Game 25: Leafs @ Bruins - Mar. 7th, 7:00PM - TSN, TSN 1050

[Deebo]

Opinion on Zdeno Chara seems to be pretty elastic here depending on whether excuses are being made for Phaneuf or for Kessel.

Can you elaborate on this?

 

[princedpw]

Lupul and Frattin back in and Reimer in the net and I believe the Leafs could beat the Bruins.

Most likely.

I see.  So, is the idea that the Leafs have improved so much that it is now possible imagine scenarios in which victory over the Bruins is plausible?

At least it's progress, I suppose!

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Lupul and Frattin back in and Reimer in the net and I believe the Leafs could beat the Bruins.

Most likely.

I see.  So, is the idea that the Leafs have improved so much that it is now possible imagine scenarios in which victory over the Bruins is plausible?

At least it's progress, I suppose!

I remember that one random time we beat them last season or the season before with Grabovski's last minute end-to-end goal.  Good times.

 

[mc]

Two weeks from tomorrow Boston back to back.

My thoughts on yesterdays loss, the Leafs got in late to Boston because of Ottawa game. So back to back games. Boston was well rested. Heck, they have been well rested all season. They have played the fewest games of all teams. That will eventually change but it is what it is.

Boston hardly beat Scrivens. A backup. They are a loaded team and the Leafs were a goalie pull away from a tying goal.

Considering Kessel line was non existent and even the Grabo line was hardly there aside from the goal, once these lines get going, the Leafs will be a more dominant team.

There was no way in hell Boston was giving up another lead like they did their previous two games - especially against hated Toronto.

Boston fans were crowning Sequin for the empty netter. Gimme me a break. He better score that and more. Second overall pick fergodsakes!

 

[Deebo]

Last season was really bad against Boston.

In 2011-12 the Leafs were 4-2-0 against them and in Kessel's first year 2010-11 they were 2-2-2.

 

[Big Daddy]

Last time we beat Boston

31 March 2011  4-3 SO Win

Lupul/Bozak/Kessel
MacA/Grabo/Kulemin
Crabb/Brent/Kadri
Brown/Boyce/Rosehill

Phaneuf/Gunnar
Schenn/Aulie
Komi/Lashoff

Reimer

Kadri with the only shootout goal from either team
8 straight loses since then

 

[Zee]

Last time we beat Boston

31 March 2011  4-3 SO Win

Lupul/Bozak/Kessel
MacA/Grabo/Kulemin
Crabb/Brent/Kadri
Brown/Boyce/Rosehill

Phaneuf/Gunnar
Schenn/Aulie
Komi/Lashoff

Reimer

Kadri with the only shootout goal from either team
8 straight loses since then

Wow, almost 2 full years ago.

 

[Britishbulldog]

The Leafs got beaten by a better team tonight.

But, to me at least, it was  non-sensical that Orr was out there in the 3rd period of a close game and then took an idiotic selfish penalty.  In fact, he could hae had a 5 minute major as well.  (I was watching the Boston feed, and the commentators were remarking how slow and out of position the 4th line was.  It seems that everyone can see it, except for Carlyle and Don Cherry).

Kadri was again around the puck, and was a force in the offensive zone.  He has been the most consistent offensive player this year for the Leafs, and makes his linemates that much better.

And Phaneuf's penalty was also stupid.  In fact, Dion had one of his worst games this year, if that is possible.  Every time he had the puck in the Leafs zone, he was so tentative with it, or coughed it up.  He is a $6 million plus pylon (but with a lot of grit and has a very inspiring hate stare against opponents).  He was on for at least 3 goals against, and was out of position so often.  He had way too much ice time, especially with his struggles tonight, IMHO.  In fact,  Fraser looked solid, once again, and should be playing more, especially in these physical and fast-skating games.

I agree with everything you said except the first part about Orr.  He was a loose missile out there HAMMERING every Boston player.  His hit was clean and not going to be penalized but when McQuaid came in to challenge Orr like he did Fraser, Orr was ready for war. McQuaid did drop his gloves and didn't get a penalty, Thornton did grab Orr from behind as 3rd man in without getting a game misconduct and the Leafs get the only penalty for roughing.

Orr was keeping the Bruins in check giving the skilled players a chance to play and only be checked not roughed up like the past.  That is what I like.  Kessel should be able to take a hit but I don't like some of the after whistle bullying Boston has done in the past to the Leafs, Canadiens, Buffalo, etc.

Other teams fans and broadcasters are going to rail on the 4th line for being neanderthal, violent or slow.  If it is true they the team should be able to exploit it like Montreal and New Jersey did.  Boston couldn't.