I'm with you on where Cats are at and how they're moving through the process, but I'm not so sure that's the plan against Leafs and Bolts through the stretch.
The physicality point is the key. If anyone has watched Florida's last several games, the one constant in those games is that they have not been overly physical relative to how they usually play. Far less hitting. Now, maybe some of that is a result of missing Tkachuk, but they look like a very out of sync lineup right now, and their offense is basically gone. It's why I wouldn't put too much stock in the Leafs beating them tomorrow night, because I don't think this is the Florida team we are going to see when the playoffs start.
Who said they wouldn’t get up for it? Getting up for games and wanting to win has never been a problem in the past and don’t think it would be now.
It’s tough for them, but these are the exact reasons why we need Florida beating TTOE.
Sometimes it's just the way it's meant to be. That bounce that Montreal got tonight to tie the game was just about the biggest horseshoe imaginable. The bright side for you is that the Leafs will roll over Montreal in a couple of weeks, so that's 2 points Montreal won't get.
I'd be careful that they are coasting through games that don't matter to them, against teams that dont matter to them, prioritizing elsewhere - disciplined like the Unsullied.
I agree with everything you are sayin in regards to Florida, but it's still the Leafs.
I get that there is evil in this world but that doesn’t mean it’s the way it’s supposed to be. Wouldnt it be nice if they lost last night and it was the Leafs that put them out? Now y’all will be putting up with them until May and heaven forbid if those snakes, Edmonton, Jets and Sens are all in round two, and that possibility is shaping up.
Oh, it has nothing to do with threats and it's entirely my own pettiness. I acknowledge that entirely.
My position for this season has always been that the Leafs will succeed because the need to "rise up" will not be nearly as acute as it may have been in years past because the quality of their competition has decreased markedly. But the Leafs have also greatly improved their goaltending and defense, which will make a big difference this year.
You might be right about Florida today but clearly your crystal balls failed to show you how much better Tampa would be this year. I expected a further decline but they have turned it around. A Cooper coached team with Hedman, Cernak (Bunts does not get enough credit for knocking him out of that series two years ago) and McDonagh on D, a very good Vasi and good depth up front will be a very tough out for the Leafs who's bottom 6 still is not Stanley Cup worthy IMO.
Interestingly, I'm far less concerned about Tampa when it comes to the playoffs. I think they will end up second in the division and will be eliminated by Florida in the first round. The only reason I think they are a threat for the division lead is simply because of the remaining schedule plays out. The leafs should be able to create a bit of separation from Tampa between now and the game next week, unless the Leafs stumble against Columbus on Saturday.
Also what an absolute freak Gretzky was before his back went lol
