Post-Game Talk: Leafs down Lightning 4-1

[ACC1224]

Great stuff. The negative cynical part of me says "the kid is sitting front row, he doesn't need that stick", but it is what it is. I don't expect Murray to toss the stick to a kid in the nose bleed section

They don't even come up to the top when they are tossing out the cheesy t-shirts, they definitely aren't bringing sticks up there.

 

[fahad203]

We can beat TB , I have never been worried about them except for Vali.

I still think we need a tough top six forwards that will got to the net and and get vasi of his game. If Vasi see the puck he will make the save

I would still like a tough dman to clear the net.

Perry and Maroon play a dirty game especially when they are losing .

Great game by all.

Thats kind of a big worry though. I mean he's like our modern day Hasek. He can win you games with just 1 goal

You know Tampa is going to get somebody on the deadline and that player is going to step up as their rentals for some reason always do

We really have to get a big dog this year. Someone like Kane, Tarasenko, O'Reilly or Bertuzzi

Bertuzzi would be the most ideal choice and probably cost the least.

 

[Beaumaris]

Yeah, I really don't know. I would think by now we would have seen him fight if he had that in him.
Bunting is nothing like Tucker, IMO.

I loved Tucker.

 

[ACC1224]

I loved Tucker.

Had a bunch of Trulys with Corson and Tucker one Sunday morning this summer before a round. Absolute pair of beauties.

 

[Stephen]

He also seems like a guy who will fly off the handle if he's upset, even to the detriment of his team. Like his suspension in the Columbus series. The Leafs really should target him physically as much as possible

Just give me this Game 1 of the playoffs. And once more every game.

 

[fahad203]

I loved Tucker.

I don't think anyone loved the Leafs much as Tucker did. Considering he wasn't even a Toronto kid
They dont' make like him anymore, just a different breed altogether

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Yeah that’ll make sure he doesn’t do it again.

 

[Mess]

Missed the game but it was pretty great to see them nurse a 2-1 lead late and expand it to a 4-1 win.

Despite the Leafs last 2 goals being into the empty net ones, but through 2 periods it felt like a 4-1 Leafs game based on Leafs controlling the play and shot count.,

Leafs outshot TB 15-4 in the 1st and 14-4 in the 2nd and were up 2-0 after 2 periods.

Murray had a fairly easy outing overall due to Leafs strong defensive play.

 

[ACC1224]

Yeah that’ll make sure he doesn’t do it again.

Blame the players for that.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Tampa Bay is such an unlikeable team, from the coach down to their dirtiest players.

It was nice to dominate them like that.

 

[Stephen]

Despite the Leafs last 2 goals being into the empty net ones, but through 2 periods it felt like a 4-1 Leafs game based on Leafs controlling the play and shot count.,

Leafs outshot TB 15-4 in the 1st and 14-4 in the 2nd and were up 2-0 after 2 periods.

Murray had a fairly easy outing overall due to Leafs strong defensive play.

Yeah the shot clock definitely jumped out at me, but it was nice to see Nylander get around and a step on Hedman to score an EN.

All good, giving the goalie an easy night.

 

[Ciao]

Absolutely. This year, I'd give up those pieces.
I know the odds are still high against winning it all, but I believe IF we get a real impact player, it will win us a game.
Not something stupid like a broken down Foligno, but for a Toews or ROR. Both are playing great, not injury prone, have won cups etc. Insurance for a major injury as well.

As long as you're willing to live with the consequences, fair enough. Me personally, I would only give up top future assets for players with more than one year of cost control, a Chychrun type situation.

I'll say it again, in this parity/cap era, no team has more than a ~15% chance of winning the cup.

And BTW, Macallan is overrated.

I think these two posts fairly represent both sides of a very valid and respectful debate.

I agree entirely with the position taken by @Gary Nylund because I think almost every player transaction should be made with both the immediate and long-term needs of the franchise in mind.

I think the Leafs should always be trying to compete in the present without sacrificing the future, and I am generally against trading long-term assets for short-term gains. Almost always, the short-term gains are illusory, and the better path is to make the on-ice product better year-by-year.

 

[Ciao]

Fantastic game played by the boys.

As much as I'd hate to see us play Tampa again in the first round (the NHL playoffs alignment is a f***in joke) ... it looks like it's gonna happen again this year.

They gotta exercise their demons against this battle tested group in Tampa, so hopefully having a multiple Cup winner goalie in Matt Murray is the difference between last year and this year. We gotta keep him fresh and healthy.

We all know exactly what you mean, but I think the words you're looking for are to "exorcise" their demons -- which means "to drive them out".

"Exercising" those demons might just make them a bit stronger

 

[Twine Tickler]

One trend I'm watching out for is if the older Bruins and Lightning will slow down and get banged up over the next 75% of the season. The Leafs have been decimated by injuries in the early going.

I think this will be a narrative I look at for Boston more specifically. Their candle is burning way too bright right now. I just cannot see that being sustained over an 82 game season + playoffs. Incredibly impressive what they are doing right now, but it's just not sustainable. I expect some regression coming soon. As for TB, I am not sure I have seen a team manage the grind of pro sport better then these guys over the last 3+ years. B2B2B SCF appearances and they just keep staying relevant. You're absolutely right on their "off switch" games. They have more then a handful of games like that, but they are also smart enough to recognize where and when they need to step up. They are world class at that. I actually would still be more worried about them in the playoffs then the Bruins TBH. That is a winning organization top to bottom.

Boston is a great team as well, they'd be a huge challenge for us as well. The unfortunate and brutal truth behind our division is that we more than likely will have to face a real Stanley Cup favorite in round 1.

Our PP goal was a direct result of Marner screening Vasi, which I think we need more of. But Mitch is too small to be taking the abuse that usually happens there, and JT, while he stands in the slot, tends to look for passes and rebounds rather than screening.

I'd be tempted to try Bunting in there sometimes, maybe in place of Tavares or Marner. With him screening and Matthews and Nylander with their great shooting from the dots, we may see even more PP goals.

Forgot to mention earlier that I loved watching Willy just blow by Hedman!

That PP goal was a bit of a breakdown in the PK for TB. Marner kind of fumbles the puck in behind the net which drew Paul way too low as he thought he was going to be able to make a play on the loose puck. Mitch being Mitch, still makes a play to Auston on the wall, and instantly the PK box is dissolved in a matter of seconds as Paul scrambles to get back into position. He eventually over plays on his recovery which allows Auston to walk down broadway and snipe one from the ladies tees

When Mitch makes the play below the goaline. Box is in tact, but starting to crack:

5 seconds later, TB is scrambling.

Sandin shows great patience to draw Paul up, but that breakdown happens in the corner IMO. Sure having Mitch on the point comes with risk. We will 100% give up chances the other way, but IMO the risk is far less then the potential reward. I'll take Mitch's skill over any PK'ers ability to make a play any day of the week. At the end of the day, we need the PK box to break down. We were able to do that last season by occasionally throwing Mitch below the goaline, but then teams caught on. We need to continually adapt. I just think having our 3 most creative players at the top of the umbrella touching the puck the most is a good thing. I was very encouraged by that setup last night, despite not scoring a goal. It was a very dynamic PP. We had TB chasing the puck all over the zone.

 

[Ciao]

Stamkos, Paul, Perry, Cirelli and Elliott all from the GTA and maybe enjoying the Advent season over the weekend with their families -- and perhaps showing up a bit late for work?

Whatever happened, Cooper did not seem to like it much.

 

[Mr_Fun]

They don't even come up to the top when they are tossing out the cheesy t-shirts, they definitely aren't bringing sticks up there.

LOL

If you ever see a goalie trying to toss a stick up into the purple section, it's highly likely it's not the Leafs goalie.

 

[notDatsyuk]

I think this will be a narrative I look at for Boston more specifically. Their candle is burning way too bright right now. I just cannot see that being sustained over an 82 game season + playoffs. Incredibly impressive what they are doing right now, but it's just not sustainable. I expect some regression coming soon. As for TB, I am not sure I have seen a team manage the grind of pro sport better then these guys over the last 3+ years. B2B2B SCF appearances and they just keep staying relevant. You're absolutely right on their "off switch" games. They have more then a handful of games like that, but they are also smart enough to recognize where and when they need to step up. They are world class at that. I actually would still be more worried about them in the playoffs then the Bruins TBH. That is a winning organization top to bottom.

Boston is a great team as well, they'd be a huge challenge for us as well. The unfortunate and brutal truth behind our division is that we more than likely will have to face a real Stanley Cup favorite in round 1.


That PP goal was a bit of a breakdown in the PK for TB. Marner kind of fumbles the puck in behind the net which drew Paul way too low as he thought he was going to be able to make a play on the loose puck. Mitch being Mitch, still makes a play to Auston on the wall, and instantly the PK box is dissolved in a matter of seconds as Paul scrambles to get back into position. He eventually over plays on his recovery which allows Auston to walk down broadway and snipe one from the ladies tees

When Mitch makes the play below the goaline. Box is in tact, but starting to crack:
View attachment 624818

5 seconds later, TB is scrambling.
View attachment 624819

Sandin shows great patience to draw Paul up, but that breakdown happens in the corner IMO. Sure having Mitch on the point comes with risk. We will 100% give up chances the other way, but IMO the risk is far less then the potential reward. I'll take Mitch's skill over any PK'ers ability to make a play any day of the week. At the end of the day, we need the PK box to break down. We were able to do that last season by occasionally throwing Mitch below the goaline, but then teams caught on. We need to continually adapt. I just think having our 3 most creative players at the top of the umbrella touching the puck the most is a good thing. I was very encouraged by that setup last night, despite not scoring a goal. It was a very dynamic PP. We had TB chasing the puck all over the zone.

Very good analysis, although I'm not sure what it has to do with my point, that we need someone screening the goalie. Even with the box breaking down, that shot would have been stoppable, especially by Vasi, if he had seen it.

 

[Brobust]

Thats kind of a big worry though. I mean he's like our modern day Hasek. He can win you games with just 1 goal

You know Tampa is going to get somebody on the deadline and that player is going to step up as their rentals for some reason always do

We really have to get a big dog this year. Someone like Kane, Tarasenko, O'Reilly or Bertuzzi

Bertuzzi would be the most ideal choice and probably cost the least.

Players on NMCs will also not cost a lot compared to their actual value. If Kane has Toronto as his preferred destination, the Chicago Blackhawks don't really have a choice in negotiations.

 

[TMLeafer]

Yeah that’ll make sure he doesn’t do it again.

Justice has been served!

 

[Kyle089]

Tucker had that ability. Has anyone ever seen Bunting fight?

Bunts is a beaut, but he's no fighter. I looked up his fight card on hockeyfights, and the 3 videos I saw of his scraps in the AHL proved he can't fight. He mostly just grabbed on, thew a punch or two and fell to the ice. It's probably best that his gloves are glued to his hands during scrums lol.

 

[diehardleafsfan9878]

The worst part about the Bunting, Kelly shit is that Bunting wasn't even the aggressor. Bunting got a couple of fist in the face when all he was doing was grabbing a guy after a dirty hit. He also wasn't even trying to get away from the ref. I don't mind refs doing that when it's needed, but that was completely uncalled for and he should be suspended for that.

 

[Rude Dog]

I know it probably wouldn't have been wise to start a big fight with the way they were dominating but man I wish someone would have tried to lay a hit on Kucherov. Anderson had a chance on a backcheck and just turned away. Anyway literally nothing else negative to say!

Agreed. He does that crap way too often. Letting him skate away untouched didn't feel right.

 

[crump]

Yeah, I really don't know. I would think by now we would have seen him fight if he had that in him.
Bunting is nothing like Tucker, IMO.

I don’t see Bunting going crazy on anyone. He’s a weasel and I like that, but he would just grind his gloves or hands in someone’s face.

Would like to see some natural toughness in the lineup. ZAR is the only forward I can recall seeing in a fight. I know Rielly and Sandin jumps in, Geordano can but he’s too old and shouldn’t. Tavares wants to but he can’t fight, Mathews Marner, Nylander won’t fight. Kampf, Liljegren and Engvall are built like battering rams, but they don’t have the emotion or crazy edge to beat anyone up. Holl is a marshmallow.

I hope Hunt lives up to his billing. But he’s still just a 4th line guy.

It’s an element that is always missing in the playoffs, being able to initiate contact, fight through checks and impose will on the ice legally.

We don’t need a penalty machine like Clifford

 

[WTFMAN99]

Need to be willing to get dirty with the Tampa players if we face them in the playoffs.

Take out Kucherov or Stamkos' knee because you don't see any of their players hesitating to get their licks in on our guys.

 

[Gallagbi]

Need to be willing to get dirty with the Tampa players if we face them in the playoffs.

Take out Kucherov or Stamkos' knee because you don't see any of their players hesitating to get their licks in on our guys.

Theres a different set of rules for our team, so we need the guys doing it to be replaceable