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Pens were the best
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Forum: Armchair-GMDec. 12, 2020 at 7:03 p.m.
Thread: Who are the playoff chokers
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Radu47</b></div><div>Tavares is one of few players in the league with two career playoff game winning goals in OT one of which was a series winning goal in 15-16

Basically singlehandedly carried that isles team to the 2nd round he had 2x as many goals as next most

He has 30 points in 36 career playoff games

What on earth on is he doing here

😐</div></div>

Not to mention Tavares is also 3rd in the entire league in individual expected goals since per 60 since he joined the Leafs. I really don’t understand why he gets so underrated on social media. His lack of playoff appearances is not due to his ability, but rather the fact he’s been on terrible teams. The fact that he averaged 78 points every 82 games for the Islanders is actually incredible.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 6:03 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Barilko14</b></div><div>Leafs shot 2% at 5v5 vs CLB. No one wants to hear this after a couple prior playoff disappointments (where they outplayed a team that was the better them each season, and they were the underdog each time), but luck played a big part in the Leafs losing to Clb. They were the better team for most of the series.

Now they've added Brodie, and some depth on D (muzzin getting hurt obviously had an effect in playoffs as well).

And they've added some different ingredients up front. They had a lot of the same type of player, added some bigger bodies that should be better at getting those garbage goals when it matters.

They have more depth up front and the backend (as far as legit NHL options) then they've likely ever had, Campbell should be able to spell Andersen (and there's even decent options if he struggles).

So I'm fairly optimistic going into the season. And barring a total collapse at some point, I'd be alright in giving the core and staff a few years to put their vision in motion.</div></div>

Agree on all points. They definitely improved the D &amp; built their forwards to be harder to play against. No one knows if there will be injuries or off ice issues that hold them back but they should overall be taking a step up from last season.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Hidalgo</b></div><div>I’m gonna be echoing a lot of what’s already been said, but I am really happy with this team on paper, but I also said that last year. They’re a really well rounded team, and have lots of vocal vets now to push the best outta the younger players. And I honestly think they have a defense in the top half of the league, on paper. But again, I’ve said that before and they’ve underperformed immensely. So realistically, it all depends on how they perform, they could easily be a cup team, but they also could miss the playoffs, you never know with Toronto. With that said I love this roster, I love how complete they are and I love the jam they added with guys like simmonds and bogo. So there’s no room for excuses now, if they don’t get over the hump, I don’t think it’s on Dubas, I think at that point you have to start changing up the core. It’s a real prove it year</div></div>

Yep I agree. The team looks really strong on paper but they always find a way to disappoint.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 2:13 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>faulkmydzingel</b></div><div>Outstanding goaltending, some solid coaching, and shutdown work by Jenner and Foligno were the difference makers for Columbus.
The leafs were burdened by lack of effort from Marner and Nylander *cue the points put up arguments. Several of those points came in CBJ collapse in game 4 FYI.
Oh and Stone Hands Kapanen shooting the puck at Korp and Merz’ chest every opportunity.
IMO the leafs only had complete efforts from:
- Matthews. Who showed me why we pay him so much
- Tavares.
- Rielly. Look how many minutes he had to play with the Muzzin injury
- Kerfoot. Seriously I thought he played excellent.</div></div>

Yeah I agree. All those guys you mentioned played really well.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 2:11 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Lyle_Bubas</b></div><div>kapanen was lazy quite a bit more than marner or willy imo

also, the reason we lost that series is because our bottom 6 wasn't good enough to really generate anything. We designed all 4 lines to score, and the top 2 lines did 'fine' (not good enough, but colombus was also insane and their goaltending was record breaking), registered some points, dominated play with their skill, but kerf/kappy/johnsson/robertson couldn't do anything. the 4th line was alright but still didn't register a point

by adjusting our bottom 6 to be some vets, grinders and bigger dudes, hopefully they can have more luck in a tight playoff series

it'll also help not having marincin playing 15-20 minutes a night defending a 3-0 lead</div></div>

Yeah I agree. A lot of people are concerned about the Leafs losing scoring depth by trading Kapanen &amp; Johnsson but now their bottom 6 is filled with grinders &amp; power forwards. Maybe they won’t score so much but they’ll be winning puck battles and maintaining the offensive zone cycle every shift which builds momentum for the team.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 2:10 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>DartGuy86</b></div><div>Nah, Columbus crushed them. They looked like 5 monkeys trying to screw a football setting up in the offensive zone. Columbus is a great team, man. Very hard to play against, especially when they have the lead. People think the Leafs were the favourite going into that series but they weren’t. I mean, look what they did to Tampa last year, amirite?</div></div>

That’s fair. CBJ is one of the best defense-first teams in the league. They are used to collapsing in the defensive zone and suffocating he opposition. Not to mention they have terrific goaltending. The Leafs will need some hardworking forecheckers to break down these types of systems &amp; I felt they achieved that a little this offseason.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 1:36 p.m.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 12:02 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>KileDoobis</b></div><div>Calling Marner cancerous is laughable at best, he's well beloved around the dressing room, and i'd like to know what "antics" you're talking about, other than trying to make as much money as possible. I agree he wasn't at his best this past season, but you'll remember that the team brought him along on a road trip despite the fact that he was injured because he brings guys together in the dressing room. seems to me that you're constantly being blinded by his contract. If you look past that, he's a fantastic player who brings a ton of value on and of the ice.</div></div>

I didn’t know that Marner joined the team to give his teammates a lift during his injury. Maybe he’s a great guy off the ice, but from watching him play, he seems pretty cancerous. Too often he just floats around and turns the puck over carelessly.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 12, 2020 at 11:59 a.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Lyle_Bubas</b></div><div><img class="for_img" src="https://i.gyazo.com/76a9cbc3bb2660b1d9d58c040a61fe0b.png" alt="76a9cbc3bb2660b1d9d58c040a61fe0b.png">

3rd among all players since he joined the team. it shows, he was absolutely our best player. I see him having conn smythe level performance in years to come - the guy basically just got unlucky. Every shift was high danger chance after post after blocked shot after dangerous pass etc. etc.

also lol at kadri being #2, prior to this year he was #115th on his career. Simply put, even when he was on the ice for us (when he wasn't suspended) he wasn't some god-tier level playoff performer.</div></div>

Thanks for correcting me. Yeah, Tavares has definitely been noticeable these 2 playoffs &amp; generated a ton of chances. He shut down the Bergeron line at even strength last year too which is even more impressive. There is no regrets signing him at all.

You are right about Kadri. He’s only had 1 good playoff run. And boy it looks like RNH has finally established himself as a high profile player now that he’s on Drai’s LW.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 3:41 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>faulkmydzingel</b></div><div>I mean we’re leaf fans right? We will always look forward to next year...

That being said. The forward core got tougher. Dumping Johnsson was good decision in my mind. Kapanen will do well in Pittsburgh IMO especially if he plays with Malkin. If that happens it will look like a bad trade, but we still won it guaranteed. Kerfoot is better than everyone gives him credit. He will be an excellent 3C/2LW depending on the opponent.

The defence is better. Simply put. Barrie to Brodie, upgrade. Ceci to Bogosion, upgrade. Sandin step forward. Lehtonen being something. Dermott recognizing he has to try. These are all major steps forward.

Campbell as the back up is a great move. I hope he can play 25+ games. Freddy is the wildcard in all of this. Can he play like we all know he can? Or does he have a Bernier like season like he did last year.

So to answer your question. The leafs will be a competitive team, possibly a contending team if:
1) Andersen dials in but gets some rest from Campbell
2) Nylander puts his stick blade on the ice
3) The Forwards play defence.</div></div>

Yes I agree with all your points. On paper, this is a much improved team. Now the question is, will they perform? Nobody knows but from what we’ve seen this core group has always given an inconsistent effort.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 3:39 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>exo2769</b></div><div>Good thoughts. I made an edit right before I saw your post. And I think they're the same thing, just said in different ways. It's hard for me to imagine TOR ever winning a cup if a guy like Tavares isn't willing to go to the dirty areas and sacrifice himself. Toews/Bergeron/Marchand/ROR/Ovi are all more than willing to do these things. Kane won't. Kuch/Stamkos won't, but to have (3) guys that won't play...playoff hockey...is tough to overcome. I'd say two guys is tough to overcome, but TBL just had an insane amount of talent.</div></div>

Yes I agree, it’s difficult to win when your top players are not buying in to the playoff style. I don’t think Tavares needs to play that way though, cuz according to <a href="/users/Lyle_Bubas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Lyle_Bubas</a>, he led the playoffs in iXG/60 over the past 2 playoffs. He is effective even if he doesn’t defend or forecheck. However, if the team struggles again, I’d look at trading Marner &amp; Nylander while bringing in some tough hardworking elite forwards like Pacioretty &amp; Hall.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 3:02 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>RomanovTheAnswer</b></div><div>I have been saying this for the last three years and I still believe it is relevant today: Leafs need to win NOW.

Not to suggest that the Leafs have an aging core, ticking away at their strengths, they're not old. The four elite players are all at great ages. Though with nearly 40m in four players, plus being in a Toronto market, you can't expect these elite guys to continue to 'trust the process' at this point in their careers. So, in conclusion to that point, the hourglass is filling as seasons go by without playoff success; Marner or someone else will HAVE to be moved. Which would only set TOR back.

In my opinion, Dubas did a very moderate job at improving the D. Yes, on paper and most likely on the ice, this d-core SHOULD be better than last season, but at the competition level the Leafs are at now, the d-core needs more. I bet it wasn't Dubas' first choice, but Brodie isn't the guy who is going to reset the entire narrative of the Leaf's D-core. Leafs need someone strong, trustworthy, and defensively sound. Reilly is what I like to call sub-elite, a top 25 defenseman in the league no doubt. Plus, you got a rising star in Sandin. What is in common between the two? Both severly offensive. Reilly is not Karlsson offensive, where the two-way play in miniscule, but rather offensively minded. You need to supply him with a Weber type guy; a Pulock, Ristolainen, Parayko, etc. A slower, simpler defenseman with no risk.

One thing a lot of Leaf fans are failing to address is the possibility that Simmonds sucks, Thornton is washed up, Bogosian is useless at the NHL level, Spezza's time has finally ran out, and Vesey is equally disappointing as he was in NY. These aspects COULD WEIGH THE SUCCESS OF THE TEAM DOWN. Though, luckily for Leaf fans, there's some decent NHL level depth with the addition of fairly exceptional AHL depth. Barabanov is looking like a solid bottom 6 guy (for this season and next, could be top 9/top 6 guy one day), and he is just one of the fairly unnoticed AHL guys who could really support this Leafs team effectively.

If I was Dubas, depending on the first month and half of hockey, depending on the teams performance I would be actively shopping Marner and Nylander to get a proven RHD, or at least a prospect and many picks. I would commit to the development of Mac Hollowell because he is a small, puck-moving RHD who isn't rough and tough but extremely trustworthy with the puck on his stick along with decent-to-immense offensive upside (VERY dependant on rate of development). I would see what I could do to move Tavares if they can't make it first round, what a terrible signing.</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback, all good points. I do think that even if the team fails to win the cup, they have to at least win a couple of rounds. That way the core will be motivated to keep playing together.

Brodie is a decent 2 way defenceman but you are right, he processes the game a little too carelessly at times especially when he has the puck. I’m surprised they didn’t offer sheet Pulock considering he only signed for the same amount as TJ.

I definitely think it’s fair to be skeptical of the depth pieces. Most of those guys are old, others unproven. There’s no guarantee that they will be a good fit. I guess we’ll have to find out soon.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:57 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Ritzy</b></div><div>I'm cautiously optimistic almost every year. I try not to get too excited.

I agree with pretty well everything you said, aside from the fact that this would be their only year to compete. I think there will always cheap depth players that can provide needs to their areas of weakness regardless if the cap goes up or not. Our upcoming RFAs that will need contracts (Sandin, Lily, Dermott if Seattle doesn't take him) won't need massive pay increases because they haven't had enough ice time to have any leverage in contract negotiation. The Leafs will be fine in terms of cap for a few years.

I don't have a lot to add to what you've stated, we'll see how it goes.</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the team does have a pretty solid prospect pool. Maybe they’ll bring value to the team in a couple of years as they need to resign guys like Rielly.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:55 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>exo2769</b></div><div>I tend to agree with you. My biggest concerns for the Leafs going forward are still A.) toughness (mental and physical) and B.) Depth.

I don't think the Leafs need to have a Maroon or Reaves or etc... I think they need guys like Tavares/Marner/Nylander to step up in the playoffs. Your top guys need to be willing to block shots, be heavy on the forecheck, and most of all put in more EFFORT on the backcheck. Columbus was a FAR less talented team, but they out worked the Leafs.

To me, Depth is a huge issue for this team. It's not even that the Leafs don't have depth. It's that they choose not to use it. The Leafs can't ride Freddie as hard as they did last year. I know he had a lot of rest between the stoppage and the playoffs, but this upcoming season will be crammed together. For Leafs fans...I hope upper management forces "load management" onto the coaching staff. Get Campbell or Hutch/Dell some games. IMO they're the same as Campbell. Make sure Freddie is fresh for the playoffs. Also, for all the injuries the Leafs had last year...they couldn't find just one single game to call Bracco up?!?! He's 23 with zero NHL games. Just try him out. Give another winger some rest.</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback. I think it’s too much to ask for guys like Tavares, Marner &amp; Nylander to go to the dirty areas, win puck battles &amp; backcheck. As skilled as they are, they are too lazy &amp; one dimensional to change. That’s why the GM brought in guys like Hyman, Mikheyev, Barabanov, Engvall, Vesey, Anderson, Simmonds &amp; Thornton. All those guys are feisty &amp; hardworking, maybe they’ll set an example for the stars. I would’ve loved to get Maroon. I really wanted the Leafs to sign him, Clifford &amp; Martin.

I agree with your take on Andersen.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:50 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Lyle_Bubas</b></div><div>i just think if andersen has a bounceback and if we can get a backup goalie that posts above an .900sv% we can be solid.

People arguing simmonds is washed up forget that they were watching an injured simmonds playing 15 minutes a night at $5M AAV trying to score 20-30+ goals. For us he's literally a 4th liner, prob plays 11-12 minutes a night. and I also think the leafs medical staff has the potential to work wonders with him. I was reading the other day how spezza has said that he's actually able to do sprints again, and that the leafs sports science team basically rejuvinated him and helped him achieve things he thought he'd never do again. We did it with ennis, we're doing it with spezza, maybe simmonds can be a home run as well

thornton has 5g 11p in 10gp in switzerland right now - he can definitely still play hockey, esp if he's a 3C with limited minutes, sharing that role with kerfoot or engvall

vesey legit I think is scoring 20 goals this year, idc what people say, he played on some offensively destitute teams and produced 15-17 goals. he was also one of like 3-4 players that weren't minuses on buffalo this year, scoring 9 goals with literally no powerplay time. give him the odd shift with matthews, stick him on PP2 with thornton and lehtonen and I think he does it.

I could be very wrong, and we'll see, but I am quite optimistic</div></div>

Damn I had no idea that the Leafs’ science team was that good. If that’s the case, I definitely think they can get rejuvenate Simmonds a little bit &amp; turn him into that nasty intimidating bottom 6 Forward. I agree with you on Thornton.

I heard Vesey &amp; Kerfoot had really good chemistry at Harvard, so maybe they will play together at the start of the season. I’m definitely interested in seeing Vesey play on the wing with Matthews. He’s a big guy, has decent possession metrics on a bad Buffalo team &amp; can win puck battles in the dirty areas. Maybe in a top 6 role he’ll be a bigger poorer version of Hyman.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:42 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>CheechYou</b></div><div>The glaring weakness I see is their winger depth at the bottom line levels. I think a lot of how TOR does in that department rests on how guys like Barabanov and Vesey perform alonside Kerfoot and even Jumbo. I like Simmonds but ideally I'd have him on the bottom line, scratch Spezza, and Kapanen back there at 3RW but that cap space would had to have come out of thin air.

I (obv) love Jumbo at 4C but if TOR's got serious cup aspirations, they need to have good production ala players in the 2.5-4.5mil cap range from their league minimum signings on the bottom lines, which I think is a tall order but possible.</div></div>

Yeah I definitely think their bottom 6 is questionable in terms of offensive contributions. We know the guys like Simmonds, Spezza &amp; Thornton have been productive players in the past, maybe in a limited role against extremely easy competition &amp; PP time they’ll be able to deliver 25-30 points.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:33 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>sensibleguy</b></div><div>I'm not a TML fan, but I can appreciate the team they've put together. Getting TJ Brodie was huge, IMO. Tyson Barrie just wasn't a good fit, and Brodie fits much better with this defence core. I've long been a fan of Muzzin, and Rielly is a good #1D. Add in a stable Holl, and you've got your top4 to go with a very good offence.

Campbell was a good pickup as well.

You're probably one gritty middle6 winger away from being really dominant. I don't know how the TML fans feel about Lehtonen or Sandin, beyond that they like them, but I might offer one for Jordan Greenway in MIN. Just a suggestion.

Good luck this season</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback. I agree, I think the Leafs did a great job improving their defence this offseason &amp; if Holl plays as good as he did last season, their blue line is all set.

Greenway would be an excellent pickup. I’m not sure if they have enough cap space but a big heavy forechecker like him would be nice. Gauthier on NYR is another option, he is just less proven.
Forum: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 11, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.
Thread: My Hot Take On The Leafs This Season
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Alfie11</b></div><div>Really not a fan of their forward depth after Kapanen and Johnsson got dealt. Outside the big 4 and Hyman, nobody has scored 20 goals in the last two seasons, and Simmonds is the only one to score 20 in the last 4. They are gritty, but they’re also slow, not really defensively strong, and won’t produce much offensively as I mentioned. If one of their top lines gets shut down or goes in a slump they’re basically done, there’s very little secondary scoring. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is something Dubas tries to address at the deadline, get a guy like Coleman, underpaid 3rd liner with 20 goal potential.

Adding Brodie does make their defense look a lot better, they actually have a good player on the right side and the best partner Rielly has ever had (assuming he plays there), and Rielly-Brodie-Muzzin is a top 3 that’s actually comparable to other elite teams, so that’s good. 3rd pair is an enigma but it’s fair to assume two of Sandin, Lehtonen, Dermott, Bogosian, and Liljegren step up.

Overall I think they’re about net equal probably a little better, they’ve improved defensively and are built to do a bit better in the playoffs (theoretically), but at the expense of any sort of scoring support. Likely a decent improvement considering they’ll get a full season out of Campbell, so Andersen should bounce back and be in the top 10 goalie conversation again with a more solid defense in front of him and more rest. I think they’ll finish somewhere in the top 3 in Canada alongside Calgary and Edmonton. We’ll see if the added grit helps them go further in the post-season or if the lockdown style of playoff hockey is their undoing due to their lack of depth.</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback. I think Kapanen and Johnsson were excellent players, but their skill sets didnt make them a great fit in the team’s bottom 6. They were more useful as complimentary / scoring players in the top 6.
This year’s bottom 6 wingers (Mikheyev, Engvall, Vesey, Barabanov &amp; Simmonds) are more of the feisty hardworking types who will win puck battles to maintain possession on the cycle. Historically, their defensive stats have been quite good as well. I feel given how the top forwards are all about finesse &amp; skill, they need more of these types to support them.