Predict the Atlantic Standings

[HockeyVirus]

Uh yes, I would think it's easier to deal with the Panthers sucking as a Panthers fan as they don't have the yearly sky high expectations or a 65 year drought to think of.

I'm not sure this is the argument you think it is.

"Yes being a fan of my team is better because we suck and no one expects anything of us". That's a pretty depressing argument.

Here is the thing with the Leafs, all these chirps are relevant until they aren't. It's a matter of WHEN not IF they win a round, and while that is not the goal it will kill the chirps. If the Leafs make the ECF there isn't really going to be much that can be said that would hurt Leaf fans.

All Leaf fans have really wanted is to just be competitive. We missed the playoffs for a decade straight, I much prefer this to being in Panthers position of not good enough to win and too good to get any good players. If this core can give the Leafs a few playoff runs, and at least 1 good one (like a Finals appearance) we will be devastated we lost but proud of the team and probably talk about them in high regards like we did with teams of the 90's and early 2000's.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

Atlantic going to a be a battle until the end....Florida, Toronto, Tampa, Detroit and Florida. I have to admit I'm surprised Toronto is surviving thus far.

Out of those Teams Toronto Is the surprise to you ?

 

[Ezekial]

Eh I mean I don't see it. What the Leafs did when I wasn't born doesn't have any effect on my enjoyment of the current Leaf team. I really don't see how being a fan of a smaller market team that sucks would be any better. I guess there is more outside scrutiny but I stopped caring about that a long time ago.

I guess to a die hard fan they're equally shit. But there's just a lot more baggage on a Leafs loss.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I guess to a die hard fan they're equally shit. But there's just a lot more baggage on a Leafs loss.

That is fair I suppose. It is probably easier to hide as a fan of a small market team that sucks then it is for Leaf fans. I feel like cheering for a shitty team just kind of sucks regardless though and likely are different challenges that come with that ability to hide in a negative sense as well.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

We know, we've been listening to Leafs fans talk for years.

You've also got the pleasure of watching the Leafs go 17-1-2 against your team since drafting Matthews. No wonder you're upset

 

[BTP]

What’s crazy to me, is as good as Boston has been, Toronto is still only just 3 points behind them. Still have them winning the division

 

[Peasy]

What’s crazy to me, is as good as Boston has been, Toronto is still only just 3 points behind them. Still have them winning the division

Boston still has 3 games in hand though. Boston would really have to fumble the ball to not finish 1st imo.

 

[leafsfan5]

It feels like the top 3 is set, imo. I don't see anyone overtaking the Bruins, Leafs, and TB

Just the order of the 3 that needs to be decided, but as long as Boston doesn't completely fall off they'll likely hold on to first. Which means we play Tampa round 1.........yay

 

[Ezekial]

You've also got the pleasure of watching the Leafs go 17-1-2 against your team since drafting Matthews. No wonder you're upset

Congratulations, you've had the same number of playoff accomplishments as a rebuilding team.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

As the Leafs get healthier on the back end they will separate themselves from 3rd in the division. I don't know if they catch Boston but they are 1 and 2 for me.

 

[Blowfish]

Out of those Teams Toronto Is the surprise to you ?

With their D and goaltending...yes a big surprise. Will it hold is the question?

What’s crazy to me, is as good as Boston has been, Toronto is still only just 3 points behind them. Still have them winning the division

Boston does have 3 games in hand....

 

[Bread and Circuses]

This thread is real bad.

No, this thread is amazing.

 

[DaPhazz]

Detroit needs more time and I think they'll slip out of a playoff spot here soon, but long term the Atlantic is absolutely insane. Buffalo, Detroit, and Ottawa all trending upwards in terms of potential and Tampa, Toronto, Florida, and Boston aren't changing in the short term.

So, based on that comment, the habs not trending upwards?

 

[SheldonJPlankton]

I never said it wasn't embarrassing/sad/miserable that the Leafs have lost in the first round every year since 2017.

Well...not true. Leafs lost in the qualifying round in 2020. They failed to make the first round that season.

 

[Bradely]

Boston finished 4th and lost Marchand and McAvoy until January while only adding Krecji, how lol?

This is what aging badly is .....

 

[DKH]

Those August predictions are interesting

 

[Bread and Circuses]

Those August predictions are interesting

 

[wintersej]

Toronto and Tampa are about what you expect. Boston obviously has had everything go right when most were assuming at least some things were going to go wrong, but I think people knew they had a good roster, just not health. Ottawa the huge disappointment. Florida rolled a dice on their D and it came up snake eyes. Bob not helping.

To me Detroit still being in the mix is the biggest surprise. I had them fighting with Buffalo for “meaningful games in January”, but looks like Detroit will be playing meaningful games later than that…and Buffalo won’t be.

 

[PaulD]

As the Leafs get healthier on the back end they will separate themselves from 3rd in the division. I don't know if they catch Boston but they are 1 and 2 for me.

Leafs are better without the full line up. ha!

 

[RedWingzz]

You've also got the pleasure of watching the Leafs go 17-1-2 against your team since drafting Matthews. No wonder you're upset

I love it when Leafs fans try to take shots at other fanbases lol..

It's just too easy to come back at you guys. In fact, I'm not even gonna say anything, and you know EXACTLY why I'm smirking while I'm writing this.

Lol Leafs fans...

 

[ToDavid]

I love it when Leafs fans try to take shots at other fanbases lol..

It's just too easy to come back at you guys. In fact, I'm not even gonna say anything, and you know EXACTLY why I'm smirking while I'm writing this.

Lol Leafs fans...

I bet this sounded way cooler in your head.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

Leafs are better without the full line up. ha!

Thats the HF logic I've come to know and Love. You are only a top team because your number 1 , 2, and 3 D are out lol.

 

[danpantz]

Thats the HF logic I've come to know and Love. You are only a top team because your number 1 , 2, and 3 D are out lol.

In all seriousness, sometimes losing important defenseman causes your forwards to be way more responsible in their own ends to try and help out the guys who are playing. Results in better team D overall. Offense usually ends up taking a hit though.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

With their D and goaltending...yes a big surprise. Will it hold is the question?


Boston does have 3 games in hand....

The fact that MattsMurray is playing well shouldn't be a huge surprise, I said it on this site when they got him, hell I said it before they got him.

The talent was never in question it was always there.

The question with Murray is health.

Now that he's back healthy it shouldn't be a huge surprise that he's playing well.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

In all seriousness, sometimes losing important defenseman causes your forwards to be way more responsible in their own ends to try and help out the guys who are playing. Results in better team D overall. Offense usually ends up taking a hit though.

Thats been true in a lot of cases, but the Leafs as a team have been focused more on D all season. It's what the coach has asked for and the players are doing it.