Post-Game Talk: Leafs lose. Thornton on the first PP unit. Weak. Nice work keefe. Do better.

[TimeZone]

In the past 4 seasons, Price's playoff SV% has been considerably higher than his regular season SV%.

He shows up in the post-season.

People laughing at his "demise" heading into a playoff series, were foolish; you don't even need to go back too far to the last time he stole a series - the bubble against Pitt wasn't that long ago

Say what you want about his playoff numbers (they are good) but the sample size of late is extremely slim. Just 16 GP in the last 5 years

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Our PP hasnt clicked for 2 months.

And you're absolutely right if we can dictate the pace were laughing. But we didn't tonight and it turned into a coin flip, which is basically how they can win the series.

And yet it was still better than MTL's in the regular season. Obviously they need to figure out the PP, but it is not like MTL's PP is a major threat either. If we are taking bets on one being a game breaker, the Leafs are still the better bet. Especially after the number of quality chances they had today.

I think our PK was the only "special" special teams for either team today, and I know Byron scored on a SH goal.

I don't think today was even a coin flip either. This wasn't a 50/50 game. This was at best a 60/40 game and this time the 40 won. That does happen, and it happened today. A couple of bad errors went in our net and some great opportunities did not go in on their end. That was the difference.

If we play like we did today with fewer unforced errors and missed opportunities, we win this series pretty easily. And we can play a lot better than we did too.

 

[hobarth]

What's up with this Keefe/Thornton love, TO is old enough that the players shouldn't need Thornton for his intangible, his leadership quality. What TO does need is a player that can keep up with the play, score occasionally, just generally be a decent player while he's on the ice. Enough already.

Foligno on the 2nd line, he's no Hy, unbelievable. He's a great PKer, Engvall isn't bad there as well and he might get the occasional goal or scoring opportunity and Engvall didn't cost a 1st.

Ny, MM, AM and Ny accounted for 20 shots on net, all the other forwards had 6, 6 shots on net from 7 players, TO was already a decent defensive team yet TO traded for more defensive depth when scoring in the playoffs has traditionally been a weakness, pathetic. Where's the offensive depth?

Marner 26.5 minutes of icetime, AM over 23 minutes, they're great players but too much is too much especially in the playoffs, especially in a playoff with back to backs.

Lot's of questionable decisions, is TO so backed into a corner that Galchenyuk might be the only salvation?

 

[IrishInOntario]

The first 4 teams played each other and have been disasters defensively. Tons of sloppy plays and mistakes which will kill them if it continues. In fact, if it wasn't for both teams being guilty of it, it would be a slaughter fest for one team.

We were sloppier than Montreal today and we still gave up few good opportunities against. Montreal played about as well as they could have and still were not very good.

We just need this group to start scoring and stop making excuses for their offensive woes in the playoffs. Period.

This game was exactly what we saw from the Columbus series last year. Toronto becomes incredibly to easy to stiffle in the playoffs, where as other gifted offensive teams continue to find ways to score.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

What's up with this Keefe/Thornton love, TO is old enough that the players shouldn't need Thornton for his intangible, his leadership quality. What TO does need is a player that can keep up with the play, score occasionally, just generally be a decent player while he's on the ice. Enough already.

Foligno on the 2nd line, he's no Hy, unbelievable. He's a great PKer, Engvall isn't bad there as well and he might get the occasional goal or scoring opportunity and Engvall didn't cost a 1st.

Ny, MM, AM and Ny accounted for 20 shots on net, all the other forwards had 6, 6 shots on net from 7 players, TO was already a decent defensive team yet TO traded for more defensive depth when scoring in the playoffs has traditionally been a weakness, pathetic. Where's the offensive depth?

Marner 26.5 minutes of icetime, AM over 23 minutes, they're great players but too much is too much especially in the playoffs, especially in a playoff with back to backs.

Lot's of questionable decisions, is TO so backed into a corner that Galchenyuk might be the only salvation?

16 shots*

Which is not bad.

 

[PromisedLand]

Tampa Bay (3 GP)
Kucherov: 4 points
Hedman: 3 points
Point: 3 points
Stamkos: 2 points

Florida (3 GP)
Huberdeau: 7 points
Barkov: 4 points

New York (3 GP)
Palmieri: 2 points
Barzal: 0 points

Pittsburgh (3 GP)
Crosby: 1 point
Malkin: 2 points (2 GP)
Letang: 3 points

Carolina (2 GP)
Svechnikov: 3 points
Teravainen: 1 points
Aho: 2 points

Colorado 2 (GP)
Landeskog: 5 points
Mackinnon: 7 points
Rantanen: 4 points
Makar: 2 points

I'd say the vast majority of the stars on those teams are leading the way. Teams like Tampa Bay, Florida and Colorado have their guys producing like crazy!

Tavares is now out, but Auston, Mitch, Willy and company have no excuse not to keep up!

That was preciesly my point. Your team goes as far as the "stars" on your team take you.

Last season Tampa basically went on a cup run without Stamkos. There are no excuses left.... First person to blame is Dubas. He absolutely ruined our cap structure and left no flexibility.....

 

[francis246]

Go f*** yourself.

what’s wrong with you? It seemed like a genuine post...

 

[Antropovsky]

Did Price face alot of dangerous shots? Seems like the Leafs are always giving up more odd man rushes then their opponents are.

Keefe seems like a nice guy, but his system doesn't seem geared to playoff success at all - too many holes. His players don't seem mentally prepared either.... Leafs should be in on Brindamour in the offseason.

 

[tokyoite]

f**** you habs.

 

[DaWatcher]

what’s wrong with you? It seemed like a genuine post...

I am a sore loser.

 

[Gallagbi]

And yet it was still better than MTL's in the regular season. Obviously they need to figure out the PP, but it is not like MTL's PP is a major threat either. If we are taking bets on one being a game breaker, the Leafs are still the better bet. Especially after the number of quality chances they had today.

I think our PK was the only "special" special teams for either team today, and I know Byron scored on a SH goal.

I don't think today was even a coin flip either. This wasn't a 50/50 game. This was at best a 60/40 game and this time the 40 won. That does happen, and it happened today. A couple of bad errors went in our net and some great opportunities did not go in on their end. That was the difference.

If we play like we did today with fewer unforced errors and missed opportunities, we win this series pretty easily. And we can play a lot better than we did too.

Hoping you're right my man

 

[Captain14]

It doesn't matter who wins this series. After watching some of the other series neither of these two teams has what it takes

You got that right!
This roster is built to make the playoffs, not succeed in them. We simply do not finish our checks. We passed up numerous opportunities to destroy their defense on dump in’s.
Believe me, there is an X factor to playing hard and finishing your checks. It gets the opposing players thinking and forcing mistakes.
Foligno was right in his comments after the Columbus series, we are weak and easy to play against. We wouldn’t stand a chance against the others conferences rosters.

 

[Bomber0104]

Bad circumstances but our coach made it all that much worse.

Inexperience is showing, once again.

 

[hobarth]

16 shots*

Which is not bad.

The other shots were from d-men, the knuckle headed forwards can't shot or deflect shots but can they defend but teams need to score to win?

 

[Jojalu]

Players with heart, determination and an outstanding goalie. While you mention it, the big three have been less than stellar during the playoffs since they've been here. I agree we have a decent supporting cast but our top performers have been anything but during their playoff stint here and our goalie will never steal one for us.

I can't fully disagree. While they have all had their moments, the Leafs need them to take the next step and deliver consitently this playoffs

 

[francis246]

What's up with this Keefe/Thornton love, TO is old enough that the players shouldn't need Thornton for his intangible, his leadership quality. What TO does need is a player that can keep up with the play, score occasionally, just generally be a decent player while he's on the ice. Enough already.

Foligno on the 2nd line, he's no Hy, unbelievable. He's a great PKer, Engvall isn't bad there as well and he might get the occasional goal or scoring opportunity and Engvall didn't cost a 1st.

Ny, MM, AM and Ny accounted for 20 shots on net, all the other forwards had 6, 6 shots on net from 7 players, TO was already a decent defensive team yet TO traded for more defensive depth when scoring in the playoffs has traditionally been a weakness, pathetic. Where's the offensive depth?

Marner 26.5 minutes of icetime, AM over 23 minutes, they're great players but too much is too much especially in the playoffs, especially in a playoff with back to backs.

Lot's of questionable decisions, is TO so backed into a corner that Galchenyuk might be the only salvation?

keefe f***ed himself by running to the media in the offseason and saying how he basically spearheaded the charge to sign Thornton. He pigeon holed himself and that’s really a rookie mistake by a coach. Now you look like an asshole to the player if you bench him. Also I think Keefe is too scared to scratch a future hall of famer

 

[BayStBullies]

The Leafs need to establish a lead and open the game up. The Habs just trap and turtle with a lead.

 

[LadyLala]

Try to disguise it as being friendly all you want, but it comes across as extremely patronizing for Habs fans to be here after all that happened. I don’t think they would appreciate us doing the same if the situation was reversed.

 

[Menzinger]

We could've had scorers like Palmeri / Hall / Bennett.

But, that dumbass dubas went with Foligno. And he paid like hell for him too.
Hall/Palmeri/Bennett were all the same price and cheaper than foligno.

Foligno does nothing for our team other than PK.

All these "statistic gurus" like Dubas are BS.
What has Dubas done for the team? He was handed the team before he got promoted.

He got fleeced for Kadri.
Fleeced for Marner contract.
Fleeced for Foligno.

Bennet has had already lost two playoff games so far. I'd say likely should wait a few more games before we worry about the what ifs from the recent tdl...

 

[Rokker]

I didnt ike how Anderson dictated the tone tonight.

He brushed off Simmonds on the boards early in the game... was there a response?

Foligno stepped up.

I dont see enough playoff ready guys yet.

I WANT this team to be ready to go to war like we all know they can.

They had the YIPS.

Do it for JT91.

Game 2: 5-1 Leafs LETS GO!!!!

 

[Antropovsky]

in reality, the dump and chase style of game does not suit us at all. we dont have the right players outside of hyman that can get possession in the zone that way and price might be the best stick handling goalie in the nhl. we are just giving possession up most of the time. we need to get back to playing our style and come and them with speed in waves.

Doesn't work because the leafs don't preach it. Leafs management focused on being a juggernaut offensive team.

 

[IrishInOntario]

That was preciesly my point. Your team goes as far as the "stars" on your team take you.

Last season Tampa basically went on a cup run without Stamkos. There are no excuses left.... First person to blame is Dubas. He absolutely ruined our cap structure and left no flexibility.....

100% agreed.

Getting incredibly tired of giving our stars a constant pass in the playoffs because they "played hard". It's put up, or shut up time.

Huberdeau has 7 points. Mackinnon has 7 points as well. Landeskog has 5 points. Guys like Barkov, Kucherov and Rantanen have 4 points each.

Time for Auston and Mitch to step up and lead their team on the scoreboard, or shut up!

 

[ruaware41]

what's the justification for not putting Joe back on line 4 next game and scratching Riley Nash for Gally?

Imagine if Keefe starts Joe on the powerplay next game again. Signs of Babcock if he does that crap.

 

[tmlms13]

That was preciesly my point. Your team goes as far as the "stars" on your team take you.

Last season Tampa basically went on a cup run without Stamkos. There are no excuses left.... First person to blame is Dubas. He absolutely ruined our cap structure and left no flexibility.....

TB might have scored 13 but they given up 11 with their Vezina winning goalie and Norris winning Defenseman.

 

[hobarth]

That was preciesly my point. Your team goes as far as the "stars" on your team take you.

Last season Tampa basically went on a cup run without Stamkos. There are no excuses left.... First person to blame is Dubas. He absolutely ruined our cap structure and left no flexibility.....

The flexibility was there, TO could've traded for Hall or Palmieri but chose to overpay for Foligno.

 

[Jojalu]

I think it is fairly obvious the core needs to perform. Tampa didn't win because the had Coleman and Maroon (they played well, not taking this away from them). They won because Kuch, Point, Hedman, Vasi performed.

I really don't want to write off our core. But if they cannot beat an 18th place Habs in the first round, I don't see how you can continue going forward with the core, and expect any different.

I don't disagree. I just havn't crossed that line that believes this core can't do it.

The supporting cast is there for them this year to grind out games and play responsibly and now they have live up to their expectations and put the puck in the back of the net.