GDT: SCQF Game 2 | Leafs vs Habs - 5/22/21 @ 7:00pm EST

[Semantics]

I remember Babcock saying in the playoffs, you need your depth to win the first few games. The longer it goes, the more impactful your stars are. I didn't agree but he's won a lot. I wonder how accurate that is.

Definitely, skill players need some time to adjust to less time and space, plus energy levels are high at the start and as players tire out there'll be more room for skill to work with. McDavid is having similar issues.

That said the Habs are playing with confidence, like they're 7 feet tall. We need more players who can get mean and physical, we need guys like Nylander to flip the puck into the corner and then go plaster the defenseman as if he killed his dog. Anyone can do that, you don't need to be a tough guy, or fight, or put yourself in harm's way. Just finish a few checks FFS and finish them hard.

And for that matter we need to be dishing out some dirty cross checks and slashes, don't just go up and slash someone, that's a penalty, but hit them and give them a bit extra. Everyone needs to be doing this including Nylander and Marner.

 

[frizzer1]

Why is it that the guy who ends up with the puck on the Matthews/Marner line is always Hyman?
Their chemistry seems messed up.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Ngl this is a mood and it shows tbh

What does Ngl mean? Curious

 

[LastOne2100]

I’m not worried about Auston, his production will come around. Mitch is the concern, he doesn’t look remotely threatening

His cute brand of fancy play hockey doesn't translate into the playoffs when he will never be given the time and space.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

Im so tired of this bullshit narrative the media/analysts want to try to create that we are afraid to get hit. It's crap

Right. The Leafs aren't afraid to hit. They're afraid to BE hit.

 

[PromisedLand]

Nylander 4 minutes? WTFFF

That line wasnt getting anything done. Nylander let up on a few board battles and gave up the puck possession. I am with Keefe on this one for Nylander's TOI

 

[Cleetus]

Hire Babcock

 

[saffronleaf]

4 periods, and 0 combined points for Marner and Matthews. That can't be happening in the POs.

$11 million Marner hasn't scored a goal in 13 playoff games. And his contributions in other facets of the game, minus two blocked shots against Boston, has been minimal and even detrimental.

Would love to see him on the second line with a bit more space and against slightly lesser competition, and just in general to mix things up because Matthews & Marner are not working right now.

 

[JadedLeaf]

Wow, only 4 minutes for Nylander. Interesting decisions by Keefe. Very interesting, and not in a good way.

He gave up possession earlier in the first because he didn't want to go into the corners and take a hit. Wonder if that's what that's about?

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

yeah he's been steady. Still needs to break through offensively though

Ya id take a goal or 3.

 

[LastOne2100]

He hardly played him in Game 1 either.

Again - because the line got messed up and Keefe had to blender it.

 

[authentic]

ive been really impressed with Matthews defensively... i know ive questioned it on the main boards before... but hes actually pretty good.

Lol these games aren't even close to his best two-way play. He's been better than this in his 2nd season in the NHL.

 

[Mitch nylander]

What does Ngl mean? Curious

"Not Gonna Lie"

 

[Gallagbi]

Can Nash keep up with Engvall/Mik if needed? Would be nice to keep that speed on our 3rd line and mix up the top 2 lines next game.

 

[Jojalu]

And do you think our PP actually gives us an advantage? Have you seen it over the past 6 weeks?

Dare to dream!

 

[Cotton]

Agreed. Like literally what did Nylander, Matthews or Marner do that period? Glide around and avoid battling for pucks?

Matthews has been in the thick of everything.

 

[sxvnert]

This whole not playing Nylander is just bizzare. Is this because he was late for that meeting?

Willy should be on that top line flying into the o zone with matty and marner by his side.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Wow, only 4 minutes for Nylander. Interesting decisions by Keefe. Very interesting, and not in a good way.

He was playing soft af that first period. Didn’t look like he gave two shits about actually forechecking.

 

[ThrowDemTongs]

What does Ngl mean? Curious

It means not gonna lie. I really shouldn't know this as I'm a grown man

 

[McSnypsky]

What does Ngl mean? Curious

Not gonna Lie

 

[leafsfan5]

His cute brand of fancy play hockey doesn't translate into the playoffs when he will never be given the time and space.

He needs to adjust and keep it simple for now

 

[Mitchy]

Marner and Hyman have been terrible. Can't win (consistently at least) when your top guys are disappearing

 

[BrannigansLaw]

"Not Gonna Lie"

Oooooh got it

 

[The Big Swede13]

Switch Willy and Mitch

 

[MSZ]

$11 million Marner hasn't scored a goal in 13 playoff games. And his contributions in other facets of the game, minus two blocked shots against Boston, has been minimal and even detrimental.

Would love to see him on the second line with a bit more space and against slightly lesser competition, and just in general to mix things up because Matthews & Marner are not working right now.

Put Nylander with Matthews, just to mix things up.