Series Talk: ECSF: (A1)Toronto Maple Leafs vs (A3)Florida Panthers - (Series tied 3-3) Part 2

[HockeyVirus]

He's outscored every Panthers player in the 2025 playoffs

I'd like it if he had a big game and rocked 2 or more goals as much as anyone, but to say he is not playing well is... Not factual at all

 

[drktmplr12]

The hyperbole with Matthews is insane. Playing elite defense and has 10 points in 10 games but is talked like he is an AHLer.

44% CF 5v5 this campaign

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[Fatass]

Predict the series ends in six games. I don't know who wins, but whoever wins game 5 will also win game 6.

As long as the Leafs are the losers, this fan agrees.

 

[sampollock]

It's why the rest of Canada loves them so much

TSN and SN do

 

[whawhawhat]

I didn’t bring it up, I replied to a comment.

Infact you did both. You did reply to a comment but you also introduced a new point or a fresh idea. This then created a new discussion, which was triggered on the point you made. So in this circumstance you can both be right or wrong. Whichever you prefer.

 

[drktmplr12]

Why are you choosing one stat, that only measures shots at that? This is the intellectually dishonest discourse that turns me off after losses.

Because every Selke winner tallies at or above 60 percent. I'm sorry you don't like facts.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Because every Selke winner tallies at or above 60 percent. I'm sorry you don't like facts.

Counting raw shot totals tell you nothing. What are the quality? So little is told by raw corsi it is a useless stat

 

[TheGroceryStick]

Does Auston have the “next level” and feeds off the outside noise? It’s what makes or breaks a superstar in Toronto, for good or bad.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

44% CF 5v5 this campaign

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Crazy that the Leafs have two Selke level forwards!
Is it Matthews’ or Marner’s’ turn to win it this year?

 

[T REX]

The hyperbole with Matthews is insane. Playing elite defense and has 10 points in 10 games but is talked like he is an AHLer.

He's a tier below Kuch, Mack and mcjesus.

Im not even sure how anyone could argue otherwise.

Not an AHL'er...hyperbole. he's elite at goalscoring...100% but he's not like the guys above. Sorry

 

[drktmplr12]

Counting raw shot totals tell you nothing. What are the quality? So little is told by raw corsi it is a useless stat

You can't shoot the puck when you don't have it. If you don't have it you are playing defense. The objective of defense is to get the puck back. If you are having trouble getting it back, you aren't defending effectively. It isn't rocket appliances.

 

[HockeyVirus]

He's a tier below Kuch, Mack and mcjesus.

Im not even sure how anyone could argue otherwise.

Not an AHL'er...hyperbole. he's elite at goalscoring...100% but he's not like the guys above. Sorry

This isn't what most of the posts are saying

 

[IronHookem]

Yeah, this is very important to the Panthers.

Might not be as important to Panthers fans due to winning the cup last year, but I am certain that it is VERY important to the org and the players. These guys are competitors at the highest level, and with the east being noticeably weaker as of late, they know that they have the opportunity to go down as one of the greatest teams in the modern era if they can continue to reach finals/win cups. There is absolutely some pressure to perform and to seize this opportunity, but I agree that more eyes are on the Leafs due to their embarrassing history.

 

[Dread Clawz]

I know the Panthers forecheck was punishing, but holy shit, the Leafs D are getting crushed. Just relentless. Poor Tanev is taking a beating.

The funny thing is, the Leafs were really capitalizing with the odd man rushes in the first few games, and were even finding success with their own crash and bang forecheck. For some reason, that seemed to change last night. Did PMo adapt? Was the D using the half wall to get the puck out quicker? I know the hits were a lot closer last night, but the Leafs just didn't seem to have to same space as in Games 1-3, especially with the odd man rushes.

Or is it just me?

It seemed like the Leafs just didn't want to get hit anymore. I know they outhit Florida, but there didn't seem to be much synergy between the D and F's on the breakout, and the F's were hardly dumping the puck in even though Florida was forcing them to. i.e. the Nylander turnover that led to Bennett's goal.

 

[sinDer]

Genuine question

Is the mindset now, "Who cares, we already won" Among the fan base ?

Like I get it, I think I maybe might feel the same way if the Leafs won 1 cup. But for the most part you guys seem carefree af, I mean your team did accomplish the ultimate goal already.

But is there still that hunger or desire for a 2nd cup, or is it kinda like meh whatever happens ?

I think it’s « whatever happens » for the most of us.

Don’t get me wrong, the desire for a 2nd cup is there, but it won’t be a big deal if don’t win.

 

[Beezeral]

The hyperbole with Matthews is insane. Playing elite defense and has 10 points in 10 games but is talked like he is an AHLer.

plays elite defense.

 

[jcs0218]

The extra day off will benefit Toronto a lot more than Florida.

Gives Toronto's defensemen an extra day to recover from all the pounding they have been taking this series.

 

[nbwingsfan]

Why are you choosing one stat, that only measures shots at that? This is the intellectually dishonest discourse that turns me off after losses.

What are your stats that he’s playing at an elite defensive level?

 

[TheDoldrums]

plays elite defense.

Barkov is crushing Matthews everywhere except the actual goals being scored, which I guess doesn't matter.

Leafs are outscoring Florida 5-2 when Matthews is on the ice. 4-1 Leafs when it's Matthews vs Barkov. Process matters in the regular season when a long sample size can even things up, actual results are what counts in the playoffs. Let's not act like if Matthews had a billion xG while getting handily outscored that anyone here would be praising him because he had great underlying stats.

 

[authentic]

You can't shoot the puck when you don't have it. If you don't have it you are playing defense. The objective of defense is to get the puck back. If you are having trouble getting it back, you aren't defending effectively. It isn't rocket appliances.

Strange how he’s outscoring Florida 9-3 with having so much trouble getting the puck back. Infact he outscores the opposing team basically every playoffs, not bad for someone usually facing the toughest matchups and having trouble scoring goals

 

[Leaf Fans]

Crazy that the Leafs have two Selke level forwards!
Is it Matthews’ or Marner’s’ turn to win it this year?

Neither are finalists this year.

 

[Divine]

plays elite defense.

When Matthews is on the ice with Barkov the Leafs are outscoring them 4-1. Barkov can keep winning the expected results battle and losing the actual results battle.



Barkov on the ice for 2 goals for and 4 against 5v5 (against all players) this series but he’s crushing it defensively. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

 

[elmaco]

When Matthews is on the ice with Barkov the Leafs are outscoring them 4-1. Barkov can keep winning the expected results battle and losing the actual results battle.



Barkov on the ice for 2 goals for and 4 against 5v5 (against all players) this series but he’s crushing it defensively. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

You forget the game isn't always played 5v5, cool flex tho.

 

[Divine]

You forget the game isn't always played 5v5, cool flex tho.

Oh so he’s shutting players down while he’s on the power play? What a defensive wizard. Cool flex tho.

 

[elmaco]

Oh so he’s shutting players down while he’s on the power play? What a defensive wizard. Cool flex tho.

Maybe if he'd score some goals the Leafs would be winning, you wouldn't have to resort to defend your 13mil boy with this nonsense.