Post-Game Talk: Red Light Reimer blows it again; Leafs' season pretty much over

[Leafidelity]

I can understand "quitters" within a thread giving up on the Leafs, but do we really need that attitude in thread titles?

Given how easily people on this board give up, I sometimes think they're getting exactly the team they deserve.

It's the same guy that races for post-game threads with negative titles.

 

[Just Rude]

i've seen a handful of posts from people that actually see the whole picture: The TEAM sucks. as a whole.

The team does not "suck." They are probably an average team helped out with stellar goaltending. But why is that so bad? Tampa Bay and Montreal have rode their goalies most of this season. I keep hearing how goaltending is the only reason we are in a playoff spot, but why are there only four teams that have allowed more goals? Yes, I get the amount of shots they give up. That translated to more goals, but let's give the team a little more credit than saying they "suck."

But majority of leafs fans wants to see this is only beeing because of Reimer while the team is like gods. They are not, they are just utter crap atm.

With decent goaltending, the Leafs win 3 of 5, maybe four. They have not been getting systematically outplayed every night in this stretch. It isn't "only" because of Reimer, but if he plays even average (by average I mean something better than .906, 903, .833, .889 and .700 save percentages) and closer to his .913 career average, we aren't even having this discussion. So, again, how can one say that Reimer has not been terrible giving up 12 goals in his last 76 shots?

ive not said he was good. truth is he has been bad. but saying REIMER is the "Main reason" you are in this situation is just ignorant and blind. have a look at your team.

We are talking about the past 5 games. Not the season. Reimer is the main reason we are on a five game skid. I keep hearing how bad the Leafs get outshot every night. In the past five games (all losses), the Leafs have outshot the opposition twice, had the same amount as Montreal and were outshot by Jersey and Washington by a COMBINED four shots. Again, looking at the numbers from the last five games - which is why everyone is frustrated right now - and a lot of holes are poked in your theory.

the team crumbled, and Reimer crumbled.

Maybe the other way around? Let's look at the five games: vs. WSH, down 3-0 seven mins into the game; down 2-0 to Detroit (although Reimer can't really be faulted); against Tampa, a garbage goal :59 seconds in; Montreal, two stoppable goals, down 2-0 7:00 in. Trailing Jersey 1-0, two goals in first 2:00 of second period, suddenly it is 3-0.

With the way the team played lately even Varlamov would have issues keeping that team on a winning stretch.

Again, name me one game where we were severely outplayed? On the contrary, the Leafs easily could have won three of the last five with decent goaltending, 4 of the last 5 with good goaltending.

Did you guys honestly think this amazing s season with zero defense wouldnt it at some point catching up to you and biting you in the ass? and that none of your goalies at some point would not get fatigued/affected by the constant 35/40+ shots, giveaways, turnovers, errors etc.

Again, it has worked out OK most of the season. See the 14-3 run before this five game stretch. And these last five games, we have not been badly outplayed by anyone. Again, are you sensing this trend?

Those are all high speed teams that without a doubt would punish Toronto for their bad defense, giveaways and turnovers.

You are being very generic. Let's talk about these last five games. Have you watched them, as a non-Leaf fan? Or do you just look at the morning recaps? Many of these goals have been very stoppable. It isn't like he doesn't have a chance on them. Big time goalies make the save when they need to. In these past five games, Reimer, for the most part, has not. And that is fact. It's nothing personal against the kid, but he hasn't delivered when he had a golden opportunity to take the brass ring and run. And yes, that is why we are where we are today. Your goalie is paid to stop pucks. When you give up 12 goals on 76 shots, many of those goals very stoppable, you aren't pulling your weight.

 

[Bad Goalie]

The Leafs have reduced the number of shots by about 5 per game over these 5 Reimer starts.

Wow!!

 

[hotpaws]

That's probably because it's a leafs board and most people discuss things the Leafs do opposed to the other team.

It's not uncommon to see "soft goal" or similar comments when you have Kessel banking it off Ward and in or Phaneuf floating a writer in on Halak.

You'll see the opposite for defensive play, where posters in here want 0 chances against because the back up goalie is in. Unfortunately things don't work that way.

It's the Leafs board but if we're going to discuss goaltending maybe we could also discuss how many stoppable goals we score .

Also , there's a huge difference with wanting to tighten up and reduce the breakaways/odd man rushes we give up and expecting to never to give up a scoring chance .

 

[Just Rude]

This Leafs team is easy to peg, outscore our problems, and rely on our Goalie with big saves.

This has been the recipe all year.

This is why when our secondary scoring is not producing, we are up against it, given the #1 line has produced pretty much all year.

There is no defence on this team, we are what we are, may as well keep going to this recipe.

It's funny, when we were getting outshot consistently earlier and winning, most on this board were talking about "low quality shots from the perimeter", combined with Bernier's goaltending.

But, this isn't directed at you, the Reimer apologists stress the play of our defence, with nary a mention of those perimeter shots. Not to mention that we've outshot the opposition 160-153 in those five games, giving up an average 30.6 shots per game.

It has to be one or the other, doesn't it?

 

[Gallagbi]

Wow!!

How many are you looking for? You're doing everything you can to defend Reimer, but you keep missing the fact he's been awful lately. Half the goals he's allowed have been in the first period, so it's tough to blame it in the workload.

5 Shots a game is the difference between the top team in the league and the 20th team in the league for SA btw?

You wanted improvements defensively and you're being shown that. Why not make a relevant argument instead of that comment? Some would say you can't make a relevant argument to defend 0.870 save% goaltending, but you're making a run at it, so let's see.

So far all I've read is "Reimer is awful, so the team shouldn't allow any chances. Since they haven't done that, it's the team's fault"

 

[Leafidelity]

Wow!!

Man you have every excuse in the book ready. I bet if it was 5 more shots a night you'd be using it as a talking point for the team leaving Reimer high and dry compared to Bernier.

 

[Gallagbi]

It's the Leafs board but if we're going to discuss goaltending maybe we could also discuss how many stoppable goals we score .

Sure, but how many stoppage goals we score doesn't seem to be as pressing as how awful our goaltending has been lately. Usually the biggest issues get the most discussion.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

The Leafs have reduced the number of shots by about 5 per game over these 5 Reimer starts.

Because the other team is winning so early, they play more defensively.

 

[hockeyfanz*]

WTF does this have to do with how the team is performing ?

The way this teams played the last decade they don't deserve any fans never mind the largest fan base in the league .

The team is performing no different than it has all year. Only difference is the goalie is playing ordinary.

The Leafs are a mediocre bunch. Many have said this for a long time now but the only thing fans see is that Kessel is 3rd in scoring. Bozak is actually earning his money. For as good as the first line has been offensively..they stink defensively. The whole team does. The actual defense is a mish mash of offensive dmen and Gleason. Phaneuf is over rated and definitely not worthy of captaincy. Again many have said this from day one. The team lacks serious leadership. Stems from the captain on out. They are soft and not many willing to pay the price. Many of them are also cherry picker shinny specialist. Look no further than the top line.

The goaltending has been consistently good and to blame them at this point when it has been average to lousy...is a joke. Where the hell would this team even be without the stellar performances of both Reims and Bernier earlier this season? Nowhere. Probably battling Calgary for 27th overall. Yeah Burke did such a fantastic job of team building. What a team. Talk about spinning wheels man.

This team needs an enema but with the contracts that Nonis has tied himself to...get used to the core. Going nowhere anytime soon...unless Bernier/Reimer can bail them out and take them for a long ride in the playoffs. Not going anywhere otherwise. Even if Kessel does get that magical 40 goals. Who cares?

 

[Kyle Doobas*]

The team is performing no different than it has all year. Only difference is the goalie is playing ordinary.

.870 SV% is not 'ordinary'.

 

[Gallagbi]

The team is performing no different than it has all year. Only difference is the goalie is playing ordinary.

The Leafs are a mediocre bunch. Many have said this for a long time now but the only thing fans see is that Kessel is 3rd in scoring. Bozak is actually earning his money. For as good as the first line has been offensively..they stink defensively. The whole team does. The actual defense is a mish mash of offensive dmen and Gleason. Phaneuf is over rated and definitely not worthy of captaincy. Again many have said this from day one. The team lacks serious leadership. Stems from the captain on out. They are soft and not many willing to pay the price. Many of them are also cherry picker shinny specialist. Look no further than the top line.

The goaltending has been consistently good and to blame them at this point when it has been average to lousy...is a joke. Where the hell would this team even be without the stellar performances of both Reims and Bernier earlier this season? Nowhere. Probably battling Calgary for 27th overall. Yeah Burke did such a fantastic job of team building. What a team. Talk about spinning wheels man.

This team needs an enema but with the contracts that Nonis has tied himself to...get used to the core. Going nowhere anytime soon...unless Bernier/Reimer can bail them out and take them for a long ride in the playoffs. Not going anywhere otherwise. Even if Kessel does get that magical 40 goals. Who cares?

Only neither of those are correct. The team has been better defensively and the goaltending has been horrific.

**** differential has been a huge concern for many around here all season and there's been huge improvements there over this losing streak.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

It's funny, when we were getting outshot consistently earlier and winning, most on this board were talking about "low quality shots from the perimeter", combined with Bernier's goaltending.

But, this isn't directed at you, the Reimer apologists stress the play of our defence, with nary a mention of those perimeter shots. Not to mention that we've outshot the opposition 160-153 in those five games, giving up an average 30.6 shots per game.

It has to be one or the other, doesn't it?

That's a fair observation, as long as we are winning. It absolves a lot of bad in our game.

Main thing for me is the GA, 26th in the NHL. I cannot see any team winning a Cup until they address this.

This is why I started the retool or stand pat thread. Need to address players and or coaches, training staff or all of the above.

Our conditioning generally stinks. I called out Belza earlier this year, and it was dismissed. We can do better.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

The team is performing no different than it has all year. Only difference is the goalie is playing ordinary.

Try watching the game.
Reimer has been terrible.

...unless Bernier/Reimer can bail them out and take them for a long ride in the playoffs. Not going anywhere otherwise.

Ahem.
Bernier/MacIntyre

 

[Gary Nylund]

Find it hilarious how you are all complaining about Reimer.
How about taking a look at your beyond horrible defense? How about having a look how the team is a whole?
And perhaps the way they are treating Reimer?
I'm surprised he even bothers showing up to the trash team Toronto has become.

This kid helped you get to the playoffs last season, forgot about that?.


Toronto went from being a #1 team with amazing offensive firepower, zero defense and a goalie duo that stole games again and again for you. also forgot that? and yes reimer was apart of that this season.

To being a team that fails playoff, with an offensive lineup that doesent produce as much, still zero defense and a goalie thats taken a beating through the last half of the season.
Did Carlyle honestly think that he could rely on the goalies stealing games for you all season long with zero defense?
I think he did, and it went as it would do with any team.
Goalies got fatigued and with no effort on improving the defense you are now falling from an incredible season to just being the good o'l Toronto maple leafs.

Also im quite sure thanks to the fanbase of the leafs, with the attacks on Reimers wife was the last straw for him, and you could tell easily in the last game that he just gave up.
Kid has no confidence and that is thanks to the fanbase for just trying to "Fire him up"... what kind of trash move is that?
It shows the class of the majority of the fans here. and looking at the replies most of you have towards reimer i have to say you aswell.

Goaltenders are the LAST line of defense. Not the ONLY line of defense. Its so god damn easy to complain on the goalie, but when the goaltender doesent get any help, any support or any sort of incurragement from Fans, team or coaching staff. what do you really expect from any goalie? And dont say "if he cant handle the pressure he doesent belong here"; Any goalie in his situation would be in the exact same hole as he is.
I dont think more than a handful of people on this entire forum knows how much of a mental game a goalie's position is in any league. **** with that and this is what you get.

i know its hard as a leafs fan to understand the issue and that im probably gonna get laughed at, but prove me wrong and ill admit to it.

Awesome post. I've been saying this all along but haven't had the energy to put it this well.

If I am help you off your soapbox, you are right about the idiots on Twitter, but painting an entire fanbase because of the idiotic actions of a very few is rather ridiculous, no?

If you cannot understand Leaf fans frustration with James Reimer these past five games, we don't need to spell it out. Five games ago, this team was battling for the second seed in the division and on a 14-3 run (or something like that). Five games later, we are hanging on to a playoff spot for dear life. No matter how you want to preach to us, the main reason we are in the position we are in is because James Reimer could not provide even decent goaltending in that stretch. Overall, this past week and a half, he has been horrible, and the stats back that up. Sure, he isn't the only reason we lost five straight, but don't kid yourself - it is the main reason. If Reimer is even average, never mind good, we probably win three of those games, maybe four. If you think otherwise, it is pretty evident you haven't been watching this team lately.

Reimer has been terrible. Sometimes the truth hurts.

I'm not worried. After all, aren't you the guy that GUARANTEED we would make the playoffs? Have you learned anything? Or can we expect the same quality posts from you from here on in?

How was I proven wrong? I said no goalie can win it by himself and none has. The two examples came close, but both lost. I will also argue that their mates were quite helpful in their efforts. Their systems were designed to provide defensive zone protection. They played defensive style games.

The Leafs don't play a defensive style. Their style leaves their goalies out to dry way too often and in their own zone they play a scatter brained undisciplined style. A leaf goalie has no chance to win it by himself. They can make some big saves, but the Leafs will have to put up crooked numbers to win. That is difficult in the play offs because most teams go into a very disciplined defensive game. They make scoring much more difficult. Kind of the way Boston shut down Pitt's vaunted offense and with their poor defensive game the Pens didn't stand a chance.

Understatement of the year.

The team does not "suck." They are probably an average team helped out with stellar goaltending. But why is that so bad? Tampa Bay and Montreal have rode their goalies most of this season. I keep hearing how goaltending is the only reason we are in a playoff spot, but why are there only four teams that have allowed more goals? Yes, I get the amount of shots they give up. That translated to more goals, but let's give the team a little more credit than saying they "suck."

With decent goaltending, the Leafs win 3 of 5, maybe four. They have not been getting systematically outplayed every night in this stretch. It isn't "only" because of Reimer, but if he plays even average (by average I mean something better than .906, 903, .833, .889 and .700 save percentages) and closer to his .913 career average, we aren't even having this discussion. So, again, how can one say that Reimer has not been terrible giving up 12 goals in his last 76 shots?


We are talking about the past 5 games. Not the season. Reimer is the main reason we are on a five game skid. I keep hearing how bad the Leafs get outshot every night. In the past five games (all losses), the Leafs have outshot the opposition twice, had the same amount as Montreal and were outshot by Jersey and Washington by a COMBINED four shots. Again, looking at the numbers from the last five games - which is why everyone is frustrated right now - and a lot of holes are poked in your theory.


Maybe the other way around? Let's look at the five games: vs. WSH, down 3-0 seven mins into the game; down 2-0 to Detroit (although Reimer can't really be faulted); against Tampa, a garbage goal :59 seconds in; Montreal, two stoppable goals, down 2-0 7:00 in. Trailing Jersey 1-0, two goals in first 2:00 of second period, suddenly it is 3-0.

Again, name me one game where we were severely outplayed? On the contrary, the Leafs easily could have won three of the last five with decent goaltending, 4 of the last 5 with good goaltending.

Again, it has worked out OK most of the season. See the 14-3 run before this five game stretch. And these last five games, we have not been badly outplayed by anyone. Again, are you sensing this trend?

You are being very generic. Let's talk about these last five games. Have you watched them, as a non-Leaf fan? Or do you just look at the morning recaps? Many of these goals have been very stoppable. It isn't like he doesn't have a chance on them. Big time goalies make the save when they need to. In these past five games, Reimer, for the most part, has not. And that is fact. It's nothing personal against the kid, but he hasn't delivered when he had a golden opportunity to take the brass ring and run. And yes, that is why we are where we are today. Your goalie is paid to stop pucks. When you give up 12 goals on 76 shots, many of those goals very stoppable, you aren't pulling your weight.

Newsflash. The season is longer than 5 games. And Reimer didn't lose those games alone.

It's funny, when we were getting outshot consistently earlier and winning, most on this board were talking about "low quality shots from the perimeter", combined with Bernier's goaltending.

But, this isn't directed at you, the Reimer apologists stress the play of our defence, with nary a mention of those perimeter shots. Not to mention that we've outshot the opposition 160-153 in those five games, giving up an average 30.6 shots per game.

It has to be one or the other, doesn't it?

Jsut because most on this board had their heads buried in the sand and didn't realize there was big problems with this team, doesn't mean the problems didn't exist. Just like you GUARANTEEING we would make the playoffs was just a waste of space.

Man you have every excuse in the book ready. I bet if it was 5 more shots a night you'd be using it as a talking point for the team leaving Reimer high and dry compared to Bernier.

Reimer played badly the last 2 games, not great the 3 before that but not horrible either. The game before that he won the LA game for us, a game we had no business of winning. The fact is, that the team in front of him has pretty much sucked all year. When the goalies stole games for us it was easy for many here to ignore the fact that we are routinely outplayed, outchanced and outhustled and this BS about the shots for the opponents coming from the perimeter is a myth. Every time the team sucks, they make life harder for the goalie. Reimer has become the scapegoat for this team. The fact is that no matter how badly some of you say he has played this year, half the team has played worse. The only difference is that every time the skaters make an idiotic play the puck doesn't immediately end up in the net.

 

[hotpaws]

Sure, but how many stoppage goals we score doesn't seem to be as pressing as how awful our goaltending has been lately. Usually the biggest issues get the most discussion.

For some the biggest issue all season has been our porous team defense and how it would bite us in the ass if our goalies stopped bailing us out .

 

[Gary Nylund]

Because the other team is winning so early, they play more defensively.

Bingo!

It's a well known fact that when teams fall behind, their ratio of shots for vs. shots against goes way up. Looking at shots on goal over the last 5 games as evidence the Leafs have played is well is wrong.

Why can't people just watch the games and see for themself what's going on? This team has sucked like almost every game this year. Why is that so hard to see?

This team is a steaming pile of mediocrity with elite goaltending. Period. And I don't need any "advanced" metrics to tell me that either.

 

[Gallagbi]

For some the biggest issue all season has been our porous team defense and how it would bite us in the ass if our goalies stopped bailing us out .

Which seems to be part of the discussion on Reimer recent play.

The big disagreement seems to be whether Reimer has simply "stopped bailing us out" or whether he's playing awful.

I thought you wanted to love towards how many stoppable goals we score though.

 

[Gallagbi]

Because the other team is winning so early, they play more defensively.

Could very well be. Then you look at the goals he's allowed, especially lately and see how his play has been a big part of this team falling behind.

 

[Mess]

What's funny is i almost never hear how the other teams goalie ever gives up a questionable goal . It seems like our fans feel every goal we score is on an impossible shot to save .

I was thinking this very thought recently.

Case in point when Rene Bourque in the Montreal game shot from the face-off dot unobstructed and beat Reimer on the glove side everyone rag on Reimer for letting in a bad stoppable goal.

However give Kessel that same spot and shot from there unobstructed and scoring on his pattended wrister (like we have seen numerous times in the past) everyone would be raving how Phil the thrill sniped another one.

Seems like a double standard when it comes to evaluating goals for and goals against in same situations.

Ditto when Elias scores on a breakaway how is that any different then when Kessel scored on a breakaway to make it 3-2. In both cases the goalie would be the least likely person to point the finger at for sloppy defensive play. Yet its the Reimer goals against that seem to be the focus for some. Kessel scores all alone on the side of the net verses TB looked identical to one of the Stamkos goals in the same spot. When Henrique and Brunner execute a perfect 2-1 quality scoring chance seems like something we have seen from Kessel and JVR 2-1 odd man rushes and goals countless times this year.

 

[Just Rude]

I'm not worried. After all, aren't you the guy that GUARANTEED we would make the playoffs? Have you learned anything? Or can we expect the same quality posts from you from here on in?.

Speaking of quality, you grasp of the fact that a fan is clearly responsible for a team's fortunes speaks of your overall comprehension level of how sport is played. Speaking of newsflashes: psst. Fans do not dictate who makes the playoffs.

This team was nine points up on a playoff spot when Reimer when on this little five game tear. Pretty comfortable cushion, no? Gee, wonder what happened....

Newsflash. The season is longer than 5 games.

Yes, I know. The rest of the season we've had quality goaltending. These last five games have just seen us go from a battle for second in the division to a bubble team. A total collapse, and a large part of that collapse is due to the goaltending we've had since Bernier went down. Not sure why this is so hard to figure out. Newsflash: Bernier has had the EXACT same team in front of him.

Jsut because most on this board had their heads buried in the sand and didn't realize there was big problems with this team, doesn't mean the problems didn't exist. Just like you GUARANTEEING we would make the playoffs was just a waste of space.

There is that so relevant guarantee. Psst: I'm not Daniel Alfredsson or Mark Messier.

There are bigger issues with this team, which is why we need good goaltending (see Bernier, Jonathan). When we get garbage goaltending the past couple of weeks, this is where we are (see Reimer, James). With Bernier, we are a playoff team. With Reimer as a full time starter, we are probably a lottery team this year. Starting to get the picture of how important quality goaltending is with this team?

Let me see if I can make this easier to understand. Reimer is averaging 30.4 SA this year; Ben Bishop, 28.4. Bishop's SV% is .927 with a 2.18 GAA. So he averages two shots less a game, and gives up a 1.21 goals less a game. Ergo, we were neck and neck with Tampa when Bernier went down. Now we are seven points back. The teams aren't that much different. Oddly enough, Bishop has 6 more GP than Bernier. If Bernier started four of the five he has missed, think we are still neck and neck with Tampa?

Yeah, me too.

Reimer played badly the last 2 games, not great the 3 before that but not horrible either. The game before that he won the LA game for us, a game we had no business of winning.

Jesus. How hard is it to comprehend the "five game losing streak?" Is that not what has this team on the ropes right now? Want me to go pick out a couple of games from October when Reimer started, to make your argument a little more valid?

The fact is, that the team in front of him has pretty much sucked all year. When the goalies stole games for us it was easy for many here to ignore the fact that we are routinely outplayed, outchanced and outhustled and this BS about the shots for the opponents coming from the perimeter is a myth. Every time the team sucks, they make life harder for the goalie.

Well, yeah, that is rather obvious, isn't it? I am not saying this is a great team with ***** goaltending. This is a very average team spoiled by great goaltending. I said as much yesterday. Now that this average team is getting far below-average goaltending, you get a five-game losing streak. You are arguing against yourself.

Speaking of "facts", that is why Bernier is the #1, and Reimer is a backup. Bernier is doing what a true starter does. Great goalies make mediocre teams better. See Ben Bishop and Carey Price - and yes, Jonathan Bernier. Thanks for making my point for me.

The fact is that no matter how badly some of you say he has played this year, half the team has played worse. The only difference is that every time the skaters make an idiotic play the puck doesn't immediately end up in the net.

Wow. Another "fact". The "fact" is this: Reimer has, in the past, been a very adequate goalie for us. This year, the "fact" is his SV% has him rubbing shoulders with Robin Lehner, Carter Hutton and Ondrej Pavelec. Bernier, with the same team in front of him, is sixth in the league. Them's the facts.

It's nothing against James Reimer. I like him. He's a nice enough young man. He was given a fair shake to run with this job, and just hasn't got the job done since Christmas. It's not personal. It's just the "facts."

 

[Gallagbi]

I was thinking this very thought recently.

Case in point when Rene Bourque in the Montreal game shot from the face-off dot unobstructed and beat Reimer on the glove side everyone rag on Reimer for letting in a bad stoppable goal.

However give Kessel that same spot and shot from there unobstructed and scoring on his pattended wrister (like we have seen numerous times in the past) everyone would be raving how Phil the thrill sniped another one.

Seems like a double standard when it comes to evaluating goals for and goals against in same situations.

Ditto when Elias scores on a breakaway how is that any different then when Kessel scored on a breakaway to make it 3-2. In both cases the goalie would be the least likely person to point the finger at for sloppy defensive play. Yet its the Reimer goals against that seem to be the focus for some. Kessel scores all alone on the side of the net verses TB looked identical to one of the Stamkos goals in the same spot. When Henrique and Brunner execute a perfect 2-1 quality scoring chance seems like something we have seen from Kessel and JVR 2-1 odd man rushes and goals countless times this year.

Bourque puts a puck through Reimer, under his glove hand. Those are generally bad goals and we've seen that often from Reimer.
Kessel is also known for his release, Bourque is not. Not all shooters are created equal. If that's bar down instead of under the glove, Reimer likely catches a break from fans.

As for the Devils game, most criticism was for the final goal and the first one. Reimer screws up his push and never gets in to position on the 2on1 and the 3rd goal was an unscreened weak point shot. Both those are breaks for any team who scores and involve goaltender screw ups.

Take a look at the 2on1 goals JVR and Kessel have scored and compare it to that one. You'll find a big difference in lost of those goals. Not just to say on Elias, a rookie mistake causes a prime chance that was well executed, nice goal.

 

[ACC1224]

In some places Rene Bourque is known as the french Phil Kessel.

 

[Just Rude]

Because the other team is winning so early, they play more defensively.

This is so true, and shows why those early goals are killing us.

The past five games, the teams have combined to open up a combined 11-0 on the Leafs. (3-0, 2-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-0) .

Not saying it is all Reimer, but how anyone can argue that a huge piece of the blame isn't on him is truly mind-boggling.

 

[leafs in five]

It's funny, when we were getting outshot consistently earlier and winning, most on this board were talking about "low quality shots from the perimeter", combined with Bernier's goaltending.

But, this isn't directed at you, the Reimer apologists stress the play of our defence, with nary a mention of those perimeter shots. Not to mention that we've outshot the opposition 160-153 in those five games, giving up an average 30.6 shots per game.

It has to be one or the other, doesn't it?

it has to be one or the other? what are the two options again? people make up their mind about something and then assign a weak version of a counterargument to imaginary factions of other people and then declare themselves the victor in this exchange that only ever occurred in one person’s mind.

when the Leafs were winning while being outshot by big margins, some posters would say stuff like being outshot consistently and by a large margin means that the Leafs are lucky to be winning or not as good as their record might indicate.

the counterargument was that the Leafs play a system that tries to reduce quality chances against. management used to talk about this in interviews but they don’t seem to do it much anymore. so, let them have the perimeter shots, because they aren’t dangerous, and who cares what the shot tally is because many of the shots that the Leafs surrender are from the perimeter.

i don’t see how it’s relevant to a Reimer vs. Bernier debate. the Leafs give up lots of shots no matter who is in net. and for the number of weak goals that Reimer has surrendered in the past week, not many were on perimeter shots.