Its a bit of a stretch, but it is very conceivable that the Leafs win the division. They still have one more game with the Habs. Plus they have a soft schedule the rest of the way.

There is hope.
- faceto27

Mathematically it's possible but that 's about it. Boston and Montreal would both have to basically lose out for that to happen.

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I'd take Boston in the first round.

I'm not saying this because I think they're the easiest opponent, but because there would be so little pressure on us to win. If we draw Boston, people will write us off before first puck is even dropped.

If we're going to go into things as an underdog, let's truly play the role. besides, on the off chance we beat them, it does the most good for us moving forward.
- Leeman4Gilmour

This I agree with. Nothing to lose in a series against Boston.

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I'd take Boston in the first round.

I'm not saying this because I think they're the easiest opponent, but because there would be so little pressure on us to win. If we draw Boston, people will write us off before first puck is even dropped.

If we're going to go into things as an underdog, let's truly play the role. besides, on the off chance we beat them, it does the most good for us moving forward.
- Leeman4Gilmour

This statement in of itself is contradictory. TML and pressure go hand in hand

They'll give him one more game rest if they know what's good for them
- RickJames77

Same with us and Lupul... I'd rather start him tomorrow against the caps than today vs the Devils. Just have a bad feeling about it somehow

I don't know that winning the division puts them in that much of a better spot. They don't really play any better at home then on the road (granted the playoff atmosphere might be a little different. And in the 2 hole you may end up facing the Rangers and Lundqvist
- dragus84

Your home crowd kind of sucks, a bunch of suits.

This statement in of itself is contradictory. TML and pressure go hand in hand
- RickJames77

Okay. Relatively no pressure.

Relative to, say, a series with Montreal.

Same with us and Lupul... I'd rather start him tomorrow against the caps than today vs the Devils. Just have a bad feeling about it somehow
- lumlums

Yeah, I mean I'd love to see Bergy come back tonight, because I'm going to the game, but I hope they just need to give him rest

Your home crowd kind of sucks, a bunch of suits.
- RickJames77

not kind of... fully does

went to the game a couple weeks ago against the B's...

we snapped a 8 game losing streak to boston... saturday night, original six match up and honored sundin before the game... and it was dead in there all night

not kind of... fully does

went to the game a couple weeks ago against the B's...

we snapped a 8 game losing streak to boston... saturday night, original six match up and honored sundin before the game... and it was dead in there all night
- dragus84

Yeah I just don't want to over extend my welcome in here and just say your crowd blows lol, especially knowing some of you may go to the games.

Yeah I just don't want to over extend my welcome in here and just say your crowd blows lol, especially knowing some of you may go to the games.
- RickJames77

hahah ya I hear ya.

It's pretty sad, but it is definitely a suit atmosphere there. You feel out of place for cheering.

Yeah I just don't want to over extend my welcome in here and just say your crowd blows lol, especially knowing some of you may go to the games.
- RickJames77

it really does blow

Yeah I just don't want to over extend my welcome in here and just say your crowd blows lol, especially knowing some of you may go to the games.
- RickJames77

it really does blow

hahah ya I hear ya.

It's pretty sad, but it is definitely a suit atmosphere there. You feel out of place for cheering.
- dragus84

I'd imagine the upper levels are fun, but then again even those are so damn expensive

This statement in of itself is contradictory. TML and pressure go hand in hand
- RickJames77

I think everyone understands that with Toronto just making the playoffs they're playing with house money, especially if they're up against a team they shouldn't beat like Boston. I honestly don't think there would be a lot of outside pressure on them. If they could somehow win that series, or at least put up a really good fight, that would go such a long way in erasing a lot of the mental edge the Bruins have held over the Leafs for years.

Your home crowd kind of sucks, a bunch of suits.
- RickJames77

I know it's been a long time, but it's a totally different thing in the playoffs.

I know it's been a long time, but it's a totally different thing in the playoffs.
- Jeffmt

Can't access Youtube right now, but for proof of this, look up Sundin's game 6 goal to tie it with 20-odd seconds left against Carolina.

That place was rocking.

I know it's been a long time, but it's a totally different thing in the playoffs.
- Jeffmt

Yeah, I bet some 'real' fans will shell out some good money to attend the games. Maybe even the suits will cheer if its a playoff game, never know

I'd imagine the upper levels are fun, but then again even those are so damn expensive
- RickJames77

I was sitting in the uppers and it wasn't exactly the suit atmosphere that you think of in the lower levels but still very emotionless.

I'm not sure if that's 100 percent because of the high ticket prices and suit factor or if it also has something to do with the lack of a competitive team for the last 8 years or so.

hahah ya I hear ya.

It's pretty sad, but it is definitely a suit atmosphere there. You feel out of place for cheering.
- dragus84

EXACTLY!!
Went a couple weeks ago, Half the people didnt even stand and cheer when the leafs scored. I felt like someone was going to shush me

I think everyone understands that with Toronto just making the playoffs they're playing with house money, especially if they're up against a team they shouldn't beat like Boston. I honestly don't think there would be a lot of outside pressure on them. If they could somehow win that series, or at least put up a really good fight, that would go such a long way in erasing a lot of the mental edge the Bruins have held over the Leafs for years.
- Jeffmt

Maybe to reasonable fans, but their are always those irrational fans and the media that will hype up a stanley cup run and increase the pressure...just my opinion

Same with us and Lupul... I'd rather start him tomorrow against the caps than today vs the Devils. Just have a bad feeling about it somehow
- lumlums

Lupul should be put in when it looks like JVR and Kessel have cooled down. Id hold off on him tonight, see how the leafs do. If the top line continues to produce hard, leave him out a bit longer till he is 110 percent ready and healthy and mentally capable to get back on the ice.

I was sitting in the uppers and it wasn't exactly the suit atmosphere that you think of in the lower levels but still very emotionless.

I'm not sure if that's 100 percent because of the high ticket prices and suit factor or if it also has something to do with the lack of a competitive team for the last 8 years or so.
- dragus84

Good point, correlation does not always equal causation. I mean idk, if you've followed a team for 8 years through the muck, and then they start playing well, wouldn't you be overjoyed to the point where you cheer more than when your team has been playing well for years? I mean I'm always equally as enthusiastic about my team, but I'm just speaking for the masses.

Lupul should be put in when it looks like JVR and Kessel have cooled down. Id hold off on him tonight, see how the leafs do. If the top line continues to produce hard, leave him out a bit longer till he is 110 percent ready and healthy and mentally capable to get back on the ice.
- Mapleleafs_91

You do realize that there is no such thing as 110%...... right?

Lupul should be put in when it looks like JVR and Kessel have cooled down. Id hold off on him tonight, see how the leafs do. If the top line continues to produce hard, leave him out a bit longer till he is 110 percent ready and healthy and mentally capable to get back on the ice.
- Mapleleafs_91

Thanks Randy Carlyle...

Thanks Randy Carlyle...


- RickJames77

That's Mr. Randy Carlyle to you