Post-Game Talk: Battle of Ontario the Sequel - 6-2 win -- Game 1

[keonsbitterness]

I think this series ends next Tuesday.

Could be difficult since next Tuesday is tomorrow.

 

[notbias]

This is the time when I wish Reaves was a bit of a better player. I would love Reaves to whisper in Grieg's ear: "hey, you do one thing that pisses me off tonight, and I'm sending you to the ER. If I get suspended, I don't give two shits. I'm retiring anyway".

I will guarantee this will have Greig thinking twice about running our goalie. Reaves has nothing to lose and Greig knows this.

Bad idea, Tkachuk feeds off tough hockey, so we don't want that, he'd likely double in size and score 6 goals if Reaves did that.

That's why Reaves isn't playing.

 

[ThrowDemTongs]

Could be difficult since next Tuesday is tomorrow.

Asteroid. All series ends tomorrow.

Finally.

 

[Antropovsky]

Mitch is a significantly more creative and elusive skater than Robertson, I don't think there's any comparison here.

Marner still falls like a ton of bricks from a gentle breeze...hes also an expert at eluding physical areas of the ice. Robertson was playing like he was 3 inches taller and 20lbs heavier out there. He was great, doing all he could despite his size disadvantage and hes much shorter than Marner. Robertson set the tone early finishing some big hits.

 

[Antropovsky]

1- Robertson always had balance issue and struggling just to stay on his skate

Marner or Nylander doesn't have those balance issue

2-Robertson is not soft and probably one of player working the most but he having balance issue.

If you think marner was soft yesterday, you clearly didn't watch the game. He was physically engaged and goes on contact. He did what he shoukd and Tkachuk/Struzle line had been pretty quiet outside of Tkachuk breakway...

Nylander and Marner balancd and strength wise are not comparable. They are listed as the same height but Nylander is 20lbs heavier and has trees for legs.nylander can hold off a player with one hand from a standstill until he generates speed. Marnee falls or throws the puck away if a player gets within a few feet from him.

They arent comparable... your bias is getting in the way of your eyes.

 

[Brown Dog]

We've seen the Leafs crap the bed in game 1's before and dominate game 2. So the idea that the series is over is ridiculous.

We need 4 wins. We've got 1 now. That's it. Next game is its own brand new challenge.

 

[Malachi Crunch]

Bad idea, Tkachuk feeds off tough hockey, so we don't want that, he'd likely double in size and score 6 goals if Reaves did that.

That's why Reaves isn't playing.

Yeah, I know. Just letting off some steam but typing out some violent stuff.

 

[mix1home]

Marner matched his entire last years Boston statline in game 1

So the entire team. They scored half of the goals from that entire 7 games series in just this one game.

 

[sxvnert]

Knies Matthews Marner
McMann Tavares Nylander
Lorentz Laughton Pacioretty
Holmberg Kampf Robertson
Jarnkrok/Domi

 

[Warden of the North]

So the entire team. They scored half of the goals from that entire 7 games series in just this one game.

The difference between playing the Sens vs Bruins, Panthers, or Lightning is being understated in the broadcasts when they quote these stats.

 

[Apex Predator]

Great game and feel the leafs best still to come. Let’s bring it to them game 2!

 

[Stephen]

I like Ed Belfour’s comment about blockering a guy in the face if they try to be crease crashers the way Greig was last night.

 

[Jmo89]

I'm a little shocked at the lack of overall positivity in this thread. Too many posts saying the Sens were equal or a bit better 5on5, and stuff like that.

I felt Toronto dominated that entire game. I don't care what any advanced stats might have said. At no point was I nervous that Ottawa was going to mount a comeback. Even when they got on the board at 2-1 and they were way outshooting the Leafs, it never seemed like they might equalize.

The Leafs were the better team across the board. Ottawa wasn't very dangerous, and the Leafs were getting production from every line. No player on the Sens looked as impressive as Marner/Nylander/Matthews/Tavares/Knies. Toronto's skill was clearly head and shoulders above anything the Sens have.

This series is as over as it can be after 1 game. If game 2 goes according to this same script, then I'm going to pop in to Canadian Tire real quick on Wednesday and buy a new broom. Because I'll be getting my old one ready to sweep-cheer down the streets.

The Leafs always have the ability to "Leaf" (regarding the rest of the series) but anyone worried about the advanced stats need to chill. The Leafs dominated whenever the game was close. They slowed down and effectively defended their lead when Ottawa was down by 3+ goals. It's clear they're planning to conserve energy in case the series goes long and/or for the 2nd round and beyond.

Empty shots and possession when you're losing by 3+ goals mean nothing. Let Ottawa tire themselves out even more.

 

[tmlms13]

This is the time when I wish Reaves was a bit of a better player. I would love Reaves to whisper in Grieg's ear: "hey, you do one thing that pisses me off tonight, and I'm sending you to the ER. If I get suspended, I don't give two shits. I'm retiring anyway".

I will guarantee this will have Greig thinking twice about running our goalie. Reaves has nothing to lose and Greig knows this.

Problem is you gotta wait for a specific situation.... if Reaves takes a major in a tied or 1 goal game or early it does more damage than good to the Leafs

 

[Leafsfan74]

Marner still falls like a ton of bricks from a gentle breeze...hes also an expert at eluding physical areas of the ice. Robertson was playing like he was 3 inches taller and 20lbs heavier out there. He was great, doing all he could despite his size disadvantage and hes much shorter than Marner. Robertson set the tone early finishing some big hits.

Also, when Robertson is throwing the body it doesn't allow anyone else an excuse not to. This is always the way it works.

In the event someone tries to be a tough guy because of a clean hit and try and fight him knowing he isn't a fighter, you'll get a guy like Benoit rag doll them to their senses as he did last night.

All of this builds unity within the team. These Leafs like playing for one another and standing up for one another. They interpret this as a badge of honour.

Marner needs to draw more penalties by keeping his feet moving. There has been the odd game in which he has thrown a couple of solid hits. It only takes a couple each game when available to make a difference.

 

[nuck]

Lalonde says he pays attention to 5vs5 Ozone possession and said that the Sens were up 2 minutes on the Leafs. One positive but they have lots of work to do to avoid going down 2-0.

Possession and shot based metrics don't account for the fact the Leafs top 5 forwards outscored Ottawa's 172 - 105 in the regular season. There is shot volume and then there are who the shooters are. There are only a few teams in the League that can trade chances with the Leafs and expect to win and the Sen's aren't one of them. Ottawa has to out chance the Leafs significantly or out goalie them to win a series.

They let Nylander, Mathews and JT take 14 shots and that ate them up. I think that will normalize. The Sens will take fewer penalties next time and their goaltending will be better but Ulmark is a bit of a mystery. He was actually pretty porous in the playoffs behind a powerful Bruins club. I don't really believe that players are regular season stallions and chokers in the playoff but he has not been a big deal ijn the playoffs so has something to prove.

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Matthews gonna light the lamp next game for sureeeee.

 

[tuckerintensity]

Robertson was playing like he was 3 inches taller and 20lbs heavier out there.

1) So 5'8", 175 pounds? Great.
2) JFC, give it up. Marner was great last night.

 

[Leafsfan74]

I like Ed Belfour’s comment about blockering a guy in the face if they try to be crease crashers the way Greig was last night.

If up 3 goals late in the game at home I see no problem with this. Furthermore, it will force the refs to call two penalties to cancel them out. If not, what is the league saying? A goalie isn't allowed to protect himself in his crease because the league won't?

 

[ashs]

Hopefully JT is ok after that cross-check.

 

[Drew4u]

Nylander and Marner balancd and strength wise are not comparable. They are listed as the same height but Nylander is 20lbs heavier and has trees for legs.nylander can hold off a player with one hand from a standstill until he generates speed. Marnee falls or throws the puck away if a player gets within a few feet from him.

They arent comparable... your bias is getting in the way of your eyes.

Bro you're the biggest Marner hater i've ever seen and you're a leafs fan. He was a top 5 forward this year, was clutch in the 4 nations in ot TWICE against U.S and Sweden. He already has 3 points in the playoffs. Lead the leafs in playoff points 2 years ago. Was dominant in Junior playoffs.

You're such a hater it's crazy. Stop with the shit talk at least wait until he stops getting points. Go f***ing spam him on twitter or something. Fans like you are the reason why players don't want to sign to Canadian teams. Learn to appreciate greatness.

 

[Drew4u]

Also all this talk about Marner not being physical, then WHY IS HE ON THE PK. Do you think the coach is going to put the softie (Nylander) on the Pk. He's on the PK cuz even the coach knows he's a grinder, hard-worker, willing to do what it takes to won.

 

[arso40]

Knies Matthews Marner
McMann Tavares Nylander
Lorentz Laughton Pacioretty
Holmberg Kampf Robertson
Jarnkrok/Domi

I leave Laughton line patches has to watch for now

 

[arso40]

Also all this talk about Marner not being physical, then WHY IS HE ON THE PK. Do you think the coach is going to put the softie (Nylander) on the Pk. He's on the PK cuz even the coach knows he's a grinder, hard-worker, willing to do what it takes to won.

You were doing good until you mentioned marner and grinder as a description marner had a solid game he however is not a grinder at all he’s on the pk cause he’s a smart player period

 

[al secord]

Could be difficult since next Tuesday is tomorrow.

Shucks. I brought out my favorite sweepin' broom.