Being tough isn't our issue. We beat the Bruins up physically just fine. They beat us soundly on the scoreboard though.
This raises an interesting philosophical problem for me.
As a fan, I obviously want to see the Leafs beat the living crap out of Boston, Tampa, Florida, and what have you. Heavy on heavies, stars on stars, line brawls, hits, etc. Out Bruin the Bruins, out Lightning the Lightning, beat up the Panthers at their own game. That's the nature of sports rivalry, playoff heat, etc.
On the other hand, you could argue the Leafs top end is not designed to play that way, and any attempt to match Boston, Tampa and Florida is actually a losing proposition.
If the Leafs were able to dictate a low emotion, low intensity, fun puck possession game and Harlem Globetrotter style game where their stars thrive, that would actually be the ultimate success. Negate all of the other teams strengths, play a style you're comfortable with, and win to the tune of Hall and Oates.
Anyway, just something to think about. We're always premised on the idea of trying to match someone else's game plan.
