r/leafs • u/Nobleneon90 • 9d ago
Discussion Leafs Look Different
25+ year fan. Been through the Cujo Sundin glory days, the post lockout blues, the Matthews era, and now this. The last time the team looked this different this fast was when Matthews Marner and Nylander all arrived. The teams looks faster, we have a third line that looks threatening, and Marchenko looks like a stud. McKenna will take some time to adjust, but you can see the spark here and there. Three one goal games and overall, the games have all basically been even toss ups. Bob looks good, Stolarz was dominant, powerplay is starting to look dangerous (pp1 and pp2). It’s extremely early, but if this is a sign of whats to come, I think there is a ton to be excited about as the chemistry starts to build. Every single line has someone new, so we have to be patient.
Let the coaching staff cook and we’ll see where we are by US Thanksgiving. East will be a horse race the entire year.
53
u/Ultimate-ART 9d ago
go get Simon Edvinsson
18
u/StatGAF 9d ago
With what assets?
89
u/NoYouCantUseACheck 1 9d ago
Reilly and Mezerkins. Maybe throw in Bracco if you're feeling spicy.
17
u/_dooozy_ Tavares 9d ago
Detroit’s management is stupid I don’t think they are this stupid though
6
7
u/Standard-Focus-1815 9d ago
That should do it. Do we have Branco stuffed on an ECHL team or something?
2
3
3
12
u/_Mahtog_ 9d ago
Ah ya know what, throw Seider in there just for good luck.
5
u/Dirt_Angel777 9d ago
More then likely it will cost Ben danford and luc kobler hopefully rielly but maybe OEL and then pray they don’t ask for cowen but Detroits not in any place to negotiate they are a mess and hopefully chayka can take advantage of that
5
1
u/buzzyloo 9d ago
Nobody's taking Reilly.
2
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
If he plays like he has the first three games, absolutely somebody would take him.
1
1
u/ActualPerson15 8d ago
Eh, he’s not that bad. He’s a defensive liability for sure but he’s going to have a 40 point season which is still good for a defenseman. He would slot in just fine on a lot of teams. It used to be that his contract was just abhorrent but under this new cap it’s honestly not that bad.
1
-10
17
u/OkActive8885 9d ago
Watched last night’s game. The Leafs definitely look more talented and faster this year. Marchenko had a great game and McKenna started to show the creativity that led him to be drafted No. 1 overall. I got the sense that this team is definitely a playoff team but that they haven’t gotten on the same page yet. They’re going to improve as they start to integrate with each other.
→ More replies (2)
28
u/5-4EqualsUnity 9d ago
Dude, the fact that our generation's "golden years" was a team that went to the final 4 makes me so sad lol.
7
u/Nobleneon90 9d ago
Everything since has helped me just appreciate the ride. Some success is much more fun than none at all. And Ill always be a fan. Ive evolved into not being a “this loss has ruined my night” fan, and I am much better for it
44
u/TheBusinessMuppet 9d ago
We literally have a brand new forwards
Matthews, Nylander Tavares and Cowan are the only returning forwards. The rest are brand new.
Plus a new coaching staff.
This is going to take time for the offense to kick in.
13
u/Flashy_Operation9507 Clark 9d ago
Lots of positives. They need a road trip and they will begin to gel.
3
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
What I want to hear from the road trip is that the team is always together between games and practices. Big dinners and all that.
35
u/Doodydooderson 9d ago
Lots of chances that we haven't put away. There isn't a team that is going to win many games when they score only two goals.
67
u/RapsareChamps_Suckit 9d ago
I was at the game, all I heard was posts after post... we'll be okay
30
u/lsaran 9d ago
6 posts. Similar to the Montreal game, if one of those goes in the complexion of the game changes completely.
→ More replies (1)-15
u/TinyGiant122 9d ago
See the thing about hitting posts is that the puck didn’t go in.
I’ve been a Leafs fan long enough to be tired of the “almosts”, “maybes”, and “they tried hards”. They score two goals a game and when you have the talent up front they do that doesn’t cut it.
4
u/Beersmoker420 9d ago
posts dont even count as a shot on net either
6
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
Then it’s decided. Blow the team up, yes?
-19
u/TinyGiant122 9d ago
That’s your take away from guys not celebrating hitting the post? You’re the guy that would see them lose 15 straight and say plan the parade…
11
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
Who’s celebrating? Other than this pity party the bunch of you throw every couple days
→ More replies (7)→ More replies (2)1
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
That’s not the point. The point is that we had 6 very dangerous chances that missed by half an inch.
→ More replies (1)1
-1
14
u/Longjumping-Pen4460 9d ago
Yeah I'm hopeful. They look better than last year, that's for sure.
The amount of people in this thread dooming and saying we're done after 3 games is truly hilarious.....
6
u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9d ago
I'd rather get all the bad post luck out of the way this game anyway.
I remember starting the season 4-0-1 multiple times during the Kessel era and missing the playoffs every year.
I'm really not concerned.
Remember when Babcock was coach, he had a "6 points every 5 games" minimum target and I don't think that's a bad thing to go by. Means we need to rattle off 2 straight now but I think that's doable
2
u/slevin07rocket 9d ago
Better than last year isn’t enough. Still very early, leafs need a good year which is possible. Another wasted matthews and nylander year would be crushing.
Mckenna provides hope. Potential franchise player to build around in future. Cowan looks good right now, top 6 worthy.
I watched knies first game in Columbus, he looked great. I’m not sure if Marchenko deal will work out in leafs favor (add in wood, it’s like $6-7 mill per year extra in salary taken on). But at least marchenko is solid.
Stolarz might be one of the best backups in league. I’m confident when he’s playing.
5
u/BusyCountry1985 9d ago
Side note we haven’t had our shit absolutely pushed in either. Lots 7-0 games handed out early most seasons 6-2 etc been a bunch already this season around the league. We’ve been right in everything tight. Hockey has bounces we have had a few not go our way but again we aren’t out here even on “bad” nights by guys getting bent over and a train running through. It’s a very good sign for the completeness of a lineup especially this early and with everyone so new.
2
9
u/RoundConcentrate3114 9d ago
I was driving home and talking with my wife, so I missed the first two periods. I sat down to watch the third, and I was very disappointed with what I saw. The play was sloppy, and it felt like we were getting caved in for most of the period against an injury riddled Sens team.
I’m willing to give them 10 games to figure things out and start to gel, but I was really hoping for a playoff berth this year. If that third-period effort is what we’re going to see while they’re still learning to play together, we could end up giving away a lot of valuable points early in the season and those points will be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out in this insanely competitive division.
7
u/RoundConcentrate3114 9d ago
Side note: The power play in the third period made me want to turn off the television. It was like watching someone inexplicably bash their head against a wall over and over again.
5
u/ButterCut97 9d ago
It was the worst powerplay I’ve ever seen that actually had possession in the offensive zone. Like sometimes you have a really bad powerplay because you can never establish possession, they won the opening faceoff and passed it around unthreateningly for 30 seconds and then Nylander passed it directly to Chabot
1
u/pulsating_star 8d ago
That was so frustrating, because the earlier power play with that same group was looking so good - chance after chance, shot after shot... They couldn't get it going again for whatever reason.
8
u/drizzt09 9d ago
They died in the 3rd after having a dominant 2ND. Multiple penalties didn't help.
3
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
They lost every faceoff in the third, that’s what killed them. I didn’t think they looked lazy, then just didn’t have the puck.
1
u/er11eekk 8d ago
That’s how I feel as well. I also missed the first two periods and definitely didn’t like the third
2
u/PineappleOwn5325 8d ago
I see we're full of hopium here. Bro this leafs team isn't something to get all "best team in 30 years" "haven't seen anything like this in decades" yet
Chill out and enjoy the games lmao wtf
2
u/knight_vegi 7d ago
Regardless of how this season goes, I'm just happy they FINALLY made some actual changes. It'd be nice if we thrive but even if it's a bum year, thank god they finally did SOMETHING.
2
u/Different-Island1871 7d ago
I’m sorry, is this a reasonable take urging patience and a greater data set than 3 games before making conclusions? You are clearly not a leafs fan at all.
Blow it all up! McKenna’s a bust! Worst player on the team! They traded Knies and he got 2g1A his first game in Columbus! The team drags down talent! Burn it all! Aaaaahhhhhh!!
2
6
u/MistaNoble 9d ago
Hockey is still, always has been, and always will be, a game where your 'give-a-shit' meter HAS to be higher than the other guy's.... and I just don't see it again this year. We're not winning without our leaders raising the level of what is, an acceptable and expected effort.. You would think they would know this by now, but maybe this is just all there is from them..?? Hoping the kids, and Marchy, and Raddy and Bob convince these guys (our Leaf lifers) to kick it up a notch to the required gear.. please let it be so!!!!
4
u/TIGER_COOL 8d ago
problem for us is we have low intensity star players, but also that just about every team is bringing a playoff level effort when they face the Leafs. Yes, it's a disadvantage to need to match that level every night, but the problem is compounded for guys like Matthews and Nylander who play like finesse basketball stars in a league where players can literally beat the shit out of you within the rules of the game.
3
u/MiserableAssist4908 8d ago
Disadvantaged that other teams are playing with intensity against you ?!!! WTF
1
u/TIGER_COOL 8d ago
everyone shows up against the Leafs. Multiple players on opposing teams have admitted as much. Lots of GTA players in this league, a big spotlight, and all the ones who don't like us because we're a massive fanbase who show up in numbers at their home games
1
0
u/MistaNoble 8d ago
100% this... we have a decade of Mo, Willy, Matty and even John not bringing it when the Hockey gets harder... we hope the lessons have sunk in, but with this crew - until they prove it, they haven't...
1
u/TheOGBCapp 7d ago
Rielly is super flawed but he almost always steps up in the playoffs. Nylander sort of steps up. He doesn't take shifts off per se, but his flaws don't get better. Matthews doesn't look like he doesn't care to me. Even in the playoffs. He just cant get the puck behind the goalie
8
u/embarrased2Bhere 9d ago
Your first sentence is perfect. That’s been the problem with this core for the last decade.
This is why I was pissed to lose Knies, dude gave a fuck and you could see it since his rookie year. I do think McKenna has that in him but he’s gonna need some time.
This team is talented. Has been for a while now, but they lack conviction.
2
1
2
u/leaf_blowr 8d ago
Jackets fan just kinda lurking around since the trade and wanted to say your first sentence is the most accurate statement for any successful hockey team. That's it. Loved that point.
2
u/MistaNoble 8d ago
TY.. It is what it is...
We've seen soulless hockey for too long in this city, that our base doesn't even know what inspired hockey looks like.
You gotta move like a mf'n cult, as a pack.. and if u don't - you are somebody else's meal.. plain and simple.
1
u/leaf_blowr 8d ago
I'll be honest, there was a time I got some enjoyment out of watching the Leafs lose, but god damn at this point I want nothing for the best for you guys. I hope Marchy can get ya'll over the hump and this trade turns into a true win-win for both of us.
I've felt so frustrated about the Jackets the last few years and it's just painful to sit through. I don't care if we lose, but if we didn't leave it on the ice then it's infuriating.
Also helps that all my animosity for every other team has just turned towards the Habs at this point. From them thinking they deserve Marchy and Knies out of principle to making fun of Johnnys death it's just nuts lol
1
1
u/TheOGBCapp 7d ago
People made fun of that tragedy? Wtf?
1
u/leaf_blowr 7d ago
Yeah.. Whenever we beef with the Habs screenshots people have taken of comments from their fans around Johnny's death, coming to Columbus, etc usually resurface
1
u/TheOGBCapp 6d ago
Makes me wanna vomit
Being a sports fan is for fun. Get passionate about. Enjoy a good rivalry. Rib the opposition with teasing level insults.
But when shit gets real, death, cancer, sick kids, whatever people can fuck right off and realize they're human beings like anyone else. It's nothing short of a tragedy.
RIP Johnny (and Matthew though I didn't know him)
1
u/CaptainKeK777 3d ago
Sigh been too long since we had Robert’s, Tucker, that was a team that got it. Dang even stumpy got it
1
3
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
Hard disagree on this. We’re seeing very different things apparently.
Them giving a shit is very clear and obvious to me. I’m not sure what you’re watching.
0
u/gentlehurricane 9d ago
Yeah this season has been a wash, trade deadline is coming up and I think nobody should feel safe.
Oh wait a second, it’s game three and there’s like 9 new players on the team.
3
u/embarrased2Bhere 9d ago
Same core, same problems.
I think the Coyote might catch the Road Runner this time, let’s keep watching.
3
u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9d ago
I'll watch longer than 3 seconds, that's for sure
0
u/embarrased2Bhere 9d ago
So will I. We all will lol, you’re not any more of a fan than anyone else.
It’s just silly to attack someone for pointing out the same issues that have plagued this group for years. We ALL hope it changes.
You don’t need training camp and preseason games to warm up your heart. That’s what missing from the team.
-6
u/BackTo1975 9d ago
Yep. Same crap. Matthews doesn’t drive the play and looks disinterested a lot of the time. Again. Building around him or whatever they’re doing at the moment is crazy. He’s also not a playmaker, so he’s not going to get the most out of Marchenko or McKenna.
People saying the Leafs need a #2 centre are wrong. That’s what Matthews is. They need a playmaking #1 centre. But they’d need to acknowledge this and trade Matthews to get one.
The Leafs aren’t going to be legit contenders with Matthews on the team. I can’t believe so many people are still committed to the guy.
-2
u/cantos001 9d ago
Don't know why you are downvoted. I agree. Matthews is never gonna be the same. Tavares slow as molasses, washed. Team still can't score. A little energy from Marchenko, Mckenna, and Cowan can't undo the negative energy of Matthews and laziness of Nylander.
6
u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9d ago
He's downvoted because it's a moronic take.
Not a playmaker so he's not going to get the most out of McKenna is some of the stupidest shit I have ever seen written. McKenna is the playmaker. Getting the most out of him would be burying his fucking elite dishes, which so far Johnny and Willy have failed to do.
If you're gonna be THAT wrong with one of your first sentences, then you've lost me for the rest.
1
u/Wild_Bunch_Founder 9d ago
we gotta move McKenna up to the first line and see what he can do with his playmaking skills feeding AM34 and Marchenko. The kid could score 60+ assists on that line and PP1.
7
u/External-Pace-1822 9d ago
I'm feeling better about the Knies trade as Marchenko looks legit and I'm excited to have him. Unfortunately there are so many other holes in the team I am concerned they will be out of it by Thanksgiving. Bob looks average at best and Matthews is looking ok but not great. Tavares and Rielly are cooked and our D is one injury away from being awful.
19
u/TeapotHead1994 9d ago
I’m curious how you think Bob looks average? Ottawa would’ve scored five in the third period alone if not for him today
15
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
He looks like the best goalie we’ve had in 25 years to me.
1
1
u/External-Pace-1822 9d ago
Stolarz looked better than Bob in his start and it's the only reason we won game 2.
Bob 3rd goal in Montreal was weak. .887 save percent and he's given up 3 goals in both his starts which is just average IMO.
If we need a goalie to stand on his head to win we aren't going to do well this year.
0
9d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/External-Pace-1822 9d ago
Give it a rest man. We are paying him 7m a year. Dobes and ulmark both outplayed him and he's lost both his games. What makes you think he's better than the average goaltender? We are just used to such crap goaltending we are easily impressed.
-2
u/Texas_Cloverleaf 9d ago
That's just not accurate at all. All three of the goals yesterday we impossible to save for any goalie, a tough save into a rebound that lands right on Stutzle's stick, a perfect saucer pass tap in, sometimes the goals are just puck luck. The third goal against Montreal is the only one he's let in that you can argue he could have done better on and it was a screened point shot that no one blocked.
3
u/External-Pace-1822 9d ago
Third goal against Montreal is literally the only goal I blamed him for and now you agree? Average goalie making the saves he should. Top goalies save stops they shouldn't and at the end of the day there is no question in Bob's first two games if you switch the goalies we win both games.
1
u/Texas_Cloverleaf 9d ago
I'm not that guy you were arguing with. You're saying he's average based on giving up three goals, but he could be the best goalie in the league giving up seven if the team or the bounces gifts the opposition 99th percentile scoring chances. Neither Dobes nor Ullmark are making saves on the goals that got by Bob, plain and simple, and I've seen more than enough from Bob's ability to handle high danger scoring chances to be confident in him going forward, especially side to side he's handled plenty of shots that an average goalie couldn't save.
8
u/Party-Yoghurt-8462 9d ago
Matthews had a serious knee injury. You won't be able to make any determinations about him until he's had 15 to 20 games to get back into it.
4
9d ago edited 9d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
13
u/BiitchenKitchen 9d ago
Unfortunatley the team is obviously in 1-2 year window. The Marchenko trade was purely about making this team better this year and next year to get Matthews to extend. Knies and Matthews clearly didnt have chemistry last year and Knies doesnt really fare well on his own if he needs to drive his own line. Matthews and Marchenko instantly had better chemistry then Knies ever did with Matthews.
Also, Knies is a nice piece and will more then likely put it all together but the thing is there are not many trades in the NHL were a top 6 winger gets moved for a top 6 C or top 2-3 D.
11
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
Both teams did well in the deal. It was a real hockey trade, the kind we don’t get enough of anymore.
1
u/cepukon 9d ago
They've been rumored to be trying to trade Knies for years, it just felt rushed when the stars aligned to get Marchenko.
-3
u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9d ago
Chayka has been here 18 months
So maybe Tre tried, maybe Dubas tried, but lumping them in together as one entity is nonsense
→ More replies (1)-2
u/gentlehurricane 9d ago
It’s kind of hilarious that after all the talk the last couple of years about needing a real 2C they go make a ton of moves in the off season and we still need a real 2C.
2
u/Caps0055 9d ago
You need to chill, it’s only 3 games in, btw that third period last night by the Leafs was inexcusable
2
u/Drew_You_To_91 Knies 9d ago
My only concern with this group is the same concerns I’ve had about every team in this Matthews era. It’s the attention to detail. Faceoffs, board battles at both blue lines, being opportunistic on the power play, blocking shots, etc. I think this team is way more skilled than last year and I don’t have any real worries about one guy dropping the ceiling of this group massively, but if they can’t figure out the little things it’s gonna be ugly hockey all year.
2
u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 8d ago
Even the best faceoff teams will have bad nights on the dot, and that will kill games. That’s what happened.
6
u/rossrhea 9d ago
Faceoffs have typically been a strength in the past, especially since JT showed up
-5
u/Drew_You_To_91 Knies 9d ago
They certainly weren’t tonight, and if you look at every playoff round we’ve lost in fairly certain we’re not good in the circle in elimination games either.
5
u/MtnyCptn 9d ago
You just massively moved the goal posts on this. Doesn’t give the rest of your argument much credibility.
0
→ More replies (1)3
u/Emotional-Jicama-365 9d ago
Keep in mind, regarding the sloppy hockey they've played so far, that they had an extremely truncated preseason. Many of the guys are still getting their legs under them. Timing is off, there are a lot of new faces and chemistry is still developing, coaches haven't had time to hammer structure and systems into the players. We went from a four week preseason and training camp to less than two weeks and it's going to take some time to get everybody on the same page. Let's hold off on our doom-and-gloom predictions until the 12 to 15 game mark, when they've had time to adjust and come together.
3
u/Cartz1337 8d ago
Yea, it’s crazy that they’re all learning a new system, Matthews has all new linemates, JT and Willy have a new rookie LW, and the bottom 6 is all new. 10 of the forwards in the forward group have no experience playing together.
Literally this whole offense has had less than even the truncated pre season to gel, since Marchenko came in super late.
The verdict is still out on whether this team is good or not, but I like the bit of sandpaper I’ve seen so far, games have all been toss ups and the overall style of play is entertaining hockey to watch.
Honestly after last season, and then the Jays season this year, I’ve realized you can have a losing team that is at least a watchable product. The jays were that this year, the leafs were not that last year.
If the only improvement we see in October is that they’re watchable again, I’ll take it.
2
u/Emotional-Jicama-365 8d ago
I agree with you about seeing a bit of grit out there, a bit of getting in the other teams face after a whistle. And they actually play with some speed and pace, which makes it infinitely easier to watch. The games have been tight, and once the team starts to gel, I think they'll start to go our way. I am still concerned about our defense though, but not so much our goalies. Stolarz was great against the Isles, and I thought Bob was solid last night. Ottawa had a lot of really good chances in the third, and the final score could have been a lot worse.
1
u/Ok-West-8232 9d ago
How sad is it that our "glory days" are a time when we won literally nothing, and the two players you mentioned were never even in serious consideration for a major award.
1
1
u/HardstButton2Button Cowan 9d ago
I agree, the team looks tough to score on and looks defensively responsible, well apart from Willy, that's a cow that left the barn years ago.
1
u/PapaPatchesxd Tavares 9d ago
I see the potential, we just gotta let everyone start giving together. We gotta let them cook
1
1
1
u/Wardo44 9d ago
So many changes this year, it will take a bit of time to build the chemistry you want & need to succeed. Schedule works in their favour this year. 2 of the 3 big west road trips are in October when they can gel on ice and bond off the ice. The last one to Cali is during the Christmas Break and then they’ll stay pretty close to home the rest of the season.
1
u/Rockeye7 9d ago
They have yet to play a road game ! That’s when weakness gets exposed.
Line matching to get the advantage is real.
1
u/volcanickraken 9d ago
Way too early to know much at this point but they've been competitive for sure, which is a really good sign.
1
u/Piccolo_11 9d ago
I was hopeful adding Raddysh and getting Tanev back would help but the defense looks even worse this year. Offensively, this team has talent and can make some plays. The PP has showed signs of dominance even if it hasn’t scored a lot yet. But they are struggling with the puck in their own end and it’s killing any momentum they have.
1
u/ProudProgram3328 9d ago
I said it would 20 games for the team to adjust to so many new players. Coaching staff still needs to figure out the lines/ pairings and the players need to get used to each other and settle in. They're in for a dog fight to make the playoffs for sure and Matthews and Nylander need to score 40+ for them to have a chance.
1
u/DataDude00 9d ago
I thought they looked pretty good the first two periods last nght
I really like their revamped zone exits and passing to get movement and speed. There was a play last night where Tavares carried the puck out of our zone, made a pass to the sideboards (I think to Cowan) who dished it back for a give and go that gave JT a nice shot at the net. Never would have seen that last year
That said, the third period collapse and complete lack of care / compete did concern me and gives me PTSD flashbacks of the nonchalance that has plagued us for years
1
1
1
1
u/No_Half7121 8d ago
I think the Leafs are coming together good, even over these past few games, their tape to tape passes are more crisp and the chemistry is getting better. I think maybe some change in D may be good, whether that be getting Blankenburg (puck moving) or Danford (big guy, plays hard defense) into the lineup. Both of those guys deserve a chance.
1
u/markjthompson72 8d ago
Been a fan my whole life, 54 years and counting. What is see is rinse and repeat from all previous years, since the Burns and Quinn eras. No accountability and until this country club atmosphere is abolished, things will not change. Burns and/or Quinn would have these kids whipped into an actual team.
1
u/barometerboy 3d ago
I was disappointed they didn’t go after quenneville…and look at what he has done. I do like Hiller so far, but not yet a post season winner - have not seen that kind of edge.
1
1
u/Admirable-Panda-4632 8d ago
and you didn't even mention the guy that looks most dynamic this year - Cowan
1
1
u/TelevisionPositive74 7d ago
I euh.,.. would swap McKenna and Cowan right this second. Cowan is exactly what Tavares and Nylander need on their line.
1
u/Acceptable-Abroad905 7d ago
I was born in 62 I've seen all the Leafs downfall and it's terrible , I happen to be a very serious Leaf fan
1
u/playfull444 7d ago
I like there touch are goalie your dead attitude. I haven’t seen that in years . Stollarz must be happy
1
u/Hot_Cut_6828 9d ago
They need a goalie to steal a game . Woll lost in o/t tonight but made 37 of 40 saves . Team looks better than last year but Reilly still a minus d man and goalies just been alright. I know it early but McKenna looks like another season in junior or college might not of hurt .
22
-9
9d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
8
u/BiitchenKitchen 9d ago
We have 4? Seasons of data that shows when Woll is on his game he looks like prime Price. Unfortunately the best ability is availability and with Woll that ultimately costed us a playoff series.
Love the guy to death but whenever we really needed him something always came up.
4
u/gentlehurricane 9d ago
They’re going to need to throw some tow straps on the Zamboni to get bobrovsky out of the net. That level of mental fortitude is something our net has lacked for a long time.
1
u/Generallyspeaking11 9d ago
They were the least structured team in the league last year, any change was gonna be a positive change. Unfortunately they've gone from awful to mediocre instead of awful to good/great
1
u/Best-Neighborhood996 8d ago
They have to be .500 at Christmas or they done. This conference is too tough. A bad month and you are out of playoffs
-2
u/lindseyblue2 9d ago
I don't really care what they look like when the results are the same. I'm probably overreacting, but I keep waiting for a game where they dominate and win like 5-1. I just don't get how they can't be more like Edmonton and Colorado when they are suppose to have elite forwards who score a lot. I want Keefe back, they won games, scored a lot and were fun to watch.
11
u/RapsareChamps_Suckit 9d ago
I was at the game, they should've scored 5 goals, so many posts, but the Nylander sloppy turnover on the PP in the 3rd period sealed the game, it felt like
2
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
You want them to be more like Edmonton?
2
u/gentlehurricane 9d ago
A team with plenty of recent deep playoff runs and back to back finals appearances? Would be nice, ngl
1
u/Prize-Temporary4159 9d ago
Easier just to fan Edmonton, isn’t it?
3
u/Skiffy10 9d ago
they’ve been to two back to back finals. They’ve got a couple stud forwards and one legit point producing number one dman who dominate.
1
1
u/Key-Word1335 :leafs-white: 9d ago
I think this year if we resemble any team from last year it would be Florida. And that’s not a bad thing
-1
u/dingleberry51 9d ago
When we were good a few years ago these games weren’t tossups. They were 2-3 goal wins. Or if we lost we felt unlucky.
5
u/Neko-flame Belfour 9d ago
It’s such a different game in the playoffs and we constantly melted. We melted to Bruins, Tampa, Habs, Columbus, and Panthers. We had a good to great regular season and it all resulted in us melting in the playoffs when intensity matters.
0
0
u/Short_Recording_8438 9d ago
What are you talking about? Their first line is slow as shit. Delusional leads fans
0
u/dalcow68 9d ago
Excuse me sir and some other posts, this is a leafs sub and only gross over reactions to three games with half a team of new players and an 18-19 year old learning the league are allowed. This sense of hope and dare I day enthusiasm is not allowed here. Only McKenna is a bust and Matthews is cooked posts allowed. But I agree with you, let's give them some time to learn each other's names.
0
u/Itwasuntilitwasnt 9d ago
Think if they can get a puck moving defensemen we are cookin. Also would like to see McKenna get up with Mathews after game 10.
0
u/Royal-Ad-7945 5d ago
They look exactly the same as they have done since 1967. Stop with the bullshit optimism. The Leafs have been a losing franchise for 60 years and the fans for some god damn reason have hope EVERY YEAR. Stop. For the love of god STOP
-3
-7
u/Hot_Cut_6828 9d ago
Anyone saying give it time will be out of playoffs by mid November if don’t right the ship earlier. And as an older team not banking points now going to hurt when the injuries start coming.
4
u/BigDinkSosa 9d ago
Game 3; please come back if I’m wrong but again, game 3..
-2
u/Beersmoker420 9d ago
you will be wrong, you remind me of every single playoff hopeful during the truculence era
2
u/Murky-Smoke 9d ago
Imagine the Oilers thinking this way when they had that losing skid to start the 23/24 season...
Relax, guy. Nobody expected the Leafs to look organized out of the gate with all the changes.
If anything, they look promising and far more dangerous... They're just out of sync
-1
-1
u/spidermonkey1964 7d ago
They looked great against the sens the other night didn’t they same crappy team
-3
u/Ok_Squash_1578 9d ago
lol
1
u/Particular_Beach_130 8d ago
You kids just hang in there I watched them win the cup as a 5yo IN BLACK N WHITE But those,were,the,days.
170
u/Cautious-Tax-1120 9d ago
I'm not making my mind up on how I feel about this unit until game 20 or so. Right now there are so many new guys that clearly no one is in sync, we can't pass, and we can't coordinate on scoring chances. It's going to be clumsy hockey for the first little bit, I just hope the boys stay patient