Post-Game Talk: Leafs Lose 4-3 in OT | Lead Series 3-1

[Gallagbi]

They are getting paid top dollar. Why should they not be expected to produce as well as the best?

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Id like a little more, but aren't they producing pretty close to their ESP numbers from the regular season?

 

[Stephen]

They are getting paid top dollar. Why should they not be expected to produce as well as the best?

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We need more of the "Gilmour feel" where its visually obvious our star players are ready to push the opponent out of the building, ready to go through a wall and the stats are there to back it up. On balance it feels like John Tavares and Matthews Knies have been our most impactful forwards on a game to game basis so we need more from Auston, Mitch and Willie. Doesn't matter if as PP merchants or 5 on 5.

 

[wingman75]

Didn't like any of the goals that went in on him last night tbh.

Even the Pinto breakaway goal sort of squirts through him - thats not an elite shot or a crazy dangle.

Very curious to see how he responds now. Combine last night with the Tkachuk muffin from game 3, and I think you have to have a short leash on him if game 5 doesnt go your way

Breakaways, 2-on-1s, PP goals... they are what they are. It is an uneven situation and any saves are great if you get them. But I don't dwell on them.

To me, the game was in OT, and he let in a stinker, that is all that matters in the end.

Agree, the response is what matters. We will hopefully see his best on Tuesday.

 

[Bellzy]

I don’t know if Ottawa realized that taking one player out of the line up tends neuter the Leafs. Surprising they didn’t physically attack them more earlier in the series. All the pressure is on the Leafs now.

Pressure still on Ottawa. We have 3 chances to win 1 game. They need to win 3 and 2 of them are in Toronto. I’m not worried.

 

[Suntouchable13]

I think that it will end on home ice, but in game 7 and hopefully a Leaf win.

If this goes to 7, even if the Leafs win, not sure we can consider this team a contender. They will be quickly dispatched by Florida (most likely) in the 2nd round. Nobody should hope for a game 7. If you think they will drop the next 2, you simply think this team is not good enough. They have to finish it next game.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Pressure still on Ottawa. We have 3 chances to win 1 game. They need to win 3 and 2 of them are in Toronto. I’m not worried.

Don't talk about "3 chances" They need to finish it next game. If they drop the next 2 games, that doesn't give me any confidence at all. Even if they win game 7.

 

[ToneDog]

Id like a little more, but aren't they producing pretty close to their ESP numbers from the regular season?

They are up 3-1 so it is all moot. Let's see if they can keep it up in round #2 against a higher seed.

 

[Gallagbi]

They are up 3-1 so it is all moot. Let's see if they can keep it up in round #2 against a higher seed.

Id like to get there first

 

[Stephen]

If this goes to 7, even if the Leafs win, not sure we can consider this team a contender. They will be quickly dispatched by Florida (most likely) in the 2nd round. Nobody should hope for a game 7. If you think they will drop the next 2, you simply think this team is not good enough. They have to finish it next game.

The Leafs should want to finish it next game, like with a burning passion. If they're settling in for a long series that's not the right mentality. Just be confident and want to win, loosen up from that shell game a little more and step on their throats on home ice.

 

[ToneDog]

Id like to get there first

I am confident Berube won't let them blow this like they did vs Montreal but yes, let's get there first.

 

[wingman75]

If this goes to 7, even if the Leafs win, not sure we can consider this team a contender. They will be quickly dispatched by Florida (most likely) in the 2nd round. Nobody should hope for a game 7. If you think they will drop the next 2, you simply think this team is not good enough. They have to finish it next game.

I love that they have a good lead in this series. Even more pleased that they deserve it. They do play different. They have way better D, and better goaltending. But the issues of certain guys not being game changers persists. That may be fine against the Sens, but against the real contenders, I still see it as a problem and probably a difference maker. We can deal with that if they advance.

For now, this team is good enough to win this series, and they need to find a way to get that done.

 

[LeafSteel]

Robertson needs to draw back in. How much was his shot missed on the 4 minute power play? Easily the most dangerous shot on the 2nd unit.

It’s asking too much of Pacioretty to be out since February to be able to jump into a hotly contested playoff position.

His skating and timing is not up to speed and it shows, and he hasn’t played with the physicality that he did at beginning of the season.

Knies-Matthews-Marner
McMann-Tavares-Nylander
Domi-Holmberg-Robertson
Lorentz-Laughton-Jarnkrok

Let’s get it done.

 

[Beanzy]

This may have been discussed, but...

Did anyone see the clip of Sloth hyping up the crowd during the 3 stars, mouthing "We'll be back here! We're coming back!"

I hope the boys can shut that prick up. Please end this in 5. Don't make me watch another loss in Ottawa.

 

[wingman75]

Don't talk about "3 chances" They need to finish it next game. If they drop the next 2 games, that doesn't give me any confidence at all. Even if they win game 7.

I guess I am one of the so-called doomers... I blame the reality I have lived through. If they don't win Tuesday, this is going seven, and it is just a coin flip at that point.

 

[Stephen]

I love that they have a good lead in this series. Even more pleased that they deserve it. They do play different. They have way better D, and better goaltending. But the issues of certain guys not being game changers persists. That may be fine against the Sens, but against the real contenders, I still see it as a problem and probably a difference maker. We can deal with that if they advance.

For now, this team is good enough to win this series, and they need to find a way to get that done.

Game play sliders on their defense could be adjusted somewhat.

The pack the center of the ice, park the bus, disrupt all the way up and down the ice is great, and Stolarz has been huge for us. But I think the double edged sword here is they aren't counter attacking at all because they've killed the game flow, which then neuters their actual skill advantage throughout the lineup because everyone's focused on the shell game. Also, the last 2 games Stolarz has been a little leaky on those unlucky shots from the point.

 

[Torontonian]

We're up 3-1 going home for game 5 and have thoroughly dominated the series, we're fine. Originally voted Leafs in 6 but I think we close the series out on home ice. Last change proved to be a massive difference maker in games 1/2. All we need is stable goaltending, Stolie has been great but that was 2 games in a row where he let in some weak floaters.

The Tkachuk tying goal in game 3 and of course the OT winner last night. Gotta stop those pucks. We've really limited their chances and took away shooting lanes all series. Just keep playing our game, all will be fine.

We're up 3-1, we aren't going 16-0, a loss is inevitable. Just keep doing the little things right and we'll be ok.

Do we put Robertson back in, with last change at home ?

It's disappointing, but Toronto did their job, got the split in Ottawa. It's just that ugly number is showing right, 1-13 in closing games..

I would put Robertson back in, you can hide him due to last change and he has the potential to score goals. Toronto desperately needs to find a way to inject some scoring into the bottom 6.. Personally I would try something like this:

Knies - Matthews - Marner
McMann (He needs to give us some more, hasn't been good enough)- JT - Nylander
Domi - Laughton - Robertson (Maybe this can provide some offence).
Lortenz - Holmberg - Jankrok

 

[Suntouchable13]

I guess I am one of the so-called doomers... I blame the reality I have lived through. If they don't win Tuesday, this is going seven, and it is just a coin flip at that point.

Which would be a nightmare. Personally, I don't think they win if it goes to a 7th game. I don't think they have it in them to win a game 7. The core is still the same. Just like the MTL series. We all knew once game 7 was forced, they would lose that game.

 

[Stephen]

I guess I am one of the so-called doomers... I blame the reality I have lived through. If they don't win Tuesday, this is going seven, and it is just a coin flip at that point.

Give your head a shake and take a walk in the sunshine my man.

-Leafs win 2 games at home, lose game 3 and win game 4 coming home up 3-1, you'd be walking on air this morning.
-Leafs-Sens split 2 games in Toornto, then Toronto wins 2 in Ottawa, see above.

Don't lose perspective, we're up 3-1 and deserve to be.

 

[likecheese]

Can we draw up a petition to make playoff series' best 3 out of 5? Our record in series-clinching games is staggering.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Can we draw up a petition to make playoff series' best 3 out of 5? Our record in series-clinching games is staggering.

Toronto would just struggle to win that 3rd game instead lol.

 

[Contenderorpretender]

This may have been discussed, but...

Did anyone see the clip of Sloth hyping up the crowd during the 3 stars, mouthing "We'll be back here! We're coming back!"

I hope the boys can shut that prick up. Please end this in 5. Don't make me watch another loss in Ottawa.

 

[Al14]

I am confident Berube won't let them blow this like they did vs Montreal but yes, let's get there first.

Berube isn't going to be on the ice, the core 4 are !!! These are the same core 4 that blew a 3-1 series lead against the Habs. Only Tavares and Knies have shown up in ALL four games and have made a difference.

I have little to no confidence that Matthews, Marner, and Nylander, will show up like their salaries say they should. This series should have been over in four straight !!! They shouldn't have allowed any of the overtime games to happen never mind losing the game in OT last night.

If Ullmark gets HOT, watch out !!! I don't have any confidence in Matthews, Marner, and Nylander till they prove to me otherwise !!!

JMHO !!!

 

[MCR74]

This may have been discussed, but...

Did anyone see the clip of Sloth hyping up the crowd during the 3 stars, mouthing "We'll be back here! We're coming back!"

I hope the boys can shut that prick up. Please end this in 5. Don't make me watch another loss in Ottawa.

We eliminate them, and he'll change his tune and walk out after his deal. "I'm not coming back here".

 

[hoglund]

If this goes to 7, even if the Leafs win, not sure we can consider this team a contender. They will be quickly dispatched by Florida (most likely) in the 2nd round. Nobody should hope for a game 7. If you think they will drop the next 2, you simply think this team is not good enough. They have to finish it next game.

I disagree, I think that Ottawa is a better team than they're given credit. The Leafs are better than Ottawa, no denying that, Ottawa is an easier 1st round seiries than any other in the Mathews era, but I'd rather be facing Montreal.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Auston Matthews "mentor" is Joe Thornton. He is channeling that 2014 Sharks team which blew 3-0 lead against the Kings. Unbelievable that this guy is Matthews' "mentor".