Post-Game Talk: Leafs win 4-3 in OT

[Gary Nylund]

Matthews was blowing all sorts of Marner set-ups early in the season too before they shut him down. Marner is tied for 9th in points in the NHL right now but should probably be in the top 5 based on his play. Add in his defensive game and he's been one of the top forwards in the NHL for sure.

I've always been a keep Marner and Matthews together guy but I really feel Matthews should come back healthy and play with Domi now. Domi's confidence looks completely shot and thats a helluva boat anchor of a contract if he cant figure it out. They had chemistry last season so gotta get him going.

You're learning, good to see.

Is this really a question? Nylander drove the whole team the past 2 playoffs, he was by far the best player. Can he drive his own line. Yes

Yep.

Anyhow, fun game to watch last night. I haven't been paying close attention lately, mostly I'm waiting for the playoffs but last night I did watch the entire game, was hoping for a fun entertaining game (and a win of course) and I was not disappointed. GLG!

I guess it all depends on the angle of view, doesn’t look like there is anything there to me

IMO that was just a great shot by Marner. He's playing great so far, if only he could be this effective in the biggest playoff games.

 

[conFABulator]

with salary retention, I'm all in.
We neeeeeeeeeed a centre

I started a thread on this a while back and many on there said it wasn't a real thing. Some people really have a thing for hijacking threads to unrelated and irrelevant topics though.

The Identity (Politics) of Leaf Fans (Not actual politics)

I am pretty sure I will have no positive impact here and was going to post this in another thread that triggered this thought for me. I decided that would have hijacked the other thread, so I am starting this fresh. I really don't want this to be about Dubas, Treliving and their respective...

forums.hfboards.com

 

[Dekes For Days]

Nice comeback. Marner was great. Reaves is an idiot.

 

[Leafs1991]

I know it doesn't show it yet in the standings but this team is continuing to show they are better than last year. The coaching is making a massive difference.

 

[thewave]

What's really depressing is if the season ended right now, the Leafs would be playing Tampa again. If they managed another win and leapfrogged Florida/NJ, they'd be playing Boston again. I'm not afraid of these teams, it's just that this playoff format is really sucking the life out of the fun of the playoffs. I'd hate to have to watch another series against these teams. Why doesn't the NHL listen? No one likes this format.

It's gotta go Jowl

This format and NMCs are the two worst most anti exciting aspects of hockey.

 

[Ports]

Agree

Amazing game from Marner. He really is better without Matthews.

I agree. Put Domi with Matthews and Knies. Tavares and McMann with Nylander and try Marner driving a line with Dewar and Robertson. They need to get more depth scoring and sprieading the talent around might kick start that.

Leafs played a pretty solid game. McDavid was a -2, which is always good to see when the best player in the world is not having an impact 5 on 5.

The Leafs had a ton of chances early in the game, especially on the PP. They needed to cash in there to win in regulation. They struggled in the mid game but then turned it on. Knies and Marner have been huge gamers last few weeks.

Another rough game for Domi.

McDavid’s lack of effort on the Leafs first goal was surprising.

 

[Ports]

McDavid is a deeply unlikeable player. I hope he stays in Edmonton.

What makes him unlikeable ?

 

[3blizzard4]

Nurse is back to being a top two pairing D after the injury.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I know it doesn't show it yet in the standings but this team is continuing to show they are better than last year. The coaching is making a massive difference.

They were absolutely horrible against Ottawa, I'd say their level of play is inconsistent as usual so too early to draw any conclusions. With this core we've always been a good regular season team, we'll see what happens in the playoffs.

 

[Ports]

Exactly this.

X --- Matthews --- Domi
McMann --- Tavares ---- Marner
Knies ---- Y ------ Nylander

Never play the 4th line!

Just have to fill in X and Y through trades or open trials among the spare parts and Toronto Marlies.

X = Knies, Y = Marner who can drive a line with Robertson and Dewar or Jarnkrok whenever he comes back. The question I have is can Domi who is a left shot play right wing ?

 

[ULF_55]

 

[Ports]

They were absolutely horrible against Ottawa, I'd say their level of play is inconsistent as usual so too early to draw any conclusions. With this core we've always been a good regular season team, we'll see what happens in the playoffs.

Good defense, great goaltending but no scoring depth which needs to be sorted out through a trade for a good two way 3C who can produce some offense.

 

[Jojalu]

They were absolutely horrible against Ottawa, I'd say their level of play is inconsistent as usual so too early to draw any conclusions. With this core we've always been a good regular season team, we'll see what happens in the playoffs.

Exactly. Leafs have collected 16 out of a possoble 20 points against playoff teams, and still continue to struggle against teams not in the playoffs.

They are just winning the games in different fashion against other playoff teams.

Hopefully it will lead to more playoff success

 

[Ports]

Which is terrifying because its his contract season.

I love what I see, don't get me wrong. Marlee was my absolute favorite for so long, still have his jersey. I just hate that he shrinks in the playoffs and I'm worried we overspend, resign him and he continues to shrink when it matters.

There’s no rush to sign him before the end of the season. The Leafs can offer him an eighth year and he wants to be a Leaf. See how the team and Marner play in the playoffs before finalizing a new contract for either him or JT.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Exactly. Leafs have collected 16 out of a possoble 20 points against playoff teams, and still continue to struggle against teams not in the playoffs.

They are just winning the games in different fashion against other playoff teams.

Hopefully it will lead to more playoff success

It's all about paying the price to win in the playoffs. Not sure Berube can motivate these guys to do that but I guess we'll find out.

There’s no rush to sign him before the end of the season. The Leafs can offer him an eighth year and he wants to be a Leaf. See how the team and Marner play in the playoffs before finalizing a new contract for either him or JT.

Exactly this. I mean if JT is winning to give a substantial team friendly discount, I don't mind getting that done but Marner's another story. Actually I guess I'd say the same thing about Marner, it's just that I have zero reason to think he'd give us a substantial team friendly discount so that's not an issue.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

What makes him unlikeable ?

Yeah, I don't get that either. I guess because he's intense? Sorry but I want that in my star players.

 

[Zacman]

Need that Bowen call lol

Leafsjellyhd on YouTube puts highlight packs with Bowen together, it's amazing!

 

[Ports]

Yeah, I don't get that either. I guess because he's intense? Sorry but I want that in my star players.

Because he’s the best offensive player in the game and is a threat every time he steps on the ice. More of an envy thing I think.

 

[Primary Assist]

View attachment 931832

A little deceiving since the camera angle is so different from the puck angle. He's square, he's just way too deep in his net playing the pass instead of the shot. I don't really fault Skinner on that one, a 2 on 1 at that speed and with that much space is so hard for a goalie. Especially when you have two of the best offensive players in the world bearing down on you.

 

[Dekes For Days]

I'd assume if Dubas was still here, he would be trading McMann for Malgin while his value is high..

Weird post considering that he's the one that brought him in.

 

[ULF_55]

In reading some of the posts, especially the paraphrased since I won't go back and find it, "Oilers have the worst starting goalie in the NHL."

So Leafs, although missing Matthews (maybe not so much ), and Oilers missing Kane (Matthews<>Kane), and then missing Nurse for half the game, it reminded me of this quote.



Leafs beat a team with a bad goaltender at home in overtime.

I agree that's great, my comment is more in reference to beating the worst starting in the league shouldn't be a pound the chest moment.

If we look at the NHL, Leafs are 10th. and Oilers are 15th. based on points percentage.

Maybe beating the worst starting goaltender in the league isn't "such a wonderful thing after all."

Anyway, Oilers got a point, Leafs got 2 and we were entertained.

Would you not want to beat the Oilers in the playoffs? Can't beat the Panthers, Lightning nor Bruins for the Cup, so who better to beat?

 

[Zybalto]

X --- Matthews --- Domi
McMann --- Tavares ---- Marner
Knies ---- Y ------ Nylander

Never play the 4th line!

Just have to fill in X and Y through trades or open trials among the spare parts and Toronto Marlies.

Pretty close to how its shaping up for sure.

Id try Robertson with Domi and Matthews for an extended time and grab Y through trade.

 

[Al14]

What makes him unlikeable ?

Playing hockey in an Oilers jersey !!!

 

[ER89]

3 stars:
Marner/Stolarz
Marner/Stolarz
Marner/Stolarz

Tbf the real MC should be there somewhere

 

[ULF_55]

It's surprising to me that most people don't realize this is correct. It was always about the coaching. That issue has now been resolved. The difference in coaching quality is significant.

Many posters wanted a change of coaching, for years.
Many posts about being ready to start a game, being ready to play to the final whistle, refusal to switch things up for more than a couple shifts, ... and on and one.

I bet if one had created a Poll about whether they wanted Keefe gone, it would have been overwhelmingly in favor bringing in a new head coach, rather than just changing up special situation coaches.

Keefe might have been a favorite of some, but my guess that was a small portion of the hard core fanbase.