Keefe on physicality and grit

[DraftSchmaft]

Leafs addressing grit at the deadline is similar to a student cramming for an exam the night before after skipping class the whole year.

17/18 Caps were second in playoff hits per game. Blues were able to match Bruins feisty play in 18/19. 19/20 Bolts did a complete overhaul and were first in hits per game in the playoffs. Why is it that the Leafs continue to ignore this to the point in 2022 we're as prepared as the Sabres when it comes to playoff intensity?

Pens seem to be the only exception but people don't understand how hard it will be to replicate what Crosby Malkin and Kessel did. Our core 4 will need to be flawless with almost no room for error.

Leafs had years to better surround the core but decided to stand pat with depth players inferior to the rest of the leagues depth players when it comes to playoff war. We plucked Boosh off a lottery team and he already looks more playoff ready than half the roster.

Trading for Foligno is what you get when cramming the night before. Blocking your roster with players who get bullied in the playoffs or are too old to battle consistently (Spezza/Simmonds) so you end up losing a Marchment pretty much sums up managements approach to depth. That will anger many people to read, but the truth hurts and takes time to accept, so that's fine.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Leafs addressing grit at the deadline is similar to a student cramming for an exam the night before after skipping class the whole year.

17/18 Caps were second in playoff hits per game. Blues were able to match Bruins feisty play in 18/19. 19/20 Bolts did a complete overhaul and were first in hits per game in the playoffs. Why is it that the Leafs continue to ignore this to the point in 2022 we're as prepared as the Sabres when it comes to playoff intensity?

Pens seem to be the only exception but people don't understand how hard it will be to replicate what Crosby Malkin and Kessel did. Our core 4 will need to be flawless with almost no room for error.

Leafs had years to better surround the core but decided to stand pat with depth players inferior to the rest of the leagues depth players when it comes to playoff war. We plucked Boosh off a lottery team and he already looks more playoff ready than half the roster.

Trading for Foligno is what you get when cramming the night before. Blocking your roster with players who get bullied in the playoffs or are too old to battle consistently (Spezza/Simmonds) so you end up losing a Marchment pretty much sums up managements approach to depth. That will anger many people to read, but the truth hurts and takes time to accept, so that's fine.

Such a great post! And the bolded is probably the main reason that giving up a 1st round pick for Foligno was a big mistake. Also the reason why trading futures for rentals would be once again a mistake this season.

 

[mydnyte]

Example -- look at Washington the other night, they destroyed us physically and on the scoresheet.

...we won that game, you know that right?

 

[Shooter2x]

Which makes it all the more strange that there is a big group of stats gurus here who don't get it because it's not measured in their spreadsheets. They relentlessly mock us "negative nancys " after every big win and after the playoffs, they go into hiding for a bit and then they're back posting stats again. But I think many of us either are sure, or at least strongly suspect that this seemingly inbred "p***yness" that permeates our team, is the biggest reason that our "expected" playoff success lags far behind actual success.

That group is becoming what they hate. I signed up here in the dark ages where toxicity driven by emotion was the major problem with the difference being it was anti-leaf toxicity that didn't really give any solutions to fixing problems. Made the forum a hard place to visit. Now it's the opposite. Biggest pro-Leaf posters becoming toxic due to their denial. Nothing worth reading, just one liners filled with sarcasm and insults if you dare say anything resembling criticism. They have to decide what's allowed to be criticized or not. It's like they have a group chat or something, send the bat signal and everyone swarms in to like their post to give it the illusion it's correct. I don't have any allies on this board so I have the luxury of calling it as it is because I couldn't care less who doesn't like me here.

Anyways back on topic, grit is no beuno. Carry on.

 

[DraftSchmaft]

That group is becoming what they hate. I signed up here in the dark ages where toxicity driven by emotion was the major problem with the difference being it was anti-leaf toxicity that didn't really give any solutions to fixing problems. Made the forum a hard place to visit. Now it's the opposite. Biggest pro-Leaf posters becoming toxic due to their denial. Nothing worth reading, just one liners filled with sarcasm and insults if you dare say anything resembling criticism. They have to decide what's allowed to be criticized or not. It's like they have a group chat or something, send the bat signal and everyone swarms in to like their post to give it the illusion it's correct. I don't have any allies on this board so I have the luxury of calling it as it is because I couldn't care less who doesn't like me here.

Anyways back on topic, grit is no beuno. Carry on.

You can tell who signed up after that Habs choke job. They've only lived a life of hardship and war here so their posts are always a bit on the savage side because that was the only way to initially survive

 

[geo25]

Sorry, this to me is a the attitude of an already defeated team.

Can’t fathom someone face washing and shoving me or a teammate and not getting into it.

Playoffs are a different beast and we’ve repeatedly shown we don’t have it between the ears.

The definition of futility is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

I don’t expect a different result as currently constructed.

You forgot the insanity part..
But, very true!

 

[ShaneFalco]

That group is becoming what they hate. I signed up here in the dark ages where toxicity driven by emotion was the major problem with the difference being it was anti-leaf toxicity that didn't really give any solutions to fixing problems. Made the forum a hard place to visit. Now it's the opposite. Biggest pro-Leaf posters becoming toxic due to their denial. Nothing worth reading, just one liners filled with sarcasm and insults if you dare say anything resembling criticism. They have to decide what's allowed to be criticized or not. It's like they have a group chat or something, send the bat signal and everyone swarms in to like their post to give it the illusion it's correct. I don't have any allies on this board so I have the luxury of calling it as it is because I couldn't care less who doesn't like me here.

Anyways back on topic, grit is no beuno. Carry on.

This is spot on

 

[sparxx87]

Which makes it all the more strange that there is a big group of stats gurus here who don't get it because it's not measured in their spreadsheets. They relentlessly mock us "negative nancys " after every big win and after the playoffs, they go into hiding for a bit and then they're back posting stats again. But I think many of us either are sure, or at least strongly suspect that this seemingly inbred "p***yness" that permeates our team, is the biggest reason that our "expected" playoff success lags far behind actual success.

Look no further than getting punked by Mats Zucarello and nobody did anything. Most pro sports teams would be on you like a pack of wild dogs if you take a late or unnecessary shot at one of their guys.


Captain skates right by, Kerfoot just looks at the ref.

At least the word pride is stitched in their jersey’s. They need to add the definition, though.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Leafs addressing grit at the deadline is similar to a student cramming for an exam the night before after skipping class the whole year.

17/18 Caps were second in playoff hits per game. Blues were able to match Bruins feisty play in 18/19. 19/20 Bolts did a complete overhaul and were first in hits per game in the playoffs. Why is it that the Leafs continue to ignore this to the point in 2022 we're as prepared as the Sabres when it comes to playoff intensity?

Pens seem to be the only exception but people don't understand how hard it will be to replicate what Crosby Malkin and Kessel did. Our core 4 will need to be flawless with almost no room for error.

Leafs had years to better surround the core but decided to stand pat with depth players inferior to the rest of the leagues depth players when it comes to playoff war. We plucked Boosh off a lottery team and he already looks more playoff ready than half the roster.

Trading for Foligno is what you get when cramming the night before. Blocking your roster with players who get bullied in the playoffs or are too old to battle consistently (Spezza/Simmonds) so you end up losing a Marchment pretty much sums up managements approach to depth. That will anger many people to read, but the truth hurts and takes time to accept, so that's fine.

Pens only won because league did not know Murray and he stood on his head and many dozens of 10 bellers .. but same idea needs to happen with Leafs in playoffs Matty and Mitch and Willy need to be on 3 different lines so teams can't focus on stopping 2 lines .. and then we need Woll to stand on his head for a couple months (he has capability to do it) .. and we need to bring in 2 defensive defenders with Muzzy and Brodie to force loads of 1 0n 1 save situations .. Kerfoot goes with Willy .. JT with Mitch .. and Bunting with Matty .. then a Kam-Mik-Engval defensive line .. size will be needed on other wings to open up ice and add some physical play on 3 lines .. right now we are short with only wayner for Willy .. but likely Cliffy takes 1 spot with Mitch .. and maybe you put Kase with Matty (not sure)

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

Look no further than getting punked by Mats Zucarello and nobody did anything. Most pro sports teams would be on you like a pack of wild dogs if you take a late or unnecessary shot at one of their guys.


Captain skates right by, Kerfoot just looks at the ref.

At least the word pride is stitched in their jersey’s. They need to add the definition, though.

Embarrassing to watch. I've said it before it starts from the top down. Some people thought Matthews laughing while being punched was funny even though Montreal got the last laugh. Seeing JT the freaking captain making 11M who hasn't scored in who knows how many games just waltz by the guy who gave a ridiculously dirty trip is disheartening. Matthews has some bite and Bunts is a warrior, everyone else in the top 6 ..... I don't want to call them p****** but I'm having a hard time thinking of another word. I'm just praying that after years of disappointing playoff exits these guys might finally get it. Being cute on the ice isn't enough in the post season. You need to have some back bone. You need to care about your teammates and let the other team know that even if your bigger, stronger, and the baddest team around, we will not be bullied by you.

 

[ACC1224]

Look no further than getting punked by Mats Zucarello and nobody did anything. Most pro sports teams would be on you like a pack of wild dogs if you take a late or unnecessary shot at one of their guys.


Captain skates right by, Kerfoot just looks at the ref.

At least the word pride is stitched in their jersey’s. They need to add the definition, though.

In their defense, Zucarello is a scary dude and I don't believe Simmonds was on the ice.
Sometimes retreat is the best option.

 

[The Iceman]

0% chance.

So you have no problem giving everyone $100 if Leafs beat them then....

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Like anything in life you can't let people bully you around .. in hockey it is 10X worse as loads of players get scared .. I can't count da number of times I told guys in front of net or along da wall that I would take my stick and shove in down their throat while breaking a couple of teeth along da way .. most of da time it worked .. I hated guys blowing by me down middle especially da really fast guys so essentially they would go to wall to try to beat me and I could pivot that way much better .. every once in a while guys would try to go down broadway against me and next time I had them on wall I would slam their heads into glass a couple times and that would stop .. or they would tell their goon this guy was causing them problems and there would be a fight .. but defenders can make game go da way they want .. da wingers usually comply

 

[sparxx87]

Embarrassing to watch. I've said it before it starts from the top down. Some people thought Matthews laughing while being punched was funny even though Montreal got the last laugh. Seeing JT the freaking captain making 11M who hasn't scored in who knows how many games just waltz by the guy who gave a ridiculously dirty trip is disheartening. Matthews has some bite and Bunts is a warrior, everyone else in the top 6 ..... I don't want to call them p****** but I'm having a hard time thinking of another word. I'm just praying that after years of disappointing playoff exits these guys might finally get it. Being cute on the ice isn't enough in the post season. You need to have some back bone. You need to care about your teammates and let the other team know that even if your bigger, stronger, and the baddest team around, we will not be bullied by you.

Like this. Scott tries to drag their star into a fight, 4 teammates wouldn’t allow it (5if you include Clarkson) and then Bernier went and dragged their star goalie into a fight he didn’t want to be in.

That was a team. Not nearly as talented, but a team.

 

[The Iceman]

Leafs addressing grit at the deadline is similar to a student cramming for an exam the night before after skipping class the whole year.

17/18 Caps were second in playoff hits per game. Blues were able to match Bruins feisty play in 18/19. 19/20 Bolts did a complete overhaul and were first in hits per game in the playoffs. Why is it that the Leafs continue to ignore this to the point in 2022 we're as prepared as the Sabres when it comes to playoff intensity?

Pens seem to be the only exception but people don't understand how hard it will be to replicate what Crosby Malkin and Kessel did. Our core 4 will need to be flawless with almost no room for error.

Leafs had years to better surround the core but decided to stand pat with depth players inferior to the rest of the leagues depth players when it comes to playoff war. We plucked Boosh off a lottery team and he already looks more playoff ready than half the roster.

Trading for Foligno is what you get when cramming the night before. Blocking your roster with players who get bullied in the playoffs or are too old to battle consistently (Spezza/Simmonds) so you end up losing a Marchment pretty much sums up managements approach to depth. That will anger many people to read, but the truth hurts and takes time to accept, so that's fine.

BUT remember, we are where we are. March 3, 2022
Cramming the night before is better than nothing.

I am not saying it is ideal but i did get by on occasion with the cramming method in HS.

 

[sparxx87]

In their defense, Zucarello is a scary dude and I don't believe Simmonds was on the ice.
Sometimes retreat is the best option.

No no, not Milan Lucic, Mats Zucarrello.

 

[ShaneFalco]

Look no further than getting punked by Mats Zucarello and nobody did anything. Most pro sports teams would be on you like a pack of wild dogs if you take a late or unnecessary shot at one of their guys.


Captain skates right by, Kerfoot just looks at the ref.

At least the word pride is stitched in their jersey’s. They need to add the definition, though.

That's just sad and that kind of thing happens all the time.
Shanny talked about standing up for eachother as something he wants to see. Apparently the message didn't get through. But I guess that will just occur overnight like a "killer instinct"

 

[Leafsfan74]

You can bet Keefe understands that a physical game is important, especially in a playoff series. He also has to be realistic and understand the type of team he has. So, unfortunately unless the addition of a few honey badgers is added at the deadline, this is what he has to work with and he doesn't want them to play to the oppositions strengths. Still, not backing down should be the minimum in pro sports.

People said that the Caps game was a playoff type game, I say the game against the Sabres is also similar to what they might face depending on the matchup. Opposition committed to strong, collapse defense that won't give any space, think Columbus series two years ago. A physical opposition just adds another layer.

The addition of tenacious forwards can make a difference through simple north/south play and taking the body. As it were, Leafs are probably better served in realistically adding some physicality in the backend and accept that they can't change the spots of their forwards.

Depending on what personnel Dubas might be able to trade (I can count as many as four lineup players that I would be willing to move) or what the market bears, he really could conduct a precise surgical facelift of the team this deadline, if they are willing to move on from some solid, but not Identity dynamic type players.

It's either they decide to make uncomfortable decisions this deadline with the hope of improving what they lack, or, face a much tougher lineup decisions this offseason if they don't roll the dice and they lose again.

 

[ShaneFalco]

Which makes it all the more strange that there is a big group of stats gurus here who don't get it because it's not measured in their spreadsheets. They relentlessly mock us "negative nancys " after every big win and after the playoffs, they go into hiding for a bit and then they're back posting stats again. But I think many of us either are sure, or at least strongly suspect that this seemingly inbred "p***yness" that permeates our team, is the biggest reason that our "expected" playoff success lags far behind actual success.

It's mind blowing how some around here talk about being elite, and one of the best teams in the league, one of the best defences etc etc. Justin Holl is a top 4 d-man on any team etc. We haven't won a f'n thing in decades, not even a single round. We've lost 5 years in a row in the first round - the last 3 without even a fight in the end. One of the coaches called this team fragile, players say themselves they're too easy to play against, Shanny talks about wanting the team to stick up for eachother - they try and add leadership and toughness each year and it fails. Yet post something that's perceived as negative and you're trolling, not being realistic, taking things out of context, not looking at the stats etc. Never seen so many excuses for a team failing in the post-season anywhere

 

[HolyCrap]

It's mind blowing how some around here talk about being elite, and one of the best teams in the league, one of the best defences etc etc. Justin Holl is a top 4 d-man on any team etc. We haven't won a f'n thing in decades, not even a single round. We've lost 5 years in a row in the first round - the last 3 without even a fight in the end. One of the coaches called this team fragile, players say themselves they're too easy to play against, Shanny talks about wanting the team to stick up for eachother - they try and add leadership and toughness each year and it fails. Yet post something that's perceived as negative and you're trolling, not being realistic, taking things out of context, not looking at the stats etc. Never seen so many excuses for a team failing in the post-season anywhere

I hear ya. I do think a lot more fans have the same mindset as us but we’re not as vocal. Also it probably has a bit to do with the board. It’s so negative Leafs on mainboards some posters are used to having to stand up for the Leafs so it’s could be almost and instinct thing.

 

[Menzinger]

Guys like Marner and Matthews are who they are.l.in this regard. They're not going to start dropping the gloves or acting tougher just because the team has another coach.

 

[notbias]

...we won that game, you know that right?

That was the point of the post... If people think grit and physicality is what wins series, then Calgary vs Washington will be one interesting matchup

 

[glue]

Brayden point…one of Tampas most skilled players drops the gloves with Letang. I’m not saying our skilled guys need to do that but our skilled guys need to show more f**king emotion…even that is a form of toughness to not be afraid, to push back and get angry and hate to lose. We need more of that from our leaders particularly JT who’s robot like. Not almost 40 year old guys like Spezza and sometimes Simmonds

 

[fahad203]

Brayden point…one of Tampas most skilled players drops the gloves with Letang. I’m not saying our skilled guys need to do that but our skilled guys need to show more f**king emotion…even that is a form of toughness to not be afraid, to push back and get angry and hate to lose. We need more of that from our leaders particularly JT who’s robot like. Not almost 40 year old guys like Spezza and sometimes Simmonds

Back in the day, Ceasers Roman fighters used to charge into the battle into their enemies not beacuse they were super brave or because they weren't afraid of their enemies

They were terrified of Ceasers..... They rather face their enemies than Ceasers

Keefe can say all the beautiful stuff he wants. he can act tough.. The fact is, he has no credibility. All of their players watched him grow, learn on the job. They know this is not who he is.... they made him not other way around

There's a culture of doing right things, saying right things with TML... Starts with Dubas then Keefe

Cooper backs his players up. Cooper demands his players to play certain way, otherwise you leave town. Ask Druoin. Started with Yzerman then Cooper

How many Mikaheyev, Kampf or Engvalls in that team? or players like that?

 

[OVO16]

This totally lines up with what I was predicting. I said before the season that I truly think the Coaching staff neuters our guys from playing that physical game. Keefe just pretty much confirmed it.

It makes no sense that guy like Bogosian, Foligno, Clifford, Muzzin, Ritchie, Hyman, etc....all literally just forgot how to play physical or just refused to mix it up. It just made no sense.

We have current guys like Engvall and Holl who are huge hockey players and just refuse to play a physical game. This coaching just refuses to implement physicality/emotion into the game. Thats just not how playoff hockey is supposed to be won