Pre-Game Talk: Tampa @ Toronto - Game 2 - Thursday

[Stephen]

With the Bunting Suspension, he has had to commit to at least one change.

Is it possible he dresses 7 defensemen in a massive overcorrection?

 

[Racer88]

If Hedman/Cernak is out, what is Tampa’s defensive core? They’ll have 1 top 4 defenseman lol

How many real top 4 d men do we have

 

[Leaf Fans]

Is it possible he dresses 7 defensemen in a massive overcorrection?

Sure, it is possible.

 

[authentic]

They're rolling a Knies-ROR-Acciari 3rd line.

As bad as I want Nylander on there that's should still be a really good line.

 

[Carltons Cup]

One thing is guaranteed about tomorrow night's game and that is Tampa's core guys will show up to play.

Our core guys? Who knows..

 

[Stephen]

If Hedman/Cernak is out, what is Tampa’s defensive core? They’ll have 1 top 4 defenseman lol

It's like when Dominik Hasek was injured in 1999 and Buffalo won the series with a Dwayne Roloson. Never underestimate an opponent when they're hurting and never overestimate the Leafs ability to capitalize.

 

[Jojalu]

How many real top 4 d men do we have

Rielly, Brodie and McCabe.

 

[Racer88]

Rielly, Brodie and McCabe.

Hmmmmmmm

 

[Leafblooded]

Slurve is a fun word to say repeatedly big guys

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

you think the Matthews era is over if we lose this series?

I wouldn't at all be surprised if the management team gets the boot and then AM says he wants to see how the new GM builds the team before committing to any deal. In that scenario you trade him to get something because chances are he walks if the new GM doesn't impress him. Also, if he doesn't play really well this series...I can see the team trading him instead of MM or Willy.

 

[Jojalu]

Hmmmmmmm

Lol.

None of them are bottom pairing. Rielly was good last night except for the pinch when it was 6-2. McCabe I thought was physical and ahowed jitters for playing his firat ever playoff game. Brodie was off but they are all legit top 4

 

[leafsfan5]

It's like when Dominik Hasek was injured in 1999 and Buffalo won the series with a Dwayne Roloson. Never underestimate an opponent when they're hurting and never overestimate the Leafs ability to capitalize.

Oh I 100% expect us to blow this opportunity, it's this core's MO

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

It's like when Dominik Hasek was injured in 1999 and Buffalo won the series with a Dwayne Roloson. Never underestimate an opponent when they're hurting and never overestimate the Leafs ability to capitalize.

I wonder if these guys can play without having their "Oh Shit" meter go off. Seriously...if they think there is even a slight chance they won't have to try 100% they gladly take it...is hockey just harder for our team than others that they act that way?

 

[Stephen]

Oh I 100% expect us to blow this opportunity, it's this core's MO

My feeling is there will be a big push back in Game 2, followed by a big let down in Game 3. Or hit rock bottom in Game 2, followed by an all-heart triumph in Game 3. But probably not 2 games where they're terrible or two games where they're good. Game 4 and 5 will be strong, win or lose. Game 6 and 7, if it's going the distance will probably revert to Game 1 jitters.

I'm learning lessons, just like the Leafs.

 

[Jojalu]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if the management team gets the boot and then AM says he wants to see how the new GM builds the team before committing to any deal. In that scenario you trade him to get something because chances are he walks if the new GM doesn't impress him. Also, if he doesn't play really well this series...I can see the team trading him instead of MM or Willy.

From everything I have heard Matthews and Dubas have a very good relationship and if Dubas is gone, it might swing Matthews mind to go as well.

I will start worrying about it after they WIN THE CUP!! LOL

 

[Carltons Cup]

Rielly, Brodie and McCabe.

Don't forget Holl.....

 

[andora]

Worst D-man to play for the Leafs in recent memory. Hell even Marincin was servicable. Gardiner would at least drive play and was solild on PP

Holl is a long d-man who SUCKS and continues to get TOI as if he is a top4 D. Sheldon keefe is a moron



Bunting has been terrible for the latter part of the season. He is really bad defensively, doesn't drive play and can't play heavy. He is a benefactor of playing matthews-marner/nylander.

trust me it is a blessing in disguise

I read your posts in Lewis Blacks voice and emphasis points.. so your capitalized words.. gold everytime

 

[ryno23]

If Keefe is a good coach he will play the Us vs the world card. They are f***ing us over left right and centre so we take it out of their control and we own our own fate. That should be the speech.

Will this be the speech probably not

 

[Stephen]

I wonder if these guys can play without having their "Oh Shit" meter go off. Seriously...if they think there is even a slight chance they won't have to try 100% they gladly take it...is hockey just harder for our team than others that they act that way?

It feels like other teams psych themselves up to play Toronto by taking on the tough guy, blue collar spoiler role while the Leafs take the position of the talented front runners who are destined to win...

 

[frizzer1]

He's a third line C and a PP guy.

Knies-ROR-Nylander.

They would rather lose than embarrass Tavares by demoting him to the third line.
This entire management team must go.

 

[Rielly4]

Im honestly not so sure Acciari should be higher in the lineup than Lafferty. Lafferty brings a lot of speed and heaviness to the forecheck and I think he can help any line hes on. Acciari is a heavy player as well but lacks that speed.

 

[Racer88]

Lol.

None of them are bottom pairing. Rielly was good last night except for the pinch when it was 6-2. McCabe I thought was physical and ahowed jitters for playing his firat ever playoff game. Brodie was off but they are all legit top 4

Fair enough. I might give you they are 2nd pairing guys but just.

 

[Racer88]

I’m going to miss this game……..will be at London Knights game 5 but they usually announce scores at Leafs playoff games

 

[napoleon in rags]

It's like when Dominik Hasek was injured in 1999 and Buffalo won the series with a Dwayne Roloson. Never underestimate an opponent when they're hurting and never overestimate the Leafs ability to capitalize.

Or in 2023 when they were slayed by... Corey Perry... good grief.

 

[Stephen]

Or in 2023 when they were slayed by... Corey Perry... good grief.

Man Corey Perry has a chance to go 3-0 vs Toronto, after Dubas elected to sign Joe Thornton and Wayne Simmonds and Jimmy Vesey over him after he went to the finals in Dallas. You can't even write this kind of fiction if you tried.