Pre-Game Talk: Game 5: Tampa @ Toronto - April 27th, 2023

[BertCorbeau]

They need a strong first period .. Can't expect to beat Tampa 3 games in a row when you're trailing again.

 

[QJo]

At the end of the day they can win 8-6, as long as long as they win, I don't care.

But would be to much to ask for a nice, clean, stress free 4-1, maybe 5-1 win.?

A game that builds up Samsonov confidence a little bit, a game that fixes his numbers, a little bit? A 3.72 GAA and an 876 sv % it would be great if those got better, and no that's not defense 876 is not defense.

Also a 4-1 or 5-1 win be great because the last 2 have gone to OT and my pulse has ended up in neck, if your pulse ends up in your neck I think that means you are about to die.

I don't want tod ie so can I please have a nice, clean, stress free Leafs win?

Please?

I read somewhere it's good to have a pulse in your neck. So you don't have to worry about that.

 

[Stephen]

I think he has a short leash in this game. Because he's more effective than Lafferty when he's on his game and can play in the top six.

If he is more of a sideshow and they lose, bench him in game 6.

On the fourth line it would be tough for him to lose the team the game. But if he's on and the Leafs need a spark offensively, he can slide up and play in the top 9.

One of my issues with the Leafs this series is it seems like the Tampa Bay Lightning have the initiative in terms of dictating how the game is played. Whether it's goon table setting, trouble making or getting down to serious hockey.

Might be overthinking it, but just thinking how Bunting might impact Tampa's priorities. Do we want them to limp into Game 5, give it a push and then you try to blow the doors off offensively? Or do you bait them into chasing Bunting and making trouble?

 

[xxOCZMSxx]

At the end of the day they can win 8-6, as long as long as they win, I don't care.

But would be to much to ask for a nice, clean, stress free 4-1, maybe 5-1 win.?

A game that builds up Samsonov confidence a little bit, a game that fixes his numbers, a little bit? A 3.72 GAA and an 876 sv % it would be great if those got better, and no that's not defense 876 is not defense.

Also a 4-1 or 5-1 win be great because the last 2 have gone to OT and my pulse has ended up in neck, if your pulse ends up in your neck I think that means you are about to die.

I don't want tod ie so can I please have a nice, clean, stress free Leafs win?

Please?

You’re not willing to die for the Leafs to win…? Mods, please remove this being.

 

[BertCorbeau]

One of my issues with the Leafs this series is it seems like the Tampa Bay Lightning have the initiative in terms of dictating how the game is played. Whether it's goon table setting, trouble making or getting down to serious hockey.

Might be overthinking it, but just thinking how Bunting might impact Tampa's priorities. Do we want them to limp into Game 5, give it a push and then you try to blow the doors off offensively? Or do you bait them into chasing Bunting and making trouble?

Good points .. Personally I'm in the camp of leaving him out. But if they want to put him in on the fourth line and see if he can be effective, they at least know they can bench him if he even starts his antics.

 

[Jojalu]

They need a strong first period .. Can't expect to beat Tampa 3 games in a row when you're trailing again.

I assumed that was their new playbook!

 

[Clark4Ever]

I think he has a short leash in this game. Because he's more effective than Lafferty when he's on his game and can play in the top six.

If he is more of a sideshow and they lose, bench him in game 6.

On the fourth line it would be tough for him to lose the team the game. But if he's on and the Leafs need a spark offensively, he can slide up and play in the top 9.

If Bunting draws in, he should play in the top 9 where he can utilize his strengths more effectively. He will be exploited going up against Perry's line.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

At the end of the day they can win 8-6, as long as long as they win, I don't care.

But would be to much to ask for a nice, clean, stress free 4-1, maybe 5-1 win.?

A game that builds up Samsonov confidence a little bit, a game that fixes his numbers, a little bit? A 3.72 GAA and an 876 sv % it would be great if those got better, and no that's not defense 876 is not defense.

Also a 4-1 or 5-1 win be great because the last 2 have gone to OT and my pulse has ended up in neck, if your pulse ends up in your neck I think that means you are about to die.

I don't want tod ie so can I please have a nice, clean, stress free Leafs win?

Please?

Your idea reminds me of Leafs vs. Blues round 2 in 1993. 6 games of back and forth intensity, overtimes and drama and everyone chewing their nails off over game 7 and the Leafs come out and blow their doors off in laughable fashion. And yes, it was a huge release. Similar (if not quite as intense) in game 7 against against Ottawa in the early 2000s after a war for 6 games and Nieuwendyk floats in two laughers to put things away early. We can only hope for a repeat. We've freaking earned it.

 

[Jojalu]

Your idea reminds me of Leafs vs. Blues round 2 in 1993. 6 games of back and forth intensity, overtimes and drama and everyone chewing their nails off over game 7 and the Leafs come out and blow their doors off in laughable fashion. And yes, it was a huge release. Similar (if not quite as intense) in game 7 against against Ottawa in the early 2000s after a war for 6 games and Nieuwendyk floats in two laughers to put things away early. We can only hope for a repeat. We've freaking earned it.

Mogilny

"Oh he's gotta have that"

Ouch

 

[Jojalu]

Big difference this year is the amount of tips/ goal mouth goals the Leafs have scored.

Overdrive's Noodles said 10 so far.

I can think of Matthews x 2
Kerfoot
Acarri
ZAR
ROR
JT

I remember nothing from the firat game as it appears I have blocked it out

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Your idea reminds me of Leafs vs. Blues round 2 in 1993. 6 games of back and forth intensity, overtimes and drama and everyone chewing their nails off over game 7 and the Leafs come out and blow their doors off in laughable fashion. And yes, it was a huge release. Similar (if not quite as intense) in game 7 against against Ottawa in the early 2000s after a war for 6 games and Nieuwendyk floats in two laughers to put things away early. We can only hope for a repeat. We've freaking earned it.

I watched that game in 2004, I remember

 

[deltamachine]

Recently upon going on this form , a frame like look appears around the edges in different colours??

It shrinks and expands border edge ??
On my iPhone …
Anyone getting this ?
If so how can I make this annoying shhhhhh T
stop ?

I read it as a poem.

 

[napoleon in rags]

What to do with Bunting is a toughie... I'm spit-balling... in for Jarnkrok?

 

[Mr_Fun]

Yeah, hard pass on Simmer next game. I don't get the impression TB is going to goon it up. They'll likely play the same type of game - that in all honesty - would have them leading or at least tied in the series the majority of the time.

What to do with Bunting is a toughie... I'm spit-balling... in for Jarnkrok?

Yeah, tough to sit him out and tough to mess with a winning line up.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

This series has been rough on the goalies but how many teams switch goalies if they lose 3 straight and their starter throws up an .842 over that stretch (and is .856 overall) like Tampa just experienced?

Tampa, Islanders and Rangers the only teams that go with their starter?

I think the Leafs switch to Woll.

It's been ugly and Samsonov doesn't have great numbers but he's up 3-1 he's not coming out.

What to do with Bunting is a toughie... I'm spit-balling... in for Jarnkrok?

Absolutely not

 

[jiggy35]

Put Bunting in but only if he promises to stfu and play simple hard hockey from the 4th line to bait Maroon/Bellemare/Perry.

 

[LeafsFan89]

He should be playing in the bottom 6.
Kind of turned off from him tbh.

 

[TorMapleJays]

I'd love to see a very respectful handshake line after this one. We have the team to do it, hopefully they get it done

No respect in the handshake line!

 

[TMLAM34]

I wish they just played tonight but now I have to wait until tomorrow… I’m so pumped for this game! LFG!!!

 

[Rob Brown]

What to do with Bunting is a toughie... I'm spit-balling... in for Jarnkrok?

I don't think there's any chance of him coming out.

 

[Hellcat]

Yellow hoodie night?

 

[Notsince67]

He looks like Jeff O'Neill 2002.

Rielly on the tsn panel in 10 years?

 

[Hellcat]

I honestly don't think the Leafs have played anywhere near their capabilities all series. That could be because Tampa is an incredible team or because we are tight fighting demons. I think it's more us playing like shite, I think we got a few more levels that we can take up our own play..

We've lost 7 of the 12 regulation periods. It's time for our team to take the game to the Bolts and not the other way around. I'd like to see the dominant November Leafs Thursday night.

 

[Rob Brown]

Yellow hoodie night?

Either him or his wife are probably too embarrassed and won't let him go again.

 

[justashadowof]

Bunting's way more likely to draw penalties and get Lightning players out of position than do something harmful to the Leafs. Plus he could score or provide a screen for a goal.