Speculation: Atlantic Division Predictions

[zeke]

Here it is one more time. If you still can't understand it, maybe you could ask someone else for help?

No matter how many times you repeat it, that doesn't answer why you chose 23-24-23 instead of 23-23-24.

 

[Stephen]

This debate needs to be settled on the ice. Won't be much longer. I just hope they allow as many fans into SBA as they do in the arenas in States.

I think Florida's a good team and could switch places with Boston. Not really understanding the hardcore Leafs vs Panthers angle, seems like trying to compare an apple to a Florida orange in terms of where both teams are at and how we'll match up on the ice this coming season.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Barkov -8 (1gl)
Huberdeau -3 (2gls)

1 even strength goal from both of them combined in the series. I'm sure Toronto players would never be ripped to shreds for something like that.

 

[egd27]

No matter how many times you repeat it, that doesn't answer why you chose 23-24-23 instead of 23-23-24.

As I said in the last post, if you still can't figure it out, ask a someone for help.
Maybe @Gary Nylund could assist?

 

[Dekes For Days]

Why would you be thinking about the 2018-19 Leafs comparing them to the 2020-21 Florida Panthers?

Rising team going up against a top, veteran team that goes on to the Cup finals, who somewhat held their own at 5v5 despite some injuries, while getting blown out on the PK, largely because of goaltending, resulting in a similar series goal differential. Yet perception has been quite different.

In terms of "kitchen sink" moments, just reference to the out of town commentary about the intensity levels

Leafs were no less "intense" in our moments.

plus no Leaf team in the Lamoriello/Dubas era has been eliminated by an eventual cup champion

No, just multiple Cup finalists, with 4 out of the 5 teams we faced only being beaten by the eventual Cup champions.

And I don't think there's even a majority opinion on the Panthers being a clear cut better team than the Leafs, so there isn't even a reason to get so defensive other than the fact that Florida will be a good team.

I have no problem with Florida being considered a good team. Just very odd to use their playoff series as justification for putting them over us.

 

[ToneDog]

As I said in the last post, if you still can't figure it out, ask a someone for help.
Maybe @Gary Nylund could assist?

Why do I feel like I am back in kindergarten ??

 

[Stephen]

Rising team going up against a top, veteran team that goes on to the Cup finals, who somewhat held their own at 5v5 despite some injuries, while getting blown out on the PK, largely because of goaltending, resulting in a similar series goal differential.

No, just multiple Cup finalists, with 4 out of the 5 teams we faced only being beaten by the eventual Cup champions.

I have no problem with Florida being considered a good team. Just very odd to use their playoff series as justification for putting them over us.

You'll notice I haven't provided anything in terms of Atlantic Division standings, definitively made the statement that Florida is better than Toronto (though they could be, and vice versa) other than to say Florida could be a formidable opponent showing a lot of promise in the playoffs as a general comment sizing up the Atlantic Division.

So if worst comes to the worst, and Florida finishes ahead of Toronto, chances are we'll have to play them in the playoffs. On the ice. Where it matters...

 

[Golden_Jet]

No matter how many times you repeat it, that doesn't answer why you chose 23-24-23 instead of 23-23-24.

Game 46, 8-4 loss to Florida
Game 47, 7-4 win over New Jersey

It’s obvious to the WHY, it’s a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 split, and it doesn’t even really matter on order, not sure why you’re so hung up on this the last few days.

But the numbers above are posted if you want to do 23-23-24, or do just all 23’s, if you want them all to be even.

 

[Dekes For Days]

You'll notice I haven't provided anything in terms of Atlantic Division standings, definitively made the statement that Florida is better than Toronto (though they could be, and vice versa) other than to say Florida could be a formidable opponent

You'll notice that I haven't disagreed that Florida is a quality team, and my prediction had them in the playoffs. Just responding to your statement, which appeared to justify their placement above us based on a playoff series that was no more impressive than what we've done in the playoffs.

 

[Dekes For Days]

No matter how many times you repeat it, that doesn't answer why you chose 23-24-23 instead of 23-23-24.

I think the reason is pretty obvious. It benefitted the extremely flawed argument that was being made.

 

[ToneDog]

You'll notice I haven't provided anything in terms of Atlantic Division standings, definitively made the statement that Florida is better than Toronto (though they could be, and vice versa) other than to say Florida could be a formidable opponent showing a lot of promise in the playoffs as a general comment sizing up the Atlantic Division.

So if worst comes to the worst, and Florida finishes ahead of Toronto, chances are we'll have to play them in the playoffs. On the ice. Where it matters...

Some also think the Bruins will be worse because they lost Krejci and Rask, but I do not see it given they get Hall for the full season and added Foligno and Ullmark and resigned their Reilly. It won't be a cakewalk like last year in the North. The Leafs won't be able to take many nights off if they want home ice advantage in round #1.

 

[Blowfish]

What part of their roster, exactly?

The part that challenged Tampa Bay the most out of any team in the playoffs last year....

 

[Blowfish]

You guys sure are betting everything on your unsupported "Weak division" theory, eh?

No, the Dubas failure theory.

 

[Stephen]

Some also think the Bruins will be worse because they lost Krejci and Rask, but I do not see it given they get Hall for the full season and added Foligno and Ullmark and resigned their Reilly. It won't be a cakewalk like last year in the North. The Leafs won't be able to take many nights off if they want home ice advantage in round #1.

I think Boston is flirting with the end of the line. A lot of contenders sort of get by with their veteran teams for years and years until it doesn't work. Keep looking at Detroit and San Jose as examples of how they seemed to be business as usual, until it wasn't.

 

[ToneDog]

I think Boston is flirting with the end of the line. A lot of contenders sort of get by with their veteran teams for years and years until it doesn't work. Keep looking at Detroit and San Jose as examples of how they seemed to be business as usual, until it wasn't.

Quite possible but I do not think this is the year. Bergeron and Marchant were very good in the playoffs and there are no better clutch players in the league yet IMO.

 

[Stephen]

You'll notice that I haven't disagreed that Florida is a quality team, and my prediction had them in the playoffs. Just responding to your statement, which appeared to justify their placement above us based on a playoff series that was no more impressive than what we've done in the playoffs.

I'm not really understanding why you need to find an equivalency between Toronto and Florida's playoff performances though. They both lost their series for different reasons to different opponents and exhibited different strengths and weaknesses which present interesting matchup potentials moving into next year.

So let's leave it here. I have very little interest in continuing to pump up the Panthers chances other than I don't think they should be diminished as a division rival vs the Leafs.

 

[Blowfish]

I think Boston is flirting with the end of the line. A lot of contenders sort of get by with their veteran teams for years and years until it doesn't work. Keep looking at Detroit and San Jose as examples of how they seemed to be business as usual, until it wasn't.

Marchand (3rd points last year) Bergeron (year in year out Selke nominee) continue to play outstanding hockey ... should be good for another 3 years right about the same time Matthews and Marner contracts will be up.

What isn't mentioned is the talented young D core Boston has pulled together. That plus some promising young players (Studnicka/Swayman) that will soon be making an impact.

This ongoing theory Boston will soon be the new Detroit isn't going to happen with Sweeney at the helm.

 

[Stephen]

Marchand (3rd points last year) Bergeron (year in year out Selke nominee) continue to play outstanding hockey ... should be good for another 3 years right about the same time Matthews and Marner contracts will be up.

What isn't mentioned is the talented young D core Boston has pulled together. That plus some promising young players (Studnicka/Swayman) that will soon be making an impact.

This ongoing theory Boston will soon be the new Detroit isn't going to happen with Sweeney at the helm.

We’ll find out but I’m thinking Boston takes some steps back. Keep in mind Detroit had their next generation of guys lined up too. You’d also have to think losing Krejci puts more of a load on Bergeron, etc.

 

[Blowfish]

We’ll find out but I’m thinking Boston takes some steps back. Keep in mind Detroit had their next generation of guys lined up too. You’d also have to think losing Krejci puts more of a load on Bergeron, etc.

At center bruins have Coyle to replace Krejci and a young promising Studnicka... plus newbies Haula, and Nosek. They are stronger down the middle versus the leafs. Yes Matthews is younger but would you take playoff Bergeron or Matthews the next 2 years of the Matthews contract. Remember, Bergeron was runner up for Selke (Florida's Barkov) in 2021.

 

[Stephen]

At center bruins have Coyle to replace Krejci and a young promising Studnicka... plus newbies Haula, and Nosek. They are stronger down the middle versus the leafs. Yes Matthews is younger but would you take playoff Bergeron or Matthews the next 2 years of the Matthews contract. Remember, Bergeron was runner up for Selke (Florida's Barkov) in 2021.

I like Nosek, wish we had signed him. Coyle has taken a few steps back since 2019 though. Haula is no Krejci.

 

[leafsfan5]

At center bruins have Coyle to replace Krejci and a young promising Studnicka... plus newbies Haula, and Nosek. They are stronger down the middle versus the leafs. Yes Matthews is younger but would you take playoff Bergeron or Matthews the next 2 years of the Matthews contract. Remember, Bergeron was runner up for Selke (Florida's Barkov) in 2021.

Coyle is not a Krejci replacement. Krejci was one of the best 2c's in the league for a decade, Coyle is a 3C

And the idea Boston is stronger down the middle than the Leafs is laughable. Leafs win centre depth and it's not a contest, especially with the fact that they don't have Krejci anymore

 

[Blowfish]

Coyle is not a Krejci replacement. Krejci was one of the best 2c's in the league for a decade, Coyle is a 3C

And the idea Boston is stronger down the middle than the Leafs is laughable. Leafs win centre depth and it's not a contest, especially with the fact that they don't have Krejci anymore

Do you take Bergeron or Matthews in the playoffs next two years?

 

[Mess]

Florida's just a good team with some interesting upside. They can be praised without it being a perceived slight on Toronto.

As I pointed out earlier in the thread where both Florida's GM and Coach were both top 3 finalists for Exec and Coach of the year last season both viewed by their peers and doing well.. Leaf Nation fan base is certainly split on the job they believe our GM and coach are doing.

Management has to be a factor here considering coach Q in Florida won three Stanley Cup titles as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks under his belt in comparison as well as > 1700 NHL games and 962 regular season wins to Keefe here.

When 2 teams have nearly identical records over the past 2 seasons then management can be a difference maker to break a tie. IMO

 

[Dekes For Days]

I'm not really understanding why you need to find an equivalency between Toronto and Florida's playoff performances though.

A reminder that I'm not the one that brought up Florida's worse playoff performance to try and justify increasing their placement relative to the Leafs.

 

[kb]

Florida looked pretty impressive vs Tampa in the first round.

Only took 5-7 players having simultaneous career years, including the most important position - goalie.