GDT: Second Round of the 2025 Playoffs

[Il Stugotz]

There's always something going on with Matthews, and his wrist injury doesn't excuse how soft he is along the boards. Lots of easy minutes for the guys matched up against him

 

[Paul Allen]

Serious question: How does a professional sports team get their players to elevate their game in the playoffs? Seems like a lack of prep work on their part. Do they need to get the players to play "playoff hockey" all year instead of feasting on high scoring games during the regular season?

If any of us could answer that question we wouldn’t be posting here. To some extent coaching could be the issue. But, I think some players just have it, and others don’t when it comes to the playoffs. Justin Williams was a solid regular season guy, but in the playoffs he was just a beast. Kane thrived in big games. Matthews seems like a guy more concerned with $ and regular season numbers.
Teams should probably invest in better sports psychologists however, ultimately it’s drafting guys that hate losing more than they love winning.

 

[Drumman44]

If any of us could answer that question we wouldn’t be posting here. To some extent coaching could be the issue. But, I think some players just have it, and others don’t when it comes to the playoffs. Justin Williams was a solid regular season guy, but in the playoffs he was just a beast. Kane thrived in big games. Matthews seems like a guy more concerned with $ and regular season numbers.
Teams should probably invest in better sports psychologists however, ultimately it’s drafting guys that hate losing more than they love winning.

Well said. I could see Matthews, Marner, and Tavares all winning a cup but with a MacKinnon or Toews or Crosby who just don't take losing as an option.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

Marner had two assists in game 3, Totally a ghost!

If KD values competitiveness care to explain the Bertuzzi contract? Far from guy one would describe for his "Competitiveness" as he vanishes thru half the games of season (If not more) and was dreadful for Leafs in playoffs

I genuinely don't know what sport you're watching sometimes. Bertuzzi would lay down on 294 to win a hockey game. He disappears because he's not very good.

 

[Crow]

Serious question: How does a professional sports team get their players to elevate their game in the playoffs? Seems like a lack of prep work on their part. Do they need to get the players to play "playoff hockey" all year instead of feasting on high scoring games during the regular season?

I thought that’s what they tried this year?

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Bowman 8 wins away from his 4th cup as GM

 

[Drumman44]

Bowman 8 wins away from his 4th cup as GM

Dallas will be a big test for them

 

[Crow]

Dallas will be a big test for them

I doubt Edmonton’s goaltending holds up.

 

[unbridledid]

I doubt Edmonton’s goaltending holds up.

With Heiskanen back...Dallas is looking very strong.

 

[x Tame Impala]

Edmonton is looking great. I think they step right over Dallas as long as Skinner doesn't implode.

 

[Deputy McRizzy]

Edmonton is looking great. I think they step right over Dallas as long as Skinner doesn't implode.

He’s the wild card that’s for sure. Even he can even just be slightly below average it’s hard to not see them coming out of the west.

Dallas just seems to be missing something to me. I’m not sold they can shut down McDavid and best Edmonton in a long series.

 

[x Tame Impala]

He’s the wild card that’s for sure. Even he can even just be slightly below average it’s hard to not see them coming out of the west.

Dallas just seems to be missing something to me. I’m not sold they can shut down McDavid and best Edmonton in a long series.

Edmonton may be getting Ekholm back too which will be huge. It's going to be tough to shut down Rantanen with the way he's been playing.