GDT: Leafs @ Panthers. We clinch our playoff matchup tonight. 7:30PM - TSN

[Peasy]

Welcome back.

Hopefully Matthews hits 70 tonight so he can rest tomorrow. Thats the only thing I really care about with this game.

 

[notDatsyuk]

What a historical feat that would be. Losing in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs.

If anyone can do it, it's Keefe's Leafs.

 

[Advanced stats]

I'd kind of rather play Boston. They're only 9-6 in their last 15 games and given up 3 goals a game on average.


No way you let anyone important play both games of the b2b though.

As far as I'm concerned, All of Matthews, Tavares, marner, Nylander, Rielly and McCabe all have to sit ag least one of the last 2 games.

 

[Suntouchable13]

I'd kind of rather play Boston. They're only 9-6 in their last 15 games and given up 3 goals a game on average.


No way you let anyone important play both games of the b2b though.

As far as I'm concerned, All of Matthews, Tavares, marner, Nylander, Rielly and McCabe all have to sit ag least one of the last 2 games.

Marner not sure about, he has already sat out a bunch of games earlier. Let him play both games.

 

[Darcy Tucker]

Battle of the backups tonight. No chance to run goalie Bob. He's off the case. Stolarz numbers are pretty good , hope Matthews can slip one by him. Doesn't have to be pretty just get the 70th so he can sit against Tampa.

Nylander I'm not counting on getting to 100. There's only 9 players with 100 this year being in that club would be good for the optics but it doesn't change anything.

Also winning out would make us 48-24-10. That looks better than 46-26-10. I am weird I care about these small talking points.

 

[Sypher04]

Marner not sure about, he has already sat out a bunch of games earlier. Let him play both games.

I agree. I also don’t think Matthews has shown any indication he needs rest tbh. Play him, stay hot, limit his minutes. Nylander needs to play out of his funk imo

JT I’d only play 1 of the two.

 

[Sypher04]

Actually, if nylander has a good night tonight I’d then sit him the final game, but only if he gets some good production.

All these are assuming of course they are healthy. If there are injuries to be rested then do that.

 

[darrylsittler27]

Tough call who to play. Big nothing burger here.

 

[Magic Man]

Boston is a worse team on paper than Florida. I'm hoping for Boston in the first round. Then, hopefully Tampa upsets Florida in a bloody affair.

 

[keonsbitterness]

What a historical feat that would be. Losing in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs.

Go big or go home.

 

[Maple Leaf]

Do the leafs have a shutdown center?

 

[Rude Dog]

I am almost feel like maybe it’s better to get them to go to Boston first. Not sure if too much sun and fun will lead to them being focused for game 1 against the Panthers. Make them haul their asses to Boston. But really, probably doesn’t matter much. Just need to beat whoever.

There will be a lot of Leaf support in Florida as well. Take away some of the home ice advantage

 

[Suntouchable13]

There will be a lot of Leaf support in Florida as well. Take away some of the home ice advantage

Oh, good point!

 

[Stephen]

I have a sneaking suspicion that he is going to have to play, if not in round one, sometime in these playoffs. So agreed, he needs to get right.

For those singing in your head:

I am fully anticipating a Woll appearance and maybe even a Murray appearance. It’s just within the realm of possibility. Maybe Liam too come to think of it.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

The Leafs will beat whoever they play in round 1 and 2, so it doesn't matter.

not sure if evil but definitely homer

 

[Magic Man]

I'd go Woll tonight and then Jones tomorrow night. Rest Samsonov until the playoffs. That gives everyone else a tune up in case they're called upon.

I'd give 2 more games to Murray with the Marlies before their season ends and 1 to Hildeby. 3 games for Murray with the Marlies kicks off the rust a bit.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

I'd go Woll tonight and then Jones tomorrow night. Rest Samsonov until the playoffs. That gives everyone else a tune up in case they're called upon.

I'd give 2 more games to Murray with the Marlies before their season ends and 1 to Hildeby. 3 games for Murray with the Marlies kicks off the rust a bit.

Is that enough time to give Sammy a mental reboot?

 

[sxvnert]

Unfortunately both teams are dead set on setting the tone tonight for the upcoming series. I would hope Reaves intends on making his mark tonight.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Unfortunately both teams are dead set on setting the tone tonight for the upcoming series. I would hope Reaves intends on making his mark tonight.

To be honest, other than potential injuries, tonight's result won't have any influence on game 1 of the playoffs.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Matthews even playing tonight?

 

[Anthrax442]

Matthews even playing tonight?

He is still chasing the 70

 

[ToneDog]

Matthews even playing tonight?

With McMann, Domi and Jarnkrok out, we only have 12 forwards so yes. They might go 11 and 7 tomorrow and sit Matty.

 

[HolyCrap]

To be honest, other than potential injuries, tonight's result won't have any influence on game 1 of the playoffs.

If they lose tonight and Boston loses then it influences who they play. If they want florida part of the equation is beating them tonight. Although a lot rides on Boston.

 

[OVO16]

Hoping we rest McCabe

Also just bench Mathews for the rest if the day if he scores that 70th goal

 

[Evilhomer]

not sure if evil but definitely homer

It's called consistent. Same thing I have been saying all along. The third round against a team like Carolina would be a different story....