Post-Game Talk: Toronto win 5:3 Hatty for JT

[Leafsfan74]

-We've been waiting for a game where the team takes full control over a bad opponent. Crappy first, but dominated afterwards

-3rd line was incredible, and I really hope something is there. That will solve our secondary scoring issues; all 3 players certainly have the talent. We'll have to see how they perform defensively against a good team (like Dallas on Wednesday)

-Curious to see if the Knies/Nylander switch sticks for a bit.

-4th line is useless with Reaves. They need to stop playing him.

The truth is that it is impossible to know after one game of course, especially when Robertson was scratched 4 or 5 games and had to have a jolt in him while watching AHL players in the lineup, watching others get in and waived even before he gets a chance. This is the pros, it's strictly business.

As it were, he is still a + player, not even Nylander is that. I don't see him or Holmberg starting if the team if fully healthy and retooled a bit at the deadline. At worst, it increases his appeal to other teams. At best, he and the team find something.

 

[Dave92]

Hildeby was excellent in the 3rd. Roberston with 3 goals and Reaves with no fights are equally useless to this team.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Didn’t see this one, glad they rebounded

 

[sunstersun]

This is the best JT has looked in the last 4 seasons lokey.

 

[Kiwi]

Found a way to win on a b2b with an injury replacement goaltender is a pretty good effort even if it is against the Sabres

3rd line looked dangerous, I'd like to see them get a decent run and find out if we may have found something

JT was fantastic, the man looks like he's found the fountain of youth

Hildeby started rough but fought his way into the game and looked strong over the last 30 minutes, good to see he didn't drop his head after a tough start

Take the win and onto the next one

 

[meefer]

A rough start to the game, first goal...ehhhh, woulda/coulda/shoulda Hildeby...but the PP looked engaged, and kudos to Domi for finally potting a goal. Given the start, coming out of the first down by 1 was a win.

 

[13pacheco31]

We need Matthews to get his amulet now.

He actually played well, just a little unlucky on his chances

 

[Stephen]

We need Matthews to get his amulet now.

He could have had a 2 G 1 A night easily, looked more alive in general and was winning FO's.

The slow starts are still a problem.

 

[budzz]

Domi/Robertson has all the makings of a potentially good duo. In the past I would have worried about the defensive responsibility since Domi is a GREAT forechecker and passer on O but has occasional conniptions on D. Paired with a good young guy with sniper blood has O potential but still needs D responsibility. Robertson has shown alot of hustle that way and been pretty responsible... even when not scoring the kid has a motor and backchecks. Put a defensively aware big body with them and they would have some promise....

 

[Suntouchable13]

Found a way to win on a b2b with an injury replacement goaltender is a pretty good effort even if it is against the Sabres

3rd line looked dangerous, I'd like to see them get a decent run and find out if we may have found something

JT was fantastic, the man looks like he's found the fountain of youth

Hildeby started rough but fought his way into the game and looked strong over the last 30 minutes, good to see he didn't drop his head after a tough start

Take the win and onto the next one

Let's see how the 3rd line looks like in Dallas, which is a much better team than Buffalo.

 

[Evilhomer]

Domi/Robertson has all the makings of a potentially good duo. In the past I would have worried about the defensive responsibility since Domi is a GREAT forechecker and passer on O but has occasional conniptions on D. Paired with a good young guy with sniper blood has O potential but still needs D responsibility. Robertson has shown alot of hustle that way and been pretty responsible... even when not scoring the kid has a motor and backchecks. Put a defensively aware big body with them and they would have some promise....

I don't know much, but I know a team can't have Domi and Robertson on the same line in the third round of the playoffs and hope to be successful.

 

[WillyC]

Those Amulets were a lot cheaper yesterday… Tavares and Domi are gonna cause the price to skyrocket for us mere mortals.

 

[wingman75]

Another brutal start to a game. I do fear the lack of any sort of killer instinct will prevent this team from being as good as they can be.

Though Hildaby battled hard after the 3rd goal against to give his team a chance.

For moments there, the offence seemed to just flow... not sure how much of that was the Bad Buffalos or the Leafs hitting a bit of a stride.

Good come back win against a bad and struggling team.

Special call out to Nicky Bobby. Great effort and effectiveness all game long!

JT with the amuletrick!

 

[Jojalu]

He could have had a 2 G 1 A night easily, looked more alive in general and was winning FO's.

The slow starts are still a problem.

If this is his worst, which is still 5 goals and 10 points in the 8 games since he returned while looking off, the Leafs will be just fine as he gets healthier

 

[Suntouchable13]

Tampa is still a team to watch out for in our division. They have the best GD in the division, at +30. Pretty damn impressive. 3 games in hand on Toronto and 6 points back. We gonna have to stave them off too.

 

[Aashir Mallik]

Tampa is still a team to watch out for in our division. They have the best GD in the division, at +30. Pretty damn impressive. 3 games in hand on Toronto and 6 points back. We gonna have to stave them off too.

one good thing is we are good at beating them h2h

2-0 so far and we are pretty good the last 3 years I bet.

But yes they are approaching fast with that elite offence lead by kucherov

 

[wingman75]

He actually played well, just a little unlucky on his chances

Feels like he is due for a breakout soon... whatever that means.

But I found he was physically engaged in this game, and was moving better than we have seen since his return.

Hopefully he is about to hit'em with the four!

 

[Jojalu]

Tampa is still a team to watch out for in our division. They have the best GD in the division, at +30. Pretty damn impressive. 3 games in hand on Toronto and 6 points back. We gonna have to stave them off too.

Yes. I don't believe it's quite the cake walk as @Evilhomer would have us believe.

They do have a shot this year as no one is running away as they have the past 3 years

 

[meefer]

8 minutes into the 2nd, and knowing he would go on to score 3, it's kinda fun to watch JT every shift to see how he's going to get the hatty. We know he's had a good year so far, but by focusing on him to enjoy the 3 goal game, he really is a professional hockey player. Sure, there are mistakes, but he plays the game the way I think most coaches love.

So far, the Leafs have played a pretty solid game, minus the first 3 minutes of the game.

 

[meefer]

And now down by 2. Sometimes this team...not good coverage.

 

[The Iceman]

"JT is washed, barely even a third liner".... where are all you folks now?

And third in the NHl for goals by a centre.

Trailing Leon in Edmonton and Mark Scheifele in Winnipeg by just one goal.

 

[thewave]

And third in the NHl for goals by a centre.

Trailing Leon in Edmonton and Mark Scheifele in Winnipeg by just one goal.

1st in goal by a 2nd line centre.

Only centre super charged by life amulet

 

[meefer]

McMann is an under-rated part of the team. Nice work on the Robertson goal. And then JT's first on the PP.

And then a heavy snapper from JT, with McMann in front. Good stretch of hockey.

 

[Leafsfan74]

And third in the NHl for goals by a centre.

Trailing Leon in Edmonton and Mark Scheifele in Winnipeg by just one goal.

I've probably been the least critical of JT of all the core, even less critical than I've been of Matthews at times and I have pumped Mattys tires more than the average fan so it's a paradox perhaps. Of course, no player is immune to criticism or the reality of having to move on if it will benefit the team.

Before this season started I thought the prospect of re-signing him (if, and only if the price is right) to an extension before Marner would have been an objective. MM is going to command a much higher AAV and will keep the team handcuffed to the point they probably cannot build a Cup winner. JT is also more willing to stand in front of the net and do the little things that pay dividends in the playoffs. We all lose a step as we age but one can reinvent and adapt as JT seems to have. Plus, money saved can provide some cap relief.

The fact that he played down on the 3rd last year but bounces back this year shows that he will do what he can to try and win. Of all the Leafs, he might be the most hungry for a Cup in Toronto, this shouldn't go unnoticed by fans.

Doesn't change my prognosis though, this team can only succeed if they play a 200 foot game, more simple, direct and physical. Other teams do the same come playoffs and they sacrifice more, that's usually the difference in a series.

 

[Cleetus]

McMann is an under-rated part of the team. Nice work on the Robertson goal. And then JT's first on the PP.

And then a heavy snapper from JT, with McMann in front. Good stretch of hockey.

I have all the time in the world for McMann he played in the ECHL and worked his ass off to make the NHL, he is a hardworking player, and has some skill! happy he is a leaf.