The result of game 7 is almost irrelevant at this point.

[Blanche Blanche]

I agree with the assessment. Mitch is incredible, insanely talented but not the guy to carry a team. We've got Mitch lite in Willie who appears to also be a big game player. We simply can't have two 11m players who don't show up and quite frankly I take Auston over Mitch 10 times outta ten.
Even if we win tomorrow, even if we take Winnipeg, this team has to make a big move to take that next step.
It may mean we need to move Riles too, but I don't think we're there yet and I think that would be a huge mistake. Sandin is not ready yet.
On the plus side, I think it's safe to say Campbell is our guy. No worries about needing to bring back Freddie.

this so much

 

[The Apologist]

Since when did the Jets become such a juggernaut? All of a sudden they are such an unbeatable team?

I don't think it's so much the Jets are unstoppable as it is both the Leafs and Habs looking entirely beatable.

 

[93WrapAround]

I agree with this sentiment full-heartedly. It's actually a pretty depressing feeling to be honest. I have next to no excitement for the game tonight because I feel deep down that the team has been exposed already for what it is, which given the regular season, is way beneath our expectations. I don't know whether I can agree about Muzzin, because even if we won last game in 6 (which many expected it it go) it seems he would have been hurt on a freak accident - skating by himself for the puck and pulled something. More random than anything.

But it is what it is - even if we win tonight, sure there will be that joy of a milestone being accomplished for the first time in nearly 2 decades, but underneath, it was never about 1 series and the disappointment with knowing this team isn't what we thought it could be, is disappointing. Is it possible they make a 180 and our top players play more akin to the regular season versions? Sure - of course it is, even. But would I bet on that? Hell no. How could you be confident in this group after everything we've seen in the playoffs going back many years - you'd be stupid to have any confidence in them.

 

[93WrapAround]

On a related note - how many of you heard Keefe in the post game. I swear his tone fully embodied this exact thought as well. Complete dejection, he sounded like his dog died, not a coach that still has a do or die Game 7 to accomplish something his franchise hasn't in nearly 2 decades. It's as if he realized as well that our core is just not built for the playoffs. Was pretty telling to me.

 

[cookie]

I’m gonna be watching this game because I’m curious as to how the team is going to twist the knife this time around.

 

[ottomaddox]

On a related note - how many of you heard Keefe in the post game. I swear his tone fully embodied this exact thought as well. Complete dejection, he sounded like his dog died, not a coach that still has a do or die Game 7 to accomplish something his franchise hasn't in nearly 2 decades. It's as if he realized as well that our core is just not built for the playoffs. Was pretty telling to me.

Part if the coaching position is to show leadership. He is a total passenger.

So frustrating to hear so many Leafs speak about not starting on time in the last game. Who's fault is that? Foligno's, Thornton, Rielly?

I was really disappointed in Keefe's ability vs. CBJ last year, but his flaws are carrying over.

Say all you want about his regular season success/record, but the game is so much more. Playoff futility is why we've arrived at this in the first place.

 

[ottomaddox]

I’m gonna be watching this game because I’m curious as to how the team is going to twist the knife this time around.

Haha. I like that expression for this moment.

 

[Lightsol]

Even if by some miracle we happened to win game 7, the feeling of failure has already set in. Did I expect them to sweep the Habs? No, never thought that.. but game 7? Didn’t expect that either. They fooled me, I admit it. This is beyond disheartening.

Then you need to wake up, because it's been 2001 since the last time the Leafs won a series in less than 7...

 

[HamiltonNHL]

It matters to me.

I know so many Habs fans.

 

[Le Cobra]

better the Leafs lose in 7 compared to the Oilers who got swept.