Series Talk: Leafs vs Lightning Pre-Playoff Thread

[ACC1224]

It was more a strict call than anything else...

Im pretty sure bettman talked to ref before the game and asking to be really strict all game long and call everything and it was what they did...

Looked like a legit penalty to me. Pretty simple interference call that we see all the time.

 

[authentic]

It was ridiculous. Nice punch to Tavares by Cernak..uncalled…3:1 Bunting touches a guy and gets a penalty.

Calls him for headlock while a Tampa player is still headlocking Tavares

These clowns shouldn't be allowed to ref in the NHL

 

[Zybalto]

Marchand, among others, has been doing the Bunting stuff for years and it only took Bunting a season and a half to get singled out across the NHL as the "worst offender", just like Kadri was the worst until a couple of years ago for some reason.

If we let go of Bunting and aquire a similar player, the new worst will be born.

Stop pretending like this doesn't happen.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I am not 100% confident we will get the job done this year and get out of round 1, but I do feel like we are going to see the best version of our boys. I have very little doubt on the roster Kyle has assembled TBH. This is a squad that is ready to compete for the Stanley Cup, and most importantly ready and willing to do the little things that are absolutely necessary in order to achieve that.

Our squad is talented, deep, willing and able to win in a multitude of ways. The additions of Schenn, O'Rielly, Acciari, McCabe, and Lafferty at the TDL, combined with the recent signing of Matty Knies have added a level of physicality and competitiveness that I am not sure we've ever seen compliment this core. Not to mention the addition by subtraction in Pierre Engvall, who avoided hard areas like the plague and consistently was not able to match the intensity of playoff hockey. Our club is more primed then ever to make a real run at the mug. I truly believe that.

I also feel like I am seeing a level of buy in that I have never seen from this group before. The amount of guys selling out to block shots, lay the body, get into scrums is something I can't remember this current core ever having. Also, the load management we are seeing is abnormal for our organization. Guys like Gio, Sammy and Mitch have previously made it abundantly clear that they do not prefer sitting out games when healthy. They feel like they play better with repetition. But in every B2B situation post TDL we have seen Sheldon rest some guys. Even dressing a guy like Simmonds who is so far down the depth chart that he will likely not even be considered in any post season lineup. All of our key players have seen a night off or 2 down the stretch and all of which seemingly understand and accept that decision. It is very clear that they recognize that it is for a greater purpose. Case in point last night with Mitch. Sitting on 99pts, you know he wanted to play and have a chance at 100. He happily accepted the night off by all accounts. His focus is not on personal accolades. He knows he is a 100pt player whether he actually gets it or not. HIs focus is right where it needs to be; getting ready for the post season.

The road to victory will arguably be tougher then any of the previous 6 post seasons. TB is still TB, I really don't care how they've been playing recently. I sure as f*** will not underestimate them, and I know our squad won't either. That is a team full of winners, and they know how to play games when it matters the most. We will need to be at our best to have a chance in that series. And if by some stroke of good fortune we turn around our round 1 woes, we will more than likely be rewarded by having to play one of the best teams in NHL history, Boston.

Like I said above, I have no reason to believe we won't be at our best. This team is built different, and we clearly have the right focus. The road may be harder than its ever been, but I believe we are more prepared then we have ever been. This just feels like the way this group was always going to have to earn their stripes. Something just feels special about this team.

Really excited to see what this group can do.

 

[Fogelhund]

I meant for the leafs.

So did I.

 

[67leafs]

I honestly don’t think TB has it this year.

 

[mikeyz]

BTW everyone, just an FYI. For everyone saying “Why do we have to play a tough team like Tampa in round 1?”

If it was a 1-8 conference format like a lot of you wanted, we would be facing the Rangers in the 1st round as the #4-5 seeds. We would be #4.

There’s no excuses this year, Let’s just do it.

 

[Burnie97]

BTW everyone, just an FYI. For everyone saying “Why do we have to play a tough team like Tampa in round 1?”

If it was a 1-8 conference format like a lot of you wanted, we would be facing the Rangers in the 1st round as the #4-5 seeds. We would be #4.

There’s no excuses this year, Let’s just do it.

Tampa has been bad for a while now.

I forget the exact stat but they said on tsn last night they haven't even played 500 from the beginning of March I think it was.

I agree. No excuses. Either do it or things will be changing.

I just look at a guy they just got like McCabe blocking 5 shots and a few of them were at the end of the game. That's sacrifice. That's what you need to do to win.

 

[mikeyz]

Physically tonight the Leafs look like they can match whomever Tampa throws at them

Well, hopefully Keefe dresses Schenn in every game.

 

[Twine Tickler]

BTW everyone, just an FYI. For everyone saying “Why do we have to play a tough team like Tampa in round 1?”

If it was a 1-8 conference format like a lot of you wanted, we would be facing the Rangers in the 1st round as the #4-5 seeds. We would be #4.

There’s no excuses this year, Let’s just do it.

Yup, this is exactly how I see it as well. The divisional format has been problematic in years past, and to some degree would still be that way should we make it through R1 and have to face Boston in R2. But at the end of the day, every team in the Eastern conference poses the exact same threat to us.

Our biggest obstacle has and will always be ourselves. As soon as we get over that hurdle, who knows what this team can achieve.

I am actually happy we are playing a worthy opponent TBH. No excuse to sit back. We know exactly what this team is capable of if we leave that door slightly cracked open. If ever there was a time to develop that killer instinct we've been dying for, it is now.

 

[mikeyz]

Tampa has been bad for a while now.

I forget the exact stat but they said on tsn last night they haven't even played 500 from the beginning of March I think it was.

I agree. No excuses. Either do it or things will be changing.

I just look at a guy they just got like McCabe blocking 5 shots and a few of them were at the end of the game. That's sacrifice. That's what you need to do to win.

Yeah, I heard that too. But, I just looked at their record and since Valentine’s Day, they have gone 10-14-4.

 

[Menzinger]

Well, hopefully Keefe dresses Schenn in every game.

I'd expect him in game 1

 

[Gary Nylund]

I'd expect him in game 1

I do too. Off the top of my head, I'd say he's maybe 85% to play game 1. What about Knies, what are the odds of him being in game 1 I wonder?

 

[Contenderorpretender]

After last night's game I'm antisocial confident in this team. Tampa isn't the scary team they were.

It was ridiculous. Nice punch to Tavares by Cernak..uncalled…3:1 Bunting touches a guy and gets a penalty.

It's a joke. Bunting could get slashed in the face and lose an eye and they'll call him for embellishing

 

[nuck]

I do too. Off the top of my head, I'd say he's maybe 85% to play game 1. What about Knies, what are the odds of him being in game 1 I wonder?

I am figuring they run with the vets for game 1 and if someone comes out flat they might sit in favor of Knies game 2. That might change if he has a big game against the Rangers, assuming he plays.

 

[thusk]

Tampa has been bad for a while now.

I forget the exact stat but they said on tsn last night they haven't even played 500 from the beginning of March I think it was.

I agree. No excuses. Either do it or things will be changing.

I just look at a guy they just got like McCabe blocking 5 shots and a few of them were at the end of the game. That's sacrifice. That's what you need to do to win.

Since trade deadline tampa are 8-11-1

Gf 3
Ga 3.4

 

[Burnie97]

Yeah, I heard that too. But, I just looked at their record and since Valentine’s Day, they have gone 10-14-4.

Right on. Even worse.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I am figuring they run with the vets for game 1 and if someone comes out flat they might sit in favor of Knies game 2. That might change if he has a big game against the Rangers, assuming he plays.

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

 

[67leafs]

Well, hopefully Keefe dresses Schenn in every game.

schenn is a beast

 

[Gallagbi]

For those interested in momentum going into the playoffs.

Leafs are 5-1-1 in April; TB is 1-4. Each team has 1 game left and Toronto is on a 3 game win streak with points in 5 straight, TB has 4 straight regulation losses.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

People have been doubting Perry as an effective bottom 6 player on a contender for years and he’s proven them wrong. It looks to me like that time has finally arrived. He will still be a pain to play against but I don’t expect much of an impact from here on out.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I do too. Off the top of my head, I'd say he's maybe 85% to play game 1. What about Knies, what are the odds of him being in game 1 I wonder?

i think Schenn is 95% in for game 1. His ability to box out the top of the crease is way too valuable. Knies on the other hand is a toss up. The playoffs is a game of mistakes, and generally speaking the team that makes less of them wins. I love what Knies brings, and if it were up to me he'd be in the lineup game 1. But I just think Sheldon tends to defer to less risky options. Matty Knies has been excellent IMO. He doesn't look out of place at all. It's actually shocking that he is only 2 games into his NHL career. What makes him different from other young forwards who have come into the lineup is his ability to play the brand of hockey that we need to play to be at our best. work the puck down low, and battle. None of the likes of Abruzzese, Robertson, and even Holmberg to a lesser degree have been able to show that ability.

Sheldon was asked pregame yesterday what brought about lining Knies up with Willy in last night's tilt against TB, he said that it was equal parts of necessity as well as the fact that he felt Matty had earned the opportunity after the FLA game. So it is clear that Sheldon likes what he sees to some degree. However, only Connor Timmons and ZAR played less then Matt last night. So it really is a toss up if you ask me. I recognize Knies and Abruzzese are 2 very different prospects and they offer 2 very different games. But Knies has already been thrown into more intense games then Nick has ever been in. So that same philosophy on sheltering Nick last season does not seem to be applying with Matt. I think they know there is a very tangible difference in the 2 young kids. The biggest thing that seperates those 2 is particular is that Matt plays like a tenured NHL player already. The pace of the game does not seem to faze him, and he clearly can handle the physicality of the pro game as well. The same could even be said if comparing Matty to Nick Robertson. Matt is just the most ready to play the game at the highest level out of any of our prospects. So It is really hard to predict how Sheldon treats him. Playing Matt in game 1 would go against recent history as it relates to Sheldon's coaching style, but we've never had a player like Matt Knies at our disposal either.

Matt is gunna get into playoff games at some point, I just think game 1 is a toss up at the current moment. Sheldon is a tough guy to read at the best of times. I feel like I will have a better idea on what is going to happen when I see Knies' usage on Thursday. If he gives him ~15 mins of Ice time, I would say Sheldon is strongly considering using him game 1 and wants to see how he handles an increased load. But if it's the 12-13 mins we've seen the last 2 games, I think he will sit him out until we need a change of pace and then check him into the lineup as our "ace in the hole". The latter of the 2 options might be a bit less pressure for the kid. Presumably if we are down in the series and needing to make a change, it will be because 1 or multiple guys have made game changing mistakes. It is always easier to find the fairway when the guy before you goes OB off the tee. But teeing off first can sometimes be a bit too much pressure for some.

 

[Nineteen67]

Sorry, but that's ridiculous. You want the Leafs to look beyond Round 1 if they're able to get a 2-0 series lead against the 3 time Stanlry Cup finalist Tampa Bay Lightning? Especially given the Leafs lack of playoff success?

I'm comfortable that Woll could step in if needed, but if Sammy plays well and remains healthy enough to play then it'd be ridiculous to sit him.... Even if the series is 3 - 0 and were up by 3 goals in the 4th game.

Do whatever it takes to win the first series and as quickly as possible... then worry about the next one.

Exactly. Woll only plays if it’s a blowout loss or Samsonov gets injured.

People have been doubting Perry as an effective bottom 6 player on a contender for years and he’s proven them wrong. It looks to me like that time has finally arrived. He will still be a pain to play against but I don’t expect much of an impact from here on out.

You really didn’t need to say that out loud….even though we’re all thinking it

 

[Gary Nylund]

i think Schenn is 95% in for game 1. His ability to box out the top of the crease is way too valuable. Knies on the other hand is a toss up. The playoffs is a game of mistakes, and generally speaking the team that makes less of them wins. I love what Knies brings, and if it were up to me he'd be in the lineup game 1. But I just think Sheldon tends to defer to less risky options. Matty Knies has been excellent IMO. He doesn't look out of place at all. It's actually shocking that he is only 2 games into his NHL career. What makes him different from other young forwards who have come into the lineup is his ability to play the brand of hockey that we need to play to be at our best. work the puck down low, and battle. None of the likes of Abruzzese, Robertson, and even Holmberg to a lesser degree have been able to show that ability.

Sheldon was asked pregame yesterday what brought about lining Knies up with Willy in last night's tilt against TB, he said that it was equal parts of necessity as well as the fact that he felt Matty had earned the opportunity after the FLA game. So it is clear that Sheldon likes what he sees to some degree. However, only Connor Timmons and ZAR played less then Matt last night. So it really is a toss up if you ask me. I recognize Knies and Abruzzese are 2 very different prospects and they offer 2 very different games. But Knies has already been thrown into more intense games then Nick has ever been in. So that same philosophy on sheltering Nick last season does not seem to be applying with Matt. I think they know there is a very tangible difference in the 2 young kids. The biggest thing that seperates those 2 is particular is that Matt plays like a tenured NHL player already. The pace of the game does not seem to faze him, and he clearly can handle the physicality of the pro game as well. The same could even be said if comparing Matty to Nick Robertson. Matt is just the most ready to play the game at the highest level out of any of our prospects. So It is really hard to predict how Sheldon treats him. Playing Matt in game 1 would go against recent history as it relates to Sheldon's coaching style, but we've never had a player like Matt Knies at our disposal either.

Matt is gunna get into playoff games at some point, I just think game 1 is a toss up at the current moment. Sheldon is a tough guy to read at the best of times. I feel like I will have a better idea on what is going to happen when I see Knies' usage on Thursday. If he gives him ~15 mins of Ice time, I would say Sheldon is strongly considering using him game 1 and wants to see how he handles an increased load. But if it's the 12-13 mins we've seen the last 2 games, I think he will sit him out until we need a change of pace and then check him into the lineup as our "ace in the hole". The latter of the 2 options might be a bit less pressure for the kid. Presumably if we are down in the series and needing to make a change, it will be because 1 or multiple guys have made game changing mistakes. It is always easier to find the fairway when the guy before you goes OB off the tee. But teeing off first can sometimes be a bit too much pressure for some.

A lot of good thoughts here.

You're right, Keefe is tough to read. And there are definitely a number of things to consider here, one might be what Knies is like - is starting him in game 1 too much pressure or is he the type to thrive on the pressure? If the pressure isn't a concern, I'd give him at least 15 minutes against NY and if all goes well, he's playing in game 1. But letting the vets take game 1 makes a ton of sense also so I guess the only thing we know for sure is that whatever Keefe decides, people will be calling for his head on a platter as soon as his decision becomes public.

 

[kb]

Tampa has been bad for a while now.

I forget the exact stat but they said on tsn last night they haven't even played 500 from the beginning of March I think it was.

I agree. No excuses. Either do it or things will be changing.

I just look at a guy they just got like McCabe blocking 5 shots and a few of them were at the end of the game. That's sacrifice. That's what you need to do to win.

I believe they have won 13 of their last 33 games or something like that.