GDT: Leafs @ Panthers

[Clark4Ever]

I start Jack.

We got the result we needed against Tampa Bay. I don't think it's worth risking the slightest chance of aggravating an injury to Campbell tonight in a back to back, especially since he has played so well in both of his recent starts.

Play Kallgren tonight and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Insanity. Divisional playoffs need to go, go back to 1-8 seeding. We have what should be the conference final happening in the 1st round.

It wouldn't just benefit us as Leaf fans, it would benefit the value of the product. Why would the NHL want 2 of the top teams in the league out in the first round?

 

[zeke]

We aren't catching the Panthers.

Not with that attitude we're not.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

We got the result we needed against Tampa Bay. I don't think it's worth risking the slightest chance of aggravating an injury to Campbell tonight in a back to back, especially since he has played so well in both of his recent starts.

Play Kallgren tonight and let the chips fall where they may.

He should quite get a few starts here down the stretch. Busy month.

 

[I am Canadian]

It wouldn't just benefit us as Leaf fans, it would benefit the value of the product. Why would the NHL want 2 of the top teams in the league out in the first round?

For one, having Boston Toronto and Florida Tampa is much more entertaining than Toronto Pittsburg and Florida Washington etc

But I agree it's bs

 

[Leaf Rocket]

looks about right

 

[Fogelhund]

save him for the playoffs.

We aren't catching the Panthers.

I agree with you on sitting Jack.

As far as catching the Panthers, it certainly is improbable... impossible no. If somehow we beat them both times that we play them here, we are only three points back. We'd basically need to run the table to do it though.

 

[Tarmore]

We won the game we needed to.

This one is like house money.

Not likely to catch Florida even if we win all our games against them.

 

[Mr_Fun]

Playing Kalli tonight isn't a bad decision. Keefe is giving him a nod of confidence which isn't a bad thing, especially if JC breaks again.

"move over and make room for Kalli".

 

[Optimist]

Why doesn't Matthews smile after he scores any more? He used to. I'm concerned..

 

[ToneDog]

I agree with you on sitting Jack.

As far as catching the Panthers, it certainly is improbable... impossible no. If somehow we beat them both times that we play them here, we are only three points back. We'd basically need to run the table to do it though.

We won the game we needed to.

This one is like house money.

Not likely to catch Florida even if we win all our games against them.

Can't let up. We want home ice in round #1.

 

[wingman75]

 

[JT AM da real deal]

What are D lines? Anyone know?

 

[hoglund]

Why doesn't Matthews smile after he scores any more? He used to. I'm concerned..

It depends on the score of the game, if it's an important goal you'll see more emotion like a go ahead goal or game winning, don't be concerned.

 

[BodaciousBeefBazooka]

Matthews 99% of the time has a stone face expression. I was a little annoyed after he scored 50 and the fans were cheering for him for an hour he didnt even acknowledge them and wave. Guess he isnt that type of guy or isnt really his personality type.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Can't let up. We want home ice in round #1.

It would be nice to have since the last time Leafs opened up the playoffs at home in front of fans was 2004. But personally I don’t think it’s a big deal to have home ice advantage.

 

[McSnypsky]

Matthews 99% of the time has a stone face expression. I was a little annoyed after he scored 50 and the fans were cheering for him for an hour he didnt even acknowledge them and wave. Guess he isnt that type of guy or isnt really his personality type.

cause he's like this should've and is going to happen again and again. Plus he got the first star send out

 

[ToneDog]

It would be nice to have since the last time Leafs opened up the playoffs at home in front of fans was 2004. But personally I don’t think it’s a big deal to have home ice advantage.

Agreed but be great to host game #7. I prefer any game #7 in our barn. Of course don't mind closing out teams at home in 4 or 6.

 

[Apex Predator]

I’m curious to see the d pairings with Muzzin back.

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

Matthews 99% of the time has a stone face expression. I was a little annoyed after he scored 50 and the fans were cheering for him for an hour he didnt even acknowledge them and wave. Guess he isnt that type of guy or isnt really his personality type.

I think based on his post game interview he was a little sad that it was an ENG. He might have felt weird celebrating that.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

50th goal: Matthews 99% of the time has a stone face expression.

Taught my son the same.

Out of respect for the other team and goalie - no show boating.

Matthews isn’t celebrating because he’s planning his next goal.

 

[crump]

Oh his eyes were a little moist there during the standing O I think. He's stoic, but appreciative. A goal that gets his team off the mat or gives them the lead brings out more emotion in him. True sportsman.

 

[Fogelhund]

I don't think that Matthews is all that focused on his individual achievements at this point. I'm sure he's as tired as us in the teams lack of playoff success so far, I'm sure he's heard it, and he's alluded to there being more important things than his goals total. At this point, he just wants to get to the playoffs, and win there. That's the feeling I get. Score some goals, and win series in the playoffs, then you will see him celebrate.

 

[zeke]

I’m curious to see the d pairings with Muzzin back.

All of Leafs nation on edge!

Will it be deservedly the BOOSH?

Or the hated Holl?

Or the bust reborn Lilly?

 

[Leafsfan74]

Why doesn't Matthews smile after he scores any more? He used to. I'm concerned..

I like this. He is happy of course, but IMO he is presumably consciously showing to the fans and his teammates that scoring is only part of the journey, it isn't the success he is pursuing.

It would appear that his disinterest in being overly celebratory is that his goal is to lift a Cup. This team will be measured on their playoff performances.