I think we are rougher and tougher on the D sure but defensively... I think we are more inconsistent. It has been an absolute struggle in general for the PK and it doesnt help with the regression of Brodie due to his extenuating circumstances.
I agree "snot" is there now but I am cautious more than confident tbh.
Last eyar we ran
Rielly-Schenn
McCabe-Brodie
Gio-Holl
This year we are probably going to run
Rielly Boosh
Benoit McCabe
Edmundson Liljegren/Brodie
I really think our D positioning is better this year.
Our PK has been trash but special teams has also been a mess for us in playoffs. So here is hoping we do better this year. I really do think even strength we should be doing a lot better with spreadout offense.
Having Matthews-Marner-Nylander on 3 different lines gives Leafs a lot of flexibility that should pay dividends as long as they produce. At least one line should be putting in the offense at any given night during playoffs
Our issues in post season has been goal scoring when the Core4 were usually shut down in top 2 line philosophy. This year we are "hopefully" going to have a different look with top 3 lines (and may be even 4 line) deep offense.