Saying, they “should,” get by tampa is a bit bonkers. Especially when you look at the goaltending. They certainly could get through, but tampa is the favorite.

RFA Samsonov for the future second is fair. Fa-gem-o and the future second for the Boston first is fair. Make up your mind.

Samsonov and the playoffs mech just as well as the leafs and the second round

What are you basing the conclusion they "should" beat TB? Have you not seen them go through a 12-15 game funk around game 40-55 the last 4 years including this one Stanley Cup, Stanley Cup, Stanley, Cup Final the previous 3. Toronto in that same time span 1 & done, 1 & done ,1 & done

This team should be able to get out of the first round. If they don’t then we need to make a coaching and GM change, as well as a couple trades. The excuse that Tampa isn’t a team we should beat really is getting old. We came close last season and this team should be better. If it’s not then it’s time to do some major surgery.

I just responded to another person who asked this same question. Should doesn’t mean will and I’m not assuming we will win the series. I’m saying if we do win it then stay the course. If we lose again then it’s major surgery time.

Goaltending is too important to not give up a little more than you might for another position. If the Kings are high on him and wouldn’t want to move him out, then who could be packaged with the 2nd? I’m not asking for a top tier piece of the future but a second alone isn’t quite enough for a starting goaltender.

Just telling you the simple truth, toronto is going to be an underdog in that series. Tampa is just built better, has the experience, and the intangibles.

Another X factor here - can we just admit that Auston matthews doesn’t look the same this year?

Auston has had his health issues this year, which aren’t an excuse when it matters most but it’s probably a big part of his less stellar season. Also, he’s coming off an unreal season that he was unlikely to repeat two years in a row. If we do lose to them again like I said major changes need to happen including coaching and front office as well as at least one big name sent packing.

Well ya, but is there any reason to think those health concerns will disappear in the next month?

I totally think the leafs can beat the lightning, but to say they should is just crazy. The lightning should get more respect than that. The last time they lost a series in the eastern conference no one had heard of covid-19.

I’m not accepting any excuses for this team losing to them again. Progress has to be made now. If it isn’t happening then major changes need to occur. The excuses for this team are getting out of hand.