Leafs’ first round opponent: Boston (who tanked for us)

[ACC1224]

Florida has OEL out tonight and Ekblad won't play until game 1, I kind of wonder if they're more banged up than we realize.

I'd be telling the boys to finish checks tonight.

Barkov is hurt as well.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Maybe, but it sure looks like Ottawa has packed it in. Getting shutout regularly.

Yea, it’s quite possible Boston blows them out 5-0 and we know our opponent before our game is even over. I just want a little drama, lol

 

[Evilhomer]

Yea, it’s quite possible Boston blows them out 5-0 and we know our opponent before our game is even over. I just want a little drama, lol

Agreed, drama makes things interesting. It's too bad the game against Tampa doesn't mean anything in the standings.

 

[93gilmour93]

Don't they usually get an extra day off between games 2 and 3?

It always seems to change year to year so I'm not sure. Didn't the Panthers delay a game by an extra day last year cause the owner wanted to watch his horse in a race?

 

[keonsbitterness]

Don't they usually get an extra day off between games 2 and 3?

Generally not in the early rounds, but it depends on TV and arena availability.

 

[Rob Brown]

Generally not in the early rounds, but it depends on TV and arena availability.

If they don't, it could be:

G1 - Saturday
G2 - Monday
G3 - Wednesday (Home)
G4 - Friday (Home)

I know generally the thought is they want the Leafs on Saturday in the playoffs, but we've had a few Friday games over the years and if anything it'd prop up an otherwise 'weaker' ratings night for hockey.

 

[keonsbitterness]

If they don't, it could be:

G1 - Saturday
G2 - Monday
G3 - Wednesday (Home)
G4 - Friday (Home)

I know generally the thought is they want the Leafs on Saturday in the playoffs, but we've had a few Friday games over the years and if anything it'd prop up an otherwise 'weaker' ratings night for hockey.

And they could feature the western teams for that Saturday.

 

[TorMapleJays]

And they could feature the western teams for that Saturday.

Yes but the western teams are all playing Thursday.

 

[Buds17]

While it's unfortunate that we can't improve our situation, it is interesting that we do have some influence tonight over who the first round opponent will be.

 

[TorMapleJays]

I want Florida simply because I think we will be better prepared for them. I also think TB can beat Bos.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Every expert will tell you, in every team sport:

Offense wins games
defense wins championships

No room and space in the playoffs also. Forwards have to fight through. Willing to pay the price to score and win. And most playoff teams have decent level defense and goaltending to begin with.

Yep this is problem Mitch and JT have in playoffs .. their time and space is limited and you got to have speed to blow by people .. it is why Willy always looks decent as he has an extra gear to hit to blow by a D man .. JT and Mitch don't so they have to do it with stickwork which is much much harder when your guy is right on top of you .. if we win our D must be outstanding and we have to have tending where all da normal saves get made every game and then Matty and Willy have to produce 2 goals per game bottom line .. win 2-1 in OT and then grind out another game

 

[Stephen]

Whomever we play I just want to see the Leafs beat them in the alley and beat them on the ice. I want to win and I want it ugly.

 

[keonsbitterness]

Yes but the western teams are all playing Thursday.

We were talking about the following week (Apr 26/27).

 

[HamiltonNHL]

It’ll take a miracle for this rag tag group to do well.

Matthews needs Domi

Boston tanked for us.

It was obvious

 

[sxvnert]

Whomever we play I just want to see the Leafs beat them in the alley and beat them on the ice. I want to win and I want it ugly.

Tonight showed us that they're still a bunch of cowards.

 

[Stephen]

Tonight showed us that they're still a bunch of cowards.

I am not pleased.

 

[WillyC]

Best way to build momentum for a run… send these Bruins packing in less than 7.

Starts with winning Saturday.

GLG

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Just a theory....

I think we find out just how much of an imprint Treliving has had on this team game 1.

Yes the Game is dictated by the coach, but there's a reason we got some big guys and Mr.Reaves.

If, and ofcourse we all know its a BIG if. Yet, if this is known, and the boys are finally tired of being thrown around. I could understand why they have not fought as many mountains as they could have this season.

It's not only the fans that know and cry about our playoff records, the boys are absolutely SICK of it as well.

There is a chance, regardless of how minute, that they have been gearing up for war.

I choose to believe this little fantasy boys and girls. Because....

What if?

 

[TakeTheBody]

Intercourse The Bruins. Lick Marchand.

 

[Mr_Fun]

Intercourse The Bruins. Lick Marchand.

Coitus yeah!

 

[diceman934]

I like our chances against Boston..
Leafs in 6

 

[Man Bear Pig]

It's funny that the Bruins are the less dirty team(vs Florida). I know my fellow Leafs won't hear it; but this team is much tougher overall than we've seen in the past.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

Saying it's better to face Boston than Florida is like saying it's better to get punched in the face than kicked in the balls.

I think they have a better chance against Boston too. I've already heard speculation they manufactured it this way. Engineering it so Boston was the first round opponent seems unlikely to me however.

That's like shooting your foot off and attempting to pass it off as a plan to save money on shoes.

It really is almost cup or bust at this point. Even if they go to the finals they would have to repeat their success next year. Otherwise it would just appear lucky they finally won a few rounds.

It's gonna take more than a Cinderella Run to convince this team is for real.

Eight years down the toilet already. Without a single game played past the second round. I'm sick of telling myself there's always next year.

It's time to shit or get off the pot.

 

[Pi]

Boston or Florida doesn't matter. I'd be pissed if we had a chance to play the Capitals and lost to play Boston but that wasnt the case.

Both these teams are elite and getting through either of them is going to be hard.

If you forget about the past, Boston is definitely the easier match up.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

2 regular season victories in their barn since Nov 2017.

exhibit A - we are up against a lot.