All aboard the band wagon... were playoff bound.
- Thread starter nutman
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Stickytape
New member
While I would ordinarily prefer not to do it in the playoffs, I wish the Leafs could play the Bruins every night until they finally get the monkey off their back for good. Yes, Boston is a strong team, and they essentially play playoff hockey all year round, but their dominance over the Leafs over the last couple years has had a pretty significant psychological component, and the best way to eliminate that factor in their matchups is to play them over and over until they break through it. Immersion therapy.
And frankly I think this series may have done that already, or at least contributed significantly to process. The Leafs have improved against Boston enormously of late; honestly, I thought they equaled them last night (game 4), and maybe even outplayed them, despite narrowly losing in OT.
And frankly I think this series may have done that already, or at least contributed significantly to process. The Leafs have improved against Boston enormously of late; honestly, I thought they equaled them last night (game 4), and maybe even outplayed them, despite narrowly losing in OT.
Zee
Active member
Stickytape said:
Everyone is doom and gloom today with the series 3-1, but yeah the Leafs were an inch away from making the series 2-2 when Frattin hit the post in OT. He also had another glorious chance on the backhand that Rask made a big save on, not to mention the huge save on Lupul's wrist shot. So close...
Highlander
Active member
It aint over till the fat lady sings....and Rob Ford's not going to wear a dress any time soon.
BrownRolo
New member
Zee said:
Yeah, I know, probably not going to happen. But I have a feeling... let's call it optimism. But, either way I've been happy with the series. Not counting the first game I think the Leafs have played well. Bright points have been Kessel getting the Bruins monkey off his back, Gardiner solidifying his place as a legit NHL Dman(hopefully in Carlyle's mind), and Grabo playing the way we all knew he would play when he finally got into the playoffs with the Leafs. Lots of positives.
Boston Leaf
New member
We PLAY Friday...We WIN Friday... that's all
Deebo said:
Yes I am. this will go very far towards what we must do next season. now I am sure team management has a very good idea what we will need going forward. not once did I expect us to win this year. I believe but for a few to many givaways we have out played Boston.
nutman said:
No they haven't. Boston has been in control of every game. Even game 2 was all Boston save for about 10 minutes in the 1st and a couple of late mistakes which the Leafs capitalized on.
The Leafs have put out a tremendous effort. They have played better than at any point during the regular season, and I applaud them for that, but they are way out of their league.
Redleaf
Active member
TML fan said:
I agree that they are in over their heads with this Boston team, this playoff season. (their first as a group and for the majority of the players). But, I also see some real encouraging signs which show that they can grow and improve in the near future. I think they will really start to come into their own next season, especially if Nonis is able to add some complementary pieces, and get rid of some of the deadwood. These games have, at the very least, given Nonis some insight as to what is needed moving forward. That is something that shouldn't be underestimated IMO.
For that reason alone, I don't think there'd be a better matchup than the Bruins to help gauge the players they have now and the direction the team needs to take for future playoff years.
Zee
Active member
TML fan said:
How can you say Boston has been in control of every game except for "late mistakes which the Leafs capitalized on". You say the same thing the other way, the Leafs were in control of games 2 and 4 but the Bruins capitalized on late mistakes. The Leafs had it all their way in the first and OT last night, and the third period was very even, you can't tell me Boston dominated that entire game.
Capn_Crunch
New member
There are a lot of lea fans who are pissed at Dion and he took a beating in almost every form of media since the game ended. But here is an interesting write up about breaking down a scapegoat. Very interesting reading and might just temper the feelings of some fans who feel he isn't performing well.
http://theleafsnation.com/2013/5/9/breaking-down-a-scapegoat
http://theleafsnation.com/2013/5/9/breaking-down-a-scapegoat
Stickytape
New member
Floats like a Kadri said:
That outlines a lot of what I've slowly come to realize about Phaneuf over the last year or two. I used to be on his case a lot, but then I stopped looking only at him and started looking at the job he's been given on this team. Then I started asking myself what I'd really expect to change if someone else were given that same job - because someone has to do it.
That doesn't completely give him a pass - he makes mistakes, for sure, and last night's game was absolutely one of them. But I don't think getting rid of him solves the problem, either.
Zee said:
I didn't tell you that Boston dominated at all. I said they were in control. While the Leafs played with all kinds of urgency, Boston was calm, cool, and collected, as they have been all series. This is just experience. The Leafs have none. Of course they're going to be outclassed.
Capn_Crunch
New member
Stickytape said:
Oh i'm not giving him a full pardon, not in the least but i think that leaf fans expectations of him are wrong based on the stats shown in that writeup. He plays against the best in the league shift in and shift out, is near the top tier for shooting % in the league among dmen etc. People harp on his turnovers a lot and to a point rightfully so but when you play against the best every night how can you NOT expect to make mistakes... it is the elite players from the other teams you are seeing. Either Dion has to be the reincarnation of Bobby Orr or Elite players are you know... pretty damn good at stealing the puck and scoring with it.
Dion has to be taken with a grain of salt not a block is my whole point i guess.
Who else are we going to put in his place that won't want more money and we don't have to give up a huge chunk of our future for? Not many names come to mind off the top of my head.
Zee
Active member
Floats like a Kadri said:
I don't like everyone dumping all over Dion, sure he was at fault, but so were Reimer and O'Byrne on the winning goal. Phaneuf isn't a true #1 D-man even though he's forced into the role on this team. It's the same situation with Bozak, he's not a #1 center, yet he's playing the role for lack of someone else that takes the reigns.
Dion's minutes and salary are too high for what he is. He plays far better when his minutes are limited in a game to 25 or less.