feel kind of bad for the Panthers. It's one of the smaller non-hockey markets that desperately needs a boost in popularity. They're an 8 seed getting a completely unexpected run to the finals you'd expect that to get them front page news, surge in popularity etc. Sell some extra tickets for next year

and the NBA team in town has done the literally the exact same thing, so relegates them to Page 2 as usual, completely miss that boost. Kind of sucks

At the same time it’s a great “f*** you” to Bettman.. so I’m amused

 

[Menzinger]

And that's wrong with this league. No consistency. Why should a team that dominates the league in the regular season by scoring goals be penalized come playoff team because they don't play "rock' em sock 'em" hockey. There shouldn't be a style called "playoff hockey." That's just another name for "game management." Refs are instructed to put their whistles away if the less skilled team is being overrun. Make sure to "even it up" so that everybody has chance. Screw that! This ain't the playground. You shouldn't get a "particpation" ribbon because you try hard. If my team has better players, they should be allowed to showcase that skill. Yes, hockey is a physical sport, and the Leafs aren't a very physical team. But when our players get elbowed, wrestled, and dumped on their heads and the DOPS says "no foul there, just tough luck", then there's something wrong. And its not just Toronto. The best player in the league, maybe in the last 30 years, is relegated to the sidelines because the league looks the other way when the game is on, and when the opponent manipulates the cap to an extent that they are 10s of millions over come playoff time because their injured players "magically" are healed in time to play. New Rule...you have to play at least ten games in a season, and at least half must be after the trade deadline, or YOU AREN'T ELIGIBLE.

So lets stop talking about "playoff hockey." Call the games the same in GM 1 of the season as you do in GM 7 of the final and may the BEST team win.

Couldn't agree more. The NHL is probably the only league that actively encourages lousy depth players to harass the best stats in the league and get away with it as long as it's the playoffs.

Honestly, if the league wants different officiating in the playoffs they should just formally change the rules. It's this inconsistent BS that I can't stand.

 

[LaPlante94]

And that's wrong with this league. No consistency. Why should a team that dominates the league in the regular season by scoring goals be penalized come playoff team because they don't play "rock' em sock 'em" hockey. There shouldn't be a style called "playoff hockey." That's just another name for "game management." Refs are instructed to put their whistles away if the less skilled team is being overrun. Make sure to "even it up" so that everybody has chance. Screw that! This ain't the playground. You shouldn't get a "particpation" ribbon because you try hard. If my team has better players, they should be allowed to showcase that skill. Yes, hockey is a physical sport, and the Leafs aren't a very physical team. But when our players get elbowed, wrestled, and dumped on their heads and the DOPS says "no foul there, just tough luck", then there's something wrong. And its not just Toronto. The best player in the league, maybe in the last 30 years, is relegated to the sidelines because the league looks the other way when the game is on, and when the opponent manipulates the cap to an extent that they are 10s of millions over come playoff time because their injured players "magically" are healed in time to play. New Rule...you have to play at least ten games in a season, and at least half must be after the trade deadline, or YOU AREN'T ELIGIBLE.

So lets stop talking about "playoff hockey." Call the games the same in GM 1 of the season as you do in GM 7 of the final and may the BEST team win.

Nobody wants to watch 5v4 hockey for 20-30 minutes of the game every game. Obvious penalties go uncalled but we aren't the only team that deals with that. A lot of the people who complained about missed calls on us didn't say a word when we got away with stuff. The only thing against us I have no problem seeing people complain about is the thing with Knies because that was something that had an effect on the game/series. The term playoff hockey is used for many reasons and it's not just because refs will put their whistles away but because you are playing the best teams in the league who are probably top half of the league in all offensive and defensive categories with maybe a team or 2 who aren't. Games tighten up because something is actually on the line now and that pond hockey skilled game you can get away with doesn't work anymore. It's where the legends of the game still showed up. People enjoy playoff hockey because of the battles along the boards, around the net and everywhere on the ice and the competitiveness of it, not because of who has the best PP. McDavid is on the sidelines because his team sucked 5v5 and had bad goaltending, not because of the league or officiating. This is becoming the biggest problem in sports now where people don't give a damn about the game they only care about names/franchise and will say I'm only watching if these players make the finals or this team or whatever. Probably be seeing phantom calls like we do the NBA to try and push these star players/bigger franchises through the playoffs just to keep these types of fans happy. Can't wait for that because that'll be so good for the league.

Couldn't agree more. The NHL is probably the only league that actively encourages lousy depth players to harass the best stats in the league and get away with it as long as it's the playoffs.

Honestly, if the league wants different officiating in the playoffs they should just formally change the rules. It's this inconsistent BS that I can't stand.

You actually thinks that's true?

We lost, it's time to get over it and stop blaming the refs. McDavid and MacKinnon lost and it wasn't because of officiating.

 

[HolyCrap]

I feel kind of bad for the Panthers. It's one of the smaller non-hockey markets that desperately needs a boost in popularity. They're an 8 seed getting a completely unexpected run to the finals you'd expect that to get them front page news, surge in popularity etc. Sell some extra tickets for next year

and the NBA team in town has done the literally the exact same thing, so relegates them to Page 2 as usual, completely miss that boost. Kind of sucks

I was thinking about this very thing today. Both Panthers and Heat are crushing the playoffs as 8 th seeds. But I don’t really feel that bad for Panthers they are not a big hockey market or draw. Just proof that hockey in the South ain’t that big of a deal. Hopefully Bettman reign will end soon.

 

[Nineteen67]

Boy I sure hope we didn’t radically alter our franchise for the worse because some goalie decided to become unbeatable for a month and a half stretch.

Seriously how does it happen so often that it will now be 4/7 teams have gone to the Finals after beating us in the playoffs?

The Leafs play good teams in the playoffs and I think having one physically soft series makes it easier down the road.

 

[Nineteen67]

They are apparently a team built for the playoffs that almost missed qualifying.

It just goes to show you how fine the line is. Still need enough skill to get in comfortably.

They had a bad start. Their record since Christmas was similar to the juggernaut Leafs, but, because they had to, they closed strong. The Leafs were not very good at the end of the year and they carried into TB.

 

[Cleetus]

Jamie Benn Game misconduct.... looked pretty bad

 

[Nineteen67]

There goes that narrative about not calling penalties in the playoffs.

 

[Gallagbi]

I wonder how many games for Benn?

 

[Superstar]

Bad goal to let in by Oettinger...where is he sliding to?

 

[Superstar]

I wonder how many games for Benn?

My guess is 2 games.