Gary Nylund
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2013
- 30,336
- 23,137
Here is how I look at the series:
1. The Bruins were the better team coming into the series
2. Our best forwards were not our best forwards
3. Matthews had 1 g and 1 a in 7 games
4. Willie had 1 g and 2 a and shied away from contact
5. The Bruins took advantage of our weak D
6. Freddy was great in 4 of 7 games and was awful in the 3 loses
7. Kadri missed 3 games thanks to his suspension
8. JVR and TyBo did virtually nothing 5 v 5
9. Our coaches struggled and could have been better
10. Refs were awful
Yet we were one frickin good period away from winning the series. I'd sign up to be in the same situation going into the 3rd period of game 7 next year.
Next year I hope we win the 1st round and do so in less than 7 games.
Nice perspective though. It does seem clear that we're capable of playing much better than we did and we still came really close to winning so maybe it's premature to tear it all down.
I agree with that and I would say their production was that of a 2nd liner. Produced 4 points in 7 games so a 46 point pace. Only Rielly, Marleau and Marner scored more points than Bozak and JVR.
I feel like there are a lot of people to blame but I wouldnt say JVR and Bozak were the problem. If the Leafs first line was producing normally, the production from Bozak's line would seem like the difference maker. I don't think too many teams have their third liners in the top 5 for points on the team. That is scoring depth right there.
I also don't think too many teams have their 3rd liners playing on the #1 PP unit ahead of the teams #1C. On one hand sure, good for them that they were a big part of a very good PP. On the other hand, 3 ES points from them over 7 games is anything but impressive. I'm not going blame them for us losing but it's not like they were excellent and don't deserve their fair share of blame either. JMHO.