Gardiner is on some sweet cold streak. So bad lately.
- daeth

ELITE

Psst, the reason they are as close to the playoffs as they are is cause of the rookies.
- burn

I think Matthews needs some seasoning with the Solar Bears.

Edit: unless the Leafs get back in a playoff spot. Then he will lead us to the cup. No middle ground!!

Draglikepull @draglikepull
now
#FreeAlexeyMarchenko
- Fruitcakenipple

Leafs have faith to play him...oh wait a minute.

Psst, the reason they are as close to the playoffs as they are is cause of the rookies.
- burn

Funny, when they started the season it was gonna be more of the same. But then they started stringing together some wins. Now they are doing exactly what they did at the start, but now there is no way they can string together wins.

R.I.P. our dreams.

ELITE
- Steven_Seagull

THE SHALLOWS!!!!!!W

Zaitsev is our best d-man...

Reilly has been disappointing this year...

Everyone else has been horrid...

That is all

ELITE
- Steven_Seagull

He was their best dman in the first half imo. Not even close right now, Zaitsev and Rielly have been better lately. Maybe even Carrick too.

Zaitsev is our best d-man...

Reilly has been disappointing this year...

Everyone else has been horrid...

That is all
- Hockey_Reverend

Ive found zaistev to be pretty mediocre last bit not sure why. Rielly is only disappointing cause everyone put lofty expectations hes been fine.. Hes still so young. Gets leaned on alot

A prediction:. If Leafs lose tonight's game, they will slide out of the playoff race. It's been a good ride, but expected. Having upwards of 8 rookies in the lineup and a thin blue line, make it almost impossible to unseat more experienced teams. It's been a great major step up for the Leafs this year. Next year, this team will make it into the playoffs. Lou and Shanny will plug the holes going forward.
- PrinceLH

I'd actually be okay with a bit of a fall down the standings now - rather than after the TDL. Maybe if they do fall back a bit... Lou will be more inclined to move Polak, Bozak and JvR for longer term investments. I fear that the management won't want to upset the apple cart if they are close to a playoff spot....

I would love them to make the playoffs because if they did and Andersen got hot like he was in Nov-December... they could possibly sneak through a round. But we have to remain realistic... they aren't close to competing with the elite teams in the league... so perhaps not better to hold onto vets who could possibly garner a return.

He was their best dman in the first half imo. Not even close right now, Zaitsev and Rielly have been better lately. Maybe even Carrick too.
- daeth

I'd say Zaitsev has been the best all season, but yeah, Gardiner was noticeably better to start the season than previous years. Now he's back being pre-Babcock Gardiner.

Ive found zaistev to be pretty mediocre last bit not sure why. Rielly is only disappointing cause everyone put lofty expectations hes been fine.. Hes still so young. Gets leaned on alot
- ClarksonDavid

I completely agree - love Zaitsev... but I think he benefits from playing with Rielly, who everyone wants to wine about because he's only got 2-3 goals. Remember when Marincin looked okay at the end of last season... guess who he was playing with.

People underestimate Rielly a lot. And he does get all the tough assignments.

I'd say Zaitsev has been the best all season, but yeah, Gardiner was noticeably better to start the season than previous years. Now he's back being pre-Babcock Gardiner.
- Steven_Seagull

last night was comical... literally gave the puck once or twice a shift in the first period - by far his most brutal game in a while.

When 2 guys are young and are given top pairing minutes against the leagues best, gotta think it's clear as poop that they won't look like Coffey and Neidermyer. I think they are doing just fine considering.

last night was comical... literally gave the puck once or twice a shift in the first period - by far his most brutal game in a while.
- BorjeFan4Ever

I'd like to fight him. I hate to say it, because Ive been a fan. But he reminds me of Phaneuf in the way that he'll make a smart play, but then poop the bed the next shift

How is that not a penalty??!!

McILaine looking good

Zaitsev gets the job done but man his skating seems pretty choppy.

considering this is the back half of a back to back the leafs could be playing worse. if i jinx it.. (frank)

How is that not a penalty??!!
- hunglikeapuck

'cause it's not the Habs? you stupid (frank)ing sack of dung. GTFO

How is that not a penalty??!!
- hunglikeapuck

'cause it's not the Habs? you stupid (frank)ing sack of dung. GTFO

x2. Boom!

x2. Boom!
- weirdoh

It needed to be emphasized.

leafs need faulk

It needed to be emphasized.
- markmark

Smith with another dominant play in the faceoff circle.

so i see a guy with a flames jersey at the game.