This is just so wrong because you're completely ignoring context. The difference is that TB was playing with the lead most of the time and therefore they didn't need to score. Toronto on the other hand, was playing from behind most of the time and with their season on the line, they had to score and it even made sense to take chances to do so, and they still couldn't do it.
So two teams, one had to score, one didn't, and the one that didn't still scored twice as many as the other. No offence but calling the goal total of the team that didn't need to score, that did what they had to do successfully and won the cup "putrid", is just crazy talk.
There's just no way you can spin scoring only 2 goals in 10 periods as not being an enormous failure, and there's just no way you can blame scoring only 2 goals in 10 periods on the goaltender so I suggest you stop trying.
I think we are both looking at context but you are ignoring the bigger picture. Playing from behind in big playoff games makes it harder to score against good teams. How did they get there?
Why was Toronto playing from behind against Columbus? Wasnt it Andersen letting in floaters from the point and short side softies?
Why was Toronto playing from behind against Montreal? Wasnt it Campbell letting in savable pucks including one of the softest goals of the playoffs five-hole? Tampa was actually better for Campbell but the fact he was outduelled by Vasy in the end isnt in dispute.
You've played sports right? How deflating was it when your goalie lets in a bad goal in a big game? How much did it go to your legs when he made a huge save in a big game? I'm not sure the Leafs know what its like to have a goalie win them a big game in half a decade. When I think of games they have won (game 4 against the Jackets for example), it's been due to the team willing themselves in spite of the goaltending.
1.3 goals a game is absolutely putrid but I do see your point. It's a lot easier not having to press and leave yourself open to more goals being scored on you but without one of the greatest playoff goalies ever, none of that happens anyways.
You put Campbell/Andersen in that net for Tampa and there are no cups and, hell, it's plausible they might not even win a round. Much like the Leafs not knowing what it's like to have that rock behind them in big games, Tampa really doesnt know what it's like to not have that guy back there......except for one playoffs right?
When Vasy was actually off his game for once and it was the biggest upset in history where they completely imploded as a team, got swept and Kucherov completely cracked and got suspended in the biggest choke job almost ever. They just tinkered a bit, kept all the relevant pieces and boom, 2 cups and 3 straight finals with that same squad with Vasy playing to his high standards. I don't think Tampa sniffs a cup without good goaltending, we've seen it play out.
Like I said, maybe the Leafs have it now. I don't think they miss sulky Andersen or headcase Campbell that much. Just give this team one game where the goalie steals it for them. Vasy stole all those games on the way to the cup. 4 series wins, 4 shutouts to close them out. I dont even want that but just half of that and this team is rolling.
Bah, I'm just rambling now but I hope you see my point.
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