Post-Game Talk: Its Always Son'Y In Philadelphia

[Auston Marlander]

I completely agree. The Leafs looked great early on. They outplayed MTL in that first game despite losing and looked really impressive in games against NJ and LA (before the score got out of hand and they let up). They had good games against Tampa and WPG as well.

Their play fell off somewhat in November, but they were without Matthews and they were better than they have been lately. Since about the time of that NJ game where they were outshot badly in the first period, they've had too many periods where they've looked like crap and too many games where they've been unimpressive offensively or defensively or both.

It seems their play keeps declining as the season progresses. I guess because they're winning a lot and first in their division, there aren't a lot of complaints about how they're playing. But astute fans should be concerned.

The Boston game was own for the best they have played in as long as I can remember. They are 1st in the Atlantic while missing one of the best players in the league for a large chunk of the season. They had a period with high single digit regulars out with injury. Good teams win when things are tough, and this team keeps doing that.

Anyone who thinks teams can dominate every game clear don't understand that all teams are NHL caliber. In one of Tampa's cup years they lost 7-2 to the last place Coyotes.

 

[francis246]

Tied for first in the East, Tied for 2nd in the League. Thanks woll.

Reaves probably shouldn't dress again for a while. That was a sad game from him in front of Wendel Clark. I don't care if he fights, go in and hit someone...hard at least.

Nice goals by Tavares, Matthews and Knies.

Something must be wrong with Nylander.

Wrong? I love Nylander but this is par for the course for him. He has stretches where he is not engaged whatsoever. He’s been like that since he’s entered the league. He’ll be fine.

 

[ULF_55]

Some too cute plays this game that didn't cost them.

They should know better.

 

[Mr_Fun]

What's up, Sonnnnnnnnnn....?!!!?!!

E very
L eafer
I s
T ruly
E lite!

Everyone
Likes
Ian
Turnbull's
Elitisms

 

[DitchMarner]

They are just managing their way through the season like a lot of successful veteran teams do.

This will be the first Leafs team other teams don't want in the playoffs.

I certainly hope you're right.

At least they're winning while not playing that well. That's a hell of a lot better than losing while not being that good.

 

[DarkKnight]

Two points out of first in the league.

 

[ULF_55]

We do seam to have an obscene amount of back to backs. Haven't checked other teams though.

Posted it in a previous thread.

They are middle of the pack, there are teams with worse and better ... obviously if they're in the middle.

The only biggie was the previous gaps they had in their schedule.

2024-25 NHL schedule analysis: How each team stacks up

From distance travelled to back-to-backs and more, we grade each club’s degree of difficulty.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

 

[Evilhomer]

Ugh... that wasn't pleasant to watch. Honestly, I don't like the way the Leafs play a lot of the time. I'm not saying I want track meets constantly; what I want for them is to play well in some way. If they're going to be an airtight defensive team that wins close games, I'll take that.

But I'm sick of this low-effort first period, sloppy execution, outshot like 30 to 18 by a poor possession team type crap.

When you watch teams like EDM and WSH, they look like legit good teams with believable records. If you follow the Leafs, they don't make you think they're going to be a threat in the playoffs unless they raise their compete level and improve their execution. They get away with playing lazy, uninspired hockey because of goaltending, good play from certain defensemen and their overall talent level (don't need a lot of shots/chances to score). Maybe their record is getting to their heads. When things go south, things can get really bad in this League. Take a look at the struggles of the New York Rangers.

The Leafs need to wake up and improve their play before their play catches up to them.

Only in Toronto would someone say this about a first place team.

Two points out of first in the league.

You wouldn't know it judging by some of the comments here.

 

[All Mod Cons]

Don't think we'll be seeing many games like beating the Canes 8-6 anymore under Craig.

I absolutely love the way that the team is playing at the moment. A very playoff style game.

A couple of deadline acquisitions and we should be golden.

We absolutely need to sort the PP out though. I don't know if it is possible anymore, but that will be our only potential undoing in my eyes.

 

[SprDaVE]

I thought they looked better as the game went along. The first period, especially the powerplay, was pretty bad. They have to make it easier on the goaltenders though, lately they've been shelled pretty good.

 

[DitchMarner]

The Boston game was own for the best they have played in as long as I can remember. They are 1st in the Atlantic while missing one of the best players in the league for a large chunk of the season. They had a period with high single digit regulars out with injury. Good teams win when things are tough, and this team keeps doing that.

Anyone who thinks teams can dominate every game clear don't understand that all teams are NHL caliber. In one of Tampa's cup years they lost 7-2 to the last place Coyotes.

Yeah, I understand that they had a lot of guys out of the line-up.

But they're healthy now and they've been playing pretty bad teams. Winning is the most important thing, sure. But you'd think they would have had at least one strong showing in those sets of games against the Isles and Flyers.

 

[francis246]

Not really, though. You get those wins once in a while when you're off, but the elite teams that go deep in the playoffs are typically those that are carrying play and generating most of the chances

That is not how the playoffs are at all. Last years playoffs had a ton of 1 goal games pretty much in every series. Tight games, trading chances, goalies were huge difference makers in the last few years of Stanley cup champions. There wasn’t really one team that dominated a series.

 

[Ports]

I completely agree. The Leafs looked great early on. They outplayed MTL in that first game despite losing and looked really impressive in games against NJ and LA (before the score got out of hand and they let up). They had good games against Tampa and WPG as well.

Their play fell off somewhat in November, but they were without Matthews and they were better than they have been lately. Since about the time of that NJ game where they were outshot badly in the first period, they've had too many periods where they've looked like crap and too many games where they've been unimpressive offensively or defensively or both.

It seems their play keeps declining as the season progresses. I guess because they're winning a lot and first in their division, there aren't a lot of complaints about how they're playing. But astute fans should be concerned.

The difference with this version of the Leafs is their defensive structure gives up very few second chance shots and their forwards are scoring more from the dirty areas. Add great goaltenders who stop pretty much any shot they can see and they can win games they wouldn’t in the past. It may not look pretty a lot of the time but their discipline and composure mean they can shut things down late in games and win a lot of low scoring games.

 

[GrizzLeaf]

We do seam to have an obscene amount of back to backs. Haven't checked other teams though.

20 games so far that have been back to back. There are 10 more back to back games before the end of the season.

That means they've played half their games back to back so far but it will slack off quite alot from here on in.

 

[DarkKnight]

That is not how the playoffs are at all. Last years playoffs had a ton of 1 goal games pretty much in every series. Tight games, trading chances, goalies were huge difference makers in the last few years of Stanley cup champions. There wasn’t really one team that dominated a series.

Agreed, the margins are so slight in hockey especially. This idea elite teams run over opponents in the playoffs, that's dynasty days, it doesn't exist anymore.

 

[mikeyz]

Yeah I got to admit they're starting to make a believer out of me. But, I still want to 100% reserve judgment until I see what they do in the playoffs. Call it old wounds, call it trust issues. Call It whatever you want. But the bottom line is I've seen this story way too many times over the last 8 to 9 years. Where they have incredible regular seasons and then completely shit the bed in the playoffs. Now I know that you can make an argument and say this year might be different because of Berube behind the bench and he's more of a hard ass than Keefe and he will most likely get the best out of these guys come play off time. But still, I just can't do it. I can't allow myself to think that this year is going to be different until they actually prove it when it matters. That's just the bottom line.

 

[francis246]

The difference with this version of the Leafs is their defensive structure gives up very few second chance shots and their forwards are scoring more from the dirty areas. Add great goaltenders who stop pretty much any shot they can see and they can win games they wouldn’t in the past. It may not look pretty a lot of the time but their discipline and composure mean they can shut things down late in games and win a lot of low scoring games.

The leafs are also blocking a ton more shots this year than I can ever remember. I think people are just used to the high flying offensive style and having a hard time adjusting to Berube’s style of hockey. Which is more defensive. They are not going to take crazy offensive risks under him.

 

[LeafSteel]

Imagine where we would be had Shanny not hired a GM with his head in the clouds 6 years ago.

Games against Philly are like fingernails on a chalkboard watching Konecny, and knowing Dubas passed on drafting him to move down and get Travis Dermott, Jeremy Bracco and Martins Dzierkel. Welp, he’s someone else’s problem now.

Woll was amazing to watch and I’m watching Myers more and more. I can see why the Leafs management were high o no him and didn’t want to take any chances exposing him in waivers.

You could tell Timmins hadn’t played in a while and it showed in his game.

Benoit is really coming on strong lately. Brings a lot of important attributes and is a guy you want in your lineup for the playoffs.

Not pretty but it’s a win, and hopefully whatever is ailing Nylander, he can shake it off soon

Gotta love going into the TDL in a position of strength for once…..

 

[BayStBullies]

It's nice to have a coach that produces predictable results where the Leafs actually beat the shit teams. They just need to sort their PP coach.

 

[DarkKnight]

20 games so far that have been back to back. There are 10 more back to back games before the end of the season.

That means they've played half their games back to back so far but it will slack off quite alot from here on in.

The Leafs have played more rested teams in their back to backs than anyone else I believe. Between that and the injuries, where we sit is kind of remarkable for me.

 

[Mr_Fun]

I thought they looked better as the game went along. The first period, especially the powerplay, was pretty bad. They have to make it easier on the goaltenders though, lately they've been shelled pretty good.

I definitely noticed them getting better, although it would be tough to get worse than that 1st ( even though I've seen that too).

 

[DitchMarner]

Only in Toronto would someone say this about a first place team.


You wouldn't know it judging by some of the comments here.

I just want the team to have success in the post season and earn some respect. Tired of the jokes and being a laughing stock.

I know the Leafs have a good roster and a lot of talent. I don't think they're playing as well as they can. I'm hoping they can sort the issues out now before their play hurts them.

 

[djdev]

sooooo ye, put reaves in the game so dewar can fight. get this guy far away from this team man. hes worse than unplayable.

 

[francis246]

Agreed, the margins are so slight in hockey especially. This idea elite teams run over opponents in the playoffs, that's dynasty days, it doesn't exist anymore.

Yup Bobrovsky literally stole that series from the rangers last year. They couldn’t get anything past him. I find to go deep you need a hot goaltender that is the key ingredient. And insane special teams. Florida and EDM were the best special teams in the playoffs last year

 

[DarkKnight]

Shout out to the PK as well, 12 or 13 straight kills. If we can ever get this PP humming, we're unstoppable really.